Iki Writes - Blog Posts

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 | 𝐉𝐉𝐊

Pairing: Goblin!Jungkook x Reader

Summary: “We must not look at goblin men, We must not buy their fruits: Who knows upon what soil they fed Their hungry thirsty roots?” But what happens when one can't resist? And do more than just look?

Word Count: tbd Genre: supernatural, fantasy, smut Rating: 18+ Warnings: non consensual touching, harassment, mental decline (brief mention). Loss of virginity, hint of corruption kink, oral (f receiving), penetrative sex, unprotected sex, biting, a little food play? If that counts (more warnings may be added later) Published: tbd

Note: hello friends! Long time no see lol I've been super busy with my classes the past few weeks but I've been writing in between whenever I had time. So, here is a work in progress that will be posted sometime in the near(hopefully) future. It's based off of the poem "The goblin market" By Christina Rossetti. I had to study this for my class last year and the idea just came to me at two in the morning when I was studying for my finals lol. I will try and get it out asap as well as my other works. I actually have a lot in store so there may be more WIPs revealed in this and next month.

(All the pictures are from Pinterest)

𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕

𝐊𝐢𝐦 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐣𝐨𝐨𝐧

A good foot tall

Oneshot, College au, fluff, strangers to lovers. Part of the 'bts university au'

Synopsis: You ran into this cute dude with even cuter dimples who keeps appearing just when you need help. Coincidence?

𝐊𝐢𝐦 𝐒𝐞𝐨𝐤𝐣𝐢𝐧

𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯

𝐌𝐢𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐢

𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯

Drabbles:

Sparkles (fluff, sci-fi, dystopian)

𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐨𝐤

Little slave

Oneshot, college au, fluff, enemies to lovers. Part of the 'bts university au'

Synopsis: When a series of bad luck, or bad decisions really, land you in the palm of the most wicked TA at campus, what choices do you have other than to do his bidding?

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐉𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧

𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯

Drabbles:

Bubblegum (fluff, new year, neighbors)

𝐊𝐢𝐦 𝐓𝐚𝐞𝐡𝐲𝐮𝐧𝐠

Hey, thief

Oneshot, College au, fluff, crack, strangers to lovers. Part of the 'bts university au'

Synopsis: It seems Taehyung can't help but get roped in these late night adventures. This time though, he won't be coming back empty handed.

𝐉𝐞𝐨𝐧 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐨𝐨𝐤

Esati

Series, Fantasy au, action, fluff, angst, smut(???), strangers to lovers.

Synopsis: When past comes knocking on your door wearing the face of unknown dangers, you can either refuse acknowledging it and be a sitting duck or find out what it was that turned your world upside down all those years ago—that has come back yet again to hunt you—with a stranger promising to keep you safe, by your side. One thing is sure: secrets will unfold. And it would not be anything you could've imagined.

Drabbles:

Jenga (fluff, college, friends2lovers)

Anonymous asked:

Saw your prompt game. Can you do8th for yoongi?? Thankyou in advance!! And sorry for bad english .

Title: Sparkles Pairing: Yoongi x reader Prompt: “Let’s go outside and watch the firework.”

Word Count: 1.2k Genre: sci-fi/dystopian au, fluff

A/n: hello dear anon! Thank you for sending this request♡ And please don't apologize for anything!! I've never written something so fast but damn I would always find reason to avoid looking at my textbook lolol. Hope you enjoy it!! Also I wrote this at like 3am so forgive any mistakes

Note: this is a repost from my previous blog.

The wind howled as you tucked your coat closer to your body. Pulling the hood tighter you slipped a hand in your pocket, patting the paper bag—for the eighth time now—hidden inside as if to make sure it hadn't suddenly vanished this time.

You unzipped your tent, the canvas immediately flapping against the manic breeze and let yourself in. You could feel the chills settled in your bones starting to melt a little, "they always turn on the frost engine in full at the last day of the year," You huffed taking off your shoes and shaking whatever artificial snow was stuck on you.

It was a modest shelter, just enough for two people to sleep, was resistant against nature, and you had finally saved enough for a heat-caster that you bought last year—which you flipped on. In an instant a wave of warmth engulfed the entire place, a red coloured mesh like light painted on the walls around you.

You unfolded your mattress and dragged the folding table, setting it up to the side. The table wobbled, you didn't pay it any mind and just continued pulling out another little box from the corner containing the few of your belongings.

You pulled out a blue plate, one with delicate floral design, it looked out of place in this bland place. For a second you thought of the homeless shelters back in the city, the ones where you once accommodated, a piece of dirt invisible on the ground as the people of worth made a seperate world for themselves in their sky high cities and floating homes.

You had sneaked up there once, mingling in the crowd of lowly workers, full of wonder in your eyes. It was like a dream come true, for a moment at least. Soon you saw the ugliness in it all, the way people of less worth were treated as less than human.

You pulled the paper bag out and set it down carefully on the plate. Giddy about the treasure it held.

You remembered how you had scrapped up enough savings—out of your pay from scrubbing the air taxies—to get yourself one of those round pastries on the corner store. They refused you, insulted you and kicked you out. Out of rage you had grabbed a plate, one some other patron left on the outside tables decorated with hologram flowers and went to slam it against the glass window, but a boy caught your eye—standing frozen his eyes trained on you, making you loose your anger and leave quickly—blue plate still in your hand.

The sound of someone unzipping the tent sounded again, "hah, oh good you have turned on the heat." The person said, pulling his hood back and ruffling his brown hair, he looked up and you couldn't help but let a smile slip on your face. "What are you smiling for?"

He raised an eyebrow, cat like eyes trained on you with his mouth in a questioning frown as he walked in further in a lazy stroll, shoulders hunched and eyes a little sleepy upon a closer look.

"Nothing. Was just reminded of something," You said and he gave you the same curious look that he once had, outside that pastry shop. The guy was non other than—

"Yoongi, I have something to show you."

He came closer and saw what you had in display, "what's this?" He sat down beside you, poking the paper. When you first saw him he was in a similar condition as yours and at the time he worked at the shop as a cleaner. He had stolen a rejected pastry for you and offered it to you the next time you saw him, the only fault in them? They weren't round enough.

"Just have a look," You said, unwrapping the paper and immediately getting struck with the smell of something sweet.

"Don't tell me," He let out a puff of air. What you presented in front of him was a golden coloured pastry, the same one that was the reason you ever met him.

"I made them myself! Got the ingredients from Jin"

"And what did it cost you?" He questioned with glee.

"Filling up his water tank for him for a week."

He raised a brow.

"Alright. Two." You sighed out.

His gummy smile blinded you. He tore a piece and fed you first, then took a bite himself, somehow his smile brightened even more.

"I know you don't care much for it," You started, "but I still wanted to do a little something special for New years." You smiled softly as you looked at him past your lashes.

"Are you kidding? This is perfect." His deep voice vibrated the air. He gently cradled your face, and dropped a kiss at your forehead. As he pulled you closer to his chest, you thought, you would not exchange this for anything.

His shoulders jerked, as if he just remembered something, "I have something for you as well," You raised both your brows. He pushed you away looking in your eyes.

"What?"

"Since you adore this so much, we should celebrate New years properly right?"

"What do mean?"

“Let’s go outside and watch the firework.”

You sat there confused for a moment, "Yoongi? What are you talking about?" You let out a confused giggle, "why do we have to go out, we've got the hologram right there." You pointed out to the radio like device and the memory chip, where you stored everything dear to you.

"Not that. The real ones," Now this had you more curious than ever. Fireworks weren't easy to come, and even if he had some, no ways you could watch them without being noticed by the air patrol.

When you didn't move from your spot, he got up, "just come with me." He groaned as if in pain. It was amusing.

He led you outside in the cold, past the resident tents and out in an open space, which used to be a garage.

There were already a few people standing there, you recognised them to be friends of your and Yoongi's.

"Taehyung went scavenging the other day, found them intact." He explained as you came to a stop. Indeed, a blue mop of hair was bouncing around distributing something among the people there.

"But Yoongi what if the the patrol catches us-"

"These are not the kind that go in the air," Taehyung said, coming over towards you, "these are the smaller sparklers, the mesh ceiling of the garage will be enough to hide them."

His hand disappeared inside the bag he held and he pulled out a sparkler, "sorry guys but are you good with sharing the one? I've not got enough."

"It's perfect," You said as Yoongi hummed a response.

"Quick, we're starting the count down." He left and walked towards the fire built in the middle.

"Shall we?" Yoongi looked at you and you gave a nod, cheeks stretched in the biggest smile.

With the sparkler lit, you huddled closer to Yoongi. He placed his hand on top of yours where it was holding it and with the other he encircled your shoulder, tucking your head under his chin. The casted a golden shine on his pale skin, making it seem like he was glowing.

The countdown started and during the whole time you both just looked into each other's eyes. He looked so soft and as you fell into the endless depth of his warm and comforting gaze, you thought that—

No firework in this world could ever compare to the beauty in is eyes.

"Happy new year, Yoongi."

"Mm, happy new year, love"

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠!

𝐄𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢 | 𝐂𝐡 𝟐

Pairing: Mercenary!Jungkook x ?? Female!Reader

Summary: When past comes knocking on your door wearing the face of unknown dangers, you can either refuse acknowledging it and be a sitting duck or find out what it was that turned your world upside down all those years ago—that has come back yet again to hunt you—with a stranger promising to keep you safe, by your side. One thing is sure: secrets will unfold. And it would not be anything you could've imagined.

Word Count: 7.3k

Genre: Fantasy au; adventure; action. Fluff; angst; future smut(??)

Rating: 18+ (violence and mature themes)

Warnings: Fighting, some blood, minor character death, dead parent mentioned

Published: 11th March 2025

Note: between my previous blog getting shadowbanned and my writers block, it took an awfully long time for it but finally the next chapter is here!! I swear I'll try to be more consistent with the updates now. Please let me know your thoughts on this chapter and the story so far!!!

Glossary and Map: here

Esati Masterlist

You clung to your father's arm, as he moved around your little home, trying and failing to put his things in his satchel. He needed to leave soon, it bothered him if something was not done in accordance with his timetable, but there was a small hindrance. A hindrance who was currently sulking. 

"Can't I come with you too, Pa? Please?"

Big brown eyes blinked up at Alastair, trying to look more innocent than they were. "It is not a place for a child, love. I'm meeting with an old friend, and most of the time we will be talking about work talk; you will get bored." He pried your fingers clutching around his arm, and started on actually getting some work done.

"I won't! I want to see the market," you huffed, round cheeks puffed out and coloured a soft pink hue, "Jioo said the people in town have decorated it for the spring feast. It's reeeally pretty!" You stretched the word.

Your father slung the satchel across his body. "If the only thing you want to do is roam around the town, then I am afraid that I won't have time for that. Oh, and before you say anything about going on your own, then that is an even firmer no."

You scrunched your brows, lips in a downturn. But he just laughed, "I know, I know, my little bird is all grown up, but you will always be a little girl to me." Pinched your cheeks, "I can't bear the thought of you alone out there just yet, understand the worries of my heart?"

Now he was the one making that innocent pouting face. You started pouting harder.

Your father sighed, "I'll take you there the day after. You can invite Jioo too if you'd like? "

You hadn't even tried to fight the smile that took over your face. "Promise?"

"Promise," he came over and pulled you in an embrace, planting a peck at the top of your head, "I'll be back soon," and with that he was out the door.

You followed him out, shutting the door behind yourself, already on your way to go gather some herbs from your small garden while your father was away.

Before you could even fully turn around, a massive weight was thrown on you.

"Oof," you stumbled but managed to stay on your feet. "Buck! Don't do that! You're not a tiny baby anymore," you laughed.

The husky only looked at you with innocent eyes as if he didn't understand why he couldn't jump at you anymore. He wasn't even two years old and yet so huge.

"You big baby. Take care of Pa, alright?" You ruffled his furs as he took off running in circles.

Your father called for Buck and began walking. "Don't stay out for long! And the foo-"

"'Food is on the kitchen table, make sure to eat it.' Yeah, yeah, I already know. Now go."

"Take care and don't stay hanging on the window waiting for me, you will catch a cold." Your father called out one last time, still looking at you. He wondered when his daughter grew up so much, as you grabbed your basket and hummed on your way towards the garden.

———————————————————— A cool breeze ruffled your hair, and you slumped even further against your folded arms, which you were currently leaning on, staring out the open window.

It was getting late. Usually when your father goes to town, he comes back by now; one look at the sun, and you knew it was past the fourth hour. There were no bell towers this high and far into the mountains, so you couldn't hear the bells signalling each hour, but you had gotten good at guessing over the years. Though your father did own one of those chain watches, he always carried it with him. 

You were getting worried, even after being well aware that if he went to see someone regarding business, it could take time; it still made your mind fill up with unease.

Maybe he's just catching up with his friend and forgot about the time. That seemed like a possible reason for his delay.

But at this point it seemed like you were only reassuring yourself.

You lived at the edge of your village; not to mention, because of how late it was, most of the people were either inside their homes resting after a day's work or busy with supper and preparing for the evening gatherings. No one was near you.

And so no one heard the pained groan followed by the frantic thuds on your front door.

You ran to the door, letting out a gasp of horror the moment you opened it. The person who stood there was almost unrecognisable, covered in several gashes and crimson painting his face. Blood.

"Pa! No, no. Oh god! What happened to you?"

You were crying. Your mind couldn't register yet, but tears blurred your vision and slipped past your chin down to the floor in rivulets. Your father stumbled inside the house and slipped to the floor just inches away from the door frame.

He opened his mouth, trying to say something but ended up coughing instead and spitting more blood on the floor. He was bleeding from the chest too, or maybe it is his stomach? You didn't know. Couldn't make sense of the scene in front of you. Red. It was too much red.

"I-I will get a rag- sit- i-" You didn't know what was coming out of your mouth. You didn't know what you were doing. But you had to do something. Even as those words left your mouth, you didn't move and just stared at him in horror and confusion, arms raised and reaching for him. You felt like the world was collapsing, and you could not find your footing on the broken floor. 

"No," he gruffed, grabbing at your calf, trying to stop you. "They are coming for you," he huffed out.

"Pa-" You tried to reach him.

He heaved a breath and cut you off. "Listen, listen carefully," he coughed again. "Get out of here, don't look back. Go...go west. Down the mount- mountain. Run,"

"What are you saying?" You whispered shakily, coming back to reality and finding your voice again. You were distraught and scared as you watched more life force spill out of his body and pool around him. "You are hurt. Have to stop the bleeding—"

"Focus on what I'm saying," his booming voice stopped your nervous rambles in their tracks. But it seemed he used all his remaining energy in that one sentence and, as a result, had to lean on the still-open door, struggling to draw in another breath.

"Please go; they would not be very far, please."

"You're telling me to leave you like this? I can't—Pa, 'they'? Who's coming? Who did this?" Your nerves were frantic, eyes shaky as you looked out the door trying to locate any threat. Any sign of the person responsible for this. 

But your father didn't respond. Heart dropping to your feet, you hurriedly sat in front of him, taking his hand in one and tilting his face with the other one.

You were about to call out to him when his hand tightened, and he opened his eyes and looked you directly in the eye, "Take this." Gripped tightly in his hand was his satchel, which he still managed to keep safe in all the commotion. 

Tears were streaming down your face, you realised how serious he looked. How tired his eyes were. You didn't want to leave him, but his face said it all; you didn't have any other choice.

"My life was for you anyway; the day I had met you, I was born again as" cough, "as your father. Go. I'll be fine."

He was lying.

"I ca- can not," you hiccuped, "pa."

His grip loosened on your hand, and he managed to pull away. "Take this. You are my brave child, you will make it out of here, alright?" 

It was his chain watch. He pried your fingers open and pressed it into your skin. A beautiful silver thing, patterns of swords and wheat swirling around the front. You realised how small it was, as it sat in the middle of your palm.

You took the satchel, set it down on your lap, and grabbed both his hands tightly; he gave you the smallest of smiles, and you let out a sob.

But his hands were urging you up, and even if you wanted to just sit there and hug him tight, you got up, slinging the leather strap around your shoulder. You can't convince him, but you were going to go find help.

You looked back at him, standing at the doorframe, you tried one last time to convince him silently to let you stay when his eyes snapped up towards the back window. They held a look of panic in them as he hissed in pain.

"Go, hurry. You don't have time—"

Just then you heard a loud howl, and the window burst open as something big and black entered your home through the shattered window.

You screamed, backing away as your eyes connected with deep red irises. Not of a human's, but a wolf's. An insanely large wolf, who was staring right at you.

Frozen in shock, you didn't even realise that you were shakily taking steps away from it, but then you remembered your father. Your gaze shot in his direction as he pulled himself to his feet.

"Look here, you mutt!" Your father, who had looked on the verge of collapsing just a second ago, now stood straight and walked in front of the horrifying creature, "It's me that you want, don't you?" He spat. Dragging every shred of power he had left in his body.

You couldn't be sure—you mind couldn't comprehend anything that was happening—but his hands started glowing orange; your eyes were glued to his hands as you tried and failed to convince yourself that this was all a nightmare.

"Y/n...my little bird, run and don't look back. I'm sorry that I have to leave you alone, but didn't you say you were all grown up now?" You could hear the faint smile in his voice even if he didn't turn around; he just kept his eyes on the wolf, who now began to circle around him with its teeth out on display. "You will be alright. I know." He finished.

The black creature got ready to pounce. Alastair raised his hands—now burning a blinding orange. "Please!"

His pained cry reached you just as you turned around, but you kept running. Nothing crossed your mind at that moment but your father and his words—begging you to go. So you did. Disappearing among the trees, away from your village, your father. Your home. 

You hadn't had a home in a long time, not since you lost your father. But you had managed to create some semblance of that word, a space for yourself. And in this exact moment you wanted nothing more than to run back to its comfort and forget all about what happened.

But you were aware it was not possible.

"Keep your head down," The guy—Jungkook—instructed you, his steps twice the size of your own. 

After ensuring that there was no one else in the tavern looking for either of you, you made your exit through the back door. Slipping into the foot traffic undetected. 

As the sun rose, more and more people began filling up the streets; you took advantage of that and mingled with the growing crowd moving as a single body. You caught a glimpse of a knight from the First Order and promptly redirected your steps. They were more trouble than help. 

"This way," Jungkook steered to the left, ducking under a man carrying potato sacks, and entered the alley leading to streets away from the tavern. You both kept moving until you reached what looked like a desolate place with only a rarely used shed in dilapidated condition.

He stopped there, knocking on the wood; in the meantime, you assessed your surroundings. You didn't come in this part of the town, and from the looks of it, other people didn't either. This place looked like it had been abandoned for a while—which made you wonder what you were doing here? Most importantly, why were you following him still. 

While you were distracted, someone stepped out of the shed. "—inside," came a reply. Jungkook must have asked a question while you were busy inspecting the forest line in the distance, small critters coming out to inspect the intruders. He walked inside, leaving you alone with the other person.

It was then that you turned to look at the other person.

"Kane?" Your eyes widened as your gaze locked onto the other person, the same man who helped you unload your stuff just yesterday, who offered to walk you out like he always does, and now stood there expressionless, lips in a thin line. "What...? " But at that exact moment Jungkook stepped out, and he was not alone. Trailing behind him was a black horse, probably the most beautiful one you've ever seen.

He motioned with his head, telling you to get moving, but the familiar face in front of you had many more questions arising in your head than you already had bouncing around in the crevices of your mind.

He noticed you gawking at Kane too and sighed, "I'll explain later." Your gaze snapped to him.

You took a step back, tried to gulp back the rising bile of unease, and shook your head. "How do you know me?" A question you hadn't asked yet. How did he find you? How did he know it was you? To him, who even were you?

There was only more confusion and questions joining the pile with the ones that were circulating in your head. 

An epiphany struck you. Without paying you any mind, Kane had pulled out a red apple from somewhere and was feeding it to the horse. It made you think of the one that currently must be still sitting somewhere in your rented room from last night—just, in a different shade. You had seen that shade before.

"You've been following me?" An incredulous tone took over your voice. Your throat shrank, confining your inhales and reducing the air getting in.

He tried to keep a calm composure, running a hand through his hair. His expression pinched with impatience—tired with your constant interrogation, he has stayed here too long for his liking and you were only stalling them.

"You don't get the danger you are in, do you—"

"Stay away from me." Your eyes turned watery but still filled with determination. Your hands shook in disbelief, seeing Kane here, you started to wonder if Mayah and Kenzie had lied to you as well. To some extent? Was the care they showed you had been fake? What were they using you for? What did you even have that someone would want? Must be something, right? If the incidents in the past few hours and the men standing before you were anything to go by? 

The little world you had built for yourself was crumbling. But your world had fallen apart once before, you filled the cracks once, you could do it again.

"If you think that that man was the only one after you, then you'd be a fool to believe that." He evenly stated, moving a couple of steps forward, he gave his wrist a flick—a signal for Kane as he began walking away without a second glance in your direction.

Your gaze wavered, jumping between the two people. One a piece of the picture you thought you knew, and another is the messy blank canvas of the unknown. You fisted your skirts, nails digging deep in the dark fabric, and your feet felt light, ready to take off.

Jungkook stood there in silence before he let out a heavy sigh. "Yes, I was keeping an eye on you," he said. Like it was not odd—terrifying for the person—to tell someone he was stalking that he was stalking them. "But I had a reason to do it that you don't need to know right at this very moment. So please,"

You didn't move, but your eyes flicked for a fraction of a second in the direction where Kane left; he caught that. "He's an informant. No, the old man and his daughter didn't know, if that makes you feel better." It did. "Now, we don't have time to spare. Please, I'm trying to keep you safe." He pleaded, pushing a loose strand of hair back, his eyes wide and eyebrows pushed down, appearing to look appealing and trustworthy.

You were hesitant; he did save your life.

Your eyes glazed over, pondering his words, and you kept your eyes trained on him while contemplating your next step. It was then that you flicked your eyes sideways, just behind him, and stared. Your eyes grew wider. 

"Who's there?"

Not wasting a moment Jungkook swirled, sword drawn out, shoulders hunched and legs set apart. He scanned the area—left to right and then back again—but caught no movement. He couldn't see anyone, and after a couple of moments, he turned around. "Where did you—oh, this cannot be real."

He sputtered in disbelief as he took in your absence from the place you were previously standing at. You were running and had covered a significant distance in just a few seconds. He could not believe he fell for the oldest trick in the book. You did not even glance back, just sprinted as far away as possible, and missed the utter look of bewilderment—mixed with just enough amusement—on his face.

"Dang it, she is fast on her feet," he muttered, stepping back, eyes locked on you. It seemed you were moving towards the deeper forests. He turned, patting the horse, "Ready for a game of chasing chickens, Orla? Just like old times?" Orla snorted her agreement, and Jungkook quickly hopped behind her, setting himself on the saddle. With a hiya! and a tug on her reins, she broke out in a sprint. 

By now you had crossed the forest line, hurrying deep and far, and disappeared from his sight entirely. 

————————————————————

Yes, he had saved your life. But a single encounter—one under this skeptical situation—cannot possibly make you just trust a stranger. Especially now, when you knew that you were being hunted, the 'who' and 'why' still remaining a mystery yet to be unveiled. Do you really want to see beyond the veil, though? A mocking voice, very much like yours, rang from the back of your head. The answer was always the same—no. You never did. You ignored the voice. 

You needed to focus on now, on your circumstance. You thought of Jungkook. 

He knew you. What else does he know? Your name, where you're from, the family you once had? What compelled him to come seek you? The possibility that he might be one of the people whom he had warned you about was there. The fact that he seemed to know where to find you and he was familiar with that other man back in the tavern wasn't helping his case—although that might be the result of him being an Information gatherer, as he himself stated. You're taking that with a grain of salt.

And so, you did the one thing you were good at. You escaped.

Looking behind your back, you saw no sign of a dark-eyed man, but it didn't mean you could stop. He had to be there, chasing after you, for whatever the price you had earned on your head—it seemed like a possible scenario—unless he decided you were not worth the trouble after all.

Twigs snapped and leaves crunched as you trudged your way deeper into the forest. You had no idea where you were or where you were going, just that you needed to go. A left. Right. Another left. Under the tangled branches. One more right.

After just a few minutes, while walking through a patch of dense shrubs, you heard it. Thud, thud. It looked whatever price you had on your head, you were definitely worth the trouble. 

The sound of hooves echoed through the still of that place, bouncing off of trunks and leaves. 

He was closing in on where you were. You were on foot, and with his horse, it won't take long before he catches up  to you. Panic announced its presence in the form of the fast beating of your heart. You looked around for a way out. But with no better options, you dipped down bending yourself. You made your figure as small and unmoving as possible as you curled up on the forest floor, trying to keep yourself hidden within the bushes. 

Unmoving, you sat there, feeling the ground vibrate with the arrival of your doom. Just then, you heard a flock of birds, wings flapping and loud with caws and screeches, as if scared away by something somewhere far in the other direction.

He was redirecting his horse the other way—you could sense the change—must've thought it was you who scared the birds, so he went that way, trying to find you.

You stayed an eternity in that position before you were sure that no one was coming anymore. Getting up and off the ground, you brushed your clothes.

Where do you go from here?

It was a question you had asked yourself countless times over the past years. You turned and decided to go west. Find a way to get to a town and then decide what to do next.

Walking through woods like this, with no clue or aim, instigated a sense of déjà vu. You recalled the lady, a shoemaker you don't know the name of—maybe you hadn't asked, or maybe you didn't remember. She had nursed you back to health and offered the warmth of her home to a complete stranger; you'll forever be grateful to her. You had stayed there for a few days, sick with grief and guilt. But you didn't try to find out what happened back home—you had made your assumption anyway. It was too much to take in, so you decided to move on for that time.

You recalled travelling with gypsies, waggons decorated in a rainbow of colours, recalled going from one place to another. For a year you kept changing towns and villages, never staying more than a few weeks to a couple of months. Then one day you found yourself on the border of Fubroch and decided that that was it. You were tired of moving. The mountains brought the memories of a home—providing comfort, so you made them your home.

And just like that, years flew by without a hitch as you built a life for yourself here. A life that felt very distant at this moment.

As you hiked your way through the woods, lost in your own musings. You failed to notice the consistent shadows following right at your heels. You were distracted, but not for long.

As you were passing by an old dried well, you sensed some movements just out of the corner of your eyes. You paused. Fingers scrambling for your thigh, shoulders tense, you resumed walking again.

Had Jungkook found you? You thought he went in the other direction?

Your stroll changed into an urgent march. Your eyes flicked from one corner to another, hoping it had been a trick of your eye.

You left behind a series of crumbling structures of stones and mud, your gait hurried—almost a jog now. You chanced a glance back, turned around again, and screamed.

Someone jumped off one of the stone walls just as you turned. A woman. You lost your voice, eyes set on hers. You blinked quickly, getting a better look at her. Dark pants and an equally dark tunic. She had short hair and the gaze of a predator, with which she was scanning you from head to toe. An amused quirk sat on her thin lips, painted a deep maroon complementing her sandy complexion.

"Well, you look lovelier than I expected." Her voice called out, a deep and rough texture paired with the unsettling blue of her eyes. It had you standing on the balls of your feet, ready to flee.

You kept your glaring gaze trained on her, aware of even a twitch in her muscles.

"Aww," she cooed, "look at you, so scared and lost." She lifted a hand, placing it on her cheek, her expression the same as a child would have upon finding a hare hiding in his vegetable patch. Except to you, she felt more like a wolf cornering the hare than said child.

"Why so tense, though?" She took a step closer, hands behind her back. You widened your eyes, sweat gathering at your back and hands getting clammy. She was making you nervous, something akin to the town's flood bells ringing in your ears. For a second your thoughts drifted to Jungkook; you definitely preferred him to whoever she was.

You started walking backward, trying to keep some distance.

"Oh no, no, no, I'm here to help you. To lead you towards the right path." She scrunched her brows in faux concern.

"No need," Somehow, you shakily managed to speak up, "I'm on the right path; I don't need any assistance."

There was no point in dragging this out. You got ready to find an opening and make a run for it, but you didn't even get the time to blink when you saw more people jump out of the rubble.

Two men walked up to the woman, coming to stand behind her. They were more rugged in appearance—the exact opposite of her. Some henchmen.

No time to think. You patted at your knife just as the woman stretched her neck back, looking up at the sky, "Get her."

You wouldn't go down without a fight.

Just as the man lunged for you—bare hands; you couldn't see any weapon on him as far as you could see—you ducked, ramming your body forward and pushing him back with as much force as you could gather. He was caught off guard, not having expected such strength from someone this small. It made him stumble back and gave you a chance to create some distance.

You turned and used that as an opportunity to run. You traced your steps back the same way you had come from, this time in a sprint. You could hear the man following. You pushed for yourself to go even faster.

You were running on just adrenaline and pure terror for your life, but you could not let up, could not let them catch on. You couldn't help but question your predicament. You were being hunted like animals for meat. Who were these people? Looking for you. Hunting you.

"AAH!" You screamed as a hand grabbed a hold of your arm and yanked you back. You were thrown forcefully into a nearby tree, rough bark scraping against your skin. Before you could gather yourself, he was in front of you, grabbing your short braid, twisting it around his palm.

"ARGH!" You cried out, one hand going up in an attempt to free yourself of his grip.

"No more running, bitch," he said in a gruff voice, spit flying in your face from the proximity.

He started dragging you back—yanked at your hair when you refused to move, feet digging in the soil. You tried scratching at his face, desperately aiming for his eyeballs. If you got near enough, you wouldn't hesitate to claw them out.

"If done for survival, the gods forgive you," is what your father had said when you once punched the nose of the person who had tried to drown Buck in the river. After which he also taught you how to land a proper punch.

And that's exactly what you did when—to avoid your nails attacking his face—he loosened his grip and tried stepping back to take hold of your arms instead. The moment you got enough space, you reeled back and aimed for his throat. Thumb tucked under the folded fingers and not inside, using only the first two knuckles, throwing your whole body's weight. Hard and fast.

He winced and coughed, trying to get air inside his throbbing windpipe. You grabbed a rock and slammed it against the side of his face. He wobbled and fell on his face.

No longer constricted by his hold, you breathed out in mild relief, but it was short-lived. While you were fighting off the first man, the other one had caught up with you. This realisation crawled upon you when he delivered a blow to your back.

You were pushed to the ground before you could even form a thought. All the air wooshed out of your lungs as sharp pain erupted on one side of your shoulder, "Oh god, no." Your left arm felt numb; nothing was broken, you were sure, but you could feel the dull pain thudding across your back and limbs.

The other man was taller, leaner, and scarier. He was looking down at you with his eyes blown out and mouth pulled in a crazy grin. He leaned down, "Ah, ah. Be a good girl, will you?" He made a tutting sound, reached out, and grabbed one of your legs.

You screamed, kicking out in the air, "No use in resisting, you should have come willingly when we asked nicely."

"Let go of me!" Your throat was raw, body aching and bleeding. Your pitiful condition didn't affect him; however, it only seemed to delight him in seeing you this way. He stood up and started walking away, his hand still gripping your foot tightly.

It was the most pain, physically, you'd ever felt for as long as you can remember. Rocks dug into your backside, your skin scraped against the ground, and hair got tangled with twigs and leaves, pulling at your scalp. All this while he had only taken a few steps.

You kicked out harder; this time your upper body reacted as well—digging your palms in the ground and holding onto anything they could.

You managed to land a hard kick, causing him to drop your limb. You didn't waste a moment and grabbed at his own legs, pulling yourself up and throwing all your weight to make him fall on the ground. Your right hand went to your thigh, and you pulled out your knife, scrambling on top of his chest and locking his arms there by his side with your thighs pushing at him.

Your left arm felt useless, but with the other, you brought the blade to his neck, holding it dangerously close. Just a hair's breadth away from ending him.

"Why are you doing this to me?" You gritted out, eyes watery. The whole day's worth of distress was threatening to unleash from the depths of your consciousness, something you had been suppressing. "What did I ever do to anyone!?" You yelled.

The smile—previously present on his face—had disappeared from his face as you sat there with the cold metal digging into his skin. You have taken life before—but only of animals that you were going to eat. Now that the creature against your blade was an animal of a different kind, you hesitated.

And hesitation kills you in this world.

You didn't see the other man coming until the very last moment. He must not have been as disoriented as you thought. He pounced at you, but this time you had your knife out. This time you didn't hesitate.

In a single motion, the blade found its home deep in between the shoulder and collarbone of the first man.

Blood immediately coated your hands, making them slippery as you let go of the knife, watching your victim slump. Cold dread froze up the blood in your veins. You had killed someone.

There was no time to answer, as the stone of unease weighed heavy in your stomach; the guy below on the ground switched places with you. Now you were the one held horizontal to the ground as his palms made contact with your sternum, wasting no time in squeezing them tight, blocking out all the air but not crushing your throat—yet.

"You crazy bitch!" He barked.

Haze clouded a grey shade around your eyes, growing in size after every excruciating blink. Your torso was crushed under the full mass of an adult man twice your size; you wondered if he was trying to break your ribs. But you couldn't push him. Couldn't even struggle.

Your bones became a burden, pulling your exhausted body deeper into the grass and soil, acting as a makeshift grave you were about to descend into at any minute. Your mind was a numb shell, unable to see what was in front of it, unable to comprehend.

That must be your fate. Your life in exchange for the one you took just now. You would not call yourself very religious, but you believed in a God, and he must have seen the pathetic way you'd been living and is here to claim you.

Your vision turned black; the man was screaming something at you, but no words could penetrate the oxygen-depraved sheet of lethargy coating over your being.

As you lost more of your breath, the thuds of your heart started becoming louder. One second they were in your chest, and the next in your ears. Soon you could feel them vibrating the very land you lay upon. Thump. Thump. Thump.

All of a sudden, you felt light. The force of the man pushing against you lifted off of you in an instant. It was there one second and then vanished the other. Air came rushing back in through the once constricted pipes. You gasped for the breath hungrily, making its way into your lungs, and sputtered on your greedy inhale.

It took another few moments before the shadowy haze cleared from your eyes, and you were blinking back at what seemed to be two males locked in a sword fight.

One of them was the man who had been choking you, and the other—your eyes widened upon the realisation that the other person was none other than—

"Jungkook?"

His name was merely a whisper in the air, breathed into life through the brush of your lips against the words.

He delivered the last blow—a slash down his opponent's chest—before he turned to you.

Jungkook stood there with his sword dripping red while he panted; from the short fight or having hurried over to come save you, you didn't know. Maybe the latter. No, definitely the latter, if his pinched expression directed at you was anything to go by.

"You," he stepped over the fallen body groaning on the ground, "are an idiot."

You felt like laughing. He was fuming, and you let loose a single puff of airy laughter. You couldn't help it; the stress had taken a toll on you; your body ached in more places than you could count. You were beaten and bleeding. You almost accepted that you were going to die. But here you were, saved by this man not once but twice, in the same day.

You owed him.

"Glad to see you still have it in you to smile." Came a deep, feminine voice.

Both of your eyes turned towards the direction the voice came from. You leaned on your arms while he drew his sword for an attack.

There stood the blue-eyed woman from before, and upon seeing Jungkook take an immediate protective stance in front of you, something gleamed in her gaze.

"I must admit, watching you fight for your life was so entertaining." She sauntered forward, showing no sign of even grabbing for her weapons strapped to her, "and a pleasant surprise."

She rounded around where you were and stopped a good distance away, "even more surprising to see that you have got mercenaries protecting you." She said as she eyed the black ink on Jungkook's arm, which was now exposed.

You flicked your eyes between her and Jungkook. He remained motionless, but you can see how taut his muscles were, ready to pounce in a moment's notice. He didn't say anything, just observed. What is this woman playing at?

She let out a shrill whistle. Loud. Like a signal of some sort.

You prepared for the worst. Did she call for help? Backup?

Instead, a dark brown horse came running from behind the broken stone columns, galloping towards her. It didn't even stop completely before she grabbed the reins and hauled herself onto it mid-run. Walking in a circle, she faced you, looking straight in your eyes.

She tilted her head back, stretching her neck in a lazy motion as if the possibility for more bloodshed wasn't hanging in the air waiting for the moment she draws her weapon too. "So damn resilient, like your damn father." She muttered lowly; you thought you had misheard her. She stared at you.

"Alastair is protecting you even after death, huh?"

The air stopped blowing, the screeching of birds silenced, and your throbbing body went numb.

Palms digging in the forest floor, you could only gawk at her as she regarded you with disdain.

Her eyes, blue as the summer sky, looked red in that moment. Wild and predatory. You felt dizzy. But then she blinked, and the illusion broke; they were blue again. You shuddered. The voices from years ago rang in your ear.

She was one of them. The people who came chasing your father that day. The ones who killed-

A silent whimper left your parted lips.

So this was what it was about. Why you were targeted. Why your life was in danger. It was all due to what happened to your father. Now you will meet the same end. They came for him then, and now they came for you.

You thought it was over. Oh, how wrong you were.

You ran as much as you could and yet couldn't outrun your fate. Were more people coming? With swords? They will leave you bloody and torn. Will they kill Jungkook too? He would leave before that happened. Is that wolf nearby? Was he the one who led them to you?

A tear slid down the curve of your cheek. You imagined all the ways they would end you, the most scary one being torn to shreds by the sharp teeth of an atramentous beast.

The sound of her horse neighing cut through your terror-filled questions.

She met your dazed, tear-glazed eyes. "I'll see you soon."

You watched her go. Still in your place, disconnected from reality.

It wasn't until you heard your name being called out loud that you came back to reality. Someone was shaking you by the shoulder.

"-get up? Y/n, can you stand?" You flicked your gaze up, connecting with inky ones staring deep in yours.

Swallowing, only the sandy taste of dread scratched against your throat. Yet, you managed to open your mouth: "Are you one of them?"

Your voice was grating to the ear, stifling in defeat, so unlike the demanding tone you had before. It caused Jungkook's expression to display an emotion you couldn't quite put your finger on. Unsurprising, given you couldn't take in anything right now, really.

He watched you stare up at him for a moment before something snapped in him. He got on both his knees, grabbing a hold of both your shoulders. He squeezed tight; it strangely grounded you a little.

"Look here, in my eyes, and listen." His voice was firm, and he spoke slowly but with a surety, "I know it's hard to trust me right now, but I need you to get this one thing." He paused and inhaled before letting it out, "Your life is in danger, and I meant it when I stated I'm here to keep you safe. I will protect you."

The words came and swirled around in your mind, not quite settling in. His eyes were intense, and when you looked, really looked, past the darkness, you could see the hint of genuineness. In this moment, you held onto that as a lifeline, and so when he asked.

"Understood?" You nodded your head. "Good."

His palms lifted off of your shoulders, and you would be floating again in the vast uncertainty and fear had he not offered one of them right in front of your face.

"This place is not safe. We need to move on from here," he nodded, urging you to grab his hand.

What else was there to do? It was clear that you would be killed if you refused, and if he too wanted the same thing, unlike what he claimed to be doing, then at least it looked like he would be quicker in his kill. And so you lifted your arm, gently placing your palm against his, letting him haul you up.

Another, black horse came trotting over. You recognised it to be his. He gave your palm a squeeze, telling you to get up on it.

You flicked your eyes between the majestic creature and its master. A soft groan forced your eyes away and towards the other men lying on the ground; it seemed one of them was still conscious.

"He... he is alive." You murmured, looking at the man you had stabbed.

"Want me to finish him off?" He threw in casually.

You gaped at him, eyes full of disbelief and horror.

He puffed air out of his nose, "I didn't mean that." It wasn't very convincing. You looked back at the man, "Are you seriously considering helping him? After he attacked you?" You weren't.

His brow raised as he regarded you with a tilt of his head and a semi-disapproving look on his face. At last he just sighed, "You need to think about only yourself, or else you will get us both killed."

He walked you to the horse and stopped, "Wait a moment." He let go of your hand and reached out to grab a piece of clothing from a few feet away. It was your cloak; you had dropped it during the fight. He dusted the deep green fabric and gently pulled it around you. Then almost immediately grabbed your hand again.

He gave your palm another swift squeeze, and this time you mounted the horse with his help.

As he peered up at your fiddling form, down from where he stood, the lines on his face grew a little softer, his expression a little more sympathetic.

He latched his foot on the holding, "You will get your answers soon," and climbed behind you expertly.

As he reached his hands around you to grab the reins, his front touched your back, and while you were not one who gets particularly cold, his warmth was a surprisingly welcome sensation against your bruised backside.

His knuckles tightened in a grip, you kept your hands close to you, "you trust me?" He clicked his tongue, getting the horse to move, and it started walking at a leisurely pace. He felt you shaking your head against his chest, his lips quirked, and if you had turned around, you would've witnessed him grinning softly.

"Good."

The horse broke out in a sprint as you both rode off, leaving behind the forest and—you had an inkling—this town for good.

Soon you were at the southern border, riding along the river marking the end of Fubroch's territory.

And despite what you had insinuated about your opinions for the man, you soon found yourself leaning your head back and drifting off to an unconscious state. Away from the reminiscence of the events that occurred today and the pains of the past. The nipping cold of the reality slipped away as you gave in to the firm warmth of the momentary comfort.

Taglist (from my previous blog) : @runariya @jksusawife @boyfriendtaekook

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💚

𝐄𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢 | 𝐂𝐡 𝟏

Pairing: Mercenary!Jungkook x ?? Female!Reader

Summary: When past comes knocking on your door wearing the face of unknown dangers, you can either refuse acknowledging it and be a sitting duck or find out what it was that turned your world upside down all those years ago—that has come back yet again to hunt you—with a stranger promising to keep you safe, by your side. One thing is sure: secrets will unfold. And it would not be anything you could've imagined.

Word Count: 8.4k

Genre: Fantasy au; adventure; action. Fluff; angst; future smut(??)

Rating: 18+ (violence and mature themes)

Warnings: Fighting ig. Not much for this chapter

Published: 9th March 2025

Note: Hello! This chapter is being reposted from my previous blog. I've been really excited to share this fic with y'all and really hope that you like it. Thank you for taking your time and giving it a chance. This fic is my baby.

Glossary and Map: here

Esati Masterlist

They say winter is cruel. Harsh and unforgiving. Anyone unfortunate enough to encounter it at its worst seldom survives it. It only knows how to take, how to steal—the warmth from your blood, the hope in your eyes, the life from your soul. The white snow spread like a blanket over the lands and waters alike: beautiful yet a warning of destruction for all.

All but one. Alastair has found no comfort other than these sharp winds and freezing soils in a long time. He took in a deep breath of peace, something he hadn't had the pleasure of for days—or had it been weeks?

It's been so long since he started his travels. Traveller. He liked calling himself that, much better than introducing himself as someone who's being hunted. 

It's been so long; being on the run didn't grant him a minute of peace, but now he could feel a stillness in his mind. A quiet, which only came from knowing no eyes were following him anymore.

He walked higher up the mountains; the path was rocky and difficult to climb, but he managed even in his current state. It also ensured that had anyone been on his trail, he'd have easily known.

But as much as these snowy mountains were liberating to his mind, his body was not in the same condition. After being chased, hunted, and hurt, his body was battered and starting to feel more numb with each passing hour.

A final feeling washed over his mind. Like he knew it was coming. He was dying.

And it seemed fitting. Appropriate. Considering there wasn't anything left for him to do. He fulfilled his duty and played his part in the play of universe, for which he was chosen by Cianbhàta himself. After all, he hadn't escaped for his own safety. It was something greater than his existence that needed to be protected. 

But now, he could sense it. His time was up.

No. No, he couldn't die like this. Not yet.

It felt selfish of him to still be holding on to this useless life. He tried hard, convinced himself it was over, but still, he couldn't figure out why he felt this strong need to keep moving.

His foot sunk in the soft snow, and he stumbled; leaning against a leafless tree he looked past the branches, up at the gray sky. Looking and searching, hoping to catch a glimpse of the almighty so he could get his answers himself.

He closed his eyes and sat down completely with his head against the rough, cold bark. "Oh almighty," he called out in a croak.

"Forgive your subject for being greedy, asking for more than you've graciously offered to us already. My body is giving up, but my heart is tearing apart," cough, "screaming, screaming at me that I'm leaving something unfinished," His eyes opened, filled with tears of anguished helplessness, "give me a sign. A reason, to-"

He coughed sharply, gasping and wheezing as the numbing winter air pushed its way past his lips, burning a path down his throat. Black spots started blinking across his vision, sorely standing out against the blurry white of the snow. This is it. This is how he will meet his end; he was sure of it.

Accepting his fate, he let his eyes close shut. His bones ached, and his skin was frozen cold. Just as he thought this was it, his ears picked up a faint sound. He didn't pay it any mind; if someone was here to capture him, it would be useless. He would be dead before anyone reached him.

But the more he heard, the clearer the voice became. A cry. He must be losing his mind. He blamed his growing incapability to differentiate in sounds and scenes the more he breathed in the bitter cold air. 

But the cries started again.

His eyes snapped open, he was sure now that the cries were real.

Gaining a burst of strength he didn't know he was capable of anymore, he dragged himself up with the help of the tree and listened for more sounds—trying to locate the direction where it was coming from.

His feet started moving in a direction with thicker vegetation on their own, like they already knew where to go before his ears could actually locate the source. 

He rushed past more bare trees, shrubs, and boulders and came face to face with a series of rocks protruding from the mountain, covered in a thin layer of snow, and then looked around trying to figure out the source where the sound could be coming from—which he now realised couldn't be heard anymore.

To his right, there were more trees packed together tightly, and he considered going in that direction when he heard the tiniest whimper, which he would've missed if he hadn't strained his ears to catch any noise. 

The sound was coming from the rocky surface; confused, as there was no way something could get stuck between them, he looked around some more trying to figure it out when he noticed a hole in the far left side of one of the rocks near a tree growing close to the black rocks. 

The hole was—he found out upon a closer look—no bigger than the size to fit a small dog, it seemed that the snow couldn't reach here because of the thick roots protruding from above, and the shrubbery that was still green and flourishing in the winter, but that's not what surprised him—it was the woven bamboo basket and a thick green blanket covering it and the whimpers that were coming from that basket.

He pulled it out, pulled the covers back, and revealed—

A child.

A very cold child with blue lips and the faintest of breaths puffing past its mouth.

Urgency immediately seized his limbs as he brought the infant out of the basket and close to his chest. It is going to die; this was the only thought echoing in his mind.

He took off running in search of someone. Anyone. He couldn't let the child die.

He ran and ran, holding the baby close to his chest, tucked in his coat.

"Is someone out there!? Help!" There was no response. He knew the tribals lived in this place, but he couldn't be sure of the exact location. And he hadn't been in his right mind to try and get a sense of the direction to figure out where he was at that moment.

"Please," he begged, "it will not survive, please," he cried up towards the sky. The black dots were back in his vision, stronger than before, but before he could succumb to the darkness, he took one more careful look at the child in his arms and assessed its soft breaths.

What a beautiful child. Shame I couldn't save you. 

With that final thought, he tucked the tiny being close and let darkness take him under. 

—————

Warm. Everything felt so warm. Alastair hadn't felt warm in months. He shifted in his position, drifting in and out of consciousness.

The sound of fire crackling was what brought him out of his slumber at last. He blinked his eyes open, still a little dazed, and found himself lying on a cot in front of a blazing fire. He closed his eyes back immediately; his head hurt, and so would have his legs if they didn't feel numb already.

He tried to move his head, his neck protesting after being in that position for too long, and at first he couldn't, but his stubbornness won over his fatigue, and finally he managed to lift his head just a couple of inches. He tried to take in as much as his eyes allowed in that position and discovered that he was placed in a dark room. It seemed the walls were made of mud and the floor was wood.

Before he could think about how he got here, he heard the door behind him creak open. A chilly gust of wind entered the place along with the visitor. He tried turning his head again and just barely managed to lift it when the person came hurrying in front of him.

"Oh! You're awake," the person, who now he could see was an old woman, asked him happily, "must be confusing to wake up here, but not ya worry, ya were saved by our  gatherers." The woman continued, oddly cheerful, in her accented voice as she came around to sit on the mat beside his cot, her arms carrying something he couldn't focus on as she kept talking.

"Found ya freezing on the ground, oh, and ya girl is fine too! Strong child, Cianbhàta himself preserve the child."

Only now did he realise that the thing she put down on the floor wasn't a bundle of clothes but a child. The child—the girl—he found in the snow. She was staring at him, her dark eyes looking innocently up at him, and she definitely looked better too.

He was relieved. A little surprised how she survived long enough to make it here, wherever it is they were at, but he felt safe, and so he let the relief consume him.

He summarised what he remembered and what he was told just now and reached the conclusion that he was saved by these people—likely a mountain tribe—and was in their home right now; he saved the child, and now they think it's his child. That she's his daughter.

He opened his mouth to correct her, tell her that she wasn't his. That they might need to find her real parents. But somehow all that managed to escape was, "thank you for saving us."

"Not a problem! It brings honour to help our brothers in our  community." The woman said kindly and got up off the floor, "I'll go fetch more firewood and something for ya to eat, ya must be hungry too. I fed the child while ya were sleeping, so not worry about her." And with that she left the room.

He got up on his elbows and pulled himself into a sitting position; groaning, he looked at the infant now playing with her blanket.

She looked magical in the glow of the fire, and he felt an inexplicable affection for her.

He stared at her, with a mind full of hundreds of things, thoughts flowing faster than the warm water springs, but then she looked back up at him with those same dark eyes, and his brain stopped in its frenzy. She reached out, a hand making motions as if to grab the smoke rising from the fire. That was the moment everything became clear to him.

He'd decided. He will spend the rest of his life living and protecting this child; after all, she gave him a second chance at life. A will—a reason to live.

He will take this child as his own. He will do all he can to become a father for her.

And for the next decade and a half, he did just that.

huff huff

Hurried footsteps echoed in the silence of the forest. With nothing but the sound of tired pants that carried their way through the saplings emerging from the frozen cold soil, raising their heads to greet the summer only to be trampled by the heavy steps running from everything it had ever known.

"Aghh," a yelp was heard as a lock of dark brown hair got stuck in a branch hanging too low.

What am I doing?

A sharp turn towards a safer path with fewer branches on the way down.

I'm running. He told me to run.

The moss on the uneven ground slipped from under your foot, making you stumble.

Am I dreaming?

You quickly got up, instincts telling you that you had to keep moving. There was no time to collect the few things that spilled from your bag at your fall; you only grabbed the leather journal and kept running. A few coins spilling out from your pouch tucked in your waist. The sound of them hitting the rocks painfully loud.

The forest became a blur; you couldn't focus on anything other than the pounding in your heart and the pain that your brain didn't have the time to register—both physical and emotional.

The way downhill was not too steep, but there were places where soil had shifted away, making it harder to navigate where there was solid ground and where you'll encounter a gaping hole ready to swallow your feet. You'd never been to these parts of the mountains. You never needed to; you lived on the other side. But you have no other option; this was the path your father said was safe and asked you to run to.

Your father. The man who made you leave. The one you were getting farther away from with every passing second. The man who you might never see again.

"Pa."

You let out a sob. Leaning a hand against a leafless tree to brace yourself. This place was a lot warmer than the snow-covered hill you called home; you were sweating—your tears getting mixed with the salt. The evening sun, halfway hidden down in the horizon, warmed your skin, but your insides were freezing cold. 

You left home. left him. How did it ever come to this?

Before today you had been living in a bliss, unaware of the possibilities that such a storm could stir up in your life, one that you never would see coming and snatch everything you held dear. 

You sniffled, thinking back to how everything was so normal and okay just this morning. And now it's not. 

You stumbled, taking one step forward then the next. The sun had long disappeared, the moon hidden behind the clouds. The misty wind carried you forward, whispering a soft melody. You walked and walked, feet aching and heart heavy; your tears had dried off, but all you could do was move. 

There was a light shining in the distance. You didn't know how long you had already walked, but just a little more. A few steps. Another few. 

You reached the door, banging hard on it. The door opened, a middle-aged woman peeking out. 

She said something. She was talking to you. You were so tired. She was shouting now. 

But you couldn't hear her. Solid ground met the side of your head as you fell. Unconscious and numb. 

An owl let out a hoot, breaking the quiet of the dawn. A gust of cool breeze made its way across the empty spaces among the trees, yet to be warmed by the rays of sun. The same breeze rushed into your home, tickling the hair on your neck, announcing their arrival through the jingles of the bells on your window. You forgot to shut them. Again.

You looked out the window at the fog weaving a blanket of white in the evergreen canopy it claimed as home till the sun rose and chased it away. For a moment, just one heartbeat, you thought of home. Remembered the cold of snow, the steam rising from potatoes straight out of the coals and in your gloved hands.

You let out a shaky exhale, willing the memories away.

You picked up the woven basket and strapped the hunting knife to your waist. On your way out you grabbed the hooded cloak off of the hook. Dressed in the dark green of the forest, you ventured away from the deeper parts of the wood where you lived on your way to collect the 'dawn lilies.' They could only be found near riverbanks and must be plucked before the sun came out. You ran out of those after making the previous supply of burn ointments.

The grass was soft under your boots, the morning dew getting soaked in the bottom of your pants. The air was crisp and tinged with a chill; one wouldn't be able to live in the dewy and wet cold of a place such as this without proper gear, but you had always been a little more resistant to the cold. Still, you made a mental note to grab some gloves when you would go to meet Kenzie the week after.

Winter was just around the corner, and you ought to be prepared for the changing season.

On your way to the river, you made a detour and took the longer path. Dense shrubbery with no definitive footmarks, a less walked path. Crouching down in a few spots, you checked on the snares you had set up yesterday. The wires and ropes twisted in the way you had learnt when you were seven. Three out of five and no luck. It looked like one of them was triggered, but whatever it was, it got away.

But the fourth one did not disappoint, as you found a marmot trapped and wriggling. Carefully moving it, you untangled the rope from around its body.

You took the knife out from your belt and nodded your head once, "Thank you for giving your life to sustain mine," and swiftly pushed the knife deep in its neck. Swift kill.

You checked the fifth one too. Empty. And continue on your way to the river.

Emerging from the forest line, you ran your gaze along the length of the riverbank, making sure no wild animal was there that would feel threatened by you or threaten your life. It would be unusual, though—for any predator to be here. You have never seen any wild animal that could put your life in danger in all the time you lived here. You concluded that these parts of the woods must not be suitable for them, hence making it safer for you to live.

As you look around, there are only the occasional critters roaming the forest floor. Small animals, those you saw plenty of. You made your way towards the small flowers growing close to the water and began collecting them.

You got up soon, flowers and some wild berries collected in your basket. It also held the meat from the marmot that you had just cleaned in the river, wrapped up in large leaves. Scanning the area once more, you got ready to make the trek back to your home.

I'd have to make another trip to collect some water later in the day.

On the way back, you took the shorter path. The one you used regularly. Munching on the berries as you walked.

————————————————————

"Thank you, Mayah."

The tall girl gave you a smile in response as she heaved up the crates you had brought with you and started walking back towards the open door of the shop. 'Rennie's' written on a wooden board in bold letters. You pulled a wooden case from the wagon and handed it over to the other man, Kane, who stood there with arms stretched out.

"Is that the last one?" He asked, taking the heavy box.

"Yes, that is it." You grabbed your satchel and hopped off the wooden platform. "Take these ones straight to the storage,or else the potions may go bad." And he followed the girl into the shop.

Turning back to the carter, you handed him a silver coin; he examined it and then immediately said, "This would not be enough, miss."

You looked at him, confused. "Why not? It always takes this much. I would know; I travel to Fubroch every month."

You made ointments and health potions—a skill you had learned since childhood. That was what your father did, and you decided to continue on the same path as him.

Once a month, you would travel from your home, half a day's journey away from Fubroch, and sell them at the market here. You were not keen on making contact with many people—the lesser knew of you, the better—so it was comfortable for you to have secured a vendor who bought your products to then sell them himself, and on a fair rate too. This is how you've been doing business for the last few years.

"Ah, miss, you know nothing of the raids that happened down South?" You pushed your lips, eyebrows pulled down, raids? 

Before you could question him about it, he continued, "razed the whole town in days," he shook his head, "coins and cattle all gone. Those Aberrants," he sighed and tried coaxing the bulls attached to his wagon, who had started moving restlessly, "even the Lord turns his eyes another way when it comes to those Diels."

He continued to grumble some more before saying that he had to get going. You pulled a few copper pieces out of your pocket and handed them to him. As you watched him leave, you realised that someone was standing behind you.

"Kenzie," you said, turning back to the elder man.

"You look tired, miss." Kenzie replied, his wrinkle-covered face was kind as ever, and his voice warm. Meeting him always reminded you of a family you didn't have.

"The journey was long, and I left late today too. I'm fine, though. But that doesn't matter; what was that Carter talking about? Aberrants?"

"We shall talk inside, miss," his deep eyes swept the surroundings, and he started walking towards the back door. "Mayah? Bring a cup of water and also brew some tea, dear."

His daughter gave a short nod and went further inside the store, entering another set of doors.

You took a seat on the cot, and Kenzie did the same. "This far out, people are calling them raids," he started talking.

"And... they aren't?" You asked. You were never one to poke and prod about anything that had nothing to do with you. But this time you were curious; after all, this was not the first time you were hearing the name:

"Aberrants," he continued after taking a sip from the cup Mayah handed him. You thanked her when she did the same for you and mirrored him, "the second army of the Lord, I believe you know that much."

You nodded, also aware of how Lord Cras doesn't really have much control over them and lets them run wild. "They are bad news." Was what Pa once said. But that's all; word of their presence never came close to where you lived, and you never encountered them.

You stayed away from things that did not concern you. That's how you've lived.

"They came to a village south of Glenross first. Out of the blue, like they always did. No one knows where they come from or go to. But when they left," a grimace pulled itself on his face, "the village had become lifeless."

"Did they...?" You asked, your brows meeting in the middle as lines appeared between them. You feared they were killed.

"No. They just took everything. Valuables, grains, horses—"

"I suppose that's what a raid sounds like." You interrupted him in the middle, giving your empty water cup to Mayah, who came with a cup of tea in exchange—which you took with a grateful smile. His lips pursed as his eyes darted to his wall, on a painting of the forest on his right, before moving it back up the next second.

"Not quite. It was more than just that. Those deils brought a curse on the lands," Curse? This is not the first time you're hearing of something like this, but something about the tone in the old man's voice made you think of the stories from your childhood. The ones you had shut the doors to a long while ago, yet on the days the wind is stronger, you can hear their whispers rising with dust from between the cracks in the wood.

"By word of mouth, they drained the fertility from the soil and spat poison in the waters. The people became ill, so deathly ill." He coughed, chugging the rest of the water from his cup. "Nothing has come out of that town in the past half of the year. No yield, no supplies, no tax money that the incompetent Lord demands," Kenzie finished, his breath slightly laboured.

You made a note to make extra potions for him to use throughout the cold months. It did look like an extra harsh winter was casting its shadowy wings over the country. It is possible that your next trip down here might be the last one for this year.

You took his words in, trying to make sense of them. "And that's what caused an upsurge in prices?" You asked.

"No, that was not it. It has been months since the incident in there. They chose a small village at that time, but recently," he tried to continue but stopped as his daughter came back in the room, a hot water bag in hand.

"Don't speak so much at once, Pa," She scolded him gently in her soft voice. You looked at them, talking; your eyes that were tired just now had a glassy film to them, and your body stilled for just a second as she placed the bag on one of his shoulders. You turned your head away, focusing on the conversation.

"Then what caused it? All of a sudden?" You prodded, clearing your throat.

This time Mayah was the one who spoke, "It was after last month, when the same happened in Cunkeld." You've never been there, but you knew it took some time to reach there from Fubroch. 

Her face took on a grave expression, "this time though the country is suffering. Taxes are higher and commodities got expensive, we expect it to only get worse during winter."

You listened intently, forgetting about the tea in your hand.

"I fear what they are doing is more than just raids or spreading poison for just the wealth," sighed Kenzie, his eyes shut; you wanted to ask why he thought that and what more he believed was there. But you didn't. The less you got involved, the better, and you believed that you had already questioned about things more than you should have. 

Kenzie didn't look like he would be answering more of your questions either; he needed to rest. And so, you bid goodbye to Mayah, who handed you a small bag of coins. "I know it's not the whole amount—"

"Don't stress. Pay me the rest when you've sold all the stock," you smiled at her. Waving Kane off when he tried to walk you back.

Leaving out from the front this time, you slung your satchel across your body and decided to find a tavern for the night. It was late afternoon; the sound of bells ringing came from the center of the town having. The journey back would take hours, and it would be past midnight by the time you reach home. Not that you had any problem with traveling at night. But the wagon carters might not be too keen on that.

It didn't matter; you had errands to run either way, so you won't mind spending just one night here. And you were tired. You left later than expected in the morning; something had felt off, and you had checked around the perimeter. Although nothing was out of place, you still decided to be cautious, and it took some of your time.

So you started walking in the opposite direction of bells, on your way to the smaller market stalls.

"How much for the lotus seeds?"

You asked around about different items, things that you needed for your workshop as well as other necessities. Soaps. New wires for snares. Some red clay.

You bought a few things and left behind a few others. There was not enough money for everything. You had to prioritize carefully.

A cat purred loudly as you neared a stall with fabrics of all colours arranged orderly. You scratched the cat on the head, and she went back to hissing at the stall on the left, one with shiny green apples. It was when you were inspecting a brown shawl that the vendor noticed you.

"What you lookin' for, girl?" an old-aged woman asked.

You looked up, hands pausing, "gloves for winter, leather."

The woman began rummaging around and produced a pair in a minute, "shoulda fit you, six silver pieces."

Your hands, previously reaching for said gloves, stopped in their tracks. "A bit too much, don't you think, madam?" Finally getting some movement back, you plucked the gloves, inspecting them, almost hoping to find some defect so that you can bargain for less.

"Leather comes precious these days, no bargain," She sniffed, then with a furrow in her brows, said, "No supply, so we're low on material; some rumored monster in the forest. No bigger monster than the cold and hunger, I  say." She scoffed.

You looked at the leather gloves, clutching your coin bag with one hand, deep in your satchel, "Can't do more than 3 coins, I'm afraid."

The woman's face took on a look of annoyance before she sighed, a look of understanding passing over her face. "Tell you what, here," She produced a pair of woolen gloves, "sellin' them for three silver and two copper, but they are the last ones, on a discount, take it."

You picked up the ones she tossed your way. You really would've liked the leather ones, preferable when working near water. You put your hands through, noticing how it swallowed your hand and still had space to sneak half a dozen grapes.

"Do you have a size smaller? They seem a bit big." You asked, biting your lips, hands tugging the wool between your fingers.

"Told you they are the last ones. They'll work just fine; the weaving is higher too, will stop the cold and water."

You left, walking further away from the crowd, with black wool adorning your hands.

————————————————————

The tavern you chose for the night was brimming with patrons. Tables full of people eating and drinking. Located on the outer part of the town, it was not your first time at this place, but yet it managed to look new to you every time.

You got yourself a room on the second story. The rooms here were cheaper due to the dripping roof when it rained and poor insulation caused by paper-thin walls. But for you it was more than enough.

You would have preferred to go straight to bed, but having forgotten to eat at the market earlier, you were currently on your way up the stairs after getting some food.

Gathering your skirt with one hand, you lifted your foot up to take the first step, only to stumble back as a body slammed straight into you. Hard.

"Ah! Whoa, be careful, mister!" You exclaimed as you righted yourself with the help of the wall.

As you looked up, wondering how you didn't hear his footsteps, especially on creaky stairs, your eyes made contact with a hand—outstretched, as if trying to reach you in case you needed assistance. You looked up, eyes now fixed on the dark face wrap covering half of his face, and a hood was pulled low, casting a shadow on the other half.

He looked scary at a glance, but when you looked a little below, you caught his eyes. Dark and wide. And beautiful.

You stood there breathless, tracing the kohl lining his eyes with your own.

He pulled his hands back and jerked his body, sitting down on the floor. Reaching for something near your skirt.

You jumped back, startled.

But he was only grabbing for the apple that had rolled away on the floor, which he must've been holding when he bumped into you.

He looked up at you, apple in hand, "Hope I didn't startle you."

You looked down, shook your head once, and opened your mouth to say something, but he straightened and was up in a flash.

He stepped closer, and you noticed how he was towering over you, the black of his flowy tunic—untucked from his leather pants—brushing against your arm crossed in front of your belly.

"Don't go bumping into things," he leaned down now whispering beside your ear, "you might get hurt."

You were barely breathing and didn't even notice that he had unfurled your fist and tucked something in there.

By the time you regained your senses, he was already walking in the direction of the bar.

You looked down when you finally felt the weight of something in your hand and saw that it was none other than the fruit he was carrying. A bright green apple.

You looked after him for another second before deciding not to think much of him and walked up the stairs. Off to get some sleep and start the journey early tomorrow.

Knock knock knock!

You woke up to frantic knocking on your door. Heart thundering, matching the raps of wood on the other side, you got up.

The knocking stopped.

In the silence of the darkness spread over the room, you stood still. One look out of the window and you confirmed it was early, the sun yet to rise.

For a moment you convinced yourself it was your imagination—a nightmare, maybe. It wouldn't be the first time. You decided to just go back to slee-

Knock knock knock!

The knocking resumed.

You walked up to the door and in a hesitant but loud voice questioned, "Who is it?"

The knocking stopped. You held your breath. Waiting for an answer.

Knock knock knock.

You felt through the slit in your skirt for the small blade on your thigh. Feeling nothing, you recalled having placed it on the side table. You grabbed it. Just in case.

"Who is it?" You placed a hand on the handle, another holding the blade.

A moment of silence. Just as you were about to question again, a voice called out,

"Open the door," a deep voice answered.

Body frozen, you took a big gulp of air. Where have you heard it? Warning bells were ringing in your head, telling you how this situation felt familiar.

You backed away, hand leaving the handle. I need to get out of here. In blind panic you started considering your options. You certainly couldn't fight whoever was outside. Maybe you could climb down the window?

But you stood still. You focused on the voice; it was familiar. Something in you was telling you that you should open the door.

Another knock, and you were opening the door before you could stop yourself.

The door cracked open just a sliver, but the stranger didn't make any attempt to make the gap wider or push his way in right away, unlike what you would have expected. It gave you a moment of clarity, and you came back to your senses. Raising your eyes, you were met with a half-covered face and dark eyes, lined with kohl. You knew where you had seen them.

"You are—"

"You need to come with me."

There was an urgency to his voice. His eyes were locked on yours, urging you to take a dive into the essence of midnight they held. A lock of hair fell in front of his eye; he pushed it back.

"Who are you?" The words were a whisper, but in the quiet of dawn they rang loud and clear.

One of his hands reached up, pulling the dark piece of cloth, hiding half his features, down. He gazed at you while you stole glimpses of the rest of him. Full cheeks but a sharp jaw. Soft lips but a tense tilt to them. If it were any other situation, you would have been captivated by his contrasting features. But now was not the time.

Breaking you out of your thoughts, the man in front of you glanced back at your room, then back at you, lips pursed for a moment, before he parted his lips and answered, voice clearer now without any obstruction. He answered your question.

"Someone who is going to make sure you don't bump into anything and get hurt."

You stepped back on instinct as he made his way in.

"I'm not going anywhere with you," He was crazy, and you had finally shaken yourself out of his spell. You needed to get him out of here and then get yourself out. Probably leave this town for good.

"You don't have a choice. Either you come with me or we die."

Your brows shot up in disbelief at the situation. This can't be happening. Was he messing with you? Trying to trick you? Make you think he's here to save you—from what?—and then thrust the blade deep in your ribs when you let your guard down.

You opened your mouth. To question him or cry out for help—you weren't sure. But you didn't get a chance.

Not when you heard a dull thud.

You looked behind his back, but your door was already open halfway, and no one stood there. The sound had been distant; it must have come from the room on the other end of the corridor.

While you didn't think much of it—too preoccupied with thinking how to get away—the man in front of you turned and walked back to the doorway. He only peeked outside for a single moment before sucking in a breath through his teeth and shutting the door close, rushing back towards you.

"Stay quiet!"

You jerked away, back against the wall. "What do you think—" you pulled the knife out, brandishing it in front of you, "—you are doing?"

"Shut up." He gritted through clenched teeth, eyes on the door.

"What—"

In the time it took you to release half a breath, his left hand rose, wrapping around yours, twisting your wrist, and bending your arms back. He tugged you towards him, forcing your right hand behind your back, making you loose your grip on the knife.

You stood there, chest to chest, as he peered down at you with hooded eyes, while yours squinted as you wriggled trying to get free.

"Shhh," he shushed you, putting the palm of his other hand up above your mouth and walking you a step back towards the wall. Your eyes widened as he trapped you there, with just enough force to keep you that way and not hurt you.

Heart thundering in your chest, your head pounded, matching its beats. You tried to come up with all the possible ways to get yourself out, but the warm exhales leaving his parted lips left your brain a scrambled mess.

It was stupid. To let this stranger in. You just might have invited your own death over, dressed in rugged leather, with gleaming orbs of darkness for eyes.

You shut your eyes tight as you felt him lift his hand up, releasing your mouth. You could scream, but what use would that be? Those blades you saw strapped to his back, they could slit your throat before the scream could fully form.

Expecting the press of the blade on your skin, you tried to prepare yourself. But soon were extremely surprised when a gentle finger tapped on one side of your jaw, just below your ear.

"Listen."

Blinking back at him, you squinted your eyes at his command. With no understanding of the situation, you had no other choice but to oblige. That's when you heard it.

Bang

That definitely came from the same direction as the sound before.

"What was that?" You whispered. Creases appearing on your forehead as you tried to listen more carefully.

"We should go." He stated calmly and stepped back. Putting his head against the door, he started listening for something.

"No. I don't understand anything, and unless I do, I'm not going—"

"You're not listening!" He hissed, and for the first time, his carefully managed emotions cracked, giving way to compelling urgency. He moved back to stand in front of you. "If we don't leave now and they find us, it will all be over."

They? Who is he talking about?

You eye him, your gaze full of skepticism, and it is then that you hear a muffled sound, neck snapped towards the wall as if you could see past the wood; you deduce it sounded like a scream. Your blood ran cold.

"That was a scream. We c-can't leave; we need  to—" Your breath hitched when you faced him again and came face to face with a knife.

"You're in no position to worry about that." It took you a moment to realise he was holding the knife by the blade, urging you to take it. It was yours; he must have picked it up from when you dropped it.

"But—"

"They are after you."

He you dead in the eyes and tilted his head, hair falling in his eyes, silently asking you to cooperate.

It was just like five years ago. The weight of your feet doubled, sinking you deeper in a darkness you knew too well. Your head spinning, a whirlwind of different shades of green flew past you. And you were fifteen again. Your father was asking you to leave, to run away. And you wanted to cry. "They are coming for you."

"Hey." He touched your shoulder softly, "It's okay; we'll get out of here. You can trust me."

"I don't." You replied shakily.

His eyes gleamed, "Good." You thought you heard a smile in his voice, but when you looked back at him, his face was as stoic as ever.

He motioned for you to follow as he cracked open your door just barely enough for his thumb to fit. He peeked out—assessing the corridor. Finding it bare, he pushed the door halfway open and stepped out, then motioned for you to follow.

You eyed the distance separating you and him, the doorway right in the middle. You could lock him out right now, when he was distracted. There was no proof he was telling the truth—that he was actually helping you. But deep inside you had an inexplicable inkling that doing that would not work in your favour.

You gathered the few things you had and were out the door, following close at his heels. You meant it—you didn't trust him, but at this moment he seemed like your best bet at figuring out what was going on.

And maybe, just maybe, even shine some light on a past you couldn't quite let go.

Giving your head a shake internally focused on the current situation at hand and started walking in the opposite direction from where the sounds had been coming from.

Behind you, the stranger shut the door behind you and urged you to move in front of him. He stood there for just a second longer before matching you step by step.

You walked faster, turning the corner before he did and missing the guy emerging from the other end. He locked eyes with the man walking behind you but didn't pay any mind, his attention focused somewhere else.

The other man—about to enter your room—stopped there for a second, hands on the doorknob. They were warm. The metal of the knob shouldn't be warm in this chilly tavern. Unless someone had made contact with it not too long ago.

The moment you both rounded the corner, safely out of sight, your partner wasted no time in taking huge steps forward, leaving you no option but to increase your speed as well. Not even two breaths passed before you heard thundering footsteps hot on your heels. You turn around, and your eyes meet with that of a man.

The man is dressed in peasant clothing, but it doesn't hide the sword at his waist. Hair a reddish brown, you only caught a brief glance of his enraged expression because the next thing you knew, a hand was grabbing your wrist tight and breaking off in a sprint.

The man gave chase. You change direction, disappearing from view, but you could hear him coming. The stairs were only a few steps away; you quickly tried to make your way there, eager to descend the stairs but felt yourself get tugged in the opposite direction.

"Not there," he said, moving up the stairs, you following behind.

"We will be trapped up there! We need to get out of this building if we want to loose that man."

"We are not trying to loose him," he calmly stated even as you both ran up the stairs. You reached the top floor and saw a large iron plate suspended in the middle, ropes dangling in front of it where there should have been a log hanging. You realised this place was once used as a bell tower.

"What now?" You asked him as he kept walking forward and did not stop until you reached the other side of the spacious place. The large open windows on all sides letting the cool wind in, spreading goosebumps all over your arm.

"Did you think these were just accessories?" He motioned back at the handles peeking out from behind his back, a pair of twin short swords. 

Your lips parted open and eyebrows raised up, "Are you—"

With a bang, the man slammed open the door where you both had just come from.

"Stay back."

Before you even registered what he said to you, you saw him pull one of the swords out and sidestep the other man who had already started lunging at him with his own sword out. Their blades clashed, a ring echoing in the empty space. Similar sounds followed the one before with the grunts of the two men adding to the cacophony of noises.

"Mako," the stranger let out a laugh, the sound light as the air, after deflecting his opponent's last blow, "I thought they would send their best?"

The man, Mako, raised his sword, aiming for the chest, but the black-haired stranger blocked him and raised his leg, kicking him in the gut. The man stumbled, almost doubling over before he took a swing at his feet. Hurriedly he stepped back as the Mako stood straight, slashing the air in front of his face.

This Mako was clearly trained in fighting, and you would be worried if your savior didn't seem just as good at it, if not better.

"You seem to know me," he heaved a breath, and they both circled each other, "but you don't seem to know who you're messing with." The man swung repetitively at him, but he couldn't land a single scratch on the stranger. After another swing, he shoved him back with a powerful push. "I get the girl, and you go free," he heaved.

You felt your heart drop but stayed silent. This was no time to panic.

Coming to a standstill, not a single drop of sweat visible, he replied, "I know what I am doing. The girl is going nowhere."

Mako, now furious, let out a yell and charged at him with more vigor. He met his swings with his own slashes and started walking backwards. Nearing one of the windows, he changed to offense and pushed back hard. Sending the man a couple steps back. He prepared for another attack and picked up speed, running at him.

Just where he wanted his opponent.

At that precise moment, the stranger stepped to the side in a swift movement. The man missed him, but before he could turn and deliver another attack, he was onto him, thrusting the sword at his neck.

Mako's upper body dangled out of the window, and his hands became useless as he tried to grip the railing to keep himself from falling over. He could easily have pulled himself inside had it not been for the blade keeping him there. He grunted, letting out curses directed at the owner of said blade.

"As I said, I know who I'm dealing with, but maybe you don't." He whispered lowly—doe eyes gleaming—so only the man in front of him could hear.

Breathing calmly and getting the beating of your heart back to normal, you stepped out from the corner; eyeing the door, you wondered if you could make a run before either of their companions came looking. But you were curious too.

Walking behind him, you chanced a glance at the man hanging out of the window. His gaze trained on you, and he did something unexpected. He had a wide grin that made you uncomfortable. You stepped back, away from his sight, and eyed the other man.

The fighting couldn't have lasted more than five minutes, and even though you weren't the one brandishing a sword, you felt winded.

"What are we going to do with him?" You voiced your question at the same time he shifted the sword to his other hand.

Mako screamed just as the stranger swept both his feet off the floor in a single sweep of his foot and sent a punch directly at his chest.

You watched in horror as the man fell out of the window and ran, leaning against the railing as you saw him groaning on the pile of hay. Alive. You released a shuddering breath and twisted your body to face your savior.

The first rays of sunlight began shining from the east, making their way through the scattered clouds. Their glow was soft and warm, and as he stood there looking back at you, his eyes glowed iridescently.

But that was not what caught you off guard. It was the upturn of pink lips, white peeking out between them.

"Haven't done that in a while," He groaned, stretching his arms back and sheathing his sword.

He was smiling; it was the first one you witnessed. He was smiling after he threw a man out the window. Something was wrong with him.

You couldn't will your eyes to look away. Perplexed. A little scared. Amused.

A question ringing out in your head: where do you go from here? But another quickly emerged, pushing past it—

"Who are you?"

Dark-lined eyes locked with your wide ones. His grin faded, and instead his mouth attained a genuine, friendly quirk.

"Intelligence gathered and former mercenary," he offered his hand in greeting, "Jeon Jungkook."

As you stared at his extended hand and up at his face, you came to a conclusion. One your subconscious had already realised the moment he appeared at your door. 

Wherever you go after this, it won't be back home.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠♡

𝘛𝘢𝘨-𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯! 𝘚𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘥.

Hey, thief. | KTH

University au!

Pairing: Taehyung x reader

Genre: Fluff

Word count: 2.3k

Warning: curse words (as usual)

Summary: It seems Taehyung can't help but get roped in these late night adventures. This time though, he won't be coming back empty handed.

Note: something short and sweet! I hope you enjoy reading!! This is part of the BTS university series. This fic is connected to my other fic 'Little slave' and I would recommend reading that before, but it can be read as a stand alone too.

Note: this is a repost from my old blog.

"Hyungggg can you even see anything."

"Shut up, Kook! I'm trying!"

"Hyung you're too heavy—Ow Jungkook! Stop stepping on my foot!"

"Shut up both you idiots. I think there's someone else in there too."

Yoongi hissed—from where he stood on Jungkook and Taehyung, bent over with hands placed on knees—trying to see inside the room they were spying on through the small window but was only met with darkness and shadowy figures.

"Jungkook stop stepping on me or else-"

Before Taehyung could complete his sentence, he misplaced his footing while trying to get his revenge on Jungkook, and the next thing he knew, they all fell down on the dirty floor, quite loudly.

"Ah ow," "Holy shit-" "Fuck!"

They all lay there in a mess of limbs cursing each other.

"You're so heavy Taehyung, get your ass off of me." Yoongi groaned.

"Now you must know how I was feeling carrying you on to of me." Taehyung mumbled from beneath Jungkook's legs.

"Why is Jungkook suddenly so silent? Did you hit your head kook? Lost those last couple brain cells?" Yoongi turned towards Jungkook but he was staring at the corner of the hallway like a statue.

"Guys. Run." Jungkook said and dashed, leaving the others confused but soon Yoongi followed him ina haste as well leaving only Taehyung behind.

Taehyung raised his head, confused what caused all his friends to book it so fast, but was soon met with the reason. Finally seeing the thing that made them flee.

You heard them before you actually saw them. It was dark, but you could still make out three figures two of them crouched with the third balancing on top of them.

They were all right outside of Professor Lee's office window.

Just as you were looking—trying to figure out what exactly was going on—they lost their balance and fell to the floor from where they noticed you. At first only one of them, who ran as if he saw a ghost, and then the second—both whose faces you couldn't see—leaving the third specimen behind.

He stood up and looked around in panic.

"May I ask what exactly you and your friends were doing right now?"

"I- we- nothing- I'll explain-" but he cut himself off when suddenly the lights inside the office turned on.

With the halway now visible through the little light filtering through the window, his face was more visible, and boy was he cute. But that's not important right now.

Before you could process what's happening the specimen was pushing you towards a dark corner and looking out to see if anyone was gonna pop out from the corners.

He only let go of you and gave you some space when the lights went off after ten minutes. All while he had a hand placed on your mouth, his panicked heartbeat practically audible.

"So, are going to say something or not?" You asked again after he had moved away. "Wait don't tell me you were here to steal the question papers for the next exams." He had been looking around trying to find a way to get rid of you, but the moment these words left your mouth, his head snapped up and his eyes went wide.

"I- No! ...look I can explain."

"Oh god, so you really were here for that."

In a second, his demeanour changed, as if a switch was turned off. He looked you in the eye and started walking towards you in slow, calculated steps. You started taking steps back until your back hit the wall. He looked at you with dark eyes and an intimidating expression. Was this the same person who looked like a lost puppy just now?

"Do you even know who we are?" He asked in a deep voice.

"No-" you replied.

"What our names are?"

"Um, no but-"

"Then you can't do anything. You have nothing to prove you ever saw me here. Ha ha" He dashed screaming behind his shoulder and began laughing.

Well, at least you knew his expressions could change really fast.

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇　

The next day Taehyung sat in Mr. Lee's class, clearly avoiding a specific friend's eyes who sat at the front. Although a little confused as to why Hoseok, the TA, was smirking at her. He had no idea. Jung was strange in many ways, so he decided not to pay him any mind.

He hurried out of the class the moment their professor dismissed them and made his way to the cafeteria, where he'd meet up with his other friends.

He went there to see Jungkook already there, chatting with another one of his friends. "So how's the nwe neighbor?" Jungkook asked in casual tone leaning back with his signature shiteating grin, which made her sputter out the juice she was drinking.

By the time she recovered and Taehyung decided to make his presence known to them both, he felt a presence behind him.

"Hey thief." Someone said right by his ear.

Startled, he looked behind and his eyes met with yours. You were leaning close to his shoulder and smiling innocently. He instantly recognised you. Looking back at the table where his friends sat, he decided to leave them out of this.

"Do you have a couple minutes to spare? So we can talk? Or if you want, we can talk right here." You gestured to the table where he was looking at.

He immediately took hold of your wrist in his hand and tugged you out of the cafeteria and in a secluded corner.

"What are you doing here!? And how did you find me?" He hissed, panic written all over his face. The campus was way too big for her to go searching around him without his name at the very least.

"You were outside of Mr. Lee's office, so it was obvious you were in one of his classes." You explained with a shrug.

"Oh. Wait, did you check each one of the classes that Mr. Lee took to find me!? I believe you didn't go through that much trouble just to say hi to me, did you?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Not really. I found you in his second class only so it wasn't that troublesome. And yeah I do have something I need from you." You gave him an easy smile.

"I wonder what that might be."

"I want to ask a favour from you. Just little one."

"And what makes you think that I'd help you willingly." He crossed his arms.

"Let's see, you were involved in the stealing of exam papers and I caught you red handed." You smiled innocently

"Is that a threat I hear in your voice? You can't go to Mr. Lee though since nothing is actually missing from his office and he won't believe you"

"But I'm sure the sweet TA would love to hear this piece of information. You know how much he enjoys gossip and how good he is at using them in his favour."

"You don't have proof." He scoffed.

You pulled out your phone, and there was a video playing on it.

"So are you going to say something or not?"

"Wait don't tell me you were here to steal the exam papers for next weeks exams."

Taehyung's eyes widened as saw his face, clear in the video playing on your phone.

"I- No!...look I can explain."

"Oh god so you really were here for that."

"Do you even know who we are?"

"No-"

"What our names are?"

"Um no but-"

"Then you can't do anything. You have nothing to prove."

"Now I wonder if that counts as a proof." You gave an exaggerated pout, "But I'm sure Hoseok would like to see that." You blinked up at him.

"So now you're blackmailing me?" He asked incredulously.

"Seems like it." You smiled, making your eyes almost disappear.

"What do you want?"

"This semester's question papers from Mrs. Choi." You said it with a straight face.

"Wh- what!? Are you crazy?" He asked, sputtering.

"Maybe." You giggled. "Now since you already have experience in this field, I thought I'd ask for help. Also, you ruined my chance yesterday. And if you refuse I already have that video."

He stayed silent.

"See you outside the school building, 11 p.m. Don't be late." You winked and shot him finger guns.

When you were out of sight, Taehyung groaned. "What have I gotten myself into."

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇　

You reached the school building exactly on time and saw Taehyung already standing there.

Coming up behind him, you whispered in his ear, "Hey thief."

Startled, he said, "Stop sneaking up on me! And my name is Taehyung, so stop calling me that." He said then immediately thought if telling her his name was a good idea. Eh, it's already too late.

"Ok, ok." You raised your hand in surrender. "Now, let's go."

You both made your way in and stopped in front of the office. Slowly pushing the door, you found it unlocked. Maybe the cleaning staff hasn't arrived yet.

Looking for places to search with your phone flash lights, you saw a locked cabinet and pointed towards it with your chin. Taehyung immediately started checking it and found that it was locked.

He took out a small screwdriver and started trying to pick the lock. "Wow, so you really are a professional, huh." You said, eyes rounded in awe.

"Shut up, " he rolled his eyes, and you grinned. Walking towards the door, you decided it would be better to keep a watch out while Taehyung worked with the lock.

While you were looking around, humming to yourself, you heard a clanging sound. At first you thought it came from the outside but soon it was followed by the sound of a door banging shut. Someone was definitely in the building.

You turned around to alert Taehyung,  "Taehyung! I think someone is coming-"

But at that exact moment he let out a groan, kicking at the table beside him.

There was silence, and then you heard heavy but quick footsteps coming your way.

Shit.

"You idiot! Someone is coming here you just announced our presence to them! What do we do now?!"

You both were staring at each other in panic, thinking of a way to get out of this.

You looked up—an invisible light bulb going off in your head—and grabbed at his shoulders, "Okay, don't panic and just play along."

"What-"

"Just pretend!" You hissed and closed the distance between you, your lips hovering just above his and heads tilted in such a way that gave the illusion that you two were kissing.

Taehyung immediately froze in shock. But when a flash light shined just outside the door, he panicked for real and took a step forward.

With that, the next thing you knew, Taehyung had pushed you to the desk and was kissing you—for real. His hands slid down your back, resting below your waist just above your ass. His lips soft and slightly parted as they pressed gently against yours. You were utterly shocked but immediately caught up on the act and put your arms around his shoulder just as the door swung open.

"Oi kids! What are you doing here?"

You both immediately parted and started at the guard, pointing his torch at you.

Your face was red, and your heart was beating loudly from the kiss, or was it from being caught? You didn't know, maybe both.

"You said no would disturb us here at this hour!" You said in false shock, turning towards Taehyung.

But he couldn't utter a word, too stunned by what he just did, just staring at you with large eyes and heated cheeks. After a moment, he let out a nervous giggle, and the guard just sighed in exasperation.

Soon you both were out of the building, walking side by side in silence.

"Well, that was an unexpected turn of events." You broke the silence, and Taehyung flushed a little. "But are you sure that guard won't say anything to the management about..." You gestured between you both with your hands, sneaking a glance at his lips.

"The campus is full of crazy wild kids, what we did was nothing. He probably won't even remember us in the morning. Want to know some of the crazier things that others have done on school property?" He asked casually.

"No, I'm good...but you'd still have to follow my orders, remember I still have that video." You said. Your hand going towards your back pocket to reach for the phone. Nothing.

You stopped in your tracks searching for your phone in your front pockets and jacket when you heard Taehyung speak up a few paces ahead of you, having walked a bit further.

"Looking for something?" He pulled your phone out of his pocket, waving it above his head. "Now now. It's not good to threaten people and blackmail them, don't you think?"

You were gaping at him, unable to form words. When did he even take it—oh, right. The kiss. Just thinking about it again made your face heat up.

"If you want your phone back," Taehyung spoke up again, breaking you from your thoughts, "meet me at the cafe on the fifth block, 8 a.m. Maybe I can even help you study for your exam so you don't have to steal the question papers. Don't be late."

He turned around and started walking away.

You were so shocked at the turn of events that you stayed rooted to your place. This thief stole from you too, huh? First a kiss, then your phone...

"Stop standing there and move. I'll walk you to your dorm. It's kinda late."

...and maybe a bit of your heart too.

Thank you for reading!

Ps. If you are curious about what Tae and gang were actually doing in the beginning go and read 'Little slave'.

Little Slave | JHS

Title: Little slave; university au!

Pairing: Hoseok x reader

Genre: Fluff

Word count: 7.6k

Warning: curse words.

Summary: When a series of bad luck, or bad decisions really, land you in the palm of the most wicked TA at campus, what choices do you have other than to do his bidding?

Note: Hello! Thank you for reading this fic. It's the second part of my bts university au series but of course can be read as a stand alone.

Note: I'm reposting this from my previous blog.

(Credit. Deviders by: @chachachannah and @enchanthings ; The pictures are from Pinterest)

You need new friends.

New friends who won't make you play drunk truth and dare. New friends who won't be sitting somewhere in their dorms snickering at your misery. New friends who won't make you do things you do.

New friends who aren't the most chaotic trio on the whole campus, a.k.a. Taehyung, Yoongi, and Jungkook.

You went to hide under the desk of your professor's office the moment you heard shuffling outside the doors. Crouching low, tucking yourself in, and trying to keep quiet. Flashbacks of the past night were coming back to you.

You were tired of being named the fun-sucker by your friends and had agreed to a round of shots. You first mistake.

And in your slightly drunken state you let them drag you in the game of truth and dare where they made you pick dare. Your second mistake.

Then, you made the third mistake that night by accepting Jungkook's dare of sneaking in Mr. Lee's office and to bring one of his infamous crystal paper weights as a proof that you did complete the dare.

"It's to prove you ain't a scaredy pants." In Jungkook's drunk words precisely.

And now all those mistakes have lead you here in your current situation. You swear if you die right here you're going to haunt their ass-

You cut off your thoughts as you heard the sound of the door opening. Holding your breath in, you kept quiet as you listened to the sound of the footsteps nearing the desk.

Who could be here at this hour? It's still too early for the cleaning staff to come and way too late for any students or teachers. Don't tell me Mr. Lee forgot something before and decided to come back. Oh shit oh shi-

You ceased your internal panicking when you saw a pair of shoes just below on the other side of the desk. In the very little light coming from the small lamp on the desk—that was always left on—you saw that they were a pair of sneakers. Okay, not Mr. Lee.

It was silent for a while and then you heard the sound of shuffling of papers as if something was being moved on the desk.

Then the footsteps started retreating and you released a sigh of relief. Alright lets just get out of here now before someone else decides to show up.

Your relief was short lived though. Just before the person could reach the door there was a sudden, loud thump as if something or someone fell painfully on the floor. You tried peeking from your hiding place and look for the source—which seemed to be the small window on the upper side of the wall. You could faintly hear a person—or more, you couldn't really tell—but before you could get up and investigate further you realised that the steps had halted at the loud sound.

The person stood there silently for a couple seconds longer, in which you prayed that he would not think much of the sound, then he took a few more steps and you heard the door shut.

Finally letting out the breath you were holding, you slowly peeked out of your hiding space—the lamp illuminating the office in a gentle glow. Seeing no one around, you enhaled a deep breath and pushed yourself a little more out of the confined space; you looked towards the closed door—no one seemed to be standing outside either.

Wait. Your eyes narrowed in on something just beside the door. Are those...shoes?

"Gotcha." A voice whispered just behind you.

You got up at once, raising from your half crouch, hurriedly turning towards the person and just as you opened your mouth to let out a startled scream you found a palm pressed against your mouth making your scream come muffled against it.

You looked up at the owner of the hand and were met with dark eyes which seemed to be twinkling. The lamp was positioned behind the man—which you could confirm was most probably a student, now that you could somewhat see him—and it drowned his face in darkness, casting a shadow on his face making it harder to recognise him.

You stared silently at the man, brain coming to a full stop as he just stood there. He opened his mouth, a smile heard in his voice as he said, "looks like it's my lucky day."

This voice, it's somewhat familiar...no way...

As he turned his head slightly to the right it became washed in the orange glow of the lamp illuminating his features and it caused you to immediately thought of every curse word you could knew. Because not only did you get caught in your teacher's office late into the night—looking very suspicious, not to mention— but also the person who caught you was none other than the menace of the whole student body, the cocky bitch of a TA.

Jung Hoseok.

He took a step forward. You took one back. He took another. You didn't have space to move behind further.

He leaned closer to you, invading in your space and you tried hard to lean as far away as possible no sure what was gonna happen. He set his hand on the desk you were leaning against, your eyes widened and then there was a click.

Sharp white light flooded the office, the main lights switched on. Now you could see his face, a lazy smile on his lips, looking at you with eyes of a predator.

You heart was thundering in your chest—honestly, you were scared. Hoseok was not one to be messed with. You knew that and that information was making your palms sweat.

"Do you have an explanation as to what you were doing here at this hour?" He scanned your face from top to bottom and then back up, locking eyes with you.

You just let out a pathetic muffled whimper.

"Oh, my bad," he removed his hand where it was planted ln your mouth and shuffled backwards a bit but did not remove his hand from the desk beside you, his second hand moving onto the desk chair effectively trapping you in, in case you tried to make a run for it—which you don't think you can. Your legs feel like jelly.

"I can- i can explain, please," seeing as he was giving you a chance to speak you believed you still had hope and you didn't want to waste a second of it not defending yourself, "I'm not here to do anything suspicious, i swear! Look I was roped into doing this stupid dare by my stupid friends. I was just gonna get in here, collect- collect proof that I completed the dare and then go back I swear it was harmless please trust me-"

"Y/n" The utterance of your name from his mouth halted you in your rambling, "you're in mr Lee's class. I remember you. May I ask who gave you this dare?"

Now, you were many things but not a snitch, "just stupid kids at a party, we were all quite drunk," your voice grew smaller at the twinkling look in his eyes.

"Loyal huh? I like it usually, guess I'll have to make do with only you."

"What- what do you-"

"Okay, so, you broke into a teachers office this late at night, somehow passing through the lock by- how did you unlock the door by the way?"

You pursued your lips, you knew you shouldn't say anything,  you knew and yet when he moved just a centimeter closer and raised a single eyebrow, you squeaked out:

"i pick- I picked the- the lock..."

Your answer caused both his eyebrows to raise.

"So you're a professional at this-"

"It was just stupid easy to pick the locks! They are so cheap it didn't take much effort! A child could do it," you rushed out in a panic, contrasting his calm disposition.

"Oh I wouldn't know. Never needed to test the security of the locks, he stated as he looked down at his hand on the table where one of his fingers had a key on a ring around it.

"Let me get this all in order. You broke into a teachers office by picking the locks to the door, came here with the intention to steal-"

"No!"

"Shh." He took his hand off the chair and pressed a finger against your lips, effectively shutting you up.

"And got caught red handed in the act. Hmm, how should we deal with you? You could've taken sensitive information." You knew there was no information to steal. Mr. Lee always took all his answer sheet, future questions and mark sheets with him home. Something about not trusting the campus security.

"Look. I told you I wasn't here doing something wrong."

"How am I supposed know that? You could've been here doing god knows what. Not to mention mr. Lee will undoubtedly trust my words over yours if it came to that."

He was right. You really were stuck here.

He was smiling down at you like he also knew this fact. You were not liking the situation you were in one bit.

"What do you want?" You sighed.

Withdrawing himself completely from you, "now we're talking," he took several steps back and brought his palms together in a clap once, "you see I'm a busy man, lots of things to do at once. And having a helping hand would really be beneficial for me," you definitely didn't like where this was going.

"You could see it as a way to make up for your mistakes and no one will hear a word about tonight."

"You're asking me to become your slave."

"Not a slave. Just a helper." He smiled sweetly at you. You somehow hated it more than the sly smirks from before.

You were hesitating. Thinking of ways to get yourself out of this mess.

He saw that, "or we can go talk to mr. Lee himself what his thoughts are on your actions? If you'd prefer that?"

What other options did I have.

His eyes were saying the same thing your mind came to realise. None.

The next morning you woke up to the sound of your phone blaring.

Thinking about the fact that you didn't have a morning class and how you wanted to sleep in more, you reached under your pillows with an incoherent grumble and retrieved your phone.

Jung Hoseok

You sat up at once, rubbing your eyes to wake yourself up. Looking at the time you noted it was a little over seven thirty.

"Hello?" You said on the phone, already dreading what he'll say next. If you were being honest you half hopped for last night to be just a nightmare.

"Meet me on the first floor of the social sciences building in fifteen minutes."

No hello? Wow, rude.

"But-but I don't have a morning class?"

"I don't see why that's a problem? I have work for you so you better hurry unless you know-"

"Alright. Alright! I'll be there just give me a moment." You were flabbergasted, how can someone so beautiful be this cruel!?

"I gave you fifteen minutes. Now hurry." He ended the call.

You wanted nothing more than to dive back in your sheets and sob.

You entered the campus canteen at half past eight. Hair a mess and annoyance radiating off of you.

Roaming your eyes around you found the reason of your bad mood on a table in the back. You stormed up to him, "you're an ass."

He looked up from his toast, "you finished with your work?" He asked with a grin.

"Yeah." You all but seethed out of your mouth.

The work he was talking about was why he had called you in the morning. He asked you to come meet him at the social sciences building and then when you arrived at seven fifty, he was nowhere to be found. You called him, like any sensible person and what he said left you speechless for a second.

"hey, where are you? I'm here."

"Oh. Good. Now go into our history classroom and there you will find a bundle of study materials on the desk. Distribute them all for today's class."

"But where are you?"

"Home, where else?"

"What the-"

"Now finish your job and meet me in the cafeteria in around half an hour."

"What do mean- hello? Hello?"

He left you with all his work and didn't even show up.

"Why did you call me here now? To wipe your mouth with a napkin after every bite?" You hissed, still angry.

"Eat."

"What?"

"I said eat," he put his elbow up on the table and rested his head on it, giving you a devilish grin, "you're gonna need all the energy you can get for the rest of your day."

Now your anger vanished, replaced with dread.

You were done with your first class, which just so happened to be Mr. Lee's. As per Hoseok's request you sat in the front row with him only a couple seats over. You could feel Taehyung's confused glances directed at you at the beginning, wondering why you ditched him today but you couldn't tell him what happened last night and honestly you weren't in the mood to talk to him right now.

At the moment you were running towards your next class because even though he was quite tbe entire class when it ended Hoseok made you carry the stack of assignments to mr. Lee's office which made you loose precious time to get to the class in time.

This will be over soon. A couple days and Hoseok would surely let you go. Yeah you just need to hang of for a couple days more.

Little did you know.

From the next day he started working you like an ox in a field.

"Carry these files to the top floor. What? You don't want to?" You ended up being late for your lunch.

"Hello?" You had asked in a small voice. "Bring me an iced americano from the cafe on the other side of the campus. They make it best." He hung up before you could even reply.

"My bag felt heavy so I called you over, take them to my next class, will you? I gotta meet up with a friend." You stumbled in your place as the book bag was tossed in your face.

You were especially pissed off when he called you over to the library to,

"Flip the next page. My hands are tired." It's a damn comic book you ass. He looked up with a pout, his eyes wide and innocent. A wolf in a sheep's clothing.

You couldn't even scream out your frustration like you normally did and instead let out an almost audible sob. You were tired so very tired, when will this torture end.

This morning you were already up when your phone buzzed. Hoseok's terror made it impossible for you to sleep properly, especially since he himself was an early riser and liked to call you first thing in the morning to hand you over that day's first task.

So that meant you were very much awake when he said:

"Come over. I'm sending you my address."

You sputtered, wondering if you heard him right. "What? Your place- no wait- why?"

"Agh you're so loud, did you forget? You're my slave. You do as I tell you. Now hurry." He sounded bored. You couldn't guess what it was even if you tried to. It was a Sunday, that meant it couldn't be a something related to the classes and since he didn't tell you to stop by anywhere you weren't supposed to fetch him anything either.

You sat down heavily on you bed, brain in scrambles, what did he want from you this time? You were almost getting good at guessing, considering it's been about four weeks since that godforsaken night when he caught you.

Since then he's asked of you all sort of odd requests, working you to the bone. Although this last week he mostly called you for help with grading class test or reviewing assignments. So you had to spend quite a lot of time at the library. At some point it almost felt like you were friends, but the moment that thought crossed your head he would make you run half way across campus to fetch him a coffee. And just like that the illusion would shatter.

But now you had no idea. He never asked for you to visit him.

You didn't even have time to spend with your actual friends at all.

You sighed.

Before you could think of something weird you were up and ready to leave. You'll face whatever he threw your way and if he crossed any lines you'll break his nose. His threats be damned.

—

Wiping your sweaty palms on your pants you checked the address once again, confirming you were at the right place. Raising your hand you knocked softly then cursed at yourself wondering if someone even heard. As you stood there like a statue contemplating to knock harder, the door cracked open.

You straightened your back, prepared to throw your fist at Hoseok if need be but were surprised to see a girl your age at the door.

"Hi?" She tilted her head in confusion.

You mentally kicked yourself before answering, "Hi! I'm here for Hoseok," Her eye lit up, she opened her mouth to reply but a loud commotion was heard in the background and she was yanked from the door as it shut in your face.

It was an understatement to say you were shocked into silence. Your lips parted you stared at the closed door.

In two seconds the door opened once more and you were prepared to ask the girl if she was okay but the person standing in front of you was someone else.

"You're late," Jung Hoseok ruffled his wet hair as he stepped aside to let you in, "you gonna come in?" He raised a brow at your still figure.

You hurried inside, forgetting all about your fist and his face. Well not his face, because that's where your attention currently was. His whole body looked damp as if he just came out of a shower as a grey towel hung around his shoulders. His shirt a little wet at places as if he put it on in a hurry, the fabric clinging sinfully to his lean stomach.

Yoh gave your head a shake, what the fuck am I thinking!?

When you forced your eyes back up they locked to his dark ones. He was in his own world just like you were. You cleared your throat to get his attention.

"So," you shifted your wait on your feet, "what did you call me here for?"

He came back to his senses at the sound of your voice and blinked looking around the room. He opened his mouth to say something when you remembered something and cut him off.

"Wait! Who was that girl who opened the door? She suddenly disappeared-"

"Jung!" A second door up in the corridor burst open as the same girl stormed out, only this time her neat black hair was a mess and the glasses she was wearing were askew.

"I cannot believe you picked me up and threw me like a bag of potatoes-" She noticed your gaze, stopping in her rage laced tangent and smiled a crazy smile—or at least it looked crazy in her current state—and turned towards you, "hello! Sorry for his existence, I'm his roommate! Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too um," You looked back at Hoseok as he stood there with his eyebrows furrowed.

"Oh don't mind him. He just didn't want me to meet the object of his affections. Torturous affections, I mean." She grinned like a kid at him which seemed to piss him off more.

He grabbed your hand and dragged you towards a room opposite the one his roommate came out of. Your panic came back in full force now as he shut the door but instead of locking it he went to his desk chair and sat down.

"What are you looking at? I called you over to work, are you seeing the mess in this room?" He gestured around you, "get to clean it up."

It was only now that you realised that you were standing in his room, his personal space and it felt weirdly intrusive to be here. But as you registered what he said a frown took over your face.

"Clean your room?"

"Yeah the vacuum is outside in the hall and-"

"Hoseok, don't you think it's a little too much? Asking me to clean your room?"

"-most of the clothes are clean just fold them and throw 'em back in the cupboard." He simply closed his eyes, settling his feet on the desk with his hands behind his head.

Chewing on the inside of your cheek you clenched your fist and took a deep breath. There was no reasoning with him, so you bent down and picked up a shirt from the floor, starting to fold it. He said most were clean. You threw it in the closet behind you. He can decide what's washed and what's not on his own.

In fifteen minutes you'd folded most of the clothing from the floors but it wasn't even half of it. There were still more his bed and chairs, pieces of fabric hanging off them. Just how many outfits he owns?

"Do you play fashion show in your room everytime you go out? Literally your whole closet is out on the floor." You picked up an pair of jorts, "ew, who wears these."

"People with a good fashion sense, don't worry your pretty little brain about my fashion choices or else you'll burn those last couple brain cells away too." He looked at you with a tilt of his head.

You wanted to punch him. But decided that it would not do you any good to piss him off.

"All these clothes and I didn't see one underwear. Do you not own one?" You said instead. "Or did Jung Hoseok is actually a gentleman who folded them himself to save himself the embarrassment." voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Why? Did you want to see them? Didn't take you for a perv-"

"Oh my god is that a speedo-" Hoseok's eyes snapped open as his frantic gaze zeroed in on your hands. But they were empty. You burst out laughing, "oh shit judging from your reaction do you actually own one?"

He scowled as you kept giggling, "just get done with it already. Next is the bed."

You walked to the bed, "so this is your trick to get girls in your bed? Is that an invitation for me?" You wiggled your eyebrows playfully. You were stuck slaving away your Sunday in his room, might as well entertain yourself.

Hoseok shot a look at his bed and then his gaze lingered on yours. You expected a retort from him but not this. His eyes intense, an unknown expression on his face. Contemplation.

That look gave you a weird feeling in your stomach, suddenly not very keen on entertainment. And so you tried to break the tension, or whatever it was.

"Are you sure you want me near your bed? What if I get my hands on your porn magazines?" You turned towards the bed starting to pick up the clothes strewn there.

Hoseok scoffed, "what do you take me for? A teenag- NO WAIT!"

He scream just as you lifted the mattress to pull the sheets intending to throw them in the laundry basket. You froze, watching as he stood up, one hand stretched in a pausing gesture. An evil grin spread across your face as you threw the clothes in your arm unceremoniously in favor of lifting the mattress as fast as you could.

But Hoseok was faster. He jumped on top of the bed, trapping your hand under it. He started crawling up on the bed but you moved back and in your hands was a booklet.

"Aha! What do we have- AAH!" You screamed as Hoseok jumped off the bed and started to descend on you. You twisted and turned, trying to keep the magazine out of his reach but he followed your motions. You ducked under his arm and started running around the room, Hoseok hot on your tails. You pushed his desk chair at him, turned and tried to climb up on the bed. One foot up you felt an arm snag your waist. In an attempt to throw him off you turned, and lost your footing.

You fell in a mess of limbs on the bed. Your hair spread around you and on your face, one hand stretched far, still trying to keep your possession protected from him while Hoseok lay on top of you. Before you could form any coherent thought--to your surprise--he burst out laughing, you've never heard him laugh so pleasantly. Hm, not so bad. Before you realised it you were laughing with him.

When the laughter started dying down you felt how ticklish your locks felt on your face. You tried shaking your head and blowing upwards to get them to move. To no avail.

Hoseok moved up suddenly and leaned his weight on one arm, gently he brought his other palm close and brushed your hair away with his fingers. Your vision cleared and locked with his. And there it was. That same intense contemplative look.

Not even a second had passed when you heard knocking outside the door, "are you guys okay?" It was his roommate.

Hoseok hurriedly rolled away, "yeah! We're fine."

"Oh. Alright then, just thought I heard a lot of noise and a loud thump," Hoseok winced a little, "just...be safe I guess." And then she was gone.

You have no idea what happened. Or what else might have happened just now. But you didn't want to think about it and so, you got up hurriedly, "I'll go get the vacuum and continue with cleaning." And with that you left the room.

Hoseok stayed on his back staring at the ceiling his gaze unfocused and pulse in a frenzy. He got up and decided to leave the room as well.

Just as you were about to enter the room again, vacuum in hand, Hoseok opened the door. You both stood under the door frame silently before he moved away, letting you pass. He left, closing the door behind him.

—

The door shut softly behind you as you bid Hoseok goodbye, finally done with cleaning.

Hoseok stood there in his living room, looking at the closed door, deep in thought.

"What was that?" He jumped in his skin turning to see his roommate standing beside him mirroring his actions and staring at the door.

"What? I told you I've got myself a little bird wrapped around my fing-"

"Oh shut up," She narrowed her eyes at him, "from what I saw you were the one shaking in your boots since this morning."

"What? No I wasn't."

"Hoseok honey for the love of all things wrong with you, you fussed over your clothes for fifteen minutes, hid all our freshman year pictures and took a shower before noon."

"I shower everyday." He huffed, insulted.

"Not on Sundays, not before playing dead on the couch till eleven o'clock at the very least." She pushed past him to sprawl on said couch. "Not to mention you called her to 'clean your room?' Hoseok, you're anal about cleanliness. Your room sparkles like our Dean's bald head."

She narrowed her eyes at him, "tell me," leaning forward with glimmering eyes, "what is going on?"

"It's literally what I said! She was here to help me clean-"

"Blackmailed, there's a difference. Look Hobi, I don't know what game you're playing but this is not gonna work."

"Worry about yourself. Or has Park finally asked you out for a date? Oh yeah, my bad, you refer to them as hangouts" Her face crumpled at his taunt, her eyes narrowed.

He huffed in annoyance, "you know what just forget it. I've got work to do and you should go do whatever lovesick fools do." With that he started walking back to his room ignoring her shouts.

"At least I'm not being as pathetic as you! Even those clothes you threw out on the floor were washed! All of them! I would know since you used my expensive detergent! Seriously dude if you want to see her that often this is not how you-"

The door slammed behind him leaving him in silence.

You didn't hear from Hoseok the rest of the day. And thus when Monday rolled up you foolishly let yourself believe that maybe he's finally bored with you and you'd get to live your life. You told yourself it was a good thing.

You were with Yoongi at the university convenience store getting snacks for your movie night with your friends. The first one in weeks. You were scrolling through your phone as Yoongi burned a hole through the store worker scanning your items, when the loud ring tone of your phone rang out.

You quickly silenced it looking up at Yoongi's questioning eyes.

"I'll just quickly take this and then we can get going."

"Who is it? Everything good?" He asked.

If only you knew. You wanted to say but instead smiled and said, "no one! Just a classmate. Everything is oka-"

"Just how long this thing with Jung Hoseok will go on for?"

All the words died on your lips. Staring at him in horror you croaked, "you knew?"

"Of course I did, just what do you take me for." He sighed, the bags of junkfood slung around his arm as he made to exit the store.

"How did- how long? Do the other two know?" You stumbled after him.

"I notice things, unlike those dumbheads. Well Taehyung is more focused on his new relationship so I wouldn't blame him and you know Jungkook. As for how long? About a month," You were shocked to know he'd known about this whole arrangement since almost the beginning.

"Why didn't you say anything?"

"It didn't seem extreme at first. Entertaining even," That made your eyes narrow. "But recently it has been a little too much. I wanted to talk to you about it but didn't know if you'd appreciate me bringing it up."

You were chewing on your lips. He was right, you were embarrassed about the whole thing and didn't want to talk about it and though it was not all it still was part of the reason, at the start at least.

"Hey. Look at me. You don't need to feel embarrassed okay? It was fun in the beginning but I can see that it's affecting you in more ways now. But the only thing I'd ask is: how long will this go on? And you know it's not just the whole you acting as his valet thing, but we'll focus on that for now."

He took out a piece of candy from the bags hanging from his arms and offered it to you, "you're not being yourself, you've been missing our game nights and hangouts for some time you know? We miss you. Please try and sort out whatever it is you two have going on. I'll see you later."

With one hand holding the candy while the other clutched you phone as it began vibrating once again, you looked at Yoongi's retreating back and picked up the phone.

"Hello?"

—

You entered the private study room with two coffees and a piece of strawberry shortcake and started scanning for a brown headed man. Which wasn't difficult since the room was pretty empty. You quickly spotted him in the far corner and hurried over to his desk.

"Here." He looked up at you voice. Surrounded by stacks of papers with sleep evident in his face it took him a moment to register you were there.

"Oh," He sat up straight. "Yeah, um thanks." You set down the items and watched as he opened the lid of one of the iced americanos and took two mouthfuls like it was water. You were honestly a bit disgusted.

"I'll leave you to your coffee now. Bye." You checked your wristwatch and decided that if you leave right this moment you'll make it to your friends by the end of the first movie, maybe they will let you choose the second one-

"Where are you going?" He interrupted your thoughts. "Can't you see how many assignments I have got here to grade? I will need help with that, sit down."

If he could feel your distress in the air then he said nothing, simply took another sip of his coffee and went back to work.

"I'll do them later this night, just give them to me and I'll take them back home and finish them by tomorrow morning." You attempted to get him to let you leave. You really didn't want to miss out on yet another hangout and firmly believed that there was still time to salvage it. But you should have known, the moment you picked his phone up it was already too late.

"None can do. I need them done by the night, so sit down and get started." He didn't even look up at you. When you didn't move he looked up at you wrangling you fingers, "or did you forget that you do as I say?" He warned.

Immediately you froze. Not because you were scared, you realised you hadn't been scared for a long time now. Even started feeling something pleasant somewhere back then. Instead what you felt now was anger. Frustration and just pure anger. You remembered Yoongi's words. Yoongi was right just how long you would keep playing this game. How can he still reduce all you did for him and the time spent together to nothing but that stupid threat?

"Are you just going to stand there-"

"Enough." He felt the change in the atmosphere and snapped his head up, eyes wide.

"Enough of this Hoseok," you voice came out even stronger that you felt. "I'm tired of this and I can't do this anymore."

He opened his mouth to say something but you were not in the mood to listen. "I was supposed to be with my friends right now. I was supposed to be with them all those times when you had me sit with you doing something stupid. But I'm done now and I can't do this anymore."

You took a deep breath, voice getting calmer, the dam was open and and there's no stopping you.

"And you know it's not just that. It was almost going good after some time, for moments it felt like we were friends and I was helping you as such but then you'd go on about your threat and how I was your slave and it was honestly frustrating." You didn't wanna sound weak but your next words were vulnerable, "I thought you cared if only a little. Getting an extra drink for me, being mercyful for once when grading my assignments, cracking jokes, acting playful, you even gave me your hoodie when it was late and it had started to rain once. I thought we were friends because honestly we both knew it was stupid to blackmail me for this long but I still went with it because I thought we were getting closer. But you don't care"

Pulling your shoulders back your voice hardened again, "go tattle to whoever you want to about whatever suits you. Whatever happens then would be better than what is happening right now, I don't care anymore."

Hoseok sat stunned on his seat as you turned and disappeared from his sight.

When he came to his senses he stood up in a haste to try and catch up to you. What he'll even say to you? No idea.

But in his hurry he banged the table with his hip causing his half finished coffee to fall and spill all over the wooden surface. He was quick to gather the tissues from the pastry container that came with the coffees. As he dabbed at the liquid, praying it won't leave a stain, he noticed the strawberry cake and another cup of frappe—both of them for you. Now forgotten. The table and a few of the assignment copies ruined like the night he'd planned, working beside you.

It was Friday. Hoseok was, for once unshowered on a week day and his room a little less than pristine.

That was how his roommate, who had barged into his room found him. Slumped against his desk with wrappers of chips and cups for water strewn on the floor.

"Alright," coming into the room and taking a seat on his bed she continued, "what are we doing?"

Hoseok lifted his head and scrunched his brows, "about what?"

"You being a miserable moron."

He scoffed, "what are you talking about? I'm fine."

"Yeah and I had a threesome last night. Now that we're done playing 'who tells the biggest lie' can we talk about how you've still not acknowledged you little crush and how you absolutely smashed your chances with that crush?"

"God, it wasn't a crush" He groaned, "you know I was stretching my time anyway, I wasn't even expecting the arrangement to last this long. You know how it is, I get my work done and let them go in a week or two. She just happened to stay longer and I kinda got used to it."

"Hoseok." Her voice was stern but also exasperated, she seemed genuinely tired of his shit.

He sighed. She was wrong. It wasn't that he hadn't acknowledged his crush it was that he didn't know how to act on it. He'd been stupid and now you probably hate him. Rightfully.

"I know. Okay? I know I ruined it. I just wanted to keep seeing her and now she won't even look at me." He had seen you at class the next day you told him off and you were back in your seat at the back with you friend. "Can't do anything now though. She hates me for taking advantage of her."

"That's what she said? You know you were being an ass the first couple weeks but was it always the same even later on? From her perspective too?" Her words were making him confused because of course it was always like that, he was overbearing towards you.

"Think about what she actually said Hobi," she started to head out but before leaving completely, "and take a shower."

He sat there and thought over what she had said. i thought you cared because you had cared. And he had been selfish and careless with you.

When you had seen the text on Saturday you thought you were mistaken.

Hoseok: meet me at the icecream parlor at five

You contemplated not going. Wondering what he was calling you for. But at the end decided to go anyway. To get done with this whole fiasco at last but also because you hadn't talked to him in days and after weeks of spending hours together it felt odd.

Rounding the corner you almost believed he won't show up, that he'd forgotten what happened on Monday and had found a new way to torment you.

But you saw him sitting there on the outdoors table, his back facing you and before you could change your mind you walked the rest of way, quickly reaching him.

You sat down without a word, eyes on your hands and avoiding him.

"Hi." he called out softly.

Now you had to look up, "hey." You said as you noticed two cups of ice cream in front of him.

"Oh. I just went ahead and ordered for you as well. If you want you can get something else-"

"No. It's fine." You pursued your lips. You saw it in his face, he was feeling bad, for whatever reason. Harassing you with work? Being annoying? Hurting you? Justified. But you couldn't be mad at him because you believed in some sort of budding friendship that wasn't there.

He scooped some of the chocolate dessert but then promptly put down his spoon. "I'm sorry."

You looked up at him, fingers playing with the plastic spoon. You didn't know what to say so he continued on.

"I'm sorry. I was being a piece of shit. I've always been that way, hell even enjoyed it before," He winced, "but I know I fucked up and I want to sincerely apologise for that."

You didn't realise how much you wanted him to acknowledge his wrongs until you heard it out loud. "I also want to say sorry for treating you like the way I did and for keeping you from the people close to you." He took a breath, "also for hurting you for..." You knew he meant the last part of your conversation.

"I appreciate the apology. Truly." And he knew you meant it, "for being insufferable and about my friends, I accept those apologies. But you don't need to be sorry for my accusations of you not caring. There were no feelings, I understand that. I tried to make something out of nothing and ended up hurting myself-"

"But there was." His firm voice startled you. When you met his eyes you saw how they were filled with desperation. "I was always finding ways to keep you near for longer and excuses to call you over often." He looked at your confused eyes and gulped but carried on, "I was being selfish and inconsiderate because I didn't know how else to keep your attention on me and get to know you more. I didn't know what else to do because I was an idiot who couldn't work out a normal way to tell you that... That I liked you."

"What?" Now, you expected a hundred different things when you came here but hearing this? It had you reeling.

"I know, shocking right? I mean who in their right mind blackmails the girl they have a crush on. But that night I found you at our professor's office and just knew I couldn't let go of the opportunity. I was an idiot then. And an even bigger one because I thought I could be normal about it. But what even was normal about the last month and a half." He sighed rubbing his face, "I know, I know you hate me and I don't blame you-"

"Do you really think I did all that because you threatened me?" He blinked owlishly, letting out a confused huh?

"I said do you really think I would've stayed this long because of some flimsy threat like that?" You scooped some icecream into your mouth then swallowed before continuing, "at the beginning? Maybe. I thought I would have to deal with you for a few days and at the time it definitely sounded better than dealing with my professor. I would be honest, I didn't took particular notice of you before that night but somewhere when I got to know you more I realised it was almost tolerable to spend time with you. Half of the time at least."

"So...what you're saying is..." He trailed off.

"Yes. What I am saying is that half the reason I spent time with you was because I wanted to. I was hoping for something more I guess."

"But then I went and ruined everything because I couldn't get my actions to match my feelings. I'm such an idiot." He said, dragging his hands down his face.

"Not going to argue with that."

"No. Wait. We've got this all wrong." He slid his icecream far away leaving you confused and then looked expectantly at you to do the same. When you did, he took a deep breath and, "let's start this right. Tomorrow night? Are you free?"

"Uh yeah?"

"Then let me take you out to dinner. I want to get to know you and spend time with you."

You were speechless and that made him nervous. Had he interpreted your words wrong?

In his hurry he added: "The normal people way."

You chuckled at that, "you mean by not asking me to sign a slavery contract?"

"If you wish then I'll be the one signing the contract this time around," He leaned back on the chair, "ready to bend backwards at your beck and call."

You smiled with a shake of your head. "Alright. Tomorrow night. But you're picking the place."

He grinned and gave a slow nod. His clear brown eyes shining as he looked at you. And you were excited for this new beginning.

That night when you had agreed to take part in this stupidity you hadn't known you would go from being his little slave to the one who ruled his heart.

Maybe you had your idiot friends to thank, for the stupid dare which landed you here in the first place. But you'd rather die than admit that.

Looking at his heart shaped smile as he tried slurping the now melted icecream, which made him scrunch his face in a disgusted expression, made you heart feel warm. Even though he might act like an ass some times, you liked him.

And it was honestly a little cute to imagine him having a crush on you—you couldn't wait to hear all about that in the near future. All in due time.

𝗔/𝗻: Thank you so much for reading! Send your feedback by comment/reblog/or send an ask! I would really love to hear from you about anything literally!!

Jenga

𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: Jungkook x Reader 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: University au! f2l Fluff W𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: None. W𝗰: 836

It's short and sweet, hope you enjoy! (gif not mine) Divider by: @cafekitsune

A drop of sweat rolled down your forehead as you carefully took out a wooden piece from the corner of the Jenga. It shook slightly as if about to fall but thankfully stayed. Glancing up and meeting Jungkook's eyes you saw the furrow in his brows and wondered he might get permanent wrinkles if he kept doing that.

He leaned sideways spying a piece stuck in the middle and slowly started pushing it. When it was halfway out the tower started shaking making him pause, his eyes widened as he waited for something to happen but when the structure stayed still he let out a breath and started moving the piece again.

It was almost out and Jungkook looked up for a split second to cast you a cocky look. His mistake. Because in the next second the piece was out with the whole tower falling down. His hand hovered in the air for a long second just as a wide smile appeared on your face.

"Finally!" you cheered as a groan left Jungkook's mouth. This was your first win against Jungkook in the last four game nights with your friends and now you were going to rub your win in his face for at least the next two weeks.

Yoongi crackled at the absolute look of distaste on Jungkook's face giving away how much he was hating the current situation.

You looked up just in time to see Jungkook rolling his eyes.

"Yeah yeah you won. Yay. Now let's get this over with." He said sweeping his bangs away from his forehead and leaning in waiting to get flicked. He sighed once and then closed his eyes.

After 10 seconds of wait a small smile graced his lips as he felt nothing hit him. Just as he started opening his eyes he felt a stinging pain on his forehead and jerked his head back letting out a yelp.

"Ouch! That hurts! You actually did it?"

"Why wouldn't I have done it? What? Were you expecting me to kiss your forehead instead or something?"

"yeah maybe I was expecting exactly that!" He said with a slight pout.

"I'm not your girlfriend or something, why would you expect me to go all soft on you." You snorted.

"You could've been if you weren't so blind." He mumbled out of the corner of his mouth but clearly you all heard it if the silence of the room was anything to go by. His words managed to distract even Namjoon and Jimin from their intense game of mario cart.

"Are you…asking me out right now? Like that?"

He just looked down, face dusted with pink the same shade as his lips. "I may or may not be doing that." You paused for a moment and that had Jungkook nervously looking anywhere in this tiny dorm except at your face. After a moment you said. "That's a terrible way to do this if you are." He looked up immediately at that. Staring into your eyes for a moment and then grabbing your hand, startling you slightly he stood up with you and started dragging you out of the room so fast that you didn't have time to react and so you just followed him.

Once outside in the hallway he turned around and grabbed both your shoulders. He walked you back until you were pressed against a wall and then took a deep breath.

"Let me do it properly then. Would you like to be my girlfriend and let me take you out on a date?" His eyes were wide and he looked nervous. And so he added as an after thought "please?"

You were looking up at him with your own wude eyes. "Thought you'd never ask." You were grinning widely.

A smile was on his face too, he looked a bit relieved and a lot happy.

The lights in the hallway were dim and casted an orange glow on his face. You reached up and cupped his cheek with one hand, your thumb stroking his cheekbone as you started leaning up towards him.

He leaned down a bit and closed his eyes. His lips parted slightly, warm breath hitting your lips. You got on your tip toes the other hand coming to rest on his shoulder and then your soft lips landed on his…

…forehead.

You lips left his skin as fast as they got there. Barely a brush of your lips.

He opened his eyes immediately and looked at you confused. You just smiled innocently and said "Here's you forehead kiss. Now you don't need to pout you sulky baby."

He stared at you in disbelief and you returned the stare. After a couple of seconds you both just bust out laughing.

It feels good. Laughing with him like this knowing that tomorrow is a promise for more, it feels good.

Back in the room everyone was just staring at the door where you both just left and then Jimin burst out laughing rolling on the floor, "fucking finally". Meanwhile Yoongi and Namjoon just stared at each other, both confused as to what just happened.

A/n : Thank you for reading!

Pairing: Namjoon x female reader Summary: You ran into this cute dude with even cuter dimples who keeps appearing just when you need help. Coincidence? Word Count: 1.3k Genre: College au! Fluff Rating: general Warnings: No warnings Published: 9th March 25 (reposted from old blog)

A/n: hello! This is a repost from my previous blog. So if you've seen it somewhere it's probably that. It's the first fic in my bts university series but it works totally fine as a stand alone.

You were rolling around on the bed, tired after the all-nighter you pulled to meet the deadline of your Chemistry assignment. One would say that Mr. Kim is usually sweet and to be honest you only want to see his sweet side because once he starts giving lectures on tardiness, the speed of words leaving his tongue matches with that of a bullet train's.

Snacks. Yup that's what you need right now. The best way to lift your spirits.

At this point it has become part of your routine to grab the some from the store on campus—the same one—the only exception of that was that one time you had to go run errands for a friend.

You never keep snacks stocked up at your apartment because you have a very special ability to finish two week's worth of snacks in one night and so you got up from bed, grabbed your wallet and started your trek to the convenience store.

—

The store was not that busy at this time of the day, just a few uni kids wandering around either bored out of their mind or looking for junk to fill their stomach with.

You made a beeline towards the usual location where they kept snacks, only to halt. There are stacks and stacks of cheetos here instead of your precious honey butter chips.

In confusion you looked around, wondering if you should bother the staff but that's when you catch sight of your precious chips peering down at you from the top rack. Great. Just great.

You stood on your tippy toes, while cursing your genes for making you this short, to no avail.

Jump. Let's jump.

It felt like the chips have now started to mock you from up there.

You were glaring daggers at the innocent packets when suddenly you felt a presence behind you. Then you saw a hand stretch out with ease and grab the packet effortlessly.

You looked behind and saw a mop of brown hair sitting around a tall body. Damn, you envy him or rather his height, it looks like you'll just keep on staring at those chips for eternit-

"Here." He suddenly spoke up, breaking the unintentional eye contact you were locked in.

"What?" You replied in shock. Did he speak to you?

"Here. Take these. You seemed in a bit of trouble there."

"Oh. Ah thank you."

He just smiled in response. Dimples. He has dimples. Cute.

"I'm Kim Namjoon, by the way." He offered his hand. You took it immediately and told him your name.

You were about to turn back but he spoke up again. "Physics major, senior year. And you?"

"English major. Senior year." You replied.

"Mrs. Yu's class?"

"Yeah."

"Oh same. I'm in her class too."

"Really? I never saw you there."

"Well you do tend to get immersed in you notebook the moment you take your seat, forgetting to eve look at your surrounding." He joked with a light laugh. It was pretty.

"Oh." You got a little red faced, it's not like you meant to ingnore him, or anyone, but still you laughed along with him"I'll try to be more attentive maybe? I should be going now. See you at class maybe?"

"Yeah. Sure." And with that you returned back to your apartment to start another twenty eight pages of reading.

—

Just when you thought you forgot about the incident at store and the guy with dimples. You saw him again.

And again you were struggling and he had to come rescue you. Only this time you were trying to collect your papers that you oh so graciously dropped on the floor.

"Hey, you alright?" You saw a shadow just above you. You looked up, staring directly at the concern filled brown eyes belonging to none other than Namjoon.

"Yeah." You quickly replied and continued collecting the papers.

He squat down beside you and started helping. "You sure? It looked a pretty hard fall." Oh yeah, with those papers, you managed to drop yourself on the floor too.

He just had to be the one seeing all this. Great. You just ruined your image in front of one of the cutest guy you've ever seen.

After all of the mess was under control you broke the silence, "so, where were you headed?"

"Just the library. Can't put off the English assignment any longer."

"Oh, same. Haven't finished it either?"

"Nope." He said and then a little hesitantly, "Maybe we can go and work on it together? I mean if you want to..."

"I think that would be a good idea. I would really appreciate some push. Let's go." You agreed because honestly you were going to fall asleep if you were left alone and you definitely wouldn't mind some company.

Namjoon proved to be a pretty good study partner. He was helpful and cracked some jokes from time to time so you were never bored either. You have to admit, you actually enjoyed his company.

—

You can't focus on chemistry anymore. Why did you even chose this subject in the first place!? It was a Wednesday, not a day you usually go for your snacks refill. But you really needed some energy right now if you had any hopes of surviving Chemistry.

You entered the store and went straight to the snack racks. You were about to turn around when you heard a familiar voice.

Namjoon. And...

The store worker.

"Are you seriously going to do this every other day now?" She said with an annoyed tone. It was the girl who usually manned the counters.

"You can't tolerate this tiny inconvenience for your friend?" It was Namjoon and he was...

Wait why was he moving the honey butter chips on the top rack?

"Just pass me the packets, will you?" She just sighed and did as was told.

"You know, instead of doing this, maybe you could tell her that you like her and just ask her out like a normal person?" She said. Suddenly, everything hit you at once, the sudden change in snack location and some of the other incidents. It made sense. This guy liked you?

You quietly went near the blonde haired girl and tapped her shoulder, putting a finger on your lips. She quickly caught up to the situation and handed you the chip packets and left.

All the while Namjoon was busy in his own world, "You know how I can be. I don't know if she likes me or not. She didn't even noticed me until what? four days ago?" Six days. "What if she had rejected me?" Namjoon was blabbering all the while you were silently handing him the packets. "This was the only way I knew how to make my existence known and maybe start a friendship? I got tired of just glancing at her from across the class room and here at the shop when she would come every other day-" Namjoon halted.

He had reached for the last packet while talking and when you didn't released it, keeping a tight grip, he turned around.

Marbles. That's the only way you can describe his wide and beautiful eyes right now as the pale ceiling light hit his orbs just right.

He was shocked and maybe mortified. Were you going to stop talking to him now? Or worse hate him?

You didn't uttered a word and just turned around.

After a few steps you stop and looked over your shoulder. He was still staring at you with wide eyes. You almost laughed.

"Did you know the sunset looks really beautiful from the park near the art building. We might be able to catch it if we start moving now." You said nonchalantly. Then added "Maybe we can share these too." You shook the packet in your hand and started walking towards the cash counter.

After a moment of freezing up, Namjoon finally came to his senses and followed you out with a sheepish smile on his face.

You two exited with you having a suppressed grin on your face and him with a cheeky smile on his face as the wind ruffled his hair.

—

Really, the sunset was beautiful. But maybe less than what had started blooming between the two of you on that day.

Thank you for reading!