therapycantsaveme

Latest Posts by therapycantsaveme

LMFAOOOOO this was me when i saw irl a dog with the collar rexia 😭

I’m brainrotted. ITS NOT FUNNY!!!!!!!!!!!

When the fic has all the tags i like

NOOOOOOOOO WHY DID I HAVE TO STUMBLE ON THIS SO LATE AT NIGHT 💔💔 i will be thinking of this when i sleep 💔 I CAN TELL JUST BY THE PREVIEW IT'S GONNA BE SO GOOD 😶😶

SEOSPICY PREVIEW.

CAM: FINAL PREVIEW

Hyunjin x reader. (s,a)

CAM MASTERLIST

Synopsis: Struggling to make ends meet as an art student, Hyunjin never expected his quiet neighbor to change everything. Rumored to be an adult content creator, you offer him a deal—help you with your content, and you’ll help with his financial troubles. What starts as a simple arrangement soon blurs into something more, pulling Hyunjin into a world he never imagined.

Preview under cut!

...

When Hyunjin finally makes his way back to the apartment building, the sky is a deep shade of navy. He climbs the familiar stairs slowly, dragging his feet, thoughts tangled like loose threads in his mind.

It’s when he rounds the corner, about to take the next flight up, that he sees you. Sitting on the steps, elbows on your knees, fingers nervously fidgeting. And when you look up—eyes locking with his like magnets clicking into place—Hyunjin stops breathing for a second. He knows that look. It's the same one he saw on that night you first talked to him. You’ve been waiting for him.

You rise slowly, carefully, like you’re afraid you might scare him off. But your voice is steady when you ask, “Can we talk?”

Hyunjin clenches his jaw. His heart hammers against his ribs, screaming yes, yes, let her in—but his head tries to keep control.

“There’s nothing left to talk about,” he says flatly. He doesn’t even look at you when he moves past, doesn’t dare. If he does, he knows he’ll unravel.

You don’t give up. Your footsteps echo behind him, too close, too persistent, and your voice comes again, more urgent this time. “I’m not mad that you quit, Hyunjin. I just need to know why.”

He doesn’t answer. Can’t. The words stay lodged somewhere in his throat, too complicated, too heavy to give voice to. His fingers tighten around the doorknob as he unlocks it. He finally turns to face you, his body angled half into the apartment, half still in retreat.

“Can we not do this now?” he mutters. “Just… not tonight.”

He starts to step inside but then you’re pushing forward—determined, fierce—and before he can stop you, you’re inside his apartment. The door clicks shut behind you, and the air between you both thickens.

“I’m not leaving,” you say quietly, “not until we talk.”

And just like that, he knows—there’s no more hiding.

You stand in the middle of the room like it’s a battlefield. You’ve crossed your arms in front of you, trying to brace yourself, trying not to fold. Your voice cuts through the heavy silence.

“Why?”

Hyunjin avoids your eyes. He turns slightly away, jaw tense. “I’m just tired,” he mutters. “I need to focus on school.”

You don’t say anything for a moment. You just stand there, the weight of his answer settling between you. Then, quietly, you say, “That’s not the real reason.”

Your voice begins to build, unraveling with everything you’ve been holding back. “These past few days I’ve been going over everything in my head, over and over again. I needed to know why, Hyunjin. Why you left like that, without saying a word. I thought maybe I did something wrong, maybe I made you uncomfortable, or maybe…”

Your voice cracks as frustration begins to break through. “Is it because of that night at Sienna’s party? Was it about Felix? Was it... me?”

Hyunjin flinches, hands tightening into fists at his sides. Your words sting in places he doesn’t want to admit. “It’s because I know you don’t want me,” he blurts, louder than he means to. You stare at him, eyes narrowing, confused. He takes a shaky breath, and his voice comes again, rawer this time. “Why haven’t you posted the content we made together? Is it because you didn’t want to do it with me? Because you don’t want me in it? Or is it… is it because you’re ashamed?”

You’re quiet now. The question hangs in the air like smoke. Then you breathe in, shaky and small, and your voice is almost a whisper when you speak. “I didn’t post it because I don’t want this life for you.”

Your arms uncross, and your gaze drops to the floor. “You’re a real artist, Hyunjin. You’re talented. You deserve to be known for your work—not as some guy who makes content with me.”

Your voice is trembling now, your words fragile. “I don’t want to be the reason you get looked at differently. Judged. You’re better than this.”

Hyunjin’s chest tightens. He almost snaps again, but he holds it in. Instead, he takes a step forward, voice low and steady. “Better than what, huh?”

You look up at him, eyes glassy, lips parting like you might speak—but nothing comes out. Another tear escapes, and without thinking, he reaches for you, gently placing his hands on your elbows.

“Do you even know what I want?” he asks, softer now.

You blink, your breath catching, and you shake your head. “No,” you say quietly. “But I know you’re better than this. I know you deserve more.”

His thumb catches the tear that rolls down your cheek.

“What if this—” he whispers, voice shaking just a little, “what if you are what I want?”

...

Full fic will be released this Friday, April 25th. Or you can read it early on my Patreon:

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CAM: FINAL CHAPTER. | seospicybin

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“me time” and it’s just lay in bed reading fanfiction for hours

"unlikable protagonist" and it's just a woman who's a regular human being with flaws

he might be the love of my life

sis he looks like an upside down vase what do u see in him

This is the new shooter that just happened today

He’s 20 years old

Accidentally clicking on tumblr when showing somebody something on my phone and the most outrageous booty clenching smut is the first thing that comes up

when hyunjin kept looking at her even when there was another girl tangled up w him 😫 HES DEF IN LOVE 💔💔💔💔💔💔 waiting for chapter 4!! THIS WAS SO GOOD I WAS TWRILING MY FEET WHILE READING 😭

CAM.

CHAPTER III

Hyunjin x reader. (s,a)

CAM MASTERLIST

Synopsis: Struggling to make ends meet as an art student, Hyunjin never expected his quiet neighbor to change everything. Rumored to be an adult content creator, you offer him a deal—help you with your content, and you’ll help with his financial troubles. What starts as a simple arrangement soon blurs into something more, pulling Hyunjin into a world he never imagined. (20,4k words)

Author's note: Thank you for patiently waiting for this new chapter. Hope it's worth the wait and I'd really appreciate it if you leave a feedback ♡

As you sit among the wedding guests, watching your friend standing at the altar, exchanging vows with the love of their life, a thought sneaks into your mind—will your future hold this too? The idea has never been something you actively pursued, but right now, surrounded by soft music and heartfelt promises, you can't help but wonder.

Would you ever be standing there, looking at someone with that same certainty, the same devotion in your eyes?

And then, without meaning to, your thoughts shift to Hyunjin.

It’s fleeting, just a passing thought, but it lingers in a way that makes you shift in your seat. The image of him flashes in your mind—his dark hair falling over his eyes, the way he looked at you during your last shoot together, the soft, almost nervous way he handed you those flowers this morning.

You exhale, shaking your head at yourself.

“Everything okay?” Felix whispers beside you, leaning in slightly.

You blink, turning to him with a small smile. “Yeah. Just thinking.”

He grins. “About me?”

You chuckle, nudging him lightly. “Don’t get ahead of yourself.”

Felix laughs, and just like that, the moment passes. You shift your focus back on the wedding ceremony, pushing away the strange feeling that came with the thought of Hyunjin. At least for now.

-

The wedding tent is crowded with guests and the warm glow of string lights making everything feel just a little more magical. You’re sipping on your drink, enjoying the sight of your friend beaming with happiness when Felix suddenly tugs on your wrist.

“Come on,” he says, grinning.

You raise an eyebrow. “Come on where?”

He nods toward the dance floor, where couples sway to a slow, romantic tune. “You didn’t get all dressed up just to sit around all night, did you?”

You hesitate for a second, but the way he’s looking at you—his eyes twinkling with mischief and he's holding his hand out at you—makes it hard to say no.

With a small sigh, you set your drink down and let him pull you onto the dance floor. His hand slides easily around your waist, yours resting on his shoulder as the two of you begin to sway.

“You know,” he murmurs, his voice just above a whisper, “I wasn’t lying earlier.”

You glance up at him, confused. “About what?”

He grins. “About you looking beautiful tonight.”

You roll your eyes playfully. “You’ve said that at least three times already.”

“Because it’s true,” he says, spinning you gently before pulling you back into him. “And I think I’ll say it again—because you look stunning.”

You shake your head with a soft chuckle, but a warmth spreads through your chest at his words.

The song continues, and for a moment, you let yourself enjoy it. The feeling of being twirled under the lights, the warmth of Felix’s hand in yours, the laughter shared between the two of you—it’s easy. Fun.

And yet, somewhere in the back of your mind, you catch yourself wondering—if it were Hyunjin standing here instead, would it feel different? You push the thought away and let Felix pull you closer, deciding to just enjoy the moment for what it is.

As the song fades into the next, you and Felix slow to a stop, still laughing softly from your little dance. Before either of you can say anything, your friend—the bride herself—comes rushing up to you, her face glowing with happiness.

“You came!” she exclaims, throwing her arms around you in a tight hug.

You chuckle, hugging her back. “Of course, I did. I wouldn’t miss your big day.”

She pulls away, her eyes shimmering with emotion. “It really means a lot. And—” Her gaze shifts to Felix, who stands beside you with a polite smile. “—oh my God, is this your boyfriend?”

Your eyes widen, and Felix lets out a soft laugh. “Ah—”

Before either of you can correct her, she clasps her hands together, looking absolutely delighted. “He’s so handsome! You two look amazing together. I swear, you’re next—soon, we’ll be celebrating your wedding, too!”

Your jaw nearly drops. “Wait—”

But before you can get another word in, someone calls for her from across the reception, and she gasps. “I have to go! But seriously, I’m so happy for you two.” With that, she hurries off, leaving you standing there, dumbfounded.

Felix lets out a short, amused laugh before looking at you. “Well… that was unexpected.”

You turn to him, shaking your head in disbelief. “Wildly unexpected.”

And then, at the same time, both of you burst into laughter. The ridiculousness of the situation is too much, and for a moment, you’re just caught up in the humor of it all.

“I mean, who would even want to marry someone like me?” you joke, half expecting Felix to roll his eyes or tease you in return.

But instead, without hesitation, he raises his hand. “Me.”

Your laughter dies in your throat as you look at him, caught completely off guard. “What?”

Felix grins, playful as always, but there’s something else in his gaze—something steady, certain. “I’d marry you.”

For a moment, you don’t know what to say. You search his face, trying to gauge if he’s just messing with you, but he looks oddly serious beneath the playful facade.

“Felix…” you start, unsure of what you’re even about to say.

He shrugs, effortlessly casual. “You should be saying who wouldn’t want to marry you. I mean, you’re incredible.”

Despite yourself, you feel warmth creep up your neck. “You’re just saying that.”

He tilts his head. “Am I?”

You don’t know why, but the way he says it makes your stomach flutter just a little. You quickly shake it off with a laugh. “Alright. Time to get more drinks.”

Felix chuckles, letting you change the subject, but as you two make your way back to the bar, you can’t help but feeling a little hopeful that maybe your future hold this too.

-

Felix pulls up in front of your apartment building, shifting the car into park but leaving the engine running. You glance outside, noting the quiet stillness of the night, before turning back to him with a soft smile.

“Thanks for today,” you say sincerely. “I really had fun.”

Felix smiles back, but then he exhales a long sigh, tilting his head back against the headrest. “This is bad,” he mutters.

You frown. “What is?”

He turns to look at you, his expression unreadable. “I don’t think I want to do the collab anymore.”

His words catch you off guard. You blink at him, searching his face for any sign of a joke. “Why?”

Felix hesitates for a second, then chuckles under his breath, shaking his head as if amused by himself. “Because now… I am more interested to be more than just that.”

Felix doesn’t break eye contact, his usual playful demeanor softened by something more genuine, more serious. And for the first time tonight, you don’t know what to say.

You smile at his words, choosing not to respond directly. Instead, you reach for the door handle and glance at him one last time.

“Drive safely, okay?” you say softly.

Before you can step out, Felix gently reaches for you, his fingers brushing against your jaw as he tilts your face toward him. Your breath catches for just a second before he leans in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to your cheek.

When he pulls back, his eyes hold yours, something unspoken passing between you. “Goodnight,” he murmurs.

You hesitate for only a moment before replying, “Goodnight, Felix.”

Then, without another word, you step out of the car, closing the door behind you. As you walk toward your building, you can still feel the warmth of his lips on your skin.

You step into your apartment, closing the door behind you with a quiet sigh. As you slip off your shoes, your eyes immediately land on the vase of flowers sitting on the counter.

For a moment, you just stand there, staring at them. With everything that happened today—the wedding, Felix, his words—you haven’t had the time to really appreciate them.

Slowly, you walk up to the vase, reaching out to touch the petals with delicate fingers. The flowers are fresh, carefully chosen, and arranged with thoughtfulness. Hyunjin must have picked them while thinking of you.

The realization brings a soft warmth to your chest. You brush your fingertips over the petals, admiring the mix of colors and how gentle they feel under your touch.

Hyunjin didn’t have to do this, but he did and for some reason, that lingers in your mind longer than it should.

-

Hyunjin stirs awake to the sound of his phone buzzing against his nightstand. Groggy, he blindly reaches for it, squinting at the screen before answering.

"Hello?" His voice is rough with sleep.

"Come over for breakfast," you say, your voice light and easy, as if this is something you do all the time.

He rubs the sleep off his eyes. "Right now?"

"Yes, right now. Or else I’ll eat everything myself," you tease before hanging up, leaving no room for protest.

Hyunjin exhales a soft chuckle, tossing his phone aside before dragging himself up into a sitting position. He rubs his face, then runs a hand through his tousled hair. His eyes drift across the room until they land on the canvas propped against the wall.

It’s another painting of you—one he worked on late into the night. In the dim morning light, he takes it in. The colors, the soft edges of your features, the way his brush captured you so naturally, like second nature.

Hyunjin exhales, shaking his head at himself. He doesn’t know what to do with all these paintings of you. But for now, breakfast awaits.

He goes to the bathroom, brushes his teeth and washes his face, not forgetting to clean the paint tainted his nails. He grabs a clean shirt from inside the dryer and puts it on before heading out.

Hyunjin knocks on your door, still a little sluggish from just waking up. He doesn’t have to wait long before you pull it open, greeting him with a bright smile.

"Good morning!" you chirp, stepping aside to let him in.

He steps inside, glancing around as he toes off his shoes and immediately notices the flowers he bought for you yesterday perched on the coffee tae, adding a pop of color in the living room.

"You’re in a good mood," he notes, watching the way you move around your apartment with an easy kind of energy.

You hum as you head toward the kitchen, setting the table for breakfast. "I guess I am."

Hyunjin tilts his head, observing you. Something about your smile, the way it lingers, makes him wonder. His mind flashes back to last night—how you got into Felix’s car, the way Felix had kissed your cheek, the way you had let him.

Did something happen between you two?

He presses his lips into a line, pushing the thought away before it settles too deep. Instead, he walks over to where you’re setting down plates, feigning nonchalance.

"So," he says, leaning against the counter, "good wedding?"

You glance at him, still smiling, and nod. "Yeah, it was nice."

Hyunjin hums, trying not to let his thoughts run away from him but he's not going to lie, he doesn’t like that vague answer.

When you finally set the plates on the table, he slides into the chair across from you, eyes flickering between the meal and your still-bright expression.

“So what’s the occasion?” he asks, lifting an eyebrow.

You shrug, taking a seat. “Because I wanted to.”

He studies you for a beat, as if trying to find a deeper meaning behind your words. But then, before he can dwell on it too much, you add, “And because we need to talk about the concept for the next shoot.”

Ah. There it is.

He exhales a quiet laugh, shaking his head as he reaches for his fork. “So there’s an actual reason,” he teases.

You smirk, picking up your own utensils. “Does there have to be one?”

He meets your gaze across the table, something unreadable in his expression. “No,” he admits. “Not really.”

As you both eat, the conversation flows easily, filled with casual remarks about the food and small observations about the day ahead. It’s comfortable—so much so that Hyunjin almost forgets about the lingering questions in his mind. Almost.

Then, between bites, you set your fork down and glance at him. “I have an idea for the next shoot.”

He looks up from his plate, intrigued. “Yeah?”

You nod, a small smile playing on your lips. “We should make a painting together.”

His brows lift slightly. That’s… unexpected. “Like, actually paint?”

“Yeah.” You lean forward, resting your elbow on the table. “Something messy. Something raw. We can set up a big canvas, use our hands, maybe even our bodies—just create something together. Capture the process, the movement, the intimacy of it.”

Hyunjin blinks, processing your words. His mind immediately fills with images—colors smeared across skin, paint-streaked fingers, the way your expressions would shift with each stroke of color.

“That’s…” He exhales a quiet chuckle, setting his utensils down. “That’s actually a really good idea.”

Your smile widens. “Yeah?”

He nods, intrigued despite himself. “Yeah. It sounds different. More… artistic.”

“Exactly. And I figured you’d be into it. You are an artist, after all.”

He watches you for a moment, then leans back in his chair before finally says. “I say let’s do it.”

-

A few days later, Hyunjin moves around your makeshift studio, adjusting the lights, setting up the camera angles, and double-checking the placement of props. His heart pounds, but he focuses on the technicalities, keeping his mind occupied.

The canvas he bought—a massive, unblemished white expanse—sits in the center of the room. He drags it into position, making sure the lighting hits it just right. The idea had come to him suddenly, and when he brought it up, you had been all for it.

Now that everything is set, all that’s left is you. He exhales, rubbing his palms together before stretching his fingers. He has to keep his hands steady.

The soft padding of your footsteps alerts him before you even enter the room. He turns just as you step inside, wrapped in a loose bathrobe.

"Everything ready?" you ask, your voice even, but he swears there’s a flicker of something unreadable in your eyes.

He nods. "Yeah."

With that, you untie the sash of your robe and let it slip off your shoulders, baring yourself to him as you're only wearing a flimsy, plain white underwear. You're getting way too comfortable with him that you don't hesitate at all.

The camera clicks fill the room as Hyunjin moves around the canvas, capturing every angle of you stretched out bare against the stark white background. The contrast is striking—your skin, the shadows, the way the light catches the curves of your body. Through the lens, he sees more than just a subject; he sees you. And it stirs something deep in him.

Once he’s taken enough shots, he lowers the camera, his lips slightly parted. His throat feels dry, but he swallows and meets your gaze. He knows it's time.

“Lose the shirt,” you murmur, your voice carrying an edge of playfulness.

Without hesitation, he grips the hem and pulls the fabric over his head, letting it fall to the side. The cool air kisses his skin, but what affects him more is the way your eyes roam over him. Slowly, silently, like you’re memorizing every dip and contour of his body. And he likes it.

Rolling his shoulders, he crawls over to you, his movements fluid and unhurried. The canvas beneath him shifts slightly as he joins you in the center, hovering just above you. You prop yourself up on your elbows, your breath steady but expectant.

“I'm ready when you are,” you murmur with a faint smirk tugging at your lips.

Hyunjin leans in, close enough that your exhales mix. His dark hair falls slightly over his eyes, but it doesn’t hide the way he looks at you—deep, intense, searching. Then, without a word, he dips his fingers into the bowl of body paint. The cool liquid coats his fingertips, and he slowly drags them from your collarbone down to your navel. A sharp inhale escapes you, your muscles reacting to the sensation.

He watches you closely, his chest rising and falling in sync with yours before swiping his fingers through another pool of paint, this time dipping into a deep crimson. His breath is steady, but his heart pounds as he brings his hand back to your skin.

Slowly, he drags his fingertips along the curve of your shoulder, tracing down the length of your arm, leaving a streak of red in their wake. The contrast against your skin is mesmerizing, but more than that, it’s the way you react to his touch that keeps him captivated. The way your breath hitches, the way your muscles tense slightly before relaxing under his fingers.

His hand hovers over your ribs before he presses his palm against you, smearing the paint in broad strokes across your torso. It’s intimate, slow, tender. Every movement is careful, yet charged, the tension thickening between you.

You tilt your head back slightly, exposing more of your neck, and the sight makes something stir in him. He dips his fingers into a shade of violet and runs them along your throat, down the center of your chest, watching as the colors blend together against your skin. His breathing deepens.

“You’re enjoying this,” you murmur, your voice hushed yet teasing.

Hyunjin exhales a soft laugh, but he doesn’t deny it. How could he, when this is the closest he’s ever been to you like this? When he gets to touch you under the guise of art, of creativity, but deep down, he knows it’s more than that?

His fingers find a shade of indigo next, and he trails it along the dip of your waist, his hand lingering just a little longer than necessary. "You make a good canvas," he says, his voice lower than he intends.

You meet his gaze, and for a moment, neither of you speak. There’s something thick in the air, something unsaid but understood. The paint is just an excuse. The art is just a distraction. It’s him touching you. It’s you letting him.

-

At first, you thought you were going to be the one enjoying this the most—the feeling of warm hands, cool paint, and the slow, deliberate movements across your bare skin. But as you lie there, your body pressed against the canvas, you realize that it’s not just you who’s lost in the moment.

It’s Hyunjin.

He hasn’t spoken much, but you don’t need words to tell how much he’s enjoying this. The way his fingers trace your skin with slow, lingering strokes. The way he exhales softly, as if grounding himself with every touch. The way he hesitates, just for a fraction of a second, before letting his hands glide further.

The realization sends a different kind of heat curling through you as you turn over on the canvas and lay on your stomach.

He gathers your hair and drapes it over one shoulder, his fingers grazing the side of your neck in a way that makes you shiver. He takes his time, letting his touch linger as if savoring the moment before dipping his fingers into golden paint. Then, you feel it—a long, deliberate streak, starting at the nape of your neck and trailing down your spine.

The cool paint against your heated skin is startling at first, but it quickly turns into something else—something warm, something electric. You can feel his gaze on you, dark and heavy, studying the way the color melts into your body. You don’t dare look back at him, but you know. You can feel it in the way his breathing slows, in the way his hands settle just a little more firmly against you.

Then, he dips both hands into separate bowls of paint—one deep blue, the other a soft peach. You barely have time to process it before his palms press against the back of your thighs, dragging downward in a slow, unhurried motion.

A quiet gasp escapes you, your body tensing involuntarily. Not just from the sensation of the paint, but from him. From the weight of his hands, the firm yet careful way he maps out your skin like he’s committing every inch of you to memory.

His fingertips skim behind your knees, nails lightly scratching as he moves lower. A shudder rolls through you, and before you can stop yourself, a quiet, breathy sound escapes your lips.

For a moment, neither of you move. The air between you grows heavier, thicker, charged with something unspoken. And then, slowly, he leans in—so close that his breath brushes against your ear.

“Does it feel good?” he asks, his voice low, hushed, almost teasing.

The heat spreads from your core to the very tips of your fingers. You don’t know if he’s asking about the paint. Before you can gather your thoughts, his hand dips into the paint again, and then—warm fingers, slick with color, wrap around your neck.

A soft gasp escapes you as he tilts your head back, slowly, deliberately, until your gaze locks with his. Your breath catches.

He hovers above you, his dark hair falling over his eyes, his lips just slightly parted. There’s something in the way he looks at you, something deep and intense, like he’s searching for something in your expression. His fingers press just enough to make you aware of them, not tight, not demanding—just there, holding you, guiding you.

And then, with a soft, teasing lilt, he asks again, “Does it feel good?”

The question drips with something more than curiosity. Your lips part, but no words come out at first. Your body is still humming from his touch, from the sensation of wet paint drying against your skin, from the weight of his gaze keeping you pinned beneath him. Your wide eyes search his, and you nod—small, shaky.

“Yes,” you whisper, voice barely audible, but in the quiet space between you, it sounds so much louder.

A slow, satisfied smirk tugs at the corner of Hyunjin’s lips. His thumb lightly traces along your throat before he releases you, his touch lingering as his hand falls away. But the tension he’s left behind? That lingers, too.

After a moment, you shift, moving to your knees on the canvas, your bare skin already streaked with vibrant colors. The paint is drying in some places, still wet in others, creating a mix of sensations that heighten your awareness of every little movement, every touch.

Behind you, Hyunjin follows, kneeling just as you are. You feel his presence before you feel his touch—the warmth of his body close to yours, his breath ghosting along your shoulder as he dips his hands into the paint again. And then—

A slow glide of his hands down your sides, paint spreading across your skin in uneven streaks. You inhale sharply, your stomach tightening at the contrast between the slick wetness and the warmth of his palms.

You don’t stop him. Instead, you reach for his hands, fingers wrapping around his wrists, guiding him. Slowly, you trace a path with his hands, urging them to explore, to roam over your body as you bring them upward—until his paint-coated hands are palming your breasts.

A soft, broken moan escapes you as his fingers flex against you, the pressure just enough to make you shiver. Against you, Hyunjin goes still for a moment, his breath heavy and uneven against the side of your neck. His hands hesitate, but only for a second—then, as if something clicks inside him, his grip tightens, his thumbs swiping over your hardening nipples in slow, teasing strokes. You drop your head back, resting it on his shoulder, fully letting yourself melt into his hold.

He exhales, his chest rising and falling against your back, and then he moves again—his hands pressing, kneading, painting you with every motion. His grip is firm yet gentle, fingers mapping the shape of you as if imprinting you into the canvas itself.

The wet drag of paint, the warmth of his hands, the way he holds you from behind—it’s overwhelming. It’s intoxicating. And you don’t hold back. You let the pleasure spill from your lips, let the colors mix between your bodies, let Hyunjin mark you in ways he doesn’t even realize.

Hyunjin’s hands slowly slide down your arms, fingers curling around your wrists as he guides them forward. His touch is firm but patient, steadying you as he dips both of your hands into the paint together. The slick paint spreads between your fingers, mixing colors into something new, something neither of you could create alone.

With your hands still joined, he moves, pressing his chest against your back as he guides your palms toward the blank spaces of the canvas. The first touch is hesitant, experimental—your joined hands pressing against the fabric, smearing color in sweeping strokes.

He exhales softly behind you, his breath warm against your ear as he murmurs, “Just like that.”

You both move together, shifting across the canvas, bodies staying close. The paint sticks to your skin, smears across your thighs, your stomach, the curve of Hyunjin’s arms. Every movement feels intimate, every brush of his fingers against yours a silent conversation.

When he tilts his head down, the tip of his nose skims along your temple, and you swear you can feel the curve of his voluptuous lips hovering just shy of touching.

“You’re good at this,” he says, his voice quiet but filled with something you can’t quite place.

You don’t answer right away. Instead, you press your hands down again, swirling the colors together, feeling the heat of his palms against yours.

And when you finally glance back at him, your breath catches—because Hyunjin isn’t looking at the canvas. He’s looking at you. And the way he’s looking at you makes your pulse stutter, makes the room feel too warm, makes you wonder if this moment, this entire thing, is turning into something neither of you expected.

You barely give him a moment to react before you push against his shoulders, guiding him down until his back meets the canvas with a soft thud. His long hair fans out beneath him, dark strands streaked with bits of paint, and he watches you with a mixture of curiosity and something deeper—something that you're not ready to acknowledge.

You straddle his waist, reaching for one of the bowls of paint, and without hesitation, you tip it over his chest. A thick stream of color drips down his skin, pooling in the dips of his collarbones, the lines of his abs.

He flinches slightly at the sensation but doesn’t say a word, just watches as your hands follow the trail of paint, spreading it, smearing it, turning him into part of the canvas. His chest rises and falls beneath your touch, and for a moment, you’re completely lost in the act—until suddenly, He sits up, grabbing a bowl of his own.

Before you can react, the paint splashes onto your chest, sending a shiver down your spine. You gasp, your hands flying up in surprise as the thick liquid drips down your skin. Then, a laugh bubbles out of you, realizing this is his way of getting back at you.

He smirks, eyes glinting with mischief as he watches the paint slide down your skin. “Fair’s fair,” he murmurs, voice low but teasing.

You barely have time to respond before his arms wrap around you, pulling you close until there’s no space left between you and your breasts squashed between your chests. The paint on both of your bodies smears together, colors blending with every shift, every breath, every subtle movement. The warmth of his bare skin against yours sends a shiver through you, and when your eyes meet, it feels like the world slows down.

Hyunjin’s gaze flickers to your lips, and you suddenly realize how close he is, how easily you could lean in, close the distance. And the thought tempts you, makes you reflexively shut your eyes, anticipating—

But instead of the warmth of his lips, you feel the cool drag of his fingers against your cheeks. Your eyes snap open as you gasp, realizing he’s just smeared paint across your face. Hyunjin grins, victorious, and you barely hesitate before running your hands down his face, streaking him with paint in return.

What started as something intimate shifts in an instant. Laughter spills between you as you wrestle for control, hands grabbing at paint, smearing it wherever you can reach. The canvas beneath you turns into a chaotic masterpiece of color, your bodies painting just as much as your hands.

By the time you finally collapse against each other, breathless from laughter, you’re both a mess of paint and warmth and something lingering in the air between you, unspoken.

-

The warm spray of the shower cascades over Hyunjin’s skin, washing away streaks of paint in rivulets of color that swirl down the drain. He tilts his head back slightly, letting the water soak into his hair, the heavy strands clinging to his face and neck. His body still hums with leftover adrenaline from the shoot, from the mess of colors, from you. And speaking of you—

He's about to turn on his feet when he feels a cool dollop of body wash lands on his chest. He looks down just in time to see you grinning, hands already moving to lather the soap over his skin.

“I think you did that on purpose,” he mutters, watching as your fingers work over the paint-streaked expanse of his torso

You hum in amusement, tilting your head. “Maybe.”

Hebscoffs but doesn’t stop you, though his body tenses slightly when your hands move lower, tracing the edges of his ribs, his waist, the dips of his pelvic bone. It’s… too easy to enjoy this, the feeling of your touch, the warmth of the water, the closeness that neither of you seem to be in a rush to break. Still, he can’t let you have all the fun.

Hyunjin grabs a handful of body wash and smears it along your shoulder, then down your arm in a long, soapy streak. You yelp in surprise, glaring at him through the steam-filled air, but he only grins, smug.

“Oh, it’s like that?” you challenge, narrowing your eyes.

He simply shrugs, barely concealing his laughter.

In retaliation, you cup your hands, gathering water before flinging it at him, making him splutter. It turns into a playful battle of soap and water, hands slipping, laughter echoing against the tile. Hyunjin doesn’t even notice how close you’ve gotten until his back nearly hits the shower wall, and you’re right there, breathless, eyes glimmering with something between amusement and something else—something tender.

Your hands slow, fingers gliding gently over his forearm, then up to his shoulder, smoothing away the last traces of paint. The shift in atmosphere is subtle but undeniable, laughter fading into something quieter, something heavier.

Hyunjin swallows, his throat suddenly dry despite the water running down his skin. He watches as your gaze flickers to his, then lower—to his lips—before quickly darting away.

And for a moment, he wonders if he should say something. Do something. But before he can, you’re turning away, reaching for the shampoo. The moment passes, slipping away like paint down the drain.

Hyunjin exhales, running a hand through his wet hair as he forces himself to focus on something else. Anything else. “Turn around,” he says, voice steady despite himself. “You still have paint in your hair.”

You obey, and he works the shampoo through your strands, fingers massaging gently against your scalp. You sigh, melting under his touch.

“Sorry about your jeans,” you apologize as you rub the hint of paint on your elbow.

Hyunjin glances at his jeans, lying on the bathroom floor tainted with drying paints as he speaks. “No worries,” he calmly responds.

As he rinses the soap from your hair, you turn around on your feet, blinking water out of your lashes as you look up at him with an amused smirk. “If we’re both in here, then who’s ordering dinner?”

He pauses, hands still in your hair, fingers tangled in wet strands. He blinks once, then twice, as if the thought hadn’t even crossed his mind. “…Oh.”

You burst into laughter, reaching behind you to grab a towel. “Guess we didn’t think that far ahead, huh?”

He runs a hand through his dripping hair, exhaling through his nose. “I was a little preoccupied.”

You raise a brow, drying your arms with the towel. “With what? Scrubbing paint off me?”

He huffs, shaking his head as he grabs his own towel. “Among other things.”

You don’t ask him to elaborate, and he doesn’t offer. Instead, you wrap your towel around yourself, padding out of the bathroom while wringing the ends of your hair. “I’ll order something.”

Wrapped in plush bathrobes, still slightly damp from the shower, you and Hyunjin stand side by side in front of the massive canvas sprawled across the floor. The colors are wild, chaotic, and yet, somehow, perfectly blended—just like the two of you in that moment.

Hyunjin exhales, crossing his arms over his chest. “It actually turned out really cool.”

You grin, nudging his arm. “Are you surprised?”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “Not really. We’re kind of a masterpiece-making duo, aren’t we?”

You laugh. “Damn right we are.”

A comfortable silence settles as you both admire the painting, letting the weight of what you’ve created sink in. Then, Hyunjin suddenly perks up. “We should sign it.”

You blink at him before tilting your head in thought. “That’s actually a great idea.”

Grabbing a marker from your desk, you crouch down at the bottom corner of the painting and carefully write your initial. Satisfied, you hand the marker to Hyunjin, who kneels beside you. He hesitates for a second, then presses the marker to the canvas, his strokes smooth and deliberate as he writes: S.H.

You frown slightly, tilting your head. “S.H.?”

He glances at you, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Yeah. It’s my painting name.”

Your brows lift in curiosity. “Your painting name?”

He nods. “Sam Hwang.”

You playfully glare at him before letting out a soft laugh. “Sam Hwang? That’s what you go by?”

Hyunjin smirks. “Yep.”

You shake your head in amusement, eyeing the signature. “It suits you.”

He hums, running a hand through his still-damp hair. “Figured I’d keep my art life a little separate from everything else.”

You admire the signed painting once more before nodding in agreement. “Well, in that case… congrats on the first official collaboration of—” You gesture between the two of you. “—us.”

He grins, tapping his knuckles against yours. “To many more.”

Later that night, Hyunjin sits at his desk, the only light in his apartment coming from his laptop screen. The faint hum of his computer fills the quiet space as he scrolls through the photos he took earlier. His fingers move instinctively on the trackpad, adjusting the brightness, sharpening the colors, refining each shot.

The images on the screen are undeniable—vivid streaks of paint on bare skin, hands tangled, bodies intertwined on the canvas. But more than that, what stands out to him is the way the two of you looked at each other. The way you laughed, the way you touched, the way you moved together. It wasn’t just a shoot. It was something else entirely.

Hyunjin exhales, running a hand through his still-damp hair. He was supposed to be helping you, just doing a job, but he can’t ignore the way his chest tightens as he replays the footage. He clicks on a video file, and the screen flickers to life. There you are, laughing as you smear paint down his chest, your eyes shining with mischief. Then there’s him—smirking, grabbing a handful of paint, pulling you close until your bodies are pressed together. He watches the way his own hands move over your skin, the way your head tilts back in response, the way his eyes—his eyes—follow every inch of you with something he can’t quite define.

He leans back in his chair, letting out a deep sigh. This was supposed to be business. But looking at the screen, at the way the two of you lost yourselves in each other, he wonders if it ever really was.

-

The classroom is quiet except the sounds of bristles against canvas, occasional murmurs of his classmates, and the footsteps of his professor walking around observing everyone's progress.

Hyunjin moves his brush in smooth, deliberate strokes, layering deep hues onto his canvas. But his mind isn’t entirely in the present. As he paints, his thoughts drift back to that day—to the way he dipped his fingers into the paint, smearing bold colors onto your flesh. The way laughter bubbled from your lips when he smeared a streak of red onto your cheek. The warmth of your skin beneath his fingertips as the two of you moved in sync, turning the mess into something strangely beautiful. He exhales through his nose, shaking his head slightly. It shouldn’t have felt as natural as it did.

The sound of the professor dismissing the class snaps him out of his thoughts. With a quiet sigh, he sets down his brush and starts packing his things, carefully tucking his sketchbook into his backpack.

Then, his phone buzzes. He glances at the screen. Your name. Frowning, he answers. “Hello?”

“I’m waiting for you in the parking lot,” you say, your voice light, almost playful.

Hyunjin blinks. “What? Why?”

“Just hurry up,” you simply answer and then you hang up.

Hyunjin stares at his phone for a second before sighing. Slinging his backpack over his shoulder, he makes his way toward the exit, his heart beating just a little faster than before. He steps out of the building, scanning the parking lot until his eyes land on your car. The engine is idling, the faint hum of it filling the quiet afternoon.

Through the windshield, he catches sight of you—elbow propped against the door, fingers drumming on the wheel, a small smile tugging at your lips as you watch him. He doesn’t waste a second. He tightens his grip on the strap of his backpack and makes a run for it, weaving through parked cars, his loose shirt billowing slightly as he moves.

By the time he reaches the passenger side, he’s slightly breathless, but your smile has only grown wider. He tugs the door open, sliding in with a questioning look. “Alright, I’m here. What’s this about?”

You simply tap your fingers against the wheel, eyes twinkling with something that hints at mischief. “You’ll see.”

Hyunjin exhales a laugh, shaking his head. “You’re so mysterious sometimes, you know that?”

You only grin in response before shifting the gear and pulling out of the parking lot.

As you drive, Hyunjin leans back in his seat, watching you with quiet curiosity. The late afternoon sunlight filters through the windshield, casting a glow on your face, and he finds himself distracted by the way your fingers tap lightly against the steering wheel in thought.

“Sienna’s birthday is this weekend,” you say, breaking the comfortable silence. “She invited both of us to her party.”

He shifts in his seat. “Oh? I didn’t know I was invited.”

You glance at him briefly, a smirk playing on your lips. “Of course, you are. She likes you, you know. She said you’re fun to have around.”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “Well, that’s nice to hear.”

“But,” you continue, “I need your help with something.”

Hyunjin tilts his head. “With what?”

“I want to get her the perfect birthday gift, but I have no idea what to buy. I figured you’d have some good ideas.”

He smiles at that, finding amusement in how serious you sound about it. “Sure. I’ll help you.”

You glance at him again, this time with a satisfied nod. “Good. Because we’re going gift shopping right now.”

Hyunjin lets out a small laugh. “So that’s why you picked me up without warning.”

“You catch on fast,” you tease.

Inside the jewelry store, you and Hyunjin stand side by side, peering into the glass display cases filled with elegant necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. The soft lighting casts a warm glow on the sparkling pieces, making each one seem more tempting than the last.

“I think this one suits her,” you say, pointing at a delicate gold bracelet with a small heart charm. “It’s simple but pretty.”

Hyunjin leans down for a closer look, then shakes his head. “I think Sienna’s more into statement pieces. She’d like something bolder.”

You turn to him with a raised eyebrow. “Oh, so you’re an expert on Sienna’s jewelry preferences now?”

He smirks, crossing his arms. “I just pay attention. She always wears chunky rings and layered necklaces. She likes things that stand out.”

You glance back at the display, considering his words. “Okay, fair point. Then what do you suggest?”

He scans the case before pointing at a silver necklace with an intricate flower pendant. “How about this one? It’s unique, and I think it fits her personality.”

You study the necklace for a moment, then sigh. “Okay… I actually like that one too.”

He puts on a cocky grin at you. “Told you.”

Rolling your eyes, you playfully nudge his arm before signaling for the store assistant. “Alright, we’ll take it.”

As you wait for the store assistant to wrap Sienna’s gift, your eyes wander to a nearby display of bracelets. One in particular catches your attention—a dainty silver chain with a small crescent moon charm. Curious, you slip it onto your wrist, admiring how it glimmers under the store’s warm lights.

Hyunjin, noticing, tilts his head. “That looks good on you.”

You turn your wrist slightly, testing how it feels. “You think so?”

He nods. “Yeah. It suits you.”

After a moment, you sigh and unclasp the bracelet, placing it back onto the display.

Hyunjin frowns. “You’re not getting it?”

You shake your head, a playful smile forming on your lips. “No.”

“Why not?”

You glance at him and shrug casually. “I don’t know… But you can buy it for me if you want.”

Hyunjin lets out a soft laugh, narrowing his eyes at you. “Oh, is that how it is?”

You just grin at him before stepping back toward the counter, leaving him staring at the bracelet, considering something.

-

Hyunjin slings one of your bags over his shoulder while carrying another in his hand as the two of you make your way down the stairs of the apartment building. He glances at you, still trying to wake himself up fully as he asks, “Why are we leaving so early?”

You adjust your grip on the bag you’re carrying and glance at him. “Because Sienna rented a villa for her birthday party,” you explain. “And not just any villa—the same one I rented for the collab shoot with her.”

He hums at that as it rekindle a certain memory. “Oh?”

You nod. “Yeah. It’s a bit far, so we have to leave now if we don’t want to get stuck in traffic.”

Hyunjin stifles a yawn as the two of you reach the bottom of the stairs. He adjusts the bag on his shoulder before looking at you again. “So… that villa, huh?” he repeats, his voice tinged with intrigue.

You glance at him, catching the subtle curiosity in his tone. “Yep. Why? Does that interest you?”

He tilts his head slightly, a smirk tugging at his lips. “I don’t know. Maybe.”

You roll your eyes, but you can’t help the amused smile that creeps onto your face as the two of you head toward your car. Hyunjin holds his hand out at you, gesturing for the car keys, “I’ll drive this time.”

You pause with your keys in hand, raising an eyebrow at him. “Are you sure you’re good to drive?”

He scoffs playfully, running a hand through his messy hair. “I’m awake now. Besides, I’m a great driver.”

You watch him for a second before smiling and handing him the keys. “Alright. Just don't forget you're carrying a precious cargo here.”

Hyunjin chuckles as he unlocks the car and slides into the driver’s seat, adjusting it to his preference. You settle into the passenger side, stretching your legs slightly before fastening your seatbelt.

As he turns the engine on, you lean your head back against the headrest, sighing in contentment. “Actually, this is even better. Now I can take a nap.”

He glances at you as he pulls out of the parking lot, smirking. “You’re really just going to abandon me while I drive?”

You let out a small laugh, already getting comfortable. “Yup. Wake me up when we’re there.”

He shakes his head with an amused chuckle as he focuses on the road ahead. “Unbelievable.”

The road stretches ahead in a quiet hum of asphalt and tires, the early morning light casting a soft glow over everything. Hyunjin keeps one hand on the wheel, the other resting lazily on the gear shift, his fingers tapping lightly against it as music plays faintly through the speakers.

Every now and then, he steals a glance at you. You’re curled up slightly in the passenger seat, your head resting against the window, your breathing slow and even. Completely at ease. He watches the way your lips part slightly as you sleep, the way your eyelashes flutter every now and then, as if you’re dreaming.

Hyunjin exhales through his nose, a small smile tugging at his lips. There’s something oddly comforting about this moment—just the two of you, the quiet hum of the car, and the warmth of the sun spilling through the windows.

And maybe it’s selfish, but he wants to make this ride last a little longer. Without really thinking about it, he eases his foot off the gas just a little, keeping the car at a leisurely pace just below the speed limit. There’s no rush. No need to wake you up sooner than necessary. So he drives, letting the soft rhythm of your breathing mix with the steady sound of the road, stealing quiet moments where he can.

-

You slowly blink awake, the warmth of the sun making your eyelids heavy even as you regain consciousness. The first thing you notice is the steady rhythm of the car moving smoothly along the road. The second is Hyunjin, still at the wheel, his gaze focused ahead, one hand lazily gripping the wheel while the other rests on the gear shift.

You shift slightly in your seat, stretching just a little before settling in more comfortably, watching him. The way his jaw tenses and relaxes, the way his fingers drum lightly against the wheel to the beat of the song playing softly through the speakers—it’s all so effortlessly him.

He must notice your gaze because, without taking his eyes off the road, he asks, “How was your nap?”

A slow smile forms on your lips as you reply, “You’re such a good driver that I slept so well.”

At that, He huffs out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head slightly. “That’s a first. Most people don’t sleep well when I drive.”

You arch a brow, amused. “Why? Do you usually drive like a maniac?”

He shrugs. “Sometimes.”

“Well, lucky for me, you were driving like a dream today,” you tease, stretching your arms above your head before relaxing again.

Hyunjin glances your way for a brief second, a small, knowing smile tugging at his lips before he focuses back on the road. “Maybe I just wanted to make sure you got a good nap.”

Something about the way he says it makes warmth settle in your chest, but you brush it off with a playful grin. “Then I might have to let you drive more often.”

He just laughs, shaking his head again, and the car continues rolling down the road, carrying the two of you closer to your destination.

As Hyunjin pulls the car into the driveway of the villa, you sit up straighter, stretching out the last remnants of sleep from your limbs. The place looks just as stunning as you remember—white walls, wide glass windows, and a breathtaking view of the greenery beyond.

He parks the car and turns off the engine, glancing over at you. “We’re here.”

You nod, pushing open the door and stepping out. The fresh morning air greets you, and you take a deep breath, already feeling the excitement of the day settling in.

Hyunjin gets out as well, moving to the trunk to grab the bags. “Go ahead,” he tells you. “I’ll bring these in.”

You don’t argue, instead making your way to the front door and knocking. It barely takes a second before the door swings open, and Sienna comes bursting out, her eyes lighting up the moment she sees you.

“Oh my god, you’re here!” she squeals, throwing her arms around you in a tight hug.

You laugh, hugging her back. “Of course I’m here!”

She pulls back, grinning. “I'm glad you made it.” Then her eyes flick over your shoulder, noticing Hyunjin as he walks up with the bags in his arms. “And there he is.”

Hyunjin gives a small nod in greeting. “Hey.”

Sienna steps in to give him a quick hug before leading the two of you toward the villa. “Come on, come on, get inside! Let's have a preparty.”

As you and Hyunjin step into the villa, the familiar scent of wood and fresh linen greets you. The place is as gorgeous as you remember—high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of sunlight, and the swimming pool that reflects the sunlight into the living room.

Hyunjin sets the bags down near the entrance, rolling his shoulders as he glances around. Before he can say anything, Sienna claps her hands together, turning to you with a knowing smile. “So… did you tell him about that thing?”

You shake your head, smirking. “Nope. You can ask him yourself.”

Hyunjin’s eyes narrow suspiciously between the two of you. “What thing?”

Sienna and you exchange a look before bursting into laughter, making Hyunjin even more wary. He crosses his arms, lips pressing into a tight line. “Why do I feel like I’m being set up?”

Sienna steps closer, tilting her head teasingly. “Oh, don’t look so nervous, Hyunjin. It’s nothing bad.”

You grin, deciding to end his suffering. “I’m lending you to Sienna.”

Hyunjin’s eyes widen. “You’re what?”

You laugh at the way his eyes widen, enjoying the moment of confusion on his face. Sienna quickly adds, “As a photographer! I want you to take some photos of me while we’re here.”

Hyunjin exhales, shaking his head with a chuckle. “You guys are ridiculous.”

Sienna nudges him playfully. “But you’re saying yes, right?”

Hyunjin looks at you, but you just smile innocently as if you didn't just set him up. He sighs, knowing he’s already lost. “Sure. Anything for the birthday girl.”

“Yay!” Sienna grins triumphantly, catching him off guard as she places a kiss on his cheek, leaving a red lipstick mark on the skin.

You help Sienna get ready in the living room as she sits on the sofa in front of you, applying the finishing touches to her makeup. The golden light streaming through the window makes her glow even more, enhancing the shimmer of the dress she picked out for the shoot.

You do her hair next, applying some hair product to add volume to her curls. “So… you kept saying this was a party, but why are there only three of us here?”

Sienna grins, dabbing some gloss onto her lips. “Because this is a party. It’s just a small, intimate one.” She turns to look at you, wiggling her brows. “I only invited people I like.”

You huff a small laugh. “That’s one way to do it.”

Just then, Hyunjin enters the room, camera in hand, adjusting the settings as he walks in. “So basically,” he chimes in, “I should feel honored that you like me.”

Sienna lets out a dramatic sigh, flipping her hair. “Ugh, don’t flatter yourself too much.”

You and Hyunjin exchange amused looks before Sienna points at him. “Now, be useful and make me look stunning.”

Hyunjin slyly smiles, lifting his camera. “You already look great. My job’s easy.”

Sienna gasps playfully. “A compliment? From you? I think I might cry.”

Hyunjin just chuckles, motioning for her to move into position. “Alright, birthday girl. Let’s get started.”

-

Hyunjin leans against the sink, his thumb idly scrolling on his phone as he refreshes your Lustre page once more. Nothing. The content you had planned to release—the one you made together—still isn’t there. His brows furrow slightly. Did you forget? It’s not like you to be careless about your uploads.

He exhales through his nose, locking his phone and slipping it into his pocket. It’s not the right time to ask about it. Maybe you decided to delay it for some reason. Either way, he pushes the thought aside for now and exits the bathroom.

As he walks down the dimly lit hallway, his steps slow when he catches sight of the bedroom at the end of it. The door is slightly ajar, revealing a glimpse of the soft, unmade sheets. His mind instantly goes back to earlier—to the way the three of you had sprawled on that very bed, laughter mixing with the sound of the camera shutter, the lingering scent of Sienna’s perfume still clinging to the air. But more than that, he remembers you. The way you had leaned into him, how your lips had pressed against his in that fleeting yet electrifying moment. The way your voice had lilted with teasing when you whispered, To be continued.

Hyunjin swallows, fingers twitching at his sides. Would tonight be the night you pick up where you left off?

The thought sends a rush of heat through him, but he quickly tamps it down. He shouldn’t assume anything. But as he glances at the bedroom again, his heart thrums with anticipation, wondering—hoping—that you’ll pull him into that room again before the night ends.

Hyunjin flinches slightly when he hears Sienna’s voice calling his name from the other side of the hallway, snapping him out of his thoughts. He exhales, shaking his head as if to clear the lingering images in his mind before making his way toward the kitchen.

The moment he steps in, he finds you and Sienna moving around, setting dishes on the counter. You glance at him briefly, sending him a small smile before going back to arranging the food.

“Set the table, will you?” Sienna says, not looking up as she uncorks a bottle of wine. “And add another plate.”

Hyunjin grabs the plates and pauses mid-motion. “Another plate? You invited someone else?”

Sienna smirks knowingly as she pours herself a drink. “Yep.”

He narrows his eyes slightly. “Who?”

Sienna simply takes a slow sip of her wine before flashing a teasing grin and then gives him a nonchalant shrug in answer.

Hyunjin presses his lips together, feeling a twinge of curiosity—and something else he can’t quite place. As he sets the extra plate down, he wonders who exactly this mystery guest is and why Sienna seems so pleased about it.

“Is your boyfriend coming?” you ask, directing the question at Sienna.

She shakes her head, spearing a piece of food with her fork. “Nope. He’s busy with work,” she answers with a brief eye roll as if she's fed up with it and then she smirks as she casts a quick glance at Hyunjin. “But this particular guest is special.”

Hyunjin glances between the two of you, his curiosity only growing. “Are you going to tell us who it is, or do we have to keep guessing?”

Sienna just shrugs, clearly enjoying keeping the suspense. “You’ll know soon enough.”

Despite the lingering mystery, the three of you begin eating dinner, the conversation shifting to lighter topics—Sienna talking about her latest projects, you sharing something funny from earlier in the week, and Hyunjin chiming in with an occasional sarcastic remark that makes both of you laugh. But every now and then, Hyunjin’s eyes drift back to the empty plate, wondering who exactly was important enough for Sienna to invite to such an intimate gathering.

A sudden knock on the door interrupts the flow of conversation. Sienna's eyes light up, and without missing a beat, she pushes back her chair and practically skips toward the door. Hyunjin watches her disappear down the hallway, his fingers absentmindedly tapping against the edge of his plate. You, on the other hand, sip your drink with a calm expression, as if you already have an idea of who the guest might be.

Hyunjin tilts his head slightly, trying to catch snippets of the conversation at the door. He hears Sienna’s voice—cheerful and welcoming—followed by a familiar, softer one that makes his stomach twist before he even fully processes it.

And then, Sienna reappears, a wide grin stretching across her face as she gestures toward the guest trailing behind her.

Felix.

Hyunjin barely has time to mask his expression before Felix steps forward, his warm eyes scanning the room before landing on you. He gives you a small smile—one you return with ease—and then he greets Hyunjin casually, as if this is nothing out of the ordinary.

Sienna claps her hands together, clearly satisfied with the turnout. “Now that everyone’s here,” she announces, “we can officially start the party!”

Hyunjin forces a small smile, but as Sienna and Felix laugh about something, his gaze flickers toward you. You look perfectly at ease, and for some reason, that bothers him more than it should.

-

As Hyunjin and Sienna huddle by the fireplace, debating over how to get the flames going, you focus on getting the drinks ready in the kitchen. The clinking of glasses fills the space as you pour each drink carefully, making sure everything is set before bringing them to the others.

Just as you reach for another glass, Felix appears beside you, casually leaning against the counter with that ever-present smirk. “You don’t look happy to see me,” he teases, his voice light.

You pause mid-pour, blinking up at him. “What? That’s not true.”

“So... Does that mean you're happy to see me?” he playfully guesses, tilting his head.

You let out a chuckle while resuming what you were doing. “It’s Sienna’s birthday, and she’s free to invite whoever she wants.”

Felix hums, unconvinced. “So, if it weren’t for Sienna, you wouldn’t have invited me?”

You sigh, exasperated, before shaking your head. “That’s not what I meant.”

Felix chuckles at your reaction, clearly enjoying your frustration. “Relax, I’m just messing with you,” he says, nudging your arm lightly.

Rolling your eyes, you move to grab the last glass and hand it to him. “Yeah, okay, I'm happy to see you.”

“There we go,” he quips before glancing toward the living room, where Hyunjin and Sienna are still struggling with the fireplace. “So, what kind of party does Sienna usually throw?”

You shrug honestly. “No one really knows.”

Felix raises an eyebrow at that, intrigued. “Sounds like we’re in for a surprise.”

You give him a knowing look. “With Sienna? Always.”

You nudge Felix with your elbow and nod toward the birthday cake sitting on the counter. “Help me carry this?”

Felix grins and steps in, carefully picking up the cake stand while you steady the top to make sure the candles don’t flicker out. Together, the two of you make your way toward the living room, where Hyunjin and Sienna are still caught up in their attempt to get the fireplace going.

The moment you step in, you start singing the birthday song, your voice leading the way. Felix joins in, and soon, Hyunjin catches on, his head snapping toward the two of you with realization. Sienna turns around at the sound, her eyes widening as she spots the cake with the glowing candles.

Her gasp is loud, hands flying to her mouth as a delighted smile takes over her face. “You guys!” she exclaims, eyes flickering between all of you.

Hyunjin, never one to miss a good moment, scrambles for the camera he left on the couch, quickly adjusting the lens to capture Sienna’s reaction. The flickering glow of the candles reflects in her eyes as she laughs, looking overwhelmed by the small but thoughtful celebration.

“Make a wish,” you remind her, giving her an encouraging nod.

Sienna closes her eyes for a second, the room falling into an anticipatory silence, before she blows out the candles in one smooth breath. Cheers erupt as you all clap for her, and Hyunjin continues snapping pictures, capturing every moment.

With the candles blown out and the cake safely set on the coffee table, Sienna grabs her drink and raises it high. “Alright, everyone! Since we’re doing this right, let’s have a proper toast.”

Hyunjin, Felix, and you follow her lead, lifting your glasses as she clears her throat dramatically.

“To another year of being fabulous, unbothered, and thriving!” Sienna grins, eyes shining. “May this year bring me even more money, more success, and—” she pauses, smirking, “—a lot of love.”

You chuckle, clinking your glass against hers. “You mean more fans falling at your feet?”

Sienna winks. “That too.”

Hyunjin shakes his head with a smile, and Felix chuckles before adding, “To Sienna. May your ego never deflate.”

Sienna gasps in mock offense, but before she can retort, everyone clinks their glasses together and takes a sip of their drinks.

With that, the party officially begins. Laughter fills the cozy villa as the four of you settle in. Music plays softly in the background, the fireplace finally crackling with warmth, and the night stretches ahead, promising more fun, games, and a few surprises yet to come.

Hyunjin swirls his drink in his glass, letting the warmth of it settle in his chest as he leans back in his seat. The fire crackles softly, casting a golden glow across the room, but his eyes are drawn elsewhere. You and Felix sit together on the sofa, far too close for his liking. Felix leans in, murmuring something to you as if you’re in a crowded club instead of a quiet villa.

Hyunjin catches faint glimpses of the conversation—your giggles, Felix’s low teasing voice, the way you lightly shove his shoulder but don’t move away. He takes another sip of his drink, jaw tensing slightly. He tells himself he doesn’t care. That he shouldn’t care. But the longer he watches, the harder it is to ignore the feeling creeping up his spine.

A sudden bump to his shoulder snaps him out of it. He turns to see Sienna smirking at him, one brow raised.

“You look like you’re having the time of your life,” she teases.

Hyunjin exhales, shaking his head. “I’m fine.”

Sienna rolls her eyes. “Sure you are.” Then, without warning, she claps her hands together and declares, “Alright, enough lounging around. It’s time for games!”

Felix groans dramatically, leaning his head against your shoulder. “Sienna, we’re adults.”

Sienna grins. “Exactly! Which means we’re playing adult games.”

Hyunjin has no idea what she means by that, but the way her smirk widens tells him he’s about to find out.

-

The four of you sit in a loose circle on the carpet, surrounded by plush cushions and the lingering warmth of the fireplace. The drinks are flowing, laughter comes easily, and everyone is comfortably relaxed in the dim glow of the villa’s living room.

Sienna, always the life of the party, reaches into her bag and pulls out a small velvet pouch. The moment you see it, you already know what’s inside. She loosens the drawstring, tilting the pouch, and a handful of small, pastel-colored pills spill onto her palm.

Felix watches with interest. “And what do we have here?”

You lean back on your hands, tilting your head. “How do you always have these?”

Sienna grins, tossing a pill between her fingers before handing them out. “I have this friend—Jane. She works at a pharmaceutical company and hooks me up with these.” She winks. “Nothing crazy, just enough to keep the good vibes going.”

Next to you, Felix picks up his pill, turning it between his fingers as if he’s studying it. He gives you a questioning look, and you smirk. “It’s harmless,” you assure him.

Without another thought, Felix pops it into his mouth and washes it down with a sip of wine. Sienna follows suit, tipping her head back easily. You do the same, feeling the cool slide of the pill down your throat, the familiar anticipation settling in your stomach.

But when you glance at Hyunjin, he’s still holding his between his fingers, hesitating. His gaze flickers to yours for a brief second before he finally places it on his tongue and swallows. You don’t miss the way his throat bobs, or the way he exhales afterward, as if bracing himself.

Sienna pulls something out of her duffel bag this time and from the box, you can tell that it's Jenga blocks, she's putting it in the middle, the flickering light from the fireplace casting soft shadows over the game.

You glance at Sienna, raising a skeptical brow. “Jenga? This is your idea of fun?” you ask doubtfully.

Sienna waves you off with a smirk. “Just wait.” She reaches forward and carefully pulls out the first block. As she flips it over, she grins and reads out loud, “Do a love shot.”

Felix chuckles, already intrigued. Hyunjin, on the other hand, simply watches with mild curiosity.

Sienna grabs two shot glasses, fills them with liquor, and then turns to Hyunjin, who happens to be sitting on her right. “Guess it’s you and me,” she says teasingly, handing him one of the glasses.

Hyunjin raises a brow but doesn’t refuse. They link their arms together, bringing the glasses to their lips at the same time. Sienna takes her shot smoothly, but as soon as the alcohol burns down her throat, she gasps dramatically, shaking her head at the bitter aftertaste.

She turns to you with a playful smirk. “And that,” she says, setting her glass down with a clink, “is how you play.”

Sienna gently elbows Hyunjin’s side, signaling that it’s his turn next and Hyunjin hesitates for a second before carefully pulling a block from the stack. He flips it over and reads the instruction silently, his brows twitching slightly. Before he can say anything, Sienna leans over impatiently and snatches the block from his hand.

“Spank someone three times on the ass,” she reads out loud, chuckling in amusement before looking at Hyunjin expectantly. “Well? Who’s the lucky one?”

Hyunjin exhales through his nose, shaking his head with a smirk. “I guess the birthday girl deserves it.”

Sienna rolls her eyes, feigning exasperation. “Ugh, I should’ve known.” But then, without hesitation, she turns and offers her ass, wiggling her hips slightly as if to encourage him.

Hyunjin scoffs but goes along with it. He raises his hand and lands a gentle spank on her ass, barely making a sound.

Sienna immediately whirls her head around and rolls her eyes at him. “Oh, come on. Harder.”

Hyunjin blinks before raising his hand again, this time delivering a firmer smack.

Sienna only grins. “That was better, but you can do better than that. Come on! Harder!”

Hyunjin gives her a deadpan look but complies, swinging his hand back and landing a sharp spank on her ass. Sienna yelps at the impact, her body jerking slightly.

For a split second, Hyunjin looks alarmed. “Shit—sorry, did I go too hard?”

Sienna whirls back around with a smirk, completely unfazed. “Please. I’ve taken harder than that.”

Felix bursts out laughing, and you shake your head, chuckling at the ridiculousness of it all. Sienna, always the chaotic one, is enjoying every second of this.

Since you're sitting next to Hyunjin, it's time for you to take your turn. You reach for a block near the bottom of the stack, carefully wiggling it free, holding your breath as the tower wobbles slightly. Once it’s out, you flip it over and read the instruction printed on it. Kiss the person you think is the hottest.

Sienna immediately gasps before breaking into laughter. “Oh, this is a good one!” She turns to you with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “But it’s not an easy decision, huh? You’ve got two sexy boys right here.”

You scoff, rolling your eyes. “Please. This is easy.”

Both Felix and Hyunjin straighten slightly, waiting for your choice. You glance at them both, dragging out the moment, then shake your head with an apologetic smile.

“Sorry, boys,” you say, shifting onto your hands and knees. “The hottest person here is Sienna.”

Sienna grins as you crawl over to her. She meets you in the middle, tilting her chin up expectantly. “You better give the boys a good show,” she murmurs, her lips curving into a smirk.

You slide your fingers under her jaw, tilting her head just right before pressing your lips to hers. She responds instantly, kissing you back with confidence, and as the teasing tension in the air thickens, you deepen the kiss, slipping your tongue past her lips.

The kiss turns messy, heat building between you as your mouths move together, the taste of alcohol and something undeniably Sienna filling your senses. Your fingers tighten on her jaw, and she lets out a soft hum of approval. By the time you finally pull away, you’re both slightly breathless, lips tingling, your gazes locked in amusement and heat.

“Holy shit.” Felix is the first to break the silence. His voice is awed, his eyes wide. “That’s the hottest thing I’ve ever seen.”

Hyunjin doesn’t say anything, but when you glance at him, his fingers are wrapped tightly around his drink, his throat bobbing as he swallows. His gaze flickers between you and Sienna, something unreadable lingering in his expression.

It's Felix’s turn now and he leans forward, eyes scanning the tower carefully before pulling a block from the middle of the stack with ease. He flips it over, reads the instruction silently, then lets out a soft chuckle before reading it aloud. "Remove one article of clothing."

Sienna immediately lets out an excited squeal, clapping her hands together. “Oh, hell yes. I love this game.”

Felix smirks, clearly enjoying the attention, and takes a moment to consider which piece to remove. Then, he turns to you. “What do you think? What should I take off?”

You blink at him, caught completely off guard. “What?”

Felix holds your gaze, a teasing glint in his eyes, waiting for your answer. Heat rushes to your face as you quickly shake your head. “I’m not answering that.”

“Alright then,” Felix says with a grin, reaching for the buttons of his shirt. His fingers work through them one by one, taking his sweet time. As he parts the fabric and shrugs it off, revealing his toned torso, Sienna lets out a dramatic gasp before breaking into loud cheers.

“Felix, you absolute menace,” she laughs, fanning herself exaggeratedly.

Felix tosses his shirt aside, leaning back with an amused expression. “Hope that was worth it.”

Sienna, still grinning, suddenly pauses before snapping her fingers. “Oh! We finished the first round.”

She grabs the bottle of liquor and starts pouring shots for everyone. “House rule—one shot for every round we complete!”

She hands each of you a shot glass, lifting hers in the air. “Cheers!”

Everyone clinks their glasses together before downing the shots, the burn of alcohol warming your throat instantly. The game is only getting started.

-

The game has gone on for multiple rounds, the tower now hollow in places and dangerously close to toppling. The atmosphere is thick with warmth, alcohol, and something else Hyunjin can’t quite put into words.

Sienna is sprawled on her stomach, clad only in her matching underwear, lazily watching the game. Felix, shirtless, lounges beside you, his lips dangerously close to your ear as he whispers something that makes you giggle. Hyunjin, only in his boxers, feels the heat of the liquor swirling in his veins as he reaches for a block, his movements slow and precise.

The tower wobbles slightly, and he holds his breath. After a tense moment, he successfully pulls a piece free. A small, relieved laugh escapes him as he flips the block over and reads the instruction, his voice slightly slurred. "Make a hickey on someone's neck."

His mind blanks for a second. His hazy gaze flickers across the room. Sienna watches with mild curiosity, propping herself up on her elbows. Felix still lingers close to you, his breath brushing against your skin. A strange feeling twists in Hyunjin’s chest, and before he can second-guess himself, the words tumble out of his mouth.

“You.”

Your head snaps up, eyes widening slightly in surprise. But before you can react, Hyunjin is already moving, scooting closer until he’s right beside you. His fingers gently push your hair away, exposing the delicate slope of your neck. His hand hovers for a second as if giving you the chance to pull away. You don’t.

He leans in and his lips meet your skin first, warm and soft. Then, he sucks, slow and deliberate, letting his mouth linger, knowing the mark will bloom there in the morning. A quiet gasp escapes your lips, and the sound makes something coil tight in Hyunjin’s stomach. His teeth graze against your skin before he soothes the spot with a final kiss, his lips pressing over the fresh mark one last time before he pulls away.

The moment is brief, but it feels like an eternity, the world narrowing down to just the two of you. When Hyunjin finally leans back, his gaze flickers up to meet yours, his lips tingling, his heart pounding.

The game continues, but for a fleeting moment, you seem to be stuck in a daze until you realize that you have to take your turn. You lean in, concentrating on which block to pull that won't cause the tower crumbling down.

Hyunjin watches as you struggle for another minute, your fingers trembling slightly as you reach for a block. For a fleeting moment, he wonders if it’s because of him—because of the mark he just left on your skin, the lingering warmth of his lips still pressed against your flesh.

But you manage. Somehow, you pull a block from the tower, and to your luck, it’s blank.

Sienna groans. “Boring.”

You laugh softly, and then it’s Felix’s turn.

He eyes the tower carefully before reaching for a piece near the bottom. The entire structure wobbles dangerously as he slides it free, but miraculously, it doesn’t fall. He flips the block over and reads the instruction aloud, his voice dripping with amusement. "Remove someone’s article of clothing."

Hyunjin barely has time to process it before Felix’s gaze lands on you, sharp and certain. You nervously giggle, already knowing what’s coming.

Felix shifts closer, his palm gliding down the length of your dress, considering. But instead of going for the obvious choice, he hums in thought and slips his hand beneath the hem, his fingers ghosting against your bare thigh. The air thickens instantly.

“Oh, I know which clothing I’m taking off,” Felix announces, his tone playful but firm.

Sienna lets out an exaggerated coo, propping a hand under her chin, clearly enjoying the scene unfolding before her.

Hyunjin, however, can only watch as Felix’s hands move with ease, sliding higher, disappearing under your dress. His fingers hook around the band of your underwear, and he tugs. Instinctively, you lift your hips, allowing him to pull the lacy fabric down. Slow. Deliberate.

Hyunjin’s throat goes dry as Felix drags the black lace down the curve of your thighs, past your knees, until he finally slides it off completely. The moment hangs heavy in the air, charged with something indescribable.

Felix grins triumphantly, twirling the underwear between his fingers before—without shame—bringing it up to his nose and sniffing.

Sienna groans. “God, you’re such a perv.” She tosses a piece of chip at him, which bounces off his bare shoulder.

But Felix doesn’t care. He holds your gaze, mischief dancing in his dark eyes. Then, with a smirk, he stuffs the delicate lace into his pocket. “I’m keeping this,” he murmurs.

Hyunjin swallows hard, gripping his drink a little too tightly as a strange, heated feeling coils in his gut so he shifts his focus on Sienna now as she takes her turn. She narrows her eyes at the tower, steadying herself as she reaches for a block. But in her drunken state, her fingers fumble, and with one wrong move, the entire stack comes crashing down.

A chorus of cheers erupts from you, Felix, and Hyunjin—except for Sienna, who groans dramatically, throwing her head back.

“Noooo!” she whines. “I was so close!”

“You really weren’t,” Felix chuckles, watching as the wooden pieces scatter across the floor.

Sienna huffs, but then she suddenly smirks. “Fine. I lost. But you all are drinking with me.”

You laugh, shaking your head. “That’s not how punishments work.”

“It is tonight,” she insists, grabbing the last bottle of liquor. “One last toast before I die.”

Felix rolls his eyes, but he grabs his glass anyway. Hyunjin does the same, though there’s a faint flush to his cheeks—probably from the alcohol, but maybe from something else.

Sienna raises the bottle. “To birthdays, bad decisions, and hot people.”

You and Felix clink your glasses with hers, and Hyunjin hesitates for half a second before following suit. Then, everyone downs their shots.

And as a punishment, Sienna doesn’t stop there, she tilts the bottle back and chugs. For a moment, it looks like she might actually finish the whole thing—until she suddenly coughs, breaking away with a gasp.

“Shit. Okay. I can’t.” She shoves the bottle at Hyunjin. “You finish it.”

Hyunjin blinks at her, startled. “What? Why me?”

“Because it's my birthday,” she says, as if that explains everything. “And because you’re the best.”

Hyunjin sighs, but the corner of his mouth twitches in amusement. “Fine.”

With that, he lifts the bottle and drains the rest in one go. The moment he lowers it, Sienna throws herself at him, knocking him back slightly as she wraps her arms around his neck.

“Thank you, my gentleman,” she purrs, and them she kisses him.

It happens so fast that Hyunjin barely has time to react. Her lips press firmly against his, warm and liquor-sweet, and for a split second, everything else fades away. Little does he know—this is the start of it all.

-

You lose count of how many drinks you had but you can tell that if you have one more, you're done. You steer yourself away from it, propping a hand against the carpet to steady yourself as you begin to feel lightheaded.

Felix leans in, his arms braced on either side of you, caging you in. You can feel the warmth of his breath on your cheek as he speaks, low and deliberate.

"Should we catch up to them?" he asks, voice laced with mischief.

You glance to the side, eyes landing on Sienna who’s now straddling Hyunjin, her hands tangled in his hair as their lips move in sync, lost in their own world. The sight stirs something in you—curiosity, heat, maybe both. But before you can properly register it, you turn your head back to Felix… and find him even closer. His hand rests your thigh, fingers brushing lightly against your skin, warm and steady. Then he leans in further, nose skimming along your neck, breathing you in like you're something rare.

"You smell so heavenly," he murmurs, lips grazing your skin.

A shiver runs down your spine just as he begins to trail kisses—up the curve of your throat, along your jaw—before his mouth finds yours.

The kiss is hard and deep and hungry. His hands, once tentative, now roam with growing confidence as he presses you back into the plush cushions. Your body yields beneath him, a soft gasp escaping your lips as he hovers above you, his weight settling just enough to pin you beneath him without crushing you.

And then he kisses you again—deeper this time, with more intent. You feel it in the way his fingers tighten on your thigh, in the way his chest pushes into yours, in the way he makes it known he wants to keep going. Your thoughts are scattered, drowned out by the warmth of his touch and the dizzying weight of everything happening around you.

The room is cast in the soft, flickering glow of the fireplace—shadows dancing along the walls, licking across skin, outlining bodies in warm amber.

You melt into the cushions beneath you, the velvet brushing your skin as Felix deepens the kiss, his hand skimming up the outside of your thigh, slow and reverent. The crackle of the fire fills the silence, punctuated by the soft hitch of your breath when his fingers graze under the hem of your dress.

Somewhere in the background, you hear it—Sienna’s breathless laugh, the muffled sounds of Hyunjin’s voice close against her skin. You don't have to look to know what they’re doing. You can feel it in the room, the heat and intimacy hanging heavy in the air like perfume.

Felix pulls back just slightly, his forehead pressed to yours as he catches his breath, his eyes searching yours. There's a flicker of something playful there, but beneath it—a quiet hunger.

“You have no idea how beautiful you are in my eyes,” he murmurs, brushing his nose against yours.

Your hand finds his chest, the steady beat of his heart pounding against your palm, grounding you even as everything feels like it's floating.

And then he’s kissing you again, softer this time. Slower. One of his hands cradles your jaw while the other stays on your thigh, his thumb brushing gentle circles into your skin. The room is warm, your body warmer, and Felix—he’s all over you now. Not rushing. Not forcing. Just… being there. Completely.

Behind you, Sienna’s breath hitches—Hyunjin’s quiet murmur follows. But you don't turn to look. You're far too gone in the way Felix is holding you and the way he deepens the kiss again, slow and sultry, the kind that leaves you dazed and wanting more.

His hand, still resting on your thigh, shifts with purpose—fingertips brushing up, exploring. The hem of your dress lifts ever so slightly, caught in the slide of his wrist as he glides it higher, baring more of you to the warm air and his touch. He doesn’t rush. His palm moves with confidence, with intention, as he maps the curve of your thigh and slips beneath the fabric like it’s second nature. Your breath catches—just a flutter in your chest—but Felix notices. His lips curve into a faint smirk against your mouth, as if he’s proud of the effect he has on you.

You gasp softly as his fingers find your heating core where you’re warm and aching for him, and your hips shift—subtle, instinctive. The cushions beneath you muffle the sound, but not the sensation. You feel the brush of his knuckles, the slow and deliberate pressure on your clit that has your mind going hazy. The fire crackles again, casting shadows across Felix’s bare chest as he leans over you, watching your reaction through hooded eyes.

He presses a kiss to your temple, whispering something you barely catch—but you don’t need words. You feel it in the way his fingers move, teasing and coaxing on your wet cunt, in the way he’s so attuned to your body like he’s studied it in secret.

The rest of the room falls away. Sienna’s soft moan, Hyunjin’s quiet groan, the faint rustle of skin on fabric—all of it blends into the background, a distant echo to the way Felix has you unraveling beneath him.

Your hands clutch at his shoulders, your thighs part instinctively, and in that moment—with the firelight painting gold across your skin, and Felix moving like he already knows how to break you apart—you surrender to it all. To the heat. To the hands. To the night that’s only just beginning.

-

The room spins gently around them, firelight flickering behind his closed lids. He’s not sure when the last piece of clothing came off—maybe it was a moment ago, maybe longer—but he feels the sudden coolness against his skin, followed by the contrasting warmth of Sienna's mouth trailing lower.

Hyunjin's head leans back against the couch, eyes fluttering as Sienna’s lips press against his again—hungry, languid, tasting like wine and something darker. His hands find her waist, her skin warm beneath his palms, and every breath he takes feels heavier than the last.

She kisses his jaw, his throat, then lower still. Every place her lips touch feels like it’s burning, like she’s leaving marks only he can feel. His fingers twitch against the floor, trying to stay grounded, but she keeps dragging him under.

Then her hands are on his cock—firm, knowing, wrapping around his length that’s already aching from how long he’s been wound up. Hyunjin lets out a shaky breath, the kind that escapes when he stop trying to hold anything in.

Sienna doesn’t rush. She moves with the same confidence she always carries—deliberate, playful, in control. Her hand strokes his cock slow at first, then a little tighter, a little faster, just enough to make his hips shift, chasing friction.

Hyunjin’s eyes flutter open just enough to catch a glimpse of her looking up at him from beneath her lashes, her lips curved into a grin that promises she’s not even close to done. His pulse thunders in his ears, mixing with the crackle of the fireplace and the soft sounds of movement from across the room. He knows he should feel self-conscious, but in this haze—with Sienna between his legs and nothing left to hide—he only feels raw and alive.

But then—he turns his head.

Just across the room, his gaze lands on you. You're half-reclined on the cushions, dress hiked up around your hips, your head thrown back. Felix is between your legs, his shoulders moving with purpose, and your fingers are tangled in his hair. The sight freezes something in Hyunjin’s chest.

He can’t hear you, not over the crackling fireplace and the pulse pounding in his ears—but he can see the way your mouth parts in a silent gasp, the subtle arch of your back, the way your body responds to Felix’s every move. Sienna's hand trails along his thigh, grounding him for a moment, but his eyes don’t leave you.

Hyunjin’s fingers curl against the cushion behind him, his knuckles pale as Sienna’s mouth works him over—slow, practiced, indulgent. Her tongue traces the length of his cock with purpose, her rhythm coaxing low, shaky breaths from his chest. The room is warm from the fireplace, but the heat pooling low in his stomach burns hotter. He lets his head fall back, eyelids heavy—but he can’t stop himself from glancing sideways again.

You’re still there. Still spread out like a dream, like a scene from something he shouldn’t be watching. Felix is hidden between your thighs, his dark hair tousled from your grip. The soft sounds you make—breathless gasps, stifled moans—cut through the haze like a spark to dry leaves.

The world narrows.

Hyunjin’s lips part. He shouldn’t be watching, but he does.

You move—your hips lifting gently to meet Felix’s mouth, your hand fisting into the cushion beneath you. And then your eyes flicker open, landing right on him.

There's a burn rising in him now—not from the alcohol, not from Sienna—but from the sight of you, unraveling in someone else’s hands. He clenches his jaw, swallowing thickly as a mixture of heat and something else—something sharper—twists inside him.

Your gaze holds his. Just for a second, maybe two. But it’s enough to make Hyunjin’s breath catch, his muscles tense. It’s enough to make him feel everything—Sienna’s mouth on him, your eyes on him, the sound of your pleasure threading through the air like a song written just for him. He moans, low and quiet, his body tightening under the weight of it all. Sienna doesn’t notice. But you do.

And when you finally close your eyes again, falling deeper into Felix’s touch, Hyunjin’s head tips back once more—lost between the girl kneeling before him and the girl who haunts his every thought.

-

Your breath catches as the climax finally hit, warmth unraveling deep in your core. Felix doesn't stop—his mouth still working over your drenching cunt through the high, steady and precise, until you're trembling beneath him. Your fingers tangle in his hair, holding him there just a moment longer, before you finally go slack against the cushions.

He rises slowly, his lips tracing a path up your body, soft and coaxing. By the time his mouth finds yours again, you’re still reeling from your high. He kisses you hard, hungry, his tongue tasting the aftermath of your pleasure, and you hum into it—weak, breathless, but sated.

“You were so good for me,” he murmurs, his voice a low rumble against your ear. “So damn sweet, coming just like that.”

Your laugh is slow and sultry as it slips past your lips, brushing against his. “You make it sound like I had a choice.”

Felix chuckles, the sound deep and satisfied, and kisses you again, slower this time. One of his hands slides up your side, dragging the hem of your dress along with it. The fabric slips away, inch by inch, and you lift your hips, helping him pull it off completely. And just like that, you’re bare beneath him.

Felix sits back on his heels, his eyes drinking in every inch of you. There’s a silence in the room—except for the fire crackling low in the background and the soft sounds of Sienna and Hyunjin nearby—but his gaze is loud. Full of heat. Full of reverence.

“You’re…” he starts, then stops, biting his lip. His hands rest on your knees, thumbs stroking gently. “God, you’re gorgeous.”

You tilt your head, a little smirk curling on your lips. “I know.”

That makes him laugh, but he doesn’t look away. Doesn’t touch you further just yet. He just watches, like he’s trying to commit every detail to memory. And for a moment, you let him until you sit up slowly.

Your hands find his hips in an instant and you make an eye contact with him as your fingers find the button of his jeans. You undo it with ease, your touch deliberate, slow—teasing while maintaining eye contact with him. Felix watches you, eyes half-lidded, mouth slightly open as if waiting to feel your touch again. And when the zipper drags down, he lets out a quiet breath, deep and expectant. He takes over then, pushing his jeans down and off with practiced ease, until he’s kneeling there in front of you—undressed, warm, and waiting. He reaches for your hands, guiding them to him, placing them on his skin like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

“Touch me,” he murmurs, voice deep and rough at the edges.

You do. Your hands move over him slowly, feeling the way his muscles shift under your touch, how his breath stutters with every glide of your fingers. He makes quiet, breathless sounds in response, like each one is pulled from somewhere deep in his chest. His hands are still on yours, not controlling—just grounding, as though needing the contact as much as the pleasure.

And then, with ease, he pulls you toward him, closing the space between you. You end up straddling his lap, your bare skin pressed to his, heat meeting heat. He groans softly, resting his forehead against yours as his hands run along your waist, your back, up your sides—like he needs to touch everywhere all at once. His lips find yours again, slower this time, deep and searching. It’s the kind of kiss that lingers, that says everything without words. And all the while, his hands continue moving—greedy and reverent, coaxing and praising, mapping out every inch of you as if he can’t get enough. There’s nothing hurried about it. Just heat. Want. And the quiet, undeniable ache building between your bodies.

Felix's lips trail down your jaw, then to your neck, where he nuzzles into the curve just beneath your ear. His breath is hot, his kisses deeper now. His hands explore you in tandem, firm and familiar, sliding up your back, down your waist, grounding you in the moment even as everything around you blurs at the edges.

You tilt your head to give him more space, and just beyond him—across the firelit room—you catch a glimpse of Sienna. She's straddling Hyunjin now, her body flushed and lit by the golden flicker of the flames. Your gaze shifts to him, and you see the way his head tilts back against the sofa, lips parted, eyes heavy with heat as Sienna slowly sinks down onto his cock. He shudders visibly, and you feel your breath hitch at the raw intimacy of it.

With your half-lidded eyes, dazed and dizzy from Felix's touches, you can’t look away. The way Sienna starts to move—bouncing on Hyunjin’s cock with a rhythm that speaks of knowing, of teasing, of claiming—does something to you. It arouses you, undeniably. The sight is like something out of a fever dream, surreal in its beauty, in its brazenness. But it also stirs something else inside you. Something deeper. Something you can't quite name.

You inhale slowly, lips parted as Felix continues kissing you, whispering something against your skin that you barely register. Because all you can see is the way Hyunjin reaches up to hold Sienna’s waist, how his fingers tighten as she moves, how his mouth falls open in silent pleasure.

And though Felix’s hands are on your body, though his kisses still send heat curling low in your belly, your eyes stay on Hyunjin—and that unfamiliar, aching twist inside you refuses to fade.

-

Sienna moves above him like she’s dancing to music only she can hear—fluid, purposeful, and utterly intoxicating. Her hands rest on his chest, her nails digging lightly into his skin as she rocks her hips with practiced ease. Hyunjin’s hands find her waist, guiding her rhythm, grounding himself in the way her body fits against his.

“You feel so good,” he mutters, voice thick and hoarse, the words falling from his lips like a secret.

Sienna only smirks at him in return, her breath catching in laughter as she leans down to kiss him, her pace quickening. The heat between them builds, every movement syncing like waves crashing on a shore—messy, relentless, beautiful.

Hyunjin closes his eyes for a beat, lost in the sensation. But then he opens them again—and that’s when he sees you. You’re across the room, bathed in the warm flicker of the firelight, your body tucked against Felix, your back resting on his chest. His arm is draped around you, and though you look soft and pliant in his hold, Hyunjin doesn’t miss the way your fingers grip Felix’s wrist where his hand disappears between your thighs. But what captures him, what makes his breath stutter and his hands slow against Sienna’s waist… is the way you’re looking at him. Your eyes are on him. Not the room. Not Felix. Him.

Time hangs thick and suspended in the space between blinks. Sienna keeps bouncing on his cock, drawing pleasure in each movement, chasing something deeper, sharper, but his mind lingers on the intensity of your gaze—heavy, unreadable, like it’s saying something you won’t speak out loud. Hyunjin’s throat goes dry. The haze doesn’t lift, but something inside him stirs. Tightens. Shifts. And when Sienna leans in to kiss him again, he closes his eyes… but all he sees is you.

A moment later, Sienna collapses against him, her breath warm and ragged as she rides out the final waves of her high. Hyunjin keeps his arms around her, holding her close as her body trembles gently in his lap. His fingers trail slowly up her spine, grounding her while she murmurs something he doesn’t quite catch, giggling softly into his neck. But even in the haze of it all, his eyes drift across the room—drawn to you.

You’re on your stomach now, your cheek pressed to the cushions, lips parted in a blissed-out smile. Felix is behind you, hands and mouth worshiping every inch your skin. Hyunjin watches the way you lift your hips in response, a soft sound escaping you as Felix leans over, whispering something into your ear before kissing you.

Then—Hyunjin sees the way your body arches, the subtle shift of Felix’s position as he aligns his swollen member to your entrance and slowly pushes it in. Your eyes flutter shut, your brows pulling together for a moment as a quiet moan slips past your lips, barely audible over the soft crackle of the fire. And then your eyes open. You eyes immediately look at him. Right at him.

The heat in his body no longer just a result of the liquor, the pill or the girl in his lap—it’s you. It’s the way you’re falling apart for someone else… but still looking at him.

Sienna shifts against him and presses her lips to his jaw, her hand slipping up into his hair, but Hyunjin’s gaze doesn’t leave you. Not yet. Not when you look that beautiful. Not when he wishes—just for a second—that he was the one making you feel that way.

-

Felix moves behind you in a rhythm that makes your breath hitch, each steady thrust sending little tremors through your body. His cock is hot and throbbing inside you, his chest is warm against your back, his hand splayed across your stomach to hold you close, and his lips brush over your shoulder, up your neck, murmuring how good you feel—how perfectly you fit around him.

You're lost in the haze of his touch until your eyes drift across the room. Hyunjin is laying Sienna down gently on the plush carpet, her hair spread like a halo as he lowers himself between her legs. You watch as he lines his cock to her entrance, the slow glide of his hips, the way Sienna gasps and arches beneath him as he finally sinks into her. Her head tilts back, lips parted with a moan, fingers curling into the cushions as she whispers something you can't hear—but it's clear she’s unraveling under him.

Your body clenches in response, and Felix growls low into your ear, noticing the change from the way you clench around him. But it’s Hyunjin who catches your eye. Even as he begins to move, his pace steady and deep, it’s you he’s looking at. Something inside you twists—hot and restless and wanting.

Felix’s hands slide under your stomach, his touch steady and sure as he slowly lifts you, guiding your back to arch against him. His arm wraps around your waist, holding you firmly in place, and his breath is warm against your ear as he murmurs something low—words lost in the haze of it all.

The rhythm between your bodies falls into something deeper, slower, more consuming. Every movement draws a quiet gasp from your lips, and when his mouth finds yours, it’s hungry—desperate, like he needs the taste of you to anchor himself.

His hand slips lower to where heat pooling between your legs, fingers brushing against your sensitive clit that already pulses with need, and he applies gentle pressures as he rubs on the bundle of nerves. The next thing you know, your knees begin to give way. Felix catches you before you can falter, slowly guiding you down, your palms pressed to the soft carpet beneath as he settles behind you again.

Around you, the room blurs—the warmth of the fireplace, the muffled moans, the soft rustle of movement. But all you feel is Felix, the steady press of his body, the drag of his cock against your walls, the way he moves like he knows you inside out. And still, in the back of your mind, you’re aware of Hyunjin’s gaze. That quiet, burning presence you can’t seem to ignore.

-

The room is filled with nothing but the sound of bodies and breath and pleasure winding through the air like smoke. Hyunjin’s breath comes out ragged as Sienna moves against him, her warmth surrounding him in waves that make his thoughts blur. But then, just as he’s finding a rhythm, she suddenly presses a hand to his chest and breathlessly tells him to stop.

His body stills, heart pounding in his ears. “Was I—too much?”

But Sienna only gives him a teasing smirk. “You know I like it rough.”

And before he can reply, she shifts beneath him, turning onto her hands and knees, casting a glance over her shoulder that makes something coil tightly in his gut. She takes what she wants, wrapping her hand around his cock and slides it back into her slowly, his hands immediately gripping her hips, and resumes his pace, now deeper, more deliberate.

Just then, Sienna’s eyes flick forward—and Hyunjin follows her gaze. You’re there, just inches away, your mouth already parting as Sienna reaches for you. The kiss that follows between you two is slow at first, all lips and teasing tongues, before deepening into something raw and greedy. It’s impossible not to watch. Felix lets out a low curse behind you, clearly just as affected. His pace shifts slightly, more intent, more desperate.

Hyunjin can feel everything building again—the tension, the pleasure, the strange heat curling in his chest as his eyes lock with yours across Sienna’s shoulder. For a moment, it feels like the four of you are caught in something heavier than desire, something that blurs all the lines and makes everything taste a little too sweet.

The moment stretches, blurs.

Hyunjin can barely hear anything over the sound of blood rushing in his ears, over the rhythm of Sienna’s breath mixing with his, over the soft moans curling into the air from where Felix moves behind you. But all he can focus on—all he can feel—is you.

You’re looking at him. Your gaze, half-lidded and hazy, finds his through the haze of movement and heat. And for some reason, the world shrinks down to just that connection. The way your lips part with every breath. The way your eyes cling to his. The way it suddenly feels like you’re the only one in the room with him. His hips keep moving on instinct, but his mind is locked on you, watching as your body tenses, your expression shifting—pleasure building just beneath the surface of your skin. And he knows. He knows you’re close.

It hits you first—Hyunjin sees it all happen in your eyes. The way they flutter. The way your mouth falls open. The way your back arches in that beautiful, vulnerable way. And something about it unravels him completely.

He groans low, the sound rough and desperate, as the rush overtakes him—intense and fast and consuming. It’s like falling, like burning, like touching something just out of reach and finally catching it. He holds onto Sienna’s hips tight, riding the wave out, but his eyes never leave yours.

It feels like a different kind of high. Raw. Unfiltered. Intimate in a way he doesn’t fully understand. And somehow, in the quiet aftermath that follows, the only thing he can think about is you.

-

Felix’s breath grows heavier, his thrusts turning more desperate—each movement more intense, more hungry. You can feel the tension in his body, the way he twitches inside you, the way his grip on your hips tightens as he edges closer to release. His forehead drops to your shoulder, a deep groan rumbling from his chest as he pulls out just in time.

A hot rush spills across your back, warm and slick, painting your skin in the pearly white of his seed as he shudders behind you. For a moment, the world slows—just the sound of his breath against your ear and the thundering of both your heartbeats. Then he leans down, pressing a soft kiss to your shoulder blade, murmuring something low and breathless. You turn your head, catching the dazed, satisfied look in his eyes, and a small smile pulls at your lips in return.

You stay on your stomach, body sinking deeper into the softness beneath you as the warmth of the room settles over your skin. Felix’s touch is gentle now, careful, as he wipes you clean with a wet cloth and you're too spent to notice. His lips find your shoulder, pressing light, lingering kisses along the curve of it, as if he's savoring you even in the quiet aftermath.

He doesn’t say much at first—just the soft sound of his breath mingling with yours—but then he shifts, nestling beside you and pulling you into the cradle of his arms. His body is warm against yours, chest rising and falling in rhythm with your own. He kisses you again—lazy and unhurried—and between each kiss, he whispers praises that make your lips curl into a dazed smile.

“So good,” he breathes against your mouth. “You feel like heaven.”

You hum in response, your hand finding his as the two of you settle into the hush of the moment, wrapped in each other and the afterglow.

Felix’s arms are warm around you as you lie nestled against him, the steady rhythm of his breathing lulling you into calm. He brushes a few strands of hair away from your face, planting a soft kiss on your temple. "You’re kind of adorable like this," he whispers with a teasing smile, and you chuckle under your breath, nudging his chest.

"Kind of?" you ask, raising a brow.

He grins. "Okay, very adorable."

You roll your eyes and pretend to groan, but the comfort of his touch, the way his fingers gently trace patterns on your skin, makes you feel light. Safe. The two of you fall into an easy conversation, filled with quiet laughs and soft murmurs, like the world has momentarily narrowed down to this moment — just the two of you under a soft blanket of warmth and afterglow.

Then, from the corner of your eye, something shifts. You glance across the room and see Hyunjin lying on his back with Sienna curled on top of him, her cheek resting against his chest. He’s brushing her hair back with slow, affectionate strokes, his gaze soft, unreadable. You don’t know why, but something stirs inside you. A tug — not painful, just... confusing. Like watching something you weren’t meant to see but can’t look away from.

Felix doesn’t notice. He’s still talking, still playing with your fingers. You force yourself to focus on his voice, but your thoughts linger elsewhere — not fully formed, not heavy, just floating in the back of your mind.

Eventually, exhaustion wins. Your body sinks deeper into the cushions, your breathing evens out, and you let your eyes slip closed — the weight of the night finally pulling you under.

-

Hyunjin doesn’t know how long he’s been staring. You’re lying there, curled up against Felix, his arm draped protectively over your waist. Your face is turned slightly toward Hyunjin’s direction, but your eyes are closed, lips parted ever so slightly, soft and serene in sleep. Felix shifts beside you, murmurs something incoherent, but doesn’t wake. He just tightens his hold on you.

Hyunjin’s chest feels tight. He doesn't know why — or maybe he does, but he doesn't want to admit it. As if sensing his thoughts are too loud, Sienna stirs against him. She makes a soft sound, a content little hum, and he thinks maybe she’s still dreaming. But then her head lifts from his chest, and she blinks slowly up at him. Her eyes meet his, and she tilts her head slightly.

“It’s just sex,” she says, as if she’s answering a question he never asked out loud.

Hyunjin blinks. “What?”

Sienna smirks, sleepy and sly. “What you and I did.” She stretches her limbs a little, then settles again. “Just sex. That’s what it was.”

He doesn’t know what to say to that, so he stays quiet.

She doesn’t seem to mind. “Same with them,” she adds, nodding subtly toward you and Felix. “It’s all physical. Fun. Nothing serious.”

Hyunjin knows what she’s doing — offering him an out, an explanation, maybe even a defense he didn’t ask for. He understands what she means. He understands it a little too well. Still, he plays dumb. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Sienna chuckles, low and amused, brushing her fingers lazily across his chest. “You’re cute when you lie.”

His heart stutters. She lays her head back down, getting comfortable again, but just before closing her eyes, she murmurs, “You should tell her how you feel you know.”

Hyunjin doesn’t respond. He doesn’t move. And luckily, Sienna doesn’t press. She only leans up slightly to place a featherlight kiss on his cheek.

“Goodnight,” she says softly, already drifting back into sleep.

However, Hyunjin stays awake. His eyes drift once again to where you sleep, unaware of everything swirling in his head. And for the first time all night, it feels like he’s completely alone with his thoughts.

-

A soft movement against his chest pulls him from sleep.

Hyunjin blinks, disoriented, the remnants of a hazy dream slipping from his mind as Sienna shifts beside him. She lets out a small sigh, snuggling closer, her bare skin warm against his. For a second, he lets himself sink back into the comfort of it, eyes heavy, body sluggish from exhaustion.

Then Sienna’s lips brush against his ear, and in a sleepy murmur, she whispers, “You’re losing brownie points.”

Hyunjin furrows his brows. “What?” His voice is hoarse from sleep.

Sienna only hums, her fingers lazily tracing circles against his chest. “You’re still here, meanwhile they’re already up and cooking breakfast together.”

That wakes him up completely. He fumbles as he sits up, his body aching from spending the night on the carpeted floor. The space around him is a mess—scattered cushions, crumpled blankets, empty glasses from last night’s drinking game. The fireplace has dimmed to glowing embers, casting the room in a warm, lazy light. But none of that matters once he turns his head toward the kitchen.

There you are, standing beside Felix at the stove, a bright smile on your face as you cook breakfast together. You’re dressed casually now—your hair a little messy, your face still fresh from sleep—but you look… normal. As if nothing happened last night. Or maybe as if something did happen, but it doesn’t mean anything. Hyunjin’s stomach twists at the thought.

Felix says something, and you laugh—soft and easy. Hyunjin watches the way Felix leans in slightly, how comfortable you look standing next to him. He can’t tell if there’s a shift between you two, if the night before changed something, or if you’ve already moved past it like it was just a fleeting moment of pleasure.

Sienna chuckles beside him, watching the way his expression subtly changes. “Told you,” she murmurs.

Hyunjin doesn’t respond because for the first time in a long time, he isn’t sure how he feels.

The scent of toast and fresh fruit fills the villa's open kitchen, warm light pouring in through the tall windows. Hyunjin sits across from you at the long wooden table, watching as you reach for your cup of tea with a soft, sleepy smile. Felix is beside you, animated as always, while Sienna stirs her yogurt, her leg tucked under her.

It feels almost normal. Too normal.

Until Felix leans closer and grins at Sienna, mischief in his voice. “So,” he says, wiggling his eyebrows, “how was your sleep, Sienna?”

Sienna barely glances up, her tone casual but sharp. “Not as good as yours, apparently.”

Felix chuckles. “Yeah, probably the best sleep I’ve ever had.”

You snort at the exchange, and Hyunjin catches it—that faint smile tugging at the corner of your lips, that glint in your eyes. It’s so small. So quick. But it splits something open in him.

His fork clinks against the plate as he sets it down. “I’m gonna use the bathroom,” he mutters.

No one stops him. No one even looks twice. Maybe it’s better that way.

He locks the door behind him, pressing his back against the wood for a second. The silence is too loud in here. Too heavy. He pulls out his phone, fingers already moving toward the Lustre app. Maybe he shouldn’t. But he does.

Your page loads, soft colors and curated thumbnails filling the screen. He scrolls. Scrolls. Nothing new. Not the one you filmed together. Not the one where you smiled into the lens for him, touched him like you meant it. It shouldn’t matter. You didn’t promise him anything. But it does.

The cold knot in his chest coils tighter, confusion and disappointment swirling until it turns into something unnameable. He doesn’t even know what he’s looking for. Just something to prove that it wasn’t just for show. That it mattered. Even a little.

His phone screen dims, and he doesn’t bother turning it back on. He just slips it into his pocket, leans over the sink, and stares at his own reflection. Why does it hurt so much? Hyunjin doesn’t have the answer. He just knows it does.

-

The road stretches out ahead, quiet and empty in the soft afternoon light. The low hum of the engine fills the silence in the car, but Hyunjin barely hears it. His hands grip the steering wheel loosely, eyes on the road, but his mind is miles away.

Flashes of last night blur in and out of focus—soft moans, heated kisses, tangled limbs, the fire casting shadows over skin. The way your body arched into Felix’s. The way you looked at Hyunjin.

He doesn’t notice you talking until your voice comes through again, gentle but amused. “Hyunjin.”

He blinks, startled. “Yeah?”

You chuckle. “I asked if I could borrow your jacket.”

“Oh—yeah. Yeah, of course.” He simply takes the jacket he hung on the headrest of the seat and hands it to you.

You pull it on, nestling into the soft fabric. “Is it okay if I nap?”

He nods again. “Go ahead.”

You shift in your seat, curling up slightly as you lean against the door. Within minutes, your breathing evens out.

Hyunjin glances at you at the next red light. You’re already asleep. There’s something painfully tender about the way you look right now—hair falling into your face, lips slightly parted. His gaze trails to your neck and that’s when he sees it. A hickey. The one he left.

His fingers twitch against the steering wheel as the memory hits him—his mouth on your skin, your soft gasp, the way your hands had pulled at his hair, grounding yourself. He remembers the heat of your skin under his touch, the way your eyes fluttered shut, the sound of his name from your lips. And then—Felix. And now—this.

You, asleep beside him, wearing his jacket, peaceful and unaware that Hyunjin’s thoughts are anything but calm. He swallows hard, eyes flicking back to the road.

God, what the hell is happening to him?

-

The stairs feel endless after the long drive, and you're already regretting not taking the elevator—but Hyunjin didn’t complain, so you didn’t either. The two of you climb in silence, steps echoing faintly off the stairwell walls. You glance at him out of the corner of your eye. He hasn’t said much since you woke up in the car, and something about the quiet feels… different.

“You’ve been awfully quiet,” you say, nudging him lightly with your elbow as you reach the final flight. “Everything okay?”

“Just tired,” he simply answers without looking at you, voice low and distant.

You nod, accepting it for now, though it doesn’t quite sit right with you.

When you reach your shared floor, he doesn’t hesitate to take your bags from you, his hands brushing yours for the briefest second. The touch makes your stomach twist—not in a bad way. Just… twist.

“Thanks,” you say as he carries them inside your apartment for you. You close the door behind him and watch as he sets the bags down by your couch, then stands there awkwardly like he’s not sure if he should stay or go.

You smile, trying to lighten the mood. “Hey, wanna grab lunch before you head back to your place?” You pause. “My treat.”

Hyunjin lifts his head slowly. His eyes meet yours. There’s something unreadable in them, something that steals the humor from your voice and leaves a strange weight in the air.

He doesn’t answer right away and your smile falters.

“Hyunjin?”You take a step closer. “Are you okay?”

He opens his mouth, then closes it again. His brow furrows. And for the first time in hours, you feel genuinely uneasy. Like you’re standing on the edge of something, and all it would take is one step—forward or back—for everything to shift.

You wait for him to say something. Anything. But when he finally speaks, the words hit harder than you ever could’ve braced for.

“I want to quit.”

Your heart skips a beat. “What?”

“I want to quit,” he says again, clearer this time, and his voice is steady—too steady for someone who’s about to blow your world sideways.

It takes you a second. Maybe longer. “You want to quit… working with me?”

His gaze doesn’t waver. “Yeah.”

“Why?” You blink, stunned, trying to search his face for an answer that makes sense. “Hyunjin—what happened?”

“I just…” He exhales sharply, jaw tight. “I just want to quit.”

There’s something final in the way he says it. Like the decision’s already been sitting heavy on his shoulders, and now that he’s let it out, he’s not going to take it back.

You reach for him instinctively, maybe to stop him, maybe to understand—but he’s already moving toward the door. “Hyunjin, wait—”

But he doesn’t. He opens the door without looking back and walks out, leaving you alone in your apartment, the silence crashing down so suddenly it echoes and just like that, he’s gone.

You stand frozen by the door long after it’s closed, still half-expecting him to come back. Maybe tell you he was joking, or that he didn’t mean it, that it just slipped out because he was tired or overwhelmed. But he doesn’t come back.

The silence rings louder than the sound of the door shutting. It rings in your ears, sits in your chest, and settles like a weight that only seems to grow heavier by the second. You slowly move back, the steps feel like you’re walking through water—thick, heavy, wrong. Your apartment looks the same, but something about it feels different now. Like he took something with him when he left.

You drop your bag by the kitchen counter and just stand there, staring at it like it might hold the answer to why this is happening. Why he said what he said. Why he looked so serious. Why he wouldn’t explain.

A part of you wants to be angry. But the stronger part—the one winning right now—is just confused. And sad. An unbearable kind of sad.

You press your hand against your chest, like maybe you can soothe the ache building there. You don’t even realize your eyes are watering until you feel the first tear slide down your cheek. You wipe it away quickly, like maybe that’ll make the sadness go with it. It doesn’t.

You sink down onto the couch, arms wrapping around yourself as you try to piece together where it all went wrong. Was it last night? Did something change for him? Did you do something? Or was it always leading to this? You don’t know and not knowing is the worst part.

-

✨ The final chapter of Cam is available on my Patreon ✨

Please support my writings by kindly reblog, comment or consider tipping me on my ko-fi!

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reasons why I'm locking in

being able to take bikini pics

not being afraid to change in front of people

no more hearing fat jokes

being able to fit into my friends clothes

looking good from any angel

not feeling my thighs rub together

always having leftovers from meals

being able to wear rings without being disgusted by my f@t fingers

hoodies & shirts sitting on me perfectly

Just learned another girl in my class has an ed and I’ve never been so fucking triggered because she’s so much skinnier than me and now it’s a competition even if she doesn’t know I exist

how i look at my screen after y/n just got called kitten/puppy/bunny

stop haunting me in the night, putting your hand on my shoulder, quietly telling me to wait for you silently in the dark, when i know in myself already that you won’t come back

How I look when it’s time for Pinterest, Spotify and fanfiction cozied up in bed at the end of the day 🙂‍↕️

When tumblr refreshes itself and the fic I was reading fucking disappears forever 💔

I’ve been searching for a smau I was reading for three days 😔

when you’re feeling too much love to fit into your heart hand

TEWWWWWW GOOD...... CHEMISTRY WAS THERE HHHRYEHR

CAM.

CHAPTER II

Hyunjin x reader. (s,a)

CAM MASTERLIST

Synopsis: Struggling to make ends meet as an art student, Hyunjin never expected his quiet neighbor to change everything. Rumored to be an adult content creator, you offer him a deal—help you with your content, and you’ll help with his financial troubles. What starts as a simple arrangement soon blurs into something more, pulling Hyunjin into a world he never imagined. (23,4k words)

Author's note: Forgot to mention this was a late bday fic for Hyunjin. Hope you enjoy it and pls leave a feedback ♡

The past week has been a blur of paint-stained hands and sleepless nights. Hyunjin barely has time to think about anything else, buried in preparations for his school's upcoming exhibition. His apartment is a mess—canvases stacked against the walls, discarded sketches littering the floor, and his camera resting untouched on his desk. For once, his world isn’t revolving around late-night shoots and Lustre content. At least, that’s what he tells himself.

His brush glides across the canvas, layering deep strokes of blue over the rough outline of a figure. He’s been obsessed with movement lately, trying to capture fleeting emotions in abstract shapes and colors. His professors say his work has soul—that it feels raw, intimate. But he wonders if they’d still say the same if they knew where his inspiration truly came from.

Hyunjin sighs and sets his brush down, rolling the stiffness out of his shoulders. His eyes wander around his cluttered space, landing on an unfinished canvas propped up against the wall.

Your painting.

It’s a portrait, though he never intended it to be one. It started as a simple study—your figure bathed in warm light, the way your eyes softened when you were deep in thought. But then he kept coming back to it, adding layer after layer, unable to stop himself from trying to capture the quiet allure that had him tangled in knots.

Now, it’s only half-done. The outline of your face remains, delicate but unrefined. Your lips are sketched in, parted just slightly, as if caught mid-breath. Hyunjin swallows, gripping the brush tighter. He should be working on his exhibition piece, but his fingers itch to reach for this one instead.

It’s been days since he last saw you, yet here you are, lingering in the space between his thoughts.

-

The next day bleeds into the afternoon before Hyunjin even stirs awake. The weight of exhaustion still lingers in his limbs, his body aching from hours spent hunched over canvases and standing in front of easels. He barely remembers crashing onto his bed sometime in the early morning, the remnants of dried paint still on his fingers.

A sharp knock at the door pulls him from the haze of sleep. Hyunjin groans, pushing himself up with effort. The room is dim, sunlight seeping through the closed blinds, casting soft shadows over his cluttered space. Another knock follows, more insistent this time.

Dragging himself out of bed, he shuffles to the door, rubbing the sleep from his eyes before swinging it open. You're standing there, a warm smile curving your lips. The sight of you in the soft glow of the afternoon sun makes him blink twice, as if he isn’t sure whether he’s still dreaming.

“Wow, you look awful,” you tease, eyes flicking over his disheveled hair and the oversized shirt hanging off his frame. Before he can respond, you lift the paper bag in your hand. “Brought food. And coffee. Thought you might need it.”

Hyunjin stares at you for a moment, words catching in his throat. He wasn't expecting you—not today, not like this. But the scent of coffee and something delicious wafts toward him, grounding him in the moment. “…You didn’t have to,” he mumbles, voice still rough with sleep.

You roll your eyes. “Yeah, yeah. Are you gonna let me in, or should I just eat this myself?”

The two of you sitting cross legged on his worn-out couch with take-out containers in hands. Hyunjin eats in slow bites, his body still shaking off the remnants of sleep. Next to him, you sit with your coffee in hand, fingers curled around the cup as you sip at it leisurely. He doesn’t think much of it at first—just you, keeping him company like you have before. But after a while, he notices it. The way your gaze lingers on him, thoughtful, as if you’re weighing something in your mind. You barely touch your food, just sipping at your coffee, lost in thought.

Hyunjin stops chewing, setting his chopsticks down. His brows furrow slightly as he studies you. “Do you have something to say to me?” he asks, tilting his head.

You blink, as if caught off guard, and glance down at your coffee. “No, not really,” you answer quickly, but there’s something in your tone—hesitation, uncertainty.

He doesn’t buy it. He puts down his chopsticks and looks at you. “Come on,” he presses gently. “You obviously have something to say. Just say it.”

You hesitate again, biting your lip as you lower your cup. For a moment, you seem to debate whether to speak at all. He watches you closely, his heart picking up its pace as you finally part your lips to speak.

“I was going to wait until after the exhibition to ask you this,” you begin, your fingers nervously tracing the rim of your coffee cup. “But… the thought of waiting has been making me uneasy.”

He stays quiet, letting you gather your words, his anticipation growing.

You take a deep breath and meet his gaze. “Now that you’ve paid off your debt… I was wondering if you still want to work with me. You know, help me with my content.”

Hyunjin gets a little taken aback. He expected something different, something more final—but this? He studies your face, the way your expression tightens with genuine worry, as if you’re afraid of what he might say. Instead of answering right away, he asks, “Why are you so worried that I’d stop?”

Your lips press together before you sigh. “Because it’s hard to find someone I can trust to do this with.” Your voice is softer now, more vulnerable. “And I trust you, Hyunjin.”

A strange fluttering feeling stirs in his chest at those words. Trust. You trust him.

You continue before he can respond, your words spilling faster as if you’re scared of what his answer might be. “I mean, obviously, you don’t have to say yes just because I asked, and if you want, we can negotiate the numbers—”

Hyunjin chuckles, shaking his head as he leans back against his chair. “Hey, slow down,” he says, amusement laced in his tone.

You shut your mouth quickly, looking embarrassed, aware that you were a second away from rambling on and on. Then, without hesitation, he gives you his answer. “Yes. I’ll continue working with you.”

The tension in your shoulders melts instantly. A smile blooms across your face, bright and relieved, and Hyunjin can’t help but stare for a moment, thinking to himself how effortlessly you light up a room.

The mood in the room shifts into something lighter, something comfortable after that talk. He sees that you can finally pick up your chopsticks and start eating, the sound of utensils clinking against the takeout containers filling the space between easy conversation.

“You really need to eat more proper meals,” you chide playfully as you watch him practically inhale the food.

He chuckles between bites. “I do eat properly,” he argues, though the evidence says otherwise.

Once the food is finished, Hyunjin gathers the trash and tosses it away, wiping his hands on a napkin. Meanwhile, you stand and wander around the room, eyes roaming over the canvases scattered throughout his workspace. Some lean against the walls, others rest on the floor, each one carrying a story in its strokes.

“These are for the exhibition?” you ask, tilting your head at one particular piece.

He nods, stepping beside you. “Yeah, I’m almost done with them. Just a few more details here and there.”

You take your time admiring each one, letting your fingers hover just above the dried paint as if you could feel the emotion embedded in them. Then, your gaze lands on a canvas tucked away in the corner, covered by a white cloth. Your curiosity sparks instantly. “What about that one?”

Hyunjin stiffens. His reaction is subtle, but you catch it.

“It’s nothing,” he says too quickly, stepping forward as if to block your view. “Just a failed one.”

You raise an eyebrow. “A failed one?”

“Yeah,” he lies smoothly, though his voice is just a little too even. “Didn’t turn out the way I wanted, so I scrapped it.”

You don’t push, but you do glance at the covered painting again, wondering what could possibly be underneath. Unbeknownst to you, Hyunjin swallows hard, keeping his expression neutral as he prays you don’t try to unveil it. Because hidden beneath that cloth is something he isn’t ready for you to see.

He shifts his focus back to you, watching your gaze lingers on the paintings, your fingers tracing the air just above the dried brushstrokes. The way you look at them—at his work—makes something warm settle in his chest.

“So,” he starts, hands tucking into the pockets of his sweatpants, “are you going to come to the exhibition?”

You turn to him, a playful glint in your eyes. “I thought you’d never ask.”

Hyunjin scoffs, but there’s a smile tugging at his lips. “So that’s a yes?”

You nod and with a soft smile, you say, “I’d be more than happy to come.”

Somehow, in the pause that follows, your eyes find his, and for a moment, neither of you look away. There’s something lingering in the air between you, something unspoken. Hyunjin wonders if you feel it too.

Then, after what feels like a beat too long, you break into a smile and glance toward the door. “I should probably go so you can work on your paintings.”

He barely manages to hide his disappointment. He wants you to stay. He likes having you here, in his space, talking to him like this. But he doesn’t say that. Instead, he nods, forcing himself to play it cool. “Yeah,” he says. “I’ll see you later.”

You give him one last smile before heading for the door, and when it finally clicks shut behind you, Hyunjin exhales, running a hand through his hair. The room feels quieter now, a little emptier and he hates how much he wishes you had stayed.

-

As you step into your apartment, the air-conditioning greets your skin, a cool relief after your morning run. You set your phone down on the counter, make yourself a smoothie, and settle into your usual spot by the window. The city hums faintly outside, but inside, it’s quiet—just the way you like it in the mornings.

You take a sip of your smoothie and open Lustre, scrolling through notifications. A few messages from subscribers—some predictable, explicit ones—but one stands out.

mag.shawn

The profile picture is simple: a bunch of purple tulips. No face, no suggestive username. Curiosity piqued, you tap on the message.

"The more I see your pictures, the more convinced I am that you're not just beautiful from the outside, but on the inside too. I hope you have a lovely day, beautiful."

You take another second to reread the words. You’re used to messages from men, but they usually come with crude compliments, detailed fantasies, or straight-up requests. This, however, is just… sweet. A small smile tugs at your lips. You type a reply.

"Thank you, that’s really sweet of you. I hope you have a lovely day too."

After sending it, you lean back, taking another sip of your smoothie. It’s such a small thing—a simple message—but somehow, it lifts your mood. As you're about to have a sip of your smoothie, another notification comes and catches your eye.

Felix [Lustre]: Hey, do you want to meet up today?

Your fingers hover over the screen, hesitating. You knew this was coming—he had already reached out about a collaboration and texted you a few times talking about it—but something about it makes you pause. Maybe it's the uncertainty of working with someone new, or maybe it's the fact that Hyunjin's face flashed in your mind the second you read Felix’s message. You chew on your lip, tapping your nails against the glass of your smoothie. What should you say? Your screen stays lit, Felix’s message waiting for an answer.

-

You pull your car out of the parking lot, the engine humming softly as you ease onto the road. Just as you’re about to turn the corner, you spot Hyunjin walking along the sidewalk, hands shoved into his pockets, his hair is tied into a loose ponytail, his bag slung over his shoulder.

You slow down, rolling down the passenger-side window. “Hyunjin!” He looks up, surprised. “Need a lift?”

He stops on his track and then slightly bends down to look at you as he kindly refuses your offer. “It’s fine, I can take the bus.”

“At least let me drop you off at the bus stop.” You insist, offering him a look that says you won’t take no for an answer.

With a sigh, he caves in, pulling the door open and settling into the passenger seat. “Thanks.”

As you start driving, you glance at him. “So, where are you going?”

He nods, gazing out the window. “I’m heading to school to help set up the exhibition.”

You hum in response, but before you can say anything else, he shifts slightly in his seat and looks at you, noticing the way you're dressed. “How about you?”

Your grip tightens on the steering wheel for a second. You don’t know why you hesitate, but you do. Then, after a pause, you ask, “Do you remember Felix?”

Hyunjin’s jaw tightens almost imperceptibly. “The creator who wants to collab with you?”

You tuck a strand of hair behind your ear. “Yeah, I’m meeting him today.”

His gaze flickers to you before returning to the road ahead. “Does that means you’re doing the collab?”

Another hesitation. You wonder if it's a good idea to share when nothing is decided yet. Then, you exhale. “I’m still considering. I just want to meet him first, get to know him a little before deciding.”

He nods, but he doesn’t say anything. The silence stretches between you, heavy and suffocating. As you focus on the road ahead, you don’t know why, but you feel like you told him something you shouldn't have shared.

When you finally pull up at the bus stop, Hyunjin unbuckles his seatbelt and reaches for the door. Before stepping out, he turns to you with a small, polite smile. “Thanks for the ride.”

You nod, watching as he shuts the door behind him. As you drive away, you steal one last glance at the rearview mirror, catching sight of him standing there, hands back in his pockets, staring off at nothing in particular.

-

The scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods lingering in the air as you step inside the café. You scan the room, searching for him, and it doesn’t take long before your eyes land on the person you're looking for.

Felix. He’s already there, sitting by the window with a cup of coffee in hand. The afternoon sun casts a glow over him, highlighting the soft waves of his long, bleached blonde hair. You knew he was good-looking from his pictures, but in person, he’s even more striking—sharp jawline, deep brown eyes, freckles dusted his cheeks and a natural pout to his lips. You get it now. You understand why he’s one of the most popular creators on Lustre.

But when he looks up and spots you, a smile breaks across his face—warm, inviting, nothing like the sultry, smoldering persona he portrays online. “Hey, glad you made it,” he greets, standing up to shake your hand. His voice is deep, laced with a natural rasp that takes you by surprise.

You nod, shaking his hand. “I hope I didn't make you wait too long.”

“Nah. Not at all,” he grins before gesturing to the seat across from him. “Please, have a seat. I already ordered for you—hope you don’t mind. I just figured a vanilla latte suits you.”

You blink at him, caught off guard by how effortlessly charming he is—not in an overbearing way, but in a way that makes you feel at ease. Sitting down, you take a glance at the drink he ordered for you, a small smile tugging at your lips. “That’s actually my go-to order.”

Felix chuckles, resting his chin on his palm. “Lucky guess. Or maybe I’m just good at reading people.”

The conversation flows easily between you and Felix as you sip on your coffee, talking about Lustre, content creation, and the experiences that come with it. He’s easy to talk to—engaging, charming without trying too hard, and surprisingly down-to-earth despite his popularity.

Eventually, curiosity gets the best of you, and you tilt your head slightly. “May I ask why you suddenly want to do a collab with me?”

Felix hums, stirring the remnants of his coffee with his straw. “Honestly? I’ve never done a collab before. I always worked solo, but then I saw the one you did with Sienna.” He leans back against his chair, a small grin tugging at his lips. “And I just thought… that looks fun.”

A smile tugging at your lips, slightly flustered. “Fun?”

He nods. “Yeah. The way you two work together, the chemistry—it felt natural, not forced. And I could tell you put a lot of effort into it, not just in front of the camera, but in the way everything was presented. It wasn’t just content; it was… artistic.”

His words catch you off guard, and you find yourself lowering your gaze, a hint of warmth creeping up your neck. Still, another question lingers in your mind. You glance at him again, hesitating only for a second before asking, “But why me? There are so many other creators on Lustre—some even more popular than I am. Why choose me?”

He doesn’t hesitate for a second to answer. “Because I like you.”

Your breath catches slightly, eyes widening at his direct answer. He seems to realize the weight of his words, quickly raising his hands with a sheepish chuckle. “I mean, I like your content—your artistry, your aesthetic. It’s different from the rest.”

But then, after a short pause, he tilts his head, a playful glint in his eyes. “Though… yeah, I guess I also just like you. You’re beautiful—it’s impossible not to like you.”

You feel your heart skip, caught between surprise and something else you can’t quite place. And from the way Felix watches you, as if amused by your reaction, you know he notices it too. As if you weren't flustered enough, he leans forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table as he watches you with quiet curiosity. “So, what do you think? About collabing with me?”

You let out a small breath, fingers idly tracing the rim of your coffee cup as you think of how to answer. Before you can, Felix speaks again.

“I honestly think this would work,” he says, his voice light but certain. “One, because I like your style—it’s different, and I think our aesthetics could blend well. Two, because I know how to bring out the best in my content partners.” He pauses for a second, a smirk playing on his lips. “And three… because I can already tell you and I have chemistry.”

His confidence is disarming, and you can’t help but smile at his words. He says it so naturally, like it’s a fact rather than a guess.

Still, you take a moment before answering, meeting his gaze. “I only collaborate with people I trust.”

He studies you for a moment, then nods in understanding, his expression softening. “I get that,” he says. “Trust is important in this line of work. I’d probably be the same way if I were you.”

You expect him to push further, but instead, he leans back, completely relaxed. “I just hope you’re not completely closed off to the idea.” His eyes meet yours again, sincere and patient. “Take as much time as you need. And when you’re ready, give me a call.”

The weight in his words lingers between you, an unspoken promise that he won’t rush you into anything and for some reason, that makes it harder to look away.

Being a gentleman that he is, Felix insists on walking you toward your car, his hands tucked into the pockets of his jeans, his steps unhurried like he has all the time in the world. The late afternoon sun casts a soft glow on his blond hair, making him look even more ethereal than he already does.

When you reach your car, he turns to you with an easy smile. “I really hope we get to do this collab,” he says, his voice gentle but firm.

You raise a brow at him, smirking. “No pressure, huh?”

He chuckles, tilting his head slightly. “None at all. Just putting it out there.”

There’s something about the way he looks at you—warm, expectant, and just a little mischievous—that makes your chest feel light. You unlock your car, and before you can reach for the door, Felix beats you to it, pulling it open like a perfect gentleman. “Here,” he gestures, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Allow me.”

You laugh softly but step inside, settling into the driver’s seat. As you adjust your grip on the wheel, Felix leans down, resting his arm on the top of your car, his gaze meeting yours through the open window. His usual playful demeanor is gone, replaced by something more serious—more intense.

“Whether there'll be a collab or not, please give me a call.” His voice is deeper and lower now, smoother, and for a brief second, it feels like he’s asking for something much more than just a call.

Your fingers tighten on the steering wheel as your heart does a tiny, unexpected flip. And then, just like that, he steps back, flashing you one last, heart-melting smile.

You drive away, glancing once in the rearview mirror to see him standing there, hands in his pockets, watching you leave. By the time you turn the corner, you realize that you’re smiling too.

-

The gallery is alive with murmurs of appreciation, soft footsteps against polished floors, and the occasional clinking of glasses from the refreshment table. Hyunjin should be basking in the compliments, engaging in conversations with professors and fellow artists, but his mind is elsewhere. He glances toward the entrance again, pretending to survey the crowd, but really, he’s just looking for you.

The anticipation coils tight in his chest. He’s not even sure why. Maybe because you promised you’d come. Maybe because you looked at him that way—the way that made him feel like he was someone worth looking at. He shifts his weight, nodding along to a professor’s comment about his brushwork, but his thoughts are elsewhere. You’ll come. You said you would.

Hyunjin excuses himself, turning around on his feet and about to check his phone when he hears your voice.

"Hey."

He turns to the side, and there you are, standing by the entrance, holding a bouquet of flowers. His breath catches for a second—maybe from surprise, maybe from something else—but he quickly recovers, walking toward you.

"You're here," he says, relief evident in his voice.

You flash him a grin and hold out the bouquet. "These are from Sienna. She wanted to congratulate you but couldn’t make it."

Still smiling, he gestures toward the gallery. "Come on, let me give you the grand tour."

As the two of you walk through the exhibition, Hyunjin explains his paintings to you, his voice softer than usual. He doesn’t even realize how closely you’re listening, how intently you’re watching him as he talks. But when he finally meets your gaze, something about the way you’re looking at him makes his heart race.

Just as Hyunjin is about to say something else, a voice cuts in.

"Hyunjin, I didn't know you have a girlfriend."

Hyunjin turns to see Edgar approaching, one of his classmates and a fellow artist in the exhibition. Edgar's gaze flickers between the two of you, curiosity evident in his expression.

"This is not my—" Hyunjin clears his throat and then gestures toward you. "She’s my neighbor and a... friend of mine."

You briefly glance at Hyunjin before offer a polite smile and extend your hand at Edgar. "Nice to meet you."

Edgar takes your hand with an easy grin. "Nice to meet you too. You a fan of Hyunjin’s work?"

You glance at Hyunjin playfully before nodding. "Yeah, you could say that."

Before Edgar can respond, Hyunjin hears his name being called from across the room. His professor waves him over, motioning for him to come quickly. He exhales sharply, hating the timing.

"I have to take care of something," he tells you, regret in his tone. He looks at Edgar. "Hey, can you take over for me? Show her the rest of the exhibition?"

Edgar nods easily. "Yeah, with pleasure."

He looks at you one last time with a gentle smile on his face. "I’ll be back soon, okay?"

You nod with a reassuring smile. "Go, do your thing. I’ll be fine."

Still, as he walks away, Hyunjin can't shake the feeling of guilt for leaving you behind.

His professor had kept him occupied longer than expected, and now that he’s free, his first instinct is to find you. He immediately scans the room, searching for you amidst the crowd.

When his eyes land on you, he stops in his tracks. You’re still with Edgar, standing near one of the paintings, laughing at something he just said. There’s an easygoing warmth in your expression, the kind that makes it obvious you’re enjoying the conversation. Edgar, on the other hand, is leaning slightly toward you, a smug grin on his face like he’s proud of making you laugh.

Hyunjin doesn’t know why it bothers him, but it does. It’s not like you’re his. He has no right to feel like this. And yet, the longer he watches, the stronger the irrational urge becomes—to interrupt, to pull you away, to remind you that you came here for him, not Edgar. Before he can talk himself out of it, he makes his way over.

“Hey,” he says, slipping into the conversation as casually as he can manage. His eyes flicker between you and Edgar, but his focus lingers on you. “Having fun?”

You turn to him with a bright smile. “Yeah, Edgar’s been telling me all kinds of stories about you.”

Hyunjin narrows his eyes at Edgar, who only smirks in response. “Oh yeah?” Hyunjin crosses his arms. “What exactly have you been saying?”

Edgar chuckles. “Just a few fun facts.” He glances at you with a teasing look. “Your friend here thinks you’re impressive.”

Hyunjin feels his heartbeat pick up at that, but he masks it with a scoff. “Yeah, well, I hope you weren’t exaggerating.”

Edgar waves him off and then turns to you with a grin. "So, what do you say? A drink after this? A little celebration for Hyunjin’s big night?"

You blink in surprise, then glance at Hyunjin, who suddenly looks like he wasn’t expecting this either. A smirk tugs at your lips as you tease, “Oh? Hyunjin never mentioned anything about drinks.”

Edgar crosses his arms together and chuckles. “That’s because I just came up with it. But come on, it’ll be fun.”

You shake your head, smiling politely. "I appreciate the invite, but I think I’ll have to pass this time."

Hyunjin doesn’t say anything, but you notice the way his posture subtly shifts, like he’s relieved. Taking the opportunity, you turn to him. “Speaking of leaving, I should probably get going.”

His expression falters slightly, just for a second, but he quickly recovers. “Oh… already?”

You nod, offering him a warm smile. “Yeah, but congratulations again. The exhibition is amazing, and I’m really proud of you.”

Something flickers in Hyunjin’s eyes at your words, but before he can say anything, you take a small step back. “I’ll see you later, okay?”

He nods, and just as you turn to leave, Edgar playfully nudges Hyunjin. “Damn, man. You didn’t even try to convince her to stay.”

Hyunjin ignores him, watching as you disappear into the crowd. And as much as he wishes you had stayed just a little longer, he holds on to your words—letting them replay in his head, over and over again.

-

You take a sip of your iced coffee as you scroll through your Lustre notifications. Most of them are the usual—likes, tips, and messages ranging from sweet to outright explicit but one message catches your attention. The one user with the purple tulips picture on his profile. You open it, your curiosity piqued.

mag.shawn: “I really liked your new photos. The silk dress suits you beautifully, but what suits you best is the smile on your face.”

You pause for a moment, rereading the message. It’s simple, kind, and—like before—different from the usual messages you receive. There’s something almost personal about it, like he actually sees you beyond just the photos. You type out a quick reply.

"Thank you! That’s really sweet of you to say. I’m glad you liked the photos. Hope you’re having a good day, sweet baby!"

Hearing the knocking on your door, you set your phone down and walk to the door to open it. You don't have to check to know that it's Hyunjin. You step aside to let him into your apartment, he walks in without hesitation, setting his bag down near the couch.

“Want to have a drink first?” you offer because he seems like he's just ran from his art school in a rush.

He uses the hair tie he carries around in his wrist to tie his hair into a low ponytail. “Maybe later. We have a lot to do now.”

The two of you don’t waste time, moving around in quiet understanding as you begin rearranging one of the spare rooms to turn it into a proper photo studio. You adjust the lighting, shift furniture, and clear out unnecessary clutter while Hyunjin sets up his camera equipment, occasionally checking the angles and backdrop.

The silence is comfortable, but after a while, you feel the weight of something unsaid pressing on your chest. You take a deep breath and break it.

“Hey…” You glance at Hyunjin, who is adjusting his camera settings. He hums in response, looking up.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t stay long at your exhibition,” you say softly, fidgeting with the hem of your sleeve.

He straightens up and calmly responds. “It’s alright.” But then, after a beat, he tilts his head and asks, “Why, though?”

You hesitate, shifting your weight from one foot to the other. “It’s just… safer that way,” you finally say, your voice quieter. “I don’t want to risk getting recognized by people.” You lower your gaze, feeling oddly vulnerable. “I don’t want to embarrass you.”

Hyunjin frowns slightly. “Embarrass me how?”

You let out a small, breathy chuckle, but there’s no humor in it. “For being... with me. For being associated with what I do.”

He shakes his head, almost scoffing. “I don’t care about all that stuff.”

“Yeah,” You lift your gaze to him and, without thinking, murmur, “But other people do.”

Hyunjin falls silent at that. His expression shifts—like he wants to argue, to tell you that it doesn’t matter what others think. But deep down, you both know that’s not entirely true.

The room stays quiet for a moment before you clear your throat, forcing a smile. “Anyway, I'll get the cake.”

He watches you as you get up from the floor and walk out of the room but the weight of your words lingers between you both.

The concept for today is simple—just you against the clean, white backdrop, playing with food as a prop. The first choice is a small, frosted cake, one that you picked up specifically for this shoot. You sit on the floor with the cake in front of you, dressed in a soft, pastel-colored outfit that contrasts nicely against the backdrop.

Hyunjin lifts his camera, adjusting the focus. “Are you ready?”

You give him a thumbs-up. “I'm ready.”

The second he aims the camera at you, you dip a finger into the frosting, bringing it to your lips with a playful smirk. The camera clicks. You swipe a bit of frosting onto your cheek, pouting dramatically, and Hyunjin chuckles before snapping another shot.

"Try smearing some on your lips,” he suggests, his voice more focused now.

You do as he says, dabbing frosting on your bottom lip before licking it off slowly. The camera clicks again.

“Perfect,” he mutters while keeping his focus on getting good shots.

The shoot continues like this—innocent yet teasing, fun but undeniably intimate. You pretend to feed an imaginary person, tilt your head back with a bite of cake on your tongue, even press a bit of frosting onto your collarbone. Each time, Hyunjin captures the moment with an artist’s precision, his eyes trained on you through the lens.

But at some point, you glance up at him, and for the briefest moment, your eyes meet—not through the camera, but directly. There’s something unreadable in his gaze, something that makes your stomach flutter. You quickly look away, dipping your fingers back into the frosting, pretending you didn’t notice the way Hyunjin swallowed hard before lifting the camera again.

As the shoot winds down, you stretch your arms above your head and let out a content sigh. “That was fun,” you say, glancing at the mess you made. There’s frosting smeared on your fingers, your face, on your chest and you’re sure there’s some in your hair too.

He lowers his camera and looks at you, his lips pressing together as if he’s holding back a smile. “Yeah, fun for you,” he mutters. “I have to clean all this up.”

You grin, swiping a bit more frosting onto your cheek just to be annoying. “Well, you’re the photographer. That’s part of your job, isn’t it?”

Hyunjin sighs, shaking his head, but he grabs a cloth and steps closer. “You’re impossible.”

The warmth of his fingers ghosts over your skin as he wipes the icing from your cheek first, his touch careful and lingering longer than necessary. You stay still, watching him through your lashes as he works his way down—your jaw, the curve of your neck, the dip of your collarbone. His movements are slow, deliberate, and you can’t help but tease him.

“You sure this isn’t part of your job description too?” you murmur, tilting your head slightly.

He briefly stops moving, his eyes flicking to yours. There’s something in his gaze—something warm, something restrained. But then he scoffs, rolling his eyes as he moves to clean the frosting from your hair. “And you have to pay me extra for it.”

You laugh softly, letting him continue. But there’s no denying the shift in the air, the tension settling between you both as his fingers linger just a little too long. Even after he wipes most of the frosting with wet wipes, you feel the remnants of sugar still clinging to your skin. "I need a shower," you announce, already heading toward the bathroom. "Order dinner while I'm in there. Get whatever you want."

Hyunjin, now cleaning the mess on the floor, nods absentmindedly. "Got it."

The sound of running water fills the bathroom as you step inside, letting the warmth wash away the sticky remnants of the shoot. The sweet scent of frosting lingers on your skin, but soon it’s replaced by the familiar comfort of your body wash. You’re halfway through rinsing your hair when you faintly hear Hyunjin’s voice outside the door.

"Hey—what do you want to drink?"

You blink through the water running down your face, unable to make out his words clearly. "What?"

"I said—" His voice comes again, a little louder this time, but still muffled by the sound of the shower.

Sighing, you shake your head. "Just come inside, I can't hear you!"

There’s a pause. A long one. Then, the door creaks open hesitantly. "I'm—uh—I'm coming in," He mumbles, clearly uncomfortable.

You smirk to yourself, picturing the way he must be avoiding looking anywhere but straight ahead. "Relax, it's not like you haven't seen me naked before."

He scoffs but doesn't comment. "I was asking what you want to drink," he says stiffly, keeping his gaze locked on the tiled floor as he stands awkwardly by the sink.

Still grinning to yourself, you peek your head out from behind the shower curtain, water dripping down your face. "Just get me iced tea or something," you say casually.

He glances at you for only a second—before his eyes go wide, and he quickly looks away, his ears turning pink. "Okay—iced tea. Got it."

Before you can tease him further, he spins on his heel and nearly stumbles out of the bathroom, shutting the door a little too quickly behind him. Laughing to yourself, you shake your head and return to your shower, amused at how flustered he still gets around you.

-

Steam clings to your skin as you step out of the bathroom, your hair damp and dripping onto the collar of your bathrobe. The scent of warm food fills your apartment, making your stomach growl. You pad barefoot toward the kitchen, finding Hyunjin setting out containers of takeout, his sleeves pushed up as he arranges everything neatly. Without hesitation, you reach over and snatch a crispy fry from the plate.

"Hey!" He glares at you, swatting at your hand too late. "At least get dressed first!"

You grin as you pop the fry into your mouth. "Why? Does it bother you?" you tease, clutching your robe loosely around you.

He huffs, narrowing his eyes. "No. It’s just basic hygiene. Also, your hair is dripping everywhere."

You glance down, noticing a few stray droplets landing on the table. Shrugging, you steal another fry. "Guess I'll have to eat fast before I make a mess, then."

He groans, grabbing a napkin and pressing it into your hand. "Go. Dry off, get dressed, and then you can eat like a normal person."

You roll your eyes but turn on your heel, waving a hand as you walk away. "Ugh, okay, fine. But don't eat all the fries before I get back."

The two of you sit across from each other at the small dining table, the scent of fried food and warm rice filling the space between you. With your hair still wrapped in towel, you twirl your chopsticks absentmindedly, picking at your food while Hyunjin quietly eats. The atmosphere is comfortable, a peaceful kind of quiet settling between you both—until he suddenly speaks up.

"So…" He pauses, looking down at his plate before glancing up at you. "How did your meeting with Felix go?"

You stop mid-bite, not expecting him to bring it up. "It went fine," you answer, chewing slowly.

He nods, as if contemplating your answer, before continuing, "And what do you think of the guy?"

You shrug, poking at a piece of chicken. "He's nice."

He raises an eyebrow, waiting for you to say more. When you don’t, he asks, "So, have you decided? Are you going to collab with him?"

You let out a small sigh, setting your chopsticks down. "I don’t know. I mean, he’s great—charming, professional, all that. But…" You hesitate, searching for the right words. "I’m not fully sure about it yet."

He stays quiet, nodding slowly but a while later, his gaze flickers to you. "Why not?"

You purse your lips, unsure of how to explain it. "I guess… I just don’t jump into things like this. I like to trust the person I work with, and trust takes time, you know?"

He hums in response, stabbing a piece of food with his chopsticks. "Yeah. Makes sense."

As you and Hyunjin clean up after dinner, the rhythmic clinking of dishes and running water fills the room. You pass him a plate to dry, your fingers brushing for a fleeting second before you turn back to the sink. You thought that Hyunjin has dropped the conversation until, out of nowhere, he speaks up. "If you're still considering," he starts, voice casual but careful, "then maybe you should do a test shoot with him."

You glance at him, surprised. "A test shoot?"

Hyunjin nods, keeping his eyes on the dish he’s drying. "Yeah. Just to see if you really have the chemistry. That way, you don’t have to commit right away, and it’ll help you decide."

You lean against the counter, thinking. "I never thought about that…"

"It makes sense, right?" He finally looks at you, his expression neutral, but there’s something in his eyes—something unreadable. "If it works, great. If not, then you won’t waste your time."

You chew on the inside of your cheek, mulling over his words. He has a point. And yet, something about him bringing it up makes you hesitate. "You think I should do it?"

He nonchalantly shrugs. "It’s just a suggestion."

You study him for a moment, trying to gauge what he's really thinking. But his face gives nothing away. Instead of pressing, you nod slowly, wiping your damp hands on a dish towel. "Maybe I will."

The night continues with the two of you settling onto the couch with cans of drinks in hands, checking the result of today's photoshoot. Your laptop balanced between you, the soft glow of the screen lights up your faces as you scroll through the photos. Some shots capture the playful chaos—the smears of icing on your skin, the mischievous glint in your eyes—while others are more poised, effortlessly seductive in a way that even surprises you.

"You did a great job," you say, nudging Hyunjin lightly with your elbow. "They all look amazing."

He hums in acknowledgment, his gaze fixed on the screen. "You made it easy."

A pleased smile tugs at your lips, and as you keep scrolling, a random thought pops into your head. "The cake was delicious by the way. Should stick to that bakery shop." You glance at him. "Which reminds me—what kind do you want for your birthday?"

He freezes for half a second before slowly turning his head to look at you, eyes narrowing. "How do you know when my birthday is?"

You grin sheepishly, caught red-handed. "Uh… I may have accidentally found out when I was at your apartment. Your mail was just sitting there, and I—"

"You went through my mail?" He squints at you, but there’s no real anger in his voice.

"Not on purpose!" you defend yourself, hands up in surrender. "It was just there, and I happened to see it. That’s how I know your birthday is next Friday."

He leans back against the couch, his legs parting apart. "Well, don’t get any ideas. There will be no cake."

You nod dramatically, pressing your lips together in mock seriousness. "No cake. Got it."

But then he narrows his eyes at you again, like he knows exactly what’s going on in your head. "And no gift either."

You gasp and then frown. "No gift? At all?"

"None," he confirms.

You pout, crossing your arms. "How come you don't want anything for your birthday?"

"Because I just don’t," he replies simply, as if that’s enough explanation. "And before you ask, no party either. No surprises, no celebrations, nothing."

You lean back against the couch, tilting your head as you study Hyunjin’s expression. He’s still watching the laptop screen, but there’s a flicker of something in his eyes—curiosity, maybe, or hesitation.

With a playful smirk, you decide to test him. "Okay, no cake, no gift, no party," you repeat. "But what if…" You pause, letting the anticipation build before continuing, "what if I was the gift?"

Hyunjin’s entire body stiffens. His eyes widen slightly, and he finally looks at you, clearly caught off guard. "Huh? What?"

You bite back a laugh at how flustered he looks, his ears already turning red. "I mean, if you won’t accept a present, maybe I could be the present," you tease, tilting your head. "Would you accept that?"

Hyunjin blinks rapidly, his mouth opening and closing like he’s trying to come up with a logical response, but failing miserably.

You scoot a little closer, watching his reaction with amusement. "What’s wrong? You look nervous."

"I’m not," he mutters, but his voice betrays him.

You chuckle. "You’re totally flustered right now."

"I—" Hyunjin abruptly stands up from the couch, nearly knocking over the laptop in his rush. "It’s, uh—getting late. I should go."

You laugh, watching as he practically scrambles to gather his things. "So that’s a no on accepting me as your gift?"

He shoots you a glare, but it’s weak at best, his face still slightly pink. "Goodnight."

With that, he heads straight for the door, leaving you grinning to yourself as you hear it click shut behind him.

-

You sit in your parked car, drumming your fingers lightly on the steering wheel as you wait for Hyunjin to be done with his class. With nothing else to do, you pull out your phone and open Lustre, skimming through notifications until a new message catches your eye.

mag.shawn: "I’m a little nervous today. I’m meeting someone, and I don’t know how it’ll go. But anyway, I just wanted to say I hope you’re having a lovely day."

You smile softly, touched by his honesty. Without thinking too much, you type out a response.

"I’m sure it’ll go well! Just be yourself, and everything will fall into place. Wishing you the best of luck, and hope you have a lovely day too!"

Just as you send the message, a sudden knock on your window makes you jump. You turn to see Edgar grinning at you through the glass. With a sigh, you roll down the window. "Please don't sneak up on people like that."

Edgar chuckles, resting his arms on the top of your car door. "Sorry, couldn't help myself." He tilts his head. "Waiting for Hyunjin?"

"Yeah," you reply, glancing past him as if you might spot Hyunjin approaching.

"Perfect timing, then," Edgar says, leaning in slightly. "Did you know it's his birthday this Friday?"

You nod. "I do, actually."

His eyebrows raise in mild surprise. "Oh? He told you?"

"Not exactly," you admit. "I found out by accident."

Edgar laughs. "Figures. He’s not the type to bring it up." Then, as if suddenly remembering, he adds, "A few of us are taking him out for drinks that night. Just something chill, nothing crazy. You should come."

You blink at the unexpected invitation. "I—"

"It’s at The Blue Moon, around nine," he continues, not giving you a chance to refuse. "No pressure, but I think he’d be happy if you showed up."

You hesitate for a moment before nodding. "I can’t promise anything, but I’ll try."

"That’s good enough for me," Edgar says, pushing away from your car just as you spot Hyunjin walking toward you.

Edgar gives you one last wink before stepping away, leaving you with a strange feeling as Hyunjin approaches and slides into the passenger seat.

Hyunjin glances toward Edgar, then at you. "What did he want?"

You start the engine, glancing at him with a small smile. "Nothing much."

Hyunjin tosses his backpack to the backseat of the car before putting the safety belt on. “So, where are we meeting him?”

You turn the car engine on and it roars to life. “It’s at this hotel not far from here,” you answer, showing him the route on the GPS.

-

The elevator dings as you and Hyunjin step into the dimly lit hallway of the hotel, the plush carpet muffling your footsteps. Room 716—you stop in front of the door and knock twice.

Within seconds, the door swings open, revealing Felix on the other side. His warm smile is the first thing you notice, followed by the familiar brightness in his honey-brown eyes. His long bleached-blond hair is tied back loosely, a few strands framing his sharp yet inviting features.

"Hey, you made it," he greets, pulling you into a brief but firm hug that smells like vanilla and something subtly musky.

"Of course," you reply, pulling back with a small smile. You turn slightly to gesture to Hyunjin. "And this is Hyunjin—my photographer. He’s the man behind all those amazing photos."

Felix’s eyes flicker to Hyunjin, and he extends a hand. "Nice to finally meet you. Your work is incredible."

Hyunjin shakes his hand but remains quiet, only offering a polite nod. You can tell he’s reserved, but you’re not sure if it’s because he’s just naturally like that or because of the situation.

You clear your throat and turn back to Felix. "So, I just want to make it clear—this is a test shoot. Just to see how well we work together, how the chemistry flows. No pressure."

Felix’s lips curve into a confident smile, his gaze holding yours as he playfully responds, "Oh, I don't feel pressured at all."

His words hang in the air for a second longer than necessary, and you glance at Hyunjin, who remains expressionless, his camera bag slung over his shoulder. Something about this moment makes your stomach flutter—but whether it’s excitement or nerves, you can’t quite tell.

The soft click of Hyunjin’s camera echoes through the hotel room as you and Felix stand near the edge of the bed, facing each other under the warm glow of the studio light he set up.

Felix shifts beside you, then pauses, tilting his head. “Is it okay if I touch you?” His voice is gentle, respectful, his dark eyes searching yours for permission.

You nod, offering a small smile. “Yeah, it’s okay.”

With that, Felix lifts his hand, fingertips grazing your wrist before sliding up to your elbow, guiding you subtly closer. The two of you hold the pose, looking into each other’s eyes and he looks at you in a way that makes you feel nervous that you can’t help the way your lips twitch, and after a few seconds, you burst into laughter, flustered.

“Sorry, sorry!” you gasp, covering your mouth as you glance at Hyunjin, who lowers his camera slightly, his expression unreadable.

Felix chuckles, shaking his head. “You’re cute when you get flustered.”

The photoshoot continues, Felix adjusting his stance, letting his touches remain light and respectful—a hand on your waist, fingers grazing your jaw as if to brush imaginary strands of hair away. Hyunjin keeps clicking, staying quiet as he captures each moment.

Between shots, Felix leans in, his voice just above a whisper. “You have the prettiest smile,” he murmurs.

You blush, biting your lip as you try to hold your pose.

Another click of the camera. “Your skin is so soft.”

You giggle, shaking your head slightly as the warmth in your cheeks deepens. Felix just grins, enjoying your reaction. The camera keeps clicking, capturing every moment—but you can’t help but wonder what’s going through Hyunjin’s mind right now.

“That’s enough for now,” Hyunjin suddenly announces, lowering the camera from his face. His voice is steady, but something in his chest feels tight, like he’s been holding his breath for too long.

You turn to look at him, blinking as if pulled from a daze, while Felix exhales a soft hum, tilting his head in thought.

“Actually,” Felix says, still holding onto your waist, “Can we try one more thing?”

Before you can ask, Felix glances down at you, his eyes glinting with mischief. “How about a kiss?”

-

The camera in his hands acts as a barrier, separating him from the scene unfolding in front of him. But it doesn't stop him from seeing everything—the way Felix holds you so effortlessly, the way you laugh when Felix murmurs something in your ear, the way your body relaxes against his touch.

Hyunjin isn’t sure why he’s noticing these things. He shouldn’t be. But as he adjusts the focus, framing the next shot, he can’t shake the feeling that he doesn’t belong here—like he’s intruding on something intimate, something that doesn’t need a spectator.

It’s ridiculous. He’s here for work. Nothing else. Still, he feels like a third wheel.

Felix and you—you make sense together. Felix is confident, charming, a natural in front of the camera. He knows how to play up the chemistry, how to draw reactions from you that look effortlessly beautiful through the lens.

Hyunjin, on the other hand—he’s just behind the camera. A quiet observer.

And when Felix suddenly suggests a kiss, the thought cements itself deep in his stomach.

Hyunjin stills and you freeze, eyes widening as you pull back slightly. “What?”

“A kiss,” Felix repeats, like he’s merely suggesting a new camera angle. “Just a light one. I think it would look great in the photos. Plus—” he smirks now, “—it's how we know for sure if we have that chemistry.”

Hyunjin swallows hard, fingers twitching over the shutter button on the camera. He doesn’t know why it bothers him so much—the way Felix is looking at you, the casual way he suggests kissing you, as if it’s nothing more than another pose to try.

You, on the other hand, look completely flustered. “I—” You glance at Hyunjin for a fraction of a second before looking back at Felix, hesitating.

Hyunjin doesn’t say anything. He just waits. And after a moment of silence, you crack a sheepish laugh and nod.

You and Felix are now sitting on the end of the bed and Hyunjin presses record. The camera’s screen frames the moment perfectly—too perfectly. Felix starts slow, his fingers tucking every stray strand of hair away from your face with a tenderness that makes Hyunjin’s stomach knot. Then, Felix’s hands cradle your jaw, his thumbs brushing lightly over your cheekbones.

“You’re comfortable, right?” Felix murmurs, his voice so soft that the mic barely picks it up. He doesn’t move forward just yet, just holds you like he has all the time in the world. “You can stop me whenever, yeah?”

You nod, swallowing.

Felix smiles—gentle, reassuring. “You have such beautiful eyes.” Then, he tilts forward—but not toward your lips. Instead, he kisses the corner of your eye.

Hyunjin remains calm but his grip tightens on the camera. The way you suck in a sharp breath, your lashes fluttering at the unexpected touch—it’s too much to watch through the lens. But before you can react, Felix does it again, placing a kiss on the other eye.

The moment is intimate, more than Hyunjin expected. And yet, his hands don’t lower the camera. And then—before you can process it—Felix finally presses his lips to your slightly parted mouth. It’s gentle at first. Barely there. Just the soft press of his lips against yours, his hands steady on your face as if holding something delicate. Hyunjin feels something crawl up his throat as he keeps his hands steady.

Felix pulls back, searching your gaze. “Can I continue?” he asks, voice quieter now.

You blink up at him, wide-eyed, lips slightly parted. And then—you nod.

Hyunjin swears he sees the exact moment Felix’s expression changes—from gentle to something else entirely. Because this time, when Felix kisses you again, it’s deeper. More insistent. He watches—forced to watch—as the kiss grows, slow and unhurried, but still more intense with every second.

Felix tilts his head, his fingers slipping down to your neck, pressing you closer. Your hands finally move, fingers clutching at his sleeves.

Hyunjin doesn’t realize he’s holding his breath until the burning in his chest forces him to exhale and for the first time since picking up a camera, he wishes he wasn’t here. He clears his throat. Loud enough. Sharp enough. Enough to cut through whatever moment was unfolding between you and Felix.

“That’s enough,” he says, his voice flat, carefully void of emotion. He lowers the camera, stopping the recording. “I got what we needed.”

But Felix—he doesn’t let go. Instead, he keeps his hands steady on you, his thumbs absently brushing the skin of your jaw. His gaze lingers on your lips, like he’s not ready to pull away just yet. Then, finally, a slow grin spreads across his face.

“You’re a good kisser,” he muses, his voice low, filled with something teasing but also… something else.

It takes you a second to react, like you’re only just registering what happened. Your eyes widen and warmth spreads across your face.

Felix chuckles at your flustered expression, his hands finally releasing you. “You okay?” he asks, amusement lacing his tone.

Despite still dazed, still feeling the ghost of his lips on yours, you nod. You scoot to the edge of the bed, walking toward Hyunjin.

“Can I take a quick look on the photos?”

The three of you sit together on the sofa, scrolling through the shots and the video, the room quiet except for the occasional click of Hyunjin’s camera as he reviews the footage.

Felix leans in slightly, his shoulder brushing against yours. Then, softly, just for you to hear, he mutters, “Told you. We have chemistry.”

You glance at him, catching the smirk playing on his lips. It’s confident—almost knowing. You exhale a small laugh, shaking your head, but you don’t deny it.

Felix leans back, stretching. “So, how about I treat you both dinner? My way of saying thanks.”

You smile but shake your head. “I appreciate it, but we should get going.”

Felix pouts dramatically. “Not even a quick bite?”

“I’ll take a rain check,” you say. “Besides, you have another shoot, right?”

Felix sighs, pretending to be put out, but there’s an amused glint in his eyes. “Yeah, yeah. Work never stops.”

You stand, and Felix follows suit. Before you leave, he pulls you into a quick, warm hug, his arms squeezing lightly around your shoulders.

“I’ll be waiting for your call,” he murmurs.

You smile. “I’ll think about it.”

Felix tugs at your elbow and says, “Any kind of call.”

You smile as you step back, and as you turn toward the door, Hyunjin—who had remained noticeably quiet—only gives Felix a brief, wordless nod before heading out.

During the car ride home, Hyunjin keeps his eyes on the road ahead, but his mind is elsewhere. He glances at you briefly before saying, “I have to admit, I was a little surprised you turned down the dinner.”

You smirk, keeping your eyes on the road. “Oh? Are you disappointed?”

He scoffs, shaking his head. “No. Just… surprised.”

“Well, if you want, I can buy you dinner instead,” you offer, sparing him a quick glance. “But I can’t tonight. I have somewhere to be.”

That piques his curiosity. He tilts his head slightly. “Where?”

You only smile mysteriously. “That’s a secret.”

Hyunjin narrows his eyes at you, watching as you pull up in front of the apartment building. Before he can ask again, you unlock the doors, silently telling him to get out. He hesitates for a second, still wondering where you’re going, but he knows you won’t tell him even if he asks. With a sigh, he steps out of the car and carries his backpack in hand.

“See you later,” you playfully say to him just before he shuts the car door

As you drive away, Hyunjin stands there, hands in his pockets, watching your car disappear down the street and he can’t help but wonder.

-

Hyunjin has never liked celebrating his birthday. It’s not that he hates it—it’s just another day to him, one that he doesn’t see the need to make a big deal out of. Growing up, birthdays were quiet affairs, just a simple meal with his family, sometimes a cake if his mom had the time. Now that he’s older, he prefers to let the day pass without much attention. No parties, no gifts, no unnecessary fuss.

So when his class ends and he slings his bag over his shoulder, he’s already planning a quiet evening—maybe sketching, maybe watching something mindless until he falls asleep.

But as soon as he turns the corner, Edgar is waiting for him, grinning like he’s up to something. “There you are! Come on, we’re heading out.”

Hyunjin tightens his grip on the strap of his backpack. “Heading where?”

Before he can take a step back, Edgar throws an arm around his shoulders, steering him toward the exit. Two more of their friends appear, flanking him on either side like bodyguards.

“The bar, of course!” one of them chimes in.

Hyunjin groans, knowing well what Edgar planned for him. “I didn’t say I was going—”

“Too bad,” Edgar cuts him off. “We’re celebrating your birthday, and you don’t get a say in it.”

Hyunjin sighs, already regretting not taking a different route out of the building. “You guys planned this?”

“Obviously,” Edgar says, rolling his eyes. “Did you really think we’d let your birthday pass without doing anything?”

That’s exactly what Hyunjin had hoped for. But seeing the determined looks on his friends’ faces, he knows there’s no escaping this. “Fine,” he mutters. “One drink.”

Edgar smirks. “Yeah, yeah. That’s what they all say.”

With that, they drag him out of the building, and Hyunjin resigns himself to the fact that his quiet night is officially ruined.

-

The second you step into the bar, you weave through the crowd, scanning the room until your eyes land on Hyunjin. He’s standing by the bar, drinks in both hands, his expression neutral as he waits for the bartender to return with the rest of the order.

A smile tugs at your lips as an idea forms. Without a second thought, you close the distance between you and, just as he turns slightly, you throw your arms around him from behind. “Got you!”

Hyunjin tenses for half a second, startled, and nearly spills the drinks in his hands. You hear a sharp inhale, a quiet grunt of protest, but before he can say anything, you take full advantage of the fact that his hands are full. Leaning in, you press a quick, sweet kiss to his cheek.

“Happy birthday!” You cheerfully whisper into his ear and you can feel his whole body stiffens in reaction.

You pull back just enough to look at him, grinning as you meet his eyes. He stares at you, his lips slightly parted, clearly caught off guard. The dim lighting of the bar does nothing to hide the way his ears redden.

Hyunjin shifts the drinks in his hands and glances at you, still looking slightly flustered from the surprise hug and kiss. “Why are you here?” he asks, his tone more curious than accusatory.

Before you can answer, he exhales sharply and mutters, “Wait. Let me guess—Edgar?”

You grin and nod, confirming his guess. Right on cue, Edgar appears beside the two of you, a wide smile on his face as he claps Hyunjin on the back before turning his attention to you. “You made it! I knew you wouldn’t miss it.”

You chuckle. “I wouldn't miss a little fun.”

“Now, what are you drinking?” Edgar gestures towards the bar. “First round’s on me.”

Before you can reply, you shoot Hyunjin a playful look. “See? Edgar’s offering me a drink. Meanwhile, the birthday boy didn’t even ask.”

Hyunjin scoffs, rolling his eyes as he finally sets the drinks down on the table nearby. “You showed unannounced and ambushed me. You barely gave me a chance.”

You scoff and dramatically roll your eyes at Hyunjin. “Excuses.”

Edgar laughs. “Alright, alright, let me get you something. What’s your poison?”

The bar is alive with laughter and clinking glasses, everyone in high spirits as they celebrate Hyunjin’s birthday. The moment someone starts singing the birthday song, the rest of the group drunkenly joins in, their voices off-key and words slurred from all the alcohol.

Hyunjin groans, lifting a hand. “God! Please, shut up already.” His protest only makes them sing louder, and you laugh as you watch him shake his head in defeat.

Once the song ends with a chaotic cheer, the night continues with games, and somehow, you and Hyunjin end up locked in an intense match of darts. The two of you stand side by side, taking turns as the others watch and place bets on who will win.

“You’re going down,” you tease, lining up your shot before releasing the dart. It lands close to the bullseye, and you turn to Hyunjin with a smug smile.

Hyunjin clicks his tongue, picking up his dart. “We’ll see about that.”

He lines up his shot, eyes locked on the dartboard with unwavering focus. His fingers grip the dart, his stance firm as he calculates the perfect angle.

Smirking to yourself, you step closer, just enough to lean in near his ear. Then, with a mischievous glint in your eyes, you blow a soft puff of air against his skin.

Hyunjin instantly flinches, his body jerking as a shudder runs through him. “What the—?!” His grip on the dart slips, and it flies off-course, landing embarrassingly far from the bullseye.

You burst into laughter, covering your mouth as you watch him slowly turn to glare at you.

“That was sabotage,” he mutters, jaw tightening as he runs a hand through his hair.

Before he can even think about payback, your phone buzzes in your pocket, pulling your attention away. You look at it to check caller ID. “I need to take this,” you say, stepping back.

Hyunjin watches you go, still looking slightly flustered, a dart in hand, but his eyes linger on you for a moment before he finally turns back to the game.

-

Stepping out of the bar, you take a deep breath of the cool night air. The muffled sounds of laughter and music fade as you slip into the quieter back alley, away from the chaos inside. You glance at your phone screen before swiping to answer.

"Finally," Felix sighs dramatically on the other end. "I was starting to think you were avoiding me."

You smirk, leaning against the brick wall. "And what if I was?"

"Then I'd have no choice but to call you every hour until you gave in," he teases, his voice warm and playful.

You roll your eyes. "You sound desperate."

"Of course, I’m desperate," he admits easily. "You still haven’t called me back. A lesser man would take the hint, but not me."

"You’re persistent," you muse.

"And charming," he adds smoothly. "And funny. And—"

"Annoying?" you finish for him.

Felix gasps in mock offense. "I was going to say irresistible, but sure, let’s go with annoying."

You chuckle. "Did you even call to talk about the collab at all?"

Felix hums. "Nope. I called because I wanted to."

Your stomach flutters slightly at his honesty, but you keep your voice light. "How bold of you."

"Always." He pauses, then asks, "So, when can I see you again?"

"As a good girl, I have to refuse the first time," you say teasingly. "You have to ask me again in two days."

Felix groans. "Two days? That’s cruel."

"You’ll live," you reply with a smirk.

"Fine," he grumbles. "But can I at least call you tomorrow?"

You pretend to consider. "You can… but I can’t promise you that I’ll pick it up."

Felix lets out a dramatic sigh. "Playing hard to get. I see how it is."

You grin. "Goodnight, Felix."

"Sweet dreams, beautiful," he replies smoothly before the call ends.

Your heart is still racing as you turn back toward the bar’s entrance, shaking off the uneasy feeling that Felix’s call had left behind.

Just as you’re about to step inside, you nearly bump into Edgar. The smell of alcohol clings to him, and his smile is loose, his movements sluggish. "There you are," he says, his voice slightly slurred. "I was looking for you."

You force a small smile. "I just stepped out to take a phone call." You move to walk past him, but before you can, he grabs your wrist.

"Stay with me for a bit," he says.

Your shoulders stiffen. He’s drunk—you can see it in his unfocused eyes. Keeping your distance, you shake your head. "I'd better go back inside."

Edgar frowns. "Hey, come on, just stay with me for a minute."

You let out a nervous laugh, trying to play it off. "I don’t want to make Hyunjin waits."

But then, before you can step back, Edgar’s grip tightens, and he pulls you closer. You freeze. "Edgar, please let go," you say firmly, trying to pull away.

Instead, he pulls you in even tighter, his face dangerously close to yours. "Come on, why are you so shy?" he chuckles.

You twist in his grip, but he only holds you tighter. Your stomach churns with unease. "You’re drunk," you tell him, keeping your voice as calm as possible. "Please, let me go."

Edgar only smirks. "Just one kiss."

You shove him—hard. He stumbles back, his back hitting the stacked crates of empty beer bottles. For a second, you think it’s over, but then he looks at you, his expression darkening. "How much?"

Your brows knotted. "What?"

Edgar tilts his head. "How much should I pay you for a kiss?"

Disgust and disbelief surge through you. "What the fuck are you talking about?"

He scoffs. "Don’t play dumb. I know who you are." His voice drops lower, more sinister. "So how much to fuck you?"

Your body goes rigid, the word alone making your skin crawl. "You're disgusting."

Before you can move, Edgar lunges toward you. Your back slams against the brick wall as he pins you there, his hands gripping your arms. Panic flares in your chest. You struggle, trying to push him off, but he’s stronger than you expected. "Get off me!"

And then, suddenly—The back door flies open with a loud bang.

"Get the fuck off her!"

Hyunjin’s voice is sharp, furious. He’s standing in the doorway, his whole body tense, his fists clenched at his sides. His eyes burn with anger as he takes in the scene before him—Edgar pinning you against the wall, your expression twisted in fear.

Edgar only scoffs, barely glancing at Hyunjin. "Relax, man—"

Before he can finish, Hyunjin strides forward and roughly grabs him by the shoulders, yanking him away from you and shoving him backward. Edgar stumbles, cursing.

Hyunjin doesn’t hesitate—he turns to you, his expression shifting. He reaches out, his hand grasping yours, pulling you up and steadying you. His touch is gentle despite the rage in his eyes.

Then Edgar laughs, low and taunting. "Why are you friends with a whore like her?"

The words hit like a slap and it makes something in Hyunjin snaps. He lunges at Edgar, landing a hard punch straight to his face. Edgar barely has time to process it before Hyunjin punches him again—once, twice. Edgar collapses onto the ground, but Hyunjin doesn’t stop. He gets down, grabbing Edgar by the collar, and raises his fist again.

"Hyunjin!" you cry, rushing forward.

Hyunjin is still breathing hard, his chest rising and falling in sharp, uneven movements. His fists remain clenched, his knuckles already turning red from the force of his punches. Edgar groans on the ground, a hand pressed to his bleeding nose, but Hyunjin doesn’t seem satisfied yet. His body is still tense, ready to throw another punch.

Without thinking, you step forward and wrap your arms around him, holding him back. "Hyunjin," you plead, your voice quiet but urgent. "Please stop."

His whole body is trembling, heat radiating off him, but at your touch, his breathing hitches. He doesn’t move right away, as if still caught in the grip of his anger.

You tighten your hold, pressing your cheek against his back. "Let’s just go," you murmur.

Hyunjin’s fists slowly loosen. His breath is still uneven, but the tension in his body begins to ease. For a moment, neither of you move. The only sound is Edgar’s groaning and the distant noise of the bar inside. Then, finally, Hyunjin lets out a slow, shaky breath and nods.

You release him, stepping back just enough to see his face. His jaw is tight, his eyes still burning with anger, but he’s calming down. He turns away from Edgar without another glance. You take his hand—gently, reassuringly—and lead him away.

-

Hyunjin sits on the couch, his hand resting in yours as you carefully dab at his bruised knuckles with a damp cloth. His skin is raw, swollen, and angry-looking, but he barely flinches. Instead, he watches you. The way your brows knit together in concentration, the way your lips press into a tight line, the way your hands—gentle yet firm—move with such care.

“You shouldn’t have fought him,” you murmur, your voice laced with both scolding and concern. “What if you seriously hurt your hand? What if you couldn’t paint anymore?”

Hyunjin has been trying to hold himself together, trying to push down the emotions still swirling inside him, but hearing you go on and on about him—worrying about him instead of yourself—something inside him snaps.

"Why do you keep worrying about me?" he suddenly bursts out, his voice sharp. “You should worry about yourself!”

He immediately regrets it the moment the words leave his mouth. He watches as your lips part slightly, your breath hitching, and then—your eyes get red. His heart clenches.

Shit.

He inhales, forcing himself to calm down before his voice softens. "Are you okay?"

Your gaze wavers as you stare at him. For a second, it seems like you’re trying to hold it together, but then, barely above a whisper, you shake your head. "Honestly, no," you admit as tears spill from your eyes, "I'm not okay."

He reaches for you, wrapping his arms around you and pulling you into his chest. You don’t resist—instead, you bury yourself against him, your shoulders shaking as you finally let yourself break. He holds you tight. "It’s okay," he murmurs. "I’ve got you."

The two of you stay like that with Hyunjin holding you close as if he tries to absorb part of you sadness. He doesn’t let go even as your sobs quiet, even as your breathing evens out, he keeps holding you, his arms wrapped securely around you like he’s afraid you’ll slip away if he loosens his grip. His hand moves gently over your hair, smoothing it down, while his other rubs slow circles against your back. He doesn’t say anything—he just lets you cry, lets you release everything you’ve been holding in.

Minutes pass like this, the silence filled only by your uneven breaths. Then, finally, you stir against him. You pull back just enough to look at him, your face still wet with tears, eyes glassy and tired. Hyunjin meets your gaze, his heart aching at the vulnerability written all over your face.

"Can you stay with me tonight?" you ask, your voice small, fragile.

Hyunjin doesn’t hesitate as he nods. "Of course," he says softly.

Your lips tremble, but you manage a tiny, grateful smile.

He brushes his thumb over your cheek, wiping away a stray tear. "Come on," he murmurs, guiding you gently toward your bedroom. "Let’s get you to bed."

You and Hyunjin lie side by side on your bed, neither of you saying anything at first. Just breathing, just existing in the same space. Then, after a while, you break the silence.

"I'm sorry," you whisper.

He turns his head slightly, though he can barely make out your face in the dim light. "For what?"

"For… causing what happened."

At that, Hyunjin tenses. He doesn’t answer right away, and for a moment, all you can hear is the faint hum of the city outside. Then, finally, he exhales.

"Why are you apologizing for getting assaulted?" His voice is quiet, but there’s a sharp edge to it, like he’s trying to hold back his frustration. "That wasn’t your fault."

You don’t say anything, just stare up at the ceiling.

"If anything, what happened only showed me what kind of person Edgar really is," he continues. "And I don’t want to be friends with someone like that."

Silence settles between you again. Then, after a long pause, you shift closer to him. He feels the mattress dip under your weight, feels the warmth of your body inching toward him. When he looks over, he catches the faint gleam of your eyes in the dark, watching him.

Then, softly, you whisper his name. "Hyunjin."

He hums in acknowledgment. "Yeah?"

"Thank you," you say, your voice barely more than a breath.

Hyunjin swallows. He doesn’t know what to say to that, so he just nods, even though you probably can’t see it. Another stretch of silence follows, before you whisper again, "Goodnight."

He watches as your breathing evens out, your body relaxing as sleep slowly takes over. He tells himself he’ll leave once you’re asleep. He should go. He should get up, go back to his own apartment, and try to put everything that happened tonight behind him. But he doesn’t move. He stays.

-

Hyunjin wakes up to the unfamiliar weight of a blanket draped over him and the soft glow of morning light kissing his skin. His mind is slow to catch up, disoriented by the unfamiliar scent of the sheets and the way the bed feels different from his own. Then it hits him—he’s in your apartment. His eyes snap open fully, and he turns his head toward the space beside him, only to find it empty. The warmth lingering on the sheets tells him you must have been there not too long ago.

Hyunjin sits up, running a hand through his messy hair as he blinks away the remnants of sleep. His body feels heavy, weighed down by exhaustion and the events of last night. Still, he forces himself to get up, his movements sluggish as he fumbles out of bed.

The apartment is quiet. Too quiet. He steps out of your bedroom, his bare feet padding against the floor as he looks around. His gaze sweeps over the small living space, searching for you. For a second, a strange unease creeps up his spine—until he finally spots you.

You’re perched on the window sill, one knee pulled up to your chest, a steaming mug of coffee resting in your hands. You look lost in thought, your gaze fixed outside, watching the world slowly wake up.

He lingers in the doorway, unsure if he should say something or if he should just leave quietly. But then, as if sensing his presence, you slowly turn your head to the side.

Your eyes meet his, and then, just like that, you smile—soft and warm, like the morning itself. "Good morning," you greet, your voice still laced with sleep.

Hyunjin debating whether he should stay or make up an excuse to leave. But before he can make a decision, you tilt your head toward the kitchen.

“Are you hungry?” you ask, taking another sip of your coffee.

He shakes his head almost immediately. “I should probably go—”

Before he can finish, you slide off the window sill, setting your mug down on the counter. “At least have some breakfast first.”

Hyunjin hesitates. He’s not really in the mood to eat, but before he can refuse, you’re already walking toward him, placing a gentle but firm hand on his shoulder as you steer him toward the dining table.

“Sit,” you say, your tone leaving no room for argument.

He exhales through his nose but doesn’t fight it, dropping himself onto the chair. His fingers drum idly against the tabletop as he watches you move around the kitchen.

A few moments later, you place a steaming cup of coffee in front of him. “Here. This should help wake you up.”

He glances at you, then at the cup. He hesitates for a second before finally wrapping his fingers around it, letting the warmth seep into his palms. He takes a slow sip, the bitterness grounding him a little.

You smile in satisfaction. “Good. Now sit tight while I make breakfast.”

Hyunjin hadn’t planned to stay, but now, with a warm meal in front of him and the air feeling oddly peaceful, he finds himself grateful that you insisted. As he takes the last bite of his toast, he feels your gaze on him. He glances up and catches you staring, your expression unreadable. His brow lifts slightly.

“What?” he asks, setting his fork down.

You hesitate, like you’re debating something internally, before finally reaching for something on the chair next to you. Hyunjin watches as you pick up a small, neatly wrapped package and place it on the table between you. His eyes flicker to the gift, then back to you.

“I didn’t get the chance to give this to you last night,” you explain, sliding it toward him.

“You got me a gift?” His voice comes out more hesitant than he intended.

Before he can say anything else, you quickly add, “I didn’t spend much money on it or anything. I made it myself.”

That catches his attention. His fingers twitch against his coffee cup as he stares at the package. He hesitates to reach for it, unsure if he deserves something so thoughtful. Seeing his reluctance, you gently nudge it closer. “Go on. Open it.”

He swallows, then carefully picks it up and begins unwrapping it. His fingers move slowly, peeling back the wrapping until he uncovers a leather-bound case. He unfolds it, his curiosity piqued when he sees the compartments inside. It takes him a moment to process—until realization dawns on him. It’s a paintbrush case. He runs his fingers over the stitching, taking in the effort that went into it.

Before he can say anything, you quickly interject, “I know it’s not perfect—”

“I like it,” He cuts you off, his voice firm, leaving no room for argument. His eyes meet yours, sincere and unguarded. “Thank you.”

Hyunjin barely has any words left to say after that. He just sits there, running his fingers over the smooth leather of the paintbrush case, admiring the craftsmanship and the effort you put into it. Every stitch, every fold—it’s clear that you made this with him in mind. He doesn’t know how to express what he’s feeling, so instead, he keeps his gaze on the gift, hoping you understand his silence for what it is: gratitude.

A smile slowly blooms on your face at his words, and something warm unfurls in his chest at the sight. Then, you break the quiet, your voice gentle but casual. “And don’t forget that we have that shoot tomorrow.”

He looks up at you, your expression easy and composed, as if nothing had happened the night before. His brows furrow slightly. “Shouldn’t you be… slowing down and maybe take a break?”

You shake your head and absentmindedly stabbing pieces of scrambled egg with your fork. “Nah. Making content takes my mind off things.”

Hyunjin watches you for a moment, studying the way you say it so lightly, like you’re brushing everything off as if last night didn’t shake you to your core. He wants to say something—maybe push you to take a break, to take care of yourself—but he can tell you don’t want to talk about it. He still doesn’t think it’s a good idea, but if this is what you want, he won’t argue. So instead, he just nods. “Alright.”

-

The air still humming with the energy of the shoot as you lie on your stomach on the thin mattress, your bare legs lazily swinging behind you as you scroll through Lustre notifications. The sheets beneath you are slightly rumpled from all the movement earlier.

Hyunjin is across the room, busy checking the result of the shoot. You let yourself get lost in your notifications, tapping through comments and messages until one catches your eye.

mag.shawn: I really liked your new set. You look beautiful as always. But I think what I love the most is your smile. Whenever I see it, it makes me wish for you to always be happy. That way, I get to see you smile every day.

There's something about his message feels different from the usual compliments you receive—more genuine, maybe. Less about desire and more about… you.

You: That’s really sweet. Thank you for your message. I appreciate it.

You hit send and glance up, only to find Hyunjin standing by the tripod, watching you with an unreadable expression. You don’t know how long he’s been looking.

“What?” you ask, propping your chin on your hand.

He shakes his head, turning away to grab his jacket. “Nothing.”

You prop yourself up on your elbows, tilting your head at him, “Dinner?”

“Sure, I'll order,” he calmly responds, taking his phone out of the pocket of his jeans and begins tapping on it.

“And how about we watch a movie after?” you ask out of a whim.

Hyunjin looks up from his phone to look at you and casually says, “Sure.”

The soft glow of the living room lamps mixes with the flickering light from the movie playing on the screen, creating a cozy atmosphere. Hyunjin sits on the sofa, his plate resting on his lap as he absentmindedly takes small bites of his cake. His plan had been simple—stay a little longer to keep you company, maybe distract you for a while. But somewhere between the hearty dinner, and now, sitting here in the warmth of your apartment with you beside him, he realizes something he hadn’t expected. He’s enjoying himself.

It’s not just the food or the movie, though both are nice. It’s the easy, unspoken comfort of the moment. The way you’re curled up next to him, completely immersed in the film, your spoon slowly scraping against the plate as you savor each bite. The occasional hum of satisfaction you make. The way he feels… at ease. He had meant to leave. He always does after the shoots. But now, he isn’t in a hurry.

You suddenly nudge him with your elbow, breaking him out of his thoughts. “It's good, right?” you motion toward his plate.

He glances down at the half-eaten slice of cake before looking back at you. A small smirk tugs at his lips. “Yeah. It’s good.”

Then your phone rings, shattering the comfortable silence. You don’t hesitate to pick it up, casually bringing it to your ear as if you’ve been expecting the call. At first, he doesn’t think much of it, keeping his focus on the movie, but then he can't help but catches glimpses of the conversation.

Your voice, soft and teasing, the slight lilt in your tone as you speak. A light chuckle here, a playful hum there. It doesn’t take much for him to piece together the kind of conversation you’re having.

He doesn’t want to care. He really doesn’t. So he keeps his eyes on the screen. By the time you finally hang up and set your phone aside, he barely lasts a second before blurting out, “Who was that?”

You glance at him, completely unbothered. “Felix.”

He keeps his expression neutral as he asks, “What did he want?”

“He asked if I’ve decided about the collab yet,” you say, stretching your arms above your head before settling back against the pillows.

Hyunjin hesitates before asking, “And… do you want to do it?”

“I think it’s a good opportunity to start something new.”

He frowns. “After what happened?”

You sigh, knowing exactly what he’s referring to. “I know,” you meekly admit.

“Then do you have to do it?”

“Not necessarily,” you say, meeting his gaze. “But I can’t just keep doing the same content and expect a different result.”

He exhales through his nose, still uneasy. “Do you trust him enough to do this with him?”

A small smile plays on your lips as you tilt your head. “The only man I trust to do this with is you.”

And then, before he can even process that, you add, “But since you obviously don’t want to, that means I don't exactly have any options.”

“Let’s do it.” The words slip out of him before he can stop them.

You freeze for a second. “What?”

He swallows, his grip tightening around his plate. “Do it with me.”

You stare at him for a second before laughing, shaking your head as if he just told the funniest joke. "Yeah, right," you scoff, waving a hand dismissively.

But Hyunjin doesn’t laugh. He doesn’t even crack a smile. His expression remains serious, eyes fixed on you with an intensity that makes your laughter waver. “I mean it,” he says, setting his plate down. “I want to do it.”

You arch a brow, still unconvinced. “You? Hyunjin, are you actually serious?”

“Yes,” he insists. “If you want, we can do it now.”

That only makes you laugh harder. “Oh my God, stop,” you say, pressing a hand against your forehead. “This is funny, okay, you've got me.”

His expression shifts slightly, a flicker of offense crossing his features. His brows pull together as he watches you laugh at him. “What’s so funny?”

“You,” you chuckle, wiping at your eyes. “You saying all that with a straight face.”

He exhales sharply. “I don’t see what’s so funny about it.”

You sigh, finally regaining your composure, and shake your head with a small smile. “Even if you want to do it, we can’t just jump into it immediately.”

“Why not?” he challenges, tilting his head.

You lean forward slightly, resting your elbow on your knee. “Because,” you say, meeting his gaze, “there’s something else you have to do first.”

-

You remember, almost absentmindedly, that your friend’s wedding is this weekend. The realization comes as you sip your morning coffee, scrolling through your phone. A few mutual friends have posted about their excitement—outfit choices, travel plans, well wishes.

That’s when you glance toward the kitchen counter and spot the wedding invitation, half-buried beneath a pile of unopened mail. You set your mug down and pick it up, running your fingers over the elegant gold lettering. The date is clear. It’s happening in just a few days.

But instead of excitement, a heavy feeling settles in your chest. The memory of their engagement party resurfaces, uninvited. The way the night had ended for you. The way you had driven home with a lump in your throat, gripping the wheel too tightly. The way you had collapsed onto your bed, drowning in emotions you couldn’t quite name. You exhale sharply and set the invitation down. You already know your answer. You’re not going.

Turning away, you head toward your closet, pulling out the dress you had bought specifically for the occasion. It’s still in its garment bag, tags still attached—a waste, really. You take it out, letting the fabric slip between your fingers, admiring it for a moment before shaking your head. There’s no point in keeping it now.

Grabbing your phone, you check the return policy. Still eligible. Good. You drape the dress over your arm, grab your keys, and head for the door.

The store is far from crowded when you arrive. You step inside, the dress slung over your shoulder, and make your way straight to the customer service counter. A staff member greets you with a polite smile, and you return it as you place the garment bag onto the counter. “I’d like to return this,” you say, unzipping the bag to reveal the dress inside.

She nods and begins the process, asking for your receipt. As you dig through your bag, you hear footsteps approaching the counter beside you. Then, a familiar voice. “Uh—same here, actually.”

You freeze for a second before turning your head to the side. And there he is—Felix, standing next to you, looking just as surprised to see you. He’s holding a neatly folded tie, still in its box. His brows raise. “What are you doing here?”

You gesture toward the dress on the counter. “Returning this. You?”

A small laugh escapes him. “Returning this,” he says, lifting the tie slightly.

Before you can say anything else, the staff member turns her attention back to you. “May I know what’s the reason for the return?”

You hesitate, not exactly in the mood to explain the real reason behind it. Instead, you go for the easy answer. “I... don’t really like the cut.”

The staff nods, then looks at Felix. “And how about you?”

Felix grins, eyes glinting with mischief as he shrugs. “Yeah, same. Don’t really like the cut.”

It takes a second for the words to settle in before you both burst into laughter. The staff watches, clearly amused but keeping professional as she processes the returns. You shake your head, still chuckling, as Felix leans slightly against the counter. “Guess we both had second thoughts,” he muses, still grinning.

You and Felix found a cozy café not far from the store, the two of you sit by the window, your drinks in hand, watching people pass by outside.

Felix stirs his iced coffee lazily, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. “You know,” he starts, “I’ve been holding myself back from calling you again.”

You raise an eyebrow, sipping your drink. “Oh? Now I can't help but think that maybe returning your tie was just an excuse to see me.”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “Damn, you caught me.” Then, with a small sigh, he leans back in his chair, fingers tapping against the side of his cup. “But for real, my mom’s been pushing me to go to these job interviews. That’s actually why she got me the tie.”

You tilt your head. “Job interviews? For what?”

“Office jobs. Boring ones,” he says, rolling his eyes. “The kind where you sit at a desk all day and pretend to care about spreadsheets and meetings.” He takes a sip of his coffee before continuing. “I know she means well, but it’s just not for me.”

You nod in understanding. “So, you didn’t even go?”

“Nah,” he admits, grinning unapologetically before adorablg scrunches his nose. “I told her I’d think about it, but I don’t really want to. I like what I do. I don’t care what people think about it. It makes me money, I enjoy it, and that’s enough for me.”

Hearing that, you feel a flicker of understanding settle in your chest. You know exactly what he means. “Yeah,” you murmur, tapping your fingers against your cup. “I get that.”

Felix props his elbow on the table, resting his chin on his hand as he watches you. "And how about you? Why’d you really return the dress?" he asks casually before taking another sip of his coffee.

You shrug, keeping your tone light. "Didn’t like the color."

He hums, unconvinced. "All colors suit you. Please find a better answer. "

You roll your eyes at him but let out a small laugh. He sees right through you. There’s no point in dodging the question, so you sigh, setting your cup down. "Fine," you admit. "It’s for a wedding this weekend… my friend's wedding."

Felix nods slowly, waiting for you to continue.

"I was supposed to go," you say, fingers tracing the rim of your cup. "But I think I'd better not."

His expression shifts slightly, more attentive now. "Why?"

You exhale, looking out the café window for a moment. "I went to their engagement part and it wasn’t exactly a fun experience for me," you say with a wry smile. "People whispering, looking at me like I don’t belong there, some even making comments loud enough for me to hear. I just…" You shake your head. "I don’t want to deal with that again. I don’t want to cause any inconvenience at their wedding."

Felix frowns as he absentmindedly stirring his iced coffee with the straw. "Inconvenience?"

You nod, finger fiddling with the handle of your coffee mug. "It’s their special day. The last thing they need is people gossiping about me in the background."

He clicks his tongue in disapproval, leaning back in his chair. "That’s bullshit," he says, blunt as ever. "If your friend invited you, it means they want you there. You shouldn’t have to miss out on something just because some people don’t know how to mind their own business."

A part of you knows he’s right, but another part still hesitates. You give him a small smile, but it doesn't quite reach your eyes. "It’s easier this way."

Felix studies you for a moment before sighing and shaking his head. "Easier, maybe. But is it what you really want?"

Hearing no answers from you, he leans forward, resting his arms on the table, his warm brown eyes locked onto yours with an almost mischievous glint. "I think you should go," he says firmly. "Screw those people. It’s your friend’s wedding, not theirs."

You exhale, shaking your head. "Felix—"

"I’m serious," he cuts in. "And if you don’t want to go alone, then I’ll go with you."

That makes you pause and then snort in disbelief. "You’d do that?"

"Of course. I’ll be your date. Your supporter. Your personal hype man. Whatever you need." He gestures at himself dramatically. "I’ll make sure no one says a damn thing to you. And if they do, I’ll just blind them with my dazzling presence."

You let out a soft laugh, but something about the way he’s looking at you—so eager to help, so understanding—makes your chest feel warm. Felix is just that kind of person. Confident, carefree, and unapologetic about who he is. And that confidence? It’s infectious.

You find yourself nodding before you even realize it. "Okay," you say, a small smile tugging at your lips. "I’ll take you as my date."

Felix beams at that until you add, "But," you tilt your head playfully, "I get to pick the tie."

His grin only widens. "Fine. But in that case, I get to help you pick the dress."

You laugh, shaking your head. "Deal."

He raises his coffee cup. "To proving people wrong and looking damn good while doing it."

You clink your cup against his with a quiet chuckle, a strange but pleasant feeling settling in your chest. Maybe this wedding won’t be so bad after all.

-

Lately, there’s been one message you always expect—one you’ve started looking forward to more than you’d admit. You take a slow sip of your smoothie, the cool sweetness spreading across your tongue as you scroll through your Lustre notifications. And, as expected, there it is.

mag.shawn: I can’t wait for your new post. But what I look forward to the most is seeing your beautiful face—it always brightens up my days.

A small smile tugs at your lips as you read it. You type out a quick reply, letting the warmth of his words settle over you.

You: That’s so sweet of you to say. I’ll do my best to keep brightening your days then ❤️

Just as you’re about to take another sip of your smoothie, a sudden knock echoes through your apartment. You stare at the door for a second longer before unlocking it and pulling it open.

Hyunjin stands there, his long dark hair slightly disheveled as if he had run his fingers through it too many times. One hand grips the strap of his bag, the other tucked into the pocket of his hoodie. His gaze flickers to yours, then away, before he clears his throat. "Hey," he says. "Can I come in?"

You don’t say anything, just step aside and open the door wider. He takes it as an invitation and walks in, dropping his bag near the couch. Without a word, you walk to the fridge, grab a can of drink, and hand it to him. He takes it with a quiet thanks, cracking it open but not taking a sip yet. Instead, he glances at you, a flicker of hesitation crossing his face.

"Can I use your laptop?" he asks. "I need to check something."

You raise a brow but nod, grabbing your laptop from the coffee table and passing it to him. As he opens it and starts typing, you settle beside him on the couch, bringing your smoothie to your lips.

For a while, the only sounds in the room are the soft clicks of the keyboard and the occasional sip of your drink. You don’t press him for details, simply letting him do whatever he needs to do. Then, after a few minutes, he exhales through his nose and turns the screen toward you.

You glance at him before looking down at the laptop. The moment your eyes land on the screen, your breath catches. Displayed in clear text is the result of his STIs test. Negative.

The confirmation settles something deep in your chest. You had asked him to do this before the two of you could make content together, and now here it is—the proof that he actually went through with it. Your gaze lifts back to his, and for the first time since he arrived, Hyunjin looks directly at you. His expression is unreadable, but his fingers drum against the side of the can in his hand, a telltale sign of his nerves.

“Well?” he asks, voice quiet.

“Well,” you echo, taking another sip of your smoothie, swallowing slowly before answering.

A while later, you set your smoothie down on the table, eyes still locked on Hyunjin as you tilt your head slightly. "I just have to ask you one more time. Are you sure you really want to do this?"

"Yeah," he answers without a beat.

His answer is immediate, but you don’t let it slide that easily. You lean back against the couch, crossing one leg over the other as you study him. "You know there’s no turning back once you do, right?"

He huffs out a quiet laugh, shaking his head. "You keep saying that like I haven’t already thought about it."

"Have you, though?" You arch a brow, unconvinced. "Because I’m not just talking about the content itself. I’m talking about everything that comes with it. The comments, the assumptions people will make about you, the way this could change things—"

"I don’t really care." His voice is steady, but there’s an edge to it. A certainty that makes your stomach twist.

You watch him for a moment, searching for any hint of doubt in his expression, but there’s none. He holds your gaze, unwavering, and it’s only then that you realize—he’s already made up his mind. Still, you hesitate. "...Why?"

Hyunjin exhales, running a hand through his hair before leaning back against the couch. "Because I want to help you." He pauses, looking away for a second before glancing back at you. "And maybe I just want to do it with you."

That last part makes your heart skip a beat, but you push past it, keeping your voice light. "You say that like you don’t have better options."

Hyunjin scoffs as he rubs his lower lip with his finger. "You say that like I care about other options."

You stare at him, lips pressing together. He stares back, waiting. Then, finally, you sigh and shake your head, a small smile pulling at your lips. "Okay, let's do it then."

-

At this point, Hyunjin treats your apartment like his own, he moves around with practiced ease, pulling the sheer curtains open just enough to let the afternoon light spill into the room. The soft glow is exactly what he wants for today’s shoot—natural, warm, and intimate. He glances over his setup, adjusting the white cloth draped over the couch, smoothing out any wrinkles. The space is nearly ready.

The sound of your footsteps draws his attention, and when he looks up, you’re walking toward him with two cans of drinks in hand. Your hair is slightly tousled, and there’s a relaxed air about you as you offer him one of the cans.

Hyunjin steps forward, wiping his hands on his jeans before taking the drink from you. His fingers brush against yours for a split second, and he wonders if you notice. "Perfect timing," he murmurs, bringing the can to his lips for a quick sip. The warmth seeps into his fingers, and he exhales softly. "Thanks."

You nod, taking a sip of your own before glancing around the setup. "So... everything ready?"

"Almost," he says, rolling his shoulders. "I want to play with the light a little, see how it looks on camera." He steps back, scanning the room, his mind already piecing together the angles and shots. The sunlight highlights the shapes of the couch, creating soft shadows. It’s exactly what he envisioned.

You lower your can of drink and glance at Hyunjin, who is still surveying the setup with a focused look on his face. “So, what’s the plan for today?” you ask, shifting your weight onto one leg.

He turns to you, his dark eyes settling on yours. “I want to use the light as much as possible. It’ll create a really soft effect, like…” He gestures vaguely with his free hand, trying to find the right words. “Like something dreamlike, almost natural. I’ll direct you, but I also want you to move how you feel comfortable.”

You hum, tilting your head as you process his vision. “So, more candid, less posed?”

He nods, sipping his coffee. “Exactly.”

You shift closer, peering at him over the rim of your cup. “And… Do I have your consent for the part after?”

Hyunjin blinks, then a slow smirk tugs at the corner of his lips. “You have my consent,” he says smoothly, his voice steady, but there’s a flicker of something in his expression—anticipation, maybe.

You let out a short laugh, arching a brow as you tease him, “You sound so eager for today’s shoot.”

He rolls his eyes, but the way his fingers tap against his can of drink betrays him. “I’m just committed to making this look good,” he says, feigning nonchalance.

You grin, stepping past him toward the couch. “Sure. Let’s call it that.”

Hyunjin adjusts the camera in his hands, his fingers instinctively finding the right settings as he looks through the lens. The natural light floods the room, casting soft shadows across your skin. You’re draped across the couch in nothing but a loose white sweater and matching underwear, your body relaxed, effortlessly beautiful.

He’s done this before—countless times now—but there’s something about this moment that makes him pause. Maybe it’s the way the light caresses the curves of your body, or how the sweater slips just enough off your shoulder to reveal more of your skin. Or maybe it’s just you. No matter how many times he’s taken your pictures, Hyunjin realizes he never gets tired of looking at you. Admiring you.

You shift slightly, pulling one knee up and resting your head against the back of the couch. The motion is so natural, so effortlessly alluring, that Hyunjin forgets to press the shutter button for a second. When he finally does, he exhales a quiet breath.

"You’re staring," you tease, your voice light but knowing.

He lowers the camera slightly, meeting your gaze. There’s amusement in your eyes, but also something else—something softer. He swallows, rolling his shoulders like he can shake off whatever this feeling is. "Why? Are you shy now?" he teases, bringing the camera up again.

Done taking your pictures, Hyunjin moves around the room for the second time to set the cameras to their tripods at different angles, making sure everything is set up just right. He’s meticulous about it, double-checking each frame, making small tweaks to the lighting. When he’s finally satisfied, he steps away and joins you on the couch.

As soon as he sits down next to you, you turn to him, your gaze soft but playful. Without a word, you reach up and tug the hair tie from his dark locks, setting them free. His long hair falls around his face, a few strands brushing against his cheek.

You hum in approval, lifting your hand to run your fingers through his hair, smoothing it back before letting it slip through your fingers. There’s something intimate in the way you touch him, something gentle that makes his breath catch for just a second. A smile tugs at your lips as you look at him. “Are you ready?”

Hyunjin swallows, his dark eyes locked onto yours. He doesn’t answer right away, just watches you for a moment before exhaling through his nose, a small, knowing smile appearing on his lips.

"Yeah," he finally says, his voice lower than before.

You lift your hand and rest it on Hyunjin’s stomach, feeling the subtle rise and fall of his breath beneath your fingertips. His muscles tense for just a second before he consciously relaxes, his dark eyes still locked onto yours, watching, waiting.

Slowly, you lean in, closing the small space between you until your lips are just beside his ear. You can feel the warmth of his skin, hear the soft hitch in his breath. "Get comfortable," you murmur, your voice soft yet firm, your lips nearly brushing against the shell of his ear. "And follow my lead."

Hyunjin exhales, a quiet, shuddering breath. His hands press into the couch beside him, fingers twitching slightly as if resisting the urge to touch you. His jaw clenches for a moment before he gives you a small, almost amused smile. "Alright," he breathes out, his voice barely above a whisper.

You move with unhurried confidence, shifting onto his lap and settling yourself comfortably as you straddle him. His hands instinctively find purchase on your hips, but he doesn’t grip—just rests them there, warm and solid. Your hands trail down his chest, fingers grazing over the fabric of his shirt. You take your time, carefully unbuttoning each button one by one, your touch light and deliberate. He doesn’t rush you—he simply watches, his lips parting slightly when you finally part the fabric open and slip the shirt off his shoulders, exposing the lean definition of his torso.

Laying your palm flat against his chest, you let your fingertips trace over his skin, feeling the warmth radiating from him, the subtle twitch of his muscles under your touch. Hyunjin exhales sharply, his breath hitching just slightly, and you feel him shiver beneath your fingertips. His hands on your hips flex subtly, his gaze flickering between your face and the way your hands explore his skin. His Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows, voice lower than before when he finally speaks.

“You’re really taking your time with this,” he murmurs, a teasing edge to his tone, but there’s something else underneath.

You simply smile, letting your fingers trace a slow, featherlight path over his collarbone. “Of course,” you say softly. “What’s the rush?”

You tilt your head, watching the way his gaze lingers on your face before dropping lower, his hands still resting on your hips as if he's trying to ground himself. Then, with a soft smile, you murmur, "Aren't you going to help me too?"

His hands tightening slightly before he reaches for the hem of your sweater. His fingers brush against your skin as he gathers the fabric, and he hesitates just for a moment, his dark eyes flickering up to yours as if silently asking for permission one last time.

You give him a small nod, and with that, he slowly lifts the sweater up, savoring the moment as he peels the soft fabric from your skin. His touch is gentle, careful, as he pulls it over your head and lets it slip from his fingers, tossing it aside.

Now bare before him, you feel the cool air graze your skin, a stark contrast to the warmth radiating between you. Hyunjin’s eyes trace over you, his gaze slow and reverent, like he's taking in a painting he's never seen before, committing every detail to memory. His breath is unsteady when he finally meets your gaze again. His hands remain on your waist, but this time, they grip just a little tighter, like he's afraid to move too fast.

For a moment, neither of you say anything. The only sound is the soft hum of the camera in the background, recording every fleeting touch, every unspoken exchange.

You take Hyunjin’s hands in yours, guiding them up your body, over the curve of your waist, the dip of your ribs, and then higher, letting him feel the warmth of your skin beneath his fingertips. His hands are warm, his touch hesitant but eager, and you can feel the way his fingers tremble slightly as you place them exactly where you want them, cupping the underside of your breasts. Then, slowly, you let go.

His hands remain where you left them for a moment, his gaze flickering between your eyes and the expanse of skin beneath his palms. When he finally moves, it's deliberate—his hands tracing over you, reveling in the way you feel. He drags his fingertips lightly over your skin, tracing lines only he can see, and the way he does it, so careful, so in awe, makes your breath shallow.

You rest your arms on his shoulders, letting your fingers trail along the nape of his neck, playing with the strands of his dark hair. Hyunjin tilts his head back slightly, his long hair falling away from his face as he looks up at you. His expression is unreadable at first, but then—he smiles. Not a smirk, not a teasing grin, but something softer, something real.

His eyes drink you in, as if seeing you this close, this bare, makes you even more breathtaking to him. And for a moment, he just lets himself admire you, his hands still exploring, mapping out every curve, every line, like he’s afraid he’ll forget how you feel beneath him.

He continues his exploration. His fingers trail up from your shoulders, over the curve of your neck, his touch featherlight. He maps out your skin with delicate strokes, tracing along the slope of your throat, the line of your jaw. His fingertips glide over your cheekbone, then dip lower, ghosting over the bridge of your nose before finally brushing against your lips.

Then, gently, he tucks a strand of your hair behind your ear, smoothing it away from your face. But instead of letting go, he keeps his hand there, holding your hair in place as his thumb idly caresses the side of your neck.

You watch him closely, your own hands moving to explore him in return. Your fingers drift up, brushing through his soft dark hair before trailing down to his face. You trace the arch of his brow, the sharp yet delicate bridge of his nose, the curve of his cheekbone. Then, without thinking, your thumb sweeps across his lips.

His lips are soft beneath your touch, plush and warm, and they part just slightly as your thumb glides over them. You meet his gaze, your own fingers lingering against his mouth as you softly ask, “Do you want to kiss?”

Without answering, Hyunjin leans in, his dark eyes locked onto yours, but just as his lips are about to brush against yours, you pull back ever so slightly. A teasing smile tugs at the corner of your lips as he instinctively follows, chasing after the kiss you’ve withheld. He exhales sharply through his nose, catching on to your game. His head falls back against the couch, and he lets out a dramatic sigh, his bottom lip jutting out in a soft pout. His hands rest on your waist, fingers idly pressing into your skin as he looks up at you with mock betrayal.

Despite his sulking, you giggle. There’s something so endearing about seeing Hyunjin—usually confident, effortlessly charming—reduced to a pouting mess just because of you.

Still smiling, you cup his jaw, your thumbs tracing the shape of his cheekbones. You can feel the tension in his muscles, the way he holds himself still, waiting. Then, slowly, you lean in and press your lips to his.

Hyunjin kisses you back like he’s been waiting for this, like he’s thought about it more than he’d ever admit. His lips move against yours, soft at first but it doesn’t take long before his desire seeps through. He sucks on your lower lip, teasingly slow, before tugging it between his teeth, just enough to make you shiver. Despite the bite, you sigh into his mouth, the sensation sending warmth through your body.

Hyunjin swallows the sound, his grip on you firm but never forceful. His lips move against yours with a growing hunger, hungry for the taste of you. He pulls you closer, his arms wrapping around you as if he’s afraid you’ll slip away. His warmth engulfs you, and the way he holds you—tight yet careful—makes your heart pound just as much as his kisses do. His lips move against yours with more urgency now, deepening the kiss, his breath mixing with yours. Then, without warning, he drags his lips away, trailing a path down your jaw to your neck. The first press of his mouth against your skin is soft, almost teasing, but then he sucks lightly on the spot just below your ear, making your breath hitch.

A gasp escapes you as he continues, alternating between kisses and gentle bites, marking you in ways that feel both dangerous and thrilling. His hands explore your body, fingertips tracing the curve of your spine, skimming over your sides, pressing into the small of your back. His touch is everywhere—palms smoothing over your bare skin, thumbs brushing over sensitive spots, sending shivers coursing through you.

The room feels smaller, hotter, as the two of you stay tangled together, lips and hands lost in each other. Hyunjin has his hands splayed across your back as his lips continue their path down your neck. His breath is warm against your skin, sending a shiver through you as he lingers just above your collarbone. You shift slightly in his lap, adjusting your position, but the movement draws a quiet, unbidden sound from deep within him.

Your hands tangle in his dark hair, threading through the soft strands as he buries his face against you while you decide to continue to tease him, rubbing yourself against his growing erection. His lips brush lower, pressing open-mouthed kisses to your skin. The warmth of his mouth makes you exhale shakily, your fingers instinctively gripping his shoulders. As you continue slowly grinding on him, the friction between you both grows, drawing an almost involuntary reaction from him. His breath hitches, his fingers flex against your sides, and when you roll your hips just a little more, a quiet curse slips past his lips.

Hyunjin's hands slide down, gripping you gently but firmly, guiding you as though he wants you closer—if that were even possible. His lips part against your skin, and you feel the soft pull of his mouth, a teasing scrape of his teeth that has you gasping.

For a moment, the two of you simply move together, unhurried yet undeniably in sync. It’s intoxicating—the way he holds you, the way his body reacts to yours, the way the warmth between you seems to build with each slow grind against his swollen bulge.

You kiss him again, capturing his lips in a slow, lingering kiss that deepens with every second. Hyunjin responds just as eagerly, his hands roaming your body, his grip tightening when you roll your hips against him again. His breath stutters when you pull away, but before he can protest, you tilt your head and press your lips to his jawline, then lower—to the sensitive spot beneath his ear, to the column of his throat where you can feel his pulse quicken.

His fingers dig into your flesh as you trail your lips down his neck, your mouth leaving a warm path over his collarbone, his chest. His skin is hot beneath your lips, his breath uneven as you continue your slow descent. You can feel the way his body tenses, anticipating your next move. And then you shift, slipping off his lap with deliberate slowness, your hands skimming down his sides as you lower yourself to the floor. Standing in front of him, you press your palms to his thighs, feeling the subtle tremor in his muscles before you gently part his legs, making space for yourself between them.

Hyunjin looks down at you, his dark eyes clouded with something heavy and overpowering, his lips slightly parted as if he wants to say something—but he doesn’t. Instead, he swallows hard, watching you intently as you kneel between his legs, your hands still resting on his thighs. A quiet beat passes between you, charged with tension. Then, you lift your gaze to meet his, your fingers trailing slowly along the denim of his jeans.

"Still comfortable?" you ask, your voice light, teasing.

Hyunjin exhales a soft, breathy laugh, though his voice is rough when he responds. "Yeah," he murmurs. "Very."

Your fingers begin to move, tracing the waistband of his jeans before dipping lower. Hyunjin's breath hitches as you work the button open, then the zipper, the sound cutting through the silence in the room. His hands, which had been resting on his thighs, twitch—like he wants to touch you, to stop you, or maybe to urge you on. But he doesn’t move. He just watches, his chest rising and falling a little too quickly, his lips slightly parted as if he’s forgotten how to breathe.

You take your time, easing the fabric down just enough, and when you finally free his member out of its confine, his head falls back against the couch, a quiet groan slipping past his lips. "Are we good?" you ask softly, fingers teasing, barely touching his erection.

Hyunjin exhales a shuddery breath, his lips curving into a crooked, breathless smile. "Yeah," he murmurs, voice rough.

For a moment, you do nothing—just let your fingers ghost along his hardening length, featherlight, teasing. You hear the sharp inhale he takes, see the way his stomach tenses as you rub your thumb around the crest of his cock. He’s beautiful like this—vulnerable in a way that makes warmth curl in your stomach, his dark hair tousled, his lips red and kiss-swollen.

"You're so hard, so big..." you sigh, slightly tightening your fingers around him.

You glance up at him through your lashes, meeting his gaze as you begin giving his cock slow, deliberate strokes. His eyes are dark, half-lidded, filled with something heady and unspoken. You take your time, watching him, waiting until he meets your gaze before lowering yourself, you press a kiss to his hip, then another, trailing lower, savoring the way his body reacts to your touch. He lets out a quiet groan when your lips finally brush over the tip of his cock.

The first sound he makes when you take his cock into your mouth is something between a sigh and a moan, his head tipping back against the couch. His hand finds your hair, not pushing, just resting, as if he needs something to hold onto. You hollow out your cheeks and give him a good suck before slowly pulling away. You quickly replace your mouth with your hand to keep the stimulation going.

With your lips wet from saliva, you ask, "Does it feel good?"

"Yeah," he breathlessly answer before letting out a shaky exhale.

You lick your lips before taking him in again, little by little until half of his length disappeared into you. Then, you beging moving, moving your mouth to testing, to tease while watching the way his stomach tenses and his lips part with every careful motion.

"Fuck..." he breathes out, voice wrecked.

His breaths grow uneven, his grip tightening slightly, and when you flick your gaze upward, the sight of him—eyes heavy-lidded, mouth parted, completely undone—sends a wave of satisfaction through you.

You hum against him, reveling in the way he shudders beneath you, completely at your mercy. You give him a second to gather some senses and using your hand to pump his cock.

"Don't tell me you're going to come just from this," you tease, dragging your lips down the underside of his length before putting him into your mouth again.

Hyunjin’s breath stutters, his fingers tightening in your hair as you continue your slow, teasing pace. His body is completely at your mercy, and he knows it—you can feel it in the way he trembles beneath you, in the soft, choked sounds that slip past his parted lips. His other hand moves to the back of the couch, gripping it like he needs to anchor himself, his head tilting back as he exhales a shaky breath. "You're—" He cuts himself off with a groan, his body tensing for a moment before melting back into the cushions.

You glance up at him through your lashes, taking in the way his chest rises and falls with each unsteady breath, the way his brows knit together as he fights for control. There's something intoxicating about watching him like this, unraveling under your touch, his usual confidence slipping away little by little.

"What do you think? Am I doing good?" Your lips graze the tip of his cock as you speak.

"You're too good at this," he finally manages to answer, his voice breathless, rough.

You smile, dragging your hands up his thighs as you pull back just enough to whisper, "Just let it go when you feel like it. Swallowing is not a big deal to me "

His eyes snap open, dark and hazy as he looks down at you. There's a pause, his lips parting slightly, and for a moment, you think he might actually hesitate. But then his fingers tighten in your hair, his gaze burning into yours as he rasps, "I–I can't do that."

A thrill rushes through you at his words, at the sheer need in his voice. You hum in satisfaction, pressing a slow, lingering kiss against his hip before resuming your pace, taking your time, savoring every reaction he gives you.

Hyunjin curses under his breath, his hand slipping from your hair to cradle the side of your face instead, his thumb brushing over your cheek. His gaze never wavers, never strays from you, even as his breaths turn ragged, even as his body tenses beneath your touch.

"I'm about to come" he murmurs, his voice strained, almost desperate.

You glance up at him again, meeting his gaze with a knowing smile before pushing him just a little further, just enough to make him lose himself completely.

And when he does—when his body stiffens and his lips part in a silent gasp, his head tipping back as pleasure overtakes him—you know you've won.

You feel his release floods your tongue, hot and distinctly salty, filling your mouth. Then, silence. The only sounds left in the room are your steady breathing and his own ragged exhales.

When he finally dares to look at you, his eyes widen in horror as he sees you sticking your tongue out just enough to show him the white sheen of his seed before you swallow it all down your throat.

The sight stirs something deep within him that he reaches for you and roughly presses a kiss on your lips, his tongue pries open your mouth until you let him taste the remnants of himself on your tongue. Once he pulled away from the kiss, reality dawns on him. His flushed face deepens in color, and he quickly brings a hand to his face, covering his eyes as if that would make the situation disappear.

“Oh my God—” he mutters, voice filled with mortification as he sees a drop of his release landed on your chin. “I— I didn’t mean to—”

You blink at him before breaking into a soft laugh, reaching for a tissue nearby. “Hey, it’s fine.”

But he groans, shaking his head, clearly struggling with embarrassment. “No, it’s not! That was— I should have warned you—”

You smile, dabbing at your skin, before tilting your head at him. “You were a little too lost in the moment. I get it.”

Hyunjin groans again, this time burying his face in his hands. “I can’t believe this…”

Shifting closer, you gently pull his hands away from his face, meeting his flustered gaze with warmth. “Relax. It’s not a big deal.”

He exhales slowly, still clearly embarrassed, but your reassurance eases him slightly. He watches as you clean up without a hint of discomfort, and for some reason, that makes his heart squeeze a little.

You nudge his knee playfully. “If anything, I’ll take it as a compliment.”

You simply grin, standing up and holding your hand out at him. “Come on, let's shower before you start overthinking this to death.”

With a sigh, he follows, shaking his head as if he can’t believe what just happened—but there’s something else in his eyes too. A flicker of something deeper, something more than just physical attraction. And as he watches you head toward the bathroom, he realizes just how dangerous it is to let himself feel that way.

-

It's a successful first shoot with Hyunjin.

Even though he handled the camera like a pro, guiding you through poses and capturing you in the most flattering ways, the moment things shifted—when you turned the tables on him—he completely fell apart. And now, despite how smooth he usually tries to be, he can't stop being embarrassed about how he lost control, especially about how he came in your mouth and your face.

You think about it as warm water cascades down your body, the memory playing in your mind like a highlight reel. The way his breath hitched, the way his hands trembled against your skin, and especially the way his face turned crimson afterward, looking utterly wrecked yet so, so cute. You let out a quiet laugh, shaking your head.

Hyunjin—always composed, always confident—reduced to a flustered mess because of you. You’ll never let him live this down.

After finishing your shower, you throw on something comfortable and head out to the dining area, where Hyunjin is already setting the table. His hair escaping the loose ponytail, and he's deliberately avoiding your gaze, focusing too hard on arranging the plates.

You slide into your seat, watching him for a moment before smirking. "You know… technically, I already had an appetizer before dinner."

He freezes mid-motion, his shoulders tensing. He slowly looks up, eyes wary. "Huh?"

You take a sip of your drink, feigning innocence. "I mean, I had a little taste of you before we sat down to eat."

His entire face turns red. He immediately drops his chopsticks, groaning as he buries his face in his hands. "Oh my God."

You burst into laughter, unable to help yourself. "Why are you acting so shy now? You weren’t shy earlier."

Hyunjin peeks at you between his fingers, shooting you a look of pure suffering. "I hate you."

"No, you don’t," you tease, grinning. "If anything, you loved it."

He groans again, leaning back in his chair dramatically. "You're not going to let me live this down, aren’t you?"

Despite himself, Hyunjin breaks into a helpless smile, shaking his head. As you both settle into comfortable conversation, the teasing lingers in the air—a reminder of just how much the dynamic between you is shifting, whether either of you is ready to admit it or not.

As you finish cleaning up after dinner, you grab an envelope from the counter and hand it to Hyunjin. "Your pay for this month," you say with a smile.

Hyunjin takes it, grinning as he flips it between his fingers. "Ah, my hard-earned money," he jokes, tucking it into his pocket. Then, with a playful glint in his eyes, he leans forward slightly. "Since I’m less broke now, how about I treat you to a movie tomorrow? There’s this screening I wanted to check out."

You chuckle at his enthusiasm but shake your head. "I’d love to, but I already have plans for tomorrow."

He tilts his head, curious. "Oh? Where are you going?"

You set your chopsticks down, wiping your lips before answering, "I'm going to my friend’s wedding."

His expression shifts slightly, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "Is it the one friend you were avoiding back at the restaurant?"

You nod. "Yep. That one."

He blinks, clearly surprised. "I thought you weren’t going."

You shrug. "At first, yeah. But then I thought… why not?"

Hyunjin nods slowly, as if processing your words. But you don’t miss the way his shoulders drop slightly, or how he suddenly seems more focused on the remaining food in his bowl. He’s disappointed. You don’t point it out, but you notice it.

"Sounds fun," he says, his voice light, but there’s something subdued in it.

You watch him for a moment, then smirk. "You sound like you’re sulking."

He scoffs, sitting up straighter. "Me? Sulking? Never."

You arch an eyebrow, amused. "You’re literally stabbing your rice right now."

He looks down at his bowl, realizing how aggressively he’s been poking at the food. Clearing his throat, he sets his chopsticks down and leans back in his chair. "I just think my plans sounded cooler, that’s all."

You laugh, shaking your head. "I’ll make it up to you, okay?"

Hyunjin pouts slightly, but the teasing glint in his eyes gives him away. "You better," he mutters, stealing one of your dumplings as revenge.

-

The morning sun shines through the high windows of the apartment building as Hyunjin walks back from the farmer's market, a bag of fresh produce in one arm and a bouquet of flowers in the other. The scent of them—sweet and delicate—lingers in the air, and he glances down at them, suddenly second-guessing himself.

Was this a bad idea?

He doesn’t know what compelled him to pick them up. Maybe it was the way they reminded him of you. Maybe it was just a habit—bringing home something nice, something that adds a little warmth to a space. Either way, he now stands in front of your door, unsure if you've already left for the wedding. A part of him hopes you have, just so he doesn’t have to go through the embarrassment of handing you flowers like some lovestruck fool.

Before he can turn around and retreat to his apartment, the door swings open. You're standing there, already dressed for the wedding, a bright smile greeting him.

"Oh, morning, Hyunjin!" you say, sounding rushed yet cheerful as you step aside to let him in.

He planned to just hand you the flowers and go. But now, with the door wide open and you ushering him in without a second thought, he finds himself stepping inside, still holding the bouquet a little awkwardly.

You move back toward your vanity, where your makeup is halfway done, brushes and compacts scattered across the table. "Sorry, I’m running a little late," you say, adjusting your earrings in the mirror. "What’s up?"

Clearing his throat, Hyunjin lifts the flowers. "I, uh… brought these for you."

You turn, eyes widening in surprise before a teasing smile tugs at your lips. "Flowers? For me? What’s the occasion?"

He shrugs, suddenly self-conscious. "No occasion. Just thought you’d like them."

You take them from his hands, inhaling their fresh scent before flashing him a soft, genuine smile. "They're beautiful. Thank you, Hyunjin."

Seeing you flustered for once makes him feel a little less embarrassed. "I'll put them in a vase for you," he offers, not wanting to stand there while you get ready.

"That’d be great," you say, turning back to the mirror to finish up.

As Hyunjin moves around your kitchen, filling a vase with water, he sneaks glances at you. The way you carefully apply the last touches to your hair, the way the dress hugs your figure just right—it all captivates him. Then, you turn around, smiling brightly at him.

"How do I look?" you ask.

Hyunjin quickly averts his gaze, setting the vase down on the counter as if that requires all his attention. He swallows. "You look… beautiful."

Your smile softens. "Thank you."

Before the moment lingers too long, your phone rings, breaking the air of quiet admiration. You pick it up quickly, saying, "Yeah, I’ll be there in a minute," before ending the call.

Hyunjin assumes someone is picking you up and he also takes that as his cue to leave.

As you both step out of your apartment, he lingers for a moment before saying, "Have fun at the wedding."

You flash him one last grateful smile. "I will. Thanks again for the flowers, Hyunjin."

Hyunjin steps into his apartment, closing the door behind him with a quiet sigh. He toes off his shoes and runs a hand through his hair, shaking off the lingering feeling of something he can't quite name.

But as he walks toward the window, curiosity tugs at him. He tells himself he's only looking to see what kind of car picks you up—maybe a fancy one, maybe not. But when he spots the vehicle pulling up in front of the building, what catches his attention isn't the car at all.

It's the person stepping out of it. Felix.

Hyunjin hadn’t expected that. You’re going to the wedding with Felix?

The thought alone stirs something uneasy inside him, but he pushes it aside, watching as you step out of the building. He tells himself that’s the end of it, that he should look away, go about his day. But then—

You walk straight into Felix’s arms, slipping into his embrace like it’s second nature. Despite the tightening feeling in his chest, Hyunjin watches as Felix leans in, pressing a kiss to your cheek before opening the passenger door for you. You slip inside easily, smiling up at him before he shuts the door and rounds the car to the driver’s side.

Hyunjin lets out a sharp breath, rubbing his hand over his face as if to wipe away the thoughts creeping into his mind. What was he even expecting?

A part of him wants to shake it off, to go about his day like this means nothing. But another part of him—one he’s not quite ready to acknowledge—already knows that today, for the first time, he’s feeling something he shouldn’t.

Jealousy.

He scoffs under his breath, shaking his head at himself. Then, without another glance at the window, he turns on his heel and walks away, leaving the room in silence.

-

✨ Chapter III of Cam is available on my Patreon page ✨

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the curls 💔

☁️

the curls 💔

☁️

☁️

one million megawatt smile...

im so aware of what weight i can put on if i lose control that i refuse to even drink yakult which is 50 cals 😭 craving yakult so bad but i shall not give in to temptation 😣

genuinely can't even eat anymore without having to look at the calories or worry........ im gonna die doing this soon

there can only be one sun

𝐀𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐋 𝐈𝐒 𝐆𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐒𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐇! 𝐑𝐄𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐆 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐊 🎀🍽️

i had to speak about this because this is genuinely eating me alive. so fucking disappointing and upsetting.

i swear, some of y’all are the most disrespectful, entitled people i’ve ever seen. what the actual fuck is wrong with you? the kids are finally on the south american leg of their world tour, their first time in brazil, and instead of giving them the love and respect they deserve, some of you are out here acting like complete clowns.

stalking their hotel? crowding outside and filming them while they’re on the goddamn balcony? are you kidding me? they can’t even step out to breathe without a fucking camera shoved in their face. that’s not admiration, that’s obsession. and not the good kind.

and then they go to the beach, probably thinking they could relax and enjoy a moment of peace.. but no. y’all are out there too, filming them like they’re fucking zoo animals. make it make sense !!!!! what part of the word 'privacy' is so hard to understand? these are real people. human beings. the level of audacity is insane. do you even realize how suffocating that must feel? they’re literally on the other side of the world from home, wanting to meet their fans, their supporters from around the world, excited but probably exhausted, and this is how you treat them? so fucking disappointing.

but no, it doesn’t stop there, because of course it doesn’t! let’s talk about the absolute vile shit that happened after the chile concert. some of you had the nerve, no, the fucking gall.. to bash chan. over what? ghosting bubble for a week? after his group was mobbed at the airport? after one of his teammates nearly fell because of fans trying to stick to them? really?

a line of enlightenment, he’s not your personal entertainment service. he’s a human with a life, responsibilities, and feelings. he needed a damn break. he deserved it. maybe he was tired. maybe he just wanted to exist without the constant pressure of pleasing millions of people. but no, that’s too much for some of you to comprehend.

and then, when he finally comes back, the first thing he does is check in on his home country. because, in case you missed it, oh wait, you didn’t, you just didn’t care— sk was dealing with wildfires. literal, destructive wildfires. but y’all wanted him to just pretend that didn’t exist? the man asked if the weather was okay in his home country, and you psychos lost your shit.

calling him slurs? cursing him out? saying he only cares about k-stays? because he dared to check on his country? some of you even said you’re selling your concert tickets like that’s some sort of punishment. quite frankly, do it, i dare you. better and sensible stays are out there who actually deserve to attend their concert. go sell your tickets. stray kids don’t need “fans” like you there.

and what makes it worse? chan probably saw all of that. every disgusting comment. y’all made him feel like shit. you really sat behind your screens and tore down the most caring, selfless man who has done everything for his team pretty much his family, those around him, his company, and the fandom. after all the sleepless nights, the constant work, the emotional labor, this is what he gets? and then he comes back to bubble. those messages. are you fucking serious? that broke me. that genuinely broke me.

chan doesn’t deserve this. none of the guys do. i’m so goddamn tired of this toxic shit. y’all claim to love them, but the second they don’t cater to your every whim, you turn on them like a pack of wolves. being a stay isn’t about getting constant attention. it’s not about thinking you own them. it’s about supporting them, respecting them, and appreciating everything they do. if you can’t do that, leave. nobody fucking wants you here.

and before anyone says, 'but i didn’t do any of that!' — good! then this isn’t about you. but if you ever catch yourself excusing this behavior, staying silent while your so-called stay-friends act like actual bitches, or brushing it off as 'just criticism,' then yeah, you’re part of the problem. and i’m done sugarcoating that shit.

protect skz. respect skz. and for the love of everything, leave chris alone. i’m fucking done.

worst feeling in the world is when u finally feel skinny but then see someone skinnier than u

hugh jackman😍😍

a moment

i’m a simple girl