Seventeen's Ways of Saying 'I Do' Series # | 02: The Contractual Marriage of Yoon Jeonghan

Genre: Fluff, Comedy, Mischief

Yoon Jeonghan x Reader

You and Jeonghan are sitting on the couch, wrapped up in a blanket, watching some random variety show. He has his head resting on your shoulder, lazily playing with your fingers as his eyes flicker between you and the screen.

Feeling mischievous, you decide to mess with him.

"I like your last name. Can I have it?"

For a moment, there’s silence. No dramatic reaction, no sudden movement.

Then, very slowly, Jeonghan lifts his head and looks at you with narrowed eyes.

"Are you saying… you want to marry me?"

You snort. "Wow, you jumped to that conclusion fast."

He smirks, stretching his arms over his head. "Well, you did just request my last name. That’s legally binding, you know. No take-backs."

You roll your eyes. "Oh yeah? And what if I say I was just joking?"

Jeonghan gasps, placing a hand over his chest as if you just shattered his heart. "Are you saying you’re abandoning our future family?!"

"Our what now—?"

"We were going to have a beautiful life together, Y/N!" He dramatically flops against the couch, shaking his head. "I already planned our wedding! Seungcheol was going to officiate, Joshua was in charge of music, and Mingyu— well, we weren’t going to let Mingyu touch anything important, but still!"

You burst out laughing. "You’re ridiculous."

"Ridiculously in love with my fiancée, yes."

"Oh my God, Jeonghan."

He grins, sitting back up and leaning in close. "Come on, say it again."

"Say what?"

"That you like my last name. That you want it."

You raise an eyebrow. "Why? Will you actually propose if I do?"

He hums, pretending to think. "Mmm… I guess you’ll just have to say it and find out."

You stare at him for a moment before shaking your head with a laugh. "I swear, you always find a way to turn things around on me."

Jeonghan only grins wider, poking your cheek. "That’s what husbands do, sweetheart."

I'll Remember, for Us. | csc

ONESHOT!

get him back!

⇢ pairing: lead guitarist!kim mingyu x lead singer!fem!reader ⇢ contains: romance, angst, smut (oral sex, unprotected sex (please stay safe irl!), wall sex, angry sex, overstimulation, dirty talk), exes to lovers au, band au, profanity, smoking, alcohol consumption—please let me know if i’ve missed anything! ⇢ word count: 16.7k ⇢ note: inspired by daisy jones & the six by taylor jenkins reid and get him back! by olivia rodrigo

i). wait, is this the song with the drums?

Your first instinct, when Minghao drops the news about the reunion tour, is to shake your head and vehemently say no.

“Absolutely not,” you say, holding up a hand like that might somehow physically block the idea from reaching you. Minghao simply raises an eyebrow and adjusts his glasses.

“It’s not a request,” he replies, flipping through the stack of papers he brought with him. “It’s happening whether you’re on board or not. Your contract’s airtight.” 

“That’s impossible,” you scoff, folding your arms defensively. “I specifically remember agreeing to no future projects involving him.”

Do you love me?

Genre: very domestic fluff.

Pairing: Wonwoo x reader.

Warnings: just one cursing.

“Oh, Wonwoo, good timing,” you said a bit surprised; he usually didn't show up when you were cooking. “Could you please set the table?”

He nodded and did as you asked, placing the plates and glasses in their respective spots on the dining table. Then he turned back to where you were and stood silently, just a few inches away from you.

“Dinner is almost ready,” you notified him, “just some minutes for the rice to…”

“Y/n, do you love me?”

The suddenness of his question made you turn your gaze toward Wonwoo, he was looking at you with a calm smile on his face and hands behind his back. He was looking somehow shy and adorable.

“Of course I love you,” you replied confidently before returning to what was in front of you.

“Do you really love me?”

You turned your face back to Wonwoo and he was staring at you intently, this time, his arms crossed over his chest gave him a more confident and mature appearance, making your words a little clumsy.

“… Of course”.

Wonwoo slowly leaned his face closer to yours as he held your jaw with one hand, his touch gentle but firm. For a moment, everything around was meaningless except his deep gaze and the way he kindly caressed your lower lip.

“Are you sure?” His voice was husky and his tone slightly bolder. “How much do you love me?”

Many words crossed your mind but you said nothing, the sound of your own heartbeat in your ears made it hard to think properly. The only thing you could do was closing the small distance between you both and press your lips against his, then pulling back with shyness.

Wonwoo smiled making the corners of his eyes narrow a little. You felt that with such a small gesture, your heart could just stop; but then, he gave you a small peck on the lips and pulled back, covering his mouth with one hand.

“Is it hot in here, or why are you blushing this way?” he said more relaxed, pressing his lips together to keep from laughing.

“Not you again!” you shrugged. The embarrassment of the moment only made the heat in your cheeks intensify. “JEON WONWOO!”

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t help it!” His voice barely came out, muffled by laughter.

“It’s not funny, I swear!”

“But then why are you laughing too?”

“I’m not laughing!”

“Aw, come here.”

Wonwoo stepped closer, wrapping his hands around your waist in a tender embrace, leaving a kiss on your temple. Sometimes, things like this are very frustrating, but at the same time, it makes you very happy when he’s bold enough to make your whole being flustered. It’s very silly but Wonwoo being himself, and you couldn’t imagine a better life than this.

“I love you too, with all my heart,” he said, clearing his throat, “but I don’t like burnt rice.”

“No! Shit!” You quickly turned off the burner before an accident could happen. “It’s your fault! Wonwoo, stop laughing!”

Be Your Comfort Person

"Ya! Kwon Soonyoung! Did you forget your umbrella again?" you called out as Hoshi walked through the door, his hair dripping from the rain. You tossed a towel at him from across the room, hitting him squarely in the chest.

He caught it with a tired smile. "I was in a hurry."

"You're always in a hurry," you replied with a roll of your eyes, but you were already moving to the kitchen. "I made ramyeon. The spicy kind you like."

Hoshi's face lit up slightly as he dried his hair. "You didn't have to."

"Well, I was hungry too," you shrugged, trying to sound casual despite having specifically gone out to buy his favorite brand after he texted that practice had run late. "Don't make a big deal out of it."

You placed the steaming bowl on the coffee table and flopped down on the couch, patting the space beside you. "Sit. Eat. You look like you're about to collapse."

Hoshi sank down next to you with a grateful sigh. "Practice was rough today. Nothing felt right." He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture you recognized as his way of processing frustration.

"Mmm," you hummed noncommittally, flicking through TV channels. But your eyes slid to him, noting the slump in his shoulders, the way his movements lacked their usual tiger-like energy. Without making a fuss, you shifted closer until your shoulders touched.

"Want to talk about it?" you asked casually, eyes still on the TV.

"Not really," he said, slurping his noodles.

"Good, because this show is getting interesting," you replied, but your hand found its way to the back of his neck, gently massaging the tense muscles there.

Hoshi leaned into your touch almost unconsciously. "You're not even watching it," he pointed out, a small smile forming on his lips.

"Shut up and eat your ramyeon before it gets cold," you retorted, but there was no bite to your words.

Your fingers continued working out the knots in his neck, and you could feel him gradually relaxing. When he finished eating, you took the bowl without a word and placed it on the coffee table. Then you tugged at his arm.

"Come on, tiger boy. Bed time for exhausted idols."

"It's only 10 PM," he protested weakly.

"And you've been up since 5 AM," you countered, already pulling him toward the bedroom. "I know your schedule, remember?"

In the bedroom, you pushed him gently onto the bed. "Lie down before you fall down."

Hoshi complied, watching with sleepy eyes as you bustled around, closing the curtains against the rain and turning on the small bedside lamp. "You're bossy tonight," he commented.

"I'm bossy every night. You're just too tired to fight back," you replied with a smirk, climbing onto the bed beside him. Without asking, you pulled his head to rest on your chest and began running your fingers through his still-damp hair.

"Mmm you're so comfortable my favourite pillow," he murmured, snuggling closer. "And you smell nice."

"Well, one of us has to," you shot back, but you couldn't stop the fond smile that formed on your lips when he wasn't looking.

You continued stroking his hair, feeling the tension slowly leave his body as your fingers traced patterns along his scalp.

"I always have to be Hoshi the performer," he whispered after a while. "The one with all the energy. The one who makes everyone smile."

"Not with me," you answered. "With me, you can just be Kwon Soonyoung."

He turned slightly, looking up at you with those starry eyes that had earned him his stage name. "Thank you," he said simply.

The rain tapped against the windows as you both settled into comfortable silence. Hoshi's breathing began to even out, the tension from the day melting away under your touch.

"Did Seungkwan mess up the formation again?" you asked after a while, keeping your tone light.

Hoshi chuckled softly against your chest. "How did you know?"

"Lucky guess," you said, though you'd seen the frustrated messages in the group chat earlier. "He'll get it eventually."

"I know…" Hoshi sighed. "I just feel responsible when things don't go right."

"That's because you care too much," you said, flicking his forehead gently. "It's annoying how seriously you take everything." The words were teasing, but your touch remained tender, your hand now rubbing slow circles on his back.

"Someone has to," he mumbled, his eyes closing under your ministrations.

You reached for your phone with your free hand, scrolling through social media while continuing to hold him. A new video caught your attention-a fancam of one of members performing their latest choreography. You tapped on it, watching with interest. You felt Hoshi stir against you. His eyes blinked open, focusing on your screen.

"Really? Mingyu's fancam?" he asked, a hint of a pout in his voice.

"What? He did well in this part," you said innocently, though you couldn't help but smile at his reaction.

"I choreographed that part," Hoshi grumbled, reaching to take your phone. "And you're watching him do it while I'm right here."

You pulled your phone just out of his reach. "Jealous, tiger?"

"No," he denied too quickly, then buried his face against your chest. "Maybe a little. I'm tired and want your attention."

"You're such a baby," you laughed, but you put your phone on the nightstand and wrapped both arms around him. "Better?"

"Much better," he sighed, melting into your embrace. "You're playing hard to get with the affection tonight."

"Am not," you protested, even as you pressed a kiss to the top of his head. "I'm just not as cheesy as you."

"Liar," he murmured, his voice already heavy with approaching sleep. "You bought my favorite ramyeon and you've been playing with my hair for half an hour."

"Coincidence," you insisted though your cheeks warmed slightly at being caught. "Your hair was messy. I was fixing it."

Hoshi smiled against your chest, too tired to argue further. "Sure, whatever you say." His arm tightened around your waist as he nestled closer. "But just so you know, I like that you pretend not to care. Makes it special when you do."

"Go to sleep, Soonyoung," you whispered, your tough facade softening as you felt his breathing slow. "I'll be here when you wake up."

"Promise?" he asked, his voice small and vulnerable in a way only you ever got to hear.

"Yeah," you said simply, your actions speaking louder than words as you continued to stroke his hair. "I promise."

"Pat pat," he mumbled sleepily after a while, a childlike request that made your heart swell.

You smiled, dutifully patting his head with gentle affection. As sleep claimed him, you allowed yourself a moment of unguarded tenderness, watching the rise and fall of his chest. "Sweet dreams my love," you whispered, knowing he couldn't hear you.

The rain continued its gentle rhythm outside as you felt yourself drifting off too, surrounded by the comforting weight and warmth of him. For all your teasing and pretend indifference, there was nowhere else you'd rather be than holding him close, being the safe harbor where your tiger could rest.

In the quiet of the night, with no one to witness, you held him just a little tighter, silently admitting what you found so hard to say when he was awake-that in his arms, you had found home too.

cw — nsfw content minors dni, pregnant sex, size/strength kink, daddy kink, cheol calls reader ‘mama’ once, breeding kink, choking, light degradation, creampie. sequel to put a baby in me.

There’s something different about Seungcheol since he got you pregnant.

It’s not the increased attentiveness to you, or the more frequent spoiling and doting on you, or how extra protective and touchy he’d become. These things you saw coming.

It’s something physical. His aura had changed. Something about him is more… virile. Even more than before.

It’s hard not to notice it as he steps out of your en-suite bathroom with a towel around his hips, hair damp as he pushes it back out of his face, stray droplets of water dripping down his gleaming skin here and there over rippling, veiny muscles and full pecs.

“When did you get so big?” you say to your husband, hoping he doesn’t notice the way you’re squeezing your thighs together.

Seungcheol raises his eyebrows, his mouth curling into something smug. He brings his arms forward and flexes them so that the muscles in his biceps pop. “You finally noticed.”

Normally you would consider throwing something at him for acting so cocky, but frankly your second trimester hormones have turned you into a wild animal. Unfortunately, his stupid display makes your entire body swelter.

“I’m bulking up so that I can be big and strong for you and the baby,” he continues, and for a second your entire vision flashes white.

cheol has been so hot recently i need his kids

cw — nsfw, talk of kids & pregnancy, breeding, reader referred to as ‘girl’

“Four, Seungcheol?”

“Huh?” your fiancé perks up from his phone at the sound of your voice.

“Four kids? Three boys and one girl?”

He raises one of his thick brows at you and a smirk appears on his lips. “Is that what you want?”

“No, apparently that’s what eighteen year-old Seungcheol wanted,” you say, waving your phone screen at his face. “Seungkwan sent me a video of you asking Dino how many kids he wants when he’s older. First of all, he looks like a newborn, so I don’t know why you would ask him that. Second of all, four?!”

He stretches his palm out towards you, a curious frown wracking his features as you hand your phone to him so he can watch said video.

He watches it through, and it appears you’re right—it’s his younger self telling his members that he wants three sons and a youngest daughter.

It’s not like you haven’t talked kids with him before. In fact, it’s come up a few times before, and he’s always been considerate of you only. It’s however many you want, and if you don’t want any, that’s fine too. That’s why it’s a little comical seeing a younger Seungcheol fantasise about having so many kids when you’re almost certain he had never even been in the same room with a girl yet.

The Art of Letting Go Seventeen ANGST Series # | 7: Songs You Forgot to Write About Me

Genre: Angst, Music-Themed, Secret Relationship, EmotionalNeglect

🍚 Lee Jihoon | Woozi x Reader

You stood just outside his studio door, the one with the blinking red “Recording” light and the soundproof walls that shut you out more than you cared to admit.

It was the third time this week you'd brought him dinner, only to leave it cold and uneaten on the small side table.

He hadn’t come home in two days.

You leaned against the wall, listening faintly to the melody drifting through the door, another love song. Soft. Touching. Full of aching. It almost made you cry.

But it wasn’t about you.

You knew that because he stopped writing about you months ago.

When the door finally opened, Jihoon stepped out, startled to see you.

“Hey,” he said, voice tired but not unkind. “I didn’t know you were here.”

“You never do anymore,” you murmured, managing a sad smile.

He frowned. “Did something happen?”

You hesitated, then shook your head. “Just wanted to see you. But maybe I wanted more than that.”

Jihoon stepped closer, brushing your hair behind your ear. “I’m sorry. I’ve been buried in deadlines.”

“You always are,” you whispered. “I understand. I always have. But Jihoon… I listen to your songs. And I keep wondering why I’m never in them anymore.”

His eyes widened slightly. “That’s not true—”

“It is,” you said, voice breaking. “You used to write songs for me. About me. Even when no one knew. Even when we had to hide. But lately… I feel like I’m the one thing in your life you don’t put into music.”

He looked down, lips parting, searching for the right words. But what could he say? That he’d been too busy? Too tired? That the industry had stolen every piece of him except the one he was supposed to give you?

“You still mean everything to me,” he said softly.

“But you don’t show it anymore.”

Silence.

“Jihoon,” you finally whispered, “I can’t stay in a love that’s only kept alive through memory. I want to be someone’s present, not just their inspiration from a lifetime ago.”

He reached for you, but you stepped back.

And in that moment...

you became the song he’d never finish writing.

The Art of Letting Go Seventeen ANGST Series # | 6: The Quiet Hurt Between Us

Genre: Angst, Emotional Distance, Secret Relationship, Slow Burn Break-up

🐈‍⬛ Jeon Wonwoo x Reader

You stared at the untouched mug of tea on the coffee table, the one you always made for him when he visited. Only now, it had gone cold. Like everything else.

Wonwoo was sitting on the couch, phone in hand, thumb scrolling through unread messages from staff, managers, and members.

Not one from you.

Not lately.

You used to send him good morning texts. Now you hesitated, unsure if he’d even notice.

You used to run into his arms after weeks apart. Now you weren’t sure if he’d catch you.

“Wonwoo,” you said, gently.

He looked up, slow and distant. “Hmm?”

You hesitated. “Do you still feel it?”

He blinked. “Feel what?”

“Us.”

A long pause filled the space. He set his phone down, finally meeting your eyes.

“I love you,” he said. As if that alone could fix it.

“But do you miss me?” you asked. “Do you think about me when you're surrounded by everything else? Or only when the world quiets down enough to remember I’m here?”

Wonwoo’s brows furrowed, guilt painting shadows on his face. “I don’t know how to answer that without hurting you.”

“That’s the thing,” you whispered. “It already hurts.”

He didn’t argue. He didn’t offer excuses. That was the hardest part—how calmly the distance settled in, like a quiet guest between you.

“I never meant to make you feel alone,” he murmured.

“I know,” you said. “But your silence does it for you.”

He looked away, chest rising and falling too slowly for someone who was losing everything. “Do you want to end it?”

“I don’t want to,” you replied. “But I think I need to.”

Wonwoo looked like he wanted to say something. Maybe to beg. Maybe to explain. But like always, he said nothing.

So you stood, picked up your coat, and walked to the door.

And as you left the only sound between you was the quiet hurt neither of you knew how to name.

The Art of Letting Go Seventeen ANGST Series # | 5: You Promised the Moon, But Never the Time Genre: Angst, Secret Relationship, Emotional Burnout, Unreciprocated Effort

🐯 Kwon Soonyoung | Hoshi x Reader

The cake on the table was melting.

Candles unlit. Phone silent.

Again.

You sat there, third year in a row, dressed up for a celebration that always ended with silence. The 14th of the month (I'll let you chose what month) used to mean something, it used to be your day. But now it was just another reminder that you weren’t enough to compete with his dreams.

You loved his passion. You still did. But lately, you started to wonder if there was ever room for you in it.

The door finally opened past midnight. He walked in, sweaty from rehearsals, his voice hoarse.

“Babe,” he smiled, rushing toward you. “I’m sorry. Practice ran late and—”

You stood up.

“Soonyoung… I waited six hours.”

He blinked. “I know. I—I’m really sorry. I even got you something. Wait, let me—”

You shook your head. “It’s not about gifts. It’s not even about tonight. It’s about every time I wait. Every time I excuse it. Every time I forgive you.”

His smile slowly faded. “You’re not being fair. You know how much this career demands. You said you understood.”

“I did,” you said quietly. “But I didn’t know that understanding meant losing myself in the process.”

He looked away, jaw tightening. “So, what, you want to break up because I’m chasing my dreams?”

“I want to break up because I’m the only one here. Because this relationship feels like a job I’m doing alone. Because every time you say sorry, you say it again the next time.”

“You said you believed in me,” he whispered.

“I do,” you replied. “But I also believe I deserve more than apologies and empty dates.”

Soonyoung walked closer, voice trembling. “Please. Don’t do this. I’ll change. I swear.”

You reached out, gently placing your hand on his chest, the same chest you used to rest your head on after long days. “I don’t want you to change for me. I just want someone who chooses me. Every time.”

He looked like a boy who just lost the world.

You walked past the cake, past him, and out the door with nothing but your pride.

And that night... for the first time in years,

he celebrated the 14th

alone.

The Art of Letting Go Seventeen ANGST Series # | 4: Even the Stars Couldn't Wait

Genre: Angst, Long-distance Love, Secret Relationship, Painful Goodbyes

🐈 Moon Junhui | Jun x Reader

You had smiled at first, stepping onto your apartment balcony, staring at the sky. He was miles away, in another country, filming another show, dancing under another spotlight. But somehow, both of you looking at the same sky made it feel a little less lonely.

Until it didn’t.

Because that’s all your relationship had become, virtual glances, empty promises of 'soon', and countdowns to moments that never lasted long enough.

He always said he’d make it up to you. But time doesn’t refund what it takes.

You sighed as you clutched the small charm he gave you last time he visited, a star, shaped keychain from a random night market in Japan.

The keychain was still here.

He wasn’t.

Your phone buzzed. Junhui calling.

You answered quietly.

“I miss you,” he said before you could speak.

“I know,” you whispered. “But missing me doesn’t bring you home.”

There was silence on the other end. Not defensive. Just defeated.

“I’m trying so hard,” he said softly. “You know I would be there if I could.”

“I know. That’s the problem,” you said. “I know you love me, Jun. But love isn’t enough when I spend every special moment alone.”

The silence stretched between you, longer than usual. The sound of him breathing through the line was the only proof he was real.

“I don’t want to lose you,” he said.

You closed your eyes. “You already are.”

“No, please— don’t do this.”

“I’ve waited. And waited. And kept quiet. But every time I need you, I’m told to understand. And I did. But now I need to understand when to stop.”

Jun didn’t speak. You imagined him, sitting in some quiet hotel room, still in stage makeup, still trying to hold onto a love that reality couldn’t protect.

“I want someone who’s here,” you continued, voice shaking. “Not someone I can only watch from a screen.”

His voice broke when he finally replied, “You were the only thing that ever felt real in this world.”

You wiped your tears. “Then let this be real too. Let this be the goodbye we’ve both been delaying.”

He didn’t beg. Jun was too gentle for that. He just whispered your name like a prayer he knew wouldn’t be answered anymore.

And when you ended the call, the sky above remained the same, full of stars he was chasing.

But you no longer waited beneath them.

The Art of Letting Go Seventeen ANGST Series # | 3: When Gentle Love Becomes Quiet Pain

Genre: Angst, Hurt, Hidden Relationship, Emotional Break-up

🦌Hong Jisoo | Joshua x Reader

The soft strum of Joshua’s guitar echoed from the voice message he had sent hours ago.

A sweet, calming melody, just like him.

A song you’d never hear live.

You closed your eyes, replaying it one more time, clinging to the sound like it might fill the aching silence in your heart.

But it didn’t. Not anymore.

Your thumb hovered over his contact name, not to call him, but to finally say the words you’d never had the courage to before.

Words that didn’t fit inside gentle I love yous and warm goodnights. Words that would break both of you.

But your heart was already breaking anyway.

The doorbell rang.

When you opened it, Joshua was standing there, cap low, mask tugged down, holding a bouquet of daisies, your favorite. His smile faltered when he saw your face.

“You cried,” he said immediately, stepping inside. “What happened? Are you okay?”

You let him in, watched him place the flowers on the table like they weren’t a parting gift. “I was going to call you.”

He paused. “Is something wrong?”

You looked at him, at the man you loved more than your own peace. The one who sang you to sleep through voice memos and promised he’d make it up to you, every time he missed another date.

“I can’t do this anymore, Josh.”

He froze, mouth slightly open. “Wait. What?”

“I can’t keep pretending I’m okay with being your secret. I can’t keep pretending I don’t care that you’re never here. You miss everything, even without meaning to.”

His eyes dropped. “I know. I’m sorry. I just… I thought we understood what this meant when we started.”

“I did understand. I still do. But understanding doesn’t make it any less painful. Every time you’re out there, I’m in here, waiting. Always waiting.”

“I love you,” he whispered.

“I know,” you replied, stepping closer. “And I love you. But love shouldn’t feel like this. Like I’m always second to a world I’ll never be part of.”

He looked down, blinking rapidly, voice cracking. “So this is it?”

You reached for his hand, holding it tightly, memorizing the feel of him.

“This isn’t because I stopped loving you. It’s because I can’t keep loving myself less just to stay.”

He pulled you into his arms, holding you like it was the last time, because it was.

You didn’t cry. Not this time.

Your tears had dried long ago, in the quiet nights he couldn’t share with you.

When he finally let go, he didn’t say anything. He just watched you walk away.

And when the door closed,

he sat on your couch,

staring at the bouquet still on the table,

realizing flowers meant nothing when they always came too late.

The Art of Letting Go Seventeen ANGST Series # | 2: The Softest Goodbyes Are the Hardest Ones

Genre: Angst, Hurt, Hidden Relationship, Emotional Break-up

😇 Yoon Jeonghan x Reader

You sat by the window, curled in Jeonghan’s favorite hoodie, now stretched and worn from all the nights you clung to it instead of him. The moonlight poured in, bathing the room in silver, but nothing about tonight felt beautiful.

The message you typed and retyped was still sitting in your drafts.

You hated how familiar those words felt now.

The door clicked softly, and you didn’t need to turn around to know it was him. You could always tell by the sound of his steps, light, slow, careful. Just like the way he always handled your heart.

“Still awake?” his voice was soft, hesitant.

“Couldn’t sleep.”

He sat across from you, eyes scanning your face like he already knew. And he did. Jeonghan always knew when something was wrong. He just didn't always ask, because asking meant facing answers neither of you were ready for.

“I missed you,” he said, voice cracking more than he meant it to. “I always miss you.”

You smiled bitterly. “Missing someone and being there for them aren’t the same.”

He opened his mouth, but you cut him off gently.

“I know you try, Hannie. And I’ve never doubted your love. Not once. But I’ve spent so many birthdays watching you sing on screen while I blow out candles alone. I’ve watched fans scream your name, while I can’t even call you mine outside this apartment.”

“I want to be with you,” he said firmly, eyes glistening. “You know I do.”

“But you never really are.”

He stayed quiet. You watched his hands clench into fists in his lap, and for once, he didn’t have a witty comeback or soft excuse. Just silence.

“I don’t want to keep becoming a ghost in your life, Jeonghan. I want love that feels like sunlight, not like shadows.”

He finally spoke, voice trembling. “So what now?”

You stood, walking over to him. “Now… I love you. I always will. But I need to love myself enough to stop hurting.”

He shook his head, standing with you now. “Don’t do this. Please. Don’t let go of us.”

Tears slid down your cheeks, but your smile was gentle, like the first day you met him.

“Sometimes, letting go isn’t about not loving anymore. It’s loving enough to walk away before it destroys us.”

You leaned up and kissed his forehead. His hands didn’t move. They just trembled at his sides.

“I’ll always look for you in every laugh, in every calm night,” you whispered. “But I need to stop looking for myself in someone else’s world.”

You stepped back, and for once, Jeonghan didn’t follow.

He just stood there, frozen, watching the only person who ever saw past the idol, walk away.

And when the door closed behind you, he sat on the floor, pulling your scent from the hoodie left behind, as the softest goodbye,

echoed the loudest in his chest...