>Rating: Mature. >Warnings: Yandere themes, mentions of amnesia, misgoynistic language, minor violence. >Word count: 6k. >Deep Sea Index.
CHAPTER IV // ORPHAN SPIRIT
The fortune slip in your hand is heavy, even if it bends to the slightest breeze.
Mt. Yogou overlooks the rest of Narukami Island as if it were nothing but an insignificant speck. The buildings down below are tiny, the people tinier. You stretch your hand out into the horizon and grasp the distant Inazuma City and hold it in the palm of your head. How perfectly it fits, you muse. If only the same could be said for myself.
High up on the mountaintop, past the torii gates that welcome you into the realm of the divine, you fooled yourself into thinking the gods might hear out your plight. The dark ink painted on by elaborate brushstrokes echoes the same premonition it always has: great misfortune.
You sigh and consider what to do next. Last month, it was purchasing an omamori, but your luck remained as lackluster as ever. What should you try next?
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hey same ur zhongli post and it was sick!! could you write smthing where the reader has a rifthound plush irl?? like maybe how charcters would react to them favoring rifthounds or smthing??
Coming right up!
Since you didn't specify which characters, I went ahead and picked Childe and Albedo. If you'd like to see it with others, let me know, and I'll add them in a part 2. Hope you like it!
When you first pulled him away from a fight against the wolves of the rift, the Harbinger believed it was his safety you were concerned about. Not that he didn't believe he could take them on, of course, but it was endearing that you cared so much about him that you did not wish for him to be wounded.
That illusion would be broken when, moments later, you guided him to fight a group of various machines with no regard for his wellbeing whatsoever - if your team healer healed him, good, if your team didn't have a healer, well, Childe would simply have to hold on tight and hope the damage he dealt was greater than the damage inflicted upon him.
You guided him around Seirai Island, seemingly busy catching some odd blue mushrooms. The more time passed, the more Tartaglia understood just what had happened. The Rifthounds were the only enemy you hesitated to destroy, avoiding a fight until absolutely necessary, and sometimes just having him stand at a distance just so you could observe them in their natural state.
As menacing as the beasts looked, he supposed that to a being such as you, they'd essentially be like puppies. That would certainly explain your hesitance to fight. In a way, he guessed it was no different to Teucer's admiration of mister Cyclops. He didn't doubt your knowledge of what Rifthounds were capable of, of course - part of him even believed that their fighting prowess had also managed to impress you (even if that part was only there so he, too, could feel loved by association). Still, you had most definitely categorized the beasts as something you wished to befriend.
The moment he found himself back in Liyue, the warmth of your presence gone, Childe knew what he had to do. Pulling a few strings here and there, using up some Northland funds that would fly under the radar (especially after the whole Funeral Fiasco), he got to commissioning the best craftsmen he could find. Soon enough, upon opening your in-game mailbox, you would find an incredibly accurate plush replica of one of the hounds, with a message from Liyue's resident Fatui menace.
He could feel your surprise radiating from (through?) the Traveler, as you wondered what sort of random event you'd started, but, hey, not like you were complaining. A rifthound bonus was always a good bonus to receive.
A smug grin was present on the Harbinger's face the next time he visited your teapot. Proudly sitting on a nightstand beside one of the beds was the plushie he'd sent you, and Ajax could not resist ruffling the toy's fluffy mane... Before quickly fixing the mess once he remembered that he should definitely not be messing with your belongings. Either way, he was quite thankful for the plush, because after receiving it you'd immediately granted him an unbelievable increase of strenght- no doubt a reward for a job well done. Knowing that such a small gift had given him your favor, even if just for a while, had Childe absolutely over the moon. Had he a little less self restraint and you'd find your mailbox filled with all sorts of Rifthound themed souvenirs. He had the funds and the time to provide them, after all...
When the alchemist known as Gold had created the Rifthounds, they'd been nothing but a footnote - a residual sketch that had not meant to be, and that by all laws of nature, should've vanished long ago. Since he'd caught word of their resurfacing, Albedo had asked himself why it was that they, like weeds in a garden, persevered with such ease and intensity.
The answer, it seemed, was you, like for many other mysterious things in the world of Teyvat. For some reason, you'd decided the wolves of the rift were your favorites, and you didn't seem likely to change your mind. He'd found about your unexpected preference upon coming across an unusual plush sitting on your bedside table in the Teapot you'd designed. Someone had apparently gifted you a toy rifthound, and you'd certainly cherished it.
It baffled him for the first few days, that's certain, but had given him a new project. While regular Rifthounds were prone to bouts of aggression, and the alchemist feared for the safety of your vessels (or, heavens forbid, your own, should you descend upon Teyvat in a more solid form) in case you decided to try and tame one, they were also a creation of his master. This to say, Albedo was fairly certain that, by finding the notes in which Rhinedottir had doodled the hounds, he would be able to replicate their appearance, while modifying them just enough to be a little more docile.
It'd be a lengthy process, he was certain, but perhaps by enlisting the Traveler's help, he'd be able to track down his master's old sketches, and, after rigorous experimentation, he was certain to have the best offering you'd ever received: your very own Rifthound companion.
Frankly, he shouldn't have been surprised when he noticed your aura around the Traveler when the blonde finally arrived at his camp. It seemed that they liked to wait for you before taking on any request deemed important enough.
Albedo didn't need to say out loud that he felt warmer at the thought of you considering aiding him something important.
________
As for you, you'd gotten an unexpected quest to visit Albedo's camp in Dragonspine. Confused, you checked the event page - had you missed something?
Oddly enough, there seemed to be nothing there other than the events you were already aware of, but, hey, a character quest was a character quest, so, you rearranged your team to better suit Dragonspine and teleported right next to his camp.
Sure enough, the alchemist was there, and if that alone hadn't driven home the point that this was no ordinary quest, what he said afterwards certainly did. Recovering his master's lost notes... That seemed like an important bit of the lore - far too important to be glossed over.
You refreshed the event page and your eyes widened, a grin making its way into your features as the familiar shape of a rifthound made its appearance.
Rifthound lore? On your event page? More likely than you'd think, apparently. You quickly put aside whatever plans you had for the game that day and got your team on the case, following Albedo in his quest to retrace his master's footsteps and find how the beasts had come into being.
Your joy was palpable when, by the end of the quest, once you'd delved into a domain covered in cobwebs and dust and failed experiments to piece together fragments of Gold's writings, you found Albedo enlisting the Traveler's help to recreate one of the wolves.
Maybe you could get it as a quest reward and keep your own rifthound pet! Hopefully that was the direction in which this was headed...
Through an incredibly detailed tree of dialogue from the Traveler (you weren't sure you'd ever seen an event with this many options before, but hey, it's not like you were complaining), and after a few failed attempts, you saw your hound taking shape on Albedo's sketchbook.
"It seems we've succeeded this time." The alchemist mused. The drawing did look clearer this time, and you crossed your fingers hoping it would work.
You held your breath at the cutscene that came after, please, please let this one work... The previour three attempts had failed, the first falling apart during the stabilisation process, the second and third having turned aggressive the moment they jumped out. You didn't think you had it in you to defeat another of your creations - not only because they were adorable and made by you, but because these ones sure knew how to leave your team needing some tea-break pancakes. If the fourth one followed the pattern of getting even stronger, then...
It solidified before you, the pieces snapping together with a flash of golden light. You watched attentively as the creature made no movements to attack. The Traveler closed their eyes and reached out as Paimon looked on, shaking nervously.
And the wolf's snout met the blonde's hand, the notification of an achievement popping up as the tense music from before turned into a lighter tune. The hound sniffed the Traveler and Paimon, before licking both of their faces and running around in the characteristic floating manner of the wolves of the rift.
The rewards of the quest popped up on your screen, but, at the moment, you couldn't care less. What mattered was that you had your very own Rifthound following you around, seelie-style, and that you would take him all around Teyvat. Perhaps you'd even be able to place him in your teapot... If so, he definitely deserved his own room.
________
Albedo watched as the Traveler disappeared, jumping instead of walking away, trailed by a slightly jealous Paimon and an equally jumpy Rifthound. To anyone not familiar with the mannerisms of vessels, the scene would've seemed rather odd, but, to the alchemist, it merely looked like a mark of his success.
He'd been nervous when the first hounds failed - seen your excitement at creating them only to have it be crushed by the idea of being forced to destroy them - but whether through your sheer will or his dedication to not let you down a fourth time, the wolf that now followed you around gained life.
Not only that, but he'd also managed to gather a lot of his master's lost notes... You'd assembled even those that had little to do with the hounds, handing him an almlst complete journal. He glanced at the spot where it rested, neatly, unassumingly.
Once again, he'd have you to thank for a huge leap in his research progress.
The death of your parents brings new responsibilities to Ayato and Ayaka, who are both preoccupied with running the clan and carrying out various other duties around Inazuma. As young as you are, your older siblings try to ensure that you have some semblance of a childhood before you’re officially given duties of your own to fulfil. Although you have lessons and numerous etiquette classes, you’re given plenty of free time as well. Time you spend flipping through picture books, or playing games with the staff, or simply wandering around the gardens and the nearby forest.
It’s on one of your wanderings that you come across another wanderer called Scaramouche. His fair skin and delicate features enthralls you almost immediately, enough that you find yourself coming back to meet him everyday. Despite the harsh lines on his face and the coolness to his words, you find that he rapidly softens in the face of your gap-toothed smile and rapid chatter. You bring Scaramouche sweets, books, games, and if he’s in a good enough mood, you can even coax him into playing with you for a little while, before he leaves again.
It seems almost natural then, that you should weave a ring of flowers in your childish, fumbling hands and slip it onto his finger with a bright proclamation of, when I’m older, I’ll marry you! Scaramouche turns bright red and sputters incoherently, the most flustered you’ve ever seen him. But you also notice the reverence with which he treats the ring, as though it’s made of precious metal and gems instead of flowers picked from the dirt.
Ayato is relieved when you return home with a spring in your step and a brightness to your smile after one of your numerous outings. He and Ayaka are both busy, and they can’t play with you as much as they used to, and he’s glad that you seem to be in high spirits. His smile dims a little when he finds out the reason for your joy - Older brother, I’m getting married to Scaramouche, and you and older sister are both invited to the wedding!
Ever the protective older brother, Ayato has the Shuumatsuban look into the identity of this ‘Scaramouche’ before he decides on the next course of action. He nearly has a heart attack when he learns that the very person you’ve been demanding to marry is a member of the Fatui.
aaa scara + red tulips + hurt to bittersweet fluff?
tw/cw - mentions of blood, light angst.
a/n - lol i kinda died but uh here ya go hopefully he isn’t too ooc it’s kinda hard to do fluff with a man with homocidal urges
the first time you told the balladeer about your infatuation for his being, he had laughed in your face, and asked if it were a cruel joke.
the flowers quickly followed, having been stuck tight inside your throat while his laughter rung in your ears, and only released when you were alone in the dark confines of your room. they blanketed the comforter of your bed, red tulips blending with the blood from the body wrecking coughs. how cruel, you thought, for something so beautiful to be the reasoning behind so many lives taken.
the fleeting thought arose when you cradled them gently in your hands, staring quietly as you studied the result of the disease well known throughout the nation. you sputtered an equally soft laugh, vaguely recalling the warnings given to you throughout childhood, and the caution over fluttering hearts and a tender touch. all over this single flower. a life created through one’s own suffering, formed through those a servant to the emotion unfortunately befalling upon them.
and molded from the love you felt for a man who would never feel the same.
you made it your sole duty to act as if the flowers and love made from your body never surfaced in the first place. tight stretched smiles that would fool any. countless hours dedicated to the work you found to be the only escape. an excuse to stay trapped in your room as the garden grew, and to blame on when one asked about the decaying corpse you found yourself stuck in.
no questions were supposed to be asked. it was why you felt both fear, irritation, and pure heartache when the man behind the poison came to your door and called you out on the lies and illusions you had so comfortably hidden yourself within.
you could hear the way the wood protested when scaramouche slammed the door shut behind him, despite your protests for his presence in the first place. you would’ve continued such banter if it weren’t for the anger so visibly trembling his hands and the gray clouds storming his eyes, “you haven’t been at your best, i can tell.”
your throat felt dry at his words, and you forced yourself to clear such obstacles in order to reply, “im trying.”
“well your effort right now isn’t enough,” his tone was still harsh, not once lightening even as he took notice of your fallen expression. instead, he hesitated before taking a small step forward, “seriously, come on! what’s up with you?”
the echo of cruel laughter rung in your brain, causing you to pick yourself up from the desk you had been working at and maneuvering your body to leave the room, “it’s nothing, scaramouche. mind your own business-”
the man scowled, face twisted into irritation. it wouldn’t have bothered you so much if he hadn’t caged your upper arm within the harsh grip of his cold fingers, “it’s my business when it affects MY work too.”
you had never been fond of scaramouche. from the moment you first met him as new recruits competing with one another for the top spots, the man had earned himself the title of least likable in anyones lives, especially yours. it was why it frustrated you that those feelings had changed so abruptly, all because of the single moment you shared showcasing vulnerability. ironically enough it reminded you of that exact moment, but instead with cold skin numbing the pain of a deep cut from an expedition, and an expression so soft he was almost unrecognizable.
it frustrated you, how it had stuck with you for so long, and eventually nurtured the petals you had been so desperately trying to kill for the past couple weeks.
scaramouche froze as you dropped yourself to the ground, and even more so when your hacking fit revealed the product of his carelessness. he tried, desperately, to clear his throat and mutter out the first words of his reaction, “you were…serious about that?”
you let your eyes remain glued to the ground, burning holes due to frustration. that was all he had to say? there you were, dying, and the man had the audacity to waste his first words on the confession you had given weeks ago, “well, doesn’t really matter now so-“
“why me?” he dropped down beside you, purple hues also fixated on the abnormal amount of blood and flowers in your hands. if you hadn’t known better, you would say he appeared broken by the realization of the outcome, “what’s so lovable about me?”
you frowned, both perplexed and upset at his strange behavior, “scaramouche-“
“why are you dying for me!” his fingers once more gripped the sides of your arms, almost shaking you with the way they trembled. scaramouche, the balladeer, appeared almost desperate, searching for something amongst the blurs of red and frustration.
“i would do anything for you.” you mumbled quietly, slowly placing your own hands over where his lay. a reassuring touch for who, you didn’t know, but it remained there as his grip tightened and he pushed his body to rest over yours.
“you cant.”
“hm?” you hummed, afraid that your voice would betray and reveal just how much the feel of his forehead resting on your collarbone, affected the disease still plaguing your body.
for a brief moment he remained quiet, before suddenly pulling back, and this time his hands gripped the sides of your face as the tone of his voice grew several octaves, “you cant!”
the lines around your lips deepened, forcing yourself to drift your gaze to rest anywhere but his expression, “my fates already sealed, there’s nothing-“
“and what if i said i cared for you?” he quickly spoke, prompting you to meet his gaze for the final time that night. it…surprised you to say the least. but the most surprising thing of all was not the glare of purple, although halfhearted, nor the frown of his lips, but rather the deep hue of red burning his cheeks, “that you’re not just some underling. you aren’t annoying and you aren’t a burden.”
you opened and closed your mouth several times before his words clicked, and several more attempts before you could speak, “are you saying…?”
instead of replying straight away scaramouche once more leaned forward, the heat of his skin burning your own, “do i need to repeat myself?”
“say it. just once,” you croaked out, caging him within your arms and desperately clinging on as if he’d disappear, “and i won’t die.”
you felt it, the gentle way his lips moved against your skin, whispering something so quiet you could barely register it. but you heard it, and it was enough to fully clear the pressure in your throat, and wilt the flowers you had grown.
I have this brainrot of Scara's darling being abducted and when he hears news of it, he immediately goes to where his intel said that you were held captive at, only to be met with you standing there, the expensive parasol he bought you at your hand and is that blood on your kimono?
Since darling has to take his horrendous etiquette lessons, he probably had to also teach you how to gracefully make use of parasols (whether it's to actually shield you from the sun when you walk the gardens or hide your identity when he oh so graciously allows you to go outside his estate, you'll never know.) Darling would think that those classes are useless, but the lessons oddly came to their help when they needed it. How she was able to retrieve her parasol from the abductors is simple. If deceiving Scara is the hardest thing she had to think about, then petty kidnappers are bound to be child's play. Beating them up with a mere parasol is also easy, having to deal with Scaramouche daily takes a shit ton of emotional control and hey, you're kinda doing them the favor of avoiding his wrath by beating them up yourself (or so you think, the dungeon lingers with static electricity the next day sadly.)
Scaramouche probably reprimands you from using a parasol since then, in an effort to keep you under his control too. Lucky you then, that's one less etiquette rule to keep up with. (Sorry if this is all over the place since I honestly enjoy the thought of his darling carrying around a parasol ASKDLFGSJKD)
OMG YOU'RE ONTO SOMETHING... who needs a sword when you've got a parasol? the parasols in your possession are the real deal too, nothing is cheap about how they were made since it was a gift from scaramouche to you. he doesn't settle for anything less than perfection. he never considered the possibility of you using it as a weapon — but the juxtaposition of your gentle demeanor paired with bloodshed just does something to him. he sees a lot of himself in you (ha!). pretending to be fair and demure, only for their to be ruthlessness hidden beneath the surface.
maybe gets a bit lovestruck in that moment, who knows. he certainly won't admit it.
shoutout to whatever poor shmuck orchestrated the entire kidnapping event... they definitely had to have been given bad info. some guy said that this estate was just an inazuman diplomat and his spouse, an easy hit. turns out that inazuman diplomat was number sixth of the eleven fatui harbingers. a bad day overall for them.
So I was listening to the prince of Egypt soundtrack when I got an idea, imposter au (the one where there’s a legit imposter that’s posing as you) x the prince of Egypt, specifically the Plagues song.
I know it sounds crazy and like it wouldn’t fit, BUT think about it, God darling sending messages to the imposter telling them to knock it off or else, the imposter decides to be a lil shit and wants to see what this “or else” is.
Immediately, reader starts off plaguing the nations like in the prince of Egypt. Cursing their crops and whatnot and sparing and protecting those who they seek innocent in this and the believers who don’t believe the imposter. On the last night of the plagues, instead of killing the first borne or whatever, instead reader raises the characters most loved dead person to shame them for their actions while the people who looked like reader who have been murdered drag out the imposter to face the real god, reader
Oh, anon I love this idea!
I will confess I've never seen the prince of egypt, haha, but I'll do my best to answer this!
Fyi, I love a morally grey reader so...
Darling already knew who they were - the Creator.
So when they heard of an imposter posing as them, they were furious.
Residing in the Abyss, they had been talking out negotiations for the Prince to hopefully not destroy Teyvat - after all, it was your beloved creation.
As Darling sees the Archons of Liyue and Mondstadt bowing down to the imposter, practically tripping over themselves to please them.
How dare they?
After all, a heretic using darling's name to command the archons was against the Creator themselves.
So Darling decides to take is slowly.
They send visions - dreams - to the imposter. They slowly ruin the silk flowers that the silk clothing the imposter comes from - the farmers are not spared. They were the ones to willingly provide the silk, after all. Many starve to death.
The imposter doesn't heed their words.
However, Zhongli has started to have doubts. Whenever he mentions bringing a gift to his god, the sources of the gift start to vanish. He had doubts about his god's personality - after all, it didn't match what the scriptures said about their kindness and generosity. But he didn't act on them, as it would be absolute treason.
As the imposter learns of what has been happening, they see Zhongli hesitate to serve them on his knees, and they throw a fit of rage.
"How dare you! I am the Creator!"
And Zhongli leaves their side.
Venti hesitates to leave however, having already spent too much time with the... imposter? Creator? to have so easily abandoned them. After all, they'd visited Mondstadt first.
Darling is furious at this.
They send a wave of plague to Mondstadt, only sparing the innocent.
Jean struggles to deal with the outbreak, running straight to the imposter to beg for a miracle.
The imposter cannot do anything.
However, the children are miraculously spared. Those who were too young to fully understand that the imposter was someone supposedly 'important', who didn't bow down to them...
Parts of Teyvat start to flee to the only Creator's temple, begging for protection.
This satisfies Darling, somewhat.
After all, less and less people are running to the imposter - who resides elsewhere.
As people start to die in droves, those who reside in the temple seeking your protection - those who never prostrated themselves at the imposters feet - are safe. None show any symptoms of the diseases, and they are all granted great kindness in the face of your wrath.
The imposter refuses to move, but their great mass of followers has dwindled.
You listen to the stories of those who sought refuge - apparently, the imposter has been killing off those with any resemblance to you. You shake in rage.
How dare they exert their power, pretending they are you?
You raise a hand, summoning those recently dead, and pick out those who were murdered by the fanatics who followed the imposter's teachings.
And with them, you teleport into the home of the imposter - which has been almost entirely abandoned.
The only one who remain are Venti, Jean, Kazuha, Diluc, Kujou Sara, and Ei.
Eyes cold and stormy, you summon another wave of dead.
Venti crumples to his knees, eyes wide, as a look-alike of him appears. He sobs for forgiveness, but his twin only shakes his head, turning away coldly.
Jean feels like a little kid again when she sees her family - the ones she sought so desperately to please - look at her in disgust. What did she do wrong?
Kazuha feels his blood go cold when Tomo appears again. Tomo's usually bright smile is sinister. Tomo grabs his shoulder, nails pressing in, as he hisses, "I am so, so disappointed in you. I hate to have to call you friend." He can't bear to try and remove the hand from his shoulder.
Diluc's mask cracks as he sees his father standing in front of him. Like he was never killed. But his father only scowls at him. "I have no words for you. A Khaenri'an traitor was a better son then you." And he weeps.
Ei sees her twin appear again, and she steps forward in shock as her twin stares at her. A sad frown appears on her twin's face, and she turns away. "I thought I could trust you with our creator. I was wrong."
Sara has none that she attached herself to easily - the life of a general was not a social one. But her devotion to her Archon causes her to watch in shock as the mirror to Ei gives her a cold stare as well.
As those killed in the imposters name move forward, the imposter is dragged out of their home, screeching.
Their words are empty now, face bone white.
They know who they've angered.
They are executed on the steps of your temple, as a warning to those who actually try to impersonate you. As for the rest of the imposter's remaining followers? They are left to endless drown in their own sorrow - day after day, they are trapped in a cycle of misery and pain.
You easily replace Barbatos and Ei with a flick of your hand. Teyvat listens to your will. Morax is spared, but just barely. He now carries a scar you inflicted upon his face - a reminder of what happens when one forsakes the Creator.
You return to the Abyss, and smirk.
Next time, they should've worshipped you. Imposters are not tolerated in Teyvat. And no matter how many you must kill and drown in sorrow, you will get the awe and worship you deserve.
Note: The reader is implied to be nb. Instead of mom or dad, the reader is referred to as baba.
Warnings: Yandere stuff, mention of death, kidnapping, coercion
Word Count: 2.6k
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Ayyee! A bit of a more normal but a funny Genshin yandere men thing: Now hear me out, you're a highly advanced shapeshifter (can shapeshift into anything, anyone, any animal, any bird, any bug even) who's got a yandere man on your tail, and to keep it simple, everytime they successfully get you and lock you away, you just shapeshift into a tartigrade (an indestructible microscopic organism) and escape or you could blend in with other organisms and evade capture! Your yandere has absolutely no idea who they're dealing with as the cycle of find, capture and escape is almost endless. I really like the category thing you did and if you categorized this that would be awesome, but take your time, I can wait 👍
Oh, this is such an interesting idea!
Somehow he always manages to catch you by pure, dumb luck and when he does he begs you to turn into a cool-looking onikabuto: Itto
It's a challenge he'll gladly accept; probably turns it into some sort of game of cat and mouse: Childe
Wait, how did you do that? What's going on? His whole world is rocked when he realizes you can shapeshift and is at a temporary loss: Chongyun, Gorou, Bennett
You may be able to shapeshift, but your true scent will always remain. Even if it's hidden under other scents, he'll still manage to sniff you out. Sometimes he's quick in finding you. Other times...not so much. But he'll do whatever it takes to have you back: Kazuha, Razor
He finds your ability to be very interesting and wants to see what else you can do. So keep shifting into various things; he'll commit all of your moves to memory and plan accordingly: Kaeya, Xingqiu, Zhongli
He thinks it's a unique skill and wants to study and record every aspect of it. Be a dear and show him all that you can do, won't you?: Dottore, Baizhu, Albedo
He's more annoyed by your unique abilities than impressed. Once you're back with him, you won't be escaping anytime soon. He'll make sure of it: Scaramouche, Xiao
Why can't you just cooperate? :( He hasn't done anything to hurt you. All he wants is for you to stay by his side. If there's something bothering you, tell him and he'll fix it. He wants to do better for your sake, so please don't shapeshift and run away. Talk to him: Thoma, Diluc, Dainsleif
It's troublesome, but what can you do? Who is he to take away your freedom of shifting? Go wild! But please make sure to come back to him. It wouldn't be very nice if you left your dearly beloved all alone: Venti
He's already busy with all sorts of work, so he can't afford to lose you all of the time. Tries to find clever ways to keep you by his side without it seeming like you're stuck in captivity. Thoma probably entertains you (and goes searching for you) when he can't: Ayato
Woke up and decided to choose violence today while I spitefully fish for Purple Shirakodai, Bettas and Venomous Spines that never fucking appears in their spots… starting to lose my shit if I see one more Medaka of any kind flood the entire fishing spots because I already have hundreds of each and refuse to make them into fishes because I suck at math skjsksjsj.
TumblrisalsoveryconfusinglikewhyisMobilesomucheasiertousewhenitcomestofollowsandallbutshitatPostmakingwhilePCistheoppositeofit—
Wisty and her anons+followers have driven me insane I cannot help but need to get this done asdfakfjakjf… so people, go thank @wisteriaisekai and her legion for this piece where I pour every fiber of my aggression and frustration into this.
Yeah, we’re going Villain!Reader for Cult!AU today. >:D
(This is shorter, mostly because I fear I might go too far with this lmao so I gotta keep myself in control y’know… ahahaha. Endmethisissobaaaaaad–)
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OKAY IMAGINE A HISTORICAL AU WHERE YOU'RE IN AN ENGAGEMENT WITH ZHONGLI BUT YOU SUFFER FROM UNREQUITED LOVE BC HE LOVES GUIZHONG AND THEN YOU DIE OF HANAHAKI BUT THEN YOU GO BACK IN TIME??? BUT WHAT YOU DONT KNOW IS THAT ZHONGLI WAS SECRETLY ALSO VERY UPSET ABT YOUR DEATH AND ONLY THEN REALIZED THAT HE LOVED YOU AND HE ALSO WENT BACK IN-TIME BUT WHEN HE TRIES TO COURT YOU YOU REJECT HIM EVERY SINGLE TIME MAKING HIM SOMEHOW YANDERE??
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Y/n=your name
L/n= last name
Fem reader btw
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CW: unhealthy relationships , cheating, unrequited love, historical au, death, forced marriage, Yandere and hanahaki content.
Angst to kind of less angst?
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Honestly, never in your life did you think that you were gonna fall in-love.
Yet here you are, weeping over your fiancé who didn't return your love.
You kept coughing and choking on those stupid glaze lilies.
They reminded you of her.
Of guizhong.
They were her favorites, bouquets of glaze lilies decorated every imperial palace.
We're they there just to remind you of your unrequited love? His love for guizhong?
It was practically already known in high society that zhongli didn't love you, he loved another.
The flowers came out of your mouth as you coughed and coughed.
Your lungs felt clogged, as if something was blocking you from breathing.
Dried blood stood at the corners of your lips as well as flower petals that were present on the floor.
Would you grow to hate plants in your next life? Who knows?
Not to mention the corset that was hugging your waist.
It was suffocating, it only made your disease even harder to handle.
Why didn't you pick up the signs he did with his eyes that screamed 'don't come any closer' whenever you leaned in for a kiss? The ‘I don’t like you’ whenever you said ‘I love you’.
Suddenly, you felt a sharp pain throughout your body, nothing like anything you had ever experienced before.
It felt numbing, you couldn't move, as if some kind of poison was injected inside of you.
Was this the end? Was this how you were going to die?
If it is then, i'd just like to say: what a shitty (love) life you've had.
In the end, your love for Zhongli didn’t falter.
And then that was it.
Your vision went from blurry to black, your body went limp and hit the cold floor of the estate you were living in.
Some maids were alarmed by the sound and went to check it out, only to find your dead body, covered in bloody glaze lily petals and flowers.
High society was shocked, a case of hanahaki hasn’t been recorded since a few centuries ago.
News spread fast around the nation of Liyue.
It wasn’t until his friend, tartaglia came to give his condolences when he found out that you died.
Why wasn’t he immediately informed?
Wait, why did he care? Didn’t he want to be with guizhong just the other day?
It was a big shock to Zhongli and while others may have thought that he was delighted to finally end the relationship he was forced to be in.
That was not the case.
He cried and cried because of your death.
He blamed himself fully, he cut contact with guizhong and removed the ever so delicately cared for glaze lilies out of his palace.
He wished that he had paid more attention to you, he would do anything for another chance.
And with that, the next day he woke up as himself 13 years ago, when he was still a teenager, 16.
Funny thing is, as soon as you died everything was a blur.
Your memories flashed in front of your eyes until you awoke 13 years prior to your death.
You were a teenager once again.
__________________________________
Extra context: you come from one of the most powerful ducal families in liyue.
Zhongli is the prince of the nation and already at the age of 15, had a fiancé.
That fiancé was you, who loved him the moon and back, but he didn’t.
He already loved another, his childhood friend.
Her name was guizhong.
You noticed how he preferred her over you and you tried to get his attention.
He was so polite about telling you about how your love was not reciprocated.
And after a few months of being his fiancé, you started coughing frequently.
One days you coughed out a petal.
It was then that you realized that you had hanahaki.
You tried even harder to make him love you, but it didn’t work.
In the end, you died.
He found out that he had actually fallen for your charms, and now is also the reason you died.
He was so disappointed in himself and stopped contacting guizhong as she just reminded him of your death.
He grew to hate glaze lilies since they also reminded him of your death.
One day, he miraculously went back in time along with you, but neither of you knew that you both had gone back in time.
Oh what adventures were ahead?
________________________________
Should I write a part 2???
Also I finally got a fic written, sorry to keep y’all waiting, and I promise that I’m writing your requests.
Su-Hyeok x Fem!Reader | 5.2k words
Warning/Rating: Fainting/Language/T
Premise: Five times you and Su-Hyeok correct people about your relationship status and one time you both just accept it.
Author’s Note: This is an AU fic set outside of the zombie world where you and Su-Hyeok are childhood friends (also neighbors!) but everyone mistakes you for a couple. I personally love the 5 + 1 prompts, so I wanted to challenge it myself. I don’t think I’ll get over AOUAD any time soon, or Su-Hyeok for that matter, so I’m pouring my love into writing for this franchise. Requests for other Su-Hyeok prompts are also welcomed! ♡
˚ ༘✶ ⋆。˚ ⁀➷1. Ms. Park
“Su-Hyeok, what do you think of Nam-Ra’s interpretation?”
Class 2-5 all turn their heads to the back, trying—but failing—to suppress their laughter, awaiting what kind of nonsense would spew from Su-Hyeok’s mouth this time around.
“I agree. She’s 100% correct.”
Some giggles slip through before Ms. Park silences them by holding her hand up.
“Great,” Ms. Park says sarcastically, with an air of teasing. “Now…just what do you agree with again?”
Su-Hyeok doesn’t even falter, replying with, “If she could be kind enough to repeat her response so that I can gather my thoughts more coherently….”
The whole class loses it right then and there.
His seat-mate further rubs salt into the wound by whispering between bouts of laughter, “Yah, did you even have any thoughts to begin with?” This earns him a glare, but he was too far gone to care.
Su-Hyeok grimaces, seeing the disappointment on Ms. Park’s face mixed with amusement as she gestures for Nam-Ra to recite her previous statement again. With the amount of times he acts up in the same manner on a regular basis, he’s surprised and grateful that she still allows him to step foot into class for lessons.
Nam-Ra rises once again, her chair creaking slightly, though that doesn’t wake you up from your nap next to her. Currently, you were turned away from the window, left elbow flat on the desk surface as a makeshift pillow.
“All of us have some sort of prejudice. We all have preconceptions about other people.”
“Precisely,” Ms. Park compliments. “Thank you, Nam-Ra, for saying that twice.” With her emphasis on the word, she fixes her stern gaze on Su-Hyeok, but her next words are the exact opposite. “Bare-Su, please pay more attention to my lesson during class time and less on staring at your girlfriend, Y/N.” She raises her eyebrows teasingly.
Su-Hyeok is quick to correct her, trying to suppress the heat he feels slowly making its way up to his face. “Ms. Park,” he says incredulously. “We’re not together.”
“Eyyy,” Dae-Su’s booming voice reverberates in the classroom. “Now you’re just making up lies.”
You stir at the loud sound, but it’s still not enough to make you open your eyes.
“I’m serious, Dae-Su,” Su-Hyeok splutters.
“Yet you’re not denying having stared at Y/N~,” Woo-Jin drawls, giving Dae-Su’s awaiting hand a high-five with a resounding smack.
“Dumbass duo!” Su-Hyeok says exasperatedly to deaf ears. “Ms. Park, how come Y/N is taking a sound nap in class, but I’m the one being ganged up on?”
“This is the first time it has happened, and she’s still ranked 3rd in the class. I’ll let it slide,” Ms. Park crosses her arms and smiles, entertained by Su-Hyeok’s excuses.
“Isn’t this blatant favoritism?” Su-Hyeok mumbles under his breath.
“You also favor Y/N, so you can’t be one to talk,” his seat-mate once again teases.
“You’re not even on the baseball team so why are you so hell-bent on hitting home runs with your sassy remarks today, huh?” Su-Hyeok slaps him upside the head.
“Alright, alright, settle down class. I think that’s enough punishment for our Bare-Su today.”
When Ms. Park turns back to the blackboard, she says loud enough for the class to hear, “No worries. We can just ask Y/N for confirmation when she’s up.”
By how much the students were cracking up, it suddenly seems like a free period.
“Seonsaengnim!”
At Su-Hyeok’s outburst, you wake up, trying to settle back into reality.
Of course, Ms. Park notices your state of rousing. She’s not one to miss any little detail. “Ah, good morning to you, Y/N. So glad you can finally join us.” Her words hold no malice at all, but you’re still sheepish.
Shyly scratching you head, you voice out, “I apologize for dozing off. Did I miss anything?”
You finally notice all eyes on you. Well, save for Su-Hyeok’s. “Guys….? Why are you all looking at me like that?”
“Well—" Dae-Su begins but is cut off by Ms. Park.
“Please refrain from sleeping again in my class as it’s a distraction…to some more than others.”
Laughter rings loud and clear again as you turn to Nam-Ra for answers.
“Banjang, you’re the smartest one here. What’s going on?”
Nam-Ra turns to you with a slight smirk, an expression you’ve never seen on her before, despite how much she’s warmed up to you as her seat-mate and friend, though she’s hesitant to admit to the latter.
“Oh, it’s nothing,” Nam-Ra says dismissively, but lightly. “Ms. Park was just teaching Su-Hyeok about preconceptions.”
˚ ༘✶ ⋆。˚ ⁀➷2. On-Jo
Linking your arm through Nam-Ra’s while balancing your tray with your other hand, you pull her in the direction of where On-Jo and I-Sak were already seated with their own lunches piled high with food.
“Save some for the rest of us, On-Jo,” you joke as you and Nam-Ra sit down on the opposite bench, pointing to your friend’s tray.
“Ha ha, very funny,” On-Jo pouts. “I don’t eat a lot; I just eat well.”
“A little too well,” Nam-Ra chimes in, causing you to choke on your banana milk in laughter and surprise. Since Nam-Ra started opening up to your friend group, you can already see the influence it’s had on her. Her conversations may still be minimal, but boy do they pack a punch.
While you all wait for the rowdy boys to join, I-Sak mimes pulling you, Nam-Ra, and On-Jo into a huddle and whispers, “So, have you guys thought about who’s asking who to the spring formal in a few months?” Here, she raises her eyebrows and adds, “Better yet, who are you hoping will ask you?”
“Aish,” you rebuke. “I thought you were about to spill your biggest secret or something!”
“Hey, I’m just curious! Not all of us are set and ready like you are, Y/N!” I-Sak winks at you as you’re in the middle of chewing.
You finish your bite before replying, “Huh?”
“Well, you and Su-Hyeok are already dating, so isn’t it obvious you’ll be attending together?” On-Jo answers.
Flabbergasted, you retort, “But we’re not in a relationship. I thought that was what’s obvious.” Your eyebrows scrunch together in confusion.
“Tsk, since when did you become so good at lying, our sweet and innocent Y/N?” I-Sak pokes you with the clean end of her chopstick.
“There’s nothing going on between us,” you emphasize. “I’ve known him since we were babies, and he definitely doesn’t like me in that way. I know that for a fact!” You point from Nam-Ra, to On-Jo, and finally to I-Sak. “Not one more word from you guys, alright?”
Nam-Ra slurps a spoonful of her seaweed soup loudly.
You turn to her and narrow your eyes. “Now, what’s that supposed to mean?”
“Well, you said not one more word,” Nam-Ra says without missing a beat. “That was a sound.”
You could never win against Nam-Ra verbally. “Don’t tell me you agree with On-Jo and I-Sak,” you say while facepalming. “Look guys, he’s really sweet, kind, caring, brave…” Realizing you’re rambling when the girls give you a look, you blush and backpedal, “What I mean,” you say as you fix them all with a gaze of finality, “is that it’d be weird. We grew up together, and we fight all the time.”
“I like to call that lover’s quarrel,” On-Jo states.
You roll your eyes and throw a clean crumpled napkin at her, which she manages to dodge.
“I also forgot nice smile, athletic, handsome—" I-Sak mimics your voice. You know it’s bad how spot-on it is when even Nam-Ra laughs.
“Yah! Do you want to die?”
On-Jo protects I-Sak from your slaps to her arm.
“Just admit that you like—" On-Jo is interrupted by a voice you know all too well.
“Like what?” Su-Hyeok asks, oblivious, as he plops down next to you, nudging your shoulder with his out of habit as the boys fill in the rest of the bench, focused on their own conversations.
“Yeah, Y/N, what were you going to say?” I-Sak prods, smiling wider than you thought humanly possible.
You turn to Nam-Ra for help, but she’s just the same as the other two, fixing you with a mischievous grin.
Su-Hyeok looks at you, waiting for an answer.
“Uh…I was just saying that I like,” you stall as you look around for a way out. Your gaze lands on a drink everyone has on their tray. “The banana milk!” You cringe as the words leave your mouth.
“Oh, in that case,” Su-Hyeok hands over his bottle to you. “Here, you can have mine.”
As he turns to his right to talk to Cheong-San, I-Sak flashes you a heart with her fingers discreetly, Nam-Ra elbows you in the arm playfully, and On-Jo—You’re going to get her big time for this.
Before Su-Hyeok is finished with his conversation and turns back to you, she mouths, “I love oo yoo.”
˚ ༘✶ ⋆。˚ ⁀➷3. Cheong-San
You have no idea why your friends decided to play soccer during lunch when it was scorching hot out, especially a day before exams, but followed nonetheless.
On-Jo and I-Sak opted out and were currently benched, acting as cheerleaders. You, however, got dragged into the game as Nam-Ra was the referee and she didn’t want to be alone on the field.
The sun was starting to make you sweat, and you chalked it up to the heat beating down on your head for the sudden dizziness you were feeling. You shook your head and tried to focus on the game that was about to start.
Cheong-San was right next to you, and on the far end of the field you could see Su-Hyeok playing goalie. As Dae-Su kicked off signaling the first half, you began to stagger as your vision becomes unfocused. Just when Cheong-San is about to sprint off in the direction of the ball Dae-Su had kicked, you grab onto his arm, stopping him.
“Cheong-San, I don’t feel too good,” you say.
He steadies you by the shoulder and peers at your face. “Y/N, you’re looking a little more than just pale. Do you think you’ll be okay? Want to sit down for a minute with On-Jo and I-Sak?”
You close your eyes as your head spins but manage to give a weak nod when he checks your forehead temperature with his hand.
“Hey! What’s going on over there?” Someone screams across the field, questioning.
As Cheong-San takes your wrist to lead you back to the girls, your vision goes black and the last thing you remember is someone catching you to break your fall.
***
On-Jo and I-Sak were the first ones to reach you as Cheong-San tries to sit you up. He gets you to somewhat lean on his chest, an arm around your shoulder as the girls crowd around to see what they could do to help.
“Is Y/N alright?” Not getting a response, Nam-Ra checks your pulse and breathing. “Her heartbeat is a little slow, but other than that maybe she got heat exhaustion?”
“I think we should take her to the nurse either way,” On-Jo says, I-Sak nodding in agreement.
“On-Jo, come with me,” Cheong-San directs, as he maneuvers you for a proper piggyback.
“Move,” Su-Hyeok says, seriously.
“It’s okay, I got her,” Cheong-San replies as On-Jo helps to stabilize you on his back.
“I wasn’t asking.” Su-Hyeok slightly pushes Cheong-San.
“Guys, this isn’t the time to fight,” Nam-Ra admonishes, pointing at your unconscious form.
Without another word, Su-Hyeok picks you up easily and carries you away, with Cheong-San and On-Jo in tow all the way to the infirmary.
Once there, On-Jo decided to go get some snacks since everyone skipped lunch, leaving the two boys behind with you after the nurse assessed your condition.
Cheong-San starts chuckling quietly as Su-Hyeok glares at him.
“Why are you laughing?”
“I don’t find the situation funny, if that’s what you’re asking. I’m worried for Y/N as well.”
Su-Hyeok narrows his eyes at Cheong-San. “Why?”
Dumbfounded, Cheong-San replies, “Why would you ask that? She’s a good friend. We grew up together too you know.”
When Su-Hyeok doesn’t respond, Cheong-San nudges him with his foot under the bed to which the former just makes an incoherent noise. “You’re jealous, aren’t you?”
“I’m not jealous at all that you caught Y/N before she fainted.”
“I never mentioned that,” Cheong-San says between laughs, dimple on full display. “Would you rather I had dropped her to the ground? I don’t know why you would be mad when I was just lending a hand, and considering that you guys are dating and all…” he trails off.
“We’re not dating,” Su-Hyeok says flatly.
“Stop messing around with me Bare-Su,” Cheong-San teases, tilting his head in the direction of your small hands that Su-Hyeok was currently enveloping in his large ones.
“You idiot, I’m not kidding. We’re just friends; that’s all.” He doesn’t let go of your hands. If anything, he cradles them even tighter.
Cheong-San pauses, thinking whether to believe him or not. “Okay, hypothetically let’s say you guys aren’t together—"
“—Because we’re not,” Su-Hyeok interrupts.
“Hypothetically,” Cheong-San stresses. “Then, do you like Y/N?”
“Then, do you like On-Jo?”
“I asked first!”
“I—"
When you open your eyes, you’re met with a white ceiling and curtains, the sound of the machine displaying your vitals beeping away.
Recognizing that you were in the school’s infirmary due to the IV drip and the strong smell of antiseptic, the only thing you remembered was fainting. Everything after is a blur.
You hear hushed whispers and realize it was Su-Hyeok and Cheong-San in the room with you.
“What are you two idiots arguing about now?” You rasp.
Their heads whip towards you, shocked and simultaneously relieved.
“How much of our conversation did you hear?”
“That’s the first thing you ask me? I don’t even get a ‘how are you’?” You fake mock hurt at Su-Hyeok’s question.
“Are you okay?” Cheong-San asks.
“I like Cheong-San better,” you joke and stick your tongue out at Su-Hyeok as Cheong-San does the same.
“We were worried sick but I guess you’re fine now that you’re back to bullying me,” Su-Hyeok complains. “So feisty for such a tiny human.”
“Easy for you to carry,” Cheong-San mutters, earning a kick from Su-Hyeok. “OUCH!” He exclaims as he begins to rub his shin from the impact.
You look between the two of them, more confused than ever but decide to let it go. “Why am I here again? I only know I passed out.”
Su-Hyeok flicks you on the forehead. “The nurse said you were dehydrated and it seemed like you didn’t eat or sleep well enough. Coupled with the heat exhaustion, your already tired body couldn’t handle it and you went down.”
“Oh.”
“Oh? Is that all you can say? You scared me to death. You stayed up late studying again huh?”
“Maybe…” You reply guiltily.
The boys shake their heads at your predictable nature. You always study like crazy but this has never happened before, so you were going to make sure to not accidentally neglect self-care for good grades again.
“How did I get here from the field?”
“Cheong-San caught you and—"
“Awww, you did?” You sit up and spread your arms for a hug, having to let go of Su-Hyeok’s hands to do so.
Cheong-San was going to return it until he turned to Su-Hyeok for permission.
“Why do you need to ask whether he’d allow it?” You roll your eyes. “My arms are getting tired.”
You pull Cheong-San in for a hug and he returns the friendly gesture.
Just then, the door opens and On-Jo comes in with a plastic bag full of goodies. “Y/N, you’re awake!” She rushes over to squeeze the life out of you.
“On-Jo…can’t breathe,” you say in between pauses.
She lets you go and elbows Cheong-San. When he doesn’t get the hint, she takes him by the hand and drags him out, leaving the bag behind on the table for you. Just before the door closes, Cheong-San pops his head in again. “Su-Hyeok carried you in his arms all the way here!”
“AISH!” Su-Hyeok throws his backpack at the door, but the two had already left.
You turn to Su-Hyeok who won’t meet your gaze. Poking his arm, you tease him. “So, you do care.”
If you had been awake at the time, surely you would be a living tomato with the stares you know for a fact you would be getting from being transported that way across school grounds.
Su-Hyeok just breathes out exasperatedly. “More than you know.” He said the line so quietly, you would’ve missed it if you weren’t paying attention.
Not knowing what came over you, you lean over and kiss him on the cheek. “Thank you,” you say.
Both of you were surprised with matching blushes as proof.
Too embarrassed now for having been so bold, you make the excuse of feeling tired and lay down, turning your head to the other side to hide your smile. Su-Hyeok grabs your hand again even as you close your eyes.
His phone dings with a text and you hear him curse under his breath. “That little—“
Which could only mean one thing: Cheong-San.
[ Text: Are you sure you’re not dating? I saw everything through the window ]
˚ ༘✶ ⋆。˚ ⁀➷4. Gyeong-Su
You’re walking along the school’s skybridge when you hear someone calling.
“Y/N! Wait up!”
You stop and turn around, smiling when you see it’s Gyeong-Su. He’s such a sweetheart that your friend group always has a soft spot for him.
He pants as he comes to a stop next to you, falling into pace by your side. “Geez, for someone with such short legs, you walk incredibly fast.”
“Is that all you wanted to say to me?” You push him.
Gyeong-Su laughs. “No, no. I’m just kidding. I have a favor to ask.”
“Glad to know you start asking for favors by first insulting the person.”
“I’m sorry okay!” He didn’t look sorry at all. “I need help with English. If I fail this next exam, I’d have to retake the class and the teacher and I already don’t get along,” he frowns.
“I’m not saying that I decline, but wouldn’t Nam-Ra be a better choice?”
“Sure, but she hasn’t studied abroad. You lived in New York for a year before high school.”
“Alright, but if your English has the accent of a New Yorker, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“Better an accent than the Konglish I’m speaking with in class. Everyone always laughs when I have to read something.”
You giggle. “I can meet you in the library after our last class period. It’s a Friday anyway so we don’t have school tomorrow. We can stay a little later than usual. Does that work for you?”
“Yes! Thank you so much, Y/N.” Gyeong-Su looked so happy it was contagious. His smile suddenly falters as he leans in to tell you, “Although, I hope that you won’t let Su-Hyeok know.”
“What? What does he have to do anything?”
Gyeong-Su looks at you like you had two heads growing from your neck, gazing pointedly. “Well, I certainly wouldn’t want him to be mad that I’m spending time with you. He’d beat me up. It’s clear which of us would win in a fight, come on now.”
“Why would he be mad?” You inquire, baffled.
“You know, for ranking third place in class, you’re not as bright as I thought.”
“Watch it,” you warn, playfully angry.
“You’re supposed to be tutoring me for language skills but here I am, having to spell everything out for you.” Gyeong-Su gives you a moment to see if you would figure it out but when he sees the gears turning in your head, he sighs. “Su-Hyeok might get jealous and I don’t want that. You know, protective boyfriend and all. The what-have-you’s from all those dramas.”
“He’s not my boyfriend,” you say as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, which to you it certainly was.
“Whatever you say. If you see me one day with a black eye and a broken leg, you’re going to be held responsible for my hospital bills.”
You roll your eyes as Gyeong-Su waves and goes on his way, promising to meet up later.
***
A few hours pass and you find a seat in the corner of the library where it’s more silent and there’s a window nook in between two bookshelves against the wall; it was your favorite study spot aside from your bedroom.
Gyeong-Su is more punctual than you imagined, showing up barely a few minutes after you with all his study materials. His backpack could be used as a weapon with everything he packed inside.
“Are you sure you’re here to study, or are you preparing for war?” You stare in amazement as he pulls endless amounts of materials from his bag.
“I wasn’t kidding about not wanting to repeat class.” An English textbook comes slamming onto the table and you shush him hurriedly. Thankfully, the other students are too busy studying with their headphones in to mind the noise.
“We can work on spelling first,” you direct as you flip through his workbook.
You’re surprised how fast Gyeong-Su is learning after just a few units, and even more proud at the effort he puts into grasping the subject. Perhaps you could finally understand why teachers always glow when their students succeed.
“Wow, would you look at that. I’m a great tutor,” you boast.
“Your ego is pretty great too.”
You hit him on the head with a pencil but he just laughs it off. Your phone keeps vibrating with messages, so not wanting to it be a distraction, you put it on ‘do not disturb’ mode without checking the notifications on screen and proceed to place it upside down on the table.
Both you and Gyeong-Su are too focused on your studies to notice Su-Hyeok coming into the library.
“Y/N, did you lose your phone?”
You look up, even more surprised than Gyeong-Su at his presence. “How did you know we were here?”
“You didn’t tell him? Wow, I’ll remember that the next time I have a secret I need you to keep,” Gyeong-Su says, fascinated.
“I waited an hour for you at the school gates to walk home together but you never showed up so I texted Cheong-San and he said you were tutoring Gyeong-Su in the library.”
“Oh my god, I totally forgot.” You put your hand on your head. Su-Hyeok would always walk you home as you two live in the same area, neighbors to be exact. “I’m so sorry you had to wait that long. It totally slipped my mind!”
He didn’t look mad, just tired.
“You can go home without me you know. I wouldn’t want you to wait even longer. I still have a few chapters left to help Gyeong-Su with.”
“Are you kidding? I’m not letting you go by yourself in the dark. A few more hours is nothing.”
Before you can refuse, he dumps his backpack on the floor and scoots the adjacent chair closer to yours, sits down, and leans his head on your shoulder. “Wake me up when you’re done.”
He’s out cold in a few minutes, and you can only blame it on sleep deprivation; the badge every high school student wears proudly.
“Now that the boyfriend is sleeping and won’t fight me—“
“How many times do I have to tell you, Gyeong-Su? We’re not dating.”
“Sure, because that’s totally what friends do,” he says sarcastically.
As he goes back to his notes, you look down at Su-Hyeok on your shoulder, moving his hair out of his eyes carefully so as not to wake him. Were his eyelashes always that long? His nose bridge so high? His skin so clear? His lips—
“Earth to Y/N,” Gyeong-Su waves his hand in your face. “You guys sure have a thing for staring at the other when they’re asleep. You know, it’s the same look on your faces too.”
“What? We don’t do that.”
“First, he gets caught by the whole class and now you get caught by me. You’re lucky it’s just one person who’s seeing this.”
You brush aside the first thing Gyeong-Su says, because Su-Hyeok having feelings for you? Impossible.
“I wasn’t staring!” That draws the attention of a few students nearby.
“Fine, admiring tastefully then.”
You look down at Su-Hyeok again. “You have to admit, it’s pretty endearing seeing someone sleep.”
Gyeong-Su snorts. “You’re just saying that because it’s Su-Hyeok. If it was me, you would’ve already sent me flying clear across the room with a kick.”
Not really being able to argue with that, you ignore it and turn back to give Gyeong-Su another exercise when Su-Hyeok stirs. “Next, can you describe us all with one word and spell it correctly?”
He ponders for a moment before pointing to himself: “Amazing.” A-M-A-Z-I-N-G is the first line on his notebook.
Next, he points to Su-Hyeok: “Barefoot.”
You laugh at the accuracy while Su-Hyeok curses Gyeong-Su. It’s even funnier seeing him write it down in all seriousness. B-A-R-E-F-O-O-T is the next line.
A pencil aims at your face as Gyeong-Su mocks: “Gnome.”
“You’re getting awfully comfortable with the short jokes there.” G-N-O-M-E goes down in the third line.
“She’s just petite,” Su-Hyeok tries to defend you, doing a horrible job at it.
“Great, she thinks you’re loveable and he thinks you’re cute.”
“You do?!” You and Su-Hyeok say to one another at the same time.
“The two of you aren’t fooling anyone with this ‘We’re not together’ thing. Here’s a word to describe both of you. Gyeong-Su scribbles something quickly down on the notepad in perfect English and holds up it up sideways for you as he reads it out loud, gesturing with his pointer finger between you and Su-Hyeok:
┌──────────┐
ᑕOᑌᑭᒪE ♡
└──────────┘
˚ ༘✶ ⋆。˚ ⁀➷5. Nam-Ra
No one ever comes to class early like she does, and so Nam-Ra is more than surprised to see Su-Hyeok of all people stepping foot into the room, the slide of the wooden door announcing his entrance. He jumps when he sees her already there.
“What is it?” Nam-Ra cuts to the chase.
“Uh…nothing,” Su-Hyeok stammers.
“Whatever’s in your hands doesn’t seem like nothing.”
He quickly hides the note behind his back.
Nam-Ra raises an eyebrow at this and taps your still-empty desk. “Go ahead and put it here. I’ll let Y/N know.”
“It’s not for her.”
“Su-Hyeok, you’re talking to me, not Dae-Su. I don’t believe that statement in the slightest.”
Su-Hyeok sighs as he walks over to your seat and sits down. “Prez, I need advice.”
“Hmm, what did On-Jo call it? Lover’s quarrel, was it? I’m not that experienced to be a love guru.”
“We’re not—"
“Cut it out. No matter how many times you guys deny it, it won’t make it true.”
“But—"
“Nope.” Seeing as he wasn’t going to say anything else, Nam-Ra smiles to herself. If she can keep this up, maybe they’ll actually stop dancing around one another. “Now, why are you here and not with Y/N like you usually are?”
“She’s mad at me.”
“I find that hard to believe, but explain.”
“Y/N has been avoiding me and I don’t know why. We were fine still during the study session with Gyeong-Su, but after that day she’s been keeping her distance. She flinches when I so much as sit near her, when I talk to her, she can’t look me in the eyes, and when we walk home together, she’s always speeding ahead. I think I might’ve done something wrong, but I also don’t think I have? That’s why I was planning to put this apology letter on her desk.”
Nam-Ra brushes her hand down her face at the absurdity of the situation. “You guys are hopeless.”
“Excuse me?”
“Are you telling me or asking me about whether you messed up?”
“Uh…both?”
“Gosh, you’re clueless.”
“I didn’t know advice came with being bashed.”
“Just answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to my following questions.” Nam-Ra revives a nod in response.
“Look, you haven’t done anything wrong right?”
“No, I haven’t.”
“Does Y/N turn red when you’re near?”
“Yes, now that you mention it.”
“Is she becoming more flustered now when she never was before?”
“Also a yes to that question.” Su-Hyeok’s eyes widen and when Nam-Ra finally thinks he’s pieced it together, he hits her with the entire force of collective obliviousness in the world. “Oh no! Do you think she’s come down with something? Is she sick?”
“Aigoo!” She smacks him on the head with her workbook.
“Hey! What was that for?”
“Focus!”
“I was until you gave me a concussion!”
“That’s not how that works—oh never mind! Just, think! I know it’s not something you usually tend to do, but try!”
“As long as you don’t hit me again.”
Nam-Ra ignores his previous words and continues. “Since you said you guys aren’t together I’ll believe it.”
“There’s nothing to believe or not, we really don’t have that kind of a relationship.”
“But do you want to?”
“I don’t think she likes me like that—"
“Yes or no only.”
“Fine, yes. I can’t believe I’m telling you before I tell Y/N.” Su-Hyeok slumps in his seat.
“So, you like her.” Nam-Ra states it as is, no longer questioning.
“I can’t say no now after what I said earlier, so yes. I really do.”
“Then just go tell her. It’s not that hard. You’re making a simple thing more difficult than quantum mechanics.”
“Does Y/N even like me back for me to confess?”
“Yes.” Now it was Nam-Ra’s turn. “You’re a fool for not noticing it: the avoidance, the distance, the shyness. Any of that ring a bell?”
She can physically see when the realization hits him.
“Everyone can see it except for the two of you. I’m shocked that it took me to smack some sense into you; literally and metaphorically.”
“I always thought that all friends were like that.”
“In what world? Friends don’t look at each other like that.”
Su-Hyeok springs up from his chair with his note, promising to think it through before confessing, and rushes off to who knows where.
When he leaves, Nam-Ra sits alone pondering whether she should just change her last name to Cupid.
Cheong-San and On-Jo clearly need some arrows as well.
˚ ༘✶ ⋆。˚ ⁀➷ +1
When Cheong-San’s mom invites the friend group to their chicken restaurant for a free meal, no one could decline.
You and Su-Hyeok come in a bit later after everyone had already started eating, hand-in-hand.
“There’s the cute couple!” Cheong-San’s mom exclaims, handing over the largest platter of fried chicken you’ve seen in your life.
“Mrs. Lee, they’re not—” everyone at the table choruses in unison, except for Nam-Ra.
“We are!” You say, holding up your clasped hands.
Dae-Su drops his chicken on the floor in shock and everyone’s mouths hang open comically in silence.
“Mwoya? Have you been fooling us all this time?” Your friends talk over one another, but the sentence is somehow coherent.
“Just ourselves,” Su-Hyeok replies, looking down at you fondly, only to see you already gazing up at him.