Taeil
PSA I will take matters into my own
hands and if you need someone to
supervise your kids I'll do it and pretend
to your face that your kid doesn't love me
more
I will also take this time to tell you that I
know your secrets
So for some of you, you should really...
TALK
That's all
Haechan
I fucking love you
Taeil
I fucking love you too
Jungwoo
I wanna know who Taeil is talking about
Renjun🌻
I feel like you already know
Jungwoo
What makes you think that?
Ten
He probably does to be honest
And who knows how many other
groupchats Kunnie is in
Kun
If I start calling you Tennis will you stop
calling me
Tennis*
Goddammit Tennie
Shotaro
No it's Tennis now
Jungwoo
Hi Tennis<3
Yangs💐
Am I allowed to laugh
Just kidding I am gonna laugh
Hi Tennis
Ten
You're sleeping on the couch tonight
Doyoung
Tae says that all the time but he doesn't
mean it
Ten
Oh I do
Jaemin
He does
Winwin
Anyone else wanna know what Taeil is
talking about?
➳
"Hi."'
"Hi."
"I just saw Hendery."
Shotaros eyes widen. "How did that go?"
"Well he's still mad but slightly less at me."
"Oh. Well, that's better than nothing."
Xiaojun nods and then catches Shotaros eye. "And having you two is better than not having you. I'm sorry. I love you and I'm sorry I didn't do better at showing it. You're so important to me and I should've made sure you knew that." Shotaro nods, looking away. "I also wanna tell you that you make me as happy as everyone else does. I don't prefer any of them over you."
"'Cause no one else is me?" Shotaro guesses.
Xiaojun sighs but nods. "Exactly."
Shotaro isn't sure what overcomes him, guessing that he just misses the male, causing him to hold out his arms. Xiaojun is quick to hug him and waddle them to the couch. Shotaro is almost on Xiaojuns lap from their position but neither of them care, having missed each other too much.
"It's so difficult being this upset", he mumbles.
"I'm here. And I love you."
➳
"I'm so nervous", Lena lets out, giving a little shake.
Renjun chuckles, finding her reaction cute. "I think that's how Alyssa feels every time she comes in here now."
"What if she says no?"
"Are you blind?"
Lena gasps. "That was mean."
"It's what you get for being stupid. Now, when she comes in, you're gonna take her right back outside, ask her on a date, and then go on the date. I don't wanna see either of you in here for the next two hours."
"And then after that?"
"I'm sure you can think of something else. There are activities that can take keep you busy for quite a while."
"Renjun", Lena warns.
"Should I tell Haechan you're having dirty thoughts about his little sister? I was talking about movies and stuff."
"Knowing you, you meant Netflix and chill."
"As if you're opposed to it."
Lena turns red. "Renjun!"
The male grins. "You're not denying it."
"I-"
"Hello?" Alyssa says nervously.
Renjuns face brightens as he goes to hug her. "Hi!"
"You seem happy."
"Well, one of my favorite people is here."
Alyssa narrows her eyes. "Do you want something?"
"No, but Lena does."
"Renjun made that sound so bad. I just wanted to...ask you something?"
Doing her best to ignore her quickened heartbeat, Alyssa smiles. "Yeah, what is it?"
"Can we talk outside?"
"Oh, okay."
Renjun tries not to laugh at the panicked looks on both girls faces and waves when they glance back at him as they leave the room. While they talk, Renjun looks for the most time-consuming task in order to try avoiding thinking about Shotaro and Hendery. He knows Sungchan and Xiaojun have spoken to them and it didn't go horribly but he's so worried they won't wanna see him. And there's the weirdness with Sungchan that he doesn't even understand.
"Fuck", he mutters, realizing there's no way he'll be able to focus properly.
"Everything okay?" Lena asks.
Instead of answering her, Renjun smirks at her and Alyssas intertwined hands. "I take it she said yes."
Lena rolls her eyes but smiles. "She did. Are you okay though? Do you want someone here?"
"I'm fine. I think I'm gonna go clear my head and get something to eat before trying to do any og this."
"That's a good idea."
"Let us know if you need us", Alyssa says softly. "We'll come back."
"That's sweet but if you try coming back before two hours is up, I'm not letting you in."
Alyssa chuckles. "Okay."
"Bye Renjun."
"Bye."
"Bye. Enjoy your date and do anything I would do!" Renjun calls after them.
"I'm telling Haechan you told me that!" Alyssa calls back.
➳
"You have a what?"
Shotaro sighs. "A squish, Mark."
"Oh!" Marks eyes widen with realization. "Johnny told me about those! Damn, I'm an idiot."
"Why are you insulting your intelligence?"
"Just thought of something. Anyways, your squish?"
"It's on Hendery, of course. I kinda wanna talk to him about it, but I don't wanna, like, pressure him. I just really enjoy his company and shit."
Mark chuckles. "That's s a lovely explanation."
Shotaro glares. "Shut up."
"No, really, tell me more."
"Mark, I will hit you."
"Terrifying."
Marks eyes widen in fear when Shotaro grabs a drink bottle. "Wait, wait, hold on. Can we talk about this?"
Shotaro smiles. "No."
"I'm sorry!"
➳
"What's this?" Johnny asks, looking at the basket.
"Brownies."
"Can I eat one?"
"You can eat all of them."
Johnny doesn't waste a second to take out a brownie, unwrap it, and begin eating it. "This is delicious. Thank you."
"The old lady who made them will be happy to hear that."
"What's with you getting baskets of food from old people?"
Jaehyun shrugs. "It just happens."
Definitely not because they can tell I'm a love-struck idiot
"Well, I appreciate it. Now, here, have one."
Jaehyun picks up the brownie, unwraps it, and takes a bite. "These remind me of my grandmas."
"I love your grandma."
"She loves you too. She told me to make sure I keep you and Mark." Jaehyun grows serious as he asks, "How am I doing?"
The question catches Johnny off-guard but he puts his brownie down and thinks about it. "You still have me. You're doing good at keeping me."
"Oh, am I now?"
Johnny sighs. "It's okay that you didn't like me back before and that you needed time to process my feelings. I don't blame you for that. I just don't understand you right now and I needed time to process. I would've came back to you."
"But you hate that you do that."
"I hate that where romantic feelings are involved. But now..."
"Now?" Jaehyun presses, softly.
"You might make me stop hating it."
Why does he have to look so pretty right now? Jaehyun wonders, hoping Johnny doesn't notice how quickly his heart is beating.
"We should hangout with Mark soon", Jaehyun says, changing the topic.
"He said he'd punch us if we don't."
"It's cute that he thinks he's threatening."
Johnny laughs. "He'd be so annoyed if he heard you."
➳
"One moment", Jeno calls to the customer standing at the counter. A few seconds later, he appears at the register and smiles until he realizes who it is. "Sam?"
"That reaction is a little insulting." Seeming unfazed, the woman smiles. "Hi."
"Um", Jeno glances at the display case, "what would you like?"
Sam recites her order from her phone, gaining Jenos curiosity. When she's done, she chuckles at the males expression. "You might not enjoy this."
"What?"
"You'll see."
Jeno sighs and gives her the receipt before going to get her cookies and make her drinks.
While he's busy doing that, he doesn't notice Ana and Lyssa walk in and see them approach Zoe. By the time Sams order is ready, the two are seated with Zoe standing at the table, all staring at where Sam is.
"That expression makes me nervous", Jeno says right before giving Sam some napkins.
"You'll be okay."
Oh God
Andrea, Kaley, Alyssa, Nina...
Sam
Andrea curse your family
Andrea
Tf did we do?
Sam
Be attractive
Andrea
It's not my fault you think Jenos hot
I told you he wasn't anything special
Kaley
Damn
Sam what are you doing?
Zoe
Her, Lyssa, and Ana are at the cafe me
and Jeno work at and Jeno just
performed
Lyssa
I knew Jeno worked at a karaoke cafe
but I didn't know he did THAT
Andrea
WAIT IS JENO EMBARRASSED
NO HAVE YOU SEEN THE TIKTOKS?
Archer
What tiktoks and do any of them Zoe in them
Zoe
Andrea shut the fuck up
Lyssa
No offense but I feel like this is the most
expressive Zoe's been since I've been in
this gc
Archer
You're not far off
But Zoe please🥺
🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺
I love you
Zoe
I love you too
But no
Andrea don't you fucking dare
Reese
You never told us we couldn't watch
them
We won't send them here though
For a price
Zoe
Does food work?
Minjae
I speak for all of us, yes
Nina
Yes
Zoe
YOU TOO?
Nina
It's free food
Ana
I don't want anything but I am gonna
watch the Tiktoks later when I'm by
myself
Sorry not sorry Zoe
Zoe
I refuse to say anything too incriminating
in front of Archer but good luck with that
Alya
You probably shouldn't let me have too
much time
As soon as I heard they made TikToks I
went to watch them
All of them
Some of them are funny ngl
Affinity
Hi
And byeee
Archer
I forget they were here
➳
"Oh, hey Zoe."
Zoe smiles, cheeks going pink from the attention. "Hi, Haechan. Jenos in the back."
Haechan nods and looks over the menu while waiting. He happens to glance around right when Jeno appears. Relief floods through Jeno at the sight of his boyfriend and he quickens his pace, immediately hugging him.
"Is everything okay?"
"I've been teased all day."
"By who?"
"Sam and Lyssa. Ana made a comment too but it was mostly them and Zoe pretending to be innocent."
"I am innocent!"
Jeno looks at her over Haechans shoulder. "Liar."
Zoe rolls her eyes and goes back to wiping down the tables.
"Date?" Haechan asks softly. Jeno nods, looking so adorable Haechan can't help but kiss him.
"Ooh, get it Jeno."
Jeno sighs but gets distracted by the cute, embarrassed look on his boyfriends face. Having only one thought in mind, Jeno smiles and waves at his coworkers before dragging him out of the cafe and to a secluded section nearby. He doesn't waste a second before cupping Haechans cheeks and bringing him into a soft but firm kiss. Right before Haechan becomes breathless, Jeno pulls away and attacks his face with kisses, paying special attention to his cheeks. The feelings of Haechans skin against Jenos lips only makes him crave the male more and spike up the love he's feeling.
By the time Jeno is done, Haechans face feels flushed and there's a giddy smile on his face and love in his eyes. He wraps his arms around Jeno and takes a moment to sink into the feeling of being in the males arms before reluctantly pulling away.
"Just being with you is perfect, but I do not wanna have our date here on the sidewalk."
Jeno chuckles. "Yeah, me either."
The two hold hands right until they can't anymore and get into Haechans car. Almost instantly, Jenos hand goes to Haechans thigh, wanting to be connected in any way possible. Haechan smiles over at him and pecks his cheek before driving.
➳
"Isn't that Renjun?" Jungwoo asks, pointing to the guy at the counter.
Realizing it's him, Sungchans eyes widen in panic. "Don't call him over here."
"Why?"
"It's complicated."
Jungwoo nods and understanding and glances back at Renjun, only to make eye contact with him. He's quick to put a smile on his face and then turns back to face Sungchan who's staring down at his phone.
"Um, hey", Renjun says, feeling slightly uncomfortable for some reason.
"Hi!"
"Hi", Sungchan mumbles.
Jungwoo gives him a look and kicks him under the table before looking back at Renjun. "He's a little weird because of a conversation we had in the past, ignore that."
"Oh", Renjun says, remembering Sungchans crush. His eyes drift over to his friend who's yet to make eye contact with him. "Can I join?"
"Of course."
"I don't mind", Sungchan lets out, and immediately wants to smack himself for how true it is.
"So what were you two talking about before I got here?"
"I think I was telling a story", Jungwoo answers, "but I'm actually more interested in your friendship."
What the fuck?!
"Oh."
"Yeah, like how did you two become friends and all that?"
"Oh okay." Renjun looks next to him. "Sungchan?"
"Hm?"
"Are you okay? You're usually quiet when you're nervous."
"I am a little nervous", Sungchan admits. "I'll get over it, don't worry."
"Do you want a hug?"
Knowing he can't get away with rejecting affection and still seeming normal, Sungchan nods and tries to keep a blank face when Renjun backhugs him. He glances up at Jungwoo, takes in his amused expression, and looks back down at his plate. When Renjun lets go, he thinks he's in the clear but then he feels soft lips against his cheek, sending a spark through him.
He forces a smile, hoping Renjun doesn't see how much more nervous he is and how much he actually enjoyed that.
Fuck
It gets worse when he feels a hand slide into his underneath the table. He tries to focus on the thumb caressing the top of his hand and ignore the fact that it's Renjun doing this.
Jungwoo pretends not to notice as he smiles at Renjun attentively while he talks, though his thoughts do wander.
Kun<3
Jungwoo
Hey has Winwin ever mentioned
Sungchan in that groupchat you have
with him?
Kun<3
He said that he's being weird but it
hasn't been normal with all of them
for a while
Except maybe Yangyang
Why?
Jungwoo
Just wondering
Kun<3
Woo, tell me
Jungwoo
If I make your boyfriend love me, it's
because he's a genius
Kun<3
What?
I am so confused
➳
"Why is this so weird?" Renjun asks.
Winwin brings Renjun into a hug and sighs. "I don't know."
Renjun relaxes into the hug until something comes to mind. "Hey, I have a question."
"Hm?"
"Do you ever get jealous of Sungchan and how I am with him? I mean you kinda do it too but has it ever bothered you?"
"Before we were dating, I was jealous of everyone who got your attention. I wanted your attention to just be on me and even if you gave other people affection and stuff, I wanted you to prefer me."
"I do."
Winwin flashes a small smile at his boyfriend before learning down and pecking his lips, then his cheek. "Good."
Renjun giggles but then grows serious to ask, "Do you feel better now?"
"Much better. You're dating me so I don't think I'm gonna get replaced by Sungchan or Shotaro."
"You're not getting replaced by anybody. Even if we had another person in our relationship, I'd still want you. I'd just want both of you."
Winwin nods. "Same with me. But just to be sure, is there anything you wanna tell me?"
Renjun laughs and shakes his head. "Is there anything you wanna tell me?"
"Actually, I do want to talk about something but it's...well kinda to do with this, but question, have our friends do or say anything weird the last time you saw Sungchan?"
"Well, when I saw Sungchan earlier, Jungwoo was with him and Sungchan was acting weird and so I grabbed his hand under the table and I'm pretty sure Jungwoo knew that cause he just looked entertained but from anyone else, no. Though, I feel like Jungwoo knows why Sungchan is being weird and I feel Taro does too."
"Okay, well that kinda fits in with what I'm thinking. I think they think me or maybe both of us, I don't know, has some sort of crush or feelings for Sungchan. Like last time I saw Taro, I asked him if him and Sungchan were dating and he asked what j would've done if he said yes and it was obvious there's something he wasn't saying and then with Xiaojun, he was testing me. Sungchan was there and three of us were cuddling but then Xiaojun moved into the middle and stayed there cause he wanted to go 'see something'."
"Maybe that's why Yang asked me why me and you never seem to get jealous when it comes to Sungchan, since we're the most affectionate with him."
"I don't get jealous with anyone though?" Winwin questions. "Even Chenle, who you offered to marry in place of Jisung."
"Babe", Renjun says softly. "We all know you wouldn't be fine with that."
"But I was fine with you offering, even though we all know that there's no way in hell those two would marry anyone besides each other."
"True. Lele literally said that during his freakout about his proposal. Everything he said during that time was adorable."
"I'm not surprised. Those two are very cute."
Renjun nods and tilts his head up, already sensing an incoming kiss. Winwin slips his hand under the males chin and kisses him softly. When they pull away, he whispers, "I love you, you're my everything."
"You're mine too but..." Renjun looks away, anxiety spiking in him as he thinks about what he's about to say.
"Does this have to do with Sungchan?"
"Maybe."
"It's okay. And I don't mean that it's okay just to spare your feelings, I mean that it's actually okay 'cause I'm pretty sure our feelings towards him are the same."
"I love you."
Winwin smiles, a genuine smile that lets Renjun know everything is actually okay. "I love you too."
➳
Mark laughs when someone knocks on the door and his adopted daughters don't even move an inch while they continue to stay on their phones.
"You're not helpful either", Haechan tells him and then grins.
Mark rolls his eyes and considers nudging Haechan and kissing him when a girl appears in the living room, calling out, "Reese?"
Affinity gasps and leaps off the couch. "Ellie!"
Reese runs downstairs and sighs when he sees his best friend is occupied, which causes both girls to giggle.
"Hi", she says over Affinitys shoulder.
"Hi."
"One minute and I promise you can hug me."
Reese rolls his eyes and disappears into the kitchen, where he finds Jaemin cooking. Wanting to hug somebody, he wraps his arms around Jaemins waist and receives a kiss to the top of his head.
"Oh, Ellie brought food. That's.", Jaemin looks at the door, "..not there."
"He got distracted and didn't notice me put stuff on the table", Jeno says, appearing in the kitchen.
Jaemin smiles. "Thanks, Princess."
Jeno rolls his eyes, smiling back. "You're welcome, Princess."
"Reese, we're done now!" Ellie calls from the living.
"Okay!" He calls back but doesn't move.
"Petty motherfucker", Ellie mutters under her breath, loud enough for Mark to hear. Realizing this, she freezes, "Oh shi-can I cuss?"
"Go ahead."
The girl smiles. "Thank you, you're cool." Ellie drags Reese out to the living room so she can comfortably hug him and gives a couple loud kisses to his cheeks, which causes the boy to blush and giggle.
"Take a picture!"
"They say that a lot", Minjae warns.
"Oh, good, I want copies."
"I love her already."
Affinity takes it upon herself to join Ellie and Reeses hug, wanting to annoy the older boy, and smiles at her adoptive parents. "I love her too."
Ellie smiles. "I love you too. And you too, Reese."
"Mhm."
"I'll make it up to you." Reese doesn't say anything, just continuing to hug her until the girl remembers something. "Oh, I gotta tell you about this girl in my class."
➳
➳
Later that night, Mark finds Ellie in the kitchen drinking a soda with some snacks on the counter beside her.
"Hi", she says.
"Hi." An awkward silence settles over him as Mark moves around the kitchen, trying to resist the urge to ask the questions in his mind. He tries not to stare as he does but it comes out obvious as the girl laughs. "You wanna ask me something about Reese, don't you?"
Mark clears his throat before shrugging in attempt to play it casual. "Maybe, but I'm not gonna ask unless Reese is okay with it."
"That's nice of you. I will say that Reese isn't too private, but that also depends on the adults around him. He really likes you guys though, don't worry about that. And what I meant was that I could ask if he minds me telling you stuff. He'd probably prefer, to be honest."
"You don't have to."
Ellie smiles and grabs all the snacks. "I'm going to."
"Finally", Reese says when his best friend enters his room.
"You'll live. Also, I saw...hang on, I'll get it. Mark? In the kitchen. He was kinda awkward if that helps you identify any of them."
"It probably was Mark", Affinity says before taking a sip of her chocolate milk.
"Yeah, well he's curious about you", Ellie tells Reese. "So how do you feel about me explaining some stuff?" She scoots over to pull Reese into her arms to hug him as she says, "You don't have to. Mark respects your boundaries and I'm sure the others do too. You can take your time."
Reese turns to face the girl and tucks himself into her, enjoying her comfort. He nods against her shoulder and waits until he's ready to separate. When they part, he looks over at Affinity and sees the worry on her face. He stands up and reaches out to her so he can pull her into a hug. "Don't worry, I'll be okay."
"Stop telling me not to worry, I'll do it anyways. Especially when it comes to my family."
The phrasing makes Reese smile and pull Affinity in for another hug. "I love you."
"I love you too."
Upon entering the hallway, the three come face-to-face with Jeno, Jaemin, and Haechan. Jaemin instantly smiles as sight of the kids. "Hi. Hey, Reese, we have a question?"
"I don't care who listens but I will cuddle with someone and avoid eye contact with all of you while Ellie speaks. That includes you, Minjae!"
"Okay!" She calls back.
Everyone gathers in the living room where Mark is waiting. It takes a few minutes to get themselves seated, but once they do, all the attention goes to Ellie, which Reese is grateful for.
"What do you wanna know?"
"Can we ask anything?" This time, they look at Reese who nods from his place squished between Jaemin and Haechan. "Then first, the obvious, how did he end up at the orphanage?"
"Oh, you're gonna get pissed." The statement sparks both intrigue and worry, which makes Ellie chuckle. "You'll see. So first of all, Reeses biologicals-they don't deserve to be called anything else. Reeses bios only made one good decision and that was", she looks at Reese, "bringing that wonderful human being to this Earth. That's it. I mean I guess they kept him alive for ten years but that's the bare minimum. Anyway, it was crystal clear they were not meant to raise a child. And they made it obvious too. To a fucking child. Having a child is stressful, it's honestly not that hard to figure out. Some dumbasses have children anyway. They blamed Reese for everything and it was like his existence just pissed them off. Reese is sensitive and just has feelings in general so when you scream at a child, they will probably cry. And Reese tried to do things for himself to not inconvenience them. Imagine that, a small child avoiding asking his "parents" for anything to not piss them off. It backfired but they would've found something to be upset about anyways"
"And of course they did that classic "I know I'm a terrible parent but don't you dare make it seem that way" move, when it came to teachers, that neighbor-thank God for him, counselors, and other parents, Reese was instructed to keep his mouth shut. Literally, that's what they said. Reeses grandparents really aren't better, you know they're responsible for the shitty human beings that brought him here. They really don't deserve him. Anyways, it was really just passing him back and forth but the grandparents didn't want to have full responsibility of him. Now, the main point. People tend to, you know, take their negative emotions out on other people and they did that to the extreme. It was a bad day, I guess. They weren't much different normally, but that particular day, they let Reese for I don't even fucking know, existing?"
"Pretty much", Reese says with a snort.
"So they were screaming, like you could hear them from outside kind of screaming and Reese was terrified, sad, and crying and the neighbor knew that those people weren't great and so he got really scared for Reese. He didn't know what happened but he saw Reese always getting yelled at and stuff and didn't want things to escalate so he called CPS and they, of course, blamed it on Reese and accused him of sneaking and telling the neighbor or anyone or looking up the number himself on one of their phones."
"I remember", Reese speaks up. "My biological dad was furious. His face was the most red but he just seemed to encompass anger. And my biological mother had to add onto what he was saying-I don't remember most it of it-but something about how I'm such a brat that I can't handle punishments for what I did wrong and had to get other people involved. Neither of them ever hurt me but my biological father looked like he wanted to slam me against the wall. And it was obvious because he got blocked from me. And then, when I got into the car, both of them ran after it to yell at me, which is why I ran into the orphanage so terrified I didn't notice anyone in front of me."
"That's how we met", Affinity pipes in. "He ran into me, I realized he was new and I just wanted to be friends with him so I refused to leave him alone."
"I'm happy you didn't."
"Me too."
"Aww. So how did you and Ellie meet?"
"Oh, and Ellie, you were right, I am pissed."
➳
"Renjun?" Lena calls into the studio.
"Is he even here?" Alyssa asks.
"Maybe not. Which is probably for the best."
"Yeah. Oh, do you ever draw anything?"
A pink blush forms on Lenas face. "I tried but it's not my thing. Renjun says he likes them, especially because my designs are so simple you can do anything with them but I prefer the actual constructing of garments. It's like a puzzle to me and I love puzzles."
"It seems like a puzzle to me too but not in a good way", Alyssa says with a laugh.
"I like it but I do get it. Sometimes I have to ask Renjun to remind me how to do something. I usually get it afterwards."
Alyssa hums and brings her attention to the medium-sized notebook that Lena lays out before then so they can go through the drawings. As Lena said, they're simple but some of them have a classic, even elegant vibe to them.
"I think these designs suit you."
"Really?"
"Yeah. They're pretty...like you are."
Lena grins. "Thanks. I'm sure you already know but I think you're pretty too."
"You make me blush a lot", Alyssa admits.
"I like that. It's cute."
"Lena!"
The girl laughs. "Sorry."
"You don't sound very sorry."
Alyssa's heartbeat picks up at the smirk on Lenas face and the fact that she's coming closer, sending all kinds of ideas through her head.
"How should I make it up to you?"
"Um." Too caught up in trying to actually respond to Lena, Alyssa doesn't notice that she's in her own way until she trips over her own foot and slips to the ground. Or that she trips Lena as well, until the girl falls over her. "I'm sorry!"
"It's okay. But are you okay?" Lena asks, searching Alyssa's face for a sign that she hurt herself.
"I'm fine."
Alyssa is, but Lena still doesn't move, taking the opportunity to admire the girl beneath her. If she's not mistaken, Alyssa is doing the same but much shyer, which she loves.
"You're really fucking gorgeous", Lena tells her quietly.
"You too", Alyssa gets out, hoping that if she pretends she's breathing properly, she'll actually start to.
Lena knows she should move. Help Alyssa up, maybe check her head once more, and then take her to do something else, and just not do what she's thinking about but all thoughts fly out the window when she sees Alyssa eyes go down to her lips and back up to meet her gaze.
Though it's nerve-wracking as hell, Alyssa does it again, hoping that it might prompt Lena do anything. It's not the most logical step but she didn't care and she's hoping Lena doesn't either.
"Alyssa."
"Yes?"
"Can I kiss you?"
Alyssa nods. "Yes."
Lena looks over Alyssas face again, searching for signs that she doesn't actually want to kiss but when she doesn't find any, she lowers her lips to Alyssas. Lena pulls back to confirm that Alyssa is okay with this but she gets stopped by Alyssas hand on her neck. Alyssa nods once more and then pulls Lena down to meet her lips.
➳
"Cinnamon?" Chenle questions upon seeing Nina look up from her phone and sigh boredly. "Is everything okay?"
"Mostly. I just feel meh right now. Like I was reading and it was fine but now, it's like my mood went down and nothing happened. I didn't finish my book either so it's not, like, book sadness of anything."
"Hm", Chenle says and pulls Nina into his side. "I don't know. Ji?"
"Hm?" Jisung says, entering the living room. "Is everything okay?"
"I just feel meh right now", Nina says with a light chuckle.
"She was ready, she's still in the middle of her book, and when she stopped, her mood went down even though nothing happened."
Uneasiness fills Jisung. "Nina, can I ask you a question?" The girl nods. "Do you feel numb at all?"
"A little bit."
"I don't remember if either of us asked but how's your mental health? Like how...low do you feel right now? On a scale of one to ten."
"Five, I'd say. Everything just dropped."
Jisung nods in understanding and pulls his daughter into his arms and kisses the top of her head. "We're right here. We love you."
Nina snuggles against him, feeling a bit lighter from the affection. "I love you guys too."
Chenle discreetly snaps a picture of the two and then pushes himself off the couch. He retrieves three Oreo ice cream sandwiches and hands one of the each of them. He laughs at how happy the two look from receiving ice cream.
"You two are so cute."
"It's all Nina."
"Now you sound like Lace."
"Lace makes a good point though."
Nina gasps. "You're supposed to be on my side!"
Chenle kisses Ninas head. "Sorry, love."
Jisung
Jisung
Hey Lace I don't know how you and Nina
decide when you talk but if you can,
please talk and maybe call Nina. She's
feeling a bit low today
Lace
No problem. I probably would've texted
her anyways but that helps so I can do
something to cheer her up
Jisung
You're a good friend. I'm glad Nina has
you
Lace
Thank you and you and Chenle are good
parents so I'm glad Nina has you as well
Jisung
Thank you
My Soulmate💙🫂
My Soulmate💙🫂
BEAUTIFUL
Nina
That made me smile
JUST AS BEAUTIFUL
My Soulmate💙🫂
Oh good, it's already working
Guess what *in a singsong tone*
Nina
What? *Laughs*
My Soulmate💙🫂
It's pickup line time
Nina
I should've known
Go ahead
My Soulmate💙🫂
I wish I was Adenine
Nina
Why?😂
My Soulmate💙🫂
So I could always get paired with U
Nina
I like that
My Soulmate💙🫂
Perfect
Do you know what kind of chromosomes
we'd be?
Nina
What?
My Soulmate💙🫂
A homologous pair
Nina
Wait I could've got that
My Soulmate💙🫂
I'm actually hoping you don't😂
Nina
😂
My Soulmate💙🫂
Is your name Ariel?
Nina
This has something to do with mermaids
doesn't it?
My Soulmate💙🫂
*Sigh*
Cause we mermaid for each other
Nina
I was right😂 but I agree
My Soulmate💙🫂
Good enough
Now do you know if any police are
around?
Nina
Are we committing a crime?
My Soulmate💙🫂
I am. I'm about to steal your heart
Nina
But...you can't steal something that's
already yours
My Soulmate💙🫂
I-
I did not agree to be the one blushing
right now
Nina
I'm not sorry😂
My Soulmate💙🫂
Only cause it's you
If I was an octopus, all 3 of my hearts
would beat for you
Are you a cat? (DON'T ANSWER THIS I
WANNA SAY IT)
Nina
Fine go ahead😂
My Soulmate💙🫂
Because you're purrrrrrfect
Nina
I'll pretend I didn't see where this was
going
My Soulmate💙🫂
Only you my love, only you
Are you part beaver?
Nina
I don't think you want me to answer this
My Soulmate💙🫂
I don't
Nina
Okay why?
My Soulmate💙🫂
Because daaaaammm
Nina
I like that😂
My Soulmate💙🫂
Are you feline the connection between us?
Nina
Ooh another cat one
And yes I am feeling the connection
My Soulmate💙🫂
Good
I'm pulling out all the stops for this one,
brace yourself
Be mine
It's meow or never
Nina
That made me laugh
However I am already yours
My Soulmate💙🫂
Then would you like to eat edible
cookie dough with me?
Nina
Be careful, I might marry you
My Soulmate💙🫂
Then I suppose we should also make
ice cream sundaes together and
then dedicate a weekend to snacking
and cuddling
Wait I forgot the part where we get
matching stuffed animals
I should also make you a card
And then write you a letter for next time
Nina
Okay marry me
My Soulmate💙🫂
My pleasure :)
Nina
Thank you for this. I wasn't feeling the
best earlier but you made me laugh and
smile
My Soulmate💙🫂
Why am I the only one that blushed?
Nina
I might've blushed
My Soulmate💙🫂
Did you?
Nina
Maybe
My Soulmate💙🫂
Not what I meant, beautiful
Nina
*Smiles*
My Soulmate💙🫂
Forgiven
➳
"Hey, do you know where Alyssa is?"
"Last I checked, she was on a date. Didn't she go home?" At his brothers silence, Haechan begins to panic. "She didn't go home?"
"Mom and Bryce never saw her and neither did Dad. He did say that Alyssa might still be with Lena but Alyssa isn't answering so mom is losing her mind."
"I'm also about to. Alyssa didn't say where they went for their date. The last person to see them was Renjun. Hold on, I'll text him and see if between us, we can get a hold of Alyssa."
"Okay, let me know. Bye."
"Bye."
➳
Renjuns phone buzzes in his pocket as he unlocks the door to his studio. Once inside, he checks his texts and grows concerned at the fact that Haechan doesn't know where his sister is. He texts him Lenas number and promises to tell him if he sees Alyssa.
He walks into the room where he keeps his extra stuff and just so happens to glance at the prop mattress on his way out. He places the box he's holding on the ground and quietly leaves the studio to call Haechan.
"Hello?"
"So I found them."
"Oh thank God, where were they?"
"The studio. I'm guessing they fell asleep there."
"Okay. Tell Alyssa to go home when she wakes up."
"I don't think she'll wanna see me when she wakes up."
"Why not?"
Renjun sighs. "You might wanna grab a moral support human for this."
"Renjun, what the fuck?"
Why is NoHyuck so cute?
THEY'RE ADORABLE
Like you ;)
I was gonna add something but I forgot so more material for next chapter. I think I'm moving past my writer's block so that's great for me
I don't have the capacity to remember in detail what happened, I just remember RenWins conversation, Reese having his sleepover and Ellie talking about his biological parents, Alyssa and Lenas date... that's all I got so tell me, how do we feel?
I love you!
Not proofread (not today baby)❤️