ㅤᴅᴏᴏʀ ⋮ A21

@❛ taemin lee。 one step ahead of him, she heaved out a small chuckle before stuffing her phone in her pocket. nimble fingers of hers curl into a gentle fist, giving the door before her a couple knocks with a readied plastic bag grappling on her wrist and a rolled out sheet hung under her arm.

@❛ naeun son。 taemin, to put it lightly, was at a complete loss of words; rendered speechless by such a surprise that may go amiss by another that anticipated the same routine for their special day every year. that's what he'd lacked, a routine (in more ways than one). he's a male that's used to enjoying the beauty of simplicity, not doing much outside of his bubble. the only thing close to a "routine" that he possesses is treading to his part time job at the library, only to come home to his full time job that was his younger brother. the idea of adding more routines, or more to his 'routine' only seemed to be a distant dream, a light fantasy. yet here it was, just within his palms and taemin swears that he wouldn't allow it to slip from his fingers. his birthday was a day that he would normally dismiss, treat it as another day because quite frankly - he felt like nothing, lost within a world unfathomably big where all he is, is a little spec. unimportant. yet now, within this moment, he felt like something; like someone with a purpose, importance. he feels loved. and that feeling goes beyond anything he's ever felt before, being the simple cause of the adrenaline beginning to pump within his veins. he could run a marathon, rule the world, fight off diseases and world hunger, end heinous wars to replace them with love. right now, in this moment, lee taemin felt invincible. son naeun was the one to thank, her lack of presence screaming into the room just as she's slipped away. his body reacted just as a magnet, murmuring something along the lines of "be right back, be safe with the cake," before following close within her stride. the pitter patter of his feet are light as a feather, arms extending to encase around her smaller frame from behind to hold her close, yet loose enough so that she's able to advance forward with ease (just with a bit of extra weight). his nose glides amongst the curve of her neck, lips following within it's trail while placing softened kisses upon the expanse of her milky white, inviting skin. "thank you for making today so special, already." the male murmurs, fingers gently collapsed around the curvature of her arms. "i'm really lucky to have you, and them. thank you. i wouldn't want to spend today with anyone else."

@❛ taemin lee。 seeing his well surprised expression, evidently revealed through his behavior simultaneously, she had briefly wondered how long it had been for the pair of brothers since they've celebrated their birthdays with the presence of others, friends. her eyes debrief over the gigantic smile that was rather ineluctable over youngha's visage, one that spoke of thankfulness to the guidance and protection of his older brother, the only individual remotely close to a father figure, a role model in his life. and then, she caught his glance and his eyes still held the same amount of love he harbored for taemin, gazing at naeun with such happiness that she could almost feel tears burning her lash line. the way that the six year old's obsidian orbs took over the form of crescents, it was enough for her to retain the same amount of excitement and adoration he had given and shown her within a simple simper. yeah, this was family that she deserved, that taemin deserved - and she was so grateful to have been included. her hands clapped as soon as the fiery candles were blown out, hopping in place to convey her enthusiasm ( both for taemin's birthday and the cake and i oop ). "yeah, i'll go get the cutting knife," naeun spoke before pressing a sweet kiss to taemin's shoulder, soon sauntering her way out - though not too quickly before hearing youngha's voice that laced with a rather dangerous eagerness that had her laugh. "i'll cut the cake!"

@❛ naeun son。 there’s nothing that taemin wanted more than to pull naeun back into bed with him, for his morning to be filled of relaxed hums elicited from both sets of tiers amongst one another as their embraces secure around each other. whether they were laying there and talking, or sleeping, or partaking in... other activities - as long as they’d be able to relax with one another; he’d be pleased. he’s never been in a relationship and sure— he’s had his experiences with one night stands, her coincidentally being one of them. but even the elated feeling of watching youngha grow up, even the love that fulfills his heart for his younger sibling.. it’s almost incomparable as the tips of his fingers ghost down the female’s arms, descending to encircle around her waist. the love held for her is too much to put into words, and he wished she could know how tightly strung around her finger he was. with the ability to make his body react with even a look; the quickened flutter of his heart, the trail of fire that follows behind each touch— god, he loved her, so. “mm, maybe sometime i can sing for you, too. though, it wouldn’t be that pretty and I’m sure you’d rather me shut up instead.” the male muses, tilting his head to look towards the door. he can’t help the surprised breath that slips from his tiers, one hand raising to press just above his heart. he couldn’t remember the last time his birthday was celebrated since him and youngha had taken their leave. in fact, taemin would be surprised if they would even reach out. It’d be a record seven years without them doing so. “you guys, i— i don’t know what to say, thank you. this means so much to me, i,” he’s barely able to continue past the knot growing within his throat as he overlooks the three. this. this is what he wants in a family — this is his family, easily put. dismissing many continuation with a wave of his hand, he can’t help but emit a quiet chuckle. inwardly, however, that’s exactly what he wishes for. this family, happiness, and the best for his brother. leaning forward, he blows the candles out before straightening up with a widening grin. “should we dig in?”

@❛ taemin lee。 once naeun had abandoned the toxicity of her household, her focus was shifted onto providing an expectant normalcy of a childhood for gunhee, who had only been eight years old at the time. she spent her time devoting to working, side hustles, her innocence even -- nothing is any comparative to her younger brother in her priority list. but lee taemin sure was one hell of a competitor. at that moment, when he had sat up and thanked her for her efforts with his dainty grin, she felt light, as if she was floating on cloud nine and she could soar through the cerulean canvas of the sky. that's how he made her feel; like she could accomplish anything, and it was ironic because she meant for him to feel such for his birthday, not her. a bonus. she carefully set the wooden instrument to lean against the chair as she stood hurriedly, lips capturing his a sweet, tender good morning kiss. her hands accompanied his waist to tug him closer, her toes leaping for her to heighten while she lowly hummed against his tiers briefly, pulling away with a widened simper. "you want me to come sing for you every morning? if you wish for it, it might just happen," she sheepishly chuckled, her palms pressing upon her cheeks as if that'd help cool her heated visage. "speaking about wishes -" she slickly glanced at his bedroom door. right, the cake. "you guys can come in!" and on command, gunhee and youngha swung the door open; gunhee strolling with the birthday cake, decorated with inch worth's of candles around the perimeter of the surface, on his hands and youngha yanking on the string of a party popper as it elicited a sharp squeak. "happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you," they sang, and soon, naeun found herself beside the two, clapping along with an excited tone as she caroled in. "happy birthday to taemin, happy birthday to you!"

@❛ naeun son。 sleep. taemin loves sleep. aside from naeun, it's his biggest and first love but in contrast, he's not as loyal. he liked to consider him a light sleeper, especially since him and youngha moved out because he always had to be on his toes, ready to help his younger brother if he'd cried in the middle of the night. however, this time around, it seems he's found himself within the deepest of slumbers. his dreams are vivid, too real to just be dreams until he'd awaken to be proven differently. and even though he's found within this.. deep sleep, the soothing sounds of guitar chords begin to enter his dream; how odd. although it wasn't an alarm he'd set, it still acted like an alarm. his hand roams around mindlessly beneath the pillows to find his phone, fingers squeezing the buttons on the side to shut it off desperately in hopes to gain more sleep. it's her voice that calms him, seizes the movement of his hand and peeks an eye open. his heart (which had already sped up from his initial, natural reaction) only continued to pick up speed as he listened to her. with arms encircled around his pillow, and one eye open, taemin watches with a heavy look of fondness and a growing smile. "thank you," the male returns, nudging himself into that of a sitting up position whilst simultaneously bringing a hand to rub at his eyes. "that was amazing, is there anything you can't do?" that same hand nudges through the disheveled locks upon his head before settling along the nape of his neck. long legs extend to support his body as he's standing up, bringing him towards naeun before crouching down to steal a kiss from her lips. "thank you, i love you. it was wonderful. can i wake up like that every day?"

@❛ taemin lee。 "you guys stay here, i'm going to go wake him up real quick. stay quiet," the profile of her slender digit rose to gesture the two men to remain put as the elder one of the two situated the annual dessert within his palms, both nodding in compliance with her instructions. once she witnessed their cooperation, she ruffled the six year old's crown with such care, smiling ever so softly. with a nervous breath, her hand reached over to grip on the narrowed end of the instrument whilst the other accompanied the door knob, twisting it silently. she peeped her head, only to slowly and quietly begin trudging her way inside taemin's respective bedroom as she found him in a peaceful, deep slumber. and within those short moments, she tiptoed her way over towards his singular seated couch across his mattress, allowing the guitar to fall onto her lap with such delicacy laced within her actions to make sure it almost inaudible to hear of her presence. as her attention guided towards the spindly cords, her hair became sylphlike, cascading over her shoulder as if to shield her heated, blush riled visage from taemin's view if he were to wake up. her eyes flickered briefly to his sleepy expression to calm her nerves, as he always did for her, before parting her lips with such carefulness and her lithe fingers steadily strumming themselves on the guitar strings.

actually after our first meeting, saying i like you isn't something easy for me
if i don't make a move on you first, i'm afraid i will miss you
i wrote a letter and prepared a little present
at the thought that it will just hurt if it gets deeper, it's true that i stand in front of fear
but the person i pray and hope for with an earnest heart
i believe that person is you
i'm in love
i'm fall in love
don't know what to do to hide my heart
you are too beautiful.

her voice rolled off the tip of her tongue with such lilt, grace, melody - one that she hadn't exposed to anyone ever. it had been hard to believe her fluctuate ability to carry out a virtuosic endeavor, though for lee taemin, she'd reveal any side of her. the pads of her frail digits never failed to tail behind that of her rhythmic singing within their deliberate strums, as the beat of her heart palpitated in a pursuit of skittishness at the thought of her presenting an act that held so much emotion. the raw tension that coated itself in ardency, merriment, and euphoria for the one she wish she'd spend eternity with, had her riled with a fragileness that she hadn't been yet accustomed to, her vulnerability baring for him to judge. within her harbored assiduousness for him, her roseate brims uplifted into an eased smile, hoping to further bring him joy as she finally spoke. "happy birthday, taemin."

@❛ naeun son。 he's beginning to be thrown back to that night with her further touches, eliciting a contented hum in response as his tongue glides between his tiers. i definitely will. the male offers a curt nod, his head tilted back once more as he radiates an aura of teasing as he continues just like so - despite his next phrase that's upheld with a bit more meaning behind them. i mean, i don't blame myself. look at you. his hand returns to the small of her back, resting his hand just beneath her shirt as he continues between chuckles. whenever you'd like.

@❛ taemin lee。 her hand slips through the confinement of his shirt through the hole of which his head is supposed to gap through, leading her digits to caress his tendrils with care and content as her own eyes flutter shut out of pure comfort. a vampire? oh my gosh, you'll need to show me sometime. the apples of her cheeks seemingly protrude into a widened smile as he pinches it accordingly so, all the while she releases a laugh at his claim. the goods? well, i must've for sure caught your eye that night, lee taemin. her voice presents evidence of a playful tone as she then retaliates. so, when can i reclaim those goods?

@❛ naeun son。 tilting his head back to release a laugh, he's resting comfortably upon the mattress once more with a shake of his head. you're silly. the gentle caress was enough for him to fall asleep if he'd deemed that he'd like to, but at this point, he felt as though he could work without a blink of sleep to spend his time with her. last year? he was a vampire, it was cute. i have a lot of pictures. with a brow raising, he's offering her cheek a light pinch with a sly simper. i mean, maybe so. i don't give the goods to just anyone, y'know.

@❛ taemin lee。 christmas is a close second for me, first has /got/ to be your birthday from now on. her eyes flicker to his visage in hopes of capturing his reaction soon before she could laugh, her leg lifting to clamp around his torso comfortably whilst a finger of her's pushes past his shirt, upwards to his chest. what was youngha for halloween last year? as his hand rose to softly graze her cheek, her head turned slightly to press a small kiss to his backhand with ease as her smile ceases to fade. well if you've only remembered that, i'd like to say you fell for me early on before we met here.

@❛ naeun son。 it was interesting, for sure. he nods, tiers pressing into a thin line as his eyes slip shut once more. mm, yeah, i love christmas. i think it's the happiest time of the year, it's beautiful. halloween is a close first though. rolling his head to the side, his eyes peer to her half lidded as the tips of his fingers raise back up in order for the backs of his knuckles to glide upon her cheek, only to release a soft laugh in response to her blush. i think i was in the process of sobering up, i don't really have any other explanation. i don't really remember anything else, either.

@❛ taemin lee。 finding content in his feathery, light touches, she subconsciously releases a small hum of delight before parting her lips in response. double the gifts for a half christmas? oh my gosh, that's peculiar, yeah. sounds interesting, i like it though, heh. is christmas your favorite holiday in that case? dainty fingers of her's find the hem of his shirt, slipping under to rest under the waistband of his bottoms, all the while her face slowly heats at the mention of their one night stand once more, nodding. we did? i honestly think i was literally drunk, i'm sorry. but yeah, february 10th! that's amazing how you remembered, really.

@❛ naeun son。 mm, you’re right. his fingers continue sifting through her tresses, tiers upturned to a never ending smile. yeah, I’m a summer baby. when i was younger, i kind of got double gifts because my parents would celebrate half christmas— how odd though, because I’ve never really met anyone else that celebrated it. scrunches his nose while emitting a chuckle, his hand shifting to move up and down her back. i actually do know. i didn’t want to make you feel bad, but we talked about birthdays after we first slept together. i remember that. february 10th, right?

@❛ taemin lee。 mm, well i'm not just people. she whispers against his lips as he steals a kiss, dipping her head to press yet another kiss upon his chin. i'm /your/ person. i'll try, definitely. you deserve something special, i'll pull something up together. her tone is rather confident, already harboring an idea in her mind, shown within her little smile. she topples off of his frame to cuddle his side, letting her head rest on his chest. july 18th? that's beautiful. do you know when mine is?

@❛ naeun son。 sorry, for some reason, i don’t tell people when my birthday is coming up. he admits sheepishly, offering a scrunch of his nose while releasing a soft chuckle. it’s tomorrow, so you’d still have time if you’d like but - don’t worry about getting me anything, my love. with his hands shifting to cup her cheeks, he leans up to steal a fleeting kiss from her lips.

@❛ taemin lee。 immediately, she's up and her legs trap his frame between, her gasps heard loudly. your birthday? what the heck, you should've told me sooner -- i would've planned something, i would've gotten you something! her visage displays that of another frown, finding herself laying flat on his body in refusal of letting him rest. what do you want for your birthday? anything!

@❛ naeun son。 i mean, i don’t suppose it’s too important but just enough to get excited over. raises a brow upwards, the ends of his digits sinking through her tresses while waves of exhaustion begin to course through his veins— albeit a tired smile decorating his visage as both eyes close. my birthday is tomorrow

@❛ taemin lee。 she raises a small brow, wondering of any possibilities that could come to mind as she carefully answers, shifting into a more comfortable position. is it something important? she asks, now laying on her stomach, curiously eyeing him. tell me, tell me

@❛ naeun son。 that too. eliciting a soft laugh, his arms extend to pull her into his embrace before covering them both with the comforter comfortably. yknow what else is coming up? questions with an eye shutting, the other peered open.

@❛ taemin lee。 her feet shuffle down the hallway in response as he tugs her downwards to his bedroom, closing the bedroom door behind their bodies. she releases a small laugh at his deflated self, soon drooping herself beside his frame on his mattress. oh? you're looking forward to seeing me model your clothes, i see -

@❛ naeun son。 mm, yeah, that’d be nice. drops an arm down her frame to loosely intermingle his hands with her own, beginning to advance towards his bedroom. maybe /then/ i could get that show. curves his lips into a tired smile while collapsing upon the bed. maybe I’m just excited.

@❛ taemin lee。 i know, babe, i know. she offers a small pout that was accompanied with a scrunched nose, following as she kicks off her shoes. it's alright, after work - we can take a small nap together or just relax at home?

@❛ naeun son。 leads the two in with tired trudges, kicking his shoes off at the front door before a hand raises to gently scratch upon his neck. i don’t really know why i can’t sleep, but tomorrow is going to .

@❛ taemin lee。 [] LMAO sorry. already posted a short thing there ;;

@❛ yein jung。 // jk LOL

@❛ yein jung。 // i'll post in the lounge !

@❛ taemin lee。 “oh my gosh... we’ll have to tell naeun to lock the doors from now on—we just can’t risk it.” her face is full of worry, crystal clear to see—she finds that her usual act of a calm stature has failed her for once, and she can’t help but grip taemin’s hand tightly in hers; a weak chuckle slips past her lips at his words, though she’d rather not joke around about such subjects. upon reaching naeun and gunhee’s room, she peers inside, a soft smile on her face; her mind is clear and joyed for once at the thought that, during her first meeting with gunhee, she had intoxicated herself into puking at chanyeol’s party. “gunhee, remember me? we’re going to need you to follow us to the lounge real quick, m’kay?” to her relief, the young boy follows along with no questions, though yein makes sure to hold his own hand in hers for safety purposes. despite how afraid she seemed to be, she didn’t want her emotions to pass on or affect someone younger than her, let alone her best friend’s younger brother. “alright...and to the lounge.”

[] guess they can return to the lounge now ^^

@❛ yein jung。 "i -- spare key?" his free hand drops to pat upon his pockets as they forward to the door, shaking his head shortly after. "no, i don't, but--- if i recall correctly--" squinting his eyes, he attempts to think back of the day they entered her apartment together. "last time her and i went in, it was left open. gunhee was there, i think they leave it unlocked when someone else is there." biting into his lower lip, taemin tosses the blanket over his free shoulder before taking yein's hand. "hey, we're going to be okay. anyone's going to have to kill me first before getting to you, or naeun. okay?" squeezing her hand, he begins walking towards the direction of naeun's room. upon arrival, he twists the door knob (which opens with ease) and releases a breath of relief. "gunhee? c'mon buddy, we gotta get going. it's an sos."

@❛ taemin lee。 stepping further into the apartment, a sigh of relief leaves yein’s lips upon spotting taemin’s brother, sleeping safe and sound, upon his back. “i’m glad he’s well. now let’s go get gunhee. shoot—did you have a spare key to naeun’s apartment?” once again, her eyes dart around the halls of the complex that seemed more dim and downtrodden than usual, before allowing the group to step out of the room, as if to safeguard them all. “i didn’t think i’d ever once...fear this hallway. i mean—any one of the tenants could be the ki—” her words trail off as she finds herself in a frenzied state of panic, not wanting to worry anyone further, moreso the babysitter who perhaps did not know a single thing regarding their situation. “...nevermind. let’s go.” yein clutches her fists before leading the way to naeun’s and gunhee’s room just down the hall.