oneshots • nctdream x aespa

solace 🐬🦋

Friends to lovers, lovers to friends, Ningning was not entirely sure how to categorise what she and Chenle were.

While he was away, she thought of all the ways to tell him how she felt. In movies, confessions of love always seem so grand and, at times, carefree. Could it be that way for her and Chenle? Once she spoke the truth, would he feel the same?

It was not in the plan of hers to fall in love. She was on a mission to keep things light and to have fun. She began to tap into her sensual and adventurous side as she finally came to a place of feeling confident and comfortable in her skin.

Then Chenle appeared. The silver-tongued casanova with stories in his eyes and a rogue tuft of blonde hair among his dark curls. Their meeting felt so perfect, cosmic really. By the end of the first date, she felt like old friends meeting again.

Everything was easy and natural, like riding a smooth wave. Until her heart got involved. She sat on a confession that was ready to burst through her skin. Ningning's mind spun wildly with the possibilities, so much so, she worried herself dizzy by the time he showed up at her door.

The last time she saw him was five months ago. Usually, these visits make her feel excited. Now, she is nervous. It was common for Chenle to stay with her after work, filling her days with laughter, tales, and intimate moments.

With each visit, he worked his way deeper into her heart. Chenle's flowery language was like being serenaded under the moonlight. He called her the most beautiful yet strange names while planting kisses on her lips and whispering into her skin.
Of course, she fell in love with him. But, did he feel the same?

Ningning didn't notice how long she drifted off, not until Chenle spoke. His voice breaks her dazed state of mind.

"Where have you gone, Ning?" He asks, his head lowered as he sticks his fork into his food. She felt tongue-tied. The words she fears speaking linger on her tongue.

Her eyes wander over to the small table by the window where all of Chenle's gifts have turned into some kind of altar. Rare gems, a book of poetry, rock formations, dried flowers...even now, in her state of worry, she smiles.

Chenle hums loudly and puts the fork down. "Ning, you've outdone yourself again. My taste buds are alive with flavor, my stomach sings in delight at—" Chenle slows down. The concern in her eyes worries him. "Gem?"

Slowly, Ningning turns her head and meets his gaze.
Chenle was the definition of a free bird; he was a wanderer, a space cowboy. What if one day, the handsome and rugged prospector gets tired of her?

Then he takes someone else as his lover.

She can't hide her concern. Chenle sees right through her and leans a little closer. He starts to say her name, but Ningning cuts him off and speaks first.
"Chenle, sometimes I look at that door and I wonder when the last time will be. I wonder when..." she trails off and slouches in her chair.

Chenle pushes the plate aside and turns his palms up. He waits for her hands. When she places them in his, he curls his fingers and gives them a gentle squeeze.

"I don't have the faintest idea what crawled into your mind and convinced you of such thoughts, Love. But I assure you, I'm not going anywhere."

He sounds so confident, his eyes are honest. She wants to believe him; for the most part, she does. But that pesky little voice inside of her still questions it.
Chenle pulls Ningning's right hand up to kiss her skin, then does the same to the left. She pressed her lips together and tried to suppress the emotions welling up in her chest.

"Chenle, I know what this is. I know it has an expiration date. Even with all the passion in the world, a lover can only remain a lover for so long, isn't it?"

The male frowns. Ningning wonders if it's because what she said is true or if what she said bothers him.

Chenle clears his throat. "I sense there is something more you want to say, Ning. Before I ask, I must make it clear, though you are most certainly my lover, and I am yours, you're more than that."

He releases Ningning's hands and stands. Rounding the table, he kneels before her. She pushes the chair out to give him more room as he rests his hands on her thighs, his eyes on hers.

"I admit, I came to our reunion tonight with a heavy heart as well." His gaze was drawn to hers. "My feelings for you have been clear to me for a long time. The nature of my profession gives me pause when it comes to such matters. Even so, love is a rebellious bird no one can tame. And I do, indeed, love you."

Ningning's eyes light up as shock washes over her. "Chenle," she whispers with a smile, "I love you too."
He's grinning ear to ear now, and those cat dimples she loves so much make their appearance on his face. Reaching out, she caresses his face with her palm, his eyes closing as he leans into it. She kisses his forehead, savouring the moment.

After a few seconds, Chenle releases her hands. He stands and beckons her closer with his hands.

"Come here."

Ningning stood up and stepped into his arms, nearly purring at how good it felt to be held by him.

Chenle plants kisses on her face before continuing, "Gem, you are the muse, the inspiration that floods the hearts of poets and painters. You are the fresh blossom of a flower in spring and the sound of music that soothes one's soul. I indeed am a lucky man to have your heart, as you have mine."

Moved beyond words, she crashed her lips into his. Chenle smiles into the kiss before parting his lips to have more of her. A feathery feeling washes over her body; she feels elated and relieved. Ningning's heart didn't lead her astray; it guided her right where she needed to be.

*a/n
woke up to a lott of readers spamming votes todayy that's why i'm soooooo happy and can't wait to update. thankyou soo much to the readers who always vote my story, you guys just gave me more motivation to write 🤧💚