August 6th
You watch yourself in the mirror, your fingers running along the shell-lined corset. Hongjoong weaves a coral ribbon in and out of the back, the satin shining in the low light. You move around a bit, trying to get used to the feeling. The corset is stiff and rigid and doesn't allow for much movement. You look to your right, beginning to long for your clothes that hang on the back of the nearby chair, tired of standing for your gown fitting.
"You've gotta stop moving so much." Hongjoong says, moving to the bottom of the corset to start tightening it.
"It's kinda hard when you keep–" He cuts you off, looking at you through the reflection.
"Keep what?" He says, and you can feel him pulling the ribbon tighter and tighter.
"Nothing." You manage to get out.
"Be good and stay still for me, okay?" You nod at his words, and he begins to loosen the ribbon. He moves around you, measuring tape in tow, sketching numbers on a weathered notepad. "Thank you." He whispers in your ear before stepping away. Your eyes follow him as he sets down the measuring tape on his desk. His gaze searches you as he stands in front of you. "Never would I have thought someone could look so beautiful in something I've made."
His hands grab your waist, his thumbs tracing over the ornate shells. You feel your chest tighten, though your corset remains unchanged. "I'm glad you're happy with me." You meet his eyes through his glasses, feeling as though he could see right through you.
"You like this, don't you?"
"What?"
"Being my muse." You look down for a moment, almost embarrassed.
"Glad to see that big ego's back." You retort.
"You love me." He says, leaning in. Knowing what he's after, you turn your head from him.
"Can't always get what you want. It's no fun that way." You taunt.
He laughs at you before replying, "Oh, so this is about what I want. Because last time I checked, you wanted me. But have it your way." He steps back, heading for the other side of the room. He picks up his notebook, taking a seat at his desk. As if you are invisible to him, he continues right on, starting to make the patterns for his own outfit. "I got your measurements. You can change behind the room divider. Just leave the gown on my bed." He calls, plugging in his sketchpad. He really walked away. You stand there stunned at the total de-escalation of the moment.
Slowly, you move behind the divider, changing back into your jean shorts and T-shirt, trying to ignore how disappointed you are. It's then that you take the tie out of your hair, a new sense of determination coming over you.
Instead of heading to the door, you walk over to his desk. You yank his chair back, and he drops his pen, looking up at you. You sit on his lap, facing him, not giving him any time to think. You take off his glasses, throwing them somewhere behind you before your lips meet his. He tenses beneath you but relaxes as you find your rhythm. You move back slowly, holding his face in your palm. "You're right. This was never about what you wanted." You say, and he pulls you in once more. His hand digs through your hair as you wrap your arms around his neck, getting lost in the feeling. So lost that you don't notice the door open. Someone clears their throat behind you. You tear yourself away, groaning and watching as Hongjoong's eyes widen. You turn to see Seonghwa standing in the doorway.
"Guess this is what was taking so long." He scoffs. "Both of you are needed. This is your plan, after all." With that, he leaves. You cover your mouth, turning back to Hongjoong.
YOU ARE READING
Paradigm | ATEEZ x Reader
Fanfiction"I was wondering if you could air something for me?" The boy asks, handing a piece of paper to Yunho. "Hey, I know you," Wooyoung starts looking at the boy closer, definitely invading his personal bubble, "You're Changbin's best friend, aren't you...
