Seventeen One-Shots

Guarding the Heart: Wonwoo x Reader

Jeon Wonwoo was an idol whose voice sounded like velvet, and whose personality could charm even the toughest critic. He had just finished a long day of rehearsals. His schedule was unyielding, from one interview to the next, from dance practices to vocal training. Though he seemed so calm and composed, the pressure was huge. But throughout that, there was one thing that had been with him-the watchful protector, his bodyguard, Y/N.

Y/N had been working with Wonwoo for the past few months. She was no ordinary bodyguard, as she had a combination of strength and grace nobody else did, and for which she had earned respect from everyone in the company. In every step taken, in every action, her dedication towards seeing to Wonwoo's safety was evident. With time, she had become a comforting constant in the whirlwind of his life.

As the last evening rehearsal note resounded in the practice room, Wonwoo wiped away the beads of sweat that settled on his brow and stretched tired limbs. He turned to Y/N, who stood guard at the door; her usually stoic face softened as she took in his evident exhaustion.

"You've worked hard today," she said, gentle yet firm. "Why don't you take a break before the press conference?

He nodded in appreciation, giving her a tired smile. "Thanks, Y/N. I really don't know what I would do without you."

Y/N's cheeks flushed at the praise, while she did her best to keep a professional attitude. "I'm just doing my job."

Wonwoo shook his head. "No, you are more than that. You make all of this manageable."

Muted, their footsteps echoed off the wall as they walked together down the hallways backstage. The space was filled with crew members and staff, yet their presence seemed almost like a quiet refuge amidst the chaos.

"You know," Wonwoo began, as they relocated to a more quiet lounge area, "I have always found it strange how, even though I'm surrounded by so many people, I'm still isolated. But with you, it's different."

Y/N raised an eyebrow at the very rare glance inside of Wonwoo. "Different how?"

Wonwoo was silent for a moment, his fingers touching his lips as if choosing his words with care. "It's like. I can be myself. You're among the few who sees me for who I really am, not just this persona."

With that, Y/N's heart softened. She had watched Wonwoo in awe from afar, respected him as professional to professional, driven. But hearing him speak so candidly showed her just how much he trusted her.

"Thank you," she said softly. "That means a lot to me."

They stopped in a small lounge with a few comfortable chairs and a window showing them a view of the city below. Wonwoo let out a sigh of relief as he sank into one of the chairs, while Y/N stood, almost casually, but very much on point.

The room was quiet now; the ambient noise of the bustle backstage had become just a murmur in the background. Wonwoo looked out of the window, and sure enough, the city lights twinkled like the stars in the dark sky. Turning his gaze towards Y/N, his face held a contemplative expression.

"Do you ever think of what it must feel like out there?" he asked, nodding his head towards the cityscape. "I mean, past the glitter and glamour of it all."

Y/N took a moment to think about her question. "Sometimes," she said. "I imagine that it is a quiet, peaceful place, where people could live without other people constantly judging them."

Wonwoo's eyes met hers, and for a time, their gazes just looked into each other. There was a certain warmth within his eyes, one that spoke of vulnerability and feelings unspoken.

"You know, I think I'd like that," Wonwoo said quietly. "A life where I could just be... normal."

Y/N's heart ached with the thought. She could tell from his expression the toll that fame had taken on him, the loneliness that came with public success. She wanted to comfort him, but words felt so not enough.

Y/N unconsciously leaned in, her hand reaching out to lightly lay on his. "You're not alone in this," she said softly. "You have people who care about you."

Wonwoo looked down at her hand before looking back into her face. There was something almost vulnerable in his eyes that caused Y/N's heart to skip a beat. "You're one of those people," he said, voice low.

They were inches from each other, the air a thick layer of unsaid emotions between them. Wonwoo's gaze dropped down to her lips, and for just a second, the world around them seemed to freeze. Y/N felt her breath catch as her heart began to pound in her chest.

He leaned in, Wonwoo slowly, almost tentatively. Y/N's eyes fluttered closed as she felt the warmth of his breath against her skin. The soft, lingering touch of their lips against each other-the gentle exploration of emotions built over time.

That was the kiss that spoke volumes of mutual yearning, really a combination of comfort and affection. Y/N felt a release, as if all the unsaid words and emotions finally found their voice. Wonwoo's hand cupped her face, soft and gentle, his thumb stroking her cheek as their kiss deepened, taking in the moment within each other's arms.

They finally broke apart, and their faces were red, while their breathing intermingled through the silence of the room. Wonwoo looked at Y/N with a mix of relief and wonder, as though he had found something precious he hadn't realized was missing in the first place.

"Thank you," he repeated, his voice full of emotion. "For everything.".

Y/N smiled, her own emotions bobbing up in her chest. "You don't have to thank me. I'm just. glad I could be here for you."

Wonwoo leaned forward, taking her hand in his and holding it soft. "Maybe, someday, we can find that peaceful place you talked about. Together."

Y/N's eyes softened and she nodded. "I'd like that."

Muted light filled the room as they sat next to each other, hands clasped together in tender clasp, the distant lights of the city outside shining even brighter. Chaos and pressures aside, it was as if the hectic noise had traveled very far from their ears. In that quiet moment, with only the humming murmur of the city for company, they found something real and beautiful-a connect that went beyond the roles they played.

And in the last, soft kiss exchanged before turning back to the maelstrom of life, both knew in the time being, they had found their refuge in the company of the other.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿

Word count: 1086

Author's note: Please let me know if I have spelling or grammar mistakes. Requests are also open <3