Inequalities [Lookism X Reader]

One shot

A/n: This was actually supposed to be an update during the part where Taejoon and Doo get into trouble, and also where Zack and Doo have their fight. For some reason, I decided not to publish it and changed the storyline instead. I'm thinking of just publishing it as a  one-shot. Hope you enjoy it! 

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he city streets buzzed around you, neon lights flickering against the evening sky, but the silence between you and Zack felt louder than any noise. Mira was busy, leaving just the two of you wandering aimlessly. The awkwardness weighed heavily as neither of you spoke, your footsteps echoing in rhythm.

Breaking the silence, you finally turned to Zack. "So... do you want to suggest a place?"

He simply shook his head, leaving the decision to you. His quiet demeanor, while typical, only made your exhaustion feel more pronounced. You sighed, the straps of your bag digging into your shoulders, and your legs protested every step.

Zack's sharp eyes caught the strain in your movements. Clicking his tongue in annoyance, he took your bag without a word, slinging it over his shoulder like it weighed nothing. "How about the park? Or maybe a café?" he asked, his tone casual as he grabbed your hand. His warm grip sent a flicker of something unfamiliar through you as he looked into your eyes, waiting for an answer.

"Uh..." You stammered, caught off guard by the sudden contact. Before you could respond, your stomach betrayed you with a loud growl, and your eyes darted toward a nearby fast-food restaurant. Zack followed your gaze and smirked knowingly.

"You don't need to say anything," he muttered, tugging you toward the restaurant without letting go of your hand.

Inside, the smell of sizzling fries and burgers wrapped around you like a comforting blanket. As you approached the counter, whispers began to ripple through the restaurant.

"Look at that couple. So cute!"
"They're totally made for each other."
"I'm jealous. I wish I had a guy like him."

Heat rushed to your cheeks. You tried to focus on anything but the murmurs, but when your eyes drifted down, you noticed Zack's hand still firmly holding yours. The warmth of his skin seemed to seep into you, making your heart flutter.

He turned, catching your flustered expression. "What do you want? My treat," he asked as if it was no big deal.

Your eyes widened, sparkling at the words every broke person loves to hear: My treat. You eagerly told him your order, and Zack chuckled at your enthusiasm before heading to the counter to order.

As you watched him, his shoulders relaxed, his confident posture making him stand out even in the bustling restaurant. You couldn't help but think, Mira is so lucky. Zack would make the perfect boyfriend.

Time Skip

You sat across from Zack, savoring every bite of your meal. "Thank you for the food!" you said cheerfully, your voice light and carefree.

Zack chuckled softly. "Same old Y/n," he muttered under his breath, his lips curving into a smile he didn't bother hiding.

But as the initial excitement faded, a lingering question took hold in your mind. You hesitated before asking, "Zack... what do you think of me?"

The question landed like a grenade. Zack, mid-bite, choked so hard you had to rush to hand him water. His coughing fit subsided, and he looked at you, bewildered. "What the hell, Amazona? Where's that coming from?"

Avoiding his gaze, you fiddled with your fork. "It's just... Do you see me as a slave? Or maybe just some extra in your life?"

For a moment, Zack froze, his usually calm demeanor shaken. Slowly, he reached out, pinching your cheeks to make you look up at him. His dark eyes softened, though his voice held a stubborn edge. "You're not my slave, Y/n. You're my Amazona," he said firmly. "And more importantly... you're my friend."

It wasn't the grand declaration you secretly hoped for, but it still made your chest feel a little lighter.

"Geez, Zack. Could you be any dumber?" you teased, masking the warmth his words had sparked.

"Don't blame me for someone freaking out over dumb crap," he shot back, rolling his eyes.

After finishing your meals, Zack insisted on walking you home. "I'm not letting you walk alone," he said when you tried to decline. "Daniel told me about that creep who tried to pull something on you before."

"That was ages ago!" you huffed, crossing your arms.

"And it doesn't mean it can't happen again," he said, ruffling your hair with an almost brotherly care.

The crowded streets were lively with shops and vendors displaying their wares. Something in a window caught your eye—a (favorite thing) you'd been wanting for ages. You stopped to admire it, completely engrossed, unaware that Zack had kept walking.

A low, gruff voice interrupted your thoughts. "Hey there, pretty thing. Got some time tonight?"

Your heart sank as a stranger stepped closer, his presence invasive and unwelcome. You tried to walk away, but he grabbed your wrist, holding you in place.

Zack's POV

I was walking ahead, lost in thought. The idea of Y/n not being in my life weighed on my mind like a heavy stone. Would I still be the same guy—an arrogant idiot with no real direction? Mira would probably reject me, and honestly, I wouldn't blame her.

"Y/n?" I called over my shoulder, expecting her reply. Silence.

I stopped, turning around. The empty space where she should have been sent a jolt of panic through me. My heartbeat quickened as I scanned the crowd. "Crap," I muttered, breaking into a run.

Then I heard it:

"Let go of me!"

Her voice was unmistakable. My blood ran cold as I spotted her struggling against some guy outside a shop. Adrenaline surged, and I was beside her in seconds.

Back to You

The man gripping your wrist turned, his face twisting into a scowl, but it instantly faltered when he saw Zack's expression—a storm of rage barely contained.

"Can't you hear?" Zack's voice was low and venomous. "Let. My. Girl. Go."

The stranger paled, muttering something incoherent before fleeing, tripping over his own feet as he ran. Zack turned to you, his hands cupping your face gently. His dark eyes scanned you for any injuries, his worry palpable. "Are you okay? Did he hurt you?"

You shook your head, your voice soft. "I'm fine now. Thanks to you."

Relief washed over his face as he sighed, his grip on you loosening but his protective presence lingering. "This time, I'm not letting you out of my sight," he said, taking your hand in his.

The rest of the walk home was quiet but comfortable. Zack's grip on your hand never faltered, and the warmth of his touch made you feel safe in a way you hadn't realized you needed. When you finally reached your door, Zack handed back your bag. He lingered for a moment, scanning your face as if committing it to memory. Then, with a small smile, he pinched your cheek.

"Goodnight, Amazona," he said softly, before turning to leave.

As you watched him walk away, a thought settled in your mind: What if Zack is in my life for a reason? What if... I'm the reason he's here, too?