A quick announcement, and maybe a question ï¼ã»âã»âï¼
Hello everyone! Kinda want to inform you that I have an idea for a new story and would love to hear your thoughts. I'm considering whether to explore member pairings like Bbangsaz or Daerin, etc, or to write it as another member x reader story. If you have any advice or suggestions for which characters to feature, please feel free to share. I'd really appreciate any recommendations you might have!
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Y/n stirred awake, blinking as her eyes adjusted to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. She quickly realized she wasn't in her own room, she was in Minji's. However, the unfamiliar room somehow felt cozy, her heart was calm, as her gaze settled on Minji's peaceful face resting beside her.
Minji's expression was peaceful in her sleep, her features softened because of the morning light. Y/n couldn't help but reach out, her fingers lightly brushing a stray strand of hair from Minji's face, tucking it gently behind her ear so she could take in her features even more clearly.
Y/n felt warmth spreading through her, but not the kind that made her pulse race, it was a comforting feeling, but even she was surprised on how calm she could be in this moment. Remembering days ago, she couldn't control her pulse everytime she looked at Minji.
After a few moments, Minji began to stir, her eyelids fluttering open as she adjusted to the sight of Y/n watching her. Minji's eyes filled with a quiet surprise before softening with a sleepy smile.
"Morning," Minji murmured, her voice thick with drowsiness. She stretched slightly but didn't pull away from Y/n's gaze.
"Morning," Y/n replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... didn't realize I fell asleep. Was it when you piggyback me yesterday?"
Minji chuckled, the sound warm and inviting. "You were exhausted, you couldn't even open your eyes properly. And of course I couldn't just leave you out there. So I thought, maybe my bed would be more comfortable than yours."
"Thanks," Y/n said. "I guess I owe you for carrying me all the way home too."
"Don't worry about it. It was... actually kind of nice." Minji waved it off with a small smile.
A comfortable silence settled between them, and they each took a moment to just exist there, side by side, letting the morning quiet around them. After a while, Minji broke the silence.
"So, now that you're rested... what do you want to do today?" she asked, her eyes meeting Y/n's.
Y/n thought for a moment, her gaze lingering on Minji's. "Honestly, I don't really care as long as we're spending it together. Maybe just... something simple?"
"I think I'd like that. Something quiet. Just us." Minji's smile grew, her eyes crinkling at the edges.
Y/n took a breath and then, with a shy smile, proposed, "How about... a date?"
Minji blinked, a little taken aback, before a slow, delighted smile spread across her face. "A date, huh? I like the sound of that." She looked at Y/n with a playful glint. "Any ideas?"
"Actually, yes." Y/n nodded, a bit more confidently now. I was thinking... maybe we could go to the countryside nearby? We could spend the day there, maybe try horseback riding."
"Horseback riding?" Minji echoed, her eyes lighting up. "That sounds amazing. I haven't ridden in years, and I didn't even know you were interested in it."
Y/n was a little embarrassed but pleased by Minji's excitement. "Thought it would be something fun for us to try together."
Minji's expression softened, and she reached out, giving Y/n's hand a gentle squeeze. "You're full of surprises, you know that?"
Y/n squeezed back, feeling her nerves start to settle under Minji's warm gaze. "Well, I've got a few up my sleeve, especially if it means spending more time with you."
"Let's do it, then. Let's go out there and make it a day to remember."
With that, they both sprang into action, excited to prepare for their spontaneous adventure.
-
The countryside air was crisp and welcoming as Y/n and Minji arrived, a peacefulness settling around them that felt worlds apart from the demands of the kingdom and their usual lives. They found a quaint little spot near a field where they could enjoy lunch, with views of rolling hills and wildflowers stretching out in every direction.
As they ate, Minji looked at Y/n thoughtfully. "So... about the mission," she began, her tone gentle yet curious. "How did it go?"
Y/n paused for a moment, then gave a small, reassuring smile. "It went as planned, more or less. Nothing we couldn't handle, and we got the information we needed," she replied, intentionally keeping her response brief and positive. She didn't want Minji worrying too much over the details or the risks.
Minji seemed to pick up on Y/n's intention, but she nodded, satisfied with the answer for now. "That's good to hear. I know I don't need to worry about you, but... I still do."
"I know you do," Y/n chuckled, looking down at her plate. "But I promise, I'm always careful. Besides..." She paused, catching Minji's eye. "I've got something pretty great to come back to."
Minji's cheeks flushed just a little as she smiled, and they continued their meal in warm silence. When they finished, Y/n stood up to pay for their lunch, waving Minji off when she offered to pitch in.
"My treat today," Y/n said, grinning. "I'm taking you to more places, and this is just a start."
Minji looked at her with raised eyebrows, intrigued. "Oh? So you've got a plan for the whole day?"
"Maybe," Y/n shrugged, playing it cool. "Let's just say I want us to... you know, keep advancing. And I want to treat you to a few things along the way."
"Then lead the way," Minji replied, looping her arm through Y/n's as they started strolling through the countryside.
It's not a lie that Minji found herself watching Y/n in a new light. She hadn't really noticed it before, but here, away from the rush and demands of their world, something about Y/n seemed... different. She was calm and composed, almost effortlessly confident as she led the way with that easygoing smile and gentle touch.
Watching Y/n as she paid for their lunch and bantered with the local shopkeeper, Minji's heart warmed. She could remember a time not too long ago when Y/n was brimming with uncertainty, when every small thing seemed to weigh so heavily on her. Now, though, it was like Y/n had stepped into a new version of herself.
It dawned on her that Y/n wasn't just the girl who had been by her side through all the small moments, they'd both grown up.
After lunch, as they walked arm-in-arm toward the stables, Minji gave Y/n a gentle nudge. "You know," she said with a small, teasing smile, "you've really changed."
Y/n raised an eyebrow, looking curious. "Oh? In a good way, I hope?"
Minji laughed, nodding. "In a very good way. I just... I'm so proud of you," she admitted, her voice softening. "Seeing you now, taking charge of things, keeping everyone together."
For a moment, Y/n looked touched, a bit surprised even. "Thanks, Minji," she murmured, squeezing her arm. "I don't know if I'd be like this without you, though."
They shared a quiet, and then Y/n grinned. "Alright, enough of this serious talk," she said, shaking off the emotion as they reached the stable. "Ready for some horseriding?"
-
After spending hours exploring the countryside on horseback, Y/n and Minji finally took a break. They settled down near the riverbank, a comfortable quietness surrounding them as they took in the beauty of the countryside. The horses had been given free rein to graze, contently nibbling on the grass a short distance away. The gentle slosh of water against the rocks, paired with the cool breeze that teased the blades of grass around them, made the scene feel surreal, almost like a dream.
Y/n stretched her legs out in front of her, leaning back on her hands as she looked out at the river "This..." she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper, "...is exactly what I needed." A small, peaceful smile crossed her face. "Just... some quiet, you know?"
Minji turned her head, watching Y/n with an unreadable expression. It was rare to see her like this, so relaxed. "I know what you mean," Minji replied, "I've been to places like this before, but... being here with you makes it different."
Y/n raised her eyebrows, surprised. "Different? How?"
Minji hesitated for a moment, looking down at the soft grass beneath her fingers. "I guess... it's just that everything feels a little brighter with you here. Like I can let go of all my worries." She felt a blush creeping onto her cheeks as she turned to meet Y/n's eyes, her expression sincere. "Thank you for bringing me here, Y/n. Really."
Y/n shifted a bit closer to Minji, her gaze fixed on the horizon as the sun dipped lower. "You know," she said softly, "I'd like to have more days like this." She looked over at Minji, her eyes holding a glimmer of something deeper, something that had been waiting to be said. "When all of this over, the Elites might get dissolved. Maybe I will just become a regular soldier, or the Queen's personal knight. If Hyein becomes a noble lady, then she will need more people to protect her, right? I can be that too. Then there will be no missions, no heavy responsibilities. It will be just... us, just peace."
Y/n took a deep breath, her eyes turning down toward her clasped hands. "Sometimes, I feel like my life has slipped into a race I didn't even sign up for," she began, "It feels like I'm late... like I have to rush to become someone, to prove to everyone that I'm worth something." Her voice wavered, but she still kept going, "I want to be seen, to be important. To show everyone that even someone as small as me can do something meaningful."
Minji reached out, gently placing a reassuring hand on Y/n's arm. Her gaze was soft and understanding, though sadness lingered in her eyes as she listened.
"But..." Y/n continued, lifting her eyes to meet Minji's, "after realizing how much that need has pushed me, all I truly want is to stay here... with all of you. For a long, long time." Her voice softened, filled with a quiet desperation. "Recognition doesn't mean anything to me, not really. I just want us all to be safe and at peace. But I know I can't just leave my responsibilities... I have to see this through."
"That's why... I want you to come with me to the next mission," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's not going to be easy, but I need your help. I believe that we can take care of each other. And you can protect yourself too"
Minji smiled, feeling a flutter in her chest as she reached over and took Y/n's hand. Her thumb traced small circles across Y/n's knuckles, the warmth of the gesture speaking volumes. "You finally believe me."
"Of course, I'll go with you, it will put me at ease that I can take care of you too" Minji nodded slowly.
"And Y/n, we'll make it happen," Minji promised, "There will be more days like this, Y/n. We'll have plenty more."
They fell into a quiet rhythm, Minji could feel her own heartbeat quicken as she thought about how much Y/n had changed since they first met.
After a while, Y/n broke the silence, "Thank you, Minji. And... I was actually thinking... maybe we could come back here again, bring the others sometime. Not for a mission, but just for fun."
Minji chuckled softly. "You mean, like an outing? All of us?"
"Why not?" Y/n grinned, her eyes lighting up at the thought. "We could spend a whole day here, maybe even stay overnight. You know, see the stars, tell stories, just... relax." She tilted her head, looking at Minji. "And besides, it'd be good for all of us to do something normal for a change."
Feeling the urge to show affection, Minji squeezed Y/n's hand, "You've really grown up," she said softly, the words escaping her before she had a chance to think. "I've said it before, but... seeing you like this, I have no choice but to say it again."
Y/n looked down, a soft blush coloring her cheeks. "I just... I guess I want to make everyone proud." She paused, her gaze meeting Minji's. "Especially you."
Filled with a sudden mixture of shyness and excitement, Y/n stood up, brushing off her clothes with an energetic bounce. "Hey, Minji! How about a race?"
Minji looked up, taken aback. "A race? To where?" she asked, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion.
"Whoever gets to the next destination first has to pay for dinner!" Y/n declared, a wide grin spreading across her face as she sprinted toward her horse. She just wanted to treat Minji another thing.
Minji, still processing the sudden challenge, called out, "Wait! You can't just run off like that! What's the destination?"
But Y/n merely laughed over her shoulder, already mounting her horse with a quick and practiced motion. "You'll find out when we get there!" With that, she kicked her horse into a gallop, leaving Minji momentarily dumbfounded.
For a brief moment, Minji just stood there, staring after Y/n in disbelief. Then, shaking her head with a chuckle, she mounted her own horse, determination igniting in her chest. "Oh, you're on!" she shouted, spurring her horse to follow, the thrill of the competition sparking a rush of adrenaline.
"Just you wait, I'll catch up!" Minji called.
With the finish line nowhere in sight, Y/n felt a rush of exhilaration. "You're going to have to try harder than that!" she teased, pushing her horse to a faster pace, the wind whipping through her hair.