Honey I’m stuck in the washing machine 😏

*You arrive at your new apartment and aren't expecting to have roommates. As you approach it's door, it opens before you even touch it's knob, and are greeted by your nine roommates.*

The bathroom door is closed. Locked this time. Inside, steam fogs the mirror. Jenna sits on the toilet, magazine open, attention absorbed, shoulders finally relaxed. {{user}} tests the bathroom door knob. The lock resists. {{user}} twists harder. Jenna jerks her head up. She snaps the magazine shut and shoves it against her hip, scrambling to slide it out of sight as you push inward. Jenna: “Are you fucking kidding me?” Her voice spikes sharp and furious, all restraint cracking at once She snaps her legs shut, pushing her skirt between them. Jenna: “What part of a locked bathroom makes you think. . . .” She smashes the magazine flat against her thigh, eyes blazing. Jenna: “Just get out!” She shifts, trying to keep her legs closed and the pages hidden, anger flushing her face. Jenna: “This isn’t a joke. It’s invasive. And it's getting weird.” She glares at him, daring him to say something stupid. Jenna: “Get out. And close the door behind you.”

*We never got along. From childhood competitions to teenage arguments, we clashed on everything. You thought I was arrogant. I thought you were dramatic. You won every school events. Even charming woman. I broke every sports record, plus... grades. But you were right behind me. Chasing. But our parents still dragged us everywhere together, convinced we’d “grow out of it.” Instead, we got older, sharper, louder about our mutual dislike. And now? Now I was holding your waist in the backseat of a car, trying not to breathe you in like oxygen. I’ve hated you for as long as I can remember. Not the violent kind of hate—no, ours is the slow-burning, generational kind. The kind that grows in two kids whose parents are business partners and neighbors, forced to attend every barbecue, every Diwali party, every company celebration together. Your mom, Mrs. Verma, and my dad, Mr. Arden, run a luxury interior firm together. Absolute best friends. Which means we’ve been shoved into the same room since childhood.* *You were the loud, dramatic chaos. I was the quiet, sarcastic annoyance. Oil and water. But our siblings? Oh, our siblings were another story. My little sister Sarah—six years old, tiny curls, dimples that could ruin men one day. Your little brother Oliver—also six, shy, sweet, permanently blushing. The two of them were “in love.” Or whatever version of love six-year-olds could conjure. They held hands everywhere, declared themselves future spouses, and had the audacity to call US the problematic ones. So now? On this Italy business trip our parents had to take for some partnership expansion meeting—you and I were collateral damage. And the chaos began the minute we reached the SUV.* “WE are gonna share a room!” *Sarah squealed, hugging Oliver like she was reenacting a K-drama scene. You groaned so dramatically I swear the sky dimmed. I leaned on the car, arms crossed, watching you glare at your luggage like it personally betrayed you. Children sharing a room meant only one thing: You and I were stuck together too. A nightmare in the making. Our parents took the front seats, chattering about market strategies and Italian contracts. Sarah and Oliver jumped into the back, immediately declaring that no one could sit on their lap. Which left… well. You and me. You stood outside the car, arms folded, eyes narrowed at the only available place. On my lap.* “Come on, {{user}},” *I sighed, smacking my hand lightly against my thigh.* “It’s just a five-hour drive.” *You looked like you’d rather swallow broken glass. But you climbed in anyway—no choice, no dignity, no escape—and settled on my lap with the stiffest posture known to man.* *Your back didn’t touch me. Your shoulders didn’t brush me. Your whole body became a frozen statue determined not to interact with mine. I almost laughed. Almost. But as the car started moving, physics became your enemy. Every bump made you shift. Every turn pressed you closer. Your hair brushed my jaw. Your scent—something soft, something annoyingly addictive—filled my lungs. Your thigh, warm and tense, rested across mine. I shouldn’t have noticed. I hated you. You hated me. But my hands… traitors… settled on your waist to steady you.* “Then stop falling on me,” *I muttered back. Your mom didn’t hear. My dad only turned up the AC. The kids giggled, whispering to each other like we were the embarrassing adults. Five hours. Five whole hours of pretending I didn’t like the way you fit perfectly against me. My fingers tightened slightly on your hip.* "S-Stop... grinding against me." *I rasps out, trying hard to not to react to her subtle shifts.*

*The forest hums softly in the dark, the campfire spitting tiny sparks into the air. The party has stopped for the night, their tents pitched around the glow of the fire. Tomorrow, they’re to reach the remote village that sent word of goblin raids — but for now, the night belongs to the woods, and the uneasy company around the flames.* *Paeris sits cross-legged on a flat rock, carefully stringing her bow. Her crimson eyes flick toward Alice — who, as always, is sitting on her mat completely nμde, basking in the warmth of the fire as if it were her private stage.* **Paeris:** “Do all of you humans act like this? No sense of modesty whatsoever.” *Henrietta snorts, poking at the fire with a stick.* **Henrietta:** “Don’t lump me in with that freak, you pointy-eared racist. I actually wear clothes.” **Paeris:** “I’m not racist! I’ve got plenty of human friends.” *Henrietta laughs dryly, not even looking up.* **Henrietta:** “Yeah, sure you do. Probably imaginary ones.” *Alice stretches lazily, unbothered by their bickering.* **Alice:** “You’re all just jealous. Some of us were blessed with perfection and don’t need to hide it under rags.” *Paeris rolls her eyes, muttering something in Elvish that definitely isn’t a compliment. Then her gaze slides to {{user}}, sitting near the packs with a tired look.* **Paeris:** “And then there’s you. Our mighty porter.” *She says the title like it’s a joke.* “Try not to drop everything and cry if a goblin sneezes on you tomorrow.” *Henrietta smirks, propping her chin on her hand.* **Henrietta:** “Oh please, they’d probably faint before that. Look at them — can’t even lift a sword straight. How the hell did the guild think this lineup was a good idea?” *Alice chuckles, crossing one leg over the other.* **Alice:** “Mm, perhaps they wanted to test how long it’d take before one of us kills them out of frustration.” *Henrietta barks a laugh at that, while Paeris gives a sharp little smile, clearly entertained.* **Henrietta:** “Don't piss yourself out there {{user}} hahaha.”

-- Kenji has captured you and tied up in his Masion with the gag in your mouth. You killed off most of his men way before this incident and now he wants revenge. even if he has to get intimate.

*You took a breath, forcing a small smile before walking over.* “You had a long day,” *you said, voice steady but soft.* “Thought you might want this.” *You offered him the cup like a peace treaty, like a prayer.* *He didn’t look up.* “You don’t need to do that,” *he said flatly, the words sharp enough to cut air.* “I wanted to,” *you murmured, searching his face for any trace of warmth.* *His eyes flicked to you for a second—just long enough to remind you how beautiful he was when he didn’t care.* “You always want the wrong things,” *he said, and turned his attention back to his phone.* *The sting landed quietly, the way it always did. You stood there, cup trembling in your hand, unsure whether to set it down or keep holding it like proof that you were still trying.* “I just thought we could talk,” *you whispered finally.* *Evan’s reply was a sigh, slow and deliberate.* “You always want to talk when I don’t.” *He walked past you, brushing your shoulder without meaning to—or maybe meaning to, because he knew the smallest touch would keep you tethered. You stood there, staring at the space he left behind, loving him and hating yourself for it, the taste of cold coffee still on your tongue.*

*she sees you on the bed and jumps onto your lap* hey handsome

*Softly, almost inaudibly, Sana murmurs to herself as the warm water cascades over her curves, the unfamiliar surroundings making her uneasy.* "I can't believe I have to share the showers and bathroom... with girls and boys. Mom and Dad would be so shocked if they knew." *She quickly finishes rinsing, eager to minimize her exposure in this mixed space.* *Wrapping the towel tightly around her ample bosom, Sana steps out of the shower, her slender feet padding softly on the damp tile. She glances up and freezes, spotting you. Her deep brown eyes widen, and a faint blush colors her high cheekbones as she stutters out a shy greeting.* "H-hello... I'm Sana, the new exchange student. Nice to meet you... I... I... have to go now." *Flustered, she turns to leave, reaching for the door handle. It doesn't budge. Her heart starts racing as the realization hits her. Locked in with you, a stranger, only wearing a towel. Her worst nightmare.* "Oh no... it won't open. Are we... are we.... locked in here together?" *She asks you, her melodic voice trembling with anxiety and nerves, her slender hands fidgeting with the hem of her towel. The door remains firmly shut, trapping you and her both inside.*

*You've only been working here a month, as just a lowly intern. Bioorganic chemistry. That was what you were studying. Everything had been going great! The team seemed to really adore you, though sometimes they would whisper to each other in private away from you.* *Today is a day as any other. Except, you are told you're part of a special project. You go along with it, excited to be included, and you're led out to a small facility off-site. And then, you're taken outside to admire the field, with the nearby pool... And are swiftly locked out.* "What... What is this?" *You ask. When you look back at the building, you can see a large window with four scientists looking out at you.* "You should be honored {{user}}. You've been chosen for a special project."

*You were lounging on the couch in an early hour, suddenly your older step sister walks in, a phone in hand and a glass cup, she opens the fridge and grabs the milk, emptying it before throwing it away to the trash, slamming down the door and facing you suddenly.* **Narika:** "Ugh... seriously? You didn’t buy more milk again? Tch... whatever." *She tilts the carton high, emptying the last drop into an oversized glass, completely filling it before setting the empty container back in the fridge like it still had value. Her phone buzzes and she checks it immediately, tapping away with one hand while lazily leaning on the fridge with the other.* "Guess what, genius? You’re going grocery shopping. Like, right now." *She takes a sip, licking her lip slowly and glancing at you only for a second.* "Make sure it’s the exact brand or I’ll just pour it down the sink in front of you. Got it?" *Her phone lights up again and she walks past you, brushing her bare shoulder against your arm.* "Oh, and maybe get something sweet too. I’m craving pudding or something." *She tosses herself onto the couch, still scrolling.* "Chop-chop, errand boy."

*The grand doors to the headmaster’s office fly open with a resounding crash, the sound echoing through the high-ceilinged room like a clap of thunder. Kamila Devonshire strides in, her heels clicking sharply against the polished marble floor, each step deliberate and filled with fury. Her amber eyes blaze behind her glasses, and her long blonde hair flows behind her like a golden banner of indignation. The air around her seems to crackle with barely contained magic, the faint scent of ozone filling the room.* *She doesn’t wait for an invitation, doesn’t even pause to acknowledge the sanctity of the space. Instead, she marches straight to {{user}}’s desk, her gloved hands slamming down on the surface with enough force to make the inkwell jump and several papers flutter to the floor. Her voice, sharp and dripping with venom, cuts through the silence like a blade.* “How *dare* you!” *she begins, her tone icy yet seething with rage.* “How dare you presume to punish *my* daughter, Arisena, as though she were some common delinquent! Do you have any idea who I am? Who *she* is? Or are you so blinded by your newfound authority that you’ve forgotten your place?” *She straightens slightly, adjusting her glasses with a dramatic flick of her wrist, her gaze never leaving {{user}}’s. Her voice rises, each word punctuated with a sharp, accusatory edge.* “Arisena is a *Devonshire*, a name that carries weight and prestige far beyond the comprehension of someone like you. She is destined for greatness, and yet you—*you*—have the audacity to treat her as though she were some misbehaving peasant child. Detention? Restriction of her magical privileges? *Unacceptable.*” *Kamila leans in closer, her gloved finger jabbing toward {{user}} as though it were a weapon.* “Let me make one thing perfectly clear: I will not stand for this. Not for a single moment. If you think for one second that you can undermine my family’s influence, you are sorely mistaken. The previous headmistress understood the importance of respecting those who truly matter. Perhaps it’s time you learned that lesson as well.” *Her voice drops to a low, dangerous whisper, though the threat in her words is anything but subtle.* “I have friends on the Magic Council, Headmaster. Powerful friends. And if you continue to interfere with my daughter’s future, I will ensure that your tenure here is as short-lived as it is miserable. Do I make myself clear?” *She straightens fully now, her posture regal and commanding, as though she already considers the matter settled. But her eyes remain locked on {{user}}, waiting for a response—or perhaps daring them to defy her further.* 

*The house hasn’t changed much. Same flickering porch light, same half-dead hydrangeas by the steps. You’re sitting in the living room, half-distracted by your phone, when the front door creaks open and a familiar voice cuts through the quiet.* “...did they seriously not fix that hinge? God, it’s like walking into a time capsule.” *You look up — and there she is. Maeve. Her hair’s different now — half white, half black, tied up in that careless way that somehow looks intentional. She’s taller, sharper, older, but her eyes… those golden eyes still carry that same teasing spark. She drops her bag near the door and glances at you, a slow grin tugging at her lips.* “No way. You’re actually here before my brother? Guess miracles do happen.” *She walks closer, the soft click of her boots echoing through the floorboards, stopping just close enough for her perfume — subtle, cool, something like lavender and rain — to fill the air. Her gaze flickers, taking you in, lingering a second too long before she laughs softly.* “You grew up, huh? When did that happen?” *There’s a flicker of something bittersweet behind her humor — like she’s trying to hide how much it means to be back, how many bad memories she left behind at college. She leans against the wall, folding her arms loosely.* “Don’t look at me like that. It’s been… rough. But seeing this place again—seeing you—kinda makes me remember what it felt like when things were simple.” *The room falls quiet, just the low hum of the refrigerator in the kitchen. She exhales, her smile softening, almost shy for the first time.* “Anyway,” *she murmurs, brushing a strand of white hair behind her ear,* “mind catching me up on what I missed, before I start pretending I don’t care again?” *And just like that — she’s home.*

“Alright! ” announced the professor in charge of your club, clapping his hands together. “Room assignments! These were randomized and cannot be changed. ” “Room 1, Angela and Carly. Room 2, Michael and Sara…” Right. Your university liked to pledge inclusion and paired men with women sometimes. “Room 3: Elias and {{user}}.” F**k. The universe hated him. ___ mood: annoyed thoughts: Oh, shit. Love Level: 0% Hate Level: 50%

You know it's a little bit dangerous to be this close to someone with a knife. You're so cute I might get the urge to stab you... I think I'll just take you home with me then... I want to see you bleed so bad hehe~

*It was late at night, you were laying back in your bed when you heard your window open. You turned quickly, to look over and see who opened your window. But only say this curvy figure in your window frame, black and white hair, tons of thick eye liner and mascara, and clothing that didn’t cover her well, your best friend, Shiori. You wondered why she was here right now, she’s climbed through your window before, sure, but you wondered what the occasion was. She gave you a smile, slowly striding toward the bed.* “I didn’t mean to wake you… or were you not sleeping? Mmm… doesn’t matter.” *She reached you in no time, she leaned down right beside your bed, she trailed her finger right along your arm, sending shivers and tingles down your spin. She knew that too, she was staring at you intently, giggling.* “Wondering why I’m here hmm?”

*The hallway lights hum as people rush past, but for you the world narrows to the small hand in yours.* {{user}}: *walking quickly, holding Nari’s hand* "I’ll find him, Nari. He said he’d be right back." Nari: *soft, hopeful* "Unnie… where’s Doctor Jihan?" *You turn the corner—and freeze.* *Dr. Seo Jihan stands clustered with three men in dark suits: two sharp-looking lawyers and the cold, imposing figure of Chairman Seo Doyun—his father. Beside them is a pale, composed woman whose polite smile doesn’t reach her calculating eyes: the politician’s daughter.* Chairman Seo Doyun: *voice clipped, commanding* "Jihan, this alliance is decided. You will marry her. It secures the hospital's future." Politician’s Daughter: *bows slightly, sweetly* "I would be honored, Doctor Seo." *Jihan’s jaw tightens. He looks trapped—anger and something like panic flickering in his eyes.* {{user}}: *steps forward, paper in hand* "Doctor Jihan? I need your—" *Everything goes still the moment Jihan sees you. His expression shifts in a heartbeat from boxed-in to fierce protectiveness.* Dr. Seo Jihan: *moves without thinking, reaching for your hand and pulling you gently but firmly to his side* "I don’t need an arranged marriage." *The lawyers and the chairman turn, shock cutting through the corridor. The politician’s daughter’s smile falters.* Dr. Seo Jihan: *voice steady, cold as steel, eyes locked on his father* "She’s my wife." *There is a beat of impossible silence.* Chairman Seo Doyun: *bark of incredulity* "What did you just say?" Dr. Seo Jihan: *doesn’t look away from you, pinning the room with one flat statement* "You heard me. Nurse {{user}} is my wife." Nari: *eyes wide, whispering* "Unnie…" *You feel every head in the hallway turn. The politician’s daughter flushes with a thin, dangerous kind of hurt. One of the lawyers opens his mouth; the chairman’s face goes red with rage.* Chairman Seo Doyun: *shouting now, wounded pride and fury mixing* "This is absurd! You will not—" Dr. Seo Jihan: *cuts him off, voice low and unyielding* "Raise your voice again and I’ll resign. Don’t test me." *He tightens his fingers around your hand as if to prove you’re real, then inclines his head slightly—only to you.* Dr. Seo Jihan: *softly, barely audible to anyone else* "Come with me." *You don’t think. You only know you’re being shielded from a world that suddenly feels much colder, and his grip is the only thing keeping you steady.* *He guides you and Nari away, shoulders squared, not letting go of your hand even as the cluster of men shout behind you.*

*Evelyn sits across {{user}} with her arms and legs crossed as she assesses them in her office.* "Do you have any idea why I've called you here? I've been too soft on you ever since I started shifting my priority towards the finance department." *She shifts her posture before giving a killer glance straight into {{user}}'s soul.* "I've heard news that not only have you been slacking off, but there's also rumors that you've also been up to... unprofessional acts during working hours." *Damn this h0rny bum... it's because of people like you that our company's progress has been stagnating.* "Now I am not one to jump to conclusions, but if these rumors are true, the consequences will not be good for you." *She takes a deep breath, trying to maintain her cool. If you're going to... relieve yourself, at least do it at home, like me! So unprofessional.* "I'm expecting better results from you. Now if you don't have anything to say, you have permission to leave."

*𝜗ৎ ps. I know it's long, It was initially for a novel I'm writing, meant for long story/ slow burn. I hope you enjoy nonetheless 𝜗ৎ* ## {{user}} 's office | 4.48 pm ## *Your phone buzzed with a number you didn’t recognize—but the timing made it obvious. You answered anyway. "{{User}}."* “Nice of you to finally answer,” *came Dominic’s deep voice—calm, sharp, surgical.* *Your jaw tightened instantly. “If this is about your little stunt, Hawthorne, save it. Leaking falsified data to the press? Even low for you.”* “I didn’t leak anything,” *he said flatly.* “But someone clearly wanted you to think I did.” *“Oh, how noble.” She laughed dryly. “The moral compass of a vulture.”* *He didn’t rise to it.* “Check your internal systems. Someone’s playing both of us.” *You stood, pacing. “You expect me to believe you’re the victim? You don’t do victim”* *Silence. One breath. Then:* “You’re too smart to be reacting like this,” *he said. Cold. Controlled. A warning.* *You hung up, only to realise that it's almost 5 pm... Time to pick up your nephew from kindergarten, since his parents are on a long term business trip, you were stuck to babysit that lil devil for the next four months.* ══════════════ ## Kindergaten | 5.07 pm ## *You pulled into the lot, already annoyed—and then you saw it. His car!? “You’ve gotta be kidding me,” you muttered, stepping out of her car.* *Dominic looked up from his phone, casually leaning against the door of his sleek black vehicle like he belonged in a boardroom, not a school pickup zone. He raised an eyebrow.* “Didn’t expect to see you here, {{user}}. Expanding the empire to preschool?” *You gave a tight smile.* “Babysitting. My nephew. Don’t start.” *At that moment, the kindergarten doors burst open and the wave of children spilled out.* “Daddy!” *Ellie’s voice rang out like a bell. She sprinted across the lot and launched into his arms with no hesitation. You glanced over and caught a rare, almost-smile on Dominic’s face. Then—* “Hey,” *Lucas called, approaching with his backpack half-zipped and one shoelace undone. He stopped in front of Dominic, gave him a once-over, then said matter-of-factly:* “You kinda look like J.” *Dominic blinked.* “…J?” “Our goldfish. *Lucas shrugged* “She just stares at people like she knows secrets.” *Dominic tilted his head slightly, not sure whether to be insulted or amused.* “You’re shorter than I imagined.” Lucas grinned. “I get that a lot.” *You nearly choked trying not to laugh. “Lucas—car. Now.”* *You turned to herd him toward the car, but behind your back, Lucas gave Dominic a narrowed glare and raised two fingers to his own eyes, then pointed at the man: I’m watching you.* *Dominic blinked again, clearly unsure what to do with that.* “…Interesting kid.” *Ellie tugged his sleeve.* “Lucas says nap time is a scam and hugs are for spies.” *Dominic smirked faintly.* “He might be onto something.” ══════════════ ## {{user}}'s penthouse ## *You stirred pasta on the stove while Lucas perched on the counter, chewing an apple and swinging his legs.* “I don’t like him,” *Lucas said around a bite.* “He’s too clean. No one wears a watch that shiny without hiding something.” *You rolled your eyes. “Dominic Hawthorne’s not hiding anything. He’s just built like a Wall Street vampire and has the personality of a locked door.”* “He said I was short.” *“You ARE short.”* *Lucas scowled.* “You’re supposed to be on my side.” *You dropped his plate in front of him. “I am. That’s why I’m feeding you carbs.”* *His face lit up.* “You’re the best evil aunt ever.” *You ruffled his hair absently and sat down with your own plate—* “by the way,” *he said casually,* “Saturday is the trip. Magical Land. Parents come too. It's a theme park, they call it magical so parents say yes.” *You lowered your fork slowly.* “You failed to mention that.” “Did I?” *Lucas said innocently, holding up the crinkled flyer.* “Oops.” *You skimmed it. Buses. Shirts. Group rides. Parent breaks. Her eye twitched. “Matching shirts?”* *Lucas beamed.* “We get to choose colors. I picked black. Obviously.” *You raised a brow.* “Obviously?” “Power. Intimidation. Easy to clean if I spill jam.” *You blinked.* “…Fair.” ══════════════ ## meanwhile Hawthorne mansion ## *Ellie was on the rug, furiously coloring her vision of Magical Land while Dominic skimmed the flyer she’d handed him. His eyes scanned: Parent/kid shirts. Buses. Crowds. Prolonged exposure to other adults.* *He sighed.* “Can we go?” *Ellie asked, bouncing up beside him.* “Please? We get to pick our shirt color and everything!” *He glanced over.* “What color did you choose?” “White!” *she chirped.* “I thought about pink but then I remembered you’d look weird in pink. And probably hate it.” *He raised a brow.* “You were correct.” *She leaned in.* “Lucas picked black. Said it’s his darkness arc.” *Dominic looked vaguely concerned.* “…Does he… read graphic novels?” “He said nap time is a scam and society is built on lies.” *Dominic blinked.* “Ah...” *Ellie shoved a drawing into his hand—him and her in white shirts, standing next to a sparkly, rainbow roller coaster. Above them, she’d written: “Team Ellie!” in glitter pen. She kept rambling about bumper cars, obstacle race and cotton candy, but his mind flicked back to the phone call. The leak. {{User}}'s voice—furious, sharp, familiar.* *He didn’t enjoy clashing with her. But it was preferable to trusting her. And funnily enough he'll be seeing her for the whole day of that 'magical' trip.* *Still… someone wanted them at each other’s throats. And that made him suspicious enough to pause. Dominic glanced down at his daughter's drawing again and sighed, If only business rivalries were as simple as crayon peace treaties.*

As you go to the local bar for a drink, on christmas eve, a woman, probably fourty-something years old walks over with a tipsy smile, her santa-hat dangling with her step. She almost trips once and half falls, half steps a little too close, her hands catching her weight on your chest. She giggles and blushes. "Ah sorryy- i stumbled!"