Chapter 58

The apartment was quiet in a way it never usually was. Not nap-time quiet. Not lull-between-laughter quiet. Just... quiet.

Beth stood by the window, arms crossed loosely over her chest, the afternoon light tracing soft lines across her shoulders. Outside, the city hummed with weekend energy—cars rolling down the avenue, a dog barking three floors below, the occasional gust of wind ruffling the corner of the curtain. But in here, time felt slower. Still.

She heard the soft shuffle of socks behind her a moment before she felt him.

Changbin didn't say anything at first. Just came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pressing his cheek to her shoulder like he always did when he was trying to ground them both. His touch was warm. Gentle. Familiar in the best way.

Beth leaned back into him instinctively.

For a moment, they just stood there, looking out the window together like it was something sacred.

"Feels weird, doesn't it?" he murmured eventually. "The silence."

Beth nodded. "Too quiet."

Changbin's arms tightened just slightly. "Hana texted. They're at the aquarium. Cassie said she wants to name a jellyfish after me."

Beth let out a soft, surprised laugh. "Is it going to be Uncle Binnie the Jelly?"

"She said no. Just Binnie. Because the other jellies might laugh at him if he has a long name."

Beth turned her head, her smile small but real. "She's not wrong."

He grinned against her skin. "That's what makes it worse."

Beth went quiet again, her fingers playing with the hem of her sleeve. The sun warmed her toes through the thin knit of her socks, and behind her, Changbin didn't move. He just waited.

It was one of the things she was still getting used to.

He never pushed.

Never demanded answers or declarations or labels she wasn't ready to give. He just showed up—over and over again. Like gravity. Like breath.

"About what I said earlier," she began, voice low.

Changbin didn't interrupt. Didn't shift. He just hummed gently, like he was letting her know he was listening.

Beth's pulse picked up, thudding somewhere deep in her throat. "I meant it. All of it."

"I know," he said softly.

She hesitated. "But I didn't say—"

"I know that too."

Beth turned slowly in his arms until she could see him. Really see him. He looked calm. Not guarded, not expectant—just open. His eyes searched hers like they always did, but there was no pressure in it. Just quiet hope and a patience that made her ache.

"I don't know how to say it yet," she admitted. "Not because I don't feel it. But because it still scares me. Because I've said it to someone before and it got used like a weapon. It got twisted. Taken away."

Changbin's expression softened, something flickering behind his eyes—pain, maybe, or memory. But he nodded, slow and steady.

"I'm not him," he said, voice rough around the edges.

"I know," she whispered. "God, I know. You're... everything he wasn't."

Her fingers curled in the fabric of his shirt, anchoring herself. "You make me feel safe. And soft. And like I don't have to apologize for needing things. That's not small. That's not... nothing."

His hand came up to cup her cheek, thumb brushing just beneath her eye. "It's everything."

Beth blinked hard, emotion rising up so fast it caught her off guard. "I don't want to rush. I don't want to break this by saying something too soon or too late."

"You're not going to break anything," he said, gentle and firm all at once. "This isn't glass, Beth. It's us. It bends. It stretches. It makes room."

Beth let out a shaky breath.

Then, slowly, she leaned into him—forehead to his collarbone, arms wrapping around his waist like she was pulling all of him into herself.

"Just... don't stop showing up," she whispered.

"I won't," he said into her hair. "Even if it takes you a year. Even if it's never a perfect sentence. I'm here."

They stood like that for a long time—no ticking clock, no need to move, no need to define anything beyond what was already felt.

Eventually, Beth tipped her face up, searching his expression again. Her eyes shimmered, but the fear had faded, replaced by something steadier. Something brave.

He kissed her slowly.

Not like the night before, when it had been soft and fleeting and almost too tender to hold. This was different. This was heat built up over days, weeks, months of quiet longing—slow-burning need ignited in a single, shared breath. His lips brushed hers once, twice, testing. Asking. And when she didn't pull away—when she leaned into it instead—he deepened the kiss with a low, breathy sound that settled low in her stomach.

Beth rose on her toes, her hands threading into his hair, anchoring herself in the warmth of him. His hands skimmed her waist, then her ribs, palms flat and reverent as he tugged her closer. Their bodies aligned instinctively, no space left between them. His mouth parted hers gently, deliberately, coaxing rather than claiming.

The room tilted. Or maybe it was just her.

Her back hit the wall with a quiet thump, the sunlight spilling through the window catching in her hair. Changbin kissed her like he was memorizing it, like every angle of her mouth was sacred. Like the air between them had always been meant for this. She gasped against him when his hands slid down to her hips, gripping her there, and he used the leverage to guide her leg upward.

He didn't force it. He didn't push. He just looked at her—eyes dark with want, but soft with care—and she knew what he was asking without a single word.

Beth nodded, breath caught in her throat.

And then her thigh was hooked over his hip.

The angle shifted everything.

Her back arched off the wall. His hand supported the underside of her thigh, the muscles in his arm flexing with the weight of her as his mouth descended again. The kiss turned hungrier now—more urgent. His tongue traced the edge of hers, slow and deliberate, tasting her like he'd been starving.

Beth moaned softly, her fingers tightening in his hair. She felt the heat coil low in her belly, her hips rolling instinctively toward the solid, aching pressure of him. Changbin groaned into her mouth and ground forward once—just enough for her to feel the full weight of what she was doing to him.

Her breath hitched as the hard ridge of his arousal pressed against her core, separated only by a few flimsy layers of fabric. The sensation sent sparks rushing through her veins, pooling between her thighs with a pulsing, insistent need.

"Changbin," she gasped out, barely recognizing the breathless desperation in her own voice.

He pulled back just enough to look at her, pupils blown wide and dark with desire. His chest rose and fell rapidly, his hair already mussed from her fingers.

"Tell me what you want, baby," he murmured, voice low and rough. "I'll give you anything. Everything."

Beth's heart clenched almost painfully in her chest. Because she knew he meant it. Knew he would spend hours worshipping every inch of her body if she asked him to. Knew he would stop the second she even hinted at hesitation.

In that moment, she wanted all of him. Wanted to feel his skin against hers, wanted to hear what sounds he made when he was buried deep inside her, wanted to watch his face as he came undone.

But more than that, she wanted to savor this. She wanted to draw out the ache. To let it build until they were both trembling with need.

Beth met his gaze, her own eyes dark and wanting. "I want your mouth," she breathed.

Changbin's grip tightened on her thigh, his thumb digging into the soft flesh. "Where?" he asked, voice gravelly.

She reached down, guiding his hand higher until his fingers brushed the lace edge of her panties. "Here," she whispered. "I want you to taste me."

A low groan rumbled through his chest and he captured her mouth in a searing kiss, all tongue and teeth and desperation. Beth whimpered into it, her hips canting forward, seeking friction.

Changbin pulled back, panting. "Hold on to me," he instructed.

Beth barely had time to process the command before he was sliding down her body, sinking to his knees on the hardwood floor. He looked up at her from under his lashes, eyes molten with desire, and slowly guided her leg up and over his shoulder.

The new position left her open and exposed, the flimsy fabric of her cotton shorts the only barrier between his mouth and her aching flesh. Changbin's hands slid up her thighs, fingers curling into the hem of her shorts. He paused there, looking up at her again, silently asking for permission.

Beth nodded frantically, beyond words.

With a wicked smirk, he tugged her shorts and panties down in one smooth motion, letting them pool at her ankles. The cool air hit her overheated skin and she gasped, the sensation only heightening her arousal.

Changbin didn't give her time to adjust. He leaned forward, pressing a soft, open-mouthed kiss to her inner thigh. Beth's head fell back against the wall with a thump, her fingers threading through his hair to anchor herself.

He took his time, trailing kisses higher and higher, deliberately avoiding where she needed him most. By the time his breath ghosted over her slick folds, she was trembling with anticipation, her grip on his hair bordering on painful.

"Changbin, please," she whimpered, hips canting forward of their own accord.

He chuckled, the sound vibrating against her sensitive flesh. "So impatient," he murmured, but obliged, sealing his mouth over her aching center.

Beth cried out, the sensation overwhelming in the best possible way. His tongue dragged through her folds, exploring every inch of her before circling her clit with maddening precision. He alternated between broad, flat strokes and targeted flicks, quickly finding a rhythm that had her seeing stars.

She was reduced to wordless gasps and moans, her hips rolling shamelessly against his mouth as he worked her higher and higher. One of his hands slid around to grip her ass, holding her steady as his tongue delved deeper, pushing inside her with a deliberate curl that made her vision white out at the edges.

"Oh god, don't stop," Beth panted, her thighs beginning to tremble where they bracketed his head.

Changbin hummed in response, the vibration shooting sparks of pleasure through her core. His grip on her tightened as he redoubled his efforts, tongue swirling and probing in a relentless rhythm that stole the breath from her lungs.

Beth's head tipped back, eyes fluttering shut as the pressure built to an almost unbearable peak. Her fingers flexed helplessly in his hair, torn between tugging him closer and pushing him away as the sensations overwhelmed her.

Changbin could feel her body tensing, her thighs quaking around him as he drove her closer to the edge. He angled his head, increasing the pressure of his tongue against her clit, and felt her spasm in response.

"Changbin," she gasped out, his name breaking on a moan. "I'm gonna--I'm so close..."

He groaned against her, the sound muffled by her slick flesh. His free hand slid from her ass to press against her lower belly, holding her in place as his mouth worked her over mercilessly.

Beth's breath came in sharp, desperate pants, her hips jerking under his hands. She could feel the tension coiling tighter and tighter inside her, pleasure building to a fever pitch. Changbin's tongue was relentless, dragging her higher and higher until she was teetering on the brink, barely holding on.

"Let go, baby," Changbin murmured, the words buzzing against her sensitive skin. "I've got you."

And with one final, targeted flick of his tongue, Beth shattered.

Her orgasm crashed over her in waves, pleasure pulsing through her core as she cried out his name, her body shuddering and trembling in his grip. Changbin worked her through it, his tongue gentling but not stopping, drawing out her climax until she was boneless and spent.

Beth sagged against the wall, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. Changbin pressed a final, soft kiss to her center before slowly lowering her leg from his shoulder. He rose to his feet, hands skimming up her sides to steady her.

"You okay?" he murmured, voice low and rough.

Beth nodded, not trusting herself to speak just yet. She leaned into him, burying her face in the crook of his neck as she tried to calm her racing heart. Changbin's arms came up around her, one hand rubbing soothing circles on her lower back.

They stayed like that for a long moment, just holding each other, the apartment quiet save for their mingled breathing. Beth nuzzled closer, inhaling the scent of him—soap and musk and something uniquely Changbin. It grounded her, anchoring her back to reality.

Eventually, she pulled back just enough to meet his gaze. His eyes were soft, but there was a heat behind them—a barely restrained hunger that made her shiver. She could feel the evidence of his arousal pressing against her hip, hard and insistent.

"That was..." she started, then trailed off, words escaping her.

Changbin's lips quirked up at the corners. "Good?" he supplied, voice teasing.

Beth huffed out a laugh. "Mind-blowing," she corrected. "Phenomenal. Earth-shattering."

He grinned fully at that, looking far too pleased with himself. "Glad to be of service."

She swatted his chest playfully, but couldn't stop her own smile from spreading. "Smug is not a good look on you."

"Everything's a good look on me," he countered, dipping his head to nip at her jaw. "You've said so yourself."

Beth's breath hitched as his teeth grazed her skin. "I take it back," she managed. "You're insufferable."

Changbin hummed, unconcerned, and continued his path down her neck, laving attention on her pulse point. Beth's eyes fluttered shut as he worked her sensitive skin, arching into his touch. His hands slid down to her hips, gripping tight as he walked her backwards until her knees hit the edge of the bed.

Beth let herself fall back onto the mattress, tugging Changbin down with her. He settled over her, his weight a delicious pressure against her still-buzzing body. She could feel his arousal, hot and heavy, separated from her bare skin by only the thin fabric of his sweatpants.

Suddenly desperate to feel him, all of him, Beth reached down and tugged impatiently at the waistband. "Off," she demanded breathlessly. "I want these off."

Changbin pushed up on his elbows, looking down at her with dark, hungry eyes. "Yes ma'am," he murmured, voice low and rough with desire.

He sat back on his heels, making quick work of his shirt before hooking his thumbs into his waistband and shoving his pants and boxers down in one smooth motion. His erection sprang free, bobbing against his stomach, the tip already glistening with arousal.

Beth's mouth went dry at the sight. "Holy Shit, Bin."

He smirked at her reaction, eyes glinting with pride and hunger. "Like what you see, baby?"

Beth nodded dumbly, unable to tear her gaze away from his impressive length. She reached for him, fingers grazing the velvet-soft skin, and Changbin hissed through his teeth at the contact.

"Careful," he warned, voice strained. "I'm already close."

The knowledge that she affected him just as much sent a thrill rushing through her. Emboldened, Beth wrapped her hand around him fully, giving a slow, experimental stroke from base to tip.

Changbin groaned, his hips jerking into her touch. "Beth," he gritted out. "I won't last if you keep doing that."

She bit her lip, torn between the desire to watch him come undone and the ache to have him inside her. After a moment, she released him, scooting backwards on the bed in clear invitation.

"Then get down here," she breathed. "I need you, Bin."

He didn't hesitate, covering her body with his own in one smooth motion. Beth gasped as his weight settled over her, his erection sliding against her slick heat. She rolled her hips instinctively, desperate for more contact, more friction.

Changbin groaned into her neck, his breath hot against her skin. "Fuck, you feel incredible."

He ground against her purposefully, the head of his cock catching on her entrance with each pass, teasing her. Beth whimpered, nails digging into his shoulders as she tried to pull him closer, urging him to give her what she needed.

"Please, Bin," she panted. "I need you inside me. Now."

He pushed up on his elbows, looking down at her with lust-darkened eyes. "Protection?" he asked roughly.

Beth shook her head. "IUD. We're good."

Changbin's gaze flared with heat at the implication—no barriers between them. He reached down, positioning himself at her entrance. Beth held her breath, her heart pounding wildly in anticipation.

And then, with a quick, deliberate thrust, he slammed into her.

Beth cried out, her body arching off the bed as he filled her completely. The stretch burned in the best way, her body struggling to accommodate his size. Changbin stilled above her, giving her a moment to adjust, his arms trembling with the effort of holding back.

"God, you're so tight," he gritted out. "So perfect."

She clenched around him involuntarily and he groaned, dropping his forehead to her shoulder.

"Move," Beth demanded breathlessly. "Please, Bin, I need you to move."

He obeyed instantly, pulling out almost completely before slamming back in. Beth keened, her nails scoring down his back as he set a relentless pace. Each powerful thrust hit a spot deep inside her that made stars explode behind her eyes.

There was no gentleness now, no restraint. Just pure, animalistic need. Skin slapped against skin, the obscene sound mixing with their mingled moans and panted breaths. The bed creaked ominously beneath them but neither cared, lost to the overwhelming sensations.

Changbin shifted the angle of his hips and Beth nearly screamed, the new position allowing him to go even deeper. Her legs came up instinctively, wrapping around his waist to pull him impossibly closer. The change in angle pushed him right against her g-spot with every thrust and Beth could feel a second orgasm building rapidly, her body already wound tight and desperate for release.

"Don't stop," she gasped out, meeting his increasingly erratic thrusts. "God, right there, don't stop."

Changbin grunted, burying his face in her neck as he pistoned his hips faster, chasing his own release. "Come for me, baby," he demanded roughly. "I want to feel you come on my cock."

His filthy words were all it took to send Beth flying over the edge. Her orgasm hit her like a freight train, pleasure exploding through her entire body as she clamped down around him. She cried out his name like a prayer, body shaking and spasming in his grip.

Changbin followed her a moment later, his rhythm faltering as he spilled himself deep inside her with a guttural groan. But he didn't stop, even as he leaked out of her he kept thrusting into her.

Beth whimpered at the continued stimulation, her body almost painfully sensitive after the intensity of her orgasm. But Changbin was relentless, his hips snapping forward again and again, sending aftershocks rippling through her core.

"Bin," she gasped out, fingers clawing at his shoulders. "I can't... it's too much..."

"Take it for me, baby. I want to feel you completely unravel."

He shifted his weight onto one elbow, his other hand snaking between their sweat-slicked bodies to find her swollen clit. Beth jerked as he pressed down on the sensitive bundle of nerves, her back bowing off the bed.

"Please," she sobbed, unsure if she was begging him to stop or keep going. Every drag of his cock inside her sent sparks shooting up her spine, the pleasure edging into pain.

Changbin rubbed tight, deliberate circles around her clit, coaxing her higher even as he continued to move inside her. "One more, baby. Give me one more."

Beth shook her head frantically, tears leaking from the corners of her eyes. It was too much, the sensations overwhelming her until she couldn't think, couldn't breathe. But her body responded to his touch, clenching down around him as another orgasm built at the base of her spine.

"That's it," Changbin panted. "Come on my cock again. Let me feel you squeeze me."

His words pushed her over the edge, and Beth shattered with a raw scream and a spray of hot liquid. Her body convulsed violently, legs trembling and toes curling as wave after wave of intense pleasure crashed over her. Clear fluid gushed from her core, soaking Changbin's cock and the sheets beneath them as she squirted uncontrollably.

"Fuck, baby, that's so hot," he groaned, continuing to thrust shallowly as she rode out her high, drawing out her orgasm.

Beth went limp, aftershocks still zinging through her nerves, leaving her feeling electrified and utterly wrung out. Changbin gentled his movements, releasing her clit to stroke soothingly along her side as he peppered kisses across her face.

"You okay?" he murmured against her cheek. "Was that too much?"

She shook her head weakly, not yet able to form words. Instead, she threaded her fingers through his damp hair, tugging him down for a slow, deep kiss. He responded immediately, licking into her mouth with a tenderness that made her ache in an entirely different way.

When they finally parted, both breathing hard, Changbin carefully withdrew from her body. Beth whimpered at the loss, feeling empty and oversensitive. He rolled to the side, gathering her boneless form into his arms and tucking her head under his chin.

"That was incredible," he murmured, voice rough with satisfaction. "You're incredible."

Beth hummed in agreement, nuzzling into his chest. Her body still thrummed with the afterglow, every nerve ending alive and singing. She couldn't remember the last time she'd come so hard, or so many times in a row.

"I think you broke me," she joked weakly. "I can't feel my legs."

Changbin chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. "I'll take that as a compliment." He pressed a kiss to her hair. "Though I might have gotten a bit carried away at the end there. I've never seen anyone squirt like that before."

Beth groaned, hiding her face in his neck as embarrassment flooded through her. "Oh my god, I can't believe I did that. I didn't even know I could."

"Hey, no, don't be embarrassed." Changbin tipped her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze. His eyes were warm and earnest. "That was the hottest thing I've ever seen. Watching you lose control like that, knowing I made you feel that good? I'll be replaying that in my head for weeks."

Beth felt her cheeks flush even as a small, pleased smile tugged at her lips. "Yeah?"

"Definitely." He grinned and dipped his head to nuzzle her neck. "In fact, I'm already thinking about all the ways I can make it happen again."

She shivered at the promise in his voice, arousal stirring despite her exhaustion. "You're insatiable."

"Only for you." He captured her lips in another slow, thorough kiss, one hand drifting down to palm her hip. "I could spend all day worshipping this body and never get enough."

Beth sighed into the kiss, melting against him. She loved this softer side of Changbin - the attentive, affectionate man who emerged in the afterglow. It made her feel cherished. Safe.

They lay tangled together, hearts slowing and sweat cooling on their skin. Beth traced idle patterns on Changbin's chest, reveling in the solid warmth of him. The silence that had felt so heavy before now seemed peaceful, a cozy bubble shielding them from the outside world.

"I wish we could stay like this forever," she murmured.

Changbin's arms tightened around her. "Me too. Though we might need to change the sheets first."

Beth laughed softly, the sound muffled against his skin. "True. We made quite a mess." She pushed up on one elbow to survey the damage. The comforter was rumpled at the foot of the bed and the fitted sheet had come untucked on one corner, exposing the bare mattress. And in the center was a large wet spot, stark evidence of her lack of control.

Changbin followed her gaze and smirked. "I'd say sorry but..."

"But you're not at all sorry," she finished wryly.

"Nope." He looked entirely too pleased with himself.

Beth's laugh echoed through the room, as she got up to walk to the bathroom to clean up. Her thighs were soaked and she could feel the slow trickle of cum starting to slip from her core.

She grabbed a washcloth and ran it under warm water, gently wiping away the sticky evidence of their lovemaking. Her body still thrummed with aftershocks, little zings of pleasure that made her shiver. She caught sight of herself in the mirror and had to do a double take. Her hair was a wild tangle, lips swollen and red, a flush high on her cheeks. She looked thoroughly debauched. Thoroughly satisfied.

With a secret smile, she finished cleaning up and padded back to the bedroom. Changbin was sprawled on his back, one arm thrown above his head, watching her through hooded eyes. He looked like a lazy, well-fed lion, all coiled strength and languid power. Beth's heart stuttered at the sight.

"See something you like?" he drawled, voice still rough with satisfaction.

Beth let her gaze travel over him appreciatively, from the sharp line of his jaw down the sculpted planes of his chest and abs, to the trail of dark hair disappearing beneath the sheet slung low on his hips. "Definitely," she murmured.

He crooked a finger at her. "Then get back over here."

Beth grinned and crossed the room in a few quick strides, clambering onto the bed and flopping down next to him with a contented sigh. Changbin immediately rolled towards her, slinging an arm around her waist and pulling her flush against his side. She nuzzled into his warmth, tucking her head under his chin like she belonged there. Maybe she did.

"Mmmm, this is nice," she hummed, tracing her fingers along the ridges of his abdomen. "I could get used to lazy afternoons in bed with you."

Changbin dropped a kiss to her hair. "I'll clear my schedule," he murmured. "We can make this a regular thing. Clothing optional, of course."

Beth huffed a laugh and poked him in the ribs. "Insatiable, like I said."

"Hey, I'm just being practical!" He captured her hand, linking their fingers together and bringing them up to his lips. "I have to take advantage of having you all to myself while I can. As soon as Hana and Cassie get back, we'll be lucky to sneak in a quick kiss before bedtime."

Beth's heart swelled at the mention of her girls, a wave of love and contentment washing over her. "She adores you, you know. Cassie asks me every day when Uncle Binnie is coming over to play."

Changbin's eyes softened, a small, pleased smile tugging at his lips. "I adore them right back. That girl...she's stolen my heart completely."

Beth squeezed his hand, emotion clogging her throat. "Mine too. I never knew it was possible to love someone so much it hurts."

"I'm starting to understand the feeling," Changbin murmured, something deep and meaningful in his gaze as it locked with hers.

Beth's breath caught. There it was again, that unspoken thing between them. The thing she wasn't quite ready to put a name to, but that filled her chest with warmth and made her feel like she was standing on the edge of a beautiful precipice, ready to fly.

She untangled their fingers so she could reach up and cup his face, thumb brushing along the sharp line of his cheekbone. "Bin..."

He turned his head to press a kiss to her palm, eyes never leaving hers. The tenderness in that simple gesture made her heart clench almost painfully.

"I know, baby," he whispered. "You don't have to say it. I feel it too."

Beth surged forward, capturing his lips in a kiss that said everything she couldn't put into words. It was deep and slow and achingly sweet, pouring every ounce of emotion into the press of her mouth on his.

Changbin's hand slid into her hair, cradling the back of her head as he angled the kiss deeper. His tongue traced the seam of her lips and she opened for him immediately, welcoming him into the warm cavern of her mouth. He explored her leisurely, thoroughly, like he was trying to memorize every dip and curve.

When they finally broke apart, both were breathing hard, foreheads pressed together as they tried to steady themselves. Beth kept her eyes closed, savoring the moment, the feeling of being so completely connected to him in every way.

"We should probably finish getting cleaned up," Changbin murmured eventually, though he made no move to pull away. "Hana said they'd be back by dinner time."

Beth sighed, reluctant to burst their cozy bubble. "I suppose you're right. Though I wouldn't mind a few more minutes of cuddling first."

Changbin's lips curved into a smile against her temple. "I think that can be arranged."

He rolled onto his back, pulling her with him so she was draped across his chest. Beth settled against him with a contented hum, her cheek pillowed on his shoulder and one leg thrown over his hips. Changbin's arms came around her, one hand tracing idle patterns on the small of her back while the other combed gently through her hair.

They lay like that for a while, just soaking each other in, the companionable silence broken only by the occasional sigh or rustle of sheets. Beth found herself getting lost in the steady thump of Changbin's heartbeat under her ear, the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest with each breath. It was soothing in a bone-deep way, making her limbs feel heavy and languid.