GROWING PAINS

GROWING PAINS

masterlist | kang sae-byeok x reader

synopsis: when you realize your dyed hair has grown out, leaving your natural roots exposed, you’re horrified to learn that your girlfriend, Sae-byeok, has noticed this entire time—and said nothing.

warnings: none

part two

The apartment was quiet, save for the distant hum of cars outside and the static murmur of a late-night drama playing on the TV. The glow from the screen flickered across the walls, illuminating the tiny space you shared with Sae-byeok. Sae was half asleep—curled up on the couch, legs pulled up, hoodie sleeves covering most of her hands as she lazily scrolled through her phone. You, on the other hand, were standing in front of the small mirror near the bathroom, combing through your damp hair after a shower. It was a routine moment, something you did a hundred times before—until something caught your eye. You froze mid-stroke, your fingers threading through the strands near your scalp. Your roots. You frowned, tilting your head, pushing back sections of your hair for a better look. The contrast was undeniable. How long had it been like this? More importantly— You turned, squinting at Sae-byeok, who was completely unbothered, thumb lazily tapping against her phone screen. She definitely noticed. And said nothing. You let out a small hum before walking over to the couch, moving slowly, casually, until you reached her. She barely glanced up as you approached. Perfect. Without hesitation, you swung a leg over and plopped yourself onto her lap. Sae tensed for half a second, but her hands instinctively came to rest on your waist, steadying you. Her brows furrowed slightly. “What are you doing?” You peered down at her, tilting your head with mock innocence. “I just have one question.” She raised an eyebrow. Holding up a section of your hair between the two of you, you asked, “Is this what you see all the time?” “What?” she asked, playing dumb. You rolled your eyes, shifting slightly in her lap as you gestured toward your roots. “This. My very obvious, very tragic grown-out roots. You noticed, right?”

Her eyes flickered to the section you were holding, taking in the obvious line of regrowth.

Then, with zero guilt whatsoever, she looked back at you and shrugged. “I thought you knew.” You scoffed. “I did not.” Her lips twitched—just barely, but you caught it. She was amused. Letting the strand fall, you leaned in closer, resting your forearms on her shoulders as you studied her. “So, what? You were just gonna let me walk around looking like this?” Sae exhaled through her nose—her version of a laugh. “You look fine.” “Fine?” You raised an eyebrow. “You’ve been looking at this every day and just… didn't say anything?” “I didn’t think it was important.” You narrowed your eyes, but there was no real frustration behind it. She was so annoyingly nonchalant about everything. It was part of what made her, well… her. You huffed. “I look like a walking before-and-after picture of a bad hair dye.” She chuckled, and it was soft—softer than the teasing smirk on her face. Sighing, you ran your fingers through your hair. “Okay, but real talk, how bad is it?” She closed her eyes like she was truly contemplating it. Then, in the flattest tone imaginable, said, “Tragic.” You smacked her arm again. “You’re the worst.” She finally cracked an actual laugh this time, shaking her head. “I’m kidding.” “Are you?” She hummed, reaching out lazily to play with the ends of your hair. “Yeah.” A moment passed. Her fingers moved to trace small, absentminded patterns against your waist. “So, what now?” You huffed. “Guess I have to fix it.” She tilted her head. “What color?” You perked up. “Thinking blue this time.” Sae nodded, eyes trailing over your face. “That’d suit you." You narrowed your eyes. “You always say that.” She shrugged. “Because it’s always true.” Your stomach flipped—just slightly, just enough that you had to distract yourself by leaning in, letting your nose brush against hers. “You’re being cute again.” She smirked. “Hate it?” “Not at all.” Her eyes softened, but she didn’t say anything, just let her fingers flex slightly against your waist. You leaned back. “You know… you should let me dye your hair next.” Sae’s smirk disappeared instantly. “No.” You grinned. “Oh, come on, just a little streak? You’d look hot with a streak.” Sae shot you a deadpan look. “No.” You laughed, reaching down to squeeze her hand. “You know, if you had to pick a colour, what would it be?” Sae hummed, thinking for a moment. “Black.” “Boring.” She glanced at you, raising a brow. “It’s my natural colour.” “Still boring.”

She lightly scoffed in response. A small smile grew back onto her face. You grinned. “One day, I’m gonna catch you slipping, and you’re gonna wake up with pink hair.” Sae laughed under her breath. “And you’re gonna wake up single.” You pouted. “You’d really leave me over hair dye?” She hummed nonchalantly. “Try me.” Laughing, you turned your head slightly, watching her—really watching her.

The way her lashes fluttered slightly as she blinked slowly, the way her lips curled ever so slightly in amusement, the way her body had softened against yours, even when she was teasing you. Your heart clenched. “You love me,” you whispered. Sae cracked one eye open, unimpressed. “Are we still talking about this?” “Yes.” She sighed, like this was the most exhausting thing in the world. Then, after a pause— “Yeah.” Your breath hitched.

You softened, squeezing her hand. “I love you too” Sae smirked slightly, eyes fluttering shut again. “Good.”

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