I wake up extra early the next day to get through my chores before the barn raising.
"Annnd...done. Agusga, you keep an eye on the place for me, yeah? Don't let that little out get outta line.
I hurry to the barn to check on Ozzy before I go, a few dehydrated crickets in my hand.
"Mornin' fella. Found an owl-appropriate snack for ya, if you're tired of chasin' mice. The clerk at the bait and tackle said these were fit for people, too, but...not sure if I'm ready for that just yet."
Ozzy pecks, curious, then starts wolfing them down whole.
"Guess crickets are officially on the menu. Good to know."
I turn my empty hand so I can brush his cheek. Ozzy nuzzles against me.
"On that note, I should get some breakfast in me too."
As I enter the kitchen, Jisung is already preparing breakfast as usual.
"Mornin', (Y/N). Sleep well?"
"Sleep? I've already mucked out all the stables, fed the animals, and checked on Ozzy!"
A burst of applause comes from the stairwell, where Minho's leaning heavily against the railing. Slowly, he hobbles his way to the table."
"All that before the sun was even up? You sure have earned some fun at the barn raisin'."
"I thought so too! After the week we've had, we deserve a little fun."
"Just remember it's not all chattin' and playin' games. A barn raisin' is two things in one. Part community service, part...well, party. They really are somethin' special. And it's not like they come around that often."
"Oh? You want us to order up another tornado once you're all fixed up?" Jisung playfully threatens.
"What? No! I ain't sayin' I want folks to be facin' a loss like that. Just...promise you'll have fun, okay?"
"That depends on whether I'll have my hands full with Jisung."
"Me?" Jisung asks curiously.
"C'mon, Jisung. Don't play coy. So many pretty girls, so little time..."
"Good point, (Y/N). Someone oughta keep him focused on the task at hand." Minho agrees.
"I don't need a babysitter."
A current of electricity passes between us. If our shoulders brushed, I'm sure they'd spark.
"Good. Neither do I." I smirk.
"You should go clean up, (Y/N). You two've gotta hit the road soon. And dress for the party. Not often you get a chance around here."
"Good idea. I'll just be a minute."
If the whole town is turnin' out, I oughta look my best. And if it turns Jisung's head, win-win!
I put on my new fit and admire my reflection in the mirror.
"Perfect! This'll take me from day to night, no problem."
I race down the stairs, eager to show off my ensemble. Minho's grin widens as I approach.
"Lookin' good, (Y/N)! You'll be the talk of the town in that."
I turn to Jisung, who nearly misses his mouth with his mug. He hisses as coffee dribbles down his fingers and onto the kitchen table.
"That bud, huh?"
"You look...incredible, (Y/N)."
Jisung drags his tongue across his bottom lip as he takes me in. A heat blossoms in my chest, tingling as it spreads and to my fingers and toes. Minho laughs.
"Jisung's just worried someone's gonna outshine him. Now, get on out there and give everybody my best, will ya?"
With a nod, I head out, body brushing Jisung's in passing. Jisung's hand clenches and unclenches as though he aches to touch me.
I know the feelin'...
I ride shotgun. Once I pull out of the drive, I rest my hand on Jisung's thigh.
"That feels nice, (Y/N). Though we can't be lookin' too cozy once we get to the Sanchez's farm."
He bites his lip as he watches me out the corner of his eye.
"You wearin' that outfit will make it hard to keep my distance, though."
"Minho won't be there to catch us. Who says we can't have a little fun?"
"This isn't like the rodeo, (Y/N). We're in Thunder Valley. Folks'd notice. Then they'd talk."
"In that case, let'em talk. Besides, we're consenting adults, aren't we? What's there to gossip about?"
"C'mon, now. You know news travels fast and loose in a small town, simply 'cause there ain't enough of it."
"Yeah, yeah."
When we pull up to the Sanchez's farm, I understand Jisung's concern. It's a sea of familiar faces.
"Hey, (Y/N)!" Alex calls out.
"I had a feelin' you'd come. You've always had such a positive energy about you." Tanner says with a hug.
"That's not the only positive. Can we talk about your new getup? I know it's not a competition, but you're winning."
"Thanks, Alex. It's been a while since I've been out with the hometown crew. Felt like dressin' up."
Lucy saunters up to the group, slinging her arms around Tanner and Alex's shoulders.
"Haven't seen you at the Saddle Horn in a while, (Y/N). Was hopin' you could fill me in on how Minho's doin'."
"We wanted to visit on our way over, but didn't want to inconvenience y'all." says Alex
"Minho's doin' much better. He'll be happy to hear you were askin' after him."
"In that case, let's focus on the important stuff. Jisung, you willin' to take point on the barbecue? Ain't no one who cooks ribs like you." Tanner asks
"Happy to." Jisung answers.
"Amazing! From what Tanner's told us, you're the hottest cook in town."
"I said Jisung's the best cook."
"Seriously, Jisung? When are you gonna open your own restaurant?" Lucy asks with a playful punch to Jisung's arm.
"That's what I've been sayin'! Minho and I get Jisung best work. If anything, he's been holdin' out on the rest of y'all."
"Have you had his burnt ends? They'll make you believe in a higher power." Tanner asks.
Jisung rolls his eyes, but I can see how pleased he is with the praise.
"My skills have been greatly exaggerated."
A bell rings and one of the townspeople starts barking out instructions about various tasks necessary to raise the barn. My friends move off.
"Suppose I oughta get ready to work...it's just so damn hot."
In one swift motion, Jisung tugs his shirt over his head. I can't help but admire his taut chest, his bulging arms, his chiseled abs. I bit my bottom lip and avert my gaze, knowing I can't let my feelings show in front of all our neighbors.
"So? Where are you pitchin' in, (Y/N)?"
"I think I'll go raise a wall."
I line up with the others along the top plate. A few seconds later, Jisung appears beside me. He leans in to whipser.
"If you feel like you can't take anymore, just say the word. I'll relieve you."
"Now are you talkin' about this wall, Han Jisung? Or somethin' else..."
Jisung chuckles under his breath, but Alex spots him and snaps her fingers.
"Hey, you two! Secrets don't make friends."
"Sorry, Alex. Jisung's just fillin' me in on how to do this right. It's my first time."
"Well if you're ready, we should get movin' on this. One...two...three!"
One Alex's count, we hoist the frame up. Soon, Jisung and I are panting from exertion.
"I like hearin' you pant like that, (Y/N)..."
"Oh yeah? I know a way you could get me to make that sound again..."
Jisung and I exchange knowing smiles. My deception ignites a flame in my core.
I didn't know what a thrill this would be, sneakin' around in plain sight...
Hours pass as we keep working steadily. Before long, the sun is high in the sky and the barn's nearly done! I head over to where Lucy's watching the progress, beer bottle in hand. She holds it out to me.
"Hey, (Y/N). Need a break?"
"Thanks! Didn't realize I'd worked up such a sweat."
"Is that on account of the work...or Jisung? You've been pretty damn friendly with him all day."
"I don't know if I was that obvious."
"Most people wouldn't have a clue, but I tend a bar. I can read people pretty well."
"You aren't gonna tell anyone, are you?"
"Nope. None of my business. This conversation stays between us. I take it Minho doesn't know?"
"No. And I want to be certain about Jisung before I bring it up."
"Smart girl."
"I don't want you thinkin' I ignored your advice. I know you think Jisung's bad news. I'm keepin' my guard up."
"Maybe I was wrong about that. Somethin' sure feels different about him lately."
Before I can ask her to elaborate, Mr. Sanchez stands before his new barn, waving his arms.
"Howdy, y'all! Can I bend your ears for a second? My family and I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. In honor of all your hard work, I declare this barn raised and the afterparty...on!"
A cheer erupts from the crowd. Lucy and I move over to where people are laying out snacks, coolers, and games on the nearby field.
"Who's in for a game of cornhole? (Y/N), you can play on my team." Alex asks.
"I'm in. And luckily I'm on Alex's side of the field. I can trash talk her like no one else." Tanner says.
"I just hope you're as good at sinkin' bags as you are at the psych outs, because we're gonna smoke you, Tanner." I throw at her as we all laugh.
"Well, I'm out. Y'all are already getting' way too competitive for me." Lucy states.
"Looks like y'all need a fourth. I'd be happy to step in. 'Specially since I don't need to trash talk to beat (Y/N) here." Colt comments with a snarky attitude.
Across the meadow, Jisung raises a beer in greeting as he minds the barbecue smokers.
"I'm afraid Jisung already agreed to play. You know the rules. Cornhole is teams of two."
"Why should I have to leave?"
"(Y/N) and I already teamed up with Alex and Tanner. Was that not clear, Colt?"
I can't deny the twinge of pleasure I feel from watching Colt flinch as Jisung strides over.
"Do you need him to repeat it?"
"No need. Stupid kids' game, anyway."
Colt casts an indignant look over his shoulder as he departs.
"Thanks for comin' to my rescue."
"You didn't need savin'. I just like to see him squirm."
I lean in close so only Jisung can hear my words.
"I think it's time I made you squirm."
"How do you plan on doin' that?"
"I have my ways..."
Jisung's eyes gleam knowingly, but he keeps his face blank.
"Sorry, that was low-hangin' fruit. I couldn't resist."
"So long as you meant what you said. If it's just trash talk, then I'll be disappointed."
All of us set up behind our boards, and I toss all the bogs to Alex and Tanner's side so they can start.
"If Jisung's playin', I'll keep an eye on the smokers." Lucy tells us.
"Everything should be good to go, but holler if you need me."
Lucy raises her beer in acknowledgment, then heads off across the field.
"Alright, (Y/N). We're teammates, so I expect you to trash talk Jisung. I won't go easy on Tanner either."
"I'll take it as an opportunity to...blow off a lot of steam we've built up workin' so close these last few weeks."
"Y'all won't get too feisty though, right? This is all in good fun." Tanner tells us.
"Don't worry, I won't let (Y/N) get under my skin." Jisung smirks.
"We'll see about that." I return his smirk.
As I wait for Alex and Tanner to start, Jisung leans in to whisper in my ear.
"Looks like we've gotta get close to play the game. Just sayin..."
"Is that so? Then can we flirt recklessly? "
I curl my fingers around Jisung's shoulder. To my surprise, he doesn't pull away.
"You could describe what we're doin' as good old- fashioned sportsmanship."
"Oh really?"
I laugh, removing my hand so I can playfully swat his chest. Jisung catches me by the wrist.
"Okay, that's definitely interference. Leave her throwin' arm alone, Jisung!" Alex shouts.
Soon it's my turn. Jisung's first throw lands about a foot from the hole.
"Jisung, you're suppose to get it in the hole. Or at least on the board."
"Hey now, save the critique for after your own turn."
To Jisung's dismay, my corn sack slides up the board and drops through the hole.
"You were sayin'?"
"Oh, I'm not worried, (Y/N). I've seen you with your back against the wall. You have a way of...flyin' apart."
Jisung's teasing causes my stomach to flip from desire. I watch him make his next throw, then lean in close as I make my own.
"Give a girl a lil' credit, will ya? You know I have more stamina than that."
Jisung bites his lip, unable to tear his eyes off me.
"Uhh...Jisung? It's your turn." Tanner tells him
"Oh. Right. Sorry, just...plannin' my strategy."
I can tell I've got Jisung distracted as he makes his final throw of the round. It lands just shy of the hole.
If I aim for the center of the board, I may be able to knock Jisung off it and sink my bean bag.
I toss my bean bag toward the center. It knocks Jisung's bag from the board, then crashes through the hole.
"Sorry, Jisung. Guess I don't know my own strength."
"Judgin' by that grin, you ain't sorry at all."
We play back and forth a few more rounds, until Alex and Tanner manage to tie up the match at eighteen points, just one sunk bag short of a win.
"If I sink my bean bag first, the game is ours."
"It ain't over 'til it's over."
"You know what I want as a prize when I win?"
"What's that?"
"I wanna take you behind this barn and have my way with you..."
"Is that so..."
"But first, I want you on your knees, takin' me in your mouth..."
"Jisung! Someone might hear!"
"I ain't finished. Once I finally do get you all worked up, you won't be able to come until I say so. Would you like that, (Y/N)? Lettin' me take charge of you that way?"
Across the field, Alex frowns, squinting at the two of us.
"Hey! What's the holdup?"
We lower our voices to a whisper.
"What's gotten into you, Jisung? "
"Since I can't tear those stunnin' clothes right off of you, I'm settlin' for the next best thing. Don't you feel...the tension? "
"I do...but for now, I think we've gotta focus on finishin' up this game."
I smile slyly at Jisung, trailing my fingers up the inside of his wrist before I turn to my teammates across the field.
"Sorry, y'all. Jisung's tryin' to psych me out."
"Psych him out right back, then, (Y/N)! This is his final throw!" Alex blurts out.
I think I know what might trip Jisung up...
I bend over right in front of him, moving my hips a bit as I slowly pick up my beanbags.
"Oh, that ain't fair..."
"If you can't handle it, you're free to look away."
"That'd be even worse."
"Then you'd better work on your poker face and make the throw before you give us away."
Sucking in a deep breath, Jisung takes a step away from me and winds up. His bean bag lands just shy of the board.
"Hell yes! One bag in the hole and we win. You've got this, (Y/N)!" Alex cheers.
I nudge him aside with a hip to take my position.
"Wanna see how it's really done?"
With an easy underhanded toss, The been bag flies from my hand... Right through the hole in the opposite board!
"Woohoo!" Alex cheers loudly.
"Ah, well. Good game, everybody." Tanner says laughing along side Alex as she cheers.
"Looks like I'll be the one collectin' that prize later."
"In that case, I think we've both won."
Lucy's whistle cuts through the pleasant chatter. Folks' heads swivel to give her their full attention."
"Supper's on! Let's celebrate with a drink and some grub in this barn y'all built."
I make for the barn with the others. As I pass through its doors, I take in the spectacle.
"How 'bout that. Brand new and gussied up, all in one day! But...does it remind you of our barn, Jisung?"
The atmosphere is electric. All around me, people mingle, share food from their plates and clink glasses.
"It's a popular style for a reason. That reason bein' it's easy to put up in not time flat. Still, pretty hard to believe none of it was here this mornin', huh?" Jisung asks.
"It's so beautiful. I wish our barn looked as good as this one. It feels so romantic."
"I dunno... You've already got those string lights up in the hayloft."
I make my way to the buffet line. When I finally reach the front, Tanner piles my plate with food.
"I can't wait to dig in. Looks like we aren't the only ones."
"Oh, yeah. Once people heard Jisung was the one workin' the smoker, the line doubled." Tanner informs me.
"I can't blame 'em. I get Jisung's cookin' pretty much every day, and my mouth's still waterin'."
"It did turn out alright, didn't it?"
I find some empty seats and dig into the food. But before long, country music starts ringing through the barn. Couples start pairing off to dance. As I tap my foot, Jisung leans over to whisper in my ear.
"Maybe it's the music, but bein' around you like this is startin' to make me feel some kinda way."
I could dance with Jisung in front of everybody...or I could get him worked up by makin' him watch me dance with a friend.
"May I have this dance Tanner?"
"Afraid I don't have much skill, but I'll gladly be your"
Tanner takes my hand and practically drags me onto the floor. Jisung watches from the table, envious.
"You sure are eager for someone who supposedly doesn't have any moves."
"I just try to let the music move me, ya know?"
I catch Jisung's eyes from across the dance floor and make a come-hither motion, disguised as a dance move. Jisung wastes no time in making his way over.
"Mind if I cut in?"
"By all means! Show us how it's done." Tanner ushers him to me.
Jisung snags me by the waist and spins me away. He pulls me closer, hips pressing up against me.
"Well, now you're just showin' off."
"That means you're impressed?"
"I'd rather see some of your other moves. If you know what I mean."
As the last notes of the song fade to silence, Jisung pulls me over to a secluded corner of the barn.
"All this teasin'...I need you, (Y/N). I can't keep my hands off you any longer."
"What do you suggest we do? We're already pushin' our luck."
"If we slipped outside for a few songs, no one would know. That is, if you're game to go explorin'."
Jisung's eyes darken with desire. The tether between us is pulled so taut, I fear I may snap from the tension.
"Let's sneak away."
Jisung and I slip out the back of the barn and into the sunshine.
"C'mon this way."
He leads me into the adjacent cornfield. The din of the party is carried away by a passing breeze.
"No one should come lookin' for us out here."
"But isn't the threat of gettin' caught half the fun?"
"Not what I expected you to say, I ain't gonna lie."
"Well maybe you're rubbin' off on me."
I drag a finger down Jisung's chest. He shivers as I near the waistband of his jeans.
"I admit, I used to be a goody two-shoes. But I'm all grown up now, learnin' all sorts of new tricks."
"Oh yeah? What sorta tricks are those?"
He trails my arm with his callused fingertips. Goosebumps bloom across my skin.
"Why don't I show you a few of 'em?"
Jisung kisses me fiercely, pulling me so close that there isn't an inch between us.
"Seein' you stand in that crowd wearin' that? It felt like starin' at the sun. Damn near drove me crazy."
I guide Jisung into another kiss with a hand on the nape of his neck. He moans against my mouth.
"You like that, huh?"
"What gave me away?"
"That sound you just made. I'd kinda like to hear it again."
"See, I was hopin' I'd hear it from you, but you're just so hard to please..."
My laugh melts into a moan as his teeth scrape my throat. He sooths me with a searing kiss.
"Go on, make that sound again."
"If that's what you want...put your hand right here."
I cover Jisung's hand with mine and guide him past the elastic of my panties.
"(Y/N)..."
I sigh as his thumb presses against my pleasure point. His touch sends sparks of electricity through me.
"Yes. Just like that..."
I press my forehead to his and cling to his shoulder to stead myself as his fingers move over me in slow circles.
"You're dripping, (Y/N)."
"That's what you do to me, Jisung."
Jisung slips one finger inside me, then another. When I begin to moan, he cuts me off with a kiss. I rock against him, each movement of my hips just heightening my pleasure. My need for him burns through my veins, the heat of it spreading through me, making my skin tingle.
"I need to hear you make those sounds."
"But they sound so good, comin' from you."
"Please, Jisung, let me taste you."
I drop to my knees and unbutton Jisung's fly, tugging at his jeans until he's fully exposed.
"(Y/N)..."
"Sorry, Jisung. It'd be rude for me to talk with my mouth full."
I swirl my tongue around his tip to tease, then take him into my mouth.
"Oh..."
I hold my lips around him so my tongue can encircle his shaft. My hand pumps him in tandem. When he places a hand on the back of my head, I bob to take him deeper.
"Mmmm...
Jisung's moans become more desperate as I increase my speed.
"I want you, (Y/N). All of you."
The hand that once rested on the back of my head now grips me by the soft skin of my throat. After massaging me with his thumb, he tilts my head so I'm forced to meet his burning gaze.
"Seems like you're enjoyin' yourself just fine."
"I am, but...I need you undressed. Now."
We're on each other in an instant, tearing the clothes from our bodies between ferocious kisses. In the frenzy, every brush of his hand sets me alight.
"I love lookin' at you like this."
"I can't resist you, no matter how hard I try. It just makes me want you more."
I know there's danger in what we're doing, that the two of us could be caught, but I don't care. All I want in this moment is him.
"Tell me how you want it, (Y/N)..."
"I want it rough...destroy my pussy..."
Jisung pulls me to the ground, then presses me back into the dirt. I part my legs in invitation. I'm so wet from before, he doesn't need to tease. He takes me in a single thrust.
"Jisung..."
I strain against his hardened length, but welcome him again and again as he plunges into me with fervor.
"Please don't stop..." I beg.
Jisung braces himself above me, muscles taut from the effort. He shakes his head, sweat flying from his brow.
"Not until you're there."
My fingernails dig into his shoulders, leaving half-moon marks in his skin. He moans from the mix of pain and pleasure and escalates the power of his thrusts.
"I'm close..." he groans.
I screw my eyes shut as the white-hot pleasure pulses through me.
"Oh, God. I'm almost there."
"Don't fight it, (Y/N). Let go."
"Ohhhh!"
I cry out into the air, but Jisung is quick to cover my mouth. He chuckles as my muffled moans.
"Don't go givin' us away, now."
I close my eyes as my body is racked with pleasure. I ride my release like a buoy on a wave.
"Yes, (Y/N)! Yes!"
Jisung cums closely behind. He reaches for my hand, intertwining my fingers as he finishes. In the afterglow, I lay down on my back, enjoying the gentle breeze through the field. Jisung brushes my knuckles with a gentle kiss. We both begin to dress, but Jisung seems determined to kiss every inch of exposed skin before I can cover it again.
"They're gonna miss us soon."
"Not as much as I'll miss this."
When we've finally finished dressing, Jisung takes me in his arms. His seductive kiss feels like it could stop time.
"How do you wanna make our exits, here? So as not to draw suspicion, I mean."
"I really don't think we need to worry about that. There's a whole party to keep folks busy."
"Maybe this time...but I doubt we'll be able to keep this secret for long, Jisung."
He nods slowly, gaze slipping from my face to the clouds streaking across the sky.
"For now...let's not borrow trouble. We'll figure it out, (Y/N). I promise."
We make sure to exit the corn stalks separately. A few minutes after we arrive back at the barn, a frantic Alex rushes towards me.
"There you are! Holy crap, we heard an animal out here and thought the worst. Pretty sure it was a coyote."
Was I really that loud?
"Appreciate you lookin' out for us. We were just out for a stroll. Hate to think what might've happened."
"We should probably head inside. Don't wanna take any chances."
Jisung and I share a devious smile. Before we step into the barn, he gives my backside a secret squeeze. The sunset signals the end of the party, and Jisung and I makes our goodbyes.
By the time we're pulling away in the truck, the stars have come out. I rest my head against Jisung's shoulder.
"I didn't realize how badly I needed a night away from home. Are barn raisings always this fun?"
"They tend to be a good time. Tonight's was the best by far, though."
"I wish it could always be like this. Not havin' to hide what we have. No sneakin' around."
Jisung reaches down between us to take my hand in his.
"I want that, too, (Y/N). And we'll have it...when the time's right."
But when we pull into the ranch, tenderness gives way to alarm. An unfamiliar truck idles in the drive, headlights still on, door open wide.
"Whose truck is that?"
"Oh God, what if somethin' happened to Minho?"
Jisung quickly parts the truck and we rush inside.
"Minho? Are you okay?"
"He's just in the bathroom. But you're the person I'm most excited to see, anyway!"
"Mandy?"
"I thought I was due for a visit. So...surprise!"