The Market

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@★ [P] Huang Zitao Junhong pressed his lips on each other hard as he suddenly felt a familiar arm wrapped around his shoulders and leading him through the crowed. He peeked through his fingers and saw that it was Zitao, not that he had expected anyone else but it never hurt to check. He scoffed lightly at the male's words and shook his head. "You're leading me anyway." He shrugged, refusing to remove his hands. "And even if you let go, I won't look, I'll just bump into everyone." He threatened, already able to see Zitao removing his arm from his shoulders just so he could see his embarrassed face. Instead of being let go through, Zitao suddenly pulled him closer. The action was so sudden, the younger male could feel his heart skip a bit in surprise. Junhong smiled softly behind his hands when Zitao asked if he wasn't cold, that was, until he called him another nickname. "Stop it!" He complained, hitting Zitao's chest lightly with the back of his hand, though the answer was no. He wasn't cold. Was it because of his still pink colored cheeks or the fact that Zitao felt warm against him, the younger did not know, he did know however, that if Zitao didn't stop calling him names soon, the younger one of the two would definitely push him away, warmth or not. Junhong looked around when they arrived at the open fields, not that familiar with the town at all and especially not this part. He observed his surroundings as much as possible before looking up at Zitao. "You always train here?" He asked him curiously. It was a nice place, that was for sure, Junhong would probably remember it in case he had to train on his own, though he should make sure it was never on Sunday.

@☣ [R] Choi JunHong Zitao was disappointed that he couldn't see the blush on the other's cheeks, since he covered his face. How was he supposed to have his fun if his friend wasn't going to allow him to see the apple of his fun. He'll have to fix this. Following the other outside of the restaurant, he could see him still covering his face as he walked through the crowd. That couldn't be safe considering he probably couldn't see where he was going. Catching up to the other's long stride, he wrapped his arm around his shoulder to help lead him safely through the crowd. "You can't see if you're going to cover your face like that Junhonggie. It's not safe, especially in this crowd." The crowd was thin enough for them both to walk through comfortably, but then it got thicker once they came around the area where the more popular shops were, causing the swordsman to pull his friend tighter against his body, so they could fit through the crowd. Zitao felt kind of funny being this close to Junhong, but he didn't mind whatever the feeling was since it was a little cold out and the other's body heat was providing the warmth that he needed. He wondered if he was warming up the younger too. "It's a little cold out, isn't it? You're not too cold are you Junnie?" He also wondered if he'd get a reaction from calling him 'Junnie'. He's always had an affinity to naming objects, he even named his sword, and now that he has a friend, he couldn't help giving him a nickname too. Their journey didn't last long as they finally broke through the crowd and onto the deserted road that led to the open fields.

@★ [P] Huang Zitao Junhong stared at Zitao in disbelief as the man laughed. He had expected a lot of things from the Lord Commander to be, but not for him to kiss him on sensitive places, not at all. He couldn't help his blush either, since it was one reaction the younger had never been able to get rid of, no matter what he tried or how many men touched him. For some strange reason, Junhong's face loved the red color it seemed, every time he got embarrassed or like Zitao, someone touched him, he would blush immediately. On top of that was the fact that he wasn't that good in handling surprises, making Zitao's action have even more effect on him. "Stop laughing!" He tried, getting even more embarrassed when people turned around to look at what was going on, he didn't like this at all. He watched Zitao pick up the money and placing it in his robe. But he barely refrained himself from jumping again when Zitao touched his chest and leaned his forehead against his. "No it's not okay!' Junhong immediately answered, feeling the fading red color already come up again as he crossed his arms in front of his chest. The wink and the kiss though were to much though and again Junhong's face burned. He quickly brought up his hands in attempt to cover it though, not wanting to give Zitao what he wanted as his so called new hobby. He wondered if Zitao had any training in how to make him blush though, since the next thing he knew, the man had already found the perfect embarrassing nickname for him, making it sound like he was a little kid. Junhong quickly walked outside, when Zitao said his next words, already repeating for the nth time that they really needed to go. But the younger still refused to let go of his cheeks, even if it was embarrassing to walk like that as well, he didn't want to to show it to Zitao until his blush had faded again.

@☣ [R] Choi JunHong "Of course I am. A swordsman has to learn how to survive without the necessities of life or we'll be hindered by our own human weaknesses and that's the last thing I want to be." Survival and dedicating their lives to the king is the duty of a swordsman, even the pupils were held under that oath as the last resort in battle should it ever come to a war in the kingdom. Zitao laughed at the other's reaction, clapping his hands as he did, then holding his stomach in pain even though his laughter didn't stop. That reaction was better then he thought it would be. He couldn't believe that someone with a hidden agenda could be so adorably cute. "You'r-you're so damn cute. I can't believe you reacted that way and your face." Stepping closer his friend, he bent down to pick up his money before someone could attempt to steal it, then he put it back in the other's robs where he got it from. Getting another idea, he trailed his hands up the other's chest to his neck, before pulling his head close to his. Then he held the other's face with both hands and leaned their forehead's together as his laugh slowed to a chuckle. "You really are adorable. I'm going to make you blush as a hobby from now on, okay?" He said with a wink, before placing a light kiss on his nose and pulling away. If he knew making friends was this fun, then he would have attempted to make friends outside the academy a long time ago. Or maybe it was just Junhong that had this effect on him. That made him feel so kind of way that he wasn't familiar with. He didn't know, but whatever it was he sure did like it. "Come on Junhonggie, we're wasting daylight and we have work to do."

@★ [P] Huang Zitao Junhong smiled slightly. "You're so serious about it." He said softly, though he did admire Zitao for taking his training so seriously. The younger knew he would definitely take those things with him. Yes it was possible that he'd habe to walk in the same clothes for days, that he wouldn't be able to eat a proper meal or that he would have to sleep on the hard ground. But no one would ever look down on him if he brought those things along. It would be the opposite. When he was trained, they often got praised for thinking of those things in advance. After all, what if it was freezing in the place he had to sleep or walk? And what if he had to survive days without a single living animal close? Taking those things with him would only improve his chances of survival and wasn't that the most important part? To survive and tell what you have seen, to prepare your people for the possible trouble coming up? Junhong shook his head once, ridding himself of those thoughts as he looked at Zitao again who seemed to be keeping an eye on him, something in his eyes unsettled the younger of the two and made him wonder what the man knew. Taking out his money pouch, Junhong could feel the other nearing him, curious to his motives though, he ignored the male in favour of counting the money. He could literally feel the warmth radiating from Zitao as his chest almost touched his back. His cheeks turned a shade darker red at the male's words, whispering in his sensitive ear. The younger male barely suppressed himself from making a sound until he suddenly felt Zitao press his lips right beneath his ear. The younger yelped and jumped away, his face turning the brightest red as of yet. He dropped his money pouch on the floor as he immediatly brought his hand up to cover the place Zitao had kissed, the feeling of his lips still lingering there. "W-w-what?" He stuttered, trying to say something but the words really wouldn't come out the right way.

@☣ [R] Choi JunHong Zitao caught the tease, but he couldn't help, but to respond to it seriously anyway. "Of course I don't. You never know when you'll need to wear the same clothes for days or sleep on the ground without cover, and extra food is never an option." The pupil could see the wheels spinning in his head as he thought about what he had just told him. Anyone smart enough to think about their future wouldn't dare pass up the opportunity to be friends with someone that had the potential to be in a powerful position later in life and he had the feeling that Junhong knew that too. But again, he wouldn't allow himself to become distrusting of the younger until he did something to him. He'd just have to watch his words and make sure he didn't give too much away about whatever information he learned from the royal palace when it was his time to guard it. He sincerely hoped that as they grew closer and older together Junhong would decide to rid himself of his ulterior motives. Keeping them will only hurt their friendship in the long run. Looking down at the younger boy, he chuckled when he bumped into this chest, realizing that this was the closed they've ever been to each other face to face. Being this close he definitely noticed their sizes weren't that far off from each other. He's sure that Junhong will surpass him in height someday, since he looks to be taller than him when Zitao was that age. "It's okay. No need to apologize. I like being this close to you." He saw the blush on the other's face and he thought it was cute that he thought he could hide it by turning around to pay the bill. Chuckling again, he went closer to him almost touching his back, before whispering in his ear. "Turning around doesn't hide your blush like you think it will. In fact it makes it more obvious." As he looked at the side of his face, he couldn't help but to come up with another idea to make the other's blush worse. He puckered his lips and kissed under his ear, before backing away. Since they couldn't be together during the week, he's miss making him blush the most.

@★ [P] Huang Zitao [ On my phone again so I have no idea about the leght... It feels long though so sorry if that's the case >.< ]

Junhong chuckled softly. "You're always thinking of those kind of situations." He said with a light hum. "Training in the rain, training without a full stomach. I bet you're prepared for anything. You don't happen have a bag on you with spare clothes, a sleeping back and some food right?" He joked, a smile spreading on his face at the thought. A soft blush appeared when the elder started stroking the back of his hand, looking at their hands in slight embarrassment but it felt comforting as well. Junhong listened as Zitao explained why he didn't have any friends. He was surprised to find out how much natural talent the older male had, completely the opposite of him, making his resolve weaken a bit. Even though the man was a pupil right now and Junhong a Raven, he wondered if he would be able to handle him if Zitao ever found out the truth. He himself hadn't been a Raven for all that long but the younger knew he would probably stay in this position for as long as he was useful to the organisation. He wasn't talented at all, unlike Zitao. "L-Lord Comander?" He stuttered out, eyes wide and looking at Zitao in awe though inwardly he had mixed feelings. There was no way he would be able to protect himself against a Lord Comander if Zitao really had the potential to become one and wasn't bragging about things that didn't exist. On the other hand, if Junhong kept a close relationship with him as he grew stronger and more powerful, he was sure he could get valuable information and he would be allowed to leave the Kisaeng house when Zitao bought a house. He could use this, he definitely could. Junhong wasn't the type to go against the orders of his superior but that didn't mean he liked working in the Kisaeng house. It was filthy and if Junhong could use Zitao to get out of it and maybe even get him a more respected position in Heuksa Chorong instead of staying a Raven forever and doing all the dirty jobs. "Really? You're amazing!" He exclaimed. "I can't believe you'd want to be my friend! I mean, I'm nothing special but you... you have so much talent if they're saying that!" Junhong quickly shook his head and smiled. "You don't have to thank me! I should thank you for wanting to be my friend!" He said with a wide grin. He laughed softly when Zitao started to eagerly pull him towards the door, following behind him. Junhong smiled softly at Zitao's words. He sounded a bit like they were a newlywed coupe, wanting to spend all day or night together like that. The younger surprisingly didn't mind though. It felt comforting, how much the elder male wanted to be with him. When Zitao suddenly stopped and turned around, Junhong purposely bumped into his chest before quickly taking a few steps back, a soft blush colouring his features again. "Sorry." He muttered before glancing up and chucking softly. "That would indeed be bad." He said and turned around quickly, hiding his fave and waving over a waiter to pay the bill.

@☣ [R] Choi JunHong "I don't train hungry, but it does make it easier to move if I don't have a full stomach. Besides food might be scarce in battle. You never know when you'll have to fight on an empty stomach." It didn't come to surprise to Zitao when Junhong expressed his surprise when he said he was his only friend. Rubbing his thumb across the back of the younger's hand, he smiled at him softly. "The other boys at the academy don't like me much. They haven't liked since I walked through the academy doors, or maybe after I excelled in semi-annual evaluations after only being there for two months that they stopped liking me. Being the top of the class is hard, especially when I've been told that I could possibly be the Lord Commander someday." He sighed softly as he stopped his thumb and looked the other in the eyes. "Jealousy is an ugly thing. So I want to thank you for being my friend Junhong." After having his little down moment, immediately brightened up, before standing from the table. "Let's go. We're wasting daylight and precious training time by sitting here. When we get our own place then I won't have to train as often and we can be together either all day or all night. It depends on the shift I'm giving to guard the palace." Walking around to the other side of the table, he tugged Junhong to his feet and began to drag him to the door, before stopping in the tracks and turning around to face his friend with a sheepish look. "Oops. Forgot to pay. Can't dine and dash when I'm up for the rank test, now can I?"

@★ [P] Huang Zitao Junhong hummed softly at those words. "You don't mind training while being hungry then?" He asked. He himself always made sure he wasn't hungry when training. He had trained hard and long days but he was still only barely able to keep up with the other assassins when it came to streght. It seemed like his body simply wasn't made to be strong. Not did he have exceptional speed like others like him used to compensate their lack of streght. That was exactly why acting was such an important skill to him. He would get close to his intended targets before killing them in one blow, or simply using poison. Still it wasn't like he couldn't defend himself against others. He certainly was stronger compared to people without training and he could defend himself well though Junhong always tried to stay away from fights anyway. The younger male tilted his head slightly at Zitao's confession. "I am?" He asked surprised. "How come? I mean. You're very kind so I would think you'd have a lot of friends in the academy." He explained himself. He smiled happily when Zitao convinced him he really didn't mind spending money on him if it was to help him. "Alright." He said softly. "I'll save up my money and help you." He nodded determined. "I don't want you paying for everything alone." He then smiled softly at the other male and held his hand as well. It felt comforting, to hold the other man's hand like this. It was really nice. Junhing nodded immediatly at Zitao's words. "I'd love to come along." He said and smiled softly, gently squeezing the male's hand. "I don't want to part with you either." He admitted. "I really do like your company... a lot."

@☣ [R] Choi JunHong "Not really. I usually eat enough a bowl of gruel for all three meals and am still hungry afterward. I have a big appetite, but it's not big enough to eat a lot of crappy food." He guessed all the reassurances to Junhong weren't enough to make him believe in him. Looks like he'll have to try harder so he could prove himself to be reliable. "Of course I wouldn't mind. You're my friend after all. Actually you're my only friend, so I can't help but to want to do things for you. And I don't have much to spend on myself other than new swords and better food when I save up for those luxuries. You really should have more confidence in me and yourself." He said as he leaned across the table to take Junhong's hand in his, holding onto it tightly. It was the first time he held his hand and it didn't surprise him to feel the callouses on his hand. That just meant that his hunch was right. These were the hands of someone that was stronger than they let on. Befriending this mysterious boy like he was could get him into to trouble later on, but he'd trust him enough for the time being. After all there's no reason to dislike someone or not trust them before they even get the chance to do anything. "Why don't we get out of here? I still have training to do, but you're welcome to join me if you want. I don't really want to part with you just yet." Companionship was hard to come by for Zitao and having to wait a week just to spend time with the younger would just make him antsy and excited for a week.

@★ [P] Huang Zitao "Do you always eat so much?" Junhong asked with a curious tilt of his head. If that was the case, Junhong might have to ask the Heuksa Chorong for more allowance since he didn't really earn enough to pay three meals at once and still but other things. The poison he prefered using was extremely expensive since it came from a far country. The reason Junhong still bought it thought, was exactly because it came from a far away place and the doctors around here couldn't recognise it, they would diagnose the person door a natural death since it always looked like a heart attack. He was sure thought, that if he explained his reasoning to the Fire lord, he would allow it. He was milder compared to the Sky lord and cared for his assassins, as well as for their opinions. Junhong hummed softly before nodding. "Alright, I'll do that." He nodded, without adding a thanks to it, finding it slightly amusing. Junhong saw the deep thinking in Zitao's eyes and smiled slightly. The man was serious about finding a solution for Junhong, something the younger hadn't experienced a lot. He watched Zitao place his head on the table and reached out to softly touch the male's hair. "It's alright." He said as he combed through the raven black hair. He quickly pulled his hand away in surprise when Zitao suddenly got up again, listening to the explanation he gave and a bright smile soon lighting up his face. "You would do that for me?" He asked softly, his eyes wide but filled with gratitude. "You wouldn't mind? I mean, y-you could have other and better things to use your salary on than on me..." His voice trailed off, his expression becoming one of sadness and disappointment though he knew Zitao wouldn't back away from his offer, he simply wasn't that kind of person, but Junhong continued playing the slightly insecure boy who couldn't really determine someone's personality so easily and therefore, even if they were friends, he still felt unsure about everything.

@☣ [R] Choi JunHong Eating some more, it didn't take Zitao long to finish off the noodles he had eaten so eagerly. Swallowing his food, he grabbed a napkin to wipe his mouth, before continuing the conversation. "If you really want to thank me, then take my advice. I'd like to know if I'm helping you or not." Listening to Junhong's explanation about having no where to go, Zitao leaned on the table deep in thought. What could he offer to his friend about his predicament? He didn't have a place of his own yet and he wasn't completely sure if living on the street, but being free would be the better option. Hmm, this was harder than he thought it would be. And he couldn't help but to feel bad about not being able to help the other in some way shape or form. "You're right. If only I had a place of my own, then I would let you live with me on my salary until you were able to get back up on your feet." Sighing softly, he laid his head down on the table, before an idea came up. Lifting his head suddenly in excitement, he smiled at his friend in happiness. He leaned forward, half way across the table. "I'm having my ranking exam soon and if I get up high enough you could come live with me. You'll just have to wait a few months for the exam, then for me to have enough to buy a place."

@★ [P] Huang Zitao Junhong smiled and immediately nodded at Zitao's statement. "Of course we're friends!" He grinned happily and let the other male take his bowl of food, not minding at all. He nodded softly at the male's compliment. "They are, or I wouldn't have ordered them." He chuckled softly, playing with the sleeve of his shirt which was covering the ugly bruise. He smiled softly and nodded at Zitao's words. "Thank you." He said softly, though he wouldn't actually do that, Junhong wouldn't even ask his boss since there was no such thing as a debt between them. "Oh, right, no thanks..." He said, chuckling softly, "What else should I say instead of thank you then? When you give me advice or help me out." Junhong glanced up at Zitao and slowly shook his head. "Where would I go to then? I have no where to run to, no family, barely any friends outside of the Kisaeng house and they defiantly wouldn't be able to take care of another mouth to feed." He muttered softly, "And it's also... scary." He admitted carefully, "I've never been anywhere else than here, I wouldn't know the place nor the people and I... I can't just leave after the boss took me in when I had no where else to go. I need to at leased repay him properly."

@☣ [R] Choi JunHong (It's not short at all.)

"Because I'm not doing this for any other reason than because I want to. We're friends now, right? So you don't have to thank me anymore." Zitao brightened when he was offered the bowl of unfinished food. Nodding his head, he reached across the table to grab it, before pulling it back in front of him and moving the empty bowl out of the way. Collecting noodles in his chopsticks, he moaned again in delight at the taste, especially since he's never had these types of noodles before. "These are delicious." He said, before stuffing more in his mouth. Swallowing his food, he took a sip of his water, before addressing the conversation at hand. "Definitely ask him. If he doesn't give you an answer, just let me know. I'll do what I can to help you out." Then another thought came to him as he chewed on his chopsticks. "Running away is also an option if you run out of them." Being the swordsman that he is, he wasn't accustomed to running from his problems. He's rather just take everything head on or strategically if he needed to.

@★ [P] Huang Zitao [ On my phone, sorry if it's short >.< ]

Junhong tilted his head a bit to the side, keeping his eyes the other male as he had instructed. "Why should I stop thanking you when I feel grateful to you?" He asked te other man softly. He glanced down at his own bowl of food but didn't feel hungry at all. He'd already eaten a bit and he'd had a full meal before departing to the market. Junhong shrugged slightly when Zitao asked him if his dept hadn't payed off. "I-I don't know..." He said softly. "He never told me how much I own him, just that I have to continue working to pay it off." He thought about it for a second. "I-I'll ask him." He said softly. "How long I need to continue working." Though Junhong know that if he really had been in the position he was making up right now, the boss would merely give him a slap in the face before giving him even more work, the world wasn't nice enough to tell him the truth, definitely not when he was as popular as he was. Yes Junhong was quite asked for, be it for his obedience, his good looks, or the fact that he was willing to play out every kink they could come up with, Junhong didn't really care, as long as they had a high governmental position. Even while beign deep in thought the younger male didn't miss the pout on the man's face when he discovered his empty bowl and looked down at his own more than half full one when Zitao asked for it. "Not really." He shrugged and showed Zitao a kind smile. "You want it? It would be a shame to throw it away."

@☣ [R] Choi JunHong Zitao shook his head at the show for gratitude again as he removed his hand and went back to his chopsticks. "There you go again thanking me. You really should stop doing that so much." Eating some more noodles, he nodded his head in understanding. He knew what those men wanted, even though he didn't think it was right to do that to a person. When he spoke of debt, he couldn't help but to think about how he could have easily been in the same predicament if his parents didn't care enough about him to send him to the academy instead of a kisaeng house. "I understand what you mean, but you've been working there for almost ten years, right? Shouldn't your debt be paid soon?" He sure did hope so, fearful that Junhong was being taken advantage of by his boss just to bring in money when he no longer had to. Going back for more food, he heard the utensils cling against the bowl, causing him to look down. There wasn't any food left for him to eat, making him pout slightly, before looking back at the other's bowl. "You haven't eaten much. Are you not hungry?" He kind of wanted him to say no so he could ask for the leftovers.

@★ [P] Huang Zitao Junhong jumped up slightly in surprise when Zitao clapped his hands. "Not so loud." He said embarrassed, glancing around and noticing people giving them weird looks, though a small smile appeared on his lips at the sight of Zitao's happiness. Junhong smiled softly at the male's words and nodded. "I suppose that's true." He said, "But the men I deal with don't want to give us love, care and attention." He mumbled, "They only want one thing..." He didn't really think he needed to explain what the wanted to Zitao, since it was quite obvious those men only came to him for pleasure, nothing more, nothing less. Junhong obediently followed Zitao's hand as he lifted his chin and looked into his eyes. "Thank you." He said softly, "But I am indebted to the head of the Kisaeng house." He quickly made up, "He took care of me after I lost my parents. Not out of kindness really but he did nonetheless. In return, I promised to work for him for as long as I need to be able to pay off my debt to him." Junhong felt quite satisfied with the story he had made up but still managed to look sad and above all, honest. He thought Zitao would probably be able to recognize it immediately if he didn't put all his effort into looking like an honest boy.

@☣ [R] Choi JunHong Zitao put down his chopsticks and began clapping his hands in happiness. "I made you blush again." This would definitely be his new favorite hobby. He'll have to think about all the ways he can make the younger blush on the weekdays and act accordingly on Sunday. Going back to eating, he noticed that Junhong's demeanor changed again. This whole e thing must be really getting to him. Zitao made a mental note to not bring it up often or at all if he can help it. Observing him closely, he could see a slight change in his face as he leaned in closer to hear him better when his voice started to lower. "I suppose I would, but then again, rotten food can make you sick. We're talking about people right now. Sickly people just need love, care, and attention to become healthy people." Lifting his hand toward the other, he lifted his chin so he would look up more. "If you hate it so much you could quit. Losing your dignity and self respect is worse than being poor and living on the streets. And there's other jobs out there that you can get." If he couldn't help him like he wanted to, the least he could do was encourage him to live a better life than the one he's living now.

@★ [P] Huang Zitao Junhong's eyes widened slightly at the nickname Zitao gave him, a small blush appearing on his cheeks glancing away embarrassed, though his face immediately brightened up at Zitao's agreement. He laughed softly at how eager Zitao seemed to be for their 'date' as he called it, the word only making the younger look away in embarrassment again. "Sunday is good." He immediately agreed, though he knew he'd have to speak with the head of the Kisaeng house to give him free on sunday instead of saturday but that wouldn't be too much trouble since the man took a liking in Junhong, making it easy for him to ask for favors. Junhong looked down at his hands as he explained to Zitao. "T-they pay... a lot... for us" He said softly, "They would refuse to pay if we looked any less than healthy, clean and well... attractive." He said, his voice becoming quieter and quieter. He glanced up at Zitao, "You too would rather pay for a big, red, healthy tomato compared to an ugly, brown small one right?" He asked, trying to smile at his own words but his hands clenched slightly in disgust at the thought of those fat pigs touching him and out his name when they reached their .

@☣ [R] Choi JunHong Zitao paused at the question with chopsticks full of noodles half way into his mouth. Blinking several times, he put down his food with a bright smile on his face as he nodded his head vigorously. Of course he wasn't the type to turn down a free meal if there weren't any dangerous stipulations to it. "No need to be nervous Junhonggie. I don't think I could tell you know if I get to spend more time with you, so of course I'd love to go out on dinner dates with you or lunch dates, breakfast even. They'd just have to be on my days off. I'm usually off on Sundays. We can also do your strength lessons then too." Smiling along, he ate more of his noodles, happy that he now has something to look forward to on the weekends. Listening to his companion, he liked that he was getting feed well. "Do those men really have picky preferences like that? I thought they'd just do whomever is available." He didn't know much about the ion world, since that wasn't in his field of study and he hoped he would never have an interest.

@★ [P] Huang Zitao Junhong chuckled softly at the funny sigh of Zitao's smile. He nodded at the male's words. "Still, thank you." He said softly, a small smile on his lips, showing he was really grateful. He then continued eating again, enjoying the food a lot. He watched Zitao out of the corner of his eyes, wondering what the man was thinking about. Junhong felt slightly frustrated since he couldn't read the man as well as he had hoped. He smiled softly when Zitao started talking about the food again. "I'm glad it is." He answered softly, "I'm glad I could do something for you as well." He tilted his head slightly when Zitao explained he the food in the academy was never exceptionally good, giving him another idea. He looked at his food before glancing up once again, a small smile on his lips. "W-what would you think of eating together like this more often?" He asked softly, playing a bit embarrassed for asking. "I could pay, I have enough money so... would you?" He asked softly, fiddling with his hands nervously. He looked back up at Zitao's comment and nodded slowly. "The food we get is good." He told the other, "After all, no one would want a kisaeng who wasn't well fed, and we are sometimes asked to eat together with the men, and pour them alcohol and such." He said softly, telling Zitao as much of the truth as he could, so if he would ask again later, the stories would be the same.

@☣ [R] Choi JunHong Zitao didn't think anything about the younger's confession and just smiled, his cheek a little puffed out by the noodle between his cheeks. Swallowing after he chewed, he waved his hand as if to dismiss the gratitude. "No need to thank me. I just wish I could do something more than offer you strength training, but I'm not in that position right now. And wouldn't offer if I wasn't serious about it." Yes! He'd taken the bait like he hoped he would. Had he asked him about, then he would have had to figure out a way to word his sentence so it wouldn't give his real intentions away. Him and his no lying rule. Taking another bite, he moaned again at the great taste in his mouth. If only he had the money to eat out all the time, then he'd never be stuck with eating that gruel they feed them at the academy. "This is the best thing I've eaten in a long time Junhong. I hope you get to eat better than I do, because the food we're given at the academy is discussing, but it's part of training. Never no if what you have to eat to survive will be mere scraps from unidentifiable sources." Giving the younger a once over, he nodded his head as he came to a conclusion. "You look like you eat better than I do."

@★ [P] Huang Zitao Junhong couldn't help but wonder if Zitao would say the same if he knew the truth, if he knew the younger was an assassin and killed others to survive. Once he was inside the organisation, there was no way to get back out. He would know too much and the second he even mentioned leaving, he would be the next target on his companion's lists. He smiled a bit sadly as he pulled his hand back and covered his wrist with his sleeve. "Thank you Zitao." He said softly, "It really does mean a lot to me and I..." He blushed lightly and quickly looked down. "I like you too. A lot. I'll do my best on training." He added, nodding eagerly at the male's words. He looked up when the waiter brought them their food and thanked him politely before starting to ear. He hummed softly at the taste, thinking Zitao really did chose well, the food tasted great. The younger male looked up surprised when Zitao moaned and then quickly looked down again. He thought the elder male was eating as if he'd never tasted anything so good in his whole life, which made Junhong chuckle inwardly. He looked up again when Zitao asked if he could help, immediately suspicious for his motive. Did he not believe Junhong's story? Something like that was always possible he knew. The younger thought the words over a few times before nodding and smiling at the other. "I'd love that!" He said happily. "If you don't mind that is." He quickly added. Yes it could be a trap, but it would give the younger more time to spend with the swords man in training plus he might be able to steal some of his moves, he'd never seen a swords man train before.

@☣ [R] Choi JunHong The fact that Junhong had to sell himself didn't sit right with him, but there wasn't anything he could do about it. Especially since he wasn't in the financial situation to help anyone. The muscles under Junhong's skin contracted under his hand, before he let him go. Those muscles felt way too developed for them to be recently worked on. They felt strong enough to be able to protect himself just fine, but again with his non prying nature. If his life did end up being in danger then he'll be able to protect himself, but now he'd have to tread a little more cautiously then he has been. Smiling at the younger boy, he leaned forward to ruffle his hair, before responding. "It's okay. I'm not here to judge. A boy's got to do what a boy's got to do. Besides, I like you too much to hate you. And I hope that you'll get stronger so you can protect yourself better. I don't like the thought of you getting bruised up." Zitao wasn't sure how long they had been talking for, but it was enough time for their food to cook and be brought out to them. Smiling at the waiter as he placed his jajangmyun down in front of him, picked up his chopsticks, before digging in. As the favor hit his tongue, he moaned in delight at the taste. It's been so long since he's had any food that wasn't that nasty slop they fed them at the academy. As he ate an idea came to him. Maybe he could trap Junhong into showing the skills that he probably has. "You know, if you wouldn't mind learning, I wouldn't mind helping you to become stronger."

@★ [P] Huang Zitao Junhong listened closely, remembering any information which could be valuable for later. He nodded a few times and smiled a bit excited, like every boy his age would when talking of swordsmanship. Zitao did seem the type to think his about his actions. His eyes went slightly wide when the male snatched his arm and pulled down his sleeve before looking down in embarrassment and shame. "I-I'm sorry." He whispered softly, turning his head away from Zitao. "I do work at the Kisaeng house but I also do... that." He muttered. "I didn't know what else to do, when my parents died. But even now it's... horrible." He explained, not needing to fake the shiver running down his spine when he thought of the men he slept with. Fat and greedy pigs, was what the younger male would call them. They were disgusting but useful, and not only in the way they didn't mind spending money and cute guys, also in the information they would give in drunken, satisfied state, especially after _____, thinking there was no harm in telling a mere e, they were stupid anyway. "I hate it and... I don't want you to hate me too." He whispered softly. Junhong was pulled back to reality with Zitao's remark about his arm, cursing under his breath since he didn't really think of it, nor did he have any excuse for that. Thinking hard, Junhong let his features brighten up mere seconds after the man made the statement. "You noticed?" He asked, a small, excited smile on his lips. "I have been trying to work out, it's not that easy to work where I do..." He explained, though his voice trailed off a bit at the end before the smile returned. "And well, I've been trying to get a bit stronger so I'll be able to protect myself better." He said with a small proud grin.

@☣ [R] Choi JunHong (That's okay. I can match you.)

At the question Zitao nodded. "Yeah, even when it's raining. Usually we train outside in at the training grounds at the academy, but there's a lot of potential swordsman and it can get kind of crowded when there isn't class, but other boys want to practice, so I usually spend my free time finding new places to practice or going the areas I've already scouted. Training outside builds the immune system. I also train outside when it rains against the better judgement of the superiors, but never what type of weather you'll have to fight in later, so better safe than sorry I always say." Hearing the younger's small explanation, his eyes didn't miss the action of pulling down his sleeve, making him suspicious and providing more evidence for him to go off of by the tone of his voice and when he put his head down. Quickly reaching across the table, he snatched up Junhong's arm and pulled his sleeve down to reveal a purple hand shaped bruise. "Not really, huh?" Of course it could have been from some rowdy customer at his place of work or a random jerk on the street that caused this bruise, but the other's behavior was again a factor that made him think other wise. It was then that he noticed something else as he concentrated on the mark. For an employee at the Kisaeng House he sure did have a muscle arm. One that was too well developed to simply pass off as the muscles developed through puberty. Maybe Junhong wasn't being completely honest with him and while he wasn't the type to pry this could either save his life or be his demise. Keeping his tone light, he decided to bring it up without giving himself away. "Your arm is more muscular than I thought it would be."

@★ [P] Huang Zitao [ Sorry, it seems like my replies keep on getting longer and longer >.< ]

Junhong listened and nodded slowly. "Alright, I'll try." He said softly, thinking about Zitao's words and actually, in all honestly believing him. He found Zitao having a nice way of saying it. He watched the other man and saw relief in his eyes. He didn't really want to spend his own money it seemed, well Junhong didn't exactly mind that. He knew swordsmen in training never received much, though the younger of the two received money from his work at the Kisaeng house, Heuksa Chorong never hesitated to provide him with more money in case that was necessary for one of his missions so it wasn't like he was poor. Working in the Kisaeng house though was a good excuse to tell others where his money was coming from. Junhong tensed though, when he noticed Zitao's hand going down to his sword. He hadn't said anything to give himself away had he? Remembering the man's good observation skills, the younger quickly went back, running through his previous actions but couldn't find anything that would make him suspicious in Zitao's eyes. He made sure though, to keep a normal expression on his face, he almost sighed in relief when Zitao explained where he had been going to and nodded slightly. "You always train outside?" He asked carefully, tilting his head a bit to the side. Junhong wondered if he should tell the other the whole truth about his job at the Kisaeng house. Even though the superiors swore to god and everything else that there was no ion inside, the workers of the Kisaeng house still soled their bodies from time to time to get the necessary money, and although Junhong didn't exactly do it for money but for the information he could get from it, it didn't mean he was any less guilty. Deciding he might get a bit of pity out of the other man when he said he did, he consciously pulled his sleeve further down, knowing a big purple bruise was visible there in the shape of a hand and counting on Zitao's observation skill to notice he was trying to hide something. "Not really." He said softly, I... I work at the Kisaeng house." He said, after a moment of hesitation, still looking down, his body language obviously showing there was something more to it than he led Zitao to believe.

@☣ [R] Choi JunHong "If you're wrong then accept it with grace, but don't be ashamed. No one is ever completely right." Zitao felt relieved that he wasn't taking the other's money from him if he needed it for something else. That meant he didn't have to spend the little money he was given as an allowance for the month on eating out. Usually he would save up for a treat of some sort, whether it be food or an item he wanted. Last month he had spent most of his money on a new sword he had been admiring for sometime. Now all he had was some pocket change. It wasn't enough for anything that was good quality, so it didn't make since for him to be in the market today now that he thinks about it. Why did he even come here? He couldn't really remember, then his hand drifted down to his sword and it clicked. That's right. He was supposed to be training in the open fields and to get there you have to go through the market. "That's nice. I was actually going to go training today, but then I got side tracked." He made a gesture to were they are right now with a slight chuckle. Then he realized Junhong didn't answer his question about his place of work. Judging from what he knew about the younger boy, it wouldn't be far-fetched to think he was doing something that he was ashamed of to survive. After all there isn't a lot of jobs that children can do to support themselves when they don't have a family. "You didn't tell me what you do for a living. You're not a e are you?" Not that he would think of him any less if he was. A boy's got to do what a boy's got to do.

@★ [P] Huang Zitao Junhong hummed at the other male's confession. "I see." He said softly, "I can't really do that." He admitted, "I often think about my words since I never want to hurt someone. I could do that without thinking so I just..." He shrugged slightly, though kept his head up as Zitao told him to. He tilted his head slightly at the man's next words though. "How I can be sure of myself when I'm wrong?" He asked confused, watching in slight disappointment when Zitao returned to his own seat, wondering if he should have held on to the male after all. He quickly shook his head and showed a soft smile. "No it's alright, I don't get payed a lot but I get meals where I work so the money I do get is usually spend on clothes or such, but today I was just looking around." He explained quickly, wanting to reassure the other man though he knew that, if anyone ever heard those words, no matter if they really would suffer because they treated someone, they would never tell. They wouldn't just go all pathetic and make the other man pay for them, well, as long as their name wasn't Choi Junhong. The younger male knew he would take every advantage he could if he would go out eating with someone else, but not with Zitao, he needed to be on his good side after all. He ignored the comment about his work. He knew the Kisaeng house didn't immediately stand in a bad daylight, after all, who would judge someone for entertaining men with music, dancing and poetry. But still they were not looked heigh upon by some and Junhong did not want to lose the position he had in Zitao's eyes.