Work Place For All

@Joanna Kuchta "Yeah, but tonight, on the outside, I'll have you all to myself," said Mark Brandley, "And I can f*** you dry."

David blushed. He didn't like being talked to in such a way, being objectified, especially by someone much older. It made him feel dirty and worthless. Plus, it was embarrassing, too. "Stop, please. If someone hears..." David then stopped. His eyes widened in fear. "Wh-what did you just say?" Oh my God. Did he just say, "On the outside"? How did he know about...? He was the CEO of the film company, working with the government, and he knew about the Outside? Who else knew about it? Usually, when Mark wanted...ehem, 'favors' from David, they'd just do it in on of the few places in Mark's house, when they knew there were no government cameras installed, or where the cameras that were installed couldn't see. Mark knew all of the safe, as he called them, "f*** spots" in his home.

David pretended to not know what it was, tried to play dumb and innocent. "Wh-where? Where are you talking about, Daddy?" The "daddy" was added in for good measure, spoken in a sweet, cooing tone, to come off as innocent as possible.

Mark caught his mistake, mentioning the outside. He had to be more careful, loose lips sink ships, after all. He whispered in David's ear, so no one could hear, "There's this special place where cameras don't exist, baby. I'll show you tonight, but if you dare tell a soul about what you see, I'll punish you in a way even a wh*** like you won't like." He pushed David away roughly before walking off.

David didn't appreciate being called that, especially because he wasn't performing, ehem 'favors' by choice. He felt like trash. He sighed. But, despite all of that, at least, judging by the way Mark had called it a "special place" and told him not to tell anyone about it, Mark didn't know that David already knew what it was. So, his secret was safe...maybe. His heart, which had been hammering in fear in his chest, was calming down as he sighed and relaxed. All was fine...for now. But, still, how did Mark know about the Outside? How?

David had thought the Outside was the one place he was safe from drama and crap like this, but apparently not. Apparently, he was going to be taken advantage of there later tonight. His stomach ties in knots just thinking about it. He shivered in dread.

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@David Schmitt ...Why and where exactly was she heading? There's absolutely no place else for her to go, everywhere she looked were tents...tents, and...tents. And Joe Fahy standing a couple blocks forward with a cigarette in between his lips. Joanna stopped in her tracks slumped softly. Her eyes stared blankly at the muddy floor and her dirtied combat boots; y'know, maybe this just isn't what she wanted. Maybe she could leave, maybe she could see her parents one more time and ask them to move away with her. Maybe David could help her escape in a way that no one--no one else--would die.

Before anyone would lay eyes on her, Joanna quickly turned herself around and looked forward. David and his father, Mark Brandley, were feet forward. If she paced herself fast enough, she would most definitely be able to catch up with them. No, she can't ask him to help her now, that wouldn't be smart of her at all. Worst, they could all die right then and there if she tried anything stupid...

Although, it wouldn't hurt if she made a friend outside of the military...right? There wasn't a rule that said she's not allowed to, right? Right?

Joanna felt a small smile graze upon her lips as she fastened her pace, soft gushes of mud spurting underneath her feet. She felt like she was running towards a gate of freedom. In a couple steps, she could be /that much/ closer to being an independent person! God, just imagine when that moment comes; Sam would be so proud of her. Joanna felt excitement grow inside of her stomach for the first time in many years as David's back started becoming clearer and clearer in view.

And just before she could yell out his name... "Would you stop?" Joanna froze. Immediately, she ran behind a tent as David abruptly stopped walking. What was going on? She panted silently as she listened to the scene in front of her with her body perfectly hidden behind a tall cover. "Someone could see! You know relations are forbidden." Relations? Relationships? Joanna furrowed her eyebrows slightly. Whatever it was they were speaking of, it was intriguing Joanna in the worst way possible. From common sense, she could tell this wasn't a situation she wanted herself in. If she were to get caught...No. No, it can't be that bad. It's not bad at all, of course not! There can't be such things going on in real life, it only happens in depressing movies, right?...Right?

Joanna swallowed, and just as she was about to walk away, her head turned and it immediately met with the eyes of another soldier. He frowned at her and shook his head. "Joanna, what are you doing? Don't you have something to do?" He said, stepping closer to her. Joanna sighed heavily and closed her eyes. Of course; of course this had to happen. At least, he was one of the people who sympathized with her and was nice to her, unlike everyone else who would've treated the situation much differently than this.

Though, that wasn't her worry. Her worry was with David and his adoptive father--they sure must know by now that she, too, was in their presence.

@Joanna Kuchta David watched as she left. He arched an eyebrow. Why was she choosing army life over life in the movies? Granted, life in the film business did and it had its difficult moments, but in this day and age, in this society, EVERY job was hell to some degree. Some worse than others. And army life, especially for a woman, was one of the worse occupations. David shrugged and sighed. He shouldn't push it; it was none of his business. He exited the tent, and the second he stepped foot outside, he was tugged quickly to the side. His dad pulled him roughly, walking a few feet away. "You're lucky I saved you , you know," is father said.

"Yes, I..." David began, but stopped once their walking ceased.

His father pulled him in close and whispered in his ear, "You know you owe me, right?" David winced. Feeling the other man's breath against his ear was disgusting.

"Yes," he mumbled sadly.

"Good, because there's a special 'something-something' I want you to do for me in return," his father muttered in his ear. David nodded, already dreading whatever it was he'd end up having to do. Just then, David's earlobe was being and nibbled on.

"Would you stop?" David shrieked, hopping a few steps back, "Someone could see!" He lowered his voice and added, "You know relations are forbidden."

@Jung Soojung David entered the bookstore, making sure to keep a normal, relaxed expression upon his face. The last thing he wanted to do was act suspiciously and attract any unwanted attention. Luckily, as someone with alot of experience in acting, he knew how to not break character. He flashed small smiles at people who just so walked by, keeping a friendly and normal demeanor about him. He walked slowly throughout the store, pretending to be looking at books. This shouldn't be too hard; after all, he came here alot, so people would just think this was one of his normal visits. He continued walking, going to the desiginated spot he was supposed to go. He looked around, but made sure to do it nonconspicuously, to make sure no one was looking. It was clear. Good. David was smart; he had an eye fro picking out cameras, even secret ones. He already knew where all the ones in the bookstore were. Which is why he picked this exact spot in the store, where they were none. He bit his lip before slipping something secret in between two of the books.

@David Schmitt "Oh, no, I can't," Joanna almost immediately responded at the offer, shaking her head softly. She lifted a smile at the male and chuckled, "It's not where I'm supposed to be. I've had many chances and I've missed every single one of them, and every time I try, something bad happens. It's just not meant to be and.. You know, I don't even know why I'm telling you all these things. I'm sorry, these are all personal stuff, I'm sure you don't wanna hear anymore of me trying to make myself look like the victim here."

Right. That's right. She isn't the victim here. She came here under her own choices and she was going to deal with it. Like said, she did it to save herself and her family. How rude of her for trying to make herself look like she despised being here? She can handle it.

Or at least, that's what she tells herself. Looking at the taller male one last time, Joanna bowed softly out of politeness and kept her level as she stepped passed him, slipping herself out of the tent. The cold air ran over her shoulders as her heavy boots stepped on the muddy floors, leaving her footprints behind.

She had a chance to leave, but she didn't take it. Joanna never understood herself. That could've been her ticket out of Hell, yet she refused to take the offer. Dumb girl. There's no wonder why people close to her always gets into trouble.

Looking at it from another perspective, she might've just saved David's life...

@Joanna Kuchta David nodded, listening to her story. "I'm sorry about that," he responded softly when she mentioned someone she knew dying. It only felt to be the appropriate thing to say. He bit his lip, thinking. He knew Joanna didn't like it here. He could just tell by looking in her eyes. This was no place for a woman. That's not to say that a woman can't be a soldier, but since most of the male soldiers apparently had never been taught any damn manners and didn't know hoe to treat people properly, this was no place for Joanna to be. Not with all these jerky, disgusting s around.

"Hey, maybe, just maybe...no promises...I can maybe help you get into the acting business," he suggested, "I mean, I'd have to pull some strings..." He stopped, thinking about all the special, ehem, "favors" his dad would want him to give him. Whatever, he had done it before...more wouldn't hurt. "But," he continued, "I might could make it happen."

@David Schmitt "Making films, huh?" Joanna mentioned softly as she turned around, pulling the camo-green uniform jacket over her tiny torso and throwing it onto a table nearby. "That sounds way more interesting than anything I do here." She said, walking towards the back of the tent where an opening served its job as a window. She contemplated the sight, men in uniform, walking around with a bottle of beer in their hands and a cigarette between their lips. She furrowed her eyebrows. This was definitely not something she wanted to involve herself in. This place...she wished people would know. She wished people would see. Letting out a sigh, she looked down, lifting her tank top up slightly as she faced away from David, observing the purple-ish green marks on her pale abdomen. He was right—she sure wanted to be treated better. She wasn't an object and she wanted a better life. She always had wanted a better life.

But of course, this was the only way out. This was a better life for her, and for eveyone else around her. If it weren't for her being here, she probably would've committed suicide from how overwhelmed she would get simply by sitting alone in her bedroom. Depression had definitely taken its tolls on her, but here she is now. Serving the country in return for her adoptive parents' safety.

Hell, she can't even trust the government's words. For all she knew, they might as well would've been dead the second she walked out the door.

"I've always wanted to be on the screens," she said and pulled the tank top back down, turning around the face the male. "I once knew someone who promised me a better life so I could live on the path of my dreams. I've always loved acting ever since I was a child, not that I'm not a child now." She chuckled.

"It didn't happen, though. He...died, two years ago. It was...an accident."

@Joanna Kuchta "Oh, well...Joanna," he smiled as he said her name. It was a pretty name. He liked the way it sounded. "My background isn't really impressive, really," he chuckled, "It sounds all glamorous and everything, but it isn't. I work long shifts and put my pants on one leg at a time, just like everyone else." He nodded.

"Well, uh, I'm glad you're fine. But, I..." he lowered his voice a bit, "...do think people should treat you better. You're a person not an object. I know how bad it feels, being treated as a toy." He looked to the front to the tent, but then quickly looked back to her. "Even though I technically do have some form of "celebrity status", I don't get a real say in anything, either. Dad's the one with the power in the industry, not me. I don't get to make decisions or anything, I'm just that guy that some people recognize and marvel at for making famous prop-" He caught himself just in time. Phew. If he had used the word "propaganda" to describe the films he mad, he'd be in so much trouble. One, because people didn't know the true intention of the films was to spread political messages, just to entertain. And, two, calling them propaganda gave the film industry a negative connotation and also made the government look crooked and corrupt.

"For...making famous films," he corrected.

He arched his brow when she mentioned the safety of the people. Really? A soldier concerned about the safety of the people? Pssh, he doubted it. Probably something that they're all told during training. The soldiers are probably all fed the lie that what they do is really benefiting the citizens, when in reality, it is to keep them in line and beat them into submission so the ruling power can do whatever the hell they wanted. But...then again, why did she say it so quietly? Could she perhaps actually care about the people? If so, she'd be the very first soldier who did. Hmmm...interesting.

@David Schmitt Joanna found it funny, the way David introduce himself twice. Are all famous people this conceited with themselves? The young girl lifted a little smile, her eyes squinting as faint dimples dipped under her cheeks. "Joanna," she said, tongue between the teeth with an accent. "Joanna Kuchta... and I don't have such a background as yours so.. I'll just leave it at that?" She chuckled softly as she finished her little, literally, introduction.

"And I'm fine, don't worry about it. I'm usually in more pain while traning than being in situations like this. It's a part of the service!" She saluted, letting out a quiet laugh. "But, again.. Thank you, David.

I.. it's just.. like I said, a part of the service. You can't really expect much of your role when you're a nineteen year-old girl serving in the military. People see you as a toy and you have no say in anything. I just look pass it, y'know. Remind myself it's for the safety of the people." Joanna made sure her voice was quiet towards the end of the sentence. She couldn't risk it again, letting someone hear her speaking of 'people's safety'. As much as all soldier stand for the country, nobody cared about the people as much as she ever will. Often, they'd laugh at her for taking her job 'too seriously'...ridiculous-sounding, don't you think?

Well... that's the government for you. Nothing matters to them more than money and power.

@Joanna Kuchta "It's no problem," replied David, "I just did what I felt was right, is all."

"Yeah, but what you did was foolish," his father interrupted, "You're lucky that I just so decided to visit and check on you today. You're even luckier that two soldiers told me that they saw you come in here when I asked around as to your whereabouts. I saved your foolish, skinny just now."

"Yes, I know, and thank you,"said David, "Thanks for saving both of us."

His dad didn't say anything else, but, "I'll meet you outside of the tent." And with that, he stepped outside.

David sighed. He had an idea as to what was eventually bound to happen, but he shook it off, deciding not to think about it now.

"Are you okay?" he asked the female soldier, "He didn't hurt you too badly, did he?" Then, he felt the need to introduce himself. "I'm David. David Schmitt." He ended up repeating himself from earlier, "Nationally revered film director, animator, and former child star." He rubbed the nape of his neck shyly. "And, uh, that," he said motioning to the direction his father went, "Was my father. Well, my adoptive father. So...who might you be?"

@David Schmitt Everything that unfolded before her eyes happened so quickly, her little injured body and brain were almost unable to function straight. First, she was being attacked by the man she takes orders from, second, this random dude who turns out to be the famous David Schmitt (she doesn't know him at all) comes in and saves her life, and then another guy comes in who turns out to be another famous dude AND David's dad. Joanna coughed again, softly this time, as she turned her back towards the situation and leaned her hands against a table from across the room. With her head down, she continued to listen to the conversation and gathered herself together.

The Lieutenant was partially right--this wasn't the first time something like this has happened... but, not like 'this'. Most cases there were no saviors and there were no coherent words spoken. Nothing but muffled moans and soft sniffles coming from Joanna's pointy nose. Nothing more than that.

"Whatever," she hears the Lieutenant once more. Turning her head slightly, she caught eye-contact with him. He sneered, and Joanna turned away. Get used to it, Joanna. This certainly isn't going to be over soon. With harsh and loud footsteps of heavy boots, the attacker of the situation left the scene without another word said. She knew he was angry; no one talks to him that way. Especially not a stranger. No one in this country were 'supposed' to be scared of soldiers or any member of the military alone. It was a rare occasion to find someone who could intimidate and effect the current living statistics of a military men, a Lieutenant, at that.

Taking a couple deep breaths, Joanna waited until the loud footsteps have faded, and soon enough, she turned back around to face the two newcomers. Without even realizing so, there was a thin trail of salty tears down her cheek. Just one. One single tear that would occasionally drop out of her ashy green orbs from many years of anger and pain contained insider her soul. Joanna lifted a gentle smile, the faintest, from feeling too weak and too defeated to even continue living.

Though, something tells her she has to stay.

"Thank you," she muttered softly as she stepped closer to the men standing in front of the opening of the dirty tent. "I really can't thank you enough."

@Joanna Kuchta David got a little frightened when the Lieutenant lifted him up by his collar. He wasn't stupid; he knew that physically, he was no match for the other man. The other man was big and bulky, whereas he was slender and not very muscular. But, he wasn't gonna let that stop him from helping someone out who was in need. Especially, a woman who was about to be taken advantage of by a creepy man.

David was about to open his mouth to speak, but then the woman spoke up instead. He smiled, hearing her ask for the man to stop. The smiled quickly faded when the Lieutenant put him down and turned his attention to her, pushing her back. David didn't care for how the Lieutenant talked, either, so he did something not so smart. He opened his mouth.

"Hey! You leave her alone. I don't give a damn if you're a Lieutenant or whatever, or not...that is NOT how you treat women. Or, anyone for that matter. What, you have that much trouble controlling your animalistic urges, you filthy primate? Keep your hands to yourself!"

"What the hell did you say to me, you little punk?" the Lieutenant growled.

"Uh...y-you...h-heard me..." David said shyly.

"Why I oughta..." the Lieutenant began to threaten, grabbing David by the collar once more and about to punch him.

RIght before the worse was about to happen, a man in a nice suit walked in. "So, how goes the film, Da-?" he began to ask, but stopped when he saw what was about to happen. "What the hell is going on here? You put him down this instant. Don't you know who he is?"

"Who are you?" asked the Lieutenant.

"D-David Schmitt," he answered, "Nationally revered film director, animator, and former child star."

"And, most importantly, he's my son," said the suited man, "And I'm Mark Brandly, CEO of Brando Picture Corperation, the most famous movie making studio in the entire country. We're.." he motioned to both himself and David, the go-to guys that the ruling party hires to make films. Now, I'm pretty sure the ruling power wouldn't want him," he pointing to David, "A very important partner of theirs, to get injured in any way, shape or form, yeah? Besides...if you harm one hair on his head, I will report you to the head of the ruling party, and trust me, I have connections. I can pull so many strings to get you fired and possibly worse, Lieutenant or not."

David sighed in relief. It was true, his father did have those connections. He was considered a celebrity and an important part of the political movement. The government officials though highly of his father. Surely, if his father had an issue with a soldier, even a Lieutenant, he could say the right thing to the right person to make said soldier "disappear."

@David Schmitt "Hey," everything else was a blur. Joanna fluttered her eyes, trying her hardest to make of the situation as strands of her long hair fell from the secured ponytail on her head. There was another presence in the room, and he was standing in front of the tent. He doesn't seem familiar...he's not a military man. He wasn't in uniform nor did he look the part. Joanna felt herself being let go of and the angry, loud command of the Lieutenant. Her head spun, but she could make out he situation now. She wasn't sure what he was saying, but she knew it was heated. It was furious. She fell to her knees, her hands on the muddy, sandy grounds.

"Who the hell are you?" The Lieutenant growled at the unknown male. "Who the hell let you in here? Do you ing have a death wish?" Joanna looked up. Her visions slowly cleared, and what she saw was somewhat expected. The bulky man whose hands were just on her were now heading towards the newcomer. His large hands grabbed onto collar of the equally tall man, pulling him slightly off his feet. She coughed. She found it hard for herself to breathe. She coughed again. This wasn't a good situation, and she needed to do something. But what? What can a little weakling like her do?

"St--" Joanna spoke, her voice hoarse as she slowly pushed herself off the floor. "Stop, please, sir," she finally blurted, darting forward to grab the male's fist that was held up high in the air, ready to throw a punch on the poor guy's face. Joanna's heart fell to her feet. She spoke up--she wasn't supposed to do that. As expected, her body was pushed aback. The Lieutenant stared into her eyes, and within those furious orbs she could feel it. She could tell what was in store for her as soon as the sun sets and the rules mattered no more.

At least.. she saved the guy's life in return. He saved hers.

"You remember your place . And next time, don't ing speak unless you're talked to." The male growled at her as she kept her gaze low. "And you," he continued, his finger now pointing in the male's face. "Who the are you."

@Joanna Kuchta David had been minding his own business, taking notes in his oversized notebook and drawing a few sketches. It was all for the new film project the the government had in mind. Earlier that week, he had been called to come down to the main office of the State for a meeting. He had sat with a board of men, all much older than him, consisting of the governmental officials and the CEO and the other head honchos for the film company he worked for. Geeze, those meetings were always a pain in the . Everyone there would bark at him "You're gonna do this" and "You better do that." They had told him about the new children's film he was supposed to make, which, to the kids, would seem like a cute picture with a good story, but in reality, was propaganda. It was supposed to be about a young boy who wanted to be a soldier so he could fight for "the good of the country". They told him to spend the next few weeks studying the soldiers in order for the film to have an "accurate portrayal."

David rolled his eyes, recalling that. Accurate portrayal his aching . If he really showed the world real army life in the movie, he'd be put to death, for sure. Of course, he'd have to lie, and pretty it up to make the government look good. But, that was his job, and it was what it was good at. He was drawing a cartoon of a little boy trying on his father's uniform and playing dress up with it, emulating what soldiers do. Since, that's what the film's main focus was and all. He stopped for a second to pause and admire his work. It was colorful, promoting false innocence, glee, and whimsy. "Like straight out of a Disney movie," he said just above a whisper to himself. He sighed, got up from where he had been sitting, and decided to go do some more observing to take notes for the film.

He walked around, jotting down things he saw that he felt he should remember. Every now and again, he'd catch a soldier sneering at his appearance. He shook it off. Humph, the idiots must not have known who the hell he was, because if they did, they sure as hell wouldn't be sneering at the most reveered animator and director in the film business, that's for sure.

As he passed a tent, he heard a female voice say, "Stop." He stopped, thinking it was someone addressing him. That's when he heard the rest of the conversation. "Don't act like it's that important to you," some man had said. What could that possibly be about? It was also sort of surprising to hear a woman's voice from inside the tent, too. Not many women were in the service. Was is one of the few that were, though? Or maybe a civillian woman? Either way, something about it all didn't strike him as right. That's when he heard quite a ruckus, like someone being hurt or a fight starting. He peeked inside to see a Lieutenant holding a female soldier against a table. Even though he didn't know much about army stuff, he knew that this was not okay; this was so against protocol.

"Hey," he said, entering the tent, "The hell are you doing to her? Let her go this instant!"

@David Schmitt "Joanna!", "Jo!", "Joannie!", "Babe!", "Beautiful!", Joanna was truly getting a headache. It's only 17 o-clock and her name, or rather her existence, had been called to duty at least five million times. She swears, for the past two years, her name had been called more than any men in this military base had and she was truly, truly sick of it. Simply because she was a woman, a young woman, at that. Simply because she was literally a tiny girl, standing 5'2" in layers and layers of military uniform. Despite so, she was still being seen as a ual object; something that these men could simply call into their tent at night and bang her to their satisfaction.

Fortunate for her, such things were 80% forbidden. Somehow, Joe Fahy still finds his way into making his desired actions happen regardless of the rules. In the end, she's still a helpless little girl and it doesn't even matter how tough she is, she was yet another toy for them.

And yet again, it was true, when Joanna was simply minding her own business and taking orders from the Lieutenant. This wasn't a part of her job, no, but if the boss says so, then it sure it. "Clean the weapons, Joanna." The man told her about 15 minutes or so prior. It was a cold afternoon and her hands were freezing from the temperature of the old bloody rag she had been using to wipe down the rifles and other deadly weapons. Somehow, to her, these weapons weren't even half as dangerous as the people who holds the power to pull the trigger.

Suddenly... "Hey, sugar," Joanna stood still and dropped her hands down to the table as strong arms suddenly wrapped rightly around her slim waist. It was tight, and she was feeling utterly uncomfortable. Her eyes immediately dashed out from the dusty tent--odd, no one around. "Feelin' tired?" She scoffed at the male's words. Of course, it was no other than the Lieutenant himself; only he would have the power to order everyone out of the way.

"Stop." She said, her small hands angrily gripping onto the male's arm, trying with all her might to pull him away. "Come on, this isn't your first time. Don't act like it's that important to you." She felt a lump in . Why does she continue to put up with such behaviors? Why does she continue to let them step on her like she was some kind of trash? Before she could even let out another word, with full force, she was pushed against the table, head pressed hard atop of the material. Her gasped, and screamed, as loud as she could, just before another bolt of strong force was banging against her stomach. She felt herself weaken, her legs weak, her arms in fatigue. Finally, there was no escape from this, was there?

@Kim Taehyung She was quiet, but not to the extreme of suspicions. She places a smile on her face as she usually would before leading him to the back of the shop where the cameras would not capture. "Oh, so the assistance I had asked for regarding the delivers, that person would be you," she speaks softly, turning to see his face once more.

The images of the former life she's hidden rushes back to her, and it'd be a lie to say she were not shaking at the knees. What if he were different now? If she were to expose herself to him, would he find ways to protect her... but his job, his uniform, his actions, he was questionable.

Soojung could only continue on with her act, "the new books, they have just arrived a few days ago and I have not had the time to sort them," she says, "I have left them untouched in the storage." She lead him towards the storage room where he helped to open the door and as she entered, the dim lighting would shade away the nervous tension growing on her.

She steps towards the package of the newly arrived books and presents them, "here you go, the new books." Once the doors fully closed and she knew they were not being monitored, she allows herself to fall into a predicament of sudden sentiment.

"You have the same name of a boy I used to know," she mentions with a faint laugh daring to escape her lips, though not giving away any clue that she is who he thinks her to be. She was still cautious, she didn't know if she could tell him. "You have the same eyes as him too," her voice softens to that of a whisper, vying for any sort of connection he could convey to let her know that she could trust him.

@Jung Soojung This could not be. Taehyung was sure that he was seeing things. And yet, there she was. Krystal, alive and well. What was the name he had seen at the empty librarians table? Jung Soojung. Could he have been mistaken? Could it be just that-- another person who looked strikingly similiar to the vague memory he had in his mind?

It couldn't be, who was he trying to fool? He would never forget Krystal's face, it brought back too many memories. Memories of a time where he could walk the streets without fear. A time when he could freely play with his friends or safely harbour a crush for the tall girl with straight hair who was a year senior to him in school without the fear of the governement prying into his most private thoughts. And oh, how he had! One rarely forgot the face of the first person who had inspired such admiration-- even if it was unlikely that it would ever be reciprocated or even known of. But there was more to Krystal than that which made him remember. He knew of their fate, her father's-- her families fate. He had mourned her as he mourned all the others who had lost their lives in the crossfires of the revolution.

But here she was, in the flesh. Or so he wanted desperately to believe, despite logiv warning against the conclusion. If he was wrong, a single mistake could land himin trouble that would be difficult to get out of. But if he was right...

The question cut short his thoughts and he struggled to try and remember what had caused them to be late. There was something- something important he was forgetting in the shock. What had it been? Racking his brain was of no use. But what little amount of his attention had even gone to trying and figuring out what he was wrong about was overpowered by the larger portion which watched her like a hawk, searching for any sign that she was who he thought she was.

And what he was waiting for came without much ado. The stuttering, the request that was obviously one that was only a way to get some level of privacy, as impossible a thought that was. This was Krystal. And Krystal was trying to tell him something.

At once, Taehyung knew exactly what he needed to do. Once he no longer had to wonder about that, he recalled what had caused the lateness. He'd wondered before when she'd asked, but now he rememberd why it had been natural for him to forget. It was only the driver who was to come. In fact, the new order for books was the only reason he was there-- because he was to help sort out the second set of books and expedite the process by being of what assistance he could manage to be to the librarian. Flashing a polite smile and nod, "I am at your service, comrade," he assured confidently and darted in the direction of the storage room. "In fact," he added pointedly, giving her a look that could not have mistaken for anything except a message that she would be looking for-- he knew, and he would not tell-- "the ministry has requested another set of books as well. I was sent to assist in noting down the serial numbers of the books." He paused at the door of the storage room and looked at her directly, willing her to understand what he was trying to communicate, "if you could help me find the books, Ms Jung," If she could help him find the blindspot of the cameras, "perhaps I can write down what you need me to."

Perhaps, we could talk.

He opened the door, expression stoic but the expression in his eyes warm as he added softly, "I want to be of any help I can be."

@Kim Taehyung Her mornings start of a similar routine and she does her best to keep it at that. She dislikes nothing more than being off schedule, yet today she was running behind time. The local school has alerted her of a due shipment for a variety of books and because of the sudden request she was flustered to the point of doing things as she normally wouldn't. Pushing back her routine she used up a lot of time finding the necessary items before the truck would arrive to pick it up but even so, they were late thus causing her even more delayed time.

She had turned around once hearing the bells chime, alerting of an entrance to the shop. The man was almost familiar; his gaze, though she says nothing of it, reminds her of someone she used to know. It has been a while since she's come to meet strangers in this quaint town, and finding one only causes her to build up a brick wall on her stance, but something about him was warming, yet she still she says nothing. She knows she shouldn't be allowed to.

"Is there a reason for your tardiness?" She questions, though her voice wasn't as harsh as she thought it to be, there was something about him standing before her that caused her to so calm. His resemblance was uncanny and it begins to startle her.

It couldn't be him, could it...?

Days before the revolution has taken place, she used to know someone with his eyes. But what was the glint in his eyes when he saw her? She didn't want to conclude ridiculously, because it could mean the lost of her new identity, once she formed to keep herself safe in this town. Drawing her attention away from him, she reaches for the boxes placed on the cart beside her. Filled with the requested collection to be sent out, Soojung proceeds to hand it off to him.

She tries to avoid meeting his eyes, but it could not be helped. Her eyes scan his features, they could not be mistaken for someone else, nor could they belong to another person but the person she remembers. Pushing the cart closer to him, her eyes meet the tag on his uniform, his name clearly carved and causing her disturbance once reading those letters clearly.

Kim... Tae... Hyung.

Alarmed of this truth, Soojung could no longer approach closer to him. The cameras arranged in her shop would be capturing them right now, so cautiously and daringly she steps back. She stares at him and the longer she does the more memories dwell upon her. Was she being too obvious? She fears everything she has been fighting for would be to waste for a stupid mistake if she did not think things thoroughly. Once calming, she speaks again.

"I..." she slightly mutters, "I-I suddenly remembered a book the ministry has requested. I must have forgotten to retrieved it..." she started another step back. Her acting may have given her away, so she rubs a hand along he forehead, pulling back a few stands of her dark hair, her gaze lingering his before she says once more, "it's on the top self... I'm afraid I cannot reach it... can you help me?"

@Jung Soojung He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.Isiah 40:29.

Before the days of the revolution, Taehyung was not devotedly religious. He had never been, but his mother once was. Years ago, he remembered listening to her read bible verses and in the moments of weakness, she would preach to him. And even if he didn't understand the words in their depth, the comforting voice of his mother often fixed whatever the problem was. Gone were those days, gone was his mother. Some days, he felt thankful that she had escaped this fate where her every move would be watched, and her salvation, her religion was denied to her. What a horrible feeling-- to be relieved of a person so close to the heart being lost forever? Taehyung wasn't sure he /believed/. With all that had happened, he wasn't sure he could believe in a power that if at all existed, cared anything for the good of its creations.

"Thinking, are you boy?" the driver asked accusatorily, scratching the scruff of his berd and grinning with yellowed teeth, littered with cavities. He fought a scowl. One didn't admit to thinking. It wasn't done. It wasn't /safe/.

"No. Trying to remember what time the next mandatory news broadcast is," Taehyung replied dutifully and leaned back. He couldn't drive. He knew how to, but he had not been allowed a licence. The state deemed it unnecessary, and no one questioned the state. Today his job was to pick up books from the library for the students of the fifth grade-- apparently there was a shortage. As the truck came to a stop noisily, he desceneded it and quickly made his way inside once he'd informed the man that he would take a while. The longer he could avoid the trip back with the nosy state-lover, the better.

His file, notebook and pen clutched in hand, Taehyung's gaze dartedthrough the library, till it rested on a woman who was setting away books in a corner of the near empty room. He remembered being here once, before the revolution. The books that lined the shelves then were very different. He crossed the room in long powerful strides of a soldier that to someone who knew would be no surprise. Second in command to one of the leaders of the single rebellious group was not a position one could hold without being the right fit for the job. Once he'd approached close enough, he cleared his throat.

"Victory be to Big Brother," he said in way of greeting, with the trained level of balanced enthusiasm and proffesionalism, resentment for the words hidden away in the depths of his heart. "I've been sent from the ministry of," as the woman turned around, Taehyung's breath caught in his throat despite the gruelling training to stay inconspicuous. Quickly catching himself, he nodded absently in greeting and continued, surprise (and somewhere in there, utter relief) lit his eyes, "..of education to collect some books."

Krystal?

@Im Jinah [ sorry about the odd title ouo;; it still said Beenzino, so I had to change the name and such "soon to be rid of" is the old account, I will be replying on this from now. ]

@Im Jinah At first, Taehyung only stared at the hand extended to him. It was held rather oddly for a handshake, which accustomed to the doctors cold words of 'please take a seat on the examination table' while staring at the file that he was probably scanning lazily, was new. Taking the hand and shaking in confusion, Taehyung blinked at the instructions.

/Oh./ She was helping him get onto the table. Now the off positioning of the hand didn't seem so odd, and instead of being embarrassed by his awkward mistake, the boy laughed heartily and took the offered help. Successful, beautiful, /and/ nice, was the first thought that occurred to him- and then silent contemplation over whether or not that was a duty of the nurse. He decided he didn't know. Plus, he had to be more careful, since the immediate skepticism pointed out one thing- she was sharp.

Once he had a firm grasp on the extended hand, Taehyung joyfully hopped over to the examination desk and took a seat with some help to climb up to it.

"Trying to figure out how a clerk at the ministry got a bruise on the job?" He asked with a knowing smile. The answer was 'he didn't', but he couldn't just come out and say that could he? "I'm only a junior clerk. Glorified name for 'the odd jobs kid.'" With a sheepish grin, he rolled up his pant leg where a bruise coloured a spot at the back of his shin. "My co-worker was mucking around and pushed one of those carts at me, and I fell with my foot at an odd angle. I'm not sure which of those two things caused this, but I know it hurts like anything." Grimacing as though to prove a point, he scowled at the bruise and then looked back up with a decidedly more pleasant expression, eyes alight with curiosity. "You think this would get me off my feet for a bit? I wouldn't call myself lazy, but I usually get reception duty if they need people to fill in places, and I actually really like it. Meeting new people and all, y'know?"

@Im Jinah In any other universe, Taehyung was sure he wouldn't be so negative.

In this one, he hated too many things. The government, the soldiers, the nosy grader working in the third floor, and his most immediate concern: hospitals.

It wasn't the concept, he liked the idea of people having universal health care. But the god damned paperwork that came with it was nothing other than torture. and actually being poked and prodded by a medical professional? A nightmare. There was also the part of waiting around in an environment like that. Taehyung sighed and glanced down at his bruised leg. It was purple now, and just as painful as it initially was when he fell on his way to the meeting place. Since the cart at work hit it "accidentally", the pain had increased. But he had little choice but to accept that accident if he hoped to get medical attention without the unwanted attention.

No doctor was available right then, but a nurse would attend to him, he was told. It took a little less than ten minutes before his name was called, and Taehyung stood and proceeded to limp into the room. Sure enough, there was a girl waiting inside in a nurse's uniform -- about his age, he guessed. Were people allowed to be nurses that young? Perhaps a student. Flashing a friendly smile, he nodded in acknowledgement. "Hello," grasping the back of a chair to lean on it, he glanced briefly around the small room before returning his gaze to the nurse. "Kim Taehyung. Are you going to be the one examining me?"