IC Room

@⚜ Wi Hajun You’re dangerous, you know that? You lean in with that smug little grin, and suddenly I forget how to breathe, let alone think straight. “Do I want it?” I echoed, my voice lighter than I intended, like I was trying to play it cool. My tail, though, had other ideas—it brushed yours deliberately, and before I could chicken out, I let it entwine with yours. Bold, right? Or maybe just reckless.
I leaned closer, just enough for you to catch the glint of mischief in my eyes. “Let’s just say I wouldn’t mind seeing you make good on that promise. You’re not all talk, are you?” I teased, the flirtation dancing in my tone, though the heat in my cheeks betrayed me.
To cover it, I gestured to the bar. “Another drink, then? My treat—for research purposes, of course. Got to keep you at your charming best.”

@❦ Kim Hyo-jong ¥✔ Hajun rested his chin in his hand as his elbow leaned himself up right, gazing at the other. He chuckled softly at the nudge and bumped him back. "You have a point here - but like I told you - you keep me to that promise then it will be all yours - don't you want it?" One of Hajun's ears folded over as he asked him the question. He already knew the answer - Hyo-jong had already said it. He said that he wanted a dance. He was giving the other a chance - or more like telling him anything was his for teh taking if he simply took it. It was as simple as that. Hajun then shook his head at his next comment. "And who are all these creatures lusting after me?" Hajun glanced around then landed back on him. Hajun felt his tail brush against his, glancing down for a second. He reached out with one of his feet pulling the other's stool back to where he was and a little closer. One of his tails curled around his stool to keep him there. "You don't have to run - even if I had a fanclub - I wouldn't speak into existence any promises for them. Only for you," Hajun said, easily. He let his tail rest next to Hyo-jong simply just resting there.

@⚜ Wi Hajun Your words—Hyo-jong—they lingered in the air, a gentle caress to my name, and every time you said it, it was like a quiet praise. I couldn’t deny how much it made me want to be worthy of that approval, your approval.

I swallowed, the weight of your questions sinking deeper. "I guess," I muttered, trying to sound nonchalant but failing miserably, "but you can’t just go around throwing promises like that, you know?" I nudged you with my shoulder, the playful tease barely masking how your words made my heart race. "You’ve got a whole fan club of creatures lusting after you." The warm brush of my tail against yours made my stomach do flips, and I couldn’t stop the shy smile or the flush on my cheeks. I scooted away.

@❦ Kim Hyo-jong ¥✔ (( it's okay, you know that i don't mind long replies ))

Hajun set down the glass that he was drinking out of simply watching Hyo-jong from his spot. At times the other reminded him of a young buck or a sheep in the way that he acted. He let the other think that he was following him - but he could tell behind the eyes looking at him that there was much more to the story that the other ways saying. But, Hajun was never one to pry information out of someone when he could easily get it without force later on. He raised an eyebrow about him selling his freedom to fulfill an old obligation. "Could you not fulfill that obligation while also being a freeman?" Hajun questioned, simply just trying to understand. He wasn't trying to say he made a bad decision or anything like the sort. "I am not trying to say it is a bad decision or saying whoever you made this obligation isn't more important than your freedom - but Hyo-jong don't less this person squander or get in the way of your own dreams and ambitions," Hajun told him.

Hajun couldn't help but smile at his words and reactions. Most wouldn't say that he was kind nor was he much at times - so he wondered why he was with Hyo-jung. Maybe after all the days and minutes where he previously was - he wanted a bit of time not to be evil and horrible to survive.But instead to just be - just exist. Hajun shrugged one shoulder. "Then hold me to my promise - Hyo-jong. When you want me, send for me and we'll dance or do whatever you want," He told the other, leaning on his elbow on the bar top. Hajun nodded. "Then a dance you will get," Hajun stated, reaching out gently using his knuckles to rub behind one of Hyo-jung's ears.

@⚜ Wi Hajun [sorry apparently I no longer know how to make short replies OTL]

You'r words hit me like a slow-burning ember, igniting something I hadn’t expected. My name—Hyo-jong—rolled off your tongue with an ease that sent a shiver down my spine, leaving me momentarily breathless. I avoided your gaze, swirling the remnants of my honey wine in the glass, using it as a shield for the tumult of emotions threatening to surface.

“Well,” I started, a weak laugh escaping as I tried to sound casual, “I, uh... sold my freedom, you could say. New master, old obligations. Guess it’s just easier that way.” It wasn’t a lie—not entirely—but it wasn’t the truth either. The shame of my real reasons clung to me like the mist outside.
Then he said it—“Do you really need a ball or the Winterfest to dance with me? We could anywhere and dance together.” My heart stuttered. I dared a glance at you, and the sincerity in your eyes nearly unraveled me.

“I—” The words faltered, heat rushing to my cheeks. “That’s... kind of you, Hajun,” I mumbled, a small, bashful smile breaking through. “But careful. A promise like that might make me hold you to it.”
For the first time, I let the vulnerability show, my walls lowering just a fraction. “I’d like that. A dance with you.” My voice was barely above a whisper, the admission feeling like a step into uncharted territory.

@❦ Kim Hyo-jong ¥✔ Hajun raised an eye brow when the other mentioned that he had a new master that wasn't the vampire prince anymore. "You aren't under the vampire prince anymore? Who are you with now? Did you earn your freedom when you were crowned the blood trail champion?" Hajun was slightly confused as he didn't understand why Dawn was now with another master if he had won his freedom. Did he not choose that? If he didn't then he must have a good reason to why he didn't pick to be free anymore beyond it being overrated. Hajun then nodded. "I would like that - to explore with you and see all your hidden spots," Hajun sipped his drink.

Hajun snicked a bit, nodding in agreement. "A dance would have been nice, I have to agree. But, now Hyo-jong - do you need really a ball or the winterfest to dance with me? We could anywhere and dance together," He pointed out to the other. He caught the moment of disappointment as Hajun let out a small sigh. "I am sorry I didn't make that happen for you - next ball or party - I will whisk you on the dance floor and give you dance of your dreams," Hajun winked at him, meaning his words.

Winter nodded at Jiyong and looked at them and what they are playing, “What are you playing?” She asked the two.

Sora’s skepticism hit me like a brick, but I just laughed it off. “No catch, just a little something for those who know how to take it,” I said, leaning closer, eyes twinkling. “I’m not handing out favors, but I do know a good investment when I see one.”

Winter’s sudden arrival stole my attention. I grinned, pulling her closer. “You know, Sora, this one’s part of the family now. And we’re all about adventures, right?” I winked at Winter. “How about it? You, me, and Sora. The road to fortune and freedom could use a bit more chaos, don’t you think?”

@⚜ Wi Hajun Hajun laughter was a soft melody, and I couldn’t help but smile, even as the weight of your words settled between us. You settled onto the stool, tails curling around, a picture of comfort and ease. I envied that ease, that ability to be so… yourself.

“Shame,” I murmured, my voice a little softer now. “Would’ve been nice to share it with someone, especially with the ball hosted at my… former master’s place.” The words felt foreign, but they were the truth. “But, maybe I could show you around the castle sometime, give you a tour of the places I actually enjoy—my favorite corners of the garden, the hidden spots… where it’s quiet.”

I met your gaze, a little bolder than usual, the wine loosening my tongue. “A private dance would’ve been nice, don’t you think? Though I suppose that’s a dance I’ll never get,” I added with a teasing smile, but the disappointment slipped into my eyes before I could mask it.

Hajun shook his head, turning and pulling out a stool to sit on while his tails curled up around him or around the stool. Hajun wouldn't lie that this a bit more bold side was pleasant to see but that didn't mean he didn't enjoy the other's more introverted nature either. It was just a nice change even if it was brought on by booze. "Overated, hmhm? I suppose that it could be but at the same time - it does give you the strip you the notion of being limited," He pointed out with a small shrug.

Hajun let out a small laugh. "I was around and made an appearance - maybe not a loud one but the winter solstice was never a happy memory. My parents never celebrated when I was a kid - we taught to give back and stay at the shrine. Help the needy and the lost spirits that weren't being honored but inexchange their families sought presents and a frilly tree," Hajun honestly spoke, taking a sip of his new drink. "Besides I had a feeling my sister would sick her minions on me if I showed my presence too much - and I might be new but I know not to cause a big scene in the courts," He nodded

I barely noticed him at first, but then the weight of your presence hit me—the soft rustle of your coat, the faint warmth of your body near mine. Hajun. I swallowed a mouthful of honey wine, feeling the burn spread through me as you leaned against the bar beside me.

I blinked, caught off guard by your question, the alcohol giving me courage I didn’t usually have. My lips curled into a coy smile, and I met your gaze, eyes just a little too bold.

“I think freedom’s overrated,” I teased, my words dancing in the air. “But you know what I’d really like to know, Hajun? What’s the Winter Solstice to you? I didn’t see you at the ball. Were you too busy being... mysterious?” I let the flirtation hang there, hoping it’d be enough to mask the nerves twisting inside me.

Sora’s eyes narrowed, the smoke curling lazily from her cigarette as she studied Jiyong. His grin was too confident, and the hint of a "generous reward" made her spine prickle with suspicion. "Freedom with no strings attached? How convenient," she quipped, voice laced with wariness. "What’s the catch, Jiyong? You’re not exactly known for handing out favors."

But before she could press further, Winter came barreling toward them, her presence a welcome distraction. Sora’s protective instincts kicked in, her gaze softening as the young werewolf skidded to a halt. "Watch yourself, pup," Sora muttered, brushing a lock of hair from Winter’s face. "Don’t want you getting tangled up in whatever Jiyong’s plotting."

Hajun had been given his first drink, but down it faster than normal - so he found him venturing back down to the bar to order another drink. He caught the familiar visage of the new blood trials champion out of the corner of of his eye. He leaned against the bar close to the other, glancing at him. "Why is freedom a joke? Didn't you want that?" Hajun asked him

Winter walks in and sees both of her fellow wolves, she ran into them and hugs them in a surprise hug.

I grinned at her, the flicker of the lanterns catching the mischievous glint in my eye. "A leash? Please, Sora. You wouldn’t know what to do with one even if I handed it to you."

I stepped closer, the worn floorboards creaking underfoot. "But you’re right—no moon promises. Instead, how about a job off Materia Highlands? High risk, high pay. The kind of job that doesn’t come with a leash, just a very generous reward."
Leaning in, I whispered, "And for someone like you? A little freedom... if you play your cards right."

Sora arched an eyebrow, eyeing the shattered dart and the blades buried in the board. "Oh, how impressive," she mocked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. The tavern’s glow cast long shadows over the worn wood, reflecting the flicker of amusement in her ruby eyes.

"Fortune and freedom, huh?" She leaned closer, the faintest smile curling her lips. "Sure, Jiyong. But you know, I don’t take kindly to people promising me the moon and then handing me a leash." She took another slow sip from her pint. “Careful, I bite.”

The firelight danced as I tipped back my glass, letting the honey wine burn away the roar of the Blood Trials crowd still echoing in my mind. Freedom had been mine for the taking—a prize for my victory. Yet, I’d chosen chains. Officially, it was to watch over Emily, to keep her reckless self alive. But the truth?

Freedom terrified me. My tribe would never welcome me back, my sisters were gone, and without them, the world felt like a void.
I raised my glass with a bitter laugh. “To freedom,” I muttered, voice laced with irony. “The cruelest joke.”

Your dart hit dead center, and you smirked like you’d just bested the Demon King himself. Then again you've always had a flair for theatrics, but two could play that game.

I chuckled, sauntering to the board. "Sour, are we? Don’t worry, Master Gunner, I’ll show you how it’s done." With a flick, my blades landed back-to-back in the bullseye, slicing through her dart.
Turning, I raised my mug, the froth spilling over. "Here’s to fortune and freedom, Sora. The next mission’s ours—chains don’t suit you anyway."

Hajun slipped into the tavern, passing by the bar to order a glass of beer mixed with soju, before climbing up the stairs to the second floor. He sat down simply crossing his arms as he people watched from above.

Sora snorted, flicking ash from her cigarette as she eyed Jiyong leaning smugly against the bar. The tavern’s warm glow danced on his rogue’s grin, but she wasn’t in the mood for his theatrics. “You strut in here like you own the place, Jiyong,” she drawled, her ruby-red gaze sharp. “Is it confidence, or did someone finally tell you you’re good at something other than pissing me off?”

Her dart flew—a bullseye. “Thought so.”

The tavern hummed with a symphony of laughter and clinking glasses, but my focus was on Sora. She stood at the railing, attire gleaming under the lantern glow, her sharp eyes fixed on a dartboard as if willing it to burst into flames. That look...I knew that look—the storm brewing beneath her calm.

Sliding a pint across the table, I leaned casually. "Drink’s on me, Master Gunner. No sense crying over second place when first isn’t half as impressive without you chasing it."

Sora leaned against the tavern’s polished oak railing, her garnet suit catching the flicker of steampunk lanterns overhead. The smoky haze curled around her as she exhaled, the cigarette at her lips glowing faintly. Her ruby-red eyes narrowed at the dartboard, where her last throw—a perfect bullseye—mocked her.

Another sip of her Howl at the Moon pint did little to wash away the bitter taste of defeat. Second place. Again. Her calm facade masked the seething disappointment coiled tight in her chest.

Freedom slipped through her fingers once more, while Dawn—the so-called victor—chose chains over liberation.

*steps into the tavern, eyes clouded with fatigue*
*walks stiffly to the bar and slumps into a stool*
*lifts a coin up and nods twice to the bartender. It was going to be a reward kind of night for the nomad*

He glanced within, hoping for the company of another to break the stillness, yet silence greeted him once more. With a sigh, he seated himself in a quiet corner, resigned to wait

*enjoys his time alone or what everyone calls a 'me-time', with a slice of carrot cake and a cup of gin, however the man beside him is blabbering too loudly at the bartender*
Lad, your voice are like ants doing the cancan in my ears. Keep it down.
*stares intensely at the man, making sure he doesn't dare to piss him off the second time*

*take a peek inside, curious at what his new world looks like*

*sits on some chair and drinks some beer calmly*

taking a long, deep breath, maria slips into the lounge area, eyeing the seats sitting lonely as ever, her senses not tickling further that's hinting anyone would be around, so the rusalka finds her way deeper into the foyer. a hand smoothening over the back of the velvety backrest and she immediately plants her little tush down, lounging back as the billiards board stand besides her. no one around to bounce a few balls in pockets at the moment. her shift at the apothecary wasn't tiring by any means, but she was drained in general. slipping her eyes shut, she leans her head back and closes them for a moment, counting in her head in hopes of lulling away for a little dreamscape retreat.

*eats the steak with her bare hands*

What is she?
*refers to her race before deciding to talk to her*