✧ enchanting lagoon

@Kwon Boa For a moment Jongsuk was just taken aback by the question but he knew Boa did not mean it in a bad way so all he did was smile and nod. It was not impossible and maybe it would do Hyuna good as well to have a friend here. "Yeah, if she visits me I'll tell her to come and meet us," he said softly and hoped the answer was okay. Boa was right, having a girl friend would do her good just like it would be good for Hyuna but he was not sure how the other would react to them being not humans. He just hoped it would not be a problem in any way. "You are very welcome," he said and smiled warmly at her, cheeks warm and heart beating fast in his chest whenever he talked with her.

A small chuckle left his lips as he watched Boa. He liked how she got excited and warm and even her eyes seemed to shimmer more. It made Jongsuk feel excited and he wanted to show her the world and so much more. She was such a sweetheart, he could not understand how anyone would treat her so badly.
"I know," Jongsuk said and bowed slightly. "But I am very grateful. Thank you," he said, knowing it was a hard thing for her to accept but it also meant so much for him.

"Oh? Uhm... is... is today okay?" Jongsuk said, unsure if it really was okay. He might not be able to turn in the water but it was good for his skin and it would take away a lot of the pressure that was building. Maybe not enough, still, but he wanted to try it at least. "Only if it is not bothersome for you, of course," he then hurriedly added, not wanting to cause her any trouble.

@Lee Jongsuk "In that case, thank you. I really would like that more than I can tell you." Listening to him speak, her cheeks turned red, but not in a bad way. She was flattered to say the least, but she was also more than happy to spend time with him. She may be inexperienced, but she'd have to be blind to miss how hot he was and the fact that he was sweet made him even hotter to her. "I like yours too. Oh...um...do you think I could meet your sister one day? It might be nice to have a girlfriend." She didn't know that there was any reason she shouldn't even ask, but she was genuinely trying to make more friends and she was sure his sister would be just as sweet as him.
She hid her face. "Th-thank you." She said softly and shyly. She wondered what his lips would feel like on her own.

Boa grinned and nodded at him. She was excited about it too. "I am too." She noticed how his skin seemed to be getting dull and dry. It worried her. This wasn't like anything she'd ever seen. She decided to look in some of her book later to see what she could find. She had to make sure he survived.
Sighing, she nodded, giving in but not fully. "Fine, but don't expect me to be okay with this." He may not want money, but she other things she give him or do for him that he might appreciate.

It was her idea, yes, but somehow hearing the words gave her mental images that made her look away in embarrassment. What was wrong with her? She never had such thoughts. Never. He was making her feel something she didn't understand. Something she'd never experienced before.
"Alright. Do you want to try and bathe before bed or wait until tomorrow?" She wasn't sure how much pain he was in, but he seemed to be doing better.

@Kwon Boa "I know. And you aren't. I'm offering it because it feels right," Jongsuk said and smiled softly. He knew she would never dare to ask something like this of him but he wanted to. Right now it felt like the only thing he wanted to do, needed to do so why not. "I just... I really like your company. And not being on long trips is good. I can stop by my sister too then." He smiled softly at her and nodded. "I know you'd never force me to do anything like this." And he was not worried about it.
Her confession made him blush and he hummed. "You have very soft lips, you know?"

A bright grin was seen on his dry lips - the air might his skin less smooth the longer he stayed out of the water and his lips were no exception. "I'm really looking forward to it," he said and grinned brightly at her. Learning new things was exciting and he really wanted to learn so much, especially when it came to human stuff.
"Let's see you cooking for me and letting me live here as payment. Really, I don't need any money." He felt bad if she would give him money even though he understood the sentiment.

Nodding Jongsuk agreed to her words. "Your bed it is then." He totally understood what she meant. It had taken his sister and him so long to finally change things their parents had left. It still had felt wrong but they had had to move on. Not forget them but move on.
"Your bed it is then." He smiled warmly at her and sat up properly again as the cold floor had cooled his body down a lot, luckily.

@Lee Jongsuk "Oh no. I couldn't ask you to do that. I'm fine being here. Really. This is home for me, even if it's not the most friendly place." She couldn't imagine living anywhere else, except the sea, but that was ridiculous. She felt bad now. "Really. I'm fine." His reassurance though made her sigh. "Well, I would like to see you more often, but only if that's what you want." She didn't want him to take shorter trips just because of her. That would make her feel horrible. Her cheeks tinted pink as she looked up at him. Pressing her lips together, she nodded in agreement. "Yes. It did."

"Of course. I will teach you, no problem. It's really not that hard, I promise." At least it wasn't for her, but she'd grown up in one of two places. She was either near the water or in the kitchen. She had never taught anyone before, but she knew with Jongsuk it would be fun, no question. "Well, I can't expect you to help out for free. I have to do something to thank you." She didn't like the thought of him helping her for nothing in return. "And I let you stay here so I can care for you and make sure you're okay." Alright so maybe that wasn't the only reason, but that was the initial reason. Now she just wanted to spend time with her friend. "Yep."

Seeing that he wasn't going to back down anytime soon, she sighed. "You're not taking it. And yes I took you in, because I wanted to help." Okay so he had a good point. She would need to hear him if something happened. "Yes, but my bed is just as big. So if you want to share the bed, I'd prefer to use mine. I still don't feel right going in their room even though they're gone." She wasn't thinking anything that wasn't innocent either. After all, she was a doctor taking care of her patient and friend. There was nothing wrong with that right.

@Kwon Boa "I can just make sure not to be on too long missions, you know?" A chuckle left Jongsuk's lips. He did like long journeys but with all the personal trouble his sister and he had been having with the merpeople council and now with finding a new friend he did not mind not going on long journeys. "I would not mind it. I could visit more often and I would like it a lot." He smiled at her and when she kissed his cheek he was surprised but he honestly did not mind it. In fact it felt really nice and it made him blush a bit. He was not used to anything like that. "That felt nice," he admitted gently.

"You wanted to teach me how to bake," Jongsuk said and chuckled then. It was something he really wanted to learn and maybe he could bake for Boa then, sooner or later. Well, when he was not detroying a kitchen or something. "I do not need you to pay me, really. I know you would but you already let me stay here." He smiled warmly at her. She was so warm and friendly and it felt so nice to be here with her. He hummed and gently squeezed her hand. "Then it's set." A grin was seen on Jongsuk's lips and while it had been a while since he had last been really happy, he felt a spark of it inside his chest. And he had forgotten how nice it felt.

"But it is your bed," Jongsuk said and frowned. The merman was not really willing of sleeping in someone elses bed. "I already came here and you took me in, I cannot just take your bed as well." He shoo his head and his lips. Okay, but she was right, sofa was probably not the bed idea with his wounds. "And what if something happens and I cannot call for you?" He bit his lip before tilting his head a bit. "You said it is your parents' bed, right? So... we should be able to both sleep in there, right?" He was not hinting on anything, not that he would be able to anything anyways, he just did not want to steal her bed. It was her home, her place, her bed and he really felt like an intruder. Yes they were friends, but he still felt bad taking up so much space.

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@Lee Jongsuk "How? You'll be travelling again as soon as you heal and I'll be, well here." She didn't mean to sound bitter, but she really did feel a connection to him that she'd never felt before. Scrunching her nose up when he poked it, she smiled. "Well I'm glad you don't think so." It was how she truly felt. After all, they hadn't known each other that long, so how could she possibly feel such things for him. But she did. Wait, was that why she felt calm? Because he smelled like the sea and the sea always calmed her and gave her strength? But if felt so much deeper than that. "You're welcome." She kissed his cheek on an impulse, but she didn't regret it.

Her way of thinking had more to do with her upbringing and the fact that she knew she hadn't done anything wrong than anything else. Anytime she was around other people, she did her best to make herself as small as possible and to hide if she could. When Snowy was with her though, people seemed more afraid of her, but she didn't enjoy that either. She wasn't mean or vindictive and she just wanted some friends.
"Well, you've already agreed to help in the store when you heal, so what more can I ask for. Oh and I hope you know I'm going to pay you. It won't be much, but I will pay you." The idea that he wanted to take her on a real date made her hope for something she knew she shouldn't. She wasn't meant to have love or a real relationship, but it didn't stop her from hoping for one. "Okay."

Boa turned the gumbo down to simmer while she waited for the dessert to be almost ready. The thought of him in her bed with her hadn't even crossed her mind. Not until he spoke up anyway. She felt her cheeks heat up and she wouldn't look at him. "Well, you better get over it, because I'm not letting you sleep on the sofa overnight. Besides, I have a bathroom in my bedroom and that'll be easier for you to get to. I'll take the couch since my bed is higher and will make getting up and down easier for you. As for intimate, well, I've never thought of it that way. It's just where I sleep." And cry and wallow in self pity, but he didn't need to know any of that. "I mean, my parents' bed is still in their old room if you'd prefer to sleep there, but you can NOT sleep on the sofa. You will be sore in the morning if you do."

@Kwon Boa "Well, why not make sure we stay not too far from each other then?" Jongsuk said, his voice gentle and calm. He felt the same around Boa, comfortable and safe and sound. Maybe it was still the aftermath of being attacked but he did not think so. "It does not sound silly at all." He smiled and poked her nose gently, showing her a warm expression. He liked hugging her, she was soft but strong and she smelled so very nice. A slight blush was seen on his face when he heard the next words, about how he smelled. He had not expected that and Boa had no idea how true it was. "Thank you," he mumbled gently.

Jongsuk might not been despised by many creatures though he knew quite a handful of people who would gladly see him long gone. Not that he was one to do them that favor, no. But he would make sure to stay in their way simply to piss them off. "You really are an amazing person, you know? Seeing it the way you do is really good." He brushed through her hair and smiled. He liked the way Boa thought.
"I know I do not need to owe you. But you said it yourself: I am your friend and as a friend I want to help out." He chuckled gently and hummed. "I know I do not have to. But maybe I want to." He winked at her. "If not I would not do it, so do not worry about that, okay?"

Gently patting the dog Jongsuk slowly felt less hot and relaxed a bit. His body seemed to calm down after he had emptied another bottle of water. It helped him feel a lot better so that was good. Though when she mentioned her bed he blushed. "I cannot take up that offer. It is your bed and I do not want to take over that space." He shook his head a bit. "It is your bed and... it is very intimate too." He had never slept in someone elses bed. He blinked when she kissed his head and his cheeks got even redder. "O-of course I am your friend. And you are mine."

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@Lee Jongsuk Boa looked up at him, shocked by what he'd just said. "What if I said I like being by your side? I am actually calmer and feel less stress when I'm with you." She looked down slightly. "I know that probably sounds silly. I will be fine though." She knew he wouldn't harm her in any way and he'd protect her if he needed to. She didn't know how she knew it, but she did. "And I am your friend." She hugged him even tighter, never wanting to let go. As she inhaled, she smelled his scent and it made her smile. "You smell like the sea. I like it." She didn't even realize how personal that was. It was just an observation on her part.

Nodding, the young woman smiled. "Life is a challenge, especially when you're despised by so many people, but I don't let it stop me from being a good person. At least not usually." There had been a few times she'd said something she regretted, but mostly she'd just internalize it and then cry later.
"Alright. As long as you're sure. And you don't know that for sure. Besides, I told you, I did it because it was the right thing to do, not so you could owe me." She wasn't that type of person. Hearing he was going to take her on a real date excited her, but also scared. She didn't know what to wear or how to act on a date. "You don't have to. Really. I don't mind. Besides, you can't miss what you never had." What if he took her and she enjoyed it too much and then never had another one. She would be heartbroken. "I'd like that."

Boa busied herself with checking the food and when she took the bread out of the oven, she put the dessert in. Snowy was content to just lie there with Jongsuk. As far as he was concerned, the man was his new charge. "Get some sleep then. I can work around you or help you to the bedroom." There was no way he was sleeping on the sofa. "I'll wake you to eat if you want to take a nap." She really thought rest would be good. He needed to regain his strength. "You already thanked me by being my friend and it was my pleasure to help you." She smiled and leaned down, kissing his head. He was nice and she really liked him.

@Kwon Boa "Because I like having you as my friend too. And maybe asking you to stay by my side might be stressful. I do not want it to be stressful or eventually even harmful for you, you know?" Jongsuk said and chewed on his bottom lip. "Though I really want you to be my friend." He rubbed her back gently in caring way while still holding her close. He did not want to let her go, ever, even though they barely knew each other. It felt different though, like they had met a long time ago already. A lifetime ago.

Humming softly the merman nodded and looked at her. "Challenges can be hard but once you overcome and make the best out of them it feels so good," Jongsuk said gently and looked at her. And he agreed. It surely kept life interesting. It made it more worth living for it as well.
"You are not taking me away from anyone. Without you I would not even be alive," he said and poked her cheek gently. "Then it is time I take you on a real date," he said and smiled warmly at her. He had never been on a date as well but he was really looking forward to it. He wanted to make Boa smile and feel happy, full of life. "Then I guess we could include that in our date." All the things she liked, definitely.

A small chuckle left Jongsuk's lips when Snowy curled up next to him and he gently patted the dog. The ground was cool to his hot skin as so was Snowy's wet nose. It was nice and he did not mind it, it actually made him feel better. "Food sounds good, yes," he nodded and his lips slightly. He felt exhausted and tired and part of it surely had been being in water for so long while still in his human form, the shock and the injuries though also the fact that he felt really safe here. "Though I am pretty tired too," he admitted and looked gently at the other. "Thank you for helping me."

@Lee Jongsuk Boa had never been one to worry much about making herself proud. She'd always been better at doing things for others, so living right for her father, mother, and son was easier for her. Instead of saying that though, she nodded. She could try making herself proud too. Giggling softly, she looked up at him. "How is that selfish? I like having you as a friend." Being in his arms, she felt safe, loved, warm and like she was important. She'd never felt that way with her ex.

Nodding, the young woman smiled. "It can be a challenge, but I love challenges, so that works." It was one reason she hadn't given up on Snowy, even when he seemed as though he would kill her. It was why she chose to keep her parents' shop open. That was more challenging than practicing medicine. Laughing again, she shrugged. "It certainly keeps life interesting."
"I just want to be sure. I don't want to take you away from your work or your friend you told me about." That was not her intention at all. When he said he was fine with a date though, she nearly choked. "Really? I mean, I've never been on a real date, so we don't have to." It made her nervous, but also giddy at the thought of going on a date with him and she wasn't sure why. "Oh that would be nice. I love looking at the stars almost as much as looking at the water." She grinned at the idea.

Since she didn't know he wasn't human, she didn't understand why he was having the trouble he was. Of course if she'd known, she'd have been able to help more. While her parents had never told her that her mother was a siren, they had taught her how to care for undersea life. Her dad had made sure she'd known, but she'd never understood why. "I think you will, but let's wait a bit longer and get some food in you. Plus, like I said, you're temperature is coming down." She smiled, glad for that. Snowy curled his big, fluffy tail around the man on the ground and nuzzled his cheek with his wet nose as if to say he would protect him.

@Kwon Boa "I am sure it is not," Jongsuk nodded and looked gently at her. "Make yourself proud. That is all you need." Looking at his friend he smiled, hoping it reached his eyes and hear heart. He wanted to make her feel better, make her feel safe and sound and good but he also knew that this could be pretty hard after all. She had lost so much and she surely was in a lot of pain. "Because I want you as my friend too. It might be a little selfish," he admitted and gently hugged her back, smiling slightly. It was so very nice hugging her.

Mundane things. That was a word he had not heard before but it was easy to say what it meant. Jongsuk nodded slightly. "Finding an adventure in the daily sounds good," the sailor said and looked at her, poking her cheek slightly. "I am sure that is very good too," he said and smiled warmly at her. He loved adventures, no matter how small they might be. He then hummed and looked at her.
"You are not a bother at all," he said and then looked surprised at her when she said it was a date. Well, that did surprise him. "I am fine with a date," he then said, humming. Going on a date with Boa would be nice, no matter if it was a real date or a date between friends. He smiled and looked at her. "We could go and see stars while having a picnic or something. We can take Snowy along then too." Though first he needed to heal.

Nodding slowly he relaxed a bit. Boa was good with what she did and Jongsuk knew it. Otherwise he surely would already be dead. He hummed and nodded then. "I am sure it will get better," he said and tensed when she mentioned the hospital. He could definitely not be taken there - they might give him the wrong medication and figure out what he was - though probably too late. "I am fine, do not worry," he said and cuddled Snowy a bit, smiling while he tried his best to relax. "I am glad he likes me." He smiled a bit absent-mindedly but really enjoying that he had found a safe place to be for now. And a friend he had been looking for but being unable to find.

@Lee Jongsuk Did he really know? Of course not. How could he? No man could understand what she felt. It was like a part of her had been ripped away when she lost her little boy. "I believe it does. And thank you for saying that. I try to do what I know what make him and my parents proud, although, it's not always easy." Some days she wanted to scream at people or cry or just give up altogether, but she didn't because they would all be disappointed in her. She studied him for a moment and frowned. "What do you mean? You've given me something I hadn't let myself even hope for in years. A friend." She smiled warmly at him. He'd given her so much already and he didn't even realize it. As if by a magnet's pull, she went back to him and wrapped her arms around him. "Thank you." Her voice was soft, but sincere.

"I used to, but I don't have time for grand adventures anymore. Instead, I try to find the adventure in everyday, mundane things. It definitely helps me pass the time quicker." When she'd met her ex, she'd stopped exploring, because he didn't want her to get hurt and he said he preferred her to be clean, because it matched her personality. Not wanting him to worry, she had made her hiking trip her last adventure. Now, she missed it all, but she had no time for it. "That would be fun. I'd like that, but only if it's no bother." She wouldn't disrupt his work for this. "Great. Then it's a date." Her cheeks colored as she realized what she'd just said. "I mean...you know. It'll be fun. Two friends having fun. A...friend date. Yea..." She closed her eyes as she stopped talking, wondering why she'd even said that. Although, a real date would be nice, but her idea of a date didn't have to be fancy or "romantic." She loved being outside, in nature.

"I don't think so. I would have felt or seen it when I cleaned your wound." She had no idea, but this fight sounded bad. "The stuff I poured in your wound and the cream I put on it would kill those germs." It worried her a lot though to see him like this. She didn't know how to help him at this point. She'd done all she knew how to do, but was it enough? Should she take him to the hospital? "Let's wait a bit and if it doesn't get better, I'll take you to the hospital." She had a car, but she didn't like to drive. She preferred walking, being one with nature. Boa laughed and watched the two as she finished the dessert and covered it until she could put it in the oven. "He is, but he's just a big baby. He likes you though and he doesn't like most people, so that's good. And thank you." She walked over and felt his head. "You seem to be cooling down. Do you need me to get you anything?"

@Kwon Boa "I know, Boa, I know," Jongsuk said gently and brushed over her back. "If there is such a thing like heaven I am sure your baby is looking down and being so proud of their mother." He showed her a gentle smile, knowing it was hard for her. Knowing it was always so hard to deal with it. With loss, especially so much at once. Losing the people who had been parents to him after his actual parents had already hurt himself so much. Gently he held her close, showing her as much warmth as he knew how to give. "I am very glad I can at least give you something," Jongsuk said and watched Boa put the pa in the oven. He wanted to hug her again, hold her, but he also did not want to push and overstep boundaries.

"I think it is adventures I am always looking for," Jongsuk admitted and looked at Boa, chuckling gently. He had always tried to explore things, go to places he should probably not go but here he was, trying his best to go on adventures but also always make it home. As a sailor he had found a good way to go on adventures and stay safe.
"Maybe one day I can take you on a short adventure," he said and chuckled gently. Maybe on the boat but also maybe in the water. He remembered that mermen were able to make people breathe underwater. And maybe she would like that, but maybe nto now. "Adventures once I am better sound perfect. I would really love tha.t"

"From the knife. Knife? Sword? I do not remember quite well," Jongsuk admitted, his memory a bit blurry. "Or dirt from who he killed before or touched the wood of the ship." Everything was possible, right? He sighed and nodded then. "That might be. I have never been wounded like that." He smiled weakly at her, trying to relax. The water was good and the ground was soft and cool and he that. He chuckled when Snowy barked. "He is very cute," he smiled and carefully touched the dog. "A good one, just like you."

@Lee Jongsuk "Of course I would have fought for him, but that doesn't mean I'd have won. I mean they have the money to take care of him and I don't. Sure, I do alright, but that's not always good enough." She'd have worked more and spent less on herself, not that she spent much on herself now, and even ate less just to make sure she could have taken care of her baby. Being in his arms, she felt secure, like nothing could hurt her. It had been so long since anyone had held her or she hadn't had to depend solely on herself, but then that hadn't really changed. Closing her eyes and inhaling, feeling even calmer from his scent, she nodded. "I know. Thank you. It means more to me than you can ever know." She smiled as she put the pan in the oven and closed it.

Most people would find the scene comical. There she was, all of 5'3 standing in front of a giant telling him what to do. She couldn't help it though and she knew Jongsuk would not hurt her. When he assure her that he would take care of himself and agreed that she wasn't mean, she relaxed a bit. Her parents had once said she didn't have a mean bone in her body and she thought they were right. It just wasn't her.
Laughing, Boa nodded in agreement. "It does, doesn't it? But adventures are a lot of fun." She'd had her share. In high school, she'd even gone rock climbing in the mountains and hiked the nearby ruins. They were magnificent and she still loved looking at the photos she'd taken. "We definitely do. I love a good adventure and the more challenging, the better." She grinned, now feeling really excited. She chuckled as he winked. "Maybe we can have more adventures when you're better."

Knitting her brow with worry, she wondered what else she could do to help him feel better or to bring his fever down. That was extremely important in this situation. "What would get stuck?" She'd been careful not to put anything in the wound. "That could be it. You're body isn't used to healing or protecting itself, so your immune system could be having a harder time." She'd seen that a lot children who hadn't been sick before and even a few adults. "Yes it will. I'll make sure he's okay Snowy." The dog barked making her laugh. "Yes, you can help."

@Kwon Boa "No one is better off. I know what you mean and they are clearly horrible people but... with you as his mother? You'd do great. You would have fought for your child no matter what." That was how he had met Boa and Jongsuk was sure she would have rather died than giving her child away. He gently brushed through her hair and rubbed her back, holding him close until she left and went to the oven. "I know I do not have to. I know I am not forced to do anything. So please know I am doing this because I want to." He looked softly at her and tilted his head a bit. He knew the trauma was deep in her and Jongsuk felt so very sorry for her but all he could do was show her he was ready to help her, be by her side.

It surprised the merman a bit when Boa suddenly put her hands on her hips and talked to him like that but then he laughed gently. It was so soft and caring, it felt so nice. "I know you aren't mean," he said and hummed. "I will take care of myself, I promise." He wanted to live a long life after all and he was really not here to get into trouble or danger. That one encounter with the pirates had been enough for a lifetime, if he was honest.
"Sounds like we are now preparing for an adventure," Jongsuk chuckled and nodded. "As you probably guessed, I like adventures a lot too so I guess we make a good team." He grinned brightly at her and tilted his head. "I hope you are ready for that." He winked and gently nudged her, humming happily. He liked to be like that, have someone he could have fun with but also be serious with. Boa was such a great person.

Watching her curiously Jongsuk tried to relax and get better. His body still hurt but it was slowly calming down. "Maybe something got stuck in it?" he mused but he just hoped not. "Then again I usually do not have any injuries so maybe I am just sensitive," he said gently to her and smiled. Sure he had gotten a few bruises and tiny wounds but never such a big injury from such a painful memory. He took a shaky breath and gently petted Snowy. "It will surely be okay soon."

@Lee Jongsuk She smiled gently as that was a nice though, but shook her head nonetheless. "His mom would have found a way to take him from me if she knew it was Daniel's baby. And then this feud? No, he's better off. As if being held wasn't enough, when he ran his long digits through her hair, she sighed. It had been such a very long time since she'd had physical contact with another person and this just reminded her of what she was missing and what she wasn't meant to have. Politely extracting herself from his embrace, she went to the oven and preheated it. "You don't have to. I'm used to being on my own." She liked it. It was easier than remembering what she was missing.

Now the mother in her was visible as she put her hands on her hips and clicked her tongue. "Usually isn't good enough. And you have no control over others. Just promise me you will be careful and take care of yourself, even if you never come back. You deserve to live a long and happy life." She smiled and this time it was genuine. "No, I don't like to be mean. I prefer to help." She nodded. He was right about that.
"We can try, but I make no promises." She giggled, but it had been a while since she'd even tried to use it. "I guess it does and if dad was alive, he'd tell you I always loved a good adventure." That was another reason she figured Daniel's mom didn't like her. She had always been a curious mix of girly and tomboy. She could outdo any boy at most things. "Alright. We will try it then." She smiled.

"You're welcome." She mixed everything up and poured it into a pan. Once that was in the oven, she went back to her dessert. It would also need to go in the oven, but not yet. "It shouldn't. I mean there's always a chance with a wound like that, but I cleaned it too. Truthfully, that could be why it hurts too. The antiseptic is still getting deep and killing the germs." She really hoped it didn't get infected, but she had medicine for that too.

@Kwon Boa "That is not true," Jongsuk said gently and looked at Boa, shaking his hair. "You would have been such an amazing mother," he said and brushed through her hair, holding her close. She could say she was fine all she wanted, Jongsuk knew no one was just fine after such an traumatizing encounter. He was late, yes, years late to help her through her pain but he could now help her work through the trauma, right? "I know I travel a lot but as long as I can I will come by and make sure you are alright." Maybe one day he'd even stopped travelling, who knew, right? Even though right now he could not.

Chuckling gently, Jongsuk shook his head. "I am usually really safe. I've only encountered pirates once so there is that." He smiled warmly at her and tilted his hea d abit. "Everyone can be mean if they want to. But I think you prefer not to." Though he knew that even though he himself often seemed to be naive, he sometimes was able to get quite mean too. Though he preferred not to after all.
"Maybe we can figure it out togehter," Jongsuk then said and smiled at her. "Sounds like a small adventure, don't you think?" he said. It was nice Boa's mother had tried showing her how to use it, but sometimes some things were just not easily learned or seemed interesting to that time. "I would like trying the machine but I am definitely good by hand!" He was even pretty proud about it.

A smile was seen on Jongsuk's lips even though he felt pretty exhausted. "Thank you," he said gently and patted Snowy while he kept sitting on the drink. His leg hurt but as long as he did not move it he was okay. "Do you think the leg wound will get infected?" he asked worriedly and watched her from his position on the ground, smiling softly. "Oh, it smells nice."

@Lee Jongsuk Although she knew was telling the truth, because she still missed her parents every single day, she didn't want to be depressed about losing her son anymore. "He's better off away from here though." At least now his father couldn't steal him and turn him against her or make him an entitled brat. Right now though, she felt slightly guilty. She was secretly enjoying being in Jongsuk's arms and when he kissed her head, she felt her body relax. She felt safe, a feeling she hadn't felt in 3.5 years. It was nice. "I'm fine. Really." She smiled again, but it didn't reach her eyes. She didn't comment on belonging to his life, because he'd leave one day.

Nodding, she wrinkled her nose and stuck out her tongue. "Yea well, after this, I'll worry about you too." She was already worried about when he would go back out on a boat. All the compliments made her blush and she shook her head. "No I'm not. I can be mean too." Not the way most people were, but she had her own way of being mean and most people wouldn't even think twice about it, because to them it was just a normal way of being. Her spirit was just too sweet. "Thank you. Although, I think you're the interesting one, not me." After all, he'd seen so many places.
Boa just shrugged. She wasn't good with the machine either. "I...don't really know how to use it. Mom tried to teach me, but it wasn't something I was interested in at the time." In hindsight, it was clear her mom was trying to prepare her for the day she'd be alone. Had she known what was coming? "It's fine if you prefer to do it by hand. I don't mind either way." She really didn't and she appreciated he wanted to do it.

Boa nodded. "Let me know if you need anything else." She stood up and went back to making the cornbread. It didn't take her long and she stuck it in the stove. Then, she stirred the gumbo and went to the dining room to begin mixing the dessert. The house wasn't huge, but the kitchen was fairly large, so Snowy laid down next to Jongsuk as though protecting him.

@Kwon Boa "The death of my parents was two decades ago and it never will be okay. No matter how much time will pass. Because it just hurts. Because it is something that should never happen to you." Jongsuk gently cupped her cheeks and kissed her forehead in a soft way. In a protective way. "You can cry and I can hold you, you know?" He gently looked at her and shook his head. "You are my friend, Boa. Of course I worry. You belong to my life too." He hugged her warmly, holding her carefully. He felt so sorry for her, this must have been so bad, losing so much at once. Life was not fair at all.

A smile was seen on his face, soft and loving. "I know," Jongsuk hummed and tilted his head. "I know you are used to it and I know you are strong and everything but I care for you. And I'll worry. It's just who I am." He gently poked her nose and chuckled. "I like you. You are sweet and gentle and funny and caring and it makes me really happy." He hummed and looked softly at the other. He felt good around her. "I think you are really interesting."
Curiously he listened to her and nodded. "I mean, maybe I can learn it too, the machine I mean." Though he was very used to doing it by hand and he was fast. He knew quite a few good tips and ticks and he was good with sewing. He would love sewing something nice for Boa. Something only she owned. Something unique, just like she was unique.

Softly Jongsuk looked up at her and smiled warmly. "Thank you," he said and held the water in his hands, taking a few sips from the straw. It immediately helped him feel a little better, the water so cold and it helped his system. He then blinked surprised when Snowy nudged him. "I am okay," he said gently. "Hot and weak but I think it's normal after the attack and staying in water so long." He his lips and chuckled. "You really do not need to worry. I am alive. And it will stay like this." As if he would let anyone take himself away. He would not die. "That would be nice. Food is a good idea, yes."

@Lee Jongsuk Boa just nodded. She didn't know what to say or how to react. This was simply her reality after all. She couldn't bring her child back and there was no chance of having another. She also wasn't sure about her future. What should she do? Should she stay here in the place that had always been her home or explore the world as she'd always wanted. But if she left, who would take care of Snowy and the orphans. She just couldn't win. "Thank you." It didn't change anything, but she was grateful that he had at least offered. Most people wouldn't. Gently shaking her head, she forced a smile. "I'm okay. It was 3 years ago, so I'm fine." She wasn't and likely never would be, but that wasn't his problem and no one could change it. Chuckling gently, she shook her head. "You have your own life and people who love you. I will be fine. Don't worry about me." As long as she didn't think about all that she'd lost, she'd be fine.

She sighed. "But you don't need to. I've survived this long on my own. Besides, no one will really bother me. They just talk about me. I'm used to it." She wasn't about to take his friendship for granted. Besides, what would she do? Ask him to stay with her? That was absurd. It was also selfish and that's one thing that nobody could accuse Boa of being. Wrinkling her nose, she shook her head. "Why? I'm not that interesting." She really didn't think she was anyway. Compared to most people, she was downright boring and she knew it.
"Oh. Okay. Then I will get you some needles too. I guess since most people I know use a machine, I just assumed, but I think it's pretty cool you do it by hand. It takes a lot of dedication." She smiled. She nodded. When she went to work tomorrow, she'd dig through the sewing section of her store and see what she could find.

Going to the fridge quickly, she pulled out another bottle of water and opened it. Then, putting a straw in it, she got on the floor on her knees next to him. Pillowing his head on her thighs, she let him drink. "How do you feel?" Snowy came back in then and started to whine when he saw Jongsuk on the floor. The dog nudged him with his arm. "He'll be okay Snowy." She looked at the man in front of her. "He's worried about you too." Maybe that was the reason, but she wasn't so sure. "Why don't I finish the food? You need to eat? For now, just rest."

@Kwon Boa "I know it is not," Jongsuk said and shook his head. "But you are my friend." He bit his lip and looked at her, holding her close and gently rubbing her back. "It must have been so hard. I am here for you." He was not good with comforting people, he rarely ever had to do it but he wanted to show her that he was here for her, no matter why and when. "It's okay to cry, you know?" he whispered and gently brushed over her cheek and looking at her. "I won't just leave like that. You can count on me." Even if his wounds were healed, he would make sure to check in on her every know and then. She looked like he needed it and he wanted to be there for her so badly. She had been alone way too long.

A huff left Jongsuk's lips and he looked at her. "I'll worry about you anyways. That is what friends do." He poked her nose and smiled gently. It was nice of her to try and make him feel less bad about the fact that he often left the people around him but he simply felt bad about it. He already felt bad whenever he left Hyuna alone and he would also feel bad about leaving Boa alone. But he knew that if he did not travel, he would feel restless and fall into this dark hole he hated so much. "I like paying attention to you," he then said and smiled.
"I... yeah. I usually sew by hand. I am fast, though." Jongsuk blushed a bit. "Maybe I can figure it out too, how to work with a sewing machine." Though he was not the best when it came to machines. "Just bring fabrics and what else we need and I'll sew for you." He really liked this idea.

A small chuckle left Jongsuk's lips when she said he could just dump ice on him. "I'll be okay," he said gently and laid down on the ground, looking at her. His vision got normal again and he immediately felt a lot better. "Is there some more water I can drink?" he asked gently and his lips. "I'll be okay, really," he said and gently looked at her. He was hot and exhausted but aside from that he did feel okay. Sure, the wounds hurt but that was normal. As long as they were not infected it would be okay. "I think it's from the pain and losing blood," he then said gently. "Maybe this is why I feel like this."

@Lee Jongsuk Since she didn't know much about him, she just wanted to make sure he always had a reason to smile. It always felt as though she were compelled to make others happy in an attempt to find her own happiness. It was futile of course, but it didn't stop her from trying. She definitely tried with orphans. After all, she'd always wanted kids and when she'd found out she was pregnant, her love for her unborn baby had started to blossom at an alarmingly fast rate. All too soon though, the baby was gone, she was left with a shattered heart, no one to talk to and a whole lot of responsibility. So what did she do? She buried the pain as best she could and pushed through, spending all of her free time with the orphans and giving them her love. At least they seemed to want it...for now. The moment he hugged her, she tensed, but just as quick she relaxed. It had been so long since someone held or hugged her. It felt right, but that scared her too. She didn't want to get attached only to have one more person yanked away from her. Her heart couldn't take that. "Thank you, but it isn't your fault." Hearing him call her strong, she felt like a fraud. She wasn't strong. Not really. Inside she was a terrified little girl again, waiting for the boogeyman to take something else from her. She held back her tears. She'd let them out tonight when she was in bed, alone.

Boa laughed gently. "Yes, you are. I'm not used to that still, but I would love to be your friend." She knew he was a sailor which meant his life revolved around a ship, but maybe that was a good thing. "You know what the best part is about being my friend? When you're gone, you don't have to worry about me, because I'm low maintenance. I don't expect anything from anyone." So if he chose to never come back and visit her, she wouldn't be hurt. She giggled. "That's okay. I'm used to people not paying attention to me." So it wouldn't bother her.
"Whichever you prefer is fine with me." She figured from the way he said it that it was something he enjoyed, but like him she knew he wouldn't be using his leg much in the coming days. "Okay. I can bring home some fabric tomorrow on my lunch break and you decide what you like or I can send you pictures and bring the fabric and whatever else you need on my break." Oops. Did he sew by hand? Some people did still and she admired it. "Yes. Do you by chance sew by hand?"

He was stubborn, but so was she when it came to someone's health and well-being. "No you aren't." When he stood and swayed, she knew they were headed for danger. She had to get him in the tub and quick. The question was, how? He was much bigger than she was and if he couldn't move, she'd have to find a way to do it for him or at least stabilize him enough that he could do it. "No. Can you lie on the floor? It's cooler there and if I have to I can just dump ice on you?" She was starting to get scared, but she couldn't let him know it. After all, she was the doctor. She was trained for stuff like this, but she feared losing another person she cared about.

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@Kwon Boa "That sounds very nice," Jongsuk said gently and nodded. It did not hurt to realise he had no happy memories in particular. He was conent, satisfied most of the times. He had a close friend, he knew beautiful places and people, he was able to travel and he was mostly healthy. So why were there no particularly happy memories? But maybe that explained while his chest, sometimes, felt so heavy and empty. "I am sure you are giving them a lot," he then said gently and there was so much sadness in his heart when he heard her voice. Gently he took her hands as he had noticed they were shaking. "I am so sorry," he said and then pulled her into a hug. That must have been horrible. Losing not only her parents but also her boyfriend and her baby. So many people disappearing from her life without her being able to even properly say goodbye. It must have hurt so much. "I am so sorry," he repeated and held her close, knowing he would never be able to give her the support she deserved but trying anyways. "You are so strong," he whispered gently.

"I am your friend," Jongsuk immediately said without thinking about it. "I mean... you barely know me. But I would like to be your friend." He slightly blushed and looked at the other, tilting his head. He was not good with making friends either but he wanted to try. He knew with him travelling so much a friendship would be hard but maybe they could make it possible. "I dont know how most people are," he then admitted. "I am not good with paying attention sometimes." He rubbed his neck and then shrugged.
"Well, I mean I can try teaching you how to sew. Or I can just sew for you!" He grinned mightly at her. Why not, right? He was bound to sitting for now anyways. "I would love to, yes." He smiled warmly at her and nodded. He then blinked surprised. "A sewing machine?"

Carefully he took the whisk but then, suddenly, she told him to get into the tub. Surprised he blinked and looked at her. "I am okay, really," he said and frown. Yes, he felt hot, but his body easily got hot so there was that. But when Boa helped him get up, the world started to turn and he felt weak. Immediately he held onto the chair and grimaced, pain shooting through his body. "Nope. I can't walk," he said, holding tightly onto the chair, shaking his head. He had known the pain would come back but this was worse than he had expected, especially as nauseau mixed with the pain. He bit his lip and tried to take steady breaths but the world was still moving on its own. "It's okay. I can just... sit here," he mumbled.

@Lee Jongsuk Boa was surprised to hear that. Not even one? Oh no. With everything she's gone through, she wasn't about to accept that answer as a forever answer. Looking at him, she smiled gently. "Don't be sorry. I want to help you change that. Once your leg heals, if you don't have to go back on a ship right away, I want to take you to one of my favorite places." She knew there was no guarantee that he would even enjoy her idea and certainly not that it would become his favorite memory. Smiling, she nodded. "They try, but they don't always have the best stuff. I mean, I try to give them the love they're missing and when I can I take them all gifts." It made her even happier than it made them. She was sure of that. When she heard his question, her face turned pale as she realized what she's just said. With a nod, her voice came out strained. "Yes. I was pregnant." She sighed. "I actually found my parents on the day I was going to tell them, after I confirmed I was pregnant." She looked at him, her hands shaking. "It was Daniel's baby. My ex."

Still not so sure, Boa shook her head. "No, I'm not, but I also don't have friends. That's why I say I'm missing out." She didn't really want to date another of those guys, because they all seemed to be like her ex. She would rather spend the rest of her life alone. "I suppose you're right." She giggled. "Thank you. So are you, unlike all the guys I know. Most of them are like my ex." She shrugged. This bit of info made her smile broadly. "Then we'll make a good team, because I don't think I'm a very good student. Although, now that I can sew living tissue, I would hope I can sew a seam." Her problem was she was a perfectionist. "Alright then. I can also bring you some fabric and thread from my shop if you'd like to make something. I still have mom's sewing machine and I keep it in working order." It was her mother's after all and something they'd once done together.

Worrying about his pain, she sighed, but nodded. Instead, she got a whisk for him to mix the ingredients. When she handed it to him though, she frowned. He was much too hot and his face was flushed. "Nope. This won't do. We need to get you into the tub, now. If you get much hotter, you're likely to pass out and there's no telling what will happen after that. Come on." She moved to help him. "Snowy, can you start the bath? Cold water only." Her dog could do many things, because he'd had to help her when she'd broken her arm a year or so ago. He ran off toe do as she asked, while she helped Jongsuk stand and hop to the bathroom. "I will get you some crutches tomorrow to make moving around easier for you and keep the pain to a minimum." She smiled as she put his arm around her shoulders.

@Kwon Boa His happiest memory. For a very long moment Jongsuk just looked and her and then frowned. "I... dont think I have one," he then admitted slowly. His life was decent, he had many nice days and he was not exactly sad but he had always felt like something was missing. Maybe that was the reason he kept going on journeys? Travelling the world to find something he obviously had been missing his entire life? Was it happiness? Maybe. He had his best friend and she filled him with a place he called home but despite that he always felt something was not right. Maybe he was not right. "I really dont... think I have one." He looked apologetically at Boa, his lips. "Sorry." He nodded and tilted his head curiously. "Are the orphanages treating them nicely?" he asked a little worried. "Are there many orphans?" Now that worried him. He was an orphan too then, probably. But he had been lucky to find parents. But then he heard Boa's next words. Her baby. His eyes widened and he looked at her. Her baby? He gently took her hands. "Your baby?" he asked carefully, worried it might be a sensitive topic.

Gently Jongsuk shook his head. "I dont think you are missing out," he said and looked at her. "I am not a fan of parties either. Are you? So... everyone can enjoy themselves differently, right? But you are such a sweet person." He gently poked her cheek. He chuckled and nodded then, humming slightly. "Yeah I can." He had been taught to sew at young age, he did not even know the reason why but he had always liked it. He had created a few nice things with this skill. "I would love to teach you. Though I am not the best teacher, I fear," he said apologetically and looked at her. "I would like that a lot, yes," he nodded and smiled at her.

Worriedly Jongsuk looked at the pills Boa put in front of him. What if he could not stomach them? What if he started to throw up? "I'm okay," he said quietly, unsure if he should take the pills. As long as he didnt move his leg, he was okay. He just should not use it. It felt hot but his entire body felt hot as soon as he had left the water so there was that. his lips he looked at her, nodding gently. "I would love to, yes," he agreed and smiled at her. He liked to help.

@Lee Jongsuk Boa blushed but laughed. "Yea. Dad did too." Because of him she'd never thought anything bad about her size. In fact, it had come in handy quite often when others needed help getting into smaller places. She was also a lot stronger than she looked which didn't make sense to her, but she was grateful nonetheless. Seeing Jongsuk lost in thought, she figured he was thinking about his own parents. "Tell me your happiest memory." She didn't want him to be sad. She never liked others to feel sad, even if the solution meant she'd be sad herself. She truly felt bad for getting so defensive and being rude, but this was all so new to her and she didn't know how to deal with it. It almost seemed rude to accept his offer. Was it? She simply nodded at his words and reassurance. "Thank you." At least someone wasn't. She nodded happily. "Yes. Both kingdoms have them and they are sweet kids. Some of them lost their parents to the sea and some lost their parents to disease." It was sad, but she loved each and every one of them for who they were. "I think I appreciate them more. They are sweet and cute and give me an outlet for all the love I had built up for my baby." She didn't even realize she'd just slipped.

Laughing, Boa nodded. She knew how bad it could get even if he didn't. "You say that now." She just hoped he wouldn't change his mind later. His compliment made her blush again. "They really aren't missing anything. Other people my age are going to parties, dating, getting married." She shrugged. "I'll never have that, so I think I'm the one who's missing out." Hearing his confession made her gasp. It wasn't really shock, more like awe. "You can? Really?" She hung her head. "I'd like that. My mom tried to teach me, but I could never quite get it." She was embarrassed to even admit it. "If you would like, I can give you stuff to sew tomorrow while I'm at the store." She was considering closing for a few days so she could take care of him, but she needed that money to pay off some debts her parents had apparently incurred while she was in school.

Even though he didn't want to bother her, Boa saw the wince and frowned. "Okay. You need something for the pain." She reached into a nearby cabinet and pulled out a bottle of Tyelenol. "These aren't very strong, but should at least dull the pain." She gave him two and another bottle of water. She understood he didn't like taking medicine. She didn't either, but she kept some just in case. It was the stuff that didn't really knock out her pain though. She loved her dog too. He was her best friend.
"Yea. You have to. Would you like to do that while I check the gumbo?" Still, she didn't find it weird. After all, if he'd never cooked anything other than potatoes, how would he know?

@Kwon Boa "Well, I think fun sized sounds cute," Jongsuk chuckled and tilted his head. He liked that Boa had such nice memories with her parents. When it came to his parents he had barely any. It was sad but there was nothing he could do about it. He remembered some emotions he connected when thinking of his family but there was, sadly, not much more. He had been too small to remember. And the only piece he had had from them was a shell he had broken a while ago to free his best friend and him. Though he did not regret that, he had had to do it. He rather cherished the living than the dead. "That is okay," he then said when she mentioned she was not used to it. He then shook his head. "It is okay. I know you did not mean any harm. Just know I am not here to belittle you or anything, okay?" He did not want her to think that. "Orphans?" Surprised he looked at Boa and then nodded. Right. They had quite a few orphans around here. "I am glad you can help them. I am sure they appreciate it a lot." Maybe he could bring them something too.

A chuckle left Jongsuk's lips and he then shook his head. "Let them talk. They have no idea what they are missing." He looked gently at her, he appreciated her so much. Not only because she had saved him but because she was such a nice human. Just being here made him feel so very nice. "Take my word," he said and smiled.
For a moment Jongsuk hesitated before he spoke the next words - he knew a few people would laugh about it but he was sure Boa would not. "I can sew. If you have clothes you'd like to have fitting or nice fabric, I can sew them for you," he offered. After all he was pretty unable to go anywhere anytime soon so there was that. "So, yeah, I can help with not fitting clothes."
There was some sadness he had seen in Boa's eyes and he was unsure why but he did not dare to dig, instead he wanted to cheer her up, but he did not know how.

Taking another sip of them water and emptying it with that Jongsuk huffed quietly. He still felt hot and when he moved his legs a bit, he grimaced. The pain in his right left was horrible but he did not want to bother Boa. "I am glad too," he then said and smiled at Boa. Snowy did look like he loved his owner dearly and Jongsuk was happy about it. Happy that Boa was not lonely. And neither was the small dog. A smile rested on his lips when Boa left the dog out, humming.
"You can mix them?" he asked surprised. He had never ever cooked like that, but there had no reason too, sadly. Mostly he ate stuff raw or cooked, but he had never baked.