➟ karaoke bar

@Lee Hoseok "I think.." she paused as she gathered her things, thinking for a moment. "I think I'm going to head home. Thanks for tonight, Hoseok. I appreciate it. It was really needed." She wasn't too tired, but she knew a headache would be coming on before too long and didn't want to be out and about because she would be a debbie downer. "Perhaps we can meet up again another time when and if you're free."

@Zoë Hoetzel Hoseok can't help his laughs as he enjoys his time with the other, getting thoroughly drunk while they enjoyed the noraebang atmosphere with the other. Being so put together sometimes, it felt as if the other was often his only reprieve, someone he could truly act a fool around and know that she would still have his back. "All sung out, huh zoë? We can go...are you tired enough to go home, or do you wanna hang out a bit more?"

@Lee Hoseok "Are you certain?" She laughed and nudged him a little. They spent another couple of hours singing, rapping, and laughing to their hearts content. Letting loose with Hoseok was one of her favorite things in the world because not only did she get to see her best friend but she was also able to leave her worries behind for the time being. Sighing in content, she tossed away the empty bottles and snack wrappers before turning to Hoseok. "Are you ready to go, Seok?"

@Zoë Hoetzel "Excuse me? I'm always strong what you sayin-" He teases with a laugh before hyping the other up with her song, smiling a bit as she does so well with pronunciation even when she was a little off. The American had made huge strides in the past 2 years, and he'd love to claim that he had at least a little to do with that success. They make fools of each other between bouts of singing and laughter, perhaps a bit too drink already as they can't stop the foolish antics around them.

@Lee Hoseok "You always cry," she snickered. Zo focused on the song more than she did Hoseok and his childish and playful antics, doing her best not to laugh so she wouldn't mess up the lyrics. She was still a little insecure when it came to her Korean, so she did her best to focus on the correct pronunciations the best she could; however, with the alcohol in her system, her focus was a liiittle off. When Hoseok hopped up to dance with her, she couldn't hold back her laughter anymore. Seeing him dancing was something she could never get over, especially when he was tipsy.

@Zoë Hoetzel "Totally crying," He teases with a small laugh, his arm comfortably resting around her shoulder as she picked a song, not truly the kind who would want to have that spotlight even if he was a good rapper (which, spoiler, he very much wasn't). But he couldn't help but tease his best friend; after years together, sarcasm has essentially become their primary communication. "Ah, this is a good one Zoë, go for it!!" Hoseok cheers excitedly as the other begins, jumping up sans microphone to match the other's cheesy dancing together.

@Lee Hoseok "Yiiikes, don't cry, Seok!" Zo teased. "When I do something more of your style, you can bet your that you'll be on my album. I love your rapping skills, so how could I not have you featured?" Taking the glass, she easily downed it, "Thanks, Seokie. You know we have to do more duets soon. Surely we can find more songs that appeal to both of our talents," she smiled at him. "Let's see here.. Ooh!" she gasped as she looked through the songs, deciding on Sugar Free by T-ara. "Ah, this is such a good song!" She hopped up once again as the song began, dancing away to the rhythm.

@Zoë Hoetzel Hoseok lets out another short laugh at our words. "Just a maybe? you're totally hurting my heart, Zoë. Now my rapping career will never take off," he teases, the song coming to a close as he indulges in a few more chips before pouring them both another shot, finishing up the remainder of the first soju bottle. "Your turn, babe. But first, shots~" Their glasses clink together before taking the alcohol down and sitting down beside the other, humming happily as he relaxes a bit more.

@Lee Hoseok "Ah.. That's nonsense, really." Zo replied and shook her head as she seated herself again to better listen to the other rap to the song, nodding her head a long with the beat. "Perhaps one day when I decide to release a more hip hop styled album, hm?" She laughed and tilted her head to the side a little. She couldn't help but feel amused as he got up to better perform and move about. It was nice seeing him letting go of everything for the time being. It was a lot different from his normal strict ways.

@Zoë Hoetzel Hoseok smiles at her cheeky answer, ruffling her hair in a small response. "Don't I know it, she might be your number one fan, you know." Perhaps it was just because he wasn't the type to bring women around the house, but his family always seemed to be enthused with the other coming around. "Better than Jay Park? Gotta let me rap on your album, then,"He teases with a chuckle, continuing to rap before taking a shot at the pause, getting up as he continues to make a bit of a fool of himself, letting go of all inhibitions as he treats the karaoke room as a stage.

@Lee Hoseok Zoë knew she owed Hoseok and his mother quite a lot for allowing her to basically be part of the family. She hoped to return the favor to them someday, one way or another. She wasn't quite sure how she would do it, but she knew she would. "But I won't... Maybe- Depends on how angry I am," she . "Besides, like you said, you'll have to deal with your mother chewing you out. Her wrath is scarier than any hex, and you know it." She crossed her legs and leaned back, eating a few more chips. When she heard the song choice, she immediately set the chips aside and hopped to her feet to not only gas him up but to dance, the alcohol also taking over. "Ayyye, better than Jay Park himself! Damn, boy~" she slurred and giggled. Finally, she was allowing herself to let go.

@Zoë Hoetzel He hums fondly at the thought of his family, glad that his family home had often served as a second home for his foreign fried, especially during the holiday season. He was never one to bring partners home for the holidays (particularly due to how quickly he moved on), so Zoë had unoffically seemed to become his plus one for such events for a long while now. "Ah, if I ever take off on you, you totally have earned the right to hex me," Hoseok teases with a laugh, switching it off to some Korean songs before deciding on Jay Park's 'mommae', something he could handle due to the lack of singing. As it turns on he excitedly raps along to the raunchy lyrics, laughing and dancing as the alcohol gets to him more.

@Lee Hoseok Zoë knew just how much his mother meant to him, and honestly, she loved that. She thought that people needed to love and appreciate their parents or guardians more, and that made her start missing her own parents who still resided in the States. It was hard for her to move out of the country without her parents, but she knew she needed to learn how to be out on her own and make a living for herself. She could always take a flight back to California to see them again. Perhaps she would do that soon. She made a mental note to check her schedule to see when the right time would be. "I'm not going to hex you, silly. I'll wish you well and go about my business...with a broken heart." When the song ended, she smiled at him once more. "Your turn for a solo."

@Zoë Hoetzel The mention of his family only made his smile widen. "She had to be a saint to put up with me and my sisters though, I think," He admitted with a small laugh, remembering just how much troubles they had put her through, and how welcoming she'd always been to Zoë and his other friends from the start. More than anything, he felt so blessed to now have the means to make everything up to her now as an adult. "As if we could ever stop, my mom would chew me out for not keeping you around since she loves you so much." He leaves out the part that his mother wouldn't stop talking about how he and Zoë should just get married already, but it's no secret, almost certain she'd said the same thing to her at this point. "Nah, I'm not ready to get hexed for cutting you off anyways, guess we're stuck huh?" He lets out a short laugh before his attention is turned back to the song, singing along to the chorus amongst cheeky praises of her singing skills and sultry tone.

@Lee Hoseok "I love your mother so much. She's a literal angel sent from the gods to bless us with her presence," Zo gushed, placing her hand on her chest over her heart. She had such a soft spot for that wonderful woman; she was like her second mother. She was so grateful to have her and Hoseok in her life. "If we ever stop being friend, though, Hos, you're going to be tortured because I will still come around to see her. You'll have to put up with my witch forever." She snickered. When he began to gas her up, she reached over and playfully hit his arm, trying not to laugh into the mic while singing. She found that much harder than she thought it would be. At least she could blame her flushed cheeks on the alcohol.

@Zoë Hoetzel "That's true...and we're both pretty good now, huh? Look at us go." Her words made him smile as he continued. "Zoë, you're stuck with me now. You're like family. Especially since my mom seems to love you so much~" Hoseok laughed softly, the memory of them casually meeting his family truly making him realize how long it had been since they met, and all the garbage they went through together in this time. "When I get home? Hm, I've heard of it but I don't know the words...I'm handing the reigns over to you this time, okay? I'll just be your hypeman." Keeping his mic in hand he looks over at the other, smiling at how excited she was to play the tune. He takes another shot along with her before the song starts, whistling as the other starts with a raspy, sultry tone. "Damn, it's getting hot Zoë!" He teased with a wink as he gassed her up a bit.

@Lee Hoseok "Hey, it was a fair trade off, mister. I helped you with English, you helped me with Korean. Anyway, even if I'm good at it now, I still need you in my life. Tsk, I'm not letting you get away." She felt lucky to have someone like Hoseok, honestly. They constantly teased and picked on each other like bullies, but their friendship was something special. He protected her from those who could cause harm, and she was his emotional support. She knew the hardships he had faced as he grew up, and she always did her best to help pull him from those dark places. Plus, they helped each other academically. Everything was well balanced. Zo couldn't help but giggled as the song came to an end, adoring how Hos was slurring his words the way he was. "Mm, do you know Ivy Levan's song When I Get Home? Ugh, her voice is everything. And the music?? Damn," she gushed and looked through the songs for it, smiling widely when she found it. "She has a strong voice, so we both may struggle with this one." Before turning the song on, she downed another shot to help her loosen up some more. Finally, she chose the song and swayed where she sat.

@Zoë Hoetzel "Ah, you're /still/ using me? But your Korean is so good now, watch you toss me to the curb this year," He laughs softly, smiling at her sweet words. "Hm, I think part of it is just the excitement of the unknown for many, since there aren't many foreign people around here...for me, I don't have a type. Anyone who's gorgeous just simply is regardless of race, style, and all that." The other chuckles oncemore at the thought of his friend's suitors being easily scared off by the other boy, shaking his head. "Well, next time someone's being too creepy then, I'll be there to freak him out...just don't let him know I'm a total pacifist, yeah?" Hoseok listens to the other's sweet singing voice as they alternate lines before singing together, the alcohol already working its magic as he slurs some lines and over-enthusiastically plays the tambourine.

@Lee Hoseok "What can I say? I like using you to help get around and better understand things," she joked and shrugged a little before giving him another playful nudge. "They really paid off, cutie. You did excellent." Zoë cooed at Hoseok and rested against him a little. "You did all the work, though. You studied hard and got the grades you deserved!" She hummed a little at his comments and simply smiled. "I wouldn't say all the time. Besides, I'm average looking at most compared to all of the beautiful Korean women. I mean, wow- The women here are beyond stunning; hell, even the men are. I'm in a new world full of beauty!" She laughed at the mention of telling them he's her husband. "I'm sure they would be running because you're so buff, and they wouldn't want to be made into pudding." She was soon jumping in to join him in the song when it was her turn. She didn't mind him being off. This wasn't about how skilled or unskilled they were, but rather it was about them having fun together and enjoying their night.

@Zoë Hoetzel Hoseok lets out a short laugh at her teasing jab before responding. "And yet you somehow still tolerate this cocky brat, hm? I'm flattered." Even with her teasing words, the way she looked at him made him smile, wrapping his arm around her as they relaxed on the couch. "Tests and all were never my thing, but hey, I got there, right? And I owe passing all of my English exams to you, Zoë." Though English seemed like such a moot point now that he could never make it into the major leagues, he could at least be thankful for it bringing him closer to Zoë. "It must be especially hard as a foreigner, being so beautiful and so distinct, of course people are gonna hit on you all the time. Don't worry, I'll fend 'em off for you. Tell them I'm your husband or something and they'll scatter." He lets out another small chuckle before the song starts, swaying in rhythm with the other as he sings poorly into the mic, not ever one to have a golden voice. One of his faults, he presumes, his off beat lyrics a stark contrast to the other's melodic voice.

@Lee Hoseok "Mm, I do know. I've known ever since we met, darling," Zoë nodded to the other. She couldn't help but to adore Hoseok more and more each time they got together. He was so special to her, and she wanted to make sure he knew that all the time. "I'm sure they don't doubt you. You're amazing at what you do, and I know you're well aware of that fact. You studied hard, passed all the exams, and now you're succeeding! I'm really proud of you," gushed the woman as she picked up her own microphone. "I have had plenty of guys tell me that, but the compliments don't mean nearly as much coming from them like they do from you. Perhaps I'm just biased as hell, though." Crinkling her nose, she couldn't help but giggle to herself and shake her head at the other when he mentioned his pronunciations. In all honesty, his pronunciations weren't too bad. If he messed up, she thought it was, can you guess? Yes, adorable. "Awwe, but Seokie, it's my job to tease you~ Ooh! Drake! Of course I'll sing along." Zoë bounced on her toes a little in excitement before swaying and dancing along to the music when it began.

@Zoë Hoetzel "Aiyoo...everyone has imperfections, even this total adonis before you," He teases with a cheeky wink before continuing. "Really, though, I don't have a problem with the way I look, I just selfishly always want to be the best, you know? I want people to look at me and know that I can take care of them well as their doctor and trainer, of course. But I appreciate it, Zoë. You're pretty drop dead gorgeous yourself, but I'm sure boys are saying that to you all the time." Hoseok lets out a hum as he takes another shot, already taking the other's message of letting go to heart. "Let's do some English, alright? no making fun of my pronunciations though, teach." He scrolls a bit longer before stumbling upon some drake, not hesitating before putting on in my feelings. "You know this, right? Gotta sing along with me ~"

@Lee Hoseok The woman smiled over at him then sighed. "Imperfections? Where? We all have our needs, even when it comes to fattening foods and alcohol. It's okay to let go sometimes, you know? Even then, you're still perfect. Don't let anyone, and I mean /anyone/, including yourself- tell you that you are anything less than perfect." She poured him a shot and handed him the glass. "We are all unique and perfect in our own ways, and not everyone will appreciate it.. That's okay because I appreciate you," she winked, though she was quite serious. "Allow your inner devil to run free with mine, yeah? Let's let go of our worries and just.. have fun." She handed him one of the microphones and pecked his soft cheek with a hum. "What are you feeling right now? I love both American and Korean music, so it's hard to choose."

@Zoë Hoetzel The corners of his lips curve up in a cheeky grin as he nods. "Who said I'm denying anything, hm? You're a brat, but you're my brat, I gotta take care of you." Both seeming to meet at a time where they felt low and had nobody, it was only natural that they would gravitate to each other on some level, looking out for each other as something far more than friends but different than siblings or lovers. And even when they were chiding or teasing each other, it was apparent how much they cared for each other. "Hm, it's not like I'm dieting and working out to find a partner or be more attractive, though...it's more for my work. I mean, if I have any imperfections, what athlete is going to want me to help them? But maybe I should let go a little with my inner devil sometimes, thus why we're always attached at the hip." He looks at the other as if to scold her teasingly for pouring her own drinks before giving up and topping both of their glasses off without a thought, easily downing it. It was bad manners, sure, but with Zoë he never had to worry about stuffy customs or serious issues. He could just relax. "Oh, should I go first? Hm, should I pick a korean or american song?"

@Lee Hoseok "Tsk, you love that I'm a brat, and you can't even deny it," Zoë snickered. "Why wouldn't I think you of you? You're important to me even if I don't always show it," smiled Zoe, "A little too well, honey. It's quite scary." After clinking their glasses together, she down the shot and hissed a little from the burning sensation against that the alcohol gave. "Seokie, you always work out and diet. It won't really have much of an effect on you. Besides, you're ripped and y as you are, you know?" The woman opened a small baggy of chips of her own, eating a couple of them before laughing into her palm. "Your inner devil, huh? I like that, strangely enough." With that, she poured them another shot and down her own before standing again and searching through the songs. "What are you interested in, hm?"

@Zoë Hoetzel "Hm, you're such a brat, it's gonna be so hard to forgive you," He teased with a laugh, hugging the other beck tightly until he felt like she was going to crush the air from his lungs. "Damn, you must have missed me a lot then hm? Anyways, thanks for thinking of me, it's been a busy day." Hoseok sits down with a sigh as his body relaxes, cracking open one of the bottles of soju before the other goes to pour them each a shot, taking one in his hand. "I know you too well, don't I? Thus the soju was here before you even walked in. Cheers, babe." Their glasses clink together before taking the astringent liquid down, chasing it quickly with one of the chips. "You know, I need to be avoiding this stuff...but I can't help but drink and eat around you. You just encourage my inner devil, I think."

@Lee Hoseok "I'm soooo sorryyyy," she whined at him before giggling and hugging him tighter. "You know I won't ditch you, silly. I've been missing you too, honey. I knew you probably needed some down time after a long shift," Zoë mentioned as she took a seat beside him and set her purse down. "You're so sweet, Seokie. Thank you for this! Uh, is that even a question?" Zoë gasped and playfully nudged the man. "Let's get ed up, stuff our faces and sing some songs," grinned the blonde-haired woman and opened a bottle of soju, carefully pouring some of the beverage into the two shot glasses.

@Zoë Hoetzel Hoseok's eyes are fixated on the tv before he feels a set of arms around him, comfortably leaning back against them as he already knows all too well who it is. "Zoë, I'm totally heartbroken, I thought you ditched me," He overdramatically chides the other before having to stifle a laugh. "Really, though, I've been missing you, babe. I need my weekly Zoë fix." Turning around in her arms, he cheekily ruffles her hair before sitting down on the comfy couch. "I bought us some drinks and snacks already...should we take some shots or sing some songs first, hm?"

@Lee Hoseok When she received the thumbs up, she smiled to herself and finished her makeup. She and Hoseok had been best friends for quite some time now, and he was always her go-to person when she wanted to go out and have some fun. She absolutely adored the man with every fiber of her being. Kissing her kitten's head, she grabbed her things and headed out. It didn't take her long to get to the karaoke bar, and she noticed Hoseok was already there. Her smile didn't falter as she approached the man from behind and hugged him tight after closing the door behind her. "Hey, hey. Glad you could make it. Sorry for making you wait!"

@Zoë Hoetzel It had been a long an exhausting day at work and his mood was pretty low when he stepped out of the gym, mood only lifting when he'd seen a text from his his friend Zoë flash up across his screen. 'Karaoke? Usual place?' She didn't even have to ask, he thought with a laugh, sending her a thumbs up emoji before making his way down to their usual spot. Seeming to get there before her, he orders some soju and snacks as he waits in the nicely decorated private room, disco ball shining as he looks through the song choices.