✯ mall

@j hoseok Her eyes wandered around the boutique filled with shoes of different kinds, a smile on her lips as she pushed the information Hoseok revealed just a few moments ago. Niki had never had any encounter- or so she though- with mafia members, mainly only ever being aware about his past. She got what he meant and showed her the intensity of how not to trust people she just met. "I got the money to buy the shoes, kind sir." She joked, eyes rolling playfully as she pulled him inside to browse for sneakers. "Interesting- i trust you, but maybe not with my fashion concerns-"

A visible cringe was evident on her features, not a big fan of the shoes he pulled out. "Those are mom shoes, Hoseok." She whined softly, hitting the older male gently before rolling her eyes once more before shooting him a goofy smile. "Maybe something like this-" Niki pulled out a pair of black platform boots. "Might help be gain a few inches."

@z niki It didn’t take them long to get to the next store. It was only a few down from where they had gotten Hoseok’s suit and where he finally let Niki in on his secret. She was the first non-mafia member that Hoseok had told this information to. He had no conclusion as to why he had told her, other than the fact that she wasn’t to believe in the goodness of each person she met. “I am going to assume your ‘pick out’ means to buy them for you,” Hoseok said with a chuckle. “I don’t mind. But you know, with my fashion sense...you may get something interesting.” Hoseok paid tribute to his ‘liking’ the goofy shirt he had shown her previously.

As if to prove his point even more, he picked up a pair of hideous sneakers with large, leather flowers on them. “Wow, maybe you should get these. What is your size?” He wiggled his brows at her as he held the sneakers up, a large smile adorning his face once more. It was as if he forgot the awkwardness and tension that was between them from his stating his secret.

@j hoseok His words made her shiver lightly, the topic making her blood run cold. She threw a small smile along his way, shrugging at him lightly. “See, I told you.” Her mind wandered back to the girls he swayed and brought along with him back to where his former mafia stayed at. What was his state back then? Niki shrugged the topic off, lips pursed as she listened to his backtracking. “We all up at times— I’m guessing you know that well enough. Money makes you do , I know that too well. I’m just glad that you’ve decided to move on from how you were in the past.” The younger was reminded of how people would befriend her upon knowing her family background, how people would use her for the money— how it blinded her parents from being the mom and dad she needed when she was growing up.

A warm smile formed on her lips at the words of gratitude, bringing her hand to his shoulder to give it a gentle pat. “You’re welcome, Hoseok. And I promise to be careful, alright?” Raising up a hand to signify the promise. His little revelation was enough for Niki to consider being more careful and she was never the one to back down from promises. Her eyes followed the direction he was pointing at, nodding eagerly at the comment. “Oh yeah, I’ve been wanting to get new sneakers for weeks. Maybe you could pick out a pair for me.” She nudged at him playfully, a cheeky grin resting on her lips.

@z niki The younger woman looked distracted at the door. Despite her eyes meeting his, she looked from him, as if she were still pondering over the fact that she may leave. Leave or stay, Hoseok didn’t mind. He deserved it if she didn’t feel comfortable in his presence. He would have left as soon as he could if he were her. Then again, maybe he just wasn’t as trusting because he knew the capabilities of those in Aureo Rosa. Or maybe Niki knew what their capabilities were, that even someone so friendly, like he, could merely be doing so to earn her trust.

Possibly she just trusted that he wouldn’t do anything to her.

Her response to his statement was evidence enough. “Yes, you are right about that. I used to do what I could to sway the girls into willingly coming with me, wouldn’t have asked them to walk away. Nor would I exactly tell them what I did.” There had only been a few times where he would force someone to come with him, without the help of drugs or alcohol. Those times were horrible, seeing the pain and fear in their faces when they had struggled with him. Of course, that was when he had first started, not knowing that it was better to lure them in with his words, and if that didn’t work, with anything that would intoxicate them. “I mean, yes, it was a job to make money. But I was young, I could have done anything else. It’s not like I needed that kind of money at the time. I guess it was just my being greedy and not really caring who it affected.” The money he had earned with each new girl that he brought in, it was something that he hadn’t seen before. And once he became a pimp, he was making more than his parents ever could have.

“Thank you.” It was strange to thank Niki for trusting him, for seeing that the guilt was dragging him down. Her smile made him feel a bit more at ease as well. She had a nice smile. “For trusting me just a little bit. But seriously, you should be careful. Not everyone has a conscience.” Hoseok swung his shopping bag over his shoulder as they walked, also taking another sip of his drink. “You said you wanted to look at sneakers right? We could go in there,” the male said, his head tilted down to look at her as he spoke. His cup hand pointed at the store ahead of them.

@j hoseok Niki leaned back against the glass of the shop, the cool surface making her sigh as she contemplated on what he revealed to her. Her mind was scattered, panicking and searching for a reason as to why she couldn’t just make herself leave the male- a side of her wanted to just walk away and pretend she never knew him, the other just wanted to stay and accompany him.

Her mind back-tracked to the cases she’s read about how girls her age were lured and sold to pleasure almost anyone- it made her blood run cold at the thought, shivering lightly as she remembered how some were forced and some came willingly as an escape- to find solace in something frowned upon in society, deeming it something that could welcome them instead. She glanced back at Hoseok before looking back down to her shoes, sighing once more, continuing to ponder.

She was deep in her thoughts when his voice pulled her back into reality, jumping lightly as the voice of the male he was thinking about pierced through her thoughts; surprised eyes looking at him before shaking her head lightly to flash him a sheepish grin. Footsteps trying to match his as she shrugged at him nonchalantly. “I mean we both know that what you did is… irreversible to an extent- damaging individuals and their families- but you did what you had to do to earn money.” Her voice quiet, looking at him once with a small smile.

“Your conscience is beating you down due to your doings in the past, I could sense that- which makes me think that maybe there is a good side to you, Hoseok. Besides, you wouldn’t even make that offer that I could leave if you were still how you were in the past.” She finished off, sipping her drink as she looked around before showing him another smile.

@z niki It was sad when Hoseok knew that others were suffering because of their families. Of course, he used to take full advantage of that. Sometimes those that had the most broken of families were easy to lure in. They wanted everything that they could to get away. Having a bad relationship with one’s family was a complete rollercoaster. And one that Hoseok was glad he never had to have gotten on. Imagining his parents not even loving him was something that was hard to conjure. He merely nodded in understanding, he knew how lucky he was even without Niki saying it.

He could feel it, the sudden discomfort that she felt with him. It hurt, but it was certainly something that was needed. Hoseok never could get himself close with young women that he didn’t know well because of this piece of information. It made it worse that he met with her without knowing her face, barely knowing her name and she not knowing his. It was all too similar to his past, and he truly didn’t want her to risk making the mistake again. Maybe it was just his guilty conscience and not because he really cared, but all that mattered to him was that the message was received.

While in line, he felt his phone buzz, causing him to take a glance at it, seeing her message. “Surprising.” Was she just too trusting of him? There was not more he could do on the matter other than just let her know of what he had done, making girls like her sell themselves for . However, Hoseok couldn’t help but feel a little happy that she still agreed to wait for him, that she still thought he was a good person. It was wrong of him to feel relieved over the matter, be glad that someone forgave him for his actions, no matter how stupid it seemed to him.

“What made you decide I am a good person?” He asked Niki as soon as he exited the store, continue on before she possibly processed his being there. A smile showed on his face, one that was just a bit shy, as he took a moment for her to catch up. He didn’t exactly know how to interact with her now either. Earlier had been nerve wracking enough, but with her knowing about him...it just felt a bit strange. Hoseok had actually expected her to walk off and leave him in the store by himself.

@j hoseok His words hit her, gaze shifting to her shoes as his words drifted into her mind. “I do, Hoseok. And honestly you have it lucky. I never felt my parents and older brother growing up despite being in the same house as them.” Voice quiet as she looked around, shooting a small smile along his way at the consideration he gave. Niki was never envious of anything, except for when people tell their stories about how their parents were involved in their life and what not. The resentment for her family swelling in her chest. “I just don’t like being reminded of them”

Her eyebrows furrowed at his response, starting to doubt the elder a bit. “He was a messed up person, I don’t even know how he could stomach doing such like that.” Head shaking slightly at the topic of their conversation, despite the dark subject, a laugh erupted from her lips at the idea. “On second thought, maybe the clown clothing could work out.”

Hoseok’s words made her skin crawl, goosebumps forming under the sweater she was wearing at the nonchalant response she got from him. Niki’s head only being able to nod, being lost for words. Her eyes now locked on him as he grabbed the suit from her grasp. “I… get your point. I promise to be more careful.” Her voice low as she looked at the supposed mafia member.

A small sigh of relief came about at the clarification that he wasn’t with them anymore, now curious about his life with them. Silence fell upon her as the male talked, unsure of how to feel about him being an ex- mafia member, taking in her bottom lip as she pondered on the thought; the offer he made seemed tempting, her mind weighing in on the fact that he gave her the chance to walk away from him. Snapping out of her trance, she noticed his back walking towards the counter, her feet now shifting from its ball to the heel as she thought about what to do.

He seemed like a changed man, despite his past. Her feet now taking her to wait for him by the entrance, her hand now reaching for her phone to text the male.

[SMS MESSAGE: To: Hoseok]
- despite of what you said to me just now, i have a feeling you’re a good person.
- i’ll be waiting by the door.

@z niki “Most families that have problems seem normal or perfect to others. I mean, families that are actually perfect will show some flaw to those outside them. While those who aren’t will do anything in their power to seem like they can do no wrong to each other and their children.” Hoseok had zero idea of Niki’s home life or of what she was talking about exactly. Maybe her family wasn’t as harsh as some, but it was often something that he had observed in those that had become es. Some willingly came because it was the only line of work that they could fine to get away from the abuse of their families, families in which they would not try and find their daughters and lived on as if nothing happened. Others would come from richer families that found their daughters a nuisance to be around and preferred to sell them in the industry in order to not have to deal with them again.

Then the families that actually cared for their daughters would cry and beg to do anything to free them from having to commit such acts. Those families often took out large loans just to be with their children again. “Do you get what I mean? I guess I can only compare it to my home-life. People think my parents are a little crazy, since they are often in my business...but I never have felt that I was unhappy in my home. Other than wanting privacy from time-to-time. But I’m their only kid, so I get it. We fight sometimes and that’s okay. I’ll drop the subject though, I can tell it’s starting to bother you.” Hoseok had indeed caught onto the tone of her voice, wanting to not lead her to hating him.

“Mhm,” was Hoseok’s only response to her statement about knowing what it was like. “I bet it was, he was proof that you didn’t have to look like a weirdo to become a ruthless killer. Honestly, it gives me the heebie jeebies just thinking about it. I feel bad for the young women he took away from this world.” Although he was talking about the case, Hoseok couldn’t help but stifle a laugh at Niki’s reaction to the shirt he showed her. “You sure? I think I’d look pretty good in it. Just put it together with a clown nose and wig and it’ll be complete.”

Hoseok didn’t give her a second glance upon her sudden realization, that possibly she could be in the presence of someone that /could/ indeed hurt her. “I told you, always assume the worst with a strange man you do not know.”

His words were vague, but he continued to browse. “But everything I have told you is the truth. I am not with them anymore...I thought it was best to mention it...to show the severity of your being careful.” Finally, Hoseok pulled away from the rack he was at to look at the suit that she was to show him. The price looked just fine, so he took it from her hands.

“I was quite good at my job, one of the best. I was a little older than you when I was promoted too. But like I said. I don’t do that now. I have a conscience, unlike some people that work there...You can leave if you are afraid to be with me right now. I just thought you should know that bit of information. I am going to get this. Follow your suggestion. I’ll take my time at the register, and if you aren’t standing at the door for me, then I will completely understand.” With that, Hoseok moved into the direction of the line.


(Please do not match, I got very carried away. Sorry about that)

@j hoseok She can’t help but nod to what he said, agreeing on the fact that might be healthier than her habits. “With that I have to agree- but I don’t really take anything else, occasional smoking i could say- but that’s when I just really need it.” Shoulders shrugging lightly as her eyes wander through the store, eyeing a suit that would look nice on the latter. “That’s what school is for though right? People just get too entitled when they’re students and blame the people who were just doing their job because they can’t accept their mistakes.”

The more he pressed about the subject ticked Niki off, just in the slightest; not being fond of people who are nosy about her family life. “They’re just not the family people most people think they are.” Her tone much more colder than how it was moments ago, the memories of how they’ve shoved her off and used her as a prop to convey a perfect family. The pain of having no one to turn to, being alone and forgotten still burns in the back of her mind. She wasn’t comfortable just yet to open up to the male about her background, not just yet.

“You sound like you know that too well, Hoseok.” She joked, a small grin on her lips as the thought passed by her mind; usually being quick-witted about things, she tried to see if there was anything that could lead him to be someone of the sort. Hands flicking through the various suits, taking one out of the rack and raising it in the direction of the male, seeing if the suit would compliment the male. “Yeah, of course I know him- the bastard killed so many people. I’ve read the case about him, analyzing his case was a pain in the .” She joked, taking note of his frown as he checked the price of the suit.

“Alright, dad- I will.” Her eyes playfully rolling as strolled away from her, a visible cringe on her lips at the sight of the horrid clothing. “That’s just… horrid.” She said after a long pause, picking out a gray suit with black checkers on. “I think this looks just fine though- maybe pair it with a white button down and a maroon tie-”

Upon mentioning the gang, Niki’s heart dropped, her knowledge about the gang was limited but she knew well enough of their business. “Are you one of them?”

@z niki Hoseok took note to the blush that formed on the younger girl’s cheeks at the mention of hookups. “Well, I am pretty sure is much safer than unhealthy amounts of alcohol. I can’t say much for smoking, never been keen about the thought of putting anything that isn’t oxygen into my lungs.” His statement was meant to embarrassed looking face and to lighten the mood. He did agree with her decision to not hook-up at parties, but even drinking insane amounts of alcohol was risky. “But really, that's good that you still find your grades important. I know when I was finishing up, people would go to parties instead of studying, then blame the professors for being bad at their jobs. It was quite annoying if you ask me.”

Hoseok was more curious about her home life, wondering just why she seemed to avoid it. It was certainly her own business, but he wanted to know more. “The people you lived with? Are you parents strict?” Hoseok’s own family had been strict as well, never wanting him out of their sight. Of course, it was because he was an only child. He was their baby, even after he left the house from feeling suffocated. He, too, moved out around eighteen or nineteen. However, working for the mafia is what helped him pay his expenses.

“You know, I wouldn’t be too certain. There are many ways for me to track down your address, even without knowing your name. Also, have you ever heard of the American serial killer Ted Bundy?” Hoseok browsed through the suits as they talked. “He was a charming man that got away with murder multiple times due to those in the jury finding him to be too handsome and charming to do such horrid things. They wanted it to be someone that looked like the Hunchback of Notre Dame or something.” Hosoek stopped talking for a moment just to frown at the price tag. He could afford it, but he would rather spend it on something more exciting. Like a gaming computer.

“Point is, just because I do not seem to be someone that could cause you harm, always assume so with a stranger.” Hoseok casually strolled away from the rack he was at to look at another shirt. “Think this would look good on me?” He picked up a hideous long-sleeved top with a grin.

“Ever hear of the gang Aureo Rosa?”

@j hoseok She laughed off his remark, shaking her head lightly. “I just save up a lot so I could reward myself with the things I want in return.” Her shoulders shrugging lightly at the statement, not wanting to reveal that she probably has millions in her account because of her family; not wanting to seem like she was bragging about them due to the bitter feelings that was still deep within her.

“I could never let my grades flunk honestly- I’m just competitive like that I guess.” She answered, glancing at him with a sheepish grin, “Oh just the usual stuff- getting wasted by unhealthy amounts of liquor, getting high and hook-ups. But I’m not the one for the last part, I’m just in it for the fun of the night.” A flustered blush lightly tinting her cheeks at the idea, shaking her head as a visible cringe was evident on her features. She did have her experiences, most certainly- but never with the people she just met at parties, Niki made sure of that.

Hoseok’s question seemed like an arrow she just can’t avoid, having it pierce through her mind as it searched for the right answer- making her think back to her old lavish lifestyle before settling down to just being a normal gal who’d work part-time jobs (despite having a chunk of money stashed within her cards.) “It’s more about the people I lived with.” Her answer short, tone a bit more disinterested, not wanting to talk about them anymore. “I haven’t told you my address anyways so that’s fine with me- and you don’t seem like /that/ kind of person.” She retorted, walking a few more steps before looking back at the elder. “I don’t mind at all! I’d even help you pick a suit out if you’d like.”

@z niki Her excitement for shopping was a bit of a surprise to the elder for some reason. It was obvious that she was semi-into fashion, so he had no reason to not figure that the thought of buying clothes would excite her. “For someone with no proper job, you certainly sound like you like to spend money,” he teased. As soon as they exited the cafe, his hand fell away from her back, no longer needing to steer her in his wanted direction. Now, they could wander wherever and look into any store that they would pass.

It was nice to see how excited she was to be able to shop, and awfully nice to be able to meet up with a stranger like this without the wrong intentions. Hoseok typically found stuff like this weird, but he was bored and awfully intrigued by the girl who sent him the message. The distrust he has for online forums also prevented him signing up for dating apps. One never knew who was behind the screen. “Honestly, if that were me, my grades would have been . But I also never really was one to party. What happens in college parties these days anyways? Other than hook-ups...I find that a bit weird too.” The latter was a lie, but he was not going to openly admit to enjoying things such as that to a girl he neither knew nor had the intention of completing such things.

“Well, that makes more sense. Something wrong with your family being well-off?” Finally, the ex-mafia member took note of Niki’s discomfort in mentioning her family and her background. “What is wrong is that you told a man you /just/ met that you live alone. You should really try to be a bit more dishonest when it comes to your safety, yah know.” He stopped for a second to stare into a store, contemplating whether or not he wanted to enter. It was full of suits, something that he could check another day, but he seriously did new work clothes. “Mind if we go in here for a bit? It should be quick. I want to check prices.”

@j hoseok “I’ve done that before, trust me. My indecisiveness is bad.” Her shoulders move to shrug lightly, taking a sip of her much needed caffeine fix and lets out a small hum of delight. She laughed softly at what he said, nodding in response. “I guess you could say that, yes.” Taking a sip from her latte once more before adding, “it doesn’t, don’t worry- I still do my best while I cram.”

His hand on her back didn’t go unnoticed, lips pursing lightly as she started to move forward, e eyes filling in with excitement at the mention of clothes shopping, agreeing almost instantly. “Alright, bet! I’ve wanted to get a few more hoodies- probably some new sneakers as well.” She rambled on, looking at him with excitement as they trudged forward. Eyes now wandering around the boutiques they’ve passed by, glancing at him with a grin.

The question about her parents made her bite down on her bottom lip, shaking her head at his question. “No, I moved out when I was 19.” She answered truthfully, looking anywhere but in his eyes. “I live alone, in a small studio apartment with the money I saved up.” A small sigh escaping her lips, carefully answering his question as to not reveal too much about her past and familial background. “My uh family’s well-off, if that’s what you’re curious about. I pretty much live alone too.”

@z niki "That's why you decide /before/ you get here. Or, be like me, and put yourself under pressure and order at the register. You'll order one of the first things you see. Not the best method...but I've gotten pretty good drinks this way." Hoseok took a sip of his, much needed, cold drink, letting out a satisfied sigh in response to both the taste and the refreshing feeling that he received from it. "So you just cram everything in order to party?" The male couldn't help but chuckle. "I hope that doesn't affect your grades too much."

Hoseok did not catch onto the fact that the other possibly did not want to discuss her home life. It was much too soon for him to really catch onto her mannerisms, well...if he were working as he did in the past he would have, but he paid no mind to it. "Much appreciated, Niki." The smile on his face was wide, genuine as his fingers gently pressed into her back to move her forward and out of the store. "Should we look at clothing stores? I don't need anything, but it's nice to browse." The thought regarding her job mulled over in his head. If she was a college student without a job, was she potentially living at home?

"Do you live with your parents? I am trying to figure out how you'd afford even a studio without really working. Or do you live in a rooming house with some other girls?" The latter would also make sense, many families pay for their kids to live in dorms or rooms for college.

@j hoseok She nodded at his answer, "Well it is fun to go for different drinks, but i'm too indecisive for that— also caramel macchiatos are really nice." A small nod once again followed, "I'll pay for my half later." Mumbling softly as she shrugged lightly. "Probably so, but cold brews have a much more sweeter taste so i guess that's a plus as well." A small smile formed on her lips as her gaze focused on the male.

"Not really— I just tend to finish everything I need to do quickly so I could go around party. If not, I just cram. Also, my finals are in a few weeks so I have a bit of time to waste before I delve into studying." She explained, looking at him with a light grin. Niki has always liked studying, preferring to keep her mind occupied and working than doing anything else— aside from studying that is. His question felt like a bullet she couldn't quite avoid, giving him a tight lipped smile. "Not really— but I do have a part time job to keep me busy." Her answer was short, not wanting to dwell on the idea of her family. She took the drink from him and mumbled a soft "thank you" before nodding, "Let's go! I'll be your company for the day."

@z niki “Uh, I don’t have a go-to honestly. I vary what I want so much, but I think I’ll get a caramel macchiato today. I’m in a sweet drink mood.” At that they got into line properly in order to order. Having been next they got through quickly, ordering with Hoseok paying for the both of them. He mostly suggested them ordering together in orde to pay together anyways. “Cod brews are nice when you really need to wake up. I find that just espresso alone doesn’t cut it. But cold brews wake me up. Maybe cuz it’s fermented?” His head tilted questioningly, wondering why the thing that people were all over for pick-me-ups never really helped him.

“You sound like a good student if you’re already finished with everything. You don’t have final exams? Just projects?” God, that was the best in school, when Hoseok didn’t have to study. He was always a good bullter with papers and projects, but studying would take hours, days in order to properly receive the information. “Hm? I’ve had a job since I could legally work actually...I was working at a convenience store in high school. You don’t work?” Hoseok came from a middle class family, one where he didn’t /need/ to work. But he had always had a sense of needing to repay his parents for raising him. He handed her her drink when his name was called for them. “Shall we go?”

@j hoseok The way he squeezed her hand made her somewhat put her guard down, feeling a small wave of trust surge through. “My go-to drink is a cold brew, what about yours?” She asked, glancing at him with a curious look before shifting her gaze to the menu board, scanning for what drink she wanted. It was quite a hot day so a cold drink would be perfect- maybe something a bit sweet as well. “Well then Hoseok, I think I’ll go for an iced vanilla latte for today.” She said, showing him a cheeky grin.

She shook her head at his question, looking up at the older. “I’m not, actually- It’s a few more weeks before a break.” She explained, feet shifting from its ball to the heel, a habit Niki acquired when she can’t lean on a wall. “I just finished all the papers I had to annotate, study and submit so I have nothing else to do- hence me texting my number neighbor.” Her elbow playfully nudging him with a shy smile on her lips, “Must be nice to finally earn your own money, isn’t it?” The girl asked, her head tilting slightly as another grin formed on her lips.

(i can’t find how tall niki actually is- let’s just assume she’s around 160, so she’s quite small uwu)

@z niki The way she took his appearance in did not go over his head, not in the slightest. It was odd for him to have someone look him over like that, but it was obvious as to why she would. They were strangers to each other after all, though he did look off to avoid eye contact in those few seconds. “If you say it’s comfortable, then who am I to judge?” He commented once more on her outfit with a smile. His hand gave hers a gentle squeeze with the shake, a habit that he had developed over the years of working in the Mafia. Of course, it was merely gentle due to his catching himself.

“What do you typically get? We can order together, it’ll be simpler that way anyways.” Hoseok gently ushered the young lady into the cafe, his eyes immediately going to the board. He could go for something cold and sweet, like an iced caramel macchiato. “It is a pleasure to officially meet you, Niki,” Hoseok said with a grin, “As you know, I am Hoseok. Do you know what you want yet? Then we can get in line.” How to act with her when he barely knew her? He didn’t want to come off as a creep and make her uncomfortable because he was being too friendly as a stranger, but it didn’t help that he was about five years her elder and was male. “Are you on break from school? It’s been a couple of years since I graduated, so I dunno your vacations.”

(how tall is she uwu I like to know the height difference between characters)

@j hoseok A shy smile rested on Niki's face as she observed her new friend searching for her. Feet moving near the male as she waved at him gently. His question made her shake her head in response, the smile on her face never leaving. "I told you, i'm not. And nah, This is really comfy and cool anyways." She responded, her hand linking with his to shake. Her eyes going up and down to take note of his appearance.

Her expression lit up at the mention of coffee, nodding excitedly at the thought. "Yes please— I've been needing some extra caffeine in the system lately." She said, showing him another smile. She didn't really get why her approach with him was like this, the thought that he was still a stranger lingered in the back of her mind; was he really trust-worthy? why was she comfortablr with him? but pushed the thought back down. "To formally introduce myself though, i'm Niki" She re-introduced herself, grinning lightly at the male.

@z niki Hoseok waited for her message to come through, his face near-glued to his phone. He always did feel uncomfortable when he had to wait by himself. It made it worse that the man had a habit of not charging his earbuds either, thus he stood in silence, waiting, taking in the sounds of the bustling crowd. His phone glowed a bit brighter, showing that a message came in. “Shorts,” he mumbled to himself, reading the hint of the message that was given before opening it entirely. Within seconds, Hoseok’s head whipped up and of course looked to his left instead. “Where?”

Then he turned his head the /correct/ right and caught a glimpse of the girl that he was speaking to. She stood out in the crowd with her baggy sweater, it was weird to wear on such a hot day but someone like her could pass it off as normal. Hoseok’s lips pulled into a wide smile as he lifted a hand to wave to her, motioning for her to come near. “So you aren’t a crazy murderer, I see. Other than wearing that. Aren’t you hot?” He asked, awkwardly sticking a hand out to her to shake. It was his first time blindly meeting someone, how the hell was he supposed to act. “You wanna get coffee for while we walk around? Since we’re already here.”

@j hoseok She was making her way inside the big complex of the mall, head bobbing lightly to the music that blasted through her earphones. Niki wouldn't meet up with anyone based by the way they met through the random text she sent, but the way he responded just made her think that maybe he wasn't /that/ kind of person. Her feet easily maneuvered through the sea of people, wondering why she didn't ask a photo of him to spot him in the crowd- bottom lip trapped between her teeth as her eyes roamed around to see anyone waiting outside by the stores. She jumped slightly at the buzz of her phone, checking the message and spots the male on standby; her feet slowly moving closer to him, probably just a few feet away from him.

[SMS MESSAGE: To: hoseok]
- i'm in shorts and a black oversized sweater.
- look to your right, btw :D

@l ten She listens closely to his words after the waitress takes their order then leaves, with her wondering a bit more of how it was normally for him. The young woman holds her wrist, wondering in curiosity of how a tattoo might look on her. “Maybe I should get some day,” She mumbles to herself. The moment the food was brought to the duo, Baba bids the waiter a thank you. Her fingers run over the fork, stating at her dessert before focusing back over to Ten. “At least its enough to keep your mind busy, I guess?”

@z niki It was strange for him to be meeting with a complete stranger, especially one who he had literally only spoken to for their random ‘number neighbor’ text. Typically, Hoseok wasn’t stupid enough to go and meet someone he had no idea of, let alone looked like. But the way she messaged him, he couldn’t help but see truth in what she said. She seemed very young, just like her claimed age suggested. Plus, they had both agreed on meeting in a place that was crowded and very unlikely for either to be up to something without a passerby seeing it all go down. But maybe it would have been smart for them to send each other’s pictures. How were either of them to know who they’re looking for if they have zero idea what they looked like?

[SMS MESSAGE: To Niki]
So I am in front of the starbucks in a red shirt.
What are you wearing?

@c yena Sofia bit her lip. "Well... That was back when I had a boyfriend... But.. That's a story for another time..." She said, giving a small smile. "I don't see why not. I could use a few friends who aren't coworkers~... Or males... I need women in my life... Someone i can talk about things with." Sofia walked out to show Yena the outfit she was given. Surprised when the woman herself gasped in shock. Did she look bad? She thought she looked good. "Oh~ Thank you! You did really well choosing the clothes! I applaud your eye for fashion~ You look pretty good yourself. Do you wear stuff like this often?" Sofia admitted that she sounded sheltered... But in reality... She had completely closed off that part of her life. She hasn't even looked at a man the same after what happened.

@c sofia "Two years? What were you doing—" She quickly paused, thinking that the phrase she used might have sounded as demanding and rude. "I mean...you should show them to me next time! You can have my number too, if you'd like! We can contact each other about it!" Yena smiles brightly.
She patiently waits for the woman to get changed to her recommended clothes, casually looking for some that might interest her as well. As the woman comes out from the changing room, Yena audibly gasps, the woman whom she thought was uptight, now looking like a fashionista, better than her. Although it sounds ironic for Yena to be surprised since she was the one who picked them out, she was in shock, never knew that the clothes would actually fit her so well. "You look great! Damn, you look really pretty, like a model!"

@c yena Sofia bit her lip as the other started looking her over. "Mmm... Uptight... Yeah... I gotta keep up a professional front... I have a few things... But... I haven't worn them in... Well... About two years..." She said, sighing. She looked up as the other voiced again and seeing how bright her face got. "Oh. Alright~" She follows the other woman rather quickly as she seemed to be moving really fast for some reason. Basically running towards the shop. Sofia followed her, humming softly. All of the clothes around them were things she had never even thought of wearing for the past two years. But were things she would have worn before then. She waited patiently as the other finally grabbed some clothes. She took them. "Mmm... Alright~..." She headed for the changing rooms and started to change into the clothes. "Oh wow..." She mused, looking in the mirror. "I've never looked more relaxed..."

@c sofia Yena hums in response, her brown orbs already taking a good analyzing on the woman's figure and what clothes might fit her. "Yeah, I could tell. Your posture is very, uptight, I guess, if that's the term for that?" She turns her head around, her face brightening up as she found a perfect place for it. "Follow me!" Yena's hand ushers her to follow her lead as she starts walking fast towards the shop, almost running, but taking in mind of the woman following her. As she enters the shop, she quickly went to the left side of the shop, already browsing for clothes. Grabbing some hanged clothes in display, she casually takes quick glances on the woman and the clothing that she's holding. After minutes of thinking, she hands some clothes to her, "Why don't you try these? I bet these look good on you!"

@b fumika "i see," mused ten with a chuckle. a hum emitted from his throat at the question, glancing up to the female briefly as he answered, "business has been good as usual. pretty quiet, but it's not every day that people wants to get tattoos anyway so i'm not really that concerned." noticing that she had pushed the menu to one side, he called a waitress over, placing in his order. the waitress noted down the food and drink ten wanted before turning to fumika and waiting for her response.

@c yena Sofia walked through the mall, sighing. "Oh boy..." She said quietly. She watched as someone approached her but her guard was down. She didn't really mind being approached. Especially if she was need for--Oh. "Oh. Well..." She paused for a moment, scanning the other. "I need clothes... Like... Casual ones... And ones you'd wear to a club or a bar... It's been a while since I've had a day off... All of my clothes are professional looking..."

@c sofia Yena has always been a fashionista. Maybe it's because she tries to blend in to the environment and completely cover the fact that she's in a mafia and grew up on one, but as far as she knows, it's working. On the way back home from the university, she decided to visit the mall and probably buy a clothing or two. She saw a professional-looking woman, probably a lawyer or a policewoman, she didn't know. All that she knew was she could use some help. Yena approaches her and smiles warmly, "Do you need some help?"