↳ restaurant 'atlas'

@◈ chrystal jung⁻ˢᵗʸˡᶦˢᵗ I won't judge at all to be honest, I think I've done enough damage myself
/shakes my small bag and chuckles softly, knowing that most of its contents are small bags of emergency snacks.
I'd like to think we'd be the fave friends in the friend group coz we have all the snacks.
/sighs softly and nods in agreement with you then takes a quick sip from my water, knowing you're right about making time for myself.
I totally agree, I just haven't gotten around to setting it up unfortunately. I'll ask them if they'd wanna come here for the holidays which they'd probably enjoy to come out of Japan. Thanks for the idea, I appreciate it.
/smiles up at the waiter while you relay our orders, gently shaking my head as I'm pulled out of my trance and glances at the wine list.
oh right, yes, I think a glass of rose should be fine. personally it's been a while since I've drank to the point where I got really wasted.. I suppose it's the growing pains for being an adult..
/thanks the waiter and watches them move on elsewhere and looks back at you.
soooo you mentioned you were a stylist? Are you working for anyone in particular perhaps? notable? influential? tell me everything-

@◈ minatozaki sana⁻ᵐᵃⁿᵃᵍᵉʳ Oh, yes, I do, I always have... oh my god, if I show what i always carry around in my bag... you will laugh so much.
//pats my handbag, with the mystery component inside/
You must *make* the time - make time for yourself, make time for your health. Capitalism won't make it for you. And make time for your family. Have you thought about flying them out here? Maybe make a little trip out of it, show them around? Seoul, for all it's worth, is nice to show off.
And greens sound reasonable, okay... Yes, hello again, we would like to have some of the salmon sushi with strawberries and the thai spring rolls with mango. Then for main we want to fly off and get the katsudon with spicy yogurt, and two sides of wakame salad with edamame. Should we get anything for drinks? I drove here, but I can do a glass of rose and get a drink-and-drive if necessary. What do you say?
//turns back to you, as I point to the Winelist, not expecting to meet your eyes when I turn, so I do a little double take, but still smile, now that I am faced with the serious case of the doe eyes right in front of me/

@◈ chrystal jung⁻ˢᵗʸˡᶦˢᵗ // I did read itttt they all sound really good and I wish I could eat them all D:

That's true-- I assume you have times when you just snack? Personally I do but that mostly because I don't have much time to have a proper meal. Safe to say, this is one of those proper meals.
Last year, around this time I think? It's been a while since work has picked up for me. well I'm glad to know you like honesty, personally I do too, if I do go too far please let me know. I'd rather knowing up front than let it simmer.
/chuckles softly and hums for a moment to think on our last dish for now.
let's get the salad, so we've got some greens too. surely we could order something else later if we want something else.
/smiles at the waiter when they come by our table once more, taking a quick sip from my glass, looking over at you, trying my best not to gawk and stare too long as I am quite fascinated by you.

@◈ minatozaki sana⁻ᵐᵃⁿᵃᵍᵉʳ [sobs, please read it well, i worked hard on it. jkjk its all good love <3]

Oh, I love how the sauce sounds on those rolls - good, so we got two dishes down already. Eh, I like to order well - better to have more than to be left peckish, you know?
The Japanese dishes remind you of home, don't they. When was the last time you visited? Also, yes we are definitely getting the katsudon as well. And then... you pick - the wakame salad or the shrimp uramaki?
//makes a little gesture, similar to scales with my hands, motioning to pick between the two/
You're not doing "the thing". You're being honest and open. I like honesty. It's very hard to come across.
//smiles quite genuinely at you, spotting a waiter heading our way with the corner of my eye/
I love sharing too. If you don't let me share - I will steal. And now... pick fast.

@◈ chrystal jung⁻ˢᵗʸˡᶦˢᵗ // full disclosure, I didn't see the menu at all when I first posted here hahah appreciate you writing one out though makes everything easier tbh hahha

oh stop it, I'm not that special but I'm comforted to know that you agreed to go out with me... because of me.
/chuckles softly while I let you take the menu from me, listening to you intently.
right yes, that one did sound quiet appealing, perhaps we could get that and the spring rolls? how hungry are you though, just out of curiosity of course. I'm not here to judge if you feel like we try more or if you want to. the katsudon also sounded interesting. I just realized it had been a while since I had anything Japanese.. then again it has been a while since I've visited my hometown. I uh.. sorry.. I'm doing that thing again.
/pauses for a moment as I seemed to have rambled on continuously. biting my bottom lip for a moment, hoping I haven't overwhelmed you with my blabbering then takes a sip of my water.
yes I do like sharing actually, sometimes I find it better that way. Albeit I would let you know if I did mind at another time but nonetheless, it's not a problem for me. Do you like sharing?

@◈ minatozaki sana⁻ᵐᵃⁿᵃᵍᵉʳ [we are SO back!!!]

I'm only here because one such as yourself graced me with her presence to be out here with me.
//allows my mouth to spread slowly in a coy smile, searching your face for the reaction/
No, I know. Doesn't make my statement any less true. Something a man could never process in his little head, unfortunately.
//nods with a little hum, taking the sheet from your hand with a gesture of gratitude/
They change their menu all the time, the chef likes to create new "experiences" every once in a while, so I can never settle on a single "favorite" unfortunately - everything you may like is here one day, gone in the other, so savor it while you have it.
//explains while looking through the fancy text, smiling somewhat to myself when you easily mention the hole-in-the-wall place, the high-end place we're at no phasing you a single bit - always a green flag/
Carbs are friends. Hm, but there are some great options this time... I'm eyeing this salmon strawberry thing... Do you want to share something? Actually, do you even like sharing over dinner?

[don't mind me, I'm certified insane and actually concocted a menu, BUT YOU DONT HAVE TO FOLLOW IT if you don't like any of the options! feel free to make up other dishes too!]

@◈ chrystal jung⁻ˢᵗʸˡᶦˢᵗ // I love writing with you too <33

Well since I've up and left my life in Japan, it only made sense to be sensible about my finances y'know? As long as it takes me from A to B, I won't complain.
/scrunches my nose and chuckles softly when you mention the small voice.
Ah yes, I know what you mean but you're definitely still viable for the market. I mean hello you're out here that should be something right?
/gently waves my hand and shakes my head, chuckling softly.
you talk as if you're not a beauty yourself but thank you. Ugh.. men am I right? I've dated a few here and there but something just ain't clicking.. anyway yes we should definitely order and enjoy ourselves for the night yea?
/smiles and grabs the menus, handing you the other one even if you've been here before then looks through mine while humming softly.
sooo what do you usually have? or should we go wild and pick something new tonight? if all else fails there's this tteokbokki spot we can go to but only if you want to, we can definitely just ride the night out there.

@◈ minatozaki sana⁻ᵐᵃⁿᵃᵍᵉʳ [thank you TT bc i love writing with you TT]

Oh girl... that inflation... insanity. Hyundais are not bad though... homegrown, as they say. Maintenance is cheap too, since you don't have to import the parts. It's a smart investment.
//takes a sip of the water, quickly eyeing your small hand on mine, noting how soft it is only for myself, then looks back up at you/
Who would dare? Nobody, but a small voice in my head.
//smiles, my ring finger twitching lightly, only to get that little bit more of the touch of your fingers/
I know I am, but it doesn't hurt to be reminded. Especially by a beautiful woman.
Eh, I gave myself a couple months in solitary. Maybe 2 couples even too. Four months is more than any man should get.
So. Should we order?

@◈ chrystal jung⁻ˢᵗʸˡᶦˢᵗ // noooo I don't hate you D:

I agree, yes. mine? oh well just a humble Hyundai, not sure if my paycheck can sustain payments for anything too expensive... for now at least.
/smiles at the waiter and thanks him before he walks away, leaving us alone once more, tilting my head to the side before letting out a soft chuckle.
my bad, dinner it is then.
/gives you a puzzled look and gently shakes my head, gently placing my hand on top of yours.
who says you're not good for the market anymore? You're still young, beautiful- have you given yourself time to heal at least?

@◈ minatozaki sana⁻ᵐᵃⁿᵃᵍᵉʳ [not the smile ;; you hate me ;; im so sorry ;;;;;;;;]

It's so much more... empowering. To be self-sufficient like that, right? What's your pumpkin carriage?
//the waiter swiftly comes back, with a pitcher and two glasses, which he fills on the spot for us, two thirds of the volume, before bowing away/
Date... Sounds so... awkward. Can we call it "dinner" instead? Maybe it will make us both less nervous. Of course you're lucky, you're here with me.
//sips my water and leans sideways, mirroring you/
I... recently closed a chapter that went on for way too long, yet was only character development and no resolve. You can say, I wanted to see if I'm still... good for the market.

@◈ chrystal jung⁻ˢᵗʸˡᶦˢᵗ // its all good :)

/chuckles softly and nods, adjusting my position to face you and be a bit more comfortable.
I get that, driving your own is much better. I have my own but tonight I thought it'd be better to get driven y'know?
/smiles at the waitstaff as well before they take off to work on our starters for the night then reverts my attention back to you, gently shaking my head.
It's alright, that makes two of us then, nervous. I haven't been out on a date in a while to be honest. I've been so busy at work, I barely have enough time so I consider myself lucky tonight. What made you want to go out on one?

@◈ minatozaki sana⁻ᵐᵃⁿᵃᵍᵉʳ [I SWEAR THIS WASNT ON PURPOSE - IT JUST GOT BURIED AND I SAW IT JUST THE OTHER DAY SOBBLES UGLY]

Hi... Hi.
//pauses my words for a second, a thin little smile pulling at the corners of my lips at your look, resembling a deer in headlights. a very pretty, big-round-eyed, smooth-skinned deer in headlights/
Oh god, no, I can't do Ubers anymore. They can't drive to save themselves, let alone me. That's why I have a license and a Q4.
//raises my hand towards the waitstaff to call them in as I finish talking with one last finalizing look/
Yes, hello, can we have a pitcher of iced lemon water, please and... do you have any appetizers? Yes, whatever you usually bring on the house. We'll look at the menu, thank you. That is all.
//turns back to you as the waiter walks away/
So. I know how it looks, but I don't really... do this. Ever. You're basically the first person I've met from this app. I... I'm usually not so erratic. I guess I'm nervous.
//says the last sentence like it's a diagnosis on my name/

@◈ chrystal jung⁻ˢᵗʸˡᶦˢᵗ /hums softly while I get lost in my social media apps only to get pulled away from my thoughts when you sit next to me and start speaking, looking up at you in awe as you were just as beautiful like your photos represented and much more.
I- uhm.. hello-
/obviously shy and possibly malfunctioning a little, clears my throat and straightens up, holding out my hand for you to shake.
yes, a pitcher sounds good and don't worry I took an Uber exactly for that reason. Hi, it's nice to finally meet you. I haven't had the chance to look at the menu but for drink I'm definitely good with lemon water if that's what you're asking.
/bites my lip for a moment when I realized I've said all of that in one breath, mentally scolding myself for it but it couldn't be helped right now.

@◈ minatozaki sana⁻ᵐᵃⁿᵃᵍᵉʳ [Seen 8:32]

//The text flashes on the screen but as I open it to reply I see the parking spot I was eyeing get freed, and I drop everything in favor of parking the white sedan in the narrow slot/
//Engine turned off, keys, phone, and bag in hand I march into the restaurant, the hostess greeting me and leading me to the table, where I see you sat already in the distance and note to myself that you look exactly like the picture, so at least I wasn't being deceived/
//Smiles with a curt nod to the hostess, who scurries away, and I can finally drop my bag to the side, and smooth the checkered pale blue dress, tucking it down as I sit next to you in the little rounded booth, finally able to greet you/
Sorry I left you on seen, parking in this area is a warzone, especially if you're a female driver.
Ah... I mean, hi. That's a usual way to start a conversation, right? But it's boring.
Anyway, hi, I would have asked for lemon water if I had replied to you. I'll get a pitcher, do you like to start with something else to order?

@◈ chrystal jung⁻ˢᵗʸˡᶦˢᵗ oh, I'm here- thank you sir.
/after a quick check of my belongings, I flash the uber driver a smile before slipping out of his car and closing the door behind me. I smooth down my burgundy colored dress down while my heels click on the pavement as while walking over to the restaurant's front door, wondering why I was a bit nervous as I usually wasn't but it was first date after all.
/the maitre d' greets me as soon as I approach the front door, smiling at her as well as I tuck my phone away in my bag.
hi, yes, there's a reservation under Ms. Jung's name. Chrystal Jung, I'm meeting her here tonight at 8:30.
/fiddling with my thumbs, I wait patiently as she looks up for the name in the system which took quite a bit. she smiles and gives me a nod, informing me that you hadn't arrived yet then leads me in to the reserved table, handing me a drinks and food menu as soon as I sit down.
thank you, miss.
/smiles at her once more before she walks back to her post and fishes my phone out to send you a quick text.

[ text to: Chrystal : Bumble ]
→ hi..ok so it seems I got here a bit earlier than expected :woozy: :yikes:
→ I'm in now though, the maitre d' showed me to our table.
→ anything you wanted to drink?

@◈ lee minho ʟᴇᴇ ᴋɴᴏᴡ⁻ᶜʰᵒʳᵉᵒᵍʳᵃᵖʰᵉʳ You're getting divorced!
*still with the affirming repetitions, she nods firmly before clapping to cheer him on as he disturbs the restaurant's peace. on the sidelines of him accosting the waitress, she smiles and nods along whenever the poor woman glances her way—even pointing to him and mouthing what she already is very aware of (he's getting a divorce)*
Thank youuuu~
*she chimes after the woman once she's on her way. decompressing through a light exhale, she rests against both palms with her eyes closed for a moment to let the excitement settle. because, while a little tipsy, she's nowhere near loud and raucous New Years 2019 drunk. in a moment of clarity, she snorts*
This gonna cost sooo much money

[ ready to move on? >:3 ]

@◈ luc quyen⁻ᵐᵘᵃ Okay! Okay!
*Minho repeats, cheering along with his friend who only seems to egg on his drunken need to repeat the word*
*maybe it was his own way of reaffirming that he'd be okay*
It's done.
I'm getting divorced.
*he's been saying it for years, but for the first time it feels final. And it seems he knows it, even through the thick curtain of alcohol*
I'm getting divorced!
*he confirms louder, with more gusto*
*their waitress is his poor victim, as she walks by with a tray to the adjacent table to begin bussing it down, he taps her on the forearm*
Hey - excuse me - Oh - I'm sorry, that was rude - excuse me -
*red cheeks frame his eager expression as he looks up to her, her own eyes trained on him with confused attention*
I'm getting divorced, and we're celebrating!
Do you think you can bring us another round of some of of of of this delicious, /amazing/ meat you have served us here?
*points to the near empty plate of meat and sauce that he'd chugged in*
Please? It's a big celebration. Long overdue.

@◈ lee minho ʟᴇᴇ ᴋɴᴏᴡ⁻ᶜʰᵒʳᵉᵒᵍʳᵃᵖʰᵉʳ Okay? Okay! Yeah, okay!
*echoes each of your okays with one of her, nodding along in a much more sagely fashion. she slaps a hand down onto the table like a judge with their gavel—cementing the decision that the beginning of the end was now*
Period! Next weekend. We'll make a whole thing out of it..I gotta see how long it'd take to get a congrats on your divorce cake...
*mutters the note to herself before filling both cups once more and raising hers to toast*
Next weekend, this time, you'll be a free man!
And you can go make some disgustingly cheesy gesture like I know your corny little school girl heart yearns for~

@◈ luc quyen⁻ᵐᵘᵃ *Quin was right in every respect, with everything she was saying. And while Minho liked to think he was usually an attentive listener when not impeded by the effects of alcohol, the majority of her spiel flew right over his drunken head*
*he still finds the time to chime in comments that (hopefully) seem appropriate, of the likes of "/I'm/ not in middle school anymore." "Yeah, yeah, right, right!"*
*when he's poked in the forehead, he lags a beat, before blinking, snickering through his nose*
It's 2023! *he repeats with a nod*
Ok. Ok. Okay!
*his head bobbles a million times more, the hand holding the rice serving spoon bobbing along with him like they're connected by the same axel*
Ok! *punches his thumb onto the edge of the table* Master Quyen is clocked out.
Friend Quyen is clocked /in/
*stamps his thumb again* Come over next weekend.
I'm signing. You'll stamp it. We'll mail it.
Bye bye marriage!

@◈ lee minho ʟᴇᴇ ᴋɴᴏᴡ⁻ᶜʰᵒʳᵉᵒᵍʳᵃᵖʰᵉʳ *laughs when your answer leaves the issue just as unresolved as before—absolutely nothing funny about it besides the absurdity. she opts for moving past the question with the confidence that you won't even remember it in the next few minutes—let alone by morning*
Maybe....I'll see if he's up for it
*settles, raising an inquiring brow when you false-start a question. the extra moment of radio silence affords her the opportunity to shove a ridiculously large portion of food into and sluggishly lean against her non-dominant hand as the think finally starts to hit. another half-laugh nearly sends a grain of rice shooting down so she chases it with another sip and carefully chewchewchew swallows before answering*
Hey, I have a /great/ idea. Why don't you just ask her?
*reaches across the table to poke you in the forehead*
It is 2023, no more of that "uuuhhh do you think they like meee?" high school baby stuff
*really sells the question with a dopey voice and a few cutesy finger taps before deadpanning*
Find out for yourself. /I'm/ tired of the eggshell walking and I'm only halfway involved in this. Like-
*gesticulates to convey the frustration and a general lack of words. she utters something in Vietnamese before regurgitating a translation*
Just imagine how tired you both are and neither of you stupids even realize it
*ends her statement with an air of finality before tacking on a bit for the end*
Thank you, come againn, relationship therapist Quin is off the clock now

@◈ luc quyen⁻ᵐᵘᵃ Depends on who he ish -
*Minho giggles, stifling on the rest of his words. He had a fantastic joke conjuring in his mind about Quyen's boyfriend being a pickle, but it was lost to him*
He should join us next time -
But not a double date!
Do you think... *taps his chin, losing his thoughts again*
*when it doesn't come to him, he grabs his chopsticks instead, scarfing food down his gull with pensive chews*
Do you think she likes me too?

@◈ lee minho ʟᴇᴇ ᴋɴᴏᴡ⁻ᶜʰᵒʳᵉᵒᵍʳᵃᵖʰᵉʳ Single, pringle, schmingle
*muses, an amused crease in her eyes. she gratefully accepts the messy attempt at hospitality and chases it with more wine. dinner and a show as she listens to her dear friend's inebriated rambling about his kid's origin story*
Minho.
*returns before laughing at the blunt honest, a hand raised to cover *
No, that's fair. I'm glad we're on the same page. My boyfriend is-
are you mentally stable enough to hear this or am I about to deal with 10 minutes straight of whining if you don't like the answer?

@◈ luc quyen⁻ᵐᵘᵃ You're right *he agrees again, punctuating the air with his chopsticks* I /never/ got to be y, free and pringle - *hiccups* - single
You know - I met Gyuri in high school - !
*he sighs around a mouthful of rice and meat, pausing to place his plate down only to scoop up more food into it with the serving utensils available*
D'ya want more?
*he asks, shoveling food into her bowl anyway. It's nearly spilling over with chicken, but Minho's proud of the display anyway*
Gold star... *he murmurs to himself, leaning back so he can sip on the hot drink for a moment, winded from his earlier spiel*
High school. /We/ got married a year after we graduated. And then Gyu wush born. I love that kid sho much. Sho much.
Quyen - *tries again, with much more confidence* I... Don't want to go on a double date with you.
Who even ish your boyfriend anyway? Show me uh picture -

@◈ lee minho ʟᴇᴇ ᴋɴᴏᴡ⁻ᶜʰᵒʳᵉᵒᵍʳᵃᵖʰᵉʳ *grins as you speak, ferrying a bite of chicken to her own mouth because the swirling scents really start contributing to her hunger. she mumbles a belated "i'll eat well" around it before humming in approval at your revelations*
Period. You should be happy! You completely skipped over the y free and single ready to mingle era, but who cares! It be like that sometimes
*shrugs lightly, poking around for the supreme bite*
I'd say we should double date sometime once you make your move but, eh, different vibes. I try not to mix circles. Oh and, I guess, harder to be on the down-low too
*waves a hand, clearly less concerned with that aspect*
So, how are you gonna do this? What's gonna be the rising action to the that is your K-Drama life?

@◈ luc quyen⁻ᵐᵘᵃ *it's a true gift to have Quyen scoop that rice and meat into his bowl, his hands clumsily clutching at it with his chopsticks acquired in his fingers as well*
Thank you for the delicious food!
*he calls with a happy cheer, smiling brightly at his friend before drunkenly diving in to the food*
I promise
*he chucks out between mouthfuls, finding the grace to at least use his napkin and wait until he swallowed his food* I don't know what I've been waiting for. Gyuri is never coming back.
She doesn't want us. I - *he aims his chopsticks at his chest* I deserve to be happy too
Gyugyu deserves a happy father!

@◈ lee minho ʟᴇᴇ ᴋɴᴏᴡ⁻ᶜʰᵒʳᵉᵒᵍʳᵃᵖʰᵉʳ We need food
*agrees with a firm nod, briefly scanning the place for any illusive staff sightings. when there's no immediate sign of them, she returns to watching you in bemusement while leaning against a down-turned hand*
Oh yeah? Those are big claims, Lee. I'm proud of you
The papers are at home
*begins rearranging the table to make some space as a waiter finally heads their way. grinning, she gives her thank yous with a little happy clapping. before knocking the lid from your rice and starting to pile it with meats*
Buuut maybe I should get that in writing so you can't wimp out tomorrow and start spiralling again. Are you ready for real? You promise?

@◈ luc quyen⁻ᵐᵘᵃ *He may have forgotten that, and the couponed chicken he'd been gifted that he should have taken advantage of that evening*
*Minho uses both hands to bring the cup of drink to his lips, carefully tipping it back to avoid spillage*
*he hiccups with the cup on the way down, laughing at himself*
Well... This is... Where I'm at.
*nods vigorously* We need some food... *whips his head to look at the kitchen* You think is almost ready?
I'm ready. I'm ready for food. For Yongsun. For my divorce.
Where did I leave those papers? Lemme sign 'em!

@◈ lee minho ʟᴇᴇ ᴋɴᴏᴡ⁻ᶜʰᵒʳᵉᵒᵍʳᵃᵖʰᵉʳ Bad blood! You know, when two people- And they-
*gestures vaguely, having never had to define the term outside of her native tongue*
Y'know, bad blood.
*gives up, instead returning to the pensive therapist role as she sagely nods along and briefly comments "wahh, romantic" as more of a stock response than anything. she squints at the phone, skimming the messages littered with typos that don't help her middle-school reading comprehension in any way, shape, or form before she clicks her tongue and reaches out to flick you in the forehead*
I /told/ you already. It came up when I was doing her makeup and then she blew it waaay out of proportion. And that's why I sent you a sorry coupon. And that's why we're here now. Remembeeer?

@◈ luc quyen⁻ᵐᵘᵃ *it feels weird to be the receiver of a pat on the head rather than the giver, but it warms the child's spirit inside him that never really had the chance to thrive*
What's bad blood anyway?
*sighs, fanning himself with the dessert card from the edge of the table*
*with the pot replenished, Minho's eager to get his cup back into action, sliding it across the table to his friend*
It's juss like... I thought we had something, y'know like - we watched *paints his palms over his head in the air like there's a rainbow* an eclipse
I thought we had something... And *pulls out his phone, clumsily scrolling to his last conversation with Solar and showing Quyen*
Look. Hows she know /I'm/ married?

@◈ lee minho ʟᴇᴇ ᴋɴᴏᴡ⁻ᶜʰᵒʳᵉᵒᵍʳᵃᵖʰᵉʳ *bites her tongue to hold in an over-dramatic gasp of non-shock, smiling instead while you finish fumbling through the confession*
And I'm Vietnamese. And grass is green. And Gyu is small. And...you get it
*pats your head before returning to her own bubble of space on her side of the table*
But I'm very proud of you for admitting that to yourself. Now you both need to be normal and have a candid conversation. You're lucky enough that you guys don't have any actual bad blood, just a lot of stupidity
*their second round in brought about, with promises of the food coming soon, and she holds up the pot in silent offering to fill yours*
So your little chat should be mostly painless