• suburban area

@★ jung hoseok *Taehyung couldn't help himself and when you hit him, he burst out giggling, trying to cover himself, before he nudges you gently. * I can't hyung... I can't stop looking at you. *That came out rather serious, it was serious because his eyes followed your blushed face in awe. Even shy or trying to be angry with him, you were just... captivating.* Well, I don't know... to call me, yours? Then, the mass shall wonder who a lover whose beauty you protected so carefully. To put me in the highest tower, and order a dragon to guard me, and the rest of the story we will see in Shrek. *He ends, laughing again at his own joke.*

*Taehyung's observes the subtle changes in your face as you fondly talk about your mum. You were close, he could see that. Even more reason to put on his best behavior.* Oh! I know that song! Let me put it on, it's great. *With a small, exciting smile, he pressed play and the car was filled with music as he bopped his head to the rhythm.* Oh, I was a good boy, and I actually left the laboratory on time yesterday and slept early so I could be full of energy to spend the day with you.

@♢ kim taehyung *when you bring attention to his ears, his eyes widen as he grins and smacks your chest more or less enough to punish you* I’m not! Now stop lookin’ hahaha *he chuckles despite how bad of a liar he is. Still, he had to roll his eyes with a sigh because yeah you were good looking with the creepy smile but eh being cocky about your looks rubbed him the wrong way because he’s only ever been second choice to them in his past.* you dun yet? *then hums to himself* And why would I need to save it for me? *he asked being slightly difficult for you just to explain anything.*

*but then his shoulders relax as his eyes warm thinking about his eomma. When no one believed in him, even his dad, his mom did at least* she’s the best. *before returning back with a more focused smile before backing out* hm…my fav artist? Gotta be my man post Malone *his eyes glitter in excitement* have you ever heard his single wow? *but when you talk about having him for a couple hours, he chuckles embarassed with a lifted brow* how much sleep did you actually have though Taehyungie…? I won’t be okay with you staying up when you shouldn’t tsk

@★ jung hoseok *Taehyung's grins, laughing softly, when you hit him, observing how the tips of your ears blush.* Aww, hyung is shy? *He smiled, putting a hand under his chin, presenting himself better for you, which was probably ruined by a creepy smile, but he just couldn't really hold the straight face.* Bucket hat? To hide this beauty? *Mention his face, nudging you lightly.* Unless you want to save it for yourself, then I don't mind.

She raised you right. She is probably very proud of her amazing son. I would be. *He settles in your car, buckling up the seat belt and relaxing.* Oh? I am a DJ? Dang, any requests? What is your favorite artist, Hoseokie hyung? *Smiles, scrolling through his playlists.* Sleeping? You're kidding, I can have you all for myself for a couple of hours? I am not passing on that chance and wasting it sleeping.

@♢ kim taehyung [] haha you mean the date? Yep ofc bc actually, that happened before this : ) ]

*yep, you’re apparel was a lot but maybe not exactly too much. Especially, for a guest it felt like the right approach- even if he’d probably tease you more once you weren’t so worried. When you tease about the boyfriend comment, he chuckles slapping your chest lightly despite his lightly flushed ear tips* yeah right, you’re so eager tsk…~ *he mulls with a hand underneath his chin as he looked at your stature.* Welp /definitely/ a beanie or bucket hat- that’s for sure *nods*

*he smiles with a light chuckle in surprise* oh? Uh mm actually, it’s manners treatment, my mom raised me right even if she’s all strict and stuff *smiles shrugging then closes the door when you get in. He returns to his side and hips inside as well before nodding to the music system* you can pick whatever song, here’s the Bluetooth *hands before checking his mirrors diligently then smiling* off we go, oh- you can fall asleep if you want *smiles casually* it’ll be a long couple hours drive~

@★ jung hoseok [] does that mean I can reply to the other thing? I wasn't sure if I could o.o

*Once or twice, now rarely. His family wasn't exactly a type to /waste/ their time on that. Taehyung also wasn't really sure what to expect from your family and friends. He blushed at your reaction, looking to the side and his lips.* Is it too much? I wasn't sure what would be suitable. *The boyfriend comment made him grin, and he chuckles softly.* I won't say no to them. I can be the perfect boyfriend.*He winks, and wiggled his eyebrows, now teasing you back.* I can see that, and it suits you so well! Not only that, but I wonder how you would dress me? Oh that is a great date idea.

Ready! *He smiles, moving closer.* Princess treatment? Damn hyung I will fall for you, *He touched his chest but took your hand, accepting help.* But I have to say, your car is great.

@♢ kim taehyung [] I did it! Thanks for being patient ]

*hoseok wasn’t sure what to expect from you in attire. Did you even celebrate thanksgiving? It might just be a his town thing. Yet you said okay to the invite so he just had to let it go and hope for the best. As he continued contemplating if he should go back in his car as he scrolled through his phone, his eyes brightened when you finally showed up before widening. * woaahh *you right, he was taken aback and about to tease you for it. But you also seemed…kind of nervous? Fine he’ll just poke at it a little* my parents are gonna love you~ dressed up all clean an’ neat like that…probably gonna be happy I have a boyfriend and start grilling me…tsk… *he mutter-chuckles shaking his head at the fact we weren’t like that before looking down at his outfit then smiles casually to your eyes with a shrug* this is my normal everyday attire outside of work, I’m kinda into fashion *he laughs rubbing his nape*

Anyways… ready to go? *smiles before he walks behind him to a car. It looked like a sports suv jeep yet more like a suv than jeep. Similar to a range rover but smaller. He opened the other side, holding out his hand* after you~

@♢ kim taehyung [] I will reply! Don't worry, I have it in my list!]

@★ oh sehun They only had an hour before they were off shift when they got a call about a case of domestic violence that had their patrol vehicle enroute. It was supposed to be cut and dry. Pick up the offender, slap him with a couple charges, let him spend the night in jail and shove the paperwork off onto some rookie that gnabbed grunt duty by pissing off one of the senior officers for an off colored comment no doubt. It was just one of those days that everything felt rather bland- the sky was dulled out to a pale gray with streaks of purple, the sun setting over the horizen, not a cloud in the sky, no trouble makers about, not even a misparked car in need of a parking ticket. One of those days that the silence was so loud, one would over share their personal feelings about life- Something Luhan didnt hold back on when giving his partner, Zeke, a full break down of the soccer game with manchester united, his favorite team, and liverpool, the true scum of the earth despite being able to win by one point, which sparked another point of how the team cheated. The rambling continued when the car was shifted into park, the body cams flipped on, uniforms adjusted and the duo got out of the car, stalking up the steps to bang a heavy fist on the door. "SPD,we received a noise complaint. Open up"

Now, what came next happened in the span of two breaths, partially because Luhan was holding it in until he was red in the face, staring at the end of a sawed off shot gun pointed directly at him that had the triggered pulled and the doe-eyed man stumbling backwards from pure shock of the blow caught on his vest, tripping down the stairs and hitting his head on hard gravel that nearly had him passing out from the force. He heard shouting, too disoriented to make anything of it, the pain slowly starting to set in as the initial shock faded, a rush of adrenaline kicking in as a wheezing heave of breath attempted to fill his longs. it hurt like hell, would probably hurt worse after the rush of adrenaline faded and he could properly assess the bruised ribs and bleeding head gash he obtained. His hands were shaking as he unclipped his gun, lifting it to aim at the shooter when the next round was shot and his heart froze. He couldnt look but it didnt stop his partner in his peripherials from lowering his head and stumbling a couple step before falling to his knees. He needed to shoot. That was when the second breath came, holding it to stabilize his hand as best he could before firing a round from the chamber and burying the bullet into the man's shoulder and lodging it into his chest cavity, forcing a yelp from the armed shooter who quickly withdrew into the house. Only then did Luhan lower the gun, his eyes wide, pupils dilated, and he stayed on his knees for a few moments, his mind fighting to process the trauma, tears burning his eyes while he fisted the firearm until his knuckles turned white. He didnt remember grabbing his radio, but he did, unsure of how he recalled the codes to summon the other police and paramdedics but the receiver informed him they were on their way with back up. His scrutinizing gaze never once left the house in front of him, attempting to lift his own gun just in case the shooter made another appearance but it never came, his eye lids starting to drop and his head swim as he swayed in his spot before attempting to connect the dots once more- trying to remember the last thing he said before it all went to , retracing his steps before his brows furrowed upon rememberance- liverpool had won. man, liverpool.

@★ jung hoseok *Taehyung was both excited and scared. Mostly because he wasn't sure what to think about the whole ordeal and meeting Hoseok's friends and family. It wasn't just anything. It was Thanksgiving and to say that Taehyung experience or rather lack of it, was not helping. What should he say, how should he behave. So many question with no answer, but the main concern was. What one wear for an occasion like that? He spends hours sitting in front of his closet on the floor just eyeing it. The suit was far too formal. His favorite hoodie, not formal enough. Finally, after what felt like hours, he picked three outfits, and he narrowed it down to one, that looked just right. At least in his mind. The next day, the excitement was making him nauseous, and he spent the entire day doing almost nothing productive, luckily the laboratory survived his clumsiness and head in clouds. He left earlier, to use one of the bathrooms and washed his face, after some contemplating he applied a small amount of make — up and finally changed, checking himself in the mirror. Dang. Now he looked like he was going to a funeral, not Thanksgiving. It was too late now anyway, so he fluffed his hair and went out to meet you, trying to stop himself from skipping towards you when he sees you, arriving just in time.* Hoseokie hyung! Hi! *He waves, smiling brightly and leaning in to peck your cheek in greeting.* I am ready, and I already changed. *He finally had a chance to look at your outfit properly, and he chuckled.* Wow, hyung you look… good, different but good different. Definitely not like a CEO.

[Outfit with a blond hair--> https://i.imgur.com/bIhClGf.jpg

@♢ kim taehyung [] sorry, this took a while bc I was stuck with another character that needed more attention but hope this works? Please let me know if you have any questions or want me to redo it ]

Ah it’s cold! *he rubs his hands together and blows on them as he stands outside of the mansion.* ok imma wait jus a lil more longer before I’ll abandon taehyungie for my car *he mutters to himself, motivating himself to wait longer outside the mansion even in the cold. Why did he prefer outside than in? Well, if he walked in, he’d have to greet everyone and then go out and he’s already late as it is, anyways.*
*hoseok smiles in relief when you show up* hey, ready? Do you wanna change and stuff for my family or you good with those clothes? *he smiles in a simple but expensive looking bucket hat combo street style, slightly glancing at his phone so we wouldn’t be too late. He was in a hurry but clearly, even his outside of work wear was more comfort hip than comfort formal as if he didn’t dress formal even if he’s going near his hometown.*

[appearance: this outfit but of course, not the red hair
https://i.imgur.com/Hl77ssK.jpg
]

@★ kim youngdae A lot. *nods as if that answers it but Im currently thinking of how much instead of what but I choose eventually*
Steak drowned in juicy sauce. *mouth waters just by imagining the sizzling steak with sauce poured over it, I groan impatiently eventually before I get inside the coor and slump against the chair*

(yes ouo )

@♡ zhu zhengting ʰᵘᵐᵃⁿ /hearing your words, I glanced down towards your abdomen before flicking my eyes up to your face, chuckling.
Well then, what do you want to eat?
/I let go of your hand to open the door of the passenger seat, before looking back at you, waiting for your answer and to get in the car, my hand is up on the roof of the car.

(Restaurant next?)

@★ kim youngdae *looking up between your eyes, my own glistening after we pull away from the kiss, lips stretched into subtle smile before I enclose my hand on yours that slid into mine and walk with you out the villa and toward your car parked outside, could see some staff looking at us in our way out and possibly gossiping which leave me nothing but amused. Once we are by the car, I hear your question to which I had to agree, placing my palm over my flat tummy dramatically as I grumble*
Ugh, yes please. They made me lose my appetite but m a n Im hungry now.

@♡ zhu zhengting ʰᵘᵐᵃⁿ /I doubt I’ll be able to get through the ordeal and speak out for myself if it weren’t for you, when I felt your grip tightening around mine, shoulders pressed together, as if to give me support and encouragement, I was able to maintain my facial expressions and demeanour as calmly and put together as much as possible. Being polite until the very end, I gave a brief glance over at my parents, noticing my father’s hand curled into a fist on the table and my mother’s usual unreadable expression. Her eyes, however, indicated that she is having so much fun with it now that I publicly show my weakness I’ve been trying to hide - being in love. I could only be thankful she let me off the hook tonight, although I can’t say, for certain, what she would do after today. Turning towards the entrance and feeling your hand tugging mine, my lips pursed into a thin line when I’m certain my back is towards them, silently leaving the dining room with you. Still feeling the effects of the public announcement to the family, my heart thumped against my chest, my mind was racing, unable to evaluate the situation or process what happened as of yet. Stepping out of the dining room and closing the dining room behind me, my brows raised when I felt your grip on my hand released, biting back a verbal protest as I didn’t want to let go of your hand yet. The protest died in my throat when I felt your palms cupping my face and directing me towards yours, my neck craned at the last inch to press my lips with yours, moulding against your tiers briefly before I sense you pulling away soon after. Having a brand new feeling and a huge sense of relief after the announcement and silent acknowledgement from my family, I felt apologetic that you have to sit through such a situation. Noting that we barely touched our food throughout, I slide my hand down your arm before intertwining our fingers again and leading us back towards my vehicle.
Shall we go out to eat? I’m still hungry.
/now that the ordeal is over, the parasympathetic system took over, causing me notice my stomach growling. Glancing back at you as we reached the vehicle, waiting for your response before asking the follow up question.

@★ kim youngdae *looks between your eyes when you squeeze my palms which both reassures me and thrills me, eyes linger at you as you guide us past the garden and back inside, too excited for the announcement we're going to make regardless of all the nervousness, which makes me realize how Im fulfilling many of my firsts with you and how I was robbed out of many with him. Looking ahead as we approach the dining room while hoping I wouldn't need to say anything but completely ready to back you up and shut up some es if needed, reminding myself now and then all I need to do for now is to exist and look pretty next to you which is the usual, in an attempt to lessen my nervousness. Once we are at the door of the dining room, I look over at you only to see you peeking at me again which make corner of my lips tug up into a supportive smile before I heave in another breath once you push the door open. I look ahead at the crowd, glancing at you once our hands is lifted up for everyone to see if they couldn't see it clearly down by our sides. Breath stuck in my chest, I hoped I wasn't looking too embarrassed or passive to come off as sub bottom of the relationship, i tilt my chin up instead to show nothing but proudness to be by your side as you announce it to them, my eyes scanning every face for their reaction. As you go on convincing your grandmother with separating your work life and love life, I couldn't help but note the look on your father's face, he probably could tell already but the announcement was still impactful on him that I can see displeasure on his face gazing at us two but remaining silent. What could he possibly say not only in front of his wife but current lover too. My attention is brought back to the conversation when your grandmother mentions the picture which makes my inside tense up anxiously and i wait your reply to which I nod as if confirming it all while I'm the lover the media is speculating about. Listening to you going more and glance at your grandfather who seems most supportive of you- recalling how he was nudging me out earlier as well, I send him a subtle thankful smile. Glancing at the bracelet you are handing over to the staff and watch them take it to your grandmother, wondering if that's how you are bribing her for now. Once I notice your grandmother's gaze intensely at us, I intertwine our fingers and press our shoulders together as if silently telling her Im not letting you go. When she let us be, I exhale out the breath I didn't realize I was holding then look up at you suppressing my smile and tighten my hold of your hand to let out my unexplainable excitement in other form. Seeing you bow, I quickly follow suit then turn around first and tug you with me outside the dining room leading the way and once the door was closed, I looked back at you but I couldn't continue with our way before doing the next. I let go of your hand to cup your face and bring you down to my level to capture your lips into firm passionate brief kiss, letting go after with soft pants as the excitement took away my breath*

@♡ zhu zhengting ʰᵘᵐᵃⁿ /pursing my lips to hide my smile as I hear you objecting the idea of coming out in your territory, I rolled my eyes with a head shake but I understood where you are coming from, even with my family, it’s easier to announce it as I don’t have to see them on a daily basis. Moreover the reason to make the announcement was to also stop future marriage prospect from coming while I’m pursing my own relationship. I figured I’ll leave the mansion’s announcement for you to settle, after all, they are sort of /your/ family matter rather than mine. Following your actions of inhaling a deep breath, I gave your palms a tight squeeze before I let one of your hand go and turned towards the estate to guide us back to the damned dining room. I won’t say I’m entirely fearless as I am dealing with the prominent strong independent ladies in my life. Throughout the walk to the dining room, I was focused on controlling my facial expressions and the words I want to say to my family. I soon find myself standing in front of the entrance to the dining room with you by my side, your hand in mine. Gulping silently with the bob of my adam’s apple, I felt like it was Deja vu and that we are entering the dining room for the first time. Taking a peek towards you, I lifted my free hand to push the door open and see several head turned towards us. Without hesitation, I lifted up the hand that was holding onto yours and glanced at my parents and grandmother, indicating that we are a bit more than friends before I speak out.
Grandmother, I don’t think I can go through with the engagement.
/I could see that her brows furrowed lightly as she seems to come up with ways to make me accept the engagement, to which I firmly shook my head to.
I doubt the an engagement will resolve everything, grandmother. Won’t it come of as a shock if the engament broke off after?
/I explained myself, refusing to get any closer as my intention was to say my peace and leave as soon as possible.
I think as long as it doesn’t affect my work progress and productivity, my love life shouldn’t matter so much, no?
/when my grandmother asked about the context of the photo, I replied rather nonchalantly, rejecting my nonsensical photographed picture by saying it was the work of different media outlets and digital tools to fabricate the truth of the event. Ignoring my parents for the time being, I was focused on letting my grandmother know how serious and sincere I am this time round, getting my grandfather to back me up as to how I don’t usually bring people back to family unions as will as pulling out a jade bracelet from my indeed blazer pocket and asking a staff on duty to hand it to my grandmother. With the help of my grandfather’s gentle voice and persuasion, I noticed my grandmother eyeing at the both of us, rather doubtful of the longevity but ultimately sighed.
Do what you want.
/she eventually mumbled, looking away and down on her food.
Well then, my presence will be awkward for our guests so Zhengting and I will make a move first. Have a pleasant evening.
/dipping my head down into a polite bow towards my family and the guests, I took it as a sign that my grandmother is tolerant with us now as I heaved a silent sigh and looks at you, tilting my head towards the door to indicate for us to leave.

@★ kim youngdae *notices you rolling your eyes at my revealed thought, I fight back a laughter at how you probably seem done with me and my but I gaze ahead curiously when you lean into my ear though the whisper has my heart dropping in surprise and shivers running down my spine along with it, hearing you calling yourself my fiance, something never crossed my mind not even in most pink fairytale dreams of mine as fresh boyfriend product. I conceal how far that word affects me by denying and objecting the idea*
Nah, there is no cheating thrill element in that scenario.
*looking up at you just when I thought my little objection composed me well but you go ahead and confirm its 'we' not you and Sungkyung which leaves me speechless and breathless. And whatever you added next to lessen the impact of it didn't really work its magic as they only show me its on your mind, if not now then it later for sure which leaves me in shock but I try, for once this night, to stop thinking out loud, which would only make me appear as teenage schoolgirl in shock her crush asking her out on a date, in our scenario, engagement. Im shaken away from the shock by your blatant denial which has me rolling my eyes all the way to the back of my skull, knowing how competitive you are and would surely love it oh so much to brag about winning me to your father*
Yeah right.
*retracting my hands to myself, I rub my own arm in contemplation as I listen to your words which would require me to toss my overthinking aside and to go further of being reckless and impulsive, but I can't see the lies in your words which sound most logical so I nod in agreement with you*
Mhmm, true. We'll never know till we try-
*looks off to the side when you show your doubt to my admittance, I bite my lip and nod again to confirm my words before I shoot my gaze back to you when you mention coming out to the mansion as well*
Whoa whoa there... Coming out to strangers I most likely not gonna see much is way easier than coming out to the mansion Im at every day for the past years and everyone /knows/ me. I have an image to keep, too. *exaggerates but its not completely baseless, as I can't help but feel embarrassed to admit I like someone and have serious thing with them to everyone on the mansion, most seen me as an anti-love boyfriend, I end up with using your words playfully, being the famous counterpart of your story, in the mansion*
Okay- *after inhaling a deep breath to fill my lungs with and unconsciously keeping it inside, I hold onto your hand firmly and nod just as firm, ignoring the "normal" sense of meeting your partner's family when we both know its nothing but normal with your family*

@♡ zhu zhengting ʰᵘᵐᵃⁿ /glancing down and noticing the glint in your eyes, though the hue on your cheeks is harder to see due to the lighting, my brows raised higher as I felt your hands on my neck and collar. Darting my eyes between yours as I registered your words with a roll of my eyes, should have figured that’s the type of things you’ll think about even in this situation. Lifting the corners of my lips, I leaned in to whisper my response.
Scandalous indeed but won’t it be better if you seduce your own fiancé?
/I add to your humor, not actually anticipating us to go onto another commitment anytime soon when I know my stance on marriage and the fact that we barely started the new status. Leaning back, watching your expressions changing from a cheeky one to a serious one then an exaggerated one, I locked my eye contact with you, pursing my lips once again to suppress a smile when I see your expression of disbelief, repeating the word again.
We.
/pausing before adding another couple of words to extend the duration. Not wanting to create false expectations when I still have my own commitment issues to settle.
Not now though.
/when I heard your tongue clicking, I chuckled, thinking you’d knew my competitive nature by now, but more importantly how proud I’m feeling that you decided to be with me, instead of him.
That’s not true-
/Tightening my embrace, the heart fluttering feeling returned when I think about the potential announcement of us. Feeling your hands traveled down to my hips, my eyes roamed around you as I listen to your concerns.
We’ll never know till we try, right? We could keep thinking of various possibilities but the truth can only be confirmed when we actually try. Don’t worry, I have my ways, you just need to stay beside me.
/I felt a boost of confidence as I attempted to comfort your worries, never knew the thoughts you kept were full of uncertainty, wondering if you were like this when you thought about me. I blinked my eyes again and stare at you upon your next revelation, which could explain your nervousness.
Never?
/I asked with a sense of doubt, partially refusing to believe that someone like you has never officially disclose as you seemed to be very open with showing your affections towards me every time we were at the mansion.
Maybe after announcing it to strangers, it’s easier to announce it to the people at the mansion?
/I sneaked in a tease before turning serious again.
Ready to go meet my family?
/bringing my arms down from your back, I took your hands in my palm and ask you again, with a different intention, to ‘meet’ my family as a partner rather than a friend.

@★ kim youngdae *is oblivious about your enjoyment and entertainment to my anxiety induced loud thinking, but it's still a sign I feel safe enough around you to let my thoughts out loud even if anxious instead of anxiously closing off. When you pull me into your embrace, I bite my lip but peek through my fingers to show cheekiness glistening in my eyes in contrast to the redness I'm concealing on my cheeks, I lower my hands from my cheeks to cup side of your neck and "coyly" play with your collar as I reveal my thought*
Unless I get to seduce and an engaged man. How scandalous would that be?
*bites my lip but I fail to suppress my laughter, referring to the one occasion I might let you pass with the engagement for one night for that purpose. My laughter dies down and I inhale in deeply as I listen to your words, nodding in understanding and concealing my anxiety of your grandmother especially since she didn't witness my recklessness and she seems the one with the decisions in the family. When you mention engagement, I retract my head back in disbelief as I stare up at you wondering if Im hearing right or you are simply referring to your engagement to Sungkyung*
We? Eh?? *rolls my eyes exaggeratedly when you mention your father and I can't help but pinch you at your thought process, clicking my tongue in annoyance*
You wanna use me to brag to your father so bad, huh? Claiming me as a prize he couldn't have, huh?
*though when you ask my approval, I feel reluctant and nervous, I lower my hands from your collar to your hips as I pour out my worries and thoughts*
But... Is it worth it? Would they really stop and respect you...us? They seem to not stop until they have you married to a woman, at least for the sake of the media. What if they undermine and uhh ridicule what we have? What if thats not enough for them? *bites my lip and looks between your eyes seeking for nothing but reassurance before some bigger reality hit me which heightens my nervousness*
Oh god... I never came out as official with anyone before- not even to the fellows boyfriends in the mansion- how am I to come out official to strangers-...*flushes in embarrassment at my worry and indirect confession of my inexperience and incompetence in such serious relationship regard*

@♡ zhu zhengting ʰᵘᵐᵃⁿ /with the young lady no longer around, I’m silently glad your attention is back on me. Tilting my head slightly to the side as I see you fall into a deep thought, with your lower lips chewed and your eyes on the ground, I could tell that it seemed to be a tough decision for you. Hearing your thoughts aloud and watching your actions, my eyes trailed with you as you paced back and forth, my lips pursed at certain sentences you said, finding you so attractive to be considering so many ‘what if’s about us, wondering if the thoughts that usually run in your mind is as much as what you spoke out. Grasping on the content of your words, I sort of understood what was going on. Of course, my grandmother announced it to the entire family. Hearing a seemingly frustrated sigh from you when you talked about the engagement, the corner of my lips curled up, listening to your dilemma. My eyes blinked when I saw your eyes back on mine with a look of cheekiness, which I tilted my head further.
Unless?
/seeing your hands to your face, I chuckled at how adorable you look before I saw you finally stopping your tracks. Bringing my arms around your frame and pulling you into an embrace, patting on your back to give you a form of assurance, the secret agenda that was in my mind might have to make some adjustments. Glancing down at you, it was my turn to say a few words.
Well, since Sung..kyung? Is calling it off, I doubt my grandmother or mother would stop at this. Maybe if we announce it to the family, they have no choice but to stop? We don’t have to get engaged tonight, of course, but oh boy, my father will be in for a ride.
/I chuckled, feeling more excited, thinking about making us official to the family. I didn’t need their approval after all, simply the act of having autonomy to say it out was more than enough.
Shall we?
/my eyes roamed around your face, waiting for your response and ready to head to the dining room you, my hand in yours, as soon as I hear a favourable one.

@★ kim youngdae *I can tell from your raised brow you were expecting answers but Im still anxious being in this place and planning to tell you later, ready to escape this place asap. But you seem to have a change of heart which makes me puzzled, brows furrowing as I look up at you in deep thoughts as your words now make me unsure of our earlier decision as it opens up another set of endless possibilities if we to leave without a word. I chew on my lower lip in contemplation while thinking, my gaze long since dropped from yours to look aimlessly at the ground*
You are asking the wrong person. I'd ghost the surface of earth without telling anyone-... *starts out sarcastically in an attempt to lessen my own anxiety which doesn't work as I start pacing back and forth and grasping my chin*
Sungkyung told me she'll convince her mother to call the engagement off- but she lready gone inside to the dining room and they might ask about us. If we go there together we'd have to show them we are uhhh... Serious- *thinking loud of the consequences and then finds difficulty saying the word, embarrassed? Shy? To utter it out loud before I recall what broke me most during the dinner, I stop pacing and look up at you*
Your grandmother said the engagement is tonight. W-what if we go inside and they make it happen? Sungkyung would need time alone with her mother to make that happen. If we go in now you might be forced to go on with the engagement but maybe later on Sungkyung calls it off when she talks with her mother? But gosh... *lets out in frustration at the possibility of having you truly engaged to her even for a night, even for an hour before my ed up mind take me to a whole different route which wipes away the frustration and glance up at you with cheekiness*
Unless....god I hate my mind- *covers my face in embarrassment at how even in such state Im thinking of /that/ with you, convinced at this time it's your "bad" influence that gets me to be this ually active and *

@♡ zhu zhengting ʰᵘᵐᵃⁿ /I blinked, staring at your frame as I watch you stepped forward and you were seemingly about to start a conversation with her. Noting that you used words like ‘answer’, I assume she asked you some sort of question. However, what’s more surprising is that she didn’t wait for you to finish which made me feel confused as to what answer does she know of. Forgetting that I had your collar undone, when she suddenly wished us the best for us and bowed her head, my back straightened as I returned her bow before watching her walked away towards the interior. Glancing back towards you with raised brows when I sense you turning your head back towards me, your body followed soon after, I was expecting answers. When I heard none and saw your gesture for us to leave, I nodded as the thoughts of my grandmother and parents being dramatic filled my mind. Despite the seemingly easy conversation with Sungkyung, when parents are involved, one not only need to appease the parents but also make them approve of their partner, if not, it would only be an endless cycle of marriage prospects. Contemplating to just escape with you without a single word then suffer the consequences after, or to have a conversation with the family and at least make the matter known, I turned to you, hoping you’d give me an answer.
Shall we, at least let them know we are leaving?
/I darted my eyes nervously towards you, not really sure what to expect of their reactions if we were to greet them before leaving, but knowing that it is basic respect to at least let one know of their departure. However, as I have no idea what went down at the dining room after the brief talk with my grandmother, I passed the decision of either leaving announced or slipping away, to you, fully trusting your judgement on that matter.

@★ kim youngdae *hearing you chuckle through the quietness of the night at the garden, I shake my head despite the fluttering of my heart that enjoys the sound of your chuckle/laughter. Too up in my head of what I could say to Sungkyung that I don't realize the fond gaze Im receiving from you as we walk through the garden of your childhood, stopping once I see Sungkyung but I look down at our hands when you quickly let go of mine and glance up at your face in confusion, not realizing you haven't witnessed what went down in the dining room nor the conversation between me and the girl. After eyeing you weirdly, I turn ahead to look at the girl as we make our way to her and once we are standing in front of her, I look between you two and can't help the subtle frown on my face as Im starting to dislike even seeing you two in the same spot/frame even if not side by side, I unconsciously take a step slightly forward and to the side to partially cover you with my body as if being the needed physical barrier between you two and I eye her intensely, still at loss of what to say so I start calmly and slowly*
I have an answer- *starts and when I heaved in a deep breath to continue revealing my answer, she smiles gently as she look between us and speak*
I know, I can tell. *teasingly referring to how I'm being defensive and protective of you by basically standing before you, I bite my lip at how territorial that must make me come off as, which isn't really false, she added*
I wish you two the best and happiness for long. *she bowed her head and walked away leaving me stunned in my spot of how she could tell my answer, as if my body language wasn't enough, my collar undone with subtle redness where you bit me earlier still evident*
I-... Well... *glances at you over my shoulder before I turn my body fully to face you, ignoring explaining to you whats going on yet and nod aimlessly ahead*
Lets go?

@♡ zhu zhengting ʰᵘᵐᵃⁿ /Turning my head to look at you, blinking while I felt your hand on my cheek before feeling the soft lips of yours on mine, I looked between your eyes while hearing your words. Shaking my head slowly with a subtle smile to indicate that it is alright, I won’t say I’m not curious about your past or childhood but I’d prefer living in the present with you. Seeing you being alarmed, door opened and dashed out to the garden, I was tugged along, tapping onto your emotions and feeling the same anxiousness of being caught. Flickering my eyes towards you after we changed spots, I chuckled softly from the adrenaline of sneaking around with you, something that we seemed to be doing time after time. Following you around the garden, I kept my eyes on you, feeling my heart flutter at the sight of you dashing through the familiar garden I’m used to, capturing the view in my mind. Although when I saw the young lady that’s supposed to be my fiancee, I wasn’t sure of what went down in the dining room, so I released the grip around your hand to let your hand go, remembering the words of my grandmother. Knowing how frightening my grandmother or mother could be when she uses her authority in different means, I don’t really want us to be on the receiving ends of their threats. The other curiosity that was still unanswered was your reason to find my supposed fiancee when there doesn’t seem to be anything for you two to communicate about. Keeping my arms to myself as we approached her, I find myself looking between the two of you, opting to stay silent as I don’t really know what’s going on and I have no topics to start with her.

@★ kim youngdae *glances up at you when you wipe my cheeks which emphasize yet again that I cried in front of you, I look off quickly and turn my head to hide the embarrassed hue that took over my cheeks*
Yes, your fiance. *rolls my eyes as I spit out the word and conveniently ignore your question of why i want to find her, at least for now. Too focused on our clear path toward the garden without getting caught, Im taken aback when you peck my lips out of the blue and and my lips subconsciously to chase away the tingly sensation off my lips although there's nothing to shake away the same sensation from within my chest*
Focus- *eventually I mutter, clearing my throat and looking up at you when you grab my hand which I let you be and follow your foosteps but frown when you check my forehead and if my restored and heightened attitude wasn't obvious already, I swat at your hand away from my face and click my tongue*
Too much concern for someone who hates me so much. *focuses ahead of us as we walk through the hallways toward the door that leads to the garden, I was about to open the door and get outside but I pause when I feel you standing unmoving, looking at you questioningly but when I hear the memories you share with me now, my heart and attitude softens, funnily feeling honored to be let out on more of your childhood memories, this time a wholesome one, and I look out at the garden with new view, corner of my lips tug up discreetly as I imagine a young Dae hiding in the bushes outside and how adorable that is which fuels me to convey my feelings with a kiss, its my time to cup one of your cheek to drop a peck to your lips but smile rather sadly after as I comment*
Wish I could let you in on my childhood memories. *referring to how I'm a made product, an older line that I don't have childhood memories incorporated in my head like some of the new lines. Hearing/sensing a movement from behind us, be it a staff or someone else, I get alarmed and quickly open the door and let us outside and to the side away from the view through the door, heart pounding in my chest to recover from the startlement before I roam my gaze around the big garden and refocus on my goal to find Sungkyung. I tug you with me to roam the garden in search for her while Im not quite sure how to tell her my answer, hoping seeing us hand in hand would be enough to convey it, after all she seems quite smart for getting the whole situation from the reckless line I dropped at the dining table*

@♡ zhu zhengting ʰᵘᵐᵃⁿ /feeling your arms tightly wrapping around me, the trembling against my embrace and warm damp sensation against the layers on my shoulder, I let go of my finger before bringing my arm down to rub your back, not really sure how to react as the last time I’ve shown comfort to someone was months ago; you being the witness then, and a receiver now, though I’m definitely more invested emotionally this time round as our relationship is so much more. My heart sank when I heard the sniffling that breaks the silence, and I find myself wondering what happened in the dining room that made you this affected. Feeling your hold releasing as we parted from the embrace, my eyes roamed around your face, noticing your eyes are avoiding mine, an aching sensation filled my chest. Though I have always wondered what type of situation would make the prideful and carefree you to tears, never would I imagine that bringing you to a family dinner of mine could cause you to tear up. Could it be because of my grandmother and the arrangement? My parents and their words? Or me, for being forceful with you? Bringing my hand up to your jaw to wipe the droplets you seemed to miss, my brows knitted, feeling pained to see you in such a state. Looking down when I felt my wrist being wrapped around by your palm, I was prepared to run away with you right here and now before I saw you turning your head back and looked at mine, my brows raised in confusion at your words.
Find who?
/I still haven’t registered the name of the young lady and I was curious why would you want to find her.
Oh. Her. The garden? Why?
/I got even more confused as to why would she be at the gardens, when the dinner is supposedly ongoing. Nevertheless, I still followed along as I watched you open the door and tugged me out of the office. Hearing your whisper, I glanced off to the side, finding you so adorable, momentarily forgotten that I was so agitated at you. I took the chance to lean in and peck your lips again before speaking again. I adjusted the wrist that you held to full grasp onto yours as I slowly guide us to the garden area, needing to pass the dining room to get there.
Are you okay though? Feeling sick anywhere?
/I bring my other hand towards your forehead, more concerned about your well-being than some new person I have no affiliation with as we walked towards the direction of the garden. It took a couple of minutes but without hiccups, we stood by the door leading out to the garden. Reminiscing the past when I was a child in the villa, I decided to let you in on a past of mine.
When I was younger, the garden is where I like to disappear to because the place is dark at night and the bushes were dense enough to hide in. Grandmother had to install lamps and fairylights to light it up, even at night.
/I chuckled, silently preempting you that the garden could look really romantic at night, my hand still gripping onto yours as I watched what you’ll do with my information.

@★ kim youngdae *when you pull away from my lips, I gasp loudly to draw in oxygen back into my lungs and Im not sure what did I expect but I was thankful for your "consideration" and ing my collar to ease my breathing but figures it's for your own good as I gasp when you my damp salted face, reaching my hand up toward your hair to fist it with an exhale of your name, my tears going dry and Im slowly brought back to reality and I try to bring you back with me when you seem to go further to my neck to latch onto it and feel the grazing of your teeth into my skin that sends jolts down my sensitized body, not the time for it amidst the dilemma we have*
What are you doing- *thankfully you pull away but my body suffers the aftermath still, feeling tingly all over and thrill bubbling up down south which makes me baffled how even in such a state you manage to add even more emotions and bodily reaction into the already heavy mixture. When Im pulled away from the door and into your embrace that I was aching and yearning for ever since my feet stepped into this office, my arms quickly come wrapping around you tightly and spread my hands across your back to press it impossibly close to my torso and duck my head to rub and bury my face into the your shoulder, my own starting to tremble and shake and whatever tears that dried up now wetted again by another flow of tears, heart thudding loudly against my ribcage at the lingering fear of losing you, not wanting to let go of you (your hug) any time soon or at all and if that means getting locked here in your grandmother's office and not go out to that dammed dining room so be it. Sniffling now and then and blinking my tears away Im trying to calm myself down and it works rather rapidly being in your embrace and the soothing touch of yours against my arm but I remain in my spot with same tight embrace around you for as long as you allow me, tearing my face away from your shoulder and reluctantly unwrap my arms from you to rub my face and suppress back a grumble at how pathetic I most probably look, have never ever cried in front of anyone before and that alone pains my heart further if I to let you go for her, not when I bared so much of myself to you, I'd clutch onto you with my teeth, I can't afford losing you after I let you in on so much of me. Without looking up at your face, I wordlessly nod in agreement, have wanted to escape here the moment the blind date was suggested. I grab your wrist and turn around to grab the doorknob of the door before I remember something and I shoot my face toward yours, now looking at you finally*
Wait! I-... I need to find Sungkyung... She said she'll be at the garden. Let's go there. *nods, not giving out any context of the conversation that we shared and the answer I have to give her so she doesn't follow through with this engagement. I open the door after and poke my head out to see if the cast is clear before I tug you out with me and turn to whisper to you as I realize I don't know the directions of the villa*
How do we get to the garden-?

@♡ zhu zhengting ʰᵘᵐᵃⁿ /expecting you to push me away and to say vile words that would break my heart even more, when I received reciprocation from you, my thumbs glided around your cheeks in attempt to wipe away the droplets of liquid that streamed down. Hearing my name from you and feeling the tug on my shirt, I didn’t really want to let go of you anytime soon. Abiding to your non-verbal request to break the kiss, I leaned back just a little to peek towards your neck for my next course of action. Moving a hand down from your cheek to your collar, I ed the first two buttons to expose your adam’s apple before I craned my neck towards you again, tilting my head to a side and lap on the salty liquid on your face before planting butterfly kisses down to latch my lips onto a side of your neck, biting onto your skin, making a small indentation instead of hard when I reminded myself that you don’t like marking on your skin and the bite marks won’t create long lasting marks if it wasn’t too deep. Struggling between self-control to not go overboard and showing you how I really feel, I unlatch my lips from your skin to bring an arm over your shoulder, pulling you away from the doorframe and into my embrace, partially wondering if this hug is to console you due to the sight of your tears or console myself as I am seeking for your presence and warmth at this moment. My heart was racing against my chest, which is pressed against yours. Resting my chin on the opposite shoulder, my free arm glided up and down your arm as a form to comfort you while I try to control and sate my desire of marking you by bringing the arm that is circling your neck to my lips and biting hard onto the back of my index finger. Trying to gulp down the lump in my throat, my eyes darted around the doorframe, figuring that we have to leave this damned place as soon as possible. Staying on the same spot for a couple of minutes, giving me time to regulate my breathing and bring down my agitation, as well as hopefully, for you to compose yourself. I spoke up again in a rather hoarse voice, a few minutes after, before I cleared my throat.
We need to leave this place quickly.

@★ kim youngdae *the lack of reaction, words, and emotions shown all over you which gives striking contrast to the pathetic and vulnerable condition Im in, totally oblivious about your own turmoil you are hiding very well behind the freezing cold front while Im seeking nothing but your warmth now, it all makes me confused and agitated again, mad not only at you but at myself for breaking down in front of you, each of us feeding the other's negative emotions unknowingly. Though, seemingly you fulfill my wish of coming closer, Im pressed to the door and I look up at you when you cup my hot face that got dampened by my tears, eyes glistening with mixture of emotions as they seek the warmth in your eyes that I got too accustomed to- that what Im basing all my arguments with my own overthinking mind on, such a gaze couldn't be lying. Though, my eyes drop to your lips that come so very close to mine and Im left confused as that wasn't what I wished for and its unexpected after the cold front you showed me, I divert my gaze from your lips to your eyes again but the firm hold of my cheeks has me shutting my eyes tight, can't seem to predict you/your actions in such state. Exactly like this, I would never predict hearing those hateful words from you that slice through my heart and send my eyes wide and shaky as they look up to search your eyes once more, my own hands now shooting up to grasp onto your wrists as I eye you with confusion, wondering when did I ever reject you in this setting*
Reject- what?
Youngdae... *calls your name gently and softly at your next revelation of wanting to kiss me which has me gulping thickly, my hands that held your wrists squeeze them briefly before sliding down and off as if to silently unrestrain and encourage you. Once your lips crash against my own, my brows knit together and I shut my eyes tightly which allow more tears to roll down my cheeks and reach your fingers, my hands come clutching onto your sides as I tilt my head to kiss you back with newly found emotions, with heightened sense of fear and threat of losing you possibly by end of the night. Just like you, the thought of Sungkyung having a chance to kiss you the way I do, to taste you and bask in your closeness the way I do now send me nuts and I reciprocate the same sense of possessiveness of claiming you as mine and mine only. Though, thanks to crying my nose are stuffed and my oxygen capacity reduced and highly compromised that I can't keep the kiss for long and I end up struggling to gasp for air, choking your name out and trying to break from the kiss, tugging on your shirt to knock some sense into you to let me go*

@♡ zhu zhengting ʰᵘᵐᵃⁿ /with furrowed brows, I am highly alarmed to see you in a new form of vulnerability, where tears are welling up in your eyes the longer our conversation goes, this also indicated to me that you are affected by our present and potential future. When I saw you starting to shake your head at my series of questions, my heart dropped, thinking that you were giving your answers that you are /not/ willing to go through the downs with me, merely the ups. Of course, they are all like that. To love from the sidelines, to receive only the benefits and wipe their hands before their fingernails get dirty. How naive of me to think that this time, it would be different. Even when I painstakingly find someone not within the easily influenced society. My mind being my worst enemy right now. Eyeing at you, unable to believe the actions of yours, my face went cold as I exhaled a sigh of frustration mixed with disappointment.
I see.
/keeping the response brief so as to not let my overwhelmed feelings of negativity spew, I can’t deny the feeling of a lump in my throat, my eyes darkened as I leaned away with a roll of my eyes, my jaws clenched tightly, deciding to respect your decision and step away to give you space, assuming that you’d be fearful of my current presence. However, I barely pulled away when I heard the sound of the newspaper being dropped to the ground, my clothes were tugged on by your fingers. Hearing your words and the actions that’s paired with it, I gritted my teeth, feeling both concerned for you yet angry at myself for the subsequent set of actions I’m about to do. Tilting my head up to inhale a deep breath, as my chest and throat felt constricted from the agitation, I glanced back down at you again, bringing my palms to cup your face and pushed you back against the doorframe, stepping onto the newspaper in the process. Pressing my torso against yours, I leaned in close to your lips, pausing before I connect with your lips, barely millimetres from the contact. Keeping my gaze at the shape of your lips, I let my agitation take over. Starting out harshly with an audible whisper as I spew my emotions verbally at you, with my hands firmly on your cheeks.
I hate you so much, Zhengting. You’re rejecting me again and yet,… as soon as you show me the slightest interest, my hands are all over you again.
/I squinted my eyes, continuing my sentence.
Even now, no matter how angry I am, I want to kiss you.
/it isn’t a request, as soon as I finished what I wanted to say, my lips crashed against yours, not at the right state of mind to care about your comment of being sick, heck, I’d even accept the consequences of your sickness right now. Engulfing your lips in an aggressive and impatient manner, with the intention of letting you know you’re mine, and mine alone.