Central Park

@kwon soonyoung *your laughter makes me groan in response, feigning annoyance as i twist off the cap and take a swig from the glass bottle*
i guess so… you’re stranger than most though. who lets a homeless stranger into their place? still trying to understand that one.
*muses and takes another drink, snorting when you bump my shoulder. your reassurance earns a questioning hum, but i shrug your words off, playing nonchalant again. my attention draws towards the rest of your place, slowly looking around, and not wanting to dirty your furniture, i opt to lean my weight against the wall*
so, how long am i being held captive here? and don’t tell me you have other homeless roommates walking around..

@jeon wonwoo /i happen to turn around and catch the way your entire face turns the same shade of red i was sporting mere minutes ago. unable to resist, my movements halt for a few seconds just so i could observe the starkness of color against your complexion. but then you're fixing the hood over your head, tugging the drawstrings and hiding your face. i'm laughing, the sound filling the air as i move deeper into the apartment, letting you take the bag only to take it bag after you took a bottle.
i am strange, yes! but so are you. so is everyone, honestly. we're just strange in our way.
/snags a bottle from the bag and uncaps it, leaning forward as i take a swig, playfully nudging your shoulder with a light chuckle.
neither, wonwoo. i'm not trying to gain anything out of this.

@kwon soonyoung *i’m left stunned as your lips meet my cheek for the very quick kiss. despite my prompting, i didn’t actually expect you to do it - and it’s apparent on my features. eyes wide, i simply remain quiet and follow along once tugged into the apartment. before trading my beat up sneakers for the slippers you bestowed in front of me, i pull my hood over my head and tug at the drawstrings, hiding the red tinge splayed over my face*
i guess not. you’re so strange. now, you’ve got me in your home… is this the part where you kill me? or are you trying to me?
*the blunt words roll off my tongue as i nonchalantly take the bag from your hands and pull a bottle out*

@jeon wonwoo hey don't jinx me, i have a perfect track record.
/after jingling with the key-ring to find the right key, i manage to unlock the door and nudge it open before stepping inside, where i then replace my shoes with a pair of house-slippers. i grab the extra pair and place them in front of you, intently studying your features when you bend down as a slow smile tugs at the corners of my mouth. i step closer and lean up on my toes for a brief second to press a kiss to your cheek, pulling back to eye your reaction before turning away with a light giggle, fingers curling into your sleeve to tug you further inside.
well, i don't hear the world crashing and burning, do you? now come on, these drinks aren't gonna drink themselves.

@kwon soonyoung … yet. haven’t been in a single accident /yet/.
*despite backing away so quickly, i notice the obvious flush over the apples of your cheeks. in turn, the tips of my ears burn hot in embarrassment, initially taking your reaction as a bad sign. that is, until your little remark. i scoff, lowering my head from your sight and follow behind once you head towards your apartment door*
don’t think you’d want to kiss a homeless man’s cheek. might get your lips dirty, uh, soonyoung.
*bends down just slightly with my cheek turned, patting it tauntingly*

@jeon wonwoo /the dry sarcastic reply earns a boisterous fit of laughter, leaning forward to rest my forehead against the steering wheel as a rush of humility washes over me.
i /promise/ i'm a good driver. i haven't been in a single accident.
/i stress between soft wheeze-fits of laughter, finally lifting my head to reveal the pretty pink flush of embarrassment adorning my cheeks. there was truth to that; i was a fairly good driver... that just so happened to be clumsy or forgetful at times. sometimes i even caught myself daydreaming while behind the wheel -- but that's something everyone does, right? what you say does catch me off-guard, prompting me to give pause as i look up at you, wide-eyed.
e-eh..? me? ah, y-yes-- this is where i live.
/looking as if i can't possibly comprehend being "interesting." i try not to think too much on it, reaching into the backseat to grab the bag and just as i'm about to open the door, you do it for me and -- once again -- you catch me off-guard for the second time in the span of ten seconds. i could feel the flush on my cheeks burn hotter, staring up at you in clear shock before i'm grinning, climbing out of the car with eyes twinkling.
such a gentlemen. i suppose this is the part where i kiss your cheek in thanks?
/waiting a beat just to see your reaction, a look of contentment crosses my features as i turn on my heel without another word and begin heading towards my apartment door with keys in hand, humming innocently.

@kwon soonyoung *a feigned expression of concern is displayed over my features as your list of tickets seems to never end, and when they finally do, i respond sarcastically*
oh, that’s comforting. glad i chose to ride with vin diesel.
*snorts, throwing my arms behind my head. my gaze turns towards the road, fixating on the passing lights until my head starts to hurt. after all, i had been drinking prior to your arrival and this would be my first time in a car since… well, a while. my eyelids close for a brief moment and i let out a subtle exhale, taking in the unfamiliar music before shaking my head and looking back at traffic. this isn’t a time to get comfortable*
you’re definitely interesting. i’ll give you that. i’m guessing this is your spot?
*once the car is parked, i reach back for the bag and climb out from the passenger’s side. what comes next is like second nature. before even thinking, i’m on your side, pulling your door open. the action takes me aback for a second and i step away with an awkward cough, followed by undistinguished mumble*
let’s drink

@jeon wonwoo hey, i'm a good driver, thank you very much! i only got like... two speeding tickets. and a parking ticket, but that was bull - i /paid/ that ing meter, cop watched me do it but still gave me a ticket 10 minutes later.
/grumbles off in a mini rant, full lips puffing out in a visible pout as i keep my eyes on the road, obeying the traffic lights and stops signs alike. eventually, though, i begin to pull into what looks like a small apartment complex and start searching for a free spot.
well, what can i say? i make things interesting, i guess. gotta keep you on your toes, ya know? can't let you guess my next move, that wouldn't be any fun! besides, the weird ones are always the best ones.
/i begin to wriggle a little in my seat to dance along to the song playing on the radio, fingers drumming to the beat against the steering wheel as i begin to carefully back up into a vacant spot; using the rearview mirror to navigate smoothly.

@kwon soonyoung *my eyes never leave you out of suspiciousness. your kindness must have some sort of ulterior motive, considering how frequently the homeless are taken advantage of. even so, what do i have to lose? a shrug and shake off of my thoughts is all it takes before i climb into the vehicle and shut the door*
let’s see your driving skills, kiddo.
*leans back against the seat as i listen, my eyebrow seemingly raised and stuck. it’s pretty clear that you’re an attractive person, yet those always seem to be the most insecure. i’m thrown off at the sudden mention of a whale though; placing a balled fist against my mouth to refrain from laughing in disbelief*
man, i wouldn’t be surprised if you did scare him. weird as hell.

@jeon wonwoo what'd i say to him? oh i just worked my charm and flirted my way into buying us the drinks.
/chimes cheekily, still lightly skipping back to my car. when i turn and see you following, i'm elated but try not to show it too much, worried i might accidentally cause you to change your mind. i plop down into the drivers seat, shifting to place the bag of alcohol in the backseat before turning the vehicle on.
kidding, i'm horrendously ugly. i told him in vivid detail what a humpback whale's looks like and watched him turn all shades of red before he let me buy the alcohol.
/the grin i'm wearing is the biggest, eating grin i've ever worn. i look /absolutely/ satisfied with myself while maneuvering the car out of the parking lot and onto the road, laughing the entire time.
poor guy, i think i scarred him--

@kwon soonyoung *the flick to my forehead has my eyes narrowed, accompanied by another eye roll*
this kid… what’s a killer supposed to look like? don’t judge a book by it’s cover.
*grumbling about how stubborn you are, i take a seat against the ledge of the store front and shake my head in disapproval as you disappear*
maybe i should be the one worried. gonna get murdered by this little gremlin… it.
*as you work your magic on the cashier, i can’t help but take a curious peek, nearly stumbling from my own weight. i witnessed the whole encounter, from the way the man looked so stern at first to the change in his demeanor entirely. it was impressive, almost*
…so what’d you say to him?
*asks as you make your way back, unable to hide my interest. i cast a glance in the direction of your vehicle, yawning, and leisurely walk over to the passenger’s side*

@jeon wonwoo /your response has me tilting my head, curiously so, scanning you head to toe as i purse my lips thoughtfully.
you sure you doin' alright, wonwoo?
/as you lean against me i could smell the clear stench of stale booze and body odor, yet i don't recoil away and instead leans closer to match your energy. the grin i wore broadens as i reach up to playfully flick your forehead, emitting an airy giggle while making my way towards the store entrance.
oh you can bark all you want, tough guy, you're gonna need a lot more than words to scare me off. besides, you don't look like a killer to me.
/i send a playful wink your way before heading in, sauntering over to the alcohol to pick out certain flavors. when i go up to the counter, the clerk seems rather reluctant to sell me the drinks. i could be seen leaning against the counter conversing with him and whatever tactic i used ends with his cheeks being red as i leave the store triumphantly, bag in hand as i raise it victoriously.
i got the driiiiiiinks! alright let's go.
/youthfully energetic as always, i gesture for you to follow as i head to my car, practically bouncing on my heels.

@kwon soonyoung oh yeah? what’s so great about life anyways?
*grumbles, propping a forearm against the doorframe before leaning my weight into it. the cashier is scoffing as he leans forward to look at me, but i don’t care*
crash at your place?
*my interest is displayed through a raised brow and i lean into you, threateningly. the stench of alcohol practically radiates off of my body, let alone my breath*
why would you want that? shouldn’t you be scared? “homeless man robs and kills innocent civilian that bought him booze”
*scoffs again, head shaking*
your choice. it. free alcohol

@jeon wonwoo yeah, well i beg to differ. and i'm happy because i don't have a reason not to be! i'm still alive, aren't i?
/the infectious grin never seems to leave my features regardless of what you throw at me. i'm following along close to your side, happy go lucky, peering into the store curiously before turning to you.
alright, i have a compromise for you, wonwoo! i will buy you as much drinks as you'd like, i'll even drink with you, but in exchange, i want you to come crash at my place for the time being. sound like a deal?

@kwon soonyoung *my unsteady gaze briefly flits over your individual features, particularly noting your cheery smile before scoffing with an incredulous chuckle, eyes rolling*
i’m safe anywhere i go. why are you so happy… soonyoung?
*my head nods to the side, gesturing for you to follow suit as i make my way to the front of the store*
i’ll wait out here. they kicked me out for “loitering” earlier. can you believe it? dickwads.

@jeon wonwoo /the nickname immediately confirms that it is indeed you and i huff out a laugh as i approach you; my figure blocking the loud headlights for a few seconds. i take notice of your appearance but don't comment on it despite becoming rather worried.
let's get you somewhere more safe, yeah? oh! and my name is soonyoung, actually!
/introduces myself with a bright smile, eyes crinkling as my cheeks bunch up.

@kwon soonyoung *stumbling around the parking lot with a near empty can of beer, its only once my name is called that i glance up. i groan in complaint when my entire visage is met with blinding headlights, and i bring a ripped sleeve over my forehead whilst approaching* what? , that you?

@jeon wonwoo /i'm not at all sure where i'm going based off of the vague directions you gave me, frowning to myself while trying to navigate the city, turning down all sorts of streets trying to find the gas station you were at. i happen to see one that sort of fits the description and pull into the parking lot, easing to a stop then grabbing my phone to send you a message in the chatroom letting you know i had arrived. i then get out of the car to begin looking around.
uh-- wonwoo? gosh i hope i found the right area--

@choi san /you can't see it due to the helmet but i look rather amused by your words, shaking my head a little at the way you laugh. jesus you were wasted. i'm chuckling softly at the antics and playfully flick the helmet visor before moving to throw a leg over the bike.
alright, /mate/, hop on. and hush, i'm not that cool. i just own a bike.
/i say with a clear laugh, waiting patiently for you to get settled behind me. once you do so, i reach back to pat your arm.
make sure to hold on to me tight, alright? reeeally don't want you fallin' off and getting hurt.

@pocket sized baby tiny pup pup bong rip… nice. i will have to try that one day too.
*unable to help myself, my expression contorts into silly faces while you adjust the helmet on my head, alcohol drenched laughter pouring from my lips*
i haven’t been on a bike before. i’m so excited. you’re the coolest friend ever— wow! i’ll listen, i promiseee… mate.

@choi san /seeing you smile does bring some relief anf i stand up straight, helpkng you to your feet before rethurning the huh with an aory laugh. i give your back a few gentle pats before i pull away to give you a funny look, amused but also a little confused.
ya kmow you also caught me after a bong rip so even i cant remember what that's called. but thanks! haha-- anyways, first things first: safety. you will use my spare helmet.
/i take it out from my bag and walk over to put it on you, adjusting the chin strap so that it wasn't too tight or loose. i then gently take your arm to offer my support as we male our way to my bike.
thanks, mate! my first bike, actually. she's been runnin' a while. have you been on a bike before? i'll show you where to tuck your feet but you need to make sure you hang on to me tight okay? i won't go too fast, i promise, but let me know if it becomes too much for you okay? my apartment is a few blocks over. just 7 minutes away.

@pocket sized baby tiny pup pup *upon the sound of your voice, i peek an eye open and offer a big, toothy smile. it’s a chore to sit up, but i manage and immediately pull you in for a big embrace*
chris! you should be one of those researchers that, uhhh, finds stuff. i can’t think of the word. but the ones that find things that “could never be found”. you’re so smart.
*with a deep sigh, i push myself onto my feet and nearly trip on the way up*
haha, oops… whoa! sick ride!

@choi san ( going for 1st bcus mobile and i need my sanity lmal djfkfkfk also sorry for typos )

/whatever exhaustion i felt earlier had been wiped the second i found out you were drunk, alone a park bench and perfectly content on staying there. my mind wouldn't be able to rest without doing something so i hopped on my bike and sped off, extra helmet in bag. i would check the chat for progress until finally seeing your location drop, setting google maps tl track i with sojnd on. i let it bring me to you and once i spot your figure, i park my bike, hop off ans rush over to gently shaks your shoulder with one hand, lifting the visor of my helmet to. reveal my ehes.
san? hey, it's me, chris. clme on, we're gonna hop on my bike for a bit.

( posting this here as well bc i realized i hadn't included chris actually s a y i n g hello to san and felix im so sorry pls pretend he does T ^ T )

/as im walking up, my eyes travel over between renjun and then chan, instantly beaming and waving excitedly to the both of them, only to peer over to san as he's panting
hi guys! oh-- a whole puppy? you're such a cool person, san. why dont you take a second to breathe? no one's going anywhere !
/laughs softly, then reaching out to gently pat san on the back, shaking hands but giving chris's arm a little squeeze lingering closer to him for familiarity

i think the only person who /has/ seen it would be felix. you're more than welcome to take a look at it if you would like, by the way. good to meet you in person, renj.
/i can't help but grin gleefully as i approach him, setting the helmet down, giving the other a playful shoulder bump. i then spot felix and san arriving almost at the same time, waving enthusiastically at them with a bright grin.

*beads of sweat drip from the strands laid against my forehead as i run over, breath heavy with a sheepish smile splayed over my features* ha.. hi guys. i’m sorry i’m so *pausing, the back of my hand swipes across my face* … late. i got a little lost, happened upon a wandering puppy so of course i couldn’t leave it to fend for itself.. anyways, it’s reunited with it’s rightful owner— who is a good person (i think); don’t worry. i mapped my way here, ran a little, aaand here we are. it’s so nice to see you all in person! *the late realization hits me and i offer a courtesy bow, awkwardly laughing before taking everyone’s hands with a small shake* choi san.

/just a teeny bit late, i make my way up to the park, rising up on my tiptoes to look around for a familiar face, grinning widely and rushing off in the direction, nearly tripping over my feet as i stumble up to the others
hi! i swear im here, am i too late?

/sitting in an area unoccupied by people so it’d be easier for us to find each other, I greet Chris with a wave and gesture to the bike in the distance.
I don’t think I’ve ever gotten the chance to see your bike man

/after pulling to a complete stop and turning off my bike, i undo the clamp and take the helmet off, looking around the park while getting to my feet. spotting the exact group i'm here to meet, i grin a little to myself and begin jogging over, lifting a hand over my head to wave.
greetings, everyone! uh- i'm chris, it's great to see all of you outside of the chatroom!