⇸ onirique

@◦ l. chittaphon ᵗᵉⁿ.⁹⁶ "hello..." younghoon enters the beauty salon in small, timid steps, his little poodle on one hand and his takeout coffee with the other. clean, refined, and sculpted to absolute professionalism - the younger didn't expect any less from ten and the mastery that is his mind, nevertheless, onirique was most definitely a sight to see. he eventually locks gazes with the lady behind the main counter, who he could only assume was "minnie," and greets with a small bow. younghoon watches as she eyes him - a second of familiarity, a second of confusion, followed then by interest. he's interrogated a little, why he was at the salon when he already obviously had his makeup and hair done prior, why he was looking for ten, who he was to ten... the younger was thankful that being an idol for 4 years has trained him enough to answer with the right amount of evasion. minnie lets him pass eventually, leaving him feeling like he went just through a boss fight. bori was quickly growing restless, wiggling about in his arms as he knocks at the door to the older male's office. "bun- ah, bori." younghoon laughs soft as he'd give in and crouch down, letting the poodle hop off of his arms and into the office, quickly circling around ten's legs as he sat by his desk. "sorry it took a while, the line was a long." his little excuse sounded distant even to himself as he approached the older male, as breathtaking as he's always ever been, before leaning down then to press a kiss to the crown of his head

@◦ l. chittaphon ᵗᵉⁿ.⁹⁶ () gonna make it short for now if that’s okay

Chanwoo got dressed and ready to go after asking ten to accompany him to get some food. The younger male wasn’t in the best of moods and needed some company, so he was glad Tem had also wanted to grab some food. Upon pulling into the salon Chanwoo stayed in the car remembering that the other was closing and shot him a text.

- Hey ! I’m here you can come out when your done

@◦ l. chittaphon ᵗᵉⁿ.⁹⁶ "Well.. if I don't try to be quiet, some noises may slip from my mouth.." Soobin meant to keep this to himself but it was like he was compelled to tell the truth, his eyes going slightly wide at the slip up. He was getting slopper as the minutes went by having Ten so close, his outfit so pleasing to the eyes the taller one wanted to run his digits along the fabric and along his curves. Thoughts were straying from simple observations so he decided to briefly close his eyes while Ten spoke of what he thought was best for him. "Ah sure, I'm still not familiar with terms used at salons so I trust your hand.." Soobin would have said more but he noticed the way Ten continued to play with his hair far longer than he thought hair stylists needed to. It caused him to smirk knowing he wasn't the only one thinking about the person in front of them, opening his eyes to meet similar colored ones that were deep in thought. "Is something the matter?" Of course there was but he still wanted to hear the dreamy man defend himself.

@◦ c. soobin ᵐᵒᵒⁿʰᵃˡᵒ The way Chittaphon smiled as he listened to the client in his chair had his imagination soar. All the opportunities that were laid out in front of him. But it was that awe-struck look the man seemed to have that had the stylist in a state of both curiosity and amusement. Was it normal for some clients to come in and see Chittaphon only to be in wonderment by him? Yes. However, the look on the younger man’s face and even his rather acquiescent demeanour only seemed to pique the man’s interest further than before. With the hustle and bustle of the salon as each stylist had their client to take care of and mind, the owner himself found this situation a bit more alluring than he should with the way the young man looked at him and how he spoke in regards to the question that had been asked. “Now Angel, there is no need to be quiet. I want to speak with you.” Chittaphon’s words seemed to be dripping with honey as he released the man’s chin from his touch to retrieve the scissors from his back pocket. “But I may do something a bit different than what those other stylists were doing, a trim and subtle layering would look lovely… and we still get to keep the length, but it won’t be hiding those pretty eyes of yours. How does that sound? Do you trust me?” Perhaps it was the way the other man looked sitting there in front of him. How he was once so nervous and now he appeared to have a different look than before. It was a look that even the man standing couldn’t quite pinpoint, but it made a soft smile appear on his lips as if he knew what the man was thinking. “I promise to enhance that beautiful hair of yours.” He spoke once again as his fingers seemed to effortlessly comb through those soft locks the man possessed almost like he was entranced by his hair, or perhaps by the fact the man who seems to seamlessly flirt with Chittaphon over the app they originally spoke on was in his chair, seemingly less confident than he presented and that alone drew into the man’s curiosity.

@◦ l. chittaphon ᵗᵉⁿ.⁹⁶ There was definitely something about the way Ten was guiding him to his station and individual chair, wondering if he was overthinking it but the other man had this aura of a hunter dancing around their prey despite this being their first physical interaction. Soobin recognized this gut feeling as those not so innocent messages kept replaying in his mind making him crave more and more unknowingly. His slender fingers curled around the arm holders while Ten did his routine, and yet even that had Soobin's cheeks reddening and heart pounding wildly. Was the word he was looking for 'sensual'? He wasn't even aware of how his body was reacting from all the distracting thoughts running through his head until Ten started whispering in his ear, Soobin shuddering on the spot. "U-Um.. I'm not sure.. I haven't changed much of my looks since my school days. When I do visit a salon, whoever takes care of me keeps the same shape for convenience instead of me guessing at what I want.." It sort of felt like deja vu with how his chin was being lifted, as he had imagined a scenario like this every time Ten mentioned wanting to run his fingers through Soobin's soft locks and how he knew he would be looking at the handsome salon owner. There it was. The same old weakness in the knees he had been feeling this entire time, closing his eyes briefly to then lean into Ten's intoxicating touch. Not thinking at all with his following words. "..me. Do what you would like with me. I'll keep quiet." Soobin slowly reopened his coffee brown eyes with a hazy look pointed at no one other than Ten, what was previously a look of nervousness overtaken by something very raw, very human.

@◦ c. soobin ᵐᵒᵒⁿʰᵃˡᵒ It was the twinkle of amusement in Chittaphon’s eyes that had him captured in the sight of the seemingly nervous man. How could he have such a bold and confident demeanour over the screen of a phone, but was so seemingly innocent now? It was more than amusing, it was thrilling to see a man react this way toward him. Chittaphon was not a stranger to people and their comments both positive as well as negative. However, he was not used to being looked at in this manner. The way this tall, tree of a man looked at him as Chittaphon held his hand caused the shorter man to smile. Nervous or anxious feelings are there to protect a person, yet all they are asking someone to do is check for traffic before crossing the road. It's a protective mechanism, traffic lights that turn green once they have done their due diligence. Perhaps that was the emotion he was feeling, nervous. He was nervous for himself, nervous about his potential behaviour. “Hm.” The Thai man hummed for a moment before a smile radiated on his lips. How his pearly whites seemed to show as he found his voice. “ I’ll see what I can do, Angel.” Those words were laced with a dangerous combination of both simple kindnesses for professionalism and mild flirtation. It was subtle but it was there which seemed to be reinforced by the gentle squeeze of the man’s hand before he was guided to Chittaphon’s station. The sound of soft music now fell into ear reach as they entered the area where the magic happened.

The way shorter man guided the other to take a seat before slowly releasing his hand from his hold. “Shall we begin?” Those innocent words followed after the man removed his blazer to completely expose his white blouse. How he effortlessly tossed it on a free chair, Chittaphon was in his environment. This was his domain and that was almost painfully obvious by the way he grabbed the silk white cape. The way he stepped behind the seated man and wrapped it around the front of his body before clipping the buttons behind his neck all seemed harmless. But it was how he leaned down and whispered in his ear that where Chittaphon found himself slipping in his professionalism. “It seems to be near me is having you doing more than just swaying… Don’t be so nervous, angel. I’ll keep my touches harmless. But do tell me, what layer is this I’m seeing?” It was the innocent laughter that vibrated in his throat that caused him to soon retract and walk around the chair to grab his haircutting scissors. Seamlessly he placed them in his back pocket followed by his right hand reaching to touch the man’s chin to guide it to tilt upward in order for the stylist to look at his face. “So what is it you want, Angel? A trim? I would hate to see these beautiful locks go so soon after seeing them up close.” The digits from his left hand already combing through the man’s hair to move it away from his adorable face. “Tell me, what am I doing to you.”

@◦ l. chittaphon ᵗᵉⁿ.⁹⁶ It was only a 10 maybe 12 minute drive to the others salon from his apartment. Upon pulling into the parking lot Chanwoo knew what the message from the other would say, but read it anyway. He let out a small chuckle before responding with a simple 'here' text. It was habit for him, despite knowing that the other could have had a chance seen him pulling into the place. Chanwoo got out of his car, and cautiously walked inside the building. "Sorry, I'm late." It was his first line upon entrance.
Looking around the building, Chanwoo was a bit in awe with how everthing looked, it was a well taken care of salon, and Chanwoo began to wonder why he had never been here before. Though he didn't know Ten long, he was proud of his friend for being able to have such a well designed business. "So what do I have to do to make it up to you?"

@◦ l. chittaphon ᵗᵉⁿ.⁹⁶ He was very concentrated on the cute squirrels outside playing tag with one another, the way the white clouds moved in slow motion, and the increasing pulse in his chest. So yes, Soobin didn't notice his online name being called out and even less that the guy he hadn't stopped thinking about walking towards him. To say he felt an electric shock was an understatement at the sudden hand to hand contact, turning his head to have his breathe catch in his throat. Soobin knew who he was looking at but he still couldn't help stuttering out his name, "T-Ten?" His two braincells weren't helping at all as he absent-mindedly followed the tug of their joined hands, standing a few breathes away from Ten. "Um.. I'm here for a haircut. Trusting your hands to help me look good. I haven't done much with my hair since the pandemic started and due to me working from home." Soobin returned a shy smile, his eyes taking in every inch of the guy in front of him and not at all being subtle about it. He hasn't experienced something like this at all. There was this sudden glow around the handsome salon owner and the way his knees got wobbly trying to act calm and collected. Now he definitely understood those who would say 'I would risk it all for this person'. Those are the kinds of comments he often got when he streamed by never minded them, Soobin just thought they were flattering him in the way fans do supporting their favorite content creator. Although this situation is entirely different from that. The risk here was letting his imaginations run wild and in front of the reason for it all.

@◦ c. soobin ᵐᵒᵒⁿʰᵃˡᵒ The early morning comes as an invitation to become the agents of a new dreamland reality. In the early morning, daylight unwraps the hues of the world. Under a dove-grey sky, the colours of the world don their winter coats, each hue darker and richer than before. The path sparkles and crunches, like sugar underfoot, and the coolness brings Chittaphon right into the now, into the moment of life. Though the flowers sleep and the trees show their lofty arms once more, a smile plays upon his cold lips as the crack of his mint-flavoured vape could be heard as he walked his way toward his salon. It seemed the world kept spinning, no matter what life threw anyone’s way. No matter the circumstances, the world stopped for no one, and in a way, that in itself was poetic.

In the early hours of the day, onirique was quite steady in regards to customers. As the stylists worked tirelessly to please all the customers who entered the place Chittaphon referred to as, his kingdom. Simply walking into it, the cottage core aesthetics was like entering a fantasy realm away from the business of the outside world. How the lounge remained a fair distance away from the stations of the stylists to ensure a peaceful atmosphere as all clients waiting could experience. The area was personally designed and picked out by Chittaphon just like everything else in this ‘fantasyland’. From the selection of tea at the tea bar to the vegan/cruelty-free products they used. He was the king of this dominion who adored the place from the floors to the forestry-covered ceiling and every part of creation within, and all who entered.

The slightly chill air from the ventilation system seemed to caress over his face as he walked out of his office the moment the receptionist came calling for him. His black locks barely caressing his shoulders, his seemingly flawless skin, and his natural-looking flushed cheeks were all the product of a touch of rouge, concealer, and a touch of tinted moisturiser. All while he fashioned his beige slacks and white blouse that was securely wrapped under his matching blazer. The espresso-coloured coat he had worn arriving at his home away from home remained in his office for a like of purpose in his temperature-controlled salon. The tapping of his Oxford loafers that matched his absent coat perfectly could be heard as he began his walk toward the lounge. Moonhalo or moon angel as ten ended up addressing him as his one official client that day and although he didn’t and wouldn’t admit it, he had found himself pondering on what he looked like in the flesh. Probably no more than five feet tall and perhaps nine, maybe ten inches? But it was the moment ten saw the man sitting toward the window that he couldn’t be more wrong. Always the tall ones, he has to attract the tall ones, a type he didn’t realise he had until recently which always left the seemingly confident man a bit self-conscious by his average height and stature.

“Moon angel.” The newly given name effortlessly left the Thai man’s lips as he stood near the walkway that would lead to the stations of the stylist. And there he stood, waiting. Was he not loud enough? Or was the man too distracted to notice the person he had left in a bit of mental disarray through a simple text? No matter, with a shake of his head at his receptionist who was two moments away from calling the client's actual name, Chittaphon began walking toward the seated man before reaching to take one of his clenched hands. His thumb already caressing the back of it as the owner of this establishment looked down at Soobin before speaking in his naturally calm, polite voice. “Angel, I’m ready for you. Come.” He smiled as he gestured for the man to stand, he brought his hand closer to persuade him a bit further.

@◦ j. chanwoo ʲᶜʰᵃⁿ_ʷᵒᵒ Message from @ten.96 to @jchan_woo
— You will make it up to me /when/ you are late you mean. So mean, and to your friend who is nothing but kind and sweet toward you. :’( I may cry now.

And with the end of the text, Chittaphon couldn’t help but smile a bit at the banter that he shared with his newly found friend. Who would have known that he would make friends so quickly on a app he joined to find romance. The world worked in mysterious ways, doesn’t it? But as he waited, his former spinning in his chair now growing more and more boring by the moment, he decided he should get everything prepared for his first and only ‘client’ of the day. And that was exactly what happened. Within minutes his station was ready for whatever desire chanwoo wanted for his hair.

@◦ l. chittaphon ᵗᵉⁿ.⁹⁶ One would think going to the hair salon would be a very normal errand to do but not today, not for Soobin who booked an appointment with none other than the owner of the place. He had simply wanted a trim, nothing more like any other occasion, yet it would no longer be the case after talking with Ten through the app that gets singles to mingle and socialize. They hit it off quite well. So well that a chemistry had formed which Soobin was not expecting and causing his current nervous state as he waited in the lounge to be called over. The words exchanged previously (and currently being replayed in his head) had his ears burning, nails digging into palms, and an interesting look on his face as he stole glances at passing employees or customers. Soobin turned to face towards the window that was by his side wanting to get distracted so badly. What did he stumble upon trying to befriend others? He really wasn't sure but welcomed the idea of meeting Ten physically in person.

@◦ l. chittaphon ᵗᵉⁿ.⁹⁶ Having checked himself in the mirror one more time before getting ready to leave his apartment, his phone sliding into his pocket, he grabbed his keys and left the apartment. Having lived three floors up, Chanwoo gave a half jog down the stairs, his legs being to long to walk a normal pace down them. It was about the time that he had gotten to his car that he heard his phone chime with a notification from his app.

A reply from Ten. Chanwoo couldn't help but roll his eyes at the other response, the corner of his lips tugging into a small smile as he shook his head.

Message to @ten.96 from @jchan_woo
— That's a max time limit, you're salon is really close to my apartment actually, if it wasn't so cold, I would walk. If I'm late I will make it up to you. I'm not cruel :rollingeyes:

Chanwoo started his car put the address of the salon in his phone, and set it down, he knew it was close but having never been there before, the male didn't want to get lost, and decided to play some music to not be sitting in silence for the small amount of time he would be in the car. He had put the car in drive and began following the directions the gps gave him

@◦ j. chanwoo ʲᶜʰᵃⁿ_ʷᵒᵒ The smell of the freshly waxed floors and the Lemon scent of floor cleaner brought the man an immense sense of comfort as he flicked the light switch on. The bright lights illuminated his palace of beauty and perfection. The way he heard the clicks of his shoes as they hit the floor and the way the door chimes as it shut once the man had entered the sanctuary of warmth that was his salon. His pride and joy, are the fruit of his labour and hard work. It was almost something that man loved to do when he entered his second home, he loved to wander around it as if he was new to the space once again.

In the quiet moment, when all the world is put on pause, when Chittaphon was so very lucky to see right into this world, his world. He had a wordless definition of joy and it was this. and in this peace he found himself taking a seat in his chair near his station. The coffee and pastries remained in the bag as he spun in his chair. The way his kids shielded his eyes from the lights and how he felt the cool breeze from his spinning, allowed his mind to rest at the moment, to savour the feeling of being alone in his salon.

Soon that was disrupted by a message from his app and lo and behold it was Chanwoo. The text alone caused him to chuckle quietly to himself as he looked at the time and saw it was five minutes before eleven and he would definitely have to give the other a hard time for being late.

Message to @jchan_woo from @ten.96
— You’re gonna be late, and on our first meeting too. How cruel can you be Chanwoo? :(

@◦ l. chittaphon ᵗᵉⁿ.⁹⁶ The early morning rays of the sun hit Chanwoo's face awaking him to the soft humming of his fan. Finding his way out of the bed, Chanwoo rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. The male had never been one to get a proper amount of sleep, but the male had been used to it by now. Chanwoo had plans for the day that honestly made him a bit slightly nervous. The male had met plenty of people online by now, but most of them were only for business encounters, and since developing the app he had found himself with more opportunities to get to meet others in person for more than just work.

Getting ready in the morning Chanwoo did the basics, despite doing his hair, he had just combed it through after the shower. He wanted to leave his hair natural for the one he was meeting to do whatever he wanted with. Chanwoo wasn't sure what he was going to do, but felt that he could trust the skills of the other male. Chanwoo had got dressed, sporting black pants, a white button up and a black jacket over it all to keep warm from the cold of winter. Once he was ready, the male pulled out his phone to send a message.

message from @jchan_woo to @ten.96
Hey, just wanted to let you know I'm on my way, should be there in 20 mins!

@◦ j. chanwoo ʲᶜʰᵃⁿ_ʷᵒᵒ The winter is such crystalline joy, those brilliant rays show the uniqueness of every snowflake. It is the time of puddles that become transient skating rinks. It is the time when the sunniest of days are warm even when chittaphon can see his breath rise as neat and pure vapour. It is the days of quiet poetry forming in the man’s soul as if it calls to the spring flowers that will soon blossom. The sunshine and cold, the sparkle and the ice, somehow warm even when the north wind bites. These chilly winter mornings always had the Thai man rushing toward the door of his closed salon with coffee and pastries in one hand and his keys shaking from his trembling cold fingers. He was early, no surprise. The way he had gotten up early in order to dress himself finely was a habit of his even when his night was more or less restless. The way his black, shoulder-length hair was perfectly coiffed and the matching black pantsuit he wore with a cream-coloured blouse underneath with his black loafers had him looking flawless. Was it lying? The way he hid his dark circles under concealer and tinted moisturiser? The way he used clear mascara to make his lashes a bit more defined and how his rouge was both used for the naturally flushed look and to colour his lips a healthy pink… was that lying? That was always the question that left the man pondering.