➴ beach。

@maria yemelyanova. ⁿᵒᵛᵃ breath. 1... 2.... 3.... Jisung kept trying to remind himself that everything would be okay, and that it was all for a school project, his work, but nothing seemed to be working. He could feel himself starting to sweat from the anxiety (the summer heat wasn't helping much) and his leg started bouncing nervously. Hands twiddling the phone around in his hand to keep his mind somewhat distracted.

However, that didn't turn out too well for him in the end. He had got so caught up in his head that he hadn't realized that the one he had planned to meet was approaching him. Her voice startling him back to reality and causing him to jump just a bit and his heart rate to spike up just a bit, causing the smart watch on his wrist to buzz a warning. He put his hand on his chest, to quickly calm himself, he wasn't even sure of the words that the other was saying they have gone in one ear and out the other as a ringing sound, though he could tell she looked somewhat apologetic.

"It's okay! I'm fine." His words were hurried and he scooped the bag he had set next to him and stood up shakily from his spot, and just from the movement himself, he could tell that he certainly did not look fine. "I just-- I just didn't expect so many people to be here is all." He stuttered out his words trying to speak as clearly as he could in his panic state so she'd be able to understand him, giving her a forced smile.

@han jisung. usually, maria is ALWAYS on time, she never missed an appointment, no matter for what reason, whether it's for school purposes, socializing purposes, recreational etc. she always made sure to get there at least five minutes before the allotted time that was given. however, this weekend was working against the young woman as she rummaged around the streets, trying her best to find an uber that would take her to the south side of the city, towards the murky shores of the salted beach beds. she felt a sense of peace washing over her as she reached closer. it's a long stretch - a lengthy drive and the woman had to pay double the amount to be dropped off direct. not that she minded one bit.

since she came from russia, her father and mother wasn't keen on allowing the 21 year old to drive her own vehicle just yet. even with her license in tact, she didn't know the streets of seoul that well, she could get lost, or worse yet, be in an accident and hurt herself. she was sheltered and blanketed, protected greatly by her family. she was a bit too soft and precious to them that they didn't wish for her to grow up - but it was suffocating to maria no less. she wanted to become independent, be someone that matters, work and strive and live her own life. emancipating herself away from her parents clutches. they are just too over-protective, wanting things that she didn't want.

alas, when she gets out, paying the cab, she tried to not be dwelling in such a negative mindset - wanting to at least greet the senior with a pleasant smile and positive vibes - after all, body language is a hell of a thing and it could make or break you. as she searched the area, the ding on her phone signaled that she got a text from the male that's waiting for her no less. she was a bit nervous, hand clammy as she holds the device, a few sweat droplets cascading down her features and neck - cheeks rosy with a pink hue from the summer's heat. something she's not used to while being in russia after all, it's far too cold there.

finally, her feet took her towards the bench, an apology already slipping past her tongue as she approached han jisung with a solemn look - hand still full of a bag with cold drinks and snacks for the two to enjoy with the food he brought. "i am so so so sorry, i am usually never this late and i -" maria pauses in her ramblings, looking at jisung once and glancing around and back at the male who seems a bit distressed, a knowing, yet sad smile playing on her features. "are you okay?"

@maria yemelyanova. ⁿᵒᵛᵃ It was Jisung's idea to have the outing together when the two were paired up for a school project, as his partner wasn't very good at Korean, and he wasn't the best at English. Of course, he could hold a simple conversation but when it came to anything that's importantly needed for the project, he struggled a lot. Jisung was a patient guy and had a lot of perseverance so he was sure that doing the project with Maria wouldn't be that bad, and they would somehow find a way to make it work, however, with the time alotted Jisung had suggested that the two have a friendly outing to get to know each other better.

You see, in his mind, it was the perfect way to be able to understand someone better, if you got to know their mannerisms and their way of speaking of course it would be easier to understand the other. Jisung had a very clear mind in set when he had made the arrangements for the two to hang out at the beach. He took an Uber on the way, the male not very fond of driving himself, before waiting on an empty bench, a sack of food that he had just ordered next to him.

Pulling his phone out, he could feel his hands start to get clammy at just the thought of meeting another person. This was going beyond just his work so he didn't have that blanket of protection over him, he felt a bit more vulnerable. He glanced around the area of the beach, trying to find his partner, but with the much more expected bodies there he couldn't make anyone out. So he sent her a text.

to: maria [project partner]
- hey! i just wanted to let you know i'm here. i'm on a bench that is kinda off on its own! ^^;