‣ staff room

@☘︎┊nie leo ᵃ [ Using this temporarily until we have an actual IT room ]

Hyunjung knew how hard the coming days would be even before waking that day. She had felt it before going to bed even, that familiar feeling deep in her gut. And sure enough it came. The heat. The hunger. It was as if every sense had been dialled to eleven at the same time. In the almost 30 years she had lived she had hoped to fully get used to it, yet it came as a shock to the system every month.

But such was life. At least no one could say she did not do what she had to do to keep it in check. Normally it just meant dressing lighter, favouring more exposing clothing to let her skin breathe. That and heavy focus on anything that was not her urges. This time she had been more clever though.

There had been little about the message she had posted about one on one lessons for cable management that had been subtle. Or at least she did not consider it subtle. And the replies she had gotten had seemed to read past the obfuscation to the true meaning beneath. She was in heat. And if anyone needed an outlet for similar experiences she had set off time to help them deal with it. She would argue it was the civil thing to do as a Lan. But it was entirely selfish.

One such lesson had been scheduled for today. When the handsome facility manager was to show his face she had left in his hands, though the regret of that had started to build. The unforeseen consequences of having planned such an event had set her heat in overdrive, leaving the omega squirming in her chair as she tried to focus on her actual work.

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ Soohyuk hummed and gave a small nod, confirming her question. “Yes, a week off.” he repeated, his tone casual as he leaned back in his chair. He rolled his eyes slightly at her dramatic response, knowing full well she was just teasing. “Please, as if you couldn’t fend for yourself before I even showed up.” He shook his head, his lips curling into a smirk. “Glad you understand I need the rest. Especially from you.” he added with a playful edge, his tone laced with mock exasperation.

As she rambled on about her so-called plans for his absence, Soohyuk quirked a brow in amusement, letting her finish without interruption. Her wild ideas barely phased him, and he simply shrugged, clearly unbothered. When she mentioned spamming his phone, he let out a low chuckle, his grin widening. “Spam me all you want,” he replied, his voice calm and unruffled. “My phone will be off anyway.” The innocent smile he gave her only added fuel to the teasing. He started swiveling his chair absentmindedly, the habit making his amusement seem all the more nonchalant. “I’ll see you when I get back, yeah?” he said, chuckling softly as he threw the line in just to a bit more.

And as if signaling that his week off was truly about to begin, Soohyuk leaned forward and opened his desk drawer. His movements were unhurried, almost casual, as he started gathering his favorite reading materials. A well worn paperback or two made their way onto the small pile he was assembling, including novels with cracked spines and dog-eared pages that spoke of repeated reads.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ Hinata blinked at him, her hand pausing mid-reach for another sip of her strawberry milk. "A week off?" she repeated, tilting her head as she set the glass down. Her eyes narrowed slightly, though a teasing glint shone in them. "You're just going to leave me here to fend for myself? Who's supposed to deal with your random pop ins and unsolicited life advice?"

Despite her mock indignation, a small smile tugged at her lips as she leaned back in her seat, loosely crossing her arms. "But I guess you deserve a break after all the work you've done." Her voice softened slightly, a note of concern slipping through her playful tone.

She reached for a piece of mochi, popping it into thoughtfully. After a moment, she glanced back at him with a mischievous smile. "While you're off vacationing, maybe I'll sneak into your office and reorganize everything. Or better yet, I'll take over and start charging people for consultations on 'Hinata's Way of Seeing Things.'" She made a sweeping gesture with her hand, as if envisioning her imaginary empire, before letting out a soft giggle.

"Actually, scratch that. I'll just spam your phone instead," she added with a sly grin. "Morning, noon, night— every hour on the dot. Photos, random questions, terrible jokes— you name it. By the end of the week, you'll wish you'd never told me you were going."

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ "Mm. Just stick to what makes you comfortable and confident." he replied with a nod, taking another bite of the mochi. "As long as your presentation is clear and informative, that's what really matters." He offered her a reassuring look, understanding that everyone has their own style and approach to things. Finishing the last piece of mochi, he dusted his hands lightly and leaned back in his chair. "As for that guy? Maybe he just likes the attention." he mused with a faint chuckle. "It doesn’t mean everyone else’s presentation is bad. To each their own, right?" He gave her a casual shrug before swiveling his chair slightly from side to side.

At her question, he tilted his head thoughtfully, his lips curving into a small smile. "Oh, nothing too exciting. Just the usual wandering around campus looking for something to do, catching up on letters to my pen pals, and, well, getting some good rest this morning." He paused, his expression softening as he added, "Wasn’t feeling great earlier, but I’m all good now." He ended with a hum and slight nod of his head.

"Actually, I might take a week off for a vacation next week." he mentioned casually, glancing her way. A playful smile tugged at his lips as he added, "Try not to miss me too much while I’m gone, alright?" He said, tone light and teasing. He grabbed another piece of mochi and popped it into his mouth whole this time, chewing on it quite enjoyably.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ Hinata's lips curved into a small, sheepish smile as she fiddled with the straw of her strawberry milk, her cheeks warming slightly under his gaze. "Well, my presentation is due next week," she admitted, letting out a soft sigh as she placed the drink back on the table. "I was thinking of keeping it simple, y'know? Just a straightforward explanation with some visuals. No theatrics or props," she added with a quiet laugh, her eyes flicking up to meet his. "I don't think I could pull off anything like that guy did. The whole room would probably burst out laughing... and not in a good way."

She hesitated for a moment, her gaze drifting to the bag of mochi he'd slid toward her. Tentatively, she reached out and plucked a piece, holding it up between her fingers as if inspecting it. "But honestly, I kind of admire him for having the guts to do something so bold. It's not easy to stand out like that and risk looking silly in front of everyone. Takes confidence— or maybe just a little recklessness," she mused, popping the mochi into and chewing thoughtfully.

After swallowing, she rested her chin on her palm, her expression softening. "But enough about me. What about you? What have you been up to all this time?" Her eyes glimmered with playful curiosity, a teasing smile tugging at her lips as she reached for another piece of mochi.

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ Soohyuk chuckled quietly to himself as he watched the female huff in defeat, her silence signaling his small victory in their playful banter. He made a mental note to about it later, savoring the rare moment where he had the upper hand. As she spoke about her class, he leaned back comfortably in his chair, casually swiveling from side to side. There was something oddly calming about listening to her recount her day, noticing her doe like eyes lighting up as she told her story.

He quirked a brow at the mention of the theatrical presentation, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips when he heard her laugh. It was nice, seeing this side of her just relaxed and amused. “Sounds like you had quite an interesting class. And that guy... he must be a peculiar character.” he remarked with mild amusement. “I would’ve definitely enjoyed that. Seems like he really went above and beyond, even if it was... unconventional. Reaching for another piece of mochi, he nodded thoughtfully. “And you? Are you done with your presentation, or is it not due until next time?” he asked, his gaze shifting to meet hers. Sliding his chair closer to the table, he pushed the bag of mochi toward her as if silently inviting her to eat some too, she did bring the treat after all.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ Hinata opened , ready to fire back a retort, but the words fizzled out almost immediately. He wasn't wrong and she knew it, which made snap shut with a soft huff of defeat. She grumbled something incoherent under her breath, stirring her strawberry milk more aggressively than necessary before taking another sip. Her doe like eyes flicked to the professor, watching him casually eat the mochi she had brought, as if he hadn't just dismantled her defense with a single comment.

When he shifted the conversation, she blinked, momentarily caught off guard by his genuine interest. Her expression softened as she adjusted her posture, pulling her knees up to her chest and resting her chin on them. She hummed thoughtfully, her gaze drifting upward as if trying to replay the events of the day in her mind.

"History class was... interesting," she began, her voice light but thoughtful. "Most of the presentations were exactly what I said earlier— just people reading off slides like they were narrating an audiobook." She wrinkled her nose at the memory. "But then there was this guy— oh you would've loved this. He turned his entire presentation into some kind of theatrical performance. He brought props, costumes, the works. He even had this fake sword he kept swinging around while yelling about 'defending the honor of the kingdom.'"

She paused, her glossy brims curving into a soft smile as she added, "He was so loud at one point, our professor actually flinched and dropped her pen. It was... a lot, but I guess it made the lecture more entertaining than usual."

Hinata tilted her head, her gaze drifting toward the window as she continued. "The funniest part is that it wasn't even about some ancient war or anything like that. He was just talking about the Korean independence movement." She shrugged, a small laugh escaping her. "Props for creativity, though. No pun intended."

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ Soohyuk let out a low grunt, shaking his head at her as she placed the bag of mochi on his desk with that dramatic flourish. He leaned forward, inspecting the bag briefly. “At this point, I don’t really know what you’re talking about, Moondust.” he said, his expression still feigning utter cluelessness as he glanced up to meet her gaze, his innocent facade so convincing it could almost be believed.

With a nonchalant shrug, he opened the bag, selecting a piece of mochi before leaning back into his chair again. He took a bite, chewing slowly, savoring the chewy treat as his gaze flicked to her sipping the strawberry milk. “You’re asking me to forget,.” he commented casually, “but you keep bringing it up.” His brows lifted in subtle amusement, his slow, deliberate nod silently conveying that any teasing was entirely her doing.

He finished the mochi, brushing his fingers together to rid them of any stray powder, before shifting the conversation, simply relaxing in his seat. “Anyway, how was your class? Apart from being distracted.” he added, hinting at genuine interest. For once, it seemed like he wasn’t gearing up for a playful back-and-forth, instead easing into a moment of simple conversation between them.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ Hinata's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink as she clutched the bag of mochi tighter, shooting him a half hearted glare that only made her look more flustered. "Saw nothing huh?" she muttered under her breath, though the corners of her lips twitched as if fighting back a smile. His smirk wasn't helping her regain her composure and neither was the casual way he slid the strawberry milk across the desk like he hadn't just witnessed her most embarrassing moment of the day.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward, placing the bag of mochi on his desk with an exaggerated flourish. "For you, oh great and mighty professor," she said with mock seriousness, though her tone betrayed her amusement. "A peace offering. Or maybe a bribe, depending on how much you feel like teasing me about what just happened."

She folded her arms, her eyes narrowing at him playfully as she added, "But if you keep that smirk up, I might just take it back and eat it all myself." Despite her words, she plopped down into the chair across from him, reaching for the strawberry milk he'd given her. She poked the straw in and took a sip, her expression softening slightly.

"Thanks for this, by the way," she said more sincerely, glancing at the milk before meeting his gaze again. "And for not laughing too much at my entrance... yet."

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ Of course, he saw that. Soohyuk's eyes had been on the door the entire time, and the moment Hinata stumbled in, he couldn't help but sit up properly in his chair, abandoning his relaxed posture. It wasn’t every day someone quite literally fell into his office. But hearing her statement that followed, he raised a brow, feigning ignorance like the pro he was. "Saw what?" he replied, the unmistakable smirk tugging at his lips betraying his amusement. It was tempting to , but he decided to let it slide for now, at least. It was too early to start bantering, and she looked flustered enough already.

"Why are you still standing there like you've never been here before?" he asked, shifting the conversation casually then. Reaching for the strawberry milk he’d picked up earlier from the canteen, he placed it on the desk and slid it toward her. "Here’s your drink." he added before leaning back again, his playful smile firmly in place. His gaze then shifted to the bag of mochi she was clutching, his brows raising slightly in curiosity. "I believe you also got something for me?" he asked with such an innocent looking smile.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ Hinata smiled at the text, typing a quick "Okay" in response to the professor before slipping her phone into her pocket. With a bag of mochi in one hand, she texted her friend with the other, letting them know she had plans. As she approached the professor's office, she paused, her gaze lingering on the handle of the door. Taking a deep breath, she reached out, determined to turn it with more force this time.

However, the door swung open faster than she expected, throwing her off balance. She stumbled, landing on the floor with a soft thud. Quickly recovering, she scrambled to her knees, crawling back to shut the door before it could swing wide open. Once the door clicked shut, she turned her head sharply to look at the professor, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"You did not see that," she said firmly, her tone a mix of mortification and defiance as she straightened herself, clutching the bag of mochi tightly.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ Hinata's grin widened as the older spoke, her playful eyes narrowing slightly as she stepped back, putting just a bit more distance between them. "You're really determined huh?" she teased, a light chuckle escaping her lips. Her fingers drummed lightly against the back of her hand, clasped behind her as she looked him over with an amused, almost challenging gaze. "Well, I guess I'll just have to make sure you don't get any good shots."

At his teasing response, she mimicked the raised eyebrow, her lips curling into a sly smile. "Oh don't worry," she said, her voice carrying a sense of lighthearted mischief. "I'll come bother you again tomorrow. Count on it." There was a softness in her tone, a playful sincerity that made it clear she enjoyed their back and forth. The teasing had become a rhythm for them both, one that she wasn't ready to let go of just yet.

But as he stood and clapped his hands together with finality, signaling the end of their time together, Hinata let out an exaggerated sigh, raising her hand to cover her face in mock despair. "Guess that's my cue to go huh?" She gave him an overdramatic look, the corners of her lips still lifted in that characteristic smirk. "I'll leave you to your 'important' things, Mister Wen."

Turning toward the door, she paused just before stepping out, her hand resting lightly on the frame as she glanced over her shoulder. Her gaze lingered on him for a beat, a playful glint in her eyes. "Don't get too comfortable without me," she said with a teasing grin, her voice carrying a fondness that almost made her words feel like a secret between the two of them.

And with one final, exaggerated wave of her hand, she stepped out the door and made her way down the hallway. She couldn't help but smile to herself, already looking forward to their next encounter. With a quick wave of her hand, she disappeared around the corner, heading back down the hall to catch some sleep.

( end )

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ He shrugged with a smile, her statement already enough to confirm his point. Swiveling his chair from side to side, his eyes followed her as she approached his desk. "Like I said, patience. I'll get the photo proof sooner or later." he said, shrugging again. His hands rested comfortably on his abdomen, elbows propped up on the armrests of his office chair. He was confident that his goal was within reach. After all, he was in it for the long haul. Patience was his strong suit.

Raising an eyebrow slightly as she poked him, his gaze lingered on hers. "Well, you do need to recharge yourself. You'll have to come bother me again tomorrow, right?" He chuckled softly, watching her step back. Though the day was winding down and they were about to part ways, he found himself oddly looking forward to tomorrow and for the next round of their playful sparring.

With that, Soohyuk stood up from his chair, clapping his hands together once as if marking the end of the day, for their time together, at least. "Run along now, Moondust. I've got things to take care of." he said, his tone shifting slightly more serious as he grabbed a few items from his drawer. He had some personal errands to handle before wrapping up his day.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ "Surprised a bratty Lan decided to appear?" Hinata teased, a silly grin lighting up her face as she stepped closer to his desk, her movements unhurried yet deliberate. She leaned in slightly, peering down at him with her hands clasped behind her back, her voice carrying a light hum. "I'll have you know, it's impossible to catch me drooling," she added, a chuckle slipping through her brims.

The other's smirk didn't waver and when he pointed out her decision to stick around, she let out a dramatic roll of her eyes. "Fine," she said with mock resignation, the corners of her lips curling into a playful simper. "I'll look forward to it, I guess. But don't think I'll let you win that easily, Mister Wen," she quipped, her tone laced with both amusement and challenge.

She shifted her weight slightly, her fingers unfolding as she reached out to give his hand a gentle poke. The touch was brief, almost fleeting, but enough to add a sense of closeness to the moment. Clearing softly, she straightened back up, clasping her hands once more behind her. "Too bad I can't stay longer," she murmured, her voice tinged with a hint of regret, though her grin stayed firmly in place.

"Somebody needs to go back and catch some zs," she added with a soft giggle, retreating a step as if to emphasize her point.

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ Soohyuk’s brow quirked in playful surprise. “You’re a Lan?” he repeated, as though the idea was inconceivable. “Who would’ve thought.” he added teasingly as he leaned back in his chair. Her antics, though far from the textbook definition of a Lan, were something he found amusing rather than concerning. After all, everyone interpreted the principles differently, and he wasn’t one to judge.

A smirk tugged at his lips as he shrugged nonchalantly. “Oh, you definitely drool, Moonshine. The only thing missing is proof.” His eyes followed her movements closely as she approached the desk, her deliberate strides catching his attention. He didn’t miss the glint of mischief in her expression, and it only deepened his amusement.

Her teasing challenge didn’t faze him. Instead, it fueled his playful demeanor. “You’re the one who insisted on sticking around me, remember?” he pointed out, tilting his head slightly. “Which means there’ll be plenty of opportunities for naps and for me to catch you in the act.” His smirk widened as he nodded slowly, as though he were already certain of the outcome. “Guess I just need a little patience and maybe…a camera for evidence.” He said, winking at her playfully then.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ "I guess I can be a good Lan and do my homework then," Hinata remarked with a light tsk, her voice carrying a playful lilt as she shifted to lay on her side. Propping herself up slightly, she brushed her blonde hair back, the silvery strands catching the faint light. Her gaze settled on the professor, taking in the smirk tugging at his lips. She rolled her eyes in feigned annoyance, though her expression betrayed the flicker of amusement she couldn't quite suppress. She couldn't help but marvel at how he always managed to maintain that air of quiet confidence.

At his suggestive remark, her brow arched slightly, her gaze sharpening with playful curiosity. She eyed him for a moment, the corner of her lips twitching upward before she chuckled softly and shook her head. "Are you seriously suggesting I test whether I drool, sir?" she teased, her tone light yet challenging as her words hung in the air.

Sliding gracefully off the couch, she padded toward the desk, her movements fluid and deliberate. She stopped at the edge, leaning lightly against it as her head tilted to the side, her eyes locking onto his with a glint of mischief. "Because if that't the case, you might need to do a little more convincing."

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ “Nine.” Soohyuk confirmed with a nod, his gaze flickering to her as she checked her phone. A quiet chuckle escaped him at her remark. “Well, you could always use the extra time tonight to catch up on homework or binge some movies.” he suggested with a casual shrug, his chair beginning to swivel lazily from side to side, more out of habit than necessity. It was good to see she’d gotten some rest, even if it was just a short nap.“And just so you know,” he added with a faint smirk, “I’m always an early bird.”

At her playful accusation, his brow arched slightly, and he leaned forward against his desk, one arm propped casually on its surface as his gaze locked with hers. “You drooling would’ve been something.” he teased, his tone light, “but no, I was sitting here, appreciating the rare quiet moment.” The corners of his lips then tugged upward as his smirk deepened, his chin now resting on his hand as he studied her with a spark of amusement in his eyes. “Though now you’ve got me curious...” he continued, his voice dropping to a playful lilt. “Are you the type to actually drool in your sleep? Guess I’ll need you to stick around more often to find out, don’t you think?”

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ Hinata blinked slowly, her lashes fluttering as her gaze settled on the other. A faint smile tugged at her lips at the nickname, though she chose not to comment on it just yet. "Nine?" she murmured, her voice still laced with the haze of sleep. She reached into her back pocket, retrieving her phone and unlocking it to check the time. A small sigh escaped her as the screen confirmed his words. "Great," she muttered under her breath, leaning back against the couch, "I'm probably not going to sleep properly after this."

Setting her phone aside, Hinata turned her head toward him, tilting it slightly to mimic his posture. Her eyes glimmered with subtle amusement as she locked her gaze with his, her lips curving into a soft simper. "Yeah," she said lightly, "I guess since you woke up before I did, you've earned the title of the early bird this time."

Her gaze lingered on his face for a moment longer before she straightened up, running a hand through her hair and adjusting her posture. "So," she began, her tone teasing as a playful curiosity danced in her expression, "did you really sit there the whole time or were you secretly hoping I'd wake up with drool all over my face?"

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ Soohyuk turned his head at the sound of her voice, a soft smile tugging at his lips as he saw her awake. "Hello, Moondust." he greeted gently, the name slipping out as naturally as if he'd always called her that. It suited her after all with the soft, silvery glow that surrounded her reminding him of moonlight, calm and otherworldly, much like the serene aura she carried even now.

Leaning back in his chair, he glanced briefly at his watch in response to her question. "A little past nine." he said, his tone warm but teasing. "Still enough time to get home and sleep properly, don't you think?" His gaze gaze returned to her, unable to suppress the faint chuckle that escaped him.

There was something endearingly childlike about the way she looked now with her movements unhurried, her expression soft and tranquil, as if she'd just woken from the kind of deep, dreamless sleep most people rarely experience. "Had a good nap?" He couldn't help ask, his head tilting ever so slightly to the side, his gaze fixed at her.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ The glow remained steady, wrapping Hinata in its silvery embrace as she stirred on the couch. Her brows knit briefly, her lashes fluttering open to reveal eyes still heavy with sleep but calm— unfazed by the faint, ethereal light surrounding her. She blinked slowly, as though brushing away the lingering remnants of her dreams.

Sitting up, she stretched her arms above her head, the glow pulsing faintly in rhythm with her movement. It was a sight that might have startled anyone else, but to Hinata, it was second nature. The soft shimmer of light that followed her had always been there, a quiet, constant presence she neither questioned nor feared.

Her fingers combed through her hair as she glanced around the room, taking in the dim office illuminated only by her glow. Letting out a small sigh, she leaned back against the cushions, the steady rise and fall of her breathing matching the serene stillness of the space.

The glow cast faint, shifting patterns on the walls, dancing like ripples of moonlight. Hinata’s gaze lingered on the gentle display, her thoughts unhurried as her body slowly shook off the weight of sleep. The quiet around her felt comforting, wrapping her in a moment of rare tranquility.

As her senses sharpened, she became aware of another presence. Turning her head, she noticed the professor seated at his desk, his gaze distant as he looked out the window. Her lips curved into a soft yawn as she raised a hand to rub her eyes, her movements languid and unbothered.

"Mmm hey," she murmured, her voice warm but thick with sleep. She tilted her head, her expression serene, the glow casting a soft halo around her features. "What time is it?"

Her question, though simple, broke the silence with a quiet ease, her tone carrying no urgency— just the calm curiosity of someone slowly waking to the world around them.

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ Soohyuk had just moved from the window, his footsteps quiet as he approached the couch, intending to gently wake her. But before he could, a subtle shift in her posture caught his attention. His gaze fell on her hand as it twitched, then his eyes widened slightly as he saw the faint silvery glow beginning to shimmer around her. He stopped, finding himself crouching down, the intention to wake her forgotten for a moment as he watched in awe.

Soohyuk watched quietly, watching Hinata's peaceful form, the faint glow surrounding her capturing his attention. His breath caught for a moment, his gaze lingering on the ethereal light as it wrapped around her like a protective veil. He’d seen many things in his time, but this was... different. It was as if the very essence of her was reaching out. His eyes softened, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he watched the glow shimmer around her, making her seem almost otherworldly. There was something about the way it moved, the way it pulsed with her breathing that made him feel as though he was witnessing a side of her that no one else had seen. Reaching out slowly, he brushed a lock of hair away from her face, the soft glow dancing around his fingers as he did. His touch was gentle, as if not to disturb her delicate slumber. "You're more than you show, aren't you?" he murmured softly, almost to himself. For now, he would allow her this space, let her rest and be.

With a final glance at the glowing figure of Hinata, Soohyuk rose quietly, content to wait. He made his way to his desk and eased into his chair, his gaze lingering on her briefly before drifting toward the window, and into the quiet expanse of the night.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ Hinata shifted slightly, her brows knitting together as if her dreams were pulling her deeper into some unknown memory. A faint murmur escaped her lips, too soft to make out but laced with a fragility that didn't match her usual fiery demeanor.

Her hand twitched against the cushions, as though instinctively reaching out, brushing the space where the professor had been laying moments before. The soft motion gave away more than she ever would while awake— a quiet need for warmth, for comfort.

Her breathing slowed again, steady and calm, but her expression remained conflicted. Even in sleep, there was a tension in her— an unresolved battle lingering beneath the surface.

Then, almost imperceptibly at first, a faint silvery glow began to shimmer around her. It started at her fingertips, the light tracing delicate lines along her skin before spreading outward, enveloping her in a soft, ethereal aura. The glow, like moondust come to life, pulsed gently with her breaths, casting faint ripples of light across the couch and onto the walls.

Her blonde hair caught the glow, strands shimmering as though woven with threads of moonlight. The gentle luminescence softened her features, easing the tension in her brow as if the glow itself sought to soothe her restless dreams. As the glow settled into a steady rhythm, Hinata shifted again, her hand curling loosely against the cushions, the light dancing faintly around her like a protective embrace.

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ "Hmm." Soohyuk murmured softly, choosing not to engage further in their playful banter. The fact that Hinata had willingly settled beside him was already proof enough that, in some way, he could handle her even if the idea of a leash was far fetched.

His hand, which had been resting loosely around her, moved instinctively to cradle the back of her head. The action was almost absent minded, protective even, as he adjusted slightly to ensure she was comfortable. His lips brushed faintly against her forehead, a fleeting, unconscious gesture of care before sleep finally claimed him.

Hours passed, the office falling silent and dim as the day turned into night. Soohyuk stirred, his eyes slowly opening as he woke from an unusually peaceful nap. He blinked several times, his vision adjusting to the darkness of the room. For a moment, he was disoriented, but the warmth pressed against him quickly reminded him of the situation.He glanced down, his gaze falling on the still sleeping Hinata nestled against him. A low chuckle escaped his lips, the sound soft and amused. Even the feisty "brat" of a student had succumbed to slumber.

Carefully, he shifted, pulling away from her without disturbing her rest. He stood and stretched, running a hand through his disheveled hair as he stifled a yawn. Turning to check his watch, he noted it wasn’t too late, but the darkened office and quiet campus suggested most of the students had already gone home. Soohyuk wandered to the window, glancing out at the school grounds below. A few stragglers were still making their way across the courtyard, their voices faint in the distance. Turning back to the couch, his gaze lingered on Hinata's peaceful form. "Should I wake her up?" he muttered to himself, weighing his options. Letting her sleep seemed kinder, but leaving her there all night? That wouldn’t do either. Crossing his arms, he leaned against the window, a faint smile playing on his lips as he deliberated on what to do.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ Hinata let out a small huff, her eyes narrowing at his comment about the leash. "A leash? You think you could handle me like that?" she teased, her voice light but with a hint of softness as she shifted to get more comfortable.

The warmth of his presence, however, quickly made her lose the fight against sleep. Her body melted into his, and with a quiet sigh, she let her head rest gently on his chest. The faint rhythmic rise and fall of his breathing soon calmed her, and her eyelids grew heavier by the second.

She didn't resist any longer. With one final shift, she relaxed fully, her arm still draped around him, and let the pull of sleep take her. It wasn't long before her breathing deepened, signaling that she had drifted off into a peaceful, quiet slumber.

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ "Better than tying you up with a leash, don’t you think?" Soohyuk replied, his voice low and calm, already teetering on the edge of sleep. A soft smile tugged at his lips as Hinata finally gave up resisting and settled into their position. He hadn’t anticipated her playful compliance. He actually expected her to fight back, to make a scene. But this? Her exaggerated acceptance and comical pats on his back? It was far more amusing.

The unexpected warmth of her arm wrapped around him and the gentle rhythm of her hand patting his back made him chuckle, a sleepy sound that faded into the relaxed stillness of the room. He didn’t move, finding her antics oddly soothing instead of irritating. "Glad you realize just how exhausting it is to deal with you." he murmured, his voice trailing off into a soft hum of contentment. His body relaxed completely against hers, his breathing evening out as he added, "Now let me sleep."And just like that, he drifted off, his expression peaceful, his guard completely down, something he never does for someone who have claimed to sleep with one eye open.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ Hinata froze for a second, her eyes widening slightly as she found herself suddenly pulled into his space, her body lightly pinned between him and the couch. The warmth of his arm draped casually over her only amplified the absurdity of the situation. She blinked rapidly, her brain scrambling to process what had just happened.

Recovering quickly, she tilted her head, her wide eyes narrowing into a squint— a mixture of disbelief and amusement coloring her expression. "Wow," she drawled, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Is this your master plan, Sir? To trap your poor, innocent student like this? Truly diabolical."

She wriggled a little, testing the waters, but he didn't budge. "You're unbelievable," she muttered, shaking her head even as a small smirk tugged at the corners of her lips. After a few moments of half hearted attempts to squirm free, she finally let out an exaggerated sigh of defeat.

Shifting slightly to make herself comfortable, she wrapped one arm around him in an exaggerated, almost comical gesture of acceptance. Her other hand began patting his back gently, as though soothing a cranky baby.

"There, there, Professor. Did you need a nap that badly?" she teased, her voice adopting a mockingly sweet, maternal tone. "I hope this helps you sleep better, poor thing. It must be so exhausting keeping up with a brat like me." She couldn't stop the laughter that bubbled up, the ridiculousness of the situation amusing her far more than it should have.

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ Soohyuk's chuckle was soft, but there was something knowing behind it. "Trust me." he replied with a tone that was both reassuring and amused, "I'll make it through whatever you have up your sleeves." It wasn't arrogance, but rather the steady confidence of someone who had weathered far worse. Hinata's persistence was refreshing, a contrast to the weight of his own experiences.

His eyes glinted with amusement as she leaned in closer, and her teasing question about napping on him brought a raised brow and a mischievous smirk to his lips. He could feel the playful challenge in the air, and a sense of amusement swirled within him. "Fine." he muttered, his smirk turning into something more playful and teasing. Without warning, his long arm shot out toward her, closing the gap between them in an instant. He grasped her wrist, pulling her gently but firmly toward him.

Before she could protest, the young female was trapped between his body and the back of the couch, his face mere inches from hers. He leaned back comfortably, one arm draped casually over her as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. "Comfortable enough, Ms. Hinata?" he asked with a faint, almost smug smile, his eyes drifting to a close as if he were settling in for a nap. He let the silence hang for a beat, clearly enjoying the situation.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ Hinata raised an eyebrow at his words, her teasing smirk faltering for just a moment as his tone shifted. She caught the weight behind his statement, a glimpse of something darker lurking about. For a second, she considered pressing him, but the faint smile that followed told her he wasn't going to let her in that easily.

Instead, she decided to keep things light, stepping closer to the couch and tilting her head to meet his gaze. "You sound awfully confident, Sir," she said, her voice lilting with mock suspicion. "Are you sure you would survive me haunting you? I can be pretty persistent, you know."

Her fingers brushed against the back of the couch as she leaned down slightly, her eyes narrowing playfully. "And about that nap," she continued, her smirk returning, "you didn't really answer my question. Should I just make myself comfortable right here?" She tapped the armrest pointedly before giving him a mischievous look. "Or should I really take you up on the offer and nap on you? You did say you would rather keep me here, after all." Hinata straightened up, crossing her arms as she waited for his reaction, her playful tone masking the curiosity that lingered.

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ Soohyuk smirked faintly, keeping his eyes closed as he countered her jab. "Nap with me, and you'll see that I don’t snore at all." he retorted. He crossed his arms over his chest, shifting slightly to find an even more comfortable position on the couch. And with a small, playful sigh, he added, "Like I said, I’d rather have you here than running around causing trouble for someone else. Saves me the headache."

Even as he felt her approach, the faint sound of her footsteps and the soft nudge against his leg, he kept his eyes shut. Her presence didn’t unsettle him. Still, he couldn't resist the urge to respond, his tone taking on a more serious edge this time. "Trust me, Ms. Hinata.." he began, his voice quieter but firmer, "I’ve been through far worse things to know to keep an eye open even while sleeping." The weight of his words lingered in the air, a rare glimpse into the layers beneath his usual lighthearted demeanor, giving way to something heavier, something real.

He finally cracked one eye open, his gaze settling on her with a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips, softening the moment. "But if you do come back to haunt me later, I’ll be ready." He said, the playful Soohyuk resurfacing just as quickly as he had disappeared.

@☁︎┊lan sehun ᵃ "True." Kang agreed with a soft chuckle, shaking his head in amusement. Without realizing it, he'd learned to navigate his misfortunes by finding the positives in them whenever he could. He then hummed softly, affirming Sehun’s words. "At this point, I might even consider this jacket a lucky charm, despite the circumstances." A gentle smile graced his lips as he gave the jacket a light pat, the sentiment clear in his expression.

Taking another sip of his tea, Kang nodded confidently. "I would love to give you a demonstration when the circumstances are more fitting, and of course, I’d need my tea set for that." His smile brightened as he leaned forward slightly. "Do let me know when you’d have the time for it, and I’ll make sure to prepare. It’s not every day someone shows interest in something like that." he added, his tone warm with a hint of excitement.

At the mention of gadgets, Kang raised his hands in mock surrender. "I’m not tech savvy, so I wouldn’t be surprised if gadgets just malfunctioned in my presence. Mind you, it took me quite a while to figure out my smartphone." He nodded slowly, his gaze distant as if recalling the grueling months of getting used to it.

Placing his empty tea cup back on the table, Kang smiled softly. "And lately, I’ve started to believe that spontaneity is key. I’ve found that overplanning rarely works out as intended." And when Sehun mentioned "hope," Kang let out a soft chuckle, carefully pulling out his phone. He unlocked it to reveal his wallpaper, showing a small, potted succulent plant. "This is Hope," he said, his tone light yet affectionate as he set the phone on the table for Sehun to see. "To be honest, she’s been teaching me a lot since I got her." Kang’s smile deepened as he looked at the image, then back at Sehun. "Apart from my occasional tea ceremonies, I’ve found myself quite busy taking care of her. I guess it’s fate that she came into my life when she did." His voice held a note of sincerity as he concluded, "Like you said earlier, sometimes the smallest things end up making the biggest impact, right?"