‣ lounge area

@❀┊jiang jia ᵒ ²²⁰¹²⁵ Carefully handles hope, placing her on my lap as I nod at your instruction.
Will do then, Professor. I'll check in the greenhouse in advance too if they might have the soil similar to Hope's.
Chuckles softly as I shake my head, putting my phone between us so we could both hear the ercording once played.
Well Im sure it wouldn't be that bad. You have such nice tone of voice after all.
Assures you with a gentle smile, pressing on the play button then, your recording from earlier playing back for us to evaluate.

@☁︎┊lan hyunjung ᵒ I smiled softly, rising to my feet as you did, a quiet sense of gratitude settling over me. "I should be the one thanking you, Hyunjung." I said, shaking my head gently as you offered your thanks. "And besides, like you said, 'From one Lan to another', we should have each other's back, right?" My smile grew just a touch warmer, carrying a sincerity I hoped you could see.

"Later, Hyunjung." I said with a nod, returning your formal bow with one of my own, mirroring the respect you offered. Watching you shrug your jacket back over your shoulders and turn to leave, I couldn't help but feel relieved, and a little surprised to be honest that this interaction had gone far better than I initially anticipated, especially considering how hesitant you seemed at first. I glanced over at Hope then, a faint chuckle escaping me. "Well, Hope, it seems you’ve earned yourself quite the prestigious collaborator."

@☁︎┊lan kang ᵃ Satisfied with my own inspection, I handed hope back to your arm, smiling widely to see how cute both you and hope together.
Just the same soil as what she had now, Mister Kang. We can do it at the greenhouse when you have the time
Scoot close to you to peer over your phone.
Please dont laugh if I sound funny

@❀┊jiang jia ᵒ ²²⁰¹²⁵ Looks at you with great hope too as you think, letting out a soft sigh of relief then at what you said, smiling as I look at Hope then back at you.
That I can do. Is there like a specific type of soil I should get though?
Unlocks my phone once more and opens the app, clicking on the saved recordings section.
Would you like to check now to see? We can just redo the recording if you're not satisfied with it.

@☁︎┊lan kang ᵃ Sensing the approaching end of the conversation I begin preparing to leave. After all, though a nice break from the work schedule, it was nonetheless just a break. I clear my throat a little as I rise from the chair, letting the leather jacket still hang loosely off my elbows as I entwine my fingers in front of me. "That sounds delightful," I reply, giving a polite bow of my head. "And thank you... From one Lan to another, it is not often I find someone as open minded." The vaguest hint of a smile plays over my features. "It is refreshing."

I nod my head shortly in reply, not taking any offence to the declining of help. It would already seem I had made myself part of the project unintentionally. "As you wish, Mr. Kang." Finally, I shrug the jacket back up over my shoulders. "I guess... Until I see you later, then?" This time I bow a bit more formally. "Goodbye for now, Mr. Kang."

@☁︎┊lan kang ᵃ I blinked a few times, head tilt slightly as I try to see if there is any other option before inspection again with a soft hums.
Well fine I can try to dig her out carefully but we do need a new soil for her.
My eyes then shifted to you and chuckles out softly before nodding again.
Better have a quick update to that. I too wanna know if I sound like a siri or something

@☁︎┊lan hyunjung ᵒ "Oh, alright then. Thank you for the time, Hyunjung." I said with a warm smile, genuinely appreciative. This project had started as a simple idea, something I thought I could handle by following a few online guides. But now, after talking to you, I realized how much I might have overlooked. "I really should make you that tea I promised in exchange." I added, a soft chuckle escaping me as the thought struck. It wasn’t just a promise anymore; it felt like the perfect way to show my gratitude for your help.

When you offered to refine the recording, I shook my head gently, smiling as I played the recording at a low volume to check the quality. It wasn’t perfect, but it wasn’t terrible either. "Oh, you don’t have to do that." I assured you. The sound of your voice which was simple and direct felt oddly fitting for the purpose. "Besides, you’re already helping me more than I asked for. I can’t trouble you any further." I said, meeting your gaze with genuine sincerity.

@☁︎┊lan kang ᵃ I give a curt nod in agreement as I lean back, rolling my shoulders gently in the same action. “Bring what you currently have to my office after classes today. Perhaps whatever laptop you use to code it as well, and we should be able to give it a proper once over,” I instruct calmly, pushing the giddy excitement in my stomach down to not seem to eager. It has been far too long since I have had the ability to tinker with something new, so the challenge is right up my alley, even if simple.

“As for the recording-“ I continue on, gesturing with a hand towards your phone. “If the quality is too bad, I can always try setting up a room that is more isolated, or perhaps put some compression on it to make it sound less-“ The word is at the tip of my tongue, tantalisingly close yet still just out of reach. In the end I settle for a simpler term, though the expression on my face changes to a mere hint of uncertainty: “-noisy.”

@❀┊jiang jia ᵒ ²²⁰¹²⁵ Break her pot?
Blinks at the thought, not really eager with doing so since I would have put some sentimental value with Hope's original pot by now, especially after Ive decorated it with the little red ribbon.
Will it be possible to not do that but still transfer her to a bigger pot?
I look at you then, hoping that you're expertise as you claimed would be in handy in transferring her;
Chuckles softly at your recording and nods my head in gratitude towards you as I take my phone back, savign your recording.
Sounds good. I'll be sure to show you the final output of my project once its done.
Nods as I put my phone back in my pocket, smiling softly as I watch you handle Hope with such care too.

@☁︎┊lan hyunjung ᵒ "Exactly." I confirmed, my lips curling into a small smile. Honestly, I couldn’t have explained the premise of my project better than you just did. But as you dove into technical details about coding and sensors, I felt a bit out of my depth, my sheepish smile betraying my lack of expertise. "I think it’s best if you take a look at what I’ve set up so far." I offered, rubbing the back of my neck. "You could probably guide me on what I can improve, if it’s not too much trouble for you." I glanced at you hopefully, not wanting to impose but eager for your input.

As you handed my phone back, I gave you a warm smile. "Thank you, Hyunjung." I said, saving the recording immediately. Shaking my head lightly, I added, "It’s helpful, alright. I’d like to think that Hope simply saying hello in your voice will be a nice little nudge for me to remember to water her." I let out a soft chuckle, imagining the scene. "Even something as simple as that would make caring for her a bit more special." My tone was light, but there was genuine gratitude in my expression as I looked at you.

@☁︎┊lan kang ᵃ Or just break her pot. You dont wanna yanked her out and ruin her root dont cha?
A soft simper etched on my brims as I inspected Hope around and even dare to get my hand dirty by dipping my finger into the soil to see its conditions.
I can help you transfer if you want. I'm good with doing plant thingy
I nods at your words and stare at the screen phone for a brief moment, clearing my throat a little as I suddenly felt a bit nervous before exhaling my breath and begin to speak to the recorder.
Please fill in water for Hope.
I stop the recording and laugh out, handing it back to you.
Okay how about that then?

@☁︎┊lan kang ᵃ "So the recordings are like an alert for when the soil gets too dry?" I ask, leaning in with a curious hint to my gaze. "I believe something that simple should be able to be coded with something smaller than a raspi even. How are you planning on checking soil moisture? You might need to set up more than one sensor in the soil and have the main program make an aggregate measurement to ensure you don't accidentally water it too often or too little just based on a small sample." The thoughts on how to solve the problem are already rushing through, my fingers tapping lightly against my thigh as I think "Of course, that depends on what you've set up so far."

Once the recording is saved I place the phone back in your hand, still looking a bit hesitant. "Perhaps not, but it still feels... odd." I flash a small apologetic smile. "I do however hope my... attempt, for a lack of better terminology... will be helpful."

@☁︎┊lan hyunjung ᵒ Seeing the marks on your hands, I nodded in quiet admiration. Those were hands that had clearly put in years of effort and skill. My lips curled into a soft smile as you acknowledged my own attempts. "Thanks. I did try my best," I said, grateful for the encouragement. When you asked about the functions, I hesitated, scratching the back of my neck. "To be honest... I’m not entirely sure. Maybe one or two? Like, true if it needs watering and false if it doesn’t?" I explained, my voice uncertain as I let out a nervous chuckle.

When I confirmed, "Anything." with a soft smile, I watched as you hesitantly took the phone. My eyes stayed on you expectantly, and when you finally recorded something, my head tilted slightly in curiosity. "See? That wasn’t so bad, was it?" I teased lightly, extending my hand to take the phone back. "Are you satisfied with that one? Or do you want to try something else?" I added, wondering that perhaps you've tried it now you would be more comfortable to record a second one if you wanted but the first recording you have is already more than enough for me too.

@☁︎┊lan kang ᵃ My eyes glance over at the marks on your hands as you lift them up, my expression saying nothing of what goes on in my head. Once the moment to shoot in a word myself comes I slowly lift my hands as well, showing off a few fresh and some old marks akin to your own, as well as calluses on both the palm and fingertips of my left hand. "We all got our own proofs," I shoot in before folding my hands back in my lap casually. "It just means you gave it a try. There is no shame in that." As you ask if I could have a look at what you have done so far I glance over to the potted plant. "I am sure I could give it a once over. Shouldn't be too hard to just give it a peak. How many functions are you working on?"

"Anything?" I hesitantly pluck the phone from your hand, studying the open recording software. "I fear the best my brain comes up with in these scenarios is-" I pause, clicking the button before glancing back at you and recording a simple monotone: "Hello."

@☁︎┊lan hyunjung ᵒ I quirked a brow in amusement at your sudden enthusiasm, the way your tone shifted naturally as you spoke more than usual. Shaking my head lightly, I couldn’t help but smile. "I honestly don’t know what I’m doing." I admitted with a small laugh, "I just followed some online guides and probably messed up a few times along the way. I’m not exactly tech savvy." And to emphasize my point, I held up my hands, showing faint marks from when I’d accidentally burned myself with the soldering iron. "See? This was my first attempt at soldering. Not my proudest moment." I chuckled, rubbing the back of my neck sheepishly. "Would you maybe want to check out what I’ve made so far? Just because I followed the guide doesn’t mean I did it right, you know?"

When you agreed about the recording, I let out a soft, relieved smile and reached for my phone. "Well, for the recording, you can just say anything, really. There’s no script or outline." I explained as I handed you the phone, my tone light and encouraging. "Whatever comes to mind is fine. Just go with what feels right whenever you're ready."

@☁︎┊lan kang ᵃ Though the idea itself still sounds a bit odd I perk up a bit at the sudden mention of making making a smart planter at home. "So you're coding and setting up a planter of your own? I am guessing a raspi and some off the shelf sensors? Do you have plans for the insulation?" The questions roll of my lips before I can fully stop the excitement with a nervous laugh, my fingers curling into the white fabric of my dress. "S-sorry, I-" I shrug my shoulders a little, matching then embarrassed energy in the room already. "I like tech..." Wanting to lead the conversation back onto the main topic I quickly raise one hand, glancing around as if someone else would at any point shoot in. "What lines would you need? I could try."

@☁︎┊lan hyunjung ᵒ I nodded with a soft chuckle, understanding your point entirely. I had already figured it might sound a bit silly, but that didn't stop me from wanting to try it. "Well, I thought it might make taking care of the plant a bit more enjoyable for me." I explained with a gentle smile. "A colleague actually suggested I get one of those smart planters." I paused, recalling the advice. "You know, the ones with moisture sensors that tell you when it’s time to water your plant." I then gestured toward Hope with a slight shrug. "I looked into it, but then I came across an indigenous idea for making something similar on my own. So, here I am, asking people to record voices to let me know when Hope needs watering." I laughed softly, a little embarrassed, but there was an excitement in my tone. "Silly, I know, but it got me pretty excited, and I figured, why not give it a try?"

@☁︎┊lan kang ᵃ As much as I would have normally laughed at the little introduction I remain quiet in my seat, staring blankly at the potted plant. "But why the voice?" I finally ask, shrugging my leather jacket off my shoulders before folding my hands in my lap. "Its a plant. It is not like you could train it to ask for things like you could a pet, right?" My brows furrow slightly as I mull it over in my head. Not like I have not heard of plants having ways to express things, but rarely in a way like this.

@☁︎┊lan hyunjung ᵒ I offered a soft smile, recognizing the concern in your tone. "The even better question is, why not?" I replied lightly, my smile deepening as I gave a small shrug. "This is just an impulsive project I’ve been working on, and honestly, I’ve been gathering people to help me out as the idea takes shape." Gesturing toward the small potted plant resting on the table, I added, "And this here is Hope. Ms. Lan, meet my potted plant, Hope." I introduced her with a hint of humor, hoping the lightheartedness of the moment might ease some of the tension. Leaning back slightly, I softened my expression, making sure my words carried reassurance. "That said, you don’t have to agree if you’re not entirely comfortable. I’d completely understand." I held your gaze for a moment, my smile warm and inviting, hoping to convey that there was no pressure, jut an open invitation.

@❀┊jiang jia ᵒ ²²⁰¹²⁵ Is it?
Blinks softly as I look at Hope in her pot once more, now noticing she might be a little too big for it.
You're right. I'll make sure to transfer her into a bigger one. I just hope I dont end up breaking her or something.
Says with a worried tone, still has apprehensions with taking care of Hope especially when doing new thins about her care; Shakes my head then at your question.
No scrip at all. You can say whatever you want with the premise that you are Hope and is in need of watering.
Nods my head with a sift chuckle, as I myself cant imagine how this little project of mine would turn out but is excited to do it nonetheless.

– ❛ ғʀᴇᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴡɪɴɢ. ʜᴏᴡᴇᴠᴇʀ, ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀ ᴘʟᴏᴛ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀɴʏ ᴏғ ᴍʏ ᴍᴜsᴇs, ɪ ᴇɴᴄᴏᴜʀᴀɢᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ ғɪɴɪsʜ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ғɪʀsᴛ. ᴏɴᴇ ᴘʟᴏᴛ ᴘᴇʀ ᴍᴜɴ.

younghoon often found that most people took up tutoring to earn a little extra cash. but for him, money was never a concern. they weren’t super wealthy by any means, but they were comfortable, and younghoon never felt the weight of financial strain.

for him, tutoring wasn’t about the money - it was a genuine passion. teaching brought him a sense of fulfillment, a way to connect and help others in a tangible, meaningful way. so, when the academy's academic counselor, mister nie, reached out to him with a new opportunity, he didn’t hesitate. the brief message about a student in need of extra help immediately sparked his interest. he read through the details with a bright smile and quickly pulled out his phone to contact you, the student in need.

you were younger, struggling with one of the essential courses, and younghoon could already sense that this would be a rewarding experience. after exchanging a few friendly texts, you both agreed on a time and place for the first session.

wanting to make a good impression, younghoon returned to his dorm to gather his meticulously organized notes and reference books. as he made his way to the meeting spot, he decided the lounge would be the ideal location - a comfortable, casual space where they could talk openly without worrying about disturbing others.

arriving at the lounge, younghoon settled into a seat and opened his bag, arranging his materials neatly on the table. he pulled out his phone to send you a quick message: ' I’m here in the lounge. take your time, no rush. ' placing his phone down, he leaned back in his chair, letting the hum of the room settle around him as he prepared for the session.

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@☘︎┊nie aeri ᵃ the rigid expression she wore softens once she hears aeri's explanation. she was almost ready to lose a potential friend even though it pains her to, but she's relieved that her assumption is quickly shut down— enough that it has her exhaling a relieved sigh. she picks up her fork again, gently stabbing a lettuce then a crouton.

“i admit that that was me in the beginning, too,” minjeong informs with a smile before shaking her head, “but there's nothing to worry. she's a little rough around the edges, but once you're her friend, you're her friend. i can attest to that. she means well.”

@☁︎┊lan minjeong ᵒ She shook her head, "Ah, no no! She didn't do something wrong-- It's just..." She was looking for that word. "She's... being friendly to me." Aeri said before looking at her, "I mean, there's no Wen out here trying to befriend someone like... me." It was true, Aeri has been too tough to get close with anyone since she did a Wen during her first year and the Wen got homeschooled after that.

She leaned close to the table, "What I mean is... Some Wen people tend to avoid me because... I am or... was a troublemaker to them." She muttered, "And Karina is... well, fine. She's a good person." Then looked at Minjeong.

@☘︎┊nie aeri ᵃ she's in the middle of drinking water when she hears aeri's question. and, making sure she shows proper table manners, she wipes her lips clean with her kerchief before nodding. “she's been my best friend for as long as i can remember and she treats me well.” with pursed lips, she sets her fork down, hands placed on her lap. “much, much better than anyone else has. if... if she did something you think is wrong, there's a proper reason for it.” sure, minjeong felt a little too defensive with her friend; but that is to be expected when karina was always there for her when no else was. she wouldn't let anyone speak ill of her when she's not there to defend herself, either.

@☁︎┊lan minjeong ᵒ Aeri smiled at the other as the other started to eat the salad she made, looking at her happy expression is enough to make Aeri knows the other enjoyed the food she made but she's also there for another reason. Karina. She looked at Minjeong while eating, "You're friends with Wen Karina, right?" She asked the Lan omega, "I've seen you a couple of times together during class." She said. "Is she treating you well?"

@☘︎┊nie aeri ᵃ minjeong is grateful to aeri's kindness and it shows on her face with how wide she smiles. “thank you, aeri,” she tells the girl, reaching over to hold the other's hand with both of hers to give it a tight squeeze. then, after sliding the bento box and bottled water closer to her, she elicits a relieved sigh. “i really needed this,” she utters with a nod, “i'll eat it well!” without delaying it any longer, she digs in, eating with gusto in front of the nie heir.

@☁︎┊lan minjeong ᵒ Aeri sensed the other as she entered the lounge, she smiled at her and make a little wave before looking at the lan omega sitting across her. She saw how the other rushed to get in here, "You must be tired from all the running." She greeted and chuckled before opening her bento box and revealed a beautifully prepped salad, "Here you go! The salad." She smiled before giving her a bottled water as well. "Enjoy it, I'm not really hungry."

@☘︎┊nie aeri ᵃ headaches from hunger were one of the things minjeong hated the most. it made her irrational and irritable— unable to string a proper thought or even focus in any task given to her. that's why she's quick to accept aeri's helping hand, making a beeline down the stairs then turning a corner to where the longue is located. she's quick to spot the older girl, and with a quiet hi, she sits on the chair opposite hers, chest heaving with how fast she rushed there. “i hope i didn't make you wait that long, riri.” she offers a crooked smile, still very new to the idea of them being more than acquaintances this year. they barely see each other in the past, after all.

@☁︎┊lan minjeong ᵒ Aeri walked inside the lounge area,, looking around, the place seemed to have a few students but it is cozier than the cafeteria. She was still wearing her cheerleader uniform just she cover it with her denim jacket while holding her lunch box with a salad she made. She waited over the vacant table and placed the lunch box on it, looking through her phone as she waited for the other.