‣ cinema

@❀┊jiang sabrina ᵒ Hm. I just don’t like strangers sitting too close to me.
/Replies with a soft hum, my attention seemingly on the movie. A small smile or quiet chuckle escapes me at certain scenes, but I remain aware of your every movement; Shifting slightly in my seat, I cross one leg over the other, switching the popcorn to my other hand before reaching for yours.Without hesitation, I intertwine our fingers, letting our joined hands rest on my lap.
Hand starting to feel cold?
/Murmurs, glancing at you briefly with a small, knowing smile.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ That is true but still. I don't think anyone else would have that mind set.
/ chuckles though clearly pleased as my attention stays on the screen for the most part as I peek up at you every now and then to see if you're enjoying the movie. At some point I reach over to try and hold onto your hand with my free one./

@❀┊jiang sabrina ᵒ /Glances at you, blinking.
Why not? You wouldn’t want some random woman sitting next to me, or me with you sitting next to some random guy, right?
/Soft chuckle escapes me as I shake my head, adjusting slightly in my seat to make it easier for you to lean against me; tilts the popcorn bucket toward you, I let my other hand rest casually on my lap, my gaze shifting to the screen as the film begins.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ /my eyes widen slightly at tge comment you seem to so carelessly make completely surprised by it/
Wow, wanted some privacy huh?
/tone playful as relax into the seat. The gesture causing me to smile at the effort. I move one of my hands to rest on your knee while my head falls to lean onto your shoulder. Smile widens as I watch and eat the popcorn/

@❀┊jiang sabrina ᵒ Hm?
/Glances around briefly, as if confirming something, before nodding and shifting my focus back to the screen, casually popping a few pieces of popcorn into my mouth as the commercials play.
It was a last minute plan, so I couldn’t exactly book us a private viewing.
/Remarks nonchalantly, nodding slightly. In reality, that was why I took longer at the ticket booth earlier for I had been buying out the seats around us, making sure we had the perfect spot with the best possible view of the screen.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ /lips pursing into a pout once more before my attention shifts to my jacket. I nod and remove it from under me to instead place in the empty seat beside me before noticing that there was no one near us. A brow raising as I then look over at you/
This is the first time I've had so little people near by in a theater.
/despite the confusion in my tone a excited sparkle shone in my eyes at the thought of being able to enjoy them movie with you fully. Already reaching to steal a couple pieces of popcorn to put into my mouth./

@❀┊jiang sabrina ᵒ No, it's alright.
/Assures you, setting the drinks into the holder and placing the popcorn on the armrest before shrugging off my coat. Settling comfortably into my seat, I drape my coat over the empty seat beside me without hesitation. Crossing one leg over the other, I hold the popcorn between us but glance down, noticing you've sat on your jacket.
You can put your coat on the seat next to you.
/Murmur, nodding toward the empty space on your right. Interestingly, the seats around us, on either side, in front, and behind seem to be intentionally left vacant, while the rest of the theater is scattered with people.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ /I was ready to take something to try and be helpful but when you manage to balance everything I just shake my head in amusement while reaching out to hold onto your arm when it's offered./
Yes, Let's ~
/grinning as we head down the hall to the theater woth a soft chuckle in amusement when you don't seem to know which way we were going for a second. I found it charming. Once inside and at our seats I placed my jacket down on top of the seat figuring it was easier to just sit on it then try to find someplace else for it. /
Let me take something so you can settle down
/voice softening not wanting to disturb anyone else as the commercials started to roll/

@❀┊jiang sabrina ᵒ /Smiles softly and give a small nod before turning back to the teller, letting her know the flavor of popcorn you chose. While I’m at it, I also grab us drinks to go with our movie snack, making sure to pick up a bag of jelly beans for myself. After paying, I effortlessly balance the drinks in their holder in one hand, while carrying the popcorn and jelly beans in the other.
Let's go, Ms. Rabbit
/Says as I turn back to you with a slight smile, extending my arm just enough for you to take, not wanting you to carry anything but definitely wanting you to hold onto me instead.
I think it's this way.
/Hum softly, leading us toward the assigned cinema so we can get settled in.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ /nearly jumping when you were suddenly behind me just to let out a faint hum as I glance up at yout
Am I? I didn't even notice.
/she chuckled not realizing she picked out something that related to a previous conversation. It didn't click in her head until she was looking down at it and shaking her head amused./
Why thank you, I tried my best not to be too flashy.
/she teased before giving the person behind the counter a smile though her lips pursed momentarily in thought at a flavor before deciding/
Caramel ~

@❀┊jiang sabrina ᵒ /Makes my way to the ticket booth, letting the teller know which movie I’m buying tickets for. Somehow, I end up spending more time there than expected before finally wrapping up and heading over to the snack bar to join you in line; Casually steps behind you, one hand resting on your waist while the other stays tucked inside my coat pocket as I scan the menu above.
You’re looking a lot like a mermaid in that dress, Ms. Rabbit
/Remarks, my gaze still focused on the menu before finally glancing down at you.
Stunning as always, though.
/Small smile tugs at my lips as I nod, shifting my attention to the cashier as it’s finally our turn.
Hi, can we get one large popcorn?
/Asks before turning slightly toward you.
What flavor do you want?

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ I'll make sure you don't by just a thread
/chuckles softly as I follow towards the ticket booth until I'm being pushed to the snack bar. My cheeks lightly puffing out but I nod understanding/
Okay, sounds good.
/letting out a soft laugh as I walk over to join the line for snacks. Just a few people ahead of me as I wait. Deciding on pulling off my jacket revealing the blue long sleeves sweater dress I wore. Jacket now hooked over my arm as I stare up at the menu while also moving forward in line when I can/

() reference
https://i.imgur.com/5l2meQQ.jpeg

@❀┊jiang sabrina ᵒ /lets out a playful sigh, as if accepting my fate.
I guess we’ll see if I survive, then.
/Says, shaking my head with a soft chuckle. My lips curve into a smile as I nod, settling on Mufasa for our movie choice. As we walk toward the ticket booth, I pause and turn to you.
How about this, you get in line for the popcorn, and I’ll grab the tickets, hm?
/Suggests, glancing at the growing line at the snack bar.
I’ll meet you there right after.
/Nods, unhooking my arms with yours, and gently pushes you towards the direction of the snack bar, even playfully patting your behind as I did.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ Ah coming from another protective brother I see.
/teases while I'm biting down on my lower lip to hold back from laughing/
Maybe, maybe not.
/tongue playfully sticking out before my gaze shifts to the movie poster before I'm letting out a soft hum in thought/
Well I've heard the music is really good in Mufasa so I want to see it. No Disney is never to childish to me. I love Disney movies.
/assures with a bright smile as I link my arm with yours/
Let's get our tickets and some popcorn ~

@❀┊jiang sabrina ᵒ Protective brothers are a whole different breed, trust me.. /Nods slowly with hum.
/Raises a brow at your statement, following you inside as the door swings shut behind us. My hands settle behind my back again, and I shake my head with a quiet chuckle.
I might be signing my own death sentence without even realizing it.”
/The amused smile on my lips lingers as I glance at you before shifting my attention to the movie posters on display. Humming thoughtfully, I nod toward a couple of them. Well, there’s Moana and Mufasa.
/Turn back to you with a small smile.
Feeling up for some animation, or does that sound too childish?
/Scrunches my nose slightly at my own choices.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ How come?
/chuckles lightly as I nod my head a few times at the question/
He doesn't really care who you are just as long as I don't get hurt.
/smiles once I'm let go of just to head inside once you're holding the door open for me. Gaze roaming around the theater/
So, what are we seeing?

@❀┊jiang sabrina ᵒ That doesn’t sound very reassuring
/Says with a soft chuckle, well aware of how brothers can be. My lips curl into a playful smirk as I add then, raising my brow a bit. Even if he finds out I’m your guidance counselor?
/Nod slightly while adjusting your coat, making sure you’re bundled up against the chill before releasing my hold.
Come on, let’s head inside. I don’t want you freezing out here.
/Steps back to open the door for you, gesturing for you to go in before following close behind.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ /nearly stumbled forward when I was pulled closer but my hands reaching out to lightly press against your abdomen area. /
He does, I would say watch out but he wouldn't hurt a fly...
/my words drifting asleep you put my hair back in place just for a shy smile to form on my lips. It taking everything in me to not steal a kiss./
Should we...head inside?

@❀┊jiang sabrina ᵒ /looks up just in time to see you, my gaze briefly flickering to the car that just dropped you off before settling on you; Shakes my head, smiling softly.
It's alright.
/Without hesitation, reaches forward, fingers gently grasping the front of your coat as I pull you close. My brow quirks playfully and murmurs.
So your brother knows you're out on a date?
/the breeze tousles your hair, and I instinctively reach up, smoothing it back into place with a gentle touch.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ /letting out a faint hum as my gaze shifted out the window when the car stopped outside of the cinema. My gaze shifting to my brother in the driver seat seemingly trying to lecture me on safety in which I just waved off as I stepped out the vehicle. Giving him a wave before my attention shifted towards the door. A smile forming on my lips as I walk over to you while hugging my coat to my body, while my brother kept his eyes on us until ultimately driving off/
Hey, you.
/coos with a grin/
Sorry about him, my brother and I were getting some flowers for my parents when I got your text. He insisted on bring me.

@❀┊jiang sabrina ᵒ /Hums softly, standing by the cinema doors as I wait for you. The cool breeze nips at my skin, prompting me to adjust my coat and pull up the collar, shielding my face from the chill; lets out a soft sigh, resting my hands behind my back, my fingers idly tapping against each other as anticipation settles in.

@❀┊jiang junmyeon ᵇ "I'm glad I don't deal with grading papers and such." Soohyuk remarked, shaking his head slightly as he took in the evident weariness on the other professor's face. While his job had its own challenges it didn’t follow him home in stacks of papers. “Dealing with students directly can be a handful, but at least I don’t lug work back with me.”

When Junmyeon offered to share his popcorn, Soohyuk’s lips curled into a grateful smile. "Well, thank you for the offer." He had intended to grab a snack before the film but had quickly lost interest when he saw the line at the concession stand. As the lights dimmed and the room hushed, Soohyuk settled back into his seat, glancing sideways at Junmyeon when the professor leaned over to whisper. He raised an eyebrow at the title the other mentioned, confusion flickering across his face. He didn’t have time to process before the male suddenly grew wide eyed, fishing for his movie stub like his life depended on it.

Amusement quickly replaced Soohyuk’s initial confusion. A playful smile tugged at his lips as he watched Junmyeon realize his blunder. Taking the popcorn bucket as it was passed to him, he chuckled softly and turned his attention to the screen. He plucked a few pieces of popcorn and popped them into his mouth, savoring the salty crunch. "Here I was, thinking I’d have someone to watch the movie with." Soohyuk said teasingly, his tone light and filled with mock disappointment. "But it seems like you’ll be leaving me soon, Professor?" He glanced over with a faint smirk, curious if the male would stay or dash off to the theater where his intended movie was playing.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ "Same here," he sighed, stretching out his legs as he settled into a more comfortable sitting position. One hand steadying the bucket on his lap, he rubbed his eyes lightly with the other, fighting back the urge to yawn. "I woke up early, as always, and came here on a spur of the moment. Grading papers have me exhausted." Seeing Soohyuk's empty hands, he lifted his brows. "No snack for you? We can share my popcorn." His fingers were already opening the bucket, not taking any refusal. "I can't finish it all. That is, if you don't mind." Some were particular about sharing food with a stranger, which Junmyeon respected.

Chuckling softly, ridicule was evident as he responded, "It's a mindless movie all right. Even the title screams it." Meanwhile, the lights dimmed to the lowest setting, and the projector screen resized. A deafening silence fell over the sparsely filled theatre, as the audience laid in wake for the movie to finally play. Joonmyeon leaned in closer to whisper. "Don't get me wrong, we all need movies like this every now and then. But i am surprised you chose this too. 'My Roommate's a Hamster' is going to be quite entertaining." He tittered, louder than what he had expected, causing a loud shush to come from ahead.

The chemistry professor cleared his throat softly before returning his gaze to the screen, the title appearing. He blinked. He blinked again. He turned to Soohyuk with wide eyes. ""Love Wins All'!? The highly acclaimed film???" He was appalled, passing the popcorn bucket to the other to fish for the movie stub in his pocket.

@❀┊jiang junmyeon ᵇ [] As you should lol Thank you!

Soohyuk glanced up as he saw someone approaching his row, a friendly smile already forming on his lips out of habit. His brow lifted slightly in surprise when the man stopped beside him, clearly looking for his seat, and even more so when the stranger turned out to be someone from the academy.

“That I am.” Soohyuk confirmed with a light chuckle, leaning forward slightly and offering his hand. “Nice to meet you, Professor.” His tone was warm and unassuming, the same way he greeted anyone who wandered into his office. And as he settled back into his seat, he observed the other briefly, this wasn’t someone he’d interacted with much, but he remembered seeing him around campus. The chemistry professor, if he wasn’t mistaken and as he introduced himself.

Soohyuk’s smile lingered as he gave a casual shrug. “I came here not really expecting anything, honestly. Just needed a break. I heard it’s good, though.” He kept his voice low, mindful of the others, even if the theater was mostly empty. Tilting his head slightly, he added, “How about you? What brings a professor of chemistry to a mindless movie on a weekday morning?” His tone held a playful note, though he wasn’t poking fun but was just genuinely curious.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ () claiming this!

Junmyeon got in line for the popcorn, his brain worn out after spending hours on the exam papers he had to grade. Although the examination was lab-based, that had only cut down some of the pages he had to mark, rather than having a completely theoretical exam. Overseeing the practical had been another feat. He was spent. He looked directly at the cashier who had been calling for his attention for the past couple minutes, cheeks pinking at having spaced out, and indicated for the sweet and salty popcorn set. After paying and thanking the cashier, Junmyeon headed for the theatre. A mindless Hallmark-esque movie was what he needed that morning.

Walking into the theater, the professor carefully made his way to his purchased seat, his hands full with a large bucket of popcorn and a large drink. "J15, J15..." he mumbled under his breath, searching the row tags placed at the bottom of the aisle seats. The hall was mostly empty, evidence of a morning showing. Nearing the row, he saw that it had only one occupied seat — a seat taken by familiar face who he'd seen roaming the halls a couple times. With an small smile, Junmyeon squeezed past the other male to plant his in the seat beside the latter. He shifted in his seat to slightly face the other. "Hi. You're the guidance counselor, Wen Soohyuk, right?" He spoke in a low voice, being courteous to the other moviegoers, even though it was just the previews. "I'm Jiang Junmyeon, the chemistry professor. Are you excited for this movie?"

[ Open ]

It wasn’t often that Soohyuk found himself indulging in trends, but the buzz surrounding this particular movie was impossible to ignore. Students and staff alike had been raving about it in passing conversations, and even the vending machine chatter hadn't spared him. At first, he brushed it off with a shrug, chalking it up to the usual overhype. But after overhearing another group passionately dissecting its plot in the cafeteria, his curiosity finally got the better of him.

So, there he was, standing in line at the local cinema, his eyes flicked over the vibrant posters. "A masterpiece of storytelling." one review claimed, while another promised it was "An emotional rollercoaster you won’t soon forget." Soohyuk raised an eyebrow. It better live up to the drama, he thought.

Ticket in hand, he stepped into the dimly lit theater, scanning the sparsely populated seats, it was an early weekday showing, and he liked his peace. Settling into a seat near the middle, he stretched out, slipping his jacket off and draping it over the chair beside him. As the previews began, he leaned back, one hand in his pocket fiddling with a spare candy wrapper. He wasn’t entirely sure what he was expecting, but if nothing else, this was a chance to unwind and take a break from his usual antics. The murmured conversations and the smell of buttery popcorn filled the room as he glanced around, briefly wondering who else might have been drawn to the hype like he was.