↬ sʜᴏᴘᴘɪɴɢ ᴄᴇɴᴛʀᴇ

@α┊hwang hyunjin *was momentarily distracted by the food and picked up a pair of tongs so that he could cook, but was quickly vetoed by you. Laughing softly, he stubbornly tried to flip some of the veggies on the grill and found that you were quite insistent, finally giving up and putting down the utensil. With nothing to do, though, the earlier topic quickly began to weigh on him again, but just having you reach for his hand helped soothe him*
... I... I want to let Hannie in. I'd want to let everyone in eventually. It's not that I'm ashamed or anything. I know that no one would think any different of me. I just- I don't want anyone to worry. Or to be a burden to you guys while I'm going through things. That's why I put it off all this time. Starting the hormones, I mean... And there's part of me that still thinks this is a terrible time with the tour and then adding someone else into the mix, but I also don't know when I'll have the courage to do it if I don't do it now.
*realizes he'd been rambling and let out a shuddery breath, leaning down to thunk his head against the table and listening to the sizzle of the grill*
What if it messes things up? He's used to me like this... Maybe it's too much.

@α┊bang chan ᶜʰʳᶦˢ Oh Chris- I'm not suggesting either one of you avoid each other. What's done is done, and we're going to get through whatever trouble it might cause. We're strong enough that we've been through much worse-
*there was a soft laugh as I explained myself better, my mind more focused on how we were going to move forward after the cycles came down and they were all in a clear head space. but before I could open my mouth, the food was being brought in and I was already preparing the grill to cook. any time I saw you even lift your hand to help, I'd give you a stern but playful glare before going back to the process. it took maybe two minutes before I was laying down a small bed of onions and garlic to season the plate while my other hand was reaching out to hold yours once more*
No matter what the choices are, it might be a good idea to maybe let Hannie in a little bit more? That way if you do have to be locked away for a couple of days, he understands. I think once the transformation happens, you and Hannie are going to be joined at the hip even more so.. but there's a special connection omegas so it'd balance out in the end. Right?

@α┊ok taecyeon /gives you smile as my gaze roams around us for a moment while adjusting the hood on my head. A soft chuckle leaving me at your words/
I missed you too.
/smiles before holding up my small bag/
I needed new earbuds but I also need another jacket. Mine ripped the other day.

@β┊byun baekhyun *once I've read your message, i look up, surveying the people milling about near the entrance, trying to find you. When i hear you call out to me, I turn, smiling broadly once you're in sight, walking toward you quickly, tugging my cap down a bit in case anyone suddenly takes an interest in us. reaching your side, i want to hug you, but there are too many strangers around, so i just lean close to you, speaking softly*
i sure have missed you
*straightening up, my expression relaxed now that i've found you, i ask*
what are you shopping for?

@α┊ok taecyeon /my gaze shifted down to my phone at the text a soft smile forming on my lips seeing as you got her pretty quickly. Stepping out of the street I was in and starting to make my way back towards the entrance since I wasn't too far from it./

[To: Taec ♡]
I'm waling back towards the entrance. I should see you in a minute.

/quickly replies before slipping the phone back into my pocket so I could look for you near the entrance. Grinning when spotted/
Taec!

@β┊byun baekhyun *arriving at the shopping center, I wander outside for awhile, looking for you before I finally enter, scanning the crowd to see your familiar figure* I should have asked him which store we should meet at *I mumble under my breath, exasperated by myself, knowing that i'd been in such a hurry to see you again that i'd left without knowing where you might be. pulling out my phone, I send you a quick text*

[To: Baek -`♡´-]

I'm just inside the main door, Baek.
Let me know where you are, and I'll find you

@α┊hwang hyunjin *let you handle the ordering, happy with whatever you chose. Barbeque was something he wasn't particularly picky with, though he smiled fondly with the care you took to make sure his drink was just right. He reached out to take your offered hands, rubbing his thumbs along your knuckles before bringing one up to place an appreciative kiss to the backs of your fingers. It wasn't an easy subject to talk about, but just holding your hands made him feel a bit better*
I... don't really see a way to avoid it, Hyunjinnie. Not without me keeping my distance. And that'd probably be even harder for Hannie to deal with during his heat. I know we're not mated or anything, but he's attached to both of us. I'd feel terrible if he wanted me and I wasn't there... I don't want him to feel abandoned after everything.
*gives your hands a squeeze*
We'll just... figure it out later. I knew it'd probably get a bit complicated and muddy. Even without adding that in, it's an adjustment including another person.

@α┊bang chan ᶜʰʳᶦˢ *as our drinks were brought in, I made sure your coke was the right temp before pouring your glass. while setting up, I was quick to order 2 sets of the braised ribs, some pork belly and some thinly sliced brisket. I looked over at you at the end for approval, making sure you had space to order anything you wanted outside of our normal routine. once the waitress was gone, I reached out to take your hands in mine.. a subtle hint to offer my fingers to play with to make sure you didn't rub your hands raw on whatever material they possessed or in case you started picking at your nails*
I think at this point.. we're all very aware how much we care. Heats and ruts.. they're hard, but we all understand how our minds get lost in the heat of the moment.. I think my biggest concern is if you let all those hormones in.. /and/ you're knotting an omega.. it might set back what we've been working so hard on. Yet trying to avoid that, without Hannie knowing what's going on, especially while he's in heat and not thinking straight? We just might have to deal with that and push harder during my rut.

@α┊hwang hyunjin *appreciated when you took the lead with the hostess and felt better when they were settled in a private room. he lightly pushes his feet back against yours, his fingers fiddling anxiously with the menu that he wasn't really paying too much attention to. it always made him feel a bit better when he had something to do with his hands when anxiety nagged in the pit of his gut* yeah... that's what I thought, too. I just don't want to hurt you or Hannie if I- ... lose it. I don't know what I might do. *bites his lip* I thought about stay somewhere else during it. But that isn't the answer. I want us to all be able to be together during times like this.

@α┊bang chan ᶜʰʳᶦˢ *as we stepped inside the building, I took a step forward in order to make the request for a private room in the back. in these moments, I always took lead as if I could give your brain a little rest from always being in control. I kept quiet until we were isolated and our drink orders were in. only then did I uncurl my legs under the table in order to rub my feet against yours and your calves under the table* I'm not gonna lie, I've been concerned myself.. So I figured, we could come to an agreement on how to proceed in case it does happen. You won't be in your right mind, and I want to make sure you're fully supported. Obviously.. the previous goal would of been to proceed with our.. process- but having an omega in the house? Trying to stop you from topping and knotting him would.. probably turn into a physical fight.

@α┊hwang hyunjin *walks close by your side, also not shying away from holding your hand. most everyone in the group did skinship, so it didn't outwardly stand out. dating rumors weren't something that even crossed his mind as a worry right now, though. part of him knew it was likely only a matter of time until someone had to come out, but until then, he enjoyed the peace of keeping you to himself. pressing his lips into a thin line, he gave a thoughtful hum, glancing down as he collected his thoughts* that's... something I've been worried about. it's supposed to be the week after Hannie's, but... I've been anxious that it might come early since I didn't have my last one. *frowns* I've been more hesitant because of that and maybe projecting my worries onto Hannie a bit. I don't know what I should do.

@α┊bang chan ᶜʰʳᶦˢ All the protein bars and electrolytes, for us all it seems *laughs lightly before gently pulling you from the room so we can start the small walk to the food place I had mentioned. it was in the middle of a shopping center, which allowed us to kill two birds one stone. as we walked, I didn't fear holding your hand- if anything our skinship had leaked into public eye not too long ago, and it seemed like staff were encouraging it* I mean-- if he mentioned being alright with it before his brain was foggy.. We should take him at his word. My rut is way over, so I'll be clear headed just in case.. you slip into your rut. I wanted to talk to you about that possibility and how.. you'd like me to handle it..?

@α┊lee minhyuk ʰᵘᵗᵃ “I don’t see why not. But that all depends on tonight~” Rui teased back. “And besides, in someone’s sick little mind is a hot stalker.” He snorted. It was incredibly entertaining to listen to this man speak. They were so quirky and witty in their words that it seemed like a new conversation every time. And Rui liked that.

Rui laughed at their words. “I promise, you’re the only guy that’ll be there. So I’ll be looking forward to the handsome one waiting out front.” He winked before putting in one of his earbuds in his ear to continue his workout.

@Ω┊meng rui Minhyuk chuckled “another time? Already decided you like me enough to go out with me again huh? I could be a total stalker for all you know and you just fell into my trap of taking you out and maybe ravishing you later on the dance floor…” he teases shaking his head, “tonight 10om, ill pick you up ill be the handsome one waiting out front..unless you have many men doing that then ill be the confused one standing out front”

@α┊lee minhyuk ʰᵘᵗᵃ “YouTube royalty.” The younger laughed at their words. They were very entertaining so far and definitely deserved his time. Even if it was for a little bit. “10PM, Club. We can hit a bar another time.” He winked.

@Ω┊meng rui “Oh? Ill make sure tonight goes better than planned then~ cant waste such an opportunity to have a one on one with youtube royalty” He grins watching as you laid back, his tongue running across his lower lip. Minhyuk clears his throat pocketing his phone once more. “What time, club or bar handsome?"

@α┊lee minhyuk ʰᵘᵗᵃ Meng chuckled as he laid back in the machine a little bit. He then told the other his number and watched them punch it into their phone. Rui smirked at their words. “If tonight goes well, then we can have a one on one session sooner than later~” he teased.

“Maybe we can even record it..”

@Ω┊meng rui Pulling his hand back after the shake minhyuk grinned, perfect his night was going to be fun and hopefully by the end of it sweaty. “Of course, im a gentleman after all~ whats your number beautiful ill text you so you have mine.” minhyuk pulled his phone out his sweatpants pocket and swipes to open so he can add rui’s in.

“Mmm we should do a work out together, you can show me some of those workout you do on your videos, a one on one session~”

@α┊lee minhyuk ʰᵘᵗᵃ Oh? Already? Rui thought. The offer had lead a smile on Rui’s face. “I’d love to, actually.” He said with a little nod, lifting his hands up to put his hair into a ponytail. “I actually moved down the street about two years ago so I’m not that new.” He chuckled. “There’s specific equipment my personal gym doesn’t have, so I wanted to come here to check out the new machines.” He nodded.

“So. If I give you my address, will you come pick me up, handsome?”

@Ω┊meng rui “How about tonight then?” Minhyuk asked grinning letting his eyes roam over Rui’s arms and chest with no shame landing back on the man’s beautiful eyes. “I’ll buy you a night out and anything else beautiful”

“Ah where are my manners- Minhyuk but you can call me yours~” he reached out shaking ruis hand chuckling at his own cheesiness. “Always wanted to use that line and never had the opportunity thank you for that. It’s nice to meet you, must say you are definitely more defined and bigger in person. I haven’t seen you here before.. new in town?” Not that Minhyuk always comes here- he has a private studio with a trainer but he was staying in a hotel right now for some studio sessions and this was the closest gym he could find while he was around.

@α┊lee minhyuk ʰᵘᵗᵃ Oh. /Oh/. He was right. They /did/ recognize him. Rui was kind of at a loss for words at the other man’s realization. Maybe the fitness community is a little smaller than he thought. Though, Rui felt very flattered at being noticed. A strange feeling, but welcoming.

“Y-Yeah, that’s me.” He said, soon laughing at their other words. “Ah- yeah. You’re going to have to buy me a night out if you want to see that.” He winked playfully. Foxes were always the sly and playful type.

“It’s nice to meet you, what’s your name?” He said with a smile, reaching out to shake their hand.

@Ω┊meng rui Ah and he was caught. Minhyuk chuckles slowly standing from his workout letting the handle slide to the top. He rolled his shoulders back popping out one of his headphones and grabbed his hand towel wiping the sweat from his forehead. He walked over leaning against the equipment and nodded.

“Where do I know you from? I’ve seen your face before but I can’t put my finger on it just y-“ now that he was closer it hit Minhyuk and his eyes widened a little just as did his lips spreading into a small smile. “You’re uh- you’re that workout guy from YouTube I’ve seen some of your videos yeah what’s your name.. Ree.. rui? Rui! That’s it I knew I recognized your cheeks and arms from somewhere. Face cheeks not your other ones, haven’t gotten to see those yet-“

@α┊lee minhyuk ʰᵘᵗᵃ There was no mistake that there were eyes on him. And it had to be from that fine guy that he’s not far from. He wondered why he was being stared at. Did they recognize him? Nah. Well… Possibly?

Rui was mostly going to work on his legs today. He sat on a thigh weight machine. But those eyes were a little distracting. He looked over at the male and they were looking away. He chuckled.

“May I help you…?”

@Ω┊meng rui Minhyuk knows that face, he knows he knows it. Hes seen it but right now as hes working on his triceps he for the life of him cant quiet put his finger on it. Something about the eyes and cheekbones, the sharp jaw, all unique together has minhyuk wracking his brain trying to figure this out, he just needed another glance- which someone had to be listening to his mind since said man was now walking over taking the workout area next to him.

Minhyuk stole a few glances using his time of changing out his weights to study the mans profile. Its on the tip of his tongue. Shaking his head minhyuk sighed to himself not able to put his finger on it, he didnt want to seem like a creep either so he turned his head away and worked out facing the mirror finishing his seat.

Luckily for him someone was looking down on him again, his next seat was at the same weight machine as the beaut from earlier, he takes up the space opposite using the with the same machine to work on his ab’s and the cable crunch was the best to help define the muscles he already had hidden underneath and gives him a better chance at figuring out who this man was by being so close

@α┊lee minhyuk ʰᵘᵗᵃ With music blaring in his ears, Rui was getting pretty into his stretches. No matter how muscle forward he was, he was still quite flexible. He was sitting in a Chinese split and leaning forward on his elbows for a fuller stretch. For some reason, his instincts told him to look up, so he did. The moment he did, his face flushed with red from the sudden flirtatious gesture.

The man wasn’t bad looking. Big, like Rui, but humble with his muscle. Their eyes were the star, though. Round and bright. It made him smile a little as he looked away. Rui slowly got up from his position and went to move on to a weight machine.

Which was, conveniently next to the eye candy that winked at him earlier. He promised he wasn’t trying to follow them. Getting settled on the machine, Rui started on his real workout.

@Ω┊meng rui Minhyuk stuck to a routine, he had to to keep himself in check not just mentally but physically. Right on the dot like every other morning minhyuk headed to the gym, his bag on his shoulder, after signing in he dropping his things off he begun like he always did heads to the mirror to stretch standing next to a few others, music playing in is ears his head bobs along a little to the beats.

Zoning out those around him minhyuk stretches his arms first left then right singing quietly along to his music. At a quick glance into the mirrror he caught your glance throwing you a playfull wink he goes back to finish his stretching and heads off to work on his arms and torso across the room whistling.

@α┊lee minhyuk ʰᵘᵗᵃ The day was already stressful for Rui. He’d just gotten back from vacation and he’s already behind on streams and his YouTube videos. Today, he shall schedule everything out and declutter his mind. But first? A nice little workout.

There was a mall nearby that held a pretty nice sized gym with all the latest equipment. It usually wasn’t crowded, which was good for Rui. After a small breakfast, Rui headed to the mall and went right to the gym.

There was at least 20 people in total here. Not too bad. He could breathe.

Maybe a set of stretches for his warm-up would be good.

@α┊taylor zakhar-perez He admired that little treat of joy and achievement on his tray, though it was shortlived as some tongs swoop in, stealing it away. His bright world of sunshine and stars dampened into a dark, cold atmosphere as he jerked his head to make eye contact with the thief. He huffs after hearing the man's words, picking up his own set of tongs to try and retrieve the baked goodie back on his tray. "I'm no kid....and I saw and touched it first, so it's mine...You should be moving along and giving me what's mine..."

His tray gently knocks into Taylor's as he attacks like a vulture with his plastic, 'deadly' beak.

@α┊taylor zakhar-perez Taemin was overwhelmed by the bakery goodies, so he had to take a stroll around to see the surroundings and understand his hunting grounds. He didn't want to end up with a box of a dozen treats; yes, he would eat them all and give himself a stomach ache at the end of the day, he knew it was best to scope what he should get before going crazy.

During his first trip round, he was stopped in his tracks. Like falling in love at first sight, he saw the last individual chicken pot pie on the rack, begging and crying for someone to take it home. Without hesitation, knowing it would be gone if he didn't take it now, he held his tray with tightness and firmly to his chest before rushing over to the pie. His vision is tunneled by determination and greed, and he bumps into Taylor, who is fishing for the baked good. Then, in an instance, the baked good had made it on Taemin's tray, and he let out a cheer, unaware of the war brewing behind him.

@Ω┊choi chanhee ⁿᵉʷ Sunwoo puffed out his cheeks with a smile. "Mmmm... That's true... I suppose." He hummed softly. "It's okay... Ummm..." He looked around before turning back to Chanhee. "Okay... I don't... Wanna sound crazy... But..." He paused for a moment. "I saw a baby... The other day..." He tapped his fingers together. " And it giggled at me... I nearly melted..." He pouted a little. "I was scared... But... I talked to a mom and she said she didn't regret it at all. I might've walked into a baby store though... And that's where I ran into her..." He looked away again, puffing out his cheeks. Patting the Cinnamoroll plushie with a smile. "I... Have no objections... Other than I will get nervous when other people look at us..."