driftrz

[driftrz]

truth be told, every little stress of the night spills away when he sees her. it shouldn’t — he should remind himself of the lines drawn between them, of the kiss he saw. it was only right to step back. so why does he do the opposite ? “ sometimes you just gotta let shit out in a fight. the way tonight’s goin’, i’m sure mari will learn that. ” she stops just ahead of him, and he stands, coming closer to get a good look at her. her nose looked the worst of it, but even with the damage of multiple fights, he thinks she might be the most breathtaking thing he’s ever seen. gaze sweeps over her, ‘til he’s taken all of her in. mostly. bruised and battered, if they were still together, he’d take her hand and tell her to let me have a look at you, baby, a little spin to accompany the words. she had a way of making him corny, before. but they weren’t together — they were three years thick into separation. “ yeah ? and the rest of you, was that from a fair fight ? y’wanna tell me who put their hands on you ? ” there’s something dangerous in his tone. she can handle herself, but she’s still hurt, and some part of him associates that with her needing care. he wonders again : is anyone caring for her ? a greedy part of him wants the answer to be no. another part wants it to be yes, because she deserves it. he inches closer, and for a moment, he considers reaching out and cupping her cheek. he doesn’t — instead he offers her the ice pack for her nose, nods at her knees. “ if that hurts, i can clean it up for you, before the pictures. ” or he could carry her to the booth, if she let him. but then, in his mind : cautious, cautious. it’s not crew shit — he’s not afraid of being labeled a traitor if it’s because of xile. it’s about moving on. it’s about embracing the new him-and-xile. but, god, he’s tired. he’s tired of being angry and he’s tired of pretending and it’s fucking valentines, so he’ll put all his bullshit aside and be soft for one night. just for a night. it’s not as if she wants him, still. “ after the pictures — i have somethin’ for you. want you to see it before the meet. but it has to be after. is that okay ? ” she didn’t trust him. he hadn’t given her any reason to. but he still hopes she’ll say yes. strange thing, to hope : he’d thought he lost it years ago, and yet here it is, blooming. fleeting. he knew it would be crushed — by himself, eventually. “ c’mon. bathroom or photobooth first ? ”

her   attention   was   supposed   to   be   on   her   best   friend   before   her,   on   making   sure   that   they   filled   each   other   in   and   that   she'd   at   least   plant   the   seed   for   forgiveness   after   the   shit   she   stirred   earlier   in   the   night.   it   was   not   supposed   to   be   on   the   man   across   the   area,   treating   the   dingy   bar   as   some   make   shift   emergency   room   with   what   seemed   to   be   the   nights   mascot,   a   stupid   cupid,   playing   nurse.   vexation   simmering   as   time   continued,   the   reasoning   behind   the   nerve   to   approach   her   ex   after   finishing   up   her   conversation   with   jihoon.   no   thought   behind   the   question,   what   do   you   think   you're   doing?   and   it's   luck   that   he   doesn't   catch   onto   the   real   meaning.   that   he   can't   tell   she   was   reprimanding   the   act   of   allowing   sloane   to   touch   him,   not   the   shit   he   got   himself   into.   it   seemed   the   green   monster   that   she'd   never   gotten   a   handle   on   when   it   came   to   him   was   still   alive.   it'd   simply   been   living   underneath   her   bed,   waiting,   resting,   while   he   was   gone.   she's   still   a   feet   away   when   he   replies,   eyes   straying   to   his   lips,   baseless   hum   at   his   response.   only   when   she's   finally   in   front   of   him   and   he   speaks   again   does   she   truly   respond,     “    yeah.    ”       peek   around   the   bar   to   hide   the   look   in   her   eyes   that   would   prove   she   understood   the   statement   all   too   well.   it's   darius,   how   many   times   she   had   repeated   that   same   phrase   as   an   explanation.   she   still   would,   it   was   still   darius.   eyes   meeting   his   again,     “    's   my   fault   anyways,   pushing   that   button.   i   wanted   the   fight,    ”       and   she   didn't   care   to   confess   that.   not   to   him.   there'd   be   no   judgement,   there'd   be   no   slap   on   the   wrist.   she   was   sure   of   it.   in   this   space,   between   the   two   of   them,   she   could   be   as   honest   and   revealing   as   she   wanted   to   be,     “    wasn't   really   a   fair   fight   though.    ”       the   one   a   mere   ten   minutes   later   had   made   up   for   that.   it'd   left   her   marked   up.   cut   at   the   corner   of   her   bottom   lip,   purpling   highlight   in   the   form   of   a   bruise   sitting   on   top   of   a   cheekbone.   she   can   see   the   moment   he   notices,   when   she   steps   right   in   front   of   his   slouched   frame.   directly   in   front   of   his   vision   that   even   the   half   shut   eye   couldn't   miss   the   aftermath.   if   he   looked   down,   did   a   full   scope   of   her   body,   he'd   notice   the   specks   of   blood   on   her   top   and   the   scrape   on   her   knee   that   remained   raw.   few   more   steps   forward   and   she'd   be   standing   in   between   his   out   stretched   legs,   three   years   ago   she'd   be   there   already.   now,   she   remains   glued   to   her   spot.     “    'm   fine,    ”       she   hadn't   had   her   own   personal   repair   team   like   he   had,   but   she   managed.     “    photobooth,    ”       the   burning   sensation   of   the   cut   between   teeth   as   she   bit   at   the   corner   of   her   mouth,   thinking.   letting   the   suggestion   float   in   the   air   for   a   minute   before   she   nods,   slow,   unsure   if   it's   the   smart   decision,     “    yeah,   sure,   it's   tradition   after   all.    ” 

[driftrz]

geeeez, if kissing was anything like what her and tania did, it kinda sucked ! not that they were a bad kisser, just that she'd expected, y'know, something like in a novel. maybe that's what happens when a kiss is shared with someone you're not trying to romance. she decides she needs another martini to ruminate on this new life lesson. except : there's bri ! she beams as she settles next to her, nearly bouncing in her seat. tem likes to think she's more perceptive than people give her credit for, and the enthusiasm bri offers tonight feels different. it has bright smile dimming just slightly. uh - oh. " yeah ! i guess. but, y'know, vogue videos is more comfortable. not so much noise ! " for as loud as she was, even she had trouble fighting against 12welve's music. " how's valentines going ? anything fun ? i should probably be at home watching a romcom, but there's a meet...ing that i have to do. here. at 12welve. um, later on. what about you ? "

for : tem kuang @driftrz — 12welve.

there's  something  entirely  too  eye  -  opening  about  seeing  your  roommate  and  your  crush  kissing  in  the  middle  of  a  club  on  what  was  likely  deemed  by  companies  everywhere  '  the  most  romantic  day  of  the  year.  '  it's  cool,  bri  is  totally  cool.  she's  so  okay  by  the  sight  that  she  takes  it  upon  herself  to  order  some  more  drinks,  since  it  seems  like  she  no  longer  has  to  have  a  portion  of  her  paycheck  for  her  bi  -  weekly  vogue  videos  visits.  score,  right  ?  at  least  she  could  finally  tell  herself  that  it  really  had  been  all  in  her  head.  bri  isn't  exactly  confrontational  by  nature,  and  even  after  more  than  a  few  drinks  she  doesn't  exactly  know  what  to  say  when  faced  with  tem.  "  oh,  um.  hi  !  "  enthusiasm  is  feigned,  like  she'd  feel  too  guilty  for  icing  tem  out  over  something  unrequited.  "  didn't  really  ...  expect  to  see  you  here.  seems  like  we've  only  got  two  spots.  "  is  12welve  ruined  for  her  now  ?  maybe  she'd  find  some  comfort  at  heartbreaker  bar,  the  name  seemed  entirely  too  fitting  right  now.

[driftrz]

grief and guilt and guilt and grief. those were the only two things he was made of. it's almost satisfying, that jihoon can't see it : as if the prowlers making him all villain might mean he's wrong about his own true feelings, that regret isn't something he'll be stuck on for the rest of his life. " pull what ? telling you to fuck off ? just tryin' to be honest. " how terrible it is to be seen by an old friend. to still have the ability to be seen by him. jihoon pulls back the veil over darius and sees the coward underneath, and that has his veins lighting electric. " you don't know what you're talkin' about, and you should stop running your mouth before it gets you in trouble. " he'd wanted a peaceful night after the last big party on new years', and yet here he is, standing down against jihoon. still, there's something almost poetic about this, knife in back twisting and twisting. one confrontation against a past he can kill. ( delusional until the end. xile isn't the only ghost that will follow him for life. ) " did a pretty good job of it until tonight, though. whole year back and you didn't find me once. maybe you're not as good at lookin' as you think, for someone who wants to act like he was so worried. " not quite as sharp as he wishes the words could be — jihoon didn't know. he couldn't know. darius would never allow it. so he lies. lie after lie after lie, spilling expertly from his mouth. " could care less about the prowlers, if you haven't noticed. i don't think about them at all. sad, huh ? you aren't even worth talking shit about anymore. so, we're back to where we started : get the fuck out of my face. "

"why, are you capable of feeling guilt? i can't guilt trip you if you clearly don't have it in you to feel it," jihoon points out, because you can't feel guilty after leaving your crew and your family behind, no. the nariza bois splitting from the prowlers left an anger and bitterness that has been gradually and quietly festering in jihoon. so quietly that he doesn't acknowledge it and doesn't give it attention or weight. it's been three years in the making. it's directed at a lot of people. but the knowledge of darius's betrayal is fresh and it stings. this the same person who stood by the prowlers when the split happened, who had made his opinions loud and clear about the nariza bois. so how is he with the enemy? if he were sober, this conversation would've started very differently, but it doesn't change that the honesty is there: brutal and hurtful. "you don't get to pull this shit. you sound like a coward right now." that's the shitty part about betrayal. you consider someone a friend, and they they turn their back on you and act high and mighty about it. but darius doesn't know that it was jihoon who stood by xile's side when he left so much ruin in his wake. he doesn't know that jihoon tried to look for him, because in his head, there's was no way his friend could leave them behind—something must've gone wrong. no, he just jumped crews. see, that was the shitty part about betrayal. he lets out a light chuckle, devoid of humor. "if you wanted to 'ignore me', maybe popping up with the nariza bois wasn't your smartest choice. tell me, do you shit on us with them the same way you used to shit on them with us?"

[driftrz]

what do you think you’re doing? @drftings

two fucking fights in a few hours. even the bartender felt bad for darius, handed him a little ice pack — modeling was gonna be fucked for a few weeks while his bruises healed. that throbbing he feels is definitely a black eye. fucking jihoon, he thinks, but there's no malice to it. just a low resignation, lacking as much fire as a sigh breathed out. he's the one in the wrong, anyway. he wasn't in the wrong with the second fight, really more of a mauling against his person. doesn't know why she decided to attack him like a feral chihuahua, but she'd managed to get a few good hits in. really, a part of him had allowed it. he deserved them, why not surrender to them ? the cold against his wounds feels nice, but the dark corner he's tucked himself in is uncomfortable. what a mess. if they didn't have that meet coming up, he'd head home early just like in new years'. and then, just as he's really getting into his sulking session, there xile is : had somehow managed to sneak up on him, but her voice he could hear louder than any music or drunken conversation. xile, xile, xile, xile. was this what forever was going to be — quiet pining for a love he tore apart ? pathetic of him, when she’s moved on. and still there it was, neverending. this friends shit was supposed to get rid of that. glances up, finding her gaze. " gettin' my shit rocked, apparently. " tries to grin, but that makes his cut lip sting, so expression turns into a grimace and a hiss. " thanks for not goin' too hard on mari. she's not really a fighter, she just... it’s jihoon. " shrug, as if the name of an ex explained everything. maybe it did. he certainly knows what it’s like to feel a little crazy over someone three years too late. the ice pack moves from one side of his face to the other. it's not the most bruised up she's ever seen him, but there's still something that feels vulnerable. maybe it's because the last time he'd been hurt in front of xile — the new years' bruise didn't count — was when he'd left her. his eye’s swollen, uncomfortable, but as she gets closer, he notices the scraps on her. “ mari didn’t do that. shit, are you okay ? ” for a moment, it feels like there'll be a lull between them. like she might not answer. did she not trust him enough to ? he doesn't want to think about that. silence means he'll be left to think, to have his mind wander more than it already does. when it comes to his mind, all those who wander are lost. instead, he blurts the only thing he can think of : " they've got a photobooth set up. we’re lookin’ a little fucked, but, i was thinkin’, if you wanted to… "

[driftrz]

in a way, tem understands eric. he's not the only grumpy rodani prowler ; she's sure plenty of her crewmates are spending the night making that same scowl, and the thought makes her smile widen. she loves her friends. they're so silly ! shoulder gently bumps against his. " i think this counts as doing couple shit. you wouldn't go out and dance with a partner ? " a motion towards the dancefloor — who knows how many couples were there, new and old ( but there really could stand to be a few more cheaters, in her opinion. ) ? she takes eric's hand and nearly jumps up off her seat, suddenly very excited. yes ! she loves doing shit she shouldn't be doing ! " well, the meet's in a little bit anyway, so we can get kicked out no problem. oh ! d'you think we'll see a celebrity ? who could be in miami during valentines ? " a pause, so she stops walking, because all of her has to be still if she's going to think. " maybe, um, pitbull ? "

☁️   —   being  around  tem  always  felt  like  a  puff  of  fresh  air,  one  eric  wasn't  ever  sure  he  wanted  or  deserved.  the  list  of  people  who  could  make  him  actually  smile  was  short,  but  she  made  it  top  of  the  list.  they  were  probably  a  sight  to  see  at  the  club ;  a  shining  pink  sparkle  and  dull  scrap  of  dark  denim.  "  shouldn't  people  stay  home  and  —  i  don't  know  ...  "  a  moment  of  a  pause,  "  —  do  couple  shit  ?  "  scowl  coloring  his  face  as  he  follows  his  eyes  to  the  same  couple.  he  worries  for  the  couples  face's  the  next  morning,  that  '  kiss  '  might  bruise. his  curiosity  perks  up  at  the  question,  eyes  darting  behind  them.  "  why  not  ?  "  eyes  lifting  as  he  stands  offering  her  a  hand,  "  whats  the  worse  that  can  happen  they  kick  us  out  ?  "

[driftrz]

response is a low, unintelligible grumble, perhaps a little curse word snuck it. don't get him wrong : this was the perfect place for him to be. he'd just expected mari to want to go somewhere a little more ... properly valentines-y. perhaps a testament to how not - good they were both handling their love lives. his was less than stellar. hers, complicated. " if you wanted flowers, you should've included that in your text. and you know i don't give out valentines. " bold of him to say this with a valentines' for someone in his pocket. since he wasn't sure if he wouldn't end up throwing it out by the end of the night, mari didn't need to know about it. but he steps forward when his shoulder is pushed on, despite all of his complaints. " s'long as i don't need to hit anybody tonight. so, be sure not to get caught. i need a little peace 'n quiet. "

💛  —  "  oh  don't  be  a  spoil  sport  dari,  "  to  emphasize  the drawl of her  words  mari  leans  to  her  side  gives  darius'  shoulder  a  short  knock.  while  mari  herself  would  have  loved  to  be  on  some  romantic  date  being  swept  off  her  feet  with  roses  and  chocolates ;  she  knew  good  and  well  that  wasn't  in  the  cards  for  her  this  day.  when you make your own bed of misery you have to lie in it. she'd  just  have  to  include  darius  in  her  suffering.  "  unless  you  have  flowers  somewhere  and  a  big,  long  declaration  to  be  my  valentine  i  would  say  this  is our  best  bet  for  the  evening.  "  she  does  a  quick  twist  to  stand  behind  the  other  and  shoves  softly  on  his  shoulder,  "  pfft, if  i  can't  steal  them  i  for  sure  scam  some  chump  into  buying  them  for  me,  trust  !  "

[driftrz]

they stop, and he stops, and fuck whoever's behind them. i carry mine with me. he can't decide if that sounds better or worse than what he does. the thing is that he wishes there could be an easier division. because darius doesn't only carry the most haunting parts of his past through memories : it's on his body. it's the matching tattoo with xile. it's the scars that never healed right from the crash. there, constant reminders, day after day after — " somethin' like that. that it was unhealthy to run away from things, or whatever. wasn't very helpful. " great. now he wants a smoke. " mostly 'cause i'd already ran. so. too late for that kind of advice. "

the  call  of  his  alias  from  darius'  lips  has  jaeha  stopping  in  his  tracks  entirely,  slowly  spinning  on  his  heel  to  face  his  companion  —  busy  casino  walkway  be  damned.  later  they'll  take  darius  by  the  elbow,  lead  him  somewhere  quieter  to  continue  this  conversation  in  whatever  way  he  needs,  but  right  now  the  alias  feels  something  akin  to  an  urgency,  as  if  it  demands  a  response  right  there  and  then.  she  says,  "i  carry  mine  with  me.  there  is  no  past  if  you're  still  living  it."  what  she  wants  to  say:  everyone  is  different.  your  past  does  not  look  like  mine,  where  there  is  a  past  bolt  and  present  tides.  "i  don't  ignore  it,  darius,"  and  this,  too,  is  deliberate,  because  darius  chulanot  exists  in  both  the  past  and  present,  "because  i've  not  divorced  my  past  from  my  present.  that  what  your  therapist  told  you,  too?"

[driftrz]

starter 4 @thr0ttle ( tania )

where : 12welve !

if you asked tem about taking a break at 12welve, her answer would be : whaaaat ? who would ever sit down at the club ?! the answer in return is her, as soon as her feet start aching. what luck that the moment her heels begin to bother her is the moment she finds an unoccupied seat next to tania. she plops down, her presence known by them instantly. " sooo. " is how she leads in, beaming bright and wide. " any valentines ? "

[driftrz]

starter 4 @wh1plash

where : heartbreaker bar !

as if tonight wasn’t difficult enough. he’s still not quite sure what the hell happened between marigold, jihoon, and mirae — thank fuck for that, the less involved he is the better — but it was clearly nothing good. certainly, the bruises he’s been left with with aren’t good either, his only consolation that his once - friend sports a matching set. and then, she : mistress of chaos. he had been her mentor, once. one of his first betrayals — with so many under his belt, is it a shock he turned traitor as well ? usually, they ignore one another. that’s what’s easiest. not tonight : already there’s been confrontation after confrontation, and here’s one that’s been rattling in its cage and waiting to strike. after all, mirae is getting closer, closer, headed straight for him — rarity of such magnitude he’s convinced pigs must be soaring. “ what do you want ? ”

[driftrz]

she really has to stop coming to events at 12welve. nothing good ever comes from them ! all night and she hasn’t seen one dramatic cheating confrontation. she’s being dramatic, of course, but she’s very adamant on the fact that every valentine’s should have at least once, and she should be witness ! has the world gone mad ? where is the infidelity ? sulking takes a pause when someone sits beside her, eric’s familiar form a pleasant surprise. she perks up, a human sparkle of pink with her glittery top. “ think there’s gonna be too many people everywhere. it’s valentine’s ! ” as if to punctuate her words, two people on the dance floor go in for a drunken kiss. at least, she thinks they’re trying to kiss. she makes a face, soft gaze turning back to him instead. “ there’s gotta be a quieter section. isn’t there a vip thingy ? you wanna see if we can sneak in ? ”

📍   12welve

⏰   approx  11pm ( maybe ? )

🗝️   closed  starter  for  @driftrz (  tem  )

☁️   —   valentines.  the  holiday  is  much  too  much  for  eric.  too  much  enthusiasm,  too  much  love,  too  much  red  &  pink,  too  much  !  there's  a  regret  in  finding  his  way  to  12welve  when  he  really  should  have  started his night  straight at  heartbreaker.  he's  happy  to  find  a  respite from sweaty stranger bodies  when  his  eyes  catch  tem's  familiar  figure  at  the  bar.  squeezing  up  to  her  side  he  rests  his  elbows  on  the  counter.  "  whiskey  &  another  for  her,  "  he  hums  to  the  bartender  behind  the  bar  head  nodding  in  tem's  direction.  "  there  are  too  many  people  here.  "  he  hums  towards  his  friend,  eyes  surveying  the  sway  of  the  club  around  them.

[driftrz]

he's lost sight of mari, which can mean nothing good. his theory is proven instantly. the sight of jihoon is like reopening a fresh wound. that was what seeing old prowlers did to him, the ones who'd stayed, hurt like a thousand tiny cuts. but once he'd stopped avoiding xile, it seemed pointless to avoid the rest, and yet jihoon approaching him feels different. air around them turns tense. he looks away from his ex friend, taking a final swig of his drink. good to know you're alive. barely. grief given mortal flesh, split between the death of the racer and the birth of the model. something half - dead, frankenstein and the monster in one, never quite recovered from the ruins of the crash. " not in the mood for a fuckin' guilt trip, jihoon. " a bite given, a bite returned. never quite tuned in for all those lessons on de-escalation. like kindling to flame, more destruction wrought from whoever made their way to his path. because anything else would mean to show weakness. to admit the other was right. that he was sorry. maybe on a different night. right now, he'd rather draw blood than bare his throat. " not in the mood to deal with you at all, actually. didn't get the message after three years of ignoring you ? let me make it clear : get out of my sight. "

location: heartbreaker bar

featuring: darius ( @driftrz )

jihoon was fully contemplating on skipping the valentine's day celebrations. not only did he not care about the holiday, but he wasn't feeling particularly festive. he's here because xile convinced him by buying him a drink. so one drink became two, ultimately losing count. after the new year's party, he did decide he wouldn't be attending any other party sober. and he's keeping that promise! he's about to leave the bar when his eyes land on darius, doing a double take. things would've gone so differently if he was sober. he wouldn't be walking in his direction, for starters. he leans against the wall next to him. "good to know you're alive, at least." because at one point, jihoon was convinced the worst had happened to his friend. or ex friend, now. "so, how long were you planning to hide? didn't peg you for a hypocrite." his words are said with a bite in them, straight to the point. he's not one for confrontation usually. but he's not thinking his words or actions through, driven by the liquid courage and his annoyance and anger. but there is honesty in them, mirroring his actual thoughts on the whole situation. the betrayal still feels fresh.

[driftrz]

PAVEL PHOOM as BABE in PIT BABE THE SERIES EP. 7

[driftrz]

" real noble. " he agrees. doesn't quite match her grin ( nothing to smile about in his life ! ) but there's a little quirk of his mouth in response. " alright, now you're just lyin'. favorite scrapper ? i don't get in that many fights. " and maybe he's the one fibbing now. sighs, relaxes on his seat as she cleans his wounds, trying to force all of the post - fight tension out. almost impossible. " can you blame me for wantin' to watch a fight instead of being part of it ? " tip of his head to the side, slight raising of his brows. " don't exactly have the right kind of gentle touch for that. " hand lifts, showing bruised knuckles. " but i'd take you to the er. "

“noble of you,” sloane remarks with a grin. it's not like she hasn't been caught up in her fair share of fights. she just likes to think that she picks them more carefully. (jury's still out on whether that's actually true or not). “well, 's not like i had any big plans tonight. why not spend my time patchin' up my favourite scrapper? wouldn't be in the valentine's spirit to just let your wounds get infected, now would it?”

sloane snorts as she cleans his wound, making sure to be gentle as she can while she dabs at it. “i see what you're tryin' to do... dragging me into your valentine's fight club.” not that it would take much. two names in particular come to mind almost immediately. not even christmas would keep her from a fight if they decided to pick one. “who's gonna fix me up afterwards? you?”

[driftrz]

welcome sight, jisung. she reaches out, plucks the rose petal from his ear, brow quirking. presents the petal to him like a gift. as he speaks, she listens, pulling out a little compact mirror and making sure her lips are glossed. " c'mon. with the money i just made in a few hours ? you know i'd buy the drinks. " words accompanied by a wink as their arms are linked together. she was happy to treat her friend. " 12welve's good. i want to try some of those valentine's cocktails. " a roll of her eyes as jisung calls valentine's sappy, but she can't stop herself from laughing. he was right ; and yet, here she was, taking in every sappy little heart decoration. a love for love ! " the sappy shit's fun ! it's like halloween for love. " dramatic faux sigh, hand on her temple like a swooning maiden before she rights herself again. " you have to admit it's not so bad. plus, there's always the couple fights that break out. those are real fun, y'know. "

jisung was smart with money . . . no, really . he was . but he was also easily persuaded by cheap thrills and quick entertainment . 'don't threaten me with a good time' would be his death some day - the smell of rose water and the lighter feeling in his pockets a clear indication for that . if he looked hard enough there would also be a loose rose petal stuck behind his right ear . the gust of fresh air startled him in a way that was actually quite welcomed . he'd been two drinks in before mali even texted him and now watching her move towards him felt nearly unreal in his buzzed vision . he wasn't a heavy drinker, despite the public mindset . in reality, it only took a handful of decently made whiskey sour's and he was well beyond the moon . " and just like that my night became a hundred times better . hello, darlin' . " the significant kiss to the cheek . " oh, how to decide between gettin' scammed out of your money by gamblin' or overpriced drinks . " to which he sighed loudly ( the irritated looks around them a familiar bonus ) . " now, usually I'd say we let fate decide . and with that I absolutely mean how long the lines are 'cause I, personally, can't be fucked to wait . " someone like jisung seol ? in line like all the other commoners ? no thank you ! ! " but I think it'll be best to get you to my level first . so, 12welve it is . " linking their arms together like the decision was made way before asking . " a valentine ? oh, please . who do d'ya think I am - a dewy eyed maiden ? " a scoff . " I'm too hot for this sappy shit . and so are you, honestly . "

[driftrz]

starter 4 @mvmentum ( mari )

where : heartbreaker bar !

" stupid cupid. " tone is deadpan as he looks at the little flyers promoting the event. he points at one, as if they weren't quite literally standing outside of the bar. " you're sure this is the place you wanna spend valentines ? " like he wasn't trailing after her wherever she went. a stupid cupid event was right there he belonged, given his love life — or lack of one. deep inhale, tips his head for mari to head in before him. " as long as you promise to steal some drinks for us again, i won't complain too much. "

[driftrz]

question : how was his night going ? answer : the shot glass lasts exactly 5 seconds of being set down before the tequila's down his throat. just what he needed, as if jisung had read his mind. " right now, everything's my preferred poison. " always hard for him to get drunk, but that was only ever felt on nights like this, where he would have liked to be gone in a haze of alcohol. no such luck. at least the tequila was alright. " sounds exhausting, actually. between here and the meet comin' up, i feel like i've ran a marathon. " an exaggeration, a hidden truth. " at least it sounds like you're having a better time. "

it was dread that pushed him along his ways tonight . if anything, jisung seol was a shadow hunched over in the corner of buzzing nightlife - safely ( well, more or less ) tucked away to be reminded of the ever so present alienation this specific day shoved at him . and shove it did . alike the man that he had collided with upon entering the bar - nimble hands taking in stealth, right from an unattended back pocket . hey, 20 bucks definitely seemed worth the trouble of having to apologise to the absolute geezer . he had put it to good use, as well . two shot glasses filled to the brim with tequila on the counter and jisung in the seat right next to darius split seconds later . " don' know if that's your preferred poison, but it was either that or tap water . " shrug, a well trained act of nonchalance . " m'kinda gracing every place with my presence . can't be caught bein' stagnant, now can I . " and that's how easily jisung lied .

[driftrz]

maybe it’s the day — the casino looks even less tempting when there’s cherubs and clouds looming over the gamblers like gargoyles on the sides of a cathedral. but he doesn’t leave. just walks through the casino, careful to make sure jaeha is always there, that they haven’t turned and run. until, finally, he pauses. “ sparrow. ” unusual for him to use an alias before a name, but he needs a degree of separation. “ how do you… ” interrupted by someone winning a jackpot. roll of his eyes. “ how do you ignore it ? the past, i mean. how do you just move on without constantly thinking about it ? and don’t tell me to ask a therapist, i did, she was no help. ”

"no,  that's  what  being  cautious  is  good  for."  they  say  patience  is  a  virtue.  it's  not  jaeha's,  not  particularly,  but  it  can  be  —  on  the  good  days.  thank  the  lucky  stars  that  this  is  one  of  them.  their  gaze  sweeps  over  darius  frame  again,  trailing  only  a  few  steps  behind.  at  least  he  hasn't  stubbornly  slowed  down  or  stopped  in  his  path,  unhappy  expression  aside.  jaeha  can  be  patient.  "being  difficult  to  please  just  makes  you  difficult."  but  there's  mirth  lacing  his  words,  and  he  allows  himself  to  fall  into  steps  with  his  companion,  their  elbows  brushing.  "relax,  darius.  you're  not  in  the  lion's  den.  just  in  the  playground  with  rich  idiots  who  can  do  you  no  harm."  and  then  her  gaze  shifts,  finding  his  eyes.  it's  not  quite  softer  —  not  yet.  "we  can  leave.  if  you  really  want  to.  but  there's  no  harm  in  watching  rich  idiots  who  are  willing  to  lose  millions  of  dollars  over  cars  they  won't  ever  drive.  or  playing  poker  with  them.  perspective  is  a  gift."