#happy with for him..... ah well with any luck I'll collect it tomorrow and if not I'll just restart on my laptop anyways</3

[dragonji]

ANGUISH IMMEDIATELY UPON ARRIVING HOME I realized I left the paper with my doodle of my fursona in a cunty fit at work.. I wanted to use that as a base for a digital pieceㅠㅠ hopefully it's not thrown away by the time I go in for my shift tomorrow....

[humancork]

ALL OF TONY'S DIALOGUE/DIALOGUE RELATING TO TONY IN EARTHBOUND

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH EVERYONE! I have scoured through the insanely long text dump for all of Earthbound and have found every mention of Tony/all of Tony's dialogue in the game. If I missed something, please let me know and I'll include it! You can find the full text dump here, it's pretty hard to go through fully, but I wanted to compile what I could.

Tony Dialogue when you wake up Tony before heading out the door at Winters:

“Ah, Jeff, I just dreamt that you and I were taking a walk…What's wrong?" end

—— Tony’s dialogue when you head out the bedroom door:

“Jeff, where are you going in the middle of the night? You know the dorm rules, right? If you get caught, you’ll get punished big time…W…What’s wrong, Jeff…All right. There must be some reason that I don’t understand. I won’t stop you. But it’s dangerous to leave without taking anything along. Hey, I think there’s some stuff in the locker room that you should get. I’ll help you get out of here…” end

—— Tony’s dialogue if you try to leave the front entrance before getting the pop gun out of the locker:

“I think you can get out by going over the gate…But you need to get some stuff to take with you.” end

—— Dialogue if you enter the room full of presents and talk to the person before opening them:

“Tony's birthday party is tomorrow. I hand decorated each cookie to pass out at the party tomorrow.” end

If you open the presents and then talk to the person:

“Jeff, I can't believe you could do something so nasty…” end

—— Tony’s Dialogue when you leave the front entrance with the pop gun:

“Okay, now use me as a step and climb over the gate…Well…I’ll say goodbye for now. I don’t know where you’re going or why, but remember, we are best friends forever.”

——

Dialogue when you get a call from Tony in Summers: “Hello, Jeff? Oh, happy day! I finally got a hold of you. Oh Jeff! Hi, it’s me-Tony. I’m collecting player’s names for a school project. You know, players just like you! That's right, you--the one holding the controller. Would you register your name, please? Don't spell your name wrong!” (register_player_name window_open(1)) “Thanks, game player! Thank you very much! Is this correct?” (register_player_name) “I apologize for any trouble this may have caused you. Don't put my friend Jeff in any dangerous situations, okay? I worry about him. I really do…Well, talk to you later…(pause) Jeff….I hope I can see you again when you are feeling up to it…From T-O-N-Y…You got that? Well I’ve been on the phone too long…Gotta go…Good luck…Take care…So long…This time, I'm really gonna hang up. Goodbye." Beeeeep end

If Tony calls and Jeff is incapacitated: “Hey…Oh, no! You're not Jeff! I've got to contact Jeff! I know…just put the receiver close to his ear, and he'll hear me…I know he will." Dialogue continues as normal until “(pause) Jeff…It seems like you're not feeling well…Get better soon…” end

——

Dialogue about Tony missing: “Jeff! Long time no see. You've gotten taller. Oh, I don't have time to chat right now. Tony's missing. thought he was with you…He suddenly disappeared. He's usually very responsible and leaves a note at least…" end "What? You're Jeff’s friends? Good timing. Tony, Jeff’s friend, suddenly disappeared. I thought he left to go see Jeff…There is a good probability that something is wrong." end

———

Tony's Dialogue when trapped in Stonehenge base:

"Oh, no... *Bloop* *Glub* Can't see anything...Bloop* *Glub* Jeff! *Bloop*...Where... is...Jeff...*Bloop*" end

------ Tony’s Dialogue when Tony is saved:

“Jeff, Jeff buddy! Oh me, oh my…you…came to rescue me, pal!……..Oh, Ness(or other party member besides Jeff)? I’m Tony. I’m Jeff’s best friend. I’ve known him for the longest time.” end If Tony is saved and Jeff is incapacitated:

“Where’s Jeff? Ness, you altered Jeff’s destiny. Bring back Jeff! Bring back my friendship with Jeff!! JEFF JEFF!!!” end

——

When Paula prays for the group’s safety during the Giygas fight: “Suddenly, Tony felt anxious about Jeff, and he prayed strongly for the safety of Jeff and his friends." end

——

Tony's Dialogue after you defeat Giygas and visit Tony in Winters: “….Jeff doesn’t call me. Maybe he thinks I'm too annoying…But I don't think so. Ness, did you tell him not to call me?…No, I know you wouldn't do that. If you see Jeff, please, please ask him to call Tony. Thanks!" end —— Tony’s letter to Jeff after you defeat Giygas and Poo leaves the party:

“Dear Jeff, Everything's really going great here. I wish I could have gone with you on your adventure, even just part of the way, but instead I'm sitting here, waiting for you in Winters. I want to see you again as soon as possible. I can't wait to see your cheerful face. I bet your glasses are dirty… If you come back, I'll clean them for you! Like I said, I'm waiting for you. Yours truly, Tony P.S. Don't show this letter to anyone!" end

——

Jeff’s reaction when using the letter on him:

"Ah, Ness…you've read it already…That Tony has a heart of gold…" end

——

[rpmemesbyarat]

RP Meme from Netflix's "A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Reptile Room : Part One"

Woe is me. Woe is me.

The cry you're hearing is that of the broken-hearted crocodile. It is a rare species of reptile found in swampy regions that are particularly sad.

There is no reason for you to make yourself as miserable and melancholy as I am.

It had been a disaster. It had been a catastrophe.

It's ginger, I believe.

Well, this is perfect timing because I have just finished frosting this delicious coconut cream cake.

I don't like fancy titles unless they get me a discount at the movies.

Do you like going to the movies?

What is your favorite movie?

Would you like a piece of cake?

Well, that leaves one extra slice of cake.

I know. I'll eat it myself.

My screeching iguana clock does tend to startle some people. But then, so, of course, does the screeching iguana.

Frankly, that man ruffles my scales.

That is astonishing.

I can't believe your parents never told you about me.

I loved them dearly. Look, here's a picture of us.

Do you know what "herpetology" means?

Why, I'm so giddy having you here that I might as well be talking gibberish.

I am about to show you one of the most important scientific collections in the history of the world.

This door has been installed with top-of-the-line security system.

You can't get inside unless you have 19 keys, three combinations, two fingerprints and one optical scan.

Feel free to explore.

Can it really fly?

When it becomes absolutely overwhelming, it is useful to stop for a moment of contemplation, uh, with a cup of tea or some other powerful beverage.

Get the snake!

I told you we couldn't trust him.

You're laughing?

It's a misnomer. Do you know what that means?

Why would you give your own discovery the wrong name?

Payback for years of ridicule.

Are there any snakes in this room that are dangerous?

I have an entire cabinet full of venom samples from some of the most venomous snakes known to man. And woman.

The deepest secrets of the snake world can be found in these pages.

You are not only allowed, you are implored to read these books.

You know, I always wanted to have a family of my own.

Ah, thank you. I'm so grateful.

Well, I'm gonna go into town and pick up a few things that I like to keep in stock. Wasp repellent, canned peaches, a fireproof canoe.

What movie are we seeing?

I have a feeling there are many things that you're going to see that you've never heard of before.

Life is a conundrum of esoterica.

There we go. Come along.

Those hedges outside make up a labyrinth.

It's a mark of villainy.

Things aren't always as they seem.

Something strange is going on here.

You wouldn't dare.

Let's not discuss what I would or would not dare do.

Open this door!

We can't just stay here and wait for him to burst in and slaughter us.

He must have some scheme. I just don't know what it could be.

Well, that is an unusual and long-winded explanation.

Well, seems everything is settled, then.

Well, why don't you go upstairs and get yourself settled?

Are those suitcases alligator skin?

I really love reptiles

So, you see, there's nothing to be worried about.

I got all my shopping done and I even brought takeout for dinner.

I had no idea that our enemies would catch up to us so quickly.

It's clear now that I can't turn my back for a second.

He can wear as many lab coats as he wants, and present me with as many ridiculous papers as he wants, he's no more a lab assistant than I'm a three-mouth Brazilian waxed turtle.

A man that dastardly must be watched like a hawk.

That's all we're gonna do? Keep an eye on him?

I seem to have been very careless with the heavy glass reading lamp that was in my bedroom that fell out right when you were walking under it.

He wasn't being careless. He was being murderous.

I know what I'm doing.

I don't think I'll be joining tonight.

In all honesty, I prefer long-form television to the movies.

It's so much more convenient to consume entertainment

from the comfort of your own home.

Well, I insist you come.

I insist upon staying here.

With all due respect, I feel a little uncomfortable

I would like to make a brief phone call before we leave.

I don't know anything about mouth sores.

Oh! I love this song!

I just thought it might be nice to get out and see a movie.

I need more exciting things in my life. And I think it's because my life is boring.

I decided to treat myself to some popcorn because there is nothing exciting happening in my life at all.

Some popcorn actually sound delicious.

I get popcorn for me, for all of us. My treat.

Seventh row, right of center, that is the best place.

There's more to a movie than just a movie.

If the movie's in English, why are there English subtitles?

All the best movies have subtitles.

I'm watching the movie!

No! Where is your conscience?

You're a tasty treat

I promise this isn't goodbye.

Put on this warm scarf

You're blocking the screen!

Go that way.

I hope you didn't miss anything.

I think you-know-who is trying to send a you-know-what.

Is there anything else I should know?

You look handsome in that beard.

What did I miss?

Oh, boy, they're still singing.

I am going to need to excuse myself.

Pictures today. So violent.

Surely nothing can spoil this happy and festive occasion.

Well, that is where I shall bury you.

Things must be worse than we thought.

Well, wish me luck, old friend.

Whatever shall we do next?

It's been a long night and we have a very busy day tomorrow.

Did you enjoy the movie?

It was unusual.

Uh, it will require some further explanation.

I am your guardian.

It is my job and my delight, might I add, to keep you safe.

Do you think you can just waltz into my life, and the life of my children, and perpetuate this treachery?

You don't know my real name?

I don't need to know your real name.

Can you hear what they're saying?

You have found out my secret identity.

I've been outsmarted.

Now be gone.

I said be gone!

The authorities are on their way.

We are off to Peru.

It's a wonderful country

Well, once we disembark in Chimbote, you will have all the answers you need.

Well, it's a good thing I stocked up on peaches and canoes.

You never know when you might need to leave the country in a moment's notice.

First one to find one gets to name it.

We have a squidillion things to do tomorrow and a boat to catch.

[zainbap]

like autumn leaves, we fall

BangDae college/university AU  •  masterpost  •  AO3

words: 3079

part three

~

Saturdays, for some reason, become their thing.

Less than one week after Culture Night, the knot in Daehyun’s stomach is back. Exams are on Monday, and he’s behind on his reading. It’s like the balance he thought he’d found was nothing but a lie. Like he survived the first wave of a tsunami, but didn’t expect the second one. He sleeps badly, some nights not at all. Sometimes he has to choose between eating and sleeping, and most of the time he prioritizes sleep. He’s losing momentum.

He’d made plans to study all weekend in preparation for Monday, but those are immediately crushed when his roommates decide to throw a party at the dorm Friday night. The sound of people yelling and stomping down the hallway wasn’t even drowned out by the loud music, and Daehyun quickly gave up trying to read in his room. If he hadn’t been so stressed out, he probably would’ve joined the party — he can be a very social person when he wants to be. But instead he’d put his headphones in and curled up under the covers, and eventually managed to fall asleep.

Saturday morning he’d woken up early, while everyone was still sleeping off the booze, and had gotten in a few hours studying. But even that went to shit eventually, when the rest of the house woke up and immediately started plotting for the follow-up party.

Daehyun had packed his bag and left.

It’s gone colder now, the chilly autumn air smelling of dry leaves and apples. It’s still sunny, most days, and it takes Daehyun a while before he learns not to get tricked by the blue sky. It looks almost like summer, but the temperature keeps changing. Sometimes he wears a jacket in the morning, but gets home with it slung over his shoulder. Some days he leaves the jacket at home, and spends the whole day shivering from the cold wind blowing straight through his clothes.

He only brought a hoodie with him today, and he already regrets it on the bus. But the library is warm, and he shudders a little as soon as he walks in. Then nearly stops dead in his tracks.

Because Yongguk is behind the front desk, looking up as he comes in. Their eyes meet, and Yongguk smiles. It feels different now, after meeting last weekend. After having a meal together.

Daehyun had planned to just go straight for the table in the corner and hide from the world, but of course he can’t do that now. He reluctantly approaches the desk.

"Somehow you’re only here when I don’t want you to be," he mumbles, scratching the back of his neck

Yongguk raises his eyebrows.

"What?"

"Nothing," Daehyun says, shaking his head.

Yongguk studies him for a moment.

"I’m here every other Saturday," he says then, as if Daehyun had asked.

Dahyun blinks.

"Oh." He nods, feeling heat rise to his face. "Okay."

Yongguk smiles, amused, but then it fades.

"Are you okay?"

Daehyun inhales and exhales loudly, making it sound like a big, dramatic sigh.

"I feel like I’m going to explode," he admits. "We have our first exam on Monday, and I’m not prepared, and I can’t study at the dorm because my roommates are partying like there’s no tomorrow."

"Ah," Yongguk drawls, brows furrowed in sympathy.

Daehyun just sighs, shrugging.

"So I’m just… gonna sit here and read. Until the library closes, at least."

Yongguk nods slowly, looking like he wants to say something else but doesn’t know what. Daehyun feels awkward for putting him in that position. Again.

"Sorry," he sighs, frustrated. "It’s like— Every time we run into each other, all I do is complain."

Yongguk shakes his head, offering him a rueful smile.

"Hey, I get it. And it’s not your fault."

Daehyun winces.

"I could’ve planned my reading better. I just— I fell behind. I should’ve noticed."

"These things happen," Yongguk tells him, voice firm. Convincing. Daehyun’s heart flutters a little at the sound of it. "Especially in the beginning. Don’t beat yourself up about it."

"No. Right," Daehyun just agrees and nods curtly, not wanting to stand here and let Yongguk pity him anymore. "I’m just gonna get to work. I'll… be in the corner."

He feels embarrassed, walking away to settle down at the table in the corner. Embarrassed about not knowing how to talk to Yongguk after hanging out last weekend. He probably should’ve said something else, something more. But he’s feeling really low right now, and he hates that someone as well put together as Yongguk has to see him like this. He’d been so proud last week, when he thought he was starting to get the hang of it. Now he just feels like an idiot.

-

-

The next two hours till closing time drag by. Yongguk doesn’t leave his desk, to come talk to him, or offer him water, and Daehyun can’t decide whether he’s relieved or not. He gets a lot of reading done, and a good collection of organized notes scribbled down in his notebook.

It’s quiet, with only a handful other students spread out among the shelves. It’s peaceful, and Daehyun feels a lot better when packing up his things than he did when walking in.

He walks back to Yongguk’s desk when it’s just a few minutes till closing time, their eyes meeting instantly. Yongguk looks unsure how to greet him, and Daehyun doesn’t blame him. He offers a shy smile, and Yongguk quickly copies it.

"Got any work done?"

"Yeah," Daehyun sighs. "Not as much as I would’ve liked. But."

They glance up at the clock at the same time. 4 PM. Daehyun thinks about how they’ve probably started drinking again back at the dorm already. Last night there had been a herd of guests arriving around this time. He sighs internally, racking his mind for ideas of where to go now. Maybe the central library further downtown. He’s pretty sure it’s open a couple more hours.

"Have you ever tried reading or writing in a coffee shop?"

Daehyun blinks, looking back to Yongguk who’s eyeing him expectantly.

"No?" He says, making it sound like a question. "I… can’t imagine that being a good idea? With all the people and noise and… stuff."

Yongguk shrugs, looking down briefly as he packs his own bag and grabs a set of keys from the desk.

"I do it a lot," he says. "I think it’s nice. You sort of filter out the noise."

He fumbles with the keys in his hands. If Daehyun didn’t know better, he’d say he looked nervous.

"There’s a nice place just around the corner," he says finally. "I’m just heading there now, actually, to get some studying done. My sister’s got Tigger today, so." He glances up, offering Daehyun a smile. "You wanna come with me?"

-

-

Daehyun hasn’t been to many coffee shops in his life, but the one Yongguk takes him to makes a warm, cozy feeling settle in his gut the moment he walks in. It smells of sugar, coffee, and cinnamon.

His stomach growls lowly when get to stand in line, spotting the baking goods next to the counter. Yongguk must have noticed, because he smiles, and Daehyun blushes darkly. He’s only had a small breakfast before leaving the dorm.

The barista greets Yongguk with a wide smile, and it quickly dawns on Daehyun that the two of them know each other. He glances at the name tag. Sungwon. He’s wearing a pink apron, which somehow goes really well with his pastel mint green hair. His bare arms are covered in colorful flower patterns, the tattoos reaching all the way down past his wrists. He seems like a happy guy, and while Daehyun usually feels awkward when talking to people across a counter, Sungwon makes him smile.

"You know, Bbang," he says while pouring Yongguk his coffee. "You should bring friends with you more often. Human company, you know. It’s good for you."

Yongguk huffs, seemingly embarrassed as he shakes his head. Daehyun watches the tip of his ears go pink. It’s really cute.

"I thought ‘Bbang’ was Junhong's thing," he points out, amused.

Sungwon laughs, carefree and loud.

"Honestly, I don’t remember who came up with it first," the barista admits. He hands Yongguk his cup and starts making Daehyun’s vanilla latte. "But we’re all in on it. It’s too great not to be."

Yongguk rolls his eyes. Daehyun can’t help but smile even wider. It feels special, to see Yongguk with friends that aren’t Junhong. To meet them when being in Yongguk’s company.

"Speaking of bread," Sungwon continues when handing Daehyun his cup. "You want anything?"

He gestures to the pastry showcase next to him. Daehyun’s eyes immediately land on the strawberry cheesecake, but he shakes his head. He doesn’t like to eat sweats in front of people — especially not when he's the only one doing it. He’s not sure why, it just makes him feel insecure.

Yongguk shoots him a glance, and for a moment Daehyun expects him to protest, but he says nothing.

"Alright," Sungwon says, grinning. "Good luck studying, you two."

They thank him and step away from the counter, Daehyun following Yongguk over to a table next to the windows. Judging by how he made a direct beeline for it, Daehyun gets the feeling it’s Yongguk’s usual spot. He smiles at the thought.

"Is he a close friend of yours?" He asks as they sit down opposite each other.

Yongguk nods.

"Old friend. Yeah."

Daehyun hums, looking back to where Sungwon is greeting the next costumer with a grin just as blinding as the one he and Yongguk had received. He wonders if he knows this girl, too.

"He’s nice," he says.

Yongguk is smiling at him when Daehyun looks back again, and it makes his heart flutter.

"Yeah, he’s great," he agrees fondly.

He pauses for a moment, looking thoughtful, before adding:

"Sometimes I think about how two people can ruin each other’s day, without either of them meaning to. Without them being bad people. Maybe one of them was just having a really bad day, or maybe both of them did. Like… a person you run in to on the street, or a barista. If someone is acting bitter or rude, maybe they don’t mean to be. Maybe they’re not usually like that, they’re just dealing with some shit, but you don’t know that, because you only meet them for those few seconds of your life."

He looks back at Sungwon behind the counter, who’s just handing the girl her latte.

"Sungwon gets that," Yongguk hums. "I’ve seen a lot of retail and service workers who just… match their attitude with the costumer’s, which often just makes for an uncomfortable and awkward conversation. Sungwon doesn’t do that. He tries really hard to just… make someone’s day." He shrugs, turning back to Daehyun. "I think it’s great."

Daehyun blinks, surprised. He’s not sure what to say.

"Wow," he says finally. "That's… an awfully interesting thought."

Yongguk chuckles, looking somewhat embarrassed, but nods.

"Quiet people have the loudest minds."

Daehyun arches an eyebrow over his cup, swallowing a big sip of hot coffee.

"Who said that?"

"Stephen Hawkins."

Daehyun hums, taking a moment to ponder, and Yongguk lets him.

"Sounds like it fits you," he says honestly. Carefully. Hoping he’s not coming across as rude. "I’m not sure about me though. My mind is always loud, but I can be loud, too. When I’m excited or… among people I know." He feels awkward saying it, awkward for pointing out that the two of them don’t really know each other. But Yongguk doesn’t look offended by the reminder. "I don’t think quotes like that should define you."

Yongguk nods, looking thoughtful for a second.

"You’re right," he says. The corner of his mouth twitches. "That’s a new quote to live by."

Daehyun huffs.

"Write it down, so you don’t forget," he jokes.

"I’m gonna print it out and put on my wall," Yongguk assures him, grinning.

Daehyun laughs, and it’s as if something loosens up inside him. It feels good, to laugh. He can’t remember when he last did it properly. When feeling this comfortable, and not just doing it to fit in among his classmates while working on group projects or getting drunk at the bar.

He laughs when he’s with Junhong and Jongup, but he hasn’t had time to hang out with them properly in weeks. They’re both so busy, and have plenty of other friends from school. And Daehyun knew that, before moving here. He knew they wouldn’t be able to hang out with him every single day. But it still hurts, thinking about it. About how lonely he still feels, even after being here a month. He misses Youngjae. He misses being surrounded by people he knows and loves.

He feels a sudden lump form in his throat, and he swallows thickly around it. Yongguk seems to notice the change in him, because his grin goes stiff before it falls away.

"I’m sorry," Daehyun says, before Yongguk can even ask. He looks back down at his coffee, circling the paper cup in his hands just to have something to do. "I’m a mess today."

"That’s okay," Yongguk says, voice gentle. Daehyun doesn’t trust himself to look back up, but he can imagine the kind look on Yongguk’s face. He always looks so kind. "Do you— Do you want me to go?"

Daehyun immediately shakes his head, finally lifting his head to meet Yongguk’s concerned gaze. His hates how fragile he feels.

"I skipped my first class this week," he blurts out. "And I know that’s not, like, a huge deal or anything. But I’m just scared it’ll start a chain reaction or something. That I’m going to skip a lot of them, because I’m so tired. I’m always so tired. And hungry. And—"

Lonely.

He shakes his head, pressing his lips together. Here I go again.

Yongguk’s expression only grows deeper with concern. But it doesn’t feel as condescending as Daehyun had expected it to. Maybe because he knows Yongguk struggled, too, a few years ago. Maybe because they’ve talked about this before, and it felt alright.

"I think you need to give yourself a break," Yongguk says after a moment. His voice isn’t harsh, exactly, but it’s something. Something that makes Daehyun listen. "You’re stressing yourself out when you don’t need to. Everyone will fall behind. Everyone will mess up. That doesn’t mean you’re screwed, or that you can’t find your footing again. It’s never too late, until you just give up."

Daehyun nods, dropping his gaze back on the table again. He tries really hard to take it in, to believe that what Yongguk is saying is true.

"There’s a guy in my class who failed every single exam during his first semester," Yongguk goes on. "Everyone thought he was gonna drop out and give up, himself included, but he didn’t. He just needed some time to find study methods that worked for him, and once he did, he caught up."

Daehyun purses his lips, feeling a small spark of hope in his chest from hearing that. He lifts his gaze to meet Yongguk’s eyes again.

"Thank you," he murmurs, honestly.

Yongguk gives him a simple nod, smiling faintly.

"Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’ve only been here a month. It’s not too late to catch up."

Daehyun lets out a long breath, nodding to himself. Yongguk is right. He’s just… been so caught up in his own expectations. Everything is so new, so alien. But that doesn’t mean he’ll never get used to it. He just needs to learn how to find time for everything. Learn what routines work in this brand new life. And it’s overwhelming, realizing just what a change everything is, but he knows he can do it.

He  straightens his back a little and reaches for his bag.

"Okay, let’s get to work."

-

-

As it turns out, Daehyun can study really well while sitting in a coffee shop.

After only few minutes the sounds around him turn into a comfortable background noise, one that doesn’t distract him while reading paragraph after paragraph. He’s pulled out of his bubble every time he reaches for his coffee to take a sip, briefly observing Yongguk being equally immersed in his own books in front of him, but it’s easy to get back to it. He looks over to Sungwon a handful of times, and is always met by a grin. It’s cozy and comfortable.

When Yongguk tells him the cafe is about to close, several hours later, it’s way past sundown. It’s gone dark outside the windows, and Daehyun really wishes he’d brought a jacket with him. They pack up their things, and throw away their empty cups.

Daehyun is starving, and he’s not looking forward to go back to the dorm, but he’s feeling at peace. He happily waves at Sungwon as they step out, promising to come back soon.

Once outside, Daehyun shoves his hands inside his pockets and bunches up his shoulders, as the cold wind blows straight through his hoodie.

"You better head home," Yongguk tells him, his tone close to a chuckle.

Daehyun huffs, nodding.

"Yeah." He looks down, awkwardly scraping his foot on the asphalt. "Thank you, for today," he says, looking back up with a flush spreading on his cheeks. "You didn’t have to bring me along, but I had a really good time. So."

Yongguk smiles brightly. He looks beautiful.

"I wanted to," he says honestly. "And I’m glad if I could help, somehow."

"You did," Daehyun hurries to say, nodding. "Thank you. I’ll… remember what you said."

Yongguk nods, still smiling. He opens his mouth, hesitating for a moment, before speaking again.

"If you want to, we could keep doing this. Meet here, I mean. And study. I do it almost every weekend. Usually Sundays, when I don’t have work."

Daehyun’s heart skips a beat.

"I’d like that," he says, voice close to a squeak.

Yongguk grins, ducking his head down a little as he nods. He’s got a beanie cover the tips of his ears, but Daehyun still pictures them going slightly pink like before.

"Alright. So. See you tomorrow? I’ll be here around noon."

Daehyun nods, breath hitching.

"Sure. Yeah. I’ll be here."

Yongguk gives him another gummy smile as he waves goodbye.