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skzhocomments · 4 months ago

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The Pearls On Your Neck (Hyunjin // Lee Know x OC)- Part Two

Story masterlist - please consult it for the summary of the story, trigger warnings etc.

Wattpad | AO3

Part One | Part Three (coming soon)

taglist: @ihrtlix

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Part Two

chapter word count: 15.3k words

The loud sound of my cursed alarm woke me up from the deep slumber.

“Fucking hell.” I curse, rubbing my eyes off all the sleep.

I grab my phone as I’m laying back down on the bed, too lazy to get up from the soft, pink, silk sheets, and start sorting through all the notifications that popped up while I was asleep.

I see a few Whatsapp messages from the University’s group chat and I take a mental note to look at them later and check if there’s anything important, or if my brilliant classmates just spammed memes for no reason whatsoever, as they usually do.

Then I check my messages app to see what rant Cynthia had last night at 5 AM and quickly type a message to her, telling her to hurry the fuck up to my place, since we only have about 2 hours to help me get ready.

And then… I see another notification that catches my eye.

Pearls on Your Neck - 1 new message from Hyunjin❤️‍🔥

I am curious to see what he could possibly want so early in the morning, but before I tap on his message, my anxiety starts creeping in.

What if he cancelled our date?

What if he can’t come on Saturday?

My finger hangs a few millimetres above the notification, my heart racing in my chest pounding against my ribcage as if it wants to get out.

This is so stupid. I think and close my eyes, letting my finger fall on the screen.

Hyunjin❤️‍🔥:

Good morning, Pearl. :)

I hope you slept well and rested.

Excited for our date?

Just wanted to check that we’re still on for today at 12:30 at Harrods. Initially, I thought about sending you a message on your mobile number you typed into your booking appointment directly, but we haven’t discussed that in our previous conversation.

Do let me know if you’re comfortable with me using your private number instead of reaching out to you through this app.

Looking forward to your message.

Thank you, Hyunjin.

Tsch. He’s so polite. I frown, feeling my heart beating faster and faster in my chest.

Deciding that enough is enough, I stop overthinking and simply start typing out a reply for him.

Pearl:

Mornin’

I slept well, thank you.

Yes, if it’s okay with you, we’re meeting as previously discussed.

We can meet in the Harrod’s Cafe on the Third Floor and grab a coffee first, since we’re meeting each other for the first time.

You can absolutely use the number I typed in when confirming my booking. Thanks for asking first, though.

See you there? :)

Sending the message, I re-read it about 2 times before a new reply from him comes, the sound the notification made startling me.

Hyunjin❤️‍🔥:

Great. See you there. :)

I can’t wait to meet you, Pearl.

Love, Hyunjin.

How does he message back so fast?

Is he not nervous?

“OMG, GIRL!” Cynthia squeaks with joy. “Love, Hyunjin?! That’s code red!!!

“Code red? What is that supposed to mean?” I chuckle.

Cynthia was right, though. I start thinking about something that didn’t bother me initially before Cynthia brought it up.

It’s a bit weird.

Why did he type that all of a sudden?

What happened to “Thank you, Hyunjin”?

I analyse it over and over in my head and try to come up with a logical explanation, but Cynthia is quick to intervene and stop my train of thoughts.

“It means he’s whipped for you already!”

“Cynth,” I start, watching how the dress she helped me pick fits me. It’s a pale green off the shoulder ruffled dress that is flowy at the bottom and elasticated around the waist, the sleeves come down just below my elbow and are puffy, it looks really cute and would definitely work for a walk in the Shopping Center, but somehow I’m not satisfied with how frumpy it makes me look, so I quickly take it off over my head and try to speak through the fabric. “How can he be whipped for me when he doesn’t even know what I look like, or how I act? He doesn’t even know my personality!”

“Doesn’t he know what you look like, though? Didn’t you use a profile picture on the app?”

“No, I didn’t. It’s supposed to be a secret that I’m on there, you forgot? It’s better to just keep my identity private.” I say standing there in my lingerie exposed while waiting for my next dress to be handed to me.

“Yea, you’re right. You still used your real name, though, idiot. Hey, why don’t you try this other one? Seems kinda fitting.” Cynthia asks while handing me another dress from my closet. A rosso corsa red one, this time, not too elegant, but not too gauche either. It has a small split on the left leg and cute little red buttons going from under the breast cups down, right through the middle. It has a Queen Anne neckline where the fabric is scrunched giving the bust a bow effect. The neckline is connected to full-length puffy sleeves that cuff tighter around the wrist leaving no room for bracelets, but it also gives off an illusion of a square neckline. I loved this dress ever since I got it, mostly thanks to the beautiful Queen Anne neckline, but I never got to wear it.

She also hands me some heels to match and a handbag, the heels are sliver and sparkly with a glossy finish. The stiletto of the heel has a gold metal vine wrapped around it and flowers stuck to the base where the heel meets the shoe, it has little gems in the middle of each flower, and the back of the heel has a few metal leafs on it as well. The handbag is simple and white to match the flowers with a silver chain for a strap.

“Seems fitting how?” I question Cynthia back. It is a cute dress, but why would she say that?

“Obviously because Hyunjin loves red!”

“And how would you know that?” I raise an eyebrow at her before taking another look in the mirror. The dress does look amazing on me.

“His red heart emoji, of course! And the fire??? Hellloooo! Pay attention, Pearl!”

“Tsch, that doesn’t have to mean anything, Cynth! It’s just an emoji!”

“Two of them! Come on, it’s the perfect choice for the weather outside, and judging by the material, it must be comfortable as well! You’ll surely walk a lot buying clothes today, so it’s just perfect.”

“Fine.” I sigh. “I’ll keep it on. Will you do my make-up, please?” I sit down on the white chair in front of my vanity and watch Cynthia expectedly.

“Of course, I’m gonna make you the most beautiful girl this country has ever seen!” She exclaims, giggling just like a kid who found their most-wanted presents wrapped under the Christmas tree.

“I knew I could count on you.” I grin.

“By the way, how are you going to find each other? I mean, you do know what he looks like. Are you just going to approach him?”

“Oh, he has my phone number, so I guess he’ll just call me as soon as he gets there or something?”

“WAIT! HE HAS YOUR PHONE NUMBER?!” Cynthia suddenly screams, jolting up from her chair.

“Of course, he does, how else are we gonna go on a date?” I roll my eyes a bit.

“No, that’s not what I was getting to! You said he doesn’t know what you look like!”

“Uhm, yeah, he doesn’t.”

“Idiot, he has your phone number!” She facepalms. “He can check out your pic on Whatsapp, or see if your phone is linked to a Facebook account or something!”

“Nah, I doubt he’d go through all that trouble just for a random date he’s paid to attend.” I shrug.

But what if she’s right?

Nah. No way.

“I’m telling you, he definitely checked you out. That’s why he changed his sign off!”

“Cynthia, you’re exaggerating again. The sign off doesn’t mean anything, nor do the emojis, or whatever you’re on about. Stop rambling and get to work! I have to leave in 35 minutes!”

“No, no. You hear me out. When you start dating this guy for real, you must think back on this moment and tell me ‘Cynthia, you’ve been right the whole time, and I’ve been an idiot.’ Got it?” she grinned, showing her perfect, pearlescent white teeth.

“That’s not going to happen, dumbass. I’m just using him while I need him, and when my parents get over their dumb idea of marrying me off to Minho, I’m done with this fucking app. Got it?” I imitate her, and she drops it while she keeps on doing my make-up.

I wish to put a curse on Cynthia and her first offspring, I’m late because she wouldn’t let me leave in time because apparently being late is in fashion. She just couldn’t get it through her head that this is not a real date and that Hyunjin was, in fact, hired to be there. I hate being late. It always leads to gut-crushing anxiety, and sweat, lots of sweat. I swear if I didn’t put perfume in my bag I would have to keep Hyunjin at least 5 feet away at all times. Luckily I do have perfume, my favourite one Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Rounge 540, it's very sweet but also classy and mature. I hate it when perfumes are sickeningly sweet, that’s why this one is perfect.

While I'm on my way I receive a call from an unknown number, fuck. I answer it quickly.

“Hello?” I say quickly because I'm in a rush.

“Hiya, it’s Hyunjin I’d just like to let you know I'm here sitting in the cafe.”

His voice is much softer and smoother than I expected, smooth and soft like letting rich chocolate melt in your mouth.

“Oh… Hyunjin, I'm really sorry I'm running a bit late, I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

“Okay, I’ll see you soon then.”

He sounds so calm it's almost calming my nerves.

“Yes, erm see you soon”

I end it quickly, wanting the ground to swallow me; how much more awkward can I get?

I’m here, on the third floor standing just outside the cafe. I don’t know what to do, do I just walk in and walk up to him? No, I should message him. I go through my recent call list and click on his number and name him boyfriend💋 so it's not suspicious when he messages me.

Pearl:

Hi, Hyunjin, I’m here just standing outside the cafe.

Boyfriend💋:

Oh, I’m sitting by the window.

Two seconds I’ll come and walk you in.

Fuck this is happening.

It’s not even a real date but I'm so nervous.

I start playing with my phone case popping it on and off my phone for what feels like forever.

Until the cafe door opens and he walks out, he’s real, oh he’s definitely real and tall. He’s dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, well I did tell him to wear whatever he’s most comfortable in and it only makes sense since he’s not going to be in those clothes for the majority of our time here. I suddenly feel insecure—overdressed. So I pull my bag in front of me from where it was hanging by my side.

He’s absolutely stunning, it’s unnerving. His blonde hair is down in a middle part and styled straight. I’ve never seen a man who looks so good with long hair, it frames his face perfectly.

He smiled at me sweetly, eyes sparkling and a bouquet of flowers in his right hand adorned with silver rings and a loose chain hanging from his wrist. A huge bouquet of carnations, every shade of red possible. “Pearl, I'm so happy to finally meet you, You look breathtaking.”

My heart pounded at his words, I don't know what to say or act, “Thank you, I bet you say that to all your dates.” I said trying to make a joke out of this whole situation - because it is a joke that I'm doing all this just not to get married.

He didn’t say anything for a second and just looked me up and down, “I got these flowers for you.” he said, extending them towards me.

“Um.. thank you, Hyunjin, they are beautiful and they match my dress. How did you know?”

“I didn’t. Red is my favourite colour,” He says simply before walking closer to me and taking my hand, “shall we go inside?”

Damn Cynthia and her intuition.

I’m shocked at his bold gesture I was certainly not expecting, so I just nod shyly.

He leads me into the cafe and brings me to a small table by the window— probably the one he was sitting at earlier. I take my time to look around the cafe I’ve been in numerous times—I should feel in my element, however, I’m completely out of it and there's no time to get some liquid courage.

Hyunjin’s chuckle pulls me out of my thinking so I turn my head to look at him, only to see him already looking at me, “You don’t have to be nervous, Pearl.” He’s smiling at me so sincerely that I almost feel like an idiot for being nervous.

Fake it till you make it.

“Hyunjin… so” I clap my hands together, “basically, what I have planned for today is to just go over stuff, get you an outfit for the dinner and get to know each other so it’s more… more realistic, if you get me?”

Wow he’s really good at this, he’s looking at me like he’s genuinely interested in what I have to say.

“Okay, do you want to start now or would you like to get a coffee first?” Hyunjin says, as his fingers move to his face, and tucks a strand of hair behind his ear.

“Let’s get a coffee first,” I say smiling.

“I’ll go get it for you, what would you like?”

I nod and smile at him, “Can I have a raspberry and pomegranate green tea?”

He smiles, “Good choice,” and walks off to the coffee counter.

I start thinking about what I’m going to tell him and how to start it, but the more I think about it, the more awkward it becomes in my head.

Should I tell him why I’m doing this?

Yeah that sounds like a good idea.

I make a mental checklist in my head about things to talk about, why, when, how, age, interests, family members and friends. Then after we've gone through all of that we can start shopping.

I put my head in my hands and realise that I sound like a drill Sergeant.

“Pearl, you okay?” Hyunjin chimes as he places my tea in front of me.

I sit up and try to look somewhat graceful in my chair, “Yeah, of course, I am. So… wanna get started to get to know each other?” I question and he just nods looking me in the eyes, “Okay so why I needed to do this is because my parents want me to get married to someone and I don't want to. That's basically it, so that's why you're here, to help me out of this mess.” I finish my sentence chuckling.

Hyunjin looks at me the whole time, gaze never drifting, and I smile at him to which he returns, “Is Pearl your real name?” he asks, lips puckering around the side of his cup, genuine curiosity swirling around in his eyes.

He was cute I’d definitely give him that, “Yes, my real name is Pearl, I’m 20 years old and in my second year of university.”

“What do you major in uni?”

I smile at his eagerness, “Woah, Hyunjiin, slow down! You haven’t told me anything about yourself.”

His eyes go wide at my statement and the tip of his ears go red, “Oh right,” he laughs, “Um, Hyunjin is my real name and I’m 23 years old,”

He didn’t seem upset about the statement, I'm grateful.

It's vague but I won't push about it.

Actually, I have to push about it if he’s going to be my fake boyfriend!

“Hyunjin, what do you like?” I question, putting my elbows on the table and resting my head in my hands looking at him.

Hyunjin shifts under my gaze, “I like loads of stuff, music, flowers, art, odd little shops you find in strange places,” I watch his eyes sparkle as he talks; he seems like a really passionate person, I like that.

Instead of talking about myself, I try to get to know him better, “What do you mean odd little shops?” I ask.

His eyes go wide, this time from what seems to be excitement, “Well actually,” he starts, bringing his hands together, “ shops that sell second-hand stuff or crystals, do you know what I mean? Just random miscellaneous stuff.” I nod, listening to the excited boy.

“Crystals?” I chuckle.

“Mhm. Each one of them means something different, and I find that really interesting.” He continues explaining.

“Really?” my eyes are the one to go wide this time. I’ve never met a boy who cares about stuff like this before. Cynthia used to tell me about crystals all the time, but she’s usually a nutcase, so I never really paid attention to her. Now, seeing how happy Hyunjin is to talk about random stones, I wish I had.

“Really. Those clear quartz diamonds on the back of your shoes? Which are very lovely, may I say.” he chuckles a bit. “They mean manifestation. What are you trying to manifest, beautiful?” He asks, interest sparking in his eyes.

The nickname makes my cheeks blush and I am sure they must be the colour of my dress by now. However, God blessed us humans with make-up. The layer of foundation should be able to cover my hopeless blushing.

“A marriage cancellation,” I reply, averting my gaze.

“I see.” He hums. “Is it set in stone?”

“Not yet. That’s what I need a boyfriend for.”

“Well, you got one, don’t you?” he smiles. I feel tension growing between us, as my heart skips yet another beat.

“Hyunjin?” I look into his brown eyes again.

“Yes?”

“You said… every gem and crystal has a meaning. What about Pearl?”

“Pearl?” he raises his eyebrows, the curve of his lips that are way too fascinating for me are still pointing upwards. “It means… purity, rarity… and beauty.” he glances straight at me, articulating every word with a roll of his tongue, and when he says the final word, his hand finds mine on the table, fingers gently grazing the skin on my knuckles, making my breath hitch in my throat and my skin getting goosebumps all over.

I’ve never in my life been more thankful to be wearing long sleeves than I am now.

Hyunjin slowly grabs my hand with the same refinement, as if I’m truly the rarest gem he’s ever touched, and continues drawing small, excruciatingly painful circles over my knuckles.

“You know…” he starts in a low voice, barely audible and hard to distinguish from the cafe’s chatter. “Pearl is the most elegant, and she shines brighter than any other gem I’ve ever seen.”

His eyes never leave mine, but my nervousness is growing so uncomfortable, I find that the straw in my drink is the most interesting thing to look at. I need to stare at anything else but his eyes, because my poor heart would forget that this is a fake date, and that he is a fake boyfriend.

“My beautiful gem, it’s your turn to tell me more about yourself now. Do you have any siblings?”

“Mhm, an older brother, or the thorn in my side, as I like to call him.” I reply, and Hyunjin lets out a low chuckle. I’m too aware of his hand still on top of mine, but I try to ignore the feeling growing in my chest and I continue talking. “His name is Seungmin and he’s actually dating my best friend, if you can believe that!”

“No way!” Hyunjin exclaims, seeming so interested in what I have to say, I can’t stop thinking about how professional he’s being. Again.

“Yeah, I really worried at first, but they’ve been dating for almost a year now, and they seem in love, so who am I to stop them?” I shrug.

“You can’t stop true love from happening, from being felt.” He squeezes my hand.

“I guess that’s true. That’s what I’m hoping for with my family and this whole… marriage ordeal. When they see me being in love with someone, I just hope they’ll have the same consideration for me as they had for Seungmin and Cynthia.”

“Cynthia? That’s your friend’s name? I see you’re only surrounded by people with interesting names. Moon Goddess… her parents were inspired.”

“You think so?” I smile.

“Mhm. Do you know her from Uni?”

“No, although she does go to the same University. We’re in different majors. I've known her since high school.”

“Were you in the same class?” He asks inquisitively.

“Unfortunately.,” I chuckle., “I used to not like her at all at that time, she had this big, jarring mouth. I rolled my eyes so bad when the chemistry teacher forced us to do a project together, God!” I laugh, and Hyunjin also seems to enjoy the story, as he shares my excitement and laughs with me. Sharing stories with him like this makes me feel more at ease, and it feels somewhat… natural. He has a calming, laidback aura about him, maybe he’s carrying some crystals on him now.

“So what happened next? How did you two become friends?” he asks, curiosity audible in his tone. as he leans in closer to the table.

“Well, we had this stupidly impossible project to work on, and none of us knew any chemistry-”

“And you also didn’t have any between yourselves.” Hyunjin interrupts me with a giggle.

“Exactly!” I laugh. “We were both convinced that we’re screwed, so I think we kinda bonded over our… stupidity?” I tilt my head a bit and Hyunjin squeezes my hand, reminding me that it’s there. It felt so normal to have his hand on mine, that I no longer noticed the way his thumb was drawing a pattern on the back of my hand. Feeling that squeeze brings me to reality and I flinch a bit, almost removing my hand from his grasp. However, he holds it firmly, not letting me move away.

“Sorry,” I mumble, startled by my sudden reaction.

“Don’t worry, Pearl.” he smiles sweetly. “I’m not going to let you leave anywhere. Not until you finish your story.”

“I… uhm…”

What the fuck, Pearl, get yourself together!I say to myself in my mind.

“I also hated chemistry.” Hyunjin brings up the topic again, as if to help me remember where I left off.

“Yeah… so… uhm… Cynthia and I were fighting all the time not knowing how the fuck- I’m sorry.” I put my hand over my mouth as soon as I realised that I let out a curse.

“Stop apologising, cutie, you can curse all you want. You’d still be the most elegant Pearl in the world to me.”

“God, stop flattering me so much…” I avert my gaze and clear my throat. “Anyway, we didn’t know how to get started on the project and were basically forced to spend time together. One thing led to another, and all of a sudden we realised we shared many interests and we became really good friends.”

“But wait, if you know her from high school, and you’ve been friends since, how did she and Seungmin start dating only a few months ago?” He inquires, and I get surprised that he not only remembered my brother’s name, but that he also remembered such a small detail—when he and Cynthia started dating—which means that Hyunjin is actively listening to what I say, and doesn’t just nod out of courtesy.

“That’s when they met.” I laugh, remembering how shocked both of them were to bump into each other in our house randomly at 3 AM while Cynthia and I had a sleepover. “It was basically love at first sight. Seungmin studied abroad for a few years so they never really knew about each other… until they basically crashed into each other in the hallway - Cynthia getting out of my room, and Seungmin wanting to come in to say hello as soon as his flight landed and he returned home.”

“That’s so funny!”

“And that’s not all! Cynthia and I were playing around doing a photoshoot. She was wearing this really sultry red lace lingerie and didn’t bother putting anything else on since she knew my parents weren’t home. The poor girl was horrified!”

“I can imagine. Breakfast the next day must’ve been really amusing to watch.” A smile plays on his lips.

“It was! God, they were so awkward.” I laugh reminiscing about the memory and shaking my head at how mortifying the whole situation was for everyone as I relive it.

“I wish I were there to see it.” He chuckles, probably imagining the whole scene.

“So Seungmin studied abroad, and you’re studying here? You didn’t tell me earlier what you are majoring in.”

“Business.”

“Beautiful and smart.” Hyunjin compliments me.

I shrug off the compliment and change the conversation, “What about you, Hyunjin? Do you have many friends?”

“I have a few,” he says while he looks up to think, “Since you’re studying Business, you must be going to the University of Thomas Aquinas, right? My roommate actually works at a Cafe near there, you might’ve seen him, if you enjoy drinking coffee in-between classes.”

“Really? What’s his name? What does he look like?” I ask, curious. The simple thought of possibly sharing an acquaintance with Aphrodite’s son lookalike seems purely impossible. There’s no way our universes would’ve ever collided if it weren’t for this Pearls on Your Neck app.

“His name is Felix. He works at this really funky-looking cafe right next to your Uni as a barista. He’s an innocent blonde guy, younger than me by a few years. Rings any bells?”

“No freaking way!” I exclaim, my eyes going big. “Felix is your roommate?!”

“You know him?” he gasps, as shocked as me. “Really?! That’s so funny! Wow!”

“I know, right?! But Hyunjin, you know what this means?! We just found ourselves the perfect excuse! We met at the Cafe and fell in love at first sight!” I declare with resolve, but Hyunjin only tugs his lips into a smile, not commenting further on what I’ve said.

I reach out for my drink again, realising that my tea has gone cold - from all the talking - when it reaches my mouth, I can’t help but wince at the displeasing feeling of the cold liquid travelling down my throat. It was really good tea, not too strong or weak like piss that you get in other cafes, and I’m deeply dissatisfied that I don’t get to enjoy it warm.

Hyunjin leans forwards on the table, placing his iced Americano down, and raising an eyebrow at me, “Cold?”

I keep forgetting this is a fake date.

Hyunjin is really good at this and extremely accommodating, he does little things to help me calm down when my brain goes into overdrive and even reminds me when I lose track of my conversation - just proving even more that he is a professional at this. I have to keep reminding myself that it's fake or I’m scared I’ll go crazy with delusion.

We’ve not even spent the whole day together yet, but I feel content but nervous, exactly how someone should feel on a first date.

Thinking about it now, Hyunjin always skips over the ‘fake’ dating details. He’s very good at acting and if he didn’t want to be here, he is very good at hiding it—I also keep forgetting that this is his job. I want to ask about his job and how he got into this line of work or if he’s ever had any crazy clients, but considering how he’s acted the last two times, I decide it's best not to - maybe it’s a rule. Maybe I can ask him another time; either way, I’m curious about him in a way that I’ve never been curious about a person before.

Hyunjin is undoubtedly cute, extremely attractive, and he’s fun in a quirky way, almost reckless. I mean, a man talking about crystals so fondly is unheard of and being in this line of business you have to be a little crazy, plus, he definitely has a way with words that can make any woman blush, but he’s also polite and seems gentle - he seems to have a gentle soul.

Considering I avoid relationships like the plague I'm actually enjoying this—enjoying talking to a new person.

Maybe I just need to go out more.

I’m glad that I’m doing this though because it’s new and apparently I enjoy talking to other people than Cynthia. Even if this is fake to get me out of a potential engagement, I’m enjoying it…

I realise I’ve spaced out, so I clear my throat, “Hmm? Oh… yeah it’s a bit cold.” I confirm his suspicions.

He nods, “Do you want another? I’d like to get to know you more before we play build a perfect boyfriend with me.” he jests.

I laugh at his joke, finding his strange way to make a joke actually quite hilarious, “No, I’m okay. But don’t you think you’ll look good dressed up all dapper?” I question him tilting my head slightly, I know he’ll look good dressed up all smart when he looks this good dressed in casual clothing.

He hums and puts his hand under his chin scrunching his forehead as if he was thinking, “I think I’ll look good if you pick it out for me, I guess.”

I nod agreeing because I do in fact have a great eye for men's fashion after growing up with Seungmin who would pair vertically striped trousers and horizontally striped shirts together, “I guess you're right, I do have a good eye for fashion.”

“Oh really?” he questions “What do you think of my attire right now?”

I have to think for a second, he looks amazing, but I can’t say that for obvious reasons, “It’s good… perfect for shopping”

He sighs as if he’s relieved, “Thank god for that, can I be honest with you?” He questions as if he’s scared to reveal his honest thoughts.

I don’t know why he’s asking that, of course, he can be honest with me. I want him to be honest with me, I want to know more about him and how he thinks, he seems different from most men I’ve met… I want to know what he’s thinking and how his mind works.

Why is he even asking that?

I nod eagerly, “Of course!” that came out a bit too eager.

A slight blush rises to my cheeks, if he noticed it he didn’t tease into it or make any comments, like other men I know would do.

He smiles at me genuinely and I notice how his eyes crinkle at the corners, it's cute, “Well, I was a bit worried I was underdressed when I saw you.” He looks down at his jeans as if he’s actually embarrassed about it.

At this moment I realise, his mind is just as complex as mine, I thought I was overdressed, “No, not at all.” I console him and reach out to pat his hand, that's when I notice it hasn’t left mine the whole time.

It’s strange. I never thought I’d forget another hand sat idly in mine, I never thought it would feel so normal. I always thought it would feel anomalous.

I want to take my hand away from his but I don’t want to leave its warmth.

Yeah, that's it.

I just don't want to be cold.

As if he’s observed my weird stare at our hands he speaks again pulling my view away from his hand in mine, “Do you have any hobbies?”

I think hard looking up, I can’t remember the last time I did something that could be classed as a hobby.

I mean one time Cynthia decided we were going to be chefs and nearly burnt down the house… but that only happened once because we were banned from using the kitchen after that, I think harder trying to recall something of significance.

Bingo!

“I used to go on fishing trips with my dad and brother once a month, I really enjoyed it! We even used to go on fishing holidays. We went to Gillhams fishing resort a few times in Thailand, I’ve never seen fish so big! Oh and how could I forget I once caught a 250-pound Mekong catfish, it took me about three hours to reel it in, and it was so hot I was sweating so bad not to mention the sunburn I had after being in the direct sunlight for that long-” I cut myself off by pulling my hand away from his abruptly and slapping it over my mouth, Hyunjin’s expression goes shocked for a split second but he quickly regains his smile, I’m completely embarrassed from my rambling, I coughed a bit trying to regain my dignity from massively oversharing, “I’m so sorry for rambling”

I’m a bit upset that my hand is so cold and I regret pulling it away in my state of fluster, but I can still feel his hand as if it’s imprinted itself into mine.

So, instead of reaching my hand back out to his, I place my other hand in mine hoping to regain the warmth but to no avail because both of my hands are cold.

I can’t reach out to his hand because that would not be appropriate for me to do so, as we haven’t established boundaries and I barely know the man. I’ll just let him take the lead. I would hate to make him uncomfortable, especially while he’s working.

Although it would be something we should probably discuss.

It would make life a lot easier, but it doesn’t matter at the moment anyway because even if we did set boundaries I wouldn’t have the balls to reach out to him anyway, I shouldn’t even be wanting to hold his hand.

He looks at me bemused, “Don’t apologise, I was enjoying your story,” his lips turn into a little pout, “Please continue, you know… I’ve always wanted a fishing buddy… maybe we can go on a fishing date after the dinner?!” He says eyes full of hope.

Fishing buddy?

Another date, is this some sort of would you like to book in for a lash infill tactic?

Of course, realistically I’d love to go on a fishing date with Hyunjin, I’d love to get to know him more but this isn’t real and I find I’m having to remind myself of this again.

I decide not to think about it too much and change the subject, “Yeah… you said you like art?” I question even though I distinctly remember him saying it, “I’d really love to get into it but I wouldn’t know where to start or how to start,” I let out a deflated chuckle.

His eyes sparkle and his lips pull into a very big grin seemingly pleased that I’ve remembered this small detail about him, “You remembered that?” He questions and I want to say why wouldn’t I?

It makes me think again, how do all his other fake dates treat him? Do they just talk about themselves the whole time? The thought makes me a bit angry because it seems to me that everyone should want to get to know Hyunjin but also, don’t conversations work both ways? Isn’t that how it works, one person asks a question and the other answers vice versa?

“Of course, I remembered we only spoke about it,” I look at my phone checking the time, “Wow, we only spoke about it two hours ago.” I try to deflect the amazed look on his face because it’s honestly not that impressive that I can remember a small detail about him, actually, I think I’ve memorised everything he’s told me about himself- because I need to. That's how fake relationships work.

Not that I know anything about fake relationships, but I'm pretty sure with Hyunjin’s amazing acting it will look undeniably real.

“Thank you, maybe I can help you get into painting… only if it’s something you genuinely want, don't just say it on my account.” This is a first, for Hyunjin to look so unsure of himself.

“Of course, I’d love that! I’m always up for new things.”

He smiles at me as if I’ve hung the moon and stars in the sky, “I’m actually very excited to get to know you, Pearl.”

I chuckle at his expression and statement, “Do you say that to all your dates?” I question and quickly realise by the way his facial expression drops for the slightest moment that I should have not said that.

I don’t want him to think I’m being rude and think that he’s cheap because he does this for a job, actually, that's the furthest thing I think of him. He’s my lifesaver at this point, and he’s quite literally going to save me from a loveless marriage and an eternity of misery.

“What are you on about? I’m on a date with you.” he resorts to quickly making me confused.

“Hyunjin… you know you can be real around me, I know this is a fake date and you're not actually my boyfriend,” I say factly.

“I don’t know what you're talking about. I'm your boyfriend and we are on a date,” He said and quickly stands up, “come on, we should go shopping now.” He says abruptly, leaving me behind a bit before stopping at the door and keeping it open for me while I’m still sitting confused by what has just happened.

Did I just offend him and his work?

Shit, that’s the last thing I wanted to do.

I walk up to him as he smiles at me sweetly.

“Hyunjin… I didn’t mean to offend you… actually, that’s the last thing I want to do since you're saving my life by doing this for me-” Apparently my apology isn’t acknowledged because he cut me off.

“Where should we look first?”

“Uhm… I think the man’s section is on the First Floor, if I remember correctly…” I reply quietly, looking down at my shoes and rubbing my hands together, fidgeting my fingers nervously.

Did I upset him that much?

I must’ve said something wrong…

“Pretty, is everything okay?” He asks with a frown and grabs my hands with his, as if our conversation earlier never happened. He separates my hands and continues holding my left one tightly, starting to walk towards the large escalators. “I don’t like seeing you upset, my beautiful Pearl.”

I want to say something.

But don't know how to reply, “Uhm… ”

“You know what I think will make you feel better?” he smiles, and abruptly changes directions. Instead of going downstairs, he drags me towards a photobooth and effortlessly lifts up the black curtain, pulling me inside.

The space is narrow, I worry that being so close to him will make him uncomfortable, but he doesn’t seem to care that much. He’s skilfully pushing the right buttons on the machine to get it to work - 2 sets of 8 pictures each - and that reminds me once again that despite it being the first time I’ve ever been in a photobooth, let alone with a guy, he most definitely comes to this kind of place with all his dates to take pictures.

Why do I have a strange pang in my chest when I think about this? I wonder, but quickly shake the thought off as Hyunjin positions himself right next to me. Legs and arms pressed against each other.

It’s okay Pearl, don’t overthink this…This is a fake date.

A first flash is seen and I can’t help but think about how awkward we must be looking right now, simply sat next to each other facing the screen in front of us, not even holding hands anymore.

Is this supposed to be fun?

Just as this thought crosses my mind, Hyunjin puts a hand around my waist, fingers delicately sitting above my pelvis and he spins me around to face him. His right-hand finds its way to my left one, which he raises in the air, mere centimetres in front of his lips, and the next thing I see is the blinding flash while I feel his lips softly press against my knuckles.

I let out a gasp as he smirks.

“What is it, my Pearl, are you flustered?” he raises an eyebrow and stands straight although his neck is a bit bent due to his sheer height so he crouches slightly, his left hand still on the back of my waist, hugging my frame tightly so we are flush against each other.

“I- what?” I stumble on my words and tilt my head with confusion.

What just happened?

Another 2-3 pictures are being taken while I’m trying to figure out what the hell just went on and how I can forget the feeling of his soft, perfect unchapped lips on my skin.

I’m crazy.

Then, just as abrupt as earlier, Hyunjin pulls my body closer to him and whispers slowly in my ear: “This dress looks so beautiful on you.” before pecking me on the cheek.

My eyes go wide at his bold gesture and my face has turned pink, and that’s when I notice that all 8 pictures have finally been taken. The air inside the photobooth feels way too stuff, because Hyunjin’s gesture turned my stomach upside down, and my heart is racing at 200km/h.

He takes out the two sets of pictures and looks at them with a bright smile on his face, then takes out his wallet from his back pocket and places one of the sets inside, before handing me mine.

“We look so cute together.” he grins childishly, giving me a second to look at the work of art we’ve just taken.

I’ll give it to him though because fuck, we look so good together.

No freaking way.

When my eyes find the last picture, I get flustered all over again, seeing that it perfectly captured the moment of Hyunjin kissing my cheek.

Hyunjin smiles at me triumphantly, “Do you feel better?”

I’ve come to the conclusion that all my overthinking about boundaries earlier was pointless, and to think I was getting worked up over holding his hand. But, my suspicions about him being a little crazy are definitely confirmed.

“Hyunjin… this was a good idea, I can put this in the back of my phone case, you’re so smart!” I say, evaluating and analysing why he has just done that and I feel completely stupid, obviously, it was so we look more legit.

He looks at me wearing a complacent smile, “It was a good idea, right? Everyone loves a photo booth!”

Although he doesn’t want to talk about it right now, he knows we’re on a fake date but he’s also making ‘memories’ for us to show my family, why didn’t I think of this? I didn’t even think of taking photos. He may be one of the smartest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.

I carefully take off my clear phone case and slide the photos in between the small gap.

I do actually feel a lot lighter and it’s Hyunjin’s doing that has caused it, “Shall we go get you some clothes then?” I offer, sporting a beaming smile.

“Okay let’s go!” He says excitedly and puts his hand out for me to grab.

We walk around and I finally spot a blazer in a very dark teal blue, and I drag him with me as quickly as I can in my heels, “Woah Pearl, slow down, no one is going to take whatever you’re on a mission to get.” He says behind me nearly tripping up.

I get the blazer and hold it up to him, it looks good with his complexion, “Hyunjin, will you try this on?”

He just simply nods and I go and hunt down the matching trousers.

When I find them I come across two more different suits that will look good so I take this opportunity to pick them up, guessing his size.

I knock on the changing room door and wait for a response.

“Pearl, is it you?” He asks, making me chuckle.

“Yeah, I got you some more bits to try on,”

I hear a few shuffles before the door opens and he peeks his head out, “Ah.. amazing go sit on the chair and I’ll come out and be your personal model.” He winks

I laugh at his remark and nod, handing him the clothes.

As I wait on the cream leather seat in the mirrored room, I find myself staring at the door that Hyunjin is behind.

Obviously, curiosity takes the best of me but I can’t carry through with it until he comes out, so I sit there staring at my hands and fiddling with the cuff of my dress.

“Close your eyes,” Hyunjin calls out, so I do to entertain him.

I hear footsteps getting closer, and Hyunjin calls out, “Pearl, you can open them now”

Hyunjin is finally standing in front of me in a dark teal blue blazer button-up with Burberry stitched into the breast. Featuring a collar style, front welt pockets, long sleeves, a front button fastening and long sleeves with matching trousers that look as if they were tailored to fit him, the plain white button-up shirt pairs perfectly.

His long legs are complemented profusely by the fit. The Blazer isn’t too tight either but just tight enough in all the right places, it feels rude to be looking without saying anything this long but I can't help it when he looks so good.

“Beautiful, does it look okay?” Hyunjin says with a teasing tone in his voice, and raised eyebrow.

“Hyunjin, you. It looks so good!” I exclaim.

“You think? Is this the one?” He says and a slight tinge of red comes to the top of his ears.

I think for a while - is this the one? It's clear that Hyunjin looks amazing in this, but is this right for him to meet my family in?

“There’s more, try them all on and then we’ll pick the best… well not the best… I mean, you're going to look amazing in all of them” I stammer.

“I’m glad you like it,” he looks down at his shoes, “maybe it would look better with different shoes,”

“Yes! Oh my god! Wait there, let me go and get some shoes. What size?”

He laughs at my excitement, “size 10”

I nod then run to the shoes, I pick up a pair of black chunky leather loafers premium Italian calf leather and gold-plated hardware across the talus. Perfect for a statement.

The next pair are slightly heeled ankle boots with a pointed toe in black leather, with a gold buckle on the inside. They are sleek and look smart.

I walk with a stride back to the changing room, “Hyunjin! I found some shoes!”

“Pop them by the door please, I'm trying on another one,”

I do as I'm told, barely containing my excitement - it is truly hard to not get pumped up when someone is willing to wear anything given to them, especially when they look like a model.

I sit there a bit too eagerly, fidgeting crossing and uncrossing my legs.

It’s taking way too long, “Hyunjin?” I shout

“Yes love?”

I blush unintentionally at the sweet nickname, “Is everything okay in there?”

“Yes, I’m just admiring how good your fashion is.”

I giggle to myself, and my phone goes off so I check it.

Sister-in-law:

How’s it going?

Did you kiss yet?

God, Cynthia is going to be my ultimate demise if she keeps asking questions like that; doesn’t she know it's a fake date?

Pearl:

It’s good and no we haven’t kissed yet because it’s a fake date!

Sister-in-law:

Whatever

Is he as good looking in person?

Pearl:

Yes

Even better looking!

Sister-in-law:

Are you in love yet?

Pearl:

Fuck off

I'm putting my phone away now

Sister-in–law:

No!

Don’t be like that!

“Love?” Hyunjin said giving me a fright.

I clumsily shove my phone back into my bag and look up. Hyunjin looks really good in beige, especially with blonde hair.

The black roses in contrast with the beige are so beautiful, the blazer has a pocket on the breast, and he’s not wearing a button-up this time but instead a black t-shirt.

“Do you like it?” I ask keenly, walking up to him to help flatten the lapels, reaching forwards without hesitation, both of my hands on his hard chest lightly moving the lapels, I smile to myself; extremely happy with my work. He’s wearing the loafers, they give him extra height that isn’t necessarily needed since my arms are already at neck level reaching out for his chest.

I didn’t even realise he was looking at me until I looked up because he didn’t respond.

I didn’t realise we were that close.

We are really close.

He’s looking down at me with a look on his face that I can’t quite distinguish and his lips twitch slightly.

I become flustered looking into his eyes for too long so I move back quickly.

I just invaded his personal space without asking or warning him.

I clear my throat, “Sorry,” I say looking down at my feet, and stepping back.

“I really like this one” He lets out in a low voice, and tilts my head up with his large, and temperate hand bringing me back closer to give me a warm smile, “why’d you pick this one beautiful?”

I try to find the right words, but it seems they are stuck in my throat. I know why I picked this one, it’s because he said he likes flowers; I thought he’d like it because of that.

“Why so quiet love?” His honey-brown eyes are miraculous, they look like they're shining, sparkling under the bright changing room lights and his blonde hair with his tanned skin is stunning. All humans should be born like this. Who wouldn’t be speechless being within this proximity with someone so breathtaking?

“I picked it because you like flowers?” I say it as if it's more of a question.

Unsure.

But I know that’s why I picked it.

“You're right.” he smiles, “I do like flowers, do you know why?”

I shake my head coyly.

I don’t know, but I want to.

“Because I’m a fool for beautiful things.” His eyes still haven’t left mine and I feel my body getting hotter by the second, “maybe you can be one of the things I’m a fool for as well.” He says it like a statement.

So boldly.

So confident.

I want to change the subject, I don’t like being put on the spot like this. I don’t like not knowing how to reply.

“Hyunjin, go try on the last suit, please.”

I say please because I need him to go, because I don’t think I can handle being part of this conversation any longer.

All he does is nod and smile walking away and I’m left still standing there confused, if my heart beats any faster I’m going to have to go get a check-up.

This is not normal, my hands are clammy, my whole body is flush and I’m a bit breathless.

I think I’m getting sick.

I sit back down on the chair and wait a little longer for Hyunjin, I still feel like I barely know him and I don’t know what I want to know about him.

I know he does this for work but does he go to uni still? Does he have another job? Does he have any siblings or pets? He’s older than me so it could be a possibility we went to the same school, he could even know my brother. After all, they're the same age.

I can’t stop being curious about him.

“Pearl, I’m coming out. I think you’ll really like this one.” He practically sings.

Speechless.

This is what he’s going to wear, he has to.

Elegant and luxurious; this is the one.

Black pinstripe Saint Laurent tuxedo jacket, black wool perfectly tailored, it has leather peak lapels and padded shoulders that enhance the double-breasted front, and on the front breast pocket is a gold Saint Laurent symbol.

The trousers are plain black and a skinny inky belt adorns his hips, the low-cut shirt he’s wearing hangs just below his collarbones and for the first time drawing attention to the delicate gold necklace he has on. The slightly heeled boots he has on just pull the outfit together even more, giving a classic, timeless look.

He should really consider being a model.

“Yes!” I squeal, clapping my hands together, “Hyunjin! This is the one!”

He chuckles at me, and puts his hand out to grab mine pulling me from my seat, “Shall we get this one then?”

“Yes! Let’s get them all, Hyunjin!”

He sighs slightly, “Why don’t you come up with a nickname for me?” he asks in a disappointed tone and his ever-so-swollen lips slightly pout?

“Huh?” I ask confused by the sudden question.

“Well, I am your boyfriend right?” He says in a matter of fact tone.

Fake boyfriend I want to say, but he is right, ‘couples’ should have nicknames for each other and he’s always giving me ones.

“What should I call you then?” I ask, slightly tilting my head.

His face lights up, “Anything you want,” he shrugs.

I think for a while going through the possibilities, I'm not bold enough to use honey bee, babe or baby.

It wouldn’t sound right for me to say that.

“Hyunnie or Jinnie?” I question, not completely sure on either.

His eyes widen and I start to think he doesn't like them, “I love it, I love them both!” He says as he engulfs me in a hug.

“Jinnie, careful, I nearly got makeup on your suit and we haven’t even bought it yet!” I laugh and place my hands on his chest, pushing him away from me playfully.

“You’re right,” he chuckles, “that would truly be unfortunate. But you know what, beautiful?” he asks, his hands still on the back of my waist, holding my body close to him. He leans down, face mere centimetres from my face, and whispers “I’m sure we can find a dry cleaner to get it ready until the dinner with your parents.”

“Jinnie!” I scold him, both of us starting laughing. Looking up at him, I love the way his blonde hair contrasts the black elegant suit. However, I unintentionally frown, remembering the most important detail I forgot until Hyunjin mentioned the Saturday dinner.

“What’s wrong?” he asks with a head tilt, seemingly concerned about my sudden change of expression.

“What are we going to do about this?” I ask, removing a stray strand of hair that found its way on Hyunjin’s forehead.

“What, the hair?” He removes his hands from my waist and brushes them through his haircut, restyling it.

“My father is a bit… conservative, so to say. He doesn’t really like crazy colours.”

“Oh, is that so?” he smiles.

“Mhm. Whatever. I’m sure it’ll be fine. It doesn’t matter.” I wave my hand around, trying not to overthink it too much.

“If you say so, beautiful.” Hyunjin grabs my hand before noticing the abandoned red carnations on the cream leather seat I sat on minutes earlier. He runs away quickly to grab them, then hands them to me, as he did a few hours ago when we first met.

“Thanks.” I smile. “I would’ve been really upset if I forgot these.”

Facepalm.

No way I just said that out loud.

“I mean-” I start, trying to correct myself, but Hyunjin doesn’t seem to care that much, as he raises a hand to stop me from speaking any further.

“Can you wait a bit while I change?” he asks. “I won’t be long.”

“Yes, of course.”

True to his word, Hyunjin takes only a few minutes to change, and I decide against going back to the chair. The heels I’m wearing are thankfully not as uncomfortable as they look, so I don’t mind waiting for him in front of the dressing room.

“All done.” he opens up the curtain, holding the three suits I’ve chosen for him neatly folded on his arm.

“Shall we go pay, then?” I smile brightly, truly proud of myself. The suits look just too good on Hyunjin not to get all of them.

We both head to the checkout and the lady behind the register compliments our choice of clothes, her eyes never leaving Hyunjin. I can’t blame her, though. Every time I look at him I feel like I’m having a cultural reset. His beauty is ethereal.

After we leave the store, I get this weird… sinking feeling in my stomach, as I realise that our date is almost over. We’re going to walk our separate ways now, and see each other in two days, which isn’t a lot, so why does it feel like it’s so far away?

“So…” I start, dejected. “I’m glad we got to know each other better, Jinnie. I guess it’s time we-”

“Go shop for your clothes.” Hyunjin smiles mischievously.

“Sorry?”

“It’s your turn!” he grins. “Your turn to be my model.”

“Oh,” I reply, confused, “No, that’s okay, I wouldn’t want to take too much of your time… I have a lot of clothes at home.”

“No fair!” he whines like a little kid, which makes me giggle a bit. “You got to dress me up, why don’t I have the same liberty?”

“Hyunjin, we’ve already spent many hours together. Aren’t you booked for another date later?” I reply with reason, noticing a slight frown between his eyebrows.

“What do you mean, Pearl? What other date? You’ve been mentioning that for quite some time now. I’m on a date with you, and I don’t want to go home just yet. I want to spend more time with my girlfriend. Why can’t we go shopping for you as well, hm?”

His answer takes me by surprise. He said everything in an almost arguing tone, truly seeming upset about this whole ordeal. My stupid mouth mentioned the fake date as well, again, and this really seems to anger him.

“I mean, we can, but… are you sure you aren’t busy?”

“I’ll never be busy for you, beautiful,” he says, making me blush.

However, I can’t stop wondering if I should’ve just pushed harder to go home. This is probably what he says to all dates, and hopes his fake girlfriend of the day will just let him go.

This is a job for him, after all. If I worked, I imagine I would think about going back home all the time.

Hyunjin and I head towards the escalator and take it to the Second Floor, where the woman’s section is located. He is the one who leads the way this time, as I’m shily looking down at the red carnations in my hand, their petals a bit withered by now. I furrow my brows thinking about them withering away, only a distant memory of this date remaining.

“You should press them when you get home. Do you like them that much? I would’ve bought you a bigger bouquet if I'd known.”

“Huh?” I raise my head, surprised once again that he noticed the source of my downheartedness so quickly, without me saying a word. No one in my life ever paid as much attention to me, not even my nanny, and it was her job. Well, this is Hyunjin’s job as well… but still, how observant can someone be?

“I’m not sure how to. I’ve never done it before.”

“Really?!” his eyes go wide. “Wow, okay, I’ll teach you. We should video-call later and I’ll show you.”

“Okay.” I chuckle, the knot in my stomach feeling tighter than ever. It’s not like he’d actually video-call me. Once the date is over, and until Saturday, we’re no longer bound by a contract, or by me paying him, so he wouldn’t have any reason to waste his free time chatting with a random stranger who hired him to be her arm candy.

Hyunjin takes me to a large elegant store on the Second Floor, and I quickly notice I haven’t been in it before. I only come to Harrods when Cynthia is in the mood to buy some new clothes, but I rarely, if ever, buy anything myself. I normally have people taking my measurements and bringing me catalogues where I pick what I like, and that’s it. No struggles going to the dressing room and trying 100 different things on.

Although not gonna lie, it was very fun to do it with Hyunjin earlier.

He goes directly to a shelf on the right side and picks an extremely elegant and beautiful pearl white satin dress that is scrunched around the waist with a one-shoulder neckline that would fall on my left side. There is a deep split on the right leg, and it has a short train.

As if he knows exactly what he’s looking for, he skillfully moves around the store until he finds his next target: a beautiful two-piece beige below-the-knee-length dress. The top is a tight-fit diamond shape with a halter neckline, and the skirt once again has a split but this slit is high and looks as if it would reach just at the top of my thigh, this time on the left leg.

Does Hyunjin have a thing for splits? I wonder, laughing in my head while he rummages the store for a third dress.

“Are you going to pick one for each look I’ve chosen for you?” I ask curiously.

“Of course, how else are we going to match on our next dates?” he grins while browsing through a row of black dresses.

“Aha! There it is!” he says, pulling out one beautiful raven-black satin dress that looks like it shines under the shop lights with a V-neck that plunges deep and spaghetti straps. This dress seems to be long, cutting off just at the ankles, and looks so elegant, I can’t wait to try it on. “Exactly what I was looking for!”

“Really?” I chuckle at his excitement.

“Beautiful, let’s see how these fit you.” Hyunjin grins, balancing the three dresses on one arm and grabbing the back of my waist with the other.

We head towards the dressing room and I step inside, letting Hyunjin arrange the dresses nicely on the hanger.

“The white one first. I’m gonna quickly run and get some accessories, so don’t hurry,” he says, grabbing the big dark brown curtain and arranging it so no one could see anything from outside.

“Got it,” I say, starting to undress, “Wait, Hyunjin?” I shout, hoping that he didn’t leave just yet, because I had a big problem.

“Yes, love?” he peeks his head through the curtain.

This fucking nickname.

“Uhm… do you think you could…” I grimace a bit, parting my hair to the side and turning my back towards Hyunjin.

“Oh.” he looks aside for a short second and I almost notice a red tint on his cheeks. “Sure.”

Damn, Cynthia for picking out this dress with the long-ass zipper!

Hyunjin comes so close to me, I feel his breath on my neck, and as he places one hand firmly on my shoulder, I can feel his thumb grazing the skin on my nape.

Suddenly, the air feels too hot and stuffy, and I barely breathe.

He pulls the zipper down and stops just above my behind, and I feel vulnerable with my whole back exposed. It’s the first time a man has ever seen so much of my skin, and I am feeling really conscious.

What if there’s a pimple on my back?

What if my position is weird?

Can he see my weird birthmark?

Does he think it’s ugly?

Instead of letting all these insecurities show, I just let my head down and mumble a quick “Thank you,” Hyunjin isn’t pushing it, and leaves me alone in the dressing room as soon as he’s done, with a small nod of his head.

At least we both seem embarrassed.

Now that the zipper issue is solved, I am able to undress with ease. I grab the white dress as instructed and pull it over my head, and as soon as it falls on my shoulders and settles on me, I can’t help but think Damn.

It looks amazing. The satin is hugging my waist beautifully, and the colour compliments my skin tone so well. I can’t believe Hyunjin was able to guess my size on the first try, and find this masterpiece of a dress.

“Love? Can I open this?” I hear his voice from the other side of the curtain and see the pattern of a hand gripping it up.

“Yes, I’m all dressed,” I reply.

“Wow.” his eyes go wide as he looks at me.

“Is it that bad?” I chuckle jokingly, as it’s quite obvious I’m looking like Aphrodite herself right now.

“Fuck” he mumbles, placing his fist over his mouth. “You look heavenly.”

“Thanks.” I smile. “What do you have over there?” I point to the small shopping bag in his hand.

“Oh. Right. I got you these.” he says as he pulls out a pair of blue satin gloves that look elbow-length, the same colour as his suit. He follows with a pair of navy blue high heels with an intricate silver flower design all over them, more focused on the heel. The third item he’s brought me is a small pearl white clutch with a golden chain to hold.

“Wow, Jinnie, these work so well together!” I praise him, and I almost get an urge to pet his hair, which I barely contain.

“That’s not all. Look, a pair of earrings for you…” He opens up a small box where sapphire and diamond dangly earrings beautifully sparkle under the strong light of the dressing room. “... and these.” He opens up another box, revealing two silver couple rings, a small blue sapphire at the centre of both of them.

“Oh, God. These are so beautiful…” I pull out one ring and place it carefully on my finger. It’s the perfect fit.

Was he able to size up my hands while playing with my fingers earlier?

“I’m glad you like them.”

“We definitely have to get all of these.” I smile, impressed by Hyunjin’s refined style.

“The two-piece is next. Be right back,” he says after helping me place everything in the big shopping bag provided by the store.

I again do as instructed and put on the two-piece dress. The diamond-shaped top exposes my shoulders and back modestly, I love the way the fabric of the beige skirt hugs my hips, and then falls down freely on my legs. This time as well, the split is not too high up on the side of my leg to make me uncomfortable, on the contrary, it's on the front, and I find myself once again admiring Hyunjin’s fashion style. He perfectly combined beauty with comfort.

Hyunjin returns once more really quickly and takes a few moments to admire the fit.

“So beautiful.” he smiles, and gives me a pair of black chunky, platform high-heel shoes with a thin strap on the ankle and a small golden buckle much like his chunky loafers, a black trapeze bag held by a large gold bulky, thick chain, a pair of golden twisted hoop earrings and a set of dark beige Tiger’s Eye bracelets with golden chains.

He really does like rocks.

“I absolutely adore how all of these look,” I tell him excitedly, feeling just a bit dejected that he didn’t bring any more couple rings this time. “We’re keeping all of these as well!”

“That’s great.” he chuckles at my excitement. “Then try the black one on, please.”

The black satin dress is the one I’ve been looking forward to the most, as it’ll be the obvious choice to go with Hyunjin’s Saint Laurent black suit at my parents’ dinner.

Of course, Hyunjin’s amazing taste doesn’t disappoint this time either. The fabric hugs my body in all the right places and loosely flows at the bottom in contrast to the tightness around my bust waist and hips. The open neckline makes me wonder what type of jewellery he will pick to go on with this dress.

I find out quickly enough, as he returns breathless to the dressing room.

“Okay.” he smiles. “Try these on.”

He gives me a pair of black open-toe sandal heels, and I’m surprised to notice that they will go with his suit perfectly, being made by the same design. Instead of a regular heel, these shoes have the Yves Saint Laurent logo in golden letters cassander heel featuring an adjustable ankle strap. The black bag with the golden chain he gives me is Yves Saint Laurent as well, and it seems he truly wants us to be matching not only the clothes, but the brand as well.

He then gives me a thin gold bracelet with small diamonds all over, but the accessory I love the most is a golden necklace. Well, I don’t necessarily like it the most because it’s beautiful. It’s because Hyunjin picked two of them, making us once again match, which got my heart racing badly.

“These clothes… Jinnie, they’re amazing. You’re amazing. We will look so good together on Saturday!” I smile genuinely.

“Mhm. The clothes are okay, but they’re just that. Clothes. You’re the one who makes them beautiful, Pearl.” he replied, looking straight into my eyes through the large mirror in the dressing room.

How is someone supposed to reply to something like that? I don’t know how, so I change the subject, “I’m going to get changed then we can go pay for these.”

He just nods unenthusiastically, looking slightly dejected.

As I’m getting changed I can’t help but think about the look on Hyunjin’s face.

Yes, some girls who hire him may be lonely people who want a boyfriend, to be serenaded in love and affection. I, however, am not lonely—maybe a bit touched starved—and do not all need this affection he is throwing my way because it’s very confusing, especially when the person is so calm and handsome.

I do not need someone tainting my future life with delusions just because they are nice to me.

Shit.

My dress, the fucking zip.

“Hyunjin?” no reply.

I start to panic, “Jinnie?”

“Yes?”

“Urm… I need your help?” I say it almost as a whisper hoping he’ll hear it.

I watch as long fingers, adorned with beautiful rings delicately wrap around the curtain pulling it slightly ajar, barely able to see just a sliver of the side of him.

“Love, is it your dress again?” he says ever so softly,

I fidget, trying to find the words because this situation is extremely embarrassing. I wonder how many times he’s had to do this for other girls. Although, he did seem embarrassed as well. What happens if I’m the only girl who decided to wear a dress like this to go shopping in? I hope he doesn’t think I did this on purpose.

Why am I thinking so much… I wasn’t even supposed to be shopping.

“Yes, can you please zip it up please?”

“Of course.” He says and he steps into the changing room, his hands that were once on the curtain are now on my hip and the other is on the zip.

I pull my hair to the side to give him better access to the zip at the top, but I can’t help that this feels somewhat domestic.

Intimate.

I need to get my head out of the gutter, this is not intimate nor domestic, this is simply what needs to be done otherwise I’ll be stuck half-naked walking through the shop with no jacket to cover up the huge gaping hole at the back of my dress, which is not a good look.

I notice the warmth of his hand leave my hip but the imprint of his large hand is still there and I can still feel it.

I’m basically letting a stranger zip my dress up for me, I remind myself to get the stupid thoughts of intimacy out of my mind. This is absolutely insane.

“Done,” he says in a whisper and I shiver once again; this feels intimate.

“Sorry,” I mutter under my breath.

“It’s fine love, can’t be helped, right?” he tells me with a soft chuckle.

I just nod, picking up my bag, and it seems like my touch has summoned a phone call.

I turn to face him and smile awkwardly and he nods indicating to pick up the phone.

“Yes?”

“Pearl? Where have you been all day? Did you not see my messages?”

I let out a heavy sigh, “Seungmin, did Cynth not tell you I was out with my boyfriend today?”

“Your boyfriend who you ain’t told anyone about?”

“Yes. My boyfriend.”

“Where are you?”

“Harrods” I let out with a sigh.

Hyunjin looks at me, eyes swirling with curiosity. I just smile at him, trying to let him know that it's nothing worth being interested in.

“I’m sending a driver to pick you up now”

“No-”

“Pearl I don’t care what you say, I can’t believe you even kept this from me for so long!” He was quick to hang up before I could get another word in.

How frustrating!

I shot Hyunjin a look with apologetic eyes, “My brother's sending a driver here, I’ve got to go.”

Hyunjin looks a bit downhearted and his thick lips twitch downwards, something that you’ll only notice if you pay enough attention.

But I did pay attention, and I saw that.

He’s gone extremely unanimated apart from the slight crinkle of his nose, in contrast to before and my stomach clenches lightly seeing that cute pout on his lips, even if it was just for a second. But deep down I know he’s probably happy to have finished his day of work, and this is all part of his ‘fake boyfriend’ act, now I feel sad.

Hyunjin composes himself quickly standing straight and bringing one of his hands to brush through his golden locks, “Ah okay, well let me walk you out?” He says it as if it’s a question, as if I wouldn’t want him to.

“I’d like that.” I smile genuinely, all the excitement drained from now as I know this is over.

I bend down to pick up some of the bags in my other hand that isn’t occupied by a big bouquet of carnations, but before I can even reach out to it Hyunjin has already picked it up.

“My girlfriend shouldn’t be carrying heavy things”

I smile as I see he’s come back from his fake sad act, but now he’s back with the fake boyfriend act. It’s better at least, so I decide to play into it, just to humour him, “Oh, is that right?”

He smiles at me and grabs my hand lightly intertwining our fingers, “Of course, I wouldn’t want my lover to have callus hands, now would I?”

I laugh and unconsciously play with the rings on his hand while we’re walking to the exit, the sinking feeling in my stomach only grows the closer we get, and I can’t help but wish we were actually friends. I'd love to get to know the real him. Not the fake boyfriend version.

We stop outside and I see him looking down at our hands with a smile on his face, eyes almost sparking. That’s when I notice my fingers playing with his rings, I jerk my hand back and curse myself out internally, “Sorry” I say and avert my eyes to look at the busy streets, its nearing dark now and the sky is painted in a beautiful ombre of pinks and orange hues, a colossal flock of seagulls flying, making the whole scene playing out in front of me look like an intricate tapestry that has been done ever so carefully.

I’ve never looked at my city like this, I’ve never had the time to be out and just relax. I’ve never had time to look into the little things in life, but when Hyunjin is around I seem to be picking out, noticing, and magnifying everything. Maybe his presence does that, he seems to be a very complex, and closed-off person but also very good at observing others. When someone is complex it’s natural to have to look into details further.

I see the black Mercedes Benz S-class getting closer and closer, reminding me how this is ending and I will go back home.

It stops in front of us and I smile at Hyunjin, “It was really nice meeting you today…thank you for everything, the flowers, agreeing to do this and I’ll see you Saturday?”

His hand reaches out to me and wraps around my waist, “Of course, I’ll see you Saturday, let me put your bags in the boot.”

He is such a gentleman, after he’s done putting the bags into the car he grabs my hand and walks me to the door and presses a soft kiss on my cheek, then opening the door for me, letting me get in, a blushing mess as my driver had just seen that.

“I’ll see you Saturday, beautiful, message me when you get home.”

I nod and wave him off feeling a strange feeling, he doesn’t actually want a message when he gets home, he’s just putting on a show for the driver.

I sigh and look down at the beautiful carnations slightly withered.

Would Hyunjin call me like he said and show me how to press the flowers? I’m unsure…

Uncertainty is the plague of the mind and right now I'm more confused and uncertain than ever, no one and I mean no one has ever made me feel so unsure in my life.

Independence comes in many forms, or so I have just learnt.

Volunteering to carry my shopping bags up a staircase that is ludicrously way too big for any house; unfortunately, that house is my house. Wearing heels that are slightly uncomfortable the whole day and not asking someone to carry my shoes as I change into flats, because apparently I was too enchanted by an Adonis of a man with a svelte toned body. But now I'm back in the comfort of my own home, my feet are throbbing and my chest heaving from walking up those stupid stairs.

I flop down onto my bed and think about how my life has come to this, lying and scheming to prevent a loveless marriage.

“Pearl!” An excited screech can be heard through the door along with the clambering of feet slapping on the wooden floor. I glance in horror at my closed door and hope to God I’ve just imagined my friend’s voice shouting my name, for I am tired as fuck and frankly a bit disappointed about having to go home instead of spending more time with Hyunjin

“Cynthia?” I ask almost lifelessly, seeing my best friend’s figure slamming through the door. As always, Cynthia has no regard for my personal space, so she jumps right next to me in bed, making me close my eyes in slight frustration.

“What’s wrong, did you come home with blue balls?” She grins.

“What? No!” I playfully slap her arm and turn my back on her, signalling her to unzip my dress. I then get up and march over to my walk-in closet, taking off my dress and changing into more comfortable clothes.

“How was the date? Spill it out.” Her dumb grin doesn’t leave her face while she asks this. She’s lucky I love her.

“You mean fake date!” I whisper, aware of the still-open door. Cynthia rolls her eyes as I sit down in front of my vanity and start wiping off my makeup. “It was… nice, actually. He’s a really great guy, you know?”

“Who’s a great guy?” a voice behind me speaks, startling me: my brother’s.

Seungmin is standing in front of my room, his right shoulder supported by the door’s frame, and looks at me and Cynthia with a serious expression.

“My boyfriend, of course.” I roll my eyes.

“I’ll ask this again - the boyfriend you didn’t bother telling anyone about?” He raises an eyebrow.

“I just wanted to make sure we’re official before telling you and our parents. Besides, Cynthia knew about him.”

Seungmin raises his eyebrow again and eyes his girlfriend, who avoids his gaze like the plague.

You’re such a bad liar. I think while looking at her as well, hoping she won’t blow my cover.

“Anyways, now that I’m basically forced into a MARRIAGE,” I accentuate this last word, hoping to get a reaction out of Seungmin. “I have to force things to move faster than I would’ve liked, and to bring my boyfriend to the freaking dinner so our parents can observe him like he’s a poor caged animal in a zoo. Imagine that.”

“Pearl, I know you’re upset…”

“Upset? Upset doesn’t even scratch the surface of what I’m feeling, Min.”

“Look. As much as I think our parents are exaggerating, they come from a good place. Minho is a nice guy, as much as he can seem like an asshole.”

“Pfft. Right. Seem.” I scoff.

“I’m serious. He’s a good guy, he’s hella smart and if you marry him you will get to live a very good, stress-free life. That’s what our parents want for you.”

“But what about what I want, Min? Isn’t that important as well?”

“Of course it is. That’s the most important thing. But isn’t a good life something you’d want? Minho would give you that, and more.”

“What I want is to be with someone I love. Cynth, back me up!” I look at my friend who’s been staring at us ever since the conversation started, her body sprawled on the bed, head supported by her hands.

“I have to agree with Pearl on this one, baby. Minho is a good guy, and I bet they’d get along great-”

“Hey! Whose side are you on?” I cut her off angrily, my face all messed up with the smeared black mascara around my eyes.

“BUT it’s also important that she actually likes him before getting married, don’t you think?” She continues without minding me. “If she has a boyfriend she likes, wouldn’t it be more fair to stay with him instead of marrying someone she doesn’t like?”

Seungmin seems to consider a bit more what Cynthia said, and that annoys me to no end. Why does he regard her opinion on this matter more than mine - the person who would essentially have to suffer at Minho’s cruel hands?

“Remember, it’s me who’s getting paired up with someone on our parents’ will, not you. You were able to choose to be with someone you actually love. And I want to have the same choice. Is that really so absurd?” I try to reason with Seungmin, who simply nods.

“Okay. I’ll try and give this nameless guy a chance. But if I think Minho’s the better choice, I will 100% tell our parents that as well. Hopefully, you picked a good guy for yourself, Pearl.”

With that, he leaves and closes the door behind him.

“Fuck you Seungmin!” I shout, angrily standing up and grabbing a pillow from the bed, throwing it to the door.

“Hey, don’t be so nasty. He’s your brother.” Cynthia chuckles.

“He’s stupid. Arghhhh, why doesn’t he get me?!” I pout.

“He does, but he has this bad habit of thinking that what he believes is best. He does love you, you know? And he’s kinda right… Minho is perfect for you.” She shrugs and then suddenly straightens her back. “But enough about Seungmin and Minho! Back to what we were talking about! How was the date? Tell me everything.”

“Cynth, it was… really good.” I smile brightly, remembering Hyunjin’s fingers playing with mine and forgetting almost instantly about Cynthia’s dumb comment. Minho is perfect for you my ass.

“Someone’s in loveee~” she sings.

“No. No way.” I shake my head. “It was a fake date. But he’s such a gentleman! I’ve genuinely never met anyone like him before! And he paid so much attention to me. And you were right, he likes red. He even got me those red-”

I suddenly get interrupted by a loud sound coming from my phone.

“Oh, my God. Cynth. It’s him.” I look over at my friend, and her grin grows bigger than ever. She’s like the Cheshire Cat.

“Who, your not-so-fake boyfriend you’re totally in love with?”

“Shut up. What do I do?!”

“Answer, obviously!”

“But I’m so ugly! I look like a raccoon! Why the heck is he face-timing me?!”

Oh right. The flowers. I mentally slap myself in denial that he actually remembered and wanted to teach me how to press them.

“Just answer!” Cynthia urges me.

“No! I’ll… call him back later!”

“Pearl, if you don’t answer I will.”

Cynthia stands up and comes over to me, trying to grab the phone from my hands. We fight over it for a few seconds, before it stops ringing.

“Pfiu.” I exhale, relieved. “Okay. He hung up. I will just take my make-up off and call him back. Is that okay?” I look at Cynthia, hoping for encouragement.

“You pussy.” She rolls her eyes.

The phone starts ringing again, making me freeze in my place.

Why is he so insistent?!

“You better answer this time. I bet there won’t be a third.” She shrugs and leaves the room, giving me space to talk.

Shit, what if she’s right? It probably won’t be a third one if I avoid his call again.

I reluctantly press the green button on my screen and wait with my heart up my throat for a few seconds until the call connects.

“Hey!” Hyunjin smiles, as beautiful as ever.

“Hi,” I reply, glancing at how weird I look with half my make-up off, the other half smeared on my face awkwardly.

“Is this a bad time?”

“No… I was just removing my make-up, that’s why I look so…” I pause, trying to find the right words to describe my fucked up appearance.

“Cute?” He giggles.

“No. Unappealing.” I reply, feeling my cheeks grow red from his compliment.

Why can’t I get used to this?

“Oh, please, you could never look unappealing. But do take off your make-up. You should clean off your face to avoid any clogged pores. Do you have a cleanser or make-up remover at hand?”

“Yeah. Sure. I do.” I chuckle, a bit surprised that he cares about something like this. Most guys I’ve met don’t even know what water on their face feels like, I bet they’ve never heard of cleansers. “Should I call you back?”

“No, I’d much rather watch you take it off. Why don’t you put me in front of you and pretend you’re filming a vlog?” Hyunjin grins from ear to ear, as if he had the best idea in the world, and I play along.

I place the phone against the mirror and glance directly into the lens, starting to talk.

“Hello everyone, this is Pearl. Welcome to another episode of ‘Life with me’, today-”

“Wait, why don’t you call it something like ‘Life undersea’? It would be fun.” He laughs.

“Did you just mock my name, mister?” I raise an eyebrow playfully.

“I would never.” He says mouth agape with fake shock.

“Anyways- welcome to another episode of ‘Life Undersea’! Today we’re taking off my make-up! First things first, we’re going to use my favourite cleanser - Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm. Look how pretty it is.” I grab the white packaging and show it around to the camera, opening it up. “It has such a rich, buttery texture. I’m simply in love with it!”

“Wow, you’re a natural.” Hyunjin laughs.

“Thank you.” I smile and bow.

“You’re welcome, beautiful.”

“Uhm… so… you apply it like this…” I stumble on my words and curse myself a bit, once again way too aware of the effect his mere words have on me. I find myself chanting “He’s a fake boyfriend!” inside my head over and over again, as if it would somewhat help the redness in my cheeks.

“I love seeing you so flustered.” He smiles kindly, while I’m battling myself inside.

“Shut up.” I brush him off, continuing to take off my make-up. Instead of being upset, he just grins.

“Okay pretty, what’s next? You’re filming a vlog, remember?”

“Oh, right. I have to go wash my face now, but I can’t take you to the bathroom, unfortunately. You’re going to have to wait here.”

“I’m waiting.”

I rush to the bathroom and throw water on my face at least 10 times, then I grab a microfiber white towel and wipe it off gently.

When I return to my room, Hyunjin is still there, looking down at what seems to be a book.

“I’m back.” I sit down at the vanity and curse myself again, this time for other reasons. I think about how I shouldn’t have said anything, and just let him do his own thing while admiring him for a while, before he noticed I returned from the bathroom.

“You know what? You’re beautiful with make-up on, but your bare face is even more stunning. I’m going to fall in love with you at this rate.” He chuckles.

I shouldn’t have taken off my foundation. He’ll definitely see the blush on my cheeks.

“So, are you ready to learn how to press flowers?” He continues, leaving me no time to reply to his past compliment. My mind is however still on his words.

I’m going to fall in love with you at this rate.

Fuck. How can he say that so easily, when my heart is beating this fast?

“Yes, I’m ready. What do I need?”

“A few books and some newspaper would be ideal. Well, you don’t necessarily need the newspaper, but the petals might stain the pages, so if you don’t want to ruin a perfectly good book, I’d recommend getting one as well.”

“Okay. Uhm, I don’t mind ruining any books, though.”

Especially if the petals would stain it - that would be even more meaningful to me, having a permanent memento of our date inside the book, even if the flowers are gone.

I don’t say that, however.

“Okay Jinnie, I’m back with the books. Are these okay?” I show them unsure at the camera, worrying that they are too small or too big.

“They’re perfect, beautiful. Now, pick a book inside of which you’d like to press the flowers.”

I look at whatever books I’ve grabbed from my bookshelf, and pick a small Japanese book titled “Convenience store woman” as my subject. I find it kind of fitting, as I’m able to relate to the main character of the book. I, too, am a bit unconventional to my parents’ dismay, and the way I view the world around me seems to disturb everyone else to no end.

“Now, place the flowers neatly between the pages, like this.” Hyunjin shows me the way he placed one single red carnation flat on top of a page. “Then close the book as carefully as you can, so as to not disarrange the flowers.”

“I think this is right…” I say, after struggling for a good 2 minutes with closing the small book. I should’ve picked a bigger one.

“And all that’s left to do is weight it down. Just put all the other books on top of this one and wait for a few weeks, then you’re done.”

“That’s it?” I ask, surprised.

“That’s it.” He giggled.

“Wow, I can’t believe it was so easy? I’m a bit dumb in your eyes, probably.” I chuckle nervously.

“No, Pearl. It’s okay to not know things and to learn them from someone else.” He smiles kindly. What he said makes butterflies grow in my stomach. I’ve always been a perfectionist, preferring to do things alone and learn on my own. This is certainly new, and it’s not even the first thing he’s taught me. I also learnt that shopping can be fun. All of this in just one day feels a bit overwhelming.

“I guess so…”

“You’re so stubborn.” He chuckles again. “But that’s one thing I like about you.”

“Are you going to flirt with me the whole call?”

“Yes.” He replies with a serious face, and I take a moment to appreciate how beautiful his blonde hair suits him, strands falling gently along his cheekbones.

“Okay.” I smile. “Thank you for today. Really. I had a lot of fun, and it’s great to learn new things.”

“I’m glad. I also had fun.”

“What will you teach me next time?” I pry.

“Hmmm. I’ll think about it.” He looks directly at the camera, and I get butterflies once again.

“Should we go to sleep?” I ask reluctantly, not really wanting to end the call. However, it is pretty late, we stayed out way longer than I thought, and I am super tired. Also, Cynthia will most likely come to bug me about the date and ask for every detail of this call, so I should get a head start and prepare.

“Mhm. We should. See you Saturday?”

“Yes. I’ll text you the address.”

“Good night, beautiful.”

“Good night, Jinnie.” I smile and press the “End Call” button with a sigh.

I really wish that when I get a real boyfriend, he’d be at least half the way fake-boyfriend Hyunjin is.

---

(A/N) Long chapter, but we hope it was enjoyable!

Reference pictures for the outfits they've shopped for below

Thank you for reading!

Love,

Storm + Orgel

---

Part One | Part Three (coming soon)

31 notes · View notes

grits-galraisedinthesouth · 3 months ago

Text

X has clashed with de Moraes over its reluctance to comply with orders to block users. "Brazil blocks Musk’s X after company refuses to name local representative amid feud with judge"

"The justice said the platform will stay suspended until it complies with his orders, and also set a daily fine of 50,000 reais ($8,900) for people or companies using VPNs to access it."

“When we attempted to defend ourselves in court, Judge de Moraes threatened our Brazilian legal representative with imprisonment. Even after she resigned, he froze all of her bank accounts,” the company wrote.

X has clashed with de Moraes over its reluctance to comply with orders to block users.

The looming shutdown is not unprecedented in Brazil.

Lone Brazilian judges shut down Meta’s WhatsApp, the nation’s most widely used messaging app, several times in 2015 and 2016 due to the company’s refusal to comply with police requests for user data. In 2022, de Moraes threatened the messaging app Telegram with a nationwide shutdown, arguing it had repeatedly ignored Brazilian authorities’ requests to block profiles and provide information. He ordered Telegram to appoint a local representative; the company ultimately complied and stayed online.

X and its former incarnation, Twitter, have been banned in several countries — mostly authoritarian regimes such as Russia, China, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Venezuela and Turkmenistan. Other countries, such as Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt, have also temporarily suspended X before, usually to quell dissent and unrest. Twitter was banned in Egypt after the Arab Spring uprisings, which some dubbed the "Twitter revolution," but it has since been restored.

A search Friday on X showed hundreds of Brazilian users inquiring about VPNs that could potentially enable them to continue using the platform by making it appear they were logging on from outside the country. It was not immediately clear how Brazilian authorities would police this practice and impose fines cited by de Moraes.

By GABRIELA SÁ PESSOA, BARBARA ORTUTAY and DAVID BILLERAugust 30, 2024

SAO PAULO — (AP) — Brazil started blocking Elon Musk's social media platform X early Saturday, making it largely inaccessible on both the web and through mobile apps after the billionaire refused to name a legal representative to the country.

The move escalates a monthslong feud between Musk and a Brazilian Supreme Court justice over free speech, far-right accounts and misinformation. Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the suspension on Friday.

To block X, Brazil’s telecommunications regulator, Anatel, told internet service providers to suspend users’ access to the social media platform. As of Saturday after midnight local time, major operators had begun doing so.

De Moraes had warned Musk on Wednesday night that X could be blocked in Brazil if he failed to comply with his order to name a representative, and established a 24-hour deadline. The company hasn’t had a representative in the country since earlier this month.

“Elon Musk showed his total disrespect for Brazilian sovereignty and, in particular, for the judiciary, setting himself up as a true supranational entity and immune to the laws of each country,” de Moraes wrote in his decision on Friday.

The justice said the platform will stay suspended until it complies with his orders, and also set a daily fine of 50,000 reais ($8,900) for people or companies using VPNs to access it.

In a later ruling, he backtracked on his initial decision to establish a 5-day deadline for internet service providers themselves — and not just the telecommunications regulator — to block access to X, as well as his directive for app stores to remove virtual private networks, or VPNs.

Brazil is one of the biggest markets for X, which has struggled with the loss of advertisers since Musk purchased the former Twitter in 2022. Market research group Emarketer says some 40 million Brazilians, roughly one-fifth of the population, access X at least once per month.

“This is a sad day for X users around the world, especially those in Brazil, who are being denied access to our platform. I wish it did not have to come to this – it breaks my heart,” X’s CEO Linda Yaccarino said Friday night, adding that Brazil is failing to uphold its constitution’s pledge to forbid censorship.

X had posted on its official Global Government Affairs page late Thursday that it expected X to be shut down by de Moraes, “simply because we would not comply with his illegal orders to censor his political opponents.”

X has clashed with de Moraes over its reluctance to comply with orders to block users.

Accounts that the platform previously has shut down on Brazilian orders include lawmakers affiliated with former President Jair Bolsonaro’s right-wing party and activists accused of undermining Brazilian democracy. X’s lawyers in April sent a document to the Supreme Court in April, saying that since 2019 it had suspended or blocked 226 users.

In his decision Friday, de Moraes' cited Musk's statements as evidence that X's conduct “clearly intends to continue to encourage posts with extremism, hate speech and anti-democratic discourse, and to try to withdraw them from jurisdictional control.”

In April, de Moraes included Musk as a target in an ongoing investigation over the dissemination of fake news and opened a separate investigation into the executive for alleged obstruction.

Musk, a self-proclaimed “free speech absolutist," has repeatedly claimed the justice’s actions amount to censorship, and his argument has been echoed by Brazil’s political right. He has often insulted de Moraes on his platform, characterizing him as a dictator and tyrant.

De Moraes’ defenders have said his actions aimed at X have been lawful, supported by most of the court’s full bench and have served to protect democracy at a time it is imperiled. He wrote Friday that his ruling is based on Brazilian law requiring internet services companies to have representation in the country so they can be notified when there are relevant court decisions and take requisite action — specifying the takedown of illicit content posted by users, and an anticipated churn of misinformation during October municipal elections.

The looming shutdown is not unprecedented in Brazil.

“This is an unusual measure, but its main objective is to ensure that the court order to suspend the platform's operation is, in fact, effective," Filipe Medon, a specialist in digital law and professor at the law school of Getulio Vargas Foundation, a university in Rio de Janeiro, told The Associated Press.

Mariana de Souza Alves Lima, known by her handle MariMoon, showed her 1.4 million followers on X where she intends to go, posting a screenshot of rival social network BlueSky.

On Thursday evening, Starlink, Musk’s satellite internet service provider, said on X that de Moraes this week froze its finances, preventing it from doing any transactions in the country where it has more than 250,000 customers.

“This order is based on an unfounded determination that Starlink should be responsible for the fines levied—unconstitutionally—against X. It was issued in secret and without affording Starlink any of the due process of law guaranteed by the Constitution of Brazil. We intend to address the matter legally,” Starlink said in its statement. The law firm representing Starlink told the AP that the company appealed, but wouldn’t make further comment.

Musk replied to people sharing the reports of the freeze, adding insults directed at de Moraes. “This guy @Alexandre is an outright criminal of the worst kind, masquerading as a judge,” he wrote.

Musk later posted on X that SpaceX, which runs Starlink, will provide free internet service in Brazil “until the matter is resolved” since “we cannot receive payment, but don’t want to cut anyone off.”

In his decision, de Moraes said he ordered the freezing of Starlink’s assets, as X didn't have enough money in its accounts to cover mounting fines, and reasoning that the two companies are part of the same economic group.

While ordering X’s suspension followed warnings and fines and so was appropriate, taking action against Starlink seems “highly questionable,” said Luca Belli, coordinator of the Getulio Vargas Foundation’s Technology and Society Center.

“Yes, of course, they have the same owner, Elon Musk, but it is discretionary to consider Starlink as part of the same economic group as Twitter (X). They have no connection, they have no integration,” Belli said.

___

Ortutay reported from San Francisco and Biller from Rio. AP writer Mauricio Savarese contributed from Sao Paulo.

Soon, we expect Judge Alexandre de Moraes will order X to be shut down in Brazil – simply because we would not comply with his illegal orders to censor his political opponents. These enemies include a duly elected Senator and a 16-year-old girl, among others. When we attempted to defend ourselves in court, Judge de Moraes threatened our Brazilian legal representative with imprisonment. Even after she resigned, he froze all of her bank accounts. Our challenges against his manifestly illegal actions were either dismissed or ignored. Judge de Moraes’ colleagues on the Supreme Court are either unwilling or unable to stand up to him. We are absolutely not insisting that other countries have the same free speech laws as the United States. The fundamental issue at stake here is that Judge de Moraes demands we break Brazil’s own laws. We simply won’t do that. In the days to come, we will publish all of Judge de Moraes’ illegal demands and all related court filings in the interest of transparency. Unlike other social media and technology platforms, we will not comply in secret with illegal orders. To our users in Brazil and around the world, X remains committed to protecting your freedom of speech. ------------------- Em breve, esperamos que o Ministro Alexandre de Moraes ordene o bloqueio do X no Brasil – simplesmente porque não cumprimos suas ordens ilegais para censurar seus opositores políticos. Dentre esses opositores estão um Senador devidamente eleito e uma jovem de 16 anos, entre outros. Quando tentamos nos defender no tribunal, o Ministro ameaçou prender nossa representante legal no Brasil. Mesmo após sua renúncia, ele congelou todas as suas contas bancárias. Nossas contestações contra suas ações manifestamente ilegais foram rejeitadas ou ignoradas. Os colegas do Ministro Alexandre de Moraes no Supremo Tribunal Federal estão ou impossibilitados de ou não querem enfrentá-lo. Não estamos absolutamente insistindo que outros países tenham as mesmas leis de liberdade de expressão dos Estados Unidos. A questão fundamental em jogo aqui é que o Ministro Alexandre de Moraes exige que violemos as próprias leis do Brasil. Simplesmente não faremos isso. Nos próximos dias, publicaremos todas as exigências ilegais do Ministro e todos os documentos judiciais relacionados, para fins de transparência. Ao contrário de outras plataformas de mídia social e tecnologia, não cumpriremos ordens ilegais em segredo. Aos nossos usuários no Brasil e ao redor do mundo, o X continua comprometido em proteger sua liberdade de expressão.

#Brazil #censorship #freedom of speech #free speech #twitter #elon musk #x #1984 #Alex Huxley #george orwell

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filthyjoetini · 1 year ago

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Love is in the Air(BnB)

a/n: Here we are guys. The epilogue. The real end. It’s done. Thank you, my loves, again for reading, I honestly never anticipated that this little story of mine would get so big. And the feedback! Ugh! Love it (keep it coming eheh) As always, the biggest thank you goes to @barfightzanddiscolightz she’s honestly the MVP here. Without her, I wouldn’t be where I am right now. I love you very much.

warnings: mentions of sexual acts, a little bit of drama, panic attack, we are scared for someone’s life but only briefly...fluff!

wordcount: 2.9k

part 1 - Friday night - part 2 - Saturday - part 3 - Sunday - part 4 - Monday - part 5 - Tuesday - part 6 - Wednesday - part 7 - Thursday

Epilogue

As promised, you immediately let him know that you had landed when you disembarked the plane. You opted for a quick WhatsApp message since you didn’t want to call him while walking to the baggage claim area of the airport. Just as you were about to pocket your phone again, it started to ring. It was an incoming FaceTime call from Joe. You had debated to just let it ring, but you were sure this would have started a disastrous chain of events such as him calling the airport and demanding a search party be formed to come look for you. Sighing, you eventually answered the call and were greeted by his huge, infectious smile which you returned with a grin of your own and a slight blush on your cheeks. You stayed on the phone with him until you arrived at the door to your flat. Since you were too tired now and needed to lie down for a bit, you promised to call him again later to show him around your place. After a short protest from Joe, he begrudgingly let you end the call.

Over the past few months, Joe and you had been in contact daily either through WhatsApp or, as you quickly discovered, his favourite mode of digital communication — FaceTime.

At the end of each workday, like clockwork, you would let him know that you were free to talk. Whenever he had been available, he would immediately call you. Sometimes he had sent you a short message that he was in the middle of a meeting, an interview, or whatever else he had scheduled that day. You would talk for hours until one of you had fallen asleep. Usually, it had been you, and Joe would always stay on the call a bit longer to admire your sleeping face. Some evenings it would even get a little steamy and you would have non-conventional phone sex. At first you had found it to be very weird, doing it with your cameras on. The whole “What are you wearing?”- conversation had become redundant and seeing each other totally naked had left nothing to the imagination. After the second time, you had told Joe how uncomfortable you felt doing it through a video call and that you needed a better solution because “phone sex is about listening and imagining”. At first, Joe had laughed at you, but he had noticed rather quickly that you were serious about it. After some trial and error, you had both come up with a way that made you feel better about it and him still be able to see you. It had involved a blindfold on your end.

Sometimes, you had little dinner dates over the phone which consisted of you both cooking the same dish and then eating it together. On your first FaceTime-Dinner-Date, Wesley had walked in, called you both crazy, and completely took over the conversation by stealing Joe’s phone. Joe had tried to pry the phone out of his best mate’s fingers but to no avail. He had quickly given up and ate his dinner alone in the kitchen whilst Wesley chatted away, making you giggle throughout the whole conversation. Wes had even ended the call before handing the phone back to Joe, who instantly called you back again and apologised profusely. You had just kept on giggling and told him it was alright.

Other times, you had both continued watching Stranger Things together and managed to finish the whole series within three weeks of arriving back home. Sometime during the fourth season, you had changed Joe’s contact icon in your phone to a picture of Eddie, causing you to loudly giggle at the screen every time he had called you. After the third call, he had asked you what was going on, so you sent a screenshot of his contact information to him, earning you an eyeroll and groan. You still hadn’t changed it back to a normal picture of him to this day, and you didn’t plan on doing it for a long time. Eddie would stay.

As May had ended, the month of June heralded a lineup of conventions for Joe in the United States. He had almost missed his first appearance in Philadelphia because there had been an issue with his passport. He had been live-informing you through WhatsApp about what was happening and it honestly was the most nerve-wracking ordeal you passively had gone through. You were glad that he had still managed to attend even though it had only been for one out of the three days. That day, he had called you from the backstage area and showed you around, even introducing you to a couple of other guests along with one of his Stranger Things co-stars who had also been in attendance.

A week later he had attended the same convention except this time in Dallas, where he spent three wonderful but very hectic days. He hadn’t really had time to call you during the day but on his last night there, he facetimed you, sporting a happy but very exhausted face. Because of the time difference you had almost been ready to get your day started but you noticed that something had been bothering him. You had asked him if he was alright to which he just shrugged. Your elongated “Jooooooe…” had made him chuckle lightly and he eventually revealed to you that his time in the US would be cut short because he had to start filming Gladiator 2 very soon and therefore couldn’t go the convention in Denver. Joe had told you that he felt like the most horrible person on earth because he hated letting his fans down, but his main job was acting and filming was a priority. You had assured him, that his fans would understand, and he agreed, telling you he just wanted everyone to be happy.

As June had faded away, the beginning of the new month meant that Joe would be shipped off to Malta to commence filming Gladiator 2. You had mentally prepared yourself for his long workdays and sparse interactions. Your daily video calls had been reduced to quick WhatsApp voice messages or even just short text messages that read: “I hope you slept well.” – “I did, I hope you did too.” to “I miss you.” – “I miss you more.” to “Sleep well.” – “You too.”

Every now and then he had sent a picture of himself dressed in Roman Emperor attire or silly selfies with his co-stars. The latter had always brightened your days and you had decided to print them out and make a little scrapbook of his time on set. You couldn’t wait to gift it to him when you got to see him again, which you had hoped would happen sooner rather than later.

Filming had concluded in August and September already had its first foot in the door. You would have been lying if you said that those two months passed by in a flash. It had been the exact opposite. The days had seemed to never end and your work being a total pain in your arse hadn’t helped either. You had longed for the day Joe would finally call you and tell you that filming was over and that you could resume your daily FaceTime calls.

---

As the familiar ringtone pierced through the silence, you were over the moon. You instantly took the call, thrilled to see his very tired yet undeniably handsome face.

“Hey, darling.”

“Oh, finally. Hi, baby!”, you greeted him, almost over-enthusiastically. “I missed your face so much.”

He chuckled softly, scratching his jaw lightly.

“I missed yours too. Babe…listen, I’m about to board the plane. I’ll call you when I’ve landed. OK?”, he explained, and you nodded, grinning like the Cheshire Cat. He giggled softly at your expression and puckered his lips, making a kissy face at you. You returned his gesture before he ended the call.

Flights from Malta to London usually took around three and a half hours, but after you hadn’t heard from Joe in four hours, you were slowly but surely starting to freak out. You checked if the flight number he had texted you had landed — It had. You tried to message him on WhatsApp, but it only showed you one tick, which meant it didn’t go through. You tried to FaceTime him but the message that it was currently unavailable popped up on your screen. Lastly, you tried to call him on the phone, but it went straight to voicemail.

Dropping your phone onto the sofa, your breathing started to become shallow, and you felt tears pricking in the corners of your eyes. Something very bad happened to Joe, you were sure of it. He would never forget to call or even just text you. He knew how much you worried all the time. He knew how easily things like that triggered you.

Slowly, you sank down onto your sofa, preparing yourself for the panic attack that threatened its way through your body. Your mind became all foggy and your heart was racing so you had to lie down on your back because the lack of oxygen in your blood was causing spots in your vision. Swallowing hard, you tried to even out your breathing with the exercises your therapist had shown you. After about five minutes of slow, deep, and gentle breaths in through your nose and out of your mouth, your panic attack dwindled to silent tears steadily flowing down the sides of your face and onto the cushions of your sofa.

With trembling fingers, you picked up your abandoned phone to check if Joe had in some way gotten back to you. He hadn’t. Your shaky fingers scrolled through your contacts and found Wesley, quickly pressing the call button. He answered after the second ring.

“Hello, love. Long time no see...or hear...or...whatever.”, he greeted you in an overly chipper tone.

“Wes.”, you choked out, “Have you heard from Joe? He should be home by now. Please tell me you’ve seen him!”

“Whoa, what is going on?”, Wesley asked in a surprised tone. “Love, are you alright?”

“No! I’m not alright.”, you sobbed into your phone, getting it all wet with your salty tears. “Joe told me he would call me as soon as he has landed, and he hasn’t.”

“What? Joe’s flight has not landed yet. He’s still in the air. What are you talking about?”, Wesley responded, chuckling lightly.

“No, it has landed. I checked the flight number he gave me.”, you replied, slowly pushing yourself up in a sitting position, growing more irritated by the minute.

“Hold on. Let me check.”, Wesley said, and you heard him shuffling around. When he spoke again, he sounded a bit further away, indicating that he had set his phone on speaker mode. “Alright, I just checked again, and it says that the flight is still en route. That means, it’s still in the air.”

“I know what that means, Wesley.”, you replied in a rather snappy tone whilst wiping away the last of your tears with your free hand. Wesley couldn’t help but laugh at your sudden change of attitude.

“I think you got the wrong flight number there, love.”, he pointed out the obvious and you let out a deep sigh, allowing yourself to fall back onto the sofa.

“Yeah, I guess.”, you mumbled, running your hand down your face.

“Yeah. Also, we both know Joe would never not call you. He’d commit murder and other heinous crimes before deliberately hurting you like that.”

Wesley’s exaggeration elicited a low chuckle from you, and you let out another deep sigh. You were just about to ask him if he could give you the correct flight number when he suddenly spoke again.

“Listen, love. I gotta go. Don’t worry too much. He will call you. I miss you! Bye!”

“Wes! Wai–“

Before you could even form your sentence, Wesley had already ended the call. Groaning, you placed your phone back next to you on the sofa, inwardly scolding yourself for freaking out like this and making a fool of yourself. You just really hoped that Joe’s flight would land soon and that your most anticipated phone call of the day would finally be made to your phone.

You were moping around in your living room for a full five minutes when instead of your phone, your doorbell rang. Reluctantly, you pushed yourself up to your feet and slowly trudged over to your flat’s entrance door, cursing out whoever had decided to disturb you in your current state of distress.

Opening the door, you muttered your well-rehearsed phrase for whatever salesperson was standing in front of it.

“Hey. I’m sorry. I’m not interes–“, you stopped short when you saw who was standing there in front of you. “JOE?!”

“Hey, babe.”, he greeted you with a huge grin on his face. You stared at him in awe. He was standing there, dressed in a white t-shirt, blue jeans, and Adidas “Superstars” on his feet. His hair was in a dishevelled mess and his eyes appeared weary and tired. Behind him stood a huge suitcase and he was holding a small pot with pink peonies in his arm.

You blinked slowly before your face grew irritated. You took a step forward, lifted both of your arms and placed them on his lower arms before pushing hardly, making him lose his footing and stumble backwards a little.

“Whoa! What are you doing?”, Joe asked surprised, managing to regain his balance.

“I…”, you started, sputtering with anger. “How dare you not tell me! How dare you give me the wrong fucking flight number! Wesley knew, didn’t he?! How dare you not call me! I was worried sick, Joseph!”

Joe chuckled lightly and took a step toward you, bending down to put the potted flowers on the floor. When he stood straight again, he extended his arms and engulfed your anger-shaken form in his arms.

“Darling, if I had told you, it would’ve ruined my surprise…so… surprise!”, he explained softly, placing a tender kiss to your temple. When his lips left your skin, you leaned back a little to look up at him. That utter idiot was grinning down at you.

“You’re really here.”, you stated breathlessly, slowly wrapping your arms around his middle, and placing your head on his chest. He was here, in the flesh. You could hear his heart beating in your ear. He was here. Here in the stairwell of your residential building. Here on the doorstep of your flat. He. Was. Here. Letting out a deep breath, you hugged him closer to you.

“I am, yes. And I’m not leaving…for at least a month.”

His revelation made you slowly lean back and look up at him again. Your eyes found his dark caramel ones. His head dipped closer to yours and you slowly pushed yourself up on your toes to close the distance between the two of you. After three long months, your lips finally captured his in a tender kiss again. Both of you let out a sigh of relief and Joe deepened the kiss gradually.

Far too soon, you ran out of breath, releasing his now well kissed lips from yours.

“A month?”, you whispered against his mouth.

“At least, yes.”, he confirmed his previous statement, running his hand up and down your spine.

You nodded and suddenly, tears started to roll down your cheeks and drip off your chin onto Joe’s t-shirt.

“Noooo, baby, why are you crying?”

“I missed you so much.”, you replied, trying to suppress a hiccough. “These are happy tears.”, you clarified instantly, and Joe only nodded, placing another soft peck to your lips.

“I missed you too, so much.”, he hummed and pressed his lips from the corner of your mouth to your cheek in a series of sweet butterfly kisses.

“I’m still angry with you for not telling me that you were coming. You’re an idiot, do you know that? You’re lucky I love you.”

Joe abruptly stalled his actions. It was now his turn to lean back, his eyes searching your face in response to your seemingly casual love confession.

“You love me?”

“Duh!”

“Good, because I love you too.”, he confessed, chuckling softly before planting a big wet kiss to your lips. You rolled your eyes and giggled gently.

“Please come inside now.”, you invited him in, “I don’t want Gertrude to get a stroke from all the PDA we’re treating her to.”

You had been referring to your elderly neighbour who was well known for being the building’s resident spy and gossip spreader. Joe took a step back and bent down to retrieve the potted peonies before he made his way into your flat and spoke again.

“Can I meet Gertrude?”

“No, you can’t.”, you replied chuckling, following him inside, “Wait, babe, your suitcase!”

“Oh, right.”, he quickly turned around, grabbed its handle, and pulled it inside, “Why can’t I meet her?”

“Joe. No… if you go over there and introduce yourself, I’ll make you sleep on my sofa for the entire month.”, you threatened him idly, walking back to your flat’s entrance door just as Joe had entered your flat.

“Fine. I won’t.”, he promised you, bending down once more and placing down the potted plant in your hallway. When he stood up again, he grabbed the suitcase and walked by you - but of course, not without gently slapping your bum and giggling like a little child.

“...very thin ice, Joe.”, you chuckled as you closed the door behind you...

THE END END

Taglist: @ohmeg @daleyeahson @lma1986 @palomahasenteredthechat @mandyjo8719 @aysheashea @eddiebaemunson @xlilithb @freakymunson @sidthedollface2 @i-wont-run-this-time @plk-18 @miserybeans @kylakins88 @deadspellz @thehillzhaveeyez @kayleeelena97 @foreverjosephquinn @punctualhowell @icallhimjoey @ghostinthebackofyourhead @siriuslysmoking @hollster88 @cancankiki @definitionwanderlust @eriancrow @1paire2vans @theonewiththecrackedmind @fromasgardandback @captainonaboat

crossed out = cannot tag

#joseph quinn #Joe Quinn #joseph quinn fanfic #joseph quinn x reader #joseph quinn fanfiction #joseph quinn x y/n #Joe Quinn x reader #joe quinn fanfic #joe quinn x y/n #joe quinn fanfiction #rpf #love is in the air(bnb)#my loves

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princesssmars · 8 months ago

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can you do a aki menzies x reader 🥺 please

all the money in the world!

an aki menzies x reader

aki grapples with a rapid influx of popularity, and finds solace in someone who doesnt even know who he is.

wc : 1.227

contains : fluff

a/n : anon. anon. this is so late and i am so sorry 😭 tbf in the first season i did nawt like aki and i was bipolar to him in the second. so i hope this suits your fancy.

yet again, aki's life was being ruined by his friends.

ok, hes being dramatic. normally the "ruin" comes in the form of being dragged along to some party, or monet forcing him to photograph her and the girls on the steps of the met while they ate lunch.

but this time it was bad.

the day started normally. he woke up, got ready for school, and gave his mom a goodbye kiss on the cheek. meets up with his friends at school. does pretty good on an english test. everything fine.

until they're all getting lunch from some pop-up nearby. he's relaxing at a table, enjoying the taste of his odd fusion cupcake when he hears a giggle and looks to his right, being met with the black of max's iphone. he smiles, used to his friends' antics around lunchtime before gently smacking the phone away.

it was simple. and normal. until he woke up the next day to thousands of notifications. tiktok, instgram, twitter, fucking whatsapp?

and at the top of his lock screen, a little message from max.

the literal devil : oops! :)

so the next two weeks are...rough. max posted the little lunch video onto his socials and it blew up for no reason at all. well, aki knew the reason. he knew he was attractive, he'd had his share of girlfriends and boyfriends over the years. but this was a lot. dozens of dm's on multiple sites, and he didn't even want to know what the comments sections looked like. his normally quaint insta profile of mostly skateboarding and basketball videos now had an infinite stream of girls, guys, and everyone in between thrusting over him.

and then it leaked into real life. girls in his classes leaving notes in his locker, one of his teammates giving him a flirty comment after the game! sure he might've gotten their number, but that's beside the point. aki was a low-key person, and this insane amount of sudden attention was the opposite of what he wanted.

the only place where he doesn't have to worry about any of it is the skatepark. the whole viral fiasco was only mentioned once, with one of his skateboarding friends teasing him about it when they were sitting by the edge of one of the drops.

its a random saturday when aki decides to skate to let off some steam, when he sees some new little jazz cafe only two blocks from it. he isn't a big fan of jazz but decides a quick snack couldn't hurt. he orders a little snack and as he's turning into a girl and spilling her drink all over her front.

he groans out about twenty apologies in under a minute, telling her he'll buy her a new drink and enough to replace her outfit if she needs it. she laughs and assures him its fine, that she was returning her drink anyway. that based on his beaten-down skateboard she wouldn't want to run his pockets dry anyway.

and he laughs. like, really laughs. probably one of the first girls in weeks outside of his friends who hasn't fawned over him and she just called him broke within two minutes of meeting.

you exchange names and he gets your number. he feels like he's walking on air. he can't even find it in him to care that the wheel on his janky-ass skateboard falls off.

he texts you as soon as he gets home. and when he wakes up the next day. and whenever he's at lunch. and dinner. and before he knows it you're texting everyday, graduating to phone calls after only three weeks.

he learns so much about you and vice versa, such as the beautiful and life-saving fact that you don't have social media and go to a school in brooklyn. he's so overjoyed to have someone treat him normally that the tiny little dickhead voice inside of him tells him it would be a great idea to keep his identity from you. and he nearly considers it until you tell him one of your friends recognized his picture in your phone and told you who he was.

great. perfect.

and then the next day some stranger must have taken a picture of you sharing a milkshake on your date because his group chat is flooded with messages. tales of betrayal and disgust and "you sure you don't wanna share?"

he's scared about the idea of inviting you to meet his friends, but you don't seem too worried about it. you tell him you don't care if they're rich and famous or whatever, that at the end of the day, they're just people like you. it makes him feel better if not a little scared.

its decided you'll tag along to some informal dinner party aubrey's mom is hosting, having come into a good deal of money with the boom of her fashion line. it takes a lot of convincing to get aubs to agree to let a 'civilian' into her mom's party. all he had to do was find her some obscure signed book from some swedish author she liked.

and god, was he thankful they all seemed to like you. jordan complimented you bag, leading the two of you to bond over how you both loved some shop down in queens, and once jordan started to warm up to you it was only a matter of time before the others did.

as soon as monet and luna were talking about how your hair 'wasn't as bad as they were expecting', he knew everything would be fine.

now that his friends were off the board, there was only one thing left. to go public.

he could tell you were actually nervous about this, and he was too. while he jokingly referred to his friends as the final boss of dating, he knew that teenagers on the upper east side were much worse.

but, yet again, maximus wolfe just has to interfere.

it was going to be a boring weekend until max told everyone he wanted to go to dumbo. aki was able to extend an invitation to you, and damn was he glad when he sees you in your outfit. it was new, something you'd picked out during a shopping trip with jordan. so he cant really be blamed when he's cuddled into your side while you're sipping into your drink, just enjoying the night with his friends.

until he hears you giggle and ask max what he's doing, opening his eyes to see his camera pointed at the two of you.

"max, no."

"what, im not doing anything!"

the next morning, aki realizes that when max wolfe says he won't do something, he's going to do it.

you send him the link to max's near bare tiktok account, the most recent video having nearly double the number of views as the last one about aki.

its only fifteen seconds long, the camera pointing straight at you as you talk to obie beside you as he tiredly rests into your shoulder. opening the comments he's expecting the worse, until he sees a wall of compliments about the pair of you. well, most about you.

he gets a message notification from th etop of his screen.

yn : well, at least that part's over.

god, he wouldn't change you for the world.

#gossip girl #gossip girl x reader #gossip girl reboot #gossip girl reboot x reader #ggrb #aki #aki menzies #aki menzies x reader

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bighermie · 1 year ago

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harrison-abbott · 26 days ago

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We weren't boys anymore

Graham got in touch with me to tell me he had a new job. Congratulations, I said to him, Good Show! “We should hook up on Saturday for a drink, if you like?” he said. I said that would be swell. He said he looked forward to seeing me. And so for the next few days, I anticipated seeing him, and I got him a little gift. Had known Graham for about fifteen years – as we’d gone through the grim years of high school together. On Friday night, about nine in the evening, Graham cancelled plans. He said he had to drive his wife somewhere the next day, and therefore couldn’t drink. And I didn’t hear from him in nine months. At which point he sent me a message of his wife’s pregnancy scanning, with a little baby developing in her womb. “Aw, Graham!” I replied. “Congratulations, mate. It’s super cool to think of you as a father.” Graham invited me over to his place for a beer and a meal the next week. “Come over on Wednesday night, old buddy. And I’ll make some nosh.” On Tuesday night he told me he was really sorry but that he couldn’t do the plan anymore because his wife was ill and he needed to look after her. His wife was called Sarah. Two days later I saw Sarah’s posts on Instagram, walking her dog in the autumn park. Hmm. Graham was very selfish in high school, as well. As I say, I knew him from the age of eleven onwards. If he didn’t agree with something that you said, he would just walk away from you and go and speak to somebody else. He did that quite a few times. If he got hungry he would go all sullen, when you were hanging out at night. So you would say something like, “You wanna head over to the bridge for a smoke?” And he would say, “Nah, I wanna go home and get some food.” And, he used to come along to the soccer games that were my local team. And for a while he was a die hard fan. But because the team weren’t that successful, he lost interest in the ceremony of getting dressed up in the colours for the game, etc etc, and just stopped coming. Okay, it’s not a crime to lose interest in a sports team, but for him to say, “Nah, I don’t care about your team anymore,” flatly, absent mindedly, is just a bit low. There were so many other examples with him. And then we both got to our thirties. So we weren’t boys anymore. I barely ever heard from him these days. I saw that Graham had had his baby. Nice, sweet, good stuff. On social media I mean: I saw the photos of the bairn. Time passed by, and Graham and celebrating their baby’s 2nd birthday, with lots of other people. Yay. A few weeks after that, Graham messaged me, saying he was “Popping near your part of town. I’ll be in your neighbourhood that evening. We could head along to Summerhall if you like, in that cocktail joint that we used to go to?” I agreed, uneasily. Yes, I was free that night. I had not seen Graham in five years. So, we arranged the date for that evening. And, in the morning of that day, I woke up to a WhatsApp message from him, going, “Hey, man, I’m really sorry but I don’t think I’m going to be able to make tonight because …” And I just shut my phone off and didn’t read the whole text. I wasn’t even surprised with him anymore. I’d ‘known’ Graham for over two decades, and for most of that I’d hoped he was my friend. But he wasn’t a reliable friend at all. For the time being, I would rather rest a bit in bed a bit more before work. And then speak to my colleagues when I was at my workplace, who were far more consistent people than he was. It was nice that Graham had a kid, and so on. There was also no reason in being repeatedly let down by him anymore.

#writeblr #creative writing #writers on tumblr #spilled ink #tumblr writers #prose #stories #short fiction #fiction #short story

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halogalopaghost · 1 year ago

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I'm so fucking sick of the world.

Thousands of people die on the other side of the world as countries tear into their neighbors with the jealousy of a toddler who wants their playmates toys. Rip and tear and rend and explode and maim and take take take take take because that was MINE thousands of years ago and I've decided now that I want it.

On this side of the world people starve and die and struggle to pay rent and balk against faceless corporate overlords while the cost of food goes up again and the stores lock your shampoo behind glass so you can't steal it because even if you can't afford that shampoo, you need it as much as the food.

Because if you're unclean you get fired and if you get fired you can't afford food or rent or gas or anything, actually. If you can't afford the shampoo you just forfeit your life but you can't steal it either so fuck you actually.

And why do you have an iPhone anyway, if you can't pay rent? Huh? How come that is? Is it because you need it to access the group chat at work that's on slack WhatsApp discord Facebook instead of in a text message? Is it because you have to stand in front of the locked case at the store to google the ingredients of the less expensive shampoo so you know whether it will break out your scalp? I bet you don't need it for those things anyway and you just want it because you're greedy greedy greedy and you have to have the latest toys even though you can't afford food.

Why can't you pay rent? Pathetic. Get a job. But not a good one! And don't demand benefits. And fill out this application on your phone. Enter your well made one page resume and then input all the information again into these tiny fucking boxes that don't work on your phone. Oh, that's right we forgot to mention you'll need a phone haha, did we forget to mention that until you were two thirds of the way through? Did it take you two hours to complete a job application because you had to manually enter the same information four times? We won't call you back, you're overqualified and we're afraid you'll ask for more money. We know you deserve more so we won't let you even try.

Oh, you're sick? Sorry, hope you feel better soon! But actually we hope you feel better sooner because we need you to come in on Saturday. Yeah actually when we hired you, you agreed to work every Saturday for the rest of your damn life and if you don't come in with COVID this week we might have to fire you. Yeah it does suck but oh well you should have read the fine print! Forget that it would have taken another two hours out of your job search to find that in the paperwork and parse the legalese that we intentionally used to obfuscate because we fucking hate you actually. We don't need you. But come in early tomorrow please? Stay late? Work overtime? We aren't understaffed haha as long as you keep agreeing to work twice as much as your body can handle.

are you still coughing, didn't you ever get over that cold? COVID? Huh? You had COVID? Must have forgotten because I don't fucking care to begin with teehee. Well don't wear a mask because that scares our customers. What? Well they aren't wearing them in hospitals so it must not work that well. The WHO? We don't listen to them anymore it's the CDC now. Who funds the CDC? Don't worry about it. Get back to work. You're like family to us <3

#get FUCKED #FUCKING HELL IM SO TIRED THS SHIT SUCKS THIS WORLD SUCKS THESE PEOPLE SUCK #FUCKING DIE ALRRADY

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theatrescribbles · 8 months ago

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Marigold snippet! 🏵️

I'm in a sharing mood, so have a cheeky snippet from the next chapter!

🏵️🏵️🏵️

James Potter: *IMG attached*

Violet Bambury: So I take it Marigold enjoyed the rehearsal?

James Potter: Loved it. One scene was a bit… upsetting for her, and was interesting to explain

Violet Bambury: Oh?

James Potter: But she was ok afterwards

Violet Bambury: Oh good. Was it the plant?

James Potter: No, not at all. She wasn’t scared one bit by it

Violet Bambury: Fantastic! So I’m guessing she’s going to support her Uncles Sirius and Remus after all..? ;)

James Potter: Absolutely! We’ve narrowed it down to the Wednesday or Saturday evenings. Which would be best for you?

Violet Bambury: Oh? I’m invited? Joking, of course I’d like to come! Saturday perhaps? Wednesday’s a school night after all ;)

James Potter: My thoughts exactly, haha! That’s perfect. Pop it in your diary!

Five minutes later, he had four tickets booked for the final night of Little Shop of Horrors: one each for himself, Marigold, Violet, and Peter, who he’d also agreed to get a ticket for.

Private WhatsApp: The Marauders: James Potter: Tickets booked - save your best performance for last Padfoot ;) Sirius Black, Peter Pettigrew and Remus Lupin reacted ♥️ to your message

An email notification then popped up on his laptop. From Lockheart. He inwardly groaned.

#harry potter #james potter #jily #au #marauders #fostering #fanfiction #wip #snippet #fanfic snippet #can this count as a microfic?#maybe haha #work in progress #productive morning #fingers crossed this lasts the rest of the day

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unhonestlymirror · 2 years ago

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"At the beginning of the week, a grandiose concert of the German band "Rammstein" was played in Vingios Park in Vilnius. It was immediately followed by a secret party, attended not only by the band members, but also by pre-invited fans. However, a few days later, the terrible story of the girl who participated there started to spread on the Internet.

The first to talk about what happened at the VIP parties was Shelby Lynn, who came from abroad to Vilnius specifically for the concert. At first, she shared the fun moments of the evening on social networks, and the very next morning, she wrote about the incident that happened during the night. Sh. Lynn woke up in the morning with a huge bruise and tears because she couldn't remember not only what happened but also what she said was put in her drink.

In order to warn other girls, she decided to describe her experience on Twitter and Instagram accounts. With these stories, Sh. Lynn allowed me to share with Delfi readers. In order to get to the parties - a special selection As she said, she first found out about the closed party on a Reddit channel, where it was announced that those who want to enter the continuation of the concert should find Aliona Makeeva on Instagram, write to her and send their photo. The woman, having decided whether the girl is suitable, will respond to the message. "Then you get a free ticket, and you can stand in row 0, left or right side of the stage at the concert. Before the show, a few invited girls will meet Till, and he will chat with them all and just try to have a good time. Then the show will begin. After the show, you'll be invited to his own party," wrote the editor of RammWiki, an information website about Rammstein.

As she later revealed, Sh. Lynn managed to be among the lucky few who were sent invitations to the parties. "Aliona Makeeva invited me to join her in the zero line. Last week, I messaged her on instagram, asking how the hell to get to the afterparty and that I would like to be considered. She asked me how old I am and where I'm from, and when I confirmed, she sent me a WhatsApp group link,” Shelby Lynn tweeted. True, the girl received an invitation not only to the party after the concert but also to the rehearsal held on Saturday and to the backstage during the concert. That's when she ran into the band's drummer, Joe Letz, who invited her, she said, to talk privately. The leader of the group expressed a desire to meet separately. During the conversation, Mr. Letz revealed the desire of the leader of the group, Till Lindemann, to meet with her under the stage in Vingis Park. "He said, 'It's okay, I just wanted to talk to you because your English is better than everyone else's.'" I said okay. Then Mr. Letz said, “Till would like to meet you.” I immediately said, “Why, why me? Is this about sex?" To this J. Letz replied:"No, nothing like that. Till is a gentleman," the girl revealed about the details of the possible conversation on the social network, adding that the drummer told her not to talk to anyone about it.

The girl decided not to listen to this order and, as she herself said, talked about it with the other girls invited to the party. “One girl asked me why I was invited to go there and I told her. She said, "No, don't go there, he wants sex, I shouldn't even be here, I'm going to leave under the guise of a saturday bracelet." I said, "Okay, damn, I want to leave, isn't it too late?" Don't let me go anywhere during the show," Shelby wrote on the social network about what he might have said to the girls. After a glass of tequila, she started collapsing, not being oriented in the environment. However, the girl did not react to these warnings, she did not think that the performer could do such a thing. She wrote on her Twitter account that she soon went to a small room, where after a while, the leader of the group appeared. "Later, Till came into the room and asked all the girls for tequila shots. We all agreed. He poured from a bottle, then broke about four glasses and asked two girls to break theirs," the girl said on Twitter.

Sh. Lynn said that after this act, the performer left the room and she started to feel bad: "Everything up to that point was very clear, and from 8:30 p.m. my memory is gone. I felt like a human zombie, singing, dancing, but falling at the same time." Returning to the hotel, she saw a huge bruise. Later, the girl said that she was escorted to another room under the stage, where, according to her, only a few people could fit. Then she saw Till enter. “Till, if you're here for sex, I won't. Sex is very special to me and I don't sleep with strangers." He immediately got angry and yelled, "Joe said you could." I repeated, "I'm sorry to disappoint you, but it's important to me and I can't," wrote the girl on Twitter. Although, as the girl wrote, he left the room, she found Till at the nearby curtains, where he was still waiting for Sh. Lynn changing her mind. After this incident, the other details of the evening Sh. Lynn vaguely remembers showing up at an after-party, throwing up, and then going to a hotel where she saw a bruise on her body. To this day, the girl does not remember how and when it appeared."

Aliona Makeeva is a russian woman, who sleeps with singers and openly admitted that she supplies some singers of young girls

#rammstein #this is horrible

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our-time-is-now · 11 months ago

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October 12, 2019: I only know that I want to live where you live

(previous play)

You can find more information about the authors, translators, content warning and additional information about the plays in the pinned post on our blog.

Attention! This play includes transgender topics. For more details see our interjection.

Saturday, 3:40 pm:

Matteo: ~has fastened the bag that David has packed onto his bike and goes to the pool~ ~arrives there at 3:20 and gets through the window without any problems~ ~has to think about what it was like the last time he was here, how much he wanted to find David, but also how angry he was that David had shut him out like that~ ~also remembers how relieved he was when he saw that David was okay, but also how frustrated he suddenly got~ ~thinks about how much has changed since then, how much they have grown and automatically has to smile a little~ ~goes through the door to the pool and simply has to whistle briefly~ ~then gets into the pool and goes to the deep end~ ~unpacks the blanket and spreads it out~ ~then starts setting the food and beverages onto it~ ~is also finished with that eventually and can see that it’s almost 3:30~ ~sits down on the blanket and waits~ ~eventually gets sick of that and gets up again~ ~walks around the pool a for a while~ ~then gets up one of the ladders again and sits down on the edge of the pool on the shallow side~ ~pulls his phone out~ ~can see that it’s already 3:40 and that there isn’t a message from David~ ~starts getting a tiny bit annoyed~

David: ~briefly went back to the flatshare between the two viewings, but apart from that, he’s been busy all day~ ~was a little annoyed at first during the second viewing because no one opened the door at first and he had to wait for 10 minutes until the three people showed up, but who apologized for being late ten times~ ~but was immediately offered coffee and has sat in the cozy kitchen with the three of them and chatted with them a little bit~ ~found that pretty nice and already hoped even then, that the room would be nice, because he really liked the three people~ ~then got a viewing of the apartment and was really thrilled~ ~thought that the flatshare would be really perfect: A nice apartment, nice roommates and not far away from Matteo, and to make a good impression and to get to know the three people better, he let himself be talked into having another coffee after the viewing~ ~lost track of time a little while chatting and at some point glances at the kitchen clock rather accidentally~ ~immediately jumps up when he sees that it’s already 3:30~ ~assures the three once again that he’s really interested in the room and that he’d be really happy if he would get it, and beams when they announce to him that they also really liked him and that he’s the last applicant and that the roommates will sit down together right now to talk about it and that they would then call him with their decision~ ~says his goodbyes and leaves the apartment~ ~texts Matteo on the staircase on his way down~

WhatsApp, David/Matteo: David: Sorry, sorry, sorry! I only just left the viewing! It was awesome! I’ll tell you later! If I hurry, I’ll be there in 15 to 20 minutes! Don’t leave! I’m on my way! I’m looking forward to seeing you!

~then hits the pedals and hurries to get to the pool quickly~ ~is pretty out of breath when he arrives there and realizes that he’s really completely out of practise~ ~looks at the gate in worry and hopes that his arms will even be strong enough to pull himself up on it~ ~tries it, but immediately feels a tugging in his chest and quickly lets go again out of fear of tearing something again~ ~murmurs quietly~ Fuck… ~walks along the fence and eventually finds a spot where he doesn’t have to use his arms too much to climb over it~ ~is glad that he manages it, but is annoyed that he lost so much time because of it~ ~quickly goes toward the basement window, climbs inside a little awkwardly and with a slight tugging and gets a little nostalgic on his way through the basement rooms~ ~thinks that he’ll also have time for that later once he’s with Matteo~ ~then tries to jog a bit, but is already pretty sweaty and breathless after only a short distance, therefore continues with a brisk walk and finally reaches the pool room~ ~smiles when he sees Matteo sitting on the edge and can also see that he’s set “the table” for them at the deep end of the pool~ ~quickly walks toward him and sits down next to him~ ~presses a - still breathless - kiss on his cheek and also wraps both arms around him~ ~murmurs into his shoulder~ Sorry sorry sorry…

Matteo: ~gets David’s message and tries to ignore the stab when he reads that the flatshare room was awesome~ ~thinks that this means that he should be here at 4pm~ ~tries to not be too bitter when he thinks about the fact that this means that he’ll sit around here by himself for half an hour~ ~tries to pass the time with playing games on ihs phone, but has to think about David and this flatshare room again and what it will be like if David really moves in there~ ~then sees that his battery is at 30 % and stops playing again because he can’t really concentrate on it anyways~ ~sees that it’s a little after 4 and briefly considers just packing everything up again~ ~but finds this too bitchy, after all, and just remains sitting there~ ~eventually hears footsteps and takes a deep breath~ ~turns around a little when the footsteps get closer and David appears~ ~sees that he looks sweaty and out of breath and feels bad for a moment~ ~but then also remembers that he’s been here by himself for over half an hour now~ ~grumbles slightly when David wraps his arms around him~ You’re not supposed to strain yourself…

David: ~leans his head against Matteo’s shoulder and can feel himself relax a little and his pulse calm down as well~ ~then hears his words, grins slightly, kisses his shoulder and looks at him~ ~says quietly~ That was an exception… I wanted to be with you quickly… ~feels bad that Matteo had to wait for so long, but doesn’t really know how to make up for it~ ~says carefully - also because he doesn’t know how worried Matteo really is about his physical condition right now~ I will try for better time management again in the future… or rather planning in general. ~sits up a little straighter again and lets go of him~ I somehow didn’t consider the gate and that I can’t get over it at the moment… I probably should have planned twice the amount of time for getting from the gate to the pool… ~grins slightly~ Although: The next time we’re here I’ll probably be fitter again… ~looks at him~ But I’ll definitely make it up to you somehow for having to wait here for so long… you get a free wish! Whatever you want! I’ll serve on you today or I’ll make a fool of myself or whatever else you can come up with…

Matteo: ~sighs slightly when David says that it was an exception~ ~looks at him a little skeptically when he says that he’ll try to plan better in the future~ Well, it’s difficult with viewings, isn’t it? It’s not up to you. ~then listens to him when he says the thing about the gate and thinks that they could have thought of this sooner~ ~only nods slightly when he says that he’ll surely be fitter again the next time~ ~looks at him when he wants to make it up again~ ~also thinks that usually he would have succeeded, but today this stupid feeling in his gut just doesn’t go away~ ~therefore waves it off~ Oh, it’s okay… these things happen… ~then thinks about the flatshare room again and wants to ask how it was~ ~then thinks that he doesn’t really want to know since it was so awesome and the roommates were so cool~ ~but then still asks~ And how awesome was the awesome room?

David: ~smiles slightly when Matteo says that it’s difficult to plan with viewings and briefly feels bad, because to some extent it’s his fault for giving in to the second coffee and a second round of chatting~ ~shrugs slightly and murmurs~ Well, I could have texted you sooner that I’ll be late… ~then looks skeptical for a second when Matteo denies him making up for it and says that it’s okay, but still smiles slightly, leans over again and kisses his cheek~ ~murmurs~ I’ll still try my best so that it won’t happen again… ~thinks that he’ll still somehow make up for it by serving on Matteo or by bringing him hot chocolate in bed later or something~ ~then hears his question about the flatshare room and beams immediately~ Super awesome! Well first of all, it’s also in Moabit - not right around the corner, but not too far away either! And the room is really nice: An old building and only a little smaller than yours is… but it has bigger windows, really bright! And the apartment is also totally nice! They don’t have a living room but a really big and comfortable kitchen/living room combination as a common room. There are two girls and one guy living there. Martin is already around 30 and doing his traineeship. Miri is in her early 20s and is doing an apprenticeship to become a makeup artist and the third one is Dana and has also only started uni now… she’s from some village in Hesse and has also only been living there for a short while. But they’re all really super nice! And tolerant… well, I told them pretty early on that I’m trans after Miri asked me if I’m taken. So I told them about you and then Dana said that she’s bi and so I figured I’ll just tell them - either they’ll immediately tell me that they can’t imagine me living there or they’ll tell me that it’s okay. ~grins~ It was okay. I got another coffee!

Matteo: ~shrugs one shoulder when he says he could have texted~ That’s also impolite… ~can’t help but to smile briefly when he kisses his cheek~ ~but then sees him beam when he asks about the flatshare room and immediately regrets having asked the question~ ~listens to him talking about it and sees him beam and that he sounds really thrilled~ ~presses his lips together when he realizes that David really doesn’t have any doubts at all and that he really hopes that he’ll get the room~ ~once again plans on pushing this stupid gut feeling away and forces himself to smile~ Well that sounds great! Hopefully they’ll quickly reach out to you so that you’ll know their decision. ~somehow doesn’t trust his voice but just hopes that it sounded at least honest~

David: ~looks at Matteo expectantly and can see that he’s smiling slightly, but still somehow feels like something is wrong - maybe because he doesn’t ask any follow-up questions and because somehow Matteo doesn’t look as if he really focuses on the topic~ ~then hears his words and smiles slightly~ Yes, they said that they’d probably decide today already. Apparently I was the last applicant… ~grins again slightly, but this time more insecurely, and then says mostly to somehow lift the mood again~ Probably they’re sitting there with pro and con lists right now or they have secretly installed some point-based system… for every answer they liked they gave a point or something… ~sighs quietly and shrugs~ But it definitely was the best flatshare that I have looked at so far… ~briefly thinks that the best flatshare actually is the one he’s living in right now, but quickly pushes that thought aside again~

Matteo: ~can feel something constrict inside him when David says that they’ll already decide today~ ~then hears David making up theories of them sitting together and making a decision~ ~takes a deep breath and thinks that he has to support him right now~ They’ll surely take you. If they already invited you to a second coffee… ~then swallows at his next words~ Well, then you’ll surely also be the best applicant for them, that feeling was probably mutual. They’ll surely call you very soon. ~feels like suddenly there are foreign words coming out of his mouth and swallows hard~ You can surely start packing up again soon…

David: ~smiles slightly when Matteo say that they’ll surely take him~ ~looks over to him and when he sees him, he somehow doesn’t feel like he really means what he just said~ ~lowers his gaze again and still murmurs a quiet~ Thanks… ~then presses his lips together when he says that he can surely start packing again soon and realizes how much he doesn’t really want to do that - not yet and not at all, really~ ~still humms in agreement and murmurs insecurely~ Well, it still would be 1.5 more months… ~briefly wonders if that’s too long for Matteo’s taste and if he maybe wants him to move out faster and realizes that everything constricts within him at that thought~ ~looks back at Matteo again and frowns slightly~ ~somehow feels like something isn’t really right, that he isn’t being honest to him about something~ ~lightly nudges his foot against his and asks~ Is everything okay with you?

Matteo: ~finds the fact that he said that he can already pack stupid himself~ ~doesn’t want him to pack, not now and not at all~ ~hummmms slightly when he says that it’s still 1.5 months until then~ ~looks down into the pool to the blanket and briefly wonders why they’re even still sitting here~ ~thinks that it would surely be better if they stopped talking about this stupid room search and finally start to eat~ ~was just about to suggest that when David nudges him~ ~hesitates slightly at his question and briefly considers just telling him~ ~but then remembers how David beamed when he told him about the room and quickly nods~ Yes, sure, everything’s okay… don’t we want to eat now?

David: ~sees Matteo hesitate at his question and that somehow only makes him more skeptical~ ~then hears his answer and his question and slightly shakes his head~ ~would normally accept and believe him that everything is okay, but has actually already thought for days that this isn’t the case and - if he thinks back on it now it was always when they were talking about viewings~ ~wonders if Matteo might want him to move out sooner or if he’s somehow pissed that he has less time for him because of the viewings~ ~therefore ignores his question about the food and instead says~ Something is wrong, Matteo… you’ve been weird for days… ~looks at him pleadingly~ Am I doing something wrong? Or does something else annoy you? I… no idea… why don’t you just talk to me? Maybe that’ll help…

Matteo: ~presses his lips together when David says that something is wrong~ ~should have known that he can’t pretend with him~ ~when hearing his addition, he can hardly believe that David really thinks that he’d do something wrong~ ~shakes his head~ You’re not doing anything wrong, you… you are great… you have everything under control… everything goes according to plan, right? ~looks at him and can see that he looks at him uncomprehendingly~ Man, no idea, David, maybe I just don’t feel like doing the plan? Maybe I don’t want everything to go according to plan and that you’ll move out in 1.5 months? ~can’t sit still any longer right now, because it finally burst out of him and he hops into the pool~ ~immediately turns around and looks at David~ ~just talks without thinking~ You’re super into it and super organized and it also looks as if everything would work out great… I mean, sure, our flatshare is also loud and annoying and Hans constantly comes in… but no idea, maybe I thought… when you no longer wanted to move in with Laura, that you maybe wanted to keep living with me? ~shrugs one shoulder~ ~suddenly gets braver~ Because /I/ want that! I don’t want you to move out. I don’t want to have to talk about if we’ll go to your place or mine again, I want us to always go to our place. And I want you to be home when I come back from work or that I’m home when you come back from uni and I want that your and my stuff no longer gets separated and I don’t want you to move into this awesome flatshare. And maybe that’s all selfish and stupid and too soon, but that’s what I want. And if the flatshare is too tight for you, then we’ll move out, ok? Or we don’t, I don’t care, I only know that I want to live where you live. ~takes a deep breath and suddenly doesn’t have words any more~ ~only stares at David and is suddenly really scared~

David: ~hears that he’s great and has everything under control and slightly shakes his head~ ~is slightly confused and can’t tell what this has to do with Matteo’s problem~ ~nods slightly when he says that everything goes according to plan, but still looks confused and waits to see if there’s another explanation~ ~then feels it somehow breaking out of him when he starts talking and feels his heartbeat speeding up when he says that he doesn’t like the plan~ ~at first thinks that he wants him to move out sooner, after all, but then hears the exact opposite and doesn’t understand anything anymore~ ~presses out a quiet “huh?” while Matteo jumps into the pool~ ~briefly feels the hope within him that he wants them to keep living together, but then hears something else coming from him at first and still doesn’t understand what he’s getting at~ ~then feels like his heart is going to jump out of his chest any second now when Matteo really and truly says that he thought he’d wanted to stay living with him~ ~wants to tell him immediately that he also wants that, but doesn’t even get a word in because the words are just tumbling out of him~ ~listens to him and suddenly has a lump in his throat when he realizes what Matteo’s speech is leading to, and can feel tears welling up in his eyes after only a short while~ ~thinks that he also wants all of that, that he’s always wanted it and laughs quietly and in disbelief~ ~slightly shakes his head when he says that this might be selfish and too soon or stupid and simply wants to be close to him right now~ ~wants to tell him that he also wants all of this, that it’s not stupid or too soon~ ~kicks off the edge and then jumps into the pool just when Matteo says that they can also move out and that he doesn’t care as long as he can live where he lives~ ~can feel that his legs are somehow wobbly from all the excitement and stares at Matteo in slight disbelief when he finishes his speech~ ~then sees that Matteo is looking at him almost a little scared and weirdly enough has to laugh in disbelief at first, because it’s so surreal to him that Matteo’s apparently scared of how he might react to that statement~ ~then beams at him with tears in his eyes and pretty happily and takes three quick steps toward him~ ~puts his hands on his cheeks and kisses him longer at first and then kisses him again twice in quick succession~ ~then looks at him, his hands still on his cheeks, still beaming and disbelieving, and croaks quietly~ I also want that… everything… I want you and I want to live with you and I want us to be able to come home and that the other is there… everything… ~slightly shakes his head and laughs again quietly and disbelievingly, because he somehow can’t believe his luck~ ~asks quietly~ How can you think that I don’t want that, as well?!? What am I supposed to do with an awesome flatshare if I can have you instead!?

Matteo: ~is still staring at him and can see that he has tears in his eyes~ ~is pretty overwhelmed at first, because he’s somehow so upset right now that he can’t really interpret it correctly~ ~then sees him beaming and can only think that this is one of the most beautiful sights before he already gets kissed~ ~can feel everything inside him unwind because that can only mean one thing~ ~then hears David’s croaking and hears him confirm it and simply beams at him~ Yes? ~then has to laugh involuntarily when David asks how he could ever think otherwise~ ~shrugs one shoulder~ Sometimes I’m just a pretty big idiot… ~wraps both arms around him tightly and kisses him again~ ~then leans his forehead against David’s and leaves his eyes closed~ ~needs this right now to calm down a little again~ ~then pulls away a little and beams at him~ Can we finally eat now and talk about how we want to do this?

David: ~laughs quietly and nods vigorously when Matteo asks again~ Yes! Yes, yes! ~beams when he says that he’s a pretty big idiot and nods vigorously again~ My pretty lovable unique idiot! ~kisses him again and wraps both arms around him~ ~squeezes him close and realizes that he’s still beaming~ ~wonders if he’ll ever be able to stop today~ ~takes a deep breath when Matteo puts his forehead against his and also closes his eyes for a moment~ ~tries to calm down but doesn’t really manage and realizes how his lips go into an automatic smile again and again~ ~is excited and antsy and can barely believe that Matteo really already wants that~ ~then laughs quietly when he hears his question and shakes his head~ I’m way too excited to eat… but you can… or have to… so that your stomach won’t be mad at me… ~wraps his arms around Matteo’s waist and walks to the deeper end of the pool with him like that rather awkwardly~ ~lets go of him there, but only to sit down, lean his back against the edge of the pool and to immediately hold his arms out for him again~ ~realizes that he’s still beaming and quietly laughs and shakes his head~ I can’t really believe it properly… I always thought it was too soon, but I actually also wanted it… had I known that this was the reason for your bad mood… we should have talked properly… we really still have to work on perfecting that… ~simply keeps beaming~ …but we have all the time in the world to perfect it… Awesome!

Matteo: ~laughs slightly when David says that he’s too excited to eat~ Too excited to eat? Weird… ~goes to the end of the pool with him~ ~immediately sits down next to him and cuddles close~ ~pulls the tupperware box with the sandwiches close and puts it down on his lap~ ~but hasn’t taken one out yet when David talks~ ~grins slightly when he says that they could still perfect the thing with the talking~ Well… I think we can still leave some space for improvements… ~but then gets a little more serious~ I somehow couldn’t tell you about it, it also wasn’t really a clear thought for a long time somehow… the apartment search just kept annoying me more and more and it took some time for me to understand what that meant… ~looks at him and then grins, after all~ …better late than never… ~then takes a sandwich, after all, and takes a bite~ ~says with his mouth half full~ Alright… staying in the flatshare or moving out?

David: ~wraps his arm around Matteo and immediately pulls him closer when he cuddles into him~ ~kisses his forehead because he simply has to be close to him right now, but loosens his grip a little a moment later so that Matteo can reach the food~ ~nods at his words and says~ Definitely space for improvements… what’s important is that we’re capable of learning… ~grins slightly into his beaming and thinks that the only thing that’s important to him is that together they somehow manage and do and work for all of this~ ~then listens to him and also gets a little more serious~ ~almost feels a little sorry that he didn’t understand sooner that Matteo’s bad mood was due to the apartment search, but is pretty glad that Matteo realized for himself what this means~ ~but also grins when Matteo looks at him and nods~ ~repeats~ Better late than never… ~smiles when Matteo finally reaches for a sandwich and quickly glances at the box to consider if he’s hungry, after all, but is really still too nervous and excited and postpones eating~ ~then hears Matteo’s question and listens inside himself, ponders the advantages and disadvantages and his own feeling and also wonders what Matteo might prefer~ ~eventually asks hesitantly~ Umm… our own apartment? ~quickly adds~ Really, I love the flatshare and I love our room… but in the long haul, there isn’t really any privacy or if there is then it’s only an empty apartment when we get lucky… I liked it back when we could choose. That we could go to Laura’s apartment when it got too much at the flatshare and that we could go to the flatshare when Laura was getting on our nerves… but we don’t have an alternative like that at the moment… then it’s rather up to chance if we have the flatshare to ourselves or not… and I… no idea… I think I want something for ourselves… something that’s only ours… a… a real home… only our stuff… only our habits… only us… ~slightly presses his lips together and shrugs one shoulder~ Is that okay? ~would also be willing to stay living in the flatshare for longer if that means that he can keep living with Matteo, but actually really prefers finding something for only the two of them~

Matteo: ~while he asked the question, he thought that he’d actually prefer their own place~ ~but also loves living at the flatshare, of course, and would also continue living there if David wants that~ ~but then grins when he hears David and nods immediately~ That’s totally okay… and I completely agree with you… I mean, I’d really miss the flatshare… but I’d also think it would be nicer if we had our own place… something that’s ours. ~grins again slightly and then considers~ But it could also be difficult to find a 2 or 3 room apartment within 1.5 months… and to tell the flatshare that they have to find a new tenant… Linn won’t like that one bit…

David: ~briefly looks at Matteo scrutinizingly when he agrees immediately to find their own place, but this time he can see that he’s absolutely serious about it and beams again immediately~ ~murmurs quietly~ Exactly… ~can feel his heart beat faster at the thought that this is really real, that they are really going to do that - their own apartment with pictures and photos and plants and a red rug~ ~hears Matteo’s ponderings and grimaces slightly~ God, right… Linn… she really won’t like that one bit… we’ll somehow really have to think of how we’re going to tell her… prepare a few words in advance or something… ~then shakes his head a little~ But we’re basically not really pressured for time at all… it doesn’t really matter if we move out in one month or only in four months… right? I mean, it works well with the two of us in one room and with the roommates, as well… then we can take our time with looking for a place… ~then grins~ Although… if we really find something for the 1st of December, then the advantage would be that we wouldn’t have to find a new tenant. The other day, Laura mentioned again how much she likes your room and that she’ll snag it for herself immediately if you ever moved out.

Matteo: ~nods immediately when he talks about Linn~ And we promised her that she’ll be the first to know if something changes… ~then listens to him and is confused for a moment about why it doesn’t matter when they move out~ ~but then understands it and has to laugh~ Right, we don’t really have to care that much about when Mia comes back… ~then grins when he tells him about Laura~ I can understand that… but that would be really nice, then Laura wouldn’t have to find something new, either, and this way, we could also put Hans and Linn in a more favourable mood… they both really like Laura… ~pushes another bit of sandwich into his mouth~

David: ~humms in agreement when he remembers their promise to Linn, but then groans quietly and laughs~ I can’t tell at all how she’ll react… ~simply hopes that it’s some kind of reaction that won’t leave him completely helpless~ ~grins and nods when Matteo understands why they aren’t pressured for time and nods again when he says that Laura would be perfect as a new tenant~ ~wraps his arms a little more around Matteo again and squeezes him close~ ~kisses his back and murmurs~ We’ll manage all of it somehow… worst case, Laura will have to stay with someone for one or two months… or Mia will move to Alex’ for one or two months or something… ~grins slightly and can feel this feeling of happiness rising inside him when he thinks about the fact that they are really doing this~ ~says quietly and a little out of context~ And then we’ll buy the red rug…

Matteo: ~hummms slightly~ She doesn’t like change… we have to promise to visit her often… ~then nods when he says that Mia can also stay at Alex’~ Yes, we’ll manage it somehow… ~then laughs slightly when he mentions the red rug and looks at him~ That’s not a must… I was just joking around… everything should fit, right? ~stretches his head a little so that he can kiss him~

David: ~humms in agreement to his words about Linn~ We’ll do that anyways, right? I’d also somehow miss the chaotic bunch otherwise… ~frowns slightly when he says that he was only joking about the red rug and grins slightly~ ~returns his kiss and then says~ If you want a red rug, then you’ll get a red rug! And all the other things. The pictures on the walls. And you’ll get fresh herbs in the kitchen… and we’ll distribute my plants in the apartment… ~elbows him lightly and laughs quietly~ Now those aren’t dreams, Florenzi… now it gets serious… okay… we might have to save some money for big things like a big couch… but still…

Matteo: ~nods immediately~ Yes, we’ll do that anyways… ~then smiles when he says that now it gets serious and all the things they’ll get~ Yeees, now it gets serious… and we have my armchair and the bean bag and maybe for now we can take the couch you guys had? Laura won’t need it anymore if she stays at the flatshare… ~reaches for a bottle of water and drinks a sip and then hands it to David~ Okay… you already looked up information about apartments… how much does a 2 room apartment not too far from Moabit cost?

David: ~nods when he talks about the armchair and bean bag and that for now they can take a couch from the old apartment~ Yes, for starters it’s definitely enough… worst case, our visitors will just have to sit on the floor… and for now we can also take the table and chairs from the old apartment for our kitchen - although I’d also like new ones one day… something wooden would be nice… ~takes the bottle of water, drinks a sip and then realizes that he’s a little hungry now, after all~ ~reaches for a sandwich and considers when he hears Matteo’s question~ Hmmm… well I’d say that we’d somehow make due with the money. I don’t think that the basic rent itself would be much more than two separate flatshare rooms. But the utilities will probably be more because it’s only two people who pay for power, internet and such stuff… but I already talked to Mama if she could give me a little more money in the beginning… until I find a side job… but maybe we’ll also be lucky for once and we’ll find something that’s perfect and cheap… ~was just about to bite into his sandwich when he feels his phone vibrate~ ~puts the sandwich aside, pulls it from his pocket and frowns briefly because he doesn’t know the number~ ~answers~ Schreibner, hello? ~listens, smiles slightly, then shakes his head and puts his hand on the back of his neck~ ~opens his mouth twice trying to get a word in, but only manages on the third try~ Oh man, Martin, that’s really super nice that you decided on me… but… ~then listens to him again and shakes his head~ No, I don’t have another place… not yet… but my boyfriend and I just decided to move in together… ~beams broadly while he tells him about it and keeps listening to Martin~ Yes, thanks! I hope you have a lot of luck with the next candidate. Say hi to Miri and Dana, ok? … Yes, you too… bye… ~ends the call and reaches for his sandwich again~ ~grins at Matteo~ Well… too late I’d say…

Matteo: ~nods at his words about the seating~ Yes, we’ll manage it all… first we need an apartment… ~hummms slightly when he says that they’ll manage the rent~ Yes, so, well I could also tell Mama to tell Papa to give me more money… all the money doesn’t have to come from your parents… ~then sees David pulling out his phone and sits up a little straighter so that David can talk~ ~grins slightly when he hears that he would have gotten the room~ ~beams even more when David declines Martin’s offer~ ~grins at him broadly when he ends the call~ But I was right, they would have picked you…

David: ~actually wanted to say that they really only have to talk about money once they really found an apartment that they can get when his phone rings~ ~sees Matteo grin after he ends the call and laughs quietly~ ~teases him a little~ But earlier you said it in a compleeetely different tone of voice… ~bites into his sandwich and leans a little more against the pool wall again~ ~gets a little more serious again, is quiet for a moment and then says quietly~ I’m glad that you spilled the beans… just in time… just imagine they would have beaten you to it… ~but thinks that no matter when and how, he would have declined any offer, regardless of how nice the room is, for the possibility of moving in with Matteo~

Matteo: ~grins a little when he teases him~ There was an altogether different mood earlier… ~leans against him again and wraps an arm around his middle~ ~nods slightly when he says that he’s glad that he spilled the beans~ Me too… and otherwise I probably would have told you after you would have gotten the room… eventually it would have spilled out of me… ~presses a kiss to his neck and grumbles slightly~ Or I would have thrown myself in front of the moving truck eventually…

David: ~nods in amusement when Matteo says that it was a different mood~ Of course! ~wraps an arm around Matteo when he leans against him again and presses a kiss to his hair~ ~listens to him and humms quietly and in agreement~ ~smiles when he gets a kiss on his neck and then laughs quietly at the image of Matteo throwing himself in front of the moving truck~ Highly dramatic, Florenzi… noooo, it was better this way… and less complicated… ~takes another bite off his sandwich and then has to think about the fact that while it was more uncomplicated like the image of the moving truck, that they still somehow could have made it easier for themselves~ ~says quietly~ Still, the next time we’ll talk sooner if something bothers one of us, okay? ~smiles slightly~ I mean, I did find your speech great and I’d actually also like it again in writing to remember it… but you still didn’t feel too good over the last few days… so… ~says even quieter~ You can always tell me anything that bothers you, okay?

Matteo: ~laughs slightly~ Yes, that would have been highly dramatic… movie-worthy. ~looks at him when he gets quieter~ ~understands what he means, but isn’t so sure that he can promise him that~ ~says quietly~ I’ll try… ~then hears that he found his speech great and has to grin~ I don’t know if I can manage to say the same thing again so that you could write it down… ~slightly shakes his head~ No, not really, but… we had agreed on it and I thought you like the arrangement the way it is and therefore… well, I know you told me to think of myself as well, but somehow that was different…

David: ~humms in agreement when Matteo says that he’ll try~ ~knows himself that it isn’t always that easy, but still adds with a small smile~ Me too… ~then also has to grin slightly~ Noo, /you/ have to write it down for me… ~gets more serious again~ I listened to you and all the while I only thought that I want that as well… that I also want you to be there when I come home from uni and that our stuff will no longer be separated and all of that… ~then nods slightly when he says that they had agreed on it~ Yes, true… but I felt similar to you. We had agreed on it and I thought that you like it that way and therefore… ~sighs quietly~ I already realized some time ago that I want to move in with you… properly. And the prospect of “one day in the not too distant future” was enough for me… ~grins slightly~ Although sooner rather than later is quite in my favor… ~then shakes his head a little when he says that thinking about himself was different in that case~ Why that!? You didn’t even know what I wanted… and even if I didn’t want it… then maybe we would have been able to find a compromise or something…

Matteo: ~grins and shakes his head~ I don’t remember everything I said, sorry… ~but then smiles slightly when he says that he also wants all of that~ ~hummms slightly when David says that he’s realized it some time ago~ ~does wonder why he never said anything in seriousness in that case~ ~tilts his head at his last question~ Hello! YOU also could have said that it’s not about the distant future for you, but also about the now… ~looks at him~ If it had been the other way round… say, one day we said that in 2022 we’ll go on holiday to… no idea Denmark… and then in the beginning of 2022 I’ll start planning the holiday… and that’s also okay for you, but you’d actually rather go to… um… Norway… then you’d also say: “No, sorry, Matteo, could you please drop all the planning, I’d rather do that”?~

David: ~pffs when he says that he doesn’t remember what he said~ ~also tilts his head slightly when Matteo says that he could have said something and briefly thinks that he actually assumed that Matteo knew that, but that he’s also somehow right~ ~then hears his comparison, frowns briefly and then shrugs his shoulders~ Well, maybe not thaaat directly… It also depends on how much you’re looking forward to Denmark… and how much more I’d actually want to go to Norway. No idea… maybe I’d mention something like the fact that Norway is also really great or something… or I’d go to Denmark with you and suggest that we’ll go to Norway the year after… ~sighs quietly and shakes his head a little~ ~pulls Matteo to him again and presses another kiss to his head~ I’m sorry… maybe I really could have said something as well… I somehow assumed that it would be obvious… I mentioned it so often… that it hopefully won’t be in the too distant future… or that I want to buy a plant with you once it’s time… or that I don’t want to wait ten years or so… we joked around about what the apartment is supposed to look like… I thought that this might make it obvious that I definitely want that… no matter when…

Matteo: ~tilts his head when David says what he would have done~ Yes, that sounds very reasonable… ~then smiles when David pulls him close again and wraps an arm around his middle again~ ~then listens to him and frowns slightly~ Well, yes, in the not too distant future… that’s really very vague… and we really did rather joke around… that showed that you want that theoretically, one day… but when it got serious then we always had this plan and you also always said that you liked it the way it was and so on… ~looks up at him~ But it doesn’t really matter now, right? Now we managed it. ~smiles broadly~

David: ~smiles slightly and nods~ True… that does sound rather vague… in the not too distant future entails a pretty wide spectrum… ~but then shakes his head a little and laughs quietly~ Well, joked around… I was actually pretty serious about a lot of it… and for me it wasn’t actually really in theory… ~looks down to him when he looks up and can’t help but to also smile pretty broadly when he hears his words and sees his smile~ True… that’s the main thing… ~thinks that the rest really doesn’t matter and that this weird fate found its completely own way again to lead them to what they both want~ ~leans down to him and kisses him tenderly~ ~murmurs a little disbelievingly but incredibly happy against his lips~ We’ll move in together… ~thinks that voicing it out loud like that makes it sound a lot more real and he feels a strong tingling of anticipation in his gut~

Matteo: ~hears that he was actually serious about almost all of it and is briefly surprised about it~ ~briefly wonders what else he might have been serious about or not and how he’s supposed to know that, but doesn’t really think about it any further because then David is looking at him like that~ ~only smiles and was just about to pull him close when he already leans over and kisses him~ ~rolls a little more onto his stomach and nods~ We’ll move in together… ~wraps an arm around his neck and kisses him again and again~

David: ~smiles into the kiss after Matteo repeats his words and tenderly runs his hand through his hair~ ~then realizes that they are really sitting around a little uncomfortable and quietly murmurs into the kiss~ Lap… ~then tuggs slightly on him so that he sits down in his lap and grumbles happily when Matteo really does so~ ~wraps an arm around him tighter and lets his other hand wander over his cheek and hair while he deepens the kiss~ ~realizes pretty quickly and pretty frustrated that he wants more and pulls away from the kiss a little breathless~ ~leans his forehead against Matteo’s and murmurs half frustrated half amused~ And we can’t even properly celebrate this incisive decision with sex…

Matteo: ~hears his grumbling and feels his tugging and gives in without thinking about it~ ~sits down in his lap and kisses him again~ ~grumbles when David pulls away from the kiss and then sighs at his words~ We’ll add it to the list… so far, we already have to make good for “you’re back from the hospital sex” and “yeah the flatshare is empty sex” and “we’ll move in together sex”… ~kisses him again briefly~ As soon as you get the okay from the doctor, we won’t leave our room for three days… ~laughs slightly~

David: ~grumbles in frustration when Matteo says that they’ll add it to the list and grins slightly when he lists everything~ ~adds in amusement~ And don’t forget about the approximately 5 to 6 times “we’re yearning so much for each other sex”… ~gets kissed again and smiles at him~ ~then nods at his suggestion~ Or one week… ~then grins again slightly and says quietly~ And once we have our own apartment then we’ll never have to lock up again during sex… and we’ll never have to be incredibly quiet again because Laura is next door or Hans is sitting on the couch folding laundry… and we could even leave the bedroom door open if we wanted to…

Matteo: ~grins slightly~ Well, those go without saying… I only listed the “we’re celebrating something” ones… ~then laughs slightly when David describes what it could be like when they have their own apartment~ Oh my god! Sex with an open door? I think we’ve never done that! Sick! ~runs a hand through his hair lovingly and briefly kisses him again~ ~but then pulls away from him again and sits down next to him again~ ~pulls his phone out and waves it around~ Wanna look up apartments? ~grins slightly~

David: ~grins at Matteo’s words and then also laughs quietly when he does~ ~then gets another kiss and holds onto him for a moment afterwards when he realizes that he wants to get off his lap~ ~struggles a little with him, kisses him again and then lets go of him~ ~then sees him pull his phone out of his pocket and wiggles his eyebrows at his question~ Definitely… the plan is still to move out by December 1st… ~scoots closer to him so that he can also look at the phone~ ~realizes that he’s getting excited again and beams~ Oh, so far we only talked about the furnishing, but not about the layout… So, would you prefer a tub or a shower? And do we need a window in the bathroom? Would really be nice, right? ~laughs quietly~ I mean, if only to air it out… but not just for that… a bright apartment would really be awesome… so a lot of windows… or big windows… and do you want a balcony? If we get one with a balcony, then we’ll definitely need our own kiddy pool in the summer for foot baths! And if it’s an old building again then I’d really love that! Or would you rather have a modern building?

Matteo: ~nods when David says that the goal is to move out by December~ ~opens the page of an apartment-search website~ ~then looks at him when the questions are tumbling out of him and immediately falls in love with him again~ ~smiles and kisses him~ You’re cute… well, I don’t have tooo much of an opinion on any of it… can’t we just see what there is on offer in Moabit and then we’ll see? ~looks at him questioningly~ Well for now only to see what we could even afford? Of course an old building with a balcony would be nice, but if we can’t afford it then I’ll also take something else… or is there anything that you definitely want to have?

David: ~smiles when Matteo kisses him, but then grimaces somehow in a mix of skepticism, embarrassment and amusement when he says that he’s cute~ ~but doesn’t comment on it and instead listens to him~ ~nods at his suggestion and at the rest of his words~ ~then tilts his head at his question and thinks~ ~finally shakes it and grins slightly~ Only you… I don’t care about the rest… ~looks at the phone and waits for Matteo to type~ ~says in the meantime~ So in Moabit and affordable is good… if the apartment also happens to be bright and in an old building then that’s even better and if it has a tub and a balcony, then it’s perfect… ~puts his chin down on Matteo’s shoulder so that he can see better~

Matteo: ~gives him the secretary’s-office-look when he says that he only needs him~ You’ll get me in any apartment, you loon… ~then opens his phone again~ Okay, then we’ll first enter everything we want… and if there aren’t any good results, then we’ll dial back… ~enters the stuff into the search filters~ ~tilts his head and opens the first result~ Man no, that’s super inconvenient… huge living room and all other rooms are super tiny…

David: ~grins when he gets the secretary’s-office-look and shrugs one shoulder~ Tadaa and I’m already happy! ~presses a kiss to his cheek and then also looks at the phone~ ~leans a little closer to the phone after Matteo has entered the details and clicked on the first result and looks at the layout of the apartment with him~ ~nods at his words~ That’s really the case with a lot of apartments… especially with new buildings… or generally in buildings that were built after the 70s… with old buildings it often looks different… ~looks at him~ Although that doesn’t really matter for us, right? I mean, theoretically, only the wardrobe and the bed have to fit in the bedroom… we can also put the desks into the living room… ~looks back at the picture~ Let’s have a look at the rest of the photos… ~waits for Matteo to swipe through the gallery and hmms~ Yes, okay, the bedroom really is very very very tiny… I wonder who comes up with that layout… well, but on the other hand, it’s very bright… ~then looks away from the phone and at Matteo again~ You know what else would be nice? A kitchen that fits a dining table… so not one of those tiny kitchens…

Matteo: ~nods when he says that this is the case with a lot of apartments~ Yes, this loft layout… but I also think that such huge living rooms are somehow not really cozy… although, it’s actually okay at Alex’… but no, I find it somehow stupid if everything’s so open and so on… ~then swipes to the rest of the photos~ The bedroom is really tiny… ~then looks at him~ Yes, that would be really nice… not always having to eat in the living room… ~then clicks back and scrolls further down the list of results~ That looks like an old building… ~clicks on it~ …and it isn’t tooo far away from the flatshare… looks quite nice…

David: ~smiles when Matteo agrees to the big kitchen and really hopes that they somehow get lucky~ ~knows that it’s really not too easy, but then remembers that they really aren’t pressured for time and that it doesn’t really matter when they move~ ~then hears that Matteo already has his eyes on the next apartment and concentrates on the display again~ ~smiles and nods~ ~murmurs~ Open the photos… ~smiles even more and presses a kiss to Matteo’s shoulder~ We can definitely call that one… umm… hang on… I can log in - then we can put it on the list of favorites… or do you also have an account?

Matteo: ~clicks on the photos~ I like that one better than the previous one… ~laughs slightly and shakes his head~ No, I don’t have an account… I’ll send you the link, hang on… ~sends David the link via WhatsApp~ I’ll already keep looking… ~goes back to the list~

David: ~pulls his phone from his pocket and opens the link Matteo has sent him~ ~logs in and puts the apartment on his list of favorites~ ~smiles briefly when he sees the other apartments and rooms on his list of favorites and simply deletes them~ ~then leans over to Matteo again and keeps looking with him~ ~they keep looking for apartments together for a little while longer and put some of them on the list of favorites~ ~eventually, he pulls the gummy bears closer and opens them~ ~holds the bag out to Matteo so that he can also have some~ ~eventually grins slightly~ So we already have a bit to do on Monday… maybe we’ll already manage to call some of them before work and uni… if not then I have a free period at 12 - I can keep trying then. And maybe you could in your lunch break?

Matteo: ~has made an account for himself, after all, so that they have the same list of favorites~ ~never thought that it would be so much fun to look for apartments and to think what could fit and what couldn’t~ ~immediately also grabs a wine gum when David holds them out to him~ ~nods immediately~ Yes, we should definitely manage to call them… ~then looks at David~ When do we want to talk to Linn? Today already? Or tomorrow?

David: ~beams when Matteo says that it’ll definitely work with calling in the lunch break, because he realizes that now they are really starting to plan~ And appointments are always possible after you get off work… or on the weekends… and if one of us has made an appointment, then he immediately texts the other so that we don’t double book, okay? ~then smiles when he looks at him, but then gets more serious at his question~ ~checks the time and sees that it’s almost 7 o’clock by now~ I’m afraid she’ll be gone soon… she has this meeting with her colleagues today, so it’ll have to be tomorrow. We’d best do it first thing tomorrow morning… ~smiles again~ And then tell the rest of the flatshare and then the guys and the girls. They can all immediately start keeping an eye open! ~laughs quietly~ Abdi and Carlos will be thrilled that we’ll stay living together now, after all!

Matteo: ~nods immediately~ Yes, we’ll do it like that… ~humphs when he says that Linn will be gone soon~ Okay, tomorrow then… we’ll bring coffee to her room… ~then grins when he talks about the others and about the boys~ Carlos will be very relieved… he somehow immediately has some break-up fantasies if something doesn’t go according to plan… ~then looks at him~ And? What will Alex say?

David: ~nods at his words about coffee for Linn and then laughs quietly~ I just wanted to say “and breakfast” but then she’ll know straight away that something is wrong… ~thinks that it’s actually the exact opposite and that /everything/ is okay and looks at Matteo lovingly~ ~then sighs quietly when he’s talking about Carlos~ But weirdly enough it’s only when it’s about us… if Jonas and Hanna don’t see each other for a week then it’s no big deal… ~then exhales when Matteo asks about Alex and shrugs~ Congratulations? No idea… I think he’ll think it’s good if it’s what I want… I mean, it’s not thaaaat much of an irresponsible decision so that anyone could say anything against it, is it? And even if, it’s about us. Okay, it’s somehow early after 5 months… but we’ve basically been living together from day one… if it’s what we both want I don’t really care what the others are going to say… ~looks at him and smiles before he finally asks~ What will Jonas say?

Matteo: ~grins and shakes his head~ No, coffee is enough… ~shrugs his shoulders~ I think Carlos is just more attached to us as a couple than to Hanna and Jonas as a couple… he and his vibes, the first thing he texted after you met the boys for the first time was how much the vibes fit… ~smiles slightly~ ~then grins when he talks about Alex~ Alex is also really different in that regard, but… who knows if he and Mia will ever move in together… ~shrugs one shoulder~ But I don’t actually care how the others are doing it… we’re us and that’s it… ~shrugs one shoulder again when he asks about Jonas~ I think he’ll be happy for us… and besides, our own apartment means that there’s another place to meet up… ~laughs slightly~ We only have to be careful that there won’t constantly be Brudis sitting on our couch…

David: ~looks at Matteo in surprise and a little amused when he tells him about Carlos and the vibes~ Seriously!? I also think that the vibes fit… ~leans over to him and presses a kiss to his shoulder~ ~reaches for his hand and entwines their fingers~ ~tilts his head a little when he talks about Mia and Alex~ I think Alex would like it if Mia moved in with him one day… but will Mia just give up her freedom and independence so easily…!? ~slightly shrugs one shoulder and then nods at his next words~ ~says quietly~ Yes, same for me. To each their own and however it fits… ~then smiles pretty broadly and can feel this tingling of happiness in his gut again~ And for us it fits pretty well once again… well, that we both want it at the same time and neither of us says “Oh no, only in ten years or so”… ~then nods at his words about Jonas and laughs quietly at his words about Brudis on the couch~ Or we’ll just have to find a good way to kick them out again smoothly if we want to have our peace again… ~leans his head against the pool wall and is quiet for a few seconds before he says~ I actually like the thought… that our friends like to visit us and want to spend time with us… ~can feel that he’s especially fond of the image of “us” - the thought that for the first time he’ll have an apartment that’s only his - and Matteo’s, of course - not his parents’, not Laura’s, one that’s not part of a flatshare - and the thought that there’s the possibility that he might also properly arrive at a place and not “only” arrive with a person and that he can feel at home~

Matteo: ~grins slightly~ Yep, I think so, too… ~squeezes his hand when he takes it~ ~then laughs slightly when it’s about Mia and Alex again~ I think Mia would also like to, but she doesn’t really dare to just yet… ~then grins at him when he says that it fits them~ Yes sure, with us it luckily fits really well… ~kisses him quickly~ ~then laughs slightly when he talks about kicking them out~ Oh that also works un-smoothly… I think they can handle it… ~then looks at him lovingly when he says that he likes that thought~ Yes, so do I actually… ~thinks that then it’s /theirs/, their apartment, their furniture, exactly the way they want it~ ~then looks at David again and suddenly thinks how breathtaking it is that, since David entered his life, he dares to do more and more, to really say what he wants and that he even gets it~ ~first David himself and now the moving in together~ ~there was not one bit of doubt for him, not one second of hesitation, he just also wanted exactly what he wanted~ ~leans to him and kisses him again, simply because he can and wants to~ ~smiles slightly and says quietly~ This will be nice.

David: ~grins when Matteo says that they could also kick out the boys unsmoothly~ Okay, that’ll be your job, then… I’ll observe how you do that and maybe then in a few years’ time I’ll also be able to do it unsmoothly. ~smiles when Matteo says that he also likes the thought of visitors at their place~ ~then somehow feels that he’s looking at him and looks back~ ~smiles slightly and briefly wonders what he might think right now~ ~but leans toward him when he realizes that Matteo wants to kiss him and tenderly returns his kiss~ ~smiles again when he hears his words and can feel this tingling in his gut again~ ~humms in agreement and then sighs quietly when this weird feeling, that he knows from their holiday, overcomes him~ ~says quietly~ Somehow pretty surreal again… if someone had told me about that half a year ago… ~laughs quietly and shakes his head~ ~then looks at Matteo again and says with a loving grin~ You upended my life quite a bit, Florenzi!

Matteo: ~smiles slightly when David says that it’s pretty surreal~ Yes, it is… but then it also isn’t… surreal is somehow so odd, don’t you think? And I actually find us pretty normal and real and so on… ~shrugs one shoulder~ I mean… no idea… surreal somehow sounds as if it would be gone again any second… I don’t like that… ~grimaces slightly and scrunches up his nose because he doesn’t know if he expressed it right~ ~but then smiles at David’s following words~ Upended sounds better… I’ll take that, too… because you also upended my life, Schreibner.

David: ~looks at Matteo questioningly at his words and grins slightly when he says that surreal sounds odd~ ~but then smiles more when he talks about them being normal and real and nods~ ~then quickly shakes his head~ True - I don’t like that, either… ~thinks how best to explain it~ It’s more like… double-edged somehow. In the here and now and with you I think we’re totally real and normal and perfect and I’m simply super happy… and then I think about my life before you and… then it suddenly feels almost too good to be true, you know? Back then I just never would have thought that I’d ever get something like that… you, love, sex, holidays, everyday life with you and now even our own apartment… ~grins slightly when Matteo says that he likes “upended” better~ Okay, then we’ll take that… ~bites back on the comment that he hasn’t done much and instead leans over again to kiss him~

Matteo: ~hmmms slightly when David explains again what he means~ ~still doesn’t like something about it but can’t explain it~ ~something just doesn’t fit for him~ ~but then simply nods because he can’t explain it~ ~would find it pretty sick if he had said that and shown him that he still doesn’t know about all the things he did for him and all the things he showed him~ ~therefore simply kisses him again and again immediately afterwards~ ~then grins again slightly~ ~takes a look around the pool and suddenly has to laugh~ That’s the third big event now that’s taken place in this pool…

David: ~can see Matteo looking around the pool after the kiss and does the same~ ~but then hears him laugh, has to smile automatically at the sound and looks at him again~ ~beams pretty broadly at his words~ Well, the pool simply loves us… he sends out positive vibes… we should ask Carlos if he can also feel them… although… ~shakes his head and laughs quietly~ No, I still really like the thought that no one else knows about the pool… it belongs to only us… ~leans his head against the pool wall again and smiles to himself~ ~eventually says~ I think the pool is really made for big events… I think from now on we should always come here when we have something to celebrate… when we found the perfect apartment, when we have our uni certificate in our pocket… or when we signed our first employment contract… anniversaries… we could actually also get married here once it’s time…

Matteo: ~already shakes his head when David says he should ask Carlos~ ~was just about to tell him no when David already does himself and smiles immediately~ Exactly… I also like it that it’s only ours… ~then looks at him when he’s thinking aloud about what else they could do here~ Yes, I’m also in favor of that… I think that we should come here more often… and it’s perfect for celebrating events… ~then grins when he talks about getting married~ No, if we get married here then we’d have to invite the people here, Schreibner, you didn’t think ahead… ~grins and nudges him slightly~

David: ~smiles when Matteo says that he also likes the fact that the pool is only theirs~ ~then nods~ Yes definitely more often! Surely today’s big event was a sign of the pool to us: “Oh, finally, here they are again! I somehow have to make them see that I bring them good luck and that they therefore have to come here more often - I best deliver them a new big event!”~ ~briefly pats the floor of the pool~ Don’t worry, we’ll be back more often again in the future… ~then looks a little downcast when Matteo points out his error in reasoning~ Crap, right! ~says toward the pool floor~ Sorry, but you won’t get the wedding… ~then looks back to Matteo and smiles~ Then we’ll have to find a similarly cool place for our wedding - that won’t be easy!

Matteo: ~has to laugh when David talks for the pool~ Yep, that’s exactly how it must have been. ~then also pats the pool floor~ We didn’t forget you, don’t worry… ~then grins when David realizes his error in reasoning~ ~swallows briefly when David continues talking about a wedding~ ~wonders if that’s just musing around or like with the living-together thing something that David is really serious about and that he’d marry him tomorrow~ ~that thought makes him a little nervous~ ~especially if all of that is actually still so surreal to him~ ~takes a sip of water from the bottle so that he doesn’t immediately have to say anything~ ~but then grins, after all~ Oh, we’ll find something cool…

David: ~grins when Matteo also talks to the pool floor and realizes once again how much it means to him that he goes along with his craziness~ ~takes the water bottle from him after he finished drinking and also takes a sip while Matteo is talking~ ~lowers the bottle and nods with a slight grin~ Sure… we’re creative… definitely something with water… ~takes the bottle cap off him and screws it back on~ ~then sits down cross-legged and looks around on the picnic blanket~ Okay… wine gums are all finished… chocolate’s all finished… one more sandwich… and two more beers… ~looks at Matteo~ What does your stomach say? Is he still craving dinner or will he make due with sandwich and beer?

Matteo: ~nods when he says something with water~ Yes, or just something without water… empty bathtub or something… we’ll all gather in the bathroom and then get into the tub… ~grins and shrugs one shoulder~ ~then looks at him expectantly when he looks at everything so closely~ ~then grins~ I’d say we’ll share the sandwich, finish the beer and then we’ll go home, right? We could get a pizza on the way or something?

David: ~laughs at Matteo’s suggestion~ Okay… new aspect for the apartment search: A big bathroom! Or we can only invite 6 people to the wedding and I don’t want to be the one to choose who’ll attend… ~then leans over to get the beer from the backpack~ ~says in the meantime~ You can have the sandwich… my stomach is still busy with the chocolate and the wine gum. A sandwich would be too much now… ~opens the two bottles of beer and hands one of them to Matteo~ ~looks at him and smiles~ ~takes a deep breath and says~ Okay… we’ll have a toast… to us, of course! And to finding the perfect apartment! To the pool and big events… ~smiles slightly~ …and to you being so brave again to shout out what you want… ~holds the bottle out to him for a toast, but waits to see if he wants to add anything~

Matteo: ~laughs slightly~ 6 people is simple… your mother, my mother, Jonas and Alex, Laura and Hanna, done. ~grins slightly~ All the others will get a live feed to the living room. ~shakes his head a little~ Your stomach is still busy? Then we’ll have to train him a little… ~but grins and reaches for the sandwich~ So no pizza later? ~accepts the beer~ ~smiles when he hears his toast~ That’s the pool… it causes me to scream… ~toasts with him~ To us! ~takes a sip and then kisses him again~

David: ~smiles at his plan~ Yes, okay… that sounds good… well and we still have to somehow fit in Bea… she’ll definitely have to marry us… ~then grins slightly when he talks about his stomach and says~ Yes, pizza will surely still be possible later… I first have to manage to get over the fence again and then cycle to the flatshare… I’m really out of training and then I’ll probably be totally out of energy once we get back… then a pizza to strengthen up is just the thing! ~grins when Matteo says that the pool causes him to scream~ Not that I’m really a fan of screaming, but so far, yours has always served the purpose… ~clinks his bottle against Matteo’s~ To us! ~also takes a sip and smiles when he gets a kiss~ ~but then grumbles because it’s only one kiss and scoots closer to him again to kiss him again~ ~then they finish their beers and keep imagining how they would furnish their apartment if they won the lottery~ ~they eventually pack up and start to make their way back~ ~he really has some difficulties to get out of the pool and the building and back over the fence and curses the lack of his arms’ moving abilities and that his muscles are so weak~ ~is already looking forward to the doctors’ okay to work out a little again~ ~they cycle back to the flatshare, get a pizza on their way back and then they have a cozy evening and are dreaming and planning of their apartment together~

(next play)

#druck #druck og #matteo florenzi #david schreibner #davenzi #davenzi plays

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