#seojin rambling

[lgcseojin]

✱  TRACK 010

— LGC SPRING BOYS: reflection

When it came down to offering a reflection, Seojin's tendency to joke, speak casually, and inability to take much seriously shifted completely. Even that strong Gyeongsang dialect of his retreated into something more formal and concise. He recalled Hyuncheol's words. The company dedicated a large amount of time and resources into this project and any trainee ( or debuted actor and model ) would be a fool to take it for granted. Perhaps the addition of a number of stressful situations in his personal life piled on top of his career choice finally culminated and nearly managed to crush him. When not among the other trainees, he simmered down in this formal setting.

"I wannaㅡ I want to start by commenting that I'm seriously thankful for being granted with the role of subleader. It's a huge responsibility, and I definitely didn't take it for granted. It did a lot to help me keep my head on my shoulders, and make sure the other members could do the same. I commented before, I want to be someone reliable... someone that the younger trainees can look up to and come to for advice or help without hesitation or feeling scared to speak up. When Akio and Baekhyun came to me for advice or Byeongkwan needed to regain focus, it's when I really felt like 'oh, so this is real'. It was a great opportunity for me to explore and I liked it a lot, especially seeing everyone do so well afterwards. It wasn't easy. It never is dealing with other people, different views and working methods. But that conflict or those confrontations of where we could just strive to be better are necessary for us to work as a cohesive unit. A team... and the result just makes me beam with pride. It made me think that I could continue in a role like this. So, for that, I'm incredibly grateful that I got to do so... and I hope I did well helping Sanghyun out with his own larger role overall. I think we worked well together and he looked after me, too, when things were getting tough. There's still a lot I can improve and learn from."

He continued on with his reflection; albeit it was now teetering on a ramble. "I really enjoyed getting to know more of the guys and there were a lot of opportunities to. It got a little chaotic there but nothing I can't handle, right? I was also glad to see Jaesun and Yeonwoo but this time as celebrities. Having known them both for a while, it was kinda surreal to see them on a show like this." A smile bloomed on his face. He found the classroom setting especially fun, a good practice for when he goes on Knowing Brothers someday. Whenever that could be. "I just wish I could have teased all of the hosts a bit more. I was having fun, even if I was getting the wrong answers but going to Everland is a pretty good deal. Oh, and Alex needs to work on his rock paper scissors skills." He shot a playful gesture of finger guns.

"The thing is, I'm very competitive, in the end. It probably came through during the most during laser tag." Seojin laughed, seemingly amused by his own actions during the activity. He certainly treated it with passion. "I really wanted to win and there's this huge part of me that is super satisfied that we did. I hope Tee is thankful that the team brought honor to his name. Corporal Park made a reappearance on the battlefield." He gave a firm salute at his temple. "Plus, the bamboo festival was really fun and I enjoyed catching fish. It was really beautiful. Also, I'm into carving lately... so I paid for some to take home to practice on."

"And. Ah... The performances, though. I can't forget to talk about that." He glanced off to the side, slowly breaking into a bashful grin. He clapped his hands together. "The songs! I think that they fit the theme of spring well. Upbeat and refreshing. I'm... Well, my image isn't exactly a 'fresh' one, to put it lightly. I had a hard time adapting to it, like usual. I guess I've got more of a tsundere image, as it's called? Something sharp and playful... but I was able to show that I'm not just restricted to one box and that I have the ability to be more versatile." He chuckled, and grimaced at the replay of his own image in his head. "Usually I'm not into such bright songs, though, since I feel I don't particularly fit them... I actually really liked Do It Like This. It looked really fun and I'd love to do a concept like that. My good friend Noeul was in that song, so I'm a bit jealous. That song and LO$ER=LO♡ER were by far my favorites despite not being in those units."

Seojin hummed in contemplation. He was uncertain whether or not he should be completely honest or if a more diplomatic wording would be proper route. "The only thing is, I wish I could have gotten to show my vocal skills more... I feel I haven't yet had the chance to display that to the public yet. That's the only thing that felt disappointing for me. So I can only hope to do so more in the future and show myself as a capable vocalist." He spoke with a gentle certainty, a sincere glint simmers in his eye and small upturn of his lips brighten his face. The assertive and animated Seojin had taken a break to calmly explain his perspective on something he possessed so much passion for.

"I'll end this off by saying... I know because of how many other members there are, it would be difficult to organize and schedule everything but the fans and company will be satisfied with the result. I'm just happy to be able to be here. I'm so grateful to have even been given the chance. Seriously."

[calekinnieplus]

Damn, I'm done binging Pick Me Up, Infinite Gacha.

It's a great manhwa! The growth of the MC is gradual and natural. The side characters also go through their own interesting character arcs and I enjoy the fact that teamwork is an important factor here without the "friendship is magic" thing.

Certainly makes for an interesting read!

(Also MC is hot, smart and badass °^°)

Yes, sir o7

[dreemurr-skelememer]

since we r talking sans au languages the only one thing i am FOREVER PERMANENT ON is farm being either korean or japanese.

im very partial to korean because of farmtale canon and i at one point just rambled about his nickname being seojin (i know saejun is somewhat more popular but i over researched his name let me have this!!!!!)

also oira sans is a GIVEN!!!! A GIVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cookiesuga55]

Stream of Consciousness Science Cuties NamJin

Ramble:

Every day, Namjoon sits next to his crush in the science lab. Kim Seojin is quiet, shy, and barely speaks to Namjoon. But, Namjoon doesn't really mind. There are little moments that make up for the lack of words, like how Seokjin's cheeks heat up every time Namjoon's fingers brush his when they're sharing slides to look through in the microscope.

Namjoon knows that he's on the nerdy side himself, and he's not ashamed of it. But the day that Seokjin sits down and the little pokémon charm peeks out of the zipper of his book bag, Namjoon positively lights up. It's the first time the Seokjin properly talks to him, and Namjoon considers it a massive win.

He tries to pay attention. He really does love biology, but something about Seokjin keeps distracting him. Maybe it's the softness that appeals to Namjoon, he isn't sure, but Seokjin's full dumpling cheeks, cute double chin, and rounded waist for some reason make Namjoon practically salivate. He finds himself peeking at the man's soft tummy that presses against the inside of his fuzzy sweaters, pulling them tight and rounding him out. Seokjin's thighs swell against the restrictive fabric of his jeans, and Namjoon can't help but stare at the way his creamy skin bulges out of the illegally high rips up his thighs. Namjoon bites his lip as he notices a few little pink stripes on the other's waist and soft hips when he bends down to get his textbook, and his sweater creeps up. Namjoon knows he's being weird... and potentially creepy. Honestly, he's trying not to stare. But how can he not notice how pretty the other man is? How can anyone in the lecture look anywhere else besides Kim Seokjin? No one else seems to have the same problem as him, and Namjoon sits on his hands for the rest of the hour just to be safe.

The weeks pass, and Namjoon slowly coaxes more words out of the other who seems to be growing considerably more comfortable with him, especially once Namjoon starts sharing half of his protein bars that he doesn't really need anyways. But it's so worth it, because of the way that Seokjin's eyes light up whenever he offers half of his food at the start of class sneakily underneath their table. It's really adorable... so Namjoon keeps doing it, just to get closer to him and glimpse the pretty smile that he might be getting addicted to.

As much as he tries to be good, one moment is burned into his mind, and Namjoon almost wishes that it hadn't ever happened. The previous group must have spilled some of the solvents they were analyzing on the floor, and been too rushed to clean it up. There was a nearly-invisible puddle right by Seokjin's seat, and Namjoon was on his way back to their lab station with some paper towels to clean it up. Just as he was bending down to wipe up the saline solution, Seokjin's tennis shoe entered his vision. Namjoon watched his foot slip practically in slow motion. On instinct, he shot his hands out, firmly grabbing one of Seokin's thighs, and the other steading the man's thick waist. Namjoon didn't even realize what he was doing until Seokjin was clutching the edge of the table, nearly toppled over, but successfully held up by Namjoon's hands that sank into soft pudge.

Heat exploded on Namjoon's cheeks, and he shyly looked up from where he was kneeling. From this low perspective, he could see the very bottom swell of Seokjin's belly that his sweater loosely hung over, how the chub gently spilled over the waistband of his jeans that was right in line with his face, and how- Namjoon gulped- Seokjin's perfectly rounded tummy looked full and distended like he'd just eaten a big lunch.

A string of incoherent words fell out of him, laced with apologies as Namjoon blushed even harder and peeked up higher to take in Seokjin's equally mortified brown eyes and his prominent double chin. The second that his friend- were they friends?- was stable and not in threat of slipping, Namjoon let go of the warm softness that filled his hands. His palms immediately felt cold, and he could have whined that he wasn't touching the perfect man any longer. Maybe he did whine, but he really hopes that he didn't.

Namjoon busied himself with cleaning up the spill as Seokjin plopped onto the lab station's stool, and he only glanced up once to see how Seokjin's plump asscheeks were too big for the measly circle of wood that was probably designed only for twigs like Namjoon. He stood up fast, nearly smacking his head on the underside of the counter if Seokjin hadn't grabbed his shoulders and given him a small smile as he pulled him out of harm's way.

Namjoon stuttered apologetically, asked if he was okay, and finally righted himself just to shove his glasses back up his burning nose. He definitely sat on his hands. They ached from feeling such delicious squish, and they threatened to chase another handful of the soft warmth.

Namjoon tried and failed to keep himself from glowing the entire rest of the lesson once Seokjin let out a breathy "thank you, Joon-ah," right next to his ear and gently squeezed his shoulder.

[lxtent]

X

[peachyteez]

angel nurse ≫ DAY FOUR, HEHETMON

this fox hybrid was brought into the recovery facility covered in scratches, whip marks, blood, and every other injury you could imagine. due to this, yeosang has trouble trusting humans, as he was afraid they could just hurt him all over again. until he meets jiyu, his “angel nurse”.

PART OF THE HEAVEN SERIES.

✧ taglist: @defsoul15​, @jaeminpeachy​, @joongiebug, @sunsethw4​, @t-tbinnie​, @chanyeolol​, @danibookmarks​, @hello-its-ya-boi​, @murralyn​, @alienmashup​, @panini​, @moon8894​, @koasworld​, @taetae123094​, @luv3rxcha​, @treasure-hwa​, @etherealbyeol​, @hwaseongzzz​, @lovely-sanie​, @orbitiiny​, @pirate-of-the-dark-seas​, @babydolljo​, @ms-starlight​, @everrrlasting​, @bls-luv-me​, @atzgiggle​, @arohabyeol​, @rainbowmagicpixecorn​, @soverystupid​, @ayetothezee​, @kingalls00​, @sanstreasure0305​, @sparklingmallow​​, @peachseok

✧ notes: i’m missing the boys extra today and i don’t know why :(

back。| next。

“ji, we’ve been standing here for ten minutes now. are you sure you’re going in?” yeonjun whispered, not wanting to alarm the fox hybrid on the other side of the door.

“shh! give me a minute, jun!” she whisper-shouted back. 

“it’s been ten!”

“well give me another one!”

yeonjun sighed. “it’s not like you to be so nervous about visiting a patient,” he pointed out. 

“i know...it’s just...i know how he feels since i can relate to his situation to some extent,” she meekly admitted. “a lot of people left me alone for a while after i left home so i guess i did the same towards him.”

with an understanding and gentle smile, yeonjun reassuringly gave her a pat on the shoulder. “then don’t let him wallow in his own thoughts alone, otherwise it’ll be much harder for you to pull him out,” he advised before walking off and waving at her over his shoulder. “good luck, i’ll go check on taehyun.”

waving after him, she took a deep breath and looked at the door once more. “let’s go,” she mumbled to herself encouragingly before entering the code to the keypad.

the door slid open to reveal the fox hybrid on sitting on his bed. in front of him was a foldable table, some paper, and...pencils and colored pencils? is he drawing?

yeosang’s eyes widened when he spotted jiyu at the door and his ears started to twitch. unable to keep eye contact with her, he glanced away and at the wall next to her instead. the cream-colored wall looked very interesting to him at the moment.

“um...hello! i’m here for your checkup,” jiyu said with a small smile, holding up her folder with his papers in them. “is that okay?”

silence. 

while it seemed as if yeosang was uncomfortable on the outside, his mind was yelling at him to at least respond. yeosang, please, you literally spent most of last night promising and hyping yourself up to make an attempt to interact with her.

jiyu felt her smile slightly faltering at the awkward atmosphere. “o-or i can go ask seojin—”

“...it’s fine,” yeosang said, practically whispering. “y-you can do whatever you n-need.”

“are you sure?” she asked, sensing his hesitation. 

yeosang nodded before putting the pencils and colored pencils away and neatly folding the table. although he was trying his best, he still couldn’t look at her in the eyes. but jiyu was still ecstatic at his baby steps. progress was progress, and it was the thought that counted the most.

“okay, i’m going to put this part,” she gestured to the round, metal part of the stethoscope, “to your chest. it’ll let me hear your heartbeat.”

seeing his tense expression, she couldn’t help but feel a wave of deja-vu hit her. it’s like when i did this with seonghwa. she realized. she couldn't help but quietly giggle at the similarities between the two. 

yeosang slightly tilted his head at her giggle, yet said nothing about it. “g-go ahead,” he gave her the okay.

feeling the cold metal touch his chest, he slightly flinched before relaxing. he had to constantly remind himself that she wasn't going to hurt him. whether he fully trusted seojin when he told him that, he wasn't sure, but he still found the smallest bit of solace in those words. 

“okay, your heart seems to be beating normally,” jiyu mumbled, deciding to not mention how fast his heart was racing. “now, temperature...” she said, taking out a thermometer. 

yeosang’s eyes widened at the thermometer. it reminded him too much of the scanner that the breeding facility used to scan their collars every morning and night. 

“are you okay?” jiyu asked, seeing his scared gaze at the thermometer. “i promise, this is only to take your temperature. look.” putting the thermometer up to her own forehead, she pressed the button and a beep sounded, indicating that it took her temperature. she showed yeosang the numbers on the small screen. “see? it’s nothing harmful.”

yeosang said nothing, but his body visibly relaxed. taking it as a good sign, she gently brushed the front pieces of his blonde hair away before taking his temperature. and just like she said, nothing bad happened. 

after a few more steps to the checkup (and some reassuring that the blood pressure machine wouldn't cut off his blood circulation even though it was extremely tight), jiyu happily smiled. “you did good today, yeosang. i really appreciate you allowing me to conduct a checkup,” she said. 

noticing some papers on the table underneath his documents, jiyu curiously glanced at them and aw’ed at the small, cute drawing. she figured it must’ve been yeosang’s. “this is so adorable,” she squealed. on the paper was a small, cartoon-like character that was holding a flower, and had the most adorable smile.

yeosang’s fox ears stuck to the side of his head while his human ones turned red out of embarrassment. he had forgotten he’d left his drawings there. 

“oh! my apologies, i didn't mean to snoop,” she sheepishly said, setting the paper back down. “but i really meant it when i said it was adorable.”

“...hehetmon,” yeosang whispered, his ears still burning. 

jiyu tilted her head in confusion. “pardon?”

“it’s name. i named him hehetmon...” he said again, trailing off towards the end. he felt weird since it was out of character for him to be conversing with a human. 

nervously glancing up at jiyu, he was surprised to see the look of adoration and awe in her eyes. if they had been in a cartoon, her eyes would’ve been sparkling. 

“wait, that's literally so adorable,” she said, looking down at the drawing once again. it portrayed the inner child in yeosang, it showed her how maybe there was a glimmer of light still left in him despite the mental scars. 

“you know,” jiyu mindlessly said, her eyes never leaving the drawing. “i kind of know how you feel, being abandoned and all that...”

yeosang’s eyebrows furrowed at her words. impossible. there’s no way that a human could even understand an ounce of what—

“you’re probably thinking that there’s no way a human could understand, right?” she wryly smiled at his shocked expression. “you’re right, though. i may not understand completely, but i still know what it feels like to be left behind and used.”

in his eyes, i’m just a tool for his and the company’s benefits.

snapping out of her trance-like state, she gently smiled at yeosang. “i’m sorry, i rambled quite a bit. but i hope that no matter what life throws at you, no matter how many curveballs the universe throws at you, that you keep yourself grounded. even if it means drawing thousands and thousands of your hehetmons,” she said before making her way towards the door. 

“um...”

turning around, jiyu’s eyes practically bulged out of her head when she saw yeosang standing behind her and offering her one of the hehetmons he drew. embarrassed, yeosang looked away as his cheeks and ears burned pink. “m-maybe it’ll make you happy, too—” he tried justifying.

a small grin spread on jiyu’s face as she accepted his drawing, feeling so many emotions swell in her chest. heck, she could've cried, as it was the sweetest gesture she’s received from him. “thank you, i’ll treasure it.” 

from her tone, yeosang could sense how the genuinely meant it, and how much she appreciated it. it gave him a sense of comfort that maybe there really was someone that not only appreciated hehetmon, but also his existence.

she tucked the drawing safely away in the folder as she left, saying goodbye to yeosang. 

“oh, jiyu!” seojin caught up with her in the hall. “i see you managed to visit yeosang,” he smiled. “how was it?”

“he...seemed to open up a lot more today,” she smiled. “and i came to realize that there just might be a little spark of light in him left. despite everything he went through.”

catching a glimpse of a drawing in the folder, seojin chuckled. “trust me, i think the sparks of light will grow brighter soon,” he mumbled.

“did you say something?” 

“huh? nope, nothing at all!��� he boyishly smiled, his fangs peeking through.

she playfully scoffed, jostling him with her shoulder, although he didn’t even budge. “i’ll pretend you didn’t say anything, then.”

“how rude, miss.”

and she really did treasure the drawing yeosang gave her.

that night, after dinner, mingi spotted a new drawing on the fridge door. he knew none of them had done it, considering how horrible they were at art (minus hongjoong, but mingi knew it wasn’t something he would draw). “who drew this?” he asked jiyu who had entered the kitchen again after running taking a shower. 

“seonghwa’s twin!” she chirped, laughing when seonghwa whined out of confusion from the couch as he played animal crossing.

twisting around away from the tv screen, he pouted. “i swear i’m an only child!”

[seojinws]

✱    ㅡ   (  @wssol )

“Are you up for another OST?” The soloist quirked a brow at his manager, a smirk quickly following after. “Yeah, why not? Been going well for me on that front so far.” A little birdy told him that focusing on adding more public friendly songs to his discography was a smarter move. ( That little birdy being a nagging voice in the back of his head. ) Not that he didn’t enjoy the songs intended for dramas and movies. It offered him more exposure, in the end, and an opportunity to produce something partially outside of his comfort zone. He desperately wished to move on from being called the “Itaewon Class OST guy” and onto a more individualized label. Surely working on more OSTs couldn’t bring him much further than that. 

A notably conflicting dilemma Park Seojin found himself in once again.

Instead of lingering on the invasive thoughts riddled with doubt, he went forward with the project, this time continuing on his recent path of abundant features. Somehow, he managed to rope Bitna in to do a duet with him. The prospect of possibly needing to impress Etoile’s fanbase did not stray far from his mind. However, he decided that he wouldn’t give it too much credence over his work ethic.

Seojin fumbled with keeping hold of his notebook, guitar on his back and hands clutched around the top of a chair for support. He managed to corral himself and Bitna into his typical production stuio at Wishbone Records so they could get started as soon as possible. Call him a bit too enthusiastic for his own good but he had his reasons. A friend like her was hard to come by; one he did not feel like completely bogging down with endless teasing and headlocks. Though, he certainly thought about it multiple times ㅡ particularly when trips to the arcade were concerned. 

He idly ran his fingertips along the guitar strings, enjoying the sensation. It was freshly restrung upside down to suit his left handedness; so they were wound taut enough to produce a proper sound.

“I already came up with an instrumental for it with one of the producers. It’s supposed to be a soft, romantic song. The backing is simple so it can mix in with soft vocals. I figured a lower register could be good to go with it... Like, something calming.” He shoved the mouth of a water bottle in his own, catching on that he might be rambling.

“What do you think? Wanna hear it... or should we write lyrics?”

[wsyoojin]

Somehow, someway, Seojin had lowered his defenses and accepted her rambling of a confession. Beforehand, Yoojin had prepared herself for a rejection and acquiesced to becoming even more patient in their undefined relationship, but now their relationship was official at least between each other, she hadn’t thought of the other steps the two of them needed to take. 

It was unspoken, but she felt that notifying the company of their relationship could be pushed further down the line. It wasn’t that she wanted to hide it from the company and she didn’t think that their reaction would be unfavorable. It was a culmination of many things, including that the one year anniversary of Dandelion was coming up in a few months. She wanted to wait until then at least before she heard other people’s opinions about their relationship. Dandelion was still her priority and she wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize the other members. It was their shared dream and she would always think of them first, but she was just as serious about her relationship with Seojin. 

In fact, she was probably too serious about him and needed to dial it back before she ran off with implausible fantasies. After several instances of her half-jokingly broaching the idea of him meeting her parents, Seojin had agreed to pick her up from her parents’ apartment. Currently, she sat in a position where the view to the door was unobstructed while she waited for him to message her upon his arrival. 

It felt different than when she had met his family. Perhaps, because she had been introduced as a friend then and as a friend, she thought his family had less reasons to be critical of her. She could confidently say that his parents would make her feel welcomed with how inviting his family had been to a total stranger. Regardless, his decision of not meeting her parents before their relationship became official had been his decision and Seojin being in the hot seat might be somewhat entertaining for her. 

The sudden vibration of the phone in her hand roused her from the couch and she shot a pleading look to her father to be nice. He was the most unpredictable of the two, but she knew that Seojin would impress him. Yoojin opens the door and temporarily blocks his path with her foot, glancing up at him with adoration glinting in her eyes. 

“Hello, you.” She whispers, leaning towards him to close the distance between them. “You can still back out. I can tell them that you rang the wrong door.” 

@seojinws​

[calekinnieplus]

I started reading Pick Me Up, Infinite Gatcha and I always enjoy a badass MC, don't mind me <33

[lgcseojin]

Of course you don't cook. That is Seojin's first thought when Yuxi gives him the courtesy of replying. Some sort of lopsided smirk creeps upon his lips, incredulous huff of a laugh following shortly after. Perhaps he laughs at his own perception being confirmed, or maybe he realizes his own misconceptions are unfair. Either way, the expression is fully telegraphed on his features. He will say that he finds Yuxi ceaselessly amusing — of which is not untrue.

"Honestly, I have no idea who that is," his eyes give her costume another once over. In his opinion, it appeared cohesive and suitable for any Halloween party. He glances down at his own shortly after, quietly tightening the belt around his waist and closing the front of his white gi a bit more. "I'm Ryu... He's from Street Fighter, but he appears in that Smash Bros game. At least, that's what my younger brother said. So I just decided to go as him. Since I like Street Fighter and games like that, or whatever."

He doesn't mind that he's begun to ramble — he never does, content to continue until his thoughts are out. "Anyway, if you're not gonna cook up an escape plan, you might as well take all the free food and drinks you can. I already saw someone stuffing gummies in their pockets."

She never was one for games, so this year's theme only exacerbated Yuxi's sense of ennui, low tolerance for parties withstanding. There weren't even any decoration tasks for her to distract herself with. The only benefit, she thought, was that she had good excuse to dress in her usual style should anyone question her: instead of a watch ("it's rude to look so disinterested so frequently checking the time"), some jewelry; instead of her boots, some heels.

Thank god for the heels — the added height put her eyes at a safe distance from being poked at by the feathers of some kid's wings. Yuxi gave the feather an unimpressed look and tucked it away in a pocket.

"I don't cook, for one," she deadpanned, "that minimizes those chances by quite a margin." It wasn't as if she wanted to attend said boring, corporate parties either. "Far easier a task to escape the farmer's market than these."

She dropped her hands to the side. "Shirona, Nancheon, Cynthia, the choice of names is yours." A pause. "And you?"

[seojinws]

✱    ㅡ   (   @wsrohan  )

Seojin would forever convince himself that it was, indeed, still punk rock to ask one's mother if getting a tattoo was acceptable. She said yes with a smile on her face and, on her lips, the proclamation that he no longer needed her permission for anything. Perhaps the majority of his life disobeying her, going against wishes and playing into rebellion finally took a toll on him. His intentions were at least pure. He did not seek out the drumming of a needle against his skin for the pure satisfaction of it ㅡ it had to mean something or it was for naught.

However, Seojin had a certain caveat to getting another tattoo: he preferred not to go on his own. Given Rohan's own litany of ink trailing over his body, he assumed asking him along with would be of little consequence. With the other's previous insistence they go out for a meal, Seojin figured he might as well get that out of the way.

He knew the artist he intended to go to quite well. In fact, the man used to be the bassist for his high school band. ( The same perpetrator of testing out his very first tattoo gun on Seojin, as well. Though, the wretched line on his arm was now covered up by his first piece. ) Adding to his business gave him a partial discount, enough of one to continue going back and recommending his work to others; Rohan, included.

The two soloists sat across from each other in the cramped waiting area. Fading leader fabric lining the chair cushions huffed out a muffled squeak with each posture adjustment. He procured a piece of paper with a sketch on it; several different versions scrawled out by his friend. It was a simple snake in black and white. The intention was to make tribute to several things, particularly commemorate the year of the snake, the year the grandmother he had just lost a few months ago and his youngest sister happened to be born in. ( And one other person that happened to be pure coincidence. )

"Was thinking maybe just a snake. One of the sketches has flowers my sister picked out but..." The meaning of which he did not have to entirely divulge to Rohan, despite how understanding he might be. Seojin cleared his throat before he slipped into a ramble. "Whaddya think?"

[lgcseojin]

✱  pour up  —   ( @lgckoda )

Uncertainty was the word lf the day. Seojin bathed in it that morning, only to be met with a barrage of it during the practice for the trainee showcase. There was no telling how much the instructors and other staff had riding on the performance of the group. For all they knew, this could all simply be a test to stretch their perseverance and ability to work with others. Seojin, surely, had no qualms with the latter but when paired with others he knew so little about ( in terms of skill and predictability ), his stomach was rife with a sinking feeling once more. ( Was this how anxiety felt like? )

He rung the stem of a microphone like a wet towel, easing up only when a concerned staff member urged him to be careful with the equipment. Heaven forbid he end up breaking one or two before rehearsals even began. Though, he was well aware his touch was less than delicate — in more ways than one.

"Hey, so..." Seojin turned toward his assigned partner for the stage, a large cup of room temperature water swiped from the staff pushed in his direction. ( To think they would put him up with Koda, of all people. Perhaps the higher ups knew of their strained relationship as roommates. ) "You've been practicing lots, right? Did warm ups... taking care of your throat and vocal chords? You have to drink a shitton of water before we go up. This song's got a real breathy tone to it."

He rambled without much prompt but any observant individual could glean that Seojin was intensely serious and dedicated to the craft of singing, even going so far as to craft his diet and exercise routine around fortifying it. One could call him overzealous. Perhaps therein lay an issue of his with Koda, offended by his perceived lack of enthusiasm.

"Just don't mess up, dude." He finished with a sardonic tone. Of course, no one would claim he was skilled in the art of reassurance, particularly with such an affinity for playing it off as a joke.

[lgcseojin]

"Why would you come to an art exhibition if it's not for the art? Makes no sense to me..." Seojin scoffs into the rim of his glass once again. Surely she has been correct this entire time. He thinks she must feel their idle chatter is a waste. Why would she linger around someone like him? Even as he tries to blend in, his demeanor has him sticking out like a sore thumb. They should find themselves at an impasse—both far different from each other.

But Seojin fills the space in between, takes a step forward as she takes one back. Yuxi is an intriguing character, and he intends to pick her brain; and, perhaps, to provoke her. ( The only question being if it would work. )

"Hey, not saying I'll cause trouble. People just need to learn how to enjoy life. Being alive ain't shit if you got nothing to talk about. Really talk about. Thinking about it, it's like a series of empty conversations at this place, and no one's really here, are they? Like you, Lucy. You're miles away somewhere else but you stick around. What for? Think about it!"

He interjects his own rambling with an utterance of anyways before he turns toward the beginning of said 'maze'. "My friend, Taewoo. He's a tattoo artist but he's always liked taking pictures. Guy's done all my pieces. Guess I never realized the extent of his... hobby. Likes taking pictures of people. Probably those intense black and white ones that tell a story. Something like that."

Although she quirked an eyebrow at Seojin's sudden interest in fussing over his hair, Yuxi didn't comment on it, continuing to sip her flute in silence. She didn't want to be the one to break it to him that he was, in fact, making things worse. Suddenly people watching the old businessmen who knew nothing about art except what their younger society wives explained over whispers became much, much more interesting.

"Oh? Pray tell." She listened to his rant, amused if anything at the all too familiar arguments that she herself used to present, once upon a time.

"That would defeat the purpose of these events though, would it not?" Yuxi interjected. "They're not here for the art, they're here for the tax write off, the apolitical philanthropy, and the networking opportunities with others present for the same reasons."

She shot him a glare. "Fool around all you like, I will have no part in it." Ready to excuse herself, the last end of his words caught her attention. Body already turned half away, she asked, "You never brought that up. Who's the friend?"

[lgcseojin]

seyoon

( ... ) He directed his gaze to the ceiling when he started singing, so his less than classy thoughts wouldn't taint the flavor of the song. "I am sorry but don't want to talk. I need a moment before I go." Yes, English. In the end he opted for the language he was more comfortable with. "So take aim and fire away, I've never been so wide awake. Nobody but me can keep me safe, and I am on my way." He casually removed his gaze from the ceiling at some point and re-directed it toward Seojin, giving the guy a vague hand gesture to see if he wanted him to stop or keep going.

A blank stare soon overtakes Seojin's expression, eyes slightly narrowing as he concentrates on Seyoon's technique. He doesn't particularly recognize the song ( save for a passing vague familiarity with the melody ) but that does little to deter him from analyzing the way the way he breathes the notes through his vocal chords.

"Not bad." Let one thing be clear — when Seojin mutters such assessments to skill, he does so with caution. Bringing a trainee up too far or pushing them down too much was something he found detrimental to their improvement. There is a balance somewhere in between; something to humble overconfidence and boost lower self-esteem. However, he knows without criticism, there is no room to improve.

"You should look forward while you sing, not up... unless it's for dramatic effect," He flourishes his fingers to emphasize the statement. "Also... Your head voice on this part... so take aim and fire away, I've never been so wide awake..." he produces an effortless imitation of the notes from before, "I don't know how the original song goes, but you get too pitchy and screech-y up there because you're straining to reach. You hit the notes just fine but you need to release that tension in your body if you wanna do it without getting a weak tone."

After he finishes rambling, Seojin reaches across the distance between them and firmly grips Seyoon's jaw with his thumb and forefinger, then his larynx, indicating the spots he believes holds the most tension. He places his hand on his shoulder and pushes him back into a straighter posture, pushing his chin up to face forward.

"Okay. Sing the same lines from that song again, but, this time, relaxed."

[lgcseojin]

YUXI

"You don't," came her immediate reply. "You couldn't look more unaccustomed to these events." Sure she hardly could count herself an enthusiast for galas, but at least she knew how to properly comport herself. Again she scanned the room and, finding nothing interesting, refocused her attention back to Seojin. "Well, I hardly look taken do I?" Without waiting for an answer, she added, "And grab me a flute, will you?"

"Really? Me? What gave it away?" His tone of voice shifts with each syllable, raising when his lips can't help but snake into a lopsided smirk—one could call it his signature.

Facetious comment aside, he cannot help to agree with her. Had he not decided on dressing for the event's formal code, he would have willingly stuck out like a sore thumb in his usual attire. ( If anything, the way he carries himself does most of the work. ) But button-ups are stuffy. He tugs at his collar to loosen its hold around his neck.

Seojin turns to Yuxi again, this time with a scoff. Did she really want him to answer that? He feels it to be a bit of a verbal trap. There are possibilities of her reaction but he has none of the patience to explore them within five seconds. He would give any Judging personality more space in the universe to worry over things.

He all but ditches the temptation to ramble on about something entirely off-topic, swiveling in those slippery dress shoes to pluck a flute of champagne from the next unassuming staff that passes by. He presents it to her with none of the same flourish, urging her to take the stem.

"Well. Since you're not busy, you should walk with me. I'm bored and my friend left me here to go schmooze up some guy in a suit. Sellout," the remark is made partially in jest, and he decides not to linger on it for too long. "Anyway, he was telling me there's a secret maze or something. I wanna check it out," he sips his own drink. "Maybe there's a Minotaur waiting in the middle of it... or he was just trying to say the layout is confusing as hell."