Untitled

[ table ] sender reaches for receiver's hand under the table

[ knowing ] sender has been holding receiver's hand all this time without realizing it and hurries to let go

[ cling ] sender scrambles to grab receiver's hand in a hasty situation

[ tangle ] sender carefully knots their fingers with receiver's

[ thumb ] sender starts gently caressing receiver's knuckles with their thumb

[ squeeze ] sender reassures receiver with a squeeze of their hand

[ aligned ] sender lays their hand flat against receivers, lining up every digit to compare sizes

[ pinky ] sender hooks their pinky finger with receiver's

[ ring ] sender admires a ring on receiver's hand

[ desperate ] sender is in pain and squeezes tightly to receiver's hand to channel the agony elsewhere

[ let go ] after holding onto receiver's hand for a while, sender finally, reluctantly releases their grip

[ swing ] sender holds receiver's hand and starts swinging their hands back and forth in a playful way

[ promise ] sender performs a pinky promise with receiver

[ piano ] sender begins tapping their fingers along receiver's back like they're playing a piano

[ shoulder ] sender sets a hand on receiver's shoulder and leaves it there

[ strand ] sender reaches up and tucks a strand of hair behind receiver's ear

[ fix ] sender gently fixes receiver's hair

[ boop ] sender lightly taps the tip of receiver's nose

[ clean ] after eating, sender reaches up to clean something off receiver's face

[ napkin ] sender uses a napkin to tidy receiver's face

[ chin ] sender takes receiver's chin between their fingers and holds it

[ lips ] in the midst of an intimate exchange, sender smooths their thumb back and forth over receiver's lips

[ play ] sender plays with receiver's hair

[ knead ] sender gives receiver a much needed shoulder massage

[ accidental ] sender and receiver reach for the same thing and their fingers brush unintentionally

[ pat ] sender pats the top of receiver's head

[ thigh ] sender begins caressing along the receiver's thigh

[ smooth ] sender strokes up and down across the receiver's arm

[ comfortable ] sender picks the receiver's legs up and drapes them over their lap

[ straddle ] sender guides the receiver over and coaxes them fully onto their lap

[ shirt ] sender slips a hand up the receiver's shirt

[ hem ] sender plays with the hem of receiver's shirt

[ loop ] while standing behind the receiver, the sender hooks a finger in the belt loop of their trousers

[ pocket ] sender slides a hand into receiver's back pocket

[ guide ] sender uses both of their hands to guide the receiver into a kiss

[ push ] in the midst of a dangerous situation, the sender pushes the receiver out of harm's way

[ shield ] the sender drags receiver behind them to keep them safe

[ remind ] sender sets their hands on both sides of receiver's face and tries to get them to look at them directly

[ pressure ] sender sets a hand on the small of receiver's back

[ neck ] sender sets a hand around the base of receiver's neck and gingerly kneads the muscles there

[ braid ] standing behind the receiver, sender starts braiding their hair

[ undo ] sender takes receiver's hair out of their updo/ponytail

[ clasp ] sender helps receiver put on a necklace

[ zip ] sender assists receiver in zipping up or taking off a difficult piece of clothing

[ wave ] sender waves goodbye to receiver for the very last time

[ both ] sender takes both of receiver's hands in their own and guides them close to one another

[ hug ] sender slides both arms around receiver and clings to them

[ handshake ] sender and receiver shake hands and hold on to each other a little longer than intended

[ behind ] sender hugs receiver from behind and tucks against their body

[ sleep ] sender is asleep and reaches for receiver in the middle of the night

[ spoon ] while spooning, sender tangles their hands with receiver

[ tap ] sender appears behind receiver and taps their shoulder to let them know they're standing there

[ patch ] sender patches up a wound on receiver's body

[ propose ] after a successful proposal, sender slides the engagement ring onto receiver's finger

[ paint ] sender applies body paint to receiver's nude form

[ undress ] sender takes their time removing receiver's clothes piece by piece

[ cover ] sender shoves a hand over receiver's eyes, preventing them from witnessing a terrible sight

[ pillow ] sender pats the pillow next to them, encouraging receiver to climb in bed beside them

"They don’t deserve you—  I don’t deserve you.  But at least I’m aware of it."

It felt like her world was crumbling apart, well, as if it weren't already. She was used to being in the back light of everything her sister/family was. The great king and queen of the north nation that dominated many rural cities with a beautiful daughter which many swooned for— completely ignoring the younger princess that felt she should be just as qualified as her sister.. but she was given the curse of a weak body not capable of 'bearing the next royal generation' or something to be 'proud' of.

Everything lately just began as if it was getting worse and worse due to the start of her courting session a week or two ago. Many young men of different titles, if it be high or low, came to the castle to attempt their chances with her. Yet, somehow, all their conversations seemed to be about the castle or her older sister, leaving a bitter taste on her tongue. But, if any man even seemed to have a chance with her, the overbearing prince, Jeongguk, was quick to shoo them away. It's not like it truly mattered anyways. She knew none of them cared for her in ways she needed.

Today was yet another one of those parties— not one of courting, but a ball that invited a lot of neighboring nations for celebration of the upcoming spring season. As much as the blossom design was beautiful, she found herself sitting at her bedroom balcony. Her knees pressed to her chest, arms wrapped around her legs, and cheek leaning on top her knees to watch the setting sun. It was only more miserable that the one she truly seemed to love, who is engaged to her sister, is sitting beside her with his legs crossed in silence.

She felt like crying. Worthless, really. She wanted to run away and his words only encouraged the few sniffles that have been lingering. She always hated how sweet he was to her. How his kindness always read to something more when she should know better.

"I don't think you really get a say in that," she mumbles under her breath after a few beats. "You know my feelings for you, yet you choose to sit here and tease with me despite not returning them. You keep pushing courters away, but—"

"Wait are you jealous?"

"Jealous? Am I je— You didn't just.."

Today's camp mission entailed paired games of trust, alike to tug-a-rope and more. It excited her incredibly because she already was prepared to jump on the man she's been glued to the past few weeks.. until the coaches were announcing the pairs on their own. Of course, Jeongguk just had to be paired with one of the prettier girls and Jiwon given a quiet girl. She knew the girl he was paired with would be up to no good, forcing her mind to already cloud with horrible thoughts and slight glares.

The camper did prove her correct, too. The entire time she'd be sitting far too closely to him, grabbing at his bicep, pressing up against him, even bending over in front of him. Oh, she was losing it. The entire camp could probably see the dark cloud forming over her head if it were possible. It didn't exactly help that he was friendly.. a little too friendly. He didn't really nudge her away, tell her no, instead he was smiling and making jokes with her— that's probably what angered her the most.

How could he have finished between her legs and leave her leaking with his mess still then go smile at another girl? It made her feel incredibly dumb, believing that he most likely has been seeing other girls at the camp and Jiwon was simply an easy fuck because she was so willing.

And, eventually, she couldn't handle watching it anymore. She ended up storming off away from her partner to find the closest bathroom cabin to hide herself in— but, he just had to follow behind her, where she ignored his calls until he asked that stupid question that only frustrated her more.

"You literally fucked me in your bunker this morning and you're asking me if I'm jealous?" she questions, the door nearly slamming behind him as he brought their distance closer. Jiwon couldn't look at him. No, she was busying herself by running her fingers through her hair and finding something to fidget her hands with like the sink water. It— it didn't last long. Her negative emotions piled up the more she permitted her thoughts to go over what she had just seen between him and another camper. So, obviously, her mouth got the best of her.

"She- She was bending over for you and touching your arm, even basically sitting on your lap— and you were— you were practically fucking drooling over her. Why don't you go and fuck her in your bed instead if you enjoyed her attention so god damn much?"

"Stop—  it’s okay.  They’re not worth your anger.  Just kiss me."

She could feel the thumping bass of the music vibrating through her body, creating a pulsing energy that fills the room. The air is thick with the smell of sweat, alcohol, and perfume, mingling together in a familiar combination. Jiwon wasn't in the best state of mind from the vodka staining her veins— but she still felt she had the right to be as angry as she currently was, bubbling her drink through the straw as if it'd represent her feelings tipping over.

He had invited her, yes her, to this dumb party. She didn't know why she willingly decided to come with someone the school titles as the campus fuckboy, but their previous time together on this very couch encouraged her to simply ride the wave (or was it because of her temporary break from her boyfriend?). The worst part is that girls consistently kept dragging him away or sticking themselves quite literally in between them, and that's what she sat here fuming about beside him.

"Shouldn't you be focused on me?" the cheerleader finally spits out when she gets the opportunity to be without another between them. "You invited me, so wouldn't it only make sense to be here.. with me?"

"These girls keep coming over to you and you've hardly said anything to me." It's not that she was jealous.. she thinks so at least. She more so craved the attention to distract from the miserable things going on from her life, to which he has in the past assisted her with unknowingly after a truth or dare game.

She should be mad at his comment. How he shut her down and instead asked for the most likely fuckboy thing there is to ask, but it didn't make her mad. She only looked over at him as her fingers trailed along her naked thigh in attempt to bring her attention back to him.

"Are they making you uncomfortable?  I can do something about it."

He's similar to that of a lost puppy dog— an extremely handsome one. Ever since she's met him nearly a month ago, he's been trailing after her occasionally. If it be the odd meetings in the woods or him lingering around her store with notable excuses she's long picked up on. But, she secretly adored his company despite that. It seems whenever he's in her vicinity that she typically feels the most at ease; and that's something she finds herself giggling at when she's peeking at him, leaning over the front counter with whatever has occupied him as she's restocking the shelves on the other side of the store.

Her oogling this time, though, was interrupted by another man that frequented her shop. It had her looking up and away from Jeongguk to see the familiar features with an internal groan. She tuned him out along with all the odd flirting he'd shoot her way. The only thing she heard was- "What has you giggling so cutely? Did you miss me that much?" Her eyes rolled, he must've just walked in.

Jiwon attempted to squeeze away from, but the man decided to use his hand on one of the shelves to divide her from the only thing she found safe in the shop, and ultimately trapping her between his body and the bookshelf behind her. Her heart rate was increasing out of fear of the much taller figure keeping her in place. She didn't know what to do besides remain still and look down at her shoes.

At this rate the fast, distressed pacing and now whimpering in his head is either going to give him a headache or drive him crazy. It’s getting harder and harder for him to focus, the Alpha in him bothered by something but he’s not sure what. Swallowing again he tries to push the large black wolf to the back of his mind and focus on the human before him—though he’s not even sure why he wants to do that either when really he should be continuing his trek to town to find the so-called Bae family member to ensure they don’t encroach on his land. It’s an odd feeling; being caught between the sweet, calming scent of caramel drowning him in its essence and the worrying feeling swimming deep within him for the normally calm and relaxed Alpha who just can’t seem to calm down. And to be frank it’s kind of irritating. Because all he wants to do is take in the sweet scent—and with that thought the urge to bury his nose in her neck hits him hard and makes him inhale deeply which in itself was a mistake when he gets a big whiff of her scent that makes him almost feel drunk. There’s a tug, and then the howling starts and Jeongguk can’t just sit by and let this go on anymore. He’s zoning out for a moment, connecting to his wolf and trying to calm him down but it’s a futile attempt. The pacing, whimpers and howling keep going on and brings a dull ache to his temples. He’s about to snap when he hears her soft voice again, blinking a couple times as he peers at her. “It’s a small town.. everybody knows everybody,” He mutters in reply to her question, eyes taking her in features subconsciously until she’s speaking in a tease. His lips are pressed together, but he finds his body moving and doing what she said even if he knows he could really get going. Getting comfy on the ground his gaze flickers to her and sees her soft smile, and the pretty color of her eyes closer that seem to bewitch him. And then it happens. There’s another loud howl as his wolf runs laps in his head, seemingly trying to get to something. It’s followed by a harsh tug that almost makes him wince and then.. “MATE!” Jeongguk’s heart is dropping, dark eyes widening as he looks away from her quickly. She’s his mate? A human is his mate? That’s a bit of an issue. A human mate isn’t rare but they’re complicated; they almost always fear the wolf and it takes ages to get them used to them, and then comes the transforming bit. He’s almost bringing his hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose at the new information. Of course his luck would give him a human mate. “Jeon… Jeongguk,” He finally answers softly after a few beats as his wolf calms down now that he knows, but keeps whining about something he’s not sure about. His eyes are looking out at the water, processing what he learnt before glancing at her next to him. Her? She’s his soulmate?

The skies were beginning to canvas in a deep, brooding grey, a blanket of ominous clouds gathering along the treetops. Then the first crack of thunder rumbled through her, causing a flinch. The noise alone forced her heart rate to escalate in fear. She hadn't expected such a sudden booming noise to bring her back to full consciousness and away from the sweet delicacy of his voice tone. She was far too absorbed in everything that entailed him, and she didn't take notice of the weather around them. It entailed both comfort and unease. While she did find peace in light showers, the sounds were a phobia for her.

Since a young age, she found herself easily taken aback by new noises or louder areas. She always had to hide herself in quiet spaces to be able to think properly, which encouraged the girl to grow up utilizing her need to be alone. Over time, it eventually developed into a fear that didn't make logical sense. Sound? She's scared of sounds? Jiwon's never heard of anyone being scared of one of their basic senses. However, it was never anything she'd willingly admit out loud due to the embarrassment. She simply deemed it one of her more specific fears, like thunder.

Thus, naturally, her body leaned closer to the safest thing that came to mind: him. He was oozing with warmth and everything under the umbrella of ease. It was only a simple reaction to slide herself to the side until their legs were touching, just to feel the tingle he sent through her. Every time there was another beat of thunder, her heart would escalate, but afterward, his scent and their slight touch would flood her senses, which made her breathing slow down. Another thing she'd never admit — this random stranger was able to calm her in ways no one had.

"Jeon.." she paused to let his name sink in, enjoying the feeling it leaves on her tongue. Those few syllables repeated itself in her mind like a euphoric plague if that's a thing. "..Jeongguk."

Oh, did that feel nice. It felt like everything that she didn't know she needed stemmed from that one name. As if all those previous worries, stress, even the recent death of her father, nearly dissipated at the sound of his name. A warm tingle is spreading through her body in forms of tiny shakes at the feeling. She's quickly growing obsessed with the man beside her in such little time they've been in each other's presence. It has become something she can't seem to get enough of. "Jeongguk," she's repeating once again.

It took her a lot longer to properly respond to him due to the background thunder bringing bright streaks of white to the sky, and her running thoughts that consisted of nothing but tinges of cinnamon and spearmint. Obviously, he could be lying about his name — he is a stranger after all. He could be the one that ends her life or causes insane amounts trauma.. but, the emotions running through her skipped faster than any logical thinking.

"Jiwon. My name's Park Jiwon."

On the contrary, Jeongguk's feeling quite amused with the situation. There's this ghost of a smirk on his lips, leaning back in his seat as he crosses his arms on top of his stomach. His eyes are pinned to the cheerleader sitting across from him whom in all fairness, looks quite displeased at the situation. "Really? That's the best you could do?" He taunts her teasingly, purposely trying to get under her skin as per usual. There's something he likes about making her mad. "I hate all of my classes, and only like art." He answers after a moment with a lazy shrug of his shoulder. Wanting to take the topic of of class he continues with a question of his own, "What's something on your bucket list you want to check off this year?"

"I'm just reading off the paper," she remarks to him, silently scoffing. They've hardly known each other for more than a year or two, yet simply seeing his face across from her makes her fidget in her seat. Especially when he leans back in his own, pushing his legs further underneath the table and brushing against her thigh. She can feel her face flush slightly at the small touch, but she doesn't move away.

"Do people still make bucket lists?" the girl questions, somewhat puzzled. She had to think about it for a second as she looked over the small table between them, the top being scattered with their assignment papers. "I guess I'd like to try that spring retreat everyone talks about every year."

Why had he approached her again? Ah, right, that’s why. The overwhelming scent of sweet caramel with hints of vanilla. She smells like the sweetest candy, or like hot caramel drizzled over vanilla ice cream and it positively makes his mouth water. Jeongguk feels dazed, staring down at the woman sitting along the river bed and swipes his tongue over his bottom lip. It’s suffocating, the sweetness of it filling his senses and taking over everything else until all he can smell is caramel. A soft scoff leaves him at her words, arms crossing over his chest resulting in the strong biceps of his arms to flex. “I don’t know about that, but I...” His words trail off when she turns to face him, adam's apple bobbing as he gulps when she looks him in his eyes.  Her eyes… they’re beautiful, but an odd color for a human. The prettiest shade of purple that just about takes his breath away and makes his heart pound against his ribcage like it’s trying to escape its confines. He’s never one to get distracted when on a mission; he gets it done as fast as possible before then making his exit and returning back to his pack to continue his duties as the leader. Then confusion settles in, feeling his wolf seeming pacing around in distress in his head. Brushing it off he’s clearing his throat, hand threading through his long messy locks. Did he need something? Nothing in particular.. “Ah, no,” He answered after a beat, glancing towards the way he was running before back to her who had looked away from him. What does he say? He approached her without thinking about it, entirely enraptured by the sweetness that envelopes her. “I couldn’t help but wonder if you were lost, or new? People rarely come into the forest because of the.. rumors.” He continues carefully, wary he doesn’t reveal anything. As far as human’s know, the existence of his kind is just that—a rumor. He’s groaning mentally and the continuous pacing in his head only serves to bring back his earlier irritation. He can’t exactly start mind-linking his wolf with a human female in front of him, now could he? Instead he’s mustering up the tiniest, fake smile he could to mask that irritation bubbling beneath the surface. Sighing through his nose his gaze darts to the object of her fascination, spotting a flower that only originates in this forest (or so he’s been told by his pack doctor friend) before flicking back to her.

Jiwon's always been the type to be quite iron-hearted. The ones that can be quick in retaliations, rude comments, seemingly aloof— yeah, that stereotype. She's strongly independent and typically tries to take care of herself even if she knows very well she could use some assistance.. It didn't help that the one person she trusted had passed for unknowingly reasons; leaving her on her lonesome with nobody but the plants and books in her new store. Honestly, though, she felt as if that's all she really needed since humans can be annoying or too talkative.

Yet, here she was, struck speechless by some random man in the woods that smells so delicious it has her drooling delirious mentally. The way she wanted nothing but to consume every bit of his aroma, to nestle herself until she becomes absorbed by it and to stay there for months on end. It all has her body shivering in the slightest by the need to be touched by him; but at the same time she felt like running away to the opposite ends of the forest as far as she could get.

Something inside of her was tugging incredibly harsh in his direction— painfully, as if it's screeching at her to do something. Whatever it is causing a few coughs from her dry throat.

"What if I am new?" she's speaking quieter now. "I may be new but it seems everyone in town already knows me." She wasn't sure who he was or where he came from. The only thing she knew is that she felt at ease in his presence. That having him around would lead to her safety no matter what the danger could be.. and maybe that's all she really needed to make the dumb choices she is.

"Why don't you come sit by me? Maybe you'll be lucky enough to be my first friend," an obvious tease. The man didn't really say much, but he did as she had requested by planting himself on the patch of grass right beside her, causing her to look at him with a brighter smile.

The proof of just how comfortable she feels in the moment is proven even more at her realization of her eye color. Her father had always spoke of even more myths at how those born with purple eyes are of an extinct existence, the representation being that of those with pure hearts. She always found it dumb— especially with the bullying and teasing that followed to the point she always wore colored contacts.. besides now.

After having learnt of the rumor circulating the pack Jeongguk had decided to go and check out or to either confirm or deny the allegation. Hoseok, his third in command, came with him though they split up to go separate ways when they encountered the fork in the forest. As soon as he took off, he shifted into his wolf form; a massive black wolf with some white spots on him. Tufts of fur on his chest and paws give him a little more color. He’s fast, faster than most werewolves and Alpha’s alike though he never questioned it. His brain always chalked it up to him doing more training when he was younger, but he’s got no definite answer and he’s not too worried to find out. Taehyung was left in charge at the pack, Jimin continuing his duty to train the young pups until the allotted time they had set was over. Jeongguk’s irritated. He thought he was done with the Park family, and thought it was over when he killed the old corrupted Alpha when he was 17 after challenging the older male to a fight that he had inevitably lost. Thus he can only hope that problematic family stays far away from his land or he will not hesitate taking them down like he did that old man. Breathing a deep sigh through his muzzle, he’s dashing and weaving between trees, dark crimson eyes narrowed straight ahead as he aims for the line where the forest and the town separate. And then he comes to a screeching halt. Lifting his nose into the air he’s taking a sniff, sure he smelt it wrong but no. There’s this sweet scent mixing in with a soft scent of the dew on the grass as it continues to drizzle. Puzzled and yet intoxicated, he’s following the scent like a Pied Piper before hiding behind a line of trees and shifting back to his human form. The cold red of his eyes melt into a sweet brown, muscled body crouched down by the trees as he reaches under and pulls out a bag. See, as when werewolves shift their clothing rip, his pack made it a mission to leave small bags of clothes hidden under trees and marking them to let them know which ones. Thankfully, one of the ones he’d stopped by had that. Quickly, he’s dressing in the clothing in the bag; underwear, athletic shorts and an oversized white t-shirt that he already knows will eventually become slightly see-through thanks to the light rain. Standing to his full nearly 6-foot height he’s stepping out from the trees and ultimately stepping on a branch which echoes a crack. He’s freezing for a moment, dark eyes pinned to the crouching figure before him. Seeing no sign of them having heard him, he’s creeping up on them further and peering at her. The ‘them’ is actually a ‘she’, he soon realizes as he got closer. And as he does he realizes the scent he caught earlier got stronger—thicker in the air and almost taking up all of his senses. Who is she? And why does she smell that good? Finally, he decides to speak up, “Excuse me.. miss?”

It's as if by mere miracle— or destiny (as most would say)— she's discovered a flower her father long told her tales of. The delicate green stem tainted darker near the ends, a beautiful flower with nine petals that begin white then slowly dye pink and dark red at the ends. She never believed it to be true.. a flower with such specific detail. It has her engrossed by the way she's running her fingers over the soft leaves. So engrossed, per say, that she's kicked off her dirty converse to sink her legs into the river, sitting beside a rock to collect a few more of those very flowers into her notebook.

"A la foile," to insanity, she's mumbling to herself. The myths of how consuming or smelling this flower can lead even the largest of beasts into a frenzy. An idiotic frenzy of love or heated emotions, yet her father always stressed it only encouraged ideals that were already there. She finds herself smiling and shaking her head at the thought— at least until she's flinching at a deep voice snapping her from her small trance.

"If you're going to be another person to tell me some dumb tale about a thirty-foot wolf that haunts the forest.. you can exit, sir." She spoke this in a taunt towards his 'miss' without bothering to look up at him at first. Instead, she's heaving out a small sigh, closing her notebook with the flowers inside and feeling strongly irritated at how he bothered her in the first place. "I can take care of myself," is what she says.. but they both know her lack of realization of him walking up to her proves otherwise.

It wasn't until she realized he didn't plan on going anywhere any time soon that she slowly looked up towards him. His standing figure towered over her sitting one, the sweet smell of cinnamon singed with touches of spearmint burning at her eyes with the strength of it; yet it still feels so warm and sweet, comforting, really. She found herself naturally leaning towards the intoxicating aroma while their eyes locked together.

She could have sworn his eyes hued to shades of blood-red, but wiping the rain from her eyelashes revealed darker tones of brown instead. Her heart is thudding.. loudly.. she feels sick.

It must be the flowers' mythical scent all around her, so she forces herself to look away from the unknown male to return her focus to the river that her legs were dipped in to.

Children's laughter and the sound of sparring ring through the young Alpha’s ears, dark chocolate eyes locked on to the young pups training. Jimin stood coaching them, ending the spar if he deems it got too rough or they did good enough. Looking up his eyes catch sight of the long haired alpha off to the side, arms crossed over his chest as he observes the fighting between the young werewolves of the Crimson Moon Pack.  “Alpha,” He’s greeting after a moment, tiny heads swiveling around to catch sight of the otherwise elusive leader of their pack. Excitement can be seen in their eyes, awe painted on their expression as the fairly large man steps forward to his main guard. His expression in stone, no emotion slipping from his carefully crafted mask he’d been wearing since he took over the pack—reigning with a strict hand but fairness and kindness. Nothing at all like the past Alpha. “Jimin. What’s the report?” Jeongguk’s asking as soon as he makes it to the blonde’s side, the dark haired male glancing at the in-awe pups out of the corner of his eye. Noticing how they’d all ceased training, the elder male turns back to them, “Who told you to stop training because the Alpha is here? Get back to work,” He scolds, turning back to his close friend afterward and relaying the progress of each of the pups. They’re children of all ages; down to the ages of seven and up, female and male. That’s another thing that had changed when the young Jeon took over; there’s now equality in gender. Males could work with the pack doctor, as previously they we’re ridiculed as it was a ‘female’s job’ and female’s could now be warriors in the pack. There were no set gender roles, women and men can do what they like without feeling looked down upon. And that’s how it should’ve been from the start, Jeongguk thinks. As Jimin is talking about one of the female pups, the loud voice of his Beta can be heard as he yells for the younger. Immediately Jeongguk’s heaving a sigh, body turning around to face the frantically running Kim Taehyung who only screeches to a halt when stood before the other two. Breathlessly, he’s bowing at the waist, lingering longer than usual to catch his breath before standing up straight and looking the raven haired male in the eyes. “Alpha,” he starts, sounding a little winded as he takes a couple deep breaths.  “There’s a rumor going around that a member of the old Alpha’s family is in town.” He finally gets out. Jeongguk’s still for a moment, staring Taehyung down with hard, cold eyes before his eyebrow is raising and his jaw’s ticking in irritation. “I see..”

Pitter, Patter..

The air is already beginning to reek that of rain and mildew amongst the small town; aromas from the nearby forest sweeping down the small mountains. Her favorite kind of weather, really. The one where the sun's obnoxious rays are over-casted by muted fogs that frequent her new home. It was in that idea alone that she could no longer remain in the old shop of her ancestors, buried in piles of dusted books that scattered the creaky-wooden floors for the past several days.

She decided to take the opportunity to wander the midst of this mysterious town. After-all, that nearby forest has been beckoning her ever since she's arrived— as if pleading her to walk along the dirt paths. So, she gave in. She's putting on a dark black jacket with a hood to cover her long hair, and simple denim jeans that clung to her thighs a little too tight. Quite frankly she had forgotten an umbrella, bag, or phone due to her growing curiosity of need to discover more of this.. wooded area.

But, curiosity often leads to trouble.

The light drizzle is already tainting at her cheeks and hood— her mind busy with skipping past the walking pedestrians that attempted to greet her or warn her of where she's headed.. which, obviously, she went into anyways. Wolf-like beasts? These people are full of odd myths. She feels a slight scoff at such an idea of make-belief.

Time had pushed by quickly from then on. She's long occupied with the slightly damp notebook where she's scribbling down various native plants/herbs that reside.. even finding rare ones she's only ever heard rumors about yet could recognize quickly.

Jiwon was quiet the entire time she's paced further and further into the thick area, her scent brushing off her shoulders from the brief winds and rain carrying behind her. She wasn't paying mind to safety or anything alike. No, she was far too much engrossed in the delicates growing alongside a river path.

Already, Jeongguk concludes, the girl is not making a good impression. The mint-haired male arrived at the disgustingly bright café nearly at the arranged time to a T. He’d sat down, and simply kept himself busy by tapping his fingers on the table, ordering a drink and fucking around on his phone. When it got to ten minutes after the agreed time, then the complaints started pouring out in the form of irritated text messages to the ones who arranged the god forsaken blind date. That was when the idea of getting up and leaving occurred, figuring he had been stood up and he was not about to sit around and make a fool of himself when he could be at home continuing on a project he had started the night before for a regular customer of his. Already the bright fluorescent lights are hurting his eyes, the lively chatter around the building causing him to once again sigh heavily as he shrinks in his seat—almost like he’s trying to hide his large form from any curious stares. And yet, he remains seated, as per his friend's request.  However, he didn't stay because Jimin had kindly requested and made plausible excuses for his date. No. He’s staying simply because he knows damn well that had his ass gotten up and hightailed it out of the bright monstrosity, he’d never hear the end from the other two. They’d hold it over his head, randomly remind him of, “Hey, remember that time you bailed on the date we set for your lonely ass?” and even just hearing their scolding in his head was enough to make the male scrunch his nose and shake his head. As time continues to tick on, he’s nursing his drink that has now gotten cold and playing a mobile game on his phone out of sheer boredom. He’s really convinced at this point he’d been stood up and frankly, he’s a little irritated that he’s now been sitting in this same spot for the past twenty-five minutes. Exiting out of the game, he goes back to the group chat and tells them she still hasn’t arrived. When it’s almost half-hour after their meeting time, the two finally cave and hope rises in him, drinking the rest of his order to prepare to leave. But before he can get up and leave, there’s a soft voice speaking through a stutter. Freezing mid-swallow, wide doe eyes shoot up to rest on the female before he’s pulling the mug from his lip and swiping his tongue over them to catch any drops. Slowly he’s setting down the cup before turning his gaze up to her, eyes dancing over her and taking in her appearance. She’s kind of… messy, yet still cute. There doesn’t seem to be much of an effort with her outfit, nothing like his own which consists of black ripped skinny jeans, a fairly see-through top which subtly shows off the tattoos on his chest and ribcage, finally it’s topped off with a leather jacket, accessories and combat boots. As he looks at her, he concludes he can look past that—she probably didn’t want to attend the date just as much as he didn’t. However, his eyes soon catch on purple and blue spots on her cheek and he gnaws on his lip, wondering if he should mention it. Though he snaps out of it when he catches sight of her freezing as she sits in front of him. Furrowing his eyebrows, his teeth play with his lip piercing before clearing his throat. “I’m just going to assume you’re Jiwon,” He finally utters his first words of the day, leaning back on the seat after realizing there's no possible way for him to escape now. “It’s alright… It happens—at least you showed up.” He mutters, not letting her know of his earlier annoyance that still lingers. “It’s nice to meet you but… Uhm, before anything I should let you know you have a little…” He’s pointing at his cheek, eyes still glancing at the bright spots.

She knows she's obviously not making a good impression.

She can hear it in his tone of voice, that slight irritated undertone and it makes her second guess the decision on showing up in the first place. The only thing preventing her from running away from the café's oddly clean booth, was the various images of his face casting questions inside her head. That alone was the single string keeping her tied to an eternity of a nightmare in some pastel chair that irked her to no end. That string is becoming more thin by the second, though.

The finger pointing along his cheek made her gaze trail down in a little bit of confusion—until it hit her. She'd never admit the embarrassment riddling through her. How her eyes grew a little wider for the split second it took a heavy flush to roll over her pale-like features. Her hand is instantly reaching to cup the cheek he's motioned for, fingers wiping until she can feel the crust of dry paint along her skin. The girl feels quite stupid at the realization she didn't glance once at the mirror before leaving (she's not one to privy to makeup in the first place, so why bother checking her face?). Jiwon eventually tumbled out of her still lingering embarrassment to grab at the tissue roll sitting at the end of the table by the window, using the thin sheets to wipe at her cheek until she could get as much off as she good, a gentle huff peeking out from her cheeks.

After that.. she had no idea what to say. She felt.. idiotic, a lot of things really. She had this very attractive man sitting in-front of her, well dressed, annoyed at her tardiness and probably regretting he showed up in the first place. All while she was a mess by the rubbed paint, lack of makeup- lack of anything feminine really. What was he doing going on a blind date with someone like her? It made her heart sink; and she knew others were glancing over at the two, especially the girls in a corner table most likely googling over his good looks and teasing at her messiness. She couldn't even look him in the eye, instead skipping her gaze over his jawline and chin to avoid it all together.

"I— do you—"

Jiwon's words were interrupted by the waiter coming across to their table to greet her arrival. She could only give them a meek smile in response to their sly jokes and friendliness. It took a few minutes, but she finally decided just to order a small strawberry shake as if the sugar would drown out her thoughts and make the world a little bit more quiet. Once the server left with her order, she's back to feeling out of place and looking over his collarbone in cluelessness.

"I.. I haven't.. I wasn't ready to go on a date. I'm sorry to waste you time. I don't really do things like these and I was just— trying to help make my friend happy, she loves to play matchmaker and she's been telling me about you for weeks," she weakly admits to the boy in front of her. "So, I'd.. understand if you'd rather be somewhere else right now than here."

This is not how Jeongguk would have thought he'd spend his day off. He’s standing across from a quaint café, staring up at the clear blue sky with gentle winds trying to muss up his neat mint hair that he’s got tucked behind his ear. Dark brown eyes flicker over the clouds before gradually falling to rest on the building, shoulders rising and dropping with a heavy sigh. For a moment he contemplates getting back on his motorcycle—even going as far as turning his head to face the said ride—but he’s taking the first hesitant step to cross the road, eyes darting from left to right before he’s jogging over to stand in front of the fairly cute meeting place. He even goes as far as tugging his phone out of the pocket of his tight black ripped skinny jeans, and unlocking it to read the message his dear friend Hoseok sent him. Why the young male is so iffy about this particular meeting is, to put it simply, he was set up on a blind date. He knew nothing about the woman, simply that she apparently is friends with someone Hoseok knows and the two ultimately set them both up on a blind date. He hadn’t agreed, of course. It was pushed on him by Hoseok and then Jimin, who tried his damn hardest to convince the male that he needed to get out on a date. And, okay, fair. He can see where his friends are coming from as currently his life only comprises work, and maybe the odd outing with his group of friends. He hasn’t seen a woman in… maybe years at this point, but he’s also not too fussed about getting into a relationship. Locking the device in his hand, he’s pushing it back into his jeans and standing up straighter with a soft exhale while fixing his leather jacket. He stands there for a one more moment, staring off into the window of the café before finally moving his boot-clad feet to the front door, pushing it open and ignoring the looks he got as he entered. He really doesn’t quite fit the vibe of the cute place, all dark and leather and not… bright like his current surroundings. Why had his friends chosen this location again? He grumbles under his breath, gaze darting around to look for any woman who may be sitting alone but in the end comes up empty. So, instead he finds the closest empty table and sits down on the chair, slightly leaning back before taking his phone back out of his pocket to give Jimin his oh-so-wanted update; letting him know she hasn’t arrived yet and currently (in his words) ‘looks like an idiot sitting in this ridiculous coffee shop’. All he gets in reply are words of reassurance, but he simply reads the messages before setting it face down on the table and crossing his arms, directing his gaze to the shop's front window—thankful he had managed to snag a window seat.

Oh, she's late.

It was only natural that she managed to finally get a decent night's sleep on the one day that it truly mattered. Well, it didn't matter to her—but obviously if her lone friend had anything to say about it, it'd consist of degrading terms of how she's never visited a man, that she's too pretty to be sleeping alone in her apartment—so, one could guess that it mattered in a sense. A sense that she's not exactly requesting that very friend to tug on her ear like they're scolding a child.

She had been woken up by a streak of luck, a gentle ache riding along her spine as she'd passed out on her desk (nothing abnormal). It wasn't until she glanced at the digital clock ticking two minutes past the meeting time for her.. blind date, that she stood up quickly with wide eyes, the chair falling back onto the wood flooring with a loud thud. "Oh, you've got to be fucking kidding me."

Fifteen? Twenty? minutes must have passed of the girl pacing back and forth through the messy studio; nearly tripping over almost basically anything. She's gone through the bathroom, the closet, essentially everything in the space in order to muster herself up semi-presentable for whatever terrible nightmare was lurking in the cafe waiting for her. Now, she can already hear it— that irritating friend wondering why she didn't go with the glitz and glam dress they had bought for her merely a few days ago just for the occasion. But, the thought made her eyes roll. If she was going to appear as anything for this dreadful day, it was going to be herself in hopes to scare off the man from invading her personal time more than he already was.

Alas, though, she ran her way through the brisk wind to at least make it to the desired meeting within thirty minutes; obviously just to evade any scoldings later down the road. And, yet another streak of luck, she did make it.

If making it is what you'd call that.

Jiwon had stepped into the oddly brightly colored cafe, her nose scrunching in slight distaste. She didn't fit in either just by the views of customers glancing at her appearance by the front door. The girl adorned her legs with nothing but denim shorts that barely covered the parts it needed; because there was a dark grey over-sized hoodie to take care of the rest of the problem. Seems normal? At least until you'd notice her hair is still tucked into the hoodie from when she had pulled it on, and the dark rimmed glasses that adjusted themselves onto her nose.. not to mention the smudge of purple and blue paint on her cheek.

"A-are you?" of course he was. "I'm sorry I'm late I— I slept in. I'm sure that's not really a good excuse though, huh?" her voice was nearly above a whisper, settling herself into the opposite side of the booth with a shy smile.

how cute... i love you more, rya.