⡴ 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑙𝑢𝑛𝑎𝑟𝑦 ݁ ˖

                  and   despite   the   question   posed   ,   he   pulls   back   ,   gaze   trailing   down   to   tinted   lips   he   can't   deny   temptation   from.   there   weren't   many   moments   where   he'd   thought   about   it   before   —   kissing   athena   —   but   there's   too   many   factors   beneath   the   night   that   weaken   him   and   witnessing   the   woman   cross   the   line   for   the   first   time   tonight   is   merely   one   of   them , if not the greatest.   graceful   fingers   brush   along   the   curve   of   her   jaw   before   they   settle   on   her   neck   ,   and   jaeha only looks up at her once before he   leans   in   ,   directing   her   head   towards   his   own   until   his   lips   finally   press   against   hers.  

                and    he    kisses    her    —    a    kiss    that    elicits    tingles    to    wash    down    spinal    cord    as    posture    straightens    at    his    touch.    a    familiar    warmth    blooming    in    depths    of    abdomen    as    own    manicured    palm    finds    purchase    at    nape    of    neck,    french    tips    toying    with    raven    tresses    with    taste    of    cheap    beer    strong    on    their    tongues    but    unwilling    to    forfeit    the    intoxication    of    it    all.    it    was    deeper    than    anyone    had    kissed    her    before,    far    more    comfortable    despite    never    once    laying    pink    petals    on    others    before    —    considers    their    years    of    friendship    to    be    a    cause.    palm    presses    against    chest    only    slightly    pushing    him    away    from    wetted    petals    as    kittenish    beam    decorates    pretty    features.    ❛    good    is    one    way    to    describe    it.    ❜    comments    of    skills    teasingly    so,    irises    still    flickering    from    shimmer    on    brims    she's    caused    to    darkened    orbs.    ❛    are    you    sure    they    were    saying    youre    good    at    this    ...    ?    ❜

𓄹  𓂃 ♡  ࣪ ׅ  𖥻    it's   almost   pathetic   how   she   manages   to   neglect   her   own   needs   in   favor   of   his.   she   wears   her   heart   on   her   sleeve   and   wears   the   hurt   there   too.   the   cycle   the   pair   finds   themselves   in   is   a   dead   end   and   for   once   does   ash   hope   to   prioritize   own   selfishness.   she   never   does.    ❛    what   is   multiple   persons   supposed   to   mean   ?   are   you   hinting   at   a   party   or   a   threesome   ?   i   don't   get   why   you   need   to   be   so   vague   all   the   time   !   i'm   your   best   friend.    ❜    the   reminder   she   manages   to   slip   is   nothing   but   casual,   although   she's   certain   the   implication   behind   syllables   won't   go   noticed.   the   term   best   friend   settles   uncomfortably   on   her   tongue,   clawing   at   the   margins   of   her   throat   with   the   weight   of   wanting   to   develop   into   something   further.   something   real.   only   for   a   moment   does   she   allow   herself   to   muse   a   reality   that   wasn't  her   own.    ❛    whether   or   not   i   see   you   like   this   doesn't   change   the   fact   that   you'll   drink   yourself   stupid   and   i'll   be   aware   of   it.    ❜    a   harsh   truth   spoken   from   little   patience   in   preserving   his   own   wishes.   she   licks   her   lips   and   tastes   tears.    ❛    can't   you   see   how   dangerous   this   is   for   you,   or   how   much   it   worries   me   ?    ❜    does   he   even   care   ?

🌿   ⠞  ₊  ˚  ꔛ   ❛    because.    ❜    chassis    burdensome    with    the    toxins    that    pool    in    abdomen,    soles    dragging    on    polished    wood    to    close    much    too    large    space    between    them.    scent    of    liqueur    that    once    infiltrated    nares    now    mingling    and    overshadowed    by    citrus    scent    that    adorns    petite    frame    mere    centimeters    before    him.    a    fragrance    so    heavenly,    that    would    awaken    him    in    deepest    of    slumbers,    even    now    when    weight    of    habits    burden    eyelids.    ❛    you're    too    good    for    me.    ❜    palms    cup    apples    of    cheeks    that    are    dusted    an    apricot    hue,    loose    strands    of    mane    enveloped    in    his    grasp.    ❛    you're    too    good    and    kind    and    sweet    for    all    the    obscenities    of    the    world    —    and    so    i    need    to    be    as    vague    as    can    be    to    protect    your    pretty    little    head.    ❜    he's    genuine,    even    if    tangent    is    expressed    with    curl    of    petals    that    express    otherwise,    breath    tainted    with    whatever    concoction    homme    could    get    wealthy    fingers    on.    same    ones    that    tuck    strand    behind    conch    as    reddened    orbs    survey    pretty    countenance    —    had    long    acknowledged    what    a    light    of    sunshine    she    was    on    rather    gloomy    livelihood.    would    repeat    every    night    just    before    bed    just    how    undeserving    he    was    of    her    as    if    juvenescence    counting    sheep.    ❛    you    shouldnt    even    be    here,    ash.    ❜    serene    state    is    dropped    in    an    instant    with    accusatory    tone    thats    echoing    in    cerebrum,    palms    following    in    suit.    ❛    you    wouldnt    have    to    worry    if    you    just    minded    your    business    —    stood    home,    studied,    do    something    other    than    think    about    me    for    a    change    !    ❜

𓄹  𓂃 ♡  ࣪ ׅ  𖥻     the   midnight   train   and   all   of   it's   dim   lighting   and   worn   seats   provide   a   comfort   that   the   limousines   she   spent   her   upbringing   ushered   between   never   offered.   it's   her   first   loss   in   the   last   eighteen   months.   what   was   deemed   a   night   to   remember   had   quickly   transformed  into   a   night   she'd   never   be   able   to   forget.   the   bile   stored   in   her   throat   is   a   testament   to   the   disappointment   she   feels   and   only   leaves behind   a   greater   wound.   feverish   warmth   of   her   forehead   lessening   as   skin   makes   contact   with   the   window   only   lasts   so   long   until   a   timid   voice   cuts   through   her   reverie.    ❛    sure.    ❜    the   response   is   involuntary   and   for a moment, she   almost   doubts   it   even   came   from   her   ;   brunette   never   really had   a   reputation   of   forfeiting   what   was   hers,   anyway.   she's   quick   to   collect   minimal   belongings   and   allow   the   other   to   settle   into   the   seat.   doesn't   go   without   noticing   the   evident   unease   on   otherwise   delicate   features.   pretty   features.    ❛    terrible   with   what,   trains   ?   i   don't   think   i've   heard   of   train   phobia   before.   why   take   the   night   train   if   you're   scared   ?   want   me   to   stay   awake   and   protect   you   ?    ❜    teasing,   of   course.

🌿   ⠞  ₊  ˚  ꔛ   in    her    endeavors    to    be    sole    champion,    ballerina    takes    the    midnight    train    in    her    lonesome.    lineage    never    truly    adhering    to    daughters    likes    and    skills    but    instead    favoring    eldest    son    —    one    sworn    to    take    family    crown    and    jewels    alike    while    raven    beauty    grapples    for    even    a    sliver    of    their    attention    with    mauve    tints    that    decorate    milky    dermis    from    taxing    nights    in    training    room.    was    a    white    dove    yet    to    be    held    captive,    merely    soaring    cerulean    skies    as    she    pleases.    ❛    it's    the    only    one    connecting    to    where    i'm    going.    it's    a    real    thing    you    know...    ❜    french    tips    forage    peony    pink    duffel    momentarily    as    words    are    drawn    from    plump    brims    coated    a    iridescent    opal.    ❛    train    phobias.    have    you    seen    train    to    busan    ?    if    you    go    breaking    out    into    a    zombie    on    me    just    know    i    took    taekwondo    in    elementary    school.    i    could    so    take    you    down.    ❜    spirited    glint    shimmers    in    obsidians    as    pompompurin    blanket    once    neatly    folded    in    belongings    is    now    aired    out,    sheathing    petite    frame    from    vents    that    recycle    crisp    air.    simple    exchange    of    dialogue    with    a    stranger    —    prettier    than    most,    might    she    add    —    is    enough    to    cease    anxiety    that    brews    in    abdomen.    fixation    on    woodland    scenery    just    outside    window    becoming    secondary    to    her    as    curiosity    now    settles    on    cherubic    figure    beside    her.    ❛    why    are    you    taking    the    night    train    ?    ❜    inquiry    now    posed    for    opposite    with    brow    that    arches    inquisitively    so.    ❛    not    sure    yet    ...    still    cant    tell    if    youre    one    of    them    or    not    ...    ❜

🍥  …  ♡  ʾ  ౿ 𓈒     she   feigns   a   look   of   disgust   that's   accentuated   by   a   grimace   that   colors   her   expression.    ❛    please   don't   insinuate   i'd   be   wasting   my   time   here   flirting   with   you   —   we're   in   public.   someone   might   overthink   and   get   the   wrong   idea.    ❜    except   for   the   fact   that   the   situation   is   incriminating   ;   she's   doing   exactly   that.   whether   or   not   she   despises   self   for   it   is   neither   here   nor   there.    ❛    this   whole   business   is   standing   because   of   my   flirting   with   patrons,   actually.   i   thought   you   would   know,   since   you   go   around   handing   out   your   own   business   cards.    ❜    there's   no   need   to   elaborate   further.   a   lull   settles   over   them   despite   the   offensive   bass   reverberating   throughout   club.   the   truth   is   getting   more   difficult   for   her   to   run   away   from.   it's   obvious   in   the   way   he's   the   sole   person   present   who's   managed   to   capture   her   attention.   wonders   if   it   has   something   to   do   with   the   way   she   can   never   hold   his.    ❛    why   are   you   trying   to   get   rid   of   me   so   soon   ?   i'm   sure   those   cokehead   friends   of   yours   can   wait   a   minute   or   two   so   you   can   tell   me   you   missed   me.    ❜

🌿   ⠞  ₊  ˚  ꔛ   in   a   congested   nightclub   where   dancers   pirouette   from   silver   poles   and   nasal   tips   are   dusted   a   powdery   white   with   incriminating   business   he   runs,   does   darling   before   him   with   pampered   disposition   illicit   a   simper   from   dealer.   ❛   oh,   come   on...   ❜   silhouette   facing   raven   beauty   painted   against   backdrop   of   nightclub   patrons,   brows   knitting   with   glowering   expression   decorating   countenance.   ❛   so   you're   telling   me   you   flirt   with   everyone   in   this   building...   that's   real   tough   to   hear   —   here   i   thought   i   was   special.   ❜   he   sucks   on   pearly   whites   as   petals   press   against   glass   housing   brown   liquor,   line   of   sight   fixated   on   beauty   as   cranium   is   thrown   back   and   liquid   coats   lengths   of   esophagus.   he   was   special   ...   what   they   had   was   special   —   knew   that   much   from   nights   holed   up   in   various   corners   of   business.   his   exchanges   of   narcotics   for   hard   cash   a   background   task   as   his   main   focus   always   remained   on   her;   performances,   interactions,   every   minute   second   she   had   his   attention   ...   they   both   knew   it.   ❛   cant   actually   —   coke   makes   them   a   little   antsy.   had   i   been   selling   some   xanax   tonight   maybe   then   i   could   sit   and   have   this   one   on   one   chat   with   you.   think   dude   with   the   bear   belly   over   there   is   requesting   your   assistance...   why   dont   you   go   and   flirt   with   him   for   the   night.   ❜

🍥  …  ♡  ʾ  ౿ 𓈒    the   scent   of   alcohol   lingers   from   his   clothes   and   replaces   the   warmth   his   cologne   once   had   to   offer.   a   detail   she   had   always   felt   so   insecure   for   noticing,   never   voicing   her   appreciation   for   something   so   minute   but   wishing   now   more   than   ever   to   smell   amber   over   whisky.    ❛    i'm   just   making   sure   you're   okay   and   not   passed   out   on   the   side   of   a   curb   somewhere.    ❜    a   redundant   response,   since   she   knows   her   place   more   than   anyone.   knows   how   low   she   falls   on   the   list   of   priorities.   she's   just   waiting   for   him   to   remind   her   that   he   can   handle   himself   without   her   worrying.    ❛    were   you,   um,   with   someone   ?   or   just   out   at   some   bar    ?    ❜    she   hates   the   fact   that   she   even   takes   a   chance,   inquiring   about   subjects   she   already   possesses   answers   to.

🌿   ⠞  ₊  ˚  ꔛ   somehow,   in   depths   of   plastered   cerebrum,   does   he   believe   being   passed   out   on   the   side   of   a   curb   somewhere   to   be   superior   than   dealing   with   whatever   this   was   —   someone,   the   personification   of   aphrodite's   daughter   he   had   measured   not   too   long   ago,   worrying   about   him   for   once   in   livelihood   ...   what   a   rare   occurrence   it   was.   an   uncertainty   brewing   in   abdomen   and   mixing   with   the   liquor   that   pools   there   a   cauldron   for   mixed   feelings   that   consume   fuzzy   cranium   entirely.   ❛   i   was   with   someone   —   i   was   with   multiple   someones.   ❜   temple   is   pressing   into   raised   limb   thats   pressed   against   wall,   whole   room   spinning   around   him   as   he   unearths   his   only   strength   in   leaning   against   ivory   paint.   ❛   it's   like   four   in   the   morning,   ash.   you   shouldn't   be   here   ...   i   told   you   i   don't   need   someone   checking   up   on   me.   i   hate   when   you   see   me   like   this.   ❜   it   was   more   for   his   sake,   lack   of   knowledge   on   his   late   night   activities   meaning   less   of   this   —   less   worrying,   less   sadness   he   can   practically   feel   radiating   off   silky   dermis.   little   desire   for   him   to   be   remembered   as   some   drunk   in   her   mind,   wanting   to   hold   on   to   what   little   dignity   he   had   left   in   how   she   envisioned   him.   

🍥  …  ♡  ʾ  ౿ 𓈒    the   dim   lighting   of   the   club's   interior   does   nothing   to   deflect   noah   from   the   figure   she's   grown   accustomed   to   over   the   course   of   several   months.   even   with   the   many   distractions   that   present   themselves,   irises   are   fixated   on   him   as   she   beelines   through   crowd   of   foreign   bodies,   aiming   solely   to   be   in   his   proximity.   ignoring   the   threats   of   superiors   that   urge   her   to    just    get   back   to   her   damn   job.     ❛    i   haven't   seen   your   handsome   face   around   here   in   a   while   —   you   better   have   a   good   excuse.   i   would   hate   to   think   you   were   avoiding   me.    ❜

🌿   ⠞  ₊  ˚  ꔛ   rock   glass   ghosts   petals,   frame   crowding   bar   for   a   duration   of   time   becoming   his   own   domain.   his   secondary   gig   to   day   job   —   patronage   bustling   towards   illuminated   countertop   for   their   fix   of   the   night   before   vanishing   into   crowd   of   bumbling   bodies   leaving   dealer   in   his   lonesome   to   sip   at   concoction   brewing   in   chalice.   being   life   of   the   party   his   least   of   concerns   ...   irises   littered   with   dollar   signs   as   business   is   ever   so   hustling.   at   resonance   of   other   does   straight   posture   falter,   neck   craning   towards   stained   tabletop   studying   mixed   drink   so   as   to   avoid   eye   contact.   ❛   i   thought   flirting   with   patrons   was   strictly   prohibited   on   the   clock   ?   ❜   ignores   spirit   of   inquiry,   his   excuse   being   her   mere   existence.   had   ruled   her   presence   to   be   a   distraction   from   business   to   be   pursued,   succumbing   to   her   was   easy   —   falling   in   love   the   last   thing   he   desired   and   was   she   ever   so   temping.   ❛   i'm   almost   certain   there's   other   people   in   here   who   would   appreciate   someone   pretty   breaking   the   rules   for   them   more   than   i   ever   could   ...   sure   you   could   find   one   easily.   ❜

                     he   leans   in   just   as   she   does   ,   jaeha   becoming   quite   the   pro   at   mirroring   his   opposite's   body   language   in   an   effort   to   naturally   charm   them.   though   ,   her   words   are   wonderfully   teasing   and   he   witnesses   the   way   she   pulls   back   and   offers   her   puckish   gaze.   “   why's   that   ?   ”   he   can't   help   but   play   along   ,   “   since   when   do   you   have   to   be   friends   with   someone   to   enjoy   them   ?   ”   he   could   reminisce   on   a   time   or   two   of   his   own   where   that   hadn't   been   the   case.   besides   ,   wasn't   being   friends   the   common   evil   in   complicated   blurring   lines   anyways   ?   he   tilts   his   head   at   her   prodding   and   slowly   swirls   the   red   cup   in   the   space   between   his   legs.   “   i   can't   do   it   ,   ”   he   says   ,   there's   a   faint   shake   of   his   head   and   a   sudden   sentiment   in   the   way   he   looks   at   his   friend.   “   i   can't   ,   because   i   don't   know   if   i   can   make   that   same   promise   to   you   .   .   ”

🌿   ⠞  ₊  ˚  ꔛ   gaze   is   transfixed   on   countenance   for   what   she   deems   an   eternity,   deciphering   being   opposite   as   a   whole   in   depths   of   cerebrum.   despite   knowing   one   another   for   multiple   trips   around   glowing   sphere   that   is   sun,   couldnt   cease   the   sense   that   blossoms   in   abdomen   that   duo   were   now   caught   in   wicked   game   of   cat   and   mouse   —   who   to   be   assigned   which   role   still   lingering   in   the   space   between   them.   he   was   full   of   it   ...   in   years   ventured   together   had   never   once   seen   homme   head   over   heels   for   another,   something   they   both   shared   as   ideas   of   love   were   always   shoved   to   back   burner   for   ginger.   knew   well   she   wasnt   going   to   be   the   one   to   break   magical   spell   for   him   of   all   people.   although   participating   in   a   vacuous   tournament   was   a   discreet   offer   she   simply   could   never   refuse.   ❛   i   think   ...   ❜   petite   frame   is   shuffling   closer,   as   close   one   can   be   in   already   tight   confines   of   miniature   chaise.   french   tips   she   kept   manicured   for   performances   on   ice   tip   -   toeing   homme's   clavicle   with   obsidians   that   follow   trek   till   locking   in   with   irises.   ❛   i   think   we   should   put   that   to   the   test   then,   hm   ?   who   falls   first   ...   sounds   fun,   doesn't   it   ?   ❜   never   once   imagined   frolicking   in   such   a   tourney   with   best   friend   —   how   unfortunate   could   it   end   ?   a   mere   surrender   all   it   takes   to   terminate   such   a   game   after   all.   ❛   kiss   me.   ❜   she   blames   the   liquor   for   all   that's   to   unfold   from   her   actions   on   cloudy   night.

                     “   have   you   had   that   much   to   drink   already   ?   ”   he   teases   behind   a   cup   of   his   own   ,   some   mixed   drink   that's   a   little   too   fruity   for   his   taste   ,   but   it   gets   the   job   done   if   he   downs   it   quick   enough.   “   you're   getting   it   backwards   .   .   those   people   all   approached   me   —   i've   been   turning   them   down.   ”   a   bunch   of   strangers   that   left   no   impression   big   enough   to   outweigh   the   fact   that   they   were   nobodies   to   him.   he   stands   from   the   arm   of   the   couch   he'd   been   sitting   on   and   sits   beside   her   instead   ,   closer   than   necessary   but   he'd   blame   it   on   the   bass   of   the   music   blaring   too   loud   in   their   ears.   “   come   on   ,   seriously   ,   ”   an   amused   scoff   ,   “   when   have   you   ever   seen   me   struggle   to   pick   someone   up   ?   besides   ,   why   would   i   hit   on   you   ?   maybe   you   really   have   had   too   much   to   drink   .   .   don't   tell   me   you're   starting   to   fall   for   me.   ”

💭ㅤ  ˚ ༘ ㅤ  ꒱ ㅤ is    shifting    on    carmine    leather    chaise    to    face    homme    entirely    as    own    interest    in    now    piqued    at    absurdity    that    parts    brims    .    tibia    now    pressing    against    his    thigh    as    she    seeks    own    personal    comfort    in    confines    of    strangers    abode    ,    a    kittenish    expression    toying    on    feline    -    like    features    .    ❛    fall    for    you    ?    ❜    repeats    incredulously    so    ,    irises    scanning    crowd    at    absurdity    of    such    accusation    .    only    then    does    she    lean    in    to    conch    to    shout    over    boisterous    melodious    that    fill    small    space    .    ❛    i'd    have    to    enjoy    you    as    a    friend    first    to    even    consider    such    a    crime    .    ❜    she's    teasing    ,    evident    in    smirk    that    pulls    on    corners    of    peony    pink    petals    as    she    withdraws    from    close    proximity    .    was    well    past    that    ,    they    both    knew    ,    or    else    she    wouldnt    be    here    —    in    this    exact    moment    ,    multicolored    lights    decorating    countenance    an    array    of    hues    and    sweaty    frames    clinging    to    one    another    ,    with    him    .    ❛    come    on    ,    try    me    .    i    pinky    promise    to    not    fall    head    over    heels    in    love    with    you    .    ❜