come a little closer

The feeling of being caught in an oxymoron; Alexander felt anxious to say or do something that could bring an early end to their night, while feeling more comfortable than he’d ever remembered feeling around someone he knew so little about. 

With an amused smile and a shrug that implied understanding, he nodded at her assumption. Even if it might not be everybody’s main focus, every demigod and demigoddess had a common reason on why they chose to come to the island. Their powers—no matter how different—qualified them to pass the threshold of the bridge and seek a comfortable life around their kind. Minry was correct to assume that it was part of the reason he would travel outside his hometown in the first place. Maybe some day he’d also let her in on more of the story. 

For now, his smile simply turned tender when she talked about her history, not yet aware of the glance she spared to his lips. It would only occur to him after the moment for questioning was over, how she used a past tense to describe her father’s life. Though, Alexander wasn’t sure he would’ve asked for confirmation either way. 

He did, however, notice that he really liked listening to her. It might’ve been something about her voice or her intonation, or maybe it was just because the words were lucky enough to touch her lips on their way to be spoken. Simple sounds that danced along the air to be heard by him and only him. A blessing in his book. 

Despite being oblivious to her action earlier, the demigod unknowingly copied it by daring a brief glance towards her lips. A truly regrettable action considering the image and a simmering desire would occupy his mind at random points in the night. 

Within the blink of an eye, he brought his gaze back up to look at her eyes, which momentarily banished the image but did nothing to calm his thoughts. 

Nowhere near the realm of a tranquil or quiet soul, Alexander only realized that he’d been silent when he felt her soft fingertips brush against his skin. The action, while calming and endearing, drew his focus towards his own hand. Unable to explain the ‘why’ behind it with simply ‘it feels right’, his own fingers intertwined with hers. And for a moment, everything fell silent.

Only when she spoke up again, did he notice the broad grin on his face, but he felt no need to tone it down. “When you ask how many I have, do you mean brothers or tattoos?” There was a teasing touch hidden in his playful voice, emphasized by the raised eyebrow he offered. “Because I have more tattoos than brothers.” Truth be told, he stopped counting after the twenty-second image being immortalized on his skin and never bothered to check again. “When it comes to sisters, though…” he made a clicking sound and his voice carried feigned concern, as if he had to strongly consider the statistics. “…still more tattoos… I think”. His tone gave away the wild and obvious exaggeration, considering that the amount of sisters wouldn’t ever come close to the art pieces on his skin. Eternally loyal to his family, Alexander loved talking about them. Although he had little part in turning them into the people they are, he was incredibly proud of each and every one of the nine. 

“But yeah, one of my brothers is on the island. He’s actually one of the local tattoo artists here, so if you ever want a tattoo…” his voice trailed off and his shrug accompanied the expression of ‘I’m just saying’ on his face. “… I might be able to put in a good word for you.”

Distant images flashed across his mind, too fast to take a closer look at any of them. Yet, her words called for glimpses of fingertips brushing along the inked chaos that dominates his chest, lining the piece that decorated his shoulder, or running along the not yet completely finished project on his back. And although he lost focus for only a brief moment, he caught himself looking at her lips again. With another blink, he looked away and up to the worker, somewhat surprised by her presence. 

A natural charmer at heart, Alexander didn’t even notice that the maid’s gaze lingered on him. His own focus has long shifted back to Minry to continue their conversation. “Well then, I hope I’m worthy of your trust.” The words trailed off, and the last part took him a considerable amount of willpower to voice when her leg shifted to rest over his thigh, concentration and composure nearly broken. He had yet to notice the maid still standing at their table, or the way she had been shooting glances at him earlier. 

His eyes shifted from her thigh up to her face and the way she was solely looking at the worker. Only then did he finally understand what was going on. Following Minry’s gaze, Alexander briefly looked over to the maid before he bit the inside of his lip as hard as he could to keep the grin off his face. Somehow, knowing the reason behind his date’s actions only made the adrenaline rush that much more intense.

And within a second of his discovery, he was fighting to keep his expression neutral. A task he was failing miserably with the appearance of the upside down smile he was struggling to hide.

Letting go of her hand, he laid one of his hands atop her thigh and rested his free arm on the backrest behind her. That way, their actions were clearly visible to anyone. By the time he briefly glanced at the waitress, Alex had already lost the battle against his own smile, and the corners of his lips shamelessly tugged upwards when he directed his full attention back to Minry. With chaotic DNA streaming through his blood by birth, Alexander had no inhibitions to play along. Especially when it came to her. 

Though, when she fixed a strand of his hair and his eyes glanced down towards her lips, he wasn’t so sure anymore how much of it was playing along and how much was him wishing they weren't playing. 

“A Fall Spice Cordial, huh?” his voice sounded unbothered, as if they'd never been interrupted in the first place. “I don’t think I’ve ever tried it…” Gently and almost unconsciously, his thumb brushed along her thigh, unsure whether they were still being watched. Just in case that they were, they had to be convincing, right? “…but I trust your taste, too.”

This time he caught the moment when Minry’s gaze shifted and the smile turned into an amused smirk. His own eyes were fixed on her, momentarily forgetting about everything and everyone around them. “I want to know more about you.” The statement sounded abrupt but assured. It was the truth, and although he would’ve preferred to ease into the topic of their personal lives instead of bulldozing right in, he wasn’t about to back down either. His eyes were fixed on her, warm and gentle, silently inviting her to tell him just as much as she’d want to.

"I was referring to the tattoos but, I don't mind knowing about your siblings as well." She chuckled, realizing how vague her question must have been. It was rare for Minry to become interested in such a mundane topic as family when going on date (if you could call that moment a date at all). And yet there she was listening to the other attentively. Alexander's playfulness as he spoke was refreshing to witness, the man seemed to have a natural way to be charming and entertaining without having to try hard. "That doesn't truly answer my question you know?" She poked his cheek, groaning in a very light-hearted manner. "But now I am curious. Exactly, how many siblings do you have? Because the way you were talking, it feels the number is higher than what's common out there."

The revelation about one of his brothers also being a demigod caught Minry by surprise. More questions would promptly arise in her mind and she had no issue voicing them out. "Full brother? As in, you both share the same god and human parent? That's rare on the island I think… And if the godly heritage is different, please enlight me about both yours and his. The existence of us, demigods is still quite baffling to me." Alexander was free to reject her questions but in the hopes to make him more comfortable to drag the topic, she threw a bone. "I have one sister, well, half-sister that I'm close with. She lived here briefly, and we grew up together. Our fathers were best friends."

The suggestion regarding tattooing herself did not pass by unnoticed, but considering the shenanigan that occurred with the staff, Minry had brushed it aside for now.

"Well, we did say it was a night to try new things… It's a lovely drink, trust me." Feeling his digit stroke her skin brought light shivers all over her, which was surprising considering it was such a small gesture. The two were still under the watch of the maid's gaze and all of it just flared Minry to continue being enticing. His request came unexpected but Minry would bring a brief pause to it, by boldly pampering his jaw with light pecks, occasionally glancing at the maid that quickly stepped away with such a scenario. The pecks wouldn't stop and Minry's eyes were now on Alexander's. "That can be a dangerous question, Alexander." She teased.

Minry shifted her body, only to cause some spark along the fact she was sitting on his lap. The movement was masked as her trying to get comfortable, then straightening her back so she could be facing him instead of leaning on his torso. Alexander's question brought a sour feeling inside her mind. Untrustworthy. Rotten. Poisonous... many different words came up, considering the reality of her upbringing. "I always get what I want, when I want it. And I am very unapologetic about it." Minry bites her bottom lip, before bringing a smile to her lips.

The park was one of her favorite places to be on a day off. Watching people walking their dogs, or sitting quietly to read as the demigoddess painted whatever came to mind, was one of her favorite pastimes.

Mai had been painting for a bit, abstract shapes in the colors of the sound of the leaves rustling, birds chirping, children's laughter and dogs barking...

... and one girl cry out for Babu, whoever that was.

The artist looked up to see where the sound came from, and right when she did, a girl walked right up to her.

The whole situation was afflictive as it is. However, considering how Minry had never cared for anyone else besides herself and her sister, the Greek goddess was not handling the circumstances well. Her heart thumped in her ears and her throat started to ache as Minry did her best to not let any tears come out.

"Y-yeah. Oh, will you?" She was surprised by the girl's prompt interest to help look for the puppy and a brief sensation of relief could be felt along Minry's body. But it soon gone, considering they still had an energetic Chow chow to find. "Thank you so much and sorry for interrupting your day." Minry gestured towards the painting supplies and bowed respectfully.

"Babu is young. He's in that age where everything distracts him, which is what concerns me the most. This park is not so secluded from roads…" The grim thought made her sick and Minry had to take a very audible deep breath. "Do you think we should keep asking other people or maybe just focus on scanning the place? Maybe both?" Minry was clearly losing her composure but she tried her best. "Sorry, I shouldn't dump this on you…"

Whether or not Minry was being faithful to her words, Esther had absolutely no trust in her. Though, it was not like it mattered. She did not find any urge to forgive her from her explanation. Had she had any gusto, she would have grabbed Minry by the hair and thrown her out of the apartment, screaming obscenities and threats to never return before her! But, this was Esther after all, and even if she had the ability to argue, that was the expanse of her courage.

"Minry." She stated, pausing for a moment. "Everything you have ever done was based solely by yourself, out of your own selfish greed. You did what you wanted to do." Esther did not skip a beat, even if her hands were lightly shaking in her lap. She had saw the tears welling in Minry's gaze, and she felt a strange combination of sadness and anger. After months of sobbing herself to sleep, it was Minry's time. She wanted the other to feel an ounce of what they had put her through. Was her ex husband just as guilty? Absolutely. In no ways did Minry become the main culprit. However, she was the one before her, trying to save face.

Pulling her hands together, she clenched. She had more words than coward, but she bit her tongue. "My marriage was not just about love, it was business too. And, there were many ways I could have been told. Instead, you merely did what you wanted to stop. You poisoned my life. And, I am now left to deal with the aftermath alone." Trust issues, sadness, heartbreak, it was the true outcome for Esther.

Looking at Minry, she paused once more. The other did not deserve an explanation. "I can see the future, but if I were to change it, I lose my memory." She spoke, bitterness clearly in her tone. However, as words followed, her voice grew stronger, sharper. "So, yes. I knew you both were cheating on me months prior to the wedding. I distanced myself but let the future happen. You too were so busy fooling around that you never noticed. But, I was miserable. Betrayed. Deceived. And here you are, doing what you want to without any concern about me and how it will effect me."

"You are correct. As I said, I handled things the way it was more convenient for me. I am not excusing myself, I am simply explaining it." Esther animosity towards Minry was expected and highly deserved. The Greek had no delusion thinking this visit would alter things between them and if anything, most likely would make everything worse. But either for selfishness once again or a truthful sense of justice, Minry had decided to let it all out. Perhaps the immense anger now mixed with the reality from Minry's perspective could help Esther reach closure. Or perhaps it wouldn't. Only time would tell.

Minry was left speechless for the first time, even for just a second. While so focused on the friendship and love aspect, she had completely forgotten about the other side of marriages among the elite. "Right. And would you want to make your marriage about business? Would that be fair to you?" It was outrageous to speak about fairness, considering how Minry decided to handle everything and she felt the idiocracy of it, biting her lip heavily and visibly. "I avoided an unfair marriage, by bringing nothing but pain. For that I am sorry. For not wagering the repercussions it would have on you."

The revelation regarding Esther's power brought a clear expression of shock to Minry, dropping her jaw but covering her mouth with her hand. However, before the Greek could react about the abilities description, Esther's following words felt like a punch in the gut. "Hey. Hold on there." Minry got up from her seat, standing in front of Esther with crossed arms. "I am the bitch, the snake that brought you such misery, I will admit that and live facing the fact I disgraced a friendship over my rotten ways." Minry's voice is slightly louder, but not reaching the point to be considered yelling. "I don't know what you saw. But let me clarify this, I slept with your fiancé once. The time you caught us, which was planned purposely for you to catch us. I never touched him before or after that."

  That beautiful woman pulls herself away from the guest soon after their interaction and meets Kihara near the end of the bar just near the hall for the restrooms. To say that she was surprised by what the other said to her would be a dramatic understatement. She had expected some excuse, perhaps even some logical explanation for the way that the woman was obviously milking him for all he was worth in plain sight. Boldly she is told that it’s exactly what she picked up on.

  “Girl!” She starts but is cut off by the rest of the things said. 

   She’s not one to knock a hustle- some of her closest friends run their own in private establishments for it. And even more of the people she sees in the city run their own with the thin veil of delusion that they weren’t selling themselves to get what they want. Still, this particular spot has its rules about that!

  The worry that there will be bad blood if she quits the act too soon is of no real worry to Kiki. “That man has been through hell in this place before and still comes back for more. I’m not worried about losing him as a customer- even if he didn’t come back there’s a dozen men like him that will come around. I’m worried that he’ll feel like he can’t come around without being expected to pay not only his plate but yours and anyone else that might sling a good game on him. People are supposed to feel safe here, not like a human ATM.”

The other's concern and perception was admirable. Clearly there was plenty reasons why Kihara had reach a management position at the establishment. "Well that is fair. However I can reassure you that once I'd be done having fun with him, the man's spirits will be kept high and unsuspecting of what's going on." Minry's tone is still calm, her smile is not as wide but still present. After all, this was nothing but two people negotiating terms that would please both parties. Almost like a mini-business meeting and brainstorming. "Also, he really cherishes the place. And despite my intentions around him not being the kindest, I have no intention ruining this place of comfort for him."

Minry's words did not come from true concern or care for the target. It was simply illogical to aim to bring the man any unpleasant experiences as one would never know when the time to have fun around this particular man could arise again. "Don't get me wrong. He is sweet but I care mostly about my chances to see him again if necessary. Might not be the most honest way to live but, it provides good times and food sometimes." She winked, now noticing the man waving at her direction, Minry smiled to him and gestured to request some patience from the man.

“I was born there.” Alexander’s voice sounded sweet when he confirmed his birthplace with a nod, despite the myriad of bad memories coined with his birth and upbringing. “I actually just moved here pretty recently. What about you? Were you born here?” His head leaned to the side to emphasize his question, secretly determined to find out more about his date. As of that moment, he didn't know much other than her name. A true shame considering she seemed to be one of the more interesting people he's met lately. 

His eyes lit up with something reminiscent of excitement, while his heart struggled to find a calmer pace at the sound of the drink choice. The three-step process of that certain poison left so much room for imagination. She had to know what kind of effect her words had on him, right?  “I think tonight would be the perfect occasion for some tequila shots, then.” 

By the time the words left his mouth, Alexander had already forgotten about the week he's had. Which was, after all, the main reason why they ended up at Sakura in the first place. The stress-inducing tightrope act of balancing his move, his job, his family, and the small but nagging pit of doubt in his chest. All those factors left him struggling to find some time to rest. Another reason why he appreciated her company so much. Not once ever since they've met up did he spare any thoughts towards the days prior.

In fact, when Minry leaned in to let him know her preference about his name and the statement that sounded to him like a mixture of a challenge and a promise, he was lucky he still remembered how to breathe. “Oh?” When the sound passed his lips and sounded more like a challenge than the noise of surprise it was meant to be, he knew luck was on his side tonight. 

He softly tugged on the bottom hem of his shirt before he sat down next to her, close enough for their legs to be touching just barely. A small detail he had yet to take note of while his eyes wandered around to take in the intricate details of the lounge's interior before his gaze fell back on her. Only then did he notice that something specific seemed to have caught her attention. It took him a fraction of a second longer than he wished to, but when she spoke up again, he finally understood what piqued her interest. Without hesitation, Alexander placed his tattooed hand on hers, not yet interlacing it in order to give her some time to look at it. Two expertly drawn birds adorned the back of his hand, decorated by delicate lines that completed the design. One of many artworks that were immortalized on his skin. Her fascination, as well as the ever-growing seed of pride over his siblings, tugged at the corners of his lips to offer a wide smile. “My brother did this. He actually did all of my tattoos.”  Oftentimes in their childhood, Alexander would let his younger brother tattoo him for practice in exchange for gifts of favors. A win-win situation, if he'd ever seen one. “Maybe I can show you more of them later.” To anyone else, his words might've sounded almost too forward or suggestive if it weren't for his genuine tone. But the truth was, that even just taking off his jacket would reveal the tattoo-littered skin of his arms. “Do you have any?”

It was thrilling to see the other's enthusiasm regarding having the night linger. It was evident both Minry and Alexander had no intention to part ways for a while and it made Minry feel at ease. The social scene nowadays is quite hectic, people would often be disappointing to meet, either due to their looks, personality or the feeling was just not there. Alexander on the contrary, excelled on all those aspects so far. "Really? Well, I would ask what exactly brought you here but considering we're in Mount Phoenix, I can assume part of the reason…" Minry smiled sheepishly, before taking her eyes to admire the other's lips for just a second. It would happen often, the more they spent time together, an inevitable small glance here and there. "I was born in Seoul. My father was Japanese, but I lived in South Korea for the majority of my life." The mention of her father does not sting. It was a wound that had been closed and buried a long time ago.

Soon they'd be engulfed by the influence of alcohol, leading their minds to cast away any stress or unpleasant thoughts. However Minry had to confess he already that effect on her. "Tequila shot it is then, but first, let's warm up with something more tame."

Delicately, she brushed her fingers on his skin, following the lines drawn on it. Minry kept silent while observing the art closely as tattoos and the skill behind it had been something that fascinated her over the years. "Your brother?" The revelation brought some surprise to her features. After all, Minry did not know the other that well so being informed of these little pieces of information felt refreshing. "How many do you have? Let me guess… so many you have lost count?" She joked, raising a brow as she brought her eyes to match his again. "Is your brother on the island as well?" The question was solely out of curiosity, with no intention to prolong the topic on his sibling if Alexander did not wish to. Family can be complicated after all.

"I surely hope I get to see them. Wherever they may be." She winked, bringing another suggestive yet playful exchange of words to the table. "I do not actually. Although the idea intrigues me." At that point, her eyes wandered around his torso. The prospect of finding more about his tattoo and everything along with it was rather thrilling. Such a state of captivation was halted by the staff's presence. Minry had heard the maid pop the classic question and yet, that young woman in front of them did not spew it for the two of them.

The maid's eyes were quite obviously locked on Alexander, never parting from him. Minry was evidently glancing at the maid, scanning if they'd pay any attention away from the man but to no avail. When Alexander revealed the name of the drink, Minry looked back at him with a smirk. "I have tried it before but it's been a minute. I would love to have it again, I trust your taste." Even if the two of them were talking, the maid was still too interested in Alexander, which struck a nerve. So in a possessive and petty manner, Minry shifted her legs, to now have them rest over his thigh and Minry was nearly sitting on his lap once she stopped. But Minry did not look at Alexander, her eyes solely on the maid. "Hi dear. So as you heard, we're having one Espresso Martini."

Minry worked really hard to excuse her behavior, despite verbally claiming she did not. Esther had mulled over their past for months after the event happened. While she had always been the excellent friend, those memories she could remember helped painted a picture she had very easily ignored. So when Minry spoke, a nerve was struck hard enough to get the woman to speak her heart.

"You are a real piece of work." Esther stated. Gritting through her teeth, she could not tell whether she was trying prevent an explosive rage or the growth of tears. "I spend years of my life taking care of you, mentally, physically. Even materially. Because you were my friend." She stated with heavy emphasis on the end. "I never harmed a strand of hair, and after my painstaking efforts to make you feel loved, your only thought was to sleep with the man I have loved all my life? Yet, you make yourself sound like some hidden hero."

Even though the moment deserved tension, Minry's posture remained at ease. Esther wasn't someone to engage into heated confrontation, which didn't mean the other wouldn't push back or talk back at Minry. But at very least the Greek demigoddess knew Esther's softness would allow the two of them to talk further about the immense mess ups from the past. There was no denying that Minry had been a rotten person throughout her life, with Esther starting as another target, but things got complicated. Everything would be easier to handle, if only Minry never truly cared for the other.

Minry listened to the other, making no attempt to interrupt even when she had things to comment on. But it was Esther's turn, this was the very bare minimum Minry could do given everything else. "Hidden hero. If I sounded like I want to be seen like that, then I have explained myself rather poorly." Esther's first words did not pass by unnoticed, but Minry decided to comment firstly on the easiest topic Esther brushed on. "Your kindness and dedication were much greater than I expected. And I was a piece of shit that took advantage of them."

She had no intention to make herself the target of pity. That exchange's purpose was solely to bring Esther the truth about their past, even if it revisited a open wound. Minry was ready to say more, her own eyes stinging with the need to let tears out but she absolutely refused to let them run free. She had no right to be the one crying, even if the tears came from a sudden feeling of self-disgust. Vision? The term brought her internal affliction to a halt, being replaced by intricate curiosity. But Minry wouldn't delve into that topic just yet, considering how Esther started to distort reality with accusations.

"I never hated you. I did not hate your life and above all, I was never jealous of you." Minry's voice was slightly more stern. She could handle being cursed or yelled at. She had no problem if Esther would lash out and use the most abhorrent (but accurate) names in the world to describe Minry. But one thing that irked the Greek demigoddess, was to be accused of untruthful things or people throwing assumptions regarding her intentions. "I couldn't let you marry him. But I couldn't simply go to you and say, hey I can make him fall in love with me easily which means he is not in love with you. Also, I couldn't keep poisoning your life with my presence…"

“Out of Pocket” as promised. Continued from here with @mp-minry

🌊

   Her eyes drift to him after he pipes up and that would be nothing to him. But they stay on him a few seconds too long. They skim over his face and linger and Heather knows just what that means. He says nothing of it for now but gives a little knowing smile to her as she explains herself.

  As she talks he turns from where he had been by a window looking out to face her fully. His attention is off the makeshift game on the green and now on her as he watches her motions and listens. Not a student, hm? Heather’s smile quirks just a little more as he lowers his eyes but can feel the way hers look to him again here he’s brought a hand up to fiddle with the necklace he wears, some green gem set in gold. 

  He doesn’t address her question of if he’s a student there just yet. This is too easy to taunt her and while he certainly can tell a rogue thought or two of hers about him, he wants to play a different kind of game for a moment.

   “So,” he says calm and breezy, “you came onto school property, made your way around without asking for directions or trying to find a map, and got upset with me because *you* don’t know where you’re going and I said ‘hello’?”

  Those deep brown eyes finally lift to meet her and it’s clear he’s just toying with her now. He leans off the wall where he was and walks closer to her. “And you’re not even a student. Mighty presumptuous of you to think I’d want to help after that.”

  He’s beside her now and leaning down just a little due to his height he whispers, “You’re loud. With your words and with your eyes. If you want something, just use your words.”

But despite the harmless exchange unraveling between them, Minry had to remind herself the people in that island, despite how attractive they might be, were not to be taken lightly. For all she knew, the man in front of her could be reading her mind. Or could have any other type of ability that could influence the demigoddess. Life can be a game, and life in Mount Phoenix sets its difficulty to a different level.

The fact he chose not to disclose the reason for his presence on the university's grounds was not surprising and it amused Minry. He either had something to hide or was wiser to not simply give her what she wanted. "What is life without a little risk and a sense of discovery?" She joked, her gentle smile turning into an entertained smirk. "Angry? That's cute." Her tone matched his, crossing her arms in a relaxed manner and not shying away from keeping her gaze on his features.

It seemed they were both scanning each other and a sense of tense amusement was evident. "Here I was thinking the university would be welcoming to someone in need of expanding her knowledge…" She sighs playfully, taking a hand to stroke a lock of her hair. The man was fun to observe, even funner to interact with and it almost made Minry forget why she was there in the first place. "I did ask permission to enter you know… I'm a good girl." Minry chuckle showed her unseriousness towards her own words.

His proximity was surprising, but welcome nonetheless. She stood her ground, not flinching as the other leaned and her eyes were still locked on his and Minry's expression never shifted from an amused smirk. There was no need to use her powers on him, their conversation was enough to entertain the demigoddess. "For starters, your name. Secondly, if I am loud… don't think you're any less discreet."

"It's shocking, right. I am quite different to how i've been painted in the myths. I think that this form is retribution for giving me a bad hand so many centuries ago," he stated. Of course, looking at him now, the shock was more so how would have Aphrodite left him for another god, but back then no one would have batted an eye. He had been a rather unsightly sight to look at. But that train of thought raised another question, if he was like this now, who was the other god? As for his relationship with Aphrodite and his thoughts on her, well, it didn't really bother him all that much.

Listening to her recommendations, the God picked up the one she mentioned, comparing the chains in his hands. "I think the Belcher chain seems to be the most like the one i'm thinking of. The herringbone might be a bit much, in my opinion," he stated. He had to admit, she had some smarts to her.

Minry became quite pleased to see her guess being confirmed, drawing a wide smile on her lips and taking yet another glance at the other, but this time it lingered and she became even more keen on getting to know the god in front of her. "Legendary is a way to put it." She chuckled, finding the seemingly exuberant introduction rather amusing. Whether is Hephaestus meant to be comedic or flamboyant regarding his titles, it didn't matter and Minry appreciated his attitude either way.

It was obvious Hephaestus took his job very seriously, as he was adamant to take his time to scan the options Minry presented to him. She observed him as Hephaestus scanned the chain, ready to present or comment further in case he needed more information about his options. "I did my homework shortly after I arrived to the island. And I have to agree, you're portrayed in books or online is quite… contrasting." Minry gestured towards him, with her hands up and smiled.

A bad hand. His choice of words was interesting and Minry pondered if he was referring to his upbringing as a deity or the whole ordeal with her own mother. But her curiosity would have to wait, considering she was still a clerk helping a client. "Great choice! The Herringbone is quite sturdy, but may look too bulky especially if the pendant is delicate or deserves to be the highlight of the entire piece." Minry nodded, taking the remaining options back in their respective case and put the box under the inner side of the counter. "Would you like to see other colours for this type of chain?"

As Minry finally settled in, the door softly shut at the rebound of Esther hips. Her eyes trailed the evil demigoddess before her. Her fists clenching at she did so. Should she fight? But, what would they even do? And Esther knew her limitations. Esther was completely infuriated, and she did not dare hide the deep furrow of her brows and the pursed lips. "Minry, really? You should drop the act. We are not friends nor will we ever."

The whole situation was revealing itself to be quite troublesome. Minry's actions were borderline criminal and Esther could easily bring that whole ordeal to an end, by calling authorities or honestly, anyone willing to intervene. But aside from knowing she did not have reason on her side, Minry also knew Esther wouldn't have the guts to escalate things. Not for the moment at least. The Greek's intentions were not bad, but her actions were admittedly inconvenient.

Living on the edge and pushing boundaries had been her motto for years now and it was difficult to let go of such habits. Even if it means risking criminal charges. "An act." She repeated as Esther spoke. Minry's eyes were not glued on Esther's expression, but Minry was no longer smiling. "I will be honest with you. After a while, I truly considered you as a dear friend. You did become someone I cared for, in my own way. Many of my endearing words and actions were truthful."

With Esther taking a seat, Minry sat as well but on the large couch and kept some distance. A minimal act of respect among all the rudeness brought to Esther since Minry arrived on the island. "But I have never been good at being a friend. I have never learned how to accept people to be close to me without the need for deceit." Minry leans back on the couch, making herself comfortable. "Given that, when I noticed your ex-fiancé's intentions and lack of love, I didn't know how to make you believe me. I had never been in such a situation. So I took the easy route. Well, easy for me that is."

"That would come in handy, actually. Yes please." Minry nodded, still making sure to mark the date on her phone's calendar. She was easily distracted and a phone call from the establishment would reinforce her memory to make sure Minry would keep doing right by her puppy when it came to veterinary appointments. A couple of seconds passed, with Minry observing Insoo as the veterinarian proceeded with his duty and seeing Babu behave so immensely well brought a sentiment of pride to her. "I'll make sure to ask for a bottle at the reception to cover it along with the appointment costs."

Despite the elephant in the room, it was amusing to hear Insoo chuckling. It was becoming redundant to keep noting his professionalism, but it was still something that fascinated Minry. Mostly due to the fact she had surrounded herself with very immature and hot-headed people throughout her young adult life, so seeing someone acting the opposite way was refreshing. "I'd like to have Babu be able to be anywhere in the apartment, but yeah… for the moment I think my shoes well being is a little more important. Also I don't want to risk having him swallow something that could be dangerous." Minry had the feeling she had mentioned this before, the idea of repeating herself was annoying but it passed by quickly.

"Thank you for the praise. It is reassuring considering I've never had a pet before." She smiled with honesty, bowing very lightly to make sure that part of his words were politely welcomed. However, the rest wasn't digested nicely in her mind. "Pardon my honesty but-" Her demeanor is polite, calm, not smiling but keeping her expression neutral. "But the only forgiveness that would matter to me in this situation would be Juyeon's, not yours." Minry hoped her words wouldn't be perceived too harshly. She intended to merely clear things between them, as best as possible. Insoo was clearly someone cherished by Juyeon and she respected it, but things needed to be clear given the intense past. "Certainly I do not expect forgiveness nor do I deserve it. But yes, the island is more than enough for all of us."

In-Soo nodded. He was imagining that if Minry hadn't hurt Juyeon so much, they could have been friends. They had their love for animals in common and she was quite an agreeable and nice person. But his loyalty lay with his packmate so it was too late for any kind of non-professional relationship. "If the spray works, you can use it in each room to allow Babu to feel at ease everywhere. If it doesn't, we'll think of other solutions." Better to repeat oneself than forget to ask.

"Praise needs to be given when it's deserved" In-Soo answered, a little smile on his lips. He might not like someone but he wasn't stupid enough to not recognize their qualities. The vet chuckled, shrugging a bit at her remark. He wasn't offended or angered and his words were as clear as hears as he answered. "Of course. But that doesn't mean that I can't hold a grudge against you for what you did."

He could still see Juyeon's distress when he had come to him after meeting her. His friend had suffered too much already to revive such betrayal. I'm glad we settled that he commented, nodding.

In-Soo accompanied Minry and Babu to the reception desk, giving a few last scratches to the little dog. "Good. I'm glad we reached an agreement." He bowed his head. "I'll see you two soon. Have a good day, Babu and Minry !"