♡ lion heart ♡

Daehyun takes a deep breath, pausing just before he passed her. “What?” He had had more than enough of her, and he was not about to stand there and be interrogated for no good reason any longer. But when he glanced at her again, her expression had completely changed. Actually, it was worse. He hated that look, the pity and guilt. It made him acutely uncomfortable. Contempt he could handle, but sympathy was something he did not like.

Even so, he remained still, waiting for the inevitable apology– which would probably make her feel better more than it appeased him. “Yeah, it was. Maybe you should take a moment to use your brain the next time you decide someone is doing something bad.” Was that a little harsh? Maybe, but he really just wanted to escape the situation. If he had to be the asshole to get out of it, so be it.

“Yeah, you were,” he agreed, scoffing softly. At least she admitted it.

Her next words made him hesitate, his brows furrowing slightly as he watched her expression. She seemed earnest, like she really was sorry and she really did want to make it up to him. But he was still skeptical– after all, she’d just been accusing him of being a criminal. It had not made the best first impression.

“I doubt you could make it up to me.” He shoved his hands in his pockets, chewing on his bottom lip for a moment. Maybe he should give her a chance. A second chance, he supposed. Everyone deserved that much, right?

“But I guess you can try.”

     There is a look of surprise that is painted across that of the girl’s visage.

                                 Only, for it to be overcome by the upturned edges of petaled hues.

      ❝ Really ? ❞ Her tone can barely hide her enthusiasm, as her voice is slightly louder than she intends it to be. The words rolling off the tip of her tongue in an unexpected departure whilst her expression unveils the astonishment she feels at that very moment. There is something of thankfulness, which illuminates her gaze. And, inevitably, she can’t control the smile which tugs at the corner of her lips. Almost unable to believe that he is willing to give her a second chance.

         A look of relief washing over delicate features. Her arms fall from their once childish position as she instead scrambles to find something that might be worthwhile. Worth the opportunity to undo all the wrong she had committed within the span of a couple minutes. Something that will be able to redeem her from the foolish behavior she had displayed only moments ago.

           With a brief pause, she thinks to herself. Only before it hits her.

           ❝ Are you hungry ? ❞ She quirks a brow as if a light bulb has gone off within the comforts of her own mind. As if she’s discovered something grand,  judging from the eagerness which is seen on her countenance. Seeming to have thought of something that may make things better. Or, at least do an efficient job of trying to do just that.With the grin plastered across her lips, her face illuminated with a new, more friendly appearance. Shiah is quick to continue.  

      ❝ How about I get you something to eat ? Anything you want. It’s on me, ❞ she offers the other in hopes he will say yes.

It was always great to see customers happy, but this one made Mia unable to hold back a smile. She was so doll-like and cute that it was almost a shame she found her dream dress so quickly – Mia would’ve loved to put her in about fifty other dresses.

But that wasn’t exactly acceptable, so she didn’t.

Instead, Mia let the girl twist and turn as much as she wanted to. “I’ll give you their card,” she said, returning the thankful look with a happy smile. This was what she loved. Well, fashion was what she loved, making things was what she loved, but helping people find their fashion sense was also part of that. Secretly, Mia wanted to be a fashion guru on one of those weird reality shows. Secretly.

She grinned and shook her head. “The name’s Mia. And, please, I enjoyed helping you find the perfect dress. And you look super pretty in it, honestly. Like a doll.” Her grin widened. “And what’s your name?”

One last look at her customer in that beautiful dress, and Mia remembered there was more she had to do. “I’ll let you get changed back. You can take your time if you want to,” she said with a conspiratorial wink. “Just come up to the counter with the dress once you’re ready.” And with that, Mia left to clean up the other dresses she’d pulled from the racks.

          It’s that of a new name which Shiah test, feeling the letters roll off the tip of her tongue in a gentle flow. Making a mental note to herself,  to remember the other’s name just in case she is ever to be in need of a special gown ever again. However, it’s another compliment thrown her way ━ a comment of Shiah’s own doll-like quality ━ which has the girl suddenly shy within Mia’s presence. With a light blush painted across her features, and shaking her head in disagreement. All she can really do is laugh, giving out a small, no, as she finishes it off with yet another laugh. ❝ I’m Shiah, ❞ the girl finally admits with a warm smile.  ❝ thanks again ❞ she motions toward the dress she wears with one more light-hearted sway.

      Watching as the other gives her a small wink, she can’t help but give in to the other’s playful behavior.

       ❝ Oh don’t tell me that. I might never want to take it off, ❞ Shiah jokes, before the other leaves, giving the female the privacy to change back into the clothes she’d come here with. Being by herself, she admires the gown for a little longer. Thinking back to what the other had said about her and the dress which hugs her body, She processes her own appearance, excitement filling her heart for a  few minutes before she finally brings it within herself to depart from the beautiful white material. Taking a little longer than she originally did when putting it on, Shiah finally embraces the comforts of her familiar clothes that she had originally been wearing. Carefully slipping the gown back onto its hanger.

The girl does a quicker job of dressing than Mia had expected, which comes as a relief. Customers are allowed to take their time, of course, but some seem to think that Mia doesn’t have a billion other projects to get to. It’s with her usual charming smile that Mia looks back at the girl, nods, and comes closer to zip her up.

“It fits you very well,” she says once she’s done. Gently, Mia turns her customer around to face the large, floor-length wall mirror on the opposite side of the changing rooms. “You look absolutely beautiful.” Her voice is soft as she speaks and reaches down to fix the way the dress falls. “The shoes go well with it too. We don’t sell them here, but I can recommend you a great shoe store where you can get them.”

          ❝ I love it, ❞ she gives out a small gasp. Honestly, it’s hard for Shiah to believe it’s really her, she is looking at. Watching quietly, a wide smile tugs at the edge of curved lips while the other adjust her dress in front of the mirror. Awestruck by her own image and the way the white gown hugs her body, the girl is almost having a hard time believing it is really she, the employee is complementing.  

           ❝ It’s so pretty... ❞ the words escape her in a hushed whisper as she turns in various angles, admiring the way the dress flows with every move she makes. However, she is broken from her trance as her attention is brought back to the woman beside her.  ❝ Oh, any suggestions on a place to find some shoes would be great ! ❞ She exclaims, offering her a thankful look. 

          Looking back at herself in the mirror, Shiah can’t be more pleased. Falling in love with the dress and it’s breathtakingly beautiful white hue, the girl is so happy with today’s outcome. Turning back to the employee, the female looks to her in attempt to read her visage.  ❝ I don’t know how to thank you enough, ... ❞ her voice trails off as she looks to the other as if for a name. She had begun, ready to express her appreciation for the other before it only then dawned upon her that she hadn’t gotten the employee’s name.

A smile spread across Mia’s red lips at the girl’s reaction to the second dress. There was always a sense of pride when a customer picked one of the options Mia showed them, especially when it happened so quickly. It meant that Mia knew what she was doing, that she had correctly assessed her customer, and it was often followed by praise.

Praise wasn’t the only reason Mia did this, but she couldn’t lie and say that she didn’t care about it at all.

“Yes, of course, come this way.“ Mia led the girl to their changing rooms, carrying the dress for her and hanging it up in one of the empty ones. “We have some shoes that you can put on as you’re trying on the dress to see how it’ll look.“ She gestured towards the small shoe shelf. “Especially since it’s a long dress, I’d recommend heels.“

After smoothing out the dress one last time, Mia let the girl enter the changing room and closed the curtain behind her, patiently standing outside. “If you need any help, call me.” Especially with the sheer top and the zipper hidden by the lace, this dress wasn’t an easy one to put on by yourself.

But she didn’t want to intrude or assume, so she stayed outside the changing room, waiting for the girl to either come out or call her.

           With the simple shake of her head, Shiah nods as if to inform the other she is listening. Glancing over the various pairs of shoes in which the employ instructs her are meant to be used while trying on dresses. Providing that final touch to each and every magical gown. Giving client’s an idea of what the final product of a breathe taking dress is supposed to look like. Watching as the female departs with the dress she’d been holding and Shiah herself, the girl offers her one last reassuring smile.  ❝ The heels it is then, ❞ the laughs softly, before hearing the sound of the curtain closing behind her. 

Daehyun felt like a seventeen year old kid again, back when he’d been stuck in the group home; the people running the place always looked at everyone with such suspicion and judgment, even if they were like him and they were only there because they had no where to go and no one to look after them until they hit the magical 1-8 and were suddenly thrown out into the world. He had hated that undo suspicion then, and he hated it even more now. 

He was going to school full-time, working two part-time jobs– some days he woke up at dawn and he didn’t crawl back into bed until nearly dawn the next day. He was gladly pushing himself to the limits to strive for something better for himself and his three surviving siblings, and yet he was still getting the same lower-than-dirt look that had haunted him since childhood. Everything had changed, and yet nothing really had.

“Who the hell do you think you are?” He snapped, jaw clenched. She had an awful lot of nerve, just accusing him of being involved with drugs like that. Which, yeah, he had been a drug dealer once, but that was years ago and it had been to help his family– it was long behind him by now. The point was that none of this was her business, and to jump to conclusions like that…

“If you must know, it’s money from working two legitimate jobs that I’m mailing to my sisters. Is that illegal?” He finally replied, offering her a tight smile. He didn’t like that he had to tell her, but being pitied for coming from a poor family beat accusations of drug dealing. Knowing his luck, a rumour like that would make its way to his employers or the police, and then it would just become a big, unnecessary mess. Better to quash any possible misinformation right now.

“Is that good enough, or do I need to whip out family photos and bank statements to prove it?” He asked with a heavy eye roll, moving to shoulder past her.

          Annoyance welts itself into the farthest depths of a girl’s soul as she feels its bitter sensation nipping her skin raw. She’s certain that she’s right Stubborn as she is. And, when the male dares to question — who the hell she thinks she is — Shiah is more than willing ( and, ready)  to answer back. A glimpse of anger flashing before her eyes, only for it to be replaced with that of a stoic expression.  ❝ I’ll have you know who, exactly, I think I am — ❞ she begins. Ice laced within her tone as she has already categorized him within her own mind.  

         She’s about to continue.

                    To dig her grave even further than she already has.

       That is, until, she is silenced by the information that is sent in her direction,

         (Finally), his words are, at last, resonating within her. Making sense all of a sudden. But, it’s too late now. The damage is done, and it is seen clearly upon the woman’s countenance as her condemnatory expression falls into something soft. Full of regret. As soon as she listens to the fact of his struggle and his intent to help his sisters — it’s an awful feeling which courses throughout the female’s body. and, in that instance, Shiah knows what she’s done to him is awful.To accuse him of something like that when he was doing something so innocent.She practically wishes she could slap herself.  With her lips left slightly open, she is speechless as to how to continue from here. Shocked to find out about his good intention to help his family, she scrambles to find the right words to say. To muster up something that will fix all the wrong she’s done in the last few minutes. However, it might be too late.

       As he motions to shoulder’s past her, she processes his final words.

        Gods, how she’s messed up now.  ❝ Wait ! just.. Give me a second ? ❞ Shiah’s features are ridden with guilt as tries to make amends. Still, to demand him to give her this chance, she knows it is wrong. Nonetheless, she’s not sure how else to apologize.

       ❝ I-.. I know what I did…,  ❞  the girl tries to start off as she makes an effort to block his path, almost in a childish manner, hands stretched out in order to create some awful attempt at a barrier.  ❝ I was wrong .  And, what I did was a really shitty thing to do.  ❞ She feels worse, keeping him like this in hopes he will listen to her apology. Deep down, in her own heart, she knows it’s selfish of her. To ask for him to forgive her. Yet, she can’t bring it in herself to let him go without him knowing, she’s sorry.

         ❝ I was being a total asshole. ❞ she finally admits aloud, the corner of her lips pulling into a small frown.

Mia listens closely to the other’s answers, putting away some dresses and pulling out others. Though designing and creating gowns is definitely her favorite part of the job, she can’t deny the enjoyment she feels whenever she’s helping a customer. It’s almost like a small mystery of sorts where she has to find the perfect piece of clothing with a few hints and educated guesses.

It’s a relief that the girl doesn’t comment on Mia’s bluntness. A different customer might’ve, but this one seems sweet, the type that Mia can be comfortable with (and the type that reminds her a little of the girls she picked on back in the day).

“Alright, off the shoulder, floor length, flowy.“ There are now five dresses on the sofa and Mia holds them up one by one so the girl can examine them closely. She comments on every dress, not so much that it’ll feel as if she’s making the decision for her customer, but enough to help the girl get a better idea of the dresses.

“I think something with lace will suit you very well; it shouldn’t be too minimalistic but also not too loud.“ The dress Mia’s holding up at the moment has pearls sown onto it. “This, for example, is eye-catching without drawing too much attention away from you, the person.“ She puts the dress back down and picks up another one. This one has a sheer top with a flowery lace design that blends into a simple white skirt with a leg slit. “It’s elegant, but it has personality.”

          Shiah examines each dress the female presents her.

        Focus and concentration illuminating her visage as she looks closely at the details of every gown laid upon the sofa before them. Observing. She takes them in for what they are. All of them beautiful — thus far. Yet, still. There is something that seems to be lacking. Something that seems to be missing for the girl. And silently, she watches the employee work her magic. Getting closer and closer to her dream dress. When the woman of expertise begins advising on what she thinks will suit Shiah best, the officer simply smiles in agreement. More than thrilled to go along with whatever, the dress shop employee recommends. After all,  Shiah was lucky to have her here. This experience probably wouldn’t have been all too exciting if it weren’t for the other who was bringing worth a new perspective, ideas, and dresses, that Shiah honestly would have never thought about trying, without the female’s guidance.

       Bringing her hands together in a small clap, it’s almost like a lightbulb has gone off within that of her own mind when the other mentions lace. Her smile growing into a pleasant grin. However, it’s not until the other holds up the second gown that a small gasp escapes past petaled hues. Her eyes sparkling with awe and admiration as she nears closer to the gown. Limbs moving all their own as she’s taken away with the beauty of the dress within the woman’s hands.    ❝ I think I’m in love. . .,  ❞ she is quick to comment on the female’s suggestion.  Looking to the woman as her expression is painted with thankfulness and excitement.

         ❝ Elegant but has personality,  ❞ she mimics back in a small whisper —more so, talking to herself if anything. She gazes back to the beautiful dress.  ❝ Can I try it on ?  ❞ it feels like a stupid question but Shiah cannot contain her own eagerness as she looks back to the lady beside her.

It was the day Daehyun had been waiting for. He had gotten his first paycheque from both of his jobs within the last few days, and it was time to send some money off to his sisters. Jeehyun and Joohyun needed uniforms for high school, so the money couldn’t come soon enough. That morning he’d gone to the bank and withdrew ¾ of the money in his account, tucking it safely into an envelope. Maybe he should have sent a cheque, but he honestly did not want to waste any money buying cheques, and he knew that Soohyun was too busy to go to the bank to cash it, anyway.

And so, off to the post office he went, envelope clutched tightly in his hand. He felt so good about this, about the fact that he could help his sisters and go to school without financially burdening them. His older sisters had done so much to support him, it felt good to give back to at least one of them. He was walking with such purpose, he did not even notice the woman running down the sidewalk until they collided. He flinched, moving his hands to steady her and dropping the envelope in the process– not that he noticed right then, because he was too busy feeling bad about bumping into her. 

“I’m sorry, I should have watched where I was going…”

He blinked, brow furrowing at the look she was giving him. He looked down at the envelop spilling bills onto the sidewalk, and then he realized what she was thinking. He quickly dropped to pick it up, clutching the envelope to his chest as if it was the most important thing in the world. “I can explain…” He could see the suspicion on her face– the look. It was one he was familiar with, growing up a delinquent in the wrong neighbourhood. And it made him mad, made him put his back up and get defensive. Why should he have to explain what he was doing with money that he had earned fair and square?

“But it’s none of your business, is it?”

          With money spread across grey concrete, Shiah can’t help her mind from running through various possibilities as to why someone would be carrying so much cash. Ultimately, she can’t stop herself.

      And, as she often did, the woman assumes the worst.  Expects the worse from the stranger before her. Automatically jumping to the decision that the seemingly innocent incident at hand must be criminal. That there is no good reason he’d have so much money with him unless if it were for something of bad intent. With eyes squinted slightly, her arms are suddenly crossed against her chest, and she ignores much of what he’s saying. Her mind already made. She examines him. Taking notice of the strange envelope which he clutches close to his chest, her mind playing back to the images of him pick up the mess (in which she made), only seconds ago.

          Glancing to where the bills had once been, she then brings her attention back to the male before her. Set in her own beliefs, there’s a brief pause, as she lets him finish his statement before she intervenes with her own words.Obviously not paying attention to his declaration that it isn’t any of her business. In her own mind, she’s doing something just,

         ❝ That’s an awful lot of money you got there, ❞ Shiah presses with the same accusing look. An expression he doesn’t seem quite fond of, she judges from his own countenance. But, she’s grown to be accustomed to such as her short time being a cop, and the police academy provided her that much. Taking a step closer to the male, Shiah tilts her head slightly, trying to get a better look at the envelope in his hand.  ❝ So, what’s that for ? ❞ She gestures to the object the man holds almost as if his life depends on it. Questions him in a tone she’s been trained to use. Stern but not threatening.  

             ❝ Are you planning to mail it off ? that’s odd..❞  She finally makes it voiced, her observation of the preferred casing of his money. Arms still crossed firmly over her chest, as her face reads her every thought out loud. She doesn’t wait for him to respond, as she continues her interrogation.