Taemin Ryu

✦ .   ˚  &. —    open !!    . ˟

        ❝ 𝐈 𝐀𝐋𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐘 𝐓𝐎𝐋𝐃    you, it was just a stupid fight.❞  there’s a cut etched under his left eye and a  bruise forming along the other side of his face in nasty shades of reds and purples. but, despite his current state, he offers up his best attempt at glossing over what had happened to him. even with a quirk like jinho’s, ( which was pretty useful in dodging a quick punch ), there was only so much you could do when you weren’t given a fair fight. some guy he’d had a scuffle with but a few weeks ago had come back for more. except this time, the jackass had brought a few friends to tag along.  ❝  it’s not that big of a deal . . ❞

“it doesn’t look like it’s just a stupid fight.” taemin’s words glide over the tone of the other’s as he’d inspect the area around his eye once more. dark hues shift toward the other’s lips to see if it was busted as well, but it seems alright for now - lifting the weighted ice bag that is wrapped in a cloth before resting it barely along the other’s eyes. “close..” he made sure to tell them before doing so. “hold this for more, and tell me what actually.” he knew a rough time when he’s seen one, so it’s not something he was new to.

          𝐙𝐈𝐆𝐆𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐔𝐏𝐎𝐍   the others question for but a moment. his gaze lifting toward the sky as if it would somehow give him an answer. truthfully, both options sounded good to him. but suddenly it was a specific ramen bar that came to mind. a place that wasn’t too expensive as well as relatively nearby. ❝  actually !! i do know a place,  ❞  his grin remained, sharp teeth still shinning bright. ❝  noodles you said, right ??  ❞ he tilted his head ever so slightly, looking to the other for confirmation.  ❝  i know a pretty rad spot to get ramen if you’re down. it’s not pricey either,  ❞  he added, still looking to the stranger beside him. attempting to read his features for how he may have been feeling about his idea.  ❝  it’s about a few blocks down this way if you’re up for a short walk. ❞  he still held the umbrella over them. ❝  i’ll lead the way.  ❞ 

taemin’s gaze shift along the other as the idea of an ramen shop has come to mind, which he was curious about to the one that the other is mentioning. could be a new shop that just open that he doesn’t know about, so why not? his mood was still pretty down, hence the light rain that shifted from pouring to lightening up just a bit from the other’s presence. “sure, let’s go.” his tone was soft with looking from the other to the pathway that was before him, stepping along with the other in almost synchronizing steps. “did it just open up?” he had decided to strike up the conversation, so that the walk wasn’t too quiet in question.

          Jaewha shook her head as he spoke, eyes locked on his as she pointed at him and then back to the umbrella at this point almost insisting that he took the umbrella and got out of the cold rain. If there was something she hated was sickness and diseases and if she could help someone not get a simple cold then she could sleep peacefully. She offered him an apologetic smile while shaking her head, declining the offer of him walking her back to her house which was not a light walk for anyone considering her cottage was pretty hidden away from the rest of the island and she could never make someone go through that just for a simple favor. Although something warm didn’t sound terrible considering it was rather chilly and the rain made it be perfect weather for some stew. However, her guard was up at the invitation, was it normal behavior to ask strangers to grab food with them? Should she just walk away and pretend nothing happen? No, that would be rude and her parent’s didn’t raise a rude child. Jaehwa simply shrugged with a swift nod, accepting the food hoping that she wouldn’t regret her decision. 

          Jaewha shook her head as he spoke, eyes locked on his as she pointed at him and then back to the umbrella at this point almost insisting that he took the umbrella and got out of the cold rain. If there was something she hated was sickness and diseases and if she could help someone not get a simple cold then she could sleep peacefully. She offered him an apologetic smile while shaking her head, declining the offer of him walking her back to her house which was not a light walk for anyone considering her cottage was pretty hidden away from the rest of the island and she could never make someone go through that just for a simple favor. Although something warm didn’t sound terrible considering it was rather chilly and the rain made it be perfect weather for some stew. However, her guard was up at the invitation, was it normal behavior to ask strangers to grab food with them? Should she just walk away and pretend nothing happen? No, that would be rude and her parent’s didn’t raise a rude child. Jaehwa simply shrugged with a swift nod, accepting the food hoping that she wouldn’t regret her decision. 

         𝐈𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐒𝐎 𝐅𝐀𝐒𝐓,  ziggy can’t hide his surprise when the other takes hold of his wrist to pull him closer. a means to shield them both under the umbrella in which he’d previously been holding over the stranger’s head only. yet, now it was both of them who were protected from the raindrops that dared to kiss any source of exposed skin. and the frown that had momentarily tugged at his lips slowly melted into a smile mirroring the person before him. ❝   nah, don’t sweat it my dude,  ❞  he combats the other’s apology with the soft shake of his head. ❝  but … i might take you up on that offer. i could totally use a bite to eat and, lucky us, there seems to be enough room under here for two.   ❞  zig looks over to the stranger beside him. ❝  did you you have a place in mind ??  ❞  a brow quirks upward at the end of his question. peering over as if waiting for a response.  ❝   hopefully its somewhere dry, and where we can get away from this rain,  ❞ he adds playfully. 

having to find a smile upon the other’s features was something that he didn’t expect and his own would return toward the stranger next to him. taemin knew that the other couldn’t the rain to be related to his emotions and his smile would falter to finally fall as he looked from the other to look to the places before them. his gaze shift along the buildings before letting out an soft chuckle in response before looking toward the stranger again. “did you have any in mind? i’m starting to feel hungry for some noodles or... sandwiches.” he’d admit with noticing the rain to begin continue it’s pattern against the umbrella that would shield them from it’s droplets.

           Jaehwa knew she didn’t have to show him any kindness but her parents raised her to be selfless and kind, what type of person would she be if she simply allowed him to stand there in the rain? Possibly getting sick? If she could help in any way she’d take it. Jaehwa nodded her head swiftly, at his question while opening the spare umbrella on the opposite direction while using her hand to push the metallic pole of the other umbrella in his direction making sure he was nice and covered allowing a shy smile to turn on the corner of her lips while she moved back a few steps into her safety zone and under her own umbrella that she normally carried around for Sukwoo. The young girl pointed at the umbrella over his head before pointing to him, followed by a thumbs up as if she was trying to tell him to keep the umbrella.

Dark hues shift to find the umbrella that he held for them before watching her motion to findher own umbrella that she brought out to use. “I couldn’t take your umbrella,” he’d mention with continuing, “ - at least, let me walk you home, and i’ll be on my way.” He wasn’t sure to if she would allow him that for the payment of bringing the umbrella for him to use, but it was the only one he could think of at the moment, until another popped in mind. “.. or could I buy you something warm to eat?” the question rung out as he as curious to her response.

               It seemed the weather was everywhere these past couple of days, the rainstorms coming out of nowhere for a few minutes and then sunshine, which followed by more rain. Not that she minded rain to begin with, the rain always kept her the flowers in her hair from staying nice and hydrated which was the reason she had lowered her umbrella allowing a few rain droplets to fall on her head. She could feel every single drop the second it landed on the top of her head which almost tickled. She stood there for less than a minute before picking the umbrella right back, making her way down the street. While on her way back to her little cottage, her eyes couldn’t help but land on a stranger standing under the rain clearly getting drenched. A part of her wanted to simply continue on walking home before it got too cold, but she couldn’t leave them like that so with her mind already made up Jaehwa crossed the street and went directly over to the man. Hands instantly digging into her backpack pulling out an extra umbrella, tapping the stranger on the shoulder before taking a few step backs and extending out the umbrella. 

his gaze would shift escape the darkness in search of the poke along his shoulder, causing his body to turn before taking in sight of the other that’s extending out the umbrella between the two. just for a brief moment was when the rain would seem to shut off swiftly as he held his breath in return, searching along the umbrella slowly before releasing his breathe and causing the rain to fall once more. his hand would work to tilt the umbrella upward before taking an step forward to stand beneath it, holding onto the metallic pole to hold it straight up then making sure the other was beneath it. “thanks..” his tone was soft, unsure to why she would extend such kindness toward him. “ - you know, you didn’t have to, right?” his question rung more so due to how he felt curious to why she did this.

         𝐀𝐒 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐒     from the sky, ziggy makes his way home with a couple of beers hanging off his arm in a plastic bag he’d gotten from the local mart just a couple blocks away.  his gaze is glued to that of a downcast sky, while his umbrella protects him from the elements. and truth be told, he almost doesn’t notice the stranger who stands in the middle of the sidewalk. but, when he does finally gather his attention, it’s without a second thought that he approaches. extending his umbrella over them. it’s dingy and old. worn, because he’s kept it far too long. the poor thing being over due to be thrown away ;  for him to get a new one , considering how cheap it obviously is. but , it gets the job done, and it shields the other from the rain which ziggy fears may harm the unknown person before him. instead, leaving himself to endure the weather.  ❝  hey bruh , you good ??   ❞  he asks, peering over to him in hopes to see if everything was alright. it didn’t seem like a normal occurrence to find people simply standing in the rain. most people would likely duck and run to seek cover if they didn’t already have a means of keeping dry. ❝  hope i’m not interrupting anything, but … it’s probably best not to stay out here like this,  ❞  he offers . ❝  after all, with it getting colder lately. you might get sick …    ❞ 

WETNESS MADE THE CLOTHES STICK              in uncomfortable places and yet, he didn’t pay no matter to the situation. darkness filled his gaze as his lids slid to close over his vision to aim his face toward the sky, for it to return it’s generous amount of rain that would pour in response. he knew the recent weathers were linked to how he’s been feeling in these past few days, for the ups and downs - this was slowly becoming his lowest. hearing a strange voice nearby has cause his focus to shift in gazing toward the noise to find a slightly familiar face - noticing the shift of dryness as the rain were no longer upon him and more on the other. silence would wash over the tension for the moment as he took an deep breath with letting his gaze dropping along with releasing his breath. “yeah,” his response was crisp and cool, short in response. “maybe feeling sick would make me feel something other than sadness - maybe the seasonal depression is finally sinking in.” he tried his best to joke with the last sentence, but it would falter along with the slight quirk that the corner of his lips gave for the moment. “sorry, -” he’d move to step with grasping the other’s wrist to tug them closer for the both of them to be under the umbrella - knowing that they might protest, if he tried to get out from underneath it. his release on their wrist had cause his hand to fall before sending an warm smile in response. “thank you.. can i buy you something warm to eat, since we’re both cold and wet now.” his gaze would settle over their own in waiting their response.

mason loved the beach. before the island he never really went to the beach besides for special occasions. now he goes often and is sure to bring stella with him. the golden retriever pup loving the water. and actually, the hat is what got mason’s attention. some could say he has an interesting sense of style, but he wore what he thought was comfortable and cute. the hat looked like it could fit both categories. “i think it looks really nice!” there’s a bright smile on his fave as always. “summer is nice, but i love winter clothes. they’re so warm and comfy it makes up for it! also where did you get your hat?”

         “What’s wrong with being a spoil sport?” a whine escaping pass her lips, stomping her legs like a toddler throwing a tantrum. Normally, she wouldn’t care about PDA or couples but lately it seemed that she had grown extra sensitive about them; especially after her ex-boyfriend decided to announce his marriage to one of the Baks. Not like she could be mad about that since she was the one who broke it off due to her own issues and well, she actually really liked Sunghee although she’s only ever talked to the woman a few times. “Oh, God, no being in a relationship is the worse thing ever like there’s all these commitments and then you have to settle for things,” she shook her head, clear distaste apparent on her features. “Then people start saying they’re in love with you and want a future together like, who does that? Life is way too short to settle down with someone,” clicking her tongue while shaking her head, “My last relationship is probably really going to be my last relationship, he was hot as well though, I will give him that and I kind of miss his cooking but at the end we both knew we were just not meant for one another and now he’s off to be married, how funny is that?”

                              ៚ ⋯ closed starter for: @ncrincri​/@tacminryu​!

            “That’s so fucken obnoxious,” bitterness to be found in her tone, amber eyes rolling dramatically while shamelessly pointing out a couple that were way pass standard PDA, “Can ya’ believe the nerve those fuckers have? Can’t they get a room? No one needs to see them sticking their tongues down each others throats,” Azula stated, sticking her tongue out in disgust looking away from the couple. “Sometimes I wish I had a quirk that allowed me to throw rocks at peoples head or some shit like that, yanno? That would come so in handy for situations like this.” Couples had always made her uncomfortable but that was from her streak of failed relationships and commitment issues that made normal intimacy absolutely repulsive to her and all she could do was be bitter towards those who were happily in love and there was no controlling it. “Should I tell them something? They’re running my smores…” she whined looking down at the desert in hand, “God, I hate couples…” continue her whining now followed by a loud groan before looking over at the other, “Can ya’ use ya’ quirk to make ‘em stop?”

she stopped mid-conversation as she noticed her phone buzzing nonstop, her eyebrows furrowing both in disbelief and disgust. was this some kind of joke? she had put out her contact out so she could have someone call her for any sort of odd job and instead she got this? a scoff left her lips as the aura around her quickly got colder, the contents of these nonstop text left her dumbfounded and, she had nothing against the people who agreed with this but, it was uncomfortable to be approached like this by a stranger. “do you think i can get away with murder?” she muttered as she continued to read the texts, “would you like to help me?” she looked at the other before handing her phone to them. someone seemed to have taken the freedom to take her number and ask her whether she’d like to be a sugar baby — something uncalled for and something she would never agree to. “do you think i can make it look like an accident? i wanted a job, not to be disrespected like this. if i had wanted a sugar daddy i would seek for one,” she furrowed her eyebrows and crossed her arms. “men are truly disgusting! i may be desperate for money but, not only asking me to do that but i know they’re even being cheap! fifty bucks? for one hour? do you know how much other people would pay? not only they try to fool someone who’s never done that but they’re trying to get women to settle with only fifty bucks?” jangmi retched, quite repulsed at the idea of a middle-aged man genuinely thinking that because they had any sort of academic background, young women would sell themselves for such a low amount.