#(rep.)

Every Greater Antillies (Cayman Is., Cuba, Domin. Rep., Haiti, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico) Flag with combinations

It was common for women to gather toward him whenever he went out -- even if he was in no mood to deal with it, that or social media. Unfortunately dealing with it is no longer a choice but a consequence of his lifestyle. It really could be exhausting but who was he to complain when there were so many people in the world who would kill for a chance at his life.

Still, he can understand his friends frustration. It must be tiring and infuriating to have to deal with it as well when all you wanted was to spend good quality time with someone you care for. The only place that was safe was his home, arguably hers. But staying inside also got... dull.

“Sorry about this.” Hyuk says with a smile, trying to gather the womans anger with a lightened mood. It was rare for her to be so openly annoyed. “But you know that by now.” That there was nowhere to escape his reality -- sadly. He would if he could, invite her somewhere peaceful and quiet. After some conversation with the woman, Hyuk finally convinces the fan to leave them be, that he would appreciate the time with his friend since it remains precious and yet short - short and sweet, ideally. 

“Anyway... you were saying.”

“you’re standing in the way.”

hyemi assumes this is the kind of reaction he’s been expecting, based off the way he reacts. of course, nothing ever comes easily and when he doesn’t falter, the woman’s eyes narrow in annoyance at the way he presents himself with no regard for the people that surround him. even in a place like this, she thinks, respect is something you can and should come across. but certainly not when it comes to the boy standing in front of her.

the reality of it all is that hyemi is tired of running into the same old face again and again. the occasions differ each time and while she knows them to be nothing but coincidences, it irritates the female in a way she doesn’t know how to describe. crossing her arms is both a defense mechanism and a way to shield herself from the cold that’s been plaguing the streets of seoul for the past few weeks. the thin leather jacket she’s wearing does little to keep her out of harm’s way and while she has no intention of staying around for long enough to witness him wrapping her up in a discussion, the female sways a little.

it’s the fatigue, she tells herself. not the biting cold or the way he looks at her like he’s annoyed that she has the nerve to talk back. she hardly ever does with most people; hyemi is content with letting silence linger in place of an answer but something about hwiyoung has her on edge; she has no way of knowing what exactly it is that drives her into such behavior but she’s already alerted now and that’s enough for her to respond in such a straightforward manner.

“you’re not welcome here,” she adds calmly. and suddenly, she’s hyperaware of the scarf that’s knotted a little too tightly around her throat. and even though she’s already forcing herself to disregard all the concerning thoughts that bubble up inside of her mind, the girl manages to present herself as steadily as possible. “the last time you were here, you caused a ruckus. it scared customers away.” the explanation is nothing she owes him but one given anyway; deep down, she wonders what he’ll make of it. if he’ll bother to listen to her words at all. he’s never seemed the type to truly listen, anyway.

“go home, hwiyoung.” his name still tastes a little too foreign in her mouth. “you know the rules and you broke them. let me pass. keeping me here won’t do you any good.”

he’s not sure what leads him here, what thought culminates in him planting himself in front of her workplace, bright smile on his face as he eyes her. hwiyoung knows exactly what he’s doing, can read her face and see the annoyance written there before she even opens her mouth, but that didn’t matter.

“ah, hyemi! imagine seeing you here.” he laughs a little, hand rubbing at the back of his neck as though he’s a shy, anxious boy talking to a girl for the first time. that was partly the truth, but his rendition was anything but. “we just can’t stay away from each other, huh?” he tacks that on just to annoy her, almost enjoying the disappearance of her usually happy demeanor.

he takes in the way she’s standing, notes the brisk air and nearly considers offering her his jacket. he realizes she probably wouldn’t accept it and doesn’t bother in the end, shoving his hands into his pockets. he hadn’t realized how cold they’d gotten until he thought about it and his fingers ached inside his pockets. hwiyoung briefly questions why he’s standing there still bothering her, wonders what it is that keeps him so interested in her reactions and itching for more.

the blonde merely tilts his head when she speaks again, face twisting into a pitiful show of shock and sadness.

“oh, i see.” he nods to himself, brows knitting together, not meeting her eyes. “i was just trying to have fun, y’know, not hurt anybody’s feelings or anything.” he kicks at the ground gently, slowly lifting his head up to catch her gaze, now sporting a small pout.

“home is cold and lonely.” he mutters, tacking on a shiver for good measure. “i know i caused a lot of trouble last time but...” he hesitates, a tear rolling down his cheek, “i can be good this time if you let me, i promise!” 

it’s all a lie. in reality, he wondered if there was anything he could pocket inside, though the chances of him getting away with that with hyemi’s watchful eye would be slim, it was worth the thought. his eyes flicker to the ground again and he sniffles, hands coming up to rub at his eyes.

Haa, you two are so loud. (Eyes squinted and lips pursed before chuckling)

He paused at her demand, staring at her as he proceeded her words before yanking the blanket in his direction. “I don’t know how to share.” He added in a teasing tone, hogging the blankets and moving out completely out of her grip “get your own.”