#20sshin

it’s all so very devil wears prada-esque, the way danbi peers over her sunglasses at shin. why he’s had a change of heart and decided her opinion is worth a damn is beyond her, but she’ll indulge him for now. he’s not going to listen to her, that much she’s sure about, but she’ll give him her two cents regardless; this is a charitable act. danbi considers this community service. 

“frankly, asshole, you’re not fit to go out in public no matter what you’re wearing. you’ve got a face that should never see the light of day, honestly.” she’s as cool as a cucumber, as relaxed as if she was on the beaches of fiji, just leaning back against the cushions of shin’s sofa, arms crossed over her chest. “but you’ve got a big ego, and not an ounce of shame running through your veins. i’m sure you won’t be affected by the weird looks you’ll get.” 

danbi pushes her sunglasses up to perch atop her head, checking on her already perfect manicure. 

“i feel like italian food today, by the way.”

nothing in this world happens by chance.

the fact she’s on her way to natalie’s place is methodical. heels ringing out against the pavement, singing a similar tune. sowon isn’t a morning person. it’s evident in the everlasting bags under her eyes, usually hidden by a smudge of concealer. it’s evident in the two cups of coffee and three cigarettes she’s had already. and it’s evident in the location she’s traveling to. it’s almost a tradition for sowon to show up unannounced at nat’s. she comes bearing her usual gifts of cheap donuts and even cheaper coffee. 

lack of sleep keeps her movement heavy, clunky as she struggles to heave open the front door of the grey building. she convinces herself the weight on her body is a minor side affect of her stunning pointed-toe black pumps. it’s easier than admitting she has a problem. 

sowon rests her body against the elevator wall. avoiding eye contact with her blurred reflection. letting her eyelids, body, and mind sink. her body hanging limply against the wall. the opening of the elevator doors alerts her before she plunges onto the elevators hardwood floor. 

‘god, even the elevators at nat’s apartment complex are nicer than my whole apartment.’

she rounds the corner, as she had done many mornings before this one. it isn’t until her eyes locate natalie’s door does she notice the figure attached to the handle.

“who the fuck are you,” she calls out from the other end of the hallway. it comes out sharp, intending to cut into him. to catch the boy off guard. sleep has all but left her now. gliding across the hallway as quickly as her shoes would allow her. the clicking of her heels closing in on her prey. “and why the fuck were you in there?” 

sowon isn’t dense, unlike what most think. the second half isn’t really a question of what was going on. more of a question of why him? arms now crossed as she stands in front of him; blocking him from avoiding her. to the best of her ability.

@20sshin​

the night was young and the youth of itaewon were bustling from bar to bar, to a karaoke room and back to the bar. every store played a different genre of music and they all blended together in a mixing bowl of bass and treble. he travelled alone, as per usual, glancing at bars as if he was debating on which one to visit. but he knew beforehand. after all he only ever went to one club.

going to the club was more of a luxury than anything, his manager hated when he went -- it meant he needed to be watched like a hawk, he couldn’t be fraternizing with drunk girls or drinking too much. there wasn’t much that he was permitted to engage in, due to not wanting to be photographed in precarious environments. the news stations were the kings of reaching lately, turning almost any innocent picture into a scandal.