#anexthetxc

usually, junseo spends his days wandering around the neighborhoods he knows are safer. it's what he'd spent his childhood doing, and it's all he knows to do as an adult now too ( though adult might be a bit of a stretch, he's not long turned 19 ). it's harder to roam, though, when it's cold and his stomach is empty. he's gotten used to existing on whatever he can steal by now, but even he isn't immune to the exhaustion that comes from always being hungry. he could beg, like the other homeless people he sees, but he won't. he doesn't like asking for help. doesn't like feeling like he owes people something.

so instead of prowling, today he's squatting in an empty shop doorway. he'd managed to steal a new coat a few weeks back, so at least he isn't completely at the mercy of the elements, but it's still cold. not so bad that he can feel it all the way down to his bones yet, but cold enough that he can feel goosebumps prickling across his skin every once in a while. he can feel eyes on him, too. has felt it for a while, but he's been doing his best to ignore it. he risks a glance up and makes eye contact with the person very obviously staring at him. he hates the people that stare more than the people that insult him. ❝ if you're going to stare, at least buy me something. ❞

❝I've got a ... funny thing to admit to you.❞ the sous chef is quiet, a stark contrast from the mood he presented throughout the day. the thought of spilling this information was eating at him from the moment they laid eyes on each other again. the feeling that overcame him then.. it was like the first time. myungsoo had always loved her, even now, which is why he had to come clean. ❝... I'm engaged.❞

Ji-Seok leaned back slightly, a soft chuckle escaping his lips as he watched her settle onto the edge of the bed. ❝A reality show, huh?❞ he echoed, the faintest trace of amusement dancing in his eyes. ❝I guess that makes me the awkward lead who doesn’t quite know what he’s doing.❞ He zipped up his now half-unpacked suitcase and set it aside, brushing off invisible lint from his shirt as if it could shake off the surreal weight of the situation.

❝But… you’re right. This is kind of exciting,❞ he admitted, the edge of a smile tugging at his lips. ❝A little wild, a little unpredictable—it’s definitely not how I thought this trip would go, but maybe that’s a good thing.❞

For a moment, he hesitated, his gaze flickering toward her before softening. ❝And, hey, I know you didn’t sign up for this to, I don’t know, mend my broken heart or anything,❞ he teased lightly, the humor a thin veil over the vulnerability beneath. ❝But I appreciate that you’re game for all of it. You could’ve easily ghosted me after that first message.❞

Ji-Seok shifted his weight, hands sliding into his pockets, his tone growing a touch quieter. ❝I guess what I’m trying to say is… thanks for taking the leap. I think you’re right—we’re gonna have fun. And who knows, maybe we’ll walk away from this trip with more than just a good story.❞