#killustrate

A belated party for Christmas and a way to turn up early before New Years, Rome uses it as an excuse to celebrate the recent eval too even if he turned up with Bobby, Yien, and Yixing for Bobby’s birthday the other night. His body barely recovering from that hangover before he’s here, beer in hand as he takes another sip, shaking his head when one of the guys tells a story of the renovations for their new space. A new building [to them] that they’re sharing with another crew, one floor to them and another to the other. It’s not much but it’s better than what they had before and Rome’s glad they’ve come this far, even if he’s not there to join in everything. Invitations come as often as they used to to participate when he’s not training but there’s no time. 

He misses it, he misses this. An arm drapes over his arm and he chuckles when Dabin points out that Jihyun is talking to one of the girls, Hyunmi. Looking at her brings back memories of one of the last videos they did together before Rome signed with Nova. That girl, a classic Justin Timberlake song if you ask him. It’s perfect for him, because it’s from “The 20/20 Experience” album and because of the lyrics. 

Didn't have to run, I knew it was love from a mile away But I had to catch you, been running through my mind all day baby 

Nothing in the world could distract him from thoughts of Jihyun for long. During training, he has to stop himself from thinking too much about her, from worrying too much, from wanting to see her so much when they’re in the same building but have to keep their distance. He’s still not a public trainee but her popularity and reputation grows day in and day out, even among trainees. He lost track of how many guys in Nova had asked him about her once they found out she was his friend and that she helped him during the season he was on the MGAs too. It felt like a lifetime ago but it doesn’t matter to him now that he doesn’t have to chase her. They walked at the same pace. 

People always staring, but I don't even care nothing about it, babe 'Cause since I saw your face, I've been staring just the same.

He’s been caught. It’s easy to tell once their eyes meet and he grins. Dabin is elbowing him for losing track of the conversation they’re having because he’s staring at Jihyun again. There hasn’t been a day when he hasn’t stared when he has the chance and he knows he could do it for the rest of his life if she let him. 

I'll put it down like my love's on wax, guess what? I'm in love with that girl

“Hyung,” Dabin’s snickering goes in one ear and out the other when something brushes against the top of his head. “Jaesun said this is for you so you can finally do what you’ve been wanting to do forever.” Hands are held up in defense when Rome’s brow arches and he laughs when Dabin explains, “his words, not mine.” Because he might let people know they’re good friends but not even all of Kill.U.Strate knows that Rome and Jihyun are together. The discovery that it’s mistletoe comes too late for him to turn it down and he’s groaning when even Seik pipes in that he has to follow through, it’s a tradition around the world [where people recognize mistletoe as part of the festivities] and it’s a Kill.U.Strate tradition no matter how chaotic it gets at the end of the night when everyone’s got a few drinks under their belt. “Alright, alright, I get it.” His eyes meet Jihyun’s again and he’s laughing when he turns suddenly, hands grabbing Dabin’s face so he can kiss the younger’s cheek. “Y’all good?” Boos and disapproval greet him and Dabin’s complaining at the rate of 60 miles a minute but the smile doesn’t leave Rome’s face when he looks over at Jihyun one more time. 

Started watercolour's again today, just something small, :)

A birthday gift for my best bud, GABO!

...I think I went a little overboard.

HUGE HIGHER QUALITY VERSION HERE