Warmth rolls off of him in virtually palpable waves as he looks down towards the ground, expression set in a sun-bathed smile. It’s hot enough out that he’s got sweat beaded on his skin, sticking hair to his forehead and making him look as if he should probably be absolutely miserable, though he doesn’t seem it. In comparison to where he grew up, the dry heat of New Mexico is pretty mild to him; at first it was a bit more difficult given his constitution was more acclimated to humidity, but that’s another story. After five years, it’s gotten to the point where it’s preferable, especially in the days following his bi-weekly holidays back to his home city. Today is comfortable at worst.
“You’re amazing, you know that?” To anybody viewing him from behind or from far off, it would appear as if he’s speaking to himself. Those with a better angle will be able to see the little pup at his feet, wagging her tail with so much enthusiasm her entire backside is wiggling back and forth. He has a day off today, so he’s taking full advantage of it by spending the majority of his time outside, ‘training’ his new puppy. Unfortunately, Taeil’s definition of teaching her seems to be hand feeding her treats whenever he tells her to ‘sit’ or ‘stay’, and she, in turn, does nothing at all to earn it. It’s a bonding exercise, according to him. ‘Bonding’, of course, meaning he wants her to love him, and she seems to love him the very most when he’s giving her food. He’s not above buying affection. Don’t ever think that he is.
Of course, he’s also not exactly used to having to hold onto a leash, so when another person wanders into the (somewhat) immediate vicinity of where they are, he’s not expecting the sudden way she’s ripping her lead from out of his hand. “Shit —” He cuts off as he half-stumbles to his feet, too-long, clumsy limbs falling over themselves in his haste to get after her. The pup is already excitedly bounding over to the stranger, as sociable as anyone could possibly hope to be, and her entire body is just a mess of wiggles and shaking as she rolls herself onto her back in front of them to beg for belly rubs. “Sorry! Sorry, she’s mine. I promise she’s nice!”
warm weather seems to be what esme thrives in. having taken vacations in some wonderfully tropic places, not to mention having spent a month in morocco and traveled numerous times to dubai. but it seemed to be different, here in new mexico. while she enjoyed being in the sunshine, soaking up the rays and feeling the heat against her skin, esme had soon realized that maybe she didn’t want to constantly live in it. despite her, very strong, dislike for rain, she wouldn’t want to live in a place that didn’t experience actual seasons.
so, why on earth did esme choose to go on a run on this stickily hot, summer day? well, she doesn’t quite know herself. it was less of a run, now, though. not even a jog. the heat has beaten her. stopping, she wipes sweat from her brow with the sweatband on her wrist, face in an expression of slight disgust as she does so. as she takes a moment to catch the breath that she didn’t really lose in the first place, a dog approaches her.
esme doesn’t mean to squeal, but the surprise appearance of the puppy forces it from her. “i do not- huh,” she says, trying to compose herself and taking a step back. “i am not a fan of dogs.”