t'is no small thing, to stumble, d.e.s.o.l.a.t.e through hideous SPACE down unfamiliar and unfriendly roads that ( b r u i s e ) your feet ethan cho • thirty-one • temp worker
car accident tw, death tw
growing up as benji's younger brother, ethan found that he was given the responsibility to be everything his parents wanted both his older brother and him to be. the pressure was immense, but he took it in stride for many years. though school did not come easy to him, he worked hard to ensure that his grades stayed up. it was music that came naturally. when his fingers touched the piano keys, he was a different person. he continued to perform across the country and soon globally when he was in high school and in college. it was when he was 25 that tragedy struck in the form of a car accident that claimed his ability to ever play again. distraught, he spiraled into self-destructive tendencies and fell in with the wrong crowds as well. his parents tried to bring him back under their thumb when, a couple years later, he lost his closest friend. that changed him completely and he ended up cutting off almost all ties with his family, choosing to live alone and work odd jobs to pay the bills rather than taking even a dime from them. now he works as a mechanic, or on construction sites, as a bartender, as a dishwasher. you can find him anywhere that is loud.
IN THE WEEDS . . .
Ethan Cho was never meant to be the golden child. He was never meant to shoulder a burden that had been otherwise shrugged off by his elder brother. Born on a balmy June night, it was obvious from the start that Ethan close to ordinary, but would be required to be extraordinary. Somehow, despite seeing how his parents forced their decisions on him, Ethan did not complain. Call it filial piety, call it keeping the peace. Whatever the reason was, he chose to abide by the steps laid out for him, even when he was hardly the best at anything they put before him. Schooling was never the easiest for him. Grades did not come easy, but he worked immensely hard to keep them up.
There were a few options on the table for him. He could have gone on to become a doctor, like they wanted of his older brother. Or he could have chosen to partake in the family business. Ethan found his talents elsewhere. What started as an extracurricular that would get him into the best colleges in the country (if the Cho money was not enough) ended up turning into a passion and escape. He finally found what he was a natural at and had an uncanny talent for. Whenever he sat in front of the piano, it was as if he were coming home. And though he did not directly contravene his parents’ wishes growing up, the interest and desire to make this his full time job kept growing. As he traveled for performances through middle and high school, being away from the overbearing environment at home also felt liberating. He could understand why his brother had wanted to run and never look back. Yet by him doing so, Ethan was unable to. Call it that pesky feeling of indebtedness.
But he made one choice for himself. A compromise so to speak. He agreed to enter the family business down the line if he could simultaneously continue to develop his career in music. It took convincing (or maybe their conviction that this was a phase that would wear off). With an acceptance to Julliard, his travels continued with his performances. He gained a sufficient bit of recognition among those who appreciated classical music. His concerts were well attended. It was during an international trip that he lost his everything. Seriously injured in a car accident, after hours of surgery, he was nearly presumed dead. It was only after he came to that he realized that he could no longer play. Physical therapy taught him how to use his limbs once more, helping him regain fine motor skills and control of his hand. But there was no way he was able to go back to how he was before. The tremors in his hand never stopped and with this, Ethan felt his world crumble. He lost his outlet and his freedom in one well swoop. His parents were waiting with open arms, ready to usher him into the life he had promised he would return to. Yet he couldn’t. Not immediately.
For the first time, after losing everything that he had worked so hard for and had wanted in life, Ethan crumbled and spiraled. He began to fall in with the wrong kinds of people, doing things that would risk his life further, as though chasing death that he had just barely escaped. And once again, he would escape. As if the world was forcing him to live to see another day. He was a friend. One who knew him through everything. One who supported him through everything as well. One who tried to reason with him time and time again to pull him out of the self-destructive spiral he was going down. But it was only when Ethan lost this friend that he realized what he was doing and how far off the path he had veered. He’d come to pick Ethan up after one of his worse days, to take him home. In the wrong place at the wrong time, he was collateral damage in a mugging that took his life. A mugging that should have otherwise have claimed Ethan’s life.
When honey doesn’t work, it was time to use vinegar. His parents promised to make any investigation into Ethan and any word of his presence at the scene go away. So long as stopped ruining his life and did what they wanted. Yet this attempt to strongarm him back into their grasp backfired on his parents. He cut all ties with them in that moment and called them on their bluff. He carried that guilt with him and turned towards doing a number of odd jobs to distance himself from the sheer wealth he grew up with.
the last thing that eddie expected was to run into someone but the moment he did, he had to do everything he could in order to catch himself so that he didn't land on his ass. brows furrowed and his eyes widened as he tried to focus on who was in front of him and what exactly just happened. eddie didn't know what was happening nor did he want to get involved and so as the others approached, he nodded and pointed in the other direction, "i saw some guy running that way. it might be the guy you're looking for. i didn't see a mask but i did see a backpack." why he was covering, he didn't know but he figured he might as well. after all, he was curious as to what was going on anyways.
As soon as the others asked the other man for directions, Ethan could feel his heart racing and his feet were light in case he had to make another dash for it. Luckily for him, he heard the footsteps retreating as the other misdirected them, sending them the other way and buying him some time. He took a few moment to ensure that they were gone before finally stepping out from where he’d hidden. “Thanks man,” he began, leaning against the wall. “They’re fucking scum.” He began to explain, pulling out the camera that he always used to go ghost hunting, this time used for something a little bit better. Breaking and entering was perhaps not the best of ideas, but he ensured that the footage of the illegal dog fighting was captured, tilting the camera towards the man that had just saved him from getting his ass kicked. “You reckon the cops will do anything about it?” Or was he about to have to break in a second time. / @eddiexpowers
June definitely didn't have the easiest of times in her department, usually having to step in whenever they had a shortage of bodies. She never minded the grunt work, it let her get to know the staff and the people who all made it happen behind the scenes. If anything she sort of preferred to get her hands dirty if anything else. As she stepped out to meet someone that had been assigned to her as a temp, she smiled, grabbing her phone as she had an immediate reaction to seeing Ethan. "Cancel whatever plans I had for our temp from earlier, I'll be assigning him to something else entirely." she mused over the phone as she approached him. "Hi, I'm June and whatever you heard you had to do, scratch that cause I think I might have you model for our new campaign, and I'll double whatever was offered to you at first."
It was hard to miss the woman that stepped into the room, authoritatively declaring that she would be giving him a completely different assignment than what had been slated. Looking up at the woman, he tried to immediately categorize her in his head as corporate or not. There was an aura of confidence around her that commanded respect. At the same time, Ethan wasn’t the biggest fan of the people who worked in offices like this. So he reserved his judgment for the time being, standing to greet June, the woman who was for all intents and purposes his boss. “I was told I’d be doing some copying,” he began, finding that the task was just mindless enough that he would be able to pass the day. The new assignment however actually had him raising his brows. “Excuse me? I’ve never modeled before.” Which was true, except for the few photos he’d sat for when they were touring. “You have the wrong guy for the job.” / @junebughastings
Ethan’s question made Feyza pause, like, what? She played with her hair, realizing how weird she must have seemed shredding paper like a maniac. “You know about my parents, right? Their case is still unsolved after all these years. Sometimes, it’s just so frustrating, you know?” She waved to the mess of papers. “I guess today it all came out on the junk mail. Your boxing sounds healthier. I should try that next time, instead of creating a recycling mess in my kitchen.” After a moment, she added quietly, “Thanks for not thinking I’m totally bonkers. It actually helps to talk about it.”
As she explained the reason for the outburst, he felt like a bit of a fool for even questioning why she would have felt the need to vent. After all, he still carried resentment with him towards a number of people who he felt wronged him. And that was with all the answers. He could only begin to imagine what not even having the answers could feel like. A nod of understanding accompanied her explanation. “Trust me,” he started, not wanting to give her the wrong idea at all, “I’m the last person to speak on healthy coping. Frankly shredding paper is far better than the types of things I did when I was at my worst. So I’m in no position to judge. Because I actually did lose my shit a few times over.” And though his expression remained impassive, his features softened slightly. “So if you’re in the mood to shred things again, I’m just a call away.” / @feyzaxergin
She felt bad for the guy, really she did, but once they left the bar they stopped being her problem. Dakota at the bar was a different Dakota; she cared less here. She didn't have to care so much here. Here was just extra money. "I'm slowly trying to convince him water still exists and it's just as good. It turns to mumbling after ten or so minutes before it kicks up again. Like a car that doesn't want to stay working." She slid the glass over. "I take it back by the way; if you have to take this guy home? Everything is on the house."
Ethan threw a glance over at he gentleman that was his client for the evening. There was a time when Ethan too teetered on the edge of abusing alcohol. When he wandered very close to abusing other substances as well. So he could perhaps sympathize. But sympathizing and actually having to deal with it were two different things. Which apparently the bartender was also feeling. “How many has he had to drink?” As she offered him the first of his nonalcoholic beverage, he tipped the glass in her direction gratefully. “You don’t have to sell me on the value of water.” / @kotalogarzo
“I’m glad I can actually see your face this time around,” Ethan joked as he slid into the booth, remembering that the last time they ran into each other during the blackout they hadn’t gotten a proper chance to catch up. “Though I wonder what brings you to my humble city from your extravagant one.” Shivani had been one of the few people that he grew close to outside of his own program while at Julliard. However, as with most of the friends from that time, he’d naturally pulled away following his accident. Without a proper justification, he couldn’t flout another invitation, so he decided that since she was in town anyways, he ought to catch up with her. How long could he run from anyone and anything related to that time of his life?
WITH: @parkersharpe
LOCATION: outside ethan's house, south hills
“I know what this looks like, but it isn't like that.” Ethan began when he felt the eyes of another person on him as he was attempting to get into his own house from the back. It wasn’t the best look and in this neighborhood, it could easily result in handcuffs. Stopping mid tracks, Ethan turned around and looked at the woman who he felt he had seen around the neighborhood a few times, maybe at the convenience store or gas station. Or maybe everyone here had a similar look to one another. “I locked my keys inside and the friend who has the spare is out of town. It’s either breaking into my own place or his.”
WITH: @henryknight
LOCATION: anywhere with a piano/wherever he might play
The tune was alluring and like a moth to a flame, Ethan couldn’t help but be drawn to the notes on the piano. It was hardly the first time that he was hearing someone play since he could no longer do so. But it was definitely the first time he heard music that spoke to him. Where he might have otherwise gone in the opposite direction otherwise, this time he couldn’t help but follow the music. Finding a man sitting behind the piano, Ethan waited for the final note before clapping in the air silently. “That’s a unique composition. Is it original?”
benji wasn't exactly stoked with the other's behavior but he wasn't there to cause a scene either. with everything else that had been going on in his life, the last thing he needed was to cause a scene and have more drama in his life. he was going through enough with what axel had planned on doing and he was still trying to move past the fact that his best friend was so ready to stab him in the back for his own selfish revenge. "right, so that's how it's going to be." he shook his head, a sigh following. "just don't embarrass me, alright?" he muttered softly in the other's direction.
Ethan raised a brow incredulously. The thought that he could be the one who might embarrass Benji was laughable at best. But he held his tongue, not trying to draw more attention to their conversation by running his mouth. Instead, gaze hardened, he spoke in a hushed, but harsh tone. “I was all the way in back. You’re the one made a point to talk to me. The last thing I want is for people to know we are in any way related.” He cast a quick glance around as people started to get to work. “Besides, despite what you,” and their parents, “might think, no one gives a damn about you or your business or who is or isn’t related to you. People are just here to do their work, collect their paycheck, and go home.” / @benjicho
Soren looked up from her laptop where she'd been typing almost furiously, a small smile on her lips. "Oh, does that me you'll let me pay this time? Please, let me pay this time!" Soren adored the fact that he was so helpful, but she also considered him a friend now, it felt strange not to pay him for his hard work. "Or at least let me get dinner for us or something."
“Nice try,” Ethan said, wiping his hands against the front of his jeans while straightening up. Ethan did not bother collecting from friends, especially when it was meant to be a favor. “But the answer is still no.” He’d long put the life and the people who were all about give and take behind him. “I might be convinced for dinner though,” and his stomach grumbled in time with his statement as if underscoring that point. / @sorenrobertson
There was a time when he would never think to continuously throw his hand against a sandbag. Back when his hands were his most treasured asset, allowing him to play music and pursue the one thing that he was naturally talented at. He’d guarded his hands with his life in many ways, and in the end it was the mistake of another that cost him. Now, without the same limitations, he threw punches in swift succession, peeking at the woman beside him who he’d brought along for a change of pace. “You’re a natural. Did you say that you’ve done this before?”
sasha knew that the two of them had managed to have chemistry before back in new york but she wasn't sure if things would be the same. she did, of course, find herself looking forward to the times that he did stop in. it reminded her of a better time in her life, one where her dreams were at arm's length. that seemed like so long ago but even with her injury and having to work her way back up to the top, at least he managed to be a bright side of things.
her smile managed to widen just slightly as he spoke, her eyebrows raising slightly. "oh yeah? you were trying to keep up with my schedule?" she asked. sasha had to admit, she was pretty flattered over it. she gathered her things and followed him out, eyes on the bike in front of them. she debated her options and nodded toward the bike, "i've never been on one so," she shrugged, "i say let's take the bike."
A handful of romantic encounters under his belt, one could say Ethan was still learning the art of game. It was miserably apparent that he didn’t have much. If he did, maybe he would have actually made a move years ago when he had found Sasha interesting the first time. There had been an instant connection. And now, admitting that he was keeping track of her schedule was hardly the smoothest thing to reveal at this juncture. It was a relief that she took it well and as a compliment. Another person may have thought it was stalkerish.
“Like I said, nice to see a pretty face before a workout,” he concluded, changing the statement just slightly from what he’d initially said. Since the admission was already out there, he figured there was no harm in admitting a bit more. Offering her a helmet, he threw his leg over the bike, starting it before gesturing for her to hop onto the back. “I’m a pretty safe driver,” he began to explain over the hum of the engine. “But still, to be safe, you should hold on.” / @sashahughes
When he renounced his parents and everything to do with them, it was not only the Cho name that he left behind. It was the lifestyle. The fakeness. The pretending. The adjusting. The compromising. It was all of it. And included in that was the socializing with people he did not care about for the sake of maintaining their social standing. Life had thrown one too many struggles his way for Ethan to continue to plaster on a smile and stand next to this parents as their golden child ( and puppet ). So, whenever he saw the brunette, he couldn’t help but be reminded of that very life. The plastered smile. He had no doubt that were his parents in attendance at this event, they would be mortified to see their son carrying a tray of hors d’oeuvres. But a part of him did so precisely for that reason. “Scallops?” He asked as he was ushered towards the table where Esra stood alone to offer her the starter, tone dripping with obvious reluctance.
Feyza felt her shoulders drop as the final scrap of paper fluttered to the ground. She couldn't stop a smile from spreading across her face, honestly shocked at how much better she felt. When she looked back at Ethan, she caught his puzzled look and felt her cheeks go pink. He probably thought she'd gone totally mad. "No, I haven't tried those places," she confessed, dusting off her hands. "But maybe I should. This was kind of amazing, actually." She let out a little laugh, shaking her head. "Sorry about the mess. I guess I needed that more than I knew."
Despite her sheepish expression, Ethan could see the relief that the little outburst brought her. He’d taken to boxing, working out, and his own burst of rage when life had taken his dream from him. So he was no stranger to the need to vent or release tension in destructive ways. “They’re cathartic, though expensive too. You’re paying to break things, so the junk mail is the cheaper alternative.” Leaning back in his seat, he paused for a moment before asking the question on his mind. “Are you willing to share the reason for the mess?” / @feyzaxergin
The temp agency gave him all sorts of random tasks and for the most part, Ethan preferred those that fell more in line with blue collar work than white collar work. But today was one of the rare exceptions where he stepped into an office building, told that there was a shortage of staff for the week and they needed him to fill in. Ironically, because he had a business degree as a compromise with his parents, this might actually be something that came more naturally to him than being a mechanic. Dressed somewhat more professionally than usual, he waited to speak with a Ms. Juniper Hastings.
She was obviously familiar. It was hard to forget her mixes and while they were not necessarily into the same genre, a musician could always appreciate the talents of others. But he was surprised to see her in Wilmington. “You’re quite far from home, no?” Ethan began, approaching Kimberly with a touch of surprise but certainly pleasant. “I don’t think Wilmington is happening enough to afford you.” His amusement reflected on his features, a small bout of nostalgia for his days of playing internationally washing over him.
WITH: @eddiexpowers
LOCATION: somewhere in wilmington, nighttime
Was this the best idea that he had in the world? Absolutely not. But it was the only thing that he could think of in the moment. Slinging the bag across his back carefully, he ran while adjusting his mask. He never thought he would resort to criminality in this way, but there were some things that Ethan could not tolerate. Animal cruelty being one of them. And after conversation did not work, criminality would have to do. As the shouting and footsteps continued behind him, he collided hard with someone else who was walking in the other direction. He recognized the man from the blackout. Ed or Eddie he was. Putting a finger to his lips, he ducked into the alley and hid behind the dumpster, hoping the man would cover for him when the two men who were after him showed up. “Have you seen a guy in a mask around here? He had a dark backpack.”
