Sarcastically a Ray of Sunshine

& Jack of all trades

[monstersunderurbed]

Aria knew how to read a room well. She knew when her bubbly personality should be toned down and kept quiet, and switched her usually clumsy and erratic moves to soft and calculated so as not to cause any bother. She knew exactly what Minho would look like as soon as he got on the van that picked them up from the airport, and even though she was the happiest to see them back after a few days' absence, Aria knew that what they needed was some space. She kept herself quiet, only offering them a reassuring smile that hopefully translated to 'hi, I'm happy to see you. Welcome home. I can take all your worries from now on.' After all, even if it wasn't in the job description, Aria had the tendency to carry with her loved ones' issues on her shoulders, that, although frail looking, could carry the weight of a thousand elephants without causing a single strain.

As soon as Min fell asleep, Aria reached out to play in their hair, trying to keep them asleep for as long as the drive lasted, no matter the bumps on the road, but once they were home, there was no more reason to keep at it. Aria tried to wake them up gently a few times, then a few more times, being a little bit tougher until Min's eyes fluttered open. "We're home," she whispered in a sweet voice, pushing their hair away from their face and helping out with everything they had in the front with them– the driver would take the rest. She let them walk towards the front door first, following close in case she needed to give them a little push. She watched them fumble sleepily around their bag and pockets to try to find their phone to open the door, but when it took longer than a few seconds, Aria settled her hand on their shoulder. "I got it." With her phone already in hand, she opened the door for them and gave them a little shove to remind them to walk in. "Go to your room. All your bedding is clean, and the curtains should be closed. "I'll help you out with your luggage."

[goldenchildminmin]

“Ah…” They’d completely forgotten in their distraught state that Aria had almost full entry to their home except for a couple of safes which only Minho and their twin sister had access to. The doors pinged with that odd robotic sound, droning away a mechanical, unimaginative welcome in polite Alexa or Siri voice. “Buuuut I don’t want to sleep…” Minho whined pathetically as they felt the gentle hand giving them a little nudge through the door, their body obeying it unconsciously, bottom lip trembling in disappointment at their own addled mind for not being the one to gentlemanly open the doors for Aria. Instead, it was shamefully done the other way around.

Luckily for both of them the doggos Minho kept were with a dog sitter presently, on their daily walk. Were they present, they would’ve likely already been at the door barking up a storm and a tripping hazard for Minho would’ve been unavoidable in their current state. Though admittedly it would’ve probably brightened their day more to see them all greet them first thing they walked into the house. For better or for worse that was not the case and Minho’s home was eerily quiet and empty, as it usually was when the sister or the pets were not present. 

Stepping deeper into the villa, Minho’s crisp albeit tired voice echoed all around in the more or less empty entrance hall, tall ceilings with the second floor between bouncing sounds back at them, making the residence appear even more spacious. Most of the home was intentionally minimalistic in its furnishing, maintaining that sterile white aesthetic with sharply contrasting bursts of green and plant life here and there, an odd, modern zen arrangement which made the place quite impressive and serene but also not quite comfortable to live in. All the comforts were reserved for separate rooms which kept the same style but at least had a practical function. It was almost reminiscent of a privately owned clinic lobby, designed to appear clean and tidy and placate patients in the waiting room just enough to make them forget they’re there for an awkward physical exam. The only thing breaking the perfectly neat arrangement of the home’s layout was a white marble base at the very center of the spacious foyer, waiting for a large piece of art to be displayed there once done and delivered. It had artistically been carved into the bow of a smaller fisherman’s boat. 

“I want to hang out with youuu and catch uppp…” Minho’s whiny voice echoed around as they dragged themselves in, not any strength in them left to fight with Aria over getting back their carry on luggage to drag in on their own.

[monstersunderurbed]

It was uncomfortable thinking that the little black dot on the doorbell was recording him, but he had one himself. It had come with the house, and he understood exactly what it was for. He couldn't judge. Matty looked at the camera for all three seconds before turning away from it. Just enough for his neighbor to catch his face and recognize it.

There was a car parked outside, but he would have thought the house was empty had it not been for the loud concert of barks and whines coming from inside the house. He couldn't be sure how the guy could live with that, even if they were perfectly trained. Or maybe he didn't have visitors often. It was a long moment before the door finally opened, and Matty found himself face-to-face with a young person. He'd seen them around, but never close enough to pick up on their age. It wasn't like he was old himself, but life experience counted as years lived, in his books, so he simply let it go.

Matty almost laughed at the expression on their face, the confusion when they saw the ultrasound pictures. He would have been just as confused and wouldn't have thought it funny himself, but he had a knack for making fun of people every now and then when he had the upper hand in the situation.

"No, thank you?" Matty asked in disbelief at the one thing they chose to say in response. "I'm not asking you, I'm informing you!" He scoffed. "Gaia's not met another dog while I'm not watching until the day she jumped over the fence to your backyard with all of your little... fiends running around outside," he said, feeling immediately judged by eight sets of eyes from behind the door. They were small, but Matty was outnumbered, and knowing Gaia, she would end up running away instead of defending him. "I say that with... affection. They're cute and all, but there are too many of them," he explained himself as if the dogs could understand his attempt at an apology. "Besides, the vet told me there are too many pups in there to have been a bigger dog. I'm sorry, pal, but... one of those little things has some explaining to do."

[goldenchildminmin]

Gaia… dog… his little friends… The cogs in Minho’s head started spinning, working overtime to finally make sense of the situation. Oh so this was… for a dog! They glance down at Gaia, or rather just shift their forward-facing gaze slightly to the side. They could hear Matty laugh at them and explain the situation in a little more detail and still it sounded like a scam. Their gaze moves from a Great Dane to over their shoulder, at the twelve little munchkins that were barely past Gaia’s calves. Oh there was no way. How?!

“How can you be so sure she hasn’t met another dog!” But Minho already knew the answer. There was no way they would miss something like this either, even if they had twelve of them. Every moment of them being outside was monitored. Even when Minho was not the one taking them for a walk, their dog sitters would occasionally send updates with pictures. The only time they would be left to their own devices was when they were home or around the home, within the fence of Minho’s vast yard. 

Minho fumbled, mumbling to themself incoherently. “But… I have a tall fence!” They defend, immediately being their own devil’s advocate in their head. But she is a Great Dane, she is tall enough to jump. “The size difference!” She could’ve laid down. But then it dawned on them. Surely this would explain it! “All of my dogs are fixed!” Actually…

Minho pauses, rethinking. All of their dogs were sorted, except… for the youngest and most newly arrived, just a couple of months shy of a year old. Coincidentally exactly the one they were holding right now! They lift the pupper up, making him face them and their annoying barks instantly turn into happy pants when Minho fills their vision. “Oh, you…” They feel like giving him a little shake but they could never, even if it’s just a little one. Knowing that his beady little eyes looking up at them with all the adoration in the world would just make them melt away, they tuck him under their arm. Facing Matty again, he resumes his little one-sided barking debate. 

“Well I suppose that it’s a possibility! But not one we can verify with absolute certainty.” Minho huffs a little, now just feeling like they should defend their babies. They were all good boys, they were! They do not deserve to stand accused, even if guilty! Love is love, it does not choose! Minho’s eyes flit to Gaia again. Oh, she had those cute button eyes too, albeit much larger than their dogs. How could they tell no to those eyes, even if none of this puppy business might be true. 

“Well! We are taking a walk. You can come with us if you want to talk.” They huff out, giving in as they pick up the leash that had eleven toy poodles attached to it. The rowdiest one remains in their arms as they close the door to their home.

[hllboymglds]

Hiro is good at reading between the lines. He's also good at reading facial expressions. He grew up in an environment where he was always aware of these things so he can see the moment Minho's expression slips. It's a veil peeling back, thin and sheer and insubstantial as a whisper. Subtle enough that someone else might not have noticed. Subtle enough to go disregarded. A trick of the light. A passing thought. A fleeting fancy. A shooting star streaking across a night too quick to be caught but just enough to be noticed. That's where Hiro sees it. Something quiet. Something small. Something hidden. The thing about Hiro is he likes to chase secret things.

Maybe that's why he's always leaving. Maybe that's why he's always quiet. Maybe that's why he makes himself small when he should be taking up a room. Maybe he just can't help himself when he sees something small and quiet and beautiful.

The time between him looking at Minho and noticing all of this and the time it takes him to lean forward is the same. So the time he's done noticing these things is the same time his lips make a soft landing over Minho's. His fingers thread over top of their knuckles. Their skin is soft cream and just as delicate where his hands carry the memory of everything he's ever touched, calloused and hard, but he still somehow manages a gentle touch to the slant of Minho's cheek.

It's a first kiss that tastes like a secret and promises more.

[goldenchildminmin]

Their vision, lost to an unseen distance, gets filled up with a person’s face gradually drawing closer. Closer and closer until it was the only thing Minho saw and it startled them out of their reverie into a deer in the headlights moment. Even as their vision unfocused due to the proximity, they feel a soft touch of lips landing on theirs and for the longest second they are unsure why this touch was placed there of all places. Then it hit them. The touch was called a kiss and it was given and done in specific situations and although Minho had not read this situation as one deserving a kiss, apparently it was one!

Their lips part in surprise but instead of expressing it, they end up catching Hiro’s bottom lip in a soft hold that hints they do not want this surprise to end even if they still don’t know it themself. Their lashes flutter before their eyes close at the feeling of scarred roughness of fingertips on their knuckles. There were callouses on Minho’s palms as well, from gripping bars for balance in dancing studios during ballet and jazz lessons but they were always quickly taken care of, nothing about their hands revealing any sort of hard work done. It was like silk over rough stone, the meeting of their hands and when that touch moved to Minho’s cheek that was when they woke up, leaning away with a soft gasp before the kiss truly began. 

They search Hiro’s face, eyes shifting between lips and his own pair of dark gems. To say that they’ve sought out Hiro’s company just because they once met on the road a long while ago outside of Ennora and therefore were already acquaintances reuniting in the town would be a lie. There was a wild handsomeness to Hiro they’ve always noticed and appreciated but weren’t sure was appropriate to admire considering the age difference between them and the unknown state of interest on the other part. Yet there it was, interest plainly revealed, much to Minho’s surprise.

“Are you teasing me, Hiro?” They whisper, not creating further distance between them so their breath is a soft puff of cooling warmth against the wetness left on Hiro’s lips.

[hllboymglds]

But they don't make it back to the pizza parlor, not yet, because when that passing vehicle rolls down their window and Hiro hears the profanity in their heightened tone it triggers something in the younger man. He's grown up in back alleys and the shadows of tall buildings. He's been fighting battles his whole life and this is just another one of them.

"Hey," acid on his tongue, "Blow me you fucking cunt. The fuck you doing? Get the fuck outta here, bitch ass motherfucker. Drive away," and all of this punctuated with a well aimed middle finger right at the driver with a severe expression that could burn a hole straight through them. Hiro's eyes are ink dark pools that swallow the light and reflect nothing back but the burning echo of a starless night.

The car speeds off quickly now, back wheels burning marks into the ground despite the cold slick across the asphalt.

"No one's angry at you, Min," the tonal switch is immediate, acid swallowed. "Fucking asshole that guy. Ignore them," he holds the door open for Minho. "Come on, get inside," his stomach burns.

[goldenchildminmin]

Minho had never been good at conflict. As a matter of fact just the thought of someone being even slightly dissatisfied with them made them feel like the whole world was falling apart. Unnecessarily dramatic, they knew, they’ve been told that by so many people and often with a scoffing undertone to their voice because with their fame back home and a fanbase that filled stadiums, concert halls and all sorts of venues they performed at, they really had no right to complain about a couple of haters here and there. But that was never the point for Minho. People were, of course, free to think of them whatever they would and realistically not everyone was able to like them and that was their right and prerogative. But there was just something inherently broken about Minho, who hadn’t grown up in a loving home. All the strangers in the world could not compensate for the lack of a loving mother and father so when there was one less stranger out there known to Minho that their opinions of them weren’t at least neutral, it made them feel like even less deserving of any positive feelings at all. If the parents hadn't found it in them to love them enough, how could strangers ever begin to attempt? And if even strangers couldn't, then will anyone ever, their sister aside?

They shrank into themselves as Hiro battled it out with the angry passerby, hurrying up to the pizza shop so they wouldn’t have to witness it. They knew it was at least partly done on their behalf and were grateful for it but mostly they just wished they haven’t brought this situation up on themselves or anybody else in the first place. But Hiro had made short work of everything and was already opening the door for them, warmth of the place washing over. 

They wanted to cry. They really, really wanted to cry and their dark eyes were full of the urge but they did not want to upset anyone else so they reigned it in, expression gradually relaxing into a deceptive neutrality. “Thank you, Hiro. Truly. But don’t get annoyed on my behalf. It’s enough that you’re putting up with me for this.” They manage to look up at the younger man, tone small, smile even smaller and very brief. They find the chair that had been offered to them before and sit in it again. “May I bother you for a phone to make a call? See if the towing service would be able to come.” They can’t make Hiro do even that for them too.

[littlesugarnspice]

The two stood in silence as the waiter poured water for Minho, too, then waited for him to move away after putting a menu in front of them. Mark knew better than to start a business talk from the door; he had learned through the years what was appropriate for the rich and powerful people. He himself didn't always consider himself that - more like a man striving to get richer and more powerful with every meeting. And this was appropriate enough. He had researched information about Minho after their meeting almost a year ago, during an uncomfortable first-class plane ride. And he had been interested in what was found, filing the information away until a later date when he would have the opportunity to sit down and write it all out and see exactly how this could be done. Someone coming from such a powerful family was unlikely to agree to help merely out of niceness.

"I have ordered all the courses to save time," he said with a gesture. Their sparkling wine was quickly brought out and poured into their glasses, the Grilled Peach and Beetroot salad coming closely after. "I have made sure that all options would be to your taste," he added, knowing that they preferred a vegetarian option when available. "I have been meaning to meet with you for a conversation we never quite had the chance for," he inclined his head, his fingers drumming the table shortly, not lighting a cigarette yet. "The auction seemed like a good way to book us both," he added, almost a joke in his tone.

[goldenchildminmin]

“How very thoughtful of you, Mr. Carmichael.” Minho gave another bow of their head, a picture perfect image of politeness in business and official affairs. There was little to nothing of the usual Minho left in this version of them, even their lilting, always undulating tone of voice subdued to a toned down, appropriate level and pitch for a dinner meeting. Even their oval, soft features adopted a certain sharpness to them that wasn’t there usually. A ditzy, flaky, bubbly and innocent person was almost entirely replaced with a changeling, a wooden log frigidly sitting in the chair, wearing human clothes and speaking in human language. The difference was almost uncannily formal, save for a flash of brief surprise at finding out that Mark knew they preferred a vegetarian diet - something they often had to break due to a strict meal plan for their work. 

“I see. I’m sorry, I wasn’t aware of your intention. Otherwise I would’ve reached out first.” The more things had gotten revealed, the more peculiar they’ve sounded. At this point, Minho still had no idea as to why Mark Charmichael would be wanting to meet them. Although there had been attempts to reach out to their father or his business partners through Minho in the past, they’ve yet to happen on this side of the globe. After all, this was not the part of the world where many had the information of who exactly Minho’s family was. “Please, let me know how I can make this long overdue meeting fruitful for you.” Minho prompted, still not picking up any of the drinks offered on the table out of sheer nervousness, none of which was actually shown in any other way for now.

[monstersunderurbed]

"A commercial? As in for TV and stuff?" Ivy was very easily starstruck. It wasn't hard to imagine Minho, looking the way they did, in a full movie set with people doing their hair and makeup, choosing clothes for them– nah, Min would choose their clothes on their own, they didn't need any help for that, and the living proof was the way they chose to dress for a night out. Sure, it was perhaps a fancy place, but they looked so... neat and dapper. He wasn't sure if he'd ever used those words to describe anyone else. Ivy had met a few celebs over the years, not in Ennora, but during the time he spent back in New York, and none of them looked the way Minho did. "Are you like... actually famous? Like... will I ever see you on a big screen and like... get invited to a premiere and stuff?" He teased. Ivy loved dreaming about glamour and spotlights, perhaps in a different life, he had been a model or a movie star, or perhaps he would become one in the next one. He had the right personality for it.

Ivy wasn't used to being on the receiving end of presents. He loved buying little cheap trinkets whenever they reminded him of the people he cherished, but this definitely didn't look cheap, and he wasn't at all expecting anything coming from Minho. They had barely met, and even though they'd hit it off really fast, Ivy felt very undeserving of it. It didn't seem like Minho minded him being empty-handed. Before he could complain any further, Min reached around his neck to clasp the little chain, the dainty star falling down his chest in a perfect match for his outfit. It had been the one thing he was missing, and it made him smile. It was perfect. "Thank you. I mean it. It's... I can't even tell you how much I love it," Ivy confessed in a bit of a whisper, his voice going softer and more honest than his usual, as he fiddled with the little charm between his fingers. Was he blushing? Yeah, definitely. The lights in the street left him unable to hide it.

"I do have a van," he said, and turned towards it. It was completely out of tone with the street it was parked on. It was clean, at least, but it was old, some parts rusty and scratched. It was a miracle that it was still running. "It's kinda... where I live," he admitted with a bit of embarrassment. He was proud of how far he'd come ever since he bought the van, but compared to other milestones of people his age, he was very far away from where he wanted to be. "It's got a bed in the back and all. It's more spacious than it looks from the outside. I'd give you a tour and all, but... dinner is waiting, yes?"

[goldenchildminmin]

Minho hummed contemplatively, as if all of their work related stuff was a secondary, blurry thing that happened weeks ago and required remembering, rather than almost a daily thing. In their defense, their life was much more fast paced than anyone could imagine, Aria aside, often feeling like a whirlwind. “I don’t know yet where or when it will air!” They admitted, because those were details they did not work hard to commit to memory. They chuckle sweetly then, elbowing Ivy gently in the ribs. “I am not an actor, you silly!” At least they did not consider themselves as one. Sure, they filmed music videos and have had small roles in a couple of k-dramas back home but that did not quite count enough to brag about acting skills or fame for it, right? 

It warmed Minho’s heart to no ends to see the soft flush over Ivy’s cheeks and his idle fingers fiddled with the new jewelry around his neck. What a kind, soft person he was, Minho thought, eyes crinkling into crescents as he watched Ivy process Minho’s likely odd way of making friends. It was worth being found odd or much too forward or generous if it made at least some people feel the way Ivy was likely feeling right now. After all, it was just stuff that were obtained in exchange of stuff. The memories of receiving it and the thoughts behind it was what counted. 

Minho’s gentle smile turned into an outright grin as Ivy explained the van. “A home van! Home on wheels!” They concluded, arms spreading wide with a flourish as if in greeting of the vehicle or as if expecting a big hug from it. At the reminder that they had dinner plans, they gasp softly, expression turning worried. “But your flowers, Ivy! Oh, I’m afraid nothing is open at this hour…” They look away dejectedly but in between feeling down and moping about it they notice something that switches their mood almost instantly. “OH !!!” They slip away from Ivy’s side, wandering off to stand by the gated property Ivy had coincidentally parked his van in front of. In its front yard, just by the fence, a magnolia tree was in full bloom and Minho steered their dark eyes up to it, suspiciously pondering mischief under an innocent face.

[chxsingthunder]

Patch knew he probably should have been sympathizing with his friend, but instead he was smiling almost immediately as he listened to the story. He couldn't help it, it was funny, and sort of adorable too. "I don't think you need to be embarrassed about that," he said easily, patting Minho's shoulder and looking past him to see if he could spot the poor shopper the other had talked at for five full minutes. "If anything, you likely made their day. It sounds entertaining, to say the least," he reassured the other.

He glanced down at Minho's basket, inspecting the goods he'd gathered, and then shook his head. "No, I'm okay. I have most of my candles and other toiletries shipped in," he explained, shrugging a shoulder. "What all did you find?"

[goldenchildminmin]

Minho’s bottom lip jutted out into a little pout, absolutely certain that Patch had been laughing at them this whole time while they retold their tale of woe. But then again, they were very silly. Who wouldn’t laugh at them? “I highly doubt that…” They mumble in a small voice, almost into their chin, but since they were standing close it was probably audible enough. But their attention was quickly diverted as Patch asked what they might be having in their shopping basket.

“Hmm, these things are mostly different to what I usually order, I think. And much cheaper too, a bargain!” They say it like they didn’t know that drugstore items were much easier on the wallet than what Minho was usually used to. They did know it, it just often slipped their mind. “Ooh, I got, hmm, Champagne Toast fragrance mist, Butterfly body cream, some white tea and sage candles, ooh and they had hand gel soap Vampire Blood again, from the Halloween edition at a veeeery discounted price!” They chuckle happily, feeling so giddy at catching a discount on something last season. How exhilarating. “Are you sure you don’t want anything? Come on, I’ll find something for you!” They haul their basket up again, hooking it over their arm bend and grab Patch’s sleeve, giving him a gentle tug over.

[cordun]

"Yeah... welcoming. It's got that uh, small town feel where everybody is up in everyone else's business," Corey said with a swipe of a finger against the tip of his nose. He was being a little facetious, he couldn't help himself. He took another sip of beer and, as often was the case, not wanting to talk about himself, he flipped the conversation back to his new acquaintance. "So your work, it's back in Korea? The one you're running away from." He had mentioned a stressful job that warranted running from, but not what the work was. Corey pondered if he was some kind of executive at a tech company, or similar.

[goldenchildminmin]

“Really?” Minho wondered, too much of a loner still in Ennora even after almost two years in it to really have experienced the gossipy side of a small town. Their business was usually overseas and no one was really that level of close to them yet in town to really be up in their business much, if at all - aside from their new US branch manager, whose job was to be all up in their business. They mirror the other unconsciously, picking up their cherry flavored drink again for another sip through the straw. If they’d noticed that Corey was avoiding to talk about himself they did not show it. “Yes! But, aaah, it’s finding me here too sometimes. I can’t hide!” They feign desperation, making a comically wretched face as they sigh but the same bright smile immediately follows the act.

Maybe they were avoiding to talk too much about themselves as well. They knew people’s attitudes could sometimes change when they did reveal what they actually did for work. Sometimes they did not even need to reveal anything because they were recognized for what their work was. And that was usually the reason why they’d rather avoid speaking up about it. America was different though. Recognition happened much more rarely here, simply because it was tied to another continent. So, the hot potato was thrown back to Corey, unintentionally so. “And what work are you running away from?” They ask playfully, just happy to relate about something with a stranger.

[goldenchildminmin]

Location: Minho's home in Small Pines Closed: for @monstersunderurbed

There really wasn’t any need for Aria to come and pick Minho up at the JFK every time they flew in and out of country. But even though it had remained unspoken, the company was nevertheless appreciated, especially since this was an almost two hour drive back to Ennora and especially since she was not exactly needed for it because Minho had a driver with a car to pick them up every time. Which was, admittedly, also arranged by her just as much as all of Minho’s international comings and goings from the US side at least. 

But there was a side to Minho that no one else got to see unless they were picking them up from the airport from a trip back home that took more than an extended weekend. A side that was alarmingly different from any quirky, odd or usually bubbly personalities Minho most often displayed in front of people, Aria included. A side that was so neutrally flatlined and lifeless that it was downright concerning. 

They had been absolutely lost throughout the process of getting around the airport and would’ve likely forgotten their luggage, missed their exit, lost whatever carry-ons they were dragging along and probably failed to meet up with the car sent for them because they'd found some cozy corner somewhere on site to take a long nap in until someone either shook them awake or until the next day came around. This version of jet-lagged, depressed, lost and overworked Minho was a sad shell of a version of them, like a deflated balloon now only reduced to a wrinkly bit of rubber, a paper-thin cutout of a person swaying wherever the breeze blows. Luckily New York wasn’t windy that day and neither was Ennora, or else Aria would’ve definitely lost Minho in the same way a desert can’t keep the tumbleweeds from rolling away into the sunset. 

They had napped in the car, hugging themself and sinking into their seat with their coat covering them, likely making the whole ride awfully quiet and monotonous for everyone else involved and once they passed the gated front to their home in Small Pines Ennora, they had to be shaken awake at least half a dozen times just to get them to come out of the car. They have tried to help the driver to unload their luggage from the trunk but each time their hands grasped at something it just got dropped, in the end just forcing them to apologize with the bare minimum of strength they still had in them. 

But at least, finally, home sweet home. Even though Ennora was not exactly their home. At the front door they fumble with their pockets and travelling handbag to find their phone so they can activate the Bluetooth that would trigger the smart home system to unlock the house for them.

[monstersunderurbed]

@goldenchildminmin Small Pines, outside of Minho's house.

"I can't fucking believe this," Matty groaned as he got out of his car, bringing a very much pregnant Gaia out of the backseat. He was not parked in front of his own house, but one block behind him, at his neighbor's house. They both shared a backyard, and even though they had barely exchanged a single look, it seemed like his very much giant failure of a guard dog –said that lovingly, of course– had taken a liking to jump the fence to go and visit his neighbor's dogs. He knew there was more than one– he'd seen them outside, and it was probably closer to twenty. He didn't think Gaia could have been there more than twice and only for a couple of minutes before he noticed and called her back, but apparently, she'd found the time to flirt and get it on with one of the thousand toy poodles populating that house. She was a fucking great dane! How the fuck did that happen? He couldn't even imagine– he didn't dare to imagine the scene.

Taking a deep breath, Matty approached the other man's front door and rang the bell. He didn't want to seem rude; really, this was no one's fault. Gaia hadn't been neutered yet– she was barely a year old, but if this guy didn't have his dogs neutered and vaccinated, then he would probably have an issue. "Gaia, sit," he commanded, and as if sensing his disgust, Gaia sat next to him all proper, her head reaching almost to his chest. How the fuck did that happen? Matty couldn't stop wondering every time he looked at her. He combed back his hair with his hand and waited until the door opened to greet his neighbor by handing them Gaia's ultrasound pictures.

"I believe we need to have a talk."

[goldenchildminmin]

It would’ve taken a while for the front door to Minho’s place to be opened. And before they would be, what would precede was a chorus of yappy barks. Matty was right - it was an army of canines in there. For a long minute, Matty would have to contend with only the company of the clear, almost robotic-sounding ring of the doorbell that activated the intercom of the smart home system and was currently filming him through the camera in it for the residents of the large home to check on and confirm who was at their front door. After what probably felt like an eternity, the milky smooth, blurred surface of the double-doors that appeared like tinted glass finally got pushed open and a face peeked out, wide, dark eyes blinking at the stranger before more of the person squeezed themself through, followed still by the many a high-pitched yapping in the background.

Minho’s home and both the front and the back yard were large enough and gated, so there was hardly ever a need for any of their dogs to go on an actual walk. Just touring the home and its premises was enough of one. But Minho did, in fact, take their doggos out frequently, as much as their schedule would allow it - otherwise, it was a job for their regular dog sitters. The puppers also had their own passports each and were often flown in and out of country with Minho whenever their vet would okay it. So this was the awkward moment Matty had caught them all in - Minho going through the struggling process of adjusting the splitters for a multi-dog leashing system for a quick stroll around the scenic block their home was located in. 

They had just caught the youngest and most rowdy one out of all twelve little rascals and knowing they’d probably spend another good fifteen minutes trying to catch him again if they let go, Minho opened the door with the poodle in their arms, his incessant barks now directed at Matty on a much more elevated, almost face to snout level. Minho themself was stunned into silence, blinking dumbly between the ultrasound they were shown and the man who held it. 

Their confusion lasted for but a second before they adamantly decided that this was a scam and narrowed their eyes at the other suspiciously and very comically, because Minho was not used to getting angry and could only do pouty at best. “No thank you! I highly doubt this! I don’t even know you! And I'm not that dumb to believe this!” Leave it up to Minho to assume the most ridiculous scenario out of a situation… But then again, who could blame them! No further explanation was provided yet, aside from a very blurry little black and grey picture, full of weirdly shaped blobs.

[hllboymglds]

They're locked out of their car? "How'd that happen? Nevermind," because how it happened isn't all too important, not as important as correcting it and getting the door unlocked again. Admittedly, Hiro isn't all too adept with these newer smart cars. Everything ran with a computer and codes and those codes had codes that triggered more codes. Hiro was more analog. His van was older and maintained from various Pick-A-Parts across the city. It ran on oil and gasoline and a carburetor. It didn't even have Bluetooth. Well, it did, but that's because he re-wired the audio system and installed something newer so he wouldn't have to rely on the radio and cassette tapes.

Hiro pulls out his phone, "We'll just call Roadside Assistance, it's fine. Let's go back inside, it's fucking freezing out here," simultaneously reaching for their arm to lure them back to the inviting warmth of the pizza parlor and looking up the number for Tesla Roadside Services.

[goldenchildminmin]

Minho had just opened their mouth to start defending themself but that ‘never mind’ was like a knife that cut all of their excuses off before they even formed so they snapped their mouth shut and managed to look even more miserable than they already were, like they’ve been scolded and embarrassed without actually being scolded and embarrassed, doing that to themself all on their own in their head. 

They reluctantly step away from the vehicle when Hiro says so and reaches out for them, now actively shivering as they hug themself as tightly as they could. “I’m so dumb. Aria told me not to take the car on my own in this weather… I’m so sorry Hirooo.” They startle a little as they walk back towards the pizza shop, just as a particularly jumpy driver passes their car by, giving a very pointed, loud honk of their car horn at the entire situation. They even go so far as to slow up, pull their passenger window down and yell their outrage at the two retreating men. Minho whines softly, not daring to even look back as their face drops into their hands out of embarrassment. They don’t look up even after they get back into the pizzeria and its warmth. “Everyone is angry at me now!”

[icanbuymyownflowers]

She appreciated the way she could be exactly who she wanted to be around Minho. She was born in a wealthy family, but for about six years, during adulthood, she lived in total poverty. She was making her own money, prioritizing her own happiness over comfort. Cheap apartments, empty fridges, but dresses that cost more than everything else she owned. She expected the most out of everyone and most people around her mocked her for it. She was too demanding, too much, too certain the world owed her something beautiful.

Now, years later, she was exactly who she wanted to be, she was treated like a queen. With him, she didn't have to shrink any of her expectations.

''Nobody else deserving it, that's for sure.'' She knew Minho purchased gifts for other people. They were way too generous for her taste, but she didn't really care. Minho wasn't hers, she wasn't Minho's, they were mostly playing along with each other and she enjoyed every second of it.

She took his hand and spun once, slow enough to feel the fabric move around her legs. For a second, she saw herself the way she used to imagine as a child. Like those women in the films her mother adored. Untouchable. Chosen. ''You have taste,'' she complimented and finally sat down, crossing her legs with deliberate ease. She didn't waste time and grabbed one of the luxurious bags. ''You should leave more often,'' she teased. Only because she loved their gifts.

[goldenchildminmin]

“This evening, nobody else but you!” They agree readily, there would be minimal if any talk of anyone else Minho was generous with tonight, the male idol knowing exactly how to put a spotlight on others. It was refreshing to have it beam onto someone else for a change - they were far too much in the spotlight themself and switching the role to become a fan or an audience for someone was so very refreshing. Princess treatment was a prince’s specialty after all and Rosita had the privilege to take full advantage of it whenever they met up. 

“You are the inspiration for my taste.” Minho said humbly, pulling up her chair for her as she sat. It was a sad fact that Minho wasn’t attracted to women because they loved women. They admired their beauty, strength, nature, aesthetics, everything. It was only the bedroom where they completely failed to be compatible with a woman. And even that didn’t really stand in the way of their appreciation for them because once upon a time Minho had actually been engaged to a woman chosen by their parents and had almost gotten themself into a lavender marriage without a single complaint on their part. They would’ve likely spent their whole life happily in such an arrangement but their soon to be bride had objections of her own when they came clean with her. So, the engagement was called off, naturally.

“Rosebud, if I leave more often, I will always be gone! Do you want me to be always gone?” They make a little pouty face at her as they sit down across from her, thanking the server who’d approached to light up tall candles decorating their table for a more romantic atmosphere. St. Brigit always delivered, the waiters were dedicated fully to one table and they were in full dressy uniform, white gloves and white napkins thrown over their arm and all. Theirs stepped aside to be of service as soon as the two were ready to order their drinks. Minho would wait for Rosita’s cue, letting her have a moment to enjoy her gifts first before they are taken away to be set aside and later on loaded into the vehicle that would take her back home to Eduardo. “When you go through them all, tell me which ones you liked and which ones were your favorite.” Because that was Minho’s favorite part of gift giving - knowing how much the receiver had enjoyed them. 

[hllboymglds]

It's a rare day in which it actually begins to feel like spring, not the muddy half wintered gloom that Ennora has found itself encapsulated in for the better half of the year. The sun stops feeling so shy, showing it's bright face to warm their backs. The moment they stepped out of the van, Hiro had stretched long and tall to soak it all in. He can't wait for the spring to warm up completely and he's even more interested in summer and it kind of surprises him already how he's so eager to learn the seasons of Ennora.

In a contrast to Minho, the way Hiro is dressed is far more casual. He does not have a riding kit, which either speaks to his nature of speaks to theirs. Minho is a silhouette of crisp clean lines and carries themself with a sophisticated air on every step. If Minho is a work of art, then Hiro is paper mâché. He is a pasted together collection of other things to create something else of substance. He is summer at his grandparent's. He is a wrinkle of fabric. He rides horses bareback with bare feet and a bare chest.

It's a bit cold to do that now though so at least today he's fully dressed. Regardless, Hiro doesn't look like someone who has ridden before and so when the stable hand makes the assumption that Minho has ridden before it's only natural. Hiro doesn't interject and add that he too knows a thing or two about horses. Hiro has lived with the assumptions people make about him his entire life and he's stopped trying to correct it. He was already starting to look away, interest pulling to the horses stamping when he feels the weight of a gaze on him and turns to find Minho's eyes catching his.

It takes him a second to realize Minho is waiting for him to respond. "Oh, uh.." Hiro looks back to the horses and gestures toward one, "..the chestnut gelding looks like it's eager to go out so. I guess, I'd pick that one."

[goldenchildminmin]

Minho stepped back also, almost in sync with him, curiously taking a peek at Hiro’s choice, their eyebrows rising as they regard the horse the other man had picked out. They couldn’t say how Hiro figured the horse was eager to go but they do sure found his chestnut coloring pretty. They grin at the stall he was using, a moment later directing their bright smile at the stable hand who was guiding them through it. “Any mild-tempered one will do for me. I’ll leave it up to your professional choice.” They receive a nod at their request and a few moments later, both of them were set to guide their rides out of the stables. Both geldings were American Quarters, except Minho’s ended up being of a milky latte color with significantly darker mane and tail. 

Out of the stables, they were offered a few instructions on the scenic and safe routes they could take around the perimeter, but Minho was far too charmed with their horse to listen properly, buttering him up with sweet whispered words of praise and raisins, which they had prepared in advance and had a pocket full of. They almost missed saying thanks to the man when he finished up chatting with mostly Hiro now and moved to leave. Left to their own devices now, Minho grinned at Hiro then bit their bottom lip as they contained excitement within their body, trying very hard not to bounce in place. “Oooh, this is so nice! I haven't done this in a while. Ow!” They were reprimanded with a little nibble on their glove, because there were no more raisins in their upturned palm. “Aww, I feed you and you hurt me. How sad!” They say to the horse, patting their long snout anyway. “Are we ready?” The question was directed at Hiro.

[hllboymglds]

location: empire diner with: @goldenchildminmin ( minho & wyatt )

The waitress pours coffee into his mug without a word and then drags the little ceramic container of single serving non-dairy creamers closer to him as if he can't reach it himself. She always does this. His eyes burn holes into the back of her apron when she walks away. Creamer swirls into his coffee when he dumps it in, he stirs it with a fork.

Then he looks up at them. The one seated across from him. Unfortunately due to his limited mobility the table the pair of them find themselves at is in the very middle of the diner instead of one of the booths lining the walls which offer just the vaguest sense of privacy. Here there is not even the suggestion of privacy or enclosure. Open space surrounds them on every side which only invites the eyes of everyone inside.

Perhaps they make a strange pair. Wyatt sat there with his hair pulled back and up into a neatish looking pony tail as he attempted to put himself together for this. He didn't know how well he should dress so he did something in between and wears one of his nicer sweaters because it's essentially spring but still clinging to the last stages of winter with the crisp cold and almost hazy rains. Across from him is Park Minho. Stunningly beautiful in every way. Minho is beautiful like a painting, you just can't look away once you've seen them but looking too closely and you start to feel afraid you might catch sight of something too human to forget. It's been like that ever since Wyatt first saw them. Too beautiful to look away and too human to forget. An art gallery of a person.

"So..." he clears his throat and wets his mouth with coffee, "...Thanks for... meeting me here."

[goldenchildminmin]

If there was anyone staring at them specifically, Minho did not know; they barely even registered the server who’d just handled their table. They did not notice or care overmuch; they had eyes on them their whole life so eyes in a small town in an even smaller diner did not matter any. Minho’s eyes on the other hand were downcast, glued to the surface of the table, the gleaming pastel melamine with a remnant of a mug being placed too hot on it and damaging a perfect little circle into the plastic. They circled the short path, looping it with their eyes in choppy intervals like it were a clock showing which hour landed where, slowly so they wouldn’t get dizzy and just to give their eyes some movement, some life. 

They hadn’t overdressed for the diner even though Minho was otherwise always overdressed. They’d dressed decently and neatly but ordinarily, their dusty blonde hair tastefully dyed again into a more sandy shade. Even their makeup was scarce, having come in as much as themself as their lifestyle could allow it. There was nothing to be done about the more permanent changes they’ve had done to them over the years, to make the cameras and the screens like them more - those they will likely have to carry with them for the rest of their life until time and age eventually renders every new attempt at further improvement useless. They knew they were made beautiful, like a sculpture is by its creator, their consent as abstract as an idea of them as a finished piece. The stone they were made of was likely a slab of gorgeous granite, meticulously chosen, a diamond in the rough, but they do not remember their time as raw stone. They only remember the chisels and the hammers, fine craving away, piece by piece.

If they stay perfectly still, perhaps no one will change anything anymore. 

If they stay perfectly still, and never complain, perhaps nothing bad will happen again, ever.

Wyatt’s voice startled them out of their stupor and they blink up, suddenly animated, like a little puppet that just got its strings pulled for their scene. They blink stupidly at Wyatt for a long second there, as if not understanding, well, anything. Where they were, why they were here, why was Wyatt thanking them or what should they say to that. But then it came to them - the right persona. Minho had the right persona for every situation, every person, every conversation. The one needed now was scanned for, pulled out and utilized in a matter of seconds. It put a lovely smile on Minho’s face without them even registering it. A dazzling little mask, full of pearly whites, warm as sunshine, gentle as a breeze. “Nooo, of course I would! No need to thank me!” They say in their so often used sing-song voice, melodic, soft, just the right amount of pleasant to the ears. “Thank you for accepting to meet me. I know it must be a little awkward…” They chuckle awkwardly, shoulders shrinking a little as they give the other man a sheepish look of innocence. A man they knew so intimately well, just a couple of years ago. A man they secretly daydreamed their entire life with. A man made of dreams, their prince charming on a white steed. They watched him fall off it and while Wyatt’s body was crushed, Minho’s heart was crushed with it. 

[monstersunderurbed]

"How did I know what?" Ivy looked at Minho, completely dumbfounded. "About the movie? Wait– did you just actually come from a movie?" Trust him to make connections most people would never– mainly because his ideas usually made little to no sense, but somehow, someone as beautiful as Minho being a movie star made total sense. For a moment there, he felt slightly embarrassed– he didn't keep up with celebrities or movies due to a lack of time. Should he have seen Minho somewhere already? Would they take it badly if he admitted to never having seen anything he made?

The lights going on around the block were a very welcoming distraction, one that made him hyperfocus even harder on the other's eyes, which now were glowing like they had a fire coming from within them. Ivy smiled and looked away for a second, trying to keep his breath steady. "I don't know if I would call it magic, but you sure are something that came out of a fairy tale," he exhaled with a little chuckle. "Forgot what– oh, my God– you brought me– Min!" Ivy looked at the little box in his hand, then back up to their eyes. "Why did you– I didn't get you anything– Flowers– nonsense! You're already showing me a good pasta place, that's more than I could ever ask for," or deserve, he thought.

Ivy sighed and decided to open the velvet box, his eyes softening immediately. He wasn't used to presents, and this seemed so well thought out. "Min, I love this, but I can't take it. I feel bad. You shouldn't have spent any money on me."

[goldenchildminmin]

“Oh, it was just a commercial set. For a watch.” A Cartier commercial, but a high budget one nevertheless, yet Minho waved a dismissive hand elegantly at it all because it was peanuts their manager booked to fill in their time. Can’t be too idle even out of country, no sirree! They watch Ivy stumble over his breath, curious eyes taking in the hesitation and the uncertainty in the air about him, corners mellowing down to melt into a soft smile that drew out all the gentleness Minho had in their being. Ivy appeared nervous, confused, maybe even overwhelmed, and it was impossible even for Minho who was mercurial at best and an airhead at worst not to notice it, considering they were standing so close with no other distractions in sight. But once noticed, Minho tuned in completely, a bleeding empath in them reaching out with warm hands to cradle any anxiety until it fluttered into stillness like a swallow bird falling asleep on a slowly swaying branch, somewhere in the deep, dark forest.

They let Ivy toss and turn and struggle at this small token of generosity in Minho’s humble opinion, their fingers interlacing in front of them as they swayed languidly on their feet to pass the time it took for Ivy to have their little guilt trip meltdown there. “Shhhh…” They breathe out softly, shushing him as they pluck the star-shaped necklace out of the box and lean in to drape their arms around Ivy’s neck. Tender fingertips brush aside the curls at the back of his neck so they don’t get caught in the thin chain, feather-light touch careful against any skin they accidentally touch. They push up on tip toes in a failed attempt to see what they are doing, but their heights do not allow much visibility, even though Minho’s was modelesque and therefore enviable. Clasp adjusted with expert ease, Minho took back their rich scent with them, blood mandarin, peppermint and grapefruit, with just a hint of myrrh and rose, some of the most defining notes of a Paco Rabanne fragrance.

“There.” Their tone softens, to a level that demanded no other loud protests in order to be heard. “It’s perfect, it chose you and therefore it’s yours. No backsies.” They fold their arms behind their back innocently, leaning aside to glance around Ivy at the vehicle he came in. An excited gasp was already working on distracting from the current situation. “You have a van?! I have a friend who has a van! I love vans!” The illuminating grin was back, as bright as a spotlight. And Minho had a talent for making people feel like they were in one. Not the blaring, stage fright inducing spotlight, but a soft, single beam for a one-man act, where the audience was one clapping like many.  

[hllboymglds]

Hiro watches Minho explore the small enclosed space with a glint of humor catching in the dark of his eyes. He carries himself casually by the entrance of the van, not yet climbing inside behind them to give them room to look though there's not much room regardless. "Yeah, I cook sometimes," it's a process that involves setting things up and then he only has one real stable cook surface. Occasionally he balances a cutting board on his bed when necessary. There's no fridge so every ingredient has to be purchased fresh and only in small quantities to avoid leftovers which is why he prefers shopping at a farmers market and voids packaged bulk goods.

"Yeah, go ahead," now he finally climbs into the van so he can help Minho over the center console and into the driver's seat. This part of the van very much looks like a van and less like someone lives in it, though the suggestion of it is still there. The passenger seat houses a wrinkled shirt and the cupholder carries his tooth brush.

He grips the backrest of the chair, leaning over the side. A wrinkled package of cigarettes is strewn across the dashboard from where it was carelessly tossed for he has a habit of smoking and does so often while driving even in the shortest of distances. A pine tree air freshener hangs from the rearview mirror. "Comfortable?"

[goldenchildminmin]

“Wooow, aren’t you a catch!” Minho grins widely at Hiro as he confirms that he did have some cooking skills, their merry eyes directing a little twinkle of a wink at him. It was a joking little cheeky comment, not made in any bad intention, but more so to boost up confidence and to compliment. A little squeal of delight leaves Minho’s lips when they are allowed to check out the driver’s seat and they do so promptly with Hiro’s help, plopping themselves onto it with a careful bounce against the cushioned leather. “Wooow, the wheel is kind of big!” It might but it also might not be, what did Minho know? A van did usually feel more spacious than most cars. They place both hands onto it, more to measure than to actually test it out. God, please, don’t let Minho test anyone’s van, ever. 

They glance all over, noticing the toothbrush in the cupholder and giggle at it. “How funny! Brushing teeth while driving!” They knew Hiro probably actually didn’t do that but just the idea alone amused them. And at that, they reach up to adjust the rearview mirror above, flashing their teeth at it as wide as they could be revealed, like they’ve just done the silly little thing they’ve mentioned a second ago. Needless to say, Minho’s teeth had already been brushed multiple times by now, flawlessly peal-like. They glance back through the mirrored little square at Hiro leaning over, meeting his eyes in the reflection.

“Yes! Oh Hiro, I kind of love it!” They admit, whipping around to face him, one arm wrapping around the backrest of the driver’s seat into a half-snuggle against it while the other rests close to Hiro’s grip on it. Minho’s chin hooks over the top of the headrest of the seat, gazing beyond Hiro and back to the rest of the van, their bright smile gradually diminishing as a sparkle in their eyes is being replaced by something vacant and more melancholy. Because they begin daydreaming of how it would feel like to just be able to get up every morning and go anywhere on a whim. Not because of a well-planned itinerary by a team of people deciding what your everyday life should look like. Not because family demanded your presence at this or that family appointment. Not because your face, body and time were bargained, bought and sold for a specific slot, duration, location and group of people well off in advance. But just because you were a free bird, at liberty to fly anywhere. Not a caged bird, their songs an order catering to strangers' music wishes.

In a span of just a couple of seconds, Minho's usually beaming face was replaced by a mask of emptiness, devoid of any expression or the typical liveliness they practically exuded with, gaze lost far away in a Neverland beyond their body and this van, a place they simply did not have enough fairy dust to fly to.

[manipzone]