Kyle Byun

25, artist & teacher at the color wine

[mcndyhcrtmcn]

“Pretty good luck, I guess?” Mandy grinned, doing a cute little spin in front of him. “You know me, gotta have a bit of color in my life,” she hummed happily. “You look fantastic as well!” She said, bobbing her head up and down in a nod. “It’s gorgeous here… you know, to think about this town having a huge mansion? Where was it hiding this whole time?!”

[kylexbyun]

"Thank you! I thought the nature elven prince vibe would be cool," he said with a slight chuckle. Nodding enthusiastically as she spoke of the mansion. "Right? I swear, the surprises and wonders of Merrock will never cease! Like what other tricks does it have up it's sleeve?"

[beck-hartman]

"Well, I wasn't," Beck replied, deciding to take an extra step away from the chandelier...just in case. "I'd keep my eye on the Phantom, though." Taking a quick look around the room for Jo, he couldn't find her. "Oh, shit, I lost track of her." Making a face like 'uh oh', he laughed as he took a sip from his own drink. Maybe he wasn't completely sober himself. "This the usual level of paranoia or...you got something to share?"

[kylexbyun]

"Ah, just as she planned," Kyle said, tone mirroring the faux urgency in Beck's voice. Brows raised slightly as Beck inquired about his paranoia. "To tell you the truth?" he paused, looking around dramatically before leaning in just a tad so Beck would hear his lowered voice. "My name's not really Kyle, and I'm on the CIA's most wanted for discovering top secret artifacts linking our world as we know it to hundreds of thousands of alternative timelines."

[ainsley-slater]

Glass in hand and keeping to the edges she was slightly startled by a male voice that captured her interest; "I don't know these chandelier's look pretty sturdy to me" the reference going completely over her head; "but how theatrical would it be if one did just so happen to crash" not that she would wish that upon anyone because it was definitely a danger to everyone in close proximity but just the aesthetic of it seemed cool; "So what's the obsession with falling objects"

[kylexbyun]

"Maybe that's just what they want us to think, though" He pointed out, raised brows as though he was on to some grand discovery. "It would be- certainly a night never to be forgotten." Not that it wasn't already, of course. Although when she asked about his obsession, his smile faltered just for a moment, feeling heat rise to his cheeks. "Oh- wait, have you not seen Phantom? There was a huge masquerade, and the chandelier fell as the Phantom's attempt to enact vengeance."

[meaningofmaple]

Sadie automatically looked up at his question, she hadn't really thought about it. Though the room looked beautiful now she had taken a moment to really look at the decor. "I can't say I had done that, no," she said, laughing slightly. "I mean, you definitely have an imagination. What are you drinking?"

[kylexbyun]

"No? Hey, you never can be too cautious," Kyle joked before taking another sip. "So I've been told..." he said, maintaining his playful tone before dropping his tone to a near whisper with a greater sense of seriousness. "It's my greatest strength and fatal flaw." It only took him a second before breaking the sudden character, laughing at his own joke as he straightened his posture again. "Oh- right now a dark and stormy - felt fitting, given the theme" he answered. "Might switch it up, though. Any recommendations?"

[xsylcuenco]

"He is my Phantom for a reason," she emphasized. Sylvia was more familiar with musicals than one may expect, but genuinely had a bit of a crush on that version of the Phantom as well. "I will submit feedback to the Benefactor that we deserve live Broadway shows at these things," she half-joked. Look, at an event like this, it would be fitting. "Honestly, I was expecting more Phantoms tonight.." she looked around, then back at Kyle.

[kylexbyun]

"Understandable- although admittedly, my musical theatre knowledge is kinda limited, and I'm not sure if I know the other phantoms enough to fully compare." He really only knew of the one's he assumed nearly everyone to have at least heard of. When he was in school, he always wanted to join the infamous theatre kids, but never quite took the leap. "That'd be really cool, though! Have you ever been to one? A live show, I mean." He mirrored her gazing around, nodding as he saw noticeable few phantoms. "Maybe people thought everyone would be the phantom, so then it ultimately resulted in very few?" he asked, offering a chuckle at the irony.

[kylexbyun]

WHO: Kyle & Aisha ( @aishathevar ) WHERE: Halloween Masquerade

As fun as the event was, he needed to catch his breath. The alcohol having been a soft blanket to calm his nerves beginning to morph into more sinister and taunting thoughts; rapidly oscillating between ridiculing himself for already having more than he had intended, and beckoning himself for more because why not throw caution to the wind if he was already forgoing the boundaries he set for himself? Everything was just getting a bit too loud... so he managed to slip away to the balcony that was surprisingly vacant. A sigh, hard not to hear his own exhaustion seeping out through it, as he rested his crossed arms on the guardrail.

He wasn't sure how long he had been standing there, feeling like he had fallen asleep with his eyes open... but he heard footsteps behind him, and turned just enough to notice someone else. "I'm living out every movie seen where the protagonist looks longingly up at the night sky instead of living in the present," he informed, tone light and playful, before redirecting his attention forward again. "My goal for the night is to check off as many cliche's as I can. How am I doing?" Only then had he fully glanced back to see who he was rambling to - his smile faltering for a split moment before plastering it over his face again, though this time noticeably less sincere. At least he could cross off another cliche to his list - because of course the moment he tried to sneak off to get a tiny bit of peace and quiet, a ghost of his past would decide to pay a visit. "Pretty well, if I do say so myself," he answered his own question under his breath. He hardly could act like they've barely known each other before Merrock sober, and the drinks making him feel like a pixar character with how emphasized every emotion was animated on his face.

[libbystcwart]

who: LIBBY & OPEN.

where: a mansion.

when: during the masquerade party.

In Libby's opinion, the Halloween Masquerade had been fun but it was exhausting. Her feet started to hurt and her ears were ringing from all the music and constant chatter around her. She adjusted her mask, hating how it clung to her face. Libby settled on one of the vacant chairs in the lounge area on the ground floor, trying to catch her breath. She removed her mask and patted her face with a soft facial tissue she kept in her clutch. "Attending a masquerade ball is not for the faint of heart," she joked, looking at the nearest person. "This mansion looks pretty amazing, though. I love how they dressed it up for the occasion."

[kylexbyun]

When he realized his feat started to drag him back to the bar, Kyle realized it was time for a breather. Away from everyone and everything, just for a moment, before he could resume with enough energy to carry out good, carefree vibes. He found a quiet spot and sat down, although feeling like he had more so just landed on the couch than anything else. Holding his head up with his hand, eyes closed as he felt his surroundings start to drown out. To the point where when he heard the statement beside him, he almost wondered if it was his own thoughts echoing in his mind as he couldn't have agreed more. Once his brain processed it was not, in fact, his own voice, he lifted his head up to look her way. "No, not at all," he validated with a soft smile. "You needed a pause, too? Or is it more of a physical I just realized I've been dancing for an hour straight, I need to sit down kind of tired?"

Kyle took her praise as an opportunity to look around, taking in the beauty once more. "It really is something..." he agreed. "Only Merrock, too," he added with a chuckle. "I mean, where else could you say would throw something so ... enchanting?"

[steelknivesx]

WHO: Hanna + OPEN WHERE: Benefactor’s mansion, Halloween Masquerade WHEN: October 28, 2023

Hanna was having the night of her life. She didn't get out too often; her job was demanding. But she loved having a drink and letting her hair down. She was bouncing already in a group of people; she didn't know most of them... but then, wasn't that the point of a masquerade ball?

She caught the eyes of someone across the dance floor; wiggling a finger in their direction, she beckoned them over. "Come on! Dance with me?"

[kylexbyun]

Kyle looked over his shoulder when he heard Hanna call the invitation out, certain it was meant for someone else - though when he saw no one else behind him, Kyle looked back, free hand pointing to himself as he mouthed the word Me? with raised brows. Normally, he'd be far too content staying a wallflower, but her enthusiasm and happiness was radiant, and it felt impossible to go with his nature and decline.

"If you insist... although, I must warn you, I might look like a fish out of water," he joked, taking another sip of his drink and took a few steps closer to her, a slight skip at the start of his walk. "Enjoying the night so far?" It felt like more of a rhetorical question as that much was quite evident. Still, he couldn't help but smile to see so many people enjoying themselves.

[adiellistech]

WHO: Adi and Open WHERE: Halloween Masquerade

Adi was often pretty reserved in crowds, though over the years he'd learnt to talk to cover up those nerves. He could make a conversation out of anything and make himself sound confident. His eyes had been scanning the fancy room, reminding him of the country club his parents took him to when he was younger. Especially all the pictures on the walls.

He smiled as the other stopped at the bar, picking up his drink with his free hand. “If you could take a picture of anything in the world. What would it be? And where would you put the picture?” he asked, eyes glancing towards them. He felt like everyone needed a little distraction right now. "I just look at all of these on the walls and wonder who took them, painted them and why."

[kylexbyun]

Despite the amount of parties he went to when he was younger, Kyle's comfort zone never quite extended itself to crowds. Alcohol among other substances were his only hope in keeping any of his anxiety at bay, hence was why he found himself back at the bar even though he told himself he'd limit himself to just a couple of drinks. It was just one night, right? He was fine... His mind just rattling off any and all excuses, far too much like all the times he fell down the slippery slope. Although his inner debate was halted when he heard the question. Lifting his head to match the voice to a face, he pressed his lips together in thought. "That's a new one-" the unfiltered reaction slipped out, although he wasn't annoyed with the ice breaker - more so intrigued.

It all made sense when the man explained further, having must seen Kyle's perplexed expression. "Oh-" his eyes followed Adi's gaze and nodded as he saw the pictures. "Well, I guess it's different answers if we're going with your original question about taking a picture, or if we're extending it to paintings," he mused, resting his head in his hand as it began to feel a bit heavy. Maybe he was just stalling as he tried to come up with any answer at all. "Anything in the world, though?" A sigh was released, probably far too deep in thought than what the question really called for. "Maybe the bottom of the ocean... If we're going full hypothetical. Then maybe people would stop being so afraid of it since most of the fear comes from the unknown, right? ...Or maybe they'd just be more afraid with knowing... either or... what about you?"

[xsylcuenco]

"I hope not," Sylvia glanced up at the chandelier above then back at Kyle. "That would only be acceptable if then Ramin Karimloo appeared and started singing," she referenced her personal favorite Phantom, with a laugh.

[kylexbyun]

"Fair enough," Kyle said with an approving nod. "He has the kind of voice that could entrance you even if the sky was falling," he admitted, echoing Sylvia's laughter. "And it certainly would make it a night to remember- not that it isn't already, of course." The outfits alone were enough to marvel at, nevermind the gorgeous mansion and decorations.

[darpow]

Darrius glanced up at the ceiling, studying the light fixture hanging in the center of the ballroom, but once he was reasonably assured that they probably weren't in any danger, he laughed, turning his gaze over to the other man. "You realize that if that happens, you jinxed it, and you're going to get run out of this mansion, right?"

[kylexbyun]

"Oh... - god, you're right," Kyle glanced up as well for a moment before back at Darrius. "But, hey - a little kid just told me I was a witch a few days ago, so maybe this is the start of my powers manifesting. It's alright, though - I'll be sure to only use them for good when I learn how to control them." He assured, a soft chuckle behind his words.

[kylexbyun]

WHO: Kyle & Mandy ( @mcndyhcrtmcn ) WHERE: Halloween Masquerade

"Mandy, how did you find the perfect color purple for your dress?" Kyle asked with an ear to ear grin, eager to catch up with his friend. "Gotta say, the dashes of gold, too? Incredible." The painter in him always on the look out for complimentary colors and other widely utilized pallets. "How've you been so far? This place is really something, huh?" He felt like he had stepped into a fairytale with how extravagant everything was, and he'd wake back into reality the next morning.

[kylexbyun]

WHO: Kyle & Open WHERE: Halloween Masquerade

"Anyone else on the look out for chandeliers crashing to the ground, or is that just me?" Kyle asked, referencing phantom of the opera, as he turned to face whoever was around. He was already well into the tipsy territory, nursing his newest refill, which was likely aiding his ability to careless strike up a conversation with any willing participant.

[kylexbyun]

Kyle's 2023 Halloween Masquerade outfit

[oliver-newman]

Who: Open Where: What’s The Tea? When: Morning Time

Tea. It was the furthest thing from Ollie’s mind, but in the scheme of trying new things that was out of his comfort zone, this would be one of them. First off, who in their right mind would drink tea when you could have something as tasty as coffee? Yet, here he was, staring down the cuppa with his nose wrinkled upward. “This won’t poison me, right?” he breathed, brows furrowing together as he brought the hot liquid up to his mouth. “It doesn’t even smell pleasant, where the hell are the notes of orange? This just smells like dirt.”

[kylexbyun]

Kyle rested his chin in his hand, a subtle smile as he observed Oliver wrestling with taking the leap to try something new. It was fascinating - watching people try to break out of their cemented routines. People were creatures of habit, after all. "Hmm, I guess that could always be a possibility," he mused, gaze lifting towards the ceiling as though he really was contemplating the likelihood. "But, I mean, technically it's also a possibility that I walk outside and find one thousand dollars laying on the ground," he offered with a slight shrug. "I can take a sip of it first, if you want? If I start choking and turning blue in the face, you'll know it's not safe." he offered, the joking tone evident behind his words.

[ari-matthews]

Who: Open Where: The Creamery When: Afternoon

“Mommy, why is there no fluffy marshmallow?” The boisterous toddler bounced up and down the ice cream parlor, pig tails swooshing back and forth as she bobbed up and down her tip toes. Ari glanced down at the little girl, shaking her head with a small laugh. “Emmy, baby, just because it says it’s smore flavor doesn’t mean they’re going to have it like we make it at home. I put marshmallow fluff on ours, this is real marshmallows.” “So… these ones are fake?” Immediately, as if Ari’s life were a scripted sitcom, the little girl turned towards the person next to her. “Don’t eat those things, they’re fake. You don’t want to be fake. Fake people are witches.” The woman’s eyes widened as her head snapped towards the direction of the little girl to see her little one’s eyes get larger as Emmy leaned towards the person. “I mean, you look like a witch. Fake.” Color drained immediately from Ari’s face as she grabbed the little girl’s arm, pulling Emmy towards her. “Oh jeez, I’m, uh, I’m so sorry about that. Haha. Little kids, you know? Halloween. She thinks everything is fake these days. Haha… I’m sorry.”

[kylexbyun]

Kyle could recite the menu by heart, yet he still was destined to stand in the parlor for what only felt like hours, weighing out the big decision of what to order. Should he go for one of his classic choices that never fail him? Or was it time to venture out and try something different, setting his day up for adventure? He was pulled out of his inner debate when a little girl was gracious enough to share her wisdom. Eyes widened, immediately reacting with nearly the same level of urgency the girl was sharing the information with. Yet before he could even thank her for letting him in on the secret she discovered, the plot in her mind thickened when she accused him of being a witch! "Oh, don't worry about it," he quickly assured Arianna. "Besides, kids are more perceptive than we give them credit for. I've been inside this place at least a thousand times, but here I am, still acting like it's my first time with how hard it is to settle on a decision. Maybe we really are under a spell of witchcraft-" with the last statement, his eyes widened and his tone upped in antics, more so for the little girl's sake. Kyle had gotten the feedback in the past he was good with kids, but all he ever did was just encourage their own imaginations and letting their dreams run wild. So what if she thought he was a witch? It could even be an anchor to start teaching her about how there could be some good witches since nothing in the world is purely black or white.

[cordelianewman]

My place has turned into looking like a small home improvement store with boxes of sample woods, tiles, pieces of marble, paint strips, tiny cans of paint to sample, different colors of metals. to compare them too, and I'm starting to run out of room in my spare room -- which is scary given that's not even all of it as some is still trickled out over the living room and kitchen. Does anyone ever go in too far when they're working on a project because I feel like since this whole becoming a homeowner I've spun off the deep end and there's no hope of me digging myself out of it. If I was to add in some really interesting Halloween decorations I could probably make this place a very convincing haunted house. Thank heavens it isn't Christmas time or I'd be an absolute stressball. @merrock

[kylexbyun]

One time I couldn't sleep, so I taped sheets of paper all over my wall until every inch was covered, and I colored all over them to live out my childhood rebellion dreams of scribbling on the walls... - but yeah, I get being sucked into projects like that. Still not too late to add some last minute decorations, though. I mean I used to know people who kept their Christmas lights up year round, why can't we normalize keeping up cobweb and ghost decorations up?