Burning Flames

:: Song Mingi :: 23 :: Son of Tohil :: Blacksmith at Dagger & Roses, Fighter at The Pits

[mpitotia]

It was a shame that Mingi and his own schedules didn't always align. One was working during the day, the other at night and it sometimes was a bit hard to meet out of their time off. So Itotia had been overjoyed when the other had accepted his invitation. He couldn't dream of seeing the fireworks with someone else.

They had cleared a lot of their issues but there was still some awkwardness between them. Sometimes, the dancer even thought that he shouldn't insist and let Mingi live his own life, make his own choices. He had wasted his chance at keeping the fighter in his world, did he have a right on his time ?

"I really like your hair" Itotia commented, touching the bright red strands. He had helped Mingi to color it a few days ago and the experience had been quite fun and relaxed. It was the kind of moments between them that he loved, without stress and unsaid words. "You look really great tonight."

Well, Mingi always looked and smelled nice and everything, making it very hard for the dancer to resist touching and kissing him. So when the other placed his hands on his cheeks, it took all of Itotia's will to not lean in the touch, to rub against the warm palms on his skin. A very useful power though, a living heater. 

"Y-yes... Thank you, I feel better" Itotia whispered. His cheeks were still red but it wasn't because of the cold anymore. He looked into Mingi's eyes, his own dark like the night but stars still shining in them. "I'm happy too." Now well warmed up, the son of Akbul took the other's hand in his, pulling him in the stands' direction.

"We still have some time before the fireworks. What would you like to do until then ?"

[mpmingi]

If anyone didn't have a right to this, it would be Mingi, not Itotia. At least Mingi would insist on that fact if he ever heard the other's thoughts on it. Itotia had never done anything wrong, Mingi was the idiot here and he was constantly doing what he could to give the other what he was owed. But it's not just about that either, Mingi genuinely cared about Itotia and wanted to show him that as well. A stupid mistake years ago... he was going to do what he could to show him it was just that. A stupid mistake and Mingi was lucky Itotia still wanted to be around him after the damage he'd done.

"Thanks, couldn't have done it any better without the help I got with it. Yeah?" He returned, lips curving in a gentle smile. He hummed at the compliment too, smiling more before speaking again. "You do too."

With the other's murmured thanks, Mingi nodded. He was happy he could help the other with his powers now... not fearing anything with them and just glad they were helpful. "Yeah." He grinned, letting the other lead him and humming once more at the next question. "Mmm... maybe we could play some games? Something with prizes? Can I win ya somethin?"

[mpitotia]

They both were kids, they both feared the other's judgement. Itotia was aware that he could have talked about his heritage too but, at least, he wasn't the one who had walked away, the one who had refused to talk up to that very moment. He was ready to hear everything the other had to say.

The dancer was surprised by the lack of jacket but, each time he moved closer to Mingi, he could feel the heat exuded by his body. It was nice, like a soft fire on a winter night. He was trying to rack his brain, looking into his memories for a Mayan god of fire but the older man's presence was way too distracting for Itotia to think clearly.

"Thank you" he whispered when Mingi handed him his drink. He took a few sips, enjoying the warmth. It was sugary but not too much, just perfect. He chewed on a tapioca bubble as he considered his... ex's proposition. "Yeah, that's pretty strange. But I think we have more important things to talk about right now. Don't you agree ?"

Itotia drank a bit more of his tea. Leaning forward on his seat, he rested his chin on his crossed hands, looking into Mingi's eyes. He had always been beautiful but four years later, he was truly gorgeous. But this wasn't the most important for him. He only wanted Mingi for who he was.

"So... Why did you leave ?"

[mpmingi]

"Yeah, you're right." Mingi sighed softly, leaning back in his seat as he tried to figure out how to start... everything. It's really just... a lot. But as he told himself before, he tells himself again. Itotia deserved answers. "Well, to start with... you remember how we met, right? Before that..." He started to explain the story. He told Itotia about his mother and about the jackass, he had to pause for a few minutes when he got to the rougher parts of his story... the abuse and everything that followed.

"And then after all that, we met and all and it was really... it was good y'know? But... I got scared. Like, really scared. I was worried that if things started happening... and I still couldn't control this fire? Like if it sprung up again, y'know? I wasn't sure how long it'd take me to get a handle on it. I didn't wanna... I freaked out and panicked because I could see things happening and I didn't want what happened before to happen again? Like it's stupid and I was a dumbass but my brain wired the whole thing weirdly and... yeah."

He sighed again, messing up his hair with an aggressive run of both of his hands dragging through it at his annoyance at the whole thing. His stupid moment. Everything.

"Like I know its not an excuse or anything. And like... I'm not expecting everything to suddenly be okay just because I was scared and freaking out. But thats the story..."

[mpmingi]

Just a Little Lazy (Open)

a day in the park~ DM if you'd like to take it!

Most of the time, Mingi's days off were full of doing private projects or hanging with Itotia or Areum or whoever in his small list of friends wanted to hang out. Today though, was a bit of a lazier day for the son of Tohil. For the moment, he was languishing on one of the benches in the central park.

It's a nice spot and the weather was nice enough to not worry too much about the cold. Though it didn't bother him that much in the first place.

All in all, it was a nice day and Mingi was enjoying it.

He bobbed lightly to the music playing through his headphones as he let a small flicker of flame weave between his fingers. It's barely something that would light a cigarette, let alone a whole ass bench. So the demigod was just... playing with his flame.

[maximura]

[rain77y]

[mpitotia]

heart full of fireworks - closed

for the favorite person @mpmingi

So far, Itotia had enjoyed all the Lunar New Year's celebration he had taken part of. He had tried almost every stand and contests, even winning a prize at the Galaxy Games' scavenger hunt. A cute little rabbit plushie and, oh, surprise, it was his Chinese zodiac sign. It now was settled on his bookshelves, between family or dance shows pictures.

But there was one thing that he truly didn't want to experience alone and it was the fireworks. So he put his big boy pants up and asked Mingi if he would be willing to spend the evening with him, which the other immediately accepted. They were seeing each other regularly and though they were talking a lot about their issues, Itotia still couldn't get over his feelings, his constant desire for his... whatever Mingi was for him.

They met at the entrance of the park, Itotia well bundled in a warm winter outfit, his cheeks tainted of pink by the cold. He smiled when the other approached, his heart beating a bit too fast in his chest and he reached to grab Mingi's hand. 

"Hi ! Did you have a good day ?" he asked, squeezing the fighter's fingers. "I'm glad you accepted to come with me tonight."

[mpmingi]

Mingi had participated in some of the events himself, though to a slightly lesser extent as he'd been a bit busy on the side. With everything that had gone on in the past and the now redhead's current determination to make up for his cowardice from before... of course his response to Itotia's invite had been an immediate yes.

He had no plans of denying the other male anything, if it was within the realms of Mingi's ability to do so-- of course he would do it.

Plus... he'd been thinking about something for a while. He didn't know what situation would allow him to bring it up... but if the chance arouse he would ask about it. (He half expected a refusal but an acceptance was within the realms of possibility-- so it was something he'd bring up eventually when the time was right.)

Thoughts aside, Mingi focused on the current situation. Which was a cute ex turned tentative friend(?) or whatever they could call themselves at this point of time. The outfit suited the darkness demigod and Mingi couldn't help the small smile that shifted over his lips at the sight.

He nodded when the other spoke up, squeezing his hand back before his gaze shifted to take in the cold tinted cheeks and he rose his other hand to try and help warm the other up a bit. He let heat fill his palm, gently pressing the hand against each of Itotia's cheeks for a few moments to chase the chill of the day away from them.

"Hope this is okay, you look a bit cold so I thought this might help a bit." He stated lightly before adding. "I did! and of course I'd agree. Even if we're still awkward about a lot of things, I'm not gonna tell you 'no' if you wanna do stuff with me, Totia. I was happy, and I still am."

[areumxmp]

Areum is intuitive even if he is up and washing dishes, eyes flickering up to his brother when he hears the softness added to his tone when talking about siblings. It seemed they both had some stories to share whenever they delved into it, “Luckily we both have a chance now, yeah?” He offers a smile with to teeth from across the counter, all his warmth swirling in his eyes because he wishes he could say more. Help more. One day he will be able to, with how well it’s been going he’s sure they will open up soon; but it makes his heart even more warm that all while he’s thinking of ways to cheer Mingi up, his brother ends up doing the same to him about his stresses. The warm hand that’s just like his on his arm sends the comfort Mingi was offering through his skin and straight into any muscle that may have been tense. “Yeah I do, but sometimes reason’s ain’t good enough. Still need to say it. Coz watch, see??” He points to Mingi dramatically after he hears about his Brother’s…. Fling? See! He knew he was right! For some reason he felt so good-not because he was right-because he felt he was actually able to help his brother. In a real way someone should help their brother.. Talking about girls/boys, helping with a shitty haircut, or keeping him out of too much trouble. The kiln shit was funny, and he commented on the fact that he thinks it’s mad smart Mingi uses his fire for the weapons he forges which is so incredibly cool, but now? Nah nah he’s circling back. This is important! They can go fuck around later! “Nah okay we going back to this lil not dating dating person. What happened?” Areum’s eyes held so much care as he gave every ounce of his attention to his brother, more than willing to hear whatever detail he may want to offer.

[mpmingi]

"Yeah!! We do." Mingi smiled as he spoke, it really was just straight up cool to have an older brother. A dude, a guy, someone he might be able to talk about a bunch of things with. It's a nice thought and he's glad that this bond between them exists. He's grateful for it too. He's not sure what he'd do at this point if their sibling-ship didn't exist, he's gotten so used to it already.

"True enough, bro, true enough." He nodded slowly, grinning a bit as the other complimented his use of his fire in his work before rubbing his neck a bit as Areum circled back to the dating thing.

"Yeahh... So like... it's a long story. S' kinda a lot of... stuff. So settle in if you wanna hear about it. But like... so... to explain that I should start at the beginning before that? Uhh... you might get mad angry at this one dude but... well. Let's say for now there's nothin' to worry 'bout with him outside everythin' else. You'll understand soon what I mean. But... so... I didn't really... my powers? They came pretty late. And when they did... it was in a situation that made it really easy for em to like... go outta control? But... so, like, growin' up it was just me and my momma. We had a good relationship but then after a while my momma met this... not good dude."

[mpitotia]

Itotia had always loved to talk with Mingi. They had spent long nights sharing secrets and stories, in the warmth of their intertwined bodies. So the other man leaving like this had made the dancer wonder if their relationship ever had any importance for him. 

Maybe he had just been a mean for Mingi to have a roof over his head, food in his belly and whatever they were to keep him warm at night.

Itotia was ready to forgive. He had grown during the last four years, leaving his pink hair and his more innocent persona behind. Mingi had forced him to step out and become the adult he now was. He still carried his broken heart though.

He raised his eyebrows but then shrugged the left out question and followed the other around the city. They were close and each time their arms brushed, Itotia was tempted to grab Mingi's hand, to slide his fingers in his. He sighed in relief when they arrived at the coffee shop, his body moving away from the older man's as they waited to order.

Itotia chose a hot taro milk tea, letting Mingi pay for their drinks as he looked for a table. He waited for the older man, just a small smile on his lips as he sat face to him. "I like your hair" he complimented. "Did you keep it silver all that time ?"

[mpmingi]

He was a stupid kid with fears a mile high. At least he's grown too, since then. But it's still a shitty thing and Mingi was ready to make up for it for as long as he needed to (and even beyond that) if Itotia still wanted to stick around after he shared his story.

The fire demigod lead the way quietly, not even bothering to go back and grab a coat because he really didn't need one. Even in weather like this. A perk of his powers he didn't discover until a bit later on. He was as warm as can be, not even feeling the cold in the air since he was his own heater of sorts.

At the cafe, he focused on the menu for a minute while trying to decide what he wanted for the day. He's not sure if he wanted his usual order or something else... He did happen to glance around for a second, checking to be sure he would actually get his order this time too (he still couldn't believe how often his order got mixed up sometimes) before he settled on something a little bit different.

Orders in hand, he moved back to where Itotia had grabbed them a seat. "Here's your tea, and thanks. It's... you know it's kinda weird. I only dyed it back to this like... a week before you got here? Irony, right? But no, I've had a few different colors. This is like... my third one? Since I got here." A pause. "I've got pictures if you wanna see em?"

[denim-bias]

[1024gifs-deactivated20241218]

"it's hard to even sleep—to make dreams a reality."

[mpxjamison-deactivated20240414]

Re-Weaponed

@mpmingi

Nora, after one too many training sessions, noticed that her beloved knife had suffered a fatal crack in it's hilt. For one she had held on her body for years, she was fairly attached, and the demigoddess had no other intentions than to get it corrected and possibly enhanced the weapon. So, she had made an appointment as soon as she could with the local blacksmith shop. If they could not fix it, then it had no future.

When the appointment finally arrived, the demigoddess appeared to the premises. Looking around, she had greeted one of the shop clerks about her appointment. Nora had been in a fairly sour mood lately, and this had been one of the few times she had calmed her attitude. So, as her eyes scanned the weapons on display, her mood seemed to flourish, especially as the work appeared well-crafted.

When called, the demigoddess made her way to the male. "Good morning. I am here to get my knife fixed."

[mpmingi]

Given he had promise, sometimes Mingi was able to take the occasional request when appointments were made or custom things were ordered. He often had a precision for things in how he crafted his works, using his hands to heat the metal and to mold things before following through with the rest of the blacksmithing process.

It's how he learned to control his powers after all, so he always made sure to keep it up so he was never out of practice.

Today, he had a repair appointment with a demigoddess and Mingi had already begun to think of different ways to fix things before he'd called her in. "Hey! Yeah, so what's the damage on it?" He asked, gesturing for her to hand the dagger over so he could take a closer look at it.

"Ahh... cracked. I can see it. Hmm... let me see what I can do for ya. Do you use it a lot? Or is it pretty old maybe? Mm... maybe it needs reinforcing... Maybe I could..." He started to ramble to himself a little bit, peering over the blade and shifting it under the light to try and get a full gauge of the damage and figure out the repair options.

[mpitotia]

"That you are" Itotia simply confirmed, keeping his face as neutral as he could. He would always remember that fateful morning, when the 'I love you' had slipped from his lips and Mingi had been gone in just a few minutes, crushing his heart as he had left the small studio they shared at the time.

Itotia had never recovered, carrying his broken soul around, looking for someone who would heal him.

But the worst hadn't been to be broken up with, it had been the silence, the lack of explanations. It would have still hurt but, at least, knowing why could have made things easier. 

There was some satisfaction in Itotia to hear the other ramble. He considered all the options. The Honeypot sounded nice but he wasn't sure he would be able to eat, his stomach full of knots just by standing close to Mingi again.Four years had passed but the hold the fighter had on him was still as intense as before. 

"Let's go for the Flower Mill" he answered, putting back his messenger bag around his shoulder. A hot tea or chocolate would be perfect to warm the coldness he could feel inside his body. 

"Show the way ?"

[mpmingi]

"I really am." He'd truly been a coward. He hadn't been sure what the future would hold but he'd panicked. How could he have explained it all? There had just been... so much. He should have handled it better but as it was he hadn't and Itotia had paid the price. But... with the other here, maybe he could fix it... explain... he half hoped he could.

He owed the other that much.

It's been four years but they've matured too, Mingi planned to set what he could right and he won't let what happened before... happen again. He'd run away enough, he wasn't going to do that anymore and maybe they could eventually fix what his fear had broken.

He waited for Itotia to speak again, patiently letting him decide over the options and rocking back slightly on his heels. He half considered trying some small talk but he's not sure if that's something the other would want. Honestly... he wouldn't blame the other if he just wanted his answers and then left him in the dust as soon as he had them. He'd probably deserve it...

"Kay. It's this way! Uhh... so..." A pause. "Never mind." He shook his head, he'd started to ask more about him. His parentage, stuff like that, just... curious to know things but he's still in that awkwardly uncertain kind of mindset that he probably should just shut up and explain his story once they got to the 'neutral ground'. To let Itotia dictate what he wanted after he explained.

He'd led the way to the coffee shop after that, keeping quiet unless the other decided he wanted a more casual conversation on the way over.

[mpitotia]

Mount Phoenix was beautiful, full or gorgeous landscapes and lovely residents. Itotia had heard about winter, death and other love gods living on the island, fascinated by the fact he would be able to cross path with deities on a regular basis. No Mayans though but that wasn't important.

What he hadn't excepted was to see him again. He had thought he was dreaming when he had a glimpse of silver hair and a tall silhouette, his heart starting to race in his chest. Then their eyes met, the same look of surprise on their faces until Mingi had turned around and disappeared in the park's crowd.

Just like that dreadful day four years ago. Gone in the blink of an eyes. Still a coward, apparently.

The second time they crossed way, in the Huay Chivo Apartments' lobby, Itotia had just looked down, rushing outside to get some fresh air before his heart exploded. Discovering common origins had been another surprise and complication as they would have to navigate the same hallways daily. 

The third time, Itotia got sick of it. Whatever Mingi's feelings had been four years ago, whatever they were now, he only wanted to know why the other had run away. So he slide a note under his ex-whatever's door, asking for just the possibility to talk. 

Itotia was checking his mailbox the fourth time, when Mingi finally approached him. There still was that feeling of wonder as he looked at the taller man. The one he had been in love with for the last five years, at least. Hearing the old nickname was like a blast to the past, to all those hours spent together.

"Yeah, four years" he simply answered, observing Mingi's face. He hadn't changed much, still as handsome as he remembered. It would be easy to invite him upstairs, to fall back into old habits.

"Let's go somewhere else" he proposed. "Something public and neutral, if you don't mind."

[mpmingi]

Mingi grimaced a little bit at the simple answer, a mountain of guilt washing through him at the thought. "Yeaah... I'm a dumbass." He stated softly, sighing quietly as he spoke. That moment... it still came back sometimes when he wasn't expecting it, flashes of what he did and his reasoning for it back then versus thoughts of what he should have done after he'd finally got comfortable with his powers and how he worked with them so much more easily.

What he feared wouldn't have happened given he'd been training to control it but it still had just... impacted him so much at that time in his life.

It's not an excuse though, and he knew it.

"No, I definitely don't mind. I get it, uhh... have you been to the Flower Mill yet? Coffee Shop. Or maybe Honeypot? It's a brewery and a restaurant but it's pretty cool from what I heard. My treat? or we can split it, whatever works. I owe you for... a lot. So like... suggestion-? ...I'm just gonna shut up for now, not great at... this." He shook his head a little bit, he's awkward because he knows what he pulled four years ago was shitty and the other hadn't deserved it. Panic or not.

He'll be better when they're fully talking about everything.

[areumxmp]

"Yeah man I never thought I'd have any siblings. Real siblings at least. Growing up with all these people around me that I was supposed to call my family... it never felt like this, man." To be fair the situation is a little rocky for Areum, but he's sure in some way many of the people on this island that have found their family feel this way. It's like certain cogs that never seemed to get the rust out were starting to shine and move along with the others, creating this... well oiled machine called a life. Areum had well demolished his food since he had always been so used to having to eat so quickly, he was already getting up and using this kitchen like his own to wash the plate. What are brother's for right? "It really is a lot of shit to be happy about through. And the relationship stuff isn't even bad.. it honestly is because I'm a big dumb idiot." He chuckles even though behind that chuckle he really is convinced that he is. Especially about this. Setting the plate to the side to dry, he leans over the counter without asking and nabs Mingi's empty plate to wash as well, still as he rambles on. "When you start dating, be upfront about your damn life and issues and shit that's all my advice for you~ Anything else might fuck up your chances~" Playfully along with the joke he flicks water at his brother. In reality though, Areum had wonderful advice when it came to relationships, shit the man is as much of a devoted simp as anyone can be, if anyone knows how to give some pointers it would be Areum! And he'd love to talk... people... with Mingi! "You know what we should do?" Setting the next plate to dry he teeters on his heels as if the idea he's got brewing is only the best one every created in the history of life ever. Or something like that. "We should do pottery." Areum's eyes are so serious, big and if it's a revelation. "Think about it bro... We are the kiln" He was kidding. Right?

[mpmingi]

"I kinda get what you mean, not gonna lie. I was an only kid before but... yeah, wouldn't have been much chance to get a sibling." Mingi returned, scowling slightly at the thought of his momma's situation before everything literally imploded. And then he got a little sad with all that springing back to mind before he pushed it back. He shook his head a bit to clear it.

He should tell Areum more about that at some point, he didn't think he'd gotten the chance to give the older male his whole story yet but it might be nice to share with him one day...

"Hey, bro, it's cool! I'm sure you probably got reasoning! Right?" He asked, shifting forward a bit and reaching to pat the older's arm a bit in an attempt at reassurance. He can't let his big bro be mean to himself!

He nodded a bit though once the older continued after grabbing his plate and listening before pausing and coughing slightly. What the other said kinda had him flashing back to a few or so years ago... ahh.

"...I'd laugh at that but I gotta be honest-" He started after a moment of debate. "Might have had a dumbass moment with something like that? S'not like it was dating dating but..." Maybe he should tell his big bro a few things he hasn't yet sooner rather than later, actually.

He blinked at the flick of water, laughing after that and shaking his head a little before humming again.

"Oh, dude, no wait-- You're right." Mingi stated, straightening again as Areum's comment lit up the utterly ridiculous side of his mind. He had a point, they technically were. It probably wasn't much different than working with metal either! Just different temperature outputs maybe.

"Like, no, I use my shit whenever I'm crafting and shit at Dagger & Roses, I make my hands like... the furnace so like--!"

[carternardis]

The way the other shrugged managed to make Carter chuckle. The way Mingi carried himself was strong, with his striking features and height but carefree enough that he agreed to sit down and drink coffee with a stranger. It was then that Carter noticed he might've been staring for a bit too long, so he turned his gaze to his cup. "Thanks. I think I tried doodling you too, but I don't think it's very accurate."

It was a quick doodle of the first time they got their orders got mixed up. The way Mingi's expression changed when they realized their drinks were not their own had been fun, it was the first time Carter had seen someone go through so many emotions in such a short amount of time. It was hard to upset Carter, so something like that happening to them was more of an amusing thing than anything else.

"Do you like working nights?" It was a thought that just came to be, with his curiosity and slight concern over the traces of tiredness on the other's face. "I mean it's none of my business, but, I'm just curious. The things we do when we're tired tend to be the ones we like most, right?"

[mpmingi]

"You doodled me?" Mingi laughed a little himself, lips curving in a light grin as he spoke. He didn't think anyone's drawn him before. But honestly, anything like that was flattering no matter the quality or accuracy. Some could even be down right entertaining, though not everyone might think so. Mingi would though.

"Hey, anything like that is fine though. Doesn't matter if it's accurate or not, I bet it's still great." He added aloud, flipping through the journal and seeing the very thing they were talking about. "Like I said, it's great anyways."

He nodded a little with the next question, passing the journal back once he was done looking at it and sipping more of his drink after. "Yeah, I guess you could say that. I mean... being tired might make it harder sometimes. But the adrenaline helps with that."

[mpmingi]

Broken Bonds; A Flash from the Past

for the one he's hurt before @mpitotia

When he first saw the familiar face, Mingi had frozen a second before he turned around and walked away the moment they had noticed each other. He was... frazzled. Not quite sure what to do when he was faced with someone he hadn't expected to see.

Especially not here.

A few hours later though, the fact made sense. Gods mingled with mortals enough to have a whole ass island full of them and their children. The odds of people he knew before everything had... calmed down popping up was higher than most would think.

The next time he saw him, he'd avoided him and Itotia had avoided him right back.

The time after that... a note was slipped underneath his door.

He sighed, ruffling a hand through his hair as he once again encountered his ex...something. The other hadn't fully noticed him yet and he could probably have slipped away again but honestly... Mingi was just being a coward.

They hadn't parted on the best of terms and it was very much his own fault that caused it. He'd gotten scared, still not in full control of his powers and full of fear that he'd eventually hurt him... that he'd lose control and just... go up in flames again like that one night.

So he fled, the moment the other's feelings were spoken and left for him to decide what to do with them. He'd left like that, because he didn't know what the future would bring with the instability of his abilities. He didn't want the connection to form if he ever told him about the fire he could use either, his hometown wasn't that far from Busan after all. It could have easily brought questions he didn't want to answer yet if Itotia had heard of that fire he had caused that had taken both the jackass and his mother.

He shook his head to clear it, pushing back the memories and then urging himself to just stop.

Stop being a fucking coward, you dumbass.

He took a breath and decided he wasn't going to run again this time. He'd tried to dodge him too much. He can't avoid him forever. Plus... that little note, the urge to please just talk. He shook his head again, ruffling his hair up aggressively with both his hands and groaning once before letting off a hard breath and pushing himself to start walking towards the other instead of turning the other way.

They were gonna talk this time, he wasn't going to let himself run away.

"Hey... been a while," A moment of hesitation. "Totia..." He rubbed at his neck a little as he spoke, he's awkward but he's making an effort.

[areumxmp]

Mingi was a nice guy overall and the man was mad easy to hang out with, so just sitting here chatting it at least making Areum's mood better and honestly that's all he can ask for. "Yo water is good! Thanks bro." Areum smiles at his brother and listens raptly to all the shit he's been getting up to and shit it seams like all good things! "Making friends, enjoying your coworkers? That's sick bro it's always good to have people you work with fuck with you. Making money is all the better that way!" Areum loves being a bartender for that reason. Not only his coworkers but the customers are so fun to interact with as well. Having a good time and making the space fun and comfortable is what he does! Kinda makes him feel proud in a very dramatic older brother way as if he raised him to be this way or something. Even finding himself laying a hand on his shoulder even with a mouthful of eggs. "That's my lil bro, getting out there n shit look at you. growing up so fast~" He playfully wipes a tear and laughs, knocking back the water and some more food in... enormous bites. "Shit my grown up ass been too busy, yeah. Got some shit I uh.. don't have entirely settled back home and some shit I also don't have settled here... so I've been hella busy tackling some life shit. And still navigating my relationship as well you feel me?" Areum keeps himself mostly vague with that as he honestly does not need to get into it, but he does let his tone lighten up in regards to his relationship, which is, perfect. Even if it is part of the stress big time. And not because of his partner. "But honestly chillin with you today has already got me feeling good. So it ain't no thing~" It certainly is something, but he can overthink about it later.

[mpmingi]

"For sure! It's like... I don't even know! S' just cool as fuck. This place is amazing though, I got cool coworkers, friends, and a brother! Like even if we're just half bros, it's just epic." He passed the water over once he'd finished fixing it, taking a seat with his coffee so they could chat more easily.

He busted out laughing with the dramatic gestures too, shaking his head and digging into the eggs himself. As Areum had admitted, they weren't the best but sticking true to his earlier declaration-- Mingi ate them anyways. Plus, the rest of the meal was fine and the eggs weren't that bad. The effort his brother had put into all of it was more than enough to make the meal a decent one.

He couldn't help marveling for a second at how the older ate the food in such huge bites. That's just... weirdly impressive.

He listened as the other explained what he had going on too, nodding lightly with each remark and making little hums to show he's listening. "Yeah, I feel you! Sounds like a lot, but hey you're making it through it all, right? That's a good thing!" He smiled a little too as the other seemed a little brighter at mentioning his relationship. "You sound happy but yeah I can get it. I might not really know a lot with relationships and stuff but I can understand all the other stuff. Just a big pile of stuff."

He smiled wider when the other remarked how hanging out was already helping him too. "Well, I'm glad I can help you out there at least! We should like... do somethin' but I'm not sure on what you might like doin'!"