There are Shadows Everywhere

|:| Kim Seungmin |:| |~| Age 22 |~| |𓆩☠︎︎𓆪| Son of Hades |𓆩☠︎︎𓆪| ˚₊‧.°.⋆*ʚ✮♱🗝☾☆༉ɞ*⋆•˚₊‧⋆. ₊˚

[mptaavi]

Taavi took advantage of the swaying, making them twirl around in the entryway, his arms tightly wrapped around the other's waist. "Nonsense !" he exclaimed. "I would not let that happen." He grinned at Seungmin, reaching to pat his strand, to no avail of course. "You look great" he added softly.

They stood a moment, face to face in the hallway, before Taavi pulled Seungmin closer again and kissed him. It was quick but soft and tender, the baker pouring his joy of being with the other into it. He was blushing when they broke and he took the librarian's hands in his. 

"Are you ready to go ? I can't wait to visit the festival with you ! There's so much things to see and do."

[mpseungmin]

"You think you could have stopped us from falling over?" Seungmin asked, half tipping as he spoke to give an example. (He wouldn't fully make them fall, of course. He's just curious on what Taavi would do.) "Thanks, you do too." He added after the older's compliment, gaze shifting over the other once more.

If Taavi hadn't pulled him in, Seungmin might have done it himself if the moment went on long enough. So, the younger easily returned the quick kiss. His own feelings passed through it more easily than he could fully express with words or expressions. He bumped the other gently when he pulled back, gazing at him with quiet affection.

"Yeah. Let's go. Lead the way? I don't really know where we should start."

[mpskadi]

Skadi smiled at his explanations. That boy was smart and she liked his calm, quiet attitude. "Those are good arguments. And if you want, I can show you more photogenic places all over the mountains." It would need to wait for daylight though, as the night in the rocks could be too dangerous for the young man and his puppy.

"Mm... Not a lot of people come all the way up here.  It's a solitary life but I don't mind." The hardest part of the journey was behind them and Seungmin could now admire the city's lights at their feet, small stars in the cloak of darkness. The perpetual snow around Skadi's cabin was shining under the moon, a true fairytale vision.

It was warm inside and Skadi's cheeks were a little red when she looked up at Seungmin as she worked on the rabbit. She pointed to a basket of vegetables. "Would you mind washing some carrots and potatoes and then cut them in cubes ? That would be lovely of you" she said, handing him a clean knife.

[mpseungmin]

Seungmin took a moment to think about the offer before nodding. It could be nice to see some great places to photograph and having Skadi guide him to them would help a lot as well. "Okay, I think I'd like that." He returned softly. He hadn't even considered going to any of those areas at the moment anyways, he only needed one warning to know it wouldn't have been a good idea.

Plus, he wasn't really equipped for night photography in the first place.

Weren't they talking about books? But the greek demigod nodded regardless, gaze shifting over the view and taking a moment to admire it too before they moved on and got to the cabin.

"Sure, I can do that." Seungmin agreed, shuffling into the kitchen and picking out the things that had been pointed out before accepting the knife too. While he didn't make big meals or anything, the demigod at least knew how to properly cut and prepare vegetables along with other cooking basics.

[mptaavi]

one | two | three | four

Taavi's bedroom was a mess. His closet was almost empty, most of his clothes abandoned on his bed as he tried outfit after outfit. Finally, he found something perfect, not too hot or too cold, cute but not ostentatious. He just had enough time for a quick shower and to apply some makeup before grabbing his coat and rushing to Seungmin's house.

The baker still couldn't believe how things had evolved between the librarian and himself. He had been a nuisance, then a friend and now he was a boyfriend and he truly loved that. That feeling of belonging, of having that special place in someone's heart was new and exciting and wonderfully reassuring. He had Prince and Dao and many other friends but Seungmin... Seungmin was different.

His perfect opposite but also his perfect complement. 

Taavi was literally vibrating as he arrived at the Manticore Apartments and knocked at his boyfriend's door. And then Seungmin opened and the Mayan jumped at his neck, burying his head in his neck, his blond hair coming to tickle the other's cheek. 

"Hi, it's our first date !" he almost yelled in the Greek demigod's ear. "I'm so happy !"

[mpseungmin]

After a couple more attempts to flatten the stubborn bit of hair, Seungmin barely had time to finish opening his door before he had his arms full of Taavi. He swayed slightly, gaze shifting a little more over the other's outfit before he lightly moved a hand to flick a few strands of the other's light hair out of the way while the other snuggled into him.

He winced slightly at the older's volume, raising his brow briefly in response and then letting a breath free to look at him just a bit more. "Hello, I'm happy too. But be careful with the tackle attacks. We both might have fallen over you know." He murmured softly, voice having it's typical monotone but his gaze was fond and affectionate.

Even if he'd nearly been deafened by his over-excited boyfriend just moments ago.

[mpskadi]

Skadi nodded, acknowledging the boy’s remark. He seemed so close to his puppy, she couldn’t reproach to him to want taking care of him. But she also knew that air was rarer in the mountains and now that night was there, the path could be difficult. However, she was delighted to see that Seungmin seemed strong enough for his task. "Do not worry, I will bring you back to the city tomorrow" she announced, noticing how he was trying to remember the directions.

She decided on a break after a particularly difficult segment of the route, allowing the Greek demigod to catch his breath. "This sounds like a good idea. I think it is nice to know about the different cultures around us." They restarted their walk, at a slower pace as the trail was becoming steeper. "The library ? Interesting, I am the owner of The Lion’s Den. We do share the same love for books it seems."

Skadi disappeared in the kitchen, letting Seungmin and Dalhye to explore the cabin on their own if they wanted. She choose a relaxing but refreshing mint tea, ideal after the walk through the rocks. While the herbal drink brew, she started to prepare the rabbit for her stew. "Seungmin ? Would you mind giving me a hand ?" she called, her voice gentle. Things would go faster if they worked together.

[mpseungmin]

Seungmin glanced up at the comment, adjusting the dog in his arms so he was half over his shoulder and close to his neck. "I wasn't worried, I just like knowing where I'm going in case I need to go the route again in the future. This area is good for photography too." He returned, following quietly until they took a break to rest for a few moments.

He nodded as Skadi responded to his comments too, picking up his dog once more and settling him against his shoulder again when they started walking again. "I thought about visiting there, I haven't had time to yet." He added at her remark, focusing on where he was placing his feet at the steeper trail.

As Skadi shifted to the kitchen, Seungmin let Dalhye down with a quiet command to behave and not to mess with anything as he followed the goddess' voice to peer at her from the doorway. "What do you need me to do?"

[mpseungmin]

Lunar Light

a lny starter for @mptaavi

After spending what felt like far too long of a time getting ready, Seungmin found himself standing in front of his bathroom mirror with a small frown. Something wasn't as pristine as he originally wanted it to be but he couldn't figure out how to fix it. It's... annoying. He looked fine from head to toe but those little bits of his hair at the top of his head simply refused to lie flat.

It frustrated him.

He sighed after a few moments though, a knock on his door pulling him away from staring sullenly into his mirror to go greet his very important guest.

One wouldn't have imagined this situation... a friendly and inquisitive baker looking for recipes at the library, determinedly befriending and socializing with a monotone librarian. And now they were here, in ways that went even beyond simple friendship. But... Seungmin couldn't say he hated the situation. If he was enraptured by anyone, at least it was someone like Taavi. They were still adjusting and adapting to each other, but this was their first official date.

He shook his head briefly to clear it, opening the door and letting his gaze shift briefly over the older male to take in his outfit for a moment before eventually greeting him with a light little nod.

[mptaavi]

Taavi liked that, to see Seungmin more relaxed, with him especially but he had noticed that he was more open around Dao and Prince too. There was a smile for him waiting on his friend's lips each time he joined him at the library. Small but so welcoming that it warmed the baker's heart each time.

Oh he was going to stay just fine. Now that Taavi had won the other's trust, he wasn't going to run away from him anytime soon. Seungmin had become a safe place for him, someone he knew would always be there to listen to him without judgement. An he was thankful for that.

The Mayan was about to poke the librarian's cheek when he turned to him to continue their conversation. "It's fine Seungmin, really" he answered, smiling. "I know you enough to understand what you mean now." He nudged the other's shoulder I always appreciate your opinion.

And that was true. The librarian was extremely smart and always giving very good advices. That was another side of him that Taavi loved. 

Awesome ! the baker exclaimed when Seungmin accepted his proposition. He was on his feet in an instant, tiredness forgotten already. Seizing the other's hand, Taavi led him to the dancefloor, just as a new slow song started. He giggled, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Do you know how to dance at least ?" he asked, his eyes twinkling.

[mpseungmin]

Seungmin relaxed a little more with the assurance, humming softly and lightly bumping Taavi back when the older nudged at his shoulder. "Alright." He stated aloud, gaze subtly drifting to glance at the other's face again. Soon enough the dance question was asked and the two of them were on their feet... and the universe laughed. Outright just laughed at him when the new song rolled out and turned out to be a slow song. Of all the things it could have been! A slow song?

It's too late for him to change his mind too, so with the other's giggly question, Seungmin just huffed before adjusting his hands to the proper positions. "I've read books about it, it shouldn't be too hard." He murmured, glancing down at their feet so he could adjust his and then making sure he had all the right positions from what he could remember. "I've read a lot of different books. I didn't have much to do so, I read pretty much anything. I know the basics of slow dancing from one..." He added, glancing back at Taavi again.

"That's what you want to do, right? Since it's a slow song."

[lerouxmp-deactivated20241008]

The raise of the stranger's brow prompted Leto to realize that he's already pocketed the pendulum he'd mentioned, that look of 'oh' crossing his features as he dipped his hand into his pocket to retrieve the amethyst pendant, showing it to the librarian with an apologetic glance, feeling a bit silly about it now. He kept it cupped within his hand, however, when the fellow motioned for him to follow after.

"Uhm...okay, thank you," he quietly murmured in response as he stepped closer to the cart. He wondered if perhaps the pendulum was actually leading him to a book on the cart or to the young man leading him to it.

He took a moment to let the chain fall between his fingers again, the stone swaying from the motion. So he thought to the piece--Center. The pendulum slowed to a stop. Show me yes, he thought. The pendulum began to sway left to right. Thank you, center, he thought, the chain becoming still again. Show me no, he continued silently, the stone swaying forward and back a few times. Thank you, center. The pendulum became still again. Is what I am looking for on this cart? he wordlessly asked. This time, however, the pendulum swirled wildly in a circle, round and round, prompting the dream demigod to click his tongue with amusement.

"Oh, now you're just being cheeky," he finally muttered aloud.

[mpseungmin]

Seungmin nodded briefly at the showing of the pendant, acknowledging he saw it and continuing to move back to his cart. As the other was messing with the pendulum, the death demigod glanced over the books he had left and quietly mused if any of them fit what the other described. He was a librarian after all, so his job was to help visitors find what they're looking for.

"Why kinds of genres do you tend to read more often? And are you interested in anything or did you have specific tastes or preferences when it comes to reading? A lot of people come here for research but we still have some casual books too." He spoke up, glancing back over his shoulder and watching the other with the spinning pendant.

"It's not being very helpful I see." It's a little odd seeing the little item moving around in what he could assume was a 'response' to things. He's not familiar with dowsing items and whatnot, not sure how the thing works but there's obviously something happening every few seconds.

[mptaavi]

Harmony. It was a perfect word to describe what was between them. The energetic baker and the calm librarian, each one balancing the other, bringing what was needed to their friendship. Taavi still had no control on his powers but, strangely enough, Seungmin's quiet presence always helped him to calm down when the storms threatened to unleash. On the island but also in his heart.

Sometimes, Taavi wished he could be more carefree, not always having to control his feelings. He would love to get lost in his thoughts, to let himself go completely. Thanks to Prince, he was getting better at relaxing but there was still a lot of work to accomplish. 

"It's alright" the young Mayan whispered in answer. "I know you didn't mean anything bad. I'm just too sensitive when it comes to Luna and I don't think I'll be over it anytime soon." At least, he could now communicate with the little ghost and had been able to apologized. But even if he had been forgiven, it was still hard to deal with the pain.

Maybe one day, sooner or later, he would totally heal and be able to find true, unaltered happiness. 

The mood shifted when Seungmin reciprocated his words and Taavi moved even closer, his small arms wrapping around the other's, a big grin on his face. The gloomy atomsphere was gone and the baker glanced towards the dancefloor. "Hey ! Would you like to dance ?"

[mpseungmin]

And Taavi's energetic nature naturally just tugged Seungmin out of his shell a little bit. He noticed he was always a little less... stoic, when he was interacting with the other male. He usually could feel a small smile turning his lips up at the corners whenever the older demigod acted particularly silly or did something he couldn't help finding amusing.

It's... interesting. As, though there were one or two people on the island that have gotten through his meticulous barriers, by far... Taavi had broken passed them the fastest. (Athena non-withstanding given he'd already greatly admired her and her stories)

But really, in his own way... the other demigod just had something about him that made Seungmin pay attention to him more. Or maybe it was just the other's determination and persistence. Whatever it was, the other had wormed his way inside and was likely there to stay too.

A blink and Seungmin had to rouse from his thoughts again, nearly getting lost once more but returning to the conversation more quickly given they were actively talking.

"You're not too sensitive, it was a situation that traumatized you deeply. I understand that, I just wanted my intention to be clear and not misunderstood as well. I know my tone and words can be... unclear. In some situations."

When Taavi moved closer and gave that big grin, Seungmin's brow immediately furrowed in suspicion. Though they've gotten close, the greek demigod couldn't help the brief flare of 'Is he going to do or ask something I'm going to get reluctantly roped into?' from washing through him.

Not in a negative way, no, just in a 'I'm not a social person, but my friend is a social butterfly.' kind of sense.

And soon enough, Taavi's question dropped and the younger demigod couldn't refute him. "I suppose we can."

[mpyanluo-deactivated20240512]

as yanluo had predicted, this young man could indeed see the spirits surrounding the god. this could mean only one thing; he was a son of a death god. or perhaps possibly hecate's child, but yanluo doubted that or else he would have heard of his existence from the goddess herself. so, a child of death was most likely. the god's sharp eyes narrowed slightly as he let that knowledge sink in.

"very perceptive.." yanluo hummed once seungmin had finished speaking, voice once again echoing throughout the clearing and across the mountain. he didn't respond to any of his questions yet, instead deciding to close the spiritual pathways he used for his cultivation. suddenly, the spirits were quiet and the masses of energy they were made of slowly slunk until they descended into the black tendrils and were completely removed from the mortal realm.

the black smoke that had accompanied yanluo also gradually disappeared until there was nothing left but for the god himself and his black robes. in one elegant motion, the god stood from his position on the grass - leaving no evidence behind that he had sat there moments prior. "nice to meet you, seungmin." yanluo spoke next and this time, his voice had gone back to normal.

crimson eyes turned to deep brown ones and the god slowly started to approach the demigod near the tree line. once a respectable distance away but close enough, yanluo tilted his head slightly and observed the young man before him. "i don't usually encounter anyone this high up in the mountains. i assume your hobby took you a little too far up?" the god then allowed a small smile to soften his ethereal features. "i thank you for the compliment. my aura is indeed strong. it may have even called you here." yanluo explained.

"you are a son of death. but you are not mine, that much i can assess. my name is wang yanluo." he finally introduced himself, waiting for seungmin to react. he wasn't sure if the demigod was familiar with him, as he most likely was a son of a different pantheon, and yanluo did not have many interactions with gods outside his pantheon. heck, he rarely had personal relations with those belonging to his pantheon. yanluo was quite a private person. but he was among the most powerful gods, that was sure.

[mpseungmin]

Seungmin briefly watched, partly fascinated as everything just... stopped. The spirits were there and then gone, the smoke and everything around the god also disappearing... interesting. He mused the other must have de-summoned them or stopped what ever he'd been doing until he'd interrupted him. It's easier now that it's quieter though, the demigod letting off a soft breath and relaxing a bit now that it was also easier to focus and think.

"Skadi lives over... that way somewhere." He gestured in a general direction, mostly a guess but he remembered how high up her cabin had been the one time Dalhye had gotten them lost so he could assume she was somewhere at least. "But bluejays are hard to find sometimes, I just try to look where I can for them." He added, explaining his reason for being in the area a little more.

He did pause at the remark on the aura bringing him to the god though, considering the thought a moment before shrugging. "It's possible, I know there's a couple of death related gods around here but you each have something different so maybe it would work that way...? I'm still... figuring some things out with my powers so... yeah, it's possible."

He hummed a little when the other commented on him being a child of death, nodding to confirm since he saw no reason to hide it. "I am. Greek, Hades." He returned before tilting his head and thinking briefly over the other's introduction, Wang Yanluo? Chinese...? If he recalled it right, anyways. He still needed to look into that pantheon a little more... he'd been going through the Norse and Mayan ones in his spare time, he'll make a note to add Chinese to the list once he'd returned to his apartment later.

"I know a little bit about you, I think. I haven't really gone through the Chinese pantheon yet. But I believe I've read that... you're very powerful, and an older god...?"

[vocalrachasource]

SEUNGMIN ★ 5-STAR DOME TOUR VCR

[mpyanluo-deactivated20240512]

the god hadn't noticed the approaching demigod at first. the solitude which the mountains brought yanluo gave him a sense of protection which he normally did not feel. thus, whenever he was cultivating, his inner senses took precedence over his physical senses, which were somewhat dulled but still active. thus, when the demigod had reached the clearing, all yanluo felt was the presence of something, which he had chalked up to be the appearance of an average sized forest animal like a deer or even a mountain goat.

however, the harsh snapping of a branch immediately indicated that this something was definitely larger and instantly, the god's eyes shot open. crimson eyes stared at the intruder, having found him within seconds. the spirits that had been whispering suddenly grew more desperate, as they felt the risk of the god's attention being redirected and they didn't like that. the voices turned more rushed but not less positive in their appraisal of the god whose undivided attention they sought. the spirits wished to be heard; wished to be caressed and taken care of as they were attempting to do for yanluo in return.

soft but dark wispy tendrils surrounded the god's physical form, and appeared almost like an extension of his body; part of his robes and hair and everything that belonged to yanluo. these smokey tendrils were in tune with the spirits and started becoming restless as well. however, yanluo paid nothing mind except for the demigod near the trees. he was in perfect control of his powers and would be getting back to his cultivation practice - but first, this other matter of the unknown demigod.

"who are you?" yanluo asked, simple words that echoed throughout the clearing. the vastness of yanluo's powers had distorted his voice slightly, making it sound otherworldly. but the god wasn't using a threatening tone, oh no. this was simply an effect of being in a state of mid-cultivation. the longer the god observed the stranger, the more he noticed that the other seemed attuned to his own energies. this intrigued yanluo. lifting a hand from his knee, the god caressed one of the spirit energies closer to him and watched the demigod for any sense of recognition.

[mpseungmin]

Seungmin winced a little, the din of the spirits around the god was quite loud even though they were only whispering. Though, at the very least it wasn't as bad as the screaming mass he'd dealt with a few months ago. That was something he never wanted to repeat though he's sure any meeting with the Son of Anubis would always consistently have them.

The demigod's gaze couldn't help drifting over the tendrils, half curious before he shook his head to clear it of the distraction. Perhaps he could ask later, but first he should introduce himself given he'd been noticed. "Seungmin." He answered simply, expression a little puzzled over the distorted voice. Most gods spoke normally, though with another glance over the god and his spirits followed by a light note on the impression he'd interrupted something.

It's possible it could just be something that happened maybe, he determined over another minute of just observing the scene before him.

He watched still as the god moved and pulled one of the spirits closer, gaze lighting briefly with curiosity at what he was doing before he spoke up again. He should probably explain himself. "I was taking pictures," He gestured to the camera around his neck. "But then I heard something. I've never seen so many spirits in one place while they're mostly being calm like that, though they're really... noisy."

A pause.

"You're a god, aren't you? One that deals with death and spirits I'm guessing? Your... death aura? is really strong..."

[mpnephi]

Nephi relaxed, the cold presences moving away from him. As he observed the other man, it was pretty that they were still there, watching, probably waiting for the good moment to come back. He was warned now though, ready to defend himself once more. Even he had to admit that it was quite a fascinating power. He collected hearts but Seungmin could communicate with the dead.

"I can imagine." He liked the quiet and peaceful environments, there was some relief to not be plagued with spirits following day and night. Another thought came to his mind, the desire to pat the dog now subduing under the new informations given. "I am curious" he started, looking around him, listening to any unnatural sounds possible. "Which language do they talk ? The ones you hear now, I mean."

Nephi was far from being stupid. If the ghosts were warning Seungmin, it was against him of course. And there probably was a lot of lost souls angry at him.

Things were truly becoming uncomfortable for the other, the young Egyptian could feel it in his heart, could see it in the way Seungmin was holding himself, his gestures. "My father is Anubis" he offered, showing the two rings on his hand. "I’ve devoted my whole life to him but I guess it’s not your case ? Whoever your parent is."

[mpseungmin]

Seungmin let off a steadying breath, pushing the spirits away more firmly to give himself a better reprieve. Dealing with all the noise was extremely tiring at this point, but he wasn't going to leave quite yet still.

"I can't tell honestly. Murmurs, whispers, warnings, screams, they all just have... a sense to them. I don't really know if they're speaking different languages or not." He could just understand and communicate with them, he's not even sure if there's a 'language' element or if he can just understand them because they are spirits.

As the other spoke of his father, Seungmin had to pause briefly. Huh, an Egyptian god... the death one at that. The irony of this meeting had him shaking his head a little with a mind sense of disbelief. He knew each culture had their own concept of death but meeting a demigod whose power steams from a similar element to his own was... admittedly interesting.

He considered his response a moment before sighing tiredly and just answering honestly. His energy was getting low so a war of wit and sharp tongues wasn't something he could continue retorting in. At least not today. "No, not really. Hades." He shrugged a bit, ruffling a hand through his hair. "Your experience is very different from mine."

[lerouxmp-deactivated20241008]

At least it was a friendly! Someone who did not seem to mind him interrupting whatever it was they were doing by invading their space--actually, it seemed as though the fellow was working. He smiled warmly in response, somewhat apologetic. Had had rung the bell? "No, sorry," he quietly replied, the enchanted pendant translating his speech to the librarian's native tongue.

For a brief moment, he could not determine whether the universe had decided that it was a book in this aisle that needed his attention or if it was the person putting away the books. After briefly taking note of the name written on the stranger's lapel, he committed it to memory and decided this would be an adventure either way.

"I was just...letting my pendulum lead me to something new to read," he slowly admitted with his gentle baritone. "Though now, I am unsure if it was pointing me to a book on the shelf...or a book on your cart."

[mpseungmin]

As Korean was both Seungmin's native tongue and the common language upon the island, the translated words just sounded like something naturally spoken to him. Thus not all that out of place with their current location. He nodded slightly as the other stated he had not rung the bell.

So at least he hadn't missed hearing it, it'd be a small problem if he had.

With the remark of a pendulum and no object directly in sight, Seungmin couldn't help a slight raise of his brow. He wasn't sure if the other was being metaphorical or just didn't have the object out at the moment, but a few moments later and the demigod just shrugged slightly before turning and motioning for the other to follow him down the aisle.

"The cart is over here if you'd like a look at it?"

[mptaavi]

And maybe that Seungmin was weird for some other people. But not for Taavi. The young baker liked his calmness and how serene he often felt when they were together. They were extremely different and maybe it was why they were getting along well. It was endearing to see the librarian relaxed around him.

Taavi smiled, that was adorable. He rarely had the occasion to stop for long enough to get lost in his thoughts and maybe he was a little envious but he was also glad that his friend could do that and forget the world for a little bit. "That sounds nice" the Mayan said, giggling as Seungmin pushed him away. His little trick has been discovered but that would never stop him to use it.

"Yes" Taavi whispered, his smile disappearing just for an instant. Like Dao and Prince, his friend knew about Luna and what had happened, he knew the guilt hiding in the older’s heart. "You know why I need to control myself so resting for a bit is necessary." Taavi leant even more against the sofa’s back, turning his head to smile at Seungmin. Their eyes met and he felt a light blush warming his cheeks, making him quickly look away.

Finding about the librarian’s powers had been a blessing for the Mayan. Knowing that his sister was still there, that she still loved him no matter what had brought balm onto his broken heart and even if it wasn’t totally healed yet, it was on the good path. He maybe couldn’t see Luna anymore but being aware that she was around, that she looked over him was enough.

Taavi smiled at Seungmin, reaching to push back a hair strand behind the librarian’s ear. "And I like your quietness" he answered, looking at the other again, softness in his eyes. "I’m glad I met you."

[mpseungmin]

As the saying goes, Opposites Attract. Taavi's energy was honestly something Seungmin had needed to start learning how to let people in more. Sometimes it could be considered a blessing, others a curse. But all around it's something he needed, just as Taavi probably needed his down to earth approach to things to help ground himself too. A balance. Their friendship was harmony in some ways.

"Sometimes it is, sometimes it doesn't go well." The younger furrowed his brow a bit, thinking of times his tendency had made him lose time for long enough that he ended up running late to things once or twice.

Seungmin glanced back up at Taavi with the other's quiet words, he frowned a little. He hadn't meant to bring the older's mood down but he was still learning what he could and couldn't say with the other. Because really, even if it was just for a moment and Taavi smiled again pretty quickly afterwards... he still had made that smile vanish for a moment. "I didn't mean it that way, and you know what she's said about it." He stated back quietly, gaze steadily meeting his even as the other turned away.

He'd served as messenger a few times between Taavi and Luna, but guilt wasn't something that left easily. He understood that but it still served to remind the older of the little conversations they've had.

It was Seungmin's turn to feel a bit shy, the younger letting off a quiet huff as he looked away. Compliments were something he still wasn't used to, sometimes they made him feel awkward though he knew Taavi meant each word.

It took a few moments, but after a bit the greek demigod spoke up again. "I'm glad I met you too..." His tone soft as he looked towards the ground, not really wanting to look up at the other's face again just yet.

[strayklds]

[vocalrachasource]

SEUNGMIN x NYLON JAPAN (DEC 2023)

[yessunsunist]

[231112] SBS INKIGAYO PD NOTE