hcsecktaeĀ·:
Much like the first time heād met up with Reuben, Hoseok was feeling nervous. He told himself because he was generally not accustomed to being in other peopleās homes, but the truth was that he was worried he was somehow going to disappoint. In his eyes, it was a miracle that Reuben had even taken up on his own idea of inviting him over, because Hoseok was quite sure heād made a complete fool of himself at the meet up. Despite the few moments in which heād been able to relax a bit, heād kept going back to that state of anxiety and uncertainty.Ā
He really, reallyĀ wanted to look forward to this ā to spending time with someone who wasnāt Saeran. Not that he didnāt like hanging out with his best friend, but they had been particularly difficult lately, not wanting to do much else than sleep. And though Hoseok could understand that exhaustion and lack of motivation, it didnāt exactly help his own mental health to feel like he was spending his days trying to drag Saeran behind him; get them to eat and shower or just get out of bed.
So why did it take him nearly two minutes of encouraging himself, before he finally pushed himself to ring the doorbell?
There was a look of slight confusion on his face as he took in Reubenās appearance. Usually it was Hoseok who looked all flustered, but his friend looked positively disheveled. Mess? He doubted it was worse than his own apartment; between trying to finish multiple articles within the span of a few days so he could afford his rent and trying to look after Saeran, Hoseok hadnāt exactly prioritized his chores. Dishes and laundry were piled up, but he didnāt have the energy to do either of them.Ā
āAh, Iām⦠sure itās fineā¦ā He mumbled as he hesitantly stepped through the door and automatically bent down to untie his boots.Ā āYou didnāt have to⦠uh⦠clean for me.ā He then added whilst he took his shoes off and placed them by the door. The brunet briefly looked up, a small smile on his face.Ā āI like your, ah⦠accessories.ā He gave a nod at the gloves. āYellow is your color.ā
At Hoseokās comment, Reuben looked down toward his hands. From the confines of his chest, a laugh (the sound more akin to a bark) escaped. It was raspy as it followed the breaths that he exerted,Ā a consequence of his thorough deep clean. Reuben wasnāt embarrassed by the fact that he had obviously been making an effort. If anything, the visit served as a prompt to actually force him to make his apartment somewhat presentable. But despite it all, there was no concealing the darkened ceiling from where smoke had lifted and STAINED--Febreeze had been his best friend in his attempt of removing the sweet smell of weed.
āIf you saw the place before, youād wish I had. Trust me on that. I was close to making another breakthrough with penicillin, so right now, Iām feeling like a domestic Goddess.ā As he was when they had met before, he felt glad that Hoseok had decided to turn up. Admittedly, Reuben felt at times as if he were on eggshells, careful with what he said and became very aware of how he had pushed Hoseok out of his comfort zone. But as per usual,Ā he was forever plagued with the need to befriend all he came across. Reuben knew that this stemmed from childhood--always seeking plans, getting muddy in rivers, all so he could prolong the inevitable. Growing up in a home where such unbearable sadness lived for what felt like an eternity, Reuben would be determined to lighten the spirits of both himself and those that surrounded him.
Was Hoseok a victim of this? Maybe, but he had come to like Hoseok a great deal--their interactions were comical, and although their meeting was strained in parts, Reuben found the cracks in which the Hoseok he had come to know shone through. Hoseok was funny when he was comfortable, and so Reuben had no qualms in inviting the other over for an afternoon of nerdiness. His brothersā failed to indulge in his hobbies, so it was a relief to find a kindred spirit in the other.
Reubenās bare feet had sunk into the outdated shag carpet as he retreated inside and shut the door behind Hoseok. In a box atop of his dining table, lay the figurines that the pair planned to paint. From Druids to Half-orcs, Reuben had bought an abundance in a bid to keep the pair busy. Reuben was not afraid of being utterly shameless and admitting that he was very excited for this.
āHave you eaten yet? I have so many coupons we can use if youāre hungry. Iām a regular customer at everywhere in a five mile vicinity.ā













