Smoke breaks are always a good idea, not like they mind the cigarettes indoors, so perhaps the main purpose is one of running away. In actuality, smoke breaks aren’t always a good idea, because it’s pouring down, and Taehwa’s been spending a good six-seven-eightminutes trying to light that damned cigarette.
“That’s what he said.” The usual joke to such a comment, but it isn’t paired with a cocky smile, or a childish pride; only followed by a low curse under breath. “Can’t you see I’m smoking?” Just half of a lie, at least the cigarette is there. Part of him hoped the alcohol would keep everyone distracted, part of him hoped to disappear somewhere, although not having anywhere to disappear to. If more motivated to be self-aware he’d feel pathetic; bribing with alcohol for the sake of company, yet simultaneously hiding from said company. He’d ask if Casper ran out of liquid joy, but instead there’s a silence and he extends forth a pack of cigarettes.
A click of his tongue. That is all. How long exactly had it been since the last time something, anything positive had come out of Taehwa’s mouth? It didn’t take a genius to point out the dark shadow looming over the blonde, dragging him further and further into an endless pit of self-pity. Unfortunately, Casper wasn’t having any of it. Whether or not the elder had had a valid reason to wallow in misery, he’d found himself the wrong sort of company had he wished for someone to whine and complain to.
‘My bad, I must have mistaken you for someone else. I can’t remember my friend being such a drama queen.’ There is no denying that his response had been rather rude—cold, even. Not quite the kind of encouragement one would expect, much less wish for when in need of support. With Casper, however? Well, his attitude had not been out of the ordinary whatsoever. Dealing with pessimism had never been his forte, and right now, the very last thing he could use was a moody Taehwa. Not that he was going to leave him by himself—but he certainly wasn’t going to fuel to the moping. ‘Fun fact: the party is far more enjoyable inside than it is here, out in the rain.’ And still, he was not going to bother leaving. Negative nancy or not, there weren’t many people (read: none) whose company the demigod currently desired. The exception? Exactly. That would be Taehwa. It takes him a roll of his eyes and another click of his tongue before he steals one of the cigarettes being offered. He inhales deeply—thoughtlessly; eyes on the blond-haired person in front of him. Not even to this point does he remember him ever being this low, yet much less does he know how to properly deal with such a situation (and so he does what he does best: avoid it). ‘You need to up your jokes, Tae. They’re getting old.'
