@wysaeran
“You’re so pretty. Do you know how pretty you are?” Hoseok cooed, his hand gently stroking the black fur of the cat in his lap. The small animal purred in response, earning a bright smile from the brunet. Admittedly, he had zoned out just a bit, almost forgetting about his friend until he looked up from the content creature that laid pressed against him. “I think she likes me.” He murmured, a glint of pride in his eyes as they met Saeran’s. If only communicating with people was as easy as it was with animals.
The boy gave a slight tilt of his head. “Did you get more tattoos?” He asked, no real judgement in his tone, though maybe there was a hint of worry. Even if it was only because he didn’t want the other to get in any trouble. Hoseok briefly bit his lip, his nervousness threatening to shine through -- after all, it was weird to still have his best friend around, especially after everything that had happened. It wasn’t planned; he hadn’t told Saeran anything and really was purely coincidental that he’d been placed with a family in Wonyang.
He wasn’t complaining, definitely not. His mint-haired friend was the closest thing he had to family, despite how desperately he wanted to love his foster parents with the same intensity.
But they were adults. They were scarier. Saeran was safe. Even Elijah felt safer than most people. It was nice to have something familiar to hold on to -- he didn’t have a brother like Saeran did and talking to his mother could be too much; too difficult. But there would always be that nagging voice in his head telling him to be careful. That he would get hurt. That they’d all leave if they knew.
And part of him was paranoid that maybe they did. Maybe they’d heard rumors at the least. But his best friend would have said something if they had, wouldn’t they?
“Can I see what you’re working on? I just really love your drawings.” His voice was calm and quiet as usual whilst he glanced over at his friend again, his hand still petting Salem.