‍ ‍ ‍ 𝗙͟𝗔͟𝗟͟𝗟͟𝗘͟𝗡͟ 𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗟

softness ruined me / never again will i be gentle. i will be bloodied knuckles and scuffed elbows / i will remain rough.

( scrutinizing his body language like a hawk, biting back a smile. ) it's good. let me know what you think of it, though. ( contemplating. a leg extends slowly to nudge the other's with the tip of his shoe, teasing. ) you sure it +

( following the brief colloquy with the bartender, his counterpart's words draw a warm and husky chuckle from him. ) yeah, kinda. the bartender gives me free food sometimes when i can't pay. he's nice. and that did sound like a line.

( pools of umber descend to the countertop with a fleeting hint of a bashful smile. ) okay. ( straightening up when the familiar bartender comes, greeting him and requesting for peach soju and yangnyeom chicken. )

( russet orbs flicker to the prominent forearms, soon nudging the latter's elbow with his own. ) can we ask for something to eat too? i'm getting really hungry. maybe some yangnyeom chicken?

... ( comically mirrors his frown, straight brows knitting together. ) wow. i didn't know your taste was tragic. ( crossing his arms over the countertop, resting his cheek down with an expectant expression. ) i want peach soju.

can't go wrong with soju. maybe fruit flavored because it's summer? ( legs dangling, propping his sneaker—clad soles on the footrest of the barstool. ) i really like watermelon ... but peach is good too ... as long as it's not green +

( the bar turns out to be drastically less busy than he assumed. he guides the way to the counter and plops on a barstool. with heavy breaths, ecstasy courses through his veins, hands still quivering. ) mh ... what's your go—to drink?

you brought my dead heart back to life. it will keep beating.