With only a few days left before the second semester started, things were starting to quiet down. At least outside. In her home, Jin and Cole were nonstop complaining about having to go back to school. Cole was in even more of a bad mood because their parents were forcing him to go to sleep early again.
The mornings were worse than the nighttime. He would get on everyone's nerve for the hell of it. Out of all of them, he and Chance were the worst in the morning. Jeongsoo followed close behind. His morning moods were unpredictable to a point. Lotus had cared enough to deduct that when everyone was talking loudly while he was still groggy or if he didn't get his morning shower first thing, he'd be in a bad mood. Not that she could tell the others because they did what they wanted. They weren't going to quiet down and let him go to the bathroom first. It was every man for himself when they woke up.
So after the chaotic morning, it was nice to be away from it in an area where there weren't many people. Even then, she still felt pouty as she stared at her phone for the twentieth time.
Her dark eyes stared at the screen, yearning in them. Such clear desperation couldn't be missed, especially by the boy she had gotten closer— platonically— with.
"What's wrong with you?" Donald Na asked, finally bringing up the habit of sadly looking at the device she had today.
"Maple is hosting a pop-up shop in Apgujeong!" She pursed her lips as she continued, "I want Soo."
She turned her phone to show him Soo. Unsurprisingly, Soo was a crotched pink and red rabbit with a sleepy embroidered expression.
"Do you have the money for that?"
More importantly, "How often do you buy toys?"
Girl has a few too many. Not to mention, it was doubtful that she could even get it. The shop was going to be in Apgujeong after all.
"They're not toys." She murmured.
Yes. Yes, they are.
"And I haven't gotten one in almost a year!" She exclaimed, "That means I should get a new one and I've been saving up for a time like this!"
"And it's too cute not to want. It can sit by Carrot!"
Can someone get this girl therapy? He didn't have any idea which one was Carrot. In his defence, he was only told Tofu's name.
"Then go and get it." He offered a very simple, yet somehow unheard of solution.
"My brothers told me they weren't going to take me and my parents won't let me go alone. But, I'm just going to mope about a few days then I'll be over it!"
Then the cycle was going to repeat itself the next time something like this happens, but she wasn't going to tell everyone. Especially not this boy.
She turned her phone back to herself and spared one last look at the picture of Soo before scrolling to the next post. In an hour, she'd go back to the photo just to pity the lost chance of owning it. For now, she'd enjoy looking at pictures of jewellery and fun miscellaneous stuff from the same small brand!
"Damn, that sucks for you," Donald commented.
Should she give him acknowledgement with that taunting tone? Uh, yeah, kind of. She gave him a disappointed frown which prompted a snigger from him.
"I'll come with you."
Oh, wait, he was being nice for once.
"Really?!" Lotus gasped, excitement seeping from her lips.
He didn't have anything to do and he'd rather do something than be bored and stuck to his thoughts. Not to mention this could be very interesting. He already saw how she reacted in a crowd, how would she react out of the district in a different place?
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She had someone to go with. That would be favourable to at least one of her parents. As long as she didn't go alone, it didn't cause much worry. And she would feel comfortable enough on the subway!
Now, she needed to get permission from either of her parents. She knew her mom would be less likely to allow her to go with just anyone and would ask a lot of questions, of which she didn't want to expose herself for being friends with someone like Donald Na. Her mom would flip a lid! Which she could understand why.
She could only imagine how she would feel if her daughter ended up running around with a boy who was involved with violence. That could end up with her hurt or with her getting picked up by the police! She wouldn't want either to happen, and she knew her mom didn't either.
That left her with her dad. Her dad was less strict and allowed her leeway. While he was protective— she's his only daughter who unfortunately is not so strong— he wanted her to have some kind of freedom. Having too little would just make her life more miserable than it already was.
Sitting in his room he shared with his wife, her dad was at the minimalist desk that held a potted plant, his eyes glued to the screen on the computer that offered the plant light once the curtains were shut.
"Can I go to Apgujeong in two days?" Lotus asked him.
He looked up from the computer and squinted his brown eyes. "Why?"
"I want to get this one plush that's only available at the pop-up shop in Apgujeong in a few days!" She chirped, "My friend says they'll take me!"
He gave her a look of suspicion.
"I thought your only friend was that Haneul girl."
Fine, Donald Na wasn't exactly her friend. But she did think of him as such! Though, it meant nothing if it wasn't mutual. He was a mere acquaintance...who she was often hanging around when she was out of the house and who she even snuck in just to make up for basically forgetting about their agreed-upon meeting because she was an illogical people pleaser... Acquaintances!
"I have other friends." She stated.
That was true! Kenny and... Did Luna count even though she was a sisterly figure? Maybe she didn't have other 'friends' and just had 'another friend' which was Kenny, not Donald.
"I guess I'll allow it." He sighed, not all too happy to allow her to go with this "friend", but she seemed so excited. He couldn't say no to her when she was like this.
She perked up, "Really?!"
"But," Ah, yes, that, "Only if you call me once you get there and call me when you're on the way back. Oh! And if you run into any emergencies."
"Understood!" She cheered and merrily made her way to her room.
She jumped onto the bed, scrambling around to find her phone. Upon throwing the blanket back, the device flew from it onto the floor. Good thing it's survived worse drops.
After diving for it and turning it on, she hastily texted Donald about the plans. They would meet up a half-hour before the train was supposed to arrive just so they weren't late and then make their way to Apgujeong.
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"Make sure you take your charger. And I'm leaving you a few extra won in case you end up being a few short." Gabriel said, still in his pyjamas and nappy bedhead. It was his day off and he usually slept in on this day, but he woke up early just to make sure she was ready.
"Got it!"
Lotus had already gone over everything she needed to go on this very, very small trip. Her phone, her charger, money, lip gloss, and the like. All fit into her fluffy purse that she almost always carried with her when she left the house.
"If I don't pick up, call your mom to check-in. If she doesn't answer, call Jeongsoo or Jin. If they don't answer, then Paz. If that doesn't work text! And then if you don't get a response in thirty minutes..." He droned before sighing, "Call Chance."
"Mhmm!"
'As always!' She thought. This happened every time she had to make a trip out of Yeongdeungpo, even with one of her brothers or either parent. Not that she minded, she needed the extra assurance.
"When do you call?" Gabriel asked her to check if she understood the procedure.
"When I get there and when I'm on my way back."
"And?"
"And if I have any emergencies."
"Good." He patted her head before rushing her into the kitchen, "And don't forget about the egg sandwich!"
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So this was a mistake. She thought she could do it but boy was she wrong. Like every other day she stepped foot out of her house, her confidence had to be diminished.
There was a reason she tried to avoid places like Apgujeong. She just felt like she was even more separated from the crowd.
So many luxury shops surrounded her. Despite the pathways being dead aside from cars coming up-and-down streets, she couldn't help but feel so vulnerable. And everyone looked so fashionable while she was wearing unknown brands of clothing that, one, weren't a calming neutral shade, and two, looked like she was out of a kid's book rather than a fashion magazine.
After having to be in the presence of the type of person who had lived near here, she couldn't help but to feel as such. A shiver ran down her spine, yet she took steps forward, reluctantly leading the way as her blondie followed close behind.
"Are you scared?" The hubristic boy questioned.
"Um...kind of..." She trailed off, peering over her shoulder at him.
And look at him. He looked like he could fit in with everyone that would walk down the street. She pouted and looked forwards, missing the amusement painted on his face.
"I knew it." He chuckled.
"It's that obvious?" She asked, looking at her hands that held slight tremors as they usually did.
"Hey! Please don't laugh," She gasped, hearing the snickers behind her.
He did so, yet the expression he held didn't fall as he said, "As you wish."
But he wasn't fooling her. She knew he was laughing inside, so she kept her head forwards to keep that smirk out of her sight all the while she made sure he was still near. She'll give him entertainment as long as he kept close to her.
Though, constantly looking down at her phone to check if they were going to correct way wasn't much entertainment. That didn't matter, he'd have to deal with it. What was she? A 24-hour circus show? That was a show reserved for select hours, of which wasn't right now.
"It's right here!" She exclaimed, looking up at the entrance.
Brimming with eagerness, she grabbed onto Donald's sleeve and rushed him inside of the small space filled with products that she would buy all of if she had the chance and money. It was much cooler inside than it was outside, her hair being blown back slightly as she walked in.
Was it the A/C or was it the crowd that caused her body to feel cold? She knew Maple had a following, but not enough for this many people to be there on the first day of this pop-up shop. This was terrible, but she couldn't wait until the last day or even one of the days between this one and the last day because Soo may sell out now and not be restocked!
She gave the cashier a slight smile to cover up how utterly tumultuous she was inwardly. Her eyes quickly scanned every product that was out, sight getting snagged with every pink or red thing she saw.
The weight she felt being lifted when she saw what she was looking for was tremendous, but alas, it wasn't all the weight. She swiftly made her way over to the rabbit, trying her best to avoid all of the people.
There were only two left! Lotus reached to grab one just as two other hands reached for them. It felt like an unsaid race, which some dude won by getting the first one. She was able to score the last one before the other person's hand was able to touch it at all.
"Huh?" Lotus hummed, looking up to the person who had failed in getting Soo.
She faltered when she saw. Seriously, everyone around this place looked like they cried silver. This girl was the same! She even had real pearl earrings that had real gold posts and clutches. Meanwhile, Lotus' family shopped on a budget and had to get dupes and fake plastic pearls.
"Did you want it?" She asked, uncomfortably shifting her weight foot-to-foot.
She was foolish to think that she could just get Soo and leave. And she was even more foolish to think that she wouldn't feel bad for getting the last one.
"It's fine!" The girl assured her, "I'll get Dami instead."
Phew, that wasn't so bad. Although she was shaking more than before from the intensity solely she felt having to talk to a stranger that had initially wanted the stuffed animal she had.
She turned to Na who was looking around, probably wondering why the hell this place was this popular.
"I'm done," She announced.
"I would've thought you'd take time to drool over everything." He commented, helping her weave through whoever was in their way.
She gave a short, dejected respire, "I want to but I want to get out of here! There are so many people."
Finally, they stopped in the line waiting to check out. There was only one cashier and five people already waiting. That was both good and bad to her. Bad because she had to stay in this crowded place that was emptying faster than expected and good because she could look around, especially at the stand of charms near them.
They didn't cost much, that's probably why they were at the front to lure people into getting one. Well, it worked because she leaned over to pluck one from the group of one that looked like something that she could compare to at least three animals at once.
"Don't worry, I was able to get extra won," She told Donald as he sent a curious look.
Thanks to her dad! Truly, she couldn't ask for any other father.
It wasn't too long of a wait until she was able to pay for her two items which were put into a small cream coloured paper bag. And once the bag and receipt were handed to her, she wasted no time hauling her ass out of there with Donald following, not in a panic unlike she was.
Back onto the streets with barely any people walking, she was able to calm down enough to swing the bag back and forth in her hands as she walked. She was satisfied now that she got Soo which made her happy!
The two stopped at the crosswalk, waiting for the busy street to still. This gave her the perfect time to spin on her heels to face the blonde boy that trailed after her. He stared in silence as she dug in the bag before pulling out the charm she had bought.
"This is for you!" She exclaimed with a grin.
Who cares if it was too 'childish' or 'girly', it was a token of appreciation. And those targeting words meant nothing. Nothing! Exceedingly so when it came to great products like Maple! Though, honestly, Maple wasn't her favourite brand. They did have stories for their characters, but she very much liked their decor and plushies. She, however, didn't care much for the stories.
"I could've sworn you only came for Soo."
"But I couldn't not get you something." She pointed out, "It's the least I could do in exchange for you coming with me."
He ended up taking the charm from her hand and observing it with a risen brow. It was some kind of animal, he wasn't sure if it was a hedgehog or a lion. Nonetheless, he pocketed the squishy charm.
"You're so disarming." He said, light sarcasm lacing his words.
She picked up on that but decided to ignore it as she did a lot when it came to his slight jabs.
"Now it's time to go back to Yeongdeungpo!" She declared, grabbing onto his sleeve, something she was starting to do more.
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This time around, the subway was much more packed than before, urging her to clamp tighter onto Na's jacket sleeve. Maybe it was like this because it was around the time that people were getting off of work, ready to travel around or go home.
Instead of being the one to lead, Donald had taken over that position, pushing through people to get on the subway. Fortunately for them, they were able to get a seat before the last ones were taken.
Sitting down was more comfortable for her, making her feel fine enough to free the bundle of fabric from her hand, allowing Donald to freely move his arm. With a delighted smile, she opened her fluffy bag to check how much money she had left so she could put it aside to save. That smile was quickly replaced with a frown.
"Soo took all of my money." She came to the realization.
She thought she would have at least some left, especially the won that her dad gave her. She could save it up for something like getting the volumes of Two Piece that were out. Well, at least she didn't have to buy anything else for the day.
"But it was worth it," She finished, shutting the bag and switching to snoop in the bag that held Soo who sat on light plaid tissue paper.
She picked up one of the long limbs and waved it as best as she could as it was still in the lamented bag, making sure her attention was off of the person sitting next to her on the side Donald didn't take up so she didn't fall back into being too antsy.
"I'm beginning to believe you have a problem," He commented.
"I do not have a problem." She denied, continuing to mess around with the plush's limb. She made Soo wave at him despite what he had just told her.
"Whatever you believe."
She pouted at his reaction. If she did have a problem then her parents wouldn't let her "problem" be fueled. Unless it was to make their daughter happy since she didn't get to experience what they would call a "normal" childhood and so spoiling her in some way shape or form would at least help with that...But they aren't doing that.
Ah, hold on. Speaking of her parents, she needed to call her dad since they were on their way back. She scrambled for her phone and raced to press on his contact once it was on. She couldn't forget what she needed to do this time.
The phone only rang two dial tones before the other end picked up.
"Hello? Are you on your way back?" Her father asked right away.
"Yes! I got Soo and now I'm on the subway."
After sharing a few more words, they ended the call and she calmly put her phone back in a safe place--- in her bag. Now they had twenty minutes to go with nothing to do. Usually, this would be where people would stare at their phones (of which she was tempted) and look at the people around them, but she chose not to.
Her back was slouched and she clutched her bags, seeming smaller. It was an unconscious opposition to the environment she was in. One that Donald had taken note of and, indifferently, let her shuffle closer to him. Maybe it was the light coat of mascara she had put on at the start of the day, but her eyes tingled as if they wanted to close so she could drift off to sleep.
The adrenaline of the day that was keeping her awake after staying up late and waking up too early was finally wearing off. It wasn't close to sunset so it had no reason to wear off. Perhaps it did, today was stressful and she was trying to keep that inside to not seem as socially weak as she truly was. Not that she could fool Donald Na, he knew.
"Can I..." She hesitantly began, eyes glued to his side. How bold is she going to get? She could already feel she was regretting speaking up when she had his full attention. There's no use not asking now. She softly finished her question, "...Lay my head down?"
He took this moment to look over her. The girl was exhausted and needed a nap. Funnily enough, she was looking at him to lay down on when she noticeable had an aversion to touching and being touched by just anyone. She's gotten so comfortable with him, something he thought wouldn't come so soon, but like every other time they've seen each other lately, he was mistaken. That, to him, was only a bit surprising.
"Yes." He gave his curt answer.
Despite having permission she awkwardly stared at his shoulder. Okay, maybe she wouldn't directly have her head on his shoulder as she planned. Instead, she placed her fluffy purse between her head and his body.
He released a heavy breath through his nose, resisting the urge to chuckle. Never mind, she wasn't that comfortable yet.
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