“I felt more like getting drunk. But thought I’d be too much of a heathen if I allowed just that.”

Closing the door, and Shani g his head.

“No need. Come on, make yourself comfortable. I’ll get you a plate. Uh..you want soju or wine?”

Upon hearing the knocks, his hand reached for the doorknob to pull open, eyes spotting an elegant familiar face.

“Yo, Maeve.”

Glancing back then ahead to her once more.

“I only have alcohol and duck. Oh, and store bought cake. Not much. Help yourself.” Beckons her in.

❝ What the hell are you on about..❞

Brow arching. This one was a bit..well..not odd, per se. But he did sense something irregular. He's not sure what, however.

Listening, he eases his hoodie up over his head as she suggested.

❝ Just sit tight..❞

happens when you aren't paying attention. Happens to the best of us, sure, but rarely me. ❞

❝Try to relax till then. Mkay? ❞

What in the…

It happened so fast, but the noticeable change in her eye color proved this wasn’t any joke.

Raising the phone to his ear, he listened in further.

❝ Did you get all that..? ❞

. . .

❝ Mhm. . Okay. . ❞

Looking back her way, replying.

❝ He’ll be here in three minutes. ❞ —

❝ Ye Shen? You a friend of his? Uh, whatever. Hang on. ❞

Reaching for his phone, and scrolling before tapping to dial him.

❝ Sorry but..
.. What’s your name again? ❞

Oh. She looks a bit turned around. The bump doesn’t bother him in the slightest.

❝ Ah. Sorry.❞

❝ You okay?
..You look lost. ❞

Like Ye Shen, he seemed to be sporting a weapon. Just this time, across his back.

I’ll make it worth your while. Uh…somehow. ❞

❝ As is. ❞

Answering plainly, with a shrug.

❝ Things go as they are. I haven’t found it within me to seek anything else. Just keep what I have safe, sacred, and continue living. Maybe in time, things like ‘redemption’ can come into play. ❞

❝ Lucky me. ❞

A smirk.

Stepping closer, and yes, he’s going to pull her in for a little press towards him a moment.

Wordlessly, doting.

her offer. Less reserved, and more relaxed in his features.

I don’t mind taking. I just go through the motions. ❞

❝ That’s good. To show some value in your life is just proof you’ve moved on from whatever doubts were gnawing at you. As for myself? Yeah, you could say that. ‘ No good deed goes unpunished.’ That’s essentially very poignant with me. I’ve made my bed, and I’m lying in it. It’s a path—