⇹mall

@Lee Taeminᵃˡᵖʰᵃ Akito's smile for the picture turned into a genuine one when Taemin posed just like he had envisioned. They looked so cute as Yor and Loid. He wouldn't post those pictures but he would cherish them dearly. The beta was naturally clueless and also too caught up in checking how the photos turned out to notice the group looking at him. When he suddenly felt the warmth of the older's arm around his shoulder, he let out a soft "eh?" and stiffly walked towards the screening room. It was only when Taemin explained himself that Akito grasped the situation. "Stop making those things up," he said with a giggle. Despite his words, he enjoyed when the alpha suddenly turned possessive, and he could sense the other's seriousness from the change in his scent. It was better to dismiss it though, before he got carried away thinking it was not only protection over a friend but over his beta.

@Akito Miyoshiᵇᵉᵗᵃ "We'll work together. I promise."
Taemin smiles as Akito agrees to it. He posed next to the guy since Akito posed next to the woman. He took a few pictures himself so he could have a picture of Akito on his phone. When they finished their pictures, Taemin waited for Akito. He puts an arm around Akito's shoulder. His eyes glaring at a group of guys as he lead Akito away. "Let's go watch the movie."
Taemin leans closer whispering in Akito's ear, "Sorry I'll let go but those humans were whispering about how attractive you were. They were saying something about coming over to hit on you."

@Lee Taeminᵃˡᵖʰᵃ Akito nodded enthusiastically. "I will help you! I might not be the best at filming but I will do my best. You only have to tell me which angles and close ups you want." He closed his eyes briefly at the head pat, a smile on his face.
"Huh?" The suggestion took him by surprise, even though it shouldn't. They were close enough to figure out what the other was thinking. "Right, since you're asking..." He rubbed his upper arm as they waited in line. Akito wasn't vocal about his tastes and only his friends knew how much he was into anime. Finally their turn arrived and he readied his phone to take a selfie while he copied the woman character's pose, standing next to her. Taemin was supposed to stand next to Loid, the male character, and Akito hoped he would catch it as he was too shy to ask.

[post deleted by owner]

@Akito Miyoshiᵇᵉᵗᵃ "If you want to help me film you can. I don't mind if you want to." Taemin pats Akito's head carefully. He didn't want to ruin his hair.
Taemin nods his head. He was more than happy to indulge Akito. He liked seeing Akito happy. Taemin looked at the lines with the characters. "Let's take a picture with the characters. If you don't feel up to it then can you help me take pictures?" He hoped that Akito would be encouraged to take the pictures if he asked for it.

@Lee Taeminᵃˡᵖʰᵃ Akito pouted with a little whimper when Taemin mentioned he had to leave. "Okay... But can I go to your place later?" Time with the alpha flew by. And when he remembered he had to go back to the tension in his house, he truly didn't want those moments with his friend to end. "Then five hours it is. Enough time for us to watch a movie and go to a restaurant afterward." Holding onto Taemin's arm once again, the beta happily walked with him to the theater.
Posters of new movies adorned the walls and life-size pictures of the characters attracted children to take pictures with them. A small line formed for the trio that also stole Akito's attention: Anya, Lloyd, and Yor Forger. "Can we watch the Spy x Family one? Please?" He asked while making his best puppy face. Despite not having the courage to take a picture with the characters, he loved anime and /had/ to watch the movie now that he found out it was already airing.

@Akito Miyoshiᵇᵉᵗᵃ "Every time you do this it reminds me that I'm older." His tone teasing as he looks down at Akito's hand on his sleeve. "It's another cute thing you do."
He tried not to pout seeing the male cashier looking at Akito. "Sure. We can go see a movie. But afterwards I have to head to the dance studio." Taemin knew that it would have to be tonight since he had to start working on a big project and an ad thing.
"I'm yours for whatever you want for the next three hours... Maybe five." He pinches Akito's cheek. It was the bravest he could be with PDA beyond hugging Akito right now. Akito did t give permission or consent for anything else.

@Lee Taeminᵃˡᵖʰᵃ Akito was about to head to the counter when he was stopped by Taemin leaning in his direction. His heart raced at the thought of being kissed, even a kiss on the cheek would be a big event for the crossdresser, but his hopes died when the taller man stopped midway. Of course, what was Akito thinking?
"I know, I know. Come with me and let's leave them behind," he said as he pulled Taemin by the sleeve towards the cashier. His kind friend made a 180 when it came to women, something the beta couldn't relate to but respected either way. The last thing he wanted was to make his friend upset or have any more bad feelings. Akito paid for the accessories and placed the small plastic bag he received into his black bag. "I got everything I wanted. Anywhere you wanna go? Maybe we could check what movies are playing."

@Akito Miyoshiᵇᵉᵗᵃ He wrinkled his nose at the mention of the girls talking about him. Taemin leaned close to Akito from where the girls stood it would look like he kissed Akito. Although for Akito Taemin was awkwardly hovering close to his cheek.
"They can stay far away. I'm here with you so those creatures can stay over there."
Taemin always still had a bit of resentment for women from his aunt and cousin. It always interested him that Akito in Momo Mode never bothered him like a other female presenting people. "You keep forgetting people like that don't have the fun parts to play with."
Taemin stayed close to Akito as the other moved around the store. He kept Akito between him and any woman he saw in the store. He doesn't look upset or uncomfortable. He just looks happy to be there with Akito.

@Lee Taeminᵃˡᵖʰᵃ "That makes sense. I have to stop buying everything in black," he said with a soft chuckle. Akito smiled shyly as his friend called him a cutie, and an angelic one at that. It made a warm feeling spread across his chest.
The beta took the bow back and placed it in a small plastic basket from the store. "You don't have to, but thanks, Tae." He didn't have a job but his parents still gave him pocket money - at least until they got upset enough to take his credit card away. He noticed that Taemin was uncomfortable for a moment, before the change of subject made him shy enough to forget about it. "I bet they're talking about you. The girls always look at you when we're together," he said as he casually browsed the other hair accessories. He didn't want people to notice the two were talking about them. A pair of hair clips with small metal sakura on them called his attention and he added them to his basket. It was a good distraction for him not to feel like asking Taemin if he agreed they made a good couple.

@Akito Miyoshiᵇᵉᵗᵃ Taemin pokes Akito's nose. "If the bow is the same color as your hair then how can people see it and tell you how cute you are?" He watched as Akito picked another bow. He tilts his head before holding the new bow up to his hair. "Angelic cutie... It suits you."
Taemin smiles softly. "If you don't buy it then I'll buy it for you." He tenses hearing others around them. Taemin had completely forgotten that they were in public. He'd been so focused on the fact that he was spending time with Akito. He tried to relax to not embarrass himself by having to explain that to Akito.
He leans closer to Akito and trying (failing) to subtly gestures to a group of girls. "Yet another person talking about how cute you are... How we're an adorable couple." He hoped that it would distract Akito enough that he didn't ask about why he tenses up like that.

@Lee Taeminᵃˡᵖʰᵃ "I would never, I'm too pure to repeat the things you say," his words were both true and a lie. His body was immaculate but his thoughts could easily be led into sins. Despite his bright red face, Akito couldn't help looking at the very body parts Taemin was mentioning in his whispers.
It was a relief that his friend stopped with the naughtiness once they got to the store. He would explode out of embarrassment if someone happened to overhear them. "Dye? Why?" he asked as he looked at the alpha with a slightly confused face. "I have a pink wig, but I don't wear it often. It calls too much attention. I think you have seen it before." Taemin didn't seem very enthusiastic about the accessory so Akito picked a white one with a delicate golden shine to it instead. "What about this one?"

@Akito Miyoshiᵇᵉᵗᵃ "You just want me to admit to things so you can tease me about it later." Taemin wiggled his eyebrows at Akito. As they walked to the store Taemin pointed out good looking guys and whispered in Akito's ear about various parts of their bodies. He grew quiet when they entered the shop.
"Are you gonna dye your hair?" Taemin tilts his head. He didn't want such a pretty bow to be lost in his hair. Taemin wanted to be sure everyone could see the bows if Akito got them. He held the bow up to Akito's hair. "It does look good on you though..."

@Lee Taeminᵃˡᵖʰᵃ The beta closed the bag of chocolates and placed the remaining truffles into his bag before he accepted Taemin's hand and stood up. "I'll take you being a over you saying I'll leave you," he replied with a slight pout. His boba was already finished so he threw the empty cup away to free one of his hands before leading the alpha to his favorite accessories store.
The shop was small yet filled with different kinds of accessories, including jewelry and hair ones. Bows of all sizes and colors could be found, and Akito was immediately drawn to a black one. "What do you think? Is this one cute?" He asked as he showed to Taemin the single bow with white sheer edges.

@Akito Miyoshiᵇᵉᵗᵃ Taemin blinked. He hadn't expected to hear Akito make that sort of sound around him.
"Make sure you're born around the same time as I am then. That way we have even longer together. Then we should also have far more pleasant times than bad ones."
He slowly stood up before turning to offer Akito his hand. "I thought you liked the silly things more than the ed things. I can try to be a bit more ed if you prefer." Taemin winks at Akito. He could hide behind sayings and actions in a similar way to Akito's Momo Mode.

@Lee Taeminᵃˡᵖʰᵃ Akito decided not to question his friend's words any longer, instead only letting out a whine as he clasped his hands on his lap. He wasn't upset, it was just that his little heart was not ready for the sequence of compliments.
"I'd never say that. If you wait for me to leave you, you'll have to bear with me your whole life. Even in your next life, I'm going to find you," he looked into Taemin's eyes as he spoke. Despite his usual shy nature, he got carried away when it came to making his favorite person stop saying silly things. He pursed his lips as he finished, his gaze fixed at the alpha's orbs for another moment until he looked away. "Let's go check the stores. Momo will get upset if Taetae says more silly things." Akito was glad he had makeup on, because his face would be as red as a tomato if he didn't.

@Akito Miyoshiᵇᵉᵗᵃ "Anyone doesn't think so is blind." Taemin pokes Akito's nose gently. He didn't want to hurt him or ruin any make-up that he may have on.
Akito's smile and words made him frown.
"Did you forget? I told you that you're stuck with me. I told you that we're friends until the day you tell me you don't want anything to do with me. ...plus... You're right... You deserve a thousand times better than me."
Taemin looks away blushing as red as his face would allow him. He focuses on sipping his drink. He didn't want to risk saying anything too romantic or corny that might upset Akito. Taemin knew both of them often had thoughts of not being worthy of the other. He wasn't sure how to prove that Akito deserved everything. He deserved the world. Taemin knew that it was him that didn't deserve Akito. But it could make him upset if he said that aloud.

@Lee Taeminᵃˡᵖʰᵃ Akito's eyes widened a bit and he blushed when Taemin forced their gazes to meet. It was hard not to have his heart beat faster when looking at such a beautiful face up close. He was nodding to the thoughtful comments until the last bit made him pull away and lightly slap his friend's shoulder. "Don't be silly-- But thank you for saying I'm prettier than them. You are the only one who thinks so."
He continued to listen to the words from the alpha and nodded in understanding. "That's right, they are jealous because you stole all the beauty genes," he added, nuzzling the top of his head against Taemin's palm a bit. Akito then let out a deep sigh with a somewhat sad smile. "You're so good to me, Tae... I don't deserve you."

@Akito Miyoshiᵇᵉᵗᵃ Taemin listened patiently as Akito spoke to him. He hooked a finger under his chin. Taemin made Akito look at him. "You'll get much further if you do what you want to do in life. They can't expect you to be your sister. Did you forget what I told you? You're much prettier than her and you have something more fun to play with then she does."
He winked at Akito. "Besides... I trust you. I believe that you'll make it. Unlike them I know what you can do." He pats Akito's head carefully so he didn't disturb his hair. "Just like you reminded me my aunt and cousin were jealous that I was born with all the beautiful they could never achieve."
He really hoped that reminding Akito of what he had said the last time his family had said cruel things to him.

@Lee Taeminᵃˡᵖʰᵃ "What do you mean? Of course people have a crush on you- I mean, look at the comments you get on your videos," he tried to make up for the rather passionate beginning of the sentence. A little more and he would have revealed he would be kissing Taemin right now if only he would let him. The change in subject was a relief, it gave him a break from stuffing himself with the food out of shyness. "Well... Not so good..." He was a bit hesitant to share as he didn't want to ruin the mood, but he couldn't lie to his best and only friend. "My grades were low, my parents weren't happy... They said they expected me to work harder to get a good internship like my sisters did. I won't get far in life if I don't do better," the beta lowered his head and bit his bottom lip. "I promised I would get better grades next semester but they weren't convinced. I don't think they trust me anymore."

@Akito Miyoshiᵇᵉᵗᵃ "Only the popular songs really go viral. Well... the ual ones do too." Taemin's voice cracks making him blush just a bit. He scratches his neck looking away. "P-people don't really fall for me."
It was a weak attempt to refuse Akito's claims. He knew that people outside of Akito didn't usually like him. Only Akito ever seemed to want to hang out with him. "H-how have things been for you?" Normally Taemin would make a ed joke to break the ice but he didn't want to risk upsetting Akito further. If he was still upset. He tried to turn to look at Akito better however he got distracted by the fact that his leg was touching Akito's leg.
"I was just wondering about your day so far."
Taemin felt stupid. He wasn't suppose to ask about his day since he could risk reminding Akito of whatever happened that lead up to them being there at the mall.

@Lee Taeminᵃˡᵖʰᵃ "Aish, stop it. You're going to turn me into a blushing puddle," he said as he puffed his cheeks and sipped on the boba. Akito was as plain as one could be, not because he had no sense of fashion but because he usually tried to call as little attention as possible. Someone like him was bound to live in the shadows. It was only when he cross-dressed that he allowed himself to be cute.
He finally tried one of the truffles during the brief silence that followed. "Mmm, it's so good. I was really needing some chocolate. Thanks again, Taetae," he let out, his legs swinging happily under the table. "Ohhh, that's a good idea! I'm sure it's going viral. I'll do my best to make you very cute, even straight guys are going to fall for you." Akito chuckled as he finished speaking, then had one more chocolate truffle.

@Akito Miyoshiᵇᵉᵗᵃ It felt weird to see someone blush because of something he said. Although it wasn't a bad feeling. He had to admit that he liked seeing Akito blush. Taemin nods, covering his mouth. He didn't want to risk flashing Akito a mouth full of chocolate.
"Everything looks good on you though."
Taemin firmly believed it. Akito knew how to dress really well. Despite Taemin's job, he wasn't very good at assembling outfits. Since meeting Akito he at least learned how to do complimentary colors for outfits. No more weird clashing colors.
"Ah. I will have to take pictures and a quick video later." Taemin had very quickly into their friendship revealed his job as a person on the internet. His dance covers on TikTok and YouTube were his main source of income. However Taemin did a few brand deals on his Instagram. He made sure not to include Akito unless he liked the brand or the brand would give him a cut too.

@Lee Taeminᵃˡᵖʰᵃ Akito was holding up the chocolate in wait until Taemin finally parted his lips. The beta was ready to tuck the sweet in when he heard a word, stopping midway. It was his turn to blush, the pink of his cheeks deepening when the eyes of the alpha roamed down. Before the older male could say anything else, Akito pushed the chocolate into the other's mouth. "Thanks," he replied softly while looking away. He wouldn't be able to handle it if any other compliments followed - but he would make a mental note that Taemin liked that kind of outfit.
"That's right. I wanna buy more bows and ribbons for my hair. I've been very into them lately. What do you think? Do they look good on me?" He asked before sipping on his boba.

@Akito Miyoshiᵇᵉᵗᵃ Taemin gives an awkward chuckle. His face turning red when he saw Akito trying to feed him. The last time someone had fed him was when he was much younger. Did he take it from Akito to eat it or did he simply open his mouth? He panicked and opened his mouth to speak, before realizing that Akito might take it as him opening his mouth for him to put the chocolate in.
"...you look nice. I like your outfit today."
He glanced at Akito's outfit before looking away. Taemin wasn't sure if that counted as a good compliment. It was hard to remember what counted as a good compliment. "So you said you wanted to focus on hair accessories right?" He was pretty sure that's what Akito had said.

@Lee Taeminᵃˡᵖʰᵃ Akito let go of Taemin's arm once they arrived at their table and placed the boba on the surface to be able to open the bag of chocolates. He nodded at the mention of a picture, noticing that the alpha kept the black teddy he had given him as his background. It was hard not to laugh when he saw the drag photo, but he did his best to hide any hint of his thoughts. He didn't want to embarrass his friend. "You don't seem very happy here. I'll do a much better job on you, promise," said the beta with a gentle smile. His attention then returned to the chocolate truffles, and he took one from the bag. "Now say ahhhh." He lifted his hand towards Taemin's mouth, waiting for him to part his lips.

@Akito Miyoshiᵇᵉᵗᵃ Taemin gave a stiff nod as he lead Akito to an empty table. He always was unsure whether or not to sit right next to Akito or to place space between them. With his arm around Taemin's he had to sit right next to Akito.
"I have a picture of you want to see." He knew it was a bit of a risk since the picture was from his cousin forcing him to dress up. It wasn't too bad aside from the whole it being forced on him from his cousin. Once they were sitting down, Taemin pulled out his phone. His background a picture of the first gift that Akito had given him. He pulls up a picture of him in poorly done drag. A wig on his head the only thing that looked halfway decent.
"It's the only picture. I have a few skirts and other gender neutral clothes at home." Taemin knew he didn't have to explain about his situation no more than Akito had to explain his own.

@Lee Taeminᵃˡᵖʰᵃ Akito followed Taemin while holding his arm. Having the alpha close made him feel calm after the turmoil he had gone through that day. It was something he would never disclose, but he also enjoyed how they looked like a couple. Just briefly seeing their reflection on the mirrors of the mall filled his heart with joy.
He let his friend order the drinks; he didn't need to say anything for the other to know he wanted the hibiscus tea with berries one. The sweeter the better. As they waited, the words from Taemin surprised him. "Oh? I didn't know you were into it. Sure, next time you go to my place I'll dress you up very prettily ♡ You have a very pretty face, I can't wait to see how you're going to look with full makeup." Soon their order was ready and Akito took his boba with his arm still around the older male's own. "For now let's find a place to sit. I want to try the chocolate you gave me while we drink."

@Akito Miyoshiᵇᵉᵗᵃ Taemin nods his head. The urge to frown hit him hearing Akito say it was boring for Taemin. He wanted to tell him that he liked that. His thoughts shortcircuit as Akito's arm wrapped around his own. "R-right... Boba."
He coughed before leading Akito towards the shop that he knew was his favorite. Taemin made sure to order the same thing they normally get. Akito's favorite and something simple for himself. "If you... If you want you can dress me up too. I... I don't mind some frill."
He felt himself blush but he wanted to try to connect a bit more with Akito. Taemin didn't mind wearing some girly things if he could connect with Akito more. This was his first friend since coming here.

@Lee Taeminᵃˡᵖʰᵃ Akito blinked a few times, his lips slightly parted when he noticed the bag of chocolate truffles. "Oh, these are for me? Thank you, Tae," he said as a soft yet honest smile was drawn on his face. Taemin was always so kind to him, the beta couldn't help but think he didn't deserve to have his friend. Yet, he was selfish and still craved his attention. The following words from the older man got him blushing under the layers of makeup, and he hardly knew how to reply. "Thanks for coming... Really."
"I was thinking about something with bows and frills. I'm very into them lately. Also some hair accessories... But that might be boring for you, right?" He asked while he held onto the bag of chocolates. "Right! Let's go get the boba." It was something both of them would enjoy and Akito thought it would be a good start. He slipped his free arm around Taemin's own and looked up at him with a smile. That was one of the things he was only brave enough to do in Meru Momo mode.