○ worker's quarters

@[w] zhang yixing "Neh! Of course, Yixing oppa!" Minji exclaimed happily. "Everyone says you're so helpful, even though some people say that you care too much for the 'flawed' but they don't understand what they're saying. But it's only a few people who think something like that. Everyone else is so happy with you~ Especially me~ You're my role model here." She smiled brightly at him, sitting down in front of him. "Some of the other nurses think I'm weird when I say I want to be close to the patients. They think their perfect imperfections are...contagious or something. It's rather sad..." She sighed softly with a small frown.

At his words, her smile instantly returned and her eyes widened with pure delight. "Jinjja!? You mean it?!" Overwhelmed with joy she hugged him tightly, burying her face against his neck briefly. "You're the best, oppa!" she exclaimed. She pulled away, clapping with delight. "I'd love to come around with you and see everything. It sound so amazing! I'd get to talk more with the patients and interact with them without worrying about getting in trouble!" She bounced happily with her excitement, reaching out to hug him again before pulling back, realizing she was being a tad bit too touchy. "Mianhae. But thank you, thank you, thank you, Yixing oppa!" She blushed slightly, reaching over to poke her finger gently against his dimple. "I've never seen you smile like that, oppa. You have dimples~ I like your smile~ Smile more, m'kay?" she asked happily.

A soft laugh leaving his lips as he watched her awkwardness when it came to dropping the formalities, Yixing's smile broadened. Though his cheeks were lightly tinted pink as she pointed out that everyone knew who he was. "I hope everyone knows me for a good reason." He lightly trailed off, trying to make it sound playful, but his insecurity showed for a split second. His negative side momentarily kicked in, telling him that everyone probably knew him because they all hated him. But Yixing tried to think different, because if Minji was kind enough to comfort him in his time of need, then obviously she didn't hate him. Just the thought of that gave him some peace, his mind settling on the fat that maybe he was known for a good reason. Like that his counseling methods were good or something of the sort. Blinking in surprise as she finally released his hand, Yixing shrugged it off, shaking his head. "It's fine, I don't mind." He said, giving an assuring smile.

The topic of the touchiness immediately dropped from his mind though as she stated that she wanted to be a counselor as well, his head tilting a bit. He was quite pleased actually, as he could even here the passion in her voice. The same passion he held while talking about his job as a counselor. And there wasn't a doubt in his mind that Minji was indeed, made to be a counselor as well. He was even more convinced as she admitted that she went around during her free time and spoke with them, and even tried to help them. Although it wasn't exactly protocol, Yixing saw no problem with it, if anything he felt it was good for all the workers to become active with the patients, so that they would see that no one hated them for being deemed as flawed.

"That's nice. I'm glad you want to be one." Yixing said, giving a soft nod of approval. "It's good for you to talk with them every now and then because I think it will be good for them to see that they aren't ridiculed by all of the workers because the government doesn't approve of them." He sighed, wishing that it could be different. But he knew change wouldn't be coming any time soon, especially not when every person who didn't agree was thrown into an asylum as well. "I'm sure you'll be a great counselor though!" He said confidently, giving a thumbs up. "If you even want to, I can let you sit in on some of my sessions sometimes, and maybe you can make my rounds with me every now and then, so you can see what it's like?" He suggested, giving that hopeful, dimpled smile of his.

@[w] zhang yixing "Nice to meet you as well, Yixing-ssi~" Minzy chimed, grasping his hand gently as she shook it. One side of was lifted before the other side lifted and Minzy made herself known with a simple, "Yo," in response. Both sides of her very much admired Yixing, even though Minzy was a little bit more inappropriate with her fascination, something of which Minji reprimanded her for and tended to ignore her words. Half of the time she was convinced that Minzy was a little and it made for interesting conversation now and then when she was locked away in her room and her roommate was away.

"Hm? Oh neh, everyone knows you, Yixing-ssi!" she exclaimed with a bright smile. She blinked in mild surprise when he requested she not be so formal. "Oh...um...I will try, Yixing-s...um...Yixing oppa," she said, puffing out her cheeks childishly. She would have to practice that a bit before she could comfortably take the formal tone from her voice when addressing him. It was only then that she realized she was still holding onto his hand. "Omo! Mianhae," she said with a soft laugh, letting his hand go. "Minzy is very touchy." Which was most likely why she hadn't noticed at first. Minzy was able to move her arms sometimes when she was preoccupied. "Neh, I am a nurse," she said. "Though I really want to be a counselor like you. I want to help the people here realize that they aren't damaged or broken. I want to help them cope with their flaws and be able to be themselves outside these walls. I want them to feel unique."

Suddenly embarrassed by the passion in her voice for the topic she looked down, fiddling with the edge of her regulation uniform skirt. "I talk to the patients during my breaks, and I sometimes have lunch with them if they approve. I...want to hear their stories and help them if I can. If they want me to help that is. I won't say I've always thought the way I do now. I use to be like the people on the outside. I didn't care about the people whom I thought were 'Flawed', until things happened in my life...and Minzy appeared. It was then I realized that life isn't perfect. No one can remain 'perfect' for the rest of their life. Everyone is scarred in some way. Some people are just better at hiding it than others. It isn't right for the government...to force these people to be perfect. There's no such thing, I believe."

Quite relaxed at that moment, which was the first time in a while, Yixing wished he could have held her in a hug for longer. He hadn't gotten the chance to genuinely hug someone in.. years. The last time he had hugged someone with such emotion was when he hugged his grandmother - or that's what he called her - before heading off to the asylum to work. She hadn't exactly liked the thought of him being so far away, but supported him nonetheless. How would she feel now though, if she knew that Yixing had broken down again? She probably wouldn't be happy, but if she knew that a nice girl had helped him fix himself up and be just a little stronger, she would probably be proud. Right. Yixing had to be strong because he knew that his grandmother would want that; she had lifted him up once before in his life when he had the biggest downfall ever, and now it was time for Yixing to start lifting himself back up. It was okay if he had a little help every now and then though.

Tilting his head as she pulled back and started to speak, Yixing stared, taking in every word. He looked her in her eyes, not failing to notice the sudden coldness that took over her gaze as she began to talk about the government officials. Though he wasn't alarmed as the coldness had melted to the warmth he had seen before. He was quite surprised and relieved to know that there was someone out there who thought the same way he did. Someone who thought that flaws make people beautiful. The one time Yixing had said that to some of his fellow coworkers they only scoffed and shook their heads, laughing even as they reminded him that they were there to help the poor flawed, and try to morph them into perfect citizens for society.

"Nice to meet you Minji, and Minzy." Yixing replied, giving a light smile as he took her hand and shook it, holding onto it for a few more seconds before releasing it from his grip. It didn't take him long to realize that the girl, more or less, had two sides to her, two personalities. But Yixing wasn't alarmed, because he knew she was a good person, just from how she had helped him out when he needed it most. "I'm Zhang Yixing, but I guess you already know that. You don't have to be so formal though, you can just call me Yixing." He introduced himself with a bow of the head. "You're a nurse here, right?" He questioned, tilting his head, as he felt like he had seen her around there before.

@[w] zhang yixing Minji smiled happily as he repeated the excuse she had made for him. It was imperative that he remember it and get it right. He couldn't afford to tell one person one thing and then something different to the next person. When he leaned his forehead against her shoulder she smiled, wrapping her arms gently around his neck until her arms encompassed his head, which she held close to her, determined to give him the comfort she knew he needed. She had that simple ability to know what someone needed, even if they didn't say it themselves. And he just needed someone to hold him. She didn't know if that was really true but that's what she felt from him and she was willing to do such.

She kneeled in that position for a moment before feeling him shift. She released him as he sat up, smiling at his slightly puffy face. When he thanked her it made her smile grow and she made to reply before cutting off as he pulled her in for a hug. She wrapped her arms around him, giving him a reassuring squeeze in return, patting his back gently. She was immensely happy that she could help him. But...she had to let him know why she had been extra attentive to him and why she had helped him so readily. He deserved to know he wasn't alone.

Pulling away she looked him in the eye. "We're...more alike than you think, Yixing-ssi," she said. In the blink of an eye her entire demeanor changed, the warmth in her eyes replaced with frigid ice. "I couldn't let those ing bastards take you away for bull." She sneered. "High and mighty pieces of sh..." She shook her head quickly, the warmth back as she looked at him. "Flaws make people beautiful. You can't create a perfect society...because it isn't possible. No one would be unique...I understand you. Because...I'm just like you," she said softly. "Not everyone here is as they seem. I'm Minji," she held her hand out to him. "And you just got to meet Minzy. The one who curses a lot." She gave him a reassuring smile.

@[w] gong minji Nearly shying away from the girl's touch, Yixing relaxed as she spoke with a soft voice only to tense back up purely out of surprise. She was helping.. Or at least she was trying to. Yixing didn't know whether to be suspicious of such kind actions or grateful for them, but the majority of him felt grateful. He was relieved that there was another worker who cared enough to help, because Yixing knew that the majority of workers there were extreme supporters of the government's perfect society policy and if that saw that Yixing wasn't perfect all hell would break loose; they would report him for sure as it was their 'civil duty'. Although he hated to think in such a way, he knew most of today's society was brainwashed into thinking that the country would be better with only 'perfect' people. Yixing knew they were wrong, but he never said anything. He couldn't know if someone would be alarmed or interested in his beliefs. This girl, however, was starting to give him hope that there were other logical people out there who realized flaws were perfectly fine.

Working up the strength to look her in the eyes, Yixing took in a shaky breath, trying to stop the tears that wanted so badly to pour. This time he didn't flinch as she touched his cheek, only staying still and staring at her as her warm palm wiped away his tears. "Allergies." Yixing repeated quietly to himself, his voice weak as his throat was raw from crying. Allergies was a perfect excuse in fact. "Okay. Just allergies. Nothing more." He mumbled, lifting his hand to rub at his eyes more. He drilled the excuse into his mind, mentally repeating it over and over again as it was absolutely necessary that he had his story straight. Though it was slightly cliche, he would just lie and say allergies made his eyes water. He leaned into her shoulder, resting his forehead on it as she soothingly d his head. It was almost a motherly touch, but of course Yixing had nothing to compare that too as his mother hadn't really been a mother to him, but instead a slave owner who pimped him out to anyone who had the money. If this was what a mother's touch felt like, then Yixing had missed out on a lot.

The counselor quickly shoved the thoughts away. They hurt, too much. He didn't need to start crying again. No, he needed to forget. He needed to bring out his happy side; the perfect Zhang Yixing. He sniffled a bit, blinking away the last few tears in his eyes as he slowly sat up from her shoulder, straightening his posture. "Thank you." He spoke, his voice more of a whisper than anything else. "It means the world to me that you did this for someone like me." He smiled, it being a small but genuine one, enough to make his dimples vaguely appear as he reached out and pulled the girl in for a light hug.

@[w] zhang yixing Minzy's eyes widened a fraction. So this was...was what the government was trying to lock away. Such emotions and breakdowns like this. And...she had seen it. She had seen what Zhang Yixing had wanted to hide away, because such a breakdown...was enough excuse for the government to haul him away. With a soft gasp she kneeled down quickly beside him, her worry growing as he began to cry even harder. "Yi-Yixing-ssi, please don't cry. Don't cry," she insisted, wrapping her arms around him. "You can't let anyone see you cry, okay? Stop it right now."

She lifted a hand to his face, rubbing the tear tracks from his cheeks. "They might question your red eyes. Tell them you have allergies, okay? Just an allergic reaction." She would never allow the government to take someone else away. They had done so with her mother and she wouldn't let them take Yixing away. She didn't know him well, if any at all, but she'd heard nothing but good things about him and she felt in her heart that he would be best helping the patients not being one of them. But first she had to get him to stop crying. He needed to stop crying. They were lucky to be in this area, where anyone rarely came and if they did, they went straight to their rooms.

"Shh. Yixing-ssi, hush," she murmured soothingly, laying a gentle hand on his head and wrapping her other arms around his shoulders. "Hush now. You're okay. I won't say a word. I promise you. I won't say anything to anyone." And she wouldn't...she wouldn't say anything to those ing bastards...those horrible pieces of sh...She shook her head, pushing back those emotions. Those emotions that weren't allowed. That...person...who wasn't allowed to be. She looked Yixing in the face, moving his hands out of the way. "Don't cry," she murmured, taking a tissue from her bag and dabbing at his face, cleaning his eyes of the tears.

@[w] gong minji It only took five seconds of misjudgment for something to go wrong. Yixing realized that as soon as he heard a soft, feminine voice address him. His eyes widened, and he choked on his sobs and whimpers, ending up coughing rapidly. He nearly fainted, as he hadn't been expecting anyone to be up, nor did he want for anyone to be. This was supposed to be a time to himself. A time for him to truly let loose and let out all of the things he had been suppressing. Yixing didn't want to be caught, he couldn't get caught. Because it only took one slip up for the government to call you flawed, and then you would be on the next truck to the asylum and would wake up inside your room. This was that slip up. Yixing had messed up badly, and now there was nothing he could do about it, because someone had already seen. Yixing had been messing up a lot lately, but never to this extent. Oh, how he wished he would have just headed straight to his bedroom instead.

Opening his mouth to speak, he only let out a soft sob, burying his face even more into his hands in an attempt to hide himself, to make himself disappear. It was a futile attempt really. He trembled a little more, before stiffening up. He felt the sudden urge to run away, his instinct was telling him to. He had been in this scenario before years ago. Him crouching down, attempting to block the punches and slaps that were thrown down towards him. Just thinking of it made him tremble once more. He didn't want to think back to that. He just wanted to erase it from his mind, he wanted to live peacefully. But he would never be able to because of that, he was cursed into a life of constant fear. This was his cross to bare, and Yixing was beginning to wonder if life would ever get better for him, because now he was just going in a repetitive cycle.

Sliding his hands down just a bit to meet her gaze as she spoke his name, Yixing felt himself relax a little, although the feeling of impending danger because of the fact that she was seeing him in this state remained. "I'm so sorry. I-I'm trying not to cry. I'm okay. I promise I'm.. I'm-" He stuttered, his voice cracking. He couldn't even finish his sentence as soon enough he was crying harder than ever. His head was pounding. His eyes were blurry because of the tears and his cheeks were wet. He bit down on his tongue, muffling his cries to the best of his ability as he sent a pleading look towards the girl, practically begging her with his eyes not to say anything.

@[w] zhang yixing She wasn't expecting anyone to be here. Normally everyone went to their own rooms and went to sleep. So when she heard the door open, she didn't really give it any thought, just curled up a little bit more to look smaller and focused on her book. She felt more comfortable around the patients than she did the other workers. In fact...she didn't recall having ever talked to the workers, not even to the person she shared a room with. She figured she liked the patients more than other people. However, her curiosity was growing when she didn't hear another door open and close. So...whomever it was...hadn't gone to their room. Well, she would continue to mind her own business. After all, it was all their space and she wouldn't cause a fuss just because she was no longer alone.

However, she couldn't ignore it anymore when the silence was filled with what sounded like crying. Whimpering in fact. She never liked it when someone cried. Mainly it was the patients but now, hearing a fellow worker cry, the sound began to tug at her heartstrings. Setting her book down, she slowly raised her eyes and looked around, trying to ink out the source of the whimpers and sniffles. Looking a little closer she could make out a figure nestled in the corner-ish area. Slowly she got up, walking over. "Are you okay?" she asked softly, kneeling down beside the person.

She reached out, laying a gentle hand on the person's shoulder. After a quick analysis she judged it to be a man, seeing how he was a bit broader than what a woman would be. Upon closer inspection she found that she recognized this man. Zhang Yixing. Everyone knew about him. The Angel, as she had heard some of the patients call him. From what she had seen he was fairly happy man who always had a smile. This...this was far different from what she had seen of late. "Yixing-ssi," she murmured. "Yixing-ssi, please don't cry." It was really hurting her to see the normally happy man like this. He was shaking so badly, so she kept her touches tentative, in case he didn't like it. For this instance she would approach him as she would a crying patient. "Yixing-ssi."

@[w] gong minji It was a bad day.

It had been a bad week period. Since Monday morning, Yixing's luck had been at an all time low. His self esteem had been unusually low, causing him to stare in the mirror for nearly an hour pointing out his flaws, he had almost been late to work - which was horrible since the asylum was right across the courtyard - and he had fallen on his way over. He could just feel that Monday would be bad, and it had been, he had been jittery the entire day and even night. He hadn't been able to sleep, too afraid to do so, but he was confident that the next day would be 100x better. He was praying it would. Unfortunately, it wasn't. If anything, it was worse. His week had only been getting worse and worse. Yixing had been making mistakes he usually never made, and each time he did, he beat himself up a little more on the inside, even if those around him were fine and didn't see them as big deals.

To say Yixing couldn't wait to get off of work was an understatement. He had been waiting all day, all week even for this. He wanted nothing more than to lay in his bed, curl up into a ball and just be alone. Such enthusiasm to go home was abnormal for the other, especially since Yixing absolutely loved being around the patients. Spending time with them was the highlight of his day, probably even his week. It made him absolutely happy to see them with a smile on their face while talking, because he felt that maybe, just maybe he was giving them an ounce of hope. Though all day today, Yixing wasn't as focused on them as usual, and that was odd because usually he was very devoted to them, and every other counselor and patient noticed. Which was why his fellow counselor told him to go home early, as counselors usually stayed much longer than the other workers - except guards - since they tended to patients 24/7; as soon as Yixing had been told that, he said thank you a few times before immediately going to the place he called his home.

Entering the quiet home, Yixing let out a weak sigh. It was silent, because no one around here really talked while in the home, anyone who was inside was asleep. Quietly, Yixing walked to his favorite area, eyes on the ground. His breaths were becoming more and more shallow. He knew what was coming, and he wanted to get to his special place before it actually came. As soon as Yixing reached it, he closed his eyes, leaning against the closest wall. His fists clenched and unclenched by his sides as he bit down on his quivering lower lip trying to swallow down any sounds that threatened to escape, but even then a few small whimpers managed to escape.

Slowly beginning to slide down against the wall, Yixing didn't stop until he was seated on the floor, face now buried in his hands. It was only then that he released his lower lip from the hold up his teeth, and with that, the tears began to fell. He was mostly silent, besides the small whimpers that left him every now and then, though the only thing that really gave away just how hard he was crying was just how badly he was trembling. Images flickered through his mind, all having to do with his past. It wasn't exactly easy for him to hold back any more, especially not with a direct reminder of his past around. He choked on his silent sobs, coughing a bit as he made no attempt to stop the tears any more. He realized now that it was impossible, he couldn't run from his past anymore, because it was catching up faster than ever.

@[w] zhang yixing This was her oasis. A place where she could come to relax and be comfortable. Rarely did Minzy see anyone venture into this room and for a moment she speculated as to why they had it anyway, but she figured it was for moments like this. When a worker wanted to just get away, eat a light snack, and then go back into the fray that was their job. With her it was a bit different. She loved her job. She loved taking care of the patients and being with them when she could. She had even gotten over her fear of venturing to the fourth floor just so she'd be able to go and see one of her favorite patients. For a couple of weeks she had sacrificed her breaks just so she could go and see the patients and talk with them. She knew it was the job of the counselors to do such, talking and playing with them, but she couldn't help herself. One day she hoped she'd be able to be a counselor. But today was a bit different. Today she had decided to actually take a break for herself and relax. So here she was, curled up in the corner of the worker's quarters, a novel in hand, her reading glasses on, enjoying the calming aura the room provided her. She never worried about being disrupted or having to leave early for something; though she would if it were an emergency that she needed to tend too like last week; but at the moment she was happy, immersed in the story in her hands.