@β☣song mino Seokjin poked his spoon at the foam and cream for a little bit before nodding quietly. "Yeah... I do need time for myself and all. But that's what weekends are for." A bit of a pause, then he shook his head. "Wait, never mind, I have tests and papers to grade over the weekends. Whenever I have spare time, really..." The younger male was quite content with his lot in life so far, but he really did just wish he could have a free day to do whatever he wanted. Most likely sleep in and spend the day reading or something like that, but still. A whole weekend to himself would mean that maybe he could visit the mountains again. "But you're right. I do need balance."
Still, the professor couldn't help but chuckle at Mino's imagination of Seokjin in a situation, and he gave a small shrug. "You never know, I just might do something like that. I know for now, though, that I'd rather not get tangled into any situations that I don't have to necessarily be involved in. Rather like to calm things down a bit first." The nurse's revelation of having lived by the beach made him raise his eyebrows, much impressed. "Ah, really? That sounds quite lovely. You grew up by the sea, I grew up in the mountains. I'd rather like to be able to see the ocean again, I've seen it in movies and such, but..." Another shrug. "Never had the time."
Heading out to the car, Seokjin was very grateful for the umbrella as he climbed into the passenger side door. "Ah, no, the pleasure's all mine!" he protested, pulling on his seatbelt. "I'm glad you invited me out, thank you so much. We could do this again sometime, definitely." A soft smile, and he settled into the comfortable seats. "It was a nice break for sure."
@α☣kim seokjin Too bad, Mino thought, scratching the idea of grabbing drinks with the teacher some other time. He was however really tempted to ask if he really couldn't drink as it was an easy way to let go of the day, without having to get drunk of course. For once, the Nurse noticed exen Seokjin had his limits with the students. He often gave off the vibe of a very relaxed and stressless senior at his duty, to the point Mino almost worried for him to only mention it now, several weeks after the start. "I think you really do need to make time for yourself. Forget the job, do something else, each week, each day if needed. There got to be some balance..."
The beta laughed as the other said he'd rather run away than face high stress and he shook his head. Once again, he had quite the rooted image of Seokjin, zen Seokjin, taking a breath, ready to face anything if he had to. "I'm sure you would be far more courageous than you think, A situation comes up, you don't even think of how crazy it is on the moment, you just want to do all you can to solve it in the best ways possible."
He pursed up his lips as he had seen more things since their last meeting. "The job here ain't all pretty either, there are unusual days here too and we know young wolves can cause quite the troubles, but it sure is nicer than what I've been trained for."
He could feel he missed the constant adrenaline of the ER already and in those moment, it felt like some kind of homesickness.
"I lived there..." he said, looking for his car shortly before leading the right way.
"we could see the sea from our place." It was easy to se he missed it too but he just offered a smile and a wiggle of his brows. He was okay in town, better than Seokjin seemed far from the mountains, certainly because Mino's life close to the see was pretty much the same as near Azrael minus the view, the salty wind, the hot summer sand engulfing his paws like quicksand.
He unlocked the doors and went to the passenger door to make sure his guest wouldn't get rained on as he got in the car before he went to the driver's seat.
"Anyway, thank you for being such a nice company, it is quite the change for me."
He would spend another quiet night, surviving the calm life of his little hideout position but the Beta could feel it, his blood was boiling for the partying to start, the laughs, the crazy nights, the many regrets in the morning and the new friends of course.
@β☣song mino "If I were the drinking type, I would drink to that," Seokjin chuckled, raising his water glass up a little. "After classes I sometimes get so drained... it's terrible, but sometimes the class or the kids get really wearing." A sip of water and the professor went back to playing with the dessert. "But I still love it. I just need time to... decompress, I suppose." A small smile, and he popped a spoonful of foam and cream into his mouth, off some that stuck to his lips. He didn't know what sort of observations the other man was making about him, nor did he much feel the need to know. At any rate, he was quite content for now to just enjoy a nice meal with a coworker, engage in some small talk.
At Mino's revelation of his job, Seokjin raised his eyebrows. "Used to work in the ER, did you? High intensity, yes? I couldn't do it. If it came down to fight or flight in high-stakes situations, I'd choose flight. Don't want to hurt anyone, don't want anyone else to get hurt... Can hold my own, but still, rather escape than be mauled. But I do see your point, it's a nice quiet job here. Kids get along fairly well, no major fights or illnesses as yet..." His voice trailed off a bit as did his thoughts, the professor's mind wandering along other paths. By the time he came back to the present, they were leaving and he stood up, following Mino to the door and having an attempt to pay for his own meal turned down. The reasoning was solid, though, and he couldn't help but quirk a small smirk of his own. "Definitely my treat, no worries." He quickly took shelter under the umbrella and peeked around before tilting his head. "Mm, seaside? Never been. Maybe once when I was small, but... I don't remember much of it. You?"
@α☣kim seokjin "I try my best but there are time I just cross my fingers for no students to be around..."
Mino's eyebrows rose shortly, his pursed up in a thoughtful pose, looking only at the dessert. He had been rather discreet since he had gotten the job but he could feel that something was missing... the late partying, the drinking to cheer himself up, to meet new friends. He found himself still very cautious around his colleagues and he had the feeling everyone was playing nice and serious for the first few months, as if they were waiting for an even that would mean they could start being comfortable. Mino noted the younger's faint blush and noticed how he kept playing with the dessert. He was amused by how passively Seokjin would spend his days. He was curious if it was just his being timid like the rest of his colleagues of if this was just how quiet and observing the mountain wolves were. He seemed to find an interest in anything, to the point his speciality was determined mostly by his past more than by a strong desire of his. The beta was a little in awe of the way the younger was because he, on the other hand, was stubborn, needed to be really motivated to do something or he'd just pretty much sit back and watch things happen. A little bit like he didn't yet crack down to have real fun ever since he moved to teach at Azrael.
"Because I want to become a Doctor, but I also want the money so I work full time here, which is quite the laid back hideout for a Head Nurse: light occasional night shifts, laidback day shifts... this ain't my usual ER episode if you see what I mean."
He chuckled and entwined his fingers on the table. "That being said, I've been doing more sleeping than actually studying." He kept smirking innocently, letting the other know how easy he was to get himself distracted. "Let's get going."
He said and went straight to a waiter he knew to pay for both, chitchatting a little as he was getting to know him more with each meal he ordered or took away. He then came back and dressed up with his jacket, the umbrella in his hand as it had started raining as he had expected.
"I paid to be sure we'll go eat out another time and that time it will be your treat." He said to make sure the other wouldn't be too uncomfortable though it could be anything but innocent.
He opened the umbrella and waited for the younger to walk to the car.
"Do you like the seaside?"
@β☣song mino [That works. There's a post in the nightclub meant for Jackson if you want to do that one too. Options~ ^^]
Seokjin chuckled as he poked at the dessert with a spoon. "Well, I was pretty young at the time, so it's not like I was able to protest a whole lot. I'm kinda glad for it in the long run, but it was hard for a while. I DID wind up making more friends here than up in the mountains, though, so that's a plus." A little smile and a tiny blush, and he stopped playing with the dessert long enough to look at Mino. "I hope they can see me as a good role model. Wouldn't want to be a bad one or something. I'm sure you're a good one too." The wink had his smile grow wider as the blush disappeared, and he followed Mino's example to try the foam, dipping a tiny amount into the cream just in case he didn't like the cream.
The question had him humming quietly, though, and he shrugged. "My own teacher for that class was getting on in years and wanted to retire, but no one wanted to teach that class. I was his TA for a while too, helping out with that class and other related classes, and I guess he liked how I wasn't all that flustered by things? I dunno... all I know was that he'd let me teach some lessons after a while, then he'd give me a week to teach, and so on. I basically just use his curriculum for the class, he passed it down. But if there's new information or better textbooks, I update and change things around accordingly. Think it's worked out well so far." A little quirk of the lips and Seokjin tilted his head. "Why are you working at the day care center?"
@α☣kim seokjin [[ no issues, should we soon skip to another action? the trip to the mountains or something else?]]
Mino shook his head as he didn't want to be thanked for being honest.
"If it was me, I'd never be able to just follow my relatives' demand to go live far from where I grew up... Especially in the mountains." He smiled innocently as he knew he would need quite the adaptation to live their and he felt no need to put himself through such a thing. "Here we all get treated the same, as if we all grew up in the same scheme but I guess some students might find an actual model in you. It's a good thing you're making it possible."
He was surprised by how the younger looked when the dessert was brought but he didn't react on it, deciding to get a small taste of it. He spooned some of the almost rigid foam and dipped it in the cream before tasting it.
"I shall need more time to get to know you. I was just being silly." he winked more as a natural reaction than a mean to charm and ate some more.
At some point he rested his spoon on the side of the incurved plate to ask another question.
"Why did you become a Education teacher?" He had no prerogative and no actual idea of how teachers got to choose their subject.
@β☣song mino [SOrry for the wait, love, I've been slammed with stuff lately. Can't write as long of posts as usual... ;;]
Seokjin couldn't help but smile and run his fingers through his hair a bit. "I tend to find that not very many people are too honest, and you're absolutely right about people not knowing me enough." A soft chuckle, and the professor leaned back in his chair, a soft look in his eyes. "Though I am happy that you think I've come a long way." A small part of him thought that Mino was trying to make some kind of point, have some other small (largely innocuous) agenda, but even if that were the case, the other man meant well and Seokjin was hardly going to hold it against him.
Once the dessert came, though, he couldn't help but stare at it in slight awe and a bit of intimidation. He'd never seen something like this before, never heard of it. It looked too pretty to eat, and his sharp sense of smell told him that it rather smelled too pretty to eat too. Still, he'd share it with Mino, try it out at least. The older man's guesses had the professor smiling brightly, quite delighted and amused at the guesses. "Almost all right~" he grinned, leaning forward on his elbows. "Got a few minor details wrong, though." A thoughtful look, then a playful little smirk. "Not that I'll tell you what those details are, you'll just have to find out for yourself. And no, you're not bothering me. This is quite fun."
@α☣kim seokjin Objectively, Mino considered it certainly was not a compliment to be called unique, it was a ground fact one could apply to many, but he couldn't help biting on his lips at the other's observation. He liked to know that Seokjin did something as basic as thinking of him diffent of others. He found himself settling for the tiniest appreciation he could hear from the very cautious and somewhat distant teacher to the point he wondered if he didn't crave his approval for some reason. He noticed the other's light shade of pink and inhaled, as a mean to move on and not see too much into their casual conversations. He had friendly chats here and there, but he had kept Seokjin as the only he'd talk to easily, as a way to not spill his life around and because it was clear that he could trust the younger. It seemed written all over his face, even when he was this tired.
"I will tell you if something's worrying me, but you're doing great; you don't have to thank me for being honest about it... I suppose not everybody knows you enough to tell how far you've come and how great you're doing so I should speak up even if I know so little of you."
He was well placed to know that things that could seem obvious could save a life when told to isolated wolves. Seokjin wasn't instable, but Mino supposed he faced his daily insecurities alone in his own -efficient- ways but a pep talk here and there could also help.
"It's light, but we can share one if it's not too cheesy?" Mino suggested and added to the waiter to give them two spoons.
"If sleeping is one of your hobbies you can't mention it. You can only mention it if you have a hobby of not sleeping as everybody loved a nap..." he chuckled and hummed. Can I guess what you do alone at home? I'm not a medium but this is what I imagine when you say you can keep yourself busy at home."
He cleared his throat and raised fingers at each new assumption of his.
"You read. A lot. You don't necessarily plan on watching the TV but you get easily caughed up by documentaries about scientific studies... You like music and sometimes you can play an instrument..." he smirked at this point as he was inventing a funny profile to make Seokjin a little merrier as he would have to leave the nice view over the mountains with the hopes of being where he'd like soon. "You play the saxophone. I think you'd look good playing the sax. You play it with sunglasses inside, at night." He nodded to his own silly words and hummed some more.
"You like to hang around in a totoro kigurumi and in socks, and you watch the phone ring with wide cute eyes,you don't answer or it's not fun." he chuckled and paused when the waiter rested the delicious Floating Island in between them. "Oh, the white foam is like actual foam, like eating a lightly sugary cloud that is so discreet it could be you as a dessert, and the yellow sauce underneath is more sugary and dense and it sticks to the foam, like me bothering you." he said and grinned. "Have I made this awkward enough?" he asked, raising his spoon this time and really hoping the younger wouldn't be too melancholic because of his questions about the other's childhood and family.
@β☣song mino Seokjin couldn't help but smile as Mino recounted his experiences with his family. It sounded quite different from his own, but also like quite a lot of fun, were he the more social type. Mino seemed quite fond of his family any way one looked at it... but some things were a little worrisome. "Ah well... bubbly does quite well in this world. You're not a joke, though. You're you. Uniquely you." The compliment made him turn a bit pink and he bowed his head with a shy smile, rubbing the back of his head. "Ah, well... It's all thanks to my parents. I think I'm still a bit lacking in places, but I'm doing much better than before, I hope." His eyes crinkled up as he smiled again, and he bowed out of habit and respect to the older man. "If... you see something that I'd need to work on, please do let me know so I can fix it immediately?"
The younger professor really was getting a bit tired, a bit fatigued. He didn't want Mino to be able to tell, though, and instead feigned interest in one of the dessert menus. With how these assignments and the grading were going, he might well have to pay a visit to one of the nightclubs so he could just relax and unwind. Until then, plenty of rest and quiet personal time was what he needed. At Mino's suggestion, Seokjin couldn't help but quirk a small smile. "I've never had one, but I'll trust your judgement. And yes," a little smirk of his own, "I might tell you about a few of my hobbies. None of them really require me to be out and about, though, so... you might not really see me indulging."
@α☣kim seokjin Mino's eyes narrowed despite the little smirk as his friend agreed on the fact that free time missed in his schedule. His lips tightened in a thin line as he bit his inner tier. His mind was already working at various options for the ual Education teacher to let go crescendo but he knew too little about the rules of the school to meddle in that much so instead he promised himself he'd force Seokjin off. If the other allowed himself to have an actual break only when he was taken out, then Mino would try and take him away every once in a while.
"My parents are true jokes when it comes to me. They know I can be of help, I care and what not, I was so young that they nearly raised me alone as all my siblings were much older, but I soon became the one staying for them, running all errands. On the counterpart, I guess I can be a little bubbly, a joke myself..." he explained. His parents simply loved to claim their last son was hard to stand in the long term and any friend who'd keep around was a kind of unlucky big hearted hero.
The education Mino was described was definitely different from his but he compared it to the study he had read about pups taught in atypical environments and he knew Jin was, unlike many wolves, him included, very likely to adapt everywhere and not just in socialising terms but also physiologically. Mino had little resistance to great colds, even in wolf form and even if he kept a good body, efforts in wolf firm were not his forte.
"It's nice to see you've made it that far. I don't think you're lacking a thing." Mino said quietly and enjoyed seeing the other smile although was starting to see that Seokjin was maybe tired some. It was crinkling under his eyes, faint but it was there.
"Let's conclude with a dessert... something we can't find at Azrael so that we'll eventually crave it and come back here for it." He said and looked at the dessert before lifting his head up to look at Jin with a full smirk.
"Do you like the Floating Island?" He asked, almist feeling energy kick back in his own tired body as he was about to get sugar. He'd be a little hyper for a while, as a memorial to his long waits for his parents allowed him a sugary treat when he was younger.
The waiter came by and he gave his order before crossing his arms on the tabke as their plates were disposed.
"And you will be able to tell me about your hobbies here so that I can make sure you're not only working all the time."
@β☣song mino Seokjin was coming to the realization that perhaps being in Mino's company - or anyone's, for that matter - was quite a lovely thing. His parents would be happy for sure... no more having them worry about whether or not he was settling in well or getting along with others. That had been a major concern of theirs when he was a small, largely antisocial pup, and it was a worry for them even now. They hadn't started dropping the subtle questions and hints about mates yet, but Seokjin wagered he'd be hearing those in a few years or so. After all, his parents had had a long, convoluted courtship before settling down at later ages than most wolves, so it was unlikely that they'd be pushing the question of marriage on him so soon. At any rate, he greatly appreciated and respected them, and would do just about anything to please them and make them happy... which was another thing that worried them, not that he knew it yet.
Mino's comment about his definition of free time had him chuckling, though, and he gave a small nod of agreement. "I do suppose you don't see me having too much of that," he remarked, tilting his head towards the parking lot where his briefcase full of papers sat in the car. "I haven't settled in enough to get a TA yet, and I'm trying to do the best I can with the lesson plans and assignments. Also don't want to shove my duties on someone else, so..." A little shrug and a quirk of a smile, and he leaned back in his chair, bowing his head gratefully for the water. "I think they're quite happy with my lot in life so far. They do sometimes worry about me finding friends, but I'm quite alright. I wouldn't want YOUR parents to worry too much, though..."
The question about his upbringing, though, brought a bit of a pause. Seokjin took a careful sip of water before pursing his lips a bit. "Mm... my parents taught me for a good while. Then I went off to school a little later. There were other kids, but I mostly just sat under a tree or something and read a lot. Only really was comfortable playing as a wolf, which... probably explains my lack of coordination as a human now. Parents taught me a lot of... survival things. And they had a huge library that I could pick and read from when I wanted. School basically just... taught me to listen to others besides my parents and to do some sorts of work to keep me busy and focused. Otherwise I'd just be reading random books all the time and not do anything productive to make sure that knowledge stayed." A quiet hum, and he finished his food and water, sitting back with a satisfied sigh. "I... had a stranger education than most, probably."
Noticing that Mino had donned glasses and was looking over what seemed to be the dessert menu, the professor focused his gaze on the mountains again. Whatever the older man ordered would be quite fine with him... he didn't have much of a sweet tooth, but he would indulge himself sometimes if the occasion called for it.
@α☣kim seokjin Mino never thought he'd need the calm. He was the party to himself, from being busy at work to going out, coming back late to get minimal sleep to get back to his activities. The studies to become a doctor had slowed it all down and since the beginning of the year Mino had mostly watched himself live to work and study. He had the feeling he wouldn't stand it for very long and going out with Seokjin seemed like a nice way to try and do something about his lack of socialising.
He smiled at the other's words and nodded.
Seojin had to be a very obedient kid in his early years to want to try and live where he was sent. Mino could easily guess that the young single werewolves were mostly in the cities and this it seemed like a good choice to live there at least for a few years, just like all the young people of his village, though close to the beach, had left for studies and work. It was only enjoyable on holiday time as they could all gather like they used to.
"I am sure they will be glad and proud to see you're doing so well. But my worry is mostly over your definition of free time..."
The Nurse smiled and ate some before continueing Seokjin was giving most of his time off for work as Mino had walked to his office many times before meeting him in the lounge, and every time Seokjin seem busy with something. He assumed the young teacher was some kind of a perfectionnist even in his work so it took time for him to let go of the issues burning in his mind like he did earlier.
"But I do hope you can not only enjoy your work but also enjoy the fact that your relatives support you."
There was nothing like hearing how humble Seokjin was and the beta decided this was a mointain people thing, being this close to their reality. It was quite unusual to find someone this authentic and this young even if the other was now well civilized.
"But you have all it takes to be a good friend, no worries on that part." He said after finishing his plate and he sat back as well.
"I do sympathize a bunch but mostly with people seeking medical advice..."
To him something was still missing and he had no idea what it was. He poured them glasses of water and drank some his.
"My parents would worry about you mostly so I guess we can be friends..." he chuckled and removed pulled his glasses out of his pocket as je considered having a dessert. He held them and crossed his legs as he settled for a joint decision when Seokjin woukd be done.
"What about the place where you grew up? Were there other kids of your age? Did you attend some kind of school up there?" He asked, completely oblivious of the ways people adapted to the conditions of the mountain.
@β☣song mino Seokjin was a bit preoccupied with the mountain view and his own memories, and didn't quite notice Mino's attention on him, but he still smiled at the other's comment and nodded slowly. "I've been told that I have that effect on people. Being all 'zen' and stuff." He shrugged and gave a little laugh, thinking back on how many times something nearly hazardous had come up and he just... floated through it. "I'm glad I can calm things down if that's what you needed. I have that kind of aura, I suppose."
The offer seemed almost too good to be true and the professor couldn't help the brighter smile that spread across his face as he thought about seeing his parents again. His food almost went forgotten, but Seokjin was never the type to let good food go to waste, so he simply ate while stealing looks at the mountains, then at everyone else. "I do want to live here, though. It's... a lovely place. I miss the mountains, but my parents would want me to have a good life and career here. And I want to be able to bring them here sometime..." His eyebrows furrowed in thought as his thoughts skipped ahead to his future. Would he have a mate and settle down? Where would be the best place for pups? A mountain upbringing, then a move to the city? Or a city upbringing with a move to the mountains? Would he take care of his parents in their old age in the city or the mountains? There were pros and cons to both, and Seokjin had never really given that much thought to the idea before... Shaking his head again to clear his thoughts, the professor focused his attention back on the present and his meal with his colleague. It wouldn't be polite to keep letting his thoughts wander at a time like this, he had plenty of opportunities to think about those things on his own time. "I might try to get my own mode of transport so I can commute back and forth in my free time."
"As for friends... I don' think I have any issues finding them per se, I just choose to keep to myself. You're quite right when you say I'm used to not needing any. I'm quite self-sufficient and I can do just fine with or without friends. I quite enjoy the solitude." A smile that had his eyes crinkling at the corners, and he tilted his head from side to side. "You didn't go too far, that's alright. And I do try to give good advice to people. I might not be a friend, but I can definitely be a source of help if need be." A little chuckle, and Seokjin crinkled his nose up in a smile when Mino mentioned his parents. "Ah, well. If your parents would approve, I wouldn't object to us being friends." He took a couple bites of his pasta and observed the people around him before sitting back. "I'm doing quite well at school... no problems with staff members at all. Everything's going quite well~ I'm sure you're making plenty of new friends as well."
@α☣kim seokjin The idea Mino had of Seokjin was quite this one, one of a quiet man, serene and yet he was secretly wondering if he ever happened to be loud, excited, what could make him burst of laughing to the point his eyes would get teary. The more he caught glances of his distracted face, the more the beta wanted to know about his new partner in work. Mino was naturally curious but he did grow to like how selfless and devoted the other showed himself to be so far.
“Even being here with you…” he said, his eyes looking in the opposite direction of the mountains. He was seeing people moving, talking to each other, lovely gestures, flirts, anger, impatience everywhere in the restaurant but the noises were almost muffled to him as he made himself available for a conversation with the discreet teacher.
“Even being here with you makes it all calm.”
Mino who’s usually seeking the noise and agitation surprised himself at enjoying the contagious quietness of his friend. He couldn’t tell it would last, but for a moment, he imagined living alone could be a long term thing.
“That wouldn’t be a bother at all, I suggested it after all.”
Mino shrugged lightly, cautious as he could tell this was something that mattered a lot to Seokjin. It meant nothing but driving away with a goal for Mino but the thought of helping out his friend interested him a lot. He started eating, the appetite irrelevant next to how Seokjin was getting enthusiastic about the little road trip.
“You really intend to live here nonetheless…” he muttered, quite startled the younger would seek a home. This position could be temporary, as Mino intended to wait until he’d become a Doctor to decide where he’d settle and work. He didn’t even think of staying at Azrael prep once he’d be a Doctor. The only thing that pulled the Nurse out of his own thoughts was the statement that he’d meet the other’s parents. It made him smile as he could remember he was quite the ideal pick for his friends when they had to introduce someone to oppressive parents requiring of them to have serious mates. He knew Seokjin wouldn’t do such a thing but it still had him smile sweetly and he nodded.
“I don’t see why you’d have issues finding friends, on your part I suppose it’s more about needing not being used to need any?” he asked before he bit on his lower tier, his chopsticks hanging in the air for a few seconds before he inhaled and looked down at his plate. “Excuse me. I went a little far on how you enjoy the loneliness.”
Mino realized he was maybe rude as he confronted Seokjin with the thoughts he had of the other: Seokjin simply seemed to be doing very well on his own and as it was the way he grew up, he assumed he didn’t need them, still he felt wrong for so much as saying it: it seemed a little too lonely to need no one in one’s life.
“Still I think you’re the kind of guy that anyone need as a friend, because you’re almost like a parent at times you know: giving wise advices, or saying nothing at all and letting things unfold. I suppose this is what my folks would say if they ever met you: /finally someone who has the patience to put up with his excessive art of bad decision making./” he mused and chuckled, knowing people eventually would facepalm when they got to know him well.
“That being said, did you get any trouble with staff members?” he suddenly asked, though he couldn’t imagine Seokjin fighting so easily, at all. “Afer a few more weeks you will have bulbing new friendships.” He added positively and went back to eating some or rather stuffing his face with enough food to prevent him from talking more nonsense.
@β☣song mino As good at teaching a potentially explosive subject as Seokjin was, he wasn't very good at understanding jokes. While his seeming inability to draw connections between a seemingly innocuous phrase or gesture to one less innocent was a great blessing in an environment of rowdy young wolves who'd do their best to fluster their teachers, it wasn't nearly as helpful when it came to making friends or getting to know people better. Most of the time, he'd just take the words at their literal value and not think to look deeper, but sometimes he'd know to give a knowing sort of smile even he didn't know quite what was going on. Anyways, Mino seemed to be a good person, and the professor was reassured by the smile. Perhaps working with the other man would be more comfortable over time, and definitely more beneficial for his students.
"You might be on to something there," he remarked, thinking on how rowdy it might be if one lived with or around multiple adult siblings. "I like keeping to myself most of the time, so my life is generally calm. I quite like it." Granted, he wasn't opposed to a little excitement every once in a while, but for now, the quiet sedate life agreed with him nicely. "I'm glad you're getting used to it, though."
While Seokjin didn't know that the choice to sit near the mountain view was deliberate, he was still very much grateful for the decision. It gave him a real sense of nostalgia for the place where he'd spent his childhood, and he only had fond memories of his time there. He'd been an alpha, sure, but his parents never pushed any kinds of stereotypes or labels on him - perhaps because they defied any sense of stereotypes themselves. Their daily reminder was that he could be whoever he wanted to be, status or no status. By the time he was old enough for "the talk," affordable medicines and potions were already on the market so betas could have children, omegas could impregnate others, and alphas could become pregnant. With the reproductive playing fields thus evened out, there was no reason to play into the roles of old. His alpha mother and omega father had been fortunate enough to have garnered a few favors to receive early versions of the medication, but even then it was a struggle...
The idea of visiting his parents after so long away made a bubble of emotion rise up in Seokjin's chest, and he chewed on the inside of his cheek to keep tears from suddenly welling up. "I'd... I'd really appreciate that, thanks. I wouldn't want to be a bother, though, so maybe when we get back, we can figure out a schedule of sorts?" The food came in record time, and he bowed in acknowledgement, wishing the same to Mino before starting to eat his pasta neatly. "I'm rather looking forward to making a new home here, bringing my parents to see. They moved back to the mountains once I was in university... didn't want to crowd me, they said. I wouldn't have minded, but that was their choice and I respect it." A brief pause, and he tilted his head to the side in thought. "Maybe they'd like to meet you. I know they were worried about my finding friends and good colleagues to get along with."
@kim seokjin Mino had the urge to laugh at himself for trying such a joke on the younger who was either oblivious to his understatement or simply too serious to joke about this matter being his, their job. It was his turn to apologize but bowing his head shortly.
Mino always had to lighten the talks and sometimes he was simply bluntly reminded it was maybe too early to joke on those serious matters and other times, it gave his patients a small positive outtake on the hard time they were having.
Still it was a genuine smile he gave the teacher, knowing many would prefer working alone for many reasons but he wanted to be of actual help to all and treat particular cases himself if their prevention wouldn't be enough.
"You know, what's weird enoughis that while I miss all my brothers, I wouldn't want to live with them nearby." He smiled, thinking of how amusingly troublesome so many different wolves born of the same parents were. "I like the calm of this life and sometimes it makes me a little crazy so I come and eat in restaurants like this one, for the noise, the business." He was quick to move on from his self-centered boasting that wouldn't lead anywhere. He had chosen this job with all its ups and downs.
"I'm getting used to it." He confirmed and smiled contently.
Taking the knowledge of Seokjin's origin, he had been sure that choosing a table close to the scenery would make their dinner less awkward, as it could distract Seokjin while he enjoyed the ambient sounds of active workers back in the kitchen and the cheery conversations all around the large room. He stole a few glances at the younger male as he heard about the other's inability to put a name onto whatever he was feeling when he looked at the prominent mount in its deep forest.
Mino followed the other's look and for him too, the time stopped for a moment as he could imagine the other missed the mountains very much to get lost in his thoughts. He didn't ask questions as the other seemed to be needing the pondering and instead, Mino remembered the trip they made for a few summers when he was younger with all his siblings, the parents taking them to the wild. Mino was never as fast and good at hunting as his alpha brothers who'd get used to the fresher water easier than he would. He was however good at setting camp and warming up spots for those who had been out all day hunting.
Mino was never too demanding and would usually settle for one of his siblings' choices, accelt his parents' preferences and adapt, smooth sailing rather than ardly desiring things for just himself.
There was nothing like going through changes for those you love and the beta only hoped that the other still had parents to visit somewhere as he made quite the sacrifice in their name.
"Then just know I'd make the trip if you need. I enjoy driving even to places that are a little cold for my fur..."
He worried almost naturally for Seokjin, keeping a personal note to drive the other to the Mountains if he ever felt down.
When their plates were brought, Mino thanked the waiter and wished his guest to eat well before digging in.
"I like the school though... I like my condo here and I think I could stay a few years." He said, looking forward to getting used to the town and hoping his friend here would be okay too. He wasn't too far from home either but he tried to not run back there too easily.
@β☣song mino Mino's remark about not keeping scores of things like that was quite accurate, and Seokjin bowed his head in acknowledgement. "Quite right, I won't be keeping score now. I apologize." The little joke had the younger tilting his head to one side in slight confusion - he hadn't been used to that brand of humor before, but he smiled anyways. "I'm sure that with time we can make an excellent team and deal with the students as they come along."
Mino's family sounded like it was quite boisterous, and Seokjin couldn't help but chuckle. "I suppose you're living on your own now... don't have all your brothers with you? Have you gotten used to it yet?" He hadn't eaten outside the college for some time... hadn't done much else other than cook his own food with discount meat and vegetables from the supermarket. Even a small diner would have seemed like a luxury to him, so this was quite a treat. Of course, he'd be eating a little more frugally over the next couple days - he had the money, he was just loathe to spend it.
At any rate, Seokjin was grateful for the mountain view, and his eyes were drawn to the peaks and forests, a soft sigh slipping from his lips. "I suppose you're right. I haven't been back in a long time..." When the waiter came, he ordered a simple pasta with sausage bits and meat gravy, one of those specials that came with a side dish that he fully intended on sharing with his colleague. "I miss my parents, I suppose. I'm not... very good with emotions, so I'm not sure exactly how I feel." His parents had had him in their older years, a sort of miracle pup after so many others lost in pregnancy. They'd gotten used to a childless life, and along he came, whimpering and shivering but not making too much noise. Looking back, Seokjin couldn't help but smile. His older parents, successful managers and leaders in their own rights, rendered completely flustered by a tiny pup.
He remembered his father holding him stiffly on his lap, pointing out animals and plants from a large wildlife guide, gruff voice pronouncing the Latin terms carefully and waiting patiently for a toddler Seokjin to babble out something similar. His mother sitting him on the countertop as she cooked, letting him hold a bowl of mushrooms that he'd chopped up himself, explaining how to cook certain dishes, how much of a certain spice to use, how to prepare meats. All in all, Seokjin suspected that while they loved him very much, they'd never quite been able to settle into full-on parenting mode and instead treated him as a miniature adult. He'd never much gotten along with the children his age, preferring to stay mostly neat and clean, with the exception of being in his wolf form. What he lacked in social skills, he made up for with speed and agility and a bit of cunning. His parents expected him to keep up on their family runs, only slowing the pace down for the young pup, so he grew to be able to find shortcuts, run faster and take sharper turns to keep up with his parents, eventually using those skills to hunt and bring back food for his parents to prepare so they wouldn't have to do as much work.
A shake of the head and Seokjin refocused himself, giving a small, rueful smile at Mino's comment. "It did hurt. I was good at being a mountain wolf, and moving to the city with... nothing to hunt, nowhere to run, it was stifling. Didn't think I'd ever get used to it, but I did. For my parents' sake." A soft chuckle and he grinned. "I got my license, but... never did get a car or drive much after that. I appreciate the offer, but I wouldn't be able to drive."
@kim seokjin "Any way you can repay me?"
Mino took this opportunity to flash a little smirk but he was positive the other wouldn't have to ever repay him anything. He was glad enough to have a friend he could trust, spend time with and laugh with like this.
"I'm the one owing you remember... That being said, if we're to be friends and partners in guiding students, we shouldn't keep such counts right?" he suggested and shrugged off the other's need to compensat for his offer to help. "It would be my pleasure to help you make an impact and I won't be able to whisper the name 'Seokjin' to wolves about to give birth in their highschool years since I'll be just as helpless as you if it happen despite our teamwork" he joked and laughed softly. He was a little bit of a brat whenever he had an occasion to, he only hoped Seokjin would handle his bad humor.
"Yes, I was the last of my siblings. It was.. different from now." It was all he managed to say as it was the first time he was living entirely alone.
He shook his head at the other's words as he supposed Seokjin hadn't been eating in this restaurant a lot to think so.
"Well I suppose we'll start a new trend, where coworkers can have a fancy dinner after a long week of hard work." He said with a wide smile and as they decided, Mino didn't pay attention to the ambient mood of the restaurant, picking a table that would have them close to the window bay from which they could see the Mountains.
"They aren't so far though.. I suppose you can go there on your holidays." He said, looking at the dark summit as the night sky seemed lighter than the mountain itself from where they were. He noted that Seokjin missed the place rather than the people and it felt weird to him. It was about the first time he wondered if it had to do with a difference of pack but little did he know they shared the same, only from different locations.
He ordered pasta with a mushroom cream sauce with slices of turkey and waited for Seokjin to order as well before he gave a head nod to the waiter.
"I grew up close to the shore. But I miss mostly my family."
He said this with a smile as it kept him going and he wouldn't sleep bad because of it. He just missed all of it altogether.
"But I suppose being taken away from where you belong must hurt, even if it's to be civilized..." he frowned a little, worried about how Seokjin was feeling, wondering if he experienced urges to escape like he had learnt as homesickness.
"If you ever feel like going back, anytime, my car is yours okay?" he said with a smile and inhaled, tilting his head curiously: "But can you drive?"
@β☣song mino Much as Seokjin worried about making Mino's life even more inconvenient, he couldn't deny the fact that having medical expertise working in tandem with his class would probably make the students' lives a lot easier in the long run should they run into any problems. He hadn't been a teacher for very long, but what he HAD seen in his own times in school were mistakes borne of ignorance and desperation, terrible scarring mistakes that still had repercussions years later. The fact that Mino was so willing and happy to help made the younger professor think that the daycare head had seen some similar tragedies on his own time... and Seokjin couldn't be more grateful for the help. "I look forward to helping you too. Please let me know if there's any way I can repay you."
THe drive to the restaurant didn't take long at all, and there was almost a slight drizzle in the air when they pulled into the parking lot. The place looked pretty... fancy. Fancier than what Seokjin was used to, but he was hardly going to complain when Mino went to the trouble to bring him here. The other's comment about his family made him smile, and he hummed quietly. "Ah... let me guess, grew up with lots of siblings? I've always wondered about siblings, what growing up with them would be like. Don't worry about seeming clingy, I don't think of it that way at all." A bit of quiet musing, and he noticed with a start that Mino was already outside his car door with an umbrella. "I... didn't think too much of the date part. Even though it does look like a lovely restaurant. Coworkers must eat here on some occasions, wouldn't you say?"
A warm smile that had his eyes crinkling up at the corners, and Seokjin climbed out of the car, careful not to scratch anything. The papers would be safe inside Mino's car, so after checking his pockets for his wallet and whatever else he'd need, the professor quirked his lips up in answer to the question. "I do miss them. I miss being able to run around and do... basically whatever I wanted. Miss being in wolf form on those mountains... feeling the leaves and stones under my feet, the scent of water, trees, other animals in the air..."
@kim seokjin Mino's lips curled in a content smile as he saw an occasion to be of use to Seokjin: at last.
"I can swing by as many times as you need, I will just organize the schedules of my nurses so that I get replaced." He didn't mind working extra hours late as he'd be helping himself too, giving some information that students would find useful and maybe avoid disagreements and hard choices later on. In his youth, he did see a lot of unwanted pregnancies and many young wolves frustrated to the point of making cruel choices.
"I'll be looking forward to working with you from now on. Also, you may tell me if you need some paraphernalia; you don't have to buy all the different kinds of products."
He looked at the other's face and was quite pleased to see the young teacher this happy for his mere intervention.
Driving out of the parking, Mino laughed softly at the image of a young Seojin, running around a lot, a little untamed, hair in a mess. He suddenly became curious of how his friend looked when he was in his wolf form, if he ever felt like running in the wild like he used to.
He nodded, as it was quite a different way to grow up from his but he didn't comment on it. He lightly bowed his head as Seokjin once again expressed a lot of respect for him by never fighting his way around to see him.
It wasn't a long ride to the restaurant but reaching the place, Mino tapped his lap, head tilting to Seokjin just after he switched off the engine.
"I had the impression you grew up alone indeed. I hope I'm not too clingy, I grew up in quite the opposite way I guess..." He said and hummed before getting out of the car. It would soon rain so the beta grabbed his umbrella before closing the door and waited for Seokjin to be out to walk to the restaurant. It was quite the classy place, ideal for dates and Mino hoped it wouldn't feel awkward to the younger male.
"I hope you don't mind the atmosphere, I think we shouldn't need to be in couples to enjoy good food and here, I've never been diappointed so far."
He would come alone if he was lazy to cook, ordered take-away and usually enjoyed a drink at the bar, watching couples having dinner...
"Do you miss the mountains?"
@β☣song mino Mino's offer made Seokjin's eyes widen and his smile brighten up more. "Ah, you'd really do that? Please do! I've been meaning to get around to telling them about the medical stores... but now with the new class plan in mind, it would be the perfect timing for you to come and introduce yourself~ Perhaps some things they'll discuss with you before they'd come to me." There were quite a lot of materials available in the care center that Seokjin didn't really have immediate access to, and Mino was bound to have some specialized knowledge that the professor didn't have himself. "Your offer is very kind. I'd love to have you in my class, and our two... departments... can have some sort of partnership."
At any rate, he was more than happy to follow Mino out to the staff parking lot to get out of school for a while. Seokjin didn't have a car - didn't see the need to have one when he could walk places or just stay at home. The question about his past life made him hum a little in thought before shrugging. "Lived in forests as a kid, up on a mountain. Ran around a whole lot before I started going through my changes and my parents thought it best to move us to the cities so I could have more social skills and learn how to behave properly. I was an only child and they'd always wanted to see one of their children doing well in city life, so... once I got the hang of living wild, it was time for me to be more or less domesticated." The car itself was impressive when he saw it, and he carefully climbed into the passenger seat, stretching out his long legs. A small chuckle at Mino's comment on imposing and he nodded amicably. "Alright, I'll do it when I feel like it. I might pop by sometime to see how things are going, if you're not too busy."
@kim seokjin Mino was amused by how the younger was taking issues one at a time, with a cute grin of his. He nodded, content with how they understood each other so far.
"Those students and I are thankful to have you for how devoted you are into prevention. However, if it could ever bring some content to your classes, I'd be glad to drop by and remind them they can find a few helping material from stones to medical care..."
He shrugged as he supposed Seokjin was far from needing him still it could help the shy students approach him if they ever needed to.
"It's not always easy to either man up or lose the pride and meet with a nurse about an intimate inquiry. A first approached could help break the ice?" Anyone could find exemples to fit in either example as even the beta recognized himself in both situations in his youth.
Mino shook his head after he heard the apology. It was something nice to hear to him, though they didnt have any contract, someone taking care of him enough to apologize when the he couldn't provide.
"You're joking I hope, I'm glad to take your mind of work if you haven't noticed yet." He chuckled and got up from the double chair, following the other out before taking the lead to find his car.
"Work is over for a moment now so tell me: where did you used to live before your studies? Out in forests? Mountains or in a town? With a big family?" He asked as he unlocked the doors before getting in the driver seat of his black car. It made no doubt that he was a fan of his own ride but he was too distracted by his curiosity for the other to even make comment about it.
"You should impose on me when you feel like it by the way, as I impulsively impose on you too." He added, pulling out of the driveway once seatbelts were locked.
@β☣song mino In the back of his mind, Seokjin vaguely wondered whether or not Mino knew for sure that he was an alpha. The professor never really was the type to go around boasting about his status, nor would he make subtle insinuations via scent, words, or actions. What Seokjin DID know was that most people would peg him and his introverted, homebody, passive ways to be distinctly non-alpha. Which, more often than not, worked out quite well in his favor. People didn't automatically think of him as an , nor did they expect huge feats of wonder. They did tend to have a tendency of underestimating him and thinking of him as a weaker type, though...
His attention focused back when the other started speaking, and he grinned warmly in response. "It's quite alright, I needed a break from these essays anyways. First couple weeks, I'm still gauging how much they already know and who they learned it from." Waving one of the more questionable, headache-inducing papers from the alarmingly larger pile, Seokjin quirked a rueful grin. "Seems I might have to devote a whole class period to dispelling misconceptions about . But don't worry so much about me. It was no problem at all, I can assure you. Like you said, I'd be firm about it if I was really pressed for time and was very busy."
A luxurious stretch and groan, and the professor leaned forward, gathering his papers and sorting them into their proper places, smiling a little as Mino came around the table to help out. "It just so happens that I didn't bring a lunch today... I was too caught up with grading that I forgot to make dinner last night, just ordered out. Which, by extension, meant no leftovers and no lunch for you, and for that I apologize." A small sigh as he pulled out his bag, and Seokjin started putting his things away neatly. "I AM a bit hungry, I must say. And the papers aren't going anywhere, I need a break from them anyways."
Another warm smile, and the professor nodded in agreement to Mino's plans. "Haven't been to town in a little while either, so this should be a treat. I'd like that very much. Hope I'm not imposing on you by visiting..."
@kim seokjin Mino shook his head lightly with a smile. Because not every teacher that got here was this easy to bond with, this implicated in the observation they made. He already could feel that Seokjin was special. He knew too little about him yet to know if he was like that with everyone or only with those he considered his friends but it felt all the more soothing for him to have someone by his side when he was feeling wrong, although he had kind of imposed his issue on the other's consideration at first.
"I think you must be quite generous to give so much of yourself, even halt all you were going for me. I don't feel like I let you a choice but I also know you can be firm about something..."
He smirked and shrugged lightly, as his caring was a thing he did since he was the only beta of his siblings and the rest was all alphas.
"I've just taken your time for granted plus I'm off duty early for once unless I'm called back for an emergency, I really want to have something to eat with you. Aren't you hungry?" He asked and walked around the table to try and help the younger dispose of his things. He sat next to him and took nearly everything that was on the table against his chest as he didn't see a bag yet.
"I don't feel obligated. But as I feel comfortable talking to you I'm kind of hoping you feel comfortable talking to me too... however if it feels weird I won't take it bad that I'm not your doctor, as long as I'm your friend." He sighed and paused with a hum. "It's been a while since I had a little time out, we could drive to town and eat something? Unless you don't feel like it and then you could come to my place: I bought a few things and I'm feeling inspired..."
@β☣song mino All in all, the Taehyun boy sounded quite reasonable and a likable person to Seokjin. He could have listed any number of ways the encounter and reunion could have gone wrong, but luckily enough, everything seemed to be smooth sailing. At least on the younger's part - the professor was sure that guilt was still eating at his colleague. At Mino's compliment, though, he couldn't help but give a little hum of slight embarrassment and shake his head again. "Ah, no... I might be patient and caring, but being a teacher requires those qualities at least. It's nothing too special. And I'm sure you're patient and caring as well... you work in the daycare department, after all. That requires perhaps even more patience and caring than me."
A little cough, which required more lemon tea, and Seokjin smiled again. "I don't mind you claiming my time, honestly. Gives me a break from all of this." He gestured at the pile of papers before sighing. "A spa would be nice. I've never been to one but I've heard good things." At the reminder of food, though, the professor looked down at his stomach. He couldn't quite remember what the last thing he ate was... but it had certainly been some time. "I've... eaten. I won't want to take up too much of YOUR time, though... are you sure you'll be okay to have lunch? And please don't feel obligated to be my doctor just because I gave you a little bit of advice, it's completely alright."
@kim seokjin Mino nodded at the conclusion and smiled at the younger. "He might in fact be totally oblivious of the regrets I have and just friendly for the few things he remembers of me. I hope it's just that honestly. I juste realized a little too late that as long as he's okay I should let him be rather than selfishly bringing up the past."
The nurse hoped it wouldn't get to the need of a mediator of sorts though he appreciated the other's attention regarding his worries.
He liked that Seokjin was this conscientious in everything he did because he was simply passive most of the time and for once he'd have some good influence whenever they'd chat and exchange. "You have the patience and care I might cruelly miss, Kim Seokjin." It made no doubt he'd easily trust the younger easily and bother him but he already felt like giving in anyway he could to thank him.
"Nam Taehyun yes. I think you're very smart and you'll think before doing anything, I might trust you more on this than I trust myself." He chuckled and looked as the other seemed slightly shy after his comment. "I look forward to doing more than just bothering you when you're busy and give you exta work on top of it." He reassured and focused on the younger's preoccupations. It felt somewhat weird to be on the side that made sure the students learnt all they needed and Mino knew he had to pull some distance and let them learn with very capable professionals.
"I know you can be very clear when you need to." He commented, referring to the time when Seokjin had stated how he communicated. He smiled and nodded: "you must have all it takes to be a great teacher."
Mino nodded more, slowly, as if the other was missing out, big time.
"I know it's only the start but you have to allow yourself some /me/ time and by me I mean you for I will be claiming your time a little randomly as I just did. You have all the rights to fend me off though, I don't get mad so easily. But at the clinic we realized he have all we need to open a spa." He chuckled. He was a little amazed at the reminder. "If you need time off, I'll give you our secret vip experience. You might not be done with this but I'd love to go eat something with you. Have you eaten well today anyway?" He leaned forward and crossed his arms on his lap. "If you're going to be my confident I should at least be your substitute for a doctor don't you agree?"
@β☣song mino Seokjin could almost see the thoughts spinning in the other's mind, and he couldn't help but smile. "Don't worry too much that I want to talk to him. I just want to make sure you two are on the same page, that you're not walking into a nest of resentment. And if anything, I could always be your mediator if you two ever have problems moving along the same wavelength." At Mino's explanation, the professor gave a little hum. "Well... sounds like he's not... too hurt by it now? Depends on how young he was when you left, he might have just assumed that's what older wolves did. You haven't mentioned him being particularly angry, so... I'll assume he's doing alright now."
A cursory glance through an essay and sorting it into a pile, and he chuckled. "Believe me, I'm lazy too. I take the time to think things through because I don't fancy dealing with the pain of a wrong decision afterwards and having to backtrack and try to fix everything. I like to try to think of things affecting my life tomorrow, next week, next month, next year... and so forth. Some minor temptation isn't worth ruining my life for, honestly."
It really did bring a smile to Seokjin's face when Mino trusted him with the boy's name. "Taehyun, was it? Don't worry, I won't go and hunt him down. I'll keep an eye out for him in my class though, if that'll make you feel a bit better." He really didn't think he was anything all that special... years of watching friends and classmates and colleagues had certainly helped him compile a list of do's and don'ts when it came to relationships. His own studies in communications and the classes required to be a professor of education (even if it was basic) certainly didn't hurt. A bit of an embarrassed, shy cough, and Seokjin busied himself with lining up his essay groups as something to do. "I wouldn't say I'm a scholar, but I'm certainly glad I could help.
"And my classes were great so far. We're just learning the easy stuff first, can't just spring knots and lubrication on them from the get-go. Going over syllabus, little warmup icebreaker projects, more introspective essays before we get our hands dirty, so to speak. The students are nice enough. Got a few who want to impress or challenge teacher, but that's to be expected." A fond smile and he sat back. "I really do need to pay a visit to the daycare center sometime... I'm sorry I haven't been able to find the time to do so as yet."
@kim seokjin Mino nodded slowly but he was far from reassured. The teacher here seemed to have an idea what could be going on in the mind of the omega he spoke of and it was alarming enough for him to have a talk with him. He studied Seokjin and though he respected him already, he now felt a lot of admiration for such empathy and devotion. He still was too taken aback to give the name but he listened to the next inquiries.
"He kind of remembers my presence, but all the things from that time seemed foggy. He tried to forget all about me because I left without a word. He was hurt back then. I don't know if it was a good thing to come back in his life for that reason."
It seemed Seokjin had a very forgiving heart, and he noticed it right away. For a moment he wondered if the other had ever delt with such relationships to be this serene about it. "You really think things through before you act don't you?" Mino asked, slightly amused. "Because I'm just the opposite. I'm still like a young wolf for that part I guess, but for the rest I'm old and lazy..."
The Nurse smiled at the younger's words and inhaled deeply.
"I shall be thankful for your taking care of Taehyun then. That's his name; I have the feeling I can trust you blindly."
His words were honest and he had no regret for coming to Seokjin with his issue rather than suddenly turning his back on a student he might hurt again someday for unexplained reasons. He smiled at Seokjin upon hearing the advice about soulmates and hummed. "I think I'd prefer that too, nice and slow." He said and rested against one armchair. "You're so wise, you could be some kind of scholar here."
He chuckled, feeling thankful and lacking means to thank the younger teacher.
"So how were your firs classes here? Was it as you expected? I hope the students are nice with you. I didn't see you much but I supposed you were busy with yours classes."
@β☣song mino Seokjin couldn't help but chuckle at Mino's comment about his shirt, and gave a small, amused shrug. "Professional secrecy is one thing, and then there's the issue of him being comfortable being discussed. Once I know who it is, I might want to talk to him to see how he feels about all this." Just to get a handle on everything... and to see if the boy needed anyone to talk to as well.
At the other's sort-of confession about having coffee with the student, though, Seokjin leaned in, eyebrows furrowed. "I wouldn't say that would be too awkward... what did he do and what did you say? And even if he doesn't remember, that could turn out to be a good thing in the long run - he might not feel that hurt about your leaving, so you needn't feel all that guilty. I wouldn't say you messed up, actually. It's a lot better than running away and ignoring the problem." A soft sigh and another sip of lemon tea, and Seokjin hummed a little before continuing. "If he doesn't remember you, then you can use that as an opportunity to build up a relationship with him again, though not solely because you feel guilty. More like because you genuinely want to catch up again, maybe take care of him as well. If he doesn't remember, he doesn't remember."
At Mino's comment about the itches making things foggy, though, the professor had to give a small smile and laugh. "Yeah, I do know. Heats, itches, and ruts always make things a bit foggy, which is why I have to dedicate a few weeks over the topic to teach the students how to be safe and careful. I know all too well myself, personally." Granted, he was an alpha and not a beta, but the ruts were still quite intense even though he mostly was able to manage his hormones. It wouldnt' have been the first time he was thankful to their Lady Moon that his levels seemed to be lower than the average. "Though I wouldn't think having a soulmate would necessarily be bad. You can just be friends at first. No one ever said that soulmates had to move in and have all the time. Just let things take a natural course. You already know what'll happen in the end, don't rush it."
Seokjin finished tidying up the papers and leaned back in his chair to grin at Mino. "No, I don't have a soulmate. Think I was always too busy wrapped up in schooling and now work. The idea is nice... and I wouldn't have to worry about having a mate in my old age. I'd rather be friends with a potential soulmate first, take things nice and slow."
@kim seokjin As Mino expected, the younger was very good at reading in-between the lines and he pointed at the issue without knowing more than a few facts. The nurse looked how the other closed his eyes, isolating himself before giving his thoughts.
"You really could take the blouse. And then I suppose I wouldn't have any reason to keep his identity a secret from you, professional secrecy and everything " He commented with a faint smile and couldn’t help but agree with Seokjin. His being a wolf made a two year long separation useless, the instincts didn't change so easily and neither did their scent.
He turned his face to the couch as a short attempt to hide the shame.
"I walked right up to him and had a coffee with the poor boy. I think he didn't remember at all but I couldn't help it and made it all awkward." He mumbled before pushing himself off the couch to try and sit. He lifted his feet in just socks and crossed his legs on the soft fabric. This was tbe reason why he was so tired of himself: he was the one who made it all awkward. "I messed up."
Mino commented after the clever thought of the other: the young omega was all grown up now.
"I feel bad for disappearing on him. I was very close to him and I'm afraid it all rushed back now that he's a student."
His eyes dropped from the other's face after he realized he had watched him very attentively for a few minutes. Mino frowned at the word soulmate and he shook his head slowly.
"He's young. I don't even think I know him anymore... But the itches usually make it all foggy /you know/." He mumbled and looked up at the younger male. "But do you know?" He insisted, wondering if the other was a beta as he had assumed or if he was an alpha.
"Having a soulmates so early on in our career, won't it ruin the fun of it? That being said do you have one?" Mino asked a little more seriously, genuinely curious. He had no idea if it was too personal, if the other's very assertive tone would bite him like it had on their first meeting but he wanted to test his limits by getting to know the younger.
