china town

@β wonho Seungcheol can't help but laugh aloud as he reads the other boy's messages, something about them making his heart feel warm. Perhaps he was only teasing, but the thought of the other seeming to be just as interested as he was despite his quirks making him smile more than he'd ever be able to admit. Damn, what was it about Wonho that was so completely captivated unlike any other target?

[To: Wonho]
> It's a perfect match, just like us ;)
> Okay, that one was really too cheesy... now you can see just how sleep deprived I am.
> I wouldn't dream of missing it. Rest well, Wonho.

As he sends the text, he can feel himself becoming even more exhausted, letting out a soft yawn as he presses send. It's not too long until Seungcheol falls asleep, resting surprisingly easy for the insomniac. Perhaps it's because he knows that the more he sleeps, the closer he'll be to seeing Wonho again.

@α seungcheol Wonho's laugh rung around the silent room as he read the seemingly apprehensive message from Sungcheol about his controversial snack choices. There was no way that would scare him off. In fact, it just made the alpha even more intriguing. How was it that he was so quickly taken by him? There were plenty of people that came and went at the community center as volunteers and he'd never found himself in this predicament before. He supposed that's how it was, though. Someone trips into your life when you least expect it. If this wasn't proof that those damn kids weren't his weakness...

[To: Sungcheol]
> m&m's inside the popcorn? I have never even heard of that! It sounds like the perfect combination of sweet and salty. I always have such a tough time deciding what kind of snack I want. Maybe this should be the new revolution!
> so, no! you are far from canceled. You're not getting off the hook that easily ;P
> Tomorrow. Me, you, m&m popcorn and a movie!

@α johnny He bites down around the fork and pulls back, humming happily at the burst of flavor that fills his mouth. "Very much." Jaehyun nods quickly and pecks at the other's cheek. "Thank you, love. Eat up."

@β wonho Seungcheol doesn't want to like Wonho, really. It's a much easier job when his targets are friendly and agreeable, sure, but not when they're people like Wonho who are so deserving of something much bigger than this. Had he pretended to date targets before to get information? Most certainly, but they were usually middle aged omegas, people who had mates and wanted just a little more. People that made is so easy for Seungcheol to dislike and distrust them. And yet Wonho wanted a date with him - no secrets, no agenda, just two people with a connection, and the thought made his stomach flutter in a way he knows will lead to nothing but trouble in the future. In any other case, he'd just give his target to someone else, someone who wouldn't care about that heart of gold hidden under the beta's rough exterior. But somehow, it felt like all the more reason to protect him.

[To: Wonho]
> What a big softie you are...it's settled then.
> Oh? will you not come if I say the wrong one?
> Not to be too controversial, but putting m&m's in your popcorn is revolutionary, you can't have one without the other. Am I cancelled, or...?

@α seungcheol A somber smile flickered across Wonho's features as he read over what was supposed to be a reassuring reply. If only Seungcheol knew that he might be making more of a sacrifice than he thought by opening himself up to him... Wonho knew he shouldn't be leading the alpha on when he'd already clearly had dating problems before and there was no way things would work. Not because they weren't compatible, but because their lives weren't. Seungcheol was genuine, sweet, and someone he could actually relate to for once... He deserved better than a dishonest beta who destroyed everything he touched. For 's sake, he was already thinking of ways to let Seungcheol down easy while he was trying to come up with words to accept the date! Still, a part of him wished it could be real. That the two of them could live in their own world away from it all. Was it so wrong to want that, even if it was fleeting?

[To: Seungcheol]
> Not as cliché as me saying I'd be happy to do anything if it's with you =P but really, I haven't seen a movie in ages. It'd be nice.
> I just have one question first... it's kind of big deal.
> Popcorn or candy?

@β wonho He shouldn't be nervous for a reply, Seungcheol reminds himself as he sees the other typing. This wasn't real, any of it, simply another lie to get Wonho on his side. So why did it make his stomach flutter when the other all but accepted his idea for a date? Perhaps it's just because he's never been on a proper date before, and this felt so different than anything he'd done in the name of the TZ before. And despite that, Seungcheol lets himself fool himself into thinking this could be anything but work until he reads the other's second text. Of course, Wonho doesn't have any ulterior motives. He's been nothing but straightforward since they met, so of course he expects Seungcheol to be the same, something that makes his heart drop. How long could he deceive a man that was so transparent and warm with him?

[To: Wonho]
> Psh...don't act like I'm making some big sacrifice.
> A boy as handsome and sweet as you... I'd be glad to take you out properly, if you feel so inclined. Is dinner and a movie too cliché?
> I trust you, Wonho. You have a good heart, I could see that before I even approached you.

@α seungcheol Wonho scanned the latest messages a few times over as if he thought his brain was trying to play tricks on him. Were they actually upgrading from a casual bar crawl to a date? Suddenly disabling a bomb felt a lot less nerve-wracking. At least he knew how those things ticked. Dates, though... The beta didn't think he'd gone in any since high school and those weren't exactly anything to write home about. Judging from the way Seungcheol mentioned omegas with ulterior motives, he could guess he didn't have the best experiences in the past either.

[To: Seungcheol]
> You're serious? You don't have to go out of your way like that, Seungcheol. Really. It's so sudden. I'd feel bad about inconveniencing you.
> I'm happy you'd consider me to be your exception ^^ does it help at all to assure you I don't have any ulterior motives? You seem like a nice guy and I enjoyed being with you earlier. So it stands to reason, we should do it again, huh?
> No pressure, though~

@β wonho Perhaps Seungcheol shouldn't talk such a big game, he thinks to himself, texting the other boy as if he had any experience in the dating realm. He was in a gang before he even entered high school, meaning that any interpersonal relationships outside of the TZ were practically nonexistent. And yet here he was, talking like he could stun the handsome beta with some cheeky date. But there was still some degree of seperation between the real Seungcheol and the one Wonho knew, so maybe the version of him that got out of gang life was, in fact, this romantic poet that wined and dined the one's he liked instead of hooking up with them in nightclub bathrooms? Yes, this Cheol was to be the romantic side of him that never stood a chance in such a harsh world. Much like his poems and other writings, Wonho would be aloud to see that side of him that would be easily crushed if put out into the real world.

The thought of finding a real love was quite a comforting fantasy to the alpha, he'd admit. The fact that he was so clearly becoming more feral every day scared him greatly, trying desperately to hide that side of him away as it consumed all the parts of him that people flocked to. Being so praised for not being one of 'those alphas' and yet becoming one... what would people think? If he didn't find someone to wear his mark soon... no, he shouldn't think of it, he reminds himself, hiding his worries and burying his mind into trying to respond to the other man.

[To: Wonho]
> You can't remember even though it's happening right now? Scratch sodas, I'm taking you out properly tomorrow. I'll come pick you up and everything.
> Me? I guess nobody really holds my attention. I'm not one for the fake niceties of omegas with ulterior motives, I suppose, so I don't bother dating. I'll make an exception just this once, though.
> Thanks for keeping my secret, then. I knew I could trust you :)

@α seungcheol Watching the roving little trio of dots on the message, Wonho purses his lips into a thin line as he waited for Seungcheol to respond. Had he read things wrong and grown too bold? They'd just met, after all, so the last thing he wanted to do was scare him off with unsolicited flirtation. If his sad attempt could even be called that. It really had been some time since the beta had even let himself entertain the thought of a meaningful relationship, let alone actually pursue anything intimate. Yes, there were some heated moments after missions when he was buzzing with adrenaline and just needed a release, needed to smell something other than the lingering scent of gunpowder, gasoline, or ash. But those tussles were a fleeting and nameless thing that didn't go beyond a cheap motel and fizzled away with the coming dawn.

Nothing was meant to last. That was more apparent to Hoseok than most people. He'd watched someone's entire life burn out of existence in a matter of seconds. Everything they'd spent years building and put their heart into - gone and soon forgotten because the world inevitably moved on. Whether it was at his hands or some unfortunate twist of fate, all things came to an end, so what was the point in even starting something you're bound to lose? Noticing words play across the screen, Hoseok shook the thoughts from his head and let his eyes roam over the messages.

[To: Seungcheol]
> Handsome? Now you really are trying to flatter me. I can't remember the last time I got asked out. My life kind of revolves around my work, so I don't really get out much. One of the kids DID ask me to be their Valentine once or twice, though. It's a big honor~
> Well, you're a nice guy. I'm honestly surprised you haven't found someone already.
> It'll be our little secret

@β wonho It's a while until Wonho responds to him, giving Seungcheol some time to look through his messages with the help of the bug he installed. And yet, all the recents are only to him. It shouldn't make him smile, but it does. Was Wonho just like him, waiting on his replies and eager to see each other tomorrow? Or what if he was given the number of his burner phone, and the other had already found him out? The thoughts fill him up with worry, and yet every incoming text placates his fears on what was to come. Regardless of if he got new information from the other boy or not, as long as he wasn't found out he at least had a friend to confide in. And someone who didn't know about his gang affiliations was so rare that he had to leap on such an instance.

[To: Wonho]
> A handsome beta like you has to be asked out often though, no?
> I guess that just makes it all the more special that you'd even consider such a thing with me. And if you wanna find out, all you have to do is ask.
> Don't tell anyone, yeah? Can't have anyone but you knowing what a total softie I am.

@α chuando *was a bit surprised that you said you felt lonely now that you'd left the gang. He knew some people thought of it like a family, but that was not something he could relate to anymore* I never thought about it like that... But, then again, since the switch in leadership, I haven't been very close to anyone in the gang. It's just a job. *takes a few more bites, almost as an excuse to stop before he said anything he'd regret. What he didn't expect was for you to suggest not only to leave, but also offering to help him do it. Was his discontent over his position really that obvious? Even though you were his friend, he didn't feel safe saying the words out loud. Not because he didn't trust you, but because saying it made them too real. He hadn't even made a decision yet. It was just a thought he entertained in a moment of weakness... Not to mention, if you knew, they could use you to get to him* ... I don't know what you're talking about, hyung. Why would I want to get out? The gang has been the only thing I've ever known. They're the only reason I've made it this far. *shakes his head, his expression growing solemn* It's more than obvious that there's no way to /really/ get out, Chuando... You're still tethered to it all. That's proof.

@α seungcheol The bathroom was full of steam by the time Wonho padded out of the shower. Standing on the bath mat so the water still dripping along his body didn't soak the floor, he quickly toweled himself off and tussled his dark locks dry. If he had been living with anyone else, he would have wrapped the towel around his waist, but as he was the only one, he didn't even bother with modesty. He simply grabbed his phone and moved into the adjacent bedroom. It was a minimalist and clean space that would look empty to most people, but Wonho felt comfortable there. However, there was a sense that he never made himself quite at home. There were no photos, no personal knickknacks laying around, and it was more intentional than anyone might expect. If he ever had to suddenly pick up and leave, he didn't want there to be any trace of him or attachment making him hesitate. It had to be like he'd never been there at all.

Throwing back the covers, the beta slipped his bare body into the bed and settled back against the pillows with a relieved sigh. Part of him wondered what Seungcheol's place looked like. He struck him as a sentimental kind of guy and Wonho would imagine that he'd fill his room with warm, soothing colors to match the vibe of his personality. Pushing the thought out of his mind, he brought his phone up above him to check his messages rather than let his mind wander too much. He should have known that would be damn near impossible before he even read what Seungcheol wrote.

[To: Seungcheol]
> Not many, actually, if you haven't already guessed. I'm not a hard man to please, though.
> So this is you holding back? Now I'm interested in what the other side of you is like, but I guess there's only one way to find out.
> I wouldn't say hopeless. Maybe a little cheesy~ but in a cute way

@β wonho *seeing you eat, I cant help but feel happy that you are able to get something into your stomach. I continue to eat as I listen to you talk before I give a small nod* You are welcome to stay as long as you want you know? Staying so long in the gang I got so used to being around people that now it feels odd and lonely to be on my own so I welcome it but once you are healed enough you can go of course *dipping in my bread, I hum softly at the taste before looking to you with a soft smile* you can become a regular citizen or just look for another place that you want to belong to. I can help you with whatever you need so that you can get out safely alright? You are my one and only precious friend, I want to see you get out to be able to find your way in life and find that special someone for you

@β wonho Seungcheol has to force himself to put down his phone at the mention of a date, knowing all too well how he'd obsess over any response or lack thereof. Why was he even acting flustered? Quickly, he shakes it off, heading to the shower instead and washing the long day off of him. And yet, his mind kept going back to that man. Was he as kind and genuine as he seemed? Was the darkness he'd witnessed from that man while working with nct simply a means to an end, or was that the real personality of Shin Wonho? Perhaps that bugged phone of his would come in handy to answer such a question, to see what the truth of such a man was.

He simply goes through the motions as he cleans up before slipping out, throwing a towel on before checking his messages. Were they already going on a date, then? Or was the other just playing along? Regardless, he had to admit that such a thought made him unbelievably giddy at what was to come. Finishing drying off, Seungcheol slips into some boxers and lays on his bed before formulating a response.

[To: Wonho]
> for soda? What kind of dates have you been on, Wonho?
> If we went on a date, you'd know it. You'd really be swooning then, since I don't hold back.
> Not to embarrass myself, but I'm a huge poetry nerd, too. I guess you have to be a bit hopeless to like such things, right?

@α chuando *letting you help him because he genuinely needed it, he settled back against the pillows and looked down into the bowl set in front of him. It was so thoughtful of you to have made it for him after you'd already gone out of your way when he'd only caused so much trouble* it looks really good, hyung. I'm sure it'll be great. *gives an exhausted little smile and stirs the spoon around in the bowl before bringing a bit of the thick broth to his lips. It was absolutely delicious, but he forced himself to take it slow. He listened to you try to reason with him some more, nodding minutely* I guess you're right... You really want me to stay? I feel like I've already asked way too much of you... But maybe- at least just until I can get around better- ... I'll stay until then. Would that help ease your mind?

@α seungcheol A date? Seeing it written there, Wonho almost felt like he was reading something written in a foreign language. Did he mean it like he thought he did? Of course he did, but that didn't stop the stunned beta from reading the texts a few times over just to make sure. The tips of his ears burned and for a moment he just stood there with his thumbs poised over the keyboard, dumbstruck.

God, he couldn't remember the last time he'd gone on a date. Not that the opportunity never arose, but it was just that he didn't let himself entertain the idea. Hoseok could play at having a normal life at the community center, but if he let someone in - really let them be a part of his life - then he knew they'd realize the cracks in the facade he put on... But why was he so tempted to give in right now?

[To: Seungcheol]
> Going out for drinks isn't a proper date?
> Now I'm curious what you had in mind.
> Is the writer a romantic as well?

After sending the message, he snorted in amusement at this baffling turn of events and set his phone aside to wash up before bed. There was no telling what would be stuck to him after work most days, as far as both jobs were considered. Sometimes he'd find glitter or gunpowder behind his ear. Either way, he couldn't slip into bed without freshening up and washing away the stress from the day.

@β wonho Be careful... *sighs softly as I nod and slowly help you sit up, putting plenty of pillows behind your back to give you some form of support. I get a tray and place it over your lap with the food and some water and nod my head to you* its a light stew with some food in it, I wasnt sure if you would be able to eat it. so think of this like a test to see if you are able to tolerate food if not you are going to be on liquids for a few days alright? and yes I know thats not the ideal situation but your stomach and body need to heal properly *getting my own food, I slowly begin to eat, watching you to make sure that you are truly alright* I figured you at some point would try to leave as well...you know you are always welcome with me. We have a sort of unspoken rule that as long as I treat them for half price then they would leave me be...well thats what I have been doing and I seem to be safe so far. that and there arent many people willing to treat them so its not like they have much of a choice

@β wonho The rowdy home that he shared with a few of the other boys in TZ was again bustling with activity, not that he could be so surprised. It was always something with them - poker playing, house parties, even fistfights- Seungcheol had gotten quite used to it by now. He waves a quick hello to the poker playing boys, practically ignored as they shout over each other accusations of cheating and quickly makes his way upstairs, smiling when his phone already buzzes in his pocket. He wonders if Wonho is taking it easier than he is, if he's relaxing comfortably or he's busy with his own gang. Not that he cared, he reassures himself. No, it was solely for learning his patterns.

[To: Wonho]
> Depends...is it working?
> Maybe I'll rope you into a proper date if it is.
> Really, though... I'm looking forward to tomorrow, if it'll be anything like today.

@α chuando *it took a moment for the heavy weight of his sleep to be coaxed into lifting and Wonho grumbled softly, the pain beginning to nag him once more now that he was more alert* mm... What? *peeks one eye open to look at you and slowly tries to grasp what you're telling him, his gaze drawn to the modest meal. He didn't realize how hungry he was until the smell of fresh soup reached him and he suddenly was more awake. trying to boost himself up with his elbow without thinking, he grimaced when he felt that stabbing pain in his side and laid back down* you don't have to feed me, hyung. If you just help me sit up, I can probably do it. You already went through all this trouble. Besides... It might help me to get ready to move to the other room if I'm already up.

@β wonho *after about an hour, I come back with food for us both, setting it on a table in the room before gently moving the table closer to the bed before I sigh softly as I look at you. I want to let you sleep but I know you need to eat to at least have something in your stomach* wonho...hey...come on wake up, just enough to eat then you can go back to sleep *once more sits by your side and gently taps your cheek, not wanting to touch any other part of your body since it might just cause you more pain* you dont even have to sit up, just let me feed ya and then your lazy can sleep all you want *seems to chuckle a bit as I see you starting to come to* I know you are tired and the medicine I gave you doesnt help any but please, wake up alright? I made some light soup with a bit of bread so you can have that. After that I want to see if I can move you upstairs to the guest room if not then you can stay here thought he bed aint the best to sleep on

@α seungcheol Back when NCT was still considered the infallible top dogs of the cities underground, most nights Wonho would come home later or not at all. Now, however, he was turning in early and he quite looked forward to having an evening where he could just vegetable on the couch, binge watching dumb TV shows like normal people. Or, on some nights, go out with a person like Seungcheol and just enjoy a casual drink. Toeing off his shoes at the door, he was making his way to his room to get washed up and change when he got the next message. He leaned against the bathroom counter as he read it, shaking his head incredulously while grinning. Could this guy even be real?

[To: Seungcheol]
> Trying to flatter me again? I already said yes to you taking me for drinks, you know ~ unless you're trying to win me over for something else?
> Just kidding! I'm home. I'm glad you made it, Seungcheol. Can't wait for tomorrow! Hit me up whenever you're free. I'll keep my schedule open

@β wonho Seungcheol has a smile the whole way home as he thinks about his meeting with the other boy. Looking back, his subject was always a pleasant one to watch, looking out for s and the kids he helped alike. But approaching him had only served to prove what a special kind of man he was. If only he was in TZ, perhaps they'd be able to be friends. Stuck on arbitrary different sides like this solely because of their circumstances, it was hard not to question if all of this was worth it. He didn't necessarily want to hurt anyone, per se; he just didn't want any harm to come to the ones he loved. And so...what happens when that harm comes in the form of the soft-spoken, good-natured beta he'd just spent the day with?

But it would be alright. Seungcheol would do his job, and he wouldn't get attached, he thinks to himself as he parks in front of headquarters, slipping off his bike. It's embarrassing how quickly he checks his phone, looking to see if that buzzing on the way home was, in fact, from Wonho. He shouldn't be excited...Wonho is a subject, someone Seungcheol was bound to betray. Looking out for him would only cause trouble in the long run, so he would just have to pretend to be so interested in him, or so he deludes himself into thinking as he types up another reply.

[To: Wonho}
> Ditto, though. It's not easy to find someone as captivating to talk to as you.
> Thanks for letting me bother you today :) hopefully I'll see you tomorrow?
> How precious...I just got home, don't worry. Are you back?

@α seungcheol Wonho had sat there for a moment, mulling over what had happened and just deciding to accept the little joys while he could. There was no telling if Seungcheol would really volunteer for very long. Hell, he had no promise that he would even come back at all. But at least for these last few moments, he'd had the chance to have a normal, friendly interaction without any expectations or fear. Smiling to himself, he got up to throw away his empty cup and went back out onto the street to head home. Once arriving at where his motorcycle was parked, he straddled the seat and was about to put on his helmet when he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket.

Taking it out, he was pleasantly surprised to see that Seungcheol had already gotten back to him. Clearly he wasn't the only one eager to keep in touch. When the alpha had initially mentioned going out to drink, he'd been a little hesitant and unsure on if he should actually go, but now there was no question in his mind that he wanted the chance to spend more time with him.

[To: Seungcheol]
> Maybe a little =P
> It's not everyday I get to enjoy such good company
> Don't worry about me~ I'm about to drive home.
> Text me when you make it back? Just so I know you did

@β wonho There's such an indescribable amount of guilt he feels when he walks out from the shop, pulling up his phone to see a message from his direct supervisor asking for an update. An update...what could he even say? Wonho's weaknesses were clear, and they were what made him good. His willingness to trust anyone like Seungcheol with kind eyes and an in, his selfless nature...would he ever be able to volunteer that information, even to the ones he trusted most? He hesitates a moment before simply deciding not to respond to the message just yet, continuing to walk back to his bike.

He's about to put his phone in his pocket before another message comes in, this time from an unknown number that was certainly Wonho. It felt foolish, the way it brought such an immediate smile to his face. Was his company missed already? In whatever case, the beta certainly knew how to make him flustered. But his face falls all too quickly as he continues to stare at the message, trying to think of what to say back. To pry or to just enjoy being able to talk to the first genuine man he'd met in years. Finally, he decides on the latter.

[To: Wonho]
> miss me already, Wonho?
> kidding...though, i can't say it isn't mutual.
> I'll be safe. Don't stay too long, the streets get dangerous around night.

@α chuando that doesn't mean I still don't have to worry about you... Someone has to do that. *in spite of your determined words, Hoseok didn't exactly feel comforted. Was that how it always was? Those who tried to leave the gang life were able to distance themselves, but never truly escape... Settling back against the cot with a shaky sigh, Hoseok nodded and closed his eyes, listening to the sound of your retreating footsteps. Even though his thoughts were addled, the drugs still coursing through his system helped him drift off without even realizing it, his breathing growing deep and even as he fell into a dreamless sleep*

@α seungcheol Wonho found himself beaming when Seungcheol agreed to help the kids out with writing. While it may have been his job to help the kids, he also felt like he needed to make sure that the alpha felt welcome and found the right place where he fit in. He had been volunteering at the youth center for over six years and so many people came and went, mostly because they were just stopping in to get their community service hours for college or something like that. It was rare for someone to stay as long as Wonho and some of the others did. Not that he begrudged anyone for moving on, but part of him hoped maybe this one would stay. "Just you being there is more than enough. Don't worry. We need all the help we can get." He chuckled, trying to keep things lighthearted and take any pressure off of the newbie.

Feeling the gentle brush of the other's fingertips against his hand as he handed the phone back, Wonho felt an anxious flutter in his chest and gave a sheepish smile as he desperately tried to ignore the prickling of the hairs on the back of his neck. "For sure. I'll talk to you soon, Seungcheol." He agreed naively and simply checked to make sure the alpha had put in everything into his phone before hitting save. There was a pang of uncertainty as he watched him go, but he waited until Seungcheol disappeared out of sight before his expression fell, his gaze falling to the nearly empty up on top of the table. He shouldn't get attached... Personal relationships were not something he could risk, but he couldn't help wanting to get to know the kind stranger who was the first person he could truly relate to in a long time. A small smile twitched at the corners of his lips as he thought about it, his thumb tracing the edges of his phone case absentmindedly. Would it be bad to text him now, when he probably hadn't even made it a block away?

Throwing caution to the wind, he brought the screen to life and quickly typed a message.

[Wonho > Seungcheol
Hey, it's Wonho! Have a safe trip home!

@β wonho I may have gotten out of it but it doesn't mean I am going to stop what I am doing. I know how dangerous life can be and I will do I can to save those that want it and save those that I feel need it even if they don't want it. so don't you worry about me, I am a strong alpha, after all, *grins as I pat your head gently before I get up and stretch a bit* I am going to go make you something light to eat alright so rest and please don't do anything to make yourself be in more pain. I can only give you pain killers so often without doing harm to your body alright so please...behave? *flashes you a smile before I leave the room and head upstairs to my personal kitchen to make a meal for us both*

@β wonho Seungcheol doesn’t admit just how excited the thought makes him. Being their writing tutor, helping with grammar for school essays and helping them create what they want as well... it all felt like a dream. In another world, Seungcheol supposes he would have been a language teacher, due to his love of helping kids and writing things of his own. But for now, the closest thing he would do was volunteering with Wonho. But how long would that last? Could he really expect to stay forever with a man he was planning to betray? “I would really love that, Wonho. I’ll stay and help any way I can, but that’s the only thing I really have any knowledge in.”

Seungcheol watches the other as he grabs for and unlocks his phone, putting his number in quickly so that he has enough time to install bugging software onto it as well. He plays it off with soft smiles and a little tea break before it finishes up, handing the phone back without drawing suspicion. “Great..shoot me a text soon, alright? I’ll be waiting for it.” If his superiors were around, he’s sure they’d say the flirty tone in his voice and lingering fingers against the smaller’s hand as he gave back the phone were overkill... and yet, suddenly, Seungcheol didn’t even have the thought of obtaining information in his head when he steals another few glances at the beta. Reluctantly he does get up, though, an embarrassed smile on his face as he quickly leaves the tea shop, patting his cheeks to try and rid himself from such feelings. What was he even doing with a move like that?

@α chuando Ack! *grimaces when you flick his forehead and purses his lips unhappily as he listens to you insist that he should say. It wasn't giving him any room to protest, so he just it up and kept his mouth shut for now. Maybe he could get away with this just got a little while and then you'd let him off the hook if he showed you he was getting better. But for now, he'd just take the opportunity to rest while he could* alright... Alright, hyung...*sighs in resignation and closes his eyes, half expecting you to walk away, but the question caught him off guard, his brows furrowing as he mulled the answer over in his mind* no... The targets were taken care of. If you think this is bad, you should see them... I just- You got out of the game, Chuando. I don't want you to have to baby me because of something that I got myself into.

@α seungcheol Wonho nods as he listens to Seungcheol talk about needing to edit his stories before he did something so bold as to publish them and he could tell a lot of it was probably just nervousness. He didn't think he would ever be able to do it if he was in your shoes so he could understand the fear of failing. But the beauty of telling the stories to the kids was that the young ones just liked to have someone tell them a tale. They weren't critical over writing style or grammar. "You should. We don't really have someone to do writing therapy or just to help them with school essays and stuff, actually. If you plan on sticking around, maybe you could do that." He suggested with a giddy smile, his eyes crinkling up a little at the thought.

"Yeah, that sounds good." Nodding, he patted himself down, feeling for his personal phone. It was a different shape than the one he used for his 'work', so it was easy to differentiate. He fished it out and handed it over without much of a thought, not even thinking that Seungcheol would be up to anything. "I should be free, so any time would be good."