The Tracks

@Subin Dongju had honestly always been the type to care in silence. A more accurate way to state it would be that he didn't make it obvious he was doing something for the sake of another. That, and he didn't expect praise or even thanks for doing something for someone else. He used to bask in it when he would get praised. Blame it on that complex of never being good enough for a high-class family. That was just another one of the many things that changed in recent years. Since the incident, he'd gotten a lot better with coming to terms with things and just being that much more appreciative and affectionate to those around him, those he felt close to anyway. At the same time, it made it harder for him to let himself go and fully rely on others. It was a door he only left ajar. If someone really wanted in, it wouldn't take too much but, at the same time, it wasn't really something he gave others the chance to question. That meant that the weight of fear and anxiousness he'd been carrying on his shoulders lately wasn't something he'd shared, not to its full extent, if at all.

Sitting in the dark of his office, he gave up sitting at his desk to sit on the loveseat. He wanted to curl up and hide, hugging his knees to his chest. Dongju was doing his best not to just break down and cry. That last thing he'd want to do is have to attend meetings with his eyes red and what little makeup he'd bothered with that morning all smeared. He almost swore but ended up jumping up from the seat instead when he heard his brother's voice. "You can come in," he called and moved to at least turn a couple of the floor lamps on in his room, "You're here pretty early today."

That gut feeling that Hanse had been feeling just seemed to bloom when he saw Subin's face. His gaze sharpened for a moment and it was clear, in that instant, he was alert. Sitting up, he combed his fingers through his hair before dropping his hands in his lap. "I don't know who this feeling is stemming from but I have a strong feeling you're involved somehow," he spoke up, grogginess coating his every word. The lack of sleep he'd been getting lately was more than usual and more than enough to start showing on his face and in his eyes. "What's going on, Subin," he gestured for the other to sit at the foot of the bed, "Or, more importantly, why haven't I been made aware sooner? Between you and Dongju, I know that either one of you or both of you have been either lying to me or simply covering something up." The gang leader left it at that. He wasn't sure if he could even explain how it was making him feel lately, aside from the fact that it was ing up his beauty sleep.

@Dongju Dongmyeong was never one for early mornings, much preferring to wake with barely enough time to shower, get dressed and snatch whatever Dongju had prepared before running out the door. It was chaotic, yes, but it granted him a few more precious moments of sleep, especially on those nights when he's been left awake late for calls to other countries. He hated that part of his job more than any other thus far. Communicating with people from overseas was not a problem. The problem was that he then ended up on limited sleep and that affected just about everything else. Thankfully today was not one of those days, but his phone chiming in the darkness of his room and his knowledge of early meetings today had him sitting bolt upright, fearful he's overslept.

One look at his phone earned a groan as he realised that was far from the case. Dongju was up and off already once more. With a sigh he pushed himself up and went about getting ready, just for today he could head in early. He'd noticed that Dongju seemed a little more on edge lately, and while Dongmyeong didn't blame him, it always made him uncertain as well. Had something happened on a trip over the river, was something happening that his brother didn't think he could tell him about? Surely Dongmyeong had made it known that his twin could trust him with anything in his life. Dongmyeong wasn't about to stop him from doing anything he loved, even if he believed it was too dangerous.

Once he was showered and dressed he got himself some food and followed the same routine he assumed his brother had. Climbed into a car and began eating. He debated messaging Dongju back but decided against it. There was little point really. What would he say? That he was coming in? Of course, he was coming in, it was his job as well. So he left it and ate in silence, finishing it off just before arriving and tossing the rubbish as he headed inside heading straight to see his brother rather than heading to his own office, knocking on the other door before trying to open it. "Dongju?"

Subin knew Hanse better than most. He'd initially been slightly worried about waking the other early but as he neared the room he could almost sense the discomfort coming from inside. It didn't bode well for anyone who chose today to test the leader, or for anyone that threatened someone Hanse cared for. Still, Subin decided it was best to voice his concerns. Without hesitation he knocked once on the door before walking in, closing it again behind him and standing by the door waiting for the other to address him, or for a sign that he needed to actually move to wake Hanse.

@Subin Dongju looked over his message, just before the driver was getting out of the car to open his door for him. He bowed his head in thanks and gathered his things, including his duffel bag. He was immediately surrounded by guards as he entered the building. The chaebol stood there for a moment and glanced around at the faces encircling him, trying to read them all before he began walking toward the elevators. He refused when one of them went to reach for the call button for the elevator, pressing it himself instead.

Once upon a time, he'd enjoyed coming to the office, to see everyone and interact with them. Things, of course, had changed once the kidnapping incident took place. He felt there was little to no one that he could trust. With the events that had been occurring lately, it seemed to only heighten that for him. It was starting to get difficult all over again to be comfortable in any room with another person or persons, although it was much worse now than it had once been. He could count on both hands, if even that many people, that he could relax even a little around. Walking on eggshells held a much different meaning now.

Getting to his office, he immediately rushed in and locked the door, dropping the blinds to block the windows from any peering eyes, both from the street side and from those glass wall panels in his office. He sat at his desk and checked the time, simply sitting there for now as he waited for the meeting to start. It wouldn't take long, though it felt as though he were waiting an eternity.

Hanse was having trouble sleeping. It wasn't all that strange but it wasn't something usual either. He was a killer after all. Sometimes, it was just normal to have a night of seeing nothing but his past victims' faces. They weren't haunting him or anything. He couldn't say there was someone he'd come across yet that he felt guilty for torturing or killing. It was just that haunting feeling of how much he enjoyed it. That didn't seem to be what was keeping him up lately though. It was just a gut feeling that he was continuously trying to sort out. Last night had just been another one of those moments so he lay there, staring up at his ceiling before turning onto his side and wondering if he could just will himself back to sleep. He knew it was early and that he didn't have to be up early at all. It was mildly frustrating.

@Dongju Normally a message so early in the morning was a bad thing, but lately it seemed to just be a habit that Dongju had taken up to make sure someone knew where he was. Why it was him the younger chose to message he would never know but he'd taken to make sure to reply when he could. This morning was much the same, a message came through just as Subin was looking to his phone expecting it. He had a quiet morning thus far, nothing was broken, everyone was where they should be and Hanse's day hadn't started yet. It gave him more than enough time to start slowly typing the message on his phone. He was used to the very short cryptic messages he sent to Hanse, not actual sentences that seemed important to convey meaning to those who didn't understand. Thankfully Dongju did understand him enough that he didn't seem to ever be too hurt by the curt responses that Subin normally responded with.

'Good morning. I will ensure we eat. Eat well yourself. Don't work too hard'

He sent the message but kept his eyes on his phone. He knew well that there was a reason that Dongju had taken to sending him updates, sometimes only in the morning, sometimes when he was moving around at other times. He wasn't the best with emotions and the such, but he was good at reading things that were visible behind thin masks. Little things that people tried to hide, it was his job to see through them. Normally for targets, but he could see through this all the time. There was telling him things, and there was telling Hanse things. Dongju was telling him for a reason. With a sigh he pocketed his phone and went to report what he believed to Hanse, sleeping or not Hanse would want to know if he thought there was anything wrong with Dongju.

@Subin It was currently four in the morning. The sun wasn't up yet but he could hear the birds chirping outside of his window. There was movement in the city, as usual, around the crack of dawn. He was used to hearing people heading to and fro this time of day. He wasn't necessarily used to having to be up at this time but that didn't mean much. Some days, like today, he woke up way before his alarm went off and wasn't surprised. He had a packed day ahead of him with two meetings in the morning and then one just after the average lunchtime before having to head to the theatre to work on the stage set up and rehearsals. Dongju wasn't the type to typically feel stress, or at least he wouldn't show it. He was usually pretty good at finding ways to decompress from it but that didn't seem to be the case lately.

He crawled out of bed and made sure his hair was all tied up into its little ponytail as he headed to the bathroom to wash up for the day, even going ahead with a full shower to just pass the time even more. By the time he'd walked out of the bathroom, towel around his waist, it wasn't even half past 5 AM yet. He searched for something to wear, settling on a white tailored suit for the morning and a white pullover jumper that he wear under some denim overalls later for when he went to the theatre. He'd stopped telling his guards when he was going to the theatre, although he would text his brother to let him know. Dongju felt like he had little to no one around him that he could trust lately. Being in the East, he wasn't surprised by that first initial attack attempt that Subin had saved him from. Being in the West, he could tell that someone was still after him, watching him. No one in the West knew about his connection with Hanse, at least that's what he thought. He was beginning to question that, too. The thoughts just gave him chills and he frowned, getting up to grab one of the lunch boxes from the fridge that he could eat while he was being driven to work. He got his clothes into a duffel bag and made sure he had his jacket. By the time he'd gotten his coffee in his thermos, it was thankfully just past 6 AM. Making his way downstairs, his ride was already waiting for him and he slid into the backseat, buckling in. Dongju began eating his packed meal, gazing out of the window as they headed to the office. He always felt bad now when he messaged Subin but he was finding it a habit now to do so, just as he would do with Dongmyeong.

'Good morning. On my way to the office. Please, you and Hanse eat some of the food I made you the other day, okay?'

He stared at his phone for a long time before hitting send. He then sent a message to Dongmyeong in similar wording, just letting his sleeping twin know where he was headed so early. He also made sure to add that he hoped he hadn't made too much noise in their apartment. Gazing out of the window, he put his phone away and then proceeded to eat again. There was an unpleasant feeling settling in his stomach. He just hoped that it would pass soon. He was glad that what he'd chosen to eat for the morning was incredibly light and had a good feeling that it wouldn't agitate his stomach too much. He was even careful about using decaf for his coffee.

@Dongju Subin held whatever eye contact Hanse was giving him, as blank as ever to avoid giving anything away even though he knew well that Hanse could read him well enough. It seemed it was enough to push the conversation aside for now but he was sure he would get even more questions when Dongju was heading home or asleep. If Hanse could even wait that long. He took his seat as instructed and attempted to give Dongju something of a reassuring look, though he was sure he basically hadn't changed his expression at all. Dongju was not as good as Hanse at reading the slight differences in his expressions.

Out of habit, Subin waited until both Dongju and Hanse were eating before he started eating himself. The whole situation was sitting funny in his stomach and he felt the need to do something. Hanse looked ready to go on a rampage and find whoever dared to try and take Dongju, Dongju looked ready to either throw up or start crying. Everyone was thinking about what had happened, what might have happened, and it was making things tense, even for Subin. With a sigh and set his spoon down and turned to Hanse knowing Dongju was normally more silent, once the younger was finished eating he'd turn the conversation that way.

"How did the rest of the meetings go" He questioned, fully aware that Hanse would see through this attempt to turn everyone's thoughts away from what happened. Subin never asked unless it was important for Hanse's safety or for a job he had been given. The words felt almost foreign on his tongue, but for the sake of Dongju he could take the discomfort this once.

@Subin Hanse glanced over at the doorway when he heard it open, eyeing Subin for a moment before gesturing to the table. Dongju's gaze was a mix of apologetic and concern as he looked at the guard. He wasn't sure what the other had gone out and done but there was an unease settling in his gut and he could already tell that he was going to have to force himself to eat if he didn't want any more questions raised. Maybe it was because he'd never been one for really keeping secrets. When he cared for someone, Dongju was an open book and he'd always been honest with Hanse. Now though, he was more worried about his well-being than anything else. Though he knew that the older male could care for himself and, if not, Subin was there to help him, part of him was feeling that helplessness he feared.

With his mind elsewhere, Dongju almost dropped the serving bowl of the soup he'd made, glad to have caught it when he did. Otherwise, it would have ended up with him burned and glass shattered. He cleared his throat, a soft sound that helped him get his thoughts together as he worked to serve everyone, his daze gone for the time being as he finally sat to eat as well. Hanse was eyeing him again and Dongju did his best to make eye contact since he knew Hanse would read him much easier if he didn't.

"I hope that everyone enjoys the meal. Thank you for always taking care of me," he bowed his head a bit and gave everyone a smile, going quiet for a moment as he ate. Thankfully, he had a habit of eating silently more often than not.

@Dongju Subin didn't waste any time. He made his way from where he was, back to the border looking around where he knew Dongjo would pass. It had taken him next to no time to find where they had been wanting out, cigarette buds, trash, even an empty can of beer. What was missing was any sign of who was behind it. No one marked this territory, it was something of neutral territory within the city. No one really wanted to hold land this close to the west, sometimes the police would get stupid idea's and it was normally around the border. So with nothing but older tags he was left clueless once again. There was only one option in his mind. Before he could start his thone went off in his pocket.He didn't even bother checking it as he pulled out a Marker instead, going right to the point where the guys had be Waiting, marking his own personal mark on the wall there. It was small enough that many wouldn't notice, Marking like this was more a reach to communicate rather than to claim territory. He hoped whoever this was would reach out in return. He ege'd the small Cchost symbol once more before making his way back as quickly as he could, slipping back in minutes later, bowing his head in apology

@Subin Dongju was able to relax for the most part although he could feel that Hanse was resisting asking him more intrusive questions. He was sure Hanse wanted to know what had happened earlier but wouldn't push him to say anything. Dongju just stopped cooking for a moment and hugged Hanse, stepping back and looking up at the older male. "I'm okay, all right? And Subin was there for me which was really nice so I'm glad... Don't worry, okay," he tried to relax the other with a smile, unsure if that was really working or not though. He hummed softly and went back to cooking, Hanse just watching the younger for a while before joining back in again. Once the meal was done, Hanse sent a message to Subin to bring him back and then helped Dongju set the food out for everyone.

@Dongju It was never hard for Subin to find Hanse's messes. He knew what he was looking for and he knew how the other liked to work. He sighed softly looking over the bodies a moment before he started to look more carefully, searching them for anything that could give any more information away. Shocking there was very little to go on, which spoke louder to Subin than if he's found a glaring gang sign. These guys were outsiders, whoever sent them didn't hold affiliation to anyone or didn't want that affiliation coming back to them. This was why Subin hated when Hanse took matters into his own hands. Dead people could give some information, but never enough.

Pulling out his phone Subin sent another coded message to one of the clean-up crews, making sure they kept it hidden but also sent a message with it. Subin wanted this person out of the shadows now. He did not like them being targeted or using an innocent male to do it. With a soft sigh he pocketed his phone once more. He probably didn't have long, but he could do a quick search. He motioned to someone hiding within the shadows, giving simple hand signs to them before taking off back towards the border. Just who was targeting them, he needed to find something.

@Subin Hanse watched Subin and nodded once when the other said that he would leave for a bit. He'd rather the other not go out personally to handle things like this and was aware that he usually didn't but he'd save that question for when Subin returned. For now, he pulled out a lollipop from his pocket, clearing off the wrapper and placing the er in his mouth. He got up from the couch and headed into the kitchen, watching Dongju for a bit and just observing him. The younger male noticed after some time and smiled, although it faded after some time when he realized Hanse was just continuing to watch him.

"Is something wrong," Dongju paused, brows furrowed a little as he asked his question.

"No, not wrong," Hanse replied curtly, "Do you need help with something?"

"You're going to help me," Dongju asked, eyes narrowing, "Are you going to interrogate me or something?"

"I might. I might just ask you questions about the stage show you're working on," Hanse hummed lowly, letting his expression and body relax as he moved from his spot to wash his hands and get to work on helping with the meal, keeping an ear out for when Subin returned.

@Dongju Subin stayed still and listened. This was a little more like Dongju. He was still quiet but Subin could see the passion in his eyes, so that was enough for now. It didn't bother him at all listening to Subin talk like this. It almost wished he could hold the same passion as the other held. A part of him was looking forward to seeing what Dongju could design, but then he had the horrible truth that he was likely never going to see that. At least he could ask the other to explain it so he could see it. Traditional anything was almost nonexistent to Subin. It just wasn't something he had the privilege of being exposed to. Once Hanse returned, Dongju had excused himself to the kitchen and Hanse had taken his place. Now that it was back to just him and his Boss, Subin wanted to stand once more, and be professional. But he waited.

He was glad he did so. As soon as Hanse spoke he let out a sigh and lifted a hand gently tapping the other on the back of the head, meant as 'punishment'. After allowing himself a moment to be a friend and not his boss Subin let out another hum and stood up once more, giving Hanse a bow before moving off to deal with the mess left behind. It wasn't his job per say, but he wanted to see what he could find out. Not knowing the threat was worse to Subin than anything. He needed to know who they were after, who they were and everything else he could. If Hanse was out there just killing them all he was never going to find that out. "I'll be back" He muttered from the door, glancing back over his shoulder, waiting for permission.

@Subin The blonde reached out and gently patted Subin's arm. "Ah, you're right," he sighed but smiled, humming curiously, "Would you get tired of me if I told you about the show I'm going to work on?" He brought his water to his lips with both hands and tried to think, beginning to talk about how the show was a stage play set in Korean history. How the world was now, no one would believe how things once were, at least that's how he saw it. He loved to see historical plays, although he had to be honest that it was mostly because he just loved the style, specifically of traditional hanboks from what once was. He was somewhat quiet as he spoke but his eyes were sparkling, the excitement resting in his expression.

When Hanse got back, he was glad, relieved, to see Dongju talking to Subin. He was thankful for their interactions although he couldn't say that it really seemed like they did so often. Dongju thanked Hanse and his men, giving Subin a gentle smile as well, before heading into the kitchen and beginning to cook a meal for everyone to eat together. Hanse ended up sitting next to Subin, folding his arms over his chest as he leaned back against the back of the couch. "I have a body... maybe a couple... that I'm going to have to get moved. Are any of our cleaning men available," he asked quietly, peeling off his wet leather gloves and tucking them away in his bag. Hanse wouldn't exactly say who these people were but he was sure they wouldn't be missed.

@Dongju Subin shook his head a little, quickly falling still once Dongju began to fix his hair before resuming its motion. He didn't mind talking all that much, he just rarely found reason to do it. He didn't understand a lot of social intricacies but he knew enough to know much of his own throughs were not welcome in normal conversation, so he took to keeping quiet. A lot of the time, when he'd been younger, talking had just got him beat harder. He never spoke out of turn, to anyone but Hanse, and never dared to have his own opinion on something. No matter what happened, it was easier to go with the flow. Just agree and you get hurt less.

Dongju was becoming something special though. He didn't mind talking to the younger. Perhaps that was partly because normally Dongju would keep talking and only stop long enough for Subin to get a word or two in any way. It was a perfect relationship between them. Subin could listen and Dongju could talk. And he always listened, probably more than anyone knew. "Keep talking" He muttered, offering the Subin 'smile' once more. "If you're worried about Hanse finding out, keep talking" He added, expanding just a little. "He will worry if you are not yourself, and then he will question things. I will investigate, and come back to eat your food. It is not lame."

@Subin Dongju had more to say. He'd may surprise the other, even Hanse, with how many people only knew him by his face. Of course, after the kidnapping that brought him to the East in the first place, more people knew his name but not his face. Not to mention, it had been some years since then and he wasn't even sure if he looked the same as then, especially with how often he liked to change up his look.

He let Subin speak without interruption before looking at him. Dongju smiled at him and unconsciously raised a hand, fixing Subin's hair before stroking it a little, finding it soft. He then lowered his hand, latching it onto his glass again. "I'll take your word for it and I'll try not to make extra work for you," he smiled a little wider, "You've overworked yourself today. Sorry for making you talk so much. Maybe it'll be better if I keep quiet, huh?" He drank some more water, feeling tempted to lean on Subin but stopping himself when he realized, not wanting to make the other uncomfortable. "I'll make something yummy to eat so, please, eat some. It's a lame thank you but at least let me say thank you that way, too."

@Dongju Subin shook his head slightly. He'd have cut off Dongjus words if he'd used his voice. He thought for a moment before shaking his head. "Not from the West" he muttered simply, wondering just how much he should actually tell Dongju. "Won't tell Hanse yet. Likely after Hanse. Using you as bait. If they were from the west they'd have your name. So from here. Again, anyone wanting you or your family would know your name. So someone targeting Hanse, using you to get him out." He took a breath after everything he said feeling warn out. "If you don't trust guards, ask for me"

@Subin "You're going to tell Hanse, aren't you," he hummed lowly, "You have to though, don't you?" He finally stretched his legs out, feeling a little cramped. Dongju took a deep breath, the exhale sounding more like a stressed sigh than anything else. "Do you know why I don't like to travel with bodyguards," he questioned, gaze still lowered, "I don't trust them anymore." Dongju knew it sounded stupid but it wasn't like he didn't have good reason to. It would make more sense to have more if he was going into the East but some part of him felt safer in the East than in the West since no one really knew who he was, even with him floating around Hanse all of the time. Dongju wasn't very well-known even among those that knew Hanse though. Aside from the band, most people didn't even know his name. "I feel like if..." he made sure his voice was quiet, so only Subin could hear him, "I feel like if it's someone wanting Hanse, he can take care of himself. You can take care of things for him..." His voice trails off, "But... if it's someone from back home that wants me again..."

@Dongju Subin gave a nod to Hanse before his attention was back on Dongju. He'd noticed the hesitation in the younger, and Hanse leaving seemed to be a blessing in disguise for Subin. If Dongju had noticed something and it was something he had overlooked, something that could cause problems he'd never forgive himself. He was not going to let this one drop. Once the leader was gone and Subin seemed to be willing to speak, he leant in a little more to listen to the quiet words, pretty sure he'd never heard the other like this before. He nodded a little and considered it.

Dongju was right. They hadn't once mentioned his name. Hanse was normally careful not to throw his name around as it would make him an easier target, so it was likely they were from here. It wasn't anyone from the Hunters, Subin was sure of it. Which meant it was someone else, likely trying to get to Hanse. What struck Subin as strange though, was if they were from the east why had they been following Dongju from so close to the border? It would mean they would have had to have known he was coming, or there were always people out watching. He needed to check, which meant he needed Hanse to come back. He clenched his hand in a fist for a second before it relaxed again and he nodded. "I will look into it"

@Subin He tried to figure out what Subin was getting at before he mentioned from earlier. He looked down at his water, glancing up when Hanse said that he would be right back. His expression made it clear that he was expecting the two to stay together and stay put. Thankfully, Hanse was only going to pick up the ingredients since there was something of a market nearby. He split his guards, making sure to keep some around and in the house, even though he wasn't expecting to be away but for a short amount of time.

Dongju looked down once more before glancing at Subin, smiling wryly and making sure to keep his voice down. "They didn't know my name but they were looking for me specifically," he finally relayed the information, not really wanting Hanse to know but knowing how Subin and Hanse were. He doubted there was anything at all they didn't share with one another.

@Dongju Subin barely even flinched at the scream and the punch, though his gaze did move to Hanse to make sure there wasn't a dagger flying at his face right now. Hanse was already on edge, the last thing he needed to hear was Dongju screaming all of a sudden. Thankfully it seemed either Hanse had noticed Subin had moved, or had glanced over after the scream before continuing on. Whatever happened later he was bound to get an earful from the leader just because of how tense he was right now. For now the focus was on Dongju, whatever he was focused on could have been important.

"I see it" He continued, still sitting, stiff beside the other. He was always stiff, always ready, and always listening to everything around them. Thanks to his eyesight there was a lot of things he really couldn't rely on his eyes for. So he's let his ears worry about that. "Something is on your mind. from earlier?" He tilted his head slightly, questioningly. This was the most he'd spoken in a long time, and he knew he was going to need to continue it. Dongju was not Hanse. This wouldn't go away if he didn't probe the other for an answer. "Whatever it is. Might be important. Tell me"

@Subin Dongju's focus was between his glass and watching and listening to Hanse. He'd grown to find Hanse's voice calming, even when he was clearly livid and was about to kill someone. He wondered what it would be like for Hanse to meet his brother, for Subin to meet his brother. Dongmyeong was lively, too, quieter than Dongju for the most part. They were the same when they got excited or riled up about something, talking quickly. Dongju was more likely to use his body to express something while Dongmyeong seemed better with his words. Maybe that was why they balanced one another out. It was probably more so that they just cared that much for each other though.

Dongju all but screamed when Subin began talking next to him, not even thinking as he punched at his arm. "Warning, some sort of warning would have been nice," he rasped out, catching his breath and calming back down, "What are you talking about though? When are you talking about?"

@Dongju Subin had almost pushed himself off the wall to step in and calm Hanse down once, but good news from the younger was always enough to pull the gang leader back. For as hard as Hanse liked to make himself out to be his soft spots were far too obvious sometimes. So Subin stayed put, against the wall, watching the moment like a picture on the wall. It was often how he felt, he liked it that way. People didn't look at him, didn't react to his presence. Most people even seemed to forget that he was there at all which made it easy to do his job. When he caught the young man's eye, he offered a nod, be it out of consideration, congratulation or just acknowledgement was up for debate, but he had to admit he was just a little proud as well.

He noticed it though. It wasn't anxiety like early, the buildup of stress that just clung to your chest and made everything difficult. It was something else. Dongju was thinking, there was something on his mind. He narrowed his eyes slightly, watching Hanse a second before moving back over, hesitating a second before sitting beside the blonde. "tell me" He all but whispered, eyes still studying the expression of the other. "What did you hear?"

@Subin Hanse's hands disappeared into his pockets. "'Don't be hard on him,' he says," he sighed, not angry but slightly frustrated. Had Dongju been anyone else, there's a chance he would have just strangled the other when he came back out from the kitchen, but he couldn't even bring himself to do so. His hands balled up in his pockets as the temptation flowed down to his fingertips. Dongju jumped when he spotted the older male, seemingly snapping out of some sort of daze he was in.

"Why did you come in without any sort of protection, Dongju? You know better than that," Hanse scolded and Dongju looked down at his water, shrugging his shoulders a little.

"I guess I just got really excited... I had really good news I wanted to share and I wanted to tell you in person."

"So, you came without thinking about it," Hanse stared at the younger, "All right, well, what's the good news?"

"I'm getting to design stage outfits for a small stage play," Dongju's tone and overall aura lit up some, trying to smile and managing a small one though he found it hard to lift his head.

"Design outfits? That's something you've always wanted to do, isn't it?"

It was moments like this where Hanse seemed like a parent figured to Dongju although it seemed it was usually the other way around, despite their ages. When Dongju got really excited or happy about something, he got pretty shy and kind of retreated in on himself. When Dongju nodded, Hanse gave a side smirk, reaching out to gently the blonde's hair.

"I'm proud of you, Dongju," Hanse praised him in a quiet voice, "Taking things into consideration, it may be best for us to stay here and celebrate, all right? Anything you want?"

Dongju just offered to cook with whatever they could get, not wanting to really go out either now. He took a seat again, cross-legged, as Hanse coordinated on getting some ingredients either delivered or ready for pickup. The blonde looked over at Subin and smiled at him, honestly feeling at ease now that he was with both Subin and Hanse. There was just something that Dongju heard earlier from the men that wasn't sitting right with him and he was doing his best to relax whenever it crossed his mind again.

@Dongju Subin quickly shook his head to dismiss Dongju's worry, his lips curling just a little again at the idea that someone else could read him to some degree. It was true that something Dongju was just a little to much. He was sure early on there were times he wanted to put his head through a wall just to shut him up. But he noticed the nervous ticks, the uncertainty. He knew it well enough himself. He knew that Dongju was just facing his own demons, each and every day. And he was doing it in a way he knew how, Subin couldn't blame him for that. He wanted to follow once Dongju said he was going to get water, the house was safe, he was sure, but there was always a risk. He kept one ear trained in the direction of Dongju as he heard the car pull him, tense until he picked up the distinct footfalls of Hanse. He kept his eyes on the male as he made his way over, offering a simple not to the request before motioning to where Dongju had gone.

"Water" He muttered simply before shifting away from where he had been standing, back into the shadows against the wall where he could watch in silence. "Don't be hard on him, he's been through enough today" He added, just loud enough that he was sure Hanse would hear him, before leaning back against the wall, watching everything, and listening out carefully for any other sounds that might forewarn trouble.

@Subin Dongju had only meant for Subin to give yes or no answers and felt really apologetic for making him talk even more. "Subin," he called softly, "You don't have to push yourself. I know you're not much of a talker so it's okay. I'm glad you've told me though. I wouldn't say I scare you but I can tell when you're... off because of me? I'm not quite sure how to explain it myself." He tucked his hair behind his ear and quietly tapped his glass before finally drinking some more from it. He looked at Subin again and tilted his head, processing his words some before speaking again, finally settling on what he wanted to say. Well, one thing of many. He just didn't want to do too much and make Subin feel like he had to really explain himself. "Thank you again," he smiled widely, "I'll be better with coming here so you don't have to... do what you did today." Dongju nodded and got up, "I'll be back. I'm going to get some more water." He excused himself and headed to the little kitchen area.

Hanse finally arrived at the house, glaring at the same guard from before and then heading inside. He let the guards do what they needed while he went straight to Subin, his brows furrowing for a moment. He could hear movement a little ways off and figured that was Dongju. He folded his arms over his chest, staring off in the direction he heard the movement, "I do want a report but, for now, let's try not to talk about it while Dongju is around?" He turned his attention back to Subin, scanning over his features and just silently double-checking that he was alright, not that he was really questioning it. Hanse knew very well that Subin could handle himself and, depending on the circumstances, could handle many others. The strength of Subin's level-headedness came at a price but maybe it was best to be that way with everything that had happened and everything that they had to get done.

@Dongju Subin watched Dongju carefully once again as he seemed to go through different conversations or options in his mind. Subin was rather good at reading those around him, even Dongju, but he'd never picked up just how worried the other seemed to be about certain things. As he continued to stumble through his words, Subin waited patiently for him to finish, marvelling a little at how aware Dongju seemed to be of things. He couldn't exactly say he felt things. He didn't want to hurt or worry Dongju anymore, and nor did he wish to lie. Once he was sure the younger was finished he sighed softly and looked down, thinking carefully and letting out a soft sigh. "I don't feel... small things" He started, already hating how much he was going to talk, knowing that once Hanse arrived he'd have a report to give and questions to answer there as well. But for Dongju, he'd suffer. "When something really... affects me... Then I can feel. I don't feel annoyed by you. I don't... I can't express myself. Too many bad memories... My body won't... " He trailed off and shook his head slightly, looking back up to the younger. "You don't annoy me."

@Subin [] <3

"Well, that's good to know," Dongju smiled softly, sipping his water and keeping the glass held securely between both of his hands. "Do I..." He paused for a moment before asking his next question, thinking about a couple of conversations he'd had with Hanse, "You don't express yourself very...often... Not at all. Do you know how to express yourself? Like with words or with writing?" He was trying to be careful, not wanting to come off too harsh or mean toward Subin when he was just taking the chance to try and figure the other out better. "If I ask you something like 'if I make you uncomfortable or upset,' you're not just saying 'no' because you don't really feel it," he asked, gaze soft still as he watched Subin's face, "You know, you actually mean it, right?" He was doing exactly what he didn't want to do. Dongju felt like he was rambling and immediately apologized with a small smile, "I'm sorry. I don't mean to bombard you or anything... I know I can be too much sometimes, especially for you and Hanse. I think my brother's gotten used to me already, although I still catch him off guard sometimes."

@Dongju Me too tbh))

Before Dongju could say anything else Subin felt his phone go off. His attention instantly shifted to the device as he fished it out of his pocket once more and looked at the message, nodding once as if Hanse could see him before slipping it away again, before looking back to Dongju just in time to focus on his words. There was something kind about Dongju, soft and considerate. He wanted answers to things but he knew Subin rarely spoke so he was going to adjust the way he'd ask things. It was sweet, It was one of the reasons Subin actually liked Dongju.

"No" He replied simply, shaking his head for added emphasis. He certainly didn't hate Dongju, though he could understand why he was being asked that. Not many people could read him, could read the small details in his actions, words or any other tiny giveaway he might have had. He wasn't even sure that Hanse always knew the way he was thinking or 'feeling' though he seemed to be pretty aware of it. He shifted a little, still standing in place, eyes focused on the young male as he waited for the next question.

@Subin [] Good, good. I’m glad. ;3;

Finally get the chance to check his messages, one of his guards having walked away with his phone. The glare alone was enough to scare the man to his core. As they headed back to the car, he read his messages from Subin and a brief wave of panic coursed through him before it shifted to annoyance. It wasn’t at all toward Subin but toward Dongju. He adored the younger male dearly but he would also appreciate it he wouldn’t put his main bodyguard in danger or on edge as well as not put himself in danger. “OMW,” Hanse simply messaged back before telling his driver where to go.

Dongju accepted the water with both hands, immediately taking a sip. He noticed the lift of the corner of Subin’s lips and found himself feeling that much more at ease. The guard’s words just topped it all off. He parted his lips to say something else, unsure if he should just yet and unsure of what he wanted to say. He tapped the glass before taking a few more sips. “I know you’re not much of a talker,” Dongju finally voiced, his does eyes gentle as they focused on Subin again, “So, I’ll try with yes and no kind of questions… You don’t… you know, hate me, right?” He wasn’t sure what made him ask but he figured now was as good a time as any, biting his lip to stop himself from rambling as there were a lot of words and questions sitting on the tip of his tongue.

@Dongju It came back for a bit in the morning, but is gone again for now.))

Subin kept his eyes focused on the other, watching for every little reaction that came from him. He seemed alright, a slight tremble maybe, but all in all, he seemed ok. He did look kind of like he was on the edge of a mental break down and Subin wanted to push him over that edge. It seemed a horrible thing to do, but getting through it was easier than trying to balance on the edge, and he certainly had no idea how to get people back from that point. He barely knew how to hold a conversation for long enough to get out of it. There was a reason Subin was known as Ghost, because he made damn sure no one was there to talk to him. Dongju was a little different, given his proximity to Dragon, but still... it was awkward if he knew what that felt like, between them.

He shook his head at Dongju's words and glanced around carefully before moving off to get some water, bringing that over and holding it out for Dongju. He thought for a long moment, to him at least before offering something of a smile, the slightest of curve in his lips that might give way to it if Dongju was looking for it. "Wanted to" He muttered back simply. He wanted to for Hanse, obviously. Hanse had made sure everyone knew to keep Dongjus safe, everyone he trusted anyway, but there was something that made Subin want to do it himself. He could have called someone, could have stopped Hanse and had Dongju just get in the car, but he'd chosen to leave the one person he never wanted to so he could save Dongju. Not many people saw Subin as anything but a killer, Dongju had always seemed to see him as more, so maybe he wanted to show that just a little.