CURSED│open to all rp levels discussion

The residency of jiwoo chung and his three cats.

He dug out his phone and showed Richard his home address. The drive home was long and uneventful, Jiwoo unable to fall asleep but too tired to move or respond.

When the car finally pulled into the lot, he wasn’t tired anymore (things like this came and went). He sat up and unbuckled his seatbelt, taking his keys from Richard and getting out of his car.

Richard glanced up from the driver's seat to the window. Seeing the apartment block that stared back. He forgot when it was the last time he was at someone's place. Wordlessly he handed the keys to Jiwoo. He got out of the driver's seat and crossed his arms over his chest.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, walking to Jiwoo's side. Richard lightly patted the hood of his car, then shifted his weight from foot to foot.

“Fine,” Jiwoo responded with a small yawn, taking Richard’s wrist and tugging him forwards, down the exposed brick hallway and up the stairs to his apartment door.

He’d lived alone ever since he’d turned eighteen, and he was about to be nineteen (in regular human years). So it had been a few years. He’d gotten very lonely at the beginning and had made the mistake of adopting three obnoxious cats, but he loved them and they gave him much-needed company.
He unlocked the door and slipped inside, pulling Richard in after him quickly to prevent the cats circling his feet from getting out. “Hey Lulu,” He said, bending down and patting his half-blind Lucy on her soft head.

Richard couldn’t resist the smile that tugged his lips as he was being led. Surprised at the sudden energy and outgoingness of Jiwoo.

When they walked in, Richard was taken aback from the apartment. It was simple, like Jiwoo but cosy with the essentials. The kitchen small and open, the living room spacious and full of plant life. Suddenly he heard quiet meows edging closer.

Richard startled at the felines that were happily circling Jiwoo. “And who are these gorgeous creatures?” He murmured, keeping his voice soft to not startle the cats. Richard slowly started to bend down, stopping halfway. Would they realise he was an abomination? He bit his lip and extended his hand, ready for these innocent cats to scratch or run away.

Jiwoo closed the door behind them and smiled when Richard’s gaze immediately went to his kitties. He always loved when people enjoyed and complimented his cats. He was sure they loved it too.

He patted the white one on her head and moved his thumb softly over the slit on the right side of her face. “This is Lucy. She lost an eye before I adopted her, so she should be skittish, but really she’s just a big sweetheart.” He noticed Richard’s lip in between his teeth nervously. “Don’t worry. They’re used to … us.” He said by way of explaining. “The grumpy one over there is Boo. And no, I didn’t choose his name, but he refuses to come to anything else.” He motioned towards the cat lazing on the back of the couch, Boo ignoring him ritualistically. “Mila likes to sleep a lot, and she really doesn’t care about much.” He picked her up from the floor and walked into the living room, which was frightfully close to his kitchen. “Sorry I just exploded on you there.” He wasn’t used to people talking to him, and he wanted to get it all out while he had a chance.

{mila
boo
lucy }

Richard bowed his head. “Pleasure to meet you all” he teased.

“They are adorable” he said to Jiwoo. He followed him through the apartment to the living room. “No, it’s fine. I used to love pets” he smiled, waving his hand to brush away Jiwoo’s worry. “I felt that you were truly relaxed in that moment…unlike in the restaurant” he commented.

Richard motioned to a sofa. “May I sit?” He asked. Always one with strong manners in different places, it was there when people realised that Richard was different. From almost another time. “It’s a beautiful place. I’d love to own something like this one day” he murmured, turning around to really get a look around the apartment.

((they are so cute)

Jiwoo smiled at Richard’s ease with his animals, then tilted his head quizzically at the other’s next words. “Used to? Do you not anymore?” He blushed softly as he sat down and pulled Mila into his lap. “Probably true.” He replied to Richard’s offhand comment.
He nodded sharply. “Of course.” As soon as the other sat down, Lucy curled up next to him and closed her eye, head still raised as she started to purr from only the proximity. Big softie. “Thank you.” Jiwoo said, tucking his chin into his chest as he looked down at Mila.

{lol ikr}

Richard shrugged. “After I got cursed, animals aren’t a big fan of me” he explained. “They smell my rottenness” He smiled sadly. “I guess, I’ve never gotten around animals since the incident”

Once he sat back down, he almost sat back up when the cat, Lucy, appeared. “Oh!” He exclaimed. The purrs made Richard’s steel heart melt. His eyes blinked back the tears that dared to escape. It had never happened before. He glanced at Jiwoo. “W-w…” he smiled, releasing a happy sigh of relief. “Oh wow” he sniffed. He glanced at Jiwoo. “I..so tell me more. I want to know everything” he murmured, bringing his self closer but remaining a polite distance from his host.

Jiwoo’s smile slowly turned into a solemn expression. “Oh, you’re not rotten,” he said, patting Richard’s shoulder comfortingly.

Jiwoo chuckled softly at Richard’s adorable overreaction to Lucy’s purrs. He tilted his head and tapped his lips as he thought about what to say. “There’s really not much to tell,” he eventually came up with, smiling softly and trying not to frown. He was boring, no one wanted to know about him. He brought his knees up on the couch, pushing himself closer to Richard - their shoulders were almost touching.

Richard unintentionally recoiled at the touch. It was so damn gentle. His eyes met Jiwoo, flashing regret at his action. “Sorry, I just…it’s been years since,” He looked away. “I’ve been alone for quite sometime” he smirked. He reached out to stroke the cat close to him. His fingers grazing the soft fur and giving a soft, almost non-existent touch.

“I beg to differ” Richard offered. “You think you’re dull, but I think you’re fascinating” he smiled. With a shrug, he continued, “Maybe start with your abilities? Or interests?” He asked. Realising the proximity that began started as strangers to now close companions, Richard didn’t want this night to end. It was so different to what he’d been doing for this whole life.

“I enjoy technology, for example. Not smart enough to create something but here, and there I learn to fix things”

Jiwoo studied Richard’s face when he pulled away, seeing the regret there. He was good at reading people’s expressions. “It’s alright. So have I.” He knew his time wasn’t nearly as long as Richard’s, only a few years, but still. He smiled as Lucy’s purrs increased in volume.

Jiwoo glanced down at the couch, picking at the loose threads in the cushion. “Well …” he hesitated. “I like soccer. And drawing - my favorite medium is charcoal. I’m not very good at it.” He let out a small laugh and stroked Mila’s head absentmindedly. “I used to work very hard at my studies, and that occupied most of my time before I realized I could take infinite turns in each grade if a subject didn’t make sense. So I didn’t develop many habits or interests.” He glanced to Richard when he felt he’d said enough. “What about you?”

Richard’s eyes studied Jiwoo. They were so similar in knowing what loneliness felt like, yet different in how it affected them. At least that’s what he thought. Loneliness when his family were gone left Richard bitter, cold and disgusted by the warmth of touch. Now, though he’d learn to live with these feelings. They still made their appearance know whenever the spirit emerged in the night.

As he listened to Jiwoo, he felt his stroking becoming rhythmic, soothing to both him and Lucy who apparently enjoyed it. When he stopped, his smile fell, wanting to hear more about the mystery that Jiwoo was. “I…well I like to fix things, I went to school almost ten times but this year, it was enough for me” he chuckled. “Education has gotten way to hard for a mind like mine” he grinned. “I guess I’m mostly walking aimlessly around or crunched over something broken and figuring out a way to…bring it together” he said gently, meeting Jiwoo’s eyes again, but they darted away.


“You’ve never tried to get into professional soccer?” He asked, raising an eyebrow. “But you’re great!”

Jiwoo almost put a hand on Richard's arm, but stopped himself when he remembered the other's earlier reaction to being touched. The way he spoke about fixing things, it made it sound like Richard thought he himself needed to be fixed. He nodded when the other finished, eyes downcast at sleeping Mila. "Nice philosophy," he said with a small smile, trying to keep the conversation light.

Jiwoo glanced back up at Richard's sudden exclamation, shaking his head. "Ah ... no. I don't want to be a professional soccer player for most of my life. I want to be a theoretical physicist. It's just so ... thought-provoking, you know? Black holes and the space-time continuum and all that."

Richard bit his lip as he watched out for the corner of his eye, the hand that Jiwoo retracted. With his free arm, he placed it over his body, almost as if he was hugging himself. He smirked. “Sorry, I swear I’m not moody all the time” he jested. “I just…it’s been a long day and I met you and…I just feel comfortable around you, you know?” He glanced over at Lucy and smiled. “I’ve never felt this close to anyone before” he confessed.

“Physicist?” He turned his body to face Jiwoo, his shoulder brushed his as he did do. Closing the contact barrier. “And what is your theory on the space-time continuum, Dr Jiwoo” he grinned. He laughed softly. “Would explain a lot about ourselves”

Richard looked at the cats. “You are really interesting, Jiwoo. I’m surprised no one has realised that”

Jiwoo laughed softly, Mila getting up to rearrange herself before ultimately deciding to go bother Boo on the back of the couch. He glanced at Richard with a slight blush and a wide grin when he said he was comfortable around him. “That’s … nice,” He said, managing to make it sound really lame while his expression was conveying something else entirely. It wasn’t lame; it was rather groundbreaking, actually.

Jiwoo nodded quickly at Richard’s next words. “Yes, and the theories of consciousnesses. Those interest me too, immensely. Like … who really am I? And why am I here? And why am I me?” He trailed off, glancing down. “Sorry.”

He looked back up and blushed again, noticing how close together they were. “Thank you.”

This time Richard didn’t hold back on modesties, he lifted his hand and placed it comfortingly on Jiwoo’s shoulder. “Any time” he said. All jokes stopped, all the friendly banter ceased. This was said with honesty.

He smiled. “Yeah, nice is a good way to put it” he nodded, harrowing his eyes as he tried to figure out the distance between Jiwoo’s facial expression and the words that flowed out of him. His teasing self had returned, leaving behind the moment of truth.

“Don’t apologise! It’s great! And when you figure out the answer,” he leaned in to Jiwoo, “let me know” he whispered. It was pointless, only for the sake of drama considering the only company were the cats. Richard leaned back. “I picture your book title already…Jiwoo: who am I?” His arms opening wide as he imagined the title pasted upon the wall.

Jiwoo shivered slightly at the contact, getting a little too close to his face for comfort. He was always awkward about being touched in the face-area. Jiwoo tended to focus on the present more than the past, no matter how much his mind always wanted to linger. His mother had had some kind of mental problem - she’d never gone to the doctor to get it diagnosed, so they’d never figured out what it was. She would be very sweet and endearing one second, and then lose her temper the next, even if all that happened was a dust mote floating by. It ended up with Jiwoo being slapped across the face after a gentle, motherly caress more times than he could count. So, he was careful with who got to touch him. Understandably.

He shook himself out of the reminiscing of the past, snapping back to the conversation, the slight laugh gone from his eyes - until Richard named the book on his theories. He slapped his thigh and laughed loudly. “That sounds so stupid!” He exclaimed, freaking Boo out, who swatted at Jiwoo’s hair. It had been a while since his apartment had been so loud and full.

Richard pulled away, already worried he’d overstepped a boundary. “Sorry, that was rude of me” he said apologetically. “I should’ve have gotten up in your face like that” he murmured, chewing the bottom lip as his hand rubbed the back of his neck.

But Richard jumped, almost like the cats at the bellowing sound of Jiwoo’s laughter. A smile formed across Richard’s face, brightening his eyes as it widened. He never thought such a sound could be emitted from someone so quiet. He shrugged, showing his hands. “Hey! That’s a number one bestseller right there.” He said, following the laughter that escaped Jiwoo. “I’d like to see your face when it becomes a Nobel Prize worthy book…all because of the title that was created by yours truly” he smirked, wiping away the nonexistent tear from his eye.

”It’s alright. I overreacted.” Jiwoo said, chewing on his bottom lip apprehensively. He followed up the statement by scooting slightly closer to Richard on the couch (but being sure to keep his hands to himself).

He glanced at Richard’s face, just looking, when he smiled. He looked so much … prettier. Happier. Nicer. He laughed again to not make it awkward and nodded. “Of course. I’ll even put an honorary mention on the second page.”

{hey?}

((Crap sorry!! Reply on the way!))

{lol it’s ok}

Richard shook his head quickly. “No, no. It’s your personal space and I overstepped” he said with a warm smile. “And I don’t want to break any trust as well” he added quietly. He didn’t want to bring Jiwoo back into himself. No, Richard wanted to see the loud Jiwoo who laughed joyfully and filled the room with light. A lightness that Richard never experienced before.

“Second page?!” He exclaimed, putting a hand to his chest with a shocked expression. “You wound me so” he said then proceeded to pretend faint. Cracking open an eye, he grinned at Jiwoo. “Thank you” he said once more. “I’m glad you bumped into me”

Richard swore that he could’ve kissed Jiwoo. Just because he made Richard feel whole again. Maybe had it not been for the fact that he was a disgusting skeleton during the moonlight, he felt almost human. And Jiwoo pulled him back from that darkness. “How did you save me?” He murmured quietly.

Jiwoo nodded, unable to come up with any words to respond to Richard with. He didn’t want to explain himself, but he didn’t want Richard to think he didn’t like him.

“Oh, hush. You’re lucky to even get a mention in my Nobel Prize-winning book.” He chuckled, pushing Boo’s paw away from his hair. He tilted his head slightly, still smiling, at Richard’s next statement. “I’m glad I did too.”

Jiwoo was busy petting Boo and trying to get him to chill when he heard Richard say something quietly. “Hmm?” He raised his eyebrows, glancing back at the other.

Richard looked back at Jiwoo. “What?” He said, hiding behind a smile to avoid repeating what he said before. It was probably too cringe-worthy, especially for someone he’d just meant. But as the man he was and having lived for countless decades. Almost a century even, it was astonishing that today, after all this time, someone had been able to get to Richard. React to his curse with a laugh and a gag.

“If I haven’t been able to get anything in my life, I guess a mention is enough” he said, running a hand through his hair. “Why don’t you miss class tomorrow?” He asked. “Hang out with me more…an evening isn’t enough for all the questions I have” he smiled to Jiwoo.

“Or don’t” he quickly added. “I don’t want to mess up your routine” Richard laughed, hard and loud. “Oh I’m such a lame ass guy” he smirked shaking his head.

Jiwoo shook his head. “Thought you said something.” He could’ve sworn … but if Richard wasn’t comfortable with repeating it, he would let it go. He contemplated this as he stroked Boo’s head, the cat staring at him with narrow eyes. “Babe, calm down. Nothing’s wrong.” He assured the cat.

He turned back to Richard at his next words. “No, I can stand to miss a day or two. I don’t have a strict schedule or anything.” He shook his head with a slight huff. “You’re not a lame-ass guy. You’re very … old-fashioned. But in a nice way.” Jiwoo said, studying the other’s face.

“Me? Never” he smiled teasingly. He reached out to stroke Lucy, his fingers covered by her soft fur. It was relaxing and helpful to cover his unease. He glanced at Boo. “I hope I didn’t say anything to offend, dear Boo” he added to Jiwoo’s assurance.

Moving his attention back to Jiwoo he smiled. “It’s a date then” he blushed. “Um, I mean, it’s a date because tomorrow has a date…like any other dates…you know?” He stammered with a nervous laugh.

“Thank you” he sighed. “I think you’d see more comfortable with a bowler hat and suspenders” he joked. Richard met Jiwoo’s gaze. “Is there something on my face?” He wondered, reaching up to touch his forehead, nose and cheeks.

Boo got up and strutted away at all of the attention, towards where his food bowl usually was. “Food hound,” Jiwoo snickered, watching him go.

He listened to Richard’s rambling with an amused face. “Shh, I know what you mean.” He said, standing up to go feed Boo. He was so soft when it came to his cats - all it took was a melting look from them and he would do their bidding willingly.

Jiwoo chuckled. “That’s clown wear. More like … a brown suit. No, that would actually look nice on you, I think.” He said, losing his train of through and rambling slightly. “Hm? Oh, no. Nothing.” He averted his gaze awkwardly.

Richard smirked watching the cat lumber to the bowl. “Huh. Knows the important things in life” he commented.

He nodded, letting out a sign of relief when Jiwoo reassured him. It was a nice gesture from his part, letting Richard breathe the air he kept himself from breathing. It filled his lungs, and his heart resumed the slow beating.

“Hey, I might wear that for the ball” he warned, wagging his finger. He wouldn’t, of course. Having read and watch the new styles that were being worn, he found a nice black trousers with rose pattern shirt. Even thought to wear eyeshadow to add an extra pop of colour to his mother’s eyes.

Richard smiled up to Jiwoo. “I’ve never worn such clothing in years…wonder whether they’d still fit” he laughed.

Jiwoo reached up into the pantry, standing on his tiptoes to get the cat food at the second-to-top shelf. He scooped out three cups and put one in each bowl, filling up their water bowl with fresh water while he was at it. He hopped up to sit on the counter to watch them eat.

His eyes widened when Richard mentioned the ball. “Oh. I … I probably don’t have anything to wear. I literally have like, one suit, and it’s ugly on me.” Really, it was a nice suit, and looked great on the model - but Jiwoo was no model and he thought looked trashy on him.

Richard remained seated in the sofa, but stretched his arms and laid them along the sides of the comfy sofa. He watched the cats quietly and quickly munch their food. Unbothered by the two boys that stared at them.

“Why don’t you try it on and show me?” He inquired with a soft smile. “I’ll be honest about it...though it’s doubtful something as classy as a suit would look bad on you” he said, giving him a wink. Richard thought it was outgoing to ask Jiwoo this. But he’d rather ask anyway. Curiosity had gotten the best of him, of course.

“Oh?” Jiwoo looked over at Richard, his eyes wide with surprise. “Okay.” He slid off the counter and padded into his room, making a weird face as he closed the door. He didn’t have a mirror in his room - only the bathroom - so he could’ve put the suit on backwards, for all he knew. He slipped the pants on and frowned when he had to roll up the waistband so the ends didn’t drag on the floor. F this.
He went to his closet and got out a pair of slightly fancy pants, but not dress pants like these. He put on the jacket only, hoped the stuff went together, and opened his door, going back to the living room and doing a lazy spin, glaring at Richard for making him put this on.

Richard let out a low whistle once he saw Jiwol enter the living room again, then laughed clapping at the twirl he gave. “Not bad, Jiwoo. You could make the whole room go quiet with that look” he stood up, walking up to him. “Wow. You look amazing” he gushed.

He placed a hand under his chin, his eyes kept glancing at the look that was presented. Richard didn’t know whether Jiwoo even liked guys in a dating sort of way. But if he did, Richard wouldn’t stop to ask him on a real date. Romantically. He didn’t realise his sexuality until two decades ago, when people started to be open about their interests. But even so, Richard had ever dated anyone as he was unable to find someone he felt related to him on an emotional level.

Looking at Jiwoo, he blushed. He just radiated the room. “I have to say you’ve impressed me a lot these past few hours” he said, with a grin. “Invisible, my ass. You shine”

Jiwoo smiled widely, his grin growing in size. He hated wearing fancy stuff. But the pants weren’t fancy by a far stretch, and the jacket was really quite comfortable, and if Richard thought that highly of him in this attire, then he would most definitely wear it to that dance.

He noticed the look in Richard’s eyes - something like admiration maybe. He tried to ignore it. He liked boys, he had for a while, and he’d dated twice, but he usually didn’t like people very much, just in general. They weren’t trustworthy.

Jiwoo tipped his nose up at the praise, a blush coloring his cheeks. “Thank you.”
He tried not to show how much it made him feel shiny, wanted, special.

“Anytime” Richard said with a small bow. He extended a hand to Jiwoo. “Care to practice our dancing skills?” He asked with a charming smile. He felt the worry from prior fade to the background of his mind. In the end, if Jiwoo did move away from Richard, at least he was honest to him. So far he’d revealed his cursed side, talked (though briefly) about his past life, and nothing seemed to faze Jiwoo as much as he’d thought. So why not take the gamble?

He looked around the apartment for some space, then with a goofy grin, kneeled on one knee. “Since I didn’t ask you more...extravagantly before,” he said, “Jiwoo. Would you go to the dance with this old fashioned, cursed, experienced with age man?” He declared, almost theatrical. He pointed at the cats. “I have an audience so don’t you dare turn me down” he warned playfully.

“Oh?” Jiwoo raised his eyebrows, but accepted Richard’s outstretched hand with one of his own. He followed him a few steps to the middle of the living room, on the carpet that was a pain in the rear end to clean. Especially when Boo had gone through his un-housetrained phase.

He closed his eyes, shaking his head with a bright grin when Richard knelt down. “You’re too extra,” He said, jokingly, a bright smile on his face. “Of course, I already said I would.”
He glanced over at the intrigued cats. “Would give them a source of gossip. Maybe I should refuse.” He joked.

Richard smirked. “I am a theatrical artist!” He proclaimed. His gaze softened by the feeling of Jiwoo’s cool hand in his.

“Extra?” He echoed, tilting his head. Obviously with time, Richard had to adapt with the new language that was appearing. One time there was a word called ‘fetch’ that was supposedly the new trend. However when he’d used it, he was casted some confused and comedic glances. Waving his free hand as if to push the word away, he remained on his knees. He glanced at the cats, with an intrigued eyebrow raised.

“What?! No! You said you would, so now you must” he recited. An old phrase his mother would sing when Richard and his sister would refuse to do their chores. Richard grinned. “And if you do, then I’ll go with Lucy” he firmly nodded.

Raising from his position, he squeezed gently Jiwoo’s hand. “But between us, I think you’re lighter on your feet” he teased. “Music, maestro cats!” He laughed, with a pathetic shake of his head. His now dry hair moving along with his movements.

“Lucy?” Jiwoo gasped, taken aback. “Lucy can’t even see out of an eye! Clumsy sweetheart, I love you,” He said softly to her to make up for the insult.

Jiwoo glanced down at his hand in Richard’s, noticing the obvious size difference. And noticing how it felt kinda right. In some way. “I’ll go with you,” he murmured, his light-hearted mood drifting away.

Richard scoffed a laugh, “Poor Lucy! I bet she’d be the perfect date!” He defended the poor cat that must’ve been so confused at what was going on. It was an interesting dynamic the two shared, getting along well and enjoying the company of cats that were particularly polite at their antics. He was also grateful at the way they had greeted Richard, not hissing or clawing at himself but rather...it was a strange but welcoming occurrence.

Seeing Jiwoo looked at their intertwined hands, he blushed. “Are you alright?” He asked him. Richard had noticed a different atmosphere from earlier. “You can tell me anything, Jiwoo” he murmured. If he wasn’t worried about his reaction, Richard might’ve tilted the chin that looked downward and given him a reassuring smile to let him know it was alright. But he settled for the promise he had whispered to the other. Hoping it carried the expression he knew his eyes would’ve.

Jiwoo scoffed and patted Lucy on the head. “Lucy, but Richard would propably trip over you.”

Jiwoo ran his thumb over the back of Richard’s hand. Last time he’d held someone’s hand like this had been his sister, and that had been so so long ago.
So long … it was the past.
He forced himself back to the moment and nodded, looking up at Richard with a slightly puzzled, (fake) smile. “Why wouldn’t I be?” A fair question.
He sighed at Richard’s sweet promise and looked down again. “I just miss my sister sometimes, you know? You just … reminded me of her for a moment. That’s all. I’m fine.”

Richard scoffed to hide his hurt expression, “I was around through the evolution of dance. Practically the master in whatever kind you can think of!” And it wasn’t a complete lie, he had been through the era of swing, jive, breakdance...even tried twerking at some point but gave up at the thought of ever doing it in front of a crowd.

He couldn’t help shiver at the brush of Jiwoo’s fingers. They were so soft. And maybe even affectionate. Richard bowed his head to look into his eyes, seeing an internal working behind that smile he’d plastered on his face. “You have a sister?” He asked. His eyes blinked slowly. “Where...where’s she now?” He had murmured.

Jiwoo rolled his eyes, smiling. “I wasn’t …” he leaned closer to whisper in Richard’s ear so Lucy wouldn’t be offended. “I’m sure you’re wonderful at dancing, but she would walk straight into your legs and trip you. So you should just take me instead. Much less trouble.” He flashed a smile as he pulled away.


“Mm.” Jiwoo nodded, chewing on his lower lip as he looked down, his mood changing and smile slowly evaporating. “I don’t know. My mom kind of … realized I was different … and she kicked me out. My sister and I kept in touch for a few years but then, suddenly, none of the contact lines we had worked anymore. She probably just got a new phone and forgot about me.” He shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal.

Richard felt goosebumps form over his skin as Jiwoo’s voice whispered close to him. At first he thought it to be the coldness from the wet clothes and hair, that he just noticed. But another part knew it wasn’t that. The proximity between them was new to Richard, not being this close to anyone in too long. That, and the softness of the whisper that floated into his ears. He blushed darkly. “R-right. Yes, of course,” he stammered. Clearing his throat, he met Jiwoo’s grin with one of his own to hide the shyness he felt “You’re the perfect one for me” he said.

His grin flattered, turning downwards by gravity. “I’m sorry” he murmured. He looked up at Jiwoo. “Have you tried finding her physically? Going back to the house?” He asked. Richard shook his head, almost violently. “No...you’re unforgettable, Jiwoo...and your cru-, gift. It’s beautiful. If she kicked you out for creating such beauty then I wonder what she’d do to me” He said, speaking the last part lightheartedly.

Jiwoo noticed Richard’s blush, and that caused him to blush also. He looked down and realized Richard was still wearing his wet clothes. “Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry. I forgot we were in the rain.” He grappled Richard’s sleeve and pulled him towards his bedroom. “I have to have something you can wear.”

“I did go back once,” he replied as he rooted through his closet. “But there was no one there. And, to be honest, I’d be okay without ever seeing my mother again.” He lied.
He turned to Richard with a surprised expression. “Really?” Because, to himself, he was so utterly forgettable. So average. “And no. She saw it as an abomination. She was also crazy religious … and she thought I was possessed by the devil sometimes …” he shook his head, laughing softly. “Silly people.”

Richard began his retort but as he was pulled away all that escaped him was a small yelp of surprise. He laughed. “Oh it’s fine! I wouldn’t want to ruin your clean clothes!” He finally said. He didn’t know whether they were the same size too.

He leaned on the wall as he listened to Jiwoo speak, not wanting to soil Jiwoo’s bedroom with his dirty presence. It was kept as neat and clean as the rest of the flat. But realising it was his bedroom made the whole thing more closer than before. He was in Jiwoo’s private place and he didn’t want to come in any further out of fear for invading boundaries. Though he wasn’t sure if they were upheld after the intimate moment they had earlier. He still felt the touch of his hand on his.

“From experience...I wouldn’t say that. In the end family is the thing it’s all about” Richard expressed, picking at the invisible grime on his fingers. “I...when I was cursed with the spirit my family vanished. Disappeared into nothing, bodies weren’t found under the rumble” He looked down, almost picturing the scene. Richard blinked, noting the wetness from his eyes. He smiled. “Sorry. And yes really, I am deeply in admiration of you”

“I guess with people like us, they must be a sort of devil somewhere” he shrugged. “Silly people indeed” he chuckled softly.

“Don’t worry about size, most of my stuff is too big anyways.” He threw over his shoulder. “Go sit on my bed or something. I promise there’s not a monster under it.” Richard seemed to not want to come in, which was weird, because Jiwoo was pretty sure they were besties by now. Even though they’d only met today.
He finally found a plain gray shirt and old, old sweatpants that had been his former roommate’s. He’d accidentally taken them when he’d moved out. Jiwoo handed the items to Richard as he listened to his response. “I’m sorry.” He said softly, sitting down beside him. “That’s worse than not knowing where they are.”
His face brightened incrementally and he laughed softly. “It’s nice that you are.” He glanced to the other as Lucy padded into the room. “I suppose so. That’s … kind of sad.”

Richard glances to the bed then Jiwoo with a shrug he slowly made his way and sat. “It wasn’t the monster I’m afraid of” he laughed. “I’m sure we’d all get along splendidly”

He stood up as took the clothes, keeping them far from his wet ones. Placing them on the bed, he started to pull off his soaked hoodie, but stopped half pull. “May I?” He asked, raising a suggestive eyebrow to Jiwoo. Richard didn’t mind if he looked though he’d probably blush from the act of changing in front of him. But he still wanted to ask his host before continuing on his way.

Richard smiled, “It’s fine, just an old man complaining” he said lightheartedly. His smile brightened as the cat, Lucy, entered the room. “My precious lovely Lucy!” He beamed. But his excitement was short lived as he heard Jiwoo’s utterance. He placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Hey, nothing to be sad about. We’ve got each other, right? Two dashing gentlemen ready to take on Warwick” he grinned.

Jiwoo smiled softly at Richard’s joke about the monsters. Even though he himself had just joked about it, the real meaning was starting to hit him, and he didn’t want to think he was a monster. That would undo so many years worth of trying not to remember.
Jiwoo glanced over at Richard when his thoughts scattered, blushing softly but nodding. “Mhm.” If they were truly friends, he would’ve turned his back or something … but even though it had been a day, he felt closer already than he would with a friend.

“Don’t say old man …” Jiwoo scrunched up his nose. “Old people are gross. But only because they look old. And you don’t.” He didn’t know why that bothered him so much.
“Lulu,” Jiwoo called, patting the bed beside him repeatedly. She eventually caught the hint and jumped up beside him. “Of course.” Jiwoo smiled.

Richard grinned and shrugged off his hoodie and shirt, he had hesitated a little by the trousers but continued without further thought. He had reached for the clothes inspecting them and feeling the incredibly softness of the fabric. It wasn’t to make time for his body to be on display, mostly to let his skin dry with the air and to marvel at the evolution of comfort. He put them on. “This is so soft!” He groaned in delight.

He smiled to Jiwoo. “Thanks” he said softly before scooping down to grab the bundle of wet clothes. “Mind if I put them to dry in your bathroom or something?” He asked. He laughed with a pinkness to his cheeks. “You said old man before!” He teased. “I won’t mention it again” he grinned, his hand moving across his lips as if making a zipper out of his mouth.

He went over to stroke Lucy, who he grown a particular affection too. “I’m tempted to steal her for myself…and you” he winked mischievously to Jiwoo.