when you're stuck inside the dark;; - Printable Version
+- Charming (https://charmingrp.com)
+-- Forum: IC - Elsewhere (https://charmingrp.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=11)
+--- Forum: The Past (https://charmingrp.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=92)
+--- Thread: when you're stuck inside the dark;; (/showthread.php?tid=18105)
+- Charming (https://charmingrp.com)
+-- Forum: IC - Elsewhere (https://charmingrp.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=11)
+--- Forum: The Past (https://charmingrp.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=92)
+--- Thread: when you're stuck inside the dark;; (/showthread.php?tid=18105)
RE: when you're stuck inside the dark;; - Seojin Jeong - November 13, 2025
Jin felt his heart flutter at the quiet little confession that Ahn-Bo muttered. He’d hoped to bring them a moment from before with his little tease, but the reception was lukewarm at best. He should have known that just because Ahn-Bo agreed to come back with him didn’t automatically make everything better. And he didn’t expect that. But the admission was enough.
Jin softened around the edges even more and made to fussily tug Ahn-Bo’s hanbok up and into place. It was definitely too big for him, but it was warm, and here by the fire they were both toasting like dried pollack. That done, Jin let his hand linger on Ahn-Bo’s shoulder and gave him a small squeeze. “I missed you too,” he echoed gently. “So much.” It hadn’t been an exaggeration when he’d said earlier that he’d been having trouble breathing for fear of what would happen to his friend. Breathing, eating, sleeping— any normal human function had gone impaired at their separation and the constant agony that something could happen to Ahn-Bo. Now at least some of that was easing and Jin felt his appetite stir. (But he was most looking forward to falling asleep, probably for the first night in as many months, with his bedroll next to Ahn-Bo-ah’s. Just were it belonged.)
Jin softened around the edges even more and made to fussily tug Ahn-Bo’s hanbok up and into place. It was definitely too big for him, but it was warm, and here by the fire they were both toasting like dried pollack. That done, Jin let his hand linger on Ahn-Bo’s shoulder and gave him a small squeeze. “I missed you too,” he echoed gently. “So much.” It hadn’t been an exaggeration when he’d said earlier that he’d been having trouble breathing for fear of what would happen to his friend. Breathing, eating, sleeping— any normal human function had gone impaired at their separation and the constant agony that something could happen to Ahn-Bo. Now at least some of that was easing and Jin felt his appetite stir. (But he was most looking forward to falling asleep, probably for the first night in as many months, with his bedroll next to Ahn-Bo-ah’s. Just were it belonged.)
RE: when you're stuck inside the dark;; - Ahn-Bo Jeong - November 13, 2025
Ahn-Bo Jeong
He let Jin fuss over his clothing again—eyes on the rim of his teacup in case the jostling made it spill. Not that he cared, but Jin would, which meant that he needed to as well. With that done, the softened expression on the vampire’s face as he returned the sentiment warmed him from within. Slowly, he was beginning to thaw out. The core of it was well and truly frozen, but the edges were softening, soon to melt into a drippy, puddly mess.
There wasn’t much for him to say after that, so he dutifully sipped his tea. His stomach had been in tightly tangled knots since… then. It was unlikely a simple cup of jujube tea would solve anything, but he was willing to try for Jin’s sake.
There wasn’t much for him to say after that, so he dutifully sipped his tea. His stomach had been in tightly tangled knots since… then. It was unlikely a simple cup of jujube tea would solve anything, but he was willing to try for Jin’s sake.
RE: when you're stuck inside the dark;; - Seojin Jeong - November 13, 2025
Pleased with himself for getting them thus far, Jin settled into serving their meal. He removed the large pot from the fire and spooned two smaller bowls full before placing one in front of each of them. There was rice too, somewhere… he dug around in his sack and pulled out a little enchanted pot that had just finished cooking. “But no banchan,” Jin said ruefully. Because that would have been too much. Next came chopsticks and spoons, and that was that. “Masitge deuseyo,” he hummed, turning a pleased grin in his friend’s direction. The Yukgaejang smelled perfectly tempting; all the more because Ahn-Bo was once again beside him.
Picking up a small piece of meat from his bowl between his chopsticks, Jin blew on it so it wouldn’t scald, then he held it out for Ahn-Bo to taste first.
Picking up a small piece of meat from his bowl between his chopsticks, Jin blew on it so it wouldn’t scald, then he held it out for Ahn-Bo to taste first.
Ahn-Bo Jeong & thier theme song
* The Korean equivalent of "bon appétit" in the Joseon era, and still used today, is "맛있게 드세요" (masitge deuseyo), which literally translates to "eat deliciously"
* The Korean equivalent of "bon appétit" in the Joseon era, and still used today, is "맛있게 드세요" (masitge deuseyo), which literally translates to "eat deliciously"
RE: when you're stuck inside the dark;; - Ahn-Bo Jeong - November 13, 2025
Ahn-Bo Jeong
It felt almost homey here, with Jin cooking and caring for him. If there had been a way for them to just live here together, it would have been a peaceful, sweet existence. But there were many logistical reasons for why that wouldn’t work. Such a fate hadn’t been written for them. Maybe in their next life, circumstances would be different. It offered little comfort to him now. He wanted it in this life.
“Masitge deuseyo,” he repeated, pressing his lips together as he observed how pleased Jin seemed to be with himself. It was endearing, even if he’d essentially forced his way in. And then, Jin was offering him the first bite, just like he had so many times before. Ahn-Bo obediently opened his mouth and leaned forward to accept the gesture. As he chewed, his eyes nearly rolled back in his head. With a quiet groan of approval, he felt himself nodding to his friend to express how delicious he found it.
Then, he used his own chopsticks to select the best-looking piece of meat from his own bowl—setting it gently into Jin’s. And then he was digging into his food, eating far more quickly than he ought to have, and completely oblivious to the small noises of appreciation he was making.
“Masitge deuseyo,” he repeated, pressing his lips together as he observed how pleased Jin seemed to be with himself. It was endearing, even if he’d essentially forced his way in. And then, Jin was offering him the first bite, just like he had so many times before. Ahn-Bo obediently opened his mouth and leaned forward to accept the gesture. As he chewed, his eyes nearly rolled back in his head. With a quiet groan of approval, he felt himself nodding to his friend to express how delicious he found it.
Then, he used his own chopsticks to select the best-looking piece of meat from his own bowl—setting it gently into Jin’s. And then he was digging into his food, eating far more quickly than he ought to have, and completely oblivious to the small noises of appreciation he was making.
RE: when you're stuck inside the dark;; - Seojin Jeong - November 13, 2025
It didn’t escape Jin’s notice that Ahn-Bo-ah had almost smiled at him. Or at least at the circumstances. It was further proof that his frosty, dulled exterior was melting and Jin felt the relief of it in his bones. He knew there was no version of this collection (he nearly winced at Abeoji’s word) that would be happy; it was a tragic circumstance that brought about the need for such a horrific, (and catastrophic in its own right) event. But… any small hint of the Ahn-Bo from before that Jin could tease out left room for them to breathe. It gave him hope that one day, maybe, Ahn-Bo would be alright again. Or as close to it as possible.
He accepted the bite from Jin’s chopsticks and the sight of it (always) gave Jin butterflies. It didn’t matter how many times in the past he’d done the same, each time his friend accepted his offering was like the first: cautious, hopeful, and immensely satisfying. Jin blushed a little at the sound he made but laughed anyway. It was better than continued silence. It shouldn’t have been a surprise when Ahn-Bo-ah returned the gesture, placing a little bite of meat in Jin’s own bowl. The vampire looked up, face still warm and smiling.
The Ahn-Bo that sat across from him now was more familiar than any he’d seen all day. He was hungry and he was pleased with the food. The sounds he was making and even the look on his face made Jin feel more at peace than he had in months. This was what he wanted. If he could freeze time and keep them in this moment forever, he would have. Jin took a small bite of rice and gave a hum.
For a moment, he debated mentioning something about school. It was mostly neutral and would maybe force Ahn-Bo-ah into conversation… but anything with the quidditch team might be a bad idea. Instead, Jin veered in the opposite direction and cleared his throat dramatically. “Er hem,” he grinned and lifted his head self-importantly. “I have an announcement to make that I’ve been waiting to tell you in person.” Pausing only long enough to be sure he had his friend’s attention, Jin continued on dramatically: “I, Jeong Seojin, have passed Sigilcraft. Seonsaengnim has given his blessing that I may now pursue the worst career in shamanism to ever exist.”
He accepted the bite from Jin’s chopsticks and the sight of it (always) gave Jin butterflies. It didn’t matter how many times in the past he’d done the same, each time his friend accepted his offering was like the first: cautious, hopeful, and immensely satisfying. Jin blushed a little at the sound he made but laughed anyway. It was better than continued silence. It shouldn’t have been a surprise when Ahn-Bo-ah returned the gesture, placing a little bite of meat in Jin’s own bowl. The vampire looked up, face still warm and smiling.
The Ahn-Bo that sat across from him now was more familiar than any he’d seen all day. He was hungry and he was pleased with the food. The sounds he was making and even the look on his face made Jin feel more at peace than he had in months. This was what he wanted. If he could freeze time and keep them in this moment forever, he would have. Jin took a small bite of rice and gave a hum.
For a moment, he debated mentioning something about school. It was mostly neutral and would maybe force Ahn-Bo-ah into conversation… but anything with the quidditch team might be a bad idea. Instead, Jin veered in the opposite direction and cleared his throat dramatically. “Er hem,” he grinned and lifted his head self-importantly. “I have an announcement to make that I’ve been waiting to tell you in person.” Pausing only long enough to be sure he had his friend’s attention, Jin continued on dramatically: “I, Jeong Seojin, have passed Sigilcraft. Seonsaengnim has given his blessing that I may now pursue the worst career in shamanism to ever exist.”
RE: when you're stuck inside the dark;; - Ahn-Bo Jeong - November 13, 2025
Ahn-Bo Jeong
The little looks Jin thought he was sneaking were entertaining, though Ahn-Bo had a difficult time understanding them. They were literally sitting in several weeks' worth of his own filth; his hair likely looked as if he’d allowed a cow to chomp it off; his body was more hollow than was healthy. It was a far cry from the confident Quidditch player that Jin-a had cared for over the years. And yet, the soft pink glow on the vampire’s cheeks was the same as it always had been.
He paused his chewing at his friend’s announcement. They’d had plenty of earth-shattering revelations this evening already, hadn’t they? The teasing glint in Jin’s eye was enough to reassure him that this was nothing of the sort. So he merely raised a brow as he waited for what was inevitably the punch line.
And a punch line it was. Ahn-Bo snorted and swallowed the bite in his mouth before he choked on it. ”Chukahae sana mudang. Does that make me your first sindo?”
He paused his chewing at his friend’s announcement. They’d had plenty of earth-shattering revelations this evening already, hadn’t they? The teasing glint in Jin’s eye was enough to reassure him that this was nothing of the sort. So he merely raised a brow as he waited for what was inevitably the punch line.
And a punch line it was. Ahn-Bo snorted and swallowed the bite in his mouth before he choked on it. ”Chukahae sana mudang. Does that make me your first sindo?”
RE: when you're stuck inside the dark;; - Seojin Jeong - November 13, 2025
Ahn-Bo’s reaction made Jin snicker. He shrugged self-importantly and feigned a brush of dirt off his shoulder. “Geurae,” he sniffed. “But no refunds when instead of ‘great wealth’ you end up with ‘poor health.’” He laughed at his own stupid joke and took another bite of his food.
This felt normal again. Teasing and even making Bo-ah snort a laugh. Jin settled into the comfort of the warm fire and stretched out a bit, grimacing as his bones cracked. “Aish…” he complained. “That tiger was much faster than Eun-Ho-ssi, even if it was smaller. She must sleep too much or I’m out of shape.” Probably both. He twisted left and then twisted right, his back making the popping sounds closer befitting an old man than an eighteen year old. It was a good thing he’d brought that tea. They both needed it.
Jin took a small sip of his and then laid back flat to stare at the ceiling. He balanced the cup on his stomach and closed his eyes. The ground was hard and cold even through the layers of clothes he had on, but it was comfortable just knowing Ahn-Bo-ah was within reach. Jin wiggled a little bit, moving closer, and pressed his head up against his friend’s thigh. Then he let out a self-satisfied little sigh and closed his eyes again. Sleep felt like a good idea. They could clean up and talk more tomorrow.
This felt normal again. Teasing and even making Bo-ah snort a laugh. Jin settled into the comfort of the warm fire and stretched out a bit, grimacing as his bones cracked. “Aish…” he complained. “That tiger was much faster than Eun-Ho-ssi, even if it was smaller. She must sleep too much or I’m out of shape.” Probably both. He twisted left and then twisted right, his back making the popping sounds closer befitting an old man than an eighteen year old. It was a good thing he’d brought that tea. They both needed it.
Jin took a small sip of his and then laid back flat to stare at the ceiling. He balanced the cup on his stomach and closed his eyes. The ground was hard and cold even through the layers of clothes he had on, but it was comfortable just knowing Ahn-Bo-ah was within reach. Jin wiggled a little bit, moving closer, and pressed his head up against his friend’s thigh. Then he let out a self-satisfied little sigh and closed his eyes again. Sleep felt like a good idea. They could clean up and talk more tomorrow.
Ahn-Bo Jeong & thier theme song
* I didn’t have the patience to find two Hanja characters that look similar so we went with a rhyme; pretend it translates lol
* I didn’t have the patience to find two Hanja characters that look similar so we went with a rhyme; pretend it translates lol
RE: when you're stuck inside the dark;; - Ahn-Bo Jeong - November 13, 2025
Ahn-Bo Jeong
It was odd, how they’d switched roles and yet, somehow still felt together. Usually, Jin was the broody quiet one and Ahn-Bo was the one cracking jokes. And it felt natural, which was stranger still. He finished his (second) bowl as he watched Jin-a stretch and complain. At least Jin’s whining hadn’t changed.
“Eun-Ho must not try to hunt you down often or you’d know tigers can climb trees,” he said pointedly. Setting his empty bowl and chopsticks down, he then returned to his cup of tea. Jin-a had settled down beside him, looking sleepy and sweet. A quick glance at the half full bowl that his friend had set next to him had him frowning slightly. For someone who had complained how hungry he was, he hadn’t eaten very much.
Ahn-Bo contemplated poking his friend about it, but he didn’t have the strength to pester him into doing anything. Instead, he used his left hand to lightly brush his fingers over Jin’s cheek. It wasn’t necessary that he sleep on the ground-especially after that show he’d put on like an old man-but once glance at his stained and ragged bedroll had him resisting the invitation. “Jin-a, did you bring a bedroll?”
“Eun-Ho must not try to hunt you down often or you’d know tigers can climb trees,” he said pointedly. Setting his empty bowl and chopsticks down, he then returned to his cup of tea. Jin-a had settled down beside him, looking sleepy and sweet. A quick glance at the half full bowl that his friend had set next to him had him frowning slightly. For someone who had complained how hungry he was, he hadn’t eaten very much.
Ahn-Bo contemplated poking his friend about it, but he didn’t have the strength to pester him into doing anything. Instead, he used his left hand to lightly brush his fingers over Jin’s cheek. It wasn’t necessary that he sleep on the ground-especially after that show he’d put on like an old man-but once glance at his stained and ragged bedroll had him resisting the invitation. “Jin-a, did you bring a bedroll?”
RE: when you're stuck inside the dark;; - Seojin Jeong - November 13, 2025
At Ahn-Bo’s pointed remark, Jin scrunched his face and stuck out his tongue. That was definitely true; he had entirely forgotten that tigers could climb trees, but in his defense, he hadn’t known it was a tiger until it was too late. “Eun-Ho-ssi never hunts me,” he said gravely. And it was true too. She was a nursemaid more than she was a tiger, but even in that capacity— Jin was almost certain she didn’t even hunt the mice that sometimes squirreled away between their walls. A shame, really.
Settled back with his eyes closed then, the half-vampire sighed again contentedly. He would have happily fallen asleep then and there on the ground if not for the feather light touch that suddenly pressed against his cheek. Jin’s lashes blinked twice as he opened his eyes and grinned lazily up at Ahn-Bo-ah. The expression looming over him wasn’t the most sunshiny, but it was still Bo-ah. Jin turned his head just slightly to catch his friend’s fingers with his mouth and gave a quick kiss before An-Bo-ah could pull away. At the question, Jin nodded. “I brought two,” he chirped, cheekily. Not that they would have needed both, once, but he wasn’t sure what would make Ahn-Bo more comfortable so he’d brought two of pretty much anything he could think of.
“Wae? Are you tired?” he asked, shifting so he could look up at Ahn-Bo properly. The idea of sleep was a fanciful one and Jin could get used to it for real if his friend wanted. They really could tidy up the dishes and whatever else tomorrow. Jin just wasn’t sure what he’d want. Did Ahn-Bo desire privacy? Did he need more food? Jin sat up considering all these things as he waited for a response, expectantly.
Settled back with his eyes closed then, the half-vampire sighed again contentedly. He would have happily fallen asleep then and there on the ground if not for the feather light touch that suddenly pressed against his cheek. Jin’s lashes blinked twice as he opened his eyes and grinned lazily up at Ahn-Bo-ah. The expression looming over him wasn’t the most sunshiny, but it was still Bo-ah. Jin turned his head just slightly to catch his friend’s fingers with his mouth and gave a quick kiss before An-Bo-ah could pull away. At the question, Jin nodded. “I brought two,” he chirped, cheekily. Not that they would have needed both, once, but he wasn’t sure what would make Ahn-Bo more comfortable so he’d brought two of pretty much anything he could think of.
“Wae? Are you tired?” he asked, shifting so he could look up at Ahn-Bo properly. The idea of sleep was a fanciful one and Jin could get used to it for real if his friend wanted. They really could tidy up the dishes and whatever else tomorrow. Jin just wasn’t sure what he’d want. Did Ahn-Bo desire privacy? Did he need more food? Jin sat up considering all these things as he waited for a response, expectantly.
RE: when you're stuck inside the dark;; - Ahn-Bo Jeong - November 13, 2025
Ahn-Bo Jeong
The first time Jin had kissed him down in the forest, it had been one of comfort and solace. Placed on his back to emphasize the meaning of his hug. But the kiss to his fingers just then was nothing but pure affection. Ahn-Bo’s heart did its best to skip a beat. It was more of a flop than a skip, but the tiny movement managed to draw a soft blush across his cheeks. He’d forgotten how much he loved this side of Jin-a—flirty and cute—and at this particular angle, he was particularly pretty.
Yet again, his friend had proved that he’d thought of everything—including a replacement bedroll for Ahn-Bo. It wasn’t entirely back to normal between them… It might never be, thanks to Ahn-Bo’s choices. But it was near enough that he wondered if Jin-a had brought the extra roll because he didn’t want to share one together. Maybe it was presumptive to think that since they had privacy, they would. They didn’t have the opportunity to cuddle at Maho unless they were in their hanok, and even that was few and far between.
Their affections had become a bit too noticeable in seventh year, with their fellow students making comments here and there and the professors seemingly paying closer attention. All except for Sensei Ootori, who was either oblivious to it completely or simply chose to turn a blind eye to it every morning when Jin used the music room to practice. Some of Ahn-Bo’s favorite memories of Jin had taken place in that room, including the very first time Jin had kissed him on the lips.
Pre-afflicted Ahn-Bo would have made the decision for them and waited for Jin to protest if he disagreed. This version of him wasn’t nearly as confident. Even if Jin didn’t seem to mind being close to him, it didn’t mean he wanted to be that close. So he merely nodded at the question, “Ne.” His waking hours were all over the place, and even when he did manage to sleep, it was never the kind that made him feel well-rested. He’d been exhausted for months—from the looks of it, Jin felt similarly. Even if he still couldn’t fall asleep, at least it would be near his simkung. And maybe, by some miracle, they’d be cuddled up together in the same bedroll too.
Yet again, his friend had proved that he’d thought of everything—including a replacement bedroll for Ahn-Bo. It wasn’t entirely back to normal between them… It might never be, thanks to Ahn-Bo’s choices. But it was near enough that he wondered if Jin-a had brought the extra roll because he didn’t want to share one together. Maybe it was presumptive to think that since they had privacy, they would. They didn’t have the opportunity to cuddle at Maho unless they were in their hanok, and even that was few and far between.
Their affections had become a bit too noticeable in seventh year, with their fellow students making comments here and there and the professors seemingly paying closer attention. All except for Sensei Ootori, who was either oblivious to it completely or simply chose to turn a blind eye to it every morning when Jin used the music room to practice. Some of Ahn-Bo’s favorite memories of Jin had taken place in that room, including the very first time Jin had kissed him on the lips.
Pre-afflicted Ahn-Bo would have made the decision for them and waited for Jin to protest if he disagreed. This version of him wasn’t nearly as confident. Even if Jin didn’t seem to mind being close to him, it didn’t mean he wanted to be that close. So he merely nodded at the question, “Ne.” His waking hours were all over the place, and even when he did manage to sleep, it was never the kind that made him feel well-rested. He’d been exhausted for months—from the looks of it, Jin felt similarly. Even if he still couldn’t fall asleep, at least it would be near his simkung. And maybe, by some miracle, they’d be cuddled up together in the same bedroll too.
RE: when you're stuck inside the dark;; - Seojin Jeong - November 13, 2025
Jin could almost hear the thoughts turning over in Ahn-Bo’s mind he was so pensive, and a part of Jin wanted to be intrusive and ask what they were. Was he thinking about school? The future? Jin? Ha-Eun? The little vampire didn’t dare ask, too comfortable and too desperate to hold onto the peace they’d found, but he smiled at Ahn-Bo’s response. “Ne?” he echoed in a soft tease. Jin ached to reach out again; he wanted to poke and prod and squeeze and cling to Ahn-Bo until he was laughing or crying; anything had to be better than this quiet, tentative version of him. But Jin didn’t. He knew he had to be patient. Time would heal some of what had happened and the rest he could only hope to help wash away himself by being present and consistent. “Geurae,” Jin hummed softly.
He stood and began to gather up some of their dishes, taking another few bites of his own food as he went. He still wasn’t very hungry but he knew his stomach would thank him for it later. With that done, he dug into his magically expandable satchel and pulled out the two bedrolls. Jin laid them out side by side close to the fire. He didn’t even blink at the roll that had existed before, not wanting to upset Ahn-Bo if he touched it. It was one of the things Ha-Eun would have brought and he wasn’t sure what sentiment lay there yet. There would be time to find out tomorrow though. For now, Jin studied the two bedrolls and nudged them a little closer together.
When he finally turned back to Ahn-Bo-ah, it wasn’t without the same urge to pull him close. Jin closed the space between them and held out his hand to help his friend up. “Which one do you prefer?” He asked when they stood side by side. (He didn’t let go of Ahn-Bo’s hand and he stood very close.) Neither was particularly thicker than the other, but both were winter rolls. Honestly they’d be better off stacked atop one another to make one plush cushion against the hard rock of the cave, but Jin waited to suggest this. He still wasn’t sure how much of him forcing himself on Ahn-Bo would be too much.
He stood and began to gather up some of their dishes, taking another few bites of his own food as he went. He still wasn’t very hungry but he knew his stomach would thank him for it later. With that done, he dug into his magically expandable satchel and pulled out the two bedrolls. Jin laid them out side by side close to the fire. He didn’t even blink at the roll that had existed before, not wanting to upset Ahn-Bo if he touched it. It was one of the things Ha-Eun would have brought and he wasn’t sure what sentiment lay there yet. There would be time to find out tomorrow though. For now, Jin studied the two bedrolls and nudged them a little closer together.
When he finally turned back to Ahn-Bo-ah, it wasn’t without the same urge to pull him close. Jin closed the space between them and held out his hand to help his friend up. “Which one do you prefer?” He asked when they stood side by side. (He didn’t let go of Ahn-Bo’s hand and he stood very close.) Neither was particularly thicker than the other, but both were winter rolls. Honestly they’d be better off stacked atop one another to make one plush cushion against the hard rock of the cave, but Jin waited to suggest this. He still wasn’t sure how much of him forcing himself on Ahn-Bo would be too much.
RE: when you're stuck inside the dark;; - Ahn-Bo Jeong - November 13, 2025
Ahn-Bo Jeong
There was some guilt that crept in as he simply sat and watched as Jin tidied up for them. At least he’d eaten more of his food while he was at it. That was Ahn-Bo’s small consolation for having not lifted a finger.
He'd paid particularly close attention to his friend’s careful arrangement of the bedrolls—plural. Although they were closer together, there was no mention of sharing. As he accepted his friend’s hand to stand, he tried to convince himself that at least they would be near each other. That would offer some small comfort.
Jin’s question hung in the air between them. This was his opportunity to express what he wanted… but when he opened his mouth to speak, all that came out was a flat "You choose.”
He'd paid particularly close attention to his friend’s careful arrangement of the bedrolls—plural. Although they were closer together, there was no mention of sharing. As he accepted his friend’s hand to stand, he tried to convince himself that at least they would be near each other. That would offer some small comfort.
Jin’s question hung in the air between them. This was his opportunity to express what he wanted… but when he opened his mouth to speak, all that came out was a flat "You choose.”
RE: when you're stuck inside the dark;; - Seojin Jeong - November 13, 2025
Jin couldn’t help but frown slightly at the blasé response that came from Ahn-Bo. So much for getting into any kind of conversation then. He would have to try harder to draw his friend out, and maybe being intrusive was just the ticket.
“Then I want both,” Jin responded, honestly. He allowed himself to relinquish Ahn-Bo’s hand for a mere minute as he wiggled his wand and encouraged the two rolls to stack atop one another. He turned around to tuck against his friend, and looked at him with a very serious expression. “This cave is cold, you’ll have to share.” Or he could sleep alone in the other roll, that was always an option too, and it would tell Jin exactly what he needed to know.
“Then I want both,” Jin responded, honestly. He allowed himself to relinquish Ahn-Bo’s hand for a mere minute as he wiggled his wand and encouraged the two rolls to stack atop one another. He turned around to tuck against his friend, and looked at him with a very serious expression. “This cave is cold, you’ll have to share.” Or he could sleep alone in the other roll, that was always an option too, and it would tell Jin exactly what he needed to know.
RE: when you're stuck inside the dark;; - Ahn-Bo Jeong - November 13, 2025
Ahn-Bo Jeong
“Then I want both.” Wait... Did that mean—before he could finish thinking, Jin-a was adjusting the bedrolls. Were they going to share? Did Jin-a truly want that? Ahn-Bo's lips pressed together, and he was overcome with a familiar sense of eagerness. He wanted nothing more than to curl up with his vampire, wrapping as much of himself around him as possible. Throughout the evening, Jin-a had barely stopped touching him. This should have been obvious to the wolf, but it wasn't until the word "share" was spoken aloud that he knew for certain that his friend wanted the same thing.
His promise was sincere. "I’ll keep you warm, Jin-a.” At Jin's suggestion that they get ready for sleep, the two did just that. Typically (and perhaps unsurprisingly), Ahn-Bo would just collapse into his bedroll as is. There had been no removing of outer layers or washing up. It was pointless—or had been. Now, it very much had a purpose. They completed the routine as quickly as possible (though they would have been more efficient if they hadn't required constant physical contact). As they tidied up, his heart began to race with anticipation.
And then it was finally time. They had seen each other in their jeogori and baji every evening at school, but this somehow felt different. More intimate in a way Ahn-Bo couldn't quite place. His eagerness overcame his self-consciousness as he pulled his friend by their clasped hands toward the bedroll. With his heart pounding and his cheeks flushed, he didn't expect to be able to relax and fall asleep anytime soon. That was just fine by him. It meant having more time to enjoy this moment with Jin-a.
Ahn-Bo slid into the bedroll first, letting go of his grip on his friend—it was only temporary, he reminded himself. Lying down seemed strange, so he settled into a sitting position with his legs in front of him, leaving plenty of room for Jin to sit beside him. And then he was reaching for his simkung's hand again (almost impatiently) to tug him down next to him.
His promise was sincere. "I’ll keep you warm, Jin-a.” At Jin's suggestion that they get ready for sleep, the two did just that. Typically (and perhaps unsurprisingly), Ahn-Bo would just collapse into his bedroll as is. There had been no removing of outer layers or washing up. It was pointless—or had been. Now, it very much had a purpose. They completed the routine as quickly as possible (though they would have been more efficient if they hadn't required constant physical contact). As they tidied up, his heart began to race with anticipation.
And then it was finally time. They had seen each other in their jeogori and baji every evening at school, but this somehow felt different. More intimate in a way Ahn-Bo couldn't quite place. His eagerness overcame his self-consciousness as he pulled his friend by their clasped hands toward the bedroll. With his heart pounding and his cheeks flushed, he didn't expect to be able to relax and fall asleep anytime soon. That was just fine by him. It meant having more time to enjoy this moment with Jin-a.
Ahn-Bo slid into the bedroll first, letting go of his grip on his friend—it was only temporary, he reminded himself. Lying down seemed strange, so he settled into a sitting position with his legs in front of him, leaving plenty of room for Jin to sit beside him. And then he was reaching for his simkung's hand again (almost impatiently) to tug him down next to him.
RE: when you're stuck inside the dark;; - Seojin Jeong - November 13, 2025
The look on Ahn-Bo’s face at his cheeky declaration made Jin immediately suspect that his friend was just… nervous. Or shy. Both of which were unusual for Ahn-Bo, especially when it came to Jin. His eyes had gone slightly wide though and his pupils dilated just a fraction; enough for Jin to recognize what it meant. He pursed his lips as a smile threatened to overcome his face, but at Ahn-Bo’s sincere declaration, Jin released it. He smiled wide, exposing both dimples, and a soft laugh. “Gomawo, Bo-ah,” he hummed, voice taking on that slightly childish edge. But he meant it. “Jjinjja.”
With that decided, Jin forced himself to peel back and prompted them to get ready for sleep. They didn’t have all the commodities or necessities they’d had at school, but he’d brought enough to get them through a rudimentary wash up routine. It was slow going as he lingered and they stayed in constant contact, but eventually Jin set aside their cleaning items meticulously, and began to change. It was… a little more intimate to change in front of Ahn-Bo here than with the rest of their male classmates all in the same room, but Jin tried not to think about it much. His face was flushed by the time he turned back around, but the eagerness in Ahn-Bo’s expression quickly chased aside any awkwardness.
This was the version of his friend Jin missed most of all. He wasn’t smiling yet, but there was something in the purse of his lips that made Jin think he wanted to. Led by the hand to the edge of the bedroll, Jin followed obediently and crouched by the side as Ahn-Bo crawled in first. Then, remembering one last thing, he popped back up with a little sound. "Mianhe!" But it was important.
Across the way, Jin dug through his bag until he pulled out two items: the first was a little sachet of dried mugwort and pine needles, and the second was a piece of thread Eun-Ho had given him from her mending basket. He walked back over to his friend and crawled into the bedroll beside him before dropping the satchet into his lap and lifting Ahn-Bo’s right hand. Careful not to tie the thread too tight, Jin looped it around his wrist with a small knot at the end. Then, he gave the satchel a squeeze to rouse the earthy scents of mugwort and pine, and tucked that into the other side of the bedroll closest to his friend. “That will help you sleep deeper,” he murmured softly. “And this,” he gave Ahn-Bo-ah a small squeeze of the hand he still held. “—is so that you can’t drift too far away from me in your dreams.” Jin grinned, like it was the most ridiculous joke in existence, but he was serious. Neither remedy was magical in origin; he’d learned both from his time in the apothecary. But he was terrified of losing Bo-ah back into the darkness that swallowed his mind and left him quiet and careless. It was a mild precaution, at best.
With that decided, Jin forced himself to peel back and prompted them to get ready for sleep. They didn’t have all the commodities or necessities they’d had at school, but he’d brought enough to get them through a rudimentary wash up routine. It was slow going as he lingered and they stayed in constant contact, but eventually Jin set aside their cleaning items meticulously, and began to change. It was… a little more intimate to change in front of Ahn-Bo here than with the rest of their male classmates all in the same room, but Jin tried not to think about it much. His face was flushed by the time he turned back around, but the eagerness in Ahn-Bo’s expression quickly chased aside any awkwardness.
This was the version of his friend Jin missed most of all. He wasn’t smiling yet, but there was something in the purse of his lips that made Jin think he wanted to. Led by the hand to the edge of the bedroll, Jin followed obediently and crouched by the side as Ahn-Bo crawled in first. Then, remembering one last thing, he popped back up with a little sound. "Mianhe!" But it was important.
Across the way, Jin dug through his bag until he pulled out two items: the first was a little sachet of dried mugwort and pine needles, and the second was a piece of thread Eun-Ho had given him from her mending basket. He walked back over to his friend and crawled into the bedroll beside him before dropping the satchet into his lap and lifting Ahn-Bo’s right hand. Careful not to tie the thread too tight, Jin looped it around his wrist with a small knot at the end. Then, he gave the satchel a squeeze to rouse the earthy scents of mugwort and pine, and tucked that into the other side of the bedroll closest to his friend. “That will help you sleep deeper,” he murmured softly. “And this,” he gave Ahn-Bo-ah a small squeeze of the hand he still held. “—is so that you can’t drift too far away from me in your dreams.” Jin grinned, like it was the most ridiculous joke in existence, but he was serious. Neither remedy was magical in origin; he’d learned both from his time in the apothecary. But he was terrified of losing Bo-ah back into the darkness that swallowed his mind and left him quiet and careless. It was a mild precaution, at best.
RE: when you're stuck inside the dark;; - Ahn-Bo Jeong - November 13, 2025
Ahn-Bo Jeong
The corners of his mouth drooped involuntarily at Jin's abrupt apology and retreat. It had better be significant, whatever his friend was up to. The fluctuation and intensity of emotions throughout the evening was overwhelming after being numb for so many weeks. In comparison, the impatience in his frown felt sharp and unfamiliar. Jin had returned with whatever he had deemed more important than sitting next to Ahn-Bo after what seemed like an eternity (but was less than two minutes.) Finally, he settled himself next to Ahn-Bo on the bedroll. If the wolf thought his pulse was fluttering before, it was nothing in comparison to now.
He furrowed his brow as Jin distributed the items he had collected. This was new. Ahn-Bo hadn’t the slightest idea why he’d tied a string around his wrist. The butterflies in his belly intensified as Jin explained what they were. ”Gomawo,” he breathed softly, truly touched with Jin’s thoughtfulness. The satchel's scents were strong for his newly developed sense of smell, but not unpleasant. The pine aroma was his favorite; it reminded him of Jin-a, of comfort, devotion, and happiness.
His throat tightened, and he swallowed to keep his eyes from tearing up. When his honey brown gaze met his friend's golden green, he felt another wave of appreciation and awe. "Jin-a" was uttered almost like a prayer. The vampire was still holding Jin's hand, so he cupped his chin with the other and leaned in—slowly, just in case his simkung needed time to pull away—to press a kiss to his lips. He couldn't express his feelings with words, but perhaps this would allow him to show his friend how he felt.
He furrowed his brow as Jin distributed the items he had collected. This was new. Ahn-Bo hadn’t the slightest idea why he’d tied a string around his wrist. The butterflies in his belly intensified as Jin explained what they were. ”Gomawo,” he breathed softly, truly touched with Jin’s thoughtfulness. The satchel's scents were strong for his newly developed sense of smell, but not unpleasant. The pine aroma was his favorite; it reminded him of Jin-a, of comfort, devotion, and happiness.
His throat tightened, and he swallowed to keep his eyes from tearing up. When his honey brown gaze met his friend's golden green, he felt another wave of appreciation and awe. "Jin-a" was uttered almost like a prayer. The vampire was still holding Jin's hand, so he cupped his chin with the other and leaned in—slowly, just in case his simkung needed time to pull away—to press a kiss to his lips. He couldn't express his feelings with words, but perhaps this would allow him to show his friend how he felt.