Pure Imagination (Solo Leveling)

Cream Puffs

Yuki debated crawling out of the place. A quick, loud exclamation that the Choi Jong In was here, in this small, hole-in-the-wall bookstore/cafe would have everyone running towards them. A quick snap and post on social media would have this side of town flocking towards them. Then Yuki could just crawl away. Disappear in the sea of people and hope to never run across this man again.

Now, don't get Yuki wrong. He didn't hate Choi Jong In. In fact, the man had Yuki's respect for how young he was and how much he has accomplished. However, it was because of that, Yuki didn't want to be near him. This man reeked of main-character energy, and it was one thing to have the main character as a close friend. Yuki didn't want more people of that same energy around him.

It was exhausting.

'Maybe if I just don't talk, then I will be okay.' It was Yuki's go-to plan, one that had him smirking and nodding agreement with himself. Yes, that is what he will do.

"Very deceiving weather we are having." 'Wtf.'

"It looks warm, but in actuality, it is very cold. Isn't it?" Yuki smiled tightly, "Indeed. It's good that people are prepared for that though. I'd feel bad if someone were wearing shorts thinking it was going to be warm." The smile Choi Jong In sent his way made the albino want to whimper.

"It sounds like you have experience."

"Not me personally, but I know a friend who was unfortunate enough to fall for it." He still remembers Jin Woo running back in after spending 2 minutes outside. Choi Jong In also seemed to find this funny, because he let out a small chuckle.

"Poor them."

"Yeah, they got over it." Silence enveloped them again. Only the smell of their cigarettes burning and drinks surrounding them. 'I should just walk away,' Yuki thought, taking another sip of his drink and another drag from the cigarette. However, to do that he would have to snub the cancer stick and either chug his drink or not finish it. He hated all options.

However, he hated being next to Choi Jong In even more. Opting to chug his drink and take another deep inhale, Yuki smiled bitterly at the loss of a cigarette and drink.

"Thank you for the light, but I must be on my way." Yuki smiled pleasantly, trying to seem grateful for everything that Choi Jong In has done. The man smiled, "So soon? It seems like you only just lit the cigarette."

"Yes, however, I forgot that I have an appointment that I must go to."

"Are you running late?"

"Not yet." Choi Jong In grinned, "How about I give you a ride?" No. Yuki smiled tightly, already knowing that this asshole can easily sense his unease, "Thank you. But that is unnecessary"

"Must not be an important appointment if you deny a free car ride." 'Okay, you know what?!' Yuki a needlepoint's width of hitting the oh-so-great Choi Jong In. So close. Would he be charged with assault? Maybe he'd be hated by the rest of South Korea for hitting such a precious person.

"It was great seeing you," Yuki gritted out with clenched teeth and a faux smile. Choi Jong In gave him an insincere one, "You too, Min Yuki. Or would Matsuno be a better last name?"

"Goodbye." 'Stupid S-Rank Hunters and their privileges.' Yuki grunted, pointedly ignoring the bait, and instead scurried out of the store and back into the cold. 'Damn it! It's still cold!' Yuki momentarily paused in his tracks, muscles tightening from the cold and his face burying into his scarf.

'Goddamnit!' A rabbit does better in the cold than Yuki was doing currently, shivering and pale skin becoming rosy. The cold air hurt his lungs with each inhale, sending what felt like ice crystals down his throat and into the sensitive tissue walls of his already handicapped lungs. From the extreme heat of the cigarette to now to freezing air outside, Yuki was shocked that his lungs haven't given out.