707 Dreams (707 x Reader)

Nineteen

The two of you chatter for a few minutes, at first simply discussing where you should eat for dinner. Once a place is decided, the conversation switches to something lighthearted and relaxing: school. Or, more accurately, Seven's questioning of what your homework is like, and if you still plan on attending school, even through this whole mess. You replied with, Yes, you plan on still trying to attend school through this whole mess.

"It was a bit of a pain getting in," you explain a little further. "And just because I've "moved" per se doesn't mean I can just drop out and put all the work I've already put in go to waste. Even if I don't really know what I'm working towards..." You sigh softly. "Besides! I can't just leave Yoosung to sit through the day all by himself, can I? He has a hard enough time paying attention as it is, but at least I'm there to offer notes sometimes."

Seven seems to hum as a tiny smile tugs at the corners of his lips. "You really are a kind soul, aren't you Mari?"

You find yourself caught off guard by his comment, and you stare for a moment. "I'm sorry?"

"Well, worrying about Yoosung and his schooling problems even when your life could be in danger..." he expands on. "Even though it's not your responsibility to make sure Yoosung pays attention in class, you're still trying, and still worried about leaving him alone at school."

"Oh, well... Yeah! Of course. I mean," you think for a moment. "It's also a bit of a nice distraction for me, but... He's my friend! I care about him enough to try my best to make sure he does his best. It's... Kind of what friends do. Even if it's nothing more than keeping someone company, if you care enough, you'll still try through your own problems."

Seven seems to become a little distant as you mention your beliefs on the subject, his gaze shifting forward a little more, though you can tell it's not very clear and focused. "That's an interesting idea, Mari," is all he says in return. "I wish more people had that idea in their mind. Would make the world a better place. But at the same time..." He finally turns his gaze back to you, looking more serious this time. "Doesn't it worry you, to focus on someone else more than your own problems? You could drown yourself in stress, or not even notice when something gets too bad!"

"Yeah but- Well, I mean not really... Isn't it always better to help others first? You can't be happy if your friends aren't," you argue slightly.

Seven simply shakes his head. "But if you're too focused on other things, you'll only end up getting even more hurt..."

Something in his tone implies he knows all too well what he's talking about. Though, you have a feeling that distant look in his eyes isn't because of his own problems, but perhaps because he knew someone, and he had to watch them fall apart for all the same reasons your arguing for. It makes you hesitate, and shrink back a little, the conversation coming to an uneasy but mutual end. So, with a sigh, you decide to leave it at that.

"Hey Mari," Seven piped up after a moment. "Can I ask you a few questions?"

At first, you simply nod. You assumed that's what was already going on, but then you see the look in his eye. Perhaps he meant other kinds of questions, but you only nod your head again. With a smile, he skips forward and reaches for the door of the restaurant you've now arrived at, giving a playful bow and a comment of, "Ladies first~"

With a tiny giggle, you curtesy with your coat and slip into the warm restaurant before you. The lighting is dim but comfortable, and the atmosphere makes you think of sitting in front of a fireplace in late autumn. Cozy was a good word for it. Inviting and comfortable. A good place to feel relaxed and safe. It was almost like Seven knew exactly what you needed and what you liked...

Approaching the front desk, Seven offers the hostess a wave and asks for a table for two, before the two of you are quickly led to a private but simple corner table. It's a simple wooden table, with chairs that have comfortable cushions on them. In the centre of the neat white table-wear is a small vase of flowers: Lilacs and baby's breath giving the table a pop of white and soft pink colour.

"Wow~" you breathe as you take a seat. "I didn't know this place was so fancy! No wonder I've heard so many good things about it..."

"You've never been here before?" Seven asks as he sits opposite to you.

With a shake of your head, you almost look disappointed as you reply. "No. I'm a broke college student, so a place like this is not the first place on my mind when thinking about dinner. In all honesty, the last time I ate out was my birthday almost two years ago now! And that was because my uncle said I deserved to be treated and sent me some money for dinner..." you admit sheepishly. "Good thing I've been saving up though!"

"Don't even think about it!" he pipes up. "I know you said you would buy, but I changed my mind. This is on me. Can't let the lady use up all her money on a single meal!"

You stare at him for a moment. "A-Ah, but- Seven...!" you whine slightly. Childishly.

He simply shakes his head and waves a finger in your face. "No arguing, Missy! My mind is made up, and that is that. You've had a lot going on lately. So order whatever you want and relax a little, okay?" he adds with a warm smile. "You can pay me back another time. Either with food, or maybe I'll get you to say something silly into the camera later~" he teases.

Your face heats up a tiny bit at the idea of looking like an idiot, but you finally nod. "Alright, fine. Thanks Luciel..."