hey there, alligator [1]

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THERE'S NOTHING CHANGKYUN can do to cease Jooheon from packing his belongings inside his petite bag. Changkyun can't really explain it, but he enjoys Jooheon's presence around the safe house. He feels carefree and himself around Jooheon. If Jooheon leaves, Changkyun will be sure that he'll place himself in more trouble. If Jooheon leaves to face the Militia and never comes back or is never heard of again Changkyun will blame himself.

"Kyunni, I told you I'll be okay. Didn't I?" Jooheon informs as he finishes packing up the rest of his claimed belongings.

Changkyun sighs in frustration. He knows he can't do much to stop Jooheon. Not even use his words to persuade him to stop. Changkyun discerns that Jooheon will not listen.

"You can't leave me just yet, Jooheon." Changkyun claims. He rushes in between Jooheon and his bag. He settles his hands on Jooheon's chest and inquires, "Why don't you let us help you?"

Jooheon shakes his head, "You know Wonho won't like the idea. Besides, I need to do this myself. I can't risk putting you in danger. Don't you get it?"

"Of course I get it! It's just. . ." Changkyun trails off his sentence. He can't pinpoint any excuse to give to Jooheon to stop him from abandoning the safe house. Even Changkyun won't be able to get Wonho to persuade Jooheon to stay.

Jooheon removes Changkyun's hands steadily from his chest. With a doughy tone, Jooheon claims, "How about this? If I find out about my history and why I am with the militia— I'll come back to you. How does that sound?"

"What if you never come back? . ." Changkyun questions anxiously. The thought proceeds to terrify him.

Jooheon sighs deeply and perches on the edge of the bed with Changkyun. He wraps an arm around his back and settles his hand on his shoulder. Changkyun retains to gaze at the empty wall before him. He knows he can't do much for Jooheon.

I'm too weak. Too fragile. I'm not qualified to do anything. I need Jooheon to stay with me. He can't leave me just yet.

Changkyun takes in a deep breath. If he wants to persuade Jooheon to stay he needs to retain a strong figure. A figure that will surely surprise Jooheon and provoke him to remain behind in the safe house. Except, which excuse will he use?

"Jooheon, we haven't done a lot of things together just yet." Changkyun establishes as he shoots a glance towards Jooheon. "Before you leave, accompany me to finish my bucket list. You help me start it, so help me finish it."

Jooheon understands Changkyun's desire to try out new things. How can he do it himself if Jooheon isn't around? He'll be too shy and careless. Even if he tries sneaking out Wonho will find out in an instant.

Jooheon nibbles into the bottom of his lip his eyes moving around while he works through his thoughts. Nodding his head once, Jooheon declares, "Okay, fine. Just one last activity. Let's make it count."

Changkyun emerges with a bright smile and chirps excitedly, "Alright. You know? I've always been wanting to—"

"We're going to do what I want to do this time, Kyunni." Jooheon claims with a sly smirk developing over his countenance.

Changkyun feels a knot on his throat forming. What exactly is Jooheon speaking about? What exactly is Jooheon desiring at this exact moment? Changkyun curls his fingers into a fist and questions anxiously, "W-What is it that you want to do?"

"Hm. I'm going to keep it a secret," Jooheon establishes as he shoots up from the bed.

Changkyun's eyes expand in shock. He reaches out to Jooheon's wrist and wraps his fingers around it tightly. He inquires quite offended, "Why can't you tell me what the activity is? I'm getting kind of worried here. . ."

Jooheon shakes his head, "Don't worry about it. Just change your clothes and wear something really nice."

⋈

Jooheon won't tell Changkyun where they're going. Instead, Changkyun has to mount the passenger seat of the car and yearn wherever Jooheon is taking him is somewhere exotic and enjoyable. Jooheon proceeds to chuckle his bright laughter filling the empty space of the vehicle. Changkyun pushes up his round glasses as they constantly fall down the bridge of his nose.

"Jooheon, please tell me where we're going. You're terrifying me a little bit."

"I just wanted to make up for leaving you," Jooheon informs as he leans back on the seat of the car. "I'm sure you'll enjoy this trip."

Changkyun cocks a brow and silently questions, "Am I in the legal age for it?" Jooheon laughs more and shakes his head. Changkyun's eyes widen and he commences to strike Jooheon's arm playfully. "Jooheon!— you know Wonho-hyung is going to kill you for doing this! Just turn the car around!"

"We're just going out for a couple of drinks!" Jooheon establishes with his last chuckle. "Besides, I'll make sure you don't get drunk and do something stupid, alright?"

"Who says I'll be doing something stupid?" Changkyun mutters within his breath. He crosses his arms before his chest and slouches on his seat.

Finally arriving at Jooheon's desire investigation, Changkyun hops out of the vehicle with Jooheon's help. He closes the passenger seat of the car and runs up behind Jooheon's figure. He stands close by his side. The club appears to be a petite, white color brick building with neon lights trimming the roof. However, the main floor of the club is just for the reserve registration. The main event occurs in the underground.

Changkyun pinpoints a Guard at the entrance. He instantly tugs into Jooheon's sleeve. Jooheon bends down a bit to listen to Changkyun's question. He inquires, "You do know there's a guard up ahead, right? We don't have identification cards. How will we be accepted?"

Jooheon emerges with a sly smirk and informs quietly where only Changkyun can hear, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Trust me on this one."

Changkyun nods his head in approval and seals his mouth remaining silent. As Jooheon and Changkyun near the guard guarding the entrance he admires them with a questionable expression. Jooheon emerges with his best smile and holds two fingers, "I made a reservation for two people. Jooheon and Changkyun."

The guard turns his head towards the list sitting idly by his side. With a warm smile he nods his head and steps aside allowing Jooheon and Changkyun entrance. Changkyun's eyes widen in shock as he follows Jooheon inside.

"Why did it seem to easy? Just from the outside it looks hard to enter," Changkyun comments with a sheepish smile trimming his visage. "Although, thanks Jooheon for taking me out for a couple of 'drinks'."

"Of course Kyunni," Jooheon lets out a sigh of relief and tugs Changkyun to one of the round tables in the back. He sits down and Changkyun does the same. The club sends off a Lo-fi aura that somehow provokes Changkyun to feel calm. However, having Jooheon by his side also sends him shivers down his spine.