There was a moment of confusion where Jin was sure he saw a flicker of hurt wash over Moon-ssi’s face. What had he said? Had he done something? A momentary panic caused him to blanche, already pale skin whitening further. The explanation that followed only raised more questions but Jin felt a wave of guilt wash over him for having doubted Moon-ssi’s intentions. He was tired of being surprised by the friendly quidditch player. It made the guilt in his chest heavy.

“Mianhiyo Moon-ssi,” he said softly, re-shouldering his bag. “I didn’t realize or… I would have waited.” His cheeks turned pink and Jin looked down at the ground. “I did already eat…” His brain skipped into overdrive looking for something to tack on. How could he make this better? What did Moon-ssi want from him? "Do you… want to sit together?” It might be awkward and weird but— “I don’t have anywhere to go. We can still sit until class?”

Jin could feel his heart thundering in his chest guiltily. He was conflicted on determining if he should have known better or if it was presumptuous to have thought anything. Maybe he wasn’t cut out for interactions with other people after all; this felt like a lot of work.

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Ahn-Bo Jeong & muse song

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* Jin takes potions and enchantments at times to give his voice a persuasive quality.
His performances, or even a simple conversation, can sometimes suggest thoughts
and ideas to his audiences.

Now he'd made Seojin-a uncomfortable too–which was rather easy to be honest, but it felt like a much bigger deal when he felt uncomfortable too. It wasn't a feeling Ahn-Bo was overly familiar with. He had always been willing to go with the flow, outgoing, and friendly... though he did have a tendency to be too loud. The vampire's hesitant response confirmed it. Ahn-Bo had been too pushy, and now he'd made him uncomfortable. Had he ever had someone decide they didn't want to be his friend? Not that he could recall. The whole thing was rather new for him.

Rather than make Seojin-a even more uncomfortable, he reverted back to the polite form of speech. "Aniyo." He flashed a grin that didn't quite reach his eyes. His own cheeks were faintly pink as he began to step away, "It's okay, I understand. I'll..." Gods, what was the least awkward way to end this without seeming like a total dunderhead? Behind Jeong-ssi, he could see his friends watching their interaction curiously. "I'll see you in class?"

Ahn-Bo had never run away from anything in his life, but his need to retreat from the embarrassment brought about by his overly familiar assumptions had him wishing he could.

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   Seojin Jeong

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Ahn-Bo speaks in Korean to his family unless otherwise stated in posts.
He has a noticeable accent when speaking in English.

Set by the amazing Fox! • plot with me

Moon-ssi’s response was more unsettling than Jin had expected. It sat like a wedged pebble in the place between his ribs making any potential frustration evaporate into thin air. He hadn’t asked for this, but neither could he deny that it was here now and the lot was in his hands to do with what he would.

Jin knew the easiest way out was to just let Moon-ssi go. To agree and let him walk back to his friends with his tail between his legs while Jin himself scampered off to sit in the back of his Tranfiguration classroom until it started. He’d never likely hear from the cheery boy again. The problem would solve itself, and all that. It was ideal too; Jin couldn’t imagine sitting through another meal with the quidditch team. Moon-ssi had switched into speaking more distantly and with honorifics which was as good a sign as any that he was retreating.

He’d just turned to go, with Jin saying nothing to encourage him otherwise, when a hand reached out faster than Jin could process what he was doing. Cold fingers latched onto the corner of Moon-ssi’s robes and he held the other back. “Ani!”

He stared. Moon-ssi stared. They both stared and Jin blushed, hard.

He released the other’s robes quickly and ducked his gaze, blinking like an idiot. What in the world had he done that for?! “Ah, mianhamnida Moon-ssi,” Jin tugged his bag closer to himself and shifted self-consciously. “I just… maybe you can help me with the assignment?” A stupid, transparent suggestion considering he didn’t need help with any of his assignments. “O-or we can have lunch!” Yes, lunch was a much better idea. Jin looked up quickly and bit his lower lip. Spirits, he was never going to be good at this people thing…

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Ahn-Bo Jeong & muse song

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   Ahn-Bo Jeong

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* Jin takes potions and enchantments at times to give his voice a persuasive quality.
His performances, or even a simple conversation, can sometimes suggest thoughts
and ideas to his audiences.

Well, this was an unexpected development. Jeon-ssi hadn't said anything in response—which Ahn-Bo had taken as a okay go away now and tried to scurry off. He'd been surprised when he'd felt the sleeve of his robe snag and heard the vampire's protest. When he'd spun back in shock to see what the other boy needed, he noted the use of the informal 'no', rather than the polite one. This situation was all sorts of confusing. Especially when they simply stared at each other—Jeon-ssi seemingly as surprised by his actions as Ahn-Bo had been.

Just as quickly as he'd reached out, the blushing vampire dropped his hold. An apology spilled from his lips, and Ahn-Bo likely was blinking back and blushing just as furiously. To say he was bewildered was an understatement. He was getting all sorts of signs from Jeon-ssi—particularly ones that were rather cold. This was definitely not cold. Awkward, yes. Unexpected, yes. Cold? No, especially given what he'd come to know of the vampire's personality thus far.

"Yeah, yes, I can do that. We can do that," He heard himself say, fumbling over his words like an idiot. Ahn-Bo had absolutely no idea which assignment he had just agreed to help with. It seemed like an unimportant detail in the moment. Lunch was more straight-forward, thank the gods. What he didn't know was how to overcome the embarrassed tension between them, so he added, "Itta bwayo!" And once again tried to scurry away.

Itta bwayo: polite/formal see you later

  

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Ahn-Bo speaks in Korean to his family unless otherwise stated in posts.
He has a noticeable accent when speaking in English.

Set by the amazing Fox! • plot with me

Jin could have kicked himself for the tension that settled over them like an asphyxiating blanket. This one was definitely his fault and he did not know what in the world to do to get out from under it. Moon-ssi was blushing just like he was and (while it was endearing, some absent, disconnected part of his brain noted) Jin knew he had to be just as desperate to get out of this interaction as possible. Still, he dug his heels in.

“Ne, lunch,” Jin heard himself reiterate more firmly. “Here, after Sigilcraft, and then maybe we can study a bit in the library together?” It was a bold, terrifying assertion but Jin felt it was the right thing to do. He didn’t want to embarrass or offend Moon-ssi any more than he wanted to draw unwanted attention to himself.

With the other’s agreement and albeit too formal goodbye, Jin gripped his bag tighter and nodded before walking off to his first class. He focused very little on anything all morning. Transfiguration came and went with Jin turning his toad into a tadpole rather than a mouse and in Sigilcraft he wobbled his talisman characters so badly, Seonsaengnim didn’t even let him cast the spell. (Jin hated this class more than the rest.) By the end he was somewhat frustrated with himself but very, very antsy.

Time seemed to pass slower than it ever had before in his life. When a break hit in his schedule for lunch, finally, Jin practically bolted for the dining room. He parked himself in the very spot he’d almost concussed Moon-ssi that morning and stood lookout for the chirpy, young yangban. If he deigned to show up, then Jin would let himself believe that maybe they could actually be friends and he’d find it within himself to act like it. He had a long way to go to keep from embarrassing them both, but he would try. For Moon-ssi.

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Ahn-Bo Jeong & muse song

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   Ahn-Bo Jeong

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* Jin takes potions and enchantments at times to give his voice a persuasive quality.
His performances, or even a simple conversation, can sometimes suggest thoughts
and ideas to his audiences.

Jeong-ssi's insistence included specifics like where and when, and he'd even reinforced that they were to have lunch together. It had been the first time Ahn-Bo had heard him use such a firm tone. It was surprising (but also delightful) that Jeong-ssi had had it in him. Thus far, the vampire had been quiet, soft-spoken, and withdrawn—excluding the broomstick lesson yesterday. His pale face had completely lit up for that one.

Ahn-Bo went about the morning with a pep in his step. They stuck to their assigned seats for their morning classes, which meant that, unfortunately, they weren't able to sit near each other. That was probably a good thing. Ahn-Bo would have just been trying to see how many blushes he could get out of Jeong-ssi. Maybe even a laugh, if he managed to be extra clever. It wouldn't have been a conducive learning environment for either of them (and likely their classmates.) Though he'd caught the vampire sneaking glances at him—in which he'd stick out his tongue or cross his eyes to try to get a reaction out of him from afar. He'd been sneaking glances of his own when he didn't think Jeong-ssi was looking.

Finally, the midday meal break had rolled around. The yangban's heart raced in excitement as he pushed his way through the students streaming through the halls. He was pretty sure that he wasn't forcing the boy to be friends with him, which had been a relief. Did it mean that his feelings of kinship for Jeon-ssi were returned? It seemed like a fairly good chance, though he couldn't quite forget the awkwardness of the morning.

Ahn-Bo discovered him in the same spot—waiting for him? With the explanation that Jeon-ssi tried to avoid crowds of people, he'd made the assumption that he would have already been sitting at a table, not standing where everyone had to pass by. "Annyeonghaseyo!" He nearly ran (it was a fast walk; there was always one foot on the ground, Sseongsenim!) to catch up to him. "You're here!"

His brown eyes scanned the room, finding his usual table still empty. Apparently they'd beaten the other boys in their rush to lunch. That was fine. Maybe it would make the vampire more comfortable if he was there before the table filled with the others. Feet already headed in that direction, he tossed over his shoulder, "Let's sit before someone else steals it!" Jeon-ssi agreed, and they did just that.

Ahn-Bo tucked his legs and sat on the tatami mat next to the low table—in his typical spot at the end. He peeked at Jeon-ssi, and then blurted, "Do you actually want to hang out with me or do you just need help with sigilcraft?" His tone was partly joking, but it was partly said in earnest. Yesterday, he hadn't held back on being himself. Now that things had happened, he felt off balance, as if he didn't quite know where they stood.

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   Seojin Jeong

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Ahn-Bo speaks in Korean to his family unless otherwise stated in posts.
He has a noticeable accent when speaking in English.

Set by the amazing Fox! • plot with me

The glances he’d snuck Moon-ssi during lessons and the responses he’d gotten back when caught played themselves over in Jin’s mind now as he bounced a little on his toes impatiently. He gripped his bag closer into his chest, cheeks warm, as he remembered with some embarrassment that’d he’d been so distracted. It wasn’t his fault though! Moon-ssi was definitely throwing Jin for a loop with his friendship conquest. (It was only natural then that he be curious.) Nobody had ever tried befriending Jin before— at least not in any kind of presumptuous way that he could understand. He was used to being on his own and it was just fine. Abeoji had given him a baby occamy as a pet that sometimes curled up in the bottom of Jin’s trunk to nap while he studied late. That was enough company for him.

By the time students started to pile in with more intention to the dining hall, figures flanking him uncomfortably from both sides and whispering, Jin had already decided he didn’t want to sit with Moon-ssi’s little group again. They had been unpleasant at best and rude at the worst of it. Still, he peered around for any sight of them, knowing Moon-ssi might be amougnst the group. A cheerful greeting tore into his concentration and Jin felt his heart skip. He turned to smile.

“Annyeonghaseyo, Moon-ssi.” His voice was quiet and level even as he repeated to the affirmative: “I am.” There was a slight glow in Moon-ssi’s face that hadn’t been there when they parted that morning and Jin felt a knot (he hadn’t even realized he’d been carrying) release in his gut. He didn’t like seeing Moon-ssi distressed. Before he could direct them to a table of his own choosing, which Jin had fully intended to do such that they could avoid the rest of the quidditch team, Moon-ssi was leading him off to the side and dropping his things by a table. Jin didn’t comment. His feet followed even before he had a chance to protest and he settled his things next to Moon-ssi.

Jin had barely sat down before the question was out of Moon-ssi’s mouth and ringing in his ears. Do you actually want to hang out with me or… Jin blinked once, twice and then folded his hands into his lap. The first thing he could think to say was a weakly defensive, if slightly offended, “I don’t need help in Sigilcraft!” With a delicate wrinkle of his small nose. (Even though he’d suggested as much, it still smarted.) As he regained his bearings a bit and the world seemed to seep back into color however, Jin snapped his head back up, face warm. “But I do want to spend time with you,” he said shyly. Was that not obvious? (He both thought and screamed it in the expression that stole across his face.)

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Ahn-Bo Jeong & muse song

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   Ahn-Bo Jeong

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* Jin takes potions and enchantments at times to give his voice a persuasive quality.
His performances, or even a simple conversation, can sometimes suggest thoughts
and ideas to his audiences.

Had he not been so concerned, he would have thought Jeong-ssi's protests adorable. He was much too concerned with the latter half of his response, however, to do much more than purse his lips. Did the vampire not remember his request earlier that morning? He hadn't asked for help, technically, but he'd definitely volunteered to study together. It was one of Ahn-Bo's best classes—and since they were in all of the same classes—he was also aware that sometimes Jeong-ssi struggled with the lessons.

The confirmation that the other boy had willingly chosen the situation for himself had provided some relief. It was nice to hear anyone say that they wanted to be around you, but especially Jeong-ssi. The delighted little flutter in his tummy made him grin widely. The thought that he'd made it all up in his head had never occurred to him. Things had been strange between them this morning. Jeong-ssi was difficult to read sometimes, especially when he wanted to be, but he didn't doubt that there had been a moment where the vampire hadn't wanted to be friends with him.

He felt his cheeks warm as a blush swept across them. Suddenly self-conscious, he leaned in toward Jeong-ssi, "Are you certain?" Ahn-Bo needed full confirmation that it was okay to be himself. He could tone it down if that was what the vampire preferred. He couldn't quite understand why he cared so much about what the little vampire wanted. Ahn-Bo would never have even considered the idea for any of their other classmates. He hadn't yesterday, before he'd gotten to know Jeong-ssi. Now, he'd gotten a taste of what it was like to have Jeong-ssi around—and he wanted to keep him around, if he could. "Why?" His voice was nearly a whisper, sheepish and hopeful and even vulnerable.

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   Seojin Jeong

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Ahn-Bo speaks in Korean to his family unless otherwise stated in posts.
He has a noticeable accent when speaking in English.

Set by the amazing Fox! • plot with me

Jin wasn’t watching closely enough to grasp the emotions sweeping across Moon-ssi’s face. He’d half turned back to his lap and half stared at the low table between them, failing to notice the satisfaction that had swept across handsome features at being told he was wanted. If he had noticed, Jin might have warmed again. As it was, he didn’t even notice Moon-ssi’s own blush and sudden change in demeanor that softened him, dulling his brilliance around the edges. Jin’s brows creased in concern.

The subsequent question hung like a smelly, drying piece of meat between them, solid and heavy. Jin didn’t know how he was supposed to answer that. “Of course I’m certain,” he reassured Moon-ssi, frown deepening into his face. The subsequent ‘why’ seemed wholly unrelated and Jin answered mechanically, without a single moment of hesitation. “Because I like you.”

(The admission was out before Jin could reflect on it.)

“You’re bright and cheerful and friendly to everyone,” he continued. “I don’t… have a lot of bright and cheerful so, maybe, selfishly— I want to be around you to feel… that.” Jin felt himself growing warm as his gaze dropped, his voice quieted and he grew increasingly more shy with his explanation. Moon-ssi was polarizing, not that Jin particularly knew why quite yet. He just knew that from the little he had seen of the other, he wanted more of it— a real friendship, if that’s what Moon-ssi was offering.

“You’re different Moon-ssi,” Jin mused, holding eye contact with him. I would know, went unsaid. “I… I want to be your friend.” He could have just the one. Friend.

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Ahn-Bo Jeong & muse song

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   Ahn-Bo Jeong

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* Jin takes potions and enchantments at times to give his voice a persuasive quality.
His performances, or even a simple conversation, can sometimes suggest thoughts
and ideas to his audiences.

Because I like you. Oh. Well, that settled that then, didn't it? Jeong-ssi had said it outright (and now he couldn't take it back.) Perhaps it had been a bit too needy to demand the details. It wasn't like he'd really ever thought about why he was friends with the others, like Min-Jin-a or Tanako-ssi. Turning that question onto the introverted boy hadn't been very fair (or well thought out.) Still, it was nice to hear what Jeong-ssi did like about him—particularly his rather boisterous personality. His insecurities had been smoothed over, as if they hadn't even existed in the first place. Had they not been seated at the low table, he may have even given in to his impulse to wrap him in a tight, enthusiastic hug.

As the little vampire had admitted that Ahn-Bo was different, the odd little flutters had returned to his tummy, fueling the furious blush that burned its way across his cheeks. It was probably just because he was hungry... It was his turn to duck his head. The eye contact and sincerity—the self-assuredness in which he spoke—it was suddenly a bit much. That hardly stopped him from smiling ear to ear at the table, though.

"Good. I want to be your friend too," He recovered and lifted his chin again. "You should call me Ahn-Bo-ya then, since we're friends. And we should sit together for meals." This he said rather firmly through his grin. He was going to make it very clear what being friends meant so there were absolutely no more misunderstandings. Ever. "And homework." He added, remembering that that was something Seojin-a cared about.

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   Seojin Jeong

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Ahn-Bo speaks in Korean to his family unless otherwise stated in posts.
He has a noticeable accent when speaking in English.

Set by the amazing Fox! • plot with me

Jin felt something flutter in his chest at the look that Moon-ssi gave when he held eye contact. They were both red in the face for whatever unknown reason, but Jin felt a warmth in it rather than embarrassment. For the first time, it felt almost as if they were both on the same page finally. He smiled shyly, and watched as the other recovered. The light in Moon-ssi’s personality flickered back to life and with it came a series of expectations that— while Jin appreciated the honesty of it because this was exactly what he needed to know— it still surprised him, only just.

They could absolutely sit together for meals and do assignments together. He had no qualms at all about spending time with the jovial quidditch player. But calling him something (anything really) so personal seemed a little tricky. Jin knew if he was overheard that there would be repercussions, not only from those who liked to pick on him but likely from Seonsingnim too. He deliberated on how to say as much gently, not willing to puncture the balloon of swelling contentment that Moon-ssi had happily reinflated.

“I’m happy to sit with you whenever you’d like,” Jin said, trying to buy himself time. “But…” If his gaze flickered up unintentionally to seek any of those who’d sat with them yesterday, he didn’t noticed. “I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to call you informally.” There. He’d said it. His face warmed again for added emphasis. “It… makes me a little uncomfortable,” Jin admitted, golden brown eyes falling into his lap. “And the others wouldn’t like it, anyway. Or Seonsaengnim.” He wrinkled his nose, as if finding the admission of the latter more distasteful than the former. (Because it was.)

Jin knew by now though that if he cited prejudice as the only reason not to, Moon-ssi would fight him in on it. He was the type of person that wanted to change the world and its ways through brute force and common sense. And while it was admirable, Jin didn’t want Moon-ssi ostracizing himself more than he already would by being friends. So he stuck to his guns about the discomfort. It wasn’t a lie anyway. He was uncomfortable with being so informal, but only because he knew it would make things difficult for them.

Nudging Moon-ssi gently from his place to the left of where the other sat, Jin smiled again. “Geolae?” He prompted.

(He felt a ridiculous urge to offer his hand but didn’t. He didn’t know what Moon-ssi would do with it anyway, but some physical confirmation of their pact had seemed necessary for a split second. Remembering himself however, Jin only smiled a little wider.)

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Ahn-Bo Jeong & muse song

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The response he received was less than enthusiastic; Ahn-Bo did his best to be understanding rather than have his feelings hurt. Seojin-a, no, Jeong-ssi didn't feel as if it was appropriate for a myriad of reasons—though the only one that the quidditch player wouldn't disregard was how his friend felt about it personally. If it made him uncomfortable, Ahn-Bo would stick to using honorifics. He wished he wouldn't have dropped them the day before, knowing now that it did truly bother him. It was too late to take it back now. Though he hadn't given in to his impulse to hug the little vampire (he was rather glad he hadn't, knowing what he knew now), the little nudge he'd received was enough to assuage any sting of rejection. He flashed a grin and agreed firmly, "Geolae."

It was then that the other boys began to trickle into the dining hall and filled in the empty seats around the table. The same classmates who had been icy toward Jeong-ssi at dinner hadn't changed their attitudes, while others seemed to simply accept him and move on to other things. There was a storm rolling in from the sea, and their school was notorious for never canceling quidditch practice no matter the weather conditions. It helped make them the best quidditch players in the world, but the knowledge didn't make it any less miserable.

Just as it had the evening before, the food appeared on their table. No time was wasted as they helped themselves. Ahn-Bo did his best to ensure Jeon-ssi was as comfortable as he could be during the meal, sending steely glares at the boys who deigned to have frowns and trying to include him in whatever conversations they were having.

  

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Ahn-Bo speaks in Korean to his family unless otherwise stated in posts.
He has a noticeable accent when speaking in English.

Set by the amazing Fox! • plot with me

It was difficult for Jin to fully decipher the flash of emotion that flickered across Moon-ssi’s face at his response. It looked like consideration at first then something else before rounding out with a determined grin that at least loosened the tense knot in the little vampire’s stomach. Geolae. Moon-ssi agreed.

Jin returned a small smile and opened his mouth to say something else — maybe ask about sigilcraft— when an arm found its way around Moon-ssi’s neck and one of the quidditch players from yesterday razzed him. Jin fell quiet as the others piled in. The response to him was about the same as the evening before, if a little less shocked and a bit more frigid, but he was just pleased to sit next to Moon-ssi and eat his lunch in peace. The conversation twisted and turned like a snaking vine, but Jin did notice (in Moon-ssi’s efforts to keep him involved) that there were far fewer negative reactions to his being called Jeong-ssi, this time around. It came as both a reluctant relief and reaffirmation that he’d made the right choice, even if it bothered him.

Jin finished his meal and set down his chopsticks a bit earlier than the rest. He waited Moon-ssi out and eventually they made their way towards the library. They didn’t have class again until later and Jin, unfortunately, had to finish the extra sigilcraft assignment that he’d missed today, according to Seonsaengnim. (Ugh.) They settled into a table and he pulled the rectangular talisman paper that he’d sullied with his illegible characters. He scowled at it privately.

“I dislike Sigilcraft the most,” he sighed. It was his only bad subject! Jin was excellent in classes otherwise!

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Ahn-Bo Jeong & muse song

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   Ahn-Bo Jeong

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* Jin takes potions and enchantments at times to give his voice a persuasive quality.
His performances, or even a simple conversation, can sometimes suggest thoughts
and ideas to his audiences.

With a full belly and a pep in his step, Ahn-Bo had happily gone to the library, chattering about whatever was on his mind at the time. He'd noticed Jeong-ssi hadn't had much to say when it came to quidditch, so that was one thing he'd steered clear of. Instead, it was his observations of the academy's buildings, staff, and some of the students. He'd continued chattering as they'd walked into the library, though an exasperated huff from the librarian reminded him that he was supposed to be quiet. Ahn-Bo dutifully closed his mouth, though nothing could be done with the sound of the chair scraping against the floor, nor the thud as he dropped his books on the table.

He snuck a glance at Jeong-ssi's paper. It was just as much of a mess as his notes had been yesterday. He knew better than to say anything this time, though. The vampire hadn't liked his comment about it yesterday. Rather than say anything at all that could be upsetting (Ahn-Bo was still learning where Jeong-ssi was particularly prickly), he asked instead, "Why do you dislike it?" He pulled his own Sigilcraft supplies from his bag. Though he didn't really need them, since he had finished the assignment in class. Still, he didn't think his friend would appreciate him simply sitting there and watching, so he had to at least pretend to be busy with something.

  

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Ahn-Bo speaks in Korean to his family unless otherwise stated in posts.
He has a noticeable accent when speaking in English.

Set by the amazing Fox! • plot with me

The scowl hadn’t left Jin’s face the whole time he stared unhappily at his talisman. Moon-ssi was busily pulling his own supplies out which was really background noise to the doom and gloom hanging over Jin’s head. He was never going to be able to regulate his writing fast enough to please Seonsaengnim. The movements just weren’t natural to Jin, or the brushes were too big. He didn’t have this problem with sketching at least, but then— he’d been doodling in the dirt since he was small. It wasn’t until Moon-ssi very delicately asked the most obvious question ever that Jin actually looked up. He couldn’t help the wry smile that stole across his face, half humor and half embarrassment. He let out a noisy little snort.

“Because I’m terrible at it,” was the blunt, no-nonsense response. And it was true. Jin prodded his sad talisman across the table at Moon-ssi for extra evidence. Looking at it from this angle, it almost seemed like his characters were trying to smush into the furthest part of the paper from where he’d begun, like something was chasing them. It he hadn’t been so destitute, Jin might almost find it amusing.

He eyed Moon-ssi’s immaculate work and sighed, wistfully. Was it too soon to ask for help? Was he too proud? Jin didn’t know the answer to either, but he did know no amount of pride would help him when Seonsaengnim failed him and Abeoji came for his head. He propped his head up moodily in his palm and pouted. Maybe if he was obvious enough, Moon-ssi would save him the embarrassment and offer.

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Ahn-Bo Jeong & muse song

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* Jin takes potions and enchantments at times to give his voice a persuasive quality.
His performances, or even a simple conversation, can sometimes suggest thoughts
and ideas to his audiences.

Ahn-Bo bit his lip to keep from laughing at Jeong-ssi's rather direct response. Personally, he agreed with that sentiment. He had definitely seen better talismans from his younger sister, and she was only ten. That was something he definitely wasn't going to share with the now pouting boy—especially since Jeong-ssi had actually shown him his work willingly. Yesterday, he'd deliberately been trying to hide it. Ahn-Bo would rather have broken his prized broomstickin half than lose the vampire's trust, so he swallowed his smile and dutifully looked it over.

"It isn't that bad," He said reassuringly. It was. It was very bad. Delicately, the paper was slid back to its owner. Jeong-ssi didn't look as if he had any intention of starting on his own. He hadn't even picked up his brush; he simply sat with his chin in his hand. Ahn-Bo hesitated. Should he offer help? They both knew he was far better at this class than his friend. Logically, he should offer help. A small part of him was worried that if he offended Jeong-ssi, their blooming friendship would crumble to dust as if he had never existed in the first place. He couldn't bare the thought, but he also hated the idea of just letting him struggle on his own when he was very equipped to help.

Was smiling polite? Should he show his teeth? No, no, that wasn't polite. He offered a closed lip smile and began carefully, "Would you... I can... I can probably help, if you want. Not that you need it." The last bit was tacked on quickly, remembering their pre-lunch conversation.

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   Seojin Jeong

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Ahn-Bo speaks in Korean to his family unless otherwise stated in posts.
He has a noticeable accent when speaking in English.

Set by the amazing Fox! • plot with me