Jin’s cheek and ribs were still smarting from the last altercation with Abeoji. A dark bruise was blooming around his eye behind the enchantments he’d practically numbed himself with to cover it up. His face was outwardly flawless; spirits forbid he walk out into society with anything but a picture perfect visage. But Eun-Ho had helped him tidy up that morning. They were all rather talented with covering up the signs of Abeoji’s affection by now. Years of practice made one strong in areas otherwise unthinkable. In his left hand— no right, (he swapped it unconsciously), the brunette had crumpled a list of things he was to fetch for the household. Something about being seen out and about making him more approachable? Jin was exhausted already from the smile stretching at his cheeks unnaturally.

He’d been to the apothecary already and was making his way past the cauldron shop when a sign stood out to him, shining slightly brighter in the dim sunlight filtering in between the clouds. His skin prickled from the vibrancy of the day and he wished more than anything that he might steal a parasol from one of the endless debutants strolling about so that he, too, might hide himself underneath from the sun. Deciding a small break might be worth the risk, Jin ducked into the shop that called to him: Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. He’d never had ice cream before; in fact, he only knew of it because he’d overhead one of the high-ranking officials back home mention it in passing to Abeoji one late evening when he’d been performing. The concept was still fuzzy to Jin so he indulged the curiosity.

Inside, the ice cream parlor was… colorful. Too much so, one might say. The overwhelm of it all on his senses was nearly enough to make Jin skirt his curiosity and duck back out but then— something pressed up against his leg. Looking down at the creature rubbing up against him, Jin felt his stiff face soften. It was a pretty shade of orange, whatever it was. He crouched low and made to pet it. “Annyeong,” he muttered softly, greeting the little thing. It purred and pressed its face up against his making Jin laugh. “That’s not very polite,” he chided it gently in Joseoneo.

One more pat and Jin felt himself relax. Maybe he'd come back another time when he wasn't feeling so cagey. The ice cream shop was of interest, certainly, and they had all the time in the world as far as Abeoji was concerned.

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