#minjun ʚ♡ɞ chat

[rxlinquo]

“Maybe we should have the two of them meet and work together to learn a new hobby.” Though, Minjun would never let that happen. He wouldn't let anyone outside of him face Haerin's wrath.

Minjun can see the exact moment that the switch flips within Molly. From the few times that he's walked into the library, the librarian has always been kind and helpful, especially when it came to recommending books that Haerin wanted. However, there's a huge difference between helping someone find a book that they need and recommending books that you love. Molly's recommendations come out hot and fast, Minjun struggling to keep up, but doesn't tell her to stop or slow down. Why would he want to snuff her fire of excitement? It ignites his own fire, small, but it's there.

"Actually, The Alchemist sounds interesting," he says. "I might check that one out." He, however, doesn't move from his spot to get it. Afraid that if he does then he'll have to leave and go back to his cottage, away from people. "But tell me about some horror stories? I like horror movies but never considered reading any of the books."

Molly couldn't help but laugh at Minjun's explanation of his sister, and could deeply relate. "Your sister sounds like she'd get along swimmingly with my sister." she replies, "She's my best friend, but it's not always fun being around when she fails at a task or hobby."

The look in her eyes brightens a bit as he asks for a recommendation. "Ah," she begins, peering around the nearby stacks. Books were windows into the soul, or vessels to take us on a trip when we didn't have the means or real desire to physically leave. "Absolutely!" she pauses for a thoughtful moment. "And willing to read anything.." she repeats, "If you're up for a thoughtful adventure, I'd recommend The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho, it's a classic. Or Space Below My Feet by Gwent Moffat if you're looking for a much lesser known mountain climbing adventure." She pulled the first title from a current display titled "library favorites" before carefully placing it back on the stand. "If you're looking for something longer, and more of an unforgettable journey, I have to recommend This Tender Land by William Kent Kruger. It's one of my more recent favorites." It wasn't on display, and Molly was almost certain it was checked out, but she had an additional copy on her desk ready to hit the shelves.

She was also almost certain that she was afraid of overwhelming Minjun if she kept listing titles, so she settled for a shorter offer. "I'm also a fan of horror stories and great thrillers if you'd be interested in one of those." she offered, gesturing to the set of shelves where many of those books were located.

[rxlinquo]

where && with whom : : the kim's cottage and OPEN (2/3)

Haerin has done so much for Minjun, from helping him with starting up happymugs inc to moving to Bleeding Springs-- he owes his younger sister so much. Which brings him to this: starting a garden in their backyard. During their move, Haerin made it her goal to start a garden and later become a farmer. Like any proper older brother, Minjun supported her desires and wishes. He got her books, found videos, and even got all the materials. It just... never happened because of how busy Haerin became with her job.

It's okay, oppa, I'll get to it when my schedule opens up. That's what she told him, three weeks ago. And from the heavy eye bags and Haerin sitting at her work laptop 'till late at night... Minjun figured that his younger sister won't be able to start the garden anytime soon.

And that brought him to the bulletin board and requesting from some help. It's the perfect opportunity to meet others and get some help with the garden. After all, the people of Bleeding Springs love to talk and help their neighbors.

"Thank you for taking up my offer," Minjun says, leading the other around the house and to the Kim's backyard. "I don't know much about gardening, just the stuff that I've read in books and seen on Tiktok. So, I'm glad to get some help today."

[rxlinquo]

where && with whom : : town square w/ @vespcrtines

"So, did she like it?" Minjun asks, nervously twiddling fingers as he awaits the answer. "Your mom. Did she say anything about the mug?"

[rxlinquo]

ʚ♡ɞ tags ʚ♡ɞ

[rxlinquo]

He pulls his hand way, nodding as Frankie spoke. Pure Valley, he knows where that is. "That's cool," Minjun says. "Does that mean you're a farmer?" Because honestly... what else would Frankie do on a farm? "No, I haven't. I moved here about a month ago with my sister. I'm still learning everything and everyone."

Minjun. Not a familiar face, but he looks kind and, frankly? That's all Frankie truly cares about. His momma always tells him he can see the kindness in everyone; whether she means it in a good or bad way is lost to him. Frankie shakes his hand -- whoa, strong! -- a wide smile on his lips as he nods his head. "Yeah, born and bred," he states, his chest puffing up with pride. "My family runs Pure Valley, maybe you've seen it...? Not too far from here." He tilts his head, grin still intact. "I'm guessin' you haven't been here too long, huh?"

[rxlinquo]

"Are you sure?" Though, with the way she stands up with no problem proves that she's fine and that a hospital visit isn't necessary. "Okay," Minjun says, nodding, answering his own question. "Band-aids. Those, uh, I do not have... on me. But I can buy you some?" It's the right thing to do and what he believes a true southern would do. "I'm Minjun, I'm new," he says. Not as new but still pretty new. "And you're welcome, Freddie. I was only doing what any other normal person would've done."

Has she finally lost her mind? All those times her parents told her ghosts aren't real, it's just your imagination, that is NOT grandma standing in the corner of your room—were they right the whole time? Or maybe this guy just didn't turn around fast enough to see it? Yeah, that's gotta be it. And she definitely does not want to make this stranger think she's a complete weirdo, so she's not about to press the topic further. (But she will certainly be back later to do some solo investigating.)

"Nah, nah, no hospital needed." She offers a weak smile, finally reaching to grab his extended hand and pull herself up. Once she's back on two feet, she roughly wipes her pants, releasing a massive puff of dirt. "...Though I could probably use a coupla band-aids, if you got any on you." There's a short beat. "Oh, uh, the name's Freddie, by the way. I don't think I know you. 'Preciate you stoppin' to check on me."

[rxlinquo]

Minjun catches the joke and laughs, but it's stiff and awkward, so it doesn't last long. He coughs to cover it up, embarrassed with himself. "Right, right..." He says, nodding and listening closely to the other's words. He's been to a few indie bookstores, but Barnes and Noble has always been so easy and connivant that over time, Minjun stopped going to the smaller bookstores. However, that's not the case here, so he's learning. "That's... really cool. Honestly. Is the book club popular?" He wonders if the librarian Molly attends said book clubs, it would make sense if she does.

"Ah, I'm Minjun," he says. "Thank you, Arden, and it's nice to meet you."

It's another new face, new to her, at least, but also new to the shop, apparently. The first question gives them the slightest pause, eyes darting over to the rows of bookshelves crammed full of books. “That's what they tell me, anyway,” they joke, flashing the man a sly but friendly smile and hoping they didn't piss off a potential customer because they had to be a smartass.

“But yeah, we're a small, independent bookstore, so it's a bit different from Barnes & Noble,” is their genuine reply. “There's obviously the fact that shopping indie directly helps the town economy as opposed to a big corporation. But we also cater to the community more than a chain store, so you'll notice there's a bigger religious section and a bigger hobby section with more books on, like, cooking or gardening or animal care. We do try to keep a good, varied stock, of course, and you're always welcome to put in a request if we don't have something you're looking for.”

“Oh, and we run some community events on occasion, too; we do work with the library in hosting a book club.”

“Sorry, that's probably more of a response than you were looking for,” Arden chuckles. “But, indie bookstores are great, and I'm not just saying that because they pay me to,” she grins. “But, yeah, lemme stop talking. Feel free to browse all you want. I'm Arden, and I'll be here if you need help with anything.”

[rxlinquo]

Minjun is walking into the establishment when the unknown woman comes straight for him, Minjun going rigid as she stands before him and talks as if they know each other. Perhaps, she's confusing him for someone else, that happens sometimes. It's not until she leans in a little closer and reveals the true reason why she's talking to him. Eyes lift up to see the man she's referring to, a creep in any bar and who refuses to back off. "Sorry, I lost track of time while working," Minjun says, relaxing bit by bit as he takes on the role of her friend. "I should've called or texted you, but I'm here now." He looks around, mostly to see if the creep was still watching them, but to also find somewhere to sit. "Come on, there's a table over there. Let's go sit down."

open starter!!

With Ali off at a sleepover tonight, Layla took it upon herself not to stay at home and twiddling her thumbs in boredom. Granted, while she wasn't the most sociable of people, she did enjoy the local bar. Especially how heavy-handed they typically are. The brunette was sat at the bar, reading a book and slowly drinking her rum and Coke—or, at least, she was trying to. A man continued to try and talk with her, either oblivious or completely ignoring her avoiding his advances. As her gaze roamed across the room, she spotted someone and quickly formed a plan. "Excuse me, my friend is here." Grabbing her book and drink, she headed straight over and plastered a smile on her face. "There you are! I was wondering if you stood me up," she said, loud enough for the man to hear, before lowering her voice to the other. "Sorry, just... Give me a moment of your time. He will not leave me alone and I'm seconds away from tossing my drink in his face."

location: the velvet stag

date: friday, may 18th, 2025

[rxlinquo]

Just like his life back in Seattle, Minjun doesn't leave his apartment unless it's for work. Which was fine when he lived alone, but now that he shares an apartment with his sister, Haerin has been pushing-- more like forcing-- Minjun out the house and interact with others. I don't care where you go, just go meet someone! Which brings him to the Velvet Stag, the only place that's open at this time and where he can meet someone where it isn't... weird. Well, weird for him, he's slowly starting to realize that the townspeople are not only friendly, but they also love to talk.

"Hm?" Minjun says, heading turning to the woman next to him. Is she talking to him? Should he respond? "Oh, uh... you don't like this song?"

Location: The Velvet Stag int. Status: open

Going from life in the city to working at a clinic in the valley? It's a lot. The early morning train rides are nice; quietly sitting and sipping her coffee as she watches the city roll by, slowly but surely give way to smaller towns and grassy fields, it's quite a peaceful way to start the day. But being in a town where everyone is so friendly and everyone knows one another feels so foreign to her. And, honestly, it's been a while since she's had such a forward facing job. People are so… chatty, it's exhausting.

Valerie sits at the bar, head propped up on one arm as she stares out a window. She's nursing a paloma, watching the rain come down as other patrons chatter and go about their night. There's some country song playing in the background, soft and moody; a woman sings about having a broken heart in her country twang over a repetitive chord progression that has her rolling her eyes.

She huffs out a sigh and takes another sip of her drink. "Can we at least put on something more upbeat?" she murmurs to herself. The comment isn't intended to be heard by anyone else, but alas…

[rxlinquo]

"No.... should I or do you think everyone is already taken?"

It's his first Rain of Petals Parade and Minjun is enjoying himself, as usual. The townspeople love to throw a festival, everyone gathering with sweet treats and beautiful crafts that Minjun is regretting not bringing out his own mugs and plates to sell. However, he only decided against because 1) he's still new and 2) he wants to enjoy what the Springs has to offer. He wants to enjoy being with the townspeople, as they, as always, welcome him with open arms, and the general festivity. Though, the only downside is the dancing part. Minjun has to watch people ask others to be their dance partners as he keeps to the back, not having a close relation with anyone here. Maybe he should ask Haerin to dance with him-- no, she'll reject him. Not even his own sister would dance with him. "Have you asked anyone?"

location: festival games area, Rain of Petals Parade status: open!

Tori Mae wasn't much for dancing and pageantry but she did enjoy the occasional event to people watch. The Springs came alive every spring with the Rain of Petals Parade and the looks of pure joy on the faces of festival goers was a nice reminder that there still was a little magic left in the world, even if none of it belonged to Tori Mae.

She should've listened to Miss Fortune all those years ago when she told her to expect a big change in her life, but truly, she should'a listened to her mama telling her she had no business putting any trust into what that woman had to say. Tori ignored the instructions to steer clear of her tent then, but had made up for it by avoiding it entirely for the last fifteen years. That counted for something, right, Mama?

Instead, she wandered the festival grounds, savoring the smells of freshly baked teats, hand picked flowers, and honey sticks. She greets local artisans with a big smile, promising to make another round to actually purchase something and sends her Pop's regards. He hated missing the festival but promised Tori Mae's mama he'd rest this year and let Tori take care of the shop talk.

Now, she's clad in high-waist denim shorts, a muted golden-yellow floral button down, tied in a knot just above her exposed midriff, and flower suede platform Doc's with a freshly squeezed lemonade (and gin) in hand. Her eyes are trained on the ring in her friend's hand as they play ring toss, or maybe attempt to play would've been a better way to put it. A chuckle escapes from her lips. "So, did'ya ask anyone to dance yet?" She inquires with a quirked brow, bringing the straw to her lips.

[rxlinquo]

"I hope the same," he says. "Because I won't hear the end of it if she's terrible at gardening." Minjun loves his little sister with his entire heart, but he does find it a bit... annoying when she complains about little stuff like this. Whenever Haerin fails at something and it deeply upsets her, she'll make it her life goal to make it everyone's problem. And by everyone, it's mainly Minjun who has to suffer.

"Um, not really." When was the last time Minjun came into the library for something specific? College maybe? "I was going to just... look around. See if anything catches me eye," Minjun says, however, he pauses, thinking. "Actually... Could you recommend me a book? I'm willing to read anything."

At the mention of a hobby, and the book helping, Molly beamed at Minjun. "I love hearing that!" she replied. One of her favorite things about working in a library was hearing that her recommendation was helpful in one way or another. She didn't need to know that she changed a life, she just wanted to know that someone was content with something they had left with. "I hope she has better luck than I do," she added, "I've tried my hand at gardening but it doesn't seem like the universe has that in store for me."

"Are you looking for anything specific today?" she inquired, tilting her head slightly. The longer she stayed in Bleeding Hearts Springs the more she wanted to get to know her patrons and friends and find books or other library items that might strike their fancy.

[rxlinquo]

"Okay." He asked twice and the answer was still no, best to leave it at that. And really, Minjun was ready to end the conversation there, not taking any offense to the other man's behavior, until he introduced himself, hand out. He blinks at first before slowly taking the other man's-- no, Frankie's hand, giving it a firm handshake. "Minjun," he says. "It's nice to meet you, Frankie." He pulls his hand away as he asks, "Are you from here?"

It's agony, pure anguish as he waits for the other to return with his keys, Frankie forlornly looking at his Fallen Soldier, lost to the dirt. Never mind the fact that his sweet tooth is practically nonexistent and the concept of carrot in a cookie kind of grosses him out. It was the principle of it all, the Goddess calling to him through the television screen.

His head lifts up out of his cheek as the other appears, blue rabbit's foot dangling from his hands. Frankie plucks it from his grasp, another dramatic sigh echoing from his lips. "I'm okay, I don't mind." He does want another cookie, but his momma would would nearly smack him upside the head if he took up someone's offer without returning the kindness the second after. Shoot. Right, he needs to be Polite and not stew in sadness at the feet of a Stranger. He stands up, shoving his keys into the pocket of his jeans before sticking out his hand.

"... I'm Frankie, by the way. What's your name?"

[rxlinquo]

"See what?" Minjun asks, turning to look behind him, expecting to see whatever she sees. Only when he does, he doesn't see anything. How hard did she hit her head? "You're not dying, you just hit your head." Or at least he's hoping that it's just that and not the spirits of the town making an appearance, now that he wouldn't be able to handle. "Maybe we should take you to a hospital, especially if you're seeing the, uh, Grim Reaper."

As she blearily looks up to greet this kind soul—to assure him she's fine, just a bit banged up—she suddenly freezes, eyes slowly widening into saucers. Is that the light playing tricks on her? Is she concussed? No, no, that's definitely something—someone?—standing directly behind him—a shadowy, blobbish specter. As soon as she fully takes it in, a gust of wind blows through the trees, and it's gone with the dappled sunlight.

"Holy fu—dude, did you see that?" She points a slightly shaky finger to the empty air behind him. Of course, there is no way for him to have seen it, but she's hoping maybe he at least felt a chill in the air ... or some hot breath panting down his neck because that thing was seriously RIGHT behind him. "Am I dying? Was that the Grim Reaper?" She didn't expect the personification of death to look so silly, truthfully, but what else could that have been?

[rxlinquo]

The town may be small, but there's still so much that he has yet to see. From the people to the local businesses, every day, it feels like Minjun is discovering more and more of this so-called "small town." It's because of his curiosity that he finds himself walking into Pioneer Books, eyes trailing around the small store before falling on the worker. He shakes his head before answering, "No, I'm just looking," Minjun says. He pauses and gives one final swoop before his eyes fall back onto her. "This is a bookstore... yes? Similar to Barnes and Noble?"

Location: Pioneer Books Status: open

Something was wrong. She didn't know why, but she knew that something was wrong.

Yes, it was pretty normal behavior for Rafael to just fuck off for a few days, and he always returned home in one piece. He often returned with more than one new injury, mind you, but, at least, his hunter blood meant he'd be back to normal after some rest. This was normal, she shouldn't be worried– at least not more than usual– and yet… she just couldn't shake the feeling.

She had tried his apartment several times over the last few days. Perks of being the asshole's neighbor, she could just head down the hall and check at any time. Each time, though, there had been no response, no sounds coming from inside, nothing. The door had also been locked because of course Raf went and fixed his ever-busted door at the most inconvenient time possible. Still, it wouldn't hurt checking again.

There were still no sounds coming from inside the apartment, even after she knocked. When she tried the handle, to her surprise, it actually turned in her hand, and that made her pause. Only after she pulled out her knife did she open the door and step in.

The apartment was a me–

DING

Hand freezing mid-word, Arden's focus is broken by the sound of the doorbell. Damn.

They don't immediately look up as they try to quickly finish the sentence they were writing while they still remember it. “Welcome to Pioneer Books,” they call kindly, pen scribbling. She glances up briefly, shooting the individual a polite smile as she finally finishes. “Anything I can help you with today?”

[rxlinquo]

He's kind and patient as he awaits for the other to answer. When he does, Minjun offers him a small smile and a nod. "Sure, just wait right here."

It's a quick and practically easy task. Just a simple, sorry, my friend left his keys in here. However, he does hesitate on the word friend as it's not true. The man outside is a simple stranger to him, someone he's helping in this moment. Then again, it wouldn't be right to lie and say that the keys belong to him, so he didn't do that either. So the word friend came out awkwardly as the employee just... nodded, not caring. Which makes it a quick (and awkward) task. "Here's your keys," Minjun says, holding it out for the other. "Are you still grieving? Are you sure you don't want me to buy you another box?"

Oh, Goodness, Frankie's hearing voices now. Kind, all-too-well-meaning voices, offering up whole boxes of sweets and treats. Is he going bananas? Or, is it--

He lifts his head up, up to the other guy standing like he's just seen just a wreck without a single clue of what to do. The stray thought of 'oh, no, I'm the wreck' goes into one ear and out the other, Frankie rubbing at his freckly neck as his gaze drifts between the Fallen Cookie and the other.

"No, no, I'm just--" he shakes his head, looking back up to him with wide eyes. "...if it wouldn't be much trouble, could you grab my keys? I left 'em on the counter in there. There's a blue rabbit's foot dangling from them." Frankie points his thumb behind him, towards the Happy Apple. "I'd do it myself, but...I'm grievin'," he breathes out, dramatic sigh and all, his hand cupping his cheek in cartoonish sadness.

[rxlinquo]

It's probably a good thing that Haerin isn't here to see this, knowing his sister, she would lose her mind at the sight of the spiders. Minjun is fine, spiders don't necessarily scare him, but the big and hairy ones do make his skin crawl in disgust. He prays to the Goddess (mind you, he does not pray at all) that nothing big shows up. "Really?" Minjun asks, leaning a little closer to see the spiders crawling on Wes' hand. Does he have to worry about blue spiders when starting this garden? "How bad is it? Like bad enough that we can't start this garden?"

"Not necessarily," he says. Scammahorn's products certainly exist, they just don't typically work as intended-- but Wes is more than willing to take the rest of it off Minjun's hands. He'd be remiss not to run at least a few more experiments with it, anyway, just to note any consistencies or discrepancies. Any notice he might've paid to the other's reactions is quickly squandered as he approaches the side of the cottage, leaning in and squinting as he notes the spiders crawling across the boarded foundation. There's too many of them for them not to be babies, and they're rather large for babies; all he can assume is some rendition of wolf spider or tarantula. But, upon further inspection, he realizes they're a bit off.

"Most arachnids prefer the warmth of a human touch," Wes replies, crouching down and allowing a couple of them to crawl onto his bare hand, bringing it to eye level and examining closely. Blue. He's never seen a blue spider before. One of them bites him immediately. "Hm," he frowns, following what looks like a trail, all the way over to Minjun's semi-discarded Speed Gro fertilizer bag, where it seems a good amount of them have been living for the time being. "Your problem might be more dire than I thought..."