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[Min looks suitably ashamed even just at the face he makes. He knows he shouldn't have questioned it. He should have just been appreciative that Ryan would try when it's not like either of them want to do anything besides make music together. It's not Ryan's fault Min ended up caving to his parents insistence it would be a good idea to apply for a reliable job if he wasn't going to university until the following year. It's not Ryan's fault Min got conscripted into the Poké Mob. It's not Ryan's fault he didn't get pulled here until two months after he did so his teams aren't quite the levels Min's are.
None of that's Ryan's fault, but of course he still wants to contribute even if Chicken Choice Judy isn't pulling in the money they need it to. It doesn't even seem like they'll have to rely on other means in the near future, which just makes having pushed him on it even stupider.]
I know. I'm sorry. I guess I keep thinking it's my responsibility since I've been here longer. I was really freaked out until you finally got here. I picked up a couple of jobs because I needed the money, but that was tough. It felt so normal when everything was weird, and not in a good way. Not like the bathroom. Like I was just stuck again doing whatever other people wanted, and I didn't even get a say.
[He chances a look back over at him, hoping Ryan's not as annoyed.]
I don't want that for you before you've had chance to settle in. I forget you don't need as much time as I do before something new stops being scary for you.
None of that's Ryan's fault, but of course he still wants to contribute even if Chicken Choice Judy isn't pulling in the money they need it to. It doesn't even seem like they'll have to rely on other means in the near future, which just makes having pushed him on it even stupider.]
I know. I'm sorry. I guess I keep thinking it's my responsibility since I've been here longer. I was really freaked out until you finally got here. I picked up a couple of jobs because I needed the money, but that was tough. It felt so normal when everything was weird, and not in a good way. Not like the bathroom. Like I was just stuck again doing whatever other people wanted, and I didn't even get a say.
[He chances a look back over at him, hoping Ryan's not as annoyed.]
I don't want that for you before you've had chance to settle in. I forget you don't need as much time as I do before something new stops being scary for you.
Edited 2023-01-09 01:09 (UTC)
[It's hard to stay annoyed as he listens to Min speak. He can't relate to Min's specific problems, not really. He's never worked in a diner, or been pressured to go into a career he didn't want. He's never had family that would push him as hard as Min's. They never expected him to go to college. Ryan, for better or worse, has always done whatever he wants.
But for once? He can actually see a bigger picture. Maybe it's only because it's been on his mind today, but...the problem, at its core, is kind of the same as his.]
...You were back in that space again.
[Something happened, and then it was like Min never left Dumpty's. It was like Ryan was still on that shitty tour. Something happened and they both slid right back into old habits and worries they thought they'd outgrown.
Ryan sets his hand on Min's shoulder, trying to say more with a gesture than he ever could with words.]
We're not going to get stuck. If it ever does come to something like that? Totally temporary. Just long enough to get us back on our feet. And you'll always, always have a say with me.
[Even if they don't always agree, the last thing Ryan wants is for Min to just go through the motions for his sake.]
And like...I know I've sucked at it before, but. I can take some of that responsibility. Just because you have experience doesn't mean it's good for you. If one day you're like "Dude, I can't even look at another diner without wanting to hurl," I'll get something extra until we figure something else out.
[He gives Min's shoulder a gentle squeeze. He's right here.]
I meant it. We're in this together. Don't take all of it on by yourself, Min.
But for once? He can actually see a bigger picture. Maybe it's only because it's been on his mind today, but...the problem, at its core, is kind of the same as his.]
...You were back in that space again.
[Something happened, and then it was like Min never left Dumpty's. It was like Ryan was still on that shitty tour. Something happened and they both slid right back into old habits and worries they thought they'd outgrown.
Ryan sets his hand on Min's shoulder, trying to say more with a gesture than he ever could with words.]
We're not going to get stuck. If it ever does come to something like that? Totally temporary. Just long enough to get us back on our feet. And you'll always, always have a say with me.
[Even if they don't always agree, the last thing Ryan wants is for Min to just go through the motions for his sake.]
And like...I know I've sucked at it before, but. I can take some of that responsibility. Just because you have experience doesn't mean it's good for you. If one day you're like "Dude, I can't even look at another diner without wanting to hurl," I'll get something extra until we figure something else out.
[He gives Min's shoulder a gentle squeeze. He's right here.]
I meant it. We're in this together. Don't take all of it on by yourself, Min.
[There's been many times where they just don't understand each other. Close as they are, they're two different people with very different perspectives on life. But sometimes something connects, and they understand each other perfectly. He knows from Ryan's voice this is one of those moments. He doesn't need the hand on his shoulder to understand they're on the same wavelength, though the warmth of it is pleasantly reassuring and does get a smile out of him.]
I know. So do you. I'm just... I'm used to being the responsible one. Not even just with you. In everything. I know you don't expect me to take on everything, but sometimes it's hard for me to let go of that.
I'm sorry if I made you feel like I don't trust you to help if we need it. No one's ever had my back like you do.
I know. So do you. I'm just... I'm used to being the responsible one. Not even just with you. In everything. I know you don't expect me to take on everything, but sometimes it's hard for me to let go of that.
I'm sorry if I made you feel like I don't trust you to help if we need it. No one's ever had my back like you do.
I get it. Old habits die hard, right?
[That goes for both of them, but they're always working on it. Ever since the train, they both try a lot harder.]
Plus like, I haven't always been reliable, so...I get it.
[He feels like crap about it, but he gets it - which is why he means it when he's offering help.]
But I want that to be different. No one can be the responsible guy all the time - you'd go nuts!
[That goes for both of them, but they're always working on it. Ever since the train, they both try a lot harder.]
Plus like, I haven't always been reliable, so...I get it.
[He feels like crap about it, but he gets it - which is why he means it when he's offering help.]
But I want that to be different. No one can be the responsible guy all the time - you'd go nuts!
Right.
[It sucks, but even after the train they still mess up. Sometimes it even feels like they mess up more than they did before, though really it's just they're more likely to talk about it than they were back when they were kids.]
It is different. You know so much more than I do about getting by on the road. You know how to talk people into giving us a shot for shows. I'd never even be able to get a tour going without you.
[Maybe things hadn't gone so well when Ryan had tried to do it solo, but it's not like Min would have even got started without him. He needs him too. They work better as a team, and even though Min-Gi's been here longer that doesn't mean he should forget that.]
[It sucks, but even after the train they still mess up. Sometimes it even feels like they mess up more than they did before, though really it's just they're more likely to talk about it than they were back when they were kids.]
It is different. You know so much more than I do about getting by on the road. You know how to talk people into giving us a shot for shows. I'd never even be able to get a tour going without you.
[Maybe things hadn't gone so well when Ryan had tried to do it solo, but it's not like Min would have even got started without him. He needs him too. They work better as a team, and even though Min-Gi's been here longer that doesn't mean he should forget that.]
[Ryan smiles in a rare way for him - soft and subdued, but genuine. It's so hard to take compliments, but...it feels really good to hear that from Min. To hear the things he's doing right here.]
Together we make the perfect touring band.
[They balance each other out, like they always do. They could have only ever done this together. Ryan manages another bite of cake on his own, but he glances over at Min thoughtfully.]
You wanna ditch once we're done with cake? Even ignoring all my stuff from before...kinda feels weird to hang out too long for this afterparty?
[The entire party is young children and their families, and a few out of place older siblings here and there. He doesn't regret hanging around for a bit - he really needed a minute and he's feeling better and more like himself. Leaving the party is probably okay now, even if it comes with the possibility of talking out other things, if Min thinks of them.]
Together we make the perfect touring band.
[They balance each other out, like they always do. They could have only ever done this together. Ryan manages another bite of cake on his own, but he glances over at Min thoughtfully.]
You wanna ditch once we're done with cake? Even ignoring all my stuff from before...kinda feels weird to hang out too long for this afterparty?
[The entire party is young children and their families, and a few out of place older siblings here and there. He doesn't regret hanging around for a bit - he really needed a minute and he's feeling better and more like himself. Leaving the party is probably okay now, even if it comes with the possibility of talking out other things, if Min thinks of them.]
[He agrees, of course. Since they've started touring it's never stopped amazing him just how well they work together. The parts he can't do come to Ryan with ease, and a lot of the things that seem to have been the downfall of Ryan's solo career are aspects Min-Gi doesn't mind dealing with.
Objectively they still have a long way to go before they can be considered successful (or at least they did back home), but everything runs so smoothly between the two of them that a lot of the time Min-Gi already feels like they're there.
Still. Hearing Ryan say it out loud fills him with warmth. It's a good feeling, though he wishes he couldn't feel his cheeks heating up. He's glad for another subject to switch to, and after another swig from his juice box he sets it down to pick his cake back up to finish.]
Yeah. Let's ditch. We can finish the cake, then round up the Pokémon and finally get out of these stupid costumes.
[He's definitely looking forward to that...]
Objectively they still have a long way to go before they can be considered successful (or at least they did back home), but everything runs so smoothly between the two of them that a lot of the time Min-Gi already feels like they're there.
Still. Hearing Ryan say it out loud fills him with warmth. It's a good feeling, though he wishes he couldn't feel his cheeks heating up. He's glad for another subject to switch to, and after another swig from his juice box he sets it down to pick his cake back up to finish.]
Yeah. Let's ditch. We can finish the cake, then round up the Pokémon and finally get out of these stupid costumes.
[He's definitely looking forward to that...]
[Ryan is too, if he's being honest. Under different circumstances the goofy costumes might have been more fun, but now he's just ready to go back to the inn and chill there for a while. He's let out a lot of bottled up feelings and it's sucked out most of his party energy - even for a kid's birthday party.
It's time to escape and reset, and he's so glad Min's onboard with that.]
Definitely. I'm so over this. I want this dumb hood off so bad.
[His desire to get the hell out of this party is greater than his lack of appetite too, so he'll have no problem finishing his cake. Maybe even his juice as well.]
It's time to escape and reset, and he's so glad Min's onboard with that.]
Definitely. I'm so over this. I want this dumb hood off so bad.
[His desire to get the hell out of this party is greater than his lack of appetite too, so he'll have no problem finishing his cake. Maybe even his juice as well.]
Same. I can't believe I spent so much time on my hair when this is what we were wearing.
[Ryan probably can, especially since they were under the impression this show was going to be a big deal for them right up until they showed up and got the real rundown for it.
At least it's something they can laugh at now. Laughter feels like something that's sorely needed after the ups and down of their post-show conversation.]
We have the rest of the afternoon ahead of us still. What do you want to do? Just chill?
[Actually, the fact that they do have the rest of the afternoon ahead feels like it should've been a warning sign, but he's grateful for it now. They both likely need it. Ryan especially.]
[Ryan probably can, especially since they were under the impression this show was going to be a big deal for them right up until they showed up and got the real rundown for it.
At least it's something they can laugh at now. Laughter feels like something that's sorely needed after the ups and down of their post-show conversation.]
We have the rest of the afternoon ahead of us still. What do you want to do? Just chill?
[Actually, the fact that they do have the rest of the afternoon ahead feels like it should've been a warning sign, but he's grateful for it now. They both likely need it. Ryan especially.]
[Ryan definitely can. He could believe Min spent a long time on his hair literally any day of the week, for any occasion. His hair is a work of art, but he can't just blurt that out now.]
Right? Waste of a good look.
[They really should have figured a gig this early in the day would be something weird, but Ryan refuses to give it much thought. It's over now and they're getting out of here.]
I'm good with just chilling if you are. We can always do something later if we want. Man, it's so weird being done with a show while the sun's still out though...
[This day has already been so much and even though he's feeling better now, going back to the inn to wind down and just decompress a little bit sounds really nice right about now.]
Right? Waste of a good look.
[They really should have figured a gig this early in the day would be something weird, but Ryan refuses to give it much thought. It's over now and they're getting out of here.]
I'm good with just chilling if you are. We can always do something later if we want. Man, it's so weird being done with a show while the sun's still out though...
[This day has already been so much and even though he's feeling better now, going back to the inn to wind down and just decompress a little bit sounds really nice right about now.]
[Min laughs at what he takes as a joke, shooting him a look of mock offence. He worked hard on it, okay?]
Chilling sounds good. I'm not even sure what else I'd want to do. I'm so used to just crashing once we get back to the van or our room for the night.
[Obviously he doesn't want to go to sleep now. It would just be nice to unwind for a few hours before doing... something. What, he has no idea, but they'll figure out something. They'll still have the entire evening. It should be a nice fault, but he feels weirdly off-kilter about it.
He shoves a few more mouthfuls of cake in his mouth. Partly to stop himself thinking too much on things that really don't matter, and partly to speed up getting out of here. There isn't that much left so he sets down his plate, looking at Ryan expectantly as he uses the last of his juice to wash the cake down.]
You ready?
Chilling sounds good. I'm not even sure what else I'd want to do. I'm so used to just crashing once we get back to the van or our room for the night.
[Obviously he doesn't want to go to sleep now. It would just be nice to unwind for a few hours before doing... something. What, he has no idea, but they'll figure out something. They'll still have the entire evening. It should be a nice fault, but he feels weirdly off-kilter about it.
He shoves a few more mouthfuls of cake in his mouth. Partly to stop himself thinking too much on things that really don't matter, and partly to speed up getting out of here. There isn't that much left so he sets down his plate, looking at Ryan expectantly as he uses the last of his juice to wash the cake down.]
You ready?
[It's been a weird day.
It started with a visit from a flying Raichu with pancakes in tow. Min-Gi was rightly cautious about mysterious free food from a psychic type pokémon, but Ryan dismissed these concerns because what are the odds something like this would happen again? Besides, they were just pancakes. What could possibly happen?
At first, it seemed like Ryan might have been right. He had delicious free Raichu pancakes and Min worried too much and missed out. But the day has only gotten stranger from there.
Ever since then, Ryan has been...particularly clingy. He's kept to the same room as Min-Gi, followed him any time he got up to leave, and been unusually antsy any time he's had to be alone for more than just a few seconds.
Which brings us to now - with Ryan hanging around outside of the bathroom. Their cat pokémon Vogue and Strut are also there, but that part is a little more normal. They're cats; they are always invested in what's happening in a room they aren't allowed to follow someone into. Ryan isn't usually also this invest though, and he's kind of using Vogue and Strut as an excuse to hang out there, idly taking turns petting them.
Is Min still in there? He has to be, right?
Of course he is. He totally is. It just feels like it's been twenty years, that's all.
Ryan is totally fine and can wait quietly out here as long as he needs to. Because if he gets up and goes somewhere else, then Min might come out and go somewhere else, and then he won't know where he is for who knows how long--
--There's a noise.
All three of them perk up, waiting to see if the bathroom door is going to open.]
It started with a visit from a flying Raichu with pancakes in tow. Min-Gi was rightly cautious about mysterious free food from a psychic type pokémon, but Ryan dismissed these concerns because what are the odds something like this would happen again? Besides, they were just pancakes. What could possibly happen?
At first, it seemed like Ryan might have been right. He had delicious free Raichu pancakes and Min worried too much and missed out. But the day has only gotten stranger from there.
Ever since then, Ryan has been...particularly clingy. He's kept to the same room as Min-Gi, followed him any time he got up to leave, and been unusually antsy any time he's had to be alone for more than just a few seconds.
Which brings us to now - with Ryan hanging around outside of the bathroom. Their cat pokémon Vogue and Strut are also there, but that part is a little more normal. They're cats; they are always invested in what's happening in a room they aren't allowed to follow someone into. Ryan isn't usually also this invest though, and he's kind of using Vogue and Strut as an excuse to hang out there, idly taking turns petting them.
Is Min still in there? He has to be, right?
Of course he is. He totally is. It just feels like it's been twenty years, that's all.
Ryan is totally fine and can wait quietly out here as long as he needs to. Because if he gets up and goes somewhere else, then Min might come out and go somewhere else, and then he won't know where he is for who knows how long--
--There's a noise.
All three of them perk up, waiting to see if the bathroom door is going to open.]
[Today has been weird. The Raichu hadn't been a great start as far as Min's concerned, but Ryan had been happy enough to indulge them (and himself) by taking the pancakes despite his attempts to warn him away from the idea.
There hadn't been any obvious problems at first, but after a while it's impossible not to notice that Ryan's sticking a little closer than he usually would. Sure they're close and they're already used to being in each other's space, so that's not a problem exactly. It's just this seems more extreme than usual. He can't go anywhere without Ryan following close behind. He even walks into him a few times.
At first he'd been worried. Maybe the pancakes hadn't been such a great idea after all and they'd made Ryan sick, but he claims that's not the case. It's getting to the point where Min-Gi finds himself frustrated by his clinginess and it's getting harder not to show it.
The bathroom is one of the few places he can get any time away from Ryan, and he admittedly drags his feet a little bit to make the most of it. It's a relief to get a few minutes to himself, and by the time he opens the door back up again he's feeling a little better about the situation. It isn't that bad that Ryan wants to be around him so much. It's definitely better than things had been at the start of the month when they'd physically been unable to touch each other.
Or at least he thinks so until he opens the door to find three sets of eyes staring right at him. Strut and Vogue aren't a surprise, but Ryan? Ryan definitely is. He doesn't react as Strut trots over to him and starts rubbing herself around his ankles, eyes locked onto Ryan in mortification.]
Were you out here this whole time?
There hadn't been any obvious problems at first, but after a while it's impossible not to notice that Ryan's sticking a little closer than he usually would. Sure they're close and they're already used to being in each other's space, so that's not a problem exactly. It's just this seems more extreme than usual. He can't go anywhere without Ryan following close behind. He even walks into him a few times.
At first he'd been worried. Maybe the pancakes hadn't been such a great idea after all and they'd made Ryan sick, but he claims that's not the case. It's getting to the point where Min-Gi finds himself frustrated by his clinginess and it's getting harder not to show it.
The bathroom is one of the few places he can get any time away from Ryan, and he admittedly drags his feet a little bit to make the most of it. It's a relief to get a few minutes to himself, and by the time he opens the door back up again he's feeling a little better about the situation. It isn't that bad that Ryan wants to be around him so much. It's definitely better than things had been at the start of the month when they'd physically been unable to touch each other.
Or at least he thinks so until he opens the door to find three sets of eyes staring right at him. Strut and Vogue aren't a surprise, but Ryan? Ryan definitely is. He doesn't react as Strut trots over to him and starts rubbing herself around his ankles, eyes locked onto Ryan in mortification.]
Were you out here this whole time?
[Ryan is very happy to see Min, at least until Min seems kinds of horrified about all of this. Then he at least has the sense to be a little sheepish about it.]
......Noooooo?
[Said in that sing-song question-y way that absolutely means he was here the entire time. There isn't a single doubt.]
I was just...playing with Vogue, because he was already here.
[He reaches for Vogue, but Vogue slips through his fingers and catwalks over to the other side of the room to sit down, far out of reach. He is not helping you out of this, Ryan.]
......Noooooo?
[Said in that sing-song question-y way that absolutely means he was here the entire time. There isn't a single doubt.]
I was just...playing with Vogue, because he was already here.
[He reaches for Vogue, but Vogue slips through his fingers and catwalks over to the other side of the room to sit down, far out of reach. He is not helping you out of this, Ryan.]
[Ryan isn't even really trying to pretend he wasn't there. The excuse is weak, and they both know it. Min shoots Ryan a look of annoyance before he stalks off after Vogue, joining him on the opposite side of the room. He fully expects Ryan to follow, but there isn't much he can do about that outside of glaring and hoping that warns him off.
Strut mews in disappointment as she's left behind without so much as an acknowledgement. Her stubby little legs not letting her keep up with her trainer, so she resorts to trying to get attention from Ryan instead. He'd been happy to give it only a few moments ago. Surely he won't let her down.]
What is going on with you today? I can't even use the bathroom without you trying to follow me now?
Strut mews in disappointment as she's left behind without so much as an acknowledgement. Her stubby little legs not letting her keep up with her trainer, so she resorts to trying to get attention from Ryan instead. He'd been happy to give it only a few moments ago. Surely he won't let her down.]
What is going on with you today? I can't even use the bathroom without you trying to follow me now?
[Ryan does get up, in an automatic motion, and follow Min across the room. Strut mews behind him, and he does take a second to stop and offer her a ride in his arms, but as soon as he does his eyes are back on Min-Gi, as if he might have vanished in that short time.]
It's not like I followed you in the bathroom.
[That isn't the point and they both know it, but he's still sticking to it anyway, as he literally accompanies Min to the other side of the room.]
There's nothing going on with me! I just...
[He trails off, suddenly not eager to explain himself.]
There's nothing weird going on! I just like hanging out with you, that's all. It's not a big deal!
It's not like I followed you in the bathroom.
[That isn't the point and they both know it, but he's still sticking to it anyway, as he literally accompanies Min to the other side of the room.]
There's nothing going on with me! I just...
[He trails off, suddenly not eager to explain himself.]
There's nothing weird going on! I just like hanging out with you, that's all. It's not a big deal!
Why would you follow me into the bathroom?
[That is a truly horrifying thought and now he's going to be worrying about that every time he has to go. Thanks, Ryan.
It's hard to stay too mad when there is clearly something up with him, but he's put up with enough from him today that some of the irritation does linger even beneath his concern.]
I like hanging out with you, too. That doesn't mean you have to be two steps behind me for the entire day. This isn't like you.
[That is a truly horrifying thought and now he's going to be worrying about that every time he has to go. Thanks, Ryan.
It's hard to stay too mad when there is clearly something up with him, but he's put up with enough from him today that some of the irritation does linger even beneath his concern.]
I like hanging out with you, too. That doesn't mean you have to be two steps behind me for the entire day. This isn't like you.
I said I didn't do that!
[The last thing he needs is Min feeling more uncomfortable than he apparently already does. And that's the worst part - Ryan knows this is annoying and he keeps doing it anyway, and he's just going to push Min away.
And that makes Ryan's chest tight. He can feel his heartbeat in his ears.]
So...three steps then?
[That barely hangs in the air for a second before Ryan is nervously laughing.]
I'm kidding! I'm totally kidding.
[He is not kidding as much as he would like to be.]
[The last thing he needs is Min feeling more uncomfortable than he apparently already does. And that's the worst part - Ryan knows this is annoying and he keeps doing it anyway, and he's just going to push Min away.
And that makes Ryan's chest tight. He can feel his heartbeat in his ears.]
So...three steps then?
[That barely hangs in the air for a second before Ryan is nervously laughing.]
I'm kidding! I'm totally kidding.
[He is not kidding as much as he would like to be.]
[It doesn't matter if he said he didn't do it or not. The fact he even mentioned it makes him wonder whether he'd thought about it, and with how he's been acting today it's not something he'd put past him.]
Ryan.
[He wants to be sympathetic to him. He really does. But Ryan is not making that easy on him. It definitely feels like something is wrong here, and given their talk the other day... it's hard not to think this is his fault. Or that it could be. It's odd that this is only happening a few days later, but what else could be making him act like this?]
Look. If this is about the other day, you don't have to worry. I'm fine. We're fine. I'm not going to disappear if you turn your back for a second.
Ryan.
[He wants to be sympathetic to him. He really does. But Ryan is not making that easy on him. It definitely feels like something is wrong here, and given their talk the other day... it's hard not to think this is his fault. Or that it could be. It's odd that this is only happening a few days later, but what else could be making him act like this?]
Look. If this is about the other day, you don't have to worry. I'm fine. We're fine. I'm not going to disappear if you turn your back for a second.
[Ryan cuts in a little too quickly.]
It's not about that! It's not. I...I know that you won't.
[Then why was that so hard to say? Why does just the thought of it make his hands tremble? It's enough that Strut can actually feel it and squirms out of Ryan's arms.]
A-And like, I've been fine since then, so. It's not that. It wouldn't make any sense...
[He rubs at his elbow, unsure how to feel about the fact that his arms are empty now. None of this makes any sense and he knows he's been super weird and off putting, but he doesn't actually know how to make it stop.]
It's not about that! It's not. I...I know that you won't.
[Then why was that so hard to say? Why does just the thought of it make his hands tremble? It's enough that Strut can actually feel it and squirms out of Ryan's arms.]
A-And like, I've been fine since then, so. It's not that. It wouldn't make any sense...
[He rubs at his elbow, unsure how to feel about the fact that his arms are empty now. None of this makes any sense and he knows he's been super weird and off putting, but he doesn't actually know how to make it stop.]
[Min reaches out to catch Strut. She'd be fine. She's a cat. She's still so tiny he worries about her falling sometimes. Once she's safely set down next to Vogue he motions Ryan over so he can feel his forehead. He's being a pain, but that doesn't stop him worrying.]
Are you sure you aren't sick? I told you those pancakes were a bad idea...
Are you sure you aren't sick? I told you those pancakes were a bad idea...
[Ryan moves closer as instructed, his eyes fluttering shut as Min feels his forehead. He isn't warm, but he does actually feel sort of clammy.
Having Min touch him feels incredibly reassuring though, and it takes everything in him not to whine when he does eventually pull his hand away. He needs to stop being like this, or he's going to freak Min out even more.]
I don't think so...? They just tasted like normal pancakes.
[But logically, that's probably what's causing all of this. He doesn't love that Min was probably right, but...]
...I guess I have felt a little weird though. Kind of.
Having Min touch him feels incredibly reassuring though, and it takes everything in him not to whine when he does eventually pull his hand away. He needs to stop being like this, or he's going to freak Min out even more.]
I don't think so...? They just tasted like normal pancakes.
[But logically, that's probably what's causing all of this. He doesn't love that Min was probably right, but...]
...I guess I have felt a little weird though. Kind of.
[Lucky for Ryan it's hard for Min to be smug when he's worried. He only looks a little judgy as he draws his hand back, and he doesn't say anything else about the pancakes. What's done is done. It's not as though Ryan can go back and not eat them.]
You should let me go and get something for your stomach. Maybe that would help you feel better.
["Should" because he's not convinced Ryan will let him leave him alone for that long, and he doesn't want to bring him along if he is unwell. He'd be better off staying behind to rest.]
You should let me go and get something for your stomach. Maybe that would help you feel better.
["Should" because he's not convinced Ryan will let him leave him alone for that long, and he doesn't want to bring him along if he is unwell. He'd be better off staying behind to rest.]
[Ryan shakes his head, hair whipping around.]
My stomach is totally fine. You don't have to do that. O-Or I could go with you, maybe! We could go out somewhere? Are you hungry?
[He doesn't feel right at all, but maybe he can pretend to be normal in public? Anything, anything but leaving him here by himself. He's trying to smile, but he actually looks kind of terrified at the thought of being left alone.]
We could...I dunno, we could order in? You don't have to go out just for me. Really.
My stomach is totally fine. You don't have to do that. O-Or I could go with you, maybe! We could go out somewhere? Are you hungry?
[He doesn't feel right at all, but maybe he can pretend to be normal in public? Anything, anything but leaving him here by himself. He's trying to smile, but he actually looks kind of terrified at the thought of being left alone.]
We could...I dunno, we could order in? You don't have to go out just for me. Really.
[Min-Gi doesn't look like he's convinced by Ryan's insistence, but it's not like he wants to do anything that will end up getting him more worked up.]
I'm not hungry, Ryan. I'm worried about you.
[But if he can't take Ryan out and he can't go anywhere without him he's sort of stuck. What is he supposed to do if he can't do either of those things? Wait it out until Ryan's feeling better? He doesn't like that option either.]
I'm not hungry, Ryan. I'm worried about you.
[But if he can't take Ryan out and he can't go anywhere without him he's sort of stuck. What is he supposed to do if he can't do either of those things? Wait it out until Ryan's feeling better? He doesn't like that option either.]
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