altimit | ›› 2nd round

[ It feels weird because he mentioned this once to the Admin. Should he be grateful? Well, this is a very basic feature in games, so... maybe someday he's going to say thanks. ]

They do.

[ His eyes linger on the flowers while a bright blush spreads across his cheeks. ]

I'll try to recreate the arrangement we make today offline. And I will send you a picture.

[ Brambles wanted to see his previous attempts, so that's the least he can do. ]

[ He's blushing too. His heart is pounding madly in his chest. Is this just the thrill of gaming? Is this what being a pro gamer is? Picking flowers with another guy online and being immobilised with warm feelings?

(No, Brambles, it's not.) ]

Really? [ Brambles giggles. ] I'd love that! I'll have to make sure I'm a good teacher for you today, then.

[ He picks more daisies and some other miscellaneous pretty pink flowers. As he does, he blabbers about petals and the shapes and other exciting flower things. At least, they're exciting to him. ]

You're always a good teacher. I'm looking forward to what we make today.

[ Joonghyuk just listens in silence because it's nice when Brambles talks excitedly about things that aren't potatoes or food items found on the ground. ]

And you're a good student!

[ He offers the demonstration, which results in them producing something like this. ]

Haha, whenever I hold one of these, I always feel like I'm about to get married. Even though I know I can't get married, it's a nice thought. [ oh fuck why did he say that-- he's been so good at keeping his sexuality a secret-- ]

[ He didn't expect marriage to come up with one of their conversations, so Joonghyuk just looks away and hides his flushed cheeks behind his hand. ]

You can't get married? [ There's only one possible explanation... ] Does that mean you're married already?

[ what is this reaction, joonghyuk-- ]

N-No, God no-- I ... [ THIS IS MEANT TO BE A FLOWER SESSION ] It's not important! We can forget I said anything. We need to work on the flowers. [ PANIK ]

Why it's not important?

[ Guess who's going to be very adamant to pursue this topic and find out why Brambles can't marry!!! ⬆️ THIS GUY ]

[ Sigh. ]

Because you might stop playing with me.

I might stop playing with you because you're married? Ridiculous.

[ Well, Brambles denied that, but... he can't think of any other reason. ]

You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but I doubt there's anything that would make me stop playing this game with you.

[ He pauses. ]

Do you promise?

I promise.

[ He's not sure what kind of information Brambles is about to share with him, but as long as he didn't murder someone it should be fine. ]

[ He can only hope that Joonghyuk stays true to his word. Brambles is a cheerful man, but he does have his vulnerabilities. His sexual orientation always attracted bullies despite the fact that he never told anyone. How will things go when he does? ]

I can't get married because ... [ He looks away. ] I am gay.

So, yeah. Now you know.

Doesn't that mean you can't marry in your country? Well, Korea isn't better in that regard, but... it doesn't mean you can't marry.

[ Joonghyuk frowns, but hopes that Brambles will consider a different angle. ]

[ He nods. ]

It's illegal here.

There are other places.

[ Joonghyuk pauses—why is he even trying to convince Brambles that there are other options? It's not his business, really. ]

Being gay won't make me stop playing with you, though.

[ His red eyes become glassy and swell, with a tear breaking free and rolling down his cheek. ]

Ngh-- [ Sniff ] S-Sorry.

[ He wipes his cheek with his hand, not anticipating how this would feel. Was he so prepared for rejection that immediate acceptance has taken his breath away? Definitely. He's not a stranger to the internet and he knows that it can be a very unkind and hostile place.

God, he's lucky. ]

[ Ah, did he made Brambles cry? That wasn't his intention, but he can't ignore that tear either. ]

Don't apologize. Umm, I'm not sure if this game has tissues...

[ It certainly has ISSUES. Close enough. ]

People are shitty about this kind of thing, so... I get it.

It's okay. [ God, how embarrassing ... ]

Yeah. They are. And I'm really glad that you aren't ... so, thank you.

[ For him, it's a rarity. ]

If someone ever bothers you over that, I'm going to beat them up.

[ It'll be punishment time. The unfun punishment. ]

[ Brambles just gazes up at him, wiping away his last tear. ]

Thank you. I try to keep it as low-key as I can, so ... hopefully it won't be necessary.

Necessary or not, you can count on me.

[ After a moment of silence, Joonghyuk gives Brambles a head pat in an attempt to offer him a comforting gesture. ]

You'd look nice in a suit.

[ His gaze lingers. ]

... Thanks.

[ He's still holding the bouquet. ]

If I make a bouquet as good as this one, will you take it?

[ Brambles might need some cheering up, so...!! ]

[ Why does this sound like a proposal of sorts? ]

Wha--? I ... yes, of course.

[ Because yaoi power dwells within him. ]

All right.

[ Joonghyuk has the other sunflower and some of the daisies. He's been watching Brambles arrange this bouquet carefully, so doing the exact same one shouldn't be too difficult. Well... that's in theory.

In practice, the flowers are tied up a bit too tight and it simply doesn't look as good as the one Brambles made. It's not far too off and it's an earnest attempt, but... ]

I'm not sure if I should give it to you.

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