This is a SeungChuChu fic, so I think they need more interaction. Don't you? I also think I need more hamsters. Oh, fun fact: I used to have dwarf hamsters; they were the cutest, but their breeding got out of hand.. .the population exceeded 100 and, um, that was the end of my hamster days! ANYWAY hahha it's time for the third chapter!


As much as I don't want to admit it, I've gotten more listeners in the week since shortening my introduction every night. That's fine, if not a little bruising to my ego, but whatever; at the end of the day, it's not my station: I just work here. Tonight, I'm keeping things positive and helping my listeners look on the bright side. "No matter how small, there's always something to look forward to and be grateful for. It's all just a matter of focusing on that positive and putting it all into perspective." It's about time for another caller and a water break. "Our next caller is live on the air." I pull my cardigan sleeves on, using it as intended instead of as a shawl. No, the heating still hasn't been fixed, but I'm managing as best as I can.

"Hi there!" A kind voice speaks a little too softly.

"Hello and welcome. It's a little hard to hear you, dear. Could you speak a little louder?"

The caller laughs. "Oh, sorry! Is this better?"

"Yes indeed." Straining my ears can wear on me very quickly. "Who are you tonight, and what brings you here?" I take this opportunity to drink deeply from my water bottle. During my next commercial break, I'll have to refill it. On my very first show, I didn't realize how quickly I'd lose my voice without water; I almost had to step out in the middle of an anecdote. Lesson learned, right?

"I guess I'm Lonely. I've been in a relationship for three years, two where we lived in the same city but it's been a year since they had to relocate for work." Long distance relationships suck so much ass, but I'm pretty sure Lonely didn't choose this path for fun. "We can call and text, but the internet there sucks so there's no Skyping, or anything. We're also in different time zones, so sometimes it's hard to have a good conversation." He sighs, slightly shaky. "I'm sorry, I'm trying not to get emotional, but it's really hard for me to talk about."

This poor guy! He sounds so heartbroken. "There's no need to censor your emotions. This is a safe place, Lonely."

He takes a moment to compose himself. "Thanks. Um, so, it's just been really difficult and I hate that I can't see him. It's not like I don't trust him, or think we can't work through all this, but I miss him. I miss seeing him and being around him. That's normal, right?"

"It's entirely normal to miss someone you love, especially if you're used to being with them often." I'm not only speaking from experience; humans don't like change, like, ever.

"I don't know how to do this, I guess."

I'm not sure what he means. "Be in a long-distance relationship, or cope with being apart?"

"Maybe either?"

If there's any way for me to avoid mentioning my failed long-distance relationship, I'm all for it. However, I'm not sure if Lonely can understand what I'm about to say without my anecdote. My listeners tend to identify more when I can relate to them, but this story is not a fun one to tell. "Well, it sounds cliché, but communication is really the key to making it work. It sounds like you two have that down. Is that right, Lonely?"

"I think so. We try to talk as much as we can, and it's usually positive."

I nod to myself, shoulders relaxing; it looks like I won't have to open a box of dishonesty and unbalanced compromise tonight! "You're lucky to have that, you know. Would you say that you two are strong communicators? Saying what you mean and telling each other what's important?" I drain the rest of my water, quietly clearing my throat after.

"Yeah, we are." Lonely sort of laughs. "We're best friends. We tell each other everything."

"Don't ever stop that, okay? That's vital." That's not an exaggeration: I've dealt with countless couples who forgot how to converse openly and honestly with each other and it only leads to disaster. Well, unless all parties correct their behavior with the best intentions. "If you have a strong relationship, you can tackle any distance. I understand that the physical and tangible aspect of being away is hard; sometimes it feels impossible, and it won't always be easy. I can guarantee that, Lonely, but are you ready for the good news?"

Lonely laughs again, sadness almost entirely gone from his voice. "Yes, I'm ready."

"You've got this." I smile. "You have a person who loves and cares about you enough to stay committed through this. When you're feeling sad and alone, remember why you're together and why you want to see him again. Do you think you can do that?"

"Yeah." He exhales. "Yeah, I'll try that. Thank you, P."

"Do you feel any better, Lonely? It isn't a walk in the park, but you have to think positive and remember that you have plenty to be happy about." Wallowing is dangerous; it can be self-destructive and disrupt relationships. It's okay to have short pity parties and recognize your unhappiness; be sure to wrap it up and tie a bow on it, though. "Remember, being positive comes after acknowledging the negative."

While Lonely thinks this over, I clear my throat again, trying to muffle the sound. "Right. I do feel better. I'm going to tell him, too, if you don't mind. He acts strong, but I know he'd appreciate your advice, too."

"Feel free to spread the positivity!" I chuckle, checking the next caller. Hopefully, they'll be brief and I can finally cut to a commercial. "I'm glad I could help."

"Gracias! Have a good night."

Time for another caller. "Looking on the bright side doesn't come naturally to everyone. It takes a conscious effort to be positive, but practice makes perfect." I hit the key to bring the person to the air. "Good evening! Who are you tonight?"

A strange pause is all I hear. There are times when calls drop or a wrong number gets through; all I can do is wait for a response. "Uhhh…" Not really an answer. "I guess…Sorry?"

This voice sounds vaguely familiar. I frown, trying to place the voice, but come up empty. "What brings you here, Sorry?"

"About a week ago, I called a certain radio show. I…I was in a bad place."

Pump the brakes! Am I talking to who I think I'm talking to? I blink a few times, fighting back a smirk I'd probably classify as smug if I could see it. "Is that so? Can you tell me, Sorry, why it is that you were in such a bad place last week?"

Another pause. "Not…not right now."

What the hell does that mean? I shrug, taking it as a simple no. "I respect that. Can you elaborate more on what brings you here tonight, to my positivity show?"

"Oh, right." He clears his throat. "I was wondering how to, um, stay positive?"

"Do you often think negatively?"

"Only recently."

Hmm; that's somehow not the answer I was expecting. "Does your negativity often cause you to act uncouth?"

"It did last week." Was that a laugh? That almost sounded like a laugh!

"Can you tell me more on what happened last week, Sorry?"

I know exactly what happened last week, but if he's really sorry, he'll prove it. And, I mean, he deserves to be teased a tiny bit; I won't give him too hard of a time. "I can." He sighs. "Do I have to?"

How I manage to suppress my laughter is nothing short of a miracle. "It would help me get a better understanding of your problem, but I won't force you."

"Fine. I was rude with a stranger."

"Did this stranger provoke you?"

"No."

"But you were in a bad place at that point?"

"Yeah."

Okay, maybe I shouldn't drag this out; it doesn't sound like he's having as much fun with this as I am. "Sometimes it's hard to step out of our own shoes, but the way we act affects those around us; even strangers. While it may not seem like it matters, acting out because of your negativity can hurt people. Even strong people can get their feelings hurt. It's healthy to acknowledge your unhappiness, but lashing out at others won't help you feel positive. Whatever you did last week, know that it happened out of circumstance and you don't have to be rude to strangers every time you wake up on the wrong side of the bed." Not the most professional advice I've given, but I'd be lying if I said his comments weren't offensive. "Does that make sense, Sorry?"

He sighs again, this time louder. "Yes, it makes sense."

"Does that help?" I allow myself to laugh, just a little.

"I guess maybe you know what you're talking about."

"Now it's a maybe?" This individual has got to be testing me; either he's playing right along, or he's absolutely clueless. Either way, I laugh louder than I mean to.

"Okay." That's definitely a laugh on his end! "You know a thing or two."

Resting my elbows on the desk, I cup my face in my hands with a grin. "Aww, thank you for your honesty! It doesn't hurt to try and be positive, does it?"

"Not this time."

"Well, I'm glad I could help, an—"

"Wait!"

I pout, confused about what more there is to discuss. "Yes?"

"Do you…" Typically, being faceless and nameless helps my callers open up and say whatever's on their minds. This caller is different: it's like he's speaking face to face with his identity on display. I'm guessing he's not much of a social butterfly. "Do you think I owe this stranger an apology?" Most of those listening won't realize this, but the question is so personal, I'm not sure what to say. We're strangers; there's nothing to really mend, and yet he's making an attempt to do exactly that. "Because I do feel bad. I wasn't nice."

A small smile tugs at my mouth, pleasantly surprised by his revelation. "Apologies should only be used if you're truly sorry. If you really regret what happened, then apologizing can be healing for all parties involved."

"In that case: I'm very sorry."

"That's big of you." I nod, removing the lid from my water bottle. "I'm sure that stranger, if they've been listening, forgives you." I wish I could wink so he knows his message is received, but oh well. Actually, maybe there is a way I can let him know. "We have to go to a commercial, but stay on the line, Sorry, so I can make sure you've been helped, okay?"

"Um, yeah. Okay."

"Great! Stick around, and I'll take more of your calls. Be right back." I watch the red light by the door shut off, switching the call to the inactive line. "Are you there, Mr. Lee?"

"So you do know who I am. Yeah, I'm here."

Was there really any doubt? "Thank you for apologizing. That really was kind of you."

"I was an asshole, so…I owed you."

"Did you need any other help? Like, maybe about why you were in such a mood?" Oh no: he's not saying yes. I hope I haven't overstepped! "If not, that's okay. It's just that I'm around and can listen if you need to talk about heavy shit."

Another moment passes. "I'm not going to talk about that." Yikes. Okay, probably should've left the conversation on a good note. As I open my mouth to excuse my prodding, he sighs again. "But maybe you can help with something else." My jaw snaps shut, shocked, not for the first time this evening. "Like, maybe, not being such a pessimist?"

That I can do! I nod, standing from my chair. "Absolutely. Let me give you my number, you can reply with your name, and we'll go from there. Sound okay?"

"Yeah, okay."

Done and done: I tell him my personal number, end his call and run to refill my water. If I don't do this now, I won't get another chance for another half hour, and I'm not about to answer calls with a raspy voice. By the time I get back in the chair, I have a new message on my phone: 'Seung Gil Lee'

I was expecting more than simply his name, but that works. Laughing, I text him back: 'Phichit Chulanont. Nice to meet you, Mr Lee :D' I set my phone aside, gulping down more water before resuming the show. "Welcome back! We're still talking through some issues with P. Chu. Tonight, we're looking at the glass as being half full." Oh, my phone has another message. I don't read it, but I check who it's from: Seung Gil. Does he want a conversation right now? He knows I'm busy! "When I was first counseling, I didn't know how to fully separate myself from the problems and emotions of my families and couples. Sometimes, I'd wake up and this heavy sadness would wash over me when I'd remember what I'd have to listen to later that day." This is a true story. My first ever couple had a history of abusing each other verbally; it was too much to handle, and I cried myself to sleep when I went home that night. It's a fine line to care, but not become emotionally attached. "I had to learn to wake up and remind myself that it'll be a good day as long as I'm willing to make it so." Another message crosses my phone's screen. Okay, okay: I'll bite. Let me take my next call first. I welcome them, finally reading the words in my inbox:

'We've met before…' followed by: 'If you meant formally, then yeah, it's nice to meet you.' I guess I'll reply while my caller is mentioning their troubles. Unlike many people, I'm a master at multitasking. What to say, though? He hasn't really steered this conversation. 'This isn't a doctor/patient thing is it?'

I'm currently not employed as a counselor; it's not easy work, so I'm on a break. Helping people is too rewarding for me to let go of fully, so I'll get back to it at some point. 'Took a break from counseling 2 years ago…maybe I'll go back next year. Helping ppl is the best :3 You need to talk? We can talk as friends' I add a thumbs up emoji, too.

Seung Gil replies very quickly. 'Are you as upbeat in real life as you are on the air? Seems tiring.'

If he thinks this is upbeat, he must live a very mellow life. 'I'm not a mopey person lol I don't get my 8 hrs for nothing!' I've been told that when people first meet me, they feel compelled to smile. Honestly, of all things to be known for, infectious happiness is fine by me! While my caller and I continue a conversation, my phone stays silent. It isn't until I'm concluding the next caller's discussion that my phone goes off again.

'I'm going to try sleeping. Any suggestions on going to bed/waking up positive?'

I wonder if he works early. He's going to bed late for someone who has somewhere to be in the morning, but to each their own. 'List things you're grateful for at night, like counting sheep. When you wake up you can list things you can change for the better that day! I hope this helps :D'

Again, he replies really quickly. 'Same. Thanks, man. I really am sorry for before and appreciate the advice.'

Well, at least he's humble. 'Np! Have a good night, Mr Lee~'

No reply follows. It's just as well: I've got work to do for a few more hours. There are only a few nights when my shift seems to last an eternity instead of six and a half hours; those nights are typically when I missed out on sleeping or ran too many miles. Tonight, time flies by and I'm face to face with Yuri and Mila before I know it. "You look happy! Did something happen?" Mila asks me outside the booth. I can barely see Yuri, wrapped up in a thick scarf with a hat pulled down just above his eyes.

I laugh instead of answering her right away. "Is that you, Yuri? I can't see you under all of your grandpa's winterwear."

His response is to shove me aside. "Fuck off."

"Just another night." I laugh again, ignoring all the attitude. Most of Yuri's comments should be taken with a grain of salt. "I look happy?"

Mila nods. "Yeah, but I guess you always look that way." She rolls her striking blue eyes, smirking.

I shrug, heading the opposite direction. "Guess so! Have a good one, okay? Make sure the tiger doesn't freeze to death." We share a laugh and I wave at Ciao Ciao manning the front desk. He, of course, can't let me leave that easily, waving me over. "Morning, Ciao Ciao. How are you?" I lean an elbow on the polished wood.

"I'm doing well. How does a fan day sound?" Fan days are special shifts that don't involve taking any callers; I read letters, emails, Tweets and stuff and talk about how super it is to help strangers and to hear how I've helped them. It's actually really fun; it's been a while since I've done a fan show, but it's kind of late notice.

"Wait, in a few days? I'd need to screen everything before going live."

"I mean next week's Friday." Oh, duh! My bad. "Sound good?"

I step away from the desk with a brand new smile, nodding at my boss. "Very! I'll get organized tomorrow." When I blow a kiss, Celestino bats it down with a wicked grin; he makes me laugh when I least expect it! "Fine then! See you later." Once in the car, I don't drive home, opting to buy myself an obscenely large hot chocolate with extra whip and too much cinnamon first. I post a selfie with the drink taking up most of my camera's view: (hashtag) treatyoself. The warm drink in my belly makes it easier to fall asleep when I get home and hop in bed. I guess there's something about the extra warmth that makes me feel cozy and comfortable enough to get drowsy.

My alarm wakes me just after two in the afternoon. I stretch my arms over my head, yawning loudly. Only recently, my neighbors moved out, allowing me to be as loud as I want whenever I want. Their plumbing is screwed up, or something, so nobody can move in for some time. Any excuse to let the radio fill my apartment! I pick up my phone to play some music, scanning the series of notifications, making a note of a few VIP texts: mainly Yuuri, coworkers and assorted family members; Yuuri's confirming plans and my family's checking up on me. Oddly enough, there's a message from Seung Gil Lee: 'I got five full hours of sleep.' Well, that sucks. I was kind of hoping that my advice would actually help him in some way. I reply to the others first and start up my music, walking over to my hamster home. To many, it's a clear glass box with wacky, colorful tubes sticking out of it. To my darling hamsters, however, it's a paradise! They spend all night climbing through the tunnels and hiding food in their rooms and hideouts, sleeping under piles of bedding in a little pile of fur during the day. The lightest colored one, Khing, is a sleepy one, currently still curled up with tightly shut eyes. The darkest colored one, Maphrao, is very active and spends the most time in the hamster wheel. The other, Pheuak, is having a snack in one of the bright plastic rooms. I take a few pictures of them, going back to my texts: Seung Gil's message is from hours ago. I wonder if he's able to respond right now.

'That's not many…any idea why?'

Before I can start posting hamster pics, a reply comes through: 'It's the most sleep I've gotten in months. You really do know what you're talking about I guess.'

Here we go again! I find myself rolling my eyes but smiling anyway. He may be oddly sassy, but at least he's amusing. 'A compliment from the mysterious Mr Lee? How lucky am I lol' When I pop the top of the cage off, Pheuak climbs aboard my hand. We settle on my bed, filtering and cropping my newest pictures. My shoulder is a very comfortable hamster perch, by the way: Pheuak isn't the only one who likes to chill there.

'You think I'm mysterious?'

Um, considering I only know his name and that he texts in full sentences, hell yeah. There's really no question about it. With a chuckle, I reply: 'I only know your name so…lol' I turn to my hamster, tiny nose twitching in interest. "Should we get something to eat? I feel like napping, but I should really get going on the day. Maybe I should shower." Then again, I've been meaning to do intense cardio; I've been running instead because hardcore cardio is terrible.

I don't have time to think over my dilemma: another text pops up. 'What do you want to know?'

Hmm. What do I want to know about my new friend? I want to ask why he has nobody else to talk to and why he's a grump, but those don't seem appropriate right now; maybe if I get to know him better, I'll get to the bottom of it, but right now I'll go easy on him. 'K. How old are you? Where are you from? Have you always lived in the city? Why did you call my show? You can ask stuff too lol' I mean, really: he didn't even think I had experience, so who knows why he bothered calling in. "Let's go start the day, Pheuak. I can't be lazy this early." If I start out slacking, there's no way I'll be productive at any point after. The hamster goes back in the cage and I make my way to the kitchen to start up some tea. While it brews, I go through my mundane bathroom routine, changing into workout clothes; the least I can do is head down to the apartment's gym for treadmill time. By the time I'm pouring a cup of spiced black tea, a new message awaits.

'I'm 28, born in South Korea. I've lived in this city for four years, so no. The first time I called was because I was in a bad mood and tired of hearing your uninformed advice. The second time I called was because I felt bad about assuming you were uninformed.'

Most people hate admitting they're wrong; Mr. Lee is an interesting specimen. If he hated the show, why was he still listening? 'Why listen? Why feel bad?'

At first, I'm not sure if he'll get what I mean; like, why did he continue to listen to my show and why did he feel bad about how he acted if he thought I was a fraud? A quick response stomps that concern faster than I can reach the bottom of my cup. 'I was an asshole for no reason and nobody deserves to be treated like that, especially in front of an audience. That's not who I am, and I needed to apologize.' That doesn't answer my first question. Maybe he didn't see it, but I'm still curious!

'So…why did you keep listening? You said you were listening a week then called later…'

'If I'm being honest, I don't know.' Oh, for real? I guess I was expecting something more. Not that I'm particularly captivating, but it'd be nice to have an impact. 'I guess it was nice to have a voice in my apartment when I got home.'

That may be the sweetest comment I've ever gotten. It may not be about my show or its contents, and it may not be intended to make me smile, but heaven help me, I'm grinning like a clown. My heart even speeds up, thumping against my chest. I don't even know what to say, but I have to thank him for the flattery. I set my mug in the sink, stretching one leg against the counter and let my fingers fly over my keyboard. 'Of all the voices you could pick lol I'm soo flattered :)))) What a compliment!' I switch to my other leg, the smile sticking around for my entire stretching session. It's so weird to have a fan who doesn't really even have an interest in what I say, but I'll take it. So far, I have no reason to believe he's lying or exaggerating, and he'd have nothing to gain by being phony; I'm taking him at his word.

'Well, you're on after Eros, so I just leave it on the station…ha, just kidding. I do enjoy his show but I like yours, too.'

In spite of myself, I laugh at his attempt at humor. It's shockingly endearing; it's like he's not afraid to be strange, and that's refreshing. 'Lmao can't compete with Eros XD Glad you stick around Mr Lee!'

'You can call me Seung Gil, you know.'

'And you can call me anytime lol or Phichit'

He doesn't reply as quickly. I should switch my phone so I won't be distracted with notifications before I head to the gym. Oh, a new text! 'Alright, Phichit. How old are you? Where are you from? Have you always lived in this city? Do you like animals and/or bubble tea?'

I laugh again, delighted at his questions. So random, but much more interesting than running on a human hamster wheel! 'Also 28, moved here from Thailand when I was a kid, know this city like the back of my hand lol I adore animals! My fave bubble tea is honeydew :) You?' This conversation is vastly more entertaining than I anticipated. He'll have to stop replying at some point, right? Then I'll do my workout. I see no harm in that, but bite my bottom lip: there's a good chance I'll do nothing productive today.

'I also love animals. I like lychee with rainbow jelly.'

Rainbow jelly! That's the option a lot of little kids take. I won't judge Seung Gil for this, but I'm definitely going to tease him. As I type out a reply, I come to terms with my fate. I can always go for a run after work, right? Right.


I say 'gracias' instead of 'thank you' so often, I've forgotten that it's Spanish hahha Like, I say rando Spanish words and phrases without even realizing I'm not speaking English. I'm LatinX, so it's not that weird, but still XD In other news, the next update is lighthearted; if that's your thing, then you're in luck! Have a good week, y'all :D