Hey guys!
I am so, so, so sorry for the delay in the updating process! Work decided to eat my soul and kill my writing for a bit, I work part time in one of the busiest departments at our local Walmart. And for about the last month give or take my Manager has had me working 40+ hours a week that's just left me exhausted. Thankfully this week I got all 3 of my days off so I'm now a little more rested and with it my muse came back. So here's the next update! 8D
I'd like to give a huge shout out to those that reviewed recently!
To Doreen S: I hope to hear from you again! I love reading your reviews! I have not watched Flower Boy Next Door...but it sounds interesting I'll have to see if I can find it. I just recently got a Roku so that's opened up a whole new world of things to watch beyond Netflix and Hulu. XDD
Ahaha...yeah Jumin wasn't to happy, I have somethings planned to go along with that after this chapter but we'll have to wait and see where that all goes. And I agree...poor misunderstood Seven...lol. And hehe...he really is such a sweetie! I love typing him...hopefully he's the same in these chapters as well. XDD
advantKatK: Ahaha...I'm so glad you're enjoying these! LOL...hopefully you didn't have to many withdrawls waiting for this chapter. XDD
Guest: Ahaha...yeah I think Zen got the point real quick, I think he knows better...or least to a degree. XDD
And that goes for everyone else who are reading this! I love hearing from you guys and seeing you enjoy this story! Thank you so much to all of you as well, seeing your support of this story just warms my heart and really just makes me so happy! Please continue to enjoy. Thank you all so much!
Disclaimer: Nope...still don't own Mystic Messenger! All of its Copyrights belong to Chertiz! I would appreciate you asking before you use Ari, however! Thankies so much!
Chapter 7: Beasts, Princesses, and 50 Percent Black, Oh My!
The robotic blaring of an alarm clock broke the silence of the apartment.
Ari groaned a bit at the sound as her mind drifted to consciousness.
She narrowed her blue eyes at the clock as she hit the off button a little rougher than she should have.
She sighed as she groggily sat up and pushed her bangs out of her eyes still glaring accusingly at the alarm clock for disturbing her slumber.
Her anger, however, was quickly forgotten as the reasoning to why she was awake so early hit her.
Today was her first real date with Yoosung!
She felt a wave of nerves and excitement roll over her as she felt a smile tug at the corners of her lips at that thought.
Sure they'd officially been together and had done things but this just felt different for whatever reason.
She wondered for a brief moment if perhaps she was going crazy and if any of this would have made sense to anyone else.
She shrugged at that thought as she grabbed her glasses from the bedside table and bounced her way off her bed.
She quickly rounded up her clothing and headed off to get ready for the day, she was way too excited to stay still.
Ari scrutinized her reflection in the mirror as she sighed as she reached up and once again tried to get her bangs to behave.
She had finished her shower and was currently trying to get her makeup and hair to work in a way that she wanted.
Her makeup was light, she hadn't wanted to go overboard with it. Her hair on the other hand just was not behaving.
She'd decided to leave it natural in its typical waves that spilled over her shoulders, while she'd pulled the sides back into small braids and clipped them to the back of her head with the same sparkly pink clip she'd worn to the party.
She puffed out her cheeks and blew her bangs out of her face as she finally admitted defeat.
She pulled back to look over her outfit, turning from side to side as she smoothed the fabric down over her stomach.
She had on the new outfit she had bought the other day a simple oversized cowl neck sweater that was a soft baby pink in color, over dark blue leggings with matching pink floral print. She'd already sat out her brown ankle boots to complete the outfit.
She hoped she looked as cute as she'd thought the outfit had looked on the mannequin in the store.
She bit her lip in debate before shaking her head deciding she looked fine as she headed out of the bathroom to finish getting her things together and to grab a quick bite to eat.
Ari stood outside the bank nervously bouncing on her heels, she was standing near an outside cafe. Her blue eyes roaming over the other couples who were seated under the umbrellas.
She and Yoosung had agreed to meet here for their date since it was sort of a midway point between their apartments. And it was quite popular with the college students, having several trendy cafes, shops, and a theater as well.
Ari had to wonder what Yoosung had planned for the day he'd seemed rather excited the night before on the phone when she'd spoken to him. Of course, though he'd kept the details a secret as to surprise her.
A smile tugged at her lips at the thought of how much effort he had probably gone to in order to put this together.
She had to giggle at remembering him going on and on in the chat room about having the perfect first date.
That was probably in part why she was so nervous about today, truth be told beyond these interactions she was about as green as he was in the dating area.
Sure she'd gone out a couple of times in high school, but most of those had been more with friends or just hangouts. And the only proper date she could actually remember had been for her Senior Prom when she'd gotten stood up.
Really in some ways, she guessed this was her first proper first date as well.
She cringed at that thought.
She didn't have much time to dwell on it, however, since at that moment a familiar voice drew her from her thoughts.
"Hello, are you the coordinator?" Came a voice off to her side that made her head jerk up.
She smiled as she turned to face Yoosung who had snuck up on her through the crowd his eyes closed as a huge smile spread across his face.
The use of that nickname made her giggle, it had become a bit of a pet name after that day in the hospital between them.
"Yes, I am." She answered flashing him a smile as she took in his appearance and felt a blush stain her cheeks at how handsome he looked.
His hair was styled in its usual way including his hair clips, she could make out a button down blue plaid shirt under his hoodless dark blue jacket and khaki pants finished the outfit.
But what really caught her attention were the dark blue glasses that framed his eyes now.
She'd gotten so used to seeing him with bandages or an eye patching seeing him without one or the other felt a bit odd.
Yoosung laughed before blinking open his eyes and smiling at her.
"Good I was afraid I was running late for our appointment." He said joking with her.
Ari was about to reply to him, but her answer stopped short when she got a good look at his face. She felt an uncomfortable knot form in her stomach when her gaze settled on his left eye finally noticing it for the first time.
Gone was the bright purple color his right still held, in its place his eye now appeared dull with a grayish haze to it.
Sensing where she was looking Yoosung tilted his head and gave her an apathetic look.
Ari quickly glanced away afraid of making him uncomfortable, she gulped down the lump that had formed in her throat before giving him another smile.
"S-Sorry..." She murmured.
"No problem, it's a lot to take in I know..." He said rubbing the back of his neck as he gave her a soft smile.
Ari nodded her head taking a deep breath to steady herself before she closed the gap between them.
Yoosung started slightly at finding her so close, he blinked in confusion when her hands suddenly cupped his cheeks.
"Uh...Ari? What are you doing?" He asked confused as his cheeks flush furiously as she proceeded to gently turn his face from side to side as she inspected it.
"Just checking to make sure you're as handsome as I thought you'd be without the eye patch, and with the glasses." She said giving him a soft smile.
Yoosung felt his eyes widen and his cheeks flush even more at her words.
Ari giggled at the look on his face as she finally quit moving his head, her hands still cupping his cheeks as she grinned at him.
"Yup...everything checks out." She said nodding her head.
Yoosung chuckled at her as he smiled as he brought his hands up to her's.
"I'm glad..." He said smiling at her as he took her hands and brought them down.
Ari giggled happily at him as she gazed up at him as she gave his hands a gentle squeeze.
"So...do you have anything planned for today or are we just going to wing it?" Ari asked as she tilted her head curiously.
Yoosung blinked as if thinking of something.
He decided not to tell her that he had actually asked the other RFA members for advice on what to do on a date.
He could almost feel his eye twitching at remembering what a disaster that had ended up being. Jumin and Seven's advice had just been ridiculous.
The first's having been about forgetting people and just dating cats, and the later to build and AI of Ari to date forever. Honestly, where did either of them come up with some of their ideas?
Zen had been at least a bit helpful, even if the conversation had eventually devolved into talk about himself and Yoosung had had to listen to him prattle on for three hours.
At least some of the things he'd said at the start were somewhat helpful and had been worthy enough for him to write down in the journal he kept
He'd considered asking Jaehee for advice, but by that point, it was the wee hours of the morning and he was sure the headache he'd managed to achieve wasn't from adjusting to his new glasses.
So he'd just gone with his gut instinct on what he'd like to do on a first date, he secretly hoped Ari would enjoy what he'd come up with.
"Yoosung? Hey...you in there?" Came Ari's voice through his thoughts causing him to blink up at her.
"Huh?" He asked tilting his head as he looked at her.
"I think you sorta spaced there.." She said giving him a gentle smile.
"O-Oh, sorry! Right, I did some research and came up with a couple ideas...I mean if they sound alright." He said laughing nervously as he rubbed the back of his neck.
Ari giggled at him and seemed to be waiting intently to hear what he'd planned.
"I was thinking we could go to an early movie, and since it's supposed to be a nice day we could go for a walk in the park? There's a great little shop near there that sells Bento Boxed lunches..." He said feeling nervous as he spouted out his ideas.
Ari listened to what he'd planned out feeling a warmth spread through her at realizing how much thought he'd put into this.
"I mean...if that doesn't sound too boring, or traditional...of course. You can pick something else if you want...I'll go along with whatever." He said his face flushing slightly at her lack of response.
Ari shook her head.
"No...no...I think that sounds great! I think it's sweet how much thought you put into all of this..." She said feeling her own cheeks heat up as she smiled.
Yoosung blinked in surprise.
"R-Really? I was afraid it would be boring...but I've always had an idea for the perfect first date. I'm glad you think it sounds like fun." He said grinning.
Ari giggled at him.
"Just getting to spend time with you is my perfect first date...so whatever you'd wanted would have been fine with me," Ari stated her eyes dancing happily from behind her glasses.
Yoosung smiled despite the deep blush that covered his cheeks as he looked down at her.
He cleared his throat and adjusted his glasses as he awkwardly glanced away from her.
"I-I'm so glad to hear that...so what movie would you like to see?" He asked trying to change the subject.
Ari thought for a moment at that question.
"Hmmm...I know that several new ones have come out, I know Amelia was telling me about some great new horror movies that are out in the states." She said tilting her head in thought.
She blinked when she caught the face Yoosung was making at her words, his eyes having gone wide and he'd paled considerably.
"H-Horror M-Movies?" He asked a stutter having clearly settled in his voice as he gulped.
"I-I really don't do well with horror movies..." He said giving her the most apologetic look as he sighed.
Ari felt her gaze soften as she looked at him, she'd forgotten he didn't do well with those sorts of movies.
"B-But...if that's really what you want to see...I won't say no. And I'll do my best not to cover my face..." He said putting on a look of determination that caused his face to scrunch up.
Ari had to place a hand over her mouth to hide her giggles as she gave him a smile before shaking her head.
"Nah...let's see something a little tamer. I won't be that mean...we'll wait till the second date for that!" She said grinning and giving him a wink.
Yoosung looked relieved for a second before his eyes widened.
"W-What?!" He squeaked out causing Ari to laugh again at him.
"Anyways...what's more, up your ally? I'm game for anything really..." She said shrugging her shoulders as she looked at him expectantly.
Yoosung thought for a moment.
"Let's see...I know that new 'Fifty Percent More Black' movie just came out and there was a huge fuss about it on campus..." He mussed out loud.
He must have noticed the way Ari's face had paled and her eyes had widened behind her lavender frames at the movie title since he tilted his head at her.
"What?" He asked curious to her reaction.
"Ummm...do you have any idea what that movie is about? Better question have you even seen 'Fifty Percent Black'?" She asked raising an eyebrow at him.
"Well...no...but I heard a lot of people talking about them both at school. Why what are they about?" He asked once again tilting his head.
'Is he really this naive? How does he not know what...never mind...' Ari thought to herself as she hung her head.
"I'll explain it to you later...and I don't think that's a movie you want to see...at least not yet." She said her face heating up as she looked away awkwardly.
Yoosung only tilted his head at her words but shrugged his shoulders after a second.
"Alright, how bout the new 'Beauty and the Beast' then? I know that's probably a bit cliche..." He said still thinking of movie titles.
"Oh! That sounds like fun! I love Sisney movies! The cartoon was a favorite of mine growing up!" She said her face lighting up in excitement.
Yoosung laughed at her enthusiasm.
"Sounds like we have a winner then. If we go now we'll be able to get some good seats still." He said grinning at her happily.
Ari smiled and nodded her head as they began to walk.
She was a bit surprised when she suddenly felt something take her hand, she blinked as she looked down to find Yoosung holding her hand.
She glanced up at him to see his cheeks had gone pink as they walked, she smiled happily as she laced her fingers with his and gave his hand a gentle squeeze.
The walk from where they'd met to the theater wasn't a long one.
And soon enough they found themselves standing in line to buy tickets, there were several other people already despite the early hour.
Yoosung bought the tickets smiling as he handed one to Ari before motioning to the snack bar.
She felt a bit out of place as he told her to pick anything she wanted from the bar, she wasn't used to being treated like this. After a few moments of thought, she pointed out a box of chocolate candies that sounded good.
Yoosung nodded in approval before asking her if she wanted a drink and to share a popcorn with him.
She blushed before nodding hesitantly.
He grinned at her before giving their order to the lady behind the bar.
After a few moments their snacks were ready and despite his protests, Ari insisted on at least carrying something, considering he looked like he was about to drop the popcorn when he tried balancing it and their drinks.
He gave her a sheepish smile as she took the tub and her candy.
"Come on...we should still be able to get pretty good seats. The crowd hasn't picked up yet." He said as he motioned with his head towards the doors.
Ari smiled and nodded her head as she followed behind him.
She was surprised at how empty the theater was once they entered and their eyes adjusted to the dim lighting.
She glanced around the seats as she followed Yoosung up the stairs towards the mid back of the theater.
"This look alright? We lucked out and don't have to worry about our necks killing us!" He said happily as he motioned to a row.
Ari smiled and nodded as they took their seats there were a few other people sitting near them. Some with children and some elderly looking couples.
The screen was currently playing some rubbish commercials for local businesses and random movie trivia questions to keep the viewers entertained before the movie started.
Several more people were entering the theater as they both got comfortable in their seats. Ari placing the popcorn between them to share.
Yoosung noticed how quiet Ari had gotten since they'd gotten to the theater. He could feel his stomach twisting with nerves as he glanced at her from behind his glasses.
This was his first date and he was really worried that he'd already managed to screw something up. He gulped down the bite of popcorn he'd been munching on as he felt himself sink a bit further down in his seat.
He couldn't help but feel a small smile tug on his lips however when he reached into the tub for another handful of popcorn and felt his and Ari's fingers brush.
He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye noticing the way her cheeks tinted pink in the dim light at the slight touch. She was so cute.
'Well this is awkward, way to go Yoosung...the way this is shaping up it'll be your only date.' He thought dejectedly as he went to pop another bite of popcorn in his mouth as he focused back on the screen.
He blinked when he felt something suddenly bounce across his chest.
His eyebrows raised as he glanced down to find a piece of popcorn laying among the folds of his shirt.
His brows furrowed as he picked the kernel up and examined it.
Had he dropped this? He was pretty sure he'd only had a few pieces between his fingers but maybe one had fallen when he wasn't paying attention.
He glanced again at Ari, she seemed engrossed in watching whatever commercial was playing on the screen.
He sighed again as he popped the bite into his mouth and went back to watching the screen as well.
A few seconds passed before he felt another familiar sensation against his chest.
He blinked as he once again looked down to find an offending piece of popcorn lying in the folds of his shirt.
His mouth formed a frown as he picked up the piece and glanced around, sure that someone above them was now deliberately throwing the salty snack at him.
Ari seeing him move finally turned her attention to him seeming concerned by his agitated behavior.
"What's wrong?" She asked tilting her head at him obviously not understanding why he was acting odd.
"I just...nothing...it's nothing." He said as he realized that the only people sitting close enough to them to actually throw popcorn at him would have had to have quite the throwing arm.
'Maybe I'm just going crazy...' He thought as he shook his head and settled back in his seat as he brushed the kernel onto the floor.
Ari shrugged clearly still oblivious to what was wrong as she went back to watching the movie screen.
Yoosung heaved a sigh as he focused back on the screen the popcorn incident and the fact that Ari seemed to be totally ignoring him causing his self-esteem to diminish even further.
He'd just about decided that he just wanted the floor to open up and swallow him when yet again a familiar sensation hit his chest.
This time he looked down to find two pieces of popcorn sitting on his chest.
He let out a frustrated noise as he sat up in his seat and glanced around this time sure someone was doing this on purpose.
Ari yet again blinked as she turned to look at him confusion written on her face and in her eyes.
"Are you really alright?" She asked concern lacing her voice as her brows furrowed.
"Someone keeps throwing popcorn at me..." He grumbled as he motioned down at his lap and at the popcorn setting there.
Ari blinked and tilted her head.
"Oooh...you mean like this popcorn?" She asked a sly smirk spreading across her face as she lobbed another kernel at him that bounced off his chest and joined the others in his lap.
"Or like this one?" She asked her blue eyes dancing mischievously as she tossed another at him and giggled.
Yoosung blinked confused for a moment before he realized this had all been a part of her strategy.
His face formed a frown as he mock glared at her.
"Oh...so you think that's funny, huh?" He asked trying to sound as serious as he could.
Ari only nodded and giggled again the forced anger on his face causing his glasses to set a skewed on his nose.
"Fine...let's see how funny this is, then." He said finally allowing himself to laugh as he picked up several pieces of popcorn and proceeded to throw them at her.
Which caused her to let out a soft squeal as she tried to block the onslaught of salty kernels.
"No fair! No fair..." She giggled as she threw another piece at him.
"Hey...you started it." He said laughing as they continued to throw popcorn at each other.
They continued this for several more moments laughing as they did, though their fun was soon interrupted by the sharp clearing of a throat.
Both looked up sheepishly as they stopped their little war to meet the not so happy glare of an angry mother with her children.
Who clearly was not enjoying their antics and the ideas they were giving her children.
"S-Sorry..." Ari managed to stutter out as the mother and her children went on up the stairs.
Both she and Yoosung sunk down in their chairs like scolded children as she walked away. Once she was out of earshot they both looked at each other and burst out laughing.
"Oh man...that was fun," Yoosung said chuckling a bit as he began picking up the random pieces of popcorn that littered his shirt and lap to start munching on yet again.
Ari giggled and nodded.
"I'm glad...you seemed really focused there for a bit." She said smiling softly at him as he stopped and looked at her.
"You still nervous?" She asked tilting her head.
Yoosung paused realizing his nervousness from before had completely disappeared and for a moment he really felt like an idiot for even thinking that.
"N-No..." He said smiling as he shook his head.
"Good...now let's play some movie trivia, I was getting tired of answering the questions myself." She said grinning at him as she motioned to the screen.
Yoosung laughed as he smiled and turned back to the screen to join her.
The movie turned out to be great, better than either had hoped. They'd spent most of it snuggled up together totally lost in the plot and in enjoying each others company.
Ari winced against the harsh sunlight, as she and Yoosung made their way hand in hand out of the theater after the movie had ended.
They were currently making their way towards the bus stop to go to the park.
"That was great! Much better than I'd hoped...you really never know with those live action remakes." She commented as she glanced at Yoosung who nodded his head in agreement.
"Beauty and the Beast was always one of my favorites growing up...I loved all those Sisney Princess movies." She said with a laugh as she shook her head.
"That seems to be what a lot of girls say, I think my sister was the same," Yoosung said after a moment's thought.
"Most little girls like them since they want to be Princesses when they grow up," Ari said giggling as she looked up at the sky while Yoosung tilted his head.
"Really?" He asked curiously.
"Well yeah, they always end up with the prince and get a happy ending...what girl wouldn't want that? I know I did, silly as that sounds now." She admitted blushing.
"Huh...guess I never thought of it like that. Though I thought you made a pretty good princess...I mean you did manage to get my happy ending after all..." He said as they arrived at the bus stop.
His words caused Ari to blink as she looked up at him not fully understanding what he meant, but after a moment she decided not to ask. His words reminded her too much of some of the odder things Seven had said to her occasionally.
He gave her a quick smile as the bus arrived and the two climbed on board to continue their date.
And that's it for Chapter 7! Ahaha...I had a lot of fun with this one...the spoofy movie titles especially. XDD
I hope you guys enjoyed this one...I really did have a blast writing it...I took some of the ideas from the V-Day DLC for this, it actually lined up fairly well with what I had planned for this chapter before it came out so I just reformatted some things to go along with it. And of course, I had way...way to much fun with the movie titles. XDD
Anyways! I hope to hear from you guys! I hope you guys keep reading and enjoying this story!
Please remember to Read, Review, Favorite, Follow, and most importantly Enjoy this story!
Thankies so much! 8D