[ the look on geum-hwa's face when he greets clark is both relieved and a little frazzled. on his face is a black mask, matching the black nitrile gloves on his hands. ]
No no, you're right on time—
[ there is movement behind him, though: a man gingerly shrugging his shirt back on as he leaves the main area of the studio apartment. geum-hwa glances over as the man nears, offers him a cordial smile and wave as he brushes past the door and clark to be on his way. ]
Same time next week, [ he calls after the man. ] And remember not to scratch it!
[ once the man is gone, geum-hwa turns back to clark, looking sheepish and apologetic. ]
Sorry, that session wound up taking longer than I thought. Is it okay if I just change really quickly? I don't want to go on our date smelling like ink.
[ he ducks away before clark can really answer, leaving the door wide open for him as he starts to pull off his mask, his gloves. it's an unspoken invitation for clark to come in, make himself comfortable. the apartment itself is fairly spacious for a studio, clean and well-kept. on one side of the room is his work station: a single bed and nearby table, and a few framed photographs of some of his designs (both sketches and actual ink on skin) hanging on a nearby wall.
geum-hwa makes a beeline for the other end of the room, though, where his bed is. there's a single wooden partition there that he ducks behind to start getting changed in a flurry of rustling fabric and zipping zippers. ]
[ Clark is surprised all throughout that whole interaction, quickly stepping to the side to try and be as out of the way as possible. ] Oh-- [ He doesn't even notice, really, that he's being spoken to until Geum-Hwa's disappeared, and when he watches his back disappear all the way in he supposes maybe it wasn't all that important to begin with.
So that must be what Geum-Hwa does for a living. Tattoos... Clark only wishes he'd caught sight of what he'd drawn on the guy. ]
Um, Geum-Hwa? [ One hand is still behind him, but the other is cupped by the side of his mouth to help with the volume. He doesn't know if his voice is going to be heard, but he's standing right in front of the open door, about a step away from entering but not quite making it in. Clark hadn't been invited, after all, and Mama Kent didn't raise a rude boy who went into people's homes without permission. ] Ah... do you want me to close the door for you? It's awfully cold...
[ it's not the best second impression to make, running late to his own date after being the one to ask for it in the first place, but time had slipped away from geum-hwa before he could even think to text clark about it... also, he's just not used to having to be so considerate of his partner, after too many stints of seeing men for purely physical reasons. just as clark is learning a thing or two about dating, so is geum-hwa having to reteach himself how to do it properly. ]
Oh — come on in! Sorry, I'll be done soon—
[ he had leaned his head out from behind the changing partition to speak, flashing a bit of naked shoulders in the process, but soon after he's ducking back behind to finish changing. true to his word, it only takes him a few more minutes to have changed completely, stepping out in a nicer outfit of dark jeans, a button-up, and jacket. he's nowhere near as fancy as clark is right now, but admittedly he doesn't own anything that could compare...
he runs a hand through his hair a couple of times as he comes closer to where clark lingers. ]
Hi. [ okay, time to do it proper now. ] You look nice.
[ Clark comes in only when he's told to, shutting the door gently behind him but not moving to sit anywhere. In fact, he stands there just as awkwardly as he'd stand anywhere else, hunched over with his bad posture and fixing his glasses as he takes a look around Geum-Hwa's home. The work station catches his attention, his head tilting slightly as he considers it, but he's careful not to look too long anywhere lest he be called a snoop.
He doesn't notice Geum-Hwa's returned until he's spoken to, turning his head sharply as a surprised 'oh!' comes out of his mouth. ] Hi. [ He doesn't seem the least bit concerned about the lateness, at least, and looks down at the clothes Geum-Hwa's got on with a smile. ] That colour looks good on you. [ And then he catches his gaze again, sheepish. ]
Um... I made you this. [ Clark's hand comes from behind him, and held gently in his fist is a bouquet of folded paper flowers. It's not a very big bouquet, and the flowers themselves aren't very intricate in folds, but he smiles all the same. ] I realised I didn't know if you were allergic to anything, and, besides, the flowers would've died in a handful of days, so I thought...
Well, [ he chuckles, using his other hand to push his glasses up his nose ] I hope you like it.
I was supposed to give it to you while we were out, but I thought it'd be better now that we're at your place, right? [ Teasingly, he adds, ] So you can pretend to keep it somewhere nice.
[ geum-hwa beams under clark's compliment, because he can be a little vain like that, but he stops short when he's suddenly presented with the paper bouquet.
for a moment he doesn't even know what he's looking at, and it takes him a moment longer to even realize that this is intended for him. a gift? on a date?? ]
For.. me?
[ clark had made this for him? suddenly an image of the man, hunched over some table and working meticulously to fold each and every one of these flowers fills his mind, and he's suddenly feeling flush with a warmth he hadn't felt in so long.
gingerly, he takes the flowers from clark, his cheeks pink. almost shyly, he glances back up at the man, lips curving into a small smile. ]
Cheek kisses are okay, right?
[ after all, clark had braved it the last time. still, geum-hwa will lean up on his tiptoes tentatively, giving clark just enough time to pull back if he wants to. if he doesn't, though, geum-hwa will lean all the way in and press a sweet kiss to clark's cheek. nice and brief and gentle, even if he really, really wants to do more. he has to actually bite down on his lip to keep himself from taking more, to be honest, and physically pulls himself away so he doesn't do something stupid.
he laughs lightly at clark's joke, and walks over to set the bouquet right on his bedside table. ]
I don't have any vases, but this should do... [ he grins at clark then, eyes twinkling mischievously. ] Then you'll be the last thing I think about when I'm in bed~
Y-Yes! Yes, cheek kisses are-- oh. [ Predictably, despite seeing Geum-Hwa coming, the press of his lips to his cheek breaks Clark's train of thought regardless. He's momentarily stupefied, bringing a hand up to touch where he'd been kissed as if in awe, and when he looks up he sees Geum-Hwa by his bed with the bouquet placed nicely on the table beside it.
His face warms completely at the phrase think about when I'm in bed, and Clark lets out a bark of a laugh because it's too early to be getting shy. More importantly, it's also to stop his thoughts from drifting somewhere too far. ]
Gosh... [ Hand finally dropping, he dips his head, taking a few steps backward towards the front door. ] You've got real interesting thoughts in your head, don't you? [ Not "interesting" enough for Clark to be driven away, though, if the way he holds his hand out is any indication. ] Come on. The night's young.
[ His other hand falls on the doorknob, blue eyes bright behind his glasses. ]
And you deserve something nice for all your hard work today.
[ it's become a nice game to play with himself, geum-hwa suddenly realizes. trying to see how far he can tease, how much he can get away with to get clark blushing just so. but as predictable as the man is becoming, he's still such an enigma; surprising enough that even the small gesture of offering his hand out to geum-hwa catches the tattooist off-guard. a part of him wants to tease, to ask if holding hands on the first date is too bold, but he finds he's a little too distracted by the twinkling of those baby blues to get very far with the thought. ]
Says the man working more than 40 hours a week, [ he laughs, almost scoffing.
he takes that hand, grabbing up his keys to lock the door behind him as they leave. his hand feels so wonderfully small in clark's, like some tangible reminder that he's safe, somehow.
he hums, trying not to let his thoughts trail to that kind of dangerous territory. ]
But, you're right. Five hours non-stop, can you believe it? He was so grumpy, too. Really soured my afternoon.
[ he sighs, taking the opportunity to walk a little closer, curl his other hand around clark's arm and hold him close. ]
[ Clark's head tilts downward as Geum-Hwa speaks, the corners of his lips tugging into a smile when he feels the way he holds onto his arm. It's all very picturesque-- the two of them walking together, the stars in the sky, Geum-Hwa's body so close to his own-- and the romantic in him melts, just a little. ]
I'm sorry your afternoon had to end that way. [ He means it, too. Clark pushes his glasses up, and he brings one of his hands down to land on top of Geum-Hwa's and give it a gentle pat, a soft sweep of his thumb over his knuckles. ] I'll do my best to make sure your evening doesn't.
If ever you get tired, though, let me know, okay? [ He tries to catch Geum-Hwa's gaze as he says it. ] I didn't plan anything too exciting but, uh...
[ Stopping in front of not a car, but a bicycle-- a real heavy-duty one, all for mountaineering and definitely on the sturdy, lasts-for-years side-- Clark smiles sheepishly. ] I promise I'll get you home safe, no matter what.
[ it's a little past eight on a friday night; hardly anywhere near geum-hwa's usual bedtime. one of the perks of being his own boss, and setting his own hours, means he never really has a bedtime.
truly, it's clark he's worried for. hadn't the man mentioned he worked saturday mornings? after more than a full days' work all week, too. he has to wonder just what it is the man does, but he supposes there's enough time for all that during their date. an actual date... part of geum-hwa still can't believe it.
when they pause by the bike, he's taken a little off-guard. it doesn't quite fit, see... clark, all prim and proper in his three-piece suits. and then... a mountain bike. how are they even going to fit??? ]
Ah-- you're confused. [ And Clark doesn't blame him, not in the least. He has a car, of course, but the logic that went through his mind had been some embarrassing thing like: ] I, uh. I grew up on a farm. [ He fiddles with his glasses, clearing his throat, and knows that that alone isn't really a proper explanation. ] And I always thought-- well, biking home from school, for example, late in the afternoon or in the early evening-- it always felt freeing.
And if I went fast enough it was almost like I was flying.
I can call a cab, definitely, but if you wanted to try-- [ he walks over to the bike on its stand, arm gently slipping from Geum-Hwa's grip, but transitioning smoothly so Clark's fingers can wrap around his hand instead ] --you can get on the seat and put your feet on the axle of the back wheel.
[ One of Clark's hands holds the handle, leg swung over the machine, and his posture straightens with all the confidence of a farmboy who's been biking all his ridiculous life. ]
I'm going to stand like this, and you're going to have to hold onto me while I pedal, but...
[ Pushing his glasses up his nose, the grin he gives is a different kind of innocent. ] It's really, really fun.
Edited 2019-12-29 16:47 (UTC)
yes give geum-hwa a reason to cling to you tighter, clark
[ so, as far as dating went, geum-hwa couldn't claim to be experienced, but he thought he had a general idea of how they typically went. dinner, movies, maybe something cute and kitschy like a walk in a park or something like that. sweet, innocent kisses at the doorstep before exchanging pleasant "see you later's."
clark, though novel in his actual attempts to be a decent fucking human being, never really struck geum-hwa as the type to stray from what was "typical." yet here geum-hwa stands, surprisingly (and pleasantly so) corrected.
he laughs, giving a brief shake of his head. ]
You're just full of surprises, huh...
[ a bike ride. never in a million years would geum-hwa have thought that's what he'd be spending a first date doing. the fact that it's both a favored and intimate pasttime of clark's just made it ten times sweeter.
without another word, geum-hwa happily slips into the seat behind clark, smoothly sliding his arms around the man's waist. he doesn't hesitate to hold tightly, leaning forward to press into the man's back, deeply breathing him in. despite all the softness clark's kind eyes convey, the body geum-hwa holds is firm, sturdy. it's silly, but he feels like clark could take him anywhere, and he'd feel completely safe the entire time. ]
Golly, [ Clark laughs, good-natured and small ] you know what? [ Looking over his shoulder, he offers Geum-Hwa a smile. ] I think that's a challenge I can actually take up.
[ And he manoeuvres the bike with a care that isn't obvious-- not with the way he moves it smoothly and starts pedalling without any issues to their balance at all. He starts at an easy pace for Geum-Hwa to get used to it, but the pedalling goes faster, and faster, and soon enough they're going at a pace brisk enough that the wind rustles through their hair.
It's cool at night, but Clark is a furnace even through the layers of clothes he wears, his back firm and strong for Geum-Hwa to lean on. (This close, he can hear Geum-Hwa's heartbeat, and it's a sort of intimacy that Kal hasn't had in a very long time.) They're moving at a good speed, but Clark doesn't seem to be in any hurry to get anywhere; he makes sure to stick to quieter streets, though-- the less cars and people around, the better.
After all, if it was too loud around them it'd be hard for Clark's soft, still sort of stuttery voice to come through clearly when he asks, ] What did you do for fun, as a kid?
[ if geum-hwa were nervous at all about any of this, he hardly shows it. save for the secure way he holds clark's waist — but one can always argue that's more for the sake of just keeping their bodies close than anything else — the tattooist seems just as happy and excited to partake in the adventure...
even if it's not one he'd normally ever consider. ]
Nothing like this.
[ he laughs a little, tilting his head to the side to rest his cheek on clark's back as he watches the world rush past them. ]
I grew up in a city, so the only "outdoors" I could really enjoy were community parks and playgrounds... Mostly I stayed inside, kept to myself.
[ he hums, one hand idly playing with the buttons on clark's vest. ]
[ Clark's eyes flick briefly to the fingers brushing over his buttons, but besides a slight pink to his cheeks, he's more or less fine with it. In fact, the touch itself is comforting in a way, just as Geum-Hwa's warmth is, and his weight, and the feel of his arms wrapped around him. ]
Did you always... [ He pauses, rephrasing it in his head, and careful about using the brakes when the bike starts on a downward incline. ] Was it always, um, tattoo art that you wanted to do?
You know, I'm a little surprised you were alone a lot. But I suppose you grew into your charm, hm?
[ the younger male grows quiet for a moment, and it's fortunate that clark cannot see how his expression seems to cloud over, stormy. ]
No... I got into tattoos because of an ex.
[ and he'll just. leave it that that, he thinks.
drawing in a breath, he shoves that particularly gloomy thought aside and focuses instead on the wind in his hair. the gentle vibrations of clark's voice against his ear. ]
If you're implying I wasn't always considered a hot piece, you'd be dead wrong. [ there is humor in his voice again, light and airy. ] But it's nice you think I'm charming.
[ Clark notes very quickly not to ask about Geum-Hwa's tattooist origin story again. ]
Oh, [ but he laughs a bit at the word charming, working the pedals again as they go up instead of down ] how could I not? You have a way with words, Geum-Hwa. [ A way with words that flusters him, but it's not exactly difficult to get Clark Kent flustered, either. ]
As a writer I find that very... [ He goes a bit sheepish. ] Well, I find it attractive, I think, is the term.
[ Where they bike now it seems like the bright city lights have been replaced with the softer, yellow hues of lanterns. It's a food street, technically, made up of simple establishments that look very much like self-owned places you couldn't find anywhere else.
The place he stops at is a small restaurant, modest and simple with a glass window you can look through. On the outside is a chalkboard with a message about today's specials-- Clark's taken Geum-Hwa to an Italian place, although with food more authentic than the Olive Garden.
He'd had a writer review the place a few weeks ago and wanted to try it ever since.
The bike rolls to a stop, smooth and gradual before Clark puts both his feet down to steady them. ] Mm, I hope this place suits your taste.
If it doesn't, there're all kinds of restaurants down this street we could try, too.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
No no, you're right on time—
[ there is movement behind him, though: a man gingerly shrugging his shirt back on as he leaves the main area of the studio apartment. geum-hwa glances over as the man nears, offers him a cordial smile and wave as he brushes past the door and clark to be on his way. ]
Same time next week, [ he calls after the man. ] And remember not to scratch it!
[ once the man is gone, geum-hwa turns back to clark, looking sheepish and apologetic. ]
Sorry, that session wound up taking longer than I thought. Is it okay if I just change really quickly? I don't want to go on our date smelling like ink.
[ he ducks away before clark can really answer, leaving the door wide open for him as he starts to pull off his mask, his gloves. it's an unspoken invitation for clark to come in, make himself comfortable. the apartment itself is fairly spacious for a studio, clean and well-kept. on one side of the room is his work station: a single bed and nearby table, and a few framed photographs of some of his designs (both sketches and actual ink on skin) hanging on a nearby wall.
geum-hwa makes a beeline for the other end of the room, though, where his bed is. there's a single wooden partition there that he ducks behind to start getting changed in a flurry of rustling fabric and zipping zippers. ]
no subject
So that must be what Geum-Hwa does for a living. Tattoos... Clark only wishes he'd caught sight of what he'd drawn on the guy. ]
Um, Geum-Hwa? [ One hand is still behind him, but the other is cupped by the side of his mouth to help with the volume. He doesn't know if his voice is going to be heard, but he's standing right in front of the open door, about a step away from entering but not quite making it in. Clark hadn't been invited, after all, and Mama Kent didn't raise a rude boy who went into people's homes without permission. ] Ah... do you want me to close the door for you? It's awfully cold...
no subject
Oh — come on in! Sorry, I'll be done soon—
[ he had leaned his head out from behind the changing partition to speak, flashing a bit of naked shoulders in the process, but soon after he's ducking back behind to finish changing. true to his word, it only takes him a few more minutes to have changed completely, stepping out in a nicer outfit of dark jeans, a button-up, and jacket. he's nowhere near as fancy as clark is right now, but admittedly he doesn't own anything that could compare...
he runs a hand through his hair a couple of times as he comes closer to where clark lingers. ]
Hi. [ okay, time to do it proper now. ] You look nice.
no subject
He doesn't notice Geum-Hwa's returned until he's spoken to, turning his head sharply as a surprised 'oh!' comes out of his mouth. ] Hi. [ He doesn't seem the least bit concerned about the lateness, at least, and looks down at the clothes Geum-Hwa's got on with a smile. ] That colour looks good on you. [ And then he catches his gaze again, sheepish. ]
Um... I made you this. [ Clark's hand comes from behind him, and held gently in his fist is a bouquet of folded paper flowers. It's not a very big bouquet, and the flowers themselves aren't very intricate in folds, but he smiles all the same. ] I realised I didn't know if you were allergic to anything, and, besides, the flowers would've died in a handful of days, so I thought...
Well, [ he chuckles, using his other hand to push his glasses up his nose ] I hope you like it.
I was supposed to give it to you while we were out, but I thought it'd be better now that we're at your place, right? [ Teasingly, he adds, ] So you can pretend to keep it somewhere nice.
no subject
for a moment he doesn't even know what he's looking at, and it takes him a moment longer to even realize that this is intended for him. a gift? on a date?? ]
For.. me?
[ clark had made this for him? suddenly an image of the man, hunched over some table and working meticulously to fold each and every one of these flowers fills his mind, and he's suddenly feeling flush with a warmth he hadn't felt in so long.
gingerly, he takes the flowers from clark, his cheeks pink. almost shyly, he glances back up at the man, lips curving into a small smile. ]
Cheek kisses are okay, right?
[ after all, clark had braved it the last time. still, geum-hwa will lean up on his tiptoes tentatively, giving clark just enough time to pull back if he wants to. if he doesn't, though, geum-hwa will lean all the way in and press a sweet kiss to clark's cheek. nice and brief and gentle, even if he really, really wants to do more. he has to actually bite down on his lip to keep himself from taking more, to be honest, and physically pulls himself away so he doesn't do something stupid.
he laughs lightly at clark's joke, and walks over to set the bouquet right on his bedside table. ]
I don't have any vases, but this should do... [ he grins at clark then, eyes twinkling mischievously. ] Then you'll be the last thing I think about when I'm in bed~
[ he can tease too, ok. ]
no subject
His face warms completely at the phrase think about when I'm in bed, and Clark lets out a bark of a laugh because it's too early to be getting shy. More importantly, it's also to stop his thoughts from drifting somewhere too far. ]
Gosh... [ Hand finally dropping, he dips his head, taking a few steps backward towards the front door. ] You've got real interesting thoughts in your head, don't you? [ Not "interesting" enough for Clark to be driven away, though, if the way he holds his hand out is any indication. ] Come on. The night's young.
[ His other hand falls on the doorknob, blue eyes bright behind his glasses. ]
And you deserve something nice for all your hard work today.
no subject
Says the man working more than 40 hours a week, [ he laughs, almost scoffing.
he takes that hand, grabbing up his keys to lock the door behind him as they leave. his hand feels so wonderfully small in clark's, like some tangible reminder that he's safe, somehow.
he hums, trying not to let his thoughts trail to that kind of dangerous territory. ]
But, you're right. Five hours non-stop, can you believe it? He was so grumpy, too. Really soured my afternoon.
[ he sighs, taking the opportunity to walk a little closer, curl his other hand around clark's arm and hold him close. ]
I feel so much better now, though.
no subject
I'm sorry your afternoon had to end that way. [ He means it, too. Clark pushes his glasses up, and he brings one of his hands down to land on top of Geum-Hwa's and give it a gentle pat, a soft sweep of his thumb over his knuckles. ] I'll do my best to make sure your evening doesn't.
If ever you get tired, though, let me know, okay? [ He tries to catch Geum-Hwa's gaze as he says it. ] I didn't plan anything too exciting but, uh...
[ Stopping in front of not a car, but a bicycle-- a real heavy-duty one, all for mountaineering and definitely on the sturdy, lasts-for-years side-- Clark smiles sheepishly. ] I promise I'll get you home safe, no matter what.
no subject
[ it's a little past eight on a friday night; hardly anywhere near geum-hwa's usual bedtime. one of the perks of being his own boss, and setting his own hours, means he never really has a bedtime.
truly, it's clark he's worried for. hadn't the man mentioned he worked saturday mornings? after more than a full days' work all week, too. he has to wonder just what it is the man does, but he supposes there's enough time for all that during their date. an actual date... part of geum-hwa still can't believe it.
when they pause by the bike, he's taken a little off-guard. it doesn't quite fit, see... clark, all prim and proper in his three-piece suits. and then... a mountain bike. how are they even going to fit??? ]
Is... this our ride?
one day he'll take you flying
And if I went fast enough it was almost like I was flying.
I can call a cab, definitely, but if you wanted to try-- [ he walks over to the bike on its stand, arm gently slipping from Geum-Hwa's grip, but transitioning smoothly so Clark's fingers can wrap around his hand instead ] --you can get on the seat and put your feet on the axle of the back wheel.
[ One of Clark's hands holds the handle, leg swung over the machine, and his posture straightens with all the confidence of a farmboy who's been biking all his ridiculous life. ]
I'm going to stand like this, and you're going to have to hold onto me while I pedal, but...
[ Pushing his glasses up his nose, the grin he gives is a different kind of innocent. ] It's really, really fun.
yes give geum-hwa a reason to cling to you tighter, clark
clark, though novel in his actual attempts to be a decent fucking human being, never really struck geum-hwa as the type to stray from what was "typical." yet here geum-hwa stands, surprisingly (and pleasantly so) corrected.
he laughs, giving a brief shake of his head. ]
You're just full of surprises, huh...
[ a bike ride. never in a million years would geum-hwa have thought that's what he'd be spending a first date doing. the fact that it's both a favored and intimate pasttime of clark's just made it ten times sweeter.
without another word, geum-hwa happily slips into the seat behind clark, smoothly sliding his arms around the man's waist. he doesn't hesitate to hold tightly, leaning forward to press into the man's back, deeply breathing him in. despite all the softness clark's kind eyes convey, the body geum-hwa holds is firm, sturdy. it's silly, but he feels like clark could take him anywhere, and he'd feel completely safe the entire time. ]
C'mon then. Show me what you got.
no subject
[ And he manoeuvres the bike with a care that isn't obvious-- not with the way he moves it smoothly and starts pedalling without any issues to their balance at all. He starts at an easy pace for Geum-Hwa to get used to it, but the pedalling goes faster, and faster, and soon enough they're going at a pace brisk enough that the wind rustles through their hair.
It's cool at night, but Clark is a furnace even through the layers of clothes he wears, his back firm and strong for Geum-Hwa to lean on. (This close, he can hear Geum-Hwa's heartbeat, and it's a sort of intimacy that Kal hasn't had in a very long time.) They're moving at a good speed, but Clark doesn't seem to be in any hurry to get anywhere; he makes sure to stick to quieter streets, though-- the less cars and people around, the better.
After all, if it was too loud around them it'd be hard for Clark's soft, still sort of stuttery voice to come through clearly when he asks, ] What did you do for fun, as a kid?
no subject
even if it's not one he'd normally ever consider. ]
Nothing like this.
[ he laughs a little, tilting his head to the side to rest his cheek on clark's back as he watches the world rush past them. ]
I grew up in a city, so the only "outdoors" I could really enjoy were community parks and playgrounds... Mostly I stayed inside, kept to myself.
[ he hums, one hand idly playing with the buttons on clark's vest. ]
I drew a lot.
no subject
Did you always... [ He pauses, rephrasing it in his head, and careful about using the brakes when the bike starts on a downward incline. ] Was it always, um, tattoo art that you wanted to do?
You know, I'm a little surprised you were alone a lot. But I suppose you grew into your charm, hm?
no subject
No... I got into tattoos because of an ex.
[ and he'll just. leave it that that, he thinks.
drawing in a breath, he shoves that particularly gloomy thought aside and focuses instead on the wind in his hair. the gentle vibrations of clark's voice against his ear. ]
If you're implying I wasn't always considered a hot piece, you'd be dead wrong. [ there is humor in his voice again, light and airy. ] But it's nice you think I'm charming.
no subject
Oh, [ but he laughs a bit at the word charming, working the pedals again as they go up instead of down ] how could I not? You have a way with words, Geum-Hwa. [ A way with words that flusters him, but it's not exactly difficult to get Clark Kent flustered, either. ]
As a writer I find that very... [ He goes a bit sheepish. ] Well, I find it attractive, I think, is the term.
[ Where they bike now it seems like the bright city lights have been replaced with the softer, yellow hues of lanterns. It's a food street, technically, made up of simple establishments that look very much like self-owned places you couldn't find anywhere else.
The place he stops at is a small restaurant, modest and simple with a glass window you can look through. On the outside is a chalkboard with a message about today's specials-- Clark's taken Geum-Hwa to an Italian place, although with food more authentic than the Olive Garden.
He'd had a writer review the place a few weeks ago and wanted to try it ever since.
The bike rolls to a stop, smooth and gradual before Clark puts both his feet down to steady them. ] Mm, I hope this place suits your taste.
If it doesn't, there're all kinds of restaurants down this street we could try, too.