This RP is being backdated.

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Sitting with her elder cousin, her hyung, Eunkyung had decided to skip school today as she was far too on edge to focus on school, and she knew it. They also weren't home, not wanting to risk her aunt and uncle returning home early and finding them both home rather than in school. Looking at her phone she flashed the screen to Seung so he could see what time it was. It was almost time, just another forty five minutes till 1pm and then tickets would be officially on sale and they had to get them - they needed to. Both knew they’d sell fast, especially the more expensive tickets.

Sitting inside the Gong cha bubble tea cafe she took a sip of her drink before setting her phone down at her side. She looked her elder cousin over and smiled. He was nervous as well, worried about not getting tickets. This was like all the other times they’d bought tickets to concerts but this was the first time here...and the first time for HallyuCon tickets.

“We’ll get them.” She said wanting to reassure her elder cousin as she leaned into his side. Her long dark hair, curled lightly, fell down the back of her chair and about her face giving her a delicate look. “We’ll get to see Hyeong-hyung and his group and we’ll go to New York and have fun together.” She said, her voice sure and calm.


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Looking down at his younger cousin he nodded and raised a hand to settle on top of her head for a brief moment. “Yes, we will do fine. We will see Hyeong-hyung.” He spoke, her calm voice, and very nature, keeping him from becoming too edgy and nervous. He really was hoping to get the platinum tickets for them both, expensive as they were, they would be worth it as they’d be right there in front of the stage. After listening to the latest album dropped by BTS, and seeing the Young Forever and Fire music videos he knew these seats would be well worth the money dropped on them.

The music videos and the album, with three new songs, was amazing. The other groups were good as well especially his cousins group and BTOP. His cousin wanted to see Mamamoo among other groups as well. It was a shame Shinee and Block B wouldn’t be in New York but would rather be in LA for HallyuCon - so sad.

Looking at his own phone, he was logged onto his twitter account, he made a quick post about where he was and that he was waiting for HallyuCon ticket sales to open - almost time. Posting it he looked to the airbook he had sitting on the table in front of him, opened to the ticket sales site. He had all his credit card information set up so he could pay quickly once the sales opened, and hopefully he’d be quick enough to get what he wanted. There was extra money on the account - a lot of extra thanks to his parents in case either of them had decided last minute to bring a friend - so far neither had decided on such.


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Terry was sprawled out on his bed after just returning home from class. His legs were hanging over the side and he had his phone in hand checking the notes he had jotted down earlier when his phone let out a chirp. He paused for a second then closed the note app to check his notifications and got an amused look when he saw that it was a twitter post from Seung. He tapped the notification and brought up the actual tweet then raised an eyebrow in curiosity. In the end he typed up a response question of ‘What’s HallyuCon?’ to his boyfriend's post then went back to checking his notes while waiting for a response.


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The chirp from his phone was not an expected one, the time zone between here in Destiny City and where most of his friends and family lived, so when his phone came to life he tapped the screen and unlocking it he took a look at the message sent to him. Seeing who had tweeted back he laughed. Looking at his cousin, as she tapped his shoulder, he flashed her his phone so she could read the message.

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Wondering who could be tweeting her cousin back she tapped him once while looking up from her drink, tilting her head, dark eyes wide and questioning. When Seung showed her his phone she took a moment to read over the question, as he started to laugh, and smiled softly. “Going to tell him?” She asked her cousin before returning to her drink, straw passing her lips as she took a sip.

Watching him, from the corner of her eyes, nod she watched him start to tweet back an answer to the other.


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Typing up a quick message he had to do a quick search online, on his phone, so he could link to a site which would better explain things. The site was to HallyuCon’s official site, where all the information could be found, while he went on to explain it to Terry. ‘Convention for Korean culture - drama’s, music (live concerts), food, beauty, fashion - more. Big in US.’ Hitting the send button for his message he settled back to wait for a reply...and for ticket sales to open.


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When his phone chirped again Terry once again checked his notifications. When he read Seung’s response he clicked the link and skimmed the front page a bit before returning to twitter to send another reply. ‘Sounds like fun.’’ he quickly typed out then sent it and went back to browsing the HallyuCon website out of curiosity.


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Tweeting back he handed his phone to his cousin, telling her to type for him after the tweet he just sent back to Terry. He was not about to miss the tickets he wanted - no way in hell was he missing them. ‘It should be. It isn’t like home but should be good. Want come?’ He didn’t know if Terry would want to come, music didn’t seem his thing, but now that the other knew of his plans to be going off to New York for a weekend he might as well make the offer - right? He felt like he sort of had to if he were being honest, which he was with himself if no one else.


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Taking the phone she held it close and nodded her head to her cousin's request. “Of course, will respond for you if he tweets again.” She answered. Her English was better than her elder cousins but the accent was no less heavy than his. Her voice was soft, gentle, as she spoke. The cell phone held close to her chest as she looked over the screen of her cousins air book. “We can see Hyeong-hyung soon.” She spoke up smiling, it would be sooner than either of them had planned and it pleased her.


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Terry flipped over on his bed so that he was laying on his stomach, arms propping him up as he looked over the website. He recognized a few of the groups that would be there thanks to Seung showing them to him and he did like the music he had heard so far from them. This in mind, when his notification’s went off again to let him know that Seung had responded and he read the question he gave a shrug although no one would see it then responded back. ‘Sure. What kind of tickets are you getting so I know what to buy?’ He sent then pulled his laptop over from the side table and started to boot it up.


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Reading the message off to her cousin she heard him laugh and shook her head. “You are going to cover for him.” She said, already knowing the answer, she watched Seung nod his head and sent a text without her cousin having to dictate to her. ‘Do not worry, I will cover it. There is enough saved to bring a friend or two. We’re at Gong Cha waiting for the ticket sales to open. Wish us luck.’ She didn’t write who the we were, not thinking of it, as she hit the send button and glanced to her cousin. “Soon.” She said nodding to his airbooks screen. It was getting closer and closer to the time to purchase.


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“I know.” And he was hoping they’d be able to get the tickets, he had no idea how fast they’d sell out though he suspected it would be quick. He hadn’t been this keyed up in a while, not since the last concert he was purchasing tickets for. This was a different sort of nervous than when he got into a spot as Venice. This wasn’t the same and yet he was still nervous and filled with energy.


Sipping his drink, biting down on the part which gave the drink the name bubble tea, Seung turned his eyes back onto the screen and waited.


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It wasn’t long before his phone was giving the familiar chirp and Terry was looking over the next response. He couldn’t help but give a fond eye roll when he saw that Seung had said he would pay for it then typed back. If Seung ended up buying his ticket then he would make sure to buy him a souvenir or something depending on the ticket cost. He briefly wondered who the ‘we’ was but figured it was probably Seung’s cousin after a bit of thought. It made sense for them both wanting to go after all though he did ask in a roundabout way in the end. ‘Good luck! Who would all be going?’


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Laughing at the response she typed back a message and hit sent. ‘My cousin and I will be going. We have planned this almost since we moved here.’ Though there was more reason to go now since their elder cousin would be there, that and the groups that would be going. She knew Seung had been fanning out over the new BTS album and the music videos for the three new songs, as the album only had three new songs but a lot of remixes. So knowing they were heading up the concerts at HallyuCon New York she knew he would want to go even more. She could understand too, the album was good, between the new songs and the remixes. It had been a shock to see it had come in on the itunes top 40 for US sales and such, that was just...unheard of really to her, for a Korean group to do so well.

‘Have to see BTS live, last album was amazing.’ She added, rather than mentioning their elder cousin. She decided to even toss in a link to one of the music videos - Save me as it was the last of the three. Hitting send she sat back and looked over her cousin's shoulder. Then she sent another text. ‘You can join us if you like.’ Tossing in a link to where they were, where Gong Cha was.


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Snatching his phone back for a moment to look over what his cousin had sent he laughed and shook his head. “He’s likely to show up Eunkyung-ah.” Seung commented while waiting, only ten minutes now and he’d have to be quick in order to get what he wanted. He had three tickets to get and it was for a very limited amount of seats. He really wanted to be front row, even if he had to stand. It wouldn’t be the first concert where he was that close to the stage, where he had to stand, nor would it be the first for his younger cousin.

“Don’t tell him which tickets Eunkyung-ah.” Though if Terry looked he would see the platinum tickets were the ones going on sale today, the rest in a few days, and he could easily check the prices...he hoped he didn’t. Cause the cost to get to New York was still there and a hotel...both of which would be covered for Terry was well.


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Terry smiled when his guess was proven correct about it being Seung’s cousin going with him. He was glad that the two would get to hang out together and have fun. After all if Eunkyung was anything like her cousin she was probably over working herself at school too. He clicked on the link with the post and watched the video before responding back. ‘That is pretty good, I’m sure it would be awesome to see live so I can understand.’ He then saw the text with the address of where they were at and gave a chuckle before getting off the bed. Good thing he hadn’t changed or anything so he was still pretty ready to go. He slipped his keys into his pocket then left the house, shooting a text back to Seung that he would be there soon.


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While Terry was on the way to Gong Cha she was watching as the time ticked down as it got closer to 1pm and ticket sales time. Her cousin was all ready and when he refreshed, right on time the sales were opened and she watched her cousins fingers fly over the keyboard of his airbook as he put in for the three tickets he wanted, all platinum tickets. Watching with baited breath she nearly jumped in her seat as she saw it go through and a confirmation number for the purchase and when Seung checked the balance on the card the money had been taken.

“We got it?” She asked, disbelief in her voice. When he nodded she threw her arms about him and hugged her elder cousin. “Yes!” She cried out happily, smiling up at her cousin as he ruffled her long hair. “We’ll have to set up the hotel now, and the flight.” She said gently, watching as her cousin set about pulling up a site to do just that. He was still flush with excitement and breathing a bit harder, due to adrenaline. She could understand it as she went to toss out her empty cup - when had she finished her drink?


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Offering up his empty drink cup he sat there working on setting up to get a hotel and air all in one deal - it would be better price wise. He hoped, and figured, Terry would be able to leave with them for the flight to New York - he was not about to drive to New York or ask someone else to.

Smiling Seung adjusted his glasses as he watched his cousin go to get another drink for herself. Calling out to her he asked her to grab him another drink as well. The line was...well not all that long, thankfully. His cousin had been going for some lychee drink, which he’d tried and found wasn’t too bad, while he was going with milk tea with pearls - a favorite. Once Terry arrived he’d help the other order something, as he could use a drink likely - it was warm out today.


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It didn’t take terribly long for Terry to arrive at the Gong Cha and he parked before going inside. One look around was all it took for him to spot Seung and he headed over to sit with him at the table. “Hi there.” He said then gave the other a quick kiss on the cheek. “I take it you skipped class?” He asked when he sat down on a chair that he hoped wasn’t Eunkyung’s chair. They hadn’t been formally introduced just yet so he would rather not swipe her seat as a first impression.


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Nodding his head as Terry approached, he wasn’t surprised at all, he glanced down to the hotels he was looking at. The site, for HallyuCon, did list one that had deals and such...it was a good idea. He didn’t know what hotel his cousin would be in, or he’d be booking rooms for there, but maybe he’d get lucky? He could cross his fingers and hope it would be the same hotel, just to make meeting up easier.

“I did...did not want to miss tickets opening sale.” He answered. He had never had to do it before, tickets went on sale when he could get them without skipping class...or he had someone else purchase for him. “What do you want to drink?” He asked nodding over to the small line where his cousin was next in line. “Should go up and order something.” Standing, offering the other a hand up. He was safe to leave his airbook for the moment - at least he thought so.


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Standing in line, next up in fact, Eunkyung looked over toward her cousin and spotted someone with him. Well, that must be Terry and catching that kiss she had a feeling just what they were to each other. This was not a country where skinshipping was normal between two males or two females, though it did seem like it might be a bit of a thing between older females...but not where they’d admit to it and where it was done for male attention. Not that idols didn’t do it for female or male, depending on the idols gender, attention. It just wasn’t a culture where such a thing was normal or ok unless it meant a very specific thing and she knew this.

“Seung-hyung, you should come here if you're going to order for him.” She said pointing to Terry with a single, slender, digit. Her dark eyes focused on the two males for a moment longer before she was stepping forward to place her order.


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“I take it the tickets you wanted to get tend to go fast then?” Terry asked with a raise of an eyebrow. If that was the case then they were probably expensive tickets and he might just have to take a look and see how much Seung just spent on him. When the other man got up and offered his hand he took it and got out of the seat. “I don’t know, what would you recommend?” He asked as his attention was pulled to where Eunkyung was in line as she spoke up. He would have actually introduced himself to her but she was just beginning to order so he would wait until she was done.


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“Yes, HallyuCon is popular here. Is not a thing back home, it for international fans. It is...for hallyu culture and it’s spread. Many good - popular groups will perform there. Big fan base...tickets sell fast. First time for HallyuCon...came because HallyuCon is popular. HallyuCon Second time in New York...Has been convention since 2012 when it started in LA.” Which was easier to say than Los Angeles, at least for him for obvious reasons.

“Now in Japan also - last year. Paris this year and Abu Dhabi...new places. It is growing - fans are growing and Hallyu is spreading. Now have HallyuCon as well.” And he was proud of that. It was..an opening of doors in a sort of way, sharing their culture and food and media with the world and the world was liking it.

“Got the tickets, three of them. Need hotel and plane now.” And he really was thinking about the package deal, it sounded and looked like a good idea for them. “Milk tea is favorite for me. Cousin likes a bit more fruit in her drink...sweeter.” Shrugging his shoulders lightly. “Bubble tea here is same as home. Gong Cha is good back home.” And he was happy to see there was one here in Destiny City.


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“I see.” Terry nodded with a thoughtful look. He had heard of anime conventions and music festivals that were really popular, though he hadn’t been to any himself, so it wasn’t a stretch at all that HallyuCon would be just as popular. He still figured the tickets were pricey of course but that was normal from what he had heard. “Have you been to any before now?” Seung hadn’t said there were any in Korea, and he figured it would just be a regular music festival if that was the case anyway, but he thought he would ask. “Need any help looking for which ones to pick?” He asked, referring to the plane and hotel room. His eyes then glanced over at the menu and back to Seung before he gave a shrug. “Feel free to just pick something for me, I don’t mind trying whatever.”


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“No, HallyuCon not in Korea..Been to many concerts though.” He answered. “Have music festivals also but not conventions - not like this.” This would be new to him and while he’d be surrounded by things from back home the place would be filled with people who were American and didn’t speak Korean, or spoke broken Korean. “Many festivals...and contests...some people who become idols win festival music, or dance, contests.” Seung added while headed toward his cousin.

“Thinking of package deal for nearby hotel and flight.” It made the best sense really, it was cheaper but it was a smart thing to do really. “HallyuCon is...one of few times bands from home will be here - in states. Also will see elder cousin, my hyung.” He answered with a bright smile at the idea, he’d missed his elder cousin even more since moving here.

“Eunkyung-ah, second milk tea, same as me.” He said speaking to his cousin who was ordering so she could place a second order for Terry.


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Nodding to her elder cousin, having been listening to his conversation, she turned back to add in the new drink for Terry. Her own was brightly colored while the others would be a very different color...very milky looking - very yummy looking.

“It is good to meet you finally Terry.” She spoke gently, turning to look at him over her shoulder and smile at him. She was very glad to finally meet him, especially seeing how the two interacted. Yes, this was someone her cousin cared for - a lot.


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“Need any help looking for deals?” Terry asked as Seung explained. Not that he had a lot of experience looking and booking flights and hotels but he did know of a few sites that would be a good place to start if nothing else. “So your cousin is going to be coming to the States to watch the groups?” He asked with a raised eyebrow and a smile. He wondered which cousin the other was talking about and if he had mentioned them before.

When Seung passed on the third order to Eunkyung, Terry turned to look at her and give he a smile in hello. “It’s nice to meet you as well.” He was glad she didn’t seem annoyed or anything that he had joined up with them, having been wanting to meet her after Seung had told him how both her and his sister had supported him.


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“No, going to use suggested - close and only option they say.” he answered rolling his shoulders before glancing to Eunkyung wondering if he should say anything about their elder cousin. After a moment, and a nod from the younger, he spoke once more. “Cousin will be there to perform. Hyeong hyung is idol - two years now since debut.” He was proud of his cousin, very proud, and it was easy enough to tell in his words. He wasn’t jealous of his cousin for being an idol but for following his dreams, but he didn’t let that show.


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She knew, like Hyeong oppa, how Seung felt about things. She could read him well and Seung and Hyeong were close, she remembered during holidays when they were younger how Seung would cuddle up to the elder and stick close to him. It wasn’t like it was just those two but they did seem a bit closer, it was cute really. Her two elder cousins understood and knew each other well and now she and Seung were in a similar boat as well.

“We should bring him some things he can bring home with him. Spa set...he needs to relax more and it might help him sleep.” Her sentence structure was far better than her cousins but her accent was just as heavy as his, letters were off or sounded wrong.


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“Yes, he needs to sleep better...passing out on stage is not good.” He said, agreeing with his younger cousin, yet ignored his own issues with sleep and the lack of it. He didn’t push himself nearly as hard as his elder cousin. He missed the time they had spent together growing up but he also loved to watch him...and seeing him and knowing he was tired...he wanted to just hug him and spend time with him again like they used to. Yet he wouldn’t take the dream away from his elder either.


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Terry gave a hum in understanding and a nod. It made sense to just go with suggested hotels, though they could get a bit pricey from what he heard. “Did they give multiple hotels or just one to chose from?” He asked, wondering if they would all be the same prices if they did give multiple. His thoughts were derailed a bit when Seung mentioned that the cousin they would be seeing was an idol. “Two years now? I take it he’s good then.” He said with a smile, seeing who the two clearly were proud of this Hyeon. At the mention of needing to sleep more however he gave his boyfriend a pointed look.


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“Just one hotel option.” He answered. The only good thing was that it was a package deal and the price was lower, he figured it was likely the best he’d get, price wise, around the area. With how popular KCon there was no doubt HallyuCon would garner a large amount of people and thus high prices at most hotels.

HallyuCon was like the little brother to KCon and it was new this year. While KCon was in Newark, New Jersey, HallyuCon was to be right in New York City so hotels there were likely already expensive. But with something which could likely be very big happening there was no doubt it would be more expensive if he wanted to be close to the center.


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“Yes, our elder cousin was scouted when we were going to a concert and asked to audition. He trained for years before they debuted.” She answered nodding her head. When the drink order was called she moved away for a moment to collect the drinks before returning and passing them out to the other two. “We used to go to concerts together, despite age difference.” Which considering her age and Seung’s there was a fairly decent sized difference.

“Hyeon hyung recently passed out on stage, if it wasn’t for one of the others he’d have hit the ground below the stage.” She spoke softly, one hand slipping her straw into her drink. “They have been busy promoting so have had full schedules.” Though she knew Seung had called him that night to make sure their elder cousin was ok. To know he had some time off was very good, though it surely wasn’t enough but he was doing better - pushing through it.


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The look he was given by Terry was either unnoticed or ignored, hard to tell which, he didn’t figure he had an issue with sleep. He wasn’t passing out and falling off stages, not that he blamed his cousin. He knew he was a very busy person, he admired him.


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“Guess that would mean that it would be easier to get around to see things then.” Terry said, figuring that the hotel would either be next to the place the convention was going to be held or possibly was the place itself though that option he wasn’t sure would be likely. “How long ago did he get scouted?” He asked, though he was more surprised that people were scouting at concerts. How did they know if the person sang well that way? The mention of their cousin over working until he passed out thanks to schedule had him frowning and wondering why the schedules weren’t better paced then.


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“Tried at open auditions but didn’t make it, wanted to be an idol for a long time. We were there when scouted, with friends also. Trained four years and two years debuted...six years now.” Going by his Korean age he’d been eighteen when it had happened but by the American he’d been sixteen, as here he was twenty-two now. The whole difference in age was...bothersome. He had deaged when moving here.

“Eunkyung-ah was young to be going with us but was fan of music - like us. So brought her with us.” His own sister had been too young at the time, as she was two years younger than his cousin.


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Well that certain wasn’t like any scouting he had heard of before but by the way the two were acting it was normal for South Korea. “Is there normally an age limit to who can come to concerts or was it just that particular one that had an age rating?” Terry asked when Seung finished. He was pretty sure people brought their little kids to concerts all the time in the States. Or well, at least the concerts that were more on the kid friendly side as he didn’t think any parent would bring their child to a heavy rock or metal concert.


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Laughing Eunkyung stepped in for her cousin, as it seemed his English had caused a bit of a miscommunication. “There was no age limit, he just means taking me when I was so young out to a concert at night is odd but as a fan of music they brought me.” She explained before turning her dark eyes onto her elder cousin and shifting to Korean filled him in on the small error he’d made. Watching his lips twist into a smile she turned back to Terry, sipping her drink as she focused on him. “Seung hyung was eighteen then...I was ten.” She explained figuring that would make better sense now, though she didn’t think of the age difference and if Terry would do the math and figure Seung was twenty four back home - had he even explained that to Terry?


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As his younger cousin explained things to him he smiled and laughed, shaking his head. “It is as Eunkyung says.” He said nodding to what his younger cousin was saying as he headed for their table.


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When Eunkyung clarified what Seung said Terry gave a chuckle and a nod. That explanation made a lot more sense. “Hope it wasn’t a school day the next day then.” He said with a smile. While he mentally filed the ages away for now, the number difference didn’t jump out at him at that point of time. Later on when he remembered the discrepancy he would be sure to ask Seung about it though. Instead he just moved with them back to the table and was glad to see nothing had been disturbed from the look of things.


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“Was a Sunday the next day so no - no school. If was a Friday night it would have been an issue back then.” She said pulling her chair out and seating herself. One leg moving to lay across the other as she watched Seung pull a chair out for Terry before her elder cousin sat down.


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Sipping his own drink he leaned back in his seat. “Now it would be easier...some Saturdays no school - every other.” He spoke up from where he sat, casting a glance to Terry. Having a weekend, two days off, was a very different thing for himself and his cousin - especially his cousin. She was in high school still where as he’d been in university and could set up his own schedule, to a point anyway. Though they had been getting better back home with every other Saturday being an off day - a free day.

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“That’s good then. From all I hear about how exhausting the schools over in South Korea can be I imagine it would be worse if you didn’t get enough sleep.” Terry said then shook his head a bit. He couldn’t imagine having to go to school six days out of the week and spend most of his waking hours in said school. Of course he also didn’t think on just how those words might have been taken either. When Seung pulled the chair out for him he gave him a thankful smile and sat down.


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“School was normal, slept in class but brought pillow.” Some students did sleep in class, it was normal in a way. He’d fallen asleep on Akihiko more than once as well, as they’d gone to school together throughout the years. “One teacher didn’t like it - disciplined for it.” But it still happened, though less than in other years he’d gone to school.


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“School can be...but it is normal. To get good final exam grades and go the good university - like Seung hyung did.” Eunkyung spoke softly as she sipped at her drink. She had done more, formal school wise, than her elder cousin. He had kept her from becoming too stressed out though, often taking her and his younger sister out for food and fun time when they didn’t have school. He lightened things for her, she would always be glad for that among other things.

“We kept awake in school when we needed to - had to in some cases.” Such as her cousin mentioned a teacher who disciplined for falling asleep. “You memorize and learn, study, test often - do well.”


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“I see...” Terry said as they both explained how school happened over in South Korea. He wasn’t sure how anyone managed to graduate if they had to work so hard to the point where they ended up sleeping in class but they both were proof it could be done. “How are you enjoying school here in the United States?” He asked them both before he took a sip of his drink.

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“Different - very different. Less time, still starts early but not so late. Don’t clean school...no class duties.” He said honestly. There was a lot different between here and there as far as schooling went. “Less personal.” He added, seeing as he’d already mentioned pillows being brought. It wasn’t like a home away from home which school back in South Korea had been. It was so very different. “Can’t be so close with classmates as back home.” He said flicking his dark eyes to his cousin who nodded in understanding.


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“It’s less competitive, exams aren’t as important.” Not to mention most of her classmates here, if asked, would not be able to tell you what a hagwon was. Everyone back home knew and most went to one. “No wangdda here, are still bullied people but no wangdda.” Which was good, though being bullied wasn’t good no matter what it was better here than being the wangdda back home. “No being hit with cane here for disciplin.”


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Terry sat there and sipped his drink as the cousins explained the differences they had found in the school system. It wasn’t until Eunkyung mentioned a ‘wangdda’ that he gave a questioning look, having heard some of the other stuff that Seung had mentioned before. “What’s a wangdda?” However the questioning look turing into one of startlement when she mentioned that they got hit with a cane for discipline back in South Korea. “Yes, hitting any students is grounds for lawsuits and termination from their jobs.”


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“Wangdda…” Drawing the word out, taking the time to think on how to answer it, finally spoke after some moments of silence. “No one in class, or even school, will talk to. They are outcast...follows you through grades...and even if you change schools - somehow. Some bully them and others ignore them or giggle, laugh, when they go to answer questions or speak in class. Wangdda is not something you want to be...it follows you.” It haunted a person. He had one in his class and had ignored them, he hadn’t outright picked on them.

“One in my class. Someone put tacks into class shoes...cut up pillow of his.” It didn’t bother him, it was a normal thing that he was used to. It happened and so while he hadn’t participated in the mean things, aside from ignoring and avoiding them, he didn’t feel bad for what he’d done or what had happened. “No one walks to...or is friends with…..they become same as Wangdda if they do.” It was one reason no one, even if they felt bad, would reach out to a wangdda. They didn’t want the same fate - no one did. Akihiko had been picked on, a bit, but he’d been lucky compared to the wangdda in their grade.

He did wonder what had happened to them though...what they looked like, they had needed some help with their looks back then.


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“It’s something which parents allow, some even welcome, back home. They work a lot, the parents, and don’t have time to discipline a lot. We spend a lot of time in school - it works. It is...being phased out in some schools.” She said sipping on her drink before looking to her cousin who had explained what a wangdda was. She had known of one in her school, but they were younger than herself.

“I know Seung was disciplined in school a few times - for sleeping.” She said smiling around the straw in her drink.


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“Why would someone become a wangdda? Who decides that and for what reason?” He asked, trying to wrap his head around someone becoming such an outcast like that and that it was allowed to happen. “Why isn’t that stopped?” Terry shook his head in disbelief that the school didn’t put a stop to that type of bullying, let alone the parents of the kids. He then looked over at Eunkyung as she explained why canning was allowed. He had to bite his lip to keep from saying some of the comments that wanted to come out when she said that the parents allowed it simply because they didn’t have the time to raise their kids right then had to keep from checking over Seung even though he knew the other was fine after learning he had been put through it. How were kids expected to not sleep when they had outrageous hours, can bring pillows to school, and then get beaten for doing just that?


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“It is class decided - they stand out.” Eunkyung took over for her elder cousin in explaining. It wasn’t something they had here in America. They bullied people but it wasn't like a whole grade or school did it. Just groups and pockets of students, it wasn't the same even in what was said, or not, and done. “Fit in...or be pushed out…” She went on to add. “Teachers who try...learn not to….makes it worse - for wangdda...Teacher learns to ignore them also, so they don’t have to talk. Some anyway, some don’t learn and pick them still.” Some teachers, especially those from outside the country, especially new ones, didn’t understand it and would continue to pick the wangdda or try and stop things. It sometimes made them worse, it didn’t stop it ever though.

“All the same...or not accepted.” They were very much a group of people who were all the same and those who stood out were pushed away, outcasted...and that was it.


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“Someone in my class….middle of years.” Middle school age, although he didn’t say that. “Was late often...would get disciplined for it often. Finally learned and was on time. Happens for many reasons. Made the news not long ago...with video.” He had heard about it, he hadn’t seen it when it had first hit the news. Some schools were changing things, or planned to, others didn’t see it as a need. He didn’t have much of an opinion really. It kept students in line, they gave proper respect because they had to. They had to do well - and they did. The teachers were showing that they cared about their grades, by making sure they did well. The pain lasted a very short time, the grades however...they stuck around.

After a few moments of thought, contemplation, he pulled his laptop to himself and did some quick typing as he sought something to show Terry. Finding it he turned his laptop toward him, it was a video...one which dealt with discipline in schools. Since moving here he’d learned to really like youtube, which back home was slow and not something he often used if ever really. Here he used it a lot, as he was doing now.


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“So you can’t be unique you have to be like everyone else or else.” Terry frowned. Well that sounded like disaster. Yes people were picked on in American schools, most of the time for the same reason but those kids usually had at least one friend and the entire school wasn’t out to get them. It was basically sounded like you better fit in this circle and if you have any problems, socially, mentally, or physically then you are out.

When he watched the video that Seung showed him the frown stuck around. He could not for the life of him understand why this was the norm for South Korea, though he was glad of the mentions that it was slowly changing.


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“It isn’t accepted, not home.” She answered simply. It was hard to explain things, things which were normal and accepted, by them to someone who was from a society where it not only didn’t happen but was considered wrong. Schooling here was very different, a big shock to them both. Dark eyes moved one way and then the other before seeking out her elder cousin's eyes. “We are all students...we all do the same thing...to stand out gains attention.” And that wasn’t what you wanted, not really. Not the sort many would get.

“Here...students who are different - lesser...have different class. Not home. Everyone same class - always.” And the classroom was the same, it was like a home.


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“It is...complicated home, here is simple and easy.” Seung said stepping in, verbally, as he moved the laptop back to himself once the clip was over. “It is what it is...it is what we know.” It was normal, just like for Terry school here was normal. It was simply a different version of normal.


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“Sounds like it’s just a way to push people to drop out of school or to suicide.” Terry said with a wince. He then gave a sigh as he realized that he probably wasn’t really convincing them of anything seeing how this type of stuff was what they were used to. He wasn’t sure how to say or phrase things in a way that got his point across though seeing how accepting they were of it. He wouldn’t say that school here was simple and easy but in comparison to what they went through before now he could see why they would think so.


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“Some do...high level for suicide….more over exams - grades...but some for other reasons.” He answered, leaving out the fact his friend had committed suicide back in high school. “Many make it.” If you went by the odds more people made it, graduated, and went on the university and then some job. He knew Terry was trying to point something, he understood it, but it was hard to wrap his mind around what they’d gone though being...well...as bad as it was to the other. He didn’t agree with some things, he’d never treated the wangdda in his class badly but he had ignored them. He had found a middle ground there.

Discipline though...he agreed with if there was a purpose for it, sometimes there wasn’t and he’d heard of such cases. But it served a purpose as far as he was concerned. “Should go, can finish drinks on the way. Nice day out and shouldn’t waste.” Looking to Terry, wondering if the other had plans or anything he’d like to do, the silent question there for the other to hopefully pick up on.


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Standing up, and stretching, she held her drink in one hand while glancing about Gong Cha and nodded her head. “Yes, it is a nice day out. We should not waste it.” She doubted she’d spend the day with the two, leave the couple to do couples things, so she would figure out something for herself. It really was odd being here and the schooling here, normally she’d have her nose buried in a book but not here.


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It was clear that he would not be changing any minds at the moment about the wrongness of both topics and it might be something that would be revisited at a later time but for now he would just let it go. After the farther information on the schools in South Korea, Terry was more then happy to run with the change of subject. “Very true it is a nice day.” He agreed then gave a small smile to them both, though it was slightly more for Seung he could admit. “Have anything in mind?” He asked, silently answering the question in Seung’s tone and eyes.


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“No, nothing on mind.” He answered the other as he worked to finish his drink quickly so he could throw it out before they left, to do something. He really had no idea what they’d wind up doing, he was leaving it up to Terry. He’d done what he’d wanted to today - gotten tickets to HallyuCon.


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“I’m going to go shopping I think.” Eunkyung answered while taking her elder cousins empty drink, and her own, to the garbage to throw them out. Returning to the two males she glanced from one to the other. She understood more than her cousin did, but she didn’t say anything to him. She didn’t try and explain to her cousin the problem with their schooling, as she knew there were some issues and problems.

“Have fun you two.” She spoke softly, as she had the whole time, and went to gently touch her cousin's shoulder.


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Terry nodded and gave the question of what they would do a bit of thought. As he was thinking, Eunkyung started to make her goodbyes so he gave her a smile. “Have fun as well, it was nice to finally meet you.” After he said that a stray thought about what Seung and him could do came to mind and he briefly wondered if he should invite the other’s cousin if they do follow the idea.


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“It was good also to meet you.” She answered, glad to have finally met the person she suspected was dating her cousin. She was sure the two of them were a couple, and it was cute. She did however suspect things would crop up between the two of them - problems. She didn’t say anything, not now anyway. She’d tell her cousin later when he got home from whatever the two were going to go off and do.


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“You will be safe Eunkyung.” He spoke gently, looking down at his younger cousin. Resting a hand on her shoulder. When she gave him a nod she let her shoulder go and watched her as she made her exit. He would see her later, he knew she’d ask him about Terry, maybe he’d come home with something for her though that would depend on what they’d wind up doing. “Ideas?” He asked looking to Terry.


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Terry gave another smile and nod to Eunkyung then looked over at Seung when he asked if he had any ideas. “One came to mind. Have you ever been to lazer tag besides the Star Wars one?” He knew there was a lazer tag place not terribly far from here that was popular enough that they would easily not be playing alone and it would just be guns and not include sword weapons of any kind.


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“No, never. Was first time then.” He answered the other. It hadn’t been something he or his friends had done so he’d never tried it till that Star Wars event that had been hosted in the city. “Why? Place to play and want to do that?” He asked the other.


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“Yeah there is a building a few blocks away that has lazer tag.” Terry said with a nod then gave a half shrug. “I wouldn’t mind playing, you interested?” There were other places they could go to as well if Seung didn’t want to play lazer tag, including an indoor mini golf so they wouldn’t be outside in the heat if they wanted.


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“That would be fun. We can do that.” That was something he would enjoy, he’d enjoyed it that night, so going to try it out in a different setting would be fun. “Let’s go. I’ll cover?” He offered, not wanting to just pay when they got there, that had been an early issue between himself and Terry - paying for things.


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“Alright, and I’ll pay for any more drink we get after we play ok?” Terry said with a smile. He was glad that it wouldn’t end up being another ninja paying moment. “Do you want to drive or walk there?” It was close enough that they could walk but they wouldn’t have to if they didn’t want to.


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“Walk is fine.” He answered the other already reaching for the others arm. “Let’s go.” This would be fun, he was actually looking forward to this. “Is it...teams like the other one...or no?” He thought to ask as he led the way from Gong Cha and outside onto the sidewalk.


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Terry nodded and lead the way once their arms were linked. “There is usually teams. It’s popular enough that we should easily end up on the same team again.” He continued to talk about it and a few stories of Matt and him playing lazer tag when they were younger in the few minutes it took them to reach the building.