Business block, Zithen family complex, State Zhyphrese, Draconian continent Voldage, and the Year 2041, Planet Grimoire.
Of all things for Tae-Jun to tell him, that wasn't what he expected to hear. "I suppose you are right." Cilin suspected there was more going on with Tae-Jun than met the eye. "You've made some good points." However, the younger man seemed reluctant to get into finer details. "I hope we can discuss how you wound up here." A sigh escaped Cilin since he hadn't assimilated what facing a stranger in a familiar body meant. "Not only that, but I'm getting the feeling that you've been through something rather horrendous." When Tae-Jun's eyes closed briefly, Cilin knew he was on the right track. "Sometimes, I hope you can tell me what happened." When they were more comfortable with each other, that was. In the meantime, Cilin contemplated the young man scarfing down his food. He had secrets, but didn't everyone have things they didn't want to reveal to the world? Even Cilin acknowledged that he was at fault for not choosing his words wisely.
However, when Cilin wanted to know more about his past, Tae-Jun was stumped. He was treading into dark waters without knowing the depths below. A sigh escaped him. How much could he indeed reveal without causing a paradox? Tae-Jun didn't want to risk causing complications with the system, much less hurting Cilin with some subjects that were better left untouched.
On the other hand, Cilin appeared equally stumped as Tae-Jun on how to get ahold of the situation. Therefore, he resorted to asking questions. Although he backpedaled quickly enough when realizing the timing was off. They sat in uncomfortable silence.
Tae-Jun exhaled slightly. Hmm, I suppose I could tell him that I had four brothers before. If this situation wasn't rectified quickly, he could read the signs of potential depression overtaking Cilin.
This would get awkward quickly if they kept the atmosphere the same and made it something more positive. Tae-Jun definitely didn't want to get into an argument, but how could he word this politely?
Oh, right. There was that other topic. It was better to clear the air now about it than let it fester in the subconscious and make their circumstances even more uncomfortable. Tae-Jun wondered if Cilin even remembered bringing up the subject about to be launched.
*
When slight tension in the atmosphere ratcheted up more than before, Cilin knew something was about to be mentioned that would either make or break the atmosphere between them.
Tae-Jun met his gaze with a sigh. "I think there is something else we should clear up." His shoulders were hunched slightly. "You seemed to think that Tae-Jun had a crush on you." Okay, that was unexpected. Cilin waited to respond because he could tell Tae-Jun wasn't finished yet.
Tae-Jun sighed. "It was more like little brother adoration taken to extremes." He made a face. "I think the term was bro-con or something ridiculous like that." A glint in his eye suggested he was trying to make it more palatable for Cilin.
Where the hell did that come from? Bro-con? What did that even mean? Almost spewing his drink from shock, Cilin coughed. Oh, so that was part of the problem. He frowned in confusion and then rolled his eyes. It seemed embarrassing because he had been a bit too nasty. Cilin wiped his mouth and then the table of the coffee he'd just wasted from shock. He would have to offer his opinion to clarify things.
Clearing the air wouldn't be too difficult, and Cilin wouldn't mind either. He sighed unconsciously.
"I'm not against people being gay, Tae-Jun. I'm just not one of them, that's all." Cilin regarded Tae-Jun with concern. "Is that going to be a problem?"
Clearly relieved that he was taking the topic seriously and yet being somewhat calm about the circumstances, Tae-Jun shook his head. "Nope." he smiled at Cilin with gratitude that he wouldn't become hostile or unfriendly. "For what it's worth, you're not my type." Tae-Jun shrugged with a faint grin. "So don't worry." Now, he was just being annoying to Cilin's point of view. "I'm not going to hit on you." He seemed relieved that they had that discussion.
Cilin was hard put not to growl in aggravation at him. Seriously? He had acted in a way not too long ago that suggested otherwise. Maybe it was what Tae-Jun assumed, that he'd taken the bro-con, whatever that meant, to the extreme.
Nonetheless, Cilin felt annoyed for some reason. Why was he being so damned contrary about this whole situation? That was what confused him the most right now.
On the other hand, the fact that Tae-Jun wasn't going to hit on him was a relief. Now Cilin wanted to know what his type was. "Out of curiosity, did you see anyone that sparked your interest?" He was more of a pest, like a friend, he supposed.
A faintly amused expression crossed Tae-Jun's features. "Nope, I didn't see anyone who piqued my interest physically, much less romantically." He was calm. "I don't have time for that, to be honest. I doubt any of those trainees would be interested either." Tae-Jun shrugged. "I have a feeling that for most of us." He lost his smile. "This is a last chance." A shadow crossed his face. "We have to make it or die."
A chill ran down Cilin's spine. Something more sinister was afoot in this situation than Tae-Jun was letting on. "Do you know if there might be complications in your future?" He might find out now rather than later when he could do nothing to avoid issues.
Tae-Jun hesitated. He looked a little conflicted and slightly bitter. "Well, from what I understand, four other siblings in my previous life have also reincarnated here." He shrugged. Supposedly, we're going to be enemies in this life cycle. Whether they came with constraints and restrictions, I don't know."
Now, Cilin was thoroughly shocked at the horrifying complication that was dumped into his lap. No wonder Tae-Jun seemed so distant and off. He already had several disadvantages stacked against him. Not only that, but he was fighting a really bad case of negative forces united against his success. That wasn't tolerable at all.