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They’re both dressed in comfortable attire, seated across from each other as they share a simple meal.
Maybe it’s because of the small, intimate setting, but watching Choi Han eat with gusto, without any care for etiquette, is pretty nice.
“You’re eating well.”
“Huh?” Choi Han pauses. His black eyes are wide and round as he stares at Alver in confusion, and his cheeks are full like a hamster hoarding food.
Alver has to stifle a chuckle at the cute sight. “It’s nice to see you enjoying what you’re eating. It makes the food seem tastier.”
Eating in the palace, or at any function, involved social etiquette of the highest order. Everyone took slow and careful bites, movements graceful and expressions poised. Choi Han, however, doesn’t do any of that. He crossed his legs, placed his elbows on the table, took big bites that almost fell off his spoon, and he chewed with his mouth full, eyes bright as he appreciated the food.
“Ah…” A light blush dusts Choi Han’s cheeks a pretty pink as he averts his gaze. His hand and arm movements become a little jerky after that, like he’s too self-conscious of what Alver said.
“Eat comfortably,” Alver teases with a laugh.
Choi Han clears his throat and works very, very hard to act natural and eat like normal, but he’s always been a bad actor, so Alver has to bite the inside of his cheek to stop himself from laughing again. This Choi Han is so different from the Choi Han who swordfights with him, so different from the Choi Han in battles.
Like this, he looks just like a regular boy.
Alver watches him fondly, chin on his palm, uncaring of etiquette as well.
“Stop watching me eat,” Choi Han protests with embarrassment, causing Alver to laugh again.
“We should eat together more often,” Alver says with a smile.
“...Okay,” Choi Han accepts after a beat, face still flushed.