[FI] Early Mornings

The following takes place during the events of Feathertouch Impact. (Can also be read on AO3.)

It was a relatively early morning. Somewhere close to seven o’clock, but knowing how his luck worked, it was probably still in the six-family. But Hwa Young was feeling good. It was rare that he woke up this sprightly and energetic. He enjoyed his life, but he couldn’t say that there were often times when he was filled with this… this children’s movie level of happy to be alive. Just up and at ‘em and ready to soak in the rays with a smile on his face. But that’s where he was this morning, and he was just trying to enjoy himself.

Yuseong was still sleeping, so Hwa Young helped himself a simple breakfast of granola, fruits, and the last of the cold noodles. Whose was this, actually…? It was hard to remember. They had both been so drunk when they stacked up the leftovers, it was a wonder that nothing was flipped over or stacked messily.

He exchanged coffee for an herbal butterscotch tea that tasted almost exactly the same. Hwa Young glanced in the direction of their bedroom while he drank, wondering if that would be the thing that finally caused the other man to stir. Nope—and usually coffee or coffee-adjacent things usually drew him out of his slumber like cartoon smoke turning into a hand and guiding him by the chin. Hwa Young smiled at the imaginary and laughed quietly to himself as he leaned back against their counter so he could stare out the windows.

[FI] The Freaks Come Out At Night

This takes place between the events of Feathertouch Impact and the soon to be released sequel and features several guest characters. (Can also be read on AO3.)

　　“Maybe we should have gone for something a little more original?”

　　Yuseong, who was in the middle of deciding whether or not to use the only button on the bright yellow trench coat, raised a brow at Hwa Young. “‘We,’ he says as if he’s the only one not in cosplay.”

　　Hwa Young laughed softly, a tad tired. “I mean, what I’m doing isn’t exactly original either.”

At that, Yuseong gave his partner his full attention. Hwa Young was in a form fitting black shirt that was shredded from the navel down to the hem. Wide leg pants hung low around his hips and fell freely around his feet, completely covering them from view. Gold, black, and silver chains of varying lengths decorated his waist. Yuseong’s eyes drifted higher to the impressive scar makeup around Hwa Young’s neck that made it seem as if the skin wore down from a deep, brutal abrasion.

　　Yuseong gave the other man a flat look. “You’re saying that to get compliments from me.”

　　“Huh?!” The way Hwa Young suddenly looked lively was almost humourous. Yuseong disguised his amusement with a huff.

[FI] Training Session

The story below takes place briefly after the events of Feathertouch Impact and features AFTER.ALL, an all-female idol group and the book's guest stars. (Also posted on AO3.)

Four of the six members of AFTER.ALL were sitting on the floor as their training CD played in the background. They held their water bottles loosely between their hands and talked about their dreams or the events of the previous day. The remaining two members, Arke and Astra, were still running through the routine, trying to nail their timing and transitions. Arke raised her hand in the air to signal her singing part as she and Astra traded places with clever footwork.

When she brought her hand down again, the two women fell into a rhythm. Their synchronicity during the chorus was seamless, and they lip-synced to the words as they focused on their reflections in the mirror. But as they transitioned into the second hook, Astra lost her place, and she frowned. Noticing this, Arke broke away and ran over to the boombox. She clapped tiredly as she walked back over.

　　“Let’s take a break, okay?”

　　Pandora reached behind her to grab a seafoam green bottle, which she outstretched to Arke. “Good choice. Great work, both of you.”