Welcome to Gaia! ::

About thirty minutes away (in heavy traffic) from Searan's host club was a modest brownstone. This was fairly unremarkable, since just about every house in the area was of the same design. The reason this house was special was the Korean symbols on the mailbox, and the copious plant life spilling from window boxes.

The owner of that brownstone happened to be happily seated on the steps, dressed in one of her nicest hanboks. Her oppa was coming to visit- not Gin-hul, whose visit would require she be upstairs bathing and changing, but Brad, whose visit required those same things, but not so strenuously. Brad was also her friend, so she didn't have to dress up and act like a vassal did to a lord around him. It was also, she felt, fully okay to brush her hair while waiting. Besides, it was a little hot and she didn't want her (ridiculously long) hair to get all frizzy. It did that sometimes.

Hae-min couldn't wait for her guest to arrive. She hadn't yet had a chance to show Brad her gardens, and besides that, she got to play hostess. That would be one of the funnest things she had done in a while, she decided, especially since she doubted Brad (or his friends) had ever had Korean food before. She giggled at the thought. Sometimes Americans acted really strange around some of the food, but she'd deliberately avoided some of the stranger dishes, like live octopus. Another giggle, and then she put down her hairbrush next to her to wait in earnest. The street was so quiet, she didn't think she could miss him even if he scooted by under a cardboard box. Especially not when he was bringing two friends with him- coworkers, she thought he'd said when he'd called to ask if it was all right.

Well of course it was! The more people she met, the happier she would be, and besides, surely this 'Xan' and that 'Kenta' couldn't possibly be as tall as Brad. She giggled, but this time it was a nervous one. Hae-min really hoped they got there soon; waiting was driving her a little bit crazy.

A black truck pulled up next to the curb- she could see a dark-haired somebody in the window, and one man wearing a hat, and someone in the backseat. One of them did look like he was awkwardly tall, but she didn't have time to really fret about it, because the door opened and Brad stepped out. Then she was up and running, outdoor sandals slapping against the sidewalk. Obviously she was well practiced in running in such footwear, though, because Hae-min ran fast.

"Oppa! Naneun gippeoyo, sinnayo haeyo!" She clung for a minute. Then she slid backwards and straightened his shirt for him with a pleased smile. "I so happy you are here! And your friends too!" When she stood far enough away to see both of them, she bowed. "My name Hae-min. I hope we shall be good friends!"

The young waiter exited the truck and was inwardly thankful that they had arrived at last, he couldn't stand the traffic, especially those loud noises. Though Xan and Brad being in the car definitely improved his mood and saved him from being moody for the rest of the day-- which was good because they were going to dine with a woman, in her house, no less. Kenta felt a little embarrassed since he did not know this woman at all and she was kind enough to agree to his coming, he made a mental note to try and be extra helpful and polite.

Kenta straightened up his long-sleeved dark shirt, it looked a little too formal but nevertheless he was comfortable dressed like that. He was pleasantly surprised to see how Brad and the dark haired woman greeted each other, and when the woman turned to them and greeted them with such poise. He really did not notice the height differences at play until the cowboy host moved him forward after the other had introduced himself. The young man bowed his body halfway with grace, "My name is Kenta. Thank you for having us." his bright purple eyes softened as he focused his attention on the girl.

The Italian smiled warmly at Hae-min as she introduced herself, indigo eyes sweeping over the two men as they did the same. He held a good deal of pride in his heart for the three, and it showed in his earnest smile. Brad followed the woman with his hands in his pockets, looking over her house for a split second; he couldn't help it, it was as natural to him as breathing. "You have a nice home," he said before they ever entered it, content with the cookie-cutter but sturdy structure.

Without question, he removed his dress shoes, acceping the slippers with a quirking smile of his lips. Well wouldn't this look fancy? Imagining the cowboy and waiter in them was almost enough to make him laugh. Turning to his friends, he looked them both in the eye curiously, "Are you hungry, gents? Hae-min has been spending a good deal of time preparing her garden. Personally, I'm looking forward to it." Inwardly, he thought the others might want to stretch their legs for a bit longer before sitting again anyway. He smiled at the woman, not entirely sure she saw with her somewhat nervous gestures.

Brad was hoping for this to be a friendly venture more than a staunchly polite one - after all, that's what work was for. He clapped Xan on the shoulder draped an arm over Kenta's shoulders (the cowboy Host was a bit tall for the older man to do any draping), smiling at the two, awaiting their answer and trying desperately not to poke fun so early in. It was more difficult for himself to keep his humor in check when he was with good company, and the current three were amongst the ones he'd count highest in regard.

Xan watched the interactions carefully, his usual state of mind when meeting new people. The young Hae-min was a pleasant woman to be sure. traditional even. He didn't mind so much the nervousness she seemed prone to, he could relate he didn't know how he was suppose to act so did what came natural to him. He was always polite, reserved and laid-back it couldn't hurt to lean on these attributes.

As they entered Hae-min's home he gave a soft chuckle at the cubby. Removing his dress shoes he put the slippers on without fuss. His mother was meticulous about these things when visiting her home, he was used to it by now. Along with his shoes he removed his Stetson not one for wearing it indoors under current conditions at the least; he set it on the cubby. His hair was then tied in a samurai inspired ponytail leaving a bit of hair to fall in his face as he moved forward with Brad's friendly pat on his back.

Xan's eyes twinkled at the mention of a garden, he loved nature and all it had to offer. Was that where they would be eating? He wondered about that as they continued into the house. "Well I wouldn't be much of a gentleman if I kept the lady waiting. I reckon I'm famished." He offered kindly. Going silent his mint gaze fell on the waiter as the young man asked his question. He had wondered the same and remained silent as they ventured further into the cozy home.

He wore a kind smile for his friends and Hae-min, listening to each of them, pleased. Darn them all for being so polite, and bless them for the same reason. Brad chuckled to himself, dropping his hands from the two men and following Hae-min. His eyes became vaguely critical as he observed the house in yet another bad habit; it wasn't obvious on his face however, keeping his expression between neutral and a faint smile. It was nice; he'd do better for his sorella, but that wasn't up for discussion at the moment.

Removing the makeshift shoes, he shrugged and smiled broadly at Hae-min. He would follow her lead, as she had a better idea of what the heck was going on than he did. As they first walked into the garden, he had to squint a little, as his eyes were quite sensitive to bright lights. His sight adjusting, he could do little more than stare, slack-jawed but not quite gaping as he looked around. He took a few steps beyond Hae-min, head tilting in one direction to soak in the colors climbing up the invisible fence, leaning back to gaze on the mighty oak.

"Wow," he breathed. Not the most intelligent response, but he was really quite surprised and impressed. He'd been thinking...a garden, like his mother used to keep, not a botanical! "You did this all yourself, Hae-min?" he asked, finally turning back to look at the woman. From one architect to another, he could truly appreciate what she'd done, even if he wasn't flower-savvy. "It's remarkable! I'd love to eat out here and admire it more...I'll help bring it out," he immediately offered, encouraging the two men to enjoy the sight a bit more.

Taking everyone's lead, Xan lumbered into the house with a lazy ease. His mint gaze gliding over every nook and cranny he could find. He let out a soft chuckle at the books on the desk but quickly turned his gaze upon the books throughout. He had to admire a woman who liked to read but his attention was momentarily drawn to the garden as they all continued forward.

He was hardly savvy in the way of flowers but could appreciate the beauty of Mother Nature just the same. Removing his slippers he stepped out into the garden giving a low whistle that was typical of his admiration when words simply could not do justice. He didn't bother with anything more his reaction saying plenty as he walked around looking at all the flowers. Some he knew but others he'd seen for the first time that day and had to commend the woman on good taste for colors and decor. He would have helped bring the food out but Brad and it seemed Kenta were already on the job, adding more would probably cause a commotion so he opted to stay back an enjoy the garden until everything was set.

"Mm, still, it's gorgeous Hae-min. It shows that you really took care of it," he admired again. Even the park didn't have this much green to it! Brad smiled and gave a little nod to Hae-min, pleased she had accepted. He had to stifle a small grin as she refused Kenta's help, feeling a bit bad for his friend but proud of his sorella for sticking to her guns. His mother would have loved this young woman, and likely formally adopted her for all her tradition and sweetness.

He glanced momentarily to Xan, his expression thoughtful. On one hand, the cowboy was being quiet, which was good because that's just how the silvery-haired man was. On the other hand...Brad would have to gently tug him into some conversation at some point, as it had been far too long since he'd properly spoken with the other Host.

Crossing his arms over his broad chest, he awaited Hae-min to instruct him or otherwise lead; it was her house, after all, and architect or not, he couldn't pin point exactly where the kitchen was and all the cutlery that would no doubt have to be moved.