Machinery: A Transcendence Short

Perihelion Studios
New York City
United States of America
January 2121

“You have a really shitty dedication to work,” Marion noted. Ansel said nothing and kept working at his computer, typing at lightning speed while muttering some incomprehensible words under his breath. Marion assumed that they were very technical, video-oriented jargon. “When’s that even due?”

“It’s his long-term project,” Jae-hwang mused from beside Ansel. The Korean, whose hair was now dyed a brilliant shade of teal, watched as the spectacled male kept typing and typing as the seconds passed. “You should have seen him yesterday, M. He was nearly in tears when the fucking program gave him the rainbow wheel of death.”

(At the word death, Ansel gave a small, pathetic noise.)

“The program almost died?”

“Yup. Ansel was going to to start yelling if it weren’t for the program then choosing to spare him.” Jae-hwang paused, “I swear to God he backed up nearly all his files into the first two external drives he grabbed from his bag.” Despite the joking tone in his voice, Marion couldn’t help but give Ansel a worried expression.

Evening Out: A Transcendence Short

New York City

United States of America

December 2120

4:56PM

“Do you think we should postpone this?”

“Nah,” Ansel replied. He shifted the gear to neutral and leaned back, “We’re already on our way, Lena. And I don’t think the rain’s going to get any stronger.” At that moment, a flash of lightning hit the sky, making the twosome jump in the seats of Ansel’s car. The movement of it caused Ansel’s glasses to fall onto his lap.

“…you were saying?”

“It can’t get any worse,” Ansel repeated. “It can’t get any worse at all.” the stoplight flashed green and he shifted to drive, then continued on. 

It was Elena’s post-birthday dinner. She had invited a couple of their friends to go out, and currently, they were (still) on their way to a place Elena had personally picked. Initially, there was some trouble with reserving for the place, as Elena had experienced, but they were able to book a free slot. 

Elena’s phone rang in her hands, and she looked at her screen before answering. “Luke?” 

“Hey, we’re already here. And by we, I mean Rayne, Jae-Hwang, and I,” the blonde answered. Elena blinked. “Uh. The place looks full as shit, El. Are you sure we’ll be able to get a table for all of us?”

“I fucking hope so,” the brunette sighed. “Wait — you, Rayne, and Jae?” 

“Yeah, the three of us are just here and waiting.” 

Elena pursed her lips. “I was only able to book a slot…” she mumbled a quick ‘hold on’ and fished for the paper she had in her bag, “I was able to get the six o’clock slot for us. W31. Do you think you three can watch out just in case Ansel and I get late?”

“We’re not going to be late!” Ansel retorted, still driving. Elena gave a snort. 

Luke laughed. “Yeah, I think that’s possible. We’ll see you soon?”

“Definitely,” Elena agreed. “See you.”

Career Switch: A Transcendence Short

Alternate Universe

Starbucks

New York City

United States of America

November 2119

“Free, what the hell are you doing?”

“Manning the register, what does it look like I’m doing—?”

“No, get the fuck out.” Jae-Hwang gave Ansel a sharp look before pushing him aside, the former cracking his knuckles. “I’ve got this. I’ve got the mathematical capability to do this properly. Stay with the drinks.”

“You’re as bad at math as I am,” the brunette protested. “I wouldn’t trust you with the freaking register and money, Hwang.”

“Shit’s digital nowadays.”

“Which is why I can take care of the thing.”

“No, shut up. Stick to the food, drinks, and batting your lashes for your girlfriend.” Ansel punched the man’s arm and the Korean laughed before flashing a grin at a customer who had just arrived at the counter. Sighing, Ansel hung back and moved next to Luke. Luke gave a half-hearted wave.

“Hwang kick you from the register again?”

“That was one time—”

Aesthetic Closer: Transcendence

"Maybe there’s a universe where I’m the right person for you."

Character Aesthetics: Gong Jae-Hwang

"You'll be seeing me on the glossy magazine covers."

Accidental: A Transcendence Short

New York City

The United States of America

October 2117

“Why did you call me at five in the goddamn morning, Hwang?” Ansel groaned. The Korean sitting across Ansel shushed him, taking a large drink from his first cup of coffee. “This is on my only rest day. Fucking be happy I decided to blow my morning on you,” the brunet complained. Shushing him yet again, Jae Hwang pressed a finger across the other’s lips and gave a glare.

“Shut up, asshole. Where the hell is Marion?”

“Either she’s on her way or she doesn’t give a shit.” The other answered dryly. “Which I shouldn’t have done.”

“Keep complaining and I’ll stop paying for your coffee,” Jae snapped. Ansel merely raised his brow and stood up, taking the dollar bills which poked out of the other’s wallet. “Go order me another latte.”

“Sure, Prince.” Ansel slinked off to the front of the counter and proceeded to order, Jae tapping his foot on the floor over and over. Ansel soon came back with two large coffees and a tray of lot of pastries, he slumping back into the chair and proceeding to shovel food into his mouth.

“You eat like a pig.”

“I’m starving. Sue me.” Ansel took a drink from his coffee after eating, leaning back into his seat and watching as Jae ran a hand through his blonde hair in frustration. “Keep doing that and you’re going to ruin your hair.”

“I don’t care.” This made the spectacled male blink, giving the other a weird look. “Something’s going to happen today and the anticipation is going to kill me.”

“You make no sense,” Ansel grumbled. His phone gave a ring and he glanced at the screen, seeing a text from Marion. “Marion will arrive soon. Kyle didn’t wake her up for the fifth time this week.” That resulted to a snort from Jae, who still had his suspicions about his friend’s Soul Mate.