It isn't unusual for Dal to find himself locked out of the building he lives in. The family that owns it (and the restaurant on the main floor) often pack up and leave without warning Dal ahead of time. They pull the door grate shut and that's that. Dal has no other way to get in except through the restaurant. As if they'd give him a key to the building! Usually, finding himself barred from home would send him to the shelter a few blocks down the road, but this time of year when it's cold and snowing? It'll be packed.

That's what prompted him to text Lark. If he could just crash on his friend's couch for a couple nights... He promised he'd be quiet and helpful and Lark wouldn't even know he was there! He didn't expect to get invited to spend the holidays with Lark's family.

It's awkward, for sure. Being in a stranger's home, being unsure how much he can cling to Lark's hand in front of them... Thankfully, he actually had his duffel bag with him when he was out last, so Dal could at least make himself pretty. It's probably obvious he's poor with is worn and ill-fitting clothes, but at least he's somewhere they can keep him warm. There's also the issue of his bad English. All this makes him quieter and more thoughtful than usual.

"Are you sure they'll be okay with me visiting, too?" he asked quietly in Korean as they approached. Though, Dal does find himself wondering if this is where Lark grew up. IT seems really nice.