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Depending on your programme, there were quite a number of things that couldn't be aired. Not that Braun cared for such things, inclusive towards all things entertaining as he was.
So what was he doing here in a bland, unassuming room that only told of its owner's adoration for ghost stories? If Braun paid close enough attention, he suppose he could entertain himself by naming all the Darknesses featured on the shelf and rate their guest appearances on his Late Night Talk Show, build them up just to tear them down.
But where was the fun in that?
Sure, the Darknesses were entertaining—Braun had invited them for a reason, after all—but they were all predictably proud in their assumptions that nothing could defeat them, could erase them off the map. They delighted in their omnipotence, and Braun delighted in their delusions being torn down by his Good Friend.
First came the disbelief that a mere human was trying such things, then came the violent rage that the human was succeeding. Then came Braun's own delight and pleasure in seeing the champion he'd rooted for reduce the Darknesses into nothing.
Some were not even aware of their endings. Although their lack of reaction was disappointing, Braun relished in Watching them perish under his Good Friend's clever schemes anyway; enjoying their back-and-forth still being provided in the heat of moments while anticipating the thrill of unpredictability to come.
Quite the good balancing act his Friend had—always able to answer to the audience's expectations that he'd subdue a Darkness, and yet still keep their attention by stirring up surprisingly heart stopping events…!
A sigh rang out. The first sound Braun made in this world—gracing no one's ears, symbolic of how dull it had been so far. Alas, such emotions were characteristic of a series hiatus!
Don't get him wrong, knowing what the audience feels at any point of the show is part of being a Host, but he doesn't know if feeling the experience this strongly was doing him any good—the ache of yearning that turns into fervent wishes that turns into desperate bargaining that turns into-
Well. He can't incinerate anything here, regardless. No need to bring up such inelegant emotions. He could insist on it, but where would that bring the audience? A spin-off that gave away too many hints and ruin the ongoing mystery of the main story?
Now that he was thinking about it, a spin-off could be interesting. They were always risky, of course—a hit-or-miss that depended on various aspects to keep the audience's favour—but Braun was certain he could do it right, if he was given the chance.
Oh, look at him worrying about work when he's on holiday! He really should focus on other delightful things that made the passing of time much more pleasant.
Beside him, the dim uninspiring lights did his Good Friend's visuals no justice; the average human viewer would have to strain their eyes just to see Kim Soleum.
However, some shows did benefit from such rawness only found when makeup, editing and clever camerawork was out of the picture; when only flaws and boring details were left on a revered person, the juxtaposition between their highly-respected image and their more intimate, private side could be… captivating.
But that was not material fit for Braun's Late Night Talk Show or even █ █ █ █, no matter how much their audience loved to speculate on... certain matters.
How entertaining could it be to drone on about Soleum's freckles that dotted the expanse of his visage and scattering out across his body like tempting targets for kisses? Would bringing up the silvery stretch marks on Soleum's thighs that peeked out whenever he wore shorts make the Darkness escapes more thrilling?
No, even expanding on the addictive experience of having all of Soleum's attention and emotions zeroed in on you, how it either made one feel like the centre of the universe, or a patient on the surgery table, would only make the audience's hearts pound in a very different manner than Braun would like.
Good heavens, reread the genres again, please, and note that romance is not one of them! And yet, every single one of Soleum's accursed acquaintances, be it that mangy dog or broke agents or that pathetic roommate or that mannerless brute or-!
…
Sometimes he wondered if Kim Soleum was wasting his time like this, bringing Braun back to his cherished home and not talking to the talk show Host. No matter how long Braun waited, however, the expected indignance never did surface.
As expected of his Good Friend, he huffed fondly, worming into everyone's good graces before anyone could even notice.
How surprising that even Braun, whose job allowed him to meet all sorts of personalities, was no exception to this. How fun. Since only a small part of himself was here anyway, accompanying Soleum like this, powerless and small, wasn't too bad.
'Really though, you still long for my companionship so badly, my friend… I can tell from all the looks and frowns you keep giving me. Why didn't you just express your Intentions? Avoiding all things █ █ █ like this isn't doing us any good.'
Not like it matters.
Not that anything here matters, he knew. If Braun wouldn't even air this side of his Good Friend, the █ █ █ █ █ █ that stuffed horror in every aspect of █ █ █ █ wouldn't elaborate on the main character's visit home any more than was necessary.
Through the blinds, sunlight started spilling into the room, highlighting Soleum's features, soft and vulnerable in contrast to the cold straight front Kim Soleum often put up in Braun's world—a rare sight interesting enough to warrant an audience member's full attention, to banish all thoughts from the brain until the show had ended.
Truly, what a blessing and a curse it was, to witness this side of his friend.
Soleum wouldn't feel safe anywhere in Braun's world, and Braun couldn't bear his utter powerlessness, his inability to do anything at all in Soleum's world that reduced him to a mere Watcher. A pity they couldn't align as well as Braun would like, but it made their relatively good relationship more fascinating—how they were able to find a middle ground when Braun didn't- couldn't care about the things Soleum cared too much about.
A groan emitted from the sole figure of Braun's attention.
'Good morning, my deer friend! Did you sleep well?'
Soleum wouldn't be able to hear him, but a good Host is always ready for whenever the audience bestows their attention upon him again.
'It is a sunny day today with a chance of rain in the evening. Ah, but that is predicted to happen long after you end work, so you shouldn't have to bring an umbrella.'
Soleum's only answer was a yawn and a stretch, before grabbing Braun from his bedside table. The warmth from Soleum as he cradled Braun to his chest was a bit distracting, but nothing that deterred Braun from work.
'Today's temperature range is from 26 ℃ to 33 ℃. Oh dear, if only your dull workplace allowed for more weather-appropriate attire. I suppose we'll just have to do with instant cold packs and your trusty electric fan!'
Tug, tug, tug
'If you would accept advice from your good friend, I'd dare say you should quit your job! Remote work would suit you much better anyway.'
It was definitely not because Kim Soleum, the thin-faced person that he was, refused to bring Braun anywhere that people could see. Like a man only keeping his mistress at home and chasing her away whenever outsiders came.
The steady rhythmic tugging at Braun's ears did nothing to soothe his irritation. If Kim Soleum dared to do it, to bring Braun into his precious home, then he should dare to show Braun off to the world!
Another lazy yawn. ...right into Braun's ear as well! How rude. Soleum- Kim Soleum was once again forgetting to do a mic test before the show, neglecting the audience's comfort and forgetting his dear Co-Host's heartfelt advice.
"…morning, Braun."
He felt the warmth of Kim Soleum's skin against his cheek and something that sounded similar to a tongue click before Soleum moved away, snuggling into his pillow once more.
…
W-well, a good friend knows when to be lenient towards small faults, Braun suppose. He'd allow Soleum this one slight, like he did many others.
'Yes, have a good day today, my friend!'
Today as well, Braun will wait for his good friend to come home.