#Software Appraisal

[apps365usa]

Apps 365 – Effortless Employee Performance Software Solution

Apps 365 offers an easy way to track progress and support your team with employee performance appraisal software. You can set goals, gather feedback, and run evaluations all in one place. Whether you're a small business or a growing team, this employee performance review software online works well with Microsoft 365 tools. Try it today and make performance reviews simple and useful.

[bahrainartify28]

Powerful HR Payroll Software for Bahrain Businesses

Get complete control over your HR processes with our HR payroll software in Bahrain. Featuring a customizable performance management system, employee appraisal system, and efficient leave management tools, our solution also simplifies employee records management.

[smartcitysystem]

From Reviews to Results: Why Your Business Needs Performance Management Software

In today’s fast-paced, results-driven business environment, traditional annual performance reviews are falling out of favor. They're time-consuming, inconsistent, and often disconnected from real-time business outcomes. The modern workforce demands more agile, continuous, and data-driven performance strategies.

That’s where Performance Management Software (PMS) steps in.

With the right system, organizations can shift from static performance reviews to dynamic talent development—driving productivity, engagement, and measurable results. Whether you're a startup or an enterprise, the right PMS tool can be the catalyst for business transformation.

The Problem with Traditional Performance Reviews

For decades, performance reviews have been the cornerstone of talent evaluation. But let’s be honest—few managers enjoy conducting them, and even fewer employees look forward to receiving them.

The reasons?

Infrequent evaluations fail to reflect an employee’s true performance throughout the year.

Subjective ratings create bias and inconsistency.

Lack of actionable feedback limits growth opportunities.

Time-intensive paperwork eats into productivity.

Employees feel disengaged, unrecognized, and unsupported.

According to Gallup, only 14% of employees strongly agree that performance reviews inspire them to improve. Something needs to change.

What Is Performance Management Software?

Performance Management Software is a digital solution designed to streamline, automate, and improve the way businesses assess and develop their employees. It replaces outdated review processes with real-time feedback, continuous goal setting, and performance analytics.

Key features often include:

Goal tracking and alignment

Continuous feedback and check-ins

360-degree reviews

Self-assessments

Real-time performance analytics

Employee development plans

Integration with HR systems and payroll

The Shift from Reviews to Results

Modern PMS tools empower HR teams and managers to take a proactive approach to talent development. Here's how:

1. Set Clear, Measurable Goals

With PMS, goals are no longer static. Employees can set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) that align with department and company objectives.

✅ Result: Employees gain a sense of purpose, and leaders can monitor performance in real-time.

2. Enable Continuous Feedback

Instead of waiting for an annual review, managers and peers can provide feedback throughout the year. This fosters a culture of growth and transparency.

✅ Result: Employees improve faster, feel supported, and stay engaged.

3. Eliminate Bias and Promote Fairness

Automated evaluations with built-in review templates, 360-degree feedback, and data-driven insights reduce bias in performance assessments.

✅ Result: More accurate, equitable evaluations that reflect actual contributions.

4. Improve Manager-Employee Conversations

PMS platforms structure 1:1 meetings and provide data-driven talking points. There will be no more awkward or vague discussions—just meaningful, constructive conversations.

✅ Result: Better alignment, stronger relationships, and higher retention.

The Business Benefits of Performance Management Software

Beyond improving employee satisfaction and engagement, PMS delivers measurable returns for the business. Let’s break down the key benefits.

1. Boosts Productivity

Employees who understand their goals and receive regular feedback are significantly more productive. PMS eliminates guesswork and provides clarity on expectations and performance.

📈 Studies show that businesses with effective performance management practices are 2.5x more likely to outperform their peers on productivity metrics.

2. Increases Retention and Reduces Turnover

Lack of feedback and recognition is a leading cause of employee turnover. A robust PMS system creates a culture of continuous improvement, helping retain top talent.

📉 According to Deloitte, companies with strong performance management practices experience 31% lower voluntary turnover.

3. Enables Data-Driven Decisions

PMS platforms provide detailed analytics on employee performance trends, engagement, and goal completion. HR and business leaders can use this data to make informed decisions on promotions, training needs, and succession planning.

📊 Example: If data shows a department is consistently underperforming, leadership can intervene early and adjust strategy or provide additional support.

4. Saves Time and Reduces Administrative Load

Automating reviews, goal tracking, and reminders saves hours of manual work for HR teams and managers.

⏱️ Instead of spending weeks on annual reviews, organizations can cut review prep time by 50% or more.

5. Supports Compliance and Documentation

PMS helps document performance issues, development plans, and feedback trails—critical for compliance, legal protection, and fair HR practices.

🛡️ In case of disputes or audits, having detailed performance logs can safeguard the company.

Key Features to Look for in Performance Management Software

Choosing the right PMS tool for your business involves more than ticking boxes. You need a solution that aligns with your company culture, goals, and workforce size.

Here’s what to look for:

Goal alignment tools (individual, team, and company-level)

Customizable review cycles (quarterly, biannual, continuous)

360-degree feedback from peers, managers, and reports

Dashboards and performance analytics

Mobile access and user-friendly interface

Integration with HR, payroll, and learning systems

Security and compliance features

Real-Life Use Case: A Retail Chain's Performance Turnaround

A mid-sized retail chain with over 300 employees was struggling with high turnover and inconsistent staff performance. Annual reviews were conducted on paper and rarely followed up.

After implementing a cloud-based Performance Management Software:

Goal-setting was standardized across departments

Regular check-ins improved communication

Underperformers were identified early and given development plans

Top performers were rewarded and retained

📉 Result: Turnover decreased by 25%, customer satisfaction improved, and team morale hit an all-time high.

Is It Worth the Investment?

Performance Management Software is an investment—but one with a high ROI.

Let’s say you have 200 employees. If better performance management reduces turnover by even 10%, that could save your business tens of thousands annually in rehiring and training costs. Add increased productivity and streamlined operations, and the value multiplies quickly.

Also, consider the opportunity cost of not acting. How much potential is lost when top talent leaves or when poor performers go unchecked?

Who Needs Performance Management Software?

This isn’t just a tool for large enterprises. PMS can add value for:

Startups looking to build strong culture from the ground up

Remote/hybrid teams needing better visibility and alignment

Growing SMBs scaling their HR and talent processes

Enterprises standardizing performance across departments

HR Outsourcing firms offering added value to clients

The Future of Performance Management

Performance management is evolving—and fast.

The future is agile, personalized, AI-powered, and integrated with learning and development. Expect features like predictive performance trends, AI-generated feedback summaries, and skill-gap analysis to become standard.

Businesses that embrace these innovations early will be better positioned to attract, retain, and grow top talent in a competitive market.

Final Thoughts

Traditional performance reviews are no longer enough to drive meaningful results. Today’s businesses need flexible, data-driven tools that engage employees, align goals, and enable growth.

Performance Management Software transforms reviews into results.

Whether you're aiming to boost productivity, reduce turnover, improve decision-making, or simply support your people better—PMS offers a smart, scalable way to get there.

In a world where talent is your greatest asset, investing in their performance isn't just smart—it's essential.

[bahrainartify]

HR & Payroll Software for Small Businesses

Discover Bahrain’s leading HR & payroll software for businesses of all sizes! Process payroll with ease, train employees with built-in employee training software, and simplify business travel with travel management software.

[tailorerp]

Transforming Human Resource Management

HRIS Systems are computer programs created to automate and simplify HRM procedures. HR managers can more easily handle duties including payroll, hiring, benefits administration, performance monitoring, and compliance because to these systems' centralisation of employee data. Organisations can increase decision-making, decrease errors, and increase efficiency by utilising HRIS. HRIS systems give employees and HR departments the ability to stay informed and involved in real-time with features like analytics, reporting tools, and self-service portals. Human resource management cannot be modernised or transformed without these systems.

[artify360bahrain]

How HR can Create A Comprehensive Talent Strategy

You should follow a well-defined and crafted talent acquisition and management strategy to perform your best in the HR domain. The creation of talent strategy and performance potential is relevant for managing the HR processes in a company. The same applies to your organization as well. Authentic and proven HR software is sufficient to promote an exclusive talent strategy in your firm. You can also receive active support from the domain activities that correspond to the HR operations management of a firm and its business model activities. An effective solution system here refers to the implementation of a genuine appraisal management system. It helps you stay on top of employee performance reviews, feedback, and organizational efficiency.

[peopleworks12]

HR Reflections on Performance: Insights from the Previous Year

Introduction:

As we step into a new year, it’s important for HR professionals to reflect on the performance of their organization over the past year. Reflection isn’t just about looking back; it’s about gaining insights that can drive future improvements. In this blog, we delve into some key reflections and insights that HR departments can draw from the previous year’s performance by performance analysis and other techniques.

1. Performance Metrics Analysis:

The first step in reflection would be to analyze the performance metrics of the organization. Metrics such as employee turnover rate, productivity levels, engagement scores, and yearly performance reviews can provide valuable insights into the overall health of the organization. By examining these metrics, HR professionals can identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement.

2. Identification of Success Factors:

Reflecting on the previous year allows HR professionals to identify the factors that contributed to the organization’s success. Whether it was the implementation of a new training program, the introduction of flexible work arrangements, or the adoption of innovative technologies, understanding what worked well can help HR departments replicate success in the future.

3. Recognition of Challenges:

Just as important as identifying success factors is recognizing the challenges and obstacles that the organization faced. Whether it was a lack of alignment between teams, communication breakdowns, or issues with employee morale, acknowledging these challenges is the first step towards addressing them effectively.

4. Employee Feedback Analysis:

Employee feedback is invaluable when reflecting on performance. Surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one discussions can provide HR professionals with valuable insights into employee satisfaction, engagement levels, and areas for improvement. By listening to employee feedback, HR departments can gain a deeper understanding of the factors that drive performance and make informed decisions moving forward.

5. Alignment with Organizational Goals:

Reflection should also involve an assessment of how well the organization’s performance aligns with its overarching goals and objectives. Are employees working towards the same vision? Are their efforts contributing to the organization’s success? By ensuring alignment between individual performance and organizational goals, HR professionals can help drive greater efficiency and effectiveness.

6. Learning and Development Opportunities:

Reflection provides a pivotal moment for assessing the efficacy of the organization’s learning and development endeavors. Did employees have seamless access to the requisite training for their success? Were the development opportunities seamlessly aligned with individual career aspirations? Leveraging performance evaluation software enables HR departments to pinpoint gaps in learning and development comprehensively. By harnessing this technology, HR professionals can precisely tailor programs to bridge these gaps, thus better fulfilling the needs of both employees and the organization at large.

7. Celebrating Achievements:

Finally, reflection is also about celebrating achievements and recognizing the hard work and dedication of employees. Whether it’s reaching a sales target, completing a major project, or achieving a significant milestone, acknowledging and celebrating success is essential for maintaining morale and motivation within the organization.

Final Thoughts:

In conclusion, HR reflections on performance offer valuable insights that can inform future decision-making and drive continuous improvement. By analyzing performance metrics, identifying success factors and challenges, listening to employee feedback, aligning with organizational goals, evaluating learning and development opportunities, and celebrating achievements, By utilizing performance appraisal software, HR professionals can attain a thorough comprehension of the organization’s performance landscape, enabling them to chart a strategic course for success in the forthcoming year.

[majulahinfotech]

Need to cut costs in paper and printing? Our performance appraisal management software is cloud-based, so your information can be stored and accessed anywhere and whenever you want. Our appraisal software is also linked to HRMS, so you can access the appraisal reports to review information in the manager's evaluation, employee's self-appraisal and comments.

[tinydefector]

STAR GALA DRESS 2

Starscream x human

Warnings: segestive, mention of prostitution, swearing.

Word count: 1.1k

Starscream masterlist

1

111

___________________

They rest against Starscream's shoulder plating as they enter the Gala, there are many bots from different cities and factions there. Many of them stare at the senator of Vos as he and his human companion enter.

Starscream held his wings high as he strode into the gala, his human consort resting comfortably on his shoulder plating. Optics from all factions turned to observe the formidable High Chancellor and Senator of Vos as he entered with his unusually small partner.   

The Seeker felt optics appraising his sleek armour and impressive wingspan with both respect and envy. As a high-ranking member of the Senate, his presence commanded attention among both allies and opponents. His human, however, drew curious and amused looks from many of the guests. Whispers are passed between many of the bots there. 

Reaching up they gave Starscream's audial a comforting pat. While he loathed these political shows, he intended to show off and display his charming companion. 

"Seems like you have a lot of attention on your high Chancellor '' they tease softly, low enough for only him to hear, their eyes darting around taking in the scenery. As they press their  lips against his audials, even more optics linger on the duo. It makes them smirk against his plating "How many of them do you think can understand me? I doubt many have the translation software " Mischief coated words flow from them.

Scanning the crowd with a discerning optic, the Seeker noted the many optics darting between him and his sinful tease of a partner who is already looking for drama. He's aware that rumours would swirl about the formidable Senator of Vos and his petite fleshling. But gossip did little to deter him. 

At their query, Starscream's mouthplates quirked in a subtle smirk. "Very few, I'd wager spitfire." He knew only a small few who actually understood human language or had the software to communicate, despite his distaste for humans originally it was now something he flaunted endlessly.  "Feel free to gossip and gloat to your spark's content, little one. Their befuddlement only amuses me further. I rather enjoy watching them struggle" 

Privately he relished such covert moments with his ambassador.  "Oh I was mainly thinking we can shit talk peoples paintjobs in English, and you can translate Cybertronian for me, mine still rather rusty" they offer with a smile. Starscream hums for a moment. “What can you say?” He asked with a raised browplate looking at them. 

They bite their lip as they lean into his audial sensor, “ Senator, I want you” They whisper in a lusty tone before they laugh lightly. Starscream's wings flutter in anticipation. “That was horrendous” he grumbles against their skin. “it got the reaction I wanted my dear chancellor” they smugly cooed at him. 

“behave scraplet” he states before their attention shifts, eyes roam over other bots. "Over there, who in their right minds has blue and Orange as a paint job, that one there looks like shit brown" they hum to starscream.

He vented softly in amusement at their commentary. 

"Their plating appears to have seen better days. Perhaps the rust has reached their processing units as well, to choose such a ghastly palette."  

Small giggles leave them. It makes Starscream's spark flutter as they press even closer to him. the jet inquired "Which unfortunate bot has earned your critique now?" Starscream took secret pleasure in this game much more than he originally believed he would. The two gossip back and forth before starscream is approached by another member of council. 

Ratbat smirks as he approaches, giving a slight nod to starscream.

 "Quite the pretty decoration you have found yourself Starscream, where did you acquire your 'pet’, they look rather delightful and soft" He asked as if trying to antagonise Starscream Over the human ambassador. Starscream's optics narrowed marginally as Ratbat approached, his oily smirk already grating on the Seeker's nerves. 

"This is the Human Ambassador of Earth, Senator Ratbat," Starscream replied coolly. "Their skills in diplomacy have proven most...beneficial in advancing our interests with the Earth colonies, along with the expansion of cross colony planets." His digits laid protectively against the human's back in a subtle show of possession. While he served Cybertron's ruling bodies, no mech would disrespect this human but himself, he wouldn't allow Others to disrespect the only human he actually respected. 

Starscream's tone remained polite but held an edge like a finely-honed blade. While power politics required playing games, none would diminish what had become most precious to the mighty Seeker. 

“ Hmmm such a shame they were placed in your care, I would have been delighted to show them the full hospitality of Cybertron. How much would one night with them be worth?" Ratbat hums while sipping on his drink of high grade, Mercury and crushed crystals. 

Starscream's optics flashed dangerously at Ratbat's insinuation. "Their care was entrusted to Vos, and myself as chancellor, they are not a side street please bot, though i wouldn't expect anything better from you Senator" he replied in a silky tone laced with warning to the Kaon senator.

"Besides, as my consort they are quite...fully occupied," the jet continued silkily. "Unless you possess something worthwhile to further Terra's interests, I suggest focusing your energy elsewhere, Ratbat. Wouldn't want any...unfortunate accidents to mar tonight's festivities, after all." Starscream's charming and deadly smile was like that of the cat who had gotten its treat.  

Ratbat stiffens up but excuses himself  before making himself busy with other members at the party. "What was that all about?" They ask with a raised eyebrow. Starscream met their gaze with a faintly troubled expression. "Ratbat's lecherous intentions seemed focused more upon you than our political dealings, I fear," he replied softly. It makes them raise an eyebrow to inquire more about what he wasn't saying outloud. 

 "His crass remarks implied a desire to...purchase your company for the night, as one might a pleasure doll." Starscream's optics flashed at the mention. “I asked his highest offer” Starscream lies trying to rile them up. It earns him an offended glare. 

"Rest assured, I did no such thing. as spitfire like I would ever let anyone else have you," Starscream rumbled. "Well I guess I owe you more than just a strip tease tonight beloved asshole " they state while pressing a soft peck to the side of his helm. "The sooner we get home the sooner you can get this dress for me" they teasingly whisper. It makes Starscream's plating ignite with want. “you foul little cretin, you know we are here for another few hours Pest” he grumbles feeling as if this whole event was interface blocking him. 

_______

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[tongueinatree]

et tu, brute? (Jungkook Fic)

Pairing: Jeon Jungkook x Reader (“You”)

Fandom: BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) 

AU: Non-idol AU, Soulmate AU, Modern/“civilian life” AU. 

Word Count: 1.6k 

Warnings: fluff, angst and heartache, no NSFW material. Profanity is used.

Description: You don’t like keeping secrets, least of all ones involving matters of the heart. But crossing the line between secrecy and an open proclamation is a daunting one, and might not leave you unscathed. 

Still, when your soulmate is calling, how can you not answer?

Author's Note: Main character is gender neutral. No use of “Y/N” but second person ("you") is used. The reader/main character’s appearance is not described, but the reader is shorter than Jungkook. The reader is referred to as “kid” despite being an adult. 

Not beta read.

The form of soulmate bond in this fic (telepathy) is drawn directly from the prompt provided by @creativepromptsforwriting. Prompt is as follows: “Sense8 - being telepathically connected to your soulmate no matter where in the world they are (and speaking and understanding their language)”. The prompt can be found at: https://creativepromptsforwriting.tumblr.com/post/708052034004385792/soulmates-au-masterpost

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction, and in no way connected to, or affiliated with, any of the BTS members. I do not know any members, either, and have only drawn inspiration from their public image for this fanfic. 

Comments, likes and reblogs are welcome and appreciated!

All my work, including this fic, is copyright protected. You do not have permission to copy, repost or translate my work! You also do not have permission to submit this work into any AI model or software. Disregarding any one of these stipulations is illegal. 

et tu brute? (Jeon Jungkook x Reader)

You don’t like keeping secrets. 

Then don’t keep one.

It should be that simple, too. Especially with your reputation: you’re known for being a notorious blabbermouth. You’ve never shared anything detrimental, like someone’s illness, but the mundane? That’s fair game, be it a stolen chocolate, tripping in the confectionery aisle in a store, or even a glaringly obvious crush. 

There’s something deeper to it, though, something more than just a tendency to talk and talk… ever since you were little, lying’s seemed like a – 

“Hey! Kid!” 

The call makes your train of thought dissipate, though your stomach is still churning unhappily. You’re also still a bit slow on the come-up. Slow enough for your brother to fling his dishcloth your way. The cloth hits you square in the face, and your senses are overwhelmed by the alchemical smell of dishwashing liquid, by the dampness on your forehead. 

You tug the cloth off of your forehead and hurl it back towards your brother, “Fuck off, Yoongi.” 

Yoongi’s face creases with laughter, even as he turns back to the last of the dishes, “Wake up, kid. Don’t you know that deep thinking is bad for your health?”

You shift awkwardly from where you’re standing opposite him, propped against his pantry cupboard’s door. You scowl, “What are you on about? All you do is brood.”  

Yoongi’s tone is light in response as he turns away from you and back towards the sink, “Sure. But I said your health, didn’t I?” 

You’re about to send a retort his way, but then you see the half smile upturning the corner of his mouth. He’s bulshitting – baiting you, even –  but you’ve never been one to take a provocation lying down. “I’m perfectly capable of deep thinking. I just don’t need five business days to recover from it.”

Yoongi’s smile downturns, “Mind your manners.”  

A chuckle resounds, and both you and Yoongi turn to appraise its source. It’s Jungkook, because of course it is. He’s propped up on the counter alongside Yoongi, dressed in all black, swinging his legs back and forth. He looks gorgeous and unruffled and you hate him for it. 

As Yoongi starts to chastise Jungkook for his laughter, you start to take stock of the rest of the house. Jungkook’s presence has jolted you into remembering that you are, in fact, amongst others. You try to recall who’s still here. Last you saw, there were some stragglers from the party still on the patio – Taehyung, Jimin, Namjoon – but everyone else has gone home. The decorations are also still up inside. The streamers and banners scream out messages of support: Congrats! Record-breaker! Grammy, grammy, grammy! That last banner had made you cringe, but Seokjin had thought it was hilarious. Hilariously asinine maybe. 

Still, Yoongi’s success deserves to be heralded, and he’s swept awards season clean. Your older brother, the megastar producer. You clear your throat, say softly, “Well done again, Yoongi.” 

Yoongi halts his conversation with Jungkook at once, turning to you with narrowed eyes. He stares at you for a long moment, and something tells you that he sees more, looks beyond your gratitude and straight at the turmoil twisting your gut into knots. But he just nods, and his tone is equally soft in reply, “Thank you.”

Jungkook coughs, “Wow. It’s like you’re communicating just with your eyes.”

He says the words lightly, but they don’t fail to make you uneasy. Because, of course, Jungkook knows all about your secrets. 

Jungkook leans back onto his elbows. You worry for an instant whether the counter can bear his weight, before shamelessly ogling the ease with which he reclines. Jimin’s always called balletic – and he is – but there’s something breezy about the way Jungkook moves, as if he’s unmoored from the ground. 

Jungkook continues speaking, continues holding your gaze, “I’ve always thought it’s interesting when people can communicate without speaking, you know? Uncanny.”

Stop it. 

Yoongi looks at Jungkook as if he’s dense, “That’s hardly uncommon.” 

Jungkook shakes his head in agreement, “Sure. But what I mean – that level of comfort, that sort of obvious familiarity, it’s something to be admired.”

Jungkook. 

Yoongi’s pondering the statement with a tilt of his head, opening his mouth to reply, and you've never hated your brother’s tendency to turn everything into a philosophical debate more.

 “Are you referring to people who aren’t soulmates?” 

Jungkook shrugs, and the movement is glaringly practiced, “Anyone close, really. Friends. Family. Soulmates.” 

Yoongi seems puzzled, “Sure, plenty of family and friends are that close. But given that soulmates have literal telepathy, I’m not sure you can equate the types of connection.”

I’m going to skin you alive! You think this in italics, so to speak, with enough heft to make Jungkook flinch. 

The conversation continues. Stubbornly, you block it out and you turn away from them both. 

You drift from the pantry to the snacks cupboard. It’s nearly a metre clear of your head. Yoongi is convinced that if the snack cupboard’s difficult to reach, you’ll stop stealing from it; he’s even confiscated his footstool. None of this really stops any of you, though. Case in point: you’ve wrestled the door open by jumping and yanking on the handle, and now you’re jumping again, to grab the nearest bag of chips. 

Your fingers graze the bag but you don’t get a firm grip, instead, the bag’s shoved further into the cupboard. You groan aloud, then call, “Yoongi. Can you get me this bag of lime chips?”

Footsteps sound from behind you, Yoongi approaches from behind. You’re trying to shuffle out of the way so that he doesn’t have to lean over you when a hand goes to the small of your back, slips under your T-shirt and strokes a reverent circle into your skin. 

Not Yoongi. 

You turn, even as Jungkook’s hand flattens against your back and pulls you closer. A riot of emotions flares to life. Contentment at the feel of Jungkook’s hand; panic at Yoongi being across the room – 

He’s gone. 

You blink. What?

He’s gone, sweetheart. 

You crane your head around Jungkook’s chest. Yoongi is in fact gone. In your determination to evade his and Jungkook’s conversation, you clearly hadn’t noticed.

Jungkook presses closer, close enough for you to feel his breath on your brow, to smell that he’s used lemony toothpaste. Jungkook’s expression is gentle and composed, but there’s relief. “Finally,” he breathes. Been waiting for this all day.  

You can’t help teasing him, “What, just for a little closeness? You’ll say the sight of my ankle gets you going next.” 

Jungkook chuckles, and the sound is too fond for you to bear, “Well. It probably could get me going.”

“Hmm.” 

Jungkook’s gaze is piercing. This doesn’t have to be a secret. 

You suck in a breath, “It’s not that simple. You know it isn’t. You’re one of Yoongi’s oldest friends, and –”

And what? “I really doubt that he’ll hate that it’s me.” 

You bite your lip and look away from him; simultaneously, your arms come up to encircle his waist. It’s always like this with Kook. Push and pull. 

And you don’t like keeping secrets. 

Then don’t keep one. 

You ignore the entreaty. Jungkook’s right. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with this, or even that you don’t want him. 

It’s that – 

You’re transported to a chilly winter night. To a pained, apologetic expression. I’d rather not do this.

But Jungkook isn’t that person, is he? 

And yet… it’s hard to admit to this. To admit that you’re not as audacious as you seem. You’re just a coward, a –

Hey. Stop that.

You finally look back at him, “You deserve better than someone who loves you by halves.” 

It’s not half. It’s… green. Unripened. Shy. 

You scowl, “Bullshit.” 

Jungkook tugs you even closer; his eyes are wide, as always, and so earnest, “Well, then, just let go. Just try.”

Your gaze is riveted to him, and the knots in your stomach are settling, even as you wish they wouldn’t. 

You don’t like keeping secrets. 

Then don’t keep one. 

You like hiding from yourself even less. 

Then don’t. That thought is yours.

You clear your throat, nod, “Okay.” 

“Okay?” 

You nod again, “Let me try.” 

Jungkook’s face lights up. 

He’s kissing you before either of you are fully cognizant of his head even moving. You kiss him back, fiercely and with some of that audaciousness you’d been opining about. The world dissolves, so that it’s just you and Jungkook.  

You only part when a soft cough comes from behind you. 

Yoongi’s staring at both of you with his eyebrows raised, looking wholly unimpressed. 

You don’t bother to respond, just lean into Jungkook’s side. Jungkook stays calm, too, though his grip on you tightens a little. 

Yoongi looks from you to Jungkook. 

His mouth pulls as he says, “Finally realised you’re made for each other, huh?” 

You jolt; beside you, Jungkook laughs in relief.

“Yoongi? How long have you –”

Yoongi chuckles, leaves the kitchen with a dismissive wave of his hand, “It’s about time.”

Time seems to stretch interminably in the moment between Yoongi’s back entering the door frame and disappearing through the door frame.

Throughout it all, you and Jungkook stay rooted to one another. 

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Reuters Exclusive: In an authoritarian power grab, Musk aides lock government workers out of computer systems at US agency, sources say

Tim Reid at Reuters:

WASHINGTON, Jan 31 (Reuters) - Aides to Elon Musk charged with running the U.S. government human resources agency have locked career civil servants out of computer systems that contain the personal data of millions of federal employees, according to two agency officials. Since taking office 11 days ago, President Donald Trump has embarked on a massive government makeover, firing and sidelining hundreds of civil servants in his first steps toward downsizing the bureaucracy and installing more loyalists.

Musk, the billionaire Tesla (TSLA.O), opens new tab CEO and X owner tasked by Trump to slash the size of the 2.2 million-strong civilian government workforce, has moved swiftly to install allies at the agency known as the Office of Personnel Management. The two officials, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation, said some senior career employees at OPM have had their access revoked to some of the department's data systems. The systems include a vast database called Enterprise Human Resources Integration, which contains dates of birth, Social Security numbers, appraisals, home addresses, pay grades and length of service of government workers, the officials said. "We have no visibility into what they are doing with the computer and data systems," one of the officials said. "That is creating great concern. There is no oversight. It creates real cybersecurity and hacking implications." Officials affected by the move can still log on and access functions such as email but can no longer see the massive datasets that cover every facet of the federal workforce. [...]

MUSK INFLUENCE

A team including current and former employees of Musk assumed command of OPM on Jan. 20, the day Trump took office. They have moved sofa beds onto the fifth floor of the agency's headquarters, which contains the director's office and can only be accessed with a security badge or a security escort, one of the OPM employees said. The sofa beds have been installed so the team can work around the clock, the employee said. Musk, a major donor to a famously demanding boss, installed beds at X for employees to enable them to work longer when in 2022 he took over the social media platform, formerly known as Twitter. "It feels like a hostile takeover," the employee said. The new appointees in charge of OPM have moved the agency's chief management officer, Katie Malague, out of her office and to a new office on a different floor, the officials said. Malague did not respond to a request for comment.

The moves by Musk's aides at OPM, and upheaval inside the Treasury building caused by other Musk aides that was reported on Friday, underscore the sweeping influence Musk is having across government. David Lebryk, the top-ranking career U.S. Treasury Department official, is set to leave his post following a clash with allies of Musk after they asked for access to payment systems, the Washington Post reported on Friday. The new team at OPM includes software engineers and Brian Bjelde, who joined Musk's SpaceX venture in 2003 as an avionics engineer before rising to become the company's vice president of human resources. Bjelde's role at OPM is that of a senior adviser. The acting head of OPM, Charles Ezell, has been sending memos to the entire government workforce since Trump took office, including Tuesday's offering federal employees the chance to quit with eight months pay. "No-one here knew that the memos were coming out. We are finding out about these memos the same time as the rest of the world," one of the officials said. Among the group that now runs OPM is Amanda Scales, a former Musk employee, who is now OPM's chief of staff. In some memos sent out on Jan. 20 and Jan. 21 by Ezell, including one directing agencies to identify federal workers on probationary periods, agency heads were asked to email Scales at her OPM email address.

Elon Musk, along with Donald Trump, are helping to destroy the US government one power trip move at a time.

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