#content moderation solution

[itesservices]

 Effective Content Moderation Solutions for a Safer Online Environment

Damco offers agile content moderation services to ensure your online platforms remain safe and free from inappropriate or harmful content. You can rely on our expert team to maintain a clean and secure digital environment for your users

[liamanderson11]

Mercado de Moderacion de Contenido: Avances y Retos Globales

El mercado global de soluciones de moderación de contenido se valoró en aproximadamente USD 7,54 mil millones en 2024 y se proyecta que alcanzará un tamaño de USD 23,01 mil millones para 2034, registrando una sólida tasa de crecimiento anual compuesta (CAGR) del 13,2% durante el período de pronóstico. Este crecimiento acelerado refleja la creciente necesidad de plataformas seguras, éticas y conforme a la normativa digital en un entorno donde el contenido generado por los usuarios es más abundante que nunca.

¿Qué es una Solución de Moderación de Contenido?

Las soluciones de moderación de contenido son sistemas, herramientas y servicios diseñados para supervisar, filtrar y eliminar publicaciones inadecuadas o dañinas en plataformas digitales. Estas soluciones se encargan de garantizar que los textos, imágenes o videos compartidos por los usuarios cumplan con estándares comunitarios, normas legales y políticas internas, protegiendo así la reputación de las marcas y salvaguardando a los consumidores frente a discursos de odio, violencia, o contenido explícito.

La necesidad de estas soluciones ha crecido a medida que millones de contenidos son publicados diariamente en redes sociales, foros, plataformas de streaming y sitios de comercio electrónico.

Principales Motores de Crecimiento del Mercado

1. Aumento Exponencial de Contenido Digital: Con el auge de plataformas como TikTok, Instagram, YouTube o Twitch, el volumen de contenido generado por los usuarios se ha disparado. Este aumento obliga a las empresas a adoptar soluciones que ayuden a gestionar, analizar y regular el contenido en tiempo real.

2. Avances Tecnológicos y Automatización con IA: La introducción de la inteligencia artificial, el aprendizaje automático y el procesamiento de lenguaje natural ha transformado la eficiencia de la moderación, permitiendo un filtrado proactivo, rápido y escalable de textos, imágenes y vídeos.

3. Regulaciones Gubernamentales Más Rígidas: Gobiernos de todo el mundo están adoptando normativas más estrictas para frenar la desinformación, el contenido dañino y la manipulación digital. Ejemplos como el Código de Ética para Medios Digitales en India y la Ley de Servicios Digitales en Europa impulsan la implementación de tecnologías de moderación robustas.

4. Creciente Publicidad en Redes Sociales: Las marcas invierten masivamente en campañas publicitarias digitales, por lo que mantener entornos seguros y libres de contenido ofensivo se vuelve esencial para preservar la confianza del consumidor.

5. Prevención de Conflictos Sociales y Protección de Grupos Vulnerables: La moderación también desempeña un papel crucial en limitar publicaciones que pueden generar divisiones, racismo, violencia o bullying, ayudando a fomentar espacios más seguros, inclusivos y respetuosos.

Segmentación del Mercado de Moderación de Contenido

Por Tipo de Moderación:

Pre-Moderación

Post-Moderación

Moderación Selectiva

Por Tipo de Contenido:

Texto (comentarios, descripciones, opiniones)

Imagen

Video

Por Componente:

Software/Plataformas (On-Premise, Basado en la Nube)

Servicios (Administrados, Profesionales, Otros)

Por Industria de Aplicación:

Medios y Entretenimiento

Comercio Electrónico y Retail

Salud y Ciencias de la Vida

Sector Automotriz

Gobierno

Telecomunicaciones

Otros

Análisis Regional

Asia-Pacífico domina el mercado debido al gran número de usuarios digitales, el aumento del uso de redes sociales y la rápida digitalización.

LAMEA presenta el mayor potencial de crecimiento impulsado por el avance de tecnologías basadas en la nube y el despliegue de IoT.

Norteamérica y Europa mantienen una posición fuerte gracias a sus regulaciones estrictas y su alto índice de inversión en seguridad digital y gobernanza tecnológica.

VISITA TAMBIÉN: Mercado de Aprendizaje Electrónico en América Latina

Panorama Competitivo

Las principales compañías en el sector están invirtiendo fuertemente en I+D para mejorar sus capacidades de moderación, ampliar funcionalidades automatizadas y personalizar sus plataformas con base en la región o el sector. Entre los actores más destacados se encuentran:

Accenture PLC

Microsoft Corporation

Google LLC

Alegion Inc.

Appen Limited

Besedo Global Services AB

Clarifai, Inc.

Estas empresas están en constante evolución para responder a las nuevas amenazas digitales y las demandas cambiantes del mercado.

¿Buscas un Estudio a Medida?

Explora el informe completo de Informes de Expertos (IDE) y accede a datos actualizados, perfiles de las principales empresas, análisis por segmentos y estrategias clave que están transformando el futuro de la moderación de contenido digital.

Contacto

Informes de Expertos (IDE)

30 North Gould Street, Sheridan, WY 82801

Correo electrónico: sales@informesdeexpertos.com

Tel: +1 (818) 319-4060

No dude en ponerse en contacto con nosotros para cualquier consulta o para obtener más información sobre nuestros informes y servicios de investigación de mercado. Nuestro equipo está a su disposición.

[apexcovantage]

Bridging the AI-Human Gap: How Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF) is Revolutionizing Smarter Machines

Imagine training a brilliant student who aces every exam but still struggles to navigate real-world conversations. This is the paradox of traditional artificial intelligence: models can process data at lightning speed, yet often fail to align with human intuition, ethics, or nuance. The solution? Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF.)

What is RLHF? (And Why Should You Care?)

Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF) is a hybrid training method where AI models learn not just from raw data, but from human-guided feedback. Think of it like teaching a child: instead of memorizing textbooks, the child learns by trying, making mistakes, and adapting based on a teacher’s corrections. Here’s how it works in practice:

Initial Training: An AI model learns from a dataset (e.g., customer service logs).

Human Feedback Loop: Humans evaluate the model’s outputs, ranking responses as “helpful,” “irrelevant,” or “harmful.”

Iterative Refinement: The model adjusts its behavior to prioritize human-preferred outcomes.

Why it matters:

Reduces AI bias by incorporating ethical human judgment.

Creates systems that adapt to cultural, linguistic, and situational nuances.

Builds trust with end-users through relatable, context-aware interactions.

RLHF in Action: Real-World Wins 1. Smarter Chatbots That Actually Solve Problems Generic chatbots often frustrate users with scripted replies. RLHF changes this. For example, a healthcare company used RLHF to train a support bot using feedback from doctors and patients. The result? A 50% drop in escalations to human agents, as the bot learned to prioritize empathetic, medically accurate responses. 2. Content Moderation Without the Blind Spots Social platforms struggle to balance free speech and safety. RLHF-trained models can flag harmful content more accurately by learning from moderators’ nuanced decisions. One platform reduced false positives by 30% after integrating human feedback on context (e.g., distinguishing satire from hate speech). 3. Personalized Recommendations That Feel Human Streaming services using RLHF don’t just suggest content based on your watch history—they adapt to your mood.

The Hidden Challenges of RLHF (And How to Solve Them) While RLHF is powerful, it’s not plug-and-play. Common pitfalls include:

Feedback Bias: If human evaluators lack diversity, models inherit their blind spots.

Scalability: Collecting high-quality feedback at scale is resource-intensive.

Overfitting: Models may become too tailored to specific groups, losing global applicability.

The Fix? Partner with experts who specialize in RLHF infrastructure. Companies like Apex Data Sciences design custom feedback pipelines, source diverse human evaluators, and balance precision with scalability

Conclusion: Ready to Humanize Your AI?

RLHF isn’t just a technical upgrade it’s a philosophical shift. It acknowledges that the “perfect” AI isn’t the one with the highest accuracy score, but the one that resonates with the people it serves. If you’re building AI systems that need to understand as well as compute, explore how Apex Data Sciences’ RLHF services can help. Their end-to-end solutions ensure your models learn not just from data, but from the human experiences that data represents.

[healthcaremmr]

https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/market-report/global-content-moderation-solutions-market/41704/

Global Content Moderation Solutions Market is expected to reach US $ 19.39 Bn by 2030, at a CAGR of 10.25% during the forecast period.

[kpoplustzone]

Blurred Lines: Therapy and Temptation

This is going to be a very long series with a lot of Idols and actresses from the Korean industry. This is instantly updated for the Diamond Tier and only the first 3 chapters for the other tiers. 

https://ko-fi.com/epiclude/tiers

Dr. Kang Tae-joon, a seemingly normal psychologist, stumbles upon a potent power: the ability to hypnotically sway the desires of others. Soon, his consultations became legendary, leaving clients not just happy, but yearning. His growing fame unexpectedly draws in the glittering world of Korean entertainment, with Mina of TWICE as his first celebrity patient. What she and the stream of A-list idols and actresses who follow don't know is that Dr. Kang’s therapy goes far beyond talk, as he secretly experiments with his power, ready to unlock and command the hidden cravings of Korea's biggest stars, one susceptible mind at a time, turning their public images into private playgrounds of pleasure for his secret desires.

Blurred Lines: Therapy and Temptation - Chapter 1: The Revelation

By all accounts, Dr. Kang Tae-joon was a successful psychologist. He ran a private practice in a trendy district of Seoul, and while he wasn't a household name, his clients generally found his sessions helpful. Tae-joon prided himself on his empathetic listening skills and his ability to guide people to their solutions. He considered himself a rational man, grounded in science and the proven techniques of his profession.

That all started subtly shifting after a strange electrical storm rolled through Seoul one evening. Tae-joon had been working late, the only one left in his quiet office. A particularly violent flash of lightning had illuminated the room, followed by a strange tingling sensation that ran through his body. He’d dismissed it as stress, a lingering effect of a long day.

The first sign that something was different came during his next session with a long-term client, a young actress struggling with anxiety. Tae-joon found himself focusing intently as she spoke, not just on her words, but on an almost palpable undercurrent of longing beneath her nervousness. Without consciously intending to, he’d found himself suggesting, his voice taking on a slightly different cadence, a deeper resonance, “Perhaps… perhaps what you truly desire is to feel completely at ease, to crave the spotlight, to find comfort in the attention.”

The effect had been immediate and startling. The actress’s eyes had glazed over for a moment, her breathing becoming deeper. When she blinked, a serene smile had replaced her usual anxious expression. She’d simply nodded, a sense of profound agreement washing over her. The rest of the session had proceeded with an uncharacteristic calmness and a newfound confidence radiating from her.

Over the next few weeks, similar incidents occurred with other clients. Tae-joon would find himself uttering suggestions, almost instinctively, his voice taking on that strange, compelling quality. His clients, ranging from stressed office workers to struggling artists, all seemed to experience a remarkable shift during their sessions. They left feeling unusually content, their anxieties eased, often expressing a newfound clarity about their desires – desires that seemed to align perfectly with Tae-joon's subtle suggestions.

Word began to spread. Clients raved about Dr. Kang, describing his sessions as “transformative” and “strangely fulfilling.” His practice, once moderately successful, exploded. His waiting list grew exponentially, filled with people eager to experience his unique form of therapy. Soon, whispers about the “miracle doctor” started appearing in online forums and then, inevitably, in the Korean media. Tae-joon found himself the subject of intrigued articles and even a few television segments, his calm demeanor and the glowing testimonials of his clients captivating the public.

Tae-joon himself was both fascinated and slightly disturbed by these developments. He started experimenting in private, focusing his intent, trying to replicate the effects he seemed to be having on his clients. He found that by focusing his thoughts and speaking with a certain conviction, his voice taking on that resonant quality he’d noticed, he could indeed influence the desires and even the immediate moods of those around him. It wasn’t a forceful command, but rather a subtle, irresistible nudge in a particular direction.

He began to understand the true nature of the power he had unknowingly acquired: the ability to subtly manipulate the desires of others, to make them crave certain feelings, certain experiences… perhaps even a certain person. The implications were staggering, and a new kind of curiosity, tinged with a growing sense of intrigue, began to bloom within Dr. Kang Tae-joon. His practice was booming, his name was becoming known, and he held a power that could unlock the deepest yearnings of the human heart. He knew, with a thrill that both excited and unsettled him, that his work was about to become a lot more… personal.

Dr. Kang’s burgeoning reputation had begun to attract attention from circles he never anticipated. Whispers of the psychologist who could seemingly unlock hidden contentment and desires even reached the ears of the demanding K-pop industry. Mina, a member of the globally famous girl group TWICE, found herself increasingly overwhelmed by the pressures of fame and the constant scrutiny. While outwardly composed, a deep-seated longing for something more, something intensely personal, often gnawed at her.

Through hushed recommendations from stylists and industry insiders who had either been clients themselves or knew someone who had, Mina learned of Dr. Kang Tae-joon. His name was spoken with a mixture of awe and secrecy, his methods described as unconventional but undeniably effective. Intrigued and desperate for a genuine escape from the relentless spotlight, Mina, using a discreet alias, managed to get in touch with Dr. Kang’s clinic.

The day of Mina’s appointment arrived, casting a palpable buzz over the usually calm atmosphere of Tae-joon’s clinic. His small team of receptionists and assistants was practically vibrating with excitement. Though sworn to secrecy regarding the identity of their high-profile client, the hushed whispers and furtive glances were impossible to ignore. Mina’s manager, a stern-faced woman in dark sunglasses, had arrived first, meticulously checking the waiting area for any potential breaches of privacy before giving the all-clear.

When Mina finally walked through the door, even Tae-joon, usually so composed, felt a slight flicker of surprise. Despite the casual disguise of an oversized hoodie and a baseball cap pulled low over her eyes, her ethereal beauty and unmistakable aura were immediately apparent. The receptionists, trying to maintain their professional demeanor, exchanged wide-eyed glances. Today was certainly not going to be a typical day at the clinic. Dr. Kang, observing the subtle commotion, knew this session had the potential to be very interesting indeed.

[simaddix]

Opening TS3 Medieval Market

Hello, my lovelies! Today I would like to talk about an opportunity for our beloved medieval (and historic) TS3 community!

Interested? Well, I guess let’s get into it and see how far it goes.

Why Discord, rather than a Tumblr Community or a personal page?

That’s a great question – and one that might be better explored as time goes on. However, here are a few perks that I’ve noticed.

1: A discord server as a download market presents an ideal solution by combining accessibility, organization, and engagement.

2: Organization – less scattered forums/websites. Discord allows structured categories and channels to keep content well-organized. We have the option to create additional channels or categories to keep content separated – so there’s less confusion when people stop using a tag, or add a new one that other’s aren’t tracking. There are also transferable roles assigned by moderators, so if someone wants to leave – there is no data lost, and the server stays active as usual.

3: Direct downloads – requiring no additional host/server. If you’re a part of the creator discord pages, then you’ll notice there is a hoard of available downloads that bypass the need to go to an alternate download site. Creators can upload their content directly into the appropriate category.

4: Discord servers have little to no spam bots (that I’ve noticed, anyway), and if there are issues, it’s relatively easy to remove those pests and keep the community protected.

5: By centralizing downloads in a dedicated server, creators can upload their content, receive immediate feedback, and build faster relationships with their community, and followers can immediately engage, comment, or download. Discord mimics Tumblr in that it allows for real-time interactions, sneak peeks, polls, events and more.

Here's what I've established so far inside the server:

A welcome channel established for people to drop into the server, and members to say hello!

More channels to host discussions, show off real life/other games/hobbies/etc. And of course, everything TS3 - because we like seeing people play!

All the "Market" tabs you could want! (And if it's not there, we'll add it to the list - free of charge lol)

The "Cargo" section mimics the creator discords a bit in that it allows you to ask WCIFs, make CC requests, trade and barter another member/creator for CC (I.E - swap CAS for BUILD/BUY items, etc), start collab projects, and more.

I highly recommend also keeping up to date with the other creator discords, there's already so much activity there!

_____________________________________________________________

Is the market meant to replace Tumblr pages, other creator discords, or personal pages?

Absolutely not! As we all know, there are many Tumblr pages/websites/servers dedicated to the TS3 community at large. Ts3 has thrived for so long partly because it has such a dedicated modding community, and hosts player-made content. However, distributing and protecting all of the content effectively while also fostering a sense of community is challenging. There has been a massive amount of effort put into the community through wonderful pages such as @katsujiiccfinds and @pis3update, (as well as all the other CC pages out there), I am personally a member of two creator discords that have been essential to me as I’ve learned to create, and now tumblr is exploring the new community options. However, the fallback of this is that hosts get burnt out, stop creating themselves, or abandon pages/websites all the time. There are many of these “ghosts” haunting Tumblr as we speak – though we all love a good comeback story, so to those who have returned, or will return, we all welcome you back with wide open arms! Right? Right! Huzzah! The point is, this discord is not meant to replace any of these options, but it might help us find a centralized location.

Modern/electrical CC will be booed – but possibly tolerated lol

This Discord is being opened as of right now – so don’t be surprised if you pop in and there’s no CC yet. These things take time – Rome wasn’t built in a day.

You will need a Discord account to follow the invite!

Paid only content will not be allowed on this discord. If you would like to upload paid content - you can always start free servers on Discord! When your content is free - absolutely feel free to add it to the market!

See you there! (Please let me know if there are any link issues!)

Personal Letter of Invitation: https://discord.gg/e6skNu9t

[sreegs]

gonna start this post upfront by saying tumblr's fuckin up bad with moderation right now, regarding the wave of trans people being targeted. but i'm not here to discuss that issue, i'm going to talk about the nature of large and small social spaces on the internet

as this post rightly points out, examining our existing social network structure reveals the crux of the problem: we are tenants on someone else's service. extrapolating from that, we're the source of revenue for someone's business. under that model, there is no incentive whatsoever for a social network to apply a "fair" or "just" moderation scheme. their goal is to maximize the number of people using the service and minimize blowback from advertisers regarding "what goes on" on the site

there will not be an alternative social network that gets this right at scale, unless it meets the following criteria:

1. Has ample moderators to thoughtfully deal with user moderation cases

2. Has terms of service that you agree with

3. Has a moderation team that understands how to apply moderation according to the terms of service, and amends it when necessary

4. Does not rely on external income source to pay for the site

Number 1: An ideal social network is one that has numerous, well-treated moderators who are adept at resolving conflict. Under capitalism, this is a non-starter, as moderation is seen as a money sink that just needs to be barely enough to make the site usable.

Number 2: An ideal social network has terms of service you agree with. Unfortunately there's no set of rules everyone will find fair. While this is not a problem for the people who want to use the site, it will inevitably create an outgroup who are pushed away from the site. The obvious bad actors (nazis, terfs, etc) are pretty straightforward, but there are groups that do things you might find "unpleasant" even if you support their right to do it. Inevitably this turns into lines drawn in the sand about how visible should that content be.

Number 3: An ideal social network has moderators who have internalized the terms of service and consistently make decisions based on the TOS. If a situation comes up where there's no clear ruling in the TOS, but users need a moderation decision regarding it, the moderation team must choose how to act and then, potentially, amend the TOS if the case warrants it. Humans, though, are not robots, and no, AI is not the solution here jesus christ. There will always be variance in moderation decisions. And when it comes to amending the TOS, who's the decision maker? The sites' owners? The moderation team? Users as a whole?

Number 4: An ideal social network does not rely on an external income source to pay for the site. The site pays for itself, and its income flow covers the costs necessary with reserves for unexpected situations. Again, under capitalism this is a no-go, because a corporate social network's only goal is to maximize money. Infinite growth, not stasis. A private social network paid by members requires enough paying members to be sustainable, and costs will generally go up over time, not down. A social network that has some lump sum of cash just generating wealth is also unreliable because, first you need a large lump sum to begin with, and that mechanism is tied to the whims of the investment market. And, again, costs of the site will go up, not down.

As you've read through these you're probably reaching the conclusion: making a large-scale social network that is fair and sustainable is very, very difficult, if not impossible with our current culture and economic systems. There might be a scale where you can reach "almost fair" and "barely sustainable", but then you have to cap its growth.

So the "town square" social network is rife with problems and we need to abandon it's model as the ideal network. Should we go small instead? We have a model already for that with message boards and forums. Though they weren't without their problems, they didn't have the scale that exacerbated those problems to crisis levels. Most of the time.

If you're thinking maybe you need a small network like this, free from a corporate owner (like Discord), the tools are out there for you to accomplish it. However, before you try, keep the above points in mind. Even if you're not out to create a large-scale social network, an open network will run away from you. And all of those points above are guidelines for a good online community.

You and your network of 50 friends and friends of friends might all get along together, but every single person you add increases the risk of creating moderation problems. People also change, or simply have episodes of irrational behavior. You need a dedicated team of moderators who are acting coherently for and agreeably to the community.

And you absolutely must keep this in mind: inevitably, as you add more people, someone will do vile shit. CSAM and violence type shit. You have to be prepared to encounter it. You have to have a plan to see and handle that, and the moderators who are part of your moderation team must be prepared to see and handle it too.

There's been a steady trickle of new alternative social networks (or social media networks) popping up, but you cannot expect those to be perfect havens. Tumblr was once the haven for weirdos on the internet. Now it's hostile to its core members. This is not trying to rationalize staying here because "hey, it could be worse". This is just trying to warn you to temper your expectations, especially because new networks that suddenly get a huge influx of new members hit a critical point where many falter, change, or fail.

Examine who's running those networks closely. Think critically about what they're touting as the benefits of those networks. And if you decide to join them, do not, under any case, expect those new homes to be permanent.

[vonbabbitt]

My Final Statement on Discord Drama (Why I'm Not a Mean & Evil For Turning Away Discord Asks)

hello jason. we are going to discuss this one final time and then never again.

from now on, i will be giving zero attention whatsoever to discord drama asks. i will not be posting about them or replying to them in any way. since people are sending me asks now acknowledging that they arent supposed to be sending me discord drama asks but are doing it anyway, i want to make a statement on this explaining myself so people dont just think im being mean and avoiding responsibility for moderating my discord server. please hear me out on my reasoning.

this is my personal blog! this is the first thing i always say when this comes up so lets keep it that way! this is my personal blog, regardless of how much tetro content i engage with here. when im on my personal blog enjoying personal time, i dont want to be dealing with work. you can call that me avoiding responsibility, but i dont think its unreasonable to want time to myself outside of work where i dont have to deal with the tetro discord server. this is exactly why we have a ticket system!

we have a ticket system! the server has a ticket system. this is THE ONLY PLACE to report discord server drama, because this is the only place the whole moderation team can access your complaint! there is no reason that i specifically have to be the one to review your complaint and not a different moderator. we have a moderation team for a reason. you do not know me, i do not know you, and there is no reason you need to bring your complaint to me PERSONALLY. if you think there is, and theres a specific reason it needs to be ME who answers your complaint, there is a solution: ask for me specifically when you open your ticket!

if you go outside of the ticket system, we cannot discuss anything with you. im not having a conversation about moderation on my public blog where everyone can see it, especially if youre naming specific people in your complaint. its unprofessional and invasive. if you go through the ticket system, we can talk! i can let you know what came of your complaint and what we're doing as a team to help. the ask i got this morning was complaining about an issue that has already been discussed with the parties involved, which they would know if they had gone through the ticket system instead of my ask box.

i encourage you to try just communicating with each other. ive received so many complaints in my ask box from people who i know for a fact have made no attempt to discuss their issue with the parties involved. i know im a kindergarten teacher, but we are not toddlers! in fact, even in my kindergarten class, when my kids come up to me and tell me another kid is doing something they dont like, i tell them to tell the other kid they dont like it! and this is the same advice i will give to you! talk your issue out with the parties involved! "but von babbitt, im afraid of confrontation." im sorry to hear that, but im not such a fan of confrontation myself! this is why ive got a moderation team and a ticket system! and when i have to do my job, i do it anyway. with all due bluntness: i think its inconsiderate and irresponsible to come running to my personal ask box and demand i fight your battles for you without making any attempt to do anything on your own, including any attempt to use the server ticket system, which we have set up for the exact purpose of solving your problems for you.

im allowed to just say no! the main issue is the fact that ive already asked people to stop and theyre still doing it anyway. i said no, and that means stop. its a very very very very simple ask. stop sending me discord drama asks. ive asked you to stop. if you know it makes me upset, and you choose to do it anyway while acknowledging it makes me upset, why would i want to help you??? why would i feel inclined to break server rules and go out of my way for you??? youre being purposefully rude and inconsiderate towards me.

i hope this helps to clarify my stance a bit. im sorry if this comes off as harsh but im really really sick of this and id really like it to stop. ive put every measure in place to allow people to easily report things without coming to my personal blog. thank you for giving me the time of day and i hope this is at least something people will keep in mind

[sadceline]

THE ENHYPEN HOST || 14

|| Reverse harem || ft. TXT, Mingyu (Seventeen) & BTS

WARNINGS: foul language, explicit content, group sex, humiliation, sex in public, threesome, foursoome, rough sex, red flags, immoral acts, unprotected sex, morbid jealousy, comedy, parody, possessiveness, violent quarrels, arguments, betrayals, lies, femdom sometimes.

GENRE: +18, reverse harem, comedy, enemy to lovers, friends to lovers

SUMMARY: You moved to Seoul to start over after a bad experience, and everything seems to be going well, you even manage to work for HYBE. You discover, however, that you owe them almost a billion won, money you don't have and don't know how to recover: but don't worry because Hybe itself offers you a solution.

Your body in exchange for paying off your debt.

Do you accept?

TRAILER 1

TRAILER 2

PREVIOUS CHAPTER:

FIRST CHAPTER:

sorry..... I had promised shorter chapters but.... ♡

All the people involved in this matter are legally of age in their own countries.

I am actually surprised at how peacefully the lunch is proceeding.... Although evidently displeased, the boys have taken Niki's decision with great maturity

I'm not saying I expected them to continue, however, I had my doubts that two established, arrogant, wealthy boys would listen to the words of a younger foreign boy.

They may not be as scary as I thought.

I didn't look Riki in the face anymore, really too ashamed.... he found me out. It was also all too obvious that I was looking his huge, veiny, olive cock, which is why he really thinks I want to ride him, which is actually true but strongly wrong.

"Lately Taehyun has been having problems with his throat - Yeonjun says, I, who haven't listened a single second of the conversation between them, staring my plate worriedly, am caught by this information and look the boy, he notices. - It's lucky we're stopped for a while."

Soobin nods worriedly, finishing eating a few slices of sashimi. I stare for several seconds as he sticks his tongue out to accompany the raw fish in his mouth, and it honestly gives me chills. He's so damn hot.

"Sunoo hyung has passed out several times lately." Riki says, before noisily sucking back his ramen.

Really? Why didn't I know that? No... how was I supposed to know? I hardly ever meet him. I turn to him worriedly, furrowing my brow.

"Really? - Yeonjun chuckles. - He doesn't seem like a weak guy."

The japanese man lifts his gaze to his hyung, annoyed. "It's because of these kinds of jokes that he stops eating during promotion periods."

Soobin looks at his bandmate and shakes his head displeased. "Can you not bother someone for ten seconds?"

"What can I do? They draw me like this." The older man justifies himself, laughing and eating.

Riki pours me wine, glares at me, and I snort. "Noona, do you know how much food costs here? Eat."

Honestly, it all looks delicious -- I don't want to give up right away, trying to stay that annoyed, but it's been several days since I've eaten very little and I'm experiencing too much excitement. I pick up my chopsticks and take a nigiri sake.

I can almost see him smiling when I eat the piece and my heart starts beating stupidly, not good. I lower my gaze.

In the end the food was so good that I ate most of it, now I recognize myself... i even drank moderately. I realize I don't exactly look like a lady but there's not much to hide now.

"It was good, wasn't it?" Riki asks me amused.

I look at him, feeling really lost when I see his face, each second getting stranger and harder to handle. "It was good."

"Better korean or japanese cuisine?" Yeonjun asks me.

"Better italian one." I answer.

They giggle, as if they expected such an answer.

I have to go to the bathroom, I get up. There's more drinking, I don't think they'll leave soon.

"Where are you going?" Riki asks me.

"I'm going to the bathroom for a second."

"Then finish drinking, I'm going to pay." Yeonjun announces, getting up.

I swallow upset, the japanese young man notices. "Do you know where it is? Shall I accompany you?"

"I'll ask someone on the staff." I reassure him.

"It's nearby, anyway." The boy replies, pouring himself what's left of the italian wine.

I pick up the bag and Riki doesn't seem to notice, as I'm leaving I hear Soobin say: "Are you that eager to offer?"

To Yeonjun who replies: "I'm the oldest, I should."

I don't know him well but I wouldn't trust his good intentions, he might want to annoy me in private. I speed up, approaching a waiter dressed differently from the others, perhaps a sommelier, of a certain age. He points me to the ladies' room and I rush there, literally.

The first thing I do, spontaneously, is look at my cell phone. There are messages from Heeseung, I immediately open the chat.

There're messages just about 20 minutes apart. Am I wrong, or is Heeseung... clingy? Why am I smiling like a fool? I have to stop fantasizing.

I put down the phone, not knowing what to answer, so I ponder it while I pee. What could I say to him? If I tried to reassure him, I would only end up pleasing him - instead I know very well that I have to stay away from him, that I have to minimize the chances of things getting complicated between us, not only with Heeseung.

I have to watch out for everyone a little bit now.

After washing my hands, I pick up the phone and start staring at him again.

I probably even miss him, but it's not my fault, it's Heeseung who is leading me on.

He.... he's online.

Maybe I'm being a little too direct, but it would still be strange to pretend nothing is wrong and answer him as if all ok. Since I don't think he will answer me in the nearest future, I put the phone away and leave the bathroom. As I suspected...

He stares at me, smiling, I am visibly annoyed. I don't want to talk to him, it's not just because of what he did to me (which I should actually thank him for.... kidding!), as much as it is because he with Heeseung.... no, I have to stop worrying about him.

"Were you expecting me?"

"I don't think so. - I huff, continuing to walk, he follows me laughing. - Shall we leave?"

"Don't run away." He says, grabbing my wrist before I can lower the handle of the private room.

"What do you want?"

"You weren't so obnoxious to me last night."

"I changed my mind." I admit.

Yeonjun smiles again. "What? Did Heeseung talk to you about me?"

"Not at all - I huff, avoiding his gaze. - It's just that you don't seem like a good person."

"Me? I'm a good boy, I even stopped when Niki asked."

"He didn't ask for it, he ordered it."

This time his smile looks annoyed. "Do you think if I wanted to continue, I wouldn't have?"

"Does that sound like what I meant?" I ask irritated as hell, looking at him badly now.

"Yes, it feels like it. - He approaches me, pulling me by the wrist. - Are you implying that I'm afraid of Niki? I stopped because I'm a good bpy - he lowers his voice - I just made you enjoy it."

I push him, suddenly heated. He bursts out laughing but just then we are spotted by the 30-year-old waitress who freaked out on me about Riki. Sighing annoyed, she's looking at me.

"Do you know her?" Yeonjun asks me, looking at her in turn.

I shake my head. "No, let's forget it. Let's go back inside now." I tell him, putting pressure on the wrist he's holding.

"Give me your number."

"What?" I ask surprised.

"I want your number."

"D-Does that sound right? Look I only work for Enhypen. " I'm being funny all of a sudden, but what am I thinking?

"Who talk about work?"

The lady approaches after observing us whispering to each other, and seeing her in front of me I stiffen, Yeonjun spontaneously removes her hand.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to be brusque earlier." She says with an annoyed expression but a sorry tone.

"N-No worries." I reply, but I'm actually still pissed off.

"I thought you were dating Riki - she says, and maybe he told her to call him that, like he told me. I shouldn't feel sad about it but... - I didn't want to be rude. Can you tell Riki that I apologized?"

Yeonjun looks at her surprised and perhaps offended that she is not wagging her tail for him. "And you are?"

"A-Ah - she stiffens, pulling away and taking a long bow before him, - I'm Kim Shinhye. I am glad to know that she is here for you."

"She's here because she's a friend - Yeonjun says, making me startle, I look at him surprised - we having lunch with a friend. Just because she's a girl she has to be with someone?"

I see the waitress smiling with really obvious nervousness. "Is she perhaps famous?"

"No... just everyone knows her." He replies.

That's when the door opens, out comes Riki followed by Soobin, who observe the situation puzzled.

"You again?" Niki asks.

Shinhye lowers his gaze. "Mr. Nishimura.... I was just apologizing. Ask her." She says, pointing at me.

I arch my eyebrows in confusion. "Yes, that's actually true."

"Just leave me the fuck alone, okay?" He tells her bluntly but not brusquely, only in tone.

Honestly I would feel sorry for her if she wasn't a complete bitch. However, even so, I don't understand how Riki could be so insensitive without a second thought.... better not to become his enemy.

"W-Wait...you're misunderstanding- the maid tries to justify herself, grabbing me by the arm and shaking me. - You fucking tell him too!"

"But how old are you? - I ask her, annoyed. - What do you want from Riki?"

She didn't seem to expect such a question; she glares at me, I see her eyes go practically all black. Startled, I try to get her off me but Riki moves her hand away.

"Stop touching her."

I have chills, I really do. "Riki..."

Yeonjun sighs. "All right, so you won't give it to me?"

"What?" Soobin asks interested.

"Alright, then we'll continue the discussion on Instagram." He sighs, walking away.

"What are you two going to do? - The japanese man asks, confused. - Noona I leave you for a second and it ends like this?"

"You are irresistible." Soobin laughs, moving forward and heading for the exit.

Yeonjun laughs and follows him, Riki looks puzzled at me, in front of Shinhye who is watching the whole conversation for some reason, not seeming to remember the existence of pride.

"Shall we go?" I ask uncomfortably, under the girl's eyes.

Riki nods. "Did Yeonjun say something to you? What was he talking about?" He whispers to me.

I let it go and don't tell him, as we wait for the guys who are paying.

At the entrance we say a quick goodbye, Yeonjun winks at me before leaving and I sigh worriedly. Is he really going to look me up on Instagram? But really Yeonjun from TXT? I can't explain it.

With Riki we reach the parking lot, the driver waits leaning against the car and this time he opens the door first to me as Riki makes the rounds to get in alone. I inadvertently look into the man's eyes for a few seconds, then walk in embarrassed... I think I'm blushing. He is really charming.

I don't have time to sit up properly that Niki is all over me. He is really restless and I can't impose myself as he kisses my neck and caresses my hips. Why didn't I expect this? It was so obvious.

"Riki..."

"Noona if you want, you can refuse me. I get more horny." He says, between kisses.

I can't move, I feel cold sweat dripping down my forehead, meanwhile the driver has left. "It's no good, Riki..."

He doesn't care, he has lifted my shirt and uncovered my breasts bouncing before his thirsty eyes. He starts sucking on one of my nipples, and as I keep my hands on his shoulders, I can't help but gasp in pleasure.

He is so young... but his body is so big. Everything about him is... big.

I'm really excited, I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to, but... it still feels wrong. Riki is just a kid, and I in a way don't want to dirty him too.

"I like the smell of your skin." He says, after leaving his saliva on my skin.

He takes off his shirt, looking at me. "Riki..."

"Noona, beg me to stop." He says, crazed, as he sweeps me off again.

I am under him, under his huge chest. He stares at me for a long time without doing anything, then bites his lip.

God, he is so handsome.

"I know you want to fuck me, so just do what I say."

I'm embarrassed as he stares at my breasts, I can't help but cover my face with both hands. "You're a pervert."

He gets on his knees as he pulls off my skirt, I keep my legs closed but he smiles. "Let me get a better look, noona."

He slips between my legs and now I try to cover my intimacy with my hands, I shouldn't feel shy but still I can't help it.

"S-Stop it..." I say under my breath, embarrassed.

Riki turns serious as he stares at me. "Really?"

I don't answer. Why don't I answer? Seeing him smile all of a sudden, I swallow awkwardly.

I told Heeseung that I wouldn't do anything like that with Riki...but then...why don't I push him away? Then again, would it really do any good to humor Heeseung? This excited kid in front of me doesn't seem to demur as he kisses me on the lips this time.

Unexpected.

"Noona, you are so pretty." He whispers as he grabs me by the waist and helps me sit on his lap, his back to me.

"Riki...I don't think...it's okay..."

He moves my hair, gathering it over one shoulder, kissing the nape of my neck; I shiver. "You worry about useless things."

He says this before unbuttoning his jeans, again, I feel him as he pulls out his cock and rests it on my bare back. Fuck, it looks really huge.

"Can you take it all in this position?" He chuckles sadistically.

I'm shaking, but not just from fear. "I-I don't think so... it's too big."

He grabs my knees, forcing me to spread my legs, toward the driver's seat, which faces me from the mirror. "Then you'll have to make an effort."

He thus begins to masturbate me, I am surprised, because he knows exactly how and where to touch me to perfectly stimulate my clitoris. I gasp, clinging to the front seats.

"A-Ah... Riki... in f-front...to him..."

"Don't worry about Mr. Nam." He whispers, biting my earlobe as I grow wetter and wetter.

Instead a little I worry, in fact, I am completely alarmed that I am panting so uncomfortably in front of him. I realize, as Riki lifts me up by my hips and without any warning shoves his huge cock deep into my pussy, that the driver has become aroused - he is evidently hard. I screamed.

Don't ask why I was looking right there.

Riki starts moving my body with authority, slamming his cock moistened by my humors harder and harder inside. Panting behind me, his voice is beautiful....

"A-Ah... R-Riki... G-Gently..."

"Beg me. - He says, sinking his fingers even deeper into my hips as he pushes me so hard it feels like an earthquake inside the car. - You won't do it anyway, you're a whore."

Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck.

Fuck.

My voice comes out erratic but high-pitched as I can't help enjoying the length of him filling me completely. I am so wet that I spurt all over as he simply thrusts more and more brutally into me.

I'm not even sure it all goes in, from the moment he thrusts it in I can't tell. It is as if I am being possessed by a demon that has physically entered my whole body. Since I can touch his legs, when I go back down, I guess it really goes all the way in.

It's unbelievable.

"Ah.... do... slowly... I'm.. I'm..."

"You're so tight, I want to open more you right now." He whispers again, biting my neck and starting to suck in the area where I feel like Heeseung has left his mark.

"Ri...Riki!" I scream, I just can't contain myself, he is using my body like a doll, moving it as he wants, pushing his cock down to my throat while I can only take it.

"You're on the pill, aren't you?" He asks me, focused.

"Y...Yes..."

By dint of watching me, Mr. Nam was about to take the curb. He swerves sharply and I almost hit my head on the window, luckily Riki holds me up with his hand, but then I hear him laughing - all without giving me a second's respite.

"Mr. Nam, you don't want to kill us.... Go ahead and pull over, you should free yourself too."

What? No, wait, isn't this man going to be brought in as well? He's very handsome, sure, I'd really fuck him too, but isn't he a little old? There's still Riki, although now his innocence shouldn't be my priority....

The man nods, and after a few minutes, as I continue to let Riki use me with his cock growing harder and thicker inside me, he changes directions. It is a strangely lonely area, there are a few factories but no residential areas of any kind.

We approach a strange shed, I notice but can't concentrate as Riki continues to fuck me.

We go inside, the lights are all off but after parking, the driver gets out of the car and closes the electronic gate, turning on the lights. I am upset, Riki, on the other hand, is obviously very quiet.

"Now I'm going to fuck you in front of this old pervert, noona." He says, lifting me by the hips and slipping out of me. He grabs my hair, it doesn't hurt but I can tell he wants to dominate me.

"A-Ah... Stop... saying... t-things like that!"

We get out of the car dragging me, when I'm standing up in front of him, I see him throw his tshirt on the ground, then he pushes me against it making me kneel down. "You made Mr. Nam horny...even if he can't touch you, you should make him cum."

He says, as the expressionless man moves closer again.

Riki grabs me by the hair again so that I'm 90 degrees in front of him, practically, at the driver's feet.

Riki pushes his cock back into me, and even though the position has changed, I still feel him dramatically inside. His big balls also slam against my clit, making me enjoy it even more. It is as if they are hitting it.

Mr. Nam wasted no time in pulling his cock of considerable length, but certainly more restrained, starting to masturbate in front of my face.

I don't have to do anything with him, he will just look at me.... Why is it so good for me? Damn.

"Ah..."

"Noona, you really like making men cum, don't you?"

How humiliating, how many humiliations today, but all this only turns me on even more. I'm desperate but I want more and more.... if necessary, maybe I'd even do it with Mr. Nam now.

No, remains lucid Amanda.

"Ah fuck - gasps Riki - should we call Heeseung hyung? This time you won't be able to say... I'm not touching you." He laughs.

Maybe... if I begged him-would he change his mind? "Please... Please... Riki..." My voice is broken, due to his blows.

"He might even jerk off listening to you."

Fuck...if he says these things...no! Let's leave Heeseung out of this!

"I p-pray you..."

"Ah... noona... - sigh tiredly - then you really don't want they to know?"

"N-No..."

"Then you should become my slave." He laughs again, grabbing me by the shoulders and making me stand up while he is still inside me. What a crazy feeling.

Mr. Nam stares at me as he continues to masturbate, his eyes are very cold. Riki starts fucking me again by holding me up by my shoulders, and my breasts bounce in front of the man as the younger kisses my neck and lifting one of my thighs goes in harder.

"Ah!" I shout again.

"I'll keep the secret if you... - seems to freeze and slow down as if he's about to cum -- will let me do anything I want to you."

"R...Riki..."

I don't know what to think; I'm having an orgasm. My voice echoes through the room, below are their masculine breaths of pure pleasure.

"Yes, I will use you whenever I feel like it."

"R...Riki...ah! - I feel like I'm going crazy, he started going hard again. - Don't... I c...c... I can't..."

"Don't piss me off, noona... - He snorts, suddenly abrupt even in his tone of voice. - You enjoy like a bitch and you have...ah.... the nerve to deny it?"

"Mr. Nishimura- the man speaks, sounding like he's about to cum, actually backing away but unable to finish the sentence that his cum splashes against my belly and thighs - fuck...that was not my intention." He curses, surprised at himself.

Riki is equally surprised, as he pulls back but just then I feel him cum inside me. "Oh...fuck...noona..."

I hear him cum for several seconds, as if he really had a lot of it. Then he pulls it out still hard, as his seed slips out of me, I'm about to fall over, I feel my knees go soft, luckily the driver notices and grabs me by the shoulders, even though I see him blatantly looking at my tits, then looking away.

Ah, men.

"Yah! Leave her!" Says, in an almost childlike tone, Riki.

"I apologize." Sighs the man, evidently uncomfortable.

"Sit in the car - the boy tells me, holding me up to sit since the door was already open - do you want some water?"

"Do we have any?" I ask, exhausted.

Riki looks at Mr. Nam, who shakes his head. "Okay, we can buy it."

How cute-no! I have to stop.

Riki hands me a package of tissues. "There's no bathroom here, but we're going home now."

"All right... thanks." I sigh, taking some of them, however I still feel uncomfortable wiping in front of them, Riki notices and coughs.

"Let's not look, okay?" He says, turning around, and the driver does the same.

Ah...why are they all so crazy?

Maybe it's because these are kids who are denied intimacy, what they want is just to get laid and maybe this method can provide for some disorders.... but still, they too would have the right to date whoever they want.

Riki doesn't really seem so bad, though... he's so horny!

I clean up, get dressed, open the door to signal him to come back up, and so in silence we set off home. We don't talk at first, Riki looking at his cell phone, me out the window.

"Are you okay?" He asks me.

I nod in confusion. "What about you? Are you used to these things?" I ask seriously.

He doesn't answer right away but I don't know what his expression is, then I hear him breathing deeply. "To what?"

"The exhibitionism, the humiliation."

He pauses again. "It's the things I usually look at on porn sites."

Ah, I feel like I'm talking to a kid, oh right, he is, more than the others by the way.

"I see."

I hear him snort. "You mean to tell me you didn't like it?"

"I loved it. - I answer coldly. - I feel terrible for this."

"Why do you have to go to all this trouble?"

I suddenly turn away, angry. "Why shouldn't I make them? I never wanted anything like that from you."

Riki tightens his lips annoyed, but his gaze is hurt. "But I do want it, isn't that why you're here? Does it bother you that much or is it really for Heeseung?"

I swallow, why does he keep bringing it up? "I'm not so crazy to think I'm interesting for Heeseung! But even so, I don't want anyone to know about what happened. None of them."

"They already know you've been with everyone else." He replies visibly irritated.

"But not with Riki - I say with tight lips, suddenly sad. He's like a big puppy to me, I don't want that kind of relationship. - Everyone but Riki. Riki is more precious."

Why does he look at me so surprised? What did I say that was special? It breaks my heart to suddenly see him so vulnerable, then he turns around proudly.

"You're making fun of me. It's just that I'm not good, am I?"

"Then you don't believe me? - I raise my voice, but I didn't mean to, so he resumes looking at me, looking hurt, and that upsets me. - I don't want that from you, Riki. You've been harassed, abused, and I know you're getting your revenge now, but please don't stop being the carefree, silly Riki."

I know I shouldn't, but I caress his cheek naturally, and although he jerks back perhaps involuntarily, then returns close to my palm and lets me caress him.

"That happened today...do you really want this? I want to keep being your fan, I want to keep loving you as something precious, unattainable. - I smile, I feel like crying. - I loved you all so much."

"Noona..." He says, confused, as I pull my hand away.

"Also - I try to compose myself, wiping away tears quickly - don't base sex on pornography, it hurts and harmful. Don't treat girls like that Shinhye, even if they are as annoying as she is. I wish you were a good person."

"Noona stop lecturing me." He puts on an adorable pout, crossing his arms over chest.

"I'm not lecturing you."

"We can do it without others knowing."

Really? Is he serious? NO! It doesn't matter!

"Riki! You know I didn't mean that.."

"Do you really want this? Fine." He seems to throw in the towel, and I breathe out relieved, though a little bitter.

"Are you going to hate me for this?"

"I'll have to think about it." He replies with his back to me as he looks out the window.

Really? Was it that simple? Or is he simply testing me to see if sooner or later I will give in? Of course, I was so close.... he really is... I can't explain it in words, but his mere presence by my side makes me feel heated, restless, a fire.

"They haven't always been bad, though - he snorts, after a while, - but some have been very kind to me."

"Sunoo?" I smile softly.

"Yes, he is a kind hyung. Jongseong, too..."

"What about Jake?"

Shit, I ask aloud. He turns and stares at me in silence for several seconds, then snorts. "Not him."

"You two looked close, from the outside." But why am I continuing to talk?

"We look like a lot of things, from the outside."

"I hoped he'd at least been nice to you." I admit embarrassed.

Maybe because deep down I hoped he was a nice person.

Riki twists his lips noisily, back to looking outside. "He was, but then...he turned out to be what he is. That's all."

The way he turns on his cell lets me know that the conversation is over here, he's put a period on it. Maybe that's okay, I certainly can't ask him for the details of the situation.... not yet, clearly.

We get home feeling really exhausted, I want to take a shower but I guess I'll have to wait for Riki since he doesn't have a bathroom in his room. He heads to his room, motioning me to follow him.

"Set up wherever you want." He says, picking up some clothes piled on the bed to move them to the desk chair.

This room is definitely a mess, actually looking like a teenager's room....

"Shall I wait for you to shower?" I ask him.

He takes off his shirt in front of me. "No, you go ahead. You have...a lot to clean up."

Indeed.

I thank him with a nod, then go to Jay's room to get some clothes; he's not back yet thankfully. I don't know who is home right now, but the apartment is very quiet.

As I am about to enter the bathroom a ghost appears behind me, grabbing me by the arm and making me turn around.

Whoever doesn't die... meet again.

"Did you have a good time today? How many times did he fuck you? - He exclaims without turning around, looking at me as if I were dressed like a prostitute. - Do you like fucking children?"

Taken aback, I watch him. Actually he has hardly ever been so scurrilous, so what's wrong with him all of a sudden? He seems nervous but I don't understand why he should be.

"Ew, can you not talk like that? Riki is not a child anyway." Only after I speak do I realize that I have given a very different answer than I had thought.

The moor stares at me for a long time, thinning his gaze in annoyance. "So he fucked you."

Why is he surprised? They all forget why I am in this house. "No, I didn't." I blatantly lie.

"Liar."

"If you don't believe me, it's better so you stay away from me." I reply.

I actually sound swaggering, but I can't even get a good look at his face that my heart rises in my throat. It's just that I keep thinking about Riki's words, his claim that Sunghoon really has interest in me... it's not that I'm deluding myself, it's just that such information is hard to handle, even if it's false.

"As if you really wanted." He sneers, crossing his arms over his chest.

"What do you want S-Sunghoon? Don't you have plans?"

"Cute - he says, sticking a finger in the neckline of my T-shirt to lower it slightly - your clothes." He does it again, like that day in Jay's balcony.

"I don't want to waste any more time - I blurt out, turning away from him, not understanding how he dares to act like this after what happened tonight - have a good evening, Sunghoon."

I go to go inside the bathroom but he grabs me by the wrist, looks at me for several seconds, then his gaze shifts to the hickey that stupid Heeseung left me.

"Tomorrow my shift starts, remember?"

"You're going to say you're not going to fuck me, and then that's the first thing you're going to do?" I provoke him, since he just won't let me go.

"How vulgar, oh my God."

I smile in frustration; that's a wall in front of me, not a human. "Are you done?"

"Sure - smiles the asshole in turn - but first tell me, who did that to you? Heeseung or Riki?"

I swallow, not seeing why I should tell him. "Is that your business?"

"You don't want to answer because it's Riki? You really are the worst - I thought you would at least behave well with him." He has a voice that flaunts superiority, contempt.

"It wasn't him! I told you nothing happened with Riki!" But why do I justify myself to Sunghoon? Why do I do what he wants?

He who had looked away offended, now stares at me again, his eyes serious, perhaps surprised? "Oh, yeah? - I force my arm for him to let go of me, but he tightens his grip. - And tell me, what does Heeseung think about last night?"

What the... What kind of question is that? What does it mean and why does he care? Maybe I got into the middle of a power war, maybe I haven't realized what's going on yet.

"What?"

"You understand very well." He answers seriously.

"No, I didn't understand anything. Last night? What happened last night?" I ask, wanting him to admit it, wanting to hear him say it.

The result, however, is that I see him get so impatient that he lets go of my wrist to grab my face and squeeze my cheeks. "You... you won't tell me? Then I'll have to find out for myself tomorrow."

I swallow rightly frightened, but also very intrigued, lucky I don't have to admit it.... But fine, let him make all the plans he wants - I will refuse, and that's within my rights. If that's not enough, then I'll ask Heeseung for help... though I'm not sure I can really trust him.

I immediately thought of Jay, but by now things have broken down between us and he will obviously no longer be my ally.

"I will refuse."

"We'll see." He chuckles, letting me go and walking away.

He is dressed to go out, meaning he will leave. I watch him disappear down the hall and then sigh, entering the bathroom. I have to send a message to Heeseung, despite everything I've been thinking about it.

im home

He never answered my question and that makes me sigh with sadness, but I put on the music and try not to think about it. I take a long relaxing shower but at one point I feel like I'm going to pass out and hold on to the walls, I almost slipped.

I got terribly dizzy, it would be better to get out as soon as possible. After combing my hair I rinse, cover myself with my robe and sit for several seconds, although I am not thinking about anything precisely.

I feel weak, tired, I guess it's because of the situation.

I am emotionally and physically fragile, but it's best to keep this just between me and myself.

After settling down, I reach Riki's room again, after all, this is where I should be today. He is lying on the bed, in his boxers though, I immediately turn my back on him after entering.

"Noona, are you ashamed?" He asks me amused, getting out of bed and joining me.

I swallow, his voice making me seriously tremble. "The bathroom is free..."

Riki gently grabs me by the face, making me turn around, I shiver. "You look a little pale, noona."

"Really?" I ask.

I actually know I'm not feeling too well, but I don't want to give it away, preferring to wait for him to go wash up and get some rest. He's watching me, looking worried but I don't understand if I should believe him, after all, I'm still a stranger.

Being I here for work, if I were sick I would be a nuisance. Besides, I'm supposed to have my doctor's appointment after tomorrow anyway, so I can get some vitamins or supplements prescribed.

"Shall I order medicine?" He asks me.

I can't speak at the moment, I look at him in silence, he seems so...thoughtful. "N-no, you don't need it! I'll wait to see the doctor so he can tell me what products to take."

"Are you feeling weak? Vitamins don't need a prescription - he sighs, why does he do that? - Sunoo hyung has so many."

"It's ok, really!"

"Explain how you feel."

Oh fuck, Riki, if you do that it will seriously look like you care about me or my health. I sigh, thinking that if nothing had happened today, together (xtomorrow? but reverse) with him and his friends, I'd feel more comfortable now, I'd make less trouble.

But this sort of dissonance between his caring and his sexual urges makes me feel apprehensive.

"It's nothing, I just feel a little weak. It must be fatigue, I haven't slept much."

Riki takes me by the hand, while wearing only his underwear (funny), and helps me sit on his bed. "I'll go wash up, in the meantime I'll call Sunoo hyung. Do you have any pain? Are you feeling dizzy or nauseous?"

"I feel a little dizzy." I confirm.

"Get some rest while I try to figure out what I can salvage."

He says this while wearing sweatpants. I try to look away as I lie on the bed, too tired to feign embarrassment. Riki walks over and looks down at me for a few seconds before placing his palm on my forehead.

"Well, you don't seem to have a fever."

"Like a fever... fever... fever..." I hum, I'm an idiot.

The boy bursts out laughing. "You also have a sense of humor, then you're really okay!"

"I'm fine, I told you. It's strange if you worry for me."

He crosses his arms over his chest. "Why? You said you wanted to be friends."

I arch an eyebrow, feeling strange that he gave any weight to these words. "Really?"

"Friends care."

Ah, it's strange. A man's body, a man's voice, several other manly things..... but I still feel like I'm talking to a kid, and it's the sweetest feeling.

I smile faintly. "Thank you."

I see Riki stiffen and turn away surprised at my words. "So...I'm going. I'll be back in a little while."

I nod tiredly, leaning more comfortably on his pillow. "See you later." I say, before closing my eyes.

I don't think I will sleep, but resting my eyes will help.

I feel Riki leave the room, I stay in his scented sheets, his pillow smells like his hair, it is a very pleasant pungent and masculine fragrance.

Eventually, however, I fall asleep anyway, it is too relaxing.

When I open my eyes it seems to have gotten dark outside, Riki is not in the room and may never have returned. I sit on the bed and stretch, actually sleeping has been really good for me, what a nice feeling.

I look at the nightstand looking for my phone but find a glass of water and some vitamin packets there, a method they use in South Korea but not only, to organize them septically.

I shouldn't trust them too much, they could very well be drugs but it would seem pointless to waste them on me who should be doing everything they tell me anyway.

I smile amused, I don't really mean it after all.

However since I'm better, I don't take them and head out of the room. I hear talking toward the living room, I don't know if I should approach, but in fact I don't know what to do.

I see Jungwon in a tank top sitting on the floor, he is eating together with Jay who immediately notices me, as does the leader.... I was actually looking for Riki.

"Are you okay? Niki said you weren't feeling well." Jungwon asks me, apparently concerned.

Jay has his back to me and goes back to eating, saying nothing, and that creeps me out.

"I was a little tired... that's all." I explain, embarrassed.

"Come, eat with us."

I look at the clock on the wall and note with surprise that I have slept for quite a while, since it is dinner time.

"Ah...don't worry!"

"Are you looking for Riki? - Jay asks me from behind, his voice really cold, he doesn't sound resentful but indifferent, which is worse. - He's gone out, he'll be back in a little while. Did you take your vitamins?"

"No...I don't think they're needed. I'm much better now." I reply, my eyes downcast.

The house is actually very quiet apart from them. I wonder if Heeseung answered, since I left the room without finding the phone.

"Come on don't be shy, sit down." Jungwon smiles, returning to his meal.

I nod shyly and walk over, sitting on the floor (since they are eating on the low table) on the side farthest away from them, I would feel uncomfortable getting too attached. They look like homemade dishes, Jay probably cooked them, look really good.

"Why do you sit so far away, noona?" The younger man asks, grabbing me by the loose T-shirt I'm wearing to get closer to him, as if I don't weigh anything.

I can't believe I've heard him say noona to him, too....

He's really handsome up close, looking fake.

"Where have you been? Have you been paying attention?" Jay asks, picking up some vegetables with his wand and bringing them elegantly to his mouth.

I stay to observe how incredibly ethereal he looks even as he eats. "It was a restaurant."

"You had lunch, just you two? Like a date?" The young leader seems genuinely surprised as he picks up a few bites from each plate in a bowl and places it in front of me.

"No.... there were friends." I say this so softly that the two look at me confused.

"What friends?" Jay is the one speaking.

Should I tell him? I don't want Heeseung to know, and I think it would come out if I said it now, though... what if I lie and everyone finds out? What a figure...

Am I being selfish? I guess so.

"Just... Soobin and Yeonjun."

Jungwon bursts out laughing and choking, Jay puts down his chopsticks visibly irritated. "That brat... Did they do something to you?"

Ouch, that hurts.

Maybe it's because it seems to me that even if everyone knew, they would only worry about their pride, while Jay is probably really worried about me. He knows men in a way that men do not accept.

I look at him silently, smile automatically but it is the most painful smile I have made since I have been in Korea.

"No, don't worry."

"Really?" He asks, not believing me.

Jungwon wipes himself with a napkin, then turns to me. "Yeonjun is a pervert, I know him."

"They were g-gentle, then, this time." I continue to smile but increasingly nervously.

"I just want to remind you that you're not a fan here. - It says rigid Jongseong. - Think of your own safety."

"Seriously, stay away from Yeonjun." Laughs his friend, resuming eating.

I can't help but wonder why I didn't leave when Jay asked me at first. I look at him with a broken heart because really, maybe he... is the only one. But there is also the Jay of this morning who is freaking creepy.

"I like Soobin better, he's more elegant." I reply, noting Jay is actually very stylish too, even in his home clothes.

"I would date Soobin too if I were a girl." Jungwon says, helping me lighten the mood.

"You can do it even if you are a boy." Jay replies, picking up his chopsticks tiredly.

The younger man looks at him. "Oh yeah, that sounds too complicated to me."

"You should do whatever you want."

Yeahm.... when and where do you hear a guy in his position making such speeches? It seems strange to me, though, that Jungwon would react like that since in short...I always thought that among them at least one homosexual had to be, statistically speaking. Not to mention the various applications like bisexuality increasing the percentage.

"What about you hyung? - Jungwon asks, shrugging his shoulders in a cute and silly way. - Would you go out with me with no problem?"

Jay slowly lifts his gaze to his friend, smiles amused. "Anytime, Wonnie."

I see Jungwon blush blatantly and cover his mouth with his hand. "Hyung you are the worst."

"Don't react too cutely." He replies in a deep voice.

Excuse me? I feel both too much and horny, is that normal?

The front door clicks open, contrary to my belief it is neither Riki nor Heeseung but Jaeyun. He takes off his shoes and then lifts his gaze to us.

"I'm home."

"Have you eaten?" Jay asks.

I see the beautiful, enchanting, amazing Jake turn a confused, naive puppy.... like gaze on me. "Where's Riki?"

"I guess he saw some friends for a smoke." Won replies.

I tighten my lips in concern. "Does he do this often?"

"When he doesn't, you should ask." Sighs Jake, sitting next to Jay and watching me for several seconds.

"He'll stop when he goes into burnout." Nods Jungwon.

Jongseong twists his lips. "Don't be so quiet."

"As long as we make him think it's weird, he'll do it out of rebellion. But he can't keep up these rhythms by smoking all the time." Instead, the leader explains very calmly.

"His loss. - He mumbles Jake as he seems to get a better look at me, then rolls his eyes in surprise. - Yah, was it Niki?"

I blink a few times, confused. "Huh?"

"The hickey!" He raises his voice.

Oh right, I had completely forgotten about that! Instinctively I cover the compromised part, then realizing it's no use I sit back composed with my eyes downcast.

"No, he didn't do it."

Silence. A long silence between us.

"Ah, it was Heeseung, huh?" Sighs Jaeyun, who, on the contrary, doesn't seem as bothered.

Is it not that he is jealous of Riki? I'm fantasizing, I evidently read too much BL in my teens.

I am lying, however, because in the shower I saw that Riki chose exactly the place where Heeseung had branded me, covering it with a larger patch.

They all resume eating in silence, Jay being the only one who seems really annoyed, who knows precisely about what. Jake on the contrary seems disappointed, but not angry.

What they all have in common though is that no one is criticizing or attacking me. They... they are the only normal ones?

I eat my first bite of the evening when the front door clicks again. I look up and immediately meet Heeseung's eyes, geez...geez! Is my heart beating? Please, no.

"Yah, you idiot! Don't you have a phone?"

Jungwon arches his eyebrows and turns to the older. "Do you have her number?"

I'm the one he should ask. "Aren't you going to answer it?" Heeseung blatantly ignores him, turning to me.

I spontaneously smile. "What? I don't know where my phone is, I was sleeping."

He huffs as he picks up his phone and has a really annoyed expression, then does something with it but I don't understand what and takes off his shoes, stepping back in.

"Have you eaten?" Jay asks, also to him.

Heeseung shakes his head. "If you haven't prepared extra I'll order takeout."

"No, it's bad for you - sighs the younger one, though he acts like an older brother as he gets up. - I'll just take a second, sit down in the meantime."

Despite everything, he can't help but worry about the health of his members, this really makes him similarly a leader. I can't help but follow him with my eyes as he goes back to the kitchen and Heeseung stands in the side of the table between Jake and me.

"All you do is look at him." Complains my peer, catching my attention.

I look at him, not wanting to but surprised he says it in front of everyone. "It's nice of him to take care of dinner for you."

He gives me a bad look, looking like a shaggy kitten. "The perfect hubby, right?"

"And you, if you were girls, would you date Jongseong?" Jungwon asks.

Jake glares at him. "Do you have to be a girl?"

"So to speak." Mumbles Jungwon, eating his bite.

Heeseung mumbles loudly. "No. I would only date bad boys."

Jaeyun seems to chuckle softly. "Then would you date Sunghoon?"

"W-what? No! I would date me!"

"You're not a bad boy." Jungwon comments.

Heeseung is incredulous and outraged. "What? Would I be a good boy? Me?"

"You're definitely not bad, maybe stupid or superficial." Sighs Jake.

I laugh as I chew, so I cover my mouth. The oldest man in the band looks at me offended. "What makes you laugh?"

"The idea of you dating Sunghoon. - I admit, imagining that it really should be an amazing show. - It's cute."

"I wonder who would be on top." The leader wonders aloud.

Jake stifles laughing. "Stop, please."

"Fucking laughing, of course I'd be on top."

"It's funny because you take it seriously." Jungwon says.

We all burst out laughing, even Heeseung.

Yes, because after all he is happy to have monopolized everyone's attention, this obviously pleases him. I don't understand, I should find this unbearable and creepy but for some reason I feel like I can forgive him, that I want to be understanding.

When Jay returns we resume eating, Heeseung, unlike all the others who seem like true princes as they eat (apart Jaeyun who is not exactly composed but not too disheveled either), gorging himself without dignity and his expression fulfilled by the food is fantastic. He looks genuinely happy; he doesn't usually have this expression.

"Where is Niki?" Heeseung asks with his mouth full, gross.

Jungwon seems to sense a noise before the others. "There he is."

In fact, the door clicks right after his words, and although it creeps me out, what really scares me is seeing Sunghoon when I was expecting Riki.

He first looks at Heeseung, says nothing, then quickly looks at me and ducks down to take off his shoes.

What a strange feeling to be in the same room with both of them.

"Have you eaten Hoon?" Jungwon asks, anticipating Jay who didnʼt seem to want to say anything this time.

"Yes." He answers coldly, then sets off to his room without saying anything else.

When I turn to Heeseung I see him with a stooped look and a confused expression. He has stopped eating and his cheeks are still full, he is really cute, even now, looking like a squirrel. Jake on the contrary eats quietly, but it is obvious that the mere sight of Sunghoon has unnerved him.

Eventually they get to talking about jobs, commitments, the comeback coming up soon that will take them away for a long time, with promotions and touring. I look at them wondering what I will be doing then during that time - but of course I don't have the courage to ask.

"What are we going to do with her?" Jungwon asks, seeming to read my mind.

I look at him in silence. "She's coming with us." Heeseung replies.

"I don't think we can do that." Jay reminds him.

Jake sighs. "Indeed. It's dangerous for her, too."

"We certainly can't leave her here."

Heeseung... everything you say hurts me. You're so good at deluding me, I can tell you've taken a liking to it, but I don't think I'm that strong.

"Why?" Jaeyun asks coldly.

"What?"

"Why can't we leave her here?"

Jongseong coughs, getting up holding his plate. "Put everything in the dishwasher, don't leave a mess."

He looks annoyed. Jungwon looks at him amused, then sighs and rests his chopsticks on his plate, picking up the empty bowls before following his hyung into the kitchen.

Who knows what they will talk about alone.

"Aren't you too involved?" Jake asks suddenly, as Heeseung resumes eating.

"Am I involved? I'm welcoming. I treat her like the others."

The younger man smiles, before taking another bite. "Maybe you're right. - He lift his gaze to me, and I lower it. - Give me your number."

I blink in surprise. "Huh? Sure..."

Heeseung gives him a bad look but says nothing. Telling him the number, he jots it down. When things have gotten really tense, here comes Sunghoon, and this time I'm the one who puts my chopsticks down on the table, sighing.

He sits on the floor, instead of Jungwon, so next to me. I shudder.

"Hadn't you eaten?" Heeseung asks, annoyed to see him take a bowl from under his nose and approach it.

"In fact, I did have dinner. I worry about you, I don't gain weight anyway."

I know he's been willfully being a jerk to his bandmates, and I'm too annoyed to stay so I take my plate and stand up, Heeseung watching me silently but not stopping me, unlike Sunghoon who pulls me from the oversize shirt I'm wearing more like a dress.

He seems to laugh, then barely lifts the fabric, not discovering me but this alarms me and I jerk away.

Fuck.

"Yah, what the fuck are you doing?" Heeseung blurts out.

Sunghoon laughs. "I thought you were wearing shorts. You walk around like that in a house full of men?"

"It's not like they're all like you." I reply boldly, even though I feel like dying.

"There's no need for you to leave just because I'm here. - He tells me, suddenly serious. - And anyway, yes, everyone."

Riki re-enters at that moment, looking dazed, maybe it's true that he's been smoking. He certainly is. He looks at me surprised, then smiles genuinely.

"Are you feeling better?" He asks.

"Are you sick?!" Heeseung and... Sunghoon ask almost alarmed. Is that so?

"Have you finished dinner? Let's go to bed."

It's not exactly bedtime, but what can I do but nod? He puts a hand behind my back and walks me into the kitchen, ignoring all his hyung.

"Sorry, I thought you were sleeping longer."

"Where have you been?"

He looks at me for several seconds, then we walk into the kitchen. "I was with friends."

"Riki, you need to be careful."

"Don't lecture me, I told you." He complains, taking the plate out of my hands to put it in the sink in front of Jongseong, who is sprucing up the cooking area.

Jungwon, sitting at the kitchen table, smiles amusedly. "Riki, will you stop doing drugs? Honestly, do you want to be poor again because of a couple of joints?"

The young boy is surprised but equally amused. "I only smoke with colleagues, if I get exposed they get caught too. Let's be careful, we're all boys and we don't meet girls. Don't be on my case too."

"You're japanese, forget it?" Sighs Jay, concerned.

"But I'm too handsome, koreans are dumb enough to get over it. I also have a dick."

"Don't think koreans are so obvious." Jungwon reminds him, who doesn't seem to be taking the conversation seriously.

"Surely koreans girls are." Riki explains.

He should not talk like that about his korean fangirls, Riki, just as is often the case in Korea, is so prejudiced against them. I look at him worried and disappointed, he notices.

"What?"

"Riki, they love you. You shouldn't disappoint them."

"They want me. They don't care about me."

"Noona, Riki has had bad experiences." Jungwon says smilingly, though his gaze is sharp and serious.

"With adult women, right? - I ask, remembering the time he was assaulted by a saesaeng visibly much older than him at the airport, or the lady who touched him under the guise of frisking him. - Then you shouldn't be dating woman of 30."

He snorts like a kid. "She's twenty-seven."

"But didn't you say you didn't like older girls?" Jay asks curiously.

"I was saying that to reassure the fans and ward off the crazy chicks."

So...isn't it that maybe he took the trauma and made it part of his personality? It's terrible to think that after being molested, he would hang out with adult women (whom he probably mistreats).

"My guess is you're just saying that because Amanda is there." The leader laughs again.

"Even if it is, so what?" He replies, suddenly annoyed by grabbing me by the wrist and dragging me away.

I can see Jay following me with his gaze; I can't help but return it.

"Have you eaten?" I ask him as we walk down the hallway.

He tightens his shoulders. "Yes, don't worry." He says it but doesn't seem convinced.

We are stopped by Heeseung, who seeks my gaze. "Why are you dragging her into the room?"

Riki snorts, approaching me by the wrist. "I'm not dragging her, I'm accompanying her."

"I need to talk to her for a moment." Says the older.

"Try again, you'll have better luck." Riki replies, continuing to walk toward his room with me, but Heeseung grabs him by the shoulder, blocking him abruptly.

"I said I need to talk to her."

I look at him and am stunned, what should we talk about? What else will he have to tell me? It's all part of his strategy, probably.

"I told you not tonight."

Heeseung snorts, incredulous. "What did you have this afternoon? - He ignores him, turning to me - Why were you sick? Do you feel strange?"

Maybe he thinks they are the symptoms of pregnancy, but he would have to be really stupid to believe that since they would never manifest so quickly.

"I'm fine."

"She took the vitamins I gave her, that's why she's fine!" Responds Riki who may not be feeling involved enough in the conversation.

I nod even though it's not true. "Don't worry, you're not serious after all." I tell him.

Heeseung just didn't expect it, he remains silent for several seconds until he hears Riki laughing. "Really? You think that?"

I...I don't know. If you ask me with these hurt eyes, this pitiful look I...I can't.

I stay staring at him this time I wordlessly. Do I really believe that, since I said it out loud? Do I believe Riki more than Heeseung? Maybe so, but then why don't I answer?

"Let's go to sleep."

I lower my gaze. "Ok..." I follow the boy in silence, leaving Heeseung in the middle of the hallway.

My heart hurts, again. He..... looks really sad. Maybe he's pretending, but I'm not, I'm so sad.

ok ATTENTION i have a very unhealthy idea... don't know if you know the sims 4 but there are some very interesting mods of this game that could create funny video material inherent to the story hahahahahha i realize it's so silly but let me know what you think ;) i feed on cringe

do not fear for the fourth shift, because there will be an extra chapter, it will be short promise

NEXT CHAPTER:

--------

immediately after the events of this chapter:

[itesservices]

👉 How Agile Content Moderation Process Improves a Brand’s Online Visibility

🤷‍♀️ Agile content moderation enhances a brand’s online presence by swiftly addressing and adapting to evolving content challenges. This dynamic approach ensures a safer and more positive digital environment, boosting visibility and trust. 🔊 Read the blog: https://www.sitepronews.com/2022/12/20/how-agile-content-moderation-process-improves-a-brands-online-visibility/

[insidemyrottenbrain]

Peripeteia - TSH

TW: sensitive topics, explicit content I have two things to specify about Peripeteia: it is written from Henry's point of view and it was inspired by "the master" lines from Vita Nova by Louise Glück. On another note, I feel this is an opportunate time to share my TikTok account: @ aionter. I do post, rarely, but whose to say my fate cannot be altered? My reposts, however, are prominent and mostly informative with a few slip ups. Enjoy indulging in my writing.

Does peripeteia, that cruel rapture discontinuing and altering the string of fate, strike in one clear, definite moment, in a flash of divine, or does it seep into the fabric of time altering it with unforeseen fingers? If such a moment does exist, tell me, can I crawl my way back to the life before it, like the pitiful, pitiful man that I am? If I am truthful, my wish to return to the life before, or rather, more accurately, the perturbation of the current one, is what constitutes the reason for my continuous insomnia, migraines and above all my inability to function. Nothing that has worked as a cure before, or at least an amelioration, has succeeded in aiding me this time. I have tried every familiar remedy but to no avail. This unexpected and unfortunate failure left me with one dangerous, possible solution, one that requires me to put myself under a metaphysical scythe: a histoire, an accurate, mostly truthful, final attempt at understanding the basis of my condition, and respectively of them, the anomalous cause and singular symptom of it all.

Few people know what it means to be embarrassed by your flesh and blood, and even fewer acknowledge the genuineness of this unorthodox sentiment. It is often met with a certain disregard by people who believe it to be the depraved product of an unmeasurable arrogance, instead of the quiet, sombre and perhaps paralysing knowledge that it actually is: a phantom limb of a false connection. It is an unfortunate thing to be acquainted with alienation from a young age. It dissolves any security or sense of belonging and, as compensation, teaches yearning. However, humans, no matter how small, are adaptable beings and they can learn to deal with this longing, as well as with the half self-imposed isolation that inevitably follows. After all, when one is forced to live in exile, one grows fond of one’s cage.

I do not believe in luck, but I do believe I must have done something in another life or must have been born under the wrong star to find myself in this unfortunate category of people. My refuges are two: dead tongues and books (my first read was a children’s copy of Greek mythology procured from the school’s library which sits on my shelf to this day because I couldn’t make myself return it). The former was something which caught my attention later in my adolescence, at around thirteen if neither my memory nor my grey cells are playing tricks on me. This combination of passion and comfort, naturally, turned me towards the classics, and they, without much effort, became my obsession and defined my place in the universe. This mania turned me into somewhat of a monk, a fanatic not of saints but of mad philosophers, not of one inscrutable deity but of a pantheon of dead gods, not of scripture but of the eccentrics of ancient languages. 

Perhaps because of my childhood circumstances, existence still eludes me. It is something I endure rather than inhabit, tolerated like a prolonged fever dream, or the distant, teasing echo of a reality never meant for me. The exception is, of course, what keeps my world spinning, my mania, because everything else is boring and depraved of any sublime.

Throughout my childhood, I’ve often heard the phrase “everything in moderation” repeated by my excuse of a father every time he would catch my nose buried between dust-coated pages until the very words became a mechanical reflex on his lips. Soon followed my books falling all around me on the floor, sometimes even losing their track and deviating towards the open window. I imagine his actions came from his wish that one day I might take over his company, and his firm belief that reading was not something his son should be doing in order to prepare for the task. Nevertheless, that did not stop me from gathering the wet, torn or bent books, and nursing them back to health, only for them to be destroyed once again and for me to mend them until the paper gave out. I never once considered that the phrase he kept muttering might have a seed of truth in it until my devotion towards my studies started to abate. The routine, which to avoid being dramatic was my whole life, had transformed itself into something mundane, devoid of meaning. I knew it was only a matter of time before my knowledge would start to seem too garish until the absolute classics started diminishing. 

The Bacchanal should have stayed what it was meant to be: a precautionary measure designed to halt the growing dullness. Instead, it mutated into a beast far beyond my grasp, an uncontrollable surge of madness that I could neither restrain nor surrender. Alas, I could not let the sublime fade, that was simply out of the discussion. What exactly happened during the ritual I’m afraid I cannot tell with the highest of accuracies, not because I don’t want to, but rather because the numerous places in which the action unfolds have mixed together into a blur of motion without a definite start or end. The sequence of that night had long ago dissolved into a fevered, disjointed nightmare. What I do know is that I followed the guidelines left by Romans: become a vessel of ecstatic torment, feast as if the gods themselves demanded it, and indulge in carnal debauchery until the line between pleasure and agony vanished. 

Anything else that had happened that night did so under the influence of divine madness and at the will of Bacchus. I was not the sole host of my mind when I was running through the woods in the form of a wolf, or at least something similar. I was not myself anymore but rather the most primal version of me, intelligence but without the shackles of civilization. The trees were nothing but a blur of fading lines slowly losing themselves in my peripheral vision. I felt nothing of the twigs and branches that clawed at my limbs, or the penetrating cold that should have stung the cells of my bare skin. I knew I had been blessed. 

That is when I first saw her, one half of them. She was surreal, I remember my instincts telling me, with a glowing aura amplified by her long blonde, almost white hair that taunted me through the darkness of the woods, like blinking stars in an otherwise black desert of void. How could I not follow, when she begged me and my animal self roared in abandon? My vision was focused on her, for she seemed to shine brighter than the moon as if she had eaten it and its luminesce. I chased her for what else should I have done, when she with her skin, an eerie hue of bruised violet and spectral white dress, too short to cover her vulnerable knees, was the only clear thing in my sight? I do not remember the exact amount of time until she slowly found her way inside a lake, each careful step a silent dare, a provocation aimed at me as she succumbed to the darkness.

The forest was without life, but she, oh, she at that moment in the breathing lake she promised to fill my yearning. I had to follow, didn’t I? I wanted to keep her, to ingest her very essence. Into the lake she melted, a liquid tomb swallowing her whole, and I dove. I searched the cold depths with my hands for her like a madman clung to sanity. Then, in the faint serpentine streaks of moonlight that slithered into the water, I saw my limbs darkening towards decay. I reached, curious, unaware with one purple-blue finger towards my other hand only to watch the flesh disintegrate into nothingness, unveiling the smooth, indifferent bone beneath without a single drop of blood. I was rotting. When I opened my mouth to scream, he, the other half of the strange duality, interrupted me. He shoved me down with brutal insistence, my head colliding against the jagged bottom. I remember his white hands, far paler than hers, tightening around my neck and squeezing as if deriving pleasure from my humanless state. His face remained a statue as I struggled, my hands desperately attempting to remove his, to escape his grip but above all his dead, dark eyes. 

I did not care much for drowning at that moment, in fact, I did not care for anything but the delirious rage that made me want to rip out his vision, to shatter his illusion of dominance. I reached out and drove my thumbs into his eyes. With every centimetre I pushed deeper, his eyes gushed out liquid punctuated by a crackling pop.

I do not know the moment when I returned to reality. The only logical theory is that I gradually regained my senses and my consciousness, but nevertheless, I found it strange to see that I am alive and unrotten. 

I have a bad habit of avoiding anything that scares me. And so naturally, when they started reappearing at first as quivering, indistinct shapes and then as unmistakable figures standing in the distance, I decided to convince myself that I was not seeing anything, that it was nothing but a post-traumatic hallucination. Despite my deep-rooted fear, my interest in them grew when I realised they work together towards a common goal. She is the siren, and he the restless weapon, both meant to end me. And perversely, as time passes I find my yearning for her intensifying and a strange curiosity forming for him. Even now, as he is standing twenty meters from my window, watching me, unmoving in the blizzard, I can make out his pure black eyes which along with her blinding blonde crown have etched themselves into my memory for an indefinite amount of time.

Having put the events onto paper as truthfully as I could, I now come to realise that there is one way to reverse my peripeteia: to severe myself with my own hand. Judge me if you will but obsession, no matter how identically raw and consuming it may feel settling inside us, is never truly the same as another’s. It is a rational, simple, final move in their deranged game. The most devoted souls are indeed the ones devoured by their own madness.

[samuelbush7578]

Elon Musk’s Five-Pronged Approach to Reducing Government

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), has long been vocal about his concerns regarding excessive government intervention. Whether it’s through regulatory pushback, decentralization efforts, or technological disruption, Musk is actively working to reduce government influence in five key ways.

1. Challenging Regulatory Overreach

Musk has repeatedly criticized government regulations that he believes stifle innovation. From Tesla’s battles with dealership laws to SpaceX’s friction with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), he has frequently clashed with authorities over what he sees as unnecessary red tape. By publicly pushing back against these restrictions, he aims to set precedents that could lead to reduced regulatory burdens across industries.

2. Privatizing Space Exploration

NASA was once the sole player in space exploration, but SpaceX has shifted the industry toward privatization. By reducing dependence on government-funded programs and proving that private companies can outperform traditional bureaucratic models, Musk is driving a shift away from government monopolization of space travel.

3. Advocating for Free Speech and Decentralization

After acquiring Twitter (now X), Musk positioned himself as a champion of free speech, often criticizing government involvement in content moderation. He has also expressed support for decentralized social media and blockchain technologies, which could reduce reliance on centralized, government-regulated platforms.

4. Developing Alternative Energy and Infrastructure

Tesla’s push for electric vehicles and solar power indirectly challenges government-controlled energy industries. By promoting self-sufficient energy solutions, such as home battery storage and off-grid living, Musk is creating alternatives that reduce reliance on state-controlled utilities and fossil fuel subsidies.

5. Advancing AI and Automation to Limit Government’s Role

Musk has a complex stance on artificial intelligence (AI), both warning about its dangers and investing in its development through xAI. By accelerating automation, he envisions a future where technology reduces the need for bureaucratic inefficiencies, potentially shrinking government involvement in areas like labor regulation and public sector jobs.

Conclusion

Musk’s efforts to reduce government influence aren’t just theoretical; they manifest in tangible actions across multiple industries. Whether he succeeds or not remains to be seen, but his impact is already reshaping the relationship between innovation and regulation.

[bradleysass]

amortentia - @moonchaser-microfic - wc: 1.1k

Hogwarts, Fifth Year Moonlight dripped through the high windows of the Potions classroom like milk spilled over stone. Remus Lupin sat alone at a back table, sleeves rolled to his elbows, wand clenched tight in one hand as the contents of his cauldron shimmered a pearly, mesmerizing pink.

Amortentia.

The most powerful love potion known to wizardkind. He hadn’t meant to make it. Not really. At first, it was curiosity—an excuse to use Slughorn’s spare ingredients, to get ahead, to challenge himself. But then James had come in from Quidditch practice, laughing, golden, sweat glistening on his collarbone, and Remus had forgotten what it felt like to breathe.

The potion had stopped being a challenge. It had become a solution. Or at least, that’s what Remus tried to tell himself.

James would never love him. Not really. Not without it.

But maybe—maybe—if Remus had just one month, he'd get to know what it felt like to be chosen.

The plan was stupid. Dangerous. Ethically horrifying.

Remus executed it with the precision of someone who had spent years analyzing every movement of his best friend’s hands, every flick of James' hair, every word, every grin.

It was Sirius’ idea to throw a party in the Gryffindor common room for finishing O.W.L. prep. Remus had offered to make drinks, citing a new “cordial charm” he’d read about in Magical Mixology for the Moderate Miscreant. No one questioned it. He poured Amortentia into one of the butterbeer bottles and marked it with a tiny rune only he could read.

James grabbed it without a second thought.

And then—

Then, James looked at Remus and smiled like he had waited a lifetime to do it.

“Moons,” James had whispered, pink dust blooming in his cheeks. “Your eyes. Have they always looked like that?”

Remus didn’t remember his answer. He only remembered the feel of James' hand in his, and how it burned.

It was perfect.

James clung to him like gravity, his head always tilted in Remus’ direction, attention sharp and singular.

Remus. Moony. Darling. Love.

The names rolled off James’ tongue like they’d always been there, waiting for permission.

They kissed in quiet corners. Held hands under the table during Transfiguration. They curled together in the common room, blankets tangled around their legs, James’ fingers absentmindedly brushing Remus’ wrist like he was memorizing the shape of him.

Remus laughed more that month than he had in years. He stopped flinching when someone touched him. He looked at himself in the mirror and didn’t hate what he saw.

He kept count of the days.

He always knew how many were left.

Day 27.

The potion was nearly spent. He could feel it—James becoming slightly more distracted. A hesitation when Remus kissed him goodnight. A delay in the way he reached for his hand. Nothing big. Nothing obvious.

But Remus knew.

James had started talking about Lily again. Wondering if she’d noticed he hadn’t been chasing her lately.

“Not that I care,” James said quickly, laughing. “I’m just saying. She’s started sitting closer to me in Charms. And I don’t know, maybe she’s—what do you think, Moons?”

Remus smiled.

His throat burned.

“I think you should talk to her. If that’s what you want.”

James leaned forward, forehead pressing against Remus’, eyes soft. “You’re all I want right now.”

And that was worse, somehow.

Because James meant it.

He meant it, right now.

Day 30.

Remus stayed in bed all day. He told Sirius he had a headache. Peter brought him toast and pumpkin juice.

James didn’t come by.

By midnight, Remus sat in the Astronomy Tower with a blanket around his shoulders, the wind biting at his face, the Amortentia vial clutched in his hand.

He could do it again.

He could start the month over. Bump into James in the corridor, spill a drink, a laugh, a casual offer of butterbeer. The same smile. The same kiss. The same rush of warmth that felt too much like love to question.

He could. He really could.

Instead, he uncorked the vial and let the wind take it.

The next morning, James sat next to Lily in the library. Remus watched them from the other side of the room, a book open in his lap, the words swimming.

James was talking too fast, probably nervous. Lily was pretending not to be amused, but she didn’t move away when he leaned in.

Remus turned the page. He hadn’t finished the paragraph.

That night, James found him in the dormitory, stretching out on the bed next to him like he belonged there.

“Hey,” James said, voice soft. “You alright? Haven’t seen much of you.”

Remus shrugged, staring at the ceiling. “Been tired.”

“You’ve been avoiding me,” James said, a little too direct. “Did I do something?”

“No.”

James was quiet. “Was it… us?”

Remus flinched. James noticed.

“Oh.”

Remus sat up, slow. “Do you remember what we were, James?”

James blinked. “What kind of question is that?”

“Do you remember how it started?”

James looked confused for a moment, then uncertain. His brows drew together. “We kissed. After the party.”

Remus waited.

James’ face twisted into a frown, and his voice dropped. “Moony… are you saying it wasn’t real?”

Remus couldn’t answer. He didn’t know how.

James stared at him. “Did you… were you under a spell or something?”

Remus let out a laugh, but it sounded wrong.

“No,” he said. “You were.”

James stood too quickly. “You’re joking.”

Remus didn’t speak. Just looked at him.

James backed away like Remus had hit him. “You used a potion on me?”

“It wore off,” Remus said quietly.

“That’s not—why would you—Remus—”

“Because you never looked at me that way before,” Remus snapped. “And I just—wanted to know what it felt like. Just once.”

James’ face was pale with disbelief. “You—Merlin, Moony, do you have any idea—?”

Remus shook his head. “I know. I know it was wrong. You can hate me. I already do.”

James looked at him for a long time, then walked out of the room without a word.

He didn’t tell Sirius. Or Peter. He didn’t need to.

James stopped talking to him for a week. Lily gave him a strange look in the hallway that made Remus want to crawl out of his skin.

But eventually, James started sitting next to him again during meals. Eventually, he made a joke, and Remus laughed, and the others pretended like nothing had changed.

But Remus never reached for his hand again.

And James never said his name like a secret again.

Some nights, Remus still dreams of it. James curling around him, whispering mine, mine, mine. The soft weight of his head on Remus' chest. The way he looked when he thought it was real.

It was the best month of Remus’ life.

It was the worst thing he’s ever done.