strongxsurvivors

[strongxsurvivors]

zhilan could feel his mouth drying by the second, heart pounding against his rib cage as he struggled to not look as suspicious as possible. however, the frantic look in his eyes was anything but suspicious. he was hoping brett would buy his lie despite how out there it seemed. but, as the other held up his phone and showed the picture that was definitely zhilan, a wave of cold fear washed over him. "that's. . . a picture," he said dumbly, brain not exactly working. he was never good at coming up with good solutions on the spot -- his default being to ramble or run. right now, he was feeling the latter. but, what really got him was the fact that brett followed him. "you actually like cosplayers and stuff?" he asked, trying to skirt around the direct issue at hand. he knew it wouldn't work. in fact, he was certain it would only get him into deeper trouble. he tried to subtly pull the leather gloves off, but he was as subtle as a baby deer attempting its first steps.

it wasn’t uncommon for brett to show up completely unannounced, often letting himself into zhilan’s apartment with the spare key that he knew the other kept hidden in a fake plant outside. but the moment he stepped inside the other’s living room, he froze. he looked like a deer caught in the headlights as he stared at the other, his eyes dragging across the outfit that the other was currently wearing. “you should probably start hiding your spare key a little better if you don’t want me inviting myself over.” his nose scrunched up slightly. “you must be pretty desperate if you’ve decided to dress up like this for tips. though, i’m not saying it won’t work because you look—” his words were cut off as he heard a notification ping on his phone. he paused for a moment, pulling it out of his pocket. he clicked on the notification, a mostly faceless picture from one of his favourite cosplayers popping up onto his screen. the pieces suddenly clicked into place. it was probably something he should’ve figured out a while ago, especially when all the clues had been staring him in the face. he held up his phone for the other to look at. “i don’t know. maybe you should tell me what this is, zhilan.”

[strongxsurvivors]

(250608) Radar - Hwanwoong

[strongxsurvivors]

anita shook her head. "no, no flying me anywhere -- i don't need a sugar mommy, zoey," she teased. however, the other's continued rambling only caused anita to let out a gentle sigh. "i think the only people who use those are over seventy years old. which, honestly, kind of checks out with you," she joked as she playfully bumped her shoulder against zoey's. "actually, can i be honest with you?" she started, the light-hearted mood dimming slightly as she glanced down at the ground. "i kind of got a one-way ticket here." it was a brash decision, but anita wasn't known to do anything with much hesitation. "i thought that, maybe, i could make it as a dancer over here. so, if i didn't have a way back, then i would have to succeed. that's a little crazy, isn't it? i don't even have a long-stay hotel lined up," she said, a nervous laugh escaping her.

a muffled noise of surprise escaped zoey as the other’s hand pressed against her lips, forcibly silencing her. she blinked a few times, eyes wide as warmth began to creep across her cheeks. though relief was quick to wash over her from anita’s reassurance, a gentle sigh fell from her lips as the other finally allowed her hand to drop. “it is a little silly of me to question it, isn’t it?” she rubbed the back of her neck in a sheepish manner. “especially when you put in all this effort, which was totally unnecessary, by the way! next time, let me fly you out.” it was the least she could do. though, at the playful accusation, a tiny gasp escaped her and she quickly shook her head. “what!? no way! i’m just an idiot who didn’t even think to write down her former contacts when i had to turn in my old phone after debut. maybe i should invest in one of those little phone books. do you think people still use those?” she rambled, a usual default mode for the idol when she was nervous.

[strongxsurvivors]

🩷: As always, EVOL is my driving force! Today too, energy, energy, energy💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻 This first episode was really fun>< I was happy thanks to EVOLㅠㅠ🩷

[strongxsurvivors]

♥️: I’m back in Japan for the first time~!✌🏻I had so much fun doing my own makeup today after a long time!!🤩 (Raise your hand if you want to learn!!🙌🏻)

[strongxsurvivors]

gwi-ma studied junyoung, a deep sadness boring a hole through his chest and stomach. this was where his heart lay, and it was hiding away from the world just as he was forced to when they first met. the cyclical nature of fate was alarming, but hopefully hindsight could break it. "you're doing a very good job, actually," he said, a small smile gracing his lips as he stepped closer. "i see no one else here. i'm just particularly good at finding what i want." he held his hand out, silently asking junyoung to place his in it. "and, what i would like is a dance with the one person who is the most important tonight. it is your birthday after all, isn't it, my prince?" he asked, falling into playful habits that died with junyoung. "this is all for you, yet none of them are aware. but, i see you -- all of you," he said softly, lowering his head as he waited. a demon does not bow his head, and gwi-ma less of all. but, there was one being in all of creation that could cause him to crumble. there could never be a force that was absolute. everything had it's weakness, and junyoung was his.

while junyoung typically enjoyed events like these, tonight was different. all of his members were buzzing with excitement in preparation for the gala that they had been invited to, leading them to forget what today was. it shouldn’t have been too much of a surprise, he never went out of his way to make a fuss over his birthday. it was just another day to him, after all. still, he found himself caught up in his thoughts as he stood on the balcony that was adjacent to the ballroom where the event was being held. he held his mask in his hands as he stared up at the starry night sky that hung above his head. though a sudden voice brought him out of his thoughts, a curious expression etched across his features as he turned to face the other. there wasn’t a lot in this world that intrigued junyoung, but his breath hitched slightly as he took in the sight of the other. there was something about his mask and attire that stirred something inside of him — it certainly made him stand out in comparison to all the other people he had seen tonight. “a mixture of the two.” he pursed his lips slightly. “i suppose i’m not doing a very good at hiding you if you managed to find me.”

[strongxsurvivors]

jinu had hardly the opportunity to be alone with the prince -- especially with no guards present. in fact, he was sure this was breaking some sort of law, but he would be lying if he said he didn't love the thrill of it. plus, he admired the prince most of all. he was beautiful and mysterious, and jinu wanted to see what sort of thoughts he kept shut behind those pretty lips. you're not even worthy of your family, you think you're worthy of him? the voice of gwi-ma was like a whisper, taunting jinu. "it's hard not to be formal," he said with a small laugh, ignoring the voice only he could hear. he looked down at the instrument in hand, settling back down on the wooden deck. "everyone always wants to hear the happy songs -- this doesn't really do well for parties. but, i would be honoured to play something more longing for you, my prince. please, sit with me. the notes sound different the closer you are," he advised, patting the spot immediately next to him. "have you ever been in love? i do not lament over losing love -- just my opportunity to experience it."

to say that insu felt like a prisoner in his own home was an understatement. it was probably a very jaded point of view, considering most weren’t lucky enough to live anywhere as comfortable or as lavish as the palace, but he would’ve traded his comfort for freedom any day. after dinner, he found himself roaming. the soft sound of music lured him toward the garden, watching as jinu played from the shadows. one wrong step caused the other to be alerted of his presence. “ah, please… don’t apologize or be so formal with me.” he waved his hand in a dismissive manner. “i liked the song you were playing, it sounded sadder than the usual songs you play. like someone lamenting over their lost love.” he wet his lips as he took a step closer toward the other. “could you maybe play another one?” there was an eager, expectant gleam in his eyes as he stared up at the slightly taller man.

[strongxsurvivors]

#383 gifs of KIM JIWOONG in 'roommates of poongduck 304 (2022),' can be accessed by joining my discord server, or sending me a message off anon. jiwoong is of korean descent and was born in 1998, so cast accordingly. please like and reblog if you found these useful.

tw: partial nudity, alcohol, kissing

please read my rules before using. all gifs were made by me, so do not redistribute or claim as your own.

[strongxsurvivors]

the sarcasm that the other offered had jinu's mouth falling open slightly, a playful scoff escaping him. it was good to see that insu's humour remained intact. it really felt like no time had passed, like no tragedy had befallen the two of them. "it's one thing to be proud to be part of the pride -- another to admit you've fallen for another man," he teased back, a sly smiling coming to jinu's lips. a soft gasp escaped him, however, as insu's loyalty was given to the enemy. usually, it was easy to trap fans in the saja boys' web. he reached out across the table to take the other's hands. electricity sparked from their touch, jinu almost losing his breath. he stared into insu's eyes, a pleading look crossing his features. "i really do need validation from you -- especially when you say you prefer huntrix. i understand: they are really good. but, hearing what you think about me will help me strive to be better. i have only the utmost respect for our sunbaes." he laid it on thick, fingers delicately squeezing insu's hands. he really didn't want to let go. "plus, you're so pretty. if you think i'm handsome after seeing your face all the time, i would be over the moon."

there was something about the way the other looked at him that made insu’s stomach feel as if it formed into knots. maybe it was ‘the idol effect’ — that feeling fans got whenever their favourite member looked at them, and it felt as if they were the only person in the world for a moment. or maybe it was the fact that he was ten times prettier in person. he nervously shifted in his seat, a chuckle easily falling from his lips as he watched the other sign the post in front of him. “ah, do people really often use that excuse? you think they would be proud to be a member of the pride.” sarcasm dripped from his words as he referenced the saja boys’ fandom. he blinked a few times as he continued to stare at the other, trying not to not focus on the other’s appearance. “do you really need that validation from me, of all people? when every girl in this room would probably kill for you?” he teased, gesturing to some of the eager fans who stood behind them in line. “you’re talented. everyone knows that. but, i hate to break it to you — i’m a hardcore huntrix stan.”

[strongxsurvivors]

the uneasiness that was exhibited caused pain to strike through gwi-ma's core -- something he failed to feel for a long time. he hadn't even been sure he could feel pain anymore, but he was easily proven wrong. "you can take care of yourself, but you don't need to. that's why i'm here," he insisted. however, the moment junyoung pulled away, gwi-ma felt entirely too small. he wasn't small -- he lorded over demons and devoured souls. yet, junyoung had this hold over him and the other didn't even know it. "because i know the truth!" gwi-ma snapped, brows furrowed. there was a mixture of anger and hurt in his eyes. he took a deep breath to steady himself, wanting to avoid his true nature from slipping out. "i know you're not a mistake nor a problem. i know you better than you know yourself, junyoung. you are a good, pure soul -- and, i know you want to do good." your good would end up killing me. "you're just stuck, facing demons that want to turn you into something you aren't." demons i created. "allow me to care for you -- i won't hurt you like they do."

junyoung’s jaw subtly clenched as he listened to the other speak. he wasn’t entirely sure what he preferred: a scolding or this. “why not?” he was quick to refute the other’s words, eyebrows pinching together. a strange sensation formed in the pit of the idol’s stomach the moment the other stepped forward to cup his face in his hands, the tender expression almost causing him to flinch. he wasn’t accustomed to it. “i can take care of myself, you know? besides… it would make me look weak if i came to you to handle all my problems.” he wasn’t weak. his heart skipped a beat as his chin was tilted upward, their gazes locking. “everyone else?” a scoff fell from his lips as he took a step backward. “i’m a fucking mistake, i take full ownership of that. why can’t you?”

[strongxsurvivors]

gwi-ma stood tall and unnaturally still as he continued to study the other. something about this one in particular filled up the room, almost suffocating gwi-ma. he'd never encountered such an invisible force before, yet the mortal before him appeared entirely unaware. gwi-ma took measured, slow steps closer. "clean up comes when the lanterns dim and the music quiets -- you do not need to stand guard," he countered. the closer he got, the more he could taste it in the air. it was sweet and warm -- and, all too tempting. the prince was gone from his mind as he reached out and tilted the servant's head up. usually, gwi-ma found it easy to look into the hearts of all he came across. this one? all of his shames and desires were difficult to read. "tell me: who are you? what dream keeps you waking every morning? what fear keeps you running from the darkness?" his eyes were hungry from behind the mask, fingertips hot against the other's skin.

while all the other servants had been granted the night off to revel in the festivities being held at the palace in honour of the prince’s birthday, junyoung was not deemed that same luxury. instead, his father insisted that he remained tucked away. he had long finished most of his chores by the time the festival had begun, a festival that was meant to celebrate his own birthday as well. if they had been born from the same mother, they would be considered twins — instead, he was just the spare. he stared out one of the windows, watching as lanterns were set off into the night sky. “happy birthday, junyoung.” he whispered to himself. though, a sudden voice from behind caused him to jump, blinking in surprise as he whirled around to see a man donning a fox mask. “i… yes,” he wet his lips. “someone needs to stand on duty ready to clean up after all these people.” his lips pursed into a thin line as he tilted his head to the side, curiosity piquing from the man’s words. “something heavy? i’m not entirely sure what you mean…” his words trailed off as his gaze nervously flickered away from the other.

[strongxsurvivors]

tale of the nine tailed 1938 (2023): episode 1

[strongxsurvivors]

closed starter for @ofthehonmoon

it was an event intended only for idols and actors, but gwi-ma didn't allow that to stop him from slipping on a fox mask very much like the one he'd worn all those years ago -- paired with an elegant silk hanbok. there was only two simple rules for the dress code: formal and a mask. and, while almost everyone chose modern formalities, gwi-ma felt most comfortable like this. this was the version of him that junyoung had cared for, the version of him worthy of a heart so great and good. and, just as he did so long ago, gwi-ma found his heart tucked away from the rest of the festivities -- away from the curious eyes that followed gwi-ma through the crowd. "hiding from your sorrows, or hiding them from everyone else?" he asked gracefully, bowing slightly. the balcony they stood on was illuminated by moonlight, giving junyoung a dreamy glow. for just a moment, gwi-ma believed he traveled back -- a chance to change what had happened.

[strongxsurvivors]

tale of the nine tailed 1938 (2023): episode 12

[strongxsurvivors]

abby didn't even think about what silas thought would be the reason for him doing this -- mind only panicking and praying that they wouldn't get caught. jinu would have silas' soul in a heartbeat if silas saw what they were. abby swallowed thickly in response to the other's questions, trying to come up with the best answer without causing suspicion. "no, that's not it!" abby whispered back, pressing his hand to silas' mouth again as he stopped to listen. the footsteps continued on without pause, fading into the distance. "really," he added before releasing the other. "i'm-- i'm not allowed to talk to anyone outside of, like, shows," he said. it wasn't entirely dishonest. "it's a strict contract, and i don't want to be forced not to see you before i actually get to see you," he continued, hands holding onto silas' wrists as if it would keep them from parting. "plus, what kind of question is that? who would be embarrassed to be seen with you? you're the second hottest idol in the world."

while silas knew that he probably shouldn’t have snuck away from his group just to see the other, the reaction he received on abby’s end was unexpected. he blinked in surprise as his eyebrows furrowed together, “what do you mean—?” maybe it was silly of him to even believe that they had some sort of connection after their run-in together after both the saja boys and shooting star competed on a game show together. his eyes went wide as he was suddenly pulled into an adjacent room, back pressed against the wall and abby’s hand over his mouth. his eyes were wide as he let out a muffled noise of protest. his hand slowly slipped upward to pry the other’s hand from his mouth, “what the hell? why are you being so weird?” his voice came out in a hushed whisper, but his frustration was still evident. “are you like… embarrassed to be seen with me?”

[strongxsurvivors]

closed starter for @ofthehonmoon

gwi-ma easily shuffled through the festival goers of the palace, bright lanterns, loud music, and flowing alcohol serving as a mask -- second to the fox mask he already wore. he was here for one thing, and one thing only. if he could devour the soul of the prince, he would regain the fear and respect of all the mortals who dared to believe he no longer existed. he slipped into one of the hallways that was often used by the servants to discreetly pass from room to room. he searched the various rooms he came across -- most empty or filled to the brim with guests. however, there was one that held a single person. gwi-ma would have simply moved on, but there was something about this one that had him pausing in his mission. a simple servant would give him no real power, yet there gwi-ma stood. "even servants are enjoying themselves. why do you linger in such a dark corner? is your loyalty to the prince so great and grand?" he asked, voice deep yet soothing from behind his mask. "you carry something heavy."

[strongxsurvivors]

closed starter for @ofthehonmoon

clear notes rang through the small garden as jinu plucked the strings of his bipa, soft words sung and mingling in the air to create a melody only meant for jinu's ears. the night was quiet otherwise -- the rest of the inhabitants of the palace in another wing. it was hard to believe that he was invited to play here, though his heart hurt every time he thought about how he really managed it. his chords became sad and dissonant until he heard a creak of wood -- jinu jumping out of fear. however, when he registered who it was, his heart rate increased tenfold. he stood quickly and bowed deeply. "your highness, i was unaware you would be here. i would have prepared a more suitable song if i had been warned." be respectful -- you never knew what would upset the very sought-after, very handsome prince.