#Cross-platform integration

[mywebthreenews]

Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT Avatars Take Over Roblox's Kingship Islands Game

The world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) continues to evolve, and the latest development is the integration of Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT avatars into the popular gaming platform, Roblox. The newly launched game, Kingship Islands, offers players an interactive world where they can embark on a quest to unite band members and explore an island paradise. The Kingship Islands Game Kingship Islands,…

[stepseduworldblog]

Unlocking Opportunities: How a Trusted Education & Career Coach Facilitates Study in the UK

In the vibrant city of Dubai, where innovation meets tradition, the journey of Trusted Education & Career Coaches and consultants unfolds with promising opportunities and transformative innovations. As Dubai continues to position itself as a global hub for education and business, students in the region are witnessing a dynamic evolution in the way they learn, explore career paths, and prepare for the future. In this blog post, we delve into the multifaceted aspects of education and career opportunities for Dubai students, from emerging trends in learning to the diverse pathways in the professional realm.

Virtual Reality Classrooms: Stepping into Tomorrow

Imagine students donning VR headsets, transported to ancient civilizations or exploring molecular structures up close. Virtual reality classrooms are revolutionizing learning, turning textbooks into immersive experiences. In Dubai, where innovation is a way of life, VR classrooms are poised to reshape traditional learning paradigms.

One of the defining characteristics of modern education in Dubai is the integration of cutting-edge technologies that enhance learning experiences. Virtual reality (VR) classrooms have emerged as a game-changer, offering students immersive and interactive environments that transcend traditional teaching methods. Imagine a history lesson where students can virtually visit ancient civilizations or a science class where they explore complex molecular structures up close. VR classrooms not only make learning engaging but also foster deeper understanding and retention of concepts.

[zapperrr]

Stay Ahead of the Curve: Latest E-commerce Development Trends

Zapeerr provides comprehensive e-commerce development services tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses seeking to establish or enhance their online presence. Here are the key e-commerce development services offered by Zapeerr:

1. Customized Website Development: Zapeerr specializes in building customized e-commerce websites from the ground up, ensuring that each site is designed to reflect the brand identity and offers a seamless user experience.

Platform Selection and Implementation: Zapeerr helps businesses select the most suitable e-commerce platform for their needs, whether it's Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, or a custom solution. They then handle the implementation and configuration of the chosen platform to ensure optimal performance.

Mobile Optimization: Zapeerr ensures that e-commerce websites are optimized for mobile devices, providing a consistent and intuitive shopping experience across all screen sizes and devices.

Payment Gateway Integration: Zapeerr integrates secure payment gateways into e-commerce websites, allowing businesses to accept payments from various sources securely and efficiently.

Inventory Management Solutions: Zapeerr develops robust inventory management systems that enable businesses to track stock levels, manage product variants, and prevent overselling, ensuring smooth operations and customer satisfaction.

Security Enhancements: Zapeerr prioritizes security by implementing measures such as SSL encryption, PCI compliance, and regular security audits to protect sensitive customer data and safeguard against cyber threats.

Performance Optimization: Zapeerr optimizes e-commerce websites for speed and performance, employing techniques such as caching, image optimization, and code minification to ensure fast page loading times and smooth navigation.

SEO Integration: Zapeerr integrates search engine optimization (SEO) best practices into e-commerce websites to improve visibility and attract organic traffic, helping businesses increase their online presence and drive sales.

Integration with Third-Party Services: Zapeerr facilitates seamless integration with third-party services such as shipping carriers, accounting software, CRM systems, and marketing tools, enabling businesses to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.

Continuous Support and Maintenance: Zapeerr provides ongoing support and maintenance services to ensure the smooth functioning of e-commerce websites, including software updates, bug fixes, and technical support to address any issues promptly.

With Zapeerr's expertise in e-commerce development, businesses can achieve their online objectives effectively and stay ahead in the competitive digital landscape.

[jcmarchi]

Best C# Testing Frameworks In 2024 - Technology Org

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/best-c-testing-frameworks-in-2024-technology-org/

Best C# Testing Frameworks In 2024 - Technology Org

Automation testing frameworks are essential in ensuring application performance and quality. C#  testing frameworks offer multiple features to meet various testing requirements. In this blog, we will explore the top C# testing frameworks of 2024.

Writing software code. Image credit: pxhere.com, CC0 Public Domain

C# testing Frameworks – Overview

The C# testing framework is a set of tools and an API that help construct, run, and manage the automation testing process in C# applications. Theses framework presents the developers with the systematic method to design and architect test suites so that the software works correctly and satisfies the given requirements.

C# testing frameworks typically offer features such as

Test case organization: Allow developers to group tests into logical units such as test classes or test suites for better organization and management.

Assertions: Build functions to state that the code has followed the desired sequence for the code under automation testing to make a program behave logically.

Setup and teardown: Support setup and teardown actions to correctly initialize the test environment before running tests and consequently clean up.

Test discovery and execution: Automatically execute and test the code and provide responses about test results and errors associated with the code.

Mocking and stubbing: Developers should be able to create mock objects to simulate dependencies and isolate units of code for automation testing.

Top C# Testing Frameworks In 2024

Let us see some of the top C# testing frameworks in 2024.

C# Selenium WebDriver

C# Selenium WebDriver is a framework for automation testing. It can process the navigation from the web page and detect its functions, performance, and user experience.

It also allows developers to write code and simulate user actions to verify elements on the web page. This allows for the creation of reliable automated tests that can be executed repeatedly to ensure the application’s behavior

Its cross-browser compatibility allows developers to write tests once and run them across multiple web browsers to ensure test coverage and compatibility with various user environments.

NUnit

The NUnit is a unit testing framework for languages like C# and VB.NET. It addresses the need for developers to write, manage, and run the unit test either within Visual Studio or through the command-line interface.

NUnit offers assertions, test runners, and attribute-based automation testing capabilities to validate the behavior of individual components. Its extensible architecture allows integration with various development tools and continuous integration pipelines that enable automation testing practices. NUnit supports parameterized tests, setup, teardown methods, and parallel test execution in automation testing. It remains the best framework for .NET developers to maintain code quality through unit testing.

MSTest

MSTest provides developers an efficient tool for writing and executing unit tests for .NET applications. MSTest can integrate with the IDE to create and manage unit tests effortlessly.

MSTest supports various testing features, such as test discovery, assertion methods, test execution, and result reporting, to effectively validate code’s behavior and functionality. It also offers attributes for defining test methods and classes to enhance the organization’s efficiency and maintainability.

It reduces the writing process and testing execution action and provides a wide user guide for most project types like .NET Core, .NET Framework, and Xamarin.

MSTest is integrated into the Microsoft Azure DevOps cloud platform to customize the unit cloud testing phase into automation testing and continuous feedback.

xUnit.NET

xUnit.NET follows the xUnit testing pattern, emphasizing simplicity, clarity, and extensibility. xUnit.NET provides developers a flexible platform for writing and executing unit tests to validate code functionality.

Its extensible architecture allows for easy integration with various development tools and frameworks. It also offers multiple assertion methods and test runners for a diverse set of testing scenarios.

xUnit.NET promotes test isolation, parallel test execution, and deterministic test outcomes. It supports test fixtures and setup/teardown methods. It can also encourage test-driven development (TDD) by integrating with popular IDEs. It also offers integration with continuous integration tools to incorporate unit testing into their CI/CD pipelines.

SpecFlow

SpecFlow is a BDD framework that uses natural language syntax for creating and writing scenarios, as well as the execution and management of acceptance tests for .NET software. It can be integrated with Visual Studio and other .NET development tools to enhance collaboration among developers and testers.

SpecFlow allows it to formulate executable specifications expressed in a human-comprehensible manner using the Gherkin syntax. These specifications can be added to the software documentation to maintain their functionality.

SpecFlow encourages collaboration and communication among cross-functional teams by defining a common language of application behavior expressed in a readable format. This approach also promotes code reusability and manageability by reusing the step definitions within many scenarios and features.

FluentAssertions

Fluent Assertions is the assertion library for .NET. It enables developers to write assertions in their unit test cases. It uses natural language that allows developers to identify assertions through the fluent interface.

It lets developers write assertion statements like natural language sentences to make the unit test easily understood. Such if-else statements held in the form of assertions can be written as “should” followed by a mentionable situation like “should be equal to” or “should contain,” showing what kind of behavior is expected for that tested code.

It supports various assertions like basic equality checks, collection assertions, and complex object comparisons. It also provides built-in support for asserting exceptions to verify that their code throws the expected exceptions under specific conditions. It also provides customizable assertion messages and failure descriptions.

Ranorex

Ranorex is an automation testing tool specially developed to make application testing of all platforms, including desktop, web, and mobile apps, easier and faster. Its graphical user interface (GUI) is so intuitive to create automated tests.

Unlike other testing tools, Ranorex has an object recognition capability that facilitates testers’ easy identification and interaction with UI elements, including buttons, text fields, and dropdown lists distributed across different platforms. This enables the development of automation testing, which precisely reproduces user interactions.

In addition, it provides built-in support for data-driven testing so they can easily write their test cases and execute them using different sets of data to ensure complete test coverage. It integrates with popular continuous integration and delivery tools that will automate the execution of the created tests as part of their build-up pipelines for continuous integration/delivery.

Its reporting capabilities offer a detailed assessment of the test results and common metrics needed. Testers can analyze the test results, identify problems, and track the progress of their testing activities by using customizable metrics.

BDDfy

BDDfy enables developers to implement Behavior-driven Driven Development practices in their .NET projects. BDDfy allows teams to focus on defining the behavior of their software through executable specifications written in natural language to establish collaboration between developers, testers, and stakeholders.

BDDfy also allows developers to write tests using natural language constructs to make the intent of the tests clear and understandable to all team members. This facilitates better communication and alignment of expectations throughout the development process.

The integration provides flexibility and versatility in test organization and execution, enabling teams to adopt BDD practices.

BDDfy provides detailed and insightful test reports that highlight the software’s behavior under test. These reports provide valuable documentation and can be shared with stakeholders to demonstrate progress and ensure alignment with requirements.

ApprovalTests

ApprovalTests is a versatile testing library designed to simplify verifying code output. ApprovalTests allows developers to approve the current behavior of their code by capturing and comparing its output against previously approved results.

Developers can quickly integrate ApprovalTests into their existing testing workflow regardless of the programming language or testing framework used. This makes it a valuable tool for various development environments like .NET, Java, Python, and more.

ApprovalTests improves handling complex output formats such as large data structures, images, and multi-line text. Developers can easily identify unexpected changes by capturing the code output and comparing it to approved results.

It effectively supports generating and managing approval files to review and update approved results as needed. This ensures that tests remain relevant and accurate over time.

NSubstitute

NSubstitute is a .NET mocking library constructed to simplify the process of creating and maintaining mock classes in unit testing. Mocking is a technique used in unit testing to simulate the behavior of dependencies in a component under test interactions with developers to isolate and test individual components.

NSubstitute expressive syntax enables developers to define mock objects and their behavior using natural language constructs. This makes it easy to understand and maintain mock setups.

NSubstitute supports various mocking scenarios and provides powerful features such as argument matches, callbacks, and received call verification to create flexible mock setups for unit tests.

The integration allows developers to use NSubstitute alongside their existing testing tools and practices without additional configuration.

NSpec

NSpec is a behavior-driven development testing framework for .NET developers designed to promote clarity, readability, and expressiveness in test specifications. It allows developers to write tests in a natural language format that closely resembles the software’s behavior specifications.

NSpec focuses on human-readable test specifications written using a syntax similar to plain English. This makes developers, testers, and stakeholders actively involved in the business and simplifies behavior definition and verification.

NSpec offers us features to do test management, such as grouping test cases under nested contexts, showing descriptive naming conventions, and a behavior-driven development paradigm. This allows developers to create clear and concise test specifications that accurately describe the expected behavior of the software under test. It also ensures compatibility and consistency across different testing environments, making adopting NSpec in existing projects easier.

Utilizing an automation testing framework tailored for C#, conducting automated testing for your website or mobile application becomes a straightforward task.

LambdaTest, an AI-powered test orchestration and execution platform, empowers you to execute manual and automated testing for your web projects on an extensive online browser farm featuring over 3000 real browsers, devices, and operating system configurations. Its cloud-based automation testing platform facilitates the execution of automation tests utilizing various C# testing frameworks such as Selenium, Appium, SpecFlow, NUnit, and others that help you test websites in different browsers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, C# testing frameworks in 2024 present developers with the right choices to meet various testing requirements. From NUnit’s strong focus on unit testing to SpecFlow’s emphasis on behavior-driven development, developers can access efficient tools for maintaining software quality. Whether the need is for unit testing or behavior-driven testing, these frameworks improve automation testing workflows and enhance the overall quality of C# applications.

[ennobletechnologies]

In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to reach their target audience and drive growth. E-commerce has emerged as a powerful tool that not only expands the reach of businesses but also enhances customer experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the dynamic realm of e-commerce and how it can elevate your business in the digital marketing landscape.

Do Read: https://ennobletechnologies.com/e-commerce/e-commerce-solutions/

[hsdigitalmedia]

HS Digital Media Crafting Compelling Narratives through Ad Films

The Power of Ad Films

Why Choose HS Digital Media

Showcase your company’s unique selling characteristics. Highlight any awards, recognition, or successful case studies.

The Creative Process

Provide insights into how HS Digital Media approaches ad film creation. Discuss the collaboration between your team and clients. Emphasize the importance of tailoring each project to the client’s brand and goals.

Technological Edge

Detail the cutting-edge technology and equipment used by HS Digital Media. Discuss any innovative techniques or trends in the ad film industry.

The Team Behind the Magic

Introduce key members of your team and their expertise. Share any success stories or challenges overcome during previous projects.

Client Success Stories

Include testimonials from satisfied clients. Highlight specific projects and their impact on the client’s brand.

Industry Trends and Insights

Discuss current trends in ad film production. Share insights into the evolving landscape of digital media.

Challenges and Solutions

Address common challenges in ad film production. Showcase how HS Digital Media overcomes these challenges to deliver exceptional results.

Social Impact Through Ad Films

Discuss any projects that have contributed to social causes. Highlight the potential for ad films to create positive change.

The Future of Ad Films

Share your vision for the future of ad film production. Discuss emerging technologies and their potential impact on the industry.

[softqubetechnologies]

Mobile Backend as a Service (MBaaS): A Comprehensive Guide 2023-2024

Explore this blog and know about how to work mobiile backaens as service 2023-2024.

Why should you choose MBaaS for app development? In this blog, we have covered all the technical aspects of MBaaS including its features, functionalities, and benefits, along with some interesting statistics. To make it easier, we have also added a list of top-MBaaS service providers.  https://haripatel.me/mobile-backend-as-a-service-guide-2023-2024/

[548ogu]

[technosip]

How to Choose Best Cross Platform App Development Framework in 2022?

Our smartphone applications can literally do anything for us. Starting from identifying a song with Shazam to finding ourselves our loved ones with Tinder, apps are being designed so smart that our dependence on them keeps on growing with every passing day.

However, have you ever wondered about the fact that what if these applications were only able to run on Android devices and not on the iOS ones? Or, in more practical terms, what if these applications didn’t have cross-platform support in them? 

So to solve this issue, cross platform app development framework kicks in. These days, even app developers use emulators of a typical kind to run and test the apps they are developing for a platform they do not own.

If there weren’t cross platform app developers for most of the daily applications we use, there would have been a serious concern over the war between iOS and Android platforms. According to statistics available, an Android user gets to choose between a selection of 2.56 million applications available on the PlayStore. Whereas on the other side, Apple’s App store has only a collection of selected 1.85 million iOS applications. Besides, going with numbers isn’t the prime concern here, as all the apps go through several quality checks before they are listed on their respective app stores.

Here in this blog post, we will discuss a few factors that will help you choose the best cross platform app development framework in 2022.

Introduction to Best Cross Platform App Development Frameworks 2022

So if you are someone who needs a heads up to get started with cross platform app development framework, then, fortunately, you have landed in the right place. But, if you are still not aware of the best cross platform mobile app development framework to work with, you should definitely read this blogpost.

This blog post is precisely for:

A product owner who wants to get started with mobile app development and learn the things involved with it

A professional developer using a single mobile app development framework and wants to make a switch to a cross platform framework

A team member of an app development project who needs to understand the basics of a cross-platform app development framework and has to convey the same to the development team

How to Choose the Right Cross Platform Mobile Development Framework for 2022?

Talking about a few of the app-development frameworks already in use, we see the likes of Ionic, Xamarin, Native apps, React Native, and Flutter. However, the upcoming ones are very popular and mostly used for app development in recent times. But before that, one needs to understand the difference between Hybrid and Native apps and which one to choose to develop their specific applications.

Native Vs Hybrid Mobile Apps 

The short and simple answer to this would be to go with Native apps over Hybrid added if it is possible in the first place

The Pros

Developing applications on native framework always provides greater independence and a better level of control. For instance, Facebook, who also happens to be the creator of React and React Native frameworks had to re-write the entire codes for their Messenger application once again only to achieve more power with a React native application.

Also, with React Native app developments, developers have the freedom to easily add new features that are complex nonetheless but improves the performance of the particular application. The developer’s community for React native is also on the mature side, with constant improvements shaping up every day.

The Cons

The biggest disadvantage with Native applications is that the skills and resources it requires to develop such kind of apps are always on the higher side. Hence, hiring a React app developer can come as a handy solution for the concerned issue.

However, a developer working with these kinds of applications must be fluent with several app development languages. Also, iOS app developers need to have a Mac in line to develop applications for that platform. Therefore, developers settle with building Android applications early in their careers.

Understanding the Difference

Before you even understand the difference between a Hybrid and Native application, you need to understand the requirements of your project first.

If you are looking to develop an application that requires complex processing of data and is going to utilize the smartphone to its full potential, then going with a Native app would be your best-sought deal.

If you have enough resources to invest in two different developers working for the two different platforms respectively, then also going with Native apps would be the best thing to do.

If you can’t afford to develop an application for both platforms at the same time, then again, developing a Native app would be a great thing to do.

If you want your application to be more data-driven, then going for a Hybrid app would be good.

So to sum up this query in short, if you have enough funds to invest in app development, there is nothing to choose from but Native. Native apps always have something more to offer, and that makes the investment worth every penny.

Flutter vs React Native: Which is Best for Your App in 2022

Here in this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of the two best Cross Platform App development frameworks that currently exist: Flutter and React Native.

Flutter

Flutter is an incredible cross platform app development framework that is from the house of the tech giants Google and is open-source at the same time.

Pros

There is probably no other hybrid application development framework that can beat the performance of applications developed on Flutter. A high-performance application with Flutter is a guarantee.

The hot-reload feature of Flutter allows a developer to instantly deploy changes made into an application’s code by running it almost instantaneously. Thus, this significantly increases developer productivity.

Backward compatibility is another area where Flutter flourishes like a boss.

Cons

There are fewer third-party packages available to support Flutter apps on multiple platforms.

The freedom and flexibility to write codes on Flutter are less in comparison to that of React Native

React Native

React Native comes from the house of Facebook, and it is renowned for being the best cross-platform mobile application development framework in today’s times.

Pros

It is a popular tech amongst all the app developers. So the strength of React Native’s community is extensively vast, to say the least.

There are a good number of third party libraries, and packages support in React Native for developers to have a leading edge.

There is no learning required for an experienced developer working with React Native.

Cons

The dependency on third-party libraries is on the higher side.

As React Native runs on JavaScript, it has poor performance in comparison to Flutter’s C and C++ architecture.

Popular Cross Platform App Development Frameworks 

Xamarin

Xamarin is completely different from the above detailed discussed cross-platform app development frameworks. Xamarin is a streamlined framework widely adopted and used to develop apps for Android, Windows, and iOS leveraging C# and .Net, instead of HTML and JS libraries.

Node.js

Node.Js is a JavaScript runtime framework widely adopted by enterprise-grade product owners to develop cross platform applications. Node js cross platform apps are so much popular for developing highly responsive, efficient, and scalable networking applications. 

Ionic

The product owners who need assistance with native-styled layouts prefer to use Ionic for their cross platform app development framework. Ionic offers extensive features and pre-defined elements and it has 120 native device features to create an app through Live Reload. If you are planning to build cross platform application that has advanced functionalities and customizable tools, then without a doubt, go for the Ionic framework.

Conclusion

After coming across the entire blog post, you would have realized that there lies no competition to apps developed on React Native. Developers will get complete control and have great flexibility at their disposal while developing apps on React Native. Whereas, Flutter is the contender in the competition, and is growing rapidly. Recently Flutter 3 has also been introduced. Hence, choosing the best framework according to your project’s requirements would be right.

If you are still unsure which ideal cross-platform app framework and looking for assistance with hybrid application development services, then get in touch with us. Based on your project requirements, our expert will choose an ideal cross-platform app framework. Get in touch with us today at info@technosip.com.

[dropish]

sims summit tl;dr

here’s what they announced for ts4:

new infant life stage in between babies and toddlers, coming early 2023

two new expansion packs in 2023 coming with two new worlds, both of which look like cities

monthly updates continuing through 2023

new platform for official mod/cc integration through overwolf/curseforge, though mods will still be available through other platforms

teases and concept art of new build/buy and gameplay content like dentures, bikes for kids, baby slings, etc.

project rene, the “next generation” of the sims, is in very early development stages, will be both single and multiplayer, and will have cross-platform capabilities

[valentinedaughtler]

Haven’t I Given Enough?

Kaz Brekker x GN!Inventor!Reader

TW: use of Y/N, mild, mild angst, slight ooc Kaz(?) (I think that’s it, let me know if I missed anything please.)

Synopsis: You’ve known Kaz for years, inventing gadgets to assist in heists and being his right hand ‘man’. One night you ask him if you can join a heist, but it doesn’t go as planned….

REQUESTS: OPEN✅

____________________________________________

My eyes flitted between the arriving guests in the bar. The Crow Club was packed tonight, and pigeons strolled in with restless naivety. I sat in the corner of the bustling room, sighing with exhaustion. I had just spent seventeen hours imitating mechanical watches in order to create a ‘fake’ for Kaz do swap with a real one. ‘Just something I need for a heist,’ was all he had said.

It would be worth it to know Kaz was proud of me in the end. Though, it was a long shot to think he would even do much as acknowledge anything I did.

I pondered whether I should slip through the crowd to find Jesper, but I couldn’t spot him. Instead, I pushed my way out of the suffocating bar out into the damp streets of Ketterdam. The cool air calmed my mind as I crossed toward the Slat. The cold made my cheeks rosy.

With the flick of a wrist, I flipped a switch blended into the old building’s exterior wall. It was hidden to an unsuspecting pedestrian yet, but it set off a system of pullies I had integrated into the inner walls a long time ago. A soft shlink was followed by the outward jutting of brick.

The side of the building became a rock-wall of sorts, since I could not climb up every surface like Inej. I began to grip the bricks, digging my nails into the gritty platforms.

Kaz was not always a fan of my inventions. A few had blown up in his face- literally- but it seemed he kept me around due to my many successes. I could fix any machine made by man. I didn’t have to know what it was, I could just take it apart in my mind, then do so in reality.

This was one of my inventions, a brick wall that was easy to climb, but could be hidden. Inej loved it- Kaz felt it was a waste of time.

He said there were stairs for a reason.

I shimmied the window of Kaz’s office open, the latch flipping and the glass sliding. I hopped off of the ledge and into the office, making sure to reset my brick contraption. I turned around and cleared my throat, but Kaz did not glance up at me. I rolled my eyes as he squinted at the blueprints that lay on his makeshift desk.

“Good evening, Brekker,” I greeted with a jokingly enticing tone. His eye twitched and he proceeded to turn his attention to me.

“Hello, Y/N,” his gravely voiced rasped in response. I smiled slightly, regretting so, and dig into my left pants pocket. I pulled out a shiny, gold watch with engraved initials. Whose they were was unknown to me, but if I asked, Kaz would most likely just shut me down. I had to respect his odd secrecy after all he had done for me. Out of all the years I’d known him, it has always been as if he kept me at an arm’s length. He was careful to never be vulnerable, as if that was the same as his skin touching mine.

I gestured for him to catch the watch when I tossed it, but he glared. I let out an exasperated sigh.

“You’re such a buzzkill,” I teased while handing the fake to him.

“You’re… difficult,” he retorted, but there was no malice behind his words- surprisingly. I huffed and plopped onto the blanket sprawled out on the windowsill. My eyes followed Kaz’s movements as he tentaviety inspected the watch. After a few minutes he placed it onto his desk and resumed his work. I waited patiently for any sign of recognition, but it never came.

“You’re welcome,” I mumbled while stretching out my legs. I opened up my leather sketchbook to doodle a new invention design. That or I’d just draw Kaz. But I was too annoyed with him to do so.

The dark haired boy sighed as he looked over at me. “You did good. It looks identical.”

I didn’t say anything in response, but I smiled slightly, my face heating up. It was embarrassing how easily I was flattered by Kaz, who could barely do the bare minimum.

“What ere you using it for— the watch, I mean,” I asked with growing curiosity. Kaz halted his work for a moment, most likely deciding if he felt like sharing or not.

“A local banker,-“

“The more-of-a-wanker-than-a-banker one?” I cut off his response, immediately feeling embarrassed. Kaz looked at me with mild confusion. “Inside joke with Jesper,” I elaborated.

He hummed in response, then continued, “He’s more of a swanker. For the past few months he has been flaunting his wealth a little too much. Especially his watch. It’s his most prized possession. I plan to take it from his vault; a simple swap.”

“What would you do without me?” I asked with a sly smirk. Kaz huffed, perhaps laughed.

“I’d have less of your inventions explode on me.”

“It was one time, Kaz,” I said with exasperation. My eye glittered as I met his gaze. I open my mouth to speak, but immediately close it again, pressing my lips together firmly.

“Kaz?”

“Y/N,”

“I want to go on a mission with you and the crows,” I blurted out. Kaz froze, only for a fraction of a moment, but Kaz Brekker froze. He nodded towards my left arm, where a tattoo of a crow craning over a guatlet was etched into my skin.

“You are a crow,” he finally rasped, dodging my question until I glared daggers into his skin. “And I have everyone we need for the mission-“

“Wylan is sick. You need someone who can easily disable complex machinery- the alarms, the traps-“

“I said no,” Kaz’s voice raised, sounding threatening.

“Why not?”

“Y/N,” his voice sounded as if he meant, don’t push it. But I did. I always did, and Kaz always kept me by his side anyways.

“I don’t understand- ever since I got hurt on that one heist you haven’t let me participate-“

“Exactly! You got hurt,” he said. His jaw clenched and his eyes avoided mine. I watched his Adam’s apple bob as he gulped.

“Dregs get hurt all the time- saints, some of the crows do too-“

“This is different,”

“How?”

“You’re an investment,” he stated blankly, “and I protect my investments.” I felt heat flush my face, my fists balling up and my shoulders tensing.

“That’s rich, Kaz, real rich,” I spat. Embarrassment pooled in my stomach and my eyes. “But that’s all you want, right? Kruge? Money? Power?” He didn’t say anything as I slitted my eyes and scrunched my nose. “Saints forbid the people who help you get to that point.”

Before Kaz could respond, if he even chose to, I got up and walked across his office, my shoes clacking against the hard, wooden floors. The old floorboards moaned and groaned at the pressure I subjected them to.

“Y/N-,” Kaz tried to get up, but his bad leg involuntarily spasmed at his abrupt movement.

The door slammed behind me. I knew it wasn’t a big deal, it felt like the last thing to topple a delicate card tower. Each card was a jab or a deny Kaz made regarding our… relationship, if you could call it that. He and I had been friends long before the other crows came along, yet I felt I’d come to know him the least. I sighed.

I turned back around on my heel, opening the splintered office door. On the other side was Kaz, reaching for the handling on the opposing side.

“You’re not an investment,”

I kept any snarky comments bottled up inside, along with my tears. I could tell what he was convey was eating away at him, so I let him speak.

“If I lost you, I’d have to burn Ketterdam down, and then I’d have no kingdom to rule,” his words soared through the air between us and to my heart.

“I just keep feeling like I’ve given enough, Kaz. I know I deserve to go on heists. If you see my as an equal, you have to treat me like one.” I met his deep, coffee-brown eyes.

He nodded. One of his gloved hands hesitantly, begrudgingly, came up to touch my face. He cupped my cheek and I leaned into the cold, leather touch. I knew this was the best answer he could give me at the moment. It was a more meaningful gesture than anything he could’ve said. He’d let me help on the heist, and for once in a very long time, it felt like he had let his high walls crumble a bit.

I knew I’d given enough.

____________________________________________

Word Count: 1460

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Part 2????

-Valentine

[cursedvida]

Hi I love your blog and have been equally as obsessed with Noa/Mae since watching it! I’m a sucker for a good enemies to lovers romance (Reylo was my Roman Empire) and I know I’m not reading too far into nomae. There’s just too many integral scenes with then where their chemistry is undeniable.

The scene that really made me realize that this is more romantic than platonic was the cliff scene where he slipped and almost dropped her. When he pulled her back up and she clung to him, he knew she was scared and he wanted to console her. His little “shit” was to make her feel better, to calm her I just know it! 🥹 Like cmon, that scene?? That was so cute.

Also not sure if anyone has pointed this out yet or if I’m late to the party lol but did anyone else notice how their last scene together Mae had that bright blue poncho but Noa had bright blue bird feathers in his arm band. They’re wearing the same color! Could this be the red string of fate?? 🤔

I need the movie to be on platforms already so people can start making gifsets of that scene because it's also one of my favorites and it's pure fangirl material. I seriously can't wait any longer; I need multimedia content hahahah.

Anyways, I don't know if anyone has mentioned it because it hadn't crossed my mind. The fact that they have matching colors isn't a coincidence because color schemes are carefully considered in productions, even though we might assign our own meanings or see what we want to see. But it could be a sign that, despite everything, their fates are intertwined and that despite the temporary separation, they are destined to meet again.

[daboyau]

Chapter ten of the Rise Hunger Games AU! Remember when I said this would be about six chapters total? Boy, was I wrong! We’re at double digits now, and not even into the meat of the Games yet. Hope you enjoy the calm while it lasts!

prev/

Here, have the tag list. Fingers crossed it actually works this time!

@boots-with-the-fur-club @qwerty-keyboard-is-superior @theonlybrightowl @dandywonderous @dandylovesturtles @elijah-doodle @fredquinn @sady-is-secretly-an-alchemist @heckitall @beannary @brightandfullofglory @purplepixel @pomelined @imagionationstation @daughterofskylark @eb177 @lilysplash @midwesternvibes @burritello3000 @justchillininthebackground-06 @snowleopardtherebel @kiaxet

Knives have never been Donnie’s preferred weapon. He can appreciate the versatility of them, and how easy they are to carry or conceal, but he has never particularly enjoyed how close one has to be to use them effectively. It’s messy. Plus, contrary to popular belief, they aren’t really all that efficient at killing a human being unless the wielder knows exactly the right place to stab or slash, and has very good aim.

If he had the choice to pick any weapon, he’d go for a gun. He’s often eyed the Peacekeeper’s weapons, wishing he could get his hands on them, if only to take them apart. He wants to learn all their weaknesses, and figure out how to make his own better version. There’s a reason that precious few of the Districts have ever tried to fight back against them, despite having significantly more numbers. 

Unfortunately, guns have never been an option during the Hunger Games in the past, and he suspects that won’t be changing this year. Luckily for him, papa has ensured that he does indeed have all the necessary knowledge to use a knife, as well as a number of other weapons.

He adjusts his grip around the hilt and strikes out at the training simulation, a quick slash to its holographic throat causing it to crumble to pixelated dust. Another quick hard jab, and the next has joined its pixelated brethren in the great technological beyond. He whirls at a soft click behind him — the telltale indicator that there was another digital opponent spawning, he had surmised early on — and a backhanded stab to the throat has the indistinct figure dissipating before it has the chance to fully form. 

The room slowly begins to brighten as the simulation ends, and Donnie steps off the platform. His breathing is a little harsher than he usually allows during training, and the uncomfortable stickiness of sweat has the back of his shirt clinging uncomfortably to his skin. He shudders at the feeling. His back still feels strange after Draxum had poked at it the night before. The phantom sensation of pins and needles linger despite the exo-spine having no real nerve endings to speak of. Worse, if he moves too fast or bends too far, he can feel his legs tingle and he begins to lose sensation in his toes.

“The worst of those side effects should only last about 12 hours,” Draxum had told him dismissively, when Donnie had informed him of what he was feeling. Apparently, with his growth the last 14 years, the device had to be recalibrated to ensure it would continue functioning as intended. It had made him feel vulnerable and sick, forced to sit on the edge of the bed as Draxum fiddled with the most vulnerable part of him and his legs had suddenly stopped being able to hold his weight. The lingering sensation of fingers against his skin and the electric pain of tools inside his exo-spine had kept him up throughout most of the night, long after Draxum had left and Donnie had kicked his papa out to retire to his own room, not wanting to upset him with having to watch as Donnie rode out the after affects of having something integrated with his nervous system messed with. Yoshi had reluctantly given in, leaving Donnie gritting his teeth and hissing with each new spark of pain or each terrifying loss of sensation and control over his own body alone. It was the first time he actually felt glad that he wasn’t sharing a bedroom with his twin; the last thing he wanted was Leo (or anyone else) worrying about him.

He doesn’t trust that the man hadn’t done something; sabotaged him in some way, or installed some feature that would come back to bite him later. The fact that he couldn’t effectively examine his own back for signs of tampering just made it all the worse. If he could only take a look at it, then he might at least be able to soothe the anxious pounding of his heart that threatened to overwhelm him whenever he spent too long thinking about how dangerous it was to allow anyone he doesn’t trust implicitly to have access to his back. If it needed any cleaning or maintenance at home, he’d usually instruct Leo or April on how to do it, while Mikey or Raph held up mirrors at various angles so he could keep a close eye on the proceedings. Not an option now, but maybe he can have papa hold a mirror, at least.

After returning the knife to one of the weapons racks, he sighs and slinks over to grab a sealed bottle of water off the little table of refreshments that had been set up in a corner of the massive gymnasium. The other tributes are scattered throughout the space, a handful of them looking determined while most of the others just look lost. Donnie was one of the few to find a weapon and get to work immediately, and he knows that that decision means that there will be eyes on him now. That fact could work against him, painting a target on his back, or it could help him to form potential alliances if he chooses to go that route. It’s hard to say, since past games can’t offer conclusive data considering the participants — and therefore line up of personalities and group dynamics — change each year.

Not like he is any better, of course. He’d made sure to note which of his fellow tributes had moved with confidence and which had hung back or hesitated, just the same as all the rest of them. He knows better than to discount any of the more hesitant ones, though. A smart strategist might put on a front to keep attention off of themselves. That would have been what Leo would do in his place, he was sure. After all, Donnie is also holding back. 

“You were really good in there,” a voice says from right beside him, and Donnie chokes on his water. Apparently, being attentive while lost in thought is a skill he’ll need to work on.

The girl standing beside him is young, maybe 14 or 15. She stares up at him with wide green eyes when he turns to face her, like she’s expecting a response. Donnie clears his throat and casts a quick glance around them and then towards the other tributes, hoping to find that she was talking to someone else. No luck there. He looks her over, taking in the blonde hair and round freckled cheeks, trying to remember which District she belongs to, before it clicks.

“Ah, you’re from Eleven, right? The…sexy corn girl?” 

She stares up at him, mouth popped into a little ‘o’ of surprise, and he’s pretty sure that means he said the wrong thing. He looks away, focusing on the other tributes once more. He has just enough time to think at least if I’ve offended her she’ll leave me alone, before he hears a little snort beside him, and when he looks towards her once again he’s surprised to see her smiling. 

“It was really bad, right? The stylists for my District were awful this year.”

“They were,” he agrees easily, still confused as to why she’s talking to him. She nods and hums, and she hasn’t stopped staring at him. There are bags beneath her eyes; evidence of how the last few days and the impending Games have been weighing on her. He imagines he must look just as tired and beaten down.

“I heard about how you helped the District Three kids,” she says. “It was kind of you to do that.”

He almost doesn’t realize what she’s referring to, staring at her blankly before it finally clicks. He snorts derisively and waves the words off. He wishes she would stop smiling at him.

“It was easy to fix, the stylists were just idiots,” he mutters, taking another swallow of his water. He hears her giggle. 

“Yeah, it seems like there was a lot of that going around this year.”

He hums his agreement, and takes a half step further away from her. He’s nearly ready to get back to his half hearted training montage, but he’s not sure where to focus his energy next. He’s been eying the survivalist area of the training grounds, but one of the other boys has been hogging it for nearly an hour. He’s not really interested in sharing right now, or in socializing with other tributes. 

Speaking of which. 

“Bye,” he says dryly to the girl as he drops his empty water bottle back onto the table and turns to leave. 

“Wait! I wanted to ask you something.”

He probably shouldn’t bother, but he is curious. He turns back, eyes narrowed and arms crossed as he waits impatiently for her to finish her thought. She won’t look him in the eye, but after a beat, she finally gets herself together enough to blurt out, “Can you teach me how to use a knife?”

He stares at her for a long time, trying to figure out if she’s joking or not. It’s in poor taste, if she is. She stares back with those wide green eyes, hands clasped together as she rocks on the balls of her feet. He squints. 

“You’re serious.”

“Yeah! I’ve never had to use one to fight before.”

“Ask one of them,” he tells her dryly, gesturing vaguely to the Capitol-provided trainers. She makes a face he doesn’t know how to read, then shakes her head quickly. 

“I already tried that! They’re just interested in the Careers. The guy that was showing me kept getting distracted the whole time!”

“Right…but consider this; Why would I teach you to use something that you could then turn around and kill me with in four days?” 

“Because I won’t be able to learn enough to be at that skill level from just a lesson or two, but it might be enough to keep me from dying immediately?” she tries, grinning sheepishly. Donnie frowns and his eyes wander back towards the survivalist center. Still occupied. She clears her throat. “And also, what if I promise not to fight you in the arena?”

“What, like an alliance?” He can’t help the way his voice drips with disdain at the word as his gaze slowly move back to look at her. He’s watched enough games to know exactly how well alliances tend to go. There can only be one survivor, after all.

It’s difficult to meet her eyes, but the long strands of her hair sway when she shakes her head. Her voice comes out soft as she says, “No, nothing like that. More like a promise, I guess? I won’t kill you. You won’t kill me. We won’t have to help each other outside of that.” 

The words almost make him smile. Silly things like promises will never survive the Hunger Games, but it’s a nice thought. Probably something Raph or Mikey would take her up on. His heart does a painful little twist in his chest, and the tips of his fingers tingle. He swallows, hard, and then sighs. 

Well, not like he has anything better to do, right? The only thing he’s interested in working on at the moment is still being hogged. And papa did always say teaching others was the most effective way of honing your own skills.

“Go find a knife that feels comfortable in your hands, then come find me,” he says by way of answering, and the girl makes a small, excited noise and hurries off to do as he’s asked. Donnie watches her go with a scowl on his face, already knowing that he’s going to regret this. Raph is going to be so disappointed in him if he dies because he spent his training days helping other tributes instead of focusing on himself. But it’s not like there’s much here that he can learn from anyways…he hopes. 

He sighs and scrubs his hands over his face, then pulls them back quickly when the smell of sweat and whatever oil is used to maintain the knife he’d been practicing with hits him. Looking around to see if he can find somewhere to wash his hands, his mind drifts back towards Draxum once again and his eyes wander towards the cameras tucked away in the corners. The elevated balcony where the Capitol politicians and Gamemakers will sit is unoccupied for now, but he wonders whether Draxum or any of the others are watching them. 

I made it, Draxum had said, his fingers never stilling in their methodical examination. He had seemed to catch the way Donnie had gone stiff with surprise at those words, and he had felt more than heard the soft huff of amusement against the bare skin of his back. Goosebumps had prickled uncomfortably over his flesh.

“I was not expecting that,” he muttered, eyes staring stubbornly towards the blank expanse of wall. Draxum twisted something that made a jolt of pain light up his nerve endings, and it was only force of will that kept him from crying out.

“No, I suppose not. It would be too much to expect Lou to have ever told you the truth.”

“Lou?”

“Your father.”

“My father’s name isn’t—“

“Yes, yes, he prefers to be called Yoshi now. I’ve heard.”

Donnie had frowned at that, irritation at the dismissal of his papa fanning the smoldering embers of barely repressed rage in his chest. At his side, his fingers kept twitching and jerking without his input. A cold sweat had broken out on his brow, and it was only the trepidation at how vulnerable he was at that moment that kept his mouth shut and his hands at his sides. He wished that his papa could be in the room with him. Some support would have been nice. 

“Is this one okay?” A voice asks, and Donnie is proud of the fact that he doesn’t startle at the sudden interruption. He accepts the knife the District 11 girl is holding out to him without looking at her. It’s well balanced, and the blade is dulled so that tributes won’t accidentally (or intentionally) injure themselves during training. Its hilt feels small in his hand, but it should fit her fine.

Are tributes this small every year, or is it just a bad haul this time around? He tries to remember, but they always seemed so distant on the holoscreen. It’s usually easier not to think about the little ones. They never last long enough to leave an impression once they enter the Arena.

“This’ll work,” he says, flipping the knife and handing the dull blade back hilt-first. She accepts it with a shaky little smile he doesn’t want to look at. “Follow me.”

He leads her to a small outcropping of fake, plastic trees. They’re intended to be used to practice climbing and camouflage, but they provide enough cover that hopefully he can do this one lesson without drawing attention from the other tributes. Though he doesn’t plan on saying anything to her about it, there’s a good chance that if the others believe the two of them are planning on working together, she’ll end up with a target on her back. 

He circles her with a critical eye, adjusting her stance and the way she grips the knife. Her nails are painted, pink and sparkly, reflecting the dim glow of the buzzing overhead lights. Her knuckles have gone white from how tightly she’s holding it, so Donnie taps the backs of her fingers until she takes a deep breath and loosens her grip. Then, he takes a few steps back and gets into a familiar beginning stance. 

“Come at me like you’re planning to attack me,” he tells her, and can’t help but smirk a little at the shock that flits across her face. “You won’t hurt me, but it will be a good chance to see where you’re at.” 

She chews her bottom lip as he speaks, then slowly nods. “If you’re sure….”

“Oh, worry not. I’m quite sure you won’t be able to get a single hit in.”

Unfortunately for her chances of survival, he’s correct.

.

Donnie waits until the clock in the corner of the holoscreen reads midnight before he gives up on trying to sleep. Hours of tossing and turning in the too-soft bed are just wasted effort and lost time, and he’s finally settled enough that the idea of food doesn’t make him want to vomit. Might as well get a snack while he still has the chance. He’s sure food will be scarce inside the Arena. 

He moves with silent steps, listening carefully, almost hoping that he’ll find Kendra waiting in the kitchen again. He hadn’t seen her during the training session earlier, and she had avoided his gaze during the tense dinner hour. 

Much to his displeasure, he had realized about halfway through the meal that he did, in fact, miss what little scraps of camaraderie they’ve found with one another over the last few days. As prickly and generally unpleasant as she is, at least Kendra’s simmering fury at their situation feels familiar. It’s preferable to Atomo’s overly eager cheer or his papa’s barely masked sorrow. At least they don’t have to pretend as much when it’s just the two of them. 

Donnie sighs, shoulders slumping, when he finds the kitchen dark and empty. The light from the refrigerator feels blinding when he swings it open, and the soft suction of the seal giving way seems unspeakably loud in the sound proofed silence of the large apartment. He knows he’s allowed the freedom to wonder the cage-slash-living-quarters, and that there are more than likely already eyes watching him through the glass lenses of the cameras positioned all around the apartment, but it still feels like he’s doing something wrong by being out of his bedroom so late at night. He’s gotten used to never being left alone. It’s not a pleasant realization.

He hurries to find something palatable, settling on fruit and some plain crackers he scavenges from the cabinets. He hesitates only a second before he shrugs and decides to bring the snacks to his bedroom. After all, what will it matter to him if the apartment gets ants or he stains the fancy sheets? It’s not like it will matter; just a few short days, and he’ll be either dead or the lone survivor of 24 children. They can put him - or his body - in a different room if this one is still dirty by then. He’s not going to be in any state to care either way.

The slick tile floor melts away to plush carpet as he pads through the living room and back towards the hall lined with their rooms. He pauses briefly outside the first door, hands tightening around the edges of the plate in his hands. The ceramic makes a sound that has him cringing as his nails scrape over its surface, and he wonders if his father might finally deign to look his way if he makes an offering of food. It’s not cake, but maybe…. 

Donnie takes a step closer and does his best to swallow down his jittering nerves. It’s not like he’s never had to find ways to get his father’s attention before, but it feels much worse to have to fight for his affection when they may have one another for only a few more days. Plus, he doesn’t even have April or his brothers here to compete with. Shouldn’t it be easier now? 

His hand pauses just inches from the intricate metal plated carving that decorates the door. He frowns, and leans a little closer, ear pressed to the cold metal. He heard his papa’s voice, but who…?

For one horrible, disgusting, disappointing (but not surprising) moment, Donnie thinks it must be Atomo in there with his father. He leans back slightly, ready to turn tail and bolt, when the female voice speaks again and—

It’s Kendra. Somehow, that is both infinitely worse and also far more suspicious. He braces himself and leans close again, but though he can hear the muffled voices, he can’t make out what they’re saying. It just sounds like droning, low and secretive, rising and falling like the tide as Kendra’s anger ebbs and flows and his father fights to get a word in. 

Donnie’s throat feels tight. Suddenly, he’s not that hungry anymore. He leaves the plate of food on the little hall table he hasn’t figured out the actual function of yet and retreats to his own room, trying not to let the sting of betrayal cut too deep.

[siyooungi]

i just had a thought. yunjin and yn having this kind of relationship where they just playfully fight and curse at each other all the time, like "why r u on the floor" "get out of my business" "gwt up and act like a normal human being" "shut the fuck up" (they're literally dating). BTW THANK U FOR ALL UR WORKS UR ONE OF MY FAV AUTHORS ON THIS PLATFORM 💘💘

A/N: AWWW, I’M HONORED!! TYSMM <3 mwah

Pairing: Yunjin x Fem!Reader

Idol: Huh Yunjin (Le Sserafim)

Warning(s): None?

You and Yunjin had a relationship like no other. You were the kind of couple who were constantly bickering, teasing and annoying one another, but it was all in good fun. Your banter was your way of showing affection, and it had become an integral part of your dynamic. Your relationship was filled with laughter and endless amounts of teasing.

Yunjin spent the day filming with the girls and was finally on her way back. She unlocked the door and walked into your shared apartment only to find you lying on the floor, engrossed in a book. "Why are you on the floor?" Yunjin asked as she closed the door behind her, looking at you in utter confusion as the couch was right next to you.

You moved the book out of your view and looked up at her. "Why are you in my business? Can't a person enjoy some quality time with the floor?" Yunjin rolled her eyes playfully and extended her hand. "Get up and act like a normal human being for once.” You stared at her hand before moving the book back in your view to block her.

“You can enjoy some quality time with me, cuddling." She persuaded, to which you finally placed your book on your chest and looked at her with feigned disgust. “As if I’d want to cuddle with you..” Yunjin stared at you with a knowing look, causing you to sigh and take her hand, standing up. You forgot you had the book on you and it fell down with a thud, bringing both of your attention to it on the floor.

“Well, are you going to pick it up or just stare at it?” Yunjin used her free hand to gesture to it, making you groan as you snatched it up and placed it against her chest. She dramatically huffed and stumbled back, as if you had used all of your strength into giving it to her. You rolled your eyes and walked away, only to stop a few feet away when you realized she wasn’t following.

“Well, am I going to my cuddles or no?” You asked, crossing your arms as you waited for her. She just looked at you until you lifted your eyebrows and tilted your head at her expectingly, causing her to make her way to you in an instant.

Yunjin's members were initially taken aback by your playful fights and constant cursing. They couldn't understand how two people could have such a unique relationship. But as time passed, they grew used to it and realized that was just how you and Yunjin expressed your love. Eunchae spent most of the time teasing you guys if she ever caught you being soft with one another, causing you to immediately push Yunjin away and create distance between you two. She would just look at you in disbelief, evoking giggles out of Eunchae and bringing a smile to your face at her reaction.

During practice sessions, they would exchange amused glances as they witnessed Yunjin and you in your element. Yunjin made it a full-time job to annoy the hell out of you, constantly provoking you any chance she got. Though, she would quickly regret it when you would chase her around the practice room, threatening to smack her with all of your might.

Nothing changed, even in your private moments. When you both were just cuddling on the couch, Yunjin did everything she could to get on your nerves. You shared whispered conversations filled with playful insults. "You're such a pain," You teased, poking Yunjin's side and causing her to shove your shoulder, grinning mischievously. "Shut up, you dork. You know you love me." You rolled your eyes, feigning annoyance.

"Unfortunately.."

There was another instance where you both were on a date, finally being able to go out now that Yunjin’s schedule wasn’t as hectic. You sat across from each other at a cozy corner table in a quaint restaurant, your fingers brushing against each other as you took in your girlfriend’s beauty. Though, you couldn't help but notice Yunjin's gaze wandering towards your plate, her eyes fixed on the mouthwatering dish in front of you.

Your smile grew as you caught Yunjin's longing stare. The sound of your voice brought her out of the trance she was in, making her eyes shoot up. "You can ask for some, y’know.." You stated as you slightly leaned forward, causing Yunjin's cheeks to flush out of embarrassment. "I can't help it," she admitted sheepishly, her eyes never leaving your plate. "Your food looks so delicious."

Unable to resist teasing your girlfriend, your eyes sparkled with mischief. You delicately picked up a bite-sized portion of your meal with your chopsticks, slowly raising it towards Yunjin's lips. The anticipation in Yunjin's eyes grew, her lips parting in anticipation.

But just as Yunjin was about to take a bite, you swiftly diverted your hand and brought the morsel of food to your own lips, savoring the taste with a soft, contented hum. Yunjin's eyes widened in surprise, momentarily stunned by the unexpected twist. A pout formed on her lips, but her eyes twinkled with amusement. "That's not fair." She protested, feigning disappointment.

Your laughter filled the air, a delightful sound that melted Yunjin's heart. You leaned across the table, your eyes sparkling with a playful glint. "Well, you'll just have to order your own and experience the delight for yourself." You suggested, taking another bite shortly after and tilting your head mockingly. Yunjin couldn't help but smile, finding you to be cute even when you were being annoying.

“You’re so lame.” You looked her up and down, false judgement all over your face. “Me? Lame?” She mirrored your expression, as if she was questioning your lack of self awareness. “That’s you!” You pointed accusingly with your chopsticks, eliciting a loud laugh and clap from the raven haired girl in front of you.

“Me when I lie.” Yunjin brushed off her shoulder with a smirk you wanted to wipe off her face. “You’re dating the coolest person ever.” She declared, flipping her hair and flaring her jacket.

“I am literally dating a loser.”

She chose to ignore you and used her chopsticks to steal some of your food, closing her eyes and doing a little dance in her seat as she enjoyed the flavors bursting in her mouth. You bit back the smile that was threatening to reveal itself, instead watching her with fake disgust. She opened her eyes and stuck her tongue out at you.

“Well, you love this loser.” You sighed, nodding your head in defeat. You simply couldn’t deny that.

“That I do..”

[ennobletechnologies]

Elevate Your Business with E-Commerce Solutions in Digital Marketing

In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to reach their target audience and drive growth. E-commerce has emerged as a powerful tool that not only expands the reach of businesses but also enhances customer experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the dynamic realm of e-commerce and how it can elevate your business in the digital marketing landscape.

Understanding E-Commerce

Defining E-Commerce

E-commerce, short for electronic commerce, refers to the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet. It has revolutionized the way businesses operate, enabling them to reach a global audience with the click of a button.

Types of E-Commerce Models

B2B E-Commerce: Business-to-business e-commerce involves transactions between businesses. This model is often characterized by bulk orders and long-term partnerships.

B2C E-Commerce: Business-to-consumer e-commerce focuses on selling products and services directly to individual consumers. It’s the most common e-commerce model.

C2C E-Commerce: Customer-to-customer e-commerce platforms enable individuals to buy and sell products among themselves. Online marketplaces facilitate these transactions.

The Evolution of E-Commerce

E-commerce has come a long way from its inception in the 1990s. From basic online catalogs to sophisticated, AI-driven shopping experiences, it continues to evolve, presenting new opportunities and challenges for businesses.

Why E-Commerce is Crucial in Digital Marketing

Expanding Your Reach

E-commerce erases geographical boundaries, allowing your business to reach customers worldwide. With the right digital marketing strategies, your products can find their way to consumers across the globe.

24/7 Availability

Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar stores with fixed operating hours, e-commerce platforms are open 24/7. This accessibility ensures that potential customers can shop at their convenience.

Cost-Effectiveness

Running an e-commerce store is often more cost-effective than maintaining a physical retail space. There are no rent, utilities, or other overheads to worry about.

Personalization and Customer Experience

E-commerce platforms can collect data on customer preferences and behavior. This data can be used to create personalized shopping experiences, making customers feel valued and understood.

Setting Up Your E-Commerce Store

Choosing the Right E-Commerce Platform

Selecting the appropriate e-commerce platform is crucial. Options like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce offer varying levels of customization and scalability.

Design and User Experience

A well-designed e-commerce site with a user-friendly interface is more likely to convert visitors into customers. The visual appeal and ease of navigation are vital.

Continue Reading: https://ennobletechnologies.com/e-commerce/e-commerce-solutions/

[izicodes]

Switching to Firefox

This post is to answer @leaveblackkbrosalone’s question on my post about me switching to Firefox!

I recently had an eye opener moment when researching about Google and how they collect data to alter the things they recommend you and other things. And it was astonishing how much data they collect on you and how they track you every movement whilst on Google/Chrome/Other Google services e.g. Google PlayStore.

I truly believe there are better alternatives out there than the default Google Chrome people tend to use. We now live in world of constant data breaches and online tracking, therefore protecting your online privacy and security has never been more important.

I’ve recently deleted Chrome from my phone and computer and switched to FireFox and I’ll explain why~!

What is Firefox?

Firefox is the famous fox web browser! It is a free and open-source that is developed by the Mozilla Foundation. It's designed to be fast, secure, and customizable, and is available for multiple operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Firefox includes a suite of built-in features, such as enhanced tracking protection, custom themes (so important obviously) and add-ons, and a flexible interface that can be tailored to the user's needs.

Why Firefox and not Google Chrome?

There are a bunch of reasons why I chose to delete Google Chrome and why I prefer FireFox now, let me list some:

Privacy

Firefox has a strong focus on privacy and security, with features like built-in tracking protection and a strict anti-tracking policy.

In contrast, Chrome is owned by Google, a company that relies heavily on data collection and advertising for its business model.

Customisation

Firefox has a much more flexible and customizable interface than Chrome, with a wide range of add-ons (equivalent to Chrome’s ‘extensions’ I believe) and themes available to personalize your browsing experience.

Open-source

Firefox is an open-source project, meaning that anyone can contribute to its development and review the code for security issues.

Chrome, on the other hand, is based on the Chromium project, which is also open-source but is controlled by Google.

Cross-platform compatibility

Firefox works on a wide range of devices and operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices.

Chrome is also available on multiple platforms, but it's more heavily integrated with Google's services and ecosystem.

Performance

Firefox has made significant improvements in recent years and is now a competitive browser in terms of speed and efficiency.

Still, Chrome is known for its fast performance

Community-driven

Firefox is developed by the non-profit Mozilla Foundation, which has a strong focus on user empowerment and community involvement. This means that Firefox users have a voice in the development process and can contribute to the browser's future direction.

With all of that being said, there is one particular area that caught my eye that I mentioned briefly: the Privacy and Security.

Firefox’s Privacy and Security Advantages

Firefox definitely has advantages in these areas than Google Chrome surprisingly!

Enhanced Tracking Protection

Firefox includes built-in tracking protection that blocks many common types of trackers by default, including

third-party cookies, cryptominers, and fingerprinters

This helps to protect your online privacy and reduce the amount of data that's collected about you. Below are the options for the 'Enhance Tracking Protection' in the settings:

No Google Tracking

Oh boy, I like this one. So unlike Chrome, which is owned by Google and ties into its advertising and data collection ecosystem, Firefox is developed by the non-profit Mozilla Foundation and has no affiliation with Google or any other major tech company. This means that Firefox is less likely to collect and share your data with third parties.

No Sign-In Required

While Chrome requires you to sign in with a Google account to access certain features, Firefox does not require any sign-in at all. This means that you can still use Firefox without creating a user profile or linking your browsing activity to any personal information -

Don’t get me wrong, if you want to use the Google search engine WITHIN FireFox, it might still prompt you to sign in but you still don’t have to! Also, the choice is there to create an account just to sync bookmarks and tab from one device to another e.g. phone to laptop.

Private Browsing Mode

(Another very important part!) Firefox offers a Private Browsing mode that doesn't save your browsing history, cookies, or temporary files. This can be useful for browsing sensitive content or preventing others from seeing what you've been looking at.

Firefox's Private Browsing mode offers a more robust set of features for privacy and security than Google’s Incognito mode. Within the ‘Settings’, you can customise your privacy settings more extensively than Google Chrome. You can choose to block all third-party cookies, prevent websites from accessing your location data, and clear your browsing history and data automatically when you close the browser.

Google's Incognito mode does not block all cookies or prevent all forms of tracking.

Open-Source Security

Like I mentioned before, Firefox is an open-source project, meaning that anyone can review the code and contribute to its development. This helps to ensure that security vulnerabilities are identified and addressed quickly, and that the browser remains as secure as possible. You too can find something and report it to the repository via creating an issue!

To Conclude

Of course, these are just some general reasons why you might prefer Firefox over Chrome, and the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and priorities. I know with developers, they would prefer Chrome for the dev tools and I think it’s almost a standard to use Chrome (though at my workplace we use Microsoft Edge), anyhoo Google is just a default for web browsing and search engine. I also know it’s hard if you have a whole Google ecosystem set up like Google docs to Sheet to Slides, emails, calendar etc, you can still use them but on a safer browser.

I would also recommend using ‘DuckDuckGo’ for a search engine as they too are really good with security and privacy but as a search engine (plus on their phone app they have a cool animation when you want to delete you browsing data from the tabs hehe)!

Links to interesting pages for more information on this topic:

YouTube videos: video 1 | video 2 | video 3 | video 4

Articles: article 1 | article 2 | article 3

I’d say give it a go, if you don’t like it I still recommend anything but Google Chrome! Well, that’s all and thank you for reading! 🥰👍🏾💗