#Flocking Bay
Explore tagged Tumblr posts
Text
I Would Like to Thank
@inhumaninterestâ for READING and LIKING
LOST TIME, Part 3 of 3
a tale of Flocking Bay
Return to the Master Story Index
Return to Flocking Bay
3 notes
¡
View notes
Text

#photographers of tumblr#photographers on tumblr#photography#lensblr#original photographers#bay area#norcal#california#december#winter#christmas#flocked tree
36 notes
¡
View notes
Text

A warm autumn means our flocks are heading south much later..
#Canada Geese#Lion's Head#Georgian Bay#Lake Huron#dusk#migration#V-formation#Great Lakes#late autumn#Ontario#flock of geese#lighthouse#nature photo#Bruce Peninsula
35 notes
¡
View notes
Text
rodrick is so guardian dog coded. he's the graveyard grim. he'll keep watch over you your entire life and then clean your body when you're dead. he'll light a candle for your soul every single night of life for the rest of his life and think of you daily. he'll also die for his flock. he'll sacrifice a lamb to stave off the wolves. he's here to keep the natural order and the natural order isn't always beautiful, but he's there and he'll always be there.
#ooc. á´ĘÉŞs ÉŞs Ęá´á´Ę á´á´á´Ęá´Ę sá´á´á´á´ÉŞÉ´É˘#brought to u by: learning that shepherds used to sacrifice one of their flock to keep the wolves at bay. shepherds used to eat lamb.#anyway. its friday. ill be around for replies after 4 :3#study. đđđđđđđđđ đ
đđđđđ
13 notes
¡
View notes
Text
iâm gonna go stand out in the middle of the woods and scream at the top of my lungs. yeah itâs cathartic, you know. gets out all that pent up rage. feels really good. wanna come with?
#things I wish I could so fr#screaming into a pillow isnât enough I need to do the cliche thing of scaring a flock of birds into the sky#I need to throw my whole body into it#free! brainrot: I gotta do it haru-at-the-end-of-dttf style before running into the bay#i say things
4 notes
¡
View notes
Text
JADEVEONNNNNNN GET HERE!!!
#i didn't even notice that they signed him lmao fuk#n e ways welcome to the flock i hope you like purple#i like that we're upgrading at edge but bro. we need a cb#they got marlon's ass outta there with a fucken foot injury like brother what is that#send that 1st and steve saunders' trapped soul to green bay and get jaire or so HELP ME god#can't let our secondary fuck us over again#nfl#baltimore ravens#jadeveon clowney#i already know what to call him when he does something dumb#master clown. master of the clowns#the clowniest of them all
2 notes
¡
View notes
Text
had another whalewatch today & i did see more whales! but the Birds. holy shit
there were around 3000 manx shearwaters. now i've seen similar numbers while seawatching but they're migrating birds, so they're all passing by and spread out
BUT today! all 3000 shearwaters were all concentrated in a huge feeding frenzy. the ocean looked like it was boiling with their diving! plus gannets, 4 arctic skuas & a couple hundred kittiwakes!! & the two whales of course. this frenzy lasted for about 30 mins
#contact call#before they all got together to feed they were all flying in a huge line from each side of the bay#just a big shearwater conveyer belt! or a conga line as i like to call these long flocks lol#anyways i'm going on a trip this week to cork! hopefully more seabirds & other cool birbs
1 note
¡
View note
Text

#weweantica#Hux is our senior (comparatively) rooster at the farm#but it seems like this spring young Secundus has finally realized heâs twice this dudeâs size#Iâm very lucky that all my birds are very gentle#but to be honest I did wish back when I was free ranging my birds that Hux was just a LITTLE more rooster-y#he does not have a territorial bone in his body and totally uninterested in scaring off predators#pecking order seems to matter less in the winter when everyone is just focused on cuddling up but emotions run high again in the spring#so if I notice anyone getting picked on I try to let them get some time away from the flock this time of year#I donât free range my birds because we are in the middle of the woods and Iâve lost entire flocks twice to predators unfortunately#they have a large enclosed run that they always have access to#but otherwise they donât leave that unless my dog or I are near enough to keep the beasts at bay
0 notes
Text
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK
@wind-the-mama-cat for READING,
LIKING and REBLOGGING
LOST TIME, Part 3 of 3
Tales of Flocking Bay
Return to the Master Story Index
Return to Flocking Bay
4 notes
¡
View notes
Text
Another Valentines day at Wahoo World.. Yippee...
I should take bets with a coworker or two on how many couples we throw out this year for too much pda
#unreality#splatoon rp#serously it happens every year#couples all flock to anarchy bay every year bc ot stays open for most of the year while Inkopolis bay hasnt opened for the season yet
1 note
¡
View note
Text
youtube
Baltimore Ravens vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 2024 NFL Season Week 7 | Predictions Madden NFL 25
SUBSCRIBE & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS
#Baltimore Ravens#vs.#Tampa Bay Buccaneers#NFL#2024#Season#Week 7#Madden 25#Baltimore#Ravens#Ravens Flock#BAL#Tampa Bay#Buccaneers#Bucs#TB#We Are The Krewe#Go Bucs#BAL vs. TB#Ravens vs. Buccaneers#Football#American Football#sport#sports#fun#entertainment#youtube#video#ps4#ps5
0 notes
Text
So some stuff has happend. The shelf has been moved and the Starscreams have claimed it once more

Two new screamers have also joined the shrine, roster call.
Sparkly ghost screams and Cyberverse.


The others are chilling, but trine starscream as usual is pointing fingers and shouting, ghost sure is being dramatic with his sparkly self


#screaming flock (all SS)#bay movie star#tattoo b star#cyber Star#trine star#g1 star#ghost star#armada star
0 notes
Text
What Your 12th House Whispers to You at Night
When the night feels heavy, return here. Your 12th house always has something to say, softly, between dreams.
Aries 12th House You have been the wild horse racing daylight, hooves striking sparks from the earth. But even the boldest steeds rest beneath the moon. Tonight, let the grass grow soft beneath you. There is no finish line here, only fields that stretch beyond fear, where you can breathe without running.
Taurus 12th House Like a garden in early spring, you cling to the soil, afraid of late frost. But trust the quiet bloom, the patient unfurling. Not every season comes to steal, some arrive only to kiss your roots and remind you: growth happens even when you close your eyes.
Gemini 12th House Your mind is a flock of birds that never quite lands at dusk. Let them settle on twilight branches tonight. Let the sky hold them for you, so you can rest beneath their wings and dream not of answers, but of peace.
Cancer 12th House You are a seashell listening to distant tides, carrying the ocean in your chest. Tonight, let the waves cradle you. They do not come to crash, but to remind you that home has always been the rhythm beneath your ribs.
Leo 12th House You are the hearth that burns bright for others, but tonight, let your fire be a lantern hung inside your own chest. Let it flicker softly for no one but yourself. Even the sun sets to rest, trusting that it will rise once more.
Virgo 12th House You are the weaver of invisible threads, mending what no one else sees. But tonight, lay down your needle and let the tapestry remain unfinished. The night sky never stitches its stars into patterns, yet we still call it beautiful.
Libra 12th House You have been the river bending for every stone, shaping yourself to soften the edges of others. But tonight, flow straight and true. Let the water carry your own reflection, undistorted and free, as it was always meant to be.
Scorpio 12th House You are the cave that holds forgotten treasures, hidden beneath echoes of storms. Tonight, light a lantern in your depths. Let its glow reveal not monsters, but marvels, the jewels you thought were shadows all along.
Sagittarius 12th House You are the arrow that dreams of flight, always aimed at distant skies. But tonight, rest in the bowâs quiet curve. The horizon will wait for you, and dreams that matter will not vanish in the pause.
Capricorn 12th House You have been the mountain, stone-faced against the weather, bearing silent witness to the weight of years. But tonight, let the clouds wrap around you like a shawl. Even mountains deserve to be kissed by mist, softened by time, cradled by the sky.
Aquarius 12th House You are the constellation dreaming of new shapes, threading stars into patterns unseen. Tonight, unfasten your maps. Let the cosmos rearrange itself without your guiding hand. Even in chaos, beauty is born.
Pisces 12th House You are the tide that forgets its own shore, drifting into the dreams of others. Tonight, let the moon pull you homeward. Let your waters gather in quiet bays, and remember: you are not just the ocean seeking land, you are the depth it surrenders to.
#astrology#astro community#astro observations#astro notes#birth chart#natal chart#natal astrology#natal aspects#zodiac#zodiac signs#12th house#poetry#poets on tumblr#poem
535 notes
¡
View notes
Text
tetris
PAIRING ⏠gamer!park jisung x fem!reader (feat. zhong chenle)
TAGS ⏠fluff, action, romance, some angst, hidden feelings, 80s au, video game competitions, unrequited love or so he thought, best friend's girlfriend trope, winwin shows up randomly i love you my winsung anon
SUMMARY ⏠living up to the pressures of becoming a famous tetris player might be hard for a guy like park jisung. but it's much more difficult when the girl heâs got a crush on may actually be his best friend's girlfriend.
WORD COUNT ⏠10.1k words
AUTHORâS NOTE ⏠happy birthday queen @viasdreams !!! hope you enjoy as much as i had writing this (i suffered) and thank you to @polarisjisung for usual for being my beta reader <33. also i know tetris came out late 80s and was popular during the early 90s too but for aesthetic purposes im saying 80s
PLAYLIST ⏠saturday night - bay city rollers; tetoris - hiiragi magnetite; jessieâs girl - rick springfield; working for the weekend - loverboy; shoot to thrill - ac/dc; donât play games - martin jensen; iâm still standing - elton john; cherry bomb - the runaways; hold on tight - aespa; one way or another - blondie; i ran - a flock of seagulls; choose your fighter - ava max

THE FIRST TIME PARK JISUNG PLACED HIS HANDS ON AN ARCADE MACHINE, HE WAS HOOKED.
When he felt the rough texture of the joystick, he felt a tremor in his chest. It wasnât fear, nor excitement, but something in between. The flicker of the screen pulled him into a world he didnât yet understand but felt desperate to explore.
The arcade around him was alive, buzzing with the electric hum of machines, the crash of digital waves, and the clatter of coins. Yet, in this moment, all the chaos faded into one singular thing: the falling blocks on the screen.
His fingers hovered over the controls, trembling. When they pressed down, the buttons responded with a slight resistance that grounded him, pulled him into the world on the screen. The joystick was smoother than he expected, gliding under his unsure grip. The first pieceâa long, yellow barâfell into place. Then another. And another.
For Jisung, the world seemed to shift with each line he cleared. These werenât just blocks; they were each a piece of himself, shifting and rearranging to fit into something bigger. Each ping from the machine was a quiet reassurance, telling him that for once, he was doing something right.
The weight of his usual insecurities were being lifted, then replaced by an unfamiliar confidence. His heart raced, not from anxiety but from a kind of joy he didnât think he was allowed to feel. This machine didnât care about how shy he was, how awkward his words sounded, or how he tended to shrink away when the world got too loud. All it asked was that he see the shapes, find the patterns, and keep going.
For the first time in his life, he felt like heâd found something. A purpose.

Jisung didnât think of himself as anything special, and most of the time, neither did anyone else. He was the kind of person who slipped into a room without making a sound, his lanky frame perpetually hunched as if apologizing for taking up space. His dark hair often fell into his eyes, a convenient shield against the worldâs attention. At school, he was known only as âthat tall, quiet kid.â Teachers liked him for his politeness. Classmates tolerated him for his unobtrusiveness.
His best friend, Chenle, was the exact opposite. The sun to Jisungâs shadow, always shining and dragging Jisung into the light whether he wanted it or not. When Jisung hesitated, Chenle jumped in headfirst, loud and full of laughter. Their friendship didnât make sense to most people, least of all Jisung, but somehow it worked.
âCâmon, slowpoke!â Chenle called over his shoulder, his voice easily cutting through the noise of the crowded street. âPixel Havenâs gonna get packed if you donât move!â
Jisung trailed a few steps behind, his hands stuffed deep into his hoodie pockets. Friday nights at the arcade were a tradition Chenle had started months ago, and Jisung tagged along because⌠well, because it was Chenle. He didnât really play the games. Watching Chenle dominate the machines or charm the employees was enough for him.
Pixel Haven came into view, its neon sign glowing pink and blue against the dim evening sky. Inside, the arcade was a sensory overload of flashing lights, cheerful 8-bit melodies, and the unmistakable clink of coins being fed into machines.
Chenle pushed open the door, holding it wide. âHurry up, man! They got a new game in!â
Jisung shuffled inside, his head immediately dropping down to look at his sneakers. Even though the arcade was bustling with busy teenagers, he felt like every pair of eyes could land on him at any moment. He stuck close to Chenle, who bounded ahead like an excited puppy.
The arcade was Chenleâs kingdom. He knew everyone. He always high-fived the regulars, playfully bantered with his street fighter competitors, and was always trying to introduce someone to Jisung. But Jisung was content being a silent observer, finding a quiet corner to lean against while Chenle made his rounds.
Unfortunately for Jisung, Chenle had other plans.
âHey, Jisung, check this out!â Chenle pointed to the brand new Tetris machine, itâs screen cycling through vividly colored blocks. âBet youâd be good at this.â
Jisung blinked at the machine, his lanky frame stiffening as if the suggestion were a spotlight being aimed at him. âMe?â
âYeah, you.â Before Jisung could protest, Chenle shoved a quarter into his hand and practically dragged him toward the machine. The crowd around it thinned slightly, making space as Chenle announced, âAlright, people, make way for my boy here. Jisungâs about to show you how itâs done.â
Jisungâs ears burned as a few heads turned toward him. He could already feel the weight of their eyes, his anxiety prickling at the edges of his mind. âChenle, Iââ
âStop overthinking,â Chenle interrupted, patting his shoulder. âJust play. I promise, youâll love it.â
Jisung stared at the glowing screen. The cheerful music beckoned him, the falling shapes almost hypnotic. Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward, sliding the quarter into the slot. The machine chimed, and the first piece appeared at the top of the screen.
Although this was his first time, the controls felt familiar. The buttons responded with a satisfying click to his every touch, the joystick smooth under his palm. He hesitated for a split second before rotating the first piece and sending it down. It clicked into place.
Then another piece came, and another. His fingers moved instinctively, rotating, shifting, dropping. The lines started clearing, one after the other, and the game's upbeat sounds grew more frequent.
The world around him faded, the noise of the arcade blending into a dull hum. His focus sharpened, each piece fitting perfectly into a strategy that seemed to form effortlessly in his mind. Shapes became patterns, and patterns became solutions.
âHoly shit. Heâs actually good,â someone murmured behind him.
âGood? Are you kidding? Heâs crushing it!â Chenle exclaimed, his voice cutting through the growing excitement.
Jisung didnât register their words, his eyes fixed on the screen. The pace quickened, the pieces falling faster, but he kept up. His long fingers danced over the controls, rotating pieces with precision and dropping them into place. A four-line clear flashed on the screenâa Tetrisâand the small crowd erupted into cheers.
Jisung blinked, momentarily snapping out of his trance. He looked over his shoulder, startled by the group that had formed behind him. Chenle was at the front, grinning like heâd just won the lottery.
âKeep going!â Chenle yelled. âYouâre on fire!â
A small smile tugged at the corners of Jisungâs lips, the rare feeling of pride warming his chest. He turned back to the game, determined to see how far he could go.
For the next few minutes, Jisung played like he was in a world of his own, the lines stacking and clearing in rapid succession. When the inevitable âGame Overâ finally flashed on the screen, a ripple of applause broke out behind him.
Jisung stepped back, his cheeks flushed, his heart racing. Chenle clapped him on the back, his laugh loud and contagious. âWhat did I tell you? Tetris wiz, right here!â
Jisung glanced at the score on the screenâhigher than heâd expected, but the number barely mattered. For the first time, he felt like he belonged, like heâd found something he was actually good at.
And judging by the awed looks from the small crowd, they thought so too.

Jisung didnât know much about you, other than the obvious. You worked the counter at Pixel Haven most nights, moving between tasks with effortless ease. Always handing out quarters, fixing the occasional glitchy machine, and keeping the arcade running smoothly. And, of course, you were Chenleâs girlfriend. That part was impossible to miss.
Chenle had introduced you once, casually slinging his arm around your shoulders as he bragged about beating the high score on Galaga. Jisung remembered offering a small, awkward wave while you smiled politely, your attention more on Chenle than him. Since then, youâd only been a background presence, someone Jisung saw but never really thought about.
Until tonight.
Heâd run out of quarters after his third Tetris run and found himself lingering near the counter, clutching a few crumpled bills in his clammy hands. Chenle was off challenging someone at Street Fighter again, leaving Jisung on his own.
You were busy at the counter, sorting a handful of tokens while chatting with another customer. The neon glow from the sign above cast soft shadows across your face, and for a moment, Jisung hesitated. Asking you for change felt⌠strange. You werenât just the person behind the counter. You were Chenleâs girlfriend. That fact alone made this simple interaction feel like crossing some unspoken line.
But he needed quarters, so he shuffled forward, his head down, and placed the bills on the counter.
You looked up, and for the first time, your eyes met his directly. âOh, hey,â you said, your voice light and friendly. âNeed some quarters?â
He froze, the words stuck in his throat. You were smiling. Warmly, like you genuinely wanted to help. Jisung nodded, sliding the bills closer to you.
You took them, your fingers brushing his for the briefest moment as you counted out the quarters. âHere you go,â you said, placing them into his outstretched hand. âGood luck out there.â
That smile. It wasnât just a gesture. It felt different, even if Jisung knew it probably wasnât. You were like this with everyone, werenât you? Friendly, approachable, easygoing. It was why Chenle liked you so much.
But still, Jisung felt something shift inside him. Your smile lingered in his mind as he turned away, clutching the quarters tightly in his fist. His chest tightened, but not with the usual pang of nerves. Instead, it was with something he couldnât quite name.
It was strange, the way that tiny moment replayed in his head as he walked back to the Tetris machine. He told himself it didnât mean anything. You were just being nice, just doing your job.
But as the night wore on, Jisung found himself glancing toward the counter more often than he meant to. He tried not to think too much about it, but something small and misshapen had taken root in his chest, fragile but undeniably there.
You were Chenleâs girlfriend. He barely knew you. And yet, your kindness had left a mark he couldnât ignore.

The arcade quickly became Jisungâs second home. Every chance he gotâbetween school, homework, and the occasional group hangout he reluctantly attendedâhe found himself back at Pixel Haven.
At first, it was a way to pass the time, a distraction from the things that weighed him down. But soon, Tetris became more than that. The falling blocks werenât just shapes anymore; they were puzzles waiting to be solved, challenges daring him to do better, to think faster. He didnât just play the gameâhe immersed himself in it, memorizing patterns, calculating strategies, and finding a strange sense of peace in the rhythmic clearing of lines.
The change didnât go unnoticed.
âDude, youâre, like, a full-blown Tetris addict now,â Chenle teased one night, leaning casually against the machine as Jisung started yet another round. His hands were full of snacks heâd grabbed from the counter, and his grin was as wide as ever. âI should start calling you âThe Tetris Wizard or âTetWizâ for shortâ.
Jisung flushed, his long fingers hovering over the controls as the pieces began to fall. âIâm not that good,â he muttered, barely audible over the hum of the arcade.
âAre you kidding me?â Chenle laughed, nearly spilling his soda. âYouâre insane at this. Like, next-level insane. Youâve got the whole crowd thing going on, too.â
Jisung paused mid-game, glancing over his shoulder. Sure enough, a few regulars had gathered nearby, casually watching his progress. Their murmured admiration sent a wave of heat to his cheeks.
Chenle clapped him on the back. âSee? WizKid status.â He took a swig of his drink, then grinned mischievously. âHey, you know what? Thereâs a tournament coming up. Local thing. You should totally enter.â
The words hit Jisung like a truck. No, like someone dropped a T-piece on his head. He fumbled with the joystick, sending a block spiraling into the wrong position. âWhat? No. No way.â
âWhy not?â Chenleâs voice rose in playful disbelief. âYouâve been killing it lately. This is your chance to show everyone how good you are. Plus, think of the bragging rights. Iâll tell everyone I trained you.â
Jisungâs heart pounded, the idea of playing in front of a crowd making his palms sweat. Heâd barely gotten used to the small groups that gathered at the arcade. A tournament meant real attention. Real pressure.
âI⌠I donât think I can,â he stammered, his gaze fixed on the screen.
Chenle rolled his eyes but didnât push. âAlright, alright. Baby steps, TetWiz. But think about it, okay? Youâd crush it.â
Jisung nodded absently, but the thought lingered long after Chenle wandered off to bother someone else. A tournament? It seemed impossible, unthinkable. Yet, as he continued to play, clearing line after line with growing precision, a small, persistent voice in the back of his mind whispered something different: What if you could?
The flyer for the Pixel Haven Tetris Tournament taunted Jisung from his desk, its bright colors and bold letters shouting promises of prizes, glory, and recognition. Heâd stared at it for days, the weight of Chenleâs encouragement and your casual, kind words tipping the scales of his indecision.
âYouâd do great,â youâd said just a few nights ago when Chenle joked about Jisungâs reluctance. There wasnât much to your commentâjust a simple smile as you slid quarters across the counter. But it stuck with him, a quiet nudge in the direction he wasnât sure he could take.
When he finally signed up, his hand trembled so much he nearly misspelled his own name.
The tournament day arrived far too quickly. Pixel Haven was louder than ever, filled with spectators and players buzzing with excitement. The Tetris machine had been moved to the center of the arcade, its screen glowing like a beacon under the dim, colorful lights.
Jisung stood at the edge of the crowd, his heart pounding in his chest. His palms were clammy, his legs stiff, and every sound around him felt amplifiedâquarters clinking, machines chiming, people shouting.
Chenle found him near the snack counter, looking pale and uneasy. âHey, TetWiz,â he said, clapping Jisung on the shoulder. âDonât psych yourself out. Youâve got this.â
Jisung shook his head, barely able to meet Chenleâs gaze. âI donât know if I can.â
âOf course, you can!â Chenleâs voice was loud, confident, and exactly what Jisung wished he could feel. âYouâre the best player here. No oneâs even close. Just⌠pretend itâs like any other Friday night.â
âExcept with an even bigger crowd watching,â Jisung muttered under his breath.
At that moment, you appeared, slipping out from behind the counter to join Chenle. Your presence was calm, grounding. âYouâve got this,â you said simply, your eyes meeting Jisungâs.
His stomach twisted. You were Chenleâs girlfriend.Â
Off-limits.Â
But your words carried a strange weight, one that settled the storm in his chest just enough.
The tournament began. Jisungâs hands trembled as he approached the machine, the controls suddenly feeling unfamiliar under his fingers. The room seemed to close in around him as the first piece appeared on the screen.
The opening rounds blurred together, a mix of adrenaline and fear propelling him forward. Each cleared line earned cheers from the crowd, but Jisung barely registered them. His focus tunneled in on the screen, every move a desperate attempt to keep the pieces from piling too high.
By the time he reached the finals, his nerves were raw, his breaths shallow. Chenle stood nearby, shouting encouragement, and you offered a quiet thumbs-up that somehow cut through the noise.
The final match was intense. His opponent was fast, their moves sharp and deliberate. The pieces fell faster than ever, the music speeding up to a frenetic pace that matched Jisungâs racing heart.
You can do this, he told himself, gripping the joystick tightly. He visualized the patterns, the strategies heâd practiced endlessly. The lines cleared one after another, the Tetris flashes lighting up the screen.
When the final piece fell into place, and the victory chime rang out, the room erupted into cheers. Jisung blinked, his mind struggling to catch up with what had just happened.
âYou did it!â Chenle shouted, throwing an arm around Jisungâs shoulders. âFirst place, TetWiz! I told you!â
Jisung stared at the screen, his name flashing in bold letters at the top of the leaderboard. His hands shookânot with fear, but with something new. Pride.
You approached him, your smile soft and genuine. âCongratulations, Jisung. That was amazing.â
He swallowed hard, unable to find the words to respond. But as the applause continued and the weight of the moment settled in, something shifted inside him. For the first time, he allowed himself to believe that maybe, he was capable of more.

Jisung wasnât sure when it started. The way his chest tightened whenever you were near, or how your smile lingered in his thoughts. Maybe it was during one of those small, fleeting moments when you actually listened to him. Not the way most people did, with polite nods and half-hearted attention, but really listened.
You never looked bored or impatient when he talked. Never when he stumbled over his words trying to explain a tricky T-spin maneuver or the satisfaction of a perfectly timed Tetris. Instead, you leaned on the counter, your eyes warm and curious, asking questions that made him feel like his passion wasnât just valid but worth sharing.
And that was the problem.
Because as much as he admired you, as much as his chest filled with warmth during those rare conversations, there was always Chenle. Loud, confident, and so completely your match.
Jisung couldnât deny it: Chenle made you laugh in a way that lit up the whole room. Heâd see you together. Your arm looped through Chenleâs, his jokes drawing out those bright, unrestrained giggles. All of it felt like a sharp, twisting ache in his chest.
He hated the feeling. The guilt. The jealousy.
Chenle was his best friend, the person who dragged him out of his shell, cheered him on, and believed in him when he barely believed in himself. And youâkind, patient, radiantâyou were Chenleâs girlfriend. That was the unshakable truth.
So Jisung did the only thing he could think of to cope. He played tetris.
Hours at Pixel Haven turned into entire evenings, his focus narrowing to the Tetris machine like it was his lifeline. The rhythm of the game, the familiar patterns and strategies, became his escape. When the blocks fell into place, clearing line after line, the noise in his head quieted.
He didnât have to think about the way his heart raced when you smiled at him or the pang of envy when you rested your head on Chenleâs shoulder.
Chenle noticed, of course. âMan, youâre really going hard lately,â he said one night, watching Jisung rack up yet another high score. âNot that Iâm complaining. Youâre basically a celebrity here now.â
Jisung forced a smile, his hands tightening around the joystick. âJust⌠trying to get better.â
Chenle didnât press further, but Jisung could feel his gaze shift, a flicker of concern hidden behind his usual grin.
And then there was you.
Sometimes, youâd wander over to the Tetris machine during a quiet moment at the counter, watching him play with that same patient interest that made his heart ache.
âYouâre amazing at this,â youâd say, your voice soft and genuine.
And Jisung would mumble a shy thank you, barely able to meet your gaze. He wondered if you noticed how fast his hands moved on the controls when you were nearby, or how the screen blurred just slightly because his focus wavered.
He told himself it didnât matter. It couldnât. You were Chenleâs, and he had no right to feel the way he did.
So he buried it, block by block, line by line, throwing himself deeper into the game as if sheer determination could erase the feelings growing stronger with every interaction.
But no matter how many lines he cleared, the ache in his chest remained.

Chenle wasnât the type to dwell on things. He lived in the moment, taking life as it came, confident and carefree. But lately, something about Jisung had been bothering him.
It wasnât just the obsessive way Jisung threw himself into Tetris, though that was part of it. Chenle had always known Jisung to be shy and focused, but lately, he seemed⌠different. Distracted. Like his thoughts were someplaceâor with someoneâelse.
And then there were the looks.
Chenle didnât want to read too much into it, but heâd caught Jisungâs gaze more than once when you were around. At first, he brushed it off. Jisung was awkward around everyoneâwhy would this be any different? But the more it happened, the harder it was to ignore.
One night, after another long session at Pixel Haven, Chenle finally decided he couldnât keep quiet.
Jisung was hunched over the Tetris machine, his face illuminated by the screenâs soft glow. The arcade was quieter than usual, most of the crowd having thinned out as the evening wore on. Chenle approached with his usual grin, though this time, it didnât quite reach his eyes.
âHey, TetWiz,â he said casually, leaning against the side of the machine. âTaking over the world one line at a time?â
Jisung glanced at him, his hands never leaving the controls. âSomething like that,â he mumbled.
Chenle studied him for a moment, his grin fading. âYou know,â he began, his tone light but laced with something sharper, âyouâve been acting kind of weird lately.â
Jisungâs fingers faltered, and the game over screen flashed before he could recover. He let out a quiet sigh, stepping back from the machine. âWhat do you mean?â
âI mean,â Chenle said, crossing his arms, âyouâve been avoiding me, for one. And for another⌠Iâve noticed the way you look at her.â
Jisung froze, his heart sinking. âWhat are you talking about?â he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Chenle raised an eyebrow. âDonât play dumb, Jisung. You think I havenât seen it? The way you watch her when you think no oneâs looking? How you act all nervous when sheâs around? Come on, man. Youâre my best friend. If thereâs something going on, just tell me.â
Panic surged in Jisungâs chest. He shook his head quickly, his gaze dropping to the floor. âThereâs nothing going on,â he said, the words tumbling out in a rush. âI donât⌠I donât feel that way about her.â
Chenleâs eyes narrowed, his usual easy going demeanor slipping away. That wasnât what he was suspecting. He actually thought you had said something to Jisung that made him uncomfortable. But having feelings for you? Chenle forgot that was even an option. He suddenly felt a surge of jealousy. âJisung, Iâm not stupid. I know you better than anyone.â
âI donât!â Jisungâs voice rose slightly, the desperation clear. âIâI swear, Chenle. Itâs not like that.â
The tension hung heavy between them, the arcadeâs neon lights casting sharp shadows across their faces.
Chenle exhaled slowly, his expression softening just a little. âLook, I trust her, okay? I trust you. But if thereâs something youâre not telling me⌠just be honest. Donât let this mess things up.â
Jisungâs throat tightened, guilt clawing at his insides. He wanted to tell the truth, to admit the feelings heâd tried so hard to bury. But the fear of losing Chenleâhis best friend, his biggest supporterâwas too much to bear.
âThereâs nothing to tell,â he said quietly, his hands clenched at his sides.
Chenle studied him for a long moment, his jaw tightening. Finally, he nodded, though the tension in his posture remained. âAlright. If you say so.â
But as he walked away, leaving Jisung alone by the Tetris machine, the rift between them felt wider than ever.
For the first time in years, Jisung wasnât sure if Chenle still believed in himâor if he even believed in himself.

The state Tetris championship was a dream Jisung never dared to dream. And now, as his name sat proudly on the qualifying list, it felt more like a nightmare.
The arcade was quiet that night, the usual hum of voices replaced by the occasional beep of a forgotten pinball machine. Jisung sat slumped on a bench near the Tetris machine, the glow of the screen casting long shadows across his face. His hands fidgeted with the crumpled flyer announcing the championships, the bold letters seeming to mock him.
State Champion. The words felt impossibly big, like they belonged to someone else.
The weight of it allâthe expectations, the pressure, the growing distance between him and Chenleâpressed down on him like a heavy block he couldnât clear. His chest felt tight, his thoughts spiraling in an endless loop of self-doubt.
He didnât even hear you approach.
âYou okay?â
Your voice was soft, cutting through the quiet like a gentle melody. Jisung jumped, his head snapping up to see you standing nearby, concern etched across your features.
âIâm fine,â he said quickly, but the tremor in his voice betrayed him.
You didnât buy it. Instead, you sat down on the bench beside him, leaving just enough space to respect his shyness. You glanced at the flyer in his hands, then back at him.
âItâs a big deal, huh?â you said, your tone light but understanding.
Jisung hesitated, his gaze dropping to the floor. âItâs too big,â he admitted quietly. âI⌠I donât think I can do it.â
The words felt like a confession, raw and vulnerable. He didnât know why he was telling you this. Maybe it was the way you always seemed to listen without judgment, or the way your presence felt steady and safe.
You tilted your head, your eyes warm. âWhy not?â
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. âBecause⌠because what if I mess up? What if I let everyone down? Chenleâs been calling me a âwizard,â hyping me up to everyone. People actually watch me now, like Iâm supposed to be⌠someone. But Iâm not. Iâm justâŚâ
âJisung,â you finished gently.
He nodded, his throat tight. âYeah. Just Jisung. And I donât think just Jisung is good enough for this.â
For a moment, you didnât say anything. The hum of the arcade filled the silence, a soft, steady rhythm that seemed to match his unsteady breathing.
Then, you leaned forward, your voice quiet but firm. âYou know, when I watch you play, itâs not just about the score or the tournament or any of that. Itâs the way you light up when youâre in the zone, like nothing else matters. Itâs like⌠youâre in your own world, and itâs incredible to see.â
Jisung blinked, his heart skipping a beat. âI⌠I donât know,â he stammered.
âYou donât have to know right now,â you said with a small smile. âBut Jisung, this isnât about being a wizard or a champion or whatever anyone else thinks. Itâs about you. Your love for this game, your talent. Thatâs what matters. Not winning. Just you doing what you love.â
âThank you,â he murmured, his voice barely audible. Jisungâs heart raced as your words lingered in the air, wrapping around him like a lifeline. He hadnât expected you to understand him so completely, let alone say the exact thing he needed to hear.
For a brief moment, he forgot about everything else. The tournament, the pressure, even Chenle. All he could focus on was you. The warmth in your voice, the way you looked at him like he was someone worth believing in.
The weight in his chest shifted, and before he knew it, his thoughts spilled over.
âIââ He paused, the words catching in his throat.
You tilted your head, curious but patient, your expression inviting him to continue.
He could feel it, the overwhelming urge to tell you. To say something, anything, about the way he feltâthe way you made him feel. How his heart ached and soared all at once whenever you were near.
But then, just as quickly, reality crashed back in.
Chenle. His best friend. Your boyfriend.
Jisung swallowed hard, his jaw tightening. He couldnât do it. No matter how much his heart screamed at him to say the truth, he couldnât betray Chenle like that.
âItâs nothing,â he said quickly, his voice barely steady. He forced a smile, though it didnât quite reach his eyes. âThanks. For, you know⌠everything.â
Your smile softened, and you nodded, as if sensing that he wasnât ready to say more. âAnytime,â you replied, standing up to head back to the counter.
Jisung watched you go, his chest heavy with unspoken words. He let out a shaky breath, his hands clenching the crumpled flyer in his lap.
But he wasnât the only one watching.
Unbeknownst to either of you, Chenle stood near the doorway, hidden by the dim light and arcade cabinets. He had arrived just moments ago, intending to meet Jisung and hang out like they always did. But instead, he found himself rooted to the spot, watching the two of you.
At first, it didnât seem like muchâjust a quiet conversation between friends. But the way Jisung looked at you⌠it wasnât hard for Chenle to see what was really going on.
It wasnât the look of someone simply grateful for support. It was something deeper, more vulnerable. Something Chenle had never seen in Jisung before.
His chest tightened, a mixture of emotions swirling within him. He wasnât angryânot yet. But there was a pang of something sharp and unfamiliar, like jealousyâs distant cousin.
He trusted you, and he trusted Jisung. But trust didnât erase what he had just seen.
Chenle stepped back into the shadows, his thoughts racing. He couldnât shake the image of Jisungâs expressionâthe way his gaze lingered on you, filled with something Chenle couldnât quite name but knew wasnât meant for him.
For the first time, Chenle felt uncertain. About Jisung. About you. About everything.
And as he walked away from the arcade that night, the unspoken tension between the three of you began to grow, pulling tighter with each passing moment.

The auditorium buzzed with energy, the hum of anticipation vibrating through the air as rows of arcade cabinets lined the stage, each boasting the Tetris logo in bright neon. Competitors adjusted their machines, the crowd murmured excitedly, and Jisung stood frozen at the edge of it all, feeling impossibly small.
The state Tetris championship. He was really here.
Jisungâs stomach churned, his nerves nearly overtaking him. He gripped the strap of his backpack, his fingers twitching with a restless energy. His mind wasnât just crowded with thoughts of the game but with everything elseâChenle, you, the weight of unspoken feelings.
Before he could spiral any further, a voice interrupted his thoughts.
âHey, you okay?â
Jisung blinked and turned to see a tall, relaxed guy about a few years older standing next to him. The stranger held a can of pop, his messy hair framing a face that somehow managed to look both half-asleep and mildly curious.
âIâuhâŚâ Jisung stammered, caught off guard.
âYou look like youâre about to throw up,â the stranger said bluntly, taking a sip of his pop. âBig deal tournament jitters?â
Jisung hesitated, but something about the guyâs laid-back demeanor made him exhale a little. âYeah, kind of,â he admitted.
âLet me guess,â the stranger said, leaning against a nearby wall. âScared youâll lose? Or scared youâll win and, like, your entire life will change forever?â
âBoth,â Jisung muttered.
The stranger raised an eyebrow, then shrugged. âYeah, fair. Tetris is wild like that.â
Something about his casual tone loosened Jisungâs tongue. Before he knew it, he was rambling.
âItâs not just the game,â he confessed, the words tumbling out. âItâs everything else. My best friendâŚheâs been supporting me, but I think Iâve messed things up between us. And then thereâs this girlâŚâ His voice trailed off, his ears burning.
The stranger tilted his head. âOh, so itâs love and Tetris. Double whammy.â
Jisung winced. âI donât know what to do. I like her, but sheâs with my best friend, and I feel like the worst person in the world. And now Iâm here, and Iâm supposed to play like none of this matters, but it does.â
The stranger stared at him for a moment, then sighed, setting down his soda. âOkay, look. Iâm not great at advice, but hereâs what Iâve got: Youâre not gonna fix your love life today. But this tournament? Itâs yours. Youâve got one jobâplay your absolute fucking best. Worry about the rest later.â
Jisung blinked, the simplicity of the advice sinking in. âThatâs it?âÂ
âYep.â The stranger smirked. âOh, and maybe stop thinking about her for like, five seconds while you play. Otherwise, youâll never clear a line.â
Despite himself, Jisung let out a nervous laugh. âThanks, uhâŚâ
âSicheng,â the guy said, giving a small wave before walking off with his soda.
Jisung stood there for a moment, the strangerâs words echoing in his head. One job. Play your absolute fucking best.
The announcement of his name jolted him back to reality. Heart pounding, he made his way to the stage, the crowdâs cheers swelling around him.
He spotted Chenle instantly, standing in the front row and waving wildly, his energy uncontainable. âGo, TetWiz!â Chenle yelled, his voice cutting through the noise.
Jisungâs chest tightened. Despite everything, the tension, the doubts, Chenle was still there, cheering him on.
And then he saw you, standing beside Chenle. Your smile was quieter, softer, but it carried the same weight of belief that youâd shown him back at Pixel Haven. Your eyes met his, and you gave a small, encouraging nod.
Jisung took a deep breath, his hands gripping the controls as he sat down.
The countdown began.
Three.
The noise of the crowd faded away.
Two.
His fingers hovered over the buttons, his mind sharpening to a single point of focus.
One.
Play your absolute fucking best.
The game began, the familiar shapes dropping from the top of the screen like old friends. His nervousness melted away as he found his rhythm, the blocks slotting into place with satisfying precision.
The crowd roared as he cleared line after line, the tension building with each level. But Jisung didnât hear it. For the first time in weeks, his mind was clear, his focus solely on the game.
This wasnât about Chenle, or you, or even the title. This was about Jisungâthe quiet boy who found a spark of something extraordinary in the chaos of falling blocks.
Then the final round began, and the stakes had never felt higher. Jisung sat at the machine, his hands steady but his heart pounding as the screen lit up with the familiar grid. Across from him, his opponentâa seasoned Tetris player with years of experienceâcracked their knuckles, exuding a calm confidence that only added to Jisungâs nerves.
The crowd quieted as the final countdown began again.
Three.
Jisung tightened his grip on the joystick.
Two.
His gaze locked on the screen, blocking out everything else.
One.
The pieces started to fall, faster than in any game heâd played before. The early levels felt manageable, his fingers moving on autopilot as he cleared lines with precision. But as the speed increased, so did the tension.
His opponent was good. Better than anyone Jisung had ever faced. They kept pace with him, their screen just as clear, their movements just as calculated. It wasnât just a game anymore; it was a test of endurance, strategy, and nerves.
The minutes stretched on, each line cleared pushing Jisung further into uncharted territory. His heart raced as he reached the kill screen levelâthe point where the gameâs speed maxed out, and most players couldnât keep up.
Most players.
Jisungâs vision narrowed, his world shrinking to the grid in front of him. His fingers danced over the controls, rotating and dropping pieces with a precision that felt almost otherworldly. The crowd was a distant roar, his opponent a vague shadow in his peripheral vision.
He wasnât thinking anymore; he was flowing.
When the final piece dropped into place, clearing a line and bringing his score to a record-breaking high, the machine emitted a triumphant chime.
For a moment, there was silence.
Then, the auditorium erupted.
The crowd leaped to their feet, cheering and clapping, the noise echoing off the walls. Lights flashed, cameras clicked, and Jisung sat there, stunned, as the reality of what heâd just accomplished began to sink in.
Heâd won.
Not just the championship, but something deeper. For the first time, Jisung felt the rush of pride, not just for the victory but for the journey that had brought him here.
Chenleâs voice cut through the chaos, louder than anyone elseâs. âYou did it, Ji! He fucking did it!â
Jisung turned to see his best friend grinning so widely it looked like his face might split in two. Despite the tension between them, Chenleâs joy was pure and infectious.
And then his eyes found you.
You werenât shouting or jumping like the others, but the pride in your expression was unmistakable. You clapped along with the crowd, your smile warm and genuine as your gaze met his.
Jisungâs chest swelled, the mix of emotions nearly overwhelming. He stood slowly, his legs shaky, and accepted the medal from the tournament official with trembling hands. The announcer declared his name, calling him a prodigy, a champion, but none of it felt as real as the faces in the crowdâChenle, you, and everyone who had supported him.
As the applause continued, Jisung looked back at the Tetris screen, now frozen on his record-breaking score. For the first time, he saw himself not as âjust Jisung,â but as someone capable of achieving something extraordinary.

The crowd had finally begun to disperse, the cheers fading into the background as competitors and spectators alike spilled out into the night. Jisung stayed behind, lingering near the now-quiet Tetris machine. His medal hung heavy around his neck, a tangible reminder that this wasnât just a dream.
He turned the medal over in his hands, his mind still reeling. He should have been basking in the glow of his victory, but his thoughts kept circling back to you. How your smile had stood out even among the applause. How your quiet presence had kept him grounded.
âJisung?â
Your voice startled him, and he looked up to see you standing a few feet away, hands tucked into the pockets of your jacket. The faint hum of the arcade machines illuminated your face in soft, flickering light.
âOh, hey,â he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
You stepped closer, your gaze falling on the medal around his neck. âCongratulations,â you said, your smile warm but understated, as though you understood he wasnât one for grand celebrations. âYou were incredible out there.â
His cheeks flushed, and he looked away, scratching the back of his neck. âThanks. I⌠I still canât believe it.â
âYou should,â you replied, your tone gentle but firm. âYou worked so hard for this. You deserve it.â
The sincerity in your voice sent a wave of emotion through him, and he found himself meeting your eyes. For a moment, everything else fell away. The noise of the arcade, the lingering spectators, even Chenle.
âIt means a lot,â he murmured, âthat you were here.â
You smiled softly, stepping even closer. âOf course I was. I wasnât going to miss this. Youâre⌠special, Jisung. You have something really rare. Not just your talent, but the way you put your heart into everything you do.â
Your words hit him like a gentle but powerful wave, and for the first time, Jisung felt like you saw him, not as Chenleâs shy best friend, not as the Tetris Wizard, but as him.
He opened his mouth to say something, anything, but the words stuck in his throat. Instead, he reached up and touched the medal lightly, as if offering it to you.
âThis⌠itâs not just mine,â he said quietly. âYou helped me get here. You believed in me when I didnât.â
You shook your head, your smile deepening. âThat was all you, Jisung. I just⌠reminded you what you already knew.â
The air between you shifted, the unspoken feelings thickening the silence. It wasnât the boisterous, high-energy dynamic you had with Chenle. It was quieter, steadier, like a river carving its way through stone.
You reached out then, your fingers brushing his lightly as you adjusted the medal around his neck. The small, intimate gesture sent his heart racing, but he didnât pull away.
âYouâre going to do even greater things,â you said softly, your voice carrying a certainty that made his chest ache.
For a fleeting moment, Jisung thought about telling you everything. Telling you how much he cared for you, and how much this moment meant to him. But he stopped himself, the memory of Chenleâs unwavering cheers still fresh in his mind.
Instead, he held your gaze and said, âThanks. For⌠everything.â
Your smile lingered as you stepped back, leaving a small but undeniable space between you. âYouâve got this, Jisung. Donât forget that.â
And with that, you turned and walked away, leaving him standing there, the warmth of your touch still buzzing on his skin.
Jisung let out a breath he didnât realize heâd been holding, his hands brushing the medal around his neck. His feelings for you werenât just a crush. They were something deeper, something that scared and exhilarated him in equal measure.
But for now, he would hold onto the moment, replaying your words in his mind like his favorite song.
As you disappeared into the crowd, Jisung stayed rooted to the spot, the medalâs weight now feeling symbolic of something much heavier. His fingers grazed the cool metal, his thoughts swirling in an uncontrollable storm.
He should have felt elated, on top of the world. And part of him did. But the other part felt like he was standing on the edge of something far scarier than any Tetris grid.
She believes in me. She sees me.
The thought filled him with a quiet joy, but it was quickly followed by a pang of guilt. Chenle had been there too, cheering the loudest, always his most loyal supporter. And Chenle was your boyfriend.
Jisung closed his eyes, trying to silence the war inside him. How could he feel this way about you while knowing it wasnât his place? Heâd spent years being the guy who didnât take up space, who stayed on the sidelines, who let others shine. Was it selfish to want something or someone so badly now?
âHey, champ.â
The voice startled Jisung, jerking him out of his spiraling thoughts. He turned to see the familiar figure of Sicheng standing a few feet away.
âI, uhâŚâ Jisung stammered, wiping his palms on his jeans. âDidnât know you were still here.â
Sicheng shrugged, âYeah, well, figured Iâd stick around and see how the hero handles his post-victory glow. Looks like youâre more âexistential crisisâ than âglow,â though.â
Jisung blinked, unsure whether to laugh or deny it. âItâs⌠complicated,â he admitted, his shoulders slumping.
Sicheng nodded as if he understood completely. âLove and Tetris, man. Both are way harder than they look.â
Jisung couldnât help the small laugh that escaped him, the tension in his chest easing just a little. âI didnât say it was about that.â
âYou didnât have to.â Sicheng grinned, leaning against a nearby arcade machine. âYouâve got that look. You know, the one that says, âIâm hopelessly in love and itâs ruining my life.ââ
Jisung groaned, burying his face in his hands. âIs it that obvious?â
âOnly to someone as wise and experienced as me,â Sicheng said, his tone deadpan.
Jisung peeked at him through his fingers. âWhat would you do, then? If you were me?â
Sicheng tilted his head thoughtfully, âIâd probably mess it up completely, to be honest. But hereâs the thingâyouâre not me. Youâve already done the hard part. You put yourself out there tonight. You faced something scary and came out on top. Maybe itâs time you do the same with⌠other things.â
Jisung frowned, the words sinking in. âBut what if it goes wrong? What if I lose what I already have?â
Sicheng shrugged. âMaybe you will. Or maybe you wonât. But if you keep letting fear decide everything, youâre just gonna stay stuck at the start screen forever. And trust me, thatâs no way to play.â
Jisung stared at him, the simplicity of his words somehow cutting through the noise in his head. âYouâre⌠surprisingly good at this,â he said, half-joking.
âI have my moments.â Sicheng smirked, pushing himself off the arcade machine. âAnyway, Iâm out. Congrats again, champ. And, uh, good luck with⌠whatever you decide.â
As Sicheng walked off, Jisung found himself standing a little straighter. The strangerâs words had left him with no concrete answers, but maybe that was the point.
Jisung glanced down at the medal one last time before tucking it under his shirt. For now, heâd focus on the present. The victory heâd earned and the path it was opening up.
But deep down, he knew that the harder game was just beginning.

Jisung didnât see Chenle after the championship that night.Â
The victory should have been enough. It was everything heâd worked for, proof that he wasnât just the quiet kid in the background. But his mind kept circling back to youâyour smile, your words, the warmth in your eyes that seemed to see right through his fears.
Why does it feel like this isnât enough?
Jisung sighed, his heart heavy with the weight of unspoken emotions. He thought about Chenle. The guilt gnawed at him. Chenle had cheered for him louder than anyone, had believed in him when he couldnât believe in himself. And yet, every time Jisung saw you two together, it felt like a knife twisting in his chest.
He shook his head, trying to push the thoughts away. This isnât fair to Chenle. He deserves better than this.
But the memory of your touch, the way your voice softened when you spoke to him, was impossible to ignore. It wasnât just a crush. It was something deeper, something that made him feel seen in a way he never had before.
âHey, Wiz.â
Jisung jumped at the voice, turning to see Chenle standing behind him. His best friendâs grin was still as bright as ever, but there was something different in his eyes, something quieter, more serious.
âOh, hey,â Jisung mumbled, trying to mask the whirlwind of emotions on his face. âWhatâs up?â
Chenle didnât answer right away. Instead, he gestured toward the exit. âCome on. Letâs talk.â
Jisungâs stomach sank, but he nodded, following Chenle out into the cool night air. The buzz of the arcade faded behind them as they walked a short distance to a nearby bench. Chenle flopped down first, his usual energy replaced by a rare stillness.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. Jisung fidgeted with the edge of his medal ribbon, waiting for Chenle to break the silence.
âI saw you,â Chenle finally said, his voice unusually calm.
Jisung froze, his heart lurching in his chest. âSaw me?â he echoed, his voice tight.
Chenle leaned back, his gaze fixed on the starry sky. âYou and her. After the tournament.â
Jisungâs throat went dry. âIâChenle, itâs not what you thinkââ
Chenle cut him off with a small, tired laugh. âRelax, dude. Iâm not mad. And I know you wouldnât do anything. Youâre too much of a pussy to make the first move.â He turned to look at Jisung, his expression softer than Jisung expected. âI mean, yeah, it stings a little. But Iâve been thinking about this for a while.â
Jisung blinked, confused. âThinking about what?â
Chenle sighed, running a hand through his hair. âAbout usâŚ.me and her. Donât get me wrong, sheâs great. But... I donât think weâre great together, you know? Weâre fun, we laugh a lot, but itâs not... deep.â
Jisung stared at him, struggling to process the words.
âAnd then I see the way you look at her,â Chenle continued, his voice quieter now. âAnd the way she looks at you.â He let out another soft laugh. âIâd have to be blind not to notice it.â
âIâm sorry,â Jisung blurted out, his guilt spilling over. âI didnât mean for this to happen. I swear, I tried not toââ
âHey, stop.â Chenle held up a hand, cutting him off. âIâm not mad, okay? Itâs not like you did this on purpose. Feelings are... messy. Trust me, I get it.â
Jisungâs shoulders slumped, the weight of Chenleâs understanding both a relief and a fresh wave of guilt. âSo... what does this mean?â he asked hesitantly.
Chenle shrugged, a small smile tugging at his lips. âIt means Iâm stepping back. You two have something real, Jisung. Something I donât think I could ever have with her.â
Jisung stared at him, his chest tightening with a mix of emotions. âAre you sure?â
Chenle nodded. âYeah. I mean, donât get me wrong. Iâll probably be a little salty about it for a while. But at the end of the day, youâre my best friend. I want you to be happy.â He clapped Jisung on the shoulder, his grin returning in full force. âAnd who knows? Maybe this means Iâll finally have time to beat your high score.â
Jisung let out a breathless laugh, the tension easing slightly. âThanks, Chenle. For everything.â
Chenle stood, stretching dramatically. âDonât get all mushy on me now. Just... donât mess it up, okay? Sheâs too good for that.â
Jisung nodded, his heart lighter but still full. As Chenle walked away, Jisung sat for a moment longer, staring at the medal in his hands.

Jisungâs heart pounded like it had during the tournament, maybe even harder. He clutched the edges of the medal still hanging around his neck, his thumb running along the engraved letters as if they could grant him the courage he desperately needed.
He found you sitting at the counter in Pixel Haven, a quiet lull settling over the arcade now that the evening rush was over. You were tinkering with a small machine part, your brow furrowed in concentration, and Jisung couldnât help but feel his chest tighten at the sight.
âHey,â he said softly, his voice barely audible over the hum of the arcade lights.
You looked up, surprised but smiling as soon as you saw him. âJisung! What are you doing here? Shouldnât you be out celebrating your big win?â
He hesitated, shifting on his feet. âI needed to talk to you,â he admitted, his voice trembling slightly.
You set the part down, giving him your full attention. âIs everything okay?â
Jisung nodded, but the lump in his throat made it hard to speak. He took a deep breath, the memory of Chenleâs words earlier that night giving him the final push.
âIâthereâs something I need to say. And I donât know if itâs the right time, or if Iâm even allowed to feel this way, but I canât... I canât keep it in anymore.â He paused, his hands gripping the medal tightly. âI like you. Iâve liked you for a while now. And I know Chenleâs your boyfriend. Well, wasâbut I had to tell you.â
Your eyes softened, and you stood, closing the space between you. âJisungâŚâ
âIâm sorry if this is too much,â he continued quickly, his words tumbling over each other. âI just... you mean a lot to me. More than I can explain. And if you donât feel the same, thatâs okay. I justââ
âJisung.â Your voice was steady but gentle, cutting through his nervous rambling.
He stopped, his breath hitching as you placed a hand on his arm.
âI like you too.â
For a moment, the words didnât register. He blinked at you, his mind struggling to catch up. âYou... you do?â
You nodded, a small smile playing on your lips. âYouâre kind, thoughtful, and ridiculously talented. And more than that, you have this quiet strength that I admire so much. Iâve been drawn to you for a while now, even when I didnât fully realize it.â
Jisungâs cheeks flushed, his heart soaring as your words sank in. âReally?â
âReally,â you said, your smile widening. âBut weâll have to take things slow. This is all new, and I want to make sure weâre both ready.â
Jisung nodded quickly, his nervous energy giving way to a shy grin. âOf course. Slow is good.â
You laughed softly, the sound filling the quiet arcade. âYouâre adorable, you know that?â
Jisungâs blush deepened, but for the first time, he didnât feel the need to hide it.
As the two of you stood there, the arcade lights casting a warm glow, Jisung felt something shift inside him. It wasnât just the joy of hearing you say you liked him too. Heâd taken a risk and won.
And this victory? It felt like the best one yet.

This was it.
The moment heâd worked toward for months.
âLadies and gentlemen,â the announcerâs voice boomed over the speakers, âPark Jisung is on the verge of breaking the world record for highest Tetris score! Can he do it?â
Jisungâs heart thundered in his chest, but it wasnât fear anymore. It was adrenaline. Focus. Determination.
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of you and Chenle in the crowd. You were leaning forward, your hands clasped tightly in anticipation, your eyes shining with pride. Beside you, Chenle was shouting encouragement so loudly it drowned out the rest of the noise.
âCome on, Wizard!â Chenle yelled, his grin so wide it couldâve split his face. âYouâve got this! Show âem how itâs done!â
Jisungâs lips twitched into a small smile. Chenleâs voice, your presence, the energy of everyone around him, all pushed him forward.
The final minutes were a blur of movement and sound. The blocks sped up to an almost impossible level, but Jisungâs hands didnât falter. His brain worked in overdrive, every decision precise and calculated. He could feel the rhythm of the game in his bones.
And then, with one last perfect Tetris, the machine let out a triumphant chime.
The words NEW WORLD RECORD! flashed across the screen, and for a moment, the room seemed to freeze.
Then the crowd erupted. Cheers and applause filled the arcade, the sound almost deafening. Jisung sat back, his hands trembling as he let out a shaky breath. Heâd done it.
You were the first to reach him, weaving through the crowd with your face lit up in a beaming smile. âJisung, you did it!â you exclaimed, throwing your arms around him in a tight hug.
For a moment, he froze, still overwhelmed by everything, but then he relaxed into the hug, his face flushing as a shy grin spread across his lips. âI... I guess I did.â
You pulled back just enough to look at him, your hands still on his arms. âNo, Jisung. You didnât just do it. You literally broke a world record. That was fucking incredible.â
Before Jisung could respond, Chenle burst through the crowd, practically tackling him with a clap on the back. âThat was insane, dude! Youâre officially a legend!â
Jisung laughed softly, his nerves easing as the weight of his friendsâ support sank in. âThanks, Chenle. I couldnât have done it without you.â
Chenle scoffed, his grin turning playful. âObviously. I mean, who else wouldâve dragged your sorry butt to the arcade every week?â
You rolled your eyes, but you were smiling too. âAnd who else wouldâve cheered louder than the announcer himself?â
Chenle puffed out his chest dramatically. âItâs called dedication. But seriously, man.â He leaned closer, his voice dropping to something softer. âIâm proud of you. I always knew you had it in you.â
Jisung blinked, his throat tightening with emotion. âThanks, Chenle. That... that means a lot.â
âAnd me,â you added, your gaze locking with Jisungâs. âYouâve worked so hard for this, Jisung. You deserve every bit of it.â
Jisungâs face burned, but he managed a small, grateful smile. âI... I couldnât have done it without you either. Both of you.â
Chenle grinned, clapping Jisung on the back again. âOkay, enough sap. Letâs go celebrate! First round of drinks are on me!â
âChenle, youâve never paid for drinks in your life,â you teased, raising an eyebrow.
âTodayâs a special occasion!â Chenle shot back, already heading toward the counter. âBesides, Iâll just borrow some cash from Jisungâs prize money.â
Jisung chuckled, the sound lighter than it had been in months. He looked between you and Chenle, his chest tightening with a strange mix of gratitude and joy.
In this moment, he realized that no matter how far he went. No matter how high he climbed in the Tetris world. He wouldnât be alone.
He had Chenle, his loud, chaotic best friend who always believed in him, even when he didnât believe in himself. And he had you, the person who saw him, really saw him, and made him feel like he could be more than just the quiet kid in the background.
For the first time, Jisung felt like he wasnât just playing to win. He was playing for the people who mattered most.'

Though it stung at first, Chenle proved himself to be the supportive and selfless friend Jisung had always known. It didnât take long for him to bounce backâliterally. A chance meeting at a K-TV bar introduced him to a bubbly, energetic girl named Yizhuo, whose laughter was as infectious as his own. Their chemistry was instant, and soon Chenle was filling the arcade with stories of his new escapades. He still teased Jisung relentlessly, but it was clear he harbored no ill will.
The trioâs bond remained intact, stronger than ever, though their lives began to diverge.
Jisung, now a bona fide legend in the gaming world, found himself swept into a whirlwind of tournaments, sponsorships, and interviews. Though he remained shy and soft-spoken, his quiet charisma and undeniable skill won over fans around the globe. He still made time to visit Pixel Haven, the arcade that had started it all, but his visits were less frequent now, as his journey took him to stages heâd only dreamed of.
You, on the other hand, had left Pixel Haven behind for a new chapter of your own. Inspired by the energy and community of the arcade, you decided to pursue a career in game design. Late nights were now spent sketching out ideas for games that combined strategy and storytelling, with a little bit of heart and soul, something youâd learned was just as important as the mechanics.
Jisung was your biggest cheerleader, always eager to hear about your latest ideas, even if his input sometimes boiled down to, âAs long as itâs not as stressful as Tetris.â
Chenle, ever the social butterfly, had shifted his focus to broadcasting. His infectious personality made him a hit on television screens, where heâd commentate on retro games, pull off absurd challenges, and occasionally rope Jisung into appearances. âThe TetWiz and Lele Show,â he called it, though Jisung mostly just sat there, looking flustered as Chenle stole the spotlight.
Still, every once in a while, the three of you would reunite at Pixel Haven, now under new management but still holding its nostalgic charm. Youâd share snacks, reminisce about the good old days, and maybe even challenge each other to a game or twoâthough no one dared to take on Jisung in Tetris.
And as Jisung watched you and Chenle laughing over some ridiculous bet, the soft glow of the arcade lights reflecting in your eyes, he realized that life was a lot like Tetris. The pieces didnât always fall the way you wanted them to, but with patience, a little bit of courage, and the right people by your side, you could make something beautiful out of the chaos.
GAME OVER.

TAGLIST âŹÂ @lyvhie @aquaphoenixz @galacticnct @yizhrt @polarisjisung @multifandomania @spacejip @peterm4rker @viasdreams @mango-bear
#nct#nct dream#nct dream fic#nct fluff#park jisung#nct jisung#jisung park#park jisung fic#park jisung fluff#jisung fic#nct fic#nct scenarios#nct angst#nct x reader#jisung x reader#park jisung x reader#nct dream imagines#jisung fluff#jisung angst
410 notes
¡
View notes
Note
I want to pick your brain more about Caleb being the livestock guardian and the wolf at the same time. That part haunts me. Canine imagery for him >>>
That contradiction â the livestock guardian and the wolf â is at the very heart of Caleb. Emphasizing his duality aside, itâs a paradox that exists within him, one that heâs aware of, one that he chooses to live with rather than resolve. Because at his core, he is both the devoted protector and the ravenous beast, and both of them love you. Both of them serve you, in their own way.
The livestock guardian dog is bred to protect the flock, to dedicate its life to something weaker, something soft. It stands between the sheep and the wolves, fangs bared, willing to die for the creatures that will never understand what itâs doing for them. It is gentle with them, careful, soft-mouthed, lowering itself to their level so they will trust it. Do not fear me. I am here for you.
He was raised to be good, to be devoted, to be steadfast. A creature made to guard, to serve, to dedicate himself to something more important than his own desires. A dog trained to protect the flock, to live among the sheep, to love them with a quiet, patient devotion. His purpose has always been clear: keep you safe. Keep you fed. Keep you warm. The world is full of danger, full of wolves with their snapping jaws and greedy eyes, and it is his duty to keep them at bay.
He is yours. He always has been. If you told him to sit, he would. If you told him to stay, he wouldnât move from that spot until his body gave out. If you told him to die for you, he would do it without hesitation. And he doesnât think of this as a burden â itâs his purpose. He finds fulfillment in it, in watching over you, in being something you trust. You call his name, and he comes to you. You rest your head on his shoulder, and he stays still so you wonât move away. You let him linger close, let him take care of you, and it is enough. It has to be enough.
But a guardian dog is still a dog. Still a thing with instincts, still a thing that can be pushed. If the sheep do not trust it, if the shepherd does not guide it, if it is alone too long â if it's left hungry for too long, if it's is abandoned, if it loses the reason â then something inside it shifts. It begins to realize that it does not need a flock. That it has teeth for a reason. And then, with time, with neglect, with just the right set of circumstancesâ
The guardian turns feral. The thing that once protected the sheep remembers that it is, at its core, an animal with hunger, with wants, and it turns on the very things it swore to protect.
Caleb is the dog that never turned. He is the one that still guards you, still waits at your side, still lives with his body between you and the world, because that is what he chooses. Butâ
There is a wolf inside him. He wasn't born tame. This is the reason why you think he's changed.
It is not a corruption, not a failing, not a sickness. It is simply there, as much a part of him as the loyalty, as the tenderness, as the quiet way he looks at you like you are something holy. The wolf is not cruel. It is not mindless. It does not wish to harm. But it wants.
You have never had to see it because he never let you â but that doesnât mean it wasnât there. You think his hands were made to shield, to soothe, but that is only because he has never let you see the way they were also made to hold, to grip, to take.
He is the thing in the woods. The thing that lingers just beyond the firelight, just past the safe glow of home. He is the thing that wants to rip and tear, but not to destroy â not to kill. No, that would be too easy. He does not want to ruin you. He wants you to remain by his side forever.
And he knows that if he ever so much as breathes wrong, if he ever lets you see the way he looks at you when your back is turned, you would run.
So he stays where you left him. He plays the part he always has. The good boy. The guardian. The one you trust.
But when you press your cheek against his shoulder and sigh, when you curl your fingers around his wrist without thinking, when you whisper his name in the dark, he knows. He knows.
You do not understand what it means to press yourself into the waiting jaws of something that would never bite you but still wants to.
You do not understand that when you lean into him, when you trust him, you are feeding the very thing he is trying to starve.
And the thing is â both the dog and the wolf want the same thing.
To have you.
The dog wants to guard you, to protect you, to keep you safe in the way that all guardians do â by being a silent, unseen force, by waiting in the shadows, by letting you feel free while ensuring you never truly are. It does not control you. It does not take. It is patient, gentle, enduring. But it belongs to you so entirely, so thoroughly, that if you asked it to die for you, it wouldnât hesitate.
The wolf? The wolf does not beg. The wolf does not ask permission. The wolf sees what it wants and takes it. The wolf does not serve, it claims. It sees you as something that belongs to it â not because it is entitled, not because it is cruel, but because it loves you the way hunger loves flesh. Because the wolf understands something the dog does not:
The only way to truly keep something is to consume it. To take it into yourself so fully that it can never be separate from you again.
But Caleb â Caleb â is the bridge between them. He has the wolfâs instincts and the dogâs discipline. The dog will heel when you tell it to, the wolf will wait because it chooses to, and Caleb is both. It would be easier if these two things were separate, if they hated each other, if they battled for control inside of him. But they donât. They exist in harmony. They want the same thing.
The livestock guardian watches over you, protects you, ensures that no one lays a hand on you. The wolf ensures that no one takes you away, not even yourself.
The livestock guardian follows you, obeys you, kneels at your feet. The wolf is the reason he wants to.
The livestock guardian loves you. The wolf does, too. But love â real love â is not just something that gives. It is something that takes.
And you know what?
You never had a choice in the matter.
Not because he took that choice from you. Not because he forced you into anything.
But because, from the very beginning, from the moment you met him, before you even understood what he wasâ
You made him yours.
#when i latch on to a metaphor I LATCH ON. I DONT LET GO. YOU'LL PRY IT FROM MY COLD DEAD HANDS. ANON THANK YOU FOR INDULGING MY DELUSIONS#love and deepspace#caleb x reader#caleb x mc#caleb xia#xia yizhou#lnds caleb#lads caleb#caleb lads#caleb love and deepspace#l&ds caleb#caleb x you#lads#l&ds
390 notes
¡
View notes
Text
Apollo
ÎĎοΝΝĎν [Apollo] God of prophecy and oracles, music, song and poetry, archery, healing, plague and disease
Epithets: ⥠Proopsios [Foreseeing] ⥠Phoibos [Bright] ⥠Akestor [Healer] ⥠Alexikakos [Averter of Evil] ⥠Theoxenios [ God of Foreigners ] ⥠Pythios [Slayers of Python] ⥠Chrusaor [Of Golden Sword] ⥠Daphnephorios [Bearer of Laurels] ⥠Loimios [ Deliverer from Pague] ⥠Moiragetes [Leader of Fate] ⥠Pagasios [Pagasaean] ⥠Hekaergos [Far-shooting]
Domains: ⥠Prophecy & Oracles ⥠Light ⥠Music & Arts ⥠Song & poetry ⥠Archery ⥠Healing & medicine ⥠Plague & Disease ⥠Protection of the young ⥠Boys ⥠Sudden Death ⥠Knowledge ⥠Herds & Flocks ⥠Protector of Fugitives
Devotional acts: ⥠Donate to medical charities ⥠Draw or Paint ⥠Read poetry or listen to music ⥠Sing or play an instrument ⥠Go to the library
Associations
Symbol: ⥠The Lyre ⥠Silver bow & Arrows ⥠Dolphins ⥠Swans ⥠Crows ⥠Ravens ⥠Lions ⥠Wolves ⥠Mice ⥠Griffins ⥠Hawks ⥠Snakes ⥠Laurel wreath ⥠Fire / flame ⥠The sun / Light ⥠Tripod ⥠Apples
Element: ⥠Light
Color: ⥠Orange ; yellow ; Gold ⥠Red ⥠Pure white ⥠Pink ⥠Purple ⥠Green ⥠Blue
Crystals & stones: ⥠Sunstone ⥠Amber ⥠Honey ; Yellow Calcite ⥠Rutilated ; Clear ; Rose quartz
Fruits,Vegetables,Flowers,Herbs: ⥠Cypress ⥠Laurel ⥠Larkspur ⥠The-apple-tree ⥠The palm tree ⥠Hyacinth
Animal: â§Swan ⥠Raven ⥠Tortoise ⥠Serpent ⥠Wolf ⥠Dolphin ⥠Mouse
Incense: ⧠Bay ⥠Frankincense ⥠Cypress
Food & Drinks: ⥠Red wine ⥠Olive oil ⥠Water ⥠Fruit ⥠Honey ⥠Almonds ⥠Citruses ⥠Cinnamon ⥠Coffee ⥠Herbal tea with Honey cakes ⥠Bay leaves ⥠Anise
Day, Season, Time of Day: ⧠Sunday ⥠Middsummer ⥠Midday ⥠May
Tarot: ⧠The Sun ⥠The chariot ⥠Strength ⥠Temperance
#witchblr#deity worship#greek gods#hellenic worship#deities#hellenism#hellenic polytheism#hellenic deities#apollon deity#apollo deity#apollo
966 notes
¡
View notes