#Nibble Software

[nibblesoftwaretechnologies]

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For more information visit on:-

[nstvanshika]

In today's digital landscape, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) enable seamless integration and communication between different software systems. If you're considering building an API in India, "Nibble Software" provides valuable insights into the cost aspects involved in this process. The cost of building an API in India depends on various factors, primarily the complexity of the API itself. APIs can range from simple, lightweight interfaces to more complex systems that require robust functionality and extensive integration capabilities. The complexity of your desired API will influence the development effort required, affecting the overall cost. Contact Nibble Software today to discuss your API development needs, and let us help you turn your vision into a reality while maximizing the value of your investment.

Read More: - HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUILD AN API IN INDIA?

[nibbletravotech]

Searching for the ideal CRM software for the travel industry? Explore NibbleTravoTech. Our travel CRM software is designed to help travel agencies efficiently manage business leads, new inquiries, and follow-ups.

[hwaslayer]

the space between us three (jyh) | two.

⇢series masterlist | series playlist

⇢summary: while juggling the demands of life, yunho continues to do his best to raise his independent 11 yr old daughter, seora. throughout the years, they've built a strong foundation, an unbreakable bond— one that consists of late night talks and food runs, father/daughter dates, and sideline cheerleading at her basketball games. so when you unexpectedly come into their world, things shift. despite the uncertainty and the fear of stepping outside of their comfort zone, yunho and seora eventually learn how to open their hearts and learn how to rebuild a home where three can thrive together.

⇢pairing: single dad!yunho x f. reader

⇢genre: (18+ - minors dni) strangers to lovers, single dad au | fluff, angst, eventual smut

⇢word count: 4.3k

⇢chapter content/warnings: cussing, the cliché coffee incident pls forgive me lol, parents pushing expectations, honestly not much but an intro to y/n and her family - bit of a filler chap!

"Can you visit mom and dad this weekend with me?" You nibble on the rest of your ramen while you wait for your brother to respond. You're currently sitting on a table outside near the trees, taking your lunch under the shade.

"Can't. I have plans with the boys."

"Wonwoo." You sigh.

"What? I promise, I'll head up there the weekend after. You can come with if you want. Sorry. I just planned this ahead of time and can't go back on my word now."

"Fine." You sip your water and toss your trash onto your tray before standing and throwing it into the appropriate bins.

"What, has mom and dad been on you again about us not visiting?"

"Kinda, yeah? You know how they always make passive aggressive comments because we don't come to see them often." You grab another cup of coffee, taking your time mixing it with half and half and some sugar. "It's always 'you two are always too busy for your parents!' or a 'it doesn't even take long to visit your parents!'" Your younger brother sighs as you quietly hand over some cash to the mobile coffee shop attendant.

"I know, but they also don't understand we've got our own things going on, too."

"I guess, yeah." You lick your lips and take a small sip, being careful enough to not burn your tongue from the scorching temp. "We really should do better, though."

It's not that your parents were bad. In fact, your parents were amazing. They had brought up both you and your younger brother comfortably and happily, sending you both to the best schools and supporting you until you two were able to fully walk on your own two feet, soar high with your own two wings.

It truly was just life.

You had gotten busy; always working at the hospital, growing from the bottom up, barely taking any of your vacation or sick days. If you did, it was because you had to or else you'd reach your max, or because you truly were rotting away in your death bed from a bad flu or food poisoning.

Otherwise, you were always at work. You were always with your girls. You were always going to lagree or bootcamp style studio classes. You were always doing something to occupy your time— mainly work. And the same thing goes for your brother, younger than you by 2 years.

He's just a boy.

But, he's your brother and you're incredibly close to him. He was always listening, was always good growing up. Would always protect you, especially from dumb boys and fake friends. He got good grades and went to college overseas before moving back home and settling down. Since then, he's always learned how to be on his feet— barely ever staying stationary. He, too, was always out with his boys. Working as a full-time software engineer, working out. Traveling when he gets the chance. Dating every now and then. But, you do love that he's living life and spending time with good people. He seems to have a good balance between his work and personal lives, which makes you happy.

It's just unfortunate that you two can't seem to manage slipping in more time with your parents. You both had agreed to do better about it, especially with your parents getting older.

"Are you still gonna see them this weekend, or are you gonna wait for me?"

"Yeah, I'll pop in for a second. I already told them I'd swing by."

"Hm." He hums. "Tell them we'll stop by for longer next weekend."

"Yeah, after I get the earful first." 

"They won't." He clears his throat. "So, how's work been? Ate lunch well?"

"Yeah, I did. Work's been kinda crazy. They're opening this new department at the main hospital and it's expanding into the pediatrics side, too. We've been gearing up for it."

"Oh, really?" You nod as if your brother can see you.

"Yeah. They've been working with adult patients for their two studies, but they're going to start their pediatrics study soon. Pending on the IRB approval. But, once that's all good, they're hoping to secure their first patient, and we need to have everything ready to go."

"That's pretty cool."

"It is, but kinda hectic. Too many moving parts and people involved. It's a lot to keep up with."

"I'm sure you'll handle it well. You always do." You let out a small sigh before checking your watch and slowly walking back towards the peds hospital. 

"Hope so. Work's been okay for you?" He chuckles.

"Same old! Nothing much has changed. Not like that, anyway."

"I see. So, what happened to that one girl you were seeing recently?"

"Uh, we're just better off as friends."

"Better keep that to yourself before mom starts setting you up on blind dates."

"Same goes for you. She'd probably go for you first. Been tryna marry you off." You roll your eyes.

"It's not my priority and she doesn't get that."

"She wants a grand baby and lowkey, I kinda want a nephew or niece to spoil, too." 

"You're no help." He snorts. "Anyway, I gotta head back to my office and get some work done, I got a big meeting for that new department later today."

"Alright. Well, text me when you get home and try to take it easy."

"I will, you too, punk." Wonwoo chuckles. "Love you."

"Love you too!" And with that, the call ends. Your eyes are glued to your phone as you continue to walk back towards the hospital. The weather isn't too bad today, a slight breeze hitting your skin to balance out the warmth from the sun. You continue to switch between keeping your eyes in front, back down to your phone as you scroll through social media to catch up to things you've missed over the past few hours. When you finally get into view of the familiar building and the side lobby entrance, you slip in and head straight to the elevator without paying much attention— especially when it dings and slides the doors open for the individual behind to step out. You feel a soft thud; your body slightly coming into contact with theirs, causing some of your coffee to spill out of the opening on the lid. 

"Oh— oh shit, I'm so sorry!" You look at the tall figure, wide-eyed as you survey his outfit to make sure your coffee didn't spill everywhere on his jacket.

"You're good." He says, eyes coming down to his jacket. There's a few drops of coffee dripping down near the zipper, but nothing that can't be fixed.

"I'm soooo sorry." You repeat as you dab a napkin at his jacket.

"No, seriously. It's fine. You're good." He laughs, brushing you off in a friendly manner. "Nothing laundry can't fix."

"Still another piece to add to your load." You look up at him and slightly pout. "Sorry."

"Maybe just be careful next time?" He gives you a small smile before he brushes past and out of the elevators. You realize he's got his large hand still propped up to prevent the elevator doors from closing on you, and you can't help but feel extra embarrassed. You do a tiny nod before he lets out a small chuckle and walks away, allowing you to be in your peace as you slip into the elevator and watch the doors close in front of you.

It just had to be him.

you: i almost spilled my coffee on a really cute guy ☹️

wonwoo: he'll def never come near you again. way to go sis 💗

you: you're a piece of shit

wonwoo: 🥰

You click your teeth and sigh as you step out of the elevator and onto your floor. You had been working as project manager supporting the pediatrics unit for about a year and a half now, starting at the hospital a few years ago as an admin associate and slowly working your way up.

"What? What's wrong, hun?" Your coworker and also one of your childhood bestfriends, Noeul, chimes in. She works as an HR manager, but her team sits nearby— giving you two the numerous opportunities to chit-chat and catch up in between meetings and tasks.

"I almost spilled my coffee on some really cute guy." She purses her lips together before giving you a toothless smile.

"I mean, you didn't, right?"

"No. Maybe a few drops. Now he'll have another piece of laundry to add to his load. All because of me."

"That's a good way to be memorable." You sigh. "I'm sure he wished he got your number."

"Wow, you're the complete opposite of my brother and I love that." She laughs.

"Of course, I'll always support you."

"How'd your meeting go?" She shakes her head.

"I don't know. So many sensitive issues. I think they only keep escalating and getting worse."

"Are you still dealing with that one manager and her staff member that weren't getting along?"

"Yup. That's exactly the thing that's getting worse."

"Sheesh. I hope they find middle ground soon, or at least find new avenues so they don't have to work with each other."

"Hope so too!" She looks at you. "When's your big meeting with the hospital people?"

"Hm." You hum and check your watch. "In the next hour." You settle at your desk and she follows along, sitting on the edge of the corner. "My inbox blew up over lunch so I gotta take care of a few things before I head over." You sip on your coffee.

"My busy bee." You give her a look. "Goodluck! Let me know how the meeting goes. I've gotta file a few reports and hop into a few other meetings myself. I'll see you later for a quick break?" You give her a small smile.

"Goodluck to you, too." She blows you a little kiss before she's prancing away to her desk, greeting people on the way over. You busy yourself before you need to start packing up and heading over to the main hospital, drowning in a few urgent emails that came in over your lunch break. Time sure flies when your brain is scattered everywhere, your to-do list seemingly never-ending and tossing you in a million different places at once. 

You gather your things about 10 minutes before the meeting, which, doesn't give you much wiggle room in case you get lost. You don't go to the main hospital often, and you're not even sure if you have access to the room or how all of this would work. You are familiar with a few people also attending the meeting, but they're equally just as busy and are probably coming from other commitments. 

You let out a small breath as you power walk over to the main hospital, happy you're at least getting your steps in for the day. You trickle into the huge lobby along with others, turning towards the left where the elevators are located. You press the button, waiting alongside a visitor as the elevator makes its way down from the 6th floor. You step in and patiently wait off to the side, checking your work calendar on your phone to make sure the meeting was indeed today.

Why does it feel like you're the only one heading over?

Were you the only one late at this point?

You step out of the elevator once you make it up to the 7th floor, pausing in your steps because— where the fuck do you go now? It was such a maze in this hospital, you didn't know whether to go left or right; the numbers on the doors skipping from one number to another. You turn to you right just because you go with your gut, hearing a trail of soft voices as you finally see a group of people heading towards a huge conference room further down [and definitely closer to your left had you just turned that way]. You pick up your pace, nodding and sending soft smiles to the familiar faces that catch you through the window of the room as they settle into their seats. Rushing over, someone is stationed at the door— probably waiting for you to make it inside.

"Thank you— oh, hi." You look up at the same, tall figure you damn near spilled your entire cup of coffee on.

"Hi." He gives you a toothless smile as he holds the door open for you. "Well, at least you aren't ramming into me with your cup of coffee this time." He jokes and you can't help but feel the heat rise to your cheeks.

"Yeah, mm'sorry about that still." You wince and slightly pout.

"I'm just joking. No worries. It happens." He smiles down at you, waiting for you to walk into the conference room. You give him another subtle, short bow before slipping into a chair on the opposite side of the table. You watch as he greets people coming into the room, a bit confused as to why he's still standing by the door until he finally sees the face he's been looking for. 

He's got some kind of wit, some charm. Can't deny it's pretty attractive.

And to your surprise, he plops down in the seat next to you, followed by one of his team members [the said face he'd been looking for] you assume.

"Hope you don't mind."

"No, not at all." He gives you another toothless smile before eyeing your badge. 

"Nice to meet you, Y/N." He puts out a hand for you to shake. "Yunho."

"Nice to meet you as well, Yunho." You shyly respond. "At least I don't have to call you the guy I almost spilled all my coffee on anymore."

"Yeah, no." He laughs. "This is Taehyun, my team lead. Taehyun, Y/N." You and Taehyun give each other small, curt bows just as the higher ups step in and settle at the front of the room. 

"Hey everyone! Thanks for meeting. I know everyone is super busy so it's much appreciated." Yoori says as she flips her laptop open and pulls up the agenda slide on the powerpoint presentation. The meeting kicks off with small introductions around the table since a lot of people hadn't worked together like this, especially you and a select others mainly supporting pediatrics. When Yunho introduces himself, you find yourself enjoying the way he speaks. He's got a deep tone, but nothing off-putting. He speaks lightly and positively, chuckling in between statements.

Yeah, he's def got a witty charm to him.

When it's your turn to speak, you can feel Yunho's eyes from the side. He's paying attention and listening closely even if these are quick introductions to the team. He notices the way you shyly smile at those around you, still managing to speak clearly and concisely despite your nervousness that's physically manifesting in the way that your hands tug on the material of your jeans, fiddling with your fingers underneath the table in between the conversation.

Cute.

Then, after the light, airy introduction portion, the presentation gets a lot more technical, and you find that you're actually more involved in this than you expected. You're being asked to oversee the development of the clinical trial room in the pediatric wing, along with scheduling biweekly meetings to discuss updates. Making sure all required attendees are at the meetings and driving things forward. Coordinating across calendars, providing updates every step of the way.

And things seem to be picking up, moving real fast. Things were stalled and slow just a few months ago; now, it's all gas, no brakes.

When it comes to dealing with the ordering structure and IT developments, Yunho takes the lead and discusses the current updates and how they're still figuring out a few tweaks. Yoori is diligently taking notes on her own laptop, along with everyone else who is clarifying through questions of their own.

"Y/N, can you please work with Yunho and his team and the clinical informatics team to make sure the patient ordering enhancements will be taken care of and pushed through? Along with securing the data storage and network? I'll send you the list of required attendees that need to be at each meeting to help push these efforts forward. Let's prioritize this and try to get that done within the next week." You nod, glancing over to Yunho afterwards. He's got his chin resting on the palm of his hand and his eyes dart down to you. His brows perk up before he gives you a tiny, toothless smile. You feel your hands get sweaty from the look alone, so you divert your attention back to your laptop— typing up the rest of your notes on the side. Yunho can't help but glance over at your incredibly organized notes and the way your emails are categorized; all the folders within folders. 

Never-ending folders.

Definitely Type A. 

He does like that, though. Can't help but feel a little endeared by it. 

As the hour long meeting progresses, you feel yourself getting slightly overwhelmed by your growing task list. You can't help but feel an itch to get to your desk to scribble in your planner and get your thoughts organized. 

And as soon as the meeting ends, you cut out with quick goodbyes before rushing over to your office. Yunho was hoping to catch you afterwards to talk a little more, but he watches as you leave, the opportunity now a long gone thought. 

"Where'd you go?" Sian, your other good friend, asks. She's in the finance department, and typically comes over to check in with you and Noeul, especially when she has to drop off some mail for the peds hospital. "You and Noeul were both gone."

"I had that meeting, remember?"

"Oh shit, yeah. How'd it go?"

"I don't know." You plop onto your desk and let out a huff, pulling your planner from your bag before pulling up your notes in the cloud on your desktop computer. "So many things to do and everything feels so urgent." You've already got a few people to meet, along with pushing the operational aspect of this huge project. You've got your hands tied.

"Wow, they're moving fast with this."

"Yeah, very." You shake your head as you write out your thoughts, suddenly pausing to look back up at her as she fiddles with the figurines on your desk. "Hey, do you know the IT managers well?"

"Most of them, yeah."

"Do you know Yunho?"

"Jeong Yunho?" You shrug since you didn't really catch his badge on him. "He's the only Yunho I know of. How could you not know him?"

"Girl, I'm mostly on the peds side, I rarely come to that end." You giggle.

"He's handsome as hell. Tall. Super nice and helpful. Him and his team are so good about coming to the rescue ASAP." Sian nudges you and wiggles her eyebrow. "He's a single dad. I believe his daughter is 10? 11? Probably 11."

"Mm, dad of a pre-teen girl."

"Hey. He's making it." Sian shrugs. "Heard he's a really good father despite losing his wife years ago. I'm sure it must have been incredibly hard." You nod.

"Yeah, I can only imagine."

"He's good friends with Park Seonghwa from marketing. I think they're besties or something." You nod. 

"I only know Seonghwa from the one interview I did with him when we did the remodeling project at the peds oncology unit. After that, barely have spoken a word to him."

"He's a little hottie, too. But, I heard he's got a thing going on with Yoori."

"Yoori? Like.. Director Yoori?" Sian nods.

"They're so weird about it, though. Definitely not known publicly, but people have seen them out together a select few times. Or, seeing Seonghwa go to her house."

"Nosey." You laugh.

"Well, it's definitely a small world around here." 

"Hm." You hum. "So interesting, especially after I just saw her. I would have never suspected."

"What about Yunho, though?"

"First, I almost spilled my coffee on him this morning." Sian nods.

"Why am I not surprised?"

"I'm not that clumsy." 

"Mmkay." Sian laughs. "How much coffee?"

"A few drops." You make a face. "And then he ended up being in the meeting and sitting right next to me." 

"See, big hospital but small world." You chuckle. 

"Feels like college."

"Yeah."

"Speaking of Yunho." You furrow your brows when you see a little notification pop up in your Slack app.

yunho: hey! 

you: hi there! you found me!

yunho: 😀 sorry, i tried to catch you after the meeting but you rushed out. 

you: oops, yeah. i just had a few things to catch up on. 

yunho: all good! do you wanna schedule some time to meet before scheduling the wider meeting with everyone else? i can walk you through everything so we're on the same page.

you: sure, yeah! that'd be helpful. i'm pretty free next week. i just prefer not to schedule anything over lunch if it can be helped. 😅

yunho: i'm the same, don't trip. lol. i'll send you an invite for early next week. what time do you get in usually?

you: mm, around 7:30-8am.

yunho: hm, wanna do 10am on monday then?

you: good with me. ☺️ thank you, yunho!

yunho: sure thing!

"Aw, he even went out of his way to message you." Sian watches you exchange messages from behind.

"Girl, please? We need to talk about getting the patient ordering system together and fixing all the infrastructure for the peds unit." 

"Sounds like you'll be working with him closely? I'm actually kinda surprised his team is on this. Not saying they aren't great, but they're a bit smaller and support other departments." Sian ponders for a bit. "The other IT teams are pretty swamped though, now that I think about it. They probably have the best bandwidth right now."

"Who knows. But, yeah. I guess so. His team lead was also there."

"Maybe you'll get close to Yunho."

"Maybe I won't and just get my job done while minding my own business."

"Y/N. You're single and he's single, don't be so quick to cut him off just because he has a kid. You should put yourself out there again." She teases and you roll your eyes.

"Get out." She snorts. You hate that she's a little right about it; it had been awhile since you were in a serious relationship. You might've messed around with an old college classmate a few times, but it was so casual it ended up fizzling out all by itself and that was that. It's not like you had any bad relationships, either. They just weren't a fit, but you didn't hold any bad blood towards each other. Your mom was tired of it, though. She was hoping you'd finally stay in a serious, committed relationship— one where you'd end up walking down the aisle, settling down in a nice family home, one or two little ones running around [or more, she wouldn't be mad about it]. Maybe that's why you also dread visiting home, because she never fails to remind you that she's waiting, and that time doesn't wait for anyone. She gives Wonwoo a piece of it, too. 

Just not as much as you.

It's always this game of comparison, trying to one-up her friends in some fashion. It's frustrating to deal with. She didn't understand that you were good with where you were at. And even if you did long for a partner and affection in that sense, it's not like you could wish for it to happen and change your life overnight. These things take time. These things need to develop naturally, wholeheartedly, genuinely;

It wasn't your time yet, you guess.

"Anyway, are we still having our little girls night at your place tomorrow?"

"Mhm. Just gotta visit my parents first then I'm all yours."

"Ah." She nods. "Is your brother coming along?"

"Nope. Next weekend, though."

"Goodluck, sweets. Tell us all about it when we come over." Sian looks at her watch. "I was gonna try to wait for Noeul, but I guess she got caught up in some things. I should head back." You nod. "See you tomorrow, my love."

"See you." She smiles before giving your shoulder a gentle squeeze and turning on her heel to take her walk back over to the main hospital.

As the afternoon rushes by, you're able to dock off a few more things on your list before feeling satisfied enough to call it a day. You decide you're a little too tired and worn out to be driving elsewhere for food, so you'll pop into the main hospital cafeteria.

wonwoo: did you spill your coffee on anyone else today?

you: no 🫥

wonwoo: [sends money]

wonwoo: go get a massage or something dude, relax

you: are you serious?!

wonwoo: yeah. 🙄 got a lil bonus from work, so if i'm eatin, you eatin too i guess.....

you: best brother award 😭

wonwoo: u don't mean it

you: i do!!! ily!!! 💕 i'll never call you bighead again!

wonwoo: yeah u def don't mean it

You giggle to yourself, feeling comforted by your brother even at a distance. The thing about your relationship with Wonwoo is that you two were always sharing in each other's ups and downs— good days, bad days. There was never any competition or need to feel like one had to do better than the other, thankfully; and this was a prime example of how close you and your brother were. You truly can't wait to hang out with him next week. You adore him to bits.

As you head back to the main hospital to grab food for dinner before leaving for the day [you definitely prefer the food there], you catch Yunho speaking to one of the nurses on her way out. She's blushing, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear while she laughs. Yunho looks nervous, but he's keeping himself pretty composed by the way he's smiling and laughing along with her. You brush past them quickly, and you aren't sure if Yunho noticed you or not— not like it matters, anyway. 

He was definitely asking her out. And by the looks of it, she said yes. She had been wanting to say yes for awhile. 

Welp, there goes the really cute guy you spilled coffee on. 

It wasn't your time yet, you guess.

⇢taglist: @asjkdk @interweab @woojirang @svintsandghosts @cheolliehugs @persphonesorchid @mxnsxngie @jycas @cowboydk @nopension @curse-of-art @thechaotictheoryy @likexaxdaydream @dalsuwaha @enha-stars @yasuraokaa @professormingisglasses @yunyunrin @pommelex @astral-trashcan @laura1399 @domfikeluva @tournesol155 @hwaskookies @yusalterego @hwa-stars @hyukssunflower @chngbnwf

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Overtime 4

Warnings: this fic will include elements, some dark, such noncon/dubcon, and other untagged triggers. Please take this into account before proceeding. It is up to curate your online consumption safely.

Summary: your boss, Mr. Hansen, runs you ragged but you find solace in an unexpected friend.

Characters: Lloyd Hansen, Jake Jensen.

Author’s Note: This one is dedicated to my dearest @thezombieprostitute

Please feel free to leave some feedback, reblog, and jump into my asks. I’m always happy to discuss with you and riff on idea. As always, you are cherished and adored! Stay safe, be kind, and treat yourself💜

That day, you take your lunch. It’s been a long one. Again. 

It seems that it only gets worse lately. Mr. Hansen is either yelling about some client or his ex-wife or the way the cream cheese on his bagel is spread. For all of them, you have to stand and take the brunt of his frustration. 

The sunlight is warm despite a thin sheet of clouds. It’s going to rain, probably just as you get out of work. Typical. 

You nibble on your granola bar and stare at the flowers. It’s nice not to be behind a screen. You crinkle the wrapper and take another small bite. You don’t usually get much of a break so you don’t really pack a full lunch. Your stomach grumbles in regret of that fact. 

You put your elbows on the picnic table and hunch forward. A breeze rustles through petals and leaves and stirs the scent of pollen. You hear the door to the courtyard but don’t look up. No one talks to you. The one time you tried to sit with Caroline and she fled as quickly as you said hi. 

“Hey,” a shadow stops beside the table, “you mind if I sit?” 

You look up at Jensen and shrug, “oh, sure.” 

You put your head back down, suddenly self-conscious, and you break off a morsel of granola with your fingers before chewing on it. He sits and you feel him watching you. You peek at him as you swallow. 

“How’s it going?” He asks. 

You wrap up what’s left of the bar and put it in your sweater pocket. “It’s okay. Nothing special. How about you?” 

“Uh, yeah, it’s good,” he unwraps his sandwich as he speaks, his hands seemingly too busy for his own good. The smell of the turkey and swiss draws a growl from your stomach. “Been running around trying to get that new inventory software to work. No one around here knows how to read I swear. And someone up in marketing downloaded a bug so lots of damage control, haha.” His eyes round and he presses a hand to the side of his neck. “I’m yapping again.” 

“It’s fine,” you say. “I don’t mind.” 

“You don’t?” He asks. 

“No.” At least he’s nice. Not like Mr. Hansen. 

“Right, uh... Did I interrupt? Or you just finishing up?” He looks at your pocket pointedly. 

“Oh, no, I... the granola’s too sugary. I’ll just have a tea when I get back to my desk,” you explain and look away, following a ladybug with your eyes. 

“You don’t got anything else?” He asks. 

“Not hungry,” you lie. 

“Hm, alright,” he doesn’t sound convinced but doesn’t insist. “Oh, I meant to ask, I saw your wallpaper, not that I’m like snooping or anything, just happened to notice. Ummmm, well, that sounds off, doesn’t it?” He chuckles nervously, “what I mean it, I saw that you like er, The Sims?” 

You nod and look at the table. Mr. Hansen never said anything about the desktop background. You supposed he didn’t know what the green diamonds meant. He had enough to say about your dancing kitten. 

“I play sometimes,” you say. 

“Yeah, me too. Just 4 or any old ones?” 

“Erm, I like the medieval one.” 

“Really? I thought everyone hated that one,” he says. “I got tired of losing at Elden Ring so I’ve been trying to zen out in Oasis Springs. My wife died though. And the second one. I’ve stopped marrying actually, I might be cursed.” 

It sounds absurd to talk about the game out loud. You never had anyone to discuss it with so you never realised. You glance up again then check your watch. 

“Sorry,” you frown, “I gotta get back.” 

“Oh,” his disappointment lines his forehead, “yeah, sure, sorry if I ate up your time.” 

“No, you didn’t,” you stand and sidle out from behind the bench, coming close to him as you step out. The round table is a bit awkward. “See ya.” 

“See ya.” 

You leave him and the sunlight and go back into the fluorescent-saturated hallways. You don’t rush back even though you should. You just don’t want to be there anymore. Most nights, you can’t fall asleep because you dread waking up. And in the morning, you can hardly drag yourself out of bed. 

You get to your desk and wiggle the mouse to wake up your monitor. You open the browser and stare at the little ad in the side panel of the home page. You hover your finger over the button then click down on it. 

The new tab opens and put your chin in your hand as you scroll down. The word Sale is pasted all over and the categories are lined up neatly. You click through and peruse the dresses under the ‘Office’ heading. 

You don’t have any dresses and you don’t wear any of your skirts. They’re all thrifted or straight out of the bargain bin. You never put much thought into clothing, you just went for adequate, much like the rest of your life.  

Still, the echo of Hansen’s words plays over and over. ‘...dress like a granny...’ It’s not the first time he’s commented on your attire and it never really bothered you very much. He insults everyone. It’s just that you’re so tired of being unnoticed, or noticed for all the wrong reasons. 

You look at a pretty cherry red wrap dress and check the measurements chart. Your phone vibes and you pick it up. It’s just another marketing email. Annoying. You darken the screen and see yourself in it. Ugh. 

You add the dress to your cart. It’s just for you. Maybe it won’t look as good on you as the model but you're tired of the woolly old cardigans and stiff corduroys. Heck, no one will even know the difference. They don’t invite you to the special lunches or to even enjoy a free donut. A new dress won’t change a thing. 

[xiao-come-home]

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗹

Minors are advised to skip NSFW posts or sections. You're reading it on your own responsibility.

Last update: 02.06.2024 ⭐️ - anon thirst b - blurb

— Boothill showing up to unsure S/O's event that showed off their work ; [ ⭐ ]

— Boothill with a reckless S/O ; [ ⭐ ]

— What if Boothill couldn't read? [ ⭐ ]

— Boothill walking in on his S/O hugging a body pillow of him ; [ ⭐ ]

— Boothill with a S/O that loves cats ; [ ⭐ ]

— Being Boothill's sugar mommy with a spin ; [ ⭐ ]

— Doing pattycake with Boothill to recalibrate his hands ; [ ⭐ ]

— Ranting to Boothill about hyper fixations ; [ ⭐ ]

— Random Boothill headcanons ; [ ⭐ ]

— Boothill's S/O that swears more than him ; [ ⭐ ]

— Boothill is a foodie confirmed ; [ ⭐ ]

— Boothill reacting to hearing "i love you" from his S/O for the first time ; [ ⭐ ]

— Boothill with a S/O that has braces ; [ ⭐ ]

— Boothill and his S/O... adopting a raccoon? [ ⭐ ]

— Boothill meets his S/O - the Acheron and Black Swan dance way ; [ ⭐ ]

— S/O giving Boothill nibbles and kisses on his neck ; [ ⭐ ]

— Girl dad Boothill headcanons ; [ ⭐ ]

— Boothill's S/O that has curly hair headcanons ; [ ⭐ ]

— Headcanons for Boothill with chubby!S/O ; [ ⭐ ]

Warning - every post below this line has been written before Boothill's story came out, therefore some things may not be according to canon.

— Playing/watching horror games/movies with Boothill and paying the price ; [ ⭐ ]

— Pre-period headcanons with Boothill ;

— Boothill's memories of his s/o getting erased while being turned into a cyborg ; [ ⭐ ]

— Random Boothill headcanons ;

— Reading a book to Boothill and him resting his head on s/o's shoulder ; [ ⭐ ]

— S/o using hair sticks in Boothill's hair ; [ ⭐ ]

— Boothill getting a handmade hat from his s/o ; [ ⭐ ]

— SAHSR!Boothill reacting to getting his e6 because it has his pre-cyborg body ; [ ⭐ ]

— Boothill's s/o installing a soundboard into him ; [ ⭐ ]

— Can Boothill run snake/doom on the back of his eyelids? ; [ ⭐ ]

— Boothill meeting a short-tempered bounty hunter and they kiss ; [ ⭐ ]

— Boothill with a s/o that's a threat to the universe ; [ ⭐ ]

— Mechanic!reader treating Boothill like a patient ; [ ⭐ ]

— Possessive Boothill in public turning into a clingy mess in private ; [ b ]

— Boothill with dumb straight jock energy ; [ ⭐ ]

— Boothill with a s/o that's a software engineer ; [ ⭐ ]

— Tipping up Boothill's hat to give him a kiss on the forehead ; [ ⭐ ]

— Boothill when his s/o cheers him on during a fight ; [ ⭐]

— Boothill with a s/o who stuck by his side since he was a human until now, still loving him ; [ ⭐ ]

— Cradling Boothill's head against your chest ; [ ⭐ ]

— Boothill loving to dance with his s/o ; [ ⭐ ]

— Blunt and stone-faced s/o telling Boothil they love him after a rough fight ; [ ⭐ ]

— Boothill feeling adventurous in his free time with his s/o ; [ ⭐ ]

— Boothill teasing his short!s/o by tip-toeing when they want to kiss him ; [ ⭐ ]

— Some of Boothill's favorite pet names for you ; [ ⭐ ]

— One of Boothil's favorite positions... ; [ ⭐, nsfw ]

— જ⁀➴ Part 3: More pre-release Boothill headcanons ;

— જ⁀➴ Part 2: More pre-release Boothill headcanons ;

— જ⁀➴ Part 1: More pre-release Boothill headcanons ;

— Relationship headcanons ;

— Spicy blurb ; [ b ]

[shesthespinstersimmer]

Graduates (4)🎓

Zora Levesque

Communications Major / DJ for FoxFM / Arts Archivist Award

Zora squeezed every inch of her education out that she could; she’ll be a hit as the newest DJ for campus radio, and she’s already gotten a couple of nibbles for her career. she’s looking forward to literature class as well - will she write about music like Mrs. Briggs? Or does she belong behind the mic at a radio station? Guess time will tell. 

She and her boyfriend Zeke haven’t talked about future plans much; they’re just ready to enjoy the experience.

Zeke Briggs

Computer Science Major / Young Gamers Program / D&D Club / Foxbury / Broussard Hall

Zeke is jazzed – Foxbury has the best software development program! If he plays his cards right, he could have his game developed by the end of university. He’s already making nice money live streaming in his free time; if he’s lucky, he can make a career out of that too. The world’s his oyster - he doesn’t have a perfect idea of what he wants to do, all he knows is he wants his beautiful Zora by his side🖤

Only question is: now that his parents, Glynis and Neeto have the house to themselves… wonder how they plan to stay busy? 🖤😛

✏️Uni grads up next!

Previous / Next / Beginning

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In the fast-paced world of mobile applications, staying ahead of the competition requires innovative ideas and flawless execution. If you're looking for a top-notch IOS app development company in Delhi, look no further than Nibble Software. When it comes to IOS app development in Delhi, Nibble Software stands out as a reliable and innovative partner. With our expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence, we transform your app ideas into powerful and user-friendly IOS applications.

For more information, visit: -https://www.nibblesoftware.com/app-development/iphone-app-development-company

[fervidgrey]

Heavy in Your Arms

Disclaimers

Notes: This fic is Togame Jo-centric, not a huge fan of Choji so fans beware- Choji stays crazy, there will be original characters sprinkled in as needed, MC is on the thicker side (i've left this open to interpretation) Jo is nearly 200lbs he can handle some thicc thighs.

Fic wide TW: Aged Up Characters, No Characters Below 18,  No Use of Y/N, Reader’s Body is MOSTLY Open to Interpretation- but leans thicc, Unhealthy Coping Skills, People Pleaser- Reader Has Some Spine, Established Family Dynamics, Unhealthy Relationship, Praise Kink, Light BDSM, Voyeurism ,Dead Dove: Read Warnings!, Graphic Depictions of Gang Violence,  Sexual Content, Sexual Assault, Drug Use, Threats of Vilolence, Graphic Depictions of Torture, Xenophobia, Mentions of Drugs, Graphic Depictions of Drug Use, AU- Cannon Divergence.

Please do not read if this would harm you in any way, your mental health comes first!

Book: Heavy in Your Arms

Chapter: 4, My fingers laced to crown

Chapter TW: panic attack, violence

Word Count: 10,000~ (No beta, sorry)

It was Monday! 

Today marked the start of the week, and the start of focusing on classes again. It was your favorite day of the week though, the class was Creative Writing. It was your strongest class due to having an incredible professor. They had been excited to set up a digital class for you, and any student that needed it all while boasting it was the right step forward for education. Moving to another country while remaining in school had posed several challenges but you had convinced three professors to let you stay in class digitally. All other classes got dropped, which despite your mothers protesting- was a huge relief.

It was 9 AM your time, which meant it was time to login to your lesson and watch an uploaded recording. He had stated that words needed to be heard to be felt. Normally you didn’t agree but when your professor dedicated a portion of The Count of Monte Cristo you understood his point.

You nibbled on a piece of toast, coffee gripped in your other hand while your laptop booted up. Your desk was mostly clear of distractions, aside from your phone. You glanced at, wondering if you should text Togame. He’d probably be asleep right now, but you couldn't shake the feeling that you should reach out. With a sigh, you decided against it and turned your attention back to the laptop.

The familiar chime of the video conferencing software filled your room as you logged in. Your professor's face appeared on the screen, his warm smile instantly putting you at ease. Even though it was recorded, his enthusiasm was palpable.

"Good morning, class!" he began, his voice animated. "Today, we're diving into the heart of storytelling - the power of dialogue."

You settled in, sipping your coffee as he launched into a passionate explanation of how dialogue shapes characters and drives plot. His words painted vivid pictures in your mind, transporting you from your quiet room to a thriving fantasy world you had been working.

"Remember," your professor said, his eyes twinkling with excitement, "dialogue isn't just about what's said. It's about what's left unsaid, the pauses, the inflections." You nodded, even though he couldn't see you, and jotted down notes.

“The next assignment will be a short story, 500 words minimum. I want you to focus solely on dialogue, even if there isn’t much it needs to be well thought out!” Your professor looked off to the side of the camera nodding.

“For my digital students, the question was posed “What if there is only one character?” excellent question! My counter, do you talk to yourself when you are alone?” He smiled then wrote on the board, internal monologue.

“Let’s make it a touch more interesting! The prompt will need to be centered around someone lost at sea.” He smiled to himself chuckling when several groans filled the air, you laughed.

“You all got this! Alright, that about finishes up our time! Remember no less than 500 words, on my desk/email by Friday- midnight sharp for all you 11:30 assignment warriors.” Professor Evans came over to the camera and finished the recording with a wave.

As the video ended, you leaned back in your chair, mind already racing with ideas for the assignment. Lost at sea... the possibilities were endless. You could feel the story taking shape in your mind - a lone sailor, stranded on a lifeboat after a shipwreck. Or maybe a child, clinging to an unsteady piece of furniture from her family's capsized boat- no one to be seen.

Your fingers itched to start typing, but you forced yourself to finish your breakfast first. As you chewed the last bite of toast, your phone buzzed. Your clumsy hands nearly knock over your coffee in the struggle. Unlocking your phone felt so low, you wondered what Togame might say this early. But it wasn't Togame - it was your mother. A mixture of disappointment and guilt washed over you as you read her message: "Don’t be late to class!” you frown,of course that would be her message after four days of silence.

“Class is over, love you!” You texted back. While her text didn’t ruin your mood, it did cast the reminder that Togame had not texted you today. With a deep breath you settled back into your chair. You needed to calm down. It was Monday and he could easily just be busy. What a yakuza was bust with was a mystery to you but he would text when there was time.

You set your phone aside, determined not to let it distract you from getting a rough draft done. The assignment prompt was still swimming in your mind, making you eager to dive in. Opening a fresh document, you began to type, letting the words flow freely as you imagined your protagonist's plight.

"The black void stretched on, a small reprieve from the sun’s unforgiving glare. Brianna clung to her dads favorite cooler, his drinks still inside- ice soft smacking against the sides. How long had it been since the boat flipped? Days? Weeks? Time seemed to blur together in an endless expanse of nothing." your fingers moved on their own while you mind played scenes in your head- good start for a rough draft.

A few hours passed without you noticing. It wasn't until your stomach growled loudly that you realized it was 11 AM. You took another glance at your phone, someone had texted you. With some restrained joy you picked it up, unlocking it then looking at your messages. Surprised filled your face as Kotoha popped up.

“Come hang out today! It's boring here!” A big smile spread across your face. The hole from Togame’s silence started to fill.

“At Cafe Pothos?” you guessed that is what she meant but figured it best to ask.

“Where else silly?!” she texted back.

You chuckled at Kotoha's response. Of course she meant Cafe Pothos - she worked there after all. You quickly typed back a reply:"I'll be there in an hour minutes!" You painfully remembered it took nearly 40 minutes to walk there- that taxi had spoiled you. Maybe it was time to get a bike- but it was such a pain to find a police station here and get one registered. Perhaps Togame about how to get one.

After double checking your work saved you pushed your laptop closed and unplugged the charger. Taking a stretch you glanced around, looking for your laptop bag. The break would do you good, and you were excited to see Kotoha, but you could also use the time at the cafe to study. Quickly you packed some stuff you’d thought you needed: chapstick, money, notebook, and a few other miscellaneous things. Nodding to a bag well packed led you to look down at your outfit; a favorite graphic t-shirt- sadly with a small hole at the bottom, basic jeans, and pink rabbit socks. For good measure you tossed on a simple chain necklace and a thin bracelet to make your fit more pulled together. All the while forgetting to look into the mirror, even for a moment.

Quickly you walked into the kitchen then looked to the living room. Aunt Yuuko was sitting silently as always watching game tv. You smiled before opening the fridge and pulling out a few ingredients.

“Auntie, can I make you an omelette for lunch?” She looked over at you, her face neutral then slowly forming a frown. You arched an eyebrow but waved the eggs with a nervous smile.

“I can make an asparagus omelette!” She remained silent, which was a bit odd then looked away.

“That’s fine.” She finally responded. You sighed quietly before getting to work. If you were quick the omelette could be done in a few minutes then you could dash out of here to meet up with Kotoha.

As you whipped up the omelette, your mind wandered back to your writing assignment. The sizzle of the eggs in the pan reminded you of the ocean waves in your story. You sprinkled in some cheese and folded in the asparagus, trying to focus on the task at hand. As predicted, finishing the omelette did not take long but the dishes had to wait until later. 

"Here you go, Auntie," you said, sliding the perfectly cooked omelette onto a plate. You placed it on the coffee table in front of her, along with a fork and napkin. "I'm heading out to meet a friend. I'll be back later, okay?"

Aunt Yuuko nodded silently, her eyes still fixed on the TV. You hesitated for a moment, wanting to say more, but decided against it. With a quick glance at your phone to check the time, you grabbed your stuff then hurried out the door.

The walk to Cafe Pothos was familiar by now but just in case you had the directions pulled on on your phone. Just as you were reaching the tunnel under the train tracks a flash of orange caught your eye. Stopping you squinted at the form wondering if it was Togame. The person was too short, and hair too light for it to possibly be him. Still you looked on, hoping in a small way you’d see him out and about. However, they rounded the corner disappearing from your view. 

With the possibility of seeing Togame gone, you continued on, not wanting to keep Kotoha waiting. The city was bustling people doing daily chores, heading to work, or just shopkeepers straightening up the sidewalks. There was no shortage of information to take in on your way there, you even noted a bike shop that you’d ask Kotoha about. 

As you approached Cafe Pothos, you could see Kotoha through the window, wiping down tables with her usual energy. She spotted you and waved enthusiastically, her smile bright enough to light up the whole street. You couldn't help but smile back as you pushed open the door, the familiar chime of the bell announcing your arrival.

"You made it!" Kotoha exclaimed, bouncing over to give you a quick hug. "I was starting to think you'd gotten lost." She paused, giving you a dumb founded look. 

You laughed "Not lost, just taking my time. The walk here is always interesting." You paused registering the stare she leveled at you. 

“What, is there something-” she cut you off pointing to your neck. 

“”What the hell happened to your neck?!” She shouted, coming in closer for a hard look. This morning with auntie made a lot more sense now. How you hadn't stopped for a second to look at your neck was beyond your comprehension at the moment. You screeched grabbing your neck with both hands, cupping them- hiding them from view. 

“What do you mean?!” Sweat forming on your brow. “It can't be that bad!” you begged.

“That bad?!” She repeated back at you, clearly ready to hurl another wave of questions at you. 

“Your neck looks like you were attacked by a dog!” You gasped at her, surely she was joking! Togame had spent a lot of time sucking, biting, kissing but you didn't think any hickies would form! 

“Quick! I need a mirror!” You begged, hoping she was just being a dick a few small marks.

“I have a compact!” Kotoha gasped while running to her purse. She fumbling around while you took a moment to survey the cafe again, it was empty. Thank whoever, anyone at this point.

She rushed back and nearly knocked over a barstool. “Here look!” She flipped it open and pointed it at your neck.

"Fuck," you whisper, slowly lowering your hands. Kotoha wasn't exaggerating - your neck is a canvas of purple and red marks, some of them were an angry-glaring red. You traced a finger over one particularly dark bruise in the shape of teeth. All you could do was stare.

"How did I not notice this?" you mutter, leaning closer to the mirror. The memory of Togame's lips on your skin flooded back. So you know how it happened but it didn’t seem like he had done this much damage- you had been so focused on his hands. 

"So," Kotoha says, drawing out the word with a mischievous grin, "What's his name? Surely you got it since this happened!" She wiggles her eyebrows suggestively while holding back laughs.

You rub the back of your neck, still feeling shy about saying his name out loud. "It's...Togame," you mumble, then closely watched her features for recognition.

"Togame?" Kotoha ponders, then shrugs. “Never heard of him.” You pray to anyone who listens, thanking them for this small favor.

"Those marks are crazy!" She leans in closer, examining your neck with exaggerated scrutiny. “He's got some serious skills though. You can see those a mile away."

You groan, burying your face in your hands. "Can we please change the subject?"

"No way!" Kotoha laughs, pulling your hands away from your face. "Come on, spill! I want all the juicy details."

You laughed despite yourself- it felt so good to talk with a girl your own age. Granted, the idea of sharing your entire night seemed a bit too personal. Instead you opted to share how despite the hickies he was a gentleman, and did not force himself on you when you wanted to stop.

Kotoha's eyes widened with interest. "Ooh, a gentleman, huh? That's rare these days. So what else can you tell me about this Togame guy?"

You hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Well, he's a bit older than us. And he really enjoys fine dining!"

Kotoha nodded eagerly. "I can see that,” for a second you just stared at each other then busted out laughing. “Anyways what does he do?" Kotoha breathed out while wiping a laughing tear away. You froze for a moment, realizing you couldn't exactly tell her Togame was a yakuza, but he had expertly told your aunt he was in business, what would work.

"He works in business. Management type stuff." you offer. 

"Ooh, a businessman," Kotoha said with a wink. "No wonder he's so intense."

You laughed nervously, relieved she didn't press further. "Yeah, something like that. Anyway, enough about me. How have you been?” She looked at you funny while preparing a coffee.

“It's been one day, but Toma-” she stopped moving, slowly turned back to look at you. Her face displayed the most unusual grin, comically evil.

“You are gonna be in so much trouble when Toma sees your neck!” She started laughing again, her whole body shaking. Fuck, your cousin lingers around this cafe, you were so stupid!

Your eyes widen in horror as the realization hits you. Toma. Your overprotective cousin who practically lives at this café. How could you forget about him? 

"Oh no," you groan, slumping against the counter. "Kotoha, you can't let him see me like this. He'll freak out!"

Kotoha's laughter subsides, but her eyes still sparkle with amusement. "Don't worry, I've got your back. But you know he's going to find out eventually, right?"

You nod miserably. "I know, but I'd rather it not be today. Do you have any concealer or something?"

Kotoha shakes her head. "Sorry, I don't wear much makeup at work. But I've got an idea!" She dashes to the back room, returning moments later with a bright pink scarf. You stared at the scarf- it was summer. You let a fake cry then gently take the scarf in hand, slowly wrapping it around your neck. You tried for several minutes to make it look natural but it was impossible.

You sigh, resigned to your fate. "This is hopeless. I look ridiculous."

Kotoha tilts her head, examining you. "It's not that bad. Just say you're trying out a new fashion trend or something."

Just then, because lady luck doesn’t like you, the bell above the door chimes. Your heart drops as you hear a familiar voice.

"Hey Kotoha-chan, got any of those almond croissants left?" Toma calls out as he strolls in. You freeze, your back to the door. This couldn’t be happening. Kotoha's eyes widen slightly, but she quickly smiles with a devilish grin. 

"Toma! Perfect timing. We were just talking about you," she says smoothly. You take a deep breath and slowly turn around, praying the scarf stays in place. "Hi Toma," you manage to squeak out.

Toma's eyebrows furrow in a rage and he points at your “BRAT!” he yells, finger leveled at your face. “You never even bothered to text me, letting me know you made it home safe!” 

You flinch at Toma's outburst, guilt starting to form. In all the excitement of last night, you had completely forgotten to text him.

"I'm so sorry, Toma," you say, your voice small. "I got caught up, then fell asleep right away!" You gesture vaguely, hoping he won't press for details.

Toma's anger seems to deflate a bit, but his eyes narrow as he takes in your appearance. 

"What's with the scarf? It's boiling outside."

You feel your face flush as you scramble for an excuse. "Oh, this? I, uh... I'm trying out a new look. You know, fashion and all that." Toma's not buying it stepped closer, his gaze zeroing in on your neck. "Take it off," he demands.

"What? No!” You shout back, he was gonna find out real quick you weren’t a baby anymore.

"Take it-'“ he was cut off by a hand on his shoulder. “Hey, give her a break. Didn’t you say she was new to the area?” A deep voice pulled your attention.

In all the drama you hadn’t noticed the newcomer and all the men you had met yesterday filing into the cafe. You can't help but notice how they seem to position themselves strategically, as if guarding the exit. The one who had spoken was really handsome, his hair was a fine powder white,and pale blue eyes nearly grey. It took a moment to notice his jacket. It was much longer than everyone else, with 3 bands on his left arm. You weren’t certain but he looked like the leader, the air around him for more still than your cousin.

“But Umemiya she-” your cousin froze mid sentence while looking at the man who kept an unflinching smile, then sighed in defeat. Toma pointed at your face, warning you of things to come which led to you sticking your tongue out at him. The man acted like you had been in his life for the last 15 years and needed protection. Pfft.

"I'm sure your cousin can explain her new fashion choices another time." Umemiya, you recall - gives you a subtle wink before turning his attention back to Kotoha.

“YOU LOOK SO BEAUTIFUL TODAY!!” He shouted, startling you. Kotoha on the other hand looked bored, and frankly annoyed.

“Ok.” She stated flatly, grabbing some pastries from behind the counter and stuffing them in a bag with an odd amount of aggression.

“Your hair looks so cute!” he spoke in a cutesy voice,clearly trying to poke Kotoha’s metaphorical bear. You weren’t sure if it was your imagination but you could swear a vein was getting ready to pop from her head. You pondered over their relationship, it seemed a bit off if they were dating. But- you were not one to judge. Your current situationship was a bit off to put it lightly.

“Don't look at me like that, you are gonna break my heart.” he whined, putting his elbows on the bar and setting his eyes wide. Dang, his puppy eyes were impressive.

“Ah! Shut up!!!” Kotoha shuddered while tossing the pastry bag at Umemiya. The bag hit him square in the face then it dropped with a thud. His face contorted into a strange baby pout.

“My baby sister hates me!!” Umemiya whined out. You blink in surprise at this revelation. Sister? That explained the odd dynamic between them. You can't help but chuckle at their banter, momentarily forgetting your own predicament. 

"Sister?" you ask, looking between Kotoha and Umemiya. "I didn't know you had a brother, Kotoha!"

Kotoha rolls her eyes. "Unfortunately. He's impossible to get rid of."

Umemiya clutches his chest dramatically. "You wound me, dear sister!" he smirked, “but your aim is improving." That seemed to nearly get another pastry thrown at his head but Sou expertly took it from Kotoha with a grateful smile, bringing it back to Akihiko who was now sitting at a table behind you.

"I don't believe we've been properly introduced. I'm Hajime Umemiya, Kotoha's handsome older brother." You chuckle out awkwardly, he was certainly forward.

"Nice to meet you," you say, trying to keep your voice steady. "I'm a friend of Kotoha." A surprised grunt comes from behind Umemiya's back. “And Toma’s cousin.” a satisfied huff made you chuckle. Umemiya smiled back, but his eyes landed on your neck for a brief moment making you turn away nervously.

“I didn’t realize you had pastries either, can I get one Kotoha!” You sputtered out hoping to avoid any and all questions about your neck. All around the sounds of shuffling feet, and chairs moving signaled everyone was finding a seat.

"Sure thing. What kind do you want?" Kotoha asked, also trying to help you pull away from questions from the boys surrounding you.

You glanced at the pastry case, trying to decide while the feeling of being watched creeped up your back. Glancing to the left, you caught Umemiya studying you with an unreadable expression from his newfound seat beside you. There was something almost calculating in his gaze that made you uneasy. It didn’t have the same energy that Togame had, but it was enough to make you more cautious going forward.

"I'll take a pain au chocolat," you said, staying razor focused on Kotoha. She nodded and reached for the pastry with tongs.

"Good choice," Umemiya commented, his tone casual but his eyes still fixed on you. "Those are my favorite too."

You forced a smile, accepting the paper bag from Kotoha. "Thanks. I should probably get going. I have some studying to do."

Toma frowned. "Already? But I just got here!” He looked down at your feet. “Look, you even brought your laptop! We’ll be gone soon anyways, just stay for a bit.” he paused looking at his hands. “It's nice to see you too.”

You hesitate, torn between wanting to escape the scrutiny and not wanting to disappoint Toma. His last comment tugs at your heartstrings enough to get you to fold. 

"Alright, I guess I can stay for a little bit," you concede with a small smile. Toma's face lights up, and you can't help but feel a warmth in your chest. Despite his overprotectiveness, you know he cares deeply.

You settle into a chair at the counter, carefully adjusting your scarf. Kotoha slides a steaming cup of coffee in front of you with a wink.

"So, how's school going?" Toma asks, leaning against the counter beside you. "Still keeping up with your classes back home?" You nod,finally a topic you didn’t have to tiptoe around.

"Yeah, it's going well. I just had a Creative Writing class this morning, actually.” You launch into an explanation of your online classes, grateful for the safe topic. As you talk, you notice Umemiya listening intently, his eyes never leaving your face. It made you feel restless in your seat.

You continue chatting with Toma about your classes, carefully avoiding any mention of your personal life. As you talk, you couldn't shake the feeling of being watched the entire time and it was starting to drain you. The men scattered around the cafe seem to be hanging on your every word, even though they're pretending to be engaged in their own conversations.

"That's great that you're keeping up with your studies," Toma says, beaming with pride. "I always knew you were smart." he touches your shoulder gently. “You know you used to tell me a lot of stories when you were younger, always crying when I didn’t believe you.” You blinked at him, tears bubbling- you didn’t remember anything and that hurt- a lot.

“I mean they were crazy! Stories about a snake so big it would swallow the world, and ghost cats that needed extra attention plus kibble. You had a big imagination.” Toma smiled more to himself, memories seemed to be flowing for him. You wanted to feel that too. 

Taking a quick sip of coffee was just enough to hide your sorrow and reset your mind. You could make memories with him now, lasting ones. As you set the cup down, your scarf slips slightly. You quickly readjust it, but not before catching a glimpse of Umemiya's fist balling on the counter.

"So," Umemiya starts, his voice deceptively casual, "how are you finding Japan so far? Eventful?" You freeze, your heart racing as you slowly turn to him- eyes wide.

"Oh, you know," you fumble. “Just getting used to the streets, Makochi is bigger than it seems.”

“What about your date last night?” A voice called out from behind you, while you were still learning all their faces it certainly sounded like Sou.

“It went fine.” You proclaimed quickly before shoving a lot of pastry into your mouth. Toma stared at you, ready to start a fight again.

“Hold on, you said you didn’t know his name cuz it was an app date,” he frowned. “What was it?” You should have left earlier, you absolutely should have left. You chewed your croissants extra slow hoping they would all disappear by the time you swallowed. Sadly the delicious pastry was 90% butter so it melted within a few seconds. You swallow hard, your mind racing for an explanation- stalling. The silence stretches on uncomfortably as all eyes in the cafe turn to you.

"I, uh..." you stammer, desperately searching for a believable lie. "His name is..-" Kotoha, the savior, had enough of your interrogation. Her rag hit the bar with a loud wet thud. 

“Stop it!” She pointed at Toma with a fierce look on her face. “Leave her alone!” She looked back at Umemiya, glaring a warning only siblings knew how to decipher then returned to your cousin.

“She will tell you when she is ready, and you acting like some macho guy in charge of her life isn’t going to speed that along, so stop it!” You stare at Kotoha in stunned silence, grateful for her intervention. Toma looked taken aback, his mouth opening, and closing as he struggled to respond.

Umemiya clears his throat, breaking the awkward silence. "Kotoha's right," he says, his tone surprisingly gentle. "We shouldn't pry." He gives you a small, reassuring smile. "I apologize if we made you uncomfortable." You nod with a small smile, completely relieved with the turn of events. You owed Kotoha a girls night, all expenses paid. 

"It's okay," you mumble, fidgeting with the bottom of your t-shirt. "I appreciate it, really. I'm just... still figuring things out here." You offered politely. 

Toma's shoulders slump slightly. "I'm sorry," he says, looking genuinely remorseful. "I just worry about you, you know?” The guilt from earlier started to dig a hole into your gut. There was a possibility they didn’t know Togame at all, Kotoha hadn’t, but if they did- well you weren’t sure what would happen.

"I know, Toma. I know you care. I promise, I'm being careful." You gave your cousin a large smile, grabbing his hand for a moment, giving a small squeeze. He squeezed back before letting go and taking a big breath.

Umemiya clears his throat, breaking the tender moment. "Well, I think we've all overstayed our welcome. Shall we head out, lads?" He stands, shooting you an unreadable look before turning to the others.

As the men begin to gather at the front, you feel a mix of relief and lingering want. You had wanted to chat more with a few of them but Toma and Umemiya had really consumed all your time. You watch as they filed out of the cafe, each one nodding politely in your direction. Umemiya is the last to leave, pausing at the door to give you one final, thoughtful look.

"It was nice meeting you," he says, his tone warm but his eyes still evaluating you. "I'm sure we'll be seeing more of each other." With that, he's gone, leaving you alone with Kotoha.

You let out a breath you didn't realize you were holding. Kotoha comes over, refilling your coffee cup with a sympathetic smile.

"You okay?" she asks quietly. You nod, forcing a smile. "Yeah, thanks for standing up for me earlier."

Toma shifted into a seat beside you. "Look, I really am sorry about Umemiya, he is such a handful.” She launched into her next statement with a softened look. “He protects this area, and quickly feels responsible for people. He isn’t an idiot either, he probably saw the marks.” She motioned to your neck, the dumb scarf was looser than you remembered. 

You feel your face flush hot at Kotoha's words. "Shit,it kept slipping." you groan, burying your face in your hands. "Do you think he'll tell Toma?"

Kotoha shakes her head. "Nah, I don't think so. Umemiya may be nosy, but he's not a gossip. Still..." She leans in closer, lowering her voice. "You might want to be mindful. Umemiya knows pretty much everything that goes on around here. If your mystery man is local, it wont stay a secret forever."

You nod, a knot of anxiety forming in your stomach. "Thanks for the warning.” You pause, considering your next words very carefully.

"What exactly did you mean when you said Umemiya 'protects this area'?"

Kotoha looks at you for a few seconds with a blank stare then a huge smile formed. "Well, he protects this area of the town, they all do." You watched her, waiting for her to confirm your suspicions. When she didn’t example any further you pressed, no way that was it.

"Are they... yakuza?" you blurt out, no way you were letting this go.

Kotoha's eyes widened in shock, but she quickly composed herself. "I wouldn't throw that word around lightly," she scolds.  "They keep the neighborhood safe, handle disputes, that kind of thing. They don’t shake anyone down for money.They don’t hurt anyone." You nod slowly, feeling unconvinced.

"So they are like... unofficial law enforcement?" You offered- generously.

Kotoha shrugs. "Something like that. It's complicated.That's why I wanted to warn you." She gives you a soft smile. "If your new guy is from around here, they probably know him or know of him."

You nod slowly, processing this new information. The knot in your stomach tightens as you think about Togame and your cousin. It was so much to take in.Kotoha gives your hand a reassuring squeeze.

"Hey, don't look so worried. They're good guys, really. Just... protective of their own, you know?"

You force a smile, trying to push away your concerns. "Yeah, I get it. I would be too." Silence fell for a moment but you quickly remembered why you came to the cafe.

“I've got that writing assignment to work on. Can I have another coffee?" You pulled your best doe eyes hoping she wouldn’t point out it was your 3rd cup already. 

"Sure thing," Kotoha says, grabbing the coffee pot. As she refills your mug, you pull out your laptop and notebook.

"Thanks," you murmur, taking a sip of the fresh coffee. The warmth and caffeine help calm your nerves a bit. You open your laptop, pulling up the document with your story draft. She looks at your laptop with a curious gaze.

"It's for my Creative Writing class," you explain. "We have to write a short story about someone lost at sea, focusing on dialogue."

"Sounds intense," Kotoha says. "Mind if I read what you have so far?"

You hesitate for a moment, then nod. "Sure, why not? I could use some feedback."

As Kotoha reads, you can't help but let your mind wander.The revelation about Umemiya and his group being some kind of neighborhood protectors - or so Kotoha says - weighs heavily on your mind. You can't help but draw parallels to Togame and wonder how to balance your relationships going forward.

"This is really good!" Kotoha's voice snaps you back to reality. She's looking at you with genuine admiration. "It's like I can feel her desperation."

You smile, grateful for the distraction. "Thanks. I'm still working on the dialogue parts. It's tricky when there's only one character’s internal monologue."

"Maybe she could talk outloud?" Kotoha suggests. “imagining one of her missing parents who is always slightly out of reach?" You stare at her in shock, that was a really good idea.

“That is brilliant, may I use it?” She laughed at the question and nodded. “My ideas are free to all.” You both laugh, enjoying the return of the easy going atmosphere. As Kotoha busies herself with cafe tasks, you dive back into your story. The words flow more easily now, your protagonist's voice clearer in your mind. You type furiously, lost in the world you're creating.

A ping caught your attention, your eyes took a moment to adjust the moment your unlocked phone’s brightness. It was a text from Togame. It read: Busy day, you home? Your heart skips a beat as you read Togame's message. You glance at Kotoha, who's busy wiping down tables, before quickly typing a response.

"At Cafe Pothos studying. Everything okay?" you reply back.

You set your phone down, trying to focus on your writing again, but your mind keeps drifting to Togame. What could he be busy with? Is he thinking about you? The memory of his lips on your neck makes you smile, and you absentmindedly adjust the scarf.

Your phone pings again."Be home soon." reflected back at you. Your heart begins to race as you stare at Togame's cryptic message. What did he mean by that? Did he want you to go home now? The short message swirled in your mind, making it impossible to focus.

You glance at the time on your laptop. It's been a few hours since you arrived at the cafe. Maybe it is time to head back. You start packing up your things, trying to appear casual.

"Heading out?" Kotoha asks, noticing your movements.

You nod, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I should probably get back. Thanks for letting me hang out here." With a bit of stealth you put the cost of the coffee down behind your cup, knowing she would probably return it if visible. 

Kotoha gives you a knowing look. "Hot date?" she asked with a signature fox-like grin. 

You feel your face flush. "No, nothing like that. Just... need to get home."

As you stand to leave, Kotoha catches your arm gently. "Hey, be careful, okay?" she says gently. "I meant what I said earlier about Umemiya and the others. They're good guys, but they take protecting this neighborhood very seriously. If your new man is involved in anything...." she tapered off.

You nodded back trying to ignore her unfinished warning . "Thanks, Kotoha. I appreciate you looking out for me." She gives your arm a squeeze before letting go. 

"That's what friends are for. Text me later, yeah?" she chirped out, a normal smile back in place. 

"Definitely," you promise, shouldering your bag. As you head for the door, you can't help but feel like you're walking away with more baggage than you should have. The weight of your secrets was starting to suffocate you. 

The walk home felt different this time, charged with apprehension. Your mind focused on thoughts of Togame, wondering how his day had been- feeling guilty you forgot to text him. As you navigated the familiar streets, you couldn't fully shake the feeling of being watched. Kotoha's warning about Umemiya and his group echoes in your head, making you suspicious of your surroundings. A small chuckle left your mouth as you shook away the paranoia. No one would follow you, you didn’t do anything wrong. Toma wouldn’t dare, not after the lashing Kotoha gave him. 

Still, it felt wonderful to see the tunnel you walked through earlier- nearly home. You scanned the graffiti until your eyes landed at the top of the arch. Feet and lungs stopped the moment your eyes processed a very familiar lion-dog emblem. That absolutely looked like how a group would mark the start of their territory. Your two worlds were literally a short tunnel apart. 

Suddenly everything felt too real, too complicated. The skin under the scarf felt itchy but your fingers fumbled with the flimsy cloth, stress was gnawing at your heels. After a few seconds, which felt longer, you let out an irritated shout and ripped the fucking thing from your neck. The weight of everything felt too heavy, everyone felt too heavy, fuck your clothes felt to heavy. Tears formed in your eyes as your emotions swirled out of control. 

The world started to fog as you took another shaking breath, slowly stepping into the tunnel. Each step your breathing got a bit more ragged. Dread filled you as breathing became extremely difficult.  

You were having a panic attack. 

The knowledge of this did not help though, it made your body feel all the heavier. You stopped unable to move, laptop bag and scarf slipping from your fingers to the ground. Your chest heaved painfully bringing you to your knees. Everything felt wrong, like the tunnel was closing in. Before you knew it, you were fully on your hands and knees just trying to breathe normally, tears painting the ground. 

“Fuck, fuck, fuck..” You repeated, trying to reel everything back in. 

“What's wrong, are you hurt?” The familiar voice of Togame pierced the veil of your anxiety. Your head shot up, a wild look on your face as you searched for his green eyes. With shaking hands you reached for him, needing him.  

Togame's strong arms wrap around you, pulling you close against his chest. His familiar scent enveloping you, grounding you in the moment. You cling to him desperately, your fingers digging into the fabric of his shirt as you try to steady your breathing.

"I've got you," his voice was extremely low as he tried soothing you.

 "Just breathe with me,” His chest began to rise and fall dramatically with your head pressed against him. You focus on the rise and fall- the warmth, trying to match your breathing to his. Slowly, the panic started to recede, leaving you feeling drained and lost. Togame's hand rubbed gentle circles on your back as he held you close, being the shield you needed. 

"That's it," he said slowly. "I'm here." 

"I'm sorry," you whisper, your voice hoarse. "I don't know what happened."

Togame pulls back slightly, his green eyes looking you over. "Don't apologize. Are you alright?"

You hesitate, unsure how to explain the whirlwind of emotions and revelations that led to this moment. "Yeah, I am." you manage- your body fully disagreeing. "Everything just felt overwhelming suddenly."

His gaze softens as he gently brushes a tear from your cheek. "You don't have to talk about it now.” He stated simply. 

“Let's get you home,” He offered but you shook your head. You didn’t want to go home, if your aunt saw you this way, she wouldn’t let you leave the house again.

You shake your head, gripping Togame's shirt tighter. "No, please. I don't want to go home yet. Can we go somewhere else for a bit?"

Togame studies your face for a moment, then nods. "Alright. I know a place." With the utmost care, Togame helps you to your feet, steadying you with a hand on your lower back. He quickly bent down to retrieve your fallen bag and scarf, slinging them over his shoulder. You glance at him, still wanting to refrain from walking for a minute.

“Want a piggyback?” For the first time in the last few hours you laugh out with a bit of a hysterical edge, then shake your head no. While you did think he was strong, you did not need the question: “Am I too heavy?” answered today.

"No, I can walk," you say with a weak smile. "Just...hold me." Togame nodded while wrapping an arm around your waist as you began to walk. His presence is comforting, anchoring you down as you leave the tunnel behind. You lean into him slightly, grateful for his support.

The walk is quiet leaving you inside your mind still reeling from everything. In hindsight it felt dumb to have a panic attack over graffiti. You didn’t even know how to explain without sharing everything. 

Several minutes passed as Togame led you down unfamiliar streets, away from the busier parts of town. Eventually, you find yourself in a small, secluded park. A few cherry blossom trees line a winding path, their petals drifting lazily in the breeze.

Togame guided you to a bench beneath one of the trees, helping you sit down before taking a seat beside you. Togame doesn't push you to talk,  he just sits there with you in comfortable silence. You loved this, sitting with him in silence. The cafe had been a lot of fun at first but the eyes, the noise, the questions- it had all piled on so fast, leaving you hollow.

You take a deep breath, inhaling the sweet scent of trees. The park was quiet, empty of other people - recharging your battery slowly. Togame's arm remains around you, his thumb tracing gentle circles on your hip.

"Thank you," you murmur, leaning your head against his shoulder. "For being here."

Togame leaned in, pressing a soft kiss into your temple. "Always," he replies, his voice relaxed- like he didn’t just peel you off the ground.

You sit in silence for a while longer, watching the cherry blossom petals dance on the breeze. Gradually, you feel the tension leaving your body, replaced by a bone-deep exhaustion.

"Do you want to talk about what happened?" Togame asks cautiously, breaking the silence.

You hesitate, unsure how to explain honestly, but you swore not to lie to him. Your mouth remained closed, though you did try to speak. Your jaw wouldn’t move, your entire body struggled against the promise you made him. The thoughts: “it will change things”, “he’ll throw you away” , “JUST SAY IT” ran on repeat in your head until the thoughts became loud static.

“Can we talk about it tomorrow? I just need to sort my thoughts, it's about my cousin.” You finally managed out. While it was a complete cop-out, it did buy you time to figure out the answer to a singular question. What would you choose?

Togame nods, his expression carefully school. "Take the time you need." He gives your waist a gentle squeeze. "Talk when you’re ready." You feel a rush of gratitude at his patience, and a pang of guilt. On one side, there's Togame - this enigmatic man who's quickly becoming an important part of your life. Then there's your cousin- loving family, and his group, who clearly care about you. You didn’t forget Kotoha either, she was becoming a friend to whom you never wanted to say goodbye.

"Thank you," you murmur, snuggling closer to him. The warmth of his body and the gentle rustling of leaves above you creates a cocoon of comfort. For a while, you simply sit together, watching the sun's rays filter through the trees. The park remains blissfully empty, giving you space to breathe and collect yourself. Togame's steady presence beside you helps push all lingering anxiety at bay.

“So,” you started, feeling terrible for forgetting. “How was your day? You said it was busy.”

Togame shifts slightly, his arm tightening around you. "It’s been eventful," he says carefully but his tone was still laced with malice.

"Just some business matters that needed attention." he smiled “Always a mess to clean up.”

“Like a normal mess? Or a human mess?” You chuckled, filter is completely gone with your social battery so low.

“Well, there certainly was a type of human mess.” You stared at him, his smile still lazy but clearly amused at your shocked expression. He acted so normal but there was always a moment when he quietly reminded you of a cold truth, he was yakuza.

"I admit, I walked into that one." you pouted while nuzzling into his shoulder.

Togame hums in agreement, his fingers still tracing lazy patterns on your hip.

"Well, I'm glad you're okay," you say softly, looking up at him. "I was worried today, even though I didn’t know why."

Togame's expression softens as he meets your gaze. "Don't worry about me," he says, his voice gentle but firm. "I can handle myself."

You nod, trying to push away the nagging in your gut. "I know you can. It's just... I care about you." The words slip out before you can stop them, and you feel your face flush.

Togame's eyes widen slightly, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them. He cups your cheek gently, his thumb brushing over your skin. "Such a good girl," he chuckles before capturing your lips. You lean into his touch, closing your eyes for a moment- just taking him in. You savored the taste of him and the comfort of his touch. For a moment, all your worries fade away, replaced by the simple pleasure of being close to him. When you finally pull apart, you feel more grounded than you have all day.

"We should head back," Togame says softly, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. "It's getting late." You pull your phone from your pocket checking the time, it was 6:36 PM. You frown, you had left the cafe around 4 PM, how could two hours have passed without you noticing?

"If we must," you sighed, reluctant to leave this peaceful bubble you've found with Togame.

He stands, offering you his hand. You take it, allowing him to pull you to your feet, your items still in his hand. As you start walking back towards the park entrance, Togame keeps his arm around you, his warmth an always comforting presence at your side.

The streets were near silent as the day faded into evening. Street Lights flicker on, casting a soft glow over the sidewalks. You walk in companionable silence, your mind still turning over everything that's happened today.

As you near your aunt's home, you feel disappointment brewing. Togame gives you a sense of stability, or perhaps, a sense of being cared for. The thought of going back to your room alone, with all your swirling thoughts and worries, makes your chest tighten.

"Will you come in for a bit?" you ask softly, looking up at Togame. "I don't want to be alone just yet."

Togame studies your face for a moment, his green eyes lingering on your eyes then slowly moving to your neck. He sighed before cupping your face. “I have to return to work.” he smiled, “Are you free tomorrow morning?” he added.

You try to hide your disappointment, forcing a small smile. "I understand. Tomorrow morning works for me. I don't have any classes on Tuesday."

Togame nods, his thumb gently caressing your cheek. "Good. I'll pick you up at 10 AM. We can have breakfast." The promise of seeing him again tomorrow lifts your spirits enough to willingly go inside.

"I'd like that," you say softly.

As you reach the front door, Togame pulls you close, wrapping both arms around you. You melt into his embrace, breathing in his scent and savoring the feeling of safety it brings.

"Get some rest," he murmurs, pressing a kiss to your forehead. "Call me if you need anything."

You nod against his chest. "I will. See you tomorrow Togame." He gives you a firm squeeze then carefully  pulls away, holding your stuff out to take- which you slowly reclaim. With one last smile and lazy wave he sets off, phone in hand.

You watch Togame walk away, his broad shoulders fading into the evening shadows. With a deep sigh, you turn and enter the house, the weight of the day settling back onto your shoulders. It was a bit disturbing how the absence of Togame made your body feel instantly heavy, and mind cloudy.

As you unlock the door, you're greeted by the soft glow of the TV and the smell of something cooking. Your aunt is in her usual spot on the couch, her eyes barely flicking to you as you enter.

"I'm home," you call out softly, slipping off your shoes.

"There's curry on the stove if you're hungry," she replies, her attention still fixed on the TV.

You pause in the hallway, torn between hunger and the desire to retreat to your room. "Thanks for making dinner, Auntie. I might have some later. I did a lot of studying so I’m a bit tired." Your aunt did not respond so you took that as a sign she was okay for the night.

“Shout if you need me auntie.” you offered one last time. 

Once in your room, you toss your stuff to the side then collapse onto your bed, staring up at the ceiling. The events of the day stay fixed in your mind - the awkward encounter at the cafe, Kotoha's warnings, your panic attack, and Togame's arm. It's all too much to process, but you had too. Togame needed to know what was happening, and you didn’t want to keep it from him any longer.

Rolling onto your side, you bear hugged all your pillows, curling up tight. Part of you wants to text Kotoha, to pour out everything that happened after you left the cafe. She would know the right thing to say.

You reach for your phone, but stop short of texting. As much as you want to confide in Kotoha, you're not sure how much you can safely tell her. Instead, you pop up and grab your laptop then shuffle back to bed. You pull up a blank document. Maybe writing it all out will help you make sense of things.

Your fingers hover over the keyboard as you try to find the right words. How do you explain the tangled web of relationships you've found yourself caught in? You start typing, letting your thoughts flow freely onto the page:

"I never meant for things to get so complicated. When I came to Japan, I thought it would be a fresh start, a chance to focus on my studies while having a few adventures along the way. I didn't expect to get caught up in the complex dynamics of this neighborhood. To meet someone like Tagome..” Your fingers stopped, mind going blank. 

Your eyes landed on your phone. You could call him, he said you could..but you didn’t need anything. Well, you felt like you needed him- but you didn’t need anything else. Shaking your head to close the laptop and slumped back in bed. Maybe it was time to sleep, even if it was early. 

Togame’s POV

Togame read over the text "At Cafe Pothos studying. Everything okay?" and felt agitation creep up his spine. It wasn’t enough to get fully mad, but he did respond with a curt message instead of his normal forced texts- he loathed texting. It wasn’t that she was off with a friend studying, it was that she was out of reach. Due to some standing agreements he could go into Bofurin territory but he would be subject to stops, and he did not have the patience as of late to deal with some chump upstart trying to climb ranks by wasting his time. No, if that happened the tentative balance between Shishitoren and Bofurin would instantly collapse. 

As he walked to her aunt’s home his phone kept going off. Texts updating him on more people being brought in, questioned- some light beatings for information. While he had been there when people came in, it took a while to break people down, and he had decided to step away- he wanted to see his favorite girl. 

He stood at her aunt's house which showed little movement inside, and the light to her bedroom was off. Looking at his phone he noticed she should have been home by now, or very near. With a quick nod and the pocketing of his cell, he turned towards the tunnel connecting Shishitoren and Bofurin, that was the most likely route for her to take- he’d just meet her there. 

He was not expecting, nor prepared for what he saw. Rounding the corner to the tunnel had made all his training worth something, his body moved on its own. The 100 yards he had to gap to reach her took him six seconds, five seconds too long in his mind. 

The sight of her on the ground, hands and knees crying set him on edge. He looked around for an attacker but saw no one. Then slowly he reached out, his voice seeming to break through whatever cloud she was in. The way she looked at him shifted his entire universe. No one had ever looked at him that way. It was desperation beyond wanting, or needing- it was feverish. 

Her wild eyes locked onto his, relief seemed to wash over her as she reached for him, hands shaking violently. Without hesitation, Togame pulled her into his arms, holding her body tightly against his chest. She clung to him desperately, as tears covered his shirt- her sobs cutting him. He whispered reassures as it dawned on him this was a panic attack. Even knowing it was not dangerous he found her panic was triggering his fight or flight. His grip kept flexing, reminding him to not accidentally crush her.

With guided breathing she slowly came back to him. He kept his breathing exaggerated and steady for her to match. Slowly, he felt the tension start to leave her soft body- sobs quieting. When she finally spoke, her voice was hoarse, making his heart clenched. Her apology nearly made him howl in rage. He didn’t want her to apologize,he wanted to understand- to help.

As she fully returned to him, Togame found himself at a loss. His mind raced as he held her, trying to piece together what could have triggered such an intense panic attack. The sight of her gasping for air, had shaken him more than he cared to admit. He was used to dealing with violence, with threats, but not this. He had wanted to scoop her up and carry her home but he knew she would squirm, and with her fragile state he didn’t want her going off the deep end again, so he let it go- for now.

While he guided her to the park, his arm wrapped protectively around her waist, enjoying the sensation of her body on his.  He did notice the way her body leaned into him for support, the slight tremor that still ran through her body - it all made him want to shield her from whatever had caused this- from everything. If it had been a person, well, he was creative when needed- he’d figure something out. 

Sitting on the bench, surrounded by the gentle fall of cherry blossoms, Togame felt an unfamiliar sense of peace. Her presence, even in this vulnerable state, grounded him in a way he hadn't experienced before. He wanted to stay there for much longer, but the spare moment he had used to come say hello had long expired. 

It had been really difficult to say no to staying over for a bit. He really wanted to lay down, her snug in his arms while he also rested-but now was not the time. His phone had kept going off the entire time he was away, the vibrations increasingly close together. No, he had to focus on work for the moment.

Togame's jaw clenched as he read through the messages on his phone. The situation back at headquarters was escalating, and his absence was being noted. As much as he wanted to stay, to make sure she was truly alright, duty called.

He quickened his pace, his mind becoming a haze of white noise. The captives were talking, but the information they provided only raised more questions. Someone was moving against Shishitoren, testing their borders, probing for weaknesses- clearly finding one.

As he approached the Orion, Togame took a deep breath, pushing all thoughts, all worries to the back of his mind. He needed to focus now.

"About time," Choji whined as Togame entered the dimly lit entrance. “You’ve been missing all the fun.” Blood on Choji’s fingers displayed the work his leader has put into the investigation.

“Dealing with some personal stuff. Here now.” Choji gave a blank stare for a moment then put on a goofy grin laced with his particular brand of madness.

“Don't let it get in the way,” It was small, but Togame heard the threat all the same.

Togame's eyes narrowed slightly at Choji's words, but he kept his expression neutral. "It won't," he said coolly, brushing past Choji and heading deeper into the building.

The basement air was thick with the metallic scent of blood and wet stone. Three men were tied to chairs, their faces bruised and swollen. Then in the corner a woman was tied up, to his relief not harmed. While this grim life led to women getting involved, Togame made a point to never hit women. If it was outside survival it wasn't allowed by anyone in Shishitoren. It took a minute but he did recognize them as low-level members of a group that had been causing trouble on the fringes of Shishitoren territory for the last few years.

"What have they told us?" Togame asked, his voice even toned.

Yukinari stepped forward, wiping his hands on a cloth. "Not much yet, boss. They claim they were just following orders, but won't say from who." After a second he followed up, “The package was delivered to an unknown person, but we are working on that.”

Togame nodded, his eyes scanning the battered men. He approached the one in the middle, who seemed the most coherent. His height on full display made the man shrink back.

“Now that introductions are done, you’re gonna tell me the truth.” He paused looking over at the woman who was crying. “Or things are going to get very personal.” A wolf-like grin spread across Togame’s face.

“What was his mothers name again?” Yukinari pulled a file from a nearby table.

“Sato Noriko,” He responded to Togame’s question. “Ah, that’s right. Send two men to greet Miss Sato, see if her home needs any repairs done.” While the threat was a bit much, Togame was tired. He wanted answers and if he had to thrash an old lady's apartment to recover 250 worth of product, he would.

The man in the chair visibly paled at the mention of his mother's name. His eyes darted between Togame and Yukinari- who was already talking on his phone, panic evident on his face.

"Wait, please," he croaked out. "I'll tell you what I know. Just leave my mother out of this."

Togame's expression remained impassive, but he nodded slightly. "Start talking then."

The man swallowed hard, wincing at the pain in his bruised throat. "We were hired by someone from Bofurin. I don't know his name. Said they wanted to test Shishitoren's defenses, see how quickly you'd respond to disruptions."

Togame's eyes narrowed. "Bofurin?" That didn’t sound right. “They were wearing a green jacket?” he questioned. 

The man nodded frantically. "Yes, I saw it with my own eyes.” There was no way he was telling the truth. Umemiya had spent the last several years avoiding conflict at all costs. Togame's mind filtered through different possibilities as he processed this information. Bofurin ordering incursions into Shishitoren territory didn't align with what he knew of Hajime Umemiya or his methods. Something wasn't adding up.

"Describe this man," Togame demanded, his voice low and dangerous. "Every detail you can remember." his knuckles cracking as flexed them, preparing. 

The captive swallowed hard, his eyes locked nervously on Togame. "He was tall, maybe a little shorter than you. Dark hair. It looked like he had a scar on his neck or a tattoo. The jacket was definitely green though!"

Togame exchanged a glance with Yukinari. This description didn't match anyone they knew in Bofurin's upper ranks. Either this man was lying, someone was impersonating Bofurin members, or Hajime was testing a new policy- which felt very unlikely. Togame stepped back, jaw setting in place as he prepared for the next steps he needed to take. 

“Alright, I believe you.” Togame said plainly. “But it doesn’t change anything.” The man’s face fell.

“Take them all back, let the girl go, we have her information.” He paused, nothing could stop the train now. “Make a show of them. Take whoever you need.” The three men began to cry, begging for leniency but Togame wouldn’t hear any of it. 

“And his mom?” Yukinari questioned, phone to his ear. Togame looked back at the man, who had now pissed his pants. It was exhausting having to deal with so many problems at once. 

“Send Miss Sato a bouquet, from her son.” That was the most he could offer. The man gargled out pleas but Togame was already leaving the room- there was far more to be done. 

[backupanddoitagain]

Conversations with Peter Parker

Kitchen Conversations (conclusion)

**Rating: Mature/Warning (innuendo) Pure fluffy fluff**

Reblogs and likes are great; please do not repost elsewhere/deposit in AI software.

You: Peter, you never answered my question.

Peter: The answer is five. I counted three this morning and before dinner you ca--

You: Peter! I know exactly how many times I...nevermind...stop distracting me! Those big brown eyes making me...

Peter: Whaaaat?

You: My question, Peter. What were you talking about with the granola box this morning? About the missing ingredient?

Peter: Oh that... you've heard of the concept of umami? The taste of glutamates and the sensation of savory in cooking?

You: Yes, I'm familiar with it...wh-what are you doing?

Peter: There was a little bit of sauce on your cheek, just making sure you didn't spill more anywhere else....aww, you're blushing again.

You: Peter? Umami?

Peter: Oh, yeah, right...so I think about you all the time. About us all the time. H-how you make me feel, how I miss you when you're away. You make me want to savor what we share, to enjoy the delicious memories we make together, and this morning at breakfast was when I realized--

You: [interrupting, emotional] Peter, that's the loveliest thing anyone has ever said to me.

Peter: The missing ingredient? It’s Youmami. You make everything better.

You: I love you so much, Peter...and you do know that those words aren't pronounced the same?

Peter: While I'm nibbling on your ear that is what you're thinking about?

You: No, actually....I'm thinking...seven.

Peter: Seven is a wonderful number. I'm feeling pretty hungry right now.

You: Me, too....

Peter: Mmmm. So tasty.

END

[hydralisk98]

Short sum for newbie system designer processor steps

Here are a few beginner projects for learning the ropes of customized computation architecture design:

Pana, a '4-4-4' instruction processor derived from Intersil 6100 & GaryExplains' but for 4-bit data. Uses the sixteen (16) RISC instructions shown by GaryExplains and only four (4) of its registers (ACC, PC, LN & MQ) as per of the Intersil 6100 specification. Doing as much work onto nibbles like an MVP Intel 4004 can, great as a BCD & Nibble data converter for later designs.

Tina, a barely expanded '4-4-8' processor derived from the "Pana" design, it uses more registers by adding twelve general-use registers (A-F, U-Z letters) and operate onto a single byte of data at a time. Great for two nibbles operations, byte-wise interoperability and 8-bit word compatibility with all sorts of modern processors from the seventies-onwards.

Milan, a '6-2-24' strong hybrid 8-bit / 12-bit processor derived from the "Tina" design, operating onto three bytes or two tribbles of data at once depending of use-case, while fitting in exactly 32-bit per instruction. Aimed at computing three 8-bit units, enabling 16-bit & 24-bit compatibility as well as up to two tribble operands. A great MVP implementation step towards my next own tribble computing architecture and a competitor to the Jack educational computer as shown in the NAND2Tetris courseware book.

When I am done with such, I will be onto three tribble-oriented architectures for lower-end, middle-end and upper-end "markets". Zara being lower-end (6-bit opcode, 6-bit register & 36-bit data = 48-bit instructions), Zorua being mid-end (8-bit opcode, 8-bit register and 48-bit data = 64-bit instructions) and Zoroark being upper-end (12-bit opcode, 36-bit register and 96/144-bit data (so either eight or twelve tribble operands worth of data) = 144/192-bit instructions, aiming to emulate close enough to an open-source IBM's PowerISA clone with VLIW & hot-swap computer architecture).

By the way, I haven't forgotten about the 16^12 Utalics game consoles and overall tech market overview + history specifications, nor have I forgotten about studying + importing + tinkering around things like Microdot & Gentoo & Tilck. I simply need to keep a reminder to myself for what to do first when I shall start with the computation engineering process. Hopefully that might be interesting for you to consider as well... Farewell!

EDIT #1

Tweaked and added some additional text & considering studying various aspects of Linux and overall copyleft / open source culture engineering scene, especially over Gentoo alternative kernels & hobby / homebrew standalone operating systems (GNU Hurd, OpenIndiana, Haiku... as well as niche ones like ZealOS, Parade, SerenityOS...) as to design a couple computation ecosystems (most derived from my constructed world which takes many hints from our real-life history) and choosing one among them to focus my implementation efforts onto as the "Nucleus" hybrid modular exo-kernel + my very own package modules collection. (Still aiming to be somewhat compatible with existing software following Unix philosophy principles too as to ease the developer learning cost in initial infrastructure compatibility & overall modularized complexity; Might also use some manifestation tips & games to enrich it with imports from said constructed world if possible)

[eatossolutions]

Goodbye Errors, Hello Efficiency: The AI Ordering System Advantage

Imagine your busy restaurant: the smell of the fresh dishes being prepared in the kitchen, the clinking of wine glasses, and a crowd of happy guests. Now, imagine this idyllic scene and then interrupted by a groan of diners who have been served their peanut sauce instead of pesto. Human error is inevitable, but for the restaurateur, it is one unwanted guest who can also spoil the party. That is where an AI ordering system skates in, saving the day (and your reputation) with a whisper of tech magic.

The AI Waiter That Never Gets Your Order Wrong: How Does AI Ordering Work?

AI-driven ordering systems are the restaurant superhero: they remember the tiniest detail, down to a customer's food allergies and the specific level of doneness desired in their steak, all without any use of paper and pencil. Here, machine learning helps optimize order processing, predicting and streamlining customer choice between front-of-house and back-of-house.

No more, "I didn't order this!"

Error-Free Order Taking

We have all had that moment of disappointment when the meal arriving at the table is not what was ordered. An AI-enabled ordering system is a diligent server that never mishears or mistypes an order, ensuring that every dish served is a mirror image of the customer's request.

Personalization at Its Best

This beauty in AI-driven ordering systems lies in its ability to learn from every interaction. It will remember that Mr. Smith wants extra olives on his pizza and that Mrs. Jones has a shellfish allergy. This level of personalization is not just impressive—it's how you build loyalty and return customers.

Quicker Service, Quicker Smiles

Accelerate Service Times

With AI, orders are processed so that there is no downtime between taking the order and getting it to the kitchen. The system is instantaneous-meaning starters can be nibbled while the entrees are still being prepared, not just entered into the system.

Stay on Top of Peak Hours

Your restaurant is the bomb, and Friday nights can be as busy as a theme park. Luckily, an AI-driven ordering system is your Fast Pass, keeping the orders coming and the kitchen humming, even when every table is full.

Inventory Management: The Unsung Hero of AI

Say Goodbye to Stock Surprises

With an AI-enabled ordering system, what's being ordered is constantly analyzed, so it can predict inventory needs with real-time data. So, say goodbye to that panic when you run out of salmon in the middle of service or have to 86 your top-selling dessert.

Reduce Waste

With AI fine-tuning your inventory, those overorders are a thing of the past. Waste reduction is a very effective way to reduce costs while also being fantastically good for the environment.

Huge Integrations

An Ecosystem of Efficiency

The AI-enabled ordering system plays nicely with your existing software. From payment processing to loyalty programs, and from staff scheduling to table management, AI-driven ordering systems can integrate with a multitude of applications, creating a seamless flow of information.

In Sync with Your Kitchen

An optimized kitchen is a happy kitchen, and AI-driven ordering systems ensure that with direct integration with the kitchen display screens. This ensures that orders pop up on the screens of chefs in real-time, eliminating confusion and shouting, which usually leads to mistakes.

Data-Driven Decisions

Unlocking the Power of Analytics

Every order has a story and an AI-enabled ordering system is a great narrator. Understanding buying trends, bestsellers, and dishes that need to be worked on can be understood properly only by understanding what tickles your customers' taste buds.

Customized Marketing Campaigns

With data in hand, you can design campaigns that strike the spot. Are salads a summer sellout? Is your seafood special a winter warmer? Engage your customers' favorites with the data your AI-driven ordering system collects.

Conclusion: Effortless Ordering Is Just a System Away

Mistakes are human, but in the restaurant business, they can cost you dearly. With an AI ordering system, error-laden paper tickets become a folk tale. Embrace accuracy, efficiency, and most importantly, embrace the tech that allows your staff to focus on what truly matters—crafting an unbeatable dining experience for your clientele.

Now, are you ready to gift precision to your restaurant with a touch of AI? The transition towards an eatOS AI-driven ordering system, lets your staff and your customers enjoy the innovation that serves perfection on a plate, every single time. Wait no longer, book a product demonstration with us today. 

[nibblesoftwaretechnologies]

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[nstsofia]

Travel XML API Integration Company

Nibble Software is a trusted name in Travel XML API integration, offering seamless connectivity solutions for travel agencies, OTAs, and tour operators worldwide. Specializing in advanced XML API integrations for flights, hotels, car rentals, and holiday packages, we enable businesses to streamline operations, enhance user experiences, and boost profitability. Our expertise lies in integrating APIs from leading global suppliers, ensuring real-time data access, inventory management, and booking automation. With a robust, scalable, and secure framework, Nibble Software empowers travel businesses to stay ahead in a competitive industry. Choose Nibble Software for cutting-edge travel technology solutions tailored to your business needs.

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