#SS Clamps

[jimitjain]

From Pipes to Panels: Stainless Steel Clamps for Every Industry

Ladhani Metal Corporation, a leading Stainless Steel Clamp Manufacturer in India, is proud to deliver high-performance clamping solutions trusted across multiple sectors from plumbing to pharmaceuticals, automotive to architecture. In today’s fast-paced industries, even the smallest components must meet the highest standards. Stainless Steel Clamps are a prime example: compact, robust, and essential for ensuring secure connections.

As industries evolve and demand more from their systems, these clamps are becoming the go-to choice for durability, hygiene, and long-term reliability.

Why Stainless Steel Clamps Lead the Way

Behind their simple design, Stainless Steel Clamps are engineered to provide unmatched performance under extreme conditions. These clamps resist corrosion, support heavy loads, and hold their shape even when exposed to fluctuating temperatures.

Key benefits include:

Corrosion Resistance – Perfect for marine, chemical, and outdoor environments.

High Strength – Capable of securing large pipes and panels under pressure.

Temperature Tolerance – Reliable in both high-heat and freezing conditions.

 Non-reactive Material – Ideal for food-grade and pharmaceutical applications.

 Low Maintenance – Durable with a long service life.

As a top Stainless Steel Clamp Supplier in India, we offer clamps that meet international quality standards and serve every major sector.

Stainless Steel Clamps in Every Industry

From large-scale pipelines to delicate instrumentation panels, stainless steel clamps are everywhere. Here's how various industries benefit:

1. Plumbing & Water Management

Used to support water supply lines, drainage systems, and underground pipes, Stainless Steel Clamps offer leak-proof, vibration-free operation. Their corrosion resistance makes them a preferred choice for long-term water infrastructure projects.

2. Automotive & Transportation

From securing turbocharger systems to fuel lines and coolant hoses, Stainless Steel Clamp Manufacturers provide solutions built for high-heat and high-vibration environments. These clamps ensure performance and safety in vehicles, boats, and aircraft.

3. Construction & Infrastructure

Whether securing HVAC ducts, cable trays, or solar panel mounting systems, stainless steel clamps are vital in structural applications. Their weather resistance and load-bearing capacity make them a smart choice for modern construction.

4. Food & Beverage Industry

In environments where hygiene is paramount, stainless steel clamps prevent contamination and withstand rigorous cleaning processes. Commonly used in dairies, breweries, and food processing units.

5. Pharmaceutical & Medical Fields

Cleanrooms and sterile production lines rely on stainless steel clamps to maintain pressure and prevent leaks in fluid transfer systems. Grade 316 clamps are especially common due to their higher chemical resistance.

6. Oil & Gas Sector

Designed to endure harsh conditions, these clamps secure pipelines and containment systems in both offshore and onshore installations.

7. Renewable Energy & Electrical Systems

Used for cable management, conduit mounting, and solar panel installations, stainless steel clamps are essential in modern energy systems.

Choosing the Right Stainless Steel Clamp

When selecting clamps, consider:

Material Grade: 304 for general use, 316 for corrosive environments.

Clamp Type: Worm drive, T-bolt, V-band, or spring clamps — each suited to different needs.

Load and Fit: Match the clamp to the system dimensions and operating conditions.

As a trusted Stainless Steel Clamp Supplier, we help clients to choose the perfect clamp for their application.

Conclusion

From securing massive pipelines to neatly organizing cables behind solar panels, Stainless Steel Clamps play a key role in every major industry. Their versatility, strength, and resistance to harsh conditions make them a small but powerful asset in any system.

Ladhani Metal Corporation, a premier Stainless Steel Clamp Manufacturer in India, continues to supply top-tier clamps for a wide range of industrial needs. As one of the most reliable Stainless Steel Clamp Suppliers, we’re committed to providing quality, performance, and lasting value no matter the project size.

[lipotechnology]

Lipo Technology Private Limited  – Trusted UV Nylon Cable Tie & SS Cable Tie Manufacturers

With the modern industrial era, efficient fastening and electrical parts are necessary to offer efficiency, safety, and longevity. Lipo Technology Private Limited is a name of repute that has taken a stride ahead to manufacture and supply quality fastening solutions as desired by different industries. With all the focus on innovation and precise engineering, we deal in products like UV Nylon Cable Ties, Solar Water Drainage Clamps, SS Allen Bolts, Earthing Kits, and SS Cable Ties.

UV Nylon Cable Tie: The Fixing Solution

Our UV Nylon Cable Tie is among our top-selling products that offer the best in strength and protection from harsh environments. Cable ties of this type are widely applied in electrical installation, automotive industries, and telecommunication industries due to its high tensile strength and UV resistance. Indoor or outdoor, our UV nylon cable ties offer secure bundling, without loosening or cracking with time.

Solar Water Drainage Clamp Manufacturers: Efficiency Enhancement of Solar Panels

As one of the top Solar Water Drainage Clamp Manufacturers, we are dedicated to delivering quality water drainage for solar panel installations. Water buildup would cause loss of efficiency as well as panel damage. Our diversion clamps for rainwater and condensation on sensitive components ensure efficiency and durability in solar systems. We manufacture our clamps from weather-resistant materials to ensure solar systems work smoothly under various weather conditions.

SS Allen Bolt Suppliers: Strength and Resilience in Fastening

We at Lipo Technology Private Limited are proud to be among the best SS Allen Bolt Manufacturers in the industry. Our stainless steel Allen bolts are created to be high-strength and anti-corrosive, thereby suitable to be utilized in construction, machinery, and cars. The bolts are created to be capable of withstanding high pressure and stress, thereby to ensure safe fastening, thereby adding strength to the mechanical and industrial assembly framework.

Earthing Kit Companies: Assuring Electrical Safety

Earthing is a fundamental element of every electrical installation that makes electric hazards null and void. As one of the top Earthing Kit Manufacturers, we supply quality earthing kits that guarantee safe grounding solutions for domestic, commercial, and industrial use. Our earthing kits provide fault current safe dissipation, which shields electrical equipment and humans from electric surges. More conductive and stronger, our earthing kits satisfy global safety regulations and industry specifications.

SS Cable Tie Suppliers: Durable and Long-Enduring Cable Fixation

Cable tie management provides a secure and organized working environment. As the top SS Cable Tie Manufacturers, we supply stainless steel cable ties that are extremely durable and resistant to extreme temperatures, UV, and chemical corrosion. The connections find immense use in marine, aeronautical, oil & gas, and heavy engineering industries, where plastic ties would not be able to survive the rigors. Our SS cable ties guarantee long-term performance and secure fastening of cables, hoses, and pipes.

Why Lipo Technology Private Limited

Improved Quality – We have rigorous quality control measures to ensure all our products meet industry standards and customer specifications.

Innovative Solutions – Through research and development-focused efforts, we continuously innovate and build to provide innovative and reliable fastening and electrical solutions.

Customer-Focused Strategy – We prioritize customer satisfaction by providing tailor-made solutions as per individual needs.

Competitive Pricing – Competitive pricing without sacrificing quality ensures that it is within budget.

Timely Delivery – We have a well-organized supply system for delivering products to our customers across the globe in a timely manner.

Conclusion

We are proud of ourselves at Lipo Technology Private Limited to offer superior fastening and electrical solutions of high performance that meet varied needs of the industrial sector. Do you need UV Nylon Cable Ties, Solar Water Drainage Clamps, SS Allen Bolts, Earthing Kits, or SS Cable Ties? We have the capacity and expertise to be in a position to offer you the best superior product in the industry.

For more information on our product range and how to enhance your business, contact us now! Opt for Lipo Technology Private Limited – your go-to partner for quality and consistency.

Let’s Get Connected

If you're in search of high-quality industrial components from a trusted brand, look no further than Lipo Technology Private Limited.

👉 Visit Now: https://www.liposolar.com/ 📞 Contact Us: +91 97222 66550

[bulokpipe]

The Essential Guide to SS 304 Clamps in Modern Piping Systems

In the evolving global of business programs, piping structures play a crucial function across diverse sectors like advent, production, petrochemicals, and greater. At the heart of these structures, sure small but pivotal components make sure stability and stable connections, permitting smooth operations. Among those components, SS 304 clamps have won prominence for his or her sturdiness, reliability, and resistance to corrosion.

This manual explores the importance of 304 stainless steel clamps in contemporary piping systems, their applications, advantages, and why they're the popular desire for many industries.

Introduction to SS 304 Clamps

SS 304 clamps are fastening gadgets crafted from 304-grade stainless steel, it's widely identified for its high-quality combination of electricity, resistance to corrosion, and affordability. These clamps are designed to keep regular pipes, tubes, and hoses in place, making sure the stability of the entire piping form. Given the high call for the clamps in extraordinary sectors, statistics, their tendencies and blessings is crucial for professionals in the agency.

Understanding 304 Stainless Steel

Before delving deeper into SS 304 clamps, it’s essential to understand the houses of 304 stainless-steel itself. This austenitic steel alloy is normally composed of iron, chromium (18%), and nickel (8%), which collectively provide its excessive corrosion resistance and mechanical electricity. 304 stainless steel is one of the maximum versatile and broadly used grades, offering a remarkable balance among affordability and performance.

Industries which include meals processing, chemical, marine, and pharmaceuticals carefully depend on 304 stainless-steel components because of their non-reactive residences, ease of cleaning, and lengthy-time period sturdiness. As a result, 304 stainless-steel clamps are regularly desired in environments in which publicity to moisture, chemical compounds, or varying temperatures is commonplace.

Types of SS 304 Clamps

The versatility of SS 304 clamps has brought about the development of numerous kinds to wholesome fantastic packages. Here are a few commonplace variations:

Hose Clamps: These are broadly used to strong hoses onto fittings like barbs or nipples. 304 stainless steel clamps are especially preferred in industries in which publicity to corrosive materials is common.

Pipe Clamps: These clamps are used to solid piping structures, stopping pointless movement and ensuring the device stays intact under strain. The corrosion resistance of 304 stainless steel guarantees sturdiness, even in harsh environments.

U-Bolt Clamps: Often utilized in heavy-responsibility programs, U-bolt clamps are designed to secure pipes, tubing, and other cylindrical gadgets. The use of SS 304 clamps in those configurations guarantees both balance and resistance to environmental factors.

Strut Clamps: These are designed for containing pipes onto strut channels in building infrastructure and manufacturing. Their potential to resist varying load pressures makes 304 stainless-steel clamps ideal for the undertaking.

V-Band Clamps: Common in vehicle and exhaust structures, V-band clamps are used to join piping or tubing connections securely. The advanced sealing functionality of 304 stainless steel lets in these clamps to be dependable in excessive-overall performance settings.

Applications of 304 Stainless Steel Clamps

The versatility and robustness of SS 304 clamps allow them for use for the duration of a big style of industries:

1. Construction and Infrastructure

In present day production initiatives, 304 stainless steel clamps are important components that ensure the integrity of plumbing and HVAC systems. Their potential to face up to rust and keep structural stability makes them essential in excessive-moisture environments like basements and rooftop installations.

2. Automotive and Aerospace

The automobile and aerospace sectors require components that would withstand excessive pressures, vibrations, and immoderate temperatures. SS 304 clamps are substantially applied in exhaust structures, fuel lines, and hydraulic systems because of their energy and resistance to environmental elements.

3. Marine and Offshore

Marine environments are infamous for their corrosive nature because of everyday exposure to saltwater. The tremendous corrosion resistance of 304 stainless-steel makes 304 stainless steel clamps a preferred desire in shipbuilding, offshore systems, and exceptional marine applications.

4. Food and Beverage Industry

In industries wherein hygiene is paramount, such as food and beverage production, 304 stainless steel clamps ensure that pipelines and hoses continue to be securely in location without the threat of contamination. The non-reactive nature of 304 stainless-steel guarantees that the first-rate of meals merchandise remains uncompromised.

5. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industries

These sectors require additives which can resist exposure to competitive chemicals and varying temperatures. SS 304 clamps offer the right balance of chemical resistance and mechanical energy, making them suitable for vital packages in chemical processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

6. Oil and Gas Industry

In the oil and fuel quarter, pipelines want to resist harsh environmental situations, along with immoderate pressures and corrosive substances. 304 stainless-steel clamps are commonly used to stable pipes and fittings, ensuring the protection and integrity of the machine.

Advantages of Using SS 304 Clamps

The big adoption of 304 stainless-steel clamps may be attributed to the numerous blessings they provide:

Corrosion Resistance: The chromium content material in 304 stainless steel bureaucracy is a defensive oxide layer that prevents rust, making those clamps pleasant to be used in moisture-wealthy or chemically harsh environments.

Durability: SS 304 clamps are mentioned for his or her long provider existence. They are proof in opposition to put on, impact, and pressure, ensuring reliability in important applications.

Cost-Effectiveness: While there are extra specialized stainless steel grades to be had, the balance between price and performance supplied by way of the use of 304 stainless-steel makes it a well-known preference for a large variety of industries.

Versatility: The adaptability of 304 stainless steel clamps at some point of diverse applications—from production to marine use—demonstrates their fee in several industries.

Ease of Maintenance: 304 stainless steel is straightforward to clean and does no longer require commonplace preservation, that is mainly useful in hygienic environments like meals processing plants.

Aesthetic Appeal: For seen installations, 304 stainless steel clamps offer a smooth and polished appearance that enhances the general appearance of the system.

Why Choose SS 304 Clamps Over Other Materials?

With more than one option available for clamps, selecting the right cloth is important. SS 304 clamps stand out for several reasons:

1. Comparison with Carbon Steel

While carbon steel clamps are more cheap, they lack the corrosion resistance furnished with the useful resource of 304 stainless steel clamps. In environments where moisture and chemical substances are a gift, carbon metallic clamps are prone to rusting, mainly to ability system failures.

2. Comparison with Aluminum

Aluminum clamps are mild-weight and corrosion-resistant, but they no longer wholesome the electricity and sturdiness of SS 304 clamps. In immoderate-stress programs or in which the clamps are uncovered to dynamic loads, 304 stainless steel presents higher overall performance.

3. Comparison with Other Stainless Steel Grades

While better-grade stainless steels like 316 offer greater corrosion resistance, they arrive at a better price. For most packages, the extent of corrosion resistance furnished thru SS 304 clamps is extra than sufficient, making them the most maximum within your means preference.

Selecting the Right SS 304 Clamps for Your Needs

When selecting 304 stainless steel clamps, it’s important to keep in mind numerous factors to make sure they meet the precise necessities of your utility:

Load Capacity: Consider the burden and pressure that the clamp desires to deal with. Ensure the clamp you select is rated for the meant load.

Environmental Conditions: Assess the surroundings in which the clamp can be used. If it’s uncovered to competitive chemical substances, humidity, or saltwater, SS 304 clamps are a dependable choice.

Size and Fit: Clamps are available in numerous sizes to cope with incredible pipe diameters. Accurate measurement is critical to make certain a strong shape.

Maintenance and Longevity of SS 304 Clamps

Proper renovation ensures the prolonged-time period overall performance of SS 304 clamps. Even although the ones clamps are low-renovation, a few key practices can assist extend their lifespan:

Regular Inspections: Periodically take a look at the clamps for any signs and symptoms and signs and symptoms of harm, corrosion, or loosening. Early detection of troubles can save you machine screw ups.

Cleaning: In environments with capacity for infection or buildup, it’s essential to ease the clamps periodically. Using slight detergents and water can help maintain their polished look and save you corrosion.

Tightening: Over time, vibrations and dynamic loads can motivate clamps to loosen. Regularly checking and retightening them guarantees the integrity of the piping system.

Replacement of Damaged Clamps: While SS 304 clamps are long lasting, any signs and symptoms of cracking or intense corrosion need to set off right now as an alternative to maintain machine protection.

Conclusion

In contemporary piping systems, SS 304 clamps have been confirmed to be vital. Their aggregate of corrosion resistance, energy, and value-effectiveness makes them a favored choice throughout a large variety of industries. Whether it’s securing pipelines in creation, ensuring the integrity of marine structures, or supporting hygienic food processing strains, 304 stainless steel clamps supply dependable overall performance and durability.

For companies searching out great and sturdiness, selecting the right producer is vital. Bu-Lok is one of the essential and most great manufacturers, investors, and providers of stainless steel, immoderate nickel metal, alloy steel, and carbon steel merchandise in various office work which includes pipe, fittings, flanges, fasteners, plates, and spherical bars. If you are searching out pinnacle-tier SS 304 clamps, Bu-Lok offers products that meet the great industry necessities, making sure your structures run smoothly and efficiently. Contact Bu-Lok for more statistics on how they're able to fulfill your commercial wishes.

[thechhajed]

 SS Clamp Manufacturers

We are giving an extensive variety of SS Clamps. These are made of unadulterated stainless steel and have safe body. Broadly utilized as a part of business and local locations, our clips are generally valued by the clients for their high solidness. Accessible in various sizes and shapes, every one of our clasps guarantee indicate ideal execution even in unfavorable utilize.

Features

Reliable performance

Durable

Corrosion proof

For More Details: Website - https://www.chhajedbrassfittings.com Phone No. - 9821513630 Email - info@chhajedsteel.com

[twola]

Chasing Waterfalls

Arthur Morgan x F!Reader  Smut (18+), MDNI

➵ Fic Masterlist ➵ AO3 Link ➵ Next

Welp - this is an interesting one. A half-cooked challenge where some fic writers are inebriated? Perhaps.

To my dear @reddeaddufus - I feel slightly silly dedicating a piss kink ficlet to you, but actually this makes a ton of sense for us :D

cw: watersports, piss kink

“Can we stop up here?” You whine, pulling on Arthur’s jacket from your place on his mare’s rump. You’ve been riding for hours- your back is sore and bladder full, and it’s still another two or so hours before you reach camp. The moon has risen over the pines, shrouding the forest

Arthur looks back at you with an amused smirk. “You sick of ridin’ there, Princess?”

“We’ve been riding for hours, Arthur. I need to stop.”

“Fiiiine.” He complains but urges the mare off the road and a little further back into the woods.

Arthur swings down from the saddle and reaches up to take you by the waist, lifting you from the horse’s rump with ease, setting you down as if you were as light as a feather.

“Y’know, Princess, we’re gonna be back in a tent tryin’ to be quiet again in a few hours.” His hands move from your waist down, down to cup your rear through your skirts, squeezing gently.

“Mm.” You agree, winding your arms up around his shoulders - he did have a point. A knowing smile graces your features.

Your cowboy takes one hand, tilts the rim of his hat up, and leans back down to capture your lips in a searing kiss. His large frame pushes you backward a couple of steps until your back presses against the trunk of a large pine. 

The clicking of metal rings out in the forest as Arthur wrenches his gunbelt open and it clatters to the ground. The rustling of fabric against fabric, the wet smack of lips meeting echo in the night.

“Pretty little thin’,” he rumbles as he starts to hike up your skirts. You clutch at his shirt as you feel him grope for your bloomers, his greedy fingers catching the fabric and pulling downward as he suckles at the curve of your neck. You moan, loudly, enjoying the ability to do so outside of camp.

The syllables of his name drip from your mouth like manna. You pull one leg up as he works the fabric down your legs, then lift the other to step out of your underthings. He tosses your bloomers to the side and they disappear in the tall grass. You give a slight frown before he devours your lips again, pressing you against that pine tree’s trunk once more. You yelp into his mouth before melting into his embrace, and it’s an instant more before he spins you around to face the tree. He pulls you back half a step so that your arms stretch out to press against the trunk as he once again lifts your skirts.

“Think you’re ready f’r me?” He grunts into your ear as he bends you slightly at the waist.

“Always-” you pant, “I’m always ready for y-”

He presses into you and it’s a punch to your gut. Hard, hot, thick inches of him slide into your cunt and you moan like a goddamn whore.

“Oh yes, you are.” Arthur retorts, you can see his smirk in your mind's eye as he he gracious enough to allow you to grow used to his intrusion.

But not too gracious.

His hands clamp around your hips hard as he thrusts his hips once, twice, three times slowly before moving into a much more punishing rhythm.

It’s not long - it never is, until he’s able to bring you to the edge of orgasm - your cunt full of him and cleaved just enough to find pleasure. You bite your bottom lip as you come, trying to stifle the scream that bubbles up from your lungs.

“Ss-stop-” You stutter as he pounds into you, after your orgasm you feel like your bladder is going to burst. As if his steel-hard cock pistoning into your cunt wasn’t enough pressure in your hips, he shoves one of his hands between your legs, and his thumb parts your folds to find that bundle of nerves of your pleasure.

“Stop-  Arthur, I’m gonna-” You squeal and try to jerk away from him, but with the vicegrip he has on your hips, you’re unable to move.

It’s too much - his cock shoved fully up your cunt, his thumb furiously working at your clit, your knees shaking, it’s too goddamn much-

You try to push his hand away but moving him is like trying to move a brick wall - a brick wall hellbent on you being wrung out and left to dry. A groan escapes your mouth through gritted teeth, nearly pained - “No, stop, m’ gonna - you’re gonna make me piss m’self.” 

“Do it.” He grunts hoarsely, rocking his hips forward ever so slowly, even gently, compared to the assault of his digits on your swollen clit. The hand that was clamped near painfully around the curve of your hip bone starts gathering up your skirts, hamfisting them up above your hips so that your legs are bare as you lean against that tree.

“Wh-what?” You grit out, your eyes crossing as you unconsciously clench on his flesh within you.

“Let go.” Arthur groans, his cock twitching within you as he slides his hand upward slightly, so that his thumb rests above your pubic bone while his ring finger continues lazy circles on your abused nub, pleasure racked and overstimulated.

He presses on your bladder with that strong thumb of his and it’s over. You cry out - half in pain and half in relief as that great pressure is loosed from your pelvis. Hot liquid pours from you, forcefully against the ground and you squeeze your eyes shut tightly against the sensation - heightened by the inches of flesh crammed up your channel. 

Arthur slides his hand down to let the stream run through his fingers before pooling on the dirt between your feet.

“Good girl,” he murmurs into your ear as tears collect under your eyes, and you couldn’t stop if you tried. His hips pulse forward jerkily once, twice, and he moans far louder than he ever has with you in the past, his dick splattering his spend into your cunt as your bladder empties first through his hand then pooling on the ground.

“I- I need -” Arthur pulls out quickly, and stumbles forward half a step. You feel his pubic hair against your rear, one of his hands wrapped around his softening cock, “M’ gonna- don’t be mad -” He rambles, and suddenly you feel warm moisture on the back of your thigh, trailing down your leg over your boot. He groans in satisfaction as you gasp breathily, eyes widening as rivulets of hot piss course down your leg. You tighten your grip on the tree to stay upright, your blunt nails digging into the bark until Arthur makes a choked-off gasp and the liquid peters off.

“I- uh,” Arthur pants as he straightens up.

“You…like that?” You glance over your shoulder as he steps away from you.

Arthur is sheepishly tucking his cock back into his pants, cheeks blazing red and his gaze unwilling and unable to find yours, “I…,” he buttons his pants with fervor, turning his head away to make himself even further from you, “I understand if you don’t wanna do this no more cause of-“

You spin around and grab at his fiddling hand once he’s finished buttoning his pants.

“I mean… I’m okay with it, as long as we wash up afterward.” You say, shaking your boot slightly, drops of moisture falling to the ground as you step away from the veritable puddle that was between your legs.

“Seriously?” Arthur finally looks up, skepticism plain on his face.

Half a smile comes across your face as you drop your skirts with your other hand, “Let's head on down to the river to clean up. I don’t want to feel sticky.”

Arthur’s frown remains, but he lets you pull him toward the forest toward the nearby river, he leans over after a few steps to grab his discarded gunbelt, throwing it over his shoulder.

Once the two of you reach the bubbling waters of the mountain stream, you let go of his hand.

“Think we could probably take a bath.” You start playing with the laces of your skirts.

Arthur looks around in either direction, knowing that the road’s river crossing is rather close to where the two of you stand.

“Yer not worried about gettin’ caught naked as the day you were born?”

“I mean… worried ain’t the word that I would use to describe it.” Your skirts drop to the ground, your skin completely bare in the moonlight below your waist.

Arthur’s lips crook up into a smile as he starts to unbutton his shirt.

[claymoresword]

I Choose Her | Chp: 19

Hermione Granger x Slytherin Fem!Reader

Summary: You are the daughter of two known death eaters from one of the oldest and richest families in the wizarding world. Are you truly prepared to give up everything you know for Hermione Granger?

Pairing: Hermione x Reader

Wordcount: 3.2k

Warnings: heavy themes, character death, mention of violence, death, grief, (somehow) a sprinkle of fluff

Note: hello! finally we're here, this is looking like the second last chapter, which is bitter sweet but I suppose it has to end at some point :( also I know this one is shorter than usual, and since it is very plot driven it may not be as fun to read but I hope the fluff makes up for it! the next chapter will definitely be longer and hopefully less depressing overall lol. anyway, that's it, as always endless thanks for your patience. hope you enjoy!

Taglist: @gvrsto @aweidlich @xxsekhmet @arielj @poppyflower-22 @scarleigh1989 @smut-religiously777 @cocoyeehaw @blackbirdv98 @arcturusseer @iamcapitalgbicorn8287 @lonewalker17 @karasonromanoff @httphayn @bigbadsofty07 @cherryflavoredcoke @dumpsapphic @idontwannabehereatm @js-a-writer @baylegend6 @puta1 @t-wylia @raven-ss @unexpected-character

You can feel heat prickling your skin, the quidditch pitch is a fiery blaze and you could only afford to stare in helpless despair.

The quaffle hoops once stood large and tall, you've flown by them countless times during quidditch practice, and multiple house matches. One of the best memories you've made at Hogwarts– reduced to ash.

Now the wooden stands are nothing but kindling for the fire that devoured them, they come crashing down in pieces of hot red ember.

Smoke is all you can smell in the air, thick hot ash and fear.

You can't move, still– you observed as the flames licked another banner, Gryffindor or Slytherin, they were no match for it's fiery wrath.

More students sprint past, careless and panicked, nudging you in the process. Now you are forcefully pushed further into the doorway.

It works as a shock to your system, a part of you astrayed amidst the chaos, but you had to keep running, in search of Hermione.

You propell down the main hall, soon approaching the gallery.

“Y/n!” Blessedly, you finally hear your love call out to you, but it was a shout of warning.

Somehow, you manage to narrowly dodge the curse coming your way. “Avada Kedavra!” You cast in return, without thought, almost second nature.

The Death Eater is thrown backwards, slamming through a broken wall and into a pile of bricks.

Your plan to advance forward is interrupted as you feel a presence fall into you, arms wrapped tightly around your neck.

The scent of your girlfriend's perfume is now smothered by the smell of sweat and dirt, but it provides you comfort all the same.

“I thought you were– I thought I lost you.” Hermione mutters, scattered, and all you want to do is hold her, kiss her, and take her as far away from the castle as you possibly could.

But as much as you would like it to be, fleeing is not an option.

Instead you cup her face in your hands, committing each feature of hers to memory, every dip and freckle.

“I'm sorry.” You say.

“It all happened too fast, I don't know how we got separated.” You finish, still trying to make sense of mayhem. You've both come face to face with death half a dozen times tonight, maybe more.

None of it makes sense.

“Guys, come on!” Harry's voice forces Hermione to break your gaze, she then tugs on your arm, guiding you with her.

Soon you find yourselves in a steady jog down the hallway, you turn a corner only to be met with a sight that stops the four of you in your tracks.

Greyback was bent over the body of a girl, his jaw clamped firmly on her neck, draining all life from his victim.

“No!” Hermione shouts. Frantically, she throws a curse, causing the werewolf to crash through the wall behind him. Now the beast has been vanquished, but it is too late.

Atop rubble and ash, Lavender Brown laid stiff and colorless, entirely unlike herself.

Her eyes are open, yet they held no trace of her. The girl's mortal soul, taken by death– ever merciless and violent, tonight, he spares very few.

Harry is first to snap out of the terror induced trance that you found yourselves in, consequently followed by Hermione.

Soon you move as well, but as you glance at Ron, you can't bring yourself to take another step.

Despite yourself, you find your hand reaching out to grab his shoulder. “Come on, mate.” You coax, but the man doesn't react to your touch, or your voice.

He continues to stare at Lavender– and the sheer absence of her.

“She's gone– she isn't suffering anymore.” You offer, hoping Ron would find some solace in your words, however minute.

He does.

Nodding, the ginger haired boy tears his eyes away from his deceased lover. The four of you continue your journey through the courtyard and down the winding stairs towards the boathouse.

═══════════════════════════════════════════

Hermione's ironclad grip on your forearm doesn't falter as you follow Harry's lead, quietly approaching the boathouse. The four of you immediately crouch out of sight as you caught movement inside.

Voldermort's voice, faint and unsettling, it makes your blood run cold.

He continues to deliver his thoughts with a tone closer to a whisper, the four of you are forced to strain your necks to listen.

Soon you make out a second voice, and you share a quick look amongst yourselves. Trying your hardest to make sense of what was being said between the Dark Lord, and Professor Snape.

“Tonight, when the boy comes, it will not fail you, I'm sure of it.”

“It answers to you, and you only.”

Unsettling silence fills the air once more, and you feel inclined to shift closer to Hermione.

“Does it?” Voldermort finally inquires, and it is followed by a lack of response, for a beat, you wonder if Snape was still present.

“My Lord?” The Professor eventually says.

“The wand, does it truly answer to me?”

“You're a clever man Severus, surely you must know.”

“Where does it's true loyalty lie?”

“With you, of course. My Lord.” The Professor replies with just a gleam of hesitation, and for a reason unknown to you, it makes the hair on the back of your neck stand.

“The Elder wand cannot serve me properly because I am not it's true master. The wand belongs to the wizard who killed it's last owner.” Voldermort continues.

“You killed Dumbledore, Severus.”

“While you live, the elder wand cannot truly be mine.”

“You've been a good and faithful servant, Severus, but only I can live forever.”

Then, Hermione turns to you, and you give her a similar look of horror in response.

“My Lord-” Severus’ response is strained.

None of you are given a chance to react before a loud thud is heard, you see the Professor's silhouette hitting the glass before you.

“Nagini, kill.”

The panel vibrates violently, but miraculously, it doesn't shatter.

The sound of Snape's body hitting the glass repeatedly with every deathly blow, makes the four of you jump.

Then a cold gust of wind surrounded the boathouse, and soon, it was quiet again. Only the sound of water, and the noise of a boat hitting the wooden dock everytime it swayed. Snape's shallow breathing, unsteady and helpless.

Harry is first to move, he enters the boathouse, and the rest of you can only trail after him silently.

“Professor–” You stutter as you catch sight of the man laying on the ground.

Snape was a formidable man, one you used to fear, even respected.

He has never looked so small.

Harry crouches beside him, he places his hand on the man's neck as Snape lets out a sob. The sight was so foreign that you had to look away.

“Take them– take them.” The man pleads, incoherent at first, but quickly Harry understands his request.

“Give me something, a flask, anything.” The chosen one orders, extending his arm toward Hermione.

Your girlfriend does as she is bid, fishing out the object from her bag before passing her best friend an empty vial.

You watched with bated breaths as Harry held it up to Snape's cheek, collecting the Professor's tears. Once he was done, he cuped the vial firmly in his grasp.

“Take them to the pensieve.” Snape orders with all that's left of his strength.

He was slipping away, you could see it, the way his head was nodding to the side as he slowly fell limp against the glass, his gaze far away and vacant.

The man whispers something intelligible to Harry, perhaps intended for his ears only. In half a heartbeat, Snape was dead.

–

Harry reaches over to gently shut the Professor's eyes.

You step closer, with the intention to lay Snape on the floor properly, so he may be put to rest with some dignity, but before you can suggest it, a blinding pain courses through your arm.

It makes you groan aloud.

Hermione reaches out for you, but then a voice penetrates the air, sudden and invasive.

The Dark Lord is merciless in his attempt, he has lost every ounce of patience– you could feel it in your arm.

Hermione clasps her hands over her ears as Voldermort delivers his second message.

“You have fought valiantly, but in vain. I do not wish this.. every drop of magical blood spilled is a terrible waste. I therefore command my forces to retreat, in their absence, dispose of your dead with dignity.”

“Harry Potter, I now speak directly to you. On this night, you have allowed your friends to die for you rather than face me yourself. There is no greater dishonor. Join me in the forbidden forest and confront your fate.”

“If you do not do this, I shall kill every last man, woman and child, who tries to conceal you from me.”

═══════════════════════════════════════════

As the four of you walked through the empty courtyard, you can't help but notice just how quiet it was, something that would usually be considered a comfort, is now incredibly unnerving.

“Where is everybody?” Hermione asks, but her question is soon enough answered once you push the doors open to the Great Hall.

The space is unrecognizable.

A scene from a nightmare.

There is not a candle in sight, everyone operating on the bit of light provided by the moon. You spot Mr Filch, sequestered in a corner, miserably sweeping piles of rubble out of the way.

Your stomach turns as you make your way through, an endless line of bodies laid upon makeshift cots.

You can't help but look upon all their faces, one by one. All these bodies– they were once sons, daughters, somebody's friend or lover.

The air is snatched out of your lungs as you spot a familiar face.

Nymphadora Tonks lay unmoving beside her husband, their hands outstretched as if to touch each other– even in death.

“No..” You mutter in disbelief and Hermione follows your gaze, she let's out a sharp gasp.

It could have easily been you laying on that cot.

It could have been Hermione.

The thought alone made you nauseous, you could physically feel your stomach turn. You decide you had to get away before you wretched.

Before you could however, a desperate wail snatches your attention. You look up to find Ron in the distance, he sobs uncontrollably as he knelt over his brother's dead body.

You watched as Ginny held him, now they are both sobbing helplessly.

Molly could do all but console them. What agony it must be, to watch your children die before their time.

There is so much pain, too much– you had to get away.

You turn to leave the Great Hall, or what is left of it, with no destination in mind. You simply needed to escape.

Away from grief, away from death, if there was ever a chance of evading it tonight.

“Y/n!” Amidst suffocating torment, no voice has ever sounded as sweet. Hermione swiftly catches up to you, her hand slips into your own.

Your palm now felt calloused and rough. It is caked with dirt and dried blood, but Hermione holds it firmly in her own still.

“Don't leave without telling me like that, we can't separate again.” Hermione scolds, and you offer an apologetic look.

“I just need to get some air.” You explain, but Hermione doesn't question it, in desperate need of an escape herself.

“Come,” She merely coaxes, tugging on your arm.

You soon realize she aims to guide you somewhere secluded, but it seemed impossible. Everywhere you looked, it was death and destruction. Your home; a battlefield.. a gravesite.

After wandering for some time, you finally find a place to sit, the flight of stairs leading up to the Headmaster's Tower remains vacant and mostly intact. Although pieces of stone would break off from the sides ever so often, when compared to the rest of the castle, it was hardly worth acknowledging.

Hermione takes a seat on the step, gesturing for you to do the same next to her. Your girlfriend runs her fingers through your disheveled hair, tenderly moving it out of your face.

Neither of you speak just yet, even after all that's happened tonight, she manages to smile at you, honest and bright. It nearly breaks you.

The thought of living even a day without her was excruciating, you can't lose her tonight, under any circumstances.

“We'll be okay, we've made it this far.” Hermione utters out loud, as if she had just read your mind.

“It'll all be over soon.” Your girlfriend says, but you catch the faint tremor in her voice. She was fighting back tears.

Yet, you could only wrap your arm around her as she rests her head on your shoulder.

After a prolonged silence, you decide to redirect the topic of conversation, however macabre it may seem, you somehow saw it as the perfect opportunity.

Afterall, you could both use a little bit of joy right now.

“There's something I've wanted to ask you– it is going to sound mad, but I need to say it. before it's too late.” You stammer, a sudden sense of nervousness setting in, you take in a deep breath to calm yourself.

“What is it?” Hermione inquires, by the way her brows furrowed you could tell she was concerned as you spoke vaguely.

You quickly realize that it was too late to back out, you needed to take the leap, and hope that Hermione will catch you.

Amidst a sigh you stand up so you could move a step down.

“This is definitely not how I planned to do it, but–” You mutter, looking around before it occurred to you to utilise the ring you already had on your finger.

You take it off as you got down on one knee, albeit somewhat ungracefully. Hermione's eyes widen at the sight, but she doesn't say anything as of yet, watching you intently.

You extend your hand in front of you, and your girlfriend's gaze shifts to the Slytherin crest ring pinched between your index finger and your thumb.

“Hermione Jean Granger, if we make it out alive tonight– would you do me the incredible honor of being my wife?” You finally manage to utter the words you have longed to say.

Hermione's eyes were no longer wide in shock, but her expression is now unreadable. You couldn't tell if she was about to burst into tears or laugh in your face.

In the end, she does neither, but she still struggles to find the words.

“Y/n, I–” She stutters before averting her gaze.

“Are you sure?” Hermione finally asks, meeting your expectant stare, and you can't help but let out a chuckle.

“I have wanted you since the first moment. I knew I loved you from the first time you smiled at me. and I knew I wanted to marry you the first time you ran your fingers through my hair. and then our first kiss– I truly thought if we couldn't be together, I'd die.” You spoke from the heart without missing a beat, not caring about just how dramatic you might have sounded.

“I used to think that I'd be just fine on my own. I didn't believe that I could ever care for someone the way I do for you.” Your voice breaks ever so slightly, you swallow before continuing.

“Hermione when I'm not with you– it feels like I can't breathe.” You barely manage to say, your throat tightens, as a tear escapes your eye.

“my love–” Hermione coos, her own eyes now welling up with tears. She approaches to grab your forearm, although not harshly, she guides you back on your feet.

Your faces are mere inches away from each other before she would crash her lips against yours, a kiss that is restless and unchecked yet somehow equally tamed and loaded with love.

“Of course, I will marry you.” She declares once your lips part, she wipes the tear away with the pad of her thumb, and your heart sings.

You are unable to contain the large grin on your face, one Hermione had no issues reciprocating.

“Really?” You ask, mainly in relief rather than actual disbelief.

Hermione pauses as if thinking of an adequate response

“Well, I do think we should at least wait a year or two, at least until after we finish school.” Hermione admits, and you scoff, even in the midst of a war her priorities remain unchanged.

“but–” Hermione says, grabbing your face so she could force you to meet her gaze once more.

“It is a yes, without a doubt. I can't imagine spending my life with anyone else.” Your girlfriend states earnestly, and your smile returns.

You eagerly grab her hand so you may slip the ring onto her finger.

Hermione stares at the piece of jewelry, silently inspecting the intricate carving of a snake, before finally kissing you again.

The feeling of Hermione's lips against your own allowed you to forget the impending threat of death. With her you believe that you could survive anything. This war will be over soon, and you will marry her. Whatever it takes.

Hermione breaks the kiss only when you are both gasping for air, she embraces you tightly, as if trying to savor the feeling as much and for as long as she could.

-

Harry emerges from seemingly out of nowhere, you open your eyes as you hear footsteps. Hermione releases you so she may turn to her friend.

Harry's stare was distant, troubled. In truth, he looked sick. You dread to find out exactly what he's witnessed within Snape's memories, neither you nor Hermione mustered the will to ask.

Unexpectedly, Harry is first to break the silence.

“Where's Ron?” He mutters, finally looking between Hermione and yourself.

“He's with his family still.” Your girlfriend explains. Then the chosen one nods, and he starts to fade once more, disappearing into his own head.

“Harry what is it?” Hermione asks, when Harry looks up at her again, his eyes are glossed over with tears.

“There's a reason I can hear them, the Horcruxes.” He remarks. “I've known for awhile, and I think you have too.”

The newfound resolve in his voice makes your entire body stiffen, soon Hermione is crying again.

Harry possessed a bravery you once envied– but no longer.

He plans to confront the Dark Lord and the thought of it made you ill, he shouldn't have to go through it alone. It seems your girlfriend shared the same sentiment as she spoke her next words amidst soft sobs.

“I'll go with you–” She suggests, but her best friend is quick to turn her down.

“No, kill the snake.” Harry says, glancing between the two of you.

“Kill the snake and then it's just him.” He asserts. Hermione practically throws herself into his arms.

You watched as she cleaved to him hopelessly, Harry doing the same in return.

Soon, The Chosen One shifts his gaze towards something behind you, and you swiftly turn around to see Ron standing a few paces away.

The expression on his face suggests he had been standing there for some time.

His eyes were tired, glazed over with what resembled apathy– or perhaps the harrowing inevitably of acceptance. You could not say for certain.

One thing you did know; in order to defeat Voldermort, Harry Potter has to die.

[estellan0vella]

Love In Print│Bang Chan

Chapter Twenty Three: Being Human Fucking Sucks SS: 5 (ignore time stamps and dates) Word Count: 2.2K Content Warnings:

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Ayame steps into the office early the next day, her heels echoing sharply against the polished floors. The usual hum of the office is absent this early, leaving only the faint buzz of the overhead lights and the soft thud of her bag as she sets it down. Her gaze lands immediately on the small, unmarked box sitting squarely in the middle of her desk.

Frowning, she carefully inspects it, her fingers grazing the edges. It's plain, no markings or notes to identify the sender. She tugs at the tape, peeling it back slowly, and lifts the lid. Her breath catches when she sees what's inside. A tiny red collectable car. One of Chan's. The same type she'd teased him about during her snooping at his penthouse.

Her lips press together, her emotions swirling somewhere between confusion, amusement, and something softer she doesn't dare name. She picks up the car, its smooth metal cool against her fingertips, and sets it on her desk, angling it toward her monitor like a new desk companion. "Subtle, Bang Chan," she mutters, shaking her head. A small smile escapes before she can stop it.

Reaching into her bag, she pulls out a small box of her own, one she'd brought on impulse that morning. Inside is a tiny Smurf figurine. One of the many duplicates she kept around. She takes it over to Chan's desk, placing it dead centre, and leans back to admire her handiwork.

"Your move, Care Bear," she whispers, her smirk growing.

As she turns to head back to her desk, faint voices from Haechul's office catch her attention. She slows her steps, her ears straining to pick up the words. Haechul's voice, booming and unmistakable, carries easily through the slightly ajar door.

"It's a dangerous time for men these days, Chan," Haechul says, his tone dripping with condescension. "If we don't stick together, then pixie twigs like Lim are going to be running the world on lipstick and feelings. I can tell you, I didn't start this company to have my balls crushed by some idiot in a push-up bra. Do you hear me?"

Ayame's stomach twists violently. Her nails dig into the palms of her hands as she steps closer to the door, her breath caught in her throat.

"Loud and clear," comes Chan's voice. It's calm, smooth, and utterly unreadable.

Haechul's laughter is low and self-satisfied. "I have a vision for this company, and I'm counting on you to make it happen. Do you have a strategy? A plan?"

"I do," Chan replies evenly. "It's already underway."

"Good," Haechul says, clearly pleased. "I told you she'd back off if you let her think she had a chance with you. Glad you took my advice."

Ayame freezes, her body going cold. Her head swims as the words hit her like a slap across the face. Her mind races, replaying every interaction, every touch, every word between them. It all crashes into her like a wave, dragging her under.

"Let me know if you need anything to help you cinch this thing," Haechul adds, his voice dismissive, as though sealing a deal.

Chan's response is clipped, his tone unbothered. "I don't need any help beating her."

Ayame stumbles back, her heel catching on the corner of a nearby plant stand. She catches herself just in time, her hand shaking as she steadies the wobbling pot. Her breath comes in short, sharp bursts as she clamps a hand over her mouth, stifling the nausea clawing its way up her throat.

She doesn't wait to hear more. She walks briskly to her desk, grabs her bag with trembling hands, and heads for the door. Each click of her heels against the floor echoes like a drumbeat in her ears. She doesn't look back, doesn't pause. The only thing she knows is that she needs to get out of there before the weight of the betrayal crushes her completely.

Minho looks up from his laptop when Ayame bursts into his office like a storm breaking through a calm sky. His usual cheeky smirk vanishes, replaced by immediate concern when he sees the redness around her eyes, the way her chest rises and falls like she's trying to catch her breath, and how tightly she's clutching her bag, as if it's the only thing keeping her grounded.

"Maknae?" he says softly, rising from his chair. His voice is uncharacteristically serious. "What happened? Who do I need to kill?"

Ayame tries to speak, but her voice cracks, and she shakes her head violently, fresh tears spilling over. She scrubs at her face with the sleeve of her blazer, but it's no use. Her hands are trembling, and her breaths come in sharp, uneven gasps.

Minho doesn't hesitate. He moves around his desk in two quick strides and places his hands gently on her shoulders. "Hey. Breathe. Just breathe, okay? Slow down, Ayame."

"I—" Her voice falters, and she chokes on the words. "I can't—"

Minho cuts her off, his tone firm but gentle. "You don't have to talk right now. Come on, let's get out of here. You need coffee—or vodka. Or both."

Ayame nods quickly, her teeth sinking into her bottom lip to keep from breaking down entirely. Minho grabs his coat from the back of his chair and slings it over his shoulder. Without a word, he guides her out of the office, his hand steady and warm against her back as they move down the hallway.

"Where are we going?" she mumbles, her voice barely audible over the pounding in her ears.

"Somewhere quiet," Minho replies. His tone is calm, but there's a dangerous edge lurking beneath it, the kind that promises retribution for whoever hurt her. "I don't care if it's a coffee shop or a fucking church. You need space to breathe."

Minho and Ayame sit tucked away in the back corner of the coffee shop, far from the bustling counter and the cheerful murmur of other patrons. The rich aroma of roasted beans fills the air, but it does little to soothe the tension radiating between them. Ayame stares at her untouched latte, her fingers absently picking at the paper sleeve, while Minho studies her intently, his dark eyes searching her face for answers.

"What happened?" Minho asks, his voice softer than she's used to. There's no teasing edge, no smirk, just genuine concern.

Ayame hesitates, swallowing hard as she gathers her thoughts. Finally, she takes a deep breath and starts recounting everything she overheard in Haechul's office. Her voice wavers at times, and her hands tremble as she describes the sneering tone Haechul used, the vile words he spat about her, and, worst of all, Chan's calm agreement.

By the time she's finished, Minho's jaw is tight, his knuckles white from gripping his mug like it's the only thing stopping him from flipping the table. He sets it down with a sharp clink that makes Ayame flinch.

"What the actual fuck?" he says, his voice low but vibrating with fury. "That slimy, misogynistic piece of shit. I mean, I knew Haechul was bad, but this? And Chan, what the fuck is wrong with him? Pretending to care about you just to get ahead? That's beyond fucked."

Ayame shrugs, her lips pressed tightly together as she stares down at her drink. "I feel stupid, oppa," she says quietly. "I mean, flirting is one thing, but pretending to have feelings? That's a whole other level. I let myself believe-" Her voice cracks, and she stops, biting her lip hard enough to hurt.

Minho leans forward, yanking a napkin from the dispenser and gently dabbing at her cheek. "Hey, don't you fucking dare," he says, his tone soft but firm. "Don't you let him make you feel stupid. You are not stupid, Ayame. You're human."

She sniffs, snatching the napkin from his hand. "Yeah, well, being human fucking sucks right now."

"I'm not arguing with that," Minho says. "But you didn't get played because you're dumb. You got played because you have a goddamn heart, which is a hell of a lot more than I can say for him or Haechul."

Ayame takes a shaky sip of her latte, her hands still trembling slightly. "I let my guard down. He's such a good actor, oppa. It was all just a fucking game to him."

Minho exhales sharply, running a hand through his hair. "Fear not, my sweet maknae. You're going to walk into that boardroom, nail that interview, and take that job right out from under his smug, lying ass. Then you're going to make him watch as you crush it every single fucking day until he regrets the day he ever tried to play you."

Ayame's lips twitch into a small, bitter smile. "And what about Haechul?"

Minho leans back, crossing his arms. "Oh, don't worry about him. I'll handle Haechul. I'm thinking of a well-timed HR investigation into his extracurricular activities, maybe a few anonymous tips about workplace harassment. Let's see how long he keeps that slimy grin on his face."

Ayame chuckles weakly, wiping at her eyes. "And Chan?"

Minho grins darkly. "Justice demands that Chan lives a long, lonely life sucking on Haechul's nasty, small dick. It's poetic, really."

Ayame chuckles weakly, taking a tentative sip of her latte. Just as she sets the cup down, the bell over the door chimes, and a familiar figure steps into the café. Ayame freezes, her heart skipping a beat as Chan spots her and walks over.

"What are you doing here?" she asks, her tone colder than ice.

"I was looking for you," Chan says cautiously, his hands shoved into his pockets. "Thought I'd join you for a coffee."

Ayame stares at him, her eyes hard. "I don't like you enough to get coffee with you."

Minho arches an eyebrow, looking between them as Chan's face falters. For a split second, there's something vulnerable in his expression, but he quickly masks it. "My mistake," he says quietly before turning on his heel and leaving the café.

Minho smirks as he watches Chan walk away. "I taught you well, my sweet Aya."

Ayame smiles weakly, the pain still etched in her features. "I've got to go back to work soon."

Minho reaches across the table, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Well, now you won't fall for his shit again."

"Not making that mistake twice," Ayame says firmly, draining the rest of her latte before standing. Despite her resolve, her heart feels heavy as she gathers her things and heads back to the office.

The office is a minefield of tension that afternoon. Ayame sits at her desk, glaring at her laptop screen, her fingers flying over the keyboard. She finally looks up and calls across to Chan, who is engrossed in his paperwork.

"Do we have confirmation on that blog running Stripping Time?" she asks, her tone clipped.

Chan doesn't look up. "CC'd you on the email," he says dismissively, jotting something down with his pen.

Ayame narrows her eyes, turning back to her screen. "Well, the email isn't in my inbox that I am literally looking at right now on my laptop, you sociopath."

Chan exhales sharply, finally glancing her way. "Then you're either blind or lying. As usual."

Her jaw tightens, and she slams her laptop shut. "I don't lie."

"You lie all the time," Chan retorts, his voice calm but cutting. "You just don't see it as lying because you're telling people what they want to hear."

Ayame scoffs, crossing her arms. "Name one time I've done that."

Chan leans back in his chair, his dark eyes locking onto hers. "You told me you were in this too. That you were in us."

The words hit her like a slap. For a moment, she can only gape at him. Then her anger boils over. "Holy shit, you are actually going to play this game the whole way through, aren't you?" she laughs, standing up. "That's what I don't get! Throw me off my game, fine. Flirt with me, mess with my head, whatever. But you- You're—"

"Not nice?" Chan finishes dryly.

"I thought you were, somewhere under the layers of psychological damage," Ayame spits. "But it turns out you'll just do whatever it takes to win and make your daddy proud. You know what? I'm so glad I puked all over you because I am this close to doing it again!" She holds her fingers inches apart, trembling with fury.

Chan pushes back from his desk, rising to meet her glare. "What is wrong with you?!"

"I heard you with Haechul," Ayame says, her voice dangerously low.

Chan falters, the mask slipping for a fraction of a second. "And?"

Ayame's lips curl into a bitter smile. "I think if he found out you'd slept with me, he'd throw a fucking parade in your honour."

"That's not what-" Chan starts, but the door swings open, and Haechul strides in like he owns the place.

"Chan," Haechul barks. "I'm gonna need those projections on my desk by Friday."

Chan straightens, his voice clipped. "I don't have time. Ayame can do it."

Haechul smirks, his eyes flicking to Ayame. "Lim, care to grow some hair on your balls and step up?"

Ayame's breath catches, but she quickly recovers, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "You know, Haechul, I would love to, but I doubt an idiot in a push-up bra would be much help to you."

Haechul shrugs carelessly. "Fine. Chan, projections. My desk. Friday."

He turns and walks out, leaving a tense silence in his wake. Ayame grabs her coat and bag, her movements sharp and deliberate. She strides over to Chan's desk, her expression blazing with defiance.

"There is no way in hell I'm letting you and Haechul destroy this place," she says firmly. Her voice is low, but every word is sharp as a knife.

Before Chan can respond, she spins on her heel and storms out of the office, leaving him standing there, stunned and silent.

Taglist: @fackeraccount @ot8girlfie @nightmarenyxx @reimaybeidk

@ismelllikechlorine247 @drewsandsebastianswife @my-neurodivergent-world @rhonnie23 @hanji-coffee

@skzleeknowcore

[meimi-haneoka]

Hi Cinzia. Hope you are doing well. I am so sorry that I haven't been around. I was studying for the national PhD entrance exams and then going through an entire existential crisis over it for how badly it went (supposedly). But guess what? I not only got into a prestigious archaeology PhD at a very good university but also ranked first in the entrance exam. And I am now officially on Syaoran and Fujitaka's pathway. But I am so happy that xxxHolic Rei is going to be back. Also, lmao at Syaoran being blinded by Sakura's cuteness. For a guy who was so grumpy and always frowning, he sure is folding up very quickly at his girlfriend's ability to reduce his HP to zero, as Tomoyo puts it so correctly. On the other hand, I was reading Clear Card again and I realised how remarkably gendered SyaoSaku's dating is. Like it isn't very obvious at first. But once you read it again, CLAMP is not being at all subtle that "performing" gender roles is a part of SS's dating as well as growing up. I am not sure how to explain it comprehensively without going into a sociological tirade (and not in a bad way, it is just an observation) but I personally had an entire academic debate in my own head 😂 playing out like a video essay whether or not SyaoSaku dating is written in a very traditionally gendered manner with evidence supporting it and evidence against it and the case being overwhelming in favour of the former. An example, my theory is that Syaoran is the one who primarily pays for the dates (buying the tickets, paying for any other costs incurred during the date; as is expected of him in both Chinese and Japanese cultures; it is primarily an exercise or a slow training into his eventual role as the future male head of the household who is expected to take up the primary financial responsibility of the family) and Sakura offsets some, if not half, of the costs by cooking lavishly (an adorable Japanese tradition as a girlfriend but is also the counterpart to what I said earlier, an early training for a future wifely role; she is expected to take charge of the home and cooking is a major part of what is expected of her as a wife and a mother). Now before you say that I am possibly jumping the gun, I have evidence for it.

1. During their first date (botanical garden in manga, aquarium in anime), Syaoran is the one who tells her that they should catch the early bus and asks if she is OK with it. At first, it sounds like the long polite but unnecessary conversation that is part of CCS but after I put it into context, it became clear to me that Syaoran, who is a person of few words, asked that question specifically because he is paying for the bus tickets. It is also specifically why Syaoran asks whether it is alright if they used the tickets given by her dad because as they are on a date, he is supposed to pay for it. (I have a whole other conversation about how Fujitaka and others perceive their relationship and are supporting them - in short, Fujiataka gifts Sakura the tickets and tells her to go with a 'nakayoshi', which is essentially giving both Sakura and Syaoran an "out" if they get too embarrassed or overwhelmed by the romantic connotations and allow them to categorise their outing together as an "odekake" instead of a "date" which they could not have done effortlessly if Syaoran was paying for both of them. Like seriously, I have a whole other essay about this. Also, I can also analyse how their first date was actually a failed attempt at a date, both on Sakura and Syaoran's part, socially speaking, Spiral was the least of their problems).

2. This is very clear when we never see Syaoran cooking for Sakura even the show makes it clear that Syaoran is a good cook and possibly the better cook of the two (like all his TRC counterparts). It is because it is Sakura who is, as the female half of the couple, the one who is expected to cook. The cooking (and making handmade gifts) is part of the more tradiitonal dating way in East Asia, a way of offset costs and equalise the financial contribution in the dating where the man primarily pays for everything in the dating relationship. It is also why we see her cooking so much more in Clear Card, it is a subtle way of saying that not only is Sakura growing up but also moulding herself in a manner that is expected of her in the society she lives in.

3. When Syaoran asks her out after the whole unmasked and behind he cloak fiasco, he takes her to the Botanical gardens again in the manga. At first glance, it would seem that Syaoran is a little unimaginative or perhaps eager to recreate their first date after a major turbulence in their relationship. What is stranger is that if Syaoran is the one who asked Sakura out, especially to pamper her on the date as an apology, why would Sakura spend so much time and effort on packing a lunch for the two of them when she is supposed to relax. One can probably dismiss it as her kind nature but again when contextualised in terms of their gender roles, it makes sense. Syaoran chooses Botanical Gardens because their last date there was effectively an odekake. This time it is clearly a date. He is going to pay for it and make it official. And that is why Sakura is cooking because it is part of the dating etiquette - she is offsetting the costs of the date and contributing her part.

Honestly, I can go on about the gender roles Sakura and Syaoran are slowly playing into (as is expected of then in both Chinese and Japanese societies, they do have a lot of overlap in terms of cultural expectations) and how Clear Card presents their dating experience as a part of them growing up. Also, if one contextualises Chapter 81 in this framework, it is remarkable how easily one can see that SS are essentially nearing a formal engagement soon.

Hi Aubretia!! First of all, my apologies for posting and replying to this only after so long 😭 The little free time dedicated solely to my other main activities to distract myself (drawing and writing fics) + the worsening of my shoulder pain (hence why said main activities were considerably slowed down in order to not hurt myself further) took over basically everything else. And then all the other RL stuff as well, it's been a rough start of the year for me, I won't deny it. Let me congratulate you for your wonderful achievement!! I'm very glad that you were able to get into that prestigious PhD (and ranked first!!), I just wish you didn't need to go through an existential crisis before knowing the results!! You gotta believe more in yourself 😉

I have read your ask and I value your opinion on the matter of Sakura and Syaoran's dates, particularly for the gendered roles, however I gotta admit I've never seen things in this light and I always very serenely took for granted that "cooking for Syaoran" was simply part of the overarching thematic of "handmade stuff is a tangible way to convey love" that's so present ever since the OG manga (and anime). Food is just one iteration of the several different ways in which the characters try to show their love with their hands. The lack of interest for food was even used as some sort of "symptom" for a problematic emotional situation of a certain someone when he was little. Your analysis also brought me to think that YunaAki are the opposite of a pairing following gendered roles, as Kaito is the one who usually cooks/takes care of the house while Akiho in the Special Chapter is already talking about jobs and not even so subtly hinting she wants to reach financial independence for them, emancipating herself from the help Eriol is giving to them right now.

But ultimately I felt like the interpretation of the story became heavier and more dryly calculated in this way. It felt loaded with interpretations and theories that we don't even know if they are true, in the end. There's no doubt that Syaoran and Sakura will marry and the beginning of getting into that mindset isn't that far away particularly in the Special Chapter (not chapter 81, there's no chapter 81 :) ), but I'm not so sure Sakura will only end up being the little wifey who will take care of the house and cook. While Sakura does express a lot of qualities that fit the traditional role of care of the woman in the house, I don't think that's what Ohkawa has thought for her - she is a powerful magician for instance, a very powerful one and that cannot be ignored.

While we don't see things eye to eye this time around, your ask prompted me to start my next Trivia post, and guess what, it'll precisely be about food and the handmade stuff in Clear Card! �� That post was long overdue but I need time and inspiration to continue it because I'll also need to take pics from my prized copy of the All In One Book from the Sakura Exhibition of 2018...and the more I dive into the matter, the more I end up digressing with "side thematics"...I need to keep myself in check otherwise no one is gonna read it 😂

Anyway, I wanted to publish this ask (better late than never) so it could give food for thought to the crowd out there! Thank you Aubretia and take care! ✨

[posthumanwanderings]

so I still got a few more PS2 related streams (and 2 vidmixes...) to tackle before end of April but want to start planning what to do for Saturn NA anniversary month in May. honestly I’m starting to hit a roadblock cause I’ve done most my faves already counting the arcade ports too so was seeing what Saturn games any of you had to suggest. what I have in mind so far are the PS2 Sega Ages Saturn ports, eng fandubbed version of Bulk Slash, Shining Force III Scenario 2 and a redo stream of Magic Knight Rayearth since CLAMP took it down for the cutscenes 😡 (I know how to deal with those issues properly now). if anything I’ll go through more SS demo discs like I did last year but yea hit me up with what you got otherwise! [my past Sega Saturn streams here]

[honey-minded-hivemind]

ABO Parent AU, Post One...HOW THEY ENDED UP CONCEIVING THEIR BBY...

Chosen parent:

• Wolverine/Logan Howlett

• Sabretooth/Victor Creed

(Warning: This post has mentions of death and gore. Nothing too explicit, but it's there. Allusions to manipulation/possible dubious consent. Be careful, and skip this post if you need/want to💕)

• Whatta night... Sh*t... i's been too long since I hadda par'ner that eager... waitta minute... wh'r am I?...

• He can feel something clasped around his face, but when he shakes his head, it doesn't budge. The air is chilled, sending a shiver down his spine. He can smell chemicals, some sort of sedative, and... somethin' sweet-ish? D*mn... what da h*ll did he get into?

• He tries to get up, and finds out he can't. Something tugs in his arm, and he blinks open his eyes. The room is dim, with only one or two lights on... he's on some sort of examination table, strapped down, in a room full of charts and jars, all soaked in the overwhelming scent of rubbing alcohol and medicine... And poked into his arm are various needles, each with their own thin tube attached and leading somewhere else.

• This ain't where he fell asleep last... A growl leaves him at the realization. Whatever is on his face is clamped on tight, and no matter what he does to shake it, it won't budge. Who did this to him? He has a few choice words fer 'em...

• He hears someone enter the room, and a familiar scent carries through the air. Well, cr*p. Seems his "partner" is the one behind this... He tries to say something, but whatever is on his face prevents him...

• They check what he presumes is some sort of mask or muzzle around his face, then look over the needles jammed into his arm. He attempts to move, anger welling up inside him, but they only tut and give him a sharp grin. F*ckin' great... they're some crazy *ss scientist... probably tryin' their hand at experimentin' on 'im... won't they be in fer a nasty surprise... They go to leave the room, and as they leave, three more people enter. He hears his... "partner"... give the group orders, and then they're gone, leaving the four of them alone... He lets his body go limp, and watches carefully as they approach him. He can smell fear, even some excitement, coming from the group... Heh. All he needs is one wrong move...

• As one of the scientists removes the needles, collecting blood samples, he feels another undo one of the straps around his arm... And with a sharp twist, he claws at the first one, bright scarlet raining across his face as they stumble away, yelling as they run. His claws swiftly sink into the next scientist, ripping them off of him. A shriek escapes them as his claws shred through their neck, cutting off their vocal chords. With a wrench, he yanks the device off his face, sucking in a deep breath. Blood coats the air, yet... somethin' sweet still lingers... Looks like he didn't just imagine that.

• He can hear the alarms going off, loud ringing echoing through the room. Shredding through the straps leashing him, he lunges at the last scientist. His claws tear through their stomach, spilling the contents to the floor. Blood bubbles from their mouth as he drops them to the floor, and he feels his bloodlust grow...

• He tears through the lab, escaping into the halls, running as fast as he can, tearing through whatever gets in his way. He can feel how hot his blood is, boiling and raging inside him. The sticky red of his prey covers him, stains of dark rouge and ichor dripping off of his body. He finally makes it to the entrance, running through it and escaping into the blistering cold... and yet that soft sweetness stays with him, just as much as the swiftly freezing gore left on him...

• The smell is thick, almost coating his tongue... but... it's coming from him... F*ck... It seems he's... not quite as alone as he thought...

• Startled, he runs a hand over his stomach. He's... pregnant?... This... isn't what he expected to happen. He... has something growin' in him? It's a strange realization, but... it isn't unwelcome...

• He reaches a conclusion as he wanders back through the snow to civilization... One, he's got a grudge against scientists and their sorry experiments... Two... he's keepin' this cub inside him... This is something he gets to choose, and he decides he wants 'em. They are somethin' from him, somethin'... good... and he's not about ta get rid of that one bit of good he has... With that, he begins the search for an old... "friend"... of his... he's gonna need some help...

[vividracing]

New Post has been published on https://www.vividracing.com/blog/top-8-best-mods-for-a-800-hp-c7-z06-corvette/

Top 8 Best Mods for a 800+ HP C7 Z06 Corvette

If you’re looking to take your Corvette’s power and presence to the next level, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 8 best mods that can transform your Z06 into an 800+ horsepower beast, unleashing its full potential on the track or the street.

From enhancing exhaust notes to optimizing engine performance and improving traction, each of these mods plays a crucial role in elevating your driving experience. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just diving into the world of automotive upgrades, these carefully selected parts and accessories are sure to make a significant impact on your Corvette’s performance and aesthetics.

So buckle up, rev your engines, and let’s dive into the details of the Kooks Headers, Kooks X-Pipe, Borla ATAK Axleback exhaust, Cordes Performance upgrades including the 2.30″ LT4 Upper Pulley Kit and Engine Bay Ice Tank, the Low Side Fuel System for optimal fuel delivery, the traction-boosting Mickey Thompson Et Street SS Tires, and the stylish yet functional Forgestar D5 Drag Wheels. Get ready to experience the thrill of pushing your C7 Z06 Corvette to new heights!

https://www.vividracing.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/img-c7z06_forgestard5_mickeythompsonetstreet-3-scaled.jpg

1.) Kooks 1-7/8″ x 2″ x 3″ Stainless Steel Headers Chevrolet Corvette C7 2014-2019

  When it comes to elevating your Corvette’s performance, few names carry as much weight as Kooks Headers and Exhaust. With a legacy spanning over 50 years, Kooks has solidified its position as a leader in the High Performance Exhaust Industry since 1962. What sets Kooks apart is not just their reputation but their unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch headers and exhaust systems for street, race, and off-road applications.

The accolades speak for themselves – Kooks has secured hundreds of championships and set numerous records across renowned racing organizations like NHRA, IHRA, NMCA, NMRA, NASCAR, NASA, SCCA, and many others. This level of success is a testament to the quality and performance of Kooks products.

What makes Kooks truly special is their dedication to craftsmanship and American manufacturing. With three generations of family leadership at the helm, every Kooks product is handcrafted right here in the USA. This commitment to quality control and precision ensures that every header and exhaust system that bears the Kooks name meets the highest standards of excellence.

The Kooks Headers and Exhaust kit for the C7 Corvette includes a 1-7/8″ x 2″ x 3″ Stainless Steel Long Tube Header, Cometic Multi-Layer Gaskets, Stage 8 Header Bolts, O2 Extensions, and Torca Clamps. Crafted from premium 304 Stainless Steel, these components not only offer exceptional durability but also add a touch of aesthetic appeal with their stainless steel finish.

Fitment is seamless for various Corvette models, including the Chevrolet Corvette C7 LT1 6.2L (2014-2019), Chevrolet Corvette C7 Z06/Z07 LT4 6.2L (2015-2019), and Chevrolet Corvette C7 ZR1 LT5 6.2L (2019).

So, if you’re ready to “Get Kookin with KOOKS!” and experience a performance boost like never before, the Kooks Headers and Exhaust system is a must-have addition to your C7 Corvette.

2.) Kooks OEM X 3 X 2 3/4 (OEM) C7 X Pipe Chevrolet Corvette C7 6.2L -All models 2014-2019

Upgrade your Chevrolet Corvette C7’s exhaust system with the high-performance Kooks X-Pipe. Crafted from T-304 Aircraft Quality Steel, this 3″ x 3″ X-Pipe optimizes exhaust gas flow for maximum power and a thrilling exhaust note.

Features:

OEM x 3″ Front connections to factory catalytic converter

3″ x 3″ X-Pipe

3″ x 2 3/4″ Mid-Pipes. Connects to 2 3/4″ OEM Style Exhaust.

Benefits:

Enhanced engine efficiency with reduced back pressure

Dyno and race-tested for optimal performance

Direct fitment for Chevrolet Corvette C7 6.2L models 2014-2019

Limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser

Note: Designed for off-road use only and not CARB compliant for California.

Experience over fifty years of exhaust system craftsmanship with the Kooks X-Pipe, delivering power and performance for your Corvette C7.

3.) Borla ATAK Axleback Exhaust System Chevrolet 6.2L V8

The Borla ATAK Axleback exhaust system is the ideal companion to your Kooks X-Pipe and Headers upgrade for the Chevrolet Corvette C7, offering a seamless integration that results in a host of performance benefits. Together, these high-performance exhaust components optimize exhaust flow, reduce back pressure, and improve engine efficiency, translating into a noticeable increase in horsepower and torque for exhilarating acceleration. What truly sets this combination apart is the distinctive Borla Sound of Power, delivering an aggressive yet refined exhaust note that not only enhances driving excitement but also sets your Corvette apart from the crowd. Crafted from polished T-304 stainless steel, the Borla exhaust system not only ensures premium quality and durability but also adds a touch of visual appeal to your Corvette’s rear end. With precision CNC manufacturing and Borla’s Million-Mile Warranty backing, you can trust that your exhaust system will fit perfectly and be covered for the long haul. Together, the Kooks X-Pipe and Headers with the Borla ATAK Axleback exhaust unleash the full potential of your Corvette C7, offering an unmatched driving experience that’s as thrilling as it is refined.

4.) Cordes Performance 2.30″ LT4 Upper Pulley Kit Chevrolet Corvette 2014-2021

Upgrade your Chevrolet Corvette’s performance with the Cordes Performance 2.30″ LT4 Upper Pulley Kit, designed specifically for models from 2014 to 2021. This kit offers a significant improvement by reducing the pulley size from the OEM 2.5 inches to a 2.3-inch diameter, resulting in a boost of 2-3 psi over stock levels. Included in the kit are essential components such as a press-on hub, 10 titanium torx bolts for secure installation, and the pulley itself featuring the newest griptec finish for enhanced traction and durability. Notably, the OEM belt can be reused if you have a stock-size lower, ensuring compatibility and ease of installation. This kit is compatible with all LT4 superchargers, making it a versatile and effective upgrade for unlocking additional power and performance from your Corvette’s engine. Experience improved boost levels and overall driving excitement with the Cordes Performance 2.30″ LT4 Upper Pulley Kit, tailored to elevate your Corvette’s performance to new heights.

5.) Cordes Performance Engine Bay Ice Tank Chevrolet Corvette 2014-2021

Elevate your Chevrolet Corvette’s cooling capabilities with the Cordes Performance Engine Bay Ice Tank designed for models from 2014 to 2021. Cordes Performance Racing, renowned as the premier GM LTX/LTX motorsports company in Arizona, brings a wealth of expertise and passion to every product they offer. As a family-run business deeply committed to performance excellence, Cordes Performance Racing not only focuses on building high-level performing vehicles but also prioritizes the overall presentation, ensuring that you’re proud to showcase your Corvette. The Engine Bay Ice Tank is no exception, crafted using the highest-quality components to deliver optimal cooling efficiency and performance reliability. By maintaining lower engine temperatures, especially during high-performance driving or track sessions, this ice tank ensures that your Corvette operates at the peak of its performance, providing consistent power delivery and reliability. Trust Cordes Performance Racing to go above and beyond in enhancing your Corvette’s cooling system, enabling you to push the limits with confidence and enjoy an exhilarating driving experience every time you hit the road or track.

6.) Cordes Performance Low Side Fuel System Chevrolet Corvette 2014-2021

(Image may differ from actual product)

Enhance the fuel delivery and performance of your Chevrolet Corvette from 2014 to 2021 with the Cordes Performance Low Side Fuel System. Cordes Performance Racing stands as the premier GM LTX/LTX motorsports company in Arizona, driven by a deep passion for excellence in automotive performance. As a family-run business, Cordes Performance Racing not only focuses on building high-level performing vehicles but also emphasizes an overall presentation that you’ll be proud to showcase. The Low Side Fuel System exemplifies this commitment, utilizing only the highest-quality components to ensure optimal fuel delivery and engine performance. Compatible with Chevrolet Corvette C7 models from 2014 to 2021, including the C7ZO6 and C7ZR1 variants, this fuel system upgrade is designed to keep your vehicle at the peak of its performance, providing consistent fuel delivery and power output. Trust Cordes Performance Racing to go the extra mile in upgrading your Corvette’s fuel system, delivering reliability and performance that you can count on for every drive.

7.) Forgestar D5 Drag Wheel 18×12 5×120.65 50mm Gloss Black w/ Machined Lip

The Forgestar D5 Drag Wheel in 18×12 size with a 5×120.65 bolt pattern and 50mm offset is a game-changer for high-performance builds like the 800hp C7 Z06 Corvette. Forgestar performance wheels are renowned for bridging the gap between forged and cast wheels, delivering exceptional strength and lightweight characteristics crucial for demanding applications. Using an innovative rotary formed production process, Forgestar creates a lightweight cast wheel with strength and impact values comparable to forged wheels, making them ideal for street, racing, and drag racing applications. The Drag Wheel variant is drag strip approved with SFI 15.1 and 15.2 ratings, ensuring top-notch safety and performance standards. The wheel features a rotary forged flow-formed barrel, monoblock construction, and a Gloss Black finish with a machined lip, combining aesthetics with functionality. Its lightweight design not only enhances acceleration and handling but also clears big brake kits for improved stopping power. The raised center cap adds axle clearance convenience, while bead knurling ensures secure tire fitment. With a load rating of 1600 lbs and meticulous attention to detail in construction, the Forgestar D5 Drag Wheel is a must-have for high-performance enthusiasts looking to maximize their C7 Z06 Corvette’s potential on the drag strip and beyond.

Mickey Thompson ET Street S/S Tire – P345/35R18

The Mickey Thompson ET Street S/S Tire in P345/35R18 size is a high-performance street-to-strip tire designed for enthusiasts seeking exceptional traction on both the street and the drag strip. Featuring radial construction and the renowned R2 compound, this tire delivers superior performance in 15- to 20-inch fitments. It is D.O.T. approved for street use, making it a versatile choice for daily driving and track days alike. The ET Street S/S tire boasts an equivalent tread void as the ET Street Radial II but with improved hydroplane resistance, ensuring excellent dry traction while maintaining safety in wet conditions. The proven R2 compound, also used in top “drag radials,” provides superior traction at the strip, often requiring minimal or no burnout for optimal performance. Tubeless construction adds convenience with a leak-free seal, eliminating the need for tubes. With specifications like a centerline tread depth of 6.0/32″, an inflated overall diameter of 27.8 inches, and a maximum rim width of 13.5 inches, this tire offers a perfect balance of performance and durability. Whether you’re hitting the drag strip or cruising the streets, the Mickey Thompson ET Street S/S Tire is the ideal choice for enthusiasts seeking exceptional traction and performance in a street-legal package.

By combining top-notch performance upgrades from industry leaders, the Chevrolet Corvette C7 Z06 transforms into an 800hp powerhouse ready to dominate the streets and the track. The Kooks Headers and Exhaust system, along with the Borla ATAK Axleback exhaust, not only optimize exhaust flow but also enhance the aggressive exhaust note, while the Cordes Performance 2.30″ LT4 Upper Pulley Kit and Engine Bay Ice Tank ensure optimal engine cooling and power delivery. The Cordes Performance Low Side Fuel System keeps fuel delivery consistent, while the Forgestar D5 Drag Wheels and Mickey Thompson ET Street S/S Tires provide traction and stability necessary for harnessing the massive power output. Together, these meticulously selected upgrades create a harmonious synergy, elevating the Corvette C7 Z06 to 800hp and delivering an exhilarating driving experience that’s as thrilling as it is refined.

As always, if you need any assistance with selecting the right parts for your car, feel free to shoot us an email at sales@vividracing.com or give us a call at (480) 966-3040. Whether it’s helping you pick the best parts, or being a shoulder to cry on, we’ll be here!

[greatkittydream]

The Creature from the dungeon. 1

"thinking"

Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz

Journal entry 1

I've kept a collection of my thoughts to keep myself from going fucking insane and that if any sentient life were to find this they may be able to decipher it Leaving the basic letters of the alphabet above obviously.

okay let's recount the day me one Jacob Augustine, I was about to attend my first year of college to become an bioengineer, I just graduated high school with steady A's and B's and was planning to become an bioengineer. One in a medical field at that.

On the week before summer ended, I was making my way down to a convenience store a block away from where I live. mostly complaining that I feel like I'm wasting my life away, thinking of what else I can do to make sure once I die, I won't die with regrets. And then bam, I end up here.

Here being some.... have no fucking idea how to describe this biome, it has the floral density of a jungle yet not nearly enough insects or Wildlife to be a jungle it's more like a collection of plants than anything else. I have met sparse few insects in this jungle? It has animals, but oddly enough, no fungus.

Which is weird given the fact that they're the backbone of most jungles for recycling dead Organic matter. Not to mention, none of these plants show characteristics of jungle plants.

There are no waxy leaves to deposit water close to the roots, nor do they extend high into the sky or grow wide enough to collect any sunlight that bleeds through the trees.

The insects I have found are not poisonous or at least don't present any of the features of poisonous. No brightly colored features or camouflage.

They do follow the basic figure though of six limbs abdomen thorax and head. But they don't follow any other similarities. I found ants if you could call them that but their jaws were aligned in the opposite direction clamping up and down rather from side to side I've seen them used to great effect against Beatles?

if you could even call it that it's the closest approximation I have for a thickly armored insect, they clamped down, piercing the armor, and then ripped the thing to pieces.

I would be in heaven researching the new Wildlife After all, what self-respecting scientist even if this isn't my Specific area of biological interest wouldn't be in love with researching new things I have found right now. If it wasn't for the fact that I somehow ended up in a place against my will that behaves unlike any other ecological system I've seen.

I will somehow have to create a section in the back of my book detailing my research I have found so far. but that is for a later date. Why was I writing this again oh yeah because the fucking sun doesn't exist or the sky.

Allow me to explain to you dear reader, if you haven't already noticed if you somehow managed to find a clearing to where you can look up to the sky you will see not the sky what a collection of bright crystals somehow.

Illuminating this several mile long area as if it were the sun and it never sets. how do I know it's only several miles long easy I can see the fuckin walls. This illogical place pisses me off on so many levels. The biome I can forgive life does strange shit but the fact that this thing has no support structure whatsoever for Miles holding up.

what I'm assuming to be crystals weighing several tons each emitting a light similar to the effect of the Sun some how? do they go through nuclear Fusion or is it some other type of light emitting process which allows life to thrive down here? And if that's the case why does it look like the wild life/Flora belongs on the surface. to some degree life follows the most, well not efficient but the closest to efficient route it can find, not what looks good.

this is taking its toll on me. I have found myself doing my ticks more than usual. Oh yes, I suppose it may be best for me to explain myself a bit more.

self-report subject Jacob Augustine date of birth July the 13th 2005 age 18 state of birth Tennessee. The subject has autism. His ticks include snapping his fingers in a rapid motion, blinking rapidly, or rubbing the sides of his head. While on the low end of the spectrum he does exhibit his own issues such as his picky diet the way certain things cannot touch him or how illogical things piss him off to a absurd. degree we will see how he fares in this illogical hellhole that does not follow principles or Reason.

Okay, these are my findings for day one. I will update my journal if anything happens.

with a quick snap shut of the book, he looks up all around him. Okay, Jacob, you can do this. You're just in some illogical ecosystem. that does not appear to support a variety of life.

you have so far not identified any viable food options. So let's run through this normally. When stranded in the middle of a forest, you tie brightly colored cloth to branches and try to draw attention to your area for rescue squads.

but seeing as I'm in some confined space with no obvious human habitation, I need to start thinking of survival. In this case, I should climb to the top of a tree and look for a large water body that can support life.

And this will more than likely have some type of fish there that I can eat and water that can be processed to drink. However given the fact that this place is not running on normal principles of biodiversity there's a chance this may go horribly wrong. there could be Birds of Prey bigger than me.

There could be crocodiles that can run on land like its long extinct ancestor. alternatively, I could start clearing out areas and hoping that it rains as unlikely as that is. While cutting down a tree without any immediately available resources for such a task is unviable, it is still feasible given the amount of granite I have found in the area.

my current tools for my survival is my backpack, what was supposed to be a study notes book now turned into personal Journal, a packet of pencils a pencil sharpener, a school water bottle a pair of black Crocs a short sleeve t-shirt and gym shorts, I'm so fucked.

Okay, there are no obvious signs of precipitation that can accumulate off the bat, and cutting down trees would take far more energy than it's worth. so while it is a viable option, it's not one that's optimal. leaving only one other option that I can think of, not like I really have much of a choice. I just hope they have some type of fish I can eat without making myself eat it.

That would will make things a lot smoother. Standing up and looking for the tallest tree he can find in his immediate area he begins to climb. The idea of venomous snakes did not concern him from what he has seen so far there's no prey big enough needed for Venom or predators meaning in all likelihood he would be relatively safe from any possible Ambush predators.

Reaching the top of the tree, he saw vast fields of forest and vegetation. Luckily for him, there was a deposit of water fairly big one at that from what he can tell North words. it looked to be about an hour's jog from where he's at as well.

He was a bit of an introvert and not wanting to go outside more than strictly necessary preferring to spend most of his time with his online friends doing research and watching fun fact videos. But he did still do cardio in order to keep his body from getting health issues that could be easily avoided. he knows for a fact that he can run for about 2 hours, which in his opinion is fairly good with this in mind an hour jog with a 10 minute break in between.

He would arrive at his destination and about 3 hours while not as quick as he would like. This is his best option. With that he got to the lowest branch and hopped off. "it's a good thing I like clothing that allows me to breathe I would be fucked if this was winter clothing was that he began to jog".

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Aafje vo eldertree pov

Big sis please don't go, you promised to spend time with me. I know what I promised, but this is a big day because the raxs just got fully healed, meaning we have our tank in the party, and we can finally enter the lower parts of the dungeon. And it's important they have their healer with them. But can't you just hold off for one more day? You promised me this you're always down in that stupid dungeon. I'll have you know that stupid dungeon is the reason why the eldertree family is as influential as it is. We are nobility based around dungeon delving. pretty soon You'll have to start going as well. Now, hush up please I'm pretty sure my party's outside.

Aafje's big sis had turned around and started making her way to the front door. Currently moping and pouting Aafje was upset her big sister went back on her word but then a devilish thought came to her head: if she was supposed to be going down there soon, what's stopping her from going now? She was a genius considering herself, and she knew his sister would never allow this, so the answer was simple.

Don't tell her to make her way to where she knew her sister kept her supplies. she looked around for the bag that her sister took with her for long trips from what she recalled.

Her sister was going to drop straight down to floor 150 today with the rest of her party through teleportation Crystal and start going to the lower levels.

Having found the bag, she knew she couldn't just take stuff out and sit inside her sister could tell immediately. but what she could do was use a bag of holding too cold the stuff inside while she took its place. And so she did just this. Hearing her big sister coming ada, she immediately went into the bag, hurling stuff into The Magic Bag.

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Ada vo eldertree pov

Yeah, my sis was pretty upset about the news, probably in her room pouting and swearing to hate me forever. Until I come back home with some new toys or cool stuff for her. A gruff voice responded to her one Aafje recognized as raxs.

I kind of feel like a dick I mean, this is supposed to be a day for you two. You think she'd forgive me if I gave her something, what do elves like? Just bring her home a new toy and some candy and she'll be right as rain with you, now hurry up we need to go And I don't want to leave your green butt behind Mr I can stop a charging boss monster.

Please stop bringing that up, It was the 60th floor boss. I thought I could stop it on my own I learned my lesson I'm not indestructible please stop bringing that up. Yeah, well we're going to start heading down to the level we're humans start spawning, and as you well know an encounter with a human may as well be a death sentence. So please keep your wits about you, and don't let your ego take over.

walking over and grabbing her bag and swinging it over her back, she never noticed how uneven it felt. She was quite nervous today her party had actually set a record by making it to the 160th floor without encountering a human.

Meeting up with the rest of her party, her raxs, Stone. and Lionheart. a party composed of an elf, an orc, a dwarf and a Dragonborn. Not the weirdest part of you can see, but certainly, an odd one, most species tend to stay with each other. Making their way outside.

They see the great tower of the dungeon 10 miles wide in any direction, going uncountable numbers deep into the Earth. This was their destination. Walking through the bustling Street filled with all manner of species and Monday activities, in the great city of Carthage, anything could be found. The dungeon attracted all walks of life.

arriving at the dungeon management agency, a government-run facility in order to maximize profit and prevent loss of life though most of the time it just ends up being a bureaucrats dream job of having to not do anything. Most people aren't stupid enough to enter the dungeon unless prepared. Making our way down the street, I noticed something. There was a group arguing with the front counter.

"I had a feeling these were rookies". So she walked up to them and introduced herself. I am ada vo eldertree. I couldn't help noticing with the clerk here, I have a feeling you're new to the dungeon. A dark elf responded. How could you tell?

You're arguing with the clerk you never argue with the clerk They hand out the most recent information regarding migrational species in the dungeon updates to terrain and all sorts of other useful stuff but they don't have to give it out don't make enemies of the clerks may I ask what you were arguing about.

Me and my compatriots here, and I wanted to go to the lower levels and fight some of the higher tear of your monsters. we were former mercenaries. After all, we've taken up the adventuring business, specifically dungeon-delivers

I see how that could become a problem. What's your level and what floor were you wanting to go to.

Level 30, and we want to go down to Floor 110.

you wouldn't make it even if you teleport down to that floor, each floor increases by one level you're going to Face Off monsters at level 110 range. not to mention, although extremely rare humans have been known to spawn there on occasion.

We are dark elves, and we come from Noble lineages. Our level 30 is not the same as a plebeians. And why should I care about some monster type they all die the same.

This Comet pissed her off. well, normally monsters are around the same level of difficulty if you could call it that per level. but humans are something completely different. There were known as raid bosses, meaning that every one of their levels is the equivalent to 10 on a regular level. so a level one human is a level 10 standard, and this is for 110, they're level 1100.

Not to mention, there are special species stats that include Mana absorption from the air. or they're insane musculature and stamina. I don't think I need to continue. Just know that if you run into one hide and run, they don't have the best sense of smell.

"Fucking idiots we're going to die if they ran into a human. there's a reason why noble families founded on dungeon dwellers were so strong through generations of survival of the fittest."

Each one of their levels was equivalent to five levels higher and the standard and even they struggled against humans they were the kings of the dungeons you don't fuck with them.

Let's just get going. We don't want to get behind besides I think we can make it to floor 199 if we're lucky we do have a month to do this after all. then they'll start sending Rescuers and that's always a pain with paperwork.

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Lord Vect pov

Who the hell is that bitch think she is talking to me like that, that high elf scum should be kissing my boots that I even talk to her.

Lord, what do you think we should do?

Isn't it obvious we're going to liberate that fine gear from them while down in the dungeonWho knows she might make find slave work, whether it be in the brothels or a whipping bitch it does not matter money can always made on suffering of others.

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Jacob pov

You know this place is actually kind of lovely. Oh God, I'm talking to myself. I'm going insane already. Egh fuck it may as well make a Wilson while I'm here. After seeing the clearing up ahead, he knew that he was getting close to the water source, deciding to jog harder. and farther, he finally made it out of the clearing, and what he saw was beautiful a ring of sand surrounded. A large lake connected into the Great Wall surrounding this place surrounding that wall was purple crystals that were different from the light blue ones up above what surprised him the most, though there are other humans.

naked shortish about 5’4 for humans. But still humans it's not insane to think of nudist culture could pop up, and with how small this area is to live in, and it makes sense that they'd be shorter natural selection dictates with less nutrients available, being smaller is more advantageous.

I just hope they're not cannibalistic or violently aggressive to foreign things. HAY, HAY over Here. Quickly jogging up to the other humans, there were about 10 of them four female six male. They turn their heads to me in a lazy way before going back to what they were doing.

Coming to a stop to the closest one, a young guy, probably about 26, with brown hair and brown eyes and pale skin. Hey, do you know where we are… Do you speak English… I know Germen Wissen Sie, wo wir sind… um shit okay um. Fuck how do you say do you know where we are in Spanish again God damn it 16-year-old Jacob you should have paid attention in Spanish class more, okay. Um I know you don't understand me but you must understand I'm trying to communicate with you so “pointing towards self” I'm Jacob “ pointing towards the guy” you are?.. not even going to find me with an answer okay. Fuck you too asshole.

Looking over to my side, I noticed something peculiar. One of those Beetle things from earlier was walking by one of the shorter guys. He proceeds to squish it flat against the sand before shoveling it into his mouth. I felt a shiver go up my spine and disgust. "Well, at least they're not poisonous." Gags.

Looking around his immediate area, he notices something. The crystals form into the shape of that similar to a great door, thinking quickly, pulling out his phon clicking on the camera featur. And zooming into 10 times, he notices it.

It is a door! victory for vegeta or Jacob in this case i Miss Dragon Ball Z abridged. Well, no time like the present. Wait, how the hell am I going to get my shit over there without it getting wet damn it.

The electronics will be fine for the most part as long as I don't turn them off while they're wet. They should operate normally if dried off .my clothes will be a pain tho.

But given the aired temperature, it shouldn't be too much of a problem, but the weight might become a problem. And I don't see any shallow Banks leaning up to it. okay, let's think this one through. I could empty out my water bottle, filling it with air and then sealing it shut. That should add buoyancy, which should counteract at least a little weight. and then refill it at the door. The main problem is my journal.

After thinking it through for a good 10 minutes, he got an idea walking over to the tree line. and taking a few sticks, he throws them into the water to see what type of wood he is working with and if it will float or not. He's in luck it does. "Hmmm, I could work with this." Arranging the sticks into a Shape where they'll stick above the water and doing that again.

with three other sets to make sure his journal does not get wet he takes off his shirt and wraps it around the bundle. making sure it sticks together, setting it gently on the water to see if it will float. Or not stay together. To his luck, it does. This also means he can just put his backpack on there and the Crocs. Looking down at himself, he lets out a sigh. Well, not exactly fat, he's not skinny, either he has a healthy Pudge, he'd say a beer gut.

Making his treck across the water, he notices a large shadow following him. Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuuuuck I forgot to think about water Predators. okay okay okay okay just don't panic you'll be fine panicking indicates you're afraid and Afraid means food. Ok, if this is a shark or um, oh, a shit God damn it why did i not go to zoology.

Just as the large shadow was approaching him at a rapid pace. Once it got into the distance to tell what the creature swimming was, it promptly turned around and swam for its life. Oh, good the things in massive pussy that or wasn't carnivorous now that i think about a creature that large being carnivorous.

And in this small body of water doesn't make much sense it could just be an abnormally large manatee. Or maybe some other new species. I wonder what type of characteristics force it to grow that size, though? maybe mating fights, but that's the case. Why didn't it get aggressive unless it's not as mating season and it was just curious? Questions for later.

Upon reaching the massive door, he knows the shallow sand pit, allowing him to walk up to the staircase, pulling his makeshift raft along with him. and promptly laying flat on his back onto the sand, letting out a sigh of relief despite that not being a predator.

There are so many things that could have gone wrong in that instance he could have lost all his supplies. It could have been aggressive.There could have been something else parasites bacteria, and lord knows what else lives down in the water. Now that I think about it this was a fucking stupid idea.

oh well, all is well and ends well. After waiting for his clothes to dry off enough to wear and putting them on, he walks up to the great door and pushing it open. surprisingly light for something that looked like it would weigh so much more, and what he saw was an expansive hallway stepping through the hallway he immediately felt better for some reason.

He started to jog down the hallway , and he noticed that he wasn't running out breath as quickly as he would normally. attributing it to the room just simply having more oxygen for some reason, allowing for cellular respiration to happen more, therefore slowing fatigue. He paid it no mind upon reaching the end of the hallway he noticed something a plaque above it reading 199 whatever the hell that meant taking in a deep breath and pushing open the door he saw a cave? lined with purple crystals.

\[Next\]

hey writer here I'm new to this so I have no idea how to link it next chapter which when it comes out I will also say sorry if the writing is bad I'm trying to write it from the perspective of what would you do if you were in this situation if you have any writing tips or World building you think would make a good fit to it feel free to private message me or comment it I'll see if I can include it.

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[viktheviking1]

"Stolas, please listen. I-" He said desperately.

"No, you listen" Stolas bent over to stare him in the face, and repeatedly poked his chest, accusingly. "I have had enough of your insults, your hot and cold behavior, your immature whining instead of talking like adults, your stupid face popping into my mind everywhere I go."

He stood up straight again, crossing his arms, "Did you even read my letter? You didn't, did you. That's almost worse, actually. You want all the attention a person could possibly give, but the moment someone deigns to ask for an acknowledgement of their existence as a person in your life, they get silence! Ignored! And- and the middle finger!" He gave Blitz the bird as an example, but quickly put it away, embarrassed to have used such an ungenteel hand gesture.

"I-It's not like I meant to-" Blitz started.

"You're just a scared little boy, aren't you? Hurting everyone else before they have the chance to hurt you."

"That's not-" Blitz couldn't get a word in edgewise.

Stolas closed his eyes and clenched his fists, "No, I don't want to hear your excuses anymore. In fact, I think it's only fair I get to remind you of all your worst qualities. You're a hypocrite, a fraud, a-and . . ." He sighed, and turned away from Blitz, "and it doesn't matter what I call you, because it will never cut you as deeply as you've cut me, because you've never given a rat's *ss about me." Stolas was crying again, but he had to say the words, "But it doesn't matter now, because I'm done. I'm done being treated like disposable sh*t. I won't stand for it! Not anymore! Not from you, not from my wife, not from anyone in or out of hell! I don't deserve much, but I deserve better than this! Go back to ignoring me to your heart's content, I won't be trying to win it anymore."

"No, wait, please!" Blitz begged as Stolas made another portal.

"I think I've waited long enough, Blitz." He went through the portal, and didn't look back.

Once again, Blitz was standing left alone on the pavement, watching someone he loved dearly walk away from him. The consequences of his own actions catching up to him, and leaving him in the dust.

"Blitz! What the f**k happened?!" Loona ran over but came to a fast halt when she got close to Blitz's accusing finger.

"What the f**k, me?! What the f**k, you! I can't believe my own daughter would betray me like this!" Blitz quickly turned his despair to outrage, taking an angry stance.

"Hey! I didn't set any of this up." She put her hands up and took a step.

"So you had no idea what was going on in there, the whole time?" He crossed his arms and leaned back, looking down on her while looking up at her.

"Well, no, but I-" she started.

"It's funny, I don't seem to remember hearing anyone try the door." He sarcastically acted like he was trying to recall.

"Blitz-" she tried.

"Oh, did you have trouble finding the bathroom sweetie?" He patronized, "Because I know for a fact that not even your biggest sh*ts take that long!"

"Why would you-" she cringed.

"Did you want a royal step sugar daddy to pay for all your expensive *ss eyeliner? I've told you a thousand times that drugstore brands work just as well!" He didn't even know what he was yelling about anymore, he just felt the need to scream.

"Blitz!" She screamed, and clamped both hands on his shoulders, and finally he looked her in the eyes, "I'm. . . sorry."

Loona pulled him close and leaned down to give him a hug. Blitz was taken by surprise; he tried not to breathe for as long as he could, but the moment he inhaled her warm puppy scent, he started letting out little sobs. He clinged to her fur for dear life and cried.

"Come on, let's take you home" she picked him up, and cradled him as she walked to the van.

Find out how they resolve things on The Pompous and the Prick:

[ashwaniexports]

Grating clamps, Shear Studs, Hex Bolts, Allen Bolts, SS bolts.

[estellan0vella]

Sunshine's Guide To Murder│Lee Minho

Chapter Thirty Six: There’s No Getting Away SS: 3 (ignore time stamps and dates) Word Count: 6.1K Content Warnings: Discussions of death, dead bodies, abduction, injuries

Previous Next Masterlist

The living room feels heavy, the air thick with tension and unspoken fears. Minho sits on the arm of the couch, his leg bouncing as he stares down at the ring Hayun gave back to him, clutched tightly in his hand. Around him, the others are scattered across the room, each lost in their own uneasy thoughts.

Minho breaks the silence, his voice raw. “If Seungmin’s the one Hayun left with, then surely he would have told us she’s okay. That both of them are okay. He wouldn’t just disappear like this.”

Felix, sitting cross-legged on the floor with his laptop balanced on his knees, shakes his head. “There was something wrong with Hayun the other day. It’s like-” He pauses, searching for the right words. “It’s like she wanted to hurt you and Jisung. Like she was trying to push you both away.”

Jisung, pacing near the window, stops abruptly. “Because we’d have a chance at stopping her from leaving,” he says, his voice tight with frustration. “It wasn’t her. She doesn’t act like that. I’ve known that girl for fifteen years, since she was four years old. She’s never said anything like that, no matter how fucking angry she’s been.”

Minho presses his fist to his mouth, trying to steady himself. “She told me-” He falters, his voice breaking slightly. “She told me she pitied me. That I couldn’t save Chaeryeong. That I’d fail her too.”

Felix looks up, his face stricken. “That’s not Hayun,” he says firmly. “You know that’s not her.”

Jisung nods vehemently. “Whatever that was, it wasn’t her.”

The TV, which had been a background hum, suddenly grabs Changbin’s attention. “Hey, guys,” he says, his voice sharp as he grabs the remote. “Look at this.”

He turns up the volume. The room falls silent as a news reporter’s voice fills the space.

“Authorities are asking for information about a car and truck collision that occurred three nights ago on the outskirts of Seoul. The vehicle involved, a black sedan, was found heavily damaged. However, no passengers were located at the scene. Police believe there were two individuals in the car, a driver and a passenger, but neither has been found.”

The screen flashes an image of the mangled car. The front is crumpled like a discarded can, the windows shattered, and streaks of blood stain the seats. The sight makes everyone in the room freeze.

"That's Seungmin's car," Chan whispers. 

“Luggage belonging to the occupants was found at the scene,” the reporter continues, as photos of two suitcases appear on the screen. Hayun’s suitcases and Seungmin’s black duffle bag are unmistakable.

Jisung staggers back, dropping into a chair and clamping his hands over his mouth. His wide eyes stay fixed on the screen, unable to look away. Minho’s face twists in agony as he presses his fist harder against his mouth as if trying to stop himself from being sick. Felix’s breath catches audibly as his laptop slides off his knees and onto the floor with a thud.

“It must have been Seungmin and Hayun in that car,” Felix says, his voice trembling.

Chan runs a hand down his face, exhaling sharply. “They’ve been taken,” he says grimly. “Think about it. Jisung, you’re Hayun’s emergency contact and next of kin. If they’d found her, if she was at a hospital or something, they’d have called you. Right?”

Jisung nods slowly, his face pale. “Yeah. They would have called. But no one has.”

Minho stands abruptly, pacing the length of the room, the ring still clutched in his hand. “We start calling hospitals. Right now.” His tone is sharp, urgent. “If they’ve been dropped off unconscious with no ID, they’ll be listed as Does, right?”

Felix nods, already scrambling to grab his phone. “Yeah. We just need to check every fucking hospital in Seoul.”

“Not just Seoul,” Chan adds, his voice steady despite the worry in his eyes. “If they were taken, they could have been dumped anywhere. We’ll need to branch out.”

Jeongin pulls his phone from his pocket, scrolling quickly. “There’s a list of hospitals in the area. We can split it up, call as many as we can.”

Jisung finally speaks, his voice hoarse. “And what if they’re not at any hospital? What then?”

“Then we keep looking,” Minho says firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument. He stops pacing, turning to face the group with a determined glare. “We don’t stop until we find them.”

Chan nods, his jaw tight as he pulls out his phone. “Alright. Let’s get started.”

The group splits up the list, their fingers flying over their phones as they start dialling numbers, each call laced with desperate hope. Minho stands by the window, his phone pressed to his ear, his knuckles white as he grips the ring tightly in his other hand.

The living room buzzes with tense energy as everyone dials hospital after hospital. Phones ring endlessly, with no satisfying answers on the other end. Jisung sits in the corner, his phone untouched, his hands trembling as he clutches it. He refuses to dial, keeping it free for any potential calls about Hayun.

Minho speaks into his phone with an edge of desperation. “Nineteen years old, blonde hair, brown eyes, about five-six. She was in a car accident three days ago.” He pauses, running a hand through his hair. “No? Alright. Thank you.” He ends the call and exhales sharply, his jaw tight.

Felix, kneeling on the floor with his laptop still open, mutters into his own phone. “The driver’s a male, nineteen, black hair, brown eyes, braces, about five-eight. Please let us know if anyone matching those descriptions-” He stops, his face falling. “I see. Thanks for your help.”

Hyunjin throws his phone onto the couch, his frustration boiling over. “Fuck this! None of them are telling us anything. How is it possible that no one knows where they are?”

“Keep calling,” Chan says firmly, his voice steady but cold. He glances at Jisung, who looks like he’s barely holding it together. “Ji, you okay?”

Jisung doesn’t respond immediately. His fingers tap nervously against the back of his phone, his lips pressed into a thin line. Finally, he mutters, “I’m just waiting. In case.”

Minho crosses the room to place a hand on Jisung’s shoulder. “We’ll find her,” he says quietly, though there’s a crack in his voice that betrays his own uncertainty.

Changbin, who has been unusually quiet, suddenly speaks up. “Have we thought about calling morgues?”

The room freezes. Six pairs of eyes snap to him, the tension thick enough to suffocate. Felix’s face twists in horror. “What the fuck, Changbin? Why the hell would you even say that?”

Changbin lifts his hands defensively. “I’m not trying to be a dick. I’m just saying. It’s been three fucking days, and they’re not in any hospitals. If something happened-” His voice falters. “We need to check.”

Minho glares at him, his hand curling into a fist. “Don’t even fucking suggest that.”

But Jisung, pale and trembling, speaks up. “He’s right.”

The words are barely above a whisper, but they send a chill through the room. Jisung’s wide, haunted eyes meet Changbin’s. “If they- If they didn’t make it, we’d need to know. We have to call.”

“I’ll do it,” Changbin says, his voice low. He pulls his phone from his pocket, his expression grim as he starts dialing.

Felix shakes his head, his voice cracking. “I can’t- I can’t do this.” He buries his face in his hands, his shoulders shaking.

Hyunjin moves to Felix’s side, wrapping an arm around him. “Hey, don’t think like that,” he says softly, though his own voice wavers. “It’s just a precaution. It doesn’t mean anything.”

As the others continue making hospital calls, Changbin steps into the kitchen for privacy. The sound of his voice, low and measured, filters faintly through the walls. Each pause in his speech feels like an eternity.

When Changbin finally reenters the room, his face is pale, his phone clutched tightly in his hand. He opens his mouth, but the words seem to catch in his throat.

“What?” Minho demands, his tone sharp. “Changbin, what did they say?”

Changbin looks at the group, his eyes full of pain. “They- They found two bodies matching their descriptions. At the city morgue.”

The room implodes into chaos. Jisung bolts upright, stumbling to the trashcan in the corner and retching violently. Felix bursts into tears, his sobs loud and heart-wrenching as Hyunjin pulls him close, murmuring reassurances that neither of them believes.

Minho stands frozen, the ring still in his hand. His breathing turns shallow, his eyes unfocused. Chan steps forward, gripping Minho’s arm to steady him. “Minho,” Chan says firmly. “We don’t know for sure. We’ll go there and confirm.”

Jeongin, sitting stiffly on the couch, speaks up, his voice barely audible. “They wouldn’t- They wouldn’t just leave them like that. They’d have called Jisung, right? If it was really them.”

Changbin exhales shakily, his voice cracking as he replies. “They didn’t have IDs. It’s just the descriptions match.”

Jisung, wiping his mouth, stumbles back to the couch. His face is pale, his hands trembling violently as he grips the edge of the cushions. “No. No. It’s not them. It can’t be them.”

Felix, tears streaming down his face, looks up at Jisung. “We have to go. We have to check.”

“We will,” Chan says firmly, already grabbing his keys. “Get your shit together. We’re going now. Felix and Jeongin stay here and keep calling”

Minho finally snaps out of his daze, his expression hardening. He pockets the ring and nods. “Let’s go.” His voice is cold and resolute, but his hands are shaking as he clenches them into fists.

The group piles into Minho’s car, the tension palpable as they drive in near silence. Minho grips the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles white as he navigates the streets.

Jisung sits in the back seat between Hyunjin and Changbin, his knees pulled to his chest, his phone clutched in his hand like a lifeline. Chan rides shotgun, his jaw clenched as he stares out the window.

Jisung finally breaks the silence, his voice trembling. “What do we do if it’s them? If it’s Hayun and Seungmin?”

Minho’s eyes stay fixed on the road, his voice sharp but unsteady. “It’s not. Okay? It’s not Seungmin, and it’s not—” He stops himself, inhaling deeply. “It’s not her. They didn’t say the bodies were from that crash. We don’t know anything for sure. Just have hope, Ji.”

Jisung nods, but his sobs bubble to the surface. He presses the heel of his hand to his mouth, tears streaming down his face as his shoulders shake. “I’m trying,” he chokes out, his words muffled by his hand. “I’m trying so fucking hard.”

Minho glances at him in the rearview mirror, his jaw tightening. “Ji, stop. You’re going to snot all over my car.”

“I’m sorry,” Jisung wails, his words barely coherent through his tears and the sniffles clogging his throat.

Hyunjin hands him a crumpled tissue from his pocket, his voice softer than usual. “Here. Just try to hold it together for a bit, okay?”

Jisung takes the tissue, blowing his nose loudly as Minho exhales through his nose, his grip on the steering wheel tightening further.

The morgue looms ahead, its stark exterior unwelcoming against the gray winter sky. The group files out of the car, moving as one tense, shivering mass toward the entrance. Inside, the air is sterile and cold, and Jisung visibly flinches as the receptionist greets them.

“I’m here to-” Jisung’s voice cracks, and he clears his throat, trying again. “I’m here to potentially identify someone. We called about two bodies, one of them a female with blonde hair and another a male with black hair and braces.”

The receptionist nods, her expression kind but professional. “We’ll need you to register. Fill this out.” She hands him a clipboard and pen.

Jisung stares at the paper, his hand shaking so badly he can barely grip the pen. Minho places a steadying hand on his shoulder, while Chan gently guides the clipboard to a flat surface. “Here,” Chan says softly. “We’ve got you.”

With their help, Jisung scrawls his name and signs the necessary documents, his breaths coming in shallow gasps. The receptionist takes the clipboard back, nodding to a nearby hallway. “We’ll call someone to escort you. It’ll just be a moment.”

Minho and Chan each take one of Jisung’s hands as they’re led down the hallway. The click of their shoes against the tiled floor echoes, every step stretching out like an eternity. Hyunjin and Changbin stay behind in the waiting area, their faces tight with worry.

When they reach the morgue’s examination room, the mortician greets them with a sombre nod. “You’re here to identify the male and female from the crash?”

“Yes,” Jisung whispers, his voice barely audible.

The mortician gestures for them to step closer as he pulls out the first drawer. “This is the male. Please let me know if he’s familiar.”

Minho’s grip on Jisung’s hand tightens as the mortician pulls back the sheet. Jisung’s knees buckle, and Chan catches him immediately, holding him steady. The body beneath the sheet is young, with black hair and a slim build, but it’s not Seungmin.

“It’s not him,” Minho says quickly, his voice firm. “That’s not Seungmin.”

The mortician nods, covering the body again. “Alright. I’ll prepare the second one.”

Jisung’s breathing becomes erratic, and he clutches at Minho’s sleeve with trembling fingers. “Minho, I can’t-”

"I'll do it," Minho says and Chan gently pulls Jisung back.

The mortician moves to the second drawer, his hands steady as he grips the edge of the sheet. He hesitates for just a moment before pulling it back.

The room falls deathly silent as the sheet is removed.

The mortician pulls the sheet back slowly, revealing a woman’s face. The air in the room feels as though it’s been sucked out completely. Minho stumbles back a step, his hands pressing tightly against his face as tears immediately begin to spill. His shoulders shake as a guttural sob escapes him.

Jisung freezes. His wide eyes are glued to Minho and his breathing quickens. “Oh my god,” Jisung chokes out, clutching Chan’s arm. “It’s her, isn’t it?”

“No,” Minho says, his voice muffled through his hands. He steps forward, his tears falling harder as he looks at the woman on the slab. “No, Ji. It’s not her. These-” He pauses to inhale sharply, his chest heaving. “These are tears of relief, Ji. I promise you, it’s not Hayun. Look at her.”

Jisung stares at Minho, confusion clouding his face as he gasps for air. “What? But you're fucking crying!”

“Look!” Minho insists, grabbing Jisung’s arm and dragging him closer to the body. His hand trembles as he points to the woman. “That’s not Hayun, Ji. Look at her. It’s not her.”

Jisung’s gaze finally shifts to the face of the woman on the slab. His eyes scan her features, her hair, her build, her face, and recognition doesn’t come. He realizes, all at once, that Minho is right. His knees buckle as he releases a loud, raw sob, collapsing into Chan, who pulls him into a tight hug.

“It’s not her, it's not him," Jisung sobs, shaking in Chan’s arms. “It’s not them. Fuck. Oh my god, thank fuck, it’s not them.”

The mortician nods solemnly, covering the woman’s body again. “I’m sorry for the distress this has caused. I’m glad this wasn’t the identification you feared.”

Minho leans heavily against the cold wall, his head bowed and his hands clutching his face. His breath comes out in shaky gasps, his tears unstoppable. “Thank fuck,” he whispers, his voice cracking.

Chan squeezes Jisung’s shoulder. “Come on,” he says softly, his voice steady despite his own glossy eyes. “Let’s get out of here.”

The three of them walk back to the waiting room, their faces streaked with tears. Hyunjin and Changbin look up instantly, their bodies stiffening as they take in the scene.

“Fuck,” Hyunjin mutters under his breath, already bracing for the worst. “Just tell us.”

Jisung collapses onto a chair, his entire body trembling as he sobs openly. “It’s not them!” he cries out, his voice breaking. “It wasn’t them. They’re not dead. They’re not fucking dead!”

Hyunjin moves immediately, pulling Jisung into his arms and holding him tightly. Jisung clings to him, his tears soaking into Hyunjin’s shirt. Hyunjin presses soft, soothing kisses to Jisung’s head, his voice gentle as he murmurs, “Your best friend is still alive, Ji. She’s okay. She’s alive.”

Chan hugs Minho tightly, his large hands gripping Minho’s shoulders as Minho sobs into his chest. Minho’s fingers clutch at Chan’s shirt as he gasps for air between his tears. “She didn’t break up with me,” Minho whispers hoarsely. “Someone made her do it, right? She wouldn’t have done this on her own.”

“I think so,” Chan says softly, his voice firm and grounding. “I think Seungmin knew. She must have told him everything. That’s why they left together.”

Minho nods against Chan’s shoulder, still shaking. “I knew it,” he mutters. “I fucking knew it. She wouldn’t just- she wouldn’t.”

Across the room, Changbin is already pulling out his phone. He steps into a quieter corner, dialing Felix’s number. It doesn’t even ring twice before Felix picks up, his voice trembling. “Changbin? Is it them?”

“It’s not them,” Changbin says quickly. “Felix, it’s not Hayun or Seungmin.”

On the other end of the line, Felix bursts into tears of relief, his sobs audible through the speaker. Jeongin’s voice joins him in the background, high-pitched and shaky as he asks, “They’re alive?”

“They’re alive,” Changbin confirms, his voice steady and reassuring. “It wasn’t their bodies. They’re not dead.”

Felix’s breath hitches as he starts crying harder. “Thank fuck,” he gasps. “Oh my god, Changbin. Thank you. Thank you.”

Jeongin’s voice cracks as he sobs, “They’re okay. They’re okay.”

“We’re coming back now,” Changbin says. “Just hold tight, alright?”

Felix sniffles, trying to steady his voice. “Yeah, yeah. Okay. We’ll be here.”

Changbin ends the call and turns back to the group. Minho and Jisung are still leaning on Chan and Hyunjin, their tears finally starting to slow. Changbin pockets his phone, his voice softer now. “Felix and Jeongin know. They’re relieved.”

“Good,” Chan says quietly, his hand still steady on Minho’s back.

Jisung wipes his face messily, his red-rimmed eyes meeting Hyunjin’s. “I’m going to find her,” he says, his voice raw but determined. “No matter what it takes.”

Hyunjin nods, his fingers threading through Jisung’s hair in a soothing motion. “We will, Ji. We’ll find her.”

The group stands together, a mixture of exhaustion and fragile hope hanging in the air. It’s not over, not by a long shot, but for now, they cling to the only truth that matters.

Hayun and Seungmin are still alive.

The drive back to the house is tense, the atmosphere in Minho’s car thick with unspoken worries. Changbin takes the wheel, his knuckles white as he grips it tightly, while Minho sits in the passenger seat, staring blankly out the window. Jisung, Hyunjin, and Chan are crammed into the backseat, the silence only broken by Jisung muttering under his breath.

“They could be fucking anywhere,” Jisung finally bursts out, his voice cracking. “Anywhere. What the fuck do we do now?”

Hyunjin places a tentative hand on Jisung’s shoulder. “We don’t give up,” he says firmly. “We keep looking. If Hayun and Seungmin are alive, then there’s hope.”

“Hope doesn’t tell me where the fuck they are,” Jisung snaps, though the anger in his voice is more out of frustration than directed at Hyunjin.

Chan sighs, rubbing his temples. “Ji, I know this is hard, but we’ve got to keep a clear head. If we spiral, we’re not going to find them.”

Minho’s voice cuts through the car, low and filled with determination. “They’re alive. That’s what we hold onto. That’s what we use to fuel this search. And we’re not stopping until we bring them home.”

When they pull into the driveway, the house feels eerily still, save for the faint sound of Felix and Jeongin’s voices inside. The five of them file in, their expressions grim.

Felix is pacing the living room with his phone to his ear, his face tight with frustration. Jeongin is sitting cross-legged on the couch, typing furiously on his laptop. Felix ends the call with a huff and looks up as the group enters. “Uh, any other ideas?” he asks, his tone tinged with desperation. “Because hospitals are a fucking dead end.”

Jisung straightens, his brow furrowing in thought. “I might have something,” he says, pacing as he works through the idea out loud. “Me, Lix, Yunnie, and Innie are all on the same phone plan. We lied and said Jeongin and Hayun were our kids to get it cheaper.”

Jeongin groans. “Don’t remind me. It was embarrassing then, and it’s embarrassing now.”

Jisung ignores him, his words speeding up. “I can call the phone company. Pretend I’m a concerned dad worried about my thirteen-year-old daughter messaging some predator or some shit. They’ll give me her records.”

Felix raises an eyebrow. “Do you really think that’ll work?”

Jisung smirks, though it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “Watch and learn.”

Grabbing his phone, Jisung dials the company’s customer service line. He adjusts his voice, adding a slightly frantic edge as he begins his performance. “Hi, yeah, I’m trying to get some information about my daughter’s phone records. She’s only thirteen, and I think she’s been texting someone dangerous.”

The representative on the other end speaks, and Jisung nods along, though no one can hear what’s being said. “Her name? Hayun. Yeah, we’re on a family plan, same address and everything. I’m her father. Look, I’m really scared here. I just need to know who’s been texting her and where the hell she might be.”

The group watches in tense silence as Jisung continues the call, his faux panic surprisingly convincing. Finally, after what feels like an eternity, Jisung’s expression shifts. “You’re emailing me the records? Perfect. Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to me.”

Hanging up, Jisung exhales sharply. “And that’s how you do it.”

Felix claps him on the back. “I’m impressed. That was… disturbingly good.”

Moments later, Jisung’s phone pings with an email notification. He opens it quickly, his hands trembling slightly as he scans the records. “Holy shit,” he mutters, his eyes darting across the screen.

“What is it?” Chan asks, stepping closer.

Jisung turns the phone to show the group. “Texts to Hayun telling her to leave Seoul. Stuff like, ‘If you go, everyone will be safe.’ And then these—between her and Seungmin. They planned everything. The leaving, the act, all of it. She- she hurt us on purpose so we wouldn’t stop her.”

Minho’s jaw tightens, his hands clenching into fists. “They were protecting us.”

“They thought they were,” Chan says quietly, his face unreadable. “But now they’re in danger.”

Before anyone can respond, Jisung’s phone pings again. His eyes widen as he opens the second email. “The phone company sent the last known location of her phone,” he announces, his voice trembling. “It’s pinged at an old warehouse on the outskirts of Seoul.”

“Let’s go,” Minho says immediately, grabbing his keys. “We’re not wasting another second.”

Chan nods, already heading for the door. “Jisung, send us the location. We’ll figure out a plan on the way.”

Hyunjin looks between them, his face pale but resolute. “We’re bringing them home.”

As they pile into the cars, the urgency of the situation fuels their determination. The abandoned warehouse might be the lead they’ve been waiting for, but the thought of what they might find there hangs heavily in the air.

The cars tear through the streets, the urgency palpable in every sharp turn and accelerated stop. Minho’s knuckles are white on the steering wheel, his jaw clenched as he navigates the twisting roads toward the warehouse. Felix sits in the passenger seat, leaning forward as though the extra few inches will somehow get them there faster. Jisung and Jeongin are in the back, the tension thick as they try to keep themselves from spiraling.

Jisung is the first to break the silence, his voice raw with frustration. “When we find Hayun and Seungmin, I’m putting ankle tags on them. Like, straight-up probation shit. I’m talking ‘Find My Friends,’ Life360, microchips if I fucking have to. There is no way I’m doing this again.”

Felix snorts, though it lacks humor. “Good luck convincing them to wear ankle tags, Ji. Hayun’s too sweet to say no, but she’ll find a way to make you forget about it.”

“Not this time,” Jisung mutters, his knee bouncing nervously. “I don’t care if I have to duct tape it to her leg. She’s not going off-grid again.”

Jeongin, his face illuminated by the glow of his phone, speaks up. “Mr. Shin isn’t working tonight.” He glances up, his expression grim. “Changbin called the station earlier. He asked about filing a tip about the warehouse. They’re dispatching units, but they’ll probably get there a little after us.”

Minho’s eyes flick to the rearview mirror, his expression cold. “Whoever took them better hope the cops get there first,” he says, his voice low and deadly.

Felix shifts uncomfortably. “Min, we need to keep our heads straight. We don’t know what we’re walking into.”

Minho’s grip tightens on the wheel. “I know exactly what I’m walking into. And I’m not leaving without her.”

Jisung leans forward, resting his elbows on the back of Felix’s seat. “What’s the plan when we get there? We can’t just bust in swinging.”

Jeongin glances up from his phone, a small frown tugging at his lips. “We wait for Chan and the others to catch up. Stick together. If the police aren’t there yet, we assess the situation. We can’t make things worse.”

Minho exhales sharply through his nose but doesn’t respond. Felix, sensing the mounting tension, reaches over and squeezes Minho’s shoulder lightly. “We’ll get her back,” Felix says softly. “Both of them.”

Minho doesn’t take his eyes off the road, but the muscle in his jaw relaxes slightly. “We better.”

Jisung lets out a shaky laugh, leaning back into his seat. “If they’ve hurt her—if they’ve hurt either of them—I’m going to lose it.”

Jeongin’s voice is quiet but firm. “They won’t get the chance.”

The warehouse looms in the distance, a hulking shadow against the skyline. As Minho pulls off the main road onto the gravel path leading to it, the car grows silent, the weight of what they might find inside settling over them. Minho steps out first, his hand gripping the edge of the car door tightly as he stares at the looming structure. Jisung follows, the tension in his body radiating outwards as he pulls his baseball cap lower over his face. Felix and Jeongin are right behind them, their expressions grim but determined.

From the other car, Chan, Hyunjin, and Changbin emerge, moving quickly to join the others. Chan's eyes are scanning the warehouse, his jaw clenched tightly as he takes in the broken windows and rusted doors. Hyunjin rubs his arms for warmth, his face pale but resolute, while Changbin rolls his shoulders as if readying himself for a fight.

“This is it,” Minho mutters, his voice low but cutting through the frigid air.

Chan nods, stepping closer. “We don’t know what’s waiting for us inside. Everyone stay close.”

Jisung glances at Minho’s trunk. “Got the bats?”

Minho pops the trunk without a word, revealing an assortment of baseball bats. Jisung grabs one first, his hands trembling slightly as he grips it tightly, his knuckles turning white.

“I’m not fucking around,” Jisung says quietly, his voice barely audible but filled with raw emotion. “Whoever did this to her… to them… I swear to god.”

Felix picks up a bat, testing its weight in his hands. “We stick together. No one goes off alone,” he says, his voice steady but his eyes betraying the fear simmering beneath.

Jeongin pulls out another bat, his fingers shaking as he adjusts his grip. “They’re in there,” he murmurs, his voice cracking slightly. “I can feel it.”

“Then let’s not waste any more time,” Minho says, grabbing the last bat and slamming the trunk shut with more force than necessary. He takes a deep breath and looks at them, his eyes blazing. “Stay close. Don’t hesitate if shit goes sideways.”

The group moves toward the warehouse, their boots crunching on the gravel. Minho leads the way, his bat slung over his shoulder and his flashlight cutting a narrow beam through the darkness. Chan stays close behind him, his phone in one hand and his bat in the other. The others follow in a tight formation, their footsteps synchronized as they approach the heavy metal door.

Felix reaches for the handle, his hand hesitating for a moment before he pulls it open with a loud creak. The smell hits them first—musty air tinged with copper, the unmistakable scent of blood. They exchange uneasy glances before stepping inside, their flashlights darting across the space.

“Stay alert,” Chan whispers, his voice low but firm.

The warehouse is cavernous, the walls lined with rusted machinery and old crates. Their flashlights sweep across the floor, illuminating broken glass and dark stains. As they move deeper into the building, a faint sound catches Jisung’s ear—a muffled whimper, barely audible.

“Over there,” Jisung says, pointing toward the far wall. His voice shakes, but he tightens his grip on the bat and moves forward.

The beams of their flashlights converge on the source of the sound, revealing a horrifying sight. Hayun and Seungmin are slumped against the wall, their wrists and ankles chained, their clothes stained with blood. Hayun’s head lolls to the side, her blonde hair matted with dirt and dried blood, while Seungmin’s face is pale and bruised, his chest rising and falling faintly.

“Fuck,” Minho breathes, his voice breaking as he rushes forward, his bat clattering to the ground.

Before anyone can reach them, a slow, mocking clap echoes through the warehouse. “Well, well, well,” a voice drawls, dripping with malice. “The rescue crew has arrived.”

The group freezes, their flashlights snapping toward the sound. Two figures step out of the shadows: Ryujin, her expression cold and calculating, and Mr. Shin, his face twisted into a cruel smile.

Minho’s eyes narrow, his hands curling into fists. “Mr. Shin,” he spits, his voice venomous. “I’m surprised you and Ryujin are getting along so well, considering she killed her sister.”

Ryujin’s smirk falters for a split second, but Mr. Shin’s expression doesn’t waver. “You’re mistaken,” he says smoothly. “Yeji killed Yuna. You know nothing.”

Chan steps forward, his phone in hand. “Actually, we know a lot more than you think,” he says, his voice steady but sharp. “On the way here, I got an email. Scheduled. From Hayun. She’s smart, always has multiple plans.”

Ryujin’s eyes dart to Chan’s phone, her confidence wavering. “What are you talking about?” she snaps, but there’s an edge of fear in her voice.

Chan doesn’t answer immediately. Instead, he presses play on an audio file, and Ryujin’s voice fills the warehouse.

“I pushed her. She hit the floor, and I just… left her there. When I came back later, she’d vomited and choked on it. She was dead.”

The silence that follows is deafening. Ryujin’s face goes pale, and she takes an involuntary step back. Mr. Shin’s expression darkens, his hands curling into fists as he glares at Ryujin.

“You,” Mr. Shin hisses, his voice low and dangerous. “You lied to me.”

Ryujin stammers, her confidence shattered. “I didn’t—she—she wasn’t supposed to—”

Jisung, Felix, and Jeongin step forward, their bats raised and their eyes locked on Ryujin and Mr. Shin. “Don’t fucking move,” Jisung growls, his voice trembling with fury.

Chan motions to the others. “Minho, Changbin, Hyunjin—get Hayun and Seungmin unchained. Now.”

The three of them move quickly, dropping their bats and crouching beside the unconscious pair. Minho’s hands shake as he works on the chains, his fingers fumbling with the rusted locks. “Hang on, Princess,” he whispers, his voice cracking. “We’ve got you.”

Hyunjin pulls out a pocketknife and starts sawing at the ropes binding Seungmin’s ankles. “They’re alive,” he says, his voice a mix of relief and urgency. “But barely.”

Outside, the sound of sirens grows louder, the flashing red and blue lights illuminating the warehouse through the broken windows. Jisung and Jeongin yell toward the entrance, their voices echoing through the building. “In here! They’re in here!”

Ryujin and Mr. Shin don’t move, their eyes darting between the group and the approaching sirens. Felix keeps his bat trained on them, his hands steady despite the fear in his eyes. “You’re not going anywhere,” he says coldly. “Not this time.”

The sirens screech to a halt, and the sound of hurried footsteps echoes through the warehouse. Police officers pour in, their guns drawn and their voices commanding as they take in the scene.

Minho finally frees Hayun from her chains, cradling her limp body in his arms as tears streak down his face. “She’s okay,” he whispers, more to himself than anyone else. “She’s okay.”

Hyunjin and Changbin lift Seungmin carefully, supporting his weight between them as they carry him toward the approaching officers. The tension in the air begins to ease, but the weight of what just happened lingers heavily over the group.

As the officers cuff Ryujin and Mr. Shin, Chan steps forward, his voice firm and unwavering. “You’re both done,” he says, his eyes blazing. “And this time, there’s no getting away.”

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