#Synopsis Format For Project

[wrirkresearch0]

5 Points To Consider While Writing An Effective Conclusion For Your Phd Thesis

Introduction

One of the most important parts of the PhD thesis is the summary and conclusions you draw from your study. It's the final chance you have to make an impact on your readers, who will likely be a panel of professional reviewers, by summarizing your results and tying up any loose ends from your research. In addition to outlining your work, a strong conclusion is where you can highlight the importance of your study and explain how your work has advanced the area. Here are five key considerations for writing a powerful conclusion to your doctoral dissertation:

Summarize key findings: You should start your conclusion with a brief overview of your subject and the issue it presents. The next section provides a Phd Synopsis Presentation of your study's most important results and conclusions. Instead of introducing brand-new material, the conclusion is an opportunity to highlight the most significant findings and contributions made during the thesis. Make sure these results are readily understood by using simple, unambiguous language in your presentation.

Address research objectives: Examine the initial objectives and underlying assumptions of your original thesis. This study has contributed to the attainment of the stated objectives by examining the extent to which our research has facilitated their realization. Additionally, it has evaluated the accuracy of our initial forecasts. The significance and implications of attaining or exceeding these objectives for one's professional field should be underscored.

Reflect on methodology: Provide a succinct description of the thesis methodology employed in your work, highlighting its notable characteristics and limitations. In order to demonstrate intellectual integrity and analytical rigor, it is imperative to engage in a comprehensive examination of any underlying assumptions, constraints, or biases that could have influenced the outcomes of one's research.

Discuss implications, limitations, and future directions: When you discuss your findings in terms of the greater relevance they have, it will help you take them beyond the scope of the particular question that was being investigated in your study. Consider the ways in which your work contributes to the growth of knowledge in your field and the ways in which it could have an influence on future Research Paper Writing, policies, or practices. Put more of your focus on the "so what" component of your research, which addresses the question of why anyone should care about what you've learnt.

Every study has its own set of constraints, and acknowledging those constraints requires both self-awareness and honesty on the part of the researcher. The limits of your study need to be highlighted, regardless of whether they apply to the technique of the study, the data from the study, or something else entirely. You should also offer further research routes that could expand upon your results and fill up these gaps. As a consequence of this, it is abundantly evident that the findings of your research make a contribution to an on going discussion.

End with a Clear and Memorable Closing Statement: Make sure your last sentence is crystal clear and memorable to your readers. In a single sentence, sum up why your study is important and what you want readers to remember. It might be an inspiring quotation, a question that prompts more consideration, or a call to action for further study or implementation of your discoveries.

In addition to these five essential components, be sure to have an academic and professional tone throughout the whole of your conclusion and for this you can take help from Wrirk. It is important to avoid adding additional references or citations in this part, since its primary emphasis should be on summarizing and synthesizing the previous work, you have done.

Conclusion

There is more to writing an excellent conclusion for your PhD thesis than just reviewing the research you have done. It is a chance to reflect on the relevance of your work, accept its shortcomings, and stimulate more study and development in your subject. You can guarantee that your thesis has an enduring influence on your audience by adhering to these principles and meticulously constructing your conclusion. This will also allow you to make a relevant contribution to the field in which you are engaged in research.

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[rahulresearchassistance]

Proven Tips for Writing an Effective Research Synopsis

Your research synopsis is the first impression—if it's unclear or weak, it could hinder approval and impact your study's success.

[cozymoko]

Ohh!!! Can i have fruitykawa with a reader who's kind of insecure about their relationship with him? Like,yes she's aware that they are married and all,but Fruity is such a wealthy (and handsome) man that surely there are alot of women around him. It makes her feel upset and tries to distance herself from him.

🌕 anon

ALWAYS, MY BELOVED

It's been a while since I updated. Shoutout to my homie, 🟡 anon for this request. Kinda got burnt out at the end, but I tried my best. Enjoy~!

Pairing: Hachiro Furukawa x Female! Reader (1.9k words)

Format: Headcanons, mini scenarios

WARNING(S): yandere themes, jealousy, insecurity, mentions of cutting (plastic surgery).

Synopsis: Hachiro Furukawa, my oc, with a wife who's insecure due to him being so handsome! (≧∇≦)/

REBLOGS ARE APPRECIATED!

NAVIGATION 🍮

Being WEDDED to the BEST is not for the weak-spirited. You had to appear stronger — better than the average woman so that they wouldn't dare question the legitimacy of your place. With your status, a ring costing nothing less than a fortune would never be enough. 

Your marriage had become public only a few years ago. Due to Hachiro's wishes. Yet that didn't seem to stop many promiscuous women from testing their luck. You bit back the unladylike words bubbling in your throat as they approached him. Fluttering their long lashes and flashing their pearly white teeth.

Models, lawyers, entrepreneurs: the party was bustling with so many. For a moment, you felt like nothing more than a pretty little accessory.

“Mr. Furukawa, how nice of you to make an appearance!” The host's eyes shift to you, thick and clouded with disdain. “It's a joy you brought the misses with you this evening.” The snarkiness of his tone was palpable. It seems the host wasn't exactly a fan of you, but then again, who was? After all, no one bothered to hide their curious gazes when Furukawa was not within earshot. But all you could do was hold your husband's arm just a little tighter.

The women especially.

"Is that Furukawa? Isn't he just dashing!"

"Wah~! He's even taller than I imagined!"

"Do you think he'll drink with me?"

Tightly sewn dresses, embracing the ladies that adorned them. Various warm shades painted lightly across their lips. Bouncy twists and swirls curled into their hair. Bedroom eyes peering over the many men scattered across the room; married or not. It's safe to say you weren't exactly pleased that your husband was one of the few.

You often hid yourself behind layers of lovely fabrics and excellent posture, in hopes of maintaining your modesty. In your eyes, it only seemed right that you matched the appearance and aura of that of your Husband. Though it seems each and every day was a torturous test of your self-restraint.

Nonetheless, you were never one to lose your composure. A straight face was essential in any type of business setting. Sure, you weren't as deadpan as Furukawa, but you could definitely play the "cold wife" role perfectly.

RECENTLY, you've had QUITE THE OBSESSION with FASHION. You have encountered plenty of upcoming entrepreneurs, many of who you've managed to befriend. One of your closest ones is a fashion designer.

She would soon be introducing her new line of work after months of a troublesome hiatus. So, after pulling a little bit if strings, you were able to help her out. By strings, you mean asking Hachiro for some assistance. With his support of the project, people were bound to come and see the clothes. Granted, he was skeptical of your request, it didn't take him long to break and give you what you want.

That evening, the two of you attended an induction ceremony for the company's new clothing line. Hachiro had no reason to attend, but the grin on your face was much too difficult to resist. Just knowing that he made you happy warms his heart immensely. You were the cutest.

But, all good things, of course, come to an end.

“Oh, my! Look who decided to grace us with his presence.” A woman with rosy lips approached the two of you, swaying her hips a bit too much for your liking. “Hachiro, dear, it's been so long since I've seen you!”

Even other women didn't dare to acknowledge you, especially in the company of Hachiro himself. He didn't take kindly to people dismissing your presence. But this girl, definitely had some guts.

“Inoue,” he hums languidly, watching her in masked disdain. “I'd rather you not address me so informally in such a public setting.”

That's right, KAMIKO INOUE, one of the top models that had recently taken Japan by storm. You were expecting her appearance after Hachiro's announced sponsorship, but her rudeness surprised you a bit. Especially her addressing your husband as though they were closer than friends.

You scoff, looking away from the two. Seeing how you'd much rather watch them set up than listen to Inoue's mindless flirting. Hachiro placed his hand on the small of your back, rubbing gentle circles into your skin. But you couldn't dare look into his tender gaze, knowing of the possessiveness bursting within your chest.

She giggled, “How silly of you, Hachiro!” She reached her manicured hand out to grab his free arm just for him to grab her by the wrist.

“Please refrain from touching me so familiarly, Inoue. I'm a married man, and I'd be simply overjoyed if you would respect that.” He gave her a smile that didn't quite reach his steely eyes, before pulling you flush against his chest.

A bright red bloomed across your skin at his affection. Hachiro never showed too much PDA. "You have a photo shoot to attend to, no?" He asks coldly. "Me and my wife will be sure to cheer you on from the sidelines.

That soiled your mood for the evening. Snatching the genuine smile from your lips and replacing it with one faker than the plastic on that whore's skin. For once in your life you were truly feeling vulnerable.

YOU had CONTEMPLATED GOING UNDER the KNIFE more times than YOU CARE to ADMIT. Not for your own pleasure, but the sake of your sanity. You didn't know what you'd do if you saw another beautiful woman talk to your husband.

Even in your youth, he was the center of attention. He had captured the hearts of many girls from various levels of wealth. You would know as you were one of them. But you were in no way richer or as elegant as the others who approached him. So why did he choose you? You asked yourself.

That night you had taken the guest room. It felt cold and quiet. Absent of the usual scratching of pens and occasional shuffling of papers you had grown accustomed to. The pleasant rumble of his chest as he attempts to entertain you whilst working. But you couldn't bring yourself to lay by his side with such heinous thoughts roaming your mind. You were able to fall into a long, dreamless slumber. But not without the company of a few heavy tears and a single question.

Were you selfish?

From that day, you didn't bother answering his calls, whether it be morning or dawn. You didn't bother visiting him during those long hours he slaved away at the company, though many times you truly wanted to. You didn't bother to allow your personal driver to pick you up, and if he tried, you merely snuck out of the house.

Any and everything reminded you of him, and that alone rendered you to tears. While he was away, you didn't allow yourself to be another burden pestering him on his business trip. You couldn't allow it.

AND IT WAS ALL DRIVING HIM CRAZY.

THE FLIGHT HOME was DREADFULLY SILENT. Aside from the tapping of someone's sleek dress shoes. Hachiro had not so much as uttered a word since boarding the plane, nor did he intend on it. For if he did, nothing kind would leave his mouth. Perhaps a, "hurry up," or two — or three. But all of it was for the sake of his sanity.

Hachiro needed his wife, desperately.

You slip through the large double doors, entering your bedroom with wary steps. It was quiet, as expected, and without your presence, it felt almost dead. A week had passed since you last drowned in the warm duvet. A week had passed since you relished in his scent nestled deep within its silk. And oh how you missed the smell of him. Finally, at peace, your shoulders dropped. You took a seat on the edge of your bed. Under your confident front, you were only one person. One person with one mind; though you usually had two. Hachiro and your own. But your pride didn't allow you to confine in the man you loved. What were you scared of? Being shamed, or perhaps laughed at — scolded? Though none of it seemed likely, you could not shake the feeling of embarrassment that held you on a tight leash. CREAK! You jumped, startled by the sudden weight pressed against your back. "Thank God you're safe," your heart swelled at the sound of his voice. The voice of not a stranger, but a lover — a partner. Hachiro grabs you by the chin and lifts your face up. You quickly recoil away in shame, praying he didn't get a peek at your messy face. The need to prove yourself had increased tenfold, you couldn't allow yourself to falter in his presence. “look at me, [Name]," he whispered softy. Hachiro lifts your head once more, swiping away the tears rolling down your cheeks. "You're crying? Tell me what's troubling you. I can help you, [Name]."

And just like that, you broke. Loud, anguished sobs tore through your throat. Your stomach fluttered at the familiar smell of citrus and mint. You couldn't get enough of it. His arms were warm and comforting, and you couldn't deny the safety you felt by his side. His embrace was stronger than anything you've ever known, as if holding him wasn't enough, you held him as though he were your lifeline. It wasn't your intention to tell him, but you just couldn't help it. Each and every thought was placed on the table. The insecurities that you felt bestowed before him. The people you despised and envied slipped past your lips without thinking. All while Hachiro cooed sweet nothings in your ear, promising you his loyalty until his last breath. “God, you're so beautiful,” he whispered, running his thumb through the swollen flesh of your eyes. His usually cold eyes burned with something you couldn't possibly describe. “I can hardly control myself sometimes.” You stared at him dumbfounded — in utter disbelief. His glasses must've been dirty, you thought. Your hair was a literal wreck. And the past couple of weeks had not been too kind to your skin. Small breakouts peppering your cheeks from stress; bags that could carry at least a ton of sorrow nestled beneath your eyes. Surely his vision was just a little blurry. But upon further inspection, you couldn't spot not a spec of dirt on his lenses. Upon your lack of response, he hums, leaning in a bit closer. “I'm serious, dear.” You huff, burying your face into his neck as your skin takes on a feverish shade of red. Damn him for being so attractive. You felt like a high schooler all over again. Smiling softly, you held him closer. “You're the best, Hachi.”

Hachiro sat awake by your side, gently stroking your back with easy motions. His lips had found themselves on your warm skin. And his heart beating vastly at the things you had confessed to him. The possessiveness you had experienced for him. The jealousy and anguish that had consumed you on his behalf.

Of course, he never wanted to see you upset, but seeing how you value him makes him a bit selfish. Just seeing you made him snap a little on the inside. His rational mind fought for control over his need to have you, to prove his love to you. But he decided against it. He would be sure to show you how deeply his love runs on a later occasion. But for now, he settled for cradling you in his arms. Promising to take all those bitter emotions away from you.

“Good morning, Japan!” Shouted the host. “It's come to our attention that Ms. heartthrob Kamiko Inoue has quit the modeling industry after a life-threatening accident!”

“...HUH!?”

©CozyMoko, all rights reserved. Don't repost my work on other platforms.

[spacebubblehomebase]

My Official Hazbin Hotel Stargazers AU Masterpost!

Or the #HHStargazersAU Checklist + MORE!!!

But before all that, here's the general synopsis:

Charline is introducing her first ever girlfriend, Vaggie, to her circus running dad, Lucius Magne. But unbeknownst to them, Vaggie is hiding a big secret: She's Charlie's guardian angel! Tasked with setting her on the right path towards good, but to make things more complicated, the family's live-in hire, Alastor, is actually a demon that's been trying to tempt Charlie's dad to the opposite side! So how can this unlikely pair keep their respective truths hidden when mysteries start to unfold, how do they play house while also playing tug-of-war for Heaven & Hell, and just HOW did they get in this situation in the first place? Well, one thing's for certain, family dinners will never be boring as feelings unravel and everything grand is yet to be revealed. So tune in~!

Or something like that...

So if this summary seems like your cup of tea and you happen to enjoy both Chaggie & Radioapple content, then hop on aboard! Because, let me tell you, the ride I've prepared is so convoluted, I wish I charge people for it, but it's FREE! Unfortunately, all updates usually depend on my schedule and plans for plot may always change. But this semi-serious story of mine follows a loose "artfic" format anyway. A term I use to mean: I write just as much as I draw. So this is both a fanart and a fanfic AU now basically. But everything for it can be found on Twitter, Insta, or Tumblr. I post just about almost the same things in each, so there's no need to look further for more! Though I won't protest if you ASK for more as in the end, this gigantic AU is just a personal project of mine and any support. Be it a little acknowledgement or a major gift of a comment goes a long way to fuel my motivation! Now that the sappy stuff is out of the way though, here's the links to my story and list of future posts that would be regularly updated anytime I remove or add something new!

Relevant Lore List:

Click title to be redirected to the post and some titles are [Redacted] for the sake of avoiding any spoilers...

-A New Day Will Dawn. ✅

-BONUS Interaction (& Ask). ✅

-Color Palette Reference. ✅

-Say My Name. ✅

-Divorce Aftermath (Ask). ✅

-Meet The Magnes. ✅

-The Stargazers. ✅

-Lore sneak peek. (Ask). ✅️

-Shadow Of His Light.

-His Pride.

-Her Joy.

-Close Calls.

-Surprise.

-The Dreamers.

-Phantom Pains.

-[Redacted] The [Redacted].

-[Redacted] That Day.

-A Cold Day In Hell.

-Prelude Promises.

-The Dancing Devil's Circus.

-Blossoming Feelings.

-False Start.

-The [Redacted, Redacted, Redacted].

-When A [Redacted, Redacted].

-The Last [Redacted] Lament.

-Moth To Her Flame.

-A Taste of Temptation.

-Better Than Never.

-Free Fall.

-HerStory.

-Wake Up Call.

-Seeds Of Doubt.

-Mother Knows Best.

-Fuck You, [Redacted].

-Dad Meet Mom.

-With Tax Benefits.

-Dawn Of A New Day.

-The First Stage.

-Reprise Reveal.

-B.U.S.T.E.D.

-A Third [Redacted].

-The Show Must Go On.

+++++++++++++++

Related Posts:

((Asks are answered in between updates, but due to the amount of them, I unfortunately may still miss some. But rest assured I do read them! I just can't get to everyone. TvT Very much appreciate them though!))

-AU Idea Announcement.

-Magnes Are Humans (Asks).

-AU Name Explanation (Asks).

-Author Is Delulu.

-Excited To Spoil (Asks).

-Human Carmilla Carmine.

-Radioapple Dynamic (Asks).

-Alastor's Eyes (Asks).

-Questions About Lilith (Asks).

-Outdated Sneak Peek (Asks).

-Stimming Radioapple (Asks).

-Cryprid Alastor (Asks).

-Flavor Of The AU (Asks).

-Magne Discussion (Asks).

-Artist With Chaggie (Asks).

-Hug Alastor Request (Asks).

-Vaggie UwU (Asks).

-Yep. Still doing the AU (Asks).

-Alastor's Voodoo (Asks).

-Radio Signals (Asks).

-Masterpost Suggestion (Asks).

-Future Animatic Announcement!

-Dynamics & SPOILERS!!! (Asks).

-BONUS Vaggie's "dad" (Asks).

-Radioapple + Art Advice (Asks).

-ALAKAZAM!!! (Asks).

-Update about updates (Asks).

-First AU fanart??? HOLY SHIT!!!

-MORE fanart!!! (⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠)

-Reminded about my AU again. (Asks).

+++++++++++++++

Other Account Links:

((Just in case you want to experience my story somewhere else you're more comfortable with!))

For Blue Sky Account, click this sentence!

For Instagram Account, click this sentence!

For Old Twitter Account, click this sentence!

((Note: I advice y'all to keep on checking the original masterpost on my page and see if it's updated as it may not show the new changes in reblogs. As for my Twitter, because of certain AI policies approved by an "egocentric piece of shit" billionaire, I moved to BlueSky for my own sanity. I hope you all understand. Thanks for reading!))

-Bubbly💙

[covenha]

The Perfect Cocktail

Synopsis: You and San get into a fight that leads to Seonghwa and Siyeon having to mix up the perfect cocktail to get the both of you to make up. Pairings: Bff!San x fem!reader ; Renjun from NCT dream is also mentioned in the fic but not as a love interest per se; Siyeon from Dreamcatcher is Seonghwa's fraternal twin in this because I said so genre: crack, fluff, angst if u squint and look really hard Warnings: alcohol drinking and going to a club, oc jokes about offing herself once because of school, Siyeon jokes about a dilf professor WC: 2.8k (I got way too carried away this was supposed to be a blurb 😭); flashbacks are in italics a/n: this is fiction, so anything that is written in this piece does not portray these people's character irl. Please always read the warnings carefully. I got way too carried away with this one, but I hope you guys enjoy it! HIMYM is one of my favorite TV shows and I was inspired to write this fic because I rewatched a couple episodes. I also have no clue why I keep writing about clubs and sports, I have like 0 background in that so if there are any inaccuracies then you'll just have to deal with it lmao. I highkey think the formatting of this fic is off but as always, your feedbacks are always deeply appreciated. Hope you enjoy the fic!

“You know, if it bothers you so much, you should just go and talk to him.” Siyeon points out, taking you out of your train of thought.

“I mean, I could…” But you wouldn’t. Siyeon shakes her head.

You and San had a lot in common. You met at the age of six when you both decided you wanted to learn taekwondo. You shared a love for mint chocolate chip ice cream, a dislike for vegetables, and a deep passion for cats. But above all, you were both painfully in love with each other and too afraid to admit it. In your years of friendship, this was one of the biggest fights you’ve had to date. 

[ 1 week ago ]

“I can’t believe you, San. You know how much this club means to me!” You point at San, your eyes are filled with disbelief. The arts club was something that you had joined on a whim during the first week of freshman year, but as time lapsed you grew to love the small group of artists in it. 

“It was only a suggestion, I swear. I didn’t know they meant the arts club. C’mon, y/n, you gotta believe me.” He massages the bridge of his nose, then looks at you. 

“God, you jocks never fucking think about anyone else but yourselves.” You mumble. A hurt expression quickly flashes on San’s face but he quickly regains his composure. You shake your head and cross your arms over your chest. The lunch in front of the both of you is forgotten as the atmosphere gets more heated. 

“Look, when I suggested getting funding from somewhere else, I had no idea they’d take it from the arts club. Hell, I didn’t even think they’d take my idea seriously. Y/n, we need the money to get better equipment. You know this. We might actually have a fighting chance against SMU this year!” San argues with you. 

“We had to fight tooth and nail for that money, San. You know those funds were going to help renovate the studio.” You bite back. 

Siyeon and Seonghwa exchanged concerned glances. As fraternal twins, they were extremely good at communicating with each other, almost to the point of telepathy. They shared a look that they knew meant one thing. 

We need to do something about this.

[ 5 days later ]

You groan as you plop yourself on your bed. Today was a long day. You woke up late to your first lecture of the day, scraped your knee because you tripped while running to said class, and had to skip lunch for an emergency meeting with your groupmates for your health ethics class. You silently cursed at your professor for thinking that an impromptu group project was a good idea. 

“I despise that man.” You mumble into your pillow, still laying face down on it. 

“I don’t know, if it wasn’t unethical I’d probably tap that.” You lift your head off of your pillow just to throw Siyeon a disgusted look. 

“Mr. Kyle?! Gross.”

“What? He’s tall and cute. He gives me Carlisle Cullen vibes” Siyeon reasons out.

“He’s also 33, Siyeon.” She just chuckles at my words. 

“Well, enough about your professor. You need a break. You aren’t looking too good.” Siyeon looks at me with genuine concern. 

I probably looked worse than I felt. It was midterms week and deadlines were piling up. To make matters worse, you and San had not talked to each other for the whole week. But both of you were too stubborn to apologize to each other. 

“God, tell me about it. I’m one minor inconvenience away from becoming a statistic.” You joke. 

“Well….” Siyeon starts, I look over at her. “Midterms week ends this week, we could go clubbing this Saturday?” I groan at this suggestion. 

“Siyeon, you did not just suggest that. Remember the last time we went out clubbing?”

“One more martini, kind sir!” Siyeon giggled at the bartender. He handed her the nth martini of the night, and she waddled her way back to the booth where you, San, Seonghwa, and Hongjoong, Seonghwa’s friend, were stationed. 

“You know what would be stupid? If you guys dared us to make out. Wouldn’t that be so stupid?” Siyeon giggles again, while nursing her martini. Your eyes widen as you shake your head. She leans into you, making heart eyes at you then looking over to the boys. 

“I dare you guys to dare us to make out.”

Needless to say, you were adamant to get her to sober up quickly that night. 

“Every. Time.” You deadpan at Siyeon. 

“What?! We had a great timeeeee.” She whines out her sentence. She gives me her best set of puppy eyes and looks at me with a pout. 

“Pretty please.” 

“Fine. But no martinis. I mean it.” You could never say no to her puppy eyes. 

“I only suggested that because it would be so stupid…. So stupid.” she mumbles. But she grins inwardly, the plan had to work. 

She sends Seonghwa a text. 

SY: she folded, going clubbing tom SH: san just agreed to tomorrow too SH: operation perfect cocktail is a go SY: i did not agree to calling it that SY: nerd 🫵

[ Earlier that morning ]

The twins are sitting at their apartment table munching on some stale cereal. They clearly had a lot on their mind. It had been 4 days and you and San were still actively trying to avoid each other. This fight had been going on too long for comfort. Usually, you and San resolved fights within 2 days of starting them. You guys were whipped for each other, but too stupid to actually realize it. 

“We need to interfere.” Seonghwa breaks the silence. 

“Yeah, but they clearly won’t talk to each other. At least, not sober.” Siyeon reasons out.

“Wait no, that’s actually a great idea. We need to get those bitches drunk!” He suggests, pointing his spoon around.

“But, we can’t just get them any kind of drunk. We need a plan, Hwa.” 

“Right, right. We need to get them the right kind of drunk. How about something mellow, red wine?” He suggests. 

“I don’t know, red wine has a weird effect on y/n. She reaches like, a sad point of clarity.” 

The room was buzzing with excitement as the countdown for the new year was about to start. Siyeon was sitting across y/n, at a college bar sipping on some red wine. 

“B+. All my life I just wanted to be an A, but I’m a B+. And I just have to live with that?” she stares at her glass with a forlorn expression. 

Happy New Year!

“If we want them to open up, I say we go straight up gin.” Siyeon gets a piece of paper to write down their ideas. 

“Hmmm, last time San got gin drunk it was at that trashy sports bar. He almost got into a fight that night” Seonghwa shakes his head. 

San was trudging through the dimly lit hallway trying to find the men’s room. He turns left and notices another guy walking towards him. 

“Look at this dude. Who does he think he is? Walking to me, showing me no respect. I’ll show this chump what I’m made of.” San thinks to himself. 

He continues walking down the hallway, taking large strides trying to size up his opponent. Just as he is about to make contact with his newly sworn enemy– thump.

What the? 

Oh. It was a mirror. 

“How about cocktails… Pina Coladas?” Seonghwa suggests.

“Well, when san has one of those he gets really into himself.”  Seonghwa recalls. 

It was a halloween tradition for the five of you to hang out at the twin’s apartment and have cocktails. And as the night progressed everyone was getting buzzed with the “pina ghoul-adas” made by Hongjoong. Everyone was gathered at the front of the television watching Gonjiam– all except San who was too scared to even look at the TV. Instead, he was stationed at the front of a full-length mirror nursing the yellow drink in his hand and swaying to the sounds of the movie. He was looking at his own reflection with sensual feline eyes. Clearly he was feeling himself.

“Hey guys. I dare you to dare us to make out.” San playfully winks at his own reflection. 

“Sannie, you know that’s another mirror right?” Hongjoong points out. But San is too busy flirting with his own reflection.

“They’re idiots.” Seonghwa sighs. 

“Agreed.” Siyeon nods. 

“This better work. I can’t have another lunch with the both of them going at each other. They ruined taco tuesday.” Seonghwa says solemnly. 

“We got this.” Siyeon smirks. 

If there was one thing the Park twins were great at, it was meddling in other people’s lives. To this day, you still shudder at what they did to Chris after he stole and reformatted Hongjoong’s laptop. You never wanted to get on either of their bad sides. 

[ Saturday night ]

Dolled up and ready to finally let loose, you and Siyeon book an uber going to the club that you guys usually frequent. But when you get there, you aren’t too thrilled to see San standing near the entrance with Seonghwa and Hongjoong. You look over to Soyeon with an unimpressed look. 

“Really?” You deadpan at her.

“The boys wanted to come with, okay? And I knew you would cancel on me if you knew….” She smiles sheepishly at you. But you know what? You were not going to let some stupid boy get in between you and a fun time. 

“God, I need to get drunk.” You sigh to yourself. This night better be a fun one. 

You guys walk into the club after lining up to get in. The place is teeming with sweaty bodies dancing and grinding on the dancefloor. Usually, you would have cringed at the sight of so many people. But with the 3 shots of tequila you and Siyeon drank as pre-game, the positive buzz was humming through your body and your inhibitions were starting to melt away. You guys make it to the bar but there is a line to get drinks. Hongjoong leaves for the men’s room, and the twins volunteer to get the first round of drinks, leaving you and San to awkwardly sit in silence as you wait for the twins to come back. 

Lining up at the bar, the twins look over to you and San basically ignoring each other. Sitting across from each other at the booth, it looks like the both of you haven’t even said anything to each other. 

“Okay, we’ve cross-referenced every alcoholic drink with their reactions. What’s the right drink for this situation?” Siyeon she eyes the both of you sitting at the booth.

“They aren’t even looking at each other…. Hmm, we need a drink that will start a fight.” Seonghwa says. 

Gin.

-----

“God and we’re back to this again. You can’t honestly believe that I would suggest something like that and be serious about it y/n.” San’s eyebrows furrow at your unimpressed expression.

“I don’t know, San. Can I? I knew you didn’t like me hanging out with Renjun but this would be taking it way too far.” You roll your eyes at him. Maybe it was the alcohol buzzing in you. Or maybe it was the over stimulating environment. But whatever it was, you were getting fired up. In fact, you both were. 

“What does this have to do with me not liking Renjun?! I don’t like the bitch but I wouldn’t backstab you like that like some crazy psycho!” Bringing up Renjun clearly bothered San a lot. Of course, he didn’t like him. He could tell that he also had a crush on you. It takes one to know one, you could say. But he would rather manscape coach Liu before he admitted that out loud. Deep down, he knew that some sick part of him was a little happy that you would spend a little less time with the boba-eyed boy. But, he didn’t want to tear down something that he knew meant a lot to you. 

“Well if you really were my friend, you should’ve fought for me!” You point at him. 

“Okay, now that we have them where we want them. We need a drink that will make them emotionally vulnerable. I’m talking full on Kim Kardashian ugly crying.” Seonghwa says. 

“Right. Right. We need something that will turn subtext into text.”Siyeon scans through the handy notes that she took down. 

Whisky.

-----

“I just felt like I was never good enough to be your friend. I’m not talented in drawing like you are. I could never really relate to how you and Renjun banter over your arts and stuff. It felt like I was being replaced!” He tears up. His pout and his red face was melting your heart. 

“Oh Sannie, I could never replace you. I was just so hurt when the club’s funds were going to be used for something else. I was so upset that I took it out on you. I just wanted something to be involved in, you know? To feel important.” You slur out your heartfelt words. 

“y/n, you are so important to me. Like super duper atomic bomb important.” San hiccups. 

“It just felt like you were getting so involved with soccer that you would forget about me…” You pout, tears starting to gather in your eyes. 

“Oh god, I never thought about how you would feel.” San cries out.

“I never thought about how YOU would feel. I’m such a dingus.” You wipe away your tears and frown. You see a bit of your mascara in your finger. But you felt like a weight was lifted off of your shoulder. 

“Man that got depressing real fast.” Siyeon looks over at both of your forms drunkenly leaning on one another after that heart-to-heart conversation. 

“We need them to let loose a little. I mean, that’s what we came here for anyway. Might as well give them a little of what they actually came here for.” Seonghwa points out.

Pina Colada.

-----

You and San are slowly swaying your hips to the tunes of Charli XCX’s top hits. The strobe lights are bouncing off the walls, the bass of the songs vibrating throughout the club so hard they make your heart hurt. The both of you were finally having some fun after midterms week fried your brain. 

“Wooooo! Fuck health ethics, fuck my professor, and fuck midterms week!” You nod to the beat of the song. 

San was dancing in front of a mirror placed on the corner of the club, just having a great time twirling the little umbrella that came with his drink. He was making the same sensual look at himself in the mirror, biting his lip even. 

“God I missed this feeling.” Seonghwa sighs in satisfaction, looking over at the two of you breaking it down to Guess by Charli XCX. 

“I know right. Now I know why we love meddling in people’s lives so much. Dance my puppets, dance!” Siyeon rubs her hands together like a villain in a disney movie. 

“Okay, let’s end the night before they black out and forget everything. We need to end it with a bang.” Seonghwa says. 

Beer.

-----

“I love you.” San slurs while stumbling across the pavement with his one arm wrapped around your waist.

“No, I love YOU.” You giggle and boop his nose. You are swayed by his unsteady walking. 

“God, we are just so loving. Nobody is doing it like us, y/nie.” San smiles thoughtfully. 

The both of you are a giggling mess as the twins try and haul you into Hongjoong’s car. The drive to the twins’ apartments was riddled with a bunch more “I love you”s being drunkenly slurred between the both of you. Hongjoong, who was the drunk driver, was nervously looking at the backseat every now and then, hoping and praying that neither of you vomit in his car. But the real challenge was getting the both of you up 3 flights of stairs. 

After successfully hauling the both of you into the apartment, you and San lay a tangled mess on their pull-out couch. The both of you are out cold once the twins managed to change most of your soiled clothes. Sleeping like babies while cuddling each other, the twins look exhausted but satisfied at their work. 

“Mission Perfect Cocktail: Success!” Seonghwa whisper-shouts while pumping his fist in the air.

“I never agreed to call it that.” Siyeon repeats herself.

“Whatever, you donkey. You just hate that I’m more creative than you.” Seonghwa snaps back at Siyeon. 

“Oh please, like I could ever be jealous of your virginity corner.” Siyeon claps back. 

“Hey!”

[cherryrikis]

BETTER LUCK TOMORROW - introduction ! senior project

pairing : nishimura riki x reader

synopsis : after being in the wrong place at the wrong time, you (as well as your friends), were framed for the death of your brother and disappearance of your boyfriend. you all had no hope. no job, no money, none of you were even allowed to graduate. at least, until a stubborn kid on a dance scholarship suddenly acts as your savior, riki helps clear your name all for the sake of a school project.

this episode contains the following : 1.3k wc, brief swearing, mentions of death & mentions of murder/killing, lots of dialogue

previous | masterlist | next

“as you all know, you have a major senior project due by the end of the year for part of your college interviews. this will be worth 90% of your grade and is not optional. any questions to far?” riki’s english teacher read off the whiteboard, before turning to face the class.

she cleared her throat loudly before continuing.

“late work will not be accepted, because you have until may 25 to get this project submitted. everyone should know which college they plan on attending, or applying to by now. a google slides format must be be at least 25 slides, and a word doc should be at least 10 pages.”

jungwon quoted the teacher, explaining to riki what’s expected of them after he realized riki hadn’t been paying attention.

“how the hell did you remember all she said? and- why are you even here.. you’re like, a freshman in college.” riki noticed, with a visible look of confusion on his face.

“sophomore, actually. and i’m here for volunteer work! we have finals too you know. i was telling you and sunoo about this last week, but it’s for my social thought class!-” jungwon explained with a smile, only for it to drop as he was cut off .“yeah yeah okay. so what kind of topic am i supposed to pick?” riki asked before crumpling up a random paper into a ball, tossing it in jungwons direction.

jungwon let out a sigh. “riki, you really need to do better. if you can’t improve how you act, that impact will show on my grade as well. and that won’t be good for either of us.” he said as he took the paper ball, unfolding it to reveal riki’s report card from last quarter. it wasn’t too bad really, mainly straight a and b minuses. but the biggest issue, was behavior and participation.

“how would your grade tanking be bad on me? i still have until fall before i start going to ucla.”

“i really don’t know how you got in.” jungwon shook his head.

“dance scholarship. duh.” “nishimura riki! you have 7 more minutes to determine your main topic. i recommend that you use your time more wisely.” the teacher called out from her desk.

“okay seriously, now we have to focus. what topics are you interested in?” jungwon asked, as he pulled his notebook out.

“well, i like dancing. i can research the history on different dance styles.” riki shrugged, loosely putting an idea out there.

“that’s actually not that bad, especially as a dance major. let’s sit on that idea for a bit in case anything else comes up. what else do you like?” jungwon hummed while briefly scribbling a few notes in.

“i don’t even get why i still have to do this stupid assignment when i already heard back from ucla. if anything it’s a waste of my time, because this only benefits the kids who haven’t heard back yet.” riki complained.

“well,” jungwon chuckled. “the start of the fall semester is still a while from now, anything can change by then. they’re still gonna be looking at your final report card and all that. this is just to determine that your slot in that school is ensured. i think the you from freshman year would be proud to see you improve.”

but of course, he wasn’t listening. riki was hyper focused on his computer. at least until the last sentence stuck out to him.

“say that again?” riki questioned, making sure he heard jungwon right.

“the you from three years ago would be proud if you improved?” he repeated an improvised version, with a raised brow.

riki chewed on the bottom of his pen, before hastily writing something down on jungwon’s notebook.

“you.. you want to solve heeseung and jay’s case..?” jungwon stuttered as he read the notes. “how is this even related to what i said? is it because you were a freshman when it happened?”

“do you really believe yn was capable of killing them? i mean honestly, won. we grew up with her. she was heeseung’s little sister.” riki insisted, ignoring jungwon’s previous questions.

“i couldn’t believe it either, because there was no way it could’ve been her. but there was a lot of evidence that said otherwise.” jungwon informed, moving the notebook back onto his desk.

“also, don’t get mad when i say this. but, do you think the reason why you’ve been so fixated on yn being innocent is because you never got over your crush on her from middle school?”

“hey! shut the fuck up dude.” riki hissed, slapping the older boy on the back of his head. “and she was someone we were close to, a 17 year old at the time. it just isn’t likely.”

“age doesn’t mean anything. 35% of murders in america were committed by people ranging between 17 and 21. and, 28% of murders are committed by a relative or acquaintance. chances are low but not zero.” a girl butt in from behind the them. riki whipped his head back to see who it was, only to wish he never turned around.

minji kim. a pain in the original friend groups ass since elementary school.

the two stared at her with two completely different expressions. riki looked minji up and down with a frown, while jungwon just blinked slowly with wide eyes.

“what? do you seriously not remember me?” she scoffed.

“no trust me, we do, minji.” riki huffed before turning back around.

“we’re just wondering how you know that, is all.” jungwon hummed.

“my brother is a police officer now. i’m sure if you didn’t know who he was, one of your other friends might.” she snickered.

minjae kim. he is minji’s brother and one of the officers who handled the heeseung-jay case, aka one of the officers responsible for the arrests of yn and a few others. riki would know, because he attended the court hearing.

“minji, what topic have you selected?” the teacher asked as she briefly looked up from the computer screen.

“i will be making a slideshow on the history of ballet.” she answered with a proud smile. oh how riki just wanted to wipe that look off her face.

“and.. finally. riki and jungwon?”

"me and jungwon will investigate the lee siblings case, from 3 years ago." and the teachers face fell.

"riki, i don't know if this is a good topic write on. you still have time to change your mind-"

"no. this is what i want to do. i want to solve the murder of heeseung lee, and the disappearance of jay park." riki cut off the teacher with determination.

and the class went silent.

"there's nothing to solve! yn lee killed her own brother, and her own boyfriend. case closed." minji said. but remember, her brother was one of the officers who testified against yn. of course, her opinion on the topic was just as biased as riki’s or jungwon’s could be.

"shut up minji, your brother got demoted for a reason. and, you didn't know yn." jungwon waved off.

"you may have known heeseung but that doesn't mean you know her. and i know enough about yn lee to see that shes a cold hearted killer." "enough!" the teacher interrupted.

"fine. riki and jungwon, you may pursue this case. but we have to set some boundaries. first off, you may use any public sources or personal connections. secondly, when contacting any sources like publishers or officers, do not push the limit. if they say certain answers to questions are confidential, then respect that. third and foremost, absolutely do NOT contact the lees or the parks. leave any involved families out of this, especially now that miss yn lee is out of juvie."

she teacher sighed in slight relief as she saw jungwon and riki nodding in agreement.

but what she didn’t see, was how their fingers were crossed behind their backs.

taglist ! @jiiyen @prettiestgirlontheplanet @hannicorpse @wonsboo @murazbae @stilesks @soobinbunnie5 @blvengene @r1kification @gyuvision @goldenmellow @ariluvssssss100 @who-tf-soddhi @mmurazz @jaemified @strawberrieswithchocolateo3o @heartheejake @hoonsdrnkdzd

not proofread

[arthenaa]

ikaw at ikaw (only you) — mizu x f!reader

synopsis: 4 times your team lead chose you and 1 time you chose her.

content: modern!au, office romance, you and mizu are creatives, specifically in the character and concept design department in a very very famous gaming company (take a guess), she is your creative director and lead designer and you are the concept artist, 4+1 format, FLUFF, work relations, dynamic, and position might not be accurate, forgive me, this is basically just me projecting yet again.

a/n: this is requested by @andieperrie18 ! the answer shit isn't letting me edit my answer so ill be @-ing you here. TYSM FOR ENJOYING MY WORKS !! means a lot ... u also chose pasilyo 🥹🥹🥹🥹 sunkissed lola is the best

1.

Being part of the creatives team was a nightmare.

To tell you the truth, the position for a Concept Artist with a specialty in 2D design wasn't actually all that bad. The monthly benefits and wage were something you're quite lucky to receive considering the constant side eye other departments have with the admin's treatment of the artist employees. This was also your dream job—having had to play their games, specifically, VALORANT, left you in awe and gearing to apply once you were ready for an Internship. After your OJT course, you were accepted for a position in Character and Concept Design and are considered one of the team's most beloved artists (Your followers on Twitter reckon so).

In short, the work environment was great. A solid 15/10 experience—I mean how can you beat a company that caters not only to you as an artist but also as a player? Nothing can beat that feeling of satisfaction once you see your work displayed on various monitors all around the world.

It was more of ... the relationships and interactions with that work space environment that left you grasping at a chance to breathe.

People think you're overreacting but you think it's completely reasonable.

"Yes, you are overreacting."

Your face falls at Taigen's words—watching as he plays a round of unrated in the company's leisure space decked with state of the art PC builds that could definitely beat your poor touchscreen fridge with just a move of its mouse. You could hear the familiar voicelines of Jett from VALORANT as he uses the character's abilities to swiftly enter the site and take a hold of the defenders' positions.

Taigen is part of the Gaming Development Department in the VALORANT Team. He often does routine user gameplay checks and one of its perks is that you literally just have to play the game and get paid for it. You think its unfair but then again, its Taigen. He's always unfair.

"I think you're just saying that to be mean," You frowned, eyes trained on his face—the lights reflecting back on his stupid, stupid, clear-skinned face. Taigen rolls his eyes but not an ounce of his focus leaves the game.

"Being honest equals to being mean, got it." Taigen's voice comes out in a sarcastic tone. You kick a speck of dust on the cement floor, twirling in the gaming chair you're seated on.

"I just think its a reasonable thing to complain about!" You throw your hands in the air in an attempt to get him to look at your side of things. "You're completely unfazed because your team lead has the patience of a mother with 7 kids."

You hear the familiar cue of an ACE kill as Taigen hits a headshot on the last player. The game's interface shifts to the winner screen and finally, he turns to you, pulling his headphones off and giving his best deadpan stare.

"You're freaking out over Mizu sighing over your concept design proposal for Neon and overanalyzed even the way she drank her coffee because you're obsessed with her like that." Taigen arches his eyebrow to make the situation all the more ridiculous. Your mouth closes and opens like a fish out of water. "Am I right? Wait no, don't answer that. I know I am."

"What the fuck?" Your voice comes out in a desperate attempt of self-defence but it ultimately just sounds defeated. Taigen chuckles as he turns back to his monitor to take a look at the game stats.

"Look," Taigen tries to be empathetic but you're pretty sure this is just to get you off his back. The queue for competitive is already up and running. "As your friend, I say this with the love that I have for you and your works but please, Mizu is just one woman. If my mind process went like yours, I would've assumed Akemi hated my very existence and this is coming from someone who IS dating Akemi."

You purse your lips in thought as he raises his eyebrows in exaggeration. You're not exactly sure why you approached Taigen with this problem but he was the only familiar face that you saw after walking out of the meeting room in a hurry.

But then the question in this situation is who exactly is Mizu?

Well, there were a lot of things you could associate with the familiar blue-eyed director. Mizu is your boss—the creative director for Concept and Character design for the VALORANT team. She oversees character ideas, map visuals, detailing, and the final approval for character and asset ideation before it's sent for building in the 3D and VFX departments. She is your employer but you can also consider her your friend, albeit a highly respected one (she did the character design for Jett and Yoru).

It's not that you were obsessed—Taigen is wrong, he's always wrong—it was definitely because you respected her very much. Being a Riot Design Lead is basically fucking God. You create and give life to ideas. She's part of the original team that worked on the pre-release of VALORANT during its early stages and got to see the whole thing unfold. Something you wished to see back then but glad that you were able to become part of the journey despite being a few patches late.

You respected her enough to always want to be on her good side. I mean, who wouldn't? She's talented and very... youthful-looking and one of Riot's youngest leads, you honestly think that being worried over her approval like this is just a matter of respect and definitely NOT obsession.

"You're doing that thing where you space out and I have to assume that it's probably because of Mizu, yeah?" Taigen's voice intercepts your reprieve and suddenly, a curl of your eyebrows creates a look of annoyance on your face.

"I am not obssesed with Mizu," You reiterate, but this time with your mouth. "I just... respect her."

Taigen leans back on his gaming chair, nodding as if you just told him that he didn't need to double double-click everything.

"That's the most unbelievable shit I've heard today," Taigen finally replies with a scrunch of his nose. Your jaw falls open.

"I do not!"

"Do too."

"Do not."

"Do too!"

"Do fucking not—Stop it."

Taigen purses his lips, and makes a motion of zipping his mouth and shaking his head. You huff in anger. Taigen was never going to believe you.

Just as you were about to chastise him again for being mistaken, a knock on the glass doors notifies you of a new presence. You turn by instinct and your eyes widen in shock and probably, dread—who knows.

"There you are," Mizu's voice filters through your ears like classical music on a good Friday evening. You stammer slightly as she enters the area, eyes trained on you through those tinted orange specs. Mizu momentarily greets Taigen who only raises his hand in greeting before turning towards the screen (only you can see through your peripheral vision that this motherfucker is laughing). "I've been looking for you."

"You did?" Your voice comes off quiet. Mizu furrows her eyebrows.

"Uh, yeah?" She replies with a confused tone. "I had your concept design for Neon approved, it was more direct compared to Matt's. I wanted to tell you in person since you just bolted from the meeting room."

You fall silent at her words. She looks a bit concerned as you try to make sense of the information.

"You seem in shock—Are you okay?" Mizu asks, eyes glancing towards Taigen who looks at her before shrugging.

You feel your heart speed up. You momentarily calm yourself before finally responding. "Y-Yeah, sorry. Just didn't think that you'd approve it."

Mizu tilts her head like a fucking cat and you're quite sure you would drop dead then and there. "Why not? It's your work."

You're not sure what she means by that but a sudden shiver runs through your veins at her praise and suddenly your cheeks are flushing.

"Ah," You're voice fills in the silence, awkward and quiet. "Thank you?"

There's a pause of silence before Mizu chuckles. She heaves a breath before pulling the glass door open.

"I'll see you at my office, Y/N." She smiles. "Great work."

The silence further pushes you into the void as you and Taigen watch her exit and disappear into another hallway through the glass windows. Just as you were a few minutes ago, you lean forward to slouch over your knees, hands on your face as you meltdown from what just happened. You hear Taigen chuckle beside you.

"Give it a few more months and she'll give you a ring on your finger with a bent knee on the ground."

You sob into your hands as Taigen erupts in heaps of laughter.

Oh my fucking God.

2.

The release for Neon was a hit. An all-time new duelist originating from the Philippines, your concept design took off without a hitch. It's safe to say that your hard work paid off as you stood over the central common room—leisure areas decked with your coworkers trying out and celebrating the release. A sense of satisfaction fills you.

"I hear you spearheaded the design concept for Neon," A voice infiltrates your sense like a lure. You can't help but smile at its familiarity. Akemi wraps her arms around your waist, chin on your shoulder as she continues. "Marketing was thrilled with the positive response. Good job."

You turn around, her arms loosely accommodating you. "Akemi," you coo.

The girl grins wide and pulls you into a hug. You return the affection in a grander gesture of squeezing her tight against you.

Akemi's part of the Marketing Department for Riot. While she often creates publication material for VALORANT, she also has cross work with League of Legends for its various strategic releases (ie. KDA).

"I just want to say that I already predicted Neon would be a sure hit, it's your work after all," Akemi pulls away from the hug with a smug smile. She grabs your hands in hers, swinging them slowly. "Marketing it was like a breeze in the park."

You laugh softly at her enthusiasm. "You give me way too much credit."

Akemi rolls her eyes affectionately. "Humility is a disease—live a little."

You shake your head at her quips, opting to smile in response. A member of your team passes by, eyes widening in recognition of you before giving you a thumbs up. Akemi watches the interaction—eyes trained on that person's figure as they walked towards Mizu who was busy talking to other creative team leads. Your eyebrows furrow in confusion at her prolonged silence.

"Who are you—?" Your words trail off as you turn to look at what she's so focused on before turning back at the sight of Mizu. "Nevermind."

Akemi raises her eyebrow with an amused look on her face. "Taigen always has a penchant for exaggerating but I didn't think it was this bad?"

Your face falls at the information. "Taigen told you?"

Akemi gives you a 'duh' look—eyebrows raised and eyes half-lidded. "Taigen's a loose lock if you pry hard enough. He basically can never keep a secret."

You give her a deadpan stare before shifting in your position. Akemi crosses her arms over her chest as she eyes you up and down—filled to the brim with amusement. "I'm fine, stop making a big deal out of it."

"Uh huh," Akemi squints her eyes playfully. You could only glare back in response.

The loud cheering at the front catches your attention as resident workers, interns, and newbies alike begin to tune in at the commotion. Akemi and you move to the sidelines, eyebrows furrowed in confusion as you tried to find out what's happening.

"What's happening?" You ask the person to your front. He turns, eyes beaming with excitement.

"The creative director for C&C got pulled in a 1v1. They're playing against Beckham."

Your breath hitches at the information. Akemi nudges you with her elbow, overhearing the conversation. The two of you move to the side, finally getting a glimpse of the two team leads focused on a custom game of VALORANT. Your eyes zone in on familiar raven locks seated on the right monitor.

A live stream of their game is projected on the monitor up front and suddenly you feel sick from the amount of butterflies fluttering in your stomach.

She's playing Neon. The character you designed.

Oh God. You watched her take kill after kill, headshot after headshot as she sprinted across the map—zapping characters with Neon's electric abilities. You've never seen someone look so fucking hot playing an FPS game before. It's doing things to your brain.

Just as you expected, the winning banner appears on Mizu's screen and the C&C Team erupts in cheers. You become entranced at the sight—a few of your co-workers patting her on the back before she erupts in smiles and laughs. This is not healthy for your heart.

And just as you think the night couldn't get any better, one of the people from the Marketing departments begins stirring up an interview.

"What made you choose Neon on the character pick? You usually go for Sentinels, no?"

Your eyes meet and suddenly you could feel your heart skip a few beats. Mizu chuckles.

"Wanted to do a duelist around for a spin," Mizu replies. "The design and character visuals for Neon was amazing and I ought to pay the artist who did it a homage."

Suddenly all eyes are on you—some of them even "ooh-ing" for being praised by Mizu. You pale at the attention before doing a hesitant bow in gratitude.

Mizu pulls the headphones off her head and smiles. "Congrats, Y/N. Hope you liked the win."

You feel Akemi stir up beside you, chuckling at the interaction.

You're going to die. You can feel it and its all because of your boss.

3.

Okay, maybe admitting that you were a little bit obsessed and crushing over your employer was a bit overdue. You weren't exactly the type to parade your feelings around the office but if people were to zone in on you acting sheepish and awkward around Mizu, there was a 55% chance that you could tell based on that alone.

It wasn't like your admiration for Mizu started on a whim. As said countless and countless times, it had a foundation of respect until Mizu started trying to get to know and interact with you and those same feelings of admiration started to change. What else were you supposed to do? Mizu is a fucking all-in-one holiday basket—you didn't have it in you to resist the charms.

It also didn't help that over the past few days, Mizu seems to have her undivided attention on you. Showering you with praises, asking if you wanna spearhead a certain project, revel in your work—all that shit. It's messing with your productivity and mindset and that's not a good idea.

The Head Director for the VALORANT Team had decided to call a night out for drinking to reward the team for the positive feedback for the latest patch. You were quite thankful for the opportunity as this was a way for you to get a moment of rest from Mizu's constant attention. Not that you were complaining, it's just a little... too much.

You were seated at the far right booth of the restaurant, keeping to yourself as you watched Ringo and Taigen begin to have a debate about team composition. Akemi grumbles beside you, clearly not enjoying whatever the fuck these two were talking about.

"Look," Taigen holds his hands out in front of him, trying to make a point. "All I'm saying is if you keep putting DPS builds on your team comp, how in the hell will you be able to maximize their kit? Supports are there for a reason."

Ringo rolls his eyes. "It's called enjoying the game, Taigen. So what if I want to put dick 1, dick 2, and dick 3, together?"

Taigen's jaw drops. "Do you know how much skill point dependent they are? I'm even surprised you could bust a skill out." The raven haired man pauses before continuing with a face contorted in disgust. "And stop calling them dick 1,2,3? It's Dan Heng, Blade, and Jing Yuan."

"Of course you'd police that as well. You look like that fucking emoji." Ringo raises his prosthetic hand, imitating pushing up a pair of glasses. "Um, actually—"

"You are as annoying as my grandmother, do you know that?" Taigen snarls, eyes pulled into a glare. Your tall huggable co-worker only grins and bats his eyelashes.

You begin to tune out the two as Akemi excuses herself to take a cigarette break—already having enough of their banter. You eye the glass of beer in front of you, watching as the liquid sloshes around with each twirl of your wrist.

You had hoped to end the night with silence but alas, you can never get everything that you wanted. You feel a pair of eyes on you—direct and unashamed. Already having a feeling on who this was, you looked up and met the reflection of the ocean.

'You okay?' She mouths, concern overflowing her features. It's subtle enough for people to not notice her sudden shift of attention but enough for you to understand her. Your cheeks flush as you nod back with the same softness that she had thrown your way.

She nods in understanding, sending a soft smile your way before turning back towards her conversation with the Head. You hang your head down, wishing that the night would end faster so that you can finally have the moment of peace you have been wanting ever since this morning.

It was as if the world decided to cast hell upon you and revoked you of your rights to peace at the arrival of yet another problem.

"L/N!" The Head Director's voice encompassed the whole area—eyes turning towards him then at you in amusement. "You're one of the star employees and yet you haven't touched a single speck on that glass of yours!"

His hearty laughter follows—giggles and cheering from you co-workers following suite. You sweat drop, eyes darting to Taigen and Ringo who both looked away at your glare before turning towards the window where Akemi sends you a gracious thumbs up, a cigarette hanging from her lips. You groan.

"I-I'm fine," You wave your hand, laughing it off. Your eyes connect with Mizu, an unreadable look on her face as she takes a sip of her chosen beverage.

God decides to punish you more as the team lead beside Mizu chimes in. "Oh c'mon! You're a great asset to the company! I suggest drink up!"

One of your team members passes a full pint of beer as the others begin to urge you to drink up. You hadn't felt the intensity of peer pressure ever since your dance recital on 10th grade and that wasn't even as half bad as this. You weren't feeling on drinking yourself to death as well so trying to down a full pint of beer was a ticket for you to the afterlife (ie. you on your bed with puke all over the floors). The previous pint you had was enough.

You tried to decline as humbly as you could, afraid that this might be the instance that you could finally be fired off from Riot. You knew that if they kept pushing a 3rd more of their attempts that you'd probably give in for the sake of never doing this again but while the need hasn't yet arisen, you'll try fighting off the urge to be a people-pleaser.

Just as you finally begin to decline for the nth time, a hand emerges to your right—pushing the pint of beer in your co-worker's hands. The table falls silent. Your breath falters as the familiar scent of lavender and probably a hint of sunlight begins to seep in from behind you.

"Stop pressuring her like that," Mizu's voice sounds so close —your heart hammering off your chest. Your co-worker gives Mizu a sheepish smile.

"C'mon Mizu, let your team live a little!" The Head laughs once more before leaning forward with a smug smirk. "Unless you'll save this one yet again?"

There's a pause of silence as your co-workers darted between them—back and forth. You feel Mizu sigh behind you before her arms encase you against the table, one arm placed on the beside you each. Your breath hitches.

"Sorry," She mutters as she reaches for the pint. You stammer, turning towards her as you reach out to her wrist by instinct. Mizu blinks with her eyes wide open, suddenly surprised by your actions.

"Y-you don't have to!" You murmured, trying to keep your voice low. Mizu's eyes are unreadable. "You don't drink—!"

The woman chuckles before patting your hand and gently pulling herself off your grasp. "It's okay." She says.

You watch with stammering breath as she gulps the pint in one go, others cheering as she did. The Head claps.

"Didn't expect to see Mizu downing a beer today but here we are," The man bellows in laughter. Mizu chuckles, wiping the residue off her lips. You could only stare at her in shock.

Mizu glances down at you with a smile before patting your head then walking off. Your gaze trails on her and somehow the hammering within you becomes all the more intense.

Oh, Lord.

4.

It was supposed to just be a little game—a past time that the others decided to force you along. You really had no qualms joining games like this but if it concerns the people around you, especially in your work place, somehow you feel the risk of being outed for liking someone in you work space.

"If you guys wanted to date someone in the office, who'd you pick?" Ise leans forward, eyes squinted as she gives you and Akemi a smirk. The three of you were currently lounging in the cafeteria during you lunch break. There weren't many people present due an event going on in one of the building's sectors, so having a conversation like this somehow was less anxiety inducing.

"Taigen, unfortunately," Akemi deadpans. Ise rolls her eyes.

"I mean! Besides him," Ise whispers excitedly. "There's a newbie from marketing that looks cute but kinda quiet, maybe he's nice."

"You mean Takayoshi?" Akemi raises an eyebrow as she takes a sip of her tea. You glance back and forth between them.

"Is that his name?" Ise watches Akemi nod in response. "Well, I'll just have to go get his number then."

Akemi shakes her head at Ise's musings and you had hoped that the conversation would end there, but Ise suddenly turns to you with that mischievous look in her eye.

"What?" You whisper out, eyebrows furrowed in innocence. Akemi side glances you, the corners of her lips upturned in a smile. God, she was enjoying this too.

"What about you, Y/N?" Ise props her arm on the table, placing her cheek on her palm. "Got someone you're interested in?"

You avoid eye contact. "No."

Ise leans forward with a gasp. "You do!"

"I don't!" You reiterate with urgency. You turn to Akemi with a frantic stare. "Tell her I don't."

Ise turns to Akemi who smiles. "She doesn't."

"Bullshit." Ise deadpans. "The moment I'd believe Akemi with a smile on her face is the moment I'd die," Akemi flashes her middle finger at her to which Ise returns generously. Finally, the girl turns to you—chair scooted over to your right as she flashes you her doe eyes. "So? Who is it?"

You Akemi chuckle against her cup as you stammer in front of Ise. "I don't really like someone though?"

"Lies," Ise declares. "We might not be that close but you got that twitch in your eye that already tells me something. Who is it?"

"Ise," You plead, eyes darting around the space. Somehow, saying it out loud meant that you're solidifying the fact that you liked Mizu—an occurrence you'd like to keep to yourself as much as possible. You loved Ise, you really do. You worked with her hand in hand in bringing Neon to life (You worked on her design while she worked on the 3D build) and have become tremendously grateful for her critique and contributions to your work. But this, this was something else. You could feel your heart speed up as she started listing some names.

"Is it Beckham? That piece of shit always too full himself." Ise places a hand on her chin in thought. "Or Ringo? Nah, he's way too focused on content map-building."

There's a pause of silence before an 'aha!' look spreads through her face. You prayed that she would get it wrong but this is Ise we're talking about.

"Is it perhaps," Ise pauses, eyes darting all over your face. "Mizu—"

"What about me?"

The three of you tense, eyes darting behind you as you turn to find the familiar stance of your boss. She leans forward, a hand on the back of your chair as she gives the three of you a curious glance. You hadn't heard her at all, and something about Ise's frantic glance towards you says she didn't expect the same thing as well.

"W-we we're just listing people we found attractive," Ise laughs uncomfortably under Mizu's stare. The creative director glances at Akemi who raises an eyebrow at her. Somehow there was a silent conversation going on between the two that left you confused.

"Really?" Mizu asks, the ends of her words trailing off as she glances back at Ise. "Who said I was attractive?"

"It was Y/—"

"NO ONE!" You exclaimed, cutting Ise off with a jump. You flush under Mizu's wide gazed, surprised at your interference. Somehow, the way you said it implied that no one found her attractive at all, and that was way too wrong so you caught yourself before you delved into a pit of despair. "I mean, w-we haven't started and was just listing people off."

Mizu nods slowly in understanding, eyes examining your face for any slip-ups. You looked away from the intensity.

Ise finally saves your ass. "Yeah. What she said."

"What about you, Director?" Akemi chimes in from your left and both you and Ise turn to her with wide gazes. She simply smiles over her cup, face contorted in a mischievous look. You couldn't read Mizu at all. You had expected Akemi to drop it—after all, she wasn't even joining in on Ise's incessant need to know everything about everyone. "Who do you find the most attractive in this office, hm?"

You can feel Mizu shifting behind you before a chuckle pulls out from her lips. You turn towards her in curiosity as she flashes a smile towards you.

"I'd pick Y/N, of course,"

Huh?

Akemi rolls her eyes, somehow already expecting the answer. Your jaw drops at her response as Mizu turns to Ise who already has a knowing look on her face.

"She's just that reliable," Mizu looks back down towards you, those shades of blue peeking from her tinted glasses. She pinches your cheek in a flash before pulling away. "Cute too."

You turn away, afraid that the flush on your cheeks might've given you away.

"Anyways, I just dropped by to see what's happening outside the event," Mizu sighs, pushing her glasses back up the bridge of her nose. "I'll see you girls around."

Your interactions always end up one sided somehow. She gives and then leaves—resulting in you malfunctioning from whatever she's left for you to deal with.

Ise turns to you with a mischievous grin when Mizu finally turns the corner. "You and the Director huh?"

"Shut up, oh my God."

+1

"Why do you always do stuff like that?"

"Like what?"

"Like you're not leaving me any room to process the shit you do?"

Mizu lets out quiet laughs from beside you. 10:47 pm. Normally, work hours in the office end at about 9 but you've learned that staying late is where the good things happen.

"I literally just told you 'good job' the other day and you malfunctioned in front of me," Mizu giggles, leaning forward as she tapped you on the nose with the pen to her digital tablet. "And I heard everything by the way. Quite adorable of you to deny everything."

You flush under her affectionate gaze. "Everyone's so gossipy. You can't blame me."

Mizu turns her chair towards you, arms reach out to take a hold of your own before pulling them close to her side. You lean back at her sudden proximity.

"Well you can't blame me either when you're this adorable," Mizu grins. You furrow your eyebrows, finally leaning close as you cupped her cheeks within your palms.

"You even drank beer," You whisper, tone apologetic. "You don't even like alcohol."

Mizu leans into your touch. "And you don't like being pressured into something you don't want to do. I can sacrifice a little bit of something I don't like just for you."

You melt at her words, eyes darting over her softened features. "Thank you," You whisper, grateful.

"Anything for my girlfriend," Mizu teases. You roll your eyes before pulling her into a soft kiss. She kisses back instantly, hands gripping the arm chair as you take lead of the kiss. After a few pecks and chaste kisses here and there, you finally pull back—reveling in the soft flush across Mizu's cheeks.

"Also," You chime in. Mizu raises an eyebrow. "I was the one who pursued, not you. Correct that when they catch on."

Mizu chuckles at your words. "Right on. Akemi threatened me the other day, saying something like, 'I forbid you from dating Y/N Y/L/N, Mizu Tagawa!' Funniest shit, I've heard. If only she knew."

You pinch her cheeks, giggling at her words. "Of course, she's say that."

There's a pause of silence before Mizu turns to her work, a sketch of VALORANT's newest agent displayed on screen.

"Want to help me with the new guy?" She nudges towards the screen. "Heard he's French."

You turn to her monitor, dozens of details sketched on the edges with a version of her idea of the new agent. You grin, placing a kiss on her cheek.

"You could've just asked me to marry you." You tease. "Also, sure."

You turn towards the table and pulled her tablet towards you. Mizu scoffs as you take over her work.

"And if I actually did?"

"Sure, Mizu, sure."

"I'm serious!"

a/n: hey guys!!! this was so fun to write and honestly i was just inspired to do this request bc ive been drafting an office romance for mizu after the roommate thing. hope yall enjoyed ! if yall arent familiar with valorant, here are the agents mentioned or referenced (neon & chamber (french guy)). also mizu's last name is derived from master eiji's va! cary-hiroyuki tagawa!

[professorlaytonarchive]

Dear fellow Professor Layton fans! I’m writing this post to explain the timeline of events about the search for Mansion of the Deathly Mirror to clear up any misconceptions or missing information you may have.

To start, Professor Layton and the Mansion of the Deathly Mirror (レイトン教授と死鏡の館 ) is a game in the Professor Layton series that was exclusively released for mobile. It was available on Professor Layton Mobile. The game features a brand new story formed by 6 chapters in total. Each chapter was his own i-appli, and they were released every two weeks starting from October 2008. As of June 2024, a translation of the original version is in the works, with the first chapter already released and as of September 2024 all 6 chapters have been preserved

Professor Layton and the Mansion of the Deathly Mirror -Remix- (レイトン教授と死鏡の館 -REMIX-) is an updated version of Professor Layton and the Mansion of the Deathly Mirroravailable to i-Mode devices through the Professor Layton Mobile and Mobile R portal. This version has different puzzles, slightly better animations and slightly different dialogues compared to the original version.

Synopsis

Professor Layton and his number one apprentice, Luke Triton, are invited to a party hosted by famous author Drevin Murdoch. At this party, he reveals to be in possession of a mirror that allows the attendants to talk to the dead. However, after Murdoch is found dead the following morning, it's up to Layton and Luke to find out the truth behind the Deathly Mirror, and the secrets Murdoch's Mansion holds.

(Credit: Keitai Wiki)

Chapter 1: A Single Piece

In 2014, a streamer managed to record the first three chapters of Deathly Mirror. A little while after, the streamer began to be harassed by multiple fans, eventually leading them to take down the videos. Due to the lack of preservation efforts at the time, the videos weren’t saved.

Years later, bits and pieces—such as screenshots, articles, and press videos—were found, but nothing concrete.

Chapter 2: A Picture Forming

In May of 2023, a Japanese fan posted the first part of what would become a complete playthrough of all six chapters of Mansion of the Deathly Mirror Remix. This was monumental for the Layton Lost Media (LLM) scene. However, during the 11 months it took to release the full playthrough, there were some difficulties with Western fans. The issues included harassment of the player for more videos, begging for the ROM (despite the player clearly stating they were afraid of Japan’s strict piracy laws), and other forms of harassment.

This period caused uncertainty and worry throughout the Layton Lost Media community, leading the community to strictly instruct members to cease any future contact with the player to prevent the playthrough from being lost before its completion. Around the same time, in February of 2024, thanks to the help of the user @/ponkikipon on Discord, we were able to preserve the ROMs of the original chapters 1-3. In April 2024, the playthrough of Remix came to an end with the release of the video for the sixth chapter. This allowed for the formation of Team Enigma, which sought to fully remake both the original and remixed versions of the game into one package, translate the original game into English, and expand their efforts into other translation projects. Chapter 1 is currently fully translated and available.

Chapter 3: The Final Piece

In September 2024, Keitai Wiki and a user by the name of @/yuvi on Discord managed to locate chapters 4-6 on a junk phone, marking the full preservation of the original Mansion of the Deathly Mirror. This allowed Team Enigma to bypass multiple roadblocks in the development of the remake and translation.

Please show your support by supporting Keitai Wiki, Team Enigma, and Team Professor Layton Archive.

https://x.com/rockmancosmo/status/1834626811646599498?s=46&t=r1PBA7kkYm_L_o06jhQMgw

[sl-vega]

02; stalker!

project: love liason! - a scaramouche smau

additional notes:

sorry ik I promised consistent updates but life has been a bitch, blame it on the school system, not me

but yeah I like the set up I made for the story so far :D

childe WILL actually have a proper character beyond 'haha silly rich friend lmao' and I will EMBRACE it

as per usual taglist is still open and my inbox is ready for any asks regarding the story :3

sorry for the weird post content formatting, tumblr's picture limit is my arch nemesis >:( (I just wanted to use my pretty dividers man)

𝜗𝜚 SYNOPSIS: you're head over heels in love with childe, and scaramouche is (begrudingly) smitten with his "rival" mona. and, by sheer divine coincidence, you both happen to be the best friends of each other's objects of affection, so you strike a deal with each other. if scaramouche helps you ask out childe, you'll set him up with mona. so with the annual spring formal right around the corner, the two of you vow to be each other's wingmans so you can end your junior year on a high note (and maybe even kick off your senior year with a new relationship!). between, scheming, planning, and researching, you and scaramouche find yourselves developing a new relationship via helping each other out. now the real question is whether this friendship will remain as a pure platonic bond, or blossom into something more?

<PREV ll MASTERLIST ll NEXT>

🎀 - taglist!;

@agaygothicmushroom @035814 @freyao7, @sketcheeee @tsukimara @shyentsmissingink @justpeachyteastea @aries-afk @lxkeeeee @sakiimeo @sugxryratz @shutingstar @lalaloveallmydays @bellflower1257 @haruumei @kichiyosh1 @littlemisssatanist @dee-zbignuts @candyescapism @crimxeorcremeexistspeacefully @h3ll0-kitty-4lly @franaby @jllyfsh-lvr @heusalettle @automaticpatroltragedy, @c4ttheart, @meigalaxy @misswetty @introvertaku02, @daiyunjin @trulyylee @lily-lmao @kazumiku @kunikuzushis-darling @vitanye @livelaughlovekuni

[oddballinonyamama]

HOLLOWPOINT CHAPTER ONE OUT NOWWW

After around 2 years of developing concepts, characters, and art around Hollowpoint. (With the help of @divnydoodles of course) I’m happy to say that I’m finally confident enough to start writing and posting the Hollowpoint script.

Now I’m hoping I get to update the script once a week with new chapters n shit like that. It just has to depend on what’s happening that week.

Now there is hollowpoint stuff already on my account (art,characters, plot synopsis). But I am planning on making a more updated and detailed post about it.

Feedback is always welcome, I want to make this project the best it can be.

(Make sure you read it in dark mode cause I think it looks better that way)

[loz-untold-myths]

The Mage's Lantern: Chapter 7

✻ ⊰ The Flame: Part I ⊱ ✻

Moved by Princess Zelda, Link has promised her that he and the fire spirit, Searis, will help her destroy the Silver Tempest that plagues the skies of Hyrule. Zelda explores the entire village of Darune with the pair as they search for fuel to power the spirit; and she begins to truly understand the purpose behind her father's sacrifice.

Hyrule is a kingdom plagued with eternal storms by a vengeful mage. A young boy named Link joins a fire spirit and Princess Zelda to save both her father and the kingdom itself, but Link's own motives remain buried in the snow.

༻

.

.

.

It's been over a year since the last update... Whoops. I've changed up the post formatting since I didn't really like the old one. What's the verdict? This time the cover art was done on CSP! I hope to redo the other chapter covers since I've definitely improved, but I did the sketches for the redraws on ibispaint so they'll likely stay on there. My style is definitely different since the last update, though...

If you've stuck around, THANK YOU! ೋ

If you're new, check out the Master Post below or take a look at the DTIYS post! ❄️.ೃ࿔

[bartholomewillustrated]

Woah Hey Hi! In the wake of my Dragon's Daughter post and the reaction I got, I've gone ahead and set up a Current Projects page! as it stands it's just lists all of the projects I'm actively working on or invested in, with a nice plot synopsis and links to any relevant active tags, which is a pretty fine place to start, but I hope in the future to add images (and maybe some better formatting if I can figure out this HTML business) and keep things up to date with progress and additional tags etc etc. I'm hoping this will make some of my original content posts have a bit more context moving forward (and who knows, maybe drum up some excitement!) Please do give it a peak and a read if you have a moment! And as always I'm open to questions about any of my stories or the page itself if you have any!!

[blackrabbittwst]

Hello! I'd like to request for Trey, Azul, and Jade with a self-indulgent reader please~ A reader who happily accepts gifts, eats whatever they want, and encourages others to treat themselves just as much! I'm one of these people, and I've never understood people who worry so much. Ex: Ask me if its okay to take something from me, even though I offered it to them. ??? 😂

P.s. I don't mind whatever format you use!

A/N: Hello! And of course! I’m somewhat similar to this as well so I think it’s so cute! I definitely encourage people to treat themselves (almost to much haha), and these three boys don’t give themselves enough self loving, so they need it!

Synopsis: A self indulgent S/O who happily accepts gifts, eats what they want, and encourages others to treat themselves.

Characters: Trey Clover, Azul Ashengrotto, Jade Leech

Pairings: Trey Clover, x Reader, Azul Ashengrotto x Reader, Jade Leech x Reader

Gender/Pronoun: Gender Neutral

Warning: N/A

Trey clover

He would love to see your bright smile as you accepted his baked goods! It gives him butterflies in his stomach as he sees you appreciate his hard work. Also, he definitely wants to see your expression when you take a bite. It's his biggest pride and joy to see your expression light up as you hum with approval for how delicious it is.

No matter what he made that day, you would accept it as if it was the best thing you'd received all day, which he always appreciated. He has never needed to use his UM on any food that he gives to you since you love everything he makes! However, whether you know it or not, he would be aware of the foods you dislike so that he can make sure to not use it as an ingredient.

He would be the type to not really give himself a break and he wouldn't understand why you insisted he buy himself a hat every so often or take a break when he had so much to do!

Don't forget that he did spend all his allowance when he was a child so that his little bro could go to a spell driver game. He’s so used to giving things to others but not receiving or treating things to himself.

He would appreciate the concern that you feel like he should treat himself more, but it would take a while for him to fully embrace the concept. It made him feel a little guilty when he could use his resources to make others happy. He's used to keeping the peace and always appeasing others. To be kind to himself is something that doesn't easily occur to him.

Once he is able to accept your gifts and be a little more self-indulgent, he’ll feel a larger sense of self-fulfillment and joy in life that he didn’t realize he needed. He’d be less stressed overall and realize he’s a little more productive while also being more motivated to do tasks he normally would not enjoy.

Azul Ashengrotto

While Azul tends to be a little greedy here and there, he never uses this money for his own material needs. He’s more likely to invest it in the lounge, a deal, a project, or for compensation for something shady lol.

While he likes good things here and there, most of the time he’d have his nose on the grindstone. The workaholic he is will be only focusing on the Monstro Lounge and the numbers for it rather than enjoying the fruits of his labors. So you’d need to convince him to actually use some of his money for himself once and a while. Everyone deserves to treat themselves!

While he loves spoiling you with gifts and buying you all the things you could wish for, you think it’s unfair that only you get to enjoy the results of his hard work. Of course, you’d accept his gifts with joy and happiness, but he deserves to share this happiness with himself too!

However one of the big reasons he loves buying you things is that he loves seeing the look on your face light up when he gives you something. Your eyes basically twinkle like the stars in the sky by how happy and grateful that he would think of you.

Even as you try to coax him to treat himself more, he actually feels guilty using his own money just for himself. He'd rather put it to good use like an investment or something for the lounge. Buying something so frivolous like a new board game, or a coin for his collection seems like a waste when he could use that money for something more productive.

You have to convince him that he doesn't have to spend his money all the time on himself, but he should reward himself for all his hard work with the money he earned. Life is too short to just save all your earnings and never enjoy the fruits of your labor.

He would try to convince you that his investing in the Lounge is treating himself, but you don’t take his loophole as an excuse.

It might be better to just treat him yourself if he gets too stubborn so he can get used to the sensation.

Jade Leech

Especially if you love plant life, happily accepting his gifts would just make his day week. The amount of effort and time he puts into his plants and foraging shows how passionate is is about his hobby, and sharing it with you only makes life so much better.

He loves that you’d appreciate his fascination with mushrooms and accepts his terrarium gifts. He spends hours making sure the terrarium is to your style and aesthetic with the specific flora he specifically foraged from the mountains.

The moment he sees his terrarium flourish in your room, you might notice a big bright smile on his face as he strolls over to it. He wants to make sure his work of art is health and happy just like you, after all.

He used to being mocked by Floyd and Azul for his fascination of mountains, so having some thoroughly enjoy his hobbies is a dream come true.

Out of the Trey and Azul, Jade is most likely to take your encouragement of treating himself. While he works at a brisk and efficient pace, he always seems to prioritize his likes and passion. Like when he has a day off, he always goes out of his way to forage for new things. It would make him super happy if you went along with him. Even if you aren’t fond of the outdoors, he’d be patient and slow down his pace. He’s just ecstatic he can enjoy two things he loves together!

Jade’s cooking skills are just like him, accurate and efficient (especially after seeing him in the culinary crucible). If you try his mushroom dishes and/or dishes he makes with the flora he foraged, it would put him over the moon. Floyd and Azul are tired of his shenanigans and mushrooms that he can’t serve them often at the Lounge, much to his chagrin.

If you don’t love eating mushrooms, it isn’t the end of the world. He might just sneak them in here and there as an experiment. He would make the dish in such a way that non-mushroom lovers would be able tolerate them. Maybe by cutting them up in small bits, or frying them to change their texture (which can be the biggest problem about mushrooms). However, it would mean so much to him if you, a mushroom hater, takes the effort to at least try his mushroom dishes. It really shows that you love him.

[eclipsingsolace]

Murder Drones: Echelons (AU) Announcement: Out Now!

AKA: Echelons of Eternity I'm still fine tuning how I'm going to format it to be as digestible as possible as this will be my first delving into writing fan fics. It is going to mean the world to me to just have the bare minimum of engagement and any and all critics and advice is appreciated. So, lets get to the meat and potatoes, look out here for my amateur drawings and music recommendations here as well, but here's the link to AO3 https://archiveofourown.org/users/EclipsingSolace

A synopsis into the series. What is Echelons of Eternity? Echelons of Eternity is a sequel fan fiction for Murder Drones, that uses my head canons I've extrapolated from as much of the main series as much as possible with a few additions to make the lore basically all make sense. With a side quest to expand the universe as well as greater Copper-9 to feel more fleshed out and lived in. It takes place in 3077, a little over 5 years after the Fall of the Absolute Solver, for the most part peace has returned to the planet and our Protagonists have settled into regular lives. With most of their backstory of how their lives are going now and how they got their jobs being set up in the first few chapters. However a new malevolent force is quickly approaching Copper-9, The Legion, a mysterious autonomous Drone Army bringing siege to the exoplanet. The story will be split into a few arcs with the first one focusing mostly on N and V once everything is set up. Fleshing out their woefully underdeveloped characters. Will our Heroes be able to defeat this new threat? Or will the dark secrets they uncover drive them to turn against the very things they used to hold dear? 😈 What about our beloved characters, what's up with them? Uzi: Is now a graduated Drone Technician specializing in Body Science. Her main goal is to create a society for her people that allows for much more freedom of expression of their bodies that Humanity wouldn't have dared let them if they were still around. Her prototype, is actually her mother who is now Half Disassembly Drone and Half Worker Drone, showing that her thesis can work, and perhaps one day any Drone can have the body that feels the most comfortable to them no matter how modulated. N: Is attempting to become an artist and musician, but he has quite a lot to learn still and is trying his best to juggle his hobbies between his current job as a delivery boy, and of course being the best boyfriend he can be for Uzi. V: Is a WDF Enforcer, primarily in the Recon Division. Her job is to escort Caravans, Trade Deals, and Expeditions, to scour the wastes of Cooper-9 and reestablished good ties with the other colonies that still cling to life. J: Is the Lead Interior Project Manager for the WDF's internal affairs, we get into how she returned to the colony partway in, but among her strained relations with everyone, she just wants to meet quota and get her oil at the end of the day. Hence why she choose a purposefully cushy job inside the colony. Thad: Is a WDF Door Guard, protecting the interior of the colony, and he does a damn good job at it. He also plays football still in his off-time with his buddies from high school. I wont forget about Thad. Lizzy: Is a News Anchor but she acts more like an Influencer than anything. Making sure all the new fashion trends, developing news stories, and general happenings are streamed to all the denizens of the colony and up to her snuff. She is also the loving girlfriend to V and unfortunately usually the babysitter for Sparky. Sparky: is the dear Anti Drone Sentinel pet to Lizzy and V, while he's primarily mellowed out about Lizzy in the past few years, he is still a HANDFUL to say the least and diminutive Lizzy isn't really up to the task of wrangling a very excitable Sentinel most times, but she does so anyways since V is often away most days. He has a really good relationship with Thad though and together they keep the colony safe. Khan Doorman: remains the Head of the WDF and is the de-facto Co-Mayor of Outpost 3, he handles most of the correspondence and logistics of the WDF and is the figurehead for the colony with his newfound fame after the fight against Cyn. Nori Doorman: Recently given a new body, Nori has quickly rose through the ranks of the Outpost. Joining Khan's WDF she is now his Deputy Leader of the WDF and the other Co-Mayor of the colony, handling most of the actual correspondence and logistics with the interior affairs, she and J have a bit of a stressed relationship for reasons that will be gotten into.

Cyn/ The Absolute Solver: is still housed (secretly) in Uzi's tail. It's been too long and things have been too quiet lately....The Great Consumer must be up to something....surely?

The Legion: An autonomous military force sent to Copper-9 in droves, who they are and what they are remains a mystery but one of their intentions are clear. They have a vested interest in the Disassembly Drones and everything there is to know about them., and considering how similar they look to them, there is some connect that our heroes must find out before all is lost.

[lotus-lamps]

pt. 3 of im bored so im gonna post my ao3 works here lmao (yes i AM just going to copy the format)

(ao3 link if you prefer to read it there)

Hold onto your dreams (I won't forget them)

word count: 5.1k | date of creation: 6/22/2024 | status: incomplete, will likely be updated soon | fandom: Project Sekai | relationships: Kohane & her mom, Kohane & An (soon)

synopsis: Kohane's mother leaves to forage for food in the forest. As night falls, Kohane begins to get worried and looks for her mother herself. (fantasy au)

tw: violence, blood, gore, injury, death, & rot. minor mentions of decapitation, insects, vomiting, and nausea.

1. The girl and the wolf

"Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Little Red Riding Hood." Kohane reads aloud, softly to herself. Her mother leans over and smiles at her, taking a seat next to the little girl.

"That one again? You seem to like this story a lot. Is it your favorite, honey?"

Kohane thinks about it for a moment, but simply ends up shrugging. She likes the story, but she can't help but find it...unsatisfying, in a way. Her mother has two editions of the book: One where the story ends with Little Red Riding Hood getting eaten, and one where both she and her grandmother get saved by a carpenter, who cuts open the wolf's stomach. Kohane wasn't particularly pleased with either telling. She didn't believe that Little Red Riding Hood couldn't tell that her grandmother was replaced by a wolf, so she wasn't fond of the original version. She didn't like the second one either because she also found it unrealistic. She didnt believe that the grandmother could come out unharmed from the wolf's stomach and that the story was resolved so easily. But in the end, Kohane was okay with it, because she believed that Little Red Riding Hood deserved a happily ever after regardless.

Her thoughts get interrupted by a loud growl from her stomach. Her mama laughs gently and smiles at Kohane. "Alright, I'll go forage for food then, we're running a little low. How does rabbit stew sound?"

Kohane nods once, watching her mother pull out her expertly crafted bow and a quiver full of arrows. She slings a bag for hunt over her shoulder and grabs a glowing lantern, temporarily setting the items down on the wooden table to smile at Kohane.

"Wait right here, okay sweetie? Mama'll be back soon with our dinner." She comes over and envelopes Kohane in a warm, tight hug. The little girl lets out a happy giggle, snuggling into her mother's hug. Her mother cups Kohane's face in her hands, kissing both of her cheeks before she gives the little girl a wave and heads out the door. Kohane waves back, kicking her legs eagerly on the wooden stool she sits on.

Kohane waits for a few moments and then peeks out the window on the front door to check if her mother was gone before bounding out the back entrance. Her mother warned Kohane not to go out alone for her own safety, but she allowed the little girl to wander around the small, fenced area of their backyard where they kept the chickens and other livestock, along with their vegetable garden. Her mother used to only grow edible plants, but with enough pleading from Kohane, she gave in and started raising flowers as well. Kohane lugs out a large bucket of water for the plants, scraping it along the ground as she was too weak to lift the whole thing by herself. With some difficulty, she carefully waters all the plants, quickly emptying out the bucket.

Afterwards, she digs out the weeds and feeds the animals in their pens, her favorite part of the gardenwork. Kohane wipes the sweat off her brow and plops down onto the ground with a sigh. Yardwork was quite tiresome for such a small girl, but she was glad to help out her mother in any way she could. Kohane knows how much her mama does and sacrifices for her, so she always tries to repay the favor in any way she could. She lies down on the soft grass, closing her eyes and listening to the sweet songs of the birds. After a few moments of tranquility, Kohane sits up and opens her eyes, looking up into the sky. It was a beautiful sunset unlike any other, a glorious mix of purples, pinks, and oranges surrounding a large, glowing sun just above the horizon. Soft and fluffy clouds paint the sky, and small, shining stars emerge into light. Kohane stares in awe at the stunning scene, mesmerized by the beauty of it all. But when she snaps out of her trance, she was suddenly aware of how late it was. Usually her mama would be home by now, cooking up a hearty meal for both of them. Kohane begins to get worried, fearing for her mother's safety as it got dangerous in the dark. She gets up and considers searching for her mama, but the girl knows that her mother is strong and capable of defending herself, and that Kohane would only be causing more trouble if she goes out by herself.

The little girl sits back down, planning on making a flower crown for the two of them. As none of the flowers in their garden were finished growing, she resorts to picking wildflowers instead, choosing an arrangement of pink, yellow, and white flowers. Sunflowers are Kohane's favorite, but sadly, they don't have enough space to grow them, so instead she waits every week for her mama to bring her to the large sunflower field nearby. It was so tall and vast that the girl felt as if she were swimming through an ocean of golden petals, laughing as she ran between the stalks and brushed her hand across the waxy green leaves. She'd seen someone there once, a long time ago. Kohane had merely stopped to sit down for a moment when she heard a girl's singing ring across the sunflower field. Kohane paused, listening silently to the beautiful music spun by the stranger amongst the golden flowers. Her voice was brilliant and dazzling, her song nostalgic and warm in Kohane heart, a powerful and moving melody that the little girl would remember forever. The stranger's laughter danced across the flowers, sweeter than honey and brighter than the sunflowers that surrounded them, and Kohane found herself laughing with her- Yet the moment Kohane made a sound, the singing and laughter immediately halted, followed by a rustling of leaves and the sound of shoes hitting the dirt. Kohane raced after the footsteps, wanting to both apologize for startling the girl and express her great admiration for her singing. Even so, the sunflower field was a tall and vast maze, and soon Kohane had lost the stranger amidst the sea of gold, only barely catching a glimpse of shimmering black hair whisked into the rows of flowers. Kohane never saw her again. It was a sad thought, she supposed, but also a bittersweet memory. Kohane hums the same song softly as she works, wanting to keep the melody forever in her heart. Even if she would never see the stranger again, Kohane was glad to have heard her once, the vivid voice of an unseen girl whose songs were homesick and radiant. Though she doesn't think much of her own singing, Kohane notices the birds chirping along with her and smiles to herself before her eyes get caught on a particularly beautiful blue flower. When she reaches over to inspect it, she realizes that it is her mother's favorite. Forget me not, she thinks to herself, remembering what her mama told her when she first asked.

"Quite a unique name, isn't it?" Her mother asked.  Kohane nodded. "It reminds me of the important people in my life. Like you, sweetie. I'll never forget you," she said, wrapping her arms around Kohane in a warm embrace. Kohane hugged back with a giggle. I'll never forget you either, mama.

The girl gently picks up the flower and adds it to the flower crowns. Kohane promised never to forget her mother, but she couldn't say the same about her father. He was gone soon after Kohane was born, and what little she knew about him came entirely from what her mother told her. When the little girl asked where he was, her mother just smiled sadly at her and said that he was in a place far, far away. Kohane read enough fairy tales to know that it meant her father was dead. Even if her mother doesn't talk about him often, the little girl knew how much her mother missed him. Kohane missed her father too, even if she never knew him. Eager to forget about her sad thoughts, she looks at her work and smiles at herself, proud of the pretty little crowns she made for the two of them.

It was even darker now though, the sky a mix of deep blacks and blues, sprinkled with thousands of glittering, golden stars. It was a beautiful sight, but it only furthered her concern about her mother's safety. Her mama had never been out for this long in the dark before. Kohane knew that it was dangerous for her to go into the wilderness alone, but she was afraid that she'd be too late if she waited any longer. She clutches the flower crowns in her small hands and goes back inside, searching for some items to bring before she goes out into the forest. Kohane pulls out a dusty and rarely used lantern, taking out a match and lighting it up. The girl stashes a sharp knife to cut down any obstacles and a basket of berries in case either of them got hungry and to mark her path. Breathing in, she bounds out the front door and into the thick, lush forest, holding the bright lantern up in the air.

Kohane dips her hand into the basket, gathering a few berries and crushing them in her spare hand, smearing the blood red jam onto the bark of a tree. She continues along into the forest leaving berry juice on the trees, marking each one she comes across to create a path she could follow on the way back. It was eerily silent, and Kohane would be lying if she said she wasn't terrified. She picks up the pace, grateful for the moonlight that peeks through the thick leaves of the trees. It brought a stable source of light to make up for her hands that shook so much that she feared she would drop the lantern and be left shrouded in the darkness. Every small movement and sound sent her jumping into the air with fear as she shivered in the darkness. Kohane was just about to call out for her mother's name when she hears a blood curdling scream. The girl goes still with shock, temporarily frozen until she comes back to her senses, running toward the source of the sound. It was no doubt her mother. She prays that her mama wasn't in trouble. Her breathing becomes labored, losing breath as she sprints through the sharp brambles before she makes her way into a moonlit clearing. She stills.

Kohane lets out a shrill, agonized shriek.

Her mother's corpse is on the ground, headless. Blood pools on the grass beneath her, staining the once green grass a deep, hideous red. A monstrous, silver wolf looms above the body, chewing on the gory gash of her severed neck, the vile sound of chunks of flesh being torn apart between sharp teeth. The creature notices the little girl, baring its blood stained fangs at her, eyes feral and unhinged, thick blood dripping down its chin. Kohane let out a choked sob, swallowing bile.

She's dead. Her mother is dead.

The wolf's claws dig into the ground, preparing to lunge. Kohane's feet were planted into the ground, but somehow, with miraculous, sheer will, she just barely dives out of the way. The wolf's mouth just barely grazes her skin, shredding through the edges of her sleeves. It sneers, spitting out the fabric onto the ground and preparing to lunge again.

She's going to die. Kohane is going to die.

Her ears are ringing, heart beating faster than her ragged, hyperventilated breaths. She feels like everything is slowing down, fear and adrenaline coursing through her veins. Kohane fumbles with something, anything, until her hand reaches the lantern, still shining bright in the darkness. She had dropped it in the heat of the moment, and the thick metal framing allowed it to survive the fall. She grabs onto it and does the first thing she can think of, hurling it with as much force as she can and landing a hard hit on the wolf. The glass shatters on impact and pierces the animal's skin, making it shriek in agony. The flame of the lamp catches onto the wolf's silver fur, and it bashes its face on the dirt in an attempt to put it out, only causing the glass to get dug further into the creature's fur. It flails around wildly, letting out pained howls until the fire goes out, leaving a hideous, charred scar on the side of the wolf's face that still gushes fresh blood from the wounds.

Kohane uses the distraction as an opportunity to fish out the knife she kept in the pocket of her apron, gripping it tightly with two shaky hands. She sucks in a large breath and holds the knife high above her head, driving it deep into the creature's heart. The wolf lets out a ear piercing shriek, clawing wildly at the girl, its claws scratching at her arms. Kohane ignores the pain, wringing out the knife and stabbing it over and over again in a frenzied rage. Soon the animal no longer fights back, going limp with the plague of death. Kohane does not care. She continues to stab over and over and over and over again, turning the body into an unrecognizable, mutilated corpse. Blood gushes out of the carcass, staining Kohane's clothes and painting her arms and face a dark red. The creature's organs spill out onto the grass, creating a disgusting, vomit inducing squelch every time the knife comes into contact with the soft pink flesh. Kohane does not care. She maims the hideous carcass until she is too weak to lift her arms up again. She pulls out the knife a final time, the weapons and her arms drenched in viscous, rotten, blood.

It's dead. The monster is dead.

Kohane does not care.

Does she?

Her legs give in, and she collapses onto the ground with an agonized scream, vomiting onto the bloody grass. Kohane begins to sob hysterically, choking on her never ending tears as she digs her hands into the dirt, the sounds of her miserable cries filling the air.

Her mother is dead. The monster is dead.

Kohane is not dead. She is not going to die.

She almost wishes that she did.

...

Once upon a time, there was a girl named Little Red Riding Hood, but everyone called her Kohane Azusawa.

Where is her happily ever after?

2. Take two.

Kohane collapses onto the cottage floor in a bloody mess. She manages to collect herself after the mortifying scene, dragging herself back home through the thick forest. She wanted to bring her mother home as well, but Kohane was too weak to pick her up, and if she had to look at the decapitated corpse for any longer, she would probably vomit and pass out again. Luckily, Kohane's screaming didn't draw the attention of any other creatures in the forest, for if anything did find her, she would surely just give up and allow herself to be killed. She returns empty handed, for holding the knife makes her feel terribly sick and she couldnt be bothered to bring anything else back. Only her mother truly mattered.

Kohane looks at her dirty hands, a vile mix of the wolf's blood and her own from the wounds on her arms. She couldn't stand the stench, the foul smell of blood and guts that only recreates the image of her dead mother in her head. With what little energy she has left, she pushes herself up and picks up some clean clothing before trudging out the door towards the riverside. Under any other circumstances, she would find the scene immensely gorgeous, with the cold blue moonlight shining onto the still water and thousands of glimmering stars dotting the night sky, but Kohane was far too distracted to be enamored by nature's beauty. She discards her bloody clothing and sinks into the freezing water, barely affected by the temperature. As she scrubs weakly at the blood on her arms, she stares down at her reflection in the dark water. Her eyes are large and empty, her face vacant and expressionless, smeared with stains of blood. She should feel something. Kohane should feel something, but she doesn't feel anything at all. Her throat feels tight and tears bubble in the corner of her eyes before streaming down her dirty face, but her expression remains emotionless. Kohane is terrified. She is enraged and heartbroken and utterly distraught. She is disgusted and shocked beyond comprehension and completely traumatized, but her face remains unchanging. Why isn't it changing? She clenches her fist, and with a shout of rage she drives her hand angrily through the water, breaking up the reflection with a loud splash as waves of water ripple away from her.

Breathe. In, out.

Kohane collects herself, submerging herself completely in the freezing water for a few moments. The coldness is calming, and Kohane is tempted to stay there forever.

Breathe. In, out.

She swims back up to the surface and scrubs at her face and limbs, getting rid of the foul blood and ignoring the wounds on her arms. The redness of the fluid dissipates in the cold, river water.

Breathe. In, out.

She pulls herself out, shaking off the water and reaching for her towel. Kohane wipes at her body almost violently, drying herself quickly. She slips on her clean clothes and eyes the battered and bloody old ones.

Breathe. In, out.

Unsure what to do with the unusable clothing, she simply dumps it into the water, stabbing a stick through the cloth and into the dirt shore of the river to keep it from floating away. Kohane would return for it another day. She doubts that day will come anytime soon.

Breathe. In, out.

She silently trudges back home, opening the door to an equally silent cottage. What once felt cozy is now suffocating. The house is quiet and empty, without a single sign of life. The sweet laughter of her mother, the warm smell of her cooking, her soft lullabies, and her gentle smile are all gone.

Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.

Breathe.

In, out.

Kohane no longer worries about feeling nothing. She just barely avoids breaking into tears again, sucking in a sharp breath and releasing it slowly. She collapses onto the floor again, hugging herself tightly.

Breathe. In, out.

It will be okay. Everything will be okay.

Kohane drifts into heavy, dreamless sleep.

She awakes to the warmth of sunlight and sweet birdsong, though it does nothing to comfort the longing, painful ache in her heart.

Her stomach growls. She should eat, but she just feels sick. She's afraid that she'll just end up vomiting out the food. But Kohane has to eat something, or she'll be too weak to do anything at all. She pushes herself up again and rummages around for food. She works up the energy to make an easy sandwich out of some bread and a few slices of cheese and ham. There is little food left, and Kohane knows that she will have to either start rationing or go out and forage for herself. Even so, she wishes her mother could have just made a simple dinner and waited for morning to gather food. Kohane would gladly take any severity of hunger for a mother who is alive and well. Chewing idly on her food, she tries to distract herself by the gentle scenery outside to avoid truly tasting it, feeling its filthy textures between her teeth and being reminded of the gory scene the day before. She goes out into the garden and buries herself in the work, pushing out any thought of her dead mother. If she tries hard enough, she can simply pretend that her mama was still out foraging, and that Kohane was merely playing in the yard and awaiting her return. It was easy to forget. Too easy. The truth hadn't fully dawned the little girl. She was still in deep denial, and she refused to believe that her mother was truly gone. Still, Kohane had witnessed her mama's death before her very own eyes, and the sickly sight was hard to get rid of. The scene replayed over and over again in her head: her mother's decapitated corpse, the wolf's bloody body, organs spilling onto the grass. Driving the knife into the creature's heart, the sound of her own screams.

Breathe.

In...

...

...

The day passes by in a blur. She doesn't remember anything anymore. She won't remember anything for a long time.

...

Breathe. Keep breathing. Keep breathing. Keep breathing. Keep breathing.

In, out.

-

Kohane finds herself in the forest again, dragging her feet aimlessly-no, lifelessly- through the thick pines. She has a reason for being there.

Night approaches, the setting sun casting a piercing golden glow onto the endless rows of trees. It forms sharp, harsh shadows that seem to stretch on for miles on end, only thin slits of sunlight cutting through the vast darkness.

Kohane trudges forward, impassively following the smears of berries on the trees, handprints the color of blood dragged across the rough bark. She has business to finish.

Kohane is not strong enough to lift her mother, but it's not like she has a choice. It would be improper, distasteful, to bury her mother in the blood stained grass where her very head was torn apart. Kohane would drag her mother's corpse back to the garden, even if the remains were filthy with rot and reeked of decay, the blood a nauseating brown and the body littered with maggots.

It would not matter.

The wolf's carcass would be there too, rotting beside her mother's corpse. How disrespectful. Kohane hopes that the flies tear its body apart.

She makes it to the forest clearing once more, standing before the piles of flesh that decorates the ground. The cold, sharp moonlight shines on the mutilated corpses like a glaring white spotlight. Kohane is reaching toward her mother's decapitated body when she hears a rustle amongst the leaves. She stills, eyes widening and the hair on her arms rising as she jumps into a defensive stance, nearly hissing like a feral wolf. Her arm fumbles around wildly for the kitchen knife and she finally gets ahold of it, handle still stained with blood. She hides herself within the protection of the thick bushes, the foliage dense enough to secluded her entire body. The source of the sound dashes through the shadows as if it were part of the darkness itself, snaking between the endless maze of trees. Kohane catches a glint of moonlight shining on its narrowed eyes. She grips the knife tighter, its weight a comfort in her trembling hands. But she is not afraid anymore. She aims the knife carefully and precisely, with a steady and unnerving accuracy. Kohane has killed something once. She'll do it again.

Right?

Suddenly, the creature emerges from hiding and leaps into the clearing, and Kohane snaps into position, poised to strike into the heart. Its teeth are yellow and bared as it snarls viciously like a ferocious predator, sharp and dirty claws digging into the dirt with silver fur standing up on its back and-

Kohane pauses.

It is a young wolf, a small one with short, shiny fur and large beady eyes. Its posture is hunched and timid, the frightened creature shrinking in on itself as it steps toward the bodies. It lets out a nearly inaudible whimper, fear and distraught clear in its shocked eyes. The animal looks small and fragile as it nudges its head on the lifeless carcass, as if desperately pleading the creature to wake up once more, for the dead wolf to take another breath, to feel the solemn beating of the heart and the warmth of an embrace.

A mother's embrace.

Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe-

Kohane struggles to breathe. Her breath comes in heavy and erratic hitches, as if her very lungs were being compressed and torn apart. No, no, no, no, no, that's not right at all. The wolf she killed is not- was not a mother. It's not Kohane's fault, it never was, and it never will be. She was simply acting in self defense. Kohane would have been killed if she didn't act first. Only the strongest survive, after all. How could she have known? How could she have known that that very wolf was as much of a mother as her own, one with a helpless child just like Kohane and- No, that's not right at all. It's just a stupid animal, inferior to human beings. It doesn't need love, doesn't deserve the care and affection and- but how could it have known, either? How could it have known that Kohane's mother had a child who loved her, a child who would be unthinkably hurt by the loss and death of- and what if the wolf was simply protecting its own child, just like how Kohane only killed the creature to save her own life and avenge her mother, and- no. No, no, no, no, of course not. There is no nuance to the situation. It is clear that Kohane is not, and will never be, the villain. She is no hero, but she has always been and always will be the protagonist. No matter how you frame it, how you view or approach it, the answer is as simple as that. It is not her fault, and she is not to blame. What a stupid thought that would be! It was just a stupid, vicious, bloodthirsty animal. It attacked and killed Kohane's mother first. Nothing else could have happened, no information missing or untold. That is all there is to it. It was an inferior, subhuman, and mindless creature undeserving of compassion. But if not for her human skin and bones, how was Kohane any more of a human being? What defines a human? The heart or the mind? Does humanity come from kindness and empathy or intelligence and sophistication? And why is it that someone who is barbaric, animalistic, cruel, and heartless can still be called a human being?

Breathe. Breathe. Breathe-

Kohane chokes on her own, unsteady breathing. Her lungs gasp for air, clawing wildly in her airway as she begins to hyperventilate, her breath getting louder and quicker and panicked and-

Snap.

The wolf's eyes lock onto Kohane. For a moment, it still looks like small and frightened, like a child just like Kohane: scared and alone. But then it's eyes sharpen into a thin slit, hostile and accusatory, as if it was saying: you did this. YOU did this.

And she did. Kohane did.

It doesn't mean anything. It will never mean anything. No matter what, Kohane will always be Little Red Riding Hood, the innocent and harmless little girl who could never do any wrong, because how could she? She'll always be the unblamable victim of the situation, no matter how blurry and warped the eyeglass must be.

She breathes. In, out.

The small wolf snarls hysterically at Kohane, lunging at her violently. Kohane grips the weapon close to her heart, its shining, blood coated blade aimed at the small creature.

Breathe. In, out.

The wolf's claws reach for her face, but Kohane lifts up her arms to block the slash. It grabs wildly at her face and arms, leaving bloody red marks on her pale, already wounded skin. She pays it no mind, reaching with her other hand to twist the creature off, flinging it onto the ground.

Kohane kill this one too, just like the last one, just like she's supposed to. She won't feel any remorse, any regret. She won't feel anything at all. And it wouldn't matter, because it deserved to die. It won't matter because IT doesn't matter. And that's all that there will be to the story.

In one fell blow, Kohane drives the knife into the wolf's heart.

Die.

The creature lets out an ear splitting shriek, so shrill and pained that Kohane nearly flinches back, but she is stands stiller than a statue as if her body was sculpted to be poised in this position, knife permanently carved to be part of her figure, held between her hands.

Die.

The small wolf writhes painfully and flails its limbs wildly, but Kohane's sculpted stone arms keep it struggling in place. She closes her eyes and breathes slowly, but the creature's howls only become louder in her ears, its sound reverberating and echoing throughout the empty, cold forest.

Breathe. In, out.

Die.

The wolf's claws continue to flail weakly, its arms flinging uselessly at Kohane's face. Kohane harbors no reaction, twisting the knife further into the creature's chest, watching it let out another shrill but noticeably weaker scream as blood gushes out of the wound. She is tempted to make the cruel motion again, to watch as it thrashes in pain and cries for help.

Die. Die. Die.

The small wolf begins to lose energy, its body starting to go limp and puppet like in Kohane's iron grip. After one more fruitless swing in the air, the creature's arm dangles uselessly and falls to the ground, laying lifelessly on the dirt. The wolf goes silent as its body stills, trapped by the press of the girl's bloody knife.

Die.

With one final, fleeting breath, the wolf is dead for good.

Kohane pushes the carcass off of her knife, piles of guts and gore following with it, landing in a rotten heap on the tainted forest floor. Fresh blood pools around the corpse, oozing from the open wound and covering the wolf's once silver fur in a shining red blanket.

Blood drips down Kohane's arm, the viscous fluid staining her already dirtied sleeves and dress. Some of the red liquid makes it to her face, framing her vacant expression and dark eyes. The knife is heavy in her hands, its weight sinking down on her, threatening to drag her deeper and deeper until she becomes the one to flail her arms wildly and scratch at the air.

She stares at the dead wolf, laying as a lifeless heap of skin and bones next to its decaying mother. Maggots and flies surround the stinking carcass and eager attack the newly fallen wolf, the insects eating and buzzing hungrily at its exposed organs, the scent of flesh and rot filling the once fresh forest air.

Bile rises up Kohane's throat. She swallows it back down, tasting the acid on the back of her tongue.

Kohane wonders if she was supposed to end up like that, an unrecognizable mass of meat and filth decomposing beside her mother's similarly decaying corpse, the one that still lays there headless and bloody and cold and rotting and human and-

Kohane throws up onto the fresh green grass for the second night in a row.

that's it for now, thanks for reading :)

fic was last updated on 1/29/2025, will likely receive an update soon. (i wrote this entire fic on my notes app lmao it depends on how often im stuck in no wifi situations)