#a birthday homage to K

[seekers-who-are-lovers]

Pretty in pink: Kazuki K & subversion (an homage)

Note: For Kazukiweek 2023: Acceptance

Pink is fresh. It is a happy color. It is positive. It is a sign of good health. That says a lot about Kazuki Kurusu. He has a bubbly personality, his optimism is brimming, especially after the seventh episode. It sure helps that Rei and Miri have become his ethos, have accepted to welcome the changes after five years of losing Yuzu. Usually, he wears his emotions on his sleeve. (But I think that’s only a front.) I love him. Right to the 11th episode, he has totally embraced the new life he’s been leading with Rei and Miri. The fact that he wanted it all along but was apprehensive because of his traumatic experiences made him cautious of the way he dealt with Rei and Miri. Rei’s determination on the second balcony scene was the catalyst because he knew how much K wanted it.

That fond looks K gives toward his family.

In the West, we are past that era where men cannot subvert pink’s gendered stereotype. You see men wear pink dress shirts, pink suits and other piece of clothing and they look spectacularly good. It is still a test of bravery for some though. Small boys still despise this color perceiving it as a girly stuff. New mothers try to veer their daughters away from this color by consciously not purchasing and introducing pink-coloured merchandise to their daughters’ color palette only to be disappointed because of peer pressure in the kindergartens. You know Elsa and Anna and the beautiful ladies of Disney and their association with pink? Too common, too banal.

However, “in contemporary Japanese culture, says (Barbara) Nemitz, pink is perceived as a masculine and mournful color that represents ‘young warriors who fall in battle while in the full bloom of life.’” Slain young samurai. All right. (Thanks to PA Works, it didn’t come to that though.)

It is also the color of sakura, cherry blossoms, which are the Japanese’s favourite flower. They do picnics just enjoying and gazing at the beauty of cherry blossoms (and later, peach blossoms). The Hanami. Some Japanese migrants adapted this ritual/event to their host countries and it is a sight to behold.

Different shades/nuances of pink worn by K and the moms

Pink has long been associated with homosexuality. The pink triangle. The lgbtq movement reclaimed the former badge of shame used by the Nazis incorporating it into the pride flag later. Though almost 70 per cent of the Japanese society supports it, it still is a huge problem to come out.

While there are no legal implications, coming out remains taboo for many in Japan for fear of being ostracized. A survey of young LGBTQ people published last year found high levels of mental anguish, including suicidal thoughts. More than 90% said they couldn’t talk about their sexuality with their guardians. Very few people in national politics or the corporate world are openly gay, although homosexual themes and LGBTQ celebrities are a staple of television and other forms of entertainment.

“Buddy Daddies” is not marketed as BL, but the show makers can write whatever about their characters. Sometimes implying them without direct confirmation. It depends how the viewers interpret it.

But K also symbolizes subversion. K’s characterization nonetheless goes against of what is perceived to be the norm in the Japanese society. He is both a nurturer and a protector, though Rei certainly will take over this “protector/saviour” task without any question. From the looks of it, he’d do anything for K and Miri.

Rei always in front to gauge the danger

An odd man out, K does the household chores while he can carry an adult man without any problem. We have seen him does it more than twice already. He’s loud and conspicuous. In Japan, you must never stand out. (<< - Shogo’s videos are highly recommended to watch btw!) He (and Rei) (go) goes against the rules. They blur the gender stereotyping in all aspects of life.

The crew presented the scenarios as if they were a matter of fact, normal, without making fun or light of it. No further commentary. One can say that it is subversive in a sense they want the audience to become aware of their thoughts on adoption, new family dynamics, the bureaucratic hurdles of enrolling your children and better access to daycare centres/schools to the ever-present mothers who have to give up their jobs and dedicate their lives to their kids, etc.

(It was unfortunate that they didn’t follow it up with Misaki Unasaka.)

Why do I get this feeling that one way or another “Buddy Daddies” had been the show makers’ thinly veiled social commentary on their society?

Anyway, I will miss his winking. Either way, I can still rewatch it.

Many happy returns, K!

[synkthemaverick]

aespa the maverick (에스파 더 매버릭) is a male fictional subunit of the South Korean group aespa formed by SM ENTERTAINMENT. the subunit marks the first official unit of the group. the subunit consists of THREE members: RYVER, YUUTO, & CAMDEN. aespa the maverick made their debut with the single "MAVERICK" on SEPTEMBER 17, 2023.

BASICS

COMPANY :: SM ENTERTAINMENT

DEBUT DATE :: SEPTEMBER 17, 2023

DEBUT SONG :: MAVERICK

FANDOM NAME :: MY

FANDOM COLORS :: WISTERIA & MALIBU

MEMBER PROFILES

Jeong Hansol (정한솔) also known by his stage name Ryver (리버), is a fictional member of the kpop group aespa and its subunit aespa the maverick under SM Entertainment.

FULL NAME :: Jeong Hansol (정한솔)

STAGE NAME :: Ryver (리버)

BIRTHDAY :: July 16, 2000

BIRTHPLACE :: Tokcho, South Korea

POSITION :: Leader, Main Vocalist, Lead Dancer, Visual

SHORT HISTORY

Born in the fictional city of Tokcho, South Korea, Ryver was born to his parents Jeong Hojin & Kang Aeyoung on July 16, 2000. He is the only child born of the two is considered a "spoiled child" by korean netizens, although his parents never made it seem like he was spoiled. Hansol was 17 when he was scouted by SM Entertainment, though he thought it was a scam, his instincts were aware that it wasn't. A few months later after he was scouted, he officially became a trainee under the company. He was the "guinea pig" of the company as the company had a few debut plans for him, the first idea was him debuting in NCT and its sub-unit NCT Dream, but the plan for him debuting in the NCT project was scrapped. He was then considered to debut in the super group SuperM, again, the idea was scrapped. He was then offered to join the group aespa, to help the group's lore and storyline more in depth. He chose the stage name Ryver as a homage to his mother's family name "Kang" which means river in Korean. His stage name “Ryver”, however, was chosen out of several different candidates: others included 홍연/Hongyeon (crimson flame), 섀도/Shadow, and 비트/Beat. Another option was 하이드/Haide (hidden). In aespa and its subunit, he is represented by the animal Wolf, the number 85, the symbol ⚡️, and the skill Chronomancer.

Katou Yuto (加藤 勇人) also known by his stage name Yuuto (유우토), is a fictional member of the kpop group aespa and its subunit aespa the maverick under SM Entertainment.

FULL NAME :: Katou Yuto (加藤 勇人)

STAGE NAME :: Yuuto (유우토)

BIRTHDAY :: September 8, 2001

BIRTHPLACE :: Sapporo, Japan

POSITION :: Main Dancer, Main Rapper, Vocalist

SHORT HISTORY

Yuuto was born in Sapporo, Japan to doctor Katou Hiroto and former teacher Katou Yuri, Yuuto is the youngest of 3 children, Katou Yuuji & Katou Yuka. At the age of 14, he discovered kpop when his schoolmates were taking about it and made him want to learn more about it, the first kpop song that he had listened to was Shinee's "Lucifer". He then decided to audition for SM Entertainment with a friend of his, however, his friend was rejected while he was accepted. He would then be flown out to South Korea with his older brother and would go on to working with SM Entertainment as a trainee. Yuuto was the first member of aespa's male subunit to be revealed to the public as he would be the first member of the unit to be a trainee the longest. His stage name “Yuuto” was chosen out of several different candidates. Others included 하루토/Haruto (sunlight), 히카리/Hikari (light), and 렌/Ren (lotus). Another option was 에이스/Ace to highlight his standout qualities and skills in the K-pop industry. In aespa and its subunit, he is represented by the animal Jellyfish, the number 54, the symbol 🎵 and the skill Aero Whisperer.

Han Dongyoon (한동윤) also known by his stage name Camden (캠던), is a fictional member of the kpop group aespa and its subunit aespa the maverick under SM Entertainment.

FULL NAME :: Han Dongyoon (한동윤)

STAGE NAME :: Camden (캠던)

BIRTHDAY :: November 4, 2004

BIRTHPLACE :: Gyeongju, South Korea

POSITION :: Lead Rapper, Lead Vocalist, Maknae

SHORT HISTORY

Camden was born Han Dongyoon in Gwangju, South Korea to his parents Han Jae and Kim Seunghee. Camden was raised in a musical household, his father was a former guitarist and singer while his mother was a famous musical actress. At the age of 5, his family moved to Los Angeles, California, USA because his father was offered multiple jobs in the States as a music teacher. Prior on becoming a member of aespa and its subunit, aespa the maverick, Camden was a backup dancer for BoA during her comeback "Forgive Me". His stage name “Camden” was chosen out of several different candidates. Others included 메이븐/Maven (expert), 레이즌/Rayzen (razor-sharp), and 신도/Shindo (divine path). Another option was 에디슨/Edison, reflecting his electrifying presence in the K-pop scene. In the group, his representative animal is a Dragon, the number 14, the symbol ♦️& the skill Cyberweaver.

ZYRUS (자이러스), is a fictional advanced AI system for aespa’s male subunit ‘aespa the maverick.’ ZYRUS plays a crucial role in facilitating interactions between the virtual and real worlds, assisting Ryver, Yuuto, and Camden in their journey. The name ZYRUS combines elements of ‘zenith’ and ‘cyrus,’ symbolizing its elevated and dynamic support for the male subunit. ZYRUS, with a voice akin to harmonious echoes, was unveiled during the MY, RYVER teaser video, contributing to the group’s compelling narrative in the SM Culture Universe. He is called the "Naevis of the Maverick" by fans.

[michiruze]

So we're close to May 30, that is Keir Dullea's birthday. As usual, there will be new art on that day....but I have not uploaded my 2023 fanart yet....

And so here it is! This time, it's David and Lisa (1962)-themed...

The story behind these is that there's A Certain K-Pop Song that has a music video set in a mental hospital and it eerily resembles David and Lisa (1962).....i'm taking it as that song homaging the movie.....

Meaning that it's a sign that I must draw David Clemens instead of David Bowman!

(gee, what is this image referencing....? certainly a certain k-pop song!)

Obviously since I am me, these drawings are meant to look like husbando Gacha Game art....this time, there's a bloomed one!

(spot the references to the song 👀)

[razorsadness]

There is so much, so much to say. So much, these days. And I’m sleep-deprived so this entry will be a haphazard list rather than a well-thought-out piece of prose, but I need to get some of this down because there’s just going to keep being more and more and more.

—The last day of March I dressed up in a very queer-punk getup to attend the Queer Youth Assemble rally in Kenosha. I put my harness on along with my other undergarments, and over that I wore tall black boots and a loose, long black dress and my leather jacket that has studs and appliqué roses on it (the one I always describe as cowpunk-meets-Kathy Acker). I did elaborate eye makeup and darkened my wispy lil’ mustache with mascara, and went to the rally. And a bunch of my cishet ally friends were there, and a bunch of my queer and trans friends were there, including my crush Shelley. (Shelley is a pseudonym and yes, I did christen them that in an homage to both Mary and Percy Byshe, because they are goth and a poet.) All of us were in our Most Gender finery, complimenting each other, and Shelley looked super hot in their leopard coat and cat’s-eye glasses. After the rally ended due to rain, Shelley and a few other folks and I went out for beers and nachos and I can’t tell you how good it felt to be Out and Queer. In fact, our waiter (gender neutral) said they had wanted to be at the rally but couldn’t make it due to work and they thanked us for going and said we all looked ‘hot as fuck.’

—It got warmer as the day went on, rained more, then the fog rolled in, then thunderstorms, then back to just rain, and it was warm enough I was able to leave the window open overnight for the first time this year, and I could hear the rain and the trains.

—April first it got cold again, and the wind returned, and it was not my lover, this was brutal bitter asshole wind. I ran some errands, including meeting up with K. to pick up the Joe Strummer piece I commissioned him to do for Ali’s birthday. And then I had a bit of the sads, because the kids were cranky and I was PMSing. And because I was thinking about M., how it’s now been 18 years since he died, and how it still hurts that I can never tell him how much he meant to me. But I wrote some poems and took some selfies and then I drank a little too much wine and listened to W/IFS, like I do when I’m in my feelings.

—And the two days after that were kind of crappy, I was still sad and cranky from PMS, and stressed about the upcoming election. But I did some voter outreach stuff and wrote more poems and did some painting and ate dark chocolate and drank tea.

—Then election day, and despite the storms (including hail!) Wisconsin turned the fuck out, and the election turned out the way I had hoped, and I am so relieved that my state overwhelmingly voted against the right-wing extremist judge and that my town voted against the MAGA freak mayoral candidate. And P. and I had amazing sex that night.

—And the next couple days were mostly about packing for a trip to Door County, and more poems, and more sex. And there was more rain, more storms, but also warmth, and bits of sun and butterflies, and the greening grass.

—Two days before Easter, we headed north. Everything was muddy and brown and we saw e a lot of birds—hawks and herons and wild turkeys. There were road snacks and road silliness. We saw a truck that said Lubenow on it, and we figured out later it had to be someone’s last name (like Luben-ow), but it was like “got it, looks like Lube Now.” And at the rest area we usually stop at there’s this big Wisconsin tourism sign that’s supposed to look like a license plate, and it says LUV R AG (as in Love Our Agriculture), but again, because of the kerning and design, it looks like Luv Rag. So P. and I were making jokes about how Luv Rag sounds like the name of a band of sleazy middle-aged dudes trying to cling to their ‘80s hair metal days, and I said: “Thank you! We are Luv Rag, and this is our new single, ‘Lube Now!’”

—We were up there for five nights, 4.5 days. It was less stressful than staying with my parents usually is, and except for the first half of our first full day there, the weather was great. I ate a ton of good food and stayed up late writing most nights; found out about a sonnet contest I’m going to enter. P. and I got to go out, just the two of us, several times. We went out for drinks a few times; got to sit out by the fire pit at Door County Brewing Co. and listen to a great folk musician who goes by the name of Hunter Gatherer. (I already liked him cuz when we first arrived, he was playing a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,” and then a bit later he was introducing one of his originals and said: “This song’s about running from the cops.” And I liked him even more.) Other times we just drove around the peninsula, or went hiking in Peninsula State Park and exploring our favorite tiny old cemetery. Our last full day there, we took the kids swimming (in a pool, not the lake—it’s still way too cold for that!), and I hadn’t been swimming in years and I had forgotten how much I love it, how at home I feel in the water, like that’s where I belong, like that’s where my body works the way it should.

—We arrived home to the daffodils and violets in bloom and everything even greener, buds on the trees, more warm weather, and there were days of childlike joys and nights of adult pleasures. Days of playing hopscotch with C. and reading endless books, of iced coffee and shooting hoops and watching the backyard birds and squirrels. One evening, we even got to grill for the first time this year, and make s’mores for dessert. Nights of drinking a bit, and hot sex, and staying up late writing.

—Then it got cold again, and it rained, then snowed. Yesterday I felt really bad for the first half of the day. Partly cuz of the weather; gray and cold and gloomy and it was hard being cooped up inside again after that week of warmth and sunshine. Partly cuz I was sleep-deprived (the kids have been waking up hella early lately.) Partly cuz fucking everything was making me cry. I dunno, I was having weird-bad gender feels, and also feeling uninspired/unmotivated writing-wise, like ‘oh, I made it through the first half of NaPoWriMo, but I think I’m tapped out now.’ And maybe a bit of that ol’ pre-Mercury Rx shadow period creeping in there, bringing up old issues and feelings—I was missing my good old bad old scumbag days. The days of freight hoppin’ and basement shows and circus freakery, and dumpster diving and busking and long bike rides across cities, of wheat paste and graffiti and stick n’ pokes and sleeping out, under the stars, giving myself over to scary thoughts, & omens, & excess. The days when most everyone I knew had a clown act and a copy of the Crew Change Guide. I made a cup of tea and lay in bed watching Netflix for a while. First I watched the “Beyond the Binary” episode of Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness, and then I watched Mae Martin’s new comedy special, Sap. And of course both of those have to do with gender stuff (at least in part), and both of them talked about growing up queer/GNC and having such a hard time and turning to drug abuse and other self-destructive behaviors, even though they were white, middle-class kids who were not kicked out by their parents. And I was like, oh hey, me too. And both shows made me cry, and it was good cathartic crying, but I still felt like shit afterwards. So then I started thinking about some ways to bring back some of the less-destructive aspects of my scumbag days back into my life, and I was still feeling sad, and then I decided to check in on the contest results of the WB Yeats Poetry Prize and the Allen Ginsberg Poetry Prize.

Both of them said they’d announce the contest winners on their websites sometime in or after March. The Yeats Prize said it would also contact the winners directly; the Ginsberg Prize said no such thing, but I assumed they would. Starting in mid-March, I was checking both sites every few days or so, and obsessively checking my email/snail mail. And nothing, nothing, nothing. The last time I’d checked the sites was April 3, and yesterday I was like: “Well, it’s been two weeks, there must be some news by now,” and I was assuming I would go on and see the list of winners and my name would not be there and maybe it was a bad idea because I was already feeling so crappy, but then I was also kinda like, well, I might as well get all the bad feelings out of the way at once. But still, on both websites, the most recent winner’s list was from 2022. And then, I shit you not, like eight minutes later, P. brought the mail in and handed me an envelope. Return address: The Poetry Center At Passaic County Community College, One College Blvd., Paterson, NJ. Location of the Allen Ginsberg Poetry Prize. My hands shook as I opened it. And…I fucking won! Not first, second, or third place, but I don’t even care because one of the poems I sent them (the one that is probably, in my opinion, among the best poems I’ve ever written, but also one of the riskiest) received an Editor’s Choice Award! And it’s gonna be published in the Spring 2024 issue of the Paterson Literary Review, and I’ve been invited to participate in the awards ceremony/reading there, next February.

I don’t even know how to express how much this means to me. Professionally, but also personally. Like, first of all, New Jersey is such a huge part of my personal mythology. I was conceived in New Jersey! So many of the people who have meant the most to me, personally/artistically, have New Jersey roots! Like Allen Ginsberg! And Jack Terricloth! And Bruce Springsteen! And my witchwife, Penny! And also just, well, I mean god, Allen Ginsberg. For better or worse, the Beat Generation and punk rock have been the most enduring influences on me/my writing, starting at a very young age, and Allen Ginsberg is definitely towards the very top of that “beat + punk influence list.” I just. Can’t. Fucking. Get Over It. Can’t quite believe it! I keep touching the letter they sent me to remind myself it’s real. (It’s on the Poetry Center’s official stationery, which is on beautiful, thick, creamy paper.) I keep blowing kisses at my framed photo of Ginsberg, one where he’s sitting at his typewriter, writing a poem.

—So yesterday evening, P. and I dropped the kids off at my folks’ house for a bit. We went to pick up takeout dinner for everyone, but also got to have a celebratory whiskey while we waited. And I stayed up late last night. First, I wrote a poem—guess I wasn’t totally tapped out, after all. Then I was just awake scheming and planning (and wishing and hoping). About immediate future stuff, like this year’s vegetable garden, and going through my books to find some to donate to the library’s book sale. As well as the positive scumbaggery I can reincorporate into my life—I remembered that I bought myself that stick n’ poke kit last year, so soon I’m gonna give myself a new tattoo; and I started thinking up ideas for a poetry wheatpaste project. And then—travel. I still wanna travel a bit this year, but I think I’m gonna keep it mostly midwest. Then, next year, I’m gonna head out east again finally, after all these years, for the awards ceremony, but I’m gonna try to book a mini-tour around it, and there will be old friends and new friends and old haunts and…yeah. I am so fucking ready.

—And today I’m sleep deprived, again—I was up late, and the kiddos once again got up stupid early. But I don’t even mind. I got some writing done and listened to some podcasts and oh, tomorrow I get to go see Bikini Kill. I’ve been waiting for this concert for over three years (from when I first bought the tickets in December 2019, before it got postponed many many times due to CoViD), but I’ve also been waiting for this concert since I was twelve—from when I first heard Bikini Kill, and wanted to go see them, but then they broke up before I got the chance. (And yeah, I saw Le Tigre a couple times, and that was fun, but not the same.) And there’s a lot of stuff going on right now that teen me and early-to-mid twenties me would be super stoked about—like the Allen Ginsberg Poetry Prize, like seeing Bikini Kill, like stick n’ pokes and wheatpaste and travel plans. And that feels kinda great; showing my younger self that I am still rocking that shit at my advanced (haha) age. And just overall, things are so good lately. There is so much joy, even in the mundane. Even the bad shit doesn’t seem as bad as it did for a while, because in these past four months I have proven to myself that my life isn’t over, that I can still do rad shit, that I can still experience beauty and joy.

[shingekinohyrulewrites]

Unteachable

After a chance encounter at your town's Summer's End Carnival, you hook up with a hottie.

Only to find out he's your English teacher.

This fic displays a teacher/student relationship, where the reader is 17. This sort of relationship is NEVER okay, especially given the power difference between a teacher and student. This is a clear abuse of power. If this is a topic/trope that greatly bothers you, I would suggest seeking other fics out.

Read first chapter here

Read previous chapter here

It felt as if the school year had just started but Homecoming was already around the corner, with the Student Council putting up posters with this year’s theme, “Home Before Midnight.” The theme was an homage to Cinderella, with images of glass slippers and clocks with their hands on midnight greeting you at every corner. Your girlfriends were already trying to plan their outfits, trying to coordinate what shade of blue you all should wear.

It was also tradition that the cheerleaders wore the jersey of one of the football players during the Homecoming game. Senior football players would take it a step further and also ask out a senior cheerleader to Homecoming, making an elaborate public gesture. Camie was excited to be asked out but hadn’t disclosed which player she wanted to ask her out.

You had brought up the topic of Homecoming to Kai, and he had chuckled before ruffling your hair.

“As much as I would love to accompany you, angel, I will be there as a chaperone. You know, keep you kids six feet apart.”

Pouting, you had rested your head on his shoulder.

“What a bummer. I would have loved to slow dance with you.”

“We can have our own Homecoming after, love. We’ll sneak off to my place after. You can stay the night if you want, too.”

The thought had your heart pounding and you had agreed, already thinking of the lie that you would fabricate for your parents. For now, the two of you had continued to meet discreetly on the weekends, driving outside of your small town to go on dates and spending evenings in his apartment making love.

It was two weeks before Homecoming. By the middle of the week, you were usually beginning to get tired and you were more exhausted due to staying up late filling out college applications. Stifling a yawn, you dragged your feet as you made your way to your locker, clutching onto the strap of your bag as you came to a stop and began lazily spinning the dial. You began to hum to yourself as you dropped off the textbooks you didn’t need before a gentle tap on your shoulder had you turning around.

Kirishima was standing there, cheeks flushed as he held a giant bouquet of your favorite flowers. There was a sparkly card hanging from a clip at the top, with your name written in his familiar chicken scratch. Confused, you scanned around the hallway before casually leaning against your locker and peering up at him.

“Um, K, what is this? It’s not my birthday yet.”

His cheeks seemed to flush even more as he shook his head.

“I know, I just . . .”

Straightening himself up, he glanced around him before bellowing, “Yo, can I get everyone’s attention?”

The hallway went silent, every single pair of eyes trained on the both of you. Shrinking under their gazes, you turned to peer at your best friend anxiously.

“As you all know, it’s tradition that the senior football players ask out the senior cheerleaders to Homecoming. It’s expected that we do some big, elaborate gesture that has everyone talking.”

His eyes flickered back to you, the color from his cheeks slowly fading away.

“Some of you may know this special girl. We’ve been neighbors since we were born. I honestly couldn’t picture myself without her.”

With that, Kirishima took a step closer to you, pulling the bouquet away from his face to look directly at you. He said your full name in a gentle tone that had your eyes going wide before he spoke again.

“Will you go to Homecoming with me and wear my jersey during the game?”

“Oh my god, K,” you gasped out.

Your eyes nervously flickered around the hallway. You spotted your friends a few feet down, phones out as they recorded the whole thing. A few of the teachers had stepped out of their rooms, whispering amongst each other and smiling like proud parents. Just as your eyes flickered back to Kirishima, you spotted Kai standing in the hallway, face expressionless as he took in the scene before you.

Fuck.

“Of course I will,” you replied, trying to hide the panic you felt rising up in you after seeing Kai. Grinning, Kirishima juggled the flowers into one hand before pulling you into a tight hug, lifting you off the ground excitedly. The hallway erupted into cheers and applause and you buried your face into his chest, embarrassed.

“Finally!”

“You grew some balls, Kirishima!”

“Way to go!”

Your friends had finally made their way over to you, clapping him on the back as they appraised the both of you. Ochacho and Momo nudged you knowingly, winking at you before leaning in and whispering that you two made a cute couple. You stayed quiet, watching Kai depart to his classroom from the corner of your eye.

Due to the sheer size of the bouquet, you were forced to carry it with you to all of your classes. Word had spread fast about Kirishima’s Homecoming “proposal,” and every single teacher had congratulated you, much to your chagrin. You were dreading facing Kai in your last class, not sure what to even say to him if you had the chance but instead choosing to wait for him to make a move.

When you entered his class, he was seated behind his desk, seemingly grading some papers. There were some empty desks at the back so you left the bouquet there before scuttling back to your seat. When the bell rang, he started his class as usual but you noticed there was a coldness to his tone and gaze. Normally, the two of you would exchange glances as he walked around the room, sometimes smiling at each other when the other students were occupied with writing notes down. Today, however, he didn’t bother to look your way, blatantly ignoring your hand every single time you raised it.

“Please finish the next chapter of The Scarlet Letter! We will be having a discussion about it this Friday!”

You were exasperated at this point by Kai and decided to just pack up your things and go. Grabbing your bouquet, you decided to exit through the back door, slipping out into the hallway and making your way towards your locker. You were hoping that cheer practice would take your mind off of Kai and decided to throw yourself into your stretches and tumbles.

***

After taking a long shower, you decided to finish some homework in bed. Your phone sat next to you, soft lofi beats playing from its speaker. Mr. Ecto had assigned a take home quiz for homework and you were struggling. Frowning, you tapped your pencil against your forehead. You had just finished scribbling some work down when the music stopped and your phone began vibrating.

Prince, mobile.

Freezing, you realized Kai was calling you. After the cold draft he had directed towards you today, he was honestly the last person you wanted to hear from. Sighing, you grabbed the phone and clicked on the answer button.

“Hello?”

“Hi.”

Kai’s voice was unnaturally quiet. Normally, he greeted you with some cute nickname or teasingly asking if you were working on his homework. Instead, his voice was monotone, no evidence of affection present.

“Um, I’m working on a take-home test. What’s up?”

“You’ve never minded me calling while you’re doing homework.”

Shit.

“I-I know, but . . .”

The words you wanted to say were on the tip of your tongue but you were so afraid of what Kai’s reaction would be.

“We need to talk.”

Your heart dropped in your chest. Voice failing, you nodded but then realized he couldn’t see you so let out a quiet hum.

“I don’t want to take anything away from your high school experience. It’s your senior year, and you deserve to be out with your friends, enjoying senior activities and not having to sneak around with me.”

“Kai -” you began, but he cut you off.

“You know that I care deeply about you, but seeing you with Kirishima . . . perhaps it’s better you commit your time to him.”

Your heart shattered at that instant.

“I’m sorry. I promised you I wouldn’t treat you any differently and I still won’t.”

Your mind had barely processed everything when he suddenly hung up. The lofi beats from before began to play again, the calming beats doing nothing to stop the tears in your eyes from falling.

[what-if-nct]

This ain’t about NCT or anything k-pop but you know that cousin that played kpop from the moment I was born and even got me into shinee — aka the mvp girl — um… apparently she’s pregnant 😭😭 (she tried to hide it from me so-)

So… according to the doctors (and her amazing math skills), the baby could be due on early-mid April next year and she predicts that it may be around the 5th to the 15th. So we did a bet together. If the baby comes out on the 8th, she’s gonna call it Jonghyun, even if it’s a girl (or she’ll just have it as a middle name). If not, then she gets to choose the name herself which she was thinking Sofia or Sunny. However, it may actually be a boy but she will be checking her ultrasound soon to make sure.

Now every time she comes to the house, I’m gonna play Jonghyun’s songs in hopes that it comes on the day. I’m literally going to annoy her so much but I guess we’ll have to see lol (to make it even more hilarious is that the last name of the guy she was with was Kim so… this birth certificate would be very interesting 💀)

If it does come out on the 8th I’m gonna announce the baby as Jonghyun from Walmart and then sign him to sm entertainment at his 14th birthday 😭😭😭😭😭 (nothing beats the real one tho, BUT AT LEAST I CAN HAVE HIM- shit that sounds like alabama lol)

Before you guys assume that I’m white person doing cultural appropriation, I’m Japanese 🤘🏻

Awww congratulations to your cousin!!! Sofia and Sunny are such cute names for a girl and if his last name is Kim then he's possibly Korean so if it's a boy then Jonghyun totally makes sense and such a sweet homage to him. I hope she has a wonderful and healthy pregnancy and delivery.

[greatfunkystatic]

Media Thread Vacation Megapost!

Yo, so I went to travel for a month to visit my fam, and I went thru a LOT of media in that time. Since a lot of them were small reviews, I decided it's better for me to just upload the small ones into one big post rather than spam like 11 different posts rn. So, I hope you enjoy!

(This is ordered by when I experienced it btw)

The LEGO Batman Movie (2017)

1/2 Movies I watched on my flight to visit my family. Honestly, I think the original Lego Movie was better. It definitely had some fun parts but tbh I feel like it was phoning it in a bit more with this one, along with kinda relying on the big IP characters more than playing on them. Robin was peak tho.

Now You See Me 2 (2016)

2/2 Movies I watched on my flight to visit my family. How the fuck did I not watched this movie series until now. It's got magic, it's got noble thieves, it's so fucking great. MS/HS me woulda loved this.

Eureka Seven (2005)

God damn, this may have been the slowest burn I've had from a show ever, but the ending was pretty fucking good. Renton was kinda ehh, but everyone else was good. DOMINIC AND ANEMONE ARE PEAK.

Deadpool and Wolverine (2024)

What a fucking blast of a movie. That shit was really fun to watch, and may have had one of the best opening sequences I've seen in forever. It went a bit too hard on the whole Disney/Fox/Marvel thing, but it definitely did feel like it was more an homage to Fox Marvel movies in the past 20 years. (And of course Deadpool would be the one to pull Wolverine back, because of fucking course)

Blade Runner (1982) (Rewatch)

Altho I don't note media I've experienced before, this was with a group of friends and I was rewatching so I can prepare for 2049, and man. It's just fantastic. I don't know how else to describe it. Like I wish I could describe more, but all I can really say is that the movie is just incredible. The atmosphere and the experience is just all actual kino. Hope you had a great birthday, Sorel.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017)

God this feels like a Nickelodeon TV movie and I mean that in the best way possible. You shouldn't take it seriously, but it's just straight fun and also REALLY cool. Elton John is quite possibly the high point in the movie.

Bladerunner 2049 (2017)

This one is getting its own post.

La Chimera (2023) (Unfinished)

2/4 movies I watched on my flight back home. I'm not gonna lie I just clicked on this without knowing what the movie is about because the cover and title looked cool. I was kinda liking it due to giving me a bit of nostalgia of the types of movies I'd see on TV back home or the movies my parents would watch, but idk if it was me being tired or just disinterested but it couldn't really hook me in fully. Maybe once I find out more about the movie I'll actually go finish it, but for now this is where we part.

Murder on the Orient Express (2017) (Movie)

3/4 movies I watched on my flight back home. RAAAAAAHHHHH I LOVE MURDER MYSTERIES I LOVE HAVING THE SUSPENSE AND MYSTERY OF TRYING TO FIGURE OUT A CLOSED ROOM CASE RAAAAHHHHHH. god i wish i was good at solving them tho. Btw the ending is both really fucking funny and also really fucking moving. GOD I NEED TO READ SOME AGATHA CHRISTIE I'M A FUCKING POSERRRR.

Detective K: Secret of the Living Dead (2018) (Unfinished)

4/4 movies I watched on my flight back home. Really funny movie, altho it did feel a bit slow and some of the gags did feel a bit overplayed, might be a cultural difference tho. I was enjoying it but unfortunately I couldn't finish it before the flight had ended, so a full review will have to wait until another time.

Nyan Neko Sugar Girls (2010)

I really hope it's not the rabies…

[miss-bruja]

Favorite k-pop group tag game!

Thanks to @epiphanytear the tag!

Who is your favorite k-pop group?

Bangtan Sonyeondan clearly

Which member sparked your interest first?

This is all Jin's fault. I randomly clicked a video of them on the Graham Norton Show and when Jin was being Jin I was like who is this man I'm in love?

Who was your first bias?

Yoongi/Suga/Agust D/Love of my life?

What makes them your current bias?

I am OT7. Genuinely can't even say I have a bias anymore which is very typical of me. I can never choose a favorite of anything so why would I be able to with these seven amazing men? One member might hold more of my attention for a period of time but I ultimately could never choose just one. I love them all for different reasons and if I tried to get into the why of each this would be an entire essay. I am very much unhinged and in love with every single one.

Who is your bias wrecker?

Again, since I don't have a bias, I don't have a wrecker. But also my bias wrecker is El Capitxn lol

Which members are you currently obsessing over that aren't your bias/bias wrecker?

Hobi. With his recent birthday, plus the upcoming album and docuseries I am missing and loving him something fierce. I will say this about Mr. Jung Hoseok, in terms of pure artistry? He is probably one of my favorites in that respect. The creative choices he makes just happen to be everything I love - the old school/grungy sound of his music, the themes of identity and using dark and light as a concept, the homage he pays to hip hop greats, his dance style? plus the zine style packaging he's going for with this new album? hello?? Hobipalooza is my Woodstock - it is the concert I will forever wish I could have been at. Also Blue Side might just be one of the most beautiful songs ever. Let me stress though that I could wax poetic like this about every single member.

When did you first discover the group?

Early 2022. I had a few good months with them before that years now infamous festa dinner lol

Have you ever been to one of their concerts?

I got to see Yoongi's D-Day Tour and it was one of the most special experiences of my life. I stood frozen for the first couple of songs because I literally could not believe I was actually there. It was my birthday and he saw someone else's birthday sign in the audience so he had the whole arena sing happy birthday to them and it was kind of amazing experiencing that.

What are some of your favorite songs by the group?

I will stick with OT7 songs because if I were to get into solo and sub-unit songs we would be here all day. Just One Day, Tomorrow, Let Me Know, Rain, Hip Hop Phile, Run, Butterfly, Ma City, Autumn Leaves, Spring Day, 134340, Black Swan, Dis-ease, Run BTS

Also I'm on like a real Converse High kick right now so I'll include that.

I don't really have anyone I could tag who hasn't already done this so if you see this and would like to participate, have at it!

[hornpipetamilsongs]

Unforgettable SPB Hits | Ilaiyaraaja's Best Tamil Songs | 80's & 90's | Hornpipe Record Label#HornpipeRecordLabel #SPBHits #Ilaiyaraaja #SuperHitTamilSongs #hornpipeTamilSong #BestTamilSongs #TamilMusic #80sMusic #90sMusic #Jukebox #BackToBackSongs Join us on the Hornpipe Record Label YouTube channel for a heartfelt tribute to the late legendary SPB (S. P. Balasubrahmanyam) and the living legend Ilaiyaraaja as we celebrate their remarkable contributions to Tamil music. Get ready to experience a compilation of the top, best, and unforgettable super hit Tamil songs from the 80s and 90s. In honor of SPB's birthday on June 4th and Ilaiyaraaja's upcoming birthday on June 2nd, we present a mesmerizing collection of the most beloved and cherished melodies that have stood the test of time. Song List: 00:00 -"வனமெல்லாம் செண்பகப்பூ பாடல்" "Vanamellam Shenbagapoo" Duet Song from the movie "Nadodi Pattukkaran" (1992). Starring Karthik and Mohini. Music by Ilaiyaraaja. Sung by SPB. Lyrics by Gangai Amaran. 04:48 - "பூத்து பூத்து குலுங்குதடி காதல் பாடல்" "Poothu Poothu Kulunguthadi" from the movie "Kumbakarai Thangaiah" (1991). Starring Prabhu and Kanaka. Music by Ilaiyaraaja. Sung by SPB and Uma Ramanan. Lyrics by Gangai Amaran. 09:03 - "போட்டு வெச்சு பாக்கபோறேன் பாடல்" "Pottu Vachu Pakkuporen" from the movie "Therkathi Kallan" (1988). Starring Vijayakanth and Raadhika. Music by Ilaiyaraaja. Sung by SPB and K. S. Chithra. Lyrics by Gangai Amaran. 12:20 - "நேந்திகிட்ட நேர்த்திக்கடன் துள்ளல் பாடல்" "Nenthukitta Nerthikadan" from the movie "Thalattu Ketkuthamma" (1991). Starring Prabhu and Kanaka. Music by Ilaiyaraaja. Sung by SPB. Lyrics by Vaali. 16:56 - "பனிவிழும் மலர்வனம் பாடல்" "Panivizhum Malarvanam" from the movie "Ninaivellam Nithya" (1982). Starring Karthik and Jiji. Music by Ilaiyaraaja. Sung by SPB. Lyrics by Vairamuthu. 21:10 - "சித்தகத்தி பூக்களே காதல் பாடல்" "Sithagathi Pookale" from the movie "Rajakumaran" (1994). Starring Prabhu and Nadhiya. Music by Ilaiyaraaja. Sung by SPB and KS Chithra. Lyrics by R V Udayakumar. 25:19 - "அபிஷேக நேரத்தில் பாடல்" "Abhisheka Nerathil" from the movie "Azhage Unnai Aarathikkiren" (1979). Starring Vijayakumar and Latha. Music by Ilaiyaraaja. Sung by SPB. Lyrics by Vaali. 29:23 - "ஏலேலங்குயிலே பாடல்" "Elelang Kuyile" from the movie "Pandiya Naattu Thangam" (1989). Starring Karthik and Nirosha. Music by Ilayaraja. Sung by K.S. Chitra and SPB. Lyrics by Gangai Amaran. Let's commemorate the timeless artistry of SPB and the living legend Ilaiyaraaja. Let's commemorate the timeless artistry of SPB and the living legend Ilaiyaraaja with this handpicked selection of their top, best, and unforgettable Tamil songs. Don't miss out on subscribing to the Hornpipe Record Label YouTube channel as we pay homage to these remarkable musical geniuses. @superhittamilsongs #TamilFilmSongs #TamilMelodies #TamilCinema #MusicLegends #SPBLivesOn #IlaiyaraajaBirthday #SPBBirthday #TamilPlaybackSingers #EvergreenHits #MemorableMelodies #GoldenAgeOfMusic #TamilMovieSoundtracks #MusicNostalgia #TamilClassics #IconicDuets #RomanticMelodies #SentimentalSongs #MagicalVoices #MusicalJourney For All Latest Updates: ▶Subscribe to our Hornpipe YouTube Channel For more Evergreen Hit Tamil Songs: https://goo.gl/oniuki ▶Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hornpipelabel ▶Like Us Facebook: https://ift.tt/ZzDFRvG ▶Follow us on Instagram: https://ift.tt/yev9nIT ▶Follow us on Tumblr: https://ift.tt/OA70Q98 ▶Follow us on Dailymotion: https://ift.tt/BQ4TgqP © 2021 Hice Telemedia Pvt. Ltd.

[homagecollage]

Music Birthday: K Camp 🔊🥳 Today, April 27, 1990, K Camp was born Kristopher Campbell in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. K Camp has a song called ‘Piece of Love,’ which samples Guy’s ‘Piece of My Love,’ and it’s included on K Camp’s “K.I.S.S. Pt. 2” 2014 mixtape.

[tayyemon]

Three Games Announced I am Buying, and One I am Skipping

On September 13th, 2022, Nintendo held a Nintendo Direct Showcase that alluded to some of the games that are planned to release next year! On that note, here are my top three anticipated games, and one I am going to skip out on.

First up is Octopath Traveler 2. Eight more travelers go on a journey to find themselves. Following the response of one of the most popular Nintendo Switch (and arguably Square Enix) games, Octopath Traveler, this sequel was welcomed with open arms, with a fun battle system and an engaging narrative, this game would be hard for me to pass, especially since I loved the first one. The story I am looking forward to the most has to be Agnea's. I love a good drama and Agneas' story to become the best performer in the land sounds like its going to deliver.

Release Date: February 24th, 2023.

Ports: Nintendo Switch, Play Station 4 and 5, Windows via Steam.

Price: $59.99 USD

Second up is going to have to be Enigma Archives: Raincode. This game is a detective game where the main premise is climbing the detectives guild by solving murder cases gone cold. Also, this game was made by the same development team and creator of the iconic Danganronpa, a separate series that is still intensely popular to this day, despite the last mainline release being in 2017. I personally hope that there are homages to Kirigiri and/or Shuuichi, as they were detectives in the Danganronpa series.

Release Date: Q2 2023 (Spring).

Port(s): Nintendo Switch.

Price: TBA

Lastly, but never the least, is Just Dance 2023 Edition. I never really had friends to play with, at least in person, but now that they have an online versus mode, I am willing to check it out, also this game has gotten very popular with streamers so I am willing to check that out! (Also, can't wait for my personal recommendations to be filled with K-pop music for the most part either LOL!).

Release Date: November 22nd, 2022.

Port(s): Nintendo Switch, Playstation 5, X Box Series X/S.

Price: $59.99 USD (if this is too expensive, I anticipate a sale, as it's very easy to find the 'Just Dance' games at almost half price)

And now, for the skip. Also a Square Enix title, is Harvestella. I love a good farming game, and the main premise sounds so interesting (‘surviving the season of death' goes so hard), but when I played the demo, I personally could NOT get past the blurry in game graphics, which many other players had also noticed while playing the demo. Even with great art and an inclusive main character, I want to enjoy the season of death, not lose to it cause it strained my eyes too hard. If they fix the blurriness then yay, I would buy it, but with Square Enix' s track record it doesn't seem likely, so unfortunately I will skip Harvestella for now.

Release Date: November 4th, 2022.

Port(s): Nintendo Switch, Windows Via Steam.

Price: $59.99 USD

What were your thoughts on this list? Have any other games you'd think should have been added? Comment Below!

PS: Fire Emblem Engage is also a game I am looking forward to as well, and quite frankly, may be the push I need to pre order the special edition, or at least ask for it as a birthday present as the game itself releases nine days before my birthday so there's that!

[clgzb]

CL: IN THE NAME OF LOVE

If K-POP royalty were a thing, CL would be queen and reign supreme. Speaking to The WOW, the former idol turned independent artist muses over her most recent album ALPHA, her favourite vintage coat and her approach to self-care.

PHOTOGRAPHER: MAX PAPENDIECK

STYLIST: CECE LIU

INTERVIEWER: JIANMING XU

CL, née Lee Chae-rin has had a whirlwind of a career. After being catapulted into unconscionable fame at only 17 years old, assuming the role as leader of the girl group 2NE1, her life has been anything but ordinary since. Now a solo artist, who is returning to the stage, she’s starting a new chapter and her first solo album ALPHA is just the start.  

After almost three years devoid of energetic and chaotic crowds, live performances can be healing to the soul. Knowing her adoration for performing, whether she’s an independent artist or not, nothing else matters to CL once she’s on stage igniting a crowd. Labels, titles, and her own situation don’t come into play, it’s simply about reconnecting to the energy and frequency she feels her best at. And two years later, she’s ready to release all that suppressed energy. “For me, [I feel most beautiful] when I’m on stage performing, that’s why I love doing it. I always say I love dancing and I love performing on stage. I love the rehearsals too, but to get to the point where you feel comfortable with your movement and you finally are on stage and you perform, like, that’s when I feel like I’m meditating, almost. I think that’s how I feel because that’s where I feel the most beautiful and confident.”

There’s a running theme of fighting throughout CL’s most recent album, ALPHA. The first full-length solo album she’s released since her debut, it’s no wonder that she described herself as being in “Alpha Mode” during the making of this album. Listening to a Mike Tyson podcast interview during the making of the album, the South Korean singer derived inspiration and affirmation from the boxer’s outlook. “I was listening to Mike Tyson’s interview for a podcast, and he said something about how ‘love is respect’, because in the name of love people sometimes do crazy things – in a negative way, or it comes out in negative forms – but with respect it doesn’t. I agree with that. I think for me, love is being fearless  and brave.”

This fearlessness and fight centered around the desire to be independent. ALPHA is a representation of CL’s time where she comes into her own, “I just felt like it was time for me to be me, and I wanted to be independent and to be able to do, and learn, and grow by myself and with my team.”  ALPHA is her equivalent of graduating from school. She had learned a lot from the K-Pop system, but the manufacturing and the co-dependency of it all was something she was ready to detach from. When we think of K-Pop, we all have a specific idea of the music, the look, and the music video motifs; but the artists that are produced and involved are so much more multi-faceted and complex. This was CL’s time to be independent, discover and develop parts of herself she had been unable to. At the time of this interview, her favourite song of the album was Spicy, but she admits herself that this answer may change the next time you ask her this question.

Spicy, the opening track of ALPHA, has all the elements of a quintessential CL song: the references to her pride in her heritage, the ever-building tension, and the repeated mantra of “energy, power, chemistry” that so perfectly encapsulates this highly anticipated track. Beginning with the voice of  John Malkovich, CL’s self-described mentor whom she met whilst filming Mile 22, there is a playfulness about the song. She’s not holding back and her music reflects this. It hails a new era for CL. 

This new chapter for the superstar hasn’t been without struggle. We must give mention to the song Wish You Were Here, dedicated to her late mother and “anyone that misses a loved one”. Released on the former idol’s 30th birthday, it pays homage to her mother as she reminisces their fond memories together. A relaxed vibe with melancholic lyrics, it’s a step away from the vibrant dynamism CL is typically known for. A song for the soul, it reflects her procession of grief and it’s her way of honoring one of the most important people in her life. “The hardest lesson is that everything is a lesson. You’ve got to look at it like you’ve got to learn from it to grow out of it. Sometimes it can be tough and you’re like ‘what the fuck’, but you’ve got to understand that everything is a lesson. Oh wow! I miss my mum,” CL lamented.

   “‘Love is respect’, because in the name of love people sometimes do crazy things – in a negative way, or it comes out in negative forms – but with respect it doesn’t. I agree with that.  I think for me, love is being fearless and brave.”

For CL, love is dependent on your attitude towards life. Having been in the industry for so long, from the Kpop complex to going solo, she knows just how fluid and dynamic life truly is. She also knows just how draining and potentially dangerous life can be. “For me, how you love others is how you love yourself. Going through a lot of changes in the past couple of years, I had to make sure I check on myself. To give yourself that respect and for others alike. Not giving up on love, I think, is important. It changes every time because what you go through in life changes, you know?” CL sagely comments. Metamorphism and evolution have been ongoing themes throughout her life – perhaps this is why she is  so wise. CL’s reverence for her culture and her roots is reflected in her artistry and her performances. Her recent performance at 88Rising’s Head in the Clouds was a perfect example of this. 88Rising’s support of CL’s career and her independent work, and their goal of promoting Asian artists is what she loves about them. A collaboration that seeks to empower one another is art to her. This sentiment was effortlessly communicated through her appearance at the Met Gala last year. Donning an Alexander Wang design marrying traditional Korean silhouettes with the all-American classic of denim, she was one of the first female Kpop artists to attend the affair.

We’re often taught to separate the artist from the art, but how can we when context is so important? The person who creates the art has a story to tell, an emotion to evoke and an identity to protect. CL’s ethos echoes this. Being an idol to many Asians, both within Asia and the diaspora, there can sometimes be a divide that needs to be handled with care. Through CL’s lens, it isn’t and shouldn’t be this way. Whilst it’s challenging and exciting to work in new territories, simply put: her art is her and her work is her work. They shouldn’t be separated based on geography. “Exploring new places and traveling  and learning new cultures is something I'm used to, it’s how I was raised, you know I went to an international school, I'm used to that, so I love doing that. It’s a different culture, but if you have music you connect to and a message that everyone connects to, like where you are doesn’t matter; there’s always someone that you can relate to and people that want to be understood and I'm very happy and grateful that I can represent that,” she preaches.

The music and talent industry revolves around exposure: the act of showing yourself, sharing your life, your light, your gift. It’s all-consuming and in no way a regular job. CL knows this well and she recognizes it. She practices self care and self-love by making sure she has time for herself. As she reminds us, the love you have for others reflects the love you have for yourself. In the same way she shows up for others, she makes sure she does the same for herself. “I love spending time by myself, and I make sure to do that. I’m just around people all the time, you know?” She doesn’t have to do anything in particular, and the activity changes each time: sometimes it’s a bath, sometimes it’s a walk, sometimes it’s a solo coffee date, but one thing that doesn’t change is the fact she does it daily. It’s a time with no phones, no external connection, no outside influence. This is for her.

The time that CL keeps for herself is something she’s incredibly grateful for. When questioned about something that she’s proud of, she chuckled……

This cover story and a longer version interview will be published in our The WOW N° 6

buy the issue [here]

Talent: CL

Photographer: BRYAN HUYNH @ SOCIETY MGMT

Stylist :CECE LIU

Hair: NATHANIEL DEZAN @ OPUS BEAUTY using ORIBE

Make-up: SANG JEON

Nails: COCA MICHELLE @ RARE CREATIVES

Casting Director: ANGELIKI SOFRONAS

CGI Artist: RODOLFO HERNANDEZ

Production: PREISS CREATIVE

Photography Assistant: CEM ENGIN & LIAM ANNIS

Digitech: CHRIS WHITAKER

Retoucher: HAMZAH AMI

Styling Assistant: ARIELLE ONCOEUR

INTERVIEW: ROBYN  NGAN

[phoenixgryphon]

I want to ride my bicycle

Happy futureBirthday/Beefday @readytocomply B)

I just had to continue the Bucky and Queen inspired train I got going for you 👀 

This one is in homage to the Bicycle Race video clip because it had to happen at some point LOL big bare beef on b i k e

[alpacaparkaseok]

30 Questions Tag Game

Tagged by @moon-write whom I love

name/nickname: B, Bren, Bdawg, Mi Reina (or at least that’s what my phone calls me lol)

star sign: virgo

height: 5′6 (also @moon-write I snorted at your “on a good day” comment here lol)

birthday: september

favorite band: bts (I mean, I would hope so if I’m running this blog lol), Sleeping at Last (been in love with them for so long, pls go listen to them they’re so underrated), Little Mix, TXT, AJR, Lady A, Stray Kids, Shinee, Blackpink, Itzy, MAMAMOO STAN QUEENS YA’LL, Monsta X, Lany, and lots more

time: 8:01 pm

favorite solo artist: HAHA ok, IU, Taylor Swift, CAMILO I LOVE THAT MAN, NF, Quinn XCII, Jon McLaughlin, RM, Agust D, Baekyun, Ben Platt, Ed Sheeran, Leslie Odom Jr., MAX, Neil Diamond, Nat King Cole, j-hope, Evaluna, Beyoncé, Jeremy Zucker, Chelsea Cutler, Kelsea Ballerini, and so many others that I can’t even think straight

song stuck in your head: mad at me by Quinn XCII

last movie you watched: Dan in Real Life

free space!: I’M SO EXCITED FOR THIS NEXT CHAPTER OF HTSS I CAN’T CONTAIN IT AND I LOVE YOU GUYS AND LITERALLY CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH HOW MUCH I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU SO THANK YOU FOR REACHING OUT EVEN IF IT’S JUST TO SCREAM

last show: the bachelorette (I’M DEVASTATED OVER ANDREW S. DON’T TALK TO ME)

when i created this blog: October 2020! I still mentally visit that first month in my head all the time, I loved getting on here and not knowing literally anything lol. can’t believe how much has happened since then!!

what i post: bts fanfics for daysssss and lot’s of things shoving my love for you down your throat and begging for attention lol

last thing i googled: "flowering cactus plants”

other blogs: @seokjinsbookclub is my fic rec blog! 

do i get asks?: ohh I do and I love them haha. you guys are so sweet and hilarious and never fail to make me smile! also I appreciate when you’re vulnerable with me!

why i chose my url?: simple. have you ever heard Kim Seokjin try to pronounce “alpaca parka”?? adorable and hilarious. also added the “seok” at the end as homage to both Seokjin and Hoseok, who is my bias wrecker! (and Namjoon just pouts in the corner and ignores me when I tell him that I literally wrote my first fanfic about him lolll)

following: 70+ I think. I need to follow more but I always forget

followers: ok idk how this keeps happening but ya’ll have starting following me so fast and it’s wild, and I’m about to hit 1000 and I didn’t think that’d happen so quickly, so the thought of hitting 1k before my year mark is baffling and humbling and I just wanna say thank you guys. I love you. 

average hours of sleep: usually 6-8 but last week was about 4 woooo

lucky number: 22!! 

what am i wearing?: workout joggers and a pale pink top! so comfy haha

dream job: writing!! I’m so happy that I get to do it as much as I do, it’s the best thing ever and I wouldn’t change it for the world.  

favorite food: ok there’s this Pacific Islander restaurant where I live and they have a sweet pork rice bowl with steamed veggies and a jalapeño ranch dressing and IT’S STRAIGHT FROM THE HEAVENS I KID YOU NOT AND NOW I HAVE CRAVINGS. also tuna casserole. I love tuna so much. oh and peaches. I love peaches. and avocado toast. 

tea or coffee: neither! 

nationality: American  

favorite song: *nervous chuckling* this is horrible to have to pick just one. how about top 3?? I’d say “Inner Child” by our lovely Tae, “Eight″ by Sleeping at Last (very near and dear to me since that’s my enneagram number, and for some reason this song is so special to me because it immediately takes me to a peaceful spot, but “The Lake” by Galantis and Wrabel. also outro: tear, Let Go, Awake, Follow You by Jon Mclaughlin, and dis-ease and so many more

last book i read: “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides (strongly recommend!!) and currently finishing up “We Were the Lucky Ones” by Georgia Hunter  

top three fictional universes i would like to live in: HP BBY, Throne of Glass!! and Goblin (the k-drama) as long as I get to either date the reaper or the goblin lol

this was fun! tagging @dreamcatcherjiah @ahundredtimesover @delacyrose224 @sierra-fics and @minsyubradio and whoever else wants to do this!

[subvk]

interview tag 💘

— tagged by these lovelies @chillingkoo and @gamerkooks (i don’t remember if i was tagged by anyone else because it’s been a hot minute since i got tagged for this haha fuck <3)

Rules: answer questions and tag 20 blogs you are contractually obligated to know better!

(under the cut because it’s long lol)

Name/nickname: i go by my alias, juno! if you were here before i switched to an alias, hush pls and keep it in the dms

Pronouns: she/her

Star sign: aquarius

Height: 145cm or 4′9″ ;-;

Time currently: 7:47pm

When is your birthday: february 4

Favourite band/groups: bts, blackpink, red velvet, lost kings (technically a duo), loote (once again, technically a duo), i’m also slowly getting into the jonas brothers aha

Favourite solo artist: chungha, lee hi, niki, katie, iu, troye sivan, sabrina carpenter, ariana grande, jeremy zucker, doja cat, zedd, keshi, bruno major, and the list keeps growing!

Song Stuck in Your Head: “ring ring” by sik-k ft. gaeko

Last Movie You Watched: i don’t remember tbh i don’t watch a lot of shows or movies </3

Last Show You Binged: ^^^

When You Created Your Blog: created in july 2019 but wasn’t officially established until december 2019!

Last Thing You Googled: “34+35 lyrics” LOL perhaps it’s an ode to a future wip hehe

Other Blogs: @wingscafe - my fic recs and personal blog that i’m absolutely terrible at updating

Why I chose my url: to pay homage to the era that got me into bts (wings era)~

Do you get asks: not often but pls talk to me i’m friendly!

How Many People Are You Following: 91

How Many Followers Do You Have: :)

Average Hours of Sleep: what’s sleep i only know coffee lmfao (just kidding - 6 hrs)

Lucky Numbers: 7

Instruments: none but in the future i’m hoping to learn how to play guitar!

What I’m Currently Wearing: pink pullover sweater and leggings

Dream job: i’m still trying to figure that out lmao but i’m currently looking into a career in either communications/journalism or editing and publishing

Dream trip: ah, way too many! but if i had to name my top 3 - hawaii, south korea, and japan

Favorite food: pasta all the way LOL

Favorite song: this changes a lot depending on my mood but if i had to pick one, “exhale” by sabrina carpenter

Top Three Fictional Universes You’d Like To Live In: fuck if i know HAHA. i’ll just name the ones that i’ve wanted to live in at one point in my life - naruto, harry potter, and attack on titan (once again, at one point in my life lmao i was young n didn’t know any better)

— tagging: @jungkxook @sketchguk @kitsutaes @flytomyjoon @softyoongiionly @yoonia @yeoldontknow (idk who’s done this already so i’m sorry if you’re tagged and already did it! also feel free to ignore as per usual; also ik this isn’t 20 blogs shh)

[me-fish]

I was tagged by @toyhto , thank you for the tag 😊

name: online, always Me-Fish. my real name is only known to the happy few (lol)

gender: woman

star sign: Pisces (hence the fish-related handle)

height: 173 cm

time: 23:29

birthday: March

favourite bands: I have a million. But I’ll highlight The Magnetic Fields – my first real obsession… I bought their CDs whenever I travelled to Berlin bc they weren’t available in Finland at the time. ah, memories….

favourite solo artist: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Cecilia Bartoli, Maria Callas…

song stuck in my head: Layla acoustic version by Eric Clapton

last movie: Princess Mononoke by studio Ghibli

last show: Whole show, True Detective S1. Still ongoing, Le Bureau.

when did i create this blog: uh, 2014-ish? But I only got into fandom things properly in 2017 with my lovely fellow shame centralists of the SS-GB fandom! <3

what do i post: current obsessions, noir stuff & classic cinema… random stuff!

last thing i googled: ‘best Twine games’ for reference, because I’m looking into perhaps making my own interactive fiction game if it’s not too difficult… hmm.

other blogs: nope!

do i get asks: not really

following: too many blogs lol.

followers: it always surprises me that anyone bothers following me at all tbh!

average hours of sleep: 8-9 hrs

lucky number: don’t believe in them!

instruments: flute, piano, some guitar

what am i wearing: right now? leggings and a tunic

dream job: something that would give me lots of money for little work lol

dream trip: to visit all my lovely tumblr friends living abroad <3

favourite food: sushi

nationality: Finnish

favourite song: I can’t answer this, I have so many

last book i read: The Yiddish Policemen’s Union by Michael Chabon. An amazing detective novel set in alternative history timeline (where the holocaust didn’t happen & European jews were relocated into Alaska). The book is a homage to the ‘hard-boiled’ detective novels & also deals with deep questions about the jewish faith & idea of redemption

top 3 fictional universes i'd like to live in: Ursula K. le Guin’s Earthsea. I’d also like to visit Beszel & Ul-Qoma from China Mieville’s The City and the City, but wouldn’t really want to live in either city!

I’m tagging @residesatshamecentral @killclaudia @burnt-cinnamon @miss-indigodaisies @mattsirach @sybilius @believerindaydreams @pohjanneito @twobrokenwyngs (no pressure to play if you don’t wanna, as always!)