#anyway can you sense the bottom vibes? I’m projecting them through the screen

[sword-jam]

Sqh is living the fucking dream !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kittae]

Game Over

Pairing: Kim Taehyung x reader

Side characters: Min Yoongi

Summary: A drabble series where Taehyung is a successful artistic erotica actor but has to expand his areas of expertise in the rapidly evolving world of adult film. Lost and inexperienced in everything that doesn’t involve classy settings, flattering lighting and romantic scripts, he basically has to start from scratch to make it in the online porn community. As a highly demanded A-lister in that community, you take him under your wings (or better yet, between your legs).

Genre: Smut, fluff, a bit of comedy here and there. Maybe some angst, who knows.

words: 2187

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“Shit, shit, shit, fuck! Fuck, shit!” Taehyung curses, quickly tying his robe back on when he hears a series of three rapid knocks on the door. It’s obviously not out of modesty, seeing as everyone in the building has seen their fair share of bare dicks, if not taken close-ups of them.

“Taehyung, are you ready? You’re up in five.” Yoongi cracks the door open slightly before cautiously peeping his head through. His brows furrow when he sees the actor awkwardly shuffle around in his dressing room when this is usually the moment he goes over his lines. Not that there are that many this time, but still. “You okay in there?”

“Y-yeah, I’m fine. No worries.” The younger responds with a tight-lipped smile. Again, rather unusual for his doing.

“You’re good to go right?” His manager asks again, the worried frown on his face deepening.

Taehyung knows Yoongi isn’t asking him whether he’s practiced his lines or remembers the script. He’s talking about the state of his erection.

“I-I...I might need like, maybe a couple more minutes,” Taehyung murmurs, avoiding Yoongi’s eyes and his ears turning red in embarrassment, “I have a situation.”

Yoongi immediately picks up on the vibe and enters the dressing room, “Hey, that’s okay. It’s normal to feel stressed when you’re going to do something you’re completely unfamiliar with. Remember your first shoot?”

Taehyung groans upon the memory, “Hyung, you’re not helping!”

“Sorry, sorry… Should I call a fluffer? I got Jey on standby-”

“No! No, there’s no time, I’ll just… Just give me a minute.”

“Nonsense!” Yoongi waves away Tae’s protest as he’s already dialing the number.

“Jey? Hey, it’s Yoongi, are you free right now? We got a last minute, uh, situation– Oh! I-I see haha, talktoyoulaterbye!” Yoongi quickly hangs up, his cheeks weirdly flaring up with a deep pink.

“Jey’s… Busy at the moment.” He murmurs, stuffing the phone back in his pocket.

“What, you caught her on the job?” Taehyung grins, arms crossed and brows lifted.

“She answered the phone with a dick in her mouth so you tell me.”

Tae shakes his head, chuckling, “Love how you’ve been a porn star’s manager for three years and still get flustered at that kind of stuff.”

“Shut up and fix your problem already, you get ten more minutes.” Yoongi shoots back and Taehyung catches his flushed cheeks spreading to the tips of his ears before he shuts the door behind him.

“Ah, my manager is so cute,” He murmurs to himself before plopping down on the couch, sighing and grabbing his phone to put on some female solo work and get himself started. “Let’s get to work.”

You’re still in makeup when you hear a few gentle knocks on your door.

“Come in,” You allow the dark-haired man to enter your dressing room, amused to see a cute blush on his cheeks doing so. You suppose he’ll always be the shy boy you knew in high school.

“Taehyung will be a bit late… he’s nervous and you know what that can result in.” He announces, non-verbally greeting the staff fussing over your hair and makeup.

You nod in understanding, “I hope he’s okay… Maybe we should’ve met up over coffee or dinner or something first? To get the introductions out of the way at least…”

Yoongi shrugs, “I know, it was too last minute… He would’ve backed out if I gave him time to think about it first.”

“You’re mean, Min Yoongi,” You playfully scrunch your nose at him, making him laugh.

“Anyway, thank you so much for doing this. I owe you bigtime.”

You wave away his gratitude, “It’s nothing, you know that. It’ll be fun!”

Yoongi sucks in air through his teeth at that, crossing his arms as he thinks it over, “I wouldn’t be too quick to say that…”

Another knock on the door and the director’s assistant pushes the door open, clutching a clipboard to his chest and listening to instructions from the director through his ear piece.

“Mister Kim just got on set. We’ll start rolling in ten.” He lets you know before bowing and leaving again.

Yoongi’s brows shoot up in surprise. Guess the kid knows how to be a professional after all. Not that he ever really doubted him, but this was quicker than he’d expected.

“Showtime!” You clap your hands and stand up from your chair, loosely tying your silk robe as you make your way out of the room.

You’re feeling a bit giddy, seeing as it’s been a while since you got to shoot a clip with a new actor. You’ve just finished up your bondage series with one of your favorite co-actors; Jung Hoseok. Your body had been sore for weeks but hard work paid off and the results were amazing. Not to mention Hoseok was a real gentleman and a great friend to hang out with after he almost literally fucked your brains out. You can’t help but smile at the memory.

Getting on set as well, you greet some of the cameramen and women and hug the director. As you’ve worked on many projects together in the past, you’re quite friendly with each other. When you turn around, you lay eyes on your co-star for the first time. He stands casually, a friendly smile on his lips as he greets you first, introducing himself as Kim Taehyung.

Kim Taehyung. He’s drop-dead gorgeous.

Your mouth falls slightly agape and it takes you a second or two to remember you’re supposed to formally introduce yourself as well. It’s not like you aren’t used to seeing hot bodies and pretty faces in this industry, but he seems to just radiate ethereal beauty. And so effortlessly, too. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.

“H-hi, I’m ____,” You take his outstretched hand and shake it gently. “Are you ready for today?”

“Of course,” He smiles, pretty and moisturized lips stretching into a box shape, “I look forward to working with you.”

You know this is his first time doing anything in this genre, since Yoongi told you. It’s almost impossible to believe he was having a hard time earlier because of nerves when you see him now, oozing confidence and carrying himself with a sense of established professionalism.

Professional unlike you, this encounter stupidly having your heart race. What are you, an inexperienced newbie? A little schoolgirl seeing a boy for the first time? You need to get it together. You’ve shot hundreds of clips like this, you could do this with your eyes closed, for God’s sake.

“Me too, let’s do our best!” You flash him a smile in return as you both move to the first set; a living room with a couch and a big TV, a playstation on the floor and controllers laying next to it.

“Alright, quick recap: Taehyung, you’ve gone over to your best friend’s house only to find he’s not home so you’re hanging out with his sister instead. ____, you’ll play video games for a few seconds before you ‘lose’, okay, and you can really channel your inner sore loser for this one. Be a bit of a brat. You hate losing and you need Taehyung to let you win. You know the rest.” The director’s voice is the only sound in the quiet room.

You both nod, sitting down on the couch and each grabbing a controller. You’re dressed in a simple white T-shirt and blue pyjama shorts. Taehyung’s shirtless, just wearing some loose, black basketball shorts.

“Aaand...ACTION!” The director’s assistant hits the slate and the cameras start rolling.

You start off by getting really into the game, concentrated looks on both of your faces. Taehyung has his bottom lips between his teeth as he smiles, getting close to winning it without really having to do much. Instead of looking at a black screen and pretending to play, you actually put the game on so the reactions come off more genuine.

“I’m gonna get you!” Taehyung chirps excitedly, long fingers effortlessly hitting combos and beating your ass at this game. You’re turning a bit frustrated without even having to act. He’s definitely played this before.

You struggle to keep your ground, losing more and more momentum as Taehyung rapidly gains the upper hand until he gives you the final blow, ‘GAME OVER’ appearing on your player’s side of the screen. Taehyung roars in victory, jumping up from the couch and starting to do a silly dance. This is where you come in.

“That’s not fair!” You put your best pout on, stubbornly crossing your arms over your chest and emphasizing the swell of your breasts in doing so. “You cheated, again! All you do is cheat when we play together!”

Taehyung pretends to think about it as he crouches down to your height, playfully petting your head, “I think you just can’t stand to lose three times in a row, hmm? A bit of a sore loser are we?”

“I’m not! It’s not losing if you cheat your way into winning!” You bite, standing up to gain some height back and swatting at his hand. “Why can’t you just be fair and let me win? I deserved to win this time!”

“You did, huh?” Taehyung slouches back in the couch, long legs casually spread and showcasing the obvious bulge in his shorts.

“Yes, I did! I deserved it!”

“I don’t think you did…” He cocks his head to the side, eyeing you from head to toe and positively undressing you with his eyes. His bottom lip is back between his teeth, this time in a mischievous smirk.

“Excuse me?!” You gasp, very indignantly like the bratty princess your character is.

“I don’t think you deserve to win...yet. I think you need to work for it a little more.” He licks his lips while he takes your hands in his, pulling you between his legs as he stays seated. “I’ll decide what you deserve.”

He pulls you down by your hands until you’re sitting on your knees, between his. “And what is that?” You ask, a cheeky tone lacing your words as you look up at him defiantly.

“My cock stuffed down your pretty little throat so you can’t talk back to me like a spoiled brat,” his words sound harsh while his fingers are tender as they brush stray hairs out of your face. “Although I’m not sure if a bratty bitch like you even deserves to choke on my dick.”

His voice strains upon speaking the insults and you could make out sweat forming at the sides of his face. It’s not uncommon, what with the bright spotlights giving off lots of heat, but something tells you it’s not because it’s hot on set. He looks extremely uncomfortable.

You give his knee a soft squeeze, silently encouraging him. You want to tell him it’s okay, though you can’t be vocal about it right now.

“Please, Taehyung. I want it… Can’t you give it to me because you made me lose the game?” You bat your pretty lashes, hands rubbing his thighs and subtly climbing their way up to his crotch. You really, really do want his cock, though. You’ve watched one of his movies last night to get acquainted with his style and body and you know perfectly well what he’s packing inside those shorts. You’re dying to feel the weight of it on your tongue. Your mouth waters just thinking about it, but you have to follow the script first.

He chuckles darkly, exactly as scripted, taking your chin between his thumb and index finger before lifting it slightly. “There you go again, demanding things. What makes you think a dirty girl like you can just ask me for things?”

“CUT!” The director calls, the cameras instantly stop rolling. “It’s ‘dirty slut’, Taehyung, not ‘dirty girl’. Let’s take it from the beginning of the sentence, okay? You’re doing great, by the way.”

Taehyung nods, a serious look on his face as he gets back into character. You don’t miss the way his chest has started heaving more quickly.

“3,2,1...ACTION!”

Taehyung clears his throat before repeating the sentence, “What makes you think a dirty...a dirty s-slut like you can- can just...Uh...”

“CUT!” Director Lee’s clear voice sounds from behind the cameras, “Taehyung, do you need a minute?”

Taehyung shakes his head, but doesn’t speak. He looks positively horrified, ears red in embarrassment and hands shaking. He tries to keep a cool façade but you can tell he’s really bothered by this.

“Actually, can we take five?” You call out to the director, “I forgot to drink water and my throat is getting dry…”

The director gestures vaguely with the script papers, non-verbally allowing the crew to take a break.

You turn back to Taehyung, “Hey, are you okay?”

He smiles for a moment, though it just makes his face look more sad and bothered. ‘I’m fine, thanks...Uh, excuse me for a minute?”

You nod and let him go off set, straight towards his manager.

This is going exactly as you’d predicted.

Heliotrope masterlist

[laputaindefrenchgirl]

reasons why i love Tom Hardy.

All is said in the title.

It’s really funny, because I just found back this screen cap from Tom Hardy iconic myspace era. I did this screen cap in 2015 (yes, I know, wtf do I keep in my files) and already, I was having a tad of a crush on him. But now, it’s 2020 and I’ve been through some growth and just reading this text he wrote today made me fancy him even more.

It’s like I am reading his words for the first time, and understanding them in a brand new light. Definitely, I’m not the same Audrey I was in 2015. I don’t think people do change but my impulsivity n’wisdom did something to me. Anyway, here’s to a pretty long post on WHYs I love Tom Hardy.

First, his talent. As most of his fans, I highly respect his body transformations. He doesn’t do it halfway. It was very striking in Legend, where he plays two twin brothers. It’s him but it’s not. These two roles were very emotionally touching, i mean if you forget my never-ending obsession with gangsters, this was truly one of my favorite movie. Besides the stud apparence he developed, the vulnerability pouring out from Ronnie was heart wrenching. If you haven’t seen this picture, I highly recommend it. I also recommend the soundtrack, full of sixties vibes. Then, I love his crazy. What he does in Peaky Blinders is extraordinary. 

What is funny about Tom Hardy is that I’ve seen around 65% of his filmography before developing a crush on him. Like, I really like the directors he worked with, and as I’m a bit obsessed with british everything, well, it’s like I was in the mood before even knowing I am (if that does make sense). From Stuart a Life Backwards, to Lawless, and of course, Inception and The Dark Knight Rises, in the early 2010s I was pretty on point. Funny thing, when I watched Inception in theater I was seventeen, and this movie made me literally speechless, but I was having a crush on J-G Lewitt, and the more I watched this movie as the years went by, I preferred Eames which made me realize how, once again, my growth as a young woman was having a impact on my... tastes?

I remember around that time watching a light action/romance movie called This Means War, and when I first saw him on screen, and I went like “Damn!” and still, the dots didn’t connect in my silly brains.

Then, of course, Mad Max Fury Road came out in 2015 and like thunder, it stroke me. I went INTENSE about the story of this amazing picture (can you hear me scream feminism) and the cast. I mean, Hoult, Kravitz, Theron... This was the dreamboat. Also, it’s all about the context. What I really like here again, is that the previous summer, I watched the Mad Max trilogy with my Dad and as I found it super weird and cool, the themes and plots were very 80s while Fury Road was full of preoccupations we are having right now. 

Previously to all of this, I think in 2012 or 2013, I did this Buzzfeed quizz about which Tom actors was a total match for me, and as I was hoping to launch Hiddleston ; I had Hardy and was annoyed. Funny how the internet can be perceptive, sometimes!

Second, his story. I remember being all, “okay so strangely I watched of his movies but who is he really?” and geez, I’m not dumb, I know that we can’t know-know a person, especially a celeb, from only what you learn behind a screen (no offense there) but I was like, I want to read more and see what his motives are. And I wasn’t disappointed. I read interviews, watched interviews. I really loved that he wasn’t just the quite attractive body he is, but that in anything he did, he was genuine. Yet, yet there was more and more to analyze through the way he picked his roles and projects. The fact that he was an addict, hit rock bottom at a moment in his life made sense. I saw an video he did for The Prince’s Trust on youtube, you could see how bad he wanted to give back. I like that the blunt, roughness he exhales was for a reason, and not for play. And I can tell that, even if he ever was or can be some kind of asshole, he’s never sold for the low. Like, he’s the kind of person who would never speak shit about someone else, or be racist or misogynistic, you know? 

Third, he’s true. If you read the words from the screen cap I posted, I don’t know. The language he uses is something I can relate to. It’s so hard to open up, to be real and to not expect all at once. “i am often afraid. so I have to share. I want to help, it’s not my business to judge, I made mistakes, I stand corrected, I accept casualties, and walk with hope because I fucking LOVE.” aren’t these the words of a legend? In a world so full of shit and assholes, I just dig people like Tom. This must feels comfortable to be around someone who will tell you what he thinks instead of pretending for whatever motives he might have. Of course, I’m projecting a little here. But it’s cool because I know I do. It’s just kind of freeing to look up to someone who made mistakes but believe and hope and love, but not in pink. Just through his own vision, because he is entitled to. And that makes me feel like that, somehow, I do as well. I’m far from perfect and I love my bad side which makes me even less perfect but eh, just like he said “don’t be boring, that’s the fucking worst!”. Man, I couldn't agree more!

Fourth, he’s kinda pretty. Don’t get me started on the tattoos. I’ll admit, my sexual awakening fitted my crush on him back then. It’s cool. I never had a single crush before being around 22, so to fantasize on men and not little boys was kinda strange at first. It’s like I forgot a step in the manual, but I get around it. I will stop this paragraph here because I know that when I will re-read it tomorrow, I’ll find it embarrassing. 

Fifth, I wrote him a letter two years ago. Here’s the funny thing, I don’t expect an answer. Writing him that letter was freeing, and I can’t really tell why. Sending it was like closing chapter full of doubts and hurt I went through in my early twenties. I felt like writing this letter and opening up about experiences and what I went through to a total stranger, and this was one of the best therapy I ever did. For all the reasons I cited above, I felt like he was relatable and so, I went for lashing all my fire into the papers and felt like I could let go of what hurt me all the years before. It’s like I would be heard, not seen, and never judged. This is weird, I am weird. I believe and trust my guts because this is what life gave me best in my entire body. The instinct to know which road I should venture on, no matter what, who and whys. 

“I chose the path of spirituality, spirituality seems to me to be for those who’ve been to Hell.” How true is that. I’m very grateful to have humans who inspire me like this, like Tom Hardy. 

Thank you reading my nonsense, and if you feel the love, feel the same, just know that you’re not alone. The world can so fucking beautiful when you embrace yourself, ugly tears, powerful truths and lunatic smiles. We’re all bloody together in this whatever!

#audreytheartiste

[novaent]

** This episode was uploaded at 12PM on Nova Entertainment’s official YouTube channel.

It’s still the second week as can be seen by the outfits the trainees are wearing. They all stand together inside one of the practice rooms with the three coaches in front of them. What’s about to come is clearly an announcement. Hyemi clears her throat before speaking. “Your fourth week mission will be announced earlier this time so that you may have some more time to prepare yourselves,” the woman explains. “On the last day of the fourth week, you’ll all be the main attraction of a mini-concert where you’ll perform each of the three missions you already knew about and a fourth song of your choice.” Cuts of news appear on the screen of the announcement made a few weeks ago about the event in question. Yonghwa continues after her. “This means you better not have forgotten what you already learned and that you should work harder than ever to cause an impression.”

The opening sequence plays soon after, welcoming viewers to the new episode. The camera shows an image from the top of the girls living room, and then it changes to the boys. While the images play on screen, the words on the bottom change from ‘Month 2, Week 2’ to ‘Month 2, Week 3’.

Hosung walks down the corridor towards a practice room but ends up nearly stumbling onto someone else. “Oh, so sorry!” He said hastily, steadying them with a careful hand, “my mind is elsewhere today… are you okay?” Yongsun is the one walking out and she quickly shakes her head. “Don’t apologize you did nothing wrong, I am alright no harm done.” The boy still proceeds to explain himself. “The announcement… it really did my head in, you know. I’m honestly a little bit lost right now. How about you, noona? Wait, can I call you noona or do you prefer Yongsun-ssi?”

“I think it’s safe to say that it is everyone’s heads, including my own,” she smiles. “Noona is fine.” Hosung sits in front of the camera. “You look lost in though. Care to share?” The boy sighs, running a hand through his messy hair with a wry smile. “Just thinking about how you guys ‘forgot’,” he adds air quotes around the last word, “to tell us that we had to essentially perform a mini-concert as our teams in front of a live audience at the end of this month. Kinda sprung it on us out of left field… but I really shouldn’t be surprised. CEO-nim sure likes to keep us on our toes.”

Hosung stares off before looking back to the camera. “Oh boy… honestly, it’s a bit nerve-wracking. I feel pretty good about our performances but to keep them up to the high standard of Nova demands and the audience deserves… it’s a lot of pressure. Especially if you consider that we’re all in danger of kissing this project goodbye afterward.” The scene changes to the same boy as he practices by himself inside one of the practice rooms. He stops and sits by himself, letting the tears pour as he cries alone. “But the fact that we are in danger,” the interview continues, “makes us work that much harder. Keep an eye on us and you might be surprised.”

The one next is BamBam who appears about the same level of nervous as anyone would be. “I’m excited and nervous. I wonder how many people will show up. I’ve performed in front of a large crowd before but never as the main act, really. I think the closest was the dance with Hyuna! I enjoyed that. I guess people will be able to see how much I improved… or not…” He trails off. “I’ll just do my best on stage. I need to focus so I have to just work hard, focus on that and then I’ll be on stage. I’m going to be ready.”

Hugo takes the seat for himself. “I had nothing holding me back when I signed up for this project since debut is something we all crave as trainees, no matter how long we’ve been here. If you are a trainee and don’t jump at the chance to debut, then why are you even here? I’ve had to tell myself this, this past week, because there was nothing holding me back from the project except… one thing.” He takes a breath, trying not to cry. “My niece was born this week. April 16th.” The boy smiles. “I feel sad that I missed her birth. Before the project started I was living with my mom and my noona to help as much as training schedules would allow me to. Family means a lot to me, especially my mom and my sister.” Hugo laughs softly.

“So I’m a little regretful that I wasn’t there, but my sister reminded me that this was more important. I’ve been working towards this for a year and a half now, I can’t let opportunities slide.” He gives a small nod. “I’ll get to meet her after, and show her how cool her uncle is when I make it on stage.” The boy prepares himself to shift the mood, smiling a little more now. “Speaking of babies, I have six that I take care of right now.” And he laughs, despite his efforts not to. “I do the cooking in the dorm, and doing chores has become automatic for me so I do those a lot too. I think the other boys appreciate it, I just hope it’s not being taken for granted. What if I get eliminated? Then who will clean everything up?” He laughs again, shaking his head. “If your home is a mess, then your life is a mess, right? That is my philosophy.”

Hugo appears inside a practice room, dancing along to the choreography of his team’s song. While he does so, the camera moves over to the other being in the room. Ricky who was sitting on a chair slowly closes his eyes, no matter how uncomfortable he looked in such position. Hugo stops dancing and looks back. “Aigoo…” The boy goes over, facing his back to Ricky and bending down, grabbing Ricky’s arms and pulling them over his shoulders. He hoists him onto his back from there, leaning forward to make sure his weight was on him before letting his arms go and hooking his own arms under Ricky’s legs. After he starts moving, the scene changes to the two of them by the elevator and Hugo having to press the button with his nose. Once he has Ricky in the bed he kneels down and sighs, shaking his head. “You work too hard…”

It’s Huidong’s turn on the spot. “They’re all hardworking and talented boys,” he says. “I’ve known Ricky the longest. His nickname as ‘Nova’s Golden Boy’ is pretty accurate, but he’s come this far because of all the practice he puts in. He’s tough on himself, but you can’t have reached the level he is at without being determined. We’ve both been in Nova for a long time, along with Sunmi. Out of the trainees, I think I’m closest to him just because of the things we’ve been through together. He’s very much a younger brother to me.”

Haknyeon smiles on his own seat. “After my phone call with my mum the other day, she updated me on things happening at the farm! Like how one of the pigs I used to take care of just gave birth! I’m a grandfather! It’s my favorite pig, too! Ah, I really wish I could see the piglet… I hope they’re all doing fine…” he adds after a moment. The boys stand next to Jungwoo, both sporting their concept outfits. “Hyung… woah.” The younger says. “Hm?” Jungwoo raises an eyebrow before being nudged by Haknyeon. “Is that allowed? I don’t think someone should be allowed to look that good.” He laughs. “I’m serious. I think my heart is fluttering, hyung!” The boy holds onto his chest. “You’re gonna do great up there.” Jungwoo smiles back at him.

“What wouldn’t be allowed? I can’t help that I was born with this face.” He cups his hands around his chin to display his face. “You look good too! You better sing and dance as well as you’re dressed! I’m rooting for you, Joo Haknyeon! We’re on opposite teams this month, but let’s debut together, alright?” The younger smiles at him, tugging at his own outfit. “You too, hyung, I’m rooting for you!” His eyes fall for a moment before he looks back up. “I want to debut with you, hyung.” He moves closer to Jungwoo and leans in, hugging the older boy. The two hold onto each other for a moment before pulling apart. “Alright, I’m all pumped up for my performance now.” Jungwoo grins. “Did you just steal my energy? It’s okay. I’ll share it with you! Let’s do well!”

“I’ve been working so hard!” Jungwoo says on his seat, letting out a sigh he’s been holding. “It’s difficult to learn dances so fast, at least for me, but I can’t slack off for even a second! We’re doing MYNAME sunbae’s song,” he chews on his lower lip nervously. “I think there’s more pressure to do this one right than any of the others we’ve done so far. They’re our seniors, and they’re very respected and very talented. Being in the same company, I think there’s some expectation that we should be at least as good as they are. I hope we make everyone proud.”

The SAFE boys appear first dressed in their 10’s attire. It’s a famous song by MYNAME. They were always known for their dancing abilities and the trainees were expected to do well with the Nova name. With some of the best male dancers on the teams, they appear to do well. While some may have struggled, only those who’d replay the performance would probably be able to catch it. The DANGER boys go for something stronger. The song has more of a party vibe, and the contestants get to show off their charisma or at least try to prove what they have.

The time returns to before any performance. “Hey Wen,” Sunmi greets as she enters the practice room for the day. Wendy is in a corner and looks up from the computer screen to watch the other as she approaches. The girl waves and Sunmi continues. “In a weird way, it doesn’t feel like time has passed already. Sometimes it feels too fast. Others it feels too slow.” Sunmi shrugs. “It’s weird. Anyways, I’m really excited about this song. I like the idea of remixing it and making it our own.”

“Time is basically an illusion created by the mind to aid in our sense of temporal presence in the vast ocean of space,” Wendy says with a soft sigh. “Speaking of remix, Hyuna unni and I are almost done,” she ends with a smile. Sunmi blinks, looking over at Wendy with a surprised expression. “Well, someone’s third eye is wide open, huh?” She gives a little shaky chuckle. Wendy offers an earbud for Sunmi to take. “Here, have a listen and let me know your thoughts.”

The older takes the earbud. “I didn’t think you would finish so fast. You’re a whiz, you know.” The scene changes over to Wendy in her interview. “What are you planning to do this week?” They ask her. “Considering there are so many popular songs from this decade, we chose a song that we felt we can make our own while still paying tribute to the original artist,” she says with a small smile. “Hyuna unni and I had the idea of remixing the song to make it sound a little bit sultrier and more feminine than it really is. We figured it’s a way of diversifying our repertoire this month, which has so far been girl group songs. However, the original song still has an aggressive, masculine tone to it, and it wouldn’t suit us.”

It’s Hyuna now who’s on the chair. “I am proper excited for everyone to see this song. We wanted to show something different, a bit more of a mature side. Not exactly girl crush, but it’s pretty sexy. I hope it’s a high enough standard. I haven’t worked on a song in a while, however, I think this is my best remix so far. As a future producer, hopefully, someday,” she pauses, crossing her fingers, “I hope I get to do more stuff like this. Produce, remix, write lyrics. The rap is also written by Chaeyoung and me, each of us has their own verses.”

Chaeyoung keeps quiet in the practice room. It takes her some moments before she turns her body to face the camera. She waves with her hand. “I’m sorry that I’ve been quiet lately.” The girl lets out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. “But it’s okay. I will make it up by giving it my all this week and next week! I always believe that your mentality shapes how you approach everything in life. If you think positively, then you will receive positive vibes!” With her hand on a water bottle, she takes a sip while looking at the camera. “I’m not sure if the other trainees will see this in the future, but… I want to wish them good luck! I hope that no matter what happens by the end of this month, they will be proud of everything that they have accomplished. I know I am!”

She’s then in front of a different camera; her interview. “You know the ominous feeling I said last time? I think it’s from the announcement… the part about us performing live next week. When I found out about it, I felt this sudden burst of excitement as if I wanted it to happen as soon as possible.” Chaeyoung’s smile slowly disappears. “But then I felt this pressure. The main concern wasn’t whether I could fo all four performances, but rather…” She stops. “Whether those performances are enough to showcase our strengths and also show that we took into consideration the feedback that was given to us.”

“The past few weeks has reminded me of how much respect I have for idols. Aside from working hard and giving the best performances possible, there are other things to consider too… like not being able to see your loved ones… missing special events in their life…” She sighs as she crosses her legs. “However, I told myself that I need to get through this. If I can’t handle this for three months, then would that mean that I can’t handle this for a year or more? Sometimes you think that once something ends that you can go back and relive all of the past memories that you missed but you can’t. Whatever happens after this, I believe that I’ll come out a different person than when I first joined… and by different, I mean it in a good way.”

Meiqi takes over the screen this time, and the voice behind the camera says something. “You seem happy, Meiqi.” The girl instantly replies. “When you stop letting Hyun Bin’s criticism control you…” she brushes a stray strand of hair away from her face. “The SN Project is actually really fun. I’m done dwelling on it all the time. I’ve come to realize that my apprehensions have been my worst enemies. I’ve been hindering myself because of all these fears of not being good enough that I think at some point, I started to believe that was the truth and conforming to the description I’ve been given. But it’s not true. I know that, I just have to prove it to Hyun Bin now.” She laughs.

Kaeun leans back against the chair, hands resting on her lap. “I believe each and every song was tailored to the individual artists, but I still can’t help but wonder. Would I suit a tougher, boy-crush concept more? Something darker? Something light?” The voice questions her “What are you thinking about?” And she answers. “Oh, nothing, much. Just… I think I’m going to miss this place when it ends. The last few weeks had been tiring mostly. It’s training, training, training, and more training, and I would admit, at first I even thought to myself ‘would I be able to survive the first month?’. But now, I’m liking it here. The way I go to bed with three other trainees as we bid each other goodnight. The way we share encouraging and more honest thoughts with one another because we learn to rely on each other and trust one another to do a good performance.”

The SAFE girls go first. It’s a remix they made themselves of a popular song. It’s more mature than it was originally and allowed for the girls to show off their skills well; to prove they’re worthy of being in the zone they are in. The DANGER girls are next with a more upbeat song. While the others had to show what they had to prove their place, these girls had to prove they could very well take that for themselves. And maybe they would.

The camera shows an image from the top of the boys living room, followed by the girls. While the images play on screen, the words on the bottom change from ‘Month 2, Week 3’ to ‘Month 2, Week 4’.

“We’ve worked so hard this month, all of us.” Hugo starts. “I don’t think anyone took being ‘safe’ for granted. It’s hard to maintain being safe when the people in the danger team are desperate and want to move up, so they’ll do anything. I acted as if I was in the danger team this month. I don’t want to feel safe and drop the ball.” He makes a small pause. “I won’t breathe a sigh of relief until Hyun Bin announces himself that I will debut… until then I will fight like I’m on the edge of being cut every time. He said he wasn’t planning on keeping all of us by the end of the project, but plans can change.”

Huidong appears next, paying attention to the question. “So, it’ll be the end of the month after Sunday’s performance. Who do you think might be eliminated?” The man frowns and shifts on his seat. “...Honestly? I can’t say,” he replies. “Not because I don’t want to say who I think might leave, but because I don’t know who would. I haven’t really given it much thought and don’t want to. We’ve… trained together for a long time. It’ll be hard to move forward without any of them. But it’s not up to us, really. We’re just doing our best each week.”

“Do you think you’ll be able to move out of the danger zone?” They ask BamBam. “I have to, right? I can’t fall and get eliminated. I have to move up. I’m going to do my best and we’ll have to move up, so we can make it until the end.” Haknyeon continues with his own interview. “The song we picked for week four is kind of… sexy,” he says. “I want to show them that I have a sexy side too. I really like the choreography for this song. It’s really smooth and the rap parts are easy on the ears.”

Jungwoo takes part in his own interview, sitting very still, hands tucked neatly under his legs. “We perform on stage on Sunday. I feel like it’s been a long time since I’ve sung on stage. I mean, we do it for evaluations all the time, but with an audience it’s different. I don’t know. I really want to do well. Not just so I stay on the safe team, but because my teammates deserve my best. And the audience too. If I can’t give a good show, then I’ve failed, haven’t I? Even if they name me MVP for this month.” They give him a question. “Who do you think deserves MVP?” He thinks for a moment. “Um… I can only think of who I’d pick out of my group. I’d give it to Huidong. He’s been a lifesaver, he’s helped me and Hugo so much with all the dances and the difficult moves. Plus, he’s been such a good leader. I don’t think we would have been as cohesive of a team as we’ve been without him.” He gives the camera a smile.

It’s different now. There’s a big crowd cheering as the SAFE boys step onto the mini-concert stage to perform their last song. It’s was a famous song when it came out and the trainees are able to bring forth some of the excitement that came with it. But were they as good as they needed to be? The DANGER boys are their challengers and who perform next. It’s a distinct difference between the two. As said before, the song has a sexier aura to it, but nothing that’d actually classify it as sexy. They do a good job of showing what they have. The scene returns to their building and before any of them had stepped on that stage.

Wendy is shown in her own interview. “What are you thinking?” And so the girl replies. “It’s been so long since I got to perform in front of a live audience and have my future at stake,” she chuckles. “I mean, sure, the previous public performances I did may have affected my chances at staying and being considered for the project, but this one’s different in a way…” She lets out a breath before continuing. “I guess I should say it’s been so long since I last performed for an audience in the context of a survival show.” The girl nods to herself.

The scene changes to Solji knocking one of the bedrooms’ door. The camera shows the inside of it: Chaeyoung sitting by herself before saying “Come in!” The other sports a big smile before she rushes inside. “Happy birthday!” Solji jumps on the bed and gives the younger a hug. Before she was given any right of reaction, Solji starts to sing ‘Happy Birthday’. It was only when she was done ha she pulled away and sat on her knees. “I hope that didn’t freak you out. I just… there’s not much else I can do these days.”

Chaeyoung shakes her head instantly. “No! Not at all! I actually love it! I get to hear one of my favorite vocalists sing happy birthday to me. I like to think that is a beautiful birthday gift to have!” She laughs. “And honestly, this day made me miss home so much more…” The girl looks up at the older before continuing. “But thank you for reminding me that I still have that bit of home over here too.” Solji pats her head gently. “Me too,” she whispers softly, “me too.” Her arms continue to stay around the other. “I wish we could go back. But things will be good once this is done, right?”

“Well, my birthday was last Tuesday and I really didn’t expect much on that day…” Chaeyoung says in her interview. “In the past, I used to spend that day with loved ones… I guess that’s why I wasn’t expecting much except to do well for tomorrow’s performance.” She chuckles. “But the girls surprised me with a birthday party though, which did made my week so much better!” She smiles happily.  “If they somehow see this, I just want to say thank you for making my birthday special. It meant a lot to me.” With her hands, she formed a heart before laughing.

It’s Meiqi’s face in front of the camera now. “Do you think you will survive until the next month?” She nods hesitantly. “I think so. I would… I would really like to continue here. I want to debut. I know everyone here wants to debut just as bad as me, but… I hope I’ve shown that I want it just a little bit more.” She shifts in her seat. “I’m nervous. Whatever happens… if this is my last time sitting in this room with you, I just want to say thank you… I’m really grateful to have participated in all of this.” She stands, bowing a full 90 degrees, as respectfully as possible.

“This could be the last week you’re wearing the red vest. Have you thought about it?” They ask Kaeun this time. “Then I’m going to miss it.” She laughs, hand raising to cover part of her face. “I actually liked the color after wearing it for a while. I know red is to signal the danger zone, to remind myself that any less than perfect and I could be eliminated but… wearing this red also reminds me that I’m in a team. And that I still have a role to play. We’re in the danger zone, but couldn’t it be because we could potentially be a dark horse? I’d like to see it that way.”

The final member of the danger team, Yongsun, looks at herself in the mirror, then turns to the camera. “I am tired of this,” there’s a stern look on her face and then a pair of scissors appears in her hands, moving towards her head. The woman carefully pulls out her hair and cuts the pieces she wants. When she looks at herself again in the mirror, she wrinkles her nose. “Ah, this won’t so. The stylists are gonna hate me.” She chuckles a little but proceeds to cut. The end product is shorter length on both sides of her head, creating the effect that she has a fringer, but still long enough to tuck behind her ears. “I’ll get hairdresser to look at it when I get out of here…” She nods her head.

Then she’s in her interview, listening to her question. “How do you feel about this fourth week coming to an end?” It looks like she’s a bit surprised. “I-” She stops for a moment before proceeding. “It feels bittersweet? I have enjoyed spending my time with Meiqi and Kaeun, even if we have been at the risk of elimination,” she nods her head. “Despite everything I feel like I’ve become closer with the girls and thanks to that I believe our ability to perform has increased as well. I like to think that I’ve become better at dancing?” Yongsun smiles playfully. “I like this group better than everyone all together. We all knew where we wanted to go, we communicated and expressed our worries and concerns. Something I believe is essential when you are a team. So I’m grateful that the opportunity came to me.”

Returning to the crowd, the SAFE girls are the first to appear. It’s a strong song to end their four choices. It’s not a very recent one, unlike the other groups had decided to choose. Each girl gets the chance to show what they got, but once they leave the stage it’s time for the DANGER girls to perform. They both keep the same aspect of coming off strong, but the melody that follows each performance it’s different. With fewer girls on the stage, would that be better for them, or worst?

As the DANGER girls get off, they all get closer into a group hug behind the stage. The scene quickly changes to the trainees as they walk inside the building and then are taken into one of the practice rooms. Waiting for them inside is their CEO, Hyun Bin. “You’ve all just arrived from your mini-concert. I must congratulate you all for your endurance, but I can also confirm to you that eliminations start today.” There’s a long pause and the camera catches each trainees’ reactions.

“You were separated into SAFE and DANGER zones, which meant that if you were in the SAFE zone you did the best, and if you were in the DANGER zone, you did the worst. Stay twice in DANGER and you’re on your way home.” Hyun Bin pauses again, this time focusing his stare on the members of said group. “Although, being SAFE isn’t exactly a safe spot. We’ll also have people shifting teams and some… who won’t.”

The CEO presses a hand against the paper in front of him to get his thoughts ready. “Heo Solji was someone who last month I admitted I had no expectations to but also as someone who managed to impress me.” A camera zooms on her face briefly. “I must say I was impressed once again. You managed to fit all of the eras really well while keeping a high level of performance. You were not only talented but very eye-catching, which is what people normally look for in idols. For these reasons, we decided to appoint you as the MVP of the month for the girls. Congratulations. Please, step forward.”

During his brief pause, the coaches clap in her honor. “As for the boys, the MVP of this month was also on their SAFE zone. While he received some criticism, we like to believe he’s done much better on this month than on the previous. The boys’ MVP is Kim Jungwoo. You managed to stand out in each of the performances, and, even if your dance skills could still do some work, you still stand out between the better dancers which is quite a feat. Congratulations to you, too, and take a step forward.”

He receives a round of applause as well, but this also means it’s the end of a chance at the MVP spot. The other trainees could only aim for a spot at the SAFE zone or the risk of elimination. “Both of the previous MVPs had their roles taken for them, so their fate must still be decided. Son Chaeyoung was the one on top for the girls. She previously showed her talent under the three areas of skill, and today she faced the challenge of performing songs from different areas of Korean music. We all agreed that even if you weren’t the best, we’d still like to save you a spot in the SAFE zone. Take a step forward.”

With happy news after happy news, the applause becomes routine. “Kang Yuchan was the MVP for the boys on the first month. This means that, just as Chaeyoung did, you were considered a master of all three skills. Along with those skills, you also keep a high level of charisma. That is very important for someone who’s primarily a dancer, and also very impressive for someone who spreads himself in the different areas. For these reasons, we’ve decided to keep you in the SAFE zone. Congratulations and come forward.”

Four out of the fifteen trainees already had their positions revealed which were all with positive results. This could only appoint that the ones left had a higher chance of hearing something negative. “As I said before, not all of the SAFE zone members kept themselves there. For example, this trainee was often praised for her impressive skills, but the one thing that I criticized before is what pushed her down this time. Wendy still manages to disappear when she’s in group performances. When you sing everyone has their eyes on you, but when you’re not there’s nothing that makes people want to keep looking at you. Maybe it was the fact you were in the bigger group, but it still needs to be something to work on. Because of this month, we’ll push you down to the DANGER zone.”

The round of applause doesn’t show its face this time. If they had forgotten it before, this is the time people can start feeling the tension in the air. “This male trainee was also praised before. He is great on what he’s good at, but it can still be considered a bit lacking when they’re put in a group situation. Since this is a project that aims at debuting a group, this can be a very worrying detail. Ha Huidong was previously SAFE, but not anymore. I analyze the contestant not only during performances and we all know you like helping the other contestants, but I think it’s also important to keep an eye out for yourself. You’ll be moving over to the DANGER zone this month.”

“Meanwhile,” he keeps going. “People from the DANGER zone went up to SAFE. This trainee hasn’t been a trainee for as long as most of the other ones in this project. Kim Yongsun managed to show herself a lot this month. You were in a smaller group where only you were mainly a vocalist so you got to show your skills very well and you will be moving to the SAFE zone. Take a step forward. You must only be careful from here on out as you move to this new zone. You still have things to better and now only one month left to do so.”

“As for the boys, I think this trainee was one of the ones who grew the most this month.” Hyun Bin looks at him directly before speaking. “Kim Hosung, who joined at the same time as Yongsun did a very good job this week. You’re a good singer and proved you can hold yourself when it comes to dancing as well as fitting the different eras you were challenged to fit. I believe you’ll also fit very well into the SAFE zone so move forward. I only wish for you to keep working closely with the coaches and the trainees to try and bridge over this training gap as you still need to work on your techniques.”

Over half of the trainees have already been mentioned, but the nervousness level stays about the same. “Meng Meiqi was in the DANGER zone last month. The first one wasn’t a very good one for you. We could see your improvement on the second. You got all of your lyrics right, for one, even the ones which followed the lines of rap. There’s no denying you’re a good dancer. I always think charisma is important for a dancer and you have that. Your problem is still focused on your singing and I would have probably thought of leaving rapping behind after your first attempt. Even so, we’ll be moving you to the SAFE zone this month, so, please, step forward. You’ll only get to stay on it if you work to deserve it.”

“We also have Kim Hyuna. While you’ve been in Nova as a trainee for the least amount of time, you have more experience than a number of the other contestants. We can agree that you are a good rapper. Your dancing is not exactly up to Nova standards. With such an experience difference between you and Chaeyoung is a bit pitiful to see where you stand right now. If we were to get this group to debut right now we agree that you wouldn’t be given the title of main rapper, or anything relating to dance or to singing. We’ll be moving you over to the DANGER zone which is exactly that. So many trainees from it have been moving up, so it must mean being safe goes up too high at people’s heads.”

There aren’t many left now. “Kim Jongin was the rapper of choice after the first month. While you’re still as good of a rapper as you were before, I believe there are still a lot of areas where you lack. Spreading yourself was what kept people safe the first month but the same thing can’t keep you afloat for long. This month, you’ll be moving over to the DANGER zone. I’m sure you know what it is that you must work on and, if you don’t, then you won’t only struggle inside the walls of this project.”

Hyun Bin clears his throat and looks over at the four remaining trainees. “There’re only two girls and two boys left. Lee Kaeun, who is currently in DANGER, got to show much more of her skills this month than the last. It was probably due to the smaller number of members in your team who decided on distributing the lines over to you. This doesn’t necessarily mean your skills are exactly the best, but at least we got to see them. For the boys, it was BamBam, who I think fits the same description. With these many rappers, we didn’t get to see as much of you last time. And with a larger group, it was harder to watch you dance.”

“In the SAFE zone, we had Lee Sunmi. You’ve grown a lot since you first joined and have become a dancer Nova is proud of. This doesn’t mean there is no more room for growth, as I’m sure you understand. I think Joo Haknyeon has many more eyes than the one on this table paying attention to him. You still went straight to DANGER after his month, didn’t you? I think you as well I know you your skillset still has a lot to grow before you’re comparable to some of the trainees we have here.”

The CEO makes a dramatic pause for effect so that the cameras may capture everything they can see. “Between the two girls, the one going for the SAFE zone this month is… Lee Kaeun. For someone with so little for the first challenges, it was possible to see your development across the eras. There is a lot for you to learn and you must keep working on this if you’d like to be part of something great by the end of next month. Don’t take this chance for granted. As for Sunmi, it’s become more interesting to observe the other girls, even if they aren’t as skilled as you are. I hope you use this time to look for yourself. After all this time, it’d be a pity to see you fail. Kaeun, please take a step forward.”

His gaze traces over to the other side of the room. “Between the two boys, the one going for the SAFE zone this month is… Joo Haknyeon. There’s still… something that keeps those eyes on you. There’s still a lot for you to groom on your skillset yet you’re always ready for a stage. You’ll have to work even harder to maintain your spot this month. Just know that viewers don’t vote exactly because we aren’t forming a group of our most famous trainees, but a good collection of talents. BamBam, as I had said on our last meeting still lacked a lot even after training for so long. Even in a smaller group, you didn’t manage to stand out. So, Haknyeon, please step forward.”

The silence becomes even more silent to those who realized what was about to happen and even those who were about to discover. “I once warned that staying the DANGER zone two times in a row meant a trainee’s elimination. Since BamBam was on the DANGER zone the previous month, and now was once again placed on it, he has been officially eliminated from the SuperNova Project. Thank you for your hard work and determination up to this point.”

A sad song starts to play as the boy is forced to turn around and leave. However, while this is the end for one, this isn’t the end for all. The camera focuses on each of the remaining contestants, an intense song taking over, and then freezes on the CEO.

EPISODE SIX TEASER: After the first elimination, trainees are shown with their new colors on their chest. There’s a new challenge to face and old struggles to go through. Someone’s voice can be heard mentioning learning original songs and how the end of the project is near. The screen reminds the public that the next episode will be the second to last and the show will end before the end of the month.

**Note: None of the performances were shown fully, but separate videos will be posted IC on Nova’s official YouTube channel during the week of each trainee’s full performance.