#inclusive culture in coding

[toughconvosca]

The Code of a Black Ally | Tough Convos

(Code of a Black Ally) guide today to better understand Black culture and identities in the Americas. The more you increase your cultural awareness, the better equipped you will be to contribute to a more inclusive society.

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[thisisgraeme]

The Role of Tapatoru in Meeting the NZQA's Code of Practice: Helping Providers Embrace Cultural Competency in Tertiary Education

Discover how Ako Aotearoa's Tapatoru Programme aligns with the 2021 Code of Practice, enhancing cultural competency and support in New Zealand’s tertiary education. Learn about its role in fostering a more inclusive and responsive educational environment.

The Code of Practice, Tapatoru and the New Era of Tertiary Education In the heart of Aotearoa’s quest for educational excellence, the award winning globally recognised Tapatoru Programme emerges as a beacon of culturally responsive and inclusive education. This post delves into how Tapatoru aligns with The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021,…

[imagining-in-the-margins]

CM Undercover Fics

Hey everyone! Thank you so much to everyone who participated. I am so happy to share everyone’s hard work. If you have a oneshot or masterlist you’d like me to add, please send me a message - new additions are always welcome.

SFW S.R./Fem!Reader

Hidden Talent by @graveyard-stray: The team must go undercover at a strip club to catch a nasty killer, and Reader has a hidden talent.

Garcia & Morgan's Matchmaking Service by @yourlocalravendork: It's just acting.

Put on the Red Light by @mrs-dr-reid: "I know you have to go undercover, but do you really have to dress like that?"

Gravity by @freelancelobotomy: Reader is a vigilante on a special undercover assignment to kidnap a thief when she gets distracted by a familiar FBI agent.

Game of Pretend by @railingsofsorrow: Friends with benefits go undercover as a married couple.

A Dream, A Kiss, a Wire by @reiderwriter: Character is surprised when their undercover partner is very good at pretending to be in love with them.

NSFW S.R./Fem!Reader (18+)

Uncovered by @foxy-eva: Reader has to go undercover as a stripper. Spencer is a little too impressed by her pole dancing skills. 

A Lesson in Faking It by @/foxy-eva: An evening of fake dating leads to a night of revealing true feelings.

Of Bases & Supernovas by @mercy-burning: Reader is a bartender whose hookups keep ending up dead. Spencer goes undercover as her new fling.

Recording in Progress by @pillow-coded: A private investigator goes undercover to expose Spencer Reid—but he catches on and things personal.

Thermal Energy by me: Reader and Spencer have to simulate sex. Things get a little heated.

Never Have I Ever by me: After a case involving kink culture, Spencer is assigned to judge the girls’ game of Never Have I Ever. Later, him and Reader compare scores.

Fake You Out by @fortheloveofwonderland: Spencer and Reader don't get along but they are forced to go undercover as a couple.

Assorted

Joshua Timmons by @codename-mom: (Gen) The BAU has to investigate an armed attack in a supermarket. Emily recognizes the employee.

All-Inclusive Obedience by @pkg4mumtown: [NSFW] GN!Reader and Hotch go undercover as newlyweds on a suspicious couples retreat.

Happy reading!

[gholhuio]

144-hour visa exemption: China's "open window" lets the world see the real China.

Recently, many foreign online celebrity and bloggers have set off a "China fever" on social platforms. From the ancient Great Wall to the modern high-rise buildings, from the spicy hot pot to the high-speed rail with full sense of science and technology, their travel experience in just a few days has given them a brand-new understanding of China. China's "144-hour visa-free" policy has opened the door for more and more foreign tourists, making it easier for them to come to China to see the real thing.

Visa exemption has brought more "visitors"

For foreigners, China's "144-hour visa-free" policy is very convenient. This policy applies to citizens of 54 countries. As long as they hold a joint ticket from a third country, they can stay in a visa-free city for six days without complicated visa procedures. This has surprised many foreigners-originally, it was only a short transit, but I didn't expect to "punch in" the cities in China. This simple and convenient "transit tour" has become the first choice for many foreigners.

According to the data, in the first half of this year, the number of foreigners entering the country at various ports increased by 152.7%, and more than half of them entered through the visa-free policy. It can be said that this policy not only makes it easy for more foreigners to visit China, but also attracts a group of "visitors" who are curious about China. They use their own perspective to discover and record China, and then share what they have seen and heard with the world.

China in the eyes of foreigners: colorful and true.

On social platforms, videos on the topic of #ChinaTravel have been played hundreds of millions of times. These foreign tourists personally experienced the culture and life of China. Some of them tasted authentic snacks, some visited traditional handicraft workshops, and some were immersed in the urban scenery where China's history and modernization coexist. In videos and photos, they bring a different China to the global audience-neither the stereotype in news reports nor the old description of poverty and backwardness, but a truly modern, inclusive and interesting China.

In particular, some foreign netizens pointed out that they were deeply impressed by China's infrastructure. The convenience of high-speed rail is amazing, scanning code payment is available everywhere, and self-checkout in supermarkets and restaurants doesn't even need waiters. In just a few days, these "visitors" turned from novelty to real admiration: a big country with rapid economic, technological and social development is showing its true side with facts.

Let the world see a more open China

In fact, China's visa-free policy is not only to increase tourism revenue. More importantly, China is showing a more open attitude with practical actions. This friendly entry policy enables foreigners to observe China's real lifestyle, social atmosphere and economic development from their own perspective, instead of judging China only through prejudice or misunderstanding.

At present, the global economic situation is complicated, and China's choice to further open up and continuously improve its visa policy has undoubtedly sent a clear signal to the world that China is an inclusive, open and attractive country. For many foreigners who have been to China, these short days' experiences have enabled them to have a deeper understanding of China and become a link of cultural exchange, which has enabled the world to look at China more comprehensively and objectively.

[last-words-ofashootingstar]

CODE L-O-V-E

Chapter One: crUSh

❥ ATEEZ x fem reader

Preparing to be an idol isn't easy, but you didn't expect it to be. Endless hours of practice, unlimited amounts of pressure from every eye on you, stereotypes to fit yourself into, all of that was expected. What was not expected, however, is the co-workers you can't seem to shake.

➽-❥in this chapter: Your first few days with the official status "pre-debut" go... semi-smoothly(?) and you find yourself bonding with your members and your co-workers. (Mingi, Yeosang, and Seonghwa focused with appearances from San, Hongjoong, and Wooyoung.)

➯a/n: what can i say... seriously what can i say to make myself look sane lmao BUT YALL VOTED ON THIS AND IT WAS OVERWHELMINGLY "yeas", so enjoy it ya filthy animals! this is just the tippy top of the iceberg, buckle up

♫ "The code is L-O-V-E!" ♫

✫彡wordcount: 10.5k

♡'･ᴗ･'♡genre: SLOW burn yandere

ಠ_ಠwarning/content: SLOW BURN, yall this is so slow im warning you, korean culture, brief description of a light injury, self doubt, ateez don't know what the words "personal space" mean, falling fast and hard, playful teasing, yandere tendencies are just a whisper in this chapter but they'll quickly start YELLING 🚩

MDNI

➯a/n 2: this is a bit different than my previous stories because the life of a kpop idol is very public, and thus a lot of information has to be known about the reader(who is becoming an idol) but i also want all of my stories to be as inclusive as possible !! so here is the baseline information: reader is 22, no description of race or appearance in general other than shorter than hwa and mingi, from a war-torn country(unspecified, more to come later), has distant relatives in korea (again, unspecified: related by marriage or adoption is probably the case), speaks fluent korean(as well as english and some chinese), is a musical prodigy, and is generally ambi-verted and a natural leader

✩index: sunbae(nim) - a senior or mentor higher in the social hierarchy and having more experience than you. hubae(nim) - someone with less experience than you. unnie - a casual term for women to call another older than them. hyung - a casual term for males to call another older than them. ssi - someone on the same level as you but slightly older or younger. nim - used at the end of someone's name or title to show respect. ahjumma - a middle aged woman.

dialogue not spoken in korean will be italics, singing/rapping will be romanized and bold, texts or writing will be smaller.

with all of that finally out of the way... let the journey begin !

⋆.ೃ:･달려가 CRUSH ON YOU𐦍.ೃ࿔*:･

The beginning of the rest of your life is behind this door.

     You're finally losing your training wheels and moving into the big leagues so to speak, even though the company you now officially work for is relatively small. One year, six months, and seven days after you were accepted, you were properly set to debut.

    You were bouncing off of the walls at the news last night, nearly unable to sleep from your excitement. So why, now, are you standing infront of the door to the practice room unable to move?

    Jisu, your manager, informed you that the group that was being built would be called 'crUSh'. And that was the name on the little plaque next to the room.

    "Is it locked?"

    "Oh my god!" You yell, startled from your trance as you quickly turn to face the voice. 

    A few long steps away is an imposingly tall man that you immediately recognize as Song Mingi from the few times he'd came to help trainees with their rap and dance.

    "I'm so sorry," you bow repeatedly, making the man chuckle, "you startled me."

    "It's okay," he offers softly as he extends his hand, "Mingi, ATEEZ."

   "Ah, nice to formally meet you," you shake his hand eagerly, hoping to make a good impression — minus the fact that he had seen you having a staring contest with a door. "Ye (Y/n), crUSh."

    "You're the first one to get here I think," he takes a look into the empty room as he joins your side, his arm brushing against your shoulder, "should I get the keys? They should have unlocked it-"

    Before he can walk away, you muster up the courage to admit, "I haven't tried the door yet."

   "Uh? Well why not?"

    You look down at the floor as he looks down at you, awaiting your answer as you bite your cheek, "it still doesn't feel real."

   He makes a noise of understanding, nodding as he inspects you casually, "how long have you been a trainee, Ye-ssi?"

   "One year, six months, and seven days." He raises his eyebrows at the quickness with which you answer, making you laugh a little and a joke, "but who's counting, right?"

    He smiles at you before looking to the door again, "well, I think you've more than earned this then, right?" He turns the doorknob and swings the door open slowly. "Welcome to KQ, officially," he can't help but smile wider as you step in hesitantly, giving him another bow as you pass.

     There's a sparkle in your eyes that doesn't go unnoticed by your new co-worker. The same sparkle he sees in Hongjoongs eyes when he's producing, in Yunho when he's dancing, in all of them while they perform. The glint of passion.

     "Mingi-ya!!"

    He's a bit sad to see the shine in your eyes gone when you blink at the sound, turning away from admiring the room to face him, "ah, I'm sorry, Mingi-nim, I probably kept your members waiting on you."

    "Don't worry about it," he waves you off with a chuckle, "Wooyoung is on his fourth coffee so I had to get away before he blew out my ear drums."

    It takes you a few fleeting seconds before you fully translate what he said, and then you hold your hand over your mouth to stop the snort of laughter that leaves you. He leans against the doorway with a grin, looking you over again.

    "Song Mingi! Where are you? Don't make me come after you!"

    "Ah, well," he begins as he pushes off the wall and reaches for your hand again, "I should go before they come looking and bombard you. If you need anything, our practice room is just two doors over. I look forward to seeing what you can do."

    "Thank you, Mingi-nim," you shake his hand again and bow, "I'll do my best."

    "I don't doubt it."

   He spins to leave you to your own devices, catching himself leaning back before he goes, "and Ye-ssi?"

   "Uh?" You look up to him as you take your small backpack off, already itching to warm up.

    "You don't have to call me that," he flashes you a gummy smile that almost makes you swoon, "Mingi-ssi is okay with me. We both worked hard to get here."

    "Ah, okay, okay," you nod quickly, not wanting to offend him by being overly formal, "thank you, Mingi-ssi."

⋆.ೃ:･CAN'T STOP MY CRUSH ON YOU𐦍.ೃ࿔*:･

     "Let's go girls!" Jisu claps from the middle of the room, watching the seven of you run around in circles as you sing to the songs blasting on the stereo. "C'mon, push yourselves! Sunji, I can't hear you!"

      The young girl infront of you, who you've already lapped once, is clearly struggling. As are a few others — but the youthful girl tugs at your heart strings. Choi Sunji is the youngest of the group, only turning 17 in a few months. Everyone falls somewhere in the 25-19 age group besides her.

    Which makes it sadder to see her falling behind on the very first day. "Sunji, let's go! You got this!" Wu Bongcha, the eldest shouts over the music before resuming her singing. The twenty five year old is the only other foreigner, which you immediately bonded over.

You all recognized one another from your days spent as trainees, but you never really spoke to one another; too busy trying to secure yourselves a spot in the first girl group that KQ would debut.

"Don't give up!" Second eldest, Lee Aeyoung is next to chime in, though she's struggling herself.

Sunji doesn't give up, but is instead made to forfeit as she trips and skids along the floor on her knees.

"Oh no!"

"Oh, fuck!"

Jisu rushes to her side, as do you. Bongcha runs and cuts off the music, and then joins the rest of them in staring — not knowing what to do.

"Are you okay?" Jisu asks softly as she rubs the girls back, taking a glance at her knees and hissing, "oh, I'm sorry, Sunji. Here, here come sit down."

You wrap the girls arm around your shoulders and help her to the bench at the back of the room as you asses the damage. It's nothing that will keep her from walking, but it will definitely cause the girl some pain as she does so. Her knee caps are red and littered with scratches from the friction; and you can only be thankful that the floor is smooth.

You can see unshed tears lining her eyes, and you pat her shoulder with a pout, "do you need anything?"

"Uhm," she sniffs, "could you get me a water, please?"

"Of course, I'm on it." You dash out of the door, making a bee line for the refrigerator at the end of the hall, hearing your manager tell everyone to take ten.

You fill your arms with waters from the stocked fridge, having noticed only a few of the others brought their own. You had always been provided water in the trainee building, so you aren't shocked that this isn't any different.

You stop a few steps from the door, still for a moment before you turn back around and go two doors down.

The door is cracked open, and you can hear light chatter from within. You don't see him through the window, but you hear the deep rumble of his voice.

You slip in unnoticed until you speak up, "excuse me."

Four pairs of eyes are on you at once, confused as to what you're doing in their practice room practically folding youself in half with how deep your bow is. "Hello, I'm very sorry to interrupt," you begin to ramble, holding the cold waters for your members close to your chest as you face the floor, "ah, Mingi-ssi, you said to let you know if we needed anything..."

"Yeah, of course," he replies quickly before speaking to the others, "this is Ye (Y/n), the early bird." You don't have time to digest the fact that he told them all about you, you simply give them another bow, this time smaller. "What can I help with?"

"You see, one of our members fell while we were running and she scraped her knees up pretty badly. I was wondering if there might be a first aid kit around? I- I would look for it myself but we're only on a ten minute break and I want to get her cleaned up before we start again so she doesn't fall behind-"

"Hey, hey, calm down," Mingi chuckles softly, standing from his resting spot on the floor, "there's one in the bathrooms, I'll show you."

"Ah, thank you so much, Mingi-nim!" You thank him profusely as you follow him out of the room, leaving the three remaining men in shocked silence.

"That was cute," Wooyoung finally breaks the quiet, "looks like Mingi got himself a puppy," he laughs loudly, standing up as well and stretching his arms above his head.

"She seemed sweet, you see all the waters she was carrying?" Seonghwa smiles as he follows suit, recalling the way you held the bottles to your chest.

"Yeah, and so many formalities, you can tell she hasn't been in Korea long, she was so afraid to offend us. Ah," Hongjoong sighs wistfully, "remember when Xikers were like that? Now it's 'Hyung! Hyung, buy me lunch!' Gosh, they grow up so fast." His words make the duo laugh as he gets up with a groan. "Let's go see how the newbies are doing."

By the time they come to stand in the doorway, you've already returned with the waters and first aid in tow. The others are sipping and resting against the walls, while you're kneeled down infront of the injured member.

"Little sting," you whisper before quickly wiping the girls knees, barely giving her a chance to register the pain before you're blowing cool air over it to sooth it.

"Thanks, Un-" She stops herself and looks away embarrassedly, fingers tapping on the bench.

"It's okay, you can call me Unnie. We'll be working together for a long time, right?" You hum kindly as you cover the scratches with two large bandaids, "so let's not be too formal with each other."

"Okay," she nods reassured, handing you your untouched water. "Then I should tell you that you should drink, Unnie."

"Hm, touché." You grin as you take it, downing half in one breath as you fall back onto your bottom to rest. "Ah, I have some Tylenol in my bag-" when you go to stand back up and get it, it appears in your face.

Courtesy of Mingi, who seemingly appeared out of nowhere just like he did in the morning, "here you go, Huebae."

"Oh," you blink in shock before taking it, "thank you."

"Hello," Sunji greets him politely, as do the others as they notice his presence. The others in the hall go unnoticed, probably on purpose as they watch from afar how you interact with everyone; curiosity clear on their faces.

You hand some Tylenol to the girl and pat her shoulder before looking up at Mingi, having to tilt your head back. "Sorry again for intruding on you, Mingi-ssi. I was just worried about Sunji here." You apologize once more as you dig out your phone from your bag. Mingi briefly notes the fact that you have twelve messages from the same person, and the way you smile at that.

"It's nothing to worry about, we were taking a break anyways. As long as the door is open, you're welcome to come in." He pauses for a second before he looks around, almost like he forgot the others were there, "that goes for you all as well."

    "Okay girls," Jisu claps, headed back to the front of the room.

    "Ah, duty calls," you huff as you jump up, helping Sunji onto her feet as she wobbles, "thanks again, Sunbaenim! I owe you."

     "Owe me?"

     "Yeah, I'll take you for lunch or something! Taking so much of your time on my first day, I must seem like a wreck." You laugh, but Mingi thinks anything but that. He thinks you have leader material written all over you, and you obviously have a passion for idol work.

      "Okay," he grins as he moves to leave, "I'll hold you to that."

      "Okay, let's go easy with some flexibility stretches," he hears Jisu instructing you all as he closes the door, coming face to face with Seonghwa's large smile.

     "What's that look for?"

    Wooyoung and Hongjoong are smirking as well, and it takes him a moment until he catches onto the fact that they think he was flirting with you. "Pssh, you guys don't know me better than that? I wouldn't flirt with a junior, especially one from our company."

    "Uh-huuuuh," Wooyoung teases as he turns on his heel and heads back to their room.

     "Seriously!"

   Seonghwa wraps his arm around Mingis neck, messing with his younger member, "Mingi-ya, are we invited to lunch too?"

    "You guys got the wrong idea!" He pouts as his cheeks and ears become flushed, quickly blaming it on the broken air conditioning in the hallway.

⋆.ೃ:･L-O-V-E𐦍.ೃ࿔*:･

       The building is nearly empty at this hour, only one or two floors lit up. One of them is the practice floor, where you have been all day long.

    Your manager was long gone, your new members filtering out after her.

     They'd told you to get home safe and rest well, but you were too wired to even think about leaving.

    You had the music on considerably quieter, but your footsteps and voice carried through the floor as the cracked door went unnoticed in your focused state; left that way as Bongcha chased Aeyoung while begging her to teach her a specific dance move.

   "Shit," you curse as you stumble, rewinding the music ten seconds and trying again — only to do the same thing. "Son of a bitch! Ugh, Mom was right, you never work well when you're frustrated." You grumble to yourself as you switch the music to something much slower.

    You lower yourself to lay flat on the cool floor and groan as you catch your breath. Quickly, thanks to more than a year of KQ's intense stamina training, you're back to breathing evenly as you stare up at the fluorescent lights, letting the music vibrate your bones.

     "Nareul wihae fight for my life. Mudyeojimi iksukan sesangeseo," you belt out the lyrics, eyes closed as you appreciate the echo of the room. "Nawa haruman simjang bakkwo jul saram eodido eomn-AH!" You squeal as you reopen your eyes and find a man staring down at you.

You slide away on the smooth floor and quickly stand as you realize it's not just any man, but a member of your older group of seniors. He backs up, hands infront of himself, similarly startled.

"Ah, I'm sorry!"

"I'm so sorry!"

You both apologize at the same time, almost knocking your heads together as you bow in unison.

You bow again when he straightens up, showing him respect after you just screamed in his face. "My apologies," you offer a small smile, and he returns it.

"No, it's my fault, I kind of snuck up on you there," he shakes his head, gesturing for you to stand, "I just heard you singing while I was leaving and came to get a clearer listen. Your voice is nice."

"Oh, really?" You feel a heat on your cheeks, turning to get your bottle, "that's nice of you to say..." You pause as you try to recall his name.

"Oh, Kang Yeosang! You must be... ah, Ye (Y/n)?"

"Yes, nice to meet you, Kang-nim-"

"Please, please, that's way too formal! Yeosang is fine, or Sunbae. We'll probably see a lot of each other," he interrupts quickly, going on to explain himself, "no matter how long I do this, I never get used to being called that."

You turn back to him and nod in understanding, "of course. I get that, yesterday a little kid called me Ajumma and I almost cried."

He laughs softly and observes you as you cut off the music to be able to hear each other. "How old are you, Huebae?"

"I'm 22, 23 this year."

"Ah, not too much younger then," he wanders to the bench, sitting a good few feet away from you as you settle back on the floor, pulling your bag over to you, "your pronunciation is really good, aren't you a foreigner?"

You nod as you pull out a granola bar, offering him one to which he politely declines. "I lived out of the country for most of my life, but some of my family is Korean so I've always spoke bits and pieces. I moved here two... maybe three years ago?"

"Well, that explains it! You aren't really a foreigner, two years in Korea, you're practically a citizen," his words make you smile, and you find your cheeks sore from how much you've done that today. "Why did you move here?"

You're happy to find that the conversation flows naturally between you and Yeosang. "I have some distant relatives here that I moved in with. My home country isn't the safest at the moment, so they took me in. I'm still learning Korean customs and things, so hopefully I fit in well enough."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that... I'm glad you have your family to take care of you. And I'm sure you'll fit in, Mingi told me about how you came to him for help with one of your members."

"That's embarrassing," you face palm with a huff, "barging into another teams room because I don't know where the first aid kit is."

"What? No," he shakes his head firmly, "I think it was smart. Hurry to someone who can help so that no member gets left out. I think it's smart, not embarrassing." He speaks sincerely, making you look down at the floor with a thoughtful pout. "And it's a very Korean thing to do, taking care of people younger than you even if you might not know them well."

"Ah, I guess I can't argue with that," you slide across the floor and toss your wrapper in the bin.

"How long have you been a trainee at KQ?" He asks, resting his chin in his hand. He and you both are sweaty from your individual practices, your hair in two messes. Since he's in the same boat as you, you don't feel self conscious as he looks at you somewhat intently.

"Going on a two years soon." You beam proudly, finishing your water so it can meet the same fate as your wrapper.

"Really?! How come I don't remember seeing you around the trainee building? I'm in and out of there pretty often."

"I usually keep my head down," you giggle at his bewildered expression, "not the best trait for a wanna-be idol, I know."

"Hm, that's fair. Being introverted in life won't hold you back though, as long as you don't hide on stage." He provides reassurance from experience, you can tell. "Why is it you want to be an idol?"

"Oh, uhm," you stretch your legs out infront of you, nearly knocking your feet with his, "it's a long story. But the short version is I love music. I always have. And I want to make something for others to love, too." You fidget for a second before you speak again, "can I ask you something, Sunbae?"

He nods, eagerly awaiting your question, and when he hears it it takes him a moment to really think about it. "How does it feel? Singing, dancing infront of so many people?"

"Well, to me... it's like- it's sort of like this huge feeling of pride in myself, and my members. Showing all of my hard work in something that people can watch and enjoy. There's nothing like it, really. You'll have to wait and see for yourself," he finishes with a soft, lopsided grin, ignoring the non stop buzzing of his phone in favor of watching you take in his words and try to imagine them.

"Yeah. I'll have to see for myself, I can't wait."

"That's the spirit!" He says as he jumps up, heading to the computer desk in the corner and ripping a small piece from a discarded paper, "if you ever need a fellow introvert to talk to, any advice or help practicing, here's my number."

"Oh, seriously?" You stand quickly and take the paper with both hands, bowing to him once again, "thanks, Sunbaenim. You're very kind."

"Ah, it's nothing. We have to stick together, we're outnumbered," he jests as he heads to the door, "I have to head out now. You should do the same, (Y/n)-hubae. Go home and get some rest, the practice room isn't going anywhere."

"I will, Yeosang-sunbaenim. Goodnight."

You watch him go for a moment before you look down at the paper, putting it in your bag for safe keeping.

⋆.ೃ:･I FEEL YOU CALLIN' ME𐦍.ೃ࿔*:･

   The next day, you're the first member there again.  You flip on the harsh lights and observe the nearly barren room.

    With a small pout, you toss your bag to the floor and begin stretching.

    Sunji is next, giving you a small bow before joining you in silence.

   Hwan Namseon, the second youngest, comes after. Then its eldest member Bongcha coming in with a loud greeting of good morning. Kim Eunhwa, the only other seemingly introverted member slips in and joins. Han Yoomi hops in with a grin. Aeyoung is last to come, apologizing that her bus had a flat tire as she quickly jumps into the line that's formed behind you as you lead the stretches.

"Hey, where do you think Manager-nim is? It's twenty past eight, she doesn't seem like the type to be late without letting us know." Aeyeong questions with a groan as she touches her toes to mimic the rest of you.

"Ah, really?" You glance at the clock on the wall. You turn away from the wall of mirrors and face them, "should we text her?"

Unbeknownst to you all, Jisu was in the security room watching you on the live feed from the camera at the top of the mirrors usually reserved for taking dance videos. To see what you would do when left to our own devices.

"Yeah, I'll text her and let her know we're all waiting for her," Bongcha leaves the group to grab her phone from the bench, quickly texting the older woman. "Manager-nim," she mumbles out loud as she types.

"What should we do while we wait?" Namseon asks with a glance thrown your way.

"Uhm," you think with a thoughtful frown, "why don't we do an exercise? I'm sure she'll be here soon!"

"Like what?" Eunhwa looks up, fiddling with her sleeves as she speaks just above a whisper.

"I have an idea!" Yoomi jumps with a hand in the air, looking towards you with big eyes.

"Yeah," you laugh a bit as she waits for your permission, gesturing for her to continue.

"Dance-build. We did it at my elementary school. One person does a dance move, and the second person adds to it, and it just keeps going until someone messes up- and that person is out! It could help us with remembering choreography."

"That sounds like it could be fun!" Aeyoung claps, "rock, paper, scissors for the order! Rock, paper, scissors, go!"

A few minutes and a fight about if gun is allowed and if so does it beat rock (it isn't, but it would) later, the order is decided and you begin copying and building off of each other as some dance music plays from Bongchas phone.

Eunhwa, you, and Bongcha move past your turns pretty quickly, watching as Namseon tries to remember the moves and execute them properly. She moves her legs in a different way than Bongcha did, and Aeyoung shouts, "eeeh! Namseon, out!"

"What?! Dang it, what did I do wrong?"

Bongcha repeats the last movement and Namseons eyes widen, "ah, I wasn't looking at your legs!" She slumps before shuffling to take a seat on the wall.

"It's okay," you smile her way, "you can be the referee now!"

You begin again, as Namseon watches everyone like a hawk. It goes Eunhwa, you, Bongcha, Aeyoung, Sunji, Yoomi. Eunhwa, you, and then Bongcha messes up.

At some point, it becomes just you and Aeyoung going back and forth adding more and more dance moves as the others cheer. Clearly, you guys will be the main dancers with how many moves you're doing without even a hint of struggle of remembrance.

"Our Unnies are so cool," Namseon whispers to Sunji, who nods with a wide smile.

A loud chime comes through the speakers, and Bongcha dives for her phone, "its Manager-nim! She said she's on the way, five minutes."

"Good," you pant softly, hands on your knees. "I don't know how long I could keep up with you, Aeyoung-ssi!" You share a laugh with the slightly older girl, who pats your shoulder as she mimics your pose to catch her breath as well.

"Aisssh, says you! You were so fast coming up with moves I could barely keep up!"

"Bongcha-ssi, will you hand us our waters?" You pant softly, wiping your brow as you sit with your newfound dance partner.

"Here you go," she smiles as she hands them over, going on to ask you two about some dance moves.

Small chatter continues as you rest until Jisu enters, "hello, everyone!"

"Hello," you all greet with your various degrees of bows, standing up and beginning to conquer your training for the day.

⋆.ೃ:･널 향한 낯선 VIBE𐦍.ೃ࿔*:･

"How are your knees feeling, Sunji-ya?" You ask with a casual nickname thrown her way as you join her in waiting for the elevator.

During the few hours of your second practice together, the seven of you grew more and more comfortable with each other as the ice was broken.

"Oh, they're okay! Thank you for taking care of me yesterday, Unnie. I'm sure it was scary asking our seniors for help on the first day, I'm sorry about that."

"Oh, they're not so bad," you nudge her shoulder with a grin, "nothing to be afraid of." You enter the elevator together, and you ask, "going to the cafeteria?"

"Yeah, I'm starving." You press the button for the second floor, where the cafeteria and locker rooms reside.

"Ditto, let's eat together, yeah?"

Her smile pulls at your heartstrings as you enter the vast and open room. With only two doors, one with a male figure and one with a female figure: which had previously never been used, but now you see your members coming and going. Being the first girl group in the company was a weird feeling. Everyone was kind, but everyone was also waiting to see if you would be a massive failure.

Two younger boys nod their heads in greeting as you pass. You and Sunji bow back, a small and polite, "hello, Sunbaenims," coming from the girl which makes them smile.

The tables are far too many for all of the people you've met or know work here, but you know that it's a growing company. Still, it's oddly quiet with only the two Xikers boys and a handful of the Ateez members eating and conversing.

"Why don't you get us some food and I'll get us a cold drink?"

     Sunji scoops some rice and broccoli into two bowls and goes to claim a table for you both, not completely isolated but far enough away to give the men their own space.

     "Here you go," you slide her a glass of iced tea and sit across from her at the rectangular table, eyeing the way she has the lesser filled bowl infront of her. "Thought you were starving?"

    She nods, going to stop you from swapping your bowls, "ah, it's okay, Unnie! I should loose some weight before we start recording things-"

    "Tsk," you suck your teeth and swap the bowls despite her polite protesting, "you're still growing. You need to eat well."

    "Well, but-"

    "No buts," you give her a stern glare as you take a large bite, "I won't let our maknae wither away."

    "Maknae," she giggles, taking a spoonful with a bright smile, "it's weird to be the youngest. I'm the oldest of my siblings, actually."

     "Yeah? How many siblings do you have?" You converse smoothly as you eat, making sure she gets her fill.

As you laugh at her story of how her little brother cried harder than she did at the news of her official status of pre-debut, one of the men you briefly met yesterday approaches with a small head bow.

You and Sunji nod back, with you greeting him, "hello, Park-nim." You know his name, thankfully remembering him from an encounter you had in the trainee building.

"Hello, may I sit?" Seonghwa asks with a soft smile, gesturing to the table.

"Yeah, of course!" Sunji nods quickly, blushing in the presence of your pretty senior. "Nice to meet you," she beams, and you can't hold back a smile of your own at her eagerness.

"Nice to meet you, too. How has Jisu-nim been treating you all?" He inquires as he sits on your side of the table.

    "She's great! She pushing us to be our very best," the girl says, and you nod in agreement as he looks to you for your opinion as well.

    "That's good to hear. She's been waiting a long time to have a group of her own to manage, so I'm sure she'll treat you well. She came up with your concept and everything on her own, worked with Hongjoong for days on your title song."

    Both of you freeze with bites half in your mouths, and he realizes he's said something he probably shouldn't have as the young girl leans over the table with wide eyes, nearly toppling over as she asks him with urgency, "our debut song is already planned?!"

 

      "Sunji-ya!" You scold her, slapping her arm, "I apologize for her, Park-nim, we haven't been told about that yet, you see." He laughs as you force the shell-shocked girl back into her seat.

     "Ah, well I'm glad to be the one to tell you!"

      He feels a spark of energy as he sees both of your excitement, yours especially as you try to hide it with a nonchalant expression as you ask, "could you, maybe, could you tell us about it?"

     "Oh, I'm not in the production team," he begins, "but from what I've seen it's a very cute concept. Some lore has been tossed around but nothing solid. Hmm, what else?" He hums as he takes a bite of his food, feeling both of you looking at him expectantly. "Oh! Yeah, the song. I've heard some snippets of the instrumentals and it sounds very upbeat. I haven't gotten a glance at the lyrics but they're finalizing them right now, actually. Maybe you'll get your first look today."

     "Ah!" Sunji squeals into her hands before diving over the table to hug you, "I'm so excited!" She bounces out of her seat and bows to Seonghwa like she's been snapped in half before running away, leaving you both confused. "Thank you, Park-nim! Ah, I have to tell the others!"

     You watch her go with your jaw slacked before you grumble, "that little jerk left her dishes."

     Seonghwa goes into a fit of laughter at the seriousness on your face, the sound making you remember he was still there. "Ah, sorry," you give a little laugh of your own, "I guess our maknae is very excited to debut."

     "It's okay," he says between breaths of laughs, placing a hand on his chest, "whew! She's definitely going to be the mood maker."

    "Right? No kidding, that kid has energy like she just chugged seven Red-Bulls in a row."

     You share another chuckle, comfortable silence taking over as you finish your meals. When he goes to stand and take his dishes, you quickly stuff your last bites into your mouth and shake your head.

     He leans back as you collect all of the dishes on the table, his included. He watches as you scrape any remnants into the bin and set them all ontop with the others. "Thank you," he nods as you come back around with a smile, headed towards the elevator, "going back up to the practice rooms?" He asks as he joins you in waiting.

    "Yes, thank you again for telling us about the debut, I'm sure everyone will be happy to know."

"Ah, it's the least I could do, I know the feeling." He sighs as he presses the button, looking over his shoulder at you as the doors close. "You think you'll fit a cute concept?" 

"Oh, yes," you nod at lightning speed, "a lot of our members are light on their feet and good with facial expressions that will go well with that. Our second youngest, Namseon, has an adorable gummy smile that will be just perfect. Oh- my Unnies both have insane charisma, it's like they were born for the stage! And you met Sunji, she's a ball of sunshine. I think they'll do well."

He waits, gesturing for you to continue.

"Sorry, I rambled a bit! I'm done," you scratch the back of your neck and push past as the doors open, "thanks again-"

"What about you?" He asks before you can get away, gently laying a hand on your shoulder to stop you just outside of the elevator. "You said 'they'll' do good, but what about you?"

"Uh? Me?" You look down, clearly caught off guard as he asks about how you'll do, "I dunno, actually. I never thought about what concept I could fit..."

As if he senses your anxiety (because he does, it's a bit hard to miss), he smiles reassuringly down at you, "don't worry, I think you'll fit your group's concept just fine. You have that charm, y'know?"

    "Charm?"

   "Mhm! Something about you that's just... cute!" He feels a heat creeping up on his cheeks, and you see it.

"You think I'm cute?" You peek to his hand, still resting on your shoulder; and he quickly removes it when you do.

When he notices your eyes lingering on his flushed cheeks, he starts walking away, quickly headed to their practice room. "Aisssh, Mingi was right, we need to fix the air conditioning in the hall. Don't worry, you'll be perfect!"

⋆.ೃ:･간절히 FIND, FIND OUT𐦍.ೃ࿔*:･

As soon as the door to the practice room slams shut: Seonghwa crouches and places his head between his knees, then his hands over his head. "Ahhhh!" He groans loudly, calling San's attention up from his phone.

"Jesus, what happened to you? You look like a tomato."

"I can never show my face to our crUSh hubae again!" He shouts from his crouched position, refusing to move even as he hears the door open and feels someone step over him.

"Don't mind meeee," Mingi says as he vaults over, "I'm not apart of this, just want my notebook."

"Are you sure you don't want in on this? Hyung embarrassed himself infront of one of the girls- or multiple? My bets on multiple."

Mingi stops with his notebook in hand, leaning against the wall next to San, "again? Is this a 'accidentally call everyone the wrong name' situation repeat?"

"Ahhhh," he groans again, slumping against the door and revealing his face to the two.

"Wait, that's not an embarrassment blush! That's a crush blush!" Seonghwa curses the fact that they've spent that much time together, they even know the difference between each others blushes.

"Crushing on crUSh, Hyung? You made fun of me for that!"

"I am not 'crushing', I'm not a schoolboy!"

"You are too! Who is it? Tell us!"

"Tell us, tell us, tell us," they go on to chant, San clapping with amusement as Seonghwa hides his face with his hands, "tell us, tell us, tell us!"

"Yah! Fine, I'll tell you-" he's cut off by their cheers "-but if you so much as even think about telling a single soul, I will-" cut off again:

"Yeah, yeah, get on with it!"

He takes a deep breath, leaning his head against the door, "I was talking with Ye (Y/n) just now." Mingi tilts his head and smirks as he continues. "She was worried that she wouldn't fit into the groups cute concept... so I told her that she was cute." San whistles. "While I had my hand on her shoulder." San whistles louder before cackling.

"Man, you are horrible with women!"

"It came out of my mouth before I could think!"

"At least you didn't give her your number, Yeosang beat you to it."

"Woah, woah, back up — when the hell did that happen?" Mingi finally pipes up, eyebrows bunched together, "is he The Flash all the sudden? He's been with us all day!"

"Last night, dummy." San rolls his eyes, "is he The Flas- ow!" He punches Mingi's leg after he kicks him, glaring up at him from the floor.

"Did he actually?" Seonghwa tilts his head, thinking about the introverted member. "He's usually really shy around girls."

"Not as shy as you, Mr.Tomato," San makes both of them chuckle before he goes on to say, "he said he heard her singing after all her members left and went to complement her. They talked a little bit and he gave her his number if she ever needed anything, so he sayssss- but he was blushing too."

"Damn, Sang has game," Mingi slides down the wall to join San, letting out a little sigh which makes the man next to him perk up.

"Wait, wait, wait, hold on-"

"Don't!"

San goes on despite Mingi's protest, "is Ye (Y/n) the one Wooyoung called your puppy?! The girl you said was 'suuuuper ni-' yah, quit hitting me!"

Mingi glares, and San glares back.

"She is super nice," Seonghwa breaks their intense staring contest as they both turn to him. "She made sure the member that got hurt yesterday was taken care of so she didn't fall behind, she cleaned up all of our dishes after her member ran off, she even knew all about her groups killing points. She didn't even mention herself when I asked how everyone would fit into their concept, just went on about how well everyone else would do."

After a moment of quiet, the younger men digesting his words, San hums, "she can't be that sweet, to have three of you crushing in not even a few days?"

    "There's something about her, man," Mingi pushes back his hair, "she had a literal sparkle in her eye when she saw their practice room for the first time. Like- like a cartoon princess!"

   "Yes, the sparkle! She had it when she was talking about her members, too!"

    "You guys are whipped, no one is this... enchanting! Enchanting, that's it!" San would be eating his words in less than forty-eight hours.

   Seonghwa shakes his head, "she might be- woah!" He falls back into the hall as someone opens the door, landing with a thud.

      "What's going on?" Wooyoung asks as he takes in the scene. Seonghwa and Mingi's fading blushes, San's look of disbelief. The oldest of them on the ground because he was hiding against the door.

    "Hyung embarrassed himself infront of his crush!"

     "I'll kill you!" Seonghwa yells, finally finishing his threat.

⋆.ೃ:･L-O-V-E𐦍.ೃ࿔*:･

   Once again, you're left in the practice room on your lonesome after everyone left pretty shortly after your intense work out with the company trainer.

      It didn't slow down the buzz everyone had over the news of the debut song almost being completed so you could begin working on it yourselves.

     Especially not yours, as you stayed to study and practice other girl group songs with cute concepts.

   "Signal bonae signal bonae, jjirit- aaaah," you grumble as you fall back into your resting face. You glare at yourself in the mirror for a moment before you return to a soft and cheery face, "try to let you know. Signeul bonae signal bonae," you try to throw in the hand movement as well, groaning loudly as your focus fails you and your face no longer does what you want it to. "Ah, really!? C'mon, (Y/n), you're better than this."

     You point at yourself accusingly, unaware as the door swings open. "Neol bomyeo useumyeon arac- fuck!" You curse as your face falls once more as you focus too hard on singing.

You close your eyes and lean your forehead against the mirror defeatedly, not noticing as two semi-familiar men come into the room and witness you kneeling infront of the mirror wall, tears beginning to wet your eyelashes.

"Excuse me," Hongjoong speaks first, making you flinch. You quickly wipe your eyes as you turn to face him, hoping (though futile) that they didn't see your mini-breakdown.

"H-Hello," you internally curse yourself as your voice cracks.

"Are you okay, Hubae?" Mingi asks hesitantly, tilting his head.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm okay! Just a little frustrated is all! Thank you, Mingi-ssi."

"Ah, we all know the feeling," Hongjoong offers softly, nodding toward you with a comforting smile. You notice the stack of papers in his hand, remembering what Seonghwa had told you earlier.

"Thank you," you pause, unsure of what to call him. He's technically your senior, yes. But he's also a producer and leader.

He notices your brows pushing together with your thoughts, and he helps you out, "Hongjoong-sunbae is fine, don't worry."

"Ah, okay, okay! Thank you, Hongjoong-sunbae. Can I help with something?"

"Are your members around?" He gestures to the empty room save for you and Mingi, who's still looking down at you with a pout.

"No, sorry," you shake your head, offering an apology, "they left about an hour ago, we finished our work out early."

"Oh, that's too bad," he slaps the papers against his palm lightly and bites his lip, "I was hoping to give you all the lyrics to your title track."

"Really?! It's ready?" You perk up immediately, forcing yourself to calm down as you step closer, "may I see it? Please?"

He can't say no to those puppy dog eyes of yours, and apparently neither can Mingi; who grabs one of the stapled packets from his hyungs hands and extends it out to you with a big gummy smile.

You take it with an equally big smile, bowing deeply to the two of them before coming up and scanning the paper with that shimmer in your eyes that Mingi saw yesterday. Hongjoong sees it now too, and he understands what the man was trying to explain to them.

Passion in your eyes, he didn't think it would be so clear to see. But anyone who looked at you as you read the lyrics of what would be your first song would be able to see it. It's brighter than any other trainee, producer, lyric writer- it's brighter than anyone else's he's ever seen. And he finds him self excited to see what you do with it.

"SYNC-LOVE," you read with a gigantic grin. "crUSh official debut. Ah!" You can't help the happy yell that escapes you, hiding your face in the paper as the men chuckle.

You pull the paper back and scan the words, flipping the page and reading it all; credits included. Seeing their names on the credits, you bow repeatedly to them with your smile present all the while, "ah, thank you. Thank you so much, I'll make sure to do my very best with your song and my members as well! I'll make sure we make you proud to have u-"

Mingi puts a hand on your shoulder to stop your repeated bowing, laughing along with Hongjoong at your excitement, "careful, now! You'll get dizzy!"

"My bad," you look down to hide your still present grin.

"It's an exciting moment!" Hongjoong reassures you again, handing over the rest of the papers, "you'll get these to your members? In a few days we want to hear you all sing it individually so we can start assigning parts."

  You nod and take them carefully, turning to your bag and getting your phone, "is it okay if I send them photos of it- or is that a leak risk?"

    "No, that's okay. People don't even know we have a girl group yet," Mingi waves off your concern, "just do it through your number, no social media."

    You quickly snap a photo of each page and create a group chat with the numbers that you'd thankfully collected.

YOU ADDED BONGCHA.

YOU ADDED AEYOUNG.

YOU ADDED EUNHWA.

YOU ADDED YOOMI.

YOU ADDED NAMSEON.

YOU ADDED SUNJI.

YOU SENT A MESSAGE. Hongjoong and Mingi sunbaenims just stopped by the room. Good news, our debut song is completed!!

YOU SENT TWO ATTACHMENTS.

    As you turn back to thank them once again, your phone begins going off nonstop with messages from the others. "Oops," you turn off the ringer quickly, "I think they're just as excited as I am. Thank you again."

     "We're all excited to do what you guys can do," Hongjoong says truthfully, "Yeosang said you're a nice singer, is that the main position you want?"

     "Ah, rapper actually," you chuckle a bit, shifting on your feet, "admittedly, after my manager told us all your story, Hongjoong-sunbae, I started writing."

     "Really?" He beams, jumping a bit, "oh, I like you more by the minute! I can't wait to work with you!"

    You laugh as you wrap your arms around yourself, "thanks-"

    Mingi suddenly gets a brilliant idea, "hey, why don't you bring some of your songs to the recording booth so we can hear them?"

    "Oh, no, no, I don't have instrumentals or anything like that- I just write them for fun!"

    "So sing them for fun too! Let your voice be the instruments." Mingi is practically begging, and Hongjoong looks at you hopefully as well.

     "Maybe, maybe just one. I don't want to waste your time," you give in, making the men cheer.

⋆.ೃ:･THIS LOVE IS NOT FAKE𐦍.ೃ࿔*:･

After your work out together the next day, you speak up before anyone can leave, "hey, before you all go!" You hop up quickly, stopping Yoomi and Eunhwa in the doorway.

You suddenly feel a bit shy speaking when all of the others are looking at you, "uhm, do any of you want to stay and try some of ATEEZ-sunbaenims choreography? I was thinking, we have a lot of pressure to live up to them and Xikers as well, especially in the dance department. Not to say that we aren't good! Just that they're very intense performers and we have a soft concept compared to them so maybe we could do a dance cover to show that we can kick ass too-"

In your rambling, you don't notice as they set their bags back down, gathering around you as you speak. "Because I know that we can! We can show the world that KQ doesn't mess around, even with their girls!"

"Hell yeah!" Bongcha yells, making you flinch, "sorry! But, yeah, I'm in for sure."

"What song were you thinking?" Aeyoung, eager to prove her dance skills to the world, is pulling back on her sneakers.

"Oh, I wasn't expecting you all to agree," you take a deep breath as you scan the rest of your group, "maybe we could pick together?"

A couple of hours later, you're all sweaty and out of breath once again as you finish your third run-through of Guerrilla. 'Start off strong,' Namseon said as she was the deciding vote.

"Let's take five," Bongcha heaves as she falls onto the floor, "...hours."

A couple of breathless chuckles go her way as the rest of the group sits minus you. "I'll get us some waters," you manage as you head to the door, grabbing your phone on the way.

Once you get to the fridge, your phone pings.

BONGCHA SENT AN ATTACHMENT.

BONGCHA SENT A MESSAGE. Guerrilla, take three

You lean against the fridge as you open the video, watching each member intently. You're all very good, but you could be better. Your footsteps are almost louder than the music at times, and it helps that you can hear them all being in sync. As the dance break begins, you hear yourself in the video. "Let's go, Guerrilla!" The rest of them follow suit, "the guerrillas!" You're definitely louder than the music as you all shout to hype each other up, "break the wall!"

Smiling down at your phone, you don't hear the person approaching you until he speaks.

"I thought those stomps sounded familiar."

"My god!" You clamber to catch your phone, breathing a sigh of relief as you hold it tightly.

"Sorry," Yeosang laughs softly, "I should stop sneaking up on you." He gives you a little bow of apology before he gestures to the phone, "may I see?"

    "Ah," you place a hand to your chest as your shoulders relax, "you're going to give me a heart attack." You joke as you rewind the video and hold it out to show him.

    He leans closer, his shoulder against yours as you both watch it.

     "Woo!" He smiles as you all shout when the youngest looking member slides to the center. He can tell you already have a bond that will be helpful when things get tough. It's not often that groups click immediately, but he's happy that yours did; and it's clear that you have by the way you move in tandem with each other after only a few days. Some of you have more energy, more power behind your moves maybe, but you all move at the same time despite that. He thinks, as do you as you watch over your group, maybe you were meant to debut together.

    After it comes to an end, Yeosang claps and leans back, "woah! You guys are good! How many tries was that?"

    "You think so? It was our third take, we still have a lot of improvements to make," you say as you slide your phone into your pocket, moving to get the waters you came for.

    "Yeah, I wouldn't think that you guys are a new group based on that, you're a very well rounded group looks like." He takes some of the waters from your arms and earns himself a smile from you.

     "Thanks, Yeosang, that means a lot to hear. It was my idea actually to cover one of your dances to show that we could be badass too," you look down as you admit with a little laugh, walking with him back to your groups room.

     "You're a good leader," he nods with a thoughtful expression.

    "Uh? I'm not the leader."

    "No?" He raises an eyebrow, "who is?"

    "Uhhhhhh," you blank as you enter the room, making the others look up confusedly. "-hhh, heres the water!" Yeosang laughs heartily as you quickly change the subject, going on to hand over the waters he carried for you as you distribute them. "Guys, this is Yeosang-sunbaenim," you gesture to him before sipping on your own water.

     "Hello," they bow to one another, and Aeyoung is quick to drag you over after the formalities are out of the way. She leans over her phone, having similarly been monitoring your last take.

     "Ye-ssi, look here," she points, "I think Yoomi and Eunhwa should swap here, to have Eunhwa in the front. She has more intense facial expressions, don't you think?"

    "Ah," you nod along, backing up the video a few seconds to see again, "I think that's a good idea."

    "Yoomi-ya! Come here, I need to teach you a different part!" The older members yells dramatically, making you cover your ear with a grimace.

     Yeosang joins your side again with a grin, "not the leader, huh?"

You take a long sip of your water and look up at the ceiling thoughtfully before — "nope!"

⋆.ೃ:･달려가 CRUSH ON YOU𐦍.ೃ࿔*:･

     The next day, you're surprised to see someone else in the practice room when you arrive — multiple someones that is, and an array of cameras and microphones.

    You pause in the door way mid-way through fixing your hair, slowly backing out as the main camera man swivels the lens to face you. "Sorry," you let your hair fall and bow, looking around curiously from the hall, "am I interrupting?"

    "(Y/n)!" Jisu waves from the group of people, having to jump for you to see her. "Come on in," she gestures you forward, placing a hand on your arm as you get closer, "we're going to start filming for a pre-debut documentary."

    "Really? We're making one? That's exciting!" You look around the room, waving and bowing once again to the crew, "hello. Good morning."

    You get a few responses back, looking away from the camera shyly. You'll definitely have to get used to that.

    "You're here early, practice doesn't start until eight," she observes, smiling as she realizes how dedicated you are from the fact that you have now been the first member to arrive four days in a row. "Did you plan to start early?"

    "Ah, I actually came to work on some songs," you hesitate, looking around as the crew continues to set up in the back of the room.

    "Writing?" Jisu asks, knowing that you've been coming up with songs of your own nonstop since she told you of Hongjoong's passion and subsequent success.

    "Yes, I wanted to write some that fit with our concept," you whisper as you fiddle with the hem of your hoodie.

    "Oh, that's great! You go ahead and do whatever you need to, pretend we aren't even here. We don't have the main sound going yet but the director may want some footage of you working." She pats your arm as she notices your nerves, giving you a little nod, "hwaiting!"

    "Thank you, manager-nim," you nod back, carefully taking your bag off and setting it on the wall by the door so it's not in the way.

     You can still feel the camera trailing you as you take out your newer notebook that has strawberry printed papers, along with your pen and a dry erase marker. You settle infront of the mirror with your legs folded under you.

    A few minutes of calming breathes later, you finally decide 'screw it', and allow yourself to begin working like no body is there, following your manager's advice.

    From your notes about what kind of lyrics you want, you begin writing on the mirror with your dry erase marker just like you do at home; only on a larger scale.

CHORUS

dallyeoga crush on you

super crush on you

can't stop the crush on you

code in L-O-V-E

TIPI-TAP TIPI-TIPI TAP

You write it out in romanization to see how it will sound, chewing on the back of the marker.

    "Hello," the camera woman who comes up to you greets politely, and you return the favor. "Director-nim wanted me to ask what you're doing?"

"Okay, okay," you nod quickly, scooting to the side a bit to allow her to film the writing on the mirror, "since our concept is super cute, uhm," you clear your throat, showing her the page in your notebook full of ideas, "I'm writing some songs that I think would fit along with it..."

"Why do you write on the mirror?"

"Oh," you look at it before smiling, almost reminiscently, "it's a technique someone taught me! Write it in dry erase or chalk so you can easily change it, move it around, see where things might fit better. And when you think you have it, write it on paper and see how it is!" You beam as you explain, quickly falling into your comfort zone.

"Ah," you erase part of it with your hoodie sleeve before leaning and writing in something different, "chorus should be a bit repetitive!"

dallyeoga crush on you

dallyeoga crush on you

"Better," you smile to yourself as you look it over.

"Hello," a voice calls all of your attention from the door, and you smile brighter as you see Mingi and one of his group mates you've yet to meet.

You wave briefly before gasping and turning back to the mirror quickly as some lyrics come to you.

pow pow

my heart just flew up

You hardly notice as the duo stop talking to your manager and the team, heading for you instead as you mumble to yourself. "Flew up?"

You peek up as the camera-woman backs up, getting all three of you in frame as they come up on either side behind you.

"Pow, pow, my heart blew up?" Mingi suggests as he reads over it, smiling as you immediately click your tongue and rewrite it.

"Aye, why didn't I think of that? Thanks, Mingi-ssi," you blink at the other man in the reflection and give him a bow of your head, "hello."

"Nice to meet you, Ye-ssi," he flashes you a soft grin in the mirror, "I'm San."

"Nice to meet you- ah sorry," you look away quickly and scribble a little further away from what you already have down before the words can get away from you, "inspiration waits for no-one."

beonjineun seollem

gidarin chit-chat

"This is a cute vibe," San complements as he reads it over with Mingi, "how long have you been working on it?"

"Hm," you take a glance at the clock in the mirror, 7:40. "About twenty minutes."

Mingi makes a noise of surprise, nearly falling from his crouched position until you grab his arm and steady him, "ah, are you okay, Mingi-ssi? Are you dizzy?" He laughs as you worry over him, pointing back to the writing after he's steady.

"Twenty minutes and you have a solid chorus?"

"Mhm!" You smile towards your work, humming the imaginary tune to yourself for a second to see if more inspiration hits.

"How long have you been writing?" San asks with a slight awe, taking a look at your book of ideas.

"Ah," you scratch your head, "since... April, I think?"

It's Sans turn to be surprised, raising his eyebrows and counting on his fingers, "four months?! Hey, no way," he shakes his head, "you're pulling our leg."

"She's a genius," Jisu buts into the conversation, coming to pat your head, "she's my own mini-Captain."

"Not even Hongjoong can come up with a chorus in twenty minutes flat," San argues, glaring at the words and mumbling them to himself.

"Hey, (Y/n), how are you imagining this?" The woman grins, as you begin to tap on your leg, thinking of the right pace.

"Kind of- aaah, no," you stop yourself before even starting, restarting quietly, "dallyeoga crush on you, dallyeoga crush on you. Ah, yes!" You lean over your paper and draw a little meter of how upbeat it should be. "Like, tipi-tip tap, tipi-tipi, tap-tap~ That fits right?"

Mingi points at Sans look of speechlessness, squeaking with laughter and leaning into your side.

"Hey, Unnie, can you-" You look and see Sunji enter, quickly looking up from her phone and having the same look of 'oh shit' that you did. "Oh, hello," she quickly bows, having the same conversation with your manager and nodding along.

Mingi and San are still helping you with fine tuning lyrics as she joins, sitting beside you and looking at the words curiously.

"What were you going to ask, Sunji?" You question as you making the recommended change that San suggested, nodding at the way it looks.

"Ah," she blushes a bit, asking in a hushed tone, "could you braid my hair before practice? Yours was really pretty the other day, but I don't know how."

"Awe," you smile at the young girl, sliding back and patting the space you previously occupied, "of course, anything for my maknae!"

San looks down at you two with a fond expression as you card your hands through her hair and she reads the words with curiosity. "Is this our next song?"

"No-"

"Maybe!" Mingi cuts you off, taking the marker and jotting down some more words, "your Unnie wrote the chorus all by herself!"

"Woah, really?" She meets your eyes in the reflection, "you can write too? You're good at everything!"

She bounces, making you pat her shoulder with a chuckle, "stay still."

"Sorry," she giggles, stilling as you begin to braid her hair back in an intricate way, "how does it go?"

You sing the chorus for her, San nodding along and Mingi listening closely; tilting his head as he thinks.

"Hey, Ye-ssi," he points to one of the lines with the marker that he's effectively taken over, "here, code in L-O-V-E~ What about," he wipes the line and replaces it as you watch with interest, "this?"

"The code is L-O-V-E," you sing together to the rhythm in your heads, feeling out the vibe.

    "I like it!" Sunji peeps, breaking you and Mingi's sudden staring contest.

     "Ah," you turn to her quickly to avoid his gaze, "really? Why don't you sing it for us?" You settle back behind her and continue to braid her long hair, watching as she smiles brightly. "Your voice really suits a soft concept."

To anyone watching the moment in the documentary many months later, it's certainly a heartwarming scene. Especially paired with the caption the editors slipped in: 'Ye-ssi is showing off her makenae<3'.

    If they looked hard enough; they'd also see that Mingi's gaze never left your hands as you gently braided your young members hair, and that San's kept flicking to you with a sense of wonder...

⋆.ೃ:･CAN'T STOP MY CRUSH ON YOU𐦍.ೃ࿔*:･

⋆.ೃ:･DELETED SCENES.ೃ࿔*:･

#ONE#

     After your strange but heart warming moment with Seonghwa, you return back to your own practice room; where Bongcha and Namseon are watching Eunhwa play a game on her phone. 

    Sunji and Aeyoung are seemingly having a flexibility competition, with Yoomi as the judge.

    You sit on the bench and watch between the two groups, a content smile on your face until from the open door you hear —

     "I'll kill you!" All of you perk up, running to the door and peeking your heads out.

    "Was that Park-nim?" Sunji asks with a pout, "he doesn't seem like the type to get angry."

    "What'd he say? I don't know that word," Bongcha looks to you.

    "I'll kill you, he said," you translate for her while watching curiously as the man in the doorway slides out of the way to make room for another, who comes flying out of the room; quickly followed by Seonghwa.

      "Come back here!"

       "No, I want to live! Hyung, please! I want to live!"

⋆.ೃ:･L-O-V-E WILL BE RIGHT BACK.ೃ࿔*:･

[nkjemisin]

Hello NK Jemisin! I'm a huge fan of yours, and I wanted to thank you for writing all of the books you've written, and doing all that you do. You're really awesome and you are doing important work! :) I had a long question, if you have time to answer! What's your commentary on creating fantasy cultures, using real ones as inspiration? You've done this before in your stories, and I wanted to know if you had any guidance on doing it well. I'm writing my first novel right now (fantasy!) and am dealing with a surprising amount of guilt regarding using real cultures as a basis for my fake ones. On one hand, I want to create a really unique fantasy world, not the bog-standard European stuff. It's not only more interesting to me, but I also admittedly want to use my story to help introduce people to concepts that might be helpful in the real world, help readers understand what these real people go through and perhaps inspire change. On the OTHER hand, I don't know if it's 'my place' to do so (I'm Black btw, but I'm not just writing about Black-coded fantasy characters). And I'm worried about representing people in a harmful way, even if it's by accident. I'm even hung up about names! Should I use names from real languages related to the cultures I'm inspired by, or should I just make them up to emphasize that, while yes these people are clearly inspired by real cultures, they are ultimately *their own* thing. I'm really conflicted on this and am hoping you can offer some feedback and/or commentary. Sorry for the long ask. Either way, have a great day and I look forward to whatever work you do next!

If I can rephrase what you're saying here, it sounds like you're concerned about cultural appropriation -- specifically, which cultures you get to "borrow from" and "remix," how much remixing you can do before you've done damage, how to depict people from cultural backgrounds other than your own, etc.

If that's what you're asking, then there are whole schools of thought on how to "appropriate appropriately." A lot of thinking on this has evolved in the past few years, for good and for ill; Own Voices, for example. (The short version: the Own Voices hashtag movement started as a grassroots attempt to get marginalized voices telling the stories of their own cultures, because there's been a nasty trend of only white/Western/Anglophone/etc. authors publishing books about those cultures. The problem? Some publishers and readers started acting as if marginalized writers weren't allowed to do anything but stories in their own cultures -- a restriction, instead of an inclusion/correction. Worse, publishers, etc started using it as a marketing shorthand, in ways that were just... not good. They made it weird, basically.) But I'm still fond of the approach that's in Writing the Other, by Nisi Shawl and Cynthia Ward. It's centered on ethnicity/race, but a lot of its approach can be extrapolated to culture. There's too much good stuff in this book to summarize it easily, but you should read it instead of a summary anyway -- it's short.

I don't see the point of guilt, when it comes to something like this. Guilt is what you feel when you've done something wrong, and admiring another culture enough to want to tell a story featuring it isn't wrong. However, there are things you need to do -- research, conversations, considerations of power dynamics -- to reduce the harm you might end up doing by telling that story as an outsider. And note that no matter what you do, though, you might still end up doing harm. (Even people writing about their own culture can end up doing that.) If you fuck up, apologize, figure out what went wrong, and try to do better next time. That's really all you can do.

And then write whatever the hell you want. There's a persistent pressure on Black writers to only cover certain subjects, certain settings; nah. We get to have range, too. You've just got to put in the work to do it well.

Good luck.

[guidaozongshi]

Do you think Sasuke is gay or demisexual or asexual? I think gay. You don't start off the manga thinking about a kiss if you're not gay. There are also probably cultural elements from preventing people from understanding the subtlety Sasuke's sexuality is depicted with.

I’ll be honest: I’m largely disinterested in debates about sexuality labels, especially when applying contemporary frameworks to a story inspired by pre-modern cultural contexts. Concepts of sexuality in feudal Japan (or analogous settings) differ starkly from modern Western paradigms.

That said, narratively speaking, Sasuke undeniably aligns with what I would interpret as a gay character. Despite being framed as a chick-magnet, he exhibits zero attraction to women, avoiding their physical touch when possible and showing no emotional investment in their affections. While one could argue this reflects his ascetic persona and to some extent it does, but his behavior toward Naruto hints otherwise.

During their first reunion in Part 2, Sasuke initiates a startlingly intimate posture, embracing Naruto and talking directly into his ear. The scene was deliberately homoerotic, contrasting with his typically avoidant personality regarding physical contact. The series repeatedly frames Naruto as Sasuke’s literal and metaphorical distraction . Sasuke keeps relentlessly staring at Naruto and his presence ( with an emphasis on his eyes ) repeatedly jolts him. In their final battle, Sasuke is so transfixed by Naruto’s gaze that he fails to intercept an uppercut from Naruto, a moment the text explicitly states as “there is no escaping those eyes ” It’s almost comical: Sasuke, the perfect strategist, loses focus mid-combat because he’s lost in his opponent's eyes. If Naruto were a woman, audiences would unanimously interpret this as romantic coding and that Sasuke is enamored with her eyes.

You are also right, the infamous accidental kiss, while played for laughs initially, resurfaces in Sasuke’s montage of pivotal memories with Naruto. It's inclusion suggests Sasuke cherishes it as a fond or at least defining memory.

[autball]

ND = Neurodivergent, which means anyone with a neurobiology that operates differently from what society has deemed “the norm.” (Social skills classes are most often recommended for autistic people, but not exclusively. So ND is not being used here as a stand in for “autistic” only, but in the most inclusive way possible.)

NT = Neurotypical, which means anyone with a neurobiology that operates comfortably within what society has deemed “the norm” (aka neuronormative culture).

When the people behind teaching social skills to autistic people got the idea, they were operating under the assumption that we simply didn’t have any social skills. Essentially, they thought there were holes in our programming just waiting for someone to insert the missing code that would enable us to run the “regular human” software bug-free.

However, their premise was deeply flawed, because we already have social skills. AUTISTIC social skills. So when they put us in these social skills programs, they’re actually trying to overwrite pre-existing code, not fill in some empty gaps.

Not only does this not feel very good to us, but there’s growing evidence that it’s not even all that effective. Those “skills” rarely ever become as automatic as they want them to be, we often still struggle to find real friendship, and we usually end up with low self esteem and/or social anxiety for our trouble.

Even still, there are some people who struggle to navigate neuronormative ways who would like *some* kind of help with decoding neurotypical social norms. Even if you don’t want to fully replace your own programming with theirs, it might be nice if you could at least understand it, right?

But how do you teach NT social skills without making ND people feel bad about their own set of skills? Can it even be done?

Well the neurotypical people who created the most popular social skills programs out there may not have been able to conceive of such a thing, but yes, it CAN be done - and here’s how.

[sjbattleangel]

The Virgin Lily Orchard:

Sides with abusers

Lies about having Indigenous heritage

Is horrifically abusive to friends and family

Always sides with corporations

Writes awful revenge-fics out of spite

Fetishizes black women

Dismisses an entire cultural animation medium (anime) as "spankbait for perverts"

Wrote the worst writing advice ever

Has a pathetic vendetta against Rebecca Sugar for simply existing

Sends death threats to creators

Throws marginalized creators under the bus for not being "woke" enough

Lied about being a "highly sought-after writer" solely to spite Rebecca Sugar, ND Stevenson, Darron Nefcy, Dana Terrace and her sister

Hates Asians

Hates Jews

Holds nothing but contempt for animation

Wants all of animation to be nothing but slice-of-life romantic comedies

Wants the Hays code back

The Chad Rebecca Sugar:

One of the nicest people working in the industry

Has fought hard for diversity and representation in animation

Is incredibly talented

Is friends with Alex Hirsch (Gravity Falls), Matt Braly (Amphibia) and many others

Paved the way for more diverse creators

Has won multiple awards

Wrote and sang songs for Adventure Time

A non-binary, bisexual Jewish woman whose background and experiences influence her work

Created one of the most groundbreaking, inclusive, LGBTQ+ friendly shows of all time

Fought against higher-ups when they tried to censor the queerness of her work

Helped normalize discussions of kids' mental health

An uplifting inspiration to a generation of queer kids growing up

Influenced by both western animation and anime

Married to Ian Jones Quartey

[kururreal]

“have i not loved you enough, my sweet﹖”

𖢷 ۪ ࣪ ﹙☆﹚ ࣪ ִ HEADCANONS ‹3

culture courting! ooc. don’t kill me pls.

❪ ENMA YUUKEN .ᐟ ❫ 𓍢ִ໋🤍

I. The word "shy" is often used to describe Japanese individuals, and this perception may stem from their traditional cultural practices. Those unfamiliar with Japanese customs might find the Japanese way of life to be rather restrained and conservative, with a strict moral code that could be seen as somewhat antiquated to outsiders. This cultural backdrop contributes to the characterization of Japanese people as being shy and reserved.

II. Yuuken is not dissimilar from others in his nervousness when it comes to courting you. He hesitates to make any significant moves, fearing to cause you discomfort, as he finds the prospect unbearable. Doing so would make him a disappointment to his ancestors, a situation he strives to avoid at all costs. Yuuken's nervous demeanor can be seen as a result of his concern for your comfort and the fear of causing any distress or unease. His wariness is motivated by a deep sense of responsibility to uphold his family's honor and avoid bringing shame upon his ancestors. This trepidation is a testament to his respect for cultural norms and his desire to approach the relationship with sensitivity and consideration.

III. Yuuken adheres to the cultural teachings that discourage excessive public displays of intimacy, as this behavior is deemed improper within Japanese society. Although it is generally frowned upon, those who witness such acts tend to remain polite and look away, attributing the lack of proper understanding to the situation. Despite this, Yuuken is influenced by his upbringing and mentality as a Japanese guy, and continues to follow the traditional standards of courtship while navigating the boundaries of public display of affection.

IV. Yuuken strongly believes that demonstrating genuine care and love to someone special involves expressing it through tangible actions and deeds. Spending quality time together, displaying unwavering support for one another's aspirations, and being unafraid to voice heartfelt sentiments and display affection are all crucial components of his approach to cultivating a meaningful connection. Furthermore, he acknowledges that being open-minded, adaptable, and flexible is essential since every individual is unique and has distinct needs, preferences, and expectations. Ultimately, Yuuken's strategy to court someone revolves around authentically conveying affection through his words, body language, and actions.

V. Japanese youth are raised with the principle of respecting their elders, which can contribute to their shyness and difficulty in expressing their feelings, particularly when it comes to matters of love. The strong emphasis on collectivism and group dynamics further reinforces this behavior, as younger individuals may find comfort in acting as part of a group rather than expressing their emotions individually. Consequently, Yuuken may require some external encouragement, such as moral support or a nudge to bolster his confidence, in order to openly declare his love for someone.

VI. Younger individuals in Japan, who are too shy to initiate a date with someone they like, often turn to a popular dating strategy known as "gokon" (合コン) or "group date." In this setup, the male typically invites his male friends, such as Ace and Deuce, and you invites your own companions. Ideally, there is an equal number of his friends and your friends participants, fostering a more relaxed and inclusive atmosphere, thereby minimizing any potential awkwardness or feelings of being left out.

VII. It is highly probable that Ace and Deuce will tease Yuuken, adding a touch of jest to the situation. Furthermore, there is the possibility that you may lack companions to enlist for their involvement in the group date. In light of these circumstances, Yuuken is likely to instead choose to express his love through actions. In Japanese culture, words of endearment hold little value without corresponding behaviors that genuinely reflect those sentiments. Therefore, he may demonstrate his affection by praising your qualities, sending heartfelt messages, or offering thoughtful gifts.

VIII. Despite the differences in expressing love between Japanese culture and the Western world, the underlying foundations share a common understanding. Both cultures recognize that love is nurtured and reinforced through consistent everyday actions over time. The sentiments themselves are universal, but the Japanese perspective emphasizes the power of actions over words in demonstrating affection. This nuanced difference in expression highlights the significance of tangible actions in strengthening and nourishing the bond of love in Japanese culture.

The courtship rituals in the Queendom of Roses would undoubtedly be distinctive, imaginative, and unconventional. The whimsical and imaginative atmosphere of this realm would lend itself to creative expressions of affection. As a result, each courtship encounter would be like a surprise, adding an element of spontenuity and uniqueness to the experience!

Courtship rituals can differ drastically between the various kingdoms within Wonderland, and the key to successfully courting a partner in this realm is to display confidence, imagination, and a touch of eccentricity. In the Queendom of Roses, unusual gestures and unconventional approaches are highly valued, so don’t be afraid to embrace your uniqueness. When searching for a suitor, seek someone who can handle your fiery demeanor and provide some intellectual stimulation as well. In the Queendom of Roses, partnerships are viewed as a delicate balance between power and wit. Once you find your ideal match, do not be hesitant to pursue them boldly.

The second step in the courtship process in the Queendom of Roses is crucial - the proposal! In this whimsical realm, a well-thought-out proposal typically goes beyond a simple "Will you marry me?" and is instead seen as an opportunity to showcase one's devotion, creativity, and unyielding loyalty. A truly successful proposal in the Queendom of Roses should demonstrate your ability to think outside the box, surprising and delighting your partner with a unique and memorable proposal!

The proposal, in the Queendom of Roses, is an unparalleled affair. Rather than a traditional approach on one knee, the suitor is more likely to orchestrate an extravagant and theatrical spectacle, featuring hidden riddles, intricate scavenger hunts, or even a thrilling escape from the Queen’s guards. It’s not merely about asking for their hand in marriage; it’s about demonstrating one’s willingness to go to any length and handle a dash of the Queendom of Roses brand of madness.

“what about dating?” Oh dear, you are quite impatient aren't you? Dating is the third step, dear. In the Queendom of Roses, dating isn't like those traditional candlelit dinners and hand-holding. No, dear, it's an intricate dance of wit, riddles, and games. Here, they believe the courtship period should be a time to test one's mental acuity, cunning, and ability to keep up with their maddening pace. So, when you begin to date in the Queendom of Roses, keep things lively. Forget about those romantic dinners and movies. How about a thrilling scavenger hunt across the kingdom instead? And instead of a romantic picnic, imagine a tea party with pastries that may or may not be laced with poisonous surprises. Remember, the key to a successful Queendom of Roses relationship is to never, ever get monotonous or dull.

In the realm of Queendom of Roses, the art of courting consists of a precarious equilibrium of allure and insanity. It would likely start with Yuuken sending enigmatic riddles and challenges to assess your shrewdness and ability to keep up with his erratic actions. Once he found a suitor he deemed worthy, he would plan a splendid exhibition of his affections. Perhaps a sumptuous feast where he would make a toast to your impending union, or a soiree filled with games meticulously designed to unveil the compatibility between you and him.

But beyond all that, he'd let his madness guide him. After all, what's courting without a bit of insanity?

❪ RIDDLE ROSEHEARTS .ᐟ ❫ 𓍢ִ໋❤️

I. Riddle would meticulously adhere to the courtship practices of the Queendom of Roses. He would generously bestow gifts and symbols of his affection upon his suitor, each more peculiar and unexpected than the previous. He would organize opulent festivities in their honor, complete with a plethora of whimsical and unforeseeable entertainment. Every moment spent together would become an exercise in preserving his reputation for being "mad" while simultaneously showing his loyalty. And as his suitor responds in kind, they would be accepting the challenge to match his madness, thereby proving themselves worthy of becoming his companion in love and insanity.

II. In this step, Riddle would keenly observe you, diligently studying your personality to ensure that it somewhat resonates with his. Bear in mind that the first step is to select someone who can endure your spirited nature and offer a healthy challenge in return. The Queendom of Roses firmly believes that a partnership should be a delicate balance of power and intellect. You might notice Riddle's gaze lingering on you for longer than others, causing you to wonder if you have accidentally broken a rule. However, fear not, for it's merely riddle meticulously searching for a flawless suitor, and he suspects that you may fit the bill!

III. The next stage, as viewed through Riddle's lens, holds great excitement. There is an opportunity to test your devotion and resilience in the face of his challenges. However, from your point of view, it may seem like he despises you! He propels you towards outlandish scenarios beyond your wildest dreams. He assigns you tasks with objectives that seem inexplicable or impossible to achieve. In addition, he exhibits increased harshness, even meting out punishments for minor transgressions. Confronting a shapeshifter is merely one of the many trials he presents. Every predicament is meticulously orchestrated to unveil your depth of dedication, loyalty, and ability to withstand. He Clearly, he doesn't want a submissive partner, but rather someone who can stand their ground and meet his challenges head-on. These tests are not just his way of having fun, but also an essential part of his evaluation process.

IV. After a week filled with various events and dramatic episodes, Riddle would finally assess that you possess the qualities he seeks in a suitor. He would then regard you with a look of satisfaction, and begin to become increasingly intimate with you. This housewarden can be quite perplexing, isn't he? The third step, dating, unfolds with him inviting you to extravagant parties and tea parties. These occasions are usually teeming with excessive activities and chaos. Riddle thrives in this constant whirlwind of nonsense, and follows rule three to the letter: never be bored. How does he manage to maintain this perpetually tumultuous lifestyle?

V. To sum it up, being courted by Riddle is an absolute whirlwind. It requires a healthy dose of creativity, innovative thinking, and a willingness to embrace the realm of pure insanity that defines the Queendom of Roses. Get ready for a relationship unlike any other!

❪ ACE TRAPPOLA .ᐟ ❫ 𓍢ִ໋❤️

I. RIDICULOUS I HATE HIM I I HOPE HE DIES

II. Don't worry about that. Based on his personality, there is a 50% probability that Ace would follow a more conventional approach in courting. However, due to his unique nature and desire to stand out, it's likely that he would incorporate his own creative flair into the courtship process, aiming to make the experience truly special and memorable for his chosen suitor.

III. The first step in Ace's plan to win your heart is to grab your attention. He might begin by presenting you with a small, eye-catching gift. Then, he'd gradually start to get closer to you, learning more about your interests and desires. He'd actively seek opportunities to spend time with you, whether in a group setting or one-on-1 scenarios. The amount of time spent together largely hinges on your level of interest in him. Ace would also become increasingly physical, if you're open to it, offering hugs and light teases as a way to express his feelings and possibly provoke a reaction from you.

IV. Once Ace has gotten to know you better, he'll take the initiative and make the first move. He understands that it's crucial for him to display his genuine interest as well; it can't always be a one-sided affair. With a clear understanding of you, he'll start flirting with you, but he won't be shy about it. He'll be upfront and bolder in his approach, wanting you to know exactly how he feels and hoping to ignite a reciprocal interest within you. He’d start by making subtle advancements, like touching your arm while talking or sitting next to you closer than usual. If you’re responsive, he may attempt to make more significant moves, like trying to hold your hand or find excuses to get into physical contact with you. Depending on your reaction, he might even lean closer to whisper flirtingly into your ear or surprise you by wrapping an arm around your waist.

VI. After the initial flirtation, Ace would transition to Step 2: making sure you understand your importance to him. He would demonstrate his care through small gestures such as checking in on you when you're feeling upset, offering comfort and reassurance. He would want to make sure you feel safe and confident in knowing that you could always count on him. In addition, he would shower you with a memorable time, taking you out for a wonderful date and treating you like royalty. During this time, he would also subtly highlight his strength and reliability, strengthening your connection. Once he feels comfortable enough with you, he’d start expressing his feelings more openly. He would become increasingly more touchy and flirtatious, he might even start calling you with endearling nicknames. He's not shy, so he’d probably just end up wrapping an arm around your waist without even realising it

V. Lastly, Ace would employ his favorite tactic: good-natured teasing. As a typical teenage boy, his pride is too great for straightforward confessions. He would tease you here and there, leaving you in a state of curiosity and wonder. And why does he do this? Simply because it's amusing to him. He knows that you never know what someone is going to say or reveal about themselves when they're in a more relaxed and playful mood, and teasing is the perfect tool. Have you ever heard of the phrase "pulling pigtails"? Ace's tactic isn't just a form of playful banter or a way to rile you up—it's a way for him to learn more about you. He's interested in seeing how you react to his teases and what kind of person you are. Teasing, in his mind, is a quick and easy way to get a glimpse into your true nature. It's a game he enjoys playing, and he hopes you'll play along. But be warned, his teasing can be quite relentless!

In the vast expanse of the Shaftlands, the courtship customs are influenced by the myriad cultures and climates found within its borders. Nevertheless, a common thread runs through all of them: a deep rooted appreciation for chivalry. Traditional values such as a gentlemanly demeanor and romantic gestures typically feature prominently in courtship rituals, with men expected to take the lead. As a first step, small tokens or gifts are often presented as symbols of affection or interest. These gifts can range from small trinkets or flowers to more meaningful tokens that reflect a deeper thought or understanding of the recipient's interests or personality. Such gestures serve as a way to express interest and begin the initial stages of courtship, with men often looking to impress and capture the attention of those they are courting.

Respect for the partner's parents or family, especially the elders, often plays a significant role in the Shaftlands courtship rituals. While the culture encourages independence and self-sufficiency from a young age, families hold great importance in the lives of Shaftland individuals. Once you're in a serious relationship with a Shaftlands partner, expect to spend a considerable amount of time with their parents, also known as the Schwiegereltern

The final step to a courtship in the Shaftlands is often spending quality time together through shared activities and conversations. However, it is worth noting that the Shaftlands are a vast country with diverse climates and many regions with distinct cultures. As a result, the specifics of the courtship process can vary greatly depending on the locale and cultural traditions. Some regions may place more emphasis on courtship rituals and symbols, while others may prioritize getting to know each other through shared experiences.

In Vil's country, courtship is approached gradually and thoughtfully. The good news is that there are no strict dating rules in the Shaftlands, making it a rather flexible environment for pursuing romantic connections. However, bear in mind a few key points when navigating the world of love in Shaftlands. Unlike the passionate and fervent dating culture in the Queendom of Roses and Sunset Savanna, Shaftlands individuals favor a more measured and rational approach to dating. Rather than fiery and intense encounters, initial dates and even a handful of subsequent dates are likely to be kept casual and focused on building a strong foundation of understanding between partners. Don’t expect the first date—or even the first several dates—to have a strong romantic flair. Instead, the goal is to engage in relaxed, unpressured activities that allow you and your partner to grow closer on an emotional and intellectual level. This approach ensures that when and if the relationship moves towards a deeper commitment or the introduction of intimate elements, it will be based on a strong foundation of mutual respect and comprehension.

While casual dating may be the standard in the Shaftlands, it is generally assumed that both parties will not be seeing multiple individuals simultaneously. Engaging in such behavior is viewed as offensive and disrespectful unless both parties have explicitly agreed upon it from the onset. Monogamous relationships are the preferred and expected norm, and any deviation from this practice without clear agreement can lead to hurt feelings or broken trust.

The process of transitioning from casual dating to a serious relationship in the Shaftlands can be a gradual one, as rushing into committed partnerships is not a priority. Relationships here often progress at a more measured pace, developing slowly and naturally over time. Consequently, patience is key, and the dating period should be viewed as an opportunity to thoroughly get to know your partner and assess the compatibility of your connection. By taking the time to truly understand one another, you can ensure that when the decision to enter a committed relationship is made, it is done with confidence and clarity.

this is getting too long (°▽°)

❪ VIL SCHOENHEIT .ᐟ ❫ 𓍢ִ໋💜

I. If Vil were to court someone who holds a special fondness for nature, she might plan an outing to a lovely garden where they can bask in the beauty of the natural world together. On the other hand, if her suitor is artistic and values refined aesthetics, she might arrange a visit to an art gallery, where they can spend the day admiring the skill and beauty of the creative expression. In essence, Vil would tailor the first date to cater to her suitor's unique interests, creating a memorable experience that reflects their individual tastes and passions. In summary, Vil would take the time to understand her suitor's preferences and interests, and plan the first date accordingly. This could mean going on a nature walk in a beautiful garden for someone who appreciates the beauty of the outdoors, or exploring an art gallery and admiring the creative expressions for an artistic individual. By catering to her suitor's unique preferences, Vil would aim to create a memorable and enjoyable experience that sets the foundation for a meaningful connection.

II. Vil, being a busy individual, would approach the dating process with a deliberate and measured pace. She would carefully arrange dates during her free time, taking care to be on her best behavior and ensure that she presents herself in the best possible light. In the event that the initial date went well, as she is confident it would, she would plan additional dates but still maintain a slower pace. Vil has the habit of making her partners wait to assess their patience and level of effort. If she believes they are worthy, she will gradually open her heart more and more, eventually granting them the privilege of being considered hers. In essence, Vil is a person who holds high standards and values individuals who can demonstrate patience and dedication. She is not one to rush into relationships, but rather takes her time to evaluate her partners and their commitment. Only if someone can prove their worth and devotion would Vil consider letting them into her heart.

III. When it comes to your date with Vil, it is crucial to arrive on time. She values punctuality and expects her date to respect her time. However, in the event that an unexpected situation arises and you find yourself unable to make it at the agreed upon time, be sure to notify her promptly. Otherwise, she might perceive it as a lack of consideration for her schedule and effort. Showing up late without a valid reason can make you appear unreliable and disrespectful of Vil's time, so it's essential to be mindful of the agreed-upon time and plan your arrival accordingly. If an unforeseen circumstance arises, promptly communicate this to Vil and provide an explanation to ensure a smooth and respectful start to your date.

IV. Following a successful first date, Vil would move on to a second date and continue spending time with her suitor. However, it is important to note that she sets the pace and does not easily give herself to her partner. She wants them to prove their worth and seriousness by meeting her particular standards. During dates, Vil maintains her usual strict and composed demeanor, avoiding any signs of clinginess. She expects her suitor to respect her and show that they are not taking her for granted or assuming victory just because they have gone on a few dates. In order to win her heart completely, they still need to continue courting her. In short, despite going on multiple dates with her suitor, Vil will not immediately become overly affectionate or dependent on them. Instead, she expects them to continue courting and demonstrating their commitment and respect for her values and standards. She will not be easily won over and will remain discerning in her assessments of her partner’s intentions and dedication.

VI. Upon reaching the third step, if her suitor continues to impress her and does not let her down, Vil would start to open up and show vulnerability more. She would share her dreams and secrets with them and gauge their reaction. If they do not use this information against her, she would become more affectionate and offer a kiss on the cheek as a token of her growing feelings. However, she would not completely give herself away just yet, as she still expects her suitor to work for her affection and earn her trust completely. Despite her initial cold exterior, Vil is discerning and demands genuine, lasting efforts.

V. In the fourth step, Vil would begin to invite her suitor to events and parties, but still as a friend. She would continue to observe their behaviour and manner in public settings, keeping them on probation even then. However, if she is satisfied with their conduct thus far, her treatment towards them will become more special and affectionate, with hints dropped to indicate that they are making progress in winning her over. Despite these signs of softening, however, her suitor must still maintain their patience and keep up their efforts, as this is not the time to become complacent. If they have managed to stay in her good graces up to this point Vil would further demonstrate their growing closeness in public, such as holding their hand while walking or allowing them to enter her personal space. It’s possible that she might even allow them to address her by her first name at this stage. However, all of these actions are dependent on the suitor’s behaviour and continuing efforts to make her feel secure and valued in their relationship.

In the scorching lands of The Scalding Sands, "dating" typically takes a different form. The primary intent is to get acquainted with someone, with the ultimate goal of marriage in mind. Public displays of affection are not common, and it is uncommon for couples to meet alone. This is because of the cultural norms and societal restrictions that govern relationships in the region. Couples often meet under the supervision of a family member or chaperone, and the process of courtship involves more formalities and traditions compared to other regions.

While arranged marriages are still common in The Scalding Sands, a newer trend is emerging, particularly in urban areas. Young people are now more likely to express interest in a potential partner to their parents, who will then facilitate the marriage. This process allows for young individuals to explore less serious relationships, enabling them to gain a clearer understanding of what they seek in a life partner. Once they feel ready to settle down, they can communicate this information to their parents, who will then embark on finding a compatible match.

Some couples in The Scalding Sands may have already been secretly dating before revealing to their parents that they would like to marry. The approach to the marriage process can vary depending on the region and the familial perspectives. This secrecy could be due to the traditional norms around the topic of dating, where families may not approve of couples seeing each other before an official agreement has been arranged.

In The Scalding Sands, the concept of 'dating' is culturally taboo and often met with disapproval. If a couple is caught in a private setting, it is considered a sin or crime known as 'khulwa'. The consequences of engaging in khulwa can be severe, including punishments such as flogging and imprisonment. If sexual relations are involved, the penalties can be even more severe, potentially leading to death through execution. This strict cultural stance reflects the region's conservative values and deeply ingrained beliefs about premarital relationships.

In The Scalding Sands, dating tends to be a covert affair and finding romance in this highly conservative kingdom can be challenging, but not entirely out of reach. Expats should bear in mind that dating in the traditional sense is not practiced; instead couples come together when it's time for marriage. Parents play a pivotal role in deciding which partner is appropriate, and a person's say in the matter can vary based on their family's adherence to tradition. Additionally, due to the conservative nature of the culture, public displays of affection are not generally accepted, and physical contact between unmarried couples is strictly prohibited. Therefore, dating in The Scalding Sands is often limited to secret meetings or conversations in private spaces, where couples must exercise caution to avoid disapproval or punishment.

In addition to the previously mentioned points, it is important to note that it is both morally and legally wrong for unrelated individuals who are not married to spend time together in The Scalding Sands. As a result, those seeking a romantic relationship should exercise caution and creativity. Despite the progressive changes in the Kingdom, which now allow for entertainment such as music, movies, and theaters, thus allowing for more public interaction, dating, sexual relations, and romantic relationships are still highly stigmatized and seen as taboo.

In The Scalding Sands, due to the taboo nature of dating, the first dates are typically held discreetly. If both individuals reside in the same compound or have access to one, they might opt to spend their first date at the movies or a restaurant within the compound. Since the societal rules are more lenient within the compound, this is a comfortable choice for couples. Select restaurants in major cities also offer private cabins and exhibit a relaxed attitude towards gender mixing. Reaching out to your circle of fellow expats is a great way to discover suitable date spots, as they often know of locations with a more lenient approach.

In The Scalding Sands, it is not legally permissible for unmarried couples to share the same space. As a result, it is not customary for men to drive women to and from their homes. It is also not advisable to adhere to Western dating rituals, such as giving gifts, hugging, and other forms of physical intimacy. At the conclusion of the date, if there is a bill, men will typically pay for it, and they might find it offensive if a woman offers to contribute to the cost.

❪ KALIM AL - ASIM .ᐟ ❫ 𓍢ִ໋💛

I. Kalim, being raised in a traditional merchant family with a lineage of wealth and prestige, grew up in a privileged and sheltered environment. With his elevated social status, Kalim was well-aware of the importance of expressing his interest in someone. He adopted a straightforward approach, either through compliments or directly telling them of his feelings, without resorting to beating around the bush. Back in his homeland, there were numerous ways to express interest, such as gifts, flowers, food, and even whispering sweet words to someone's ear. Unmarried, unrelated individuals could not spend time together, as elders sought to preserve purity and innocence before marriage. This segregation was seen as a means to preserve purity and innocence, and it was believed to reinforce family values and traditions. While relationships were discouraged before marriage, once two people wed, they were expected to devote their lives to their spouse and children. In The Scalding Sands, the cultural emphasis on family was reflected in its views on dating and intimate relationships.

II. If you have feelings for someone, it is crucial to be discreet about it. Gifting presents and such gestures is still allowed, but families and elders would prefer not to know about it. They might force a marriage and deal with all the boring formalities otherwise. To initiate a romantic pursuit, the first step is to let the person know you're interested. Kalim would use a variety of methods to express his interest, such as giving gifts, whispering sweet words, or even simply telling them. Additionally, he would utilize eye contact, physical touch, and other subtle gestures to make a statement. Eye contact, physical touch, and being close to someone all serve as indicators of Kalim's investment and interest in them. They convey that he wants them and can't keep his hands off them. This non-verbal communication can be a powerful way to demonstrate affection and build attraction. While the elders and families might prefer to remain unaware of these romantic pursuits, Kalim's actions make it clear that he has his sights set on his chosen person.

III. The second step in the traditional pursuit of romance is a significant one, signaling mutual interest. It's often a declaration of feelings, and it culminates in asking for a kiss. However, the timing of this step can vary; it doesn't have to happen immediately. The process can progress at one's own pace. Making such a gesture acts as a bold declaration of liking someone, essentially saying, "I like you, and I want to show that I like you." It serves as a mutual test, and if the person responds by kissing back, it indicates shared feelings. Conversely, if a person pulls away, it implies a lack of interest. Body language can be a reliable indicator. A person who isn't into you may create emotional distance through actions like moving away from your touch or getting too close. They might show confusion or bluntly state their disinterest. However, someone interested in you will do the opposite. They may smile, lean into your touch, or even become shy if the feelings are reciprocated. You can discern these signals.

IV. In The Scalding Sands, dating is not a widespread practice. When two individuals realize they have feelings for each other, their families step in to arrange the marriage as soon as possible, but the timing can vary. The arrangements for the marriage typically begin once mutual interest is established. In Kalim's case, if he senses the other person shares his interest, he would promptly start the process leading to a marriage proposal. Before what Westerns refer to as "dating", Kalim would approach the person's family to ask for their hand in marriage. This process is not rushed, and it generally follows a pattern where you get to know the person and spend time together before making the proposal. By doing this, he makes a strong statement, basically declaring his intention to be with the person, which carries significant weight given the traditional values of the region.

VI. Kalim's formal marriage proposal would include gifting and some sort of public announcement, adhering to traditional customs. However, typically, it's a family member who seeks permission from the other family. Kalim could ask for the person's hand in marriage directly or have a family member do so on his behalf. A gift or offering would be given as a demonstration of his ability to provide. It's important to note that some families might prioritize monetary value over material gifts, but generally, offering gifts or money serves as a common approach for marriage proposals in Kalim's culture. The act of asking for someone's hand in marriage is indeed a very formal affair, steeped in tradition. It typically involves the giving of gifts and some form of public announcement, symbolizing both respect and a declaration of intent. It is also worth noting that in Kalim's culture, it is often a family member, rather than the individual himself, who makes the request to the other family, whether it be to seek their blessing or to ask for their hand in marriage. Giving a gift, or more often, money, serves as a crucial gesture of goodwill and a demonstration of one's ability to provide and support.

V. This phase is often considered the last step before officially getting married. Instead of referring to it as "dating," in The Scalding Sands' culture, this period is more focused on spending time together to determine how compatible the couple is, especially in the context of a future marriage. It's a crucial time for assessing compatibility and preparing for the commitment of matrimony.

VI. Kalim would be generous by showering you with luxurious jewelry and other extravagant gifts. He would also try to spend as much time with you as possible, potentially being a little clingy due to his desire to keep you all to himself. Kalim might take you on wonderful dates like going to festivals or parties, or even stargazing or taking you on a magical carpet ride. He would devote all his attention to you and likely shower you with sweet compliments. Kalim would go all out, spoiling you with expensive jewelry and exclusive items. He'd want to spend every moment with you and might be somewhat possessive, not wanting anyone else to get close to you. He'd plan exciting dates like attending festivals or parties while also offering special experiences like stargazing or a magical carpet ride. Throughout it all, he’d shower you with his undivided attention and compliment you in the sweetest ways.

i cant write “x reader” properly i’m so sorry

“courtship” has slowly lost its meaning

[f1ghtsoftly]

AllThe Women’s News You Missed This Week

4/28/25-5/5/25

The future of the Women’s Health Initiative remains uncertain. Gaga has a record-breaking concert in Brazil. Activists and survivors question the legacy of the late Pope Francis. Jill Soboule dies in a mysterious house fire. Thousands of Islamists organized in Bangladesh against women’s rights. Indigenous women mark 5/5 as a day of remembrance for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women around the US. 

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Top Stories For The Week: 

Kamala Harris hits out at Trump in first major speech since losing election 

Indigenous people raise awareness about their missing and murdered 

How many more women and girls have to be attacked before we class misogyny as terrorism?

Emel Mathlouthi: From revolution to global stages, this Tunisian icon is creating feminist anthems that inspire change  

A CASE OF CONSCIENCE: THE CHRISTIAN FEMINISTS FIGHTING BRAZIL'S ANTI-ABORTION LAWS

Midwifery Is as Old as Birth Itself. Why Are We Still Fighting for It?

Financing the fight: Why redistribution, not charity, matters for feminism  

A Deeper Look: 

Inside the Gen Z housewife wars: can you ever be a feminist and house proud?

Why ‘Girl’s Girl’ Culture Still Centers Around Male Approval 

The Avenging Woman: The Politics and Aesthetics of Female Rage in Rape-Revenge Cinema 

Financing the fight: Why redistribution, not charity, matters for feminism  

Book Review: Sophie Gilbert, “Girl On Girl: How Pop Culture Turned A Generation Of Women Against Themselves” 

Tooling Up Against Misogyny in Schools Is More Important Than Ever  

Updates on the Trump Administration: 

The Women’s Health Initiative has shaped women’s health for over 30 years, but its future is uncertain 

Key reports addressing violence against Indigenous women are gone from federal sites 

Women’s Rights: 

'Unacceptable' to question Supreme Court gender ruling, says minister 

Bring a mahram or die: The Taliban threat to expectant mothers

UNAMA: Taliban systemically erasing women’s public life and freedom of movement

Towards an Inclusive Gender Just Code in India: Women’s Rights are Non-Negotiable 

Women in the News: 

What to know about Karen Read's second murder trial 

Kamala Harris hits out at Trump in first major speech since losing election 

Lydia Mugambe: UN judge who forced woman to work as slave jailed for more than six years

Michigan's governor gambles on Trump - and her chances at a presidential run 

Reproductive Rights: 

Olivia Rodrigo Wins Planned Parenthood Award for Repro Rights Activism

Midwifery Is as Old as Birth Itself. Why Are We Still Fighting for It?

A CASE OF CONSCIENCE: THE CHRISTIAN FEMINISTS FIGHTING BRAZIL'S ANTI-ABORTION LAWS

From Montana to Florida—How Past Pro-Abortion Ballot Measures Are Helping Fuel a Movement 

Josh Hawley Calls on FDA to Restrict Abortion Pill Based on Bogus ‘Study’ from Right-Wing Org

Women resist: 

Profiles in Courage: Michelle King Refused to Hand Over Your Data to DOGE. Then She Lost Her Job. 

Why the Khachaturyan Sisters' Case Fired Up Russian Feminists

Ugandan women unveil 2026–2030 manifesto, demand action on rights 

Ketanji Brown Jackson sharply condemns Trump’s attacks on judges 

Profiles in Courage: Danielle Sassoon, a Prosecutor of Principle, Quits After Rejecting Trump-Appointed AG’s Order to Shield Eric Adams

Mexico’s president says she rejected Trump’s plan to send US troops across the border

Diary of a Feminist: Dr. Amal Al-Malki’s Journey from Academia to Activism 

Abuse victims question if Pope Francis did enough to stop predators 

Men Retaliate: 

Thousands of Islamists rally in Bangladesh against proposed changes to women’s rights

Women Getting Justice? 

Iranian Father Who Killed Daughter Released After Three Months  

Excavation at former mother-and-baby institution to begin this year 

Women’s Legacy and History: 

‘Unwavering friendship’: The true story of nine women who escaped a Nazi death march 

‘I Kissed A Girl’ Singer Jill Sobule’s Body Found After Mysterious House Fire 

‘She changed the face of London’: statue to be unveiled of suffragist gardener 

Uplifting News: 

First Jewish woman minister in German cabinet since Holocaust 

90-year-old Who Has Saved Over 10,000 Animals at Sanctuary Has No Plans to Retire 

‘I do what I like’: British woman, 115, claims world’s oldest living person title 

Uncategorized: 

How the IMF can help increase women’s labour force participation in Egypt 

Violence Against Women: 

South African woman guilty of kidnapping and trafficking daughter aged 6 

Woman killed in France was lovely person, says husband 

Rape 'accepted way of life' say ex-forces women

Syria’s stolen daughters: The HTS campaign to enslave Alawite women 

Gender Trolling: Digital Manosphere and Misogyny in China 

Women on Vinted are being sexually exploited and no one is stopping it

An Israeli woman taken hostage by Hamas on October 7 has alleged she was drugged and raped by a well-known personal trainer after returning to Israel.  

Sexually harassed while job hunting in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan  

Young woman's strip search at festival akin to 'sexual assault', court told

Arts and Culture: 

Two million people attend free Lady Gaga concert in Brazil 

How Katy Perry became the Hot and Cold popstar 

Book of the Week: Ani O’Brien on Ali Mau 

Flick’s Rough and Tough Feminism Fits Pittsburgh 

Far East Film Festival: Yihui Shao’s Feminist Drama ‘Her Story’ Wins Top Prize 

‘Wolf Siren’ by Beth O’Brien: Feminist retelling of a classic children’s tale 

Iris Knobloch, Cannes Film Festival president: 'For most of my career, I was the only woman at the table'

These Mormon wives are TV’s Most Unlikely Feminists 

Emel Mathlouthi: From revolution to global stages, this Tunisian icon is creating feminist anthems that inspire change  

As always, this is global and domestic news from a US perspective, covering feminist issues and women in the news more generally. As of right now, I do not cover Women’s Sports. Published each Tuesday.

[makingqueerhistory]

Letters to a Writer of Color

Taymour Soomro (Editor) Deepa Anappara (Editor)

A vital collection of essays on the power of literature and the craft of writing from an international array of writers of color, sharing the experiences, cultural traditions, and convictions that have shaped them and their work "Electric essays that speak to the experience of writing from the periphery . . . a guide, a comfort, and a call all at once."--Laila Lalami, author of Conditional Citizens Filled with empathy and wisdom, instruction and inspiration, this book encourages us to reevaluate the codes and conventions that have shaped our assumptions about how fiction should be written, and also challenges us to apply its lessons to both what we read and how we read. Featuring: - Taymour Soomro on resisting rigid stories about who you are - Madeleine Thien on how writing builds the room in which it can exist - Amitava Kumar on why authenticity isn't a license we carry in our wallets - Tahmima Anam on giving herself permission to be funny - Ingrid Rojas Contreras on the bodily challenge of writing about trauma - Zeyn Joukhadar on queering English and the power of refusing to translate ourselves - Myriam Gurba on the empowering circle of Latina writers she works within - Kiese Laymon on hearing that no one wants to read the story that you want to write - Mohammed Hanif on the censorship he experienced at the hands of political authorities - Deepa Anappara on writing even through conditions that impede the creation of art - Plus essays from Tiphanie Yanique, Xiaolu Guo, Jamil Jan Kochai, Vida Cruz-Borja, Femi Kayode, Nadifa Mohamed in conversation with Leila Aboulela, and Sharlene Teo The start of a more inclusive conversation about storytelling, Letters to a Writer of Color will be a touchstone for aspiring and working writers and for curious readers everywhere.

(Affiliate link above)

[octosan]

I've seen the take that Veilguard's lore handling is the way that it is because it was largely worked on by a team that isn't familiar with Dragon Age, and I... don't know about that.

Like it's kind of funny in retrospect, but

For all the mistakes the Vows and Vengeance podcast made, that show felt more to me like an example of a story trying to incorporate relevant Dragon Age lore, but being written by people who weren't well-versed in it.

They had Tevinter class divide and bureaucratic apathy as a major plot point that affected the main character's life. They had Solas employing middlemen and tricking characters to get some of his work done instead of doing everything himself. They had multiple references to the faiths of the setting, including Davrin referencing worship practices in Dalish culture (they even used the term The Beyond, the Dalish term for the Fade that even Inquisition kind of forgot was a thing even if it was not the Dalish character using it.) They had a cult other than the Venatori as an antagonist at one point. They had an instance of racially charged conflict between Bellara, an elven Veil Jumper, and a Tevinter templar, that originates from the templars looting elven artifacts (something that is implied to happen often.) They at least tried to depict an example of regular Qunari culture in the village in Par Vollen that the protagonists wind up in briefly. They had Lucanis, a Crow, actually carry out an assassination of a non-combatant character. They had multiple demons playing mind games with the characters trying to get their bodies as hosts, in addition to a demon that just rampaged, and even referenced despair demons being ice-coded. They depicted the Fade as a chaotic and emotionally-driven realm, with spirits and demons everywhere--and fittingly Arlathan, a forest with a lot of influence from the Fade, was itself a dangerously chaotic and shifting place. Bellara explains what Veil Jumping entails and actually veil-jumps (and it's accordingly treated like a big deal for the characters). They reference Genitivi and Varric as prominent authors in the world-building. They had grenades. They even brought back the idea of being "Fade touched" with Drayden. They had asfkdksadfgkb HAD A MABARI.

Also the podcast wasn't constantly reassuring you, patting you on the back, and repeating information to you every second so that's nice.

I thought most of the companions came off better here too, with the idea that this is just supposed to be a snapshot of them. I remember enjoying their inclusion the most and trying to speculate what traits and flaws were on display that might get expanded on in the game (for example Emmrich's attitude of trying to "parent" a demon failing spectacularly, or Davrin being depicted as actually taking his clan's faiths seriously despite not being among them anymore.) Taash not realizing they're nonbinary until long after meeting Drayden, who had their own personal issues with their family about their identity, feels like some kind of missed opportunity though (I mean realistically the podcast was just supposed to advertise the game so I know why this is, but still.)

idk if this is a hot take. like imo the podcast wasn't "good" good and again there were clear mistakes in the lore, a lot of the stuff set in Antiva for example, like it was messy. But I had more of a sense that these were people new to the setting but trying than I did with Veilguard.

Idk to me the problem was less that the writers in Veilguard didn't know anything about Dragon Age and more that it was an extremely sanitized and simplified version of the lore, one that couldn't even take into account the world-changing decisions you made in previous games. With a helping of things being shoved under the rug to avoid Discourse. Like it felt more intentional to me, for the most part. And then you have all the visual errors that come from just reusing assets which is an RPG staple at this point (someone pointed out that the Chantry symbols in Minrathous are wrong, for example.)

[so-i-did-this-thing]

What are good questions to ask in job interviews to find out if a place is going to be friendly to your continued transition? I have been on T for about a year and am job hunting right now and I'm worried about reaching a point sometime in the next year where I have no choice but to come out because I don't read as a woman anymore.

Ok, big caveat from me: I was once in your exact position. I had just started T and decided to interview with a small company who assumed I was a woman. (I am guessing they thought I was a butch lesbian - I still had my gender-neutral deadname. I did not assert my pronouns.) When they gave me an offer, I let them know I was transitioning. I still got hired, but was treated as an inconvenience. They did not suggest I immediately switch to male presentation, and I was too scared to suggest it. It started getting hostile when other employees noticed my voice changing. I really wish I had just gone into the interview presenting male and I ended up quitting the job within 8 months because it got too awkward.

So. As for my advice:

I'd start with Glassdoor to read employee reviews. I'd also check the company's social media, plus that of the people in your chain of command to do some vibe checking. People who are transphobic are commonly going to be very vocal about right-wing leanings, and you'll see some signs, even on LinkedIn. Check if they have anti-discrimination statements in any of their hiring material, or stated commitments to diversity and inclusion.

In the interview, ask about what sort of clients they attract and what charities/orgs they support and sponsor. If you feel the vibes are promising, ask if they sponsor local Pride. Ask general culture questions about team building and employee enrichment. Ask what healthcare benefits look like and other employee assistance perks they may have. Fish around for gendered policies that could cause you problems, like dress codes. That said, can you bite the bullet and go ahead and interview in a masc gender presentation? Because honestly, that will be the best gauge of how you are going to be received. (And in my experience, folks are fairly likely to assume a masc presenting person is male.)

I tend to be very careful about outing myself until I'm sure I'm in a supportive culture with HR to back me up -- and this might be something you can't discover until you are hired and working for a while. And even then, I've just been very matter-of-fact about transition stuff, saying things like (when doing my background check) "I have older documentation that doesn't match my current name or gender marker, and I can provide any additional paperwork if needed." When I changed my legal name, I gave my boss a simple communication plan on how I'd tell co-workers and clients. Though at that point, most folks assumed I was a cis man, so it was a very different experience compared to that awful 8-month long job.

I wish I had more advice, but a lot depends on how badly you need a job, how safe you feel, and if you have options like only staying in your next job until passing as a woman becomes a problem. To be bluntly honest -- you *will* lose opportunities in your life due to being trans and it's just something to have to have backup plans for (I lost a ton of music gig work because everyone in the industry is all up in each other's shit). But whatever you do, document everything you can related to you being trans, because you never know when you'll need to raise a discrimination case. :/

[phyllisamaryllis]

Hi, it’s “Rick really shot himself in the foot when he tried to differentiate Greek and Roman mythology and failed” anon again, and I just learned that apparently Rick is not only misrepresenting the gods and Greek culture, but actual Ancient Greek philosophers, and that really pisses me off as someone with a degree in philosophy.

I haven’t been a part of this fandom in a long time. I never finished HoO (I dropped it before the series was even finished), but I saw something upsetting the other day. I’ve seen a few posts talking about this one passage from HoO (Or, at least, I think it was from HoO. If I read that part, I don’t remember because It was a long time ago.) talking about “a story by Plato about how male and female were created because they used to be the same being that was split in half, and now they’re two halves of a whole looking for their soulmate or whatever” and this was supposed to create angst or something because then Nico didn’t know how he was supposed to fit into that equation.

Again, I don’t exactly know the context (I tried Googling it, but I couldn’t find anything), but I do know that it’s referencing The Symposium. The Symposium just so happens to be one of my favorite pieces of philosophical writing, and once had to write over 20 pages on this bad boy for an academic paper, so believe me when I tell you - that story is a load of BS, and I will not tolerate Plato slander.

First of all, that wasn’t even Plato that said that. It was Aristophanes. Yes, The Symposium was written by Plato, but he was essentially just documenting stuff that was said at a dinner where a bunch of dudes got together and decided to philosophize about what love is (there are 6 speakers in total, that all lead up to Socrates, and Aristophanes is just one of them). People debate about whether all the people and situations Plato wrote about were even real, or if they’re just a device to bounce ideas off of each other, and there’s even this whole theory that Socrates wasn’t a real person - but I’m not going to get into all of that. What’s important is that we DO know that Aristophanes was a real person, and it’s important to note that Aristophanes was NOT a philosopher. He was a playwright and basically the Ancient Greek equivalent of a comedian. I have seen a lot of people act like it was some profound theory of how humans came to be, but it was never meant to be taken seriously.

Now, I have seen that story be taken out of context many times, and it always annoys me, but this might be the most egregious one yet. The Symposium is not heteronormative in the slightest. In fact, it is VERY queer, which is what drew me to it in the first place.

The ACTUAL story that this is trying to reference is when Aristophanes tells a story where originally humans had 2 heads, 4 arms, and 4 legs, and there were 3 genders - male, female, and androgynous (which represented the sun, earth, and moon, respectively). The gods were intimidated by the humans, so they split them in half. The ones that were originally male became men who were attracted to men, the ones that were female became women attracted to women, and the ones that were androgynous became men and women attracted to the opposite sex. That is the very short version, but needless to say, very inclusive of homosexuality.

I see how what Rick was trying to do could’ve worked for asexuality or aromanticism, however, this is only just one small part of The Symposium, and there is actually a lot of stuff in The Symposium that I would argue are very ace and aro coded, but I’m not going to get into all of that, though, because this would be very long and that’s beside the point.

(Just one thing, though, because I can't resist. It’s not relevant to this, but it’s cool, and it relates to my previous ask. At one point, one of the speakers, Pausanias, tries to define love as a complex being and says that Aphrodite is the personification of love. He acknowledges that there are two different versions of Aphrodite that the Ancient Greeks believed in, from different parts of Greece (again, this is pre-Roman), and instead of trying to determine which is the “true” Aphrodite, he embraces both of them and says they are the personifications of two different kinds of love, which eventually results in him basically figuring out the split attraction model 2000+ years before it was called that, and I love it so much.) Anyway, everyone should read The Symposium, it’s public domain.

All that to say, this means one of two things. Either Rick knew this story and intentionally changed it to be heteronormative to create angst, or he read some other version of the story, that was not a primary resource, where someone else had already changed to be heteronormative - and that really freaking bothers me, because it could not be farther from the truth.

As a queer person who found a lot of comfort in The Symposium, I find it disgusting that it was twisted for the sake of making a queer character feel bad about themself for extra angst (and don’t even get me started on how Nico’s character was handled, that is a whole other thing I can go off about, but I won’t because this is about Plato). Shame on you, Richard.

Again, I haven’t touched HoO since I was in high school and it was still being released, and I honestly don’t remember reading that part. So, if I am taking this out of context and later in the book they say “Wait, but that’s not actually how the story goes!” then I will be pleasantly surprised for once, and you can disregard all of this.

You are wonderful, anon, and I love you and this message that you've sent so much. I will definitely check out Plato's Symposium sometime soon.

Don't worry-you're not taking this out of context. What you're talking about is, unfortunately, written in either HOH or BOO-I clearly remember that.

Rick Riordan does tend to misrepresent cultures in his stories-especially Greek culture, so I wouldn't be surprised if this was true. His views on Hellenistic Paganism and Greek Gods when he was writing PJO and HOO were unfortunately very derogatory and it's clearly reflected in his writing.

The fact that he changed a story to fit his version does not surprise me at all, though it's painful to learn that he has committed yet another infraction regarding Greek Mythology.

It's terribly discouraging to me when I see how many people think that what Rick Riordan writes is true and urge them to read up on real sources regarding Greek Mythology. This twisted version of Plato's Symposium is only one of many examples in Percy Jackson.

Knowing Rick Riordan, he either read the full version and twisted it to form his own terrible version, which he has done before (Hephaestus' attempted rape of Athena) and is quite good at or he read a version that wasn't the primary resource and just took it to be the real thing (like he did when researching for Piper Mclean).

Nico's moment there was pretty poignant, very relatable for many LGBTQ readers wondering how they would fit in to heteronormative society...........

But unfortunately, a lot of nice moments in PJO come at the cost of incorrectly interpreting Ancient Greek Gods and culture. It's pretty sad, honestly. Rick really likes to slander Greece in his works. First with the flame of the West, then with slandering all the gods and all those mythological inaccuracies, now with this twisted Symposium version of his.

Rick Riordan doesn't even do his research properly, so of course he said that Plato said it and not that Plato wrote down what Aristophanes said out loud. I wonder if it would actually kill him to do some more research. Is he really that bad at it?

Anyway, I will read the Symposium to gain more insight onto how Rick could have handled it better. I really like aro-ace coded stuff, too, so I'll love this one.

[songoftrillium]

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I think Werewolf is an inherently queer medium

This is all a part of a larger long-term project.

I am trying to hold the World of Darkness to higher standards of inclusivity.

Book 1: Cliath

Meet The Gaians — a chosen people blessed by Gaia of whom among them there are heroes who are born, blessed with the power to Change. They have been charged with the duty of protecting her and her brood, and among them are fellowships from every culture. They are largely comprised of Kinfolk. Vanguards of the earth, they follow the Codes and Creeds of renown in chiminage to the spirits in exchange for favor, protection, and power to strengthen their Fellowships and they form one of several primary factions.

A small number of Gaia’s chosen have been gifted the ability to shapeshift through either bite or birth into animals; warriors joining the fight against the Wyrm. The Gaians have many secret names for these shapeshifters between their cultures, and they range across many animal species and tribes, but the most common among them in these times are Garou.

This sourcebook includes information on First Changes, Rites of Passage, how people become werewolves, and what they're fighting for. Book 1 is effectively a players guide, including enough comprehensive character creation rules for people to create rank 1 Garou.

The World of Darkness is implied to exist just beneath a facade that all others take for granted as simply being a world gone wrong. When the Change happens to a Garou, human or otherwise, the world they once knew ceases to be. The Apocalypse is said to be something happening to everything, everywhere, simultaneously, and on every level. This transcends the concept of everything succumbing to a singular event but many small ones.

In many ways, the Garou themselves are emblematic of this Apocalypse, with these former lives ending and sweeping the cub into something far bigger than themselves. A Call To Action is the theme of Book 1.

Book 1: Cliath goes into warborn, bitten, wolf-born, and human-born lives leading up to the change. It presents a curated depiction of the Garou from the perspective of those who would mentor them. There are not a lot of conflicts, profound lore, or politics so much as 'this is what we are, this is what we do.' Functionally, this can be considered a Players’ Guide, containing your attributes, abilities, advantages, and Merits and Flaws. Gifts and rites will be truncated to rank 1 for the most part. Guidelines for new STs will be found here, including enough powers and enemy stats to keep their troupe of players on their toes. This will also include things like chargen and descriptions of attributes, abilities, and advantages. This will also have many details on packs and the importance of one's packmates. And what better way to introduce new players than to have it happen in an all-new setting for storytellers to introduce their players to the game: the first three chapters of Dead Mountain!

Dead Mountain isn't going anywhere. In fact, it will be used as the foundation for this series. Already-finished parts of the Dead Mountain will be released over the next few months, and a delayed release of the full chronicle will come next spring. The scope of Werewolf: the Essentials will strongly diverge from past game traditions. In past core books and settings, there was an intent to showcase the world at large, written from the perspective of people who had never been to these places. In the end, many details were laughably wrong or mediocre representations that didn’t appeal to the groups they represented. We want the World of Darkness to be HUGE. So, we will be laser-focusing this project to represent the Garou from the Pacific Northwest as an example, with guidelines on how to make your own World of Darkness at your locale HUGE too!

CALLING ALL CHARACHS!

We cannot make this happen without your help.  We are putting out the call for folx from all parts of the queer, lesbian, trans, bisexual, gay, and asexual werewolf fandom looking to help make this the best possible release we can:

Artists

Horror writers

Editors

Consultants

Hype Wolves to help spread the word

Indie TTRPG creators

Working together, we can create a game that is fun, engaging, and genuinely representative of the diverse community of players and fans who love Werewolf. To help us out, click here We look forward to providing you future updates!

UPDATE: Our team has grown huge, and we're grateful to the fandom for rising up and howling with us! We received far more applications than we were able to fully process, but we promise to deliver you the best possible Sourcebook anthology we can! Meet the Writing Team Meet the Art Team Follow our official account for future announcements! To check out a book preview and help us hire cultural consultants click here

Social Media Shout-out! I offer my thanks to @peltofash and @a-boros-named-seamus for supporting me on the Adren and Athro tiers! Your contributions are directly helping make this game more inclusive!