#lesson 21 hard mode

[impish-ivy]

Obey Me NB Lesson 21 Hard Mode

[kiss-me-muchoo]

𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐧 || 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐢 𝐇𝐚𝐧 𝐊𝐲𝐮𝐥 𝐱 𝐟𝐞𝐦!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

part one: here || part two: heaven-sent

summary_ your brother’s best friend had always been an asshole, but when you returned to Korea you thought his approaches were real, only to discover he fell in love with a girl passing as a boy and that played with you.

warnings_ AGE GAP (in my mind reader is 21), slight sexism, both he and she pronouns for Eun-chan, reader is described to have different appearance than Korean women but nothing specific other than clothes, y2k references and lots of music mentions. NO PROOFREADING

notes_ listen to “twin” from JENNIE to cry with me, using the salesman tag so this doesn’t flop

♫ ♪ the worst playlist 4 gong yoo

✰ Index (+ fics here)

୨ৎ───୨ৎ───୨ৎ───୨ৎ───୨ৎ

Returning sucks. Well, not entirely, you had great memories in Korea after spending most of your childhood and teenage years there. But flying back home and having the most satisfactory glow up and then returning to Korea wasn’t appealing enough to make you cheer.

Your fingers fidget around your tangled cable earphones, your other hand holding your phone and a cigar between your index and middle finger.

At the distance your mother is talking with two women; you don’t want to hear them.

Your older brother had better reasons to be back, he went on a Euro trip to the UK with his Peruvian lover and then reunited with his best friend in New York.

The woman was a gold digger.

And in spite of jealousy, you also announced to be moving back to the United States when that happened. All because your brother’s best friend publicly rejected you.

You don’t want to hear his mother and grandmother talking to your mom.

You couldn’t care less about your brother’s best friend; Han-Kyul. It was a teenage crush and he was an asshole. Always being a womanizer and probably bisexual. Which made him more dangerous.

You turn up the volume of the music; Policy of Truth from Depeche Mode.

Now you're standing there tongue-tied

You better learn your lesson well

Hide what you have to hide

And tell what you have to tell…

Fucking song…

Now what the hell, of course, you were lying. You were nervous about the day you would have to face him again. Deep down you wished he could actually see you now. But you were realistic enough to accept he was older and very different from you.

Han Kyul was a fucking asshole good for nothing and you simply would not knowledge his existence till there was no way of denying it.

Yeah, that it’ll be…

…

Maybe you’re a little overdressed, but you loved feeling dressed up. Your thrifted-inspired flapper heels echo across the street and when you finally arrive at an elegant restaurant you know you are actually not overdressed.

It was the middle of the week when your mother and her best friend urged you to accompany them to a nice lunch with their husbands, your brother, and Han Kyul.

Hell no, sounded loudly in your head that morning.

But there you were.

Just as Han Kyul was there, he expected another date, sent by his grandmother.

“No more kisses” said Eun-Chan, wiping her lips, well… his lips.

“Weren’t good enough?”

“Choi Han-kyul?” he was expecting an irritant woman upon hearing his full name.

But it was you.

“Fuck… y/n?…”

Well yeah, fuck, he was still gorgeous.

But as soon as you saw his cheeky grin, you knew he was still the same asshole.

He couldn’t believe his eyes.

He hadn’t thought about you in years. And meeting you again hit him hard.

“She isn’t a date?” Asked Eun-chan but Han-kyul quickly shushed him. He knew your Korean had never been good, in school you were always struggling and he constantly heard your brother saying how kids made fun of you for being a foreigner.

But Han-kyul also knew you weren’t easily offended. And he thought you were long over his rejection.

“Your mother and my mother planned this lunch and they aren’t here?” You ask, pulling out your phone.

He doesn’t answer, he keeps looking at you.

Your hair, your face, your black satin mini dress, and an oversized grey raincoat.

Purple eyeshadow and berry lips, crimson nails a ridiculous purse with too many keychains hanging, and a flip phone with rhinestones.

Yes, definitely you but also not you.

“And who’s your friend over here?” You ask again, taking him out of his trance. “Hello, I’m y/n. And pardon my poor Korean”

Eun-chan is surprised you are being so friendly and offering your hand for her to shake instead of leaning as a greeting or respect.

“Hi…” the boy replied shyly. You thought he was a boy, but since his features were fine and smaller, he looked a little girly. He was cute.

“And he was leaving…” Han Kyul rushes to push his friend and you frown.

“Now don’t be mean, Han Kyul” Both men are subtly looking at you. Eun Chan is hypnotized by your clothes, if she thought Joo Yoo was perfect, you were far beyond that.

Han Kyul on the other hand is looking at your face. Soon his eyes wander across your body and he feels awkward.

John, your brother, his best friend. It wasn’t okay.

But why he couldn’t keep his eyes away from you?

“Give us a minute” Han Kyul says and harshly grabs Eun Chan by the forearm, pushing him away.

That was weird… maybe they’re lovers.

You try to not think much about it. You will listen to the man and leave after forwards.

“Let’s have lunch…” Han Kyul says after returning and you chuckle.

Payback is here, you think.

“I was having lunch with our families together” you say, opening your purse and taking out a cigar. “I don’t want to have lunch with you”

Han Kyul chuckles, trying to appear nonchalant.

“Ah, you’re still mad at me” he ignores the gulp he let out after seeing you lighting the cigar. “Now you smoke?”

Smoking was bad but you looked very hot while doing it.

“Excuse me, miss. You can’t smoke inside…” an employer says to you.

“I know. I’m already leaving…” you politely answer in Korean.

“Goodbye!” Han Kyul yells, but you don’t even turn to look at him, you simply walk out and go back to your day.

He sighs, irritated by your bratty attitude, but he is thrilled.

“That was fast” Eun Chan says, appearing by his side. Han Kyul rolls his eyes at the boy. “She’s your friend?”

“My best friend’s sister” he coldly answers.

In your nice heels, you smile as you let out the smoke blow out.

Your heart doesn’t beat the same way it did when you were eighteen. Your palms remain dry and steady. You can look at Han Kyul in the eye and the need to cut the visual contact never comes.

He would always be your childhood crush, but you were free.

Or so you thought…

…

The smell of coffee fills your nostrils as soon as you walk on the block where Coffee Prince is.

Han Kyul’s grandmother urged you to visit the cafe and rank the menu since you couldn’t make it to the opening.

You decide to appear early, hoping to avoid crowds. Which was successfully accomplished.

Han-kyul was at the registry, looking too busy at something on the screen but you didn’t care.

“Hello, you…” you say, leaning on the counter.

He quickly looks away from the screen. He smiles and wants to hide how bad he wants to chuckle after seeing you.

He had never been excited to see you before.

Eun-chan comes out from the kitchen and you wave hello at him.

“Eun-chan, hi!” She shyly greets back and steps beside the boss to take your order.

“Sorry for not coming to the opening” Han-kyul shrugs. “I already had an outfit and everything but I had rehearsal”

“It’s okay” he says and you realize you shouldn’t be giving too much explanation. He didn’t care at all…

“Shouldn’t you be working? Or getting a PhD?” Han Kyul asks and you roll your eyes.

“I work at home, my paycheck comes straight from Sacramento each week and I can do side jobs here while venturing into the dancing scene” Both guys stare at you. They watch your lips move but they are scanning your makeup, clothes and all.

A T-shirt from Mexico’s football team was resting around your body as a tube top, baggy and old Adidas sweatpants and a pair of worn Puma Speedcat pink shoes.

And that ridiculous rhinestone purse Han Kyul hated and loved at the same time.

Nothing matched but it looked appealing.

“Han-Kyul? Eun-Chan?” You ask after noticing they even stopped blinking.

“Here’s your iced coffee” Eun Chan says breaking the ice and nudging at his boss. “What do you dance?” Asks the short boy and you ignore the way Han-Kyul suddenly grew curious.

“Ballet, Polynesian, samba and I’m trying to see if I can make hip hop an official class with my friends” The boy looked excited and you took that advantage. “You should come, there’s a lot of boys…”

“You with the samba attire…” Han-kyul startled chuckling and you rolled your eyes.

“Samba attire is the dream of any man” you say and he stops chuckling. Han-kyul actually didn’t know what samba was.

“Blue seems to fit you…” a waiter of the cafe says out of nowhere. He was cute and looked cold but loyal.

“Actually my attire is lazuli blue” he offers you a little smirk and you learn his name is Seon-gi.

Eun-chan sees how his boss visibly gets annoyed and wonders if he’s jealous. Han-kyul had never mentioned you before.

You stay chatting a little with Eun-chan, Seon-gi and even with the old Hong.

Han-kyul suddenly feels jealous. You seem to engage very well with everyone but him.

“Everyone to work!” He yells and you have to stop your visit.

You eye him and to your surprise, he is already looking at you.

“Asshole…” you mumble, tossing some cash on the counter and leaving.

Han-kyul smiles, happy to annoy you a little.

…

Lazuli blue…

Eun-chan and Han-kyul were staring at John’s phone screen. He decided to show them a picture of you with your samba attire.

“She’s very pretty” said Eun-chan.

“Too many feathers” replied Han-kyul, pretending to not be shocked.

She quickly learned you were somewhat close to Han-kyul. She didn’t know how to feel about you being rejected by the same man she loved. Everyone said you were no longer interested but by the way Han-kyul acted so interested in anything related to you, Eun-chan started to believe it was him falling for you now.

“Do you like her?” Han-kyul starts cackling.

“What? Y/n? No!” Neither of them is convinced that the answer is honest.

Eun-chan finds you on the terrace of the coffee shop. John and Han-kyul were throwing a little gathering just because you came because it was your free day.

You invite the shy boy to sit with you and both start eating a pair of waffles from Seon-gi.

“Is this job enough?” You ask after the boy revealed he struggled to support his family.

“I guess so” he says nodding.

“And how does Han-kyul treat you?”

“He’s good. Although he yelled at me unfairly a little before the opening. I cried a little but we’re good now…” you frown.

“He yelled at you?” The boy nods.

“He’s a fucking asshole” you take a big bite of the waffle before speaking up again. “He humiliated me too. Three years ago I confessed my feelings for him, privately. And the fucker literally screamed what I had said again, for everyone to hear”

“Why he did that?” Eun-chan asks, feeling a little better because your anecdote seemed worse than what happened to her.

“I don’t know. But if he ever yells at you again, please don’t cry. Tell him to go fuck himself and leave” Eun-chan chuckles at your words and for a moment, she feels like a girl.

She feels like you could be a good friend for her, apparently younger and wiser than her. You are a little like her sister.

“The boys want you down” Both you and Eun-chan jump startled after seeing Han-kyul appearing.

You don’t give a fuck if he listened to what you said.

You nod at the boy and watch him leave. Only to face Han-kyul sitting in the same spot where Eun-chan was.

“You are a distraction for my employees” You raise your eyebrows, feigning surprise.

“Ban me then…” he chuckles.

“My grandmother would kill me” You knew the old lady liked you. Ever since you were a little girl, she was the one to urge you to dance.

“I made dinner for her and your mother the other night” he nods, smiling.

“They say you cook better than me”

“I can believe that” Your words make him nudge you softly and you nudge him back.

What the hell was happening? You never talked with him like this before.

“I really like what you’re doing with this place” Han-kyul was surprised.

“It’s not like I had a choice” you nod.

It was his family’s ultimatum.

“You’re still hella young, Han-kyul” you say before finishing your waffle. “Whatever you want to do next, you’ll figure it out”

Han-kyul swears that’s the moment something changes. Nobody had given him hope that he was capable of achieving something. But you said it so calmly, with honesty.

“You think so?…” he asks, wanting more validation. You turn to look back at him and nod.

“You’re an idiot” you start chuckling, genuinely feeling safe with him. “Look at the place you just opened a month ago”

Han-kyul and you smile at each other.

You ignore the way your heart starts beating. He still caused something to you.

…

Every day was getting more and more concussing for Han Kyul.

First, he knew he wasn’t over Yoo Joo, then, he started feeling weird about Eun Chan and now, he couldn’t stop thinking about you.

Whenever he talked with John, he debated whether to ask for you or not.

John was an architect genius, the perfect partner who gave Coffee Prince the aesthetic of the place.

Han Kyul couldn’t just suddenly start asking about you.

He already knew everything about your return. You finished a technical career in data analytics in your hometown of California and started a dancing career at the same time.

Han Kyul found himself visiting his family more often since the house across the streets was occupied by you and your family like it was a couple of years ago.

He even checked out your MySpace page.

Ten years ago, Han Kyul and John started planning a trip to New York while you were only 11 years old. About to graduate elementary school and telling both boys of 19 years old that you wanted a shirt with the ‘I love New York’ in it.

Han Kyul chuckled at the memory.

The curiosity about what person you were now was haunting him. He realized he knew so much about you, but rarely had thought about you.

The day he saw you, he wanted to rip off your cigar and crush it on the floor. He wanted to force you to sit down at the restaurant and do 100 questions in ten minutes. But he barely saw you for five minutes and thought you looked hot smoking.

Suddenly he had forgotten you were his best friend’s sister.

Han Kyul was with John looking for the perfect crystals for the coffee shop windows. There wasn’t much he could do about glass made of sand. He left everything to John; the architect and designer.

The Blackberry that belonged to John was so close to Han Kyul. And he couldn’t process it when he grabbed the phone and dialed your number.

“Hello?” You answered quick and softly.

Han Kyul froze. “John, you fucker. Answer me!”

“John told me to call you” You frowned after hearing your brother’s best friend's voice. “He didn’t tell me what for”

“Okay?” Sounds like you are in the middle of the jungle, with so much noise at the same time.

“Where are you? Sounds like the zoo…” you chuckle.

“I came with Eun-chan to pick up her sister Eun-sae from school, we’re going to the mall”

“Now you’re friends?” You roll your eyes.

“I liked him since you rudely brushed him aside the day of the restaurant” Han-kyul smiles at the memory of seeing you again for the first time.

“Yeah, you weren’t very happy to see me”

“I guess it’s safe to say we’re friends now, asshole” neither of you know both are smiling like idiots.

“Are you coming to the cafe?” You have crossed your arms and leaned on a tree.

“Why? You want to see me?”

You only learned when you were flirting.

“Yes, idiot. You said you were teaching me to write better English” Han-kyul almost missed the red light when he heard your tone. You had to be flirting.

“You’ll be the next Lord Byron for Yoo-joo” he rolled his eyes.

“That’s long in the past”

Because it was. At that moment, Han-kyul realized he didn’t feel anything for that woman anymore.

“Hmm, too bad. I’m excited for her new gallery though”

“Let’s go together”

What? What? What? WHAT?

“You tolerate me that much?” You ask, trying to stay calm.

“You’re brainless” Han-kyul says chuckling.

“And you’re an asshole” You see Eun-chan coming with her sister and you look back at the floor. “I have to go, see you later for our grammar class and to plan our outfits”

He can’t stop smiling when he hangs up.

And then he remembered he was driving John’s car. That he was your brother and had to pick him up

…

“You have been quiet for too long. Now what the hell?” John asks, briefly eying him before returning his eyes to the street.

The pair of best friends were out to have dinner together.

“What would you do if I hung out with y/n?” Han Kyul asks, sighing in anxiety.

“Well, nothing. She’s proven me to be sane enough to not go mad” John chuckled. “But since when do you want to hang out with y/n?”

Han Kyul looked away, admitting to himself how nervous he was.

“Since the day my grandmother arranged for us to meet for lunch” Han Kyul admits and John starts cackling. “Ah it was the first time you saw her again”

“Now you think my sister is hot?” Han Kyul gently slaps his friend, his lips forming a line and showing that he wasn’t joking.

John finally relaxed, never leaving his eyes on the road as he was driving.

“I feel wrong about this already, John!”

“I’m not judging. Although I should…” John says. “But, it’s so sudden. It’s not like you two were close enough or like you know her”

“Oh fuck you. I know she likes cooking but hates cleaning the kitchen. Her favorite song is ‘You don’t own me’ from that vintage lady I can’t remember her name. She’s scared of any surgery that requires anesthesia. Has high pain tolerance but cries like a baby for minorities. She always asked for that musical box from ‘Anastasia’ and has a wounded tendon in her inner thigh for dancing” John rolls his eyes and grabs Han-kyul by the shoulders. “Okay okay, I’m pretty sure you know her”

“I know she’s your sister…” both nod in agreement. “Then tell her, Han Kyul”

“I will. Just not yet… it’s too early”

“Oh yeah. And we never talk about it. But I’m pretty sure she’s bitter about you because of what happened…” Han Kyul rolled his eyes, hoping to not have flashbacks. “But if you hurt her, Han Kyul… I won’t give a damn about us being sworn brothers”

A summer night, your family was hosting a gathering, it was 2004. Soon Han-kyul left with John and Yoo Joo, they were eating on the rooftop with more friends when Han-kyul stood up to grab more rice and you were also there.

He remembered you said ‘I like you’ and he chuckled, then he repeated your words out loud and everyone heard. He also added that you were a child and that he had bigger things in mind.

Your cheeks turned red, your hands visibly shaking and you simply apologized before leaving.

A couple of weeks later, days before Han-kyul was leaving, he made a stop at your house to help John pack. And he planned to apologize for being mean to you.

But you were gone.

John said you wanted to return to California and start university there.

Han-kyul forgot about you as soon as he passed by your room.

And now he couldn’t get you out of his mind.

…

Eun-chan was his friend. His brother…

Han-kyul liked hanging out with him, to annoy him and then they had to kiss.

It meant nothing, he was worried for his grandmother and you were too busy to meet him at the hospital.

You…

Han-kyul felt like an idiot for making a list of comparisons between you and Eun-chan.

But you were winning. Just because you were even more careless than Eun-chan and because your body made him go insane.

He had to organize his priorities.

But it was so damn difficult when even his grandmother loved you and Eun-chan.

Then Han-kyul remembers John and he knows it has to be you.

The day of Yoo-joo’s gallery was a success, Han-kyul genuinely enjoyed being on a date. After visiting the gallery, he took you to have dinner and then both of you went to the beach. The way he talked and you listened made him feel safe.

The sensation of having a connection with someone was something Han-kyul hadn’t experienced so directly in his life. He loved John as his best friend, but there was something else when it came to you.

“Are you really making a move on my sister?” Han-kyul is pulled out of his trance when John enters his living room.

“What?”

“Are you going to tell my sister you like her?” John asks, making Han-kyul wonder.

Yes, he wanted to take you on another date. Despite you saying it wasn’t a date. He had spent a lot of time with you the last few days. You stayed past open hours at Coffee Prince teaching him grammar. And when you told him you also loved LEGOs, he grew even more infatuated. Both of you made a house and custom keychains. It was so silly and Han-kyul knew he was genuinely falling in love. Because he tased and annoyed you just like he did with Eun-chan.

“Yes, I’m still trying to figure out when to ask her”

“Well, you are going with me to this party to keep an eye on her” Han-kyul frowned.

“Why?”

“It’s a big club in the main streets of Seoul” John throws the towel he was using to dry up his hair and throws it at Han-kyul in the face. “If she sees us, it’s a coincidence. But I don’t want her in trouble. I trust her, but I heard there will be drugs and weed…”

Han-kyul nods. He wasn’t much of a party person, he couldn’t drink alcohol and he wasn’t good at dancing. But he knew it was also fun to be surrounded by neon lights and get away from reality.

They knew you wouldn’t buy drugs but people doing drugs around could be dangerous.

So when they arrived at the club, they confirmed the smell of pot started filling the street.

“You’re not drinking, right?” John asks and Han-kyul shakes his head while rolling his eyes. “Good, I’ll get some pot”

Han-kyul awkwardly stands there not knowing what to do. He wonders if you have already arrived.

He started looking around.

There was no sight of you at the bar, nor the nearby tables. He then started looking through the crowd of people dancing along Temperature from Sean Paul. The lights flicked from purple to pink and there was silver confetti falling from the ceiling.

It was literally a fever dream.

When John was nowhere to be seen, Han-kyul grew impatient and started looking for you.

He went upstairs and downstairs again only to be lost. Until, like a matter of faith, he heard a group cackling on the dance floor and when he turned around, he finally spotted you.

You were so lost in the moment. With some drinks on you already hitting and the excellent music playing, you were in heaven. When Tambourine from Eve started playing, you really gave it all to the dancefloor.

Your girlfriends urged you to keep dancing and you weren’t turning them down.

Your brother’s best friend hated dancing. But he found himself liking it just by watching you doing it. He leaned forward into the railing and kept looking at you dancing, staring like an idiot. Buttons, Move Ya Body, Pon de Replay, and Rich Girl played before Han-kyul reunited with John again.

“I got my pot” John said, with his shirt open and disheveled, his hair looking sweaty and smiling.

“I think it’s time to leave…”

“What? No!” Han-kyul realized at that moment that he ended up babysitting a pair of adult siblings. And he wasn’t particularly mad about it.

“I’m going to get y/n and we’re leaving” John seemed to remember you and nodded.

When Han-kyul returned to the same spot you had been dancing with your friends, you were still dancing, but looking more tipsy.

You were not paying attention until you felt a hand grabbing yours. You turned and surprised, your half-drunk persona ended up hugging your brother’s best friend.

“Han-kyul!” He blushed, his cheeks turned red but the lights in the club disguised it very well. Your small hands embracing him made him feel comfortable. And he even thought your hug felt better than the one he gave Eun-chan.

“You’re drunk…” you shake your head, ignoring the way your friends look at the scene.

“I’m not!” Just when you were about to go back dancing, Han-kyul pulled your hand once again.

“John and I came here to buy weed. We’re leaving, let’s go…”

Of course, you didn’t have to know that in reality your brother just wanted to keep an eye on you. Plus, that Han-kyul simply wanted to see you and protect you.

“I’ll leave if you two give some pot” you tried to negotiate.

Perhaps it was because you were ovulating, but he looked so damn hot. With the intense heat waves and humid air, his hair looked gorgeous and his horrible outfits seemed fine for the first time.

If you were a little more insane, you’d ask him to fuck you.

But you didn’t, you were tipsy but not drunk. And after spending a lot of time with your friends, you would’ve neglected some time with your crush.

Because as much as you hated to admit it, Han-kyul returned to be your crush.

The ride back home was bumpy. And it was turning into a huge problem for Han-kyul. John passed out in a second and you were very tipsy, on the verge of drunk.

“All my people on the floor, let me see you dance, let me see ya!” You kept singing that song from Britney Spears that played on the radio. Han-kyul was trying to keep his eyes on the road but he could see you dancing and leaning into the open window.

He gave up when he noticed you were taking off your sequined top.

“What are you doing?” Han-kyul nearly screamed, then looked back at John wondering if he woke up.

“These sequins are going to give me a rash with the sweat” you explained, the man driving only rolled his eyes.

“Oh, you think we’re going to crash?” your tipsy laugh was killing him. The naughty tone and the way you kept dancing and not caring that he was seeing you were enough to tell Han-kyul you were almost drunk.

And that you were insane.

“All my people round and round, let me see you dance, let me see ya” you teased a bit more, kneeling in the passenger seat and swaying your hips to the music.

“Seat still and put on your damn seatbelt” Han-kyul groaned tiredly, but secretly nervous.

He had been a flirtatious freak. He kissed a lot of women in his twenties but he had no actual sexual experiences.

And getting hard because of the sexy sister of his best friend was not on the agenda.

“If your parents see you like this, they’re killing the three of us,” he says but you chuckle.

“They are in Japan for the weekend, silly”

“Still, my parents and grandmother live across the street. If they see us…” your hand lands on his thigh. He gulps nervously but tries to ignore it.

“Stop overthinking, Han-kyul” you say, almost whispering.

To everyone’s luck, the lights were off all across the street, indicating everyone was sleeping.

Han-kyul left the windows down and John inside the car. Your brother was tall as fuck and he couldn’t carry him inside. It wasn’t the same case with you.

You were carried by Han-kyul upstairs. He knew the way to your room from memory. Every time he visited to play with John, he had to pass by your room. The aquamarine walls that once decorated your bedroom were now painted in cream color, your pink lava lamp was the only thing that kept him from tripping with you in his arms.

He opened the window but it wasn’t enough to soothe the heat. The man stares at your features, smiling at how adorable and pretty you are.

He kissed your cheek, accepting the odd feeling he felt around you was a crush. Yoo-joo had told him once, that when he fell in love, he fell hard.

In your sleep, you were sweating. Han-kyul fanned his hands to give you some air but it did nothing. He feels himself growing tired and inevitably, he ends up falling asleep at the feet of your bed.

…

You wake up made a mess of a headache. But when you look at your Hello Kitty clock, you start cursing.

And then you see Han-kyul sleeping in your bed.

“Shit, motherfucking fuck shit” he hears you because he starts chuckling.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” He starts stretching and urges you to keep calm. “And where the fuck is John?”

“Sleeping in the car” you frown at his words. “You were drunk and I just placed you here last night. I tried to turn on a fan but you don’t have one, So I grew sleepy and ended up sleeping here, you’re welcome, y/n”

“Oh? I have to thank you?” He starts chuckling again at your angry voice.

How cute, he thinks.

“Yeah, perhaps you should…”

“Fuck you” you go back to stressing about the time. You had rehearsals at 11:00am and it was 10:28 in the morning.

“Why are you so mad at me? At times you are an adorable thing and then you’re a cursing machine” he says, watching you brushing your hair with urgency.

“I could ask you the same. You’re so bipolar towards me” you argue back, rolling your eyes.

“That’s not true. You are the crazy one!” You can’t handle the way he argues Andy acts so damn stubbornly.

“Han-kyul, shut up! I act so weirdly with you because I still resent you for rejecting me. But you?…” he grows quiet.

You hear him stand up and walk towards you, but you ignore him, hurrying to finish dressing up.

“About that…”

“It’s okay, I shouldn’t be so immature about it. We’re friends despite it…” you interrupt him and he sighs.

“No, y/n. There’s something I’ve been-“

“Han-kyul, I’m in a hurry and you are being an asshole so let me-“

He spins you around and kisses you.

Softly and passionately, your lips reciprocate him.

Your arms tangle around his neck and his hands carefully caress your cheeks as he keeps kissing you.

You were in love…

You smile playfully at him and he does it as well.

“This isn’t over!” Han-kyul yells after you leave the room, you hear him and your smile is even bigger than before.

Since you were on your way to see your friends at the dance rehearsals, you hurried to call another friend to tell him what just happened.

“Eun-chan!” He sounds sleepy but answers anyway.

“You won’t believe what just happened!” He asks what time is it and you quickly answer before speaking again.

“Han-kyul kissed me! We kissed!” People around you look disapproving at your loud mouth but you don’t care.

“He… what?”

“Yes! We kissed!

You start telling him all the details of the previous night at the club and he just urges you to continue.

But he was too quiet and even thoughtful. Maybe he was stressed or maybe you were being too paranoid.

But there’s a big smile across your face as you arrive at the academy and start warming up.

…

That Friday was filled with too many oddities. The energy felt completely heavy after a bright morning with the kiss from Han-kyul. Your head couldn’t stop replaying the kiss and how good it felt. At that point you had also ignored how quick he had become a true friend.

Your dance classes were fine. Your job was fine. On your way back, you decided to pay a visit to Coffee Prince and his handsome owner. But also because you missed your friends.

With your impatience, you left the academy with your ballet attire. If pointe shoes weren’t so expensive, you would’ve run as soon as the rehearsals were over with them.

When you arrive at the cafe, everything is quiet, there are no customers. Everyone is gathered with serious faces.

You frown and upon your arrival, everyone seems to get even more nervous.

“Why is everyone looking so defeated?” You ask chuckling.

Han-kyul and Eun-chan are missing, but silly you think they are upstairs on the terrace. “God, I need a cube of ice”

Your feet drag you to the kitchen, you wanted a block of ice so bad. The day was suffocating, but evenings were even worse. There was no breeze, making the air feel heavy.

You also need cold water for your bleeding knees and a popsicle for your dry lips.

Your heart was already beating fast because of the dancing and walking.

And it nearly stopped when you looked up at the freezer.

“THERE IS NO ICE, Y/N” you hear Seon Gi saying in the distance, inaudible for you because of the scene passing upon your eyes.

Seon-gi was trying to prevent you from going to the kitchen.

Eun Chan pressed against the freezer, locked by Han Kyul. She was wearing female clothing, and both were kissing.

Your brain wouldn’t fry because of the heat, it would melt because of the sudden outburst of pain, shame, and jealousy flooding you.

At the sound of your shoes, the couple looked at the door, and after seeing you in shock, both stepped away from each other, looking shocked and embarrassed as well.

You can feel your eyes tearing up. And you would kill yourself if you let Han Kyul see you cry.

Not again.

“IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK!” You hear Eun Chan yelling with a broken voice when you decide to look away and leave.

The boys are looking at you with pity as you walk past them.

“Y/n… wait” The boys try to stop you, but you don’t look at them. The need to run grows as you pass by Han Kyul’s car, many steps sounding close.

“Y/N, WAIT!” Your childhood crush yells, running towards you.

And it’s not enough embarrassment for you.

You stumble, your bag falls to the ground, and your wallet and pointe shoes land a couple of inches away.

Your knees start burning and you just know you are wounded. Mentally and physically…

You wanted to dig a hole and never come out again.

Your hands hurry to toss the wallet inside the bag.

Han Kyul is about to kneel to help you, but he grabs your arm like he always does whenever he demands attention.

“Your knees are bleeding…”

But this time you weren’t in love to let him play along.

You realize he must have used you to please his family’s desire for him to marry. And if he had an affair with Eun-chan, you were the perfect person to disguise reality.

The rage you feel is so burning that when you feel his hand touching your leg, you snap.

“Don’t touch me!”

Han Kyul thinks you broke his nose after punching him with your pointe shoe.

The gasps of the boys and faint cries from Eun Chan can be heard.

Han Kyul stares at your knees and feels even worse. There’s mud and your pink thighs are ripped, the blood is fresh and dripping.

“This is the last time you do this to me” you firmly say, pointing at the man you loved for more time than you could ever comprehend.

Han Kyul sighs, holding his bleeding nose and watching you running away.

He is about to hop into his car and follow you but the old man he mostly rolled his eyes at stops him.

“Go home and think straight” For once, Han-kyul obeys at the man.

He eyes Eun-chan, who’s also crying, and sighs once again.

As he leaves, he grows even angrier.

He was your friend, like your twin attached to the hip out of the sudden.

Even before being adults, he knew he could trust you. You trusted him when you were a toddler and asked for his arms when he was just a kid.

You proved to be proud of him. It was because of you that he felt less like shit about the issue with his father.

He also loved Eun-chan and that was ruining him. All the time he thought it was a boy, he seriously questioned if he was gay or bisexual.

He started feeling sick when he realized he was in love with two people. And even worse because no matter what, he knew it would be more hurtful for you if you found out.

The time he spent with you was priceless. The friendship he even formed with you was full of everything he lacked through his twenties.

But you and him really meant to get together in the first place?

Two, like twins, twin…

All he knew was that it wasn’t the same.

With you, it went far and beyond love.

___________

@ilovethe141 @jeewhat

[11thwardtls]

Memory Defrag | TRACK 5 - Data Corpulence | Azekawa Kinari's Ward Mayor Novel Translation

Warnings and Disclaimers:

This translation is not professionally done and is not proofread. Edits and clean-ups may come at a later date.

Not a 1:1 translation either and some liberties into localization were taken into account.

This novel will contain spoilers for the Ev3ns Main Story: "Chained Up Scarlet".

Appropriate Content and Trigger Warnings will be added if needed.

May be used for quotebots/masterlists etc.

I am not fluent and self-studying Japanese (albeit at turtle speed), this was translated by ear and with the help of a JP dictionary, so please feel free to point out any errors!

—/—/—/—/—/—

I came out of semi-conscious mode and awakened all at once.

By my bedside, there was a plastic water bottle, with a note stuck to it: “Are you thirsty? Here, if you don’t mind.” in Raito’s handwriting. 

As I am an android, my mouth does not get dry, yet I drank from the bottle anyway.

The room’s interior has been plunged into azure-hued darkness.

I could hear the flapping of the nocturnal birds resting in the trees behind me.

———[At the very least, you could say what’s on your mind in your own words.]

Father’s words repeated several times within my auditory system.

Whenever I recall these words, I start to feel something, slowly.

It’s something that I’ve not been able to properly verbalize.

But now, I’m searching for a meaning within Father’s words, of which I had previously felt nothing upon hearing them. 

“Were his intentions similar to Master’s own words?”

I threw my question into the void.

I suppose that the true nature of Father’s hopes for me, was similar to Master’s own desire to treat me as if I were a fellow human being. 

What Father wanted at the time was not for me to be in a state to channel Kinari’s spirit, but for me to speak out using my own words. 

Rather than words that have been programmed into me, he must have wished to hear my words from the heart.

As I thought, I still deeply regret that I could not do that even at his deathbed.

Yes, there’s some sort of feeling of regret. Likely so. Surely, I thought.

And this sort of emotion is quite surprising in itself.

Because, as an android, I feel an emotion called ‘regret’. 

But looking back on this incident and understanding how I felt while reviewing those memories, perhaps someday I too will gain those 21 grams.

By analyzing, considering, and reflecting……

As Kuguri has previously said, these records can turn themselves into memories. 

[Further verification is still required.]

For that purpose, any and all records shall be preserved without being deleted.

I thought about it for when I have the free time to browse these past data bit by bit, but a message box appeared hovering over my retinas.

[The additional information related to the emotion base is building data corpulence at this time. Would you like to delete those additional parts?]

This newly acquired data is a highly valuable resource that is connected to 21 grams, therefore it cannot be deleted. I selected [No]. 

[The screen glitches for a moment.]

The moment that I’ve made my choice, the image reflected in my retinas became distorted and a noise appeared.

“...?”

I checked on my systems to see if a small error had occurred, but there was no problem.

Right now, I cannot afford to shrink down on my memory any further.

The everydays that would increase from here forward would be also valuable pieces of samples.

With that in mind, I laid down on my bed.

—/—/—/—/—/—

“Today’s a whole extra super awesome ‘nother lesson day~! After finishing with warm ups, we’re doing formation checks, alrightyyyy?” 

Chihiro’s cheerful voice resounded throughout the lesson room this morning.

He always took the initiative whenever it came to practicing.

As always, I put out the tablet and started to record our dance formation———

—But he appeared troubled almost immediately.

“Oh whoopsies! My hard disk is full already~ I can’t record anymore.”

“Isn’t that a large capacity tablet? Why’s there so much data…? Plus, didn’t you say the same thing last month?”

Tao rushed in to check quickly. Chihiro pouted, cheeks puffed up, “I’m an influencer, aren’t I? Don’t tell me you forgot?!”, he retorted.

These two always have this kind of conversation all the time.

“Your job’s to take pictures, Chihiro, so I understand. Then, we can just use my phone!"

Ah, right… I dropped it in the bath yesterday and it broke.” 

“I cannot believe that such a stupid person could exist in this world.” 

Raito made an offer to do it on his behalf, but then was quickly rejected.

Kuguri gave Raito the stink-eye, as he had no intention of ever lending his own device.

“Welp, there’s no choice then. Kinyari~ can Chii twouble you to do it?”

“Understood.”

In the past eras, humans have used their eyes as a camera when photographic equipment cannot be used. Their video recordings would be burned onto their retina, be available as an output and viewed on another device.

I began to film our dance routine while looking into the mirror.

“Tao, stop. Your hand placement is off by three centimeters.”

“Tao, stop. Your arms are not fully extended.”

“Tao, stop. You mustn’t do this move from your chest, but from your shoulders.”

I added detailed annotations about our mistakes, and by the time I finished them, Chihiro would hug me and say, “Luuuuv ya, Kinyari!”

Chihiro does this more often than not. He also happily rested his cheek by my hair.

“Ahhh, you smell so nice, Kinyari~ Haaaa, you’re just the bestest, the cutest, I loooove you~” 

“Mm. Thank you.”

“Oi, Chihiro, quit messin’ around already. Keep doing that and it’d count as sexual harassment.”

“But if it’s me and Kinyari, we make a super mega cute picture together, so it’s a-okay!” 

“Eh… That so?”

Tao warned him, but Chihiro bit back.

He seemed a bit distressed after listening to Chihiro’s absurd reasoning.

Raito laughed softly as usual, saying, “I’m glad that we all get along so well.”

On the other hand, Kuguri interjected, “Nyushi, if I were to join in as well, wouldn’t it be even prettier?”

This sort of interaction between us unit members had now become the norm.

Chihiro often talked about me so lovingly, yet according to Tao, “Ain’t it because Chihiro used to be an idol otaku and likes cute things?”

Can this kind of love be classified as something that fulfills my father’s hopes and wishes that [Someone who loves you will surely appear]?

I don’t know it yet, but I have long since accepted this circumstance.

“Man, at the end of the day, I was still the one who made the most mistakes again.”

“Tao, you’d be training on your own again today, wouldn’t you? I’ll join as well so let’s do our best together.”[4]

“By the way, Kinari. I accidentally let it slip that you slept longer than usual this morning to Ushio. He seemed quite worried so if you could, please show yourself to him later to let him know.”

“Plüss, won’t you at least punish this wretch of a man for saying something so unnecessary?” 

Chihiro and Tao started to whisper amongst themselves about everyday this and that, while Raito and Kuguri, who were wiping away their sweat, also chatted for a little while. 

I’d say, “Shall we proceed to play and observe the formation video I took on my camera on another device now?”, all four of them, Kuguri—to an extent, would watch somewhat seriously. 

Thus, our discussion on how we could further improve it would then begin. 

I, for once, would like to repeat this moment an innumerable amount of times.

……The thought of it was not at all unpleasant.

“Please give it your all in singing, dancing, your idol activities and live happily!”

This is my firstmost and top priority order I needed to fulfill. It is my very core of being. 

My most important standard of behavior.

However, rather than having to meet that standard, little by little, the desire to fulfill it instead is being born.

What to call this sort of ‘emotion’, I don’t know it yet.

But, I can feel it. I know so.

Emotions that I cannot name yet will continue to grow within my heart.

Surely. Probably. Maybe. 

Someday, even… 

———is what I thought.

—/—/—/—/—/—

Directory:

Main Page | TRACK 1 | TRACK 2 | TRACK 3 | TRACK 4 | TRACK 5

[amor-immortalem]

So lesson 40’s here and season 2’s over huh? Let’s complain about it together

I’m simultaneously dissatisfied and satisfied with S2’s ending. I have negative feelings about the hard mode 40-8 in particular.

I feel like if this is actually the original timeline were back in, the brothers should have had a bigger reaction to MC’s return cuz like didn’t Solomon say that we just up and disappeared at the start of season 1 and the bros were a complete mess?

Makes me feel like something’s up- like the brothers’ perception of time has been altered or messed with in some way.

Initially I thought that Lucifer had seen the way his brothers and himself were suffering and wrought with worry for MC being missing so he asked Barbatos to cast a spell on them to kind of ease that by not making it seem so long that MC’s been gone and make it feel more like only a few days to months (or hell maybe he could’ve learnt to do it himself- this is Lucifer we’re talking about here) but now I’m not so sure and maybe we didn’t actually end up in the correct timeline. Or maybe this is all just nightbringer’s influence (cuz remember they’re all about leading others to happiness or something along those lines)

Either way I’m generally not a fan of it- I wanted that big sappy reunion with over the top dramatics with my favorite demons, damnit! I’ve been robbed!

Also where the fuck did Solomon go? he went through the rift in space time with us so shouldn’t there have at least been a small interaction with him when we arrived at the HOL even if it was along the lines of “oh good we’ve made it back in one piece, I’ll let you go inside and have some time to catch up with the brothers on your own. I’m gonna go debrief with Barbatos” or something?

And then there’s Nightbringer- or more specifically, their lack of presence within Season 2. When was the last time they’d even been mentioned in the story(lesson 21? 22? Were they ever mentioned at all after that?)

I know obvious answer is that Nightbringer=Barbatos (is it just me or was Barbs acting kinda… weird? Throughout the lesson??? He had me feeling like ‘this mf knows we time traveled don’t he?’) but anyway it feels like, for a character the game is literally named for, they’re not very important and front ‘n center…

Maybe S3 will be more focused on Nightbringer and whatever the hell’s going on with that weird ass reception from the brothers we got but for now we’ll just have to wait (I wouldn’t be surprised if solmare made us wait until April when the game hits its one year anniversary for S3 just like it played out in the OG game…)

Also also if the devs don’t hurry up and make 13, mephisto, and raphael dateable in S3 I’m going to riot. Lemme give my pretty wife kisses and take her on cute dates and shit. It’s been like 2 or 3 seasons since she was introduced! Whats the hold up?

My thoughts aren’t coherent anymore so I’ll stop but see y’all in April for Season 3

[malachiexists13]

SYNOPSIS: When Liv is taken from her own home and brought to a strange 'realm' as an "Exchange Student", she thinks it's all a sick joke. Until things around them begin to make less and less sense, it's hard to keep convincing herself that the shadows are empty claims and that this is just a sick game. Unbeknownst to her, in the human realm, Salem and Isaac are desperate in their search to find her. To bring them home. Will Salem and Isaac find and bring their sister home safely, or will Liv succumb to the madness that threatens her every breath?

STARTED/ENDED: Coming Soon

DISCLAIMER: This is a rewrite fanfic of the Obey Me storyline. My intention is to not show any disrespect to the developers or claim my version is better. I am simply taking the storyline as "prompts" and rewriting it in my style, as well as fixing some aspects that I either didn't like or didn't make sense and filling gaps with headcanons. You do not have to read if you don't like this idea! This is all for fun.

SPOILER WARNING: Contains spoilers for the first 20 Lessons (Hard + Normal Mode) of Obey Me: One Master to Rule Them All!

CHARACTER FILES: Coming Soon

POINT OF VIEW KEY: 🕶️ - Liv || 🌙 - Salem || 🐚 - Isaac || 💤 - Belphegor || 👑 - Diavolo ||

//CW: Yelling, Threats of Violence, Angst, Belphegor's Hatred of Humans, Kidnapping, Skepticism, Religious Themes, Religious Content, Alleged Live-Action Roleplay, Mugging (Attempted - Failed), Physical Violence, Alleged Cannibalism, Threats of Cannibalism, Mammon Being An Asshole, Disorientation, Panic, Police Being Useless, Alleged Mental Illness,

CHAPTERS:

0. "PROLOGUE" [AO3 Link] (👑 -> 💤)

1. "Welcome to Your Fate" [AO3 Link] (🕶️)

2. "Mammon, the Avatar of Greed" [AO3 Link] (🕶️)

3. "Gone?" [AO3 Link] (🌙)

4. "The House of Lamentation" [AO3 Link] (🕶️)

5. to be determined

6. to be determined

7. to be determined

8. to be determined

9. to be determined

10. to be determined

11. to be determined

12. to be determined

13. to be determined

14. to be determined

15. to be determined

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17. to be determined

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20. to be determined

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22. to be determined

23. to be determined

24. to be determined

25. to be determined

26. to be determined

27. to be determined

28. to be determined

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30. to be determined

31. to be determined

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38. to be determined

39. to be determined

40. to be determined

41. to be determined

42. to be determined

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43. to be determined

44. to be determined

Leave a comment or message me if you'd like to be added!

TAG LIST: @completelyshatteredbrokenmschf

[annkous]

Lesson 22 came out last night aaaaaAAAAA

They always catch me by surprise, I swear... It seems this time they're releasing lessons every 7 days instead of 10.

Anyways, lesson 22!

Previous lesson!

We start the day by going to the House of Lamentation again. Mammon, thank heavens, seems to be acting a bit more normal. So far, so good.

Instead of the usual dynamic of Luci and Mammon, we get Belphie being worried about him this time around. I love these brothers so much.

Even while we're busy taking care of the brothers and walking them to RAD, Solomon's words about the possibility of getting stuck here ring through our head. We can't catch a break.

Things are chill for now. They're reuniting with Diavolo to try and get ideas for future RAD events, and Mammon comes up with something to raise up funds and... maybe things aren't back to normal just yet.

I CALLED IT PREVIOUSLY I mean it wasn't really hard, was it jdshfd but yes. They're starting to be less subtle about this whole thing being about Mammon being the Avatar of Greed. Diavolo's father gets a mention (gasp) and they even drop a bit of foreshadowing about how the titles he bestowed upon them seem to be important.

We get sent to clean the library (whohoo) and we're atop of the stairs cleaning the top of a shelf. Your shoujo or fanfic senses might tingle a bit. I mean, we already got a sprained ankle scene.

And there, we find a book. Not any book. THE book. The one that tells the story at the beginning of Nightbringer: the one of the human and the demon.

Cue me screaming.

GODDAMMIT.

They all guess the demon in the story is Nightbringer, and Satan comments that he found a mention about Nightbringer in a Celestial Realm book about the Father of Demons. Apparently, Nightbringer was The First Demon to be "born."

This whole thing isn't working on Barbatos' favor about NOT being Nightbringer, let me tell you. If I remember correctly, we are told somewhere (either main story or an event/card, I forgot haha.....) that Barbatos wasn't exactly born: he just started existing. He didn't have a childhood, he just poofed into existence. That would fit the First Demon ever.

However, there's no more info he can give us for now. To match the sprained ankle energy from lesson 21, the ladder shakes when we move and we fall down to the ground, BUT LEVI COMES TO THE RESCUE AND CATCHES US and honestly it was really sweet. Then shit goes down.

The title is "what's come over mammon", so you can guess where this is going.

This brings og!OM flashbacks where he says something similar, but it's not in this way. In the og!OM if you remember, around the beginning after he's grown attached, he says he's the only one that wants to come to your rescue, and that you shouldn't call anyone else first, but he's in full "tsundere" mode, so people found it endearing. This is going down a different route, but because Greed has fully taken over him, to the point he's going to actually fight his brothers over you. We all know Mammon, and how he wouldn't do this seriously. It's obvious something's wrong.

Asmo being really angry is such a treat to see, though.

We try "stay" and it doesn't work, so we try to step in. It doesn't work, either. Mammon's so gone it gets to the point he tries to shove you if you step in.

Satan tries to use a curse-nullifying spell, but it doesn't work because it's not a curse. Beel can't hold Mammon, who has even transformed, for longer, so the only thing you all can think about is to book it.

Thankfully, you all find Lucifer on your escapade, who sees Mammon on your heels and knocks him out with one hit. Damn.

So Mammon's now knocked out, and you're all watching over him while storming ideas...

They're so right on the money. I'm so happy the whole Avatar of Greed was said outright. Also if helping Mammon implies making the pact, it means they're all probably going to go through this. They're a bit scared, though... And that's why I see mc trying to do anything so they don't go through the same thing Mammon just did, even if it means giving up the pacts for now.

In any case, they're worried about how they can possibly end up being taken over, just like Mammon...

:(

Lucifer comes to the rescue, saying he's spoken to Diavolo and that he's come up with an idea, so off we go. We get a bit more worried Belphie over his older brother as a treat before we leave, too.

According to Diavolo, the ones that can save Mammon are us (obviously) and Little D. No. 2 (what). Okay at first I was caught off-guard but then they dropped lore and I loved it and got hooked two sentences in. You know how the Little Demons have the Brother's qualities? Like, Little Demon of Greed, Little Demon of Pride, etc... all those little ones that are in the lower ranked cards? They get cool lore.

The Fairy King gets another mention! Solmare better not mention him too much, or people might want to see a design (it's me I'm people)

So apparently, every time a Demon is born, they can get a Little Demon counterpart, although it's extremely rare, yet according to Diavolo, every single one of the brothers has one, and those Little Demons are currently safe and sound working in the Demon Lord's Castle. Not for long, though, if the plot has its way LMFAO

This whole "mc entering Mammon's inner self to save him" is some Kingdom Hearts soriku kind of shit and honestly I live for it.

We have the option to consider sending one of the brothers instead, but we know Mammon has a special part of his heart reserved for us, regardless of where we stand with him, so in the end, we're the best option. I thought they'd send everyone together, since his brothers are also very important to Mammon, but maybe they'll play a role later. I want another Demon Brothers hug pile.

As a little add-on, Little Demon Number 2 is scared shitless of going into Mammon's mind, but the brothers staring very seriously at it plus us asking nicely (at least my option lol the other was "you've got self-esteem issues on par with levi" and I laughed way too much at that) make it fold pretty quickly pffft.

So we enter Mammon's mind in search of his inner self...

Of course it's the Celestial Realm HJDSFSF and the lesson ends just as someone (Mammon) is yelling "OUTTA THE WAY" near us.

Since this lesson was also short (9 battle stages and 8 story ones plus the extra), I went ahead and did the extra plus the hard mode. You also unlock a VIDEO CALL (AAAAAAA) but we'll see that one later.

The extra takes place as you're all walking to the library to clean it, talking about the 666 mysteries of RAD. Mammon is terrified, and admits he's been like that since Adam took over him.

Most options you get here are cute though lol (give him a laughing charm, a calming charm or prank him and make him more terrified) I have to try the laughing one. The calming one helps him and also makes everyone else ask for a charm as well.

The scene from hard mode is Barbatos looking around for Little D. No. 2. Clearly it's to bring it to the House of Lamentation, but Little D. is running away like a kid is running away from a parent thinking they're in for a scolding. Remember how Nightbringer is referenced as the Father of Demons? Okay it might be a bit of a reach but IT WOULD BE INCREDIBLE-

Anyways it gets found by Diavolo, who hands it over to Barbatos and gets dragged away to the House of Lamentation. Rip.

It's not over, though, because after finishing the hard mode, you also get a main story chat. We also still have to see the WW map situation, and actually both are related. I didn't realize though so I did the chat first and then the video call, but it made it funnier for me, so I'll put them as I read them.

Damn Solomon went STRAIGHT for his throat-

Note also the name he has saved Mammon as lol I love it. Between the German numbers in normal mode cards (this time we have Vier (Satan), Fünt (Asmo) and Sechs (Beel)) and this my nerd language lover is over the moon.

Well......... It was nice knowing poor Mammon. Seems like he has a contender about being greedy over you, too.

Okay but the fact that Mammon called MC's name when addressing Lucifer though that's actually pretty funny LMFAO

Then comes the video call, which is between Luke, Simeon and Solomon.

They're talking about Mammon, mostly because they're all worried about him, and Simeon lets slip that we are an important existence to Mammon, maybe even moreso than his own brothers, and Solomon latches to that piece of info while Luke begs Simeon to please stop talking... but it's too late. LMAO WELL. WE KNOW NOW WHO SPILLED THE BEANS TO SOLOMON.

rip Mammon........ oh Simeon what have you done...

Can't wait to see how the other siblings go through this mess and if we FINALLY get one pact out of this Our first pact AGAIN. And how we're gonna go on an inner-self adventure with their respective Little Demons. I don't like the way I'm wording this tbh JHDSFF

edit: LESSON 23 IS UP AAAA LET'S GO SAVE MAMMON

[gingersnaptaff]

Hi! I saw your post and I feel like you need this (also I am procrastinating about writing so...) and I am all about cheerleading writers in distress so

1) there is no time deadline on publishing. We all set them for ourselves and compare ourselves to other people who have bestselling novels at 21 and a twelve part series out by 25. You probably know this but sometimes it's helpful to be reminded.

If my 21 year old self could see me now (43 yikes) without the WIP she was working on finished, let alone published, she would weep (I have reasons. They might even be good reasons. Probably not. But I have been dragging my heels on it for a very long time). But. I have written other things and done other things and lived. I mean, don't do what I did - I am a lesson in what not to do but also a lesson in how you are not a failure for not having published before Insert Age Here.

Get it done. Get it published. Not to be all Old at you about it but you have so much time. And you can do it.

2) You're not worthless. Your stories matter. And every story is bouncing off every other story there is. Stories exist in conversation with each other. Your take is as valuable as anyone else's. And only you can write your story. No one else has your head. No one else can do what you're doing. There's someone out there who will read it. It will sing to them and speak to them and they will want to start their own conversation with it.

3) Opening the google doc is hard. Not immediately shutting it down again in terror is harder. Writing a sentence and not immediately deleting it is also difficult.

Practical tips? If computer doesn't work, use a notebook. It does different things to your brain. I resist this often, but it does work. Try associations. It sounds like absolute bullshit but it can help. Use a particular smell or sound. A candle, a perfume, a piece of music, ANYTHING, and use the same one whenever you sit down to write and only when you sit down to write. The idea is that eventually your brain will use it as a cue for writing mode.

I have no idea if this helps. I can word vomit a load more ideas at you if it's helpful, all of which I am very bad at following.

Be kind to yourself.

Oh my gosh, thank u. This does make me feel a little better because ADVICE. Also to know that I'm not just going through it either. Also I would LOVE more word vomit about ideas. They seem excellent ngl.

[convoswcourt]

Inner Child Healing

If you have my astrological placements, you definitely know what I mean when I say I've lived at least 6.5 different lives the past three decades. One of the most important lessons I learned when I was approximately 21 years old - was to take my own fucking potential seriously.

Being born into chaos and growing up in survival mode created an identity for me that was rooted in self sacrifice, self sabotage and pain. I grew up way too fucking fast and didn't get a chance to truly experience my childhood. It was hard for me to see my own gifts and to take my divine abilities seriously when I was not properly nurtured in my developmental years. All I have been shown and told was "you are undeserving and worthless".

I did everything in my power as a young adult to never feel that way again. But of course, as a capricorn stellium, I learned everything in my life the hard way. Through countless trials and fucking errors. Through trusting and investing in the wrong people.

At some point, you get hurt enough in life that you learn how to lighten up and laugh at the fuckery. I look back now at my younger self and chuckle at just how serious and angry at the world I used to be.

It really is true what they say about capricorns aging backwards. This past year was the most painful one yet, but because of it - I've finally learned how to detach from outcomes. This is a big achievement on my end because it signifies that I have developed a deep unbreakable consistent trust in the universe. It represents the level of peace I have achieved within and marks true maturity and real trust in myself that I have the ability to deal with anything that comes my way. It feels good to know that there was a purpose to all the pain I endured and that I finally made it out the other side where I fully understand how those years served the development of my worldly wisdom and existential intelligence.

I have a pluto in sagittarius in my 1st house so my identity changes and shifts every 6-7 years. With that much soul growth in a lifetime inevitably, at times, it comes with exhaustion and burnout so I am learning how to really honor and listen to my inner child. She and I deserve more play, more color and more fun. We deserve a second chance at life to really figure out who we are outside of chaos and pain. With that, I am excited to continue to share my growth with you all. Thank you to each of you reading for being a part of my journey.

Follow my astrotherapy instagram: instagram.com/convoswcourtI I follow back :)

[linzsaw]

2023: my year in review

1.  What is the most important lesson you learned this year?

To allow myself to be in the spotlight, even if it makes myself and others uncomfortable.

2.  What is the best thing that happened?

(Publically) marrying my soulmate.

3.  What challenges did you overcome?

I learned to set boundaries and choose my peace over the possibility of hurting others, even if that meant I had to say goodbye to some friends.

4.  What new skills did you learn?

Project management. lol

5.  What did you do for your career growth?

Switched jobs, best decision ever. also started my own ugc business which has been really fun on the side.

6.  What did you enjoy the most?

I hate a hate/love relationship with planning my wedding.

7.  What was your favorite moment?

Its hard to choose. There was really nothing better than being surrounded by my soulmate and all our best friends/family in one place, though.

Also, my kitty recovering from a very scary health emergency.

8.  How did you have fun?

I hugged elephants, I danced the night away at my wedding, I made homemade bread, I connected with nature in many ways, four-wheeled through a Thai jungle, I snowboarded, I sang at the top of my lungs with my bffs on a yacht. I mean... the fun times were actually endless.

9.  What new habits did you start?

I worked out regularly the first half of the year and tracked my protein goals. Def need to restart these habits in 2024.

10. What are you the most proud of this year?

Pulling all of that off. Really proud of myself for honestly everything.

11. What did you learn about yourself?

I am capable of more than I could ever realize. All my manifestions come to fruition.

12. How did you live by your core values?

By never becoming complacent, always chasing my goals

13. How did your relationships (family, friends, work) evolve?

Talking things out that happened long ago in the past when I was struggling in life when in survival mode and thus hurting those around me. Having difficult convos with Drew about boundaries and financial goals for the future.

14. What was the best decision you took?

My WFH job

15. How did you fail?

Some of my UGC content wasn't great. It's a learning process.

16. What got in the way of your success?

My limiting beliefs. Not staying consistent with things.

17. What would you do differently if you could?

Stay consistent, be more organized with my routine.

18. How are you different than a year ago?

More fierce, authentic

19. What did you do for your physical and mental health?

Strength training, protein gains, & then switched to a cut so I could fit into my wedding dress lol. Mental health? Oh boy does she need some attention in 2024.

20. Who or what had the biggest impact on your life this year?

Being in the spotlight this year. I don't think I've ever attended to many events in my life that were directly related to people being there to support me. That was a wild experience and It was a bit uncomfy at times...

21. What did you let go of?

Friendships that were not serving.

22. What were the most useful resources you had?

Friends & fam

23. What are you thankful for this year?

Friends & fam

24. What did you leave unfinished?

Cleaning out my ENTIRE home.

25. What was the best compliment you received?

I feel like I only got compliments on my appearance which is kind of sad.

26. If you were to talk about this year like a story, how would you write it?

In a tumblr post

27. How do you describe this year in 3 to 5 keywords?

Adventure. Romance. Lux. Chaotic. Fun.

28. What energised you? what drained you?

Looking forward to events. Setting boundaries.

29. How kind were you to yourself?

For the most part yes.

30. What advice would you give your last-year self?

Don't let anyone make your moment about them.

[centuriondefenceacademy]

From Average to Extraordinary: Rudra Pratap Singh’s Inspiring Journey to NDA 154! 🇮🇳🏆

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👉 From a Rocky Start—a Mother’s Perspective

Once an average student, Rudra dropped out of two schools before joining CMS Gomti Nagar, leaving his mother worried about his future. Scoring just 64% in boards, he faced mockery and doubt, but his dream of wearing the uniform never faded.

👉 The Turning Point: Centurion Defence Academy

In April 2024, Rudra joined the Indira Nagar Branch of Centurion Defence Academy (Written + SSB Foundation Batch). With madness and sincerity, he trained rigorously for six months, using every resource available. Criticism became his fuel, and doubt turned into determination—proving that hard work and perseverance can achieve the impossible! 🚀 🔥.

👉 Guidance from the Best: Chief Defence Mentor Shishir Dixit Sir & Team Centurion.

With the mentorship and guidance of our Chief Defence Mentor, Shishir Dixit Sir, and the expert faculty at Centurion, Rudra honed his skills, developed officer-like qualities, and mastered the SSB selection process.

🎤 Join Us for an Exclusive Baithaki Podcast with Rudra!

His journey will be shared in detail on our main YouTube channel

💡 Rudra’s Story is a Lesson for Every Defence Aspirant:

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Join Centurion Defence Academy and begin your journey to success!

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🌐 Visit: https://www.centurionacademy.in/ apply here to talk to our counselors--https://www.centuriondefenceacademy.com/centurion-defence-academy-enquiry-form/

📅 Contact Us: 9795977776 / 9795977779

[chilopodacrudus]

Who do you Want to Be? Chapter 21: Louder than Words

Previous CW no longer apply for these last two chapters. These are the Nice and Kind chapters; enjoy. CW for deer hunting tho.

The next week was filled with preparation and a nervous gathering of supplies. Casey had a hefty chunk of money in his bank left from doing Johnny’s errands; enough to last them a few years if they were frugal. They had no idea if it was tracked by someone else; no idea if there were eyes on them. They chose to not be ignorant; yet they all pushed it in the background of their minds.

Casey and Allison knew Piers was dangerous; they knew he was no where near tame, yet they stayed with him. At least if they were to come across one of the other cult members; they had a chance if he were there. So they spent this week getting ready and all three of them spent this week lowering boundaries and accepting fate.

A new vehicle and RV were the main new buys; Piers, muzzle covered by a new neck gaiter, opted to visit a hunting supply store and buy a bow and arrows. He wanted them to live off of the land as much as they could and this meant a lesson for his new companions. He taught them the intricacies of taking a life.

Allison: All three were dressed in camo; Allison happily humming to herself, shedding the makeup and frilly skirts that were forced on her, she felt in control for once in her memory. They stalked through the woods near a campsite; Piers taking the lead, bow and arrow strapped to his back. “Arkansas then…” She spoke suddenly making Piers chest flutter; he was in hunting mode, his instincts primed and ready. “First Arkansas and then further West?”

Piers: “That’s the plan for now. Fast and loose though; we’ll have to keep moving…” He pulled the neck gaiter down from his mouth and looked at her with a smile. “Getting a job will be hard for both of you and I’m not in the running for that at all...not until we can get this thing off.” He rolled his tongue over the predatory fangs in his mouth. “Can’t really smile too wide at people anymore either...heh..”

Casey: “We’ll be alright; we’ll find a way, even if we have to pry it off.” Casey was euphoric; his guard was fully down around Piers and Allison both, he had never felt like this before, at least he didn’t think so. “I want to learn by the way Piers...I want to learn how to hunt too. I’m tired of being worthless…”

Piers: “No one is worthless.” He spoke confidently.

Casey: “What about Johnny.” A statement more than a question; he felt bad afterwards and quickly followed up with a laugh. “You don’t have to answer that…”

Piers: “Thank you for sparing me the thought exercise.” Eyes wide with fearful amusement he turned to Allison then half eyed the deer tracks they’d been following. “What about you Allison? You want to learn too?”

Allison: She blurted out something that was on her mind for awhile. “Chickens. We can get chickens. I’ve always wanted to raise them…” Then followed up on Piers question. “Maybe...fishing? For me instead.”

Piers: “Ha ha ha chickens?...Eeeeeh we’ll see…”

Allison: She found Piers amusement comforting; grabbing his arm and tugging it slightly. “Ducks? Ducks too.”

Piers: “Now that’s just redundant!” He chuckled to himself. Casey: “Maybe another dog? A sheepdog...Doc would probably like someone to play with.”

Piers: “Sheepdog? How about something...a bit smaller for a second dog…” The conversation; though so mundane, stirred a sense of comfort in his mind. He learned to treasure small moments like this; ‘push the hunger down’ he thought until the hunger barely registered.

Allison: “Doc would probably eat a smaller dog wouldn’t he?” She teased.

Piers: His attention sprang back. “Nooooo no Doc is a good boy; Doc even likes cats!”

Casey: “We could get a cat then.” A laugh on his breath as they all continue deeper into the woods.

Piers: “Not until we get a house…”

Allison: “We’re getting a house?” Allison piped up with a twinge of excitement.

Piers: He stopped himself for a moment and shook his head; they could likely never settle down completely but he could dream. “We’ll see…”

They walked for several more moments until Piers suddenly put his arm up and ushered his companions to crouch down. A doe in the distance; Piers pupils grew large as he grabbed for his bow.

Piers: A whisper to his voice. “Don’t ever take a shot unless you know it’ll kill; no animal deserves unneeded pain. We’ll wait for her to turn and I’ll take the shot.”

Casey sat with eyes wide seemingly engaged; Allison’s heart was pounding as they lay in wait, she took a look into Piers eye and tried to read him, what was he feeling. She felt she’d never know.

Doe: She was alone; away from her herd, nothing but the gentle heat of Autumn sun fell kindly along her back. She had no idea of her fate; much like the others before her, only the scent of food, only the urge to fill her belly. She made the last choice she ever would and turned broadside for the hunter before her.

Piers: In an instant his bow drew taut; as it had hundreds of times before, he took a breath and on exhale, the snap of his bowstring and the sting of the arrow deep into the Doe’s chest.

Doe: Blinding heat in her heart then the fading of vision as flight took her; she ran, ran as fast as she could from the jaws of whatever she imagined had taken her. She didn’t go far; dizziness overcame her senses until there was nothing and she fall to her belly in a heap.

Allison: Gripping her chest instinctively as she watched the scene before her; Piers was good at this, she remarked. Gazing up at the man and getting another read ‘what are you thinking what is on your mind.’

Casey: He watched the hunter’s work in awe; swallowing deep as he watched the quarry drop, he stood up and patted Piers on the back who flinched but then looked at Casey with a smile. “Good shot…” He felt he was in his element; he felt he may have done this before? Some lifetime ago.

Piers: His mind raced then quieted; tongue clicking in the back of his throat as he made his way to the doe’s body, urging Casey and Allison to follow. “You’ll get just as good some day Casey; I’m sure of it. I’ve got a lot of time under my belt.” ‘And time is all we have now’ he thought; walking up to the doe and running his gloved hands along her fur. “Beautiful doe; she’ll feed us for a good while.” Dragging her out of a patch of vines she landed in; he field dressed her, giving a lesson on how such things worked as Casey looked on in awe, Allison was impressed but a hint of nervousness hit her as she watched Piers work. ‘He’s a predator all the way through.’ She rolled her eyes and smiled ‘but it’s a predator we need protecting us.’

Back at the campsite; Piers had butchered the doe and packed her meat away carefully in a freezer. He sat out in a chair looking up at the newly lit stars as it was just now getting dark. He saw someone approach; Allison, a smile on his face to greet her.

Allison: She looked nervous but excited; strangely enough, holding a pair of scissors, she crouched down in front of Piers and before he could question her handed them to him and turned around, the back of her head facing him. “I want my hair cut…” She shook her head. “However much you think would look good just...short...please.” She had been wanting to ask him for this for awhile now; ever since their escape, a few cans of beer had loosened her mind enough to allow her to voice this question and she was ecstatic.

Piers: He blinked a few times; taking the scissors and looming over her, he ran his fingers through her hair and nodded, smiling to himself. He understood why; he felt blessed that she would ask something this important of him. “Of course…” He measured out her length and made the first cut; Allison started to tear up but these weren’t tears of pain, for once. As Piers kept cutting she began to laugh; stirring a new feeling inside of Piers, one that he couldn’t quite name yet and when he was done, he sat the scissors down and ran his fingers through Allison’s new hair. “Turn around and let me see you.”

Allison swung around giggling; placing her hands on his knee a shy look on her face. Piers was pleased with his work and nodded; ruffling his hands along the top of her head. “It looks good on you Allison.” She swallowed hearing her name; she had something else of importance to ask but she clicked her tongue a few times before blurting out. “I want a new name.”

Piers: His eyes grew wider but only briefly; he of course could understand her reasoning but he had yet understood what she was asking, before he could say any words of encouragement she added:

???: “I want you to be the one to give it to me...Piers.” She sat up confidently watching as Piers grew nervous; she squeezed his hand tightly to reassure him. “I’ve been thinking about it for awhile...don’t worry...it’s something I really want.”

Piers: He was speechless; albeit briefly, ‘a new name…’ he rolled some names over his tongue testing their sweetness before uttering unsure. “Laine.”

???: She looked away from him then added yet again. “Something less…feminine.” She caught his gaze again shyly.

Piers: He got it now; nodding to her he closed his eyes, names came to him, names from underneath the latch, he pushed them back, plucking something new, a name that tasted just as sweet. He opened his eyes and spoke with confidence. “Alex.” The name danced on his tongue he leaned forward with a smile and kissed her forehead. “I think Alex suits you well.”

Alex’s eyes lit up and she nodded; the name echoing in her mind. ‘Alex’ she thought to herself ‘A new me a new start. Alex.’ Grabbing Piers’ face she drew him in and kissed his lips; no longer caring about the sting of his metal fangs as they bit at her. Piers met her in turn; getting down onto his knees and pushing her into the grass, his tongue slipped into her mouth as he pinned her down, breathless after a moment of connection he finally pulled his head back and rested his forehead against hers, looking into her eyes as Casey ticked his head up from beside of Doc, a smile on his lips. He decided not to tease, instead he was gripped by wonder and kept a thought in his mind for later.

Piers: “I have something for you Alex…” Piers whispered as he pulled the control box to the muzzle out of his pocket and pushed it into her hands. “I want you to be the one to hold onto this…” His expression drew dark but his voice stayed calm; loving. “Just in case…”

Alex: She took the remote but shook her head a moment only to be met by Piers nodding in turn.“That’s a lot Piers...you sure? I won’t misuse it...I’d never lock your mouth unless I...felt like I had to.”

Piers: He spoke in a tone soaked with sweetness. “It’s not just my mouth you have to worry about...I have...two strong arms…” Wrapping his arms around her in a firm embrace he laid on his side and tucked his body around her; then noted the third button on the controls. “There’s another button there; why don’t you press it, see what it does.”

Alex: “No not until you tell me what it does; I don’t want to..”

Piers: “Go ahead and press it; I’ll be fine.”

Alex hesitated; pressing the bottom button and in turn, a blinding shock hit Piers mouth causing him to snarl and curl tighter around her. Alex panicked and held her hands along his face. “I’m so sorry…” “No...that’ll come in handy for you sweetheart…” He coo’d. “I need to be retrained.” A soft; pained laugh on his lips as Alex trailed her fingers in worry down his chest. “I love you.” She uttered; the words even caught her off guard.

Piers: He fell silent ‘I love you’ the words danced in his mind; he shook his head ‘this is danger’ ‘this is where it all begins’. Though those thoughts were quickly subdued as he gripped her hands ‘my love isn’t a lie’. “I’ll only accept that if you know me.” He spoke firmly.

Alex: She had a moment to think about it; her eyes not moving from his, she nodded then said again. “I love you Piers.”

Piers: His chest shivered as he kissed her wrist with his eyes closed; arms enveloping around her like shadow. “I love you too Alex. I love you too.” Gripping Alex’s hands over the muzzle remote he nodded in assurance ‘I’ve handed off my reigns’ he thought to himself. ‘The mad dog is under your control now...don’t let him bite his new master.’

[literacyindia1]

Rajvi’s journey to academic excellence with Gyantantra Digital learning

Rajvi, a fifth-grade government school student, comes from a modest background with her father working as a self-employed carpenter, and her mother taking care of household responsibilities. Rajvi has two siblings, and her family’s monthly income fluctuates and is roughly around 10,000 rupees in a month. Despite the financial challenges, Rajvi’s parents are supportive of her education. 

Rajvi’s journey at Gyantantra began when she, along with her older brother, sought admission. The initial days were promising as Rajvi displayed enthusiasm and diligence in her studies. However, her sudden disappearance from the learning center raised concerns. Our team at the centre reached out to Rajvi’s family and followed-up with them. Upon investigation, it was discovered that Rajvi’s family faced housing issues due to a sudden eviction by their landlord. The landlord’s decision was influenced by the controversial situation surrounding Muslim communities in Delhi. With the hope of seeking safety and comfort, Rajvi’s family decided to return to their village in Bihar for a brief period. The family eventually moved to another accommodation in Chhawla, and Rajvi resumed attending the learning center regularly. 

Rajvi’s pre-test scores were below average. She scored an aggregate of 21 out of 100. Her value education and environmental studies scores were also low. Despite her academic challenges, Rajvi’s remained resolute and her teachers noted her proactive approach to completing tasks ahead of schedule, reflecting her determination and efficiency. Her mid-test results demonstrated substantial growth. She scored 79%, showing her commitment to daily learning, consistent effort and hard work.  

Gyantantra’s digital and interactive mode of learning helped enhance Rajvi’s academic development. The incorporation of technology provided Rajvi with the opportunity to access educational resources beyond traditional classroom settings. This flexibility allowed her to continue her studies even during the challenging period when her family faced housing issues. Interactive learning tools and resources offered by Gyantantra engaged Rajvi in a more dynamic manner. The use of multimedia, educational games, and interactive lessons made the learning experience enjoyable. This approach not only captured her interest but also facilitated a deeper understanding of challenging topics.  

Rajvi’s educational journey reflects perseverance and determination. Despite facing external challenges, she has shown commendable improvement and a commitment to her studies.  

[yescs2020]

. Don’t throw Jones’ way

Chris Jones is the only Chiefs defensive starter remaining from four years ag

Jones single-handedly wrecked a couple of plays from his spot at defensive tackle. On plays in which Garoppolo appeared to be throwing to open receivers, Jones raised his arm and batted down two critical fourth-quarter pass attempts at the line of scrimmage.

Purdy must find uncluttered throwing lanes on his short passes to get the ball to his playmakers — and out of the way of Jones’ 85-inch wingspan.

3. Be wary of the no-huddle

When Kansas City’s offense needed a spark, Reid decided to speed up the tempo of the game.

Mahomes handled the situation with aplomb to prevent the 49ers from being able to freely substitute on defense. The 49ers’ defense wore down, and Mahomes took full advantage.

The Chiefs were down 20-10 with 8:53 remaining in the game. Mahomes and the Kansas City offense ended up scoring 21 unanswered points en route to the victory after going into hurry-up mode.

Mahomes is at the stage of his career where he can run a more sophisticated version of the no-huddle offense in his sleep, so the 49ers have to be prepared to handle that challenge at any point in the game.

Also, Mahomes drew the 49ers offside on two occasions with hard counts. It is not uncommon for defensive linemen to get jumpy early in big games, so Mahomes could look to pick up some easy penalty yards.

4. Focus on Kelce, not play-action

Kansas City scored on a 1-yard pass to tight end Travis Kelce with 6:13 left in regulation to pull to within 20-17. Kelce was wide open in the end zone after Mahomes’ play-action fake.

[saint-cichol-is-watching]

⚠️ SEASON TWO SPOILERS ⚠️

(Hard Mode)

Ban the tag "om spoilers s2" or "om lesson 21/22 hard mode"

Btw I forgot to mention it but Simeon and Luke missing the Devildom : 🥺

Luke getting all excited when Simeon suggests that MC and Solomon come over to the Celestial Realm to the point he runs to Michael's, while he is in a meeting, to ask for permission : 🥺

Simeon purposefully annoying Lucifer : 🤣

[annkous]

WE ARE SO BACK

SO LESSON 21 DROPPED LAST NIGHT OUT OF THE BLUE.......

Lesson 20 here!

LET'S DO THIS.

We start with a bit of whiplash because the brothers are getting ready for RAD in their school uniforms, but RAD is not quite open yet. There's still two months for the Founding Ceremony, and today the brothers are helping around the school doing chores. They're also excited you're walking with them, Mammon the most of all. Love the spotlight on him always, they even call him out on his eagerness lmao.

Satan is having trouble with a jar of marmalade, and you try to help him with magic... but it's not working. And it's not the jar. It's clear something is wrong with your magic, but since you still use a spell to stop the jar from spilling all over the brothers (and it works), it gets forgotten quickly. Weird.

You can tell something is in Lucifer's mind, being the most perceptive of the brothers. I think he's noticed that failure at the beginning wasn't just a fluke. Something is wrong with your magic, but apparently you brush it off since the mc doesn't comment on it again.

Then I just got excited because WE HAVE A NEW SONG MAP!! "IT'S MY PARTY!" IS FINALLY HERE! And it has a new pretty background too! We also have new UR cards in hard mode ;u;

Also in normal mode we have new cards too, and I usually don't pay attention to those, but this time they caught my attention because they had German on the titles for some reason and I'm a language nerd so I just can't help but point them out.

For example, Lucifer's card is called "Prideful Eins", Mammon is "Greedy Zwei" and Levi is "Envious Drei". Sounds cool and that's probably all there is to it aaaa ANYWAYS BACK TO THE GAME-

Some shenanigans happen where they all want you to fix their uniform. Nothing out of the ordinary.

LMAO rip

When we arrive Mephisto is already with Diavolo. He tries to get a rise out of Lucifer, but he gets ignored and quickly gets distraced since he's "the best suited demon to take care of RAD's newspaper". Barbatos asks us to keep an eye on the brothers as they do their chores by pairs, and we have to bring a report to Lucifer about their performance as well. The job of a devilsitter is never over.

Simeon and Luke are still around, but they're only staying until the Founding is done. They're not enrolled in as exchange students just yet after all, and Luke's sad about it. Simeon calls him out on it www I love this child.

Anyways you arrive to the first pair and then you get this ominous title that confirms that yes. Something, definitely, is not right.

First we have Satan and Belphie, who got demoted to weeding duty after Lucifer caught them slacking in the library (they were supposed to be cleaning but went off looking for curses instead. Of course.)

Satan has no right to be this funny is2g.

However they're close to fighting, and Satan is done with this ardous task, so he decides, being the smartest person in the area, to summon a hellfire salamander to burn the weeds. He might be the smartest around but it wasn't his turn with the braincell today, huh.

Anyways it goes bad, as expected, but we can see what this little plot is for: it's not to cause trouble, but to show you that yes, your magic is growing weak. You can protect both brothers with water, but none of you can send the salamander back. Thankfully, Solomon appears out of the blue and solves this mess. But he also notices that something's wrong.

He says this when you ask. Alright then, keep your damn secrets.

Next up are Asmo and Beel, and again we can see something is definitely wrong. Asmo asks us to help them to cheat by using magic so their cleaning goes faster. You have the option to comply or refuse. I refused, and so Asmo used his charm on me. AND IT WORKED. I THINK IT SHOULDN'T HAVE WORKED????

Regardless of your choice, magic is used, and then it gets out of control. The brooms/mops move on their own, but so do Beel and Asmo and now they can't stop their bodies as they move around cleaning non-stop. You have to undo the spell before anyone gets hurt.

mc PLEASE

We use the "stay" command to stop them since we can't find another way to undo the spell, and it works... But it's not the same. It feels weird, and even Beel and Asmo mention it.

They've stopped dropping hints and just outright said it: our magic is fucked.

Now, since by using stay we made Beel and Asmo fall on us, Beel has to carry us to the classroom to look for something to heal our ankle that just got sprained by this mess. BUT BEEL PIGGYBACK MOMENT.

Levi and Mammon are inside the classroom, also ignoring their cleaning duties, obviously. They're on their phones instead. Mammon immediately gets bossy when he sees that you are hurt, I love it. But again, things go wrong, just that this time it's not how you might expect it. You find an ointment for your leg, but...

Mammon starts acting weird as well, as if he's blinded by greed and nothing else, like he can't even see you: he only sees profit and ignores that you need help. That he's not actually joking makes it look really bad.

I believe they wrote Mammon in this part to be such a dickhead so you would definitely notice that something is wrong. Like, they exaggerated his sin so bad so every single person can tell that something's wrong. I'm not really bothered by it (but I do feel a bit sorry for him kjdsf) because not only I think that's the reason, but I also think he won't be the only one changing. Personally, I think that they're going to be fully turning into the avatars of what they embody, and it's up to us to help them to keep their shit together.

The present brothers (Levi and Beel) call out Mammon, understandably. Simeon comes in to cut the fight before it starts and uses a healing spell on your leg. Problem solved, except now we got confirmed that shit's starting to go down and we don't know from which direction this mess is coming.

The chores are done, so time to head back with everyone and give the report to Lucifer.

I'm crying. I mean, he's not wrong.

They were all walking disasters so of course they get a lecture from their older brother.

Barbatos brought cookies, the sweetheart please give me your birthday card I am suffering over here I have no vouchers and he's hidden a lucky coin in one of the cookies that supposedly brings good luck to whoever carries it. And we got it!

I love this option. We give it to Simeon for good luck (I can't help but think that mc is thinking about the Simeon in the present, who was demoted down to a human......) but he insists that you shouldn't give it to him in exchange from him helping you with the ankle before...

So Mammon yoinks the coin instead. Wow.

He gets called out on it. And yeah. He's definitely off the rails.

Finally we notice, as the mc, that Mammon is acting strange.

And so does Luci, as Mammon keeps talking about money on the way home, happily flipping his coin. He's not calling him out on his behaviour, though. I wonder if he's just watching so he can get a better grasp of the situation. He hasn't mentioned a thing about our magic failing this morning either.

Mammon bumps into Belphie, who's suddenly stopped, and the coin falls and gets lost on the street. Mammon gets unreasonably angry at Belphie about his coin. driving home the greed point. Belphie feels bad, and finally, Mammon seems to realize that he's going overboard and just walks home :(

My favourite part here was that when you talk to the brothers about how Mammon has been acting strange, you get points with both Lucifer AND Mammon.

The lesson ends with us having a bit of a stressful talk with Solomon back at our home.

I assume that's what he noticed when he used his magic to fucking yeet the hellfire salamander away.

Well shit.

So we have these two months to do the Pacts again, or we're screwed.

At least he's trying to cheer you up.......

Then he finishes dinner while we're not looking and it's the end of lesson 21 so I assume we just fucking died on the spot.

I'm joking AFTER THIS WE HAVE A VIDEO CALL. PLOT RELATED. AT LAST. IT'S BEEN SO LONG OH MY GOD I NEED MORE OF THOSE I don't mind the models I've grown used to them. They're fun to watch and they're fully voiced!! It's basically you, Satan, Belphie and Asmo talking about Mammon, who hasn't gone to eat dinner even :( they just tell you not to worry, as if this won't be turning into everyone's problem soon hfjdhf oh dear.

It's short but I hope there's more calls in the future...

The extra lesson is right after Mammon left, where Beel, you and Luci go to buy groceries for the House of Lamentation. They give him a long-ass list of extra things to buy and this poor man is just Tired and Done. But he does it anyways for his siblings.

There's a bit of a memory game going on during this whole lesson where you have to remember everything the brothers asked of Lucifer and help him get the stuff. They did it too in the classroom bit where you sprained your ankle. I don't know if you showing you have incredible memory (or not) is going to be relevant, but it's fun. C-check the log? What log? Cheater? Me? I don't know what you're talking about-

Lucifer only tells you "not to worry" about Mammon and sadly that had the total opposite effect on me because I'm sure this fucking stupid man said this bit because his Pride is showing, just like Mammon's Greed, and will try to solve it on his own. This is going to be a smackfest of mc vs the brothers and we're going to go ONE by ONE telling them to tone it down, isn't it.

Since this lesson was shorter than the others, I also went ahead and did the hard version. I wanted the extreme version of "it's my party!", but not yet :( anyways the hard lesson scene is ahout Mammon and Simeon.

Simeon is having trouble choosing what to add to his hot cocoa when Mammon walks in. Simeon seems chill towards Mammon, being the angel that he is, even if Mammon basically took your gift away from him.

Mammon looks like he's about to say something about the coin, I think he was about to apologize, but eventually switches the topic to Simeon's choice dilemma and just says this:

That can't be tasty, Mammon......

What Mammon said reminds Simeon of this so he just pulls a uno reverse on Mammon, who pretends that doesn't remember. I love this angel so much.

Mammon says that he's going out for a walk, but Simeon knows that he's going out to look for the lucky coin, so he goes and places a blessing of luck on Mammon so he finds it and sends him off.

Also the cocoa tastes disgusting. That's where the hard 21 scene ends lmao.

I have to say, I love the conflict that's building up. Like, I know in ogOM Mammon was a bit of the butt of the joke and got called out a lot on his greed, and I think a few people aren't going to like this lesson because it feels like it's going back to that point, but I personally don't mind it as much because it's not "part of Mammon" as it was in the og (it wasn't even THAT bad either, if anything, it might be just like when you two first met), but it feels like a "plot point", exaggerated too so you notice the change from how he's been in Nightbringer up to this switch. Hell, they even want YOU to see that he's going overboard by taking the coin you gift to Simeon when he politely declines it. Not even YOU are exempt of his greed, as you can see when he refuses to give you the ointment for your swollen ankle unless you pay him, and that by itself is the biggest red flag I've ever seen on Mammon tbh. Like, damn, they really wanted you to see it jdsfsf.

I wanted even more conflict so that's what Solmare is giving me I GUESS lmao

And I love that the pacts thing is moving forward with a sense of urgency now. We have two months left as our power runs low or else we're getting stuck here forever AND we're also growing weaker while the brothers are, for some unknown reason, (potentially and just one brother for now) becoming assholes by fully embodying their own avatars. We've been OP for too long. Time to get humbled. I bet Michael is watching with popcorn.

There's also no sign of Michael yet btw, as expected. Seeing the direction this story bit is taking, I feel he's not gonna show on this arc just yet. We have this mess to solve before the Founding Ceremony, so maybe after? I wonder if Solmare will tease a silhouette at least lol.

Can't wait for the trouble.

Edit: trouble is here on LESSON 22 AAAAA