#mc and kiro

[cheesy09]

[CN] Kiro's Sound Waves Mind's Quest (Pt. 2)

🌸 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a date that hasn't been released on the EN server yet! 🌸

[Note: This date was translated with the help of Google Translate :>]

Note: This date explores some very suggestive themes, so if you do not meet the game's required 17+ age rating, I'd suggest to avoid reading this date.

Read Part 1: HERE

——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——

[PART 4]

I don't know how much time passes before I am gently awoken by bright and warm sunshine.

I open my eyes and stare at the swaying shadows of the trees outside the window for a while. Then, I sleepily turn around and find Kiro no longer beside my pillow.

MC: ...Kiro?

No one responds to me, only the faint sounds of scratching come from nearby.

I prop myself up and look around, finding him lying in a corner of the attic with his back turned towards me, a large pair of headphones on his head, and a pen held in his hand, scribbling and writing something unknown.

With it being such a quiet morning, I am unable bring myself to disrupt such a scene. So I quietly sit against the wall and watch him.

Unconsciously, I catch a glimpse of the portable keyboard next to my feet. The black and white keys on it seem to jump on their own in the light and shadow, bringing to mind the melody and our gasps from last night.

Somehow, I pick up the keyboard and gently start to play it.

But for some reason, I am unable to restore that melody for a while.

As I carefully think about it, a sound comes from the side opposite me. I raise my head and find Kiro turning to face me.

The sunshine lovingly embraces him and he smiles at me.

Kiro: Your rhythm's a bit slow. It should sound like...

As he speaks, he taps his fingertips on the floor and hums softly.

I nod in enlightenment, but the melody that forms under my fingertips still doesn't match the beat in certain parts.

Kiro: [softly] A little faster again.

He continues to tap beats on the floor, but this time, he intentionally breaks them down, allowing me to understand them a lot more clearly.

I quickly grasp that motion and play again, and one by one, those notes smoothly play out again.

MC: ....!

My confidence suddenly increases significantly. Feeling exhilarated, I can't help but continue playing the notes.

MC: I seem to have learned a lot. Maybe in a few years, I can be called a music producer~

Kiro: ......

At this moment, all sounds seem to dissipate.

All Kiro sees is the large swath of sunlight embracing the girl and her white nightgown exuding a fuzzy glow.

She sits on the floor and casually plays, the sunshine leaping under her fingertips and shining brightly into her eyes.

He can't take his eyes off of her. All he can do is watch her like this.

For some reason, he suddenly remembers the days when he first formed the band.

At that time, he always heard stories of friendship or love one after another amongst his bandmates. Those people were able to get to know each other through their music and gradually get closer to each other.

He had also listened to music by a lot of other people. Those pure melodies and obsessions have also touched and influenced him.

But her music is different.

The simple and casual notes, her slightly messy bedhead, the shallow wrinkles in her nightgown, and her indulgent smile.

It's so simple and ordinary, yet it makes his heart swell.

He has never experienced this feeling before - like he's endlessly falling into her music, being constantly covered in her hugs and kisses.

MC: Kiro, can you teach me more?

The girl hugs her knees, tilts her head and smiles at him. But he doesn't speak, just stretches out his hand towards her.

Looking at Kiro's open palm, I smile knowingly, pick up the keyboard and walk towards him.

But as soon as I put the keyboard next to him, he suddenly grabs a hold of my wrist and pulls me, prompting me to sit directly on top of him.

MC: Wait. Do - do you want to teach like this?

His warm skin immediately presses against my thigh, causing my voice to stutter.

Kiro: [in a lazy seductive tone] When did I promise to teach you?

MC: Then what are you...?

He stares at me for a while. Then, intentionally or not, his fingertips brush up my skirt.

Every place he touches seems to burn, leaving me feeling hot and itchy.

Kiro: "Teacher Flower" is off work.

Kiro: This time belongs to Kiro now.

The sunlight seems to lean towards him, reflecting the tranquility and temptation in his eyes. His tight chest rises and falls under his half-lifted clothes, causing my breathing to unintentionally synchronize with his.

MC: Then... what does Kiro want to do?

Kiro: He wants to say...

He strokes my cheek and then slowly climbs up to my neck, letting me get closer and closer to him, until our breaths are only inches apart.

My face instantly catches fire, but he still grasps my lower back with ease and restrains me.

Kiro: [whispers passionately x1] I really like you.

Kiro: [x2] I really... like you a lot.

His voice lingers in my ears, as if coaxing me.

Kiro: [x3] I want to kiss you.

His bewitching voice instantly tingles my ears. He raises his chin and gently takes my lips into his mouth.

As if still unsatisfied, he grinds circles into me, then onto my neck and collarbone, leaving sinful traces on every inch of my skin. My brain melts to the point where I toss all of my remaining rationality to the back of my mind and instinctively latch onto him.

He kisses me with his head raised, his sometimes gentle and sometimes turbulent breaths falling all over my body, until the hand entwined around my waist squeezes hard and I let out a soft, defenseless moan.

It's like a stone finally cracking the icy surface, finally exposing all of those restrained and pent-up emotions.

The itch that spreads from the depths of my body occupies my entire being. I helplessly place my hand against his chest, sensing that all my feelings and desires are being controlled by him.

Kiro: [x4] I really want to get closer to you...

MC: Kiro, no more...

As he sits up, I feel his hot chest pressing up against me.

The world trembles and that powerful heart pounds violently against my own, as though it is my own heart.

Kiro: [gasping] I want you.

Kiro: [voice trembling with desire] I want the deepest part of your heart... to become my shadow.

My sight rises and falls, and everything blurs except for those pair of eyes that hold my reflection. They only grow clearer.

I can no longer hold back the urge to whisper his name and lace my fingers together with his, allowing him to continue eroding the deeper corners of my world.

-

After several twists and turns, I nestle into Kiro's arms, basking in the sun, while idly looking through the music sheets and signed photographs scattered around me.

The floor was obviously clean last night, so how did it get so messy overnight..?

Suddenly, I remember the scene I saw when I first opened my eyes, and am unable to keep myself from gently poking him in the chest.

MC: When I first woke up, I found you busy with something. You... you didn't sleep at all last night, did you?

Kiro: Pretty much... I signed a couple of autographs, synthesized the past few days' improvs and then posted them online.

MC: Huh?

Noting my rising tone of voice, he smiles nonchalantly.

Kiro: We are Twinkle, so of course more people need to hear such amazing music.

MC: Wait, wait a minute, where did you post it?

Seeing him point at the computer on the table, I quickly run over and find that there is indeed a recently released song called "Wonderful Night".

I scroll the scroll wheel in shock and horror. Not only does the number of views exceed 1,000, but the number of followers and comments also increases by several with every referesh.

After being left stunned for a while, I put on my headphones and press the play button--

The familiar melody flows out, but is also accompanied by a lot of synthesizer effects that Kiro added to it, making the entire song sexy and trendy.

MC: Kiro... you're so amazing.

I turn around in admiration and find the he has closed his eyes.

Noticing that his stomach is still exposed, I tiptoe to pick up the blanket, but he turns over and holds me in his arms.

I lean close to his ear and and drop my voice down extremely low.

MC: Kiro... did you know that "Wonderful Night" has 10,000 views?

Kiro: Just 10,000... There'll be more in a few days.

He automatically mutters, making me laugh out loud.

This person is way too confident in himself.

I cannot help but snuggle into his arms and close my eyes along with him.

MC: Then after some time, will we have another side job?

Kiro lazily tightens his grip on my hand and rubs his fluffy hair against me.

Kiro: Nope, we're just doing this for fun.

T/n: In the above dialogue, Kiro uses the phrase "用爱发电" which literally translates into "generating electricity for love" which is Chinese slang for "working for little / no reward".

——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——

[PART 5]

Due to how fast the internet changes, I had thought that our song would only stir up a splash and then die down again.

However, I never expected the "viral" spread of that short video would eventually make it top the platform's hot song list.

MC: "When you put your headphones on, you can't help but vibe to this."

MC: "I discovered an amazing band while doing my daily routine."

MC: "Have you ever noticed that the vocals of the lead singer and Kiro sound similar? But the lead singer's voice is bassier and more seductive~

I huddle into my computer chair and delightfully read the comments.

Kiro stands in front of the mirror and buttons up his shirt, giving me a smile through the mirror.

Kiro: Are you that happy? You've been reading the comments all afternoon.

MC: Yeah, because some people in the comments also praised me, saying that the backing vocalist and keyboard player are very soulful! But I know that it was actually you who secretly helped me adjust a lot~

Kiro: Be confident. All I did was put in the final touches.

Kiro walks over to me, leans over and gives me a kiss. Then he bends his right arm and motions for me to take it.

Kiro: Alright, tonight's jazz concert is about to start. Let's get going.

MC: Coming!

I pick up my clutch, loop my arm around his and together, we walk out.

-

Actually, a few days prior to going viral, the two of us had a serious discussion on whether Twinkle should take advantage of this rise in popularity and pursue this victory.

But unsurprisingly, we reached an agreement and decided to let nature take its course--

For us, life has always be full of hard work and seriousness.

So when we are free to be ourselves, we should feel free to be bold.

-

In the dimness of the bar, the melody of jazz flows through the air, sometimes clear, sometimes soft, making me immerse myself into it.

As I listen, I tilt my head and whisper to Kiro.

MC: The keyboardist is amazing... They must all be improvising, right?

After not getting a response for a long time, I turn around and find him staring at his phone, a flash of excitement in his eyes. Just as I am about to ask him about it, he takes hold of my hand and walks out.

-

After passing through one seat after another, we come to a hidden aisle.

MC: What's wrong?

Kiro takes a deep breath and is unable to stop himself from kissing my forehead in excitement.

Kiro: I knew you'd shine wherever you were.

He takes out his mobile phone and shows me an email page written in English. I quickly glance at it and find it to be an invitation.

MC: This is...?

Kiro: Ahem, to put it simply, the WMA committee has invited Twinkle to perform at the awards ceremony.

Kiro: At the same time, they're also hoping that we can participate in the outdoor music festival they're holding the following day, which is, of course, also a performance.

His summary is simple and clear, but I am still left bombarded by the explosive amount of information.

MC: W-what?!

MC: That's impossible. No matter the scale or various factors, there's no way they'd invite us, right?

MC: This is the WMAs! The cast list for that had been decided long ago. Is this some kind of prank?

Kiro: Pranks could never escape the eyes of Key. I've also confirmed it with the sender as to why they want us.

Kiro: They said that a new band was unable to make it due to force majeure, and they'd originally planned to cancel the performance entirely...

He pauses and lowers his voice to my ear.

Kiro: [softly] But one of the judges listened to our song and did not find it to be inferior to the nominated works in terms of style and arrangement.

Kiro: So he sent us a private message asking us if we're willing to take part in the performance.

Seeing the lack of jest in his eyes, I slowly accept this shocking revelation.

But at the same time, I also secretly lament Kiro's genius.

Being able to gain recognition from professionals in such a short amount of time is definitely not something ordinary people can hope to achieve.

Finding me a little distracted, he takes me into his arms and looks down at me earnestly.

Kiro: MC, do you want to go?

MC: Huh? No, no, you'll be at risk of public opinion.

I subconsciously shake my head and wildly wave my hands around.

MC: If everyone knew that a superstar suddenly formed a band, who knows what would happed.

MC: In the event that things don't work out, it could even involve audio copyright issues... commercial endorsements...

Kiro: I've already consulted Savin about that. Although it gave him a headache, he said that as long as it wasn't commercialized, there'd be no economic risk.

Kiro: Besides, Twinkle's true identity is shrouded in mystery. When the time comes, we'll just put on disguises.

Seeing Kiro speak so easily, I squeeze his palm.

MC: Wherever there's an airtight wall in this world, the truth behind it will be discovered sooner or later. We should just stay on the internet.

Kiro: So what if we really get discovered? None of that matters to me.

He pauses then leans down to be on eye level with me.

Kiro: While I am a singer and an actor, I'm also just me.

Kiro: So I know for a fact that this is what Kiro wants to do. What about you?

Kiro: Do you want to perform on stage with me?

MC: ....!

The melodies of dull and distant jazz music comes to my ears, and, as if in response to them, the sound of my heartbeat gradually becomes clear.

I very well know the weight of what he is saying. For him, this is no adventure, but a determination after careful consideration.

No one can resist the "dream" beckoning to him.

What's more is... this is Kiro's light.

All the blood in my body begins to surge. I stare at the person in front of me and respond to him with a kiss.

MC: I want to. Very much. I've wanted to stand by your side since a long time ago.

——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——

[Memory Silhouette]

Late at night, after spending the entire evening practicing the ensemble, the girl drowsily drops onto the sofa and falls asleep.

Seeing how peacefully she sleeps, Kiro leans over and kisses the corner of her mouth.

Initially, he would have collapsed onto the warm sofa with her, but he wasn't feeling the slightest bit sleepy.

So he walks over to the keyboard, puts on his monitoring headphones and starts playing the black and white keys with his hands.

Like a stream in the forest, the music that enters his ears is light and slow.

And then he looks out the windows and sees all the lights of the cafe at the street corner out, the boss pulling down the shutter and walking further and further away with the keys--

The long-lasting memories in his mind that were about to be sealed slowly overlap with what's in front of him.

He's seen this scene too many times.

Always sitting alone by the window and playing... always watching the number of pedestrians and vehicles dwindle, and always watching the cafe close for the day.

Until he was only one left on the street who was still awake.

--"I don't want innovation, art, or cutting-edge. I just want music that the public can understand and appreciate."

--"Because I'm not here to do charity. You're all capable and handsome young fellows, so give me something that'll let me gain a foothold in this industry."

As long as interests were involved, Mr. Lawrence's words would start to become "harsh".

He understood those principles very well, and had to respond and pay attention to them before he could reach the top.

But he wasn't willing to let his music have only excellent yet dull notes, without any traces of "Kiro" in them.

He wanted everyone to see him and remember him.

So he went on a crazy creation spree, trying desperately to find the critical value that balanced the two.

Thinking of this, Kiro speeds up his fingers, causing the stream to become turbulent.

It seems ambitious, as if wanting to break through all the silt and sand.

--Fortunately, he made it.

Although he wasn't 100% satisfied, at least he wasn't going to feel guilty towards himself.

And as for not being able to make the make the music that he liked... he'd just consider it a small regret from his youth.

Perhaps in the future, it would become an echoing treasure.

As if sensing the emotions in his heart, the music flowing from his headphones becomes softer and more sympathetic.

At that moment, he notices a bit of movement behind him, and the music in his earphones comes to a stop, and then pours out of the speakers again.

MC: Don't keep all the good music to yourself, let me listen to it too~

He turns around in surprise and finds the girl holding the plug of the other end of his earphones in her hand, looking at him with a smile.

All at once, Kiro is pulled back from the past.

And that little seed of "regret" now sprouts and blossoms in front of her.

Kiro can't help but let out a soft smile.

Kiro: I was afraid of waking you up. After all, Miss Chips is now a very popular keyboardist. She needs to recharge her batteries before the performance~

He pulls the girl to sit next to him, kisses her forehead with longing, and continues the melody from just now.

The girl leans on his shoulder and listens carefully.

After a long time, she asks him a question.

MC: Kiro... If I want to create music now, it's all because of you.

MC: Do you think I'm not pious or pure enough about music?

Kiro's fingertips pause slightly and he feels his blood surge uncontrollably.

He doesn't know how to respond for a while. All he does is stare at the girl.

But with that silence, the "uneasiness" in the girl's eyes grows more and more obvious. Unable to stop himself anymore, he laces his fingers with hers and kisses her with all the throbbing in his heart.

Kiro: [murmuring x1] I've asked myself similar questions before.

Amidst that scorching kiss, a very gentle and sincere sound pours out from between their lips.

Kiro: [x2] I'm all too honored to be an opportunity for your creation.

Kiro: [x3] Love is just a premise. The notes that follow will be the happiness that belongs only to you.

Kiro: [x4] I am very much willing to share this happiness with you.

——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——

[PART 6]

Unsurprisingly, Kiro wins the Best Pop Vocal Album Award.

Facing a wave of applause, he calmly walks onto the stage and takes the trophy from the host.

Like a handsome nobleman adored by thousands, the bright lights favor only him, making him seem ostentatious without diminishing his grace.

He takes a step forward and leans over to hold the microphone, solemnly and swiftly thanking every person that accompanied him.

I sit in the audience, my gaze forever on him, until those eyes meet mine in the crowd.

Kiro: I'm still pretty lucky this year, to be able to chase my dreams without any hesitation, and to be able to hug the person most important to me when I get home from work.

Kiro: But I'm well aware that such luck is extremely precious.

Kiro: Sometimes one have to gamble on their love and everything else in order to get a chance to meet it.

He pauses for a bit and laughs.

Kiro: I'll continue working hard and use music to fill every corner of the world with miracles that make people happy and cheerful.

-

In the time after, the results of the awards are announced one by one, and the midfield performances also end one after another.

At this moment, Kiro, who is sitting to my side, squeezes my palm, indicating for me to start prepping for the performance.

When the lights dim, I discreetly leave my seat, put on the half-face mask I prepared and walk towards the backstage alone.

I have no idea how Kiro managed to negotiate with the committee, but the other party ended up respecting our choice to not show ourselves and fully cooperated with us.

In the darkness, I come to the backstage with a restless heart.

Seems like everything has been planned in advance. I don't see any staff members back here, only the sound of the host announcing the rise of the curtain.

Host: Next up is the latest and hottest new mystery band on the Internet - Twinkle!

As soon as my body tenses subconsciously, a warm palm holds me tightly from behind, making me instantly feel calm.

Host: Of course, there must be a lot of people out there who haven't heard about this band, but trust me, just listen to their music.

Host: You will definitely fall in love with them.

The next second, the lights in the entire venue go out, and Kiro's smiling voice falls into my ears.

I turn around and find him putting on a silver half-face mask, and the corners of his exposed lips are slightly raised.

Kiro: From now on, let's have fun.

As soon as he finishes speaking, a beam of light slowly lights up the center of the stage--

It's a "star" growing from the ground, as if it has only just arrived in this world, and curiously blinks its eyes.

Soon, more and more "stars" twinkle on the stage, like flowers that could bloom at any moment.

The next second, he grabs my hand and runs, not letting go until he reaches me to the keyboard. Only then does he release his hand and put the guitar on his back.

I had thought that there would be countless pairs of eyes watching us from the audience. But I see nothing, only the stars in the sky.

My wildly beating heart gradually slows down. I raise my hand and look sideways at Kiro.

This time, it's no longer a dream.

Kiro gently plucks the strings, like a lover whispering to their beloved.

I too gently lower my fingertips to the keys, lingering with the soft sounds of the strings, reminiscent of the times I've spent with him in the past days and nights.

The gentle and melodious ensemble continuously echoes through the stage, like a dense ocean wave with an endless sound.

At that moment, a tight sensation presses against my back, and Kiro leans against me gently while singing and laughing.

My heart suddenly softens and I turn my head to look at him.

In the past, I have always looked up at him from the audience, always chasing after that light.

And now, I am within that dazzling glow.

Slowly, our notes begin to slow down, and finally turn into a single soft note.

--My dream would have eventually ended, but fortunately, I've now turned it into a reality.

-

It's late at night and everything has come to an end.

I drive the car on the road at high speed and Kiro sits in the passenger seat, humming endlessly.

Considering the inconvenience of calling a driver, I deliberately avoided drinking at the after party so that I could safely take this superstar back after all of his socializing.

It isn't until I step on the brakes and stop in a deserted open space that Kiro lets out a confused "hmm?".

Kiro: This isn't the hotel, is it?

MC: Pfft... I thought you'd remember it. Guess that's just how it is with a directionally challenged superstar~

He blankly looks around again, and only after seeing the stage made of steel bars not far away, does he suddenly realize where we are.

Kiro: [laughs softly] ...Oh right. We're going to attend the music festival tomorrow.

MC: That's right. All the staff have already taken their leave. I just took another round and there's no one here~

MC: We have enough time to plan a well-hidden route to the stage.

As I say this, I get out of the car, but Kiro seems to be delayed by something. He sits and checks his phone, only half of his feet out the car door.

Perhaps it's the night casting a faint shadow under his eyelashes, but I still find him to be in a daze. I can't help but walk in front of him.

MC: What's wrong?

Kiro: ...Nothing. Pen just texted me out of the blue.

MC: What a coincidence. You just told me at the banquet that he couldn't make it because of something else. Seems like he misses you too~

MC: Did he congratulate you on winning the award?

Kiro: Yeah. He also said that he saw a shadow of my past in the lead singer of Twinkle, and that it's a bit of a pity.

MC: Pity?

His eyes stay hidden in the shadows, making it difficult for me to clearly see what his expression is at this moment.

Kiro: He believes that the band's style is too self-contained. That it will be difficult for them to get far in this industry.

As he speaks, eighteen-year-old Kiro appears before me again, humming with his guitar in his small practice room.

The afterglow of the setting sun grows darker and darker, quietly blotting out the loneliness in those eyes for a while.

Almost subconsciously, I gently take away his cell phone and put in the basket on the side. Then I bend down, hold his face in my hands and stare at him in all earnestness.

MC: What about you? Do you think it's a pity?

After a moment of silence, Kiro smiles.

Kiro: Of course not. Even if everyone forgets Twinkle tomorrow, I won't find it a pity.

Kiro: Because I'm no longer the Kiro I used to be.

Kiro: I'm now qualified and capable enough to pursue what I want to do.

Kiro: I don't need all those hesitations, concessions, and compromises.

Kiro's voice gets softer and softer. He hugs me tenderly, and is finally unable to keep himself from whisking me into a kiss.

As if facing the most precious treasure in the world, he gently runs his fingers through my hair, and every kiss is like feathers cascading down.

Kiro: All I have to do is hold onto everything I want, [chuckles] no matter what it is.

He stares at me deeply, his blazing fingertips caressing my skin, and unconsciously brushing off the coat on my body.

Pit-pat--

A touch of cold drops onto my skin and a thin curtain of rain melts into the night.

My breathing grows rapid, and I instinctively long to get close to him, touch him, and pour all of my thoughts and feelings into him.

MC: Mm, just do what you want to do most, Kiro...

MC: Hold on to everything you like and don't let go.

Kiro: I never thought about letting you go.

Kiro: You'll always be by my side, right?

His words seem to come from the depths of his soul, and his scorching lips continue to nibble and kiss my clavicle.

The overwhelming numbness causes me to press my fingers against the car door, and seeing that I've unconsciously opened a gap between us, a trace of "dissatisfaction" flashes in those yearning eyes.

The next second, the knees between my legs push up slightly and cause me to lose my balance and fall towards him.

Kiro: [gasping] Answer me.

MC: Of course, I'll always...

He doesn't even wait for me to finish my sentence. He kisses me passionately, his domineering breath completely snapping my string of reason, and prompting me to sink into the deep sea along with him.

The sound of the rain has long since been drowned out by the sound of our pants, and the "heat wave" lingering on our skins gradually causes the rain to evaporate, turning it into an ambiguous mist.

The world spins, and we move along with it.

It isn't until an electronic mechanical sound resounds that I vaguely discover that the open door of the car automatically closed at some point.

He stretches out his hand again and teases my lips, the rough touch of his fingers triggering a fine itch.

Kiro: [softly] I'm going to keep you a little longer.

Gazing into those pair of eyes that could get me addicted anytime anywhere, I climb up to his neck and slowly move our lips against each other.

MC: Just a little?

Kiro: [breathlessly x1] Forever.

That line of sight stops firmly in front of me, and subtly, I seem to sense the touch between my lips get a little bit hotter.

Kiro: [x2] Longer than forever.

[END]

——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——

Masterlist: Here

[hikoorie]

Love Kiss PV

[shai-kyu]

joined the barbie meme drawing lol

[night-chant]

MLQC Scenario - Hidden Talent

If I miraculously and accurately linked your actual hobby with your favourite dude, how??--- I-I mean, yes it was on purpose of course! (I didn’t even get mine right XD)

Featuring: MLQC Guys + reader

Synopsis: You have a great passion for your favourite pastime, but for some reason, you’re too shy to let anyone know about it but then he finds out on his own.

Warning: Fluff (except Victor’s??)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Victor:

Creative writing

Sometimes poetry but often, creative writing since you loved spending time working on your historical romance novel. You never showed it to anyone, in fear that it would be ridiculed for any cliché use that you cherished.

At first, Victor assumed you were just writing a report on your laptop but sometimes, your eyes would light up as you eagerly typed out multiple sentences.

Did you find your report on Miracle Finder’s plummeting ratings that entertaining to analyze?

“How’s the progress?” he asked from behind and you hastily flipped the computer shut.

“Okay, I guess.” The light in your eyes instantly vanished.

Huh. He should’ve known. “The deadline is in two days. Did I give you too much time to spare?” When you didn’t answer, he went on: “What are you writing?”

“You’re going to say it’s stupid.”

“If you expect me to say that everytime a dummy does something, I’d lose my voice already. I only say if it is truly disastrous. Let’s see it.”

You reluctantly handed the laptop over. You started a couple of pages on chapter 18, but you expected he’d glance at the first few lines and turn back to you. Instead, he took a few minutes, perusing with a blank scowl.  

Any hope shattered when he started pointing out all the grammatical errors and that the plot so far isn’t logical. Your face felt hot. He was treating even your story as a report.

“The girl should’ve told him the truth in the very beginning,” Victor said, “so none of this mess would happen.”

Your blood was boiling. What, now he’s the CEO of some publishing company?? “Yeah, well, maybe he’d just call her a dummy and dismiss what she says like he always does!”

. . .

Victor would turn and leave with your laptop. Starting from page one, he would read each dialogue and analyze the characters more carefully.

You two will not end up like that couple. Not if he could help it.

Lucien:

Painting

You enjoy nature, especially animals and landscapes.

Sometimes, Lucien and you took a stroll around the forest by the Loveland University so you could get some real-life references.

No matter how vibrant the pigments were, they never drew Lucien’s attention away from you and your concentrated scowl and the slight peek of your tongue as you carefully painted an arc for the branch of a willow tree.

“They don’t look right,” you mumbled, breaking his trance. “But I’m not sure why.”

“Your hand is shaking,” he said, reaching out. “Here, I’ll hold it still for you.”

Maybe it’s because you were embarrassed that you didn’t realize the issue before or maybe because he was leaning very close, but your hands were shaking even more.

However, with gentle guidance, the branches you drew together were natural and lovely, interlaced with one another just like your hands.

Kiro:

Dancing ft. singing

If the rhythm is inspiring or if it’s just your favourite song, you’d probably be in an imaginary music video in the next moment. (Of course, when you were alone.)

Back to reality, it was Kiro who dances but he usually sings more in his performances in concerts.

He didn’t expect you to be a dancer too.

Kiro came home earlier than usual one day. Savin had let him go ONLY because he wasn’t acting too rebellious that day.

Before Kiro even opens the front door, he heard blaring music, almost reverberating off the wall.

His approaching footsteps were completely muted and a familiar voice was singing both parts of a duet song. Then after, an eerily familiar song . . .

You didn’t notice him as you were dancing away to his latest single.

But when you do, all you wanted was to hide in a closet.

But he thought Miss Chips was adorable and gushed about your accurate choreography.

You both probably ended up dancing to Kpop or Disney songs.

Gavin:

Knitting and needlework

Your mother taught you the basics, but you loved the activity so much that you made your own small, simple projects.

Sometimes, Gavin returns from missions with torn clothes and you were always willing to sew them up again if possible.

He finds your talent in knitting very intriguing, how your fingers and yarn and needles danced around one and another like hummingbirds.

Subconsciously, he thinks about the future, when you two would be older and when you would be making knitted garments for your two’s grandchildren.

Wait what do you do with all the clothes you knit now?

One day, he informed you that he would be away for a long mission.

You were bummed. “You have to return on the 20th or earlier! Or else I won’t stop knitting this very scarf until you do!”

When Gavin got back, he noticed that the scarf was pretty long.

“You did take breaks, did you?” he asked, holding your hands as he examined them.

You rolled your eyes when he took your joke to heart and so literally.

You wrap the long scarf around him (maybe a couple times keep it clear from the ground, even considering his height).

Good thing the scarf was big enough to cover part of his face because his ears and cheeks grew pink from your gentle gesture.

He untangled the scarf just enough to loop it around you too, narrowing the distance between you two until you were against his chest.

“Thank you.”

He liked to wear it during autumn and winter ever since.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

I’m writing this as I wait for a game to download reeee

Masterlist

[darealkatastrophe]

This took longer then I like to admit but now it's finished. These are The MLQC Boys as Iconic videos, sorry that it's short. I'll make more in the future, just because I'm bored. It might take a bit of time.

[kyunyuki]

MLQC Icons

↳ ft. MC

Like/reblog if you save

[dawnsbreaking]

One of my favorite things about MLQC is the frequent use of symbolic imagery and motifs to set scenes and center characters. I think it’s incredibly clever, considering the importance of MC’s dreams, that the dreamlike symbolism is present throughout the story. At times, in MC’s confusion of piecing events together, reading the story almost feels like a sort of dream or vision interpretation. I love how consistent these symbols are for the characters and the way conflicting or contrasting imagery is used to add depth throughout the story. Also, since the story is told through MC’s perspective, the use of imagery shows us that her perception of the world is colored by her care for the main cast. When she’s with Gavin, MC notices fluttering leaves, when she’s with Victor, time slows, when she’s with Kiro, the sun is brighter, and when she’s with Lucien, she’s more attentive to light and shadow.

Under the cut, I have written more (1400ish words more) about symbolism in MLQC and how it adds depth to Lucien's characterization in particular.

Aside from adding to the mood of the story, the symbolism can also be used to narrative effect, showing us how MC is interpreting a character’s actions or motivations.

For example, we can look at how MC sorts through her feelings about Kiro/Helios in Chapter 29. Sun imagery pervaded previous chapters that centered Kiro while moon imagery is associated with Helios. In CH29, MC uses the harmony between the sun and moon as a metaphor when she accepts that Kiro and Helios are one and the same. This adds depth to what MC is feeling about Helios and also serves to contextualize the relationship between the two identities. (Note: I just love the idea that Helios has the same “sunshine” as Kiro but that he reflects it in a subtle way rather than being overwhelmingly positive like Kiro. This dynamic is only ever implied by the imagery and symbolism but it’s so perfect.)

In particular, though, I want to talk about some of the symbolism associated with Lucien and what we can learn from the way these symbols interact with one another.

Light and Shadow

One motif that is very present when the story is focused on Lucien is the balance between light and shadow. (Note: It’s very on the nose at times but executed well, I think, so I’ll give them a pass.) This motif is introduced far before Lucien’s betrayal is ever revealed, as early as his first meeting with MC. (Note: I literally wasn’t sure when the motif was first introduced but I went back to Lucien’s first scene and SURE ENOUGH, there it is. I love how consistent the writing is in this regard. The motifs are handled so well and so intentionally.)

During Lucien’s first scene in the game, light shining in from the window obscures his face. Far ahead of the betrayal, light and shadow are symbolically playing at obscuring his identity from MC. The light/shadow motif is used at first to symbolize Lucien being duplicitous, without much hinting toward his internal struggle. Later, when it’s clear that Lucien is struggling with a choice between metaphorical “dark” desire to continue his mission and “light” of protecting MC, light is used to hint at that internal conflict. An example of this is below, from Lucien's first standoff with Victor in Chapter 11.

Notably, though, sometimes, the “light” represents MC directly while the “shadow” represents Lucien. After Lucien’s internal conflict and desire to protect MC is first touched on in Chapter 16, the two are symbolically juxtaposed by scene-settings back-to-back in the last two units of CH16. 16-24 opens with a description of Lucien’s dark, gloomy room and 16-25 opens with a description of the lamp on MC’s desk casting a bright light. (Note: MC’s Evol is also represented by light often, so I think this imagery for her works even beyond its juxtaposition with Lucien.)

The same thing happens again when MC comes back from the Eternal Winter world, Lucien’s office is described as dark and shadowy when he is alone and then it’s cast in an “ephemeral glow” as soon as MC steps into the room.

Mirrors

A large part of Lucien’s character arc is his failure to properly make sense of his own identity, this struggle is represented by mirrors/reflections. Often, mirrors are shattered or distorted, implying an added difficulty of perception.

Because of the expectations that have been put on him from a young age, Lucien is very disconnected from his own identity. Even with Black Swan set completely aside, because of his savant-like personality and inability to relate to others, Lucien doesn’t view himself as a human being. Beyond that, there is also a struggle between the two identities of “Lucien” and “Ares” implied.

I think that the answer to this struggle is MC understanding Lucien and having clarity about who he is as a person. Light reflected in mirrors represents this concept symbolically in the Mirror Painting date. (Note: I believe this date is only currently available in the CN server, I read this translation) In this date, Lucien and MC paint each other and then use mirrors to reflect light onto the painting when it’s displayed. After being painted and, therefore, symbolically seen by MC, Lucien is finally allowed to turn away from the mirrors and stop worrying about who he is. The mirrors that represent his struggle with identity are able to add depth to a beautiful image when paired with the lights that represent MC’s understanding.

Shattered and Distorted Glass

This goes hand-in-hand with the mirror motif but is worth mentioning on its own because the symbolism is slightly different. While distorted mirrors imply difficulty for Lucien to perceive himself, distorted glass implies a difficulty for others to perceive Lucien. Shattered glass also represents a fractured relationship between the identities of “Lucien” and “Ares” in a few scenes.

On the wall of the abandoned Ultima Bioresearch Lab, MC finds a quotation written on the wall from the Bible. “For now we see through a glass, darkly. The truth is projected into the hearts of men through a glass lens. It’s distorted, blurry, and one-dimensional.” (Note: I’m assuming that this verse was translated from the Chinese dialogue and not transcribed from an English Bible translation, because this is, at the very least, not a popular translation of the verse that I’m familiar with. Ironically, it’s more popular to translate “glass” here as “mirror” so there goes this whole section LMAO.)

Because of the way it’s presented, I think that this image of distorted glass represents not how MC actually perceives Lucien but, rather, how Lucien believes he perceives her. Obviously, this is also foreshadowing the betrayal so, in a way, he’s correct in asserting that she is not seeing all of him. But, on the whole, this distorted glass imagery is delivered in a way that implies the distortion more as an insecurity on Lucien’s part rather than the reality of MC’s vision.

Rainbows

Keeping with Lucien’s themes of paradox and duplicity, one of his main motifs is the appearance of rainbows, despite the fact that he is colorblind. This is, again, representative of MC’s “light” being transformative to Lucien because the rainbows appear when they are together. I think that, rather than being a symbol for Lucien alone, rainbows represent Lucien’s relationship with MC. It’s a sort of combination of MC’s light imagery and Lucien’s refraction/distortion imagery. In the right circumstances, they can create something beautiful together.

It’s also implied throughout the story that Lucien is able to see colors when he’s around MC, so he is truly only able to appreciate the beauty of rainbows when he is with her. (Note: It’s unclear how this works but I think that it’s a side-effect of his Evol mimicking hers. There’s a footage mission where it seems like Lucien has to ask MC to look at something before he can tell the color of it so I think that he is somehow able to see the world through her perspective, possibly by using her Evol to have real-time visions. Does this make sense? Who knows, but I refuse to accept it just as soulmate magic!!!!)

If you haven’t, I highly recommend reading Lucien’s “Rainbow Luck” R&S. (Note: A recording is available here!) In this story, told from the perspective of Lucien’s pen, Iridescent, MC and Lucien see a rainbow together and it’s implied that this is Lucien’s first time being able to see a rainbow because MC is there. (Note: Iridescent as a name itself is an instance of Lucien’s rainbow motif.)

(Note: Lucien's Moments also features a rainbow paperweight at Bond Level 40.)

TLDR: Imagery and symbolism are used in MLQC to imply things about the characters and their relationships with MC. In particular, with Lucien, recurring imagery is used to represent his internal conflict and his desire for love and understanding from MC. The symbolism of light and its reflection/refraction is used to great effect throughout Lucien’s story, implying a complex web of internal struggles.

[shinydelirium]

Kiro’s Breathing Date Translation [CN]

Warning: The following date contains SPOILERS not yet released for EN/global server. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!

Little rant: I wasn’t planning on translating this date. When it comes to Kiro dates, I'm more interested to read ones that delve more into his backstory/character/lore/relationship development with MC and just based on the karma images alone, I thought it was just going to be some light-hearted silliness cuz a lot of Kiro’s karmas show him smiling and having fun and I wish the artist would just have more variety. There were so many other scenes in the date the artist could have illustrated but I digress. Then I realized it’s a top-up karma so the story must be somewhat decent and decided to give it a watch. As I was watching, I heard that one BGM from Inspiration date and Love Everlasting BGM. PG wouldn’t use those songs unless it was something heavy and emotional. To my surprise, I ended up loving this date more than I thought. All in all, don’t let the cute little rubber duckies and wet Kiro fool you. Anyways, that’s enough ranting, enjoy the date~ 😊

[Part 1]

Kiro: I’m sorry, do you know me?

The summer heat was isolated from the ward and the scorching heat on the windowsill could almost be seen through the glass.

I looked at Kiro in front of me, wearing a hospital gown.

-flashback-

MC: Kiro got hurt? What happened?

On the other end of the phone, Savin’s voice sounded regretful and anxious.

Savin: As he was walking down the stairs, he fell and hit his head…it’s all my fault. I wasn’t looking after him like I should have.

Savin: But he doesn’t want to stay in the hospital for observation. Can you come and convince him?

MC: I’ll be there soon!

After explaining the situation to my co-workers, I hurriedly rushed to the hospital.

Savin left the two of us alone. Kiro stood quietly by the window.

MC: Kiro!

Hearing my voice, he turned around.

My eyes carefully looked over his body. He didn’t seem to have any other injuries besides the large gauze on his forehead.

But the bluish gray in his eyes told me he was suppressing how tired he was.

Even his golden hair seemed to have lost its luster, lying dull and flat against his face, making my heart ache.

MC: Are you okay?

As soon as I asked the question, I sensed something was wrong.

The person who usually smiled at me and hugged me so many times in the past just stared at me, tilting his head with a confused look on his face.

-end of flashback-

My mind went blank for a long time until a hand was waving in front of my eyes and I came back to my senses.

Those curious eyes were so clear with no signs of teasing in them.

Lots of amnesia scenes from TV dramas and books flashed through my mind and I felt a chill settle in my heart.

MC: I’m going to get the doctor to take another look at you!

Kiro: No, wait.

He quickly grabbed my wrist.

Kiro: I’ve already been checked and I’m fine. And…I don’t want to see any more doctors.

There was a hint of pleading in his eyes that made my heart skip a beat and softened.

Kiro: You know me, don’t you? Stay and chat with me.

He led me to the hospital bed and sat down. My throat felt dry as I opened my mouth to speak.

MC: You…really don’t remember me?

He came closer and looked at me carefully.

Kiro: I feel as though you’re very familiar, like I know you from somewhere…as if we’re acquaintances.

Kiro: And you were the first to come see me so I’m guessing you must be…

[Part 2]

He dragged out those words and when he met my gaze, his eyebrows perked up, full of smiles.

Kiro: My fiancé?

My face suddenly burned but seeing the slyness in his eyes, I vaguely felt something was off.

If something terrible did happen to Kiro, why didn’t Savin tell me over the phone?

That can’t be right.

Thinking of this, I squinted my eyes, lowered my head and put on a sad face.

MC: Actually, I’m…no longer your girlfriend.

Kiro: How, how can that be! We’re…

He was clearly taken aback but halfway through his words, he stopped talking after thinking of something then looked at me with sad puppy eyes.

I knew it!

I desperately tried to suppress my smile and sighed.

MC: We…have been seeing each other except you’re at the height of your career and your company has always been against us being together.

MC: It’s alright. You’ve already sacrificed so much for me…

Kiro’s frozen expression became a little flustered.

Kiro: What did I sacrifice!

MC: It’s not important anymore. Besides, you don’t even remember…

Seeing how “serious” I was, he rolled his eyes dejectedly and finally pointed to his own face.

Kiro: Why don’t you give me a kiss? Then, maybe I might be able to remember something!

MC: [not amused] …

Hearing his blatant “request”, I was about to reach out and pinch his ear. As soon as he looked up, the white gauze came into my view again.

My heart constricted. In the end, I gently held his cheek and gave those soft lips a light peck.

Just when I was about to pull away, an arm wrapped around my waist—

A familiar breath skillfully invaded mine, turning the mere brush of lips into a lingering kiss.

When our lips parted, he nuzzled my head in content.

Kiro: The energy has accumulated and my memory has been successfully restored.

Kiro: But…MC is being so stingy and still thinks she can leave me.

MC: Who’s fault is it exactly to pretend to have amnesia and scare me half to death?

Kiro: Don’t be mad. I was just doing a bit of…roleplaying. I didn’t expect you to figure it out so soon.

MC: Naturally, I’m the most familiar with Kiro’s little roleplaying act.

I pulled him to the side of the hospital bed and gently stroked the side of his face with my fingertips.

MC: How on earth did you fall down the stairs?

Kiro: I was writing songs all night in the recording studio. As I was coming down the stairs, I yawned and felt lightheaded…

He laid his head on my shoulder as he played with my hair with one hand while muttering aggrievedly.

Kiro: It must have been scary. I didn’t expect Savin to ask me to stay in the hospital for observation and to call you…

MC: It’s because you’re not paying much attention to your body.

MC: Don’t be too hard on yourself. Didn’t your new album win an award? I didn’t even have the chance to congratulate you!

Kiro: Hehe, thanks Miss Chips.

Kiro: …So, what do you think about the new album?

MC: It’s very nice! Especially the song “Midsummer Passion”. I have it playing on loop all day.

Kiro: Really?

His eyebrows furrowed as he smiled but I could tell it wasn’t his usual megawatt smile.

MC: Of course! But your new album just released so why are you writing songs again?

There was a hint of sadness in his blue eyes, but before I could take a closer look, it disappeared.

Kiro: Because I want to bring more amazing works to the soda pops (aka his fans).

He happily shared his accomplishments with me as if what I saw just now was my imagination.

After such a long day, I repeatedly told him to take it easy today and left the ward.

I kept feeling that Kiro was hiding something from me. With this doubt in mind, I dialed Savin’s number.

After hounding him for answers, Savin finally told me what was going on.

Savin: In fact, not too long ago, some people on the Internet were spreading rumors about Kiro’s award-winning new album.

Savin: They were saying the album was mediocre, that he has exhausted all his talents, and only won the award due to his popularity alone.

MC: That’s nonsense!

Savin: Although preference is based on personal opinion, there are still some fans who have been brought into the discussion. Not only do they feel that Kiro’s new songs lack feeling but they’re agreeing with the rumors.

Savin: And that’s why recently he’s been locking himself up every day writing songs and sometimes he wouldn’t even eat.

Savin: You know how he is once his mind is made up. No one can stop him. So I was hoping you can find a way to help him.

Thinking of Kiro’s forced smile from before, a plan quietly sprouts in my heart.

MC: No problem. Leave it to me.

[Part 3]

In the dimly lit underground parking lot, I lowered the brim of my hat and stared at the gate waiting for Kiro to exit the press conference.

A golden head appeared at the door. Kiro skillfully sat in the back seat , taking off his hat and mask, looking a bit weary.

Kiro: The studio.

I straightened by sunglasses and started the car without saying a word—

“Operation: Kidnap Kiro” has officially commenced.

The car drove steadily over an overpass. I glanced in the rearview mirror and found that Kiro who had his eyes closed suddenly open them.

Kiro: Driver, are you in a bad mood today? Why are you driving so fast?

MC: There’s no traffic so it’s okay to speed.

I lowered my voice an octave. He yawned and lazily looked out the window.

Kiro: But you’re going the wrong way.

MC: Your agent has arranged other itineraries for you. Why don’t you check with him?

Kiro: Huh? Savin didn’t mention this to me.

I slowly felt a weight on the backrest behind me as his voice drew nearer to my ear.

Kiro: I heard that the driver who came to pick me up was a burly man with arms as big as my calves.

Kiro: You don’t fit that description.

MC: …

Hearing his thoughtful analysis, I giggled.

MC: It’s too late now. The door’s locked so please do cooperate with me.

Kiro sucked in a sharp breath.

Kiro: [overly dramatic gasp] As long as you don’t hurt me, I’ll do whatever you want.

Kiro: Whether it’s chocolate-covered nuts or charcoal-grilled chips…I can give you all of my private possessions.

The heat on my face left a burning trail as I met his twinkling eyes in the rearview mirror.

MC: Is my acting that bad?

Kiro: It’s still the same but I’m the one most familiar with MC’s bag of tricks.

Kiro: No wonder Savin was being so mysterious today. There really is a “conspiracy”.

MC: Savin said that your schedule is free after finishing the press conference and to let me take you somewhere to relax.

MC: So—you can’t escape.

Kiro didn’t say anything for a while. The slight hesitation in his eyes reflected in the rearview mirror vanished. When he met my gaze, he was full of smiles.

Kiro: Why would I want to escape?

Kiro: I’ll gladly fall into your trap.

Soon we arrived at our destination—Starry Seaside Park.

A variety show was filmed here yesterday and I managed to reserve the venue for an extra day to hold a celebration party.

The people gathered here were close-knit friends of Kiro so he doesn’t need to feel too restrained.

After changing my clothes, I found Kiro standing by the pool, holding an inflatable ring. A handful of fine sunlight shone onto his blonde hair, shining brightly.

MC: There’s going to be a water roller competition in a short while. The team who comes in first will win the mystery prize.

Seeing Kiro’s eyes light up with interest, I pumped myself up.

MC: We’re here—

I stretched out my hand and he took it saying.

Kiro: To claim first place.

A lifeguard was already on standby and more than a dozen inflatable rollers were floating on the water’s surface.

As soon as the whistle blew, we began to push hard against the inner wall of the drum. The drum quickly found its own rhythm and rolled steadily forward.

However, maneuvering it was more difficult than I thought and it wasn’t long until I was starting to feel out of breath.

My skin was sticking to the plastic heated by the sun making it stuffy and hot as my hair stuck to my face with sweat.

Seeing the other players gradually overtake us, I became worried.

Kiro: MC, relax. Find your balance.

Kiro’s voice was slightly out of breath and at the same time, a song began playing in the background of the park.

The lively and upbeat tune was the song from his award-winning new album- “Midsummer Passion”.

Feeling the beat of the drum in my heart, I adjusted my breathing and made a fighting gesture to Kiro.

MC: Come on, this song is my secret weapon to victory these past days!

What I received was a smile brighter than the sun.

Kiro: That’s all I need to hear.

Putting pedal to the metal, we found our rhythm again.

The melodious song drove the atmosphere of the audience to an intense climax and I could even hear many voices cheering us on from all sides.

Kiro also seemed to be infected. His eyes shone like stars and the water droplets hanging from the ends of his eyelashes sparkled in the sunlight.

Not far away from us was a water slide before the finish line.

Listening to the sound of the water rushing fast, I nervously held onto Kiro’s hand.

MC: What if we don’t make it…

Kiro: Don’t be afraid. In the final sprint, I will take care of Miss Chips’ safety!

The roller undulated on the water and we were finally close to first place.

Kiro: MC, are you ready?

MC: Absolutely.

He gave me a charming smile.

Kiro: 3, 2, 1- here we go!

He kicked hard and the drum suddenly accelerated and flew down the slide. The brief feeling of weightlessness made me gasp.

An embrace hotter than the summer heat held me to his chest as Kiro immediately adjusted his pace and stabilized the roller.

The sound of waves crashing and people cheering gradually faded away. Only the sound of our hearts beating were left in this small space.

There was a forceful push and the roller crossed the finish line, hitting the protective net.

Kiro: We’re number one!

He looked down at me. Warm, crystal sweat fell from his eyelashes and landed on the tip of my nose, igniting something in my heart.

Our staggered and rapid breaths steamed up with heat, arousing every nerve of my skin—

Kiro: What’s my prize?

[Part 4]

After the roller races, water battles, and beach baths were over, I changed into some dry clothes and went to the small private pool I had reserved in advance.

Kiro had also changed into some casual clothes and was relaxing on the big inflatable ring, merging into the unique landscape of little yellow rubber ducks floating around.

His soaked bangs blocked his eyes so he casually slicked them back.

The blue sky made his azure blue orbs even more clear.

I didn’t know if it was because of all the fun he had just now but he seemed to have more a lot more energy than before.

A rubber duck bumped against the inflatable ring and Kiro picked it up.

Kiro: [cute, adorable voice] Hi~ How do you do~

He pinched its fat belly and made a grunting noise in response.

Kiro: It looks like you’re also here on vacation to get away~

MC: Pfft—

Hearing me snicker, he squinted his eyebrows in pleasure and paddled with his hands towards the shore where I was.

Kiro: Why don’t you join us too, MC?

MC: I’d love to but you can invite your new “friends” to join us for the next event.

I took out the guitar hidden near the pool. Under his surprised look, I sat on the bank and cleared myn throat.

MC: Welcome to MC’s exclusive summer concert.

Inhaling deeply, “Midsummer Passion” floated out from my fingertips.

Although I practiced many times at home, I was still nervous and ended up playing a few wrong notes under Kiro’s attentive gaze.

But he just listened closely, entranced.

When the final note was played, I slowly released the breath I’ve been holding.

MC: Thank you to the person who wrote this song and bringing me the most wonderful summer throbbing.

Kiro climbed out of the water and sat beside me.

Kiro: Can the concert have small guest segment?

Kiro: I also have a song I want to play for you.

Taking the guitar from me, his slender fingers skillfully plucked the strings and the smooth notes blended into a pleasing melody.

However, as I watched Kiro play, I felt a certain uneasiness I couldn’t explain.

After the song was over, he looked up at me.

Kiro: This is a demo I wrote at home recently. What do you think?

MC: It’s lovely. The melody of the chorus is brilliant and better than just some ordinary pop song. It’s more memorable except…

I hesitated and asked what was on my mind.

MC: Is this the actual song you wanted to write?

He was stunned then lowered his head and smiled bitterly.

Kiro: I really can’t hide anything from you.

MC: Although I’m not a professional musician, I do listen to your songs every day.

MC: I felt that this song just now was missing a bit of Kiro’s soul. A little restless like…

MC: You were in a hurry but wanted to prove something at the same time.

He fiddled with the strings on the guitar and after a while, he said in a low voice.

Kiro: You heard what Savin said…

He closed his eyes like he was being covered by a heavy rain cloud.

Kiro: I know a song can’t be liked by everyone so I should just try to be myself.

Kiro: Only this time, many fans, like me, also feel that the new song is subpar…does this mean that I’m not as good as I used to be?

Kiro: That’s why the next song has to be better than this one.

Kiro: Over and over again, I feel it’s still not good enough…

Kiro: I know I’m lost and I should stop and think more calmly but…

There was some doubt and a bit of loneliness in his eyes.

For creators, the sense of accomplishment is an overly comprehensive sentiment. That feeling to share with the audience, to be seen and recognized.

It will pay tribute to those who keep trying but it will also crush them.

Those mixed voices are like a loud, disorderly undercurrent, threatening to overwhelm him.

Kiro’s fingers have become a little cold and I saw the slight line quivering at the corner of his mouth. I jumped into the pool and stretched out my hand to him.

MC: Kiro, hold your breath.

He looked at me, confused, but did as I said.

Seeing his surprised look, I dragged him into the pool and with a splash, we sunk together underwater.

The water completely drowned out the noise of the outside world. Kiro and I opened our eyes and stared at each other quietly.

The world was dim and silent and only the two of us were left.

When we came back to the surface, our clothes were soaked through to the core.

MC: Did you feel some of your troubles being washed away by the water?

He closed his eyes and placed my palm against his face, as if trying to draw some kind of power from me.

Kiro: I want….to do it again.

Before I could stop him, he took a deep breath and dove into the water.

Fragmented light shimmered like ripples on the water’s surface.

Time passed by but he never resurfaced.

I became a little worried and took a deep breath.

In front of me, I saw Kiro’s body stretched out like he had fallen to the bottom of the water. He frowned and closed his eyes.

Waves from the water refracted the sky, creating layers of light patterns around him.

Like a pair of gentle hands, caressing him delicately, brushing away those disturbing thoughts from his body.

Maybe because of the lack of oxygen, his face looked a little miserable like he was about to be crushed at any moment.

I couldn’t help reaching out to him—when I touched his fingertips, I was forcefully met with a pair of blue eyes that almost blended with the water.

At that moment, the shredded spots of light kept flowing and the furrow between his eyes suddenly loosened.

Our bodies floated along with the waves as we slowly merged into a vast ocean.

His kiss was soft. In the stillness and suffocation, it was like a small world had been opened.

The exchange of breaths made my heart beat more and more intensely and in this closed space, everything was set free.

When we broke the surface, I clung weakly onto his shoulders, breathing heavily.

Kiro held my waist with one arm and gently caressed my back with his other hand.

Kiro: I don’t know why but I always knew you would come.

After a long time, his slightly hoarse voice came from the side of my ear.

Kiro: When I was underwater just then, I had that same feeling like I was in the studio.

Kiro: There were muffled noises all around like I was left alone in the world.

His cool thumb trailed from the tip of my brow to the corner of my lips, carefully tracing every part of my face.

Kiro: I was even wondering if it would be better if I stopped struggling to find oxygen and just let myself be swept away by the current. How pathetic.

I tightened my arms around his waist, bringing our bodies closer together.

The heat from our skin penetrated through our cold, wet clothes and travelled to every inch of our blood vessels.

Kiro: Then you appeared.

Kiro: When I saw you, I realized…*sigh* I seem to be able to breathe again.

He took a deep breath and pressed his cold forehead lightly against mine.

Kiro: Without you, I’d probably be swept away by the current, not knowing where I’d end up.

Kiro: MC, you’re like…another kind of oxygen for me. ***My God, my heart!!!🥺***

I cradled his face and tenderly brushed away the hair from his face.

MC: I can’t do much for your creation but I know how Kiro is like.

MC: I also know what his work is like.

MC: Kiro will never become water. He is the one and only one who decides where the water will flow.

MC: Whenever you can’t see yourself, I can see you better than anyone else, so—

MC: Believe in the song you wrote. The courage and strength it brings are not only for others but also for yourself. ***YES, YOU TELL HIM, MC!!!***

Kiro leaned his head against my shoulder and chuckled lightly.

Kiro: It seems I have to start the new song from scratch again.

Although he said this, there was no frustration in his voice. Instead, it was full of fighting spirit and anticipation.

I threaded my fingers through his velvety, soft blonde hair and slowly followed the trail of water downwards.

My fingertips lightly brushed the nape of his neck until they finally stopped at his lower jaw as he let the strength of my fingers gently lift his head.

MC: Does it still feel like you’re underwater?

His hot breath slowly came closer, mingling between our lips and melting into a murmur.

Kiro: I have enough oxygen now.

Kiro: [whisper] But I want a little more. ***His dates constantly end this way too 😣😣😣***

-End-

[cheesy09]

[CN] Kiro's Invasion Date

🌸 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a date that hasn't been released on the EN server yet! 🌸

[Note: This date was translated with the help of Google Translate :>]

[PART 1]

MC: ...It is a great honor to win the Best Creative Short Film Award at this Golden Star Film Festival

MC: Finally, I would like to thank the team who worked with me and the audience who were willing to listen and understand this story.

There was endless applause from the auditorium, and I bowed solemnly. When I stepped off the stage, several acquaintances nearby congratulated me one after another.

I thanked them one by one, and when I passed by that familiar figure, I couldn’t help but take a look.

Noticing my gaze, he raised his eyes, smiled and nodded.

Kiro: Congratulations.

MC: ...Thanks.

I wanted to say something more, but he looked away.

-

Until the end of the award ceremony and the start of the salon reception, our eyes never met again.

Since there weren’t many opportunities for colleagues to gather, many took this opportunity to converse with each other. Not far way, Kiro was happily chatting with a director, my presence completely unnoticed.

A little disappointment welled up in my heart. At that moment, Director Sun, who I had worked with before, came over with a glass of wine.

Director Sun: MC, congratulations on winning the award. Should I start calling you director now?

MC: You flatter me. I have you to thank for the drama salon you invited me to last time. I really learned a lot.

Director Sun: I’m also happy that you young people came to socialize more. I’ll do it again later. You and Kiro should come together when you’re free.

MC: ...Sure.

After Director Sun left with a smile, I took another look at Kiro, but happened to be caught by his returned gaze.

I raised my glass to him from a distance, just wanting to signal, but he unexpectedly came towards me.

KIro: Miss Producer MC, I watched your award-winning work this time. It was wonderful and touching. 

Polite and gentle. Everything seemed perfectly amiable but at the same time, very distant.

I took a deep breath, buried the phrase “I miss you so much” in my heart, and raised a polite smile.

MC: Congratulations to you for winning the Golden Star Actor Award. I respect you for that.

Without waiting for him to respond, I downed the champagne that was in my glass.

The alcohol suddenly went to my head, and my head grew light. Kiro’s slightly surprised face grew a bit troubled.

He took the glass from my hand and gently rubbed his fingertips against my skin, sending over an ambiguous electric current which made my fingertips numb.

Kiro: You look a little dizzy, Producer. Should I take you to your room to rest?

He stood at a distance that crossed no lines, and calmly and patiently waited for my answer.

I hadn’t reached a point where I couldn’t go back to my room myself, but before I could think about the results, my body instinctively took a step closer to him.

MC: ...Then I will have to trouble Mr. Star Kiro. 

[PART 2]

In order to celebrate Valentine’s Day tomorrow, the promenade from the banquet hall to the guest room was decorated with layers of brilliant star lights.

After leaving the banquet hall, the cool night air made me shiver. The very next second, a jacket with his body temperature fell on my shoulders.

He tidied up the coat for me in a gentlemanly manner, only his fingers casually grazing the ends of my hair before leaving.

We walked side by side, keeping a distance that was neither far nor close. And this distance was a result of my own suggestion.

-

[Flashback]

Kiro: It’s been ages since I’ve seen you. I never expected that Director Yan would be stricter than before...

On the phone, Kiro’s voice was listless.

This time, he was collaborating with the great director Yan Dao in an AI anthropomorphic movie, in which Kiro played the AI hero.

Kiro: Director Yan said that I wasn’t getting into the drama, and asked me to block out all emotional ‘input sources’ and look for a more ‘mechanized’ feeling.

Hearing Kiro’s long sigh, I pinched my phone with my fingertips, longing to touch his face.

The lingering love during the New Year’s holiday seemed to have left a lingering warmth, and we talked to each other on the phone almost every day during this period.

Could it be that Kiro couldn’t “shield his emotions” because we talked too much recently? My heart froze for a moment and I pursed my lips.

MC: How about... not contacting each other for some time? You should concentrate on filming first and find out how you feel.

Kiro: Don’t. I still need you to provide me with motivation.

MC: But haven’t you been NG (no good) for days? I don’t want to bother you.

MC: You should... know the source of the problem already.

As a major star who always asks to appear on screen with the most perfect appearance, Kiro was never one to let go of any of the factors that affected him.

The situation was clear. While I, too, was very sad, Kiro’s work was more important right now.

Kiro: .....

Kiro: But we’ll still meet at the Golden Star Film Festival next week... And the second day of the event is Valentine’s Day.

MC: During that time, I’ll keep my distance from you and will not interfere with your work.

I tried my best to make my voice sound extremely understated, but the pain from my fingernails digging into my palm still made me perceive the sadness in my heart. 

After a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, a low voice came.

Kiro: ...Sorry, it’s all my fault.

Kiro: When the filming for this is over, I’ll definitely make up for all the sweetness we’ve lost during this time. In fact, double it!

[End of Flashback]

-

Under the reflection of the bright starlight, his exquisite face still showed no sign of agitation.

I kind of regretted making that agreement.

Despite his coat blocking out the night wind, I still couldn’t help but slowly approach that familiar source of warmth. And as soon as the backs of our hands touched each other, the slightly cool gap in my heart was filled to the brim.

Tomorrow, he would return back to the studio to film, and the state he was maintaining would not be “wasted”.

Despite that reason tugging at my brain, my hands were unwilling to follow its instructions. I tentatively moved half a step closer to him again, letting our arms stick together.

The hand at my side touched his lightly with a forward rhythm, leaving an unconcealable throbbing in my heart. Kiro seemed to not notice it.

The reassuring temperature was like a warm current flowing slowly, which made one feel a little sad.

Just another five seconds, no, ten seconds... and then I’ll leave.

I counted the ten seconds in my heart over and over again, but as if we had a tacit understanding over this, neither of us moved away first.

When I was finally thinking about taking a step back, my pinkie was gently hooked.

His fingertips gently touched my palm, leaving a scorching mark.

In the deafening silence, I felt my heart beating clearly.

Not far away from the room, I slowed down, reluctant to part. And the finger that had been wrapped around mine, suddenly clasped my hand lightly.

Maybe it was the unstable center of gravity from wearing high-heeled shoes, or the swaying of my rationality after being soaked in alcohol, or maybe... it was him, who felt the same reluctance I did.

If it was an “unexpected situation”, it wouldn’t count as a breach of the agreement, would it?

With that thought in mind, I half-truthfully twitched and fell towards him. At almost the same time, a force came from my wrist, and my body fell into his embrace.

The hug was unexpected, but neither of us moved.

Until a slightly satisfied sigh came from my ear and I was hugged by the waist. In my partly widened eyes, the corners of his lips that seemed to be smiling, were reflected.

Kiro: It seems that today’s champagne has taken quite the toll on you. You probably won’t be able to walk to your room yourself.

Kiro: Let me take you the rest of the way.

-

There was a vague sound of water coming from the bathroom, and I leaned against the head of my bed, my pounding heart muddled into a complete mess.

The walk back from the banquet hall could have lasted a little longer...

I buried my face in his coat, missing the embrace that didn’t last long.

After a while, Kiro came out of the bathroom with a warm wet towel and makeup remover cotton, blocking out the dim floor light.

MC: You can go back and rest...

He didn’t respond to me, but just gently dabbed the makeup remover cotton on the corner of my eyes.

Kiro: Close your eyes.

The cleansing cotton carefully traced over every corner of my face. I couldn’t bear to fall asleep, so in a daze, I took his hand.

MC: Are you leaving?

Kiro: Do you want me to stay?

The whisper that was close at hand seemed to be a wonderful, yet deadly temptation. I nodded, shook my head again, and spoke the truth with unclear logic.

MC: You have to go back to the set tomorrow, I can’t mess with your focus--

MC: But I miss you so much...

After a moment of silence, a deep chuckle hit my heart. He moved closer and asked again.

Kiro: Do you want me to stay?

MC: How could I want you to leave...

As soon as my words fell, my body was pushed into the mattress and within the next second, an overwhelmingly hot kiss was pressed down on me without warning.

He easily pried open my mouth and lazily explored bit by bit. 

His slender fingers ran through my hair, traced my eyebrows over and over again, and than slid down to my collarbone, as if confirming something.

Kiro: MC...

He whispered my name, luring me to continue to approach him.

The sounds of our pants were quick and heavy, and our fingers were tightly intertwined, tirelessly demanding from each other, trying to fill in all the gaps that were left open during this period.

I almost wanted to melt in that scorching heat, but I was looking forward to his more undeniable invasion.

In the dimness, it seemed that the midnight bell sounded outside the window.

Finding a sliver of clarity in my broken mind, I tried my best to raise my neck, and kissed the corner of his warm lips.

MC: Happy Valentine’s Day, Kiro.

He paused, and then responded with a more passionate kiss.

My consciousness floated amongst gentle waves, and before falling asleep, a soft voice came to my ear.

Kiro: Happy Valentine’s Day, MC.

[PART 3]

It was almost noon the next day when I woke up from a deep sleep.

MC: Kiro..?

I rubbed my bleary eyes and called his name, but no one answered. There was no one beside the bed, only a lunch box that had been left on the small table that still had some residual warmth.

There were dozens of messages on my phone, and the top dialog box was blank.

Although a little disappointed, I tacitly put down my phone, got up and took a shower.

There was going to be a red carpet walk in the afternoon, and all the winners were participating. Many media outlets were also invited.

Among the messages I received, there was a message from an actor friend saying that he had to return to the set temporarily and could not walk the red carpet with me.

I sighed and walked out of the hotel to go to the event venue.

Do I want to go alone, or should I find a partner? Just as I was coming up with an idea, a pair of blue eyes flashed in my mind.

Like telepathy, a familiar van stopped in front of me.

The car door opened and the person I was thinking about appeared before me.

The early spring sunshine was perfectly adequate, and through the scattered new shoots and branches and leaves, a colorful scene was reflected on his body, like beautiful magic.

Seeing me, a smile grew on his face.

Kiro: Good afternoon, Gold Medal Producer. It looks like you had a good rest last night.

I felt like there was something hidden beneath his words, but his frank gaze was devoid of any charm.

Thinking that we should continue our previous “agreement”, I also smiled politely.

MC: Not bad indeed, you look like you got up early.

Kiro: Well, there was an interview in the morning, which just ended. The time arranged for that had been relatively early.

He explained lightly, and slowly blinked his eyes with a certain hint, arousing the scorching throbbing that we knew very well.

Kiro: For the red carpet event in the afternoon, who do you plan to walk with?

MC: My partner has a temporary job, so I’m planning a one-man red carpet challenge.

Unexpectedly, he raised his eyebrows, stretched his hand and showed a sincere smile.

Kiro: I’m also alone. I wonder if I can invite this Gold Medal Producer to walk the red carpet with me?

MC: Is that... okay?

Kiro: Don’t you think today is the perfect day for us to walk together?

Hie eyes were burning, and the smile on his lips seemed determined. This was an invitation that would not be rejected.

And of course, I wouldn’t say no to him.

MC: Then, please take care of me, Mr. Superstar.

-

After putting on our makeup, Kiro and I went backstage to await our turn.

On both sides of the red carpet, the flashing lights lit up one after another, becoming a foil for the dashing figures on the red carpet.

Kiro: It’s almost our turn.

Kiro tidied up his cuffs calmly, and the high-tailored suit made his figure even taller and more slender.

Perhaps seeing through my nervousness, he tilted his head and joked.

Kiro: If this expression got photographed on the red carpet, it’d be in the headlines tomorrow.

Kiro: The title would be “International superstar’s flirting on the Valentine’s Day red carpet with female producer failed, suspected to have an inside fling”.

MC: That’s way too exaggerated!

I laughed at his light-hearted banter and felt a warm finger against the corner of my lips.

Kiro: Your smile is beautiful. Be confident, you’re a gold star director. With me here, there won’t be a problem. You just have to show your brightest smile.

Usher: Mr. Kiro, Director MC, it’s your turn soon.

Kiro: Are you ready?

I exhaled and walked out of the shadows of the backstage with him in my arms.

The overwhelming flashes of light flashed one after another on both sides of us. It seemed like the brightest lights in the world had gathered here.

But at the moment, a secret joy that no one knew of suddenly arose in my heart.

Today was Valentine’s Day, and it was also my first time walking the red carpet with Kiro. 

Every shot would put us in the same frame. In this scene, he belonged only to me.

He faced the cameras with ease, his footsteps graceful and free, as if he was stepping on the stars with every step.

But the stars were vast, and he was the only focus.

I followed Kiro to the signature wall and was about to turn around when he just happened to lower his head.

Kiro: Excellent performance.

His warm lips traced against the shell of my ear, and his low whisper, accompanied by his warm breath, rushed into my ears, leaving a sultry and heart-throbbing sensation that no one else noticed.

By the time I wanted to trace back the disappearing temperature, the instigator had already smiled and waved to the camera.

Only the teasing at the corner of his lips that he hadn’t had time to withdraw revealed his devious little thoughts.

Reporter A: Director MC, congratulations on winning the Golden Star Awards this time. What was your inspiration for this work?

Reporter B: Kiro, I heard that you’re still filming a new movie. Can you tell me...

In addition to the Superstar Kiro, many reporters were also interested in me, a “director” who didn’t show her face very much.

Reporter C: I heard that the two of you had collaborated before. Walking the red carpet together on Valentine’s Day, is there any special meaning to it?

I was taken aback by the tricky question, but Kiro smiled with ease.

Kiro: I have always liked the works of producer MC, and it’s a great honor to participate in the award ceremony with her this time.

Kiro: Before stepping onto the red carpet, we were still discussing future cooperation.

Reporter B: Does this cooperation refer to the new work directed by MC?

Kiro: That is confidential.

Kiro: I can only say that she’s a creative and serious producer with many interesting stories, and you’ll find many new inspiring things when working with her.

He turned his face sideways, and in his clear and bright eyes, I alone was clearly reflected.

He pinched my finger lightly behind the shadow of the camera.

Kiro: [very, very softly] The muse of inspiration will always be my only choice.

-

After the red carpet event, the award ceremony was drawing to a close.

I was a little sad, since after this, Kiro would have to return to the set, and we wouldn’t be able to see each other until two months later.

Kiro: Do you have any work to do after this?

MC: Nope.

Kiro: Great, then let’s go~

Hearing that, my eyes lit up.

MC: Go where? Aren’t you going back to the set to film?

Kiro: That’s what I planned to do, but I need your help with something at work.

His expression was friendly but not intimate, and I wasn’t sure what he was thinking for a while. But this was a work matter. I needed to help without breaking the “agreement”. Thinking about it like this, I nodded with peace of mind.

Kiro: After that, your time is mine.

-

Unexpectedly, Kiro took me to his recording studio. There were still some audio track files on the screen of his console.

Kiro: In addition to starring as the male lead, I actually also acted as the film’s music producer.

Kiro: There’s a BGM that requires a female voice to hum, and I think you’re voice is very suitable.

Seeing his confident appearance, I hesitated.

MC: ...Isn’t it better to have a professional singer sing this?

Kiro: In order to match the plot, I want a more jerky and pure tone, so I think your voice is very suitable.

He adjusted the sound, put the headset on my head and played the demo to the score.

Kiro: Take it easy, let me teach you.

Kiro was indeed an extremely professional teacher, and the recording of the piece didn’t take long.

After he finished listening to the recording, he smiled and nodded at me.

Kiro: I still have a personal OST that I want your help with. Do you want to strike while the iron is hot?

[PART 4]

His scorching body temperature approached me from behind. his arms crossed my shoulders, and he adjusted to microphone in front of me.

This posture basically completely enclosed me in his arms.

MC: Isn’t this a little too close...

Kiro: Not close, this one needs a chorus. Ready? I’ll teach you the melody first.

I tried my best to concentrate, but my mind was distracted by the body temperature behind me.

He seemed to have noticed my half-heartedness, and whispered in my ear with some “dissatisfaction”. 

Kiro: [whispering very enticingly] Focus on work--

His ambiguous whispers brushed past my ears along with his warm breath, leaving behind palpitations that made one feel restless.

But before I looked back, he pulled away, just like that unintentional move on the red carpet.

Kiro: Your voice is breaking here. Did you forget the way I taught you to speak so quickly?

Every time I made a small mistake, I would receive a little “reminder” from him. Either he would gently tug at my earlobe, or guide our bodies to be “close-fitted”.

But every single time, it was like a dragonfly skimming the water’s surface, leaving at a touch. It made one feel agitated, but helpless to do anything about it.

Finally, when he leaned over again and tried to ‘add fuel to the fire’, I squeezed his hand.

MC: Kiro, are you playing these tricks on purpose?

He tilted his head and leaned closer until our noses brushed. A pair of innocent eyes gazed at me deeply.

Kiro: Wasn’t it MC who broke the agreement by “tricking” me first?

Kiro: Obviously you said that you would refuse to contact me, and that meeting me would not affect my state, but it turned out to be the opposite.

He sighed softly, his voice slightly hoarse.

Kiro: Shouldn’t you be responsible for me?

MC: I... didn’t really go back on my word...

I opened my mouth, but when I recalled the little tricks I played under the intoxication, I felt a little guilty.

Kiro: Didn’t go back? You kept staring at me at the reception hall, and then stuck to me after drinking too much. Even when I was giving a speech on stage...

MC: Wait, I didn’t do anything while you gave your speech.

Kiro: You’d occasionally wander off to check your phone while others were giving their speeches. But as soon as I came on stage, you kept watching... I was so nervous that I forgot half my sentences. 

I was stunned for a moment and blinked belatedly.

MC: Don’t you know that I’m looking at you because you’re always looking at me?

He didn’t answer. His eyes seemed to contain thousands of unspeakable emotions, gently grasping my heart. 

The longing that had accumulated for a long time, engulfed me once again.

MC: Sorry, although we had an agreement, but I... really miss you.

MC: Can I give you a hug to recharge? Just for a moment...

Before I could finish speaking, a firm hug filled my arms, as if I had been waiting for a long time.

He cherishingly and tenderly kissed my eyebrows, again and again, and we indulged in each other’s temperatures without reservation.

I don’t know long it took before I reluctantly patted his back, but he only hugged me even tighter.

MC: ...What are you going to do about tomorrow’s shoot?

Kiro: It doesn’t matter... In order not to mess up, I’ve found a few tricks.

MC: Tricks?

Kiro: The method you proposed this time was very helpful, and my mistakes reduced immediately. 

Kiro: Although Director Yan felt that I was qualified, when I was researching this role, I felt a little distance from him.

He relaxed his shoulders and rested his chin on my shoulder. A voice that was deeper than usual lingered in my ears.

Kiro: Even if I know what he’s thinking, or how he’s acting... I can be cold and heartless, but I can’t be him. I thought for a long time and finally found the reason why.

MC: What is it?

He turned his head slightly and rubbed my face lightly with his fingertips. His eyes were filled with tenderness and love. 

I couldn’t help but breathe lightly, for fear of breaking the warmth of this moment.

Kiro: Because I met a very important person. She kept me away from loneliness, let me know the heartbeats of missing someone, and let me find my own destination.

He took my hand and placed it gently on his chest. The hot and powerful heartbeat under my hand, passed though my palm and merged with my pulse.

Kiro: She gave me irreplaceable warmth, and made me no longer remember what it was like to be alone.

Kiro: I can only try to image what it would be like to completely remove “Kiro” from my body, so that I wouldn’t feel love at all.

Kiro: That way, I can become him.

His tone was casual, but I couldn’t even imagine how hard it would be to completely strip yourself away. I pictured him forcing himself in a room, tossing and turning to adjust his state in order to be perfect.

There was a soreness in my heart. I stretched out my hand to trace his eyebrows and eyes, seeing that he hid that obscure tiredness without leaving a trace, and gently held my hand to the corner of his lips.

Kiro: So don’t worry, I’ll do fine tomorrow.

His determined voice sounded like some kind of appeasement, but also like a cryptic request. I let go of all considerations and hugged him again, but at the same time, a question suddenly floated in my mind--

MC: In other words, even without our agreement, you had found your own way.

MC: Then why did you keep your distance from me during the award ceremony?

Kiro: Because I wanted to try and see if I could still find that state while you were in front of me--

Kiro: But from the moment you came into my field of vision, I knew it was a failure.

Kiro: My body kept telling me that this was the person I loved the most. It had this uncontrollable desire to get close to you and embrace you.

Kiro: ...I wanted to declare my sovereignty over you in front of everyone.

Kiro: MC, tell me, why am I like this?

His slightly raised eyebrows were seductive, as if he was luring his prey into his territory little by little.

It was a no-brainer answer, but for some reason, I wanted to hear him say it myself.

MC: [blushing] Why?

Kiro: Because Kiro loves you.

Kiro: Because I love you, I can’t hide my love for you.

In his deep gaze, there was a secret emotion, akin to a sea of stars.

Kiro: It’s hard to pretend I don’t love you, even when I can’t see you.

Kiro: I can only keep hinting that I’m only temporarily saying goodbye to “Kiro”, and soon, I’ll be able to see my MC again.

The warm lights outlined his soft contours. Our overlapping breaths slowly drew closer, and his low end voice was a tad bit alluring.

As he wished, I got a little closer.

MC: See her for what reason?

Kiro: To let her know, of course-- how much I miss her.

Being grabbed by my wrist and lightly pulled, I was caught off guard and fell forward, falling into his long-awaited embrace.

Once the “prey” was ensnared, he lightly chuckled, and a fleeting kiss fell on the side of my neck. His scorching breath made me tremble uncontrollably.

But he seemed to have found something interesting, and slowly licked downwards, until he reached my collarbone.

The subtle probing but not in-depth teasing made the fire in my heart grow more and more intense. I pried away the headphones that were in the way from around his neck, and kissed him deeply.

But the tip of his tongue lazily chased after me, goading me to go deeper.

His fingers caressed the skin around my waist, the numbness spreading to every corner of my body, making my heart tremble at the same time.

The fiery and passionate kiss, with sweet comfort, slowly tempted me to give him everything.

More delightful than the sweetest sugar, more intoxicating than the mellowest wine.

I was like a drowning person, desperately trying to draw strength and oxygen from him.

As if aware of my response and desire, he melted a deep smile between his lips and teeth, his fingertips dancing along my spine, little by little.

Turns out that we were both the same; irresistibly addicted to each other.

Unable to stop.

It was the simultaneous longing of the body and soul, the irresistible attraction, and the emotion that was several times more intense than simple liking.

Like the softest and most fragrant thorns, one could not escape it, but was willing to sink into it.

During our interlaced panting, I saw my blurred self in his eyes.

Kiro: [gasping] I love you, MC.

Kiro: I’ve been in love with you since a long, long time ago.

As he said that, he kissed me, letting me feel the entirety of his confession with the most direct actions.

I don’t know who touched the control panel, but a soft and ambiguous melody slowly flowed out, blending with our chaotic heartbeats and breathing, into a beautiful movement.

MC: I’ll love you forever too, Kiro.

[hikoorie]

Season 2 Chapter 45—48

[rkishibes]

victor is so precious to me cause he acts all serious and high and mighty but the minute MC asks something of him, he does it without hesitation, doesn't matter what (bonus points if it's something he finds ridiculous cause it's further prove that he is COMPLETELY WHIPPED for her and there's nothing he wouldn't do to make her happy)

[link4eva]

Kiro’s My Heart Jumps for Joy Mind’s Quest Translation [CN]

Hello, thank you for patience! The translation of this masterpiece of a date has arrived!! 😍

💛 A few things to note before you begin reading 💛

If you haven’t seen it yet, you can find the Exclusive Radio for this date here!

This translation was done with the help of Google Translate and @keliosyfan​!

I’m going to be including links to videos about certain moves and exercises that are described/mentioned in the date if you would like a little more detail. I’ve been classically trained in ballet ever since I was 5, so I’m going to leave little tidbits here and there throughout. My bun head self was so giddy while reading through 🤩 

I am going to give a slight TRIGGER WARNING in regards to the theme of weight loss in this date. The content of the date doesn’t really revolve around this topic, but it was mentioned enough times for me to feel that I should say something about it. Having been in the dance scene, I know it can be a sensitive topic.

So without further ado, enjoy!

*Spoilers for future content below!*

[First Part]

??: Dear passengers, welcome to Loveland Airlines flight LY0521 from Loveland City to Bern…

Accompanied by the gentle broadcast sound, I quickly finished the work email. After closing the file, I click to open the top chat box–

“Hey, I’ll take off right away~”

The moment the message is sent, a typing indicator pops up with a round-headed bear bouncing around.

Kiro: “Great! See you in seventeen hours and seven minutes!”

After the message arrived, another bear popped up and blew a pink heart kiss to me.

After we “blew kisses” back and forth several times with joy, I turned on airplane mode and looked at the blue sky outside the porthole. *CUUUUUTE*

In order to star in a literary film with a professional ballet dancer as the main character, Kiro decided to go to France for further studies despite the training he had when he was young.

Because this stay is for a month, we agreed to celebrate New Year’s in France so that he could study without apprehension.  

(Flashback to MC’s bedroom)

One week ago, Kiro unexpectedly sent a message adding additional plans–

Kiro: “MC, I’m going to Bern to find the teacher who taught me back then to take ballet lessons. See you in Bern!”

(Back to present)

MC: Phew… finally arrived.

After getting off the plane, I pulled the suitcase and walked quickly to the exit while rubbing my sore shoulders.

After walking through several passages, I finally saw the pick-up area. However–

The area was densely packed with golden heads occupying my field of vision. My ability to “spot the blond at a glance” is completely lost here. *I’m hoping this is what the text meant to say. GT made it sound really strange lol*

MC: Hmm…let’s use the power of technology.

Just as I was about to take out my phone, a brown colour appeared in the corner of my eye at a distance, shaking left and right midair in the crowd.

I looked closely and found that it was a little bear hand puppet!

It is wearing a beret and a plaid suit. It is obviously a gentleman’s outfit, but it is waving its bear paws excitedly, and its round head is also swinging back and forth in a rock-and-roll style.

After I waved to the Little Bear with a knowing smile, I quickened my pace.

At the same time, Little Bear also quickened his pace. *Changed some wording*

As I crossed the boundary line of the exit, I finally saw the person I had missed day and night for the past half month.

MC: Kiro! 

I let go of my luggage and threw myself into his arms. He tightened his arms, and a laughing voice rang in my ears.

Kiro: It seems that Kiro is also very lucky today. 

Kiro: It was supposed to take seventeen hours and seven minutes to see you, but only sixteen hours and fifty-three minutes have passed. *The fact that he counts down the minutes until he sees his beloved again 😭*

MC: Pfft, are you so easily satisfied? It’s just ten minutes early… 

Kiro: But for those of us who haven’t seen Miss Chips for half a month, we should cherish every moment we can earlier. 

MC: Us?

He raised the Little Bear with a smile, and it leaned down to me in a gentlemanly manner and kissed my cheek.

Kiro: Bear Ro-Ro misses you so much that he told me to kiss you when we meet~

Kiro: But I made an agreement with him a few weeks in advance. He can only kiss cheeks, and I–

In the next second, a softer touch lands on my upper lip and leaves a touch of sweetness.

Looking at the cunning he had in his eyes, I stand on my tiptoes and rubbed my nose with his.

MC: This big star Kiro really has a bunch of tricks up his sleeve. *Changed some wording. GT was giving something about 108 minds and I couldn’t tell you what it meant. I searched forever and couldn’t find anything 🥲*

MC: Even “stealing relatives” needs to find a high-sounding reason~ *This, too...*

Kiro: Don’t you like it? It’s not impossible to omit this step next time…

Just as I was about to smile and pinch his palm, my phone sounded with the company’s notification tone.

MC: …Give me one sec.

Kiro: Is it still busy during this time? 

MC: It’s okay~ In order to have a happy New Year with Superstar Kiro, I have already dealt with most of the stuff at work.

MC: Now we are waiting for an overseas company’s cooperation intention to reply.

Kiro: So that’s it…and there’s a lot of time for me? 

After pressing the send button, I took his arm with a smile.

MC: Well, almost 70% of the time is yours. The rest I can leave to work~

Kiro: Not bad, I’m accounted for more than half of your time.

He rolled his eyes, took my hand and walked towards the parking lot.

But after walking a few steps, I suddenly felt something was wrong and squeezed his palm.

Like realizing something, I took two quick steps forward, then turned around to face him, carefully observing him as I walked backwards.

Perhaps because of the sunlight, his jawline was more defined, and even his eye sockets became somewhat deep.

Although I knew that in order to meet the requirements of the role, he needed to be thinner. But now that I actually get to see him in person, he was much thinner than in the video call a few days ago.

MC: …

I feel a surge of tears beginning to rise, making my eyes feel a little hot.

Kiro has made such an effort for this role. I want to affirm him more than feel sorry for him.

I sniffled hard, pretending to be cold, and gave him a big smile.

MC: Kiro, you did it, congratulations! You have lost a lot of weight! Now it is very in line with what you showed me before the appearance of the protagonist was set. *Changed some wording*

Kiro: Really? Is it that obvious? 

MC: Of course! My Kiro now has a thin and lean beauty.

He opened his eyes slightly and smiled triumphantly.

Kiro: With your words, I seem to have the courage to insist on eating salad for a month again.

MC: You want to lose more weight?

Kiro: Well, after showing the teacher the premise of the character I’m playing, he thinks that the upper body needs to be thinner.

I froze for a moment and reacted belatedly.

MC: Are you talking about the ballet teacher you came here to take lessons with?

Kiro nodded.

MC: It seems that this mentor is really serious, otherwise he wouldn’t have made you willing to “toss” back and forth like this.

He seemed to be lost in thought, and after a while, he grinned wryly. 

Kiro: It’s better to say...that he’s a devil teacher rather than just a teacher. 

[Second Part]

After returning to Kiro’s temporary residence in Bern, it was already dark.

First, he studied the script for two hours according to the plan, and after half an hour of exercise…

We finally lay down on the sofa and chatted while resting, listening to the stories about him practising when he was young.

MC: What?! Even if you practice until late at night the day before, you have to get up at 5:30 in the morning the next day to practise again? *Can confirm this is 100% true. Had some practices until midnight sometimes and then had to go to school bright and early the next day. Rip 🥲*

Hearing this, I couldn’t help raising my head from his arms in surprise.

Kiro: Well, there are benefits to waking up early, too. You can take your time and have a hot breakfast. Otherwise, you can only just bite a piece of bread and run to class. 

Kiro: But what impressed me the most was that if we fell below his expectations even just a little bit, he would force us to stand on our heads.

Kiro: Ah— At that time, I was dizzy every day and often saw stars in front of my eyes in the room.

He paused and poked my nose triumphantly.

Kiro: But under such strict training, I was accidentally trained to be a pro “One, two, three wooden man”! *If you’ve heard of “Freeze Dance”, it’s pretty similar to what I believe he’s saying here (except that it’s not a punishment lol). The goal of the game is to only dance when the music is playing. When the music stops, everyone freezes. If you’re caught moving even just a little bit, you’re out. Whoever is the last one remaining wins. For an added challenge, there’ll be certain poses that the players have to freeze in such as a tree or flamingo.*

MC: Pfft… why is this such a game? Is it some kind of trick to avoid the devil teacher?

Kiro: Hmph, that’s right! As long as I am punished to stand on my head, I will try to “idle” while he is not looking at me~

Kiro: If I don’t, my head will be filled with blood and I will pass out, and I don’t want the ambulance to “wee woo, wee woo” me away. *He actually makes the siren sounds LOL*

MC: …

Listening to him joking about his previous experience, I felt a bit of a tug at my heart.

Even though I know this is typical for professional training, I still feel that this is a bit “wicked” for a ten-year-old child.

MC: Damn, I didn’t expect it to be so “devilish”!

Faced with my belated dissatisfaction, Kiro just smiled, his eyes reflecting the colours of flickering stars.

Then his fingertips wove between mine as if absorbing their warmth and began caressing them gently.

Kiro: I didn’t care about those things long ago, but now that I’m hearing Miss Chips’ cry of injustice…

Kiro: I am still very happy. 

I couldn’t help hugging him and leaning my head gently against his chest.

MC: …Then the reason why you came to him for mentoring is that this teacher has an irreplaceable strength?

Kiro hugged me tightly, closing the distance between us silently. 

Kiro: That’s right. But at the beginning, I didn’t have such an idea, but when I was training in France some time ago…

Kiro: I found that although the teacher in charge is very professional, he just encouraged me to get used to things slowly whenever I made a mistake. *Changed some wording*

Kiro: But…I don’t have much time to get used to it.

Kiro: I have to practice every movement to the extreme as soon as possible so that I can take on more difficult skills. 

MC: Have you communicated with him? Ask him to be stricter?

He paused, his eyes flickering with a complex expression.

Kiro: Well, he said that it was because I have missed the best age to practice professional ballet… 

Kiro: So even if one were to follow the requirements of professional dancers, it may not be enough.

He let go of me slightly, the deep sea in his eyes filled the night with more profound emotions secretly surging.

Kiro: But even though he said that, I still can’t accept it. 

The classical music flowing continuously from the record player in the room became extremely clear in the “pause” at this moment.

Kiro got off the sofa silently and walked towards the centre of the terrace alone–

Looking at his sudden actions, I seemed to know what he was going to do next, but I also didn’t. 

I can only watch him quietly.

After he slightly raised the corners of his lips to me, his body swayed gently to the melody.

*Bear with me as I give some terminology. GT isn’t the best at giving exact details for movements, so I had to get creative to make the steps make sense in word format 😅*

Soon, he seemed to enter the state. Kiro took a round step, jumped into the air and twirled lightly. *It looks like here he is doing a piqué turn en dehors and then going into a tour en l’air. You can watch it here (start at 1:30)*

The moonlight spread across the area, dyeing him bright and clean. His slender arms seem to touch the stars, stretching with supple grace.

Several times, he made difficult moves in the air that I couldn’t put a name to, just like an angel who strayed into the mortal world. *(Video) The text doesn’t say which moves but this link will give you an idea of what is being described here* 

He danced like this in the moonlight with the specs of dust, flowing in my unmoving eyes.

I don’t know how long it took before Kiro put down his lightly raised arms and turned to look at me.

Kiro: MC, this is the only episode that was approved by that teacher when I was ten years old. 

Kiro: Although I didn’t study with him for long, I still remember this part even now.

Kiro: …Every moment, height, and angle I never forgot.

Looking at the man who was still panting slightly, I couldn’t help sitting up from the sofa and staring at him sincerely.

MC: Kiro, although I don’t know much about ballet, I think the part you just performed was awesome.

MC: Just like the professional ballet dancers I see on TV.

Kiro: Really?

Kiro: But this is not enough.

Kiro: Because I want to play the protagonist who is dancing in the presence of thousands of people on stage. 

Kiro: For this reason, he has put in a lot of hard work. He has been practising day and night since he was five years old. In the past twenty years, he never slacked off a single day.

Kiro: And there’s this kind of distance between me and that person that I can’t catch up with.

Kiro: I can only keep practising, keep running forward, and walk through every road he has experienced.

Kiro: Only in this way can I empathize with him and interpret this role more realistically.

Kiro said this softly, his eyes slowly falling back on me.

Kiro: Therefore, his skills must not be treated “according to” Kiro’s own conditions.

Kiro: It is to be worthy of the stage of ten thousand people. 

Kiro: I have to be worthy of this pride.

Kiro spoke firmly against the night as if nothing could shake him.

At the same time, a gust of evening wind blows, and the raised hem of his clothes outlines his emaciated body.

The already distinct collarbone is getting deeper now, and even his shoulder blades are clearly protruding.

The emotion called “distress” turned into a thin rope at this time and it slowly twisted, making my breathing more rapid.

I silently walked behind Kiro and hugged him proudly but gently.

MC: Kiro, if you work hard, you will definitely make it through.

MC: And I will always be with you. 

He turned around with a smile and rubbed my head.

Kiro: Then I will prepare you in advance. *Changed some wording*

Kiro: I may practice without sleep or food, and may even have some small abrasions on my body…

Kiro: You can’t stop me then. 

Hearing his coquettish tone, I couldn’t help smiling and leaning into his arms.

MC: Of course, I know that. After all, you are Kiro who pursues perfection.

MC: Besides, I’m by your side now.

MC: If you feel tired and out of breath because you are too involved in doing something…

MC: I will hold you firmly like driftwood in the water so that you can find support as soon as you reach out. Reach out and I’ll be there.

MC: Let me help you find your breath.

MC: So you can rest assured do your best. 

[Memory Silhouette]

It was late at night and light snow fell outside the window.

Kiro sat in a corner of the terrace, quietly watching the world being gradually dyed into a pure white.

He originally thought that the chat tonight was just a shallow recollection of childhood trivialities.

But the sleepless heart lying on the bed seemed to prove that his emotions were not as relaxed as he had thought.

Although he has long forgotten how painful it is to stretch his legs to the right degree. *Changed some wording*

He could still vaguely see a picture in his mind with transparent ink stains dripping on the smooth floor.

It’s just that no one can tell whether it’s tears or sweat. *From experience, probably both 🥲*

Kiro exhaled lightly, stood up on his tiptoes and jumped again following the fluttering white snow.

But even so, he still likes it all.

Whether it is music or dance, they can make one’s heart calm.

And even more so when he was a child.

Apart from KEY’s home, he likes to spend time alone in the practice room.

You can temporarily isolate yourself, and then devote your full being to the melody of each stanza. *Changed some wording*

It’s where no one can bother him, it belongs to him alone–

A secret base.

Thinking of this, Kiro couldn’t help raising the corners of his lips. 

He hummed softly, and in the ever-changing dance steps, he caught flakes of white snow with his palm.

It wasn’t until a cloud slowly blows away that the obscured stars finally appear.

Kiro looked at the sky and couldn’t help but speak softly.

Kiro: Miss Chips, the stars are out. 

After a brief silence, Kiro looked back at the girl who was already asleep and walked quietly to her side.

The girl fell asleep peacefully, the laptop was still on the quilt, and the screen was covered with program budgets.

Kiro: Trying to work with jet lag must be hard, right? 

Kiro picked up the laptop while talking, and after pressing the save button, he closed the screen and put it aside.

Just when he was about to get into bed, he seemed to have thought of something, and suddenly stayed in place. 

Kiro: …

In the next second, Kiro began to rub his somewhat cold hands to warm them up and then on the clothes and trousers that were penetrated with cold air.

It wasn’t until his body became warm that he lifted the quilt and lay down slowly.

But before he could find the most suitable sleeping position, the girl suddenly rolled over and hugged him.

Kiro: Are you a koala? You found the right place in one go. 

Even though he said this, he still gently took the girl into his arms.

Just as he closed his eyes contentedly, he suddenly opened his eyes as if he had forgotten the most important thing.

Kiro smiled, leaned over and kissed the girl’s soft lips. *This is a reference to his first Exclusive Memory in his Mini House where they agreed to share a kiss in the morning when they wake up and before they go to bed 💛*

Kiro: Good night, my Miss Chips. 

[Third Part]

The morning sun gleamed leisurely on my eyelids. I opened my eyes and found that the other half of the bed was empty, only covered with residual warmth.

Thinking that Kiro had already woken up, I also took out the laptop beside the bed and started working.

There is a seven-hour time difference between Loveland City and here, so I can only start work in the early hours of the morning and at midnight.

In order to finalize the cooperation intention with the overseas “TN” company earlier, I have been organizing online meetings with Anna and optimized the planning proposal and budget table many times.

It’s just that the other party hasn’t expressed its intention and my heart is beginning to sink.

After another reminder to keep the staff on track, I got off the computer and walked out of the bedroom in my nightgown.

(Cut to courtyard)

The morning sun shines in through the leaves in the courtyard, casting a peaceful moment.

I walked lazily until I noticed the empty yogurt bowl on the island in front of me and a banana peel in the trash can.

This scene reminded me of the thin frame dancing in the moonlight.

I pursed my lips, stepped forward and opened the refrigerator–

At a glance, there are only fruits and vegetables and unsweetened yogurt on the side door panel.

MC: He’s been eating these every day…there’s not even meat.

I continued to rummage and finally found a steak in the small and exquisite freezer with a sticky note on the sealed bag–

Kiro: “I’ll eat you on Thursday!”

Kiro: “What’s Kiro, who’s had meat for only two days, going to do? Can’t stand it T_T *Changed some wording*

Just seeing the words on the sticky note, his tone of grievance and bitterness filled in my mind.

Feeling sad, I picked up a pen and wrote a cute little sentence–

“I promise that when you accomplish the weight loss, we will find an authentic hot pot restaurant in Switzerland, so come on!”

After closing the refrigerator, I sighed and walked toward the living room. My gaze continued to search for Kiro’s figure.

As if responding to me, after turning a corner, I heard soft piano music playing slowly.

I followed the sound and saw a figure standing against the light. 

Kiro stepped on the green grass with bare feet and stretched his slender arms toward the blue sky as if he was stroking something.

His fingertips touch the tree trunk, one arm stretched over the other as his leg extended up in the air.

The close-fitting clothes trace out lean lines and the light is like a paintbrush, leaving traces of lustre. *Once again, GT wasn’t very clear, but it sounds like he is doing an adage which is slower-paced to focus on lines and extensions of the body. The video here will give you an idea.* 

Under the shadowy backlight, that unreal figure seemed to make me really see the dream-chasing boy in the script.

The sky and the earth are his audience, the grass, trees and sunshine are his feathers, and the sound of rustling leaves in the wind is the uninterrupted applause.

And like a noble prince standing under the sunlight, the immediate everything is calmly captured in his eyes.

I never made a sound, unwilling to destroy the eternal moment in this “picture frame”. It wasn’t until the sound of the piano subsided that he finally stopped and sat on the soft bed next to him. *It’s interesting that “picture frame” is mentioned because this is one of the techniques used in dance. You can use it for any sort of dance but adage is one where it’s super important to remember. Basically, imagine that as you are dancing, there is a photographer who is taking pictures of you throughout. As these pictures are being taken, you want the photographer to capture each and every position you go through to get to the next. While you want each position to be clear in the picture, you also have to remember to have your body flow rather than have it be rigid.*

I don’t know what he is thinking as he waits for his panting breaths to calm down. Only then did he reach out and lace his fingers into his hair gently, lifting it out of the way. 

My gaze was following his movements, and when I found that the zipper was reaching his waist, I opened my mouth in a strange way.

MC: Do you need help? 

Hearing my voice, Kiro paused slightly. He stood still for a moment and then looked sideways at me.

The moment our eyes met, the deep blue sea begins to secretly surge.

It’s as if it’s going to drag me into the tide.

Kiro: Well, help me undo it.

His voice was slightly hoarse. I walked over and slowly undid the zipper.

With the movement, the tulle of the shirt slid to the sides, revealing the thin neck and slightly protruding spine.

Perhaps the sunlight was a bit dazzling which made me involuntarily put my fingertips on his.

It is a different touch from the past because it is not so smooth. It is also a little cold.

I pursed my lips and continued to pull down the zipper. Looking at the gradually revealing spine, I finally couldn’t help blurting out my silent emotions.

MC: Kiro, I’ve made up my mind, I want to accompany you. Let’s start with a salad.

MC: I know it will be very hard for one person, so let’s work together to resist the temptation of delicious food. Just consider it a challenge!

MC: But you have to promise me that when the shooting is over, you will eat all the meat that is hidden away.

MC: If Savin disagrees, I will help you to intercede.

MC: Otherwise…you might as well take on some characters that need to gain muscle so that you can eat delicious foods freely–

Without waiting for these words to pour out, he suddenly turned around, put his hands on my lower back and kissed me.

The sudden kiss made me feel overwhelmed, but the instigator just kept silent as he breathed with me.

Slowly, his cold body embraced me and we sank onto the soft couch together, as if immersed in a clear spring in winter.

I opened my eyes slightly and found that the eyes of the person close at hand were still shut, his eyelashes trembled slightly with his breathing.

But soon, he seemed to notice my gaze and opened his eyes.

Kiro: … 

Now that his eyes were no longer closed, he looked at me quietly, his fingertips wandering around my lower back.

His fingertips were “cascading”, slowly running over my back and continuously rolling upwards until finally sinking deep into my hair.

The fingertips that kept rubbing made me shiver slightly.

Kiro: MC…

MC: Hm?

I murmured indulgently, but not even a moment after my breath was released, he seized me again.

At the same time, the nightgown was easily untied.

His kiss slowly moved downstream, leaving a ticklish feeling everywhere he went.

Although my body trembled slightly, I couldn’t help but want to do something… I raised my chin and caught his eyes which were as muddled as mine.

MC: Kiro…

MC: Hold me closer.

Kiro: Mm. 

Even though I said this, I was the first to wrap my arms around him, making sure to leave no extra gaps.

In this way, we roamed each other’s bodies in this clear spring surging with tides, letting the temperature slowly boil.

Until the sun rises and completely covers the spring–

Only fine layers of sweat were left in the silence between each other which seemed to confirm something.

He finally let me go, but his warm fingertips were still caressing my collarbone.

Kiro: You know what? Before you came, I thought this morning was going to be a repeat of the previous few days. 

I lay in his arms, a little confused by the sudden conversation, but he just raised the corners of his lips and continued talking.

Kiro: After repeating the exercises over and over again, my brain began to empty, and I imagined myself coming to the seaside. My feet were no longer touching green grass, but rather soft sand.

Kiro: It seems that you can float in the clouds with just a light jump.

Kiro: At that time, I was thinking, what could be better than now? 

He stopped slowly, looking down at me.

Kiro: Then you stopped me.

Kiro: At that moment, all the bubbles of my fantasy disappeared little by little until there was no sea or beach.

Kiro: I came back to reality and saw my favourite scene.

At this moment, looking at those blue eyes that only reflected me, my heart began to softly surge.

MC: Is that what’s best for you?

Kiro: Well, there is no other scenery like yours. 

I buried myself in his chest with a smile. We tacitly enjoyed the tranquillity at this moment and felt each other’s breath.

Growl…

Until some sudden sound came from my stomach.

Before I could explain myself, Kiro poked my stomach with a smile. 

Kiro: It seems like Miss Chips’ stomach has started to eat itself. 

MC: I…

He smiled brighter and lowered his head to rub the tip of my nose.

Kiro: But it’s mainly my fault that I didn’t prepare breakfast for you in advance.

After he finished speaking, he got up and walked towards the kitchen. Halfway through, he suddenly thought of something and turned to look at me.

Kiro: By the way, come to class with me after eating. I already let the teacher know in advance~ 

[Fourth Part]

In the afternoon, I ended up in a sunny classroom and met the rumoured “Devil Teacher”.

He is warming up at the barre. Although his hair is white, his face is thin and his eyes are as sharp as an eagle’s.

From the slender limbs and elegant posture, it is not difficult to see that even in his sixties, he still has the ultimate pursuit of art.

Kiro: Bonjour, professeur. 

Kiro looked at me, wrapped an arm around my waist and continued speaking in French so that I couldn’t understand–

It wasn’t until I caught my name that I realized he was introducing me to the teacher.

I hurriedly nodded to the teacher and wondered whether I should also greet him in French, but my tongue was tied when I opened my mouth.

MC: [In English] …Hi, nice to meet you.

Teacher: Bonjour.

The teacher nodded calmly, and with a wave of his forearm, gave way to the position of the barre as if signalling the start of class.

Kiro: I’m ready to start, so you have to keep looking at me. 

He leaned over slyly and looked at me, tilted his head and pecked my cheek lightly.

MC: Kiro…the teacher is still there. 

Kiro: Don’t worry, he’s a “devil”, but he’s also a romantic French man.

As he spoke, he took out the dance shoes in his bag and changed into them. After taking off his jacket, he revealed the clothes he wore for practising from not long ago.

Watching him walk quickly to the barre to start warming up, I also went to the corner and sat down quickly.

The piano accompaniment sounded quickly and the classroom is gradually filled with dancing and Bu Bu’s main theme.

Teacher: Non, non, non…!! (No, no, no…!!)

Although I don’t understand French, from the teacher’s passionate tone sounding again and again, I also noticed that the atmosphere is tense and strict.

In just ten minutes, Kiro’s clothes were soaked with sweat, his cheeks were flushed, and he gasped for breath.

But he never stopped. He took a step back onto his left leg with his arms held to the side and bent his knees–

After a burst of momentum, he began to rotate round and round.

Sweat drops were scattered onto the ground following the inertia, and the only sound left in the whole classroom was the sound of the rotation… *(Video) From the sounds of it, Kiro’s doing pirouettes or fouette’s, but I’m leaning towards pirouettes.*

The corrections sounded continuously along with “Non”. *Changed some wording*

Suddenly, the picture in front of me gradually overlapped with a thin golden figure following the story I heard last night.

I thought that when he was a child, in the face of such a “vicious spirit”, he would be trembling.

But looking at it now, that doesn’t seem to be the case.

Even if the nay-saying voice is louder, he held his jaw up high and proceeds to jump up in the air, one smooth movement after the other. *(Video) Possibly grand allegro?*

His face stays determined throughout as if nothing could defeat him.

Looking at him like this, the little golden portrait I built in my mind was stroked with “pride”.

Involuntarily, I took out my phone and silently recorded the picturesque scene.

After an unknown amount of time, the light was dyed red-gold by time and afterglow slipped in.

I straightened my body slightly, and the moment the devil teacher stepped out of the classroom, I quickly walked in front of Kiro.

At this time, he was sitting on the floor stretching his muscles. I squatted down, handed over the water bottle and kissed him lightly.

MC: Kiro, thank you for your hard work~

Kiro: It wasn’t hard, I’m just a little tired– 

He pouted coquettishly, opened his arms, and lay back on the floor.

MC: The floor is so cold, you’ll catch a cold like this!

Kiro: Then you should come and warm me up. 

Kiro smiled and tugged me lightly so that I fell into his lap and open arms.

As if he wanted to rest for a while, he closed his eyes, his fingertips caressed my shoulder restlessly.

Kiro: Miss Chips, how did I do in class?

MC: Do I really need to say? You did very, very well, of course.

Kiro: Hmm…could this be the encouragement of love?

MC: Wrong. To be precise, it is the encouragement and affirmation of love~

MC: If you don’t believe me, take a look at the dance you just did. It was just like a dynamic oil painting~

As I said that, I took out my cell phone and played the video I just recorded for him.

Kiro: Sigh…It seems that the jump is not high enough and the feeling of staying in the air isn’t either. 

Kiro: And when controlling the legs, the insteps are not very straight, and it seems that the muscles are subconsciously relaxed.

According to his comments, I carefully observed every frame of the screen for a second and finally poked him with my elbow helplessly.

MC: …Are you sure you’re not nitpicking? *If there’s one thing that most dancers hate, it’s watching themselves dance in a video. It’s like “Omg, not the sickled foot! 😫” “ What is that leg doing?!” LOL*

MC: Or maybe it’s because I’m an outsider, so I can’t see things the same way you do.

Kiro: Maybe both? 

Kiro: After all, in the eyes of the professional, you can see at a glance whether the movements are in place.

Kiro: So I still have a long, long way to go before reaching that level.

Kiro: It just so happens that there is no class tomorrow, so why not spend the whole day in the practice room, trying to improve the instep situation…

Even though he said that, his tone was not the slightest bit discouraged. On the contrary, there is still a bit of eagerness to try.

I couldn’t help but prop my head sideways, stretch out my thumb and poke his cheek like a stamp.

MC: Kiro, you are really amazing.

He also imitated me and turned his head sideways and touched the tip of my nose.

Kiro: Huh? Did you just find out that I’m amazing today? 

MC: …Seriously?? I’m praising you!

Seeing me pretending to be serious, he smiled and narrowed his eyes like the corners of his mouth. The little bear dipped in honey obediently waits for “praise”.

MC: Because I saw you in class today, I realized that this process seems to be more difficult than I imagined.

MC: It is simply a double tempering of the mind and body…but you seem to be enjoying it, so that’s what makes it amazing.

Kiro: Hearing you say that, I don’t seem to be bad~ 

I smiled and winked as I handed the microphone to his mouth.

MC: In this case, I want to interview Superstar Kiro. What tips can you pass on to me in this regard?

MC: I also want to have fun on the journey of training~

He rolled his eyes and laid down again with his head on top of his arms.

Kiro: It seems that there is no trick, I just often see things that make me stick to it when I practice. *Such a dancer thing to say haha*

I looked around the classroom, tilting my head in confusion.

MC: But isn’t there just a barre and a mirror here?

Kiro: Not quite, maybe it’s because our perspectives are different?

Kiro: For example, in your eyes, what you see is that I keep dancing and practising.

Kiro: But in my eyes, besides the barre and the mirror, I also see many different things. 

MC: What is that?

Kiro: …I’m trying to figure out how to describe it to you.

In the end, his eyes lit up. When he came close to me, his sweet breath stopped at the tip of my nose.

Kiro: Let’s see, how about you practice with me tomorrow?

Kiro: So that you can see what I see. 

[Memory Silhouette]

In the evening after Kiro and I got back from class, we began eating a salad.

Kiro: Miss Chips, are you sure you don’t want to add any salad dressing? 

Kiro: You know you don’t have to follow so closely.

I nodded with firm eyes, put a vegetable in my mouth and chewed.

MC: No need, I said I want to be with you.

MC: And eating a healthy salad is good for me, too. It’ll help to remove the buildup of the greasy food I ate before~

MC: If I’m really gluttonous, I’ll use the “self-deception method”--

As I said this, I picked up a piece of tofu, closed my eyes and put it in my mouth.

MC: This is meat, this is meat. Just chew this tender and fragrant meat.

Kiro: I’ll try it, too.

Kiro: What I’m eating now is tender beef and eggs. 

I couldn’t help but secretly open my eyes halfway and smile after Kiro had followed my example and closed his eyes to eat.

MC: So? Does it work?

He opened his eyes and shrugged his shoulders with a helpless smile.

Kiro: No, it’s just plain white tofu. 

Kiro: Ah– I can’t wait until tomorrow to eat that steak.

Hearing this, I suddenly thought of something and opened my mouth while picking up some beans.

MC: By the way, you said that there is no class tomorrow in the afternoon and you can only practice by yourself.

MC: So when is your next class?

He rolled his eyes and bit into a vegetable.

Kiro: Next Monday.

I froze for a moment and couldn’t help being a little surprised.

MC: Is there always such a long time between classes?

Kiro: Well, he has so many students to teach, so the queue is very full.

MC: Ah..that sounds so hard having to teach classes all day long.

Kiro: He doesn’t find it hard. Since he retired from the stage, he has been teaching students who also want to be on the stage. Kiro: In this way, day after day, twenty or thirty years have passed.

MC: Amazing… *I’ve had a couple of professors who were in their seventies. One of them even performed occasionally, too.*

Before I could finish speaking, Kiro took out a tissue, wiped the corner of my mouth lightly, and continued to eat with a fork.

Kiro: Mm, but being able to maintain his fierce character for thirty years is something that is special about him…

MC: You never really talked about his gentle side before. Is it the encouragement method? *Changed some wording*

Kiro thought for a while, smiled and shook his head.

Kiro: He himself said that he can gently praise and encourage just like other teachers.

Kiro: But to do so would smooth out the edges of genius.

Kiro: If ultimate perfection is desired, then indulgent compliments should be an afterthought. 

MC: …Hold on.

I bit the fork lightly, pretending to look at Kiro seriously.

MC: Could it be that your perfectionism was nurtured by this teacher?

Kiro: That’s not true, it just happens to be the same idea.

MC: Really…you already had such an awareness when you were ten years old?

MC: At that time, I would only cry and complete all the holiday homework the day before school started…

Kiro put down the fork, smiled and rubbed my head. 

Kiro: Of course, at the time I didn’t know what the term perfectionism meant.

Kiro: I just simply wanted to be the best, to be first.

Looking at his smiling eyes, I couldn’t help pinching his nose.

MC: A very ambitious ghost– *I don’t know what this was meant to be*

Kiro: As you said, being a workaholic is not bad~ 

He pinches my nose in return and then puts the two empty salad bowls in the sink and starts cleaning.

I blinked and ran to help him clean up the table.

MC: After washing, I’ll help you with the lines, alright?

His soapy hand paused slightly, and after a while, he quickly pecked the side of my face.

MC: Pfft…Are you that happy to practice lines with me?

Kiro: Of course, with your sweet self by my side, I’m jumping with joy. *Changed some wording*

Kiro: So how can I be unhappy when I am soaked in a honeypot~ 

[Fifth Part]

On the second day, wisps of morning light were hidden behind the classroom door. I pushed it lightly and the sun enveloped my whole body at once, making me feel marvellous and causing my eyes to narrow.

MC: Sure enough, a beautiful day starts by being greeted by the sun.

Kiro: That’s right, today’s practice will definitely be “distinction”. *Changed the word at the end because one of the highest levels of marks you can get in a ballet exam is called “distinction” (at least in RAD)* 

Thinking about what Kiro said yesterday, I smiled and wrapped my arms around the nape of his neck.

MC: But before starting, let me say this in advance!

MC: If I look stiff and have two left feet, you must not laugh at me. *Changed some wording*

He looked at me who was close at hand, leaned in and pecked the side of my lips.

Kiro: Okay, but before that, go and change your clothes, alright? 

MC: …Clothes?

I followed his gaze and looked back to find a brand new dance skirt on the stool in the classroom.

Kiro: You should know that in addition to office supplies and daily necessities in your suitcase, there are only Spring Festival-themed clothes to be worn here.

Kiro: I don’t have any close-fitting sportswear, so I had to ask someone to buy some overnight.

I walked over curiously and picked up the dance skirt. It was like a cicada’s wings, the thin lace looked gorgeous and comfortable.

MC: Why is this different from the practice clothes in my memory, it looks like a performance costume–

Kiro slightly shrugged his shoulders, cunning in his eyes.

Kiro: Maybe that’s because it was bought for the “princess” I talked to on the phone? ….She’s both cute and fascinating. 

MC: ……You really didn’t say that, did you? 

He smiled and took off his coat and the practice clothes he had changed into were inexplicably matched with the skirt in my hand.

Kiro: Miss Chips is so silly. Actually, I ordered this skirt online myself overnight.

Kiro: It’s just that my eyes are too picky, so I finally chose the one that I think is best.

Kiro: Of course, the prerequisite for choosing is that it has to match my clothes.

After changing clothes and walking into the classroom, Kiro’s gaze fell on me and he laughed.

Kiro: It’s so beautiful. Now it’s time to invite my Princess Chips to warm up with me~ 

As he spoke, he led me to the barre and I imitated his movements and put my leg on the barre.

In an instant, I felt my muscles being stretched.

Kiro: Does it hurt?

Kiro walked behind me and lightly stroked my lower thigh with his fingertips which made me tremble uncontrollably.

MC: …No, but it’s a bit ticklish. 

Kiro: Then just try to bear it? Your body is left vulnerable to injury if it’s not properly warmed up. 

Seeing me nodding my head, he also suppressed his smile a little and helped me warm up earnestly.

His cold fingertips moved from my thighs to my waist and then my butterfly bone. After a while, sweat beads began to appear.

His fingertips are no longer cold, almost as if they were absorbing my increasing body temperature.

It wasn’t until the sunlight shifted after a few minutes that I exhaustedly leaned on his shoulder.

MC: Why…is warming up so tiring. I feel that it’s even more energy-consuming than Pilates. *Between the two, Pilates rocked me omg. My body wouldn’t stop shaking after 😖. But ballet warm-ups can be hella intense, too. I had one teacher that used to say that if you’re not pouring sweat after the first exercise, you’re doing something wrong 😅*

Kiro: You can’t stop now, this is just the beginning. 

Without waiting for me to make a bitter face, he rubbed my cheek.

Kiro: Or do you not want to feel it?

MC: Of course I do, what should I do next?

At this time, there was a vibrating sound which seemed to be coming from my cell phone on the bench.

I glanced at Kiro, walked over suspiciously and picked it up to find it was Anna calling.

Anna: MC, TN, which had been wanting to talk about cooperation before has finally agreed.

Anna: But the profit they proposed is far worse than our expectation. We don’t even have the authority to plan the programs we cooperate with…It feels like the company has exhausted all its options.

MC: Is there room for negotiation?

Anna: Probably not. After all, TN is an experienced overseas media company, and many domestic media companies want to cooperate with them even after paying money.

My heart sank. Facing this “favourite” in the eyes of the media, I was speechless, so I had to end the call first.

Kiro: What’s the matter? Your expression doesn’t look good. 

I don’t know when but Kiro came to my side and rubbed between my brows.

I took a deep breath and briefly explained the incident.

MC: I thought it was good news, but I didn’t expect it to be a sum of money that would almost erase our profits besides increasing popularity.

As I said that, I buried myself in his chest with some distress.

MC: But in the long run, this is a very important step in the strategy of “occupying” overseas markets.

MC: So is it better to agree to cooperate?

Kiro: So you’re conflicted about which option to go with?

MC: After all, it is a matter of choice. No matter which option we go with, I won’t feel very reconciled…

Kiro gently stroked my hair, his eyes filled with light.

Kiro: I don’t think there’s anything to be worried about. 

He said this and took me to the barre and put my hands on top of it.

Kiro: MC, in order to achieve our goals, we have to accept that no trade-offs can be made.

Kiro: But it’s not a once-and-for-all decision. Sometimes it’s only an illusion that confuses you.

Kiro: Let you mistakenly think that giving up important things will give you better returns in the future.

MC: Kiro…

Gazing into my perplexed eyes, he just moved closer to me, breathing lightly by my ears.

Kiro: I still remember the teacher telling me in my first ballet class–

Kiro raised my chin with his fingertips, making my breathing stop.

Kiro: Never bow your head so easily. 

His eyes are clear and bright in the sun, but also a little fierier.

Kiro: Everyone has their own pride.

Kiro: So we need to continue to maintain it to keep it fulfilled.

No matter how slow I was, I realized that Kiro seemed to care about what he was referring to.

Kiro: And, if you want to let your every move be relaxed and controlled.

Kiro: Then you yourself must first have strength.

In the next second, his fingers moved between my legs. Within seconds, tremors spread all over my body.

Kiro: Squeeze your legs.

Kiro: The strength runs through from the feet to the head, so this way you can stand more firmly and not be easily shaken. 

A low but undeniable voice sounded in my ears. I took a light breath and tried to squeeze my legs together according to his words.

I gradually felt his fingertips being squeezed and restrained by my legs, but I still let his fingertips climb up calmly.

Kiro: Your inner strength is not enough, I can still do whatever I want. *Just want to add that this is something that dance teachers stress to their students. Having inner thigh strength is one the most important things to maintaining good balance, along with core strength.*

As if to prove his words, he pulled out his hand and easily picked up my leg with one finger and slowly tightened his palm.

The sudden move made me want to look in the mirror ahead. 

He seemed to sense what I was going to do and gently held my jaw. *The position that MC is in is called arabesque*

MC: Kiro…?

Seeing that I was a little surprised, those quiet eyes finally turned into a small smile.

Then he leaned closer and rubbed my shoulder.

Kiro: Miss Chips, remember what I said yesterday?

Kiro: About what exactly I saw in my vision.

MC: Mm…

He smiled lightly and looked into the distance.

Kiro: I’m not actually watching myself in the mirror doing one movement one after another.

Kiro: Nor am I looking at every person and thing in this classroom.

He paused and slowly retracted his palm that was tightly holding my waist.

Kiro: I will look to the end of the distance. *YASSSS!! This is another thing that is taught in dance. You don’t want to just aim your focus at the audience or at an object, you want to project it outside the venue and beyond.*

Kiro: Sometimes there is the sea, the green grass, and the place where I shuttle between cities.

Kiro: They are all my stages.

Kiro: And when I perform on my stage, how can I feel bitter?

Kiro: I just feel satisfied, and I just want to stay on this stage just a little longer.

Looking at the vast sea in his eyes, my heart also ripples like the waves.

It surges endlessly, pushing me to the bright place again and again.

Kiro: Now, do you still feel stuck on which decision to make? 

I looked and him and shook my head slightly.

MC: It seems that I no longer am. I know what I should do now.

Seeing that I had an answer, Kiro laughed.

In the next second, he held my waist with both hands like in a classic ballet pas de deux and lifted me into the air.

Kiro: MC, I have one more thing to ask you.

He said this while supporting me to turn and face the window.

Kiro: Can you tell me what the scenery is in your eyes right now?

Following his voice, I looked at everything in my field of vision and my heart began to surge softly.

MC: I…

MC: I see the grass, the sky, and the distance…

MC: I see many beautiful sceneries.

Even though it is an all-too-common scene in front of me, I dare not blink at this moment.

I don’t want to spoil a single bit of it.

Kiro: You said before that if I feel tired, out of breath or frustrated…

Kiro: You’ll be the driftwood that’ll always hold me up. 

Kiro: So that I can do whatever I want to the best of my ability.

Kiro: And I’ll be yours. 

Kiro lowered me slowly while talking and we were attached to each other without any gaps.

His eyes were shining brightly as if this fine light is enough to light up my whole being.

I couldn’t help but hold his cheeks and smile brightly.

MC: Kiro, you have always been doing something like this for me.

MC: I know you will always be by my side, encouraging and supporting me. So no matter what happens, I won’t be timid.

MC: You have always been my strength. *CRYING RN*

Kiro shook his head lightly with a gorgeous smile on his face.

Kiro: Just this is not enough.

Kiro: I want even more of you. 

After speaking, he gently held my head and kissed me tenderly.

His breath is so soft, but it seems to be able to invade my whole world, leaving only the surging sea.

I just lay in the blue ocean, letting it move my body with the tides.

In his arms, I also slowly closed my eyes, feeling his temperature, feeling being surrounded by light–

Because my heart has already crafted the brightest and most beautiful scenery.

[End]

[imeverycliche]

The MLQC game play is so silly goofy to me.

[yuezhong]

Since mlqc is quickly becoming another one of my obsessions, might as well do a best boy ranking for the fun of it.

1. Victor & Gavin

2. Kiro

3. Lucien

[r3almellow]

I had major writers block these past few months(like omg it was so bad) but the latest MLQC karmas might actually bring me back!!! DID Y'ALL SEE THEM?! That Gavin one has me feeling like...

[o0dorkk0o]

Kiwo~! 💛

Wucien~! 💜

Gabin~! 💙

Victor.