#me? going dressed as the golden mv? it’s more likely than you think

[abba-enthusiast]

Listen up, fashionistas, I have a mission for you! Help me choose the shoes for my harry styles outfit 🫶

These are the options:

Ignore the fucking rosary (rose scented, with a picture of pope francis btw)

God willing they arrive in time, I’d be wearing black heart shaped sunglasses, so take that into consideration too?

So:

[toruro]

— ✧ red (k)nights

pairing. xu minghao x reader

description. minghao is your knight in shining armor. literally.

tags. smut (18+), so much fluff, royal au, princess!reader, knight!minghao, secret relationship (kind of?!), minghao’s finger pieces from the super mv …

outfit inspo. minhgao's armor is as shown in the pics, his robes are similar to the light brown ones worn in their inkigayo performance, & reader's robes are of similar design to their 2nd outfits in the super mv!

fic playlist.

w/c. 6.7k

a/n. i'm usually not into royal aus or any au in general that isn't modern, but i had so much fun writing this and i think my mind has changed ... so i hope u enjoy! comments/reblogs are always appreciated c:

“You’re upset,” Eunji notes, walking into your room as sunlight peeks through your silk blinds.

Grumbling, you slowly push yourself off the mattress and lean against the headboard as you rub your eyes. The soft browns and golds of your room are starting to sink into your vision as you adjust to the light, murmuring, “You didn’t knock.”

Eunji sighs, patting her hands down on her apron after setting down your black robe. “Your father doesn’t have any rules about walking in without knocking. And besides, you always lock the door if it’s necessary—if it isn’t locked, I assume it’s alright for me to walk in.”

“What about my rules?” you huff, finally slipping out of bed so Eunji can help you slip into your daytime robes.

“I don’t suppose you’re the king?” she responds as you groggily make your way up to her, your nightgown wrinkling at the ends.

“Eunji,” you whine, throwing yourself onto one of your plush lounge chairs in front of her. “I’m too tired,” you grumble when she points at the robe, again, signaling you to put it on.

“You’re upset,” she corrects, lifting the clothes and unwinding them for you as you begrudgingly stand up and slip off the dress, leaving you only in your undergarments.

“He’s still gone,” you whisper quietly, lifting your arms so Eunji can slip in the sleeves from behind you, moving in front to help tie up the flat, golden drawstrings on the front into bows.

“Away. He is away, not gone,” Eunji says with a pat on your shoulders, adjusting the edges and collar of your velvet robe.

“What’s the difference?” you mutter once she’s done.

“The difference is he will be back,” she explains simply, taking a step back to admire her work. “Now, let’s get you down for breakfast? I wouldn’t want to be caught making you late for your meal by gossiping about your—” she pauses. Eunji is among three of maybe your only friends in the entire kingdom, yet she still bites her tongue, still holds back. You used to resent her for it, but now you understand it’s only natural—after all, it is her job to take care of you, and being careful is just what she has to do. But right now, Eunji is your friend, not your maid, and what she follows with only confirms that fact—“your boy.”

Your lips break into a bright grin at the mere name—your boy. You should feel childish—Minghao is so much more than a boy. He’s a gentleman, he’s strong, he’s confident—he is so much. But after all of that, after his sword is yielded, after all his armor is stripped, Minghao is yours—your boy.

“Will you let me do your hair?” Eunji interrupts your thoughts, holding up a few hair ribbons from your large vanity across the room. You grimace, shaking your head.

“I feel like I might go bald every time you do,” you tell her. Eunji gives you a stern look and you let your shoulders sag. “Fine, but please be gentle. I’m already under so much stress, I can’t have any more pressure on my head.”

“Stress?”

You shrug, a small smirk poking at your cheeks. “Oh you know. Just my boy.”

Eunji escorts you down to the dining hall after raking all your hair into some tight updo. Wincing as you pick at the ribbons, she scurries off when you sit down to order the chefs to present you breakfast.

“Good morning, Princess,” a familiar voice greets, Mingyu placing down a steel plate littered with an array of fruits. “What would you like this morning?”

You watch Eunji who re-enters as you formulate your response. “I’m not really hungry right now, if I’m being honest…” you sigh.

“Don’t let her get away with that!” Eunji calls out from the other end of the room, and you cross your hands over your chest as she walks over. Mingyu gives you a concerned look, and Eunji continues. “She’s saving her appetite for when she plans to sneak out in the evening!” she says in a half whisper, half yell sort of voice.

Mingyu’s eyes widen when he looks down on you. “You actually snuck out that time? I thought you were just bluffing so you wouldn’t have to have breakfast with your cousins!”

“It was both,” you grumble as you roll your eyes. “I’m sorry, but they’re insufferable—the both of them! And then…” your voice trails off, “Mingyu you know your food is great and I love it but there’s this fruit stall down in the civil grounds and—”

“You snuck out for fruit?” Mingyu gasps, stepping back. Pointing at the platter in front of you, he says, “I should have you know these are harvested from the finest farm in the kingdom.” You stick your tongue out at him, glancing at Eunji who is giving you a funny look. Mingyu catches on, and his eyes narrow. “Are you keeping a secret from me? Oh my god—you know I hate being left out of things.”

“You have a big mouth,” Eunji murmurs and you laugh along in agreement.

Mingyu frowns, swiping the platter away from you as you reach for a grape. “Hey! This is no way to treat a princess,” you pout.

“Tell me what’s going on then?” he pleads, and you glance at Eunji who seems to take it upon herself to spill the beans for you. Leaning in, she motions for Mingyu to come closer so you can all lower your voices.

“She went to see her boy,” she whispers.

Once again, you can’t help but let the grin break out onto your face. Your boy.

Fuck, you really miss him.

Him, being the man who followed you many nights ago as you tried to sneak out of the castle grounds. It’d been a boring few weeks and you overheard Eunji gushing to one of the other maids about a festival that took place in the civil grounds.

You’d heard of it before, and even showed up to the festival occasionally over the years, but it was only ever for a sparring moment—to sit and look pretty, wave hellos and goodbyes before you were being dragged back to the castle.

So when you heard that Eunji was planning on using one of her few, sacred days off, you just had to know what was so exciting about it—your temptation exceeded your ability to follow the rules.

Slipping into some old brown robes you used to wear for your dance training, you wrapped a shawl over your head and over the bottom half of your face in hopes to conceal as much of your identity as possible.

You couldn’t believe you were doing this. Or, well, maybe you could. You’d fantasized about this moment for ages, never really having the drive to go through with it though. That is, not until now. Still, you’d played this chain of events too many times for anything to go wrong. You had thought about every possible chance of something going wrong, and right now you were certain that you had planned against it.

Foolproof. Your plan just had to be foolproof.

So when you snuck off that night, when the deep oranges of the sunset turned to red and soon to black, there wasn’t a doubt in your mind that things would go perfectly fine. That you’d be able to run through the gardens, through the militia grounds, and into the civil grounds, slip in and out of the festival, and back into your bed before anyone could even realize that the princess wasn’t in her bed.

Silly you for not accounting for him.

Him, being the man who was out in the militia courtyards, donned in his training robes as he read a book under the dim light of a flickering, yellow lantern. Him, being the man you thought wouldn’t recognize your figure as you scurried through the pathway and towards the exit to the civil grounds.

You were foolish, and Minghao was perceptive.

You hardly were in the crowd at the festival for more than half an hour before a strong hand tugged at your wrist. Considering yelling for help, you opened your mouth to scream, but not before a large, warm hand clasped over your mouth, trapping in any noises you made. He was gentle with the way he pulled you to a quiet place behind the wall, and even under the dim, crimson glow from the festival, you’re able to make out his face when he finally releases you.

His face was no stranger to your eyes, as his duties as a performance knight had him on and off palace grounds consistently. Xu Minghao. You remembered the name, and watching the scarlet hues fall on his skin, you were reminded of just why his face has not left your mind—why you recall him, and not any other knights.

The redness casted a sharp shadow over him, sharp jawline seeming further whetted under this new glow. Minghao’s dark and shiny hair hung perfectly to shield his gorgeous eyes from the bright lights from around you, and you find yourself growing mesmerized by the way he gazes down at you so … passionately.

Finally breaking the silence that stuffed the space between you, he spoke, “What are you doing here, Princess?” Unexpected of the concern that laces his tone, you were taken aback, mouth falling slightly agape as you wondered why he chose not to scold or reprimand you.

“I wanted to see the festival,” you finally managed to whisper, tearing your eyes away from the handsome man in front of you to look behind at the celebrations taking place all around you. Minghao studied your face for a few pensive moments before sighing and nodding.

He surprised you again with his next, quiet words, “I can show you.”

Looking up at him with bright eyes, you beamed.

Sneaking out to your “fruit stall” doesn’t work, not when Eunji is on your tail. You huff and puff when she sits you down in your room that night, but then she’s whispering into your ear about how his team will be arriving the next morning.

That night, your stomach churns with the anticipation of seeing him, touching him, holding him. It’s been too long, and all you’ve been left with for the past weeks is the ghost of his touch against yours, imagining it’s Minghao when you hug your pillow every night.

You don't get an ounce of sleep, of course, but when you wake up after dozing off to the bright, morning sky, you feel nothing but excitement bubble up in your stomach. You ask Eunji to dress you in your robe of finest silk, and she grins, feigning ignorance as to the reason behind your request.

“This would look nice, don’t you think?” you murmur, holding up a silver dangling hair pin.

Eunji walks over, inspecting the little accessory you’ve picked out. “I don’t understand why you’re putting so much thought into this…he’s seen you in much less,” she mutters and you gasp loudly, nudging her shoulder.

“Y-you said you would never bring that up!” you stutter out, placing the pin back down. The that in question being the time you had snuck Minghao into your room one night and forgot to lock your door. That morning, Eunji was met with the side of a bare chested knight and the princess rolling around together under the sheets, the first person to be introduced to your little secret.

Eunji only hums, looking over your array of jewelry. “The gold would look nicer,” she tells you, ignoring your previous exclamation. She lifts a nearly identical hair pin, except this one is coated in gold, matching the shimmering designs on your robes.

You smile and nod, turning around in response so she can put the pin in your updo. As you continue to go about your morning, there’s an extra jump to your step when you make your way to the militia office. Inside is your father’s head officer, Seungcheol, sitting at his desk as he goes through the papers.

“The demo team comes back today, right Officer?” you ask curiously, stepping in.

Cheol looks up at you, eyebrows quirked. “They came back this morning, yes,” he replies, standing up as he organizes some of the papers in a neat stack. “Excited?”

“No, why would I be?” you say, letting your shoulders deflate a little to hide your very real and very true excitement. Seungcheol gives you a cheeky smile as he adjusts his coat.

“You’re not great at lying.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” you reply, crossing your arms over your chest nonchalantly as Seungcheol walks out of the room, letting you follow behind.

“Really? Your father is picking up on it too. Tell me to tell him how the demo team is doing. Asks me to let him know if there’s anyone that seems … suspicious.”

You scoff, letting your hands fall to your side, “Well he hasn’t said anything to me about it … yet at least.” You sigh, figuring that if Seungcheol already has an idea of what’s going on, there’s no point in feigning ignorance. “Was I being too obvious when I asked for a whole unit to be moved from the battle team to the demo team?”

Seungcheol laughs. “Yes. Your father is definitely—”

“Suspecting?”

“No, that’s not the right word. I think he seems more open to the idea than you might think. I was just going to say he has a feeling you and one of the demo team’s members are … are involved.”

You hum in response, skipping besides Seungcheol as you make your way to the militia courtyard. “That’s good to hear.”

“I guess. Whether your father approves so far or not, tell your boy—” Your heart flutters when Seungcheol says it like that. “—whichever one he is, to keep in line. I’m sure you wouldn’t want me to report any bad news back to the King.”

You roll your eyes but don’t respond, walking outside into the field of grass where some soldiers are lined up in neat rows in front of a black, raised platform where you and Seungcheol are supposed to stand. As you near the group of soldiers, your stomach ties up in a tight knot when you catch sight of the familiar face.

Walking timidly up to the platform next to Seungcheol, you place your hands in front of you, playing with your fingers as you struggle to break your eyes away from Minghao. He isn’t looking at you right now—he isn’t allowed to you.

With his helmet drawn by his side, sword sheathed at his back, crimson armor with gold intricacies glistening under the sun, it’s all too much for you—Minghao in his armor is a force of beauty, and one to be reckoned with.

And he’s standing so straight, so tall, his well built figure being accentuated by the sharp curves of the metal that plates his skin and you start to lose track of Seungcheol’s words. It isn’t until he nudges you in your side when you jump up and out of your reverie, only to see him looking down at you with concerned eyes.

“Princess,” he says loudly, and then much quieter, “Are you alright?”

“I—yes, sorry. It’s just the sun, it’s in my face and I lost track of things for a moment,” you lie, looking back at the knights standing in uniform in front of you.

“Do you want to head back inside? You don’t really have to be—”

“I’ll stay,” you say quickly. “What was it I needed to do?”

“Some last words for them. It’s been a long few weeks, so just say something and formally release them for this week.”

Right. That’s why you’re here. Clearing your throat, you straighten your back, causing the men to all turn their attention to you. Finally, both you and Minghao think. Finally he can look at you.

And fuck, you look so beautiful with your hair pinned back and loose ribbons strewn in, your black and gold royal robes hanging effortlessly off your body with the little bows decorating your waist. Gentle fingers clasped in front of you and Minghao can almost feel your gentle touch on him when you speak.

“Thank you for your excellent performances over the past weeks,” you begin to speak, your eyes doing their best to not linger on Minghao too long. “Your efforts are greatly appreciated, and to express my gratitude, you are relieved of your duties from now until the end of this weekend. Report to your duties the following morning as you would on any regular schedule. Thank you again.” You close with a bow, stepping back and motioning your hand out front as to signal.

“You are dismissed,” Seungcheol calls out loudly, and you see the way the soldier’s immediately drop their shoulders, their gazes averting to each others’ as they break out into loose conversation. Well, all but one. Minghao’s eyes are locked in on yours and you’re finding it impossibly hard to look away.

Looking up at Seungcheol, “Can I go now?”

“Of course. Thank you for showing up. Do you need one of us to escort you back to the castle grounds or—”

You shake your head quickly, eyes flickering to Minghao who is making conversation with one of his platoon members casually. “N-no, that won’t be necessary.”

“Are you sure? You aren’t looking too well. I think it’d be safest if you had one of them help you.”

“I—” you pause, “Okay, I’ll take him,” you say before Seungcheol can make his own decision, pointing at Minghao. Hearing your raised voice, he turns to see your finger in his direction, both you and Seungcheol looking straight at him. Seungcheol looks at you as Minghao walks over, but eventually shrugs.

“Minghao, take the princess to castle grounds,” Seungcheol instructs, throwing you a knowing look. He nods without a word, bowing to you and then his leader as the captain walks away to talk to some other soldiers, leaving just the two of you.

The air is thicker now—it’s filled with all the words you want to say, all the things you want to do, all the thoughts you’ve been thinking and fuck—you really missed him. You need to remind yourself that you’re still out in the open, still in the militia courtyard, still not alone, and you don’t even allow Minghao to do the formal, custom bow and greeting before you turn on your heel and rush away.

Your strides are long but his are longer and he keeps up with your discerningly fast pace, following you out of the courtyard, through the rows of decorated barracks, and off the militia grounds without a word. It’s only when you’re both alone in the small pathway that connects the militia grounds to the castle that you finally allow your pace to rest.

Minghao is the first to speak after glancing around to ensure that the coast is clear, “You seem to have forgotten that you’re the only one who isn’t lugging around 40 pounds worth of armor.” His voice comes out in soft pants, and it’s slightly gruff, but then he’s dropping his helmet to the ground and grabbing your face so he can smash your face into his.

His lips are chapped, moving roughly against yours hungrily, his tongue licking into your mouth as you struggle to place your hands—his armor isn’t the best for clinging onto—so you settle for placing them on his neck. Minghao’s own hands are cradling the back of your head, angling you better as his tongue delves deeper, exploring every inch of your mouth with a passion that threatens to consume you. He tastes of salt and sweat, your own lips sweet with the scent of royal gardens, and it all has you dizzy.

When Minghao breaks the kiss, you feel at a loss as you grapple for him, his skin, his touch against you. “Y-you need to get this off,” you say hastily, knocking on the steel armor that dons his body. You let your fingers trace down the hard material, finally letting them fall down to grasp one of the few exposed parts of his body left—his hands.

“Eager already?” his eyes flicker up at you and it seems to light a flame beneath you. You squeeze his fingers lightly, looking around you to make sure no one has stepped into this pathway yet.

“Whatever.” You pause. “I missed you,” you add quietly, as Minghao leans forward and adjusts the collar of your robes for you, the small gesture making your heart tender. His gaze softens, and he uses one hand to gently stroke your cheek.

“I missed you too. It was so long—I thought I was going crazy,” he confesses, and the admission has your lips pulling into a smile.

“Do you want to go to the gardens?” you ask excitedly, holding his hand up to your chest as you clutch it tightly. “The enclosed one? I’ll ask Eunji to make sure it stays private for the rest of the morning and—” Minghao’s lips pursed into a tight line causes disappointment to well up inside your belly. “What? You don’t want to?”

“No—no, of course I want to, it’s just…” his voice trails off and you look up at him dejectedly. “I need to go to the barracks. I know we have the week off but I still have things to do.”

“Oh,” you murmur, stepping back a little. Minghao frowns, squeezing your cheek lightly with the calloused pads of his fingers.

“You know I want to. I just need to unpack and get this—” he looks down at himself and clanks the metal armor, “—get this shit off and take care of some stuff with Jun.” You nod understandingly, but he notices the ways your eyes droop down just a little. Pressing a soft kiss to your forehead, he continues. “I’ll make it up to you tonight.”

Your eyes sparkle at the suggestion. “Tonight?” Minghao nods with a smile, his hand still resting by your cheek, gently stroking your jawline. “The gardens? My room? Where?”

“I actually have a different place in mind. It’s in the civil grounds. It’ll be better if you can come before sunset…” As he speaks, his fingers trail down your neck, running over your collarbone right where the two ends of your robe meet just above your chest. His touch lingers for a few moments, burning trails of fire into your skin as you struggle to keep your heartbeat steady.

“The civil grounds? We’ve never gone there before,” you murmur, voice dripping with curiosity. “At least not since … well you know.” Since the night we met.

“Trust me?” The way he looks down at you with pure adoration makes you feel like he can hear your heartbeat from your chest, shaking the earth under you.

“Before sunset, right here,” you promise.

You can’t quite hide your enthusiasm from Eunji but you also can’t quite care. Nearly jumping off the walls from excitement, it feels like an eternity before the hour strikes seven and you’re whispering to her to cover for you as you slip off the castle grounds and to the little pathway that leads to the militia grounds.

And there he is, your boy, clad in no longer his armor but brown robes which hug his built figure. There is no sword drawn in his back nor is there a helmet clinging by his side, and you grin when you approach him with a smile, wrapping your arms around his torso.

Patting your back gently, Mingao places a soft kiss on your forehead, giving you a warning look as your eyes ask for more. “Not now … not here,” he clarifies, running his hand over your head once, admiring the updo it’s in as he slots his other hand into yours. “Don’t you want to see where I’m taking you?”

You grip his hand tighter and nod as he pulls out a brown fabric from the crevice in his robe. “What’s this for?” you ask as he drapes it over your head gingerly, finally tying the loose ends under your chin.

“Just so you don’t get noticed. We are going to the civil grounds, after all,” Mingaho explains, patting your cheek lightly once he’s done and pulling you to follow after him as he leads the way. You’re both quiet as he leads you carefully through the paths of the militia grounds, finally sneaking you out through a side gate.

Minghao quietly pulls you through the winding streets of the civil grounds where the atmosphere is bustling, with vibrant colors, loud voices, and an endless amount of people flooding the pathways. It’s new, of course, but with the sun hanging low above you, Minghao’s warm hand encased around yours, and the promise of a good night in your mind, you feel oddly comforted.

You’re led through the crowds, Minghao holding you close to his side until he stops at the base of one, tall building, leading you through an alleyway and to the back where there’s a narrow staircase leading to the roof. With a hand on your back, he guides you up the stairs, still keeping close as he follows carefully behind you.

“This is Jun’s family’s old shop,” he explains as the distant sounds of laughter and music grow fainter. “They’ve moved buildings now, but me and Jun come here sometimes with friends because this one is really tall and … and well you’ll see,” he murmurs as you finally reach the top.

He pulls you closer, wrapping his arms around your waist as you both walk onto the rooftop which is lined with a fence style barrier. The ground is covered in old rugs and there are some sacks and boxes strewn around. Walking over to the edge with Minghao, you gasp softly at the sight around you. The civil ground sprawls beneath you, and as you look up, you can see the castle against the blooming oranges and reds of the sky—it’s beautiful.

“This is … wow … this is really pretty, Hao,” you say, and his hold on you tightens for a second before letting go so he can turn around. He walks over to one of the boxes, rummaging through its contents before pulling out a few linen sheets and a lantern, setting it down on the rugs.

“Come, sit,” he instructs as he lays out the sheets, placing the light on top. You follow, smoothing your robes before sitting next to him and leaning into his shoulder so he can wrap an arm around you. Looking up, you watch the sky turn into a hue of orange so deep and vibrant that it’s nearly red.

“You really can’t get a view like this from the castle,” you say with a sigh as Minghao uses one hand to light up the lantern.

He hums in response, pressing a kiss to the temple of your head. “Yeah, I know. I’ve been meaning to bring you here for a while.” You turn to look up at him with a big grin, finally pressing a soft kiss to his lips. It’s short and sweet, and although you really are aching for more, you suppose you’ll settle for this right now. After all, you do have all night.

“This is beautiful,” Minghao tells you when you pull away, fingers brushing over the golden hairpin you stuck into your updo early in the morning.

“Eunji picked it out for me…”

He smiles at you gently, hands disappearing into the folds of his robe. “I love it. I actually wanted to show you something,” he says, pulling out a small object clasped in his hands.

Opening it up in front of you, on his palm sits a shiny, finger shaped accessory, gleaming with a hue that perfectly matches your hairpin. It vaguely resembles the figure of Minghao’s own fingers, and you run your fingers over the cool metal, tracing over the delicate patterns carved in.

“What’s this?”

“A prize. The kingdom was holding a competition for the different demonstration units, and as the leader of the unit that won, I was made this,” he explains, rubbing his own fingers over the accessory. Wordlessly, he slips it onto his middle finger and holds it up in front of you to see it more closely. As your vision zones in on the golden piece, you notice a shift in Minghao's eyes—a darkening intensity.

“Hao,” you whisper quietly, and then he’s bringing the decorated finger up to your face and pressing the cool metal against your lips. Gasping, you lean forward instinctively, your mouth wrapping around the piece instinctively. His hand in your mouth, you can smell him, although the taste of iron against your tongue is unfamiliar. New, but not unpleasant.

“You have no idea,” Minghao begins to say, pressing his fingers down on your tongue firmly, “how long I’ve been thinking about this.” You can’t respond, not with the way your mouth is stuffed, but you honestly don’t need to. The way your tongue swirls over his digits and teeths at the accessory is enough to tell Minghao that you’ve been aching for this just as long as he has. “Do you want to…try something?” he asks tentatively, slipping his slick fingers out carefully.

You don’t need to think about your answer, not with Minghao. You’d trust him no matter what, follow him anywhere, let him do anything to you. Your fingers toy with the ribbons of your robes as you nod eagerly, and he helps you untie them from your side. The cloth hangs loose from your shoulders now, the gap at your chest spreading now and leaving you bare.

The golden piece is still on his fingers, and as he trails his hands down the curve of your tits, pressing against your stomach and dipping in between your legs, Minghao watches your face contort into pleasure. The cool metal pressing against your warm cunt has your soft breaths turning into harsh pants as you grab his firm bicep, legs spreading instinctively.

Quickly, you glance around you, but Minghao quells your worries when he presses his lips against your neck and murmurs, “Don’t worry angel, we’re too high up for anyone to see.” His fingers are gliding between your folds as he sucks against your neck, and you know he wants to be sweet with you, wants to take his time, wants to be the patient gentleman he is, but it’s been far too long.

“Minghao,” you moan when his thumb brushes against your clit. “Wanna feel you,” your murmur, nudging his face in the crook of your neck with your own. He chuckles into your skin, licking a hot stripe over your skin before nodding. It hardly takes him a second before he’s circling your slick hole and pressing in.

The hard accessory is a new feeling—this isn’t the same as the familiar pads of Minghao’s long fingers rubbing against your plush walls, but you can’t say you don’t like it. Whining into his mouth as he kisses you, your hands roam Minghao’s body, tugging at the ropes of his robe around his torso.

As you aimlessly try to shuffle his robe off of him, Minghao starts to plunge his fingers in and out. Shrugging his robe off his shoulders, you’re finally able to press your palms against his hard chest, breaking away from the kiss so you can admire him. “You like it?” he asks amusedly as your mouth hangs wide open when he presses his fingers in extra deep with one thrust. Your head lolls back heavily, the finger piece adding an extra layer of thickness that you aren’t used to.

“Feels s’good,” you say softly, the moans getting caught in your throat when he speeds up his movements. “Love your fingers …” You take a deep breath before continuing. “Love y—you!” you whimper unexpectedly when you feel your orgasm creep up on you unexpectedly quickly.

“Are you gonna cum, princess?” Something about the way Minghao calls you princess is different from others. Maybe it’s the way he isn’t calling you that because you are the princess, but because you are his princess. His sweet girl, falling apart at the palm of his hand as he rubs your sensitive nub and continues to finger fuck you until you moan his name. His name falls from your lips like honey, sweet and thick as he kisses you passionately and doesn’t stop working you through your orgasm until you’re squirming in his hold and pawing at his pants.

Slipping out his fingers, Minghao holds the shiny accessory up, and it seems to shimmer even more now, coated in your wetness and reflecting the pretty red tint of the sky. Gently pulling the piece off his finger, he sets it to the side. “How was it?”

You smile hazily, still recovering from your much awaited orgasm. “I loved it … felt different but I loved it,” you tell him honestly, shuffling over on his lap as your robe falls completely off your body, leaving you in nothing but panties. Minghao’s breath hitches at the sight, and you grin as your fingers make their way to the firm waistband of his brown pants.

He’s quick to catch on, enveloping your lips in a kiss as he pulls his pants and boxers off in one go, hard cock springing free and hitting your thigh lightly. You feel the warm precum leak against your skin as you shift closer, your stomach pressing against his now that you’re both completely bare and more desperate than ever.

Minghao's arms wrap around your torso, one hand going down to line his thick tip up with your folds, letting himself get coated in your wetness. "You ready, angel?" he asks when your mouths break apart from each other, his pretty lips red and swollen. Your eyebrows pinch together when you feel his cock prodding at your entrance and you nod vigorously. “Words, princess, use your words.”

“Yes, Hao, ‘m ready,” you moan when you feel him press against you, letting your head fall to his shoulder. “So ready, so, so ready,” you continue, not being able to control yourself when you press your own hips down. Minghao gasps at the feeling of you sinking on him, warm walls hugging his cock and fuck, he realizes how much he missed you.

Realizes just how much his fist falls short of your perfect pussy—long nights of being without you so he to resort to jerking himself off to the thought of you but none of that compared to the feeling of you whining his name on top of him, hands clutching at his arms as you try to adjust to his size.

You’re also having your own moment of epiphany now too—realization that your fingers were not enough, and will never be enough. At least, not after you’ve felt Hao’s cock inside of you—one thrust in and he’s already hitting all the right spots and having you writhe on top of him.

“Fuck, you feel so good,” Minghao groans when your ass settles fully on his lap, his cock pressed into you, balls deep, as your fingers lace into his hair and grab at his soft locks.

“Oh—oh m-my god, Hao,” you whimper when he shifts inside of you. The pain that once came from his size is now morphing into a white, hot pleasure that ripples through your spine as you lift your hips up halfway before letting them fall back down. “So—s’big,” you gasp out when his fat tip nudges against your cervix.

Minghao feels his cock twitch inside of you at your words, using his hands to guide your body so you can move and bounce on top of him with less effort. Your cunt is so tight around him and his eyes press shut tightly when he hears you call out his name. “Doin’ so good for me princess,” he praises when you roll your hips against his.

Both of your movements aren’t fast nor extravagant but it’s the way he’s so close to you, skin melting into one other as you share your breath and exchange moans. Bodies moving in sync as you drink in the velvety moans, your nose nuzzles into his when your thighs start to cramp up. “Hao …” you call out as his cock punches the air out of your lungs. “…’m tired,” you mewl, your hips stuttering into his.

His hand cradles your neck as you both still, murmuring, “I got you angel.” Swiftly, Minghao flips you over so your back is pressed against the sheets and he’s on top of you, arms on either side of your head to hold himself up. One hand comes up to hold your cheek as he starts to move again, taking control of the thrusts now.

Stroking your cheekbone with his thumb, he ruts his hips into yours, cock and pussy jamming together in a sloppy mess as you feel that knot in your tummy start to tie up again. “Missed you s’much,” you confess as heat flourishes through your body.

“Missed you too angel,” Minghao returns almost immediately, letting the snap of his hips become more sharp and forceful, your body jerking back and forth with each movement. Your eyes flicker between Hao’s pretty face, coated in a sheen layer of sweat, and the night sky that begins to loom into a dark purple, revealing the stars. “Gonna have to fuck you every single night now that I’m back,” he grunts when you squeeze around him extra tight, letting himself drop down onto his elbows.

You shudder at the idea of having Hao’s cock inside of you every night, and you aren’t sure if your pussy can handle the pleasure. “I’ll—fuck—” you gasp between the words, “—I’ll sneak you in e-every night.”

“Yeah? Eunji’s not gonna get mad when she sees your door locked every morning?” he chuckles, bringing a hand down to rub at your clit.

“Don’t care,” you mutter, biting down on your lip as your feel the knot being pulled and tugged inside you. “Fuck—Hao, ‘m so close, so, so close … Are you close?” you ask dazedly, lips puffy and eyes wide as you look up at him. And looks so sexy with the way his brown eyes watch you intently, his muscles flexing with every movement and Adam's apple bobbing up and down as he tries to hold off his own orgasm.

“Yeah, ‘m close angel, your pussy so good,” he slurs as he meets your lips for a tongue tying kiss. And slowly and carefully, you both start to unwind, your orgasm hitting you first from the overstimulation of your first that never quite ebbed away, Minghao’s following suit as you let out whimpers moans of his name into his mouth, cock twitching before filling you to the brim with his thick ropes of cum.

Your ears ring of white noise for the next few moments as thrash against Minghao, your bodies melting into one until he finally breaks away from your lips, leaving you both as a tangled mess of limbs. You’re breathing heavily into each other and you can’t quite comprehend what’s going on until he whispers your name into your ear, eyes shooting back to life.

“I love you,” he murmurs, kissing your earlobe before lifting his head so he can look at you intently.

“I love you,” you say, without a second of hesitation. He’s still inside of you, and now you’re hyper-aware of the growing mess that sits between your legs. Minghao kisses your nose as you look down when he finally slips out of you, a small noise of complaint leaving your lips. Inhaling deeply, you sit up. “You’re going to live up to that promise, you know,” you say shyly when he looks at you, sitting up as well to grab his robe. “You know … every single night.”

Minghao grins. “Of course I will.”

“Can I hold you to that?” you ask slyly, intertwining your fingers with his.

Minghao rolls his eyes, palm pressing against yours. “Guess we’ll just have to try ‘n’ find out.”

[moonlightndaydreams]

I feel we're going too easy on our boys. Jealousy is hot and all, and having physical contact with the opposite sex can be a lot for them but

I just watched Lady Marmalade mv (i rewatch it around five times per week religiously because it's golden) and it made me think, is those previous things already drive them mad...how they would react seeing her doing a cover that's very close to the original? I'm talking about everything: The vibes, the lingerie, the story that tells

You get me

18+ Minsung x Original Female Character // oral sex // orgasms // unprotected sex // threesome m/m/f

Minsung Rouge

The performance at the exclusive establishment was one of Melanie’s favourites to dance at. Boudoir meets Cabaret meets Masquerade party. That’s the vibe.

It wasn’t seedy in any way. It was refined. It was tasteful, and it let Melanie perform in a way that felt, sexy, empowering and seductive. It allowed her to let her creativity run wild and she could improvise and change her routine depending on what the audience needed.

The show only allowed up to ten guests (the audience) per night, and the rule was the audience members had to wear masks like you would a masquerade ball.

And… a lot of attendees were make kpop idols. It was a place where they could enjoy this kind of performance without risk.

The night would normally run as follows:

- Before show drinks and nibblies, with pre-show dances.

- The main stage performance where all the dances performed.

- A break where light refreshments and more snacks were provided.

- The individual shows, that were private or semi private. These took place in various sets such as a bedroom, dressing room, a mini stage and a bar lounge.

The rules were no touching (the performers or themselves), and no full nudity.

Of course there wasn’t much left up the imagination though because they performed in lingerie.

Tonight Melanie was taking the bedroom / boudoir themed performance. Her audience was two young idols.

She took the pair into her boudoir where there was a lavish four poster bed, a gorgeous plush rug on the floor, French style painting were hung on the walls, and 2 velvet tub style armchairs positioned some distance from the foot of the bed.

Melanie gives her audience her best, most enthusiastic, most sexy performance for the two men before her, whilst they say perfectly still. Every now and then the taller one would bring his hand to his mouth like he was deep in thought. The shorter, would fidget in his seat whenever she did anything “extra” sexy.

After she’s finished her performance, she looks at the two men with some sort of seductress “fairy ending” pose. It is the perfect finishing touch.

One of the men wordlessly gets up (Minho) and walks over to the ensure the door is locked. This is absolutely against the rules, but she knew who the two men were all along. Why do you think she put in such extra effort? she wanted to ignite whatever it was that seemed to happening to them lately.

She recognised the men’s bodies. She could see their hair. Their mannerisms were obvious (although far less reserved than usual). Fuck they were even wearing clothes she’d seen before! And their mouths! She couldn’t mistake Jisung’s sneer, or Minho’s mouth when it hangs open in awe.

Maybe they weren’t trying to hide their identities? Maybe they were only wearing the mask because it was the rules of the venue?

The tension is thick. She feels both vulnerable and powerful. The silence is communicating one glaringly obvious thing - they were finished playing games with her. They were going to make their move. Finally.

Minho moved from the door to the music player, setting it to some sultry French music. Jisung sat with his arms hanging over the chair arms and she could see his eyes boring into her from behind the mask.

As the music filled the room, her body relaxed slightly and she (finally)exhaled. This feeling, the awkwardness, the tension, she’d felt it before when the men wanted to learn a trio dance. Fuck that ended awkwardly.

But she’d noticed that since then they’d stand a little closer to her, or they’d brush past her unnecessarily. They’d sometimes come at her from both sides and press against her. It’d wake her pussy up and she’d have to abruptly excuse herself.

But now Minho is sitting on the bed at her side. Jisung drags the tub armchair close to the bed making her have to bend her knees and lift her feet up out of the way. He sits back on the chair taking her gently by the ankles and placing them on the seat on either side of Jisung’s legs.

Minho takes her chin gently in his hand, turning her head so she’s facing him. She looks down to his lips. They are parted as though he’s in awe with her. His hand lands on her stocking clad thigh and he growls as grips it harder. He suddenly looks hungry as he leans forward and takes her in a kiss.

For second her mind is going crazy with many thoughts at once. “What is happening?”, “this can’t be happening”, “This shouldn’t be happening”, “ Oh fuck… it’s happening”, “It feels good”, “I want more”.

Minho slowly lowers her down to the bed without breaking the kiss. At the same time she feels Jisung’s hands sliding up her thighs.

Melanie was a confident and strong woman, but right now these men made her melt. This feeling was new. It was confusing. It was concerning that they could make her swoon like this. Especially when only minutes before she was the one in control.

“Tell me kitten,” Minho says. He’s still in his mask. “Do you give other idols performances like this?” His thumb brushes her lip. Jisung’s hands are exploring her inner thighs.

Minho kisses her neck, his breath hot. “Do you dance that for Chan? Or Hyunjin?”

Melanie let’s out a whimper. “I dance like that for everyone.” She states.

Minho’s hands are all over her now. Jisung’s fingers have reached her lace underwear. His finger strokes her clit through the lace. She’s wet. He’d have to feel it.

“You dance like that for everyone… but we want you to do more than that for us.” He peppers kisses across her collarbone.

“We’re tired of having to keep our distance. We’re tired of pretending you don’t turn us on.” Adds Jisung.

“But, this… this is inappropriate - ” she protests.

Minho pulls away and takes off his mask. “Do you want us to stop?” He looks at her seriously. Jisung’s movements have halted.

“Because if you don’t want us to stop, there’s so much Jisung and I want to do to you”. He doesn’t break eye contact. “We’re tired of not being able to be close to you, or look at you, or touch you.”

The look in Minho’s eyes convey so much want and need. She glances down to Jisung who has also discarded his mask, and meets his questioning eyes.

Then it hits her like a tonne of brick. She wants to give them what they want. Give them what they’ve missing and yearning for.

She looks back and forth between the two desperate men and bites her lip.

“Please… keep going.” She doesn’t recognise her voice, but then everything happens fast.

Minho’s back on her mouth with his. Her underwear is pushed to the side and Jisung’s wet, eager tongue is deep in her pussy. The men’s hands are caressing her entire body. It feels like heaven. “Please… what do want to do with me? How do you want me?” She sounds out of breath.

Minho breaks the kiss and looks into Melanie’s eyes. “Can I watch Jisung fuck you?” His voice is deep and husky.

Her vagina clenches “Yes… yes…” she looks down to Jisung, he’s eyes are fixed on hers as he stands and removes his belt. He swiftly frees his hard cock, then looks down at her pussy. With one hand he pulls her lace underwear aside, and with the other he rubs his cock through her lips, then sinks himself into her. “Fuck, Mel…” he chokes. He starts to move, causing Melanie to whine.

“Ji, how does she feel?” Minho asks his eyes focused on watching Jisung’s cock appearing and disappearing into you. He licks his lips when Jisung withdraws and he can see her wetness glistening on his cock.

“So fucking wet…and tight… you’ve wanted this as much as us haven’t you, baby?” He pants.

Melanie looks to Minho and palms his erection through his pants. Minho hisses, then smirks “You want my cock to huh?” He says.

She nods, licking her lips. Why did she have to seem so needy? “Want your cock.”

Minho release his aching dick and straddles Melanie’s chest, offering the head of his penis towards her mouth.

She eagerly wraps her hand around it and takes him in her mouth. His cock is perfect. Minho is about to find out she’s incredible at giving blowjobs. “Jesu-fuck… oh god you take me so well, kitten.” she picks up the pace, putting all her enthusiasm into pleasuring Minho. She cries around his cock when Jisung changes the angle of his thrusts.

Minho decides he needs to come at her from the side so he can watch Jisung again, and he gets even harder when he sees Jisung pick up the pace, thrusting into her hard. Minho reached down to rub her clit.

It sends Melanie over, and she comes so fucking hard. The sight it too beautiful for Jisung and Minho and they come within seconds of each other. Jisung deep in her pussy and Minho in her mouth.

Jisung pulls out and climbs on top of her, kissing her deeply, taking some of Minho’s cum for himself. He peels away from her mouth. “You’re ours now.” He whispers deviously, then gives her a big gummy grin.

“Only ours.” Minho agrees.

@lyramundana @2chopsticks2eyes @channieandhisgoonsquad

@chansmandy @mjmuff801

[thedaytheworldburned]

'Chasing That Feeling' MV First Reactions

Guys, I'm reacting. The blog isn't dead. I'm just also going to the Wild Kpop Fest in Sydney, so had to get ready for that. It was fun and I enjoyed seeing all three groups, but especially New (ahem, bias altert, ahem).

But let's have a look.

First, this MV pretty obviously follows on from 'Good Boy Gone Bad,' 'Sugar Rush Ride' and so on. It also has what I interpret as some nice Magic Island references, but I may be completely wrong (as always). So let's get into it!

I feel like this ray of light depositing TXT on Earth is a pretty obvious representation of them being expelled from Magic Island. It shows how violently they have been expelled after abusing their power, and it conveys how they, like Gfriend and unlike BTS, were born on the island, as such, and thus are basically supernatural non-human beings.

Also, the rubble and water are reminiscent of 'GBGB' and the Japanese MV for 'Sugar Rush Ride' - instantly visually connecting this storyline to the heartbreak and insanity one which those MVs discussed.

And, of course, we have the continuation of the star and the number 5 - there are 5 tunnels leading out of this hole, 5 colours in the light, 5 lights they chase, 5 points on the star, and so on.

There's also a nice contrast with the idea of angels coming down from the sky, and TXT being dressed in black - reminiscent of when they went crazy and were decidedly not angellic, despite being supernatural.

This is also emphasised by the fact that they are styled with tattoos.

Also, as always, TXT's choreographies are great.

Don't ask me to colour analyse the colours of light each membr chases - it would take far more time and research than I have today to do that in depth, and is thus better suited for a proper MV analysis. The most I can say so far is - Kai is gold - since he is the 'angel', Gyu has been associated with green before, especially in the webtoon through plants, and Yeonjun gets the other side of the cat - blue and green, thus he gets green.

A lot of this MV is them further abusing their powers, since they clearly didn't learn their lesson. Also - note that there are a lot of cars featured in this MV - cars being something we have seen in Magic Island arcs before, and which is generally a symbol of transit - as TXT are continuing their journey.

Interestingly, only Gyu, Yeonjun, and Taehyun seem to actually attain their power in this MV - Kai and Soobin are just constantly chasing it. We know Kai is in an internal battle, so it makes sense why he chases. Soobin is also being held back by doubts and the glass box the cat put him in. Yeonjun, Taehyun, and Gyu are all very firm in their beliefs - whatever those might be, and whether they're good or evil - so they can grab that power and feeling since they know how.

Trains are back - another way to get to Magic Island. They also emphasise the sense of danger in this MV.

Also, are you wondering why no one - except for the people Yeonjun LITERALLY RAN INTO are reacting to them in this MV? I'll discuss that more later.

I also think this scene is the best visual representation of the longing and desire they feel in the MV - Soobin reaching forward for power, for love, for literally everything he could ever want, but forced ackwards by the momentum of the train and his own doubts.

Like, look at this face!

Also - note that the tattoos on his neck look a little like the branches/veins V had on his neck during 'ON' era - a coincidence? Idk, but it's interesting.

So here we see that Taehyun has his power, and, like the rest of them, he is wonderfully misusing it.

Same with Gyu - although in a far more dangerous way.

Yeonjun too.

I'm not entirely sure if this is supposed to be Kai having his power or just grabbing a lift to try and catch up to it - but since there's no golden light, I'll assume he doesn't have the power.

I don't think this has any point other than to show how he's cool, how he's using his power, and possibly associating him with Gyu considering the light is green.

Star time again!

They've unified - making them more powerful, as expected. But interestingly, in this explosion, I only really see the red and blue, and, by proxy, purple. Was there a reason for this? Soobin, Taehyun, Yeonjun - generally but not always portrayed as good - vs Gyu (who smothered Taehyun) and Kai (who has a demon inside him)? Maybe I'm completely wrong.

So the Dr Strange stuff going on here is interesting because it shows that their abuse of their powers is literally breaking the universe/breaking reality. It also made me think that they were moving between dimensions - you know, since it's the mirror dimension. Which brings me back to people ignoring them and the light falling from the sky - it's possible that they have been shoved into another dimension, either by their own volition or because of the harm they did to Magic Island. This is a nice use of visual shortcut and also offers a potential explanation for why they are suddenly in some random city in America or England - I thought it was London but my knowledge of these places is almost nonexistent so please forgive me for not knowing.

I also find it interesting that they suddenly snap back to reality.

And also an odd shot to end on. The only thing we would think we would get from this is seeing the boys leave, but we also see the cars, the people walking, and the buildings. I have no doubt there is hidden meaning or are hidden detailsl, but the only thing I can really point to is that it reminds me of 'My Fair Lady,' and that the steam rising up could be considered the damage left over from the world knitting itself back together after going all mirror-dimension.

So that's the end of the MV!

I love the choreography, as always, but that is best analysed in a different video. Interestingly, I think it does little (compared to their other choreos) to tell the story, and instead is just cool and portrays the mood of the song.

Let's talk about the lyrics for a moment.

We've of course got the mandatory mentions of the night and moonlight, and of the highs of being in a 'loving' relationship.

The 'thief that keeps on stealing' is interesting, because there's the obvious meaning of 'stealing my heart,' but also the implied meaning of stealing power etc.

Then of course, the idea of miracles. Lightning is also often associated with a dangerous form of love (See Romeo and Juliet for what is probably the oldest example of that). And the kalidescope and butterflies are of course related to the butterfly effect and the fracturing of the world through the mirror univserse/dimension.

And that's pretty much it. A nice simple set of lyrics for a short little song.

Conclusions

It follows on from the previous MVs and storyline. Although slightly different themes are explored in each MV, they seem to be very obsessed with the 'high' phase of the relationship, rather than, you know, the fallout and the healing from it. Maybe they're serially dating toxic people. Psychologically that would make sense. Storyline-wise? Not so much.

That said, they probably like keeping the romance for the title tracks since that sells well, and keeping the funky mind-bending curse stuff for award shows and bside MVs, since the fans love that, and it makes jaws drop in award show season. In fact, they released this basically just in time for award show season - was that for a reason? Or is that a conspiracy theory of mine?

As a matter of interest, this (generic title tracks and crazy bsides) is something that exists in the whole industry but ESPECIALLY in HYBE.

[taehyungfirst]

HII AGAIN i did watch rainy days! (istg it's so annoying that it's only at 11M rn wtf army?? i thought it would be more popular than love me again because even i found out abt the mv's early like 5 minutes after it was released... and like armys in different timezones might've received teh news later or smth idk idk i think they should've promoted more tbh and announced the news a little while before the release date so armys could've been more prepared.) as to how it's doing on the charts... idk man. it's just a lil depressing at the moment. i feel like we as a fandom, like considering how big and coordinated we are, could've contributed more. and the fact that they released it on yt first was.. idk. you can't use playlists on yt for the first 24h i think? and streaming is kinda frustrating because you have to be online and keep watching other videos in between and other stuff so it doesn't get counted as bot behavior. and i feel like some army aren't really interested anymore in non-ot7 content? ANYWAY. the MVs were sooo different to me in a such a good way i loved it. love me again with the warm golden tones and rainy days with the cool, moody palette (someone said that it's in blues and yellows and greys because those are the colors that dogs see, and that the mv is kinda shown through the eyes of yeontan, watching tae!). also, love me again has tae performing, and it's all so pretty that you don't even mind that there's nothing, idk, like cinematic? going on. i mean, that he's only standing and singing (my fav part so far is the pre-chorus, starting w "Fine, I will be honest with you"). cause the vocals, visuals, setting, vibe, outfit, etc everything just goes together so pleasingly and you can just focus on that and let loose. it's lovely on the eyes.

and then there's rainy days. to me, it's something that i can watch again and again for the details. it's visually attractive to me-- i love rain, i love 'gloomy' weather. the set has got an idk a kinda futuristic or sci-fi vibe to it, i like how unique it looks. and then you have tae just moving around, yearning, making some art (vante!!!) and just being very boyfie in general (that moment where he's lying in bed and smiling? asdhshfdjfhjkflhdsjf). at first, i liked love me again way more than rainy days but now it's really sneaked up on me and taken me by surprise lol. i went out today and i was craving it (i didn't have it downloaded so i had to wait to go home and listen to ;-;). so. i have a lot to say ofc ofc but it's getting kinda late so i should probably go to bed lol. -prev anon ⭐(https://www.tumblr.com/taehyungfirst/725456734868684800/i-freaked-out-bby-istg-it-was-so-good-like-the-mv?source=share)

hello ⭐️!

i think rainy days got low views because people are focusing on lma more, but i do agree with you i also thought that rainy days wouldve done better but even the streams for lma are higher 😭 i mean lma is a MASTERPIECE so i get it

regarding streams, the lack of teasers and build-up and the fact that it was a surprise drop really influenced everything, we’re doing our best but usa armys are not even trying rn like my tl is full of people asking for BUYERS because we have funds but not buyers and that’s crazy also it fell off us spotify yesterday yeah just kind of a mess… i hope they will be more prepared for september 8 and read guidelines, they’re lucky because they can use pandora too which is good for streams bc it got low filtering rates and it counts towards charts too

the mvs were so perfect anon 😭😭 i genuinely loved them both and the amount of details and interpretations of people (like saying that taehyung is dressed in flashy gold and red because he wants to be seen by his lover again… just beautiful) are so fun to spot and read! i’m so happy taehyung chose to create a visual album because it’s the perfect choice for him and for his art… can’t wait for the other mvs

also!! i actually thought i preferred rainy days more but then at random times i find myself singing “lost without you baaaby”… i can’t choose i fear

[k-hiphop-trash]

GROOVL1n PROFILES AND FACTS

It was founded on June 26th 2019.

RAVI

Real name: Kim WonSik (김원식).

Nicknames: Ambidextrous Rapper, Lava, Lucky Boy.

His stage name Ravi means “charming”.

His favoucolours are black and white.

His hobby is body training.

Among the members of VIXX he sleeps the most.

His most valuable belonging is his lyrics notebook.

He is allergic to dust.

He enjoys drinking coffee at night.

Heloves doing graffiti.

Hehas several tattoos including: “YOLO, You Only Live Once” on his chest; an angel on his left side; “Love attracts love to the wearer”.

He was born on February 15th 1993.

He was born on Jamsil Dong.

He is 183 cm.

His bloodtype is O.

Hehas a younger sister.

He founded his own hiphop label GROOVL1n on June 2019.

He won the 2020Brand of the Year Awards: Idol Variety Star.

He is part of the k-pop group VIXX and part of the sub-unit VIXX LR, were he is a rapper and dancer.

He went to Seoul Jamdomg Elementary School, Jamsil Middle School, Jamsil High School and Howon University with a master in Musicology.

He is a very good MC and is a fairly good freestyler.

Ravi’s ideal type is a pretty and self-conscious woman.

His motto is “You Only Live Once”.

His favourite artists are Kanye West, A$AP Rocky, Chris Brown, Drake, Big Sean and August Alsina. He is also a fan of G-Dragon.

He became part of VIXX because he was one of the winners of the show “Mydol”.

He features on Chad Future’s new music video “Rock the World”.

He wrote the song “What U Waiting For” thinking of the members.

Park MyungSoo offered him to work together when he was impressed after his cover of the song “Fire” on his show “Park Myun Soo’s moving TV”.

He participated in SMTM4 but was eliminated.

He wrote VIXX LR’s “Beautiful Liar”.

In June 2018 he produced a song for the girl group ELRIS.

To promote one of his albums he held a guerrilla concert at Gangnam station.

On April 2nd 2017 he uploaded a picture of a French Bulldog to his Instagram officially introducing “Buttie”, VIXX’s new member. His nickname is “BADA$$”.

He debuted as a soloist on 2017 with his mini album “R.EAL1ZE”.

He is part of the group “Parka Friendship”, including Taemin (SHINee), Kai (EXO) and Timoteo and SungWoon (HOTSHOT). His song “Ravi Da Loca” mentions their name to express his gratitude towards them. He says his best friends are Taemin and Kai.

He appears in Brian Joo’s MV “Let This Die”.

If he were a girl he would go out with N among the VIXX members because he is really nice and reliable and he would probably not be a cheater.

He is the 3rd idol with more songs registered to his name.

He won the golden medal in bowling with Ken on the Idol Star Athletic Championship 2018.

Jellyfish anounced on May 24th that he would be leaving the company but will still promote with VIXX.

He cares a lot for the members of GROOVL1n.

He has a YouTube channel with a mini series were he interviews different artists.

CHILLIN HOMIE

His real name is Jeon WooSung (전우성).

He was born on September 3rd 1999.

He is 178 cm.

He was born in Seoul but lived in Pohang for a long time, which is why he considers Pohang his hometowm.

He started rapping at 18.

He debuted in 2018 with his single “Gang Move”.

He joined GROOVL1n on 19th September 2019.

He is part of NFL crew.

On Februa 1st 2020, he released his first EP album “Saviour from the Hell pt1” with a music video for his title song “WASSUP”.

He rapped for 2 years before applying for SMTM at 20.

He was a contestant on SMTM777, SMTM8 and SMTM9.

He used to play piano when he was young but his fingers didn’t straighten well so he learned to play the piano and the flute.

He got his first tattoo at age 20 on his face which says in kanji “better safe than sorry”; meaning you have nothing to worry about if you are prepared. He also has a chain tattoo on his left arm that has the birthdates of the members if NFL Crew.

In SMTM9 he was a member of team Giriboy&Zion.T with Wonstein, Lilboy and Skyminhyuk.

He made it to the mic slection stage on SMTM9, but decided to drop out due to his panic disorder. Due to this, rapper Skyminhyuk performed a solo stage on his place.

He appeared talking to Ravi, the CEO of his label, about his mental health and Ravi showed lots of interest and preocupationfor his well being.

His career role model is JTONG.

He uses English on his songs because it sounds nice and looks good.

He used to go everywhere, including SMTM recordings using public transportation, but since signing with GROOVL1n he goes on the label’s car. He says this is one of the many benefites of having a label to back you up.

He also said that during the two first times he participated in SMTM he looked rough and grubby, nothing like in SMTM9. He also said that he once asked for new music equipment and the company bought it for him in a short time.

He likes clear weather and dislikes rain and snow.

He loves football and his favouclib is Pohang Steelers from K league and Arsenal from Premier league. He has a friend that play on Pohang FC and his favourite Arsenal player is Hector Bellerin.

In order to learn and understand English he uses the translator and watches translated songs.

He featured on Ravi’s single “ASURA” along with other GROOVL1n members that was released on December 7th 2019.

He’s worked with artists like Mckdaddy, DSEL, Eptend, Wonstein, LilBoi and others.

With his upcoming album he wants to break the strong image that a lot of people get from his rapping.

COLD BAY

His real name is Oh InSeob (오인섭).

Nicknames: Cold Valley, Coldy.

He was born on July 7th 1993.

He was born on Iksan, North Jeolla.

He is 182 cm.

He has 2 older sisters.

His bloodtype is O.

He went to Korea University.

His first music tour was with Ravi.

He debuted on July 22nd 2019 with his single “Ruined”.

He collaborated with Ravi and Xudo on the track “Fashionable (prod. gXXD)”.

XYDO

His real name is Park ChiWoong (박치웅).

Hewas born on January 29th 1994.

He debuted on August 14th 2019.

He is from Seoul.

He collaborated with Ravi and Cold Bay onthe track “Fashionable (prod. GXXD)”.

He was an underground R&B artist.

He collaborated with Ravi on his song “Hoodie”.

He says his name is hard to pronounce in English so you can just call him C.W.Park.

He already completed his military service.

His stage name, Xydo, comes from: “Try” in English is “시도하다” in Korean. The pronunciation “Shido” is similar to Xydo and he wanted a name without preconceptions, so he chose Xydo.

He says music is his best friend and that he can share it wether he is happy or sad.

He isn’t sure of how long he’s been pursuing music.

He likes songs made to express himself.

About his music: he does want his music to be tied up in one place and doesn’t want to categorize it into any genre. However, if he were to do this, he would say R&B and Pop.

He says he wants to be different from other artists and says that he wants to show his own colours.

He likes Jamie Foxx, Miguel, Nao and wants to work with Ruel.

He likes watching movies, specially ScyFy, and if the weather is good he likes to play basketball.

To people that wants to pursue music: finding your true self is the most important and he is still doing that himself.

He says having international fans is awesome and that it suddenly feels like his world is wider and brings a new perspective. He also wants to visit any place were there is a fan of his no matter how far.

One song he recommends: “I like many genres rather than just one thing. From what I’ve listened to lately, I would like to recommend “Remember Me” by Umi.

A song of his that he recommends: “Lee Sang”, because everyone tries to do something they want. I think there were times when it felt like something was getting farther and farther away.

When he feels down and feels about to guve up, he tells himself: “Believe in myself”.

A song he’s proud of is: “Drawing”, because there were a lot of difficulties in making the song but he overcame them.

NAFLA

His real name is Nicholas Choi and his Korean name is Choi SeokBae (최석배).

He was born on February 28th 1992.

He is from Pasadena, California.

He went to University of Southern California.

He was a member of MKIT Rain.

He is a member of 42 crew.

He is 162 cm - 169 cm.

He has an eyebrow piercing.

He likes to die his hair red.

The name Nafla means”Natural Flavour”. A friend of his thouht of this name after drinking something that said “100% Natural Flavor”.

He joined Groovl1n on December 22nd 2020.

He has a tattoo on his left arm.

He has collaborated with artists like Babylon, Dumbfoundead, Dynamic Duo and Woo Taewoon.

He would like to collaborate with Frank Ocean.

He went to Universit with Killagramz. They used to exchange messages through Facebook.

If he wasn’t in MAKIT Rain, he would like to be signed in 1llionaire.

As of 2016 he lived on his studio.

He has been friends with Ravi for a while.

After Show Me The Money he remained good friends with Kid Milli and often jokes around that he is a member of Mkit Rain.

He founded MKIT Rain with Loopy.

Some Mkit Rain members were involved in a marihuana scandal when they were caught smoking it, Nafla was one of them. He later made an Instagram post apologising for his behaviour. However, his charges were dropped since it was the first time he committed an upinfraction regarding this matter.

During his 60 second evalua in SMTM, The Quiett said it was the first time such a good quality rap and performance was shown on national tv.

When he gets dresses, he chooses his hat first and coordinates the outfit to compliment it.

His top favourite rappers (2016) are: #1 Gaeko, #2 Beenzino, #3 E-sens, #4 Lobsta, #5 G-Dragon.

He and Loopy met in a bathroom during a concert in the USA.

The car he won in SMTM777 was given to Loppy as a present to thank him for everything he had done for him.

He won SMTM777 with team Giriboy&Swings.

According to Loopy, Nafla was thinking about leaving MKIT Rain for a while and his leave was officially confirmed through Instagram on early December 2020.

He won Best Mixtape of the Year 2015 with “This & That”.

Nafla has a lot of respect for Just Music, specially Swings and Vasco.

Nafla was involved in a diss with CJamm. Neil, who was in the same crew as him, Young Creation, dissed CJamm and somehow Nafla got involved. It was nothing serious and there weren’t any bad feelings afterwards.

During SMTM777 he was selected as the leader on the group battle and every of his team members said he was really nice and helpful. Regarding this, he said he was happy to have Loopy by his side because he has a lot of experience and helped him a lot.

Source: https://kprofiles.com/chillin-homie-profile-and-facts/; https://kprofiles.com/ravi-vixx-profile-facts/; https://kprofiles.com/cold-bay-profile-facts/; https://kprofiles.com/xydo-profile-facts/; https://kprofiles.com/nafla-profile-facts/

[koizumicchi]

LIP×LIP Docchi Kiss LIVE Report English Translation

LIP×LIP LIVE “First Kiss” ~ Docchi no Kiss Ka, Erabe yo ~ ~ Which Kiss Do You Want ~

raw here

T/N: This WIP has been sitting untouched in my folder the moment it was tweeted ww, so like about 2 years now wwww. Since I decided to do the birthday countdown, I might as well include this and finish this at last. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AIZOU AND YUUJIROU!!!!! 愛してるよ ~

-----

During the waiting time, after entering the venue, the performance version of the songs compiled in the album were playing. The introduction video of the album was also inserted midway.

Lines like “Thank you for spending the same time with us.”

Reflecting on the golden chandelier is a shining light in the shade of blue. This world view of the palace certainly represents LIPxLIP. I feel like I naturally transformed into being a Julietta even before I entered (the venue).

Inside, small petals are fluttering about splendidly. Yuujirou ---> Aizou, introduction in this order.

A thin film (curtain) rose. The band members entered. Oji-san wore a black hat and in his ‘black pace’, dressed in a classic outfit.

LIP×LIP entered, in their Romeo costume.

From the left (of the stage): Nakanishi-san, Kobayashi-san, Reonnu, Aizou, Yuujirou, Keiki-san, Oji-san. Overhead is a horizontal screen.

The songs started right away.

*Nonfantasy

In the screen are images of gorgeous flowers. Right before ‘suki da yo’, (image of) small petals were falling. At Yuujirou’s ‘kimi senyou da yo’, he made a space reserved only for you with his arms. With the dark lighting, the whole venue quieted down; and after a while, the two, preparing for something, said in a clear voice, “suki da yo.”

*Yappa Saikyou

A lively video, with vivid colors used fully to the heart’s content; at the part of the interlude, letters appeared. After “Ride on” is a choreography of profound rhythm. “Daisuki tte yappa saikyou” is brilliantly done with the guts pose.

Aizou and Yuujirou introduced themselves. With the band members’ hands (introduction), the two were sparkling.

*Rodeo

The neon-colored lights are the main image of the townscape.

Smoke came from both sides.

The choreography is dynamic and lively; there are many movements from left to right and they made use of the wide stage.

“Is it OK to meet in the usual place?”

“Yes~ from the very start~”

They seem like they were facing each other.

*Choco Kano

An image of pink-colored pastries. It changes completely from Rodeo; they begin to sway from left to right. A great number of cute dance steps that matched the lyrics. “Tsukue no naka” with a ‘taking a peek’ choreography. “Dare nandesuka?”, pointed to the direction of the audience.

*White Day Kiss

Images (on the screen) of white ribbon, kiss mark, heart chocolate in light blue. Mic stand appear from below. At the chorus, did the double peace sign, swinging both hands. The swaying is impressive. At “Hyakumankai no kisu” Aizou points at his cheeks. In both no. 1 and 2, before the chorus, Yuujirou’s facial expression can’t be seen and it brought more feeling of painfulness in the production. At “Honmei dakara” Aizou draws a big heart (in the air). At no.2, Yuujirou poses as if asleep.

~

(MC Talk)

Aizou: It's Valentine's.

Yuujirou: How many chocolates did you receive?

Aizou: I received one from each Julietta present today.

Yuujirou: No, they gave it to me.

Aizou: What's your basis?

Yuujirou: None.

Aizou: Don't you hate those that don't have basis?

Yuujirou: ?

Aizou: I received them.

Yuujirou: And your basis is?

Aizou: None.

Yuujirou: Aizou, it is bad to lie.

Aizou: I have it somewhere!

Let's decide who is more suitable to receive them.

~

*Judge☆

Red balance scales, a video of a courtroom. “Hitotsume, futatsume, mitsume” is denoted by fingers.

At “igiari”, lightly pushing each other away. “Boku ga (boku ga) kimi wo (kimi wo)” the two forcibly put one foot in front of the other. The appearance of raising the back of a hand towards this direction seems comical.

*Koi wo Shiyou

Pink hearts to hearts in varying colors. “Fuku wo narabete”, a choreography of similar to placing a hanger at an elevated place. “Datsumekko” Aizou with arms crossed and taking off clothes action. The chorus is the MV’s choreography. “Akai ito de”, you can see as if the red thread existed and they are synchronized.

~

LIPxLIP leaving. There is a hidden microphone at the dressing room, leaking their conversation.

Aizou: Let’s fall in love ~fufufu~

Yuujirou: What are you pacing for? Are you nervous?

Aizou: Not at all

Yuujirou: During Nonfantasy, your hand holding the mic was trembling.

Aizou: I could say the same for you; you bought a can of coffee even if you don’t drink one.

Yuujirou: I bought that for you. I don’t always say this but thank you.

Aizou: ?!?!

Yuujirou: Be honest, what did you think when you partnered with me?

Aizou: Why with this guy? I thought we definitely wouldn’t match.

Yuujirou: You’re right. We didn’t align when it came to tuna mayo.

Aizou: Yuujirou would most likely be my rival so I thought I absolutely won’t lose to him.

Yuujirou: I thought an amazing guy is here when I look at Aizou

Aizou: Eh?

Yuujirou: Someone who goes to an audition with bed hair is amazing.

Aizou: It's not bed hair; I styled it! But, with him, I thought, I can fulfill the dream I've always dreamed of.

Yuujirou: .....

Aizou: Wait, Yuujirou being kind to me is suspicious. There's definitely a hidden camera somewhere.

Yuujirou: None of that sort.

Aizou: Is this revenge for the Osaka live? Everyone here, are you excited!?! I love you!

Yuujirou: Pardon us for only playing a video without sound.

Aizou: It's alright; though there's no sound, one could shout their love on their own, right?

Yuujirou: Yeah, everyone is thinking, "What are you doing, Aizou-kun? Hurry up changing your clothes!" (he imitated)

Aizou: Eh? Huh? How embarrassing. You're lying, right?

Yuujirou: It's a lie. They can only hear our voice. (meaning, no video)

Aizou: Oi! As I thought this whole thing was weird!

~

LIPxLIP appeared wearing their Yume Fanfare outfit

*Yume Fanfare

Because they are together, their dance shine beautifully; a song that is conveyed because it is Aizou and Yuujirou. If one is missing, it won’t work at all. A song for two people. The last harmony sums it up and is beautiful as expected. The chorus is stable and similar in the MV.

*Tsuki no Hime

“Please listen carefully”

A picture of a moon. At the chorus, the moon is red and rising; it was mysterious. At the beginning and end, both looked up at the moon and danced.

Aizou is cool, widening his legs diagonally.

Yuujirou crossed his legs; silent dance steps at the beginning, and gentlemanly from “soto no sekai watashi kara” part. The chorus has great choreography and livened up (the crowd).

“Thank you for listening carefully.”

Band members’ introduction

*Romeo

Yuujirou, from the start to the end, did not make a mistake at all. He is honestly magnificent. Aizou in his part “Nayanderu no? Ojou-san” is even more gentlemanly than before. It gradually softened later on. Seemingly like the East Country, a huge feeling of exhilaration overflows in the choreography. At “eran de”, the pose is very-like Aizou and Yuujirou. They jumped the whole time and both of them looked like they enjoyed it more than anyone else.

~

LIPxLIP and the band members leave.

Encore.

LIPxLIP and the band members enter.

They changed to the LIVE t-shirt: Aizou ---> black Yuujirou ---> white

~

*Hitsuyou Fukkaketsu

At the end (of the song) is a clip/scene of a thin cloud on a blue sky. They held each other’s mics and sang. *Silver tape (similar to party streamers; on concerts these are a custom) falls from above. They left their Yume Fanfare shoes on: Aizou tucking his trousers inside his shoes and Yuujirou leaving his outside.

*Repaint

An image wherein you can feel the time of space from the pale bubbles in a light blue sky. Came out in different colors. Mic held in their hands, the two bent down at “seishun wa ima mo tsuzuiteru”. You’d be drawn in at the rush of excitement at the last chorus. They waved both hands left and right.

~

Both: Thank you! (waving at different directions)

Yuujirou: I love you-! (suki da yo)

Julietta: Kyaa-!

Aizou: (I want to do it too) Okay, here goes!

Julietta:

Aizou: I love you-! (aishiteru yo)

Julietta: Kyaa-!

They bowed while their hands were connected. Aizou is always waving his hand and so Yuujirou pulled his arm so they could return back. Later on, Yuujirou comes out all of a sudden and waves goodbye. The fans were given permission to take photos of the venue for five minutes.

-----

T/N: Keep in mind that Japanese and English aren’t my first language so I apologize if there are some mistakes. As always, if you’re going to use/reference my translations, please do not claim it as your own and credit me.

[anchorandrope]

i cant believe its been 4 years since ‘harry styles’ came out, i feel like it was yesterday. i still remember my reaction to every song

the first one we listened to was ‘sign of the times’, on april 7. i was fascinated with harry’s voice, the high notes in that song are just wonderful. the music video was a beautiful shock, it was something very different from what i was used to seeing from him (bc of the band), from the first moment i realized that his songs were going to be very sincere

then we heard ‘sweet creature’ on may 2, and i still remember how i screamed when i heard the “two hearts in one home”, the “wherever i go you bring me home” and the “when i run out of road, you bring me home” and all that rope or road situation. i couldnt believe they had allowed him to use the exact same word as louis used to describe their relationship, home♡. also my emotion to see that the only singles were sc and sott made it more than clear that all the love they had (have) to each other never disappeared for a single second not even in the worst moments. the song is so loud that i cant believe antis still exist after it came out

then on may 12 we had the rest of the album

with ‘meet me in the hallway’, i remember how emotional i got with the “i gotta get better, gotta get better and maybe we’ll work it out” bc it was just what i needed to hear

i loved the intro of ‘carolina’, i even repeated it before i listened to the whole song

again, i screamed when ‘two ghosts’ started, the “same lips red same eyes blue same with shirt couple more tattoos” was so AAAAAHHHH OMG and the “i cant touch what i see” hurt a lot and it hurt even more when we knew it was written in 2013. im still waiting to the mv tho

‘only angel’ put me in a good mood, i wanted to sing it out loud even though i didnt know the lyrics. i hadnt paid that much attention to the lyrics but once i did i loved the song so much more

‘kiwi’ was just… wow he really said “oh i think she said im having your baby its none of your bussines” and “in a black dress she’s such an actress”. i listened to it like about 3 times in a row and i thought ‘damn this is loud as fuck, i want to see the excuses that antis make about this one’. the mv blew my mind, the costumes were amazing but i really didnt understand what all that meant. im terrible with metaphors. how lucky that people here on tumblr are intelligent and were able to elaborate hypotheses that seem to be extremely correct

the melody of ‘ever since new york’ is one of my favorites, “choose your words’ cause there’s no antidote for this curse” hurted a lot until i heard “lovin’ is the antidote” in golden

when i thought all the obviously-larry songs were over, ‘woman’ proved me otherwise. the song is soooo obvious and it was even more obvious when he changed the ‘he’ to ‘she’ at a concert. the song for me is one of the catchiest, every time i listen to it for the next few hours my mind doesnt stop saying “woman la la la la la wo-woman” one of my favorites by far

‘from the dining table’ in my opinion is the saddest of the album, “comfortable silence is so overrated” ouch.

the album is one of my favorites, his voice is beautiful, the melodies are so nice and the lyrics are so deep. this album accompanied me in one of the worst years of my life so i have a great emotional attachment to it. it was hard having to hear his voice without the voices of the other boys, but seeing the incredible work he did with the album took me out the saddness of the ‘hiatus’ and made me very excited to listen to everyone’s solo music

anyways, hs1 owns my heart

[sole-cuore-amore-e-droga]

Bulgaria brings a mentally reassuring anthem to Rotterdam 2021

I’ve said so that VICTORIA herself sort of agreed to have done “Tears Getting Sober” if she was allowed to, but for one I have to thank that EBU said that the artists can’t have their 2020 songs back? You’ll see why when I get to the review after two boring paragraphs of text with technical info, for the country that is Bulgaria!

ARTIST & ENTRY INFO

Victoria Georgieva (or VICTORIA, but I can’t be arsed to continuously capitalize her name so I’ll just say Victoria from now on) was born a singer, for she started to sing at the age 11, went to a specific school of angel voices (no really that’s what it was called), and tried to go to the X Factor while a liiiiiittle too young until realizing that she needed to wait for a few years, and wait a few years she did, and went on to the X Factor again.

She didn’t win, but she still got to sign a contract and sing some stuff in Bulgarian before she decided to rebrand, started singing in English, and completely decided that ballads is her style. She cannot really do upbeat most of the time. So you can’t really have a bop from her in the future. (Well except that there’s a couple of songs in her discography that I personally classify as “bops” but they’re more like... idek sad bops?? but they can be danced to, but I get her, she doesn’t do anything that’s more loud and upbeat and clubby and summery kind of - in short, nothing you can go “YAAASSSS QUEEEEEN” over to.)

The entry she ended up singing, “Growing Up Is Getting Old”, is what I can describe to be about overcoming the emotional twists and turns inside of you as you grow older, because as it turns out, it ain’t what you thought it would be - but if you push just a little further, you realize that if you’re growing up, maybe the life isn’t so bad, afterall - you are able to get up. Somehow. It was written as part of Boris-Milanov-led songwriting camp held during summer, and a lot of people seemed to be a part of it because multiple different folk have songwriting credits on the potential Bulgarian entries this year.

REVIEW

Let’s get this out of the way immediately. I prefer “Growing Up Is Getting Old” to “Tears Getting Sober”. The former sounds a lot less irritatingly underwhelming and a lot more positively overwhelming you with warm emotions and sunglow. “Tears Getting Sober” was a song I could never really connect with - maaaaybe the last chorus is much better on there, but it doesn’t do much for me either, I guess.

Their 2021 forray however is a much different kind of thing - once again, going for lyrical non-cliches, Victoria tells a tale about her inner turmoils and continuing in life, in a way that’s personal to her and also kind of relatable to all of us. We all have these moments of fear and anxiety and nervous systems aching. If only there was someone who’d tell us that we’re worth saving... thanks a lot Victoria, you’re the MVP. Filling in the void that Netherlands from last year had brought us but not anymore - another personal song about getting old and having those kind of feelings inside - and doing a great job at taking the baton in the right way (even with featuring the word “grow” in both of the titles, neat coincidence).

Not only the lyrics feel like a hug, the song just emulates ray of sunshine and golden glitter coming down from the sky, Molly Sanden style. The violins in the G major key playing so precisely, building up momentum throughout the entire song, slowly but surely - starting with the ticking clock in the first verse that may have subtle violin in there; and the first chorus is just so simple piano, and then the second chorus has a tinge of electronic something, and the last chorus goes full in with the backing vocals boosting the song, after Victoria performs the quite magnificent bridge... now I don’t have synesthesia but I associate music keys with colors, and to me G major would always come across as something yellow or orange - “Growing Up Is Getting Old” is a perfect example of why’s that for me. And obviously, Victoria’s love for harmony-humming (even if there’s just one instance of it after she sings “star crossed soul”) complements the song to a T.

And it turned out to be a much better choice than last year’s. Maybe finally a female ballad I am getting behind.

Now I wanna know why the bookies don’t appreciate THIS entry as much as last year?

Granted, now it’s 2021 and the environment is so much different, and the songs have changed, and the dynamics have changed, and now there’s suddenly more competition at stake. And for Bulgaria it fares quite much more underwhelmingly - well, at this moment they’re like 6th, which isn’t bad, but there’s a lack of sung praises coming its way, not quite a feat that “Tears Getting Sober” actually achieved, being the bookies fave right before the cancellation of last year. In general the year has been pretty dry for the previous winner picks like Iceland, Lithuania and this, but I can’t say that the previous winner bets from 2020 are all that dead either? Though I gotta say that Bulgaria wasn’t gonna win 2020 anyway, so it’s a lose-lose in this case.

Also I just can’t at that music video being a little dramatic at the beginning, with the cancellation of Eurovision being presented as if it were a worldwide disaster during which we all shall lock ourselves into bunkers and wait until the better days, eventhough the panini is not war and war supplies kit is not just enough to survive it. But it seems like that the world is quite literally falling apart, as evidenced by Victoria going through all kinds of pathways away from her living room, meeting a  (presumably) mini version of her somewhere in between, and literally surrounded by the shaking environment by the last moments of the song

before we realize it was just reality recursing from the TV’s point of view that Victoria was watching all along, and then she leaves the living room again, but in her world, everything is normal and she could just go wherever she wants by car. Even I can’t come up with a storyline ending that’s somewhat intertwined and all plot-twisty and more confusing than that. But props to her team I guess

Approval factor: Let’s say I somewhat approve this message. Follow-up factor: For the sake of argument let me just say that Bulgaria is moving on a great path, eventhough the former entry leaves me cold, at least the current entry keeps me warm at all times, like a cup of cocoa and a good blanket. Please Bulgaria, never run out of sponsors. Qualification factor: I’ve seen one or two people throw around the “surprise NQ” tag for this song and I don’t get why??? There’s no way that the tense atmosphere of semifinal 2 would sure-fire-ly kill Bulgaria, even if they have a lot less chances to win this year than they had the last one. There can be some shock NQs indeed though, and if there are, I am paging... uhhhhh Finland? Idk why but you might see what I mean if I ever get around to reviewing “Dark Side”. Bulgaria? Never. It may not win the semi but it will cradle around the top 7 somehow.

INTERNAL NF CORNER

That’s right, Bulgaria managed to do both.

At the time when one other of Bulgaria’s songs got released, within the *Special* Eurovision September 1st-onwards range, people naturally succumbed to their primal instinct of asking whether that’s her Eurovision song... only for Vic to probably announce this early on that no, it’s just *one* of potential ESC entries she’s harbouring. And the remaining potential ones were all on her debut EP. Who actually got a more well-orchestrated schedule for everyone to follow, and yet, people were much more keen to cling on the first EP song out of the gate, “Imaginary Friend”. Now I get that the fans of that song were super upset at the revelation that IF is not going, but it is a technically strong song for the sake of being a technically strong song, and I don’t want to think that Victoria is only forced to choose the songs that can win for her, so she’s such a sweetheart for gravitating towards a song she could dearly care about. So props to her team saving the initial winner for last to be revealed, lol.

Though wasn’t her personal favourite a Billie-Eilish-lite-upbeat-kinda-track Phantom Pain?

Which was also my personal favourite?

Look, I know that favouring the only non-ballad in the whole lineup (well “Ugly Cry” is also not quite a ballad but its beat is kinda so-so, so I tend to ignore it) is kinda sus, also, y’all are sick to death to Billie Eilish comparisons, but I do believe that Billie would never be able to do an “Imaginary Friend” while Victoria could do a “Lovely”. This makes me remember the cover art of Billie’s debut album where she sits on her bed, dressed in white, and so is Victoria on this very MV, with strange shit going on behind her in the mirror. To the mirror, her reflection acts creepy, back again.

The other 2 I don’t feel like caring about enough, sure they got their cred, sure there’s one entry properly crediting Milanov (who seems to not have an actual entry this year that’s purely attributed to *him*, as opposed to 3 last year, 2 of which were performed by acts that returned this year????), sure there’s the funny thing about having a funeral song where out of this and Finland only Austria managed to send a quote unquote “funeral” song, but I think the funeral song would’ve sounded better if the pre-section of it on the “Phantom Pain” video was THE “funeral” song itself, and not whatever was that other funeral song.

In between there was a public sort of survey where people could submit feedback and positive words to Vic’s choices to help her decide - I didn’t get to vote but I feel fine with the winner eitherway, and that counts for something! And the end result was revealed at the very end of Victoria’s very own rooftop concert.

The colors on the circle thingy of this, they were meant to symbolize all Bulgarian entries up to Victoria’s 2nd one, in pictograms that kind of reminded me of Coldplay attributing every song on ‘Mylo Xyloto’ its own little symbol.

The concert was not only full of music and also adverts for the inaugural sponsor iCard (that also included some element of foreshadow in between the suspense, you’ll see why), but also the Bulgarian folk talking before each song, saying all the positive nice words they can for Vic; that she’s talented, and that they were so excited that Bulgaria was doing well in the odds last year prior to cancellation, bla bla bla... also some people were proud of voting for Bulgaria outside Bulgaia, and they made puns about the forthcoming songs on the concert that they were introducing, and so on, and there was also someone called Dara, whom I really want to be sent by Bulgaria one day to show off that they’re not afraid of doing trashy-esque bops that don’t necessarily win

Also they reminded me that Lucy from No Angels (aka the sole reason Bulgaria 12′d Germany in 2008) still exists.

Also Azis.

There was also an intermission where Eurovision 2021 acts could say all the nice words to Victoria on their own part. And several artists chose to... how shall I put it... use up their several seconds rather interestingly. Like how The Roop would say something real quick only to delve into more of their usual “let’s dance, let’s discoteque! *hand scissors* ;P” self-promo, and Senhit carelessly being allowed to say whatever she wants in Italian without subtitles <3 Sorry sis, they’re only given to people from another white-green-red flag-color country.

About the iCard foreshadow... so there’s their advert about Victoria waiting in the line to get something in the Soft Vocals Store, and people ahead of her giving her money the standard oldfashioned way, and the old lady at the counter is... slow, to say the least. After a good amount of time spent waffling around, Victoria finally pulls out the iCard application and pays for the imaginary items she wants, then narrates some stuff about said application, and a Eurovision entry of hers plays when the old lady is at home, spending time in front of TV enjoying the music. Before the concert, the song that played was “Tears Getting Sober”. The advert played once more before Victoria’s big entry decision and entry MV reveal, and in place of the 2020 entry, “Growing Up Is Getting Old” was the one that sounded out loud... Now you may think that there were attempts at some sort of spoilage here, but after that ad before the concert EP NF result, there was this other advert starring Victoria that played “Imaginary Friend” at the end, a last-ditch effort to trick viewers into going “see? just because that ad played the chosen song doesn’t mean it’s the chosen song!! this song could as well be a chosen song as well!!” yeah no shut up GUIGO IS the chosen song kthxbyebye.

ANY LAST WORDS?

Having said all that praise, I actually have “Growing Up Is Getting Old” fairly low on my ranking. It’s just because the year is so damn good and I have a lot more songs to care about more than this, but I appreciate the gesture that this singer is sending very much. Good luck on your road to conquer Europe, Victory-ia, I’m sure you get the best of the experience and all, because you would deserve it.

[creatingnikki]

Realistic tips to work/study from home

I am seeing a lot of videos and posts that mean well and are super aesthetic but also stupid because not everyone has that space - physical and mental - to do the things they are suggesting there. 

So here’s my attempt to say something that may actually help. 

Find a time that’s only yours. And what I mean by that is that sometimes when everyone is asleep at night that’s when you feel the most peaceful, calm and productive. Nobody is asking anything of you. And it’s okay if that disturbs your routine for the next few weeks because honestly isn’t your routine already interrupted? There have been times recently when I’m sitting at 2 am and finishing my next day’s work. There have also been times that I have woken up at 6 am to do that. 

Know the times that trigger you or disturb you or simply annoy you. For me, such times at home are when everyone decides to sit at tea time and talk about everything that’s wrong with everything that I’m doing. I know they mean well but being the youngest in the home means everyone has a say in what they think is right for you. So I try to not schedule anything important during those 1-2 hours in the evening. And try to have a pick-me-up right after that. Usually, it’s shutting my room and putting on music and dancing like I’m in a k-pop mv. 

A lot of people suggest getting dressed as if you were stepping out because that helps you be productive even at home. And sure I can see that working for some people. But for me why would I give up the golden opportunity to have my hair in a bun and wear shorts and have no bra on? It’s super comfortable and when I feel comfortable, I can concentrate better. But brushing your teeth, washing your face and showering daily irrespective of whether you have to step out or not are definitely a must to you just feeling better overall. 

Schedule calls with your friends. Your best friends and the ones you have not spoken to in forever. This is the perfect time to catch-up because everyone is cooped up in their homes and everyone is looking for something to make them feel entertained and or happy. I try to call two friends a week. Depending on your friends and if you’re someone who likes to talk for long hours on call, you can figure how often you want to do that. These calls really help me get out of my head and make everything seem lighter and better. 

Eat. Initially, I found it very easy to wake up just 10 minutes before a work call. So I would wake up, drink water and get straight to work. That’s literally the worst thing you can do. You have to give yourself at least 20-30 minutes between waking and getting to work/study or whatever it is that you have to do. You have to get something to eat and it has to be more than an apple or a banana. And you have to give your mind to orient itself to the new day. 

Stay away from people who are constantly talking about everything that’s wrong with the world and or with their life. I mean yes we all will talk about such things at some point - multiple even - in such times especially. But there are some people who keep doing that in a loop and you really want to stay away from that because when you are stuck at home - all this input can get too overwhelmingly negative and make you super anxious and hopeless and that’s the last thing you need right now. 

You don’t have to do extra just because you’re at home. And I mean this for everything. Like just because you’re home doesn’t mean you will work longer hours or study continuously. I am very particular with trying to maintain the same hours because I am also maintaining the same quality right. Also, I initially got this idea that I am going to read a shit ton of books for the next few weeks that I’m at home. I’m reading 1 book a week usually and I thought I’d bring this up to 3-4. That was stupid and unnecessary. Some days just doing the things I have to do seems hard because there’s so much worry and panic and emotions that burdening myself with these extra expectations is shitty and unnecessary. 

[mysterioushogwartsrequests]

Hello :) I saw that your requests are open so i figured i could try my luck and write you. Would you be up to write something with Charlie Weasley? Something with the same atmosphere of the music video "Wildest Dreams" by Taylor Swift? The song is stuck in my head and the mv is so aesthetical (somehow i can just picture Charlie with it). It would be super cool, however if that is too difficult maybe some fluffy first Christmas at the Burrow with Charlies first kid?

It sure has been a while, hasn’t it? I hope all of you are safe and healthy during this time.

I’m not sure if I’ve done a request with a song implemented in the story for this account, but here it is.

I wanted to get back into writing stories for this account because I recently started replaying Hogwarts Mystery and I missed creating stories for this blog.

This one is a little iffy, but I hope you all enjoy it and I’ll be posting more requests soon!

(Y/N) (L/N) had quite a reputation at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Her connection to Jacob automatically made her a trouble-maker even though that was far from her true nature. However, no matter how many times she attempted to prove herself, negative rumors about her intentions spread around the school. 

As a first-year, she had hoped these rumors would come to an end as the years progressed, however, as she entered her fifth-year she realized they had only gotten worse. (Y/N)’s friends attempted to cheer her up, but the rumors that she would bring danger to Hogwarts had affected her self-esteem and she had begun to isolate herself from the rest of the students. 

Charlie Weasley noticed her strange behavior and began to worry about her well-being. He wasn’t used to seeing a frown on her face and her red nose and puffy cheeks made it clear she spent most of her time crying. 

Deciding to take matters into his own hands, Charlie grabbed his broom and a supply bag enchanted with an extension charm, fully determined to make (Y/N) feel better. 

Charlie headed towards the North Tower, knowing (Y/N)’s Divination class would let out in a couple of minutes. Charlie knew this way her final class of the day and she had fallen into the habit of retreating into her dormitory after her classes so, for his plan to work, he would have to reach her on time. 

Leaning up against the wall, he waited at the bottom of the Divination stairwell, counting the minutes until the class let out. The booming voice of the students came from the top of the steps, the students laughing as they descended the stairs. Charlie pushed himself off the wall, scanning their faces to find (Y/N). Once his eyes landed on her familiar features, a grin spread across Charlie’s face as he quickly approached her. 

(Y/N) stepped off the ladder and turned, only to come face to face with Charlie Weasley. His sudden appearance caught her off guards and she sheepishly looked away, “Hey, Charlie” she muttered, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. 

“Hey, (L/N)” He smirked, his hand swiftly grabbing hers, “I’ve made plans for us today” Charlie stated, pulling her off to the side with a wicked grin. (Y/N) looked away with a small frown, not understanding why Charlie would want to suddenly sweep her away. 

“Charlie,” She uttered, furrowing her eyebrows, “I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to talk to me” She admitted, nervously gripping her cloak. She looked at the passing students, acknowledging their snide remarks as they stared back at her, “You’ll ruin your reputation”.

Now it was Charlie’s turn to frown, he leaned down to meet her gaze and squeezed her hand tightly, “What are you saying, (Y/N)” He asked sternly, his worry for her growing as she remained silent, “Do you honestly think I care about what the others say?” Charlie pried, but (Y/N) still did not answer his question. 

Charlie huffed, letting his gaze fall and his eyebrows furrow, “You don’t have to answer me, but I’m going to tell you this anyway” Charlie began, resting his broom against the wall, “I’ve gotten the chance to know you for who you truly are and I know you’re loyal, responsible, and one of the kindest people I’ve met here” 

(Y/N) was surprised by his sudden confession, but still could not meet his gaze, she still could not understand why he would want to get mixed up with her. Determined to prove his point, Charlie’s hand slipped underneath her chin, slowly tilting her head to meet his gaze.

He said, "Let's get out of this town Drive out of the city, away from the crowds" I thought heaven can't help me now Nothing lasts forever, but this is gonna take me down” 

“You’re so much more than what they say and I will prove it to you” Charlie’s bright brown eyes meeting her (E/C) ones, “But you have to come with me, we’ll fly out of the city, away from these students, and we’ll have fun” Charlie grinned, his thumb gently trailing across her chin. 

(Y/N) began to blush darkly, his soft touches making her heart flutter. The two of them had grown close during their fourth-year but had not spent time together in the last couple of months, “I don’t know, Charlie...” She uttered, “I have a roll of parchment on Dream Interpretations due on Monday and I’m not sure if I should put it off...”

(Y/N) was nervous about what the students would say about Charlie if they saw them flying off-campus during the evening. However, despite her concerns, she couldn’t help fantasizing about what a relaxing evening with Charlie would be like. She let her guard down, her eyes examining his defined features as the blush on her cheeks deepened.

“Dream interpretations...?” Charlie whispered, tilting his head subtly, “Come on, (Y/N)” He pleaded, his hand cupping her cheek, “What does a bloke have to do to take a pretty girl out?” Charlie flashed her a bright, white smile, and (Y/N) couldn’t help but return it. 

He's so tall and handsome as hell He's so bad but he does it so well I can see the end as it begins

My one condition is

“My one condition is that you help me finish this assignment afterward,” (Y/N) replied a small burst of confidence in her voice after receiving Charlie’s compliment. 

Charlie nodded approvingly, lacing his fingers with her’s, “Then what are we waiting for?” He asked, pulling her down the corridor as quickly as he could. (Y/N) yelped as Charlie tugged her, but began to laugh as the two raced down the corridor. 

Charlie began to laugh with her, satisfied with hearing her laugh after only hearing her cries for the past month. He did not know how to describe it, but her laugh made his head turn, there was something so contagious about her laughter that always made Charlie feel comfortable. 

His heart began to beat faster as the two locked eyes and she shot him a playful wink, reminiscent of the ones she would give him during their fourth-year adventures. 

The two finally reached the Clocktower Courtyard, catching their breath in between their laughs. Charlie took this time to take in her beauty while she was distracted, the golden light of the sun illuminating her features. He examined her hair, her eyes, her lips, her cheeks, making sure to appreciate every single part of her in secret. 

Charlie dreamed of his future as a Dragonologist, but he also dreamed of finding the person he’d spend the rest of his life with. His wildest dreams were filled with magical creature explorations besides the woman he loves and will create a family with. Lately, (Y/N) had been appearing in Charlie’s dreams, where she usually cheered him on at his Quidditch Games or they spent time away on vacation together. 

Say you'll remember me Standing in a nice dress Staring at the sunset, babe Red lips and rosy cheeks Say you'll see me again Even if it's just in your Wildest dreams, ah-ha oh Wildest dreams, ah-ha oh “Have you ever ridden on the back of a broom before?” Charlie asked, getting (Y/N)’s attention. 

Taking in a deep breath, (Y/N) shook her head in response, “I’ve ridden a broom, but never with someone else” She replied, raising an eyebrow at Charlie’s intention, “Just what exactly are you planning, Weasley?” 

Charlie chuckled softly, throwing his enchanted bag over his shoulder before mounting his broom, “Can I surprise you just this once, (L/N)? I promise I’ll impress you” He stated confidently, waiting for her to mount his broom. 

(Y/N) smiled, her eyes shining brightly as she agreed to Charlie’s questions. Shedding all her inhibitions, she climbed behind Charlie, wrapping her arms around his tone, but slender figure. 

“Hold on tight, (Y/N)” He whispered, giving her a small wink as he took off from the Courtyard. (Y/N) squeezed her eyes shut as her arms tightened around Charlie’s waist as she adjusted to the feeling of flying behind somebody. 

I said, "No one has to know what we do" His hands are in my hair, his clothes are in my room And his voice is a familiar sound Nothing lasts forever but this is getting good now

“I hope your eyes are open!” Charlie spoke up as he flew them over the Hogwarts grounds, “I don’t want you to miss the view from here, I want you to take it all in!” Charlie exclaimed happily and (Y/N) opened one of her eyes to view the landscape. 

“O-Okay!” (Y/N) exclaimed, finally giving in and opening both her eyes, her arms relaxing as she grew more comfortable. Her eyes widened as they passed the Hogwarts towers, enjoying the wind flowing through her hair as Charlie safely guided them to their location. 

There were tall, dark green trees and multiple blue-green lakes covering the Scottish landscape, and (Y/N) began to feel relaxed. She had spent multiple days cooped up in her dormitory that she had forgotten how beautiful the scenery around her school could be. Looking up at Charlie, she noticed the small smile on his face as they flew past Hagrid’s Hut and through the Forbidden Forest. 

Even though they had not been out for long, (Y/N) was already beginning to feel better and she couldn’t help but feel indebted to Charlie for planning this. (Y/N) valued Charlie’s friendship, but she realized what she was currently feeling could be more than friendship. Her mind went back to their encounter in the corridor and the feeling of his thumb tracing over her cheek and chin. 

(Y/N) blushed, remembering the feeling of his face leaning close to her as he attempted to convince her to adventure with him. Her arms instinctively tightened around his waist, her fingers brushing against the muscles of his abs as she held on. This feeling only made her blush more as she imagined Charlie lifting crates and supply bags for Professor Kettleburn, it wasn’t much labor but it certainly helped Charlie define his figure.

He's so tall and handsome as hell He's so bad but he does it so well And when we've had our very last kiss My last request is

Charlie felt (Y/N)’s grip tighten around him again and he grinned as they touched down at their destination, “We’re here” Charlie announced, hopping off his broom then extending his hand to help (Y/N) off his levitating broom. 

Finally breaking away from her thoughts, (Y/N) slipped her hand into his and carefully stepping off Charlie’s broom. “Where are we?” (Y/N) asked, gazing at the surrounding trees and the flower beds that covered the area around the lagoon. 

“We’re at Grindylow Lagoon”, Charlie replied leading (Y/N) closer to the lagoon, “We can’t get too close to the water itself because of the Grindylows, but the area surrounding it is peaceful for students” 

“The flowers are beautiful, I never even knew this lagoon existed!”, (Y/N) exclaimed happily as Charlie pulled out his wand. She watched as the picnic blanket flew out of his bag along with plates, silverware, and food. 

“Well, I’m technically not supposed to bring anyone here,” Charlie admitted sheepishly as he scratched the back of his head, “But this was an exceptional situation that required some rule-breaking” 

(Y/N) begun to giggle, her blush obvious on her cheeks, as she shook her head at Charlie, “You’d risk getting in trouble for me?” She asked making Charlie roll his eyes in response. 

“Would you risk getting in trouble for me?” Charlie asked, raising his eyebrow teasingly at (Y/N) who obviously knew the answer to her own question. Shaking her head, she gazed up at Charlie with a smile, “Touche, Weasley” she stated simply, sitting down on the mat Charlie had prepared. 

Say you'll remember me Standing in a nice dress Staring at the sunset, babe Red lips and rosy cheeks Say you'll see me again Even if it's just in your Wildest dreams, ah-ha oh Wildest dreams, ah-ha oh “What can I say, (Y/N)?” Charlie said as he took his place beside her, “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to see that gorgeous smile on your face” He admitted bluntly, placing his hand atop hers. 

(Y/N) blushed once again, her eyes meeting Charlie’s as the sun set around them, “That’s very sweet of you to say, Charlie” (Y/N) admitting, giving his hand a light squeeze, “You’re the first person to get me out of the castle these past five months” (Y/N) let out a small sigh, gazing down at her lap as she recalled the vicious rumors her classmates spread throughout the years. 

As the two spoke, Charlie began passing (Y/N)’s various sweets he had collected from The Great Hall. Passing a warm Pumpkin Pasty to (Y/N), he reached into his bag and pulled out two drinking glasses, “Would the lady prefer Butterbeer or Hot Chocolate?” Charlie asked, making her giggle once again. 

“I’d like Butterbeer, please” (Y/N) replied, playing into Charlie’s scenario as he poured her a drink. Taking a bite of her Pumpkin Pasty, she shut her eyes and enjoyed the flavor of the warm pastry as the crisp breeze filled her lungs. Charlie chewed on some Salt Water Taffy as they enjoyed their treats in comfortable silence. 

Surprisingly, Grindylow Lagoon was calm and completely different from the hustle and bustle of Hogwarts Castle. The two listened to the buzzing of the bugs that covered the tall trees, to the sound of frogs croaking around them, and the soft-howls of creatures in the distance. Normally, most students would be spooked by the noises of the Forbidden Forest, but Charlie and (Y/N) were confident they would be safe as long as they stayed together. 

You see me in hindsight Tangled up with you all night Burning it down Someday when you leave me I bet these memories Follow you around (Y/N) watched as the Grindylows swam through the lagoon, noticing the babies and the families as they traveled back and forth. “Do you think we’ll remember this when we graduate Hogwarts?” (Y/N) asked, breaking their comfortable silence, “So many life-threatening situations happen all around us and I’m afraid that is all we’ll remember when we’re done” She admitted, bringing her goblet to her lips, enjoying the cold Butterbeer running down her throat. 

Charlie was taken aback by her sudden question and thought for a moment, “I think we’ll remember the peaceful moments and the life-threatening ones” Charlie replied, finishing his Pumpkin juice. “I think these moments are even more special thanks to the types of adventures we have”, Charlie stated.

(Y/N) raised an eyebrow at him, “Why do you think that?” She asked, making Charlie smile as he gazed into his empty cup. 

“If you think about it, we’re always risking our lives to protect the school, especially you”, Charlie explained, “Since you’re always surrounded by threats and villains, these peaceful moments are special because they don’t occur as often”. (Y/N) begun to understand what he meant, “Everyone deserves to relax after saving the entire student body” Charlie smiled, grabbing a treacle tart to appease his sweet tooth. 

(Y/N) nodded in agreement, grabbing her own tart to enjoy, “I’ve never thought about it that way”, (Y/N) admitted, “But I agree with you, these are some of the moments I should treasure because they don’t occur as often” (Y/N) analyzed Charlie’s words, utilizing them to create her own conclusions. 

“I really appreciate you bringing me here, Charlie” (Y/N) spoke, her body moving closer to Charlie’s as she grabbed his hand. As time the sun went down, (Y/N) felt compelled to be honest with Charlie, “I’ve been having a difficult time because of all the rumors and I thought it would be easier to isolate myself than to face the situation” (Y/N) let her gaze fall, but she squeezed Charlie’s hand as she spoke. Charlie returned her squeeze, hoping it would encourage her to continue talking. 

“But you helped me realize that it rumors don’t define the type of person I am,” (Y/N) looked up at Charlie, leaning her body closer to his, “This might be bold of me to say, but I hope I can share more of these memories with you” (Y/N) admitted, a dark blush spreading across her cheeks as Charlie returned her loving gaze.

You'll see me in hindsight Tangled up with you all night Burning it down Someday when you leave me I bet these memories Follow you around

Charlie’s heart fluttered at (Y/N)’s words, he had always been impressed at her bravery when it came to the Curse-vaults, but this was a different form of admiration. He admired her smile and placed his free hand against her cheek, his thumb softly tracing the top of it as they spoke, “I’d be honored to be a part of your memories,” Charlie stated, his voice low and soft. (Y/N) leaned her cheek into his palm, giving his hand another squeeze once she heard his response, “You’re the most brilliant person I’ve ever met and I will do everything in my power to keep you in my life”. The two of them were still young, but the passion in Charlie’s words was unmistakable. Charlie had grown up watching his parents’ healthy relationship and understood the love they shared for each other. It was their successful marriage that helped Charlie understand what type of relationship he wants for his future. 

Say you'll remember me Standing in a nice dress Staring at the sunset, babe Red lips and rosy cheeks Say you'll see me again Even if it's just pretend “Charlie...” (Y/N) whispered, leaning closer towards the Weasley boy, “I’m so happy to hear you feel that way”, She admitted, her eyes switching from his brown eyes to his lips. A blush appeared on her cheeks as she imagined what it would be like to lean in and kiss him, but she could not find the courage to. 

Charlie could read her like a book and the blush on her cheeks revealed her true intentions towards him. Letting a smirk play on his lips, Charlie leaned his face closer to hers as he tucked a strand of her (H/C) behind her ear, “Is there something you’d like to ask me?” Charlie asked softly, his hooded eyes meeting hers. 

There was something about Charlie’s gaze that caused (Y/N)’s heart to melt instantly. The blush on her cheeks darkened as she realized Charlie had caught on to her intentions, “Ha, you’re really going to make me ask?” (Y/N) muttered with an embarrassed tone. 

“Well, it’s not safe to assume,” Charlie teased, “I want to hear what you want word for word, then I’ll know we’re both on the same page” He confessed, pulling her face closer to his, ensuring her that he understood her intentions, “So, why don’t you tell me?” Charlie whispered, his soft lips brushing against her own.  (Y/N)’s heart almost jumped out of her chest at his words, his sultry tone making her head spin. They were so close to sharing their first kiss, but he was making her wait and ask. Taking in a deep breath, (Y/N) recalled her encounters with the Curse-Vaults, were-wolves, and other mysterious occurrences at Hogwarts that required bravery and determination. 

Although this was not a life or death situation, she knew she needed to be brave if she wanted to get what she wanted. 

And what (Y/N) wanted right now was a kiss from Charlie Weasley, “Kiss me, Charlie” She stated confidently and a grin spread across Charlie’s face. 

“Gladly,” He replied, finally closing the small distance between their lips and kissing (Y/N) softly. 

(Y/N) immediately felt the sparks when their lips connected, the feeling of butterflies in her stomach as the two shared a kiss. Charlie instinctively wrapped his arms around (Y/N)’s waist, pulling her body against his as he deepened their first kiss. 

Say you'll remember me Standing in a nice dress Staring at the sunset, babe Red lips and rosy cheeks Say you'll see me again Even if it's just in your (just pretend, just pretend) Wildest dreams, ah-ha oh In your wildest dreams, ah-ha oh (Even if it's just in your wildest dreams) ah-ha In your wildest dreams, ah-ha

Breaking their kiss, the two pulled their faces away but remained in each other’s arms, “I can’t believe you made me ask” (Y/N) laughed, pressing her forehead against Charlie’s. 

Charlie gave her a subtle shrug, “Will it make you feel better if I ask you this time?” Charlie teased, running his fingers through her (E/C) hair. 

(Y/N) smiled, pressing a kiss against Charlie’s cheek, “Well, we won’t know until you try” She said. 

Charlie rolled his eyes at her remark, “I better give it my best shot then” he stated, pulling her in for another kiss. (Y/N) happily returned his kiss, enjoying the moment they shared at Grindylow Lagoon. 

[dat-town]

cut me open (take my heart)

Characters: Eunwoo and You

Setting: dark fantasy au, sirens

Summary: It was tradition. Out of the sons of the Sea King, only that one will be the rightful heir if the crown that can take an innocent heart because if one can't bear the weight of a human heart, that can't be the ruthless ruler of the sea in times of need. And you, about to start your new life in colonized Joseon, meet an ethereal creature that wants your heart, quite literally.

Words: 1.7k

Author’s note: title taken from 5SOS’ When you walk away. I honestly wanted to write siren!Eunwoo since Blue Flame era (because of his sparkly skin in the MV) but with Knock I was kicked in the butt for not doing it earlier. And yes, I used this chance to write about his beauty because damn, this boy is ethereal.

He has always taken your breath away.

Even when you first met, on the day when you arrived to Joseon on the ship of Lady Gallagher. As an aristocrat and as a foreigner to a country that welcomed neither. Yet, the place had already amazed you and you curled your fingers around the metal handrail, leaning forward, not caring about dirtying your skirt as the vessel approached the bay. Everything was so new, so foreign: the buildings, the way people dressed, the exotic language they spoke but you just clenched onto your suitcase a bit firmer, determined when you were instructed to leave the board once the ship docked.

While doing so, it might have been your enthusiasm that made you so clumsy, because you slipped on the ramp, losing your balance just over the sea. Having no empty hand to grab on anything, hearing your aunt’s scream, you could only prepare for the worst as you closed your eyes, waiting for the cold water to envelope your body, heavy clothes pulling you down. But instead, a strong arm embraced you by the waist, keeping you safe, on the wooden ramp between the ship and the land. The touch felt burning even through the layers of clothing.

A shallow breath or two later, you pried your eyes open slowly and it was his eyes that you first saw. Those dark, endless orbs with a hint of midnight blue in them. Almost like the depth of the ocean, just as enticing so. You stared, same as he did, eyes locked for long minutes while the hand and delicate fingers resting on your corset dress loosened their hold and even though you stood steadily by then, you felt like falling anyway.

You had to narrow your eyes at the bright light of the Sun shining upon your savior, his pale skin glimmering like jewels desired by treasure hunters under the weight of the sea. The curls of his dark, almost pitch black locks, that looked soft like bird feathers, hovered over his forehead, tempting you to reach out and brush them away. But you didn’t do that, of course! What were you even thinking, daydreaming like this?

Coming to your senses quickly, you found your voice again and breathless, you thanked him that he saved you. At that the corners of his thin mouth curled upwards. It was beautiful, truly, the perfect line of his blossom pink lip pulling up in a curve, the littlest and yet, it made your heart skip a silly innocent beat. As an artist yourself your skin itched for the feeling of a brush between your fingertips. You wanted to… had this strange yearning to paint him, to have him as dark oil on white canvas, glittering dots glistening across his flawless skin and as watercolour on paper dripping through the material, the blues and silvers leaving their mark on your trembling fingers. You wished to make such beauty everlasting.

“Careful, my lady,” he spoke up finally, voice just as alluring as his whole aura, sweet and smoothing. Then he let go of you, taking a slight, polite bow before leaving and you could do nothing but stare after him, his royal blue uniform with silver chains over it making him noticeable even among the crowd.

Or it might have been just you, already enchanted.

His name was Cha Eunwoo.

People of the town whispered about him but nobody knew where he came from or what he was doing. He was a mystery to all but most of all, to you. You dreamt of him, about reaching out only for him to slip through your fingers like water. You often woke up with a heavy chest, something excited, yearning yet uneasy weighing you down. Sometimes you hallucinated his voice, the melody of it carried by the wind, inviting and alluring, dripping so sweetly it could have been a lullaby. Your aunt often had to call you out on daydreaming and sometimes you got the feeling that you were being watched but maybe that was mere wishful thinking on your part. 

But as the weather had gotten colder and windier, the sea seemingly furious, you kept bumping into him everywhere: at the market, at the tailor, even on your way home and from the way he looked at you, you knew he recognized you, yet did not speak to you. Not until one day he found you alone, without your servants, staring out to the open sea spreading wide and golden in front of you.

He approached you quietly, like a predator, but voice sweet as honey.

“Do you like it?” he asked in a tone one part curious and two parts cold, yet it sent pleasant shivers down your spine. It was just his way of talking. 

“What?” you turned to him, taken aback by his closeness. Your arms almost grazed each other and the scent of rain that always followed him hit you. Oh skies, he made you flustered so easily.

“The sea. Do you like it?” he elaborated his question, dark eyes flashing at you as he rested his elbowed on the railing. There was something unexplainable longing in his voice as if he was talking about something dear to him.

“It’s beautiful,” you sighed as you nodded, honest, having been in awe by the magnificence of the sea and oceans ever since you were a little girl.

“Beautiful,” the boy - almost man - echoed as if he was tasting the word, slowly and unfamiliar. His dark eyes boring into yours made you speechless for a moment. “You, humans, have an interesting idea of beauty. Aren’t you afraid?”

You blinked in surprise and confused, not understanding neither the statement nor the question. Why would you have been afraid? You had no reason to. Yet, you didn’t get an answer from this unearthly young man either as he left your side, walking down the shore. His absence suddenly scared you more than anything and your heart cried out in desperation to go after him. You didn’t understand any of these feelings, this strong affection didn’t make sense at all and yet, something tugged on your stomach and you took a few tentative steps ahead.

“Where are you going?” you found yourself asking, voice shaking a bit. Was it because of the fear of rejection? 

“I can show you,” he offered as he looked back at you over his shoulder with a hint of smirk tinting the paleness of his perfectly curved lips. His smile was somewhat wicked but you couldn’t stop, your legs moved on their own accord and when you were by his side, walking further down on the shore, he turned to you with another question: “Would you like to hear a story?”

Soundlessly you nodded because suddenly you couldn’t find your voice, even the air seemed to change around you but you just followed him blindly. Wind blew harder, messing up your hair and riding up your skirt but you blamed it on the approaching tide while listening to the story you had been promised to.

“There is a kingdom far far in the sea that nobody on this land knows of. In that kingdom, there are six princes fighting over the throne but according to the tradition the true heir can only be the one that takes an innocent heart, consuming it fully as an offering to the goddess of the sea.”

"But why?" you gaped at him, finding the tale a bit too dark for your taste and he smiled down at you sickeningly sweet, long and pale fingers gently touching your cheek for the first time as your steps halted. You were surprised just how cold his touch felt.

“Power always comes with sacrifice,” he said observing your reactions closely, dark eyes drinking up as you lost yourself to the music of waves and wind bit by bit.

You found your feet frozen in place, your body shivering and when a sudden breeze swirled your scarf away, you reached for your bare neck as if that could have protected you from the cold. You just watched as the wind took it farther and farther away and by the time you looked back, Eunwoo was nowhere to be found.

Confused, you looked around, calling his name, shivering when the first thunder of the approaching storm shook the rocky land you stood on.

"Down here," you heard his mellifluous voice and turning your head you froze in place when you saw him from the edge of the shore, half his body in the water, pale and shimmering bare chest on display. 

"What–" your eyes widened, lips trembling as you watched something turquoise move under him in the water. You should have run, far and farther and yet, you fell onto your knees, blood staining your skirt, fingers digging into the edgy rock under you. 

"Haven't you heard the stories? That you should be beware of unearthly beauties?" he tilted his head, water droplets making his dark hair look like ink and the air stuck in your lungs when he pushed himself up coming face to face with you.

"Why… Why me?" 

"Because you are too pure for this world, darling," he smiled beautifully and for the first time in your life, you believed him, you thought of beauty as something scary, something horrid. It was indeed a weapon, aimed at you, a gun at your heart but you couldn’t move. You were frozen in place staring into his pitch black eyes with the deepest of oceans in them, seeing as the moonlight painted white streaks over his milk white shoulders.

"It won't hurt, I promise," he murmured quietly into the seam of your mouth before enchanting music filled your ears as his mouth pressed against yours. His lips were cold and tasted like salt. Yet, it was almost sweet, almost like a dream as much that you barely even felt him  pull you into the water with him.

But oh, he has always taken your breath away anyway.

[elirabbit]

Lover Music Video - Queer Interpretation

Below is my queer interpretation of the Lover Music Video.  I know it’s a long posting but I think it is worth a read. Due to the length, it will be posted in two parts.

Topics covered in the first posting:

1.     Yellow Clothing Symbolism in the Rooms

2.     Yellow Clothing Symbolism in Her Closet

3.     Snow Globe Symbolism

4.     New Year’s Day and Daylight Songs

5.     Cruel Summer and After Glow Songs

Topics covered in the second posting:

6.    Lover Room

7.    1989 Room

8.    Reputation Room

9.    Red Room

10.  Yellow Room

11.  Marriage Symbolism

12.  Celebration Cake Symbolism

Music Video Theme for Each Room:                                                                     Room / Album / MV Theme:                     Green/Taylor Swift /Age of Innocence    Yellow/Fearless/Deep Love Turned Her World Upside Down   

Purple/Speak Now /Gay Hopes & Self-Expression                             

Red/ Red/Madly Truly Deeply                  Blue/1989/Fish Bowl 

Black/Reputation/Isolation, Self-Reflection, & Healimg                       Pink/Lover/Future Love

Note:  For those who have read my first two postings of this topic, please know I am including my original interpretations with additional commentary. The new & revised interpretations were derived from a more structured, thorough data collection and analysis process than the original postings. 

1) Yellow Clothing Symbolism in the Rooms

In each room, Taylor and her partner wore the same colored outfits as the room color except for the Fearless and Red rooms. In those 2 rooms, they wore yellow outfits. IMO, the yellow outfit symbolizes a "golden love" and represents two people who are deeply in love with each other. Also, the more a person wears yellow, the more she is deeply in love.  

Fearless Room: Taylor wears white shorts with yellow/blue plaid checkered lines and a yellow shirt with white sleeve trim.  Because she is wearing a balanced amount of white and yellow, her “golden love” rating is “deeply in love”.

Red Room: Taylor wears the most amount of yellow clothing (solid yellow hairband, big solid yellow earrings, solid yellow dress, reddish-brown heels).  Because almost everything she wears is yellow and has so much accessories, her “golden love” rating is “madly truly deeply in love”.

1989 Room: Taylor wears blue - yellow dress.  Because half is yellow, her “golden love” rating is “deeply in love”.  

My MV interpretation is Taylor was deeply in love with Emily Poe during Fearless era, madly deeply truly in love with Dianna Agron during Red era and to a lesser degree, still deeply in love with Dianna during part of 1989 era. Those partners who were dressed in yellow means Taylor believed they were also deeply in love with her. Since Emily Poe wore the same balanced amount of yellow/white, she was equally deeply in love.  Dianna (in Red room) wore yellow pants only so she was deeply in love, not madly deeply truly in love as Taylor. It makes sense that Taylor perceived her commitment issues as a barrier from loving her equally in return.  

I know Kaylors will be upset but I am gonna say it anyways. I don't think Taylor was deeply in love with Karlie Kloss (represented as the partner in the 1989 room). She did love her. I think she wanted a long-lasting relationship with her. Their love just wasn't on the same level as her previous ones.

2) Yellow Clothing Symbolism in Her Closet

All her clothes and accessories in closet are solid yellow which symbolizes she wants to fall deeply in love again and is ready for “golden love” based on the abundance of yellow clothing. A yellow outfit for every occasion. Reminds me of the Daylight song lyric “Like Daylight, It’s Golden Like Daylight”.  She wants to “step into the daylight and let it go”. In essence, I believe she wants to be happy and find a deeply in love type happiness with someone again like she did before with Dianna.

 3) Snow Globe Symbolism

Snow Globe scenes recount her love journey as already described by Jennyboom21. The MV scenes in the Snow Globe will reflect on her key queer experiences to date). The scenes start in the hallway of the house, shift to the different rooms inside the house or cross section view of the house, and ends in the hallway.

Hallway scenes show the couple embracing each other while standing inside a red hallway.  This hallway has a series of doors on both walls. It reminds me of the 1989 tour’s set design for I Know Places. I think the hallway scenes symbolizes how her three serious relationships began (first hallway scene) and ended (last hallway scene) in secret i.e. in “places we can hide”.  Assumption here is Kaylor ended before she wrote the Lover song.

The many scenes inside different rooms or of the entire house recount key moments from her 3 relationships (Emily, Dianna and Karlie) or expresses her queer hopes and desires with a future lover.  

4) Happy New Year’s and Daylight Songs

In the Red room, the couple is throwing a party. Room is filled with people, drinks, and party paraphernalias. Hanging on the back wall are the words “Happy New Year”. I believe this is the backdrop for New Year’s Day song on the Rep Album. This means song is about Dianna. MV scene reenactment of the sign, glitter on the floor, and party trash plus the lyrics referencing “Please don’t ever become a stranger whose laugh I can recognize anywhere” seals it for me. In an interview, Taylor explained New Year’s Day song is about permanence. This idea of permanence is a common theme associated with Dianna-centric songs.

Notice that New Year’s Day is the last song on the Rep album. This is important because I am seeing a pattern with her albums starting with Red. Last song on Red is Begin Again which is about her experiencing new love with Dianna. Last song on 1989 is Clean which is about moving on from Dianna after their last breakup. Now the last song on Rep, New Year’s Day, is about wanting to continue her relationship with Dianna. Does this mean her last song Daylight on the Lover album is also about Dianna? Based on this pattern, golden love symbolism expressed in yellow clothing for Dianna, and the Daylight lyrics “Maybe you ran with the wolves and refused to settle down”, “I’ll tell you the truth but never goodbye”, and “like daylight, it’s golden”, my answer is yes. Side note: The wolves reference represents Dianna’s commitment issues.  “Never goodbye” was already expressed in New Year’s Day and other Dianna-centric songs about how Taylor doesn’t want her romantic relationship with Dianna to ever truly end. Golden love symbolism repeats in the Daylight song.

5) Cruel Summer and After Glow Songs

3 board games appear in quick successive flashes in the MV. First board game appears in its unopened box. Printed on the box are the board game name “Devil Rolls The Dice, Angel Rolls There Eyes”, a marketing slogan “The only game that questions your answers!”, and the distribution statement. The game’s name is in the Cruel Summer song lyric. The distribution statement has a manufacturing location (Los Angeles California) and a number (0527) appears above Los Angeles which I interpret to be a date (05/27). My interpretation is Taylor’s Cruel Summer experience started May 27th in Los Angeles.

I will skip over the 2nd game for now.

Third board game is also an unopened box. Printed on the box is the board game name “Breakable Heaven”, slogan “The Game for Two Players”, and a distribution statement. “Breakable Heaven” is also in the Cruel Summer lyric. My interpretation is Taylor’s Cruel Summer experience ended on July 19th in Los Angeles.

Second board game Scrabble is in progress. Printed at the base of board game is “King of Hearts” and two-word tiles are already laid out on the board. Words are “After” and “Glow”. This one is open to multiple interpretations. I’ll share two.

First one is Taylor is apologizing to Karlie. Why? Most agree the song King of My Heart is about her new budding relationship with Karlie. Throw in the After Glow song to the mix. The combination acknowledges her role in the demise of the Kaylor relationship and mourns the loss of love. Assumption here is Kaylor ended before Afterglow and Cruel Summer was written. The piece I cannot reconcile with this interpretation is the order placement of this game. It takes place during Taylor’s Cruel Summer experience. And Cruel Summer is about someone new. Someone who is different than her last relationship (Kaylor) based on the lyric “And it’s new, the shape of your body”. Maybe my 2nd interpretation fits better.

Second one is Taylor’s acknowledging her role in damaging a new relationship (the new King of My Heart who is the object of Taylor’s affection in her Cruel Summer experience). Taylor’s new love interest is either someone new or an ex-lover (Dianna).  

Sometime later this week, I’ll post the second half of my queer interpretation.

[queerveluv]

A feminist analysis of Red Velvet’s “Psycho”

Link to MV

Now they knew that she was a real princess because she had felt the pea right through the twenty mattresses and the twenty eider-down beds. Nobody but a real princess could be as sensitive as that. So the prince took her for his wife, for now he knew that he had a real princess. - Excerpt from “The Princess and The Pea”

To manipulate someone by psychological means into questioning their own sanity. - Definition of Gaslighting

You know it so well and control me… We're in a very weird and strange relationship… You got me feeling like a psycho, psycho - Excerpted lyrics from “Psycho”

In The Princess and The Pea, a prince wants to marry a “real” princess but can’t find a way for his bride-to-be to prove it. So when a woman shows up one rainy right claiming she’s a real princess, his mother devises a test to verify this. By forcing her to sleep in a ridiculous contraption and making her feel discomfort she doesn’t understand, she proves that she has the mystical delicateness of a real princess. In doing so, the princess is gaslighted. She thinks she’s “psychotic” for feeling distress over nothing. Once her psychosis has been explained away, however—it’s because princesses are so sensitive that they border on being “psycho”—that somehow automatically reduces her to a marriageable object for the prince, because only a prince could handle a “crazy” woman like that.

Red Velvet’s new “Psycho” MV is an incredible song with a hauntingly beautiful music video. The MV is laden with symbolic imagery, and in my opinion, it’s the best MV that RV has produced since “Cookie Jar.” I’m pretty sure that many of these references are to fairy tales. Yeri jumping on the bed seems to be a reference to The Princess and the Pea. Irene seemingly pricking her finger on the spinning wheel is a reference to Sleeping Beauty. The scene of Seulgi sitting alone in a room that has a loom with the golden hue and gold decorations reminds me of Rumpelstiltskin. The wedding dresses may be a reference to the frequent theme of marriage in fairy tales like the ones above. Most fairy tales involve women experiencing some bizarre, tragic situation that makes them (or others) think they are “crazy,” and it takes a prince charming who can live with their “craziness” to save them. Once the bizarre situation is solved and their psychosis is rationalized, they are automatically reduced to brides because there is no other capacity in which they can live with their experiences. However, like the dangling wedding dresses at the end of the MV, these princesses are empty shells of femininity, they aren’t people.

I think this is the “moral of the story” the MV is painting between its references to fairy tales, wedding dresses, and the lyrics of the song, where a woman seemingly talks about how she loves a man who manipulates and controls her by making her feel like a “psycho.” There are many scenes where the RV members seem to go “crazy”: Seulgi’s mirror image starts moving on her own, Irene is surrounded by butterflies. It’s about how women are made to feel helpless and isolated through gaslighting, convinced that they are bizarre and loveless, except by the one person who professes to be able to rationalize and love them through their psychosis (but who is causing them to feel this way in the first place).

The Princess thinks being wed to the Prince is her destiny and “happy ever after” because her self-confidence has been shattered to the point that she’s convinced she can’t be happy in any other situation, certainly not by herself.

Of course, there’s always the option of fully embracing one’s monstrosity and irrationality as a source of empowerment. “Peekaboo” demonstrates this, where the RV members embrace their identities as “psychotic” and dangerous women. In “Psycho,” however, they seem to be more hesitant. Here, they seem to be struggling to assert agency against the way the trope of psychosis also constrains them. It can feel liberating to not be understood, but it’s also very isolating. I'm thinking of the scene where Wendy stands there listlessly like a ghost, and Joy passes her by at first because Wendy doesn’t want to be understood, she wants to be left alone, but then turns around and grabs Wendy’s hand, and life comes back to Wendy. It’s as if Joy is telling Wendy that this is not empowerment. And then there's the dressing room scene where the RV members break character, demonstrating that these are just costumes/ roles/performances that RV puts on. They may feel liberating, but they are not the entirety of who the RV members are. Monstrous femininity can be empowering but also limiting, and RV is trying to navigate that.

(I’m sorry if this post is a lot more rushed than my previous analyses! I am a sad PhD student trying to write this with time I don’t have ;_; The MV is so dense with symbolism that I am sure there is plenty I have missed.)

[rukakikuchi]

My speculation/theories on LOONA’s next comeback.

Oh boy, oh boy… As we’ve been waiting for LOONA’s next comeback, we’ve had plenty of time to speculate on what the concept for what said comeback will be like. And it seems like the girls are just as excited as us, as they seem to be dropping hints as to what it’s going to be.

We’re going to look at some possibilities based on the hints we’ve been given so far, as well as some speculation as to what else we could see coming from LOONA in the near future.

Flowers and nature

As soon as promotions for “So What” ended, LOONA wasted no time dropping subtle references to flowers and nature, leading many fans to believe their next concept could be flowers or nature related.

References made to flowers:

Chuu participating in King of Masked Singer as “Spring Girl”

Using flowers and nature related emojis (i.e. rainbow) in social media posts

Yves and Chuu Frequency of the Moon topic was “spring”

Heejin being called “a goddess among the flowers” in the post promoting her appearance in Ben’s “Bad” MV (Source)

ViVi, Jinsoul, and Chuu Frequency of the Moon topic was “flower”

Gowon, Yves, and Jinsoul took a photo with a tulip in behind the scenes photos of a magazine shoot (Sources: 1, 2, 3)

Yves posting a photo of her with roses (Source)

Mentioning “blooming” and other flower/nature related phrases

In a post celebrating Choerry and Olivia’s coming of age: “Things will get better with that rose” (Source)

Yves mentioning flowers blooming in different seasons in her fancafe letter on her birthday and saying she’ll bloom more vibrantly each year (Source)

Kim Lip saying “keep walking flower paths only with us” in her Orbit 2.0 anniversary fancafe letter (Source)

Gowon saying “photosynthesis time” (Source)

We’ve already had it all but officially confirmed that LOONA’s upcoming comeback is happening in August (Yves told Nature they were planning on an August comeback during filming on Fact in Star back in June.) (Source)

With it being the summer season, I could see them either doing a bright, fun concept with an energetic sound, or they could go for a dreamy concept with beautiful visuals and emotional vocals.

Royalty and elegance

Another concept the group has been dropping hints about is a royal concept.

Firstly, we’ve been seeing several recent instances of the girls wearing these fancy black dresses. 

These outfits were first seen during promotion for the group’s premier greeting “Meet & Up” event. Since then, we’ve seen them on the official Japanese fan club website, the post commemorating one million subscribers on Youtube (Source), the celebration of Orbits’ 2nd anniversary (Source), and even during LOONA the TAM Season 2.

There’s also their official light stick, which is designed like a crown. 

Not only that, but they come with a golden cape that you can wear. We also got a photo of the girls in these capes and white dresses in what appear to be a palace.

There’s also their cover performance of “Love Battery” on Immortal Songs 2, which took a very jazzy and theatrical spin on the song, adding their own LOONA flair to it. The members have stated in the past (Yves specifically I believe) that their covers were hints to their next comeback, since their boy group dance covers prior to the release of [#] hinted at the style “So What” would be like.

This could just be a general group concept rather than just a comeback concept, but if they do go for a royal or elegant concept, there’s honestly a bunch of possibilities for what it could sound like. It could range from an elegant, ethereal vibe, a fun yet powerful dance number, a big band jazzy style song, or even a pop-ballad.

And speaking of ballad…

Return of LOONA the Ballad?

It has been over half a year since it was announced that LOONA the Ballad, or La Maison LOONA, a ballad album that had been teased since 2018 was cancelled. I only very recently became an Orbit, but was nonetheless disappointed when I heard an entire album they had planned to release had been scrapped for release.

...Or was it? Because recently, the girls have been hinting that maybe LOONA the Ballad isn’t completely gone.

Now I’m not sure whether this is true or not, but supposedly during a fansign event, a fan asked Chuu if there was a possibility that the album could still be released, and she just smiled and said “Soon!”

But then we had the moment during Yves’ birthday VLive where we heard what sounded like a snippet of “Stay with me babe (aka “Hyper Ballad”)” playing. (Source)

If BBC didn’t have backup files for the original planned album, there’s probably a chance they had to re-record the album altogether. It might even be possible they’re going to repurpose the songs they planned to release on LOONA the Ballad for something entirely new.

Japanese debut?

LOONA’s Japanese debut was another delayed project I learned about after becoming a fan. And since we recently got the launch of their official Japanese fan club, I think they have had plans on releasing their Japanese debut soon.

Now, these plans might have changed with what’s going on in the world right now, but I think it’s possible that we will get more news regarding this some time this year.

The only question is, what would they do? Would the royalty concept be utilized here while the Korean comeback focuses on the floral/nature concept? Could it be possible that the tracks that were meant to be for LOONA the Ballad were repurposed to become a Japanese release? Will the Japanese debut be a new song or just a translated version of a song they already released like “Hi High” or “Butterfly”?

Again, there’s several possibilities and until we hear more from the staff or the girls themselves, we’ll just have to wait and see.

“Day and Night” official release?

This is something I’ve been curious about for a while. We’ve gotten hints that we’re going to get something related to “Day and Night”, the hidden track released on the CD only version of [#].

Digipedi posted a video on their Instagram of them listening to “Day and Night” in the car. Now, this can simply be that they really like the song and nothing more. But what if it means there’s a music video for “Day and Night”?

Also, in a LOONA Kick where Olivia was filming herself with a moon face filter, we hear the girls singing “Day and Night” in the background. (Source)

Personally, I thought this meant they would be performing “Day and Night” at KCON:TACT 2020, but that ended up not being the case. Still, I can’t help but wonder if we’ll actually get to see a performance of it in the future, or at least a dance practice video.

I also wonder if they would do an official release of the song, either as a digital single or have it included as an official track if they decide to do a repackage of [#] for the next comeback. Whatever the case, it feels like the girls are planning something related to it.

What will the album be called?

Aside from the concept and sound of the comeback, one of the big things fans have speculated on is what the name of the album is going to be. The album names for the OT12 releases have had significant meanings; [+ +] is about how the girls and units combine into the full group (addition), [X X] is about that power being amplified (multiplication), and [#] is about realizing their strengths and what they can accomplish when they are together.

The most common guesses I’ve seen for the album title are [*] and [O]. Before I give my thoughts on which one it could be, let’s look at what each of the symbols could mean if used.

First, we have the asterisk symbol (*). This symbol is used to call attention to a footnote, indicate an omission, point to disclaimers, and dress up company logos. Basically, it’s meant to draw attention to an otherwise minor detail.

This seems to match up with LOONA as a group, as the girls always work their hardest to perfect even the slightest details of their dancing or singing in order to put out a quality performance for their fans. And in the context of the LOONAverse, it could mean that even the smallest detail can become significant.

The symbol has also been pointed out to resemble a star or flower. If they really are going with a flower concept, it would be a clever choice if they went with this.

Now for the “O”. This isn’t really a symbol; it’s a letter. But there are quite a few reasons why it can become a meaningful symbol should they name the album [O].

Firstly, most frankly, the letter “O” resembles a full moon, and we know LOONA is all about the moon.

Secondly, in “So What” there’s a line that references the “O or X” in tic-tac-toe. One way fans have interpreted that line is that it’s them talking about how most girl groups in K-pop fall into either a cute concept or a girl crush concept, and the song as a whole is about not being restricted by anyone or anything.

We’ve already had the “X” in [X X], so it would make sense if they did “O” next.

Also, if you replace the “#” in “B#RN” with an “O”, it becomes “BORN”, which plays into the idea that the next concept could be about rebirth. Again, this would fit into the flower concept as flowers always bloom again as the seasons come and go.

I already theorized that [#] and “So What” would be about the destruction and rebirth of LOONA and the LOONAverse, so maybe the next comeback will continue from that.

“So What” was specifically about the “destruction” part of this; the girls are breaking out from their old image and everything that held them back. Olivia quite literally sets the moon on fire to symbolize this action. And at the end, we see the bird feathers being revived after being burnt.

So this next comeback could possibly focus on the “rebirth” part, showing just how much stronger LOONA have become as a whole.

As for which one I think the title of the album would be, I’m leaning more towards the asterisk symbol, since it lines itself up with the potential flower/nature concept and the meaning and usage of the symbol can become significant to LOONA when put in the right context.

My thoughts

As of right now, it feels like a flower/nature concept focused on rebirth is most likely what we’re going to get. Sound-wise, if their cover of “Love Battery” really is a hint for what the song will be like, I could totally see it working with LOONA.

However, if they are in fact repurposing the LOONA the Ballad tracks for a new comeback, I could see them actually using both the flower and royal concepts. In my mind, “Daydream” would be the flower/nature concept with an ethereal dreamlike look and feel, while “Stay with me babe” would be the royal/elegant concept and be more mature. Not straight up sexy, but more like an alluring feel.

I also think it’s possible that they would use the royal concept for their Japanese debut, with a new style that’s not something we’ve seen in their previous releases but also feels familiar to LOONA’s overall concept and style.

Also, while I don’t think they plan on doing this for their next comeback, I think it would be nice to see the group do solos and units again. Not just for pre-existing units, but new units as well. The members have talked about the possibility of them doing new units in the past, and fans have speculated on things such as the “day and night” units (which are basically the tall line and short line lol), but we don’t know if those plans were also postponed or cancelled.

With everything that’s going on in the world, we may not know just yet, so for now it’s all a matter of if and when. Regardless, I’m so excited for what this next concept will be like.

Anyways, I hope you guys enjoyed this discussion! Feel free to share your own thoughts on what you think the comeback will be like!

Until then... Stan LOONA! 🌙💖

[smolfangirl]

Cómo te pido

Based on the song and mv for “Cristina” by Sebastián Yatra, and some of my own experiences. I hope you enjoy this ♥

Word count: 5.8k

///

Entre tanta gente yo te vi llegar

Algo en el destino me hizo saludar

///

One day off. One single day of getting lost in the city, not found by anyone except himself. That’s all he wants, craves, after weeks and weeks of being praised as someone who exists solely in the minds of the media and his fans.

One day, and he couldn’t even get that.

It starts with some teenagers chilling on the staircase to the metro, asking for pics, and soon they’ll be all over Instagram and a group of paparazzi and reporters will follow him – Matteo knows the deal. The business.

And frankly, he’s tired of it.

///

The moment he steps into the bar, he wonders if this was the right decision. The air feels hot in his lungs, the smell of cigarettes and cheap beer burns in his nose, while his eyes struggle to find the barkeeper in the crowd blocking the counter. He pulls the hood of his sweatshirt deeper into his face before he slowly makes his way to the bar.

No one looks at him for more than just a second.

///

She’s looking at him.

The stage light creates the illusion of a halo around her, and she’s looking at him with a smile so bright and honest, he can’t tear his gaze away from her. At first, he feared she recognized him, saw through his terrible disguise, but the longer he watches her, the more he relaxes. During his career, he’s seen hundred versions of people spotting him and freaking out. That girl is not one of them.

So, he winks back at her.

///

Her voice sounds as sweet and golden as on the stage, like honey that’s sticking to his soul instead of his fingers. She appears next to him out of nowhere, asking if the seat is taken as she already casually jumps on it. With a chuckle, he replies that he won���t ask her to leave, and the moment she directs another smile at him, the burden of being a superstar whirls off his shoulders.

“Do you usually arrive only to see the last performance of the night?” she asks, head tilted. Her hair falls freely over her shoulder, a tangled mess that somehow frames her face perfectly.

Grimacing, he reaches for his drink. The wine still tastes like a grape took a piss in his glass, although that detail is forgotten the instant he figures out what to answer. “No, but usually, the last performance isn’t worth paying attention to.”

“You’ve never been here before.”

“And you’ve never had a drink with someone as cool as me.”

That makes her laugh. He feels pride rushing through his veins, like when his music makes someone happy or when his mom looks at him with tears in her eyes after watching a performance from him.

She leans closer. “Technically, I’m not having a drink right now.”

The smile on his face never leaves, only deepens. “Then it’s about time we change that.”

///

At some point after midnight, long after his phone ran out of battery, the barkeeper releases a heavy sigh and asks them to leave. They’re the only ones left in the entire room.

At the exit, he stops. Glances over his shoulder, at this place he’d never expect to find (or look for). For a few hours, he had a safe haven, away from fans, flashing cameras and obnoxious voices chanting his name. It was worth the stifling air, the hint of vomit out of the toilets, the headache the cheap wine will give him in the morning. Whatever happened tonight will end too soon, even when he’s not ready to give it up just yet.

“You okay?” Luna’s hand lingers on his arm, gently guides him back to reality, where her last laugh still echoes through the bar.

Upon facing her, he discovers a frown on her face. “Yeah, sure. Just wanted to make sure I left nothing behind.”

“Okay.”

The air leaking inside from the entrance hits him with all its coldness, reminding him of what kind of world he’s returning to.

Silencing the sigh rooted in his chest, Matteo hides in his hoodie again. “Okay, let’s go.”

She holds him back. Lets her hand hush over his cheeks, carefully tugging the fabric until the hood falls on his back. “You shouldn’t hide such a beautiful face.”

His breath hitches. Eventually, he whispers back, “You can never be too careful in a city like this.”

“I keep wondering if you’re new around here, you know?”

That’s the curse of being a star, he thinks. He’s not new to this city – or any other – yet knows nothing that exists outside of his hotel and the venue. And with Luna, everything feels new altogether.

“I am.”

She smiles, again, and if every camera in the world had only one picture left, that’s what he’d photograph. “I can show you around then, if you’d like.”

///

Y empecé mis planes para vernos otra vez

///

“You want me to put skates on my feet?” Half protesting, half questioning her, his mind already paints vivid pictures of him in an emergency room, sitting in a wheelchair with one leg and two arms broken, as his manager yells at him.

“What did you think the helmets were for?”

“I don’t know, something less dangerous? Cycling, maybe?”

“Are you trying to tell me you never skated before?”

Matteo sighs, rubbing his arm. “I used to. As a kid.” In the street where his grandparents used to live, back in Italy. Some part of his body always carried a scratch or a bruise during those summer days, he remembers ending up on the ground a lot, and the band-aids his mom used to ease the pain. (With funny little fruits on them.)

Luna dangles her boots in front of him with a smile that sends his heart into overdrive. “Then this will be even more fun.”

“Luna…” His heartbeat picks up at the mere idea of falling. When he was younger, he felt invincible enough to risk it, but looking at her, at the skates, he feels like his whole body is made of glass.

“I’ll hold your hand the entire time.”

Maybe he won’t fall.

///

He can’t remember the last time it’s been so dark around him. On the street, cameras blind him even through his sunglasses. At home, his phone never gives him a rest, blinking for every message, every notification that comes in. Even in the bar they met in light leaked behind closed doors, from the stage or as a broken reflection from a cocktail glass. His whole world is bright and open and cruel – there’s no shadow to make one wrong move in.

Here, everything is dark and soft and honest. When he glimpses behind the curtain, he can see the stars sprinkled over the sky. Next to him, Luna is dozing off, the silver moon light dancing on her cheekbone. He can hear the beat of his own heart, calm and steady in a rhythm it hasn’t found in years.

Just as he closes his eyes, Luna shifts on the mattress until he feels her gaze settle on him. “I can’t believe I’m doing this”, she whispers.

“What, camping?”

“Going on a road trip with someone I barely know. You could be an axe murderer.”

Or worse, a popstar who could get you on the front cover of every gossip magazine you ever heard of. Out loud, he chuckles. “Damn, you caught me. How will you fall asleep now that you discovered my darkest secret?”

She tries to slap him on his arm only to hit his blanket, and he keeps her fingers locked and secure in his own hands. “You know what, Luna, you put up too much of a fight. I’m gonna have mercy on you.”

“You’re an idiot.”

“And you’re freezing.”

Her voice grows softer, shy almost. “The blanket’s not very warm.”

For a moment, they fall quiet. The wind creates a melody in the tree tops, plays with the leaves like a five-year old chasing a ball, and Matteo thinks about the bottom drawer in his mom’s kitchen, the one that doesn’t close completely, because of this one pot that’s a millimeter too big. He thinks about the empty jars his mom keeps in there for her strawberry marmalade, and how he wants to store this feeling in them, forever. This moment, this peace, won’t last, but perhaps he could lock it away, remember it, completely: the wind outside, the muffled rustling from his blanket as he robs closer to her. How her body curves against his like she’s a matching puzzle piece.

How he falls asleep, wondering if all these coincidences that lead him here are just his destiny in disguise.

///

He’s been to many beaches. Beaches in Italy during his childhood, where he mostly cared about how good the sand would build up to castles. Beaches on vacations, where he was surrounded with people who didn’t wish to be bothered by anyone, just like him. Once or twice he performed at a beach festival. He got his skin burned, got tanned. Went swimming and snorkeling and hired jet skis to cruise on the ocean.

He never just stood and watched.

“What a view, huh?”

Next to him, Luna stands in the breeze, eyes half closed as she wears this smile again that could replace the sun. Her dress softly flaps around her legs, and the wind plays with her hair. Yeah, what a view.

“I wonder if there’s a way to get down there,” he says out loud.

Grimacing, she glances down the cliff separating them from the ocean. “Unless you wanna jump down there, I don’t think so.”

“That’s a shame.”

“There’ll be other beaches, you know. That we can actually go to.” Her fingers dance over his arms, the silent encouragement only contradicted by the soft laugh that follows. Goosebumps run over his skin, his stomach ties itself into a knot, but Matteo can’t quite fathom a smile. As long as they’re alone, his mind is too full of her and the rush of emotions she brings along like a fresh breath of air after sitting in the studio all day. But she’ll say something like this, reminding him that there’s more out there, people and social media and another life for him, and his chest tenses until he’s almost suffocating.

Luna has no clue, of course. She doesn’t know better, so she lets him discover her, lets him read through her past and thoughts and feelings like it’s nothing more than a sweet novel to get lost in during vacations. And he knows better, so he turns page after page, trying to memorize the lines, the ticking clock a constant noise in the back of his mind.

The more he gets to know her, the more he dreads going back to the spotlight. (The more he falls for her, too.)

“Let me take a picture of you. With this beach, okay?” he begs her. The dimple on her cheek deepens as she carefully places her camera in his hand. Her touch still lingers on his palm when he snaps the first picture, and he can’t hurry enough to capture the softness in her gaze, or the brightness in her smile. He hasn’t grown tired of admiring her, and with the camera in his hands, he finally allows himself to keep more than just a fond memory. If a few pictures are going to be the only thing left when reality catches him in its iron fist again, he’ll hold onto every tiny snippet of them.

///

Luna takes pictures of him, too. On that cliff, in front of the crystal-clear sky which is only outdone by the shimmering blue of the ocean. In a small town when they wander through the streets and follow graffities bursting with color. When they stumble upon the kid bringing the grey walls to life with his spray cans, and he poses with him as if they were best friends. When she invites him for ice cream and a hungry seagull steals his cone directly out of his hand.

Every night after dawn, she cuddles up to him in the campervan to show him her favorite pictures.

Once, she’s fast asleep next to him, he scrolls through his phone to the file with the pictures from photoshoots and magazine covers. The Matteo in there smiles too, but it isn’t real. Luna brings out the smile in his eyes, and in the picture he’s staring at, the curve on his lips is plastered on like the make-up on his forehead. For his work, he acts like a mannequin, nothing more than a prop to polish someone’s Instagram page and give his fans the illusion of knowing him.

In Luna’s pictures, he’s happy. Silly even, if he wants to. When she focuses her camera on him, there’s no expectation in the little click of the lens, so he lets go and smiles because one look from her pulls the corners of his mouth up. Sometimes she pulls a grimace at him that he copies, and sometimes, he leans down to kiss her cheek right before she takes a selfie.

He hopes that when this is over, she’ll look at these little moments, knowing she unlocked a side of him no one else saw before.

///

Recuerdo todo lo que te gustaba

Y tu camisa que llega a los pies

Esa carita cuando te cantaba por primera vez

///

Her phone died. In the middle of the song, two seconds away from her favorite part, and he expects the pout on her face before he tears his gaze away from the street. Before he met her, he never even heard of the band, too busy with his own music. Now, his fingers tap the melody on the steering wheel with ease, and he finishes the song so naturally like the words were tattooed into his veins. It’s not until he falls silent again that he glimpses over to her.

Tears glisten in her eyes.

“You have a beautiful voice,” she whispers.

“Thanks,” he replies, smiling to himself. (After signing his first contract, he never thought these words could mean so much again.)

“I mean it. I can totally see you becoming a singer or something. Hey, maybe I could ask Simón if he’d be up for a collaboration, or…” Her enthusiasm intensifies with every word she rambles, but it’s not contagious this time, not when his mind already paints a new picture of the worst case. She probably knows her best friend’s phone number by heart, and she’ll sneak his phone out of his pocket to call him, and he’ll know more about a certain Matteo Balsano than she imagines, so she’ll find out who he is (or who everyone else knows him as) and hate him and he’ll have to let her go, and he’s not ready for that.

“Matteo?” Her voice snaps him back to reality. “Are you okay?”

Is he? His knuckles turned white as he’s driving, and he clenches his teeth so hard that his jaw hurts. “Um, sure, yeah. I’m fine. I just don’t think I’m the type for a boy band.”

The frown on her forehead tells him he seriously needs to work on his white lies. But before she gets to needle him with more questions, Matteo gives her his most charming smile and asks, “Are you in for a duet though? Like, right now?”

A few minutes later he thinks that no professionally recorded and produced duet could ever live up to the harmony that is her voice melting into his.

///

Y si pudiera mostrarte

Que estando juntos ya no hay nada que falte

///

She asked him to pull over, again. The coastal view tempted her too much, and she’s sorry and hiding behind her open hair, even when he’s coming to a stop without as much as raising an eyebrow. Leaning against the van, Matteo watches her standing in the breeze, arms wide open, a huge smile on her face. One glance over her shoulder, and he’s by her side. She raises an eyebrow at him, more a challenge than a question, so he smirks and twirls her around until a laugh pearls over her lips. Bumping into his chest, Luna is still giggling, still making his heart feel like a race car that’s cruising his ribcage. With her arms around his neck, she pulls him into a dance along to the rhythm of their heartbeats. (A scene just like a music video, he thinks, except that it’s real.)

She takes the lead. Whirls him around just like he did, fuels him with every look out of her dazzling green eyes. There’s the thought of kissing her, again. A part of him already suspects that he’ll never stop writing songs about her once his lips get to know hers, but this urge never burned him so fast from the inside.

This time, he won’t fight it.

Matteo allows himself to give in, every move is now aimed to get him closer to her, every breath he takes hopes to be shared with her, and he’s falling, falling, falling.

They’re slow dancing now. Her face is hidden in his chest, both arms wrapped around him as if he’s her favorite stuffed animal. The sun creates the illusion of diamonds on her hair, and he feels endlessly torn between soaking up this pure moment, and finally pressing his mouth on hers. Her fingers sneak over his shirt, caress him light as a feather. Matteo is done, defeated, desperate, as her name slips out in nothing more than a whisper.

Their eyes meet.

He leans in.

Thunder growls above them.

Her, ducking away. Pulling him along, towards the van. The moment he blinks up at the sky to the dark clouds sneaking in, she hastily explains, “I think we need to leave now.” He stumbles behind her, speechless. (Because all he feels is her hand intertwined with his fingers.)

///

They don’t talk while Matteo is driving. He’s focused on the road, and the rain clatters on the windscreen too loudly anyway, killing any hope for a conversation. Luna tried to ask him if driving in this weather was a good idea, but the noise swallowed her voice, so she gave up. Now she’s staring into the angry sky outside, pretending she’s not tempted to sneak another glimpse at him, and then another.

Her mind is overflowing with things left unsaid, with confessions and too many questions. He wanted to kiss her, she’s pretty sure about that. And he might still want to kiss her.

Everything else, though, remains a mystery.

How can she be sure she knows him at all, anyway? A book in a foreign language wouldn’t be as hard to decipher as he is. He never mentions his everyday life, or his job. The one time she asked, he said he worked in the entertainment industry, and then he changed the topic. He talks about his childhood, but never his presence. She still doesn’t know why he refused to leave the back of the van three days ago, when she refueled the van and got some snacks in a small city by the coast. Maybe he’s just weird, maybe he’s hiding something, an ex who he’s not keen on running into, or something worse. Maybe she doesn’t want to know.

But these doubts never linger in her mind long enough. Because their eyes meet or he gets her without a single look, or they laugh for ten minutes straight about the same dumb joke, or he smiles at her so gently it takes her breath away. Like right now, as he catches her glare and in an instant, her mouth runs dry.

“What are you thinking about?”

“Nothing.” A bold lie. She’s thinking about a lot of things, like how soft his lips look, or how her stomach feels like it might burst and how she wants to be close to him for the rest of her life.

And how he better kiss her soon, because otherwise she definitely will.

///

They end up stranded in the middle of nowhere.

The storm rages on, too harsh for them to keep going, and now they’re in bed, listening to the wind howling. Lightning crushes down somewhere close to the van, for a moment, everything is silver and bright and scary. Then, darkness returns. With a shaky breath, Luna pulls her blanket closer.

“Are you okay?” Matteo whispers. The mattress gives in to his weight as he shifts around, before his hand finds her clenched fist underneath the thin fabric. “You’re cold.”

“You’re hot.”

“May I?”

Her reply, “Sure”, already dies on her tongue. He must have heard it anyway, because he robs closer until she’s in his arms, surrounded by his warmth and his scent and the daydream of his lips on hers. “Thank you,” she says, turning to what she hopes is the outline of his face in the dark.

Lightning, again.

He’s close, closer than she expected. His breath hovers over her face. The memory of this afternoon flickers through her mind, the anticipation that built up ever since they sat in that little bar, the tension in the air when they glimpse at each other at the same time and –

Finally, Matteo kisses her.

///

Solo tienes que saber

Que yo quisiera quedarme

///

Sunlight caresses her cheek. Matteo is feeding her grapes, piece after piece, as he snuggles up to her left side until her blanket becomes kind of redundant. The morning is nothing like last night, quiet and soft, the early sky a canvas of pastels.

“Do you think we can go to the beach today?”

“If we find one, sure.” He nips on his coffee cup, the grapes now out of her reach, then pats over the blanket, probably in search for his phone.

“How come you keep looking for the same things every morning?”

“I don’t know, I swear it was just right here… ah, got it!” A frown finds its way on his forehead while he begins to type. Then, a soft groan, followed by more typing.

She nudges him with her shoulder. “Let me guess, you’re still trying to find a beach where it’s just us?”

“There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“There’s nothing wrong with any beach either.”

“Why don’t you just…” He falls silent, gaze suddenly stuck on the screen. The wrinkle above his eyes deepens. His thumb lingers in the air, frozen.

“Why don’t I just what?” Luna asks, her hand finally getting a hold on the grapes, so she at least has something to do.

The sigh he replies with doesn’t exactly promise good news. “I got a text message from work and… seems like they need me back soon.”

Her eyes flutter shut. She thinks of last night, of the dawn, when the first thing she felt upon waking up was his arm loosely wrapped around her, and the second thing his lips greeting her. She thinks of sitting on the beach, a golden sunset in front of them as she steals a kiss from him, safe in his arms. She thinks of the deadlines and unwritten reports and papers waiting for her at home. “How soon?”

“A few days. A week, if I really push it.”

“We’d have to drop off the van early.”

“I don’t want to. I’d rather stay here. With you.” With one hand, Matteo pushes a strand that escaped her ponytail overnight behind her ear. His words hit her straight in her chest, from where a thousand butterflies escape into her bloodstream. “And why can’t you?” she whispers.

“I can’t just… quit. I’m too important there.”

Chuckling, Luna hides her face in his shoulder. When he asks her what’s wrong, she glances up at him, grinning only harder. “You are such a chico fresa, Matteo,” she explains, and the confusion sticks on his face even after she tucks a grape behind his sweet lips.

///

The ocean underneath her feet. The smell of sunscreen lingering in her nose. His smile around her, more constant than the sun in the sky. Her, trailing after him like she’s indeed a silver rocket in the universe and he’s her earth.

For an instant, Luna ponders about this moment, certain she’ll miss it at some point later. But then, he makes her laugh again and all that matters is now.

///

No sé cómo te pido que te enamores

Cuando al final no voy a estar cuando tu llores

(Cuando de ti me enamoré)

///

“Oh my god, guys, that’s Matteo Balsano!” Half a scream, half a whisper. It’s too soon for him to be pulled back into his superstar life, but too late to escape it – that life, his fans, and the realization dawning upon Luna.

“Matteo! Can we take a picture?” Louder. Flashlights. A forced smile on his lips.

“Can you sign this? For Kaylee?”

“Can I have a photo too?” Three phones all up in his face. Four. “I can’t believe we’re running into the Matteo Balsano, just like that!”

Hands, trying to touch whatever is closest to them, trying to nudge him away from where he wants to be. “Why did you disappear for two weeks?”

Luna, gone from his side.

///

Time moves too slowly. She needs answers, explanations. Now. He’s still standing at the other side of the street, those girls stuck to him like fruit flies trapped in honey. She wants them gone, and she wants to be home already, in the silent comfort of her room.

Time moves too quickly. She needs space, something familiar. Her brain is still catching up on what happened, and she’s only halfway through his Wikipedia page. She wants to wake up in bed so this can just be a dream, and she wants yesterday back, with the soft embrace of his arms.

Time moves on. He’s walking towards the van. His face disappears under the hood of his sweater, and she feels like a paparazzi watching him, his every move.

All at once, he’s a stranger to her.

///

“Why?”

“I’m so sorry, Luna.”

She huffs. The sun hits her directly through the windscreen, yet her cheeks heat up for a whole other reason.

“This wasn’t how I wanted you to find out.”

Her gaze fixates on the view outside, the house fronts and parked cars. It’s motionless, not even a breeze softly ruffling through the palm trees. Inside her, everything seems to be moving and stirring. “And how was I supposed to find out? Never?”

If making him speechless is an accomplishment, it doesn’t feel like one. After seconds or minutes or whatever excruciating amount of silence it equals on the clock, he sighs. “Do you know how hard it is to find someone who doesn’t treat you like some kind of god? You made me feel… when I’m with you, I’m different. Someone…”

“Normal?” Bitterness leaks out of her tone, and it poisons her heart. “That sounds terrible, Matteo. And I’m not going to pity you.”

“Happy,” he replies. “I wanted to say that you made me feel like someone happy.”

You made me feel happy too. Those words don’t cross her lips, though. Instead, she turns on the engine and starts driving. (Away from the place where her heart broke, but not away from him.) Taking a shaky breath, he opens his mouth but before he says anything else, Luna drowns his voice with the first radio station she finds. After two minutes, the host announces one of his songs.

She almost smashes the radio with her fist.

///

All day, she waits for dawn to come, for the darkness to match her mood. An hour into driving, Matteo quietly asks her to stop by one of the beaches to their left. She follows him in a safe distance as he watches the ocean. There’s no smile on his face, just a wrinkle on his forehead. Her phone weighs heavy in her pocket, tempting her to snap a picture of him like all the days before. But she no longer feels like she has the right to take a photo of him, which shouldn’t add to her misery this much.

So, now she’s aching for the night to hide him from her eyes.

///

His eyes flutter open in the darkness. The blanket is tangled between his legs, and he feels some part of Luna bumping into him. His heart clenches at the memory of her silence today, or the looks she sent him. He doesn’t know what he expected, only that he hoped, with a little luck, that she’d stay in his life.

There’s no such faith anymore.

Her touch startles him. Slowly, her fingertips draw patterns on his arm, and Matteo isn’t sure if he’s dreaming. “Luna?” he whispers into the silence.

Her hand stops moving, but it stays frozen where it was, which is everything he needs to hope again. “What are we gonna do?” she finally says.

His heart skips a beat, only to riot harder than ever before in his chest. “I don’t know,” he admits, unsure. “I can’t escape this, you know? People will recognize me wherever I go, whether I like it or not. That’s just a part of my life.”

“So, after this, I’ll never see you again?”

He closes his eyes. Sighs. “Would that be a good thing for you?”

Luna hesitates, he can feel it in her fingertips leaving his skin, in the breath she’s holding. Every second in which she keeps him hanging on to the last thread of hope hurts. All he wants is to pull her back into his arms, back to a time where it was just him and her, and reality got no hold on them. And he feels stupid for believing any of this could have lasted.

“No. It wouldn’t.”

Luna buries her head in his shoulder. A sob pearls over her lips, and out of words, he presses a kiss on her hair. “But I can’t do this,” she adds before she rolls over to her side of the bed and shatters his heart into pieces, just like he must’ve earlier.

When he finds his words again, he whispers “I’m sorry I can’t stay”, but she seems to already be asleep.

///

Este amor ya no es mío

///

He’s watching the van being driven away by one of the employees. The sun is setting behind the rental office, sealing the end of his little run from real life. Turning around, his eyes land on Luna, wo’s holding on to her bags as if her life depended on it.

“So, this is it,” he concludes.

She returns his gaze, and the tears shimmering in them feel like a knife to his chest. “I guess.”

“Maybe we could…”  

“Matteo, no.” It sounds as if he’s torturing her, as if nothing brought her more pain than the mere chance to see him again. (If only he knew how to make her smile again…) “We can’t. You know this wouldn’t work.”

With that, she leaves him.

///

Sé que la vida se pasa pero no pasa contigo

///

The next months bring her a lot of opportunities to cry. His new single that her roommate plays on repeat for hours, unaware that the Luna in his song is the same one yelling at her to use headphones. The music video for said single, where he replaces her with a girl who looks nothing like her. His new album, titled Chico Fresa out of all things, and every song that speaks to her. Every single time her thumb hovers over his contact in her phone, until she remembers why she refuses to see him again.

But she learns to stop asking herself “What if”, to stop torturing herself with daydream after daydream. She learns to ignore his voice on the radio and the gossip on the internet. She learns to sleep alone again and get mad enough at him for his lies and songs and calls to move on with her life.

And then she walks into the skating rink on her birthday to a package with her name scribbled on it, inside brand-new skates in the colors of a sunset, along with a card signed by him.

After that, she can’t pretend anymore that she hates him.

///

No tengo la certeza de volverte a ver

Recuérdame

///

The beach in Cancún hasn’t changed. The palm trees along the way, offering some shadow in the merciless midday sun, the scent of salt and sunscreen in the air. The pathway along the ocean she led him to, with her hand in his, which often enough was the only reason his ass didn’t kiss the ground.

Matteo, however, has changed. He has grown, as a person, as a songwriter. Even as a skater – he doesn’t need anyone’s hand anymore in order to keep his balance.

Still, he keeps thinking about her.

Especially here in Mexico, where a year ago, he kissed her, and she claimed his heart only to walk away with it. He wonders what she’s up to, which skating competition she’s training for right now, and if her studies are going well. If there’s someone else, someone new in her life. Someone who isn’t followed by ecstatic fans and paparazzi.

His mind always stumbles over this idea, sooner or later. Not that it’s any of his business. He just wants her to be happy, that’s all. (Is it wrong if he wants her to be happy with him?) And who can blame him when sometimes, missing her overwhelms him, and he can’t stop thinking about what ifs – what if he gave up his career? What if he insisted on seeing her again just a little bit more?

It’s a dangerous path to walk on, and never a gleeful one. So, every time it gets too much to bear, he goes skating.

It’s a routine by now. Matteo puts on his helmet and sunglasses, then his boots. He never goes fast, simply cruising up and down the beach while painting pictures in his head, of her by his side. He imagines her whirling around in pirouettes, jumping and showing off all the tricks he doesn’t dare to try. He imagines the sun adding a soft shimmer to her hair, and her laugh ringing in his ears as he recites the lyrics of the last song he wrote for her. About her. He imagines that he’ll never has to write another song about the moon, because he gets to tell her everything in person.

Her laugh, again.

First, he wonders how clear his memory makes it sound in his ears. Then, he realizes it’s not just an imagination anymore, because Luna is here, for real, a mere hundred meters away. Wearing his skates.

In that moment he knows he’ll have to write another song for her.