#mlqc second season

[laxmiree]

[CN] MLQC Lucien’s Rumors & Secrets – Season 2: Threshold (阈值)

⚠️ SPOILER ALERT!! ⚠️

This post contains a detailed spoiler for an R&S that has not been released in EN yet! Feel free to notify me if there are any mistakes in the translation~

Lucien followed the doctor's pointing finger to a line on the report— a small amount of abnormal PTEN gene sequence in the cells.

“Although the abnormal PTEN is only a small amount, irreversible cancer development may occur if your deterioration continues."

"The speed of deterioration is closely related to the frequency of Evol use, so it is recommended to reduce the usage of Evol as much as possible in the future.”

Lucien nodded occasionally, his heart not experiencing significant fluctuations. This day had been expected, and it had arrived as scheduled.

[T/N] It’s advised to read S2 chapter 45 first because this R&S sets between S2 chapter 45 and chapter 51 timeline-wise. I usually translated the main story first but translating this first makes more sense chronologically AND will provide extra pain for S2 chapter 51~

ALSO, after reading the R&S please head up to S2 Chapter 51, the pain is more complete with the main story~

[Chapter 1]

“Professor Lucien, the latest clinical trial report results are out, and they are still not very promising.”

This not-so-good news didn't come as a surprise to Lucien. He nodded and said, “Ah He, you've worked hard these past few days. Take a good rest over the weekend, and next week, we'll come back to discuss improvement strategies.”

“But we've already improved almost every aspect,” Ah He swallowed the words on the tip of his tongue and glanced at Lucien's composed profile. “In addition, two new deteriorating patients have signed the drug trial observation agreement. Here are the records.”

Lucien took the file and opened it, quickly scanning the text inside.

“The first patient is forty-two years old, an Evolver with superhuman vision. Diagnosed with glaucoma seven years ago, their vision started deteriorating significantly six months ago. After genetic screening, it was confirmed that the condition was caused by deterioration.”

As he turned to the next page, Lucien's gaze froze.

....The second patient is a Water-type Evolver, but the symptoms of deterioration are widespread malignant lymphoma.

“Based on previous cases, the direction of Evolver deterioration should be closely related to their own Evol attribute,” Ah He showed a puzzled expression, “and this patient's symptoms were an exception, with a more unstable rate of deterioration than ordinary patients. Perhaps this could be a discovery in the study of deterioration illness.”

Lucien glanced at the photos of the young man again. Although his impression wasn't deep, he quickly found this person in his memory – he had appeared in one of BS's Evol modification experiments many years ago.

“The individual cases don't have high reference value. We need to expand the sample group and continue to watch for similar cases of deterioration.”

“Understood, Professor.”

Back in his office, Lucien spread out the two reports in front of him. The deterioration index line graph in the first report steadily increased over time like most of the patient data he had seen. However, the line graph in the second report suddenly spiked at a certain point in time after a long period of stability.

Lucien unlocked his computer screen, and a medical report appeared on the screen. The diagnosis result, highlighted in red and bolded was glaring and prominent – “Gene Deterioration Detected.”

The deterioration level line graph in the report progressed steadily, almost identical to the first half of the line graph of the second patient on the desktop.

As the report page slowly scrolled upward, a profile picture gradually appeared in the upper right corner.

He glanced indifferently at his own face in the photo, closed the document, and leaned back in his office chair, closing his eyes to rest.

The heart within his chest cavity beat steadily, just like every other day, strong and composed. No changes appeared to have occurred, yet hidden beneath the surface, there seemed to be an undercurrent that was difficult to detect, waiting for an opportunity to stir things up.

His brief reverie was interrupted by the ringing of his phone.

“Hello, Mr. Lucien. Your latest lab test report is ready. Please come to the laboratory during business hours to collect it.”

[If you remember- In S2 chapter chapter 31-1 Lucien mentioned that his situation regarding blood disease is unique. From this R&S I guess what he means by unique situation is that his deterioration wasn't REALLY bad until he started to overuse evol, mainly for the sake of protecting MC. This evol overuse will get worse in S2 chapter 51 :D]

-

[Chapter 2]

“Have you experienced any discomfort in your body recently? Have you used Evol?”

“Everything has been normal. I've used Evol a few times, but not excessively,” Lucien quickly counted the number of times he had used Evol in his mind over the past month.

It was around seven or eight times, within a manageable range.

The doctor pushed the report in front of Lucien with a serious expression. “Your deterioration had been well-controlled previously, but this time, there are changes in various indicators. Platelet count has decreased, and there might be a slight impact on your clotting function. Additionally—”

Lucien followed the doctor's pointing finger to a line on the report— a small amount of abnormal PTEN gene sequence in the cells.*

“Although the abnormal PTEN is only a small amount, irreversible cancer development may occur if your deterioration continues. The speed of deterioration is closely related to the frequency of Evol use, so it is recommended to reduce the usage of Evol as much as possible in the future.”

Lucien nodded occasionally, his heart not experiencing significant fluctuations. This day had been expected, and it had arrived as scheduled.

(T/N: PTEN is a tumor suppressor gene that plays a critical role in regulating cell growth and preventing the formation of tumors. And since his platelet count is decreasing, it'll be HARD to stop his bleeding)

The hospital wasn't far from the bioresearch institute, and he reached his office right on time for work. As usual, he opened his computer and pulled up the latest clinical reports on anti-deterioration medications that he had just received in his email.

Among the patients participating in the clinical trials, 42% showed some level of deterioration control after taking the medication, with 8% experiencing particularly positive results. However, for nearly 58% of the remaining patients,...

The research on the medication had been ongoing for nearly a year, yet it still couldn't achieve the expected efficacy. Lucien carefully examined the data on the screen, tapping his fingertips lightly on the desk.

Incomplete Evol genes could lead to abnormalities in the human body, but why would the highly praised “evolutionary” Evol genes lead to such destructive deterioration?

Could it be that Evol eliminates those who cannot withstand its power? Or is the deterioration of Evolvers, to some extent, a part of the world's evolutionary process?

Some vague thoughts raced through his mind, and Lucien allowed them to linger, making a mental note as he continued to focus on the report in front of him.

As the sunlight gradually intensified, shifting towards the other side of the skyline, Lucien took a deep breath, preparing to take a short break.

Just as he closed his eyes, his ears picked up three quick knocks on the door. The third knock was slightly heavier, a habit unique to Pete.

“Come in.”

The door swung open, and Pete briskly walked up to the desk, handing over a stack of research reports.

“Professor, there have been new developments in the experiment data regarding the neuronal position for maintaining neuron function. Detailed results and data are all written in the report. We can start the next phase of experiments tomorrow.”

Lucien quickly glanced at the data and results on the report, and he smiled.

“The results are even better and faster than I had imagined. After work, you can take everyone out to celebrate. Consider it a team-building event, and the institute will reimburse it.”

“You should join us too; the rapid progress of the experiment owes much to the insights you've given us. Everyone wants to thank you.”

Lucien paused for a moment, then continued nonchalantly, “Make a reservation for one more seat, and thank you for your hard work.”

“Sure thing! I'll go inform the others right away.”

After Pete left the office, Lucien shifted his gaze to the dormant screen. He saw his own blurry silhouette, and the lingering smile on his lips confirmed his fleeting good mood.

Maybe... He agreed a bit too quickly just now.

Lucien shook his mouse, and a dense data set appeared on the screen again. It was an observation report from NW on unusual energy fluctuations within Loveland City, as well as the strange phenomena they had generated. This report piqued his interest, and according to the original plan, he should have worked late to finish this research tonight.

However, occasionally participating in such activities could be beneficial for teamwork. Lucien hesitated for only three seconds before saving the document and shutting down the computer.

-

[Chapter 3]

“Swoosh-”

The clear water rinsed away the remnants of liquid in the test tube, and a momentary daydream washed over his relaxed mind. The scene from this morning when he left home reappeared before his eyes.

As Lucien opened his door, the opposite door also swung open, and a girl rushed out with a box of milk in hand. Her hair was slightly disheveled, clearly a result of rushing and not having time to tidy up for work.

He smiled faintly, but strangely, she seemed completely unaware of his presence and focused on her phone, anxiously waiting for the elevator.

In the next moment, the girl's figure seemed to “disappear,” but the elevator remained on the top floor, not descending.

He was briefly taken aback but quickly realized that this was likely the phenomenon caused by the energy fluctuations he had recently seen in the NW observation report on Loveland City. The unknown energy disturbance in the vicinity had created a “rift” in spacetime, and the girl was merely a projected illusion.

The sound of glass clinking brought Lucien back to reality, and he noticed that the test tube in his hand had bumped into the beaker.

“Professor, are you feeling a bit tired? Maybe I should take care of this for you,”

Lucien smiled in response to Pete's concern and began placing the lab equipment into the washing machine. “No need, nothing is pressing right now. I'll consider organizing equipment as a form of rest.”

Although the work on hand was never-ending, under her supervision, he had already learned to carve out some breathing space for himself.

During moments of complete relaxation, unexpected thoughts often diverged in his mind, which brought him happiness. However, lately, whenever he tried to clear his mind, the girl's image and voice would involuntarily “visit” him.

Seeing the slight, involuntary upward curve of his lips, Pete gave him a knowing look and half-jokingly asked, “Professor, are you going on a date later?”

“She's been quite busy lately.” Lucien subtly concealed the thoughts he had inadvertently revealed just now and continued, “Pete, have you chosen a topic for your thesis?”

“It's almost ready. This time, I plan to research 'Using Evol Energy to Stimulate Brain Cells for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment.' I'll put together a formal document for you to review.”

“I remember you were interested in brain memory restoration and extraction before, and you had many intriguing ideas. Are you not planning to explore that area this time?”

“Afterward, I reconsidered. There's more literature available on Alzheimer's disease, and the current market demand is higher. It seems like a more prudent choice.”

Lucien's gaze shifted slightly, not missing the hint of regret that flashed in Pete's eyes.

“I actually think that if it's a topic that interests you, you should give it a try,” Lucien blurted out his most direct thought, receiving a surprised look from Pete.

“What everyone else is doing may be the safer choice, but it's not necessarily the best choice.”

“Uncharted territory doesn't always equate to a dead end; it's just that, in many cases, people tend to instinctively seek the safer path.”

“But in research, the most valuable quality is the persistence to explore and seek knowledge.”

On the way back home, Lucien continued to contemplate the events of the afternoon.

In the realm of scientific research, aiming for safety was not necessarily a mistake; it often led to higher success rates. So, when he made that suggestion, it wasn't solely from an objective standpoint but also a personal desire that the researchers he had mentored could challenge more difficult domains.

Suddenly, a faintly familiar sweet fragrance wafted to his nostrils. He followed the scent and turned to see her favorite cream puff shop.

“Maybe I should buy one and give it a try.”

A few minutes later, Lucien sat on a park bench holding a freshly baked cream puff. He wasn't particularly fond of cream puffs, but the idea that had occurred to him a moment ago had struck without warning. Before he could contemplate the reason behind this thought, his body had already acted on it.

The cream puff, still warm inside its paper bag, emitted a subtle fragrance. He took a gentle bite, the crispy outer shell giving way to the creamy filling, creating a delicate taste on his tongue.

This cream puff wasn't overly sweet and the sweetness that could be detected was minimal.

This subtle sweetness triggered dopamine, and an inexplicable sensation gradually spread from his chest to his limbs. It seemed like his brain had received this pleasurable signal, making him feel considerably more relaxed.

So, this was what she meant by the happiness brought by sweets.

He slowly savored each bite of the cream puff.

Lucien knew that an irreversible change had occurred within himself.

[This behavior of trying new things and impulsively doing something feels like 'my time in this world won't be too long anyway' :""]

-

[Chapter 4]

Inside the research lab, the mechanical hum of instruments droned on rhythmically, and the stark white lights cast a cold silver gleam on the metal plaques with “NW” written on them.

“Blood pressure stable, sinus rhythm normal, no adverse reactions.”

“According to the drug's suggestions, he will act according to our instructions after leaving this lab.”

Lucien glanced through the glass at the person lying on the observation room bed.

“Conduct thorough post-experiment observations, don't overlook any minor irregularities.”

“Alright. Also, Professor Lucien, your ETL-147* drug trial application has been approved, and you need to sign the liability waiver.” The lab technician handed the paperwork to Lucien, looking somewhat hesitant.

“Are you sure you want to personally participate in the drug trial? Although we've conducted preliminary human trials, we haven't done large-scale clinical trials yet, and there are certain risks involved.”

Lucien quickly signed his name. “Trying it myself is the only way to discover areas that may need improvement.”

[I was right about Lucien experimenting on himself with that drug :"D. Anyway, ETL-147 is the same drug from S2 chapter 45]

“Once you've decided, you'll need to receive the injection within the confines of NW with someone present, as per the regulations.”

“Then let's do it now.”

Declining the researcher's offer to assist, Lucien skillfully rolled up his sleeve and disinfected the area. As he watched the liquid in the syringe decrease, he blinked slightly, concealing some contemplation.

“You can go ahead, I'll observe here for half an hour. If there are any issues, I'll reach out to you.”

He watched the researcher leave and then lowered his gaze to his arm, which had a tourniquet in place. Testing the drug on himself wasn't solely for drug research. He could increasingly feel that something was changing within him, hiding and flowing in the gaps of his nerves, elusive and slipping out of his control.

That's why he needed insurance.

He didn't wait for half an hour and left the observation room. The solemn and cold corridor echoed only with the light sound of his footsteps. Each corner had a circular surveillance device with a flashing red indicator light, watching his unhurried steps. He paid little attention to them as he arrived at Archive Room 8.

“Authentication personnel, Lucien. Authorization Level: Three.”

With a beep of an electronic tone, the door to the archive opened for him.

Rows of gray filing cabinets stood in order. He walked deeper into the room, stopping at the second-to-last row. From one of the shelves, he pulled out a file box.

“Blood Disorders and Deterioration Case Files.”

He opened the lid and browsed through the materials inside. During his involvement in the research of anti-blood disorder drugs at NW, Lucien had seen most of these files. As he turned a page, his slender fingers paused.

“Code **, deterioration level reached as high as 95%, reversed deterioration after ** experiment, and after a period of observation, full recovery of human functions, deterioration level reduced to 7%. Detailed information requires special-level clearance to access.”

Looking at the encrypted data, Lucien's lips curved upward without a hint of a smile. He returned the file box to its original place.

It seemed there were quite a few deals he could make here.

-

[Chapter 5]

“To see a world in a grain of sand, and a heaven in a wild flower. Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand, and eternity in an hour. A truth that’s told with bad intent, beats all the lies you can invent...”

(T/N: From the poem Auguries of Innocence written by William Blake. For Blake there's such thing as white lies. Because 'A truth that's told with bad intent' is worse than any lie, because some lies can be well-intentioned)

Under the camphor tree swayed by the autumn breeze, he softly recited verses from the book. Sensing the girl in his arms gradually breathing deeper, he closed the book and gently brushed a strand of hair from the corner of her eye.

In the warm breeze, Lucien slowly opened his eyes, gazing at the familiar cold white ceiling of his office, feeling a slight sense of déjà vu.

This was the fourth time in these seven days that he had dreamt of her.

Since the deterioration, he had hardly experienced any physical discomfort. However, the frequency of thinking about her had increased significantly. He didn't resist this feeling; in fact, every time he thought of her unintentionally, the neurons in his brain transmitted a sense of pleasure to every cell.

He ran his fingers over his knuckles; the wounds from his struggle with GR had scabbed over, but she still applied bandages to them cautiously. Lucien pressed his temple to clear his mind a bit, then returned to his desk, opened a document, and entered the latest date.

“Dreamt of her in a dream, vivid memory of dream content, but ruled out as a recollection.”

After recording this, he opened his email.

This was the latest data on energy fluctuations within Loveland City. On the vast map of Loveland City, there were numerous unusual energy fluctuations. After comparing the fluctuation charts for each period, he noticed the locations where fluctuations were concentrated at different times.

Approximately 36 days ago at around 18:39, Central Park. He and the girl had gone to the night market in the park after work, and they had dinner at a street food stall.

Approximately 27 days ago at around 12:25, the Life Sciences Institute. She came to bring him lunch and, in passing, asked him about the topic for the next program.

15 days ago at 23:48, his apartment. To celebrate the upcoming weekend, they stayed up late watching a movie and didn't return home until very late. She stood at his doorstep and bid him goodnight.

Nine days ago...

The light from the screen reflected a coldness in his pupils as he stared at the map with red markers blinking in different locations.

The center of the fluctuations, once again, was that source of power that had captivated countless people—CORE.

The more beautifully the flower bloomed, the more it attracted annoying flies.

A sudden sense of irritation welled up within him.

What would it take to keep those ill-intentioned insects away from this deeply-rooted flower?

“Snap.”

The light sound shattered the silence as the pen fell to the ground and rolled twice before coming to a stop by his feet.

That sudden absurd idea had torn away all pretense, revealing the raw instinct in its entirety.

— If she had her own path, she shouldn't be trapped by him.

— Don't restrain yourself with rationality, look at your true heart.

Perhaps that dream had already given him a hint. The scales in his heart had gradually tilted away from reason, moving in an unexpected direction.

— She withstood all the wind and rain that came her way, growing resiliently into someone he found truly remarkable. He couldn't encase her within his protective glass cover.

— Are you really don't expect it? Really don't want to possess her? Humans are inherently greedy. Indulgence is human nature.

Lucien felt as though there was a consciousness from a deeper layer detaching from his body, standing at a higher vantage point, watching with keen interest as the two voices in his mind continued their ongoing debate.

Perhaps his own deterioration graph had already started its inexorable ascent towards an unpreventable height, progressing towards the final moment that could arrive at any time.

He suddenly realized that he wasn't as averse to facing that moment as he thought. All the changes in his body were intriguing, both evolution and destruction.

Cells and genes evolved over countless years to adapt to their environment, giving birth to more complete species. However, the incompleteness of the Evol gene led to human deterioration, going in the opposite direction of evolution.

Perhaps Evol held a meaning deeper than “evolution” and “power,” a meaning that no one, including him, had yet to comprehend.

His phone vibrated suddenly, bringing the storm in his mind to an abrupt halt. The girl's name accompanied a text message that appeared before him.

“Do you have time tonight? I found a new barbecue place on Huapu Street.”

“Of course, I'll pick you up after work.”

Perhaps he shouldn't see her now; if he did, this imbalance might intensify rapidly.

But why not indulge in something that brought him happiness?

Lucien closed his eyes.

This self-observation finally introduced more significant variables.

-

NEXT STOP-> [S2 Chapter 51]

[xxsycamore]

'𝗧𝗶𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 Content Creation Challenge ❄🎅🏻

After 'Tis the season for smut & 'Tis the season for smut 2.0, I joined @voltage-vixen and we present you with a revamped third installment of our favorite winter holiday themed challenge!

The challenge starts today, November 23rd, and ends on January 14th. Check the rules below for additional information!

Targeted fandoms: Ikemen Series, Voltage Games, Tears of Themis, MLQC, Obey me!, Mystic Messenger, Genshin Impact. All mobile & console otomes as well as other anime and game fandoms are also encouraged and welcomed to join!

███  RULES:

One prompt list is consisting of fluff prompts, and the other of smut prompts! Minors DNI with the second list, please!

Starting from the day this post goes live, November 23rd, you can begin creating and posting your fandom works (fanfiction, fanart, headcanons, etc) following the prompts in the two lists.

You can combine prompts for the same list or from both lists. You don't have to follow the order of the prompts. You can create as few or as many works you want to! There are no fixed dates for this event, but for those of you who like to post daily, you can do it like a countdown until Christmas day! AUs are allowed. Suitor x Suitor, Suitor x MC, Suitor x OC, Suitor x NPC are all allowed. You can use the gif banner at the top of the post if you'd like to!

Tags for the event will include #’tis the season for love & #’tis the season for love content creation challenge . Additionally, please tag both of us hosts ( @xxsycamore & @voltage-vixen ) in your creations so that we can see and reblog them.

Kristen (voltage-vixen) will be making a masterlist featuring all contributors and their works shortly after the day that marks the end of the challenge, January 14th. A reblog from her means that your work is successfully added to the masterlist. If you suspect that your work went unnoticed or is not on the masterlist when it's posted, don't hesitate to contact either of us!

Both our DMs are open for your questions, and you can also send an ask here on my blog, where other people who might have the same question will be able to get their answers too. We'd love to help!

Happy Holidays to these who are celebrating and to everyone else I hope you have some good time during this time of the year ❤ We can't wait to see your works inspired by the challenge! Happy creating, everyone!

Under the cut you'll find both lists typed out for your convenience 🔽

FLUFF LIST:

Starting with preparations way too early

Sipping hot chocolate and then stealing a kiss

"Okay, maybe I DO need help putting the star on top of the tree."

"This gingerbread house just WON'T stay up!"

Sharing a scarf

"I said that I'd teach you how to ice skate, I didn't say that I know how to ice skate."

Forced to wear an ugly Christmas sweater

Being the MC/LI's fake date for a Christmas party/ball

Surprising their partner in the morning with a new pet underneath the Christmas tree

"Those clichéd traditions are exciting for me, now that I have you."

SMUT LIST:

Warming up together after a snowball fight

Wearing nothing but a ribbon around the neck

Fun under the blanket

Bodies roasting by the open fire

"A kiss under the mistletoe doesn't have to be where we stop."

"What are we going to do until the storm passes?"

"I've decided I don't want to be on the nice list this Christmas."

Sleigh ride your partner into a holiday bliss

Christmas treats sugar rush

"Actually, there is one more thing on my wish list."

[rinharu-purple]

About S2 PV CH 10-13

Yes, it is a belated post, since the chapters are out. But you still might enjoy reading this 😄😄

Starting with Kiro/Helios with a mullet (I can’t believe that he’s wearing a mullet).

He is in a seemingly abandoned venue with a fading microphone. Maybe he is imagining himself on the stage again? Someone has also pointed out that he might be deaf, because of the hear aid, but the singers always wear one on stage, so I don’t think that’s the case.

And then we switch to the embodiment of awesomeness goes by the name Gavin in a rooftop bar, chilling with a bottle of Tiger beer. Greeting MC with a “I am not here for you”, which is ironic, because in the previous PV 6-9 he said the exact opposite:

The way I see it, Gavin is giving us the good old push and pull treatment. Thanks babe :/

---

Victor is probably overseas (San Francisco maybe, it looks like the Golden Gate bridge in the background) and is buying a New CLA? (the letters on the background). But its a Maybach you’re leaning on Vic (and nobody buys them with the Mercedes star anymore btw, its too old school, but because it's a Maybach I'll let it slide unnecessary info)

His smile while texting with MC is very cute (probably his inside voice his calling her dummy but as long as it cant be heard from the outside we’re cool).

And the way the picture suits to the melody in those 4 single piano notes is really nice.

Lucien is back to his assassin mode, stealing stuff and going behind people’s backs, playing all sides against each other, scheming and such. Same old same old. Gotta admit though, that I like him like this the most. especially when he gets caught by the MC and keeps his composure like “Haven’t you heard? I am the lizard king in this no horse town” Smooth.

Nothing on Shaw. Sorry.

Joker is finally getting a sprite and is out there to get our LIs. Gathering proof on them etc. Let’s see where it goes.

Enter the angst:

Victor warns MC about pretending not to know him. Probably because he is already aware of the facht, that they are being watched, so he might be trying to conceal his relationship to MC, but I have no idea, how he is planning to do that, when they are both working for the BS.

But more importantly. Victor, a beige suit, with a black/brown shirt and a blue tie?!! You are an extremely rich guy, don’t you think that you should have the fashion sense which goes with it? Just because it looks good on Gavin doesn’t mean, it would look good on you too. Try something like this maybe?

While I am busy criticizing Victor’s Printemps ‘21 prét á porter look, this scene pops up out of nowhere accompanied by the melody going all crescendo, hitting me HARD:

I don’t even know where to start in this 4,5 seconds of heartbreak. Bullet points help:

- Symbolism is very strong with this scene. MC is shown falling into an inferno-like abyss with all red-fiery colors. And Gavin is responsible for it. 

- Gavin is wearing his trench coat from S1 CH1, reminiscence to the start of the story. Also the red ribbon part of MC’s pullover might have been put there to symbolize the red string of fate. Having read @cheri-translate s translation on Gavin’s R&S earlier today about their inevitable attraction, it  doesn’t feel like a far fetched speculation. Their souls are bound together and yet their hands are pulled apart in a way. We are so used to seeing Gavin and MC hand in hand or embracing, this feels like being hit by a truck. It also gives me some break-up vibes. Specifically because MC is reaching out for his hand but Gavin doesn’t move an inch.

- I need to say this though, his body and his face tell us two different stories. His body is stiff and doesn’t move, but look at his face:

Two things that stand out is 1) Ohmaygadheissohandsomeitmustbeillegal just kidding, not Gavin-stan gotta Gavin-stan swh 1) He is slightly biting his lip (the down curve on the edge of his mouth), so he is restraining himself from holding her (though I am almost certain that he would still subtly soften her fall with his evol). And 2) His eyes are filled with mixed emotions and his brows are furrowed very very little. He is showing only micro mimics so I am guessing that he is also trying to hide his relationship to MC, much like Victor.

Helios cutting MCs hair makes me only think about the Halloween 2020 event. No other comment on this. Again, PG is giving us some good throwbacks.

And the final blow with Lucien. The way its shown and the filter thats put on the scene hints towards a dream sequence. I don’t think it happens in the real world. Because for Lucien to lose the only source of color in his life is probably his worst fear. So having such a nightmare will probably lead to him distancing himself from MC even more.

OR, MC is going S1 CH11 all over again but this time around with Lucien. OR OR S2 CH 10-13 is S1 11-14 all over again, thus history repeats itself. Victor and MCs’ scene reminds me of this:

Helios threatening MC is much like MC finding out about Ares and as Areas threatens her not to be caught by him again.

MC falls again, but this time Gavin doesn’t catch her mid air.

Pretty sure its such my mind going to odd places, but the parallels are there, right? RIGHT? 

Anyways this post didn’t come out as I desired it to be, probably because I took my sweet time contemplating it and the new chapter are out, so many of you must already know where I am wrong lol.

But above all CH32 falls tomorrow!!!!The most anticipated moment is right around to corner guys and gals!!!! 

[all-things-mlqc]

MLQC Anime OP

HELLO CAN YOU HEAR ME SCREAMING

[cheri-translates]

desserts - translated comics (a - j)

complete your dining experience on a lovely note with these assorted treats.

artist names beginning with k - l / m - v / w - z

💝 = all / special l  🎐 = gavin l 🌟 = kiro

🦋 = lucien l 🦈 = shaw l 🌹 = victor

76 pai ma zi da / -76牌马自达RX7-

🦋 winter

🦈 doodles of shaw

🦈 thunderbolt

-

a pei ge / 啊呸咯

💝 me, my girlfriend, and...

💝 no bro left behind

💝 miss nox

🎐 pirate gavin

🦈 when she’s mad at you

🦈🌹 two types

-

a yue dian dong che / 阿玥电动车

🎐 my boyfriend thought i committed a crime

-

akai是不是阿凯

🌹 gift

🌹 scold me

🌹delicious?

🌹 reason for liking him

-

阿芷naive (a zhi naive)

🎐 kiss

🎐 surrounded

🎐 his wish

🎐 shy gavin

🎐 cute wolfvin cub

🎐 pose

🎐 lying down

🎐 a kiss of love and youth

🎐 chained

🎐 endless longing

-

akira静水

💝 mc’s evol is actually...?

💝 how they love (discipline) their sons

💝 how they love their daughters

💝 the men doing chores

🦋 my deskmate lucien

🦋 lucien’s thoughts

🦋 jealous of himself

-

b--11

🎐 sub-masterlist

-

bai ri qiu / 白日秋

🎐 pet him!

🎐 different gavins

-

bei zha guo de lin zi /被炸锅的林子

🎐 wolf gavin

🎐 wolf gavin part two

-

black-strange

💝 fatherhood series

gavin l kiro l lucien l victor

💝 five person date

💝 four men trapped in a house

🎐 private photoshoot date (suggestive)

🌟 unwrap the gift date (suggestive)

-

bo bo nai / 波波奈

🌟 sub-masterlist

-

bo si teng hu / 博斯藤壶

🎐 the youth

🦋 friends

🦋 a secret relationship

🦋 together

🦋 the livestream

-

bu hu / 吥唬

💝 swimming

💝 fairytales

🎐 under arrest

🎐 gavin compilation

🎐 during a storm

🌟 bolster

🦋 ares and lucien

🦋 lucien and hair

🦈 after a battle

🦈 punishment date - zoo

🦈 happy birthday

🌹 captain victor

-

chi bu chi ya she / 吃不吃鸭舌

💝 when they turn into children

🎐 eli

🎐 highschool au where mc is the troublemaker

🎐 winter world

🎐 their children

🎐 pearly

🎐 yo-yo

🎐 too much

🎐 galaxy

🎐 puppet

-

chun ri mao mao xia / 春日猫猫侠

🌹 panda

🌹 snack store

🌹 little vic is here

-

di kong / 滴空dikong

🎐 private photoshoot date (slightly nsfw)

🎐 lipstick

🎐 naked in front of your boyfriend challenge

🎐 interacting with a deity

part one l part two l part three

🎐 gavin and cat

🎐 different reactions

🎐 happy mid-autumn

🎐 christmas

🎐 his journey...

-

east_lan

💝 if their hearts were a room

🌟 massage chair

🌟🦋 no effect

🦋 my lucien

🦋 dress

🦋 family

🦋 my butterfly

🦋 morning

🦋 lucien’s skincare routine

🦋 measurement

🦋 iridescent

🦈 envious of shaw

🦈 shaw’s ‘date’

🦈 archaeology studies

🦈 the only graduate

-

emb3r_12

🌹 sweet dreams

🌹 sneaky shots

🌹 goodnight

🌹 thaw date

🌹 replacement

-

fan jun marcia / 饭君Marcia

💝 pinch

-

fan tuan xiao pao pao / -饭团小泡泡-

🎐 accompany you asmr

-

gua gua gu_a / 瓜瓜Gu_A

🎐 the boy who fights in school

🌟 the long-haired prince

🦋 lucien’s birthday

🌹 tennis

-

guang che bu xiang qiang qu / 光澈不想强娶

🌟 photo

🌟 the couple

🌟 kiro’s fears

🌟 before the performance

🌟 apple box and cello

🌟 cuties

-

hai lao niu bang juan / 海老牛蒡卷

💝 living together

💝 teacher mc

💝 when they hit their heads

🎐 valentine’s rose

🌟 witch mc x kiro

🦈 taste

🌹 tying a tie

🌹 friends

🌹 omelette

🌹 when mc turns into a cat

🌹 valentine’s day

🌹handsome

🌹 witch mc x victor

-

hei xiu hei ei / 嘿咻嘿ei

🎐 the brilliant years

🎐 bubble tea

-

hua qi shan / 花契扇

🎐 flying squirrel gavin

-

ichisaku

🌹 time

-

jian zhu / -箭竹-

💝 the guys as maids

💝 claw machine

💝 blind boxes

🎐 gavin’s use in every season

🎐 i’ve decided on you

🎐🦈 airport date

-

jiang ke li / 姜可离-

🎐 birthday

🎐 photo

-

jie mu ye / 结木耶

🌟 honest

🌟 one year

🦈 one-day date

🦈 reuniting

🦈 inexperienced

🦈 rivets

🦈 prank

🦈 pirate

🦈 the scent of honey peaches

🎐🌹 mlqc x tears of themis

-

jing ji / 京极

🦈 the second prince

🦈 big sis

🦈 bottle cap

🦈 supper

🦈 winter

🎐🦈 drunk

🎐🦈 group photo

🎐🦈 little guardian

🎐🦈 sleeping

🎐🦈 pose

-

jiu luo illu / 汣络illu

💝 if he was your classmate

💝 eating ice-cream

💝 post lockdown plans

🎐 school legend

🎐 among the falling petals

🎐 summer selections

🎐 happy birthday

🌟 secrets of a onesie

🌟 replenishing sugar

🌟 flowers

🌟 when little kiro can’t eat snacks

🦋 together with lucien

🦋 traces

🦈 smear

🦈 dessert

🦈 happy birthday

🌹 victor and his puddings

-

jiu zhi qiu / 九只球

🦈 charger

🌹 done

🌹 hang up

-

ju zhi shi / 橘芝士

🎐 wind chime

🌹 how to obtain a victor

🌹 a mature ceo

🌹 parenthood

🌹 victor the cat

🌹 ulcer

🌹 confessing your love in university

🍒 return to the menu 🍒

[ginkgomoon]

After the Future (Season 2)- Song Analysis

So excited to start working on putting my music analyses out! Although I am very passionate about music, I hadn't chosen to study it in school, hence why I hesitated in even trying as I thought I would be lacking the musical terminology and knowledge to fully commit to a proper analysis. However, I did want to persevere, and after back and forth emails to a music teacher, I finally had finally gathered enough material to start the base of own personal analysis on the music tracks. The amazing teacher had helped me with the identifying musical parts of the songs, and I had to be the bridge to connect everything else together with MLQC in a way that would be appropriate to the lore and make it understandable for others to read. Music was and still is a big part of my gameplay. It invigorated so many emotions and I wouldn't be so connected to the game if it weren't for it. It is truly something to be appreciated of. Thank you to all the amazing people who helped made these amazing pieces of art.

If anyone had studied film, the arts, or literally is a fic writer, you would know that the sentence you write or shot you take is something of high value and intent that would contribute to the building of a particular work.

Music is the same. Everything is intentional and necessary. Everything you hear commits to a particular purpose/theme and the message you want to convey. The MLQC music tracks in particular have no lyrics, which accentuates the fact that the emotions, the connections and the information you gather comes strictly from the various instruments and sounds that you hear.

This, therefore makes music analysing much fun but a lot more complicated.

For example, without lyrics we have to be extra vigilant. A certain note or instrument could present itself and we might have to correlate that to something in the gameplay. Or, if a certain instrument represented a certain personality, we would have to expand on that, too.

This analysis includes the PV, which helps further develop the core ideas of Season 1 to Season 2.

Context (Spoilers of S2)

From Chapter 37, we arrive at the end of the first season-

Judgment Day.

MC chooses to crown herself as the White Swan QUEEN and saves the world from Comet X1917.

To do so, she must leave this world behind. She must bid farewell to the guys and turns back time... seventeen years back to her five-year-old self.

Onwards, to Season 2.

Guide

The dot-points (like this) are the musical terms/instruments named that you can hear. - Dashes underneath (like this) will be the storyline connection and interpretation to the music.

Analysis

After The Future is the track that is played as the bridge between Season 1 to Season 2.

Chimes enter. - This is not the first time we hear chimes in the tracks. It's also heard in Love and Vision (Season 1). - This represents MC's faith. Her presence. Her cause and effect's thoughts and actions. Her correspondence to everything. But most importantly, her fate.

Piano enters with chordal accompaniment - chord progression consisting of 4 chords (vi IV I V).

This piece is in E major (a lovely key! Nice and warm!) - We start to see MC with Shaw and Kiro, proceeding to say goodbye to them. We are still in Season 1. - It gives out an almost a saddening, nostalgic feeling. It's like piano is being represented as MC, as we always hear it in Season 1 music tracks.

Lush synthesised string section enters and builds the texture of the music suddenly. - This starts as she says goodbye to Gavin, Victor and Lucien. - This section is like the "ascension" for the boys' gradual realisation and MC's working towards the buildup for her confrontation that she must leave. - This can also be viewed as her ascension as QUEEN, as we can hear the violins and other instruments accompanying it becoming higher in pitch.

Chimes are being heard again as the last thing to "fade out". -MC wears the crown, and the coronation of the White Swan Queen is almost over.

“Love, is what makes me move forward.”

After a silence, electric guitar, drum kit and other instruments enter in a contrasting electronic, slightly rock-style and upbeat section. - This scene in the PV is brilliant, because MC had changed the course and fate of the world. Why and how? - We see a chessboard, exactly parallel to one another. Except the fact that everything use to be black, is now mostly pure white. - In chess, the pieces we play with are black and white. MC is not the Black Swan QUEEN, but crowned herself the victor as White. - This cut happens when the electric guitar picks up, almost symbolising the sudden change that MC makes on the world, therefore, affecting every piece in the board. - The guys can also be argued to be represented as certain pieces in chess (which I am looking forward to expanding on in a future post). - This triggers the happening of Season 2.

The piano improvises a syncopated melody in a mid-high register that sings through the many instruments playing at the same time. This is called a "tutti". - The piano (MC) is heard again. She's alive and kicking in this New World! It drives the rest of the now upbeat instruments, like how MC forges her way through into the world. - The drums accentuates the sense of "intrusion", as we see multiple shots of various locations in Loveland City, almost insights/premonitions to what we will encounter in the future. - MC is with the five guys again, looking bolder, and we can sense that she has changed in the New World, too. - Everyone just looks so good in the PV.

The combination of piano and strings create a more ‘classical’ feel that merge well with the more electronic-sounding instruments that enter in the second section.

The music starts to "ascend" again. - She had used her powers as QUEEN, and now in this world, she must strive towards to fulfil another purpose- to another set of promises.

The continuity of the initial instruments creates a sense of unity in this short piece, then dramatically fades. - This is ultimately representing the worlds that she has merged together to create this New World. - This shows that the unity of the worlds is over, the "reset" has begun, and MC must proceed to find the guys's "old selves". - And so it begins!

"What if... on that day..."

[litteidiot]

A COMEBACK!?

Hello everyone! I don’t know who follows or is waiting for me on this blog still but I decided I’m coming back to this platform to WRITE. Yes, you heard it right I’m back with writing MLQC content, mostly headcanons and short fics. But let me explain myself.

The reason I suddenly stopped writing is mainly because I was busy. It was my last 2 years in high school I wanted to focus on my studies. And the second thing is that for some negative reasons I distanced myself from the fandom entirely and started to enjoy anime even more. That little incident made me have a lot of mental health problems I needed time to heal from it.

Oh no worries I’m fine now, I still play MLQC and I still love our boys very much. I just needed some alone time.

So....

I’m officially back. I realized after rereading my writings that how much I loved writing on this app I’m coming back with writing and mainly continue my Four Seasons With You series. Also I will look into my inbox and try my best to write every request possible.

Request are still open hit me up any time.

[op-peccatori]

Hopefully, Yours (part 1) | MLQC Victor

Fandom: Mr Love Queen’s Choice 

Pairing: Victor/Fem!Reader 

Rating: Mature 

Word Count: 8823

Summary: A fight between co-stars leads to you taking their place, along with the man you’ve been carrying a rather fervid torch for. A happy accident—except it’s a dating show and you have to pretend your feelings aren’t real. | Part 2

Warnings/Tags: language, fluff, oblivious behaviour, dating show, social media, Victor might be a little OOC because I’ve written him differently, some making out in the next part hence the rating, no smut though, my sense of humour

A/n: as always, I’m here to clown around. I tried something a lil new (for me) in this one 👉👈 something I picked up quite recently from works I adored, so I hope you like it! It got longer than I intended so I had to split it into 2 parts ;.; Victor said: keep writing, hoe. 

ALSO!!! Yours by Ella Henderson is. THE Victor/MC song for me. I felt it in my bones when I listened to it again after all these years. brb crying

It’s the incessant buzzing of your phone that lures you out of the warm cocoon of your blanket.

You don’t really want to come out of your haven. Not after the week you’ve had, and because you know what awaits you. But as Anna had told you, there’s no way you can avoid this. They had finished editing the episode on Thursday, and Jason had already texted you last night to let you know it would be ready to be uploaded at 7:00 pm today.

Reaching listlessly for your phone, you squint at the bright screen through bleary eyes; it’s 9:00 pm already, and you’ve managed to sleep most of your Sunday away. It’s been a whole week since you filmed the episode, and while you were able to keep your thoughts at bay through it, it’s finally caught up to you.

After all, this is the episode you’re going to be in.

Pulling your laptop towards you, you open the tab that has the streaming site open. Your heart begins its anxious thump against its cage, a beat all too familiar to you by now. As the video begins playing, the memories of that day rise up to the forefront of your mind, refusing to be outdone by this meticulously edited version.

It started with a plan. A very well-thought-out plan.

“He called me a bitch. How can you still expect me to shoot with this jerk?”

Things were not going according to the very well-thought-out plan.

From your place next to Homer, the camera guy, you watched with mounting apprehension as Hollow resisted the AD’s attempts to placate her. But she did seem calmer, the scalding rage of her glare simmering down as he continued to reason with her.

And then her partner for the episode walked back onto the set.

“She said my songs are predictable! You want me to work with a hater?” Kai protested loudly, and Hollow turned back to him in a fury. The AD looked back at you in dismay, the rest of the staff watching with varying levels of exasperation.

“This is supposed to be a cheesy, ultra-romantic show,” Kiki whispered from her place at your side.

“This is what the reality is. All that sappy crap is for the camera,” Willow snorted, shaking her head in disenchanted disappointment.

There may be more than a kernel of truth in that. Hopefully, Yours was your company’s latest project; the second season, the first one having been produced by a different group. It’s a romantic web-series that featured different couples going on dates around town. The couples featured ranged from non-celebrities to people who are household names. So far, there hadn’t been too many issues with the participants—so you really should have expected this.

“Not always!” you cut in, fiddling nervously with your planner. “Some of the couples have gone on to date for real. Raymond and Liliana got married!” A lovely couple from an episode that aired last year. They’d been in the news recently too.

“They’re getting divorced,” Homer piped up in response. You hoped the look on your face let him know how unhelpful that was and turned back to the clashing couple. The AD looked harrowed and harassed as things turn increasingly hostile.

“Willow, do we have a backup couple?” you asked after a long moment of watching them spit insults. “Or just one person to replace either of them. What about Carlson?”

“He won’t be in town until tomorrow.”

‘Can I leave town?’ You wondered in a fit of desperate, wishful thinking.

“And we’ve got everyone here, with everything set up. Can we really waste time?” Kiki wondered out loud.

“No, we can’t,” answered a strained voice from behind you. All four of you turn to see Anna striding towards you, her hassled expression sending a frisson of worry through your stomach. “___, we’ve got guests.”

“Guests?” you repeated numbly. “What guests?” From the look on her face, it couldn’t be good news.

Anna held your gaze for a second, looking vaguely apologetic, before stepping to the side, allowing you to get a look at who Jason, the director, had rushed off to greet. You felt the ground shift beneath you, throat drying rapidly and the surrounding noise dimming as you focused on the new arrivals—your friend, your boss if you insist on the technicalities, and the star of most of your daydreams. LFG’s very own CEO, Victor, and his loyal secretary, Goldman.

In other words, people you hadn’t expected to see today.

“Why?” you whimpered, mostly panicked, but distantly amused by how enthusiastically he’s being greeted. It gave you a few moments to get it together, a familiar buzz coming to life underneath your skin.

This is terrible. Surely, this is karmic retribution for some misdeed committed by you. 

“Boss, get it together,” Kiki hissed in an echo of your thoughts, and you realized you had half-fallen back into her and Willow’s arms, their hands steady on your shoulders.

“This is really bad timing. Like, really bad,” Willow pointed out unnecessarily as you straightened up, running a quick hand through your hair.

“Goldman said they just dropped in to see how it’s coming along. I don’t really understand why, this is not at all Victor’s cup of tea, but he’d been hesitant about the show, so...” With a sympathetic smile, Anna placed a hand on your elbow, squeezing lightly. The comfort it brought is chased away almost immediately by a furious screech.

“That is it. I’m done!”

Turning just in time to watch Hollow stalk off the set, you tried to restart your thought process. You just needed to solve this.

“How do we solve this?” Kiki asked in a low voice, and Willow shook her head helplessly. 

With no answer for her, you could only watch as Jason led Victor and Goldman towards the set. You knew the exact moment he saw you; there was no smile, but a slow blink. It was still early in the afternoon, and his patrician features were alight with a soft glow in the golden sunlight, the curve of his lip relaxed and his clever gaze taking in you and everything happening around you in seconds. You’re not sure what he saw in your face but it made the corners of his mouth pull downwards.

Your stomach plummeted, seized by a sudden urge to flee.

But with his long strides, he reached you before you could take a step back. Kiki and Willow retreated silently, greeting him like newly registered soldiers coming face to face with their general and leaving you at his mercy. You would have felt miffed, but the way the sunlight softened his features was a little distracting. His lips moved, and you’re certain he said something, but couldn’t quite hear him over the sound of your heart drumming in your ears.

Homer coughed loudly, popping the bubble.

“Good morning, Victor!” Certain your lack of actual delight was obvious, you tried to inject as much enthusiasm into your voice as you could while your project went up in flames behind you. Not that you weren’t happy to see him, as the sudden thrill twisting through insisted on reminding you, but the prospect of disappointing him was one you would rather not face.

There was no visible reaction from Victor, but Homer looked a bit disturbed by the attempt. Goldman just looked like he pitied you, while Jason looked oddly contemplative. This was probably his first time seeing you this…dazzled.

“Good morning,” Victor replied evenly. His eyes, a constant, focused storm and his silken hair falling artfully over his forehead form a picture so lovely, almost beyond words. It’s never stopped you from waxing poetic about them, or his long list of admirable personality traits, but he had a way of knowing when you’re not paying attention. “Looks like I picked a bad time to check in.” 

You couldn’t quite pin down the inflexion in his tone, but your immediate guess was that he was either severely disappointed or was low-key mocking you.

With how quickly things derailed, it’s understandable. 

“Haha,” you laughed—an unfortunate coping mechanism that seems to flare up most often in his presence. Also, because Victor looked unfairly gorgeous, as always and you were a fool with a worryingly erratic pulse. “Just a few bumps. Nothing we can’t fix.”

Behind you, Kai declared his intent to leave as well. There’s a contract, so they would have to look into this, but that would take time. At that moment, Victor was eyeing the singer leaving the set and your nervous smile with his brows steadily climbing higher.

“Right. Anything I can do to help?” he offered, and the shame that elicited is so fierce you felt like you’d shrunk. This was supposed to be a casual visit, for him to see how the filming was going and instead you made him feel the need to step in and clean up the mess.

“No,” you said, firm, immediate, vehement. He frowned down at you. “We’ll come up with something. Why don’t you two take a seat, we’ll get you some drinks and Anna can go over the ratings and numbers with you.”

Victor seemed to hesitate, still frowning at you, but relented when you mustered up a small but convincing smile for him. “Alright. Let me know if you need anything,” he insisted, because he’s nice like that, before following Goldman and Anna into the small room you’ve converted into an office. You have a small but closed set for the first meeting of the couples, before the crew moves to whatever location has been picked out for the date.

“He’s nicer than he looks,” Homer observed as the two of you watched him leave.

“He’s lovely,” you said miserably. Who would have thought there’d be a day when you said that about Victor? He was still an evil capitalist, but he’s a kind man. 

Homer didn’t get the chance to reply as Jason rushed up to you.

“Okay, so we’re gonna have to sit those two down for a talk, but we don’t have time for that today. We need substitutes,” Jason said, not nearly as panicked as you would expect from a director who had no one to direct. It was admirable, this ability to keep his head even when he hits what looks like a dead end.

“I’ll make some calls.” Reaching into your pocket, your mind ram through your options as your hand closed around your phone.

“I want you to do it,” Jason declared. 

It took you a few seconds to realize you hadn’t misheard. He looked back at you steadily, already resolute in his decision. You looked around, expecting protests, but the staff members only looked eager. 

“…I don’t like this joke,” you said, slowly.

“Good thing it wasn’t one!” Jason returned cheerfully. “Before you turn it down, let me say—please? And don’t go off with the ‘I’m nobody!’ thing. People know who you are.”

“Um.” You really, really didn’t know what to say to him.

“My brother thinks you’re hot,” Homer offered, and Jason beamed at him.

“Okay, we’ll do this. You’re the producer of one of the oldest and most popular shows. You’ve gained more media presence over the last two years. You’re also friends with Kiro and Professor Lucien, so people have been quite curious about you for a while! This is just a fun little thing. Please?” Jason pleaded.

In the spirit of fairness, you took a minute to think about it. It would solve half the problem. And today’s location was a local fair, where the couple got to try out anything they want to, with all the expenses covered by the company. The very thought of stepping in front of the camera left your cheeks flushed, but you couldn’t deny the bud of excitement that seemed to have taken root.

In the end, your stomach made the choice for you.

“If you think it’ll be fine, then sure,” you acceded, thoughts filled with stir-fried noodles and holding hands with a faceless person. “But what about the other person?”

“Hmm,” Jason looked in the direction of the office, reminding you that you don’t have all day to decide.

“I could call Gavin and ask if he’s free,” you suggested. People adore him. “Or Lucien?”

Jason nodded as if truly considering it, his gaze sharp on you. “Good choices. What about Victor?”

“Yeah, no. That is a bad idea,” you said at once, without giving it a moment’s thought. This was a dating show, where people go on cute dates and act adorable on camera. The very thought of Victor doing that at all, let alone with you…was something you couldn’t think of because it was ridiculous. And bad for your poor heart.

“It is an excellent idea,” Jason disagreed. You hated to be the bearer of bad news, but this was necessary. You’ve known Victor for a while now, and felt responsible for Jason’s well-being that would inevitably be threatened if he embarks on this particular path.

“He’d never agree to it,” you told him solemnly. The man barely agrees to do interviews; a show like this? Out of the question. “You know who he is, right? He doesn’t have time for this.”

“Why don’t you leave that to me, and go get ready. I’ll go get your man,” Jason said, loud and bright, shooing you in the direction of the dressing rooms. You stood there for another minute, dazed and afraid. What if Victor thought it was your idea?

The horror.

The terror.

“I’m still texting Lucien!” you called after him, voice pitched high in your alarm. Before you could follow Jason to make sure Victor knows you would never suggest this, an arm slid around your shoulder.

“Darling,” Arnold, the head stylist, cooed at you. “I heard the good news.”

“How?” It had been two minutes. People shouldn’t be spreading this without the director’s confirmation.

“Forget the hows. This is your time to shine. Come, we’re going to make that CEO drool,” he proclaimed, shepherding you towards the dressing rooms. “And I can finally do something about this hair!”

“He’s not going to agree.” You were absolutely certain of that, even as your mind continued to conjure cutesy images of you sharing cotton candy with the reticent man. 

Taking a seat at the vanity, you reached for your phone over the cotton pads, watching Arnold’s reflection in the large mirror as he flitted about the small room, picking out different outfits. You hadn’t gotten a chance to check it for a while, and scrolled through your texts swiftly, pausing on a few in particular.

‎

Victor [9:00]: Hello. I’ve got some time off today.

Victor [9:02]: Is it alright if we drop by the set? What time is your lunch break?

Victor [9:20]: You must be busy. I spoke to Anna. I’ll see you later.

Victor [9:25]: Also, good morning.

‎

Oh.

He had actually let you know he’d be dropping in. Taciturn and domineering he may be, but Victor’s quiet consideration often left you glowing with warmth. In comparison, your own clumsiness often left you embarrassed. In this instance, it made you feel doubly determined to do this right.

‎

Y/N [12: 05]: Hi, sorry I missed these. Don’t worry, I’ll get us back on track.

‎

Closing Victor’s chat, you took a moment to consider your options before making your choice.

‎

Y/N [12:07]: Lucien! Are you free?

Lucien [12:15]: Hello. Just wrapped up a lecture. I thought you were going to be shooting today?

Y/N [12:16]: I am. Actually, I had a favour to ask.

‎

You stared down at the screen of your phone, shoulders relaxing as one of the assistants fussed with your hair. Should you wait for Jason before asking him? You knew what the outcome will be, regardless of what you wanted. You’ve always known, always kept your thoughts safe behind a barrier, never letting them spill out in Victor’s presence.

You thought back to his disappointment, and something fragile in your chest tightened.

Your phone buzzed in your hand, and you prayed to all the powers above that this works out.

‎

Victor [12:18]: Dummy. I’m not worried.

‎

There was a knock at the door as you opened the chat, thrown off but pleased by Victor’s confidence.

“Guys, can I come in?”

It was Jason.

With trembling fingers curling tight, you sat up straighter as he was let in. Your pulse quickens, your emotions jumbling together until your can’t tell them apart. You kept your expectations low. You knew what the answer would be. It couldn’t hurt if you expected it.

You just hoped it wouldn’t change anything. It wasn’t your idea.

“He agreed!” Jason announced with a flourish, and your heart halted its despondent march. “His secretary’s picking up his outfit, they said it won’t take too long. We’ll do his hair and mak—uh, are you okay?”

You swallowed your heart back down. “He said yes.”

“Yeah,” he confirmed, stretching out his answer, nodding as Arnold thrust an outfit at him. 

“And he…knows it’s with…me?” you asked carefully.

Jason’s brows climbed a notch higher. “Yes, of course.” His eyes gleamed with something you couldn’t quite read.

“Right, right. That’s great! Fantastic. Wonderful,” you said admittedly weakly, turning your gaze back to your reflection. The colour seemed to have drained from your skin, and you ignored the concerned glance exchanged by Jason and Arnold.

“___, hey,” Jason began gently, coming up to stand behind your chair. “Are you okay with this?”

You studied his worried expression, thoughts turning inward. You shifted aside the panic, the disbelief, the prickling nerves, and shushed the sparks of excitement.

A date with Victor.

It sounded wonderful. But the problem was never about you not wanting it. It was that you’ve wanted it for so long and so badly. Could you really have this?

“It’s okay to say no. It’s just…I don’t think it’ll be as awful as you think,” Jason said. His brow furrowed as the lines of your face smoothed out.

Oh.

“It’s for the camera,” you remembered, and Jason hummed thoughtfully. Regardless of what he may think of you, Victor wouldn’t let it show on the screen. You knew he was aware of what the show entails. So, perhaps, you could have this. It was for work. “Yeah. Yeah, it’s okay.”

Your breath evened out from its shallow state, and you smiled up at Jason, who still looked concerned.

“It’ll be okay.” Your phone buzzed again, and you gathered yourself once more.

‎

Lucien [12: 23]: What can I do for you?

Victor [12:24]: And I look forward to working with you.

‎

It wouldn’t be real.

Telling yourself it wouldn’t be real was easy.

Sitting next to Victor, your high stools positioned close together as you tried to keep your thoughts away from dangerous paths, was not easy. But the light notes of his scent, sandalwood and myrrh if your nose hadn’t led you astray, threatened to lull you into a state of near-intoxication.

Jason had wanted to film the ‘first meeting’ and, for the sake of authenticity, decided to have Victor wait in front of the camera while you got to be the one to walk in. Which meant it was straight from the dressing room to the set. While you were thankful you wouldn’t be filmed drooling on camera, it still meant you wouldn’t get a chance to talk to him until after, or in between takes.

You were a lot more grateful for the arrangement when you did walk to the set, because the sight of Victor—clad in a slim-fit black shirt, paired with a dark grey jacket and black pants that stretched deliciously over his muscled thighs—stopped you dead in your tracks, your thoughts wiped blissfully clean.

The look on his face, bright under the studio lights, had been unreadable, but it didn’t look like his usual unimpressed poker face, so you decided to take it as not quite a win, but not a loss either. Then the small upturn of the corners of his lips, however, threatened to overload your system, prompting you to avert your gaze slightly as you walked to him, for fear of losing yourself.

Your hi had been shyer than intended, but his hello had been the gentlest you had ever heard it.

And then he handed you a bouquet of red, fragrant roses and you felt yourself grow weak.

It was a short take, where you both introduced yourselves, and discussed where you’d be going for the date.

“Do you like fairs?” he’d asked, gaze intent as if your answer was of the utmost importance.

“I love them,” you’d answered, meaning it completely, and he’d looked glad.

Even through the wild beating of your heart, you had managed to feel impressed. He was doing wonderfully already. Who knew Victor had these acting skills? Hopefully, he thought the same of you. You weren’t acting, though, and this, you were quickly realizing, could be a wonderful way to lift the lid off the pot just a little, and let your real feelings shine through.

You would be filming the individual, interview type scenes last, after the date.

With the first meeting done, with Jason going over the take to make sure he had everything he needed, you would be moving to the location soon. But first-

You looked around quickly, covering your mic and making sure nobody was paying too much attention to you, before turning to Victor—only to nearly jump in fright when you met his eyes. How he’d known you wanted to talk, you’d never know. His own eyes had widened when you’d turned around all of a sudden, the tips of his ears reddening slightly. He had probably been startled by your reaction.

“Hi,” you whispered, grinning up at him, and his lips twitched as he covered his mic.

“You’re doing well,” Victor told you, giving you a firm nod, and you couldn’t quite keep from beaming at him.

“Thanks, you too. I never knew you were hiding such a skilled actor in there!” You really meant it, but your words gave him pause, mouth opening and closing as he considered his response. Strange, as modesty was something he didn’t often bother with. Not to say he’s arrogant, just that he knew his strengths.

“…thank you,” he finally said. “You too. I didn’t know you could…act.”

Because you weren’t acting. The blushing, the shy giggling, the warmth buzzing through you, they were painfully real.

You shrugged, smiling slightly, and he looked away.

“Just…thank you, Victor,” you murmured. “I know this isn’t really your thing. But I promise I’ll do my best to make it enjoyable.”

The light, airy sound that escaped his mouth could almost be a laugh. He did shoot you a small smirk, facing you once more. “Well, you’re not wrong. But it can’t be too bad. I’ve heard they’ve got good street food.”

“Good street food,” you repeated blankly. Wasn’t he taking this acting thing too far? This was bordering on alarming, coming from the man who used to look down on you for eating instant noodles.

“Yes.” He looks at you as if daring you to argue, and, well, who are you to argue with an actor’s method? 

His smile faded slightly as yours widened, eyes fixating on yours, your voice pitching higher in your excitement. “I know, yeah, great food. Literally the only reason I agreed to do this!”

Victor’s face shutters at that, his lips pressing tightly together. “Hm.” He turned back to face the camera, leaving you confused, before realisation dawned.

“Hey, don’t worry! I won’t be too much of a glutton, we’ll be on camera, after all,” you told him, as reassuringly as possible because you and good food were a dangerous combo.

He arched a sharp brow at you. “We’ll see about that. I may spend most of my time in kitchen, but Mr Mills has much to tell me about some of your reactions.”

It was only through the sheer power of your offence that you were able to scowl at him even with the heat flaring up in your cheeks. “Well, there’s no way the food there will be as good as the one in Souvenir, so we have nothing to worry about.”

You resisted the urge to cross your arms, keeping your hands neatly folded in your lap as you turned away from him. But when he said nothing for a whole minute, you couldn’t resist the urge to sneak a peek, only to be left with your jaw slack.

Victor was still facing forward, but the corners of his mouth seemed to be curling up despite the effort he was clearly putting into keeping them neutral, his tiny smile still managing to spill through the seams. It enraptured you, a willing captive to the sight of him so pleased, and you wondered if you could make it through this with your heart intact.

But then, you told yourself through your daze, any chef would be happy to receive such praise for their food.

[video]

hopefully, yours, episode 3, part 1: Introductions (Victor and Y/n)

450,569 views  •  Feb 8th, 2020

‎‎

JTV ✓

1.19M subscribers 

‎‎

51,509 comments

‎‎

Jason P ✓ 

pinned comment

This is a special one guys ♡

‎

needwater 45 minutes ego

AM I HALLUCINATING OR IS VICTOR LI ACTUALLY ON A DATING SHOW?

            view 50 replies

‎

somsom 23 minutes ago

omg it’s y/n! We rarely get to see her on TV. She’s so cute!!!!

‎

orangeismycolour 16 minutes ago

!!!! Victor and Y/n!!! Omg ever since I saw them attend the Loveland gala together last year, I knew there was something there!! 

‎

tooktiktook 8 minutes ago

um. isn’t this kind of an odd combo?

    cheribb 5 minutes ago

    @tooktiktok I thought so too but they look pretty cute together. I mean…he totally blushed when he saw her! And his eyes went so soft!

      tooktiktok 4 minutes ago

      @cheribb Well, she seems sweet but I think he was just being nice.

By the time you were shuffled into a van and driven to the site of the fair, your nerves had mostly settled.

Of course, that may have had something to do with the pudding cup Victor had handed you once you were in your seats. Goldman had brought over a paper bag, with Victor plucking two cups from it like a magician with a hat. With that said, while it’s a trick you’ve seen many a time, it never fails to bring a sparkle to your eye.

With Arnold’s permission, you were more than happy to dig right in. Your makeup would have to be retouched once you got there even if you didn’t eat.

It was easy to relax in the steady familiarity of Victor’s presence. A dangerous notion, your unwavering faith in Victor, that dictated everything would be okay if he was there because he would either make it so, or you, with confidence half-drawn from him, would make sure of it yourself.

It was only once you were halfway through the treat, humming and wiggling in your joy, that you realized Victor hadn’t started on his. Rather, his eyes were fixed firmly on you, intent in observing your devouring of the pudding.

The next bite went down a little heavier as you turned to him.

“Is something wrong?” Your enthusiasm surely couldn’t have come as a surprise.

He hesitated, seemingly on the verge of saying something, before clearing his throat and looking out he the window at the slow-moving traffic.

“No. Just…eat slowly,” he muttered, refusing to look at you. You squint at him, at the pink creeping up the back of his neck, sucking on the spoon thoughtfully. “There’s no need to rush.”

“Sorry. I got a little too excited.” Your laugh is a little hollow, and you muffle it with another mouthful of the soft, sweet dessert, missing his quick glance back at you.

He sighed, sudden and a little ragged.

“No, I meant that you should take your time and savour it,” he told you, looking at you out of the corner of his eye. “I can make it for you anytime, so there will be many more chances in the future.”

The next spoonful remained frozen by your mouth as you struggled to process his words. Warm fingers came to rest against the back of your hand, guiding it, and the spoon, to your lips. Your skin tingled, but what was more damning was the way he held your gaze as your lips parted, the metal spoon warm against your tongue as you tasted the sweet delicacy.

It felt all the more sweeter, however, because of the little smile dancing across Victor’s lips.

You were rescued from attempting to respond to that by the van slowing to a stop, with Jason and Homer climbing in before they got moving again. Homer would be the one following you around the fair, as they only needed to get a few takes of you indulging in various activities.

“We absolutely need one with the ferris wheel, of course. A little cliched, but still damn cute. Maybe we can fix a camera in the cabin…” Jason trailed off, turning to Homer for his input. “If you think it’ll be better without you there.”

‘How would it be better without Homer there?’ you wanted to protest. ‘I’ll screw it up if left to my own devices! Professional environment aside, that’s a little too romantic!’

Something prickled at the back of your neck, and you realized Victor seemed to be trying to get your attention, albeit in a very silent way you probably wouldn’t have caught on to if you hadn’t spent so much time studying him.

He said nothing even when you met his gaze, but a reassuring warmth calmed you all the same. I’ll be there, he seemed to say. Trust me.

You were worried about the romantic atmosphere getting to your head, but surely Victor, the ultimate voice of reason, wouldn’t let you get carried away?

“Okay, we won’t crowd you guys too much, but remember to avoid turning away from the camera!”

That had been the last thing Jason said to you both before he retreated to his place behind Homer, who was ready with the camera propped over his shoulder. Your mics were affixed to your clothes, and people were already beginning to shoot curious looks your way. It wasn’t an uncommon sight; many vloggers and people working for food channels could often be found in places like these, flitting about with their cameras out as they partook in the activities available.

While being around cameras was nothing new, it was a little strange to be on the other side of them. Nervousness weighing on your chest, you reminded yourself over and over: be natural, don’t act like a lovesick fool, don’t stare at Victor for too long. Turning to the man himself as Homer adjusted the camera settings, hoping to draw inspiration from his steadfast composure, you could only stare in confusion at the intent way in which he was staring at the entrance to the fair.

Following the trajectory of his gaze, you squinted, hoping to see what had caught his attention. Nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary, with people milling about, the welcoming sign high above their heads bright and welcoming.

“Victor?”

“Hm?”

“Is everything okay?” you asked hesitantly, and he nodded, almost distracted.

“Are we ready?” he asked Homer, who gave him a thumbs up.

Jason grinned at you, winking in what he seemed to think was a discreet manner. “Have fun, you two.”

You couldn’t quite pretend there were no cameras, not with Homer keeping up with you as you began to walk through the entrance arch. Looking at Victor was easier, just to block out the awareness of your companions, of course.

Catching your nervous glances, he inclined his head towards you and made an abortive movement, hand rising and falling midway. His jaw clenched, and then he offered you his arm, elbow bent. 

As your hand curled around his arm, you focused on your vibrant surroundings. A task made more difficult when, after a short pause, you felt him tuck his elbow into his side, the broad span of his shoulders relaxing when you tightened your grip.

“I’ve been meaning to come here for years, but never really got the chance to,” you told Victor, your voice still edged with nervousness. But Victor nodded at you again, the usual stern line of his mouth quirking up, and your mind stuttered, committing itself to memorizing the precious curve of his mouth.

“In that case I’m glad we got to come here together,” he told you, and it took a good deal of effort not to gape at him. “It’s a first for both of us.”

You nodded, stunned by this unforeseen acting prowess. Seemed like you’ve discovered another one of his many talents.

“Hopefully, it’s the first of many,” he added, a smug lilt to his voice, and this time, you did gape.

“Y-yeah,” you answered, face heating up as you turned away for the sake of your dignity. “Hopefully.”

bandanaman @headaccs

are we all seeing this?? he’s such a gentleman!! I was not expecting this man to be smooth. #HopefullyYours

mintmadness @mintsallover

@headaccs HAVE YOU SEEN HIM? He doesn’t even need words, one look and I would be on my knees. #HopefullyYours #VictorLi

‎

srirachafire @hotsauce

@mintsallover calm yo thirsty ass down lmao

‎

raspberrydream @berryberry

“the first of many” omg what does he mean????  #HopefullyYours

‎

freshasnow @crystalmoon

Yeah, I’m not really feeling this. I thought we were going to get Kai and Hollow this week? #HopefullyYours

‎

teatime ✓ @spillit

For those of you asking, yes, we knew Victor Li and Y/n were going to be on Hopefully, Yours. Don’t worry darlings, we’ll have some quality tea for you soon!  #HopefullyYours

Spotting the first of the food vendors, you both headed over to it, peering at the fresh dumplings. The vendor straightened up at the sight of the camera, a benign smile spreading across his face when you asked him for permission to film, nodding and plating plump, steaming dumplings with the utmost grace.

Gordon, as he introduced himself, was more than happy to talk about his family business, their two restaurants in Loveland, while Homer took close-ups of the dumpling that Victor broke apart for a better look.

“My daughter comes here every year with me, insisting she can handle things by herself, but honestly, I just enjoy coming here,” he chortled, before fixing the two of you with a knowing look. “It’s a completely different atmosphere from the restaurant! And it’s always nice to see sweet young couples such as yourselves. Reminds me of my own fair dates with my wife…”

You couldn’t stop sneaking glances at Victor, who seemed content to chew on his snack. He caught your eyes, before his flickered over your head towards Homer and Jason. Inexplicably, his ears began to tint a deep crimson, as he swallowed with some effort and stepped closer to you.

It began to make sense when he lifted the other half of the dumpling to your lips, Gordon gasping an oh my! in the background, and even as your heart began to race, your eyes widening, you felt…bad. Jason had obviously asked him to do this, and you felt terrible about him having to embarrass himself like this. But he did it, and so you took a small bite of the dumpling, the juicy filling suddenly tasteless on your tongue.

And then there was a soft sensation on your chin, your eyes lifting to see Victor dabbing at your skin with a napkin, the little motion taking all his concentration until he stepped back with a satisfied glint in his eyes, which seemed to linger around your mouth.

When you were unable to do anything more than flush deeply and try to stammer out a thank you, Jason ended the shot.

The glint in Victor’s eyes didn’t fade, and something within you quivered.

raspberrydream @berryberry

he looks like he wants to eat HER  #HopefullyYours

‎

bandanaman @headaccs

@berryberry I CAN’T BREATHE. I thought he was going to kiss her LOL. And she looked so nervous and then he just wiped her chin THIS IS TOO SOFT I CANT #HopefullyYours 

mintmadness @mintsallover

god I wish that were me #HopefullyYours

‎

only4food @bananabread

Okay I HAVE TO go to this place. I NEED TO EAT EVERYTHING. Who’s in??

‎

midnightmachine @musiclover

Gordon knows what’s up. We stan a hard-working man. #HopefullyYours

Things continued in much the same direction. With no signs of reluctance, Victor rolled up his sleeves and dived into the bustle of the fair. And with his hand curled around your wrist, you couldn’t bring yourself to doubt him. You’ve learned to read the signs of his displeasure, subtle and obvious, and they were nowhere to be found. He looked relaxed, trying out mini doughnuts, accompanying you to any shops you want to browse, frowning when you looked longingly at the ring toss.

“Let’s go,” he said, guiding you over to the booth. Well, you were supposed to try out the games too, but you hadn’t thought Victor would agree to play them. It seemed a little too childish for him.

“I haven’t come here in years either,” he told you when you looked at him curiously, the two of you standing in line with Homer right next to you. “I love my job, but I admit it takes up most of my time. I rarely have time to indulge like this.” He paused, as if wanting to say more, but his eyes flicked towards Homer and he ended it there.

While a part of you was startled in by his words, another softened at his truthful admission.

Victor seemed to have thought of something else, giving you a meaningful look. “But, of course, I always make time for the people in my life.”

You blinked, a little taken aback by sudden turn in direction.

“Even if they want to come to places like these, I don’t mind.” Victor seemed to be hinting heavily at something, and you smiled at that, almost excessively fond. Because it’s true that Victor makes time for the people in his life, especially his family. And even for you—he’s there for you, no matter how small the matter might be; huffing and puffing and going out of his way to help you. 

Falling for someone like that, someone who effuses such stoic confidence and noble compassion in equal measure, it was all too easy.

“Then we’ll make sure to come again,” you told him, a wide grin blooming across your face at the thought. It was unlikely that it would actually happen, but it was nice to think about. You stepped up to the cashier, greeting him politely.

You finally got your turns after fifteen minutes, with Homer and Jason taking a quick snack break while you waited. You’d run a quick eye over the prizes available, quickly drawn to two pusheen cat plushies, a soft grey and a dark ebony. You didn’t think he’d judge you on camera, but would it really be okay to admit that’s what you want? The hair pin would be a more sophisticated pick, something more to his tastes. 

Silently despairing over your proclivity for soft cute things, you turned to Victor for his choice.

Only to realize he seemed to have taken his jacket off while you were preoccupied and handed it over to Jason, his thin black t-shirt fitting him like a glove—and your words died a swift death at the back of your throat, shrivelling in the sudden dryness of your mouth. Silhouetted against the light of the late afternoon sun, his features seemed sharper, his gaze keener as he twirled the ring in his hands carefully.

As Homer began to roll the camera, and Victor prepared to toss the ring, you panicked with the realization that he didn’t ask you which prize you wanted like Jason had asked him to.

The ring landed around a bottle with a loud clink, and you hoped the surprise you felt wasn’t clear in your loud cheer. With the look he gave you, you knew he caught it even if others wouldn’t.

And then he handed you the dark pusheen plushy, which you took with trembling fingers and a sheepish smile. “Oh, thank you.” It was exquisitely soft to the touch. “This is the one I wanted.”

“Hm.”

“It looks like you.”

“What-” His head snapped toward you as you laughed, clutching the toy to your chest. Whatever outraged retort he’d been about to spit out was held back as he saw you hugging it contentedly, your eyes twinkling at him. “…I suppose.”

You handed him the toy, rolling your shoulders as you were given the ring. “Which one do you want?”

“I’m fine with anything,” he said, eyes locked on the grey pusheen plushy, the other half of the pair. So it was with a laugh, helpless in the face of his clear yet unspoken demand, that you tossed the ring. You got it on the second try, handing the toy to Victor with a triumphant grin, who took it primly and tucked it into his side.

“Thank you.”

“Isn’t this too childish by your standards?” you teased, unable to help it, but he only smirked down at you, stealing your breath with devastating ease.

“It is. But childish is…nice, sometimes,” he admitted carefully.

Your mind helpfully supplied you with all the instances of him calling you childish. “Oh?”

He shrugged, elegant, one shoulder lifting as he looked back down at the toy, before looking back up at you through dark, half-lidded eyes. “It’s grown on me.”

Kiro ✓ @kiromusic

Wow! This seems like so much fun, I kinda wish I got to go there too! :D @miracley/n invite me next time!!  #HopefullyYours 

Savin @agents

@kiromusic You just want to eat junk. And...well, I guess we can make an exception for today. 

‎

bandanaman @headaccs

Before I proceed to scream over the clip, I just wanted to let y’all know I did some digging and apparently, they are friends! They’ve been spotted together in public many times, including the Loveland Gala last year. You know what this means. #HopefullyYours

bandanaman @headaccs

THE PUSHEEN TOYS. They won each other toys!! Y/n’s right, that does look like him with the dark fur lmao. BUT. Look at Victor’s heart eyes!! And she looked so happy omg T_T

‎

raspberrydream @berryberry

@headaccs NO WONDER. It seems like they already like each other but it seemed too soon!! They’re so cute omg please date!! #HopefullyYours

‎

bandanaman @headaccs

@berryberry With how they look at each other? I smell pining ;) I’ve compiled a list of all their public appearances. He even took her to Souvenir! How are they not dating????

‎

raspberrydream @berryberry

@headaccs DM ME!!!!

‎

srirachafire @hotsauce

@headaccs I feel like that’s a bit of a reach. They certainly seem comfortable with each other, but that could easily just be friendship, which is nice too. I feel like we should allow people to be friends instead of just shipping them.

‎

mintmadness @mintsallover

@hotsauce they’re on a dating show, though.

‎

srirachafire @hotsauce

@mintsallover yeah but plenty of other ‘couples’ were just friends or went on to be good friends. I just think these two are comfortable with each other, which is probably a good thing because Victor doesn’t strike me as the sort of person who can have fun with just anyone, you know?

You ended up having a lot more fun than you thought you would. Victor was always great company, but you could tell he’d tried his best to relax for the show and you didn’t know how to thank him for it. The warm gratitude bubbled up at the base of your throat, your heart sinking deeper into the ocean of affection you already held for him.

He’s so kind. His aloof demeanour, his nagging, his precise instructions and advice were things you’ve come to appreciate. But beyond those lies a heart so caring, so considerate, it made you yearn so deeply, to find yourself a place in it. But Victor had come to treat you as a friend and you could never ruin that because of your own feelings. It was precious, his friendship, and you wanted to treat it as such.

The line you’d drawn with so much care seemed to be straining, however, ever since you found out you would be riding the ferris wheel together, without Homer.

“The people in charge told us if we could just wait until closing time, they could keep things going until we’re done shooting!” Jason had told you as he briefed everyone. A bunch of the crew had left after packing up, as this would be the last take for the day. “That way Homer can fix the lighting and equipment in the cabin and won’t need to join you two! Give you some privacy, yeah?”

‘For what,’ you’d screamed internally, nodding along with a smile on the outside.

 Looking to Victor for his opinion had been futile, because he seemed to have withdrawn into his own head, looking up at the ferris wheel absently. You were supposed to shoot the individual parts, but with how late it had gotten, Jason had asked the two of you to drop by the studio the next day. Only, you had a free slot in the morning while Victor would only be able to make it sometime during the late afternoon.

So you wouldn’t get to see what Victor said about you. That was perfectly fine. Things had gone well, and Victor wasn’t the sort to badmouth someone anyway.

It was supposed to be his day off. And he gave it up to participate in a show that was, for all intents and purposes, pointless for him. You felt terrible, heart aching at the thought that once again you had made him waste his time.

How on earth did Jason even get him to agree to this?

“You’re thinking something ridiculous,” came a low voice, and Victor seemed to have come back from his mental journey.

“I’m sorry,” you blurted out, the guilt getting to you.

“For what?” He seemed genuinely baffled, and it made you feel worse.

“For this entire day. You just came for a visit and now it’s after 8 pm and your day off is gone and you rarely get free time…” your shameful rambling tapered off as the furrow between his brows appeared to grow deeper and deeper.

His response was interrupted by a staff member, who came to let you know the ride was ready for you two. Walking together in complete silence, you wondered what he was about to say.

“Do you regret it?”

You arrived at the ride, and Victor had stopped in front of the open door. “What?”

“Do you regret it?” he repeated patiently, holding his hand out to you. “This entire day. Our date.”

Our date.

It was silly, how him calling it a date, with no cameras in sight, seemed to affect you so deeply. It was ridiculous but it was so real, how your heart fluttered and hope unfurled in the garden where you’ve buried your affection.

“Because I’m not sorry,” he added when you failed to do anything other than flush horribly. There was a question in his gaze, one you didn’t know how to answer, so with a deep breath, you focused on the one he’d asked out loud.

“No,” you said softly, your hand coming to rest over his as he helped you into the cabin. “I don’t regret it.”

How could you, when he was everything you wanted?

You settled on the plastic bench, watching Homer fiddle with the settings and light, making sure the camera’s fixed in place, basking in the heat emanating from Victor.

“Alright, that should work. You guys ready?” he asked.

“Yeah!”

“Yes.”

Homer stepped back to let Jason poke his head through the door. “We’re all set guys. Just call us if there are any problems. Be yourselves, don’t worry about the take. And remember, make sure to make it as romantic as possible!”

As the door closed behind him, with the camera rolling, silence rose to take the place of the sounds now cut off, the rest of the world falling away as the ride began and you began to ascend.

Outside the window, the stars shone in a twinkling blanket across the night sky, and Victor’s arm pressed into yours. Meeting his eyes was difficult, astoundingly so after the entire day you spent together.

This close, it would be so easy to let the words tumble from your lips. You didn’t know what your eyes could give away right now, and you were just as afraid of the softness in his gaze.

It looked too real.

“I’m glad we finally got some peace,” he muttered, and just like that a bright laugh broke out through your fear.

“This was not your kind of place at all, was it?” you said, snickering at the look he threw your way, because it’s so easy to make him huff like that.

“It was…lively,” he said, glaring at you as you stifle your smile behind your hand. “Exactly the kind of place you enjoy.”

“That’s true.”

“Then that’s that.” He shifted a little, trying to face you, his knee knocking into yours. “As long as you had fun, we’ll come again.”

Despite your warnings, your heart skipped a beat.

You tried to laugh it off, changing the subject to your childhoods, swapping lighter stories and carefully avoiding the heartbreaks. Your hands moved somewhere in between, in the dim lights, and your fingers had found each other’s. Make it romantic, Jason had said. That was the only reason. You talked about work, about Miracle Finder, about his public projects, how your busy lives don’t give you the chance to find love.

“I wouldn’t say that,” Victor cut in, still looking at you in that quietly dangerous away, his gaze a heated cloak over your skin.

You stilled. “You wouldn’t?” There was a tremor in your voice, one you hoped went unnoticed.

“I think, regardless of how busy we are, however reluctant…love finds us when it has to,” he said, his voice deep, unwavering, and you forgot how to breathe. Somehow, despite doing your best to avoid it, you had wound up on the proverbial cliff’s edge.  

And it was time to take a leap.

“Victor...have you ever been in love?” you asked, part of you ready for his outrage, for him to brush it off with a roll of his eyes, and the other curling up in fear at the thought of the answer he might really give you.

He hummed, tightening his grip on your hand when you tried to tug it back, searching your face. His thumb swept over your knuckles, rubbing gently, and you wondered if he was preparing you for heartbreak.

“Yes. I have.”

Kiki @kikiki

@smilingwillow WHAT THE FUCK

‎

Anna @miracletv

@kikiki Language.

‎

Kiki @kikiki

‎@miracletv did you see the episode?? im going to collapse WHERE IS BOSS @miracley/n

‎

raspberrydream @berryberry

DID HE JUST???? OH MY GOD @headaccs DID YOU SEE THIS? ARE YOU OKAY? #HopefullyYours

‎

bandanaman @headaccs

THIS MAD LAD ACTUALLY DID IT. @berryberry I will never recover from this #HopefullyYours

‎

srirachafire @hotsauce

@headaccs @berryberry He just said he’s been in love before. He didn’t say he’s in love with her lol

‎

raspberrydream @berryberry

@hotsauce what will it take for you to finally see the light

‎

mintmadness @mintsallover

I could listen to this man talk all day. Y/n, you’re one lucky girl <3 #HopefullyYours

‎

cocoloco @chocolatedelite

I’m late to the party but lmao at everyone freaking out. Uhhh honestly I’m not sure. These things are usually scripted. They could just be faking it. #HopefullyYours

‎

srirachafire @hotsauce

@chocolatedelite Thank you!!!!

‎

victorshoe @mrsli

My heart is broken but their cuteness has mended it. I’ll give them my blessings. #HopefullyYours

‎

bandanaman @headaccs

oh thank god they just uploaded the individual bits!!! THANK YOU @jtv

‎

bandanaman @headaccs 

...wait 

‎

raspberrydream @berryberry

‎‎omfg

‎

bandanaman @headaccs

????? IS THAT IT??? COME BACK @jtv that can't be it!! 

Thank you for reading! 

MC/You: it’s a fake date. chill. 

Victor: Goldman I need NINE roses and an outfit that makes me look like a sex god I HAVE A DATE

[otonymous]

Remembrance (MLQC Gavin - NSFW)

Description: In a world where strangers abound, friends become foes. Warnings: NSFW/18+:  Explicit/graphic language — reader discretion is advised.  Spoilers for Shaw’s identity and the latest chapters in the EN server (up to and including Chapter 24; the rest is pure speculation and imagination on my part as I generally try to steer clear of spoilers on other servers), hints of exhibitionism, vaginal fingering, angst Word Count: ~1500 words (~7 mins of smut & angst) Author’s Notes: This story was inspired by one of the many karmas that recently hit the CN server (please see pic above) and Gavin won out in my poll of which boy to write for first!  As with many things MLQC-related, you know I had to inject a dose of angst with my smut 🤣

SPOILER WARNING: For all my friends that are caught up on the latest chapters in the EN server, this story takes place in a timeline where MC is still unrecognized by the boys, but has developed some of that badassery I’m so looking forward to seeing in the future (I mean, just LOOK at the expression on her face in that karma; it screams “DON’T MESS” and I’m ALLLL for it LOL).  That being said, please note the warnings listed above and happy reading! 😊

🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬

He doesn’t know you.

If there was ever any doubt, it is driven swiftly from your mind by the frost in amber eyes, the gaze that once held nothing but tenderness now tinged with suspicion and distrust.

“Who are you?  How did you gain access to the classified files?”

The grip on your wrists tightens, the leathery smoothness of his gloved hand a sharp contrast to the strength in those long fingers, binding your arms behind you with ease.  Gavin’s breath is hot, dancing on the nape of your neck in unhurried rhythm despite the precariousness of the situation.

What did he have to be afraid of, after all?  He wasn’t the one in a compromised position, pinned against a glass wall in the Archives room - the inner sanctum of the Special Task Force headquarters.

“My patience is wearing thin.  You’d better start talking.”

His voice is hushed, low and dangerous and completely out of place when directed towards you.  A lifetime ago, when the biggest worry you had involved convincing a certain CEO not to pull funding from your production company, Gavin had loved you — completely and unconditionally.

Now you knew what it was to stand on the other side of that fence.

The woman you were before would’ve cowered, limbs shaking beyond control as her blank mind raced in endless circles, trying to come up with something, anything, to extricate herself from the desperate situation.

Scared.

Helpless.

All the things you no longer identified with.

Your breath fogs up the glass, mere inches from the tip of your nose.  Each passing second of silence sees Gavin’s brows furrow even deeper in the reflection staring back at you, his handsome features easily made out against the darkness of the surrounding hallways — dim save for the odd crimson glow marking exits and doors.

Shaw said he’d provide you with cover but apparently even he was capable of miscalculation.  No one was supposed to be here, let alone his older brother.  You wondered if he watched you now through the cameras panning the room; wondered whose eyes, if any, fell upon the pair of bodies pressed so tightly together they might well have been mistaken for lovers caught in flagrante.

Lovers.

In another life, you had called Gavin yours.  

The thought settles heavy in your heart, sinking until it reaches the pit of your stomach.  You knew what had to be done, hoped you had the wherewithal to make it happen.  Physically, there is no contest: Gavin is much too strong and fast for you to take on.  Escape now is contingent on the hope that even if he had no recollection of you, his body would still respond to the things you knew he loved best.

“I bear no ill intentions towards the Special Task Force, Commander Bai, least of all towards you.”

Half-whispered, the tone of your voice is sultry, aiming to disarm.  Taking a deep breath, you step back, moving closer into the curve of Gavin’s body as you ignore the awkward angle of your stance.  The lapels of his overcoat brush soft against your bare shoulders and suddenly…

…you recognize that scent.

Soap on skin.  Windblown hair.  The memories wash over you, relentless like the undertow of a tidal wave: the letter you never opened — bloodied and crumpled.  The boy with the bandaged face, thrusting his jacket over your head as he yelled over the din of pouring rain for you to make a run for the school gates.  Your heart had pounded even then to be close enough to catch the subtle fragrance of his soap.

I’m sorry, Gavin.

You feel the heat of tears rolling down your cheeks, see them glisten in the reflection looking back at you.  And when you crane your neck to face him, amber eyes widen at the sight, Gavin’s grip on your wrists loosening just a bit to hear you say,

“You’re hurting me.”

Feigning innocence, you keep your gaze locked on his, letting your mouth fall open just enough to allow your tongue to sweep out and wet pink lips.

“Don’t you remember me, Gavin?”

Exaggerating the arch of your back, your bottom juts against the plane of his groin, hard even beneath layers of clothing.  And when your hips begin their languid sway — tracing figure eights over his body in an attempt to persuade — the prominent bob of Gavin’s Adam’s apple signals that you are on the right track.

“I…I don’t know who—”

“Touch me, and maybe then you’ll remember.”

You let your head fall back onto Gavin’s chest like so many times before, hear the echo of his heart — racing now — when you peer up at him from beneath your lashes.  Fighting against his grip, you slide your hands down and over the outline of his hardening cock…slow…until you reach the hem of your skirt.

Grasp and pull.  Up, up, up.  Try not to shiver when the cool air hits your bare skin.  Let the memories of the love you shared with this man burn bright enough to melt the ice of this Eternal Winter.

“I don’t care who sees if you don’t, Commander Bai.  You have nothing to fear from me.  I’m unarmed.  Check for yourself…”

Barely breathing now, you maneuver — cautious — until your palm is pressed to his.  Gavin’s fingers twitch and you seize the opportunity before it flees.  It is now your hand that grasps his, bringing it down and around the curve of your hip until it slides beneath the lace of your panties.

“Hm…”

Gavin moans despite himself to feel the heat radiating from your core even through leather, distraught at how uncharacteristically he was behaving.  He was seasoned enough to know when he was walking into a trap and yet, there was something about you that told him you weren’t lying; that he did know you even if he had no recollection of ever laying eyes on you in his life.

Maybe that was why he let himself be led, allowing your touch to ease the disquiet in his chest to feel like he finally found something important he once lost without even realizing it.

Your purse slides off your shoulder when you lurch forward, hands shooting out last minute to prevent your face from kissing glass as your knees shake to feel his gloved hand rubbing circles about your swelling clit.  Each stroke is torturously slow, as if Gavin were patiently getting reacquainted with the body that took very little time to respond to his touch.

You could hear it, after all — the wet sounds that accompanied the movement of his fingers, especially now that the middle and index were beginning to traverse the length of your slit, curving at your entrance to gather the arousal that pooled.

And when he holds up his hand before both of you, the sticky sheen that darkened leather in places makes you blush before all thoughts of self-consciousness are swept away by the sight of Gavin licking from knuckle to tip, white teeth biting to pull the glove off one hand, then the other.

You feel the heat of his skin now, the roughened callouses on fingers and palm sweeping gently along the line of your jaw, eyes of molten gold observing every movement in the reflection of you and him on glass like an intimate portrait.  And suddenly, there is no Special Task Force, no NW, no Black Swan…no Evol.  

Nothing else but you and him.

I love you.

The silent echo of your unspoken words settle in the darkest corners of your heart as your close your eyes, giving over to the touch of Gavin’s hands — one cradling your face as the other conforms to the curve of your breast.

“I don’t know why…”

Soft lips brush against the lobe of your ear en route to dropping kisses along the pulse of your neck.

“…but I’ll trust you this one time.”

There is an edge to his voice as Gavin pulls back, burying the tip of his nose into the nape of your neck and inhaling deep before he steps aside to let you pass.

“Go.  Before the rest of them get here.  Don’t ever let me catch you again.”

His eyes fall on you, scanning from head to toe before he reaches out to retrieve your purse from the floor and drape it over your shoulder.

“Gavin, I—”

You’re interrupted when the doors at the far end of one hallway slam open with a bang, STF agents spilling through with weapons at the ready.  Gavin shoves you towards the exit, shouting “GO NOW!” as he makes to step between you and the approaching brigade.

And as you make your escape, running so fast each breath draws the taste of blood, you fight to keep the tears from blurring your vision, all the while unaware of the amber eyes trained in your direction…watching until you merge with darkness itself.

🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬

Thank you so much for reading!  Check out more of my work here! 📚

[thescentoflavender]

Hi! Now that season 2 of mlqc got released what really happened with the boys? I heard it got really angsty and the boys’ personality changed. And MC’s too. Thank you for your answer 😊

This answer covers everything from Season 1, Chapter 37 to the end of Season 2, Chapter 1 (i.e. where the latest update ends.)

Spoilers abound; read at your own risk. 

Hello! EVERYTHING CHANGED. The second season is like a soft reboot of MLQC. Emphasis on the word “like”. It’s definitely related to the first season, but it’s still a mystery as to how. 

Anyway, before you get to unlock the second season, there’s Chapter 37 to “finish off” the first season. You know how there’s all that talk about how Judgment Day is coming? The angsty bit comes when the guys bid farewell to MC, who then leaves to save the world.

What happens next is a bit of a mind-boggler. 

MC goes back seventeen years in the past and becomes her younger five-year-old self. She meets the four younger guys, changes history, and waits another seventeen years...

And then we have MC back as a 22-year-old, in the New World.

Introducing:

MC as a well-respected producer and Nox in BLACK SWAN. 

Li Zeyan as the boss of BLACK SWAN and CEO of Huarui 

Bai Qi as the head of the Special Forces

Xu Mo as the head consultant of the Special Forces, the head of the Highest Life Research Centre, and the Adjunct Lecturer at Loveland University

Zhou Qiluo as a pop star under MC’s company and Helios (affinity currently unknown)

Ling Xiao as ???

I won’t comment on their their personalities, because it’s rather hard to tell from a single chapter. 

---

Brief summary of Season 2, Chapter 1:

Zhou Qiluo gets into trouble because he’s a suspect in an Evolver-related crime. MC is busy fighting fires in the media, and then she goes to see Li Zeyan in BLACK SWAN. MC promises to persuade the Special Forces to stop snooping around in their business.

MC proceeds to head to the Special Forces to see Xu Mo. She doesn’t have a permit to enter the Special Forces building, but because she swiped Xu Mo’s pass from him the last time, she manages to get in anyway. She sneaks into Xu Mo’s office and starts rifling through the documents on his desk, but doesn’t learn anything new because two other officers come in just then. They gossip about how Xu Mo is close to BLACK SWAN and one girl (MC) in particular. Xu Mo then comes in, and MC takes the opportunity to persuade him to collaborate with BLACK SWAN. Xu Mo refuses. 

“If you’re going to replace an excuse with another, you need a new one.”

MC leaves, and nearly bumps into one of the officers who went into Xu Mo’s office earlier. She uses her new Evol, mind control, to get him to forget that she was ever here. 

Then she bumps into Bai Qi, who brings her in for questioning. He doesn’t quite believe her story that she’s a reporter, and scissors her arms behind her during his “interrogation”. He lets MC go in the end, though. When Gu Zheng (EN name Eli) laughs at him about it, he brushes it aside. It’s hinted that he accepted this job to find MC.

MC goes on to resolve the issues surrounding Zhou Qiluo’s Evolver identity. Much like in the first season, she meets him by chance in a convenience store.

“Wow, my favourite flavour!”

MC goes home and sees Ling Xiao on her couch. He broke into her house for unmentioned reasons. As ever, Ling Xiao remains an enigma.

There’s also a scene with Helios but there’s nothing much there so I’ll recap it another time.

END OF CHAPTER 1

---

P.S. I hope this is intelligible haha. I’m just doing it before my bedtime, and I’m still so overwhelmed from calculating which sets I should buy to get all the top-up karmas + doing pulls in the event + marathoning the entire two chapters. I kid you not, I actually created an Excel spreadsheet to calculate the most value-for-money sets and see whether it was within my budget etc. That, and I was literally hugging my calculator to me as I was doing gacha pulls. 

P.P.S. I will answer your other question...some time. I need to figure some stuff in the game out first, especially the karma stats and values, whether it’s worth it etc., and I might compile the stats for this gacha event on the side. 

[laxmiree]

[CN] MLQC Season 2 Chapter 45 Translation

⚠️  SPOILER ALERT  ⚠️

This post contains a VERY HEAVY SPOILER for the chapter that has not been released in EN yet! Feel free  to notify me if  there are any mistakes in the translation~

IMPORTANT!!! to fully understand the story, prior knowledge of previous S2 chapters are needed. Before, I made a short summary that explain those chapters. I hope this can help :D

The person walking behind the curtain sees everything before his eyes.

“His ribs are already broken.”

“If it causes mediastinal compression of the diaphragm, asphyxiation will occur within a few minutes.”

“You now have a choice. You can either take him to seek urgent medical attention, or you can surrender more lives into my hands.”

Translation under the cut!

If you want to follow along the dubbing-> [Here]

Previous chapter-> [Here]

[Chapter 45-1]

The chapter begins with a flashback in which Victor bestows Kiro/Helios the authority to rule as the boss of BS.

Cut back to MC in the office- she has the feeling that she forgets something (or rather someone-) very important.

Anna informs that several projects that were put on hold during the investigation can now be resumed. Anna assures that she will take care of those projects. However, she reminds MC about the upcoming physical examination, which they seem to have forgotten. The company had recently organized a collective inspection for everyone. MC promise her to go for the examination after finishing her work.

-As the end of the workday approaches, MC planned to go home and rest. However, just as she was about to leave, she received a phone call from Lucien.

Lucien: Are you off work? I'm almost at the company entrance downstairs.

MC: Huh? I was just about to go downstairs. Why did you suddenly come over?

On the other end of the phone, there is a brief pause, and a familiar gentle laughter quietly resonates in my ear.

Lucien: Perhaps it’s because the weather is nice today, and the sunset is beautiful.

Lucien: So, I thought of coming to pick you up and leave work together.

Since that special banquet, for the past two months, both Lucien and I have been busy with our own matters.

(refer to what happen in S2 chapter 43)

It has been more than ten days since we last met, but at this moment, upon hearing his voice, my heart couldn’t help but leap with joy, and even my footsteps unconsciously quickened.

Lucien: [shout a bit] MC, I’m here.

The electrifying voice in my ears merged seamlessly with the voice not far away. I turned my head and saw Lucien looking at me with a smile on his face.

I quickly took two steps towards his direction.

MC: Did you come straight from the research institute?

Lucien nodded and opened his palm towards me, his lips curving into a subtle smile.

Lucien: Hm, there’s a place I want to go with you. Let’s go, the car is up ahead.

MC: Oh~ Professor Lucien specifically came to pick me up. Instead of going home directly, you even arranged other activities?

I subconsciously hold his slender fingers, allowing him to lead me forward.

But in the next second, I come to a halt.

A black sedan, as if it has been waiting for a while, with a familiar emblem that quickens my heartbeat.

It is a NW’s car.

[Chapter 45-3]

The previous times I saw a car with this emblem, they weren’t pleasant occasions.

Seeing Lucien remain silent, I turn my head and give his hand a squeeze.

MC: Is this the car we’re getting into?

Lucien: Yes.

His eyes are calm, as if he truly just wants to take me out for an outing, deepening the mystery in my heart.

The pitch-black car door opens slowly, revealing the leather seats inside.

I glance at Lucien again and then get into the car without hesitation.

The moment I sit in the car, I can feel a penetrating gaze coming from the rearview mirror.

The driver's seat and the passenger seat are occupied by two individuals wearing matching NW uniforms, sitting upright without diverting their gaze.

Driver: Please fasten your seat belts, both of you.

After the commanding tone of the instruction, the car starts slowly. The icy coldness of the cabin seems to have isolated all the warmth of the lingering sunlight, making me instinctively tense up.

Lucien: Officer Silas* has some questions and wants to talk to you.

(T/N: Officer Silas is the same person as Xiao Yue. If you’ve read my previous translation – I will use Silas instead of Xiao Yue from now on. It’s because EN server just recently update the new chapter that contain his localized name and they translated Xiao Yue’s name into Silas.)

Lucien’s straightforward opening statement actually clarifies some of the doubts in my mind.

However, since the overlapping worlds, there has indeed been no activity from Silas's side. Why would he approach me at this moment?

I let out a pensive “Oh” and my thoughts continue to race.

MC: So, I suppose I can only find out the specific questions by meeting Officer Silas, right?

In response to my probing gaze, Lucien’s eyes casually sweep over the two NW team members in front, and he winks at me.

Lucien: [chuckle] That’s natural. After all, the matters that Officer Silas wants to know are considered highly classified.

Lucien: It’s not convenient to disclose too much in public settings.

Lucien: However, since Officer Silas extended such a formal invitation, I believe that only you have the answers to these questions. I think, MC, as long as you can be as forthcoming as possible, there’s no need to hold back any information.

Lucien’s words were spoken particularly slowly, with emphasized words and pauses, which made me vaguely guess what he meant.

If it were just something related to CORE, he wouldn’t extend such an “invitation.”

Aside from CORE, the only things that could make Silas so eager to know are likely the overlapping worlds and the door that appeared in Loveland City.*

(iirc in S2 chapter 39-Gavin’s part NW tried to bring a door from another dimension and they successfully did with Gavin’s effort. However since it happens on the loop, Gavin and NW people including Silas will forget why the door appear in the first place or what it actually did.)

The fragmented light and shadows between the cities fall on Lucien’s forehead through the car window. He lowers his gaze and glances at his watch, his eyes hiding boundless tenderness.

Lucien: It’ll probably take a while longer to get there. In the meantime, we can both relax a bit.

MC: How about we listen to the radio broadcast? After all, we’re stuck in traffic anyway.

Driver: I’m sorry, but it’s not allowed.

Lucien: In that case, I’d like to have a brief discussion with Miss Producer about the upcoming investigation for our next episode.

Lucien: As her program advisor, I don’t think it would violate any regulations, right?

The confident curve of Lucien’s lips is slightly upturned in the rearview mirror, and the two drivers exchange a silent nod of approval.

Confused, I meet Lucien’s gaze. I haven’t asked him for help recently, so could it be that he wants to take this opportunity to tell me something?

Lucien: [in an almost whisper] I think you should be familiar with the bird called “Falcon”.

MC: ...Um, I learned about it from some educational programs before. It’s a very fierce bird.

Lucien: That’s right, falcons possess sharp talons and have the instinct to chase after other animals.

Lucien: Compared to peace-loving pigeons, most other species tend to steer clear of falcons.

Lucien: However, both falcons and pigeons care deeply for their habitats, as it is the place they call home and coexist.

Lucien’s voice is calm and gentle, his narration flowing like moonlight on a tranquil lake.

Lucien: But one day, the falcon discovered a deadly disease and decided to return to the valley to inform everyone.

Lucien: However, halfway through his flight, he realized something important.

Lucien: He had sharp talons, but because of that, he couldn’t get close to everyone. It was a predicament unique to the falcon.

Lucien: What do you think the falcon should do next?

A subtle curve appeared at the corner of Lucien’s eyes, and then he looked ahead at the seats in front of us.

Suddenly, I realized that the falcon he mentioned might be Silas, and I was the pigeon.

I lowered my head for a moment, pondering, and an answer emerged.

MC: If the falcon were to approach other birds hastily, not only would they not listen to him, but it might also cause chaos.

MC: But he cares about his homeland and wouldn’t allow the disease to spread.

MC: So... his best course of action would be to inform the pigeons.

Lucien nodded approvingly and continued speaking.

Lucien: Although falcons may attack pigeons, the pigeons are not afraid of falcons. So, the falcon turned back on its way and arrived at the pigeon’s nest to tell them about the disease.

Lucien: The pigeons were well aware that leaving the nest would make them an easy prey for the falcon, but they still decided to leave the safety of their home and successfully delivered the message.

Lucien: In the end, other animals in the world were also spared from the disaster.

Lucien paused for a moment.

Lucien: Falcons and pigeons, despite being birds, have to go through the same predicament as humans.

Lucien: Miss producer, don’t you think that this story would make for an interesting material for the next episode?

The predicament... Lucien’s words made me realize something. Silas and I are currently in a similar situation.

Silas has repeatedly “invited” me to obtain CORE, and I have also used the power of NW to save the world.

Even though we have been on opposing sides from the beginning, when faced with a common threat, it is highly possible to seek cooperation.

Just like how, in a confrontation, a pigeon cannot be a match for a falcon, yet the falcon cannot replace the pigeon and may even need the pigeon’s help.

Upon careful consideration, unlike before, this time Silas had sent Lucien to invite me without resorting to forceful methods.

Perhaps, this is some sort of signal.

I turn my head, and Lucien’s gaze is like a serene lake, with his crescent-shaped brows and eyes filled with enigmatic mystery.

Lucien: But in reality, this story has another alternative.

He pondered for half a second.

Lucien: What if the pigeon chose to remain silent? What would the world be like then?

[Chapter 45-4]

A car slowly drives into a flat wasteland, and the NW base comes into view.

After passing through heavy iron gates and navigating through twisting gray corridors, I and Lucien eventually arrive at Silas' office door with the guidance.

As Lucien lightly knocks on the door a few times, a cold and distant voice can be heard from inside the room.

Silas: Come in.

Inside the spacious office, Silas sits behind the desk, and the familiar NW uniform stands out under the lights.

Silas: Professor Lucien, thank you for your hard work.

Silas: I heard that you shared an interesting story on the way. I would also like to take some time to listen. Is that possible?

Lucien: I didn't expect Commander Silas to be interested in fables.

Silas: Reality itself is a fable, isn't it?

Lucien: If we have the opportunity, I would love to have a deep discussion with Commander Silas.

There is no hint of any agreement in Lucien's tone. Ignoring Silas' scrutiny, Lucien turns to me, his eyes slightly curved.

Lucien: [almost a soft whisper] I'm waiting for you outside. See you later.

As we brush past each other, Lucien casually hooks his finger with mine, like an invisible strength.

Although I am mentally prepared to face it alone, when it actually comes to this moment, my nerves can't help but tense up.

After all, in front of this person, it is necessary to remain vigilant at all times.

Silas: Miss MC, please have a seat.

Silas gestured towards the sofa in the distance, taking a seat across from it and even pushing a cup of hot tea towards me in a friendly manner.

Silas: I've been wanting to have a chat with you for a while, but I never found the right opportunity.

Silas: That's why I arranged this invitation specifically, hoping you wouldn't find it abrupt.

MC: Not at all. Commander Silas, this invitation is much more polite than before.

MC: I remember you are not someone who beats around the bush. Professor Lucien mentioned that you have some questions to ask me, so why don't we start directly?

Not in the mood for pleasantries and maneuvering, I decided to be straightforward about my intentions. Silas didn't seem to mind and patiently took a sip of tea.

Silas: I brought you here mainly to gather some information.

Silas: Some... answers that only you know.

Silas's lips parted slightly as the cold, slender corners of his eyes curved.

Silas: The reason why the sudden stone door was able to remain in Loveland City was due to the power of NW. In other words, it was I who allowed you to enter that door.

Silas: As a participant, NW has the right to know everything related to it.

Indeed, Silas's intention was directed towards that door. He calmly set down his teacup, but his tone was filled with an indescribable pressure.

I collected my thoughts and contemplated how to cleverly answer this question. After all, in reality, all I knew was that it was the birthplace of the world's rules. However, Silas was a person with deep scheming, and if I claimed not to know, he wouldn't believe me.

MC: But NW is just a participant.

The warm mist from the tea conveniently obscured Silas's expression, and the room fell into silence.

Silas: You alone cannot bear the weight of this burden.

Silas: Miss MC should be aware of what that door signifies. It may very well be related to the future of Loveland City and the futures of the people you care about.

Silas: If NW cannot predict it in advance, this city will lose its most crucial barrier to the future.

Silas: CORE is indeed a valuable chip, but it is not enough to solve all problems. You agree, don't you?

Silas raised his gaze slightly, his tone casual yet not hiding the underlying threat.

I pursed my lips, weighing various scenarios in my mind.

Silas made a valid point. Whether it was the past Queen or the current CORE, I still knew very little about the power I possessed, leaving me struggling to handle various situations. Recent events only served to confirm this truth.

However, considering Silas's position and goals, once he knows the secret of the door, he will undoubtedly seek even greater power. This will undoubtedly create new crises.

I lifted my head, looking directly at Silas, my decision already made.

Moreover, Silas was mistaken about one thing—I was never alone.

Even in the face of Silas and the falcons that could kill me at any moment, I still had the right to remain silent.

MC: Silas, your reasoning is indeed appropriate, but I also have my concerns.

Silas: Oh? Do tell.

MC: Based on our previous "collaborations" with NW, I believe there is room for improvement in the way you treat your cooperative partners.

Silas raised his chin slightly, his face expressionless. After a moment of contemplation, he chuckled lightly and casually picked up a file from the side.

Silas: No problem, I will seriously consider it.

Silas: It's getting late, Miss MC. Please take your leave.

Silas's words caught me off guard. Did it end so quickly?

Silas: However, at this time tomorrow, I will send someone to "invite" you once again. I appreciate your continued cooperation.

...This person wasn't so easy to give up. It sounded nice, but wasn't it still a form of coercion? I couldn't help but feel annoyed.

MC: I also have my own matters to attend to. Just because Officer Silas asks for my cooperation doesn't mean I can make time for it.

Silas: Of course, I understand how busy Miss MC is.

As if unsurprised by my response, Silas smiled.

Silas: But there's something I'd like to tell you.

Silas: NW has an important experiment recently, and Professor Lucien is fully responsible for it. So, he will be here every day. On time to work, on time to leave.

The deliberate wording carried a naked threat. Looking at the person in front of me, feigning concern, I felt a mixture of disgust and worry.

Lucien will surely not allow himself to be trapped. Perhaps his cooperation today and his intentional act of bringing me here were part of his plan?

I narrowed my eyes, staring directly at Silas.

MC: Well then, see you tomorrow, Silas.

Walking through the cold and repetitive corridors, I am guided into a spacious area, where cold machines are separated by huge transparent glass panels.

At first glance, I spot Lucien's figure, enveloped by cold and gleaming instruments that emit a daunting roar.

Operator: Inspection complete. Access to the Core Laboratory granted.

The operator skillfully removes the devices restraining Lucien's body. He turns sideways, changing into a research outfit, and as our eyes meet, a slight flicker appears in his gaze.

After exchanging a few words with the person next to him, he turns and walks towards me. I quickly step forward to meet him.

Lucien: Don't worry, it's just routine pre-experiment preparations.

As if anticipating my question, Lucien places his palm on the back of my hand and gently caresses it.

I stare directly into his eyes, and after confirming that there's nothing unusual about his body, I finally release the tension that was hanging over me.

The surrounding gazes, seemingly impartial, fall upon us like surveillance, making me feel uncomfortable all over.

So, I take a step forward and wrap my arm around Lucien's.

MC: I just finished discussing the cooperation with Silas.

As if sensing the underlying meaning of my words, Lucien looks at me with a half-smile, and we both walk toward the exit in unison.

Lucien: Since it's a collaboration, what are the conditions you're proposing, Miss Producer?

MC: My conditions are simple.

MC: Starting from now until the completion of your experiment with NW, every day during this period, I will take you home after work.

(T/N: sob she just want to make sure that he’s safe :”)

[Chapter 45-6]

First day, second day…

Silas is indeed very patient, every day I see NW's car being parked downstairs in my company.

And I can only muster up twelve points of patience* to deal with Silas.

(T/N: 打起十二分的耐心" is an idiomatic expression in Chinese. It means to gather or summon up one's utmost patience or to be extremely patient. So yes MC is putting in a significant amount of effort to maintain her composure and handle the situation calmly LOL)

The only thing worth celebrating is that every day, the pressure accumulated in NW is dissolved during the "after-work time" spent with Lucien.

Walking along the street tinged with golden dusk, we pass by a flower shop and buy a bunch of vibrant and delicate flowers.

Or following the slow and tantalizing aroma of food, we discover a small shop hidden in a deep alley.

These leisurely after-work moments almost make me forget the fact that "I was forced to come to NW" in the first place.

On this day after work, I had almost gotten used to heading straight to the NW car. However, just as the car was descending from the overpass, the communication inside the car rang, and the driver pressed a button.

NW team member: Sir Silas… Yes, I understand.

After hanging up the phone, he turns back to me and says.

NW team member: The meeting with the commander is canceled today due to some urgent matters. Do you want to go back now?

MC: Go back?

Why should I be at the beck and call of NW, coming and going as they please? A hint of anger wells up in my heart, but I maintain a calm expression on my face.

MC: Is that so? Since Commander Silas is busy, please be kind enough to drop me off at the entrance of NW. I'll wait for Professor Lucien there.

NW team member: Alright.

Just waiting at the entrance doesn't violate any rules. After the NW car dropped me off at the entrance, it slowly drove into the gates.

I boredly scrutinized the NW team members standing guard at the entrance, my thoughts racing in my mind.

The fact that Silas sent a car to pick me up as usual indicated that he had intended to continue "questioning" me and asking the same questions as the past few days. However, halfway through, he suddenly decided to send me back.

-Could it be that there is an emergency situation within NW?

-But if they are willing to let me wait here now, it shouldn't have anything to do with Lucien, right?

Hesitant footsteps circle the entrance again, and suddenly the sound of the door opening comes from behind.

MC: Lucien!

Lucien walks out of the NW's entrance, and when he sees me, a gentle light glimmers in his dark eyes.

Lucien: [tenderly] Have you waiting long?

I shake my head at him and quickly walk up to him. I discreetly gesture towards the nearby NW team members coming and going, and cautiously begin speaking.

MC: Is something happening at NW?

Lucien gently caught hold of my fingers and discreetly placed my hand inside his coat pocket.

Lucien: This is not the place to talk. Let's discuss it when we get home.

Until we sit in Lucien's car, the imposing building gradually recedes from our view, and Lucien finally speaks up to explain.

Lucien then explain that today, an attempted data theft incident occurred within NW. The suspect is believed to be a core researcher who was somehow controlled by an Evol ability. The incident was triggered when the suspect accessed the files, activating the alarm system. The motive behind the theft is still unclear, as the information has been kept confidential by Silas.

While the situation is set aside for now, MC expresses her concern about how long Lucien's experiments will continue. Lucien admits he cannot provide a definite answer at the moment, but he expects to rely on MC to "pick him up" and continue their arrangement for the foreseeable future.

This news brings a headache to MC, as she wonders how to deal with Silas's persistence. So, she asks Lucien how he would deal with Silas if he were in her position.

Lucien suggests using the information she possesses as leverage and capitalizing on the resources available to both NW and herself. He highlights the asymmetry of information, where NW remains unaware of the true value of the information MC has provided.

MC: Lucien, if it were you, how would you shake him off?

He looks straight ahead and contemplates for a moment.

Lucien: If it were me, perhaps I wouldn't try to "shake him off." Instead, I would use the publicly available "trump cards" in my hand to gain more leverage.

Lucien: Currently, you possess absolute information about the "gate," while NW holds vast resources. The difference is that they have no knowledge of the core information you have provided, and they cannot verify it in the short term.

Lucien: But you can clearly know the value of the chips they exchange with you.

MC contemplates what information she can leverage and what she stands to gain.

I rest my chin on my hand and nod thoughtfully.

Indeed, NW possesses immeasurable resources and power. Their ability to develop a cure for blood diseases in a short time alone reflects their strength.

But what information can I throw out and what do I stand to gain?

I shake my head, attempting to cast away all the frustrations in my mind.

MC: If only every day could be like today, where he's too busy to bother with me.

Lucien: If that's your wish, it will likely come true soon.

Lucien looks at me with a half-smile, and during a red light, he firmly holds my hand.

Lucien: Based on my understanding of Silas, he won't invest his time in something without returns.

Lucien: If he can't obtain information from you, he may temporarily seek alternatives.

Lucien: And during this time, it's the best period for you to turn the tables.

In the following days, going to NW remains an unchanging routine.

Although the NW members I encounter are tight-lipped, I sense from the increasingly tense atmosphere that the data theft incident is not as calm as it appears.

What kind of files could make NW, who usually pays no attention to any threats, so nervous?

Whether affected or not, even Lucien's work hours are getting later. Sometimes, after waiting for a long time, all I receive is an apologetic phone call.

Lucien: I still have some data to process. I won't be going back today.

MC: ...Hey, then I'll go back on my own. Take care and get some rest!

Lucien acknowledged with a response, and a busy tone came from the other end of the phone. Feeling a bit disappointed, I stood up and walked alone towards the direction of the gate.

Just after the sudden rain in the afternoon, the dampness on the street prompted people to complain. I walked towards home when suddenly I received a text message.

MC: "The goods you previously ordered have arrived at the store. You are welcome to come and pick them up when you have time..."

I widen my eyes and then remember that I did order a pair of cufflinks for Lucien as a return gift for the dress*.

(T/N: Lucien gift her a dress last chapter~)

I look at the sky and realize it's not too late. After a moment of contemplation, I turn around and head towards the direction of the store. Soon, I arrive at the entrance.

Just as I was about to push open the store door, I hear a timid voice from behind.

??: ...Are you here to p-pick a gift, s-sister?*

This voice seems somewhat familiar. I turned around in confusion, and an unexpected figure appeared before me.

(T/N: From the way he talk, he’s Stutter(yes he literally called that in game even in EN) from the second part of S2 chapter 26, a Gray Rhino member)

[Chapter 45-8]

My heart tightened, and I instinctively took a step back.

MC: ...What are you doing here?

Since that GR "membership test," and even in the subsequent tasks where I openly assisted GR, I haven't crossed paths with the Stutter again.

He suddenly appears now. Could it be that GR is plotting something again?

I nervously scanned the surroundings, but Stutter didn't respond to my words and took a step forward.

Stutter: You've been getting off work late lately, I've been looking for you for a long time.

His expression revealed a sense of helplessness, and a chill ran down my spine. My voice also became more alert.

MC: ....Are you following me?

Facing my questioning, he casts me a timid glance.

Stutter: Don't worry, w-we don't have any intentions to harm you.

Stutter: Dealing w-with the harassment from NW by yourself must be difficult, right? The organization can h-help you.

…How did GR know about the things between me and NW and specifically send Stutter to find me?

It’s as if those lingering claws in the dark seemed to reach out toward me, and a strong sense of alarm surged within me. My instinct told me that I had to leave as soon as possible.

MC: I can handle it on my own. Please thank the organization for me. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave.

He frowned slightly, a fleeting expression of gloom crossing his face.

Stutter: B-but this isn't a request for your opinion, it's an order, you know? If you refuse, they will m-make things difficult for me.

Stutter: H-how about it, sis-sister? C-come back with me and let's talk.

I caught a glimpse of several tall figures slowly emerging from the shadows of the alley. The man in front stood behind Stutter, glaring at me with a hostile expression.

Man: You can take your time to consider, but if you refuse, we'll have to resort to some coercive measures.

With his words, the figures from the shadows dispersed and surrounded me, blocking all possible escape routes.

In the tense atmosphere, suddenly, a small shard of ice glided across my field of vision, reflecting crystalline light under the street lamp.

Stutter: ..I-Is it snowing?

The man waves his hand impatiently, dispersing the falling ice crystals, and his sinister gaze fixates on me. He lifts his foot, ready to step forward.

I involuntarily take a step back. The next moment, however, I see a hint of confusion and astonishment flicker across his face as he lowers his head to look at his own wrist.

A vivid red color is slowly emerging from it, revealing a disturbing sight.

??: I think, she just made it very clear.

A gentle voice accompanied by steady footsteps emerged from the shadows at the alley entrance. The nearby individuals immediately showed signs of vigilance or timidity as they took a few steps back.

MC: …Lucien!

I widen my eyes in surprise and look at the slender figure walking towards me against the backlight with a mixture of delight and disbelief.

Fine particles of ice linger in the June air, and the gradually dropping temperature causes an involuntary shiver. The man adjusts his wrist and looks up at Lucien.

Man: Professor Lucien, we met again.

Lucien hears the words but doesn't turn around. He walks up to me and carefully examines me for a moment, as if confirming something. His shoulders seem to relax imperceptibly.

The man, seeing that Lucien ignores him, becomes slightly more impatient and takes another step forward.

Man: Haven't we already discussed this last time? Professor Lucien should also be aware of our intentions.

Man: There is no ill intention towards Miss MC. It's just that we have a plan that requires her involvement-

 Lucien: [sharply] When did I ever talk to you?

Lucien turns around and gives the men a faint warning glance.

Lucien: My impression of you exists solely from a few days ago when some short-sighted individuals blocked my way.

Lucien: And now you appear before her again. I can only conclude that GR's people not only lack foresight but also fail to comprehend human language.

Man: …

Without giving me a chance to fully grasp the meaning behind his words, Lucien’s cold tone carries a hint of anger. He swiftly grabs my wrist, indicating his intention to take me away.

Man: Isn't Professor Lucien's words a bit too rude?

With the sound of his words, the scattered figures around us regrouped and closed off the last gap in front of us.

Lucien shields my figure, his stern gaze sweeping across the faces in front of us, then he speaks in a low voice.

Lucien: [scoff] Then let's talk in a way that you can understand.

The slowly drifting ice crystals in the air suddenly become denser, and it feels like the temperature has dropped significantly.

The people nearby exchanged glances and with a fierce expression, they charged towards us. Instinctively, I froze for a moment, seeing the icy gleam of their daggers and short swords in their hands.

However, Lucien remains standing in place and simply moves his wrist slightly.

In the next second, frost with a chilling aura quickly climbs up their legs, freezing them to the waist in an instant.

??: What’s going on?!

Amidst the chaotic cries, as the first person gets frozen, the scene plunges into disarray. In the midst of the commotion, Lucien turns back and grabs my hand, whispering in a low voice.

Lucien: [in a tender tone, a complete 180 from his previous tone] Let’s go.

I quickly follow behind him, but I see a few people who have not yet been affected stubbornly blocking our path.

Lucien's brow furrows almost imperceptibly, and his demeanor appears somewhat icy. The swirling ice shards become denser, but these people persistently engage in the struggle, like dogs unwilling to let go.

I struggle to evade the attack from one of them, and in my peripheral vision, I suddenly see the leader of the group charging toward Lucien. The staff in his hand is raised high.

MC: [SCREAMING] LUCIEN!!

Lucien swiftly turns his head and firmly grasps the man's tightly clenched hand.

The surrounding people let out a few low cheers upon seeing this, seemingly eager to take advantage of the situation and find an opportunity to launch a sneak attack.

I nervously scanned my surroundings and saw Lucien coldly clench his hands, delivering a powerful and hard punch to the man's abdomen.

MC: …!

This punch seemed extremely powerful as the man let out a scream of pain and staggered a couple of steps back before falling to the ground, veins bulging on his forehead.

Lucien's gaze coldly lifts from the writhing body on the ground, and he looks toward the other people who are hesitant.

Lucien: His ribs are already broken.

Lucien: If it causes mediastinal compression of the diaphragm, asphyxiation will occur within a few minutes.

Lucien: You now have a choice. You can either take him to seek urgent medical attention, or you can surrender more lives into my hands.

Lucien casually moved his wrist, and a faint icy aura wrapped around him, emitting a threatening chill.

I hold my breath, and the streets momentarily fall into silence. Only restrained wails of pain reverberate among everyone, sending a shiver down their spines.

In the tense atmosphere on the verge of eruption, the figure hidden behind everyone finally speaks in a low voice.

Stutter: …L-let's go!

The crowded damp streets are filled with a faint smell of blood. My mind goes blank for a moment.

In my impression, Lucien rarely loses his composure like this. Rather than a counterattack, his actions just now seemed more like a hidden venting of his emotions.

MC: You…

Is it because there have been too many troubling matters recently, or is it due to the instinctive reaction triggered by my sudden scream?

But in the end, all the words I wanted to ask retreated in the face of the fresh blood on his fingers.

Noticing my gaze, he parted his lips, as if wanting to say something.

Lucien: .....MC.

All my doubts were replaced by concern. I carefully avoided the still bleeding area and gently grasped Lucien's hands.

MC: L-let’s go home first.

[Chapter 45-9]

Upon returning home, I immediately located the first aid kit.

MC: Bandages, antiseptic solution, and anti-inflammatory medication... Fortunately, I had them all.

As I hurry out with the first aid kit, I see Lucien sitting on the sofa with his sleeves slightly rolled up, his eyes half-closed, seemingly lost in thought.

For some reason, I sense a hint of bewilderment from him. When he sees me coming out, he reveals a gentle smile.

I sit down silently beside him, and carefully disinfect each wound with iodine, and I gently wrap them with bandages.

On his slender fingers, there was a long and horrifying scar. My heart aches, and I become more gentle with my actions.

Lucien looks at me, his gaze lowered, and he remains silent. I break the silence first.

MC: Lucien, are you okay?

He blinked his eyes, and his uninjured fingers gently hooked around my hand.

Lucien: If you're referring to the wounds, I can no longer feel the pain.

MC: I'm not just asking about the wounds.

Lucien: …

MC: [worriedly] Did… your experiment go smoothly today? Did anything happen with NW?

Lucien remains silent, his eyes filled with a flicker of darkness. After a moment, he speaks softly.

Lucien: [softly] The experiment went smoothly, and there haven't been any significant incidents in NW.

He paused for a moment.

Lucien: MC, I know what you want to ask.

Lucien: [quietly]...But now, it seems difficult for me to give a definite answer.

He looked at his palm, with a hint of subtle confusion in his eyes.

Lucien: [with a hint of confusion in his tone, but his voice is still warm] Earlier, I did have another way to take you away from here.

Lucien: But I chose the most reckless, yet simplest way.

Lucien: I didn't expect that I, too, couldn't help but succumb to instinct in this kind of emotional situation.

His lowered eyelashes cast a shallow shadow under his eyes, rising and falling rhythmically with his breath. I blinked in surprise.

I rarely hear Lucien admit so candidly that he can be impulsive and reckless.

He can meticulously deduce any difficult formula and find the truth in problems that no one else can solve.

But at this moment, there simply isn't a more suitable reason to explain everything that happened before.

Seeing that I didn't say anything, Lucien gently hooked his finger with mine.

Lucien: Do you find it unbelievable? [chuckle softly] I also find it somewhat incredible.

Lucien said it naturally, but I always feel there's something strangely odd about it, yet I can't quite figure it out at the moment.

He looks at me, changing the topic.

Lucien: Besides today, have they been bothering you recently?

I shake my head.

MC: I don't know what they want from me. Based on their character, they probably won't give up easily.

MC: It seems like the after-work activities we planned a few days ago will have to be postponed.

Lucien: It does sound a bit disappointing. However, I have some good news here that might make this frowning lady a little happier.

I raise my head and meet Lucien's slightly curved lips.

Lucien: Starting from tomorrow, we don't have to go to NW anymore.

MC: Really? Has Silas finally decided to stop tormenting me?

Seeing my incredulous expression, Lucien smiled and gently patted my head, giving me an affirming look.

Lucien: [chuckle] Mm, he's too busy to care about us now. Because for the current NW, there are more pressing matters to handle.

Lucien: Although this timing is a bit sooner than I anticipated, but... for us, tomorrow is a day worth celebrating, isn't it?

MC: Tomorrow... Oh, right, tomorrow morning I have a medical examination. After it's done, I'll come to the Bioscience Research Center to have lunch with you, okay?

Lucien: [teasingly] Well, it looks like I'll have to finish my work early tomorrow and have a "celebratory freedom meal" with MC.

In the underground interrogation room of NW, Silas sits in front of a restrained researcher behind a transparent observation window. The researcher's white lab coat is stained with grime and drags weakly on the floor.

The NW researcher denies voluntarily disclosing any information about NW to anyone. Inside the observation window, an NW team member submits another report, a repetitive action they have done countless times recently. The team member reports that the results remain consistent with the previous twenty-three times and show no signs of deception.

Based on the traumatic marks left in the researcher's brain, it is likely they were injected with the discontinued ETL-147. Silas coldly orders a continued investigation into everyone who has had contact with the researcher.

[Chapter 45-11]

MC is unable to sleep due to her worries about GR and Lucien. The next morning, she almost missed the last bus to the medical center for her check-up. Weirdly, during the check up the nurse handles the procedure roughly, causing more pain than usual, but MC brushes it off as maybe it's because she's almost late.

After the blood draw, MC waits for the blood to clot and feels drowsy, possibly due to insomnia, fatigue, and an empty stomach.

MC briefly dozes off in the chair. When she wakes up, the blood at the needle mark has coagulated. Just as she's about to leave the medical center, she receives a phone call.

Store owner: Miss MC, when will you come to pick up your cufflinks?

MC: ...I'm sorry! I was supposed to come that day, but things got delayed.

I glance at the time, Lucien should be almost done with his work, right?

MC: How about... you arrange for a courier service with cash on delivery? The address should be Lucien's Bioscience Research Center, and the phone number is mine. Thank you.

Store owner: Alright, I'll arrange for a courier right away.

I arrive at the Bioscience Research Center and wait for over half an hour. The delivery person finally arrives, albeit late.

MC: The gift shop shouldn't be far from here. Why did it take so long for the delivery?

Courier: I'm not just delivering your order. Hurry up and sign for it.

Impatiently, the delivery person hands me the gift box and quickly rides away before I can even confirm the delivery.

What an attitude! I pout slightly, feeling a bit annoyed, but my dissatisfaction fades away when I see the message on the gift box.

The mysterious gift box is adorned with a light purple ribbon, and on it is the personalized message I requested from the store.

"Amethyst, Your purple hue, Is not just you."

MC: I wonder if he will like it.

I pick up the package and stride towards the laboratory building, ready to give Lucien a surprise.

I hold the gift and arrive at the entrance of the laboratory. I peer inside through the window.

The sharp scent of reagents greets me as I approach, and through the transparent floor-to-ceiling glass, I see Lucien holding a stack of papers, deeply engrossed in his research.

I take a deep breath and quietly push the door open just a crack, tiptoeing my way into the inner room.

At the same time, I carefully untie the black velvet ribbon of the gift box, preparing for the perfect moment to shout "Surprise" after opening the door.

Suddenly, a sharp and slender object forcefully broke into my field of vision-

The cufflinks vanished without a trace, replaced by a syringe lying quietly inside the gift box.

In an instant, a slight sensation of pain, like a needle's tip, enters my mind, as if injecting something that shouldn't exist.

Syringe, Lucien...syringe.

The tingling and numbing pain spread throughout my body as if following my bloodstream, pulling my entire consciousness, and forcing me to move forward.

"Hold the syringe, walk up to Lucien, and then…"

...Why would this inexplicable thought pop into my mind?

My head is buzzing, and mechanically I grip the syringe in my hand. The icy liquid inside sways, emitting a deadly aura.

What the hell is this syringe? What's happening to me? Why can't I control my body?!

I struggle to break free from this state, and suddenly a familiar warmth surges in my chest.

However, this surge of chaotic energy only brings half clarity to my mind. Soon enough, my actions once again become uncontrollable.

With slightly stiffened steps, a dull sound resonates on the ground as I slowly push open the door.

Lucien has his back turned to me, still immersed in the midst of experimental equipment, but he smiles slightly upon hearing my footsteps.

Lucien: [chuckle] You're here?

Lucien: Maybe MC will have to wait a little longer. I have a bit of work to finish up, but I'll be done soon.

Lucien, turn around!

Please turn around quickly!

If you just turn around, you will definitely notice something unusual about me. Turn around, so you can avoid my syringe!

I'm screaming in my mind, but my throat feels like it's being constricted, unable to produce even half a syllable.

I walk up behind him, my fingers touching his clothes, climbing upward inch by inch.

Lucien: [chuckle] Why are you suddenly acting so coquettish?

The overly intimate proximity deepens the smile at the corner of Lucien's lips. He straightens up, turns around, and looks at me.

Lucien: Well, then I'll call it a day-

His words trailed off.

The faint sound of the needle piercing his skin amplifies infinitely in my ears.

The liquid in the transparent syringe enters Lucien's body bit by bit as I push it with my fingertips, all while watching helplessly.

Lucien's eyes widen slightly, a trace of astonishment appearing on his face.

MC: Lu…cien….

A single sentence is fragmented into countless pauses and finally squeezes out from between my lips.

The forces of self-awareness and control continuously tug at each other, overwhelming waves of immense fear and despair flooding my consciousness, creating a torrential tsunami within me.

In an instant, the power of the CORE completely breaks through the cage and surges forth from my chest.

MC: ...Don't!!

Finally, I forcefully throw away the syringe, and a few burning droplets of blood splatter from Lucien's neck, landing on my cheek.

Lucien: MC…

The sharp ringing in my ears drowns out Lucien's moving lips, and in this moment, I can only hear my own frantic breath and the cries laced with sobs.

MC: I'm sorry... I'm sorry…

Lucien's gaze lingers on my face, his pupils brewing with complex emotions. He opens his mouth once again, and the fingers that were caressing my hand lift upward.

I only feel something lightly pinching my neck, neither too light nor too heavy, and darkness suddenly embraces me out of nowhere.

I don't know how long it had been, but I groggily opened my eyes to find the laboratory ceiling in front of me.

The lingering pain in my chest made it difficult to breathe. In a daze, the events that had just occurred flooded my mind all at once.

The icy needle, Lucien's bewildered expression, my trembling hands…

I abruptly sat up, wanting to check on Lucien's condition. But as soon as I do, everything starts spinning around me.

Lucien: [gently] The effect of the medicine must have just worn off. It's better for you to lie down for a while longer.

The familiar voice fell upon my ears. In my blurred vision, I can see Lucien sitting at the bedside, holding a cup of steaming tea in his hands.

He places the pillow behind me and gives me a slight smile. Everything seems normal as usual, but I can't help but notice the clearly visible blue veins on his neck.

A wave of sourness brushes past the tip of my heart, I grab his hand, my voice trembling as I speak.

MC: Lucien, I…

MC: Just now, I didn't mean to... How are you feeling now? Is there anything uncomfortable? What was in that syringe…

Lucien: [chuckles softly, then speaks in a comforting tone] I'm fine.

Lucien interrupts my incoherent questions, his thumb soothingly caressing the back of my hand, offering silent comfort.

I take the teacup he hands me, feeling warmth instantly spreading from my palm, but the unease and confusion in my heart still intertwine.

MC: I don't know why, but earlier I suddenly felt like my body and consciousness weren't my own.

MC: I wanted to warn you to be careful, I didn't want to come to you, but I couldn't do anything...

I stare straight at the teacup in my hands, the steam making my eyes feel hot, and the tea seems to sway as my hands tremble.

Suddenly, my chin is gently lifted, and my gaze is forced to meet the person's face in front of me.

Lucien: [tenderly] MC, look at me.

Lucien: During your rest, I have conducted a comprehensive body examination for both of us. The results show that most of the ETL-147 in the injection have been metabolized and eliminated from our bodies.

Lucien: The remaining dosage is insufficient to have any further impact on our bodies. Therefore, I can assure you that both you and I are safe now.

Unfamiliar words entered my ears, and I grasped onto his sleeve in confusion.

MC: ...What is ETL-147?

Lucien: It's a mind-control drug, but its effects are not stable enough. After one use, its components become inactive.

Lucien: Therefore, it was eliminated after the research was successful.

MC: You mean I was manipulated by it just now? .......But why would there be such a drug in my body?

Lucien ponders for a moment.

Lucien: Have you had any injections these past few days?

I blink, suddenly remembering something—

MC: ......I went for a medical examination this morning. When they drew blood, I felt unusually tired and even dozed off.

Lucien's gaze flickers slightly, and the darkness in his eyes reflects my pale face. I hesitate before speaking.

MC: ...But if the drug was injected back then, why is it only taking effect now?

Lucien: This drug does not have an immediate effect. It only activates once it is triggered, affecting a specific part of the human nervous system.

Lucien: The suggestions in your mind were probably triggered by accessing the associative medium, which then initiated the effects.

I stare at Lucien, trying to digest his words, and slowly, the jumble of thoughts starts to become clearer.

MC: ...It's the syringe.

MC: It's all my fault. If only I had noticed the abnormalities earlier…

With a barely audible sigh, a familiar scent surrounds me from behind.

Lucien: [whispers gently] It's not your fault for getting hurt. So, don't wear that expression on your face.

Lucien: And... this drug can't affect me.

Lucien smiles softly, his voice as gentle as the raindrops in spring.

Lucien: ETL-147 is a drug that I supervised the development of.

Lucien: For my own creations, especially something as dangerous as this, I always take precautions.

Lucien: For instance, making sure I have antibodies against it.

(T/N: fun medical fact did you know that generally you can only develop antibodies to substance after exposure to that very same substance- yep, so he uh, might use that drug before, experimenting on himself, perhaps 🤡)

Lucien: The testing in a laboratory environment doesn't pose significant risks. However, what I'm more interested in is how you managed to break free from its control while it was still effective.

Lucien: According to my experimental findings, a similar situation has never occurred so far.

MC: I can't say for sure, but at that time, it felt like there were two forces pulling at my body. Could it be…

Lucien narrows his eyes thoughtfully.

Lucien: Hmm, it seems that CORE has a certain level of inhibition against this drug.

MC: But I still don't understand, who exactly is the other party?

Lucien: Do you remember the incident a few days ago when GR approached you?

Lucien's words make me suddenly realize the key to the situation.

MC: Why would GR go through all this trouble? What is their ultimate goal?

Lucien: I believe the answer should be here.

Lucien opens a message in front of me, and it displays a series of unknown character combinations.

"NzBiDTEe&Tgp."

 [Chapter 45-12]

MC: ...Is this gibberish?

I blink in confusion, before hearing Lucien speaks.

Lucien: In terms of character length, it matches the password set for the NW archive database.

MC: But if they already obtained the password, why don't they take action themselves instead of going through all this trouble?

Lucien: After the last intrusion into the archive room, Silas strengthened the control over it.

I was taken aback, feeling like many things were connecting.

Since they couldn't control the internal personnel of NW, they thought of the only person who could still access the NW archive room.

Lucien goes in and out of the NW laboratory all day, making it almost impossible to find an opportunity to get to him. In comparison, it would be much easier to manipulate me and then get close to Lucien.

MC: Could it be that their ultimate goal is to control you to enter the database?

Lucien: They probably used the same method to manipulate that NW researcher before to steal information, but they failed.

Lucien: Under the effect of this kind of suggestion, the controlled person can only act according to the literal meaning of the suggestion, without the ability to think or adapt to the situation.

Lucien looked at the text message, a hint of darkness crossing his eyes.

Lucien: I suspect that the hint they intend to give me through you is some action compelling enough to make me willingly take risks for them.

Lucien: For example, threatening my own safety or attacking someone important to me.

(Basically, the person who use the mind control drug won't make him instantly do their bidding because it's shitty at giving complicated tasks that require people to think or adapt. Lucien deduces that the drug's potential action triggers could involve threatening his own safety or that of MC. By threatening their safety, it could compel him to comply with the manipulator's demands.)

MC: That is outrageous!

I clench my fingers tightly and look closely at the text message on the screen. Besides the password, there's also an address written on it.

MC: So, is this address meant for you to deliver something after you obtain it?

Lucien: The address corresponds to a factory in the outskirts. As a rendezvous point, it is indeed quite suitable.

Every step is interconnected as if an invisible hand is pulling people deeper into the trap. I take a deep breath and suddenly realize something.

MC: On that note, if you can't be controlled, can't we just not go and let GR end up empty-handed?

Lucien: No, quite the opposite. We can't let them "leave empty-handed."

Lucien's broad palm holds onto my fingertips, gently caressing them.

Lucien: I have a plan, but... it requires you to "sacrifice" a little and cooperate with me.

Lucien then goes to NW. The NW team member questions him about reporting his entry into the A-level database to Silas.

Lucien assures them that he will inform Silas after retrieving the data and suggests the team member can report on his behalf.

After a moment of hesitation, the team member agrees to report to Silas, allowing Lucien to proceed into the database.

Lucien navigates through the vast space filled with metal cabinets, accessing a hidden document using the password from the text message, and carefully examining the document, confirming something before putting it back in the cabinet.

But then he also accesses another document using a password that's different from the one on the text message and quickly takes out a file from it before he gets interrupted by the arrival of someone familiar.

Lucien: Officer Silas arrived even faster than I anticipated.

Silas glances at the documents in Lucien's hands with a smile that seems both genuine and ambiguous.

Silas: ETL-147? I don't recall Professor Lucien having any recent work that would require this document.

Lucien: Indeed, there is no relevance to the experiment. But what if I intend to use it to lure out the mastermind behind the failed theft?

The air fell into silence in an instant. After a brief moment of eye contact with Lucien, Silas spoke up.

Silas: You should know that these documents should not be seen by outsiders.

Lucien: Of course. So, no one else will see them.

Under the pale fluorescent light, the obscure gazes of the two individuals intersected. After a moment, Silas reveals a profound smile.

Silas: I certainly trust Professor Lucien, but you should also know that I am always cautious.

Silas: Until Professor Lucien has made his "findings," CORE will be temporarily protected by NW.

Lucien's smile at the corner of his lips remains unchanged, and there is a slight coldness in his eyes.

Lucien: Please, go ahead. However, I believe this "temporary" arrangement won't last for long.

Silas: That's even better. I look forward to your "good news."

I glanced at my phone once again—20 minutes had passed since Lucien entered NW.

MC: I wonder if everything is going smoothly…

Just as I'm feeling anxious, the driver's side door suddenly opens.

Lucien: Everything went smoothly. I managed to bring out the documents without any trouble.

Lucien spoke with a smile, raising the documents in his hand, and I couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. It seems like he always manages to guess what I'm thinking ahead of time.

Behind him stood two NW team members in uniforms.

NW Team Member: Miss MC, Professor Lucien has urgent matters to attend to. For the time being, NW will ensure your safety. Please come with us.

I glance at Lucien and see him nod in agreement, so I step out of the car.

As we pass each other, I can hear his voice, it's soft but resolute.

Lucien: [in a soft but firm tone] I'll return to you soon.

The moonlight quietly penetrates through the glass, casting a solemn white reflection on the ground. The sound of footsteps shatters the silence as Lucien calmly enters the deserted factory.

As soon as his figure comes to a stop, the iron door behind him closes abruptly, revealing the outlines of several figures in the darkness.

??: Professor Lucien truly lives up to his reputation. Efficiency at its finest.

With the words spoken, the face of the other party finally becomes exposed in the moonlight.

Lucien: The things you requested have been brought.

Seeing the sealed document bag in Lucien's hand, a hint of joy flickers in the man's eyes.

Lucien looks at the other man with a cold expression as he eagerly approaches. Just as his fingers are about to touch the documents, Lucien suddenly pulls back his hand.

Lucien: Since it's an exchange of information, there should be equal conditions. I want to know what associative medium that triggers me.

Upon hearing Lucien's words, the man's expression freezes coldly for a moment, and then he stares straight at Lucien, his tone filled with threats.

Man: It seems like you haven't realized your situation yet, Professor Lucien. This is not a classroom, and there is no time for you to ask questions freely.

Man: I'll say it once, give me the information.

Lucien silently locks eyes with those eyes filled with hatred for a moment, then he slightly raises his hand. The document falls into the hands of the other person.

Man: Very well, then I'll trouble you, Professor Lucien, to wait for a while until we verify the goods. You, take it and deliver it to that person.

One of the subordinates takes the documents from the man's hand and hurriedly leaves. Lucien indifferently shifts his gaze and looks towards a silent shadow in the corner.

Soon, the person who left hastily returns and whispers something in the man's ear. His face darkens.

Man: How dare you deceived us with fake information!?

Lucien: I don't understand what you mean. Isn't this the confidential information of ETL-147?

Man: Stop playing dumb and hand over the document that contains the information on the Vortex files!

Lucien: Vortex…?

Lucien's eyes flicker with surprise, but he remains motionless in his position. The man raises his hand threateningly, touching the cufflinks.

Man: Since you're not cooperating, there's no need to keep you around.

Lucien seems to lower his gaze absentmindedly, and a sharp ice spike forms in his hand, slowly pressing against his own neck.

In the next second, he suddenly changes direction and thrusts the ice spike fiercely towards the man. The man's pupils contract, narrowly avoiding the ice spike grazing his  temple.

(From the man’s word. Lucien deduced that the mind control drug's task for him was to make him kill himself upon seeing the associative medium. What the other party didn't anticipate is that Lucien is already "immune" to the drug and was pretending to be affected by it. He used this "information asymmetry" to learn what's action can be triggered, the associative medium and caught the man off-guard. It turns out that the associative medium is actually the cufflinks that MC gave to Lucien, which were stolen by the man. But there's more to it-)

Lucien: The action trigger... So this is my associative medium.

Lucien speaks thoughtfully, his lips slightly curling, but there is no trace of a smile in his eyes.

Lucien: It seems that no matter the situation, I always know what I want.*

(-actually, Lucien has already deduced that the cufflinks(or whatever MC actual gift can be) are his associative medium. In fact, besides doing his plan, he also has a selfish motive for coming to the factory, which is to retrieve MC's actual gift. He won't let something so precious to him just get stolen and being used to manipulate him like that-)

In the next moment, dozens of shadowy figures emerge from the darkness, their gun muzzles pointing at Lucien. The man takes two steps back and shouts repeatedly.

Man: Fire!

Countless bullets fly toward the slender figure in the center, but they all hit the ground and walls, sparking tiny sparks.

Lucien seems to disappear into thin air, leaving no trace behind.

??: ...Damn it, he was right here--

Man: Don't panic! Search!

The man gasps for breath, snatches a gun, and scans the area in frustration for any sign of Lucien. However, in the next moment, he freezes in place.

Lucien stands behind him, a thin silver syringe accurately piercing the man’s neck.

[Chapter 45-13]

The syringe pushed deeper, silencing the words the man wanted to say, forcefully sealing his mouth shut.

Lucien: [in a mocking tone] Why so surprised? I think you should know what this is.

The corners of Lucien's lips curl up with a sinister smile, illuminated by the pale moonlight.

Lucien: It's the stock solution of ETL-147.

Lucien: The concentration of ETL-147 in this solution is 14 times higher than what you intended to inject me with. And, of course... It also has stronger side effects.

Lucien: Within five seconds of being injected, it will make a person's limbs feel weak, their heart rate sluggish, and shortly after, it becomes difficult to focus their attention.*

(he knows the side effect so well, it's as if he tested the stock solution on himself before- and if he really did, this could potentially explain his immunity to the drug given by GR, as he might have developed a tolerance or immunity after previous exposures to its highest dosage. Besides for research purposes, Lucien takes the notion of "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" quite literally lmao)

The man's pupils dart around, and what frightens him even more is that the subordinates who surround them moments ago are all collapsing, at some point, without his knowledge.

It feels as if an invisible force of gravity is pressing them firmly to the ground, rendering them immobile.

Lucien slowly pushes the syringe, and the transparent liquid flows through the needle's tip.

Lucien: Next, the drug will travel through your veins to reach your heart, then enter your brain.

Lucien: It will then interfere with your nervous system, gradually stripping your brain of control over your body.

It is as if the words are an irresistible persuasion, as the man's body begins to tremble uncontrollably, experiencing the very symptoms described by Lucien.

Lucien: The dosage of this drug is crucial. If the dosage is too low, it won't affect the brain.

Lucien: However, if used in excessive amounts, it can cause muscle spasms, degeneration of brain neurons, and even brain death-

Gradually, the man feels as if he is sinking into deep water, weighed down and unable to move…

Man: You, what do you want to know…

Lucien: You just confirmed the authenticity of that document with someone, didn't you? Who was that person?

Man: I don't know. He's a high-ranking person whom I haven't met before, but I... I can help you contact him!

The man dials a number on the phone, trembling. After a while, a hoarse voice comes through the receiver.

??: How did things go?

Lucien: For you, I'm afraid it's a mess.

There is silence on the other end of the phone for a few seconds.

??: Professor Lucien, I underestimated you.

Lucien: The information from NW's A-level password database, it was you who sent it to me, right? I'm curious to know how GR's people got hold of that information.

??: If you're curious about the secret behind this encrypted message, I will contact you again. Because just like Silas, I appreciate your abilities.

Lucien's lips twitch slightly, but he remains silent.

??: Consider it. I hope we can have a pleasant conversation in the future.

In the instant the call ended, the outer gate of the factory was forcefully pushed open.

The fully armed NW operatives surge in. Lucien half-squints his eyes, gazing at Silas who stands at the entrance.

Silas: Well done, Professor Lucien. I'm relieved to see you unharmed.

Lucien: Thank you. Commander Silas arrived just in time.

Silas walks up to Lucien, and a glint of determination flickers in his slightly raised eyes.

Silas: By the way, is there anything Professor Lucien needs to explain to me? I remember you assuring me that the ETL-147 data wouldn't be seen by anyone else.

Lucien: Instead of questioning me, Commander Silas, perhaps you should consider whether there might be any "traitors" within NW.

The air fall silent for a moment, and a glint of coldness seems to flash in Silas' eyes, but in an instant, he regains his composure.

NW Team member: Report, sir. The warehouse has been fully searched, and a total of 24 individuals have been found. The target person is not among them, and we are expanding the search area.

Silas: Conduct a comprehensive investigation of everyone's communication records.

NW Team member: Yes sir!

After a brief acknowledgment, the NW team members begin executing Silas' orders swiftly and efficiently.

Lucien: [chuckle] It seems that Commander Silas's intended target has managed to elude capture this time.

Facing Lucien's calm and casual demeanor, Silas looks at him with a meaningful gaze.

Silas: Professor Lucien, do you have any information about the person I'm looking for?

Lucien: If you couldn't find them despite all your efforts, how could I possibly have any information?

Silas's scrutinizing gaze landed on Lucien, as the corners of his mouth curved into a smirk that seemed both like a smile and not quite a smile.

Silas: You should know that NW's data is accessed based on hierarchy. That day in the archive room, you looked at materials other than ETL-147, didn't you?

He said, patting Lucien's shoulder lightly.

Silas: I appreciate talent, but rules are rules.

Silas: I want to see how you intend to bear the consequences of this.

Lucien casually lifts Silas's hand, his deep eyes flickering with a cold and stern light.

Lucien: Of course, I am sincere. I just want to see if Commander Silas is willing to gamble with NW's future.

The footsteps outside the door echoed for I don't know how many times, but they gradually faded away after I stood up.

The anticipation in my heart once again falls flat, and I reluctantly sit back in my seat, sighing.

The only thing I can do now is wait.

Even though I am fully aware that Lucien will surely turn the situation around, the longer I wait, the harder it is for my heart to contain its anxiety.

Thud... Thud... There's another round of footsteps outside the door.

Calm and steady, yet I can sense a smallest wisp of anxiety mixed within.

MC: ….!

The footsteps come to a steady halt at the door.

My chest can't contain its excitement and I suddenly stand up, taking large strides towards the door.

As I reach out to grasp the doorknob, it is already being pushed open by someone.

MC: Lucien!!

I hadn't had a chance to take a close look at him before I was embraced in a warm hug.

His presence fills the air, overwhelming and comforting. In his embrace, all the unsettled and anxious emotions in my heart seem to be soothed in an instant.

The arm around my back tightens slightly, and I lower my head in his embrace. For a while, neither of us says a word.

Out of the corner of my eye, I notice the slightly wrinkled cuffs of his sleeves, and I realize that two buttons are missing for some unknown reason.

After a long while, I hear a relieved exhale from above me.

Lucien: [in a very soft and tender voice] Sorry, I kept you waiting for so long.

Lucien: I'm here to take you home now.

[Chapter 45-15]

On the way back home, Lucien briefly described his solo trip to the factory.

However, upon learning that the mastermind behind it all hasn't been truly apprehended, I couldn't help but feel a shiver in my heart.

Noticing my concerned expression, Lucien speaks to reassure me.

Lucien: [chuckle] Don't worry, with Officer Silas' capabilities, it shouldn't take long to find the person on the other end of the phone.

I shake my head and open my mouth to speak hesitantly.

MC: But I still can't figure out why GR's people went to such great lengths to obtain NW's information.

MC: I always feel like this is very different from their usual style of operation…

Lucien: Regardless of the reasons behind it, GR has now gotten involved with the wrong people.

Lucien: In the coming days, the shadow side of Loveland City may not be very peaceful.

The gleaming lights shimmer in his eyes, creating small ripples.

I watch Lucien silently, understanding what he means. With Silas's style, he would never leave behind any potential threat to NW.

Once NW and GR collide, it will undoubtedly trigger unprecedented turmoil, and the future remains uncertain.

I purse my lips, observing the outline of his figure traced by the neon lights outside the window. These days feel like a continuously rolling film, moving forward without pause.

Lucien: [whisper softly] Are you tired?

Noticing the weariness in my eyes, Lucien lowered his voice.

MC: Indeed, I am a bit tired.

Lucien: Should I continue with the unfinished story from last time?

MC: The story about the falcon and the pigeon?

Lucien: Yes, if I recall correctly, I left a small suspense at the end.

Lucien's voice quietly falls into my ears, bringing a warm breath. I squinted my eyes and nodded.

Lucien: Back then, I mentioned that there was another possibility to the story. But I didn't reveal the ending of that possibility.

MC: I think... the pigeon has the right to remain silent, as it is a way for self-protection.

I meet Lucien's soft gaze and move my lips.

MC: But if the pigeon wants to shoulder the responsibility of resolving crises and saving the world, it must accept the conditions set by the falcon.

Lucien: This question indeed tends to perplex people, but you've overlooked a crucial factor.

Lucien: [tenderly] The falcon has never been the determining factor in shaping the course of the world.

His words caused my heart to skip a beat, the distant speeding lights cast a long shadow of Lucien, tightly overlapping with my own shadow.

Lucien: From the moment the falcon revealed the truth about the disease to the pigeon, the initiative has been in the pigeon's hands.

Lucien: The only thing the falcon can do is to continue posing a threat to the pigeon, but it cannot prevent the pigeon from saving the world.

Lucien: Therefore, in the alternative ending of the story, the pigeon not only saves the world but also avoids the falcon's attacks.

Lucien: Everyone continues to live their lives in peace and prosperity.

MC: So, both endings of the story are the same, aren't they?

Lucien: [firmly] There has always been only one ending for this world.

(Because no matter what choices she makes, the only ending that he believes in is for the pigeon/MC to save the world 🥺)

Lucien seems to chuckle lightly and naturally opens his palm towards me, revealing two purple cufflinks.

I widen my eyes, feeling a flutter of excitement in my chest.

MC: These cufflinks were previously switched by GR's people, and I thought I would never find them again! Where did you find them?

Lucien: At the factory where GR arranged to meet me.

Lucien: The packaging of the box was the same as the one you brought to the laboratory that day, so I guessed it might be the gift you actually wanted to give me.

Lucien: However, I apologize because I opened the box in advance to confirm what was inside.

I shake my head repeatedly, cherishing the two cufflinks in my hand that were lost and now found.

The streetlights on the street reflect scattered light and shadows on the amethyst cufflinks, faintly resembling fireflies flickering in my palm.

They are just like Lucien's eyes when he deeply looks at me.

Lucien: [whisper] Can you help me put them on?

MC: Sure.

I carefully fasten the two cufflinks to Lucien's cuffs, my heart feeling full in the process.

MC: They suit you perfectly, don't they?

Lucien: Of course, I have great faith in your judgment. Moreover, since they were chosen by you, they naturally carry the thoughts you placed upon them.

Lucien: And for me, they will become important companions in the time to come.

Hearing him say that, I couldn't help but understand and perceive the underlying meaning in his words.

MC: Will you be busy in the coming days?

Lucien: Um. The experiment has entered a new phase, and NW will expand the scope of the trial in the coming days.

Lucien: So for the next period of time, I probably won't be able to leave work with you.

MC: ...Are you saying that we won't be able to see each other for a while?

Lucien: I'm afraid so. Right now, there are more pressing matters and "guests" to handle, so Silas probably won't insist on inviting you over anymore.

My thoughts suddenly become chaotic without any warning, and only the sound of my heartbeat in my chest became clearer.

MC: But this issue will inevitably resurface someday, right?

Lucien nods without confirming or denying.

Lucien: You can consider this time as a period of preparation for yourself. The next time you see him, it might be the moment when the pigeon has to make a decision with the falcon.

Lucien: But I believe the pigeon will find her own way.

A few days later, as I’m heading home after finishing a day's work, my phone vibrates twice.

Lucien’s message: "I captured a cloud that looks like a little white bunny during my break and I want to share it with you."

I open the attached photo of the cloud and smile faintly.

Since the day we part at NW, the number of times that Lucien returns home has decreased significantly.

Although it is his usual research routine, I still find it difficult to completely ease my mind when I think about the cold NW base.

Fortunately, every now and then, I receive messages from him, sometimes just a short text.

But in those fleeting moments of connection, it feels as if we are bridging the distance between us.

I smile and also take a photo of a butterfly-like cloud in the sky.

MC’s message: "The one I see looks a bit like a butterfly~"

I just sent the message when my phone buzzes with a new notification, but this time it isn't from him.

(Yes it’s done LOL, i usually put rambles but i think i already said enough in live comments (?) This chapter in a nutshell is a setting up for something big in future. Personally I like it because it’s not everyday we see how he works behind the curtain, and despite it can’t be called fluff bc obviously there’s some bits of angst, i think this chapter is rather sweet.)

[rinharu-purple]

Push n’ Pull Dynamics with Gavin Bai (Flirting Techniques BAI503)

What I’ve meant in my answer about S2 Gavin here can be demonstrated as such in CH11:

Spoilers under the cut. Text are copied from @cheri-translates and the gifs from youtube. I don’t own anything

Gavin: Cough. Under these circumstances, the person I wouldn’t want to get roped into this matter...

Gavin: Without doubt, that person is definitely you.

When he finishes speaking, he gives me a gentle pull, leaning his forehead against the roof of my head.

The tips of our fingers are incredibly close. Gavin’s hands are at his side. He simply stands in front of me, but doesn’t let me see his face at this present moment.

Gavin: After this, we won’t meet for a very long time. So, give me a little more courage.

also Gavin aka the main actor of my daydreams in CH11:

He reaches out, giving me a light push.

I stop breathing. It’s as though the world has suddenly turned upside down, and the sound of wind at my ear grows even louder.

Gavin: I’m the greatest danger.

The passing wind brings Gavin’s voice to my ear. The loneliness in his voice brings a wave of anguish to my heart.

He stuffs his hand into his pocket in a suppressed and restrained manner, akin to the final gust of cold wind in spring.

---—---—----

Masterlist

[all-things-mlqc]

Hello can y’all hear me SCREAMING PT. 2

Really curious to see how many chapters are going to be put into the first season though. I would assume the first 10 chapters but there have been small hints of more.

[shinydelirium]

MLQC Season 2 Chapter 21 (Kiro) Part 2 [Chaotic Space] & [Tacit Agreement] Translation [CN]

***SPOILERS*** THIS POST CONTAINS HEAVY SPOILERS FOR CONTENT NOT YET RELEASED ON EN SERVER!!! READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!***

For previous translations of chapter 21: Part 1

Enjoy~

[Chaotic Space]

We made our way to the hotel lobby.

Every waiter who passed by Helios only gave him a small glimpse. He continued to do his own thing as if he was already used to such behavior and just let it pass him by.

I tugged on his sleeve and motioned for him to come closer.

MC: Do you know something about their expressions?

Helios: No.

Helios: They only know that I’m a “special guest.”

A playful smile crept into his eyes but at this time the lobby manager stepped forward and stood in front of us, casting accusing eyes on Helios.

Manager: Sir, I hope you will not cause trouble to the other guests.

Faced with such a firm and awe-inspiring question, Helios smiled lazily and turned his head to look at me.

Helios: Are you troubled?

I shook my head, feeling the manager’s face darken a little bit, and Helios’ smile became more triumphant and mocking.

Manager: If you are threatened, you can tell me right away. This guest has a history of taking other people’s belongings.

Helios: So much rubbish.          

Helios: Step aside.

Helios stepped forward impatiently, took me towards the door and I looked at him with a snicker.

MC: You’re not stealing people’s cell phones to send text messages, are you?

Helios: I tried normal communication.

He said this nonchalantly, warning the waiters who were observing secretly.

Helios: They just want to keep me here as ordered and restrict my communication with the outside world.

Helios: On the other hand, as long as I don’t leave here, I can do as I please.

MC: But if that’s the case, you can walk straight out the exit, right? How can you not be able to leave?

Helios: That is what makes this hotel interesting.

As we talked, we arrived at a door and Helios pushed it away while I stared blankly.

A dazzling light shines through the crack of the door. As we moved forward, it instantly covers my entire vision—

An embellished blue is embellished in front of my eyes. The sound of waves rushes to my ears, sweeping away the fatigue and burden of this period in time.

In the distance, a few people were on surfboards riding and jumping over the waves and women in bikinis lay on the beach sunbathing.

I stared at Helios next to me in a daze and he seemed to be unsurprised as though he had seen this scene many times.

MC: Have we crossed?

Helios: ….

MC: Is this the work of an Evolver?

Helios didn’t seem to want to explain anything. He took a handful of sand from the ground and stuffed it into my hand.

Helios: Hold onto it tightly.

In the next second, he took my shoulder and walked to the other side of the beach.

Under the bright, hot sun, my forehead unknowingly oozes thin sweat.

I don’t know how long it has been until a door similar to the one before appeared.

Helios pushed open the door skillfully and pulled me in.

The sun behind him suddenly disappeared and was replaced by an endless field. Many stars covered the entire night sky.

Before I could marvel at the sight, Helios raised my hand to my eyes.

Helios: Open your hand.

I obeyed his words and opened my fingers gently and the dense, fine sand was scattered like smoke and dust under the starry sky, quietly falling down to the ground.

It’s so real that it sends chills down one’s spine.

Helios: Although it is not clear what the principle is, it should be the use of “doors” to connect many real spaces together.

MC: Do you mean this is actually Loveland City or somewhere on Earth?

Helios: No, all you see here are people who come to the hotel.

Helios: It should be some kind of different space.

He took me to walk in the star-shrouded wilderness. The crescent moon bends and the night wind swept over the weeds making a rustling sound.

Maybe because Helios is here, my heart is incredibly calm.

Helios: What’s wrong?

MC: Although I think it might not be a good time to say this kind of thing, don’t you think it’s beautiful here?

Helios: I brought you here because of the beauty. ***UWUWUWUWUWUWU!!! 🥺💕That is classic Kiro!!!***

Helios: Otherwise, I wouldn’t have taken you away like this.

I was surprised. Helios’ expression was faint as if this the answer was obvious.

MC: Is there anything else that’s weird here?

Helios snorted and reached out his hand to count.

Helios: Volcano eruptions, Tyrannosaurus in Jurassic Park, valleys full of poisonous insects, tropical rain forests, deserts, polar regions….

MC: ….

MC: ….It seems that you have suffered a lot.

Helios: At least it gave me some fun.

Before we knew it, we came to another door again. After he opened it skillfully, he led me to step on the clouds.

I looked down and dizziness swept through me.

MC: …This is?

Helios: A rare and special place.

He pulled me to sit on the clouds, soft as velvet, and the pale pink sky seemed to be within reach.

MC: Do you remember where all these doors lead to?

Helios: Each space has a door with at least three doors and at most six doors and the space leading to it is basically fixed.

Helios: Try a few more times and you will know.

I looked back against the light. How long has he been trapped here and how many attempts has he made by himself?

MC: What does it mean “basically fixed”?

Helios: When I first arrived, I went through the doors several times and the space changed.

Helios: I was short on time so I haven’t found a pattern yet. This place is bigger than I thought.

MC: Wouldn’t it be dangerous if a guest ended up in the wrong place?

Helios: Not that dangerous.

He turned his head and half of his body was already out of the clouds.

I subconsciously wanted to catch him. The friction felt fleeting at my fingertips and I watched in horror as Helios gradually receded.

MC: ….!

Helios smiled calmly. In the next second, he squeezed my palm—

Gravity pulled me down quickly like a boulder. At the same time, his arm tightened and he took me into his arms.

I stared at his eyes blankly. My heart beat violently because of the weightlessness as light and shadow past behind me.

Helios: Don’t be afraid.

At the end of my field of vision, I saw a vast expanse of whiteness. We seem to have fallen into the end of the light.

Suddenly, we seem to have landed onto a very soft place and even bounced back a few times.

I opened my eyes, propped up, and found myself lying on a bed with Helios beside me looking at me with a smile.

Helios: Now you understand.

Helios: Someone in the hotel is secretly manipulating everything.

Helios: You can only appear where you “should” appear.

From a drawer, Helios pulled out a piece of paper with many weird graphics on it and pointed to one of them.

Helios: Like I said before, this here is a different special space just like this Rubik’s Cube…

MC: Wait a sec.

I looked at the distorted three-dimensional figure on the paper in confusion.

MC: ….I can’t tell that this is a Rubik’s Cube.

Helios: …..

***In case any of you don’t know, it’s a known fact that Kiro’s drawing skills suck😆. He ain’t no Piscasso but I still love him as Mr. Spicy Chips🥰🥰🥰 ***

Helios’ expression was a bit stiff. He took out a pen and drew a more distorted figure on a blank space.

I lay on the bed and couldn’t help laughing.

Helios: That funny, huh?

MC: No, it’s nothing.

I tried to suppress my laughter but seeing Helios’ expression, I couldn’t help but let it out.

I took the pen from his hand, turned over the paper, and drew a regular three-dimensional figure of a Rubik’s Cube.

MC: Rubik’s Cube…as you were saying.

Helios looked at the figure I drew in a daze. Finally, he turned his head and let out a faint chuckle.

He cleared his throat and pointed to the Rubik’s Cube. 

***I just absolutely love how these two interact with one another😂😂😂***

Helios: After my investigation, I suspected that every space in the hotel is like each square on a Rubik’s Cube.

Helios: Therefore, the number of doors will vary depending on the position of each block.

Helios: However, the space we have just experienced is the state of the Rubik’s Cube at rest.

Helios: But if the “Cube” is rotated, the space will change.

MC: Isn’t that troublesome?

Helios snorted coldly, his eyes flashing with disdain.

Helios: Even if it gets disrupted again, it can’t erase the “Rubik’s Cube” itself.

Helios: There will be no way out.

[Tacit Agreement]

For the rest of the time, I tried to digest what Helios said, but I kept finding it strange.

MC: Let us not mention for the time being whether the people who were taken away from the Wish Club were brought to the Wish Hotel.

MC: For this hotel alone, it serves Evolvers under the guise of storing Evol…

MC: Just to trap them here?

MC: If it’s that’s the case, what happened to that guest I saw leaving when I came here?

Helios: Nothing but a cover.

Helios casually grabbed a pillow, leaned on my side, and laid his arms on top.

Helios: Whether it’s “stored” or not, the Evol of the guests in the hotel is indeed gone.

MC: ?!

Helios: This hotel has equipment for detecting Evol energy.

Helios: I saw that were no Evol energy fluctuations in anyone.

Helios: After realizing this, I confirmed that every guest who leaves the hotel is the same.

MC: How did you do that….

Helios: Haven’t found it yet.

Helios: Customers who accept the Evol “storage” service should have a special “door”.

There was a cold glint in Helios’ eyes.

MC: But it feels that there are not a few guests here and there is no description of Wish Hotel from the outside world.

MC: Does it mean that these storage behaviors are voluntary?

Helios: That’s not important.

He turned his head and looked at me lazily. It might have been my imagination but his eyes seemed somewhat tired.

Helios: The important thing is that the Evol energy that originally existed was indeed “taken away”.

Helios: They won’t be taken away for no reason.

Suddenly, I thought of something and looked at Helios in front of me. I sat up abruptly.

MC: This strange hotel is also related to the foundation that should serve ordinary people.

MC: The foundation is doing things for GR again.

MC: Could there be GR members behind this hotel?

MC: Are they collecting Evol energy for research? Or looking for CORE?

Helios: You have quite the habit of asking a lot of questions.

Helios closed his eyes. His reaction didn’t seem surprising.

Helios: Find the person behind the hotel and then we will know everything.

Helios: Thinking more is a waste of brain power.

MC:…You’re right.

I mumbled and went back to the bed again, looking at the man with his eyes closed, my brain spinning constantly.

MC: That being the case, I have a good idea. Maybe I can find the person responsible.

Helios: No way.

Helios didn’t open his eyes as if he completely guessed what I was going to say.

MC: I haven’t said anything yet.

Helios: No way.

Helios opened his eyes with dissatisfied and the light outside the window fell on his distinct eyelashes through the soft gauze of the curtains.

Looking at the more vivid person in front of me, I couldn’t help but raise the corners of my mouth.

MC: I am now a “guest” of this hotel and it’s only reasonable to enjoy their special services.

MC: Since I’m here, even if I don’t ask for it, they will definitely achieve their goal in another way.

Helios: I have other options.

MC: Definitely not faster and more straightforward than mine.

MC: Besides, didn’t we also cooperate perfectly in that Hunter Game before?

I stared at him calmly and gently grabbed the corner of his sleeve.

MC: I believe you will protect me.

Helios’s eyes became turbulent.

Helios: No third time.

After speaking, he took out the wooden board on the side of the bed and in his hand was a microcomputer.

MC: How can you still have a microcomputer?

Helios: I dismantled several computers at the front desk.

Helios: There wasn’t enough time. Only set up the intranet.

Helios said casually and quickly started typing on the keyboard.

Helios: You’re in room 2176? ***It’s not a Kiro chapter without some numeric slang sprinkled in. MC is staying in “Love You Kiro” room🥺💕***

MC: Yeah, you found this out too?

Helios didn’t speak, only a soft hum was left in the air.

Then, he took out two small devices from another cassette and stuffed them into my hand.

Helios: Communication equipment. Put it in your ears.

MC: Where did you remove this from? You didn’t take apart the phones in the hotel too, did you?

Helios only raised the corners mouth slightly, set aside the satellite computer, grabbed my wrist and pulled me down.

Helios: So many questions.

He made no attempt to hide the fatigue in his voice. He sighed as if he could finally feel relieved.

Helios: I haven’t slept well these days. Let me rest for a while.

[End of Part 2]

[ontowanderlust]

'Sincere' + Shaw + fluff drabble, please!

Sincere., adj.

"I love you," there was a slight change in his tone that she barely managed to catch and it wasn't the same tone he usually used in his sarcasm.

Try as she might, she couldn't wipe the grin creeping across her mouth as she leaned her forehead to his, her thumbs finding themselves caressing his face. "Again," she mumbled, earning a wolfish grin from him.

For a second, she thought he would ruin the moment shared between them with another one of his smartass quip but oh, to her surprise, the fucker just leaned to her touch as if he's enjoying her attention.

"I love you," his voice dropped low, as if conveying his feelings for her isn't enough.

"Again."

Closing his eyes, he leaned in to her even more, his lips brushing against her, that way, she could feel the words in his utterance. "I love you." and with the last syllable, he claimed her lips with his, savoring the slow and intimate feeling shared between them.

I love you. Her arms wrapping around his neck as she pulled him closer if that's even possible, her hands running through his hair. I love you so much.

Wrote this as soon as I got out of exam but decided to post it as the month changed so it will fall under Gemini season. Aaaanywaaaay, fun fact: this word is what I planned to use for Shaw week so we’re thinking the same thing, anon! And since it’s already used as prompt, I shall find another word to associate Shaw with. 

Currently listening to the bgm of the MLQC trailer for Japanese server. I think the music was roughly translated to Whispering Language? If I’m not mistaken. It’s a lovely bgm, and in terms of trailers, I liked Japanese server’s trailer more. The pacing, the transition- ughhhhh I love it so much! 

Send in some prompts! (You can send any guy but for June, I shall be prioritizing Shaw’s.)

MLQC Dictionary; Masterlist

[r3almellow]

MLQC Boys and Jealousy Sex

I’m blaming @kim-stxtches for this because I really wasn’t going to do this and then they forced me! Okay, I’m lying! I needed an excuse to write this! I’m shocked I finished in one go tbh. Normally takes me 3,000 years.  Please enjoy!

Warning: Title speaks for itself, but it is NSFW!

UNDER THE CUT!

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

Kiro 

THIS MISCHIEVOUS MAN!

Will “discreetly” get handsy with you in front of whoever he feels threatened by. 

Purposes stands close enough to squeeze your ass. Might hug you from behind and press himself against your ass so you can feel his hardened length. 

Its kind of like a reminder when he does it.

“Hey, don’t forget your boyfriend is here.” 

By the time he’s done teasing you, you’ll have to excuse yourself. It’s highly likely that you’ll drag him along with you, so he could finish what he started.

Kiro’s a biter. 

He likes to leave his mark all over your body, but does his best to leave them in places that make it easier for you to hide. Only because you asked. 

Jealous Kiro will throw all that out the window. Be prepared to have your neck covered in bite marks. It’ll be turtleneck season for a while. 

You’ll have bite marks on your inner thighs as well so that whenever your legs brush against one another, you’ll have the memory of Kiro and the long lust filled night you spent together. 

Doesn’t help when you’re at a shoot with him and you feel your pussy clench involuntarily as you shift slightly, while trying to hold a conversation with Savin. Kiro will notice your discomfort and give you an impish smirk from across the room and all you can do is glare.

The idea of you thinking of him when you’re with another man fills him with pride and has him dying to bury himself inside you when all this is over.

Kiro gets pretty ruthless when he’s eating you out. Normally, he’ll do it until you’ve reached your orgasm and tease you a little bit after, but jealous Kiro is a different story. 

No matter how much you beg for him to let up, he probably won’t. He’ll continuously use his mouth until you’re a complete twitching whimpering mess. You’ll be on your fourth orgasm before he finally looks up at you, licking your juices off his lips. 

“I’ll make it so that I’m the only one who can make you feel like this.” 

Gavin

A Jealous Gavin in the streets is a soft Gavin in the sheets.

In the moment, he’s possessive of you and has no problem with letting the person know that unless they want to get choked out they need to back off.

Behind closed doors, he’s another one that likes to cling on to you. His actions, however, aren’t as naughty as Kiro’s. Gavin doesn’t like the idea of you catching someone else’s eye so his hugs are also a reminder that you have him. You can barely walk around your apartment without him holding on to you. You rarely complain because a hug from Gavin is like a protective blanket. 

It doesn’t take long for you to start to feel him trail soft kisses along your neck and cheek. Then a hand slips under your shirt, lightly grazing your stomach as it travels up to cup your breasts. 

His kisses will get a little more intense. The sound of his lips smacking against your skin growing louder as he leaves hickeys in his wake. 

When Gavin is jealous he wants to make sure you never feel the need to look elsewhere for love. Will pamper you until his last breath because he loves you and doesn’t want to lose you. Might go a bit overboard so make sure to stop him if he gets ahead of himself. 

 Gavin, please don’t suffocate while eating me out. 

Once he slides his cock into you, just know that his movements will be as rough and desperate as his kisses. Yeaaaah prepare for your lips to be swollen and throbbing after this.

He uses his body to convey all the things he wants to say. “I love you.” “You’re mine just as much as I’m yours.” “No one else can you see you like this but me.” “Thank you for choosing me.” 

Hands roam all over your naked form to make sure you’re still with him, that you’re more than just his dream girl. 

At some point you’ll realize why he’s doing all this and turn the tables on him. Telling Gavin how much you love him while riding him will definitely boost your man’s confidence. 

Wiggle your hips the way he likes it, let him hear you moan his name, take his hand, guide it to your aching pussy and have him feel how wet you are.

To make him lose his mind say “You feel that, babe? Only you can make me feel this good.” 

Victor

Jealousy sex and angry sex kind of go hand in hand with you and Victor. 

You hate when he tries to showcase his dominance, but you also love when he has you bent over his desk, a hand firmly pulling your hair back and his length sliding roughly into your pussy. 

You know exactly why he gets like this? A business associate looks at you a lot longer than they should. A passerby makes a comment about how good you look. You say something that gets him worked up. 

Victor does his best to compose himself and tries to not let his jealousy get the better of him especially when he’s at work. But if you pick up on it and tease him he will break. 

“Is the great Victor Li jealous? Guess he should really appreciate how great his girlfriend is because other men seem to think so.” 

Its safe to say that even if you deny it, you love when he’s rough with you.  That’s the only reason why you push his buttons when he’s annoyed, jealous, or angry. And he knows it!

Let’s be real...Victor’s thrust game is always on point, but its even better when you’ve gotten under his skin. He hits that spot with excellent precision just so he can have you crumble beneath him.

A few slick comments and you’ll be glad that the sound of your moans and the lewd sounds your pussy made as your juices coated his dick will never leave his soundproof office. 

If you don’t tease him enough, Victor will wait until the two of you are home to strike. 

You’ll get mouthy which is to be expected, but your feisty words only make things that more intense and you end up on your knees sucking him off regardless. 

Afterwards, your grumpy man gets really soft and holds you close while stroking your hair. He knows that being with him is a challenge. He hates to admit how stubborn his is but you take it in stride and challenge him when you could easily live a life of simplicity. 

“I know I don’t say it a lot, but I’m grateful that you chose to be by my side.” 

Lucien

Lucien is the type of jealous lover who likes to test you. How far can you go before you’re begging for release that only he can give. 

Expect for him to throw toys into the mix. More specifically vibrators. He’ll use anything to stimulate you as long as its not his body. 

You’re not allowed to touch yourself or orgasm either. That defeats the purpose of what he’s trying to do. 

You’ll be chained to the bedpost writhing and panting, practically pleading for some form of release. 

Lucien will only watch intently from the other side of the room. Like he’s making note and watching your every move as the seconds ticked by. 

“Lucien..please...I don’t think I can...” 

Your eyes are watery, the throbbing between your legs growing more unbearable, and your back arches as you let out a frustrated moan. 

When he sees you’re almost close to an orgasm, he’ll give you exactly what you want. 

Depending on the situation, he can be just as rough as Victor or he’ll dial it down a bit, but you could careless. You just want him to fuck you senseless.

“My beautiful butterfly... You’re forever trapped in my web.”

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

I’m honestly proud of myself. I managed to bust this out in a day! Anyways, hope you all enjoyed it this. 

Check out my other works here!