#my dearest secret webtoon

[gentrychild]

I don't know why I'm always like *surprised pikachu face* when I see someone reading the same webtoons than me. Part of it is I somehow still think webtoons are very obscure which hadn't been the case for quite a while now.. Anyway!! Who's your favorite character in Nevermore? Do you have any theories about the plot/their deaths/etcetera? I fell into the rabbithole of Nevermore and I can't get out so I'm grabbing whoever I can find in this darkness.

*cracks knuckles*

You have come to the right place. Katydid and I have been theorizing about this webtoon and I do love finding innocent victims on which to dump my rambling.

I'm afraid that I am utterly predictable: my favorite character is Lenore. What's not to love about a smart MC who is loyal to their friends, has a complicated past, and is extremely good at improvisation?

But what I love about Nevermore is that all the characters are interesting. There isn't one character whose backstory I do not want to know.

Starting with those guys.

They are so full of secrets I just want to crack them open and see what spills out. It would probably be tentacles, though.

Now, unto the theories:

I have a headcanon that Lenore and Annabel didn't die together, that Lenore died fighting and clinging to life, and that she died thinking Annabel had betrayed her.

I think Annabel was killed by one of her suitors. (Probably the one that was supposed to marry her because Leo Vandernacht made an appearance.

Katydid and I have our fingers crossed for Lenore's specter form to be a phoenix.

I think that there will eventually be some kind of break out from the main cast and there will be a whole arc of them having to cross the wilderness filled with hungry ghosts and monsters in order to reach the portal to get back to the human world.

Since all the characters are from different time periods, I believe they will all show up in modern times at the end of the story.

I think any students who fail to graduate is/will be used as energy source for the school.

Now, unto the theory that is currently the dearest to my heart.

You see this handsome devil who appears in the very first chapter?

I am convinced that it's Theo.

[tea-ddie]

Something that may or may not be clear about my book, Ballyhoo, on a surface level, is for how long it's been in the works. People who've known me for several years will remember the very first draft of the comic from 2018/2019. That version was specifically made for Webtoon and has been more-or-less scraped for the current version of the story. Because of that, all of Ballyhoo's characters have gone through pretty big changes—not just in their design/my art style evolution/etc, but also in their occupation, some elements of their backstory, and more. I've started working on Book 2 and have been making some new concept art. I realized as I looked to the future of the project, it was a good time to look back. This post will go through three of the main characters: Evelyn, Marjorie, and Oretta, and explain how we got to where we are in Ballyhoo.

Evelyn Golubev

2018: Evelyn was one of the very first characters I ever created for this story. She was originally the femme-fatale-type—her girlfriend had just mysteriously gone missing. She worked at a vaudeville-type club as a dancer and, besides being somewhat hot, ominous and foreboding in the way that a femme-fatale must be, that was about it. I was still definitely trying to understand my art style and struggled a lot with making the hair look as "natural" as I wanted. Her outfits all leaned pretty heavily femme and her makeup was heavy... but uncanny as I didn't fully understand how to color makeup on a face then.

2024: Evelyn Golubev, or better known by her stage name, "Evelyn Gold," still works at a vaudeville club, but beyond dancing, also sings and performs at other bars and clubs across the city of Portapolis. She is the frontwoman of her Baby Blue Band, which is the house-band at local lesbian bar, the Lilac. Although she still holds some of her femme-fatale vibes, I wouldn't necessarily describe her as a "femme" in the queer spaces she occupies. She wears custom blue suits at the club and brings a swagger that would make any girl blush to her performances. In both versions of her character, she holds a few secrets that she protects fiercely, but in the currently version of the story, the consequences of these secrets coming out feels more intense. Overall, I think her character has become more refined and deliberate in the story.

Marjorie Miller

2018: Oh, Marjorie. Her role in the story has shifted pretty significantly from the first drafts of the story—in this earliest drawing, she's pictured singing at what was a lesbian house party. She was always a bit desperate—trying to fit into a space that wasn't really for her. I knew she had grown up outside the city, probably in a more rural area, and was trying hard to fit into more classy and elegant circles. She mostly functioned as a background character in the lesbian scene who held a secret that would help solve the mystery (because of course this story was always a mystery).

2021: This was about at the time I was re-developing the story and laying out the groundwork for a new version of the comic. Despite scrapping the house parties, I wanted to redraw that specific scene... mostly because I liked her dress. Marjorie's hair, similar to Evelyn, was something I became more comfortable drawing with time. In 2021, you can see me trying to separate the way her somewhat messy waves and curls fell. Like I said, at this point I knew the house party scene with Marjorie wasn't going to happen, but I wasn't sure what her exact role would be. Was she a hopeful performer? Someone who performed alongside Evelyn in the Vaudeville club? Something else entirely? What was her life like when she wasn't singing? Well...

2024: Marjorie Miller is a married woman, living her perfect, heterosexual, suburban housewife life with her dearest husband George. This might seem like a hard pivot—it also feels like a hard pivot to her old friends Oretta and Evelyn, both of whom she's mostly fallen out of touch with. Despite the changes in her life, she is content with how it's worked out for her, or at least pretends to be. Still, beneath the picture-perfect surface is a woman who was, in every version of the story, desperate to fit-in and who is living a life that feels out of her depth.

Oretta Adams

2018/19: I don't have a drawing for this, but my earliest ideas for Oretta included her arriving in Portapolis on a train. This was always her introduction and it's how she arrives to the city in Ballyhoo, too. Back then, I knew she was an old friend of Marjorie's and Evelyn's who would open up an aspect of the mystery and story that both of them wanted to keep hidden for whatever reasons. I'm sure this sounds woefully underdeveloped—and that's because at that time, it really was. However, this was around the time where I started to have an inkling that maybe the trio's shared past was in the circus.

2021: Because her introduction was so vivid in my mind, a lot of Oretta's early concept art is her at the train station. Pictured in 2021 is a more relaxed version of Oretta: she smokes, she's dressed very casually and comfortably, and, of course, she has her suitcase. It was important to me that she always dressed for comfort and for herself first and foremost. This is part of why Oretta's outfits in the current story consist of a lot of 40s work-pants and sweaters.

2024: As I started writing the comic in 2021/22, it became shockingly apparently that Oretta was the main character of the story. Her being the factor that opens up secrets multiple people wanted to keep hidden put her in a prime place to act as both outsider and instigator. Oretta, Marjorie, and Evelyn share a background in circus performance and it started to make sense that she would be a writer/playwright, taking her experience in showbiz to a backstage role. And it is her play—possibly inspired by past events—that triggers the main events of the story. Her play is a catalyst for too many things coming out, and everyone seems to have a good reason for wanting to make sure the show will not go on.

In Conclusion...

Ballyhoo has been a long time in the works! I hope this is interesting, or maybe even inspiring for those starting longer stories? Things will take time, but it will be worth it. I'm really happy that Ballyhoo: Book One is out there in the world, and I'm honestly so excited to get to keep working on this project. I might do more posts like this about other characters or other aspects of the story—again, it's been in development for what seems like a pretty long time and I have a lot of thoughts about how different aspects of the story have played out.

[buldakdrama]

Upcoming Dramas in August 2023 that are a must watch!

It is never too early to get your calenders decorated with what will really keep you busy in the upcoming month and honestly, I am a huge procrastinator in almost every other subject except one... can you guess it? Yep, it's kdramas. I need to get that mental preparation running so I can be thrilled, haunted, humoured and of course, romanticised to the point of desperation. And if you are like me, then I can guarantee: August is going to be your month!

The First Responders 2

Starting with this sensational thriller that took us by storm with its first season, The First Responders is finally back with its sequel. We are finally going to be off that cliffhanger that made us lose our minds. As a fan of crime thrillers and *ahm-ahm* drool-able people in uniforms, can you imagine the sequences with firefighters and cops at play, together?! I am excited to see how their combined efforts will continue on the restless path of justice. Well, if somebody looks for me in August, you all have a clue now for where I would be.

This season will follow on the tracks of its prequel and air on Disney+ for all audiences and will take over the slot occupied previously by SBS' Revenant on Fridays and Saturdays.

Moving

Moving is a webtoon adaptation from Writer Kang Pool's webcomic. The story captures three high schoolers, who have superpowers that they want to hide from people. They, however, have inherited these powers from their parents who struggle to protect them from letting their powers be misused.

I'm not too empathetic about the latest inclination of kdramas towards webtoon adaptations but as an avid viewer, I cannot deny the crazy amount of interesting tales that have come to life from toons, all of which are a sight for sore eyes. But Moving really grabbed my attention from the distinct plot. I am expecting a lot of parent-child dynamic and a lot of (hopefully credible) action scenes.

Moving will be airing on Disney+ for all audiences.

My Dearest

Yet another period drama that will tug at your heartstrings. Set in the Joseon era during the Qing invasion, there is a great suffering of people from all works of life. In an unforeseen storytelling, love blooms in the ruckus between a man of complex character and dark secrets and an almost-too-confident noble lady. Will their journey be a smooth sailing or will it be overturned by storms? We'll have to see.

With the serene covers and the bright, picturesque snippets, I do feel a very strange conviction that we'll be dragged through the darkest angst in this series. I am praying that they won't pull a Scarlet Heart Ryeo with this one *cries in sad endings*.

My Dearest will be airing on the slot previously occupied by MBC's Numbers on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Killing Vote

Do the loosely tied law bindings sometimes call for extreme measures by the anonymous greater masses? Such happens in The Killing Vote when all citizens over 18 years old begin to get a polling message that makes them choose whether a person should receive the death penalty or not. If the majority votes in favour of the death penalty, the offender is then taken out by an anonymous masked persona. This stirs up the authorities and hence begins a blind pursue of a murderer in the facade of a lawless justice lender and the real national safeguards.

And we are at my favourite genre! This one is based on a webcomic too written by Eom Se-yoon. Ah, the way I am already jittery awaiting this drama. I feel like this has the potential to be one of the biggest dramas of 2023 or it could be a massive disappointment and a mess of plot holes. Either way, strap up your seat belts because this will be a ride for sure!

The Killing Vote will occupy the airing time of SBS Thursday's 21:00.

My Lovely Boxer

A story of a coerced bonding between a professionally ruthless Sports Agent and a lost boxer, who was previously undefeated in all her matches. Sports agent, Kim Tae-young begrudgingly takes the duty of bringing back the lost boxer, Lee Kwon-sook. Will he, whose strongest suit is extracting the most from his players, succeed in convincing someone who has no intention to return?

A sports drama with what I expect to be a painful back drops awaits us in My Lovely Boxer. I am definitely looking forward to seeing the developments that the two visibly hard headed characters will have. The action will be added bonus!

My Lovely Boxer will take over the slot previously occupied by Heartbeat on Mondays and Tuesdays.

How many of these are you going to watch? Or do you have already more dramas scheduled in your itineraries? Do let us know! I'll get the spicy chicken ready and you set up the dramas, okay? I'll see you next time.

- Admin Kiara

[rughydrangea]

2023 drama year in review

Okay, this year I'm really late. But better late than never, right?

Joining the pantheon of my favorites:

The Glory--The highs of this drama made me feel like I'd taken a hit of whatever not-found-in-nature strain of pot Sa Ra was on.

Maiko-san Chi no Makanai-san--Sweet, heart-warming, gentle. Its kindness made me cry!

Revenant--Just a satisfying, scary, sad, immaculately produced, wonderfully acted ghost story. In terms of sheer quality it may be the drama of the year.

Quite good:

Bad Mom--I loved how complex the character dynamics were here and wish the show would have gone more in-depth into them? Like, this mother gave her son an eating disorder (and was overall incredibly emotionally abusive), and by the end all is forgiven. Mi Joo hides from Kang Ho that he is a father, telling their kids all sorts of lies about their dad, and ultimately everything's okay and they're going to live happily ever after (we didn't even get the scene of them telling the kids, which was truly all I wanted). I'm glad for these characters that love was able to triumph over everything for them, but the genuine darkness of the beginning (especially that first episode, yikes!) primed me for something that was perhaps a bit more messy that this ultimately was. Still, a really enjoyable watch.

The Matchmakers--This one snuck up on me! Fun, funny, and disarmingly sweet.

Moon in the Day--Persuasively makes the argument that dating a corpse reanimated by a 1500-year-old ghost is a great life choice.

Moving--A great show about how dads are hot. I can't believe I spent the whole show waiting for JIS to be reunited with his family and meet his grown up son and the minute he does the camera zooms out and that's it and we see nothing.

My Dearest--"How much amnesia is too much?" is, it would seem, a question this writer has never asked. And yet, it was still pretty incredible. I just wish the last few episodes had lived up to everything that came before.

Perfect Marriage Revenge--I love a drama that knows exactly what it is and is determined to have fun with it.

Not bad:

Crash Course in Romance--There's simply nothing better than grown-up romance. And nothing worse than pointless serial killer plots.

The Forbidden Marriage--Ridiculously charming when it didn't pretend to care about the plot.

My Lovely Liar--"Spoiler" really was a banger.

The Story of Park's Marriage Contract--Poor Joseon Tae Ha really got a raw deal, huh?

WHY??!?!?

Joseon Attorney--I liked the part where the king decided to kill WDH's sister and never apologized for it and everybody, including WDH, was totally cool with it.

Lady Durian--Every episode was an out of body experience in terms of pure, glorious weirdness.

Our Blooming Youth--Every episode felt very long and yet also like nothing had happened. Which is also what the drama felt like.

Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim 3--So bad. So dumb. But Kim Sabu continues to have a smile that keeps me coming back for more.

Secret Romantic Guesthouse--It's certainly a bold choice to have your male lead be your least compelling character and performance. Kang Hoon is a star and a half and it's time for him level out of supporting roles.

See You in My 19th Life--It was okay (SHS great as always), but once I read the synopsis of the webtoon, I couldn't understand why that wasn't the plot of the drama.

[bloomz-page]

What's a girls gonna do? a diamond's gotta shine! 𔓘 ⋆ ﾟ

knock, knock . . . who's there? oh, my dear buddies, it's lovely to meet you! allow me to share some facts about myself . . . ☆

📜 hello, dearest friends! the name is lavender mist minèrva, i go by that pretty name as my pseudonym in this virtual realm. it'll be lovely if you addres me as lavender, lave, minè, or kathya (my old nickname), but I'm totally okay with any nickname you prefer! ♡

i already reach my legal age (20). a proud enfj with aquarius sun scorpio moon and taurus rising as my zodiac. oh, and the type of my account is unlabeled!

i tweet primarily about my daily activities and occasionally publish my photo dump. i enjoy discussing my current interests and occasionally sharing screenshots from those interests, such as webcomics, book pages, or movie sequences. this is not a spoiler-free account! 🪄

☆ My music preferences and interests 𓇼 ⋆｡˚

perhaps, our tastes are similiar.

spotify is my 24/7 buddy! 🎧 for me, there's no day without music. I'm listening to kpop a lot, especially 4th gen k-pop . . . but my ultimates are boynextdoor, enhypen and a lot of girl groups! (current favorite: tripleS, newjeans, ive, kiss of life, illit). my favorites soloist are taylor swift, NIKI, laufey, mitski, olivia rodrigo, and conan gray! I listen to them a lot. i listen to japanese pop as well, such as aimer, yoasobi, fujii kaze, and CHiCO with HoneyWorks! wave to earth, AKMU, lucy, and yerin baek are my favorites k-bands. indonesian songs i often listen to are from nadin amizah and tulus! last but not least, i looooove listening to sudio ghibli's soundtrack!

i love watching movies 📽, especially anime! studio ghibli and anime movies take up the biggest part of my movie interest. here are some of my favorites anime movies: The Secret World Of Arietty, When Marnie Was There, Whisper Of The Heart, Nausicaä Of The Valley of The Wind, Howl Moving Castle, Suzume, The Garden Of Words, Your Name, A Silent Voice, Summer Ghost, and Belle. My favorite anime series all the time: Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, To Your Eternity, Fruits Basket, Noragami, Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun, and Haikyuu!!

lately, i've been interested in watching k-drama! my favorite k-drama all the time: Twenty-Five Twenty-One, 20th Century Girl, A-Teen, Class Of Lies, School 2017, Weak Hero Class, and Wightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo.

of course, don't forget about this one! series and western films. honestly, I can say that I'm not really into western movies . . . but in this past year, after i finished the Harry Potter series, i decided to watch western movies more often! 🪄✋🏻 and let me tell you my current favorites: Harry Potter, Stranger Things, Wednesday, Gilmore Girls, Princess Diaries, Enola Holmes, and Miss Perigrine's Home For Peculiar Children. 🎞

books, books! 📚 i love reading books as well, especially fiction and self-improvement! for fiction, i don't have any specific genres . . . i can say that i'm flexible to all genres as long as i'm interested in the story line. but, maybe romance will take the biggest part! ◡̈  ༘ *

do you have any recommendations for webtoons or manga? pleaseeee tell me! i love reading webcomics, but it's hard for me to find webcomic that match my interest . . . maybe your favorite can be my favorite too! *wink* but here's my favorite webtoon all the time: Tweening & Knitting Room! 🧣🧤

last but not least, I love writing fiction and studying about self-improvement & self-love. i can label myself as a lifelong learner, or maybe i'm just trying to be a lifelong learner (?) well, both are okay! i love watching TikTok or Youtube videos that talking about self-improvement and self-love ·ᴗ· my current favorite Youtubers are Thewizardliz, Tam Kaur, and Firlyn!

A note, note . . 📄

i'm using Indonesian and broken English as my daily tweets ·ᴗ· i use a lot of kaomoji! m y account is safe for minors, but under 15, please dni. islamphobia, homophobic, lgbtphobic please don't ever interact with my account. i rarely use content warnings for food pictures or real-life pictures! let me know if i made a mistake or my tweets accidentally hurt your feelings, through private messaging, i would gladly fix my attitude. last but not least, my dm is always open! i love having a chit-chat with my precious mutual, so feel free to knock on my door.

dear buddies, thank you for reading my not so greeting paragraph! i hope we can be a good friends, have a lovely day! ♡

lots of love, lavender. ☆

[idolskpop]

Lee Se Young and Bae In Hyuk’s webtoon-based drama is confirmed to premiere in November

Lee Se Young and Bae In Hyuk are ready to make their debut as a new onscreen couple in the upcoming MBC drama The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract. The drama is based on a popular webtoon of the same name and will feature a time-travel romance between a Joseon-era woman and a modern-day bachelor.

What is the drama about?

(Photo : Prain TPC's Instagram | MBC )  The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract tells the story of Park Yeon Woo (Lee Se Young), a virtuous and loyal woman who lives in the 19th century Joseon. On the first night of her wedding, she loses her husband and is thrown into a well by an unknown person. She wakes up in the 21st century South Korea, where she meets Kang Tae Ha (Bae In Hyuk), a cold and logical businessman who looks exactly like her late husband.

(Photo : Lee Se Young Instagram ) The two end up agreeing to a contractual marriage for different reasons. Park Yeon Woo wants to find a way to return to Joseon, while Kang Tae Ha has a heart condition that requires him to get married. However, as they live together, they start to develop feelings for each other and face various challenges from their past and present.

Who are the cast and crew?

(Photo : SBS Entertainment) Bae In Hyuk The drama is led by Lee Se Young, who has proven her versatility and charm in various genres such as historical, comedy, thriller, and fantasy. She recently starred in the KBS2 drama The Law Cafe, where she played a lawyer who falls in love with her tenant. Bae In Hyuk is a rising star who has gained attention for his roles in dramas such as Cheer Up, My Roommate Is a Gumiho, and Blue Spring From a Distance. He is known for his charismatic and expressive acting skills.

(Photo : Bae In Hyuk Instagram ) The supporting cast includes Yoo Seon Ho, who plays Kang Tae Ha’s half-brother and a famous celebrity; Joo Hyun Young, who plays Park Yeon Woo’s maidservant and best friend; Chun Ho Jin, who plays Kang Tae Ha’s grandfather and the chairman of SH Group; Jin Kyung, who plays Kang Tae Ha’s stepmother and a greedy woman; and Jung Shi Ah, who plays a curator and a member of SH Group’s marketing team. The drama is directed by Park Sang Hoon, who has worked on dramas such as My Secret Terrius, Devilish Charm, and Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency. The script is written by Go Nam Jung, who has written dramas such as Wife Scandal and Necessary Dating Education.

When and where can you watch it?

https://youtu.be/AeGMReu9Hyk The drama is scheduled to premiere on MBC TV in November 2023, following part 2 of My Dearest in the weekend slot. The exact date and time are yet to be confirmed. The drama will also be available on various online platforms such as Viki, Netflix, iQiyi, and Viu.

What are the fans’ reactions?

(Photo : Bae In Hyuk Instagram ) The drama has generated a lot of buzz among fans of the webtoon and the actors. The first teaser was released on September 24, 2023, showing the past and present romance of the main couple. The teaser has received positive feedback from viewers who praised the chemistry, visuals, and acting of Lee Se Young and Bae In Hyuk. Some of the comments from netizens are: - “OMG! I can’t wait for this fabulous drama!” - “Lee Se Young fits historical drama the most” - “Excited to see Bae In Hyuk and Lee Se Young in this series” - “Bae In Hyuk is Back!”

Conclusion

(Photo : Lee Se Young Instagram ) The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract is an upcoming webtoon-based drama that will showcase the love story of a time-traveling woman and a modern-day man. The drama boasts a talented cast and crew who will bring the webtoon to life on screen. The drama is expected to be a romantic and fantasy-filled ride that will captivate viewers with its unique plot and characters. If you are looking for a new drama to watch this November, don’t miss The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract on MBC TV. You can also check out the webtoon here for more background information on the story. What do you think of this upcoming drama? Are you excited to see Lee Se Young and Bae In Hyuk as a couple? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Subscribe to IDOLS KPOP for exclusive updates and captivating content. Read the full article

[i-luv-elios]

🚫spoilers for season 2 my dearest secret🚫

honestly the plottwist now makes more and more sense!! I was wondering why elios didnt just save emma from drowning himself since I figured he was watching but now it makes sense,, no physical body omf

also makes sense why she was always trying to hide him or talked to him in disclosed places

[omiscurls]

hmm this is like my first time responding to a request thing so here goes: (slight webtoon spoilers!!)—- imagine if you/reader finds out about kaeyas secret accidentally, before he told diluc. how would he react to that? i’ve given some thought into it and i’d love to see your perspective!

dark whispers

plot: hurt/comfort, reader finds out about kaeya's secret before anyone else

contains: kaeya

warnings: WEBTOON SPOILERS, the story takes place before the start of the game, approximately 5-6 years, alcohol, acting under the influence, you can even say underage drinking, curse words

the sun had long set behind the mountains adoring the territories of mondstadt city. it's people had already closed their shops, workshops and businesses, having gone home to their families, many of them possibly already drifting off to sleep.

some individuals, as everyday, be it a workday, weekend, or a holiday, decided to go entertain themselves with different kinds of alcohol at the local tavern.

but to some of the mondstadt folk, that day, that evening was a special one, for it was a celebration of the ever so famous master crepus' adoptive son, kaeya, turning seventeen.

the night fell special even for regular customers, not only the ones celebrating, for it was rare for the master of the dawn winery himself to pour drinks and serve them at his establishment. for the birthday of his son, though, he had abandoned his normal nightly duties, and stood behind the counter for a good couple of hours, giving one speech and joining everyone in singing happy birthday for the young knight.

he had gone home around an hour ago, leaving the happy, slightly drunk bunch of customers in the hands of a younger bartender.

"alright" kaeya's older brother, and cerpus' firstborn, diluc, had made everyone quiet with the way he clapped his hands, a sly smirk on his lips as he looked his friend and brother in the eyes. diluc, being older, already knew the taste and... other qualities of alcohol a little better than the blue-haired boy, so he found nothing but amusement in the way kaeya couldn't find balance on his chair, or in how his eyes just wouldn't focus on one spot, instead wandering around the walls and ceiling of the tavern. "kaeya" he called out, making the boy face him with a dumbfounded look. "you're one round of shots behind me"

kaeya's expression changed to distressed within seconds, as he examined the three glasses before his eyes, wondering if he'll even fit those in his stomach.

"is yer head made out of stone or sum?" he slurred out "how're ya this sober?"

diluc laughed, pointing to the glasses.

"less complaining, more bottoming these out" he rushed, arms crossing at his chest, as he leaned back on his chair and observed his little brother struggle to make the decision.

"go to hell" kaeya mumbled, emptying the drinks one by one, a grimmace coming to his face right after he had laid the last glass back on the table. "what even is that?" he asked, unamused, as diluc responded happily:

"firewater."

a smile of satisfaction painted the redhead's face.

"what?" kaeya's eyes widened "how'd you even get this past father?" he leaned lower on the table, studying diluc's expression. „that’s like, forty percent sheer alcohol!”

"i have my ways" he responded enigmatically, and kaeya shook his head in resignation.

"aight" the birthday boy took a deep breath "your turn. ya don't want to loose now, do you?" remains of a grin lifted the point of his mouth, as diluc chuckled, pouring the transparent liquid into the glasses yet again.

"what's the prize?" you asked one of their friends, having come late to the scene of the challenge.

"oh, the one to loose has to do the other's chores for a month" the guy responded, eyes not darting away from how diluc managed to empty all three glasses, much to kaeya's dispair.

hours had passed, and everyone slowly left the birthday party, diluc leaving kaeya in your hands, as he helped the bartender clean up the mess the young knights had made. you asked the blue-haired boy if he wanted to get some fresh air, to which he nodded, you can't say eagerly, but nodded nonetheless. so that leaves you to where you were now, slowly walking towards your place, kaeya bumping into your side every now and then as he lost balance.

"did you have fun?" you asked happily, eyes focusing on his face, waiting for a response.

"yea" he murmured, not even sparing you a look.

"poor you, are you that wasted?" you continued, amused, as a hiccup left his throat.

"'m not wasted" he denied instantly. " 't was nice to spend some time with diluc, we all know i don't have much of that left"

your eyebrows furrow in confusion, as you stop in your tracks, making him stop, too. he seemed to have thought this was a normal thing to say, and politely waited for you to start walking again, but you didn't, instead crossing your arms, and asking again.

"what do you mean by that?"

he scoffed, almost rudely. " he's gon' hate me for life, isn't it obvious?" he slurred, head lifting to look on the starry sky, hands going deeper inside his pockets. your expression turned even more confused, as he stared up, acting like it was the most natural thing to say, and like everybody knew this.

"what's he gonna hate you for? he's your brother, he loves you deeply, right?" you wanted to rub his arm, or something, do anything to soothe the feelings that must've been eating him alive, but stayed still.

"brother" he scoffed again. you couldn't possibly see, from the angle his head was at, but hot tears flooded his eyes as he said the word out loud, and the moment of silence that came after, he used to calm down even the slightest bit. "i think that's the most beautiful lie i ever came up with, y'know? brother." he repeated.

"what- what do you mean by that?"

"i've been nothing but a useless homewrecker to his family for as long as i have been in this world. how did i ever find the audacity to call myself his brother? oh my, even i hate my guts for this." he chuckled, painful irony overflowing his voice "and my dearest, short-tempered diluc is gonna flip the fuck out, for sure"

"kaeya" you asked, growing to be scared of how mysteriously he was acting "is there anything you wish to tell me?"

you swallowed a gulp in your throat by saying that, and awaited the reply in stress, even if you didn't know why.

his gaze finally came down from the sky, as he looked at you with a sad smile.

"if it was up to me, i'd wish not to tell a soul anything. but i have been lying for far to long, and my so-called family did nothing to deserve that. nothing, nothing bad, ever, and yet they've been cursed to deal with one like me. truly unfair, the fate of this world. how kindness pays off in nothing but sorrow."

you could tell he was a bit more sober by how his words were more understandable than before, but he was still far from his right mind. you would've stopped him, but there was really no going back now, and you almost needed to hear what secret he was talking about.

"my dearest" he said, addressing you "please, do not get angry with me as well. i don't know what i'd do if i lost even more people than i intend to with this information."

after you nodded in confusion, he explained the story, briefly and in a twisted way, having little control over his slurred words.

you stood there in silence for a good long while as silent tears rolled down from both yours and his eyes.

"i'm sorry" he finally mumbled "i'm sorry, i swear i didn't do what i was designed to do, i didn't tell anyone anything, i didn't attempt to harm anyone. it wasn't my decision to make, i swear, i hold no loyalties to-"

"kaeya" you interrupted him, and he feared for the worst. "that must've been so confusing for the little kid you were"

the worried tone of your voice, the way your words were covered in affection, the way your eyes seemed to care, it all flooded his wrecked soul all too quickly and all to strongly, making him gasp for air, as if it was knocked out of his lungs.

"you- you don't think i'm a-"

"no" you interrupted again, afraid of how he might finish the sentence. "and neither will diluc. i can't promise you he won't be mad, because he probably will, but you're brothers, by blood or not. you're gonna fight and you're gonna make up, because no anger will ever top the love i'm sure he has for you. and if rougher days are really coming your way" you said, approaching him to wrap your arms around his shaky form. "then i'll stand by you to face them with you."

little did you both know. the date of diluc ragnvidr’s 18th was approaching faster than anyone could ever anticipated.

[naz-yalensky]

Sankta-nazylensky > naz-yalensky > rrruthless > taaylorsversion > sanktnazyalensky > rrruthless > naz-yalensky

Basics:

"She had amber eyes, her black hair was like winter berries but her blood had run cold"

• Taba / tabassum

• minor

•muslim

• she/her

•desi

• will do anything given for academic validation

• peacocks / ravens

• February 1st / Aquarius

"You have such a February face, so full of frost, of storm and cloudiness" - William shakespeare, much ado about nothing

Fandoms: (consists of shows, books and movies)

"You have always approached everything terrible trustfully. You have wanted to pet every monsters" - friedrich nietzsche

•Grishaverse {the books and the show}

• howl's moving castle

•True beauty {webtoon and the show}

•tfota

•kakegurui

•the witcher

•tempted

•mlb

•princess mononoke

•whisper of the heart

•from up on poppy hills (good god this movie has me just)

•the secret world of arrietty

•to the forest of firefly lights

"My desire for revenge, the bitterness, repression of everything" - leila miccolis. tr. By Nelson cerqueira, from "till death do us part"

kin list:

"Everyone you idolize, wakes up scared to be themselves sometimes" - Pete wentz

•zoya nazyalensky

•kang soojin

•yennefer

•inej ghafa

•silvermist

•shun kazama

"I sat with my anger long enough until she told me her real name was grief" - C.S lewis

DNI -

• the usual (homophobic, transphobic, acephobic/aphobic , Islamophobes, zionists and like those)

• 25 + / 12 - (if we're mutuals then yeah okay)

"I hope I'll be present to laugh and clap, at my own coronation and beheading day "

Other blogs -

@dearest-investment

@magicboxoffoxes

@oliivirodri

Still under construction 🏗

[fishwigstudio]

Officially introducing my webcomic, Strataversal, to the world today.

Strataversal

Genres: Modern fantasy, adventure

Five years after the Awakening destroyed most of their world, Iyana "Aran" Fitzgerald and her best friend, Luka Russell, find themselves traversing the wasteland in search of Luka's missing family. They get a bit sidetracked after rescuing a mysterious, flame-wielding girl who fell from the sky - and when they realize their chance meeting was, in fact, fate, the three soon begin to unravel the universe's most dangerous secrets... and a plot that threatens to erase their very existence.

---

I don't want to call this my magnum opus, because I will inevitably create better things in the future. But, for now, this is the project nearest and dearest to my heart. This is the culmination of years of work, with characters and storylines that are over a decade old, and I'm excited to finally share it with you!

This digital graphic novel will be FREE to read on Webtoons here.

I plan on posting pages by late December, 2021. In the meantime, if you have a Webtoons account, please consider subscribing to Strataversal so that you'll be notified when I start publishing!

Though Strataversal will always be free to read, I must humbly ask for you to consider signing up for my Patreon here.

Quite frankly, Patreon is going to be my main source of income, so any and all support will help fund Strataversal's continuation. You can choose the amount you'd like to donate per month through Patreon, plus you'll receive access to behind-the-scenes Fishwiggles Studio and Strataversal material. $9+ patrons also receive monthly rewards by mail (like art prints or stickers), so if you pledge at least $9 per month, you'll be getting something in return, too!

If donating is out of the question, you can help me out by sharing posts like this. Even getting the word out to just one more person can be a big help.

If you're reading this, THANK YOU! Thank you for giving me a chance to tell this wild, convoluted story. I look forward to posting more about Strataversal as we get closer to December!

(And don't worry - if this isn't your thing, Fishwiggles Studio will continue to post multi-fandom art and buttons. ;) )

[aliaisreal]

I would love to thank dearest Aci for this lovely kirisuna cuddling drawing! ^^

Our discord server just had it’s first ever secret santa (hope to host more of these) and I couldn’t thank the lovely @digibamonfan enough for the wholesome event! Truly magnificent!

The server’s filled with lovely people that I am very thankful of meeting so if anyone’s interested- just dm my friend for an invite. We do have a strict 18+ age requirement tho and we usually fan girl/boy about shoujo and josei anime/manga, some shounen animanga as well and of course manhwas and webtoons!

[komatsunana]

My Yuri/wlw Manga Rec List

Heeeey I’m bored so I’m making a Yuri manga/webtoon/etc recommendation post of some of my faves that are underappreciated or deserve more love. Obviously this isn’t a comprehensive of all great Yuri series out there, just some that I enjoy & think are worth reading... And have (obviously) either read or are caught up on.

All of these are available to read as online scans, but I’ll indicate if you can legally purchase it in English as well.   I’ll also indicate if they are on-going as of April 2019.

There’s a lack of yuri series that aren’t set in a high school but I’m going start with all of those first, just to get them out of the way, but this list will mostly be dedicated to college and older aged characters.

Additionally, my recommendation of these series is not my personal endorsement of everything about the series. Don’t expect any of these stories to be perfect by any standards, much less Western standards.  Additionally, I try to give warnings for some series with dark themes: that is not me giving the series a condemnation.  Just a heads up for common triggers, that I caught and remembered to warn for.

A Tropical Fish Yearns for Snow (Nettaigyo wa Yuki ni Kogareru) by Makoto Hagino

Summary:

Konatsu Amano is a high school girl who has just moved to a seaside town in Ehime Prefecture after her father is transferred overseas for his job. Lonely and unsure of her new surroundings, Konatsu finds herself gravitating towards Koyuki Honami, an older girl at her school who is popular but is seen as out of reach by her peers who view her as too perfect. Koyuki is also the sole member of the Aquarium Club, which in turn makes her feel cut off from others. In an attempt to help ease Koyuki's and her own feelings of loneliness, Konatsu befriends Koyuki and the two gradually grow closer together.

Why I think you should read it:  This is SUCH a sweet but impactful series.  At a surface level read, it’s a beautiful and enjoyable series that I’m interested in seeing where these girls’ relationship goes, but a deeper look at the series really shows the amount of thought that went into the characters and their surroundings.  Honestly [this] YT video by Zeria is why I finally started this series and covers why this is such a good worthwhile series much better than I can so I recommend watching it, if not jumping straight to reading!

Status: On-going, first English volume will be released in late 2019!!

Their Story (Tamen de Gushi) by Tan Jiu

Summary:

Tamen De Gushi manga is a slice of life manga that revolves around two high-school protagonists, Sun Jing and Qiu Tang, and how they meet and fall in love and start dating.

Why I think you should read it:  If you’ve been on tumblr long enough and follow enough queer fandom blogs you’ve probably heard of this series.  Everything you’ve seen about it is true: it’s sweet, cute, funny, and fluffy.  It also covers topics like victim blaming without derailing from something you’re reading to distract you from reality.

Status:  This one is a webtoon and currently on-going.

Pietà by Haruno Nanae

Summary:

A story about two classmates, Sahoko and Rio. Rio is depressed and self-harms due to lack of loving relationships with her "family" -- which consists of her negligent father, selfish stepmother, and stepbrother; and Sahoko quickly becomes her only comfort in life. Sahoko on her part has a frigid relationship with her otherwise loving parents, and lives with her aunt.

Why I think you should read it:  Prior to meeting, these girls dealt with mental illness and that’s what bonds them very quickly as they come to rely on each other.  I debated whether or not this series should be with the school-girl series or the adult ones, I decided to keep it with the school-girls because... they’re high school girls! Even though the girls’ school is really only ever the place they first meet, it’s the fact they are high school girls that colors their perspectives for the best and worst.  

But the reason I think it is worth reason it is that it portrays depression, self-harm, and suicide the way you think about it as a depressed high schooler but it is narratively treated with the seriousness it deserves, and to be responded to with love and compassion.  While we’ve got Rio’s parents who don’t take her mental illness seriously and compassionately enough (or at all), but there other adults who do from the very beginning.  It’s 1 volume long and despite all the trigger warnings I am about to give for the series: I promise a happy ending. 

*Warings* Self-harm, suicide attempt, forced institutionalization, parental abuse, gaslighting

Status:  Completed, not officially in English but completed online scans are available.

Kase-san by  Hiromi Takashima

Summary:

Yui Yamada, a girl who enjoys tending to her school's greenery, falls in love with the athletic Tomoka Kase. The two eventually begin dating, and the story follows the pair as they face various challenges in their relationship

Why I think you should read it:  Another one I see on tumblr a lot and, again, it’s everything you’ve been promised: cute, fun, and a natural progressing romance.  What I think is worthwhile about the series is that it’s continued into their college years, but that hasn’t automatically made them adults. They continue to deal with the same insecurities they did in high school, but even still they’ve been maturing since the start of the series and they continue to do so. 

This series is unlikely to ever delve into darker or political themes, but we need series like this - where problems don’t linger but are resolved relatively quickly without losing the character’s defining traits and flaws.

Status:  Ongoing and available to buy in English.  Also has an OVA.

Ano Musume ni Kiss to Shirayuri o (Kiss and White Lily for my Dearest Girl) by Canno

Summary:    

In middle school, Ayaka Shiramine was the perfect student: hard-working, with excellent grades and a great personality to match. As Ayaka enters high school she expects to still be on top, but one thing she didn't account for is her new classmate, the lazy yet genuine genius Yurine Kurosawa.

Why I think you should read it:  A rivals-to-lovers story, for all my rivals-to-lovers lovers out there! <3 While Shiramine and Kurosawa are definitely the protagonists of the story, roughly only 40% of the time are chapters focus on them and their relationship, as the series spends a lot of time on their many, many side characters and relationships... which are all wlw too.  Lots of different relationships explored in the side characters, including a triad that forms together wonderfully.  

A part of the series that particularly tickled me was that male characters are barely ever mentioned, if ever.  It’s entirely possible that that men do not exist in this world.

*Warning*  One romance between a student and her aunt (though the aunt is only 4 years older).  The two chapters depicting their relationship are skipable and even then it’s vague enough that you can interpret it as a family relationship imo.

Status:  Completed and available officially in English.

Bloom Into You (Yagate Kimi Ni Naru) by Nakatani Nio

Summary:

Yuu has always loved shoujo manga and awaits the day she gets a love confession that sends her heart aflutter with bubbles and blushes, and yet when a junior high classmate confesses his feelings to her...she feels nothing. Disappointed and confused, Yuu enters high school still unsure how to respond. That's when Yuu sees the beautiful student council president Nanami turn down a suitor with such maturity that she's inspired to ask her for help. But then the next person to confess to Yuu is Nanami herself.

Why I think you should read it:  What, did you really think it wouldn’t make my list (lol)?  Of course everyone should give this series a try!  I’ve been following this series for a while so I’m glad to see it blow up in popularity recently because of the anime because it really deserves it.  This series is very far from your typical straight-forward cute high school yuri romance, it’s an awkward fumbling as the girls have their first relationship and all that comes with that - including learning consent and boundaries -  in a very unusual set-up (that I’ll let you read to discover).  

Additionally, an adult relationship between two women is also portrayed, proving the usual “lesbianism is transient” is many school-girl manga wrong, but the adults tend to mentor Nanami’s also gay friend more than Yuu and Nanami (who could frankly use some adult guidance, since they can’t seek out their parents). 

Yuu reads as very aro-spec too, if that resonates with you, and I (personally) don’t think that anything in her relationship with Nanami negates those feelings.

Status:  Currently ongoing and available in English.  Anime which covers the first half of the series.

Nameless Asterism (Nanashi no Asterism) by  Kobayashi Kina

Summary:

Tsukasa, Nadeshiko, and Mikage have been inseparable since they began junior high, but Tsukasa has a secret she's been keeping from her best friends—she actually has a big crush on Nadeshiko. Not wanting to risk their friendship, she planned to keep it a secret forever, but when Tsukasa learns that Nadeshiko has a crush on Mikage, her desire to support her friends now conflicts with her own feelings. First love blossoms in unexpected ways for these three young women and their circle of friends.

Why I think you should read it:  This one is actually a junior high school one, but I’ll stick it here regardless.  But it’s a fun series, and for a love-triangle story it’s not over-wrought at all.  More than a series about love, it’s about the concept of romantic relationships at the characters’ age as well as friendship. One of the character’s in particular thinks her feelings are transient, but it’s also rather clear that they are not and she’s just scared after a bad past experience. Despite being in a love triangle that not all of them are completely aware they are in, it’s also very clear they want to keep being friends and fear losing their friendship more than anything else.

It ends prematurely so some things are left unresolved but still a fun read and I still give it a huge rec.  YMMV on the handling of one cross dressing character, especially as he takes over the story for a bit, but it’s far from the worst handling but. ya know.  Heads up, he exists.

Status:  Completed, not officially in English but completed online scans are available.

Aaaaaand that’s about it with the light-hearted (mostly) school romances.

On to college-age and working adult yuri series which don’t get nearly enough love!

It’d be great if you didn’t exist by Carbonara

Summary:

Why did she meet her ideal girl in the worst situation?

After catching her boyfriend with another woman, Han Guk-hwa promptly breaks up with him and expects to never see him again. What she didn't expect was to keep thinking about the woman who was with her ex and develop a begrudging crush on her.

Jang Mi, the crush in question, also didn't expect to see such a beautiful girl approach her and finds herself thinking that she could do so much better than the scumbag Guk-hwa was dating.

Why I think you should read it:   There’s.... a lot of reasons I could give you about why this series is worth reading.  It’s a wonderful balance between funny and a soft, tender romance between two women, even while dealing occasionally with darker themes and topics.  The characters are both well fleshed out with flaws and a rationality to their actions.  More than that: for every bad experience they had in the past which gives them insecurities about themselves and others, they are rewarded for trusting each other with a happy, loving relationship.  Inter-relationship problems (like insecurity) are resolved with communication, while their separate personal problems they share mutual support. 

BUT ALSO, I mean... it’s pretty much like that text from last night that goes:  “ I just found out two girls I dated met each other, bonded over how much they hate me, started dating and are gonna get married soon.”  And I just.... really enjoy and appreciate it. Because it’s like: that’s it that’s the series.

*Warnings* Stalking, abuse, bullying

Status:  Another webcomic, completed at 80 chapters all available online in English

Cheerful Amnesia by  Tamamushi Oku

Summary:

Arisa wakes up in the hospital, with no memory of the last three years. When Mari, a girl who's just Arisa's type, arrives at the hospital and informs her that not only are they living together, but they're actually in a relationship, Arisa is over the moon.

Why I think you should read it:  MC has amnesia, but as the title suggests, it’s light-hearted series.  Afterall, MC wakes up to discover she has a beautiful girlfriend!  What couldn’t be better in life?  Well, there are... like sex with your girlfriend.  Wait no, that’s way too good for Arisa to handle (lol). And it just gets better for Arisa as the story plays out.

Usually the amnesic lover trope is played for the drama, but here it is only played for laughs.  A little eye-roll-y regarding some aspects and maybe even down right stupid but still cute and a fun romp if you need mindless fun. It’s a 4-koma so it’s not particularly deep, but a fun exploration of the story’s premise.  Let’s be honest: all the jokes about sex probably won’t make you laugh and probably won’t even titillate you, but you’re not here for laughs you’re here for something cute and see an adult relationship between two women get to be fun, silly, and mindless.

Status:  On-going and not officially in English but completed online scans are available.

Ultramarine (Gunjou) by  Nakamura Ching

Summary:

Out of desperation, a woman asks an old high school acquaintance to kill her abusive husband for her. The acquaintance, having long been in love with this woman, does it, and now they are on the run from the law.

Why I think you should read it:  I’m going to be honest.  This isn’t a series for everyone or even a series that most would like and that’s ok. The summary just covers the first few pages - everything devolves from there as they avoid the police and the stakes get higher - or rather, revealed to us as the readers.  Definitely not a series for a fun, quick read and I don’t rec it if you want an ideologically pure series - but the series mostly acknowledges the fucked up nature of everything going on.  If you’re interested in story where the main characters aren’t clear-cut “good” and “bad” and you don’t mind not rooting for the main characters’ romance, give it a try.  Because this is not a series about two women learning to be good to each other.

It’s a heart-wrenching read for those that read it and explores themes that aren’t often explored without being edgy for the sake of being edgy.  I think if you can stand to read this series in one sitting, you’ll be absolutely gutted and be thinking of this story for a while.  It’s a powerful read, awful in a very necessary way.

*Warnings* for rape, abuse, dub-con (between the main characters), lots of talk of suicide, infant death, death of a wlw (not main romance).

Status:  Completed, not officially in English but completed online scans are.

Lonely Wolf, Lonely Sheep by Fuka Mizutani

Summary:

Two women with the same name happens to meet each other when they're at the same hospital for the same injury. They want to become closer, but both must overcome their insecurities and self-loathing first.

Why I rec it:  Ehehe.  If you follow me, then you probably know I’m half-way to being a NANA blog.... Well this has the basic premise of NANA, with two girls with the same name (in this case first AND last) meeting under similar circumstances.  It’s a short & sweet series, but not without a lump of angst mixed in, because despite their meet-cute they’ve still got a shared loneliness and fear of rejection to contend with.  Despite that: it’s not drowning in angst and unnecessary, drawn-out melodrama.

Status:  Completed, not officially in English but completed online scans are.

Fluttering Feelings by Ssamba

Summary:

The comic follows the life of two Business University students, the average slightly immature Kim No-Rae and the beautifully captivating Baek Seol-A but equally immature, as well as their friends and family.

Why I think you should read it:  This series is a beautiful exploration of two women slowly falling in love - or rather, slowly realizing and accepting that they are in love with each other.  A lot of will they, won’t they story get stale very quickly but here the characters are so expertly explored that you understand why they aren’t kissing right now this second and it just makes you hope that one day they will and be happier.

Additionally, just because they aren’t dating doesn’t mean that they friendship doesn’t continually progress and flourish as they continue to get closer and more emotionally intimate with each other.  As their friendship gets closer, they struggle more and more to define their feelings for each other.  

Unfortunately Ssamba passed away last year, before completing the series.  So the series will likely remain forever unfinished but I think this series is so great that it’s a worthwhile read even unfinished.  I think Fluttering Feelings maybe even is a series that especially proves that unfinished series are worth reading, because for me: the ending to a story is one of the most important parts... but not for this series.  This series is all about the journey and the journey until where it left off was worth it.

Status:  Unfinished Webcomic, available online in English

Ohana Holuholu by  Shino Torin

Summary:

Maya, who works as a translator, lives with her bisexual former girlfriend, Michiru, and Michiru's son, Yuuta. Residing in the same apartment building is an actor called Nico, who drops by for a visit almost everyday, and knows about Michiru's past. Somewhat like family, and somewhat not, their lives interweave full of warm days.

Why I think you should read it:  This one is about family, at it’s core.  A found family, in particular.  I think for many like me, that’s enough of a recommendation (lol).  The rekindling of Maya and Michiru’s relationship is an important part to the story, but just as important is the fact that they have formed a family even before then.  Michiru isn’t always the best friend, roommate, lover, or even person and she definitely isn’t the best mother, but watching over her growth through the series to take responsibility for herself and for her family is incredibly rewarding.

Status:  Complete, still in the process of being translated online into English.

Collectors by Nishi Uko

Summary:

Two women in a relationship disagree about the other’s spending habits.

Why I think you should read it:   Most of this list is comprised of series that are about before the relationship begins, but Collectors is here for everyone who desires a pre-established relationship!  It’s very sweet and very obvious how much the two women love each other.  

This is the bickering couple done right - with love, especially after the initial few chapters, and it’s honestly just a form of flirting as the characters just as often find common-ground on their spending habits.  

It’s primarily 4-koma style, so not much happens story-wise but it’s well worth it just for to see their day-to-day interactions, how much they enjoy spending time with each other, and their friend’s commentary about their relationship. Also, if you’re a collector or hobbiest that compulsively buys things related to your interests... be prepared to be called out!

Status:  I thiiiiink it’s on-going - definitely the English online translations haven’t caught up as far as I can find.

The Robot Next Door (Tonari no Robot) by Nishi Uko

Summary:

In an ordinary neighborhood, a team of engineers are developing a robot they call Praha, who looks like an ordinary human high school girl. Chika, a 4-year-old girl who lives next door, meets her neighbor and learns her secret. The two girls become friends and high school classmates, and Chika teaches Hiro—as she calls Praha—about human emotions, including love.

Why I think you should read it:   Another story by Nishi Uko!!! There is a severe lack of sci-fi Yuri works!!  It’s a short and sweet feels trip as it explores the premise - a robot and human girl having feelings for each other.  While the bulk of the series takes place while both characters are in high school, I’m sticking it here with the “adult” series because it’s not about youth so much as it is about the premise.

Anyway: one of the interesting things about the series is how Praha expresses her love for Chika, which is obviously different than how humans feel ”love” because she’s a robot.  Meanwhile, Chika pines for Praha in her youth but insists that Praha’s feelings aren’t love.  She thinks their feelings for each other are “different,” which is both true and untrue.  As it is thought, robot/human love stories are often bittersweet because the premise predicates that the human will age while the robot will not.  Honestly, the ending is not bitter in the least, but it’s something that looms over you as you, the human reader, know as inevitable future.

Status:  Completed, not officially in English but completed online scans are.

Poor Poor Lips by Gotou Hayako

Summary:

Okashi Nako is a young woman living in poverty. When she applies to work at a Gem store, she learns that store owner, Otsuka Ren, is a lesbian. Ren promises that Nako's not her type, but she may be lying.... Nako takes the job and so begins a comedic tale of rich and poor, sickness and health, for better and for worse!

Why I think you should read it:  It’s a boss/employee romance but tastefully done imo - it’s been a while since I read it but I remember it fondly. It’s primarily set-up as a comedic series (another 4-koma!) but by the end the ladies *are* explicitly in a relationship, after some “will they/won’t they.”

Status:  Completed, not officially in English but completed online scans are.

Octave by Akiyama Haru

Summary:

This story revolves around 18-year-old Miyashita Yukino and her life as a former idol. As a child, Yukino had always been fascinated with TV. And before she knew it, she wanted to be one of those idols behind the screen. At 15, she entered the entertainment industry and debuted as a member of the four-person group "She'sN." However the group wasn't very successful and they broke up shortly afterwards. Returning home in disgrace, Yukino was welcomed with people's curious looks and hurtful words. Wanting to find herself, regain her pride, and perhaps experience love, Yukino decides to move back to Tokyo. There she meets a certain woman, former composer Iwai Setsuko. Together they embark on a very interesting and mysterious relationship.

Why I think you should read it:  Don’t be fooled by the simple, minimalist art... The characters are complex and each of them realistically flawed.  The series explores themes unfulfilled dreams and miscommunication and most of all: maturing into a decent person.  A lot of people are turned off of this series because the choices Yukino sometimes makes are, but it’s worth seeing her journey imo.

The series also deals with coming out not being an entirely positive experience and... it’s gutting but real and in the end says more about other people than Yukino.

Status:  Completed, not officially in English but completed online scans are.

And that’s it for now!! Let me know if you read any of these, whether or not on my recommendation or not!  Depending on if people liked this I might do another one, because I discovered a whole bunch of series while researching plus cut some from the list last minute that I still think deserve a rec!!

[lovelycheollie]

#20,45&99: Our Evening Storm

“Lots of things can be fixed. Things can be fixed. But many times, relationships between people cannot be fixed, because they should not be fixed. You're aboard a ship setting sail, and the other person has joined the inland circus, or is boarding a different ship, and you just can't be with each other anymore. Because you shouldn't be.”

― C. JoyBell C.

Words: 2649

Hey! I bring you a student!au angsty scenario, as requested by the beloved anon. I'm sorry it took a while, I was making a webtoon and graduation ball came up. Though I hope you'll like it!

I could only look at his flushed cheeks from afar, the lights interchanging from purple, to neon green to a fuzzy shade of yellow. The heels of my shoes clicked on the floor as I followed the rhythm of the music on my seat, together with my classmates. Though everyone thought it was a night to remember, the night sky seemed too unforgiving, just like heartbreaks, as there were no stars in sight.

After walking through corridors in a quick pace, making my paperworks and listening to the hushed voices of my classmates every single time in class, I finally did it. I graduated, the curves on the corners of my lips visible for everyone to see. I waited for this; finally, I can step out of that little paradise to see what my future college years have in store for me. But what little paradise could it be without surviving a storm or two?

My thundering rain was Jeon Wonwoo.

Wonwoo swept me off my feet in the third year of high school, the rain and wind made me hold onto his arms for my dear life. He was the feared thunderstorm of my youth, in which, he captivated me in his roaring beauty and scared the hell out of me when he showed up with his sharp eyes, holding nothing but my hopes and dreams of being his. I seemed to drown in every single thing he did alongside me, and when he knew, he threw me a lifesaver. But I continue to drown deeply into the water, and what I needed was someone who could've dived for me.

I struggled with all of my thoughts as I tried to take a breath now and then, away for this blinding mess. My hands wanted to hold his when we walked through the hallway, eyes craved for another staring contest with his brown ones as my chest puffed, the never-ending wave of emotions pulling me down once more. It was bad. Too bad, that it almost felt good for me.

"Wonwoo," I whispered through the night breeze, beside the man who made me giddy for years. The two of us were walking through the neon streets at 11:30, the buttery feel and aftertaste of the popcorn stuck on the tip of my tongue while I buried my fingers in my pockets.

Wonwoo looked fine as always, just like the hoodie kid that he was, but again, everything I saw was sparkling, and he was too bright for me to look at. He stopped in front of me and turned to where I were standing. "Let me guess, the book was better than the movie?"

No, Wonwoo. It wasn't the book, it wasn't the movie. It was 'us' that was better than 'you' and 'me'. And I wanted that, but my courage was still not with me, and I guess I have to stay as your good friend that can only stay behind you for another night.

"I don't know. You can be the judge. I just want to get rid of the flavor of the popcorn."

"I told you not to put butter on your order right? You didn't listen."

"Oh don't pretend to be my dad. Plus, this is the only time I didn't listen to you, while you, never listened to me."

And he took a step closer to me, his figure growing an inch bigger than me. But his eyes, oh his eyes, were still locked on my own, inviting and warm. "I'm more of a speaker and not much of a listener. You're the opposite of me. Great listener, but doesn't know her way with words."

"You're mostly wrong about that kid."

"And why am I wrong?"

"You say I'm bad with words, but I'm the girl who knows how to describe a couple being touchy, who knows what to say when you need some advice. I'm that kind of girl who knows how to confess in a letter than saying a plain I love you face to face."

So he stopped in his track, finally beside me, his skin sending a lot of warning signals. And when he did, I shrugged sheepishly. "Then let me hear it. What would you write in a letter, Miss Y/N?"

"Dear-"

"Wait, use my name. Dear Wonwoo."

"Do I really have to?"

"Of course. Now let me hear you," And that was when I realized, he didn't play fair. Right from the start, he never did once listen to what I have to say, and so I have to follow all of his rules or he'll be too far for me to run to.

"Dear Wonwoo, for once, I could say that I hate you. You fooled me the first time you said hi to me. You looked like a tough kid to open up, and now that I've known you for months, I can now say that you're the complete opposite. You're like, the hard candy with a soft, chewy gum in the center. I never did know we could happily bond together with pizzas and books up until 3 in the morning. And I told you I always sleep exactly at ten. So when we had to catch the morning bus, I looked like a mess, while you looked like the tough kid to open up."

We were still strolling through the street, slowly this time, and all I could hear was his chuckles. "It's weird that I could stare straight at your sharp eyes, when all that it did to me at the beginning was scare me. But I saw the universe inside those eyes of yours, and I always looked in it ever since. I hate it, because if you were to leave, I'd search for the stars in the eyes of others while I know you have it all hidden in your eyes."

"Do I really have the universe in my eyes Y/N?" He pulled me to his face, his grip firm and my eyes wandering everywhere except his eyes. "Hey, look at me and tell me what you see."

"Wonwoo, shut up. I'm not yet done. I hate you. You're always like this, pulling things to you. But I guess if you didn't, then I wouldn't be pulled to you, and maybe we wouldn't be out here in the middle of the street, you in front of me still, still sparkling, like the neon lights around us."

"You know your words too much Y/N you shocked me," he told me, and before he could take a step ahead, I grabbed his hand and pulled him towards me.

"Y/N? Let's go."

"Wonwoo, I hate you, too much, that I'm starting to love you. Yours truly, Y/N."

He faced me, and I saw how his face softened at the moment. The hand that I was gripping snaked on my waist, and he was doing whatever he wanted to do again. Or maybe, I wanted it as well. He pulled me too close, that his breath felt hot on my cheeks.

Then he kissed me, and I don't know if it was bad or good for the two of us lip-locked in the middle of that blurry street. I don't even know how we looked, because my eyes were shut, and all of me was focused on that small connection we had. His kiss was that open-mouth soft-kiss type, which I bet how he would describe it, and I liked it. It reminded me of him in so many ways, but my mind was foggy, and the butterflies were circling all over me.

Wonwoo parted and palmed my cheeks, touching my lower lip with his thumb. There was a small grin on his mouth, a blush on his face, and the universe in his eyes where I'll forever be lost. "Dearest Y/N, I love you too, and let me tell you why while I walk you home. Yours forever and always, Jeon Wonwoo. P.s., you remind me of a buttery pastry."

That night, the sky had billions of stars watching our midnight stroll, hands connected, not as friends, but something more than that. It was finally a two-way street, and we met halfway, with the neon lights and warning signals. That night, I had no regrets. But the month after that, I doubted the kiss that we had was unlabeled, just like what we were.

We were a typical thing. We were more than friends but less than lovers.

We were, then I turned back to him, and I saw him walking with another girl, just like how we did that night when he spitted out his 'yours forever and always'. They told me to feel mad, but I felt nothing. And empty. I grew stubborn to what I was supposed to feel; instead of falling out of love, I fell too hard and all I found was pain.

So the calm pitter patter of the rain turned into a roaring storm outside; I'm stuck in my own world and I couldn't go out. I couldn't escape the hope that maybe someday he'd realize that he got me good, and he played me too bad so he'd come back. But he didn't, and we ended. We were back from the start, before the kiss could happen, before I could drown. Before he swept me off my feet.

So I stared at him, in my red dress and heels, admitting my regrets and all. Wonwoo was there, smiling, in his tuxedo with a glass of soda. How could he smile like that, while I'm sitting like this, wondering where it all went wrong?

The fast bass of the speakers turned into a slow hummed chime as the party lights steadied into a cool shade of blue. The students were breathing heavily while they returned to their seats. My tablemates were putting lipgloss, if ever they were lucky enough to be asked to dance with some boy.

My chin rested on my palm, eyes stuck on the couples dancing in the middle. Some were hugging, others giggling and crying. Probably because it was the last night to be together. Maybe because they were rejected. Maybe they apologized to their mistakes and just wanted to make peace.

To my surprise, Wonwoo came into the picture and covered the view as he offered his hand. My sight fell to his palm, upwards, and I stopped when I saw his eyes again. The sky was starless, and that was because Wonwoo had it all in his eyes.

His face was soft, I don't really know why, but I knew that look, I knew him. I thought we would be strangers again. And now that he was in front of me, all of the memories, all of the kisses and secret letters, all of the emotions hit me on the face, and I had to stop myself from crying.

"Y/N, will you dance with me?" He said, and I flinched when I heard him call me.

"Why did you come to me, making me feel all important?"

"Please, just take my hand," I wanted to say no thanks, but I was so curious. And I missed holding his hand. Those hands that would always crawl on my waist when he wants to cuddle.

Wonwoo, I miss you so bad, but the thing is that, I shouldn't be. You're a bad case of a break up without knowing what we really had.

Then it was too late; I took it and we walked as they all looked. I heard the murmurs, and I could see it all in their faces. Are they together again? What happened? Weren't they together? And to be honest, I wouldn't know what to answer them, because I don't know as well.

We stopped in the corner, where we could have our own privacy. My hands landed on his shoulders, while he was being hesitant to put his hands to where it usually was.

We just swayed like how the others did, no one was speaking as we drowned in nostalgia. The lights were low, yet still, he didn't change. He was still shining from the rest.

He cleared his throat and sang with the song. "We used to sing this in the schoolyard, at break time. We had good times, didn't we?"

"We certainly had bad times as well, but I don’t think I care so much anymore," there was a snap on my voice and he noticed. I'm sure he did.

"Wonwoo?"

"Yes Y/N?" I laid my head to his shoulder and took a breath. He smelled like an ocean breeze in a summer night, like the usual, with the different floral scent from some women's hand lotion. "You were messed up. I mean, you messed it all up."

"I can be pretty messed up at times."

"Wonwoo, there was a lot in front of us. What we could've been, what we should've been. But it all changed, or maybe it was the norm for you. Maybe it changed for me and expected more in us. We knew we had something. Remember the night you kissed me? I thought it was the start of us. But it wasn't. It was still 'you' and 'me'."

I left his shoulder, but we continued to sway. There were clouds within his eyes, and pain was written on his face. I was pained as well, but we both knew sooner or later we'd stand face to face and fill the missing pieces.

I heard a sigh from him and he made me twirl. When I did, he hugged me afterwards, but he was behind me, and I was leaning on him. "It was because of me. I kissed you, because I loved you when you were here, beside me. But when you weren't, I didn't, and I was so confused why. I loved it when you brushed my hair and called me by my name. I loved all of you."

"But when I wasn't around you, you didn't."

"Yeah, I guess."

"Wonwoo, you didn't love all of me, you didn't love a part of me. We chased for each other first before the kiss, and that was what you seeked. The chase. You wanted the affection I gave you, and when I wasn't here with you, you craved for the attention of someone else."

"Why do you know?"

"Because I loved you. All of you. Your secrets, your pain and all. All of what makes you, you. And that was where we didn't meet. We had a different love for each other. I loved you, and you loved my affection, not me," I turned to caress his cheeks, and showed him a bitter smile. "But I get it. I get the feeling. I understand you, and why we didn't happen."

"Y/N,"

"Yes Wonwoo?"

"I'm sorry," a tear slid from his eyes, and a drop of rain plopped on the floor. Then it all fell into a heavy drop. They ran to shelter themselves from the rain, but we stood there, my gown and his tux soaking up the raindrops. We felt the comfort under the pouring rain, and though his face was covered, I still felt his tears fall on my hand.

"You still understand me, even though I caused you nothing but pain. I know it sounds unconvincing, but please believe me, I loved you, but it was months too late to be with you."

"I loved you as well, I loved Jeon Wonwoo with all of my heart. But I guess we have to stop it all here," I planted my lips on his forehead, for the last time. I returned our first kiss that he gave me. "Thank you, and goodbye Wonwoo. You'll forever be with me."

So I walked with a fading smile, my hair completely wet from the rain, but I didn't bother. Jeon Wonwoo was the storm of my life, and I accepted him with open arms. It was to happen, that I'd be soaking wet from whatever we had. But the rain has stopped, only our clouds remain, and maybe someday, we'd see another sunny day again.

[freykugel]

Just been reading a shit ton of random mangos and webtoons and they range from pretty interesting to chuunibyou bullshit. I run into the latter way too often, but what can you do.

A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special

I’m actually surprised at this one? Like, it could have been the same ol’ time travel OP MC bullshit but it’s like a found family with interesting shenanigans. It’s not perfect by any means but I actually like MC, Romantica, Pram, and Adjest. No harem trope (though Pram your crush on Desir is obvious, lmao) and Desir’s abilities mostly come from analysis. I recommend it for a good time.

Dimensional Mercenary

Like this one is............... it has interesting world building. I do like the idea of people in hopeless situations selling their souls to find out if there had been a way out. I just... hate MC? He’s not the worst character I’ve seen but definitely not very compelling. And I have no idea WHY he’s competent enough to get perfect runs in scenarios, but I like the concept itself so I stick around.

Survival Story of a Sword King in a Fantasy World

ONE OF THE BIGGEST SURPRISES. I was ready for some chuunibyou bullshit and what I got is some One Punch Man-esque dumbass humor I live for it. Those gonk faces really breathe life into me. It has the stupid OP MC trope but it punishes him for it (like the refrigerator has a minimum level requirement). No harem here (the cutest character is a male dragon wow). Of course as always not perfect but it’s like a greasy cheeseburger like it hits the stomach so good I know it’s bad for you but damn I’m right at home. The story is a pretty unique take too, considering how all the isekai victims are actively being hunted down in the fantasy world.

Solo Leveling

So so disappointed with this one. The first arc was great! I loved it! The oppressive atmosphere and hopelessness really was eye popping. The art is beautiful and fully colored. I was hooked! And then MC got his cheat powers and it became dull as hell. Over and over he just utilizes the big damn heroes trope and saves everyone via deus ex machina. I actually read the light novel and boy howdy did that piss me off to the point that I didn’t sleep very well. Super chuunibyou (or choding in this case). I’m just sad because THE ART IS SO NICE. I tell myself I keep up with it because of the art. The only time you level grind enough to be god is when you actually play a real vidya gaem. (It’s how I roll, lmao.) Interesting world building though, I cry.

Ranker Who Lives a Second Time

These webtoons sure love them revenge stories. Pretty nice art, but really dull MC. If you remotely like revenge fantasies pick this up, but nothing particularly unique happens. The dwarf blacksmith is a funny tsundere... That’s it. Disappointed that the female... rival I guess? gets a crush on MC. 

Tomb Raider King

Time travel MC, not necessarily OP but does have a lot of knowledge to back him up. A revenge fantasy in which he tries to fuck over a rich asshole. I’m down with that. Please fuck over more rich assholes. If I like anything about this it’s the poor side characters that get wrangled into his bullshit.

Hero? I Quit A Long Time Ago

Please don’t read this one. It’s One Punch Man but with an infinitely more unlikeable MC. And I have no idea if it’s the translators or if they’re actually saying it, but referring to little girls as lolis is disgusting. It lacks all the charm OPM has.

Chainsaw Man

Full on no. Had an interesting concept but the MC is such a disgusting unlikeable piece of shit. What the fuck ass kind of horny kid is this. His dearest wish is to grab some breasts. Wow. Unbelievable.

Marimashita! Iruma-kun

It’s alright! Just a standard shounen schlock, but I’m entertained. I’m super fond of Asmodeus because he’s like a demon version of Gokudera and I’m always here for my boy. Demon grandpa is always doting and bragging about his grandson and I’m having fun. MC becomes more and more childlike though and I have no idea why. Deku in the demon world I guess. I love that everyone’s an idiot at the end of the day.

Kusuriya no Hitorigoto

SUPER SURPRISED AT THIS. I really like it. It’s like a medical mystery drama set in ancient China.  Maomao is such a good protagonist. I like her a lot. She is hyper focused onto medicine and doesn’t even care for the local love interest who is crying into his bowl of cocoa puffs. The only thing that was a cop-out was that her freckles were drawn on and fake. THEY MADE HER CUTE FUCK YOU. 

Kemono Jihen

It’s an ayakashi manga and is pretty fun. And then the writer made Aya act adult and crush on Kabane. Big freaking NO. An entertaining read though, but there are some horrifying things happening in the later arcs, so read at your own discretion.

This Time I Will Definitely Be Happy

So yeah, sometimes I read shoujo. I started to read this because it seemed like a subversion. Reincarnated MC always falls in love with the hero and yet the hero runs off with another woman and she dies miserably. So this time she’s gonna live her own life! I had fun and then it turned the plot back on straight by making it so that the hero loved her the entire time and she was a priestess who was originally isekai’d from Japan. The ending is largely meh and cliche. I largely still think about the beginning though.

Endo and Kobayashi’s Live Commentary on the Villainess

I... Okay? Just the MCs revealing how much of a tsundere Liselotte is is fun, but it’s just alright. Fun read if you’re bored, once again.

Tondemo Skill de Isekai Hourou Meshi

Stock Isekai manga but with a cooking twist. I like it. It’s just MC, a giant wolf, and a slime baby going around eating good food. The giant wolf is your standard OP monster but he’s sticking with MC because GOD DAMN he cooks like a champ.

Otome Game no Hametsu Flag shika nai Akuyaku Reijou ni Tensei shite shimatta...

Isekai shoujo version but I’m so fond of it because of how much of a dumbass MC is. Like at points it’s TOO much of a stretch of how idiotic she is, but it’s a jolly good time. And this is a harem series but all the girls love her too so I’m super forgiving. The drugstore candy bar that you love.

Somali to Mori no Kami-sama

Art is super beautiful and detailed. And how could you not love a series about a golem becoming a dad to a small tiny human daughter. I hear there’s an animu airing this year but I’ve been too lazy to check it out. Plus I dunno how limited budgets would affect the art.

Seijo no Maryoku wa Bannou Desu

Another standard isekai shoujo style (so many of these out there) but this time around MC just wants to live her life making potions. Good on her. This is a secret but sometimes my heart still goes a flutter for handsome men who are devoted. Huhu, that heart clogging granny’s old macaroni and cheese. Delicious but old.

Kono Sekai ga Game da to Ore dake ga Shitteiru

Isekai videogame version (PLEASE SO MANY OF THESE) but the unique aspect of it is that the videogame is glitchy as fuck and unforgiving. MC purposefully played a shitty game to the point of knowing most of the tips and tricks so when he gets shunted into it it’s hilarious how he went about it. Like step-cancels, abusing code-glitches, increasing skills by smashing his face inside the confessional, etc. Female characters are annoying and  one-note, but I appreciate the funny concept of being in a badly coded world.

Kami-sama no Ekohiiki

I... really enjoyed this? All gender-talk aside, I’m super sad that Torii’s love for Kagura (Yashiro) is unrequited, but at least she gets some hastily put together romance in the end. I really liked her. Kenta’s visit in the world where Yashiro doesn’t fall in love with him... right in the heart. 

Sorry For My Familiar

Small demon girl has a human as her familiar. Wacky hijinks ensue. It’s hilarious and light-hearted so read if you want to have a good time. I like me some good ol’ comedy.

Senyuu.

I’m like... going back and forth on reading this. On the one hand, I live for RPG parodies and dumb hijinks. On the other hand, FUCK THAT PEDOPHILE GRANDPA INTO THE DEEPEST PORTION OF HELL AND BACK. So many stupid loli jokes and yet I come back because Alba and Ros and literally everyone else. I dunno. I hear shit gets real, but hnngh. I guess this hinges on how much you can ignore the parts you hate.

I’m sure there are others but these are the ones that showed up in my reading history. Hope you enjoyed me rambling with no substance. Also really shows how much bad taste I have. ;-9