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#no wonder I failed English my gosh
afterartist · 7 months
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The fuck do you want
I can’t make fucking haikus
Just piss off already
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nicoliharu · 8 months
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Coli!! Hi hi good morning!! Do you have any Headcanons for Ruggie?? Like, when you draw him do you have anything you always include or leave out? Just curious hehe I love your art!! Have a nice day <3 <3 <3
Hi Dede! Thanks for the ask🥺😭💗
I will comment on what I would like to do differently when I draw him cause for me you write him PERFECT and I wouldn't change anything! This guy is precious and needs love to know he isn't inferior to anyone! 😭💗
⚠️ My headcanons (design) Ruggie Bucchi:
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So, aren't that many changes, it's just simple, the way I usually imagine him 🥺👉👈
🍩 Skin: Ruggie has more melanin, I personally love Ruggie with any skin tone but forgive me Yana but it's hard to resist painting his skin like that.
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I mean, I think it goes much better with his color palette. Personally, I would paint with this palette for him in my fanart and content forever. I want to eternally thank whoever had the idea of giving more melanin to his plush 🥺💗 I don't know if it's my laptop screen that's old, but it looks a little desaturated, but I'll adjust over time.
🍩 Blonde lashes: I still need to practice more cause I love the idea that Ruggie would have some blonde lashes, not gold and flashy but brown light 🥺
🍩 Freckles: Excessive on the nose/cheeks, ends of the arms, and a lot on the back…IT'S CANON IN MY HEAD, YANA YOU FAILED ME, HOW YOU DARE?? HOW CAN YOU NOT GIVE HIM FRECKLES?😭
🍩 Body hair: Well, he's a guy who's growing, he's about to turn 18, there's no chance no have body hair. Besides, I believe that beastmen have more body hair than humans, so for Ruggie I imagine golden hair but if it gets wet it turns a little brown, on the arms and legs 😔👉👈
🍩 Eye pupil: I know that's normal but I like to think that his pupil becomes ''thin'' (how in English is this?) when he feels threatened or annoyed by something and dilates when he sees something that interests/likes him.
🍩 Teeth: Bigger and thicker than Leona and Jack. Please, spotted hyenas have a bone-breaking bite and tear thick skins too. Ruggie canonically said he can easily eat steak with bones…Oh gosh if he likes bite who he lov- STOP NICOLI SHHHH
🍩 Hair: A little rough and messy with some split ends, I don't think he cares much about any special shampoo or conditioner, taking care of his hair. Besides, I think he occasionally cuts it with scissors on his own. I know I could leave it wavy or curly but thinking that rough bristles remind me of hyenas' fur makes me so 🥺
🍩 Body: We know that Ruggie's thin cause his condition but I believe that his legs and arms are ''strong'' of cause the acrobatic way in which he moves, both day to day, running and practicing at the Club. I don't mean bulging muscles but you realize that given his activities and abilities it makes sense!!! 😔
🍩 About the piercing: it was a detail I wanted to add but I don't know if I always imagine him with that or not 🤡👌
Forgive my grammar and English mistakes! These are my humble headcanons for Ruggie's design, if anyone thinks differently this is just fun for everyone, y'all have the right to imagine how they want. And I would like to say one more thing, about other details that I can only talk about better with more drawings, such as excess hair with spots above his tail (I love this detail too). So there will always be changes for everything!
Thank you again for your ask Dede, you're a wonderful writer that I admire so much and love your works! 🥺😭💗💗💗
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chocochannie · 1 year
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Soft touches
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☆Theodore Nott x gn!reader, fluff
English isn't my first language, so I'm sorry if there are any mistakes!!
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It was friday evening. You were heading to the library as usual. At this time, there weren't many students, so you could peacefully read. Stepping into a big dark room with many shelves filled with old books and candles flying everywhere, you smelled a familiar scent. God, how you loved this place.
As you sat at your usual seat in the back of the library and opened your book, you heard footsteps getting closer to you. You looked up and saw Theodore Nott.
You didn't talk much to him, but you were crushing on him for ages but wouldn't admit it, even to your best friend or even yourself. He was more like the quiet type of person. He didn't speak much, and you always wondered why he was friends with Draco and Mattheo. They were the complete opposite, loud, outgoing, mean, and always partying. Theo is kindhearted, he may seem scary and imitating, but that's far from the truth.
"Hi, is this seat taken?" He said, pointing to the seat beside you.
The library is almost empty, why would he want to sit here?
"Not at all, go ahead." You said slightly smiling at him.
He sat down and took out a sketchbook from his bag. You didn't know he liked to draw. You tried to subtly look at his drawings as he flipped the pages.
The sketchbook was filled with beautiful landscapes, animals, and portraits of people you've never seen before but also of his friends, even some teachers. They were mostly drawn with pencils, but some of them, especially landscapes, were painted. They were absolutely beautiful. You've been so caught up in admiring his work that you didn't see that he noticed this.
"Well.. I know it might sound weird, but could you pose for me? I mean, it's totally fine if not, but you look so pretty right now, and I'd love to capture this.. gosh, that sounded creepy, I'm sorry." He said.
It really caught you off guard but didn't fail to make you blush slightly.
"Don't be sorry. Thank you, and yeah, I could do that. Should I move?" You said hoping he wouldn't notice how nervous you are.
"Not really, just do this..." he said, taking your hand in his and moving it to your face. His cold finger tips brushing against your cheek.
His hand was so soft. His gorgeous eyes were looking straight into yours. How could you be so madly in love with him?
You didn't move a muscle as he started drawing you. His blue eyes scanning every inch of you. The only thing you could hear was the rain outside. You were as focused on him as he was on you. His dark curls falling onto his forehead, his pale skin that reminded you of the moon, his sleepy bright eyes, his soft pink lips, his long, skinny fingers. All this made you fall for him, he was breathtaking.
He finally finished and showed you the drawing.
"Here it is. It's not perfect but I hope you'll like it" he said handing it to you.
It was marvelous, he drew you exactly how you look like, added every little detail.
"You can keep it, sorry I have to go, I promised Draco I'll help him with his assignment." Right after he spoke, he rushed out of the library. You didn't even have time to thank him.
Sighing you stood up, but the piece of paper fell. You picked it up and saw text on the back.
"Would you like to go to hogsmeade on a date with me? I think im falling for you more every day."
You also think you're falling for him more everyday, if that's even possible.
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Masterlist
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montimer · 3 months
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Deadpool x hero!reader
Being a hero doesnt add much to the story tho(?)
Gn!reader, angst/comfort
Wade and reader share an apartment, and are also very close friends, expect that he falls for ya. But how well does he handle it?
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_______________________________
Wade woke up after a long night. You were laying besides him. He hugged you from behind, enjoying the moment.
After a bit you woke up too. You took a look behind and smiled. "Morning Pool" you greeted him.
"Hiya y/n" he snuggled closer.
You turned around so you could return his hold.
His mask was pulled up to his nose so you saw how his smile widened at that.
You closed your eyes, still sleepy from just waking up. He just stared at you, and his mind begin to wonder.
He has been trying to push away those feelings inside. He tried so hard not to think about it. That he has fallen for you.
When you hug him, smile his way, even just talk to him about your day. It made him feel all fuzzy and warm inside. It didn't took him too long to realize that.
Especially after he revealed his identity that came with showing his face. Expect that you didn't turn away in disgust, not a single bad word left your mouth.
You took his face into ur hands and told him he is beautiful inside and outside. Even booped his nose trying to cheer him up. He just stared at you in awe.
You always stayed by his side, loved him endlessly. He never felt this good with anyone before.
So why, why must he feel this way. Hes scared that you don't think of him more, than just a friend.
Like that one time when he got injured so bad on a mission, you had to carry him around. When he thanked you, ur response was "No worries, its what friends do!" He was happy, but a wave of sadness took over him. Friends. Just friends?
You always took care of him. And he was always there for you too.
He snapped back to reality when he heard you call out to him.
"Wade?"
"..."
"You okay?"
He blinked, then proceeded to stare again.
"Huh? Yeah yeah. Im good"
'Maybe hes still sleepy?' you thought
You were about to close your eyes but he speak up.
"Y/n?"
"Yeah? Whats up?" you asked waiting for an answer.
"I love you"
You blinked in surprise.
"I love ya too of course-"
"No, Y/n. I LOVE you" he tried his best to make himself clear.
You were a bit worried. He barely acted this way.
"I mean- gosh, why is this so hard to say"
He pulled you closer.
"I uh, im in love with you" he whispered.
You stared back at him. You actually loved him too. You just thought he wouldn't return those feelings, and that his flirtings weren't serious. After all, he did act like this with others, you just failed to notice the way he looked at you. The way he holded you. When he came over to your room asking if he can sleep over. When he made food in the morning. When he brought you stuff that you mentioned you like.
You really believed he was just over affective and clingy.
You realized you have been staring a bit long and he looked down in rejection. He let go of you but you quickly hugged him, keeping him there.
"Wadey, I love you too!" You said happily.
He was worried for a moment there thinking he should have taped his mouth or something. But you love him back, for reals? He feels like as if a dream come true. Hes not dreaming is he? He pinched himself and you giggled at that.
He begin to smile too and returned the hug. He started kissing you, showerin your face with kisses all over. He gently kissed your lips.
He was full of joy. His darling loves him. Now he can say your his. And he will, he loves bragging about his partner (ak you :])
"I love you. I love you so much"
 🫶
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||Srry if my writing is shi, im not good at writing oneshots plus english isn't my first language but bare w me🙏🙇‍♂️||
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jades-typurriter · 1 year
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Gal Pals + Your First Howl
A POV transformation thing: your closest friends are werewolves, they get you in on it, and they sit with you through the process of your first transformation! @bluebearial (the BESTIE) collaborated on this, basically just passing the draft back and forth; her writing is in purple and mine is in blue. PLEASE go check her out she's a fantastic artist and has more lovely and intimate writing like this on her blog
CW: they're gay werewolves. these girls are doing lots of petting and sniffing
Gloomy. That’s the one word that could describe this night. The sky is a deep grey. Thunder, far in the distance, still makes itself known in the form of a near-constant rumble. Despite the blanket of cloud that covers the sky, a pale glow could still be seen. Lycanthropy, as you had recently found out, doesn’t require direct moonlight to take effect. Just the presence of it is enough to make you itch. For new instincts to crop up. You wish you knew about this going in, but thankfully, your friends are a lot more experienced than you. Even better, they’re here to ride it out with you.
“I know the picture of like, breaking into a clearing in the woods, and having the moon behind you and everything when you transform for the first time is really cool,” trills Fetch, and even through the buzz of excitement and anxiety, you know where this is going. You’ve known it since English Lit. in college; it’s had a point-by-point for everything since even before then. “But not a ton of people actually get to do that! It’s like, part of the lycanthrope experience that gets sanitized and simplified a lot for wider audiences. Sooooo many movies do this bit, and the weather’s always perfect, and everything, but like… would you even wanna wander around in the woods on a normal day? Let alone a vulnerable one like this?”
“I dunno…~” lilts Plum, your other friend, from her place on the couch, “Days like this’re perfect for just, skulkin’ around in the dark. Scarin’ people. Like, rahh~” She even puts her paws up, showing off those amethyst-colored claws. As you watch her, you can’t help but wonder if this whole ‘lycanthropy’ thing has more of a mental effect than you’d first realized. As recently as this afternoon, she was pretty chipper! Happy to help with anything you’d need. But after the moon came out… She’s definitely the more laidback one now, compared to Fetch.
She always found at least some kind of fun in any situation, though a part of you wished she wouldn’t right at this moment. “Like, think about it. Remember when we first met? ‘N you found me diggin’ through your trash? You thought I was some kind’a dog. I wish I had a camera - remember the look on your face when I just started talking to you? Like…” She takes a pause, putting a paw up to her muzzle, trying her best not to laugh (and failing). Like her namesake, she is covered in a thick coat of purple. You remember that in her human form, she had purple highlights in her otherwise dark hair. You suppose the color of her fur was… somehow related to that? How does that even work? What would your fur look like? Yet another question you’d neglected to ask before, well. Y’know.
“Ohhhh my gosh, are you ever gonna leave me alone about that? I thought you were a lit-er-al wolf!!” Plum looks like she has something to say about that, but Fetch cuts her off: “I know, I know, I wasn’t wrong. You did turn out to be a huge bitch,” it says, voice saccharine and head tilting cutely to the side. Plum reaches over you to bop it with her paw, leaving you acutely aware of your position, sandwiched between your two friends. Squished, almost: both of them are much bigger than they are as humans, and they take up much more of the couch, too. You blush as her paw passes by your face—it’s bigger than your whole head. Thinking about Plum lurking out of sight, rummaging around with those powerful things… Thinking about how your own hands might be like that soon enough. You’d pipe up to ask about how soon to expect more changes, but it would be, what, the tenth time you asked? Plus, you’re not sure you want to draw attention to yourself if the partners start play-fighting. Well, maybe you would… But it’d probably be safer to wait until after your change.
But still. On one side, Fetch’s dense, cream fur coddles your arm and part of your leg, acting as a big, fluffy cushion. On the other side, Plum is really invading your personal space a bit as she tries to reach over at her partner. Being caught between a pair of - how tall are they– one, two, three… - six foot tall wolves has you squirming a bit. Partly to get comfy, and partly because… oh wow. This is really happening. Up until a few years ago, you’d figured werewolves weren’t, y’know, real? Your heart flutters. Your stomach tightens a bit, causing you to shudder - anything to somehow vent these feelings. You clench your fists and oh my god, were your fingernails always this sharp? They dig into your palms, causing you to relax your grip. Remembering the situation at hand - or was it ‘at paw’, Plum cranes her neck a bit to look down at you. At least, you’d assume that’s what she’s doing. Her snout is just about the only thing keeping her fluffy, full mane from completely covering her face.
“Hey, hey, listen dude,” she does her best to soothe you, “We’re gonna be here for you, alright? It’ll be like, kinda weird at first. Um, maybe a little scary? I dunno. But, like, once you get over the hump, it’ll feel sooo~o good. You’re gonna feel all soft ‘n like, fluffy ‘n stuff. Like, bwbwbwbwbwb.” She demonstrates in her own weird way, putting her paws to her own cheeks and rubbing them. Her ears, a little droopier than you’d expect from a wolf, flop from side to side as she bleps her tongue out at you. You do feel a bit more relaxed admittedly… Though, there’s another thing you hadn’t thought about before.
Werewolves smell. They don’t smell bad, really, though you wonder if there’s something else making you think that. They just have… a scent, one that’s hard to describe beyond… furry, and thanks to your spot between your two friends, they were basically hotboxing you with it. Every whiff of it makes you feel just a bit more, like, relaxed and stuff. I mean, these are your friends. They’re helping you through this. It’s just what the pack does for one another.
Fetch leans down, reaching behind you to put one paw on each of your shoulders, reassuring you. Well, trying to reassure you; getting so close is giving you another waft of Wolf Girl, and as familiar and calming as it is—you wonder if maybe you already knew what the two of them smelled like, and you’re just starting to recognize your friends the way dogs do—it’s starting to make your head spin. Or maybe that’s the changes, too…
“It really, really means a lot to us that we’re the ones you wanted to help you with this, bestie. Now, someone could have been a little bit gentler about infecting you,” it snips, pointing its snout accusingly at Plum. Oh, yeah. That’s where you recognize her smell from. She all but bowled you over when you had asked the two of them to bite you, and you… still thought about her weight on you fairly often. You wish you could stop thinking about it for, like, a second so you don’t seem like a flustered, shaky nerd, but it’s harder to forget it with every breath.“But the trust is still really sweet! And like, now I get to repay you for being so understanding when I came out, yeah?” It perks up its ears, smiling down at you. You (mercifully) lose yourself in that memory for a moment instead; you see its tail whipping back and forth behind it, and realize, yeah, you’ve been friends for a long time. You’re, like, besties! It always makes you giggle when Fetch calls you that. And you do trust them! Even if they’re a bit silly, you know the two of them are looking out for you. You’re in good paws.
“Yeah! We like, tooo~tally got you, dude. It’ll be a-okay,” she reassures you. “You’re like, basically our best friend so, like, y’know….
You blink a few times, shaking your head as your hearing gets more and more muffled. Wh,what’s happening? It’s as if your ears were suddenly plugged. You can’t hear anything now. Just as quickly as it happens, it seems to stop.
“Oh, huh.”
It’s not until you hear her voice again that you calm down. Though - wow, um, that was a bit loud?? You grimace, wondering just what caused her to shout like that. It was as if her voice gained a ton more bass all of a sudden. You glare up at her, opening your mouth to scold her, but you quickly realize that… like, everything is louder. The rumbling outside, the room’s ambience, even Fetch’s tail as it slaps the couch. Plum’s paw reaches down to the top of your head, where your… ears… are…? “Ohoho~ Hey, Fetch, check this out~” Like, you could just hear the excitement in Plum’s voice as beckons her partner. A pair of tall, fuzzy triangles peaks up from beneath your hair. Speaking of, has your hair gotten longer? You can like, kinda feel it brushing your shoulders… Your thoughts begin to swim as you feel your bestie’s paw just, rest upon your head like that. You want to look up at her, but something compels you to angle to head down. She holds one of your ears between her thumb and index finger, softly rubbing it between her digits. Your ear flicks in her gentle grip, instinctually moving in a way you like, really cannot control. Like, just a bit, y’know? The same, strange feeling causes your free ear to fold down, your shoulders to slump a bit… You squirm some more as the meekest little whine slips out. You rub your nose. Either that scent is getting stronger, or like, your nose is getting more sensitive. Either way… It’s enough to make you sneeze.
“Awww!” Fetch practically whispers. “The new ears are so cuuuuute! Just go easy on ‘em, Plum, you know those things are sensitive when you first get ‘em.” It bends down, poking its snout right into the ear you’ve angled away from Plum. Its voice is so quiet that it barely moves the air, but it’s still so totally clear: “How do you like ‘em, though, bestie?” You shudder, the tingle in your ear crashing down the back of your neck, along your spine, and into your tail—into your tail?! You twist around, pulling your head away from Plum’s paw (you have to suppress another whimper at the thought of no longer being petted) and, looking down, see a fluffy sprout bunching up the bottom of your shirt. Your eyes get all big, and as you get all excited about it, you watch it start wagging basically on its own? And you can feel it and it feels like you’re dancing for joy? You yell, looking back up at the two girls to either side, and Fetch yells back at you. “Oh my gosh oh my GOSH!!!” It squeals. “I can’t believe it came in so quickly!! It’s soooooo cute oh my gosh…” It pauses, then leans down conspiratorially, its own tail wagging again, energetic and out of time with yours. “Hey. You know what’d be a real fun way to scream it all out? Since we’re celebrating?” You tilt your head, feeling your ears flop with the motion, and realize that you probably look a lot like Fetch did a minute ago.
You have a good idea of what it means. If there’s one good thing about all those werewolf movies you like to watch - you kind of know the beats to this ‘story’. …That, and, your friends finding your collection is what set this into motion in the first place. Your tail wags furiously as you put your paws together. That short, stubby thing grows inch by inch, moment by moment. Every little wag it makes, it feels softer, so much softer. You start to understand what Plum meant by those fuzzy feelings. Just the sensation of having a tail at all, let alone wagging it, fills you with a euphoria you didn’t know you yearned for - a euphoria that seems to bubble up inside you. You’ve never howled before, but you’re totally not against it.
“Scream it out…?” Plum quietly asks, a little slower on the draw than you. She perks up an ear, furrowing her brow. “What, like… Oh. Ohhhh.” And she friggin’ grins. “Oh, man. It’ll be just like when we first came out. She leans a bit, squishing you between the two of them. Plum reaches out for her pawrtner’s paw, gently taking hold of it. “Remember that~? It was like, so romantic…~ Holding paws, howling together, getting nice and close after~ And like, we started getting all grabby ‘n stuff, testing each other out, and…~ And– A-Anyway,” she catches herself, sparing you the more… intimate. details, “You ready~? One, two, three!~”
“AwooOOO~OOO~~!” Angling her head up, Plum gives it her all! It starts low and slow, but ramps up in volume until it’s all you can hear. And you feel hyped! Your euphoria reaches a fever pitch, boiling over until you just can’t keep it in anymore! Why not follow your instincts, joining your besties in their symphony?
With Plum’s voice reverberating between your ears, inside your skull, coursing through your chest like the bass of the speakers at a concert, you lift your voice as well, throwing your head back and lifting your voice to match hers, at least as best you can. It cracks and scratches more than once, but you don’t care. It still sounds beautiful to you, and it’s such a rush! You feel like you’re standing through the sunroof and blasting music on the way home from a frat party; you feel like you’re on stage and your voice is carrying through a packed arena.
Fetch claps its paws together, “yay”-ing and chanting ‘go, go, go!” before finally lifting its own snout and joining the two of you. It effortlessly, naturally harmonizes with Plum—the two of them have been running as a pack for a long time, after all, and they’ve had more practice individually than you have. Still, the sound the three of you make together makes butterflies in your stomach, and then washes them away again with liquid awe. It’s like the crowd you were singing to is cheering back, a beautiful droning of joyful voices, shouting wildly and without inhibition.
You were always so jealous of the two of them, once you’d found out. They’d been your friends for years, but when they started dating, and after Fetch realized it was otherkin, Plum turned it at its request, and well—it’s a lot harder to hide two werewolves than it is to hide one. Of course, it didn’t change anything between the three of you, other than feeling a little weird about your fascination with werewolves. Being a fan of the genre, being a furry, even, felt sorta… like stereotyping them? Fetch would use the word “appropriative”, if it wasn’t currently singing its lungs out.
Now, though, after their reassurance, and after doing a bit of digging into those “weird” feelings, you just feel like you’ve been missing out! You keep howling until your throat gets tired, until you start choking on your own drool and feeling the scratchy strain on your new vocal cords. At some point, Fetch reaches out to pat you on the head again, and notices something about your shoulders.
“Dude! No way! Your coat is coming in now, too!” You finally gulp down a breath, after what feels like holding a note for an eternity (and pretty poorly, but hey, you can already feel yourself getting better!) and reach up to feel around your neck. Your hair hasn’t just gotten longer—it’s begun to crawl its way down between your shoulder blade and along your arms!
You think back to before, the way your tail first sprouted from beneath your shirt. You’re getting the same feeling now, watching your new coat spill over your shirt’s collar. You were always pretty flat, but - your cheeks start to glow as you feel your shirt ride up, buoyed by your developing bosom. If that isn’t enough, that same fur spreads across it, only adding to its mass. A thick tuft sprouts up in your cleavage, helping it to spill over the top of your collar. And god, it feels warm. You grow aware of that as you hug around it. You squeeze it in your arms, and an exhilarating feeling rumbles throughout your body. …Or, was that rumbling coming from you? One end of your mouth curls up as you growl to yourself, prompting an amused coo from Plum.
“Hey. Nice teeth.~”
You break from your self-imposed stupor for a moment, instinctively licking your teeth. They’re sharp. Especially your canines, but the rest of your teeth have grown similarly long and jagged. You whisper something resembling a ‘thank you’, too sheepish and too caught up trying to keep yourself even halfway composed. It’s a losing battle, though. Your shirt rubs up against your chest, making every little squirm a challenge to keep yourself quiet. As your coat thickens, it shimmers in the dim light. Your thoughts are harder to grip, divided among so many unfamiliar sensations. Your ears flick and swivel with every little sound. Your tail curls and wags and bats the cushion behind you. Your nose, well on its way to snoutsville is full of unfamiliar, addictive smells. You don’t know what to do with yourself. You reach out to Fetch, grabbing its arm and clinging to her. You let out a whine, rubbing your cheek against its silky fur, hoping for a lifeline as a warm, kind of itchy, but liberating feeling spreads further down your body as it is overtaken by your developing coat.
It doesn’t help you as much as you were hoping. Like, not at all. Fetch is just sooooo comfy, and you feel Plum’s paw between your ears again, and your head starts getting like… all cloudy and stuff… She gets her claws in, short little scratches that drag further and further down through your hair, down the back of your neck—soooo so sososo sensitive right now!!---and up behind your jaw, and you whiiiiiiine and just slowly slump over across Fetch’s lap. It giggles, Plum giggles, and if you weren’t so busy squirming, you might be laughing too, from the way she’s making your head swim.
With your head in its lap like that, panting from all the stimulation, you smell it even more strongly. It smells good. It makes your face burn, it gets your blood pumping, and you follow your nose to its source without a moment’s hesitation, before looking down your snout and realizing it’s pushing into her skirt, right between her legs. You freeze, eyes darting up to its face. It’s laughing harder than it was before, so like… you didn’t make it uncomfortable? Or mad? At least? Plum gives your rear (oh god you were pointing your butt straight at her) a SLAP with her heavy paw, and both of them crack up all over again at the involuntary YELP. It at least un…unsticked the gears in your brain. You apologize profusely, finally pulling your face away from Fetch’s crotch, but it reaches its paw up to cup your snout. “Bestie, don’t even worry. Everybody gets, uh… kinda excited, on their first time. I know I did!” It pauses. “I mean, me and Plum were already dating by then, so—” The mention of dating makes your face so hot that you have to bring up your own paws—when had they even finished changing!! Omigosh!!—to cover it. “Ohhhhh… I mean, hey, I wasn’t bringing that up to say we couldn’t try stuff!! New instincts, new feelings, no judgment, right? That’s what we said!” You look up at her, half-desperate and half-embarrassed, eager to hear the reassurance. “And I mean… we could try dating too, if you wanted? Right, Plum?”
“Oh, yeah,” she readily agrees, before looking down at you, “If you’re, y’know, comfortable with it. Because…” 
Your ears flop down as she leans in, her snout basically touching yours. The way she stares at you seems to demand your attention. Whatever she’s about to say, it must be important. You nearly flinch as she opens her mouth again, pre-empting what she might say next. And what does she say?
“I can be a little ruff.”
Your embarrassment like, kinda deflates a little. You almost feel annoyed that you walked into that one. You look up at Fetch again, hoping it could relate, only to be greeted with a barely controlled snicker.
“But, really.” The sound of her voice turns your attention back to her. “If you wanna give yourself a test drive, we’ve got you covered.”As she speaks, Fetch’s paw returns to your head, and, like… wow.~ Your thoughts swim and spiral anew as you let out a content, short “hwrrff.” You tilt your head towards her, savoring her touch. Those gentle, drawn-out strokes. You detect a new scent wafting up from the two of them, fanned by their tails’ steady wags. You can’t put a finger on what it means until you feel a warmth between your loins, one that only deepens the more you breathe it in. You suppose that this is one of the many, many things that you’ll learn before dawn. The night’s just getting started, after all.
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GOLLY GOLLY GOSH, I JIST BINGED YOUR YANDERE GAYATRI X PAVITR X READER FICS AND OMG 🤭🤭
It’s so gooddd but I can’t help but wonder what would happen if the reader just didn’t understand love- like totally. This is so entirely spurred on by my own problems and IFHY by Tyler (live laugh love Tyler the creator 🙏) but like just imagine them x a reader who just doesn’t understand love and believes love is just being aggressively possessive and obsessive over someone.
I can just imagine Gayatri, Pavitr and the Reader getting into a heated argument and the reader just flat out says they hate them both with this dead stare- and then they follow it up with telling them both that they love them but now Gayatri and Pavitr realize there’s nothing behind the readers eyes when they say ‘I love you’. It’s not love, it’s straight obsession. Idk I just feel like it’d be an interesting idea for a fic :D
Also your writing is so good! You should totally take up a Career in writing or write a book, I just love how you describe everything!
𝙒𝙚'𝙧𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙙
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Cw: the usual yandere stuff, manipulation, psychological abuse, kinda yandere reader?
Notes: I hope I did this request justice, I rewrote it a lot 😭if you don't like it you can always request it again, I'm really nervous about this because I don't want to disappoint you😿
"I fucking hate you both" the words leave your lips like nothing, like the grocery list, like small talk, like those words didn't carry the weight of the world. Heavy like a rock, and as plain as one, simple combination of five words, from the infinite combinations possible with the 171,476 words recognized in the Oxford dictionary, and the roughly one million words used by english speakers, it took you only five words to unleash hell, to emotionally destroy two people in ways one person cannot calculate or articulate.
You'd been accepting and supporting (you were simply unbothered, however they see it like that) of their unorthodox way to carry the relationship, you had a few "quirks" of your own as well something that they both accepted and loved, so this came as a shock. In Pavitr's mind, you don't mean this, you're simply upset, but his thoughts race back and forth thinking what did the do to upset you, what he did. It couldn't be Gayatri, she's perfect, it has to be him, it's always him, he's the one that puts your lives in danger all the time, it's his fault Gayatri's father almost died, his fault your universe was almost wiped off of existence, and now he has made you upset. In his mind there's no much difference between dying and being forgotten, or worse, even loathed by you, well, maybe there's one. That he'd rather be dead.
But Gayatri is another story, she refuses to accept whatever you meant. Her mother left, you can't leave too, she cannot be alone in this world again, and as if out of self preservation, she's possessive over you, over Pavitr, over your relationship, she's authoritarian but so deeply fragile, wearing her emotions on her sleeve, trying to be calm and collected, however she miserably fails when the scalding hot sentiments make their way from her chest to her mouth. She will trap, fix, change or break anything that is necessary to ensure she's never left alone again, even if "anything" includes your mind.
They stand before you, dumbfounded, with expressions that in less than a second can vary between sadness, anger, disappointment, terror, paranoia, outrage, and probably more, probably that's just the tip of the iceberg.
And all you do is stare, you watch their contorting faces and with the dead silence, it's almost like you can hear the blood pumping through their veins, full of anxiety.
Before they can properly process your statement, you contradict it, to anyone it seems like you're toying with them, like a cat watching its prey agonize. At heart, the cat is innocent, the cat does not posses a moral compass that will tell him to either stop or further the pain of their lizard, the act of torture cannot be sadistic if the perpetrator doesn't find pleasure in it. The vile acts of a creature that lacks malice.
"I love you" and life seems to recover its rightful flow, or it should, they could ignore what you said and take you back just like that, but it doesn't work that way, not when you have two obsessive lovers.
"What do you mean?" Gayatri is distrustful
"That I love you."
Pavitr notices first, notices your blown pupils and lost gaze, no emotion behind those eyes he adores, had it always been that way? Has every "I love you" meant the infinity of the void?
And Gayatri, she always knew, she loved everything that was there to love about you, even if you didn't understand, if she needed to show you the depth of her love through aggression, violence and obsession, she will.
"I love you too" they said at unison.
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smolwritingchick · 7 months
Text
The Bangtan Gal Chapter 88- This Is Not A Drill!
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Chapter Summary: BTS watch and support Jennie's Wild N' Out Episode. A BTS member calls out Matt Rife on Twitter for being persistent with Jennie during filming. Jennie's WINGS 8 video and concept photos are released which breaks the internet. Jungkook and Jennie discuss taking the next step in their relationship
Words: 10,000+
Author's Note: I loved writing that Wild n Out chapter! It's so funny because I wrote it years ago and rereading and editing that chapter made me chuckle because I met Matt Rife in 2022 and I'm like, wow, full circle moment. He's pretty darn cool and super nice. It was funny writing about him.
I hope you enjoy this chapter and enjoy Bangtan's reactions! My gosh, we are almost there to where I stopped writing the story. Just a few chapters left and then I will start writing new chapters. Updates will be slower once I make it to where I stopped. I hope you bear with me as I research and get my ideas and timeline on track!
--------------
“We just gotta wait a little bit to set up,” Angelina informed as she plopped down on the seat next to Jennie.
Here they were at the tattoo shop, eager to get the tattoos that they’d been wanting. While waiting, Jennie watched a couple walk out hand in hand. It appeared that they had gotten relationship tattoos based on the wrappings on their arms. She smiled softly as her mind wandered to Jungkook.
She missed him immensely and the feeling of his warm hugs. Whipping out her phone she gave him a quick text.
Jen: I miss u :(
She assumed he was probably practicing, so she expected him to reply later. But he instantly replied which surprised her.
JK: You have no idea how much I miss u :(
JK: What r u doing now?
Jen: About to get a tattoo with Angelina :P
JK: whaaaaa!?
Immediately she received a Facetime call from him and answered while giggling.
“You’re a tattoo shop!?“ he asked excitedly. "Show me! Show me!”
“Hehehe, okay! Okay!” she flipped the camera to scroll around the shop.
“Aw man, I wish I was there,”
Jungkook still wanted to get tattoos ever since he spoke about it on American Hustle Life. When will he get them? He wasn’t too sure yet. He wanted to plan it all out on what he would be getting and where he wanted them.
“Ooo is that Jungkook!? Hey you!” Angelina waved once Jen flipped the camera back to show them.
Jungkook waved back and began to speak in English, “Hello! How are you, Angelina?”
“I’m waiting to get inked~! How’s the preparations for the comeback going?”
“Good. We are working hard.”
“I heard a little preview of Begin. It’s a beautiful song,”
Angelina’s response made Jungkook smile shyly as he thanked her. Jen smiled at their exchange. For a while now, Jungkook had started getting better at holding conversations in English.
“Is Jennie behaving herself?” he asked playfully.
“I’m literally right here, holding the phone,” Jen reminded and they laughed.
“How did the recording go for the show?” Jungkook asked a bit too eagerly.
Jennie had informed him of how persistent Matt had been in her DMs and it bothered him greatly. 
“Well...” Jen wondered how she should bring it up. “Matt was getting annoying. Constantly trying to flirt and make moves on me,”
As soon as she said that, Jungkook raised an eyebrow and started to look discontent that Matt did that. 
"He started flirting with you?" he asked in an unamused voice.
Angelina looked impressed at how quickly Jungkook's expression changed and the sudden aura he radiated when he got mad over Matt. He certainly doesn't play when it comes to Jennie.
Thinking of Matt's failed attempts, Angelina let out a laugh. "Matt was sooooo thirsty! But trust me, Jennie ended his life on the show. It was frickin hilarious,”
“I feel like I’m going to be aggravated watching him try to make moves on you,” Jungkook predicted, poking the inside of his cheek.
“You will,” Angelina nodded. “And then laugh when you see how Jennie responds during each game,”
“Yeah, he won’t be a problem no more. You’ll see when the episode drops,” Jennie confirmed with a nervous smile, noticing her boyfriend getting irritated.
"What did he do to you at the show?" Jungkook asked.
"Um...well he tried to kiss-"
"He tried to kiss you?" he asked with a frown.
"I stopped him. I slapped him. It's going to be funny to watch, I promise,"
"Oh, I know it will be. But the fucking fact that he tried to kiss you is pissing me off. He can kiss my everloving fists. What the hell is his problem? If someone says no, back off," he said with anger in his voice.
"A-are you mad at me?"
"Mad at you? Never. Don't ever think that, Jagi. None of this is your fault," his voice became gentle when he replied to her which Angelina noticed. Then his voice got stern when he spoke about Matt again. "It's him for not respecting your rejection. I'm getting sick and tired of men trying to put their hands on you or make advances towards you when you're mine,"
"Oop," Angelina became amused while Jennie's face began to feel flushed.
'I like this side of Jungkook,' Angelina thought.
"There's something I've been wanting to talk to you about. I know you're waiting for your tattoo appointment but this has been on my mind for a while," Jungkook told Jennie.
"What's up?" she asked.
Angelina glanced at the couple. Jungkook was radiating that competitive energy and she was loving it.
"When do you want to go public? Because I really want people to know that you're mine. And that you make me happy. I've been thinking about it for a while and wanted to plan it out with you and Big Hit,"
Jennie nodded. "I've been thinking about it too...I want to go public, soon. Before this year is over? Because you know how Dispatch likes to reveal relationships during New Year's. There is no doubt they've been paying close attention. I have a feeling it's going to be us they'll reveal. I rather beat them to it,"
"So, you want a pull a Dispatch before this year is over?"
"Yeah. We'll discuss it more when I'm back in Seoul,"
"Good. I can't wait," 
After their phone conversation, Angelina started laughing. "Your man radiates that ENERGY and I love it. He wants to go public so he can have his hands all over you and so men can back off. You know he's going to be holding your waist and putting an arm around you, frequently,"
Once they were called in for their appointment, Jennie went first, sitting on a chair while Angelina sat beside her.
"Nervous~?" Angelina asked.
“I don’t know how it’s going to feel but I feel ready. Hold my hand?” she reached out for her.
Angelina held her hand as the tattooist went to work. Jen felt unbothered as she sat there. Angelina noticed she was not squeezing her hand for dear life and it did not look like she was in pain at all. Jennie’s face was completely calm.
“You not in pain?” Angelina asked.
“This feels good,” she responded, making her laugh.
“A lot of people’s pain tolerance is different. And first timers tend to freak out about the pain and make it worse than it is. You’re taking this well,” they heard the tattooist say.
“Wow~! I can’t wait for mine,” Angelina beamed.
The friendship tattoos they planned to get were going to be small microphones with music notes. Each microphone has their initials on it, placed identically on their left wrists.
‘Wow...my first tattoo,’ Jennie thought with elation.
She felt great and a little bit cooler now that she had some permanent ink on her black skin. Following being told how to take care of it, she switched seats with Angelina and held her hand while she got hers. As soon as she felt the tattooist go to work, Angelina let out a chuckle and realized the pain was not bad at all.
“Wow~! It don’t even hurt!” she said. “All those YouTube videos I’ve seen of people freaking out,”
“Right? Team high pain tolerance,” Jen praised themselves.
Jennie sent Jungkook photos of her new ink once they left the shop. As Jungkook looked at the photos, he was amazed at how beautiful it looked on her skin.
JK: Whaaaa it looks amazing!
JK: Wow!
JK: Did they hurt??
Jen: Nah, I like a little pain LOL. It felt good actually.
Jen: I guess I have a high pain tolerance for tattoos. I want more down the line
JK: I want one now...
Jen: U should!! When you’re ready, I’ll come with you or something!
Arriving back home after spending a few more days with Angelina, Jennie showed her sisters the tattoo. They were excited to see it and it had already started to slowly scab and peel. The downside of it was that the tattoo was itching like crazy. All part of the healing process. Jen refrained from scratching and made sure to clean and moisturize it daily.
Since Jennie had been back home, she had been involved in her sisters’ projects. With Alani, Jen aided her in filming DIY videos. Alani had developed her hobby of creating DIY items and put them on her YouTube channel along with her other journalism projects to build up a portfolio.
It was hilarious to see how disoriented Jen looked and the shocked facial expressions she would make when things came together from the materials Alani would use. Alani also used her for interviews as they talked about dancing, singing, and the music industry. Jen watched her with wonder because Alani had become very comfortable on camera. Years of practice had been paying off.
With Vienna, Jennie played the guitar while she covered songs to post on her YouTube channel.
“This time, I’m covering a few Maroon V songs. Can’t Stop and Harder to Breathe,” Vienna had told her.
Once the music sheets were printed out for the songs, and they sat together, Jennie strummed an acoustic version for both songs. Vienna had lungs. That’s for sure. The camera caught Jennie smiling at her big sister as she continued to get in her zone, singing out the lyrics.
-------
Seated by her desk in her room, Jennie had a plate of Popeyes chicken, patiently waiting for the planned Facetime call to celebrate Jungkook’s birthday. She felt regretful for not being there to spend his special day with him. As much as she loved being home, she was missing out on a lot with the group and missed the boys terribly.
Moments later her phone rang and she happily answered it. Setting the phone up across from her so her hands could be free, she got a view of Hobi popping on the screen with a bright smile.
“Munchkin~!” he chirped.
Her eyes lit up. “Hobi~!”
“Look at you! Adorable! Your hair looks so nice today!” he pointed out, unaware of her wig.
“Thanks! How is everyone?”
“Without you here, things are a bit disordered. But we are doing well. Ah, we are all together, again!” he praised as he began to walk to where the boys were. “We couldn’t let Jungkook blow out the candles without you with us!”
“Awwwww,”
"Jennie is on the phone~! Now we can celebrate!” Hobi loudly shouted while moving the phone to show to others.
They were all yelling her name and waving, asking various questions about how she was doing and that they had missed her dearly.
“Jennie!” Jungkook grinned.
“Jungkook! Happy birthday! I’m sorry I can’t be there physically but at least I’m about to somewhat be here to celebrate,” she smiled brightly.
“You being here with us on Facetime is more than enough.”
“How was Wild N Out?” Namjoon asked.
“A journey,” she laughed nervously.
“Will Jungkook get jealous?” Jimin asked slyly.
“You know he will,” V teased him, making the Golden Maknae look at them, unamused.
“It’s a funny episode, you guys will love it. It’ll be out soon. Wow, that cake looks so good. I wish I could have a slice. But I have my red velvet cake to suffice. I’ll eat it after my meal,”
“Are we ready to sing?” Jin proposed.
“Uh huh! Let’s do it!”
Jungkook, seated in front of the cake smiled cutely as the group sang Happy Birthday.
“Happy birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Jeon Jungkook! Happy Birthday to you!”
“Make a wish!” Hobi gestured.
“Make a wish, a wish!” Jin added.
Jungkook closed his eyes for a moment.
“Did you make a wish?” V asked.
Opening his eyes, Jungkook smiled. “Yes, I did. Should I blow?”
“Yeah! 1! 2! 3!” the group counted down and cheered once he blew out the candles.
After eating and Facetiming with the group, Jungkook took Hobi’s phone to have some alone time with Jennie.
“So, what did you wish for?” she asked and observed him running a hand through his hair. A gesture she thought was cute.
“Well, what I’ve been wishing for, I already have it. So, this year, I wished for good things with Bangtan,”
“Oh really? What have you wished before?”
“Us together,” he grinned.
His answer made her heart soar as she felt her face heat up.
“I am happy it came true. Because I am very happy with you,” she said with no hesitation.
“And I’m happy with you too,”
“I’m happy with you guys, too~!” Hobi randomly popped into the screen, surprising Jungkook.
Jen giggled as Jungkook bickered with Hobi about interrupting their moment.
-------
With Bangtan, they sat around the living room to watch the anticipated episode of Wild N Out. J-Hope took a group selfie in the dorm’s living room which was filled with decorations to root for Jennie. Decorations consisted of a large poster of Jennie’s head that was held up by Jin, smartie banners, Jen as Captain America themed decorations, and much more. Fans thought the gesture was cute and hilarious.
ARMY thought it was sweet of Jennie's idol friends to even post about watching the episode to show support for her. From Big Bang, Block B, GOT7, and EXO, to the 97 Liners of Twice, Seventeen, and so on. It made people happy to see Jennie in her element back home.
Jennie was on the laptop via Skype to watch with the boys as they placed the laptop on a chair to act like she was sitting with them.
As the group began to watch with Korean subtitles, they cheered when they watched Angelina walk out on stage.
“Your girlfriend~!” V teased his leader who was smiling in response.
Angelina was going to be attending some of the end of the year shows as a guest of Jennie. Jen had insisted she come since she always would be her hanging partner for the American award shows. Namjoon couldn’t wait to see her and spend quality time with her.
Once they watched Jennie walk out on the stage, the boys whooped and hollered while yelling her name.
“Smartieeeeeeeeeeeee~!” Yoongi yelled and pointed
“Oh my gosh...” Jennie laughed at their excitement.
"Man...I'm so bummed," Jen said.
"Why is that?" the Wild N Out girl asked.
"I wish we could go to the movies together. But they don't allow snacks in," she replied as she was met with giggles and cheers from the crowd.
"AHHHHHHH!" the boys yelled, praising her for the cute pick up line.
"Wow. You are beautiful," Matt Rife complimented the girl. "Now, as much as I would like to shoot my shot at you, there is someone else in this room that I've had my eye on for a while now and I want to holla at her instead,"
When the members watched Matt turn his attention to Jennie, they began to yell at the TV while Jennie held in her laughter. Just as she expected them to react.
“His stupidity is larger than I anticipated. He really does want to die,” Yoongi said bluntly.
"Um, are you serious?" Angelina complained. "She is wayyy out of your league,"
“She’s right. She is out of his league and she’s mine,” Jungkook muttered while the rest of the members were laughing at Angelina’s statement.
"All your reasons are valid. And I fit the description. But I couldn't help but wonder about your ideal type in a more physical way. I bet you want a man that has experience. Somebody that knows exactly..." Matt leaned in close. "...what he's doing and how to take care of a queen like you. Somebody that can handle all that. I'm that man,"
Hobi howled with laughter, “He wishes!”
"He can't even take care of his crusty lips. Get the fuck out of here," Yoongi grumbled.
“He’s getting too close...” Jungkook narrowed his eyes, not pleased about his actions.
“The only man for her is Jungkook! End of discussion!” V shouted angrily.
"I'm glad you pushed him away, Ennie. He was all up in your personal space, that's disrespectful," Jimin commented.
"You don't have a boyfriend, do you?"
"And if I do?" Jennie replied smoothly.
"If you do?" he ran a hand through his hair, "Well, I can confidently say that he won't be your boyfriend for long,"
Jungkook scoffed and poked the inside of his cheek.
Was that supposed to be a threat?
"And what makes you so confident?" Jen asked.
"You may not hear a lot about the girls I've had and I may not have as many as some of these guys on stage but just know my satisfaction rate is higher. And you can find all that out later if you let me have your number," he offered with a soft smirk.
“Boooooooooo!” Jin and the 95 liners yelled.
"My ears! Ugh, that was horrible!" Hobi whined.
“That was not smooth at all. He shouldn’t have gotten a point,” Namjoon complained. “My lyrics for Trouble is better than his pickup lines,”
“How did you stand there and not throw up, right there?” Yoongi asked Jennie.
“I let him have his fun. Made him think he did something,“ she shrugged.
Meanwhile, Jungkook’s jaw clenched and he crossed his arms. So what if he was more experienced than him? He wasn’t going to have Jennie, that’s for sure. Not on his watch. And why the hell did he have to kiss her hand like that? Now he wanted to punch him even more.
"Smartie, I hope you washed your hand after the show,” Yoongi advised.
“Yoongi, please,” she giggled.
"I'm serious. He looks dirty as shit,"
"I second that," Namjoon added.
Fans tweeted:
'Ew...’
'VIP here to support Jennie! Matt is embarrassing!'
'Matt really thought he did something’
'Oh he BOLD BOLD’
'I kind of ship it’
'If he don’t get tf away from my baby Jennie!’
'It was at this moment Jennie got the ick from Matt.'
'Jennie is out of his league~!’
'That pickup line was trash’
'CARAT here to support Miss Bangtan! I don't like how he is persistent in wanting to sleep with her. She is not interested. He gives me the ICK!'
As the talking spit segment came on, the boys laughed wholeheartedly when Emmanuel showed the photo of the members in their coconut haircuts. 
"The hairstyle is cringe," Taehyung laughed.
Bangtan's laughter got louder when DC Young Fly sang fire.
“That was smart of him to try to do that. I would have spat out my water,” Namjoon admitted.
Thinking on his feet, he thought of the other English that he heard from the song. "Everybody say LA-LA-LA-LA-LA! Say LA-LA-LA-LA-LA! I do-ont know the rest of thee-ee woor-oor-oor-ords!" he said on beat for Jimin's part.
Jimin threw his head back and laughed again. It was refreshing to hear him try to sing his part. It seemed like the Wild N Out cast did their research on BTS before Jen came on the show. 
Once they saw Matt walk up to the stage, the members groaned, dreading what he was going to do.
"Now this is a win/win situation for me. So, it's all up to you on how you want to do this, baby girl," Matt announced, making her confused.
"What the fuck did he just say?" Jungkook's ears twitched at the nickname as he stood up.
"K-Kookie, it's okay," Jennie tried to calm him down.
"No, the hell it's not!" Taehyung angrily said as Jungkook sat back down, trying to keep his emotions in check.
"He called her baby girl! Jungkookie calls her that!" Jimin pointed out.
“If you want me to kiss you, keep the water in your mouth,” Matt requested.
Jin spat out his water while Jimin began to cough on his popcorn. Namjoon and Taehyung started to pat on his back to help him out while the rest were in an uproar.
“Hell no!” Hobi fumed, his cheery voice turned stern. “He is being extremely inappropriate, right now. What the heck is wrong with him?”
“What the fuck?” Yoongi swore. “Don’t tell me he kissed you smartie.”
“What do you think, Jungkook?” Jin turned to look at him but was frightened by the view.
Fury was evident in Jungkook’s eyes as a stern stare rested on his features. It looked like he wanted to grab Matt through the TV and punch him. If he dared to touch her or try to put his crusty nonexistent lips on his girl, there was going to be a problem. Tenfold.
“Guys, I handled it. Relax, it’s okay. I know it’s frustrating to watch but I got him good at the end of the show. So, keep watching. That includes you, babe,” Jennie tried to calm down the members.
Matt kneeled in front of Jennie. "Make a move, quickly. You gonna accept my kiss or spit that water out?" he teased, raising an eyebrow.
“Absolutely not! He better not kiss our Jennie!” V shouted.
“The audacity!” Jin complained.
“Nini, he doesn’t kiss you, does he?” Namjoon questioned.
“What he needs to do is take several steps back. Ennie is happily with Jungkook,” Jimin added.
“Keep watching,” Jen said over the complaints.
As Matt inched closer to her face, puckering his lips, Jennie ended up slapping him in the face to block his advances. That caused Nick to spit out his water and laugh with the rest of the studio. 
Relieved, the members burst out in laughter at how smoothly she refused his advances and made fun of Matt for looking offended. 
"Damn, can you slap me again? That was hot. Playing hard to get, I see," Matt laughed and got back up on his feet, rubbing the side of his face. 
Jungkook rolled his neck and continued to watch the screen, unamused. 
"This idiot just won't learn..." Namjoon shook his head.
"Playing hard to get? What part of she isn't interested don't you understand!?" Jin shouted at the screen.
What made the boys even happier was that they heard her insult him in Korean and virtually high-fived and praised her for it.
Fans tweeted:
‘Yasssss! Rejected his clown ass’
‘Savage lmaoooo! Go Jennie!’
'The fact that he thought she was going to kiss him is beyond me’
'I hope he backs off now’
Jackson from GOT7 tweets, 'LOL nice slap Jennie. Good 4 u! @BTS_twt #WildNOut'
As the show went on, the boys were entertained by the Now You Wild Out game. They loved how Jennie looked like she was having a blast. No way would she be able to do anything like this in Seoul, so it was nice to see her do something where she had more freedom on TV. 
"Now you wild out," the audience said while both teams danced to the beat again. "Now you wild out!"
Matt looked directly at Jennie with a flirty smile. "You into white boys? You into white boys? You into white boys? Now you wild out!"
Shrugging, Jen waved him away. "I am but not you, I am but not you, I am but not you, now you wild out!"
The boys applauded her for that statement and even bounced in their seats to the beat.
"Give me a chance!" he replied while his team backed him up by looking like they were begging her to say yes. "...give me a chance, give me a chance, now you wild out!"
Dancing to the beat, she remained unbothered. "No way, no way, no way, now you wild out!"
"You know you want this," he flexed his arms. "...you know you want this, you know you want this, now you wild out!"
“Annoying...why is he so persistent? Like just go away and shut up,” Jimin whined and rolled his eyes.
“What a cornball...” Yoongi muttered and shook his head in disapproval. “We all see that smartie is not interested. He looks pitiful trying. He should have stopped, right there,”
“He is corny,” Hobi agreed.
“I have never seen anyone this lame,” Taehyung added.
“Jungkook has bigger muscles than him,” Jin pointed out.
“Yeah, she ogles over him tirelessly,” Jimin said in a fit of giggles.
“Hey! Hey! Don’t put me on blast!” Jen exclaimed.
“You didn’t deny it,” Jungkook teased her.
“Oh my God,” she chuckled and covered her face.
Looking around confused with her team, Jen stated, "Who lied!? Who lied!? Who lied!? Now you wild out!" she pointed at him.
"I still smashed," Matt shrugged and jumped to the beat, causing the Gold team to look at him in surprise and get hyped. "...I still smashed, I still smashed, now you wild out!"
"No, the hell he didn't smash," Jungkook growled, narrowing his eyes at the screen.
“I beg your pardon!?” Jin barked.
Jennie felt high tension rising from the members as she cringed. 
Taehyung’s smile dropped and he glared at the TV after Matt said that. No one ever disrespects his best friend like this. That wasn’t cool of him to say. She was worth more than a simple “smash”.
Namjoon laughed dryly, he turned his head to Hobi. “Diss track?”
“Diss track. Diss track?” Hobi nodded and turned to Yoongi.
“Diss track,” the Daegu rapper confirmed in a lethal voice.
Matt was in for it now.
Fans and supporters of Jennie weren’t too pleased with Matt’s comments and even began calling him out on it:
‘No frickin way did he just say that!’
‘That was so disrespectful!’
‘I don’t like that he said that to her’
‘As if Jennie would sleep with him of all people!’
Zico tweeted, 'This man screwed up now...don't ever disrespect Miss Bangtan. #WildNOut'
“Trust me, I’m not going to let a man like him get away with that statement,” Jen responded.
Thinking quickly on her feet, determined to not stutter, Jennie dropped it down low, balancing nicely as she moved her hips, knees, and ass up and down to the beat of the song, distracting him as both teams yelled. Laughter around the studio rose in volume when she spoke. "Was it in though? Was it in though? Was it in though? Now you wild out!"
The boys laughed at her response and cheered. Yoongi chuckled and nodded in approval, impressed by her comment.
"When did you learn how to do that!?" Jin exclaimed, shocked at the way she twerked.
"I can twerk better than you, Jennie," Jungkook called out, making her laugh.
"Not you thinking you can out twerk Miss Bangtan," she giggled.
Fans watching loved her response and it seemed like Miss Walker was now Jennie's new nickname, especially if she was looking sexy or feeling herself. 
"Okay, I grabbed the closest person to me which was Desiigner for this, part," Jen explained.
Almost fumbling with his words, Matt managed to say, "M-my dick can definitely hit it right! And my tongue is better, my tongue is better, my tongue is better, now you wild out!"
Putting him out of his misery, Jennie grabbed onto Desiigner, letting him wrap an arm around her while she rocked to the beat with him. With Jungkook on her mind, she replied, "I've had better head, I've had better head, I've had better head, now you wild out!" 
The boys laughed again and cheered for her for winning the point for her team. Jungkook chuckled as he understood her response, feeling good about himself.
For the last segment, they watched as Nick began to diss Jennie.
"Uh. Clap your hands, y'all. Clap your hands, y'all. Yo, Miss Jennifer Walker, you a real big talker. After you left Amity, we forgot who you are. But don't worry, I'm sure Angelina can still make you a star,"
“I don’t like that,” Jin frowned.
Nick continued. "You left one group so when you leavin' the other one? You tend to do that when you not having any fun."
Taehyung grimaced at that. He hit below the belt. He didn’t think he could be on a show like this. It seemed like the cast members would say just anything for shock value. He didn't understand it.
"Ah, I feel weird," Jimin said with a hint of sadness while the rest agreed.
“It was all in good fun. We don’t take it, literally. I’m okay, guys. Don’t worry,” Jen reassured them.
Speaking her mind, Jennie went off. "Coming for me you must have a death wish. Bangtan is charting, where you at on the charts, bitch?"
“Ohhhhhhhh~!” the boys shouted.
Yoongi smirked in amusement. “That’s my smartie.”
“My girlfriend is the best,” Jungkook said proudly.
"I left for better opportunities, ones that SongStress couldn't give me," she went on. "I auditioned for something I love and Big Hit chose me,"
The boys whooped and applauded, “Suga hyung taught her well!” Jimin giggled.
Becky Robinson stepped up to represent the Gold team. "Jennie, sweetheart, get over here. Let me talk to you," she gestured to her as Jennie went back in front of her team. "Little miss high and mighty, the one that likes Nike. You say you can rap but I doubt that's likely."
“Whoa! Where did she come from?” Jin exclaimed.
Jennie grabbed the mic and spoke, "Correction, it's Miss Bangtan and yeah I'm the girl that loves Nike. I'm rapping right now and the chance of you winning ain't likely,"
"BTS, BTS, go back to them weird Asian boys. How the heck you go from Amity to trashier noise?" she questioned.
“Weird?! How are we weird?” Jimin wailed as the boys booed at her response.
“We’re cooler than her, it doesn’t matter,” Hobi brushed her comment aside.
“Trash?” Namjoon looked the most offended out of the boys.
“I defended our honor. Keep watching,” Jen replied.
"Weird?! Weird Asian boys!? BITCH!" Tim called out, ready to get involved in the freestyle. "Jennie, you got this or do you want me to go?"
Jennie turned to Tim and smiled in reassurance, telling him she got this, and turned back to Becky. "Bitch, I'll go back to my amazing Asian boys after I win this belt. You got three seconds to get the hell out of my face before you get a welt. Trashier noise? Girl, be for real. Compared to you, our music brings more appeal. You wouldn't last a day in Bangtan's shoes, let's make that clear. Bangtan is selling out venues faster than your career."
The members cheered at that and praised her again. She did a great job making sure no one got away with talking bad about them.
"Matt, your game is tired like Advil PM. I know I am desired but do me a favor and stop sliding in my DMs," she announced.
Matt nodded and spoke up, "Okay, I slid in your DMs but stop with the front. Stop being in denial with this reject Matt publicity stunt. I guarantee that after the show you'll be calling my phone. I meant what I said on Let Me Holla, so let me make your mind blown,"
"The fact that this dumbass thinks that her rejecting him is a publicity stunt is beyond me," Hobi spoke up.
Jen rolled her eyes. "Face it, just face it. You brainless, you brainless. You said your tongue is better but I think that's outrageous,"
"Outrageous? You know you want a demonstration! After that, you'll be asking for a bae-cation," he smiled confidently.
"Cute. DJ D-Wrek, can you cut the beat, real quick?" she requested as a series of oohs were heard. 
Angelina placed a hand over her heart, in surprise. "Nani!?" she exclaimed.
The boys watched in anticipation of what Jennie was going to say. Yoongi sat up, watching intently at how she was going to handle it.
"Hm. Okay..." Jen prepared her thoughts and looked directly at him. "Matt, get it through your thick skull that I don't want you. I am not Zendaya from Disney, I can punch the shit out of you," 
“That’s how you do it,” Jin nodded in approval as he read the Korean subtitles on the screen.
When they watched her speak in Korean the boys told her how much they appreciated her shouting them out.
Switching back to her native tongue, she put him out of his misery once and for all. "You ain't the first, you ain't the last but just know you will not be the one to smash. You might as well give up just like the others. All hot and bothered cause you can't get me under the covers. You only think with your second head so think of a new plan. But let's face it, Jennie don't want you, one minute man,"
The boys were no more good as they were falling out of their seats from laughter. There was no coming back from that. She handled herself well and she won the belt. They couldn’t wait to see it when she brought it to Seoul.
Fans were shooked that Jennie ended him and tweeted their support for her:
‘For K-ARMY and whoever else is confused, Thread on what One Minute Man stands for’
‘She ended his career lmao’
‘And I thought the Zendaya situation was worse lol’
'OMFSHSHSHAH ONE MINUTE MAN’
'LETHAL! JUST LETHAL! Do not piss off Miss Bangtan'
'911? Hi I would like to report a murder’
After the show, fans continued to clown Matt for getting rejected and were still upset over how he acted around Jennie.
Scrolling on Twitter, Jungkook saw that Matt had tweeted about Jennie.
'I still have hope that one of these days she’ll come around. I’ll wait for your text, Jennie. @BTS_twt’
Suddenly Bangtan’s Twitter got a new tweet submitted:
’@Mattrife if she said no once, respect it and do not ask again. Jennie will not be ur girlfriend. Take hint.’
Not expecting Bangtan to reply, fans began to freak out.
‘Wait is this real? Did someone really tweet this?’
‘WHO in BTS said it!?
'Who tf said this!?’
'Was it suga!?’
'Namjoon!?’
'AHHHHHH'
'WAIT WHAT’
'Who said this!?’
'Jennie are you seeing this??’
'who in BTS I-’
'I bet it was yoongi’
'Protection squad! Attack!’
'Bangtan don't play when it comes to Jennie. I love how they ride for her! Protect her at all costs!'
'Whoever spoke up against him, thank you!'
Matt replied, 'Whoa whoa. I meant no harm. I apologized. She and I are cool! Relax.'
Then the member revealed himself, breaking the internet,
'Good #V’
“Was that wise?” Hobi laughed.
"One of us was bound to say something," Namjoon added. "I was going to tweet too but he beat me to it,"
"He spoke what was on my mind. I just wished I tweeted first," Jungkook rubbed the back of his neck.
His feelings for wanting to go public with Jennie increased tenfold. He wanted everyone to know already so men could back off.
“Sorry, I was just angry. I had to tweet something out.” Taehyung responded. “I spoke on behalf of all of us,”
“He got the hint. Thanks, guys,“ Jennie thanked them for being protective. 
Fans reacted to Taehyung’s tweet in a highly positive way and #Taennie began to trend worldwide.
'OMG V!? V!? V TWEETED’
'TAENNIE IS REAL’
'OHHH BOY’
'wtf does this meannnnnn!? #Taennie’
'OMFG’
As promised, the rap line made a diss track in response to Matt which broke the internet even more as ARMY streamed it on SoundCloud and YouTube, clowning him even more.
------
As September continued to go by, Big Hit started to release the WINGS videos. Jungkook was first and then Jimin the following day. As the days went by, V’s video was released next. Although people were excited about the comeback, concerns traveled through the K-Pop community because Jen was still nowhere to be found. Soon after, allegations that she was not going to be a part of WINGS made people worried.
Once BTS’ Japanese album, Youth, was released, they saw on Genius that Jennie was credited for the guitar on the Introduction: Youth song which made some calm down. And then she was involved in the Japanese version of the songs. But after videos for Suga and Rapmon dropped, all hell broke loose with rumors. And an article from ALLKPOP dropped.
BREAKING! Jennie to leave BTS?!
Headlines of her leaving, not being in the comeback, and taking a break were in various articles that alarmed Armies.
With Jennie, waking up from her phone buzzing, she scrolled through Twitter to see what the ruckus was about.
"Not again...they get on my damn nerves. Just because I’m not with them lately means I’m leaving? Do they make up everything to get a reaction out of people?” she complained and went through the comments.
‘NO! SHE CAN’T LEAVE!’
‘JENNIE IS IN BANGTAN FOR LIFE WTF’
‘How!’
‘What is going on!?’
‘ahgjsgskhkhgs nooooooooooo! Please don’t tell me she’s leaving!’
‘Stop!’
‘I don’t believe this! Trust Jennie!’
‘I just woke up what the actual fuck is this!?’
‘Queen isn’t leaving! Don’t believe it!’
‘What is this?? What did she do? Why?? how??’
‘Not on my watch!’
‘Who do I have to kill!?’
‘Stupid allkpop! She’s not leaving!’
‘Go to JYP then!’
‘YG says hi!’
‘Starship says hi!!’
‘WTF!? NO!’
Her Instagram received a burst of comments with crying emojis, begging her to stay and so on as she shook her head. It was crazy how easy allkpop could turn things into shit.
‘we miss you jennie!’
‘Miss you so much!’
‘Come back and update!’
‘Is it true you’re leaving? What happened’
‘Whatever is going on, we’ll support you. Stay strong’
‘We’re waiting for you!’
‘Please take care of yourself’
‘Are you OK??’
‘Please don’t leave bts’
‘Jen are you still with BTS!?’
‘WHERE IS YOUR WINGS VIDEO?’
‘Guys...I’m fucking scared...she’s not answering! She hasn’t updated in a long time.’
On top of that, antis got into it and began spreading rumors that Jen was giving Big Hit a hard time, the company was not happy with her, and that she had a big fight with Bangtan. All a bunch of bull.
After a phone call from Big Hit to tell her they were handling the situation and to remain silent, Jen went to the BTS group chat and sent a screenshot of the ridiculous article.
Jen: LOL WTF? Why does everybody think I’m leaving???
Jimin: KEKEKEKE not this again
Namjoon: They love doing this during comeback season
V: You don’t get a break do u Ennie?
Jen: lol nope. Anyway, everything is cleared for the Visa. About damn time. I'm performing with Shawn Mendes in a few days and then I will be on my way back to Seoul. I'll c u guys soon~
She was received with happy emojis and full capital lettered sentences. They were just as excited as her to return.
-----------
On September 10th, Jennie was filmed for a Bangtan Bomb, making her way to NYC to perform with Shawn Mendes in Madison Square Garden. Recently she recorded her version of I Know What You Did Last Summer with Shawn which would be released soon. She hoped fans loved it. 
"Oh man, oh man, I am losing my mind. I am actually going to be performing with Shawn Mendes! THE Shawn Mendes! Ahhh~ a dream come true! And at Madison Square Garden!? An honor!" she beamed at the camera.
Hours before the show, she arrived, got ready, and hung out with Shawn, expressing her excitement for the performance. The two vibed like usual and were filmed for her Bangtan Bomb. The dress rehearsal went well and she patiently waited backstage with nervousness as the concert started.
"I'm like...shaking," she giggled and jumped around a little to calm herself as she was filmed. "I haven't performed in so long. My visa is finally fine and I will be going back to Seoul after this. But my goodness, performing after not performing on stage for a while is making me nervous. I hope my voice sounds well and it doesn't crack,"
On Stage, Shawn had just finished performing Kid in Love, as the loud crowd cheered for him. He stood on stage by a stand and had his guitar in his hands.
"Thank you! We have a special guest, tonight. Someone I am truly excited to be performing with. She is absolutely amazing at what she does and I'm happy I was able to get her to come here tonight. Give it up for Jennie of BTS!" Shawn proudly announced.
As soon as she walked out with a bright smile and a microphone in her hands, the crowd went crazy and cheered loudly for her. ARMY who were also Shawn Mendes fans attending the concert began freaking out and fan chanting BTS which caused Jennie to shout them out by pointing at them.
Fans tweet:
'Y'ALL I JUST LOST MY VOICE! Jennie is on stage with Shawn Mendes! There are a lot of ARMY in the crowd too freaking out!'
'I am at Shawn Mendes' concert and guess who came out to sing with him!? Jennie! Ahhhh I am so happy for her!'
'The girl with the guitar is here! She's here!'
'Guys Shawn said Jennie of BTS to announce her! So that is a GOOD sign that she is still in BTS! Trust Jennie!'
"Hi, Madison Square Garden! How we feelin'?!" Jennie beamed and got cheers in response. "Thank you! Wow, I am so excited to be here! It's an honor to be standing on stage with an artist I have admired for a long time, now. Shawn, thank you so much for inviting me here,"
"Thank you for being here with me," he smiled. "Jennie and I have been talking ever since we met at the Billboard Awards. And we thought this song would be perfect to sing together on tour. I hope you enjoy it!"
As soon as he started strumming the first notes of I Know What You Did Last Summer, the audience screamed as she began singing and moving to the music.
Ah-ah, hey-hey
Ah-ah, ah-ah
Ah-ah, hey-hey
Ah-ah, ah-ah
"He knows," she began to sing to loud cheers as reality hit her that was finally performing with Shawn. A big smile came across her face as she continued, "Dirty secrets that I keep. Does he know it's killing me? He knows, he knows. D-d-does he know. Another's hands have touched my skin? I won't tell him where I've been. He knows, he knows, he knows," 
It's tearing me apart
She's slipping away (I'm slipping away)
As soon as the crowd heard them sing together, they continued to freak out at how nice it sounded, loving their chemistry. Their voices blended so well and she made the song her own as she chose not to replicate Camila's version.
I know what you did last summer (ah-ah)
Just lied to me, "There's no other" (hey-hey)
I know what you did last summer
Tell me where you've been
She started dancing and swaying on stage, having fun as he would occasionally look over at her and smile. There were a bunch of times they'd meet each others' gaze and smile as they performed, moving together to the music.
Can't seem to let you go
Can't seem to keep you close
"Hold me close," she sang as they were at the bridge.
The audience was impressed by how she'd crescendo the lyrics as they sang together. And fell in love with her amazing run as she did the high note.
After they finished the song by singing "I know," together, loud screams and cheers were heard.
"Woo!" Shawn grinned as he went on to embrace her as she giggled, proud of their performance.
She did it. She sang and performed with Shawn Mendes. And this would not be the last time.
"You did amazing! Thank you for being here!" he said in her ear and pulled away.
"Thank you for having me! This was so fun!" she grinned.
"Give it up for Jennie of BTS!" Shawn cheered as she got a loud and warm reception from the audience.
"Thank you, New York!" she bowed and waved.
After performing, she stayed to watch the rest of the show, vibing to his performances. After the show, they took photos together and he posted them on Twitter and Instagram.
'A dream come true to be able to perform with you! Thank you for coming, Jennie! I Know What You Did Last Summer featuring Jennie of BTS will be out September 16th!'
Camila Cabello tweeted, 'Jennie~! You did amazing! So happy for you and Shawn for performing!'
Fans tweet:
'I loveee her energy! She is so cute!'
'JENNIE AND SHAWN~!! I AM NOT OKAY EMOTIONALLY!'
'We finally getting a collab! ARMY we gotta stream!'
'They looked like they had a lot of fun out there! I love how they looked at each other!'
'THEY KILLED THAT SHIT!'
'They may not be dating but their chemistry is off the charts! I love how they looked at each other while performing'
'Their voices fit SO well together omfg! Jennie is so good at harmonizing with people!'
'They need to record more songs together!'
'They sound just like the studio version! No autotune or anything needed! Just vibes! I love it!'
--------
When Jennie arrived at Incheon International Airport, news spread quickly about her arrival as fansites and Dispatch were crowded around, waiting for her return. Diana walked with Jennie who still had her wig on with a black beanie. Along with a small bookbag against her back, Jennie had the Wild N Out title over her shoulder.
As soon as fans caught sight of her, screams and cheers surrounded the airport as she smiled at the warm welcome. She waved and then raised the belt high in the air in victory.
"Your champion~!" Jen said proudly.
"You are so extra," Diana chuckled at her goofy antics.
Fans tweet:
‘GUYS!! Jennie is back in Korea! #ShesBack’
'The Visa issue has been settled!'
‘omgomgomg sksksksksjsfhs QUEEN IS BACK!! #ShesBack’
‘Queen looks so happy! Look at that smile!’
‘Lmaooooo MOOD!’
‘Raise that title high and proud!’
'I would raise that title too after embarrassing Matt Rife on TV lmfao'
Arriving at the dorm, she was excited to see the boys as they swarmed her into a big group hug. The hug got so intense that they all fell on the floor. Extra. All of them were. A warm welcome she expected nothing less from the boys. It made coming back to Seoul better. When she was finally back on her feet, Hobi pushed through and showered her with multiple kisses on her cheek.
“We missed you so much!” he yelled excitedly.
Jungkook watched as his hyungs kept trying to hog her and whined, “Can I finally hug her now?”
He tried to play it cool but deep down he wanted to bounce around the walls that Jennie was finally back in Seoul. Back home with BTS. Back home with him.
Yoongi chuckled. “Let’s let the kids have their moment,”
“Do you guys have to stare at us?” Jungkook began to blush, feeling shy as the boys started teasing them.
“I want to see a kiss!” Jimin demanded.
Rolling his eyes, Jungkook gently grabbed Jen’s hand and started walking in the direction of her bedroom.
“Hey! Don’t take her away!” Jin complained.
Ignoring him, Jungkook went into her room with her. After almost closing the door, leaving it cracked, he sighed out of relief and pulled her in for a tight embrace. His arms were wrapped securely around her waist as she rested her head against his chest.
“I’ve missed you so much.” He said. “Welcome back.”
“I missed you too,”
“Are you tired?” he cupped her face. 
Feeling her nod as the jetlag was getting to her, he picked her up bridal style. Walking over to the bed, he laid her down gently under the covers and got in the covers, beside her.
“Sorry...I wanted to try to stay awake,” she murmured sleepily.
“Rest. We’ll catch up when you’re awake,” he said softly and kissed the side of her head. 
He held her close to his chest and occasionally watched her sleep with a smile. Feeling movement on the bed, he turned his head to see Tony.
“Guess whose home, Tony?” he said softly as the dog looked excited.
Being well mannered, he did not bark to wake her up and chose to lay next to his parents.
A few hours later, Jennie began to stir in her sleep and opened her eyes to find herself in Jungkook's arms along with Tony resting next to them. She smiled at their sleeping forms and then moved closer to Jungkook’s face to kiss his nose. She giggled softly at the way he scrunched up his nose. It was cute. Soon his eyes were open.
“Hey, you,” she greeted softly.
“Hey, you,”
Leaning forward, she kissed him gently which turned into multiple short kisses against his soft lips. She used a hand to cup his face while hovering over him, to deepen the kiss as they made up for the lack of kisses over the several weeks away.
Suddenly Tony barked and jumped over them.
“Aw Tony,” Jungkook groaned, making Jennie laugh and get off him.
“Tony~! I’m home!” she grinned.
The couple watched as Tony waggled his tail happily. Jumping all over Jennie he licked her all over her face, happy that she was back in Seoul.
After playing with Tony, and cleaning her face, Jennie rested in bed with Jungkook. He listened to her talk about what was going on at home and how fun it was performing with Shawn. However, once he ran a hand over her hair, he noticed something...off.
“Something is wrong,” he murmured.
“What are you talking about?” she furrowed her eyebrows as they sat up in bed.
“It feels weird. Your hair feels weird,”
“What are you talking about it feels weird?”
“Your hair is not like this. Are you wearing a wig?”
How the heck did he know this quickly? Out of all the members too.
“No,” she firmly answered.
Jungkook stared at her suspiciously and raised an eyebrow.
“Kookie, stop looking at me like that. I’m not wearing a wig. The heck are you talking about?”
“This is a lace front,” he confirmed, staring at the top of her head. The beanie she had on was taken off before she slept.
“What you know about a lace front? There is no lace. This is all natural,”
“You taught me about wigs, remember? It looks exactly how you described it,”
“Did not,”
“Did too,“
"Did not,”
“Did too. 2014. American Hustle Life. When my team tried to pick up girls for the music video and saw some with wigs. I asked you,”
‘This man...’ she thought as he continued to pester her about it.
Perhaps she shouldn’t have educated him on that if her secret was going to backfire.
“Let me see,” he went on.
“See what?”
“Come on, I won’t tell, anyone. Please?”
“There is nothing to see,”
“I bet your hair has a new hair color under there. That’s the only reason why you’d wear a wig,”
“Um, no,”
“Um, yes,”
“Um, no,”
“Um yes. Come on! Show me!”
“There is nothing to see!”
“Baby~!” he whined.
“Oh my God...”
“Show meeeeeeee~!”
“What part of there is nothing to see don’t you understand? Damn!”
“If you don’t show me, I will tickle you,” he threatened in a playful tone, which alarmed her slightly.
“Jungkook! There is nothing to see!”
“Strike one.”
“Oh my gosh, you are doing the absolute most, right now!”
“Are you going to show me?”
“There is nothing to show!”
"Strike two.”
“Strike two-babe I have nothing to show you! Why don’t you believe me!?”
“Last warning.”
“Don’t do it. This is my real hair! I tried a new hair product but it just made it feel a little weird. I don’t think I’ll be using the product, again. Can you stop giving me that look? Stop staring at me like that. I’m serious, it’s just the new hair stuff.” she moved across the bed to try to get away from him.
“Okay,” Jungkook lunged at her, making her shriek. He then began to tickle her sides as she laughed out loud, squirming under him. “You gonna show me, now?”
“S-STOP-HAHAHA,”
She managed to push him off and she rolled out of the bed, landing on the floor. Jungkook rolled off the bed too and crawled after her, attempting to grab her leg to pull her back. Evading his attempt, she flipped away and stood up.
Grabbing the nearest stuffed animal, she threw it at him and he caught it with ease. Standing up, Jungkook tossed the stuffed animal aside and began walking towards her. Jen started backing up while throwing various stuffed animals at him while he remained unphased and let them hit his chest like it was nothing.
“Kook, I am warning you, right now,” she laughed, slapping his hands that were trying to grab her.
Deciding to use her charm, she pulled him in for a smooch to distract him. Once he kissed her back, her hands roamed down to the bottom of his shirt. She then lifted her knee against his stomach, making him lean forward which led her to pull his shirt over his head. Once she saw he was stuck, she ran away.
“See ya!” she yelled out with giggles.
“No fair!” he shouted, struggling to get out of the shirt.
Once he did, he tossed the shirt on her bed and remained in his basketball shorts. Jungkook walked out of the room and scanned the hallway. She was hiding somewhere.
“Jagi, where’d you go?” he called out.
He checked the closets, the other bedrooms, the tables, and the couch. But she was nowhere to be found.
“I guess I’ll eat some of these smarties!” he shouted out, anticipating her to freak out.
But nothing.
Hearing footsteps, he turned his head to see her running back to her room. High on her tail, he caught the door before she slammed it shut. The female member laughed as he walked into her room and shut the door behind him.
“Gotcha,” he grinned victoriously.
“Not quite,” she answered, evading his attempt to grab her again.
This time, she decided to use some of her self defense moves and tripped him down on the carpet for a smooth takedown. Falling on top of him, she straddled him and pinned him down.
“Gotcha,” she mocked him.
Jungkook became Jungshooked at how easily she pinned him down and deep down he enjoyed the position of her on top of him. Lowkey, it was a position he hoped to see more intimately, one day.
"This is a nice view," he grinned, glancing at the position they were in.
"S-shut up!" her face felt flushed.
For revenge for tickling her earlier, she decided to tickle him as the two went on a laughing fit, rolling around on the floor in a tickle fight. After they were done, they sat on the floor and she decided to show him her hair as long as he would treat her to the noodles she liked.
"You serious?” he grinned. “That is all I have to do?”
“Yeah. Just...close your eyes first, okay?” she requested.
He closed his eyes. “What color?"
“You’ll see in a bit,”
Carefully removing the secured wig and wig cap, she unbraided her red hair. She looked at Jungkook who waited patiently with a smile.
Was he going to like her hair like this?
“O-okay. Open,”
Slowly opening up his eyes, he stared at her hair in admiration.
“Is it bad?” she looked concerned at how he sat there unable to say anything. 
His doe eyes were enlarged and his lips parted slightly.
“No! No way! It looks amazing! Red!? It suits you, well! Wow...you’re so beautiful,” he smiled, placing a hand against her cheek.
“Thanks, Kookie.”
“Am I the only one who knows?”
“And Diana, Angelina and my family. The rest of the guys don’t know, yet. I’m going to wear my wig until Big Hit drops my video so they can all be shooked,”
“I can't wait to see their reactions,”
-------
After J-Hope and Jin had their videos released, the members celebrated Namjoon’s birthday. Jennie with Jimin’s assistance made him a Ryan themed cake.
When they presented it to him, Namjoon looked like a kid on Christmas and began happily jumping up and down. He then let out a loud scream of excitement, which had Jennie dying of laughter with the rest of the boys.
For a prank, she and Hobi thought it would be a good idea to show an old video for his birthday. Getting the rest of the members into it, they began to film Namjoon about to walk into a room.
“Hey, wait a moment. Wait,” Hobi said with Namjoon who had a blindfold on.
“I can’t believe you baked him a Ryan cake,” Suga chuckled. “It’s cute,”
“I tried my best. It looks pretty good so I can’t wait to eat a slice,” Jen said.
“Everything you bake is good so I have no doubt, smartie,”
“Oh you,” she smiled. “Jimin helped me. He deserves credit, too. You did a wonderful job helping me, Chim,”
“Thanks, Ennie! It was fun baking. I hope you like it hyung,” Jimin said.
“Namjoon, expect something good,” Hobi announced.
“What? What is it?” Namjoon asked.
“Expect something good. We prepared it for you,” Jin added.
“Let’s open the door,” V said.
“Just what on earth are you guys doing?” Namjoon questioned.
“We’re going in, we’re going in,” Hobi announced as they all walked into the room to reveal Tears of School playing on the TV. A song performed by Jin, Suga, and Namjoon before debut.
“Hey, where are we going?” Namjoon asked. Once he was told to take off his made, he almost cussed. "Oh man sh-"
The leader immediately covered his face in embarrassment while everyone laughed around him.
“Just for you,” Suga said.
“We did this along with the video,” Hobi revealed.
“Hey! Wait a second! AHHHHH!” Namjoon yelled, covering his face again.
Jennie and Hobi high fived each other. Mission accomplished.
After celebrating Rapmon’s birthday, JenKook spent the rest of the day playing video games in her room. Soon after, they went to watch some Family Guy episodes, with Korean subtitles for Jungkook, while sitting up against her bed. 
While Jen was immersed in the show, Jungkook began to think about the conversation he had with Rapmon. When he told him about wanting to take the next step with Jennie. Jungkook thought of bringing it up now but he wondered how he should say it.
“You all right?” Jen asked, noticing his deep in thought facial expression.
“Just a lot on my mind, that’s all,”
“What’s up?”
He let out a sigh and turned to her. “I...I want to talk to you about something,”
“What is it?”
“I’ve been...I’ve been thinking...about you, lately,”
She smiled at his words. “I’ve been thinking about you, too,”
“Like...more than usual,”
“So have I,” she chuckled, wondering what he was getting at.
She hadn’t seen him in several weeks, of course, he was on her mind.
“I get that but the way that I have been thinking about you...I dunno if it’s how you’re thinking about me,” he responded with a serious expression.
His intense look made her face warm up as she managed to hold his gaze.
“How have you been thinking about me?”
“You and I together. On the bed. Doing a lot more than just cuddling.”
Jennie felt a strong sensation between her legs and squirmed slightly as she thought about having her first time with him. Something she had thought of as well.
“I want us to take our relationship to the next level. Only if you’re ready,” he went on. “I want to show you how much I love you and make you feel good. I’ve been thinking about making you feel good for a while now. You just...drive me a little crazy sometimes,”
‘You drive me a little crazy too,’ she thought as her face felt flushed. She wanted to say it out loud but she didn’t trust her voice at the moment.
“I want you to tell me when you’re ready. Take all the time you need. I want you to say it out loud that you’re ready for the next step. I’ll wait. As long as I have to. Don’t feel like you need to give me an answer now, Jagi. I just wanted to be honest about how I’ve been feeling about you, lately. I hope I...didn’t make you uncomfortable,” he rubbed the back of his neck, cheeks getting pink.
“No,” she said and shook her head. “You didn’t make me uncomfortable,”
“That’s a relief to hear,”
“I’m glad we’re talking about this. I want to be honest, too,”
He nodded, awaiting what she had to say. It felt good to be open about this topic.
“Occasionally I’d think about it, too. Like what if we were to have sex?" she said. "I think my biggest worry is if I’ll be able to satisfy you, well. I don’t want to do a bad job or something. I know what to do and all. It’s just...I don’t want you to be anticipating it and when it happens it’s disappointing,”
That surprised him. He didn’t think she would worry about something so silly like that. Did she not know the effect she had on him mentally and physically? She didn’t have to worry about a thing when it comes to satisfying him.
“You won’t,” he guaranteed.
“How can you be so sure?”
“I feel like making love to the person you love is one of the greatest things ever. No matter what we do, it’s going to feel right. Especially when we’re so comfortable around each other. You don’t need to worry about anything. I’m pretty eager to learn more about you in that way. When you’re ready for me,”
She chuckled lightly and nodded, feeling at ease from his words.
“Sometimes I get worried, too,” he admitted. “Will I be able to get you there and make sure to perform well for you? It’s my first time too so I want to do the best I can. And make sure you’re not in any pain,”
“You will. Because I love you,”
He smiled. “I love you, too. We’ll take it slow,”
“Yeah. Let’s take our time. I know when it’s with you I shouldn’t have to worry about a thing. I know you will make me feel amazing and we’ll learn together about ourselves in an intimate way. When I’m ready, I will let you know. Verbally. I’ll say it with confidence,”
He smirked softly and nodded. “Okay, baby girl.”
After kissing her forehead, he left the room to take a shower. Jennie exhaled and laid on her back across the bed.
“Losing our virginities to each other. He wants to make love to me,” she smiled softly, thinking about their conversation as she looked up at the ceiling.
She wondered when she would be ready to give herself to him.
-------
The following day, Big Hit finally released her WINGS 8 video. Along with that, Jennie returned to social media after being given the OK by Big Hit. She posted a photo of herself looking into the mirror with her two personas.
The caption she wrote for her photo was, ‘Did I do the right thing? #Wings #DidYouMissMe’
Twitter blew up when everything dropped. From her hair to her being a part of the comeback, it was an exciting day for ARMY.
Fans Tweet:
‘Big Hittttttt! We have been waiting for this woman!’
‘Bighit has answered our prayers!’
‘FUCK!’
‘AHHHHHHHHH’
‘HOLY SHIT AGSHFHS’
‘Did she do the right thing!? I AM DEAD! She’s still here! I’m so happy!’
‘It’s happening! It’s happening! Everyone stay calm!’
‘THIS IS NOT A DRILL! Jennie’s hair is RED! I REPEAT! Jennie’s hair is RED!’
‘Your hair!!! Omg’
‘She finally dyed her hair!’
‘JENNIE!!! OH MY GOD!’
‘BIGHIT WHY YOU DO DIS TO MEHHHH’
‘It has been 84 years! She finally dyed her hair!’
‘If Jennie dyed her hair, you know this comeback is about to be LIT!’
‘GUYS...SHE DYED HER HAIR! SOMETHING BIG IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN!’
‘Big Hit you waited until the wings era to dye her hair!?’
'SHES COMING!'
‘I need to know if she killed her ex in that video! So many questions left unanswered!’
'Who found Jennie at the airport!? Who!? Was it the police!? Was it her ex!? Is he still alive!? I am losing it here!'
‘Where are the people making theories? I need to know everything about Jennie’s video!’
Even her idol friends freaked out over her concept video and photos and cheered for her on social media, which made her heart soar.
While Jennie chilled in the smartie factory, taking a break from writing lyrics, she heard loud yelling from the guys and it seemed to get closer to her studio.
She picked up bits and pieces like "hair”, “red” and a series of “ohmyGods” as she laughed.
It looked like the boys watched her video. As if on cue, Jin, Jimin, Hobi, and V barged in and swarmed her with questions. And once they saw that she was no longer in her wig but with her natural hair in red, they yelled with joy.
“So, it is real!? You dyed your hair for the comeback!?” Jimin asked excitedly.
“Uh huh! You like it?” she beamed as V continued to look speechless. “Uh...V? You okay?”
“It looks so cool! Can I touch it?” he asked.
“Aye, aye, don’t touch it,” she leaned back to avoid his eager hands.
He giggled. “Sorry. I just love it so much. And guess what? No more memes about your hair being dyed,”
She chuckled at the thought. He was correct. As many times as the fanbase clowned her for not changing her hair color. 
Jin was bewildered that her hair was now a different color. He and the rest have gotten so used to her natural color that they thought she would never change it. He stared, admiring the color.
“When did you do this?” he asked.
“Before I came back to Seoul. Even before the Wild N Out taping. I’ve been wearing a wig this whole time,” she grinned.
“Wow~! I did not notice at all. The wig looked so real,” Hobi replied.
On Twitter, some of the members tweeted about her first new hair color,
'ARMY Jennie finally dyed her hair! RED! REEEEEEEEEEEEED #V’
'Does this mean you will be Lita when we wrestle again? You’re still going to lose sweetheart #Jin’
'Red suits you smartie. #Yoongi’
'My eyes aren’t deceiving me, are they? Beautiful hair #RM’
Even Shawn Mendes had to tweet about it. 'Wow! Red hair! I am ready! #Wings’
Jennie smiled at the positive reactions and tweeted, 'LOL. I’m glad you guys like the new hair color. Long overdue, huh? #Jen’
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meimi-haneoka · 1 year
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Cardcaptor Sakura Clear Card Chapter 74: Comments + JP-ENG translation differences
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Here we are, welcome back everyone!! End of the month, time for another chapter leading us into this exciting finale for Cardcaptor Sakura Clear Card!! I want to start this post with a little foreword before diving into the chapter itself and the eventual translation differences ✨ I just wanted to say that I write this post with a sense of pride but also with even more sense of responsability compared to the previous months. You've probably stumbled upon my recent report of the latest CLAMP Space, where the authors have talked about CCS Clear Card, and their support/blessing to "people addressing the translation differences in their monthly posts on their blog, because they felt uncomfortable about them". Although they never straight up gave names, I certainly feel like they were talking about blogs like mine. And so I'm humbled (and even a little nervous) to be able to keep doing this, since I've wondered multiple times if it was even proper for me to write these posts every month, as if I was leading a crusade against the official English translation. In fact, I'm not. And I hope that's clear enough. When the ENG translation respects the vibe and original intention coming out from sensei's words in the manga panels, like this time around, I always make sure to say positive things about it. But try to understand me, the irritation runs deep because these are years of translation differences accumulating and at times even changing the perception of the story. And then, you stumble upon English speaking fans on the internet who got the gist of the story wrong or disrespecting/failing to appreciate it because of such translation mistakes (we go from Sakura calling Syaoran "Li-kun" in one of the earliest volumes, to Kaito saying that he wanted to give magic to Akiho, wtf??). And I think it's such a pity. It's not fair. The fandom deserves to know what the script is trying to say with a meaning as closer as possible to the original one. I hope I'll be able to help in that regard, for what's in my possibility and with my limited skills, till Clear Card will be over. ✨
OKAY, now let's cut the chatter and see what happened in this chapter!! I'm happy to say that this time around, translation-wise, we don't have anything impairing the correct understanding of the plot, just nuances! As usual, before starting, we can't skip the gif of the month!!
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The Color Page
Oh my gosh! Sakura! You look amazing here!!! Such a fierce stare!! She looks just like a powerful and respected magician and OMG THEY GAVE HER A BLACK OUTFIT!! JUST LIKE I'VE BEEN ASKING EVER SINCE THE BEGINNING! I don't know, maybe the veteran followers of this blog can remember, but I've always wished to see Sakura in a black costume/dress in Clear Card 😊 She looks stunning...and what's more, she's once again with the gears and clocks decorations, just like in the period of the Clockland play. But, heheh, this time the clock looks different. The big clocks that were featured during the Clockland chapters (with Sakura + Syaoran, Akiho and lastly Kaito) were often "strange". They all had the same design, the one with SyaoSaku was "regular", but the ones next to Akiho and Kaito had their numbers either in messed up order, or straight up wrong (what kind of clock got '0' as the only number?). I had already assumed by then that they had a significance we had to decode along the development of the finale. This one in this color page, however, really looks like the most classical clock with roman numerals. The order of the numbers and their position seems correct. So could this be a sign that Sakura is about to restore order into this mess that Kaito's desperate wish created? The text on the JP version is the classic incantation to release the Dream staff from the key (we haven't heard it in a looooong time because she manifests her staff immediately, by now!) I also want to point out that we *still* don't have any announcement of "Clear Card ending in next chapter" or "Clear Card ends in 2 chapters!" like it's custom in these serializations, so I can say with confidence that Sakura won't surely be over in chapter 75 (at the beginning of July) but probably not even in chapter 76 (at the beginning of August). Are they aiming at chapter 77 (beginning of September)? Double 7, it's a lucky number for CLAMP ✨ For those worried about "3 chapters aren't enough to finish this!!", please consider that it's not so much about the number of chapters, but the amount of pages. This chapter for example is already longer than usual, 35 pages. That's what really matters, and we could get even an epilogue or some additional pages in the volume version! And now onto to the actual chapter!
An Important Discussion
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Yukito, Nakuru and Touya are leisurely spending time at Yukito's home, with a funny scene of Yukito feeding some mikan to Nakuru (and she seems delighted by the cozyness of Japanese kotatsu!). Suddenly, Touya announces that Sakura is coming over. Yukito worries about how it's getting dark and that maybe it'd be better to go pick her up along the way, but a grumpy Touya says there's no need for that: along with Sakura are also coming Syaoran, Akiho and even Tomoyo. Yukito and Nakuru can't help but being surprised, and Nakuru wonders "The all-stars are coming? What's going on?" 😂 I found so hilarious the use of the term "all-stars", which in Japanese usually indicates a whole cast of a performance composed of famous actors, and sometimes it's applied to sports team too. But the room temperature drops immediately when Yukito looks at Touya, with a very pensive face, and it's immediately clear that something serious happened and Sakura is coming to discuss that. Touya might not know exactly what, but as we can see, he's already got a feeling.
Sakura and the kids arrive, apologizing for coming so suddenly, and they sit down, all with very serious faces (save for Tomoyo. Tomoyo never loses her calm composure 😆). Sakura starts dropping the bomb immediately: "I want to talk to you about something very weird" and "I want everyone who knows about the Cards and magic to hear this". Sakura is dead serious, and she informs Syaoran (sitting at her left side) that she's just told everything to Akiho shortly ago. She also tells Kero and Suppy to come out of her purse, for the second time (since the first was halted by the rewriting of the forbidden magic) putting an end to the farce of Kero constantly needing to act like a plushie in front of Touya!! Remember when the fandom used to point out that it was weird that Kero kept hiding from Touya, despite saying himself at the end of the Sakura Card Arc (after Touya gave his powers to Yue/Yukito) that he was perfectly aware that Touya knew everything about them? That really felt like a "plot hole" (maybe at this point the only REAL plot hole) for the longest time, and I am honest when I say that I had already given up hoping to see an explanation for it, wanting to treat it like a "glitch" in the narrative and using suspension of disbelief to overcome it! Well well well, CLAMP surprised me again! Cause in this chapter they actually tried to give an explanation to that "discrepancy"! And of course, being this about Kero, the explanation is rather silly (confession - I didn't understand Kero's reasoning very well, but I'll give my interpretation of what he said): Kero saw that even after that event, Touya didn't try to interact with him and thought that maybe he didn't consider him a cute and gorgeous magical creature, but rather something else....(was he butt-hurt?) Suppy of course is spitting fire cause why the heck did we need to keep pretending to be plushies?? and Kero's reply is "Because I thought it'd be fun pretending to be plushies together when you came over!". Now, if you remember how difficult and taxing it was for Suppy to force himself to stay still, you can understand why he's so mad! 😂 Touya says, quite annoyed, that he simply didn't try to interact with him because he thought that Kero was getting a kick out of acting like a plushie! I feel like sensei have quite reached and almost broke the 4th wall with this scene, because Sakura here says something that I'm pretty sure many of us have thought in regard to this "discrepancy": "I did wonder at some point why you kept that up despite I was telling you multiple times that I had the feeling my brother was onto you". And it's true, we've seen that in volume 4! Well, to me it felt like a stretch, but eventually we got an explanation for that situation so I guess it's better to leave it behind us! 😂
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Cause we have more important matters at hand. Sakura places her phone on the table, showing Eriol & Kaho in videocall!! NOW all the "stars" of this show are present! 😂 So Sakura starts her recount of the most recent events, saying "It's really weird...but I swear it happened". After everyone listened to Sakura, of course they're all surprised. Nakuru wonders if there's any magician who can really have the power to "rewrite" a world...Eriol says that as far as he's heard, there isn't any magician among the living ones who has that degree of power. However, if said magician had access to a "medium" able to use the "forbidden magic", then it's another story. And that's the Book Sakura told them about. Sakura confirms that the one who told her all of this is the Guardian of the book herself. And then, to Akiho: "The plushie shaped like a bunny that you cherished so much was the temporary form of that Guardian. You named her 'Momo' ". Here I have to point out that the way the ENG translated it infers that Akiho remembers about Momo ("You know that stuffed bunny you loved so much?"), but actually in the JP version it's mostly Sakura informing Akiho that she used to cherish a bunny-shaped plushie, cause Akiho has no recollection of it. In fact, right after, she answers "But that's the title of a book I really love so much!". THERE IT IS! I've mentioned this many times in my social media accounts, and even lately in my "literary references" post here on Tumblr, but it turns out this simple answer by Akiho kinda confirms that she might really have named Momo after that book. And it's not only a beloved book because of its story, but also the one she was reading when she met Kaito for the first time. I've always thought that having her most beloved plushie named that way, and having precisely that book when they met for the first time couldn't have been unrelated. So I'm really happy for this scene here and I hope it'll get eventually confirmed better later.
Sakura takes Akiho's hands (she'll do that a lot this chapter and I simply love it) and reassures her about something that I was SURE she was going to say:
JP: "The fact that we became twins is an effect of the rewritten (world), but the fact that you are an important person to me didn't change at all, Akiho-chan"
I've preferred putting the JP version here because once again we have the usual stuff that I complain about lately: Sakura in JP used 大切なひと (important person) to describe her relationship with Akiho, and this is absolutely coherent with all the previous times. In ENG they used "you're special to me", but the adjective "special" in Japanese (特別な) in relation to a person has been consistently used in the latest chapters to describe the person Sakura is in love with (and not only Sakura). So they shouldn't have used that adjective in particular. They should stick to the literal translation. Especially cause that "special person" will come up in a few pages. I know I sound pedantic with this separation between "important person" and "special person", but I mean, CLAMP sensei are consistently keeping that distinction so I'm convinced the translation should do its best to keep it, because it's a guide to lead the readers among the relationships of CCS. Which sometimes can be quite complex.
Touya teases Sakura again with the sis-con joke, and Yukito teases him back by saying "Are you talking about yourself now?" (I love how Yukito always teases the big and grumpy Touya 😂they're really made for eachother). Tomoyo comments that it's been "a sight for sore eyes" (the term used in JP is 眼福, ganpu, and it's used when you see something precious) to see Sakura in the role of the big sister and Akiho in the one of the little sister. Akiho is moved by the fact that, despite everyone knowing the truth now, nobody shunned her or rejected her presence, and exactly like I imagined, I'm 100% sure Sakura will keep thinking about her as a sister (not a blood-related sister maybe, but surely with the same importance of one) even after everything will be solved later. Cause the bond between her and Akiho was never a fabricated thing, but always been genuine from day 1. Even if they got close in such a short period of time, it's just what happens normally in real life too. Sometimes you bond very tightly with people over a short period of time, cause you feel you're so compatible.
So Sakura continues. She says that for this reason, she wants to bring (someone) back. She's convinced that what the Record Card showed to her is not everything. She feels like there is someone who is missing from both what the Record Card had shown to her and from this rewritten world as well. Syaoran is confused, "they're missing, and yet you're sure they're there?". Sakura understands that confusion and says "It's weird, right? I can't really explain how I know it, but I just do." And then, towards Akiho: "That person....is your special person, Akiho-chan". There it is, the infamous "special person" again. It's clear what Sakura is meaning here. "This is the person you're in love with, Akiho-chan". Of course Akiho's face cannot be any other than a dismayed one at hearing that. And then the pain comes, all at once, piercing her heart and leaving her speechless. Sakura says that the Record Card wasn't showing anyone with Akiho in one of the scenes, and yet she saw her extremely happy. That was enough for Sakura to know that someone was indeed there with Akiho.
I'm Always Searching For Someone
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We're shown one of the most important scenes for anyone liking Akiho and Kaito (and their bond), the night that Akiho was so brave to confess her feelings to him through a covert (and very local) way, claiming that "the moon is really beautiful". And in the same occasion he accepted to spend some time strolling and talking to her. It was clear from the moment that scene happened that it would've become important later. And the readers who know what happened and what we lost are feeling probably the same pain Akiho is feeling right now, only that she's unaware of what is causing it. Akiho says "I'm really happy to live with you, Sakura, and everyone in the Kinomoto household, but...I've been in pain. Because I'm always looking for someone who's not there...". So Akiho did feel the effects of that void. The void that only your most important person can leave when they're gone. It's just that, we've seen her being so happy with her "new" family, and yet exactly like most of the fandom imagined, that didn't really work to fill the void Kaito left. It's impossible to fill that void because that person is just irreplaceable. This scene of course stabbed my heart but I had imagined that we would've seen it sooner or later. Sakura gets more confident with the confession of what Akiho's been feeling, and tells her that she thinks the one she didn't want to lose and the one who rewrote their world are the same person. "So I'm going to bring them back". Sakura announces with a smile, but Kero just wonders in dismay how she's going to do that. Sakura believes that the pocket watch in Akiho's possession will show her how. As if on cue, Akiho takes it out of her purse and places it on the table in front of Sakura's phone, where Eriol and Kaho can see it. They recognize it's a magical artifact specialized in time magic, but they also recognize that in order for a magician to be able to use it, they would need to have a tremendous amount of magical powers. Akiho suddenly panics. It dawns on her. I think the mental connection she's made is "if Sakura wants to use this to bring my special person back, she would need to achieve an amount of magical powers that could put her in harm's way". Aside, of course, from all the other dangers that a "mission" like that could pose to our heroine. And of course she'd never be okay with that. But Sakura reassures her. "You aren't making me. I want to." Sakura explains that both when she was dealing with the Clow Cards (and we see a scene of the Final Judgement, the one where Kaho gives her the Moon Bell) and when she was transforming them into her own Cards (they show us a scene from the last battle with Eriol), she was able to overcome her troubles thanks to all of the people who loved her and cared about her.
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Sakura, JP: "Therefore I want to do what I can for my important person, too"
Again the use of 大切なひと (important person) in relation to Akiho. I think this panel in particular is pretty important (and the big font indeed suggests so). I feel like it's the core, the heart of Clear Card Arc. Sakura, whom until now was accustomed to be cherished and pampered in a protected environment by her loved ones, is starting to take the first steps towards self-assertiveness and maturity. Sometimes those loved ones would overdo it with the loving, and ended up depriving her of her own agency. Sakura is finding herself, she's starting to trust her instincts and capabilities more and more, and that leads inevitably to a question: "what do I want to do with these gifts life gave me and blessed me with? What can I do to give back to the Universe all this love I'm receiving?" Searching for her self-identity will inevitably make her step out of her comfort zone. She'll take risks. Even on herself. She'll need to assess situations, make decisions. And here she decided that she wants to use her natural gift (her magical powers) to help someone in need. Someone important to her. Someone dear who lost someone irreplaceable and lacks the means to bring him back. Sakura decides to step in, help her "sister", doing exactly what she herself told her during last chapter: if I happen to be good at something that you can't do, I'll help you out. That's the beauty of being all unique and different.
I've seen people often wondering what's the purpose of Clear Card Arc, if we really needed to this arc and such. Well, to me the answer was made manifest in this chapter. 🙂
But back to our story, Tomoyo understands that moment has finally come, so she says that maybe she can't use magic, but she felt it was best to bring along with her a certain big bag (that we all know what contains, right??). She also says that she had the feeling she had made an asymmetrical costume before, but when she went to check, she realized she hadn't made it yet...
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Listen to me well, because this is the solution to the mystery of the cryptical thing Ohkawa sensei said in relation to one of Sakura's costumes, during the latest CLAMP Space! Basically, she hinted that there was a reason why we hadn't seen Sakura wearing officially (for a Card battle) this costume yet, and that we would find out why soon. I know the ENG translation here talks about "complementary outfits" (referring probably to how Tomoyo will later reveal complementary outfits for both Sakura and Syaoran), but that only shows that they misunderstood the word アシンメトリー (lit. Asymmetry). Tomoyo here was literally talking about asymmetry because the "costume she thought she had made, but didn't find in the end" was precisely the one Ohkawa was hinting at during the latest Space, the one Sakura was trying on in chapter 36 and 37! Tomoyo had a sense of deja vu, about having made an asymmetrical outfit before, but actually couldn't find it because...well, the forbidden magic had removed any reference to the Clear Cards! (including, apparently, the costumes!) So that goes to show that Tomoyo, despite not having a crumble of magic, was also subjected to the deja vu and weird feelings of "discrepancy" that such rewriting of the world would cause. But hold on tight, cause another reference is on the way!
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Tomoyo continues saying that while she was sewing the sleeve of the outfit, she had the strong feeling that this costume would turn into a very special one. And what do we have here? OH YES, it's THAT sleeve, the one we've been waiting for so eagerly! The one that Sakura saw in a dream with MCF once! Sakura back then asked to MCF if they would meet outside the dream when she'd be wearing that outfit, and MCF only cryptically said that it would be "the beginning of the end". Considering now we know that MCF has been mostly a byproduct of Lilie trying to communicate with Sakura and inadvertently messing things up, I do wonder about that MCF. Was Sakura, by any chance, actually was supposed to see Kaito and she saw the robe instead, because of Lilie? Or is that an actual member of Akiho's clan? Only this finale can tell us the truth. Sakura will certainly meet someone, with that costume.
Sakura thanks Tomoyo, always so ready to show her support, and she does something very sweet, as a result of regaining all of her rewritten memories: she tells Tomoyo that she'll do her best to come back without getting the costume dirty, but if it eventually starts fraying, she knows that Tomoyo will be there to repair it.....yeah....doesn't it remind you of something?? Of course I bet any Tomoyo fan knows very well what scene Sakura is referencing with this line....
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When Sakura told Tomoyo she repaired her torn costume with the Repair Card in chapter 40, Tomoyo expressed the wish to be her the one repairing those costumes, with her own hands. Because she had created them specifically for Sakura, so she would also want to be the one to repair them in case they'd get damaged. Basically telling her "I made these with all my love for you, and I'd prefer that a Card didn't take my place even when needing to repair them. I want the costumes that you wear to be made completely by my own hands". Always reminding us that making something with your own hands for your loved one is the greatest proof of love for any character in CCS (which is something I find truly wholesome and beautiful). Sakura here shows to have understood and accepted that wish fully, therefore acknowledging Tomoyo and her feelings. Tomoyo is uncharacteristically surprised for a second, and then with the happiest smile she confirms that of course she'll be there to repair it!
Sakura looks at her brother Touya, who only grumpily tells her to respect the curfew. Sakura is confused because they never had a curfew time at home, but her brother replies "Come back before dad gets worried. That's our curfew". (in ENG there's an additional part here, I guess to fill in a bubble that would be left empty) Sakura confidently replies "Got it".
Nakuru is all giddy, excitedly announcing that they decided to go to war and they need to decide the formation!! Suppy mocks her, telling her she's talking as if she were playing one of her warring states games (in JP the term used here is 戦国ゲーム - sengoku game - and I've found there's a specific game called indeed Sengoku, but it seems the same term extended to indicate all the war games set in the Sengoku era), but that doesn't deter Nakuru, who says that if she gets chosen, she will certainly participate actively (here the ENG uses game language from what I can see - not an expert - but good job!)!!
Sakura's plan is different, though. She says that tonight she'll be going only with Syaoran. She knows that if everyone could go with her, she'd feel more confident and reassured, but...
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Sakura, JP: "If I want to find Akiho-chan's most important person, I have the feeling that it'd be better for me to go with my most important person"
Here we go. We temporarily leave aside the "special person" terminology to go back to the more famous and loved "my most important person" term, to indicate THE ONE person someone loves the most. 一番大切なひと (ichiban taisetsuna hito). The term we all learned because it's been so crucial to indicate the person someone was in love with during the old arcs of the story. The term Sakura eventually used for Syaoran at the end of CCS volume 12 to finally give a "definition" to the love she felt for him. Now she uses it to define Akiho's feelings for Kaito. This is "the" term that takes precedence over all the other terminology used, and also goes to show how important and solemn the moment is. Sakura's intuition tells her that in order to find Kaito, Akiho's most important person, she should go with Syaoran, her own most important person. This is probably because her magical intuition (let's remember that Sakura got the power to see the future) grasped that her bond with Syaoran will be absolutely pivotal in order to have a positive outcome for the mission they're about to embark on. They will probably have to put that bond at work....maybe to explain, show, help someone understanding something that he still doesn't seem to grasp perfectly? Or rather, a stubborn refusal to understand it, which caused them all to be in this situation they're in right now? What's for sure is that if Sakura and Syaoran manage to find Kaito, and if they'll also manage to free him from the Seal of D. + the artifact with all the magical books that Akiho had engraved in herself, their job won't certainly be over like that. Kaito needs to talk to someone. He needs to understand many, many things. Some of those things, Sakura and Syaoran can at least try to introduce them to him. Because while it's true that Sakura wants to bring him back for Akiho, she also needs to make sure that coming back is also Kaito's wish. Because they can't force him if he isn't 100% convinced himself. I'm sure this is a very important thematic for CLAMP, respecting someone's self-determination. And since his state of mind, last time we saw him, was that he was perfectly expendable and that he was absolutely not necessary in Akiho's life, they need to change that perception. And there's also the fact that, despite being so different, Kaito and Syaoran are pretty similar in several aspects too. So maybe the role Syaoran can have in "communicating" with Kaito could be very important and impactful. Maybe that's what Sakura's intuition was trying to tell her.
Here, the ENG translation decided to translate that "most important person" with "favorite person". I have definitely turned up my nose at seeing that (why not leaving the iconic term?) but in the end I decided to relax because, at the end of the day, the result is similar. It indicates a person for whom your preference and importance is above everyone else. What really *mattered* in this scene - and lo and behold, it seems ONLY the English and Portuguese versions got it right (let me know about the Chinese one, cause I can't read that one) - is that Sakura used the same term to describe what Akiho feels for Kaito, and what SHE feels for Syaoran. "I am aware that this missing person is for Akiho an existence of the same importance Syaoran-kun has for me. Therefore, I will do everything in my power to bring them back, because I fully understand that kind of bond and I understand the void they leave in your life when they're not there" She knows, to some degree, what it feels like to miss your most beloved person, due to the period she had to spend apart from Syaoran. And they could still have phone calls and writing letters. Akiho's situation can only be worse. Sakura's understanding of that bond is also what causes her intuition to suggest her to go only with Syaoran. It's all connected. So it's of utmost importance that the translations use the same term when both talking about Akiho and Sakura. Then, about this scene, we could also say that it was a beautiful demonstration of how much Sakura (but also Syaoran) has grown up, now fully confident to declare in front of everyone that Syaoran is THE most important person in her life. Without blushing and without any drama. It's just a fact. After all they've been through, I think Sakura can feel confident enough in her relatinship with Syaoran, and there's no shame nor embarrassment in stating that aloud.
The people present here can only accept and show their support, and Eriol encourages Sakura to follow her intuition (remember the whole discussion about listening to the stirring of your heart, the so-called intuition? Yeah, a great lesson from Mama Yelan which will also be applied to another character soon). Sakura tells Kero that if she needs him, she will certainly call, and the guardian beast reassures her that he'll certainly hear his master's voice, same for Yue.
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Then, lastly, Sakura takes Akiho's hands and holds them tightly. They share another sweet forehead touch (seriously, I love them so much ❤️). Akiho is worried, so worried, but also very resolute. She wants this as much as Sakura does. Sakura tells her that there'll surely be a moment when she'll request Akiho to do something only she can do, and asks her to please wait here with everyone till that time comes.
I'll admit it, I was really disappointed when I've read this scene the first time around. Not only because I had imagined all kinds of scenes in my head (included Akiho wearing one of Tomoyo's costumes) and they shattered that possibility (but oh well, I am prepared to that), but also because I feel like this isn't a good choice from a character development POV. I understand it, I really understand it, this is Sakura's story. She's the one who gets to shine in the finale. And we've talked about it before, there's no doubt that Sakura in this story goes through a journey to find her identity and what she wants to do. So now it's time to let her do that. But Akiho has been slandered for the whole manga, accused of all kind of things because of prejudice, and one of those was "she's weak and passive, she does nothing". Seeing her "on the sidelines" once again, when we're talking about rescuing her most important person, feels extremely off. Letting someone else do "the job for her" doesn't even feel like Akiho.
Then, as hours passed by, I thought...
Maybe Sakura wants to take care of the first part of the mission, because it'll certainly be the one where it's most likely to encounter some magical danger (dragon-chan???). And Akiho wouldn't be able to defend herself from that, devoid of magical powers as she is. She could potentially end up risking her own life. And then all of this would've been for nothing. And then I thought, wait, maybe Akiho knows that. She knows it very well, since she's a girl with a pretty good understanding of herself and her own limits. And this is certainly a limit she does have. So what she can do is to wait safely at home, as hard and painful as it can be, for the REAL, big moment when her presence will be absolutely necessary. Sakura said it with great confidence so it's 100% sure it will come. Therefore, as an Akiho fan, I will swallow this pill and wait together with her. 🫤
But the chapter isn't over yet, as Touya and Yukito go outside in the garden while Sakura and Syaoran get dressed for their departure! Yukito teases once again Touya, telling him that his face is scary and that Sakura's earlier statement ("most important person") must have caused him "damage" (still seemingly talking in game language). Touya of course doesn't reply, so Yukito continues, giving finally confirmation to the suspicion I've been having ever since this "rewritten world" started: Touya did notice something was off. He didn't know precisely what, but he knew it had something to do with Sakura. Yukito also gives us the opportunity to see just how kind and generous Touya is: he purposely didn't go back home often because he wanted to reduce his presence around Akiho as much as possible. Not because of negative feelings, quite the contrary: he was worried she'd get even more hurt if she established a bond with him, only to end up finding out that they weren't really brother and sister. (Meanwhile, we see a very cute panel of Akiho talking to Kero, Suppy and still in videocall with Eriol and Kaho!) And then, to follow the leit-motiv of this chapter, very centered on calling back stuff that had already happened in the original world, Touya says that he won't allow anyone to hurt his close ones (they used "family" in ENG, but the word 身内 can indicate also friends and such, the common characteristic is that they're very close). Got the feeling you've already heard these words, especially with the use of the word 身内 ? Yes, of course, it's vaguely the same threat he made to Kaito back in chapter 54, during the double date! 😂 Hmmmm, I have the feeling that if they manage to bring Kaito back (of course they will!), someone will want to have a word or two with him....let's hope he'll just stick to words! 😂 Jokes aside, it's very heartwarming to see how even Touya warmed up to Akiho, and took her under his protective big brother's wing! In fact, Yukito can't just miss the new opportunity to tease him (stop flirting so shamelessly in front of us, Yuki! 😂), telling him he's so overprotective for his sisters!!
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The two lovebirds have finished changing their clothes, and we're all left staring at them agape, together with Nakuru: they look stunning, in their complementary outfits!! Sakura even got heels ❤️ And yes, dear readers, as already hinted when Tomoyo was speaking, this is IT, THE costume with THAT sleeve that appeared in Sakura's dream! It is the biggest indication that it's finally time for the last confrontation. Both Sakura and Syaoran look so resolute and ready to make a mess of space and time to bring Kaito back!! 😂 As many have noticed, Sakura got her Dream Staff with her, despite the Clear Cards have disappeared: my theory is that the Key was never removed by the forbidden magic, only the Cards, or maybe that the key came out now that Sakura got her memories back.
And this is where the chapter ends, with another huge cliffhanger!! Will we see Kaito, next time? Being a chapter number ending in -5, and being in the very last volume, I expect big things from it! Chapter 75 will be published on CLAMP's Youtube channel on July 1st, while the relative Nakayoshi magazine will be released on July 3rd (by the way, we'll have Sakura ONCE AGAIN on the cover and ANOTHER Sakura furoku!!). As usual, when I have less translation mistakes to talk about and more space for my feelings towards the chapter, I go overboard! Another freaking long post 😂😂 So I'll just leave you here, as usual I'll wait for your asks in my inbox! Bye Bye!!
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ella-norah · 3 months
Text
Ella watching Love Sea episode 1 (part 1)
Finally having some free time (exam weeks are hell as usual) and i decided to watch the first episode of Love Sea. And I also had an idea to share my thoughts after each episode, so well - here it is.
One thing that caught my attention is the way Mut run his hand through his hair and well, I'm gone from this world.... How can someone be so hot doing it??? (the images below are my very interesting screenshots)
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Also, I already love Rak! He is so pretty!!
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Rak's reaction when he realizes Mut's the one picking him up is so funny to me. Of course, I understand where Rak's coming from (he's from a big city, he's not used to small town dynamics yet).
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More of Mut running his hand through his hair - that's gonna make me feral whenever I see it... at least I think so
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Mut's solution is definitely good, but Rak's not happy about it, is he?
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Rak is so perfectly dramatic and I love him for it!
Mut's smile is absolutely gorgeous! (Fort's is too, when I am at it!)
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More of Rak's dramatics, which I completely love without a single doubt about it. The phone call and multiple repeats of how he wishes to go home are absolutely perfect. Rak's dramatic, so deliciously dramatic, and I am so here for it!
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The way Mut just casually picks Rak's suitcases and carries them behind Rak, without Rak even paying any attention to it - amazing! Even when Rak calls Mut an idiot during the phone call with Connor and Mut just smiles shaking his head. Gosh, I already love these two so much.
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Mut, darling, I adore you! He just took Rak's phone without a single care about it - perfection! purest perfection there is! and the smile Mut gives Rak - *screaming internally*
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While Connor and Mut speak, Rak is positively fuming - so annoyed that they talk about him, while he can't do anything to stop them.
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But to be fair, having his expression be called "kitty eyes" could definitely annoy Rak more.
The island being called Heaven on Earth is so suitable! The visuals are absolutely gorgeous - the beach, the ocean, the nature! Everything's so gorgeous! I'm in love honestly!
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No wonder Rak's reaction is teary eyes and simple comment of how beautiful. (I agree, Rak, I agree)
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The way Mut keeps using southern dialect of Thai to speak to Rak - such a tease Mut is! Love that about him! Especially since he used the central dialect to speak to Connor.
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So quick to chase Mut away, are you, Rak? Would that even work?
But also, not understanding what Mut is saying is quite a problem, isn't it?
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Is Rak really that mean, huh, Mut?
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After all, it's not Rak's fault he doesn't understand you, Mut, is it? But yes, Rak has a very pretty face.
Oh, my!! Already getting under Rak's skin! That's gonna be interesting!
A few deep breaths should definitely help, shouldn't they?
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Mook's appearance makes me smile so much! She's a cutie, and she's very hard-working!
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Aya speaking in English is such a good detail - she's a very good secretary!
And I adore her smile - it's such a beautiful smile!
Poor darling, she's so overwhelmed already - and it's just the first day.
Oh, and Chanya's appearance as Vi - she's such a gorgeous woman! And obviously means business.
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Poor Mook, she is definitely not happy about being ordered around by Vi. And no one listens to her, poor sweet girl.
I love that Palm is all like - what a beautiful man, he's just my phi's (Mut's) type and then Rak is all like grumpy about Mut.
This moment, when Rak looks aside and says "Who would want to know?" is reminding me of Sky so much!
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Rak trying his best not to look interested in what Palm is telling him, but he still failed at one moment, when Palm mentioned that Mut is open to guys too. Of course Mut is somewhat of an island celebrity and of course that everyone finds him so hot and swoons over him. That doesn't surprise me one bit.
Still fighting it, Rak? Well, not that I'm surprised about it, but still. It makes me giggle. It's gonna be so damn good when Rak finally gives in. And what drama would that be if it's too soon.
For someone who's not interested in Mut, Rak is definitely not letting Palm leave. so interesting
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Why would Palm think Rak would be interested? Hmmm.... maybe because he's just trying to talk all the best about his phi? Or maybe because Rak is showing more interest than he thinks.... all the possibilities there are endless
I love how Palm is so pleased with himself! Like aaaaaaaaa, man, you are so pleased, that smirk says it all!!! And I love the slogan - The treasure of this island goes by name Mahasamut. It is such a cool slogan.
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Honorable mention to the poor pen that fell into the ocean in the beginning of the show, left there and forgotten. RIP pen (i laughed so much about this, maybe too much...)
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Because it's so late, I'm gonna stop with part one now. Watching this episode feels much longer than I planned (maybe because i keep replaying the scenes... just maybe), but anyway, part two of the the episode will come tomorrow, at some point of the day.
Peat is absolutely gorgeous in this show! I am losing my mind over how gorgeous he is!
Actually, I am losing my mind over this show in general!
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dracothelizard · 10 months
Note
Ooh, I like your giveaway! What about... Stede and Ed in a town in Europe that no one's put them in yet 🤣 Maybe their train breaks down and horrors! there's only one bed at the station hotel!
I stuck 'em on Arnhem after spending some minutes looking up train routes on NS International website!
---
The announcements on the ICE train taking Stede from Schiphol to Duisburg so he can get on a train to Berlin have been multilingual, so when he hears the Dutch announcement, he waits for it to finish. But he sees some of the people around him sigh and mutter under their breath, so he can already guess it’s not good news. His suspicion is confirmed when the English announcement informs them that this train has to stop in Arnhem and they have to change to buses. Of course. Just his luck.
He files out the train with everyone else, and it’s a crowded train for a Friday evening. He’s clearly not the only one trying to get to Germany, and the harried NS employees guide him to the bus area in front of the station, where several buses are waiting. Stede drags his suitcase along, and in his mind, he can already hear his father’s criticism for failing to get to Berlin. It’s his first business trip on his father’s behalf, and he knows his father and the Badmintons are expecting Stede’ll fuck it up somehow.
Bus after bus leaves, the drivers telling them in English and Dutch and German that the buses are full, and Stede sighs as he watches them go. The station employees can’t tell him when another bus will arrive, and Stede walks away while other irritated train travellers tell the station employees to fix the situation.
He wanders over to a Kiosk to get a tea, taking a seat by the window to stare outside and figure out what to do next. Eat? There’re several shops at the station that serve dinner and the pasta from Julia’s looks tempting, but Stede’s not feeling hungry right now. He takes out his phone, fiddling with the NS travel app to figure out his options.
“Couldn’t get on the bus either?”
“What?” Stede looks up to find a man with a short beard and dark curls nodding at his suitcase.
“The bus to Oberhausen?” The man looks up to meet Stede’s eyes, and gosh, those are very nice eyes. Warm and dark and friendly.
“Yes,” Stede manages. He looks away from the man’s eyes to look at the rest of him and oh, a cool leather jacket, dark jeans, leather boots, and a black duffel bag at his feet. “You’re headed that way as well?” Of course he is. Stede chastises himself for asking such a stupid question.
The man nods. “Yes. Can you watch my bag for a bit while I get a coffee?”
“Sure!” Stede replies, raising his own tea. “I’m not going anywhere!”
The man smiles. “You better not!”
Stede smiles back, something fluttering in his stomach, and then he tells himself not to be silly just because a handsome man smiled at him. He can already hear the Badmintons jeering. He feels better now in a lot of ways, after the divorce, after coming out as gay to Mary and the kids, but it hasn’t made things any easier at work. He’s still useless.
The man returns with coffee in a travel cup, then sits down next to Stede. He heaves a sigh. “Fucking train travel, yeah?”
Stede nods, stomach fluttering again because the man’s still here. Sitting next to him. Close enough for their thighs to touch. “Travel in general is rather stressful.” Airplane, train, car… it’s always something.
“Cheers.” The man taps his cup against Stede’s. “I’m Ed. I was meant to be going to Berlin, but—”
“Me too!” Stede brightens, then he grimaces. “Sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt.”
Ed smiles. “’S all right. Why are you going there?”
They chat as they drink their tea and coffee. Ed’s a musician, not in a band Stede’s heard of, but of course he is, he’s effortlessly cool. Stede feels boring in comparison, but Ed asks questions about Stede’s work that show he’s actually been listening.
“Always wondered what that’d be like,” Ed says, finishing his coffee. “You know, the nine-to-five office desk job.”
“Boring,” Stede replies. “Nowhere near as interesting as what you do!”
Ed shrugs. “It’s a steadier job, though. Easy schedule to keep track of.” He drums his fingers on the table. ��Wanna try for a bus again?”
“Yes!” Stede gets up, taking the handle of his suitcase and waiting for Ed to sling his duffel bag over his shoulder. “Let’s hope another one’s arrived.” Maybe Ed will sit near him and they can talk some more, and maybe Stede will get the courage to ask to meet up in Berlin once they get there.
While two other buses have arrived, they’ve departed with passengers while Ed and Stede were enjoying warm drinks and chatting. Stede braces himself for Ed’s annoyance, but Ed just shrugs it off. “My fault for not paying more attention to the buses,” he tells Stede.
“Yes. Should we wait out here for the next one?” Stede asks.
But the station employee can’t give them an arrival time, and while Stede thinks of his next train leaving without him and his father’s anger at Stede being a failure once again, Ed takes him by the elbow and leads him away from the crowd. “I don’t think we’re getting to Berlin tonight.”
Stede takes a deep breath, trying to fight the rising panic. “Agreed.” He looks at Ed, who seems pretty calm. “You’re handling this well.”
Ed shrugs. “Already told you, my schedule’s pretty complicated and there’s always some last-minute change. This is nothing. We’re better off getting a hotel and continuing to Berlin tomorrow.”
“I’m supposed to be at a meeting in Berlin at nine in the morning!” Stede protests, stomach fluttering at the thought of spending the night with Ed. Platonically! As friends! Definitely not more than that, but he has been very nice and friendly, and handsome even under the harsh streetlights.
Ed tilts his head. “And you always do what you’re supposed to?” he murmurs.
“Yes,” he replies immediately. “No. I don’t know. I try to! But it never really works out.” And before he knows it, the whole story of his divorce comes tumbling out, and he’s sure that Ed’ll leave any minute now, but Ed just keeps nodding and looking interested. “So, there you have it,” Stede finishes, feeling rather foolish. “I’m an idiot.”
“Eh, I meet a lot of idiots in my line of work,” Ed tells him. “You’re trying your best, which puts you ahead of a lot of them.” He claps Stede on the shoulder and leaves his hand there. “How about we find a hotel and get a drink in the bar? I think we’ve earned that.”
“Yes,” Stede replies, feeling a little breathless. “Yes, we definitely have.”
(Please assume that they totally go to Julia's for some nice pasta before getting a drink)
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noire-pandora · 2 years
Text
I got tagged by @rakshadow @musetta3 @in-arlathan @barbex @pedlimwen @cleverblackcat @kittynomsdeplume @pikapeppa for the fic writers' end of the year round up: 2022 edition.
Thank you for the tag and for thinking about me. You all are wonderful and inspiring writers and your presence and works are to be admired.
Words written (published or not, WIPs included): I wrote 122.381 words this year! More than I wrote last year. I'm proud of myself for writing this much even if I lost my steam in the last months because life. Nevertheless, wow I wrote those words!!
Here's the recording. Mine is different cuz I add my daily word count in a sheet. This year, the data starting from Sept to Dec was lost. So I almost did a table flip. Until I remembered I ALSO use a writing bot to record my daily word counts so I re-added the lost word count in the sheet to get the total.....the things I do for fanfic 😂
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Smut scenes:.......0. Gosh darn it. One of my goals this year was to write an entire smut scene but I failed. 2023 has to be the year!!! My Lavellan is waiting for me to start it 😂
New things I tried: I jumped into exchanges and I wrote pairings and characters I never wrote. I participated in art trades and OC exchanges. I submerged my tiny writer feet in lots of fandom stuff and it was fun! I can't wait to do it even more this year!
Fic I spent the most time on: Definitely Daughter of Fire/Herald of Spirit. I spent so so many hours writing the chapters, editing them and re-editing them. It was so much fun and I want to do it again this year! I feel more confident with my English skills and I kinda....don't care anymore if people like it or not. Life kicked my ass and writing must be my calm down hobby.
Fic I spent the least time on: I usually spend lots of time working on what I post because I'm like that. The things I wrote and was semi-relaxed with were my DADWC drabbles. I did work a lot of those too but not so much as on the other things.
Favourite thing I wrote: Daughter of Fire. It's my special project. But I did had lots of fun writing for the art exchanges! Writing about other OCs is fun!
Favourite thing I read: gods I read so so many fanfics this year. And over 20 books and manga. I can't pick! I'm grateful for every fic and book I read cuz it kept me sane. Thank you for writing them!
Writing goals for 2023:
1. Write that darned smut fic. Istg, if I don't get it done this year, I will flip two tables. 😂
2. Try to finish DoF. I think two years for a long fic are enough. I want to be more confident about publishing my long fic even if now I don't have a beta. Anyone feeling like beta-ing me? 😂
3. Participate in more exchanges and give more writing gifts. Because gifting people is fun and writing about other OCs is fun.
4. Reach 200.000 words in a year. Fingers crossed.
5. Have fun because that's the only thing that matters.
I'm going to tag: @rosella-writes @darethshirl @little-lightning-lavellan @thebookworm0001 @anneapocalypse @thedastrash @knightdawn @potatowitch @pinkfadespirit @johaerys-writes @plisuu @fandomn00blr @crackinglamb @oxygenforthewicked @inquisimer @queenaeducan @perlen-gold @anderstrevelyan @melisusthewee @isk4649 @a11sha11fade @dreadfutures @sidhelives @retrowondergirl @bluewren and anyone who wants to do it. Please don't feel forced to participate and please be proud of what you've written this year. No matter how "small" or "big" it is. You wrote and that's all that matters.
Thank you for all the support you've given me and to my works. To many more fanfics this year! Cheers!
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chiropteracupola · 1 year
Note
Shakespearean werewolf and tavern futures and you know I ALWAYS wanna hear about rat piper <3
BIG ALAS I have STILL not worked on rat piper since last october... I Get Distracted and also I have No Clue how to actually end it :/
tavern futures discussed here
and now here we are at my beloved my torment my shakespearean werewolf fic. the story that I think english professors would hunt me down because of, if I did not know that many people have already done far worse. really it would be better if I reworked this as an original story since it was barely grounded in henry the galdarn fifth to begin with. But Hey medieval werewolf's a wonderful aesthetic and by gosh I'll finish this thing one day.
...even so I am not nearly bold enough to post parts of this thing outside a readmore. historians and other people with functioning judgement centers please look away from me.
There was a snap of wood, sharp in the near-silence, and a faint groan. Exeter fixed his face, not wishing to show any expression, but Henry, Henry who had seen and done much worse that very morning on the battlefield, flinched at the sound. His hand, seemingly without his own intention, went to his face, nails digging into the hardened edge of the scar below his eye. But of course he did not like the thought of a stuck arrowhead — Exeter had not forgotten how Henry, then still nothing but no-good Prince Hal and only just beginning to make his name, had looked with that chunk of iron in his face, the point solidly embedded in bone. It had been weeks before that scoundrel of a surgeon had managed to tear the blasted thing loose, weeks that had surely been far worse for Henry than for his kinsmen. Any effort he had made at keeping his expression neutral failed, and he leaned over and put an arm around Henry’s shoulders. “He is a werwolf — such men are strong.” It was a poor reassurance at best, and Henry scowled at him, but did not shake off his arm. “And it is not so uncommon for a Frenchman to be a …shape-changer,” growled Exeter, rolling the last word around in his mouth as if he disliked the taste. There were better words that went with werwolf and Frenchman both, liar and coward and turncoat not the least of them.
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margotw10 · 1 year
Text
Crashing on Crush. JJK (m)
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Pairing : crush!Jungkook x Female Reader
Synopsis : You are forced to work with Jungkook but it's actually the best thing that could happen.
Words : 4.7k
Warnings : explicit language; (not on this chapter)
A/n : Hi! So many things are going to happen, especially regarding Jungkook's past! Pls check the previous ones :) Don't hesitate to comment. Please keep in mind that English is not my first language. We love Mathilde for fixing my grammar mistakes <3
Ch. 1---- Ch. 2---- Ch. 3---- Ch. 4---- Ch.5---- Ch. 6---- Ch. 7---- Ch. 8---- Ch. 9----
As much as you hate it, you do find Jungkook handsome and your heart has been pounding as soon as you noticed him. And you hate that you missed him - the last time you saw him was two weeks ago in the club. You are surprised to see him but also to see he has cut his hair. You can’t help but missing his puffy shoulder-length hair and you want to slap you in the face for that thought. His black locks are now shorter in a mullet-style hair cut with a bang and are lightly curled. But gosh, he looks good. A little too good for your heart’s sake. 
You forget to how to breath when Jungkook stops a few meters from you. You feel your cheeks burning as well as your whole body and it’s not because of the hot and suffocating July of Seoul because the A/C is on inside the art gallery. It’s definitely because of Jeon Jungkook, the devil manifesting in a handsome man figure. 
"Hi, uhm, I have an appointment with Aecha" He says after clearing his throat
"Follow me"
Even if you invite him to walk with you, it looks like you want to run away from him. Fortunately, you quickly arrive to Aecha’s office. You knock and enter, Jungkook by your side. Your colleague offers him a way better smile than you.
"Jungkook, hi! Nice to meet you in person! We are so happy to work with you" Aecha’s voice is warm and magically relaxes Jungkook
"Same here"
He tries to sound cheerful. He is really happy and proud that the gallery has approached him for the project, it will surely help him for his career but he does feel tensed to see you. He can’t deny he hesitated to accept the job but then he saw it as an opportunity to set the record straight with you. He has been so grumpy that even Mina has stopped asking for his attention and let him work in his office at home. Jungkook has imagined hundred of scenarios of what happened between you and the guy after you left and every single one of them ended with you in his arms. By anger and frustration, he even broke his Apple Pencil and had to buy a new one. 
"I am so sorry but I don’t have time to talk details with you personally" Aecha continues, genuinely annoyed "But don’t worry, Y/N is very professional and I’m sure you’ll get along"
Your eyes widen and you throw distraught gazes at Aecha. ‘Please, don’t make me do that!’ You silently beg her. But she doesn’t get it or chooses to ignore it as she hands you the file. You do know the artists and the theme of the exhibition, as well as other details about the events related but you don’t want to work with Jungkook. You know he is supposed to provide different visuals and supports, which means that you are going to deal with him for days. You’re not sure your heart can handle it and you fear your determination to hate him will fail you - to be true, it has already began when he first appeared in the lobby. 
Yet, you have no choice but to take the damn file with shaky hands and ask Jungkook to follow you in the meeting room. 
A feeling of pain and jealousy fills you when you realize that his girlfriend has got to see him everyday and you have no doubt that he has looked damn hot every single day of these two weeks. Even now, in front of you, he is ridiculously handsome in his matching Calvin Klein denim jacket and pants, a white t-shirt finishing his perfect look. You can’t help but wondering if his underwear is also signed CK, which makes you blush. Jungkook is fucking hot like that - would you dare to say that you are aroused by the absence of his usual all-black style? 
You shake your head to erase those filthy thoughts and you sit down. You open and read the file, which gives you a good excuse to not look at Jungkook.
"Did you sleep with him?"
Jungkook’s voice is neutral despite his pounding heart. He couldn’t help but ask you. Even if it breaks his already broken heart, he has to know. His look-the-other-way part argues that if he knows, it’ll get easier to let you go. 
You immediately look up and open your mouth but no sound escapes it. Just by seeing you blushing hard, Jungkook knows. His fists clench and he is angry. Not at you, but at himself. You left with another man, you slept with another man because he pushed you away. He tries to convince himself that the pinch in his heart is due to his bruised man pride but deep down he knows that it’s his feelings for you that have been rattled. 
"It’s none of your business" You eventually decide to answer "Let’s not get personal and stick to a professional behavior"
Jungkook doesn’t say anything but nods, poking on his inner cheek with his tongue. 
Weirdly enough, you both concentrate on work and are able to have a peaceful conversation. Some details are discussed and Jungkook notes some ideas that get through his mind while you give him more informations. 
"Can I see the art pieces? It’ll help to get fully in the right mood" Jungkook asks at some point
"Sure"
You both walk through the art gallery and you can see that Jungkook truly appreciates the architecture of the building. You see his doe eyes sparkle with inspiration and you can practically see all the ideas that are currently filling his brain. Witnessing his passion melts your heart. 
You enter the code of the storage room and motion Jungkook to step in. You explain that you haven’t receive yet all the pieces but you add that he can look at them of the website of the gallery. His back facing you, a sketchbook and a pen in his hands, he is already quickly sketching a few visuals. You are quite intrigued by how fast his brain works and you move forward gingerly. You strand on your tiptoe to look upon his large shoulder and sneak on his sophisticate drawings. 
"Wow" You whisper, almost in his ear, unintentionally 
Jungkook was so focus on his work that he didn’t notice you, but when you opened your mouth he startles and turns his head to your face suddenly. You are so close that your breathes are mixing. His eyes look right into yours but can’t help going down to yours pretty lips. He gulps, a vivid memory of your several passionate kisses coming to his mind. He knows how you taste and he is dying to feel it again on his tongue. He wets his pierced lips with his tongue and the move attracts your glance too. A spontaneous wave of arousal goes straight to your lower belly. 
Thankfully - or not -, staying this long on your tiptoe causes a cramp in your left calf. You immediately step back and wince, holding on the painful leg. 
"What’s going on?" Jungkook asks you, alarmed
"Cramp" You hiss
It doesn’t take long to Jungkook to kneel down and massage your lower leg. You blush hard but convince yourself that it’s due to the pain and not to Jungkook’s warm palms on your skin. But why do you mentally praise you for wearing a yellow wrap dress and not your usual slacks?
"It’s okay, you don’t have to-" You speak up, weakly trying to push his hands away
"Let me do that for you"
His eye is so intense that you only manage to gulp and nod, letting Jungkook rubbing your calf to relax the muscles. You hiss as his fingers palp your aching leg, instinctively grabbing on his large shoulders to not fall. Feeling your hands on him, even through the thick fabric of his denim jacket and under this circumstances, Jungkook feels good. So fucking good. His whole body, that has been tensed for weeks now, softens under your touch. It’s like he was physically missing something that your hands give him back. Someway, it’s the first time you wish your cramp was lasting longer. 
"It’s gone" You say unsurely and, with regret from both sides, Jungkook stands up
"I’m sorry-"
"Don’t. Please don’t" You close your eyes in pain, not willing to remember once again what he did because you surely didn’t forget
You hate him for breaking your heart but you don’t hate him. Quite the opposite actually. You still love him, so fucking much. You can’t change the past and you surely can’t be best friend with him but you can make this professional relationship work. You want it for the gallery but also for Jungkook because you still think he is very talented and deserves the contract. That’s why you take a deep breathe and start talking:
"Look, I know things have been… weird between us. Let’s just put that aside and concentrate on work. I really want to feel good here so let’s not make things more awkward. I think it would be nice if we could be colleagues"
Jungkook looks at you for a moment, surprised. He doesn’t really know what to say when there are so many things that he wants to say - if that makes any sense. He runs a hand through his fresh cut hair.
"I’ll work hard then, for you"
He doesn’t specify if ‘you’ refers to the gallery and all your colleagues and artists involved or just you. But your heart doesn’t care about the difference and skips a beat. You try to put a - weird - smile on your face to look relax.
"Welcome onboard then, Mr. Jeon"
————
Day 2 of working with Jungkook and you have to say that you are surprised how things go smoothly. You and Jungkook really get along - on a professional level - and your two brains seem to share the same ideas and vision of the project. 
When he went home, Jungkook went straight to his home office and started sketching some visuals. On the one hand, he wants to work slowly only to get the chance to spend more time with you. But on the other hand, he has so many ideas for the different supports. The project clearly excites him and he hasn’t been this motivated for a long time. Moreover, your cute yellow dress of the day seemed to be another reminder that you are like sunshine is his life and that everything looks better when you are around. 
This morning, he has joined you in the same meeting room and gave you a cup of latte - he knows it’s your favorite beverage - that he has bought on its way to the gallery. The sweet gesture didn’t go unnoticed by your weak heart and your cheeks did redden. As soon as you two have sat down, Jungkook put his sketchbook and graphic tablet on the desk and explained the different concepts. You were so impressed by his work and how much he has done in just one evening. You couldn’t help but being worried that he had not slept well and the dark circles under his beautiful eyes proved you no wrong. 
You don’t even notice it was lunch time until you hear a knock on the door. You look up and meet a sweet and cute familiar face. 
"I didn’t want to bother you but I’ve been waiting for fifteen minutes so I thought that you might have forgotten me"
Jongseob seems embarrassed and is blushing hardly. Your heart immediately melts and your smile widens. This doesn’t go unnoticed by Jungkook who wonders how many men have stolen your heart. He can’t help but feeling jealous. When will his possessiveness stop? Especially when you’re not his.
"It’s okay. Actually, I lost track of time. Please come in, Seobi" 
You get up and give a big hug to Jongseob. The young man is quite impressed by Jungkook. His black outfit has returned and his tattoos are showing up under his oversize t-shirt. He does look intimidating and Jongseob feels a wave of protectiveness towards you, hoping that the stranger didn’t give you a hard time. 
You have no idea of what is going on in Jongseob’s brain and you turn back to Jungkook.
"Let’s meet up in two days so you have time to make the changes we’ve talked about. Then, we will show everything to Aecha" You say with a smile and Jungkook simply nods.
You notice the way he is staring at your young friend and realize that they don’t know each other.
"Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t introduce you-" You are cut off by Jongseob
"I’m Kim Jongseob"
You are surprised by his confident and quite cold tone. It’s so not like him. You even feel his arm easily wrapping around your shoulders. When did he get this tall? You look at him, asking him with your eyes what the hell he is doing. But Jongseob is completely focus on the black-hair man.
"Jeon Jungkook"
Jongseob’s eyes widen and immediately turn to you. Your face expression confirms what he thinks: it’s the man who broke your heart. If you didn’t say a word on your Graduation Day, you couldn’t lie when a few days later Jongseob has asked you about how it went when you confessed your feelings to your crush. Even if you tried really hard to not cry in front of him, you couldn’t stop a few tears. Jongseob was so heartbroken for you and has spent the day with you at your place, eating ice-creams and watching Disney movies. 
The body of your usual so cute friend tenses immediately and he leaves your shoulders to step in front of you, protectively. His eyes narrow when he gazes at Jungkook. 
"I hope he hasn’t done anything to you" He says with his jaw clenched, talking to you but looking at Jungkook
A scoff escapes Jungkook’s lips. Who the hell is this kid? He doesn’t know anything about him and yet, he is judging him. Only if he knew that at his age, Jungkook was… No, it’s better if he doesn’t know, otherwise you would know too. And he surely doesn’t want you to know. 
"Jongseob" You say softly, a hand on his shoulder "Jungkook is working with me, everything is fine"
"Can’t someone else deal with him? Why it has to be you?" His voice is more gentle now and he is looking at you, finally
"No, and it’s okay. I promise"
"What are you going to do about it, uh?"
Your eyes widen in surprise while Jungkook smirks and then pokes his tongue in his inner cheek in a provocative way. He doesn’t even know why he opened his mouth in the first place. Maybe he was just tired of everyone treating him like shit or maybe he wanted you to know that your little guy couldn’t compete with him. ‘Stupid fucking ego’ he thinks. 
"What did you say?" Jongseob responds aggressively, taking a step further and Jungkook does the same
"I said, what are you fucking going about it?" Jungkook articulates each single word, his jaws clenched
You start to panic and take place between the two men.
"Stop it now, the both of you" You try to be firm but your voice is a little shaky 
"You were right, he’s a fucking asshole" Jongseob goads
"What did you say?" Jungkook barks this time, ready to throw punches in this little fucker’s face
"Jongseob!" You shout "Go wait outside, now"
You are so tensed that your whole body is shaking with adrenaline. What are you going to do if they start fighting? But you release the air of your lungs when Jongseob does as you say. You look at Jungkook to try to know what he is thinking but his features are too neutral, except for his gritted teeth. 
"Jungkook, I-I never said that" You try after a moment of silence
"It’s okay" He sighs, trying to relax the tension in his body "Even if you said it, you had every reason"
You stand in front of him, not knowing what to do. You are unsettled when a little sneer escapes Jungkook’s mouth. You look at him, questioning him with your eyes.
"At least you have people to protect you"
"Jungkook-"
"No, it’s okay. I see you on Friday with the finished visuals and support designs"
Jungkook grabs his stuff and goes away, leaving you breathless and heart pounding. 
————
"Noona, I’m sorry"
Jongseob has spent the whole lunch apologizing but you haven’t said a word. You are so disappointed in his behavior but you are also destabilized by the way you feel angry at your friend for attacking Jungkook. You shouldn’t feel that way, it’s true that Jungkook broke your heart but why do you still want your friends to have a good impression of him? It doesn’t make any fucking sense and you sigh in frustration.
"Stop apologizing. What you did was wrong Jongseob"
"I know but he… he was just there and he broke your heart! Are you really okay working with him?!"
You take the time to think. Are you okay with it? Honestly, yes. And more honestly, you are happy to work with him. You wish the reason of that was because Jungkook works well but it’s not: the reason is that you want to be with him, in anyway possible. 
"Yes, so please stop. Maybe you don’t want to hear it or you don’t understand but Jungkook is nice"
"How can you say that?!" Jongseob gasps 
"He is, really. What he did to me was wrong but beside that, he has been really nice to me"
And it’s true. Objectively, the cheating-on-his-girlfriend-with-you part put aside, Jungkook has been nice to you. The two days you have spent working with him showed you a new face of him: the passionate yet so considering of other’s opinions side. He has carefully listened to you, has taken the time to explain to you technical things about designs and has worked hand-in-hand with you to provide the perfect visuals. Even beside that, the morning coffee and the way he has hold the chair for you to sit down or the way he has turn off the A/C when he noticed you were cold, proves he is a good person. Maybe a little selfishly too, you want to believe that you have fallen for a good guy and not a shit head so the whole story wasn’t you being completely wrong about him. 
"Look, I’m a big girl. I know you’re worried but everything’s fine, Seobi" You smile at Jongseob, trying to calm him down
"Okay…" He sighs "But if he tries anything, please tell me and I swear I’ll punch him in the face, just for him to know he can’t mess with you"
Your heart softens at his pouty face and you promise. You know Jongseob just wants to protect his Noona but deep down you know Jungkook won’t try to hurt you again. 
————
You haven’t heard of Jungkook until he shows up on Friday for your expected meeting. You have sweaty hands, not knowing how will be things between the two of you. You give him an unsure smile when you welcome him and you feel released that Jungkook is back to his old and nice self. He shows you the final project and everything is perfect. You compliment his work and you may notice a slight blush on his cheeks. 
You waste no time and you two head up to Aecha’s office so she can approve, what she definitely does. Your colleague is really impressed and praises the both of you. Your chest is full of pride that you managed the situation. You are really excited to be more involved in one of the gallery’s projects. 
To celebrate your success, you invite Jungkook at a nearby coffee. It doesn’t surprise you anymore that Jungkook orders you a latte but it’s appealing to your weak and soft heart. Coffees in hands, you sit down at a table.
"I’m so happy that your visuals have been approved! I can’t wait to see the posters in real life and on the big screens of the gallery!" You tell him excited, which makes him giggle. 
"I’m glad too. Tell me if you need help with the printer guy, I know that sometimes they can be a little hard to handle and delete things until you lose your mind"
"I’ll sure do"
You feel so good joking with Jungkook. It feels like before you discovered about Mina, back when everything was so natural and delightful between you two. A small wave of nostalgia washes over your body and a small part of you wishes you didn’t know about the girlfriend. However, the bigger part of you feels better to know that he didn’t cheat on his girlfriend with you more than that. 
"I have to tell you something"
Jungkook’s serious tone and face make you stressed. You wonder what other bomb he is going to throw at you and how you’ll manage to survive. ‘Please, tell me there is no other secret girlfriends!’ You pray
"Mina" He starts and your heart sinks by hearing the name, you still feel so guilty towards her even if you didn’t know "She is not my girlfriend"
What the hell?!
Your eyes almost roll of your sockets by surprise. You are speechless. Does he lie? But he is looking straight into your eyes and you don’t see anything but pain. But if she is not his girlfriend, why did he lie about lying to you? It doesn’t make sense!
"She is my best friend, well at least back in Busan"
"But, why?" Is all you manage to say, your brain is completely upside down
"It’s just an old habit of us, saying to other people we’re dating. When we were younger, we were so close that most people thought that we were actually a couple. At some point, it was kind of a joke to confirm it" 
Jungkook’s nostalgic smile is not happy but quite sad and your heart squeezes. You wonder what caused him such pain but you don’t want to push him. 
"Maybe, back then, there were more than friendly feelings between us but it’s not the case anymore. I just want you to know that nothing happened between Mina and I"
"Why'd you tell me that?"
Jungkook’s eyes grow big in surprise. He doesn’t really know why he tells you the truth. Perhaps he just doesn’t want you to hurt because of this, because of him. 
"I don’t know…" He sighs "I just wanted you to know"
You don’t know what you feel. On the one hand, you are relived that he didn’t cheat on his girlfriend with you, but on the other hand, you are still heartbroken because he has still rejected you - and the reason was not him having a girlfriend but just not wanting to be with you. And that hurts like hell. 
Jungkook looks at you with his big doe eyes, biting on his bottom lip, while he waits for you to say something. But honestly, you don’t know what to say. So he keeps going:
"I haven’t seen her in years but she came up to me. She needed some help. Things are-were complicated. I’m sorry if I hurt you, I really didn’t want that"
"I understand" You don’t but what else could you say? 
"Y/N" He says gently, grabbing your hand at the other side of the table "I am really, really sorry"
The warmth of his hand goes straight to your heart and cheeks. Why does he have to do that? It’s so hard not to fall for him when he acts like that! You want to hug him and tell him you forget everything as long as he is with you. But you can’t do that, so you smile instead. 
"I wish I could go back and do things right with you. Maybe… maybe you could be friends or something?"
Jungkook winces at the way his thoughts have turned into words. It sounds so dumb and it’s not really what he wanted to say. He wanted to ask you if you would accept to see him again, like before. Like when you were supposed to have a date at the Lotte aquarium. 
"I guess we could be friends" You say in a small voice, almost a whisper
Jungkook’s heart jumps in his chest and he knows he’ll try everything to make it up to you. But first, he has to deal with Mina. 
————
Since you have done a great job with the communication campaign with Jungkook, Aecha sends you over to meet the print firm. You are walking around in Seocho, a district of Seoul, but take the time to follow the Han River boardwalk. The heat and humidity is almost unbearable but the view is so beautiful. The sun is mirroring on the water. You close your eyes, feeling the D Vitamin entering your body. You hum in contentment. 
Nevertheless, the universe couldn’t let you in peace for five minutes. Your blood runs cold when a familiar but non welcoming face appears right in front of you. Mina. You don’t really know how to act in front of her now that you know she isn’t really Jungkook’s girlfriend. 
"Hi" You tell her with an unsure voice
"Hi, Y/N right?"
Mina’s smile is bright but not really friendly. Something in her behavior makes you uncomfortable. 
"I’m sorry, I can’t stay long, Jungkook is wanting for me at home" She takes a dig at you
Her little scornful tone drives you crazy. Before you can even think properly, you open your mouth:
"Jungkook told me the truth. You are not really together"
For one second, Mina seems unsettled but she hides it quickly. You feel your heart beating faster and your hands freezing, just as if you were ready for a fight. It might not be a physical one but it will surely be punches with words. 
"Did he?"
You stay silent, waiting for her to set the mood. You don’t have hard feelings for her. You could be friends, if she wants to. 
"Look, you seem like a nice girl" Although it doesn’t sound like a compliment in her mouth "But I’m not sure you are the good person for Kookie"
"I think he’s old enough to decide for himself"
"We might not be an official couple but we do share something special. We’ve been best friends for years, we have been through so many things, you won’t ever be able to understand. I know him but I’m not sure you can say the same"
You are taken aback.
"I-I do know him" You sound less confident than you wanted
"Oh, really? Did he tell you about his past?" Mina smirks and you frown, confirming what she was thinking "I just don’t want you to be hurt, Y/N. Jungkook and I are meant to be together. It might take some time but it will happen eventually. If you stay in between, you’ll only get your heart broken"
Your watery eyes blur your vision. You don’t know how Mina manages to do it but her words are so sharp that you could swear she is telling the truth. Maybe it’s a result of her magnetic aura. 
"I love him"
It’s the final blow for you. An intense squeeze hits your cardiac muscle. You don’t even know who you are anymore. You have read too many books, you have seen too many movies not to know. All along, you thought you were the main character of the story. But you’re not. You’re the second female lead in Jungkook’s story: the one who only exists to make him realize that his true love has been in front of him since the beginning. There is no better destiny than two best friends finally aware of their true feelings. Fate, cruel as ever, put you on Jungkook’s path for him to acknowledge that Mina is the right one for him. 
And that fucking hurts. 
1 note · View note
arysthaeniru · 2 years
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1, 12, 16, 25! For the history thing :D
Who is your favourite historical person?
Gosh, that's difficult! It's hard to say, I don't really study the histories and biographies of individual people so much as I study large historical movements...
I get a kick out of Hong Xiuquan, I think. I love that this guy fails the civil service examinations four times, has a mental breakdown, and then comes out of it completely self-assured that he's the younger brother of Jesus and manages to create such a strong powerful movement behind him! The Heavenly Taiping Kingdom that he created sounds like a godawful place to actually live, as is the case with most religious cults, but some of the stuff he was preaching during the Taiping Rebellion really laid the foundation for Chinese peasants to be thinking about what equality and democracy might look like, outside of what the elites were devising up. It's an intriguing movement! I wouldn't say I like him, by any means, but he's certainly intriguing!
I also think that although she's one of our contemporaries, since my main focus is in the histories of the past fifty or so years, Haunani Kay-Trask is one of the coolest people out there and her work is inspirational and wonderful. May she rest in power <3
12. Would you take part in reenactment? In what era and as whom?
I haven't done much historical re-enactment, a lot of the western stuff just isn't for me (I have so little interest in western history), and roleplaying historical times always seems like it's soaked in a lot of assumptions of how people thought back then which aren't often very accurate and would make me a little squeamish, personally. But if it's just cosplaying in cool clothes, I LOVE the fashion of the Mughal period in India, there's some really awesome clothing from there. The clothing of Samarkhand too, during the Silk Road, from what survives in sculptures and shit, looks SUMPTUOUS. I want to wear that shit!
16. Do you own some historical item (e.g. coin, clothing, weapons, books, etc.) If yes, which one is your favourite?
I do not, I am so poor!!! I recieved a book from the Tamagusuku school of Ryukyuuan Dance, which stems back from the 70s though, and it is one of my most treasured possessions. Soon, I will actually be able to translate what it says about principles and theories of dance and try and compare it to what I know from Kathak.
25. Who is the most overrated historical figure, in your opinion?
Oh god, I could go ON about this! I don't care about Shelley. Or Hemingway. Or many pretentious male authors in the english literary tradition. While they have come to stand in as representatives of their oeuvres, they are one amongst many in a vast literary movement! I especially don't care for Allen Ginsburg and shit. Anyway. I understand why picking some of the more prolific authors and using their work to discuss an entire literary period is necessary, I just don't care for them being the sole representative of those literary movements.
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miabebe · 4 months
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Friend! RE: your last post.
I hope you're not too discouraged for too long. <3 Interaction and feedback is the hardest part of the writing game in some ways because it is often harder to come by than the drive to finish a piece haha and you aren't in control of it the way you are in control of the worlds you create. Worst yet, the things we're proudest of somehow tend to be the things we hear the least about. I don't read SVT stuff unfortunately, but I have no doubt you made your work into something great because you're something great. (To that end, I just realized I haven't made time read your Kyunnie chap V fic yet--I will have to do so immediately!)
Please keep in mind, we are a consumption-based culture these days--click, consume, move on--which makes us less likely to stop and reflect on an artist's work. Honestly, the nature of social media is kind of breeding this out of us. People legitimately do not take the time to reflect on what they've read or, also possibly, they really never been taught how. What did this make me feel? Why did it make me feel this way? What moments in particular really made my heart skip or my brain whir? What was most memorable? If readers spent even one minute after reading something to consider this instead of just smashing a heart and moving on, we'd all--readers and writers--get a lot more value out of things.
Worse yet, social media has also bred into us a quantitative culture. If our like/heart threshold is below a certain amount, we've failed, which is simply not true! Is it wonderful to have a story with a thousand notes? Yeah, that's hella cool. I don't have any lol, but that doesn't mean I've failed (we met through our writing, so how could that be a fail, number of notes be damned!). <3 The only way to fail at writing is to simply stop doing it. :)
Another thing to consider, most readers are not creators. They don't really understand the breadth of the effort that goes into creation. (Also, going to be a teensy-weensy bit snobby here, but) They're also used to packaged and repackaged boilerplate smut that can be consumed rather mindlessly. Authors like you, who worldbuild and create meaningful connections for your characters, are a dying breed in this niche writing community, and many readers truly do not realize how mentally draining creating at this level truly is. Also, many don't interact because they've lost the art of communicating those thoughts meaningfully or they're simply too shy or feel too inarticulate to do so.
Anyway, all of this is my extremely long-winded and probably borderline pompous way of saying that it's okay to feel discouraged because your work feels undervalued (it is), BUT that doesn't mean that those silent readers didn't take something away from it! You've probably left more impressions than your notes imply. Do you know the number of DMs or asks I've gotten months or years after an anonymous reader read something of mine and finally came back to tell me what it meant to them? A shocking amount, weirdly. You may have planted thoughts or feelings in your readers that will take some time to germinate, but that doesn't mean they're not there, blooming in secret.
Girlie, your writing is special and far too important to give up on, interactions be damned! Not that you don't deserve them of course, but stay open on your writing journey. You're doing tremendously--speaking professionally as an English teacher and a 25-year fanfic writing veteran. Not everything will receive the hefty recognition it deserves, but it still adds value to people's lives--most importantly YOURS. <3
Gosh I've been so chronically offline, I did not know the sweetest, much needed message ever was sitting in my inbox for so long! @biffhofosho the way your words have an effect on me, be it in your stories or in your messages of encouragement, is like nothing else - god only knows what I have done to deserve such kindness from you <3 You're absolutely right, I feel like somewhere, the consumerism of it all got to me - I've never really written stories with the idea of getting a response, but I think once I got a teeny tiny bit, human nature made me crave for more, only to eventually be met with the usual lack of it? It was a viscous, stupid trap that took quite a while to break out of but I've finally done it, I'm back to writing again :) Thank you for pushing me to not give up on this, honestly, notes truly be damned, I'm so glad to have found you on this journey! I'm truly so grateful for the way you appreciate my work and motivate me to do better, thank you, thank you, thank you <3
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straycatboogie · 1 year
Text
2023/07/01 English
BGM: The Doobie Brothers - Listen To The Music
Recently, I have enjoyed Eels' album "Electro-Shock Blues" again. Eels is a solo project of the person Mark Oliver Everett aka E. I have listened to this "Electro-Shock Blues" in/during this life. Especially when I was in really troublesome period, the time I thought "I should give up anything" and "I can't go forward anymore", I relied on that great music... I am not a music journalist so I can't explain his music/this album itself with a critical/journalistic perspective. But I say that this music is really "impressive". This album describes in its beginning a scene of bathroom. in the bathroom, Elizabeth is lying on the floor. She says "My life is shit and piss". But if this music ended just describing this depressive scenery, then it would mean that this music could be just a banal one. A commercially poisonous, negative, catchy one, and so on... I say this album is not such a banal one. I want YOU to enjoy this because YOU are the person who has been living in YOUR troublesome days like hell. This will give you an energy to walk forward.
Indeed, you might find a certain heaviness in this album. The distorted heavy sound of bassline. Various experimental pop sound with pieces of instruments. E's husky and warm voice... It wouldn't be touchy for you I guess. YOU would find that YOU could go out from a nightmare with listening to this album, which has been made to "knock" your spots in mind which give you comfortable feeling. Or just like going out of the state of bad tripping, or the dawning from the night little by little... YOU must feel that the sunlight is coming through this album. This one leads you to a brand new hope/new life. But it doesn't mean a positive, brutal message that "Dreams must come true so let's be positive". At first, YOU see desperate darkness in the beginning of this album. And from that bottom of the deep sea, YOU will move to the surface steadily. That kind of movement from darkness to lightness, or from hell to this world is really "trippy" event. So I love this album so much. But why? Why the person E can do such a magical playing/singing/creating? He must be a genius, or a soul master, or a charisma. At least, this "Electro-Shock Blues" must be one of the masterpieces in 90s rock music. An evergreen, everlasting shining.
And I find that E is a really "soulful" and "warm hearted" person when I enjoy this album. He accepts me, the person who always feels pitiful emotion (I almost used a controversial word "sissy"). Like he holds/hugs me a lot... I also feel that he has a certain great sense of humor. The mixture of serious essences and humorous ones. Not too positive, but also too hypocritic. In other words, I never feel any essence of "fake" in this album. A really honest one. Me, I was recently said by a friend as "your sense of humor is great". But maybe that is because I have been actually influenced by E's such wonderful works/masterpieces. E also has made various albums in his career. He has never failed making them. E is the person who always has lived his hurtful/terrible life. But he sees the world with his clear eyes, and sings by his hot voice, facing forward and saying "Oh my gosh" but "I'm gonna live". Yes, maybe this world is like hell and our life is like chaos... But the life has a certain value to enjoy living. His life has such a strong line as a great career, and it embraces me a lot. 90s is a decade that has great artists as Nirvana, Beck, Blur, Oasis, Suede, etc... But Eels is also a great one. Eels is as great as them. I even say that E must be underrated.
Oh my... I can remember that I had written about suicide a lot yesterday. And also today I wrote a lot of negative ideas about Eels' music. Indeed, I like Nine Inch Nails and Marylin Manson to hurt myself mentally/virtually in my bedroom. But somewhere in my mind I try to believe in the power of humor listening to great artists as Eels (By the way, I even can feel that Nine Inch Nails also has great humor). Probably I have been attracted by Haruki Murakami because of Haruki's profound humor. And also, when I write this journal I say to myself like this. "Why should I write a lot of negative, painful, depressive content which also could hurt readers?". In other words, I have a mentality/personality of "a fool". A fool in Shakespeare's plays... Or I must be a pierrot, or a clown. And also a true masochist... Oh my. I talked about myself too much (as usual).
A friend recommended me to make this "carrd". I show this to you. https://straycatboogie.carrd.co/
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