#one fine day eng sub

[perhaps-in-anotherdream]

[CN] Li Zeyan’s MQ: Burning Imprints (Eng Translation) - Part 1

⌚Warning⌚ This post contains detailed spoilers for a mind quest, 灼痕, that is yet to be released on the global server! ♡

✦ Part 1 || Part 2 || ASMR

🔞 Additional Warning 🔞 Same old but more severe warning this time LOL. The steamy parts of the MQ are as explicit as they can get, i.e., some of the most explicit stuff you’ll read in a CN otome game right now, so if you don’t qualify for the game’s 17+ rating (CN server), I’d very highly recommend that you don’t proceed under the cut~ :>

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【Subbed Video】

【Chapter 1】 

Toot–– 

The melodious steam whistle sounds from afar. A ferry sails over the shimmering, crystalline waves, its sleek and majestic hull gradually becoming clear in the field of vision.

Accompanied by the heavy thud of the ferry entering the port, the seagulls on the coast are startled, scattering and flying into the azure sky.

I exchange a few words with the staff next to me, and eventually, we fine-tune our respective appearances. As we look on in anticipation, the ferry slowly lowers its gangway.

In no time, people begin to descend in small groups of two or three.

Employee A: Wow! I can’t believe the entire island has been booked for team-building. The company really is committed to this.

Goldman: After all, we’ve managed to seize back several projects from FengZhen Group, and the financial report has some commendable highlights. Anywho, the only one who is capable of making such strides is our LFG. [1]

Executive B: Indeed, let’s have the administration team shoot a few extra videos. We can use them as promotional material when recruiting from universities next year.

Amidst the continuous ebb and flow of conversation, a staff member next to me props up their head ornament and walks up to the crowd.

Staff Member: Welcome, travelers from distant lands, to Nan’Ao Island!

Staff Member: I am an elven emissary of this island. In the time that follows, I will be accompanying you on this journey of exploration along with my companions.

In cooperation, I point the “wand” in my hand toward the direction of the shore. As I watch the expression on the staff members’ faces, either of astonishment or admiration, the weariness accumulated over the past few days of running around dissipates a little.

With the Spring Festival approaching, LFG offered employees the opportunity for company-sponsored travel as a benefit. Nan’Ao Island was among the destinations that were up for choice.

This place has just undergone the transformation into a vacation-themed resort with a “Magic Holiday” theme. In addition to the subsequent promotional campaigns, [MC’s Company Name] was also involved in designing the majority of the activities.

In order to closely follow up on the initial operations, I decided to stay on the island. Concurrently, I made most of the opportunity and assumed the role of an “NPC” to promptly identify and address any potential oversights that might occur during the process.

MC: Now, please make your way to the nearby golden beach. We’ll be guiding each of you to choose your own “abodes.”~

The crowd follows the guidance and walks toward the beach. I maintain a courteous smile, my gaze subconsciously scanning around, but I’m unable to find Li Zeyan’s figure.

...Could it be that he got caught up with some last-minute work? Or could there be some other reason?

As I silently ponder to myself, memories of the conversation during our video call the other day surface in my mind.

–

──── [FLASHBACK STARTS] ────

LZY: …they can only truly relax when the higher-ups are not around.

LZY: There are still many year-end matters to attend to, and not all members of the management, myself included, necessarily need to be directly involved.

I let out a prolonged “Ah” and lean a bit closer to the screen.

MC: Team building is an essential component of corporate culture… how can CEO Li, as a member of LFG, make an exception?

MC: In such opportunities to strengthen team cohesion, if the boss also actively participates, it can provide even better motivation for everyone!

MC: Moreover, “sharpening the axe doesn’t delay the cutting of firewood.”  Taking a break before the New Year also means entering work with a better mental state afterward, don’t you agree?~

Li Zeyan, on the screen, locks eyes with me for a brief moment, and his motion of flipping through the documents comes to a halt.

LZY: If [MC’s Company Name] ever incorporates a debate competition into team-building activities, a certain someone here would surely come out on top.

MC: So, to translate your words, does it mean that CEO Li has been persuaded by me?

Li Zeyan leans back against the chair noncommittally, and though he doesn’t confirm or deny, a touch of softness settles in his expression.

LZY: Don’t celebrate just yet; I need to arrange my schedule first.

LZY: If I can carve out time, I’ll try my best to make it there.

───── [FLASHBACK ENDS] ─────

–

Seeing the stream of people on the pier gradually thinning out, my gaze falls on Goldman, and subconsciously, I consider asking him about Li Zeyan’s situation.

But considering that there are still numerous unfamiliar LFG employees present here, and given my current role as the “Elven Emissary,”...

After some thought, I decide to play the role of an “NPC” for now and find a moment to give him a call later.

Click.

A soft sound emanates from behind. I reflexively turn around and find myself involuntarily squinting my eyes into a smile.

Li Zeyan is leisurely leaning against the railing of the pier, holding up his phone in my direction. His hair dances in the sea breeze, revealing his deep-set eyes and brows.

Perhaps due to the vacation atmosphere, he is dressed somewhat casually today. The collar of his shirt is loosely open, allowing the sunlight to sketch out subtle contours.

Noticing that I’ve turned around, he then shifts his gaze away from the screen. A barely perceptible hint of a smile lingers on the corners of his lips.

At this moment, only the two of us are on the boardwalk. I finally can’t resist the urge to let a smile tug at the corners of my mouth and briskly walk up to his side.

MC: Hm-hmph, I knew you’d definitely come~

MC: By the way, were you sneakily snapping photos of me just now?

LZY: I’ve been standing here for quite some time already.

LZY: You were the one who didn’t notice me, so you can’t really call it being “sneaky.”

LZY: Besides, I haven’t seen a certain someone for several weeks. Am I not even allowed to take a few pictures now?

MC: Hehe, Sir, you’re allowed to do whatever you please~

MC: After all, this “Elven Emissary ” here is so cute. It’s only normal if you want to treasure this moment~

LZY: [laughs helplessly] …as usual.

His voice carries a subtle undertone of helpless resignation, causing me to involuntarily burst into laughter. Li Zeyan looks at me and slows down his pace.

LZY: Your mood seems exceptionally upbeat today.

MC: Of course~ After all, I had a hand in creating this tourism project, and the first batch of guests to be welcomed here happens to be employees from my boyfriend’s company.

MC: One must acknowledge it’s a wonderful stroke of fate.

The bright and beautiful sunshine beams down, and the warm sea breeze carries with it Li Zeyan’s soft chuckle.

LZY: Turns out this kind of hectic coordination can also be viewed as a “serendipitous coincidence.”

LZY: Obviously, when the administrative department was selecting the team-building destination, in order to advocate for Nan’Ao Island to be included in the list, a certain someone even went out of her way and brought a PowerPoint presentation to explain.

LZY: What was it? Something along the lines of “since there’s a hierarchical relationship, if LFG chooses Nan’Ao Island, they can enjoy discounts and save on budget funds.”

LZY: “After tirelessly working for the entire year, what better place to warm one’s heart than heading to a sun-drenched island during the chilly season?”

LZY: While you did deploy a bunch of rhetoric, you also appealed to emotions and reasoned with logic.

MC: In any case, judging from the results, the strategy did prove effective!

MC: CEO Li, rest assured. Since I’ve strived for this opportunity, I will ensure the quality of your team building is guaranteed.

MC: I pledge that no matter what, both CEO Li and the employees of LFG will enjoy a perfect vacation~

In the midst of our conversation, we’ve already reached the end of the boardwalk and stepped onto the soft, warm beach. Li Zeyan’s voice resonates from beside me.

LZY: And what about you?

MC: I’m gonna fulfill the duties of the “Elven Emissary ” and ensure you all have a great time, of course~

LZY: …a certain someone never forgets her professionalism.

In the distance, the hubbub of indistinct yet clamorous laughter emanates from the meeting point. I clear my throat and speak in a serious demeanor.

MC: I officially welcome you to the island~ Our magical holiday journey is about to begin!

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[Tidbits]:

[1] It’s a reference to his top-up SSR from this same event.

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【Chapter 2】

As we get closer to the meeting point, the distant voices of conversation become increasingly clear. I loosen my grip on Li Zeyan’s arm, lowering my voice.

MC: I’ll go ahead first; we’ll catch up later, okay~

–

I gesture to another “Elven Emissary” as I speak. The latter, understanding my signal, walks in front of the unfolded map and speaks during the interval before I take the stage.

Staff Member: Up next is the segment for choosing your accommodation. Feel free to pick based on your preferences.

Staff Member: For those seeking a quiet retreat, you can choose locations near the “Healing Hot Springs” and the “Elves’ Home Bar.” The surroundings are picturesque, and it’s convenient to reach us whenever needed.

Staff Member: If you lean towards activities, you might want to choose accommodations near the boardwalk. This not only offers more convenient access to activity spots like “Blue Sea Snorkeling” and “Dragon Wing Gliding” but also…

MC: But also, there’s a higher concentration of hidden items in the nearby area!

Seizing the opportunity, I smoothly take over the conversation and walk to the front. And sure enough, a curious inquiry reaches my ears.

Employee A: What was that you just mentioned about the hidden items?

Beaming ear to ear, I raise a string of coconut shell bracelets.

MC: This is the Easter egg segment we’ve designed~

MC: Scattered around the captivating spots worth exploring on the island, you’ll find 16 sets of these bracelets. If you find them, please pass them over to the Elven Emissaries.

MC: Once you collect them all, you’ll unlock a hidden scenery–– share this delightful surprise with someone you hold dear~

MC: Now, who would like to come up first and choose their accommodation?

The air buzzes with excitement as conversations erupt. Though no one comes forward to take the stage, everyone simultaneously turns their eyes to the back of the crowd as if in tacit agreement.

My gaze follows the direction of the crowd, and looking up, I see Li Zeyan standing alone under the shade of a tree.

Probably not wanting to draw attention to himself, he has deliberately chosen a spot slightly removed from the crowd. However, he is still unable to escape from the employees’ gazes locking precisely onto him.

The beach at the moment is akin to a natural conference room, with countless eyes of either admiration or curiosity trained on Li Zeyan, all awaiting his directives.

I struggle to contain the urge to hook my lips into a smile, suddenly recalling Li Zeyan’s words from our video call – “They can only truly relax when the higher-ups are not around.”

During the relaxed time of team-building, it’s actually a great opportunity to lessen the sense of distance between superiors and subordinates...!

Suddenly, an idea pops into my mind, and I speak with a beaming smile on my face.

MC: Although no one has spoken yet, their collective gazes have already pointed to the most fitting candidate.

MC: That handsome gentleman back there! Could you come up to the stage, please?

LZY: …

Across the bustling crowd, Li Zeyan and I lock eyes for a brief moment before he finally walks unhurriedly to the front of the stage.

The moment our shoulders brush against each other, his thin lips move almost imperceptibly.

LZY: [GAHH THE “THREATENING” WHISPER]  You’re gonna have to settle this account later.

MC: C’mon, enliven the atmosphere a bit. Please cooperate, CEO Li~

I also answer in a voice that only the two of us can hear, briskly leading him to stand in front of the map. Then, with a serious demeanor, I ask.

MC: I wonder which accommodation you’re planning to choose?

As I speak, my fingertips trace over the area near the “Elves’ Home Bar” as if inadvertently, and I stare at Li Zeyan expectantly.

His gaze wanders over the map for a moment, then he raises his hand and points to a vacation cabin nestled within the dense forest at the far end of the bay.

LZY: This one here.

LZY: However, it’s in a rather secluded location. I’m afraid I won’t be able to find my way there alone.

With this sentence, he slips one hand into his pocket and turns sideways, looking at me with an indolent gaze. Although he hasn’t said anything explicitly, I clearly catch his implication and discreetly pout my lips.

MC: ...Then, after everyone has chosen their accommodations, I’ll––

Goldman: Actually, after CEO Li’s demonstration, the process has become much clearer. We can complete the remaining steps under the guidance of others.

Goldman: Going in groups like this will also increase efficiency.

Goldman pushes his glasses up and suddenly speaks from the audience.

Several threads of understanding or confusion are thrown from the crowd, but they all nod in agreement in groups of two or three.

LZY: Could you lead the way now, “Miss Elven Emissary”?

MC: …please follow me. Everyone else, carry on.

Amidst the lively atmosphere, I escort Li Zeyan off the stage and walk out of the crowd. It’s not until we are seated in the equipped car that I turn to look at him.

MC: Sob, sob~ and here I was so sure of our tacit understanding. Did you not catch the hint I gave you just now?

MC: This place is the furthest from our offline work information exchange hub, “Elves’ Home Bar.” I’ll have to take so many detours in the future…

Suddenly, a warm touch lands on my lips. Li Zeyan raises his hand and caresses my lips, sending a wave of tingling sensation through me.

LZY: Well, isn’t that just perfect.

In the faintly intoxicating sea breeze, he leans in toward me, his voice tinged with a touch of indolence.

LZY: Since it’s so troublesome, just reduce the frequency of your visits.

LZY: Invest all the time you would have spent there on me instead.

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【Chapter 3】

The cozy tropical sunshine beams down as I sit on the deck of the small boat, adjusting the fishing net. Suddenly, a few drops of cool seawater land on my cheeks.

Li Zeyan floats up from the sea, lifting the breathing tube with one hand, and squints slightly as he looks in my direction.

LZY: Wasn’t it a certain someone who took the initiative for this and said she wanted to try her hand at fishing?

LZY: Why is she dilly-dallying now?

MC: Let me finish fastening this last buttonhole… don’t rush me!

I lazily scoop up a handful of water and splash it back at him. Looking at the dripping wet hair over Li Zeyan’s forehead out of the corner of my eye, I can’t help bursting into laughter.

MC: Don’t you feel this scene gives a sense of deja vu?

MC: It feels like when we were on White Pearl Island, I was waiting for you to come back from pearl diving just like this. [2]

As I speak, I adjust the equipment and give him an OK gesture. Li Zeyan seems to recall something as well, and a glint of smile glides across his dark-colored irises.

LZY: All I remember is you waiting on the deck for about ten minutes, and then you started feeling bored.

LZY: When I got on the ship, you persistently kept asking about the underwater scenery.

As he says this, he reaches out and clasps my palm, bridging the distance between him and me.

LZY: And this time, you can accompany me to see it together.

With these words, Li Zeyan pulls me along and together, we dive into the warm, cerulean sea.

The scenery undersea is akin to a picture scroll, its novel appearances unfolding before our eyes through the diving mask.

Schools of fish shuttle through the vibrant, swaying coral. Occasionally, one or two would swim alone, leisurely swishing their tails as they cruise along.

The target suddenly appears, capturing my attention instantly. I swiftly dash forward and swing the net. Unexpectedly, the fish rapidly changes direction and escapes from my encirclement.

MC: … 

Li Zeyan casts a sidelong glance at me, his long legs sheathed in a black diving suit swaying leisurely in the sea waves.

Despite the breathing tube and diving mask obscuring his face, I can still vaguely discern a smile.

Unwilling to resign myself, I chase after several lone fish again, but all my attempts to catch them end in failure. I grab his hand and float to the surface, exhaling a sigh of frustration.

MC: These fish are too agile. Can I apply for some assistance from outside?

Upon hearing my words, Li Zeyan glances at me and takes off his breathing tube.

LZY: When you say “assistance from outside,” what exactly are you referring to?

MC: I was referring to CEO Li’s Evol, of course~

MC: As long as you pause time for just a moment, we can catch them all in one fell swoop, can’t we!?~

I lean in with a beaming smile on my face but am stopped by Li Zeyan’s outstretched finger pressing against my forehead.

LZY: Even if we succeed this way, there won’t be much joy in it.

LZY: Instead, we should slow down our movements and allow the fish to relax their vigilance. Once they feel safe, they’ll come closer on their own.

LZY: When the time comes, they naturally won’t have any chance to escape.

Seeing my skeptical gaze, Li Zeyan doesn’t offer further explanation. He simply puts on his breathing tube and motions for me to join him in diving underwater again.

I follow behind him, observing as he pauses with the net in front of a cluster of coral, quietly slowing his movements. Before long, sure enough, a few fish swim over.

Silently, Li Zeyan leans forward, waiting until the fish approaches the net without any alertness, then swiftly pulls the net together.

Eyes wide, I suppress the excitement bubbling within me as we float up. I watch as Li Zeyan lifts the net, several fish floundering vigorously inside.

Glistening droplets of water cascade down his damp forehead, melding into his equally soaked neck and broad shoulders. I can’t help but gasp in awe.

MC: So amazing! You managed to really catch them!

LZY: I learned quite a few techniques from the fishermen back when we were on White Pearl Island. Just putting some of that knowledge to use. [3]

Li Zeyan lifts his hand and swings the net onto the small boat as he speaks, then helps me up onto the deck. Followed by this, he speaks with a hint of amusement in his tone.

LZY: On the other hand, a certain someone has already been on this island for quite a long time for planning and on-site inspection purposes.

LZY: How come it is that no matter if it’s diving or fishing, there’s always a sense of novelty in your reactions?

MC: Hehe, I indeed haven’t had the chance to enjoy myself here. This island is more of a workplace for me, after all.

MC: Every day, I’ve had to stay on top of the situation on-site, adjust program designs and coordinate personnel arrangements…

MC: Sob, sob, I’d just pass out as soon as I went back to my room, so I didn’t even have any time to explore properly.

A warm touch lands on my cheek as Li Zeyan casually wipes away the water streaks from my face, giving me a somewhat helpless glance.

LZY: Aren’t you always on the dot to remind me about “seizing” the chances to relax when I’m on business trips?

LZY: I remember you mentioning before that you’re not the only person responsible for this project inspection.

LZY: So, how come you didn’t sneak off to “touch fish” and relax a little? [4]

MC: I just can’t help but feel a little uneasy without seeing things with my own eyes. After all, this project is going to be recommended to LFG, so it’s only natural that I must ensure every detail is ironed out.

MC: Moreover, haven’t I already “seized” it back? Being by your side is already the best method of “touching fish.”~ [5]

Grinning, I reach out and touch the fish still flopping around in the net, the tail note of my voice carrying a cheerful lilt. Beside me, Li Zeyan chuckles softly in response.

LZY: A certain dummy has always been quite skilled at comforting herself.

LZY: So, what’s the plan for these fish?

MC: The restaurants on the island do offer processing services… but I want to push the envelope a little further.

Beaming from ear to ear, I lift my chin towards the open-air barbecue area on the shore as I speak. Li Zeyan follows my gaze, his voice now tinged with a hint of comprehension.

LZY: When it comes to troublesome tasks such as this, a certain someone really spurs into action.

MC: But I also need someone here to cooperate~ Pretty please, Li Zeyan; it’s been ages since I have experienced your culinary masterpieces!

As I speak, I fold my hands together in a gesture of prayer and gaze at him. Although Li Zeyan remains non-committal, the glimmer of a smile in his eyes grows increasingly pronounced.

—

Sure enough, once the small boat stops by the boardwalk, Li Zeyan picks up the net.

LZY: Go change your clothes.

LZY: Decide on the flavor you want, grab the condiments, and meet me at the barbecue area.

With Li Zeyan’s promise, my mood can’t help but brighten all the more.

After changing into dry clothes, I head toward the “supply point,” filled with joy and expectation, mentally calculating as I walk––

Naturally, we should include the local specialty sauces… but what if Li Zeyan doesn’t have a taste for them? I should also bring some classic condiment pairings like spiced salt and hot pepper…

Staff Member: Excuse me… Miss Elven Emissary!

A hesitant call sounds from behind me. I quickly snap out of my thoughts, and a polite smile forms at the corner of my lips.

MC: May I help you with something?

Staff Member: I just found one of the bracelets you guys mentioned while taking photos by the reef. Could you please guide me to the registration area?

The other party opens their palm towards me as she speaks. My gaze falls on the beaded bracelet, and my eyes can’t help but sparkle a bit at the sight of it.

The first bracelet has been found so quickly! This collection task seems to be progressing even more smoothly than I imagined…

MC: Of course, please follow me~

I reply in a brisk tone and send a message to Li Zeyan, letting him know that I’d be ten minutes late. Then, I escort the girl to the “Elves’ Home Bar.”

After taking care of everything, I inadvertently glance at my phone. My heart suddenly stutters.

…It’s been twenty minutes past the time I promised Li Zeyan that I’d be there.

—

I rush towards the open-air barbecue area at lightning speed, carrying the bottles and cans in my arms, and spot Li Zeyan leaning against the long table.

Several plates are already arranged on the table. As I draw nearer, the tantalizing aroma of grilled delights wafts into my nostrils, clearly indicating that they’ve been ready for quite some time.

Seemingly hearing my footsteps, Li Zeyan lifts his gaze to look at me. I promptly dash a few steps forward.

MC: I’m sorry for making you wait for so long… haha, the aroma is so delightful!~

MC: As expected of Mr. Li. You can maintain top-notch performance even without any condiments!

LZY: These fish have already been seasoned. You can stop buttering me up now.

LZY: While I was waiting for you earlier, a staff member passed by in the vicinity, so I asked him to help me fetch them.

LZY: Otherwise, if I were to wait for a certain someone to bring them back, the fish would have all burned.

MC: The route to the registration point was a bit circuitous. I didn’t realize it’d take this long.

As I rush to explain at lightning bolt speed, a not-so-firm yet no-so-gentle tap lands on my head.

LZY: [laughs helplessly]  Dummy, I’m not mad.

LZY: I just realized that you seem to be particularly invested in this group task.

MC: Because I designed that surprise single-handedly from scratch. Instead of it staying hidden, I rather hope it can be seen by everyone~

MC: And, to be honest, I also have a bit of a selfish motive.

MC: “The harvest reaped from a certain someone’s efforts during this time has indeed been worthwhile.”... I want to hear you say these words personally after seeing the “surprise.”~

LZY: [laughs even more helplessly] You’re already an accomplished producer in your own right, do you still need this kind of affirmation?

MC: Of course~ After all, affirmation from clients and work partners is recognition of my capabilities, which fuels my resolve to keep pushing forward.

MC: However, the affirmation from my boyfriend–– can sweep away all the weariness from this period, filling me with motivation to welcome the next challenge head-on~

LZY: [even more indulgently] Dummy.

As he says this, his baritone voice softens slightly, and he forks a piece of fish and brings it to my lips.

The delicious flavor explodes on the tip of my tongue. I squint my eyes contentedly, listening as Li Zeyan speaks in a low voice.

LZY: It’s okay to give yourself a break without any worries.

LZY: Don’t underestimate the people at LFG.

──────────────

[Tidbits]

[2+3] It’s a reference to LZY’s first UR card story: “Melding Into You.”

[4+5] The term used here is “摸鱼” (lit. meaning touch fish), which is actually used to mean “slacking off.” There are a lot of playful puns here, which I’m too exhausted to explain rn. Anyway, while I could have used the fig. meaning, I went with the lit. one b/c the conversation revolves around the whole fish imagery here, e.g., you see MC touching the fish they’ve caught together (with him guiding her) as she says her best method of slacking off, i.e., relaxing, is simply being with him– which essentially is a core part of this date, which you’ll see unfolding later ahah 🥺

—

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—

【Chapter 4】

Outside the vacation cabin windows, the dense patter of rain mingles with the rustling of branches and leaves.

Standing on the terrace and looking outwards, I can see the buildings near and far being shrouded in a fine veil of rain. 

I withdraw my gaze from the eaves outside and glance at the work group chat that has been continuously bombarding me with messages since just now.

The sudden downpour has only now begun to taper off. The patrol staff just reported that the beaded bracelet placed at the seaside has been washed into the sea.

If similar situations occur at the other sites where the bracelets are placed, it will surely impact the experience of the game. With this in mind, I swiftly send a few messages in the group chat.

MC: “Once the rain stops, let’s each go check the placement of props in our designated zones.”

In response, there comes a series of consecutive affirmations in the group chat. Deep in thought, I raise my head and gaze towards the forest outside the vacation cabin.

The nearest hiding spot to me is right here... I’ll have to seize the opportunity when Li Zeyan isn’t paying attention and sneak out for a quick look.

As I’m contemplating, Li Zeyan’s voice suddenly comes from behind.

LZY: It’s so late, and you still haven’t come to bed. What are you zoning out for?

I discreetly tighten my grip on my phone and turn around to look at Li Zeyan.

He is sitting reclined against the headboard, iPad in hand. His dark fringes hang leisurely, partially veiling his eyes.

A pair of glasses rests loosely on the bridge of his nose, reflecting several glimmering points of light from the screen.

I plop back onto the bed, casually leaning closer to him as if nothing has occurred.

MC: The rain outside is quite lovely, so I was just snapping a few photos.

MC: And what about you… it’s only been a few days since the vacation, why have you already started looking at documents?

Catching my curious gaze, Li Zeyan leans back and casually angles the iPad in my direction.

LZY: In order to complete a certain someone’s mission.

I move closer with some confusion, and a chart titled “Technology is the Ultimate Weapon” immediately enters my field of vision.

On the topographic map of the vacation island, at least a dozen annotations are sprawled, detailing analyses ranging from distribution patterns to minimum spacing radii, both internally and externally.

For a moment, I can’t help but be bewildered by the scale of the arrangement. Then I hear Li Zeyan’s voice coming from beside me.

LZY: As you can see, there are already people from LFG who have begun updating the guide in real-time.

LZY: In addition to taking turns searching during the vacation, they also share the locations they’ve already found the bracelets each day to avoid wasting time.

LZY: Goldman even went ahead and prepared charts, saying that it would narrow down the search area through data analysis.

I withdraw my gaze and meet Li Zeyan’s eyes with a moment of incredulity.

MC: Isn’t that taking it a bit too seriously… hang on, you didn’t assign this as a task to them, saying something like, “You must complete it within the designated time frame,” did you?

Li Zeyan shoots me a cryptic glance with a hint of ambiguity in his expression.

LZY: I haven’t become that unreasonable yet. This is something that interested individuals did voluntarily.

LZY: At the end of the day, it was a certain someone’s previous introduction that piqued their curiosity.

With a pensive “Oh,” I suddenly think of something.

MC: So, to derive from what you said, this is a private chat group? Then how are you––

There is a sudden hesitation in Li Zeyan’s demeanor.

LZY: [you can’t see me but I’m actually crying lmao 😭] …I asked Goldman to add me to it.

His voice remains very calm. I hold his gaze for a moment, but can’t help bursting into laughter.

MC: Pfft, haha, so it turns out CEO Li is also participating in this activity, huh! Then doesn’t that mean you have to lead the team and set an example?

MC: But you have the “secret weapon” in your hands! Just “please” me a little, and who knows? You might uncover some clues.

I teasingly poke his cheek. Li Zeyan doesn’t say anything and simply stares at me intently.

A moment later, he suddenly chuckles and casually takes off his glasses, setting them aside. Without the obstruction of the lenses, those deep eyes of his stare at me unabashedly.

LZY: [chuckles teasingly]  How do you want me to “please” you?

His voice seems to take on a slightly huskier timbre than usual, as he reaches out and takes hold of my fingertips.

A wet, passionate kiss descends immediately. I quiver, instinctively wanting to pull back my hand, but he restrains my movements.

LZY: Like this?

LZY: …Or would you like me to go further in?

With these muffled words, his lips quietly trail to my neck, lingering there, taking his time and igniting a growing fire.

My heartbeat accelerates uncontrollably, but I still make a conscious effort to keep my willpower intact.

MC: …I already asked you to please me. Naturally, you should be the one to think about how to do it.

LZY: Hmm, I haven’t thought it through yet.

He appears to be genuinely reflective, but the force of his delivery suddenly increases, catching me unawares. The goblet glass at the head of the bed is knocked over, its content spilling silently and soaking the crumpled bedsheet.

I tightly clench the pillow, his voice reverberating in my ears.

LZY: [shaky, breathless voice x1] But since you’ve handed over the control to me…

LZY: [x2] When we should stop won’t be your call anymore.

—------------------------ interlude ------------------------—

The rain outside has stopped at some point. Only the gauze curtains in the distance dance in the breeze, occasionally making a rustling sound.

I stealthily open my eyes. The man next to me has half of his face buried in the pillow, his features traced by the moonlight pouring through the window.

His body rises and falls gently along with his light, rhythmic breathing. It seems that he has already drifted off to sleep.

MC: Li Zeyan? CEO Li? …Zeyan gege?

In order to feel out, I speak in a soft voice. Seeing that he still hasn’t responded, I slowly move his arm aside.

Then, gently and quietly, I rise from the bed, casting one last glance at the sleeping Li Zeyan before feeling at ease and pushing open the door.

—

Creak––

Along with this almost inaudible sound, the crisp air post-rain rushes towards me head-on.

The clear night drapes over the quiet vacation village, with the vaguely audible murmurs of the waves in the distance.

I walk along the cobblestone path into the woods, carefully identifying the location of the placement point by the distant lights.

The bracelet hanging from the branches sways gently in the breeze, almost blending into the dim light of the night.

Feeling relieved, I send a message to the group to confirm that everything was fine. But just as I’m about to leave, I can’t resist muttering to myself.

MC: …Li Zeyan, you really are a dummy.

MC: This hiding spot is clearly so close to where we’re residing, and yet you still haven’t found it.

LZY: After all, considering the vast expanse of the area to search through, it’s surely going to consume a lot of time.

LZY: Instead of running around aimlessly, it’s better to wait patiently for the chance to arrive.

A familiar voice sounds from behind me. Startled, I turn around at lightning pace. There, standing behind me, is the person who I saw seemingly “sound asleep” just a moment ago, now watching me.

MC: You… You were actually pretending to be asleep!

LZY: A little correction. I was simply concerned about your safety when I noticed you were heading out so late, that’s all.

LZY: The discovery I’ve made just now can only be regarded as an unexpected gain.

Li Zeyan’s eyes mirror a contemplative interest as he speaks.

LZY: On the contrary, a certain someone here seems to be getting more and more adept at pulling the wool over people’s eyes.

LZY: While her leading foot earnestly vowed that she was genuinely exhausted and just wanted to sleep quickly, her trailing foot dashed out the door to be busy with this and that…

LZY: [GAH THAT MENACINGLY SEDUCTIVE TONE] It seems like I don’t need to be mindful of such excuses from now on.

The roots of my ears can’t help but flush a bit, and I let out a cough before offering an explanation.

MC: Circumstances change… my current action is entirely driven by my dedication to work.

Li Zeyan lets out an ambiguous “ah.” His figure is outlined by the distant lights, casting a slender silhouette that projects onto me.

Amidst the murky darkness, I discern his voice carrying a slightly deeper chuckle, and it seems a little more muffled than usual.

LZY: Sophistry.

LZY: Whether or not there’s some truth to it… I’ll examine it in my own way.

His voice drops to a whisper, and what follows is a warm and entangled kiss.

I find myself involuntarily clutching onto the corner of his garment, tilting my head back to reciprocate. The next moment, I feel the tip of his tongue gently glide across the roof of my mouth.

Despite the brevity of that touch, it sends a shiver through me, making me tremble uncontrollably. I feel as if my heartbeat is about to melt into the fiery breath of this moment.

??: Has this area not been searched yet?

Indistinct chatter suddenly echoes from a distance. I gasp and turn my head, watching as two blurry figures appear far off at the edge of the woods.

MC: They seem to be looking for clues… We…

Before I can finish my entire sentence, it’s gradually drowned out by stifled whimpers.

Li Zeyan closes in on me from the back, covering me deeply. His one hand presses against my lips, seemingly trying to hush my voice.

His slender fingers teasingly caress the space between my teeth. After playing around for a while, they irresistibly delve further in.

MC: …!

LZY: They should know what’s appropriate.

LZY: But if you can’t control your voice… that might be a problem for us.

His fingertips carry the slight chill of the night, stirring my tongue every now and then. It feels like an appeasement, and yet also a form of punishment.

All the sounds in my ears fade away, leaving only the pounding of my heart, growing more and more violent amidst the whimpers. Unconsciously, I bite down on the fingers he has inserted.

His embrace, imprisoning me, tightens even more. A moist kiss descends onto the nape of my neck, followed by gentle nibbles, trailing down to my chest.

Rumble–– 

The rain, which came to a halt, has begun pouring down at some point unbeknownst to us, pitter-pattering onto the surface and creating ripples.

In the embrace of the night, everything is steeped in the surging tide.

──────────────────────────────────────────

Continue to Part 2: here!

────────────────

[not-normal-about-shigaraki]

My Hero Academia Ultra Impact - Shigaraki Tomura Voice Collection (ENG Translation)

I decided to go insane so here's a recording of his voice lines in MHAUI + my translations~! ❤️

Warning - I know very little japanese, so it's mostly me spending way too much time in translation software lmaoo. So, please correct me or feel free to add some context here!!

Receiving Gift - I will leave you to it./I'm gonna mark it as token of love (?? Off to a bad start here. I keep hearing "love" here. Is this projection?? Lmao. It amounts to something like the second one, but my translator apps also keep hearing "I'm gonna leave love behind"... Which is also interesting in a way but uh... *Confusion*)

Home Screen 1 - Aah, I hate it… I'm gonna destroy everything that annoys me.

Home Screen 2 - Maa, let's do our best together, okay?

Home Screen (Morning) 1 - You're energetic this early in the morning… I'm still sleepy…

Home Screen (Morning) 2 - Why are you so noisy? I'm not ready yet.

Home Screen (Afternoon) 1 - I'm getting on a roll now… Let's crush the society today.

Home Screen (Afternoon) 2 - Alright… Let's have some tea.

Home Screen (Evening) 1 - I'm seriously motivated... I'm talking about a game. A game.

Home Screen (Evening) 2 - Looks like the world is having fun. They let their guard down/They're so careless.

Home Screen (Night) 1 - The day is coming to an end and the goofy smiling heroes are yet to be destroyed. It's still not enough.

Home Screen (Night) 2 - Villains hide/live in the darkness. I'm starting to see why.

Home Screen (Late Night) 1 - Finally, a response… Someone who can get to work. (I'm pretty sure he literally says "Someone who can move" loool)

Home Screen (Late Night) 2 - Kurogiri, Toga- Hah? Already asleep? Are you little kids? (Not sure if he says Toga here tbh)

Home Screen (Early Morning) 1 - I'm sleepy… Aaah, so sleepy…

Home Screen (Early Morning) 2 - I'm going to sleep now. If you disturb me, I'm gonna destroy you too. (Though my translator also said "Go to bed now or I'm gonna destroy you too". Which, I gotta mention because it was too cute.)

Home Screen (Gift Box) - Look at that. Too good to waste.

Home Screen (Event) - An event? Want to destroy it to kill some time?

Battle Start Dialogue - Izuku Midoriya - At this rate, I feel like something is missing… (??? I have genuinely no clue what he's saying here. That's why I got, dunno.)

Battle Start Dialogue - Dabi - This guy is as rude as ever. So annoying.

Battle Start Dialogue - Himiko Toga - Toga, over there.

Battle Start Dialogue - All For One - Sensei, is it fine if I destroy those guys?

WAVE Progress - I'm feeling a bit better now.

Team Defeated in Battle - Ah… This time it's game over.

Sub-Character Entering Battle - Alright. Continue. (Context - as in, clicking "continue" in a game pause menu lol)

Level Up - Something's changed? I don't feel it.

Awaken - Plus... What is it again? (making fun of the phrase “Plus Ultra!” ~ thank you arakn0 !!)

Ability Board Completion - My brain is spinning round and round…

Login Bonus - Let's begin.

Maintenance - Why are you here? Go home.

Recruit Obtained - [Perdition] Tomura Shigaraki - Paranormal Liberation Front… Well, a name is just a decoration… Do as you like.

6-Month Anniversary Celebration Announcement - Nice. It's called a half-anniversary.

1st Anniversary Celebration Announcement - 1st anniversary… So, what shall we destroy first?

2nd Anniversary Celebration Announcement - It's been 2 years already… It's going well.

[stormblessed95]

230328 JK Live Stream all about Jimin for 100 minutes

The way that he basically started this live solely to talk about/focus on Jimin? Like sir, what were we even here for? Just to watch you support your boo? I'm actually totally fine with that. Lmao he talked about himself and his CK deal for like 10 minutes before moving on to Jimin and Jimin only. Lol he said "I Miss Jimin" literally, on weverse and then proceeded to show us just how much he missed him!

The way he fully stated he started this live because he hasn't seen Suchwita yet but since Jimin was on the show, he wanted to watch it and wanted to watch it with us. Cutie. You can watch his full reaction video with eng subs here:

He immediately wanted to know why Jimin wasn't there right off the bat 🤣 then was looking forward to what Alcohol Jimin brought with him to share. And was not surprised at all to find it was Soju saying that's "very much like Jimin hyung." The drinking buddies those 2 are, he WOULD know. Lol and his little complaints about wishing he was there drinking with yoonmin too were adorable.

The way he was concerned over Jimin eating the too hot food. And the way he giggled over yoonmin talking about Jimin performing on stage with Yoongi on tour and about Jimin acting cute for his face time fan calls.

And the confirmation from yet another member that the dumpling incident was watered way down for fan consumption when they shared about it and it really was so crazy. Lmfao vmin what did yall do!!

Plus we were blessed with a small glimpse of his beautiful smile and reaction to the iconic jikook black swan lift 🥺😭😍

The way he immediately agreed with Jimin about being in BTS for a long long time. 🥺 and his cute comments about how the show seems fun and he would also like to be on it one day! And the way he started to compliment Jimin on the way he expressed himself but cut himself off/got distracted lol

He reacted to SMF pt 2 MV here too. Lol and loved it. Throughly. Lol full video here:

He wanted to confirm the lyrics correctly especially for the maze lyrics. He was humming along and also lowkey already knew the choreo too. It was so cute. I love him.

And the way he smiled so proudly during the "I won't stop even if they mock me" lyrics 🥺

How we got the transition into shirtless Jimin and verse 2 and we just breifly totally lost JK there. 404 error not found is correct. Slack jawed for a bit there understandably lol

The way he heaped praise upon verse 2 which was so heartwarming

And he watched the dance practice for SMFpt2 too, which you can see the whole reaction here

The way he was humming along and then dancing along lmfao he didn't have to go so hard with the Summoning park jimin dance 🤣

And we even reacted to a BTS teasing Jimin compilation video??? Lmao jungkook??

PLEASE just watch the linked video. Lmfao it's less than 10 minutes and he looks SO SMITTEN the ENTIRE TIME. The reaction to their jikook moments from so long ago? The giggles at the other members lovingly teasing Jimin too? The way he melted watching Jimin sing promise too? MY HEART CANT HANDLE IT I CANT BELIEVE HE REACTED TO A JIMIN COMPILATION HONESTLY

Just the whole live he looks soooo??? In love?

And he commented about how he watched Jimins pixid video too and enjoyed it. Lol it really was just a night of binge watching Jimin for this man.

He is really just out here supporting Jimin fully and he misses him so much. We know they've been spending time together too. They mentioned JK being at some of Jimins Rehersals. We know they met with up with the other members for an OT7 dinner. I just know there is more we don't know too. But it just speaks to how much time they normally spend together when that's clearly not enough and the way they are missing each other SO MUCH even with those other times spent together. They are used to living in each other's pockets clearly lol. And now that they have so much going on and Jimins schedules are so crazy, that time apart is driving JK to do a 100 minute live stream about how much he misses his hyung. Lol Jimin you better go over their for that promised dinner he wants to cook for you!

Not to mention, JK really brought it back to prove his point. Jimin is his catalyst. His inspiration at so many times. JK really sat there and watched Jimin for 100 minutes and then immediately said goodbye to us because he was struck with inspiration and motivation to go work. "I suddenly feel like I have to go do something." "I think I have to go work." "I'm going to go work now! Bye!" With an abrupt hang up! Lol it was giving, I don't want to say more than i should about Jimin right now and wow, the inspiration struck and I REALLY am interested in seeing whatever it is you worked on Jungkook! Music? Art? New song? If Jimin inspired you so much, I'm very intrigued! 🤣

They really are so precious. So cute. And so sweet. I hope they got to go over and spend some lengthy time together already, or if not. I hope they get the chance really soon. As they are both very clearly craving that time together!

Ending with this funny tweet (follow the link!) Because it's so true 🤣🤣🤣

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - Disappointing Doom

Feb 2023 Wk 3

Being a highly subjective assessment of one tiny corner of the interwebs. Organized by which ones (in each category) I’m enjoying most.

Ongoing Series - Thai

My School President (Fri YT) ep 12fin - Them openly dating and flirting with each other (finally) while keeping it “secret” was hilarious. No surprise they got outed tho. The whole “coming out homophobic teacher” sequence was very extra but suited this show. And ending with prom could not be more YA. Plus smiley kisses! 

CONCLUSION?

GMMTV gave us a classic high school set Thai BL with tropes like messy boys singing their feelings that was Love Sick for the modern age with all the gentle sweetness and pining ache, but none of the dated damaging tropes or issues.  Yes, we’ve seen it all before, but this is me: I ADORE this shit. Who let my BL be this wholesome and funny? This show was fantastic, it’s only flaw was the singing (and that’s my baggage). My favorite GMMTV offering to date. 9/10 (could go as high as 9.5 on my more forgiving days) 

Bed Friend (Sat YT, GaGa & iQIYI uncut) ep 2 of 8 - I’m ending my week with this one these days. I feel like this is an EXCELLENT life decision. King’s pining is WBL levels of EPIC. Uea’s ma may be the worst ma in Thai BL (and that’s some stiff competition.) Ah getting tested together, such a right of passage. I like King a lot, his attitude, life philosophy, the way he looks an Uea, everything. This show is GREAT. 

Bed Friend extra sexy bits explained:

YouTube has the cut version with slightly less sexy content (this is what I’m mostly watching). 

GaGa ALSO has the cut version, BUT they have “extra clips” with the uncut content, you’ll need to find and watch them separately. 

iQIYI has the uncut version with the above mentioned extra sexy bits integrated back into the full episode.

Okay? 

Okay.

Moonlight Chicken (Weds YT) eps 5-6 of 8 - The break up btw Wen & Alan was really hard to watch, both actors are so good. Speaking of good actors, where did GeminiFourth come from? Seriously? I love these characters almost as a much as TinnGun. Heart’s parents are EVIL. Told ya they’d kiss as this couple bf TinnGun. Back of head wrap ‘Kiss’ tho, haven’t seen one of those from Thailand in ages. Old school. And then Khaotung just broadsides us with PAIN. This is such an aces show, but it is A LOT. 

Never Let Me Go (Tues YT) ep 11 of 12 - More cute BF intercut with agony. Holy role reversal dad butler! Otherwise a somewhat lackluster ep 11 of DOOM as dooms go, but I’m okay with that. 

Chains of Heart (Sat iQIYI) 1-2 of 10 - This is a suspense thriller about smugglers, amnesia, and lost love. Haii is good (and gorgeous) in the lead but the story is choppy, disjoined, and confusing. May be intentional, bad writing, or the captions being particularly bad (or all 3). It’s an interesting and different start. Not good but interesting. It reminds me a little of Manner of Death only with better action sequences. But I’m not sold on it because MoD had MaxTul, and this... does not. Ep 2 did not improve matters. When Ken & Lue flirt it’s fine and the Thai food bits were fun. (Kao Soi is one of my fav northern dishes, I’m sad he didn’t get to finish it.) At the funeral, why are they all texting when it can be traced and they could just be talking to each other? Honestly, everybody behaves like an idiot in this show. So I guess this is a revenge narrative? I’m so confused. They pretty tho, so I’ll keep watching because I am weak, but if you can wait, I think this is one that’s gonna be better as a binge. 

Our Winter (Thai & Korea YT & TikTok under ThaiMiniSeries) eps 1-7 of 14 - TutorYim microseries, told in vertical (TikTok) shorts. (Thanks to the BL spies for reporting in.) Cute Trope snippits but Korean is HARD to understand with a Thai accent. I’m not watching it with Eng subs and I’m not wild about this style short form but still - cute. Funny how they styled TutorYim so that they look slightly Korean - wardrobe and makeup wizardry. 

Hit Bite Love (Sat YT) ep 6 fin - Degrassi Junior BL concludes in a very soap opera way, with new characters and new/extra drama. Trigger warning on the original trigger. The investigating cop was super hot tho. Can we give him a BL? Also I liked the final scene makeup tons. But honestly what a total mess. I don’t know what i just watched and neither does it. 3/10 (sorry babies)  

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

HIStory 5: Love in the Future (Taiwan Weds Viki) ep 9 of 10 (or 17&18 of 20) - Kind of a filler ep and lackluster for a penultimate DOOM installment. But the HIStory franchise gets this way sometimes. 

Jack o’Frost (Japan GaGa) ep 2 of 6 - I’m finding it a bit dull. 

It’s Airing But ...

My Beautiful Man 2 (Viki & Gaga) - Because there are only 4 eps, I’m waiting to binge this.

Boyband ep 2 of 10 - Stopped airing on YouTube, and only available in Thailand & Japan. Not sure if they’re working a distribution deal or just fucking with us. 

Destiny Seeker (Tues WeTV ) 10 eps - it’s not on any WeTV I can get ahold of. Bad Buddy the pulp rebirth meets Japanese handsome host club action. FairyGodBLer came through for me, but I’m collecting to binge just in case. It’s my new policy with the grey stuff. 

Cafe In Love (Thai) 10 eps on Ch3+ - Thai pulp, about trying to save a coffee shop. Same as above. 

Gossip

Thailand’s famous gay pink milk comes to Oakland, CA, USA. This amuses me greatly. And yes, next time I’m in the area, I’ll probably try to hunt it down.  (What is Pink Milk?) 

Kim Ji Woong is doing fine on Produce 101 5 Boys Planet. I agree with the pundits that he’ll likely make it through. (Yes, I think he’s a better actor than idol, and yes, we will mostly lose him from BL if he goes all in with whatever group results from this.) But does that matter when Peak Time is also airing? No, because Peak Time is MUCH better and more interesting show and it has Karam (Happy Ending Romance) fucking KILLING IT. You all know I love Leo’s voice but clearly VIXX-euphoria distracted me, because I had no idea Karam was such a stable vocalist. He’s insane and it’s fun to watch a 2nd gen fucking SERVE it up (have you ANY idea how hard Mirotic is to do LIVE?). 

In case you missed it 

Viki has acquired the airing rights to Advance Bravely. We can’t expect it to be much altered, but at least it will be legally available, and one hopes the subs will improve.

Viki added The Eighth Sense to their upcoming KBL roster, new one to me. “A university romance about the confusion often felt by college youth regarding life and love.” 

KBL A Shoulder to Cry On AKA Comfort the Boy coming to Viki, March 13. (MUCH anticipated by me, this is a high school set hurt/comfort delayed by OMGEA X scandal.) This will be the first BL to star idols from the same group! Fingers crossed it’s good because this is a group that definitely needs BL’s support. 

Next Week Looks Like This:

02/28 = Tin Tam Jai (Thai Gaga & iQIYI) 10 eps - Adorable Tin has a life-long dream to marry an older boy in his neighborhood, Park. Same production co as Coffee Melody & Ai Long Nhai. I'll likely binge it.

03/01 = The Promise, (Thai WeTV) 10 eps - friends-to-lovers, follow up to a previously aired miniseries Phupha | Nanfah. Because of this and the WeTV platform I likely won’t bother.

03/02 = All the Liquors (Korea Gaga & Viki) 8 eps - Liquor company rep and party boy Han Ji Yu buts heads with hot chef Park Ki Hoon, who doesn't drink.

03/02 = Heesu In Class 2 (Korea unknown prob Viki and/or Gaga) - A gay(er) version of Sex Education. I’m still not sure this one is actually happening. 

03/03 = A Boss and a Babe (Thai YouTube) 12 eps - ForceBook in an office set boss/employee rom-com. 

03/04 = Love Syndrome (Thai unknown prob iQIYI or Gaga) 10 eps - trailer, violent, hot/cold, hurt/comfort, amnesia. (Stars Frank formerly of FrankDrake.)

Full list of upcoming in March 2023 is here. 

2023 forthcoming BL master post. (see comments, some are inaccurate, NOT KEPT UPDATED)

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

That tentative hand GOT me bad. 

I love it when a character call’s out another character’s main characteristics. Very meta. (Moonlight Chicken.) 

OMG hot cop! 

Make up game ON POINT. 

(Hit Bite Love.) 

SO GOOD. (Bed Friend) 

(last week)

Current Kpop(ish) earworm? SHAUN & Jeff Satur - Steal The Show, you should watch it ALL THE WAY to the end, just trust me. Have I ever led you astray?

No.

Don’t answer that. 

[sunnnfish]

I am nothing if not a Kagihira rambler. You have been warned.

Rewatching sasaki to miyano and the way Hirano reacts to what Sasaki tells him about their relationship is so fascinating.

In particular I just saw the part before the culture festival where Hirano overheard them basically planning a date and he remarks that Sasaki confessed way back before summer break and Miyano still hasn’t answered. He says like “couldn’t [Miyano] have just said no for right now to make things easier?” (Eng dub btw, though similar sentiment in the sub and manga) And sasaki replies that he can wait even if there’s just a chance and Hirano like blushes and they carry on whatever. This takes place in October, 8 months after the latest Hirano to Kagiura chapters, which have been around Valentine’s Day.

So anyways, while I fear this and subsequent kagihira crumbs in sasamiya means they still aren’t together by then, idk how much will be retconned or whatever cause kagihira originally wasn’t gonna get together til after high school but then Harusono sensei decided to make Hirano to Kagiura so who knows which Kagihira moments/reactions in Sasaki to Miyano will end up canon. Anyways that’s not the point I’m still going to briefly analyze this reaction of his.

So obviously, if you have a KagiHira addled brain like mine, you might realize that what he says here is exactly what he did with Kagiura. He says no immediately to get it over with, because that’s how he felt in the moment so why drag it out? even when he’s still kinda thinking about it the same ways Miyano was. He’s confused by Miyano waiting to answer because he considers anything that’s not a yes to be a no, even when there’s nuance. Hirano obviously cares about Kagi the same if not more than Miyano did Sasaki, he just doesn’t have the brain to seriously consider a romantic relationship like Miyano did.

tangent —I think… Hirano has very interesting views on romance. He hasn’t been in a romantic relationship and he presumedly has never had a crush on anyone. He’s an only child and we don’t know what his parents are like. He most likely has some ingrained comphet. All of this is probably what makes him consider Kagi as more of a little brother at the start of the series. He doesn’t know what siblings or lovers act like, and since Kagi’s a boy in his comphet brain he’s like “oh little brother. Of course” even when everyone else around him is like “no???? That’s not how siblings act????” We also don’t know like anything about past friendships so who knows what he considers normal for friends. But considering how he treats his current friends, aka sasaki and crew, he must be at least somewhat aware that his relationship with Kagi is different, therefore the brother thought.—tangent over :)

Anyways then there’s Hirano’s reaction to what Sasaki says in response, being that he’s fine with waiting, given that Miyano is seriously considering his feelings and cares about him regardless. He’s kind of taken aback, and even blushes a little, and it just makes me wonder if he thought about Kagi in that moment. I think he must’ve compared himself to Miyano, being the one who was confessed to, and so Kagi must have similar feelings to Sasaki too. Like “oh does Kagi feel like that?” Idk. I’m losing coherence do y’all get what I’m saying. I hope so. I just. The Kagihira crumbs in Sasaki to Miyano make me crazy. Especially considering we don’t know how canon those crumbs are in the timeline. Okay time to go write another post cause I had more thoughts that got too unrelated to this bye :

[commajade]

Omg yayyy you're back in your homeland! I know you've mentioned before how much you miss it and love having a close connection with your culture and I'm really glad you were able to have that experience again! One day I'd like to visit where my family came from but the country has a fascist government and is really anti-trans so idk if I'll ever be able to :/ ANYWHO enough about me, I was just wondering if you have any resources for books and/documentaries about queer Korean culture? I enjoy learning about queer culture from around the world but unfortunately it's hard to find things about it in Korea. But if you don't know of many or just don't want to take the time to list some resources cuz you're busy that's totally fine! Also, I don't know and will not be presumptuous by acting like I know exactly how you feel since I am *Michael Scott voice* a White but I do know how much it can suck to be forced into a situation where you're simultaneously out with your friends and to yourself but closeted with your family and/or in public. I always feel so out of place in women's restrooms or when my family refer to me as their daughter/sister but I can't go against it for fear of something bad happening so I'll have that same like, "am I lying to myself??" sort of feeling and it sucks and I'm really sorry you have to go through that rn.

hello! thank u dear!

the first lgbt korean variety show merry queer just started and it's honestly more of a documentary!! it follows the stories of several diff korean lgbt people and their various experiences it's quite emotional.

check out hyperlink press! it's a korean diaspora and queer curatorial collective they have cool zines and online resources!

there's also a lot of korean queer youtubers nowadays just google 퀴어 and various keywords and u can find some rly good content, not a lot of it has eng subs tho! here's edhi park and her friend's youtube channel! they have lgbt vlogs, short films, discussions, and all sorts of content on there!

last time i was here i went to a cool little exhibit event that queer arch or (korean queer archive) was doing i linked their website! i learned a lot about korean lgbt culture and activism from the 70s to now and got to flip through gay and lesbian and trans magazines from the 90s and 2000s it was so cool.

i also rly enjoyed the zine "Queereans: The LGBTQ+ History of Korea" by jkimdraws it was free on gumroad last time i checked but korean google won't let me find it rn lol

[rigelmejo]

5-2-2023 some updates since I haven't posted in a while

My Japanese progress is. Well it's going. I STILL just do not listen to glossika as much as I say I should. That said, I'm considering Watching sailor moon in japanese. Maybe that'll kick me up a level of understanding? Maybe???

There's a YouTube called Game Gengo, he's a fucking delight. I watched his Final Fantasy IX vocabulary learning video today and it just. He's such a good teacher I think. They remind me of being in a fast paced but genuinely fun in person class. He says how many vocabulary he'll teach at the start (which I find valuable as a student you can decide if it teaches ENOUGH to be worth watching for your time). He repeats words and reminds, so you get reinforcement of the words he's explained when they come up again continuously, which helps with remembering words. He moves quickly enough you don't get bored and feel it's too in depth. But it is in depth, just snappy, so you could rewatch to retain more. It uses games you enjoy so it's fun and the context helps with remembering. And he is a good presenter with a pleasant and clear English and Japanese voice. Just excellent videos, I should really watch them more than I do. They work excellent as a podcast too! You do NOT need to see the video to learn from them, you can learn with listening alone which is a plus for me. But the video has useful dictionary info listed and japanese spelling etc.

I've been watching some Japanese bl lately and it's so weird cause. Well Our Dining Table uses SO much basic vocabulary I could probably follow it perfectly fine without subs. Then The Pornographer is like half daily life language I'm very good at now, half That Sounds Familiar. And Miu414 (not bl) I also know at least half. I feel I should be forcing myself to watch more Japanese with Japanese subs, as I'm probably at a point where I'd pick up a lot. Japanese LISTENING skill seems significantly better than in the past. Still a LONG way to go, but fun.

I also still wanna try listening reading with a Japanese audio drama but.. I'm so lazy

Chinese progress? Absolutely Baffling

I've been listening to audio drama or audiobook of 默读 like every single day. The days I don't, I listen to Ice Fantasy condensed audio. I have made Enough to progress to be at the point where everything I don't understand is super annoying and noticeable to me. But also when I watch cdramas I realize I understood all the audio words and wonder why I'm even leaving rhe English subs on when they're so wrong sometimes (I've been watching Till The End of the Moon lol). I'm leaving the eng subs on cause I'm lazy. We know ToT. But my point is. I can DEFINITELY tell my listening skills are improving. But with novels the books are still SO HARD to listen to only and catch every detail.

It's so frustrating noticing just how much I do not know/understand. But at the same time, I do think my plan of "just listen MORE to audiobooks and they'll get easier and you'll learn more" is working. For one? I can tell I expect and predict certain word clauses when people speak or the narration is on a paragraph. And that word predicting makes my comprehension of what I DO know much faster. Then second? I do notice I'm gradually picking up more new words. Partly because I do now have a whole "frame" of support words to reliably understand now. When I hear a sentence now its like this "one could say, Guo changcheng was a X, he stayed up all night afraid of the phone" and I have a WAY easier time guessing that X. Whereas before it used to be a slow slog to recognize the words so I'd maybe recognize them After hearing a whole sentence as the next started, worsening my ability to comprehend the NEXT sentence etc. It used to be "Something? Guo changcheng was a X, something NIGHT scared of PHONE" Then as the next sentence audio would start id make a guess for the somethings and the X. But now the somethings i tend to recognize AS I hear them. Improving overall comprehension. I'm picking up BRAND new words at a slow pace but honestly not so big a deal. It's nice bringing listening skills closer to reading skills... cause my reading skills are STILL better.

Guardian audiobook is getting probably the EASIEST of the audiobooks i hear. In part cause I know what scenes to guess the context I hear places them in, making guessing unknown or "something vaguely familiar" words much easier

[yojeongin]

oh hi my love! happy late thanksgiving! how was it for you?

apart from that i hope yk that you are not bound to provide us content just because you're free this week, i also just started applying for internships (i'm a data science eng major so yeah) i know how hectic it must be for you// so don't worry pookie bear have fun this holiday!!🩷

oh oh and there's nct's new sub unit, have you looked into them, ig that's nct new team, i haven't tried at all, they are literally babies, long long away from the neos, so idek if i'd ever get into them :((

i hope you're well and fine bubby, take care🫂

🎀

ate so much this entire week and remorse is all I feel but nevertheless… okayyy smart anon 😝 idrk where my major falls since it has components of consumer behavior but also pr/marketing— that just reminded me that I still haven’t applied for the one internship I want and the deadline is coming soon 😭 it’s literally in less than 4 days -?/&)2738 need to update and change my resume soon omg. I do hope finding them is much easier for you, I waited so long to get one throughout my academic years so finding an internship or a job might be difficult, hope you don’t follow my mistakes >.<

I don’t really think I’ll keep up with the new unit, they’re all way younger than me. majority of them are children in my eyes :/

hope you’re doing well too, take care 💕

[ryukunkawaii]

[ENG SUB] 2020.03.31 Desire CD Drama Track Pt.1 (youtube.com)

[ENG SUB] 2020.03.31 Desire CD Drama Track Pt.2 (youtube.com)

K: Yatonokami Kanata N: Yatonokami Nayuta S: Sugasano Allen F: Anne Faulkner Y: Yeon Hajun I: Suiseki Iori

K: Uwaah, I bought it…! If I have this song-composing software, I can do more stuff…! Hehehehe… ah… oh damn, what do I do about this month’s meals? Oh well, it’ll be fine, yeah! Hehe. Ah…

I: You’re always walking around the city while being hungry, huh? It’s as if you’re an abandoned cat!

K: …What are you doing in a place like this?

I: I only passed here by chance. How’s your side going? Were you able to grasp that ‘big chance’ you talked about?

K: Suiseki-san, you have time to worry about others?

I: Ooh, now you can say stuff like that, huh! Ah… aah… well I guess that’s fine. I’m not gonna say anything unnecessary.

K: What is it?

I: No, I just thought, ‘have you thought about what to do if, say, you failed to grasp that chance?’.

K: We wont lose. No matter who the opponent is.

I: In other words, you haven’t thought of anything, have you?

K: What are you trying to say?

I: I’m not worried about you! It’s your little brother I’m worried about. If you’re over-optimistic, you wont be able to protect the things you’d otherwise be able to protect, y’know?

K: I told you we wont lose, didn’t I! I will protect Nayuta!

I: Hahaha! Nothing will happen even if you get angry at me!

K: There’s no way we’re gonna lose against those rich snobs![1]

I: There, there, just listen to me. What I’m talking about is only a ‘what if’. If that ‘what if’ became reality… what will you do then?

K: So what do you say I should do?

I: Well, if you want to make your victory certain, there are some ways. For example, the way you do the jobs I gave you up until now, you get me?

K: What are you trying to suggest?

I: Well, just do your best and think with all your might on the ways to win! Go all out, bye~!

K: I’ll win. Whatever it takes…

***

F: Hey, Allen, I’m going home.

S: Yeah.

F: What’s this!? You haven’t even tidied your belongings yet!

S: Yeah.

F: We don’t have time to be slow like this!

S: Yeah.

F: Don’t just say ‘yeah’! You’re not listening to me at all, aren’t you!?

S: Yeah.

F: Hey!

Y: It’s useless. I’m sure he just thought up of a new idea.

F: Yeah, but we have to go home fast…

Y: There should still be some time before the trap reaction starts. He should be back before it does… if Allen’s not a huge idiot, though.

F: What if he’s a huge idiot?

Y: The one who will get embarrassment is him, not me, so.

F: You’re so cold.

Y: Well then, would the kind Anne stay here?

F: No way. I don’t want to see trap reactions!

Y: Then, let’s both go home first.

F: Guess you’re right.

F: Allen, don’t push yourself too much, ‘kay?

S: Yeah.

F: Sigh, I don’t care anymore!

***

S: Oh darn, it’s already this late… Those guys could’ve called me out… Ah… ah… the trap reaction’s…!

K: Oi, red hair.

S: You’re… cozmez’s…! If you have any business with me, then could you just come back later?

K: ‘Business’? I don’t have any business with you. I just can’t settle down if I don’t say something to you before our stage later.

S: …The battle should just be on top of the stage, right?

K: ‘Battle’? You? With us? Haha! Don’t say stupid jokes. Ya hear me, red hair? What you guys are doing aren’t hip hop. It’s just a make-believe game. Back off before you get hurt.

S: …We’re… serious!

K: You guys’ ‘serious’ don’t even count as ‘serious’! Listen up. We’re doin’ hip hop with our lives on the line. We’re on a different level from rich shitty brats’ make-believe phantom lives.

S: Don’t… just say things as you like…! We also do hip hop while shouldering lots of things.

K: The thing rich snots shoulder… you mean a shiny backpack?

S: Stop messing around! We’re…!

K: Not having a place to live and anything to eat for days that you can’t even move anymore… you’ve never experienced something like that, haven’t ya?

S: Huh?

K: What will guys like you even sing in hip hop? Are you planning to say, ‘Mama didn’t give me my allowance~! What do I do~?’? That kinda child’s play don’t cut it here!

S: Oi, that’s the last straw…! Agh…!

Allen’s Mother (SM): Hip hop, you say… such a thing[2]… where did you even learn it from? Allen’s Father (SF): Stop listening to such worthless music. Your ears will get dirty! S: Stop, don’t burn it!! Please, anything but that…!! SM: Throw away that worthless thing! SF: Until when are you going to keep playing around? Know some shame! SM: Are you doing your violin lessons properly!? Mob (M): It’s fun to be with everyone else, right? SF: Are you going to oppose your parents? SM: I told you to stop, didn’t I!? SF: That thing is not music.

S: No… no, stop!!

K: Oof!

S: I… I… even I… have my own sound…! Aah..!!

K: Haha… hahaha! Getting into a trap reaction in this kinda place…

S: It’s burning… my… aah!

K: We had always lived getting everything stolen from us. It’s natural that they get stolen, too.

S: Ah… ah…

K: A fake bastard has no right to own a phantometal. With this, you’ll understand just a bit… what people like you have done to us up ’til now… Hmph, bye! Well, not like you can hear me, though.

S: Agh…

***

S: I’m home.

F: You’re late! What were you doing?

S: Nothing. Sorry, let me sleep.

Y: What are you talking about? You’ll be in trouble if you don’t attend Saimon-sensei’s first period, right? If you sleep now, it’s certain you won’t be able to wake up on time.

S: You’re right…

F: Didn’t you say it yourself? Your attendance rate’s in danger and stuff. Hm? Allen! Where did you put your metal!?

S: Huh…? What did you mean by where…?

Y: It’s not on your neck.

S: Huh!? It’s true…

F: Haaah!? What’s with that, what the heck’s going on!? Did you lose it!? Did you drop it!? Or, don’t tell me… it was taken away from you!?

S: No, uh… I wonder what happened…

Y: To begin with, before you get back, where and what were you doing?

S: After that, I was only going to take notes of a song I thought of. And then, I just keep on getting ideas for the continuation…

F: Aah, geez!! I really should’ve brought you back even if I had to drag you!!

Y: After a phantom live, in a few hours, trap reaction will come. To forgot such common sense, did you drop your brain too?

F: That’s why I told you we should go home fast!

S: I can’t help it, I thought of a good track, after all! And, after I finished taking notes…

F: Hey, are you out of your mind!? Even if you have a good track, how are we going to win the battle without phantoms!? I seriously don’t understand you!!

S: No way! If we have a good song, even without phantoms we’ll…!

F: Haa? Are you serious!? Then why do you think I worked to think up of our clothes and all of those things!? What do you think ‘production’ is–

Y: So, Allen? What happened after that?

S: I thought, ‘I should go home now’ and when I got outside, there was cozmez’s Kanata… when we were in the middle of talking, my trap reaction started… and when I realized, it’s morning already.

F: It’s definitely stolen by Kanata, isn’t it!? Allen’s metal!!

S: I don’t think so! There’s now way a rapper that will perform in Paradox Live will do something like that…!

F: Until when are you going to say naive things like that!? Hey, Hajun! Say something to this idiot!

Y: No comment. Whether it was stolen from him or he lost it, he reapt what he sow. Allen has to do something about it himself.

S: Yeah, I’ll do that. Unexpectedly, I might’ve just dropped it somewhere…

F: I don’t wanna hear ‘might’…! Go and find it, now!!

Y: If it’s not found, then for the next stage Allen will go without phantoms, huh.

F: If we lost because of that, I’m gonna curse you until I die.

Y: It’s alright, Anne. Even without Allen, as long as we have me, we’ll win.

F: That’s not the problem here…!! Geez!! Can’t even think of going to school now!!

S: I… I’ll go back to the club one more time and look for it.

F: Of course you will! I’ll also try to talk to people who look like they have connection with cozmez!

Y: I see. Yawn~ Well then, work hard, you two.

F: Eh? Hajun, where are you going?

Y: I’m going to sleep. Unlike someone here, there’ll be no problem even if I missed one lecture. Well then, bye-bye~

F: Aah, geez!!

***

N: Welcome home, Kanata. You’re late.

K: Yeah. I had some minor business. To make up for it, have this.

N: Ooh! Amazing! It’s Rain’en-tei’s ramen, isn’t it! Why?

K: I just thought we should eat something good before Paradox Live.

N: That’s super nice. I wanna eat, fast!

K: Wait, wait, I’ll go and put my stuff down first.

N: Be fast, okay? Ooh, there’s even Gyoza! Nice…!

K: Ah.

N: Hm? Is that a phantometal?

K: Yeah.

N: Whose is that?

K: The red hair in BAE’s.

N: Huh? Why does Kanata have his phantometal?

K: When we were talking about their make-believe live, he suddenly got trap reaction in front of me. So I took it from him.

N: …

K: Well, I taught that rich guy the harshness of society.

N: Hey, did you actually took it from him?

K: Yeah. They’re just people who play around with hip hop, anyway. If they didn’t have their metals, they’d get scared they can’t even go on stage. If that happens, it’d be our win for sure.

N: Hmm… lame.

K: Haa? What did you say just now, Nayuta?

N: I said you’re lame! Why did you do something like that, Kanata? Didn’t you say we’re gonna punch them with our amazing song!?

K: W-we can do that any other time, right! Our opponent isn’t only BAE!

N: I’m saying that’s lame!! What the hell’s real if we can’t even destroy one shitty team of rich snots!? Can you call that a ‘win’!?

K: Wh-what’s with that, Nayuta!? Don’t you want to win!?

N: Of course I do!! But this way of doing things… it’s not like Kanata. Don’t tell me, you were told something by someone…?

K: You’re wrong! I just…

N: Is it… my fault?

K: Huh?

N: You weren’t thinking of stuff like my body will get worse if we lose, were you!?

K: Wh… no, you’re wrong! I just don’t want Nayuta to feel anxious…!

N: I’m not anxious!! It’s worse to keep getting told we won because we use lame methods!!

K: Listen to me! Paradox Live is on a different scale than any other lives we’ve been doing! It’s a chance for us to raise up together…!

N: Don’t get all jittery now, Kanata!! Why…!? Why don’t you laugh and say ‘if we’re together, there’s no way we’d lose to anyone’ as you usually do!?

K: N-Nayuta…

S: I’m home.

F: How’s it? Did you find your metal?

S: I didn’t.

F: Sigh. Geez.

S: Don’t tell me Kanata really took it…?

F: That’s what I’ve been telling you! What’s up with your trustfulness!?

S: You’ve seen their stage the other day, right!? Someone who could compose such a song wouldn’t ever steal!

F: So you understood Kanata so much you can assert that?

S: No, I don’t!

F: What the hell, seriously! Aah, geez! We’re going!

S: Where to…!?

F: Of course to cozmez’s house!

S: But we don’t know their address-

F: I’ve found their approximates. Don’t underestimate my connections.

S: Oh… you’re amazing, Anne.

F: Stop your gratitude and start preparing! Who do you think I’m doing this for!?

S: Y-yeah…! What about Hajun?

F: He went out. “It has nothing to do with me”, he said.

S: That’s so like him…

F: Seriously. He’s heartless. If something happens to Hajun, I’ll never help him.

S: You think Hajun will ever ask for someone’s help?

F: Haha. Don’t think so.

S: Right?

***

F: What’s with this smell…? This place’s more awful than I thought…

S: Well… ‘cause it’s the slums.

F: It’s no use complaining. Anyways, we have to find where they are.

M1: God damn it. So noisy…

F: Ah!

M2: What the hell? This ain’t a place for sight-seeing. If you don’t wanna get hurt, get out, now.

S: We’re only looking for someone. We’ve no intention to bother you guys.

M1: You wake us up from our sleep – you’re already bothering us.

M2: Yeah. Leave the nuisance money. All the cash you have on you, and that pretty big sis there.

F: If we said ‘no’… what are you gonna do about it?

M: Of course we’d just steal them then.

S: This is bad…

F: Geez, it’s because stupid Allen stupidly got his metal stolen that we’re in this stupid situation! What are you gonna do now, stupid!?

S: Stop saying ‘stupid’! ‘Til when are you gonna be angry!?

F: Of course I’m still angry, stupid!

S: You said it again, huh!? Phantoms are, in the end, just some kind of production, right!? It’ll be fine if we put our all in the main dish, the music!

F: Then, what? If the taste is good, you think it’s okay to serve high class french food on paper plates!?

S: Y-yeah! The most important part is the good taste of the dish!

F: Stop screwing around! If there’s no production, then we can’t draw out the good quality of the main dish!

S: No, the main dish is the most important!

F: Production!

S: Main dish!

F: Production!

S: Main dish!

M1: Umm… uh…

S&F: What!?

M2: No… it’s nothing…

F: Hey, wait, you all!

M1&M2: Y-yes!

F: What do you guys think?

M1&M2: Well… uhm… uh…

S: Which!?

M1: …Oh, that’s right, weren’t you guys looking for someone? How’s that going?

M2: That’s right, what are you looking for?

F: Oh, come to think of it, yeah, we were doing that. What’s up, are you guys gonna help us?

M1: Yeah… if you’d get out of here.

S: Oh… I see. We’re looking for these twins… the ones in this picture.

***

K: Hey… Nayuta.

N: Hm?

K: Are you still angry?

N: Huh? No, I’m not angry.

(voices from outside)

S: It’s here, right?

F: I don’t know. Anyways, just go.

S: But, what if we got the wrong place?

N: Huh? What’s up?

F: Geez, you’re so irritating!

N: Is something up?

K: Ssh! It’s BAE…! How did they locate us?

N: Haah!? What are we gonna do!?

F: I know that you’re in there! Return the metal to us, fast!

S: Oi! I told you, we still don’t know if they actually stole it!

F: Shut up! Allen, you do something too! It’s your metal, isn’t it!?

N: Hey, Kanata? Isn’t it better to just give it back?

K: There’s no way I can give them back obediently just because they told me to!

F: Then what do you think we should do!?

S: We could talk it out!

N: Seriously, Kanata…! Sigh.

K: Anyways, we’ll talk after we lose them.

N: ‘Kay, got it.

F: Oi! What if you answer us!? Geez!! Do you want us to barge in!?

S: Wai-! Please, come out!

K: You guys are still here? Beat it!

N: If you really want it back, here, we’ll return it!

(Nayuta throws an empty can towards Anne)

F: What the hell’s this…? Ain’t it just an empty can!?

K: A phantometal’s a waste in y’all’s hands.

N: Bring that home and just play house~

K&N: See ya!

F: Those guys…!!

***

K: Haa… haa… if we go through this back street, they won’t catch up to us.

N: Yeah. There’s not even that much people from around here who knows this route.

Y: Heeh…? I’m surprised. Slums’ rats are very big, aren’t they?

K: W-who are you!?

Y: I wonder who? At the very least, I’m not on your side, that’s for sure.

N: You… aren’t you 48…!?

K: Shit…! Why are you here!?

Y: Allen and the others barged into your house. Of course, you’d try to lose them by going through complicated routes. If so, then the only places where you both will appear is here… or the other alleyway. There is a tall wall there. If you want to shake them off easily, then… it’s a simple deduction.

K: So you ambushed us… you dirty bastard…!

Y: Could you please look at the mirror and say those words once again? In both meanings… no matter how I see it, you guys are the dirty ones.

K: Bastard…!

Y: I thought that our two members are sharper than that, too… Ah, speak of the devil. You guys are late. Was playing tag fun?

F: Hajun…! Why are you here…!?

S: You came to help us…!

Y: Help? Please sleep-talk after you go to sleep. I came here for the sake of the stage battle. Don’t misunderstand.

F: Haha… seriously, you’re not honest at all.

Y: Well then. I don’t want to be in a place with such bad air. Let’s finish our business now.

K: What?

Y: Hm? You can’t understand if we don’t say it?

K: You don’t have proof that I stole the metal, do you?

Y: Haha, hahaha!

K: What’s so funny!?

Y: I don’t even need proof… why would someone who didn’t take it feel the need to run away?

K: That’s…!

Y: Stop making excuses. For speaking without thinking, you expose your faults way too fast. If you return it now, I won’t press further. Even though I do believe I’m being too kind.

S: Don’t tell me, you really…

N: Kanata…

K: Say it. What’s wrong with that!?

Y: Oh?

K: To begin with, naive kids[3] like you guys have no right to stand on Paradox Live’s stage.

N: People who’ve lived all their lives in lukewarm water, all fulfilled like you guys doing hip hop? Hah, don’t make me laugh. Who’ll nod to people with that kinda upbringing!?

Y: To steal phantometals from fakes like us… what an admirable way to fight!

K: I have something to protect… something to get hold of. It’s a waste of time to duck it out with you guys-

Y: In short, you have no confidence, do you? You can’t see an image of yourself winning against us fair and square… that’s why you stole! What miserable way of thinking. Did you pile up your past achievements that way, too? Haha. I thought you were at least mediocre… but you’re actually lower than rats.

N: You’re wrong! There’s no way that’s true!

Y: I’m wrong? Hoo…

N: Kanata… the songs Kanata made are the best! Your make-believe songs are nothing! We took the metal just to teach that red hair the harshness of society, just as how we were done in by the likes of you…!

Y: That’s just an excuse for yourself, isn’t it? Kanata stole the metal because he wants an insurance. Why does he need an insurance? that’s because he doesn’t believe in you! Am I wrong?

K: That’s not…!

Y: How pitiful… Kanata who doesn’t have crews he could trust… and you, who weren’t even trusted by your only sibling…

N: N-no…

K: Don’t lecture us about siblings! You don’t even know the feelings we held our microphones with up until now…! And you’re telling us we don’t believe in each other!? Stop messing around!!

F: T-there’s no way we know anything about how you guys went by up until now!

K: We don’t even know our parents’ faces!! We were made a walking wallet by garbage adults, and got screwed over!!

Y: Even so, it doesn’t excuse your act of stealing the metal.

K: We have to win…!! We were treated like trash, and the one thing that made people finally recognize us was hip hop…! I don’t care about teams or titles! I’ll win the Paradox Live, shut all of the people who’ve made fun of us, and raise up!

S: If so, then!! We’re also the same!

K: There’s no way you guys are the same…!! Don’t talk rubbish!!

S: It might be true that we were brought up on different environment! But, we were also betrayed, thrown away, and finally arrived at hip hop!

K: The weight is different, red hair!!

S: It’s no different!! Hip hop is equal! It has nothing to do with who composes it! Put the things that pained you… the things that that you don’t want to face into your lyrics and make it your weapon! Express it to mow down the person you were up until now! There’s no difference!

K: …!!

S: That’s how I… how we’ve been expressing ourselves up until now, right? Us… and you both…!

F: Allen…

N: K-Kanata…

K: …

S: Even without my metal, I intended to fight with my music. But hearing the exchange earlier made me want to do it with phantoms, too. As the same hip hop heads, I want to fight cozmez head on. I want you guys to crash your whack sound[4], your feelings, all of it into us! We also want to do that to you guys.

K: T-that part of you is what I called naive! Is every rich guy’s head filled with flower gardens[5] or something?

S: Kanata… this is my request to you. Please let me fight you as we both go all out, with the hip hop we each think is the best. Exactly because we’re all people who can do nothing else but to hold our microphones… that’s why, please.

K: …

N: Sigh. Hey, isn’t it time to let go already?

Y: What are you going to do now?

K: Shit!

(Kanata throws Allen’s phantometal back to him)

S: Kanata…!

Y: My, my.

K: Bring it on. I’ll fight you, SUZAKU. Prepare yourself ‘cuz I’m gonna destroy that super irritating face on stage.

N: Well, you won’t have any chances of winning against us without that metal, after all.

F: Why are thieves like you guys looking down on us like that!?

K: What? You have a problem?

F: Of course I do!

Y: Anne.

F: What!?

Y: We’ve finished our business. Let’s go home. Unfortunately, I don’t have a hobby of staying too long in a dumpster-like place. Oh, sorry! This is your residence, isn’t it?

N: Hah. Then go home, now. Because when we see guys like you, we really can’t help but to want to send you flyin’.

Y: Aah, scary, scary. Well then, shall we go?

K: We’re going home too, Nayuta.

N: Sigh. Yeah.

S: Kanata!

K: Ha?

S: I can’t wait to fight you on stage!

K: Shut up, go die.

S: Haha… see you!

F: Hey, we’re gonna leave you!

S: Sorry, sorry!

***

F: Aah, seriously. I was worried about what’ll happen for a second. To think that Allen’s hip hop mania actually had an effect on Kanata…

Y: I really cannot handle Allen’s idiocy anymore, though.

F: Seriously. Seems like he’ll even die for hip hop.

S: I would – if it’s after I take the top!

F: Haha. Ah, Allen. I think you forgot ’cause you’re an idiot, but I’m gonna get you to give me your gratitude in full, okay?

Y: That’s true. At the very least, we should get Allen to clean up the house for three months.

S: O-Oi, Hajun! Before, you said you came for the sake of the stage battle!

Y: It didn’t change the fact that in the end, I helped you. Physical exhaustion, plus mental strain due to having to go to the slum… and…

S: I got it!! I just have to do it, right?

F: Yeah, yeah! You just have to do it. Anyways, I’m glad that we got the metal back~!

Y: That’s true.

F: We’re gonna go all out to defeat those two, ‘kay? With our song, we’ll beat them to a pulp.

S: Yeah. Let’s fight with our full strength!

***

K: That bastard SUZAKU… he said he can’t wait for it? Looking down on me like that…

N: Kanata.

K: What?

N: You look kinda refreshed.

K: Wh… what are you talking about? I’m so irritated I can’t take it anymore.

N: Hmm… I see. Haha.

K: Ah, Nayuta, you laughed just now, didn’t you!?

N: It’s better this way, it’s more like us!

K: Shut up. Sigh…

N: You don’t have to do something like that. After all, it’s us!

K: You’re right.

N: Yeah, with our lyrics, our track, and our staging… let’s win against them.

K: Nayuta.

N: Hmm?

K: Thank you.

N: Yeah.

K: BAE, wait for us.

N: On top of the stage…

K&N: We’ll show you hell.

***

I: It all ended well, huh? Haha, even though I expected an interesting developmentNotes [1] I’m trying to find  a degrading English word for rich people… and that’s the best I could find. It could also mean like, people who are born with a silver spoon on their mouths. [2] She said a word I couldn’t catch, but it’s probably another jeer like ‘dirty’ or ‘uneducated’ or something like that. [3] Ama-chan = naive, spoiled child. [4] Whack = bad as in 'cool’. I think? [5] As in, full of good things and optimism.

[maximaxstreasurebox]

*screams*

[perhaps-in-anotherdream]

[CN] Victor’s Luolan Date (Eng Translation)

“It appears I’ve already found the rose from the legend, one that will never wither.”

⌚Warning⌚ This post contains detailed spoilers for a date, 楼兰之约, that is yet to be released on the global server! ♡

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

【Subbed Video】    

[Anika's Notes]: tbh ig the VAs were told to soften their voice 10x than usual for this event LOL. The amount of nonverbal sounds—— 😩 also, since Tumblr wants to reduce my workload LOL and won’t allow more than 30 pics, PLS DO WATCH the video for the god-tier voice acting, new bgs, the bgms and sprite alterations too~💕

───────

【Transcript Version】

【Chapter 1】

Victor: If you keep crying for any longer, your eyes might become swollen.

MC: [sobbing]  The ending was simply too unfair. Who can resist crying…

Through the hazy veil of tears, I see the lights in the living room flicker on.

The time-traveling drama I’ve been following all summer aired its series finale tonight. Victor even joined me in watching the web series together after getting off work.

We were chatting about the storyline just fine, until the final scene when my tears began streaming down uncontrollably––

Upon returning to the present day, the heroine enters Luolan once again, only to discover that the once prosperous city has eroded into the long river of time.

But the rose that the Prince of Luolan had carved outside the palace walls still blossoms on the crumbling ruins, quietly awaiting her for a thousand years.

Victor places a towel, radiating warm steam, over my eyes, gradually soothing my emotions.

MC: Don’t you find it beautiful?

Victor: Carving a rose into a stone is quite romantic. I can understand why you like it.

MC: I see absolutely no hint of being moved on your face…

He slightly furrows his brows in response to what sounded like an odd statement to him.

Victor: You’re not expecting us both to cuddle up and cry our eyes off, are you?

A rather peculiar image flashes through my mind, and I can’t help but burst into laughter.

Victor: Crying one moment and laughing the next. Your emotions are truly fickle.

MC: Precisely. Compared with my vivid and overt emotional display, this audience member’s emotions are too composed.

Victor: The selling point of all time-travel dramas mostly revolves around the theme that love can transcend time and space, with endings that can either be joyful or sorrowful.

Victor: This ending was predictable.

MC: But this series is adapted from the legend of the last prince of Loulan!

MC: Additionally, in the last century, a foreign explorer claimed to have seen flower-shaped carved patterns on the stone tiles at the Luolan ruins.

Victor listens quietly, then turns his gaze to me after a brief pause.

Victor: So, is this why you want to visit the Loulan ruins?

MC: Well, it’s not the sole reason. The legend of Luolan’s overnight disappearance has been widely known as a mystical tale. I was originally–– hang on, how did you know I wanted to go there?

The answer to my question is a document he hands to me. Upon closer look, I realize it’s actually the official permit granting access to enter the Luolan ruins.

MC: Why do you have this document too?

Victor: …dummy, it’s yours. Could they have sent it to the wrong person?

I flip through a few pages, and sure enough, find my full name written in the applicant’s box.

MC: I had just woken up when I filled in the address… I guess I subconsciously thought it would be safer to have it sent to you?

Victor: Sweet talker.

He raps my head.

Victor: But I heard that it’s no longer open for public visits.

MC: Yes, indeed~ Currently, only teams on scientific expeditions or those with permits are allowed in.

MC: The conditions for obtaining the permit are so incredibly stringent. I even tried leveraging all my connections, but still couldn’t succeed!

Hearing my words, he gives me a sidelong glance but doesn’t interrupt my unceasing torrent of complacent monologue.

MC: Luckily, I was able to negotiate a documentary collaboration with the local government and received an invitation for sightseeing~ I even signed multiple agreements to protect cultural relics.

Victor: No wonder a certain dummy’s tail is raised high into the sky; it indeed was no easy feat. However––

Victor: [sulking] You just said you had leveraged all your connections. How come I don’t remember myself being among those connections you leveraged?

MC: Because this was meant to be my Qixi Festival surprise for you…

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【Chapter 2】

Victor: Is this abrupt emergency break also a part of the surprise?

He pinches up the coffee-spattered shirt clinging to his body and stares at me sitting in the driver’s seat, lost for words.

MC: That pit just now was really too tricky…!

Just a few short hours ago, we landed at Luolan Airport. However, upon arrival, we were informed by the airline that our checked luggage had been delayed in the transit city and wouldn’t be delivered until two days later.

To avoid delaying our itinerary, we agreed to deal with the matter of collecting them on our way back. With that settled, I confidently got into the driver’s seat of the RV, and alongside Victor, embarked on a self-driven journey into the desert.

Yet, as expected, things aren’t as uncomplicated as I initially thought.

Looking at his shirt– practically soaked through and with coffee still dripping from it– I promptly grab some tissues and wipe it off for him.

The next second, my gaze suddenly falls upon the carry-on suitcase on the luggage rack. My eyes light up, leading me to pause in my actions.

MC: Why not take it off and wash it immediately? Although, while waiting for the clothes to dry, it seems like you’ll have to either be completely naked––

Unsurprisingly, as I deliberately prolong the final note, his reaction of furrowing his brows is true to my expectations.

MC: Or you could wear the couple’s outfit I packed inside the carry-on luggage for taking photos~

Victor: It seems like occasionally; one can still count on––

However, as soon as I take out two sets of lavish Western Region attire, his voice ceases to be heard.

The gold-plated ornaments chime with a delicate tinkling sound, aggravating the crease between his brows.

Victor: What are these?

MC: Compared to my dancer’s attire, yours is actually a collaboration with the museum, an exact 1:1 replica of the half-sleeved garment worn by the Prince of Loulan back in the day~

Victor: So?

Seeing that he is unmoved, I extend my hand and point to the sign denoting the “uninhabited area” by the roadside.

MC: There’s no place to purchase clothes around here. If you don’t change soon, that coffee stain won’t come off. And then, regardless of what outfit you wear on the return trip, it’ll end up on the news––

MC: 《The CEO of LFG’s Grand Cosplay Elevates Airport Fashion》 or 《The CEO of LFG Spotted in Stained Shirt - Speculations of Bankruptcy》. Your choice?

After quite a while, he compromises with a sigh, taking the clothes from me and walking towards the bathroom at the back of the RV.

Not long after, the sound of water seems to quiet down. In anticipation, I turn my head––

The soft crimson robe barely conceals the glimpses of sculpted and muscular contours underneath, complemented by intricate gold ornaments that adorn him with an air of regal nobility and grace.

Faced with my unblinking gaze fixated on him, he displays a somewhat unnatural expression, which is rarely seen on his face.

Victor: Why aren’t you changing?

MC: [still busy gaping]  What?

Victor: Why am I the only one wearing the couple’s outfit?

MC: Okay, okay, I’ll “accompany” you.

Watching the awkward expression on his face, I can’t contain my laughter and let out a chuckle. Just before his gaze can shoot my way, I hurriedly grab my attire and head to the bathroom.

The desert weather is always fluctuating and unpredictable. Right after I finish changing my clothes, I notice a sudden sandstorm brewing outside the window.

Seemingly catching a sound, his gaze lingers on me for a brief moment, and an almost imperceptible tenderness crests on the arches of his brows.

With the scope visibility diminished, Victor assumes control of the steering wheel, deftly maintaining a steady distance from the swirling sand and wind.

After who knows how long, we finally spot a single-story house coming into view at the end of the yellow sand. Brimming with excitement, I tap the navigation icon to zoom in and get a closer look.

MC: It’s the cultural relics preservation station!

—

Initially, our intention was only to charge the RV. But with the yellow sand swirling around, we find ourselves invited by the stationed personnel, Maizi, to come inside and rest for a bit.

Just as we step inside, a dense mass of sand and stones outside the window surges forward, closing in rapidly.

The sandstorm has begun.

Thoughts of how an entire kingdom was once buried under this very sand spring to mind, and an instinctive fear begins to loom large within me.

The delicate brick house trembles subtly amidst the raging wind, and at this moment, a crisp sound resounds in my ears.

Several pairs of shimmering gold-plated earrings illuminate my dusky field of view. Taking note of my reaction, Maizi places them in front of me.

Maizi: Don’t be scared. Here, we’ve been wearing these kinds of earrings since childhood. They’re like protective charms for children in the desert.

As Maizi speaks, she turns slightly and shows me her earrings. The luster has dimmed a touch, suggesting she’s been wearing them for a long time.

Maizi: These are the ones I made for my kids. If you don’t mind, would you guys like to choose two pairs?

MC: Thank you, but it’s alright.

With a hint of bashfulness, I gesture with my hand and point at Victor’s ears.

MC: Besides, my boyfriend doesn’t have ear piercings.

Maizi: It’s no problem. My eldest son doesn’t have ear piercings either.

With a smile, Maizi offers me a pair of clip-on earrings.

Maizi: Consider them as a wish for your safety and well-being. Take them.

—

As the sandstorm eases up, not wanting to impose any longer, we say our goodbyes and ultimately accept the two pairs of earrings before returning to the RV.

Perhaps due to how terrifyingly unnerving the sandstorm was, Victor doesn’t refuse when I offer to help him wear the clip-on earrings after he’s put the earrings on me.

I take up the clip-on earring and carefully trace my finger over his earlobe to figure out its placement. However, after spending a good amount of time, I still don’t find the ideal position I’m entirely satisfied with.

Victor: Still not done?

MC: Have a little patience. I don’t seem to recall rushing you when you gifted me earrings for the first time~

–

[Tidbits]: AHHH YESSS the call back to their first “kiss” kiss date– “Dazzling Date” 🥺

–

At long last, I find the right spot and fasten the clip. Following this, I can’t help myself and imitate the past actions in my memories, gently cradling his face and leaning in to take a closer look.

The glistening golden pieces dance softly. However, in the next second, a subtle blush at the corner of his eyes captures my attention.

Seeing this, I mischievously continue leaning closer and closer to him. As I catch a momentary hitch in his steady breathing, I deliberately reach out to stroke his earlobe.

MC: Oh gosh, could you be allergic to metal? The corners of your eyes have turned red. Maybe I should take them off…

Before the words fully leave my mouth, I find myself abruptly pulled into his arms.

Victor: They’re on just fine, don’t mess with them.

His arms tighten around me a little more, and I obediently nestle into his embrace, letting the cocoon of safety enfold me.

The swirling underlying tension caused by the dreadful weather finally dissipates, akin to feathers drifting in the air. As drowsiness slowly sweeps over me, I register the sound of my last question being put into words.

MC: Victor, what if we can’t find the remains? What should we do then?

Victor: If we don’t find them this time, we will come back next time.

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【Chapter 3】

[Anika’s Notes]: While I’ll talk about this later, just wanted to say— that the way we get a mere glimpse into how extreme level of PTSD this man has given MC from the main story like— I’m counting fingers for the number of times she got nightmares when he isn’t next to her— (⁠〒⁠﹏⁠〒⁠)

—

A man sits in solitude beneath the palace walls, gazing towards the east for a long, long time.

He has probably repeated the act of carving a million times before. It seems as if the carving knife in his hand has a soul of its own now, each stroke finding its mark with precision, etching deep scars.

Fresh blood trickles down along the blade’s edge, staining the rose with a blood-red hue. Yet, he appears unresponsive to the pain, persistently carving stroke after stroke.

Only when the red headscarf is lifted by the wind does a familiar face emerge before my eyes.

MC: Victor!

I reach out in a panic to touch him, but a sudden onslaught of sand and wind surges forth, engulfing him in the blink of an eye.

–

Startled awake from the nightmare, I instinctively reach my hand to my side, only to find nothing but an empty space.

Victor is not in the car.

Amidst the boundless silence, a distant chime of camel bells suddenly reaches me. Compelled by the sound, I push open the car door––

The sandstorm has ceased at some point, revealing a sky that’s now crystal clear and brilliantly bright.

The curtain of dusk hangs low, but the luminous moon has already ascended in the vault of the heavens, radiating its brilliance alongside the sun.

Among the endless sand dunes, Victor, attired in exquisite garments, guides a pure white camel through the terrain, advancing his way through the light.

Stretching behind him, across the infinite expanse of Lop Desert, stands several silent, solitary, and enigmatic remnants of ancient civilizations.

The breeze dances by, causing his knuckles to gently clasp the upper garment brushing against his grave and stern visage, setting the accessories on his splendid attire to chime with delicate, tinkling sounds.

Perhaps dazzled by the light, he squints his slender eyes and immediately spots my presence. He appears slightly taken aback, but then quickens his stride as he approaches my direction.

In the boundless landscape, with each step he takes toward me, I feel as if he is crossing through a thousand years to reach me.

The scene from the dream resurfaces in my mind once again, and before I can even fully comprehend it, I’m already sprinting toward him with large strides.

I practically crash into his arms.

Victor: [breathes sharply]  Running so fast––

Seeing that I’m breathless and staring fixedly at him without even blinking my eyes, he freezes for a moment. Then, as if realizing something, he envelops me in his arms.

Victor: The Luolan ruins we are heading to are in that direction. We can’t drive there, so I borrowed a camel from Maizi for transportation. 

Victor: It was released to wander in the desert, and I needed to go and guide it back myself. You seemed to be sleeping so soundly, so I didn’t wake you up.

His words are extremely slowed, spoken one at a time. Listening to him, rather than an explanation, it sounds more like he is comforting me.

MC: You weren’t here just now and… I had this strange dream.

With his questioning eyes upon me, I feel compelled to respond honestly.

MC: I dreamt that you turned into the Prince of Loulan and were swept away by the sand...

Victor: [sighs with infinite indulgence and helplessness]  …

MC: You find this amusing?

Hearing my grumbling, he finally can’t hold back a muffled chuckle, drawing his arms around me a little tighter.

Victor: Have you confirmed it now?  – that I haven’t been swept away by the sand?

MC: Who knows, maybe you had gotten swept away! And it was this camel that rescued you and brought you back.

I huff angrily and bicker with him, effectively dispelling the uneasiness that the nightmare had triggered.

However, the camel seems to have caught on something, suddenly swaying its head and coming closer to me.

Momentarily taken aback, I then laugh in spite of myself and reach out to pat it. This gesture seems to act as a signal of some sort, prompting it to obediently lower itself to the ground.

MC: Huh, could it be that I have a natural talent for taming camels?

Victor: It’s more likely a stroke of luck.

As he speaks, he nimbly mounts the camel’s saddle and reaches out to hug me, lifting me up onto it alongside him.

The camel stands up in due course and suddenly leaps into the air, prompting me to let out a subconscious cry of exclamation.

MC: Whoa!

Victor: Hold onto me firmly and sit tight.

After he tugs on the reins, the camel pivots to change its direction and heads toward the ruins.

Probably due to Victor’s presence, I swiftly adapt to the bumpy ride. I even begin swaying my ornaments to create a pleasant sound, echoing in harmony with the camel’s bells.

MC: I feel like I’m a dancer being offered to the Prince of Luolan~

Victor: How come I’m not aware of any dynasty where a prince would rush out of the palace to welcome a dancer?

His teasing leaves me momentarily dumbfounded. It takes me quite a while before I open my mouth to speak, unwilling to resign myself.

MC: I never said the Prince of Luolan is you.

For an instant, Victor seems to stiffen up. When he speaks again, his tone takes on a slight rigidity.

Victor: [sulking] Who is he, then?

MC: …that’s not the important point!

MC: The important point is that you’re the Mr. Husband of my dreams– whom I’ve long set my heart on, and now you’re stealing me away to elope.

Victor: Childish.

A gentle tap lands on my head, and as I tilt my head up, I find myself ensnared by the light of his tender eyes.

MC: You clearly look really happy~

He doesn’t banter any further and only gives a tug on the reins, prompting the camel’s steps to become a bit brisker.

Receding into the distance amid the boundless expanse swept by the northern breeze, the glory and decline, the prosperity and withering of ancient Luolan have long frozen into eternal slumber.

MC: How wonderful!

Victor: What’s got you so moved again?

MC: The weather has cleared, which is wonderful. We’re heading to the ruins without any hiccups, which is also wonderful. But the most wonderful thing is having you by my side, chatting about all sorts of nonsense.

MC: No matter what, everything is wonderful as long as Victor is around.

The jingling tinkle of camel bells accompanies his gentle laughter close to my ears.

Victor: It’s only possible with a certain dummy around.

As the outlines of the ruins become distinct, I turn my head back in exhilaration.

MC: Even if I have to turn this place upside down, I’ll find that stone-carved rose!

His gaze lingers briefly on my arms waving around in excitement, and then he arches an eyebrow.

Victor: It appears crucial for me to remind you that you signed agreements for the preservation of cultural relics. If you do turn this place upside down––

Victor: I won’t be able to save you, even if I were to sell LFG.

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【Chapter 4】

MC: …it’s all completely weathered away.

As I look at the historical ruins of the ancient kingdom before my eyes, which have gradually been devoured into nothingness by the endless expanse of yellow sand, I can’t resist pouting my lips.

MC: Locating the ruins of the imperial palace itself is akin to a far-fetched tale, let alone finding the stone-carved rose.

Victor: Why are you so hung up on that legend?

MC: Just a bit of anticipation, you know. After all, you see, If I were in that position, I’d surely leave behind some traces for you.

MC: The speculation is that the woman in the tales possessed an Evol similar to yours, which led her to go there. But, due to certain factors, she had no choice but to leave.

Victor: It won’t be the same.

He softly counters my statement, his gaze filled with seriousness.

MC: Hm?

Victor: With me, those factors you mentioned won’t come into existence.

A warm and fuzzy feeling suddenly envelopes my heart. I grin, drawing closer to him.

MC: Guess there’s no way around it. It seems I have no choice but to concede that the legend is, indeed, bogus.

He pauses for a moment, and his lips twitch. But in the end, he doesn’t say anything. Soon, a glimmer of a smile sparkles in his eyes, and immediately after, he tightly clasps my hand.

—

While I’m still in the midst of my puzzlement, a sudden glaring sunlight makes me reflexively squint my eyes. And then, a hot and humid breeze, carrying an exotic fragrance, hits me in the next moment.

After struggling to open my eyes, I curiously peer in the direction of the light, only to find myself frozen right where I’m standing––

Before my eyes lay a quaint-style courtyard adorned with fragrant blossoms. A flowing river winds its way through, its glistening waves reflecting in the sunlight with water that is clear and pristine, hosting schools of fish swimming within.

Compared to me who is filled with utter incredulity, Victor’s expression remains unchanged as if the current sight before us holds no element of astonishment for him.

Could this be a mirage? Puzzled, I gingerly brush the river’s water with the tips of my toes. The cool sensation of the flowing stream leaves me bewildered, prompting me to lift my gaze to the person next to me.

MC: Victor, am I dreaming again?

Victor: Just earlier, didn’t a certain someone say that she wanted me to take her away to elope?

He smiles as he looks at me, and in his eyes, the magnificent beauty and grand scenery of an ancient landscape are reflected.

The lofty dome of the circular palace hall is embellished with ceramic glazed tiles on its overhanging eaves, each detail unmistakably declaring the opulent and prestigious nature of this place.

Atop the roof stands a wooden pagoda reminiscent of those unique to ancient Luolan, and a lush canopy of greenery veils the gray-red palace walls I’ve seen in the drama.

A somewhat daring conjecture surfaces in my mind.

MC: This wouldn’t be the Imperial Palace of Luolan, is it?

Seeing the originator of all this noncommittally raise an eyebrow, I feel my heart tighten and rush to examine him thoroughly, circling around him.

MC: [anxiously, PTSD x2]  A-are you feeling any discomfort?

Victor: [?? laughs helplessly. *screams* DO YOU SEE HOW BADLY YOU GAVE HER AND US MAIN STORY PTSD––] Dummy. I’m not that fragile.

Victor: As long as we manage to sidestep the butterfly effect and avoid impacting the course of history––

Probably noticing that I’m tensely staring into his eyes again, he slips my restless hand into his palm and gives it a gentle squeeze.

Victor: Don’t be so anxious. There won’t be anyone else here for the time being.

Hearing him say this, I poke my head out and gaze at the rare and magnificent view that lay before me.

MC: So, can we take photos?

Victor: Ask your phone.

But I soon realize that my phone is entirely frozen on the lock screen interface and is refusing to respond whatsoever, leaving me with no choice but to resentfully lower my hand.

MC: The phone says it’s not possible…

Victor: That being the case, simply keep your eyes wide open and commit it to your memory.

I let him lead me toward the depths of the courtyard, and along the way, we see the flowers bloom all the more luxuriantly. Unwittingly, I find myself mesmerized by the vista.

It’s not until a glazed table adorned with delicacies and fine wines appears amidst the blossoms that I stop in my tracks in astonishment.

–– Everything unfolding before my eyes is gradually starting to align with the scenes from the time-travel drama in my memories.

MC: It turns out that the drama is actually so detailed. It seems that I, who diligently watched every episode without exception, am about to become a walking encyclopedia of Luolan––

From the garden on the other side of the wall, there suddenly comes voices of conversation. I hastily hush and excitedly prick up my ears to listen to their dispute.

However, all that reaches my ears are unfamiliar and garbled sounds, and soon I start feeling my head beginning to spin a little. Once the women have walked farther away, I find I’m already frowning without even realizing it.

Victor: Looks like a certain encyclopedia trained through time-travel dramas is really just a half-filled bucket of water sloshing around.

MC: Says who!

–

[Anika’s tidbits]: HAHA as you guys know, I’ve long stopped explaining the thousands of idioms and intricate phrases Li Zeyan writers use unless they’re absolutely necessary/ crucial– or else my translation notes would be bigger than the content itself LOL– and this is one of those and it’s one of my favs 😂 the full idiom phrase is “一桶水不响， 半桶水晃荡” – it literally means while a full bucket of water doesn’t make noise as it is heavy and stable, a half-filled bucket sloshes around– i.e. those wisest among us prefer being quiet and are self-confident, while those who are in the less wise/ smarter group often try to compensate their lack of knowledge/ understanding by asserting that they do~ 💀

–

Displeased with his jest, I swiftly focus my gaze on a copper utensil.

MC: Believe it or not, this was designed for storing spices, and it’s a very rare and expensive item.

I open the lid as I speak, and sure enough, a strong and fragrant aroma assails my nostrils. I can’t help but lift my chin complacently.

Victor: [laughs indulgently]  Alright, I underestimated a certain dummy.

I vaguely feel that the aroma is somewhat familiar, so I lean in to take a whiff, and a powerful fragrance of mugwort instantly invades the tip of my nose.

MC: [sneezes]  Ah-choo!

I rub my nose and look up, only to find that I have blown most of the scented powder onto Victor’s body, causing his figure to be coated with a drizzle of white.

The next second, he narrows his eyes and swiftly scoops me behind him. The smell of bone-chilling danger subtly spreads through the air.

MC: You’re not angry––?

Victor: Hush.

Looking in the direction of his gaze, I instantly become dumbstruck where I’m standing.

A massive leopard is peering at us from beneath the poplar tree, its face obscured by the shade of the tree, its pupils gleaming with an eerie and chilly light.

MC: L-Leopard…

Victor: [smiling]  I’m familiar with it.

Despite being faced with a ferocious beast, this man actually still has the mood to crack jokes!

MC: But according to historical accounts, this should be one of those leopards raised in captivity by the royals and aristocrats. It’s probably quite docile… it wouldn’t eat us, right?

Victor: [still smiling]  Being raised in captivity doesn’t mean it has lost its ability to hunt.

Seeing the leopard arch its back, fear grips me so hard that I cling tightly to his arm.

MC: Do we still have a chance to slip away secretly?

Victor: [still smiling]  We’ve already made direct eye contact within its territory. Stay calm for now.

Pressing my hand against my wildly thudding heart, I raise my gaze to see it take a whiff of the air and then proceed to saunter leisurely in our direction.

After a while, it approaches Victor and sniffs gently. My heart leaps to my throat, but leaving me stupefied, it actually lays down, its shape reminiscent of a fluffy cushion. It even nuzzles him affectionately with its head.

What follows is a fuzzy ticklish sensation, and I stare in startled shock as the leopard’s tail merrily swishes against my lower leg.

MC: …didn’t we just make eye contact with it? Yet you’ve actually managed to tame it?

I cast an incredulous glance at Victor, while he is staring at the incense burner with furrowed brows.

Victor: This scented powder probably isn’t intended for human application.

The enormous creature rolls over, laying bare its soft belly, exceedingly similar to the way Pudding behaves coquettishly after sucking on catnip.

Victor: It might not necessarily be us who drew it here. This fragrance is not just on me.

It’s only now that I realize a subtle aroma of mugwort is also lingering in the air. Following the fragrance, my eyes land on one side of the path lined with densely grown nepeta herbs. I immediately heave a sigh of relief.

At this moment, the leopard flexes its limbs in an inviting gesture, signaling for Victor to pet it. As I watch his rare expression of being at a loss for what to do, I can’t help but break into laughter.

Victor: [laughs helplessly]  …look at what good deed you’ve done!

MC: Being approached by an imperial leopard is a rare blessing that can never be obtained even if one beseeched it.

–

[Anika’s tidbits]: ANOTHER ONE OF MY MOST FAV PHRASES EVER! The term MC uses here is 求都求不来 (qiu dui qui bu lai), which is a play on this phrase: 可遇不可求 (ke yu bu ke qui), which means “can only be obtained (serendipitously) but not be sought after” – which paints the perfect imagery for “destiny, sth/sb being destined for someone”~ and a very important thing to note, which I’ll come back to later. 🥺 

–

Likely attributed to my overly bright gloating, Victor curls his fingers as he pinches up a small amount of the scented powder, which he then dabs on my face.

Sure enough, the leopard turns around and nuzzles against me. Seeing that I’m not putting up any resistance, it then straightens itself up and buries me completely in its soft fur.

MC: …ngh, Victor! Save me!

Victor: Nope. This “rare blessing that can never be obtained even if one beseeched it” is now being given to you.

Nudged by the leopard, I’m prompted to draw a few steps back, and as I let out a startled cry and tumble backward, I find myself landing in a soft embrace.

Amused, Victor pats the leopard on the head, and it obediently sits back down on the ground, reminiscent of a docile house kitten.

–

Even as he enfolds me in his arms and sits us both down on the grassy lawn, I remain a bit indignant.

MC: Why does it only listen to you! We both clearly have the same scent.

At this moment, I happen to glimpse at the golden silk embroidery on his clothes shimmering in the sunlight. I then contemplatively look at my own dress, which is somewhat plain.

Victor: You don’t think it’s because of the clothes, do you?

MC: …who can say, perhaps its owner has clothes identical to yours.

Victor: Well, a certain someone must be thinking to herself, “Had I known earlier, I would’ve chosen a fancy princess gown for myself.”

Seeing me choked silly by his spot-on guess of my thoughts, he studies me with even more and more interest.

Victor: [IN THE MOST DOTING AND ADORABLE VOICE EVER]  But however you slice it, a certain dummy still looks like a certain dummy.

Disgruntled, I lean closer to the water’s surface to check my reflection. A pouty face suddenly jumps out at me, which indeed is in disharmony with the dancer’s attire.

However, when I turn around and notice the wine cups on the table, an idea immediately strikes me.

I pick up a cup and lean in to bring it to his lips, working hard to make my voice sound soft and enticing as I speak.

MC: Your Highness~

He pauses for a brief moment, almost imperceptibly, before swiftly locking eyes with me.

Victor: There’s no wine in the cup.

MC: …you spoilsport!

Huffing, I sit up straight from his arms and shoot him a glare.

MC: Isn’t it because I’m afraid that if I spill the wine just like I sneezed earlier, it could result in altering the details of the history!

Victor, however, lightly quirks the corners of his lips, pours the glass to the brim with wine, and once again draws me closer to his side.

Victor: What did you want to do to me? Go on.

MC: You…

Before I can fully comprehend why he is being so cooperative at this moment, I feel a gentle force gripping my chin up.

I find myself falling into those serenely deep and unceasingly approaching pupils, and my breathing becomes rapid, beyond my control.

Victor: Weren’t you quite bold just a moment ago?

Victor: Seeing how you’re being so tentative like this, do you want me to teach you how one should drink this wine?

My slightly trembling hand is gently lifted by him with an irresistible force, and the small wine cup is soon raised to the level of my eyebrows and then even higher.

His fingers trace a slow path from my wrist to the palm of my hand, making the wine in the cup ripple, mirroring the swaying of my heart in tandem.

Just as his waywardly mischievous fingers are about to enter between the crevices of mine, he applies a slight pressure. The teetering fine liquid finally spills out, and the cool sensation quietly trickles down my forearm.

Along with the soft sensation, a rush of warmth suddenly washes over me. I stare wide-eyed, completely unguarded, and am rooted to the spot.

That pair of deep eyes, which has been fixed on me all along, makes it clear that he has no intention whatsoever of letting me go.

The scorching tip of his tongue gently licks and sucks on the continuously dripping nectar-like fine liquid, sending a wave of tingling shivers coursing throughout my entire body. 

The incessantly rising, delicate sensation of itchiness makes me a bit restless. I have the urge to escape, yet simultaneously, I can’t help myself from pandering to it.

He looks at me with slightly half-lidded eyes, his lips curling up into a triumphant arc of someone getting their way.

Victor: Have you learned it now, dummy?

MC: !

I suddenly snap back to my senses and hastily pull my hand back, tossing the ceramic glazed cup back onto the table as if I were holding a hot potato.

MC: W-What am I learning this for…

Victor: Clearly, it was a certain someone who started it first––

Before the words even leave his mouth, I notice a skylark swooping down. Seeing this, he swiftly pulls me to the side to dodge.

While I’m still amidst my puzzlement, a black shadow suddenly flashes before my eyes. Much to my astonishment, the leopard has scampered into the air to catch the bird.

“Clang” –– the table is abruptly turned upside down by it, sending fruits and vegetables tumbling and leaving the cups and dishes in a complete disarray.

When I see him calmly looking at the spilled wine, as if he’d already foreseen it, I realize where his confidence in pouring the wine earlier came from.

And also, the uniqueness of this “trip.”

Looking up at this world that doesn’t belong to me, I can’t bear to tear my eyes away from the courtyard blooming with vibrant and luxuriant flowers––

The abounding blossoms of crimson pomegranate adorn the trees, while the light purple clovers form dense clusters, and the red lotus stretches wantonly by the riverbank…

MC: I’m still finding it hard to believe that I’m able to see the ancient Luolan with my own eyes…

Victor: So, have you found what you were searching for?

At his reminder, I belatedly recall the original purpose that I had cast to the back of my mind.

After casting a surveying glance all around, I don’t find that rosy color I was expecting to see and can only gaze at him with a sense of bitterness.

Victor: During this period, roses hadn’t been cultivated yet.

As if he can sense what I’m thinking, he explains in a calm tone.

MC: So that means, the stone-carved rose doesn’t exist either… Since you knew this all along, why did you go through such great pains to bring me here?

Victor: Compared to simply answering you whether the legend is true or false, bringing you here to see for yourself is more just.

Victor: In this boundless universe, there will always be a kind of beauty worthy of a certain dummy’s pure yearning.

Only at this moment do I realize that this voyage across time and space is precisely his answer.

MC: You… don’t you think it was quite naïve of me?

Victor: I do. But it’s also a precious trait of a certain dummy, and I think I can help you maintain it in moderation.

My heart suddenly turns into a mush. I settle my gaze on the edge of his lips before lifting my head and kissing him.

The aroma of wine and fragrance of flowers gradually fade away, and I find myself drenched only in his pleasant scent. Amidst our closely interwoven breaths, time seems to slow to a crawl, stretching ever so slowly.

It’s not until the familiar dryness lingers around the tip of my nose that I slowly open my eyes, slightly gasping for breath. What greets my eyes is the view of the endless sand dunes.

Apt to the occasion, my phone starts vibrating and powers up automatically. Only ten minutes have passed.

I feel as if I have just woken up from a dream. I gaze at Victor in a trance, and the rose-colored kiss mark on his lips enters my field of view, making me unable to help the smile spreading across my face.

MC: It appears I’ve already found the rose from the legend, one that will never wither.

In those eyes, brimming with unending tenderness, I see him lowering himself——

Victor: Then, allow it to bloom for a little while longer.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

[Anika’s Analysis & Ramblings]

twitter thread link: ♡

—

[kissmymatoki]

Thank you to @cutestkittens28 for reuploading english subbed episodes of B.A.Ps One Fine Day ❤❤❤

[giantbaobei]

(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8Cc93bo_8w)

[mejomonster]

i have no idea why we got so lucky but. does youku ever release english subs/versions on their app for other shows? 

or did they just notice the influx of out of china phone numbers registering and decided to cash in?

[my5hiningstars]

.

[stormblessed95]

Hey Storm, hope you doing fine. do you what is the original content when Jimin was wearing the glitter pink Chanel jacket? The one where jk was playing with his legs. Thanks much.

200105 GDA Awards and oh what a day 🥰🥰

Encore stage, Jimin focus

BTS and Pengsoo BTB

Boy with Luv performance

Intro + Skool Luv Affair + Dimple (prerecorded):

Mikrokosmos JK focus

Mikrokosmos JM focus

Dionysus

GDA tiktok awards interview, a few cute jikook interactions here as well. Eng subs below:

Totally spammed you! Sorry, you can find more fancams of them in the crowds during the rest of the award shows as well on YouTube and such, along with more photos, etc and their red carpet interviews. Hope that helps!!