#slim hanging pendant light

[heidivanderlee]

Teen in Paris Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary girl medium tone wood floor teen room remodel

[kriosgat]

Teen in Paris

[felixandresims]

KICHEN 2Point0 :)

It’s been well over a year since the last Harlix collaboration, but we are happy to finally be able to announce the KICHEN 2Point0! It all started way back in 2019 with the original KICHEN, so we decided we wanted to bring it back full circle and finally focus back on our much-loved room of the home. A lot has changed over the past 4.5 years, not only in our own personal work but the multitude of custom content creators that also now create kitchens for your Sims. In 2019, there were slim pickings for your homes. Now, there is such a vibrant array of content to choose from, and it really is an excellent thing for all.

In the years that followed, we have really focused on improving our technical skills and artistry, which we hope you can see with this latest set. The stand-out item for us both in the original KICHEN was the wishbone chair. We have personally both tried to find another dining chair that tops it and failed miserably! It is just the perfect chair for use in so many different settings, whether it be modern or even a rustic setting; it’s just so versatile. It deserved an update to our latest techniques and colours & it’s the only item from the original KICHEN set that has been reworked for this newest iteration. Also, back in 2019 we were a little too scared to use our internal name for that item, but in 2024 we are happy to share the appropriately named WISHBONER chair with you 😆

The KICHEN 2Point0 is also designed to fit perfectly into our current Klean & Soho sets to fulfill the kitchen part. For some reason, we always seem to be in sync with our set themes, and no more so than with Klean & Soho. The overlap was very scary tbh, with many Pinterest pins selected independently but shared in common, so we decided to do this 2 part collaboration to create a kitchen to fit both of our current sets, with the hope of creating a much more in-depth set which includes all elements required to make your dream kitchen. This first part focuses on the foundations of that dream kitchen.

All items are Base Game compatible and can be found by searching the b/b catalogue using the keyword 2Point0. As the items are designed for both of our current sets, they will also appear when you search using the keywords KLEAN or SOHO.

Set Items include:

- Counter (raised with legs) - Counter (standard) - Island (raised with legs) - Island trolley (3 pieces) - Cabinets (short) - Cabinets (tall) - Appliance Cabinet - Fridge Nooks (high & low) - Built-in Sink (wide & standard) - Dining Table (1, 2 & 3 tile) - Wishboner Dining Chair - Shelving (multiple height endings, middle & standard end pieces) - Hanging Feature Pendant Lights (multiple variants)

Now on Patreon Early Access

Public release on the 7th of May

The collaboration will continue next month and focus on appliances and clutter for your kitchens.

[ventisettestars]

DannyMay Day 6+7: Eclipse And Weapon [ao3]

This is a continuation of Day1: Fantasy AU. [link] Next part: [link]

Summary: Sam and Tucker meet the Fae Lord Phantom with a bonus flashback to how he earned the title.

Please note things get violent near the end after Danny messes with the pendant.

WC: 2,369

“Lord Phantom” Fright Knight knelt to face his Lord. “I have secured the humans as you’ve requested. Might I inquire as to why you personally collected them?” 

Phantom rubbed between his eyes as Cujo whined for his attention next to the throne. “They are my attendants from while I’m-. Companions of mine since early childhood.” 

“I see.” 

“So.” Phantom’s gaze fell on his knight, the ring of light in the black projecting his source of power. “Do I need for you to attend to them before I make my way, or will their accommodations be adequate to please me?” 

Fright Knight stiffened. “My Lord. May I be dismissed to address and correct my misunderstandings of your relations to the humans.” 

So they got the standard 'throw the humans in a room’ treatment. “I’ll handle it myself. I’m sure they are frightened enough without you returning to move them to a new location.” He rose from his throne, waving Cujo to join with the other hounds. “Lead me to them.” 

So Fright Knight did. 

Sure enough they were in one of the more nefarious rooms in his domain. The room was pretty basic by fae standards. Lots of wooded and delicately carved furniture, cozy temperature regulated between an opened window and a fireplace that always burned with just the right amount of warmth to fend off the cold of his corner of the realm. 

What made this room so dangerous to humans was the moss that carpeted the floor. It released spores to make creatures other than fae more docile after long exposure. 

Entering the room, Tucker was the only one in view. Phantom had barely a moment to process that, before Sam burst out from the other side of the door, attacking with her dagger. 

Phantom blocked it with his armor, staring at her with his dark eyes. “Stand Down.” The slim green ring was the only indicator of where he looked and it seemed to glow brighter with his command. 

Sam, losing the only advantage she saw at the moment, relaxed her grip and let the dagger fall to the floor. Phantom smirked, knowing it wasn’t the only dagger she kept on her person. 

He bent to pick up the dagger and handed it back to her. “Hang onto this. I’ve no need to disarm you. I invited you here as guests. Have you had anything to eat or drink?”

They both shook their heads, probably feeling a bit of both hunger and thirst now that he mentioned it. That was another side effect of the moss. 

“Good. Don’t do either.” Phantom turned in the threshold. “Now then. Follow me and don’t wander.”

He walked off, and was relieved when the two followed. He wondered if maybe Tucker noticed the properties of the moss, cause they both hurried quite a bit. 

Fright Knight followed behind the two humans as extra protection, irritated that his Lord let the humans see his back. 

Once at Phantom’s personal chambers, he turned. “Thank you for the escort. Now leave us.” 

Fright Knight bowed and took his post at the end of the hall. 

“This way.” Phantom opened the door to the first room, the area was filled with lush flora and I couldn’t be considered a room as the walls vanished with only three free standing doors. The sky overhead filled with stars and a black moon, surrounded by a ring that seemed to match Phantom’s eyes. 

“An eternal eclipse. A sign of the Lord of Night.” Sam mumbled, the sky and his eyes being the only proof she needed. “Is that why you tend to hunt only on the darkest nights?”

“Yep. I didn’t realize you’d actually read my parent’s scrolls.” Phantom looked up and winced as he realized his slip. He always enjoyed this inbetween space of his, but his two natures also tended to meld here. 

“Your par-?!” Tucker gasped as he watched a resigned Phantom shift into Danny. Only, one of his eyes remained Fae looking.

“Hey, surprise?” Danny had the gull to look sheepish with a tiny wave. 

They were all silent. Danny waited on his friends before he made the next move. 

His nerves started to get the better of him as the wait till they said or reacted stretched on. He looked up to the eclipse in his sky as just something to hold his attention, when Sam finally said something. 

“So. Let me get this straight. You, the skeptic prince of Amity, are not only Fae, but a freaking Fae Lord. The fucking Lord of Night, Leader of the Winter Wild Hunt, AND the Summer King Pariah’s Bane?” 

Danny nodded. Only to turn to Tucker as he started laughing. 

“How the heck have you found the time to pull all of that off??” 

“Oh, Time in the Realms is slippery…I’m a bit older than I look…Or, I’ve got like centuries of life experience in 16 years time…?” 

“How does that even?” Tucker looked like he was trying to do the math, when Danny shrugged. 

“Don’t think about it too hard. I stopped trying to figure it out ages ago. I could be in ruling for weeks, then once I return to my room, the night wouldn’t even have passed. Don’t get my started on the pure headache of figuring out seasons and times of power.” Danny leaned as though he were going to sit, but there was no chair behind him. 

Sam was about to call out when suddenly there was a chair. She raised a brow at him. 

“What? The courts are always playing around with their politics and times of power. It might look like it’s on a 3 month calendar, but here those three months could last only a week, or years.” 

“That's absolutely fascinating, but the chair, how did it?”

“I’m the Lord of this Realm.”

“Danny, that makes no sense.” 

Tilting his head a bit, he grinned. “Good.” Letting his fae nature slip to the forefront again, he spread his wings that sparkled in starlight, “If it made sense, then I’d be a shit Lord.” 

Phantom preened and let his wings fluff a bit before they resettled into looking like his cloak. He reveled in their dumb founded stares. The lore books always hyped up ‘the fae’s gossamer wings’, so they probably assumed his raven wings were just a feathered cloak. 

“So, you both have two options. First being, go through that door.” Phantom pointed a finger at the door that looked like it belonged to Amity. “It’ll return you home sometime in the night. It’s never consistent so can’t say when. Or-” Danny shifted to Phantom. “I could give you a tour of my realm.” 

They both looked a bit concerned. But, this was Danny. Right? 

“I’m down for staying. How about you Tuck?”

“I don’t want to miss out on all the fun. So the time thing, is it that you are time traveling or-”

“Probably time dilation? Something in Infinite Realms keeps everything out of sync. I’m still expecting one of these days I’ll come here, and lose months in the Human Realm. I’ve been blessed so far.” 

“So, when’d this all-?” Tucker motioned to all of Phantom. 

“Human time, about a year ago. This is my second winter in power. You remember that charm my parents got from Duke Masters? The pretty black one with the ring.” Phantom made sure to look both of them in the eyes, drawing attention to it with a tap. Just to make sure they could see his eyes matched the charm. 

Sam gasped. “But, it was useless, did-”

“It contained the previous Lord of Night. I broke it and unsealed the binding spell. Defeated him in single combat, then tada-” He grinned, exposing his fangs. “The Realm couldn’t have a Human Lord, so it fixed that problem my first night here. I’m pretty sure that my attendant at the time helped the progress. Come on. Let me start with introducing you to Cujo!” Phantom was done discussing his rise to power.  

They both knew Danny well enough to know that it wasn’t that simple.

-----one and half years ago

The pendant was pretty, and that was about the only thing it was good for. Duke Masters had sent it in place of taxes this month. Claiming it to be a ‘fae trinket’, his parents eagerly accepted it in place of taxes. Which really ticked Danny off. Duke Masters had more than enough coin to spare. Had it been a villager that painted a rock, he would’ve been less ticked off about it. 

But it was the richest of their people that pulled this bullshit. Danny was running his hand over it, attempting to see how the man had made the rock to produce the glow. It didn’t seem to be the work of wizardry. Least from what the court wizard observed. 

The fae might have been a thing in the past, but now, people going missing in the woods were just unfortunate victims to nature. Not whisked away to some magical realm. It was all just fairy tales. 

His nail caught in the glowing circle on the charm. There was a divot there. He picked at the spot with his nail at first, but then tried at it with a dagger-like letter opener. Finally, a small enough nick was formed, but rather than just looking scratched, shadows burst and the air grew thin. A figure emerged, everything about them deathly white from their features to clothes, to large feathered wings.

“Foolish Mortal. You’ve done me a service by freeing me, but as my sentence wasn’t fully served, you’ve committed a crime to the realm. For that, you must face your punishment. I shall even show you mercy and deliver your death quickly.” 

A sword materialized in the being’s - the fae’s hand. They went to strike, the bone white blade swinging down. 

Danny wasn’t going to just die just like that. So with the only weapon at his disposal, he blocked using the letter opener he’d been holding. 

The bone blade was deflected to Danny’s relief, but it has cut the tip from his own blade. In a panicked thought, at least the blade was sharper now. 

It did little to comfort him as the fae continued to strike. Danny focused more on dodging since he couldn’t afford his blade getting any smaller. Everything the bone blade connected with was cut as though it were butter. Least it wasn’t the poor letter opener’s fault. 

The blade nicked his arm and Danny had never felt such pain before. It was cold, but it burned. Distantly he remembered learning about sensory death to cells when they were damaged to the point of no longer being able to regenerate feeling. 

He couldn’t afford another hit, so Danny lunged with his little blade. He wasn’t sure where he was aiming, he just didn’t want to die. He didn’t-

The bone blade was through his chest, pain flared so bad he almost didn’t notice the blood pouring from the fae’s neck. Danny’s dagger had struck just right, that the fae lost their grip on the blade as they began to sink to the floor.

“How-?” Their voice was weak. “You’re but a mere child…”

“Looks-” Danny coughed. “Looks like you picked the wrong prince to try to punish.” 

The fae’s form began to turn to dust, their blade following along. 

With the blade gone, Danny’s wound started to bleed with more flow. Shit, he knew it was bad to remove a weapon like that. He tried to apply pressure, unable to call for help. Come to think of it, where were his guards? 

They should’ve-

The dust started to rise, though there was no wind. 

It seemed to whisper. “Youngling. Do you wish to die a mortal, or continue on…” 

Danny thought it’d be dumb to reply. He was probably just dilutional from blood loss. Of course he didn’t want to die. He wasn’t done yet.

Without replying, the hallucinated whisper responded. “Wise choice…” 

The swirling dust flew at him, and into the chest wound. The pain stopped. At least from the wound. 

Danny could feel the dust, spiraling through him. He couldn’t tell if his blood was boiling or freezing, he couldn’t even scream. Or maybe he was screaming? 

No one came rushing to his aid though. He collapsed and the last thing he was aware of, was chains, that seemed to emerge from where his once wound had been, began to wrap around his body. Moving almost like snakes to bind him. 

He vaguely was aware that they‘d be gone when he woke next. 

“Danny, there you are.” Danny peaked open an eye at the voice calling to him. Tucker was- 

“Dude, we’ve been looking all over for you. Sleeping at your desk is going to make your back suffer.” This time it was Sam. 

“Sorry, I-” Danny sat up. How did he get to his desk, and-? He looked to his letter opener, it wasn’t in two? And the Pendant. The glowing ring on it was gone. It was just a shiny black rock. 

“I guess I’ve been working too hard.” It was all a dream?

“Probably. You should head to an actual bed, or I’ll tell Jazz.”

Danny gestured in mock offense. “You wouldn’t dare bother the kind princess with something so petty.” 

“I would, and she’d take you off your duties for a week.” 

“Then there would be a back log…” Danny got up and grabbed the pendant. “In all seriousness, I might actually be working too hard. I didn’t even notice I’d fallen asleep.”

“Then get to bed sleepy head. Want an escort?”

“Nah, you both can head home. Thanks for waking me up. If Jazz had found me asleep there, it would’ve been bad.”

They both waved him off. 

Once in his room, Danny's reflection caught his eye. Right in the center of his chest there was a glowing scar. It was where the blade had gone through. It pulsed with each heartbeat. 

Danny had a feeling getting any sleep tonight was going to be impossible. 

-----

It took a week til he noticed the door appear that no one else could see. Then another few days till he gave into the temptations to enter it.

End notes:

The eclipse is Danny's eyes and the pendant so I couldn't figure out a good place to separate the two chapters cause Walker's Bone Blade was going to be for Weapon, so I just didn't x'DD

Hope you enjoy this cause I got more planned for the Fantasy AU (It'll probably get it's own fic after DannyMay with some edits.)

[the-doctor-3000]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰 {The Witcher x F!Reader}

1: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 (pt. 1)

The chirping of birds woke the nineteen-year-old y/n up. She cracked her eyes open, having a difficulty to do so due to the light of the sun, and found herself laying in a forest. She sat up slowly, clenching the pendant that was hanging around her neck tightly and looked around in sheer confusion.

How did she even end up here? She was on a mission with her siblings. Knowing that it didn't include the woods. She quickly searched around for her stuff. She had her seraph blade, her stele was on her jacket's pocket along with a sensor and her witchlight stone. She stood up on her feet with a small stumble and continued to look at her surroundings confused. 

The air was clearer, deprived of pollution. It was nice but scary too.

Where was she? Had she been teleported there and how?

Not expecting to get any answers from just standing there and staring, she walked her way out of the forest. Or at least tried to. No sign of a city but a small village. Too medieval-like for her own liking.

Hopefully the mundanes were just filming a movie with that theme. As she approached, her nostrils picked up some unpleasant smells which caused her to gag in disgust. 

It smelled worse than a farm or litter boxes. She had been to villages before but none of them smelled like that.

She went pass a few locals, all of them dressed in medieval styled peasant clothing, and some gave her some odd looks while others minded their own business. Y/n's brows furrowed. She looked around, expecting to see some cameramen filming the entire thing or the staff.

She saw none.

What she did see was a cart, drawn by two piebald mares. She tilted her head to the side as she cautiously followed and examined the people on it. 

Three. The driver. Nothing too unusual for the theme of the movie - if it was a movie; he was wearing sheepskin over his bare skin and his hair reached his brows. Next to him sat another man; that one was slim, he was wearing a fancy bonnet with a heron's feather decorating it. She noticed that he was holding a lute. A troubadour, she mentally noted. 

Her eyes trailed to the man next to him. He was skinny, unhealthy pale and had milky loose hair. What she could make of his appearance from the far back was that he was a warrior of sorts.

She didn't know what but there was something about that man that piqued her interest. If her brothers were there they would be able to restrain her from going off to satisfy her curiosity. Her sister, though, would go along with her.

The white haired male spoke to the driver and he brought the horses to a halt. Y/n didn't know why but she felt like the white haired man could tell that she was following them.

Her suspicion was confirmed as he jumped out of the cart, daggers on each side and a steel sword on the back, and approached her. 

She came to a halt as she gasped instinctively. His face. She had seen worse but there was something unsettling about him. His eyes were frightening and cat-like and there was something about him. . . Cold and threatening. 

Her fingers tried to reach for her blades but he spoke. "Why are you following us?"

His voice was just as unsettling as the rest of his appearance. It was very unpleasant and hoarse. Y/n never had encountered anyone like him. She had seen things and yet this man made her feel afraid.

Why? She had killed demons, a man with a disturbing appearance should be nothing compared to her previous encounters. 

He asked her again. More demanding but still calm. "Well?"

She flinched but finally found her voice. "I am sorry." She apologised and thought that the truth would be the best answer. "I am new around. . . . here and you three looked like an interesting bunch. Would it, ah, be alright to tag along until I find a way back?"

He seemed to think about it. His inhuman eyes stared into hers as if he were examining her. "Where are you from?"

"Manhattan, New York."

He arched a white brow. "Come again? Is this a new kind of joke?"

"Why would---? Listen, if you don't know where it is then just say so." She said, irritation building its way to her chest. "Don't have to act as if it doesn't exist."

"That's because it doesn't. Never heard of such place."

The seriousness in his tone made it difficult for y/n to tell whether he was messing with her or not. She crossed her arms over her torso, trying to keep a straight face and mask her worry. "Then where exactly am I?"

"Near Lower Posada, Dol Blathanna."

She barked a laugh. "Okay okay! That's creative but, for real, where am I?"

"Do I look like someone who is joking?"

Her hair went up like wires and a chill went down her spine. She croaked nervously, "Probably not."

There was a long silence between. The man's travelling companions were observing this interraction from afar, seeming quite interested to see how this would evolve. The bard was the most intrigued by it out of the two. Y/n avoided making eye contact with the man standing in front of her, her gaze was fixated on the medallion around his neck. It was made out of silver and had the shape of a wolf's head. 

The longer she thought about it the more scared she became that maybe she was indeed in another universe and/or time period. Everything looked far too real, they smelled like it too, to be just a film production and the actors decided to mess with her. 

Then it hit her. How could he, a mundane, see her? The glamour should have made it impossible unless, of course, he wasn't human himself but he didn't look like any of the Downworlders she had known of. The only distinct feature about him which only fit the warlocks' was his eyes, which were cat-like, but she could tell that he wasn't one. Mostly due to the fact that he was carrying weapons and, as far as she knew, warlocks needn't any of those. Not when they had their magic.

She gathered up some courage and spoke, "Do you---" She cut herself, thinking carefully of her next words and tried to make eye contact without flinching. Her mother and father always told her to stare someone in the eyes when speaking or else it would make her seem like a fool. "Is it alright to stay with you until I figure a way to return to my home? I promise that I won't get in the way of whatever it is that you are doing."

He crossed his arms over his chest. "And what is that you think I'm doing?"

Y/n shrugged. "Don't know and don't care. It's not my business either way as long as you don't cause any trouble that is."

"Hm."

He just hummed. No comment or any reply, just a hum. Y/n didn't know what to make of that guy but she followed him when he nodded for her to do so. They went to the cart and there was yet again an uneasy silence.

"I'm y/n Lightwood, by the way." She introduced herself to him, with a smile, hoping to at least learn his name. When he didn't respond, she quickly added. "Sorry if I crossed over any boundaries. It's just that people usually tell their names when they make an acquaintance." No response still. "So, ah, what's your name?"

"Geralt of Rivia."

"Geralt of Rivia." She tested his name, mispronouncing it completely, sounding like 'Jerald'. She noticed from the corner of her eye, his scarred eye twitching a little. 

At least she got a reaction.

Not wanting to make things worse, she decided not to speak any further. When they reached the cart, the troubadour was the first one to acknowledge her. 

"Ah! And who is your feminine friend, Geralt?" The bard asked, his cornflower blue eyes though were fixated on her.

He seemed pleasant, he looked like it too. His attitude so far was also friendly. She gave him a small smile, "I'm y/n. Y/n Lightwood."

As Geralt climbed on the cart, the bard hopped out. He took her hand and gingerly planted a kiss on the back of. "Charmed. I am Master Dandilion! A poet, a minstrel and a bard."

She chuckled, her cheeks flushing red a little. "Yeah, I got that. The lute gave it away."

"Would you be interested in hearing one of my ballads, my fair lady?"

An exasperated groan came from Geralt. Y/n was yet again curious but also bored.

"Music is the perfect way to pass the time while driving, so yeah!" She said with a warm smile gracing her features.

Dandilion beamed with joy.

She climbed the cart, Dandilion followed, and she was inbetween him and Geralt. The driver did not question her and continued. Y/n continued paying attention to Dandilion, too scared or uncomfortable to look at Geralt.

Disclaimer: I don't own the The Witcher nor the pictures/gifs, all credit goes to the original creators. This is a crossover between the Witcher and the Shadowhunter Chronicles. This will be based on the books and *not* the Netflix series and the story will be according to the books (though I'll add some scenes of my own and/or change some things in order for the mc to fit in the story).

This fanfiction will be also published on quotev.

[juniormint1125]

The Necklace

THIS POST CONTAINS EXPLICIT CONTENT. PLEASE READ WITH THAT IN MIND.

So quite a while ago, a friend sent me this post about Stray Kids soft boyfriend habits. Completely unexpectedly, Hyunjin's hit me hard. He's not my bias, nor has he ever been a wrecker. But, I've been thinking about it for months with no explanation.

Thanks to @hwajin for the inspiration!

"ʜʏᴜɴᴊɪɴ

it is such a random thing but he will help you remove your jewelery. if you were out with friends, or on a date with him, basically anywhere where you put thought and effort into your outfit, necklaces and earrings and bracelets accentuating your body - hyunjin will be next to you in the evening, fiddling with the opening of the chains around your neck, or taking one off your earrings off while you work on the other one. he wouldn’t know a reason if you asked him why he had that habit, but you couldn’t complain if you were honest, your heart melting at how attentive his actions felt..."

So I wrote this SHORT scenario to get it out of my head.

The Necklace

Hwang Hyunjin x reader

Summary: You're getting ready for a party when Hyunjin decides to help. A necklace, a tie, and a few commands later, you're definitely late for the party.

Word Count: 1,375

Genre: smut

Warnings/Contains: very light bondage, mild dominant/submissive dynamic

“Almost ready, Hyunnie!” You call to him from the bedroom. “I just need to put my jewelry on.”

You slip into your heels, then walk to the full length mirror that hangs beside your closet. As you lift your head to put on your earrings, you see Hyunjin’s reflection staring back at you.

“Hello love,” he whispers seductively. He traces a fingertip down your cheek to your shoulders where he brushes back your hair.

“You look beautiful,” he coos and places feather like kisses on the bare skin of your neck. You tremble.

“Allow me.” He reaches for the earring you’re holding, caressing your shoulder as he turns you to face him. You’re breathing heavily as he brings it to your ear. His touch is electrifying, heating up your skin with every second he’s close to you.

Your eyes flutter shut as he leans closer to put an earring in your other ear. The smell of his cologne intoxicates you, making your head spin. A hint of fresh citrus and mint dances over the heady musk of amber. He reaches for you with both hands, carefully admiring the sparkling gold earrings. He swallows hard.

“Necklace?” he asks.

You hand him a delicate gold chain. The pendant is a small golden paintbrush, the bristles made from black jade to symbolize creativity. It was a gift from Hyunjin for your first anniversary. He wanted you to see it and be reminded that you’re his muse, his inspiration for everything he creates. When he sees the necklace, he smiles, remembering the message behind it.

“Turn around,” he commands.

You willingly comply, watching him in the mirror as his hands clasp the necklace. Those hands are your downfall. They’re the perfect blend of masculine strength and feminine beauty. His slim, graceful wrists give way to lithe fingers whose length makes your core clench insatiably. As his hands move across your throat, the veins become more prominent. Your eyes follow the twisting path they take on the back of his hand and you imagine them twisting through the strands of your hair.

He runs his fingertips across your collar bone, down the center of your breasts. Your body shutters and a soft moan escapes your lips. He hums in reply; he revels in the noises you make when lust overtakes you.

“Does that feel good, my love?” You nod, watching him loosen the silk tie that’s been intricately wound around his neck. You know what he’s thinking.

“Hyunjin, we’ll be late,” you scold, only half heartedly.

“Just one touch, love. Please?” He bats his eyelashes and you know it’s futile to resist. You don’t want to anyway.

He brings the fabric in front of your eyes, and you close them in obedience; you know the routine like the back of your hand. You can feel his breath closing in, sparks of desire ricocheting off your skin. Once he’s tightened the blindfold, you hold out your hand and he leads you across the room. When the back of your knees hit the edge of the bed, you know to stop.

“Good girl,” he purrs, running his fingertips down your arm. He slides the fabric of your dress up and over your hips. Cool air washes over your core and you tremble again. He lightly drums his fingertips up the insides of your thighs, until he reaches the band of your panties, then slides his hands beneath them. The contrast of the coarse lace against your smooth skin as he pulls them down causes you to moan.

“Ready love?” he asks.

You nod and he gently lays you back on the mattress. You can feel him hovering over you, probably rolling up his sleeves. You jump a little when his hands finally touch your skin. The palms are flush against your thighs, and he slides them leisurely up your legs, kneading your flesh as he goes.

“Spread your legs for me, love.” His voice is gentle, coaxing and encouraging you. You move your legs apart, exposing yourself to his desire.

“More,” he demands. His voice is firmer than before, and you imagine his eyes black with lust. You widen the distance between your thighs.

“More.”

You widen your legs again until the muscles are aching.

“Tsk tsk, my sweet love. You know better.” His voice drips like honey and the burning you feel in your core as he pries your legs even further apart is just as sweet.

You whimper when he drags one of his fingers over your clit.

He rewards you with his praise. “That’s better.”

He removes his hands from your body and leaves you laying there, completely uncovered and on full display. You know that he’s waiting to see if you stay in the position he’s put you in. Because if you move, then he gets to have his fun.

You try with everything in you to keep your legs where he left them. He’s quiet, certainly standing over you watching. And when you think you’re about to give up, you hear him groan.

“Such a good girl.”

His voice trembles. It’s nearly imperceptible, but you hear it. He wants to touch you and he’s tired of waiting.

You feel him coming closer, and you feel your wetness dripping in anticipation.

“So so lovely,” he comments.

He must be kneeling in front of you; what feels like his knees connect with the inside of your legs and exert the slightest bit of pressure, making sure they stay open. His fingertips tease over the insides of your thighs, drawing ever shrinking circles until there’s only one fingertip circling your clit. He varies the pressure of his circles, driving you mad.

His fingers stop. “Are you ready for me love?”

You nod feverishly, trying to even out your ragged breathing. His body moves closer to you until his mouth is right at your ear. His hands fidget with the necklace pendant.

“Shall we see?” he whispers.

You breathe a hushed yes and wait for his next move.

It seems to take him an eternity to drag his fingers along the inside of your thigh, but he finally reaches your sex. He leisurely traces a circle around the edge before plunging his finger inside. Your body arches as his knuckle slams against your clit.

“Fuck, Hyunjin,” you cry.

He laughs. It’s a mixture of tenderness and madness and your core clenches at the sound. His finger moves in and out slowly and you hum in satisfaction.

You feel the sweet stretch of your opening as another finger dives in to join the first. This time he twists his fingers side to side raising the heat that’s burning inside you.

With the thumb of his other hand, he applies pressure to your clit, increases the speed of both hands until you’re a writhing mess beneath him. Your breathing becomes erratic as you barrel closer to your orgasm. You bite your lip, stifling your moans.

“Louder please, my love,” he requests. “I want to hear those pretty noises you make when you cum.”

His assault on your clit is relentless and you’re finally able let go, allowing yourself to tumble into ecstasy. Your body jerks around his fingers, your wetness floods over his hand. He begins to slow his movements.

“Take the blindfold off,” he directs you.

Dizzied by the bliss of your orgasm, you manage to reach behind you and undo the knot he’s tied in the fabric. Before you take it off, you rub the smooth silk against your cheek, breathing his scent in deeply.

You open your eyes and he’s poised over top you smiling. “Did that feel good love?”

You nod ardently. He’s still barely moving his fingers inside you, but he soon brings them to a stop. He takes each finger out slowly as he gazes into your eyes. Finally, he brings his hand to his face and, one by one, inserts his fingers into his mouth, lewdly sucking your wetness from each digit.

“Mouthwatering,” he smirks.

Your face flushes red. It’s embarrassing how aroused his vulgar act makes you feel. He leans closer to you, his lips grazing your cheek. The act is intimate and tender. When his lips are floating just above yours, he whispers.

“I love it when you wear that necklace.”

[sweetestberryofthebunch]

The one where Jackie helps Jan

A/N: Here it is … the unnecessary infodumping on philosophy. Or are they just flirting? Who knows, not me … thanks to everyone who’s still with me!

It was an oddly foggy day on campus, especially considering they still barely had reached September. The school grounds outside were hidden behind a deep hanging, thick coat of grey, leaving the library in a cold, dim light. They had secured a table right by one of the large windows, Jackie insisted that when the sky was clear the view was absolutely breathtaking. If one were to ask Jan, she‘d probably say it still was.

To shield herself from the chilly weather, Jackie wore a maroon sweater with their school symbol stitched on it, definitely a little too large for her slim frame. A white collar peaked out around her neck and a little gold pendant dangled between the unbuttoned top part. She wore little matching earrings, visible thanks to the messy half updo she had thrown her hair into. The humidity had turned it frizzy, the baby hairs flew free around her oval face, little curls that Jan wished she could run through her thumb and index finger, watching them jump right back into place as soon as she let go. The upperclass girl was leaning over one of the books they had pulled out of the philosophy section, glasses on her nose and her brows just slightly furrowed as she read. If Jan had it her way, the fog would never lift, leaving them in their warm little bubble here, hidden between rows of books and heavy wooden shelves.

„Jan? Jan!“

The purple haired girl blinked once, twice, three times before entering reality again. Jackie was looking at her with an amused twinkle in her eyes, the book she had been reading now closed and pushed back just enough for the senior to put her elbows on the table, head resting on her hands. „Have you finished the chapter?“, she asked.

„Uh“, Jan looked down at the copy of On The Nature Of Things that Jackie had insisted she should read to understand what Nicky had said last Thursday. Jan didn‘t have the heart to tell her that if she was being real honest, she had already forgotten what Nicky had said and that the Latin poem in front of her really didn‘t help with anything.

Luckily enough, Lagoona had kept her old notes from her freshmen philosophy class, so last night Jan had pulled an all nighter inhaling everything she could, just to be prepared for whatever Jackie was going to throw at her. And yes, maybe she wanted to impress her just a little bit.

„I’m not done with the whole thing, but …“ Glancing down at the page she quickly scanned for any key words that rang a bell. „it‘s pretty clear that the author tried to present the main arguments for Epicureanism. It’s kind of like a PowerPoint I guess.“

At that, Jackie couldn’t help but giggle. „You’re not wrong, Lucretius probably would’ve loved PowerPoint.“ Jan watched as Jackie hid her mouth behind her hand, trying to keep her voice down in the silence of the library. Grinning from ear to ear, Jan herself had a hard time trying not to scream as well. There were little dimples in the corners of Jackie‘s mouth whenever her laugh was earnest. Just like now.

„Alright“, Jackie breathed out through her nose, calming down again. In her whispering, she leaned over the table just a little bit so that Jan could hear her clearly. The latter had to fight the urge of letting her eyes trail down, where the open button of Jackie‘s collar were just a little too tempting not to glance past.

No! She had to focus on what Jackie was saying!

The brunette had one brow quirked up just slightly, her face proposing a challenge to Jan. „Can you tell me what exactly Epicureanism is?“

Jan sent a silent praise to her older sister who, despite all of her doodles and scribbled down song lyrics and melodies, had always managed to take complete, accessible notes. And was apparently enough of a hoarder to keep them even after dropping the class.

Excited about her newly acclaimed knowledge, Jan leaned forward towards Jackie just the slightest bit. Not too much though, she still had to be able to form sentences.

„Basically“, Jan began, „Epicurus followed the ideals of hedonism. Increase pleasure and decrease pain. He only starts to differ from that by solely focusing on the pleasurable aspect. To him, pursuing pleasure and peace of mind is the one main goal of man, and the avoidance of pain is simply a tool to get there. Epicurists stay away from conflict and politics, opting for a simple life and striving for immediate gratification rather than hard work for an uncertain future goal. Basically, that guy coded my sister‘s brain.“ Proud of the little joke she‘d made at the end, Jan couldn’t help but grin. It definitely didnt help that Jackie‘s smile got wider and wider with every word she‘d said, now nodding in approval.

„I‘m impressed“, she said, „I needed more time to understand this concept.“

„You didn‘t grow up with Rosé“, Jan retorted, so proud of the shade she was throwing, she almost wished Lagoona was here to hear her. But then again, it was so much nicer to be alone with Jackie, have her muffled giggles just to herself.

After taking a sip from her water bottle, Jackie spoke again. „Now lots of scholars criticise this point of view. And rightfully so, in my opinion. How can one simply advocate for the immediate gratification, only striving for the simple things in life? As nice and idealistic as it may sound at first, it simply does not survive the reality check. Epicurists completely forget about the bigger picture, about the fact that there is more to life than the next hour and the one after that. There is a whole next day, a whole next year, decade. The choices we make will influence those, whether we want them to or not, and it is simply immature to not consider that in our decision making. This is why feelings get hurt, why temperatures are rising on this planet. Because people think epicuristic, people think selfish.“

The more she talked, the more riled up Jackie seemed to become, both of her palms now pressed flat onto the table surface, leaning over into Jan‘s space as her eyes glimmered with emotion, almost bewildered. Jan suddenly understood why Jackie was president of the Philosophy club. This was her element, the debate was where she thrived. And it was mesmerising to watch. But Jan wasn’t going to let her just finish her monologue, no, she still had her own train of thought.

„I disagree“, she said. Two simple words, yet they sent Jackie leaning back in her chair, eyes never leaving Jan‘s as she crossed her arms, adamantly listening. Jan had her full, unparted attention. A feeling she could probably get drunk on if she tried. But not right now, not when this was her chance to show Jackie just what Jan could do.

„I disagree that Epicureanism is entirely selfish. Sure, it is not the ideal way of life and it is certainly not how a whole society should think, but why do you think so many people tend to do so anyways? Because we live in a duty-obsessed world. Tasks and morals are pushed onto us the moment we step into the world. Learn this, say that, stop crying. Listen to your elders, be polite to others, plan your future and yes, go to college too. We are so overwhelmed with all these things we have to do that most of us completely forget the things we want to do until it‘s either too late or the desire is too strong. As much as I criticise the way Rosé lives from one day to the next, the way she gets into trouble or talks a different person up every week, at the end of the day she has one thing I will forever envy her for: no regrets. She’s not afraid to act on that desire, on that immediate pleasure and it‘s brave of her. I wish I could do the same.“ The last sentence came out a whisper, so quiet, Jan wasn’t even sure it made its way over to Jackie‘s ears. But she also didn‘t even know if she really wanted it to. It felt too real, too vulnerable and intimate too fast. Yes, Jan had silently yearned for Jackie since the beginning of the semester, but this was still their first one on one conversation ever. She had to be more careful of what to say, she was on the best way of scaring Jackie away with her intensity and oh goodness, why was Jackie so quiet, why wouldn’t she stop looking at Jan-

When Jackie spoke, she was honest, probably the most unfiltered Jan had ever experienced her. The smile on the brunette‘s face was unreadable.

„You’re more intelligent than you think, Jan. You know how to defend your standpoint. Ms Monsoon is going to love you.“ The blush creeping up Jan‘s neck and into her cheeks had to be visible to Jackie. Trying to play it cool, Jan simply smiled, eyes trailing down nervously, looking at nothing in particular. „You think so?“

Jackie reached over the book separating them, her warm palm now resting on Jan‘s hand. It felt electrifying, hot and cold all at once. Jan tried her best not to shiver when she looked up to meet Jackie’s intense chocolate eyes staring right at her. „I know so, Jan, trust me. Okay?“

Jan nodded in response, unable to form words at this moment. They stayed like this for just a moment longer, Jackie‘s hand like a warm coat on a winter morning over Jan‘s, eyes interlocked, Jan’s wide and hazel, Jackie’s dark and calm. Jan felt nothing and everything at once. Like she was a wild wave running towards Jackie’s safe haven at unbelievable speed. Oh, how she wished she was.

Jackie‘s phone pinged, breaking the spell way too soon for Jan‘s liking. The older girl let go of her hand to grab her phone. „Ah shit, it‘s so late already!“ She pushed her chair back, basically jumping to her feet. „I have to go, Nicky will kill me if I leave her hanging in Anthropology.“ Her coat hanging loosely over her shoulders, backpack shouldered and the books she had brought herself pressed against her chest, Jackie turned to leave. „See you on Thursday, Jan“, she shouted over her shoulder, definitely too loud for library customs. Jan thought it was cute how Jackie hurried towards the door, shooting her one last wave. „You’re really good at this, by the way!“ If it didn‘t already happen, now was the time where Jan‘s heart would jump out of her chest to run a marathon of triumph for sure.

[vythanis]

Art by @hithren, @palitaniaart, and @heroicn0nsense.

TL;DR: Vy’thanis Lusignon is a dark-skinned Duskwight Elezen with red highlights in his collar-length black hair. His eyes are teal. Gnarled scars about two inches wide form bands around both wrists. He is very friendly and often smiling.

Face Claim:

Hair Color and Style: Vyth has black, slightly wavy hair that falls to his collar bone. Unlike many people with black hair, his hair does not have blue or raven-wing highlights, but reddish ones instead - proving his hair to truly be darkest possible brown instead of true black. The faint wave in it is natural and requires very little styling. He usually just combs it and lets it hang loose, unless he’s out mining which is when he gathers it back into a short, stubby ponytail or bun. Texturally, his hair is soft but not silken, owing to a general lack of fancy hair oils or conditioners. Said dark hair can also be found on his face in the form of a neatly trimmed goatee that frames his lips and chin. If left alone, he can grow a more robust full beard, but he tends to prefer the tidier lines of his goatee (lines he has to shave in every few days to stay neat). A light amount of hair is also present on his forearms, chest, happy trail, and legs.

Face: Vy'thanis has a heart-shaped face with a pointed chin that is only emphasized by his dark goatee and a noticeable widow’s peak in his black hair. His cheekbones are not very sharp, but his jaw is quite angular. His nose is long and slightly aquiline (appearing just a little bent in the bridge), though a little narrow for his face. His ears are a little high-set, long, and pointy; they stick straight out from the sides of his head, though they are very mobile and expressive when he’s showing emotion.

Skin Tone: Though he is a Duskwight, he could pass for one of his lighter skinned cousins simply because his rich brown skin doesn’t have the grey cast of his own people. Trying to leave food comparisons aside, his skin is more of a walnut wood color. In the real world, he might be Middle Eastern or Indian. Of particular note, he has a two inch wide band of scarring around each wrist.

Body Type/Build: He is tall and broad-shouldered with a torso that leads to a slim waistline. His arms are relatively beefy from swinging a pickaxe on the regular, but he’s otherwise just fit and trim.

Clothing Style: Vyth prefers interesting prints and colors in his clothing. He does favor blues, purples, and greens. There’s often some element of unique embroidery or fascinating beading on his clothes. He tends towards slim pants and a looser tunic-style top; think salwar kameez.

Jewelry: While Vyth is a gemcutter by trade, he doesn’t actually wear a lot of jewelry himself. Sometimes he wears several silver rings on his fingers or a simple crystal pendant, but he never, ever wears anything around his wrists.

Demeanor: Vyth is a very cheery character, prone to making friends everywhere he goes. A sadness haunts him that he covers with warm smiles and open arms. He tends towards Chaotic Good with a heavy element of “my rules, my way.” He loves to travel and goes all over Eorzea and beyond for the jewels he uses in his gemcutting. 

[werewolvesversus]

Werewolves of Valleyview

From David McCoy's story from WEREWOLVES VERSUS: THE CIRCUS: Johnny works up the courage to share something personal with his boyfriend while on a date at the fair, but a mysterious prize booth might complicate things...

Cass found the prize-booth nestled in a far corner. The stall’s sign read “Silver Bullet,” rendered with a grim font in metallic grey despite the surrounding plush toys. It was a simple shooting gallery with elevating rows and suburban homes on each end. There were no other customers lining up to brandish a plastic light gun.

The slim man behind the counter caught Cass's gaze. Rather than barking out some corny advertising, the man just nodded. A silent invitation to pull the trigger.

“They made a game off that movie?” Johnny remarked.

“What movie?”

“The Stephen King one.” Cass couldn’t tell if his look of surprise was fake or not. “It's real goofy. We'll watch it tonight.”

“Not sure if more movies is a good idea.”

“Hey, you two!” The booth attendant called. “If y'all want a good idea, might I suggest...” he waved his arms, showing off the game. Then he held out his hand. “Five bucks for a round.”

Affordable, but Cass spied his boyfriend's skeptical reaction. Before Johnny could object, Cass took out his wallet.

“I don't need to explain a shooting range, right?” the attendant continued as he took the money. “Fifteen points for the top shelf prizes, ten for the middle, etcetera.” He turned a key below the counter. “Shoot the moon to start.”

Cass aimed at the moon beside the score display and pulled the trigger. A small laser dot blipped on its surface then a poorly recorded howl played. Quickly, cutouts of a kid in a wheelchair, a little girl, and a man with a bottle popped up. Between them, werewolves dashed from houses on each row. For five bucks it was over just as it began, and Cass's score of four sat under the threshold for the lowest-tiered prize.

“Woof. Didn't say it was easy, bud,” the attendant shrugged. “Five to try again.”

Johnny side-hugged Cass. “There's other games, babe.”

“Hang on!” The man behind the booth lit up. “You guys’re really a couple?”

Cass and Johnny exchanged a look. Johnny was right. Cass set the gun back and would've checked out the other stalls for a present, but the attendant pulled a small box onto the counter.

“Wait, no, that's perfect, ya see. Listen,” he quickly said, “I have a, uh, couple's special! Worth more than any of this stuffed trash.”

Cass looked back at this offer. The attendant held a necklace by the string, weighed down by an iridescent, thumbnail-sized jewel set into a shining grey pendant. It was beautiful enough to reel Cass back in.

“It's a genuine moonstone, and real silver.” The attendant let the couple get a better look. The stone became the eye for the silver wolf-shape. Its opulent quality enthralled Cass. It was infinitely superior to the toys hanging on the booth. Even the string had a reddish-brown hue, like a strip of faux leather rather than a cheap thread. Hanging from Johnny's neck it'd be perfect. “Or so some lady told me,“ the man continued. “Her family apparently makes them and when she took a loss here, too, she insisted I take it. But I’m not into stuff like this, and maybe y’all are, if ya wanna try for it!”

Read the rest in WEREWOLVES VERSUS: THE CIRCUS, available for $1 or more at Itch.io! Your purchase will benefit all of the contributors to this issue.

You can find David on Twitter, and more of his work here.

[vluxlighting]

Tips for Ceiling Light Design to Match Your Room’s Style

Implementing overhead lighting that aligns with your interior design style brings visual coherence to rooms. The right ceiling light design not only enables activities but also becomes a decorative focal point.

By matching thoughtfully chosen lighting fixtures and layouts to your décor, you create truly welcoming spaces.

Determine Your Room’s Design Style

Analyze Current Design Elements

Carefully look at existing furniture silhouettes, colors, textures, architectural details and accessories to define your room’s prevailing style. Modern rooms have sleek lines while rustic rooms feature wood grains and wrought iron.

Decide Future Style Directions

If planning an overall redesign, research your preferred interior style first before picking ceiling lights. Whether you desire contemporary, industrial or minimalist décor, identify key aesthetic traits like materials used, color palettes, patterns and proportions.

Account for Eclectic Blends

Rooms often mix old and new, formal and casual artifacts based on personal stories. Define 2–3 most dominant styles for appropriate lighting selection in such eclectic spaces. Vintage pendants work nicely against modern geometrics!

Research Well-Suited Overhead Lighting Styles

Browse by Style Descriptors

Search modern lighting stores, designer catalogs and interior inspiration sites using keywords that perfectly match your room’s target style — for example, “retro geometric pendant” or “French country kitchen chandelier”. This reveals a wide range of fitting overhead fixtures to consider.

Additionally, look up terms like “nautical ceiling lights” or “contemporary hanging lights”. Toggle color and finish filters like brass, satin nickel etc for more ideas. Download any images that catch your fancy into an inspiration folder.

Note Shape, Size, Materials

Beyond just the descriptive styles, closely observe the physical lighting fixture attributes commonly seen across your room’s desired design aesthetics. Mid-century pendant lights tend to use spherical opaque shades, angular solid metal arms, and rods in various bronze, copper, and brass finishes.

Coastal-styled dining rooms and porches favor woven rope, seashell clusters or weathered gray-stained wood elements suspended informally using natural fibers and textured fabrics. Tuscan kitchens shine with wrought iron chandeliers or multi-bulb open cage pendants in wood plank or ceramic styles.

Save Inspiring Ideas

Be attracted to ceiling lights that make you glow not just the room! Gather images of pendant lamps, flush mounts, semi-flush fixtures, chandeliers, and vanity lighting that perfectly match your interior design vision into an organized inspiration folder or Pinterest board.

This visualization compilation helps shortlist 5–6 designs that reflect design eras, color preferences, material tastes, and lighting proportions suiting your personality and space needs for final selection.

Complement Walls, Floors and Furnishings

Repeat Key Materials

For holistic room harmony, consider fixtures that structurally incorporate existing floor, wall or furniture finishes within their framework. Plank-shaped wood slat pendant lights visually extend dark walnut flooring planks seamlessly overhead.

Similarly, faceted crystal and chrome ceiling fixtures amplify the sparkle of glass table tops and metal chairs downstairs. Nature-inspired vine chandeliers echo floral accent wallpaper patterns through lifelike shapes above.

Outline Silhouettes

Carefully balance the structural shapes and perceived volume of lighting fixtures against the furniture outlines below for pleasing proportions. For example, angular, slim mid-century geometric pendants with simple wireframes outline oval, slim-legged dining sets without overpowering their presence

On the contrary, chunky horizontal Sputnik chandeliers with spheres parallel the strong horizontal lines of low credenzas without clashing contrasts. Match natural shapes for inherent harmony.

Zone by Activity

Use ceiling lighting styles to define and delineate space functions within open concept, studio spaces. An ornate Italian renaissance glass chandelier distinguishes formal dining zones from no-fuss Scandinavian post-modern task lighting tucked over kitchen counters and workstations.

Overlapping “evenly lit everywhere” lighting washes out the individual activity characteristics. Instead, transition styles between zones for perceived boundaries.

Factor in Functional Lighting Needs

Light Levels and Controls

Factor in task lighting requirements, ambient fill needs, and accent points before finalizing styles. Kitchens typically need brighter general lighting of 300–500 lux compared to living rooms at 200–300 lux as per lighting design standards. Include dimmers wherever possible for the ability to set scenes from full-on to cozy mood lighting.

Reduce Glare

Rooms with expansive glossy surfaces prone to discomfort glare need overhead fixtures with frosted glass or drum shades that diffuse illumination widely and evenly. For worktable spaces, narrow down style options using glare control as a key criterion before assessing aesthetics. Wall washing uplights also minimize glare.

Multi-layer Lighting

Relying solely on overhead lighting tends to flatten spaces visibly. Strategically include portable lamps, wall sconces with dimmers, and even plug-in decorative floor lamps to paint surfaces gradually through cross-lighting. Keep overhead lighting more ambient, using supplementary fixtures for task areas and highlight accents. This multi-level lighting strategy brings perceivable warmth and dimension.

[shopzone462]

Unleashing Creativity: The Best Ideas for Small Modular Kitchen Designs

Introduction:

In the realm of interior design, small spaces often present a unique challenge. The kitchen, being the heart of a home, is no exception. However, with the rise of modular designs, even the tiniest kitchens can be transformed into functional and stylish spaces. This article explores some of the best ideas for small modular kitchen designs, offering inspiration for those looking to maximize functionality and aesthetics in limited spaces.

The Best Design.....

Optimal Space Utilization:Small modular kitchens demand a strategic approach to space utilization. Opt for smart storage solutions such as pull-out cabinets, vertical shelves, and built-in organizers. Utilize corners efficiently with rotating shelves or pull-out racks to make the most of every inch.

Compact Appliances:In a small kitchen, every appliance must earn its place. Consider compact and multifunctional appliances that cater to your specific needs. For instance, a combination microwave and convection oven or a slim dishwasher can save space without compromising functionality.

Open Shelving and Light Colors:Create an illusion of space by incorporating open shelving. Light-colored cabinets and open shelves not only make the kitchen feel larger but also contribute to an airy and inviting atmosphere. Reflective surfaces, such as glass or high-gloss finishes, can further enhance the sense of space.

Modular Furniture:Embrace modular furniture that can be customized to fit your kitchen's dimensions. Modular kitchen islands or foldable tables provide flexibility, allowing you to expand your workspace when needed and tuck it away when not in use.

Smart Lighting:Adequate lighting is crucial in a small kitchen. Incorporate under-cabinet lighting to illuminate work surfaces and create a visually appealing ambiance. Consider pendant lights or track lighting to add a touch of style without cluttering the space.

Multi-Functional Design:Small kitchens benefit from multi-functional design elements. A dining table that doubles as a prep area or a pull-out cutting board can save valuable space. Look for opportunities to combine functions without sacrificing aesthetics.

Sliding Doors and Curtains:Traditional swinging doors can take up precious space. Opt for sliding doors or curtains to separate the kitchen from other living areas. This not only saves space but also adds a touch of contemporary style to the design.

Vertical Gardens:Bring a breath of fresh air into your small kitchen with a vertical garden. Install herb pots or hanging planters to introduce greenery without encroaching on counter space. Not only does this add a natural touch, but it can also contribute to improved air quality.

Contrasting Textures:Introduce visual interest by incorporating contrasting textures. Combine sleek countertops with textured backsplashes or introduce a mix of materials for cabinet finishes. This adds depth to the design and prevents the space from feeling monotonous.

Personalized Touches:Finally, infuse your personality into the design with personalized touches. Whether it's a bold accent color, unique cabinet handles, or a statement backsplash, these details can elevate the overall aesthetic of your small modular kitchen.

Conclusion:

Designing a small modular kitchen requires a thoughtful and creative approach. By prioritizing optimal space utilization, embracing compact appliances, and incorporating stylish elements, you can transform your small kitchen into a functional and aesthetically pleasing space. The key is to think outside the box, making every design choice purposeful and contributing to the overall harmony of the space.

More Info>>>

[boardwalkfansandlighting]

Gold Pendant Lights: Elevating Spaces with Elegance and Radiance

Lighting plays a crucial role in kitchen design, and when it comes to kitchen islands, it becomes even more important. A well-lit kitchen island not only enhances the overall aesthetic appeal but also serves as a functional workspace. Among the various lighting options available, pendant lights have gained significant popularity for their ability to create a warm and inviting atmosphere while providing ample illumination for cooking and food preparation.

The Rise of Pendant Lighting

In recent years, lights have become a prominent trend in modern kitchen design. These suspended fixtures have captured the attention of homeowners and designers alike due to their unique blend of versatility, aesthetics, and functionality. Pendant lights effortlessly elevate the style quotient of any kitchen and are available in a wide range of designs, making them a popular choice for both contemporary and traditional spaces.

Types of Pendant Lights for Kitchen Islands

When it comes to pendant lights for kitchen islands, there is a vast array of styles, shapes, and sizes to choose from. Drum pendants, characterised by their cylindrical shape, offer a modern and sophisticated look. Globe pendants, on the other hand, provide a more whimsical and artistic touch with their spherical design. Mini pendants are perfect for smaller kitchen islands or when you want to create a layered lighting effect. Multi-light pendants feature multiple suspended lights, adding drama and visual interest to the kitchen island area.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, pendant lights offer various types of lighting, including task, ambient, and decorative. Task lighting focuses on providing direct, focused illumination for specific work areas, such as chopping vegetables or reading recipes. Ambient lighting, on the other hand, creates a pleasant overall illumination that sets the mood in the kitchen. Decorative lighting adds an artistic flair to the space, acting as a statement piece that enhances the visual appeal of the kitchen island.

How to Choose the Right Pendant Light for Your Kitchen Island

Selecting the perfect pendant light for your kitchen island requires careful consideration. Start by assessing the size of your kitchen island. For larger islands, multiple pendants or larger-sized fixtures may be more appropriate, while smaller islands benefit from mini pendants or a single statement piece. Consider the height of your ceiling as well, ensuring that the pendant light hangs at an optimal height to avoid obstructing views and ensure proper illumination.

Next, think about the desired lighting effect you want to achieve. If you primarily use your kitchen island for cooking and food preparation, task lighting should be a priority. Opt for pendant lights that offer focused and directional illumination to make your workspace efficient and practical. However, if your kitchen island serves as a social hub or a gathering place, ambient lighting should take precedence. Choose pendant lights that emit a soft and inviting glow to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Lastly, harmonise the pendant lights with the overall kitchen decor. Consider the existing design elements such as cabinet finishes, countertop materials, and colour schemes. Pendant lights can either blend seamlessly with the surrounding decor or act as eye-catching accents that make a statement. Ensure that the chosen pendant lights complement the style and aesthetic of your kitchen, whether it’s modern, rustic, industrial, or eclectic.

Modern Pendant Lighting Inspirations

To provide you with visual inspiration, let’s explore a few examples of modern pendant lighting for kitchen islands:

Sleek and Minimalist

A row of slim, cylindrical pendant lights suspended above a clean-lined, white marble kitchen island creates a sleek and modern look. The minimalist design of the pendants complements the contemporary aesthetic of the kitchen, while the warm LED lighting adds a touch of cosiness.

Industrial Charm

Vintage-inspired, metal cage pendant lights hanging above a reclaimed wood kitchen island infuse an industrial charm into the space. The exposed bulbs emit a warm, nostalgic glow, while the rustic materials and textures create a visually intriguing juxtaposition.

Artistic Elegance

A cluster of geometric pendant lights with intricate metalwork forms a captivating focal point above a sleek black granite kitchen island. The artistic design of the pendants adds an element of sophistication and visual interest to the modern kitchen.

Eclectic Delight

A mix of colourful glass pendant lights in various shapes and sizes adds a playful and eclectic touch to a vibrant kitchen island. The vibrant hues and unique forms of the pendants serve as artistic accents, infusing the space with personality and charm.

Ready to illuminate your kitchen island with the perfect pendant lights? Explore our diverse selection at Boardwalk Fans and Lighting Perth and embark on your lighting journey today. Our knowledgeable team is always ready to provide guidance and assistance to help you find the ideal pendant lights that will transform your kitchen island into a radiant centrepiece. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us and create a warm, inviting, and functional space where culinary delights come to life.

[hublit]

Wooden linear light

Why you will like it 

The slim frame of our Wooden Linear light shines a spotlight on fashionable vogue. It's equipped with an integrated, durable light-emitting diode light—that suggests that you will ne'er ought to replace another incandescent lamp once more.  

MODERN EASY LINEAR DESIGN：The Wooden Linear Light Island lightweight wood Parts:. it is a Slender style. The Mounting half will cowl USA customary Electrical Boxes. obtain confidently. NOTICE: Please don't use a dimming switch, dimming instrumentality has been organized within the sunshine, please use a standard wall button switch. Otherwise, the sunshine fixture could flicker.  

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[ashwallet]

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[svchengss]

king of hearts | d.sc

PAIRING. dong sicheng x reader

GENRE. high school!au, fluff, slight angst, kind of e2l

WARNINGS. none (lmk if i missed any!)

WORD COUNT. 6.7k

SUMMARY. sicheng’s subtle flirts are not working effectively but it only motivates him to try and woo you more. the devil sure works hard but dong sicheng works harder.

PLAYLIST. king of hearts

TAGLIST. @floraljae @clovdless @mashiihearts @ndr1271 @kunrengui (shoutout to mashi for being a major help in the process of writing this <3)

// just to let you guys know, reblogs and feedbacks are appreciated !! thank you for reading :D

music was blaring through the multiple loudspeakers scattered around the school grounds, booths of various interests that were set-up by the clubs being swarmed by visitors and ecstatic oohs and aahs from the ones playing games can be heard intermittently. the annual school festival of redlands high, an event that is looked forward to by every single student there. or maybe not, you’re quite unsure of the self-made data.

you immediately made a beeline to the dance club booth which is managed by yangyang, the president also holding the title of your best friend. a cartoonish grin crept up on his face when he spots you walking towards him.

“so, what do you think? looks legit, huh?” he crossed his arms together, observing the design of the booth with a proud smile. the set-up is definitely eye-catching, not much decorations going on, adding to the simplicity of the white theme with gold touch-ups. you browsed through the plastered posters on the board, inviting people to sign up for their upcoming audition. looking up to the signboard hanging outside, you showed a thumbs up towards him, muttering a quick ‘perfect’.

“so what exactly is your booth doing? there’s not much… activity going on?” you scratched the non-existent itch on your left eyebrow. the boy in front of you gave you an eye roll before explaining that there will be mini dance games - or just dance as he worded. an amused sound left your lips as you bent down, dropping your signature in the guestbook on the wooden table.

“are you coming to the stage shows tonight? i heard there’s a new band performing,” your ears perked up instinctively upon hearing the words. after your sister graduated high school, nobody paid any attention to keep the band going. the zikas, a trio that made the music club strive back then. either the newer batches were too lazy to make an effort or too scared if they weren’t up to the already high standards of the school.

“i’m going if you’re going,” you simply stated, which made yangyang flash you the same grin from before. you said your simple goodbyes when people started lining up to try the just dance game at his booth. after he reminded you to wait for him by the statue, you went off to check out the food sales, eager to fill your growling stomach since this morning.

you can do this, sicheng. you can do this.

he made sure to double check the tuning of his guitar for one last time before joining the rest of his bandmates on the stage. his tall and slim physique surely left an impact, seeing that some of the audience suddenly became more invested in the performance compared to the others. he’s wearing some band’s shirt - probably green day since it’s quite similar to your sister’s posters in her room, black leather jacket and his black hair middle parted. not to miss the silver pendant necklace on his neck, sparkling under the spotlight.

the moment he struck the pick through the strings of his electric guitar, the drummer and bassist followed after, producing a melody that is pleasing to your ears. he held the microphone closer to his mouth, singing the lyrics as you bobbed your head up and down to the covers they sang - american idiot and helena are the ones you recognized since you’ve heard the songs so often. yangyang on the other hand kept on sipping the chocolate milkshake in his hand, vibing with the music as well.

the next song was a sentimental one which you assumed is a self-composed one, since you’ve never heard this song before. before you know it, the performance is over and the audience have started packing up their belongings to hang out somewhere else or go home.

“good job everyone, we did well,” yuta, who played the bass earlier, high-fived the rest of the band with a sly grin on his face. guanheng chugged the mineral water down his throat before stashing his drumsticks into the bag while sicheng was lost in his thoughts. he doesn’t know why but you stood out from the crowd, only able to see you just now. he wouldn’t say it’s a crush, not knowing anything about you but it definitely made him feel something. a trigger in his heart, not knowing where it leads to. but what he does know is that you caught his attention.

“and you know what he said? i’ll come back crawling to him just like his other exes. what the heck is even that?” you took out the binders from your locker while listening to ningning rant about her love life. since you haven’t had any relationships before, you’re not really a professional in this aspect of life so you just kept your mouth shut to avoid giving useless advice.

“that sounds so rude, he’s such a jerk,” you commented, taking the first bite of your sandwich afterwards. the tea-spilling session eventually came to an end when she reached her class first and you kept walking to mrs. walker’s, english being your first period. nothing exciting really happened in that class except someone got their phone confiscated for texting in class - just the usual things. classes later, it’s finally recess when you met up with ningning and yangyang in the cafeteria.

“first of all, cut him off. block him. everywhere,” yangyang emphasized the last word, knowing how much of an idiot the guy can be. you just scrolled through your socials, double tapping on certain posts that caught your eye. owning a cat looks fun, you made a mental note to bring the idea to your parents later. the bell rang which signals that classes are starting back soon and the same cycle of events continues before it’s time to go home.

you observed yangyang’s sharp moves, following to the beat of the song echoing in the dance room. it’s currently half past seven and he’s still here, beads of sweat running through his hair. and why would he stay in school so late, you may ask? obviously, he’s here for a reason and it being an upcoming dance tournament is the most accurate one. while you’re here, sitting on the floor, back against the mirror and legs straightened out with your phone in your hand. it amazes you how the goofy boy transforms 360°, being all serious when he’s in his element.

“let’s go home, i’m tired already,” he panted out breathlessly, using a cloth nearby to wipe his sweaty forehead. you wait for him by the glass door as he packs up his things when the lights in the music studio also switched off. you wondered it must be the band guys so you paid no attention whatsoever. of course, your predictions were right when you saw two lads stepping out.

since yangyang is taking too much time tidying up the dance studio and the music studio seems unoccupied, you decided to check it out for a bit. it’s been a long time since you last entered the room, always accompanying your sister for her extra practice when you were younger. not much has changed, except some additions of instruments can be seen. not seeing anything in the dark condition as the room is only illuminated by the faint lights from the hallway, you pushed the switches down only to be met by a gasp.

“what are you doing here?” the tall boy approached you, a stern look visible on his fine features. your eyes scrambled around the room in an attempt to find any logical excuses for your ‘break-in’ but to no avail. your tongue was dry, not a sound escaping your throat when you heard yangyang’s voice, signalling your cue to exit the room and escape from the tension building between you and the boy. he just shook his head, the black hair bouncing left to right as he finally caught on.

it’s you, you’re the girl from the crowd. and your name is y/n.

the walk home was filled with one-sided conversations where yangyang kept on babbling about how he should improve the choreography he created earlier while you only added small comments. your mind is filled with embarrassment, too much that you feel slightly mad at yourself. why didn’t you say anything earlier? now, you look like a complete idiot with communication issues in front of that boy.

“yeah, and remember that pasta? we should definitely try it again, it’s like, so good,” yangyang said, earning a nod from you when you saw the boy from last night’s music studio tragedy approaching your table. you tried to look away but it was too late.

“dude, just wanna let you know that mr. park is seeing us after school,” your grip on your fork loosens up when you realized he wasn’t talking to you. maybe he forgot about the incident? you really hope so.

“yeah, totally. thanks sicheng,” yangyang playfully winked at the latter, earning a disgusted look from him who started walking away. he glanced back at you with a smug smile on his plump lips, making you freeze up again.

he didn’t.

“are you okay, y/n? feeling sick?” ningning furrowed her eyebrows upon seeing your sudden change of demeanor. you shrugged her off and continued to consume the macaroni placed on the tray in front of you, mentally cursing at yourself for the poor life choice you’d made. well, at least you know that his name is sicheng, right?

oh boy, you’re in for a long ride.

you can’t wait to go home and snuggle under the covers, today has been a long and tiring one for you. you had three pop quizzes as if all the three teachers intended so, your class had to run multiple laps during p.e. and so on. you’re already planning your routine in your head, trudging your way to the lockers when you saw him leaning against yours, scrolling down his phone.

“crap,” you muttered under your breath.

there it is, the smirk on his face returns when he spots your figure approaching. oh, how you wish you could wipe it off his face. he moved a couple steps backwards to give you some space to arrange your things before locking it, turning your head towards him.

“i’m sorry, why are you here again? and if it’s because of last night, then i’m sorry if it bothered you or anything,” you huffed out.

“what? i didn’t really care, it’s not like you were stealing anything, right?” he squinted his eyes, eyeing you up and down suspiciously, laughing shortly after seeing you get riled up.

“damn, you really need to learn how to take a joke. y/n, right? i’m sicheng, nice to meet you.”

“why exactly are we having this meet-and-greet or whatever this introduction is?” you crossed your arms, waiting for his response. but he didn’t, immediately turning on his heels and making his way towards the stairs, probably going to the studio.

“jerk,” you cursed under your breath, walking out the school building.

“what? you got accepted? seriously?” ningning’s voice echoed against the cafeteria walls, earning surprised and annoyed glances from other students who were either satisfying their grumbling stomach or simply having conversations. yangyang softly nudged her elbows using his, asking her to lower her voice down before telling you to go on. you were quite surprised as well, the acceptance email was not what you expected to receive. when you filled in the application form, it was just a mere shoot-your-shot agenda to see if you’d make the cut. although this is just a camp, you’re still unsure of what lies ahead.

“yeah, it starts next week. but i’m so nervous though,” you sipped the iced coffee in your hands. you’ve only watched videos of people producing their own music from scratch which you start to take an interest in. however, you’ve never done it hands-on before, only having basic music theory knowledge thanks to the piano lessons your parents signed you up for when you were young.

“you’ll do awesome, i promise,” yangyang gave you a reassuring smile, making you release some tension from the overthinking you’ve had since you received the email last night.

“thanks yang.”

now, here you are on the first day of attending the internship camp. you stood in front of the tall mirror hanging on the wall, straightening your cardigan and applying some makeup onto your face as touch-ups. it’s currently 7:40 in the morning, the earliest time you’ve ever woken up on a saturday. your siblings are still swallowed in their states of sleep. you double-checked the contents in your tote bag, making sure that no important things are left behind. you totally don’t intend on leaving a bad first impression on your first day.

after bidding a swift goodbye to your parents who just woke up, you drove your mother’s old honda to the completely new destination - mbyte studios. the tall building with light grey and blue painted walls definitely made it stand out, a futuristic look catching the eyes of the passersby. taking a deep breath, you entered the main lobby before being escorted to a room on the second floor. you assume it’s a waiting room for all participants of the camp, scanning that majority of the occupiers might be college students. you thanked god that the camp takes place on weekends so your high school senior life won’t be interrupted that much.

DAY 1

your eyes widened when you spot sicheng with the same white and blue tag you’re wearing, seated on the sofa. what the hell is he doing here? you avoided acknowledging his presence, trying to make yourself as unnoticed as possible heading over to occupy the seat farthest from his. after quite some time staring at the paintings hanging on the wall, a middle-aged lady with a petite figure entered the room, making you sit up straight.

“welcome to mbyte studios! i’m the assistant director, mrs. hwang. first and foremost, congratulations on being accepted. it’ a pleasure to witness the start of your musical journey embarking here. i believe that we should know each other first?” she gestured for any volunteers. sicheng stood up from his seat, charisma evident in his stance which left quite an impression on the others. the strong confidence in the way he speaks made the woman smile amusingly.

some names later, it was your turn to introduce yourself. the moment you stood up, he immediately recognized you and you were sure you caught him making some faces. the ice-breaking session went well thankfully, mrs. hwang elaborating on the social rules and the itinerary throughout the whole six days. one that caught your attention was assisting the producers on making a track from scratch, just like you had dreamed of.

when it was finally time for lunch break, you shot up from your seat to get away from sicheng as fast as possible but to your dismay, he beat you to it, jogging up towards your standing position.

“i didn’t know you were into music, what’s the sudden occasion?”

“it’s none of your business actually,” you sneered back, obviously not favouring his attention.

“woah, relax. you’ve got quite a temper, don’t you? by the way, we’re having lunch together,” he placed his phone onto a nearby table, pulling a chair for you.

“just eat on your own, i don’t have the appetite,” you flash a sarcastic grin before disappearing into the women’s restroom. he just laughed bitterly at your response before walking towards the food counter, joining his newly made friend, jaehyun. being the same age, they’re easy to click.

DAY 2

“today, we’ll be focusing on the recording process. you’ll be assigned into groups that will have a tour of the whole department. our staff will facilitate each group,” the manager said loud and clear. you remembered his name was johnny. the tattoo on his shoulder really stands out, considering the fact that he’s always wearing a sleeveless shirt.

but what are the odds when your groupmate is none other than the guy himself, sicheng. it’s like the universe truly resented you for having to be associated with him at any event. your group was escorted to the farthest recording studio on the floor. to say that this was a great experience is truly an understatement, making you observe the gears used in astonishment. you hate to admit it but sicheng has a handful of knowledge on this particular topic, always correctly answering the questions directed by the staff. maybe it wasn’t quite surprising upon knowing that his career choice is a singer, not that you care anyways.

again, nothing out of the ordinary happened today, except that you and sicheng had lunch on the same table. of course, it’s not that you accepted his offer but he welcomed himself to the spot. being the quickly favoured participant among the rest, obviously they welcomed him with open hands. he placed himself among the two guys sitting at the right corner, eyeing you whose eyes are still not leaving the article you were skimming through. with the last spoon of food shoved into your mouth, you quietly excused yourself from the group. sicheng just watched your movements in subtle signs of annoyance.

with the final task of doing microphone check-ups, day two of the camp ended with a breeze. you can’t wait to go home, get into a warm bath and spend the night watching netflix. it was a tiring one indeed but you’re not one to complain. pushing the car keys into the ignition slot, the sound of the engine starting is still nowhere to be heard even after a couple of retries. you rested your forehead onto the steering wheel, cursing silently in your head, having to get a taxi and call your mother about this incident. you’re sure to be receiving a handful from her, not to mention her soft but stingful remarks.

“hey, are you okay?” a deep voice interrupts your stressful state of mind. looking up, it’s sicheng with a concerned look on display. you hesitantly shared your problem, making him press his lips together probably thinking of a solution.

“you know, i don’t really know how to fix your broken engine or whatever but i know someone who can. let me just ring him for a sec. and you’re coming home with me.”

and that’s how you ended up in the front passenger seat, sicheng steering with one hand and the other rested on the windowsill. the faint music from the radio can be heard, probably a song by jon vinyl. you’d steal quick glances to see his other hand dancing in the air, enjoying the rhythm of the song playing. besides that, it was silent as both of you are preoccupied with your own things - sicheng on the road while you on your phone. he tried to make small talk but you would say it’s unrequited, only replying with short sentences. after a good ten minutes drive, the sight of your brown painted gate becomes a sign for him to stop the moving car.

“your car is safe with my friend so you shouldn’t worry about it or anything. also, what’s your number? it’ll be easier for, you know the car business of course,” he reached over to unbuckle your seatbelt, handing over his phone to you after. the close proximity made your breath hitch, the dewy scent of his perfume diffusing into your nose. not too strong, he has a good taste.

“thanks and um, i’ll buy you a drink later. just for today.”

“are you asking me on a date?” there it is, the significant tug on the side of his lips making its presence once again.

“stop being so narcissistic and move along please,” you rolled your eyes before giving him a small wave, stepping into your property. sicheng stared at the numerals on his phone screen, a small, proud grin etched on before driving off the lane.

“how was the camp? met any cute boys?” the first thing you hear in the hue of the blue monday morning is ningning’s chirpy voice. sometimes you wonder how she gets all boosted up at this hour of the day. yangyang is the polar opposite, his appearance as if he just got out of bed, the hood of his denim jacket resting on top of his auburn hair.

“it was good and no, no cute boys. but sicheng was there,” you replied nonchalantly, a mischievous grin crept onto her lips. you can almost predict the words that are going to spill out of her mouth.

“what’s up with her?” yangyang yawned, his eyes lazily gaze at you. you just lifted your shoulders, having no idea whatsoever. a ping sound was heard from your phone, notifying that a new message is received.

unknown: hey sicheng here

unknown: ur car may be ready tmr. want me to drive u there?

listening to your heart, you were about to type ‘no’ but remembering the fact that your parents will be busy the whole day tomorrow and yangyang is coming home late once again, you have no choice but to accept the lad’s help.

now you’re back in his vehicle, the same spot as before. you’ve only noticed now that a musical note charm is hung on the rearview mirror, a semiquaver to be exact. you’d say that it looks authentic, gold specks shining when sun rays hit the surface. observing the interior of his car, there are quite a number of small decorations.

“can we get coffee first? my treat for the car and the ride,” you suggested, looking at him whose eyes are focused onto the road. the traffic is quite pleasing today, nobody honking mindlessly at the other drivers and flipping each other off with the famous middle finger gesture. his side profile does look charming, some type of earrings dangling from his ears. if you’re going to be honest, his appearance does seem to be your type. you’re not one to say about his persona though, always managing to bother you at any time of the day.

“sure, wanna go to the new cafe? i heard it’s good,”. you just nodded while he skillfully steered the steering wheel, moving the car to the new destination. you turned your eyes to look outside from the car window, seeing the one hundred and one manners of the citizens. a mother struggling to take her child who’s having a tantrum out of the toy shop, a young couple having their romantic meal in the french cafe. the motion of the car stopping awakened you who was being distracted by your clouded mind.

from the moment you stepped into the place, the interior caught your attention. the light brown painted walls with black furniture complementing each other perfectly, making a retro-like appearance. the funky song playing faintly in the background surely is a mood-setter, just how you like it. even the barista serving you is being friendly, making a couple of small talk in the midst of operating the machines.

you would say that it was a pleasureful day for you. the exquisite taste of latte washing down your dry throat, getting your car back without too much babbling from your dear mother and the gap between you and sicheng closing in for a little.

the last sentence baffled you for a second.

DAY 3

sicheng’s eyes shot open from the short slumber he was trying to get - failing miserably even, upon spotting you enter through the door. he pulled the chair beside him in hopes for you to get his message and take the seat. a frown made its way onto his face when you just waved at him, making your way to another spot a few chairs to the front. he scoffed, head tilting slightly before approaching you instead. you shot him a puzzled look, roughly translating to ask him what he’s doing here.

“i just want to be close to you. now focus,” he redirected his eyes onto the muscular man who just entered the room. he’s a songwriter - the best one in this company to be exact. you were focused on each point he explained, making small notes on your laptop. it’s not always that you’ll get a chance to be guided by a four-time award winning songwriter, might as well gain some benefits from it.

“another tip i have is to use all types of chords. remember, do not stick to the same ones, you’ll lack creativity. for instance, use major, minor, dominant, diminished, and augmented. i promise you, more ideas will be flowing and better quality songs will be produced. you got me?” the questioned, earning buzzing sounds of positive responses from the hall.

DAY 4

another day of group work, you’re given the task to create a melody according to the themes given - for your group, it’s love. looking at sicheng, he’s already on his electric guitar, strumming mindlessly to find the perfect note to start on. the rest of you are now juicing out some thoughts on this particular sense of human nature.

“love gives us thrill, the feeling of excitement, the feeling when you’re uncertain about something but when you have that special someone with you, you’re sure to wing it all,” jaehyun suggests, earning nods of approval from the rest of your groupmates.

“you’re a pro at this, mr. romantic,” you teased him, earning a soft chuckle. a dimpled smile is etched onto his features, rosy cheeks and his eye smile making you fawn. prince-like visual and a sense of humour? a two in one package, totally.

“not really. i guess i’m a sucker for romance movies,” he rubbed the back of his neck. your small conversation came to a halt when you heard a crooked, loud sound coming from the rough strum on the guitar strings. you turned around to see sicheng gazing directly towards the both of you, a sharp one even. jaehyun just blinked his eyes before catching onto the situation unfolding in front of him while you’re still being completely oblivious. you tilted your head in confusion, unsure of what’s gotten into him.

it’s the day that yangyang has been looking forward to since the past few weeks, his dance tournament. you’re seated with ningning on the bleachers, music from the loudspeakers echoing through the walls. with the cheers of the bewatchers whenever someone captivated them with a trick or dance move, usually the risky ones, it truly is a loud atmosphere.

“now, welcoming contestant number 43 to take the stage,” the host announced, you and ningning clapped with all your might, shouting words of encouragement as well. yangyang took a deep breath before lifting his right hand up, cueing for the music to start playing. just then, there’s the sound of someone plopping down on the hard surface next to you - sicheng. he’s looking casual today, a light yellow hoodie replacing his usual dark clothings.

“what are you doing here?” you shout whispered while ningning raised her eyebrows at you.

“didn’t yangyang tell you? i’m here to watch him dance,” he countered your question before darting his eyes back to the boy who’s busy popping on the dance floor, tinashe’s song playing in the background. he ended his routine with a moonwalk, making his way to the end of the stage. you’re confident that he’s going to win the competition, looking at how precise and clean his moves were. all the late night practices he had eventually paid off when he’s announced as the second placer. nonetheless, he’s still proud of himself, not to mention you and ningning who have been with him throughout his whole journey.

“you did well,” sicheng welcomed him with a fist bump which he reciprocated back. you didn’t know that they were this good of friends.

“i’m starving,” he rubbed his hand onto his stomach, making you remember that your stomach has been rumbling since you only ate a cereal bar that morning. you were about to catch up to yangyang and ningning who were walking fast ahead when you felt a tug on your shirt, looking down to see sicheng crouching down to tie your loose shoelaces.

“you might fall,” he placed his hands into the pockets of his hoodies, waiting for you to come along.

“um, thanks,” you muttered out before catching the glances given by your friends, later teasing you about the scene.

roars of students can be heard coherently, filling the basketball court. the basketball captain, a tall one with black charcoal hair is shooting a three-pointer. the players are then called over to their respective sides for whatever strategy their coaches will be implementing in the third-quarter. the home team is currently leading by five points, knowing that the players wearing the significant red and black jersey have been training their asses off for a while now.

but why exactly did you come to the game tonight? besides from the main event happening in the moment, the other reason is now standing in his position, strumming his electric guitar producing a funky sound that vibrates through the walls - a cue for the start of another buzzing stage. sicheng has been bugging you about watching him perform tonight and after quite some time evaluating, why not? when he finally caught you among the crowd, he flashed you a flirtatious wink. right before the band bowed as gratitude to the audience, he gave you a gesture to wait for him at the back of the gym.

“you came! but seriously, thank you,” he rested the sparkly white guitar against the wall, enveloping you into a hug. this is new, you tried to hide the flustered state of yours as you reciprocated his movement. from the corner of your eyes, you can see a black-haired guy approaching the two of you, followed by one with long, white hair and a bandana nicely keeping the fluffy strands in tact.

“ooh, who’s this?” the first one wiggled his eyebrows, later introducing himself as guanheng, the latter named yuta. to your surprise, the bond between you and them are quick to form with guanheng piloting the conversation. not to mention his subtle jokes making you giggle at times.

“well y/n, your little boyfriend here is getting jealous so we’ll excuse ourselves for now. see you whenever,” guanheng banging his drumsticks into the air while yuta gave you a quick wave before disappearing into the store room of the gymnasium. the nickname they gave sicheng surely made you a bit shy.

boyfriend?

DAY 5

you’re seated in front of the computer screen, your chin resting on the palm of your hands and the tabs of different colours left untouched. you redirected your gaze onto the projector screen, the words ‘arrange, mix, edit and master like a pro’ on it. a long sigh leaving your lips, you try to remember what the producer said earlier.

don’t make the song sound too repetitive

a good buildup promises a good melody

you can have a certain instrument playing only on one part for cinematic impact

DAY 6

“i’m hyo and you’re,” she moved the wheels of her chair to the back a bit to take another look at the clipboard resting on the desk, “sicheng, y/n and jaehyun, right?” the three of you nodded in harmony, anticipating for the next order that will be given.

“okay cool, we’ll be brainstorming first,” and she proceeded to explain what the requirements for this project are. you mouthed out the important points she gave, soft rock, heartbreak and drums. you’re on a roll today, contributing your countless ideas during the first few minutes of the discussion. sicheng just looked at you discussing with hyo, your lips pursed slightly. his gaze seems full of adoration, even jaehyun said so.

“any objections?” hyo looked over to the rest.

“i think she made some great ones. i’m sure this project will come out fresh,” jaehyun voiced out his opinions, sicheng nodding after. he went straight to handling the instruments , you and jaehyun collaborating for the mixing process. hyo eventually chimed in on some times, giving small advice whenever you seem stuck in the brain. with the hours ticking by, you’re feeling more satisfied than ever with your earphones in, listening to the final product created.

all of the participants are then assembled in the hall again, waiting for a final speech by the director which formalizes the end of the camp. sure, you’ve earned worthy knowledge throughout the six days. but if you’re being brutally true to the sound of your heart, it would be how you came to learn sicheng’s true antics. he might be the cocky guy who thinks they have the power to do anything but in truth, he’s just some guy with an honest heart, honest intentions to know you better.

summer break, your most anticipated event for the past few weeks. the moment the last bell rang, that scene in high school musical 2 kept replaying in the back of your head, the students doing a parade in front of the lockers picturing how your little heart is doing backflips in your chest right now. all the beach trips ningning planned is making you feel dizzy. you turned around to a voice calling out your name from the end of the hallway, your eyes catching the sight of sicheng jogging towards your spot. he stopped in front of you, hands on his knees catching his breath.

“are you free tomorrow night? there’s a party at guanheng’s and you know, it would be really cool if you join,” his fingers tracing onto each other, waiting patiently for your response.

you didn’t even have the time to process his invitation when ningning crashed her body against yours, yangyang following suit.

“a party? y/n would totally love to come, right?” ningning nudged your arms softly while yangyang tried to stifle a giggle. you were about to mouth out a ‘what?’ before sicheng cut you off.

“cool, you guys should come too. tomorrow at 10,” he and yangyang exchanged finger guns gestures before leaving the three of you. you just stood there in disbelief, eyeing them up and down before ningning dragged you to the parking lot. a stringful of grumbles escaped your lips, making the guy laugh obnoxiously.

“i can’t believe you guys did that,” you extended the seat belt, buckling it to the slot beside you.

“please. but you do want it, right?” you can’t deny, what she said was true. plus, you should have some fun and distress before having to go back to the usual dull routine of yours.

“how do i look?” you turn around, revealing the baby pink crop top and flare pants on your legs. it’s not your best outfit but giving the cliche excuse - you have nothing to wear, the two articles totally complements each other

“you look hot, that’s all i gotta say. right, yang?” ningning lifted her head from the headboard, glancing over at yangyang who’s going over his messages.

“yeah totally,” he lifted his hands, giving you a thumbs up. you threw a jacket onto your shoulders and grabbed the black purse on your dresser, glancing at the wall mirror one last time.

from the moment you stepped into the venue - guanheng’s place, smells of alcohol lingered around your nose, a group of people cheering ever so loudly over a game of beer pong, some already passed out on the couch. not to mention a brownish stain on the carpet - probably from someone throwing up. the mess would take a whole day to get rid off, you note to yourself. your friends are no longer to be found, both of them getting affiliated with god knows what. your eyes scanned the living room for sicheng but his presence is still nowhere to be found.

you decided to step towards the kitchen bar, pouring a drink for yourself. the mixed sweet and sour taste of it remained on your tongue for a couple of seconds. looking over at the snacks served, you grabbed a strawberry flavoured lollipop from the clear bowl. the crowd is cheering loudly for some type of incident happening at the back of the room, the music has been turned up to be a little louder than the volume before and you’re suddenly getting a little bit overwhelmed. you grabbed your purse and stepped out, inhaling some fresh air and looking up to the starry night sky.

“y/n? where have you been?” sicheng approached you from behind, making you a bit startled.

“sorry, hanging out outside can calm me. where did you go?” you popped the lollipop into your mouth.

“some jerk decided to throw up in front of me,” you pinched your nose with a disgusted expression, making him roll his eyes.

“do you want me to accompany you out here?” he offered. you just nod your head, placing yourself on the patio with him following suit. the sweetening flavour empowering your senses. it’s definitely much more calm out here, allowing you to clear up your mind. it’s not that you hate the atmosphere in the house right now, you’re just not in the mood.

“you know, you look pretty,” you turned around to meet his face. his brown eyes brimming with unconfessed love.

“shut up, stop with the jokes,” you lightly land a smack on his arms.

“what if i say i’m not joking?” he looked straight into your eyes, trying to find any emotion inside you. the sudden seriousness is making you feel much more awkward so you forced out a laugh, turning your attention right back upwards. the stars are shining brightly tonight, you can almost spot a constellation.

“i know what you’re doing, dong sicheng. just stop it already, it’s not working on me.” denial, that’s what you’re experiencing in the hot minute.

a gentle tug can be felt on your wrist, his eyes still not leaving yours.

“didn’t anyone tell you before? you’re really pretty. like, i can’t even describe it to you. you’re just,” he leaned over to caress your cheeks, “pretty,”.

what jaehyun said on the other day is true, after all.

love gives us thrill, the feeling of excitement, the feeling when you’re uncertain about something but when you have that special someone with you, you’re sure to wing it all.

your heart is beating so fast, it could fall out of your chest at any moment now. even the faint music blasting through the speakers inside the house can’t flush down the sound of your heartbeat. you’re not used to this, the sudden need of the significant skin to skin contact that symbolizes love between two individuals.

“can i?” his face in a very near proximity from yours, whispering into your right ear with his honey-like voice. you pulled the candy away from your mouth and nod, giving him the approval he needed before he dived in. heat rose from your stomach to your chest. you could only focus on how soft his crimson lips felt on yours, invading your privacy by all senses. you felt the kiss expand beyond your bodies, whirling you round, swirling you into the stars. he pulled away with a soft smile, you thought you could melt right then and there.

“wow,” that was the only word escaping your throat. your jumping heart still hasn’t settled down yet, your very first kiss still feeling surreal. you could see that sicheng is very much mirroring your emotions, his slender fingers grazing over his lips - the one that has come in contact with yours.

“the strawberry lollipop is sweet,” he commented, making the both of you laugh.

a ping from your phone awakened you from the gushy eye contact with him, unlocking it only to find yangyang’s text message. the second part of it made you fluster.

yang: yo r u coming in or what? and congrats for the kiss, we thought we’d have to wait longer for this