#that one IS on my list to binge watch eventually i just haven't done it yet

[stop-breaking-my-heart-telltale]

have you watched the last of us? if not are you planning to?

I haven't, and honestly, I don't plan to. I wasn't ever a huge fan of The Last of Us to begin with just due to personal experience and I haven't played the second one. No real investment in it, but I've heard the show's pretty good, though.

[fruit-of-infidelity]

// Thank you so, so much for the tag @dryams03 & @khaarl-i !!

I. Favorite Colour:

Purple!

II. Currently Reading:

I'm supposed to have read H. G. Wells' War of the Worlds, amongst other novels, for my English minor at university but... I haven't.

I suppose what I have last been reading was the manga for JJBA Stone Ocean, but that was a little while ago. I've been a lot more focused on other things besides reading lately. ><

III. Last Series:

Again, JJBA Stone Ocean. Still finishing it off as I didn't want to binge it all the moment the most recent batch came out >< Aside from that? Nothing of note as I don't really watch many television, nor Netflix, series. I'm a YouTube sort of person, lol.

IV: Last Movie:

I recently went and saw that new horror movie, Smile, with my mother! I enjoyed it, for a psychological(?) horror as far as its jumpscares and general plot went (and yippee for less audio-dependable spooks than a lot of other movies *cough cough* Conjuring *cough cough*)! I wasn't a big fan of the ending by any means, but it reminded me a lot of another horror by the name of Truth or Dare, actually!

V. Sweet, Spicy or Savory?

Ooh, I love all. I've really been into spicy foods lately, but I don't have a real preference for one over the other!

VI. Currently Working On?:

In between the mountain of university work? Phew, hold onto your hats, because this is gonna be a long list. This isn't in any particular order aside from Ryuuto's route being my first and foremost priority!:

i.) Ryuuto's Haunted Dark Bridal Route: This one, not only includes Ryuuto's route itself (with its unique scenarios, plot, AND tons of new art for him) but mini route scenarios for the other DiaBoys to tie Ryuuto into the universe more, to play a minor antagonist role in the other routes! I did plan on making into a playable route (and this is still a project I'd like to work on!), but that is for the future.

ii.) Various Ryuuto-related Drama CDs: I have a long list of scenarios I want to revolve some Drama CDs around for this blog! You can get a gist of some of the plots on the masterlist I have kicking about. These are just usually some fun in-between bigger projects ^^

iii.) Richter's Haunted Dark Bridal Route: This is one project that I'm not really in a rush to complete, but I'm hoping to get around to eventually. I have a really basic idea for it, but I wanted to give Richter some love too, with a route of his own where I can really see Ryuuto shine in the antagonistic role a little more!

iv.) A Richter Self-Insert blog: This has been on the back burner for a few months now, but I know the plot for a route, and have all the art I need for sprites already done. I have just been procrastinating doing the layout for the blog, before I promote it at all >&lt;

v.) JoJo's OC + Self-Insert Blog: When I tell you that I have a WHOLE plot for a JoJo OC planned out? Omg. It features a self-insert too, but more on that in the next point. I just want a creative outlet for all my JoJo thoughts, with a fun OC to tell my own little spin-off JoJo story. Again, I have to figure out a layout, and do some art but that's something that will only get done in the holidays, I think!

vi.) Cosplays: In-between uni and tumblr stuff, I have recently gotten into cosplaying, and I have so many cosplays planned! I have a meetup this weekend, in fact. Recent plans, however, have been for my own self-made cosplay for JJBA's Polnareff and Hol Horse! I have what I need on the way, and have already been sewing a few things!

// I think that's mainly it, though! This was super fun to do! I'd like to tag so many people but I'll stick to only a few, but please do feel free to jump in if I don't mention you too! @mukami-kuron-mrsadisticcat , @sakamaki-richter , & @kindan-no-kanojo !!

[queerenteen]

OTPs of 2021

While it feels like yesterday when I posted my Favourite Couples of 2020 list (three months too late), it is once again that time of the year to compile a new one.

(this list isn't in any particular order by the way)

Raeda || Raine Whispers and Eda Clawthorne (The Owl House)

*plays eda's requiem on a loop for hours*

No, I'm not joking, I genuinely play this soundtrack so often, and you can find me humming it under my breath at least once a day.

There is something so heartbreakingly beautiful about them, how they drift apart and still find their way back to each other, years later.

Also, a sapphic relationship between two older characters where one of them is non-binary? What a win for representation in kid's animations. I'm so glad there are kids growing up watching this.

Owl House, you've done it again.

Lumity || Luz Noceda and Amity Blight (The Owl House)

Okay, I'm technically cheating with this one because they were on this last year and I already have another ship for this show but I don't care.

I love them.

They got even more adorable this year which I didn't think was possible.

The cheek kiss? The tunnel of love? The confession?

Another year goes by and here I am, still a Lumity stan.

Wangxian || Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji (The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation)

This, is the ideal ship dynamic.

It has everything: the enemies to tumultous allies to I absolutely adore you but I am apparently not good at expressing emotions in a conventional manner so everyone thinks I hate you (lan wangji) or You're the best thing in my life right now and I think you're the most beautiful person out there, also do you want to raise my beloved son/radish with me in a small cottage in the countryside? no homo though (wei wuxian) to those thirteen years that make me want to curl into a foetal position and sob but we're just going to ignore that for now to you're the only one who will always know me best to pining^100 and aware (lan wangji) or pining^100 and oblivious (wei wuxian).

Don't worry, they figure it out... eventually.

In all honesty, it is perhaps, the best love story I have read. The sheer artistry with which their story has been built is amazing.

Just please, go and read the book/watch the donghua/read the manhua/watch the c-drama.

Look at all the options!

Kyoru || Sohma Kyo and Honda Tohru (Fruits Basket)

To absolutely no one's surprise, I ship them.

I watched Fruits Basket recently and oh my god, it's so fucking good, and Kyoru's dynamic is just so wonderful? It makes me so happy?

To see two people overcome the struggles thrown their way, to believe in the other so fully, and just to derive so much happiness from being near each other?

I adore them.

Malori Crowlett and Queen Velverosa (Mage and Demon Queen)

Okay, this one is a little different from the others because it's actually a manhua on Webtoon called Mage and Demon Queen.

And it is honestly one of the best things I've ever read.

I'm going to be honest, yuri is probably the hardest genre to find good stories in, simply because it isn't as popular as mlm or m/f (but i can gradually see the greater flow of good sapphic content and it makes me so happy).

And a story with a main wlw relationship that is so forward without it overtaking the base plot? I'd never found one before this, and I am very greatful for it.

(you seriously underestimate how much i love banter and innuendo, and 'mage and demon queen' does not disappoint on their aspect.)

To give you the last bit of incentive to pick up this amazing manhua if you haven't already, here's the summary:

Adventurers seek to take the demon queen’s head, but a love-struck young female mage wishes to take her hand. Join us won’t you, for this bawdy tale of love and persistence set inside a real-life RPG.

Why wouldn't you be interested?

Koito Yuu and Nanami Touko (Bloom Into You)

(Okay, so I binged this one because I had to suddenly get my wisdom teeth surgically removed. Which meant I was basically ordered to take it easy for a day or two and just eat icecream. It was a good time.)

I think this was the first show that I watched that was literally just about the main wlw relationship. The entire plot revolved around the two of them and what they meant to each other and it was just so beautifully done.

It had multiple sapphic relationships, an aroace character, a main relationship where two girls showed their affection to one another in a way that I had never really seen before. I never knew how much I needed this because I saw so much of myself in all of these characters.

(Every time I see a gif of them being this adorable couple I have to take a moment to squeal and then another to go: god I wish that were me.)

Renga || Kyan Reki and Hagasewa Langa (Sk8 the Infinity)

*pulls their cheeks* adorable.

Bright sunshine boy and his lovestruck ice boyfriend. What more do you want?

Oh, an incredibly nuanced dynamic about grief and self-worth, overcoming your fears and finally realising that the true joy is in each other's company?

Also, the english dub is so good, god bless.

Nothing will ever be funnier than 'Reki, my love... For skateboarding'.

The VAs sure knew what they were doing.

Matchablossom || Cherry Blossom and Joe (Sk8 the Infinity)

I once again break the one ship per show rule because what was I supposed to do? Not include them?

They're dynamic is so good, from their banter, to their shared history and eventual mending relation.

Also, once again, the english dub has blessed us becuase they went from bickering, married old couple (sub) to 'we used to date once but i'm not really over him' (dub).

Harlivy || Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy (Harley Quinn)

Harlivy are quite literally, partners in crime. (i'm sorry, i'll show myself out now)

Morally grey sapphic characters? Who love each other unconditionally and would do absolutely anything for the other? I adore them.

(ngl, the whole show has a very crack-ish air to it, which is very intended and it just works flawlessly for the dynamic between these two.)

Bakudeku || Midoriya Izuku and Bakugou Katsuki (My Hero Academia)

You will genuinely not believe how much I've talked about these two all year. I literally use their dynamic as a blueprint for literary analysis and comparison. I cannot possibly get any more invested.

I know I said this list isn't ordered, (and it isn't) but if I had to choose a favourite ship for the year, it would easily be the two of them. (not even surprised at this point)

Past experience has shown the childhood friends to enemies to lovers dynamic that just gets me hook, line and sinker.

I can't even begin about how I feel about their dynamic without getting into a two hour long tangent but one thing I will say is this: I love how their relationship has progressed over the course of the story and I cannot wait to see how it will develop.

[saranghanuuu]

PERKS OF DATING A YOUNGER GUY I LEARNED AFTER WATCHING CHINESE DRAMA FIND YOURSELF + REVIEW!

1. He has less baggage

This means that he has more time to attend to your needs and wants unlike an older guy with a demanding schedule and lots of responsibilities at hand.

2. He's more open-minded and adventurous

They are open to having new experiences and won't judge you for veering off the path you should stay on.

3. He's infectiously energetic *ehem*

Need I say more? A younger guy's youthful sense will surely find unimaginable ways to impress you!

4. He puts you on a pedestal

A younger man will appreciate your maturity and experiences and will admire you for it. They're also most likely take advice from you without letting it bruise their ego.

5. He'll make you feel young

Be prepared to relive the fun parts of your younger years with him.

It's not so wrong to say that the May-December relationship is taboo, especially among Asians. Most people I know had this inkling that when a younger guy hooks up with a woman way older than him, it could prolly mean one of two things — the guy's a paramour or she's a sugar momma. I'm honestly not a fan of it either on the premise that women mature faster than men. Let's be real, an immature relationship is a disaster. But now that I'm in my late 20s, and a hopeless romantic single at that, I kinda pondered over this. It suddenly occurred to me, what if one day I’m caught up in the position of being pursued by a younger man? Will I let the stigma affect me emotionally? Or will I take the risk ‘coz all is fair in love? I still don’t have a definite answer to this question. However, watching Find Yourself served as an eye-opener for me to look at things from a different perspective.

Find Yourself is a 2020 Chinese drama starring Song Wei Long and Victoria Song. It tells the story of a 32-year old Executive Director who never *even once* experienced dating. Given her age and career stability, she receives constant pressure from the people around her to find someone to marry and has since frequented blind dates arranged by her family, friends, or colleagues. But this girl is just someone who swears by the "spark" - no spark, then no point to the relationship. She may be old for fantasizing over first love and such, but she still yearns that it'll naturally come to find her someday. Until her thirst for real romance is quenched by a 22-year-old guy who started working as an intern in her company at his brother’s request.

Although hesitant at first due to their huge age difference and the societal views, she went out with him on the condition that they'll keep it a secret for the first 3 months. If everything went well, she agrees to publicize her relationship with him.

Let’s start off with the good things...

I just can't with this drama...! This so beautiful, cute, relatable - especially for a woman in late 20s like me. 

Plot-wise, it was well-imparted and makes perfect sense, touching a looooooot of relationship aspects in 41 episodes. Not only did I enjoy the happenings between our main couple, but our side couples' stories are very interesting too.

This drama pretty much straightened out my prejudice about age-gap relationships.

Light-hearted, just the way I like it! Every episode will make you smile and/or laugh hard.

Sexual tensions overload and superb kissing scenes! Let those hormones rush in. Not awkward to watch 'coz They. Did. Not. Hold. Back. Ack! If you're single, be prepared to feel MORE SINGLE watching this drama.

Well-written lines that will make you feel real emotions. The words will shoot you straight to the heart.

Acting-wise, the casts, from the mains down to the sides, did a super fine job in conveying the sentiments of their characters. My highest admiration goes to male lead Yuan Song, not (only) because he’s young, hot, and handsome, but because his youthful vibe made me reminisce the paradox of my early 20s awww. Anyways, in the beginning, I am sort of confused why (of all girls) he fell head over heels with our female lead He Fanxing who's obviously out of his league. I even suspected him of taking advantage of her naivety in matters of the heart. But as the drama went along, our dude proved himself genuine... That he's sincerely just a guy who's deeply in love with a woman... That indeed, true love can exist in this kind of relationship. Both Yuan Song and Fanxing emotionally benefited from each other and it's so lovely seeing that.

⚠️ AND SORRY BUT THIS IS A SPOILER ALERT⚠️

Halfway through the drama, our main couple called it quits. I'm somewhat grateful that it happened. Their break-up scene is just so powerful I had to rewind it many times. Not because I liked seeing them suffer from the consequences of their incompatibility. Rather, I loved it 'coz it became the turning point of their relationship.

Their love is premature, to begin with — trust isn't mutual, commitment is one-way, only showing each other's good sides in fear of the relationship turning sour, one is willing to compromise while the other wants to avoid responsibility, filled with doubts and insecurities. During this break-up phase, we were shown the difference between how kids and adults behave and decide in a dilemma. I suddenly remembered this one line delivered in the drama which I agree with — "Only kids would choose one or the other. Adults find solutions". The break-up also served as our main couple's period of contemplation about who and what they want in life. It taught them how to fully embrace their offbeat romance against the norms. Fortunately, things wrapped up into a sweet end.

And of course the bad...

Hmmm... Maybe I'm just not used to it but am I the only one who thinks that this drama is quite lengthy? Yes, I enjoyed it but it's not a good one to binge-watch. It took me almost a month to finish this I nearly drowned haha. Honestly, there were parts they could've just compressed instead of dragging it for too long. One example is Ye Luming and He Fanxing's relationship trial. Ooohhh I hate this part it brought shivers down my spine ugh. Well truth be told, Luming and Fanxing are compatible and better off as friends. They jive so well, and I give it to them that they're both adults who can only understand adult things.

But when Luming all of a sudden became a sneaky character to an intolerable point... Ah, I don't know anymore! Seeing how compelled Fanxing is to being Luming's girlfriend got under my skin. Although these ugly parts eventually became a good contributory factor to Fanxing's realization of her true feelings towards Yuan Song, but still...! I also hated Fanxing at one point for being so gullible in love. But yeah, I had to swallow it because that's her character setup in the first place. It should be expected of her to be hasty and dubious about it.

On the other hand, I wished they've been generous in showing us more about how Yuan Song and Fanxing's relationship is going after the public reveal. I've been waiting for this the entire time (they could've done so much more in 41 episodes' length!) so I'm quite disappointed.

After watching the second season of Well-Intended Love, I admit I lost interest in Chinese dramas. So watching this restored my faith in them. I even have a list of C-dramas lined up now! But I have to move on from this one first before I start another. It's not as easy as I thought ㅠㅠ

What do you think about this drama? Are we on the same frequency? ❤️

If you haven't watched this yet, watch it now. As in 지금부터 RIGHT NOW. Highly-recommended!