#this is a New Year’s resolution of mine btw

[huixing]

【OC Stuff】

Sometimes, when he’s alone with nothing to do, Тоска will pretend to be a “human news reporter” or a “human talk show host”.

He especially likes the way 1960s and 70s shows were like, and does his best at copying that particular style.

He often ends up being very cringy, and despite doing this alone most of the time, Apricity has occasionally caught him doing it and awkwardly laughs every time.

[jokerandtheaceofhearts]

Hm? What's that? I drew up the sketch for the next page in... late August, you say? And I only just finished it today? And I... have to do another whole page before I can post them both together, because that's the update format I've chosen?

[falls to my knees in despair]

We're never gonna get past Akira's Palace at this rate

[thedeliverygod]

The Final Chapter of Noragami

I'll start off by saying no matter what, this is my favorite manga/anime series. It'll always be near and dear to my heart. And thank you again to @fast-moon who has put so much time in effort into this series so that we would be able to read it in English ASAP.

But here are my honest thoughts, below the cut

There are far too many open ends. As a writer and a fan, I get that it's good to leave things pretty open ended and give fans a chance to explore possibilities. But there was too much here.

Something that struck me during my read of the translation (as I read the raws about an hour beforehand) was the absence of Nana. Arahabaki and Shiho are at the hanami, why not her? Especially since she's got a bond with Bishamon as well.

Is Nora just a free agent, doing whatever she wants? We see that Yukine still has his Hagusa name, so clearly she would still have Mizuchi. And we know Yato can't re-name her. Does she spend time with Yato and Yukine at Kofuku's house? Is she Yato's secret agent in watching over Hiyori? lol

Kazuma is the only one (aside from Nana) who survived the God's Greatest Secret without being named with the koto no ha. How is he dealing with it? Is he also having nightmares like Yukine?

Yato being 'saved' by going viral is a bit dumb especially because the posts are like "wow this guy is doing like a 10 year old meme lame" etc so it didn't seem like it should have blown up much anyway? and he also says no one actually remembers 'him'/uses his name just Teke-Teke so how does that... actually help Yato? Granted he didn't die and he has a smartphone now but I feel like he would... actually have to really be acknowledged to get money and have a shrine other than Hiyori's shrine (which btw what happened to THE DAMN SHRINE??? its on the cover but the chapter??? absent)

"I'll give you all of me" and dramatic crying/kiss but then Yato just seems so... detached. granted I KNOW it's because of the near shore/far shore and he doesn't want to endanger her again and just looks over her and it's a trope that's been in a million fanfics including mine but it just feels so off and bluh to NOT GET ANY RESOLUTION OTHER THAN HIYORI JUST RECOGNIZING HIM and then a line in the journal about how he tried to play it off.

I can't even think of everything tbh there's just a lot I want answered that wasn't...

I would say the best part of this chapter was the stuff about Fujisaki. It finally answered that he was 'born' with Father present inside of him and they kind of switched back and forth. Although again that leaves the question of how much was Fujisaki and how much was Father in terms of hitting on Hiyori/how much did Fujisaki know about Father's antics. I also love that Yato still hates him anyway even without Father LOL

lastly father was this giant cataclysmic force in Yato's life for literally over a thousand years and he's finally free. and we really get no reaction in regards to that. And that is especially disappointing when it's a major theme of the manga as a whole, you know?

idk that's my piece for now. I'm sure I'll have more to say in the coming days/weeks/months/etc but I hope and pray there's maybe any sort of small addition to the tankobon release.

it did mention "please look forward to adachitoka's next work" but I think that was just like a publishing nicety. I think noragami's ending was rushed due to their ongoing health problem and/or pressure from the publishers and I honestly don't see them coming out with a new series any time soon.

[herri-writes]

Unfortunate for Love

Hiiro Amagi x Reader

Note: I can imagine Aira fake vomiting whenever the reader saw Hiiro with their non-existent 20/20 vision and vice versa. This was inspired from the shenanigans that me and my friends had done in real life. I am a stupid dumbass whose eyesight is literally a 10/10 and 15/15 when I saw my ex-crush from the distance lmfao. Anyways, I can be Aira or the reader and he's a literal mood. I tried making this as a comedy but somehow failed. I'm bad at making things really funny to be honest but atleast I'm trying through writing. Curse this writer's block for making my imagination limited and classes for taking me too long to finish this. Because of this, most of them are ooc and I wanna die. Let me finish this in peace....

btw, happy belated valentines. Warning: Swearing. I swear I rally need to write "No swearing at my written works" at my new year's resolution.

"Seriously, (Name)? You have a crush on that caveman idol senior of mine?" You hesitantly nodded at your underclassman's question and you shushed him, "Don't call your upperclassman and leader like that, Shiratori. It's not nice." "I know but that's when I didn't know that he's a year older than me. It's a habit." You sighed at his retort. Well, he's not wrong though. He never knew anything about idols before but he's a fast learner when it comes to things— physically and academically but sometimes logically. He is a child who is stuck in a body of a 17 year-old. Currently, you're here in the Idol Course and outside Aira's classroom, talking the day away. The reason why you're here it's because you're currently producing for ALKALOID today in Yumenosaki and later at Ensemble Square until their live ends. Instead of asking the unit about what kind of performance they'll have for their live, you're here asking Aira about their leader, Hiiro Amagi, which that made Aira nearly fake vomit in front of you while swooning over their leader. (W/N: The better, the cutest, the most precious, the scrunkliest, my beloved, and my favorite Amagi.) "Anyways, why did you talk to me when there's Senior Arashi to talk to when it comes to topic about love? You're telling me almost everything you like about him." Aira asked you and leaned on the wall, facepalming while mentioning one of the members of Pretty 5, the circle he is in at Ensemble Square. You deadpanned, "Is there anyone else who is close to Amagi that I can talk to here in Yumenosaki?" "There is... one or two. Senior Tetora is in the dojo at this time of hour, as what Hiiro had told me or either with Ryuseitai at Ensemble Square practicing and Senior Mayoi is in the walls or in the vents, listening to us right now." Aira pointed the ceiling. You look up and blinked. There is a vent above you two. As if on cue, the vent on the ceiling popped up open and someone fell from it and landed on you. Aira, for who is really unfortunate since the beginning, finally smiled because the lady luck is on his side. Unfortunately for you, you forgot to bring the lucky charm Tsumugi gave you and lady luck is avoiding you ever since the gods know when. Coincidentally, your favorite astrology tv show just announced that your sign will be unfortunate for the month and your lucky charm to avoid misfortune is a significant other, which you considered bullshit. (W/N: life isn't rabu~i for me rn. Leave me alone.) Feeling the weight on your back, you felt the same feeling of deja vú where you couldn't leave the floor and get attatched to it. Your life flashed before your eyes when you were so sure you can see stars in front of you or the stars from Trickstar's live, sparkly and it's everywhere in sight. You lost consciousness as you heard panicked noises coming from someone on top of you. "M-M-M-My apologies, (Name). I fell on top of you. How cruel of me..." Mayoi said as he got off of you. You remaind lying on the floor and didn't move. Your soul left your body long ago. The heart and the clover began to panic because a producer lied on the floor, making it seem like a crime scene. Your hand left a message from your hand and it was written, "Mayoi". The moment the two heard footsteps from afar, they became pale. They don't want to be caught by anyone and be reported to the student council. Aira feared that ALKALOID will be having a field day after this that he panicked. "Eek! Senior Mayoi, help me carry (Name) to the infirmary and quick!" "I-I couldn't let my filthy hands touch (Name)! They're too pure to be stained by someone so filthy like me...!" "Stop degrading yourself and help me! We're going to have a field day with this—" "What's going on here?" They hesitatntly turn to where the voice came from and prepare to meet their doom. A wave of relief washed onto them when they saw a certain redhead that they knew all to well before their debut. Aira nearly bawled his eyes out in desperation and he could see the angels blowing their trumpets around him. A savior from the heavens above, he thought. "Hiiro, please help us! (Name) died when Senior Mayoi fell on top of them!" Aira panicked as he stood there and pointed on your lying body on the ground. Mayoi stuttered and began to degrade himself and mentioning on not to forgive him. It was indeed incoherent to others but his fellow unitmates understand him well. "Wha—?! (Name)-dono died?! How?!" Someone popped up from the corner of the hallway, scaring the blonde soldier. Poor Aira is going to have a field day the moment he saw Shinobu and boy, he is so scared when he knew that the ninja will be reporting this incident to the student council president. "No more questions! Let's take them to the infirmary, immediately!" Aira exclaimed but Hiiro went to a head start as he carried you in his arms and ran away from the crime scene. "I don't think you need to do it..." Shinobu dropped a sweat and pointed to something behind Aira. Aira turned around and deadpanned as he watched his leader running away with you in his arms. "Never mind. That caveman left before we get a stretcher for (Name)."

You open your eyes to see the all-familiar ceiling above of you. You were sensing a familiar feeling of deja vú right now and is following Anzu's footsteps. How unlucky you were this year unlike the last year when luck gave you a chance to do live peacefully. Where is the lucky four-leaf clover when you need one? Your back pained from the impact Mayoi gave you. 'Is this what Senior Anzu felt when Senior Ogami landed on her back after he jumped off the stage back then?' You thought and let out a long, heavy sigh. "Oh, you're finally awake." You turn your head to see those azure eyes staring at you, innocently. You blinked to see if it was one of the side effects of the impact— that was until you pinched his cheek and unfortunately, the answer is no. You're not hallucinating or dreaming. It's real. It's all real. Realizing this, your natural, pale skin became pink as Tori's hair and turned into a bright shade of red— as red as the Amagi brothers' hair. "(Name), are you alright? Do you have a fever?" Your words couldn't come out and remained stuck in your throat as he laid his hand on your forehead. It was soft and warm, you thought. You wanted to slap yourself for spacing out right in front of your crush but you couldn't. You froze on the spot and waited for him to leave. "Hm, seems like you're not. Are you alright? Are you still hurt?" He bombarded you with questions to make sure you're okay. You wanted to nod but you're remained frozen. "I'll call Mr. Sagami to check on you again. I'll be right back." And he left. Congratulations, you made your crush leave the infirmary and look for the teacher clad in a doctor's coat, smelled like alcohol and cigarettes. You immediately rise up from your lying position and gripped the sheets in fear. You began to process everything from what happened outside Aira's classroom to the present. Starting from the part where you tell Aira on what you felt about Hiiro, Mayoi falling from the vents at the ceiling, you fainting and became unconscious, someone carrying you to the infirmary, and Hiiro waiting for you to wake up as he looked at you like a child waiting for the plant to grow after their first time planting one on a flower pot. 'Amagi carried me here?!' You mentally screamed and panicked. You hastily left the bed and made a mad dash out of the infirmary. The way you left made it seem like a classic horror movie when you screamed and nearly bumped into someone. You thought it's Death coming to get you but nearly fainted when you finally know who. "Whoa, slow down (Name). What's the rush?" It's Mao. You grabbed Mao's shoulders and gripped it tight and looked at him, desperately trying to run away from something— or someone. Mao sweat dropped and looked at you, confused. "You just got out of the infirmary and heard about it from Sengoku, Shiratori, and Ayase. Is something else the matter?" You surrender and release him from your otherworldly grip you gave to Mao's shoulders. You felt like crawling into a hole and die there as you walk back to the infirmary and return to the bed you just lied on and sulked. Mao seemed concerned of you as a senior. He wasn't sure on how to tell Anzu about your current predicament. Yes, she is your fellow producer and your senior but wasn't sure on what kind of situation you are in. He tried to guess everything until he heard you muttering under the sheets. "I acted stupidly..." You muttered. He wasn't sure if he heard it right. "President... what would you do if you have a crush on someone?" Well, that wasn't expected. Mao felt the blush creeping up this face to that question you asked him. He tried to look for an answer but instead, he gulped it all in and breathed heavily. "To be honest, I don't know." He hesitantly replied as he scratched the back of his neck. It was quite confusing indeed when the topic is about crushes unless you understand and relate to them. You revealed yourself under the blanket and sat there, looking away from Mao. You inhaled deeply and exhaled to calm yourself down. "Actually—" Your words cut off when you heard someone entering the room. You turn your head to see Mr. Sagami walking his way towards you and checked on you. "You're quite lucky you're alright. I can clearly remember what happened to Anzu the first day she got here." He chuckled. Mao chuckled nervously at the memory. Well, that was the time before she signed herself to become Trickstar's producer and help them rise up to form a revolution and defeat fine, which led them to step up to the shining stage at DDD.” Mr. Sagami continued and teased, "Who knows, maybe it's your turn to follow her footsteps and make ALKALOID shine like how Trickstar did last year." "Mr. Sagami..." You look down in embarrassment. Hiiro popped up from behind the teacher and looked at you. Mao saw that and he was so sure he is like a child in a teenager's body. '(Name) is quite lucky to be ALKALOID's producer. ALKALOID is also lucky to have them.' "Anyways, it seemed like you're fine and recovered fast. Rest here and you can leave after school hours." Mr. Sagami said and turned to Hiiro and Mao. "Watch over them and don't let them leave." He left the room and excused himself to leave. He is a busy teacher, after all. "Well, I better get going. I have work to do in the office. Watch over her, Amagi." Mao said and left the infirmary. He is a busy student council president, after all. Your eyes widen in sudden realization. With Mr. Sagami and Mao left the room and gone, it's just you and Hiiro in the infirmary. You and Hiiro Amagi. The silence suffocated you after Mao left. You broke the ice and asked him, "Hiiro, don't you have practice after this?" He shook his head and answered, "Practice is cancelled today because Mayoi hid somewhere and Aira is looking for him and Tatsumi is having a check-up right now." "...I see..." Your hopes went downhill, much to your chagrin. You lied down on the bed and waited for the day to end. You're all alone with your crush, sitting on the chair beside the bed and watched over you. You know how he looked at you. Those are nothing but pure innocence unlike those eyes his brother has. All of a sudden, you felt safe now that Hiiro is here. You mentally facepalmed yourself and waited for the day to end like nothing had happened.

"It's a good thing that you're alright, (Name)." Anzu comforted you the next day at the staff dining room. It's a bright Saturday morning so you had time to work with Anzu as a producer at Ensemble Square. "Somehow, it reminded me of the day before I met the others and knew about what fine had done in the past. Stars who are revolutionarists fighting the heavenly orchestra. Now, this time, card soldiers battling the buzzing bees who are complete misfits." She chuckled, making you blush. History repeats itself, they say. "Not to mention, you began to fall for one of them. You better be lucky that it's not an ex-flirt or a parental figure wannabe or a buzzing gambler you're falling for." She sighed. You nearly choke and spat your hot mocha when you knew who it is. You raised your brow in annoyance and she wasn't wrong. It's your first year as a student of Yumenosaki Academy and a fortunate one to work as a producer in Ensemble Square and you're glad you knew almost everything about the rest of the units from your upperclassman and senior, Anzu. "Anyways, I have to go. 2wink is calling for me." Anzu stood up from her seat and left. You waved her goodbye and watched her leave until someone kidnapped her and brought her somewhere to god knows where. In a panic, you stood up from your seat and chased them. You stopped when the doors of the elevator closed and saw it going up. You rushed to the flight of stairs nearby and stopped in front of the elevator to check where the lift will stop. Surprisingly, it stopped at the 18th floor. Tired from all of the running, you heard a ding from the elevator. What revealed is a pair of familiar ginger-haired twins exiting the lift. You deadpanned when you realize that it's 2wink who kidnapped her. 'Seriously?' You deadpanned at the sight of the twins carrying her with most ease. You look at Anzu and her face was completely written in "A deja vú, indeed". The twins still carried Anzu all the way inside to CosPro office, making you offer your condolences and hoped that she won't receive the same fate as you do few days ago at StarPro— to which you tried to ignore and forget it out of embarrassment. You entered the elevator and pressed the 20th floor button. Just as before the doors close, a foot stopped it from closing and automatically opened to reveal the older Amagi. You held your breath in absolute fear that you felt like you're turning blue from the loss of oxygen. You can see that snarky smirk etched on his face, a face that you wanted to punch so badly. You pressed the stop button on the controls because you are so sure that he's not going inside the lift when you saw a smirk that is so perfectly drawn on his punchable face. "Heh, what do we have here? It's the lil' producer. Nice to meet ya lil' sibling-in-law." Heh...? Little... sibling-in-law...? "You have two options Mr. Amagi. Enter the lift if you wanted to go up and see your brother or step back and leave me alone because I'm not in the mood to entertain you and I'm late for the meeting with Trickstar." You blankly glared at him. The wave of fear that washed over you a moment suddenly returned back to the ocean in your conscience. Hearing his signature hyena laugh after your retort made you glare at him even more. You wanted to kick him but you don't want to lose your dignity as a student and a producer. Him being a leader of a unit makes it even worse. What if you'll be reported to the deputy leader of CosPro? What if you'll be banned from working in Ensemble Square. You shook your head to remove the negative thoughts and calmed yourself down. "Er, I just show up to greet my brother's future partner and to warn ya 'bout his relationship with his little girlfriend." He remembered what he was supposed to tell you and your heart sank when you heard the word girlfriend. "For the last time, I'm not his girlfriend!" You heard Aira outside and that made Rinne snicker in amusement. "Welcome to my brother's harem, (Name)." He grinned at you again as he stepped away from the lift. He waved goodbye as he entered the office while letting out his hyena-like laugh and cackled. You gave him mental insults in return while you saw his figure disappear in the distance. You sighed as you exited the lift and you bumped onto someone, which made the other alarmed. "Whoa, (Name). We're heading to the same location." You look up to see the last person you wanted to see. "Why are you leaving the elevator?" Those cyan eyes, those innocent-looking cyan eyes made you stare at him. You are trying to hold the urge not to blush right in front of the younger Amagi. You are aware that the older Amagi is watching from the office and witnessed everything that unfolded. You cleared your throat to look away from him. "R-Right," you stuttered. "Amagi, Shiratori, please enter the lift first." They did as you said and you followed them. As the three of you are inside the lift, you pressed the button to close the doors and pressed the button with the number 20 on it to go up. The silence is completely deafening to you in the lift. You fiddled your thumbs to not to lose your patience and prayed to the gods to save the remaining amount of your sanity— which is an ounce. You prayed for an ounce before. Why not a few grams or a pound? Those seconds felt like an eternity and you are getting impatient. You closed your eyes and slowly breathed to calm yourself down until the lift stopped. Your body felt light that when it shook, you lost your balance that you tumbled down. Your back didn't felt the impact to the floor but you felt a pair of arms holding you with ease. Aira fake vomited because he saw a potential love story incoming. He is so going to see this happening in Hold Hands when someone caught these soon-to-be-lovebirds flirting in front of the heart soldier. Life is so not lovely for Aira right now. An irritated look was etched on the blonde's face. He is giving judgemental quarter French stares behind you two. "Are you alright, (Name)?" Hiiro asked you as he helped you up. You nodded and briskly walked out of the elevator to avoid him. Hiiro tilted his head in confusion and walked out of the elevator and Aira followed him all the way to the office. That irritated look was still evident on Aira's adorable features. He's going to get wrinkles at this rate and for sure Arashi and Hiyori will point that out once they have a circle meeting. Your meeting with Trickstar went well in the meeting room but you are too shy to talk normally like you always do to your friends who are in the same age and year as you. These upperclassmen are the revolutionarists who took down the angels of the heavenly orchestra at the finals of the first DDD in Yumenosaki last year. You were expecting that they are serious but YOU ARE COMPLETELY WRONG. You began to wonder how the hell did Anzu tolerate this unit which it contains of two idiots and two brains— one is obsessed with anything sparkly and shiny and one is who seemed cool and smart but is an actual idiot whose brain is a size of a plankton and both are sons of solo idols— one is at six feet under and one is going strong, an ex-model that was always obsessed by his senior from Knights and a gamer, and an overworking StuCo president with natural talent that was always attached by someone also from Knights. You are literally selling your body, mind, and soul to this job. You're expecting hell but this... is a circus, which you heard from her.

But seeing them on stage is literally making the whole venue sparkling and shining. Was it because of the son of "that" Akehoshi? Because of Seiya Hidaka's son? Because of the current StuCo president who took the title and responsibility from the current manager of Ensemble Square and Starmaker Production? Or was it because of that gamer/ex-model that was an actual beauty behind those blue frames of his glasses? Turns out, it was because of their growth from this past year with a help of a producer and their growth as a unit. It was all proven that BIGBANG and it made your eyes sparkle in delight. "(Name), can we talk for a moment?" It's Mao. You nodded and he sat down beside you. You remember the question you let out to that said StuCo president and you always avert your gaze whenever he talked to you. If only, if only you didn't ask him that question back then, none of this had happened. 'Gods... why am I so unfortunate since yesterday?' "To answer your question from yesterday, I think it depends on the person. Most of the answer you'll get from me is coming from cliché romance mangas." He chuckled awkwardly and apologized. You told him that it's alright and sighed but it was cut short when a certain ginger caught its attention to this and asked Mao. "(Name)'s asking for an advice? About what?" Your eyes met with his reef blue ones. Mao hesitantly answered, "Love advice... I have no experience to that or to any of us here. Why not ask someone from UNDEAD, Eve, Knights, or Switch?" Makoto shuddered at the mention of the unit name where his senior who was completely obessed with him as long as he could remember. "Hardly doubt for those. What about Crazy:B or fine?" Hokuto chimed in and everyone except him shrugged at the names of the units he mentioned. "What? That masked perv— I mean Hibiki of fine has experience to that." Hokuto internally grimaced as he mentioned the name of his senior from Dramatica. "What about ALKALOID?" Mao asked you and you felt like imploding as you heard that name. Just as you're about to tell them to drop that conversation down, someone fell from the ceiling and landed on the floor outside of the meeting room. You saw who it was because the door is wide open and it was forgotten to close by either Subaru or Hokuto who arrived a little later after Mao and Makoto that you banged your forehead to the table and that scared Trickstar. You weren't surprised who fell from the ceiling and you knew who it was. "Huh? Isn't that Mayoi Ayase from ALKALOID?" Subaru looked at the violet-haired clover soldier lying on the floor outside of the room. "Mayoi? Are you here?" A voice outside of the meeting room called for Mayoi. It was then revealed a certain red head that you wished to see last. Luckily for you right now, your soul flew away from your body the moment Mayoi "showed up" outside the room in the most surprising way possible. Aira showed up behind Hiiro and apologized profusely and dragged Mayoi away from them. 'Well, damn, I hope he didn't hear everything...' Actually, Mayoi heard all of those since the beginning.

Your next schedule is meeting with ALKALOID and it dreaded you. You felt like diving into the depths of hell the moment you saw that unit's name on your schedule. Seems like your luck washed away the moment you saw that TV show about your zodiac sign being unlucky for a month. Now, all you need is a partner for life, the one who could make your unluckiness wash away for life, which you let out a loud groan as you chided in your thoughts. Luckily, this isn't about work so you're rest assured. Well, you don't need one right now now that you brought one of the lucky charms that Tsumugi gave you when you produce for Switch few months ago. You forgot that you have it in your pocket for the whole time today due to work. At least the bad luck won't come to you right now. "(Name)! It's been a while!" Just as you jinxed it... "Uchuu~" Someone pounced on you from behind with full force that you both fell to the cold floor. You made sure to protect your face from the fall or you'll have a broken nose and unconscious when it hits your head. With a loud thud from the fall, all of the papers spread around you. "U-Uchuu..." You felt someone straddled on your back and smacked your back a few times as if he's patting your back and forgot to control his strength. "Mr. Tsukinaga, why are you here outside Café Cinnamon? Aren't you supposed to be with the others? " You groaned out and asked the person on your back. "Whahahahaha! I came here to visit my favorite junior producer." Leo laughed and smacked your back multiple times. You could feel the oxygen in your system flying away at a single smack you received from him. "You look like a pancake right now! Inspiration! Inspiration is flowing— No! Overflowing! Whahahahaha!" "Mr. Tsukinaga, before you could—" You could feel the weight on your back lifted away from you and followed by nagging. "Leo, didn't I tell you not to disturb your underclassman? Look at what you did to them. Soooo annoying~" 'So, I guess I'm saved...?' You thought but you could see the sly smirk drawn on his face even without seeing it. 'I guess I'm not...' You wanted to punch, slap, or scratch his face but you'll get sued for that so you let him do what he wants. You slowly stood up and picked the papers on the floor. You saw two other hands helping you picking them up. It's Arashi and Tsukasa. What is Knights doing here, you asked. Well, they're looking for a certain ginger-haired composer who is wandering around ES to look for inspiration and somehow fate dragged him closer to you. "Senaaaa~ let go of me!" Leo flailed his arms and struggled to leave Izumi's hold on his collar. "I just found a perfect inspiration! Let me compose it!" "Not until we return to the practice room, Leo. Leave (Name) alone so they could work properly." Izumi said and dragged Leo as he walked away. What is it with you and gingers today? You heard Leo scoffed from the distance and pouted, "Pretty sure that (Name) could help me in this one for Valentines' Day live. I mean, isn't crushing on someone could be useful for Knights' next song? It's about a young maiden who fell in love with a soldier— Aha! I can see it coming! Inspiration! Inspiration is overflowing! Senaaaaa! Let me compose it~!" Oh you were in for a punch. You exhaled and thanked the other two knights for helping you picking up the papers. Now you're going to sort this out... again, much to your dismay. Before you could charge towards Leo, a door in front of you opened. You just remembered that you're right in front of Café Cinnamon's entrance. What revealed behind the door is the saint, the missionary, the priest himself, Tatsumi Kazehaya, the diamond card soldier of ALKALOID. You could recognize him well because of his teal hair, violet eyes, and two moles lined up perfectly under his left eye. "My, (Name), you're right on time. Come inside." He gestured you to come inside the practice room and you excused yourself to enter. The moment you entered the café, you felt the dread hitting you once again but this time, it felt like a storm surge the moment your eyes met his again. You felt like a meltdown is coming to a close and breaking down on the moment you saw that bright red clump of hair and shining azure orbs behind its innocent frames from the windows of his soul. As if you're trying to look away, a song automatically played in your mind in random. Those ocean blue eyes looking at yours made you felt that you might sink and drown and die. Your right eye twitched the moment you both locked gazes in silence and your brows burrowed in annoyance. How many times have you locked gazes with him? One? Ten? Fifty? Only the gods knows how many times you've done that with him. Bestie, he didn't do anything to you and he's sitting on the sofa right beside Aira. Boy, you could've seen his brows burrowing and eyes twitching because you are literally in the same room with ALKALOID's leader. You broke the staring contest with Hiiro and cleared your throat. You took a seat and began to have a conversation with them, which was quite rare for you because you've spent a lot of time being trained by your upperclassmen at the producer course and guided by the other units for most of the time. "Heya, (Name)! Here, have some tea." Niki placed a teacup on a saucer on the table. Before you could say a word, he interrupted you with a grin. "Doncha worry. Someone paid it for ya~" He waved as he walked away and returned to the counter. Strange, for someone to mysteriously buy you tea before you arrived here. Whoever this is, you're so going to repay them something in return as a mark of gratitude. "Before I could say something about your next live, do you have any questions you wanted me to answer?" You asked them and Hiiro raised his hand like a good student. "What is your question, Amagi?" You picked up the cup from the handle and sipped meekly. "It's actually everyone's question for you but... Are you alright? You seemed down since yesterday?" You accidentally choked and spat your tea at his question. "Whoa— (Name), are you okay?" Aira worriedly asked you and sat beside you. He patted your back to calm yourself down while you coughed up to subside the pain in your throat. "My apologies, everyone... No need to worry. I am alright." You said to reassure them but instead of seeing their relieved expressions, it was full of worry. "A-Are you sure, (Name)? Was it because of me falling on top of you yesterday?" Your eyes widen at Mayoi's question and he saw it. "M-My apologies, (Name)! I didn't get to apologize to you yesterday because I was scared that you'll hate me...! You're our producer until after ALKALOID's live and I hurt you... I'm sorry. I'm sorry...!" He began to panic and frantically apologized. "No, no! None of this is your fault, Mayoi. None of this is your mistake in the first place—" You tried to calm him down by telling him that none of this is his fault but he kept apologizing. "But I hurt you..." "Mayoi, I forgive you so please, calm down..." You sighed in defeat. You tried to reassure him but nothing worked. So, to prove that none of it is his fault, you told them about your worries yesterday. "Actually, it's because of my luck decreasing year by year. Now, it happened every month and it lessened it to a week. It bothered me ever since the month started that I have no other choice but to carry a lucky charm with me— which I forgot almost every day and finally have an ounce of luck when it's always in my blazer's pocket." You confessed. Everyone at the whole table went quiet and listened to you. "Yesterday morning, there is this tv show that it said that my zodiac sign is going to be unlucky until I have the lucky charm— which is a significant other. I didn't even believe at that kind of stuff but somehow, I ended up having the same amount of luck with someone I knew." In New Dimension's office, a sneeze was heard. "Bless me..." He chuckled afterwards and continued his work. Silence. There was mere silence. You broke the ice. "So, now I've answered your question and you've heard all of my worries, any more questions?" "(Name), it's nice to know about your worries and let the weight in you released. It's alright to tell us about your problems. We'll help you." Tatsumi said and you shook your head. "I didn't want anyone else to be bothered by my problems, Mr. Kazehaya. You can forget what I had just said and move on to our discussion for the next live." You began to discuss about the stage setting, their outfits, and the number of people coming to see their performance. Hiiro listened like a child listening to its parent's wonderful and interesting story but his mind wandered to such places. His braincells rubbed on to each other as he began to contemplate on how to protect you from every worst case scenario possible that will occur to you because of your bad luck. Unfortunately for him, you're at the different building and at the different course. You could only visit them after school hours once you have the time or to have a meeting with any unit on campus. But in ES, you could only see the whole unit if you're producing for them full-time or past-time. Mostly, you would be focused on work and rarely had the time for a leisure. He knows that. He knows he couldn't protect you if he wanted to. Gladly, Anzu and Kurone is there with you at the Producer Course to that's a good one for you. But sadly, you're a year apart with Anzu and you're in a different class from Kurone. So that's a cross mark on his list. If there's only a way to protect you, then it'll be just being with you anywhere you go— when he have free time of course. The other braincells of his thought on how to shoo that bad luck away from you. If he's going to use one of the rituals his hometown did to remove the bad luck away from you, it'll be good for you but isn't sure if it's actually that good for you. It's an another cross mark on his list. Another one is him telling you to follow the instructions given to you from what the text on the TV told you. He knows that you don't believe at that but it's worth giving a try, right? "...gi... Amagi? Are you listening to me?" Hiiro was deep in his thoughts that he could barely hear anything around him. He kept thinking and thinking but nothing good came into his mind. "Amagi? Amagi, the meeting is over." You waved your hand in front of his face to check if he's awake. But no, he spaced out and his mind wandered to the gods knows where. You look at Aira who rested his head on the table, tired for today's work and sighed all of his problems away. You felt his tiredness from here and somehow, it added to yours. "I knew I shouldn't stayed up late last night researching..." He quietly muttered. 'I think it's better not to disturb him...' "Hm? Hiiro seemed to be deep in thought. I have a feeling it's not about the discussion but it seemed like it's something else." Tatsumi pondered and you look at him. "I wonder what was this one about this time...?" You sighed again. You wanted to wake him up from his trance but he suddenly stood up and shouted from the top of his lungs. "I got it!" His eyes sparkled and huffed out of determination. Aira jolted up from his resting position and sleepily panicked. "Wh-What's going on...?" "Aira, I finally thought of something! Come with me!" Without hesitation, Hiiro took Aira's hand and dragged him out of the café, leaving their seniors stunned from the sudden burst of excitement from their leader. "Oh dear... Amagi, please give Shiratori a break from your shenanigans... You're just like your brother." You uttered with a sigh and facepalmed. Poor Aira's going to have a field day after this. "I'll be heading off. It's getting dark out here and I have to catch up with Anzu." You pack up your things and excused yourself to leave the café. Just as the two seniors heard the bell ring and the door closed shut, Mayoi chuckled which that concered the teal-haired saint. "Fufu... Ah, youth~ Seems like the innocent, little producer doesn't know what was running inside Hiiro's mind. It better not be known to them on this little game of theirs~" Mayoi smirked and his smirk widen when he knew everything— almost everything on what was going on between you and Hiiro.

You spent your entire night sleeping like a log until the morning that you are late after your second alarm rang. You are completely tired that you didn't hear the snooze on your alarm because of your heavy and blank mind. You began to blame everything on your bad luck and it horrified you to the core. You. are. late. You thought. And you wanted to bury yourself six feet below the ground. You are sprinting towards the school gate like your life depends on it. You are not blaming your bad luck but you are blaming your carelessness that you tripped on one of the cracks on the stone-paved path on the side of the road. You could feel the time ticking slowly as your body fell down to the ground. Gravity loves you suffering. You closed your eyes and waited for the impact but you felt like you were swept off from your feet by someone who has the strength to carry you so easily. You could feel the wind brushing past your hair and a tight embrace on you. You opened one eye and you realized that someone carried you in a princess carry. That was when both of your eyes look up to see who carried you and your heart fell to the pits of your stomach when you recognized those familiar blue eyes and red hair. "Amagi?" "(Name), are you okay? Are you hurt?" Hiiro looked at you full of concern and worry while running. You nodded in response. You could see the faint black circles around his eyes. You were about to question him where did he get those but someone from behind stopped you from doing so. "Hiiro, you idiot! We're late because of you planning and go for an all-nighters!" A cry from the heart soldier was heard behind Hiiro. "We're going to have a field day after this!" "Relax, Aira. There's thirty minutes before the first period starts." Hiiro shouted back at Aira and still made a mad dash even after entering the school gates. Aira huffed and puffed for air but failed that he fell to the ground, tired. "At least... let me breathe..." Hiiro didn't let you go and yet he still carried you. For someone whose body is like a teenager, he has a strength of an adult. "Aira, I'm taking (Name) to the infirmary. See you later." And there he left with you in his arms. Aira felt like puking that he saw him with you but seems like Hiiro's plan is working earlier than expected. Poor blonde lied on the spot and the other students feared that a dead body was seen at Yumenosaki entrance when it was actually just Aira tired from the sudden vigorous physical activity. You were taken aback for what was going on at this whole Hiiro-carrying-you-while-you're-running-late-on-the-way thing. You felt embarrassed because this caught the attention of the students at the hallway. You covered your face out of shame using your bag. You are hoping that no one you know will see this. You are praying that anyone at the student council won't see this. You know that Shinobu is a chuuninja and Mayoi is always hiding at the vents and you are not going to be able to hear the end of it once it reached the StuCo President's ears. It'll be worse is anyone in Trickstar will talk about this and passed on to anyone in Knights— especially Arashi and Ritsu. Your head is spinning at every single possibility that will occur once the word is spread. As scandalous as it seems, you are not going to see the light of day once it was spread around Yumenosaki and ES. Hiiro opened the door to the infirmary and said, "Excuse me! Is Mr. Sagami in here?" "Lower your voice, Amagi. You're too loud." Jin stood up from his seat behind the desk and pointed one of the beds have you seated there. "What happened to (Name) this time?" "(Name) sprained their ankle on their way here—" "Nononononono I'm completely fine, Amagi. Thank you very much. Now if you'll excuse me I must head straight to class and good morning, Mr. Sagami. I want to apologize for the sudden disturbance Amagi and I had caused." You immediately left the bed and stood up but you felt a stinging pain on your ankle that you hissed in pain and fall down. Luckily, Hiiro caught you in time and put you back to the bed. Hiiro looked at you out of concern and you are not immune to those unintentional puppy eyes he just did. You quietly groan and facepalmed. "I give up..." You mentally slapped yourself and spoke. "Amagi, return to your classroom. I'll be fine here." He only shook his head and replied, "I'll stay here."

'What is he? A loyal puppy?!' You thought and you are so sure that your face became redder at any second. 'Goddamn! He's too cute!' You could hear Jun's voice the moment you mentally swore. 'Is this what one felt like when they have an adorable puppy-sized pet?! He's just like one!' Your mind automatically visualized Eve's little princess, Bloody Mary. "But you have classes to attend to. I don't want you to hold back from your studies. "I'll be fine, I promise." You tried to make him leave the infirmary but he only replied; "Big Brother told me I'll stay beside the person I care the most. I'm staying here and that's final." You internally screamed when he said that and looked at you with the most innocent-looking child-like eyes out of determination. 'Okay Rinne Amagi, I want to thank you for this adorable sight right in front of me and I want to punch you in the face for saying such things to your brother. That's what a couple should do when one of them need the other when they needed them the most!' "I..." You wanted to say something but you failed. You mentally raised and waved the white flag and let out a distressed sigh. "You're too stubborn. I want to hit you in the head for some sense of reality and common sense." You muttered, guilty and stressed. "Fine... I'll let you stay here but you have to return to class once I'm out of the infirmary. I'll be in your care, Hiiro Amagi." His eyes widen at your words and he seemed like a child who caught its interest. Inside Hiiro's mind is him cheering at hismself at his own progress. Meanwhile your mind repeated the words Hiiro just said like a broken recorder. 'The person I care the most... The person I care the most... The person I care the most... The person I care the most... The person I care the most... goddamnit, Hiiro Amagi.' You didn't care about the fact that this is the second time he brought you to the school infirmary.

Hiiro became protective and followed you almost everyday. It concerned you and your fellow producers on why in the world Hiiro Amagi, the leader of ALKALOID, followed you like a lost puppy. He knows almost all of the entrances and exits, lefts and rights, and almost every room in the school because of you and he kept following you. This made you felt paranoid but that innocent gaze of his made your mind remove all of those worry in you when he was there before your situation got more worse. Whenever you trip, he was always there to catch you on time. Holding a stack of documents that was supposed to be the paperworks for the student council but was mistaken as a stack of proposals. You were told by your seniors at the producer course to return the papers to the student council— which it was at the idol course and the last person you wanted to meet is seated at the seat of the student council president, Mao Isara. All of the embarrassing encounters you made with him made you quiver. You wanted to decline but the other producers there is busy so you had no choice but to accept it. You're currently at the hallway and headed towards the student council office. Like a klutz you are, you tripped on something from the floor and tumbled down. Gravity loves you and you loathed it back. You waited for the painful impact but you were caught by someone. The papers dramatically fell from your hands which that made you reveal the person who caught you in their arms. "Good afternoon, Amagi..." You slightly grimaced the moment you recognized that bushy vermilion hair and azure eyes. "Before you could ask if I'm fine or whatsoever, let me answer it right away. I'm fine. So no need to ask or worry about me." You pushed yourself away from him but his hold on you is too firm. 'Cursed these Amagi genes...' "Mind if you let go? I have papers to pick up." Which you internally cried because you have to organize them... again. When you left something somewhere in the campus or at the workplace and began to look for it, the item you've been searching for was found and given to you by Hiiro himself. "Shoot! Where's my phone?" You frantically rummaged the contents of your bag. "Mr. Sena's going to skin me alive if I'm not on the studio on time..." Dread began to spread across your system. You wanted to forget the last time where you are beautifully late and got scolded by Izumi. Succumbing yourself in despair, you knelt on the floor and prepared yourself to face the wrath of Izumi Sena and feel the glare from his frosty blue eyes. Before the dread invades your mind, the sight of an item made out of modern technology was seen from the corner of your eye. "Is this yours?" He asked. You nodded and tears began to come out from your eyes. "Thank you very much—" You froze when you saw the same person who's been following you back at Yumenosaki and the same person who hid from every corner of ES. "Ah, it's you, Amagi..." Your voice faltered from the sudden realization. "Now if you'll excuse me. I have to meet up with Knights at the studio." And you left without an another word. When you're rushing and was late for something like a meeting or class, he would be there to carry you and bring you to your next destination. Or other times, he'll remind you that you're early when he knows that you thought you're late. 'Shoot! Shoot! Shoot! I'm late!' You made a mad dash on your way to the entrance of Ensemble Square. You are so sure that the gods forbade you to be early and leave your home late. And that late in context is you arriving the place thirty minutes before work hours. You panted for air and sat on the seats on the lobby. You've really had enough of running for your life and arrive later than your desired time. "Goddamn... I'm late... again..." "(Name)? You're quite early today." Hiiro walked towards to the seats and sat beside you. "Actually, I'm late. My feet ache because of these most uncomfortable shoes I wore after all of the running. I picked the wrong pair for today... Not to mention, I have a meeting with fine on 8'o clock sharp and Tenshouin will behead me if I arrived at ES like a huge mess." Without a word from Hiiro, he immediately carried you and entered the elevator. "I'll take you there. That's where I'm also heading to." You arrived at StarPro office fifteen minutes before work hours thanks to Hiiro. It still lasted after ALKALOID's previous live and it concerns you that he was always there before an unfortunate scenario will occur. He is also attentive to anything important and yet it worried you that he used most of his time on you. He should use his time for himself, for school, and his unit. If there is a way to avoid Hiiro, and that is to stay at the producer course's area or not having ALKALOID at your schedule. You don't want him to hear your heart beating loudly when he's near or close to you. Because of this, you wanted to ask for an advice on how to make a certain redhead leave your radar. Getting a ton of luck will work but it's impossible. Another one is your big fat crush towards him developed even more that it made you faint. The cold wind brought you back to reality and realized something when you asked yourself this question. 'Why am I here and why at the rooftop of all places...?' Asking for an advice from a senior who have no love experience is really hard to talk to. You're not close to almost everyone at the producer course so you decided to ask someone at the idol course. Since Valentine's day is coming to a close, you had to prepare since love is going to spread all around Yumenosaki. For sure, you're going to see your fellow producers have a mountain of gifts on their desk. "Senior Narukami..." You weakly called the girl who is applying make-up in class 3-B classroom. "I need your help..." You were practically crying anime tears at this point as you clapped your hands and begged. This caught her attention and she saw the way you begged for her help and to her, it's an adorable sight to see for her to see her adorable junior producer at this time of hour. "If it's about your crush on Aira's unit leader, I'd be happy to talk to you about it." Said the knight and it left you in shock. 'I almost forgot that rabu~i shortie is in the circle Narukami is in...' "Little Aira told me about that yesterday when our circle had a little meeting at Café Cinnamon. When I heard that you'll meet with ALKALOID, I couldn't hold the urge to buy tea for you~♡" Your mouth open agape. She really did buy you tea few days ago— one of the person who is most likely to treat you something on the spot. You rarely met her due to work and school purposes that you heard news from her very later than the said date of event. Arashi put her cosmetics on the desk and stood up from her seat. "Come inside and take a seat. I need you to answer my questions while I make you pretty." Arashi pulled you in the classroom but you were too stunned to notice everything around you and have you sat down on one of the chairs nearby her desk. The moment she raised her brushes and palettes, you shook your head and covered your face. "Senior Narukami, I'm not here for a make-up session. I'm actually asking for an advice—" "Alright, first question, is it really infatuation you are feeling towards him or was it something else?" You gave up. She asked you while she carefully apply sunscreen on your face. "Infatuation... perhaps?" "Perhaps? You didn't know about your feelings? My, what an innocent one you are." Well it's your first time so it can't be helped. "Unlike Anzu who is at an all-boys school and never had any romantic relationships or interests, this is the first time a girl in Yumenosaki— also a producer, had a romantic interest with someone. It seems like this is your first time feeling like this so it seems like it." As if she read your mind, Arashi applied foundation on your face and blush on your cheeks. She proceeds to grab an eyeshadow palette and applied the right color to her liking. "Natural skin tone colors are right for you and a little color that matches your eyes. Now, close your eyes." "Naru—" "Just call me Arashi." "Okay, Senior Arashi, why are you applying make-up on my face? I don't even need a makeover." "That's because you're meeting someone." You could feel her soft hands cupping your cheek firmly and gently. "Aira and I agreed to have you meet a certain someone and give you both an alone time. Thankfully, Tori told me that you have a vacant schedule thanks to the president's kindness. It seems like he knows what we're planning since it's closely related to you. Now open your eyes and look up. Your eyelashes are next." You did as she said and applied the liquid mascara on your eyelashes and brushed it carefully. 'Goshdarnit, Isara. I hope Senior Ritsu will hog up your time alone.' You cursed and mentally threaten Mao that he sneezed in the student council room. "Bless me..." "Actually, what I'm trying to say is—" "Now, hush. It's time for the lip balm." "Arashi..." "This is the first time you said my name," Arashi began to apply lip gloss on your lips carefully. "Almost done... and there!" She said as she closed the container and gave you a mirror. You looked different from your usual self. Arashi did a perfect work of art on using make-up on you. "Fufu, you look like a model (Name)." Arashi said as she placed her hands on your shoulders. "Now, you wouldn't mind if I make a few changes on your outfit..." Arashi did grabby hand gestures over your shoulders and you know that you won't last a day there. "A-Arashi?! I mean, Senior Arashi, I'm fine with this!" "Tut tut, I promised Aira you'll look pretty, Little (Name)~ Now, behave and let me make you look beautiful in his eyes~♡" "I don't think you need to do it..." "Mika~ Mind lending me and (Name) a hand?" She still did anyway. Aira and Arashi (+Mika and Mayoi) planned this. It was unexpected but all you could think is leaving but Arashi and Mika watched you from the rooftop's entrance. You wanted to jump down from the building and it seemed so tempting that you held the railing. But the gods know that the lady is watching you so you stayed there near at the bench under the tree and sighed in defeat. Speaking of Arashi, she suddenly went out of the door and hid behind the wall on the far end of the rooftop entrance and followed by Mika who was frantically dashing his way where Arashi is. You could guess that it's a sign that the person they've wanted you to expect to see is closer for this arranged date they've prepared. You are not mentally prepared for this. You have a great feeling that they're tired of seeing you pining over him. They wouldn't admit but it was clearly evident. And for some reason... "Why did they prepare for this three days before Valentine's day...?" To cut this short, someone carried you here out of your will and definitely it's not Arashi who bridal carried you all the way here and ran to hide from your view and not Mika fussing over you not wearing a coat and scarf to keep yourself warm. "If this happens at work, then I won't let myself see the light of day." The door opened with a loud bang. You stood up to see who's at the door. "Speaking of, he's here with..." your voice faltered when you only saw just him walking his way to you and you could only look at Aira and Mayoi discreetly walking away to the corner and hid there. "Only him..." "Hi (Name)," Hiiro greeted you and you returned his greeting with a small hello. "Aira told me to meet you here. Do you have something to tell me about?" Ah, yes. "Well, it's about you." Hiiro's listened carefully and closely. "These past days, you're following me. Not to mention, you saved me multiple times whenever my clumsy self showed up. Another thing is you spent your whole time these past days doing these on your free time and all both on work and school." "Is there a problem with that?" He innocently asked. "Yes and no. Yes, because you're always there when I don't need help or anything and no, because it's my problem and not yours. So why bother wasting your precious time saving me and having yourself occupied by following me?" "Well..." "Another reason is because of you giving me multiple heart attacks when you're close that I'm close to fainting because of me having this stupid crush on you. Because of this... you saving me a lot of times that I couldn't count, I began to think to myself and began to pine over you that I talked about this whenever I wanted to have a conversation with Senior Narukami and Senior Anzu—" You went on and on until you realized what you had just said. You covered your mouth and apologized when you saw his stunned reaction. Little did you know, he felt the same. Oblivious as he was and followed the culture of courtship in his hometown, he hardly noticed about his feelings that when he talked about once with Aira, the blonde immediately pointed out that he's infatuated deeply for you. He also pined for you. It wasn't obvious that he earned for your attention because he made it seem platonic when he had no romantic cell in his body in his seventeen years of his existence. The way his heart jumped at your words and a small blush with a shade of rosy pink dusted on his cheeks. Currently, he brought Kohaku's hair to shame. Aira always mention whenever Hiiro blushed and it never fazed him in the slightest. You cleared your throat and look away. "Apologies, Amagi. If you'll excuse me." And you left, leaving him stunned under the tree. Arashi and Aira sighed, Mayoi froze, and Mika weakly groaned. A fail but there's progress. "Oh dear. Should we arrange for an another date this Chocolate DreFes?" Arashi asked and the rest nodded in agreement.

Valentines Day— or in Yumenosaki, Chocolate DreFes arrived like a truck crashing on you and transported you to an another world. You arrived at the school building and entered the hallway and the first thing you see is an arch decorated with roses and red and pink hearts. You are literally thinking if it's Aira day or what. Your day will be so not rabu~i. Wandering at the halls seemed like a bad idea. Why? It's because there is a group of student idols following you and watching every move you'd done. Violet orbs are watching you worriedly and bit her fingernail thumb because you are too aware of your surroundings. Her gaze bore holes in yout back and it sends you shivers on your spine. "It's no use. (Name) knows we're here." Arashi uttered. "We'll add a little distance and we'll be at the far end of her radar." "But that also means one thing if we add a little distance— we'll lose sight of them." Aira gritted his teeth. "Where is Hiiro when he need him?" "Didn't Lord Ayase brought him to their meeting spot?" Shinobu asked the two blondes and Aira grimaced. His emerald orbs bore holes into the chuuninja's soul. He glared and asked him, "And why the school farm of all places?" "(Name) likes animals, you know? So why not?" Ritsu looked at you and stealthily followed for a moment "I—" Aira calmed down for a moment and sighed. "Wasn't it supposed to be the school garden...?" Ritsu stopped in his tracks. They both realized their mistake. "Oh..." Ritsu then ran towards you and carried you like a sack of potatoes. It startled you that you panicked. Aira and Shinobu saw this and it frightened them. Knights are obviously known for kidnapping a fellow student in the past and it was obviously started by a model slash idol. "Wait— who?!" "Sorry dear... we really need to do this." Someone covered your eyes with a blindfold and you are so sure that it's the same unit who was known for kidnapping fellow Yumenosaki students. You felt the person carrying you moved and you paled. "So, I'm an another victim of kidnapping that was done by Knights? Seriously! Who taught you? Mr. Sena?" ‘Glad they didn't mention Tsukasa...' The two internally sighed in relief. "Hush down, (Name)." You heard Arashi. "It's better if you don't ask what will happen to you after this." Shinobu and Aira looked at the two knights and looked at each other and back to them. A question popped in to their mind. 'Should we tell this to the president...?' A red streak flashed all the way past the two confused juniors that left them being surrounded by question marks. And they realized it's the young leader of Knights, Tsukasa Suou. "Senior Narukami, Senior Ritsu, put (Name) down! That's KIDNAPPING." Tsukasa's voice was heard from the other end of the hall and ran towards the two third years carrying you. Arashi yelled back, "Says you, Tsukasa~ Ritsu's the one who started this." "Says the one who blindfolded them," Ritsu retorted and didn't look back. He could see the eyes staring at them and it literally says, "Knights are kidnapping someone again..." and it was obvious to the ravenette. "It'll be better if we surprise (Name) on their precious Valentines' date with a certain someone~ Someone like..." "Naru, don't. You'll spoil the surprise." Ritsu chuckled and pinched your thighs, making you squeak. He wants to know if you're still alive from all of the running. He immediately stopped and followed by Arashi and Tsukasa who nearly tripped. "Okay, change positions. Naru, help me put (Name) on my back. My shoulders got stiff." "Rest well, Ritsu," Arashi carried you away from Ritsu and held you in her arms. "I'll take her to the dating spot in your place." Arashi left and squealed as she ran. "See you later~" Tsukasa felt something like plastic held on his hand and saw that it's a bag of chocolates. He saw this and yelled, "Senior Narukami, wait!" The red haired knight followed Arashi and left the tired vampire on the floor.

He groaned, "At least help me up... wha?" Mauve streaks dashed through the halls and picked up the vampire on the floor out of habit. Ritsu sloppily greeted him. "Hey, Maa-kun~" "Hey, Ritsu..." Mao greeted back and nervously looked at Ritsu who is looking at him with that lovestruck look and it was clearly evident that there are hearts forming on his vermilion irises. Two students saw this and followed the srudent council president on the pursuit. 'Seems gay, amirite?' Shinobu and Aira thought as they ran. 'The power of love/The power of Valentines.' Aira mentally grumbled to himself and contacted Mayoi to take Hiiro to the garden. 'Today is not so lovely~ at all!' Airabui: mayoi pls take hiiro to the garden asap Mayoi: what happened? did they change the location? Airabui: yes and they're heading to the garden PLS HURRY Airabui: arashi said that they'll wait for him at the gazebo NOW PLS HURRY BC PRES IS WITH THEM Arashi placed you on a bench near the gazebo of the garden. She carefully took off the blindfold and you were blinded by the morning winter light shining down on the cold land. You raised your brow the moment you laid eyes on her violet irises. She chuckled at your reaction and sat beside you. "Now, now, don't be mad. I have to make you pretty like last time." Arashi took out her make-up kit out of her bag and revealed various brushes on her hands. You dropped a sweat even the weather is cold but you are pretty sure nothing goes well after all of this. After a swift makeover thanks to Arashi Narukami, the most beautiful Knight known in Yumenosaki Academy (Cue Izumi probably shed crocodile tears because he graduated. Sucks to be him.), you look even more prettier than last time, as what she had told you after that. You could hear her happy sigh when she saw someone from the distance coming closer to where you two are. "I did say you have a date right?" You were about to answer but she just squealed and became jittery. "He's already here so that's my cue to leave. Good luck, dear♡" And she left... again. You sighed when you heard Mayoi telling someone that they'll head somewhere and look for someone near the gazebo. It was faint but you felt glad for your good hearing. You look around to see what part of the garden you are and to your surprise and dismay, you are close to the gazebo. "What a cliché plan. It was inevitable is not an overstatement." You muttered and turn around. Your eyes widen when you saw those same eyes that you've admired to see as long as you remembered. "Amagi..." You whispered his name. A tone that only you two could hear. "Hi, (Name)." He greeted you and looked at your eyes, which you look away because you wanted to avoid any eye contact. You cleared your throat to break the short silence. "What brings you here...?" He answered, "Mayoi told me I'll look for someone near the gazebo but it turns out he wanted me to see you. Do you need me for something." "I..." You just had a mental block but you suddenly recovered. " Actually, Senior Narukami— No, I mean, Knights brought me here out of my will because of this certain day." "I see..." He uttered quietly. "Do you want to hang out with me today? You seem like you have no plans this whole day." You began to contemplate if you want to spend time with him today or not. A part of you wants to run away and another part of you wanted him to be with you here. "I..." Suddenly, a memory of you came into your mind. You made chocolates last night and brought it here to school to give it to him. One is obligatory and one is a Valentines' Day chocolate. You opened the zipper of your bag and rummaged through the contents. You internally sighed in relief to see that they aren't damaged after all of this kidnapping shenanigan that Knights had done. Hiiro was surrounded by question marks that he was wondering what got you so relieved after looking what inside your bag. "Amagi... No, Hiiro..." He stood straight when you said his name. This is the first time you said his name. "This is the first time I called you by your name..." He looked at you as if you're saying his thoughts. "I wanted to give you something..." You let out a bag of chocolates. It was wrapped in red plastic and sealed with a gold ribbon. You thought it was the obligatory one and you didn't know which bag did you let out. You closed your eyes and bowed while holding out the bag on your hand. "I like you, Hiiro Amagi! Please accept this chocolate and please be my...?" You opened your eye and it twitched when you saw your Valentine chocolate on your hands and continued. "my Valentine date..." Arashi saw this and she was so sure you didn't expect to take the Valentine chocolate instead of the obligatory one. Arashi told you to pour all of your love on the Valentine chocolate and make the obligatory one simple. Another thing she said is to put it in different colored bags and seal it with diffrent colored ribbons. If the bag is red, then it's a Valentine chocolate. If the color is beige, then it's obligatory. Unknown to you, she took your bag and took out the obligatory chocolate and threw it to Tsukasa when he nearly tripped. She got a bit impatient at the whole scene they had caused but she is so sure that it'll be worth it. She mentally facepalmed at what she had done but she became even more jittery and bit her lip while enjoying the scene behind the bushes. "Valentine date...?" Hiiro tilted his head in confusion. Then he remembered what Aira had told him yesterday. "Okay, Hiiro. Here's a small lesson about the difference of Valentine choclates and obligatory chocolates." Aira pointed at the cardboard of his presentation which Hiiro listened. "Obligatory chocolates are mostly accepted when someone told you that it's obligatory— meaning it's required to give it to the receiver. If someone give you an obligatory choclate, accept it whether you like it or not." "Aira, what if it's a Valentine chocolate?" Hiiro asked and Aira didn't hesitate to answer. "Hiiro, if someone give you a Valentine chocolate and confess to you, it's either you accept it or not. But if it's someone you like, accept it or not. It depends on you." "Even if it's (Name)'s choclate?" Hiiro asked. "Even (Name)'s chocolate." Aira answered. "Even if it's (Name)'s Valentine chocolate?" "Even (Name)'s Valentine cho— wait..." Aira paused and looked at Hiiro. He could probably see a tail wagging real fast behind his back. "Pardon?!" "I know it's illegal for a producer and an idol to be in a relationship but please accept this as (Name) and not as a producer." "I'd be happy to accept as your date, (Name)." That only answer can make everyone's jaw drop, including yours. "W-Wait! I—" You rummaged your bag again and the obligatory chocolate wasn't seen in your bag.  You paled and began to regret your actions. "Something wrong?" Hiiro asked you and you shook your head. "N-Nothing's wrong. Something just slipped out of my mind and forgot. Haha..." 'Arashi... you took the obligatory chocolate out of my bag, right...?' "Yes I did." As if she read your mind, she smirked devilishly and that scared the young knight, which that made him look at the bag of chocolates he held. Hiiro smiled and chuckled, "I wouldn't mind becoming your Valentine date, (Name)." "But it's only today and—" "Hm? I thought we'll be a couple after this." And he remembered what his brother told him. "Hiiro, if ya accept someone's Valentine chocolate, savour it. If there is a certain someone in your mind givin' ya that kind of chocolate, accept it. Maybe they want to date ya and become yer partner for life." Rinne snickered at his own answer when he knows that it's you who he's thinking of. "Then what if I accept (Name)'s Valentine chocolate and have them as your sibling-in-law?" "Heh, that's something the first thing I'll hear before you date someone like— huh?" Rinne's mouth was open agape and the lollipop he savoured fell from his mouth after hearing his brother's words. He didn't expect that. Talk about hearts jumping and sprinting a marathon. "It's— It doesn't work that way...!" You yelped. Your face became redder than before, making you putting Hiiro's hair to shame. "You're supposed to reciprocate their feelings after they confess! Not just accepting a confession like that if you actually want to accept it." "Then what if I felt the same as you do?" Hiiro innocently asked and you felt like fainting. "Then that was a little enough for the receiver to accept it." "Then what will you say when I remove the what if and tell you directly?" You could feel your heart skipping multiple beats and had an another mental block. "I—" Hiiro held your hands and smiled. You could see an another Subaru right in front of you because it was too bright for you to see. "I like you too, (Name). I felt the same way. I accept you, your confession, and your chocolate. I wouldn't mind becoming your Valentine date and please accept as my partner for life. I wanted to tell you this as Hiiro Amagi, not Hiiro Amagi of ALKALOID." He said and you felt your knees weak and wobbly like a tubeman dancing outside of stores. "I... accept your confession, Hiiro Amagi..." "They did it! (Name) finally confessed!" Arashi cheered first and jumped out of the bush but Ritsu and Tsukasa stopped her before your situation takes a wild turn. You and Hiiro look around to see who screamed but saw no one. He looked at you and held out his hand and said, "Mind if I escort you to your classroom?" "I can go there by myself, Amagi." You said and you could see puppy ears folded down. "I insist." He said as he let out a small pout. You scratched the back of your head and surrendered. "Alright, fine." You could see him brighten up like the sun. His aura can be mistaken as an another Subaru, indeed.

The next day, you met Anzu at the main entrance of Ensemble Square and told her everything what had happened yesterday at campus until you both reached the lobby. She listened while seeing you smile like a child finally appreciating something they cherished deeply. Little did you know is that she was at the other side of the garden, away from where Arashi and the others are. It was all fine but the two of you got interrupted when your names are called by a certain someone. "(Name)! Anzuuuuu! Uchuu~" An eccentric ginger dashed towards you two and you both managed to dodge him. He tripped on his feet and fell to the floor. He sputtered and turned to face you two. "How mean! I wanted to hug you both and this is what I get?" He pouted. "Leo, you can lower it down if you like. It's morning." You held out your hand and Leo accepted it and helped him up. Leo noticed something and it clicked in his mind. "Everytime I'm a few seconds close to hug you, you always fall down. This time, you dodged it. How come?" "Pure instinct." You plainly answered. "Dunno. This morning, I felt a wave crashing onto me and everything went well. I was completely wondering  how did that happen, to be honest." Anzu knows and she preferred not to say it. "Hm, I see—" "Tsukippi... Time to practice. Secchan is waiting for us." Ritsu grabbed Leo by the collar and dragged him away. "Ritsuuuuu... I want to talk to (Name) and Anzu." "Talk to them later." Ritsu yawned and left the area with Leo in tow. Anzu looked at you and asked you something that made your cheeks red. "I heard that you confessed to someone. Is it true?" "Wait— does anyone in Yumenosaki know?" You covered your face to hide the blush. She answered, "Not everyone... I think I saw Knights yesterday at the garden. I was just passing by and went there for air until I saw them. It caught my attention because of those suspicious bushes  near Trickstar." 'Knights and Trickstar?!' "Please kill me..." "Good morning, Anzu. Good morning, (Name)." A voice from the entrance of Ensemble Square was heard from where you are and the first thing your eyes had seen is red. And it's your boyfriend, Hiiro Amagi. "You're pretty early today, ALKALOID." Anzu said You calmed yourself down and checked your schedule. "Seems like your unit is the first on my schedule, Hiiro." "Mhm, Tenshouin told me that yesterday at Starmony Dorm." Hiiro responded and smiled. "Looking forward to work with you, (Name)." "Same here, Hiiro." Tatsumi, who isn't aware of yesterday's incident was left confused and curious at the same time. He looked at Mayoi who acted like a proud parent and Aira just sighed. You and Anzu excused to leave and went to StarPro office to meet with Eichi. As you two left and out of the radar, Tatsumi asked his fellow unitmates. "Did something happen at Yumenosaki?" "Hiiro... he..." "Hiiro..." Mayoi and Aira hesitatntly answered at the same time. "He's dating someone." They said it at the same time again but lower in volume. "Did (Name) helped Hiiro confess to someone?" Mayoi nodded and Aira shooked his head. Tatsumi asked again and pondered, "I don't see him as someone who will date anyone..." "That's because he's courting someone and you didn't notice." Aira said and looked at his leader. "Care to elaborate this, Hiiro?" Hiiro was about to answer but Aira covered his mouth. "W-We're at a public area so why not talk about this somewhere private." Then it all connected to the teal-haired senior's head. Hiiro can only just nod because Aira still covered his mouth. "And since when did it happen?" Tatsumi asked again. "Since the day when Hiiro dragged me out of Café Cinnamon..." Aira only answered for Hiiro. He feared that his loud voice can spread rumors and scandals. "And who is it?" "Ithwathmmhmm" Hiiro tried to say something but all the three could hear is muffling noises from Hiiro and Aira pressed his hand harder on Hiiro's mouth. But Aira paled when he saw Mayoi whispering to Tatsumi's and the teal-haired nodded. "I see..." He chuckled. "Good luck on your relationship with them, Hiiro." "Aihwul" He still answered but Aira couldn't just let him say it out. He gritted his teeth and told him, "Don't say this out loud or rumors will spread like wildfire. Understand?" Hiiro can only nod. "Ah, young love..." "Tatsumi, you only graduated..." "I feel like an old man when you're feeling the youth, you two."

W/N:

*Googles on how to get a Hiiro irl* and realizes that that kind of person doesn't exist.

[cononeillbreastingboobily]

Girl wtf is happening girl oh my god

So I sent in two papers for two classes I had with this one guy

Well, get this - not only did he not check mine or anyone else's papers while there was the assigned time to retake finals, rewrite papers etc

He gave everyone's grades yesterday at night, when the new semester has already started, failing most of us btw, wrote a group email to everyone accusing us of plagiarism and ghostwriting (wtf?) and threatening there will be consequences not only in his classes, but he would fuck up our other classes, and if someone (e. g. me) was in their last semester, he would make a point to the promoters of our thesis papers to say that we didn't write them ourselves, made a point about how if you plagiarize there shouldn't be a place for you in higher education OR in a well-functioning society at large, also stating that um actually? higher education isn't necessary to be a valued member of society :)

Like???

My dude you are not normal?????

That is to say, multiple people already wrote complaints to the dean and the representative of the student body about this. We are also writing a group letter (the weekend crowd, from whom many also failed, already did write and send theirs) to the dean about this, pointing out the shit he did etc

God.

In the many years I've spent in higher education this is the first time something like this has happened. If anyone shouldn't be a part of higher education or society at large, it's him, not us. Like c'mon.

I've been nervously waiting for a month to get my grades, and this is what's happening? Sigh.band that's not even half of the shit he pulled. I'm so tired. I hope there will be a good resolution to all of this. I'm so close to graduating c'monnnnn

[alexanderwales]

hy Mr. Welles love your work there an inspration here are some questions I have been meaning to ask sorry if these are too many btw

1.what ar your favorites superman stories if that's okay to ask.

2. uh have you read the Gothamite fic which is a para/internal to your fanfic here it is in case you haven't read it https://the Gothamite.net .

3. How has life been going for you in general.

4. what is your favorite piece of media.

5.what is your favorite marvel character and did you ever plan on making a rational fic for a marvel superhero.

6. speaking of fics what is your favorite Superman fic since you have made one yourself mine Gettine Eating Alive by tandrelmairon and Dc the Golden Age of heroes by Komradekgbeast.

9. what has been your favorite story to write.

10. what are your thought on the Jewish aspect of superman do you thinks it under utilized or dont care about it or what.

11. what are stories you want to write some day.

and that's it love your work Alexander wells just keep on writing your stories are beutifual and amazing have a nice day.

On a plane right now, so you've caught me at a good moment:

I'm a huge fan of Superman: Red Son and Superman: Secret Identity. Generally I like stories that examine Superman as a powerful entity who needs to figure things out, and especially those that have some kind of Superman/Clark tension. I also like Lois Lane a lot, and the brash reporter archetype generally.

I have not read it, no. I generally don't enjoy reading fanfic of my stuff, though I'm happy that it exists, because it means people are getting something from the work.

Life has been fine. Just getting back from a convention where there was a ton of social stuff, and I am very drained, but also missing my wife. I also have piles of work to do right now.

Uh ... that's too broad. Favorite game is The Witness, favorite movie is Primer, favorite book is The Time Traveler's Wife, favorite painting is Birth of Venus (Bouguereau, not Boticelli), favorite comic is Calvin and Hobbes, favorite TV show is The Good Place (minus the ending), favorite song changes a lot, but is currently Father of Mine. All answers subject to change on the basis of mood, but none of those are going to drop out of the top ten.

Favorite Marvel character is difficult, but I guess I would say The Hulk because he seems really thematically rich. I am planning to write a movie script for Multiple Man this year, it's one of my New Year's Resolutions. No fanfic writing planned at the moment, unless someone from Marvel or DC gets in touch with me, in which case it's not technically fanfic.

It's been years since I've read any Superman fanfic, so I have to punt on this one, sorry.

Favorite story to write is probably one of the shorts, since they're usually finished in a single frantic sitting. Eager Readers in Your Area or Instruments of Destruction.

So far as I understand it, most of the Jewish stuff comes from the Kryptonian religion stuff, which is just ... not that interesting to me? Superman was canonically raised either Lutheran or Methodist or something. I think if you wanted to examine it, having it be a parallel to someone who comes to their chosen religion late in life might be ... interesting? But I was raised Mennonite, not Jewish, so maybe I'm uninterested because I know there would be a ton of research to do if I wanted to write it, and if I was reading it, there's a lot that would go over my head. I think "Superman as immigrant" is much more fertile ground.

I've got a very long list of things that I want to write. The next one is Doomsday Pivot, a system apocalypse type thing that I'm editing up right now. But there are more ideas than I have time to write.

Sorry if the numbering got messed up.

[pretty-rage-machine]

20 questions for fic writers

I got tagged by meikuree! You should go read her excellent fic. 8)

I can't remember whomst among my mutuals does fic or not 😭 consider yourself tagged if you're interested! Let's all toot our own horns

1. how many works do you have on ao3?

63. My account is here, btw.

2. what's your total ao3 word count?

AO3 informs me it's 244,098, which feels like SO much and yet almost nothing based on the time I have theoretically been writing.

3. what fandoms do you write for?

Gonna call out ones where I've written more than a single fic and where I feel it is at least somewhat likely I'll return and write more: Animorphs, Naruto, Blade of the Immortal, and Shingeki no Kyojin, but there's loads of one-offs and smaller fandoms there too. I'd like to write more Gravity Falls, as well.

The rest are under the cut.

4. what are your top five fics by kudos?

With All Brightness (Lilo & Stitch), The Girl In The Water (Spirited Away), beauty, her artificers (Greek mythology), I've got Four Voices on the Line (the only one I hear is mine) (Animorphs), and love what you see in the mirror (TWEWY). Perhaps significantly, four of these were written for Yuletide, and one was written as a new year's resolution treat, so also for Yuletide.

5. do you respond to comments?

Yes, I try to.

6. what's the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Ummm. Hmm. One of my friends once told me my fics were "gloomy" but I have a hard time calling out the angstiest ending. 😂Maybe it's Preludes (Naruto), a Kakuzu/Madara fic with Hashirama dying nearby? Or maybe it's On Moths (BOTI), a fic about Makie dying of tuberculosis back when it seemed like that might happen.

7. what's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

With All Brightness (Lilo & Stitch) is so fluffy I think it has to be it.

8. do you get hate on fics?

I never have! Touch wood

9. do you write smut? if so, what kind?

Yes! I write the kind that feels right for the characters to me. I like smut as character study and I like insane mindfucks and fucking as another manifestation of a battle of wills between characters.

10. do you write crossovers? what’s the craziest one you've written?

Like, a little drabble of one back in high school, Invader Zim/Kingdom Hearts lol. I really respect authors who can do a compelling crossover, but I don't feel like I'm that good tbh! Crossovers I want: Machineries of Empire/She-Ra (I need to see Kujen and Horde Prime go toe to toe), Gravity Falls/Attack on Titan (Hange and Bill Cipher being buds), Revolutionary Girl Utena/Narnia (ANTHY IN NARNIA. THE PROBLEM OF ANTHY)

11. have you ever had a fic stolen?

I had a fic's framing device lifted! It was like. Not a songfic but a poem fic. It was that Monday's Child poem, and I had a line of the poem and then a short bit of writing after each line. Someone commented telling me they liked the Batman version more (lol), when I knew mine had come first based on publication dates. It was weird but I was a lot younger at the time and didn't really know what to say.

12. have you ever had a fic translated?

Nope!

13. have you ever co-written a fic before?

Yes, with an ex-friend.

14. what's your all-time favorite ship?

Hmmmm I don't have an all-time favorite! I'm not so much about the shipping, though I enjoy shipfic.

15. what's a WIP you want to finish, but doubt you ever will?

All my currently-in-progress fics are oneshots. The WIPs that are unfinished, I know I'll never finish lolol

16. what are your writing strengths?

Uhh... (digs toe in the ground) character voice and tone? I feel like I don't know my own strengths lol. I used to get praised for beautiful imagery and having a "simple" style (though people would say this and then hastily clarify that they meant it in a good way, which tickled me) but not for a while.

17. what are your writing weaknesses?

I wish I was better at snappy dialogue and twisty plot, I really admire authors who are great with plot and can write things that give the feeling of like... things going wrong in a way that makes sense, characters dealing with that in a way that makes sense? Hmm.

18. thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic?

I think it can be handled very well or very poorly. I don't know if I myself ever would if canon didn't model doing it, or if I couldn't find someone fluent in the language to check that I wasn't butchering it.

19. first fandom you wrote for?

Invader Zim babyyyyyy

20. favorite fic you've ever written?

Hmm. Hard to pick just one, but here are some both old and recent that I especially like:

quelled and quenched in leaves (Stardew Valley) - a spooky fic I had a blast working on, very well received.

🐻🌠👋🗻FRIENDS🍦💎🔪🏄LEND💞🦆🕵️😲A👊👌🤟🙌HAND🤝🧙🔎💖 (Gravity Falls) - a doofy Gravity Falls casefic centered around some pretty rare characters. I jammed as many puns and gags into this as I could and tried some new things in general while I worked on it, and I'm still proud.

Chimera (Gemini) - exchange fic written for an obscure movie, another stretch in genre and tone that I still am proud of.

A Season Under the Kandrona (Animorphs) - fic about Aldrea and her family on an alien world. I just... love Animorphs so much

long still sea (Blade of the Immortal) - fix-it fic for the ending when I really needed that, written over the course of a single day in a borderline fugue state. I wish I could call on that productivity at will lmao

template:

1. how many works do you have on ao3?

2. what's your total ao3 word count?

3. what fandoms do you write for?

4. what are your top five fics by kudos?

5. do you respond to comments?

6. what's the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

7. what's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

8. do you get hate on fics?

9. do you write smut? if so, what kind?

10. do you write crossovers? what’s the craziest one you've written?

11. have you ever had a fic stolen?

12. have you ever had a fic translated?

13. have you ever co-written a fic before?

14. what's your all-time favorite ship?

15. what's a WIP you want to finish, but doubt you ever will?

16. what are your writing strengths?

17. what are your writing weaknesses?

18. thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic?

19. first fandom you wrote for?

20. favorite fic you've ever written?

[caffeine-n-words]

Writerly New Year Resolution

It's a new year, and we all have our resolutions. This year, mine is to write and begin publishing an actual serial. Of a sort. Probably not the type you're thinking of.

When most people hear "serial," they probably think of something like Worm by Wildblow. (CW. btw, for...a lot of shit. Actually, just read the About page first, it gives some fairly good, spoiler-free warnings for your expectations.)

However, I don't think that would work very well for me, so I sought another method. In this case, novelette/novella-length "episodes."

To kick off my resolution, this quarter I have three goals. One, the main goal I'll be spending the majority of my time on, is in outlining the serial as a whole and getting at least the first 2 episodes done.

At this point, the tentative idea behind this serial is a dark urban fantasy featuring two teenage necromancers--one who has long been aware and accepted himself as a necromancer, and another who only recently learned and is far from happy about it. I'll try to update on this goal as I get individual tasks done, and I'll probably talk about it here. The tentative title for this is The Bone Kings, and the tag (if you want to filter for posts) will be "caffy project: tbk".

There's other goals, of course. One of them is for fanfic, because writing fanfic is my best source of stress relief, and I have a personal improvement goal as well. But I'll post the fanfic goal on the side blog 😁

[yin-yanglulu]

Rule The World: Chapter One

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences (Nothing that bad happens, it’ll just have a teensy bit more language than usual)

Catagory: M/F

Fandom: Skylanders (Video Games)

Relationship: Cali/Flynn (Skylanders)

Characters: Cali (Skylanders), Flynn (Skylanders)

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Actors, Alternate Universe - Modern, Fluff, Romantic Comedy, yes I’ve given them surnames bc it’s an actor au

(This doesn’t have anything to do with Calynn week btw)

Cali was at a actor new year’s party, she was sat at a table chatting with some friends.

“Do you seriously not have any resolutions for the new year Cal?” Her friend and fellow actress Robin Corbin asked.

“Not really, I haven’t really thought about them yet!” Cali replied.

“You’ll need to think about them soon!” said Pixie Nightingale, another one of Cali’s friends.

(Author’s note: idk with these names I came up with lol, also I’m not that good at writing small talk)

“Heh, not my fault I’ve been busy!” Cali said.

There was a moment of silence between the three, until they heard another limousine park up to the place.

“Who’s that?” Pixie asked.

“I dunno, they never told us about what other people are gonna show up!” Robin replied.

“Should we go take a look?” Cali asked.

“Yeah, why not!” Pixie answered.

They went downstairs to the entrance to have a peek at who showed up, there was still crowds of people waiting outside, most of them wanting to catch a glimpse of who’s at the party.

“Woah, they’re all still here?!” Robin asked confusingly.

“It is a party that largely consists of actors and actresses after all!” Cali replied.

“Wait! He’s here too?!” Pixie said as she noticed who it was.

“Pixie, who is it you’re talking about?” Cali asked.

“It’s that Flynn Boomfield guy, I dunno what he’s doing here, he must’ve been invited here too!”

(Author’s Note: Yes I made that Flynn’s surname)

Flynn was walking out of the taxi and into the entrance of the party building, he stopped for a moment to wink at the crowd, resulting in the crowd cheering.

“Of course most of the crowd that screamed were girls, the guy’s kinda known for being popular with that crowd, not that he’s dated anyone from there, but he has his fans!” Pixie said.

“Oh that guy, I’ve heard about him before-“ Cali said before Robin cut her off.

“Yeah! I’ve talked to him before, he’s a pretty cool guy!” Robin said.

“Hey, uhhh…can you tell me where the party is, I’ve been invited here!” Flynn asked them, somewhat confused as to why they were standing there.

“Sure! I’ll show you, it’s nice to see you again!” Robin said, offering to take him to the main room.

“Same here!” Flynn said, shaking her hand.

“Ummm, you’ve still got your sunglasses on!” Cali said, looking at him.

“Oh, right, always forget about that!” Flynn chuckled as he took them off and put them in his pocket.

“Not expecting that big of a crowd waiting for you outside huh?” Pixie asked.

“Heh, wasn’t that shocking, I know how many fans of mine were out there, and I figured the ladies were waiting for me to wink at them!” He replied as they began walking.

They eventually got to the main party room.

Pixie and Robin went off to the bar, while Flynn and Cali were left standing there.

“Hey, I ummm, didn’t catch your name!” Flynn said.

“Cali, Cali Gladstone, Pixie already told me your name” she replied.

“Well, it’s nice to meet you” Flynn said offering his hand for a handshake.

“Nice to meet you too!” Cali said, shaking his hand.

It seemed that Cali had lost sight of Robin and Pixie.

“Should we just sit at another table until we find them?” Cali asked.

“Yeah, I’m kinda thirsty!” Flynn replied as they sat down.

“What can I get for you?” The waiter asked them.

“What do you want?” Cali asked Flynn.

“It’s new years, so why not some champagne!” Flynn answered.

“Cool, I’ll have the same!” Cali told the waiter.

“Two glasses of champagne, coming up!” The waiter said as they walked off.

“So, what have you been in recently?” Cali asked.

“Oh, y’know, just the typical, I’ve been in a lot of things lately, I guess you could say I’m famous!” Flynn replied.

“I could tell by the crowd of people waiting for you outside, you seem to be popular with a lot of people” Cali said.

“Heh, yeah…I know there’s a loooot of ladies out there that would agree with you there, I always make sure to wink at them at stuff like that, their reactions are priceless, I’m not really against that kinda stuff, I mean, they are a majority of my fans, but, it kinda gets old after a while, though I don’t blame them, I mean, I do consider myself pretty handsome and irresistible!” Flynn responded.

“Hm, fascinating!”

The two of them seemed to have been having a friendly conversation, they spent some time drinking champagne and exchanging stories about their acting careers.

They decided to head outside on the balcony for a while, as it was almost midnight.

“Y’know, there’s a lotta feelings that when you’ve been acting for a long time, you can’t really tell if those feelings are real or just want the script says you’re supposed to feel…” Flynn said.

“Hm, really?” Cali asked.

“Yeah…” Flynn replied.

Their hands were inches from touching, their faces started getting closer, until…

BANG!

The fireworks started going off, as it had turned midnight.

“Oh, I didn’t even realise it was that time already!” Flynn chuckled.

“Well, it is, heres to a new year!” Cali replied, raising her glass, Flynn did the same, and they clinked their glasses together.

After the fireworks, they began to say their goodbyes.

“Hey Cali!” Flynn said, as he was about to walk out the entrance to his ride home.

“We should try meeting up sometime!” He said.

“Oh, okay! See you later!” Cali said.

“See ya!” Flynn said as he walked out the entrance, the crowd cheered again as he walked into the limousine.

Shortly afterwards, Cali’s taxi had arrived.

As she was driven to her home, her mind was still thinking about what Flynn had said to her.

“He couldn’t have meant…that…could he?”

To Be Continued…

[thebybyebiline]

[ 202301.11 ] | [ WEDNESDAY ] | [ CLOUDY ]

Hey all!

I hope you all are having a great start to the new year. I have been progressing slowly, finally added the third chapter to BTW. Excited to continue on with it. The next couple chapters are gonna be Peri and Parent-centric, so be ready for that.

A new year's resolution for me is to be less doubtful of my writing abilities, as well as to build in my confidence in regards to writing. I had a busy start for the new year, I found myself practically scrambled trying to find past writings to begin a proper writing portfolio. I am planning to apply to ChoiceScripts to be a writer of theirs. I haven't done any research on them yet, but here's hoping they're civil. lol

In addition to BTW & TBA, I'm thinking of adding @thehuntersacethetic (THAT) to my list of current WIPs since it's a choicescript project. I hope they don't mind.

But since then, I found a few of my past writings and its such a nostalgic read. I've been obsessed with a piece of mine that I've been wanting to dig up and turn into something else for a while, but I don't want to stretch myself out too thin. I've barely been able to continue these few WIPs, but here I go adding another!

In any case, I hope this journal entry has been somewhat helpful. I will try to start this new writing routine tomorrow. Wish me luck!

-TA

[bunny-rambles]

The cats I saw in a sanctuary from Italy, a big fireplace with a metal cover so the kitties don't burn themselves, good smelling candles (I don't know any good ones cause I cant smell them) with covers for the cats, Scara and Albedo turned into actual cats curled up somewhere in the room, a shit ton of fluffy blankets to cover the floor and curl up in, hot coco (cat friendly because I've had too many attempts from Pingpong to drink whatever it is I'm holding) big fluffy pillows and a heater that fills the room.

Greetings from Italy btw! I'm gonna be here until a bit before New years so I bring an early Christmas present.

These are the cats I saw at the sanctuary and that I am using to summon you:

I'm inviting them because it was super cold on the day my dad and I went to visit the sanctuary and they were stuck outside in enclosures unfortunately :( poor babies must've been so cold.

Oh also these two:

They were at a toy store super close to the airbnb we were staying at and apparently the only thing they do all day is sleep in that box. I'd love to join them. They were so different from the sanctuary kitties cause when I went to pet them they didn't even react, not even a sniff of my fingers. The sanctuary kitties were so scared though they'd literally run and hide everytime my dad and I approached even though there was a fence in between us. We didn't get to pet the sanctuary kitties either. 😞

Just. So many cats. I've been missing mine this entire trip and my mom doesn't send enough pictures so I guess I'm projecting.

cat anon !!

I’ve been saving your previous ask to absolutely go ham on brainrotting about papa mouche so I’m glad you decided to send another one in (,:

hm… sounds like a lot of cat. and you know what, that would definitely summon me >:) I have a feeling the spell would go wrong and you’d have cat!bunny though, but I’m not complaining about it (and I doubt you are either) you’ll probably find me curled up with my boys

but so many kitties !! i love every one of them (but the fat brown one is slightly loved more, I love chonky bois)

omg and the ones curled up look sooo comfy OTL that’s adorable, I would pet them but I don’t want to disturb them

Project all you like, you’re a delight to have in my inbox even though I don’t reply sometimes (although, my New Years resolution is to clear out my inbox so;;;; who knows, i may answer the others too - I’ll definitely be answering the last one you sent)

I hope you’re having a wonderful time in Italy my friend, and if we don’t talk until the new year, Merry Christmas !! I hope you have a lovely day if you don’t celebrate it too !!

Love bunny <33

[whumpmyworld]

The Ghost Bride (2020)

[delphicstrawberries]

FAT MOOD online doesnt help my adhd ass and i cant get myself to pay attention and the one time i went in person it was awesome ahdgjksdgh the struggle is real

also !! OHHHHH i might get into that!!! i've heard of locke and key it's definitely on my watchlist!!! and all those books sound amazing, i'll def tell you if i read them and react to you if that's okay aksghaskg

hmm i dont think i've seen a lot lately OH I BINGED THE WITCHER IDK IF YOU'VE SEEN IT. it's kind of like the grishaverse too so i think you'd like it but it has seggs akjhgkasdhgka just a warning. i mean its not game of thrones they dont show anything but still

and!! i didnt know you like cartoons!!!! that's AWESOME and iconic ajdshgkasd i definitely recommend amphibia idk if you've seen it yet but i highly recommend :DD OH AND HILDA which is where my pfp comes from!!! it's a really nice series i love it sooo much, it's on netflix!!!

and i havent read much lately, sadly. im reading trc in english right now, and i havent even finished the second book of adsom yet but i know you already read those gkasdhgjk i'll read the seven husbands of evelyn hugo tho and i'll make sure to tell you if i liked it and if i recommend reading it!!! <333

you should!! locke and key is really good. and if you read any of them i’d love yo see your reactions!!!

ive heard good things about the witcher, i’ll look into it :)

i love cartoons sm!! they’re sooo good! and i’ve already started amphibia but i haven’t gotten far, and i’ve been meaning to watch hilda so i’ll definitely do that!

and i’m so curious about the seven husbands of evelyn hugo, im excited to know what you think!! :) <3

[not-xpr-art]

Art Advice #13 - A Beginner’s Guide to Digital Art... part TWO!

Hi!!

So about a year ago I made THIS blog post with some very basic tips for anyone who has just started in digital art, and since it’s probably one of my popular art advice posts, I thought it was about time I did a sequel!

For this post, I want to go into a little more of the specifics about techniques and options you can use in digital art. I will be focusing on the program that I use (which is FireAlpaca), but I think most of the functions I talk about in this are also in many other programs (and I know that some programs offer even more than FireAlpaca, so, as always, just use my posts as a starting point for you to develop your own way of working with whatever equipment you have!)

(this is a little over 1400 words long and includes images by the way)

A beginner’s guide to digital art... part TWO!

I’m including images featuring a recent art of mine (reblog it here if you want lol) to try and illustrate my point better, so if you’re wondering ‘what the hell is dean winchester doing here’ that’s why lol

1) Canvas size & resolution.

Whatever program you use, you’ll have to open a new canvas to draw or paint onto. You’ll have to pick the size and resolution, and honestly I have 0 clue of what is the best numbers for each (I just stick with over 3000 x over 4000 for most works, since that gives me a pretty decent level of detail. As for the dpi, I know some print sites don’t let you use over 300, so between 300 & 350 I’d say would be good!)

This is the kind of thing you might be greeted with when making a new canvas. You’ll also get the option to make the background transparent or to make it a specific paper size. One day I’ll learn what the other options here mean pfft... Look, I’ve never said I was an expert!!

Below is what my ‘work space’ on Firealpaca looks like when I’m working on a piece btw! You can see the various layers on the right and my brush panel & colour selector on the left (which I’ll go into more detail about in a moment). You can move all these parts and even have some of them hovering (so, seperate from the main program), but I like having them organised like this just so it makes it easier for me to know where everything is lol!

2) Colour selector.

I think the colour selection box can sometimes be a wheel, or might look slightly different, but essentially you move your cursor over to the colour you want. The top left corner will give you white and the bottom right corner is pure black, with the top right corner for a more saturated version of whichever hue you’ve selected! 

In the image below, you can see a two squares overlapping each other (one red, one white) which allow you to change the foreground colour you’re using to paint/draw with (red) or the background colour (white).  

You can also use the eyedropper tool to pick colours from within your canvas (or to pick from your reference image, thought see this post of mine to see why I don’t necessarily recommend that lol) which I find particularly useful when trying to blend colours together!

3) Brushes & stabiliser.

In Firealpaca, the brushes panel is on the left of the screen, but I know for some other programs it’s on the right, but they will often look similar to this!

The brush preview will show you what the brush looks like (so, I’ve selected a fluffy brush as an example here) and will change when you increase or decrease various options. The two blue bars in the above picture are the size of the brush and the opacity of the brush. 

The stabiliser (or stabilizer) is something I’ve talked about before, and is essentially a way to control how smooth you want the brush to be. Most programs will let you set a general setting for every brush you use, but you can also make a brush smoother (which will often mean the brush is ‘slower’ to draw) or rougher (you’ll be able to draw a lot faster). I prefer to set mine somewhere in the middle so you can get the best of both worlds lol

Below that is the various things you can change about this particular type of brush. For other brushes, for example the Pen one, there will often be less ways to change the brush. An important thing to note that usually if you change these options (for example, changing the scatter strength to be less), then those changes should remain in the program when you next go to use it! (the brush size will reset every time you open the program, though). 

You can see my list of brushes below that, many of which are pre-set ones (such as the pen/pencil/watercolour/etc). The ones named Pixelstains are ones I have added (I believe I got those from Deviant art a good few years ago). I won’t go into how to add brushes here, since it depends on what program you’re doing, but let me know if that’s something you specifically want me to go into at a later date!

4) ‘Snap’ options.

I’m not entirely sure what this feature would be called or would look like on other programs (I seem to remember in MS Paint, it let you use shift to make perfect straight lines/circles so other programs might do something similar?), but on Firealpaca the bar near the top that says ‘snap’ allows you to draw straight lines, diagonal lines, circles, sun rays, etc. 

Below you can hopefully see the faint red lines overlaying on the canvas which lets you see where you are drawing the circle. You can change where the central point of the circle/line/etc falls with the black dot and it’s especially useful if you, like me, enjoy putting unnecessary halos on your artworks lol!

5) Filter options.

Once you’ve gotten the hang of doing basic digital drawing, you might be interested in playing around with some of the many filter options that digital can offer you! 

Below is the drop down menu for filters. I won’t go into all of these, but essentially the first three are useful for changing the overall colour/hue or light/darkness of a piece (I probably use the Hue option the most out of these since it lets you change the hue, saturation and brightness all at once). 

The next two are slightly more strange options (I can’t really explain what they do, but they are definitely both fun to play around with). Unsharp Mask is useful if you want to sharpen an image whereas the three blur tools below are good for when you want to blur an image! Mosaic also falls into this category since it basically pixelates whatever’s on your canvas. 

The final 6 options are things for backgrounds that can be really interesting! I use the cloud and sand tool to create a grainy texture over my artworks sometimes! (an important thing to note about those is that they will use both the foreground and background colours, so try and make sure they’re different from each other otherwise you won’t get any kind of effect lol!)

I believe programs like Photoshop will probably have even more filter options than this, but even using just a few of these filters can really help to make your art more interesting!

6) Filter options part 2 (Blending with layers)

The final bit I wanted to go into is the various filter options under the ‘Blending’ drop down menu on the right hand side of the screen. These are probably the feature of digital art that I love the most, since they really let you go a little bit crazy with creating weird versions of your artworks!

I don’t know how easy it is to see, but below I am blending a layer with the Bi flag colours onto the black and white drawing of Dean using the ‘multiply’ option. Multiply will usually darken the layer below so is useful if you want to mute your drawing slightly. 

Now I won’t go into all of the options, because this post will get far too long, but some of my favourites are:

The Add option (this is especially good if you’re trying to paint gold or silver, since it almost glows in brightness!)

The Difference, Exclusion (and to some extent the Subtract) options all kind of reverse the colours of the layer below which can lead to some really fun and interesting effects! (Something I have DEFINITELY over done in the past... oops).

And finally, the Overlay, Soft Light and Hard Light options are probably the blending filters I use the most! They will often help to change the overall balance of tones.

The other options on the list are just as useful, in my opinion, and I have definitely used them all multiple times in my artworks! So my main piece of advice for this part is the just experiment with them! I personally love seeing what multiple layers over each other does to a piece!

~

Anddddd I think I’ll leave that there for now! There’s still a lot I haven’t covered, so I may do a part three to this at some point in the future! 

I know this got a bit long winded, and I probably over-explained certain things... But I just remember how daunting digital art was when I first started out, so I hope that this can offer a metaphorical helping hand to get you through the initial scary stage of starting digital lol!

Let me know if there’s anything you want me to explain in more detail, or if there’s something else you want me to an art advice post about! (Check out my other ones in the tag HERE)

As always, thank you for reading <3

[sprinklesandshatters]

A Review on NCT 127′s 3rd Album <Sticker>

So NCT 127 just came back with their 3rd Full Album <Sticker> and this is my first 127 comeback since I became a fan last year! Neozone is such a special album for me as it was their first album that I explored entirely. I've known NCT as the group who never fails any expectations so I've kept mine up although I know they'll exceed it anyway. And guess what, they did! I absolutely love their new album hence this review~

This isn't a technical music review—as I am not a musician myself—but rather a listener's honest takes, goofy notes, and interpretation on each of the tracks in the album. I admit I've also struggled to build my own opinions on some of the tracks until I listened to them over and over again.

I have also heard there are mixed opinions on the title track <Sticker> and a lot says it's another acquired taste. But I think it's not just that, as it can be a grower, just like how most of NCT's songs were for me. Maybe after a few listens and a right passage of time, it will grow on those people. The bottom line here is, I like it a lot! 😛

So I listed down the songs according to their respective track numbers and followed each with a bulleted list of my opinions and interpretations.

(Viewer/reader discretion: before you continue, minors, do not interact as there are few 18+ contents under the cut. Thank you.)

1. Sticker

THEY DIDN'T JUST PUNCH A NEW NOTCH ON THE BELT LIKE THAT

THIS SONG SLAPS, LITERALLY SLAPS… AND WHIPS 

The recorder at the intro boyyyy I thought something was wrong but then I remember it’s NCT lmao

It already stuck in my head from my first listen from the Instagram audio.

With Taeyong opening the verse with his divine rapping, I knew I'm in for a new ride.

STICK-UH STICK-UGH STICK-UGHGHGH

To those complaining it sounding like noise music, imagine it sounding generic. I don't think it would fit as the title track. Not a b-track or in their repertoire, even. They are called NCT because they define the NEO in the music culture and music technology!

It honestly was an unorthodox, just like all of their title tracks, which I’m inherently here for.

Literally, no one does it like them!

The growls and the vocal flexes and adlibs! (You can tell it has Yoo Youngjin's brand.)

The crisp metronome sound that’s consistently ticking except for the pre-chorus and the dance break adds depth to the soundscape. I love how it’s used instead of the usual snaps.

The production quality blew my mind. Like how can someone think those melodies would sound so exquisite? CAN I CALL THEM GENIUS?

The piano at the back, oh my God—Yes! It adds this mystifying element to the song.

I'm not sure if it's a midi violin at the pre-chorus, but it added thrill to the song. It was a great transition from the bass line in the verses to the combination of the flawless harmony with the same instrumental.

"You treat me like a boy, like a grown-up child chasing a dream" JUNGWOO BABY NO MORE HUH

Taeil, Doyoung, and Haechan—the bridge vocal trinity!

But why the heck are they cowboys? I dig the concept, but why? LMAO

BTW GUNSLINGER MARK I’M ON MY KNEES YEEHAW

This is easily one of my favorite tracks from NCT 127's entire discography 💚

2. Lemonade

(⌐■_■)

Jaehyun starting off this song with his deep voice eee

The song opens to a verse oozing with chill confidence. They're like, yeah you're lurking because we’re cool.

This is such a huge slap to their haters. NCT's not chillin' like a villain, nah they're the main characters!

Well maybe they’re villains, but still ya not cooler than them ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Funny enough how they could have just referred haters as simply lemons whose sour/bitter to the taste, but 127 squad's success is sweeter than all the haters' spiteful remarks so yeah, SIPPY SIPPY LEMONADE 🧃

"WOOF"

I might have just barked too wOW

Yuta’s vocals hooooO his voice just sounds so glamorous mhmm

Also Mark referencing their previous title tracks such as: Firetruck, Cherry Bomb, and Regular (it's Irregular in the lyrics) in his rap part 👌💅

I just love Mark's energy when he raps. HE RESOLUTELY BITES AND STRAIGHT UP EATS EVERY TIME HE DOES.

3. Breakfast

Now breakfast time, oh jeez!

AAAHAHFU—

Summer 127's bestie!

If Summer 127 talks about dancing all night long, Breakfast is the morning after.

You know what it is.

"Even if I gulp and drink you, it's not enough for me." oho Taeyong no you ha—STOP

Sexual innuendos aside, isn't it just sweet if someone tells you they'd want to have breakfast with you every day?  Okay maybe I'm melting at the thought 😩🙈💞

And I can see myself dancing to this song as I make breakfast (in the afternoon or at midnight bc I’m crazy)

This was an okay b-track for me at the first skim on the album, but boy it grew on me wildly.

Honestly one of my favorite tracks in this album.

4. Focus

Did I just invade a private call? LMAO

The analog voice filters make it like so.

Dude, this feels intimate in the level of eavesdropping a phone call between seasoned lovers. Then you realize you hear them whispering their kinks over the line and you're ooh, that's sexy! hfgklhfhf

My first listen to this, I almost went feral because,

"I can't wait to eat you…" when it's actually "I can't wait 'til we chill…" aahaha

"Baby call me when you want me." OKAY!

This sounds relaxing and chill. I'd love to play this on a late night drive or just before bed time along with Fly Away With Me, Sun & Moon, My Youth, and Long Flight.

Belongs to ‘make out session’ playlist  ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

That was lowkey a playlist recommendation, huh?

I'd be kidding if I don't say I could touch myself while listening to this song AHAHAFGHFJFJ

I didn't know this would grow on me this much lol I love love LOVE THIS!

5. The Rainy Night

Ooh, the holy melancholy!

Piano at the intro—I knew I'd cry to this.

This song isn't just about break-up, but the heartbreak after one.

The yearning; the remnant pieces from the shattering of what was once there.

I think I crumbled from this one.

This hit so hard I felt like I fit in the shoes with the lyrics throughout the entire song.

What’s fascinating is I clearly forgot the title when I mentally said this sounds like a sad rainy day song from the first listen.

Something I’d turn up when it suddenly rains, just because I want to feel the blues.

Taeil and Haechan singing in lower register? I wanna cry :( they’re just one of the best vocalists in K-music industry right now.

Could have been also nice if they added Yuta to the vocals.

"My selfish heart who waits for you to come back," OKAY WHO HURT THEM?

And the fact that they sang it so good that it translated every ounce of the emotions well even before I looked up for English translations is the reason why I love this song too.

6. Far

Hmm… What the hell?! Do I like this? Wait...

Alright!

The jumpy vibe from the first verse to the pre-chorus set the mood for this song. It sounds merry and heavy. It was honestly too much to take until I’ve reached the chorus part.

Honestly, I think this song could fit NCT Dream better, as it gives off a vibe similar to Hello Future's b-tracks. If some credible source say this could have made HF’s track list, I might believe you too fast.

Also Dream’s Deja Vu where they go na nananananana na na na~

Playful yet confident! That’s what I mean!

As usual, the vocals are insane! Vocal flex from left to right!

I swear Jungwoo sounded a bit like Taemin at the second verse that I had to replay it hahaha

I love hearing Johnny as a vocalist! SM, how many signs do you need until you utilize his vocal talent???

Taeil's part where he sings, "go nuts, go nuts, 'til we go bust, go bust" IDEK BUT I SNORTED A LAUGH AT FIRST LISTEN HFCAHKFHK

Not my favorite, but still great though!

But wait it’s actually stuck in my head???

7. Bring The Noize

Yes, they never beat those noise music allegations

HERE'S SOME NOIZE, BITCHES

I love me some noisy percussions. AND THE BASS YO

This screams so much confidence!

The build up from the pre-chorus to the chorus—FIRE!

This song reminds me a lot of SuperM's Super Car, especially with the engine roar samples and the battle cry-like singing at the chorus.

JAEHYUN RAPPING? You mean Jaehyun the visual, the vocalist, the actor, the model, the funny dude, aka my everything?! (markie bb look pls look away for a moment)

THEY DELIVERED IT STRAIGHT FROM NEOCITY THAT'S SOME NCT MUSIC RIGHT THERE NO ONE DOES IT LIKE THEM

When I said I'd play Focus on a late night drive, and if I add this in the playlist, VROOM VROOM SPEED LIMIT WHAT

OUTTA MY WAY

“We got no shame” ouh TAEYONG’S FLOW IS JUST VERY HIM AND HE’S IN A LEAGUE OF HIS OWN

You know what's so clever about this song? It's how it ended with Mark's final rap without any instrumental, leaving you  standing there with a doppler effect-like post experience.

A super car on a super speed just whooshed past you and you look its way as it zips through the road. It's gone in an instant but you're floored dumbfounded at a sidewalk. That's how I describe this song.

8. Magic Carpet Ride

This song… Wow. Oh gosh it's so beautiful.

Their harmony in the chorus—it makes me want to kiss someone so passionately that I'd cry.

This makes me want to feel love that transcends the universe. Literally, just please take me on a magic carpet ride :(

The background harmonies too oh my goodness—HEAVENLY.

Jaehyun's voice is so warm and soulful it fits perfectly with songs of this genre.

Okay alright Doyoung Grande!

And Taeil makes me feel like I'm listening to old school R&B.

The first time I heard this from the track video, I can't stop replaying because it's just that great.

This makes me want to love. I think that sums it up.

9. Road Trip

This is such a soothing song for me, especially how I easily become nostalgic thinking about the road trips I've had.

Whenever I listen to this, my brain immediately conjures up thoughts of my ideal getaways. Gazing at the sky through the car window, stirring up from a nap in the middle of the ride, and   eventually reaching your destination.

Oh, to travel around anywhere... (curse you covid-19)

Okay that's it. I'M PACKING UP.

But where do I go—

I could also imagine Mark playing this on the guitar and the other members sing along together, something like that.

Just Wholesome™ vibes.

I love how it evokes such a nice emotion within me effortlessly.

This isn't my favorite, but I still love this.

10. Dreamer

Eyyyy such a refreshing song!

This song is so bright it makes me want to dance. I play this first in the shower!

It reminds me so much of Elevator (from Neozone)

The horns make it more lively I think!

Yuta and Jungwoo's voice suits lively songs like this.

The background vocal in low register in Taeyong's part in the first verse is so good ahhfhf

Taeil, the R&B vocal king you are...

There's this part where Doyoung and Johnny harmonized, that at first listen they seemed to clash, but it sounded actually fine after a few listens. Maybe it's just that I've never heard them do it before.

And I think it's Doyoung's laugh at the end of the bridge? Oh my goodness I really love this too!

11. Promise You

MY FIRST LOVE AND MOST FAVORITE SONG IN THE ALBUM!!!

The first time I heard this from their NCIT Sharehouse Sitcom, I fell in love with the song already.

It sounds like something you'd feel from a warm, welcoming hug.

The lyrics are so beautiful and endearing. It's definitely a be-there-for-you type of song that will touch your heart.

It definitely sounds like a promise.

A song about platonic intimacy.

This really fits to be the closing song of the album. It's like the end of it but holds a promise that says “see you soon.”

Because they cherish their fans like that.

It's also like I've watched a movie with a happy ending, where the camera pans up to the clear sky and this song starts playing.

Speaking of ending, I would love to hear them sing this as an encore stage in their concert. You know, that moment just before the stage lights die down at the end of the concert where they send final blows of flying kisses to NCTzens. Then you come home smiling and crying.

This wasn't supposed to be this long since I originally planned to write this with just simple phrases and emojis but I got too engrossed lol. I also meant to include my own ratings but I figured it’s pointless since I can’t really decide about them hahaha

I really enjoyed the whole album and I love how they're progressively defining what NEO means by breaking through standards. It's not NCT music if it doesn't make you say "WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT?" But then you realize it’s stuck in your head and you’re enjoying it already.

✨ OVERALL RATING: 127/10 💚

if you’ve reached until here, thank you for letting me share you a braincell or two 💞

[escapenightmare]

OK SO INTERESTING STUFF (NOT NEARLY AS COOL AS YOURS THO) HAPPENED TODAY SO I’M HERE TO REPORT 😌💪

in chemistry, my teacher, who is horrible at teaching btw 😐, showed us a 12 minute “motivational” video of this guy who was in the Navy yelling at us at for how stupid New Years resolutions are ?????? he’s scary and bald btw 🤺

MY APUSH TEACHER (WHO IS DECENTLY OLD) JUST SAID HER MOM TEXTED HER SAYING SHE TRIED TO HAVE HER DOG PULLED HER DOWN THE STREET ON A SLED???? (it snowed for context 💀)

AND IN APUSH WE PLAYED A GAME WHERE WE HAD TO PUT TWO FACTS ABOUT OUR SELVES ON PAPER (one fact that most people would know, the other fact people might not know) AND ONCE THE GAME WAS DONE WE HAD TO SAY THEM OUT LOUD AND MINE WAS “I have a signed Niall Horan CD” AND THIS ONE KID WAS LIKE “Niall Hotel? 🤨 Niall Horten?? 🤨 Niall Horum??? 🤨” AND THEN EVERYONE WAS YELLING AT HIM FOR NOT KNOWING WHO NIALL WAS (A MEMBER OF ONE DIRECTION) IT WAS SO FUNNY 💀

sir this is a niall hotel how are we doing today? ngl i snorted at that 😭 whats apush tho?? LMAO IM SORRY IF THIS SOUNDS DUMB 😭