#twisted wonderland saw au

[m34gs]

Twisted Wonderland Saw AU Ask Time! 👀

Everything is perfectly set. Months of planning, preparing, testing, and many late night are finally paying their dues. Victims? Secured. Traps? Tested and will work without a hitch. Witnesses? Never been a problem. Now, time to sit back and watch what will... what's this? Why is their phone ringing? Who would call them at this...? Wait. They pale and scramble to dig their phone out of their pocket. Caller ID says "Yuu". Reflexes snap and the phone call is answered.

"Uh hello? It's me. We're still on for tonight, right?"

Tonight? They blink before everything rushes to their brain and the only coherent thought is, "Shit, I had plans with Yuu".

Please tell me... 1) What were their plans with Yuu 2) What is their excuse? and 3) How long do they keep Yuu waiting?

I am SO EXCITED to answer this ask!!!! (further discussion with Kim clarified that rescheduling is a last resort; the boys would much rather avoid it if possible, and I fully agree!) In the interests of this post not becoming an entire novel all on its own, I will be grouping the characters into their respective dorms and giving one response per dorm.

No explicit details on the traps in this one; I don't think there are any warnings I would put for this. The rest is under a cut simply because it is so long! Hope you enjoy :D

Heartslaybul:

What were the plans with Yuu: The plans were tea-time with Yuu's five Heartslaybul friends, and then a sleepover with Ace and Deuce. Trey is the only one who showed up on time, though Cater said he is on his way. Riddle is the one Yuu called, as it's very odd for him to be late.

What is their excuse: Riddle would have gone over his plans meticulously. There is no way he would miss anything that was written on his calendar for the day...except that he wrote "tea with Yuu" on the wrong date. He owns up to that mistake easily without letting on as to what he is currently up to (he's gotten much better at owning up to his mistakes and allowing himself to have human errors). He then says he is just out for a walk with Ace and Deuce, to cover for them as well.

How long do they keep Yuu waiting: He tells Yuu it will likely be an hour as they "need to come back home and then get dressed in appropriate teatime attire" (Yuu doesn't question this, since they figure there probably is some rule about teatime attire that Riddle wants to observe).

Savanaclaw:

What were the plans with Yuu: Watching a Spelldrive Tournament on TV and having snacks together. Something cozy and casual. Except, the tournament comes on in 5 minutes and Yuu's Savanaclaw friends haven't shown up yet, so they call Ruggie (Yuu finds Ruggie to be the more responsible one when it comes to being on time, though it should be noted that Leona tries very hard when it comes to spending time with Yuu).

What is their excuse: Ruggie spouts some excuse about how some family stuff came up for Leona. Leona's trying to manage a crisis from a distance. They'll still be there, he says. It's a good excuse because Yuu is the kind of person to be understanding and not pry into the affairs of the Royal Family.

How long do they keep Yuu waiting: Ruggie says Jack will be there in 10 minutes. Ruggie and Leona will follow when the "crisis" is dealt with. Leona makes sure the trap will be over in less than 30 minutes.

Octavinelle:

What were the plans with Yuu: Dinner and drinks after hours at the lounge, and Yuu would be spending the evening at the trio's home (firmly believe those three live together in this AU). Yuu shows up a little before closing time, but now it's last call and the waitstaff are starting to clean things up and it's creeping closer to the closing hour, and it's entirely unusual for Floyd to not have found them and hugged them by now...

What is their excuse: Azul answers the phone. The excuse he gives is "there was a disruption at one of our other locations in the city; and unfortunately it escalated to needing myself there to resolve it". Yuu understands customer service jobs well. They shudder to think what awful kind of customer must have caused such a disruption that Azul felt the need to go there with both Jade AND Floyd.

How long do they keep Yuu waiting: Floyd advocates that they should completely abandon the trap and go find Shrimpy. He's upset that Shrimpy has been waiting so long for him and he wants to hug them immediately. Jade shows a bit more restraint but does suggest they move the trap up to tomorrow. Azul will not allow this; he insists it needs to be done tonight. However, he's willing to compromise. He sends Floyd and Jade to greet Yuu immediately and make them feel comfortable and happy, and he will oversee the trap by himself this time. He will join them when he arrives (estimated time for Azul: 2 hours. Less if the victim dies before then).

Scarabia:

What were the plans with Yuu: Going to a festival together. (Listen, your mafia au has given me Festival Brain Rot, lol). Yuu is ready to go, but Kalim and Jamil, who insisted on picking them up, aren't there yet...and they're worried plans have changed.

What is their excuse: Yuu calls Jamil. He quickly spins them some sort of tale of Kalim not being able to decide what to wear. At the same time, he uses Kalim's phone to text another worker for the Asim family and request they come to a location nearby to deliver festival clothes for both him and Kalim to put on, and for the car and driver to wait at that location for them.

How long do they keep Yuu waiting: It's Kalim's trap, and he always has his designed to run from a distance so that he doesn't have to watch the person die if they fail. They can leave as soon as it is set up; so Yuu only ends up waiting twenty minutes. This time would not change much with Jamil's traps, as he makes inescapable ones, so it doesn't matter to him if the person makes it through or not. Jamil only has to step away momentarily to deal with the trap if the person succeeds and survives the trap, which he can easily excuse as some duty or other to the Asim family that he needs to manage.

Pomefiore:

What were the plans with Yuu: Spa night. It was going to be a really relaxing time for all of them.

What is their excuse: Vil is extremely upset with himself for forgetting (He stuck a sticky note to the calendar regarding something related to his acting work, and the note covered up the spa night with Yuu). He tells Yuu honestly what happened with the calendar. As the cover story, he says that he is just out with Rook and Epel on a walk.

How long do they keep Yuu waiting: Vil doesn't want to leave the trap because he feels it's his responsibility. Rook volunteers to go and look after Yuu immediately. Epel would feel guilty leaving Vil alone, so he stays. Besides, Rook is better at lying than he is. He needs Rook and Vil to help him out if Yuu were to ask any questions. Rook tells Yuu that Vil and Epel are getting some groceries to cook a late dinner, and they are all back within an hour.

Ignihyde:

What were the plans with Yuu: Idia and Ortho were going to have an anime marathon with Yuu. Yuu is at their place, waiting outside to be let in. Idia actually receives the notification from their doorbell/surveillance system about half a second before Yuu's call lights up his phone. Luckily for him, all his traps can be managed from a distance.

What is their excuse: Idia makes up some excuse about misreading the time and going out to pick up a specific snack food he wanted to have for their marathon night.

How long do they keep Yuu waiting: They are nearly there instantly, just stopping on the way to buy a metric fuck-ton of snacks to add credibility to their story. Yuu only waits about 10 minutes. Idia checks on the trap periodically using his phone which is connected to the cameras, but Yuu is used to him checking his phone once in a while during conversations or movies since he plays a lot of video games with time-sensitive quests.

Diasomnia:

What were the plans with Yuu: Dinner and movie night together as a group. Yuu is hosting, but no one has arrived yet...did they get the date wrong? They call Lilia.

What is their excuse: Lilia tells Yuu a (far too detailed) story about how his lunch disagreed very much with his bowels and the other three were helping him out with getting medicine and lost track of time. They will be there shortly, sans Lilia who will stay behind for his "stomach troubles".

How long do they keep Yuu waiting: Malleus teleports there instantly, and he is deeply sorry (perhaps he kisses their hand in apology?👀👀👀). Silver and Sebek have to travel across the city. It takes them about 20 minutes. Lilia stays for the duration of the trap. He arrives about an hour later, claiming his stomach issues to have "resolved".

Here are my thoughts! Thank you so much for this ask, it was a lot of fun to answer!!! Let me know what you think :)

[otomes-world]

Six impossible things before breakfast

Little twist with sentient twst au, yes, I didn't expect this either. Masterlist with more works here

We've probably all heard the joke about "How many light bulbs does it take to (insert whatever)." Who would have thought that you would use a slightly modified version of it: how many more coincidences must happen to realize the truth.

Although can anyone really blame you for not wanting to admit that you are a bunch of colored pixels created purely for entertainment purposes? No, it even sounds nice. After all, your purpose was to create extras, a stage on which the main characters performed and shone. Those who had faces.

Did you always have yours? Could you always see it in the mirror in the morning?

Did figurative shivers run down your spine every time a faceless classmate addressed you? One of ten, hundreds, exactly the same. Have the main bunch had the same problem? That's the question you'd been asking yourself lately. Did they shrug off empty, replaceable shells, or at least for a second consider them their equals?

Perhaps the question should have been asked differently. Was this in the order of things for them, because the thought of the incorrectness of worldly norms did not flash through their heads. Or it was something simple and very banal - they did not realize that they were part of the game.

Were you special? The thought was flattering, but it was stupid to start turning up your nose. Maybe the supreme programmer, like the smart guys from Ignihyde, could consider you a virus, a bug, an annoying nuisance, which can be gotten rid of in a couple of seconds. Click and that's it, your file would be deleted.

The idea that death could be more than just literal took you by surprise.

It all started with a strange feeling of déjà vu, with a strange cyclical nature of what was happening. How the seasons did not change according to the laws of nature or, on the contrary, lasted longer than expected. Sometimes you wondered what month was going on, at least by counting. Or how you couldn’t say with certainty what year of study you were in. When was your graduation? Would it ever come?

How many times did the main characters celebrate their birthday? How many times had you celebrated it? Did you celebrate it from the start?

Lessons

Breaks

Exams

Holidays

Lessons

Was there an end to this merging stream of eternal students? Was the dormitory assignment ceremony that important? How many real “first-year students” were admitted each year? Why couldn't your educational journey end? Time adjusted and obeyed an invisible force; it existed only when it was convenient for someone.

Catching the attention of the local spotlight and getting on stage was the best way to get labeled as a "bug" and ask to be removed. However, the main threat was only the erasure of memory.

The next discovery was doubt about one’s own “specialness.” When consciousness had nothing to do, it began to cling to different details, trying to look for differences in a series of events repeated in the film.

When you knew what to look for, small mistakes that were not noticeable at first glance stand out more than usual. A slight shadow of boredom on the faces of the main ones. Lack of interest in the educational process and exams. As if only one “exam” was important in a bunch of exactly the same events. When the first years of Heartslabyul signed a contract with Ashengrotto.

With new information in mind, it became easier to identify important “events” and track time based on them. By how many times they were repeated in the endless flow of time. Taking notes and somehow recording data was more dangerous than you thought, all that was left was to come up with methods known to you alone. For example, in a dorm room on the bedside table there was a cluster of glasses, each containing specific color of pencils.

Did your roommates start to think you were weird and obsessed with order and cleanliness? Their right. You didn't care what they thought, besides, they would forget about it with the coming of a new day.

In order not to completely go crazy, you began to peer into the “faces” of other students, trying to spot at least a feature that distinguishes one from another. Either this world was too lazy, creating copy after copy in every dorm, or there was no point in trying. If you somehow came to terms with the feeling of the meaninglessness of what was happening, then the appearance of one student in several places at the same time still caused rejection.

Disgusting

If this world was someone’s experiment, then why were events cyclical? If this was a cage, then where was the exit. If this was a prison, then who was being held in it?

You made a mistake in observing a person without magic from another world. Trying to figure out whether Yuu's "world" was truly different or just as much a part of predestination as everything around. Was “Yuu” really the main one or just an extra? You could have sworn they didn't have a face. At least such clear features as all the main ones. Just as there was no character, how in each of the repeating events they could behave differently.

It was a breath of fresh air in the routine of never-ending study. The watching of the only part capable of changing in the world, subject to the same rules.

That's why, when one of the main ones suddenly approached you, you thought you were dreaming. Whether it was possible to fall asleep in the simulation was another question. Usually you went to bed, closed eyes, only to open them the next second to the sound of the alarm clock.

"Can I help you with something?" You smiled politely, but was it worth it? Could the main bunch distinguish between persons different from their privileged group.

Hunt. Was that his name? You weren't completely sure. He was part of something forbidden, something to be avoided at all costs. Part of the three “don’ts”: don’t look for information;don’t mention; don’t give yourself unnecessary temptations. Returning to the present moment, he just looked into your eyes with his constant smile, as if trying to find confirmation of something.

Like a true NPC, you continued to stand, frozen in one position and waiting for his answer. Until awareness came as abruptly as his appearance in principle. He looked straight into your eyes. Could he see your face the same way you saw it in the mirror? How long ago? Could the rest of the main ones see you too?

A billion questions were spinning in head at the same time as you tried to come up with a suitable excuse and reason to leave. The changes turned out to be too unexpected and frightening. Perhaps with the advent of a new “day” everything would return to normal.

“Is there a knight in the world who is not ready to devote all his deeds to one and only one, if this opens the veil of secrets at least a little? Will it allow him to find out what thoughts are spinning in head?”

It's a pity he was not a knight. Even though each word was pronounced with a special intonation, you only thought about how much water there was in his speech. Unfortunately, saying this out loud was an unaffordable luxury.

"..Is that so?"

“You are right, an étoile (star), I may be not one of their noble number, but even so I am not able to deny their order.” You let him continue, mentally counting down the minutes until the bell rang for lesson. “I may not have a sword in sheath, but It won`t change a way I live! Your smile can make my whole heart melt. There isn't lie in way I felt”

“I’m not good at poetry, but the rhyme is lame, Sir Hunt,” if it’s there.

“You’re right, writing poems is just one of my hobbies, to which I devote my few free leisure hours,” he continued, as if your words didn’t hurt him at all. “I hasten to assure you that there was no malicious intent in my actions. This modest hunter only wanted to greet a new connoisseur of everything beautiful and interesting."

No matter how much you hate beating around the bush, doubts creeping in from randomly thrown words. Sometimes the phrases spoken directly were the most frightening. However, not wanting to part with your role as an extra - which was burdensome, but at the same time giving a semblance of freedom - you continued to pretend to be an NPC.

"Should I congratulate you?.. Congratulations!" Any member of the film club would envy your feigned sincerity. A bell in three, two, "I don’t dare detain you any longer.”

The unsaid `like you would me` hung in the air. You had to hold out for the few remaining hours until the end. Fortunately, the main one did let you go, but smile, saying that its owner knew everything in the world, left an unpleasant aftertaste. One that your intuition suggested would accompany you for the next days.

It's going to be a very long a few hours.

[yuri-is-online]

I also like to add some angst into this AU with how Yuu can’t believe in soulmates/can’t feel all ranges of the feelings, of love, or even a little of them, because they are magic-less/from another world

( ͡º ꒳ ͡º) I am so glad you see my vision

I'm not big on writing unrequited feelings, or one-sided soul mates! But I do like adding doubt. Personally, I think these kinds of AUs can be so of boring when they take the road that just getting to meet the soul mate guarantees the relationship will be successful. Being bound to someone by the deepest, unspoken part of yourself should be terrifying. The work and choice it takes to maintain a relationship shouldn't go away because of the bond, it should be intensified by it. I have mentioned the Wayhaven Chronicles here before (it's an interactive fiction about vampires) but I really like the author's take on soulmates/soul bonds as she has been expanding on them in her series so for my own au I'm going to take some inspiration from that.

Just because Yuu feels the soul bond doesn't mean they know what it is, or want it for that matter. It's inconvenient, they don't want to date someone and form a deep connection that will tempt them to stay and abandon their home. I like your suggestion that because they are magicless they can't feel the full range of emotion the bond causes σ(￣、￣=) I like the idea of them just mistaking it for normal attraction and not something that will leave both them and the other person in deep pain if it's severed. And Yuu might be the sort of person who doesn't believe in soulmates for that matter! They might be resistant to it, angry that they are in love and angry that they can't go home. No matter what happens they're losing something irreplaceable.

The soul bond places more strain on the boys because of their magic, so they are more aware of it's presence and more effected by the desire to be close to Yuu at all times. I could see the magic trying to make up for Yuu's inability to feel the full range of emotion by pulling on him harder, desperate to be realized. My original angsty thoughts sort of teetered towards the yandere spectrum, as I could see a scenario where a truly delusional person thought that because they had this soul bond with Yuu that made whatever life they had in their world irrelevant. Clearly they were supposed to be in Twisted Wonderland all along, there's no reason for them to go back and he has a personal vendetta against whoever cause you to be trapped in a different dimension than him in the first place... but in the reverse since I am cooking something for Rollo atm and have him on the mind, I think he would try to accompany Yuu back to their world. He could see his bond to Yuu as a sign they are a benevolent spirit meant to guide him to a world without magic... I could also see someone coming to resent Yuu since they were happy not having a soulmate. They're vulnerable now, and they somehow can't bring themselves to hate Yuu because the more they try the deeper they fall in love with them so they just end up hating themselves.

There is much potential for angst in soulmate aus without making the feelings reciprocated hehehe

[skyenish]

They’re such good friends 😊

[mctwstsmcblr]

I bear the sad news that McOrtho has not been able to join the blog. An "F in the chat," in the words of McIdia. -McRiddle

[sanctum-of-ramshackle]

“Do you want to play a game?”

[TWST AU]: An MC/Yuu taking the role of Jigsaw.

Gender Neutral MC/Yuu

[Synopsis]: In this timeline, this MC/Yuu is not what they seemed to be and they like playing games.

[TW]: Graphic descriptions, cursing, and manipulation.

Let say MC/Yuu was an ordinary high school student studying to be an engineer before being transported to Twisted Wonderland.

They’re very intelligent, and somehow kept up with their friendly facade.

Well, they don’t always act nice.

They’re actually a serial killer continuing the works of John Kramer A.K.A. The Original Jigsaw Killer.

MC/Yuu has kidnapped and forced terrible people to participating in their sick and twisted games to give them a second chance in life to become better.

Law Enforcement were already tracking down who killed the victims and they didn’t suspect a high-schooler to be the one behind the murders.

Once they traveled to Twisted Wonderland, the first part is the same.

Grim discovers them.

Crowley drags them (plus Grim) to the ceremony.

Except this time, The Dark Mirror sees something through MC/Yuu’s soul that should not be provoked.

The mirror would keep shut about their dark secret as it also senses if it slips up, MC/Yuu will go after for blood.

Crowley would be oblivious and to some students, too.

Except for others who may suspect something is off about MC/Yuu, but can’t figure out why.

Also they adopted Grim as their “apprentice.”

[Campus]

MC/Yuu: *Enjoying time with their friends*

Deuce: Oh, MC/Yuu. You have something on your face.

MC/Yuu: *Has a red stain on their cheek* ‘Crap. I became sloppy.’ It’s nothing. It’s probably from painting a portrait. Wanna see?

Deuce: Oh! What did you paint?

MC/Yuu: A rose bush. ‘Thank god I finished the painting after torturing that pig (Tortured a Savanaclaw student).’

[Ramshackle Lounge]

MC/Yuu: *Building the reversed bear trap*

Grim: *Tugging at their sweatpants* MC/Yuu, I’m hungry.

MC/Yuu: In a minute. I’m almost done with this piece.

Grim: Why are you building that thing anyway?

MC/Yuu: Well…I couldn’t forget what I studied. So I’m exercising what I can remember.

Grim: …

MC/Yuu: …

Grim: …Tuna.

MC/Yuu: Fine. I’ll get your tuna.

[Heartslabyul Lounge]

Riddle: Dreadful news I received.

MC/Yuu: *Acting concerned* Riddle, what happened?

Riddle: My mother is being hospitalized.

MC/Yuu: Oh no. That sounds terrible. Was her injuries serious?

Riddle: Of course! She has broken fingers and her jaw was fractured… *Realization hits him* How did you know she was physically injured?

MC/Yuu: … *Their facial expression became blank*

Riddle: *Feeling fear* MC/Yuu?

MC/Yuu: One of my inventions during a game. I should’ve given her a craniotomy as she thinks she’s right on everything. What a bitch.

Riddle: *Horrified and backs away from them* You…

MC/Yuu: That’s right. I forced your mother to participate in one of my death games. Her screams were delightful to hear~ *Smiles creepily*

Riddle: *Lost for words*

MC/Yuu: *Reverts back to their blank expression* She should become a better person after her treatments.

Riddle: Why? Why would you do that?

MC/Yuu: Because of second chances. I want terrible people to appreciate life, and not waste it on frivolous things.

Riddle: …Who else knows about your secret?

MC/Yuu: *Sighs* A follower of mine. He was too easy to manipulate.

Riddle: Then you know I have to report on you.

MC/Yuu: On what evidence? No one will believe you~ *Leaves the lounge*

✨Reblogs are appreciated and helps create more content✨

[da-birb-writes-sometimes]

Silly Poll

I want to get some good data for this, so if you vote, please reblog ^v^

[kimium]

Saw AU ask time!!! Yuu is visiting the NRC housewardens, and everything is going well, but then…they happen across a photo clearly taken from an odd angle, of a person who doesn’t seem to know they’re on camera, and who looks somewhat familiar…(perhaps someone who was rude/cruel to them, or was in the news for criminal behaviour?)

For each dorm, please tell us:

1. What excuse do they give Yuu?

2. How much does Yuu believe them?

Thank you so much for this ask! I'm so excited to answer it!

In case anyone is unfamiliar with this, @m34gs and I are writing a Sort of Saw Franchise AU with Twisted Wonderland. Link is to the fics we've posted. Check M34GS's tumblr for the pinned post on our ask saga so far.

Let's get to the answers! Also, there isn't anything graphic in these answers, so it's under a cut due to length!

Heartslaybul

What excuse do they give Yuu?

Immediately upon seeing the photo, Cater laughs awkwardly and pulls out an old-fashioned film camera. He explains to Yuu that he recently received a brand deal from the company (true). While out taking photos for his eventual Magicam post, he accidentally went overboard and the photo was the result. Since this camera is old-fashioned Cater doesn't have a preview screen to see his shots. Ace and Deuce helped him develop the film and laughed at the mistake, teasing Cater. They showed it to Trey and Riddle and in the scuffle they all forgot to properly dispose of the photo.

2. How much does Yuu believe them?

Cater receiving brand deals is not unheard of. He's a super popular Magicam influencer/creator. Ace and Deuce teasing and making fun of Cater for a silly, harmless mistake is right up their alley as Cater's underclassmen. There may be some disbelief that Riddle didn't immediately destroy the photo to prevent future rounds of chaos, but otherwise their story isn't questioned. Believe-ability level: 9/10.

Savanaclaw

What excuse do they give Yuu?

Leona tells Yuu that for his birthday Cheka was gifted an expensive camera. Why his brother and sister-in-law decided to give his "snot nosed nephew" an expensive camera is beyond Leona's comprehension. Like any other child with a new toy, Cheka went to town taking photos of everything he could see. The odd angle is because Cheka was watching some sort of children's cartoon with "spies" as the main characters. Leona doesn't know the show's name. What's annoying is Farena was "so excited" that he sent the photos over to Leona to "showcase Cheka's artistic eye". Leona promptly shoves the photo into a folder and tells Yuu he's "going to dispose of the photo later, once Farena forgets about it".

2. How much does Yuu believe them?

Yuu has only met Cheka once but in that short interaction they can see the enthusiastic, energetic child bouncing around eager to take photos. They've also heard enough about Farena to realize that even though Leona paints him as "annoying" Farena loves his family with his entire heart and soul. Farena sending photos that his son took to Leona? Yuu's surprised they also didn't receive photos as Farena is the kind of dad to boast to everyone about this son the moment something "exciting" happens. They may question the angle due to it feeling more professional than done by a child but also happy accidents can happen. Believe-ability level: 7/10.

Octavinelle

What excuse do they give Yuu?

Azul silkily tells Yuu it's a photo from one of their many Monstro Lounge locations. Apparently this "guest" was being rather pushy and rude towards the wait staff on more than one occasion. Azul doesn't like making assumptions about people but when it's a re-occurring incident, Azul has to investigate matters. The photo is from his security cameras. He assures Yuu that there is nothing to worry about and this is more of a precaution to make sure nothing else escalates.

2. How much does Yuu believe them?

Yuu instantly believes Azul because this isn't the first time Azul has pulled photos from security footage for his restaurants. Even if Azul is a shrewd businessman, he cares about his staff at all his Lounges. It is a little alarming that Azul has gone through some more drastic measures (printing the photo of the guest in question), but when has Azul ever done things in halves or always 100% by the rules? Yuu doesn't want to think of the answer. They're just glad Azul's first course of action is print a photo and stop Jade/Floyd from doing their own investigation. Believe-ability level: 10/10.

Scarabia

What excuse do they give Yuu?

Kalim sighs and tells Yuu that this photo is a result of Jamil's overprotective habits. Yes, Jamil has learned to relax more after his overblot but he is still Kalim's attendant/servant. Jamil cannot allow security to lax. Yes, Jamil is trying to strike a balance between doing his job and relaxing. Yes, he sometimes slips up. Anyways, according to Jamil the person in the photos has been "acting suspicious" and needs to be "kept in mind" so an incident doesn't happen. Jamil printed the photo and made Kalim at least "look at the person so you can be prepared should anything happen". Kalim can't throw the photo out until Jamil give approval or he's going to be scolded.

2. How much does Yuu believe them?

Sadly for Jamil, Kalim's excuse has a strong base. Yuu has witnessed Jamil give several people the stink eye/glare for getting too close to Kalim. It's a work in progress, though Yuu is a little hesitant to fully believe Jamil would go as far as print a photo out. Regardless, Kalim's lie isn't seen through. Believe-ability level: 6.5/10.

Pomefiore

What excuse do they give Yuu?

They don't have to give an excuse. Vil is not just a model and an actor, he's also canonically branching out and always trying new jobs. Vil already has taken more of a director role (see Book 5) so imagining Vil getting into the producing side of film: both movie and photo wouldn't surprise Yuu. Also, Rook has been known to "challenge" himself by sneaking photos of people because he "wants to capture their unfiltered beauty". A little creepy and an invasion of privacy but that''s chalked up to Rook being himself. So, regardless, Yuu has done the leg work and has provided at least 60% of an explanation for Vil/Rook/Epel to bounce off of.

2. How much does Yuu believe them?

Yuu just did at least 60% of the work so there is little room for disbelief. Believe-ability level: 10/10.

Ignihyde

1.What excuse do they give Yuu?

Idia tells Yuu that his family company is developing new technology for their Shroud security on the Island. Since Idia created at least 85% of the program and built 90% of the technology himself, he's been labelled the "head of the project". This photo is a sample photo Idia has taken with the new technology. He printed it off to see the quality and clarity of a physical copy. The subject in the photo is a volunteer for the development and their candid image test run.

2. How much does Yuu believe them?

Yuu opens their mouth to tell Idia that it's "too much" for him to be the "head of a security project" while he's still a student but Idia cuts them off by pulling up all the data and work on his tablets/computer screens. He talks about it with the same boredom as someone who was asked to do a quick, minimal energy task. Ortho also chimes in to tell Yuu that he's making sure Idia takes proper breaks and doesn't fall behind in classes. Yuu is still not happy that Idia is doing so much and clearly not sleeping as much as he should, but they can see the spark of excitement in Idia's eyes. Believe-ability level: 8/10.

Diasomnia

What excuse do they give Yuu?

Lilia immediately tells Yuu that he recently picked up the hobby of taking photos with old-fashioned cameras and developing the film. It's old technology, yes, but Lilia also thinks it would be educational for Malleus as someone who doesn't understand how most basic pieces of technology work. The photo was from one of their successful attempts in taking photos and developing them. Yes, the angle is a little off, the subject a stranger, and the photo candid but that was accidental. They were trying to take a photo of Silver and Sebek but the camera was jostled at the last minute.

2. How much does Yuu believe them?

Yuu is a little confused because they were certain that Lilia already knew how to work old-fashioned cameras but perhaps it's the act of developing their own photos that he's interested in? Though, pretending to not know so he can teach Malleus sounds like a Lilia move. Taking a photo extremely off may be another point of confusion for Yuu as this isn't Lilia's usual mode of pranks (where he'd take a photo of those he knows to tease them), but they don't question further. Believe-ability level: 7/10.

[jestiamy]

I've been playing around with a 'can only communicate through song*' yuu AU but I didn't really see a reason to post anything until I realized. oh my god commercial jingles count. yuu, looking at a fish and almost-subconsciously stating: the snack that smiles back, goldfish! and then just. immediately crashing into the floor disorientated because. of course. the one the one thing they've said in this past month in a full sentence that wasn't incredibly choppy and only vaguely resembled a tune was the fucking goldfish commercial. very fitting. that's just their life at this point, honestly.

[tallyanimatez]

Hello Tally!!

So,, feathers AU Jade Leech, or rather the whole octavinelle trio

Since MC’s essentially sabotaging racers to ensure Grim’s win, I wanna see how their interactions go down with the trio, considering how shady they are in the canonical story :D

Does Azul know of the fowl (pun intended) play going on behind the scenes? Does he do anything to stop it, or make it benefit him as well? Are Crowley and Azul competing with each other in this aspect? Very intriguing, would like to know

Have a great day/night :D

... *puts down telephone* This is going to be a long one

So just like everyone the octo trio doesn't know who the culprit is either, but he does know that Crowley is involved in this sabotaging race incident, he just doesn't have the evidences to prove it and is working to prove it, although the culprit seems to be pointing at you the more he tries to deny it...

Not every doors are ment to be opened, just like how every secrets are ment to be kept

A mushroom encyclopedia, a hugging killing machine, and a shady takoyaki.

Never get their interest they say

Be careful of what you wish for they say

Don't try fiddling with their secrets they say

Even if somethings might not be true to the targeted people, it's always better to be safe than sorry. A fake trap can still be a trap if use correctly, so any information you grasp, whether real or fake, could always come in use if you know how to play your chess.

You've heard more or less from the Octavinelle team, and alot about their shady business. They say that they're capable of making everyone's wish come true if they can uphold the cost, in which...not all were able to uphold it and become a fool of themselves, pathetic really... but you don't want to join that gang, you're already a fool as if you are right now.

So don't screw it up, your name does not exist in this world as people don't care about it, create a reputation that even you can't disperse, then everything will be over.

You've never met the head of the team neither the twins that follows them, and you prefer it that way as your actual status is being wanted by every Great Sevens whether were they your victims or not.

You have met someone similar to the Octavinelle head's description, a man with light grey wavy hair, with one long lock who surprisingly- can't fly very well despite claiming to be a racer, you find it funny seeing him struggle to even move 1 inch above ground. Then there's twin who looks very identical, one who has manners and rambles like a mushroom encyclopedia, the other is a big hugging killing machine you'd like to refer to since his grip could break your bones if you're not paying attention.

The shady business takoyaki, you like to call him that, once rambled about a sabotager in alot of races which made you jolted a little. He might have caught on that small reaction of yours, cause now he seems interested to pry in every aspects of your personal life, the twins-well the less mannered one seems to cling on you even more while the other one watches intentively...

If the attention is too much, you can always cut ties with them, break every connection and throw it into the abyss, nobody will be able to repair something that's destroyed to the dust, neither be attentive enough to find all the pieces together

It's been a few months since you've last seen them for your sake. A few months of erasing your trails, your existences from this world again.

------------------------------

Authors note: This draft has been sitting in my inbox for quite a while, I didn't have the full brain power to write anymore and I personally like it to be a cliffhanger :D

Anyways have a good day/night!

[m34gs]

Twisted Wonderland Saw AU

this is mostly organizational for myself and @kimium; so that we can both easily access the asks about Twisted Wonderland and Saw. This is born from the fact that the other day I was trying to find the first ask and it took me over an hour. An Hour. I will be adding links to all future Saw AU asks here for the sake of my own sanity...

What traps would the Housewardens design?

What traps would Vice Housewardens design?

What victims would the Housewardens choose?

If Yuu called them during a trap to ask where they are...

Kimium's Favourite Parts

If They Find Yuu Being Hit On

What about Rollo?

Yuu calls while they are planning out a trap...

Dishevelled Headcanons by Kimium

Yuu finds the Saw Trap shopping list headcanons

Yuu finds a suspicious photo while visiting

Comforting Yuu if they knew the victim

Jumping to Dramatic Wrong Assumptions

Getting Out of Saw Trap Duty

The Housewardens Explain how they know John...

How long do the Traps take?

John needs a shift Murder Trap covered

How do they unwind after pulling off a Trap?

M34GS' favourite parts

Housewarden's fave and least fave parts

Saw AU Series on AO3

[y0noirs]

jack’s pokemon au design + some kingscholars doodles!

not much to say here aside from sorry this and the new chapter is like a week late lmao also that falena design is 100% fanmade. i like it though!

[romy350-romyakari]

No, I don't allow it

Please crazy brain of mine don't start another AU rn

I don't need the nonsense of it and start to sort out the silliness

Another day it can be 😔

I am leaving the thing on the tags tho

[rosietrace]

Villainess! Nyx AU

{ 7/??? } { Part 2/2 }

So far, nothing of note has happened to our esteemed isekaid villainess

Sure she has a new bodyguard in Rook, but he doesn't really do much other than..

Menacingly stare at people with a smile on his face

Nyx could've sworn she felt the sounds of murder happen right before her eyes

One of Cerule's friends, Allison Liddell of the house of Liddel from the Rose Queendom, sees Rook as an absolute joy

They often make dramatic theatre presentations for no legitimate reasons other than to entertain themselves, Nyx admits that she encourages this cause the drama they make up is interesting as hell

"I mean, it's not inherently wrong, right? It's just plain old fun for them. And I find it amusing that Allison has to hold back laughter during certain scenes." Said Nyx.

But then.... Something began happening

Recently a series of assassinations had been happening rather frequently around the pyroxene empire, specifically to those who live near the capitol

Many nobles speculated that the assassinations were conducted by two suspects

Koral Larrane, who originally wanted to marry Grand duke Regulus Zephyr

Grand duchess Shard due to her fierce reputation

Of course, Nyx chose not to pay much mind to it unless there was any speculation that she may become a target

"Considering the recent assassinations, I suggest that you shouldn't be the center of attention for a while, sister." Jade sighed softly, sipping his tea calmly.

Nyx shrugged, pouring milk on her tea to sweeten the taste."I don't really have a problem with that, the only issue being that I'm Vil's fiancé. So obviously, it's not going to be easy to not stand out, brother." Humming, she too sipped her tea.

Rook smiled, a bead of sweat falling down his face briefly. Floyd snorted at Nyx, "Hopefully Ms. (L/N) is gonna be targeted. That'll definitely make sure the prime minister doesn't have a stick up his ass all the time." He retorted, slouching on his chair.

Jade rolled his eyes playfully at his brother."Now as much as I'd want that myself brother, we wouldn't want to seem too vindictive." The two brother's chuckled, causing Nyx to feel somewhat awkward.

Unbeknownst to the three, Rook smiled at Floyd when he made his rather.... Cruel suggestion.

Speaking of assassinations, Cerule had noticed that Rook had begun acting strange around the time the assassinations first took place

It's also odd that he came a few days before the first murder happened

Of course, Nyx saw no connection to it. Rook was her bodyguard, not a hired assassin

So obviously, both her and Cerule were more cautious around Rook when he was present

Meaning they had frequent awkward silence every time Nyx visited Cerule, and vice versa

But then Lady (H/N) had been prancing around the capital acting like her near assassination attempt last night wasn't at all of a big fuss

Though she did seem to ask everyone to gather around her and ask her how she felt about the situation

Nyx looked at (H/N) with slight disgust as she surrounded herself with many capital citizens and noblemen and women.

"Please everyone stop, it's really not that bad of a situation.... I did handle it quite well if I say so myself." (H/N) bragged, making sure her tone sounded as pitiful as possible. Only making Cerule gag as she dragged Nyx to the nearest modiste.

Rook merely sighed, shaking his head as he followed the two young ladies to the modiste. He only guarded the doors of the modiste to ensure they were of no harm. And because he believes a woman's privacy is of her best interest

Now the reason they even went to the modiste was because the grand duchess had decided to host a soiree for the newly debuted debutantes

Many in and outside the capital had applauded her for her benevolence, but had also criticized her a bit because it had been quite some time since the young ladies had debuted

Nonetheless, everyone wanted an invitation. I mean, it's from the grand duchess, who wouldn't want to go to her soiree?

While Cerule had been talking with the heads of the modiste and Nyx had been taking her measurements, Rook had been keeping note on any news outside of the modiste

Sure he got a few odd looks, but he couldn't really care less. His job is too ensure the safety of viscount Leech's daughter, not to ensure his own safety

And that means... He's willing to take some risks to make sure her safety is ensured

_________________________________________

The day of the soiree where shit went down

Everyone went all out, hoping to impress the grand duke and his wife as they made their entrance to their soiree

Many of the debutantes mingled with many of the eligible gentlemen in the room, while a few others like Ms. (H/N) did their best to avoid the hungry eyes of the ton

Due to her reputation as the prince's fiancé, it was rightfully obvious that Nyx would eventually dance with Vil

Might I add, that they danced 4 times, and their feet somehow never felt swollen

Which is a great "feet" on their end

Get it? Cause.... Yeah I'll go-

Because they were the hosts, Victoria and Regulus merely watched their guests enjoy the festivities of the soiree

Die to their overprotective nature, Jade and Floyd had Nyx bring Rook, to the point where they insisted that Rook's a better choice than an imperial knight

"Why would you think Rook is a better choice compared to an imperial knight?" Nyx questioned as two of her maids adjusted her hair and outfit.

Jade sighed."It's too ensure your safety, sister. Rook has had official training as an imperial knight, but had chosen to become a successful entrepreneur. The fact that he was so skilled and chose to choose that life is possibly a good enough sign for you to pick him, no?"

Nyx pondered for moment, before eventually sighing.

"I.... I guess? I'll trust you and Floyd's judgement, Jade..."

While Nyx was happily hanging out with Cerule and the rest of their ✨squad✨ , Rook retreats somewhere else

And despite his best efforts to make sure his escape was unnoticeable, the grand duchess herself had witnessed him narrowly escaping through the grandiose doors of the hall

"Darling..." "Yes?"

"I'll be right back." Kissing her husband on the cheek, Victoria made her way to Nyx and her group of friends

Subsequently, (H/N) also happened to barge in on their conversation. Which, greatly annoyed Cerule that she wanted to punch her in the face.

And yet despite (H/N)'s presence, Victoria chose to act like she wasn't even there and tell Nyx that her bodyguard had left and that she should look for him

When asked why Victoria merely smiled and stated on how much trouble one could get into in the manor's halls, before she left to continue mingling with the other guests alongside her husband

Hesitantly, Nyx excused herself from the conversation in order to follow Rook. Leaving the poor girls to deal with (H/N)

Obviously, Nyx was suspicious

Not only for Rook to just randomly disappear, but also for the grand duchess

She knows Victoria, but she just DOESN'T act like this

She almost never smiles so genuinely and only ever smiles to appear polite to her peers, even when they upset her

So naturally due to her suspicions, she followed Rook

Regulus smirked at his wife, raising an eyebrow."You saw Hunt leave?" He questioned, taking Victoria into his arms.

She giggled."What else was I supposed to do? Not do anything about it?" She inched closer to tickle his nose with her own. Regulus's ruby eyes flashed green.

Victoria's playful expression faded a bit."Is something going on with the spell?" She asked, concern filling her tone.

Regulus sighed, nuzzling against the crook of her neck."Unfortunately yes. Despite how powerful I may be darling, spells like these tend to malfunction no matter how hard I try..." He complained.

Victoria sighed."Not to worry Malleus, we'll figure something out..." She whispered as quietly as she could, lightly kissing his forehead.

Regulus smiled, kissing his wife's hand before he guided her to the dance floor for a waltz and quadrille.

_________________________________________

Ah shit, I witnessed a murder caused by.... My bodyguard?!

Nyx hummed as she entered yet another empty library, quietly complaining about how freakishly large the manor was

Where could Rook have gone.... It's clear he couldn't have gone far. , She contemplated, continuing to walk around.

Encountering another door, Nyx had hoped that Rook was inside.

And lo and behold, he was! .... With blood covering his suit. And a nobleman Nyx knew had tried to assault her in the past was in front of Rook, with a twisted neck.

Nyx's eyes widen as she remembered... Those assassinations.... They all happened at midnight. Because of that, the assassin had been referred to as the "Midnight assassin"

Gasping incredibly loudly, Rook's head immediately turned around to lock eyes with Nyx's horrified irises.

Obviously, Nyx felt like she could faint at any given moment

Like- HER BODYGUARD IS THE MIDNIGHT ASSASSIN?

Huh???

DID JADE AND FLOYD KNOW THIS?

And naturally because of Nyx figuring out he's the infamous assassin

But then.... Nyx realized it all added up

Looking back at all of the murders, they all were of nobles who would've previously insulted Nyx, possibly before she even became Vil's fiancé at all

Examples being the dead nobleman right behind a blood covered Rook

"Rook.... You have some explaining to do." Nyx stated, crossing her arms as she wore a serious expression to hide her anxiousness.

Rook sighed."As you wish, my lady..." He bowed as he stepped forward to explain everything to Nyx.

What Nyx heard next was shocking

That Rook was called over to the house of Leech not only to protect Nyx, but to eliminate anyone who had dared to harm her

And that would've included Miss (H/N)

On one hand, Nyx is relieved that she hasn't been killed by now

But on the other hand, she somewhat wished Rook actually killed (H/N) since she was starting to get on her last nerve

"My lady...."

"Hm?"

Rook hesitated."Please, do not inform anyone of these news. Especially your brothers, as they intend to hide my identity as the Midnight assassin." He quietly explained.

Nyx sighed, looking away slightly. Back in her world, she kept certain things from Jade and Floyd. I mean, it's expected of siblings to keep things from each other.

But.... This? It's something that'll be more difficult of a secret to keep from her brothers...

Sighing much more heavily, Nyx felt obligated to nod and promise to Rook not to say a word of this to her brothers. Or anyone for that matter.

Who knew our isekaid villainess would get into a situation where her bodyguard is an assassin???

Well- Me since I'm the author, but still-

[shiny-jr]

Hi! I noticed that your requests were open and I love the way you write Malleus so I was hoping you would do yandere malleus x reader. where the reader knows twisted wonderland is a game (but not imposter au pls) and after they got isekia'd are trying to stop the overblots from happening and malleus is just terrified for them. Idk just an idea I've had for awhile but never found a fanfic like lol. Obviously it's totally fine if you don't want to do it or if I accidentally broke a rule. Anyway remember to drink some water and take a break if needed! Have a amazing rest of your day/night!!

Warning: Yandere (not really, not at all). Gender-neutral reader.

Characters: Malleus Draconia.

Summary: MC sees affection meters and it's not good.

Note: These are mainly thoughts and random words my mind spewed out.  

How did one claim victory at a game? Well, it entirely depended on the game, the mechanics and the options. It should've been impossible to lose a mobile game that was primarily composed of the gacha mechanism and visual novels.

When you suddenly found yourself in the series of twisted villains in a prestigious school of magic, you found that it was much more complex than it appeared on screen. Especially when only you could see these small bars occasionally floating above people's heads. Bars which you recognized as affection meters, nearly all of them stagnant at a dull gray 0% when you first arrived. This was the hurdle blocking your way to an easy victory. Because how else were you to escape the game, other than complete it?

Situations became messier, when you didn't have a dialogue options between two mere choices. Add making good impressions and keeping a character's favor, to the list of quests alongside avoiding death by inky overblotted characters. By some miracle, you had increased the affection of the characters you met and interacted with to a healthy 5% or 10%, sometimes more. At any cost you wished to avoid getting in the negatives, because you did not want to find out what would happen then.

Sometimes, the numbers would drop dangerously close to zero, mainly when an overblot was occuring. Never had you realized how the visual novel failed spectacularly at portraying the utter horror of the overblotted in all their wicked glory. The black inky darkness leaking from them like tears or blood with those crazed unhinged looks in their eyes–– was the stuff of pure nightmares.

And yet the one whose overblot you had been dreading the most, the dorm leader of Diasomnia, was surprisingly docile as you dealt with others. However, you knew even when conversing with him, that you would one day witness him overblot and look like some ethereal but deadly fallen angel. So mentally you prepared yourself, while taking on the task of keeping up appearances.

Malleus' affection meter, was a good 20% and a friendly pink shade, quite the accomplishment you were proud of, considering the majority of the cast wasn't even at 15%. The Draconia heir was certainly someone you never wanted to see reach below zero, so you did your absolute best to appeal to him, even if he was quite intimidating at first with the way he stoically watched you complain about the least of your worries, homework and classes.

By the time you spoke to him about your troubles with the Ramshackle dorm and Azul, during what you knew was the Octavinelle arc, the prince's affection had sprouted to a 22%. When you went into more detail of the potential loss you could face, it went to 23%.

The next time you saw him, you were weary and antsy since witnessing Azul's break-down. If the blot of his tears had the magic to gather, it would've been enough to drown, you were sure of it. Even by that maniac look in his eyes, you're sure he would've purposely drowned you if he got close enough.

Throughout that charlatan's chapter, his affection meter had slowly been rising, dropping during the overblot like the tides only to rise once again by the end to a good 45%. This was good!

But no matter how much you may have pondered, strategized, or try to predict each next action, you could've never guessed that the next time you saw Malleus after Azul's overblot, his expression taut with concern, his affection meter had made a jump to 55% and turned red. This entire time you had been avoiding the negatives, but you never once worried of the dangers and implications a red affection meter above 50% would mean for you. Or heaven forbid, anything close to 100%.

[starseungs]

after the curtain falls. lmh

lee know x gn!reader — spring was a season welcomed by all. what a pity that the notion of ‘all’ exempted you.

genre/s — angst, fluff, its just hurt-comfort, university au • 2.9k words

warning/s — break-up aftermath, profanity, commitment issues, minho gets called a bad bf (sorry), there's a twist i swear !

note — its quite literally been a year since i last wrote a fic so i would love to know how the quality of my writing is !! feedback is greatly appreciated 🫶

2024 ⓒ starseungs on tumblr. do not steal, repost, or edit.

Spring was never supposed to be this lifeless.

It was a season of new beginnings, where growth is celebrated and life is nurtured back into full bloom. A time of bright colors and freshly scented air floating all throughout the expanse of space, bringing soft smiles of comfort towards anyone who takes it in. Springtime was welcomed by all.

What a pity that the notion of ‘all’ exempted you.

You didn’t know why your spring was so vastly different from the others near you. You’d like to think that your winter started off just as normal as everybody else: watching the crisp fallen leaves on the ground get replaced by a fresh coat of snow, feeling the familiar prick of the icy season’s breeze on your skin as your body tried to suppress a giggling shiver, as well as seeing puffs of steam come out of every warm breath you took, reminding you that despite the cold weather, you still held a warmth inside of you.

Just who would have known that your spring would be the complete opposite, with your heart frosted over despite the rising temperatures? But somewhere in the back of your mind, you knew exactly why. You would never want to catch yourself admitting it, but maybe it was the way your winter ended in a snowstorm of emotions.

It wasn’t every winter that someone had a fight that could completely shatter an intricately built mosaic. It also wasn’t every winter that you would watch your other half walk out of your life without so much of a single falter.

You knew so damn well that it wasn’t every winter that you could get your heart broken.

Perhaps that was why you allowed your heart to get glazed over by ice. After all, it was the only thing keeping it together without requiring you to spend too much effort. Sure, it melted a bit every now and then, but it was easier to freeze liquid than it was to achieve the complete opposite.

It was for the same reason that you found solace in the springtime evenings, where it resembled even half of the winter that was keeping you human. The dimmed atmosphere of the surroundings was able to neutralize all the parading palettes of color, leaving you with a monochrome wonderland that was much more comforting to the eye.

The walk back to your dorm building wasn’t anything special. It really wasn’t supposed to, nor did you expect something to happen. You had just gotten over the hurdles of coursework back in the school’s library when you decided to call it a day, peacefully trek back to your dorm room, and get to sleep the hours away until duty calls. That was how your evening was supposed to go.

Except it didn’t.

When you first saw a figure more or less passed out near the lower steps of your dorm building, you were visibly concerned. Why wouldn’t you be? At this time of the day, it would be dangerous to just leave yourself undefended in public. That, and who in their right mind would be willing to snooze away amidst the midnight breeze?

That was enough for you to start a little jog toward them. Was this person locked out? Were they drunk? Should you help them? All sorts of questions popped into your head as you got closer to the steps the figure took as their bed for the night.

And yet all those same questions vanished into thin air the moment you caught a glimpse of the person’s face.

“—Minho?”

His name came out of your lips so frail, as if any stronger, and the scene before you would shatter into nothingness, telling you once again that it was all in your head. That you had wished to see him again.

It was almost comical just how fast the sight of him brought back the familiar prick in your eyes—the tears fighting the crisp blow of the wind to keep themselves at bay. This wasn’t how your evening was supposed to go.

Granted, the fight between you was a petty one. Well, not more so petty than sudden since it literally blew up out of nowhere. It started off with a question about commitment. Arguably simple one of where you saw each other in a few years. You had gone first after you asked, rambling happily about graduation and living together. Minho chuckled along with your plans, and to you, he even seemed glad to hear them.

Yet, when the topic of marriage was brought up, his smile immediately turned blank.

Of course, you noticed his drastic change of mood right away. What kind of significant other would you be if you didn’t? But when you reached out to ask him what was wrong, he merely brushed it off as being tired.

Except that both you and him had done nothing but lay around the whole day.

Maybe you, too, had a fault in all of this. You prodded him more about the topic, not knowing you were agitating a ticking time bomb running out of time. If you only knew, then it shouldn’t have come as a surprise that he eventually exploded, spitting out that he wasn’t too sure about marriage.

In your view, that would have been fine. You were willing to talk it out; perhaps he had other plans for the both of you that would settle just fine in yours. There was no way you’d pressure Minho into doing something he didn’t feel like doing. You had too much love and respect for him to do so.

It was in an unfortunate turn of events that you had to find out the sentiment wasn’t shared in the same way you did, as when he slammed your room’s door shut after expressing that it wouldn’t work out, he took a piece of your heart with him that left you incomplete on the days that followed.

And yet, there he was again. Marching into your life like nothing ever happened.

In a blinding flash of hot white fury, you marched up to Minho’s peaceful figure, blissfully unaware of the chaos headed his way. Your body shook in the repressed burst of energy, trying not to lose yourself in public despite the area devoid of people. After reaching him in less than a minute, you saw no hesitation in leaning down to wake him.

“Minho,” you grasped at his right shoulder, trying to shake him out of slumber. You saw the action as intense in a way that was borderline frantic, not a care for the state of the joint you had grabbed. After all, why would you? Yet, while you’d like to believe you did a great job at expressing your displeasure, a small voice pestering at the back of your mind begged to say otherwise.

It was a mere whisper—directed at the act you just committed, one that shouldn’t even bother you in the slightest. Yet, it did. So painfully so.

That kind of gentleness isn’t reserved for a heart swirling in rage.

The slight squeeze in your heart at the notion only made you grit your teeth further in displeasure. Curse your damned heart for keeping its fondness for the man before you. The same man who was still up in dreamland while you were fighting your own war at the present. You clicked your tongue in building irritation.

“Wake up, or else I’m leaving you out here to freeze.” With one last shove, Minho finally came back to Earth.

You watched as he fluttered his eyes open, ignoring the warmth that seemed to spread over you once you got a glimpse of his big almond eyes. Minho sure took his sweet time to process his surroundings, causing you to purse your lips in uncertainty when his gaze lingered on your figure towering over him a bit too long with an unexplainable emotion.

“Hi,” he mumbled slowly, a small smile ghosting on his rosy lips. “Even in my dreams, you never fail to look so lovely.”

Cold air filled your lungs as you sucked in a breath at his words. You hated the way he easily melted the ice that you had covered your heart in. Without even meaning to, Minho had already managed to tear down the first layer of protection you had set up to keep yourself sane. There were a lot of things you wanted to tell him back, but you held your tongue. This wasn’t the right time.

Nor would that time ever come.

“It’s not a dream,” you opted to inform him of what was left of the goodness in your heart, partly feeling guilty for his disoriented state. “Get up, Minho. It’s cold out here.”

“You’re—what, wait!”

Minho scrambled frantically from his seated position on the dorm building’s steps, clumsily finding his balance to get up. The rush of suddenly standing after a nap came over him like a wave, causing him to stumble with a groan as he let the blood that came up settle. You sighed at Minho’s efforts, turning back around to continue your way towards the entrance.

“You should go back home.”

“I won’t!” He replied in haste, pure desperation seeping over his words. “Not again. Not when I spend every passing hour regretting that I did back then when I clearly shouldn’t have.”

You felt your world still at what Minho had just said. Did you hear it correctly?

“Please, Y/N.”

Minho’s footsteps echoed in your mind, telling you that he was moving closer. But your body had yet to listen to the warning bells you had set off, keeping you still in the same place you had stopped in. You surprised yourself with the small whimper that escaped your lips after feeling warmth radiating right behind you.

“Can—can I hug you?”

And just like that, the dam broke as the first fits of sobs spluttered out of your body in waves, barely getting contained as Minho wrapped you with his arms firmly. You turned to face him just to throw weak punches at his chest. “I hate you so much!”

“I know,” he said, hugging you tighter, as if you would disappear the moment he eased his hold. “I know you do.”

“Do you know how hurt I was? How could you just leave me like that!”

“I don’t know,” Minho answers again, completely giving in to your inner turmoil. He let you dampen his hoodie with your tears without any reference. “I was stupid.”

“So stupid!”

“Very stupid,” he repeats your words without hesitation, finally pulling back slightly to see your tear-stained face, gently wiping the fresh drops that escaped with his thumb.

You cursed the way your body naturally leaned into his touch. You disliked the way his voice soothed your running mind from the horrors it placed upon yourself. You hated the way you felt comforted by his presence, the same way he hurt you with his absence.

And most of all, you despised the way you couldn’t bring yourself to stay mad at him.

“I’m sorry,” Minho said heavily, visibly trying to keep his own tears at bay. “I know that won’t fix all the things that happened, but I still wanted to let you know.”

You exhaled shakily.

“I—I won’t force you to accept my apology,” he continued. “But please—God, Y/N. I don’t think I’d be able to handle you telling me to go home and never fixing us. I wouldn’t survive in this world without you by my side. I promise I’ll do better for you. I’ll reflect on what I need to, just—”

Minho breathed in deeply.

“Give me another chance.”

The two of you breathed in unison for the first time in weeks.

“Cut!”

“Nice,” Jisung’s squeal of joy could be heard throughout the wide space, carefully fumbling with his video camera to watch the scene’s replay. “That was a great take!”

Seungmin groans at the noise level. “Seriously, would it hurt you to keep it down? Some people are already asleep,” he scoffs, really not wanting to deal with a complaint filed against them this late into the night.

The younger of the two only juts his lower lip forward into a childish pout. “But it’s only midnight. We’re in university. Who gets to sleep that early in university?” Seungmin only bites back a retort after sensing genuine confusion in Jisung’s tone.

“Whatever,” he grumbled.

At the sound of their bickering, the late night’s breeze didn’t seem to be as frosty as it was a few minutes ago. You distantly hear Seungmin and Jisung continue to talk, now finding themselves in a heated discussion about the next scene. A light chuckle was heard coming from the man still holding you.

“Well, I’m glad that they’re having fun,” Minho comments, greatly amused at the duo. You felt his gaze drop down towards your head, still resting on his shoulder. “Feeling okay?”

You could only nod at his query, too exhausted from enacting the scene that just finished. He hummed at your non-verbal approach to answering, running a hand through your hair to soothe your dropping emotions.

“What’s going on in that pretty little mind of yours?” You let out a soft giggle at his wording before snuggling yourself closer to his figure. Minho lets you do your thing with a smile.

“Let’s not ever do that.”

“Do what, love?” He asks, requesting that you elaborate. You listened to his heartbeat thump calmly before speaking up.

“Break up,” you said, the thought leaving a bitter taste on your tongue. “I don’t like the feeling. It hurts.”

Minho laughs again, but this time it was aimed at you. “Well, of course it’s going to hurt,” he says with a light tone. “You’re going to be losing me!” You slapped his arm in annoyance.

“You are such an ass, Lee Minho!”

“Ow—hold on!” He chokes out in between chuckles. Minho takes hold of the hand that was assaulting his arm, slipping it into his own and entangling both of your fingers. You couldn’t help the heat that washed over your face at the intimate action. Minho seemed satisfied with your reaction. “If it makes you feel better, it’s going to hurt me too.”

You pull away to raise a brow at his statement. “Why? Since you’ll be single?” Minho pretends to think for a second.

“I mean, I guess?” You shot him an icy glare at his admission, but the tender smile he gave back at you made your angry facade falter in an instant. It looks like on-screen you had the same issues with their own Minho—both being undeniably weak when it came to them.

“Stop giving me that look,” you sigh amidst a smile you were suppressing.

“What look?”

“That look,” you say, almost in a breath as you struggle to chase the words out of your mouth. “The one when you look at me like I’m the only person in this world.”

It was a look you’ve seen too many times. One that he would give you both at the most intimate of moments and the most random of times. You see it when you wake up in the morning to him already awake beside you; you saw it when you squealed in joy after winning a prize from those rigged claw machines in the arcade across town; and you see it especially when he sees you waiting outside his class’ building after an extensive lecture, holding two cups of coffee for both you and him. It was from those times that you realized—it was Minho’s gaze of unfiltered love for you.

Minho pulls you back into his arms, still unable to let go of his endearing grin. Your head finds its way back into the crevice of his neck, finding home in it once again, like second nature.

“That’s because you are the only person in my world.”

“We beg to differ.”

Minho could only roll his eyes at the eerily synchronized voices of Jisung and Seungmin, leaving you to crumble into fits of laughter. He scoffs before replying, “If I lose my beloved darling, then you guys are losing an actor.”

“Well, you wouldn’t be trying to salvage your relationship if you stopped being such a shit boyfriend!” Jisung bites back at Minho’s threat.

“What, so you would rather watch us be all lovey-dovey in front of you? I didn’t take you for that kind of person, Jisung.”

“Seungmin, he’s fighting me again!”

“What am I, your mom?”

The night continued on in blissful laughter and amused smiles, finally fitting for the season of spring. Even with the chilled breeze of the evening air, the warmth exuding from the four of you would remain, defrosting the ice you had layered on your heart for the scene given to you. Deep in your mind, you knew that this was really how your night was supposed to go.

That as much as you loved creating little scenarios for your friends’ films, you’d always prefer the life you had after the curtain falls.

mastertag 🔖— send in an ask if you want to be added ! 🫶

@fairyki @hysgf @euncsace @comet-falls @starlostseungmin @ameliesaysshoo @hyunverse @djeniryuu

sorry for anyone tagged that didn't want to be !! i used my old mastertag from a year ago for this fic. i'll be creating a new one soon, so kindly just tell me if you want to be included still 🤍