#unity and understanding are how people survive long term

[justafewberries]

not only is “peeta is useless” fundamentally untrue to katniss’s character:

“I do,” I say. “I need you.”

But from a basal level, Peeta represents something crucial to long-term survival:

That what I need to survive is not Gale's fire, kindled with rage and hatred. I have plenty of fire myself. What I need is the dandelion in the spring. The bright yellow that means rebirth instead of destruction. The promise that life can go on, no matter how bad our losses. That it can be good again. And only Peeta can give me that.

To unpack this, let’s explore the general symbolism of fire in a survival literature. Let’s turn to Lord of the Flies.

In Lord of the Flies, the fire is a motif used to symbolize the decay of the relationship between the survivors. At first, the fire is controlled. It is beneficial. It is a source of warmth, light, and community. They gather around the fire. They cook on the fire. Their hope for rescue resides in the fire.

When they fall out with one another, the fire grows out of control. It blazes beyond the camp. It destroys. It raises everything to ashes.

That is Peeta. Then that is Gale.

You do not need a complex understanding of The Hunger Games to read Katniss’s own words in the conclusion of Mockingjay. You do not even have to know that Peeta is a “whiz with fires”.

The most iconic line from the franchise provides enough context to understand this notion alone:

If we burn, you burn with us.

It is true that when the Capitol sets fires, it destroys the nation. However, the inverse is also true. With Gale’s uncontrolled fire, everything burns. Everything is destroyed.

There is no world in which Gale and Katniss successfully run off without Peeta. They could survive physically, but they would burn on each other’s fire. They would fuel each other until it became irreparable. Eventually, there would be no fuel left.

They needed Peeta. They both needed Peeta.

And you don’t have to have an in-depth understanding of Hunger Games lore and meta to understand this. Just an idea of what fire represents across media.

[blackstarlineage]

Toxic Black Parental Behaviours: A Garveyite Perspective on How Parenting Can Empower or Destroy Black Liberation

From a Garveyite perspective, parenting is not just about raising children—it is about nation-building. The strength of the Black race is directly connected to how Black parents raise their children. If parents fail to prepare their children for leadership, self-reliance, and Pan-African unity, then Black communities will continue to suffer from disunity, dependency, and internalized oppression.

Unfortunately, many toxic parenting behaviours within Black families—a result of generational trauma, colonial indoctrination, and white supremacy—are weakening the potential of the next generation. These behaviours create mentally, emotionally, and economically enslaved children, rather than future leaders of Black liberation.

This analysis will explore:

The origins of toxic Black parenting as a result of slavery and colonialism.

Harmful parenting behaviours that sabotage Black children’s success.

The impact of emotional and psychological abuse in Black households.

How the failure to teach self-reliance and Pan-African values cripples Black youth.

Garveyite solutions to raising children who will restore Black power.

1. The Origins of Toxic Black Parenting: The Legacy of Slavery and Colonialism

Many of the toxic behaviors in Black parenting today can be traced back to slavery, colonialism, and white supremacy, which deliberately:

Destroyed traditional African family structures and replaced them with European patriarchal dominance or forced single-parent households.

Encouraged physical punishment as the only form of discipline, making Black parents replicate the violence that was used against them.

Demonized African cultural traditions and replaced them with Eurocentric religious teachings that promoted obedience, submission, and fear.

Instilled economic dependency, making Black parents focus on survival rather than long-term generational wealth.

Example: During slavery, Black parents had to beat their children to stop them from acting out, so they wouldn’t be lynched or sold. This mentality was passed down for generations.

Key Takeaway: Many toxic parenting behaviours in Black families are not natural—they are the result of white supremacy shaping how Black people treat each other.

2. Harmful Parenting Behaviours That Sabotage Black Children

Toxic parenting can destroy a child’s self-worth, mental strength, and ability to become a leader in Black liberation. Some of the most damaging behaviors include:

A. Over-Reliance on Harsh Physical Discipline (Beating Instead of Teaching)

Many Black parents believe beating a child is the only way to discipline them, but this comes from slavery-era trauma, not African culture.

Constant physical punishment teaches fear, not respect—making children obedient, but not critical thinkers or problem-solvers.

Studies show that children who are frequently beaten develop low self-esteem, aggression, and struggle with authority in adulthood.

Example: Garveyism teaches education, guidance, and responsibility—not just punishment. A child who understands why discipline is needed will grow into a self-sufficient adult.

Key Takeaway: Discipline must be based on education, not fear, if Black children are to develop into leaders.

B. Emotional Neglect and Suppressing Black Children’s Voices

Many Black parents tell their children:

“Stay in a child’s place.”

“You don’t have an opinion.”

“You’re too young to talk about that.”

This prevents Black children from developing confidence and leadership skills because they are not allowed to express themselves.

When children are raised in homes where they cannot communicate, they become passive adults who fear speaking up against injustice.

Example: Garvey encouraged strong oratory skills and confidence in Black youth, preparing them to be public speakers, organizers, and leaders in their communities.

Key Takeaway: Black children must be taught to express their thoughts, speak boldly, and defend themselves—because white supremacy will silence them if they don’t.

C. Gaslighting and Emotional Abuse

Many Black parents mock, dismiss, or insult their children when they express their feelings, teaching them to bottle up their emotions.

Common toxic phrases Black parents use:

“You’re too sensitive.”

“Stop crying before I give you something to cry about.”

“You think you know everything.”

These behaviors break a child’s confidence and make them emotionally dependent on external validation, often leading to mental health struggles.

Example: Strong mental health is essential for Black revolutionaries—Garveyite leaders must be emotionally strong, not afraid of criticism or manipulation.

Key Takeaway: A Black child raised in a supportive, emotionally healthy environment grows up to be a fearless warrior for Black liberation.

3. The Failure to Teach Self-Reliance and Economic Empowerment

One of the biggest failures in Black parenting today is not preparing children for financial independence.

A. Raising Children to Be Workers, Not Owners

Many Black parents teach their children to get a “good job” working for white corporations instead of building their own businesses.

Schools do not teach Black children about entrepreneurship, real estate, or financial literacy, leaving them trapped in the cycle of economic dependency.

Without financial education, Black children grow up to live paycheck to paycheck, stay in debt, and rely on white-owned banks, companies, and institutions.

Example: Garvey established Black-owned businesses, shipping companies, and schools, proving that Black people must control their own economies.

Key Takeaway: A Garveyite parent raises their child to be an owner, investor, and leader—not a lifelong worker for white institutions.

4. Promoting White Dependency Instead of Pan-African Identity

Many Black parents unknowingly teach their children to idolize whiteness and reject their African heritage by:

Forcing them to assimilate into white culture instead of embracing their Blackness.

Teaching them that white approval = success (e.g., “If you speak properly, white people will respect you.”).

Praising Eurocentric beauty standards and ignoring African beauty.

Not educating them about African history, Pan-Africanism, and global Black unity.

Example: Parents in Asian and Jewish communities teach their children to build with their own people, while Black children are taught to seek white acceptance instead of Black unity.

Key Takeaway: A Garveyite parent raises their child to be PROUDLY Black and never dependent on white validation.

5. The Garveyite Solution to Toxic Black Parenting

To break the cycle of generational trauma, Black parents must:

Teach self-discipline, not fear – Children should respect authority, but also learn leadership skills and independence.

Encourage emotional intelligence – Black children must learn how to express themselves without fear of ridicule.

Prepare children for financial independence – Teach them about business ownership, investing, and economic self-sufficiency.

Raise Pan-African leaders, not followers – Instill a strong Black identity, pride in African culture, and a mission for Black liberation.

Create a Black-centered learning environment – Expose them to books, media, and mentors that reinforce Black excellence.

Final Takeaway: Garveyism teaches that strong parenting is nation-building. A weak, miseducated, and emotionally broken generation can not lead a revolution.

Conclusion: Black Parenting is the Foundation of Liberation

If Black parents:

Raise fearful, dependent children who need white approval…

Suppress their children’s voices and potential…

Fail to prepare them for economic and intellectual independence…

Then Black people will never be free.

As Marcus Garvey warned:

"The greatest weapon used against the Negro is disorganization."

The solution to this disorganization begins at home. Black parenting must create leaders, warriors, and builders—or the next generation will be lost.

The time to reclaim Black parenting as a revolutionary act is NOW.

[malfiora]

Ideas for how the DCEU could have continued

With slight moderations:

OLD

Man of Steel

Superman's origin story

Batman vs. Superman

Slightly an origin story for Batman, brings the Trinity together

Wonder Woman

WW's origin story

Justice League

Slight Cyborg backstory, first team mission, they take down Steppenwolf, who heralds Darkseid's arrival

Aquaman

Arthur's backstory

The Flash

Barry's backstory (we will be ignoring the long-term impacts of timeline shenanigans)

NEW

Cyborg and the Manhunter

Martian Manhunter finally makes himself known to the League...except only Cyborg is around. He brings intel about some weird space shit that may have been the cause of his planet dying, and the two embark on a quest together to investigate. Along the way, Manhunter reveals more about himself and Mars, and they bond over being misfits on Earth. At the end, Cyborg pushes the GO TIME button to assemble the rest of the League.

Justice League 2: Crisis

Cyborg and Manhunter catch the others up. (Bruce struggles with his own anti-alien biases and learns to trust Manhunter.) They work to quickly understand the threat that is Darkseid, which brings them to the attention of the Green Lantern Corps. In a show of faith, the Corps reassigns an Earth-sector GL to work with the League (take your pick).

Justice League 3: Infinite

The League storms and stresses together, and factions form. J'onn (Manhunter) and Clark bond over being sole surviving aliens. Bruce, Clark, and Diana grow closer over being relied on as leaders. Vic, Arthur, and the GL (depending on who you pick) bond over being POCs and nostalgically swap Earth/surface dweller customs.

Then the stakes heighten: Bruce, Clark, and GL want Darkseid taken alive so he can be brought to justice; Arthur, Diana, and J'onn believe he should be killed. (Diana: "I'm a warrior, I fight until the end.") Barry and Vic are ambivalent and feel their age. In the end, Diana brings them back together with a rousing speech: "No matter what brought us here, no matter where we came from, we all want the same thing in the end. We're a team." (Bruce and Clark look on proudly. Bruce: "We didn't know you could give speeches like that." Diana: "That's because you never let me talk.")

Darkseid arrives and sniffs out the weak unity of the League and immediately tries to divide and conquer. He goads Aquaman and Wonder Woman with tales of how proud their respective people were and how disappointed they'd be seeing them rely on each other. He tells GL and Manhunter that neither of them have the guts to do what needs to be done – Martian because his race was peaceful, GL because they won't kill. He teases Cyborg and Flash for being too young and naive. He praises Superman's strength and tells him he owes Earth nothing. (Bonus: he somehow learns that Batman tried to kill him and goes, "See? Despite everything you do for them, they hate you. You will never be one of them.") He gives a "join me" speech to Supes: "Wouldn't you rather be on the winning side? Where you don't have to humble yourself, where you can use your abilities to their fullest extent." Batman finally has to say the quiet part out loud: "You are one of us, Kal. You're the most human man I know." That concludes their relationship arc.

Cyborg rallies the troops together. His quarterback side starts showing and he tough-loves the League back into fighting shape. GL clears their throat and shares how their ring works. "Green Lanterns are fueled by willpower. All of the amazing things my ring can do, it's only because I believe it can." For some reason that inspires everybody and they actually work as a team and manage to defeat Darkseid. (Maybe they trap him in Zodd's phantom zone as a full-circle moment.)

[aromancy]

You know, a lot of companies have made HUGE changes lately; foolish changes, leading to long-term damage to their brands for short-term financial gains. Just this year, Warner Bros canceled multiple upcoming films already mostly finished just for tax breaks; Unity tried to take a cut of the profits from every person who downloaded their games; the Escapist fired the head of their video team; Wizards of the Coast had the Pinkertons scandal, the 5e OGL scandal, the controversies around One D&D...

This is unusual, right? For one company to shoot themselves in the foot is an accident; for several to do so in rapid succession seems to me like a strange new pattern.

But why? Why prioritize a short-term paycheck over long-term profits? The people in charge of these companies may be stupid, but they're not that stupid; they've been in charge of these companies for years (well, most of them; the Escapist was bought out by Gamurz last year, but Gamurz hasn't stepped it's foot in it this bad before, so my point still stands) and not done stupid shit on this level before.

I've seen others who recognize this pattern postulate that it's for investment purposes. Investors dom't care about what's best for the long-term survivability of a company; they care only for the signs of quarter-to quarter growth, and will pull their investments if they don't see a quarterly return. This does make some measure of sense, but I don't understand how it's only recently gotten this bad if this was always standard operating procedure? Have these businesses always been doing this, and only recently has it been noticed?

I have another potential explanation. In 2017, Douglas Rushkoff was invited to deliver a keynote speech to a huge group of exhorbitantly wealthy individuals. The purpose? To explore the future of technology. While he thought it would be a lighthearted exploration of exciting new technologies and what they could mean for society going forward, it quickly became clear that most of the attendees were more concerned with the threats technology posed.

Several of them referenced "The Event," a nonspecific apocalypse that might occur as a result of societal unrest, environmental destruction, nuclear war, et cetera. This seemed to be quite a pressing issue; the attendees grilled Rushkoff for over an hour on how one might thrive in a post-apocalyptic setting.

I think the wealthy elite of this world expect The Event to come soon. And I think that several wealthy people are trying to make a whole lot of money right now so that they'll be ready when The Event arrives.

[shock-micro]

Pokémon Prophecies: Genesect

I said a bit earlier that I had an idea for a Legends game set in a future Unova. Let's elaborate on that, shall we?

Why center it around Genesect?

Because Genesect, in this, is only the first of its kind.

Let's set this in the far future, after some terrible war has come and passed, in a post-post-apocalyptic type setting. Humanity lives in these dazzling cities, and Pokémon are... not the same. All but the most hardy of biological species were wiped out, and in their place, are two types of Pokémon.

Iron-Paradoxes- now given regular names, as they're just normal Pokémon in this era- and "Genesis" forms, resurrected forms of Pokémon long lost, given new technological grace to help them survive in the new environment.

So, if you're reading this far in, you've probably already played Legends: Arceus. So, you should know the format: Find new area, complete a quest, unlock the area's ride Pokémon, complete another quest, quell the area's Noble, and catch more Pokémon to rank up and prove yourself worthy of entering a more dangerous area.

Each of the rides you obtain is a new paradox- maybe even direct reflections of the Legends ones, like a paradox Braviary for gliding. And the frenzied Nobles? Well, those could be replaced with the new Genesis forms, something having gone wrong with their cybernetics.

Turns out, each of the Genesis forms were altered by a corrupted form of the Drives that change Techno Blast's type, and so, say, a Genesis Weezing that was supposed to clean the air actually did quite the opposite, or a Genesis Staraptor caused a great blizzard due to a Frost Drive causing it to generate snowy gales with every wing-flap.

Each area could be like spiraling deeper into the heart of Unova, seeing how old cities grew and what became of the smaller towns, until you reach the former site of the Entralink at its center. Now, instead of the great Entree, there stands a skyscraper that pierces the heavens, in the center of the new capital city, "Genesis".

In terms of how this all ties in with the version differences between Black and White, we can reconcile that very cleanly with the Entree being destroyed. The two realities collapsed into each other, with Black's world winning out in most aspects, though some legends still tell of a time when and a world where a great forest could be found at the site of Black City.

I feel there's a good bit of stuff you could do, with a post-post-war Unova. Unity Tower, the former tallest tower in Unova, could have been demolished in the war, replaced with a memorial and a message of peace. The story itself wouldn't be dark, it'd stay light-hearted and maybe even uplifting, but things like this could be an interesting way to set the stage for why the Pokémon world is the way it is now. People have rebuilt, they're living their lives alongside Pokémon as they always have, there's just one somber note in the now-distant past of a time where the world was anything but united.

Nature could still be found throughout Unova, but there would be a lot less closer to its heart. I have a very slight idea of why, which could potentially involve Unova getting its very own Great Crater.

Let's get back to that first question I posed. Why Genesect? As I said, Genesect is simply the first of its kind, but there's been no trace of it for years. It was last said to be found in the heart of Unova, at the former site of the Entree. Finding the living form of Genesect could be the key to understanding why the new Genesis forms have been going wrong, when poring over ancient blueprints has revealed nothing.

So, would this be an interesting idea? Let me know! I know GameFreak would never do something like this, but hey, a robot can dream.

[brenda-mcgrane]

The Vital Role of Animal Rescue in Protecting Vulnerable Species

Animal rescue efforts are not just about saving lives—they are a crucial part of building compassionate, empathetic communities. From the immediate act of rescuing animals from danger or neglect to long-term advocacy and education, animal rescues have a profound impact on both animals and the people who support them. Through these efforts, not only are lives saved, but societies are transformed, fostering greater responsibility toward animals and the environment. This article explores the far-reaching effects of animal rescue work and how it extends beyond the animals themselves to create lasting change.

The Lifesaving Work of Animal Rescues

At the core of animal rescue organizations is their ability to provide lifesaving services. Every day, animals face a range of life-threatening situations—whether it’s being abandoned on the streets, suffering from neglect, or enduring physical abuse. Animal rescue groups act as a safety net, offering these animals a chance to survive and recover.

Upon rescue, animals are often given immediate medical attention, shelter, food, and care. Some rescues specialize in animals with severe injuries or illnesses, ensuring that they receive specialized care from veterinary professionals. Many animals come to rescues in critical condition, requiring surgeries, treatments for infections, or rehabilitation for emotional trauma caused by past abuse. Through these efforts, rescues provide not just a moment of relief but a real chance for a new beginning.

The immediate relief provided by animal rescues is critical, but their impact lasts much longer. Many rescued animals go on to live full, happy lives in adoptive homes, proving that a second chance is sometimes all it takes to transform an animal’s future.

Educating the Public: Awareness and Responsibility

While the hands-on rescue work is vital, animal rescue organizations also play a key role in educating the public on how to prevent animal suffering in the first place. Through outreach programs, online campaigns, and educational events, rescues raise awareness about the importance of responsible pet ownership, the need for spaying and neutering, and the dangers of neglect and abuse.

These initiatives help to change public attitudes and behaviors, encouraging individuals to treat animals with respect and care. By promoting the benefits of adoption over purchasing pets, rescues work to address the issue of overpopulation and reduce the number of animals that end up in shelters or rescues. Through education, people are encouraged to take ownership of their pets’ well-being, ensuring that they are not only properly cared for but also spayed or neutered to prevent future unwanted litters.

Another key aspect of animal rescue work is the advocacy for stronger animal protection laws. Many rescue organizations work alongside lawmakers to push for stricter regulations on animal cruelty, illegal breeding, and pet overpopulation. Through legal reform, rescues help establish a framework that prevents animals from suffering, ensuring that their rights and well-being are protected at the local, state, and national levels.

Building Compassionate Communities

The work of animal rescues extends far beyond the lives of the animals they save. Through their efforts, rescues contribute to the creation of compassionate communities. By encouraging volunteerism, fostering relationships with local businesses, and engaging the public, rescues foster a sense of unity and social responsibility.

When individuals volunteer with rescue organizations, they don’t just help animals—they help build a more empathetic community. Volunteering at a rescue organization provides people with the opportunity to work closely with animals in need, forming bonds and developing a deeper understanding of their struggles. It’s through these connections that volunteers often develop a lifelong commitment to animal welfare, becoming advocates for responsible pet ownership, adoption, and humane treatment.

Adoption also plays a crucial role in building stronger communities. Every time someone adopts a rescue animal, they contribute to reducing the number of stray or abandoned animals in shelters. By opening their homes to animals in need, adopters create a positive ripple effect that benefits not just the animals but the entire community. Pets bring emotional support, companionship, and joy to families, strengthening bonds and promoting mental well-being.

Advocating for Change: Pushing for Better Laws and Systems

Animal rescues are not only focused on direct interventions—they are also working to change the systems that contribute to animal suffering. Through advocacy and lobbying efforts, many rescues push for changes in laws and regulations that govern animal welfare.

These organizations are instrumental in ensuring that animal cruelty laws are enforced and that penalties for abuse are severe enough to deter offenders. By working with lawmakers, animal rescues advocate for legislation that provides better protection for animals, whether it’s through banning puppy mills, ensuring proper care for farm animals, or establishing legal protections for wildlife. These advocacy efforts lead to lasting changes that protect animals from suffering, creating a safer environment for them across the nation.

Additionally, rescue organizations often collaborate with other animal welfare groups, government agencies, and law enforcement to ensure that abused or neglected animals are properly cared for and that offenders are held accountable. These collaborative efforts help improve the effectiveness of rescue operations and provide animals with a better chance at recovery and rehabilitation.

The Role of Adoption in Solving Overpopulation

The problem of pet overpopulation is one of the most pressing issues that animal rescues work to address. Shelters are often overcrowded with animals that have been abandoned or surrendered by their owners. Animal rescues play a crucial role in reducing overpopulation by promoting adoption and offering spay/neuter programs.

When people choose to adopt from a rescue organization rather than buy from a breeder, they help reduce the demand for more animals to be bred. This practice not only saves lives but also helps to prevent further overpopulation, creating a more sustainable solution to animal homelessness. Rescue organizations often offer low-cost spay/neuter programs to encourage responsible pet ownership and reduce the number of unwanted litters. Through these efforts, rescues help create a world where fewer animals are abandoned or left without homes.

The Future of Animal Rescue: A World of Compassion

As awareness of animal welfare grows, the future of animal rescue looks bright. More people are recognizing the importance of adopting animals, and the demand for responsible, ethical treatment of pets is steadily increasing. Technology and social media have also opened new doors for rescues, enabling them to connect with potential adopters, donors, and volunteers on a global scale.

In the long run, the ultimate goal of animal rescues is to reduce the need for their services. Through education, advocacy, and widespread adoption, they strive to create a world where fewer animals are abandoned or mistreated. By working toward that vision, animal rescues are not only changing the lives of animals but also shaping a more compassionate society.

The impact of animal rescue efforts goes beyond just saving animals—it shapes communities, educates the public, and fosters a culture of empathy and responsibility. Through their direct rescue operations, educational outreach, and advocacy for stronger animal protection laws, animal rescues play a crucial role in creating a world where animals are treated with dignity, care, and respect. By supporting animal rescues, we can contribute to a future where every animal has a loving home and a better quality of life.

[ebelal56-blog]

Cuba's SMALL WONDER Story of Resilience

Cuba. A small island nation that has faced decades of adversity, yet stands tall, resilient against the backdrop of U.S. aggression. Now, let’s take a moment to reflect on what Cuba teaches us, not just about survival, but about the complex dance of international relations. It’s fascinating, isn’t it? Here’s a country that, despite being surrounded by a giant with a long history of hostility, has managed to carve out its own identity, maintain its sovereignty, and foster a sense of unity among its people. This resilience is something that could serve as a lesson for India, especially when we look at its interactions with its neighbors. Now, India is a vast nation, rich in culture and diversity, yet its relationships with neighboring countries often seem fraught with tension. Take Pakistan, for instance. The history here is marred by conflict and mistrust, especially over Kashmir. It’s a relationship that has seen numerous attempts at dialogue, but these efforts often collapse under the weight of terrorism and border disputes. The question arises: how can a country as influential as India, with its immense resources and strategic position, find a way to foster a more amicable relationship with its neighbors? Then there’s China. A complex relationship characterized by both cooperation and rivalry. On one hand, we see trade flourishing, yet on the other, we have border disputes that can escalate into serious confrontations. It’s a tightrope walk, and India must learn to navigate these waters with a level of finesse that emphasizes diplomacy over hostility. And what about Bangladesh? Here, we find a cultural kinship that should ideally foster a strong bond. Yet, issues surrounding migration and border management have at times strained this relationship. It’s a reminder that shared history isn’t always enough to overcome the challenges posed by political realities. Let’s not forget Nepal. A nation that shares so much with India in terms of culture and geography, yet tensions occasionally flare over border disputes and perceived interference in internal matters. It’s a delicate balance, and one that requires India to approach its neighbors with a sense of respect and understanding. Sri Lanka presents another interesting case. India has been a significant ally, providing military and economic support, yet the complexities of the Tamil issue have caused friction. This is where the lessons from Cuba become pertinent. Cuba has maintained its sovereignty and identity despite external pressures. India, too, must strive to respect the identities and aspirations of its neighbors, recognizing that cooperation doesn’t mean domination. And while Bhutan remains a close ally, with strong ties in defense and trade, the relationships with Myanmar and the Maldives are more complicated. In Myanmar, India engages for strategic reasons, yet the political turmoil there presents challenges that require careful navigation. The Maldives, with its shifting political landscape, demands adaptability and a commitment to mutual respect. So, what can India learn from Cuba? It’s about resilience, yes, but it’s also about respect. It’s about recognizing that every nation has its own narrative, its own struggles, and its own aspirations. By approaching its neighbors with a sense of empathy and a willingness to listen, India can foster a sense of trust that is essential for regional stability. Cuba, despite its challenges, stands as a testament to the strength of a nation that refuses to bow down. India, with its rich history and potential, must take a page from this book. It’s time to rethink strategies, to embrace cooperation over conflict, and to build relationships that reflect a commitment to peace and mutual growth. After all, in the intricate web of international relations, resilience is not just about enduring; it’s about thriving together.

[magnonprisma]

PR in 2025: Addressing Industry Challenges and Preparing for the Future

The ever-changing industry in 2025 has led brands to face tumultuous challenges. Surviving in the midst of the throng of competitors to gain market dominance is getting difficult. One must need to gear up to face these industry challenges.  

Top Challenges Faced by Industries in 2025

Difficulty in Standing Out 

The market landscape in 2025 has become highly competitive. Standing out amidst the noise and surviving in this crowded marketplace, whether you are breaking in or trying to step up, has become increasingly difficult. 

Dealing with Fakeness 

We are seeing a rise of information in the media. But sliding into this information overload is fake information. There has been an increased spread of fake information in various forms, such as video, audio, picture and written pieces.  

Apart from individuals doing it for fun, we are witnessing companies trying this method to gain more visibility among the masses and attempting to propagate negative fake news about their competitors. This in turn makes it difficult to distinguish between real and fake information.  

One of the key elements used for this misinformation is the use of AI. The introduction of AI has led to revealing a new set of challenges. Though on the one hand, it's transforming people’s lives, on the other hand, it’s being used to manipulate them. 

Shifting to Remoteness 

Post-pandemic, we have seen a shift from work from the office to remote working space. Remote working has led brands to face internal issues in the company. This necessitates the need for a PR agency to address the internal issues and at the same time ensure the unity of the team. 

Preparing for the Future 

PR agencies can be a saviour in facing these challenges and thriving in the marketplace. They can help navigate the complex industry ecosystem. Here's how brands and PR agencies can address these challenges head-on:  

Rising from the Dark 

To stand out in the marketplace, brands can take the help of PR agencies in Delhi NCR. They try to carve out your brand’s USP. Also, they devise and roll out PR strategies custom-built for your company’s short-term needs while working towards the long-term ones. 

Combatting the Misinformation 

The brands need to employ strategies to identify these fake news and fight against them. PR agencies who are ready to adapt to different situations can be a great deal of help in managing information and protecting public opinion against manipulation. They strategize tactics with clear calls to action for such issues to base your brand’s authenticity and preserve your brand reputation.  

This can include, monitoring online conversations, identifying false narratives, correcting inaccuracies and promoting accuracy.  

Using AI 

AI offers brands a potent tool to unearth insights and, most importantly, get results. AI plays an important role in helping brands because it makes the approach more effective, decision-making better and customer experiences improved. 

Leveraging the Power of Content 

PR agencies can help to produce content that is digestible and easy to understand by the target audience of the brand, and, therefore, provide help in achieving the targets of the brand. This may call for the development of interesting content while at the same time embracing innovative approaches. 

Conclusion 

In 2025's landscape, vying for public attention needs strategic PR initiatives. The best PR service agency in Delhi can help in shaping the public perception while advancing towards the brand’s objectives. At Magnon Prisma, we understand the value of strategic PR. Connect with us to explore how we can help your brand thrive. 

[arcticdementor]

Okay, a few points, as always. First:

What are the core components of Neo-Nazism? At abstract level, what, if you take it away, results in it not being Neo-Nazism anymore?

I’ve seen plenty of people argue that “Fascism” or “Nazism”, neo- or otherwise, is what Wittgenstein called a “family resemblance.” That it is a cluster of entities connected by a series of overlapping similarities, where no one feature is common to all of the things, and thus does not have the sort of “ core components” you describe here. And, cutting what could be a very, very long listing of examples short, I’ve encountered plenty of people — including not only plenty of people on the left, but also a lot of “small government fiscal conservatives” on the right — who would argue that your definition is much too narrow, and that the definition of a modern-day Fascist (or, per the “family resemblance” idea, the closest thing to it) is “anyone on the right who actually wants to use power for right-wing ends, rather than “drown government in the bathtub” and leave people to grill.

The chief problem is that rule #1 is a category error. It’s like expecting a group of raccoons that show up at your doorstep to all weigh the same within ±10 grams. Who is supposed to be enforcing that?

The answer that Steven Jay Gould, and others like him, have given is that nobody enforced it, we just got lucky:

Say it five times before breakfast tomorrow; more important, understand it as the center of a network of implication: “Human equality is a contingent fact of history.”

To quote Richard York:

A theme that runs through nearly all of Gould’s work is that the present is the product of innumerable contingent events, and, therefore, we live in only one of many possible worlds. Gould and Lewontin penned a famous critique of what they termed the “Panglossian Paradigm,” the hyper-functionalist view, which is so common in bourgeois society, that our world is the only way it could be, and that it therefore reflects an inevitable natural order. Counter to the Panglossian Paradigm, Gould argued that the unfolding of natural history, and by extension human history, is not properly characterized by a progressive, directional trend, but rather as a wandering across the landscape of possibility governed predominantly by happenstance.

…

As Stephen Jay Gould argued two decades ago, human equality is a contingent fact of history. We could have lived in a world where divisions among human groups occurred long ago, and, therefore, races were truly biologically distinct. We do not, however, live in such a world due to the quirks of history. We live in a world where all humans are remarkably similar genetically and where race as a biological reality is an illusion. If populations of Homo erectus or Homo floresiensis had survived to the present, we may have been faced with genuine moral dilemmas of how to deal with fellow humans of a truly different nature. But we are fortunate that we do not face such dilemmas, and we should rejoice in our unity.

For the next point,

Like our previous example, these rules also form a political engine with a runaway claim against a target group. Like our previous example, these rules are also absurd.

I’m sure someone else will have already replied to insist, ignoring the following paragraph, that the limiting condition on this political engine is the achievement of equity, and of course the fact that a significant fraction of the people pushing “anti-white” policies are themselves white, and will thus never allow anything that would go “too far” and seriously hurt them…

Progressives were in a position of institutional authority. They didn’t have to listen to criticism, and so they refused to do so.

What’s with the past tense here? Progressives still are in a position of institutional authority. Contra all the whining about Trump, what he’s done is nothing, a trifle, an illusion of “winning” that will be reversed come the next Democrat president. Like Yarvin said to MacIntyre recently, when there’s an actual regime change, you’ll know it, because everybody’s life changes. He gave the end of East Germany as an example of what that looks like. And even with the “trifecta,” I don’t see Trump (or, for that matter, any other Republican president) pulling that off.

It was sometime around then, I think, that I theorized that there was no mechanism within the Democratic formation to convert the threats that were being made by the right into a change in policy.

Why should there be? What “threats” from the right could they possibly need to worry about? I’m seriously asking here.

I then noticed the incredible rigidity of the Democratic formation, and its inability to respond to inputs. This indicated a lack of leadership and agency.

I’ve commented to you before (repeatedly) why some would consider this “lack of leadership and agency” a benefit. Like tearing your steering wheel off when playing chicken, or Odysseus having himself tied to the mast, it prevents anyone or anything, inside or out, trying to steer or seduce them away from the Path of Righteousness. It makes them immune to entryism. It makes them an unstoppable juggernaut of Progress.

I was also able to identify a lack of personal development as a problem. 

When you switch from some manner of aggregate-outcome-focused strategy to one of harm mitigation, this problem becomes explicable.

I simultaneously think that 2010s political correctness went too far and also that it was necessary as a step in the dialectic to improve the previously existing culture. Like, pendulum swings one way, pendulum swings the other, but each swing leaves its mark. I genuinely believe that (Anglophone) society is less misogynistic and racist now than it was 10 or 15 years ago, and that's thanks in no small part to all the social justice warrior shit, and that's a good thing, and also a bunch of basically innocent people were caught in the blast radius and got fired from their jobs for problematic tweets or whatever and this is pretty bad. Unfortunately this is just how change works, nothing happens cleanly. I'm not making an "ends justify the means" argument so much as a "well all said and done I think the moral calculus has come out in the black, whether or not there might have been a better way to achieve that".

[msmoonfire]

Easy Candlework 101 - All you must know

So you wanna use candles, right?! Keep reading for more juice.❤

Hey guys, today I'm sharing with you the most essential info & rules to achieve effective candlework in your everyday life. I'll try to keep it as concise and simple as possible & hope this post helps you maximize the outcome of your rituals!

Little disclaimer: by *ritual* I mean the sole purpose you're using the candle for. Your commitment and intent IS THE RITUAL. Not necessarily related to a session featuring other magic tools and formal spellwork.

To make sure you're using the best candle for your intent, check each specific correspondence here below. Focus on your goal and consider for how long are you going to use the candle. Practice makes perfect! *PLEASE STAY SAFE WHILE HANDLING CANDLES, FIRES AND MATCHES. BE EXTRA CAREFUL, DON'T LEAVE CANDLES UNATTENDED.*

Thank you loves, xox msmoonfire IG: msmoonfire

1. When to light a candle.

Candles should be used ONLY IN MOMENTS OF NEED, STRUGGLE AND WEAKNESS. Using a candle in moments where it's not necessary is INEFFECTIVE. You can't use them as an "additional" or "supportive" ritual for what is already perfectly fine. Save yourself some money and stop wasting candles for non-honorable purposes. Fire energy is proud and very strong, it doesn't like just to be a useless "accessory" in your space. Do not offend it.

Each time you light a candle, there must be a serious reason why.

2. What candle do I choose?

Size, height, duration, color and scent all depend on your needs.

Maxi votive candles (40h+ duration) - Use if you're stuck in a situation that'll take long weeks or even an entire month to come to an end: you can light it every night for 2-3 hours until you achieve your goals.

Big candles (30h+ duration) - Use if you're stuck in a situation that'll take about 15 days to come to an end: you can light it every night for 2-3 hours until you achieve your goals.

Medium candles (20-26h duration) - Use if you're stuck in a situation that'll take between 1 week and 10 days to come to an end: you can light it every night for 2-3 hours until you achieve your goals.

Mini candles (2-4h duration) - Use if you're invoking the help of fire energy for just a 1-day matter, use tealights and small candles. Let it burn until the flame expires by itself, do not suppress it.

BARE CANDLE: it's the candle alone, you decide what type of candle holder goes underneath. Plates, flat coasters & ashtrays are recommended. Very effective in small sizes. Use if you don't need extra protection and for shortest term rituals (1-2 days). When larger, it can be placed inside a lantern or vase (read VASE C. or LANTERN). Can't be lit in social settings, indoor only. This type of candle supports the presence of other flames.

JAR CANDLE: Jarred candle or jar containing a candle, includes a jar cap. The cap is very useful for suppressing the flame gently; this type is recommended for long term rituals that require you to light up and extinguish the candle every night. Excellent for patience, perseverance, affection and self-help. Can be lit in social settings ALONE, without the interference of other candles.

LANTERN: whatever candle you decide to place inside a lantern. Best effective for welcoming GUIDANCE, spirituality, PEACE, HOPE and INSPIRATION. DON'T USE for anything related to sadness/negativity/confusion, this candle WON'T HELP YOU SOLVE PROBLEMS. Can only be lit in private or familiar settings, both outdoor and indoor. This type of candle supports the presence of other bare flames at a reasonable distance.

VASE CANDLE: candle poured or placed inside a vase holder. Vase candles don't have a cap, they're open on top. Best suitable for pyromancy/flame reading, social relationships, deep spellwork and protection (the taller the vase/the darker the color of the vase, the stronger the protection). By far the most powerful yet sensitive of all, can't be lit in social settings. Indoor only. This type of candle DOES NOT support the presence of other flames.

ROUND/FLOATING CANDLE: has round edges, made to float on water during a relaxing bath or just for atmosphere in a pond. They interact well with water energy, best suitable for emotions, mystery and for any sort of healing ritual. Can be lit in social settings but most effective in private, both indoor and outdoor. This type of candle supports the presence of other "twin" flames.

CLASSIC THIN & TALL CANDLE (candelabra): typical slender candle, excellent for spirituality, enlightment, ambition, special occasions and wealth. Being a tall candle, it strives towards a higher dimention and energy. Can be lit in social settings, indoor only. Supports the presence of other flames. Best effective if colored (non-white).

3. What color should I pick?

White: neutral wishes, positive energy within ourselves, light-hearted thoughts, purity, weather, anything home-related, balance, equality, winter.

Black: deep issues, overcoming fears and disorders, difficult problems of any sort, protection, investigation, inner strength, vision, tension, explicit clarity, negative energy to fight off.

Indigo, Purple: spirituality, beliefs, transformation, rebirth, higher knowledge, research, prayers, emotional connection, meditation, strong neutral energy that needs to be channeled upwards.

Blue: motivation, logic, control, consistency, physical movement, gaps and lacks of any sort, donations, masculine energy, males, assertiveness, addiction, prizes, charts, competitiveness, law.

Lilac, light blue, turquoise, periwinkle etc.: freedom, exploration, travel, serenity, peace of mind, good will, big steps, dreams, mood improvement, healing, positive energy that needs to expand, summer.

Light/Dark grey: must use this color only in case you run out of candles or have a minor neutral doubt. It's the weakest, most vulnerable color of all. Its absolute neutrality can be affected by negativity.

Yellows: your own relationship with nature outdoor, vitality, the arts, music, musical instruments, games, service, help, encouragement, small steps, new life, newborns, babies, spring.

Oranges: boldness, personality, social relationships, respect, parties, breaking control, breaking the rules, breaking patterns, decision making, negative energy from other people that needs to be sent back to the source, breakups.

Browns: formalities, work environment, stability, assets, tasks, stasis, milestones, practicalities, buildings, construction, neutral energy that has to stay fixed and stored inside your own body and possessions, long term memory, autumn.

Greens: environment, plants, progress, accountability, sustainability, food, sports, animals, crafts, strong neutral energy that is essential for our survival, common sense, empathy, inspiration.

Pinks (antique, candy, dust...): Love, collaboration, confessions, talks/chats, sex, behavioral changes, patience, understanding, menstrual cycle, labor, delivery, reception, friendships, courage, gossip, feminine energy, females, intuition.

Reds: passions (hobbies, competitions, dreams, jobs), determination, fury, anger, negative energy that needs to be balanced out, high pressure, stress, beauty, glamour, taboos, speed, war, drama, devastation, destruction, short term memory.

Fuchsia: anything moral, ethic thoughts, human rights, philosophy, heightened sensitivity/intuition, humanitarian propaganda, originality, demonstrations, collectivity, unity, deep conversations, study, culture, open mind.

Gold: = Yellow + all things money-related and sunshine.

Silver: loneliness, cozy environment, cold temper, sacred space, the outer space, modernity, modern style, metals, fish, any measure of time, time, clocks, watches, anything cold/frozen/precious/eternal.

Bronze: similar to brown + the past, hearth, wood, the 4 seasons, strength, warm environment, anything cooked/boiling hot/old/seasoned, spices, resistance, hospitality, endurance, restoration, recycling, maintenance.

[itsclydebitches]

The post about how characters don't connect to the setting is one of the reasons why the beginning of V7 frustrated me so much. James gives this plan of telling the world about Salem, Weiss rightfully points out their will be panic everywhere and NO ONE connects that with the very real fear that this plan could put all their families in danger. Nor does anyone get excited about the Amity project potentially allowing them to call home. Ruby's been away for A YEAR. Doesn't she miss her dad at all?

Exactly! This isn't a bad faith criticism where we're demanding the show do a ton of emotional work that there just isn't time for in the fighting focused plot; a claim that it's awful because it's not functioning as one genre (like a drama, soap opera, etc.) over another (action/adventure, fantasy, sci-fi)... I mean we get nothing in regards to this issue. Not even crumbs. And these connections are, supposedly, at the very heart of the "trust love" narrative. I think it's easy for people to forget what happens between volumes — especially given the "Only the latest volume is canon" mentality — but we literally had Ironwood announce to Ruby that he'd need to use his army to keep the grimm attacks at bay once the Salem secret was revealed and then a volume later Ruby reveals the Salem secret (along with a whole lot else that is scary, horrifying, and generally negative-emotion educing) after she's cut all ties with Ironwood and his army is fully engaged in keeping Salem at bay. There is no discussion, let along concern and worry, about how many people she just got killed for an announcement that the show has failed to justify. Why is telling the world about Salem worth the casualties it will cause? What is the world going to do against the immortal witch? Ruby doesn't know. That's her whole dilemma this volume: wanting easy answers and then crumbling when she can't think of any. Problem is, she endangered the whole world before admitting, "Oh, I have no idea how to stop all this awfulness."

I mean, I understand on an emotional level why the hypocrisy of Ruby's lies and secrets don't land because most people in the fandom dislike, or outright hate, Ozpin. That's really going to color any reading there, when suddenly the beloved hero is mirroring someone you despise — you'll do whatever mental gymnastics are necessary to keep them separate. But Ruby has no evil contrast here. This is all her. We watch her make a decision that she knows will endanger the entire world, including her loved ones, and it's never even raised as a concern. The same way no one raises concerns about going to Vacuo. Yes, supposedly escaping was the only option available (I say "supposedly" because the plot did a terrible job of convincing us that evacuation was still necessary with Salem currently exploded and it having been established that she's only after the Relic on Atlas), and in a crisis situation they aren't necessarily thinking about long-term survival (that's my own stance regarding Ironwood's desire to rise high: he's not thinking about how to live there indefinitely, just how to survive the next few hours), but why send them to the Kingdom they know Salem will attack next? The Crown is hidden. You have the Lamp and the Staff. You know Salem is after all the Relics, so of course she's going to Vacuo. And so you dump however many refugees there, in the city she's gunning for next, intentionally setting up the next Fall of Atlas? Yeah, we all know it's because structurally the story hasn't been to Vacuo yet, but in-world it makes the characters look incredibly stupid. Why dump an entire Kingdom's worth of people in the most hostile environment, with the most wary citizens, a place you know the Big Bad is heading to next, when you could instead split them up and send them to safer Kingdoms that aren't currently in Salem's path? "Oh, it's because Vacuo still has huntsmen and they need huntsmen to combat all the grimm." There wouldn't be a massive grimm problem is Ruby hadn't told the whole world about Salem!

And this problem of not thinking through actions in a way that demonstrates real care for the world is just compounded over and over on a personal level. It's the same way Ruby doesn't care about what happened to Qrow until she hopes he can fix everything. The same way she doesn't react to Yang "dying." The same way Yang didn't mention Summer for five volumes. The same way Jaune, Yang, and Nora rejected Ren until he fell in line. The same way Blake is trying to inspire Ruby when they've barely exchanged a handful of sentences since Beacon. The same way, as you say, no one has made mention of the family they've left behind, let alone considered how building a communications tower might be a way of reconnecting with them, especially when at least two of them — Ruby and Oscar — left completely out of the blue. Are they presented as caring about how that inevitably hurt their care givers? Nah. The fandom gives Tai so little slack, but at least the story showed him watching Ruby's message and being upset at the danger she's in. When was the last time the girls mentioned Tai?

... have they mentioned him since they left home?

The show has done a terrible job in the last couple of years of showing that these characters actually care for one another, beyond a superficial level, especially when all the cute friendship moments that function as filler are obliterated the moment one of them disagrees about something (see: Ren). There's no sense of place and little sense of real family, from Weiss doing multiple 180s with Whitley, to Blake being the only one who reacts to Yang's "death." It all rings so hollow. I'm supposed to believe that Ruby is still the one to inspire the world towards unity when she, at the point of her speech, still hasn't even tried to reconcile with Ozpin, has been betraying Ironwood this whole time, insta-turned on the Ace Ops for trying to make her face consequences for the crimes she knows she committed, fought her way into the kingdom because she didn't like the peaceful solution Cordovin offered (send Weiss), hasn't made mention of her father, collapsed over hearing her mother's name only to get over it seconds later, at this point in the volume barely interacts with her sister, and is leading a team whose attitude ranges from "Glares at Marrow for daring to suggest she works with anyone other than Yang" and "Points a weapon at her baby brother because she, apparently, can't even manage to work with a minor civilian family member." This is the team who is going to inspire Remnant to unify against Salem, the group who keeps not unifying with everyone they need to work with? There is a serious disconnect here. You can't tell the audience to "trust love" while failing to show basic love and support among the cast, and you can't try to make Ruby the poster child for unity when she has, since Volume 6, has consistently failed to unify with anyone: not Cordovin, not Qrow until he agreed to stop questioning her, not Ozpin, not Ironwood, not the Ace Ops, not even Robyn considering that was all Yang and Blake. Ruby's struggle right now is an inability to work with people who don't agree with her 100%, her biggest flaw is an all or nothing attitude, and the writing is failing to see how that might just be a problem when she's telling everyone else to put their differences aside to work together. Having Ruby actually try to connect with people more, worry about them, express love for them, etc. — both family and allies — would at least help soften this issue, but without it her characterization has severely tanked in terms of the compassion the show wants us to believe is still there.

[tteokggukk]

all an act → ksj

✳ pairing: acting major! seokjin x acting major reader, basically they’re both acting majors

✳ genre: enemies to lovers, fluff, college au

✳ warnings: swearing, copulation is implied (not written), just PG-13

✳ words: 10.6k

✳ a/n: I’M SO EXCITED FOR THIS ONE i’ve had this idea on my mind longer than my published stuff so far. i also didn’t think this would even reach 10k+ words, i initially thought it’d only be ~5k but my hand kept slipping and slipping and 10k happened. anyways, enjoy reading! and again, if you’d like to send some comments (esp on things i can do to improve), don’t hesitate to comment or send an ask!

"How many years is it gonna take for you to finish writing a sentence?" You sighed and began tapping on your foot. You were sitting in one of tables outside to finish a short paper about a film your professor tasked you to watch with a partner. Normally you were fine working with anyone, and even if it was individual work you'd have no problem getting it done in no time. However, today was different. You almost wanted to tear your hair out and scream for as long as you could until this was all over.

You didn't expect Kim Seokjin to be your partner this time.

"When you stop acting like a priss, that's when," Seokjin rolled his eyes as he typed out the remaining sentences of your "collaborative" effort. You wouldn't even call it collaborative unless it meant having to argue about several different points of a story just to piece a whole paper together. You rolled your eyes and clicked your tongue, muttering a "Looks who's talking," underneath your breath.

For the whole year you survived not being partners with him and you thought you'd be able to get away with it, until your professor stopped allowing people to choose partners and started assigning them instead. You desperately hoped this was the last time you'd ever be partnered with someone you loathed.

You were both acting majors and were well known as two of the most top performing students in your batch, but you never got along well. When you respectfully asked your professor why he paired you with him in hopes of trying to get out of it, he started talking to you about both of your “potentials” and “how much better it'd be for the two of you to work together”.

"Here. I'm done," he pushes your laptop away from him and towards you, "Can I leave?"

"We still have to print and pass this," you told him through gritted teeth.

"And you need me for that? Wow, I'm almost flattered," He snickers before standing up and grabbing his bag.

"I'm so glad you aren't."

Slamming your laptop shut, you trudged ahead to the library to have the paper printed, moving slightly faster to avoid having to talk to (or argue with) Seokjin. You didn't have the energy to keep bickering, you were just glad this paper was over and you'd never have to talk to each other again.

You stood next to Seokjin, making sure there was distance between you two as your professor, Mr. Brown, began silently reading your work.

So far so good, he was nodding and smiling as he mouthed the words on the paper, making only a few marks on every other page. 

All you needed to do was wait for him to announce your grade and you could both go your separate ways. Why couldn't time move any faster? You began counting the seconds to save yourself from boredom, but also to keep your eyes away from your partner.

"Wow, this is…" Mr. Brown spoke, breaking the silence.

"Yes?" You and Seokjin both asked in unison before glaring at each other for a millisecond.

"Unexpected," Mr. Brown says as he places your paper in front of you.

"Sir?" Your right eye narrows as you call in confusion. What does he mean?

"Unexpected. I thought for sure bringing you two together would produce a well-thought paper, but… this is terrible."

Terrible.

You felt your heart sink. No one has ever called your paper terrible. In fact, most of your papers almost always had good comments and praises and perfect marks, how could this have happened? You even made sure to check everything thrice before finalizing everything.

"What?" Seokjin exclaimed, "What do you mean our paper's terrible?"

"It lacks unity. Your opposing ideas are all over the place, I can tell you tried to link them, but you failed at it," Mr. Brown sighs in disappointment before taking his glasses off to breathe deeply, "You're aware of how many points this paper is, yes?"

"Yes," you and Seokjin spoke nervously.

"And you know only one submission is allowed, yes?"

"Yes," you both answered.

"You know where I'm getting at, right?"

You swallow nervously before speaking up, "Sir, can't we revise it and pass it again? We'll just tweak some of the—"

"I'm afraid you can't. You know the rules very well, Ms. Y/L/N," Mr. Brown shook his head. You sighed, feeling defeated.

"You both clearly have problems working together. Teamwork is part of the criteria, you know," Mr. Brown stood up to sit on the edge of his desk, "You're both our top performing students. I can understand how much your grades mean to you, but did you not consider how your differences could affect your output?"

"Is there any way we can get some extra credit to make up for this paper?" Seokjin asks. You felt a little relieved at his question as you were already feeling too nervous to ask any more.

Mr. Brown looked around in thought, "Well, there is a way I suppose. Some of the upperclassmen under my class are creating a short film and they need extra actors for their project. If you'd like to help them out, I'll give your paper full marks and add some extra points to your other outputs. It might be too taxing for you though."

"No! It's alright, could you give us their names so we can talk to them?" You asked. Mr. Brown nodded and began writing something down on a piece of paper before handing it over to you.

"I wish you two the best of luck. And please try to get along." Mr. Brown says before you and Seokjin excuse yourselves out of the room.

"What do you know? Even our papers show we don’t work together well," Seokjin mutters as you two rushed to find those seniors you needed to work with, "I could've passed if I just had the right partner."

"You're blaming me?" You couldn't believe it, the audacity, "I would've gotten perfect marks even if I wrote that paper with my eyes closed."

Seokjin laughs, "Yeah, okay. You might not have even gotten any marks if you weren't with me."

"You know, my expectations for you were low, but holy fuck," You snickered, "This is the first time I've ever gotten a comment like that on an output. I don't think you being my partner this time around was a coincidence.”

"Oh yeah? If you had just agreed to add my opinion on—"

Just as Seokjin began leaning in to you to defend his ideas, you turned around to face him, abruptly stopping his speech, "Could you just shut up and walk while we look for the guy on this paper?" Your blood was boiling at the sound of his voice, all you wanted to do was get this over with.

The two of you continued searching rooms with Seokjin following behind until you reached the room with the door number your professor had written down. You stared at the piece of paper and looked at the door, hesitating to knock.

"Give me that," Seokjin took the paper from your hand and quickly knocked before letting himself in as you followed.

"Hello, is Oliver Beck here?" Seokjin asked and everyone around stared, making you feel a bit uncomfortable. A guy with long hair wearing a plaid shirt came forward, "That's me, what is it?"

"Hi, we're students from Mr. Brown's class and we were wondering if we could participate as extras in your short film? He says we need the extra credit," Seokjin explained.

Oliver looks confused. "Extras? We've already got that covered," he says, "We need main actors."

"Main actors?" You asked.

"Yeah, no one has agreed to do it yet, but we've already asked some to—"

"We'll do it," Seokjin cuts him off, causing Oliver to raise his brows in surprise.

"You will?"

"Yeah, we really need the credit."

"Are you sure? You haven't seen the script yet," Oliver asks hesitantly.

"Positive. We'll do our best," You spoke.

"Er— alright then, follow me," Oliver motioned for the two of you to walk along. You and Seokjin couldn't help but send each other mutual confused expressions.

Neither of you knew what you were getting into. How bad could the film be that no one has agreed to do it?

Oliver pulls out two copies of what seemed to be scripts from his bag and hands them to the two of you, "Here. It's pretty short, so it shouldn't take long to memorize."

The script wasn't as thick as you thought it would be, so you decide to flip through pages to see what some of the scenes were like. Seokjin just stares at the title on the front page.

"I don't mean to pressure you but we start filming next month, so I'd start practicing if I were you," Oliver announces, "Anyways, I'd better get back to my friends. Send me your numbers so I can contact you guys for details."

After exchanging names and numbers with Oliver and a few of his group mates for the project, you and Seokjin finally left the room.

"Why do you think no one agreed to film with them?" Seokjin asks. You didn't exactly think you were both on friendly-conversation-terms, but the same question did linger in your mind.

"I don't know. Why? Are you backing out?" You asked mockingly.

"If there's anyone between us who'd back out from this, I'm pretty damn sure it wouldn't be me," He scoffs.

"You know, if we had just done that paper properly we wouldn't be stuck here doing some film that I don't even know," You sighed angrily.

"God, get over it. You should be glad you're even part of this extra credit thing. Technically I was the one who asked about it," Seokjin grunts.

"I am so close to taking this script and stabbing you with it," You glared at him.

Before you two parted ways, you both agreed to meet tomorrow at an empty rehearsal room to practice some of the scenes. You didn't know how this was even going to work, you blamed the whole thing on the paper even though you knew it was both your faults. How would starring in a film make up for everything if your paper couldn't even save you both?

You hung around in your dorm for the rest of the day to read through the script. A few hours later, Courtney, your best friend and roommate, arrived.

"I got your texts," she said a little too loudly as she entered, "Seriously? You're filming with Kim Seokjin?"

You let out a groan as you fell back on your bed with the script covering your face, "Ugh, I know! Can you believe my luck?"

"You know if any other girl had the chance, they'd thank all the gods right about now," Courtney laughed as she lied down on your bed, "I'm sorry about your paper though."

She was right. Seokjin was incredibly liked by everyone. He was the kind of person that exuded this welcoming aura, like you could easily be friends with him. Even people from other classes knew him. He always had that bright smile when it came to others. It was just different with you.

"It's fine. I didn't think our hate for each other would be reflected on our paper," you sighed, "And now I have to meet him tomorrow just to practice, ugh."

"You're meeting tomorrow?" Courtney raises a brow. You nod disappointingly.

"Well," Courtney sighed in annoyance, "Make sure he even gets there. If he stands you up again, I won't hesitate to beat the shit out of—"

You laughed, "Please, Court. He'll have to come this time. He's the one who got us into this."

"Yeah he'd better. Listen, call me immediately if he doesn't, okay? Wouldn’t hurt to give him a piece of my mind."

Ranting about Seokjin left you feeling ravenous, and it didn’t take long before you two decided to leave the room to grab some food from the cafeteria and talk about your day. When you both got back, you headed for bed and began reading the script, mouthing some of the lines to familiarize yourself with everything. 

Not even a few pages later and you felt your mind wandering off as your eyes rolled back, feeling yourself drift away with the script falling off your bed as you fell into a deep sleep.

Seokjin was a few minutes late in the rehearsal room but you decided to let it slide since you two had to be on good terms to make this practice work. Based on what you've read so far; the story was about friends who've had feelings for each other for so long but couldn't do anything about it in fear of ruining their friendship. Generic, you thought.

"I'd say sorry for being late, but it's only you waiting," Seokjin says as he enters the room and drops his bag on the floor.

"I'd say no problem, I didn't wait long, but you're an imbecile that probably made me wait on purpose," You faked a smile before quickly turning back to a stern expression, "Did you read the script?"

"Just halfway," He says and pulls his copy of the script out from his bag, "Did you?"

"Same," you muttered, "So, let's start with the first scene?"

For the first thirty minutes you two had agreed to sit down and rehearse your lines. You were both good at reciting the dialogues, it almost seemed like you were professionals. You thought there wouldn't be any problems when it came to actually acting out the scenes until you both finally had to practice with delivery, you both sucked.

"What is so hard about not being stiff?" Seokjin exclaims.

"I am not stiff! You're just not moving that close to me!" You retorted, crossing your arms in defense.

"You know what? We've been going at this scene for an hour now and nothing looks right," Seokjin sighs.

"Of course nothing looks right, it's our first time practicing together. I've literally never done a scene with you before," You sat down on the floor and ran your fingers through your hair.

You'd think two top performing students would have a piece of cake acting out simple scenes with perfect chemistry, but you and Seokjin were far from it.

"We've never been partners before?" He asks, sitting down in front of you.

"No, never. And I honestly thought it'd stay that way," You grumbled.

"God, you talk as if this was my fault," Seokjin glares at you, "If we were the last people on Earth and had to do that paper again, I hope you know I'd rather choose a monkey than work with you."

"Why? Because great minds think alike?" You fought back.

"It's a well-known fact those animals have bigger brains than you do."

I swear to God, hold me back or I am gonna hurt him so bad.

"Why don't we just practice reading the lines and act them out tomorrow?" You suggested politely with a smile that was so painfully forced. 

And so that was what you did for the next two hours, only rehearsing the first half of the film. That was what you did for the next two days, but the problem was though you two did sound great in dialogue, your act wasn't close to it.

Jin had a secret.

He's been keeping it for months now, and only his best friend, Yoongi, knew about it.

He didn't actually know why you two hated each other so much. He had no idea why you hated him at all. He just started going along with it until it became a habitual thing, but as to why this all started he had absolutely no clue.

"She's nice to me," Yoongi spoke as he shoved another potato in his mouth.

"She's nice to everyone," Jin added.

"Everyone but you," Yoongi laughed.

"I think the reason why you two can't get your scenes right is because you act like you hate each other," Yoongi told Jin as they ate their lunch, "Why don't you just ask her why she hates you so much?"

"I can't, she thinks I have a reason. It wouldn't make sense if I asked her," Jin shrugged, "It's kinda fun though, bickering with her. I just don't understand why."

Yoongi raised a brow, "Fun? Hold on, you're not…"

"It's not whatever you're thinking," Jin rolled his eyes, earning him a smirk from Yoongi.

"Right," Yoongi spoke, "What are you gonna do about your practice? Hasn't it been like, two weeks?"

"Yeah, and we're nowhere near done," Jin sighs, "Speaking of which, I have to go meet her now."

"Sounds like a date," Yoongi teased.

"I will hit you with this script," Jin warns him before taking his bag and muttering goodbye.

He hurriedly walked to the rehearsal room and checked his watch, he was late again today. Jin was sure he'd earn another lecture from you and how he lacked punctuality and that they'd never get anything done if he never arrived on time. Today he brought ear plugs, and before walking in he made sure to put them on before entering the room.

There was no noise.

It took him a minute to find you lying down on the floor on the side of the room, using your bag as a pillow. You were sleeping soundly as you clutched your script in your hand with earphones plugged in.

Jin closed the door behind him and quietly sat down in front of you. He watched as you slept peacefully, hair strands falling on your face.

You're pretty, Jin thought. You always have been attractive to him, and kind to others-- but it was always a different case when it came your relationship with him, or lack thereof. Without thinking, he found himself reaching out for your face, tucking the strands of hair behind your ear.

You opened your eyes and saw Jin sitting in front of you, his hand close to your face. His eyes widen and he quickly moves back, his ears turning red.

"What are you doing?" You asked, pulling your earphones out of your ears.

What was he doing? You hated each other. Was he not thinking straight for a moment just because you looked so peaceful and harmless while you slept? Was he forgetting how much you hated his guts?

"There was a bug," he lied and quickly stood up, shyly turning away from you.

That was odd. I could've sworn…

"Okaaay," You spoke awkwardly and stood up, rubbing your eyes to get rid of any eye crusts that may have formed while you were sleeping, "Whatever, let's practice."

You had to admit though, your practices were getting better. There was less banter and more productive work and you couldn't help but feel like a huge weight off your chest has just been lifted. Oddly enough, there were less insults coming from both sides and subtler, masked compliments.

"You know for a monkey, you're doing pretty well," Seokjin teased, causing you to roll your eyes but smile anyway.

"You can just say I'm talented, don't be shy," you joked, making him chuckle a bit.

It was awkward though, being "nice" to each other. With Seokjin, you were more used to insults and arguments rather than trying hard at compliments. At the same time, it felt kind of nice to know that it was possible to have more to your "relationship" rather than constantly fighting.

By the time you two had finished practicing, it was already dark out. You both sat on the floor for a good ten minutes before standing up and deciding to leave.

"Hey, Monkey, it's dark outside," Seokjin spoke, breaking the silence between you two.

"Yeah, I know," you replied. You were already used to going home alone in the dark, so you figured him trying to scare you wouldn't make any difference.

"How far is your dorm?" He asks.

"It's a twenty-minute walk, I guess," You tried not to sound surprised at his question, "Why?"

"Come on," he says and opens the door, "I'll walk you home." Seokjin turned all the lights off now, which thankfully hid his ears that were now red.

Your eyebrows were raised in shock as you stood there wondering if you heard him right.

"What are you doing standing there? Hurry up!" He called.

You stared in disbelief as you walked towards him, silently analyzing what food he must’ve had before practice that messed with his brain and made him nice all of a sudden. He closes the door behind you two and you both start walking.

It was silent. And awkward. And you were confused. Why was he suddenly being so nice? It felt so… weird.

"Are you sick?" You asked.

"No?" He looks at you, confused, "Why?"

"You're being nice," You said, a little too quietly.

"If something happened to you people would blame me because I was with you last," he explained quickly, "Plus, there are many animal abusers on the loose—"

"Oh, shut up, forget it," you shoved him lightly, holding back a smile as Seokjin laughed.

And then there was silence again.

"How do you wanna go about the last scene?" Seokjin asks out of nowhere.

The last scene? Oh, that scene.

It was your turn to turn pink now as you avoided trying to sound like the question bothered you. You tried your best to sound nonchalant as you answered.

"I don't know, just go with the flow, I guess…" you told him.

"When do you wanna practice?" He asks, sounding casual.

"Whenever you're ready," You muttered. Am I even ready?

When you finally got to your dorm, you contemplated whether or not you would say bye to him. While silently debating with yourself on what you should do as you stepped on the stairs leading to your building door, Seokjin beat you to whatever decision you might've made.

"I'll see you Monday, Monkey," Seokjin said, stopping in front of the first step.

"Thanks for walking with me, see ya," you said in a voice that sounded more monotone than you wanted it to be. Neither of you said anything else so you went ahead and walked in. Seokjin watched and finally left when you were no longer in sight.

The way he was acting today bothered you. Not in a bad way, you just didn't understand why he was being that way. Had something changed?

Once you entered your dorm room, you tried to fix your face into a normal one as you pushed your thoughts aside. Courtney immediately rushed over to you to ask you questions.

"You don't usually come home after dark, what took you so long?" She asked.

"I practiced with Seokjin, remember?" You spoke, carefully avoiding eye contact as you placed your bag on your chair.

"For this long?" She asks suspiciously.

"Yeah, we finally got some scenes right," you turned to face her as you plopped yourself onto your bed.

"About time," she sat on her chair, "Hey, will you go out with me tomorrow?"

"Ooooh, are you asking me out on a date?" You teased as Courtney rolled her eyes with a smile. 

"No, at least not with me," she grins.

"Huh?" You asked, squinting one eye.

"Micara set me up on a blind date with someone on campus. Apparently they're bringing a friend so now it's a double blind date," she sighs.

"You agreed on a blind date? That's so sketchy," you commented, earning yourself a look from Courtney.

"Yeah, yeah, it's sketchy. I just did it for fun, Micara says he's really cute. I don't know about the friend, though."

"Cute is subjective."

"You have to come with me," Courtney pleads with puppy dog eyes.

"Courtney! No, ask someone else," you tried to shake your hand away from Courtney who was now holding onto your arm.

"It's gonna be so weird if I hang out with the two of them!"

"Well, that's what you get for saying yes to blind dates."

"Please! What if they actually are weirdos who want to take advantage of me?" She pouts. That did make you think twice. A smile begins to creep up on Courntey's lips, knowing you were about to say yes.

"You're lucky I love you," You sighed.

"Yes! Thank you so much, y/n," She pulls you in for a tight hug, "You won't regret coming with me."

The next time you saw Seokjin wasn't on Monday.

You saw him the next day. On the double date. In a movie theater. 

Your heart nearly stopped.

At first you thought Courtney's date came alone and you almost made an excuse to leave, until Seokjin came carrying two bags of popcorn with him, almost dropping them when he saw you standing there.

"Monkey? What are you doing here?" Seokjin asked in shock.

"Do you two know each other?" Josh, Courtney's date, asks while taking one bag of popcorn.

"They hate each other," Courtney whispers to her date.

"You’re the friend?" You asked out loud.

"Before you two come for each other's necks, why don't we fall in line for the movie?" Courtney anxiously smiles as she and Josh begin to walk away to line up, leaving you and Seokjin staring at each other. The whole situation reminded you of that Spiderman meme.

Seokjin sighs and walks closer to you, "Guess I'm gonna have to stay with you."

"No one's forcing you to," you told him.

"Do you want me to leave then?" He challenges.

"I never asked you to come!" Your voice slightly raises in defense.

"Great, then!"

"Fine!"

But neither of you moved from where you stood. You just stared at each other, arms folded while Seokjin clutched onto the bag of popcorn. Finally, you let out a deep breath.

"I can't leave my friend," You spoke.

"So can I," He says, "Let's just fall in line."

Courtney and Josh were so far ahead now you could barely see their faces from where you were. Seokjin stood behind you in the line. Neither of you said anything.

There was a group of guys standing in front of you talking loudly to themselves. Suddenly you notice their voices turn down and they began whispering among themselves. You could've sworn you caught them stealing glances at you. The guy in front of you turns around to face you. You raise a brow.

"Hi, I'm Max," he introduces, "I couldn't help but notice you."

Well, duh. I'm right behind you.

"Oh, hello Max," You forced a polite smile.

"These are my friends," he motions at the group of guys behind him and they all wave, "You should join us."

Does he not know the tickets have assigned seats? Embarrassing.

"No, I really shouldn't," you tried to sound as friendly as possible to avoid any trouble, but the guy was persistent and he was beginning to annoy you.

"It's alright, we don't bite. Are you alone?" He asks, slowly moving closer while you tried to move back. This guy was extremely creepy.

"Uh—"

"She said no. Fuck off," You heard Seokjin speak up from behind you, his voice much deeper and more intimidating causing chills to run down your spine. It was different from the way he spoke to you whenever you would banter.

"I was talking to her, who even are you?" Max says rudely and glares at Seokjin.

"I'm the guy she came with. What's your deal?" Seokjin moves forward and places his hand on your shoulder to subtly move you away from the guy.

"Oh, yeah? I never saw you talking to her," Max challenges.

"I think she already said no once. How many times does she have to decline before you understand that no means no?" Seokjin crosses his arms. He was much taller than the creepy guy, who was obviously starting to become intimidated by him.

"Dude, back the fuck off. We were here first," Max spits. They were so close, you almost thought a fight was about to happen.

"Do you realize how stupid you sound?" Seokjin frowns. That was enough. People were beginning to stare so you held onto Seokjin's arm, "Seokjin, it's fine. Just stop talking to him."

"No, this guy is extremely disrespectful and creepy!" Seokjin's voice was a little too loud now, "You don't get to force girls you don't even know to stick with you and your friends. That is so close to predatory behavior," he points at the guy and people start backing away from him and his friends.

"She already said no once, you shouldn't try to peer pressure her into coming with you!" Seokjin says, "And she's not alone," he grabs your hand, taking you by surprise, "She came with me. Now screw off before I call security."

Max, along with his friends, were evidently scared of Seokjin now as they all glared at him and left. Your heart was beating fast from anticipating the worst out of the scenario, but Seokjin handled it pretty well. You were too shy to admit it, but he saved your ass today.

The two of you watched as the group of guys left, his hand still clutching onto yours. When they were gone, he looked down at you, "Are you okay?" He asks, concern evident in his voice.

You were at a loss for words. He defended you, and he's still holding onto your hand really right. This was the first time you've ever seen him truly concerned about you. You'd like to think you could've defended yourself as well, but the fact that Seokjin did it for you sent this warm feeling in your chest that you couldn't understand.

"Yeah. Fine," you spoke but it came out as a whisper. You cleared your throat, "Thanks. I really appreciate it."

"No problem," he gives you a small smile, "I don't suppose you still wanna watch this movie?"

"God, no, honestly," you laughed a bit, "I never wanted to."

He laughs and steps out of line and so do you, then he politely mentions the people behind you two to take your place. His hand was still holding yours, and you were beginning to wonder if he had noticed. You didn't let go, either.

"Let's hang out then," Seokjin blurts out. He tries to ignore the feeling of heat on his ears as he looks at you to wait for your response. You tried your hardest not to seem at all fazed.

"Sure."

Seokjin suggests going to an arcade, and so you did. When you got there, you both had to stand outside for ten minutes or so trying to finish the popcorn he bought because food and drinks weren't allowed inside.

"Why'd you buy such a big bag anyway? Were you planning on feeding the whole audience?" You tried to chew and swallow five at a time to hurry up.

"I thought the movie was gonna be boring, this was all I could do," Seokjin says defensively.

"At the rate we're eating this we're gonna get some kind of ulcer," You grumbled.

"You don't seem to be having a problem," he laughs and you playfully slap his arm.

Once you got in, you raced to one of those zombie shooting games. Seokjin was good at aiming and definitely had more kills than you did, but you couldn't help but laugh at how startled he got every time a jumpscare appeared.

"Look at all your deaths, you suck at this," he laughed while pointing at your score.

You blushed, "Ha-ha, funny. I bet you can't beat me at racing," you smirked, challenging him to a race.

"You're on," he grinned.

The two of you then proceeded to one of the car games and true enough, you beat him at it. He wasn't even close to being good. He hit every sidewalk and his car kept slowing down.

"Are you even driving? You might as well run if you even want a chance at winning," You teased as you continuously accelerated.

"How are you so good at this? Are you secretly part of those illegal street racers?" Seokjin was struggling with his car as he moved his steering wheel around.

When you were done racing, Seokjin spots one of those stuffed toy machines. "Do you want one?" He asks jokingly, not actually expecting you to say yes, though he didn't exactly mind getting one for you…

"No. Nuh-uh, that is so cheesy," you laughed and shook your head, "Let's play guitar hero."

It was difficult to admit it to yourself at first, but you were having so much fun with Seokjin. Of course, you two never stopped teasing each other with little insults, but now it felt so much more lighthearted. You started getting along well with him, it no longer felt awkward or forced.

Seokjin felt the same way. In fact, there were moments where he'd subconsciously find himself staring at your lashes, or giving you soft pats when you won a game as an excuse to get close to you. He didn't realize how natural it came to him at all, until he found his gaze fixed upon your smile that sent a warm feeling all over him.

You've never smiled at him so genuinely before. Seeing it now, it was as if your beauty had been completely magnetized. Now all he wanted to do was see more of that smile. In almost all the games you played, Seokjin decided to go easy on you so you'd win most of them. It was amusing to him, seeing you so competitive. Seeing you happy every time you won felt like a win for him as well.

When your eyes shifted to meet his, you noticed how he quickly looked away while the color of his ears turned into that familiar shade of red.

"Let's just play one last game, I'm starving," you held your hand to your stomach.

"Really? After all that popcorn?" He teased, followed by the sound of his own stomach rumbling, making you laugh.

"You tried," you laughed, "Let's play that one." You pointed at the Just Dance machine.

After a minute of arguing on what song to pick, Seokjin ended up choosing (your song of choice). Of all the games you could have picked, you started to regret choosing Just Dance. You didn't even /know/ how to dance, what made you think you could beat him at this game?

You glanced over at Seokjin who was dancing flawlessly and effortlessly. Your mouth dropped, and you stopped dancing altogether to watch him move. He was so focused on the game, he hadn't noticed you stopped playing just to watch him.

Your eyes fixated on his every move. He moved so well, you could feel your heart thumping louder as you watched in awe.

He was so attractive.

Finally, the game was over and Seokjin was surprised to see you standing there, just watching him with your mouth open. He holds back a laugh and moves towards you, placing his finger on your chin making you close your mouth. He was so close to you; you could feel your cheeks heat up.

"Surprised?" He asks.

"Who knew you could dance like that?" You spoke, but mostly to yourself.

"I don't know, natural talent I guess. Why'd you stop dancing, monkey? I thought you'd beat me at it," Seokjin pokes your forehead.

"I was just giving you a chance," You played off, "You should me thanking me."

He raises a brow and smiles, "Then as thanks I'll buy you food, come on."

You both decide to go for churros in a cafe. Seokjin suggested to dine in because you'd probably spill the chocolate as you walked, so you sat across each other in a small but comfortable space. Even though you insisted on paying for your own food, he beat you to it and paid for it instead.

"Just take it as a thank you gift for 'letting me win'," he says while adding air quotes. When he was no longer looking, you broke into a smile at his thoughtful gesture.

"You know, I never thought I'd say this but I'm actually having fun," You told him in manner where you tried to play it cool. He smiles and nods at this.

"See what happens when you aren't busy hating me?" He says with a cheesy smile, "You'll never find anyone as fun as I am."

"Sure, Seokjin," you rolled your eyes, "Just wait ‘til we start practicing and start ripping each other's throats out."

"That's not gonna happen."

"And why is that?"

"I'm confident something's changed," he grins charmingly with eyes looking fond for a moment you had to look away for fear of turning red in front of him.

You cleared your throat, "Whatever you say."

As you two continued to eat, you started talking about all sorts of things. Why you got into acting, how he was so good at dancing, how you and Courtney met. The flow of your conversations came naturally and you found yourselves wanting to know more and more about each other.

Time kept ticking, but you two didn't seem to notice. Even when you were done with your food, neither of you seemed close to running out of things to talk about.

Out of nowhere, Seokjin suddenly stopped and brought his hand close to you and you felt him gently touch your face. You stopped breathing.

"An eyelash," he says while moving his hand back.

"Oh, thanks," you tried hiding how flustered you were.

His phone started ringing, muttering a "One moment," before quickly answering it.

"Josh," he spoke. Your eyes widened.

Courtney!

You checked your own phone as Seokjin spoke to his friend. Your phone was filled with hundreds of messages from her asking where you two were and what you were doing.

"I'm with her," You heard Seokjin say, "You want us to leave you two alone? Then I guess you're doing well."

Leave them alone? That made you look up at him before typing a message to send to Courtney.

I'm with Seokjin and I'm doing great. I'll tell you everything later. I think Josh wants us to leave you guys alone. You alright? Are you having fun? Message me if you need me.

"Alright, see you tomorrow then. No, no it's fine, I'll bring her home," Seokjin continued, "Bye. Stay safe."

"They want us to leave them."

"I have ears, Seokjin."

"Big ones too, monkey," He jokes, "I'm kidding. And stop calling me Seokjin, no one calls me that."

Right, his friends called him Jin.

"Just call me Jin," He says, "None of my close friends call me Seokjin."

"Are you saying we're close friends?"

"I feel like we're moving too fast," He says sarcastically, laughing at his own joke before he continued, "No, our relationship's much more special than that."

You choked on your own saliva, "What?" Did you hear that right? Our relationship's what?

"We're partners that failed a paper and are now working on a movie," He laughs, "I'd say it's been great journey so far."

"And I'd say it's been a pleasure but it really hasn't."

"Seeing as you had fun with me today, I don't think that's true," he smirked. Why was it getting harder to get back at him?

"Shut up," You couldn't think of anything anymore.

You suddenly thought of asking him about it.

The reason why you disliked him so much in the first place. Why he left you alone without telling you.

Does he even remember?

But the mood between you two was great right now, so you decided to push the thought aside and ask some other time.

Shortly after, you two finally left the cafe and walked around, continuing your conversation. After a few more hours later, you decided it was getting late and that you should probably get back. Jin offered to take you home. The ride home was just as fun, blasting music and playing songs that you both knew.

He walked you back to your dorm and you both stopped at the steps outside the building.

"Thanks for today Monkey, I had fun," Jin smiles.

"Stop calling me that," You laughed.

"Then what do you suggest I call you?"

"Your highness."

"Too long. Princess?"

"Jeez, I was kidding," You chuckled nervously, obviously flustered so you took a step back on the first step, "Keep 'Monkey', I don't care."

He raises a brow at your response. "Your replies were better than that," Jin took a step in front of you, your faces were now close and your eyes levelled each other's. You gulped nervously.

"I'm just running out," You said coolly (or at least, in your head you thought it was cool), "You're moving to some new level of annoying and it takes some getting used to."

"I annoy you?" He asks.

"Yes. 24/7."

"I guess I'm living in your mind, rent-free," he smirks, "24/7, huh?"

You were beginning to feel even more flustered now and you knew that Jin noticed by the smirk on his face. He begins to step back and his face turns back to a warm smile.

"You wish," you spoke, "Bye, I'm leaving. Thanks for the drive." Before you could turn your back, Jin takes your hand and holds onto it. You almost muttered an "Oh my god" out loud at his action.

"Y/N, wait," he says, pulling you close to him, making you step down. Your faces were inches apart now.

"What?"

You heart was beating, trying to anticipate what he was gonna do next. Was he gonna lean in? Why was he staring at you like that? His face was so near. Did you want him to lean in?

"The last scene," he spoke.

"What?" Seemed like the only words you knew how to say now.

"The last scene," he spoke again, "We haven't practiced it yet."

Whatever it was you were expecting was off the table as you let out a sigh that Jin thought was out of relief. "Monday, we'll do it Monday. But we can't use the rehearsal room," you told him.

"Yeah, I figured. Where do you wanna practice, then?" He asks.

"Is your place available?" You asked before realizing how suggestive you sounded, "Because Courtney's usually home early."

Seokjin grins, "Yeah, my place is fine."

"Okay, great."

"Great."

"So, I'm gonna go now," You said slowly.

"Right," Jin lets go off you, "I'll see you Monday. For real this time."

"Monday, okay. See you," you waved before turning around and entering your dorm. You resisted the urge to look back and check if had already left, so you walked quickly before you changed your mind.

However, if you did look back, you'd find Jin patiently waiting until you were out of his sight, smiling to himself because of today's events. When he was sure you were gone, he finally left.

Jin was right. Something has definitely changed between you two. The day after your "date", you couldn't stop thinking about the way he was with you. He was kinder, more fun to be around. You didn't expect him to be that thoughtful, either. Of course, he was all these things to others, but now he was like that with you. Then you realized he was all you've been thinking about. It scared you slightly.

He really did live in your mind, rent-free.

"What happened, by the way?" Courtney asked.

You snap out of your thoughts and looked at her, "Yesterday?"

"Yeah, you and Seokjin disappeared."

"We decided not to watch the movie, then we hung out in an arcade."

"You hung out with him?" Courtney eyed you suspiciously, slowly making her way towards you to sit next to you on the bed.

"Yeah."

"And you're both still alive?"

"Yeah."

"So what was he like?" She asks.

"He was… nice. He saved my ass from a group of creepy guys," you smiled as you thought about it, "And he's good at dancing."

"You danced with him?"

"No, on Just Dance."

Courtney just stares, obviously shocked because she never thought you and Seokjin would get along, "You basically went on a date."

"It wasn't a date!" You said defensively, "We just… left you two. Didn't Josh tell Jin to leave you guys?"

"You call him Jin now, that's actually really cute," Courtney teases, then changes her expression to a frown, "Wait, no. Josh never said anything like that."

Huh? But I thought... "What do you mean?"

"He called Seokjin two hours later after you two still didn't show up, then he started going all 'What? What are you saying? No, I never said you two should leave us' and all that," Courtney explained, "Then he said Seokjin offered to take you home and that you two were still together. I got your message minutes later and you said you were doing great so I didn't worry."

"What? But Jin said he asked us to leave you guys…" You trailed off.

"He did? Well Josh never asked you guys to leave."

Oh my God. It didn't make sense. Why would Jin…?

"I'm thinking he wanted to spend more time with you," Courtney says, giving you a teasing look like she knew something. You only look at her. You didn't really know what to say.

It took you a while to sleep that night trying to analyze what was going on with Jin. Every little thing he did stuck in your head and it was making you confused. He affects you now in ways you never thought he ever would, you weren't sure if that terrified you.

One thing's for sure, this was the first time you wanted the weekend to pass by quickly.

You saw Jin on Monday, and the next day, and the day after that. Sometimes you'd practice, other days you'd both just sit down and talk if you were too tired. You still hadn't got the last scene right, both of you were still in the "dialogue-only" phase. Truthfully, you were both just waiting for the other to initiate it first.

On days where you and Jin would decide to just hang out and take a break, you began to notice how much nicer he had become towards you. Apart from that, you noticed him so much more now that you almost admired whatever it was he did.

Today was the last day of your practice and you both finally got through the scene. Tomorrow would be the actual shoot and you were already feeling confident that you'd do well. Just one part made you a bit uneasy, the actual kiss. You could feel how you two were so obviously trying to distract yourselves by doing other things, just to prevent an awkward atmosphere.

"Let's take a break," Jin says tiredly, sitting down on the floor.

"Shouldn't Yoongi be back by now?" You asked and sat down across him.

"No, he's over at his hometown visiting. Says he needs his space on his music project," Jin takes a piece of chip from the bag of snacks you brought, "He'll be back in a few days." You only nodded, staring at the television that was showing a movie with people drinking some fancy wine.

"I want that," you said quietly, mostly to yourself.

"Want what?" Jin looks at you, "That high class society? Fancy people around?"

"No, what they're drinking," You pointed at the wine.

"Wine?" His voice slightly sounding shocked.

"Yeah, I should tell Courtney to go get some…" you muttered absent-mindedly as you continued to watch the people drinking onscreen. Jin suddenly stands up and walks over to their mini fridge. You watched as he pulled a bottle of wine out and proceeded to grab wine glasses from a cabinet.

You sat up straight, not expecting him to actually bring you wine. "What are you doing?"

"You said you wanted wine," he says, setting the glasses down on the small coffee table.

"Yeah, but—" You stared at the bottle, "How do you even have that?"

"Yoongi drinks them to think," He says and pops it open, "I drink them with him." You stared as he poured himself a glass. "Do you want one?" He asks.

You took one of the empty glasses and moved it close to him, so he poured you some as well. Jin sat next to you on the floor as you two sat in silence, watching— no, just staring at the TV screen, sipping on your glasses of wine.

Later on, the TV was shut off and you two went back to talking. Your scripts were set aside on the bed, almost completely forgotten.

"I don't get drunk easily," Jin says, "I think you do, though. You're turning slightly red."

It was either that or because of how close you two were right now.

The wine made you talk so much, much more than usual. Jin found it interesting. He really did have a high alcohol tolerance, and watching you talk about the most random things amused him a lot.

"There's something I wanna know," You spoke, "Two things, actually." This was it. You weren't drunk, but you were beginning to lose the ability to filter the words coming out of your mouth.

"What is it?" He asks softly.

"Why did you tell me Josh told us to leave them alone?" You stared at him, he stared back at you.

"How'd you know about that?" He asks.

"Courtney." You heart beat fast. You knew what you wanted to hear, you just wanted him to say it fast.

"I'll answer you, but you'll have to answer my question after, deal?"

"Deal."

Jin set his glass down before looking deep into your eyes.

"I wanted to spend more time with you." He wanted to say something more than that. Something more serious, but he had to know your answer first.

You weren't sure what to make of that now. It was what you wanted to hear… or was it? Now it could mean completely different things.

"Oh, okay," your face began to heat up, and it wasn't because of the alcohol now, "So what's your question?"

"Why did you hate me so much? I mean, assuming you don't anymore… unless you still do," Jin asks.

"What?"

"What?"

You looked at him, searching for any sign of sarcasm or a tell that he was lying. He wasn't. He looked back at you with a serious expression on his face. There was a silence that lasted for a minute, almost as if time had stopped.

"You don't remember?"

"Don't remember what? Was it something I did?" Jin looks confused. Maybe he really didn't remember. But it only happened eight months ago. Has it really been that long?

"Eight months ago a friend set me up with you," You explained, feeling slightly embarrassed at the context.

"Someone set you up with me?" Jin asks, raising a brow.

"Yeah…" you could feel your face heating up now, "It was supposed to be like a blind date thing, so I initially didn't know it was you. So I went to the place and waited but you stood me up and when I told my friend about it, she told me Kim Seokjin couldn't make it."

"Then when I saw you the next day, you didn't seem to care and it made me so angry— the fact that you never apologized or even talked about it," You continued, "And that made me despise you."

Jin was staring at the floor now trying to recall what happened. He looked lost and confused. He reached out for his glass and took a sip before turning to face you again.

"I don't hate you anymore," You told him, in fact maybe you were beginning to feel the opposite for weeks now.

"Y/n, are you sure that happened? Because I don't remember ever being set up with you—or anyone, for that matter," Jin says, "And believe me when I say that because I've always turned down set ups and blind dates and whatnot."

"Huh?"

"I swear, that really wasn't me. Someone must've used my name."

"Why would someone use your name?"

"I don't know, I—" He runs his hand through his hair, "I've been told there are guys who are jealous of me or something. Maybe they used my name to get back at me."

"That's so low," you felt a pang of guilt now. You've been hating on him for all the wrong reasons, everything suddenly felt like a false memory. If only you'd known sooner, "What the fuck," you muttered quietly.

"What the fuck indeed," Jin sighs.

"I'm so sorry, I should've known," You looked at him.

"No, don't be. I'm sorry you had to go through that, and I apologize you thought it was me all along," He held your hand, "If anything, I should've known. You were never just mean to anyone on purpose. I should've asked you."

There was silence between you two as he stared at both of your hands intertwined, while you stared at his face, trying to get everything to sink in.

"What was your second question?" Jin finally asks.

"Why you stood me up," you laughed, "Turns out you didn't."

"You know," Jin spoke while his free hand reached for his glass. He finishes the drink in his hand before continuing, "If you did ask me out, I wouldn't leave you out in the cold."

You laughed, "Why would I ask you out?"

"I don't know. Got any ideas?" Jin teased. You smiled and bit your lip, not knowing what to say next. The lip bite did things to him, but he was trying his very best not to seem at all fazed before realizing he was already staring at your lips.

Maybe you were tipsy enough to finally do this.

You drank your wine and grabbed your script from the bed. Jin watched as you flipped over to the last scene.

"Michael," you began reading your lines as you stood, Jin's hand leaving yours, "You know we can't do this. It'll ruin everything."

Jin doesn't even need his script anymore due to the countless times you've both practiced the dialogues alone, "It's not gonna ruin everything, or anything for that matter." He stands up to face you.

"Yes, it will. You know how this will risk our friendship. This won't end well."

"Your eyes tell me otherwise."

"I don't—"

"You do, and you know it," Jin moves closer now, and you can feel your heart beating.

"Emily, I love you. I always have, and you know that. I know you feel the same." He places his hand on your waist. There were no lines left for you to read now, just one last thing your characters needed to do.

It was at this point where you both felt the wine was getting to your system.

He leaned in close, staring at your lips as you slowly moved back. When you couldn't anymore, you felt his lips meet yours, and before you knew it, he was kissing you— and you were kissing him back. You could feel his soft lips pressing against yours as your hands travelled up to his chest. You both fell back onto his bed as the kiss progressed into a rougher pattern of movements. Your hands grabbed onto his shirt while one of his hands gripped onto your waist, the other pushed back onto the mattress for support.

When you two pulled away to gasp for air, the awkwardness of the position you two were in never registered your brain. Instead, your eyes met each other's, searching for any sign of denial. When Jin sensed that there was none, he crashed his lips back onto yours.

Your mind was overflowing with euphoria and adrenaline. You were nervous, excited— you didn't know what was going to happen next. The moment his lips started trailing down your neck, small sounds began to escape from your lips. Whimpers that drove Jin wild as he began to pick up the pace.

The scene about to happen was no longer part of the script, but you were both more than willing to play the part.

The next morning, you woke up next to Jin who was sleeping soundly with his arms wrapped around you. Last night's events started coming back to you as you gently tried to squiggle out of his hold.

Panic was the first feeling that rushed over you.

1. The shoot was in a few hours and here you were, dressed in Jin's oversized shirt and sweat pants.

2. Your tendency to over think began creeping in.

What if he only did it because of the heat of the moment? You suddenly felt a wave of embarrassment because you thought you had initiated the whole thing with the script reading and all. Maybe he liked you. Maybe he didn't. Neither of you said anything about liking the other last night, so what if it didn't mean anything? You couldn't deal with this right now, so you silently picked up your things and left.

It was still pretty early in the morning, so you tried your best not to make a sound while Courtney was asleep. You took a shower and got ready before you headed out and went to the place where you had to film.

The group of upperclassmen greeted you as you walked in and made your way to Oliver, who would be directing the whole film.

"Hey, y/n. Glad you're here early, where's Jin?" Oliver asks.

"I think he's on his way," you lied. As if on cue, Jin enters the room and people start to greet him. Oliver calls him and Jin makes his way to you two. You couldn't look at him at all.

"You two should start changing, we'll start in 30," Oliver announces and you two head for the changing rooms. You walked a little faster to avoid conversation.

For the rest of the filming process, you both received compliments from everyone on your acting skills. You barely needed to repeat takes which was a relief. You and Jin had the perfect chemistry.

Jin kept trying to talk to you in between breaks, but you'd just give short and simple answers, sometimes just avoiding him altogether. You just couldn't bring yourself to make any eye contact that wasn't on set, or else you'd feel this churning feeling in your stomach and it made you uncomfortable. Soon enough, Jin got the idea and suddenly turned all silent as he observed your every move.

Finally, you had to shoot the last scene. You tried your very best not to appear bothered which seemed to work because no one has asked about why you look so uneasy. Jin was trying his best not to beg you to tell him what was wrong.

"I want you guys to give this your best shot. This scene is the most important, and I need to see more of your chemistry, got it?" Oliver tells them.

The cameras began rolling and Oliver shouts "action".

"Michael, you know we can't do this. It'll ruin everything." You were sat on a sofa and Jin was standing next to it.

"It's not gonna ruin everything, or anything for that matter." Jin says his line and sits close, next to you. You look back at him.

"Yes, it will. You know how this will risk our friendship. This won't end well." You stood up and turned away from him.

He places his hands on your waist and turns you around for your eyes to meet. He pauses for a brief second before his line, "Your eyes tell me otherwise."

"I don't—"

"You do, and you know it." Jin continues, pulling you closer to him. "Emily, I love you. I always have, and you know that. I know you feel the same." he places his hand on your cheek, and you both stare at each other.

"Maybe I do," you muttered, shocking Jin. He continues the act and finally pulls you in for a kiss. Everything came flashing back. You wanted more than what you two had now, it was so easy to see.

"Cut!" Oliver shouts and he begins to clap and you and Jin began to pull away. He looks at you for a moment, and you look back at him.

"Y/n, that improvisation was amazing!" Oliver shouts, still clapping his hands together. You snap out of it and laugh nervously, "Thanks."

"If I hadn't known better, I'd think you two were seeing each other," Oliver teases, "I'm glad you two took this role. Thanks, you guys."

After a few more praises from Oliver, you headed back to the changing room to wear your normal clothes. Scenes of your kiss and scenes from last night began replaying in your mind. You wanted to ask him what it meant, but you were afraid to be the only one falling.

You left the changing room and decided to leave quietly. As you were about to head out, you heard a voice call from behind you.

"Y/n."

The voice alone made you stop in your tracks. There was no need to turn around to know who it was; it was Jin. He walked over to you, holding your wrist so you would face him.

"You're avoiding me," he spoke. You looked around, checking if the coast was clear. When you decided it was, you soon.

"I'm not," you lied.

"Stop lying," the hurt in his voice was evident, "You are. You wouldn't even answer my texts."

"You texted?" You hadn't checked your phone since you left his apartment, "I haven't checked my phone."

"Why did you leave?" He had this disappointed look on his face. Knowing it was because of you made you feel even worse.

"Honestly? I was scared," you admitted.

"Of what?"

"That we only did that because of the heat of the moment. That it was all just for fun. That it was because of the alcohol. That it meant nothing."

"Is that really what you think?"

"No," You looked down, "I mean, I'd like to think it isn't."

"Y/n, you know it isn't," Jin said quietly.

"I didn't think it was," he admits, making you look up at him, "I meant it all. Me wanting to spend time with you. Walking you home. Kissing you. It all meant something to me."

"It did?"

"Yeah. When you fell asleep before I did, you looked so peaceful. I started thinking about how I could look at you forever, and the thought of waking up next to you made me happy," He held your hand, "But when I woke up, you were gone."

"I'm sorry, Jin, I just—" You sighed, "I thought of all the worst things and left. I panicked. That's really all I can say." He nodded.

"But did you mean what you set on set? Or was it really just improv?" He asked, his eyes staring deeply into yours.

You nodded, "Yeah, I did."

Jin just nodded and looked at your eyes. Had you really upset him this much?

"Jin, I'm really s—"

Before you could finish your apology, Jin takes his free hand and grabs you by the waist, pulling you closer for a kiss.

This time it felt different.

It felt so, real. No alcohol, no script. It was just Jin.

You wanted it to last forever.

When you two finally pulled away, Jin was the first to speak.

"I like you, a lot, y/n. And I've realized that for a while now," he tells you.

"I like you too," you couldn't help but smile, ignoring at how much your cheeks burned. It was fine, Jin's ears were just as red, "Even though you suck at racing games and my ideal boyfriend is an illegal street racer.”

Jin laughs, and you couldn't help but laugh with him because of all this. All the banter turned to compliments and all the eye-rolling turned to kisses. Now you were more than just partners who failed a paper and ended up working on a movie.

"That's alright, Monkey," Jin grins before placing a kiss on your forehead.

"The only thing I need to keep racing is your heart, not a car."

a/n: sorry it got longer than expected. anyways if you read until here, thank you for reading! i hope you liked it! send me comments/asks anytime if u want.

also, if you’d like to read my two other works, here are the links!

let’s fall in love for the night

welcome to my youtube channel

which are both taehyung x readers.

see you in my next fic/edit!

[hypmic-translation]

Bonds/Kizuna

ALL All the city guys, c’mon, put your hands up We are the best of friends (Best of friends!) All the city guys, c’mon, put your hands up This is our bond!

Put your hands up (All right!) Put your hands up

ICHIRO There are so many wounds of the past that can’t just be unravelled We can’t give up here, we gotta win this battle I wonder to myself, what really is “true” power Maybe it’s the sense of unity we’ve built up over hours

JIRO Quiet complaints won’t bring me to the end Dawn won’t come without accepting everything the world sends Staking it all on my pride, not letting myself stray We’re gonna win no matter what, fight my way

SABURO I want to keep smiling, no matter what happens I’ll devote myself to it, with all of my passion My true feelings are what I want to know With this indispensable bond, now, let’s go

(All right!)

ICHIRO: C’mon, there’s a lot of ground to cover, you two JIRO: We know what’s true SABURO: Without review ALL: We’ve got value ICHIRO: Still, we’ve got a long ways to go JIRO: But don’t you know? SABURO: Look, the sky is dyed red with BB: The Buster Bros!!!

CHORUS There’s definitely nothing that we can’t handle so long as we’re with all our friends There’s no division that’s more important, my love for it here doesn’t end It’s okay to have bad days once in a while, it’s something we can amend We’ll overcome whatever comes our way And then we’re gonna shine

BB ‘Bukuro guys, c’mon, put your hands up This is our bond (Our bond!)

MTC (Mad Trigger Crew!)

SAMATOKI I’ve seen it all before, the ins and outs of every fray Your bonds will always keep you safe, even if you throw yourself away Keep a tight hold on what’s real, in Yokohama’s city Writing “serious” one way, and reading it as “maji” (1)

JYUTO The trash and the scum crawling out of the gutter Are different to us three, interweaved together You think money could afford you a bond such as this? Understand? In simple terms, it’s magic

RIOU Hand in hand we form this triangle Our secret code is zero-four-five Even in the dark, with my comrades I’ll fight My family will survive here in our hood

SAMATOKI: So long as we’re a team, I’d go anywhere with you JYUTO: We’ll show people a life only us three could live through RIOU: Aiming for a future that no one else can view MTC: We are Yokohama, Mad Trigger Crew!

CHORUS There’s definitely nothing that we can’t handle so long as we’re with all our friends There’s no division that’s more important, my love for it here doesn’t end It’s okay to have bad days once in a while, it’s something we can amend We’ll overcome whatever comes our way And then we’re gonna shine

MTC Yokohama guys, c’mon, put your hands up This is our bond (Our bond!)

RAMUDA You’re kinda tired, right? Here, have some candy I want to stay cheerful, but the wind is chilling me Various threads sewn together A repainted vision Even if the fabric ties itself in knots, it’ll keep me warm

GENTARO There’s nothing sadder than a story that goes unheard In this mournful city, words and sound have become blurred There’s value in taking time to think things through No more tripping over my own feet I have friends waiting just nearby

DICE Taking steps one by one towards tomorrow’s dawn I’m sure the heat that’s on my back isn’t just the sunset There’s no way you’ll get lost in the evening twilight I’ll lend you my shoulder - you can lend me money sometime

RAMUDA: Make a wish on Emptiness (2) GENTARO: Surpass the imaginary DICE: Let’s put up a bluff (Oh yeah) FP: This flower wreath will bear fruit (3) We are Fling Posse

CHORUS There’s definitely nothing that we can’t handle so long as we’re with all our friends There’s no division that’s more important, my love for it here doesn’t end It’s okay to have bad days once in a while, it’s something we can amend We’ll overcome whatever comes our way And then we’re gonna shine

FP Shibuya guys, c’mon, put your hands up This is our bond (Our bond!)

MTR Shinjuku, Matenrou…

JAKURAI Roaming the streets, dangerous and uncontrolled Holding a vast amount of information, a light that pierces even through the dark Always on guard is I, Jakurai (That’s right!) We three are the only ones who remain, the last guys

HIFUMI That’s right, yeah? You’ve been waiting for me? (Hi-fu-mi!) We are super first class (Yeah!) Our bond is growing just like a heartbeat Breathing new life into this world

DOPPO The words that I hold within me sound naïve Something is wrong; it’s this impossible system Even with things at their worst, I have Sensei and Hifumi By their side I can be Doppo, unchained and free

JAKURAI: From people, cities, buildings, light seems to glow HIFUMI: With however many kilo left until we get home DOPPO: I believe in my friends! There’s no crisis we can’t get through! JAKURAI: I like it. HIFUMI: It’s simple! DOPPO: Shinjuku-　 MTR: Matenrou!

CHORUS There’s definitely nothing that we can’t handle so long as we’re with all our friends There’s no division that’s more important, my love for it here doesn’t end It’s okay to have bad days once in a while, it’s something we can amend We’ll overcome whatever comes our way And then we’re gonna shine

MTR Shinjuku guys, c’mon, put your hands up This is our bond (Our bond!)

ALL Put your hands up!

CHORUS

ALL All the city guys, c’mon, put your hands up We are the best of friends (Best of friends!) All the city guys, c’mon, put your hands up This is our bond! (x3)

NOTES

Essentially, Samatoki says “serious” here in two different ways - “本気 (honki)” and “マジ (maji)”. The second is considered more like slang, and katakana in general is considered more masculine/aggressive, which could tie into his position as a yakuza as well as reference Chuuoku renaming all the divisions except their own in katakana in order to make them seem less “traditionally” Japanese.

The capitalisation on “Emptiness” here is purposeful, as Ramuda is referencing a specific kind of Chinese constellation by the same name. I guess it’s supposed to be a joke about wishing on stars, and how that’s pointless for him because of what he is?

There’s a specific kind of flower referenced here that I couldn’t fit into the line, called “丁花” or “Daphne”. A specific kind of Daphne, “Daphne odora”, is native to China and was spread to Japan later on. Odora is poisonous to both humans and animals, and rarely produces red berries after flowering. In hanakotoba, the meaning of Odora is “glory/immortality/eternity”.

[sepublic]

Recognizing Lilith’s Progress

           You know what? Perhaps I’ve been too harsh towards Lilith, at least in regards to her relationship with Eda specifically. I think we need to remember that while Lilith really WANTED Eda to join the Emperor’s Coven for thirty-something years… She always made it a point to vouch for her sister’s freedom, as seen when Lilith destroys those Wanted Posters at Covention just so the two could get into a petty squabble. And as we see at the end of Sense and Insensitivity, she WANTED to let Eda make the choice and decision, on her own, to join the Emperor’s Coven… Lilith wanted it to be fully voluntary and was completely willing to wait as long as it’d take (which would actually be an eternity) for Eda to change her mind.

           And, obviously there’s that disrespectful assumption that Eda WILL eventually change her mind, that it’s an inevitable sort of thing she has to figure out, that Lilith’s way is objectively right and it’s just a matter of Edalyn realizing the truth… But still. I think it hints at some potential growth and maturity, or at least an implicit acknowledgement of Eda’s genuine issues with the Emperor’s Coven that are unrelated to the curse- Hence why Eda makes it clear that she’s not joining Belos anytime soon to cure her curse, so Lilith never brings it up again until after THAT specific revelation… Lilith gets it, she gets that Eda has had reasons beyond the curse to despise the Emperor’s Coven, she figured that much out by now- Lilith just needs to realize that those reasons are actually valid, and/or that the Coven System’s benefits do NOT outweight the cons that Eda has to list.

           Sure, maybe this just indicates Lilith of being particularly ignorant, because she’s willfully ignorant to facts she knows deep-down… But maybe it’s also Lilith beginning to make tenuous progress towards understanding Eda, and eventually confessing to the curse on her own terms. But of course, Belos has to ruin this- He rushes and pressures Lilith, who is clearly unhappy about entering Eda’s space in Wing it like Witches, instead of waiting for Eda to intiate contact on her own terms. And you can tell, because Lilith still humors Eda’s Grudgby game and the terms set- She doesn’t WANT to force Eda, and is looking for any reason not to, in addition to wanting to hang out with her sister as always. And maybe this is just indicative of Lilith’s cowardice because she knows she can’t take Eda on in a fight, even with the curse…

           And speaking of cowardice, perhaps Lilith choosing to look the other way and bend the law for Eda, but not outright joining her, was indicative of indecision too; Lilith didn’t actively choose nor desire to cut ties with Eda and make her an enemy, it was just supposed to be a one-time thing and ideally, the two would remain best friends and sisters even after it. But Lilith couldn’t take a full stance with the Emperor’s Coven, or with Eda- She had to choose between the two, but really thought both options were actually reconcilable. Not to mention, Lilith still could’ve chosen to at least share the curse…

          But I can also see her justifying this because the Emperor’s Coven wouldn’t accept a half-cursed witch, and Lilith –corectly- saw the EC as a means of curing Eda… So it’d just be a matter of putting off this treatment in favor of a full-on cure, later down the line. Still, damage was dealt, and as Dana herself confirmed; Even if Eda had been cured, her hair would’ve still been gray. And clearly Lilith was being a little selfish and a coward herself, not wanting to bear any part of the curse, nor handle the social ostracization she subjected Edalyn towards with it.

           But considering how Lilith eventually makes the choice to save Eda from petrification, even at the risk of losing her spot in the Emperor’s Coven (not necessarily the requirement up until Belos catches her), I think it’s safe to say that if Lilith hadn’t already reached that understanding/epiphany a long time ago- We were actually watching her do so as the season progressed, seeing Lilith realize what she had to finally do after years of procrastination. We’ve known through her introduction that Lilith has been bending the law for Eda, even if she doesn’t approve, and now she’s possibly beginning to; Things HAD been changing, potentially for the better, maybe Lilith had been taking initiative to truly grow…

          I think there were genuine moments when after seeing how Eda felt, Lilith legit considered confessing, particularly near the end of Covention and Sense and Insensitivity; That she wasn’t so dead-set on taking this truth to her grave, that maybe Lilith realized that considering how much Eda had done for her by opening up emotionally, or rescuing Lilith… Even if it wasn’t ‘technically necessary’, Lilith still owed it to Eda to be honest, with the added benefit of Lilith’s own conscience being relieved. Maybe Lilith really was shaping up to confess on her own terms, in a healthy and calm environment…

          Until again, Belos has to ruin it. I think Lilith growing as a person and beginning to understand Eda, in addition to the impending Day of Unity, was what convinced Belos to intervene; Because now Lilith’s loyalty was in question, and so in a test Belos sets the ultimatum of either having Lilith prove her loyalty andcompetency, or else just die and no longer be a nuisance to him. Either he wants to reverse Lilith’s development, or else just be rid of her as a threat completely. I really do feel that Eda and Lilith had been making progress prior to Belos’ interference; Or maybe, his interference DID help, because you need to get through the worst to really achieve the best.

          Lilith and Eda weren’t truly going to make amends until both sisters confronted the darkest feelings they felt towards one another and conquered them, together- And Belos hastened Lilith’s confession, and got it out of the way to pave the way for reconciliation… As an unintended byproduct to his ACTUAL goals, of course, because again- He really doesn’t care for people, they’re more afterthoughts to him if not tangentially relevant. And there are certainly better ways to get the sisters to be honest than what he set up… Eda and Lilith did something with that situation, only because sometimes you just have to work with what you get. And what you got could’ve been so much better, which means it was unnecessarily terrible.

          But, back to the subject: Belos has to threaten to execute Lilith, and now she’s terrified for her life, her own role model will kill her if she doesn’t do what she wants… And in her justifiable panic –she has until the end of the day to do this and she’s already burnt through half of it- Lilith gets VERY stressed-out… She feels very insecure, and she defaults to some petty mindsets and feelings that she’d normally avoid. Believe it or not, people tend to think good, mature, and rational things in a healthy and comfortable environment, VS a cult that is promising death if you don’t comply within a very short and unreasonable amount of time, to do something you’ve incredibly uncomfortable with.

           Maybe there was some relief in Lilith, when Eda arrived for that final duel- That now the blame was kind of out of her hands, because it wasn’t HER choice to force Eda, this was just Belos, maybe there’s some roundabout gratitude towards him for taking Eda’s capture into his own hands, and thus absolving Lilith of some of the painful responsibility by low-key ‘doing it’ for her… This isn’t REALLY Lilith’s choice, this isn’t really her own actions, it’s Belos’, especially since Lilith is being threatened- And so she justifiably doesn’t have to feel bad for her part, because it’s just Belos forcing her to do this! And while she’s not totally wrong…

          Lilith still chose to take Luz hostage, not to mention this connects back to that discussion about how you still have moral culpability, even if you’re just ‘following orders’, or if your situation is so un-ideal that you have to do terrible things to survive (plus Belos certainly wasn’t acting out of any concern for Lilith either). Perhaps Lilith saw the situation as unchangeable, so there was no point in fretting over the cons, and instead she should just focus on the bright side of things- That Eda will get to be with her and will be cured of the curse, and so Lilith looks a little too happy to see Eda arrive for that duel! And as I said- Any smug satisfaction she has from carrying out her job is more from Belos, it’s not actually a reflection of Lilith, just her relief that Belos isn’t going to kill her!

           Of course, like I said- When Lilith is stressed out or not feeling so great about herself… She can default to some toxic mindsets as a pick-me-up. Hence why she brings up being better than Eda through the curse, because what right does Eda have to lecture her about morals and responsibility, when clearly Eda is the irresponsible criminal who adopted this random human? Eda can’t imagine what it’s like for Lilith, trying so hard to be patient all those years, putting in the effort and humility to finally work around with Eda and to adapt to her, to better understand Eda’s thought process… Eda has no idea what it’s like being threatened by Emperor Belos, Lilith isn’t as strong and independent as her, it’s not as easy to protect herself or go off and do her own thing!

          And what does Eda know about Lilith being a bad person for cursing her, Eda doesn’t know that Lilith expected the curse to be just for a day, that she was a child who was scammed, duped, and tricked by an adult- Eda doesn’t know what it’s like to not be as talented, to be so terrified of being left behind! So yes, Lilith IS weaker than Eda… And what about it? If Eda were in Lilith’s spot, she’d do the same- So don’t act so high-and-mighty, there IS a difference between the two of us and our situations; So now that you’ve acknowledged this, stop judging Lilith for it! Stop yelling at Lilith, hating and judging her for not being good enough like everyone else does, like Lilith does to herself, as Belos does now… Don’t forget YOU’RE not so high-and-mighty yourself, not all of the time- So remember those moments of weakness and what it felt like, whenever you judge me, try being in MY shoes, and remember what it was like in them!

          If this is how you feel about and treat me, then maybe you DESERVED to be cursed, so you could be on my level and realize how you’ve always made me feel- That this was the only way you could understand, the only way you and I could see eye-to-eye and truly reconcile! Can’t you see Lilith is TRYING, it’s already hard enough as-is, can’t you appreciate what Lilith DID manage to do and accomplish, you’re just like myself and everyone else, always ignoring that and focusing on where Lilith screwed up! If you’re disappointed that Lilith went that far, well news flash- She’s ALWAYS gone that far, she’s not the perfect person you expected her to be, Edalyn, try paying more attention next time and being considerate of this! This is not Lilith’s decision, can’t you tell- You speak so much of Belos making people do terrible things and being harsh to them, can’t you remember this when he’s literally right there, watching us!?

          I’m your own sister, who’s done everything for you, we’ve known each other for decades and I’ve been putting in the agonizing work to understand you; Why are you prioritizing some random human you just met, a human who enables your bad behavior, over me?! Lilith didn’t want this, she didn’t take joy in this, Eda is forgetting that Lilith has a lot to lose herself… And now it’s coming down to her own LIFE, too! Lilith isn’t enjoying this, stop assuming the worst, that there’s so much more malice from her than there actually is, can’t Eda tell how much Lilith cares, how much it’s been eating her up on the inside over what happened…

          Lilith is TIRED of feeling terrible and she just wants someone to understand, to listen to her, to get it! She’s used to accepting the blame and the guilt, when can someone finally tell Lilith that it’s okay, that you tried your best and it’s not the end of the world… I can see how she got so indoctrinated by the Emperor’s Coven, as it must’ve given her that false sense of validation, when Lilith felt she wasn’t getting any from Eda; But in the end, she realized that Belos’ support and the glory of her spot was all superficial and conditional. But before that, Lilith in her pure stress confesses to cursing Eda, as a culmination of all of her insecurities, her frustrations at herself and others, and a desperate desire to feel seen and heard in a way that she hasn’t beforehand… To have an intimate part of her recognized, even if that means admitting to her worst sin.

           Then she backtracks, she realizes what she’s done, because this is Lilith- And even if she has issues with fixing her problems, she’s at least somewhat learning, or at least not repeating certain mistakes. Lilith remembers that she’s being unfair to Eda, and she panics in the revelation of Eda now TRULY hating her, which was something Lilith always feared. Lilith pointlessly brings up how she can cure the curse, and in retrospect… I think she was fully aware, both from a conscious and deep-down standpoint, that curing Eda’s curse wouldn’t undo the damage, but she resorted to it as damage control anyway because that was what she was used to- In moments of stress, Lilith does things she’d normally know better than to do.

          Lilith tried to de-escalate the revelation by claiming she could help cure the curse, even though Eda’s known for this for a long while- And I think she tried to reframe the cure as coming from her, not Belos, so Eda will feel more open to the idea, as Lilith mentions that SHE can cure it, when in reality it’s more like she can –supposedly- convince Belos to do so. After all, if Lilith is curing the curse, then surely Eda doesn’t mind getting treatment from her, because it’s not like Lilith would DEMAND anything of Eda in return… She’d definitely feel entitled to it, but Lilith has always made a point beforehand to still respect Eda’s boundaries, to an extent- And I don’t think it’s just an issue with tracking down Eda, either.

           Of course it wouldn’t matter if Lilith fully had the power to cure Eda’s curse on her own and did it purely of her own good will, because Eda still hates the Emperor’s Coven, and I think Lilith has reached that point where she’s forced herself to acknowledged this. But she panics and brings up the cure as a distraction, because Lilith remembers that she’s doing this all for Eda, that she DOES love her sister and always will, no matter how aggravating Eda can be, because she’s all that Lilith truly has left. Lilith knows she’s grasping at straws, but she may as well try anyway; She’s reminding herself and Eda that in the end, she regretted the curse and would rather have it gone than stay… That there’s no need to worry Eda, Lilith isn’t going to curse her a second time, not even now! All of this work has been done to CURE the curse, remember…?

          Lilith DOES have remorse, and she’s been putting in the work and Lilith really thinks it’s paid off, she really thinks her work in the Emperor’s Coven has guaranteed a cure from Belos- And if only Eda would just listen and be proud of her for this, and realize and acknowledge that Lilith has grown since then, that she’s made progress from never wanting to repeat that mistake, to attempting to undo it… Lilith is basically trying to damage-control her confession by admitting that yes she’s made a mistake, but she’s grown since then and put in the effort to undo it, and I’ve succeeded in finding a cure! I’m not a total failure, don’t turn your back on me now, I’ve CHANGED since then, the Lilith who cursed you is now gone Eda, you never had to worry about her now because she left, all those years ago!

          So Eda can understand why Lilith didn’t think it was necessary to confess, it’d have just caused the two of them needless pain, as you can probably feel right now…! Sure I wasn’t perfect after all, but you can at least now appreciate how I’ve grown! That’s what you’ve wanted, right- For me to grow and improve, to be the older sister you deserved, to learn from my mistakes? Well, it turns out I HAVE been… Even if it also turns out that yes, there were even more mistakes I made that you never knew about, but if I can fix those, then I can fix the rest, so pleasedon’t give up on me! I haven’t been static, I’ve actually been actively improving over the years, I just… have a LOT to work on, okay, and it just seemed like I didn’t and that I wasn’t doing anything. Lilith wanted Eda to remember that this revelation was something Lilith herself had always known, and yet she still chose to vouch for Eda and bend the law, look the other way for her sister, for years… So please remember this! That all that happened AFTER her worst mistake…

          Lilith really wants to believe she’s stopped hurting her sister and is past that, because the last time she hurt Eda it REALLY had the worst possible impact on the two of them. It’s a desperate reassurance, that yes Lilith has acted smug about the curse in the past, but you should listen to reason Edalyn, try to approach this from a calm standpoint unlike how I just did, if you’re allegedly so much better than me (and I admit this fact). Except Eda IS being reasonable here, Eda isn’t fighting Lilith and avoiding her just because she felt like it, she doesn’t take any joy in this either, and both sisters are mutually trying to survive the depraved situation that Belos set up to put them at each other’s throats.

          And sure, Lilith is trying to soften the blow by conceding that Eda’s emotional reaction to the confession is reasonable itself, that Lilith does indeed understand and consider how Eda feels, Eda just needs to make her actions sensible too; Eda has issues with Lilith not understanding her feelings/decisions and not seeing them as valid, so Lilith insists she actually does! But Eda’s trying to do what she thinks is best for herself AND Luz, who Lilith has characteristically disregarded.

          It’s worth noting that Lilith never brings up, “I won’t hurt Luz/I can heal her if she GETS hurt” to deter and calm down Eda, because she still has a lot more understanding to do. Really, I think Lilith is just so tired of admitting that she’s wrong and has messed up… So when confronted with yet another major example of this (capturing Luz) she doesn’t want to admit it because Lilith wants to believe she’s grown past her old self, that she’s no longer the fool she was and can’t make mistakes regarding this stranger, much less Edalyn; In addition to wanting Eda to make concessions for once, because Lilith feels like Eda has been unfair to her in some ways, especially since Eda didn’t know Lilith was at fault.

          I feel like Lilith just wants to be valued, to have her efforts and achievements, and what little progress she does, be acknowledged… And to be reassured by the knowledge that she IS improving, that she won’t always be a screw-up; I can see why the Coven System’s rhetoric of “If you put in the effort then surely things will get better” is such an attractive lie to Lilith… In addition to wanting to ignore how the Emperor’s Coven also turns around, and insists that most witches will only ever be good at this one innate talent for the rest of their life, so that’s the only thing they should stick to. Lilith wants to believe she isn’t like the rest, that she can grow and improve herself and be on top, that she’s the exception that the Coven System accepts as part of its Emperor’s Coven. Being a part of that group is basically being told that you’re better than everyone else, and the existence of a hierarchy is worth it to Lilith if she can have the chance for such validation, even at the expense of others… Especially, really.

          And now that Lilith is at the Owl House, I’d really love to see Luz “We can fix this together” Clawthorne Noceda provide some support, if she’s willing… I think she can understand how it feels to not have your efforts to improve and grow be appreciated. Then there’s King, who I think has a LOT he can relate to with Lilith, over being someone who feels obligated to do terrible things, and justifies it because he’s not as well-off as others, and it’s unfair to judge him because you have it so much easier, you don’t know what it’s like for him! And maybe Eda could make it clear to Lilith that she DID understand, she always thought the world of her, and every little action Lily did for Eda’s sake meant a lot… Maybe Eda needed to be a bit more upfront about her appreciation herself, as did Lilith.

          Of course, there’s also the revelation of the curse to go over as well, but… In the end, Eda just wants the best of Lilith, so every time Lilith DOES make progress, it really meant everything to her. She even sort of appreciated the lengths that Lilith was willing to go for her, to an extent- But when you consider what Lilith did to others (such as Luz), and how she did things that Eda never asked her to do; All while Lilith expected compensation for these efforts because she wasn’t totally altruistic (while expecting Eda to appreciate this under the lens of Lilith being a good sister, and not Lilith actively making up for something she caused)… It sometimes felt more like a disregard of Eda, rather than an actual regard. I can imagine Lilith letting the guilt of her mistakes crash down on her, and become resigned to the idea of being terrible and causing harm, and admitting that of course Eda had all of these expectations for Lilith that she’d never been able to live up to; She WAS the older sister, it was Lilith’s responsibility by blood to do that, and she failed! No wonder Eda depises her so…

          And while those feelings did occur briefly with the capture of Luz, I think Eda and Luz can reassure Lilith that she HAS done good, that her change of heart was amazing to them, and it’s given them hope for Lilith. She’s no hopeless cause, Lilith has provided them plenty of reason not to give up on her, just recently she gave her best reason why by freeing Eda! And maybe Eda can admit that if Lilith went this far, and did these terrible things- Then maybe she wasn’t exactly in the best state of mind, and that needs addressing above all else. Eda DOES care, and it’s that care and love that led to her being so disapproving and distraught over what happened to Lilith, because she saw it all as harmful to her sister… And with Luz’s recent inspiration, and Eda’s feeling of having never accomplished anything up until her favorite human arrived;

          Perhaps Eda will acknowledge that as the most powerful witch in the Boiling Isles, maybe she should’ve done more to really get into Lilith’s head, and get her out of that situation. Or at least, have Eda admit to Lilith that SHE was respecting Lily’s decisions too, hence why she didn’t try to force her… I think if Lilith brought up to Eda that she didn’t think her sister would join the Emperor’s Coven, even if it was to save her from execution- Eda would’ve insisted that she would, or at least she’d work to find a way out for the both of them. And that, I feel, would mean so much to Lilith, and both reassure and encourage her to make things right, now that Lilith understands that she DID get the love she was due, and that her efforts had been recognized.

          She did put in the work, and Lilith did get the pay-off, in a sense… So she has a lot more incentive to keep working to make things right; In addition to also recognizing that she wasn’t getting that appreciation from Belos, who’s an utter lunatic and actually chose to hurt Lilith, only doing good things for her as a side-effect and/or if it’d benefit him- Unlike Eda. Your efforts aren’t for naught, and things CAN and will change for the better, if you put in the work- So don’t worry about them not paying off.

          You’re not taking a risk going down this path… Its benefits are laid-out and guaranteed, unlike what you might get siding with the Emperor’s Coven, or using a curse that is ambiguous about its effects. All you have to do, Lilith, is make that personal decision, to take that initiative- And now that you’re with your real family, the rest will fall into place. Just as Eda provides a support network and a safety net for Luz’s own mistakes and exploration and risks, she can do the same for Lilith… You’re safe now.

          TL;DR I think Lilith HAD been making effort and progress, prior to Agony of a Witch. And even if her issues with willful ignorance were still present, they hadn’t been as bad as I’d initially perceived. Maybe Belos’ ultimatum, forcing Lilith to realize what she valued more –her sister or the Emperor’s Coven- hadn’t been all that necessary, that maybe Lily would’ve figured this out eventually… Though you could also say too little, too late; But also, better late than never. In a way, maybe Belos’ ultimatum WAS better than the alternative of Lilith taking her time to eventually and inevitably have a change of heart, because as we see with the progression of the curse… Time is of plenty of importance, and the more that passes, the more we know will still remain, even after a hypothetical cure.

          My point is, as terrible as Lilith was, I think we were seeing her change and learn, and become set on the trajectory for making true amends with Eda, before Belos came back into the picture. It wasn’t just Belos forcing Lilith into an ultimatum with Luz’s input, that changed Lilith’s heart… I feel that if this scenario had happened much earlier in Season 1, we could’ve seen Lilith act a little differently, perhaps with much less sympathy and understanding. I think there were genuine moments of learning and realization that led up to that fateful choice in Season 1, and I think it’s time I acknowledged this; That in the discussion of Lilith’s arc in Season 2, perhaps we need to remember that she HAD been improving, before Agony of a Witch came about.

          Lilith wasn’t that hopeless, and she was doing better than I initially realized- Not much better, but it’s better than nothing of course. Let’s not give Belos any credit here, and while Luz has done an umimaginable contribution… It’s ultimately down to oneself to change, and all the effort in the world doesn’t matter if you don’t choose to change; And Lilith DID make that decision! If people think Lilith’s character development has been ‘rushed’, then it needs to be considered that maybe we already did see her grow throughout Season 1…

          And so when Season 2 rolls about, it’s not out of the question for us to be pleasantly surprised, and see that Lilith has already figured a couple of things out, not just between seasons; But even on-screen, during Season 1! Sure Lilith had a relapse, but so did Amity, and Lilith also had to deal with the threat of execution, and the belief that joining the Emperor’s Coven WOULD cure Eda. I think Lilith actually, already made some decent progress on her character arc that is overlooked/forgotten… Her transition into the Owl House by understanding Eda and Luz’s points, may not be so rocky after all- I think Lilith has actually had a little bit of a headstart on that! So whenever I look at Lilith now, I can’t help but think;

          ...And maybe Eda feels the same way, too.

[bryte-eyed-athena]

A New Earthseed Community

I used to imagine what life would be like in a dystopian society where everything has collapsed or is on the verge of collapse. This Earthseed community project has given me the opportunity to actually put some serious thought into how a community might survive in a world that has gone off the rails. However, I am going into this making a few assumptions. First, the world I am envisioning my community living in is very similar to the one depicted in Parable of the Sower. I was considering writing journal entries like Lauren did, but then I thought that was too much like fanfiction. Instead I am going to simply respond to the questions. Second, this is an established community that has already done the hard work of gathering trusted people, escaping to a safe area, and building the community. I’m trying to think about how to make this community survive, as well as thrive, long term after it has already been established. Third, the community has decided to give their settlement a name so I will refer to them as “The Dandelion Community”. Hopefully trying to envision this ideal community can help me with thinking of solutions to solve our real world problems.

Explain two real-life issues that make it necessary to create your Earthseed community. What are you seeking shelter from?

Climate change is wreaking havoc all over the world as it exacerbates natural disasters and displaces millions of people. In California the climate will get hotter and wildfires will cause more damage. Climate change also disproportionately impacts low income people of color who do not have a refuge to escape to once the environment becomes hostile. These are the groups of people that are going to be impacted the most negatively and they are the ones who require shelter and protection.

Police brutality has impacted communities of color and immigrant communities the harshest due to the influence of systemic racism and capitalism. It has created a culture of fear and violence which harms us physically, mentally, and spiritually. It is a system that must be entirely abolished in order for all marginalized people to feel safe. If it cannot be abolished then we must seek refuge in areas where the police don’t exist and have no power.

Quote two Earthseed verses from Parable of the Sower and show how you will apply them to your community. You may be creative in your interpretation.

“All successful life is Adaptable, Opportunistic, Tenacious, Interconnected, and Fecund. Understand this. Use it. Shape God.”

The Dandelion community understands that there will be numerous challenges for them to face if they want to survive. But life is not just about survival it is also about being able to live well. This verse will inspire the community to see their existence as more than just a fight for survival. It will motivate them to seek success defined in these terms. They will internalize this message and learn to be adaptable to new challenges. They will either seek opportunities or turn their dire circumstances into one. They will tenaciously fight for themselves and for their fellow members. They will feel connected with the community and other people they meet on the outside. They will also try to make sure that all their endeavors are fertile in order to produce more good to balance all the bad in the world. With this verse in their hearts they will be able to Shape God.

“Embrace diversity. Unite— Or be divided, robbed, ruled, killed By those who see you as prey. Embrace diversity Or be destroyed.”

Out of all of the Earthseed verses, this is the one that defines the human story. Centuries of conflict and horror could have been avoided if we sought to embrace diversity and unite with our fellow man. Instead, this planet has been divided and conquered over and over. The Dandelion community will refuse to be divided, robbed, ruled, or killed by any one. Their strength will be in unity and the bonds they form with each other will heal them internally. The diversity of body ability, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, faith and so on will give the community a unique advantage to respond to change. The diversity of opinion and experience would be a useful tool and not seen as a hindrance.

Explain where you will create your Earthseed community to be safe.

Safety comes from being in a defendable area surrounded by people with the skills and tools to survive. The Channel Islands National Park is a chain of four islands off the coast of Santa Barbara. It is too far away to swim to and there is enough land to support a large community if they are spread across all the islands. The Dandelion can reserve certain areas for small villages that contain homes, libraries, and facilities to create goods. The rest of the land can be used for farming sustainably as well as a training/play area for children. Once the community is able to build boats they can start to fish farther out into the ocean to provide more variety in their diets. These islands would be easy to defend since they are isolated and far away from the coast. Swimmers wouldn’t be able to get there and the community could devise ways to sabotage the waters so boats wouldn't be able to get through. The islands are also large enough that a stable and thriving community could be built there so people can live peacefully.

Who can join your community and why? Who can’t join? Why not?

Anyone can join as long as they are willing to learn skills and be ready to contribute. They are expected to be understanding of others and respectful of diversity. They also must dedicate themselves to protecting all members of the community from external threats. It is also important that they understand that joining a community means truly becoming an engaged member of the community. This means that they make the effort to be a part of people’s lives and make positive contributions no matter how small. They must want peace and understand that it takes hard work to create the conditions for peace and love to flourish.

What will your leadership model be for your community?

The Dandelion community is very mutual aid based so it is important that every member has a voice and opportunity to exercise power. There will not be a single leader since teamwork and communication are valued highly here. Instead there will be a group of around ten people who gather and discuss the problems of the community no matter how big or small. The community will also gather in weekly town halls to address any grievances or solutions they have directly to the group of leaders. During that meeting they will try to create solutions that take into account the needs and wants of the community. After a month this group of ten people will be replaced with a different set of ten people. Anyone can volunteer to be a member of the group and it's basically first come first serve. Eventually as the group rotated members monthly every person in the community who wanted to be a leader would have been a leader at least once. This way the burden of leadership is shared equally across the community. This also means that no one person can hold total power and become a tyrant. It also means that there will always be someone in charge and someone the group can defer to in order to make a final decision.

Create a future technology (one on the horizon, not something like teleportation or time travel) to help improve life at your Earthseed community.

A water filtration device will be necessary to support the community. It would be non polluting and powered by solar energy. Once water is filtered from the ocean the community members can all go and get as much as they need. There will not be a plumbing system so people will have clay jugs to transport their clean water.

A series of solar powered radios set all around the island chain will help make communication easier and faster. If an urgent warning needs to be sent out people will be able to hear it on their radio. It will also make internal communication easier so people could just ask for things without having to travel.

Long range portable telescopes will help the defenders of the island see any oncoming threats. They will also be a good educational tool for the children when they want to see the stars.

Most importantly would be a submarine that can be used to travel to the mainland safely. The island won't be able to provide for every need and there will be times where trash needs to be disposed of. A submarine with a renewable energy source would be a good way to travel and maybe explore other places that could be safe as well.

Explain/show how your Earthseed community will SURVIVE.

The Dandelion community will survive by using knowledge collected in books and by forging strong community bonds that will encourage mental health. Books on indegenous and sustainable farming practices will help the community create a replenishable food source that feeds everyone. If there are surpluses, scouts could travel to the mainland and give it away. Books about fishing and the ocean would help the community fish safely and prevent overfishing. Books on natural medicine and surviving in wilderness environments can help the community treat and prevent illnesses as well as be attentive to their surroundings. Other books on math and literature and technology can help with basic education and entertainment which will help the community feed their minds and souls. All of this knowledge will help the community become self reliant and understand the world better which will help them Shape God.

Explain/show what TWO steps your Earthseed community will make to build a better future, i.e. education, housing, conservation, farming, etc.

The Dandelion community recognizes the importance of education and that learning can happen at any point in life. All members of the community will be educated equally and on the same topics. They will learn the basics like reading, writing, and math. They will also learn survival skills, how to cook and clean, how to swim, and how to use tools and weapons. They will also learn how to be sustainable and not harm the environment. As they grow older and develop their own interest they can divert into different fields. Some may wish to become teachers, potters, weavers, fishers, farmers, writers, etc. New members that come from the mainland will also be educated in the same way and if they have certain skills then they will be asked to contribute their knowledge as well. Innovation and creativity are encouraged, but above all the survival of the whole must be put first.

Hopefully the environment of peace and love will encourage the community to want to share their resources with others. One of the reasons Lauren’s original community fell was because outsiders thought that they were rich. In reality, that wasn’t the case, but Lauren’s family was still better off than most. If the Dandelion community found a way to share their resources and beliefs with those on the mainland they would be able to create more stable communities. The best defense against criminality and violence would be to remove the factors that cause it, in this case poverty. By sharing their technology and knowledge the Dandelion community would be able to lift people out of poverty and create stable communities across the coast line. Once those communities are stable enough they would also be able to create stability even further inland. This will ensure the longevity and survival of the Dandelion community.

[parablesoftheone]

Daoist transcendental meditation in “Light of the Eyelid”

(Hi and welcome! This should be my last long, involved post for a while—gotta get back to work after Christmas break—but a couple of shorter ones are in the works for later.)

Introduction: Daoist meditation and the motion of return

Returning is the motion of the Dao Yielding is the way of the Dao. The ten thousand things arise from being. Being arises from not being. —Dao De Jing #40 (pg. 43)

Of all the Mushishi stories to feature kouki (光酒, “light saké”) and the river of light, this one perhaps offers the most clues to their possible origins in Daoism, and specifically in Daoist transcendental meditation practices—which, it turns out, are quite dangerous, done improperly.

In “Light of the Eyelid,” Ginko communicates across the river of light with a little girl, Sui, who is several days’ travel away. Both reach this transcendental state by closing their “second eyelids,” retreating to a realm of absolute darkness, wherein the river of light appears. This river we know to be a vein of kouki, the essence of life itself and the source of vitality in the physical world. 

The connections to Daoism here are many, beginning with the idea of “return to the source,” which appears throughout the Dao De Jing and is the foundation of many Daoist meditation practices. Dao De Jing verse #16 is often taken as a description of meditation: 

Empty yourself of everything. Let the mind become still. The ten thousand things rise and fall while the self watches their return. They grow and flourish and then return to the source. (pg. 18)

In Daoist cosmology, life emerges from the un-manifest, or what in the first verse of the Dao De Jing is called “darkness within darkness” (pg. 3). This is yin, the “primal female,”  and the source to which Daoist meditation aims to reconnect. 

That the “true darkness” and the river of light in “Light of the Eyelid” refer to the origin of life is unambiguous. Ginko says that Biki has watched the river too, in a time before his memory, and earthly life flourishes where the river flows. The episode’s references to a distant past when it was common to see the river of light also echo the many references in the Dao De Jing and in Zhuangzi to the people of old and their closeness to life’s source. From Zhuangzi’s Inner Chapters:

“Among the ancients, knowledge was very deep. What is meant by deep? It reached back to the time when nothing existed.” (tr. Feng and English, pg. 30)

Ginko and Sui’s retreat to the darkness through which life flows is thus easily connected to the Daoist “return to the source” of life.

The Way of the Light Saké

I won’t attempt here to outline the wild and crazy history of the Daoist alchemical/meditative practice called “The Way of the Golden Elixir.” This paper is comprehensive and will be linked many times below. Fortunately, the interpretation I believe Urushibara-sensei to be drawing on in Mushishi is the most fundamental: The “golden elixir” is the essence of life itself, accessible via a “return to emptiness” (pg. 51). This is the approach that directly links “Golden Elixir” practice with the “return” of the Dao De Jing (pg. 46). This process is 

“frequently illustrated through the metaphor of the creation of ‘a person outside one’s person’ (or ‘a self outside oneself,’ shen zhi wai shen), which represents the attainment of transcendence and is defined as the ‘true person’... (pg. 52)

Ginko and Sui can be seen as performing just this kind of transcendental meditation, manifesting themselves outside their bodies into the “true darkness” of the source and alongside the river of the essence of life. 

True Yin and True Yang

The “true darkness” and “alien light” of the state through which Ginko and Sui communicate can also be linked to this form of meditation. Golden Elixir practice seeks, in various ways, the unity of the primordial True Yang and True Yin (pg. 25)—that is, the two primal forces, represented as light and darkness respectively, that exist beneath all manifest things (the world of yin and yang we perceive). The pure darkness and strange light of the light flow can be seen as analogous to this True primordial Yin and Yang—especially given Ginko’s words in S1 E19 “Thread from the Sky,” in which he describes the mushi as “lying on the border with yang.” This boundary between primordial light and darkness is, as Sui says, where the mushi live. 

Seeing this connection in “Light of the Eyelid,” we can understand kouki as a reference to the “golden elixir”—which can be either an internal force or an external substance, and which, in various uses, can also heal illnesses or even confer immortality (pg. 4), as a seed “containing the light flow” does in Mushishi S1 E9 “The Heavy Seed.” 

Kouki (光酒, “light saké”) could also, if we like, be taken as a play on words and a reference to yuanqi (元氣), or the “Original Pneuma” propagated “into the ‘ten thousand things’”— a Daoist term meaning “everything that exists”—and concentrated in Golden Elixir practices (source).

So what happened to poor Sui? 

This sort of transcendental meditation is no game. Warnings abound (pg. 49) about practicing it incorrectly, and the writings of Lü Dongbin, one of its founders, are especially suggestive. If, he says, a practitioner is able to free “the form of an infant resembling oneself” to “travel through the universe... unhindered through the ten directions,” but at the same time does not know the dao, they are at risk of being beset by a “sharp, cutting, and piercing [wind that] enters through the forehead...” If this wind does not destroy them, the next danger is “a poisonous fire, which rises from below and enters through the top of the head, attacking the internal organs... The pores and the hairline are instantly turned into ashes” (source, pgs. 80–81).

In “Light of the Eyelid,” Sui first suffers stabbing pain in her eyes when exposed to daylight and then, after walking into the river of light (”fire from below”), from her eyeballs disintegrating into a powdery, smoking blackness. Given the warnings above, she might be said to have gotten off easy—although somehow surviving these trials is acknowledged to be possible. (pg. 81)

Ouch.

As she does with other lore, Urushibara-sensei traces the origins of these warnings to mushi, in this case to a nasty-looking scorpion-snake, manakonoyami-mushi, that infects eyeballs too long exposed to darkness and the river of light. 

The danger of emotions

Why did this happen? Lü Dongbin warns that the afflictions he describes come from practicing transcendence without keeping to the dao. As he emphasizes, a critical part of this is maintaining emotional control. 

Emotional detachment is no small part of Daoist practice. This mindset is described by Zhuangzi as wuqing—literally “without feelings,” but actually meaning that one is not dominated by desires or preferences (Hall and Ames pg. 47). Ginko demonstrates a capacity for this kind of control: While he routinely expresses mild irritation, when something truly distressing happens, he’s... still only mildly irritated. See, e.g., S1 E21 “Cotton Changeling,” when he gets freaking stabbed and not only barely reacts, but shows no subsequent resentment whatsoever.

Not only is this preternatural emotional stability characteristically Daoist, it’s essential for transcendental meditation. Lü Dongbin is aggressive about the danger of emotions and the need to remove them from the root, likening them to “parasites”:

If you try to control emotions forcibly without extirpating the root [desire], you control nothing but outgrowths. This is like a flood of water: if you try to dam it without stopping the source or clearing the flow, eventually you’ll be drowned. It is also like a blazing fire: if you try to beat it out without removing its fuel or cutting off its path, you’ll just increase the force of the flames, so that you’ll be threatened at every turn.” (pgs. 90–91)

Only when the mind is free of “defilement and attachment” is one able to “crystallize the great elixir” in a transcendental state. This is not to be attempted without guidance in the dao (pgs. 88–89) to ensure the stability needed to avoid danger. 

We can see the dangers of emotions, and specifically of desire, affecting Sui from the start. The river of light’s attraction is strong—she has to be warned away from its shore repeatedly, and Biki, after even a brief glimpse, wants to stare at it forever. Because she’s so drawn to it, Sui fails to moderate the time she spends looking at it, and thus becomes infected by the manakonoyami-mushi. This is bad enough—but it’s her grief over Biki’s illness that prompts her to do what Ginko repeatedly warned her not to: walk into the “poisonous fire” of the river of light, resulting in her infected eyes being reduced to ash. 

As Lü Dongbin warns, desires and attachments are indeed dangerous. 

Last notes

So, we can trace much of what we see in "Light of the Eyelid” to the concepts and lore of Daoist meditative practices. But at the root of all this, we simply find one of the major ideas seen throughout Mushishi. The incompatibility between “return to the source” and the emotional bonds and complexities of the modern human is one of the series’ many explorations of the conflict and the search for harmony between human beings and the “way of nature.” 

Ginko personifies a hope that such harmony is possible—he’s neither devoid of emotions nor prey to them, neither indifferent to Sui and Biki’s suffering nor incompatible with the river of light. 

Though given how many times he saw Sui across the river, it’s possible he just wanted to be able to meditate in peace.