#@ prev: you can’t just say perchance

[soombee]

ଳ⋆｡˚𖦹 caught in the current of you — 01 , fish facts & a lil chemistry

warnings ! none

wordcount ; 573 / 0.5k words

‘thoughts’ -> “out loud”

7:30 am — chemistry

you didn��t expect to be particularly THIS nervous to present in today’s class, but then, your fine shyt, leehan, steps up to the front of the room and, all of a sudden, all your worries faded away just from the sight of his face

your heart beats raises, beating out of your chest as you remember last night’s venture through his twitter feed. he’s looking as fine as ever — in front of you, wearing a grey sweater with his tousled hair. he’s so effortlessly handsome.

‘thank god i decided to sit infront.’ you think to yourself, feeling blood flush your face

i mean, sure he’s in your chem lab, but you’re pretty sure he’s never really noticed you beyond the few shared glances when you’re stationed nearby each other and it’s killing you. but right now, standing at the front of the classroom, leehan looks so different — focused frown and tired eyes, presumably from the night before, trying to memorize the material he researched. he chose to present on the chemistry of ocean ecosystems and, judging by the look in his eyes, you can just tell that this isn’t just a topic to him

leehan starts to babble, giving the class a basic breakdown of marine life chemistry, but within seconds, he’s diving deeper, animatedly describing the ocean’s ecosystem as if it’s a living, breathing puzzle he’s trying to solve. his hands gestures excitedly when he talks about the bonds between organisms and how they rely on each other to thrive in the depths of the ocean. there’s something captivating in the way he speaks — like he’s not just presenting but inviting the whole class into his world. and slowly, you find yourself leaning forward, totally hooked, oh, on the presentation too i guess!

“and then there’s the corydoras catfish,” he says, smiling a little as he describes its contribution to the ocean system, “they’re very social fish so they’re barely alone!” the whole class might just hear a random fact, but you catch something else; a glimpse of leehan’s dedication to understanding even the smallest details about marine life, making your attraction towards him grow deeper

“i’m such a fool for u..” you confess under your breath, perchance wanting him to know how you felt about him

he dives into a ramble about coral reefs, the chemistry of their growth, and how they’re as fragile as they are beautiful. his face lights up with every word, not even glancing at his notes. it’s clear his passion isn’t just shallow—his dedication being your newfound obsession

by the time he wraps up, you’re practically just staring at him; not even in a “focused” way, you were ogling at him. this wasn’t just a class presentation; it was like getting to peek into a hidden part of his mind, one filled with excitement for something he loves. you can’t help but smile a little bigger, heart pounding in a way you didn’t see coming—even if he was fine shyt

for a brief second, leehan glances your way, as if noticing you’re there—you quickly drop your gaze, hoping he doesn’t catch the blush creeping onto your face

‘this is crazy,’ you think, ‘who tf falls for someone because of a lecture on fish!?’ but as soon as he sits down, you steal another glance, you’re definitely in too deep

“okay next up!” stupid chem professor distracting you from admiring fine shyt. 🫤

if u dont get the pineapple reference click here 🍍🍍🍍

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[salemofthe0pera]

you against yourself ; mark lee smau

[xlii] you can’t just say perchance

[10/11] {sorry for late update, im having some issues with recovery :(}

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[verdantcrimson]

Heaven and Earth / Discernment of Heaven and Earth - 5

(Unproofread)

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Kuro: Sorry ‘bout that… But well, and I’m not just sayin’ this ‘cause I fell asleep, this is a pretty poor showin’, ain’t it?

Kuro: If we air this, the show and our own reputation might go down, but it definitely won’t go up.

Keito: You have a point… It’s a pity, but all this has done is reaffirm the fact that we need the ‘Three Sages’ in order to make ‘Rumbling Heaven and Earth’ a reality.

Souma: ‘Tis easier said than done. That an amateur would be unable to create a popular yet timeless TV show from scratch comes as no surprise.

Keito: Yes. I knew that from the very beginning though.

Keito: Moving on, we decided to make a version of the show as Ieyasu-sensei suggested we do.

Kuro: …… Dude said not to change the content of ‘Rumblin’ Heaven and Earth.’

Kuro: But as it stands, we don’t really gotta go out of our way to recreate anythin’ when we can just air old episodes of the show—

Keito: Exactly. So we ended up recording nothing.

Souma: As of now, the ‘Three Sages’ have proven themselves to be utterly uncooperative. If, perchance, we were to request the involvement of all three parties, it remains unclear whether they would do their utmost as they did once before.

Keito: Indeed. Therefore, we passed over Ieyasu’s proposal, and are currently creating a version based on Hideyoshi and Nobunaga’s proposals.

Souma: As the one in charge, I became personally acquainted with her. That she would change her troublesome intent— I attempted to persuade her.

Keito: Yes. I heard from your report that Nobunaga-sensei wants to create a show with more of a visual focus.

Souma: That appears to be the case. As I listened to her speak, I was quite impressed by her persuasiveness.

Keito: Honestly, I think that’s a pretty good idea. We start off with the visuals or whatever works, because unless we capture the attention of the audience, we won’t be able to start much.

Kuro: Yeah. Ieyasu-sensei said that too— The show won’t have a future if it turns into somethin’ only old crazy folk’ll watch.

Keito: Hm? That’s odd. I thought Ieyasu-sensei was the conservative type?

Kuro: He’s just actin’ like that on purpose, waitin’ for the youth to get all riled up.

Kuro: And now Nobunaga-sensei, who didn’t even wanna participate, is actively suggestin’ ideas. Seems like Ieyasu-sensei’s idea was fairly successful.

Keito: Hehe. That’s the kind of wisdom you would expect from someone his age. So he isn’t just a hard-headed old man after all.

Kuro: Yeah, I was pretty impressed.

Kuro: I know Nobunaga-sensei seems like she wants to get rid of all the old people, but ya really can’t mess with the wisdom of your grandparents with loads of life experience.

Souma: Umu, They do say experience is the mother of all wisdom.¹

Souma: Now then, Hasumi-dono, what would Hideyoshi-sensei’s proposal happen to be?

Souma: I have yet to understand it properly.

Kuro: I think ya said somethin’ about collaboration’ with a mangaka?

Keito: Correct. Hideyoshi-sensei talks so much that I felt myself being drawn in, so it was rather difficult for me to parse and summarize what his arguments were.

Keito: But simply put, Hideyoshi-sensei’s proposal is what is known as a ‘media mix strategy.’

Keito: We turn ‘Rumbling Heaven and Earth’ into an anime or manga, increasing its accessibility. 

Keito: Even people who aren’t interested in complicated educational programs will give an anime a shot if it’s on TV or available on the internet.

Keito: If they purchase manga magazines, they’re likely to read through it, even if they aren’t necessarily interested in every work published.

Kuro: ‘Cause ya wanna get your money’s worth. And if it’s on the internet for free, may as well take a look durin’ your spare time.

Keito: Right. You’d have more reason to do it if your favorite mangaka is drawing it, or if there’s a character being played by your favorite voice actor.

Keito: And so, by presenting works related to ‘Rumbling Heaven and Earth’ in various forms of media, we create more accessibility, more points of entry, and increase the number of people interested.

Keito: That’s the gist of what a media mix strategy is. It’s one of the oldest advertising strategies there is, so much so that at a point in time, nearly every company was doing it.

Keito: Nobody wants to read complicated text, so they turn it into manga, that’s how it goes.

Souma: Truthfully, this does seem to be rather effective.

Souma: There is a problem, however. Hideyoshi-sensei’s proposal speaks only of how to market and advertise the show, with nary a mention of its contents.

Souma: If it were indeed made into a manga, what manner of content would it contain?

Keito: Impressive that you noticed, Kanzaki. Good work. Naturally, this was a concern of mine at the time too.

Keito: However, Hideyoshi-sensei left that part to us, saying, “That’s up to you guys to think about.”

Keito: In essence, all that fellow cares about is how to make money.

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Translation Notes:

Souma actually says 亀の甲より年の功 (kamenoko yori toshinoko) which literally translates to 'experience is more valuable than a turtle's shell'. There isn't a particularly interesting origin to this proverb, it just so happens that 'turtle's shell' (亀の甲) rhymes with 'experience' (年の功). Souma using a turtle related proverb was cute enough to be worth pointing out though.

[primusfortuna]

Rouge ⟡ Love Wrapped in Ribbons of Gratitude (Moon 01)

[Normal Route] [XX] [02] [03] [Sun Route]

“Harriet’s Plan”

Rouge: As a rule, I try not to give away anything that can last.

Rouge: Think of it this way. I’m the wandering bard Rouge-san. Footloose and fancy free, I go wherever the wind blows.

Rouge: So I don’t really have much, and I try not to leave anything behind.

The next day――

Emma: Hah...

Letting out a heavy sigh, I continue sorting the flyers we’ll be handing out.

Emma: (We never got the chance to talk again after that.)

Emma: (I really want to tell him about my heartache. But I don’t know how to go about it.)

Harriet: Oh? That’s a heavy sigh if I’ve ever heard one. Are you perchance fretting over love!?

Emma: ...It’s not love, but I am fretting over something.

Harriet: I’m sorry to hear that! I’d be more than happy to offer my words of wisdom if you’d like.

Harriet: Now, don’t be shy. Tell me all about it.

Emma: Um... I guess I’m lost on how to convey my feelings to someone when I can’t find the right words.

Harriet: !! So this may not be love, but true love!

Emma: Mm?

Harriet: Oh, please let me hear more! Who is it that you’re pining for!?

Emma: Hold on, Harriet. It’s not about true love either, it’s just―

I give a rundown of my situation to Harriet, keeping a few details secret.

Harriet: I see... So Rouge is the one you love~

Emma: A-As I said, it’s not love―!

Harriet: I have a marvelous idea, Emma!

Harriet: What if you tried vanishing from Rouge’s life?

Emma: What!? Why would I do that?

Harriet: It’s to let him personally experience your heartache of a loved one disappearing.

Harriet: The annals of history have proven that we never realize the value of something until we lose it.

Emma: Hmm... I get what you’re saying, but I don’t think he’d feel that strongly.

Harriet: Nonsense. I can tell he treasures you a great deal.

Harriet: Cause a few ripples in his heart and I’m certain that he’d come straight after you.

Harriet: It’ll be up to you what happens next.

Emma: (I’m on the fence about this because it feels like I’m tricking him. But I can’t think of any better ideas...)

Emma: Okay. I’d feel worse if I didn’t do anything, so I’ll give it a try.

Harriet: As the one who gave the idea, I too must play a role! We’d best go ahead with this plan without delay―

Rouge’s Voice: Emma-chan, I’m baack~!

Emma: ...!

Harriet: Emma! Quick, behind me!

Harriet’s wings spread wide open, concealing me from sight.

Rouge: ...Huh? Just you here, Harriet? I could’ve sworn I heard Emma-chan’s voice.

Harriet: Rouge! Perhaps your love for Emma is causing you to hear things?

Rouge: Hearing things because of love...

Harriet: Yes, exactly!

Rouge: No, I’m pretty sure I heard her loud and clear.

Harriet: Urk!

Rouge: By the way, why are your wings out like that?

Harriet: Ha ha ha! I always keep them like this!

Rouge: ...Oh really?

Emma: (He’s totally not buying it...!)

Harriet: Now! Instead of dwelling on this, you must carry out your preaching duties!

Rouge: Huh, what!? Your wings are flapping a ton of air at me!

Harriet: Come, enough wasting time and get back to town! Put that beautiful voice of yours to use and sing about the wonders of love!

Rouge: Hey―stop, that wind is burning my eyes! Okay okay, I got it!

Rouge: If you see Emma-chan, tell her I went to the bar!

(Rouge leaves)

Emma: ...Phew. We were so close to getting found out. You saved me there, Harriet.

Harriet: Don’t mention it. I’m simply the link that binds your love!

Emma: (There seems to be a misunderstanding, but... I’ll try to carry out this plan as best as I can.)

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[joonclouds]

The Price Of A Wish | 1

The third time you meet Jung Hoseok, you realise the last ten years has done nothing to the way you were drawn to him, with a force as sure and inescapable as gravity.

CHAPTER INDEX

Hoseok x Reader 

Genre: Idol!Hoseok, Chaebol!Reader, OT7 bangtan show up too, Slow Burn, Unrequited feelings, Friends to Lovers, Pining, Fluff, (we might include some other things later let’s see)

Warnings: None, but emphasis on the Slow in slow burn.

____________

The official opening night of your art conservatory marks your first independent venture from your family’s Aurarts Corporation. The press and public fawn over you, commending your initiative to increase representation opportunities for budding artists. You wanted this place to celebrate all types of art.

The opening ribbon is cut, champagne, popped. Compliments were given on the new space - one with high ceilings, a fully functional theatre, practice rooms. Crafting studios with expansive skylights and clean white walls wait to house artists and their masterpieces. Mirrors have been strategically placed to make the main hall and foyer look even bigger than it is.

The silver gown and warm smile you wear belies the eighty-hour work week you’ve had leading up to today and the way your feet scream in protest at the new satin Manolos that haven’t yet been seasoned by wear. Maybe you eat more than your fair share of tiny canapes, but you are the perfect hostess - you laugh, shake hands, exchange jokes - always sincere, never past the point of oversharing.

So yes, it’s an important night. It has to be perfect. But that isn’t why you’re nervous.

You feel a warm hand on your elbow and you’re pulled into a gentle hug. It startles you, but once you catch an eyeful of colourful prints that smell like a woody bergamot, you relax.

“Hey, ____.”

“Tae! I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Who will save you from all this social interaction otherwise?”

Mirroring Taehyung’s smile, you return his embrace. Though it’s not till you’re pulling away that you realise what’s different about him tonight.

“Your hair!” Your fingers come up to touch the strands at the nape of his neck which, previously bright blue, are now an ashy silver.

Taehyung grins. “You like? I did it to match your dress.”

The gray hair makes his skin glow.

“I love. It suits you.”

You give him an approving once over. Taehyung’s style is eclectic, to say the least. His hair colour changed depending on his mood, sometimes blue, sometimes pink. A few weeks ago, it was a fire-engine red. On most days, he chooses to dress in a mish-mash of designer jackets, some of which he’d taken a can of spray paint to, baggy cut clothing and odd sandals (rarely covered shoes). But that had never taken away from the fact that he was incredibly good looking - maybe even added to it, if that were possible.

Tonight he’s dashing, in a loose silk shirt with wild paisely patterns tucked into dress pants, and a smattering of silver and gold on his fingers and in his ears.

“Who knew Kim Taehyung actually owns proper shoes?”

He doesn’t say anything, just tilts his heel with a cheeky smile, showing you that he’s not actually wearing proper shoes, or even socks for that matter - just loafers that look like actual shoes in that they had no backing to cover the heel.

“Did you seriously wear bedroom slippers to my grand opening?”

Taehyung laughs and eyes your Manolos skeptically.

“They’re my best pair of Gucci loafers. If I’m going to have to endure all this small talk I’m going to do it comfortably.”

You groan quietly, shifting your weight to your other foot. “Don’t remind me. We’re not even a third through the night.”

Taehyung nabs two glasses of wine from a passing server and you accept one gratefully.

“Ugh - “ he pauses to take a big sip as he scans the crowd. “Remind me again why you invited half of the country to the opening?”

“Marketing says it’s good publicity, ecetera ecetera.” You take a substantial mouthful of wine yourself.

“That’s good publicity?” Taehyung tips his glass to point over your shoulder and you turn in its direction.

The both of you cringe visibly.

“Uh. She’s got a million followers on Instagram?”

He makes a small retching noise in the back of his throat. “She’s taking a duck face selfie in front of the - hey!”

Taehyung quickly gets the attention of a server and shoves him in selfie girl’s direction. “Tell her no flash photography, it’s a real Matisse, for fuck’s sakes.”

While Taehyung’s flagging down another server to refill his wineglass and muttering something about how can’t anyone have a shred of respectable gallery etiquette, you’re spacing out a bit.

The soft, unassuming lull of the string quartet sits underneath the rustling of expensive gowns and clinking of glasses. Anyone and everyone who was someone in the entertainment industry was extended an invitation. That tiny ball of anxiety still sits in the base of your gut. It’s like waiting in line, and it’s almost your turn - for what you’re not sure - but not quite yet. Your fingers pick at the thin seam of your dress.

“____.” It vaguely registers that this isn’t the first time Taehyung’s called your name.

You clear your throat quickly. “Sorry. I’m a little tired today. What was it?”

“When was the last time you ate? You better not say yesterday.”

“Don’t look at me like that. I ate.” Technically, not a lie. Stealing the canapes was considered eating.

Taehyung frowns, but he’s sufficiently appeased. “ As I was saying, I saw you chatting with President Kwon earlier. What’d you think of him?”

“I think - ” You suck in a breath through your teeth, taking a moment to find the right words. “He’s competent. Knows the ins and outs of the arts and entertainment businesses. He might be useful so let’s not rule him out yet.”

“Rule him out yet? He’s a big fish though.”

Your expression changes slightly - it’s still a smile, but Taehyung has known you long enough to be able to tell. Its what he likes to call your Politely Disgusted face.

“Like I said. Yet.” You emphasize. “While we were talking, I watched him hand his empty wineglass off to his wife instead of the wait staff. He’s definintely not being friendly to me because it’s his personality.”

He nods in understanding. You were quick on picking up little things like that - you had quite the talent for reading people. “He wants something from you.”

“Bingo. And when we find out what he wants, then we can really - “

A small change in the atmosphere makes you pause. Something’s different.

“_____?”

“Hold on. I’ll be back in a minute, I think someone’s here.” You murmur.

There’s a small hush about the air. It’s less conversation, heavier, quieter with a certain entrancing quality. Whatever it is makes you turn your head and take a few steps towards the main foyer, leaving Taehyung behind in a bit of a confused daze.

Without seeing, you know.

Of course he’s received an invite. But he’s a little late, having missed the opening ceremony. Systematically, you weave through the guests with murmured apologies, that tangle of anxiety bubbling over into something more - trepidation, anticipation, excitement… you can’t tell anymore.

You’re halfway to the main doors when you see him before he sees you.

He’s in a black suit - Dior, by the looks of the nondescript label on the jacket cuff. The bowtie has been forgone in favour of a matching silk neck scarf and the top two buttons of his white shirt have been left undone. His hair is styled such that errant pieces fall boyishly into his eyes as he nods politely to greet the attending press and guests.

Perchance, you catch a glimpse of your reflection in one of the mirrors - cheeks pink with a little flush, eyes wide and shining. It’s unlike you. There’s a tiny curl that’s escaped your bun, but you don’t reach up to smooth it back as you usually would. It looks quite charming, you think.

It can be quite a peculiar experience, to see someone after a long time.

The years make little changes to their appearance, the way they walk, talk, hold themselves, leaving only just enough familiarity for recognition. It’s like a weird sense of jamais vu, recalibrating your memory as you align the two faces - the one you knew, and the one that is.

One thing you know for sure. His face has always been smooth lines and pretty angles. Time has certainly taken those lines and angles, made them smoother, prettier. Made them breathtaking.

He spots you in the crowd threading through it to come stand in front of you. You’re taller now, and in your heels, you don’t have to look up much to meet his gaze. The mirth in his eyes is a little dimmer now, but it’s there and still the same.

“Hi, ____. It’s been a while.” He extends a hand with a smile and you vaguely register the sound of cameras clicking and flashes of light.

It’s not till he glances down almost imperceptibly that you realise your reaction has been left wanting for a second too long. Quickly sliding your hand into his, you smile and perform your part as best you can for the watching eyes that follow.

“Hi,” you breathe. He grips your hand firmly, warmly. “It’s good to see you.”

That short, polite moment is all you get before he’s swept away in the flow of greeting the other guests and influencers who clamber for a photo, but it leaves you with peculiar feeling. Like you’ve missed a step on the stairs and you’re paralysed in a hanging moment of falling and flying at the same time.

The third time you meet Jung Hoseok, you realise the last ten years has done nothing to the way you were drawn to him, with a force as sure and inescapable as gravity.

__________________

 References: 190106 Hoseok  For your enjoyment

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