#Also I started the game with Eng sub

[zoekrystall]

I started to bash on german the better I got in english especially regarding dubs (didn't help I was a stereotypical pretentious annoying lil kid) and I am so glad it was likely really just a kid phase bc I am rewatching detective conan in german (and once I hit where they're not getting dubbed anymore I switch to sub bc I do dislike names getting anglicized and I am very glad the ger dub kept the og japanese names, exceptions when I grew up w the anglicized names) and it is so so comfy. The dub is also just plain good imo and the voices are so nice to hear again I am so glad I found a site that got shows in german (ty katrielle layton anime for apparently only being available in japanese and german and me deciding "well I can speak german so why not check it out", nice voice acting but not up my alley).

I do still usually keep away from eng by anime bc I am a sub over dub person and I find most... not that good.. but I stopped to play part in the debate bc I'm sure all VAs try their best. Not for me but if you like em I'm happy for ya. And also in ger it is hit or miss when the og language is eng do I stick to that which is usually the case. Idk if it is just my perception or if it really did but german dubs kinda worsened but who knows maybe I just catched the ones w bad production on that part (reg ops we got nice ones but I was happy to learn others learned abt the one we got for naturo bc. yeah). Like purely anime speaking I think the cartoons and shows on tv are fine. Minus julien bam as sonic in the movies I still can't get over that but no hate towards him I just find the youtuber as voice actor thing always baffling no matter which language (also dislike the celebrity bias in every country. yes that person is famous but do they actually fit that role + voice acting and actor require different skill sets).

I think I started to bash so much on ger bc "og language always better" and sometimes yeah and I do watch if possible in the og w subs so nothing gets lost (that doesn't have to) but where that opinion makes a turn for the worse is if you start to become pretentious about it and everyone who chooses another option is somehow worse than you. Counts for every opinion that obv isn't debating human life. Honestly I adore polls but that's also why people need to zip it with their snarky comments in the answers or also on quizzes, I do have to admit those where op smacks (right answer) or smth on the one that almost no-one clicked on are funny to see though. A bit of banter is fine imo but there are some that are just really not necessary.

Anyways it is kinda funny how I thought one piece would surely get me into anime again bc I do adore it since like kindergarten and it'll forever be in my heart but nope detective conan it is. Ig the aspect of finding out together who the culprit might be is fun next to being able to do other things meanwhile bc I don't have to read. I think I got into conan at age 14? 15? Feels like decades ago though. I don't think I really understood why others rewatch things until now. Like I got it like yeah comfort but not the extend. I always tried not to rewatch bc "I got so much stuff I can't waste time with the same" (<- has replayed okami a lot on wii and now switch while having gaming backlog since forever, replayed bratz the movie on ps2 almost yearly as kid, etc) but I luckily start to go into "who cares" mode fully and it's really nice. I truly get it now.

[circuloearth]

Hetalia Masterpost

Anime Episodes

Hetalia Episode Links (google doc) here Hetalia List (google doc) here Hetalia episodes + EP Guide (google doc) here

Comics

Hetalia World Stars 1. Shonenjumpplus (JPN) here All Hetalia Comics 1. Hetarchive.net (ENG trans.) here 2. hetascanlations.tumblr (ENG trans.) here

Musicals

Hetalia - Singin' in the World [1st musical, performed in 2015] 1. Veoh (english subs) here 2. bilibili (upload 1) here 3. bilibili (upload 2) here 4. Tumblr (subtitle file only) here Hetalia - The Great World [2nd musical, performed in 2016] 1. Veoh (english subs) here 2. bilibili here 3. Tumblr ( subtitle file only) here Hetalia - In the New World [3rd musical, performed in 2017] * 1. bilibili here Hetalia Final Live - A World in the Universe [4th musical, performed in 2018] * 1. bilibil (live in Osaka version) here 2. bilibili (live in Makuhari verison) here Hetalia - The World is Wonderful [5th musical, performed in 2021] 1. bilibili here 2. Youtube (upload 1) here 3. Youtube (upload 2 - HQ & unlisted) here Hetalia - The Fantastic World [6th musical, performed in 2023] 1. U-Next (Japanese streaming site) here * 2. MEGA (video and ENG sub file) here + here Hetalia - The Glorious World [7th musical, performed in 2024] 1. TBA (live performances start 08/2024) All Hetalia Musicals 1. MEGA (musicals 1-4) here * 2. MEGA (musicals 1-6) here

Drama CDs

Hetalia Drama CD 1- Track 4- Lithuania Works Away from Home 1. Dailymotion (english subbed) here

Games

Gakuen Hetalia (unfinished demo project for PC) [released 2007] 1. Mediafire (JPN) here * Gakuen Hetalia Portable (PSP) [released 2011] 1. EmulatorGames (Eng.) here 2. romspure.cc (JPN) here Gakuen Hetalia DS (Nintendo DS) [released 2012] 1.Romsfun (JPN) here 2.wowroms (JPN) here Other- Game Emulators 1. PPSSPP (PSP emulator) here 2. desmume (Nintendo DS emulator) here

Anime OSTs

1. TBA

Fandom Creations/Stuff

** PLEASE READ THE DESCRIPTIONS OF THE YOUTUBE PLAYLISTS LINKED BELOW FIRST (LOCATED ON LEFT SIDE IF ON DESKTOP) ** 1. Hetalia Cosplay Panels (yt playlist) here 2. Hetalia Cosplay Panels *Incomplete/Shorts* (yt playlist) here 3. Hetalia Skits (yt playlist) here 4. Hetalia Gatherings (yt playlist) here 5. Hetalia Fan Animations (yt playlist) here 6. Hetalia MMDs (yt playlist) here 7. Hetalia CMVs (yt playlist) here 8. Hetalia AMVs (yt playlist) here

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

**NOTES** ( PLEASE READ)

Please DO NOT play mega videos directly on the site or else they will be removed, just download them !!!

There are two versions of Hetalia - In the New World: One performed in Osaka and the other in Tokyo University.

There are also two versions of Hetalia Final Live - A World in the Universe: one performed in Osaka and the other in Makuhari.

The Japanese streaming site U-Next probably needs a VPN and a paid (?) account to stream musicals.

For the site bilibili, if you have trouble using it on your browser you can download the app and then try to open it from there. You can turn off the text zooming across the video by clicking on the first TV icon on the bottom of the video player.

Remember, Google translate is your friend if you can't navigate any of the sites. I don't know Japanese or Chinese so unfortunately I won't be of any help navigating some of these sites.

This is all for educational purposes only!

**THIS LIST WILL BE UPDATED CONTINUOUSLY**

** So please consider reblogging from the source instead and/or look at the replies to see any update news! **

Please feel free to message me if there are any mistakes in the info provided or have working links to some material. Thank You.

[not-normal-about-shigaraki]

My Hero Academia Ultra Impact - Shigaraki Tomura Voice Collection (ENG Translation)

I decided to go insane so here's a recording of his voice lines in MHAUI + my translations~! ❤️

Warning - I know very little japanese, so it's mostly me spending way too much time in translation software lmaoo. So, please correct me or feel free to add some context here!!

Receiving Gift - I will leave you to it./I'm gonna mark it as token of love (?? Off to a bad start here. I keep hearing "love" here. Is this projection?? Lmao. It amounts to something like the second one, but my translator apps also keep hearing "I'm gonna leave love behind"... Which is also interesting in a way but uh... *Confusion*)

Home Screen 1 - Aah, I hate it… I'm gonna destroy everything that annoys me.

Home Screen 2 - Maa, let's do our best together, okay?

Home Screen (Morning) 1 - You're energetic this early in the morning… I'm still sleepy…

Home Screen (Morning) 2 - Why are you so noisy? I'm not ready yet.

Home Screen (Afternoon) 1 - I'm getting on a roll now… Let's crush the society today.

Home Screen (Afternoon) 2 - Alright… Let's have some tea.

Home Screen (Evening) 1 - I'm seriously motivated... I'm talking about a game. A game.

Home Screen (Evening) 2 - Looks like the world is having fun. They let their guard down/They're so careless.

Home Screen (Night) 1 - The day is coming to an end and the goofy smiling heroes are yet to be destroyed. It's still not enough.

Home Screen (Night) 2 - Villains hide/live in the darkness. I'm starting to see why.

Home Screen (Late Night) 1 - Finally, a response… Someone who can get to work. (I'm pretty sure he literally says "Someone who can move" loool)

Home Screen (Late Night) 2 - Kurogiri, Toga- Hah? Already asleep? Are you little kids? (Not sure if he says Toga here tbh)

Home Screen (Early Morning) 1 - I'm sleepy… Aaah, so sleepy…

Home Screen (Early Morning) 2 - I'm going to sleep now. If you disturb me, I'm gonna destroy you too. (Though my translator also said "Go to bed now or I'm gonna destroy you too". Which, I gotta mention because it was too cute.)

Home Screen (Gift Box) - Look at that. Too good to waste.

Home Screen (Event) - An event? Want to destroy it to kill some time?

Battle Start Dialogue - Izuku Midoriya - At this rate, I feel like something is missing… (??? I have genuinely no clue what he's saying here. That's why I got, dunno.)

Battle Start Dialogue - Dabi - This guy is as rude as ever. So annoying.

Battle Start Dialogue - Himiko Toga - Toga, over there.

Battle Start Dialogue - All For One - Sensei, is it fine if I destroy those guys?

WAVE Progress - I'm feeling a bit better now.

Team Defeated in Battle - Ah… This time it's game over.

Sub-Character Entering Battle - Alright. Continue. (Context - as in, clicking "continue" in a game pause menu lol)

Level Up - Something's changed? I don't feel it.

Awaken - Plus... What is it again? (making fun of the phrase “Plus Ultra!” ~ thank you arakn0 !!)

Ability Board Completion - My brain is spinning round and round…

Login Bonus - Let's begin.

Maintenance - Why are you here? Go home.

Recruit Obtained - [Perdition] Tomura Shigaraki - Paranormal Liberation Front… Well, a name is just a decoration… Do as you like.

6-Month Anniversary Celebration Announcement - Nice. It's called a half-anniversary.

1st Anniversary Celebration Announcement - 1st anniversary… So, what shall we destroy first?

2nd Anniversary Celebration Announcement - It's been 2 years already… It's going well.

[winxfairyliveshere]

josko is apparently an experimenting cook, which makes sense cause he used to work with his dad in the fish market, and he loves to game and always has snacks beside him. he seems like such a wholesome guy, but deep down i’m there’s a whole different josko with his significant other

wowww actually can we elaboate the last part!? wdym by a whole different? im curious 🤭🤠

After this message i thought what can i write about cook josko,dig into youtube for what can i find.At the end i found a yt video with eng subs which made me so happy. There are so many videos about him but no subs :( I mixed the infos i got into here.

Thank you anon for the idea 💞

As i got closer to the apartment building, i turned off music. The valet was there, i smiled at him and gathered my stuff.

"Hello Miss Y/S/N."

"Hello, thank you so much. Have a nice day."

I walked to the door, personnels were in ground floor interacting with residents. I fastly passed everyone and started to wait for the elevator. The excitement made my legs move. I couldn't stand where i am, walking back and front. Nearly two weeks ago Josko called me and said "I need to take a video for my new partnership. It will be in my house and i want you in it too. To be honest it will be a good memory in the future, like showing it to the grandkids." Those words made butterflies fly in my wholeee body. Even though we are together for two years and engaged for four months, we still have that connection between us, still feel the same way when i saw him for the first time in Split. I was in there for a trip, taking photos of the glamouros Diocletianus Palace and i heard a voice "I can take your photos if you want, the sunlight makes everything beautiful in this hours. You seem you don't need much but." He acted like a real photographer back then, making me change poses and other things which made me feel odd. I felt like i was under of a giant spotlight.

"Thanks, so polite of you." I swiped amongst photos, they were really good. Golden hour making my face shine, freckles that so obvious you can count them.

"I told you." said Josko while smiling. We had a short chit-chat over there. He had a short beard comparing to now, his curls were resting on his forehead so charmingly. He told me there will be a festive in city centre tonight, giving me hints he will be there. I got the message and said to myself "Why not? He is cute." Also do i need to mention his eyes? In that golden hour? This was our beginning. That sun is still up, never set, warms me constantly, making me feel free, enjoying myself. I trust myself more, I know i can do everything because my life won't be in dark, it will be bright always. Ding, doors are open to hall.

I turned my back to the mirror before stepping out of the elevator, fixed my hair and clothes. "Agh, i paid hundreds for this concealer and still looks cakey!"

"Hi!" My eyes got bigger when i saw my fiancee. "Did you download a tracker app in my phone or something?" He started walk towards me, streching his hands out. As soon as i got near him, i jumped on his arms. "So what is the answer?" I picked my phone, held it closer to his brown eyes. "Where is it?"

"I opened the door for taking the trash out. Sound of the elevator stopped me. And yeah, my guts are right, you are here." He hugged me, placed a warm kiss in my neck covered with my hair.

"Aren't you have guests in your house? You forgot to throw your trash out, leaving them alone and hugging me in the hall. What a bad host you are."

We went inside together, "technologhy people" were in living room and kitchen. They were nearly done with setting up cameras, microphones, lights. I stepped over cables a few times. A lady with a brush roll and Josko were sitting under a light. Isn't it just a youtube video? About Josko's daily life? Why all this stuff? Anyway, i am not a expert on this, i should control my face and my inner voice.

✨

"Don't get fooled by him. He only went fishing one time in his life."

"Do i have to fish regularly because my dad is fisher man? What can i do? That is not suitable for me." he expressed himself with a fun voice and gestures. "I went once and it was enough for me."

"He likes eating them not catching them."

"What about cooking? Is he a bad one or?" question was for me.

"Well, i can not say that. When he wants, he cooks quite good. He goes for healhty recipes like umm, cheesecakes or brownies--"

"Yes cheesecakes, you know she never cooked one." I rolled my eyes and stepped in front of him, blocking him with my body. But he poked out his head over my shoulder. "Cheesecakes are challenging."

"But i should give her credit. She cooks my favorite food burek very well."

"It is a Croatian dish i guess?"

"Yes. It's one of my faves also, he likes it with cheese, i like it with potato."

"And she makes them sooo delicious." he wrapped his arms around my shoulders. I caressed them. Long beard of him was digging into my skin.

"Do you prefer your mom's bureks or her's?

He immediately released his arms, turned his back to sink. Everyone, including me, started to laugh loudly. While i was laughing, i put my hand on his back unconsciously.

Josko turned to camera and scratched his beard, said "I think we are done here, let's go to gym!"

"Can you please give us a answer?"

He only moved his lips, no sound. "No."

✨

I hope you guys liked the fic. Feel free to send me your ideas, it can be about Ruben too, or your thoughts about them! We can discuss 💖 Thank you so much! Have a nice day or night or morning 😁

[perhaps-in-anotherdream]

[CN] Li Zeyan’s MQ: Burning Imprints (Eng Translation) - Part 1

⌚Warning⌚ This post contains detailed spoilers for a mind quest, 灼痕, that is yet to be released on the global server! ♡

✦ Part 1 || Part 2 || ASMR

🔞 Additional Warning 🔞 Same old but more severe warning this time LOL. The steamy parts of the MQ are as explicit as they can get, i.e., some of the most explicit stuff you’ll read in a CN otome game right now, so if you don’t qualify for the game’s 17+ rating (CN server), I’d very highly recommend that you don’t proceed under the cut~ :>

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

──────────────

【Subbed Video】

【Chapter 1】 

Toot–– 

The melodious steam whistle sounds from afar. A ferry sails over the shimmering, crystalline waves, its sleek and majestic hull gradually becoming clear in the field of vision.

Accompanied by the heavy thud of the ferry entering the port, the seagulls on the coast are startled, scattering and flying into the azure sky.

I exchange a few words with the staff next to me, and eventually, we fine-tune our respective appearances. As we look on in anticipation, the ferry slowly lowers its gangway.

In no time, people begin to descend in small groups of two or three.

Employee A: Wow! I can’t believe the entire island has been booked for team-building. The company really is committed to this.

Goldman: After all, we’ve managed to seize back several projects from FengZhen Group, and the financial report has some commendable highlights. Anywho, the only one who is capable of making such strides is our LFG. [1]

Executive B: Indeed, let’s have the administration team shoot a few extra videos. We can use them as promotional material when recruiting from universities next year.

Amidst the continuous ebb and flow of conversation, a staff member next to me props up their head ornament and walks up to the crowd.

Staff Member: Welcome, travelers from distant lands, to Nan’Ao Island!

Staff Member: I am an elven emissary of this island. In the time that follows, I will be accompanying you on this journey of exploration along with my companions.

In cooperation, I point the “wand” in my hand toward the direction of the shore. As I watch the expression on the staff members’ faces, either of astonishment or admiration, the weariness accumulated over the past few days of running around dissipates a little.

With the Spring Festival approaching, LFG offered employees the opportunity for company-sponsored travel as a benefit. Nan’Ao Island was among the destinations that were up for choice.

This place has just undergone the transformation into a vacation-themed resort with a “Magic Holiday” theme. In addition to the subsequent promotional campaigns, [MC’s Company Name] was also involved in designing the majority of the activities.

In order to closely follow up on the initial operations, I decided to stay on the island. Concurrently, I made most of the opportunity and assumed the role of an “NPC” to promptly identify and address any potential oversights that might occur during the process.

MC: Now, please make your way to the nearby golden beach. We’ll be guiding each of you to choose your own “abodes.”~

The crowd follows the guidance and walks toward the beach. I maintain a courteous smile, my gaze subconsciously scanning around, but I’m unable to find Li Zeyan’s figure.

...Could it be that he got caught up with some last-minute work? Or could there be some other reason?

As I silently ponder to myself, memories of the conversation during our video call the other day surface in my mind.

–

──── [FLASHBACK STARTS] ────

LZY: …they can only truly relax when the higher-ups are not around.

LZY: There are still many year-end matters to attend to, and not all members of the management, myself included, necessarily need to be directly involved.

I let out a prolonged “Ah” and lean a bit closer to the screen.

MC: Team building is an essential component of corporate culture… how can CEO Li, as a member of LFG, make an exception?

MC: In such opportunities to strengthen team cohesion, if the boss also actively participates, it can provide even better motivation for everyone!

MC: Moreover, “sharpening the axe doesn’t delay the cutting of firewood.”  Taking a break before the New Year also means entering work with a better mental state afterward, don’t you agree?~

Li Zeyan, on the screen, locks eyes with me for a brief moment, and his motion of flipping through the documents comes to a halt.

LZY: If [MC’s Company Name] ever incorporates a debate competition into team-building activities, a certain someone here would surely come out on top.

MC: So, to translate your words, does it mean that CEO Li has been persuaded by me?

Li Zeyan leans back against the chair noncommittally, and though he doesn’t confirm or deny, a touch of softness settles in his expression.

LZY: Don’t celebrate just yet; I need to arrange my schedule first.

LZY: If I can carve out time, I’ll try my best to make it there.

───── [FLASHBACK ENDS] ─────

–

Seeing the stream of people on the pier gradually thinning out, my gaze falls on Goldman, and subconsciously, I consider asking him about Li Zeyan’s situation.

But considering that there are still numerous unfamiliar LFG employees present here, and given my current role as the “Elven Emissary,”...

After some thought, I decide to play the role of an “NPC” for now and find a moment to give him a call later.

Click.

A soft sound emanates from behind. I reflexively turn around and find myself involuntarily squinting my eyes into a smile.

Li Zeyan is leisurely leaning against the railing of the pier, holding up his phone in my direction. His hair dances in the sea breeze, revealing his deep-set eyes and brows.

Perhaps due to the vacation atmosphere, he is dressed somewhat casually today. The collar of his shirt is loosely open, allowing the sunlight to sketch out subtle contours.

Noticing that I’ve turned around, he then shifts his gaze away from the screen. A barely perceptible hint of a smile lingers on the corners of his lips.

At this moment, only the two of us are on the boardwalk. I finally can’t resist the urge to let a smile tug at the corners of my mouth and briskly walk up to his side.

MC: Hm-hmph, I knew you’d definitely come~

MC: By the way, were you sneakily snapping photos of me just now?

LZY: I’ve been standing here for quite some time already.

LZY: You were the one who didn’t notice me, so you can’t really call it being “sneaky.”

LZY: Besides, I haven’t seen a certain someone for several weeks. Am I not even allowed to take a few pictures now?

MC: Hehe, Sir, you’re allowed to do whatever you please~

MC: After all, this “Elven Emissary ” here is so cute. It’s only normal if you want to treasure this moment~

LZY: [laughs helplessly] …as usual.

His voice carries a subtle undertone of helpless resignation, causing me to involuntarily burst into laughter. Li Zeyan looks at me and slows down his pace.

LZY: Your mood seems exceptionally upbeat today.

MC: Of course~ After all, I had a hand in creating this tourism project, and the first batch of guests to be welcomed here happens to be employees from my boyfriend’s company.

MC: One must acknowledge it’s a wonderful stroke of fate.

The bright and beautiful sunshine beams down, and the warm sea breeze carries with it Li Zeyan’s soft chuckle.

LZY: Turns out this kind of hectic coordination can also be viewed as a “serendipitous coincidence.”

LZY: Obviously, when the administrative department was selecting the team-building destination, in order to advocate for Nan’Ao Island to be included in the list, a certain someone even went out of her way and brought a PowerPoint presentation to explain.

LZY: What was it? Something along the lines of “since there’s a hierarchical relationship, if LFG chooses Nan’Ao Island, they can enjoy discounts and save on budget funds.”

LZY: “After tirelessly working for the entire year, what better place to warm one’s heart than heading to a sun-drenched island during the chilly season?”

LZY: While you did deploy a bunch of rhetoric, you also appealed to emotions and reasoned with logic.

MC: In any case, judging from the results, the strategy did prove effective!

MC: CEO Li, rest assured. Since I’ve strived for this opportunity, I will ensure the quality of your team building is guaranteed.

MC: I pledge that no matter what, both CEO Li and the employees of LFG will enjoy a perfect vacation~

In the midst of our conversation, we’ve already reached the end of the boardwalk and stepped onto the soft, warm beach. Li Zeyan’s voice resonates from beside me.

LZY: And what about you?

MC: I’m gonna fulfill the duties of the “Elven Emissary ” and ensure you all have a great time, of course~

LZY: …a certain someone never forgets her professionalism.

In the distance, the hubbub of indistinct yet clamorous laughter emanates from the meeting point. I clear my throat and speak in a serious demeanor.

MC: I officially welcome you to the island~ Our magical holiday journey is about to begin!

──────────────

[Tidbits]:

[1] It’s a reference to his top-up SSR from this same event.

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【Chapter 2】

As we get closer to the meeting point, the distant voices of conversation become increasingly clear. I loosen my grip on Li Zeyan’s arm, lowering my voice.

MC: I’ll go ahead first; we’ll catch up later, okay~

–

I gesture to another “Elven Emissary” as I speak. The latter, understanding my signal, walks in front of the unfolded map and speaks during the interval before I take the stage.

Staff Member: Up next is the segment for choosing your accommodation. Feel free to pick based on your preferences.

Staff Member: For those seeking a quiet retreat, you can choose locations near the “Healing Hot Springs” and the “Elves’ Home Bar.” The surroundings are picturesque, and it’s convenient to reach us whenever needed.

Staff Member: If you lean towards activities, you might want to choose accommodations near the boardwalk. This not only offers more convenient access to activity spots like “Blue Sea Snorkeling” and “Dragon Wing Gliding” but also…

MC: But also, there’s a higher concentration of hidden items in the nearby area!

Seizing the opportunity, I smoothly take over the conversation and walk to the front. And sure enough, a curious inquiry reaches my ears.

Employee A: What was that you just mentioned about the hidden items?

Beaming ear to ear, I raise a string of coconut shell bracelets.

MC: This is the Easter egg segment we’ve designed~

MC: Scattered around the captivating spots worth exploring on the island, you’ll find 16 sets of these bracelets. If you find them, please pass them over to the Elven Emissaries.

MC: Once you collect them all, you’ll unlock a hidden scenery–– share this delightful surprise with someone you hold dear~

MC: Now, who would like to come up first and choose their accommodation?

The air buzzes with excitement as conversations erupt. Though no one comes forward to take the stage, everyone simultaneously turns their eyes to the back of the crowd as if in tacit agreement.

My gaze follows the direction of the crowd, and looking up, I see Li Zeyan standing alone under the shade of a tree.

Probably not wanting to draw attention to himself, he has deliberately chosen a spot slightly removed from the crowd. However, he is still unable to escape from the employees’ gazes locking precisely onto him.

The beach at the moment is akin to a natural conference room, with countless eyes of either admiration or curiosity trained on Li Zeyan, all awaiting his directives.

I struggle to contain the urge to hook my lips into a smile, suddenly recalling Li Zeyan’s words from our video call – “They can only truly relax when the higher-ups are not around.”

During the relaxed time of team-building, it’s actually a great opportunity to lessen the sense of distance between superiors and subordinates...!

Suddenly, an idea pops into my mind, and I speak with a beaming smile on my face.

MC: Although no one has spoken yet, their collective gazes have already pointed to the most fitting candidate.

MC: That handsome gentleman back there! Could you come up to the stage, please?

LZY: …

Across the bustling crowd, Li Zeyan and I lock eyes for a brief moment before he finally walks unhurriedly to the front of the stage.

The moment our shoulders brush against each other, his thin lips move almost imperceptibly.

LZY: [GAHH THE “THREATENING” WHISPER]  You’re gonna have to settle this account later.

MC: C’mon, enliven the atmosphere a bit. Please cooperate, CEO Li~

I also answer in a voice that only the two of us can hear, briskly leading him to stand in front of the map. Then, with a serious demeanor, I ask.

MC: I wonder which accommodation you’re planning to choose?

As I speak, my fingertips trace over the area near the “Elves’ Home Bar” as if inadvertently, and I stare at Li Zeyan expectantly.

His gaze wanders over the map for a moment, then he raises his hand and points to a vacation cabin nestled within the dense forest at the far end of the bay.

LZY: This one here.

LZY: However, it’s in a rather secluded location. I’m afraid I won’t be able to find my way there alone.

With this sentence, he slips one hand into his pocket and turns sideways, looking at me with an indolent gaze. Although he hasn’t said anything explicitly, I clearly catch his implication and discreetly pout my lips.

MC: ...Then, after everyone has chosen their accommodations, I’ll––

Goldman: Actually, after CEO Li’s demonstration, the process has become much clearer. We can complete the remaining steps under the guidance of others.

Goldman: Going in groups like this will also increase efficiency.

Goldman pushes his glasses up and suddenly speaks from the audience.

Several threads of understanding or confusion are thrown from the crowd, but they all nod in agreement in groups of two or three.

LZY: Could you lead the way now, “Miss Elven Emissary”?

MC: …please follow me. Everyone else, carry on.

Amidst the lively atmosphere, I escort Li Zeyan off the stage and walk out of the crowd. It’s not until we are seated in the equipped car that I turn to look at him.

MC: Sob, sob~ and here I was so sure of our tacit understanding. Did you not catch the hint I gave you just now?

MC: This place is the furthest from our offline work information exchange hub, “Elves’ Home Bar.” I’ll have to take so many detours in the future…

Suddenly, a warm touch lands on my lips. Li Zeyan raises his hand and caresses my lips, sending a wave of tingling sensation through me.

LZY: Well, isn’t that just perfect.

In the faintly intoxicating sea breeze, he leans in toward me, his voice tinged with a touch of indolence.

LZY: Since it’s so troublesome, just reduce the frequency of your visits.

LZY: Invest all the time you would have spent there on me instead.

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【Chapter 3】

The cozy tropical sunshine beams down as I sit on the deck of the small boat, adjusting the fishing net. Suddenly, a few drops of cool seawater land on my cheeks.

Li Zeyan floats up from the sea, lifting the breathing tube with one hand, and squints slightly as he looks in my direction.

LZY: Wasn’t it a certain someone who took the initiative for this and said she wanted to try her hand at fishing?

LZY: Why is she dilly-dallying now?

MC: Let me finish fastening this last buttonhole… don’t rush me!

I lazily scoop up a handful of water and splash it back at him. Looking at the dripping wet hair over Li Zeyan’s forehead out of the corner of my eye, I can’t help bursting into laughter.

MC: Don’t you feel this scene gives a sense of deja vu?

MC: It feels like when we were on White Pearl Island, I was waiting for you to come back from pearl diving just like this. [2]

As I speak, I adjust the equipment and give him an OK gesture. Li Zeyan seems to recall something as well, and a glint of smile glides across his dark-colored irises.

LZY: All I remember is you waiting on the deck for about ten minutes, and then you started feeling bored.

LZY: When I got on the ship, you persistently kept asking about the underwater scenery.

As he says this, he reaches out and clasps my palm, bridging the distance between him and me.

LZY: And this time, you can accompany me to see it together.

With these words, Li Zeyan pulls me along and together, we dive into the warm, cerulean sea.

The scenery undersea is akin to a picture scroll, its novel appearances unfolding before our eyes through the diving mask.

Schools of fish shuttle through the vibrant, swaying coral. Occasionally, one or two would swim alone, leisurely swishing their tails as they cruise along.

The target suddenly appears, capturing my attention instantly. I swiftly dash forward and swing the net. Unexpectedly, the fish rapidly changes direction and escapes from my encirclement.

MC: … 

Li Zeyan casts a sidelong glance at me, his long legs sheathed in a black diving suit swaying leisurely in the sea waves.

Despite the breathing tube and diving mask obscuring his face, I can still vaguely discern a smile.

Unwilling to resign myself, I chase after several lone fish again, but all my attempts to catch them end in failure. I grab his hand and float to the surface, exhaling a sigh of frustration.

MC: These fish are too agile. Can I apply for some assistance from outside?

Upon hearing my words, Li Zeyan glances at me and takes off his breathing tube.

LZY: When you say “assistance from outside,” what exactly are you referring to?

MC: I was referring to CEO Li’s Evol, of course~

MC: As long as you pause time for just a moment, we can catch them all in one fell swoop, can’t we!?~

I lean in with a beaming smile on my face but am stopped by Li Zeyan’s outstretched finger pressing against my forehead.

LZY: Even if we succeed this way, there won’t be much joy in it.

LZY: Instead, we should slow down our movements and allow the fish to relax their vigilance. Once they feel safe, they’ll come closer on their own.

LZY: When the time comes, they naturally won’t have any chance to escape.

Seeing my skeptical gaze, Li Zeyan doesn’t offer further explanation. He simply puts on his breathing tube and motions for me to join him in diving underwater again.

I follow behind him, observing as he pauses with the net in front of a cluster of coral, quietly slowing his movements. Before long, sure enough, a few fish swim over.

Silently, Li Zeyan leans forward, waiting until the fish approaches the net without any alertness, then swiftly pulls the net together.

Eyes wide, I suppress the excitement bubbling within me as we float up. I watch as Li Zeyan lifts the net, several fish floundering vigorously inside.

Glistening droplets of water cascade down his damp forehead, melding into his equally soaked neck and broad shoulders. I can’t help but gasp in awe.

MC: So amazing! You managed to really catch them!

LZY: I learned quite a few techniques from the fishermen back when we were on White Pearl Island. Just putting some of that knowledge to use. [3]

Li Zeyan lifts his hand and swings the net onto the small boat as he speaks, then helps me up onto the deck. Followed by this, he speaks with a hint of amusement in his tone.

LZY: On the other hand, a certain someone has already been on this island for quite a long time for planning and on-site inspection purposes.

LZY: How come it is that no matter if it’s diving or fishing, there’s always a sense of novelty in your reactions?

MC: Hehe, I indeed haven’t had the chance to enjoy myself here. This island is more of a workplace for me, after all.

MC: Every day, I’ve had to stay on top of the situation on-site, adjust program designs and coordinate personnel arrangements…

MC: Sob, sob, I’d just pass out as soon as I went back to my room, so I didn’t even have any time to explore properly.

A warm touch lands on my cheek as Li Zeyan casually wipes away the water streaks from my face, giving me a somewhat helpless glance.

LZY: Aren’t you always on the dot to remind me about “seizing” the chances to relax when I’m on business trips?

LZY: I remember you mentioning before that you’re not the only person responsible for this project inspection.

LZY: So, how come you didn’t sneak off to “touch fish” and relax a little? [4]

MC: I just can’t help but feel a little uneasy without seeing things with my own eyes. After all, this project is going to be recommended to LFG, so it’s only natural that I must ensure every detail is ironed out.

MC: Moreover, haven’t I already “seized” it back? Being by your side is already the best method of “touching fish.”~ [5]

Grinning, I reach out and touch the fish still flopping around in the net, the tail note of my voice carrying a cheerful lilt. Beside me, Li Zeyan chuckles softly in response.

LZY: A certain dummy has always been quite skilled at comforting herself.

LZY: So, what’s the plan for these fish?

MC: The restaurants on the island do offer processing services… but I want to push the envelope a little further.

Beaming from ear to ear, I lift my chin towards the open-air barbecue area on the shore as I speak. Li Zeyan follows my gaze, his voice now tinged with a hint of comprehension.

LZY: When it comes to troublesome tasks such as this, a certain someone really spurs into action.

MC: But I also need someone here to cooperate~ Pretty please, Li Zeyan; it’s been ages since I have experienced your culinary masterpieces!

As I speak, I fold my hands together in a gesture of prayer and gaze at him. Although Li Zeyan remains non-committal, the glimmer of a smile in his eyes grows increasingly pronounced.

—

Sure enough, once the small boat stops by the boardwalk, Li Zeyan picks up the net.

LZY: Go change your clothes.

LZY: Decide on the flavor you want, grab the condiments, and meet me at the barbecue area.

With Li Zeyan’s promise, my mood can’t help but brighten all the more.

After changing into dry clothes, I head toward the “supply point,” filled with joy and expectation, mentally calculating as I walk––

Naturally, we should include the local specialty sauces… but what if Li Zeyan doesn’t have a taste for them? I should also bring some classic condiment pairings like spiced salt and hot pepper…

Staff Member: Excuse me… Miss Elven Emissary!

A hesitant call sounds from behind me. I quickly snap out of my thoughts, and a polite smile forms at the corner of my lips.

MC: May I help you with something?

Staff Member: I just found one of the bracelets you guys mentioned while taking photos by the reef. Could you please guide me to the registration area?

The other party opens their palm towards me as she speaks. My gaze falls on the beaded bracelet, and my eyes can’t help but sparkle a bit at the sight of it.

The first bracelet has been found so quickly! This collection task seems to be progressing even more smoothly than I imagined…

MC: Of course, please follow me~

I reply in a brisk tone and send a message to Li Zeyan, letting him know that I’d be ten minutes late. Then, I escort the girl to the “Elves’ Home Bar.”

After taking care of everything, I inadvertently glance at my phone. My heart suddenly stutters.

…It’s been twenty minutes past the time I promised Li Zeyan that I’d be there.

—

I rush towards the open-air barbecue area at lightning speed, carrying the bottles and cans in my arms, and spot Li Zeyan leaning against the long table.

Several plates are already arranged on the table. As I draw nearer, the tantalizing aroma of grilled delights wafts into my nostrils, clearly indicating that they’ve been ready for quite some time.

Seemingly hearing my footsteps, Li Zeyan lifts his gaze to look at me. I promptly dash a few steps forward.

MC: I’m sorry for making you wait for so long… haha, the aroma is so delightful!~

MC: As expected of Mr. Li. You can maintain top-notch performance even without any condiments!

LZY: These fish have already been seasoned. You can stop buttering me up now.

LZY: While I was waiting for you earlier, a staff member passed by in the vicinity, so I asked him to help me fetch them.

LZY: Otherwise, if I were to wait for a certain someone to bring them back, the fish would have all burned.

MC: The route to the registration point was a bit circuitous. I didn’t realize it’d take this long.

As I rush to explain at lightning bolt speed, a not-so-firm yet no-so-gentle tap lands on my head.

LZY: [laughs helplessly]  Dummy, I’m not mad.

LZY: I just realized that you seem to be particularly invested in this group task.

MC: Because I designed that surprise single-handedly from scratch. Instead of it staying hidden, I rather hope it can be seen by everyone~

MC: And, to be honest, I also have a bit of a selfish motive.

MC: “The harvest reaped from a certain someone’s efforts during this time has indeed been worthwhile.”... I want to hear you say these words personally after seeing the “surprise.”~

LZY: [laughs even more helplessly] You’re already an accomplished producer in your own right, do you still need this kind of affirmation?

MC: Of course~ After all, affirmation from clients and work partners is recognition of my capabilities, which fuels my resolve to keep pushing forward.

MC: However, the affirmation from my boyfriend–– can sweep away all the weariness from this period, filling me with motivation to welcome the next challenge head-on~

LZY: [even more indulgently] Dummy.

As he says this, his baritone voice softens slightly, and he forks a piece of fish and brings it to my lips.

The delicious flavor explodes on the tip of my tongue. I squint my eyes contentedly, listening as Li Zeyan speaks in a low voice.

LZY: It’s okay to give yourself a break without any worries.

LZY: Don’t underestimate the people at LFG.

──────────────

[Tidbits]

[2+3] It’s a reference to LZY’s first UR card story: “Melding Into You.”

[4+5] The term used here is “摸鱼” (lit. meaning touch fish), which is actually used to mean “slacking off.” There are a lot of playful puns here, which I’m too exhausted to explain rn. Anyway, while I could have used the fig. meaning, I went with the lit. one b/c the conversation revolves around the whole fish imagery here, e.g., you see MC touching the fish they’ve caught together (with him guiding her) as she says her best method of slacking off, i.e., relaxing, is simply being with him– which essentially is a core part of this date, which you’ll see unfolding later ahah 🥺

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【Chapter 4】

Outside the vacation cabin windows, the dense patter of rain mingles with the rustling of branches and leaves.

Standing on the terrace and looking outwards, I can see the buildings near and far being shrouded in a fine veil of rain. 

I withdraw my gaze from the eaves outside and glance at the work group chat that has been continuously bombarding me with messages since just now.

The sudden downpour has only now begun to taper off. The patrol staff just reported that the beaded bracelet placed at the seaside has been washed into the sea.

If similar situations occur at the other sites where the bracelets are placed, it will surely impact the experience of the game. With this in mind, I swiftly send a few messages in the group chat.

MC: “Once the rain stops, let’s each go check the placement of props in our designated zones.”

In response, there comes a series of consecutive affirmations in the group chat. Deep in thought, I raise my head and gaze towards the forest outside the vacation cabin.

The nearest hiding spot to me is right here... I’ll have to seize the opportunity when Li Zeyan isn’t paying attention and sneak out for a quick look.

As I’m contemplating, Li Zeyan’s voice suddenly comes from behind.

LZY: It’s so late, and you still haven’t come to bed. What are you zoning out for?

I discreetly tighten my grip on my phone and turn around to look at Li Zeyan.

He is sitting reclined against the headboard, iPad in hand. His dark fringes hang leisurely, partially veiling his eyes.

A pair of glasses rests loosely on the bridge of his nose, reflecting several glimmering points of light from the screen.

I plop back onto the bed, casually leaning closer to him as if nothing has occurred.

MC: The rain outside is quite lovely, so I was just snapping a few photos.

MC: And what about you… it’s only been a few days since the vacation, why have you already started looking at documents?

Catching my curious gaze, Li Zeyan leans back and casually angles the iPad in my direction.

LZY: In order to complete a certain someone’s mission.

I move closer with some confusion, and a chart titled “Technology is the Ultimate Weapon” immediately enters my field of vision.

On the topographic map of the vacation island, at least a dozen annotations are sprawled, detailing analyses ranging from distribution patterns to minimum spacing radii, both internally and externally.

For a moment, I can’t help but be bewildered by the scale of the arrangement. Then I hear Li Zeyan’s voice coming from beside me.

LZY: As you can see, there are already people from LFG who have begun updating the guide in real-time.

LZY: In addition to taking turns searching during the vacation, they also share the locations they’ve already found the bracelets each day to avoid wasting time.

LZY: Goldman even went ahead and prepared charts, saying that it would narrow down the search area through data analysis.

I withdraw my gaze and meet Li Zeyan’s eyes with a moment of incredulity.

MC: Isn’t that taking it a bit too seriously… hang on, you didn’t assign this as a task to them, saying something like, “You must complete it within the designated time frame,” did you?

Li Zeyan shoots me a cryptic glance with a hint of ambiguity in his expression.

LZY: I haven’t become that unreasonable yet. This is something that interested individuals did voluntarily.

LZY: At the end of the day, it was a certain someone’s previous introduction that piqued their curiosity.

With a pensive “Oh,” I suddenly think of something.

MC: So, to derive from what you said, this is a private chat group? Then how are you––

There is a sudden hesitation in Li Zeyan’s demeanor.

LZY: [you can’t see me but I’m actually crying lmao 😭] …I asked Goldman to add me to it.

His voice remains very calm. I hold his gaze for a moment, but can’t help bursting into laughter.

MC: Pfft, haha, so it turns out CEO Li is also participating in this activity, huh! Then doesn’t that mean you have to lead the team and set an example?

MC: But you have the “secret weapon” in your hands! Just “please” me a little, and who knows? You might uncover some clues.

I teasingly poke his cheek. Li Zeyan doesn’t say anything and simply stares at me intently.

A moment later, he suddenly chuckles and casually takes off his glasses, setting them aside. Without the obstruction of the lenses, those deep eyes of his stare at me unabashedly.

LZY: [chuckles teasingly]  How do you want me to “please” you?

His voice seems to take on a slightly huskier timbre than usual, as he reaches out and takes hold of my fingertips.

A wet, passionate kiss descends immediately. I quiver, instinctively wanting to pull back my hand, but he restrains my movements.

LZY: Like this?

LZY: …Or would you like me to go further in?

With these muffled words, his lips quietly trail to my neck, lingering there, taking his time and igniting a growing fire.

My heartbeat accelerates uncontrollably, but I still make a conscious effort to keep my willpower intact.

MC: …I already asked you to please me. Naturally, you should be the one to think about how to do it.

LZY: Hmm, I haven’t thought it through yet.

He appears to be genuinely reflective, but the force of his delivery suddenly increases, catching me unawares. The goblet glass at the head of the bed is knocked over, its content spilling silently and soaking the crumpled bedsheet.

I tightly clench the pillow, his voice reverberating in my ears.

LZY: [shaky, breathless voice x1] But since you’ve handed over the control to me…

LZY: [x2] When we should stop won’t be your call anymore.

—------------------------ interlude ------------------------—

The rain outside has stopped at some point. Only the gauze curtains in the distance dance in the breeze, occasionally making a rustling sound.

I stealthily open my eyes. The man next to me has half of his face buried in the pillow, his features traced by the moonlight pouring through the window.

His body rises and falls gently along with his light, rhythmic breathing. It seems that he has already drifted off to sleep.

MC: Li Zeyan? CEO Li? …Zeyan gege?

In order to feel out, I speak in a soft voice. Seeing that he still hasn’t responded, I slowly move his arm aside.

Then, gently and quietly, I rise from the bed, casting one last glance at the sleeping Li Zeyan before feeling at ease and pushing open the door.

—

Creak––

Along with this almost inaudible sound, the crisp air post-rain rushes towards me head-on.

The clear night drapes over the quiet vacation village, with the vaguely audible murmurs of the waves in the distance.

I walk along the cobblestone path into the woods, carefully identifying the location of the placement point by the distant lights.

The bracelet hanging from the branches sways gently in the breeze, almost blending into the dim light of the night.

Feeling relieved, I send a message to the group to confirm that everything was fine. But just as I’m about to leave, I can’t resist muttering to myself.

MC: …Li Zeyan, you really are a dummy.

MC: This hiding spot is clearly so close to where we’re residing, and yet you still haven’t found it.

LZY: After all, considering the vast expanse of the area to search through, it’s surely going to consume a lot of time.

LZY: Instead of running around aimlessly, it’s better to wait patiently for the chance to arrive.

A familiar voice sounds from behind me. Startled, I turn around at lightning pace. There, standing behind me, is the person who I saw seemingly “sound asleep” just a moment ago, now watching me.

MC: You… You were actually pretending to be asleep!

LZY: A little correction. I was simply concerned about your safety when I noticed you were heading out so late, that’s all.

LZY: The discovery I’ve made just now can only be regarded as an unexpected gain.

Li Zeyan’s eyes mirror a contemplative interest as he speaks.

LZY: On the contrary, a certain someone here seems to be getting more and more adept at pulling the wool over people’s eyes.

LZY: While her leading foot earnestly vowed that she was genuinely exhausted and just wanted to sleep quickly, her trailing foot dashed out the door to be busy with this and that…

LZY: [GAH THAT MENACINGLY SEDUCTIVE TONE] It seems like I don’t need to be mindful of such excuses from now on.

The roots of my ears can’t help but flush a bit, and I let out a cough before offering an explanation.

MC: Circumstances change… my current action is entirely driven by my dedication to work.

Li Zeyan lets out an ambiguous “ah.” His figure is outlined by the distant lights, casting a slender silhouette that projects onto me.

Amidst the murky darkness, I discern his voice carrying a slightly deeper chuckle, and it seems a little more muffled than usual.

LZY: Sophistry.

LZY: Whether or not there’s some truth to it… I’ll examine it in my own way.

His voice drops to a whisper, and what follows is a warm and entangled kiss.

I find myself involuntarily clutching onto the corner of his garment, tilting my head back to reciprocate. The next moment, I feel the tip of his tongue gently glide across the roof of my mouth.

Despite the brevity of that touch, it sends a shiver through me, making me tremble uncontrollably. I feel as if my heartbeat is about to melt into the fiery breath of this moment.

??: Has this area not been searched yet?

Indistinct chatter suddenly echoes from a distance. I gasp and turn my head, watching as two blurry figures appear far off at the edge of the woods.

MC: They seem to be looking for clues… We…

Before I can finish my entire sentence, it’s gradually drowned out by stifled whimpers.

Li Zeyan closes in on me from the back, covering me deeply. His one hand presses against my lips, seemingly trying to hush my voice.

His slender fingers teasingly caress the space between my teeth. After playing around for a while, they irresistibly delve further in.

MC: …!

LZY: They should know what’s appropriate.

LZY: But if you can’t control your voice… that might be a problem for us.

His fingertips carry the slight chill of the night, stirring my tongue every now and then. It feels like an appeasement, and yet also a form of punishment.

All the sounds in my ears fade away, leaving only the pounding of my heart, growing more and more violent amidst the whimpers. Unconsciously, I bite down on the fingers he has inserted.

His embrace, imprisoning me, tightens even more. A moist kiss descends onto the nape of my neck, followed by gentle nibbles, trailing down to my chest.

Rumble–– 

The rain, which came to a halt, has begun pouring down at some point unbeknownst to us, pitter-pattering onto the surface and creating ripples.

In the embrace of the night, everything is steeped in the surging tide.

──────────────────────────────────────────

Continue to Part 2: here!

────────────────

[jokeroutsubs]

[ENG SUB] Joker Out at Radio Antena (18.07.2024)

Jan, Kris, Nace and Jure were interviewed by a radio host Jaka Peterka for Radio Antena. They talked about who needs to retake their driver's license exam, Kiki, the PR genius and what it takes to cross the pond.

Transcription by a member of JokerOutSubs, translation by drumbeat and @chaosofsmarty, proofread by ‪@flowerlotus8‬, subtitles by a member of JokerOutSubs

Full Transcript below 👇

And in the studio, the boys who, in the last year, visited more countries through concerts, than I've ever been to on Google Maps. They hold the title for the most streamed song in Slovenia ever, Carpe Diem. They've sold out Stožice, this year we can see them all across Europe on their summer tour. Jan, Kris, Jure and Nace from Joker Out, Good morning!

All: Good morning!

Wait, is Bojan sick, or what's happened?

Kris: Bojan is missing, he wasn't feeling well. And we've got a concert this weekend and… So he had to…

He has to rest a bit.

Kris: Yes.

Have you brought anything?

Jure: A good mood.

Kris: A new song.

A new song, that's true, because we'll hear it later. And this time in Croatian.

A ja samo čekam i žudim

But I'm just waiting for and craving

Za trenutkom kad ćeš zvati

The moment when you'll call

Da ti kažem da za tobom plače.

To tell you that, because of you, my heart cries,

Kris: What?

tuguje i pati

grieves and suffers

We'll hear it later, we'll also find out where you'll be in the upcoming days, or on your summer European tour. And we'll also find out why and which of these boys, here in the studio, should attend a safe driving training.

We'll check. Hey I'll just start with the question, which one of you recently "enhanced their car a bit", in quotation marks, somewhere near here?

Nace: That was me.

That was you, Nace?

Nace: That was me, yes.

Really? What happened?

Nace: Someone bumped into me in a parking lot.

Really in a parking lot? Ah, okay.

Jure: No, it's understandable then.

Nace: I don't need to do a safe driving training here.

No, no, then you really don't.

Kris: Safe parking training.

Nace: Take that back.

Take it back? Alright, so be it. Hey, it's a minute past nine, Jaka Peterka with you on Antena. And the boys, who this year have concerts all over Europe, at all the biggest festivals. Joker Out, without Bojči here, because he got sick. We'll also hear your new single later, 'Šta bih ja', the boys have told me, isn't in Croatian, but in Serbian, right?

Nace: Correct.

Kris: Yes.

But first of all, a small thing, like we're used to at Antena, "Who's most likely to". Pay attention. Who's most likely to have to redo their driving licence courses?

Jure: Jan.

Jan?

Jan: I mean, Nace here has a scratch on his car, so I don't know.

Nace: I mean, yours has also undergone repairs.

Jure: Yours also isn't much better.

Who's most likely to be the most successful at their job, if Joker Out didn't exist?

Kris: Jure would be quite successful at his job as a cameraman. Of course.

What, as a cameraman?

Jure: Yeah, I was a cinematographer.

Really?

Jure: For RTV.

Ah, alright, so the rest of you…

Kris: I mean, I'd be successful, but I don't think I'd be happy.

Jan: The rest of us haven't even had jobs yet.

Okay, moving on. Who's most likely to get married first?

Jure: Bojan.

Bojan?

Jan: Bojan.

Okay. Who's most likely to arrive late to a concert or on stage?

All: Jan.

Jan? Jan!

Jan: Again, Kris was late today, almost.

They were quite on time, I've got to give them praise for that. Who's most likely to go to bed immediately after a concert?

Jure: Kris.

Jan: Kris and Nace.

Kris: Bojči.

Nace, your age is showing, right?

Nace: It would be Kris and I, we go to bed at a similar time.

Jan: Kris and Nace.

Jure: And watch a movie together, eh?

4 minutes past 9, joining me… Jan, stop turning the computer on, you won't be playing games.

Jan: We did the last time.

There's still a Slovenian band on the Antena radio, which, on the one hand, has long ceased to be just that, given that we can see them next to the biggest artists all over Europe. For example, at the recent Exit Festival they performed right before the Black Eyed Peas. Joker Out, good morning again. Now, despite the fact that you have a massive fanbase all over Europe, you still stick pretty much to the Slovene language and some Croatian or Serbian as well. How come?

Kris: Yes, we feel like working in the language that comes naturally. I mean, it just depends on how things turn out, it mostly depends on Bojči, and the language he can feel the lyrics in. At that moment, we felt like making a Serbian song on the upcoming album there will be a couple of those as well as Slovenian.

That's awesome.

Kris: So it comes naturally. In English, we've already done a few, and we will do some more.

Well, because five days ago you released a brand new single, 'Šta bih ja'.

A ja samo čekam i žudim

But I'm just waiting for and craving

Za trenutkom kad ćeš zvati

The moment when you'll call

Da ti kažem da za tobom plače.

To tell you that, because of you, my heart cries,

Yes, well, I have to say that I find it interesting that they have… Even before it was released, there were people singing it at your concerts. I mean, all over Europe, right. How come? What, you already had it on your setlist? Nace?

tuguje i pati

grieves and suffers

Nace: Probably because for the whole tour what, in March we've been playing it and that's how they would have picked it up.

Jure: And we have one great story about when…

Nace: Yeah, basically, on the first concert of this tour, right, Bojan didn't know the exact lyrics exactly yet and he gave our roadie, Kiki, the lyrics on A4 format paper, it was just…

Kris: The chorus.

Nace: The chorus, yes. And he's like, "Did you manage to hang it?" "I did, I did." And then, just like that, when Bojan comes on stage, we start the song, and the lyrics, he can't find them. "Kiki, where are the lyrics?" "What? On the monitor!" But he hung it for people to read. Not for him. And basically, the fans all thought that this was some kind of a PR stunt. That we'd done it on purpose.

That was good fun.

Nace: It turned out great. Yeah, awesome.

And then what, people have been posting it on YouTube probably.

Nace: They took pictures.

Kris: Yes, yes, yes.

Damn, that's nice. Now we can see you all over Europe until the middle of August, this Saturday in Germany, actually, at the Deichbrand festival, if I've got that right. But do you know what I was wondering about? At the moment, in fact, you're crushing it in Europe. Are you tempted to hop across the pond?

Kris: Yes.

Any plans, actually, well?

Kris: Yeah, there are no really definite plans, because it is very difficult to travel across the pond. Mostly because for one single concert you need to get a full visa for a whole year, so…

Is that so?

Kris: Yes, and it's very hard to justify the expenses. We have to give it some thought, on how to approach this, so it makes sense. But yes, we do, and we know we have some fans in New York and Toronto, so we could also play something there.

Cool. What about, let's say, our parts? Slovenia maybe? I mean, you've already been, I know, this year to Ptuj, right? But, are there more plans for this year or maybe…?

Jan: There are also plans to see you again on local stages, yes.

This year?

Jan: This year.

Jure: This year, after the release of the album.

After the release, nice. And the album's coming out…?

Jure: September, October, if all goes well.

Okay, fingers crossed. Anyway, you can hear Joker Out and 'Šta bih ja', on Antena right now. Guys, thank you for coming.

All: Thank you.

I believe we might see each other very quickly even in the prime time on Rock am Ring. Or somewhere similar. Fingers crossed, well, mostly so that… Thank you for coming, say hello to Bojči. And this is Joker Out with 'Šta bih ja'.

[the-monkey-ruler]

how common is it for adaptations to give stone monkey a (usually female) friend on flowerfruit mountain? i've noticed it in a couple adaptations and wonder if it comes from a specific adaptation

Funny enough YES!

At least I think we can all think of one man in particular for the common grey-fur monkey companion that Shihou/Wukong has...

And that is Tezuka Osamu!

I think it starts with his manga My SonGoku ぼくの孫悟空.

This was first published in 1952 and has been quite influential in Japanese interpretations of Sun Wukong.

He was actually influenced by Tessen Koshu who made the Princess Iron Fan cartoon 铁扇公主 in 1941 with that kind of rubber hose kind of art style.

Anyway, the main point is that this guy made a certain character at the start of his manga before Wukong left for his training.

"While Biko, a monkey born from a stone, starts as a shy crybaby, he becomes the king of the monkeys with the encouragement of a gentle sister monkey, LinLin. He learns Senjutsu, becomes Son Goku, and goes on a rampage in Heaven...

Sister edition of "Boku no Son Goku", girls' manga version "Journey to the West"."

Otherwise known as RinRin depending on how you translate it. Or even DeeDee or Reina. Depends on what you are looking at.

"RinRin-chan" The tomboyish monkey to the main character. She names the stone monkey Biko and takes care of him as an older sister."

I haven't read the manga (I don't know Japanese) nor do I understand how manga history in how this is both a "Hitomi" (Akita Shoten) 1960 serialization but I do know she is credited to Tezuka Osamu. And her influence has been in serial more of a couple of Japanese Xiyouji iterations.

Her next appearance being in ALAKAZAN THE GREAT Saiyuki ぼくの孫悟空 which was made in 1960. This was written by Baku Yumemakura who was a fan of Tezuka Osamu's works where she goes by RinRin. A pretty one-to-one look from what she looked like in the manga

This is also some inspiration in the 1967 Goku's Great Adventures 悟空の大冒険 but any female side character was replaced with a fairy-like person Tatsuko. She isn't Rinrin of course but I think that since this was also credited to Tezuka Osamu that having a pink-themed older sister character was what inspired her.

There was also a female monkey by the name of Fanya from the 1999 Magic Monkey モンキーマジックTV series that is more well-known for its video game. Not named Rinrin at all but... look at her. She gets TWO flowers in her hair and a pink theme. I know flowers and pink aren't the most creative choice for a girl monkey but that is a clear inspiration.

She wasn't really seen by name until the 2003 movie, My Son Goku ぼくの孫悟空 where she was brought back by where she goes by Reina in the eng subs! Here her name is slightly different but I think that this might be my favorite version of her thus far! She is such a caring person and while he isn't in the movie that long she plays such an impactful role!

These are mostly Japanese interpretations because of their tie with the My SonGoku manga but there are a few more giving Wukong a grey monkey friend in his Shihou phase in Chinese interpretations.

The only one I can think of that can be a real nod of acknowledgment is really 1999 Legends of the Monkey King 西游记 with an unnamed girl monkey (if she does have a name please let me know I've never learned it!) Love the change from pink to yellow, we are getting creative here.

These are all the examples I can think of at least in the media I've personally seen!

The only grey-furred sidekick thus far was LiuEr Mihou from Monkey King 2009 美猴王. I think this one might be more coincidental with the grey fur and the pink theme but that would be hilarious if it was to fit the 'childhood best friend' card that Rinrin, a completely different character, has set.

I do find some comments on how LiuEr in this version took RINRIN'S place as the childhood best friend trope. Like that idea of Wukong in his Stone Monkey phase of life having a Best friend is now tied to the image of Rinrin! It is funny to think that out of all the interactions of giving Wukong sidekicks, this one seems to be a re-occurring one consistently. Sadly I haven't seen another version in nearly 20 years!! We've been deprived!

Will we see this character again soon? Hard to say considering it's been so long but I love that in at least 3 different Japanese Xiyouji interactions and a general nod in acknowledgment in 2 as well.

Until we see you again beautiful queen!

[area-vr]

Just thinking about the whole Velgearians vs "the kids of the future" (Kids > Adults) confrontation...

Disclaimer: this analysis/opinion has content from eps 100 and 101 that still don't have eng subs, so if you don't want to be spoiled don't read this, ok? :)

On one hand: the Velgearian revival:

The show didn't construct the Velgearian side organically imo..

They just started saying they are searching for a "cure" (MIK?)

They didn't really said their motives (was the first episode supposed to represent everyone involved?🤔 I'm not convinced)

Yuudias or the Velgearians didn't take a part on it, and they were thinking more of getting the help of Yuga...😒

The plan changed from "stopping them from disappearing" to "revive them"

To add more, Zwijou was of the idea that dying is what made them complete so they shouldn't revive them (or at least not him)

With the videotape of Kwaidul it's revealed that they won't be actually revived but be a reflection of everyone's memories of them (is this actually worth fighting for... Well Yuudias and co didn't understand it so why not...)

If you ask me, thinking realistically, this wouldn't be possible, but because they are artificial beings it opens the possibility. That and previous arc sort of gave hints that they are probably digital...and maybe the doors with the galaxies are what maintained them alive? But they didn't go explore those things... Just.. 7s related things ...😒

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

On the other hand we have... "The kids of the future"

Yuga's whole purpose in GR time is protecting the RD from the adults and from being turned into the Goha duels...

His whole argument in this duel is "that card should not exist", "if I win I'll get rid of it", "the existence of that card led the card game to change and leave from the hands of children"

Yuamu added "the world is watching this event so adults are taking interest in the card game that is supposed to be enjoyed just by kids and in the future of Yuga it is being taken away from the kids hands"

....

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

Yuga wants to change the future so he "sacrificed" his return to his time, and he's doing it "all alone for the kids of the future", "poor Yuga, he's all alone" 😒

FOR A CARD GAME!!! For a PIECE OF CARDBOARD!!!!

For a game that children could get bored of...

The other side also have it's flaws... But it has more of a "human" side?

The Velgearians are made artificially and before this event they were inmortal

Aside from Zwijou, most of them wanted to live

Yuudias is still alive and in danger from dying

Yuudias doesn't want to die, and as anyone could be, he's sad that all of this happened to his comrades that didn't want to die, of course he would like to revive them

The reason for their sudden disappearance is still unknown...

So, in my honest opinion, the Velgearian side sounds like the most "human" side to choose... The other is just nonsense 😅

Also, I've seen people say that Yuga may had an alternative to the Velgearian situation... No, this is not being addressed, this is just "my cause is better so you should give up" and until ep101 the card game side is the one who is being louder while the Velgearian side just wants to make sense and doesn't get it...

Thanks for reading

[perfectlyoongi-main]

hii! how did you learn english?

hello <3 so when i was at 5th grade (so like i was 10 or so) english started being a subject in schools and it was pretty much until my 12th grade (17yo), so i have some basis coming from there

but honestly, i used to watch my older brother play lots of game and all of them were in english (and my brother wasnt the nicest so i was forced to learn a bit if i wanted to know the story lol). that and the fact that i love movies and in my country only the cartoons are dub, every time i watch a movie or so it was in english, and since i am a slow reader (even w sub) i tried to catch some sentences and expressions here and there (also watching international youtubers !!)

so all of that combined made me understand english. and then i went to university and i major in english studies (and since we had ppl from all over europe our classes were 90% in eng) which solidified everything :3

[beevean]

"So the Japanese script is the most revised one"

Localization woes makes this common for some companies. I think a good example is Sonic 06

The Eng localization started when Scepter of Darkness was still Book of Darkness. With minor script updates in Japan this term became outdated, and due to time Eng only updated some lines (leading to Rouge still saying both Book of Darkness and Scepter in final Eng). Even worse, some more lines recorded were unused due to timeframe, which could've removed the error

Even funnier, 06 was also released later in Japan, despite system game language setting having both

And this all ignores that translators/localizers rarely have context for what they're adapting, which is another issue. Sonic Cult leaked a WIP localization xml, and there's literally no scene directions or pictures. Only dialogue, and time of said line

So, fun fact: Heroes' Italian translation is pretty bad, so bad that even I, at 8 years old and the most basic grasp on English, could tell that there were discrepancies between what the characters said and what the subs said.

Most of the mistakes were simple ineptitude (like confusing Shadow's name for the word "shadow" and translating it lmao), but a memorable instance is Shadow's quote at the beginning of Final Fortress:

ENG: "I feel a bit uneasy... Time to attack!"

ITA: "I have a bad feeling about this... I hope it's nothing."

Like. I could tell that the tone was completely different. To this day, I am 100% convinced that there was a discrepancy in the script the translators got, and the final English one.

Anyway, back to '06, I didn't realize that the Scepter/Book mistake was due to a script that wasn't updated. It must have been quite an early draft, since they had to model the actual Scepter in the meantime.

I feel bad for those translators. Translating from Japanese without context is nearly impossible lmao.

[hughungrybear]

Me watching Laws of Attraction Ep. 3:

1. Oooh, Charn's backstory (at last!). I see, Charn's ring pendant necklace came from Mum. So, I guess mum's dead? <after 5 seconds> HOOOOOLD UUUUP! How did Charn and mum end up from celebrating a case won to being blindfolded and kneeling/crawling in the mud??? Wtf. 😵

2. It has come to my attention that Tanthai is sort of dumb. I think somebody is due for some anger management therapy. He is letting his anger cloud his decisions. I mean, really? Asking the minions to disobey his corrupt dad's direct orders on a whim is peak stupidity.

3. Okay, since I still do not know what the goons are looking for, am legit afraid for Tonkhao's bestie. Looks like she accidentally chosen the thing that caused Tonkhao's death as a souvenir 😭😭😭 Also, grandma, I thought you gave Charn all the dolls in Tonkhao's room when he asked. Why the ever loving fvck is there a treasure chest full of dolls still (not to mention the one found inside Tonkhao's bag)????

4. I'm wondering: what exactly is Charn's relationship with Miss Clubowner? Is he a nephew or something? Also, got to admit that Charn's happiness is also my happiness atm (the bank deposit notification, that is) 😅

5. <my paranoid self seeing the icecream truck outside Tin's dojo> Oh, no. Not the kids!!!! 😟😟😟😟 <after 5 seconds> Gawd dammit, Charn. I almost had a heart attack. 😭😭😭

6. Of all the things that Charn should be stressed about, it's the kids (and Tin) calling him "uncle" that triggers him the most. Lol 😂😂😂

7. I can understand Charn's logic. You know how they say "first impressions lasts"? It is really applicable when swaying public opinion. It's the reason why so many effing politicians prosper - they know how to project a likeable image despite a rotten core. Still, I doubt a person as honest as Tin would play the game. If I were Charn, I would change tactics. If he couldn't convince Tin to let go of his moral beliefs, he might want to design a new plan that would (even superficially) accommodate those beliefs.

8. Why do I find Charn's bodyguard/assistant highly sus? Must be the paranoid in me lol 😅😅😅😅

9. Got to admire Charn's talent to push all of Tanthai's (angry) buttons. It took him less than a minute to threaten Tanthai. The guy has a natural talent for getting under anyone's skin 😂😂😂

10. Ugh. I still maintain that Tanthai is a dumba**. He should know how to play his cards right. If he has a leverage against his dad, he should be wise and get the timing right. 😑

11. OMG. They fired Tin??? Wth. 🤬 Also, why kill the dog too? What did the dog do to them? 😭😭😭😭

12. Sorry, no sweet moment can topple that dead dog image in my mind 😭😭😭😭

13. Again, Tanthai's stup*dity will be the end of him. Stop being rash and mad, goddamn it.

14. Really? A fire? What the hell. Wait, what is Charn doing there? With an extiguisher?? That's pretty convenient. 😑 Also, the assistant filming the whole thing? I smell BS.

15. The fvck does the eng sub mean "kids singing"? That was anything but singing lol. Also, I have been saying that Tanthai is stup*d, but is he stup*d enough to leave a traceable evidence in a potential crime scene? 🤔🤔🤔🤔

16. See, his rage would kill him (by the hands of Tanthep) one day. Tanthai needs to control his emotions so that he could one upped his dad when the time is right.

17. Yep, pretty sure Charn started the fire at Tin's house. His friends from the club probably lifted Tanthai's ring without him noticing <after 5 seconds> wait, I think Tin is also suspicious of Charn, judging by the looks he is giving.

18. Seeeeee? Tin is smart. I'm so proud of him. 😄 Also, Charn knows where all the cameras are, it is easier to evade them.

19. I guess Miss Clubowner sums it up pretty nicely. Tin cares for so many people that he naturally worries. On the other hand, Charn is pretty strict on caring only for himself (since his mum died) that he cannot even begin to consider the possible consequences of his actions to other people.

20. I am getting frustrated with Tin. Yeah, it's admirable that he has unbreakable morals but he has to accept that "good" does not always prevail against "evil". Not in the real world anyway.

Anyways, am not sure where the story will go with this black-and-white perspective of good and evil. On to the next episode.

[hitsuyou-fukaketsu]

so haniwa has like an anime right (im pretty sure) However is there a better way of consuming it? there usually is with idol media and i just wanna be sure. Asking for a friend

you go to the honeyworks youtube channel and you start watching the mvs, honestly the anime is kind of a mess 

tbh you can already get the gist of it with just that but you can use the wiki to read the lyrics (2023 and haniwa doesnt have eng subs yet)

for example: kono sekai

there’s also a gacha game (only in jp)

and not only there are idols there’s also the love series so im leaving my faves here (koutarou my boy) hehehehehhh, there are a bunch of films and another anime about them (them in general, not this three specifically)

[take-ya-to-the-ghey-bar]

just because my brain is a lil mushy for writing-- and the mood to do this struck me-- imma piggy back off some earlier chatter with Jackie ( @akumanoken ) on that "list of voices that 'do things™'" just because--

Disclaimer before i start: For the VA entries here, reference points are going to be given via the characters i know them best as/who's performance best fits the sprit of this list-- These are also in no real order, mainly just whatever order i thought of names first lol

Morikawa Toshiyuki

{as Tsukinami Carla - Diabolik Lovers}

Okay so, Carla is slightly an outlier in this group-- seeing as I've never had the chance to play any of the game series he's from (and may not ever be able to, unless i find finished English patches and try to fuck around with that route--) But regardless of that, i've heard his voice via some videos online in the past-- and My God-- this man could end me. (and i should i get to play any game routes featuring him, imma probably die on the spot--)

Sakurai Takahiro

{as Mukami Ruki - Diabolik Lovers}

Again, i doubt i'll ever be able to play his routes in game, but-- i do believe at one point i watched the anime adaptation that was made for More Blood, and even if it was a train wreck (like the rest of the anime for this series lol) i can at least recall enjoying Ruki's VA out of all that mess XD {also, bonus mention for one of his characters songs here, as i just now heard this one today-- and rather enjoyed it u w u}

Daisuke Ono / J. Michael Tatum

{as Sebastian Michaelis - Kuroshitsuji}

I-- don't really have much to say on this point lol, aside from the fact that these men doing their voices for Sebastian 100% fit the spirit of this list XD (i'm also skipping giving a link here, because i'm sure anyone reading can go find an example of both VAs in this role very easily lol)

Morita Masakazu

{as Yanagi Aiji - Collar x Malice}

Yanagi sits in kind of an odd space honestly lol-- because on the one hand, i enjoy just listening to him-- thanks to "older brother/caring dad" sorta vibe he gives me... but at the same time, i can't deny that certain voice dips he does-- they do hit a lil different. {for a better show case of what i mean, check out this vid of his "interview" via the voice recorder extra-- tho i sadly couldn't find one with the eng sub}

Kimura Ryouhei

{as Shiraishi Kageyuki - Collar x Malice}

hhhh-- Shiraishi, my boi... i love this man-- and like, his voice wins a spot here because, much like with Micchan-- i'd lowkey die if i ended up as a target of the teasing he enjoys doing. {and the bonus voice recorder section for him as well--}

Suwabe Jun'ichi

{as Abraham Van Helsing - Code: Realize}

Van somewhat falls in line with Yanagi, as i find his voice rather soothing to listen to... and i admit, my frame of reference for them both is a little fuzzy--thanks to not having played either game for a while... But-- i do remember an extra story from the first C:R game, which gives us all sleepy voice Van, and just-- that one lowkey ended me.

Hirakawa Daisuke

{as Saint-Germain - Code: Realize}

{& Itsuki Mito - Secret xxx / Therapy Game}

listen-- just... listen-- Hirakawa earns his place here because as both bois, i could listen to this man talk for ages-- (much like the mentions below--) But-- thanks to certain scenes from the Secret xxx CD... i can not unhear this man doing spicy audio-- and that fact is forever going to end me. (and Itsuki doesn't get an example link, simply because i don't think i've got anything timmed from the CD he mainly features in--)

{Honorable mentions} This section is for voices that I adore listening to, but, they don't quite fall into the same category as the above list-- More so just that type of mood where it's the "i could listen to you talk for ages" sort of vibe lol

Hirakawa Daisuke's performance as Laito Sakamaki {Diabolik Lovers}

Taniyama Kishou performance as Ikki {Amnesia VN Series}

[frances-and-the-moon]

A trip down Memory Lane

When I was a teenager, many of the younger students I taught English to always came up with the proverbial question: "How did you learn to write and speak English so well?". You see, Italy dubs its movies and TV shows; it's only been in recent times that younger folks (specifically millennials and Gen Z) are willing to watch TV shows, dramas, movies, and play games with English subtitles. But when I was a teenager in Southern Italy, foreign language acquisition was not a big thing (yet). Nor was the teaching. So my answer to those sweet summer children was: "Well, I've been travelling a lot and attending lots of English courses (which was true), and I've been watching Harry Potter and reading Shakespeare and Milton and Nietzsche in English and I like playing games that haven't been translated, and I've watched TV shows with subtitles and animes with Eng sub" which was, ofc, all true. But my biggest, first motivator was that I was so deep into the Thorki fandom that I wanted to read all their works on AO3 - but they were all in English! No Italian stories! What was I supposed to do!! I wanted to read those stories!! I was so adamant and so curious that I would've sold my right kidney to read good quality gay porn fanfiction so I kept reading and reading without any dictionaries bc I didn't care, I was too lazy to look up the words unless they were very hard and/or crucial to the sentence at hand. And as I read and persevered, I started understanding more and more the meaning of words by context (and that is why I can't translate many English words into Italian because I have no idea what their Italian counterpart is). And then I went on to read more gay porn fanfiction stories as I got sucked into other fandoms and the language became easier and easier Then I joined Tumblr (ofc). At the same time, I also started writing poems and stories and then started reading more "classical" literature in its original language, like Bronte, Auden, Lawrence etc. Then I went on to live abroad in four different countries and was forced to speak English to the people and my speaking skills improved. I am now watching Kdramas and Thai dramas a lot and I can tell what some words mean even if I don't speak the languages because I *love* passive learning and pretending that "Shibaloma" is a word I completely understand And this is how it takes you 10+ years to learn a language with minimal effort TL;DR: gay porn fanfiction was my first motivator in learning English and that is why all the authors deserve a million Nobel Prizes What I mean to say is, I love learning and studying new languages. I think people should never, ever stop learning. But sometimes we forget that passive learning is as important as active learning. In this crazy world, our minds need rest sometimes, and media sources provide us with that sort of relief and comfort, while also helping us broaden our horizons and reminding us that skill-building doesn't only come from hard work; it also comes from fun and downtime and relaxing. Small tip: if you don't have Grammarly installed in your browser, DEFINITELY get it! It's a lifesaver for me when it comes to fixing minor mistakes and errors. It's not perfect, but it's a good tool for fanfiction writers; it really helps with email-writing, CV building, etc. I highly recommend it <3 (This is ofc not a paid promotion. Nobody pays me).

[rigelmejo]

5-2-2023 some updates since I haven't posted in a while

My Japanese progress is. Well it's going. I STILL just do not listen to glossika as much as I say I should. That said, I'm considering Watching sailor moon in japanese. Maybe that'll kick me up a level of understanding? Maybe???

There's a YouTube called Game Gengo, he's a fucking delight. I watched his Final Fantasy IX vocabulary learning video today and it just. He's such a good teacher I think. They remind me of being in a fast paced but genuinely fun in person class. He says how many vocabulary he'll teach at the start (which I find valuable as a student you can decide if it teaches ENOUGH to be worth watching for your time). He repeats words and reminds, so you get reinforcement of the words he's explained when they come up again continuously, which helps with remembering words. He moves quickly enough you don't get bored and feel it's too in depth. But it is in depth, just snappy, so you could rewatch to retain more. It uses games you enjoy so it's fun and the context helps with remembering. And he is a good presenter with a pleasant and clear English and Japanese voice. Just excellent videos, I should really watch them more than I do. They work excellent as a podcast too! You do NOT need to see the video to learn from them, you can learn with listening alone which is a plus for me. But the video has useful dictionary info listed and japanese spelling etc.

I've been watching some Japanese bl lately and it's so weird cause. Well Our Dining Table uses SO much basic vocabulary I could probably follow it perfectly fine without subs. Then The Pornographer is like half daily life language I'm very good at now, half That Sounds Familiar. And Miu414 (not bl) I also know at least half. I feel I should be forcing myself to watch more Japanese with Japanese subs, as I'm probably at a point where I'd pick up a lot. Japanese LISTENING skill seems significantly better than in the past. Still a LONG way to go, but fun.

I also still wanna try listening reading with a Japanese audio drama but.. I'm so lazy

Chinese progress? Absolutely Baffling

I've been listening to audio drama or audiobook of 默读 like every single day. The days I don't, I listen to Ice Fantasy condensed audio. I have made Enough to progress to be at the point where everything I don't understand is super annoying and noticeable to me. But also when I watch cdramas I realize I understood all the audio words and wonder why I'm even leaving rhe English subs on when they're so wrong sometimes (I've been watching Till The End of the Moon lol). I'm leaving the eng subs on cause I'm lazy. We know ToT. But my point is. I can DEFINITELY tell my listening skills are improving. But with novels the books are still SO HARD to listen to only and catch every detail.

It's so frustrating noticing just how much I do not know/understand. But at the same time, I do think my plan of "just listen MORE to audiobooks and they'll get easier and you'll learn more" is working. For one? I can tell I expect and predict certain word clauses when people speak or the narration is on a paragraph. And that word predicting makes my comprehension of what I DO know much faster. Then second? I do notice I'm gradually picking up more new words. Partly because I do now have a whole "frame" of support words to reliably understand now. When I hear a sentence now its like this "one could say, Guo changcheng was a X, he stayed up all night afraid of the phone" and I have a WAY easier time guessing that X. Whereas before it used to be a slow slog to recognize the words so I'd maybe recognize them After hearing a whole sentence as the next started, worsening my ability to comprehend the NEXT sentence etc. It used to be "Something? Guo changcheng was a X, something NIGHT scared of PHONE" Then as the next sentence audio would start id make a guess for the somethings and the X. But now the somethings i tend to recognize AS I hear them. Improving overall comprehension. I'm picking up BRAND new words at a slow pace but honestly not so big a deal. It's nice bringing listening skills closer to reading skills... cause my reading skills are STILL better.

Guardian audiobook is getting probably the EASIEST of the audiobooks i hear. In part cause I know what scenes to guess the context I hear places them in, making guessing unknown or "something vaguely familiar" words much easier

[meltedbluecaterpillar]

Yay..#hydration af 🔥🔥 I'm...having a smootie!

AHH...im so glad..I was shy to bring it up. I really wanna play the game bc usually when smth is a game first its better than the anime? (I think the game was first..) yea..I see all the content subbed bc the eng anime js..kills me. They sound uncannily like teenage white boys that all have mushroom hair and wanna hit ..

Ahh? You write? Smirk???

From what I know it really is just dark fantasy. Like..what dark vampire content HASNT been considered problematic? Even like. Twilight LOL.

Hhhh i don't know his lore..Laito where are you..Laito...Id giggle at a crossover. Laito looks like a Trey Cater with the Ace mindset. And Kanato,,I love him he's a sweety. A little loco but he's so sweettieee..I..only know the brothers..and the mom. That is my last memory of dialovers..was the mom?.. - 🐍

Hello Viper, I’m excited about your smoothie! Yesterday I had a veggie one. I don’t eat vegetables… I usually drink them.

No need to be shy. I am… A lifeless dork. A shut in. So, I know about a lot of animanga related things. Otome especially. The anime was horrible, but I love the music they used. I used to sing along with the opening of the first season. The game is phenomenal. Again, a bit problematic because it’s… Mildly sexist. I actually like The Great Ayato and his bullying… I’m sorry my breasts are tiny… I’ll pray for them to grow so you’ll be happy my lord… Ahem… The English voice acting is horrible. I watched it only in Japanese because I couldn’t stand how lifeless they sounded in English. To my knowledge, and I may be wrong, the game is fully voice acted. You just need a translator.

I do secretly write for DiaLove. I was planning to only post it on Wattpad. I wanted to make a big story called ‘Juice Box’ but I never figured out who I wanted to be the main interest. Since the anime follows Ayato’s storyline heavily, it didn’t feel fair to the other potential routes. But I do sometimes write little oneshots. I just never post them since DiaLove is so niche now. I hope it stays niche. If TikTok discovered it and some of my other favorite games I would rip my heart from my chest and cannibalize myself.

I actually like Twilight a lot. I have a friend who owns the books and I want to finish reading soon. I watched the movies! I say problematic because the boys are pretty sexist and there is a lot of nonconsensual harassment and touching. Also the neck biting scenes are very intimate and have been suggested to be an allegory for sex depending on the scene. Again, usually nonconsensual because Yui/MC has no backbone. There’s also the Mukami brothers + Shin and Carla but usually I focus on the Sakami family… Ahhhhh but no one will stop me from moaning about Yuma. I want to be his stupid sow… I don’t mind… Treat me like livestock and feed me sugar cubes… Ahhhh his abuse feels so good~ Ah- I mean… I don’t condone this stuff outside of fantasy. But USA Nintendo doesn’t want their image ruined by horny vampires.

There are… I think… Three moms? Karl had a few wives, some at the same time cause he’s freaky as hell. One of them actually… The reason Laito acts the way he does… His mom was doing things with him that she shouldn’t. And she does not feel bad about it. But she dies so… We win… Sorta… I love Kanato’s bad ending he’s so odd and sweet at the same time. The game is just one giant rollercoaster of ‘please don’t let me die here I forgot to save again’ and ‘oh the moaning sounds are making me excited…’

I apologize for rambling… I really do love Diabolik Lovers. And because I discovered it at an impressionable age… I’ve turned into a SadoMas. Please tell me… Who your favorite is when you start getting into it… Naturally, The Great Ayato is mine because we act the same and share a birthday… But I want to kiss many of the characters… Ahhhh… Save me…