#Bubble Mikelle

[squibbymun]

SRL musicology here, we're thrilled to introduce you to the newest DJ on the Inkopolitan scene! DJ Black-N-Boo has been making waves in the musical scene with his disorrienting and loud tunes with a mix of Octarian and Deep Sea influences!

[gorogues]

Spoilers for comics in December!

These are from the official solicits for that month, which you can see in full at Adventures In Poor Taste.

Evan is back, and joining in the fun with the Folding Man.

THE FLASH #4 Written by SI SPURRIER Art and cover by MIKE DEODATO JR. Variant covers by MIKE DEODATO JR. and FRANY 1:25 variant cover by JAVIER RODRIGUEZ 1:50 variant cover by MATT TAYLOR Santa variant cover by STEPHEN SEGOVIA $3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock) ON SALE 12/26/23 As the Flash continues to explore the Gallery, he meets a living entity called the Resident that he feels drawn to. Can she aid him in his battle against the Folding Man…and even if she can, does she want to? Meanwhile, Mirror Master returns, unveiling even more upgrades since we last saw him in The Flash #800—but he’s not the only one with new powers, as Irey “Thunderheart” West is eager to show the world. Also, the Stillness decide to act upon humanity as the new chapter for the Flash Family continues!

SPEED FORCE #2 Written by JARRETT WILLIAMS Art by DANIELE DI NICUOLO Cover by MIKE DEODATO JR. Variant cover by SWEENEY BOO $3.99 US | 32 pages | 2 of 6 | Variant $4.99 US (card stock) ON SALE 12/12/23 As Wallace and Avery race to uncover the mystery of the missing S.T.A.R. Labs scientists, something appears to be affecting their friends—is it tied to the bubbles popping up all over Keystone, or the “spooky Speed Force stuff” Mr. Terrific is warning everyone about? Also, a classic Flash character appears— and is really into EDM, but to what end? The young Speedster team-up continues!

Could it be Hartley who's gotten into EDM..?

TITANS: BEAST WORLD TOUR: CENTRAL CITY #1 Written by SI SPURRIER, A.L. KAPLAN, ALEX PAKNADEL, JARRETT WILLIAMS Art by A.L. KAPLAN, GEORGE KAMBADAIS, and SERG ACUNÑA Cover by MIKEL JANÍN Variant covers by CULLY HAMNER and TAURIN CLARKE $5.99 US | 48 pages | Variant $6.99 US (card stock) ON SALE 12/19/23 Speedsters infected! The home of the Flash is not immune from the Starro spores, and as a member of the Flash Family is infected, it’s all hands on deck across both Central and Keystone City. Irey West has a plan that requires the help of her BFF Maxine Baker, while Avery Ho, Wallace West, and fan-favorite Circuit Breaker will all be working together with the entire clan to contain the infected speedsters causing chaos across the city. Oh, and the recent issues within the Speed Force haven’t gone away… This key chapter of the Beast World saga also contains important revelations for the Scarlet Speedster’s next steps as The Flash writer Si Spurrier is joined by Speed Force writer Jarrett WIlliams, Circuit Breaker scribe A.L. Kaplan, and Knight Terrors: The Flash writer Alex Paknadel!

As per a variant cover, it seems that Godspeed is the infected member (or one of them, since the solicit later says speedsters plural) of the Flash Family.

And because we know Len is in this series...

JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. GODZILLA VS. KONG #3 Written by BRIAN BUCCELLATO Art by CHRISTIAN DUCE Cover by DREW JOHNSON Variant cover by JONBOY MEYERS Variant cover by MIKE DEODATO JR. 1:25 variant cover by SIMONE DI MEO 1:50 variant cover by ARIST DEYN $4.99 US | 40 pages | 3 of 7 | Variant $5.99 US (card stock) ON SALE 12/19/23 Superman and Godzilla have gone head-to-head with devastating consequences in Metropolis as the Justice League scrambles to protect their homes from the monsters—Supergirl encounters Kong on Skull Island and Wonder Woman takes on Behemoth on Themyscira! Lost in the monster mayhem, though, are Lex Luthor and his Legion of Doom… what nefarious connection do they have to everything?

[freebooter4ever]

i know the other album released tonight but while taylor is escapism, mikel is release. For nights when the emotions and self hatred bubble up in your throat and starts choking you 🙃 and you cant do anything else but scream

[adhdo5]

its been so long i forget if this has been established but what is weedsmp/startup mikell's relationship with jfk

I'm going to go on a walk for taro bubble tea and think abt this on the way, please hold

[t0t411y-n0t-hum4n]

A General Tarot Reading

Pick whatever set of cards/crystal resonates with you most!! Keep in mind that this is a general reading and not everything I say may apply to you.

Pile 1: White Agate

Cards pulled: 8 of cups and Strength reversed

Song (chosen on shuffle): i wanna know - tea

Why are you running away? It's okay to be scared, you know. At one point though, things are going to catch up. You might be avoiding a conflict with someone, but it may not be that bad if you talk it out. It's likely they're just curious about you. As the song says, they wanna know. In the end though, it is your choice if you want to let them know who you are. I know it's scary, but opening up to someone can turn into a beautiful thing.

Pile 2: Purple Crackle Quartz

Cards pulled: 9 of cups reversed and 6 of swords

Song (chosen on shuffle: RAWRXD! - ISSBROKIE

Oh boy,, there's a lot to unpack here. While there may be the illusion that everything is okay, and that it's okay to relax, that might be very false. Things seem a little - for lack of a better word - arrogant, with the way you see things right now. Sorry to burst your bubble a little bit, but you should probably try to see some situations from a different angle.

Pile 3: Pink Crackle Quartz

Cards: 6 of wands and knight of wands

Song: Things That Make It Warm - Cavetown

I'm getting very comfy vibes with this reading. Maybe you've achieved something or your efforts on something were recognized. Maybe you've created a safe space for yourself where there wasn't one before. If this is the case, great job, it's time to rest and relax. You've earned it.

Pile 4: Blue Lace Agate

Cards: The Devil and the 7 of cups

Song: Fairy Fountain - Mikel, GameChops

This pile is certainly an interesting one. The cards suggest that you're escaping from life, essentially, and the song suggests that your method of escape is video games (because the song is from The Legend of Zelda). I could use this reading to preach to you about living your life, but honestly, it's your life and what I say may or may not change it. I do wanna know what games you're playing though because if its good enough to escape to, I wanna play it too. Just keep in mind the real world can be okay too sometimes, and you can't let everything get to you.

[aeipathcy]

── romantic gestures. bold what applies to your muse , italicize if there's potential / it depends.

holding hands · buying flowers · cooking · cuddles · writing a poem / song · holding door open · tying shoe laces · sharing a milkshake with two straws · offering their jacket when it's cold · kissing in the rain · publicly confessing love · long walks at the beach · doing the titanic pose on a boat · taking cute pictures in a photo booth · sharing a taxi / uber · kissing the back of their hand · slow dancing · getting tickets of their favorite artist / sports team / other · introducing them to their parents · lighting candles · flower petals on bed · love letters · star gazing · brushing / doing their hair · picnics · teaching them to play an instrument / sport while gently guiding their hands · compliments · late night drives · taking selfies together · drawing them · self-made gifts · massages · proposing with a family heirloom ring · lending them their favorite book to read · paying for dinner / coffee · mixtapes / playlists · surprise birthday parties · feeding them · handing them keys to their apartment · making space in drawer for their clothes when they stay over · sharing a blanket · couple costumes · tucking a hair strand behind their ear · running after them at the airport / keeping them from leaving · moving cities to be together · blowing a kiss · breakfast in bed · defending them in a fight (verbally / physically) · joint bubble baths · dropping the L-bomb ("i love you") · dedicating a song at the karaoke bar to them · wearing their clothes · yawning before putting an arm around them while watching a movie · granting them the last bite (from meal)

TAGGED BY:

@unladielike

TAGGING:

@akirathief, @malaeartes, @s-theunknown, @shadyinfo (Ophelia, Alex, Mikel, and Analyn), and anyone else!

[girldraki]

friendgroup + elodie drink orders? owo

expanding “drinks” to Literally All Beverages bc we absolutely do not know shit about alcohol + technically everyone except amethyst is underage

this is another personal detail about gam that is kind of extruded from their position when in Mikell Attack Mode. fountain soda mostly i guess. they unironically like mtn dew

esda has a variety of drink orders for a variety of esdas. mango milk tea with pudding at the boba shop, mocha when ordering coffee, ginger ale when choosing between soda etc. in terms of alcohol ey would go between excessively elegant drink orders and horrible self-made concoctions named shit like Thneedville Smog

el is a very earnest shooter for the pumpkin spice latte genre of drinks and orders with (deep sigh) oat milk because they get the sense humans are very into it

jo gets boba and buys strawberry milk tea with bubbles and strawberry jelly

amethyst doesn’t really need to drink so she gets exclusively the most #aesthetic drinks possible

the wonders of the internet age mean emp has the ability to have entire cases of monster shipped to their door contactless and by god they’re going to use it (bad). see also “doing evil things with five hr energy”

elodie for some reason comes with a whole slate of these in our head? but she likes chai lattes, peach tea with ice jelly, wine that is “fun” (either champagne or anything pink) and shirley temples

[mariesk]

i maybe wrote a little something and i’m very proud of it so read if you want :)

<a href="https://archiveofourown.org/works/52815529"><strong>Bubbles</strong></a> (1847 words) by <a href="https://archiveofourown.org/users/mariesk"><strong>mariesk</strong></a><br />Chapters: 2/3<br />Fandom: <a href="https://archiveofourown.org/tags/Men&#39;s%20Football%20RPF">Men&#39;s Football RPF</a><br />Rating: General Audiences<br />Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply<br />Relationships: Mikel Arteta/Martin Ødegaard/Granit Xhaka<br />Characters: Mikel Arteta, Martin Ødegaard, Granit Xhaka<br />Additional Tags: Implied Relationships, Polyamory Negotiations, Implied Sexual Content, Alternate Universe - No Girlfriends/No Wives, Fights, Angst with a Happy Ending, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Domestic, Idiots in Love, so much love, Martin needs a hug, The Author Regrets Nothing<br />Summary: <p>At the end of the day, it's them, it has always been them, and it always will be.</p><p>Or Martin, Mikel, and Granit navigate their love for each other.</p>

[soccerdailyuk]

Arsenal, Man Utd or Chelsea? Harry Redknapp names Man City's biggest rival next season

Arsenal, Man Utd or Chelsea? Harry Redknapp names Man City's biggest rival next season Harry Redknapp has identified Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea as Manchester City's main competitors in the upcoming Premier League season, as these teams are all vying for the title. Last season, Manchester City clinched their third consecutive league title by narrowly surpassing Arsenal in the crucial stage of the season. The Gunners had maintained the top position for 248 days but faltered towards the end, ultimately finishing five points behind Pep Guardiola's triumphant team. Meanwhile, Manchester United secured a third-place finish in Erik ten Hag's debut season as their manager at Old Trafford. They also celebrated a significant achievement by winning their first trophy since 2017, defeating Newcastle, who finished fourth, in the Carabao Cup final. Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool experienced a close call in their bid for Champions League qualification, narrowly missing out on it for only the second time under his tenure. On the other hand, Chelsea endured a disastrous campaign, finishing a disappointing 12th in the Premier League, with three different managers at the helm. In the upcoming season, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea will all aspire to provide a stronger challenge to Manchester City.  However, Harry Redknapp, a former Premier League manager, believes that Arsenal will once again be the main contenders for the title, especially after securing the signing of Declan Rice.  The Gunners are on the verge of unveiling Rice as their new record-breaking signing, having agreed to pay over £100m to West Ham for the talented English midfielder. "I’m sorry to see him leave West Ham," Redknapp told GB News.  "I was hoping West Ham would keep him for another couple of years at least. "But I think he will certainly improve Arsenal’s chances of finishing above Man City next year, which is not easy. "Man City will be red hot favourites again. But Arsenal have made a couple of good signings, I think they’re going to be very strong. "I see them as the main challenges to Manchester City, for sure." Redknapp additionally expresses that Arsenal will warmly embrace Declan Rice and anticipates that the 24-year-old will adjust to his new environment in North London very swiftly. Manchester City was also interested in securing Rice's services, but Mikel Arteta successfully secured the move, making the England international the most expensive British player ever. Redknapp added: "I think if you feel that he’s going to help you win trophies then you’re only too happy to have him there. It’s not a problem. "I think Declan Rice is a great lad anyway, he’s a fantastic character. He will go in and they’ll absolutely love him. "He’s a bubbly personality. He’s got a couple in the Arsenal team playing the England team with him. So he’ll adapt very quickly. He will be the life and soul of the dressing room for sure." Arsenal, Man Utd or Chelsea? Harry Redknapp names Man City's biggest rival next season Read the full article

[courtrps]

His head pulled back slightly taken aback at the shift into a much sharper tone. Lydia had been frustrated with him, she had even been so far as exasperated with him--especially more recently, but she had never used this sort of tone with him. It had not been easy for her, Mikel knew this and while he was not a woman nor someone who had been entirely burdened with the family line as a second son, he was aware of the pressure Lydia faced. With her father's loss of position, it felt that marriage was the only card she had left to deal with to keep herself where she wanted. He knew that he had promised to aid her in this and that had been his intention, truly, but he was also aware that he had not been helpful and this had been enough to bubble that over. " You do not need to be spoiled for choice, I don't mean to imply that, but all it takes is a choice and I can insist with certainty that you have that." Mikel attempted to level with her regardless of the disbelief in his words she held.

It had come out clumsy, in a hurried and longwinded fashion that probably was more unsettling than romantic, but it had come out. Mikel had officially positioned himself as an option for Lydia if she decided not to take the proposal from Lord Stanley. His heart raced and he could feel the thrumming of it in his ears, taking a few breaths to settle himself he focused back in on Lydia who was now against the wall. Her reaction was not one entirely of pleasure, though that scenario was one of more wishful optimism than one of reality. Her features held a more stunned appearance which he suppose was a fair reaction since it appeared she had ignorance to the level of feeling, but it did not mean it was bad. She simply had to process and he could wait for that.

Then it came, her thoughts, and within a few seconds, Mikel had begun to feel unsteady. The nerves and tension that had conspired with each other to wind him up had simply vanished out of him leaving him feeling a bit uneven. 'Not as you do, but truly and genuinely ' The addition had ran through his mind a few more times dealing a new blow each time. He did not understand, of course, he would love her truly and genuinely, but she could not see that- or perhaps she did not want to see it because she did not want it. Her feelings had not been wholly verified, but he had been confident enough in his belief in them. "Lydia, my love for you has always been true and genuine and the nature of it may have changed, but those fundamental elements have not. If you were to choose me know that love would not be something that would be lacking unless it was you would did not feel that way towards me..." His voice wavering before beginning to trail off.

She was certain that what he said came from his desire to be kind. He was her closest friend, and she his-- it was practically an unwritten rule to be kind to one another. Unfortunately, it did not help her if he said she was the most desired woman in all of the kingdom. It simply wasn't true. "Yes, but it matters not if it is right or wrong," she snapped. Her tone was certainly harsher than she'd intended, and absolutely one that had never been directed towards him. "What matters is that they talk. And when they talk, my already slim potential as a marriage candidate diminishes further. I am not spoiled for choice as you insist I am" she concluded with a sigh.

When her gaze returned to him, she was surprised to see that his had never left. The intensity in which he looked at her had chills rising on her arms. When he spoke, it was equally intense. Quick. Almost desperate. Each time she thought he'd finished she opened her mouth to speak only for him to continue once more. She could not tell if his pauses were meant to calm himself, or if he was simply saying each thing as it came to his mind. His final statement had her sure it was the latter. Mikel's implication that he was an option had her shocked and unsteady on her feet. She took a small step backwards and rested her back against the cool stone of the wall behind her.

Lydia opened her mouth to speak, only for the breath to catch in her throat. Rather than continue to gape as if she were a fish out of water she closed her mouth and bit into her cheek. She couldn't meet his gaze anymore, too fervid to be comfortable. She chose a spot behind his shoulder instead to focus on and merely shook her head. "Because, I must marry," she finally mumbled, voice low and uncertain, "And I want to be loved. Not as you do, but truly, and genuinely." Her body trembled as she finally forced her eyes to move from that spot and look upon his face.

That familiar pain in her heart began to ache once more. It had been present for a while now, each time she looked upon him with another woman, or spoke of the pretty girls in court. Jealousy. Longing. Hurt. That word from before returned to her--Unfair. It was unfair. It was unfair that he'd decided Lord Stanely unfit. It was even more so unfair that he'd offered himself up instead. Was he entirely clueless about how she'd felt all these years? Surely he could see how unfair it was for him to say such a thing to her when she'd finally moved on.

[footballandshit]

mikel and his two globes looking juicy af in those pants DAMN

[brightest-ideas]

Hey, so, the universe is 13-point-something billion years old, right? And there are 7-point-something billion people alive on Earth.

Comparing the two numbers, knowing that the age of the universe is less than twice the amount of people on Earth, the universe isn't really that old, is it?

-Ash // SCP-590-B

I hate math.

[bvselincs]

mikel shifted uncomfortably, her words cutting deeper than he wanted to admit. he hated hearing her like this—cold, detached, even though he knew it was his fault. he ran a hand through his hair, trying to collect his thoughts, though his usual confidence felt distant. did it matter? her question echoed in his head, and for the first time, mikel wasn’t sure how to respond. "of course it mattered," he said quietly, his voice uncharacteristically subdued. "i know i didn’t show it like i should’ve. i screwed up, i know that. but it mattered. you mattered."

he clenched his fists, his frustration with himself bubbling beneath the surface. how could he even begin to explain that he never meant to hurt her, that he wasn’t even fully aware of the damage he’d done until now? everything always felt like a game to him, something to win or lose—but alyssa wasn’t just another match. she was different. he just hadn’t realized it until it was too late. "i didn’t know how to handle it," he admitted, swallowing hard, the words tasting bitter. "i wasn’t good at… any of this, back then. and maybe i’m still not. but i’m trying, alyssa. i really am. i get it if that’s not enough for you." his gaze dropped to the ground, hating the vulnerability that came with moments like this. he wasn’t used to admitting failure, especially not to someone like her—someone he actually cared about.

alyssa let out a sigh. she didn't want to react to much to mikel right now. because there was a lot she could be saying to him right about now. there's a lot that she could yell out to him or curse. or get super angry. but what exactly would've been the point of all that, really? it wouldn't get either of them anywhere. despite the way she felt about him right now. his attempt to be honest and admit his shortcoming seemed genuine, but the hurt inside of her remained unchanged. " fine. " she said. her tone softer but still tinged with the slight bitterness of unsolved hurt at their situation. " i appreciate that you're tying to be honest now. but it doesn't erase the events or make what happened between us any easier because i cared for you at one point. " she closed her eyes and paused to be able to take a deep breath. " did that ever matter? " she questioned because she truly and deeply wanted to know.

" you're right. i am pissed and i have every right to be. it just --- this doesn't change how i feel. and i know it isn't going to. " she was trying to manage the way she was feeling now. " it's clear that you're not good at handling emotions and maybe that was part of the problem. you didn't know how to handle things with us back then, and now it feels like you’re only realizing that too late. i wish you had come to terms with this sooner, but here we are. "

[mushroommushy]

Context: Instead of being allowed to be a researcher, Jack Bright was designated as SCP-963 by order of the 05 council.

TW: Uh..I guess internal madness.

Tag list: @mothnem

————————————————

Jack pressed against the wall of his cell, staring down at the floor in partial shock. It had only been a few hours ago. His brother had appeared in what he thought would just be a temporary holding cell. His hat had covered his eyes.

“Jack.” He greeted curtly.

“Mikell! Please, I don’t know what’s going on, please help-“

He raised a hand. “Silence. My name is 05-6.”

Jack went silent, lowering his head and trembling, staring at his hands. Not his hands, not his, he was supposed to be dead, what’s going on. “Please..what’s going on..?”

“We’ll figure that out in testing. But I’m afraid as for you..SCP-963 is your new designation.”

He paled in pure horror, staring at his brother in shock. “You’re- You’re joking right- I- You wouldn’t do this to me, I’m you’re brother!” He cried.

“Maybe at some point you were. But that title was gone when you became an anomaly.”

“But- Mom, she’s still at home whose gonna help her-“ He choked out, tears bubbling in his eyes.

“That is not for you to worry about. What you should worry about is being obedient when it’s coming to tests and not breaching. Have a good day, 963.” He stepped out of the room. There hadn’t been a single emotion on his face the entire time.

He trembled, staring at the door before the dam broke and he sobbed, wailing like a grieving animal as he buried his face in his knees. Not his, not his, not his, NOT HIS, NOT HIS, NOT HIS- A small dart sunk into his neck, a guard muttering something about him being loud as he soon got quieter. Whispering into the bed with madness and terror.

[vixenpen]

What Your Husband Don’t Know pt. 3 (Toji x Black Mom Reader)

(Just decided to do this randomly cuz why not? Remember reader is a black mom. Enjoy)

😏💦😩: Meet me at the Pearl in Hotel Blue

You blinked at the screen. You hadn’t heard from Toji since the last time the two of you had hooked up in the restaurant bathroom. That night, you had each been on dates with your significant others, and you had never felt so guilty and turned on in your life.

You thought back to that evening and the way Toji had gotten so possessive over you. How he’d manhandled you and fucked you until you had a permanent switch for the remainder of that night. Hell, that whole week. The way he had stared at you the entire night until he and his wife finally left.

The memory was enough to make your knees weak and your pussy clench in desire.

Then again; there was also her.

Hana Fushiguro, Toji’s wife.

She had walked out of the women’s bathroom beside the gender neutral one that night after you and Toji had finished.

The tired, strained smile she had given you when you tried to make polite conversation still haunted you. You’d been thinking about her ever since that encounter as well.

Of course both Mrs. Fushiguro and your husband were constant features in the back of your conscience, but it had been so easy to forget about them. When Mrs. Fushiguro was just a distant obscure figure. More of an idea than a person.

Then of course there was Kento. Sweet, unsuspecting, naive, Kento. Who never doubted you for a second. Who loved you unconditionally.

Every time you thought about him guilt  churned in your gut until you were sick, but you always rationalized it.

Oh he’s never around. He’s always working. He doesn’t even notice. It’s his fault if he’s not concerned enough to be involved in this family. He loves us, but he doesn’t show it the way I need. The passion is gone and it’s partially his fault.

And then it was easier to assuage your guilt. To continue the affair with Toji because you had enough excuses to drown the shame and flush it out of your system.

It was what you were doing now as you stared at the screen.

You pulled off the other yellow rubber glove, and discarded it beside the sink where the dishes were soaking in hot, bubbly water.

For a long time you could only stare at the screen.

It was 11:00am. The kids were in school, Kento was at work, and you had a long list of housewife chores to muddle through before picking up the children.

Three and a half hours. It would take at least half an hour to get to Hotel Blue if you gunned it.

😏💦😩: ????

You blinked at the screen. What did he want after an over week?

Me: I’ll be there in 30 mins

Half an hour later, you strutted into the restaurant wearing a red wrap dress and heels. A clutch was tucked under your arm with all your essentials  in it. You knew Toji wouldn’t be able to resist the bright color against your dark skin.

You scanned the restaurant. Big windows let in plenty of sunshine illuminating the sparsely populated restaurant.

You didn’t see Toji’s familiar build or mop of black hair anywhere.

“Looking for me?”

Your heart skipped. You motor senses failed you. Time seemed to stop for just a moment.

By force, you turned around.

There she stood.

Hana Fushiguro glared at you with all the ire she seemed able to muster.

Your mouth went dry.

“M-Mrs. Fushiguro—“

“Save it.” She raised a palm. “We need to talk.”

Your stomach flipped. Hana breezed straight past you to a booth at the back of the restaurant. You didn’t know what compelled you to follow her. You could have just as easily turned around and walked out. Hana couldn’t force you to follow her.

Yet you did.

You slid into the booth across from her and the two of you stared at each other.

The mistress and the wife.

You had watched these moments unfold on countless dramas and telanovellas. Read about them in numerous romance novels. But none of that had prepared you for being in this moment.

For Being the other woman.

There was a charged silence infused with unasked questions, speculations, insecurities, and comparisons as the two of you sized each other up.

Hana Fushiguro was a lovely woman. Fair skinned, luminous complexion, almond eyes—which upon closer inspection were actually a rich, dark brown—and shiny black hair. Her figure was slim, but soft and hugged in a white Juicy Couture sweatsuit. 

And yet…the stress of the affair had taken its toll, you could tell.

The usual luminous quality to her skin was dull. It looked as if she had forgotten to moisturize that day. Her hair was damp and tousled as if she had raked her fingers through it several times. Her eyes were puffy and red rimmed.

She had been crying.

You felt like shit.

After a few minutes of silence, Hana spoke in a voice shaky with unshed tears.

“I hope you’re happy.” She spat. “Toji left me.”

Your eyes blew wide.

“Wha-“

“You heard me, bitch. He left me. Said our marriage hasn’t been happy for years. Said his affair with you just confirmed that.”

“I-I-I don’t know what to say.”

“I tried to record you two that night, you know?” Hana fished through her little black pocketbook. “I heard you two through the bathroom wall. Imagine my surprise. Hearing my husband fuck another woman in the fucking restaurant bathroom WHILE WE’RE ON A FUCKING DATE!” She screeched.

Diners whipped their heads in your direction and the minimal chatter in the restaurant ceased. A passing waiter paused on the way to a table.

“Moaning about how much he loved your slutty cunt and-“ Hana choked out a sob as she cut herself off.

You watched her fiddle with a carton of cigarettes she’d pulled out of her pocketbook.

She drew the cigarette to her red painted lips while fumbling for a lighter.

“And here your ass come.” She chuckled. “I found that fucker’s second phone weeks ago. But he swore it was another work phone.” She let out a dry, humorless chuckle. “So,” she shrugged, “I believed him. Even when he would cut the screen off when I would look over his shoulder. Even when he would take the so called ‘work phone’ into the bathroom. I wanted so badly to believe him.”

You felt lightheaded as you listened to the woman. Your hands folded tightly in front of you while your knee bounced beneath the table. You had to do something. Say something.

“Hana, I-“

“Do you even give a shit?” She asked, cuttingly. Then she eyed you with the most offensive sneer you’d ever seen on a person’s face. “I mean, Clearly not.” She scoffed, gesturing at you in disgust. “You rushed right down here in your tightest fuck me dress to hop on my husband’s dick in the middle of the day. My god. You were just out with your husband last week. Did you go home and screw him too with my husband’s cock on your breath?”

“Hana, that’s—I’m not-“

“Does he know?”

You blinked back at her.

“Does…what are you-“

“Your husband.” She deadpanned. “Does he know?”

You swallowed a lump in your throat. The waiter had quietly brought over a couple glasses of water and bread but you hadn’t touched either.

Hana scanned your stiff posture and pensive expression before letting out a chuckle.

“Of course he doesn’t.” She sat back against the booth.

A waiter came to the table, nose wrinkled in irritation.

“Ma’am, you can’t smoke here.”

Hana never took her steely gaze off you as she took a long draft of the cigarette.

“No problem.” She stood, never once looking at the waiter. “I’m done here.”

The waiter looked uneasy as he glanced between Hana and you, but instead of pressing the matter, he just nodded.

“Please hurry, ma’am, it’s bothering the patrons.” Then he scurried away. Leaving you alone with Mrs. Fushiguro once more.

You thought about defending your honor. Making a case for yourself or at the very least, retaliating against Hana’s verbal cut downs.

But you didn’t.

Instead, you could only cower under Hana’s scornful glare, feeling small and ugly as she stood over you.

Then a small, wry smile stretched across the woman’s tired, pretty face. She leaned down, her damp, black hair framing her face like a veil.

“Since you won’t tell your husband about your affair, Mrs. Nanami, I will.”

Hana dropped the cigarette in your glass of water. The smoke fizzled out in seconds.

“We can both be single, bitch.”

And with one last parting glare, Mrs. Fushiguro stormed out of the restaurant.

You watched her discarded cigarette float in your water feeling that familiar guilty churn in your gut. Stronger than ever.

With a jolt, you jumped from the table and bolted to the nearest bathroom.