#Head Up Display Market

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Head Up Display Market Trends: Key Drivers, Growth, and Innovations Shaping the Future of Displays

The head-up display (HUD) market has been experiencing exponential growth in recent years, driven by advancements in technology and an increasing demand for enhanced user experiences across multiple industries. Initially popular in the aerospace and automotive sectors, HUDs are now being utilized in a wide variety of applications, including consumer electronics, healthcare, and even smart homes. In this blog, we will explore the emerging trends within the head-up display market and examine how innovations in display technologies, user interface design, and integrated systems are reshaping the future of this industry.

Technological Advancements Fueling Growth

The primary factor driving the expansion of the head-up display market is the rapid evolution of technology. OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and micro-LED technologies have improved the quality, clarity, and energy efficiency of HUD systems, making them more accessible to a wider range of industries. OLED displays, for example, offer high contrast ratios, thin form factors, and flexible configurations, which make them ideal for HUD applications. Similarly, micro-LED displays are gaining traction due to their brightness, durability, and low power consumption.

Moreover, advancements in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are also making their way into HUDs, creating more interactive and immersive experiences. These technologies allow for more dynamic and context-rich information to be projected onto the display, improving user engagement and decision-making.

Increased Adoption in Automotive Sector

One of the most significant sectors driving the head-up display market is the automotive industry. As car manufacturers focus on providing a safer, more connected, and futuristic driving experience, HUD systems have become an essential feature. HUDs in vehicles display critical information such as speed, navigation, and safety alerts directly onto the windshield, reducing distractions and improving driver focus.

The rise of autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles is also expected to accelerate the adoption of head-up displays. These systems will play an essential role in communicating real-time information between the vehicle and its passengers. Additionally, augmented reality HUDs will enable more seamless interaction between the driver and the vehicle’s surrounding environment, enhancing the overall driving experience.

Consumer Electronics and Wearables

The trend of incorporating HUD technology into consumer electronics and wearable devices is gaining momentum. Smart glasses, for instance, have become one of the most talked-about applications of HUD technology. With major tech companies investing in augmented reality glasses, the use of head-up displays is expected to expand beyond the automotive and aviation industries.

Devices such as smart helmets for motorcyclists and cyclists are another emerging market for HUD technology. These products aim to improve safety and functionality by displaying vital information like speed, heart rate, and navigation directly onto the visor or lens, enhancing the user experience without causing distractions.

Healthcare and Medical Applications

Head-up displays are also making their way into healthcare, particularly in surgical settings. Surgeons are using HUDs to display crucial data such as patient vitals, imaging, and diagnostic information directly in their line of sight during operations. This real-time access to data minimizes the need to look away from the patient, allowing for a more focused and efficient procedure.

Moreover, the healthcare industry is exploring the potential of HUDs for remote surgeries and telemedicine. By integrating augmented reality with head-up display technology, medical professionals can collaborate more effectively with colleagues or specialists, improving the outcomes of complex procedures.

Smart Homes and Retail

The future of head-up display technology is not limited to vehicles or healthcare; it is also making its way into smart homes and retail environments. For smart homes, HUDs could enable hands-free control of various devices, from lights and thermostats to security systems. Consumers would be able to access information, notifications, and control options simply by interacting with a transparent display embedded in their home environment.

In the retail space, businesses are exploring the potential of HUDs to enhance the shopping experience. Augmented reality HUDs can be used in virtual stores to create interactive shopping environments or help customers navigate physical stores with real-time promotions, product recommendations, and item availability displayed directly in their field of view.

Future Outlook

As the demand for seamless, interactive, and immersive user experiences grows, the head-up display market is expected to continue its upward trajectory. From automotive to healthcare and beyond, HUDs are poised to revolutionize industries by providing intuitive, hands-free access to critical information. The market is likely to see further integration with AI, AR, and VR technologies, making HUD systems smarter, more responsive, and more capable of meeting the needs of various sectors.

The increasing focus on safety, convenience, and user engagement will drive innovation and expansion in the HUD space. As the technology matures and becomes more affordable, it is expected that head-up displays will become a standard feature across multiple devices and industries.

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Head Up Display Market - Forecast 2024-2030

Head Up Display Market Overview

The Head Up Display Market size is estimated to reach $5.8 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 17.5% in the period 2024-2030. The growth of the Head Up Display Market is mainly attributed to increased vehicular traffic and growing production of aircrafts. For instance, according to the United Nations COMTRADE, United States Exports of aircraft, spacecraft was US$102.85 Billion during 2022. The Head Up Display Market is anticipated to immensely benefit from emergence of smart devices such as Garmin Head up Display (HUD) and SmartView Synthetic Vision, which has further elevated demand for head up displays. The need for improved steering and navigation, Instrument landing system have propelled the adoption of Synthetic vision systems such as Head Up Display. The improving technologies in terms of display and projection units with adoption of Liquid Crystal display on Silicon (LCoS), optical collimator and digital micromirror devices will drive the market projection.

Additionally, The Head-Up Display (HUD) market is diversifying beyond automotive applications, expanding into aviation, gaming, and consumer electronics. This diversification broadens the market's reach and stimulates innovation, offering new avenues for growth and development. With HUD technology permeating various industries, companies are leveraging its adaptability to create enhanced user experiences and capitalize on emerging market opportunities. Moreover, Augmented Reality (AR) HUDs are experiencing increased demand within the Head-Up Display (HUD) market. These innovative systems provide immersive experiences by overlaying digital information onto the user's field of view. Offering advanced functionalities like navigation overlays and contextual information display, AR HUDs enhance user engagement and provide valuable real-time data, driving their adoption across various industries, including automotive, aviation, and consumer electronics.

Head Up Display Market Report Coverage

The report: “Head Up Display Industry Outlook – Forecast (2024-2030)”, by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments of the Head Up Display Market.

By Product Type: Windshield, Combiner

By Technology: CRT, LED, MEMS, Optical Waveguide and Others

By Components: Video Generator, Projection Unit, Display Unit, Combiners and Others

By Application: Aerospace (Aircraft, Helicopters and UAVs), Defense (Air, Ground, Marine and Others), Automotive (PVs, LCVs, HCVs) and Others

By Sales Channel: OEM, Aftermarket

By Geography - North America (U.S, Canada, Mexico), Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Russia and Others), APAC(China, Japan India, South Korea, Australia and Others), South America(Brazil, Argentina and others)and RoW (Middle East and Africa).

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Key Takeaways

• Key players including BAE Systems, Thales Group, Bosch, Nippon Seiki and Continental accounted for around 30% of the total market share in 2023, with contracts and partnerships being adopted as key strategies.

• The major driving factor in the Head Up Display Market is increased investments in the aerospace sector during the forecast period. In this sector, head up displays are being deployed to aid pilots and drivers in estimating the path and navigation and thereby enhancing flight and driver control and steering through synthetic vision systems. This has compelled manufacturers to integrate advanced features such as head-up display with Liquid crystal displays and digital micromirror device which improve Display luminance.

• Head up displays are being majorly deployed in small and mid-size aircrafts owing to their compactness, high accuracy sensors and cost-efficient relay optics that are used to project the HUD image to the pilot. This has driven demand for projector units which hold the largest market share of around 28% in the components segment.

• North America is the largest market for Head Up Displays, accounting for around 37% of the global market share in 2023 owing to increased demand for precise situational awareness in military aircrafts. The head up displays deploy an algorithm to calculate the optimum flare maneuver required for ensuring a smooth landing on the runway. This feature helps pilots avoid stressful maneuvers on unfamiliar sloped runways or during nighttime approach landings.

Head Up Display Market Segment Analysis – By Technology

Optical waveguide head up displays is a major segment, accounting for around 56% in the Head Up Display Market globally in 2023. They find application in the aviation sector owing to the advantages they offer in terms of data projection, easy installation and cost efficiency. In recent years, increased investments in the aerospace sector globally have fueled demand for head up displays for aircraft steering and instrument landing systems. In November 2022, Indian government aims for a substantial US$ 9550 million investment in aerospace and defense sectors over a decade. This initiative signifies potential growth opportunities for the Head-Up Display (HUD) market, particularly in aviation and defense applications, as increased investment fosters technological advancements and innovation.

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Head Up Display Market Segment Analysis – By Application

One of the significant growth factors for the Head Up Display Market is the deployment of HUDs in civil aircrafts and passenger vehicles. The aviation segment for the Head Up Display Market is poised to grow at a CAGR of 24.2% in the forecast period 2024-2030. Manufacturers have been increasingly forced to integrate advanced features such as head-up display with Liquid crystal displays and digital micromirror device to improve Display luminance. Research is being carried out to design innovative HUD interfaces aiming to reduce operator distraction and improve performance. Boeing has introduced its 787 advanced flight deck, incorporating head up displays, that integrates dual global positioning system receivers with triple-redundant flight management systems that enhances precise flight vision through aircraft steering and instrument landing systems. Additionally, recently issued regulations have significantly fuelled demand for head up displays in the aerospace and automtovie arenas. Civil Aviation Administration of China has mandated adoption of head up displays to facilitate enhanced projection of data in Chinese airlines by 2025. Such initiatives have propelled demand for head up displays in the aerospace sector.

Head Up Display Market Segment Analysis – By Geography

North America holds a dominant share of 37% in the Head Up Display Market in 2023, which can be attributed to increased investments in the aerospace sector. Mexico's aerospace sector achieved significant growth, exporting USD 8 billion in 2022. This reflects the industry's robust performance and potential for collaboration in the global market. Such growth indicates opportunities for the Head-Up Display (HUD) market, as aerospace advancements often drive demand for HUD technology in aircraft for enhanced navigation and safety. According to The Aerospace America year-in-review index for 2022, NASA's X-59 aims to enable supersonic flight over land. Advancements in aircraft design technology pave the way for urban air mobility, enhancing future flight capabilities. Developments such as these present excellent growth opportunities for the Head Up Display Market in the North American region.

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Head Up Display Market Drivers

Increased Investments in The Military Sector

In the military and defense aviation sector, there has been a significant increase in the deployment of head up displays. This rise is attributed to the capability of HUDs to direct the pilot’s vision outside the aircraft and provide all the necessary flight information to the pilot. This results in an increase in overall efficiency and safety, which are essential considerations for the defense and military sectors. Moreover, demand for real-time monitoring of data by on-board instruments such as head up displays for improved aircraft steering and instrument landing systems in military aircrafts has consequently led to increased investments for deployment of head up displays in the aerospace sector. For instance, According to Ministry of Civil Aviation, India could have the capacity to manufacture drones worth $4.2 billion by 2025 and $23 billion by 2030. These drones incorporate head up displays, which is consequently boosting demand for head up displays in the aerospace sector.

Rise In Production of Civil Aircrafts

According to International Civil Aviation Organization, The number of air passengers carried in 2022 increased by an estimated 47% compared to 2021, while revenue passenger kilometres (RPK’s) increased by around 70% over the same period. The rise in passenger traffic globally has subsequently called for an increase in the production of civil aircrafts. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), approximately 39,000 aircrafts are estimated to be produced by 2027. This is anticipated to significantly increase demand for head up displays in civil aircrafts. Moreover, companies are focusing on developing innovative head up displays for enhancing precision within aircrafts. Netherlands-based Airbus SE has been developing an enhanced flight vision system (EFVS) to be equipped on its aircrafts still under production. This research is aimed at improving airport access for aircrafts, with the help of head up displays, regardless of weather or landing aids on the ground. This has compelled manufacturers to integrate advanced features such as head-up display with Liquid crystal displays and digital micromirror device which improve Display luminance.

Head Up Display Market Challenges

System Delays

In military applications, head up displays need to display the relevant information within a desired time frame. However, system delays often occur as a result of several factors including sensor delay, system processing speed and display update rate. Regardless of the source, the overall system delay results in the presentation of information that is inconsistent with the aircraft’s current state, further leading to errors in flight operation and reduced overall efficiency.

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Head Up Display Market Landscape

Partnerships and acquisitions along with contracts and up gradation are key strategies adopted by players in the Head Up Display Market. In 2023, the market for the Head Up Displays remained consolidated, with the top 10 players accounting for approximately 90% of market share. The major players in the Head Up Display Market include BAE Systems, Thales Group, Nippon Seiki, Visteon Corporation, Robert Bosch GmbH, Continental AG, Elbit Systems Ltd., Honeywell International Inc., Garmin Ltd., HUDWAY, LLC.

Partnerships/Product Launches/Contracts

• In May 2022, BAE Systems introduced LiteWave, a compact Head-Up Display (HUD) for both commercial and military aircraft. LiteWave offers enhanced pilot awareness with critical information presented in a laptop-sized display. Its lightweight and compact design, up to 70% smaller than existing HUDs, may drive demand in the Head-Up Display market for more efficient and advanced display solutions.

• In February 2022, Continental AG launched its new Head-Up Display (HUD) for rail vehicles, offering improved safety and efficiency. This innovation integrates crucial information into the driver's field of vision, enhancing situational awareness. The HUD market benefit from such advancements, potentially experiencing increased demand for advanced display solutions in various transportation sectors.

• In January 2022, Panasonic Automotive unveiled the Driveable AR HUD 2.0 featuring a patented eye-tracking system at CES 2022. This innovative AR HUD integrates proprietary eye-tracking technology to enhance image fidelity within the driver's field of view. With advanced features and improved accuracy, it addresses the growing demand for next-generation Head-Up Display solutions in the automotive market.

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Head-up Display Market Trends, Business Growth, Opportunities and Forecast till 2030

The global head-up display market size is expected to reach USD 15.26 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 15.7% from 2023 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. A Head Up Display is computerized systems that projects information onto the screen in vicinity to the viewer on screen or by means of a separate display. The HUD systems projects data, images, and supporting information to driver or the viewer in such a way that the viewer can view both the outside world and the information simultaneously. Initially, the HUD displays were prominently deployed in aviation industry seeking deployment specifically in military aircrafts. Later, the HUD displays were hosted on to civil aircrafts by means of a secondary screen. In recent times, HUD system finds applications in dynamic application arenas including automobile windscreens, motorcycle helmets where the data is displayed on the visor.

Nowadays, numerous luxury car manufactures such as Daimler AG and BMW AG have started incorporating HUD displays in their premium automobile models. Imminent future is expected to witness standardization of these HUD systems as they help in reducing accident proportion and ensure safer driving. HUD displays are even deployed in numerous gaming applications that seek deployment in conjunction with augmented reality technology. In the coming years, the automotive sector will endure to be the major contributor to the head up display market, nevertheless, the solicitation of HUDs in the wearables segment will witness the highest growth during the forecast period.

The demand from the automotive vertical and the increasing growth opportunities in the wearables sector are driving the growth of the head up display market. Automotive manufacturers are concentrating on ensuring HUD systems design, and economic assessment capability of deployment in basic & mid-segment cars.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Global Head-up Display Market

Head-up Display Market Report Highlights

The automotive segment accounted for the largest revenue share of around 77.2% in 2022.

North America dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 30.3% in 2022.

The growing demand for HUD system can be attributed to the ever-growing demand for efficient and safe driving technology, across defense and civil sectors

Further, sports and premium car segments would initially witness higher adoption of HUD systems, whereas over the forecasts the HUD incorporation would increase in basic and mid-segment car segments.

Browse through Grand View Research's Display Technologies Industry Research Reports.

Smart TV Market: The global smart TV market size was estimated at USD 227.52 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 16.6% from 2025 to 2030.

Virtual Mirror Market: The global virtual mirror market size was valued at USD 11.57 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 33.1% from 2025 to 2030.

Head-up Display Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global head-up display market based on application and region:

Head-up Display Application Outlook (Revenue in USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

Automotive

Premium/Luxury Cars

Sports Cars

Basic & Mid-segment Cars

Aviation

Wearables

Others

Head-up Display Regional Outlook (Revenue in USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

North America

US

Canada

Europe

UK

Germany

France

Asia Pacific

China

Japan

India

Australia

South Korea

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Middle East and Africa

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Saudi Arabia

South Africa

Order a free sample PDF of the Head-up Display Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

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Head-up Display Market - Structure, Size, Trends, Analysis and Outlook 2030

The global head-up display market size is expected to reach USD 15.26 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 15.7% from 2023 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. A Head Up Display is computerized systems that projects information onto the screen in vicinity to the viewer on screen or by means of a separate display. The HUD systems projects data, images, and supporting information to driver or the viewer in such a way that the viewer can view both the outside world and the information simultaneously. Initially, the HUD displays were prominently deployed in aviation industry seeking deployment specifically in military aircrafts. Later, the HUD displays were hosted on to civil aircrafts by means of a secondary screen. In recent times, HUD system finds applications in dynamic application arenas including automobile windscreens, motorcycle helmets where the data is displayed on the visor.

Nowadays, numerous luxury car manufactures such as Daimler AG and BMW AG have started incorporating HUD displays in their premium automobile models. Imminent future is expected to witness standardization of these HUD systems as they help in reducing accident proportion and ensure safer driving. HUD displays are even deployed in numerous gaming applications that seek deployment in conjunction with augmented reality technology. In the coming years, the automotive sector will endure to be the major contributor to the head up display market, nevertheless, the solicitation of HUDs in the wearables segment will witness the highest growth during the forecast period.

The demand from the automotive vertical and the increasing growth opportunities in the wearables sector are driving the growth of the head up display market. Automotive manufacturers are concentrating on ensuring HUD systems design, and economic assessment capability of deployment in basic & mid-segment cars.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Global Head-up Display Market

Head-up Display Market Report Highlights

The automotive segment accounted for the largest revenue share of around 77.2% in 2022.

North America dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 30.3% in 2022.

The growing demand for HUD system can be attributed to the ever-growing demand for efficient and safe driving technology, across defense and civil sectors

Further, sports and premium car segments would initially witness higher adoption of HUD systems, whereas over the forecasts the HUD incorporation would increase in basic and mid-segment car segments.

Browse through Grand View Research's Display Technologies Industry Research Reports.

Smart TV Market: The global smart TV market size was estimated at USD 227.52 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 16.6% from 2025 to 2030.

Virtual Mirror Market: The global virtual mirror market size was valued at USD 11.57 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 33.1% from 2025 to 2030.

Head-up Display Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global head-up display market based on application and region:

Head-up Display Application Outlook (Revenue in USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

Automotive

Premium/Luxury Cars

Sports Cars

Basic & Mid-segment Cars

Aviation

Wearables

Others

Head-up Display Regional Outlook (Revenue in USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

North America

US

Canada

Europe

UK

Germany

France

Asia Pacific

China

Japan

India

Australia

South Korea

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Middle East and Africa

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Saudi Arabia

South Africa

Order a free sample PDF of the Head-up Display Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

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Choosing the Right Banner Stand for Your Next Trade Show or Event

When it comes to showcasing your business at a trade show or marketing event, the display you choose plays a vital role in attracting attention and engaging potential clients. Among the various display options available, banner stands stand out as an effective, versatile, and cost-efficient solution. Whether you're a first-time exhibitor or a seasoned pro, selecting the right banner stand can make all the difference in achieving a successful event.

In this article, we will explore the key advantages of choosing the right banner stand for your next trade show or event and how it can elevate your marketing efforts.

1. Portability and Easy Setup

One of the most significant advantages of Banner Stand is their portability. Designed to be lightweight and easy to transport, banner stands are perfect for businesses that need to set up quickly and move between different events. Many models come with a convenient carrying case, making it simple to pack up and head to the next exhibition without hassle.

Key Benefit: You can set up and dismantle your banner stand in minutes, ensuring minimal time is spent on logistics and more time engaging with attendees.

2. Compact and Space-Efficient

Banner stands are perfect for booths or spaces where you need to make a visual impact without taking up too much room. Their slim and vertical design allows for maximum visibility while keeping your booth neat and organized. Whether you need a banner for a small corner of your exhibition or a large backdrop for a prominent display, banner stands come in a range of sizes, including compact models that fit into smaller spaces.

Key Benefit: Banner stands offer a professional look without crowding your display area, helping to create a clean and spacious presentation.

3. High-Quality, Customizable Graphics

Your banner stand serves as a canvas for your brand message, so the quality of the graphics is essential. High-resolution graphics printed on durable materials ensure that your brand, logo, and messaging stand out. Banner stands can be fully customized to match your brand’s colors, fonts, and design elements, making it easier for you to create a cohesive look across all your marketing materials.

Key Benefit: Customizable banners ensure your messaging is consistent and visually appealing, reinforcing your brand identity and making a lasting impression on event attendees.

4. Cost-Effective Marketing Tool

Compared to other types of displays and exhibition equipment, banner stands are a budget-friendly solution without compromising on quality or effectiveness. Whether you’re hosting a one-time event or attending multiple trade shows throughout the year, banner stands offer a cost-efficient way to get your message across. Their durability and reusability mean that they can be used for many events, saving you money in the long run.

Key Benefit: Banner stands provide a high return on investment, offering affordable, reusable marketing tools for ongoing promotions.

5. Versatile Display Options

Banner stands come in a variety of styles, from simple retractable banners to more advanced modular systems. You can choose from single-sided or double-sided stands depending on your space and visibility needs. Double-sided banners are ideal for locations with heavy foot traffic, allowing your message to be seen from multiple angles. Additionally, you can opt for different sizes, from compact models to large banners, ensuring your display meets your specific event requirements.

Key Benefit: The wide range of display options ensures you can choose the best banner stand for your specific needs, whether you need a simple promotional display or a more elaborate exhibition setup.

6. Durable and Long-Lasting

When selecting a banner stand, durability is key. The best banner stands are made from sturdy, recyclable materials such as aluminum, ensuring they can withstand the wear and tear of frequent use. Quality banners are also printed on durable fabrics or vinyl that resist fading, curling, and damage, ensuring that your stand looks professional for many events to come. Some banner stands even come with warranties, adding an extra layer of assurance that your display will last.

Key Benefit: Durable materials and long-lasting design ensure that your banner stand maintains its quality appearance over time, providing you with a reliable marketing tool.

7. High Visibility and Impact

The primary purpose of any banner stand is to capture the attention of potential customers and clients. With large, visually striking graphics, banner stands are perfect for standing out in crowded trade show halls, conferences, and promotional events. Their vertical design and high-quality materials allow your messaging to be seen from a distance, ensuring that your booth grabs attention as people walk by.

Key Benefit: Banner stands are designed to be eye-catching, helping your brand stand out and attract the right audience at busy events.

8. Eco-Friendly Options

As sustainability becomes increasingly important, many banner stands now come with eco-friendly features. Recyclable aluminum frames and eco-friendly printing options, such as solvent-free inks, ensure your display aligns with your environmental values. Choosing sustainable materials not only helps the planet but also enhances your company’s green image, which can resonate well with attendees who value sustainability.

Key Benefit: Eco-friendly banner stands allow you to promote your business in an environmentally responsible way, appealing to conscious consumers and reducing your ecological footprint.

Conclusion

Choosing the right banner stand for your next trade show or event can significantly enhance your marketing strategy. From portability and easy setup to customizable graphics and cost-effectiveness, banner stands offer numerous benefits that can help your business stand out and leave a lasting impression on your audience. With so many options available, there’s a banner stand solution for every event and marketing need. Investing in the right one ensures that your display will make a strong visual impact, draw attention, and effectively communicate your brand’s message.

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Head-Up Display Market Analysis, Growth, Share, Market Trends, Forecast to 2032

The Head-Up Display (HUD) Market has seen significant growth in recent years, reflecting its increasing importance across various sectors, including automotive, military, and aviation. Valued at USD 2.1 billion in 2023, the HUD market is projected to expand rapidly, growing from USD 2.604 billion in 2024 to an impressive USD 11.7 billion by 2032. This growth trajectory represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.66% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2032.

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Key Market Drivers

Several critical factors are driving the substantial growth of the HUD market:

Increasing Awareness About Passenger and Vehicle Safety: One of the primary drivers of the HUD market is the growing emphasis on safety in the automotive sector. As awareness about passenger and vehicle safety increases, there is a rising demand for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), of which HUDs are a crucial component. HUDs enhance driving safety by projecting vital information, such as speed, navigation, and warning signals, directly onto the windshield, allowing drivers to stay focused on the road.

Rising Adoption in the Automotive Sector: The automotive industry has been a significant contributor to the growth of the HUD market. With the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving technologies, automakers are integrating HUDs into their vehicles to provide drivers with an immersive and safe driving experience. As car manufacturers continue to innovate and enhance the driving experience, the demand for HUDs is expected to surge.

Expanding Applications in Military and Aviation: Beyond the automotive sector, HUDs have long been utilized in military and aviation applications. In these sectors, HUDs provide critical real-time data to pilots and soldiers, improving situational awareness and operational efficiency. As defense and aviation industries continue to advance, the demand for more sophisticated HUD systems is expected to grow, further driving market expansion.

Market Segmentation

The HUD market can be segmented based on:

Technology: Conventional HUD, Augmented Reality (AR) HUD

Component: Video Generators, Projectors, Display Units, Software

Vehicle Type: Passenger Cars, Commercial Vehicles, Aviation, Military Vehicles

Application: Automotive, Aerospace, Defense, Others

Regional Insights

Geographically, the HUD market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America currently holds a significant share of the market, driven by the high adoption of advanced safety technologies in the automotive and aerospace industries. Europe is also a key market, particularly due to stringent safety regulations and the strong presence of luxury car manufacturers that incorporate HUDs in their vehicles. Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, fueled by the expanding automotive industry and increasing investments in defense and aviation sectors.

Competitive Landscape

The HUD market is highly competitive, with several key players driving technological advancements and market expansion. Companies such as Continental AG, Denso Corporation, Visteon Corporation, BAE Systems, and Panasonic Corporation are at the forefront, continuously developing new and innovative HUD systems. These companies focus on enhancing the functionality, clarity, and integration of HUDs to cater to the evolving needs of automotive, military, and aviation customers.

Future Outlook

The future of the HUD market looks exceptionally bright, with continued advancements in technology and increasing adoption across various sectors. The integration of augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) into HUD systems is expected to revolutionize the market, offering users more interactive and intelligent displays. Additionally, the growing trend towards autonomous driving and the increasing focus on vehicle safety will continue to drive demand for HUDs, making them an integral part of modern vehicles.

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Automotive Smart Display Market to Witness High Growth Due to Steadily Increasing demand

The Automotive Smart Display Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 12.83 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 21.73 billion by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% from 2024 to 2031.

Automotive smart displays are intelligent display units installed in vehicles that provide enhanced graphics, connectivity and driver assistance features. Smart displays enable connecting smartphones seamlessly to in-vehicle infotainment systems via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. They offer features like navigation, voice control, entertainment and communication options along with driver assistance functions. Growing demand for enhanced in-vehicle experience, connectivity and safety in automobiles is driving the need for smart displays. Key Takeaways Key players operating in the automotive smart display market are Alps Alpine Co., Ltd., Continental AG, Delphi Automotive PLC, Denso Corporation, Hyundai Mobis, Japan Display Inc., LG Display Co. Ltd., Magna International Inc., Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd., Panasonic Corporation, Pioneer Corporation, Robert Bosch GmbH, SAMSUNG (HARMAN International), and Visteon Corporation. Some major opportunities in the market include increasing sales of premium and luxury vehicles globally along with rising demand for connected services in entry-level cars. Also, the development of advanced technologies like augmented reality HUDs and transparent displays are expected to gain traction in coming years. The global Automotive Smart Display Market Growth  is predominantly dominated by Asian countries due to presence of leading automobile manufacturers. However, North America and Europe are also lucrative markets driven by increasing electrification of vehicles and demand for advanced safety and infotainment features. Manufacturers are focusing on these regions through partnerships with leading automakers. Market Drivers The steadily increasing demand for connected cars equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and convenience features is a key factor driving the automotive smart display market. Features like navigation, rear view camera displays and 360-degree parking assistance require adoption of intelligent display units. Moreover, growing consumer preference for technologically advanced in-cabin experience along with stringent safety norms mandating driver assistance technologies will further aid the demand for smart displays in coming years. Additionally, increasing vehicle electrification resulting in availability of larger screens and innovative display technologies will drive innovations in automotive displays landscapes.

PEST Analysis: Political: Automotive safety and environmental regulations may affect the adoption of smart displays in vehicles. Developments in connectivity and data privacy regulations could impact the development and adoption of connected infotainment systems. Economic: Rising disposable incomes and economic growth support demand for luxury and premium vehicles which are more likely to incorporate advanced smart displays. However, economic slowdowns may negatively impact overall automotive sales and related electronics spending. Social: Younger consumers demand more connected infotainment experiences in vehicles which drives demand for smart displays. The increasing use of on-demand entertainment and digital connectivity in daily lives increases acceptability of connected vehicle technologies. Technological: Advancements in display technologies like higher resolutions, greater brightness levels, and touch-screen capabilities enable new in-vehicle applications and drive the need for upgraded vehicle display systems. Developments in connectivity standards like 5G will allow for better integrated infotainment and information sharing between vehicles. Geographical concentration: North America dominates in terms of value share currently due to high penetration of luxury vehicles and premium vehicles that are early adopters of advanced smart displays. Asia Pacific market is growing rapidly led by China due to increasing production and sales of mid to high-end vehicles with more focus on infotainment features. Fastest growing region: Asia Pacific region is expected to see the fastest growth in the automotive smart display market during the forecast period due to rising vehicle production and sales in China and India along with growing demand for connected vehicle technologies from younger consumers in the region. Production shifts from foreign to domestic carmakers will also drive regional market growth. Initiatives like Made in China 2025 supporting development of connected and autonomous driving are further strengthening the region's position.

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Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights.

(LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alice-mutum-3b247b137 )

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The Europe Automotive Head-up Display Market can be customized to country level or any other market segment. Besides this, UMI understands that you may have your own business need, hence we also provide fully customized solutions to clients.

[aviationanddefence1]

Global Heads Up Display market reports

When it came to instrumentation, the first aircraft were equipped with dial gauges, which meant that the pilot had to look down into the cockpit to see all the information needed to fly. These gauges were located on the instrument panel. To make aim easier, military aircraft began using optical reflector gun sights, which displayed images on a glass pane in front of the pilot. Since the Blackburn Buccaneer attack aircraft was designed to drop bombs while flying at very low altitude and very fast, the British Royal Navy created a new kind of gun sight for the aircraft in 1958.

Air speed, attitude direction via compass, angle of attack, acceleration, flight path vector, and other navigational data are displayed on the HUD of military combat aircraft. In addition, it shows the direction, range, and target designator box for missiles as well as cannon targeting information. The Global Heads Up Display market reports were split into modes that show the most pertinent readouts for each in order to keep the amount of information presented to a reasonable level and prevent oversaturation. These modes consist of landing and takeoff navigation. Communications from air to air and from air to ground.

Main factors affecting defence Notice: Expanding Display Industry:

For both synthetic and improved vision, a standard HUD is integrated with these components. By using data from several sensors on board the aircraft, enhanced vision systems give pilots extra information in low visibility situations. The application of algorithms to produce three-dimensional visuals that provide a pilot with a more naturalistic depiction of their environment is known as synthetic vision. One significant advancement in the sector that will boost market growth is the application of sensor fusion to enhance vision.

Factors impacting the Defence HUD Market Capacity:

Heads-up displays, or HUDs, will still be transparent screens that fit inside military pilot helmets or in front of windscreens.AR HUDs and holographic optics are still a few years off. Large field-of-view head-up displays are becoming more and more important for augmented reality applications, but the huge size of the optical components currently limits their design. Large fields of view screens will be the primary industry development driving the heads-up display market's expansion.

Market Forecast and Dynamics for HUDs:

Growing defense spending will stimulate the market for new procurement initiatives as well as platform upgrades with more advanced features and technology. Increasing the defense budget will stimulate the purchase of new aircraft and HUD-using platforms. Procurement will also be impacted by the present geopolitical environment in Europe and the Asia-Pacific area.

Defence Chiefs Draw Attention to Market Analysis of Recent Developments:

The original target of August 2022 for the "roll out" of the first Tejas Mk2 prototype has been rescheduled to the end of 2022. The first flight is anticipated to occur in late 2023. Initially, four prototypes are intended. Described as a fighter aircraft of the 4.5 generation, the Tejas Mk2 will be classified as middleweight instead of lightweight. This single-engine supersonic combat aircraft is produced by Hindustan Aeronautics and serves multiple roles (HAL). The focal points of the glass cockpit will include a wide-angle holographic head-up display system that can be used with night vision goggles and a touch-sensitive broad area display.

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Aerospace and Defence Head-Up Display Market - Forecast(2024 - 2030)

Aerospace and Defence Head-Up Display Market Overview

The Aerospace and Defence Head-Up Display Market size is forecast to reach $3.9 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 10.5% in the period 2021-2026. The growth of the Aerospace and Defence Head-Up Display Market is mainly attributed to increased passenger traffic, which is leading to growing production of aircrafts. For instance, revenue from aircrafts exports increased from $143.17 billion in 2017 to $156.61 billion in 2019 for the U.S. The Aerospace and Defense HUD Market is anticipated to immensely benefit from emergence of smart devices such as Garmin Head up Display (HUD) and SmartView Synthetic Vision, which has further elevated demand for head up displays in the aerospace sector. The need for improved aircraft steering, Instrument landing system have propelled the adoption of Synthetic vision systems such as Aerospace and Defense HUD.

Aerospace and Defence Head-Up Display Market Report Coverage

The report: “Aerospace and Defence Head-Up Display Market Industry Outlook – Forecast (2021-2026)”, by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments of the Aerospace and Defense HUD Market.

By Technology: CRT, LED, MEMS, Optical Waveguide and Others. By Components: Video Generator, Projection Unit, Display Unit, Combiners and Others. By Application: Aerospace (Aircraft, Helicopters and UAVs), Defense (Air, Ground, Marine and Others). By End Use Industry: Civil, Military and Government and Others. By Geography - North America (U.S, Canada, Mexico), Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Russia and Others), APAC(China, Japan India, South Korea, Australia and Others), South America(Brazil, Argentina and others)and RoW (Middle east and Africa).

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Key Takeaways

Key players including BAE Systems, Thales Group, Collins Aerospace, Elbit Systems and Excelitas Technologies Corp accounted for around 70% of the total market share in 2018, with contracts and partnerships being adopted as key strategies.

The major driving factor in the Aerospace and Defense HUD Market is increased investments in the aerospace sector during the forecast period. In this sector, head up displays are being deployed to aid pilots in estimating the path of the aircraft and thereby enhancing flight control and aircraft steering through synthetic vision systems. This has compelled aircraft manufacturers to integrate advanced features such as head-up display in aircrafts which improve Display luminance.

Head up displays are being majorly deployed in small and mid-size aircrafts owing to their compactness, high accuracy sensors and cost efficient relay optics that are used to project the HUD image to the pilot. This has driven demand for projector units which hold the largest market share of around 25% in the components segment.

North America is the largest market for Aerospace and Defense HUDs, accounting for around 43% of the global market share in 2020 owing to increased demand for precise situational awareness in military aircrafts. The head up displays deploy an algorithm to calculate the optimum flare maneuver required for ensuring a smooth landing on the runway. This feature helps pilots avoid stressful maneuvers on unfamiliar sloped runways or during nighttime approach landings.

Aerospace and Defence Head-Up Display Market Segment Analysis – By Technology

Optical waveguide head up displays is a major segment, accounting for around 62% in the Aerospace and Defense HUD market globally in 2020. They find application in the aviation sector owing to the advantages they offer in terms of data projection, easy installation and cost efficiency. In recent years, increased investments in the aerospace sector globally have fuelled demand for head up displays for aircraft steering and instrument landing systems. The U.S. has encouraged NATO countries to expand their aerospace and military expenditure. As a result of this, in 2019, the government of France has announced expansion of its military and aerospace expenditure to 2% of GDP. Moreover, the U.K. Ministry of Defense signed a deal with California-based General Atomics worth $125m to supply drones equipped with head up displays for the U.K. defense sector.

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Aerospace and Defence Head-Up Display Market Segment Analysis – By End Use Industry

One of the significant growth factors for the Aerospace and Defense HUD market is the deployment of HUDs in civil aircrafts.  The civil aviation segment for the Aerospace and Defense HUD market is poised to grow at a CAGR of 13.2% in the forecast period 2021-2026. Research is being carried out to design innovative HUD interfaces aiming to reduce operator distraction and improve performance. Boeing has introduced its 787 advanced flight deck, incorporating head up displays, that integrates dual global positioning system receivers with triple-redundant flight management systems that enhances precise flight vision through aircraft steering and instrument landing systems. Additionally, recently issued regulations have significantly fuelled demand for head up displays in the aerospace arena. Civil Aviation Administration of China has mandated adoption of head up displays to facilitate enhanced projection of data in Chinese airlines by 2025. Such initiatives have propelled demand for head up displays in the aerospace sector.

Aerospace and Defence Head-Up Display Market Segment Analysis – By Geography

North America holds a dominant share of 43% in the head up display market in 2020, which can be attributed to increased investments in the aerospace sector. According to the Aerospace Industries Association, aerospace exports in U.S. have increased by 26% from $113 billion in 2012 to $154 billion in 2019. In 2019, the Canadian Department of National Defense awarded a contract worth $14.5m to Marconi Aerospace Defense Systems to develop and integrate vision imaging systems and head-up displays for the Canadian CH-146 Utility Tactical Transport Helicopter (UTTH). Developments such as these present excellent growth opportunities for the Aerospace and Defense HUD market in the North American region.

Aerospace and Defence Head-Up Display Market Drivers

Increased Investments In The Aerospace Sector

In the military and defense aviation sector, there has been a significant increase in the deployment of head up displays. This rise is attributed to the capability of HUDs to direct the pilot’s vision outside the aircraft and provide all the necessary flight information to the pilot. This results in an increase in overall efficiency and safety, which are essential considerations for the defense and military sectors. Moreover, demand for real-time monitoring of data by on-board instruments such as head up displays for improved aircraft steering and instrument landing systems in military aircrafts has consequently led to increased investments for deployment of head up displays in the aerospace sector. For instance, the Italian Ministry of Defense increased its investment on surveillance drones from $506m in 2016 to $991m in 2019. These drones incorporate head up displays, which is consequently boosting demand for head up displays in the aerospace sector.

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Rise In Production Of Civil Aircrafts

As per the International Air Transport Association, passengers travelling by domestic airlines globally increased from 561 billion in 2018 to 589 billion in 2019. The rise in passenger traffic globally has subsequently called for an increase in production of civil aircrafts. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), approximately 39,000 aircrafts are estimated to be produced by 2027. This is anticipated to significantly increase demand for head up displays in civil aircrafts. Moreover, companies are focusing on developing innovative head up displays for enhancing precision within aircrafts. Netherlands-based Airbus SE has been developing an enhanced flight vision system (EFVS) to be equipped on its aircrafts still under production. This research is aimed at improving airport access for aircrafts, with the help of head up displays, regardless of weather or landing aids on the ground.

Aerospace and Defence Head-Up Display Market Challenges

System Delays

In military applications, head up displays need to display the relevant information within a desired time frame. However, system delays often occur as a result of several factors including sensor delay, system processing speed and display update rate. Regardless of the source, the overall system delay results in the presentation of information that is inconsistent with the aircraft’s current state, further leading to errors in flight operation and reduced overall efficiency.

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Aerospace and Defence Head-Up Display Market Landscape

Partnerships and acquisitions along with contracts and up gradation are key strategies adopted by players in the Aerospace and Defense HUD market. In 2018, the market for the Aerospace and Defense HUDs remained consolidated, with the top 10 players accounting for approximately 90% of market share. The major players in the Aerospace and Defense HUD Market include BAE Systems, Thales Group, Collins Aerospace, Elbit Systems, Excelitas Technology Corp, Honeywell Aerospace and Garmin Ltd.

Partnerships/Product Launches/Contracts

In July 2019, Leonardo S.p.A. signed a contract worth €300mwith the Armaments and Airworthiness Department of the Italian Ministry of Defense, aimed at supplying 13 M-345 High Efficiency Trainers (HET) equipped with head up displays.

In February 2019, Continental AG increased its investment in DigiLens Inc. from the $25m it had invested in 2016. This investment is targeted at developing a waveguide head up display that fulfills requirement of applications across industries such as aerospace, automotive and others.

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The head-up display market size is projected to be valued at US$ 8.6 billion in 2023 and is expected to rise to US$ 46.0 billion by 2033. The sales of the head-up displays are expected to grow at a significant CAGR of 18.3% over the forecast period.

[grabby-smitten]

Concrete Jungle: King of the beasts

Summary: Buying a hybrid was not what you had in mind when you asked for independence. Sylus didn’t like humans but his owner was the exception.

Subjects: Albino lion Hybrid!Sylus x F!Reader

Word count: 4.1k+

Content Warnings: Hybrid AU, smut, owner reader, kissing, cunnilingus, P in V, breeding, cnc if u squint really hard, biting, textured tongue. Use of words like predator/prey, cunt, pussy, kitten. Not edited and no beta.

A.N: I learned that big cats can’t purr and I was so disappointed. Oh, well….ah! I might do one for each li. k bye 💋

“Are you sure, I need one?” You’ve asked your parents that question for the umpteenth time.

“Yes, a hybrid is a good caretaker and it would make us feel better knowing one is protecting you.” Your father answered with a tired smile, understanding your uneasiness but they weren’t going to change their mind.

Moving out and finally becoming independent was just one step away from happening. Your parents were against it at first. Coming from money means someone will always be after your trail, danger and they had overprotected you, their only daughter since… well, even before you were born. They weren’t able to have natural children so you were conceived through artificial methods. Which, according to your parents, was a whole ordeal and suffering. Details that you rather not know.

It was time, though, to deep your toes into a world of your own. You wanted freedom for once. No dozens of bodyguards, no tracking devices and no fear of the unknown.

The part of convincing your parents was hard. No, after no, after no. Until, the head of security, taking pity on you, suggested buying a hybrid for you. Not just any hybrid; one specially made to protect and serve.

Now it was your turn to profoundly refuse. Everyone had one and those who didn’t, desired one… like some kind of accessory. It sickened you and besides, you didn’t want another responsibility. You wanted your own life! Not taking care of some… dog? Cat? Fish?

In the end, you had no other choice but to agree and here you were, in some facility. Breeding facility? Training? You didn’t care enough to pay attention, honestly.

Walking behind your parents in an all-white hall, smelling like antiseptic and gagging at the chemical sensation in your throat, you started to notice how the white walls began to turn into cages. Placards hung in the walls near the tinted glass and steel bars of the cages with descriptions of the… hybrids?

Looking up from the labels, you finally realized you no longer were alone. Each cell was occupied by humanoid-shaped shadows. The tint of the reinforced glass obstructed your vision but it was clear they were there.

So lost in your thoughts, you didn’t realize a couple of strangers had joined your family. Paying a bit more attention to their chatter, you concluded they were doctors or scientists from this facility. They were explaining something about their products and that it was the best the market could offer. You frowned at their words. It was like you were buying a car… they even explained the insurance policy.

“And this specimen, right here, is our finest hybrid!” One of the men talking to your parents loudly explained.

You stepped closer to the placard and read the few words it contained. ‘Albino Lion Hybrid (Panthera leo Hybrid, large cat family Felidae). Apex predator (no natural enemy known). Renowned king of the beasts. More active at night. Preferable habitats: grassland, dense scrub, savanna, and open woodland. Nomadic male.’

Your eyes widened once your brain processed the information. This was no guard dog or house cat. Before you could utter a complaint about how obnoxious this all was, the tinted glass cleared and you were looking straight into a pair of scarlet eyes.

Sylus almost laughed at the face of the female standing outside his cell. The little mouse seemed in shock to see him there. What was she expecting? Where else would he be? If not caged and on display here— absurd, he thought. All humans that came here, came for one thing and one thing only; to purchase a wild species, a unique breed to flaunt to their peers. Sylus continuously thought about how weird these humans behaved in society. Their hierarchy dynamics were messed up and he despised that.

You felt his eyes mocking you, such deep red and the only thing you could feel was irritation. Frowning, you turned your head and left him. See how he likes grouching on his own.

Once you were a few steps away, the scientists or doctors stared at the red-eyed big cat hybrid with wonder and… respect? This place was bonkers, you thought to yourself.

“So this is the one?” Your mother asked and marveled at the sight of the lion hybrid. White-silver hair, large, powerful presence, and sharp features.

“Yes, ma’am. Our best subject. Well trained in all the aspects you requested and fairly knowledgeable which is hard to come by with these beats.”

Hearing all that gave you stomach reflux, the acidity burning your esophagus. Your dam was about to break and all your pent-up feelings would end up costing you your freedom if it wasn’t for the red-eyed hybrid. He knocked on the glass and you jumped, startled. You were surprised, he even beckoned you with a finger and again, surprised now with yourself, you automatically obeyed.

It was like a trance. A hypnotic daze of sorts. Both met face to face once again, only separated by the reinforced glass. For a moment you were distracted, the outburst you were about to have laid dormant in the back of your head.

What is this…? Sylus couldn’t help but feel a sense of familiarity. That’s why he was so close to the glass earlier too. He couldn’t see the other side a while ago but something was pulling him there. The whole day he felt restless and on guard as if something resonated within him.

Could this be—

“Ah! Marvelous! Look! They are already interested in each other! Sylus is not showing any signs of hostility or repulsion…” a different scientist exclaimed with eagerness, interrupting whatever connection you had with Sylus at that moment.

Not many words were needed to convince your parents after that show you and Sylus put up. Papers were signed, money transferred and a very confused Sylus was sedated and prepared for shipment.

The big city. Polluted air, noisy streets twenty-four hours a day, and hybrids everywhere. Most people carried one; a human with some animal characteristics, and now you were one of them too. Sylus was scheduled to arrive in a few minutes. All the things you would need to care for him were already in your apartment and even his paperwork. Name, birth, permits and you; listed as his owner.

The melodic tune of your ring bell announced the dreaded moment. You knew Sylus would be escorted here and that most of the traveling time he would have been sedated, but still the long distance between your new home and the facility he was kept in was almost six hours away. You feared a big grumpy cat.

Oh boy… grumpy was an understatement. He didn’t look happy. The moment he stepped foot in and all the straps holding him were taken off, he waited for the delivery people to disappear and he pounced. Surprisingly not on you. He went through all your stuff. According to the guide you received he was scenting. He went through your whole house; rubbing, scratching and overall making a mess.

“Stop! Hey, hmm… Sylus? You don’t have to scent my clothes.” You tried talking to him but he was not interested in your opinion, apparently. He just glanced at you and kept doing whatever he was doing before, like you were the one, not understanding. You had to snatch your underwear from his closed fist in a panic.

He went nonverbal for a week. A week! You were going insane. Yes, he obeyed. Yes, he was extremely independent and didn’t cause any more commotion besides the panty situation on the first day. But God… he was extremely quiet. It wasn’t until you commanded him to that you realized you should have read the manual until the last page; not only the summary.

“Sylus! Say something!” You demanded; going insane was not in your plans for the foreseeable future. They never told you he was mute or anything of that nature.

“Is there anything you need from me, my lady?” His deep and slow voice had your heart leaping out from your chest.

You just stood there, gaping and looking at him like you couldn’t believe he was able to make a sound. Yeah, not even his steps produced sounds. Sylus examined his human with a gleam of humor in his sapphire eyes. This face was a common one for her and he found it… almost endearing. It reminded him of the first time you two met.

“You can talk…” you whispered low and saw how his fluffy round, and white ears twitched. “You can talk!” Again, you exclaimed, pointing a finger at him in disbelief. “Why haven’t you said anything before?!”

“I wasn’t allowed to,” he calmly explained. That mischievous twinkle in his eyes never left, “my owner never requested me to do so until now.”

And that’s how you spend almost three days reading the darn manuals with a now very talkative feline.

You found that Sylus was more than just a pet. He could cook, clean and even force you to exercise which ended up backfiring. You couldn’t keep up with his supposedly healthy routine. A healthy lifestyle means a happy owner, and you would curse under your breath every time he repeated it.

In general, you were happy, he seemed happy and living with him was easier than you thought. Quickly, you two began to build a bond and it was a matter of time before he began to realize why it had been so easy to adapt to this human. His human which is how he referred to you.

Following the manual, you always made sure to have everything Sylus would need. Even his heats. At first, you tried to get him a heat partner and it was a mess. More like you were a mess. Even Sylus was surprised at how you ended up kicking out the poor rental gazelle hybrid in less than five minutes. You didn’t understand what took over you to be so… overprotective.

Oh, but Sylus was not complaining. Watching you almost declare war in his name gave him a deep satisfaction. So much so that he accepted to take suppressants for the time being.

After that incident, things began to change drastically. Sylus in return became a bit more aggressive towards any living creature that was in less than a mile radius of you. Growling, pushing, and even wrapping you with his tail and pulling you towards his body anytime he felt you were in danger. Yeah, you were in so much danger from the tube man… that air dancing balloon from the car wash a couple of blocks away.

“It can be that bad…” you took hold of his arm around your waist in a reassuring manner.

He’s been walking with you in his hold since you crossed paths with the inflatable dancing man.

“It has erratic movements. You never know what he might do next.”

Yeah, it was a recurring situation.

Yeah, he was prepared for everything and anything. Well, except one morning when his nose woke him up.

A sweet intoxicating scent traveled through his nostrils and shook him awake. He felt his mouth water, his canines aching, and his eyes turning into thin lines. The predator in him had been disturbed and its awakening meant trouble.

In all his years in captivity, he had never felt such hunger. Something was clawing in his chest, desperate to come out, each intake of air was pulling his sanity deeper and deeper while the monster surfaced.

Like any good hunter, he let his nose guide him through the house. Following such an intoxicating aroma took him to your door. There he stood—elaborated breathing, sharp fingers encrusted on his palms searching for restrain. You were inside; sleeping soundly in the early hours of the morning. He could hear your soft breathing mixing with his wildly beating heart. Knowing you weren’t aware of the predator outside your door sent a jolt of excitement through his body. Easy prey.

Was it you? Were you the one producing such… inebriant aroma? Why?

He took the handle with a death grip, his rational side fighting against instinct. He felt the urge to hunt, pursue, chase… this… this aroma and make it his own. With an internal battle raging inside him, Sylus felt the door weighed heavy on his palm, the handle burned, but he still stepped in.

His eyes adjusted to the darkness in the room, it made no difference to him that you slept in complete darkness; his ruby-red eyes could see just fine. Then, his gaze focused on your sleeping form, little movement from your steady breathing and you had no idea that a hungry predator stood at the foot of your bed.

But Sylus didn’t move, didn’t pounce on you like he wanted. Torn between instinct and duty, he was frozen in place, sweating and overwhelmed with indecision. Your scent was clouding his every sense, making it even more difficult to do the right thing. It was like time had stopped and the only thing on his mind was the palpitations in his groin for even letting his skin touch the hair surrounding you.

What was the right thing? He asked himself. Neck—cracking as his body suddenly shuddered in pain, Sylus was holding himself back by a fine thread.

He couldn’t. He wouldn’t. You were not like his kind who would accept mating just because of a sudden heat. You were human and he had that fact ingrained into his mind. With a whimper of pain and trepidation, Sylus walked over to the side of your bed; every step was excruciating for the hybrid. Once he reached the edge, he did like every other night shared with you. Sylus, silently whining, laid beside you and wrapped his arms tightly, but this time he kept a generous distance between his hips and your back.

He was not a mindless beast. Not to you.

“Sylus… I can’t breathe…” you don’t know when, you don’t know how, but Sylus always ended up sleeping on top of you like a weighted blanket. “Sylus!”

“You don’t wanna know what I did to the last person who woke me up.” Each word came with a little slur at the end, he was barely waking up. No a second goes by and you felt his spiked tongue grooming the nape of your neck and soft growls shaking your whole body.

“Someone’s happy today, hmmm?” You asked in a short breath, reaching for his round and fluffy ear. As you scratched, you heard the deep grumbles of satisfaction increasing.

“Smells good…”

You felt him sniffing all over your chest, deeply inhaling, moving his head downwards. Sylus pulled your covers in a hasty manner and kept descending. Your eyes widened as you realized where he was going and your feet quickly stopped him; placing them on his shoulder and chest.

“Sy-Sylus! S-stop!” Your hands joined your legs and feet, placing your palms on his mouth and the rest of his face. “What do you—“

You stopped mid question as you felt a bit of moisture in between your legs. In a panic, your mind counted the weeks since you moved in and you have forgotten to make an appointment for your birth control replacement… which meant you must be ovulating. How could you forget? It’s been weeks! With everything happening after moving, getting Sylus and adapting to the new city. You had completely forgotten…

A muffled sound came from behind your palm and then a rough tongue pushed against your skin. You slowly retracted your arm, looking at him with apologetic eyes. It was your fault, after all.

“I was saying that you seem to be in need of assistance,” he uttered, arching an eyebrow at your saddened face.

His heavy body was pressing against the sole of your feet, your legs kept him at bay and it surprised you how… physically insistent he was being.

“What do you mean?” You quickly replied, feigning ignorance and he seemed to know your every trick because his first reaction was to give you one of those salacious smiles of his.

“You can’t exactly lie to my nose, kitten.” He almost growled every word, sending shivers through your body. “You’re fertile.”

Before you could even utter a word to contradict his truth, his hands brushed the back of your raised legs for then his fingers gently tapped your skin. You let out a squeak of surprise and swiftly moved your legs, thus giving him an opportunity to nestle in between your thighs.

“If you’re making fun of me, it’s not funny,” you rebuked, but even as you said that the pressure and sudden ache in your lower regions began to increase with the proximity and weight of Sylus.

“I’m not.” He chuckled and it reverberated down your tummy, sending deep palpitations through your core, “you didn’t read the whole manual yet, now did you?” His finger gently tugged your chin, making you stare right into his crimson orbs.

“No…” you sheepishly mumbled, embarrassed of being found again and your lack of knowledge about some stuff still in the encyclopedia-like book you were given.

“Give me the order and I will deliver, Kitten.” He whispered, eyes calling for your surrender. Sylus was pushing the right buttons by being so close, touching you, and having you cornered right where he wanted you.

“You mean…” voicing your hesitation didn’t deter him from destroying your inhibitions, brick by brick. His eyes were hypnotizing, he would give you anything you wanted and you knew you would be safe, right?

He had you caged between his body and the bed, your mind going a mile per second and your heart racing just as fast. No, he wasn’t moving an inch more and you knew he wouldn’t unless you said so.

“Okay…” you sighed finally removing a burden from your shoulders, “h-help me.” You wanted him to alleviate your aching.

“As you wish, Kitten.”

Not soon had those words left his lips, he was on you. You felt the heaviness of the impact of his lips on you. He had seemed calm while talking but his actions spoke differently. Sylus’ kiss was demanding, fiery even. His tongue took no time to slip in between your abused lips, delivering tentative licks to yours; as if tasting and enjoying you.

He kept his low throaty snarls flowing over your body, crushing you against the sheets. You could taste him too, wild, intense, so Sylus. Two bodies lay in the bed, limbs intertwined. Sylus hands traveled up your body, fingers gripping at anything he could find, your moans being greedily swallowed.

His tail kept a steady thumping behind him, lulling you deeper into his embrace. You would let him do anything, be anything if it meant this fire ignited in your chest would never cease to exist.

Sylus grasped the back of your head, fisting strands of your hair for him to pull back and expose your neck to his aching teeth. He felt euphoria ran through his veins as soon as his pearl whites connected with your tender skin. A growl and the stinging stab on your neck made you gasp, hands gripping his collar to bring him even closer as if that was possible.

In a hurry, his other hand began to tear away your pajamas as his teeth continued to gnaw almost painfully at your throat.

In a blink of an eye, you were lifted and bent. Your face harshly met the warmth of pillows. Gone were your clothes. In what moment exactly? You don’t recall and you didn’t really care at that moment.

“I knew it– fuck– the moment I saw you, I knew it.” Sylus rasped out, breath suddenly hitting your nude backside. “This was mine before you even knew it.”

He suddenly lifted your hips, exposing your dripping core to his crimson gaze. You whimpered as the cold hair hit you, hands gripping the bedsheets, and that’s all you could see. Your own fist and abundant white.

“Sy-Sylus!” You shrieked.

Your exposed pussy was invaded by his mouth, and a low vibrating sound joined. His bumpy tongue lapped eagerly, the texture making you mewl and tremble as you unconsciously tried to pull away. Now the chuffing sound changed to a growl of displeasure, his hands quickly moved to your lower tummy and pressed you back against his awaiting lips.

A mess, a wet and sloppy mess. That’s what Sylus was, still holding your body against his face. He couldn’t care less about anything other than your flavor and sounds overtaking his entire being. He slurped, nipped and spit back in just to repeat it all over again.

It took no time to have you trashing and shaking on his grip, cuming on his face, the chuffing sounds intensifying with your moaning.

Skin on skin, no clothes separating him from you, you didn’t register when he freed his body of them. Too lost to care, too much at once to have a sense of anything other than Sylus.

“You take me so well… My kitten—made for me…” he growled as he slipped every inch of him. Your warm walls protested at the intrusion as he mounted you.

Pinning you down, chest pressed against your back and your face shoved into your drool-stained pillows.

“If you keep struggling, kitten… I– fuck, fuck– you’re making it really hard to hold back” he groaned as his eyes zoomed in on your head trashing and shaking. The predator in him just looming around the corner, his female ready for the taking.

“It’s too big!” Your scream was muffled by the pillow. As your wailing reached his ears, his cock throbbed and released a few ropes of white.

“You’re being so good, kitten. Just a… bit longer…” Sylus sighed with pleasure as the creaminess made it easier to thrust into you. Incessantly, hitting that spongy spot, making you cry out as you felt more burning cum filling you up. Both breathless, both panting and an arrange of noises filled the room.

“I feel so full! Sylus! I can’t!” Tears streamed down your face at how bloated you felt, but he kept pushing and bursting inside you. One after the other; face down you had no other option but to take it.

“Not full enough— you need more…” hips slamming into you, the squelching sound of your insides consuming the silence— him bottoming out again and again. “My cunt… will only have my cubs…”

You’re not sure how long it was, you were in and out. Lost a daze, being shoved, pressed and pounded mercilessly… Sylus voice swirled through your mushy brain— satisfaction, and ecstasy running wild through both of your bodies.

Blinking once, twice. You felt heavy and your foggy vision wasn’t helping. You still felt the aftermath of it all. Legs sporadically spamming, lower tummy so heavy and sore.

“You… came so much…” you whispered in between breaths. His cum was dripping from your tender hole, rapidly pooling on the bed. “Why?”

He shrugged, as he caressed your cheek.

“A lion’s thing,” he mumbled softly, pulling you closer and gently holding you.

The rest of the day you were spent. Too exhausted to do anything else. Sylus bathed you, changed the bedding, brought you drinks and food, and gave you the darn manual to finish it for once.

“Sylus!” You slapped his naked chest with indignation. “Here,” you pointed to an article you highlighted, “it says that lion hybrids can copulate for two to three days? Two hundred times in succession? Are you insane?” That explains a lot.

“I am just waiting for you to rest, humans are more delicate than I thought. We’re not moving from this room.” He deadpanned.

Your expression fell as his eyes seemed to show how serious he was being.

“I read that lionesses bite the male’s ballsack when they are upset or something,” you grinned wickedly. “I will do that if you don’t behave!”

“I wouldn’t oppose, sweetie.” He goaded. Your smile slowly faded as your threat was not working as planned. “So… I see you are feeling more… energetic.”

You threw a pillow at him before he pounced on you.

Ah, yes… a gentle protector a trusted guardian, but a beast on the sheets.

[babeyun]

the same heart ☆ n.r

synopsis: navigating the beginning of your first relationship is proving to be most heartwarming, including the list of firsts - particularly, your first kiss. genre: established relationship au, slight angst, fluff. pairing: boyfriend!riki x fem!reader word count: 4.2k rating: pg-15. warnings: swearing, use of petnames (baby, pretty, pretty girl, babe, etc.), that's about it LOL. listen to: those eyes - new west ; yellow - coldplay ; heart - dawn ; sparks - coldplay ; i adore you, dear - dwen author's note: as per usual, we've got another birthday fic! figuring out what to write took me a few moments but i will always pull through. happiest birthday to our riki! i love you, little guy.

Things between you and your boyfriend were slightly awkward.

Granted, you'd only made it official a week and a half ago – but something about the way he didn't hold your hand made you feel a bit confused. The way he never got too close if you were over at his dorm for a movie night, the way he'd hug you loosely as he dropped you off at home after a date or just dropping by to check on you. The way he'd gently reject your advances at public affection, opting to smile apologetically as he ruffled your hair.

The way he hadn't kissed you yet, despite the amount of time you spent together, the many dates and what he thought were his unnoticed longing glances.

You were truly in no rush. You knew that this was something new for the two of you, the first relationship either of you had ever been in. You met a year ago, at a record shop shortly after your eighteenth birthday. He may not be into prolonged skinship or public displays of affection, but he flirted with you like it was nobody's business. He poked fun at you as you blushed at his compliments, eager to make you smile and eventually, you allowed his charms to make him a little spot in your heart.

So despite not being outwardly physically affectionate, he had a way with words that made your cheeks hot and your chest flutter. He never stopped flirting with you, even during the many dates he took you on – even with the onlookers, he never minded. Murmurs of pretty girl and gorgeous as he directed your attention to things or simply didn't feel like calling your name, careful maneuvers through crowded areas with his hand ghosting over the small of your back, playful pinches to your cheeks.

Your first date had been very different than you'd expected – the two of you simply perused a farmers market that was a few miles out of the city. He bought you flowers and lunch, and the two of you got to know each other better over stalls upon stalls of jewelry and fine linens, fresh fruit and chopped vegetables ready to be juiced. You'd fully expected him to want to kiss you as he dropped you home, but he only blushed as you made the move. His fingers pinched to your cheek as he stopped you with a soft shake of his head.

"Next time, promise." Next time lingered with a bit of tension, that date being the Christmas light show that came to town every year. He bought the tickets, he picked you up. The two of you opted to share a hot cocoa after seeing how big the cups were, and your lipstick stained his lips a muted berry color. You took pictures at a few trees, and this was the date that soft-launched your flourishing relationship on social media – him posting a picture of you staring at a pink tree with white lights and you posting a picture of a Polaroid a vendor took of you for a dollar.

But still, even after several perfect opportunities, there was no kiss. He dropped you off at home, letting you know he had a good time and wanted to see you again before the year ended. You nodded, and lingered at your door with a pointed look. He bid you a goodnight and you disappointedly said it back, slinking into your house with a dejected look.

The next date was unfortunately after the New Year – you'd gotten sick and he felt awful, stopping by several times to bring you soup and cold medicine. Your mother met him then, and told you that he'd make a great boyfriend – you'd huffed in response, muttering that he didn't even want to hold your hand. Your mother sighed and told you those things took time, to be patient, to be understanding. You slept on it, knowing it would be worth the wait but still feeling a bit undesired.

The date after your cold subsided was one inside – bowling and arcade games. You beat him by a landslide, your last roll a perfect strike. He complained the entire time the two of you wandered around the rest of the arcade, and only stopped when you pulled him into a photo booth. Your poses were of a shy couple just learning to be together, and you were honest with him – you wanted to kiss in one of the pictures. He looked hesitant, offering an alternative almost immediately and you reluctantly agreed – the last photo being of him kissing your cheek gently. He dropped you off that night with another press of his lips to your warmed skin, and a warm apology that you accepted quietly.

You felt your heart warm when you saw the photo strip hanging from his rearview mirror the next time he picked you up, a hole punched in the white border and a soft pink string looped through it. So much so, that you let it go. You stopped asking, but he continued to press gentle kisses to your cheeks and forehead throughout the rest of your dates, accumulating to almost eighty dates within eleven months – you never went more than four days without seeing him in some way or another.

And yet, despite the flirty words, his touch remained reserved. Through eleven months, he swiped your hair out of your face, he continued to pinch your cheeks between his fingers. He kissed your cheeks occasionally, usually on the drop-off or spontaneously every once in a while. He upgraded slowly to ruffling your hair, tying your shoelaces, zipping up your coat. He was sweet, attentive, coy and he made it known he was deeply interested in you.

It'd been almost a year to the date of meeting when he asked you to be his girlfriend during the first snow of the season. The two of you had snuck out to a park late that night, and he was admiring the way you hung upside down from the monkey bars, before he offered to help you get down. You agreed, asking if he'd be willing to get something warm. 

You wound up in a little hole-in-the-wall ramen shop the two of you had gone to during one of your first dates. You recounted it, remembering how you'd burned your tongue on the broth and he'd sprinkled sugar in your mouth, stating he'd seen it somewhere. It hadn't worked but it was funny and you shared a laugh, when he cleared his throat and said he had something serious to tell you.

"Are you okay?" Your worried tone startled him, the way your brows tugged down and your eyes grew filled with concern. He nodded quickly, "I'm fine, I just…sorry, this is hard for me." "It's okay. I'm here." You reached for his hand, but quickly retracted it. He shook his head, reaching for your hands and running his thumbs over your knuckles. "I really, really like you, Y/N." Oh no, you'd thought. He's going to dump me and we're not even together.

The very thought had made your eyes well with tears, his silence deafening as he stared at your hands. You wore a ring he'd bought you at a fair on one of your dates, the dragon egg-like stone shimmering in the low light of the shop when he finally looked back at you. His eyes widened at the sight of you blinking back tears, his hands quickly moving to cradle your face.

"Oh baby, don't cry. What's wrong?" His concern only made your heart sink deeper, the pet name he'd never used before flying over your head as your fingers circled his wrists, the metal of his watch cold against your fingertips. 

"If you're going to dump me–"

"Dump you? No, no, pretty. I wanted to make this official, I just…I'm sorry, I'm so bad at this–"

Your cheeks heated beneath his fingers, your tears blurring your vision as you looked at him. You blinked, a few tears sliding down your face as he tried to wipe them away. 

"You what?" He sighed, his cheeks coated in a bright pink blush as he cleared his throat. "I…want to be your boyfriend." You only looked at him, before letting out a shaky breath. "You are bad at this."

"Is that a no?" He asked meekly, and you swatted at his arms. "You're so bad at asking things! I'm crying, Riki!" "Baby, I'm sorry!" He laughed softly, holding your wrists in his hands. "I didn't know how to ask and I was too nervous to ask Jake. He's too involved in our relationship as it is." Riki rolled his eyes as you registered the pet name, your lip jutting out in a pout as you whined. "You called me baby."

His eyes widened, then narrowed as he thought about it. "Haven't I been calling you that? I swear I have."

You scoffed, "Must've been one of your other girls." He smirked, "Which one?" He didn't manage to dodge the soft smack you landed on his thigh, a pout on his lips as he rubbed his leg. "You want to be my boyfriend but you talk about other girls, we both know I'm the only one hitting your line up." "All the more reason to let me be your boyfriend! C'mon, pretty! I'll be the best boyfriend ever, I'll even buy your mom flowers like I did that one time when she was sick!" He folded his hands together as if praying, making you snort as you wiped your face of stray tears. "What took you so long?" He huffed, "I just wanted to make sure you wanted to be with me. Every time I see you I feel like I'm about to throw up." "Riki…did you just call me ugly?" You chided, and his eyes widened as he shook his head quickly, his hands cradling your face. "What? No! You're the prettiest girl ever, please–" "Calm down, you big baby. I guess you can be my boyfriend." You rolled your eyes, and his eyes widened as he leaned closer into your space. "Really?!" "Yes, really." 

The night ended with him walking you home, practically vibrating out of his own skin as he held your hand tightly the entire way. It'd given you a lot of comfort, but you didn't mention it as he dropped you off at home, your mother waiting on the porch with her robe on and an angry look on her face. She ushered you inside and you were grounded for three days before she decided it wasn't the worst thing in the world – specifically when Riki appeared with the biggest bouquet of flowers you'd ever seen and the softest pout known to man.

She allowed him in and you had a movie night in your bedroom, before he promptly kissed your cheek goodnight and went home. 

Fast forward a few days, the Christmas light show was back in town for the year. Riki bought the tickets, picked you up and you shared yet another comically large cup of hot cocoa, your lipstick a wine red this year. He held your hand gently, his thumb rubbing gentle circles into your skin as he held you close to him. You scoured the different figurines this year, your eyes caught by the enormous lovebird display – two swans made by champagne-colored lights and formed into a heart by their necks.

You lingered a bit at it, letting go of Riki's hand to get a closer look. He took a few photos discreetly, before eventually joining your side and moving your hair carefully out of your face. "Something on your mind, baby?" He asked gently, tucking his hands into his coat pockets. You shook your head, smiling at him softly. "It's silly." "Mmh, nothing is silly if you're thinking so hard about it. Talk to me, pretty." He taps your temple, and you shrug. "It's okay. I'm in no rush." "No rush to what? Stop being so cryptic, you know it freaks me out. It's like you're plotting something." He pinches your cheek between his knuckles softly, and you roll your eyes as you swat his hand away. "You know, it's been almost a year since we met and you still haven't kissed me?" He doesn't meet your eyes as you say this, opting to look at the swans in front of you. "Mmh." He nods, before looking at his feet, nudging a bit of gravel with the tip of his boot. You calmly loop your arm with his, sliding your hand into his pocket and intertwining your fingers. He glances down at you, a soft blush on his cheeks that you want to attribute to the biting wind. "Why?" You ask, and he tongues his cheek before shrugging. "It makes me nervous, I guess." "Nervous?" Your voice is an echo of him, albeit slightly concerned. "Yeah. You make me nervous. I literally almost threw up the night I asked you to be my girlfriend." "Correction, you asked to be my boyfriend." You say pointedly, and he scoffs. "Me being your boyfriend makes you my girlfriend." "You sure like calling me your girlfriend, huh?" Your arm nudges him, and he huffs in embarrassment, looking away. You lean your head on his shoulder, staring back up at the swans. A cliché example of lovers, you know, but a lovely one nonetheless. 

"You know I don't mind waiting, right? I'm sure we will eventually." You murmur, and he sighs.

"I know, I'm sorry. I want to, I promise. I just…" 

You glance at him, the way he chews on his lip anxiously as he trails off makes your stomach sink. 

"I'm sorry for bringing it up, we don't have to keep talking about this." You pat his chest, an apologetic smile on your lips as he meets your eyes. They're serious, a look you'd only ever seen on him a few times. You drop your hand from his chest and he moves the two of you down the path.

You see a few more displays, taking pictures within all the decorated trees and once more paying the same vendor from last year for a Polaroid. You both smile and it goes into Riki's wallet. "For safekeeping," He'd whispered into your hair as he placed a soft kiss on the crown of your head.

The two of you wandered out of the show hand in hand, and Riki offers to stop somewhere for dinner before he drops you off at home. It's routine, the way he opens your door, the way he buckles your seatbelt in for you. The way he hands you the aux and you play jazz fusion, Tutu by Miles Davis filling his car the way it always has after a date.

"I've never kissed anyone." He murmurs as you reach the first stoplight out of the show. His fingers are wrapped loosely around the bottom of the steering wheel, and you nod, looking at him. "Me either, it's no big deal. We'll learn, when the time comes." "It's not that I don't want to. You know that, right?" His voice is shaky as he flicks on his turn signal, and you nod again. "I'm sure you want to, but there really is no rush. I'm not the only one who's waiting, you know? We went on eighty dates, Riki. We've got all the time in the world." Your fingers toy with his earrings, before you card your fingers through his hair. "It's just you and me, yeah?" "Yeah." He's quiet, and you know it's weighing on him as the two of you make the drive to your favorite diner. The two of you share an appetizer, his head resting on your shoulder as you talk about your new part-time job and how you'd miss popping by the record store to bring him lunch. He listened intently as the food came and went, only responding softly to any questions you asked him.

It weighed on you when he was quiet on the way to your house, and how softly he bid his goodbye with a kiss to your hairline and his arm around your shoulders. "Sleep well, baby." Your heart felt heavy in your chest as the next few days went by and he seemed distant. You both planned another date for the arcade, and agreed he'd pick you up after his shift at the record store. You dressed casually, one of his old t-shirts and a pair of black jeans. You wore heavy boots to brace the cold, and nearly tripped over your own feet when he knocked on your front door

"Coming!" You called, your mother poking her head out of the kitchen upon hearing you yell. "Leaving already, honey?" "Yeah, date night." You reply sheepishly, unlocking the door with fumbling fingers and your coat half off your body, and opening it to reveal your boyfriend holding yet another bouquet of flowers. Your eyes were wide, as you stopped pulling your coat on. "For my mom?" You nod, and he shakes his head.

"For you. I'm sorry for being distant these past few days, it wasn't my intention and I'm sure it made you feel some type of way. I should've spoken to you about my feelings, and I know flowers aren't nearly enough but I hope it's a start?" He said meekly, and you scoff out a soft laugh, nodding as you take the flowers.

"Riki, it's okay. I know it's a sensitive topic." You smile apologetically, taking the flowers and turning on your heel. "I'll put these in my room, I'll be right back. Come inside." He doesn't say anything, just gives you a curt nod as he steps inside your house, closing the door and greeting your mother warmly. You quickly walk up the stairs, taking the cellophane off the flowers and setting them carefully in the vase you had sitting on your dresser from past bouquets he'd given you. You'll fill them with water later, you think, as you barrel back down the stairs. You see your boyfriend deep in thought as he and your mother speak, and you don't eavesdrop as you clear your throat. She stops talking, before giving him a warm smile and bidding you a good date night. You thank her, tell her you'll be home before the streetlights come on and a quick love you, bye!

"Let's zip this up, don't want you to get sick." Riki doesn't let you off your porch without zipping your coat up, grabbing your hand as you both step off. "Do you think you'll kick my ass bowling this time, too?" "I'm sure of it." You grin.

And you do. You take the lead within three frames, your boyfriend clearly distracted as he watches you roll strike after strike. You play three full games, his pout only getting deeper and deeper as you win each one.

"This is so unfair, how'd you get so good anyway?" He pouts as he slides a few coins into an air hockey table, and you shrug as you score the first point within the first few seconds. He gapes, and you just laugh as he, once more, loses this game.

The night goes smoothly, both of you scoring your wins and cutting your losses sorely. You both make faces at each other the moment one of you loses, but all is fair in love and arcade games when the night ends in the photo booth, your legs across your boyfriend's lap as he rests his hands on your knees. You fix his hair out of his eyes, the shaggy bangs tickling the bridge of his nose as you coo.

"Okay, how does my hair look? Frizzy?" You run your fingers through it and he shakes his head, watching as you dig your lipstick out of your purse. It's another deep red, and he feels his stomach fill with butterflies as you wipe the corners of your lips. "You look pretty." "You always say that." You roll your eyes, feeling your cheeks heat as he smiles, softly flicking your nose. "You always look pretty, baby." You huff, facing the camera and tucking your hair behind your ears before clearing your throat. "Smile first, right? That's what we did last time." "Yeah, that's cool. We can do….the cat thing? For the second one." He holds his fingers in two upside-down Vs over his hair, and you laugh, nodding. "Sure, sure." The camera begins to count down as you press the red button, and you smile as it flashes the two of you. You both scrunch your noses, blinking rapidly as you maneuver your hands to fit in the frame for the fifteen seconds it gives you. "Smile, babe." You say through gritted teeth, and he does just that as the camera flashes again.

"Shit, what now? Uh…" "Kiss me." He whispers, and you nearly snap your neck to face him. "What?!" "Kiss me." His hand moves to cradle your cheek, and you grab his wrist, hearing the camera start counting from ten. "Are you sure? We don't have to–" "I've wanted to kiss you for a year. Kiss. Me." He insists, and your heads both turn as the camera boasts five…four…

"I'm nervous." You admit, and he nods. "Me too. Just trust me, baby." Three…two…

You both breathe in shakily, before softly connecting your lips as the camera flashes brightly. You don't move away as the camera begins its last countdown from fifteen, instead you lean your forehead against his. His eyes peer up at you, and you feel a giggle erupt through you as you press your lips all over his face in chaste kisses. His cheeks grow hot under your lips, and the camera only continues it's countdown as your lipstick stamps all over his rosy cheeks.

"Smile for the camera." He mumbles, pressing his lips to your cheek as the camera reaches two, and smiles bashfully as it flashes one last time. The two of you watch the two strips pop out, and you reach for them. You hand him his, your other hand softly stroking his cheek as you stare at the pictures.

"We're cute." You nod, and he only smiles sheepishly. "Yeah. Was it okay? The kiss, I mean?" "Yeah. And we have it now, forever." You smile as you tuck the photo strip into your purse. He nods, clearing his throat, hoping you don't feel the way his heart skips a beat at the sound of you subconsciously admitting to a forever with him. "So…dinner? On me." "Shit, you have lipstick all over your face." You wince, and he shrugs. "Call it a perk, I guess. You can kiss me again to make up for it." "You're not slick, you know." You roll your eyes as the two of you exit the booth, and you thumb at the lipstick on his nose, only successful in smearing it. "I'm serious, I'm only taking payment in kisses now. So…pay up." "Shut up." You press your lips to his chastely, before shoving your purse over your shoulder as he grabs your hand, making you face him as you tug on your coat. "Seriously, we can stop by a pharmacy and get something to wipe your face." "No, these are my battle scars. I fought relentlessly against my urge to kiss you for a year, I deserve to celebrate this win." He scoffs as he zips up your coat, and you only scoff out a laugh, slipping your fingers in his. "Whatever, loser." And you don't say anything else about it. Not when your waitress stares at him a little too hard as she takes your order, not when your mother gapes at him and you as he drops you off, and certainly not when he kisses you goodnight, a murmur of I'll see you later against your lips before you slip inside your house.

You flop onto your bed after your shower, assuming your boyfriend has long been asleep as you reminisce about the events of the day. Your stomach fills with butterflies as you cover your face with a squeal, reaching for your phone – only to see a notification that your boyfriend posted something on his Instagram.

You open it, seeing a slideshow of photos – one of you in front of the champagne swans at the light show earlier that month, one of the new photo strip hanging alongside the old one in his car, and one of you at the beginning of the entire ordeal. You're sitting at the farmers market, your eyes casted away from the camera as you blushed, likely at something Riki had said. You don't remember him taking that photo, but it doesn't matter as you listen carefully to the song he'd put over it – the melodic sound of Heart by Dawn.

You glance at the caption with a thundering heart, your eyes welling with tears as you read. @/nishimura05: two sides of the same heart, and mine that only beats for you. your patience is beyond me, but i am eternally grateful for the man you make me want to become. thinking of you, always.

BABEYUN © 2024. no translations, reposting or modifications are allowed. do not claim as your own. viewer discretion is advised. your media consumption is your responsibility.