#I had a lot of fun writing this text

[yuno-karei]

Misfits water gun fight! Who will emerge victorious? Only one way to find out

I did this piece for one of the @mairumadevizine prints! It was also done long before the beach chapters in the manga and I really just... balled with their designs

[seiwas]

for writing game, iwaizumi + assistance <3

hope this sparks some inspo and thank you in advancee

hi there!! thanks for sending in a prompt 🫶

contains: friends to lovers (ish), halloween parties, reader is dressed as catwoman, expletives, iwaizumi is thiiiiis 🤏 close to murdering seijoh4 (jk)

iwaizumi + assistance

this is a set-up.

iwaizumi knows he shouldn't have fucking believed anything the boys "promised" him back when they assigned him this costume.

the suit is fucking tight, spandex digging into his groins and all other crevices that definitely should be aired out after after a few hours. he's had to constantly readjust his stance almost every few minutes, the black fabric compressing his thighs and torso, significantly constricting the range of motion his shoulders and arms are typically used to. if anything else, it could double up as a back brace from how rigidly straight it's kept his posture all night.

he'll give it to makki though; he did outdo himself sourcing this year's costumes―this batman set looks pretty damn legit.

except for one tiny problem.

there's no fucking pee hole. it's a zip-up, zip-down one-piece situation. and that normally wouldn't be a problem, except that oikawa "accidentally" knocked over a cocktail straight into his pants, the sickeningly sweet liquid now seeping straight into the fabric and past his boxers―cold and sticky as it touches his skin.

and so, the problem: his pants are wet, it makes him want to fucking pee, and coincidentally, the only vacant bathroom is across the hall, at your apartment.

this is why he believes this is a set up. that, and the fact that you're dressed in an outfit strikingly similar―just with cat ears.

he's been asked five times in this party if you're in matching couple outfits.

it catches him off guard, flusters him because of how badly he wants to say yes. but, you're just friends, and he doesn't even think you like him that way (despite mattsun and oikawa practically begging him to confess. makki tells him he thinks you're going to do it first).

so he politely smiles and says no, but you look good, your costume clinging to you in all the right places. thank fucking god he has a cape because he's pretty sure he spent the first 30 minutes in the party hiding his boner.

"hajime, it's fine, i swear," you stand beside him in front of the conveniently locked bathroom in oikawa's apartment. from the other side of the door, he's pretty sure he hears mattsun and his girlfriend mumbling. maybe fucking? who knows. "you can just use the bathroom in my apartment."

he glances at you before closing his eyes, contemplating, before finally agreeing to you.

"okay."

if he's being honest with himself, friends is definitely an incomplete label to what you are. as oikawa's neighbor, you are conveniently around all the time; and oikawa being oikawa, the ever-social butterfly, he's somehow managed to carve a space for you in the friend group.

(never mind the fact that oikawa's sniffed him out from the moment he first introduced you.)

you were a crush, then a friend, and now you're someone he picks up from work and drives back home three times a week, because he "has to train oikawa." you don't question it, even when you both know he stays over for dinner way past the gym's open hours.

"you know where it is," you open your apartment and urge him in.

"sorry again," he turns to face you.

"yeah, yeah, just pee!" you laugh, shoving him towards the bathroom door.

getting out of the suit is manageable, and he's able to wipe off a bit of the cocktail that's leaked to the suit and his boxers just to make sure it isn't gross and sticky when he gets home later. peeing is a big relief once he gets it over with, but it's when he has to suit up again that things become difficult.

stretching out the spandex one body part at a time is a workout in itself―the hardest task being when he has to pull it over his shoulders, adjusting it to fit properly over his arms and chest.

but then the zipper breaks.

and he truly thinks makki has fucked him over.

iwaizumi contemplates what to do next for a good, good while. he tries calling oikawa, only to no success every time; no way in hell is he calling mattsun in the middle of having sex. and calling makki isn't even an option; he'd never hear the end of it.

then you knock on the door, your voice soft and concerned as you ask, "hajime? you good in there?" you hit it spot on, too, "do you need help with your suit?"

iwaizumi presses his palms to his eyes. he's a rational man, straightforward and logical in thinking. there is literally no other option for him right now but to ask help from you. again.

fuck.

.

it's 30 minutes later when oikawa barges in your door, and the sight that greets him is iwaizumi in nothing but a hoodie (the hoodie you borrowed some time ago) and his boxers, with his hands on your waist as you hover your hairdryer over the crotch of his batman costume―cat headpiece off and all.

"you finally got together?!"

[poetriarchy]

orthodox prayer corner, and an angelic visitor

[astracora]

The Cat Curse - MC Edition

Characters: Sylus x gn!mc (poly lads)

Warnings: Heavy hurt|Some comfort, Semi-canon compliant heart condition, Spoilers for current story release (Small mentions of Sylus bond up to 102 and all of Sylus' currently released content).

Word Count: 4170

Written: 23rd December 2024

Notes: New relationship Sylus/MC-centric but poly LADs (this time with group chat), with my personal pov of the game and lil headcanons littered in. Unnamed MC, but using my personal MC's basic appearance and adjusted backstory. I take some liberties with what the game offers me.

Now Playing: Monster, by STARSET

Masterlist

Next ->

You've been responding to his messages, Sylus notes, but something's off. He's been away on some inane business trip, ever since you, the doctor, the fish, the prince and he had visited a new kitty cafe opening. He rarely gets to see you visibly excited, you are worse at showing your feelings on your face than he is. Whenever you're faced with animals, of any kind, even Mephisto, your eyes sparkle and you could easily spend hours upon hours sat with them. Even more so if they let you pet them.

The first time you'd seen the evol kitties, according to the doctor, you'd been unsure. They didn't look like cats. Something off and a little wrong, but they mewed at you and straight away you'd gently stroked their noses. As if unable to hold back.

Since then you would drag any of them along to play kitty cards. You didn't like the game, had no patience for strategy, but you did like petting the cats. Sitting there between every round, barely looking at the board, and tickling small whiskers. Much to the fish's distress.

While Sylus doesn't really care if he wins or loses around you, he's almost assured a win when playing with you because it's simply not something you care about. Distracted and unbothered by the game. He's only relieved that when he sprouted ears and a tail (of the caracal kind), you had been just as enamoured with those. Finally smothering him in affection in the same way, and being distracted by his tail. Though he'd never confess to competing with cats, at this point it's just an everyday occurrence.

He found he enjoyed playing most with the doctor, unlike when the man played with you, he took no soft approach with Sylus, and it was fun to butt heads with him. Stubborn as they both could be. That left you to lean your head on the fish's lap, the prince asleep against your side already, and play with cats, to a backdrop of 'You're cheating', 'I'm simply better at this than you.', 'If you would stop getting distracted-' that you mostly blocked out.

Rounds later, he paid the bill before anyone else got chance to, and picked up some cakes to take back.

Then he'd had his business trip to attend, having moved things around so on your rare day off, you could see everyone. It was never fun to drop you off, Sylus missed you anytime he could not see you, and though he was prideful, he had been honest about not being able to sleep without the sound of your voice. A confession you'd flushed at and tugged at one of the straps of your prosthetic.

He'd watched you waver over how to respond, biting at your lip, and fidgeting, as you fought against your urge to run away from him.

Trying didn't come easy, you'd told him. Honesty and openness, it got even harder when you'd lost your family, it got easier with every day you were given room to breathe by all of them, and every friend you held dear to your 'broken' heart. He didn't want to dig, or poke at old wounds, not now you were trying to live... but he often saw too much of himself in you.

Whether it was because of the way you'd grown up, or his soul inside of you, it made him even more careful and aware of offering you what you offered him.

"I'll miss you too, Sy. Call me, alright?" Your finally settled on, cool metal hand taking his in yours and squeezing. Before he'd left you, reluctant and complaining, he'd pressed kisses over your face, down your neck, and finally pushed you to the wall of your apartment building, to steal all the air from your lungs. Thigh holding you up, as he tangled his hands in your hair.

When he'd tried to pull away, he couldn't quite, leaning back in once, twice, three times, chasing the warmth of your mouth. Over and over.

You'd laughed, pushing him back to breathe, gasping, "It's a week. We'll be fine for a week."

A week... you aren't possessive enough, he thinks, spinning his pen in his hand. Half listening to Luke and Kieran talk. He feels as though he's emptied and lost, missing parts of what makes him who he is, and your messages feel... the same.

He could be reading into it... you're not exactly one to put your heart on your sleeve, or cling. You're independent because you've had to be, and he still hasn't had enough time to get you to lean all of your weight on him.

So he sends a message into the group chat without you, made in order to plan surprises or outings.

🐦‍⬛: Is everything ok back home?

⛄️: Aren't you busy?

🐦‍⬛: I'm taking a break.

They don't have to know he's tuning out his business partners, hoping they'll talk themselves out so he can leave.

🐠: lucky, some of us have r busy

🐠: [Attached photo]

🐦‍⬛: Please tell me that's not paint on my walnut table.

🐠: won't answer u then

⭐️: looks more colourful now

He rubs the space between his eyes, already dreading returning to the mess, and regretting letting the fish use his space for storing work while his studio is being fumigated. The partners at the table tense at his action, but he doesn't bother sparing them a glance, so they relax and resume talking.

🐦‍⬛: Is anyone going to answer my question?

⛄️: Is there a reason you're asking?

He hesitates, it's just a feeling, if he worries everyone, and it's nothing...

No, he didn't get this far by not trusting his instincts.

🐦‍⬛: Kitten's messages have felt off.

Two exclamation reactions are his instant response, the fish and prince. They start to type, then stop, then start again.

🐠: what way?

⭐️: have U called them?

⛄️: Calm down, they took some time off work because of a cold.

🐠: y didn't anyone tell us?

⛄️: I thought they would have asked Tara to contact you, or contacted you themselves?

🐦‍⬛:  They didn't.

⭐️: ive been on mission for a couple of days, i can stop in tomorrow when its over

He puts his phone down too forcefully and looks at the room. He's... irritated. Not like he normally is when it comes to you, a childish way where he can't have enough as he likes from you. Like you're a toy he cannot stop playing with. He's almost angry, but mostly sad.

He's been patient, surely you can at least talk to him if you feel sick?

Sylus is done with this trip, he's bored of listening to people talk nonsense, and he has no need for anything they have to offer. "We're done here, Luke. Kieran."

Waving his hand absently and ignoring protests behind him, he leaves the room, phone in hand.

🐦‍⬛: I'm coming back now.

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

Jenna had sent you home, it's not the first time she has. You're terrified one day she'll get bored of having to keep track of your health. Or you'll really let her down, and get you... or more importantly someone else, hurt.

It's probably not a normal mindset to worry so much about what your boss thinks, or to fear disappointing them like they're your parent.

It's not like you have parents to know what's that like... but gran's disappointment every time you got into fights growing up... well it was enough.

Caleb used to cover for you, within reason. He lectured you, told you to pull yourself up and figure it out. That fighting every battle against every jerk you met, reckless and stupid, would get you killed. "Come on pipsqueak, use that energy for something better. Something worthwhile."

So many reasons you didn't want to or couldn't, you wanted to tell him... a hand clenched over your chest.

You were so tired of disappointing them both though, so tired of seeing worn eyes tending to cuts and bruises. Bandaging your back, or fixing the set of your arm.

Being a hunter was that answer. If you used what little life you had in you, unsure when your busted up heart would give out finally, then you could greet Caleb and Gran with pride. Your life was a tool, to make others better.

So every day you weren't working, felt like a day you were failing them... failing to be worth anything other than the core in your chest. A vessel with no purpose or value but to hold something you hated. That could kill you.

It wasn't like you could work like this though... you'd laughed at your partners when they'd sprouted ears and tails. Especially Raffy, he'd been so disgruntled at the fate that had befallen him. This was... probably karma. Pointed, soft ears on top of your head, pinned back against your skull. Pristine white, so they at least blended into your hair.

At your back, a bristled tail, huge and furry... already having picked up some dirt to sully what had been pure white.

It hadn't settled since it had appeared, and you wondered what that said about you...

Fucked up mess. Stupid fool. Useless.

Too loud, everything was too loud. You could hear your neighbours through the walls, all the cars below your apartment, every child crying, dog barking, cat mewling.

It hurts.

You covered your ears with your hand, but noise filtered in through the new set you'd acquired.

Hurts.

You'd grown accustomed to the state of your heart. If you don't pay attention you can miss something, and you care now... perhaps you always did, just too raw like an open wound to let yourself.

It's racing and panicked. You don't need your hunter's watch to know it's too fast. 

Burying yourself into your bed, you cover your head with the duvet, grab at your headphones to shove them into your ears, turning them as loud as they can go, and bury your head under the pillows.

Your phone buzzes at your side, and you don't want to touch it. Scared to leave the cocoon you've built for yourself.

You'd begged Tara to tell Zayne you were sick with a cold, that you would be fine soon. She'd given you a heartbroken look that had made you bristle further, pity. Always pity.

You didn't want pity.

Before your fraying emotions could get the best of you, you'd fled the hunters association, hood up over your head and run home.

You can feel your tail trembling, struggling to swish under the blanket as you struggle to calm down, to at least get some sleep.

Maybe if you sleep it will go away.

Maybe when you wake up you'll feel better.

Useful.

Worth having around.

Not on the cusp of disappearing with nothing to show for yourself.

-----

When you'd woken up, tail still bristled, and newly acquired fangs digging into your bottom lip. Blood staining the bedsheet, you'd finally fished your phone out from your nest.

3am.

The world was quieter for it, and you wondered if this was part of why Sylus preferred the night to day.

You didn't remove your headphones, but you did finally open up your messaging app, seeing messages from everyone.

TaraTara💖: I hope you're ok bestie, if you need anything let me know.

Number One Lumiere Fan: Tara said you were sick, if you have time, I have a few shows you could watch to waste time. Only one is about Lumiere! Promise!

Simone (the one whose guns explode): Hey! Tara said you weren't doing so hot, if you want some company for a movie night, I make the best soup you'll ever have!

Captain: Remember to actually get some rest, take advantage of the break, alright? Everything will be fine here.

🐠cute fishie 🐠: hey cutie, wat do u think?

🐠cute fishie🐠: [Attached Image]

⭐️little star⭐️: missions going well, how are U?

⛄️sweet snowman⛄️: Tara said you're sick, I'll come over to check on you as soon as I can. Make sure you eat and drink.

🐦‍⬛pretty bird🐦‍⬛: Meetings are always more boring without you kitten, I hope you're missing me as much.

Your tail settles, curling against your side, fur flattening and you try really hard not to cry. You wish you'd thanked Tara when you left instead of fleeing, overstimulated and hurting.

Wounded like the cat you're teasingly referred to as. Feral and ready to hiss and scratch. You've spent so many years shutting people out.

Shutting Gran and Caleb out.

Shutting them out you wasted so much time until it was too late.

Why can't you learn?

You force yourself to respond, trying to sound as much yourself as you can... it's unnerving, to wear a mask over a mask. You wonder if you'll ever recognise your reflection.

You hesitate as you go to respond to your partners. You should tell them, reaching up to roughly pull the ears on your head. They'd understand, they've been where you are. Your brain says you should go to the kitty cafe, find out how to fix it this time around... but being out there, in the noise...

Instead you send some version of you're fine, and things are fine, everything is good. You're good.

You're together. You're useful. You're not a burden.

You aren't fragile and sick and useless.

You are worth keeping around, even when your heart picks up speed again, beating so hard against your chest that you fear the core wants to escape its fleshy vessel.

The straps attaching your prosthetic are digging into your skin, rubbing it raw, but you ache to even try to remove it. Fighting with the buckles and biting at the bit. You're still in your uniform, and you're sure by now you need a shower. The idea of water shooting a shot of anxiety straight into your chest, flaring up your tail, and your ears flatten as far as they can.

No water...

Maybe later.

Or you can really fill out how shit you feel with a wet wipe bath.

Caleb would kill you.

You don't want to think about it anymore. You want to let the quiet take over, or reasonably so with the screamo in your ears. Blasting the noise outside into nothing.

So you go back to sleep. Easing the pain in your heart with the only sure fire way.

---------

You can't breathe. You can't breathe.

Bolt upright in bed, hissing through your teeth, chest so tight you can feel your ribs.

You flounder, pulling at where your straps should be, but they're gone, no leather under your fingers. So you move to claw at your chest with one hand, gasping.

Hands grab you, and you struggle and you fight and you hiss. Fangs out, feral and ready to claw your way free. Arms far stronger than you pull you against a warm chest, tilt your head back and pills are placed in your mouth. You try to spit them out but a hand is on your throat, rubbing at your larynx. You swallow and then water follows it.

You splutter and cough, and you wriggle and struggle. Your head is pressed against skin, and you sink your fangs in.

Out. Out. Out.

"It's alright, you're alright, I'm here."

Blood fills your mouth and his scent surrounds you and you shiver. Blinking as your heart medication begins to do its job, easing the fractured organ in your chest. You spit, trying to clear your mouth of the taste of metal, shivering and shaking but your chest isn't constricting you now.

"Sy-" You cry outloud, he holds you, not bothered by the blood tricking down his shoulder. Of course he isn't, he heals it, the pain nothing in comparison to watching you choke on air you can't breathe. "Sorry. Sorry." You mumble against his skin, licking where you bit, crying and shaking. Wrapping your arm around his neck.

He assures you, and he rocks you both in his arms, rubbing your back and running a hand through your hair. Careful around your ears, not going far enough down to touch your bristled tail.

He hums and he rocks, and he squeezes you tight enough to ground you.

It's an hour or two later when you can finally feel any semblance of stable. You can't bring yourself to look at Sylus, he's stroking your cheek and wiping tears from your face, and all you can do is stare at the bed. You can't think of what to say.

You didn't take your medication, you hurt him... it's not the first time, but when this happened with Caleb you didn't have a cats' fangs.

Between you opening up and me prying, I prefer the former. He'd told you, after a terrible day, listing every way he would support you.

With all your sharp edge, you place your hand over his on your cheek, "I'm sorry, Sy."

He huffs, turning you in his arms so you're facing each other, but his one hand grips your hip, sturdy. Solid, strong. He doesn't hurt, but escaping would be hard. You try hard not to.

Though you can feel the... your tail swishing.

He looks at it, at your ears, then at you, red nosed and disheveled.

"Explain."

It's a command, brooking little argument, and though normally you'd refuse to take orders, you duck your head now. Avoiding molten eyes and seeking out something to focus on. The hand that was on your head, stretches out in between you both, palm up, and you take it quickly. Toying with his fingers, squeezing it in your own. Finding connection in your hand on his.

"Jenna sent me home, my evol doesn't work, I can't fight. I... it hurt. Everything's so loud."

You can't see it as he frowns, as your ears prick, then settle, seeking out all the things that hurt them. "I went to sleep, thought it would make this go away, but it didn't."

"Why didn't you tell me?" You hear it then, the pain, like he's biting down on glass. Your eyes dart up and his eyes are glassy, warm red gone dull. "You left your prosthetic on. It was rubbing your skin raw at the angle you were sleeping. There was blood on your sheets." He presses his forehead to yours and breathes you in, "Then this. Why didn't you tell me?" His voice cracks, and you want to be sick.

You twine your fingers with his and choke on the words, "I didn't want to be a bother."

He hisses, his grip on your hand almost hurts, but you probably deserve so much worse. You lied to him, to them, and you hurt him. More than just biting at him.

"You need to tell me. No matter what. No matter what I'm doing, beloved. No matter the issue." He kisses your forehead, over and over and over again. "Promise me."

You nod, and curl your pinky around his, just like you used to with Caleb when he made you promise to come to him with an injury. The words are too stuck in your throat, your voice too sore to use, but you nod. Desperately.

"You're not a burden to be carried, kitten. Ever. Do you understand?"

You don't. You want to, but it's hard. There is no part of you that feels easy or fun, but you do love him. So much. More than you thought yourself capable of. More than you wanted, on borrowed time.

"I'll try." You promise, and it feels like you've cycled back around to the start. Promising to figure things out at home, promising to aim for something. A future you're not sure you're going to ever see.

He takes it in earnest, you do not go back on your word. You are loyal and once you trust, you trust with your heart and your soul. It is yourself you do not trust.

Instead he eases you back into his lap and stands, you flinch and release his hand to grab his neck with your hand. "You need to be cleaned up, I'll help." You go to tell him no because it's water, and you're more a cat than even he teases you for, but you have your head in his neck at this angle, and his scent is so strong. Your tail flattens and begins to flick, lazy and soothed. You hear him chuckle, vibrating through his chest and through yours. "I'm not going anywhere."

-----------

Sylus eases you through steps. He's seen you injured, he's seen you with phantom pains, and he's watched you battle nightmares. Wanderers with swords through your chest, your heart stopping, an explosion you can't stop. He knows what you look like when wounded, he also knows that you fear his reaction when you are.

It takes time to heal wounds, he knows that intimately. You'd never shed your rage or anger, not really. When someone has made mention of gods you'd scoffed, when someone has talked about EVER and their many plans to help humanity, you'd snarled. You trust no king, no god, no corporation to fix the world or the people in it. He knows you're always scared but you keep walking forwards anyway, and he admires and loves you for it.

He just wishes you'd take his hand when that happens.

He has not felt fear like seeing your heart failing you in his arms before, and no matter the violence of your struggle, he would let you rip him to pieces to survive.

He has so much time, and his greatest fear is losing you too soon.

He cleans, and he dries, brushing hair and rubbing lotion to ease the burns on your skin. He helps you dress, finding clothes that don't irritate your tail, because at least he is intimately familiar with that, and then he sits you down on the couch with vegetable soup. Not handmade, though he'd rather have done so. He doesn't want to leave you alone, so he orders what he needs. Sending the twins running around. He's sure you'd like to see them, but he's worried their exuberance will agitate the overstimulation you're combatting.

Watching your ears flick this way and that, picking up too much. As though you don't already struggle with the world's input.

He almost feeds you, wanting to heal you with his own hands, like he's anything like the doctor... he's not. His skills are in bloodshed, and he is as sharp edged as you are.

Except you have made yourself a weapon, to be worth the pain, and he was made a weapon, to survive the pain.

He does not move far away, however, kneeling at your feet, and massaging your calves while you eat. You try to pull your legs away, but he keeps them held, and continues his movements. You have soothed his body before, stitched his wounds, kissed where his scars would be, and he will not have you lacking his own love and affection.

A dragon does not love lightly. Though you don't remember the depths he has gone to for you. This is an easy act of devotion.

"You need to tell them too." He finally speaks, as you clear your bowl. He's relieved to see your ears are no longer flat, your tail is not bristled, you are as relaxed as you can be. You nod, guilt written in your face, and he retrieves your phone for you on black and red mist.

Sitting at your side, he grabs your brush and begins to brush your tail. You almost leap into the air, startled and dropping your phone onto the couch cushions. "Sy!"

"Cat fur can get tangled, especially long fur." He smirks, pulling you closer, and brushing through it with long fingers, "So let me take care of it."

You flinch at the contact, stare at where his hand is in the new found attachment, then keeping your eyes trained on your phone, you nod.

He's content to let you write out what you need to, to be honest with the others, he doesn't want to have that job. It's your mission to step out of your self made cage. So he brushes quietly, the twitching tail in his hands restless, but soon as soft as you can be in your relaxed moments.

Your head hits his shoulder, ears twitching in sleep as all the pent up energy and stress escapes you. Held in long white furs in a small brush. You mutter in your sleep, words he can't understand, and whistle through your nose, little noises that make him laugh.

The best, however, is the purring in the back of your throat, broken up by sleep, and the tail that has found its way around his wrist.

He does not move you, but he retrieves a blanket and holds you against him, cheek pressed to the top of your head, against your fur ears, and keeps watch while you finally find some peace.

⛄️: Are they alright?

🐦‍⬛: They will be.

[letswonderspirit]

I made a uquiz! what Kind of spirit are you? 👻https://uquiz.com/gGB9B7

[demonbarberofbeepbeep]

morning toddheads

[humanmorph]

"This is a message to you, who listens. You must trust me, because we are friends. You just don't know it yet. "

(The Road to PARTIZAN 05 : Ech0 & dusk to midnight)

currently halfway through PARTIZAN (making my way towards palisade extremely slowly. see u guys there in a month or two) & this is to date my favourite intro Austin has done. what an great introduction to an extremely cool character

[becauseplot]

i feel i should preface this with saying that this relationship analysis "takes place" before qcellbit's emotional exhaustion and motivation crash---

---but i have been having SUCH crazy thoughts abt the archivists (qcellbit n qphilza). guy who needs evidence of Everything 🤝 guy who takes pictures of and hoards Everything. two-cars-passing-each-other meme whenever cellbit (practically nocturnal at this point) makes a late-night run to the Ordo to grab some notes he left there and bumps into phil (trouble sleeping ever since the birdhouse incident) who's sitting in one of the evidence rooms organizing a new backpack of photos to hand over to cellbit.

"oh. hey phil." "hi mate."

their conversations and interactions center mostly around cellbit's investigations---the ones cellbit lets the public know about, anyway---and whatever new info phil managed to scoop up since the last time they saw each other. theories are exchanged, and photos are passed between them as easily as pleasantries. "how're you doing?" "oh, doin' alright, doin' alright. you?" "eh. busy, you know?"

they don't talk about much else.

see, they both understand secrets. intimately. things you did you would much rather leave behind you, if you can, or thoughts, worries, doubts you would much rather keep to yourself for fear of speaking them into existence. sealed lips; a tight lid. they look at each other and know they're only seeing what the other wants them to see, but that's okay. they get it. sometimes, it's just easier to focus on what is directly in front of you. what you can see, what you can touch; what you know is true, what you know is real.

what you can do.

so cellbit generates and bounces his theories off of phil, and phil is more than happy to be a sounding board. phil fills up a backpack with photographs, and cellbit is more than happy to take it off his hands. they focus on The Work, on the spiderweb of red string and loose ends and grainy pictures and scrawled notes pinned to the wall, madness-incarnate sprawled out before them. they trust each other's judgement, and they trust each other's skills, and they trust each other, and neither asks too many questions. they both appreciate it.

[choi-hae]

Kenny’s Top Music of 2024!

Oh boy, it’s that time of year again - where I listened to too much music and now I’m making myself choose what the best ones (in my opinion) are but I’m bad at making decisions. Obviously I didn’t listen to everything, that would be impossible, but I did my best and honestly a lot of my picks will not be surprising. I’m very predictable. 

This year’s list is similar to last year’s, in terms of categories. But I think choosing was a bit easier than last year’s. Still hard obviously because I simply love too much of what came out this year, but the way my lists are structured, I believe it includes most of everything I loved from this year.

The rules I put upon myself in terms of choices are similar to years past, but please take note of them before reading further. Thank you in advance for reading my list! 

RULES: 

If an album was chosen for top album (group or solo), I tried to choose a different title from a different album OR a completely different artist all together for top title track (group or solo) to showcase as much variety as possible (and to challenge myself). If an album was chosen, it can be assumed I love all, if not most, of the songs on that album anyway. 

Top b sides are okay to chosen from top albums, as it only makes sense, and there can be multiple from a single artist but only ONE SONG per album.

None of these lists are in any particular order. It’s hard enough to choose top of anything, let alone put them into a numbered order.

And with that, here's my top music of 2024!

Top 6(+1) Group Albums/EPs

ATE - Stray Kids

Are we surprised? Another no skip album from SKZ. Even the festival version of the title track is fire. There’s not too much to say on the matter other than that I love every song so of course it had to be here. I’m in this Stay shit for life. 

GOLD - ITZY

Lia is back! Not only do I adore all the new songs on this album but they gave us “Final Ver.” of all the group tracks from Born To Be, and it just makes it all feel so complete. That fact alone makes this a top album for me. Plus the double titles were both amazing while being completely different vibes. 

Killin’ It - P1Harmony

Their first full album and what a banger. Every track is unique but is completely their style. Getting to see a lot of these songs live obviously gave me a bigger appreciation but even without that fact, I love every single song on this album. 

Armageddon - aespa

Another first full album and another case of every song is unique but suits the members’ vibes so well. No skips, I adore every song. The double title tracks were perfect for promotions. I love that they gave us a lot of short preview videos as well during the lead up to release.

Troubleshooting - Xdinary Heroes

THIS ALBUM! Again, another first full album but holy shit, these guys really found their sound with this one. The emo rock vibes throughout while still having each track have its own flair. Incredible. And the vocals! Play this album at my funeral. Bury me with it.

CRAZY - LE SSERAFIM

Choosing between this one and EASY was tough but I chose CRAZY because the b sides just hit more somehow. Even the intro track setting the vibe for the entire EP, this one has such a hype factor. I loved it. 

Fe304: BREAK - NMIXX

This one blew me away. I love these girls, I love their music, but there’s always at least one or two b sides I don’t vibe with. But this one, no skips. They hit this shit outta the park, for real. I could listen to this album all day. 

Top 6 Solo Albums/EPs

rosie - Rosé

My girl. She’s finally here. Her artistry has always been incredible to me and it shows in this album. It feels like she was finally let free and poured her everything into it. I adore her and her music. This album was beyond fantastic. 

Sir.Robert - Bobby

His first album since Lucky Man and what a follow up. All the songs are bangers and bops. Everyone knows Bobby for his hard rap tracks, but this album includes so many of his softer tracks and it’s a vibe I love to see from him. 

NA - Nayeon

I can’t believe how good this album is but also I can because it’s Nayeon. What a queen, what it girl energy. Her last one was good but this one, never skip. Every song is a 10/10 and I could listen to it forever. I love it so much, I even bought it, and I don’t own a single Twice album. 

TEN - Ten

This album proves that when you set this man free, he makes magic because god damn. Every song is a bop and each one makes you wanna move, as to be expected from a dancer. Since it seems like WayV has had more releases this year, I hope we get more Ten solos as well. 

Fake Happy - Seori

A short little EP but a good one. As always, her voice is so calming and honestly I love anything she releases. But this one has some great relatable messages throughout it, in both the title and b sides. It’s one of the things I love most about her music.

Element - BM

Congrats to BM and his first EP! And what a banger EP it is. This man will always be in his fuckboy era and maybe that’s where he’s meant to be because he’s good at this vibe. What a freak (affectionate).

Top 6 Hip-hop/R&B Albums/Singles

dopamine - Junny

I love when my boy Junny releases an album. There’s a whiff of fuckboy energy in this one but it’s played off with enough rizz that it suits him super well. His voice will always bring my joy and happiness. We love a Canadian. 

Yours Truly - Camo

My girl, my angel, my queen. An album release is always a blessing. There’s a lot more R&B vibes this time around and I love it. There’s not much to say - I love her and her voice and her artistry. 10/10.

16 Fantasy - Lee Young Ji

I think this is her first EP? Which is crazy. I feel like she’s been killing it for years, and this project is no exception. It’s so unequivocally her. I first saw her like four years ago on the Good Girl program and to see how far she’s come, it’s really amazing.

3:33 - Dean & FKJ

Dean giving us one single project every year but you know what? I’ll take it. I adore this one. It’s everything I want out of a track from him, and it’s only two tracks. The piano, his vocals, and a slight chill beat. Bless.

SPOT! - Zico & Jennie

An insane collab but also another Zico bop. Like if Zico made it, it’s gonna bang. Put Jennie on the feature, it’s a certified classic. Their chemistry is incredible and it seemed like they had fun doing it too. So I have fun listening to it. 

Domino - SAAY

This one came out of nowhere for me but my god, is it beautiful. Her voice is phenomenal and the track itself is dark and bass-y, really contrasting her lighter tone. But girlie also has range. I would love more like this from her. 

Top 6(+1) Girl Group Titles

Mr. Vampire - ITZY

This was my top song on Spotify and YouTube Wrapped this year, and rightfully so. When this song dropped, I was obsessed with it. Honestly, I’m still obsessed with it. That silly flute sound and the playful vibes. AND I got to see it live this year. It had to go on the list, for sure. 

EASY - LE SSERAFIM

You know me, I love a song that makes me feel like a bad bitch. But Easy is that subtle bad bitch vibe that makes you feel like you could take on the world by barely lifting a finger. Hence the title. Also the choreo slaps. They murdered it with this one. 

Heya - IVE

THIS SONG. As soon as I heard it, I said SOTY. When that bridge moved into Yujin’s high note and then the final chorus drops, it’s like a dopamine shot to my brain. Inject this song into my veins, seriously. 

Whiplash - aespa

Another subtle bad bitch for me. Runway energy. Also the styling for this era was incredible. Honestly, the concept elevates the track for me a lot. This era also made me realize I bias Giselle. So it’s a good one for sure. 

Cosmic - Red Velvet

It’s a Red Velvet song, what can I say really? Cosmic does feel special though. Wendy’s final high note that moves into the chorus really make me feel like I’m flying. And it has that overall retro vibe. It’s such a beautifully made song. 

Howling - XG

One thing XG is good at is mixing hard rap with beautiful melodies and this is THAT song. The raps are fantastic but it’s really those melodies in the pre chorus and chorus that pulled me in. Also a new entry for the K-pop cat/dog scale. 

Super Lady - (G)I-DLE

I added this one as my plus one pick because A) bad bitch energy, and B) I honestly think this was (G)I-DLE’s best era. A full album era will always hit harder and this is no exception. Super Lady is their Beyoncé era.

Top 6 Boy Group Titles

Walkin’ On Water - Stray Kids

Hip-hop is Stray Kids and Stray Kids is hip-hop. It’s one of the genres SKZ does best, aside from their own of course. And I love when they talk their shit. “When you’re sinking, I’m fishing”? “Say hello to Nemo ‘cause I can’t see”? Insane. 

Ice On My Teeth - ATEEZ

If you know me, you know I love a classical piece on a hip-hop track. The blend of classical and hip-hop is quite literally perfect on this one. The concept itself is amazing too. ATEEZ can master any vibe but this one suits them incredibly well. 

Deja Vu - TXT

It’s true what they say - any song called Deja Vu is gonna be a bop. This is another song for me where the melodies carry. The song itself is just so well made, and the rock style break down for the dance break is amazing. 

Sad Song - P1Harmony

Piwon only makes bops, I swear. How can they make me dance to a song about being sad? The first comeback after I saw them live and it makes me wish this song had come out before their tour. I love it so much.

Nallina - NEXZ

A new boy group, and they’ll appear later as well, but this song really surprised me. It’s very laid back but upbeat and fun. It’s hard for me to get into new groups most times but these guys make some fun music and their choreography is always stellar. 

Giant - Stray Kids

Another SKZ entry. I have many reasons to include it; 1) it’s a good song, 2) they’re talking their shit again, 3) it came out right after HYBE called them short, 4) Han’s silly sneeze rap, 5) “do ra me fa, king giant”. Do I need to say more?

Top 6 Solo Titles

Shopper - IU

This song is so incredible, and it is heightened by the music video a bit. It feels like an experience. And as a girlie who loves retail therapy, the song itself kind of speaks to me. AND it’s an IU song. Can’t go wrong. 

Like A Flower - Irene

The vibe of this song is immaculate. We love an afro beats dance-y type track. The concept of comparing one’s self to a flower has always been my favourite too. As a solo debut, I wasn’t expecting this for her but it suits her so well. 

LURE - I.M

The only music Monsta X related music release this year, and it was a great one. The laid back R&B vibe suits his voice so well, so this vibe wasn’t surprising but it was appreciated. The lyrics are also kinda wild but that’s what I love about him.

Freak - Yuqi

Another one that’s heightened a bit by the music video. We love a “it’s okay to be weird” kind of message in a song too. When it comes to solos, Yuqi really knows her sound and what works for her. 

Letter To Myself - Taeyeon

This song felt very uplifting and hopeful, which is a feeling I’m needing going into the new year. What else can I really say about this? It’s a Taeyeon song so of course it’s high quality. I really love the more down to earth vibe she’s been going with lately. 

Mona Lisa - Soojin

I think this song was fantastic for her. The sound was perfect and it made it possible for her dancing to be showcased more than her debut. Just my opinion but this one felt so much more her and I hope she releases more in the new year. 

SPECIAL: Band Comeback Mentions

DAY6 - Fourever & Bandaid

What can I say? Day6 came back from the military and killed it this year. Like objectively, they had multiple hit songs over their two albums and it’s so deserved. Personal favourites: Welcome to the Show, Happy, Get The Hell Out, Sad Ending from the Forever album, and Melt Down, Monster, I’m Fine from the Bandaid album.

ONEWE - OFF ROAD

They did have their EP earlier in the year, but I really loved this single album. Off Road is a great summer title coming out at the tail end of summer, but the two b sides on it were also super top tier to me. I think it came out at the perfect time too. Just enjoyable all around. 

Rolling Quartz - Victory & RE:BOLD

One album and a single this year, and I believe they keep getting better. I liked Victory as an album but the RE:BOLD single is probably their best song to date for me. Something about it really showcases that energy I love from them but in a new way. It’s hard to explain but I really love it. 

Xdinary Heroes - LIVE and FALL

Insane releases this year. I already included their full album above, but I have to mention this one. Similar to their Day6 seniors, they decided to do a single every month, just for about four months, before releasing them all with some b sides on an EP, and every song CRUSHED. So many different genres explored and they mastered all of them. Personal favourites: Save Me, Boy Comics, Feeling Nice, and Love and Fear.

Dragon Pony - Pop Up 

A new k-band that surprised me a lot. The quality of their music is a lot higher than I expected from a new band. I know nothing about them other than that I am excited to hear what they do next. Personal favourites: Pop Up, Traffic Jam, and Ouroboros.

Top 6(+1) Boy Group B Sides

I Like It - Stray Kids

I like it. What can I say? I know there was the big thing about how it’s a situationship and whoa crazy, but like it’s just objectively a good song. It’s playful, it’s cute, it’s fun, I like the switch up when the instrumental kinda goes dark. It’s good. 

Shaboom - ATEEZ

Reggaeton? In my K-pop?? I adore this song. It’s so unique and I’ve never heard anything like it in K-pop. I love ATEEZ for trying new genres like this because I think this in particular suits them super well. 

Late Night Calls - P1Harmony

I’m still bitter they didn’t do this one on tour. It’s one of those fun dance-y tracks but not like big dance, more like groove. Does that makes sense? It makes me happy. It makes me wanna move. It’s easily a favourite from them. 

Bounce Back - Stray Kids

I love when SKZ talks their shit. And I love when Han talks his shit. We love a Han track. Seriously though, this song feels good. Like I could run through a wall. And the whistle motif feels super nice in my ears. It’s a good diss track. 

Higher Than Heaven - TXT

This song feels like serotonin. It makes me happy for some reason. I love the chorus when they go higher when they say “high”. It feels cathartic almost? I dunno. It’s hard to explain but it’s definitely a favourite. 

Feeling Nice - Xdinary Heroes

This song is dopamine. I’m obsessed. Something about the bass line tickles my brain in the right way. Inject it into my veins. It’s probably their best song to date, and it’s a b side. That’s insane. 

Falling Up - Stray Kids

Now I’m just being self indulgent but it’s my list so fuck you. I love this song. It’s definitely OST coded, because it’s an OST, but it stands so well as a SKZ song as well. I adore the vocals in it, I love the guitar through the instrumental. It’s just lovely.

Top 6(+1) Girl Group B Sides

Love Is Lonely - NMIXX

This song is beautiful. NMIXX is incredibly strong in some many areas, but most people talk about their performance and dancing. But I’d argue that their vocals are just as strong, if not stronger. And this song showcases that beautifully. 

Sunflower - Red Velvet

Just another serotonin song. It’s upbeat, it’s fun and playful. I love the energy it gives me. And the fact that it’s called Sunflower makes it even better, iykyk. The chorus is my favourite part, the way they’re like calling out together. It makes the build up feel so gratifying. 

Flight, Not Feelings - aespa

WOW, this song. When I first heard it, I was confused. Like I didn’t understand the beat, but a couple listens later and I knew it was my favourite on the album. I love boom bap, combined with their lovely vocals. It’s fantastic. 

Bad Girls R Us - ITZY

It’s cheeky, it’s playful. I love when the guitar comes in. The genre bending it does is super fun to listen to. I think ITZY always does this type of vibe super well. Their strong songs are good, but these fun melodic b sides are always their best to me. 

Right now - NewJeans

I love a drum and bass track. It’s literally my favourite genre of music. NewJeans does this vibe super well. Their light vocals float over the fast beat and it’s like perfection to me. Am I being dramatic? Oh well. I love this song. 

Vision - (G)I-DLE

More drum and bass. What can I say? This was an early favourite in the year, no contest. I love the style of the instrumental obviously, but my favourite part is during the chorus when the girls are using a light higher vocal, you can hear a lower mumbled vocal underneath it just slightly and I think that adds a lot.  

Smart - LE SSERAFIM

Phenomenal. The only downside to this song is that it wasn’t released in the summer. But it was definitely played in the summer. It’s a song that gets you moving, even if you don’t know how to move. Catch me shaking ass in the kitchen to this. 

Top 6 Hip-Hop/R&B B Sides

Here We Go Again - Junny

Junny was really in his bag with this one. The instrumental is really fun and groovy, and it really lets his voice float over the top. I absolutely adore his lower tones in particular. It’s just an all around good song. 

Wings - Camo

Like I mentioned above, this album was phenomenal. This song in particular is one of my favs - another drum and bass type beat. Her laid back rap over the kind of fantastical instrumental is just too lovely for me to ignore. 

Kiss Me Now - Mirani

Something about the melody on this one. It’s so infectious and playful. The beat is bouncy. It’s just a genuinely fun song. I love when she’s does more sing-songy rap as well. I think it suits her style super well. 

Sugar Rush - BIBI

This song is so damn fun. It’s an ass shaker. The lyrics are so good - one of my favs: “I don’t need a man for no dessert / I got popsicles in my freezer”. Girlie’s always got the best concepts, the best messages. And she gives me the bad bitch feeling I need to survive.

EGO - Camo

It’s the instrumental on this one. It’s pretty minimal all things considered but I like the vibe. It’s slow and smooth. I have a chill vibes playlist and this song would definitely go on it. Actually, it probably already is.

figure8 - Junny

This song feels safe. Does that makes sense? It’s the acoustic vibe, his voice, the lyrics. Everything about it feels like a hug on a cold winter day. You’re standing the the snow with your boo and you’re huddled together to keep warm while you wait for the bus. It’s lovely. 

Top 6 Solo B Sides

Embers - BM

I adore this song so much. I love that he’s singing! We don’t get singing BM too often but I love it. This song showcases that a lot. It’s slow but groovy, and it’s still thotty like the rest of his album but it’s somehow sweeter than the rest. 

drinks or coffee - Rosé

I’ll die if I don’t listen to this song at least once a day. Once again, a groovy song, a song that makes me wanna dance, that makes me want to fall in love at a bad party. Most of the songs on her album are a bit sad and slow, but this one is such a vibe. 

Ups & Downs - Taeyong

I was pretty shocked when I heard this because I’m used to Taeyong from NCT. Which is good, I like him. But this song is so much more chill that what I’d heard in the past and I really enjoy it. I found it getting stuck in my head at random times. 

Vermillion - Wendy

I liked a lot of b sides from her album but I found myself always coming back to this one. I mean, we all know she’s a phenomenal singer but paired with this kind of grand instrumental really caught my attention. 

Lie With You - Ten

We love yearning. I feel it in my bones with this song. The upbeat instrumental but sad lyrics about loving someone you aren’t allowed to openly love. Star crossed lovers kinda track. I adore it. 

Butterflies - Nayeon

Queen Nayeon, she can’t make a bad song. It was hard to just pick one from her album. It's cute, it’s fun. And she raps on this one! Which I love to see her playing all the parts on her solo pieces. Not much else to say, it’s just really good. 

Top 6(+1) Collab Tracks

harmless - Bobby (feat. Chanmina)

They did this collaboration for ME SPECIFICALLY. When I heard this was dropping, I’m pretty sure I screamed. I love them both so much and their energies together is electric. Two idgaf rappers, it’s a collaboration made in heaven. 

SICKUHH - NMIXX (feat. Kid Milli)

This was so unexpected but so appreciated. We know I adore NMIXX, and I’ve been listening to Kid Milli on and off for a couple years at this point. I think the girls killed the rap track and his feature added that extra spice. Plus it’s a Dem Joints beat. 

Come Back To Me - Kang Daniel (feat. Chungha)

I love their voices together. End of sentence. It’s a collab that I never knew I needed. I think it’s the perfect track for them both to be on. It’s super minimal to let their voices shine. It’s perfect. 

Butterflies - Camo (feat. pH-1)

Wow, Camo on the list again? And with pH-1 this time?? An obvious pick. I love both of these artists so much and their vibes match each other so well on a chill but bouncy track like this one. 

Fraksiya - Mark Lee (feat. Lee Young Ji)

Mark Lee doing a for real diss track, and not against himself this time. And with Miss Young Ji?? Oh my goodness. He said with no rest time! He knows! It’s too good. Their chemistry is fire. I don’t need to spell it out for you. 

Rush - Junny (feat. Bobby)

Junny again, but with Bobby this time, hello. Another unexpected collab but I’m never gonna complain when two of my favs get together and absolutely destroy a track. This one is laid back and a lil sexy tbh, and they both sound awesome on this one. 

DND - Young Posse (feat. BM of KARD)

I love this one, mostly because BM making and hopping on the track with his lil sisters is cute af. But also this song is just really pretty. The girls have super lovely voices for being advertised as a rap group, and BM’s feature adds a nice little flair. It’s fun. 

Top 6(+1) Singles

Only One - VCHA

I feel sad considering everything that’s in the news surrounding these girls. This song released and I felt like it was their best so far. I’m very heartbroken to hear how they were treated, what they went through, and I hope they get justice.

Sticky - Kiss Of Life

Song of the summer, easy. These girls are so damn talented and I love that they’re bringing grown women sexy back into K-pop, reminiscent of Sistar and older Mamamoo. It’s so fun and we need more iconic summer bops like this. 

distraction - AleXa

I kind of hate that the reason I love this song is because I relate to it 100%. These lyrics are almost word for word what I wish I could’ve told myself when I was in my previous relationship. I wish I had this song back then. Shit. 

Ride the Vibe - NEXZ

This is the song that made me go, “oh these guys have a good vibe”. I love the chill start and then switch in the drum and bass style. I will admit that it did confuse me at first but I quickly started to love it and I’m still obsessed. 

Wait - Hyolyn

Song of the summer part 2. From the summer queen herself. And she got everyone shaking their asses with this one. I love it. It makes me wanna sit on a beach with a refreshing drink and just soak in the summer vibes. 

Done - naevis

The debut of the first fully computer generated idol. The music video really blew me away - technology is wild, like how is she not real? You’re telling me the girl on the screen isn’t real?? But I’m also fascinated by the fact that her voice is an amalgamation of all the aespa girls’ voices. It’s all very interesting to me. 

Diamond - TRI.BE

More tears from me on this one. The lyrics made me cry a lil bit. It’s a very sweet message, uplifting and nice to hear on a bad day. The instrumental is upbeat and fun - sticking to their overall vibe - but with a message that’s so wholesome, it could warm the darkest heart. 

SPECIAL: Rookie Mentions

Young Posse

These girls fascinate me. They’re a rap heavy group and all their mainline MVs are like purposefully not well done, but well done, green screen/VFX heavy videos that kind of rip off the style of old GTA games? Like how’d they come up with the concept for these girlies?? I’m so interested in them even though their titles aren’t really my style. I love their b sides, I love their vibes. I’m curious to see where they go. Notable songs are DND, Scars, and Skyline.

NEXZ

They’ve appeared on this list a couple times already. I enjoy them a lot - their songs are good, they’re very good dancers, fun to watch. I think they’re likely going to go far being under JYP to a certain extent. But they also clearly have so much talent already that I’m excited to see what else they come out with. Notable songs are Ride The Vibe, Nallina, and Hard.

BADVILLAIN

I was so surprised to hear that Emma was debuting in a group. I really loved her on SWF, she’s such a talented dancer. And the rest of her group are also incredibly talented. The songs got the bad bitch energy I love. Their debut was so solid. There’s not a single song by them that I don’t like. I’m so excited to watch their journey. Notable songs are Yah-ho, Hurricane, and +82.

82MAJOR

Now I haven’t listened to them much but I was drawn in by the fact that P1Harmony Keeho’s little brother is in this group. Their songs are fun, really unique in certain ways. They’re great dancers. I’ve liked what I’ve seen so far and I’m curious to see what else they do. Notable songs are First Class, Choke, and Stuck.

MEOVV

I think these girls are powerful. They are small, they are young, but they are powerful. They have a lot of talent - singing, rapping, dancing - and they’ve clearly trained for a while. I was super impressed by their debut. I think they’ll definitely go far. Being under the Black Label, I just hope they get consistent comebacks. Notable songs are Meow, Body, and Toxic (their only songs, lol).

Top 6(+1) MVs

Love Wins All - IU

I cried. Multiple times. For like a month. Every time I saw this video, I couldn’t help but cry by the end. Serious props to IU and V for their acting. I really felt like I was watching this tragic tale of two people who care for each other so much and want to be happy so bad, but death follows them no matter how much they run. The world building in a relatively short music video is impressive. They show you very quickly how everything works, why the characters are running, what their dreams are and how those dreams can never be possible. The story matches IU’s beautiful vocals so much. They weave together to paint this tragedy. And by the end, when the characters meet their end, you really feel for them. You feel their love for each other, whether it be romantic or platonic - I know some interpretations vary. It’s just so incredibly well put together from start to finish. The first masterpiece of the year for me. 

One Spark - Twice

I cried again. Shocking? Not really, hear me out. Even if you’re not a huge stan of Twice, you know their impact. Their journey. How special they are. And if you know K-pop, you know a lot of groups don’t make it as long as Twice has - 2025 will be their 10th year. So when this music video came out, it’s this triumphant call out that they’re still here, they’re still going, they’ve only just hit their golden days, and they don’t plan on stopping. These are women who truly love what they do, they love each other and what they’ve accomplished, and there’s no end in sight for them. And that’s plainly illustrated by the count-up on the elevator throughout the music video. Starting at their debut date, going up to 2024 - the music video’s release date - before changing to say “timeless”. Twice is timeless - an endless flame, an everlasting blast. They sparkle beautifully and will shine forever. And they won’t let you forget it. 

Armageddon - aespa

So I’ve talked about storytelling thus far in these music videos. Let’s talk about effects enhancing story. This music video, and this era even, was insane for aespa. They leaned into this dark horror concept, but still stuck to their roots with AI. And yes, that’s a sore subject when it comes to art and video. But this video is clearly an example of AI done right. The scenes in this music video aren’t AI generated, but AI assisted to achieve the vibe and feeling they want for their storytelling. The VFX team used AI tech to enhance the visual effects to create images that are creepy and off-putting almost. Which matches where their story is leading. If you know a bit about aespa lore, you know that at this point in their story, the computer/AI world and the real world are mixing when they shouldn’t be. And that creates these distorted images, faceless bodies, butterfly monsters and sirens. The use of VFX in this way is the reason the story feels chaotic and “is this the same story?”, but that’s the point. It’s a new era with new tech and it’s done beautifully. 

JJAM - Stray Kids

At first, this video doesn’t seem like anything special. It’s a silly music video for a b side off their main album of the year. So why is it here? Editing and cinematography. Every cut and camera move is motivated by the music and in a lot of cases, that’s what a music video should be. Yes, it’s telling a story. But the story would be diminished if the editing was off or the camera movements didn’t match. It makes the whole experience more satisfying to the eye, whether you realize it or not. During Changbin’s first verse, the cuts and push ins with the camera match his cadence. When Hyunjin is mopping the floor with slime, his movement stutters along with the instrumental. When the beat drops and the choreography starts in the chorus, they use speed ramps and light flashes during the bass drops to accentuate the movements, to make the impact feel bigger. It’s those little choice that really make the video feel just a bit spicier, you know? 

Howling - XG

I could’ve chose any of XG’s MVs to go here - Woke Up, IYKYK, Something Ain’t Right - because every XG MV is going to have insane VFX that are just mind blowing. But I decided on Howling because of how editing is utilized to compliment the song because I think it’s really well done. When I talked about this song above in the title track section, I mentioned that it’s got strong raps and beautiful melodies that blend perfectly, and they show that in the edits visually. Almost to the point where it could be too much for some. What I mean by that is, we start with a rap section - it goes Cocona, Jurin, Harvey, Maya. The editing increases in speed as we move through each member, Harvey’s section being the most chaotic (almost unwatchable), then starting to slow down again during Maya, before it’s slowed to hardly any cuts for the vocal members’ sections in the pre chorus, then picks up to a normal cutting speed for the choreography scenes in the chorus, and then speeding up again with Jurin when the rap comes back in. Rinse and repeat for that verse. It’s like a rollercoaster, and it matches the song beautifully, adding to its overall impact, and probably why this is my favourite song from them to date. 

Zombie - Everglow

Can you believe this was their only release this year? Illegal. Anyway, I love this video. It’s haunting, just like the song. The visual storytelling is fantastic. The unhinged laugh to start off. The all white room in white outfits and white hair. The lighting feels overbearing and bright, which is a huge contrast from the darkness of the song. The acting is fantastic as well - the obsessive nature over the phones which symbolizes this love they had that turned them into zombies - a super creative way to show this kind of toxic obsessive love. The wind blowing to symbolize the insanity, the unrest. The dial tone paralleling a flatline, phone cracks and bleeds, showing the death of this love. The stark white room being splattered in blood for the final chorus. But also the yandere aspect to the song itself saying, “you drove me crazy and you might think this love is dead but I’ll keep coming back for you like a zombie.” I think visually and thematically, everything is so cohesive and strong. What a phenomenal drop to be their only one of the year. 

Railway - Bang Chan (Stray Kids)

Now hear me out. Yes, he’s attractive. But aside from that, the quality of this music video is insane. And mind you, it’s a solo b side on a special album, not even a mainline album. My jaw hit the floor when I watched it for the first time, simply because it was so unexpected. All the solo MVs were great up to this point, but Chan’s exceeded all expectations. The colour grading is so gritty and fantastical - really like you’re being transported into this different world. The acting is insane - I knew he could act but I didn’t know it was that serious. Like get him in a k-drama asap. The way the sound effects blend so well with the track itself - it was like the music was made with the music video in mind for it to blend so seamlessly. The editing as a whole is so attention grabbing, captivating, chaotic and hungry - the moment you think you know what’s going on, it throws you for a loop. And that can be said for the story as well. I’ve loved to see how Stays are interpreting it online - Chan has a way of showcasing these struggles he has with his own mind, his own psyche, in a way you don’t expect. It was the same with Red Lights. Everyone thought this was a sexy toxic love song, and maybe it is, but maybe not in the way you first thought. My interpretation is that, like everyone, he has two sides to him - one side he considers bad, and another that tries to keep that side tied down, even if he’s maybe drawn to that “bad” side of himself. And sometimes the “bad” Chan escapes, reeking havoc, until he gets it under control again. And that’s the train that never sleeps. The unending ride that is his own psyche. It’s so relatable and fantastic. I am in awe at his creative genius every day. 

If you've read this far, thank you for your time! I'd love to hear what your favourites of the year were. Do we have similar choices? Are they completely different? Did I miss a song that you absolutely loved? Feel free to let me know! I'm always open to listening and talking about all music.

And that's the end of music in 2024. It's been a good one, seriously. Again, I definitely missed lots because there's just so much that comes out all the time. I feel incredibly lucky to live in a time where I can listen to so many incredible things and where the possibilities for music are endless. I can't wait to see what 2025 will bring! 💕

[tizeline]

Man, going from rough sketch directly to lineart and just skipping the clean-sketch step is Not A Good Idea and now I'm struggling

Unfortunately I am both too lazy and stubborn to do a proper sketch and as such I will continue to suffer. Alas.

[glasswingowl]

caught in your own web, just like your mother

[a-lonely-dunedain]

1, 3, 4, 8, 23, 30, and/or 33 for Margim and Celeair, if any of these tickle your fancy?

ooh ok! that's a lot lol, but these look fun!

1."are they associated with a certain color? what color do they wear the most?"

oh I color code most of my characters! once they've been around long enough they all usually get assigned one. Margim is burgundy and Celeair is silvery blue, I tend to draw them with outfits heavily featuring their respective colors.

3. "weapon of choice? any particular reason they chose their weapon?"

Margim's weapon is a spiked mace, suited to brutal attacks that kill quickly and messily. She didn't exactly choose it, but it was the only thing available to her in Thorzhaf so she just had to get good at killing with it. Really good at killing with it. Celeair has no weapon, as he's a pacifist with no combat skills. As a loremaster he occasionally requires a staff, but only rarely as he doesn't need it for healing (which is most of what he does), so he doesn't usually carry one with him unless to use as a walking stick.

4. "how crafty/resourceful are they?"

as far as fighting is concerned, Margim is used to doing battle in a controlled environment, the same bridge in the same setting day in and day out, so fighting elsewhere might have taken her a little getting used to. As such she's still getting the hang of using her environment to her advantage, as she tends to fall into the habit of seeing her foe through a kind of tunnel vision and not focusing on much else. She has a very blunt and uncomplicated approach to problem solving, usually being "hit it with a mace til it stops being a problem, and if that doesn't work, ask Celeair what to do."

Now I would say Celeair is very resourceful! Between the two of them, he's usually the one with ideas (though he always values Margim's input whenever she gives it). Very 'think on his feet' kinda guy rather than 'plan every part in advance' so he's pretty adaptable even when things go awry.

8. "do they have a nickname? who gave it to them? if it's not derived from their real name, what's the story behind it?"

well I know Margim is sometimes shortened to Mar by Elain, but there's not really much meaning behind it besides "we're friends and I shorten my friends names :>" (Margim certainly prefers it over any title she earned in Thorzhaf)

Celeair is sometimes called Cel (pronounced "Kel" bc this is still a Sindarin C) by his brother. I also feel like Elain would have a sort of nickname for him that isn't derived from his real name, maybe something that started out as a joke but kinda stuck, but nothing has jumped out at me yet.

23. "how would you describe their voice? can they sing?"

Celeair's voice is clear and gentle, and I think he can sing rather well! Margim's voice is quiet, low and almost rumbling at times. It can be a bit husky as well due to how little she speaks. I don't think she's ever tried to sing.

30. "do they smell like anything notable?"

hmm, I never gave much thought to how they would smell. I suppose Celeair would smell pretty strongly of medicinal herbs, but the exact composition can vary depending on what he's been working with. It'd range anywhere from the sweet and fresh (almost minty) smell of Athelas to bright fir needles and pungent poultices. The man basically smells like a walking herb store, which I guess makes sense considering he spends most of his time in such places.

As for Margim, first thing that came to mind was that she smells vaguely smokey? Can't think of a logical reason she would smell that way, at least post-Mordor, besides just *gestures vaguely* vibes™. Maybe smokey and spicy? (some of Celeair's herb smells rubbed off on her. from all the cuddling <3)

33. "if applicable, how would your other characters describe them? i mean specifically the people around them."

well considering Bitter Ash is written from both Celeair and Margim's PoVs, we kinda already know how they'd describe one another, so let's see what my other guys have to say about them! (they have at least met once after all)

Ethedis: likes Celeair a lot, sees him as a very capable healer with an agreeable demeanor. Instantly clocks that this dude has MAXED out his charisma stat, as it wouldn't be easy for just any Gondorian to be welcomed into Dunlanding village like this, and that he's much wiser than his easygoing exterior first lets on. Thinks he would be unstoppable if he honed his offensive Loremaster skills, but understands that hurting anyone would be against his principles. She wishes she could have gotten by on the same path, but the world demanded different things from them.

She was initially wary of Margim, as most people are upon first meeting her, but seeing the genuine trust Celeair has for Margim put her at ease somewhat. She's actually not intimidated by her at all (though she might have been if they met earlier), and is heartened to find such an unexpected and powerful ally. She's difficult for even Ethedis to read, but she got the impression that Margim holds a lot of pain in her past and that Mordor is to blame for it. She'll be the last person in Dunland they need to worry about falling under the sway of the Enemy.

Tossdir: was very wary of Margim upon first meeting and was slower to trust her than Ethedis was, mostly due to past experience with a certain Man of Mordor (*cough* Mordrambor *cough*) messing with his head that one time. I think once he's certain she's on their side and hates the forces of Mordor as much as they do, he would see her as the archetypal 'shady loner with a mysterious past' but he can tell she cares a great deal for the people of the Stag-Clan, and for this random Gondorian who's here too for some reason (he does NOT clock that they are madly in love. so oblivious it's almost embarrassing). He's curious about her past, but understands she wouldn't take kindly to him trying to pry into it, so he keeps a respectable distance. Even if they aren't friends, she's still a foe of Mordor and Isengard, and that at least, makes them allies. Still kinda wishes he knew what her whole deal was...

Speaking of Celeair, I honestly think Tossdir was too distracted by Margim to pay much mind to him in the short time they spent in Trum Dreng lmao. He's a bit odd, like Ethedis in some ways, but seemed like a nice enough guy. Tossdir couldn't say much more about him than that tho.

[skunkes]

I'm v curious abt Talon's mesoamerican origins and evolution in general how does his accent sound when written out? after such a long life what is the strongest vestige of those times he has (aside from physical features and so on). I can't believe some rando bloodsucker colonized my boy

I have no idea what his accent wld sound like as the few videos i cld find of people speaking his original language, are, of course, mainly spanish speakers! And I can sometimes hear the difference in spanish as they switch between the 2 while being interviewed but i struggle to mentally transplant that as to how it'd sound in English ykwim 😭 there's also the fact that its the modern language spoken by them so it has evolved alongside and borrows from spanish anyway, by those who still speak it and speak both Today

Im actually still zeroing in on fleshing out more of that lore, since I can't find too much info on the specific culture i envision for him, it may really just have to be "fantasy culture INSPIRED by the people" instead, so i dont completely botch actual historical info 😮‍💨 either that or go very vague off of the info available

[svtskneecaps]

listen in the grand scheme of things i'm glad i let myself get back into minecraft content for this. like i haven't touched a minecraft series since like 2014, on purpose, but i saw clips of qsmp in march 2023 and thought, screw it. maybe it's time. and i don't regret it yknow? i saw multilingual server and thought 'that looks AWESOME' and it certainly didn't disappoint. my only regret is that everything went crazy and people logged off RIGHT when everyone finally started relying on the live translations more, which was something i've been dreaming of for months lmfao. all in all, just happy to be here. this stuff gave me new reasons to use my blog.

hell if this is actually an end or even just a pause maybe i can FINALLY write my FUCKING TIME LOOP FIC JESUS FUCKING I'VE BEEN COOKING THAT STUPID FUCKING THING SINCE LIKE MAY LIKE I WAS ON THE FUCKING FIELD AT MY COLLEGE GRADUATION CEREMONY WAITING TO WALK THE STAGE AND GET MY DIPLOMA AND I WAS WRITING THE FIRST STUPID CHAPTER OF IT LIKE GENUINELY BUT I PUT IT ON HOLD BC THINGS KEPT HAPPENING AND I WAS LIKE I SHOULD UNDERSTAND THE BIG PICTURE SO I CAN ACTUALLY PLAY WITH IT PROPERLY BC THE MOST FUN I HAVE WITH TIME LOOP AUS COMES FROM KNOWING EVERYTHING AND MESSING WITH HOW SIMPLE ACTIONS CAN ALTER THE PROGRESSION OF EVENTS AND CHANGE CHARACTER CHOICES LOGICALLY BC THAT STUFF'S COOL BUT I DIDN'T KNOW LIKE THE MYSTERY OF THE FEDERATION OR WHATEVER AND I WANTED TO SEE WHERE THAT WAS GOING SO I COULD SEE WHETHER I WANTED TO TOSS IT OR ALTER IT OR KEEP IT AND SEE NOW I'LL KNOW YKNOW AND NOW I CAN JUSTIFY SHIT LIKE "OH HEY PURGATORY'S HAPPENING IN JUNE THIS TIME BC I WANT THE BREAKFAST TRIO TO EXIST FASTER AND FUCK YOU" WITHOUT IT FEELING TOO WEIRD AND ALSO STUFF LIKE CODE LORE AND ALL THIS OTHER NONSENSE LIKE DAMN WOULD BE PRETTY COOL I MEAN ONE SINGLE FUCKING INTERACTION BETWEEN SLIME AND MARIANA COULD SEND ME CAREENING DOWN A PATH PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT UNIMAGINABLE I COULD MAKE THIS FIC THAT'S BEEN SIMMERING SINCE LAST MAY A REALITY I COULD DO IT THIS COULD FIX ME. THIS COULD FIX ME

but yeah i'm glad i allowed myself to get invested in this server. i think y'all are cool, and i think the admins did amazing with everything they were given even though they shouldn't have been given it the way they were, and the ccs were cool and i'm glad everything happened yknow. maybe things will keep happening and maybe not but yknow what. i became All Powerful. i started watching as someone who knew english and some french and now i am someone who knows english (100%), slightly more french (like 70%), a workable understanding of spanish (like 40%) and a slightly less workable understanding of portuguese (like 20%) they added german to nerf me specifically. they knew i was getting too powerful. yeah, i spent some time as a kpoppie, i have a tiny miniscule understanding of korean (5%) german i have 0 experience with they added german to nerf me and then this happened to nerf me further. make no mistake they cannot stop me. i will become all powerful.

like cmon. if it ends here it was never all bad. i don't even have to use google translate to understand roier shittalking in the chat. i can just read it. i couldn't do that before :D and i can make my chilean friend keysmash bc she's not used to me knowing any spanish at all

we've grown strong over the year, haven't we? i hope we will continue to, no matter what :D

[alchemiclee]

been looking in tags for a few days now to see if anyone else found the whole high cloud quintet and related story to be a bit.....poorly written, nonsensical, contradictory, full of plot holes and loose ends, etc. apparently i'm not the only one. (and i'm not even talking about shipping stuff, because any time I saw someone mad about bad writing, someone always replies to be homophobic and laugh about failed ships. weirdos.) it could have been so good but was thrown into the garbage for the most part (IF you noticed all the plot holes and contradiction. if not, then it's a fine enough story tbh. I expect most people to see it on surface level and not read all the little hidden lore bits and try to piece it together like my autistic brain did. which is ok! enjoy it if you liked it and ignore me 😆)

[sualne]

that guy