#I want to see some wholesome romance blooming

[thatonequeeraunt]

Nina calling Maggie an Angel was actually the sweetest thing and I need them back in season 3

[roaringroa]

hate when ppl talk about touko from bloom into you like she was pressuring yuu into having feelings for her when she was literally doing the opposite? she wanted yuu to NOT have feelings for her lmao

[dangermousie]

2023 End of Year Post - cdrama edition

Yes, we have a lot of December left, but I don't think anything else I want to check out will air before 2024 hits (it's cdrama so caveat is - you never know.)

This is only going to cover cdramas that aired in 2023; if I watched it but it was made in a different year, it's not on the list. This was a pretty good cdrama year, all in all.

DRAMAS WATCHED

(In order of liking from least to most as opposed to pure quality; I am including if I’ve seen enough to make up my mind; yes I realize that’s inaccurate, but that’s my list)

30 legend of twin flower - Not dignifying that drama with capital letters, as the only capital that should be associated with this is capital punishment - which is what watching this feels like.

29 Dominator of Martial Gods - sounds like a bdsm gay porn title. Would probably be better acted and written if it was.

28 Beauty of Resilience - you'd need a lot of said resilience to sit through this incoherent, barely acted mess. The thing that I remember the most other than my annoyance is all the jingly-jangly head gear on JJY. Perhaps they could have sold some of them and spent the money on a better script.

27 Divine Destiny - if you think you have too many brain cells and want to get rid of some, boy do I have a drama for you!

26 Wanru’s Journey - honestly it's probably tied with SEL - I mean it's worse but it has actors who are nowhere as well known and a fraction of SEL's budget. Still, this is a big fat nope. I will not say what I think of Aoi Rupeng's "acting" or I'd have to put money in the curse jar.

25 Snow Eagle Lord - Gulinazha's stone face, nonsense plot, terrible CGI. Take your pick as to why this is terrible.

24 Scent of Time - it was uneven but fun but then that ending was dumb enough to destroy the whole thing. Show me on the doll where common sense hurt you, makers!

23 Royal Rumors - Jeremy Tsui and Meng Ziyi are utterly wasted in this nothing trifle of a drama.

22 Legend of Anle - I had high expectations but alas. This is the drama version of color beige. There is nothing offensive about it but nothing good either. Mediocre actors are mediocre, good actors become mediocre, this is just a waste of our finite time on planet earth.

21 Romance on the Farm - it's not you, it's me in action. I can see why people would like this wholesome slice of farming family life, but it's tailored to trigger every one of my "nope" opinions.

20 Back from the Brink - if I were 12, it would be my favorite thing. I am not 12.

19 Journey of Chong Zi - objectively a terrible drama with plot holes the size of Mars and a leading lady whose face has apparently frozen when the wind changed. But I am a total sucker for the trope of upright shizun falling for his demonic disciple and going mental so here we are. Objectively, garbage, subjectively my precious!

18 Love you Seven Times - just call poor Ding Yuxi "Atlas," he carried this mess so hard.

17 Blooming Days - trashy dogblood harem fight fun throwback. It's not that great (and the fact that it was shredded doesn't help) but it's probably the last gasp of that genre for the foreseeable future, so I am grading on a curve.

16 The Starry Love - a fun fantasy where the secondary OTP stole the thunder but overall a really solid fantasy xianxia romance.

15 The Longest Promise - it could have been better - the secondaries were unbearable and there was too much of them and what they did with Alen Fang's character still gives me rage fits, but the main couple was impeccable and lovely and I rooted so hard for them.

14 Chang Feng Du/Destined - visually gorgeous, solidly acted, impeccable first half. Bland as hell second half. Win some, lose some.

13 Circle of Love - this drama is a nonsense trash heap on fire. After a typhoon hit it. It was also the most entertaining, addicting drama on this whole list.

12 Hidden Love - the sole modern on this list, this story has barely any plot but it made me care about the young, decent lovers so hard.

11 Choice Husband - starts out wacky, continues with angst and blood and happy ending. I loved it, but I've always had a soft spot for melo and schemers turning devoted.

10 Pledge of Allegiance - bromance, super solid acting, visuals, a really dark take on officials and the world. Insanely underrated.

9 Provoke - a truly fun Republican revenge and love tale, showing that short format can be wonderful.

8 Gone with the Rain - some of the secondary characters are rage-inducing (hi there, cardboard boy!) but the scheming, ruthless, vulgar FL is amazing and her slowburn with her age gap general who is delighted by her out-there-ness is great!

7 Wonderland of Love - Fei Wo Si Cun goes wholesome and the result is surprisingly entertaining. Battle couple, glorious visuals, a fast paced plot. It's the first Xu Kai drama I enjoyed in years (and he plays a rare cdrama ML it would be pretty neat to pair up with in rl.)

6 My Journey to You - that ending is infuriating (and I am OK with open endings if done properly) but what a visual feast, probably the most gloriously shot drama on this list, and that's a tough competition. Also it packs a hell of a lot of couples and familial and adversarial relationships into its slim running time; assassin lady won over by a gentle man is my favorite trope and so this is extra great.

5. Till the End of the Moon - the ending is a rage-inducing disaster for me, but this drama was the most incredibly emotionally intense, visually eye popping experience. It was deeply flawed but when it was amazing, it was like nothing else in its visuals, its characters and its narratives. It took insane risks; some paid off and some did not, but it was glorious.

4. Story of Kunning Palace - I don't often care for reverse harem stories but this one was such fun - the main OTP was glorious (strong FL, unhinged ML) but honestly everything about this was just so excellently done.

3. The Ingenious One - the most adult drama on this list. Smart protagonists, intelligent plot, emotions that felt true, this is a revenge and a mystery and found family and goes into so many directions you do not expect (Su Mengyu's PTSD after his first kill - that is something you never see in dramas, definitely not prolonged and profound - not like this.) If I was to say which drama was objectively the best on this list, as opposed to favorite, it would be this.

1 (tie) Lost You Forever 1 - this is an exquisite emotional jewel of a story about damaged people moving forward, with damage always present - their past informs their present and always will. The narrative about Xiao Yao and three very different men in her life makes me think that it's an equivalent of a neutron bomb going off right before the main narrative starts and now we are watching the survivors wander in the wreckage. This is very high fantasy setting but it's one of the most emotionally human narratives out there.

1 A Journey to Love - everything I ever wanted - assassins, ride or die adult OTP with genuine believable conflicts, great and complex secondaries, beautiful fights. Oh, and yeah Liu Shi Shi domming the hell out of every man in a ten mile radius, as she should.

FAVORITE DRAMA

It's a tie between Lost You Forever Part 1 and A Journey to Love. LYF1 is a bona fide art piece but it's only part 1 and who knows if part 2 will be any good (seeing the huge ep number cut, I have my doubts) and so it's incomplete. AJTL is an old school wuxia romance with incredibly competent, adult people in love and great cast of secondaries. I can't pick.

WORST DRAMA

romance of twin flower - this is a drama that should not exist. If I could hex everyone involved with it, I would. It's a terrible, stupid, shrill, badly acted drama to start with, but where it really is catapulted into stratosphere of horror is that is took my very favorite non-danmei web novel of all time, a smart and complicated tale with incredible protagonists and turned it into that barftastic abomination. Peng Xiao Ran kept making horrible drama after horrible drama but I kept giving her a chance because of Goodbye My Princess but after this disaster, I've had to accept GMP was a fluke and she is on my "if she's in it, I am out” list. Ding Yuxi is not that far yet (his performance in Seven Lifetimes was the one thing carrying that mess afloat) but he's on freaking thin ice. Anyway, I like to pretend this drama does not exist.

FAVORITE MALE CHARACTER

It was hard because there were so many I loved this year - Deng Wei's traumatized, gentle Seventeen from LYF1 (if someone told me I'd swoon and weep for a character played by Deng Wei, I'd have told them to examine their brains asap), Liu Yuning's incredibly capable, deadly, contained Ning Yuanzhou from AJTL, Zhang Linghe's unhinged Xie Wei from SoKP, Chen Xiao's schemer with a heart Yun Xiang from TIO.

But ultimately, it couldn't be anyone else but Luo Yunxi as Tantai Jin/Demon God/Ming Ye/Cang Jiumin in Till the End of the Moon. He was everything - a demon, a saint, a martyr, a monster, a tormented abuse victim, a savior, joyful, unhinged, smart, pitiable. It was the cdrama performance of the year for me. Luo Yunxi even in a mediocre role is impressive but in a complex (series of) role(s) designed for his strengths, he is a force of nature.

FAVORITE FEMALE CHARACTER

Xiao Yao (Lost You Forever Part 1). Once again, there were runner ups - Bai Lu's smart a little evil FL in Kunning, the gloriously unhinged assassin domme Liu Shi Shi in AJTL, Esther Yu's assassin longing for a different life in MJTY etc etc etc. But Xiao Yao's damaged, difficult, very self-aware woman stole my heart. I was skeptical going in because I haven't enjoyed a Yang Zi performance in a long time, but she was the wounded beating soul of this incredible drama.

NEEDS TO BE MURDERED

Where do we start? How about all of Seventeen's (LYF1) monster family? His brother, who tortured him for years physically and emotionally to such a degree his body is a horror map and his personality is permanently altered because "mommy liked you better." Psycho mother who created a situation where the kids were going to turn on each other and "let's get my grandson raped" grandma. Where is a well-placed meteorite when you need one.

FAVORITE SHIP

Xiao Yao/Seventeen, LYF1. Yes, a ship of characters played by Yang Zi and Deng Wei is my favorite. Leave me alone, I am on my tenth helping of crow already. They are both incredibly damaged, barely functioning survivors who find what they need in the other - he finds a savior and someone who sees him as a man and rebuilds himself around her and she finds someone who will always put her first and only, and subsume himself in her. Is it healthy? No. Does it make sense for them and is it making them slowly functional? Yes.

Runner up: Ren Ruyi/Ning Yuanzhou, AJTL - two adults, so competent, so chemistry full. She has so much damage and so little normalcy but is so strong and he is oddly gentle (in between murders) and incredibly self-reflective. They are each other's mirrors and I love them.

FAVORITE SECONDARY OTP

Su Mingyu/Ke Menglan, The Ingenious One - the idealistic merchant who wants to join jianghu until he sees its horrors firsthand and a slave entertainer who wants security but decides she wants him more. They are gorgeous and glorious and wholesome and I adore them.

Runner up: Liu Gong Quan/Ming Zhu, The Ingenious One - that drama was a shippy gift, especially impressive considering it wasn't even romance-centric. He's the officer who has to bring down her treasonous father but loves her. Delicious.

Another runner up is Chao Feng/Qian Kui, the angelic good girl and the scheming bad boy in The Starry Love. They stole the drama from the main OTP for me.

NOTP

Scent of Time endgame. What the hell was even that. It made NO sense.

FAVORITE SCENE

So many good scenes this year - Tantai Jin taking apart Li Susu in prison in TTEOTM, the OTP fighting in perfect sync and insane rhythm in the gorge battle in AJTL, Chen Ruoxuan's character stopping the execution in Pledge, Yan Lin's coming of age in Kunning, the poison/antidote "gamble" in MJTY, Cang Xuan detoxing in LYF1. But I think ultimately, me being who I am, my favorite scene is Xiao Yao kissing Seventeen's damaged, scarred knee to show he is in no way inferior for her. AAAAA!

In terms of pure jaw dropping visuals tho nothing will ever beat Ming Ye’s battle against the Devil God in TTEOTM.

BIGGEST CRUSH

Ning Yuanzhou, AJTL. He's sexy as hell (that height, that way he moves in battle) but he's also so incredibly competent, so adult, so self-reflective and so attracted to a woman for her strength. He also gets whumped on the reg. Anyway, my hormones are ready.

BEST SCENE STEALER CHARACTER

Gong Yuanzhi (My Journey to You) - I loved the unhinged, brocon poison boy. He was everything. Also Yan Lin (Kunning) - talk about sunshine; I totally got why all these people felt they needed to save him.

NEEDS A SEQUEL

My Journey to You - what the HELL was that ending?

NEEDS SCISSORS TAKEN TO IT

legend of twin flower - that is, stab it with scissors like it stabbed the novel until it's dead.

TOO MANY SCISSORS TAKEN TO IT

Till the End of the Moon - they clearly cut stuff to fit into the new regs about runtime and it made the last 1/5 rather abrupt. Gimme!

TROPE THAT NEEDS TO DIE

The emperor cannot be irredeemable. WTF, China, you are a communist country!

FAVORITE TROPE WE’VE SEEN A LOT OF

This is the year of a ML who yearns to be dommed by his FL. Long may it continue.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

The Legend of Anle - the novel had a great plot, the cast were all actors I either enjoy a lot or somewhat and we got - whatever that soggy piece of wonderbread toast was.

BIGGEST GOOD SURPRISE

LYF1 - I only checked out to mock because nobody could explain the story to me and nobody in the cast did anything I like either ever or in years. And then I fell utterly and completely in love and had to eat so much delicious crow.

2023 DRAMAS I HAVEN’T SEEN THAT I MOST WANT TO WATCH

Ancient Love Song is the only one on that list. It looks really good, I just need to brace myself.

BEST NON-2023 DRAMA I’VE WATCHED IN 2023

The Imperial Doctoress - best slowburn and pining and glorious character development and adult leads.

MOST ANTICIPATED

Anticipating any nonaired cdrama is a mug's game but if they air, I will definitely check out all the Fox Matchmaker dramas, LYF2, JoL2 and The Last Immortal. If Prisoner of Beauty ever is allowed out of the vault (dubious), it goes on the list too.

[vyntilador]

Let Me Cherish You

The boys catching you talking oh-so affectionately about them🫶

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Genre: Fluff / Romance

Character/s: Marius, Artem, Luke, Vyn

Fandom: Tears of Themis

A/N: me rn screaming into my pillow and getting all giddy writing vyns part LMFOAOAWHSHAHAAHH

(you talking is color red, marius is purple, artem is blue luke is orange n vyn is green btw)

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𝓜𝓪𝓻𝓲𝓾𝓼

You were over at his family home havinf a small chat over tea with his father when he suddenly raised the question; "What did you find in Marius that made you love him?" You pondered the question for a moment, gathering it all and smiling to yourself as you thought more about him. "Well, for starters, I love his eyes. That maybe sounds a bit basic but I love the way he looks at everything as if it's the most priceless thing in the world. He uses everything he sees as an inspiration either as a painter or a businessman. Even if he had this.. 'annoying' laid-back attitude, I admire him for still being able to make me smile and comfort me in dark times." You were unaware of the smile blooming on your face as you kept going. "In all honesty, there's kind of a lot of things I like about him. Maybe some, I haven't found yet or some that are just so amazing that I can't put it to words." Austin von Hagen laughs softly and later then turns his gaze into the doorway where his son stood, frozen and staring fondly at his lover.

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𝓐𝓻𝓽𝓮𝓶

(god he deserves all the wholesome energy in the world so here😭)

You and Artem were stationed in an orphanage for a task in the law firm. The job you were given was connected to a child that resides within the orphanage which led you to your situation right now. You were sat on the floor with a number of children surrounding you as they 'interrogate' you. "Miss, is he your husband?" A little girl speaks up, her big, innocent eyes gazing into yours as if she sees your soul itself. "Uhm, no—" You were taken aback by the child's sudden inquiry that you stuttered slightly. "Mr. Wing is my co-worker. He's not my lover." You smiled sweetly at the child as you explained to her. "But how come you act like a married couple?" What..?—"Yeah! My mommy and daddy act exactly the same!" two kids now spoke and your panic increases. "Missy, if you're not married, then surely you like him, right?" A little boy asks and you sigh internally at the sudden turn of events. "Look! Miss attorney is turning red!" Many of the kids cheered and you sighed once more, not knowing how to deal with them. The children begged you to answer their questions and you were left with no choice. "..Yes, I kinda like him." You responded in a soft and quiet tone, making sure he doesn't hear. "But why do you like him?" a child asks, gaining the other kids attention. "Why do I like him..?" you ponder for a moment then spoke. "Well, he's really kind. Whenever I'm working, he's always looking out for me. And also, I look up to him! He's such a great person overall that I want to be like him. And.." "Look! She's smiling! " A little girl interrupts and the room full of children erupt with cheerful voices. "That's what my dad always does whenever mom comes home from work." The hoard of children discuss amongst themselves once more and you felt helpless until the sweet sound of a voice all too familiar was heard amongst the voices of the children. "Hey now, let miss have some rest. She's been very busy and I want you all to take good care of her, not tire her, okay?" "Okay!" the children agree in unison. Artem smiles to himself as he thinks of the words you described him as. He makes sure to stop by at the flower shop before going to work tomorrow.

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𝓛𝓾𝓴𝓮

A karaoke booth packed with 'adults' screaming singing their hearts out. That was the kind of situation you were currently in with Luke and your old classmates. Luke held the microphone in one hand while his eyes were trained on the tv displaying the lyrics. Your gaze stayed unmoving on him until somebody spoke up from beside you. "So, you still like him?" You whip your head to the direction of the voice to see one of your old best friend along side Luke back then snickering. You stayed silent, not knowing how to answer. More of your friends heard the topic of discussion and crowded around you for an answer. "What'dya like about him?" "If I had to guess it's probably his academic ability." "No! Not only that! Look at his build." "I can't believe you guys only look on the outside. It's his personality!" They all argued about which it was you liked about him but the answer was clear in your heart. "I don't like him just because he has a well built body or he's very intelligent but, I love him because he's always sincere. Ever since we were children, he was always honest with me. He never hesitated to do anything just to cheer me up and I love him for that. Though, I think he's gotten used to basically throwing his own well-being away just to save me and I wanna keep his mind at ease that it's not only him that has to protect the other. I'll protect him too, even if I'm not really capable." The girls that swarmed around you all swooned and squealed in excitement, saying how your love story would be just like a kid's fantasy novel about princesses. A blush bloomed on your face, mimicking the color of red flowers while trying to avoidtheir gazes but what you were unaware of was that Luke was looking straight at you the whole time, falling in love all over again.

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𝓥𝔂𝓷

You were only supposed to bring him lunch when you're suddenly swarmed by his students, all asking you questions as per your sudden appearance within the school. All the female students all talk amongst themselves while the others interrogate you and suddenly, a voice pierces through the noisy atmosphere. "Wait! You're all asking the useless questions! Miss, are you and Professor Richter dating?" The room goes quiet as all the students' attention turns to you. They all move closer to you demanding an answer and you sigh, defeated. "No, we're just..." as you thought of an answer, you suddenly cut yourself off , thinking if you were friends, acquaintances, work partners or...lovers. "... friends?" you finish your answer in an unsure manner. The students scoff and others laugh. "Come on miss, we're psychology students. There's no way in this green earth that Professor Richter looks at you like that and you're only friends!" students all agree and nod as they talk loudly once more. "Well, let's just say you're just crushing on him, what do you like about Professor Richter?" A rosy tint slowly emerges to your cheeks as seconds pass while you thought deeply about it. "Well— uhm.." you sigh and just decided to speak your thoughts. "He's very kind and caring. The moment I saw him, I already felt comfortable around him, with that soft expression he has. He's good both inside and outside. And uhm, please don't tell him but, I was already captivated by him on our first meeting. I mean— if you'd all just seen how cute and...attractive..? he was! I swear, I could've melted right then and ther—" the sudden sound of a low chuckle in the tone and voice you're all too familiar with interrupts your words as you look up and see all the students' eyes wide while some cover their mouths and you slump knowing that he's right behind you. "My rose, can we speak privately for a moment?" his voice was calming and smothered with loving affection and you take a quick look at the students again all hurrying out the room to give you privacy all the while snickering amongst themselves. "I've told them to get home as soon as classes are dismissed but they still don't listen." he takes a few steps to stand in front of you and he puts his finger underneath your chin to gently tilt it upwards so that he can lay his eyes upon your face. "But I guess I have them to thank for letting me overhear how much you adore me." he takes your hand in his and gives a chaste kiss on the back of it. "How about a dinner date then, my love?"

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A/N:this shit messy fr💀

[moonlit-midnight]

The girl they love, The boys she adore

Characters: Jade Leech, Floyd Leech.

Genre: Romantic Fluff, Platonic Fluff, Mild Crack.

Summary: Snippets of your wholesome friendship with Floyd and your cute romance with Jade.

Warnings:

Reader is a female and a summer faery.

Bestie!Floyd and Boyfriend!Jade constantly roasting each other.

Excessive cheesiness and use of sweet food as nicknames.

—

Floyd Leech had the greatest best friend in the world while Jade Leech had the most lovable girlfriend anyone could ask for.

That girl was none other than you. You were marvelous, and the most darling girl.

From your stunning appearance, distinct features to your weirdest traits, everything about you was endearing.

You were a breath of fresh air, captivating in all your glory and beautifully strange.

The Leech twins had a knack for loving the strangest creatures like you, but what truly made them drawn to you was your little quirks which other people deemed peculiar, but adorable in the eyes of the two brothers.

They simply loved every specks that made you who you are, and everything in between.

. . .

Screw the day you told Floyd that you get hungry sometimes during class.

He might not look like it, but your best friend cared immensely about your well-being.

Ever since that day, he would sneak you some snacks, and you would munch on them very quietly when the professors’ attention weren’t focused on your direction.

It was your fault for tending to skip breakfast, and it was also Floyd’s fault for always bringing you the most outrageously addicting snacks which you couldn’t help but crave during the day.

This little errand of his often ended up with him being in detention.

You think he would just deliver your snacks and rush back to his class, but you were wrong. Most of the time he would stick around your class for the rest of the period.

He would often settle you on his lap and rest his face against the sleek fabric of your blazer to feel your warmth.

“Floyd, sweetie, there’s five minutes left until classes start, so please go back to your class before our professors come.” You placed your hand atop his, rubbing circles on his cold skin with your thumb.

“Don’t wanna.” Floyd whined, tightening his grip on you.

“I promise I’ll spend the rest of the day with you, and play some games after our shift tonight.”

“I wanna stay with you, angel-cake.”

Releasing a long sigh, you glanced at your boyfriend beside you as a last resort.

Ruthless as ever, Jade didn’t waste his time to pinch Floyd’s arm causing him to yelp and instantly set you free from his tight hold.

“Ow! What was that for?” Floyd hissed, glaring sharply at his brother.

“Serves you right.” Jade responded nonchalantly.

“It hurts, you meanie!”

“Shut up and go to your class. I don’t want my darling sunshine to get scolded again. Last week Professor Crewel chided her twice for being too soft on you.”

“Did he really scold you?” Floyd peered at you with a guilty expression.

“Don’t worry about it.” You merely nodded, brushing it off with a smile

“Okay, see you late.” Getting up, Floyd leaned over and kissed your cheek.

At his gentle touch, tiny daises and daffodils bloomed on your hair, and your eyes glowed dazzlingly.

Floyd smiled brightly at the enchanting sight of you.

Summer Faeries were truly magical and magnificent, and he was lucky to have one as a best friend.

. . .

Warm sighs escaped your lips as you relished the comforting feeling of Jade’s cold fingertips tracing your face, and the tingling kisses he pressed on your wrists.

You awfully missed him and these fleeting, intimate moments.

Twelve days had passed since the last time you were alone together, and your lover blamed nobody but Floyd for keeping you to himself half of the time for almost two weeks.

“Don’t go yet.” You murmured, eyes growing droopy.

“As you wish, my love. I’ll stay with you until you fall asleep, if you want me to.” Drawing you closer, Jade’s lips hovered over the pulse of your throat, leaving you breathless.

“Okay, stay with me.” You hummed, swaying into him.

Your beloved merman started humming a lullaby so you could fall asleep easily, but it was cut off briskly when someone suddenly barged into the room.

“You silly love birds! How dare you ditch your work tonight? Thanks to you both, I worked overtime.” Floyd narrowed his eyes angrily, mostly at his brother since he could never get mad at you.

“How do you like our sweet revenge? This is what you get for keeping my girlfriend to yourself for nearly two weeks.” Jade replied in a snarky tone, carefully releasing you from his arms.

“Payback? I have the rights to spend time with her. She’s also my girl friend.” Floyd snarled menacingly.

“Oh yeah?” Jade smiled wickedly. “She’s your Girl Friend, but with a space in between.”

Goodness! Your boyfriend always had the wittiest and humorous comebacks which amused you.

Unable to control your laughter, you decided to get up, joining the twins in their funny squabble.

You might not admit it out loud, but you enjoyed it when their quarrels involved you.

“And I’m his girlfriend with no space in between.” You leaned on Jade’s arm, staring up at him with a loving gaze.

God, Floyd wanted nothing but to puke at your antics.

For a summer faery girl, a daughter of sunlight and everything bright, you sure can be a little devil sometimes.

. . .

“My sweet sunshine, I love you.” Floyd giggled happily, gently squishing your cheeks, his hands reeking of tangerine.

You were in the courtyard during lunch time, peeling various kinds of oranges and feeding each other.

“That’s the fifth time you said it today.” You leaned into his friendly touch.

“It costs me nothing to say I love you to my best friend, and I really mean it.” Floyd stated, a heartfelt smile tugging his lips.

“I know,” You mirrored his smile. “I love you too, my sweet muffin.”

“Hah, for a boy whose aura screams danger, can’t you come up with a more suitable nickname for a troublemaker like him?” Jade loomed behind you, his tone teasing and sardonic.

Huffing, you turned around and playfully threw an orange peel at your boyfriend which he dodged with ease.

“You're one to talk. As if you aren’t dangerous and mischievous yourself.” You responded sarcastically. “Are you jealous that your brother has many cute nicknames while I only call you my beloved merman?”

“No, I’m not jealous at all.” Jade denied quickly, but the faint blush on his face was a huge giveaway.

“I know you are, big baby.” A soft laugh erupted from you.

“Yep, you definitely are.” Floyd smirked impishly, enjoying the flustered look on his brother.

“He definitely is.” You winked, causing your giddy boyfriend to blush even more.

Although you were more comfortable displaying your affection for Jade in private, you couldn’t resist pulling him down with you on the grass, giving him one of your long, loving kisses full of adoration and sincere love.

As you tangled your hand through his hair, yellow primrose and white cosmos blossomed under your tender touch.

Forget-me-nots and pink geraniums sprouted from the ground beneath you, and evergreen vines hugged the tree barks.

You truly were a wondrous summer faery, a breathtaking being, and Jade was one blessed man to have you both as a friend and a lover.

[yntaro]

Let’s talk about Romance Mangas!

My say to those I have read and loved: (not ranked)

1. This Manga hurts my heart. I read it while on high school and it kinda hit me with how lonely I am because I never had an Ayane-chan and Chizuru-chan, and Kazehaya-kun to downright change my life to better. But I did enjoy those time because I had romance manga to begin with. Kimi Ni Todoke might be the one that get me into read romance mangas. I liked it because I somewhat relate to Sawako, being outcasted and all. I grew to love their story, and found myself hoping that maybe love will come to me too.

Kimi Ni Todoke (From Me to You)

2. In this spin off featuring Kurumizawa Ume (a character from Kimi Ni Todoke) and Sawako’s cousin Eiji Akahoshi, my hope for meeting love blooms even greater. They were soulmates as the title suggests so they were literally speed, but then I haven’t read the latest chapters yet because I can’t find them (if anyone know, pls let me know). As I was saying, they literally skipped the slow burn but still works because we can now root for the former second leads. (Yes, Eiji is from another romance manga from the same author: Crazy for Love)

Kimi Ni Todoke: Soulmate

3. What do you do when you accidentally married a man twice your age?? Some may not want age gap romance, especially when the age gap is 20 years, but you might change your mind reading this manga. It’s wholesome and you can actually find yourself smiling and rooting for their relationship to work. This manga has been going on the internet, it’s popular so you may had heard of it, it’s where I heard of it, so I think I don’t have to had any say except I enjoyed it and I am finding or accepting manga recs similar to this.

Gomashio to Pudding (Sesame Salt and Pudding)

4. WHOLESOME IS THE WORD. This manga is fresh breath of air. I’m pretty sure most of you guys have heard of it as it’s one of this month’s anime. I just love how cute they are in each chapter, even the other couples. And I thoroughly enjoy Himuro’s monologue. :)) If you guys were bothered by random pacings, you should watch the anime instead. They swept up the plot.

Koori Zokusei Danshi to Cool na Douryou Joshi (The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague)

5. Wahhhh this is really addictive, I can’t stop myself from thinking that the whole time I am reading. A combination of slice of life, comedy, and romance genre, huh. Who knows it will all work beautifully as in this masterpiece. (Also, Sousuke Shima’s character design reminds me a bit of Miura Kento from Kimi Ni Todoke)

Skip and Loafer

6. HOT. I have no other words. Some may misunderstand though. But it’s what I think of it, like will you look at them!!! They’re attacking me. I hope we got to see how their relationship progress soon. Btw, I’m all in for Ichi, I’m sorry dear Oji.

Uruwashi no Yoi no Tsuki (In the Clear Moonlit Dusk)

Aaaand I just rumbled my thoughts on the last part. I may edit it for a more serious discussion later. Thanks! :)))

[roxalicious]

Do you have any more yuri recs?

sure, here's a few

love thy neighbor: about 24 year old uni student pah doyeon and her 40 year old housewife neighbor jin joo. jin joo's husband left her alone as he works to pay off his debts, and it has Not been a fun few months for her, as the loan sharks after him have been terrorizing her daily. luckily, pah doyeon is there to lend a hand and shelter!

probably my biggest recommendation as of right now, so long as you don't mind the very much not healthy nature of the whole situation. this baby's got everything in it: blasphemy, cheating, milf-hunting, obsession, self-discovery through lust, and so on. pah doyeon is great. there's a lot wrong with her. she said this shit unprompted in the latest chapter

a love yet to bloom: a sweet story about takamine, who has yet to find anything in life she enjoys, and sakura, a book-loving girl she happens to meet on the train after school. it's very cute and has a nice, chill atmosphere. i always look forward to the next update

otome no teikoku: ok so. heres the thing. if you decide to pick this up the first, idk, dozen chapters will be Bad. there's a lot of male-gazey uncomfortable stuff at the beginning, and while it doesnt take too long for it to stop feeling so offputting and start being surprisingly wholesome and earnest instead, it never stops being horny, so read it if youre in the mood for that.

as for what it's actually about... well there's this all girls school, right? and it has girls in it. and they are all gay and dating each other. its basically just a collection of short chapters about different couples within this school, and it has some of my favorite dynamics and moments in yuri. i reread it very often (and there's almost 300 chapters of this thing out, so that's a feat) and it never stops being enjoyable. stan nononon/yumimi

a monster wants to eat me: about hinako, who lost her whole family to the sea in a tragic accident and now yearns to join them in the afterlife, and shiori, a mermaid claiming she's here to eat her. the problem is, hinako being actively suicidal and depressed means her flesh won't exactly be very tasty, and shiori is a bit of a gourmet, meaning her goal is to first help her recover and regain her joie de vivre, and only then will she eat her. i highly recommend this

out of the blue!: transfer honor student x delinquent yuri. it's very short so i dont wanna yap about it too much, but it's a big big personal fave. it's only 4 chapters so check it out

sougou tovarisch: honestly anything by arata iri never fails to get at least one laugh out of me, but this one especially. if you know a kiss and a white lily by canno (and if you don't, go check it out), the premise to this one is a bit similar to the dynamic between ayaka and yurine, with hardworking MC obsessed with being number one and chill love interest who beats her without even meaning to.

the focus here is less on romance and more on comedy, and i love it. kanna is amazing. she wins a chess match by punching her opponent so hard she passes out. its only 13 chapters + assorted extras, very fun easy read

now some stuff that doesnt really have yuri as focus but ive really enjoyed regardless and want to shout out and this is my blog so whatever

liar satsuki can see death: satsuki can see dead people. specifically, she can see the future corpses of people up to 24 hours before they actually die. she always zealously warns the future victims of the imminent danger, and she has been branded a weirdo and a liar for it as no one has ever actually died before. in truth, she is actually literally incapable of lying, and the only reason everyone survived so far is that she will go to frankly insane lengths to save them. she's a great protagonist and her autistic swag has captivated me and many others

mieruko-chan: miko can see... Things. that no one else can. but she has to pretend she cant, especially to the Things themselves. she doesnt know exactly what will happen if they realize she can see them, but she's certainly not about to find out.

this started as a twitter short that quickly gained popularity, so the premise of many early chapters is basically "miko sees something terrifying and has to ignore it, hilarity ensues", but the initially one-off characters introduced over time are eventually explored and given quite a lot of spotlight and im having a lot of fun with it. stan michiru

there's always more but here's what ive got so far- wait. read shuukura. ive talked about it before it's in my pinned please read shuukura i love those weirdos to an insane degree

[nightofsky101]

Top 20 Animes of 2022

Sorry I skipped last year. Trust me I was watching I just didn’t feel motivated to make another list. However this time I am, but little longer. That’s right it’s 20 now. Plus I added my reasons too. Enjoy.

1. Dance Dance Danseur

Captivating characters, beautiful animation and intriguing story. I really fell in love with this one I went far as to read the manga translation AFTER episode one and continued while the anime was airing. I love how Jumpei over came the toxic masculinity to pursue ballet. His love for ballet really is inspiring. You can see the joy in his eyes. Plus I love Jumpei and Natsuki’s chemistry there’s more of them in the manga. I really do wish the manga would get serialized here in the USA and for Mappa to do another season.

2. Sasaki and Miyano

Cute sweet wholesome BL love story I LOVE MY BABIES. If I had to pick a favorite couple of the year it would be Sasaki and Miyano. AAAHHH I couldn’t stop smiling watching this anime it’s good for the soul. Even if you’re not into BL this is the most safest to watch. The anime version of Heartstoppers.

3. My Dress Up Darling

Cute fun wholesome and sweet romance blooming in front of you. Marine is such a joy no doubt my best girl. Goujo’s passion for hinadoll is inspiring. The animation is so pretty especially when they smile. This really did made me proud to be an anime fan. I can’t wait for more of Marine and Goujo.

4. Blue Lock

Out of the ordinary sports anime with some wild and intense animation. Forget about friendship and team work. It’s all about being an egoist survival of the best striker. I really love the characters. BTW I was watching this before the World Cup started and during it really was life imitating anime. Until Japan lost to Croatia. Root for them next World Cup. I can’t wait for more I probably will reading the manga.

5. Demon Slayer Season 2

I laughed cried and screamed. This season was full of emotions plus I felt like I was watching a movie. I love Tanjiro’s growth this season, Uzui was a badass he really is so cool. Nezuko was amazing. Daki and Gyutaro got me heartbroken. Zenitsu and Inosuke were unstoppable everyone really had a fantastic moment.

6. My Hero Academia Season 6

A whole lot better than season 5. A few nip picks here, but it didn’t bother me too much. I really did enjoy this first half. The voice acting was phenomenal and I was just so happy to see my favorite parts of the manga finally animated. Deku is a beast, Bakugou got me screaming, Shouto I want to hug him. I super excited for the next arc.

7. Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie

Cute and funny anime to watch. The moments with Shikimori, Izumi and their friends made me love this anime more. Who said a girl can’t be cute and handsome. BTW Hachimitsu is my spirit animal I love her.

8. Raven of the Inner Palace

The magic in this anime was pretty. The characters were fascinating, I love the Chines setting. Shouxue bring peace to the dead was uplifting. Plus I love Shouxue development she deserves the friends she has made.

9. Urusei Yatsura

The return of the original waifu Lum. I only watch a few episodes of the original anime they were pretty funny and the remake so far is fun to watch. I can see why Lum is so lovable.

10. Love Live Superstar Season 2

Between this one and Nijigasaki I like Superstar’s story more. Plus the series has broken some Love Live traditions. Liella really is a group you should be watching. Magaret and Lanzhu from Nijigasaki are queens. Love Live keeps on innovating new barriers.

11. Attack on Titan Final Part 3

Had me on the edge of my seat. Eren is a freaking beast I couldn’t believe this season it was shock after shock. I can’t imagine how this is going to end. I can’t handle anymore deaths.

12. Kaguya sama Love is War Season 3

Cute and super funny season. Ishigami had me proud like a mama. Miyuki and Chika’s rap was the best. Kaguya finally admitting to herself she loves Miyuki was so sweet.

13. Tokyo Mew Mew New

Another well done remake. I did watch a few episodes of the original anime when I was a kid. So this was kind of nostalgic to me. The girls are so cute I can’t wait to see more of the remake.

14. Mob Psycho 100 Final

A great ending to Mob. After 3 season it really was a joy and emotional journey to watch Mob Psycho 100. I will miss the crazy animation and deep story so much. Thank you Mob for everything a classic that will always be remembered.

15. More than a married couple, but not lovers

To me this was the vanilla version of Domestic Girlfriends. No step sisters, just a love triangle between a guy, his childhood friend and his marriage partner. So many funny and sweet moments. I do ship Jirou and Akari more.

16. Chainsaw Man

Wild and crazy anime to watch. It felt like I was watching a fever dream. I will be honest it didn’t get me hyped as the manga fans expected. But it was great to watch. It’s only the beginning though I do hope it gets another season.

17. Spy x Family

Funny cute and little suspenseful. It did felt like the Loid and Anya show though I do wish we got to see more of Yor’s assassin work too. The heart warming family moments really did touch my hear. Again family doesn’t always have to mean by blood.

18. Yakuza’s Guide to Babysitting

Another cute and wholesome anime. Kirishima acted more like a big brother to Yaeka who knew a killer yakuza could have a heart. Family doesn’t always have to mean blood.

19. I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss

Another otome isekai, but it did felt rushed I wished it was more slowed paced. I love Aileen and Claude’s relationship they are so cute. At least they had a happy ending.

20. Shine Post

Such an underrated idol anime. Probably because Love Live was airing around the same time. Love seeing each girl’s reason for being an idol and how much they want to achieve their dream. BTW Rio has the best voice.

HAPPY NEW YEAR SEE YOU IN 2023 !!!!!

[redflagfan]

"Him, The Smile & Bloom" / Hanakare Review

I just think it's funny that my first review on this blog, called redflagfan, with a Yang layout, is the most wholesome game

Please note that I am following MintLip's rules for publishing content. This review contains some light spoilers!

The Game

Hanakare is based off a series of drama CDs following four men who work at a flower shop called Fill Flower. Each love story focuses on a different MC, so each LI has his own MC. They also each have their own flower which the story revolves around.

Basically...this game is a super trope-y slice of life story. There's no common route, just a brief intro, and each of the four stories (Hokuto Ichige/Anemone, Wataru Tori/Tweedia, Ginnosuke Sugawa/Mimosa, and Tenya Minami/Nandina) don't really have any serious conflict or drama. It's a very fluffy, cozy romance!

The Routes

I started on Hokuto's route, because I love Makoto Furukawa hahaha. There's no recommended route order. As each LI has their own MC, there's no spoilers or anything really, and nothing is locked. This is how I played: Hokuto -> Wataru -> Ginnosuke -> Tenya. I have no strong feelings on that order; it's just how it happened for me. Feel free to play as you wish!

"Now that I'm in love with you, I'm going all in. I hope you're ready."

Anemone: Fuuka and Hokuto have been friends for more than 20 years. Fuuka has been in love with him for a long time, but Hoku only sees her as a little sister. She’s determined to change how he sees her. 

I started with this route because I love Makoto Furukawa and I was not disappointed! I also love the childhood friends trope and this delivered and more. Their relationship was so cute. It was so funny that everyone else saw how clearly they were in love but Hoku didn’t. Both Fuuka and Hoku are a little stupid, but it works for them hahaha. Their lack of communication was a little annoying but they worked it out. I loved how Hoku’s protective “big brother” nature flourished as Fuuka’s boyfriend and I loved how Fuuka was lowkey toxic as hell in high school lmao. 

Also…the spice in this route was everything! The FuruMako moans seriously had me blushing and giggling! Wear headphones or just be entirely alone for that scene…just…hnngh!!!! It made all the money I spent on this game and the length of time it took to arrive physically worth it. Just for that sweet FuruMako goodness alone. 

Also I had no idea there was a flower called anemone til now! But then I looked it up and found out they also go by windflower which then I was like, duh, I know that from Animal Crossing! So…who says video games aren’t educational?

"The one I want to see smile the most, and the one I want to make smile, is you."

Tweedia: Serina is a full time employee at Fill Flower. She has a chance encounter with 19-year-old Wataru - five years younger than she is - and he quickly falls in love with her (seriously, he confesses the second time they meet, lol). He begins working part-time at Fill Flower and takes every chance he gets to tell his senpai how he feels. 

I did not expect to love this route as much as I did! This is pure, unadulterated fluff. There’s no major conflicts or drama. It’s just wholesome and cute! Wataru is so insanely charming, it’s impossible not to love him. He’s so enthusiastic about working (and pleasing his senpai!) and he’s so earnest and open about his feelings. He definitely wears his heart on his sleeve. He’s a lot like Nayuta from VariBari, if Nayuta actually had self-awareness.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the great job Ryohei Kimura did voicing Wataru. He infused so much charm into the character that made him impossible not to love. Major golden retriever energy - no wonder Serina is always calling him cute and giving him headpats. I don’t think he would’ve been as lovable without the amazing work of KimuRyo. I don’t know how to explain it. It’s just the way he spoke was so adorable! But I do love Nicola Francesca and Gill Lovecraft so I’m probably biased lol. 

"Can you hear my heartbeat? It's pounding so hard it's almost funny. You're the only one who makes me feel this way."

Mimosa: Ami is a young interior designer who gets assigned the refurbishment of Fill Flower. Ginnosuke, aka Gin, is the “poster boy” of Fill Flower, known as the prince of the store who attracts all the young ladies to come in. He’s also the playboy type, who isn’t interested in serious relationships. 

Okay, I really had no expectations going into this route. But I loved it so much! The progression of Gin and Ami’s relationship felt so natural to me. It was so cute to see how she had crushed on him two years ago when he delivered flowers to her workplace, and then found out his more true self, which is pretty blunt lol. His “prince” self and his self with Ami felt kinda gap moe to me which is probably why I loved it so much. It was so cute how bad he was obviously crushing on Ami and she had no idea. He made the cutest flustered noises. 

Gin is also a very thoughtful boyfriend and I liked how the two of them set healthy boundaries after some (kinda irritating lol) miscommunications. His possessive side was also very cute. Also…this is the horniest route! The kissing sounds were straight up OBSCENE. And Gin just can’t get enough of Ami! Ugh…they’re so cute and sweet! This, surprisingly, ended up being my favorite route!

"Today I love you more than yesterday, and tomorrow, I'll love you more than today. Every day I grow more love for you."

Nandina: Tenya and Miku were high school classmates who had a significant chance encounter that impacted both. Now, seven years later, aloof and quiet Tenya is working at Fill Flower, while anxious Type A Miku has just returned from two years working abroad in Canada. The two reunite after another chance encounter. 

The moment I saw Tenya in Hokuto’s route I knew I’d have to save him for last because I was looking forward to his route most. I love him! This route was so captivating. Tenya, the bad boy and popular guy at school, having a crush on class president Miku for so many years was so adorable. You thought Wataru was crazy confessing his love on their second meeting - once Tenya and Miku reunite he immediately asks her out and tells her he loves her!

And Miku was such a relatable MC for this route. She’s anxious, she has low self-esteem, she overthinks everything. She was my favorite MC in the game because of this. I just loved the two of them together. They suited each other so well. And there’s something about the quiet guy who’s so devoted to his lover…it makes me go crazy every time.

Overall, each route was enjoyable in its own way, and I loved them all! I guess my ranking would be as follows: Gin > Tenya > Hokuto > Wataru. But they were all great!

What I Liked, What I Didn't 

My favorite thing had to be the “Flower Book” system. Beautiful art of the flowers with adorable chibis, and fun information too! I love glossary type things in games and this was no different. I loved unlocking new flowers and getting to see them! Plus, I actually did learn a lot about flowers!

Speaking of art, Yuuya is such a talented artist. There were a great number of CGs with tons of variations in them. It was amazing! And the sprites were great too. I loved how many outfit variations the boys had!

On the flip side, I wish the girls at least had portraits on the side of the dialogue box. That’s just something I prefer personally. It helps me feel more engrossed. 

And I wish they had voiced lines for the girls’ default names, too. I don’t self-insert so I like hearing that stuff! 

My biggest concern going into this game was the translation. And it was…eh. I’m super nitpicky about this stuff because I literally write and edit for a living. I don’t think it’s enough to like, say you shouldn’t get the game, but it’s something you should be aware of. 

The translations were really inconsistent. Sometimes it seemed straight up machine translated while other times it felt like a human was definitely involved (one route used the phrase “read to filth,” lol). Wataru and Gin’s routes had a lot of dialogue that felt very stilted and was poorly translated, with incorrect pronoun usage and Wataru’s last name being spelled like three different ways. On the other hand, Hokuto and Tenya’s routes made more sense in English and were translated better. 

To be honest, while it was annoying, it didn’t really impact my overall enjoyment of the game. The errors weren’t egregious or anything. You could still understand what they were trying to say. So, irritating? Yes. But it wasn’t unreadable, so it’s just something to keep in mind if you’re interested in this game. 

Final Thoughts

I'd say this game was an 8/10 for me. I just finished playing Olympia Soiree, while also flipping between Piofiore and Bustafellows. So taking a break to play Hanakare was definitely a breath of fresh air! If you're looking for a game that's romantic, fluffy and super cozy, I definitely would recommend this one. It's the perfect refresher between playing more heavy games, plot-wise. It was also the perfect game to sit back and relax with after a difficult day at work. I can definitely picture myself replaying these routes when I need a break.

To purchase Hanakare, you need to either buy it digitally from the Japanese E-Shop or import it online to have a physical edition. I got the Special Edition via PlayAsia!

Thanks for reading! :)

[doiesfav]

: ̗̀➛ Music, Dance - Ten ||

''It hurts losing passion about something you loved''

Pairing: Artist! Ten x fem! Reader

Plot: Ten, who loves to dance and paint, had to choose one option for his future and his heart went for art so now he owns an art workshop. On the other hand, his passion for dancing slowly started to disappear until y/n appeared.

Genre: Fluff, romance, fiction, slice of life.

Contains: Cuss words, mention of sex

Wc 1k>

A/n: Thanks for supporting me guys, this is really wholesome TT (ngl these fics always become short even tho I planned them to be long)

MASTERLIST

꘎♡━━━━━♡꘎

(Third person pov)

6 years have passed since Ten chose an art degree over dancing, both were important for him but making that decision was probably one of the toughest moments for him.

After graduating he opened his own art workshop to make a living, it got popular after few weeks because of the activities you could do there. And of course he was more than satisfied knowing all his hard work paid off.

But there is still one more thing. What about dancing? Did he really spend all his life practising dancing just to do nothing about it? And like every normal person would, he lost his passion for dancing.

Ten had no time for it, he was busy with the shop, painting works, and most annoying, dealing with his girlfriend.

Jinna was her girlfriend, they met in university, but after graduating she didn’t pay any attention to Ten at all. Instead, partying outside and drinking was all she could do since her parents were rich, every time she got drunk she would call Ten to come and pick her up just for them to later have emotionless sex.

Ten really wanted her to change but he couldn’t say it straight up, he just kept it for himself and wishing for the non existent thing to happen. But there was something inside him telling him that loosing her would be very painful.

Today a special customer was coming, y/n, a known choreographer. When the time came Ten greeted her and made her sit in the chair, “So how does this work?” She smiled sincerely, “I’m not used to this stuff”, Ten could see the innocence and made her feel comfortable while explaining how it works.

“And you just do it like that, you can express yourself by the painting” After that Ten left when he recieved a message from Jinna.

hey babeee

im sorry if you are still angryyy

I told you i was drunk and it wasnt my intention to fuck him

I was really drunk babeee pls dont be angry

But Ten just ignored it and got back to work, his mind was very messy, and could not process how his girlfriend cheated on him. I mean he could have predicted it but he was still annoyed by the fact that Ten still didn't wanna break up with Jinna.

An hour later Ten got up and went to check on y/n who was almost finished with it. It was a painting of someone in a dance room dancing in front of the mirror, which made Ten feel overwhelmed and brought up some of his memories.

“It is really beautiful” Y/n looked back at Ten and gave him a warm smile. “thank you, I really appreciate it”. Those words made Ten a beat in his heart. ''I was very interested in dancing back then'' He laughed off.

''Really? Why don't you do it now?'' He felt kinda sad after y/n asked that, it was really noticeable. ''Oh, sorry I didn't mean to'' ''No, don't worry, I just grew up and find arts more enjoyable'' It was Ten's first time speaking about dancing after a really really long time. He couldn't remember when was the last time he talked about it.

They both spent their time talking about it, Ten felt like his heart was blooming and felt a strange feeling; as if his younger self was with him. ''Do you wanna come with me after your shift to dance?''

Ten saw it as an opportunity to relieve stress and make himself feel happy after a while. When he closed the shop he went to the dance studio y/n told him to go, it was his first time in such a professional room for dancing. The room was incredibly big, maybe twice the size of the dancing room he used to go to before.

His heart was beating rapidly because of the excitement. ''do you wanna go straight or slowly?'' She giggled while covering her mouth with her hand, ''Let's start slowly, I haven't done this in a very long time'' He laughed off.

''So do you have any favorite danceable song?'', while thinking it hit him that he's never got to think about music too. Suddenly Ten remembered his sister saying ''I love Music, Dance by NCT, you don't know? What a loser'' It was like a week ago, she's been into that boy group lately.

''Um, do you know Music, Dance by NCT?'' y/n seemed surprised, ''Yeaa of course, I did some choreographies for them, then we can start stretching'' Ten felt as his youth started taking over. Was dancing for him always that exciting? While also enjoying the music, moving his body freely was refreshing it was like how snakes shed their skin, except he was shedding his lost passion into something new.

After 2 hours of dancing, they both created a choreography for the chorus of the song, Ten was so proud of himself and deeply appreciate the hard work of y/n too. You two decided to go outside and breath some fresh air.

The aura between you and Ten was very cozy, ''want to do it again?'' Ten shook his head ''I mean I would do it any time you want'' he laughed off. That's when he saw Jinna and a guy holding hands, Ten rubbed his eyes with his hand to check if it really was her, he couldn't believe it.

Then you also catch the couple Ten was seeing, ''What the fuck is she doing'' You understood what was happening at the moment quickly, and he walked to stop her holding hands with the guy.

''Excuse who are you'' The guy who was with Jinna said, ''She's my fucking girlfriend?'' And the guy backed ''Jinna you told me you were single what the fuck'' Then he stormed off seeing annoyed, ''What do you think you are doing, we were over'' Ten looked confused as soon as she said that.

''I've never told you we were over'' She just removed Ten's hands and walked off screaming ''Now we are over dumbass''. He stood there and tears started to fall down his cheek, realizing you should do something you went there and hugged him.

Surprisingly he didn’t reject that hug, but he did cry loudly, you cleared his tears with your hand “Ten you can cry don’t worry, everyone deserves a second chance, so you do” You didn’t know if that helped him more of made him worse “I just don’t know myself anymore, Im lost”

To be honest, you didn’t know how to handle that situation instead you just said “Ten, If something happens Im here, okay?”

Thanks for reading y’all <3 And you could follow because big things are coming (I already said that like a 100 times lmao)

[darkfictionjude]

Etymology nonnie here!

I didn't think you were being rude or anything in your answer. And I understand where you are coming from. I think it's a very interesting thing about IFs that MC's name is not as relevant to their character, from a writer's perspective, as it would be in a traditional novel. I have seem some IF authors who think about their MCs as $MCname or whatever code equivalent they use.

And about Arlo and it's associations to Orla's name:

1) I understand it would put a tension between Lorcan and MC's romance. However, this was intentional (it's so angsty). As it demands Lorcan learning to see MC as MC, even with all the similarities and ties to Orla. If anything, I would say the names being similar/related and an MC being female have around the same type of similarity to Orla that would demand Lorcan to really process and surpass it if he romances any MC.

2) In all honesty, I don't think Lorcan would notice the anagram. At least, not until it's pointed out to him. Or he has an horrifying realization once he is already romancing MC. Maybe it comes in a discussion about names, as those can happen randomly even with people who care little about them. Or just it simply clicks one day while they are cuddling or something.

The funny thing, I'll argue, is that the more I think about it, the more I like Arlo. Especially because the issues can be circunvented by the use of a nickname, like Lo (the one I would put in character creation) and Crowny (the one Lorcan uses).

Also, the fact you gave me reasons to not use it, which are valid and reasonable, made me want to use it more. Is perhaps too spiteful? Yeah, although I would stay say it's a very light hearted spite, if it can be thought as the correct term.

I think the only real qualm left I have against Arlo is that, unlike Indiana and Robin, I don't have cute tie to Lorcan. Indiana is like Imre's hero, so it's a cute coincidence. And Robin is a beautiful bird, and ties Nia's tastes with MC in a wholesome way. But Arlo has no connection to Lorcan, so far. My solution for this issue (as you see, I'm a dramatic person who considers this serious enough to be an issue) was the nickname Lo. Because I like alliteration. Yet, as cute as alliteration may be, it doesn't have a more intimate, or at least personal, connection with Lorcan.

But that's for me to figure out. I have bothered you enough with this problem.

I have a completely unrelated thought, at least for the name issue. Yet, it came from the names I had considered. You see, I don't recall if I ever identified myself as the nonnie who headcanon MC having a beautiful singing voice. Now I'm doing it. The thing is, following from my MC named Robin, I realized the connection with music could be strengthened. But also, I had other reasons to do so:

1) It serves as a good contrast to the dead eyes. Maybe, the eyes are dead because all their lively beauty went to MC's voice. Yet, unfortunately, because MC never had any personal ambitions, they never took singing seriously. And at most, they did this uncomfortable singing of Flying to the Moon, which never truly showed their talent. In part, I imagine, this is the case because I cannot conceive MC singing this properly. But rather, in a whispering nervous voice. Just because you have a beautiful singing voice it doesn't mean you'll always sing well.

2) Thematically it seems interesting to me. Is very easy to tie singing with freedom and self expression. So, the more of a person MC becomes, the more their singing voice can be shared. And, since MC is often seen with disdain by others, I just can imagine their voice being beautiful. As the beautiful realization of their soul that was always underneath, yet never allowed to bloom.

Of course, everyone is allowed to disagree with me. I'm under the impression you don't have a strong opinion on the matter. Probably due to the nature of MC as an IF protagonist, where a lot about them is left not to you the author, but to the reader. All MC's are different, after all.

So maybe my headcanon is only true to some. Or, pitifully, just to my own MC's, and no one else's. And there something beautiful about that idea, yet I'm unable to put it into words.

Ah thank you for not thinking I answered you rudely because as you point out MC’s first name is not my domain, it’s not up to me so I don’t put much importance in it because it’s one of the only elements I can’t control

Hahaha you want to use Arlo because I said it would be a bad idea? 😭😭😭 that’s very funny you’re picking up some rebellious cues from Percy. You’re right that Lorcan wouldn’t get it right away, he would sense something familiar about it but not see it soon

Yeah when mc is doing that habit of theirs it isn’t loud, it’s merely a whisper, barley audible so I wouldn’t consider it singing as much as slightly raising their voice. Their singing voice being connected to their own view of themself is an interesting idea, you need a certain sort of confidence and strength to sing that loud which mc has never had the chance too

[aris-lazy-anime-reviews]

Autumn 2023 First Impressions: Speed Review Version

A more informal review with a list of anime where I mostly just glanced through the first episode. These were all anime I was interested in but just didn't have the time to sit down and watch it through at a normal pace.

I Shall Survive Using Potions

Seems like an okay isekai show. The "reincarnation" aspect takes up over a third of the episode, but it does seem to move very quickly after that. There's obviously some typical isekai tropes, and I have to wonder why the MC looks like a little girl, but at least the MC seems to be a bit more self-aware than the usual isekai MC.

My Daughter Left the Nest and Returned an S-Rank Adventurer

If we didn't already have so many bangers this season, I'd probably be keeping up with this series. The first episode seems to focus more on the daughter and her party than her reuniting with her father--which was what I was more interested in. Apparently she does finally return home in episode 3! This looks to be a wholesome show, but perhaps a little bit too slow for me.

Our Dating Story: The Experienced You and The Inexperienced Me

This looks like a cute show but I'll be honest, romance isn't my thing, which is mainly why I'm giving it a pass. I don't like the drama and possible love triangle being hinted at in episode 2; otherwise this seems like a very charming anime where a guy whose never dated starts a relationship with a girl who's much more experienced in romantic relationships than him. They both seem like nice characters.

Power of Hope ~Precure Full Bloom~

As much as I love the Precure series, and the whole idea for this anime--where we see beloved Precure characters again except as adults--I'm going to pass on Full Bloom. I do not have the fortitude to keep up with another possible 40+ episode series (one Precure season per year is good enough for me); and I sadly have no attachment to the seasons/characters shown off in this anime. I'm sure die-hard Precure fans will love this, though! It shows off the characters' adult lives and seems to go about it in a gentle way.

The Family Circumstances of the Irregular Witch

I really wanted to like this series, but after glancing through the first two episodes... eh. Viola is SIXTEEN?! HOW?!? That and the weird... focus on her boobs/fanservice of her made me lose all motivation to properly watch through the first episode. The humor also seems weird and dumb (similar to Vampire Dies in No Time) and I am so scared of being burned by a "comedy" series like that again that I'm going to give this one a hard pass.

[pamgkrthwrites]

Characters of choice with an S/O who's a foreign teacher. They came to China to teach their native language to little kids! I just thought it could lead to some very wholesome stuff.

I think the best character for this would be Red Son. I would want to do Wukong or Macaque however Wukong most likely travelled the world in those 500 years and I think Macaque would have followed close behind. So they most likely have learnt other languages by now. Red Son on the other hand would most likely have been stuck in China with his mother when they were trying to figure out a way to release DBK.

When he first hears you speaking in your native langue, he thinks you are just some tourist and so insults you, thinking you wouldn't hear him.

"You got something to say to me, mate?!" You yelled after him in Mandarin after snapping your head around to face him.

He was surprised how fluent you were and tried to just walk away really fast, only for you to chase after in, matching his speed and insulting him.

How does romance come from this you may ask. Well, it's because you too keep bumping into each other. You start insulting him in your own langue. He knows your doing it but doesn't know what you're saying so he decides to take online classes.

You teach online.

Neither of you knows that you are teaching him.

Once he becomes a pro and hears you insult him, says back in your own langue. "Try something creative for a change."

Even though it leads to a fight, you two start having the friend enemies sort of friendship. It's only after a heart to heart do you two realize the teaching situation and both laugh so hard about it.

You find it kinda cute and he realizes how kind you really are. A romance blooms.

Even though your main job is teaching little kids you do online classes to just get a bit of extra money because the education system sucks pay wise and education-wise let's not kick around the bush.

I've said before Red Son probably wants kids and is a family type of person, so seeing you teach kids lets him know if you are a right fit for that.

[bunny-rambles]

after your reply, i've now decided that kazuha and albedo being each other's muses is like, 100% canon.

plus like, i feel like as two artists they could literally talk for hours and hours and just not get bored of each other, and then at some point they fall silent and they create art one next to the other uwu

(also, yes, i'm all on board of the platonic friendship between two artistic souls, but cute romance developing between soft exchanges of poetry and drawings? now that's also a really good concept, i'll agree with you buns.

also pt 2 but like... they're both so smart so i can just predict the artistic romance getting more and more intricate as far as their relationship develops and that's really cool

also venti makes sure to "casually" pick up the wind to steal kazuha's poetry and fly it all the way to albedo, and then does the same with albedo's drawings of kazuha because he's just that good of a wingman)

now i want albedo just kind of taking a vacation to follow kazuha around in his wanderings. the perks? he gets to learn all about how alchemy works in the other nations, so he can pass it off as a research trip, but also gets to paint kazuha in sumeru's traditional clothing while they look at the sunset over the oasis. it's a win-win situation, if you ask him

sorry for the nth brainrot, lol, i kind of missed creating up storylines like that (•‿•)

- 🍓

(do NOT apologise for sending in brain rot, I love receiving it, but sometimes it might take me a little while to reply to them)

Venti as a wingman? Ohhh I can definitely see it.

Kazuha silently doubting if his poetry is too suggestive or romantic while the two of them were in the stage of blooming feelings, Venti taking it upon himself to swiftly blow the paper away from him and towards Dragonspine. (Albedo never mentions he’s gotten every single one of them that had been swept away by the wind. When Kazuha tells him about all his poems being blown away, he simple hums an answer of ‘interesting’ trying to hide his growing smile underneath his hand)

I love that idea !! Albedo definitely likes to pretend he’s working so Kazuha doesn’t get suspicious about why they’re travelling together.

I can see Albedo asking if Kazuha could be his guide since he’s well travelled, but that’s only an excuse to spend time with him. Of course, Kazu already knows what’s really going on, but he goes along with it. After all, why would he refuse time spent with a ‘friend’?

That being said, I adore their dynamic. Kazuha always says he likes people who speak their mind, and Albedo is probably one of the most blunt and honest characters in the game. Sure, he’s a little shifty sometimes, but it’s not like he lies when he’s asked about it. They definitely get on canonly solely because of that. And I can see Albedo becoming a huge fan of Kazuha’s work too. Yeah, there’s definitely potential for a really cute ship here.

Wholesome, soft spoken boys holding hands and maybe sharing a few smooches. Yes.

[chrysanthemumgames]

I tried a few other routes next to Hades' and while I liked them all I am just so stupidly in love with Hades lmao

There's something about him that is just...precious? Not sure how to describe it. I honestly can't wait until his romance goes into full bloom and he understands that my Persephone WANTS to be with him lol

Also, Makaria. An absolute sweetheart. I was so happy we got to see her again and I hope there's even more content with her. Maybe even together with Hades. Just some wholesome scenes with best Dad and Daughter please and thank you🙏🏻

Also I hope we get to hug both of them eventually (if they're comfortable with that of course)

That's all, just me telling you how much I love your story. It brings me so much comfort. I'm not even self-inserting but everyone is just so sweet it melts my heart.

I hope you have a wonderful day/evening and week! :D

Thank you, anon! This was so sweet, and made me so happy to read. There will definitely be opportunities to hug both of them in the future, and they're totally okay/happy with it in the right contexts. :)

[fyexo]

211214 Kai Talks “Peaches,” Last Year’s Solo Debut, and Sharing Kim Jongin With the World

If Kai’s debut self-titled solo album was a climax of expectations, nerves, and new era introductions, his second album, Peaches, can be felt as something more paradisic and soft. The subtle, knowing confidence of an artist revelling in the chance to be reinterpreted once more.

“I'm much more relaxed compared to my first album,” Kim Jongin, better known under his stage name Kai, tells Teen Vogue over a video call from Seoul, South Korea. It’s the end of the day, almost 10 p.m. his time, and our chat is the last stop on a day filled with promotion for his second album Peaches. Dressed in an oversized cardigan with his brunette hair laying uncoiffed over his forehead, this Kai is a far cry from the libidinous performer many have come to know over the last ten years. But Kai is an artist known for subverting expectations.

Released on November 30, Peaches comes exactly a year after his debut solo album. He reflects on that period now with a sense of introspection. “For my first album, I focused a lot on the kinds of the skills that I possibly might not have shown to the fullest [so far in my career],” the 27-year-old reveals via translator. “For the second album, I wanted to have a really clear perspective and be very focused on the direction that I was going and see everything from a very objective point of view. I also learned how to communicate, how to discuss and the importance of that with our staff as well.”

The result is a neat package of six songs, and with a similar R&B undercurrent, each track is in many ways a spiritual sister to ones from its album predecessor. The titular lead single and its music video take on the challenging job of following his debut single “Mmmh.” The song, while wholly sensual at its core like “Mmmh,” is a much more tantalizing and flirtatious expression of desire. Moving through pastel vignettes of gardens, hillsides, and palaces, Kai —adorned in reimagined traditional clothing — smirks his way through proclamations about the alluring excitement of secret romance.

“Outwardly [the concept] may look very simple and clear,” he admits about the deliberately storybook-like pastel set design, which feels much more intimate and wholesome compared to the CGI-saturated dystopia he created on Mmmh. “But if you kind of dig deeper, it was really about exploring the idea of [transforming] traditional outfits into a modern style, and more so using modern outfits and reforming them into traditional style.”

It’s in this request to “dig deeper” and explore the ways what we see might not really be what we get that the concept of Peaches begins to emerge. Sure, these days, a peach is just a single-emoji bat signal for lust (and yes, memes were in abundance for this very reason when the album was announced), but the sweet fruit has a long and evolutionary history in terms of its symbolism and mythology. In many east Asian traditions, peaches have long represented longevity, vitality, and even immortality, and their picturesque pink blossom flowers connote ideas of romance and love. Their blooms usher in springtime, signifying prosperity and abundance. The completion of a season marked by their arrival represents the culmination of something, a goal actualized or a dream come true. In recent popular culture however, their presence suggests something far more titillating. They’re tokens of temptation (think 2017’s Call Me By Your Name and 2019’s Parasite), and their velvety skin and tender flesh convey desire, which, if succumbed to, more often than not leads to some kind of heartbreak or destruction. To put it plainly, they’re the 21st century’s forbidden fruit dujour.

So if peaches are a symbol of many contradictory things existing all at once, they’re a fitting motif for Kai as a performer and person. The unabashed Adonis, the fashion house muse, the elegant ballet dancer, the sensitive soul, and the soft-spoken person sitting in front of the zoom camera. The person who, across six songs, both commands attention with oozing sex appeal and whisper-sings about the loneliness of introversion. Much is said about the duality of K-pop idols, but with every new release from Kai it feels more like witnessing the multiplicity of a person, seeing before our eyes the way someone can be many things all at once. It’s not simple enough to say Kai is separate to Kim Jongin, as those identities exist on a spectrum within each other.

“Peaches is a bit more lovely, and it's on the cuter and brighter side,” Kai says in regard to the more stripped-back packaging of this album that, in part, saw him abandon highly-stylised photoshoots for slice-of-life realism. “But I would have to say that's not who Kim Jongin is. That’s not who I am personally, because I am the king of lovely. So not all of that was shown in this album, but I guess as Kai you were able to see a bit of that.”

He pauses to laugh as he says the phrase “king of lovely,” and again as it is translated back. Over a decade-long career, many definitions have been placed on Kai about who he is and what he does. He’s “the sexy one” thanks to his affinity for crop tops and masterful facial expressions. He’s “the quiet one” thanks to being an introvert in groups laden with extroverts. He’s “the aloof one” thanks to his ease in donning and shedding new characters for different concepts. His mythology exists almost separate to who he is; in 2021, it seems he wanted to define himself instead.

Over the course of the year, he’s jumped headfirst into taking on more personality-driven entertainment roles, becoming a go-to pick for popular and new variety shows. He’s introduced as Kai, of course, but with his natural comedic timing and boyish charm, that persona feels more Kim Jongin than ever before.

“There's two really main reasons for why it's important on these variety shows to show myself. The first one is to provide an outlet where fans can see more of me and more of who I am, and the second is to also, in a sense, let people know who I am, for those who don't know me yet,” he says. “I think personally, it's not as nerve-wracking as it used to be. I'm actually very comfortable with taking part in these kinds of shows. I don't worry as much as I used to.””

He keeps himself busy for fans — the standard music show appearances, further variety content, and more TikTok challenges (something he admits he found surprisingly difficult: “I realized through this process was that in order to do it you need a lot of friends”). Our conversation takes place just days before a landmark moment for Kai: his first online solo concert. The hour and a half-long journey through his solo discography (as well as underrated EXO b-side “Jekyll”) provided a whistle-stop tour of the many ways Kim Jongin can exist as Kai.

He molds himself anew between songs, creating fresh identities and stories for each track, which is something he touched on in a livestream for fans right after. Wearing a comfortable robe and Christmas headband, he critiqued his own performances (he famously is never completely satisfied with his work), gave himself a literal pat on the back for his effort, and thanked viewers for watching, reminding them to stay warm during winter and eat well. He’s humble and bashful, speaking in the similarly soft voice I hear on our call, and it’s a whiplash of sorts from the man we watched just moments before. “I don't actively try to maintain that kind of heart, it's something that really honestly just comes naturally, and it's something that I've always had,” he says coyly about staying grounded.

Kai is an ever-evolving entity, frequently juxtaposing his own mythology and introducing new aspects of his own identity at will. It calls to mind the changing of the seasons, from winter to spring, where the things we’re familiar with look different when the peach blossoms usher in a new phase of life. But despite his transformative figurations, a stable throughline exists.

“It's really important where you place your values,” he says, “and what's really important to me is happiness.”

source: Teen Vogue