#I'm lying i love doing that that's why i study literature

[house-in-the-cerulean-sea]

17 things about the house in the cerulean sea because March 17

9. The cover art?! Are you kidding me?

Most beautiful book cover ever, look at me no, look you are going to tell me this isn't the prettiest book ever? The colours? The competition? I almost wrote an art analysis about the cover alone. (The colour contrast between the warm house and the blue colder sky, especially in the British version, because in the house there's protection from the evil of the world and you can see in a quantity contrast as in the house has more details than the rest that the otherness contrasts the rest of the world, but it's also so much smaller than the blue, and yet because of the warm-cold even lowkey complimentary colour contrast the warm house stands out against the cold, showing us that even small safe spaces can go a long way in changing the world for the better)

Don't you wish you were still in school so you could write analysis's for grades all the time? No, me neither.

@dontuwishuwerehere

[asterrrific]

Sunsets and Class Rings

-Mingyu x Reader

-fluff fluff fluff (and some angst?)

-warnings up for some profanity

Scenario: Y/N just "graduated" from her short term for the last academic year in the university when she went to her daily routine of going to the beach at sunset to read her book. Studying to become a teacher is hard, but for her love of literature, she applied for a short term to pick up a few electives.

Mingyu on the other hand, like y/n, is finally on his last year in the academy as a Maritime student. In a few days, he'll be boarding a ship to fulfill his duties as a cadet before graduation. He came home before leaving the ground and living on the ocean aboard a boat for a year, when he saw y/n again for the 10th time this week.

This time, he had to courage do what he should have done years ago.

Y/N's pov

It's been years since the last time I saw Mingyu. We were in our senior year then... a few weeks after graduation. We stayed at school during summer, finilazing our thesis as a class, then after that, we went our separate ways for College.

Mingyu and I aren't THAT close during senior year, but we were friendly. We knew each other since 6th grade, since we both joined radio broadcasting contests back then. I was a scriptwriter and reporter while he was a DJ.

Funny because I used to have a crush on him during those days too. Then when we met again during highschool as classmates, I thought I saw a spark between us... a "could have been something." But I guess it was just me.

Could you blame me though? He gave me chocolates and a blue teddy bear for Valentine's. OUT OF NOWHERE.

He even gave me a golden retriever pup for my 18th. "My noona was friends with your hyung back in highschool and they told me to give you one of Lana's pups for your birthday." he explained. But when I went to thank his sister, she said she and my older brother had nothing to do with it and it was all Mingyu's decision.

But WE never happened.

I mustered the courage to ask him about us... about what exactly did WE have... but he said we were just friends. I would be lying if I say it didn't hurt... it did. Because I hoped for something...

Though amidst that, I'm grateful that even if we didn't end up the way I wanted to, we still ended up being good friends. At least we still had each other in our lives.

It's been so long, but sometimes, I find myself relapsing everytime his dad and sister posts pictures of them. He wasn't loud on social media, but his family sure is. That's how I still felt connected to his life somehow even if we barely talk on the phone.

That's why I was shocked shitless when he tapped me on the shoulder, called me by my surname like he used to, and gave me a hug while I was reading by the beach a few minutes ago.

"What the- Gyu? Mingyu!" I exclaimed in realization as I tried to give him a fistbump like old times. He quickly grabbed my hand though, spinned me towards him, and draped an arm around me. Only after that, he whispered.

"Hey love, long time no see, but right now, I need you to stay calm, alright? I'm gonna be stirring you away from your reading spot. From here on out, just follow me and try to act natural."

Now I'm SCARED shitless.

But I just did what I'm told, though my conscience was screaming at me at the realization that this man just called me LOVE.

"I told you I could've just picked you up. You didn't have to take a taxi here, love." He said, obnoxiously loud, for whatever reason, I could only wonder.

"I didn't wanna bother you. You said you were busy with some stuff. Besides, I'm perfectly fine being here first." I smiled at him while the braincells in my skull wrecked havoc in my overthinking mind.

He grinned at me, his eyes and nose crinkling together as he nuzzled my hair. I flinched, though praying he wouldn't notice for whatever stage he's trying to play right now.

"Hmm. No you're not," he whispered while still awfully, physically close to me that my heart hammered on my chest. "There are a bunch of guys a few meters behind you and they're DEFINITELY interested."

I leaned away from him as I looked him in the eyes. I was about to turn to the direction he mentioned but he pulled me to the sand, pretending to help gather my chair and other stuff.

"Y/N, I'm a guy, and I know what guys look like when they're interested at someone. And those guys look like trouble. They're drunk." he explained as he finished gathering all my stuff in his arms, leaving me with just my book.

"Let's go?" he asked cheerily, shifting my load to one arm and offering me his other arm to hold on to.

I linked my arm with his and dared to look behind me. Sure enough, the guys behind me were throwing daggers at Mingyu's back. He whipped around and grinned slyly at them, pulling me even closer to him.

It's been 3 years since we graduated highschool. We're seniors in our own colleges now, and somehow, dead butterflies started to flutter inside my ribcage again as I let myself be pulled away by Kim Mingyu.

---

Mingyu's pov

I was a nutless jerk for telling her we were just friends all those years ago, even if I know within my heart that I wanted to be more than that with her, even to this day.

My heart and mind has been restless ever since we all parted ways. But when I saw her at the beach today, like the past few days, it was like my whole being came back to life.

Her hair flowed with the wind, though it's shorter now than the last time I saw her. Her skin glowed golden as the setting sun kissed her.

Damn, I still like her lots.

Maybe that's why when I noticed the bunch of guys having drinks just a few meters behind her, my protective instinct kicked in.

I mustered all my courage and recalled all the extra self defense training I learned at the academy as I tried to confidently stroll towards her like I do it everyday.

I swear, she almost hit me with her damn book when I hugged her from behind. If she ever landed it on me, I wouldn't regret it.

She beamed in recognition when we locked eyes after that, and I soared up to cloud 9 when I heard her say the nickname she called me with.

"Gyu!" she screamed. Her voice harmonizing with the element that I'll soon be calling home.

I explained the situation to her and was currently looking for a new spot to take her to as a comfortable silence sat between us.

It's a relief that I decided to go out today before I get on the ship for my internship before graduation. If I didn't, I wouldn't have seen her again.

My senses triggered again when I recalled what the guys behind her looked like. Hungry dogs ready to pounce, just looking for a chance.

I remembered back in highschool when she was stuck with something similar. We were on a bus on the way home from school, when I noticed the guys behind her were taking pictures of her and whispering nasty shit about making a move.

When a passenger got down, I called her over to sit next to me. She was shaking so bad from the experience and fear that I let myself hold her. I even let myself pass my house so I could see her go home safe that day, then I waited for the next bus to go back the other way to go home.

That was the day I knew I was really inlove, but didn't want to admit it.

"Gyu, here looks nice." she suddenly says, pulling me from my thoughts. We reached a place on the beach where there's more people on either side, but at least this one's a safer crowd.

I helped her set up her picnic mat and chair, then stood awkwardly beside her after.

"Well sit down on the mat, you silly goose." She chuckeled. I gladly obliged.

"Thanks for saving my butt there." she started after a few moments of silence. Her book was back in her bag, and I realized she didn't want to read for a while anymore, but to talk.

I followed her gaze towards the open water. Hearing the waves made me feel calm and excited but now, also nervous.

Maybe I shouldn't have met y/n today. She could be the reason why I won't be able to board the ship in three days time.

"Nah, it's nothing. I gotchu always." I teased. She nudged me.

"It's been so long. How are you? Are you about to board soon?" She sighs as she curiously looked at me.

Of course, she'll ask that question.

"In three days. I came home last week to process a few documents and my passport. I'm going back to the city the day after tomorrow." I explain, letting my eyes wander towards the waves again.

My heart ached. It was like I'm anchored to her again but I couldn't bring myself to admit it out loud.

What if I tell her about my feelings now? Would it be too sudden? I don't want anything holding me back from my internship, especially if it's y/n... I wouldn't be able to handle it.

But would I be able to handle a confrontation if I confess out of the blue? After years of not seeing each other?

"Wow. Then, I'm glad you're still able to go out to distress." She smiled. Her smile warmed me more than the setting sun did, and still, I involuntarily shivered. I hope she didn't notice.

"Well... I've been coming here these past days every sunset..." I admitted.

"...and everyday, I lingered just a few steps behind you, afraid I'll scare you away." I wanted to admit.

It's true. I've been visiting the beach everyday since I got home. And I continued to ever since I saw her here with her book every sunset.

She chuckled and the sound tickled my heart like tiny bells.

"Dummy. You'll be seeing beautiful sunsets once you board that ship. Will you be doing domestic or international?"

"Sunsets on the ship won't matter as much because I won't be seeing you with it." I wondered to myself as I looked at her.

"International." I simply answered.

"Wow, look at you big shot. Bring me souvenirs?" She requested like it was the most normal thing in the world. Like we've been doing it forever.

Since meeting her again last week, though it was from afar, even if she didn't ask me today, I would've still sent her the postcards she loved to collect, and little trinkets and magnets for the desk she loved to decorate.

"Sure baby." I answered. Like it was the most normal thing for me to say.

She went silent after that, but there's no mistaking that angry blush on her cheeks so I grabbed that chance to tease her.

"Look at you, blushing like a cherry. Do you have a crush on me?" I bravely teased.

In my head, I wanted to punch myself. Even if it was years ago, she probably still held grudges when we confronted about what WE had...

She swatted at my hands as I tried to tickle her but I was no match for her.

Until her chair collapsed and she fell on top of me, wrestling me on the mat and rolling us into the sand.

Now I was no match for HER. I'm suddenly a gradeschool kid with a crush.

"Shit- I'm sorry. You okay?" I laughed as she did too. I was relieved when she found the situation funny.

Maybe I shouldn't have just brought the topic up.

"What if I tell you that I still like you though?" she suddenly said, still laughing.

The laughter died nervously on my throat.

"What...?"

She crawled on to my other side, away from my grasp, and she sat down on the sand, facing the waves.

"I'm afraid I never "unliked" you, Kim Mingyu." she admitted. Her voice suddenly blue.

I faced her then, even though her gaze wasn't on me.

"I-"

"Nah, it's fine. I'm glad we're still buddies after all this time though." she smiled, bravely facing me as she gave me a friendly punch to the shoulder.

I held her hand there.

"What if I tell you that I want to be more than just buddies?" I finally said.

I FINALLY said.

This time, it was her turn to be silent.

I pulled her hand toward me and gently caressed lazy circles at the back of her palm.

"Y/n, I don't have any valid excuse towards being a jerk all those years ago. But I liked you. I guess, I just didn't have it in me to say it out loud." I finally admitted.

"Please don't do this, Mingyu. Not when you're boarding soon." she said. Her voice scared.

"Oh, baby, no. I'm not saying this to play with you. I'm saying this to get it off my chest and so you'd have peace of mind." I tried.

"But Gyu, how would I have peace of mind now, knowing that it wasn't one sided? Knowing that after whatever this conversation right now is, you'll be boarding soon, and I wouldn't see you again for a year or two." she sputtered, tears threatening to fall from her hazel eyes.

God, I didn't want those tears to fall.

I wasn't able to answer her immediately and she had another question to challenge me.

"Mingyu, after all these years... do you happen to still like me then?" she bravely asked. Her voice almost a whisper among the sea breeze and crawling waves.

"Yes." I answered. How idiot of me to admit it just like that when she deserved something more grand.

Someone like her deserved something more than just an explanation and a lousy yes from a scaredy-cat like me.

She pulled her hand from me and angrily wiped the tears that finally fell from her eyes. I gently stopped her and dared to caress her cheek, chasing her tears myself.

"I'm sorry y/n..."

"Don't be." she said. It scared me because I didn't know how she meant it.

I held her like a fragile pearl. I didn't want to let her go.

"You don't have to be sorry, Gyu." she said after a few beats. Her hand finding its place on top of the one I have left cupping her cheek.

She felt my class ring on that hand. I never took it off after our ceremony.

"You don't have to be sorry. I won't force you into something you don't feel like doing."

"Oh please, y/n, don't say it like that."

"Like what?"

"Like you're not someone worth taking risks for." I firmly told her.

Gently, I forced myself to remove my hand on her cheek.

I removed my class ring.

The supposed symbol of loyalty to my fellow cadets, the academy, and the seven seas that I'll soon be able to see.

I played with it on my hands, tossing it and catching it.

"Y/n... we don't have to rush it. Will you give me a chance to set things right? As they should have been, three years ago?"

She looked at the ring in my palm, then at the sea.

"What are you doing, Mingyu?" she seriously asked, a hint of nervousness tinted her voice.

"Taking a fucking risk for someone who deserves the world and a man who's not a nutless jerk." I teased though my voice was hopeful.

She locked gazes with me, and after a solid minute, she gave me a tiny nod.

I felt a fire start in my chest.

"Y/n?"

"Will you let me wait for you?" she finally asked.

"Damn it y/n, someone like you doesn't deserve to wait." I nervously laughed.

She chuckled. "Well, you big dummy, apparently, our situation will require us to wait."

"Well... will you wait for me then?" I asked her, my voice obviously hopeful but I couldn't care anymore.

"I hoped for this to happen all those years ago, Gyu. And deep down, I still think of what could have happened if what I hoped for came true."

I held her hands, the ring sandwiched between our palms.

"Will you let me make it happen?" I asked.

"So suddenly?" she laughed.

I know it was stupid and true, but I nodded.

She looked down at our hands and grabbed the ring, sliding it back to where it's supposed to belong on my hand.

"Go out and explore the world, cadet. And come back to me." she finally said.

I feel like I fucking won a cruise of a lifetime.

I grinned like an idiot and removed my class ring. Then, I hastily removed the seaglass necklace I had on.

I slipped the ring on to the necklace, then showed it to her.

She smiled as if she knew what I was about to do even before I was deciding to do it.

I knelt on the sand and went behind her to secure the necklace on to her neck. I couldn't help but kiss the top of her head when she finally let down her hair after I've locked the necklace.

I sat back on the sand, facing her, as she admired the blue seaglass and the silver class ring on her neck.

Again, tears started falling from her eyes.

"Oh come on, y/n!" I teased as I pulled her towards me. She let me hug her to my chest as I rubbed her back when she finally sobbed into my shirt.

"It's so unfair though. All of this happens but we won't be seeing each other again for a year." she cries.

"I know, love. I'm sorry." I whispered in her hair.

"Again with the sorry, Gyu." she managed to laugh amidst her sniffles.

"I'm sorry I was scared. I'm sorry I was late." I whispered still, shutting my eyes as tears started to form on the corners of my own as I remembered how I regretted not doing this sooner when we could have had more time.

She must have sensed it, because tear stained as she is, she leaned away and cupped my face on her slender hands, and bravely faced me with determination all over her face.

"Don't be sorry. I already swore I'd wait for you." She said firmly. I took the necklace on my hands and caressed my class ring dangling from it, thinking about the cost of buying another one to replace it since we're not supposed to really remove it, especially since we're boarding soon.

"I'll wait for you like you waited for the time that you decided you're not scared anymore." She teased and I laughed, stray tears leaving my eyes.

Gently she wiped them away, then brought her forehead on top of mine, her nose grazing the tip of my own.

"God, I waited to be this close to you." she whispered with her eyes closed.

I closed my eyes and dared to kiss her nose.

She giggled and I took it as a good thing. My heart soared.

"I'll send you postcards at every dock we hop on." I promised her and she continued to giggle. I kissed her forehead.

"And I'll send you seven rings from the seven seas until I could finally ask you to be my girlfriend." I swore. I kissed her cheek.

"And after that, I'll come back to you. And after that, I'll court the rest of your family. Then I'll let another few years pass on another fucking ship then I'll come back and marry you here." I swore boldly, kissing her other cheek.

She slapped my chest playfully.

"Now, now, sailor. Don't get ahead of yourself." she laughed.

"Someone once told me that if you say your wishes to the sea, the waves will carry it out for you until they happen." I softly told her, as I guided her back to my chest.

"I wonder who that someone is. They sound wise." she teased, knowing it was her who said it when we were in highschool and she bought me the same seaglass necklace I had on and gave her with my ring. She got it for me during our class trip to Jeju.

"Oh, I trust that someone. I trust that her words ring true." I boasted, resting my head on hers.

She then looked up at me and smiled, and I felt like swimming into the ocean and challenging our class ship to a fucking race.

I leaned in to kiss her forehead again as if I've been doing it for years, even if I was only able to find the guts to do it a few minutes ago.

I'm glad she's letting me.

I lingered there for a bit, then rested my cheek on top of her head. I faced the sea with her, the waves calling me out of my daydream as I realized that I have to leave her after tomorrow.

I closee my eyes and forced myself to bask into this moment and memorize every second of it so I can survive at sea with memories of her.

Slowly, I felt her shift, and dumbly, I looked at her as I realized that she's taken a brave step by kissing me on the jaw.

I stared even more dumbly at her when she giggled.

"A good luck charm for the cadet. Since I can't kiss you here yet." she teased, as she tapped my lips with her finger.

God, she's a tease.

"I'll have to tattoo that on my jaw then, sweetheart." I teased her back, as she had the audacity to guffaw at my face.

With courage I never knew I had in me, I gently placed my thumb on her lips.

Then I kissed her there.

"A promise for my return. Since I can't kiss you here yet." I teased her back, as I gently swiped my thumb over her soft lips, her face cherry red from shock of what I just did.

"HOW DARE YOU." she exclaimed, swatting at my chest. This time, I guffawed in front of HER face.

Eventually, she got tired of hitting me. Eventually, she melted back into my arms and into my chest. Her body fitting comfortably snug against mine.

And then, silence enveloped us again as we watched the last of the sun sink into the horizon, knowing that tomorrow is our last day in another long while, but at the same time, a new chapter for the both of us to look forward to.

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

A/N

Hi hiii!

Been a while since the last time I made a one-shot🥹 I was inspired by my visit to the beach today, and I saw a lot of groups enjoying the sea. Then Mingyu went live tonight too, so I thought of making him the character here.

I know it's pretty long, but if you reached this point, then thanks for staying by to finish it😭🩷🙏🏻 I enjoyed writing this so much, I hope you enjoyed reading it too!

As usual, thanks for your support!🙌🏻

Also, if you want to and if you can, please reblog this so other readers can also see my works🥹🙏🏻🩵

Thanks again, and Happy 3000 days, SEVENTEEN!

Lablab~

[janyxbeloved]

I'm going back to school next week, some ocxcanon for the soul, I guess-

How Christmas break has me, knowing I'm going back to school soon so I can see my pookies again but exams are a week after we get back and I didn't study shit:

‼️MODERN AU(A little bit of Kimetsu academy added)+OCS INCLUDED‼️

Ps. I'm still trying to figure how my writing style

She loves me, loves me not...?

Summary:

During dismissal time, Muichiro plucks the petals of flowers - Remembering an old childhood tale doing so, he decides to determine his future with the girl that he trips over his shoelaces for. President of the Sci-math literature club, Ichiinama Hanakitsune. He wonders why a girl like her made HIM of all people trip on his own shoelaces - Her gentle smile, her willingness to help others... What's not to like?

"I'd stay cancel my flights change everything just to be in your life, homesick, but I'd leave it behind to be with you night after night." - MICO

Yuichiro was eating his sandwich, he didn't eat afternoon break so he just ate the sandwich his mom packed him. Muichiro on the other hand was plucking flowers mindlessly, they were just waiting for the bus of their aunt, Tsubaki, who's a first year nursing student in the nearby university.

"Why can't we just walk to her university?" Yuichiro complained.

"On going reconstruction in the commercial building next to the univeristy, do you want to be crushed by a metal rod? Besides, I'm too lazy to walk..." Muichiro said blankly, it's like Yuichiro has a death wish or something! "Besides, gramps said to wait for her. You can wait an extra thirty minutes to one hour." Muichiro shrugged while still mindlessly plucking flower petals.

"This will take a while..." Yuichiro grumbled under his breath. Sneaking glances at what Muichiro's doing. "What the hell are you doing?" He added.

Muichiro shrugged, continuing to pluck out flowers - Mumbling a good old timey phrase - "She loves me, she loves me not."

Yuichiro groaned, "Seriously...? You still believe in that trash of a fortune telling game...?"

"I do, now shush." Muichiro was still plucking the petals...

"... I will never understand you." Yuichiro sighed. "Not like you stand a chance with whoever THAT is..."

"Oh shut up, Yui... It's not like I'm gonna pursue who ever this is anyway..." What a lair Muichiro was... He probably gets it from someone in his family...

"Keep lying like that and see if you'll ever get a job." Yuichiro scoffed. "But seriously, who is it?"

"... I'm not saying!" Muichiro had a pinkish hue on his cheeks before slapping Yuichiro on the back of his head. That's gotta hurt-

"OW- Jesus Christ! Learn to take a joke-" Yuichiro said after getting the back of his head slapped. "You're seriously not gonna tell me though?"

"Nope! Nuh-uh." Muichiro shook his head.

"Ehh... I'm gonna guess until your ears turn red." Yuichiro smirked, he was gonna have a field day...

"Lemme guess... Aoi?" Yuichiro raised an eyebrow, no red ears.

"Nice try, but no. She's with Genya." Muichiro shook his head.

"Hmm... Kanao?" Yuichiro asked again.

"Not my type." Muichiro shook his head once more.

"Hm... Is it Ichiinama?" Yuichiro asked. Noticing his twin's ears redden as she scurried to cover them.

"H-Her? Nah!" Muichiro stuttered to get out.

"AHA! You're lying!" Yuichiro pointed out. "I should've known sooner!" Yuichiro chuckled out, watching Ichiinama exit the school ground, accompanied by the guidance counsellor, her older sister, Jurei Hanakitsune.

"S-Shhh! Don't be so loud!" Muichiro silenced his twin brother.

"Alright - But this isn't over. I have blackmail against you now." Yuichiro pinched Muichiro's cheek.

"Mom and dad know." Muichiro decided to cut Yuichiro's victory short.

"Ah damn it-" Yuichiro shouldn't have celebrated so soon.

"Yeah, you can't blackmail me into doing anything for you." Muichiro shrugged.

"Are you gonna ask her out soon though?" Yuichiro asked.

"... One day. And I hope she says yes." Muichiro shrugged while Yuichiro nodded.

"HEY! It's time to go!" The familiar voice of Tsubaki said, honking the horn of her car, the twins got up and ran to the car of their auntie and headed home.

Ps. I know that it wasn't confirmed that Michikatsu and the Tokito family are related in the gauken but you can't blame me for doing this, I was BORED.

Pss. I might do a series called "The process of courtship" or give it a Filipino title called "Sinta ko'ng liniligawan", but being the indecisive little fuck I am, I can't start it.

Psss. I'm gonna have an external crisis. I KNOW THE TITLE DOESNT MATCH THE CONTENTS BUT LIKE HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO WRITE THIS??? And yes I ship GenAoi whatchu gonna do about it

[erisicy]

Phantom Blood Musical M3 ("Invasion" Lyrics Rough Translation)

I've roughly translated the Phantom Blood Musical to English for myself, so I decided to post some of my translations for the songs here. Do keep in mind that my Japanese is... not very advanced and a lot of this is done through google translate and a dictionary. I do think I have the general meaning for the lyrics translated, but it's possible I made some errors here and there. Also, spoiler warning if you've never watched the musical!

Feel free to correct me on any of the lyrics or ask questions!

(TN: I kind of gave up on the Speedwagon rap portion for this specific song and what the servants were singing in the background. There were also some things that I'll put a "(?)" if I'm not very confident in the translation)

[George]

So, you've come. JoJo. Dio.

Listen well... we are... noblemen of high esteem

Becoming true gentlemen is the life mission we strive for

In order to accomplish this, you must continue to learn all of the essential skills (?)

[Servants]

So that you'll never lose!

[George & (Servants)]

(Under the Goddess of Love!)

You'll study literature as a Joestar under the Goddess of Love (?)

[Servants]

There's trouble, Master Joestar!

[George]

So why is it that you—!

JoJo!

You've made the same mistake again

This is—

—the sixth time!

Dio has perfect marks across the board!

[Dio]

I enjoy reading books, so something like this is simple enough

[Jonathan]

But I haven't even learned this at school yet!

[George]

Listen well... we are... noblemen of high esteem

To become true gentlemen, it's not enough to just study

Slouching is unsightly! (?)

One must always stay beautiful

[Servants]

Don't ever forget!

[George & (Servants)]

(Under the Goddess of Love!)

To be loved as a Joestar, under the Goddess of Love

[George]

So why is it that you—!

JoJo!

You have the gall to call yourself a gentleman?

Look at Dio's graceful movements!

His manners are flawless!

Take away JoJo's tableware at once! He will be going without dinner!

You could learn from Dio's example

I'm ashamed of myself… perhaps I've been spoiling you too much

[Jonathan]

Oh no...

[Dio]

My mother was the one who taught me

She would always tell me to keep my posture straight

[George]

Listen well... we are... noblemen of high esteem

To find the correct answer in philosophy

We must always ask questions in our hearts…

(TN: This part is mostly spoken, but I'll include it because it provides important context, and the song isn't over yet)

[George]

Here in England, we have a legend of two knights

On one fateful day, their master was taken prisoner by their enemy

The enemy feared the two powerful knights, so they struck a deal with them

"If you offer yourselves for execution instead, I shall guarantee your master's life"

Now, here is a question for the two of you

[Jonathan & Dio]

Right!

[George]

The two knights who sacrificed themselves to save their master were taken prisoner

What were they looking at through the bars of their prison?

Was it the mud lying in front of them?

Or was it the stars shining above them?

Which do you think it was?

[Jonathan]

The stars... or the mud...

[Dio]

I... think they were looking at the mud

[George]

What makes you say that?

[Dio]

In the end, they had no choice but to die for their master

Once you're dead, there's nothing more you can do

That's why I think they hoped to live and do something, no matter how hard they tried (?)

[Jonathan]

I... think they were looking up at the stars

They lived up to their honor

The names of these two knights would go down in history!

[Dio]

And then what?

[Jonathan]

And then...

They valued how they lived, how they were, and what was important!

[Dio]

In the end…

They never got anything for themselves

They were filled with regret… helplessness…

All they could see was the mud

They're trying to teach us a lesson on what we should do with our lives!

[Jonathan]

They stood proud until the end!

They were looking at the stars!

I believe that they were trying to teach us how to live!

[Dio]

Listen to me!

You're a nobleman. You have it all…

You live by taking from others!

In that case, shouldn't you be thinking about what you're going to do in your lifetime to fulfill that responsibility!?

[Jonathan]

I—

[George]

That's enough, you two

There's no right answer to this question

Listen well…

People all live in this prison called fate, where they reach out their hands…

Whether you see the stars or the mud, either one can be called righteous

[Speedwagon]

(rapping)

This is sports

(rapping)

(rapping)

It's exactly like a religion

(rapping)

(rapping)

The winner will become the hero!

Who will decide to become the king?

(rapping)

Come on out, today's fighters!

[kulay-ng-banaag]

Glazing my art means I have to re-reblog them for this sideblog (sorry, but I'm not taking chances on weirdos using my works to train AI).

As a bonus, I wrote a little more than what I initially had!

(footnotes under cut)

Real ones would notice the changes from the original version. 😂

I originally used the precolonial Philippines design by tloraxin. The tattoos were also all Visayan batuk. It was only later on that I really wanted to reflect what shaped his experiences at the time. Part of that desire is also out of spite for popular fanon.

I've talked about his tattoos before. When I have the time again (haha), I will talk about how and why I dressed him up the way I did.

☼ ☼ ☼

The 2nd panel was also supposed to be a bloodier scene. Specifically, Piri was lying dead in a battlefield, surrounded by arms of fallen warriors and their very bodies. He also should have been bruised and concealing a fatal wound through his chest with his hand. Then he is abruptly stirred up by the giant tortoise to cross the rainbow bridge.

I decided to vaguely place him in the afterlife (however that looks), if only because I already depicted him in the midst of war and violence. Not that it's bad to do it again, but I felt like that was enough visual angst from me! 😂💦

Does the comic, in any way, hint that precolonial Philippines died? I dunno, we have a long way to go before I even bother covering that arc. 🤷🏽‍♀️

I intended for Indo to hold his hand out in that one panel. I hated drawing hands back then (me with feet now). Believe me when I say making pose references and observing where parts go will level up your skill.

☼ ☼ ☼

The last line is so cheesy, even for me, as I look back on it. But it's also an allusion to the challenges in both researching and writing about queer histories.

When I think about that, I cannot help but wonder how people expressed love? How did people define love in the first place? WHAT IS LOVE? BABY DON'T HURT ME!

What more for same-sex love — and by extent, understandings of sexuality, gender, etc.? How were all of these constructed/deconstructed? Transformed/destroyed?

Anyway, I just wanted to draw two queer, brown Southeast Asian men kiss kiss fall in love!

☼ ☼ ☼

This was the original Twitter thread that served as my inspiration. I also attached the respective sources below (in order of the tweets from L to R, top to bottom).

Barton, Roy F., Segundo Aligmayo, Miguel Bacoco, Joseph Biteng, Angel Ayogat, Reynaldo Abad, James Bawayan, et al. “A COLLECTION OF IGOROT LEGENDS: Sagada Social Studies No. 6 (December 1955).” Philippine Sociological Review 22, no. 1/4 (1974): 91–116. https://www.jstor.org/stable/23892245.

Abrigo, Emilia N. "Oriental Mindoro Folktales, An Analysis." Master's thesis, Philippine Women's University, 1971. Quoted in Damiana L. Eugenio, ed. Philippine Folk Literature. Vol. 2, The Myths. Quezon City, Philippines: The University of the Philippines Press, 2018.

Scott, William Henry. Barangay: Sixteenth-Century Philippine Culture and Society. Quezon City, Philippines: Ateneo de Manila University Press, 1994.

de Loarca, Miguel. "Relacion de las Yslas Filipinas," in The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803, Volume V., 1582-1583, ed. Emma Helen Blair. Project Gutenberg, 2005. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/16501/16501-h/16501-h.htm.

Garvan, John M. The Manóbos of Mindanáo: Memoirs of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume XXIII, First Memoir. Washington, 1931; Project Gutenberg, 2006. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/18607.

Disclaimer: These myths were sourced from distinct ethnolinguistic groups that do not necessarily share the same pantheon/s, even if deities and the like have similar names and/or attributes. I combined some of them purely for visual choices.

But also, when you're a lot of things, the afterlife may or may not be as much a funky amalgamation as you are.

PURI v. - to praise n. - to hold pride for

IndoPhil comic I (re)drew for Pride Month 🏳️‍🌈 I used some rainbow myth stories from across the Philippine archipelago 🇵🇭 as inspiration for this short comic!

[admiringlove]

Hi love! Congrats on 2k. This is my submission for the event 🥺

My name is June! I'm 20 and I study Literature. I love excessively sweet coffee, italian food (especially lasagna made by my nonna), the smell of gasoline for some obscene reason, and I drive my grandfather's old 1959 Cadillac(I had it painted pastel blue with my dad)! My favorite character from Haikyuu is Atsumu 😌

Again, congrats! You'll do great things in your future. I hope you get into med school (I read the pre-med part? If you're not aiming for med school that's completely ok too! I hope you get into whichever school you like) 🥰

old cars.

hi june! thank you for sending in a request! i hope you like it :)

the smell of gasoline wafts through the air as your car comes to a stop at the gas station. you huff, rolling your window down as you pay the man working there to refill your tank.

you've always loved this smell. it's nostalgic to you—bringing back memories from high school when you and him would come to this place just to buy snacks and watch people.

and look at cars. whether it's a normal sedan or a sports edition toyota. the two of you didn't really care back then. there's a bench right outside the small convenience store at the gas station. you remember sitting there with atsumu for hours on end, buying chips or a drink every forty minutes as the two of you pointed out cars to each other and how stereotypical their owners looked.

you sigh as the worker hands you a receipt. this meant it was time to leave. your heart feels heavy as you turn, pulling out of the lot and onto the road. you're going home from work now, and all you wanted to do was go to bed.

but somehow, when you're lying in your soft sheets and it's past midnight, you can't seem to fall asleep. your eyes are burning, but your mind is awake. the smell of gasoline ebbed into your mind, and miya atsumu's face blurred in front of your vision. you roll your eyes, turning over to find your phone as you call him.

"hey! what are ya doin' up so late?" he asks, as soon as he picks up. he knows why you're awake. you know he knows already. but he still asks the same question every time you call, because he likes hearing the reason behind your sleepless nights. you groan into the microphone, "i missed you. can't sleep."

"well, didja read that note i left for ya on the fridge? under our car magnet?" he questions. it's the same question he asks every time. you can just picture him, waking up from bed because of your call. he must be stretching right now, walking to the kitchenette part of his hotel room to make himself coffee.

"i did," you sigh, "it only makes me miss you more, though."

your response, however, is different today.

"aww," he says, "ya can't really see me right now but i have a hand on my heart and i'm dying because of how cute that was."

"shut up, 'tsum," you pout, looking out of the window. you expected him to say something romantic instead, but how could you? you've known him from when the two of you were babies. you know him like the back of your hand, like that song that's always stuck in the back of your mind. you knew he'd make a sarcastic comeback even before you answered his question. you grumble out, "i miss you."

"i miss ya too," he whispers, "don't worry, it's just another week and then i'm back home. i'll get to hug you tight and make ya lose sleep again."

"you're so stupid," you laugh, "can you believe you've been gone for two months?"

"i know, it's been hell," he whines, "just one more week."

"one more week."

one more week, you tell yourself as you place the phone beside you on the pillow. one more week, you remind yourself as you drift off into the night with atsumu still on the call with you. one more week, and then he'd be in your arms again.

© all works belong to admiringlove on tumblr. plagiarism is strictly prohibited.

[jjbakaloskaiagathos]

Once-Upon in Morioh-Cho: Welcome to Morioh-Cho 🚏

In the previous chapter:

- What a weird girl.

Sliding the shutters, he sets up to work again.

Chapter 1:

It is seven a.m and Morioh-Cho is being awoken. In the one small house the girl is sleeping and while sunlight is wading through the windows. Solitude is bliss, but a ringing alarm does not care about it.

- Oh my God! Seven o'clock in the morning come to us from truly hell. Damn, my routine has come back again.

Despite the fact that Sophie hates early times of day, she is being excited. After brushing teeth and having breakfast, she has run to the table and opened a laptop, where E-mail was sent.

- Dear Sophie,

We are aware of that you arrived at the town yesterday. We hope your trip was not uncomfortable that is why we ask our new colleague to prepare something. You are a second-year student, a young girl, who can show the readership new “fresh” point of view. Morioh-Cho is admired all over Japan because of its famous people, high standard of living, life satisfaction and lower murder rate. You need to write an article or to interview an interesting person for the thesis “Morioh-Cho > Tokyo”. You must prove that Japan is not only a capital but it includes captivating small towns. Good luck! See you on Monday.

Best regards,

K.G

Sophie was sitting in the classroom, when the teacher approaches her and said that the girl would be sent for practice. She was studying hardly during these two years that is why the university has chosen Sophie. The committee analyzed her personal knowledge in the field of Romance-Germanic languages and they had a decision to improve Sophie’s skills because of practice at radio station. The town of Morioh-Cho became a perfect place to do it.

- An interesting day starts from an interesting challenge. Obviously, I absolutely don’t know this area and people who live here. Perhaps, I should go to the library, where I can find out new information, shouldn’t I?

Morioh-Cho is a charming town, representing as a suburb of the City S. The area is not populous which includes 58 713 citizens. Travelers visit Morioh-Cho to see marvelous attractions like Angelo Stone, Cape Boing Boing, Phantom Alley, Rohan Kishibe’s house and many others. Despite the terrible appearance, Angelo Stone is surprisingly famous as a meeting place for lovers, Сape Boing Boing is admired by many sailors, Phantom Alley scares foreign visitors by the legend about a dead girl and one day Rohan Kishibe’s house was rebuilt due to a fire whose repair cost around 700 million yen. Sophie did not expect that she would be suddenly acquainted with the last sightseeing’s owner.

A Morioh-Cho library is a lovely ancient building which is located in the Eastern part of the town. Benches are set up in the small yard, surrounding by the fragrant apple trees. Sometimes their branches touch windows, making a sense of rustling music.

The books’ house amazes the girl by its variety. There are many shelves of different creative works, representing all kinds of genres: classical literature, science fiction, comics, encyclopedias, vocabularies and tables with fresh newspapers and magazines.

- Smells like my grandmother’s pantry.

As Sophie thinks this place is not very popular among the locals. In the one short novel a Russian writer Checkov mentioned that a library existed because of young girls and Jews that is why there is only one figure here, excepting our second-year student.

It is a handsome man of medium height who has a beautiful slender frame. The emerald eyes is looking at the bright animal encyclopedia, describing types of exotic birds. His sharp features have got the girl’s attention: arched eyebrows, long lashes, a straight nose, a perfect-size mouth and cheekbones look magnetic. His hair is a dark-green colour and hairdo represents as an undercut that is aligned sideways. Obviously, this man has a great taste in clothes because all parts of the look match perfectly. He seems pretty young but at the same time, his face shows good life experience.

- These hands… The fingers are so long and sophisticated. Who knows, maybe he is fond of drawing or playing the piano.

Sophie keeps her gaze on him directly. He is being inspiring the girl that is why she looks again and again. She is being afraid that this charming man will notice her, making an awkward situation for both, but he does not even think about breaking away from his book. It is for a while.

- Please, help us! He is holding a gun!

- Wait, calm down! I call the police!

The man has immediately shut the book and run to the window. His eyes are turning from shining green to dark- swampy, looking at the street with hostility and astonishment. His face is changing, expressing grimaces of fear or confidence. He has gone outside.

- What has happened? What did he see?

The street is crowded. People have frozen in various poses in front of the girl's eyes: someone is lying, pressed to the ground, someone is running away without looking back and others are standing rooted to the spot with faces are full of horror. Finally, it has become clear what happened: an unknown masked man decided to rob a new jewelry store that has opened nearby. The criminal has already managed to take the seller hostage.

- I take all the money, otherwise I will kill him! Do you listen, bastards?! I will shoot his head, if you interfere!

Sophie has realized. There will be no other chance.

- [Mrs. Brightside], teleport me.

Everything happens in the blink of an eye. After a couple of seconds, Sophie is already sitting on wet pavement, holding her hand in the victim's cheek. Distance between them and the robber is enough to be safe.

- Your shoulder… It is bleeding…

Sophie uses her Stand very seldom. He got this ability, when she was a first-year student: someone hit her with the gold arrow, while she had realized that it was her last day when she may breathe and enjoy her life. The girl closed her eyes, which were full of tears, and thought about the darling people, the family. Instead of death [Mrs. Brightside] was arisen.

- Look! The police are driving! Higashikata-san! It is Higashikata-san!

- How are you? Do you need help? - says a woman in white clothes.

- I’m okay. Need to bandage his shoulder, will you? Let me go, I'm in hurry, - says Sophie, looking at her watch. She must get out of here.

- Morning, Rohan, what happened here?

- Josuke, what a “nice” meeting. Another fool tried to steal money and took the person hostage. I used [Heaven’s Door], you shouldn’t be worry. Josuke, I have got something… A weird girl arrived one day ago. I saw her today with the injured seller. She made strange things and I suppose a girl is a Sta…

- Rohan, you’re being paranoid. I don’t want to hear anything about your silly guesses. We have been quiet for more than ten years. Don’t put labels on the person who just achieved our bed town.

- But I see her around the library and then…

- Rohan, the conversation is over.

Sophie has approached the house, wiping sweat from your face.

- Higashikata-san, welcome me to Morioh-Cho!

⬅️ To be continued

[btsrmono]

Trial & Error | chapter 2

Main Pairing: (jimin): student/idol x (main): foreign student

Side Pairs: main x taehyung,, main x (nct) jaehyun

Part 1

CHAPTER 2

A good few weeks had passed and you only made a small group of friends. They didn't seem to be anyone you’d ever grow close to though they were nice people. You mainly stuck to having Jinsoul as your best friend in Korea. You guys hung out all the time and she helped you study Korean, boosting your skills in communication. You were really grateful and thanks to her, you seemed to meet a lot of new people outside of your school. Based off of what you’ve observed, Jinsoul was very popular.

 "What are you doing tomorrow?" she had asked.

 You looked up from your notebook to her lying at the foot of your bed. "I don't know, probably nothing or hanging out with you, as usual. Why?"

 "Well, I was invited somewhere and I don't want to go by myself." Jinsoul was always doing something crazy like auditioning to become a trainee or going to a party and there you were, always getting dragged to places you didn't want to go because of her. 

  "Um, maybe I'll take a rain check this week," you replied, not really feeling in the mood.

  She laughed while slightly rolling her eyes. "It's not what you think," she informed you. "I actually have a date." 

  You completely stopped focusing on your literature homework and wondered what she'd possibly want you to go on a date with her for. "You're... asking me to .... be a third wheel? Are you really that nervous?"

  "No, I'm not asking you to be a third wheel, but yes, I am very nervous."

  "If you're not asking me to be a third wheel then what would you consider someone tagging along on a date?"

  "You're not a third wheel because you're a forth wheel," she answered quickly.

  You wasn't exactly sure what that was supposed to mean but you wasn't really up to questioning her. 

 "Please?" she begged.

 ".... I don't know, Jinsoul."

 She sucked her teeth. "Jimin is going to be there," she uttered, making you completely freeze. A sly grin showed on her face. "You can't lie, I know you like him, it's written all over your face whenever you see him."

  "I-I don't like him, I barely- I don't even know him," you stuttered. And it was true, you didn't like him. Did you think he was cute? Yeah. But you saw the way he flirted with other girls at the bus stop or at parties so you instantly was never attracted to him in that sense. 

  "Y/n," she pleaded. "I'll never ask you for a favor like this again. You said you owe me, remember?" 

  You sighed, considering it. "Well whose the guy that has you so hooked?"

  She smiled, biting her lip shyly. "Jacob."

  "Jacob?" you asked, shocked but not shocked. You could always tell she had a little something for him but from what you knew, he wasn’t single.

  "Yeah." She sighed, the smile quickly fading. “I already know what you’re gonna say--”

  "Doesn’t he have a whole girlfriend?" you cut her off.

  Her shoulders slightly dropped. "That was a long time ago.”

  “They were just making out at the bus stop after school last week.”

  “Exactly. A long time ago!” You looked at her skeptically as she sighed heavily. “They just broke up, y/n. He's a really sweet guy, believe me. And I like him a lot. You'd find out for yourself if you go on this double date. And who knows," she added, "maybe you and Jimin might have a connection you never knew was there. You both lowkey have a thing for each other, if it's not obvious to you, you're blind." She then laid back down into a comfortable position on my bed. "Think about it, he's always staring at you."

 You wasn't going to deny that but you always thought that maybe the boy just had staring issues. "If I say I'll go can we make a deal that you'll shut up about this for the rest of the day?"

 Her eyes widened. "Of course! A million times, of course," she exclaimed. "Thank you, y/n!!"

                                                      ~~~

Only 20 minutes into the date and everything was just completely awkward. At least between you and Jimin. Jinsoul and Jacob were hitting it off just great. A little too great. You and Jimin were both completely ignored and all you two really did at that point was watch the two flirt and giggle, completely immersed into their own conversation.

 You looked out the booths window on the left side of you, watching people walk on by as your thoughts began to wonder, one hundred percent bored out of your mind. At that moment, you thought about home and how much you missed it. Those days, you were so caught up in your new life that you tended to neglect your past, not even caring to call back your friends due to your busy schedule and the time zone differences surely didn't help. It was hectic and even if they didn't think so, you felt sorry.

 But alas, your thinking was interrupted when you heard Jacob suggest for him and Jinsoul to go play in the restaurants arcade. She then giggled, agreeing as they both stood up, not even caring to look back at you and Jimin. You guys were practically invisible to them and you were starting to get nervous. You had never been alone with Jimin, not that it was a big deal but there was just something about it that made you sweat.

 You looked over at him just to find his eyes already glued to you with a smile on his face. But then he slowly turned away. And just like that, you guys sat in an awkward silence for a good solid minute or two, neither one of you saying anything or even checking your phones when, suddenly, he spoke up.

 "I... sorry if this sounds weird but I just wanted to let you know that you look really pretty today."

  This caught you off guard , causing you to hesitate and only sweat a little more. "Um... thank you," you said shyly. You had no idea what was wrong with you, you’re not usually like this with boys but something was different about Jimin-- not in a good way but not in a bad way either. It was just that he seemed intimidating.

  He let out a chuckle. "Are you okay, y/n? You're not usually like this. This isn't the you I'm used to seeing."

 You shrugged your shoulders, unsure of what to say. "I'm sorry," you apologized. "I just find this all to be a little awkward, you'd be lying if you said you didn't too."

 "Yes, it's true," he admitted. "This is very awkward. The things we do for our friends, huh?” he chuckled. “But breaking the ice is the way to make this a little more natural, no?"

  Nodding your head, you agreed. But the only problem was that you didn't know how to break the ice. 

 “What state are you from by the way? I wanna hear all about it.”

 You kind of laughed. “It’s funny this hasn’t really come up in most of my conversations with people here. They just hear ‘America’ and it’s all they need.”

 He shook his head, giggling a bit. “My love, haven’t they told you I’m not most people?”

  “Well,” you sighed, clasping your hands together. “I’m from New York City.”

  Jimin’s eyes lit up upon hearing this. “Whoa, the Big Apple. Very nice place, I’ve been a few times.”

  “Oh, have you?”

  “Eh, not to brag or anything. But let’s just say I’m well travelled.”

  You laughed at his obvious cockiness. “It sucks I’m not from some place a bit smaller, I wish I could tell you about places you don’t know much about.”

  “Are you kidding me?” he asked you, surprised by this statement. “Do you know how many people would kill to live in New York?”

  You knew he was right but you couldn’t help but to feel this way. “I know,” you sighed. “But when you grow up there it just feels so... I don’t know.” You tried to think of the right words to describe your experience but you just couldn’t. “While I appreciate the diversity of people, everyone there is kind of the same in a sense.” He looked at you, truly interested in what you were saying. “We all strive to do our best in school to get into a top University and get a good job just to impress our peers and family... Nothing is authentic and we’re all miserable, really.”

  He shook his head, showing that you had his full attention. 

 “You would think living in a place like New York would allow you to freely show your creativity and do what you want but, no. That’s what people move to New York but for people that live there, we don’t see the big dream when it’s been our whole life.” You began to think about all of the missed opportunities you had while trying to live for your parents instead of yourself. You began to think that maybe it was just you.

  “I don’t know,” you continued. “I just feel like everyone is shallow and I’m living a cliche.”

  He nodded. “Funny enough, I know what you’re talking about. It’s the same here. Luckily, I was able to pick my career path but it’s still pressure.”

  You somehow knew what he meant. You saw the way everyone around you acted. It didn’t seem any easier to you than New York. Mayhap's the pressure in Korea was even worse. “I see,” you said. “Everyone here are such hard workers. I know it must be tough.”

  He shook his head, agreeing with you, somber thoughts seeming to fill his mind as his eyes wandered off. “You okay?” you asked.

  His eyes snapped back to yours. He paused before taking a good look at you, a smiling creeping back up on his face. “Of course I am, y/n.”

  Luckily, Jimin was a talkative person who knew how to easily lighten the mood as he went on to tell you horror stories of what went on in his dorm. You got really comfortable around him pretty quickly. He was a fun person who was really chill and easy to get along with.

  ".... and that, my friend, is why you must always fill your ramen cup up to the indicated line." You laughed after hearing his story on how he almost blew up the dorms microwave. "I mean, I'll tell you," he continued, "Jin hyung was so mad, it was almost scary."

  Eventually, time started going by slow and Jimin began to run out of stories. You both had finished your food and neither Jinsoul or Jacob bothered to come back. You guys had officially been sitting there for a little over 2 hours, the waiters even asking if you guys were ready to pay the bill--more than once--to which, Jimin ended up paying for.

  You sighed, finally pulling your phone out for the first time in which felt like forever. Your cell lit up with multiple notifications that you didn't even feel like checking. You just wanted to occupy yourself with something. 

  As you scrolled through your Instagram timeline, you could feel Jimin's eyes on you. "What?" you asked him nonchalantly, still scanning your phone.

 "It's funny," he started, "us two being here."

  You quietly chuckled, finally looking at him. "What?"

 "Were you dragged here?" he curiously wondered. 

 "'Dragged' is an overstatement, but yeah, she did kind of beg," you admitted. "Why? Weren't we both?"

  "No. When he said you’d be here, I didn’t have a problem with coming."

  You awkwardly paused before making a small "tsk" sound, scolding yourself mentally. He turned around to survey the area to which you found yourself staring at him in quiet awe. You wasn't going to lie to yourself by saying that Jimin wasn't your type but you had to remember why you were there to begin with. It sure as hell wasn't because he asked you to. 

  At that moment, you took a second to check the time. It was currently 9:31pm. You looked back up at Jimin whom was already looking at you. "It's getting late," you stated. "My parents will start to worry. I should get home soon."

  He nodded his head, quickly agreeing. "Yeah, that's totally understandable. I should walk you."

 You paused, unsure of what to say. You weren't exactly expecting him to offer something like that so it took you off guard a bit. "Um... that's okay, Jimin. I can walk alone, the bus stop is only a short block from here."

 He sighed as he slowly began to make his way out of the booth standing. "Can you at least allow me to pay for a taxi home?"

 You then proceed to stand as well, smirking slightly. "A taxi? If you insist... But please let Jinsoul know where I went. I will text her as well but I'm sure she's not checking her phone anytime soon."

 He smiles, tilting his head a bit. "Totally. And you know something, I really had a good time with you." 

 You surprisingly had a good time too. And it was then that you felt that maybe, just maybe, Jimin and you would become friends.

A/N: Yayyy so we got a little more of Jimin! Next chapter, a small (kind of big) shock comes to this small group of friends. Stay tuned!

(p.s. Jacob is below! Him and Jinsoul would make such a cute couple haha)

PART 3

[trysomecats]

(Equation of a Lie anon) It was 1D and I'm pretty sure it was like Louis being a sub and failing a math test and then lying about it. Then his doms make him quit soccer?? Sorry if that's way vague it's been a while 😅😅 Also thank you for answering, you're super sweet!

Ah, yes, now I remember! I did remove that fic off of ao3 (for personal reasons) However, I have no problem with posting it on Tumblr, so here you go!:The Equation of a Lie

Summary: Louis’ grade in mathematics is slowly declining. If he doesn’t do something about it soon, his doms will make him quit the footie team. When he fails a major test, he keeps it from his doms, planning on retaking it behind their backs to save his grade. Unfortunately not everything goes to plan.

“Now, I have your tests to hand back. Most of you did very well, the class average was beyond exceptional. However, if you feel that you did poorly, you are more than welcome to talk to me and make arrangements to retake the test on Monday. After you all receive your tests, class is dismissed.”

Louis felt himself sigh internally with relief. Hopefully he counted as ‘most’ of the class. To be honest he hadn’t studied as much for this test as he should have. Maths was never his strong point, not to mention it was terribly boring. It also didn’t help that the professor, Mr. Winston, was a major ass.

Unfortunately when Louis received his test, his stomach dropped when he saw what his grade was.

One of the biggest expectations Harry and Nick had for him was to get good grades. School was important, they’d explained to him, especially university. This math class was the only class that he didn’t share with one or both of his doms. Naturally he’d slacked off a bit, knowing he wasn’t under their watchful eyes. His notes become shorter and careless, as did his studying.

Now, however, he was experiencing the consequences of his behavior. They would surely make him temporarily quit the footie team until he could bring up his grade, or worse make him stay off the team permanently as punishment. It was hard to tell, because Louis had only been their sub since June, four months ago. They were strict, but only when need be. Louis tried his best to behave for them, even if his new lifestyle was taking some getting used to. He hadn’t been planning on finding his soulmates so soon in life, but apparently fate decided differently.

Louis hid the test in the very back of his folder. He waited for most of the class to retreat before going up to his professor’s desk.

“Um, Mr. Winston?”

“Hmm?” The professor looked up. “Ah, Louis. I’m guessing you want to retake the test?”

“Yes please,” Louis nodded hurriedly, glancing at the clock. His doms would get here pretty quickly, and he didn’t want them to overhear the conversation. “You said I can retake it on Monday?”

“That’s right, you can just stay and take it after class. First we can go over any questions you have beforehand. You should look over your test this weekend though, and make notes of what you did incorrectly. Try to figure out the problems yourself.”

“Right,” Louis said quickly when he caught sight of his doms approaching the doorway. “Well, thank you Professor, have a good weekend!”

“Louis,” Professor Winston said sternly, halting the boy in his tracks. “Make sure you get that test signed by your doms as well, alright?”

“Y-Yes Professor,” Louis said, feeling like a rock had fallen into his stomach, and also getting a bit angry. Winston was always more unfair to subs than he was to doms. While it wasn’t considered uncommon for a professor to request a dom’s signature, it was still a rather dickish move.

Louis all but ran from the room, stopping at the sight of his doms. They had their hands entwined, looking at him with beaming smiles.

“Hi Love,” Harry kissed his cheek. “How was class?”

“Good!” Louis answered far too cheerfully. “Great, even.”

“I never thought I’d see the day where you answered so positively about a math class,” Nick said, taking his turn to kiss Louis’ cheek as well. “I take it that means you did well on the test?”

Louis swallowed, forcing a grin. “Yup! I guess all that studying paid off.”

“Just like we told you,” Harry said with a nod. “Hard work always pays off in the end. That’s why we’re so persistent, not because we’ve got sticks in our arses.”

The sub flushed, remembering a past argument with his doms in which they had withheld his phone until he’d finished his literature homework, prompting Louis to insult them in such a way as Harry had said. He’d lost his phone for a week and gone to bed with a sore bum that night.

“Well, it’s the weekend now anyway,” Louis reminded them. “We have two days to forget about school.”

“That’s right, was there anything special you wanted to do?”

“I was thinking,” Louis bit his lip as an idea came to mind. “Maybe I could see Niall? It’s been awhile since I’ve visited him.”

That wasn’t a lie at all; Niall wasn’t going to school right now, and Louis missed him dearly. He could visit his best friend, hang out for a bit, have him forge a signature for the test…it would be a good visit, really.

“That sounds like a lovely idea,” Nick smiled at him. “I’m sure Niall will be thrilled to see you.”

…

Niall ended up being very thrilled to see Louis, that is until he found out the real reason for his friend’s visit.

“I don’t get it, why can’t you just show it to them? If you’re allowed to make it up, they shouldn’t be too mad…unless you muck up the second attempt, that is.”

“Niall, you don’t know Harry and Nick like I do. They’re very insistent that I keep up my marks. Besides, they’ll find out that I’ve not been studying as much as I should be, and that alone will screw me over.”

“But why do I have to sign your test?”

“Because,” Louis said, shoving a pen into his friend’s hand. “Professor Fuckface knows my handwriting too well, and I’m shit at impersonating anyway.”

“Alright fine,” Niall consented, ”Give your test here then.”

Louis left Niall’s feeling quite content and confident that he could keep this whole math fiasco under the wraps. So long as he studied hard and did well on the retake, everything would work out just fine.

“I just hope everything goes well,” Niall muttered once the test was signed. “I don’t want my doms finding out. They wouldn’t really approve of something like this.”

“Niall,” Louis tsked. “Nobody will find out. Even if they did, I wouldn’t tell who signed my test. You’re completely safe in this whole thing.”

“Okay, I guess that makes me feel better,” Niall said, his smile returning. “Want to play fifa now?”

Louis grinned. “Let’s do it.”

…

It was three days after retaking the test, on Thursday evening, when the test had once again made an appearance into his life, despite him thinking it was all over with. Footie practice had been from three to five, and now Louis was on his way home.

Nick or Harry would often come to watch the end of his practice and escort him home, but today neither one showed up. Louis didn’t think too much of it though, and even felt proud that his doms trusted him enough to make it home by himself. He was always telling them that it was pointless for them to come, seeing as their flat was just a block from the university.

His stomach was definitely ready for food, and he hoped that Harry was making something good tonight for dinner. It was usually ready by the time he got home from practice, so his mouth was already watering at the possibilities.

To top off his already good mood, tomorrow was Friday which meant the weekend was practically here. This weekend Louis wanted to do something special with his doms. Perhaps they could go to the city’s amusement park, or have a picnic on the beach.

“I’m back!” Louis called, dropping his sports bag to the floor and kicking his cleats off. He grinned at the smell that had taken over the apartment, as it was obvious that a pot roast was in the crock pot. That meant garlic potatoes, crisp buttered bread, and a caesar salad were also in the works.

“Hazza? Nick?” He called out, as nobody had rushed out to greet him like normal. The sub meandered through the hall and to the kitchen, seeing his guess had been correct, as dinner looked almost done. There was no Harry in sight though.

“Come join us in the living room Louis!” Harry’s voice finally called out from the living room. Louis grinned, exiting the kitchen at a hurried speed so that he could see his doms.

“Hi guys,” Louis pecked Nick’s cheek and gave Harry’s arm a squeeze. “What are you doing out here? Dinner smells so good Haz, I’m starving! Coach had us run such hard drills today, but I did really well…”

The sub trailed off a bit, especially when he realized that neither boy was smiling. “Um, is everything okay?”

He hadn’t misbehaved today, had he? Louis wracked his mind for anything that could have happened today. He’d done all of his morning chores, behaved during his classes, answered each text his doms had sent to his phone…he’d been good.

“It sounds like you had fun at footie practice,” Harry finally said, though his voice didn’t contain any warmth. “Which is good, seeing as you won’t be going back anytime soon.”

Louis still wasn’t comprehending what was going on. “Huh?”

Nick cocked his head to the space in between he and Harry. “Sit down, Louis.”

The sub did as he was told, now feeling a bit cautious. What on earth had his doms in such a somber mood, and what was with the comment about footie? “Is everything okay?”

“Everything was okay,” Nick told him. “That is, up until about an hour ago, when we received a call from your math professor.”

Louis felt his face go white.

“He had some very interesting news,” Harry continued from where Nick had left off. “You see, he called to inform us that you failed the test that you took on Monday…re-took, actually. He suggested you be set up with a tutor immediately, seeing as you’re on the verge of failing the class entirely.”

Louis’ lips were parted slightly as he stared back at his doms. His brain was trying to process a dozen thoughts and emotions at once. He had been sure that this second time taking the test had gone well! This was not good, not good at all.

“It’s quite peculiar actually,” Nick said. “Professor Winston was under the impression that we knew about your struggles with the material, seeing as he has your old test, apparently signed by the both of us….”

“I think we both know that neither Nick or I signed that test,” Harry’s voice was low. “So now, Louis, the floor is yours. We demand an explanation immediately.”

The sub resisted a squeak, his mouth feeling way too dry. His mind was whirling, trying to come up with something reasonable to say. Evidently he was already quite screwed.

“I- I thought I had it under control,” He soon blurted out. “It was- I studied some more, and I thought I would do better. I didn’t want anything to get in the way with foot-”

“Well it’s a very good thing that you won’t have to worry about that silly sports team any longer,” Nick said. “You’re going to leave your phone down here and go upstairs to the guest bedroom.”

“Nick and I are going to eat the delicious meal that I’ve prepared,” Harry continued. “You, meanwhile, will get dressed in your pajamas and stand in the corner of the bedroom. Right now!”

“Y-Yes Sirs,” Louis’ felt his voice waver as he rushed to do as he was told.

The sub was unable to stop the tears from rolling down his cheeks as he changed into pajama shorts and a t-shirt before heading to the guest bedroom. Nobody ever went in here much, as they all occupied the main bedroom. This room was more or less only used for isolation punishments.

Once he was in the corner, nose pressed against the wall, Louis cried quietly. He felt very remorseful of his actions. If only he had just informed his doms straight away about the first test…they would have been a little upset, but nothing like this. There were a lot of behaviors that his doms disapproved of, but lying and deception were probably the worst.

His stomach grumbled, because he could still smell the delicious pot roast downstairs, but he would not be having any of it. This was not at all how Louis had expected his evening would be going. He’d been thinking more along the lines of a yummy dinner, hot shower, and lots of cuddles and kisses.

Now Louis’ stomach churned. He had never done something like this before, so he was unsure of what his punishment would be. A spanking, most likely, and obviously no more footie for awhile.

No more footie…

Louis let out a choked sob.

Missing dinner wasn’t that big of a deal. The sub knew he wouldn’t be able to stomach anything anyhow.

…

After dinner, as promised, Harry and Nick came upstairs.

“Harry and I have been talking, and your punishment has been decided. Now Louis, we’ve had many chats about your role and rules as a sub. You’ve broken some of the more serious ones with your recent actions. You’ve lied and deceived us, about school of all things. And you know very well how seriously we take your education.”

The sub could only stare at the floor, ashamed.

“Here’s what’s going to happen. Tonight your bum is going to feel the full force of what happens when you deceive your doms. Tomorrow the three of us are going to have a nice long chat with your math professor. Afterwards, we’re going straight to your football coach. You’re going to tell him that you won’t be on the team for the remainder of the season, because you’ve been a very bad boy.”

“Please!” Louis cried out as he sniffled. “I’ll do anything, just don’t make me quit footie. Please don’t!”

“Kneel!” Nick said sharply, causing the sub to instantly collapse to his knees. “Playing sports is a privilege, and subs who lie get their privileges revoked. From now on you’re going to be in tutoring four days a week after school. Then you’re going to come home and do homework. When you’ve finished your homework, you’re going to quietly study. Up until you have perfect marks for every course, if we hear a word of complaint from you, your bum will turn a nice shade of red.”

“Is that clear?” Harry asked asked a few seconds later, when Louis only continued to sob.

“Y-Yes,” Louis managed to say. “Y-Y-Yes Si-irs.”

“One more thing, before we get started. Who signed your test?”

Louis moaned lowly, refusing to look up.

“That’s not an answer,” Nick said. “Was it you, or someone else? Don’t even think of trying to lie to us again.”

“Niall!” Louis bawled. “Was N-Niall!”

Nick nodded. “I thought as much. Well Lou, now you’ve even gotten your friend into trouble. I hope you understand now that there are always consequences that come with actions.”

Louis was still too distraught to say anything, so he continued to weep at the feet of his doms, remorseful and guilty. Now Niall would be in trouble with his own doms, and it was all his fault.

…

Louis slept in the guest bedroom that night, lying on his stomach with a bottom that was on fire. Neither Nick nor Harry went easy on the physical part of his punishment. They didn’t use any objects of course, but thirty spanks on his bare bum from each of his doms was more than a little painful in itself, excluding the additional fifteen smacks on his sitting spots at the very tops of his thighs.

He didn’t get cuddles either. Usually his post-spanking treatment bordered on being spoiled, with cuddles and warm milk and soothing aloe on his rear. Instead he’d been sent straight to bed.

Nick and Harry were very firm this time, making it clear that he wouldn’t be getting any sort of comfort until after he explained to his coach that he was leaving the team.

That hurt a lot more than the spanking did.

…

The next day was no doubt the most humiliating thing that Louis had ever gone through. Neither of his doms said much of anything to him, though Harry did serve him a plate of pancakes. There were no cute whipped cream faces on them though.

At school Louis squirmed through all of his classes, his poor bottom still tender from the night before. When math (his last class of the day) had finished, it was time for his doms to meet with Professor Winston.

“Good afternoon Professor,” Nick reached out to shake Winston’s hand, and Harry followed suit. “We’re here for the meeting scheduled in concern of our sub.”

The professor greeted them professionally. “Yes of course, have a seat.”

It was embarrassing, having to listen to his doms and professor talk about him as if he were incompetent. The only good thing was that Louis didn’t have to speak much, although he was fuming at everything Winston was saying to his doms.

“Louis has been declining for weeks now,” Winston drawled on. “Always looking out the window and doodling in his notebook. I can’t recall him ever raising his hand, not once.”

These words appeared to irk his doms, much to Louis’ satisfaction.

“If it’s been bad for this long, why haven’t you contacted us sooner?” Harry demanded to know.

“W-Well,” The professor’s cheeks reddened, caught in his words.

Needless to say, the meeting didn’t last long after that. Unfortunately now came the even worst part of the day, which would be paying a visit to his football coach.

…

“Um, James?”

Coach Cordon looked up from his clipboard, his face instantly brightening. “Louis, hi! What can I do for you? I know you’re eager, but practice isn’t for another hour.”

“R-Right,” Louis swallowed, praying that he wouldn’t break down in front of his coach.

James then noticed Louis’ doms. He was already well acquainted with them, seeing as Harry and Nick attended all of Louis’ games and even sometimes practices.  “Hello boys. Excited for the big game coming up?”

Louis felt like he’d been punched in the gut. James and the rest of his team were counting on him for this game, which was coming up in just a few weeks. Him not playing would leave them all screwed.

Harry cleared his throat. “I’m sure the game will go well. But James, Louis has something he needs to tell you.”

Harry’s solemn expression clued James in on the fact that some bad news was about to be heard. Louis, meanwhile, was biting his lip so hard that it was in danger of bleeding. He felt humiliated, being marched over here by his doms, like he was incapable of doing it by himself.

But that was a main point of this punishment, humiliation.

“I’m sorry James,” Louis took a deep breath, looking down because he was unable to look his coach in the face. “I can’t be on the team anymore. I was- I was bad. I’m so sorry.”

“Oh,�� James sounded so disappointed. “You…You’re sure about this?”

Louis was quiet, until he felt a nudge. “Yes Coach. I’m sure.”

“Thank you for understanding James,” Nick said, resting a hand on Louis’ shoulder. “We should get going now. We wish your team the best of luck for the remainder of the season.”

Louis’ shoulders shook, chest tight as he tried to contain his silent sobs of despair. While some people might view it as something of little value, football meant everything to him, and to lose it was to lose a tremendous part of his life. It also hurt, knowing that his team had been counting on him, and he would be letting them down.

“I know that was hard,” Harry murmured, wrapping his arms around the distraught sub. “You were a very good boy today.”

Any other time Louis would have immediately sought comfort from his doms. Right now, however, he was too crushed to accept any sort of comfort, so he stood rigidly without returning the hug.

Louis maintained his distance the rest of the way home, planning to head straight up to bed and hide under the covers for awhile.

Nick caught him by the shoulder once they were inside their home. “Lou…”

“You said I was good, can’t I just be alone right now? I’ve got homework to do.”

They let him go, and had Louis looked back, he would have noticed their pained expressions.

…

Three weeks.

For three weeks now, Louis had been nothing but the perfect, studious sub. Through all his classes, Louis’ eyes never left his professors as he took diligent notes. Monday through Thursday, he would head straight to the tutoring center after his classes, where he would spend two hours working on math equations with the on hand tutors.

Once his tutoring was done, one of Louis’ doms would come to get him. Then would come the time for any additional homework from his other classes. Dinner would happen somewhere during this time, and afterwards Louis would simply study for any upcoming quizzes or tests before going to bed.

Nick and Harry weren’t mad at him anymore. They hadn’t been, really, since after the night they had found out about the test. That didn’t mean the punishment still wasn’t in effect, but the doms acted like everything else was normal.

Louis knew he had done wrong, he really did. Despite this, the sub couldn’t help but feel peeved about the situation. He would never be outwardly rude to his doms, but he still found other ways to make sure his feelings were known, mainly by acting distant while still retaining the politeness that was required of him.

“Louis,” Harry’s voice drew Louis away from his english essay, which he was putting the final touches on despite it being due almost two weeks from now. “What’ll it be tonight love, pasta or fajitas?”

The sub gave a small smile. “Whatever you’d like, Sir.”

Harry’s hand rubbed at his shoulder. “You don’t have a preference?”

“No Sir,” He answered, looking back at his computer screen, where his essay was on display.

The dom peered at the screen as well. “Is that your subculture essay? That’s not due till the sixteenth.”

Louis continued to type. “Yeah, m’just getting it done early.”

“Well,” Harry seemed to struggle with something. “Why don’t you take a break and help me with dinner, okay? It’ll give your eyes a break.”

Louis did so, both to appease his dom and due to the fact that Harry had been right about his eyes needing a break from the computer. Besides, normally on nights when Louis didn’t have footie, he would hang out in the kitchen with Harry while dinner was being made.

Harry had probably been missing that, just like Louis had been.

…

Later that night, after a dinner of fajitas, both of his doms asked to speak to him in the master bedroom.

Nick touched his cheek. “Harry and I have been talking, mostly about your punishment.”

Louis stared back at them silently as an indicator to go on.

“Well, you’ve pretty much caught yourself up in all of your courses now. You’ve even gone beyond our standards. Therefore, we both agree that this speaks loudly at the fact that you’ve handled your punishment very well.”

Harry touched the sub’s cheek. “To be honest, we also miss seeing your lovely smile. Louis love, you know why we had to punish you, right?”

“I do,” Louis nodded solemnly. “I hid my test from you, and then went behind your backs and lied.”

“Right,” Harry said. “I’m glad you understand. You’re no longer on any restrictions, so long as you maintain steady grades.”

“We also understand that outdoor footie season is almost over,” Nick added. “But winter signups for indoor footie are next week, and you have permission to join if you want.”

There were a lot of different emotions circulating in Louis’ head. While he was still upset at the fact that he’d had to miss the biggest game of the season, he was also ashamed of the way he’d handled his math test. Perhaps the consequences would have been less severe had he been open and honest.

He was also feeling very remorseful about dragging Niall into the situation. His friend had warned him, but Louis hadn’t listened. He was so desperate about staying on the team, but in the end that desperation was what put him in this situation.

This was the hardest Harry and Nick had ever been on him. It was clear that neither of them liked punishing him in such a way. Yes, they had been very angry the day they found out, but that anger had vanished by the next day. These past few weeks they had been nothing but loving, and it was Louis who had resisted that love.

Being a matched sub was still such a new concept for Louis. Sometimes it left him disgruntled, while other times it left him feeling like the happiest person alive. No matter what, one thing was clear. His doms loved him very much.

“That sounds nice,” He smiled tentatively at them, getting two warm smiles in return. “And I really am sorry. I promise I won’t ever go behind your backs like that again.”

“Everyone makes mistakes Lou,” Harry told him. “You’re forgiven- have been forgiven, ever since you talked to your coach. We both know how hard that must have been. Footie means a lot to you.”

“Yes it does,” Louis agreed. “But you guys mean more to me than any sport ever could.”

He spoke the truth.(If anyone thinks of other fics I removed from my ao3, feel free to reach out and I’ll post them on tumblr!) 

[seventhscorpio]

I... may have a lump in my throat after reading that last addition.

And it's not even that what you're writing is mirroring my own experience in high school (doing every. possible. exercise. before a test, there wasn't a single task in the textbook I haven't done, and still passed at merciful C- which my grades absolutely didn't add up to--while passing literature classes almost straight As hardly opening a book at home). But let me tell you a bedtime story about why I actually changed my uni major.

In October 2019, I started studying history. I always loved learning it and teaching it to others, it fascinated me, I was that freak who dumped trivia on people and made a presentation about 18-19th century carriages for a "Get To Know My Hobby" class. That seemed a reasonable major to choose.

I must admit, 2019/20 season was a stressful one for me personally, too. My grandma was dying, my whole life was changing, I've started therapy, I had a new boyfriend after a very difficult relationship and tried to cope with the trauma. When mid-terms were announced, I decided to start studying early, knowing damn well how long it'll take for me to read a 200-page book (on that later).

I started in early November. I didn't manage to read the entire thing until the test which was on the last day of January. I couldn't lean on the crutch of my own lecture notes because we didn't even have a class on the material, just a test, so it was just me and the book, and the book alone. I didn't pass, of course.

I did, however, pass all tests on the material which we had classes on. Straight As. Only reading my notes.

I thought, okay, the 'stretched studying' method didn't work. The pandemic started and I was grateful beacuse I didn't have to get out of bed and go to a place where I felt stupid and a failure, the spring was coming, and the threat of finals looming. Again, no classes on the material, just the books.

2000 pages.

Two thousand pages to read, a tower of paper printed out and lying on my desk.

Now, I must tell you, in 2020--besides the obligatory uni stuff--I finished one book. Just one. A book I'd started in November 2017.

You can imagine how that test went. I managed to read, uh, about 200 pages I think, and there was no time to even revise what I'd read. I've listened to about 50 hours of podcasts on the material when I realised by no miracle I would be able to read my textbooks, which had no audiobook version available. I remember bawling my eyes out lying on the couch and screaming to myself, what went wrong?

I felt like a failure, useless, and I hated mysel. I felt like I was letting down my parents, my teachers, myself. But the worst was feeling like a cheat. Because how was I able to score 100% on high school finals, how did I get A on CAE the previous month, if I couldn't read a fucking book? How am I supposed to be a writer if I can't read? Am I even anything I've always thought I was?

At uni nobody cared I was dyslexic, and honestly I didn't care either - I have a dyslexic friend who can read several hundred pages on a good day. I had this persistent sense of failure because of my own laziness, lack of motivation, overall failure-ness, but something didn't sit right with me. I started digging. It's not normal you can't focus on a book for more than 5 pages at a time, is it?

I'm en route to get diagnosed with ADHD, but it took over a year and so much pain to even figure out--not to mention a lifetime of being deemed lazy and wasting my potential. I had never been diagnosed as a child because I lacked the hyperactivity factor, but when I first read about the symptoms in adults, I almost started crying. It answered so much. Maybe I wasn't a failure and a cheat after all.

I'm still struggling with the damage. I still feel like a cheat for calling myself 'a writer' and not being able to read books, I still feel unworthy and lazy when I struggle with executing a task. I still think nobody will care about my diagnosis anyway, and I'm doing it mostly to prove to myself I'm not a failure.

Did you know girls often lack the hyperactivity factor in ADHD, even in childhood?

Did you know ADD (attention deficit disorder) is a thing?

I wish I did at 7. I wish my parents, and my teachers, and the professionals who diagnosed me did.

I saw a video talking about why schools shouldn't grade or assign homework the other day (interesting video! I support a lot of what the speaker was saying!) But at one point word searches were described as obvious busywork - what's the point in teaching kids to read diagonal words, after all?

Diagnosing dyslexia. Diagnosing dyslexia. Diagnosing dyslexia.

After going through IB classes in high school, after finishing my BA while working full time, after failing algebra with the same teacher two years in a row, there is no kind of homework that has ever made me cry so hard as word searches did in the 3rd grade.

If you've got a kid who has been working on a word search for an hour and is crying and telling you "the words aren't there," if you've got a kid who never knows what the pictures are in connect-the-dots because they can't connect the dots in the correct order, if you've got a kid who can't read analog clock faces after months of being taught how to read time, if you've got a kid who retranscribes all their music class handouts as letters because they can't wrap their head around reading music, I'm begging you to get your kid tested for dyslexia/dyscalculia.

And I'm begging you to get them tested before they learn how to mask so hard that it's difficult to get an official diagnosis because if they need disability accommodations in college they're going to need a diagnosis but they're going to be so good at masking their disorder that it's going to be difficult to prove that they need accommodations. And 'well if you can get by well enough that as an adult you can pass a test designed to diagnose children you must not need help' is bullshit because those tests don't make you do algebra or learn a new character set.