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New And Innovative Product Testing | Productsafetyinc.com
Discover the future of product testing with Productsafetyinc.com. Our innovative approach ensures the highest level of safety for your products.
New and Innovative product testing

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The user experience design process is evolving at an unprecedented rate, largely driven by advances in artificial intelligence (AI). As businesses strive to enhance digital interactions, AI's role in UX design has become more crucial than ever, offering a sophisticated blend of efficiency and insight. This integration streamlines the design process to ensure that digital platforms are more intuitive, responsive, and tailored to user needs. This post explores how AI is revolutionizing the UX design process, from initial user research to the final stages of implementation, providing practical insights for those considering its adoption.
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UX/UI
Exploring the Intersection of UX/UI Design and Mobile App DevelopmentIn today's digital landscape, mobile app development is at the forefront of innovation, with user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design playing a critical role in shaping successful applications. This article explores how UX/UI design and mobile app development intersect to create seamless, functional, and visually appealing apps that meet user needs and business goals.---The Importance of UX/UI Design in Mobile App DevelopmentUX/UI design serves as the foundation of mobile app development, ensuring that users interact with apps effortlessly while enjoying a visually engaging interface.User Experience (UX): Focuses on the overall feel of the app, emphasizing usability, accessibility, and efficiency. It ensures users can achieve their goals without frustration.User Interface (UI): Deals with the aesthetic aspects, including typography, color schemes, and layout, creating an intuitive and visually appealing interface.When combined, UX and UI design drive user satisfaction, loyalty, and engagement, making them indispensable to the development process.---Key Elements at the Intersection1. User-Centered Design:Both UX/UI design and app development prioritize understanding user needs and preferences through research, personas, and journey mapping.2. Prototyping and Testing:UX/UI designers create wireframes and prototypes to visualize app functionality, while developers refine and test these designs to ensure technical feasibility.3. Iterative Development:Continuous feedback loops between designers and developers enable ongoing improvements, aligning design concepts with real-world user behavior.4. Performance Optimization:Developers ensure the app performs efficiently, while UX/UI designers minimize cognitive load through intuitive navigation and layout design.5. Cross-Platform Consistency:UX/UI designers maintain consistency across iOS and Android platforms, while developers ensure compatibility without compromising functionality or aesthetics.---Emerging Trends in UX/UI and Mobile App Development1. Dark Mode Design:Enhances visual appeal and reduces eye strain, requiring developers to adjust codebases to accommodate different themes seamlessly.2. Voice and Gesture-Based Interfaces:UX/UI designers integrate voice commands and gestures, while developers work on advanced algorithms for accurate recognition.3. Personalization:Data-driven designs allow apps to adapt to individual preferences, with developers building robust back-end systems to support personalization.4. Micro-Interactions:Subtle animations and feedback loops designed by UX/UI experts are implemented by developers to boost user engagement.5. Accessibility:Designing for inclusivity involves creating apps accessible to people with disabilities, combining thoughtful design with technical adaptability.---Collaboration Between UX/UI Designers and DevelopersEffective collaboration between UX/UI designers and developers is essential to create apps that are both functional and delightful.Clear Communication: Regular meetings and design reviews foster understanding of design and technical constraints.Shared Tools: Platforms like Figma, Adobe XD, and Sketch bridge the gap, enabling designers to hand off assets directly to developers.Agile Methodology: Iterative workflows keep both teams aligned on project goals and timelines.---ConclusionThe intersection of UX/UI design and mobile app development is where innovation meets functionality. By prioritizing user needs, maintaining effective collaboration, and staying ahead of trends, designers and developers create mobile applications that not only meet but exceed user expectations. In an ever-evolving digital landscape, this synergy is the key to delivering apps that resonate with users and drive business success.Would you like assistance with visuals or infographics to accompany this article?
#UI/UX Design Services for Startups in Dubai#Affordable Web Design for Small Businesses in Dubai#Custom App Design Solutions in Dubai#Professional Branding Services for New Companies in Dubai#Responsive Website Design Experts in Dubai#User-Centric Mobile App Design in Dubai#E-commerce Website UI/UX Design in Dubai#Innovative Digital Product Design Agency in Dubai#High-Converting Landing Page Design Services in Dubai#Comprehensive UX Strategy Consulting in Dubai#UI ( User interface )#UX (User experience)#Wireframe#Design#User Research#Usability Testing#Web design#Website development#Responsive web design#UX/UI design#Graphic design for websites#Web design company#Flat web design#Brand identity design#Logo design#Social media branding#Brand logo design#Mobile app design#iOS app design#Android app design
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Opinion Here’s how to get free Paxlovid as many times as you need it
When the public health emergency around covid-19 ended, vaccines and treatments became commercial products, meaning companies could charge for them as they do other pharmaceuticals. Paxlovid, the highly effective antiviral pill that can prevent covid from becoming severe, now has a list price of nearly $1,400 for a five-day treatment course.
Thanks to an innovative agreement between the Biden administration and the drug’s manufacturer, Pfizer, Americans can still access the medication free or at very low cost through a program called Paxcess. The problem is that too few people — including pharmacists — are aware of it.
I learned of Paxcess only after readers wrote that pharmacies were charging them hundreds of dollars — or even the full list price — to fill their Paxlovid prescription. This shouldn’t be happening. A representative from Pfizer, which runs the program, explained to me that patients on Medicare and Medicaid or who are uninsured should get free Paxlovid. They need to sign up by going to paxlovid.iassist.com or by calling 877-219-7225. “We wanted to make enrollment as easy and as quick as possible,” the representative said.
Indeed, the process is straightforward. I clicked through the web form myself, and there are only three sets of information required. Patients first enter their name, date of birth and address. They then input their prescriber’s name and address and select their insurance type.
All this should take less than five minutes and can be done at home or at the pharmacy. A physician or pharmacist can fill it out on behalf of the patient, too. Importantly, this form does not ask for medical history, proof of a positive coronavirus test, income verification, citizenship status or other potentially sensitive and time-consuming information.
But there is one key requirement people need to be aware of: Patients must have a prescription for Paxlovid to start the enrollment process. It is not possible to pre-enroll. (Though, in a sense, people on Medicare or Medicaid are already pre-enrolled.)
Once the questionnaire is complete, the website generates a voucher within seconds. People can print it or email it themselves, and then they can exchange it for a free course of Paxlovid at most pharmacies.
Pfizer’s representative tells me that more than 57,000 pharmacies are contracted to participate in this program, including major chain drugstores such as CVS and Walgreens and large retail chains such as Walmart, Kroger and Costco. For those unable to go in person, a mail-order option is available, too.
The program works a little differently for patients with commercial insurance. Some insurance plans already cover Paxlovid without a co-pay. Anyone who is told there will be a charge should sign up for Paxcess, which would further bring down their co-pay and might even cover the entire cost.
Several readers have attested that Paxcess’s process was fast and seamless. I was also glad to learn that there is basically no limit to the number of times someone could use it. A person who contracts the coronavirus three times in a year could access Paxlovid free or at low cost each time.
Unfortunately, readers informed me of one major glitch: Though the Paxcess voucher is honored when presented, some pharmacies are not offering the program proactively. As a result, many patients are still being charged high co-pays even if they could have gotten the medication at no cost.
This is incredibly frustrating. However, after interviewing multiple people involved in the process, including representatives of major pharmacy chains and Biden administration officials, I believe everyone is sincere in trying to make things right. As we saw in the early days of the coronavirus vaccine rollout, it’s hard to get a new program off the ground. Policies that look good on paper run into multiple barriers during implementation.
Those involved are actively identifying and addressing these problems. For instance, a Walgreens representative explained to me that in addition to educating pharmacists and pharmacy techs about the program, the company learned it also had to make system changes to account for a different workflow. Normally, when pharmacists process a prescription, they inform patients of the co-pay and dispense the medication. But with Paxlovid, the system needs to stop them if there is a co-pay, so they can prompt patients to sign up for Paxcess.
Here is where patients and consumers must take a proactive role. That might not feel fair; after all, if someone is ill, people expect that the system will work to help them. But that’s not our reality. While pharmacies work to fix their system glitches, patients need to be their own best advocates. That means signing up for Paxcess as soon as they receive a Paxlovid prescription and helping spread the word so that others can get the antiviral at little or no cost, too.
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This AI Paper Dives into Embodied Evaluations: Unveiling the Tong Test as a Novel Benchmark for Progress Toward Artificial General Intelligence
📢 Exciting AI Paper Alert: "Diving into Embodied Evaluations: Unveiling the Tong Test as a Novel Benchmark for Progress Toward Artificial General Intelligence" 🚀 Researchers at the National Key Laboratory of General Artificial Intelligence have introduced the Tong Test, a groundbreaking benchmark for evaluating Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Unlike traditional task-oriented evaluations, this test focuses on complex environments and emphasizes ability and value-oriented evaluation. 🔬 The Tong Test includes features such as infinite tasks, self-driven task generation, value alignment, and causal understanding. It also supports embodied AI in training and testing. This test paves the way for developing practical AI algorithms. Check it out here 👉 [Link to the blog post](https://ift.tt/C5PvFgR) 💡 Achieving Artificial General Intelligence is no easy feat. AGI strives to replicate human-like intelligence, adaptability, and decision-making. Solving complex problems in machine learning, robotics, and more is essential for AGI progress. 🌐 In this blog post, the researchers propose the Tong Test, rooted in complex DEPSI environments, to assess AGI's human-like abilities. The test focuses on commonsense reasoning, intention inference, trust, and self-awareness. It emphasizes ability and value-oriented evaluation. 🔍 Dive into the details of the Tong Test and its evaluation system, which includes infinite tasks, self-driven task generation, value alignment, and causal understanding. The blog post also explores the proposed virtual platform and embodied AI training and testing. It's a must-read for AI enthusiasts! If you're passionate about AI research, don't forget to join our ML SubReddit, Facebook Community, Discord Channel, and subscribe to our Email Newsletter. Stay in the loop with the latest AI research news, cool projects, and much more. Together, we can shape the future of AI! 🤖💪 🔗 Don't miss out! Read the full blog post here 👉 [Link to the blog post](https://ift.tt/C5PvFgR) 📣 Share your thoughts and spread the word. Let's push the boundaries of AI! ✨ #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #AGI #Research #Technology #EmbodiedEvaluations #TongTest #ML #AICommunity List of Useful Links: AI Scrum Bot - ask about AI scrum and agile Our Telegram @itinai Twitter - @itinaicom
#itinai.com#AI#News#This AI Paper Dives into Embodied Evaluations: Unveiling the Tong Test as a Novel Benchmark for Progress Toward Artificial General Intellig#AI News#AI tools#Innovation#itinai#LLM#MarkTechPost#Mohammad Arshad#Productivity This AI Paper Dives into Embodied Evaluations: Unveiling the Tong Test as a Novel Benchmark for Progress Toward Artificial Gen
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COCKY.

FINAL CHAPTER
Bangchan x reader. (s,f)
Chapters: Chapter I / Chapter II / Chapter III
Synopsis: As a researcher developing a specialized condom in extra large sizes, you never expected the company’s product manager, Chris, to volunteer as a test subject—let alone for things to get this complicated. Balancing professionalism with undeniable chemistry, you must navigate a partnership that’s strictly business… or so you keep telling yourself. (16,4k words)
Author's note: Thank you for patiently waiting and for following Cocky series. Hope you enjoy this one too and don't forget to share your thoughts on it ♡
As the morning sun kisses your bare skin, you slowly stir awake, feeling oddly disoriented. Your body feels heavy, sore in places that make last night come rushing back in vivid detail.
Blinking, you turn your head to the side—and there he is. Chris, lying beside you, his bare chest rising and falling in deep, steady breaths. His face is relaxed in sleep, hair slightly tousled, lips parted just slightly.
Your eyes drift to the bedside table, where the evidence of the night lingers—torn condom wrappers scattered messily across the surface. Heat creeps up your neck as memories flood in. How Jane had slipped Chris that damn pill. How you got him home. And how you… passed out. During sex.
You groan internally, mortified. Of all the things that could’ve happened, that had to be the way the night ended? You can’t even begin to imagine what Chris must have thought.
Heart hammering, you slowly shift in bed, careful not to disturb him. The last thing you want is to wake up to his teasing or—worse—his concern. You can’t face that right now.
Holding your breath, you slip the covers off and carefully climb out of bed, moving as silently as possible. Your clothes are scattered around the room, but you grab the nearest things, pulling them on hastily. You just need to get out before he wakes up. You take one last glance at him—still fast asleep—and then, as quietly as possible, you head for the door.
-
Despite the late start to your morning, you make it to the office just in time. Your heart is pounding, anxiety creeping up your spine. After sneaking out of Chris’s apartment that morning, all you could think about was avoiding Jane. There’s no way she wouldn’t interrogate you about last night, and you are not ready for that conversation.
However, the moment you step into the lab, Jane comes rushing toward you. You brace yourself, expecting the worst.
“You’re finally here!” she exclaims, gripping your arm.
“I—” you start, but she cuts you off.
“Check your email. Now.”
She’s not asking about last night? You blink at her, confused. “Wait, what?”
Jane huffs impatiently and practically drags you to your desk. “The company sent out an announcement this morning. Your product? It’s officially launching.”
Your breath catches. Already?
“Go on,” she urges, gesturing at your laptop.
Hands slightly trembling, you open your inbox. Sure enough, the company-wide email is sitting at the top, bold and unread. When you click on it, the subject line says it all:
Official Product Launch Announcement – New Innovations in Health & Wellness
And there, among the listed products, is yours.
Jane claps her hands together, grinning. “This is huge! Congratulations, genius!” She doesn't shy away from placing a kiss on your cheek, leaving a red lipstick mark on it.
You force a smile, but your stomach churns. The launch means more than just success—it means presenting your product to a lot of people at the expo. Investors, media, potential buyers… all eyes on you.
Jane notices your expression and narrows her eyes. “Wait. Why do you look like someone just told you your dog ran away?”
You sigh, slumping in your chair. “Because this means I have to present at the expo.”
“So?” Jane tilts her head. “You’re brilliant. You worked so hard on this. You’re the best person to introduce it.”
You groan. “But I hate public speaking.”
Jane scoffs. “Oh, please. You literally had to interview men about their dick sizes for this research. If you survived that, you can survive anything.”
You open your mouth to argue but—okay, fair point.
Jane smirks in triumph and pats your shoulder. “You got this. Just picture everyone in their underwear or something.” Then, she glances at her watch. “Alright, gotta go back to my lab before someone notices I ditched work.”
She turns to leave but pauses. Her eyes zero in on your neck, and her smirk deepens. “By the way,” she says sweetly, “nice hickey.”
Your blood runs cold. “What?”
Jane bursts out laughing when she sees how horrified you look. “Oh my god! You didn’t even notice?!”
You slap a hand over your neck, face burning. “JANE!”
She cackles as she heads for the door. “Good luck explaining that on your presentation.” Then, with one last wicked grin, she disappears, leaving you in utter mortification.
-
You gather in the meeting room with your team, everyone chatting excitedly about the upcoming expo. The atmosphere is buzzing with energy, but you sit stiffly in your chair, gripping your pen like it’s a lifeline.
“Alright,” you start, clearing your throat. “Let’s go over our presentation plan for the expo.”
Your lead assistant, Mark, grins. “We’re finally getting the recognition we deserve. This is huge.”
“It is,” you agree, forcing a smile. “Which is why we need to make sure everything runs smoothly.”
You run through the details—booth setup, product demonstrations, key talking points—but the whole time, one thought lingers in the back of your mind: Chris will be there. He has to be. As the product manager, he’ll be involved in the official launch. And after what happened last night… well, you’re not sure how to face him yet.
“Will you be handling the main presentation yourself?” another team member asks.
You hesitate. “I’ll be leading it, yes. But I’ll need all of you to help with different parts of the demonstration.”
Mark nods and gives you a reassuring smile. “You’ll do fine. Just be confident.”
“Right,” you mutter. Easier said than done.
The meeting continues, and you do your best to focus. But no matter how much you plan, one thing is clear—there’s no avoiding Chris at the expo.
And there's no way of avoiding him in the office no matter how big this building is. As you head back to your lab, still lost in thought from the meeting, you turn a corner and collide with someone. Strong hands catch your arms before you can stumble, and when you look up, air caught in your throat.
Chris. He smiles down at you, his expression easy, like nothing is out of the ordinary. “Hey.”
You force an awkward smile back, hyper-aware of the people moving past you in the hallway. Good. An open space. He can’t bring it up here.
“Congrats on the launch,” he says, his voice warm. “You really did it.”
“Thank you,” you reply, gripping the tablet in your hands a little tighter.
Chris nods, but then, to your surprise, he takes a step closer. The shift is subtle, but the space between you suddenly feels smaller. Your breath catches, nerves prickling as you stare up at him.
He opens his mouth, and for a second, you’re sure he’s about to mention last night. But instead, he says, “Good luck with everything.”
You get taken aback. But the way he looks at you—like he wants to say something else entirely—keeps you frozen in place. Your heart pounds. You don’t trust yourself to respond properly, so you quickly mumble, “Thanks,” before stepping back. “I should, um—get back to work.”
Chris watches you for a beat, unreadable, but he doesn’t stop you. As you walk away, you exhale slowly, feeling like you just dodged a bullet. For now.
-
The expo is in full swing, the grand hall filled with a hum of conversations, the occasional burst of laughter, and the constant shuffle of people moving between booths. Bright banners and LED screens flash promotional videos, showcasing the latest products and innovations. The air carries a mix of fresh coffee from a nearby vendor and the faint scent of brand-new packaging materials.
Despite the excitement buzzing around you, a tight knot of nerves sits heavy in your stomach. Today is a big day—your product is being introduced to the public, and soon, you’ll have to engage with potential clients, answer questions, and confidently present everything you’ve worked so hard for. You exhale, trying to push aside the anxiety.
Jane, walking beside you, nudges your arm playfully. “Relax, you’re going to do great.”
You give her a small, unsure smile, but before you can say anything, she suddenly stops in her tracks and tugs at your sleeve. “Oh, look who’s here,” she sing-songs, pointing toward a booth a few meters away.
Your eyes follow her gesture, and sure enough, there’s Chris. He’s casually checking out a product display, dressed sharp as ever, dark navy with suit with silk tie, exuding that effortless confidence that always makes him stand out.
Jane smirks. “So... about that night. You took him home, right?” She gives you a knowing look. “Did anything happen?”
You quickly shake your head, keeping your tone light. “Nothing happened.”
Jane raises a brow. “Nothing?”
“Nothing,” you insist, glancing away.
You sigh, but before you can say anything else, Jane shifts gears. “Well, whatever. I just hope you’re not looking for a thing with him.”
You frown. “What do you mean?”
She shrugs, hands in her pockets. “I mean, Chris would be a lot to handle. He’s not just—” she gestures vaguely, “—big in that way, but he’s also charming, super friendly, and he just knows his way around girls.” She gives you a look. “And you know what they say with guys with big dicks, they're fucking insatiable and I'm talking about him not getting it enough with just one girl.”
You don’t respond right away, but your gaze flickers toward Chris again. There are a few girls gathered around him, clearly drawn in by whatever he’s saying. He’s smiling, laughing at something, effortlessly charismatic. You watch as one of them leans in a little closer, her eyes bright with interest.
Jane turns back to you, tilting her head with a knowing smile. “Do you like him?”
You immediately shake your head. “No.”
Her smirk deepens. “You sure?”
You exhale, rolling your shoulders back. “Chris is just the product manager. That’s all he is to me.”
Jane gives you a long, doubtful look, as if waiting for you to crack under pressure. But you meet her gaze with firm resolve. “What happened between us was strictly professional,” you say, keeping your voice steady. “And even that has ended.”
For a moment, she studies you, as if weighing your words. Then, to your relief, she shrugs. “If you say so.”
Before she can push the conversation any further, her eyes catch on something across the expo hall. “Oh! That looks interesting—come on.” She grabs your wrist, tugging you toward a display booth showcasing the latest advancements in health supplements.
You let her pull you along, glad for the distraction. But even as Jane chatters away about the product, your mind drifts back to Chris. The way he smiled at those girls. The way Jane’s words linger in your head.
He would be a lot to handle. You shake the thought away, forcing yourself to focus. This expo is about your work, not him.
-
You step off the stage, your heart still pounding from the adrenaline rush of your presentation. The applause is still ringing in your ears, and you let out a breath, feeling a mix of excitement and relief. Months of work, endless testing, late nights—it all led to this moment, and seeing the positive reception fills you with a deep sense of accomplishment.
As you make your way backstage, a familiar voice calls out, “Hey, great job up there.”
You turn to see Chris walking toward you, his expression warm with approval.
“You really killed it,” he praises, his eyes shining with genuine admiration. “I knew you’d do great, but you exceeded expectations.”
You offer him a small smile, still catching your breath. “Thanks… I appreciate that. And, well, thanks for everything. I wouldn’t have gotten here without your help.”
Chris chuckles, shaking his head. “Don’t sell yourself short. This was all you.”
Before you can respond, a voice calls out from behind him. “Chris!”
You glance past him to see a woman waving him over, her expression expectant. Chris turns his head, then looks back at you with an apologetic smile. “I gotta go, but I’ll see you later at the party, yeah?”
You nod, keeping your expression neutral. “Yeah. See you.”
He gives you one last smile before heading off, leaving you standing there, still buzzing with adrenaline—but now with something else stirring inside you.
Just as you’re collecting yourself, Jane comes barging in, her energy overwhelming as she practically throws herself at you in a hug. “You did it!” she exclaims, squeezing you tight. “That was amazing! You looked so confident up there, and the way you handled the Q&A—ugh, I’m so proud of you!”
You laugh, hugging her back. “Thanks, Jane. Seriously.”
She pulls away, grinning. “So, are you ready for the party?”
You hesitate, exhaling slowly. “I don’t know… I’m exhausted. I kinda just want to go home and sleep.”
Jane gasps dramatically, grabbing your shoulders. “Absolutely not. You worked your ass off for this, and now it’s time to celebrate!”
You sigh, knowing there’s no way she’s letting you out of this. “You’re really not giving me a choice, are you?”
“Not at all,” she says smugly. “Now, come on! We’re getting you a drink, and you’re going to have fun whether you like it or not.”
In the restroom, you step out of the stall wearing the dress Jane brought for you, adjusting the hem as you take in your reflection. The fabric hugs you in all the right places with a plunging neckline, a little more daring than what you’d usually pick, but Jane insisted on something fun.
Jane grins when she sees you. “Damn, you clean up nice,” she teases. “Now, stand still.”
She spins you toward the mirror, pulling out her makeup bag. You sigh but let her get to work, tilting your chin up as she starts applying foundation.
“So,” she says casually, dabbing at your face, “did you invite Han to the party?”
You blink. “No. Why would I?”
Jane scoffs. “Because he’s totally into you.”
You roll your eyes. “I don’t want to lead him on.”
“That’s exactly why you should be dating him,” she argues, moving on to your eyeliner. “Han is fun, he’s hot, and he likes you. If you’re looking for someone, it should be him.”
You chuckle. “I think you just want to live vicariously through me.”
“I know I’m right,” Jane insists, finishing up and stepping back to admire her work. “Now, let’s check ourselves out.”
The two of you stand in front of the mirror, adjusting your hair and outfits. Jane rummages through her bag, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
“Oh, I picked up some fun things from the expo,” she says, pulling out a small bottle and casually dropping it into your purse.
You frown, reaching in to inspect it. “Jane—”
She smirks. “It's edible lube. Watermelon flavor. You’re very welcome.”
-
The company truly knows how to throw a party and it's im full swing by the time you arrive, the venue buzzing with chatter, laughter, and music. Your team is already a few drinks in, celebrating the success of the launch, and Jane wastes no time in dragging you to the bar for a drink.
“To your big night!” she toasts, clinking her glass against yours. You take a sip, letting the burn of the alcohol settle some of your lingering nerves from the day.
As the night progresses, you weave through conversations, occasionally laughing at Jane’s antics as she flirts with someone from another department. The atmosphere is lively, but you can’t shake the slight unease bubbling in your chest.
And then, out of the corner of your eye, you catch a familiar figure—Chris. He’s standing across the room, engaged in conversation with a group of people. He’s relaxed, holding a drink in one hand, his smile easy and charming. There’s a girl next to him, leaning in a little too closely, whispering something in his ear. He chuckles at whatever she says, tilting his head toward her.
Despite your efforts to steer clear of him, you feel his gaze on you from across the room. When you glance up, just for a second, you catch him watching you—his eyes dark and unreadable. The moment your gazes meet, your breath catches, and you quickly look away, pretending to be engrossed in whatever Jane is saying.
You turn toward the bar, ordering another drink just to keep yourself occupied. When you risk another glance, Chris is still there, but this time, he takes a step forward, as if he’s about to come over.
Panic flutters in your chest, and before he can get any closer, you spin around and slip into the crowd, weaving between groups of people, keeping yourself moving.
For the rest of the night, you make a conscious effort to avoid him. Every time you sense him nearby, you casually shift in the opposite direction, always staying just out of reach. You laugh a little too loudly at Jane’s jokes, engage in meaningless conversations with your coworkers, and keep your attention anywhere but on him. But even as you try to act normal, you can’t shake the feeling that Chris notices exactly what you’re doing.
-
The noise of the party fades behind you as you slip out of the building, the cool night air washing over your skin. You let out a slow breath, relieved to finally be away from the crowd—and more importantly, away from Chris.
Pulling out your phone, you open the ride-hailing app and quickly request a taxi. As you wait, you cross your arms, tapping your fingers against your sleeve, your mind still racing from the night's events.
Just as you exhale and glance down at your phone, you feel a firm hand on your shoulder. Your breath catches, and you spin around, startled.
Chris stands there, his eyes immediately locked onto yours. The streetlights cast a soft glow over his face, highlighting the slight furrow in his brows. "I'm assuming you were avoiding me all night," he says, his tone light but eyes sharp.
You shake your head a little too quickly. "No, I wasn’t."
He chuckles at your poor attempt at denial, slipping his hands into his pockets. "Right. So it’s just a coincidence that every time I looked your way, you turned and disappeared?"
You press your lips together, feeling caught but unwilling to admit it. Instead, you sigh and change the subject. "Why are you out here, anyway? Shouldn’t you be inside celebrating?"
Chris tilts his head slightly. "I could ask you the same thing. The product launch was a huge success for you—you should be celebrating, not sneaking off like this."
You shrug, keeping your tone casual. "I'm just exhausted."
His smirk softens into something more thoughtful. "Then let me give you a ride home."
You open your mouth to refuse, grasping for an excuse. "You’ve probably had a few drinks. You should stay and enjoy the party."
Chris shakes his head. "I only had one drink." Then, with a small smile, he adds, "I was too busy looking for you all night."
Getting no answer from you, he tries again, his smile never faltering. “Come on, just let me drive you home.”
You hesitate, shifting on your feet. “Chris, it’s fine. I can just take a taxi.”
He exhales, tilting his head. “You’re really gonna make me go back to the party alone after I spent all night looking for you?” His tone is teasing, but there’s an underlying sincerity in his voice.
You cross your arms. “You don’t have to leave just because I am.”
“But I want to.” He takes a step closer, his voice softer now. “Let me take you home.”
You sigh, knowing he won’t drop it. And truthfully, you’re too tired to argue. “Fine,” you mumble.
The car ride is quiet, the city lights flashing by as Chris drives steadily through the streets. You’re still processing everything—the party, the launch, the exhaustion weighing down on you—when Chris suddenly speaks.
"Are you free next weekend?"
You blink, caught off guard. "Huh?" You turn to look at him, your voice coming out in a stammer. "Why?"
Chris keeps his eyes on the road, his fingers drumming lightly against the steering wheel. "You’ve been exhausted and stressed these past few weeks. I figured you could use a break, so I want to take you somewhere to relax."
Your brows knit together. "You don’t have to do that."
"But I want to," he says simply, glancing at you with a small smile. "Besides, as a product manager, I have to take care of my hardworking employee."
You narrow your eyes at him. "That’s a lame excuse."
Chris chuckles. "Maybe. But it’s still valid." Then, as if sensing your hesitation, he quickly adds, "And don’t worry—there’ll be no more tests." His voice dips into something teasing, but the reassurance is clear.
When he finally pulls the car to a stop in front of your apartment building, you reach for the door handle, pausing only to turn to him. “Thanks for the ride home,” you say softly.
Chris doesn’t answer immediately. Instead, his eyes find yours in the dim light of the dashboard, holding your gaze with an intensity that makes you hold your breath. There’s something in his expression, something that makes your stomach twist in a way you’re not sure how to interpret.
"Goodnight," he finally says, his voice quieter, deeper.
You inhale sharply, steadying yourself before replying, “Goodnight.” Then, without another word, you step out of the car, shutting the door behind you.
As you stand there, you watch as Chris’s car pulls away, the red taillights glowing in the darkness before disappearing around the corner. Only then do you let out the breath you hadn’t realized you were holding, turning to head inside, your thoughts a tangled mess.
-
The idea of expanding the line has been on your mind ever since the expo, and now that the product is officially launching, it's the perfect time to start thinking ahead. You're deep in your work, staring intently at your computer screen as you run through potential formulas for new product variants.
Just as you’re making notes on potential ingredients, Jane suddenly appears beside you, leaning over your shoulder. “What are you working on now?” she asks, her voice laced with curiosity.
Before you can answer, she gasps, her eyes widening as she spots your screen. “Wait a second—flavored condoms?” She immediately claps her hands together, practically vibrating with excitement. “You should totally make a chocolate-strawberry one!”
You turn to give her a judging look without saying a word.
“Come on!” she cuts in, grinning. “Think about it. It’s classic, it’s romantic, it’s delicious.” She waggles her eyebrows at you. “And I bet Chris would love it.”
Your face heats up instantly. “Jane!”
She chuckles as she leans against your desk, watching you type away. “You know,” she starts, crossing her arms, “most people take a break after successfully launching a product. Maybe go on a vacation, treat themselves, do something fun.”
You keep your eyes on the screen. “I am doing something fun,” you say dryly, adjusting some of your notes.
Jane scoffs. “Oh yeah, I can totally see the excitement radiating off you. You should allow yourself to slack off once in a while.”
You roll your eyes. “Slacking off isn’t going to help me develop new product variants.”
She rolls her eyes at you and then she slams her hands on the table. “I’m suggesting that we take a trip this weekend. We can go to the beach, a spa, or even a nice hotel with a rooftop pool. You need a break.”
Her suggestion actually sounds nice. You could use a weekend away, just relaxing with Jane, free from all the stress of work. But then you remember Chris and his just as tempting offer.
You hesitate, torn between the two options. You don’t want to say no to Chris—especially after the way he looked at you that night, like he genuinely wanted to take care of you. But at the same time, you don’t want to reject Jane either.
As if the thought summons him, Chris walks into the elevator. You tense slightly, caught off guard by his sudden presence. Of all places and times, you didn’t expect to run into him here.
He stands beside you, hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable as the doors slide shut. The air in the elevator feels thick with unspoken words, but neither of you say anything at first.
Then, Chris finally breaks the silence. “You don’t need to pack a lot of things for tomorrow.”
You blink, turning to him in confusion. “Tomorrow?”
Chris finally looks at you, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Yeah. I’ll pick you up in the morning.”
Your mouth parts slightly, realization hitting you. So he just decided that you’re going with him? No further discussion? Before you can even think of what to say, the elevator dings, reaching the parking basement.
Chris steps out first, turning back just slightly to say, “See you tomorrow.”
-
Saturday morning arrives, and your bag sits neatly packed by the door. You stand a few feet away, staring at it, arms crossed, deep in thought. You haven’t really accepted either Jane’s or Chris’s offer, yet here you are, packed and ready for something. The indecision gnaws at you. If you go with Jane, you’ll get a fun, carefree trip, but if you go with Chris…
You sigh, pressing your fingers against your temples. You don’t even know why you’re hesitating so much. It’s just a trip, right? Just a short getaway to relax, exactly what Jane has been telling you to do. But Chris is the one who planned this. He wants to take you somewhere to relax.
Your phone buzzes on the table, snapping you out of your thoughts. You hesitate before walking over and picking it up. It's a message from Chris.
I’m on my way.
Your stomach flips. So that’s it—he’s already coming. You can still change your mind. You can still text Jane and tell her to meet up instead. But as you stare at your phone screen, you realize you’re not typing. You’re just waiting.
A few minutes later, your phone rings, the sound cutting through the quiet of your apartment. You glance at the screen—Chris. You hesitate before answering. “Hello?”
“I’m outside,” he says smoothly. “Take your time, but I just wanted to let you know I’m here.”
Your heart does an odd little flip at his voice. You walk toward the window, peeking through the curtains. And there he is—standing by his car, dressed casually in a plain t-shirt and jeans, yet somehow still managing to look effortlessly good. He leans against the side of the car, one hand in his pocket, his gaze occasionally flickering toward the building entrance as he waits for you.
You swallow. This is really happening. “…Okay. I’ll be down in a minute.”
Chris hums in approval. “See you soon.”
The call ends, and you exhale, glancing back at your packed bag. There’s no turning back now.
-
After two hours of driving, Chris finally pulls into the grand entrance of a luxurious hotel, nestled away from the city’s chaos. The moment you step out of the car, you take in the stunning surroundings—the peaceful scenery, the fresh air, and the sheer elegance of the place.
“You brought me here?” you ask, looking up at the towering hotel.
Chris smirks as he hands his keys to the valet. “Yeah. This is where you can fully relax.”
You follow him inside, still in awe. The lobby is just as grand as the exterior—high ceilings, warm lighting, and a sense of tranquility that makes you realize just how tense you’ve been lately.
At the check-in counter, Chris handles everything smoothly, and before you know it, the two of you are in the elevator, heading up to your suite.
When you enter, your breath catches. The place is massive—spacious living area, floor-to-ceiling windows with a breathtaking view, and elegant decor that makes it feel like something out of a travel magazine.
Chris sets his bag down and stretches. “Nice, huh?”
“Nice?” you echo. “This is… way too much.”
He shrugs casually. “Hey, it's okay to spoil yourself once in a while.”
Before you can overthink it, Chris gestures toward the rooms. “Oh, and before you start panicking, I booked a suite with two bedrooms.” He smirks when he glances back at you. “What? Did you think I was gonna make you share a bed with me?”
You huff, crossing your arms. “I wasn’t panicking.”
He chuckles, clearly amused. “Sure you weren’t.”
You grab your bag and head straight for your bedroom, needing a moment to yourself. The suite is spacious, luxurious even, but all you can focus on is the fact that you and Chris are here alone. No Jane, no work, no distractions—just the two of you.
As you unzip your bag and start unpacking, the realization settles in your stomach. You haven't spent this much uninterrupted time with Chris before, not without some work-related excuse to keep things professional. And now, here you are, in a beautiful hotel, just the two of you—
“Hey.”
You jump slightly at the sound of his voice. Turning around, you see Chris leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching you with an easy smile.
“What do you want to do first?” he asks.
You quickly look away, busying yourself with your bag. “I don’t know. What did you have in mind?”
He hums, as if considering his options. “We could check out the pool, go to the spa, take a walk around… or we could just stay in and order room service.”
The way he says it, with that teasing lilt in his voice, makes you glance at him suspiciously. He chuckles at your reaction but doesn’t push.
After some deliberation, you and Chris end up choosing the spa. A little relaxation doesn’t sound too bad after the past few stressful weeks.
The spa receptionist greets you both warmly, checking the reservation. “Ah, here it is! A couple’s spa package for Mr. and Mrs. Bang.”
Your head snaps toward Chris, eyes narrowing in suspicion. He only grins, utterly unbothered, and shrugs innocently. “Must’ve been a mix-up,” he says, feigning cluelessness.
You don’t buy it for a second, you tilt your head and narrow your eyes suspiciously at him.
He laughs, placing a hand over his chest. “What? It’s just easier to book that way.”
You roll your eyes but don’t push it. The receptionist leads you both to the spa room, explaining the treatments you’ll be getting.
After a relaxing and rejuvenating massage session, the next thing is to soak your bodies in the hot tub. The water is warm, wrapping around you like a soft embrace, steam rising in delicate wisps around the edges of the tub. Your body feels weightless, your muscles still loose from the earlier massage, but your mind is anything but relaxed. Because right next to you, Chris is lounging, his bare shoulders glistening with moisture, his skin slightly reddened from the heat.
You’re sitting close—so close that your legs occasionally brush under the water, sending small ripples between you. The scent of essential oils lingers in the air, mixing with the faint traces of Chris’s cologne, now softened by the steam. His body, partially submerged, is strong and toned, his chest rising and falling in an easy rhythm. The water laps at his skin, highlighting the definition of his collarbones, the faint flush of heat trailing down his neck and over his chest.
Chris tilts his head back slightly, eyes half-lidded as he exhales a deep sigh. “This isn’t so bad, huh?” he muses, voice low and lazy, like he’s savoring the moment.
You nod, though you’re barely paying attention to his words. The atmosphere is thick—something about the closeness, the warmth, the way the steam clings to both of you, makes it hard to breathe.
Then, he shifts. Just slightly, but enough that your arms brush, and you swear you feel the heat of his skin even through the water. Your heart stumbles in your chest, but you force yourself to stay composed.
Chris glances at you from the side, his lips curling into a teasing smirk. “You’re quiet.”
You scoff, rolling your eyes. “I’m just enjoying the peace.”
His smirk widens, and he leans in just a fraction. “So, do I make a good husband?”
You scoff, flicking a small splash of water his way. “I knew you put ‘Mr. and Mrs. Bang’ on purpose.”
Instead of coming up with another of his witty remarks, his hand reaches up. His fingertips graze your cheek as he tucks a damp strand of hair behind your ear, his touch lingering for a moment longer than necessary.
The steam swirls around you, the water lapping softly as you lock eyes with him. And suddenly, it’s there—that pull, that tension that’s been simmering beneath the surface for so long.
Chris’s lips part slightly, as if he’s about to say something. But then, just as quickly as it came, he exhales, leans back, and lets the moment slip away. The warmth remains, though—not just from the water, but from the ghost of his touch on your skin.
-
The hotel room is quiet except for the TV faintly playing from the living area, but your mind is anything but still. The warmth from the spa still lingers on your skin, but there’s also something else—something unspoken that settled between you and Chris in that hot tub.
You stand in front of the mirror, adjusting your dress and smoothing out the fabric. A knock on the door startles you and before you can answer, the door creaks open, and Chris steps inside, leaning against the doorframe. His casual stance contrasts with the way his gaze lingers on you, like he’s momentarily forgotten why he came here in the first place.
You shift under his stare. “What?”
His lips parting slightly before he huffs a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. “Nothing. I just—” He pauses, finally pulling his eyes away to clear his throat. “I was gonna ask if Mexican food sounds good for dinner.”
You nod. “Mexican food sounds great.”
A small smile tugs at his lips, and then there it is again—that look. Soft, lingering, like he’s seeing something he shouldn’t but can’t help himself.
The air thickens between you. But just as quickly as it comes, he straightens, pushing off the doorframe. “Alright.”
You barely get a word out before he turns and leaves, the door clicking shut behind him. You exhale, staring at the door for a moment before turning back to the mirror. Your reflection looks just as confused as you feel.
It only takes a ten minutes of walk to get to the restaurant. It is lively, filled with chatter, laughter, and upbeat music playing in the background. The casual, fun atmosphere helps ease some of the tension sitting in your chest since earlier, and you’re grateful for it. It feels like a normal dinner—just two colleagues unwinding after a stressful few weeks.
Chris sits across from you, his elbows resting on the table as he scans the menu. Then, out of nowhere, he glances up at you and smirks.
“You look really nice tonight,” he says, voice low but clear over the music.
Your fingers pause on the menu, heat creeping up your neck. “Thanks, Chris,” you murmur, trying to focus on the list of dishes instead of the way he’s looking at you.
The waiter comes with the drinks first and Chris wastes no time to initiate a toast. He lifts his glass, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "To a well-deserved break," he says, eyes locked on yours.
You mirror his action, tapping your glass lightly against his. "To a well-deserved break," you echo, feeling the warmth of the moment settle between you.
Just as you're about to take a sip, a voice interrupts.
"Now, this is a sight I wasn't expecting."
You freeze, lowering your glass as you turn toward the voice.
Han Jisung stands beside your table, hands in his pockets, wearing that signature playful smirk. His gaze flickers between you and Chris before settling on you, amusement dancing in his eyes.
"Fancy running into you here," Han says, tilting his head. "And with such fine company, too."
You slowly set your glass down, eyebrows raising in mild surprise. "Han?"
Han grins. "What, no warm welcome?" He pulls out a chair from the empty table beside you and plops down like he belongs there. "I mean, I know you’re glad to see me.”
You exhale a shaky, awkward laugh. "What are you doing here?"
Han nonchalantly shrugs. "My favorite musicians are doing this coaching clinic but now..." He looks back at you, eyes gleaming with mischief. "I believe love brought me here."
Han stays exactly where he is, making himself comfortable as if he was invited. The waiter comes by, and without missing a beat, Han orders a drink for himself before turning his full attention back to you.
“So,” he starts, leaning his elbows on the table. “Are you two dating?”
You almost choke on your sip of water. “No!”
Chris raises an eyebrow at your immediate denial but says nothing.
Han hums, tilting his head. “Really? You’re having a private dinner, in a fancy hotel, after spending the whole day together.” He taps his chin, pretending to think. “Sounds very date-like to me.”
You shake your head, trying to keep your voice even. “Chris is the product manager. I’m just an employee.”
Han leans back in his chair, grinning. “That so?” He flicks his gaze to Chris, then back to you. “Then I guess that means I still have a chance.”
Chris exhales a small laugh, shaking his head as he picks up his drink. "You're really saying that in front of me?"
Han just smirks, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “What? I’d rather be upfront than sneak around.”
You don’t respond, feeling the weight of both their gazes on you. Instead, you take a slow sip of your drink, pretending you didn’t hear the question at all.
Chris doesn’t say anything, but you can tell he’s watching your reaction closely. The energy at the table shifts, tension weaving itself into the playful conversation. This dinner is turning out to be far more complicated than you expected.
-
After dinner, Han stretches his arms above his head and flashes you both an easy grin. “Alright, since I crashed your dinner, how about another round of drinks? My treat.”
You open your mouth to decline, but Han quickly raises a hand. “Ah, ah. No excuses. I insist.”
Chris exhales through his nose, glancing at you before shrugging. “Guess we don’t have a choice, huh?”
Han smirks. “Exactly.”
And that’s how you find yourself nursing another drink while Han chatters away, switching between teasing you and throwing light jabs at Chris. The atmosphere is playful, but there's an underlying tension—one you can’t quite put your finger on.
After a while, Han glances toward the back of the bar where a pool table sits unoccupied. “Hey, Chris,” he says, nudging his shoulder. “How about a round of billiards?”
Chris barely looks up from his glass. “Nah, I’m good.”
Han clicks his tongue. “Come on, what’s the matter? Scared I’ll wipe the floor with you?”
Chris scoffs, finally looking up. “I just don’t feel like playing.”
Han leans in, grinning. “Or maybe you don’t want to play in front of her because you’re bad at it.”
Chris rolls his eyes, but you can see the challenge sinking in. He takes a slow sip of his drink before setting the glass down. “Alright, fine. One round.”
Han’s grin widens. “That’s the spirit.”
And just like that, they both get up, leaving you caught between them. You sit there, unsure whether you should follow or stay put. But then Han turns and gives you a wink. “Come on, you should watch. It'll be fun.”
You stand near the pool table, watching as Han and Chris take their turns. It’s hard not to admire them, each in their own way. Han plays with an easy confidence, spinning the cue in his hand between shots, throwing playful smirks in your direction every time he sinks a ball. He knows you’re watching—thrives on it, even—and winks at you whenever your eyes linger on him for too long. Chris, on the other hand, is completely focused. He lines up each shot with precise calculation, his movements fluid and controlled. He doesn’t notice the way you stare as he leans over the table, one hand bracing against the felt, the other guiding the cue through the gap of his thumb and index finger. His execution is flawless, the sharp crack of the cue ball meeting its target reverberating through the air before the ball rolls cleanly into the pocket.
Your gaze lingers a little too long on the way his shirt stretches across his back as he moves, the flex of his forearms, the quiet concentration etched into his face.
The game becomes more intense as it nears its end, the atmosphere thick with unspoken competition. Chris is leading—by a lot—but Han remains unfazed, leaning casually against the pool table as he watches Chris line up his next shot, stretching his shoulder before finally taking it.
“You’re scarily good at this,” you comment, watching as Chris smoothly sinks another ball.
Chris smirks, straightening up as he twirls the cue stick in his hand. “Just lucky.”
Han chuckles at that, shaking his head. “Bullshit. You knew exactly how that shot was going to play out.”
Chris only shrugs, his smirk widening. “Guess I’m just built different.”
You stifle a laugh, but Han only grins, completely unfazed by his impending loss. He rests his hip against the edge of the table, spinning his cue between his fingers as he glances at you. “Don’t you think Chris should’ve warned me that he’s a pro before I agreed to this game?”
You glance between them, lips twitching. “I mean… you were the one who challenged him.”
Chris hums in agreement as he leans down for his next shot, his muscles flexing subtly beneath his shirt. “Exactly. I was just minding my own business.”
Han tilts his head, smirking. “And yet, here we are.”
Chris doesn’t respond, only focusing on his final shot. The cue ball strikes cleanly, sending the last striped ball into the pocket with ease. The eight-ball is next, and Han watches, unfazed, as Chris lines up the winning shot.
“Make it quick, champ,” Han drawls, stepping back. “Put me out of my misery.”
Chris exhales a quiet chuckle before smoothly sinking the eight-ball. The moment the ball drops into the pocket, he straightens up, placing the cue stick on the table with a victorious smirk.
“Well,” Han sighs dramatically, “I suppose I should’ve known better than to challenge the product manager.”
Chris grins, holding out a hand. “Good game.”
Han eyes it for a moment before shaking it with a smirk. “Yeah, yeah. You got me this time.” Then he turns to you, flashing that familiar playful glint in his eyes. “Now, how about a consolation drink?”
Chris holds up a hand at him. “No, thank you. We're heading back to our room.”
Han raises a brow at Chris’s refusal, but the glint in his eyes shows his amusement. “Calling it a night already?”
Chris shrugs, slipping his hands into his pockets. “Yeah. We’ve got an early morning.”
Han hums knowingly, then glances at you. “What about you? No celebratory drink with the loser?”
Before you can answer, Chris smoothly cuts in, “She’s had enough for tonight.” Then, without missing a beat, he tilts his head at Han. “Are you covering the drinks?”
Han exhales a laugh, shaking his head at the sudden change in subject. “Yeah, yeah. I got it.”
Chris grins. “Appreciate it, man.” He gives Han a pat on the back before stepping beside you, placing a hand on the small of your back in an easy, natural motion. “We’ll see you around.”
You barely have time to react before Chris is guiding you toward the exit, the warmth of his hand lingering against your spine. You glance over your shoulder to see Han still smirking, watching the two of you leave as if he just lost a game bigger than billiards.
You look over your shoulder at Han and softly mutters, “Goodnight, Han.”
Chris doesn’t look back. If anything, he carries himself like a champion walking away with his prize.
-
Back in the hotel suite, you kick off your shoes with a sigh, feeling the exhaustion from the night settle in. Chris locks the door behind him, rolling his shoulders as he stretches.
Just as you’re about to head to your bedroom, you pause and turn to him. “Why did you tell Han we have an early morning tomorrow?”
Chris leans against the back of the couch, looking completely at ease. “Because we do.”
You narrow your eyes. “Since when?”
“Since I decided I’m taking you to look around the town tomorrow,” he replies smoothly.
You blink at him. “You just made that up on the spot, didn’t you?”
Chris grins. “Maybe. But it’s a good idea, isn’t it?”
You exhale, crossing your arms as you study him. He doesn’t seem the least bit guilty about throwing you into plans you didn’t even know existed. Instead, he just watches you expectantly, waiting for your reaction.
After a moment, you shake your head with a small laugh. “Fine.”
Just as you turn toward your bedroom, Chris’s voice stops you. “You couldn’t stop staring at me back there.”
You freeze, then slowly turn to see him smirking, arms crossed over his chest as he leans against the couch. “I—what?” you stammer.
“At the pool table,” he continues, tilting his head slightly. “You were watching me the whole time. Were you impressed?” His smirk deepens, eyes gleaming with mischief.
Heat rushes to your face. “I—I was just watching the game,” you sputter, trying to sound nonchalant, but you know you’re failing miserably.
He chuckles, clearly enjoying your flustered state. “Mmm-hmm. Sure.”
You scowl at him, determined to regain control of the situation. “Goodnight, Chris.”
Then, before he can say anything else, you spin around and march into your bedroom, shutting the door a little too quickly behind you. On the other side of the door, you swear you can hear him chuckling to himself.
-
You must admit that you had one of the nicest sleep last night and you wake up feeling so refreshed. You step out of your bedroom, rubbing the sleep from your eyes, only to freeze mid-step.
Chris’s door swings open a moment later, and he walks out, stretching his arms above his head with a yawn. His shirtless torso is on full display—his toned abs, the defined lines of his muscles, the way his sweatpants hang low on his hips. And then… there’s the very obvious outline beneath them. Your eyes widen before you can stop yourself.
Chris catches your stare almost instantly, and instead of covering up or acting embarrassed, he grins. “Morning.” His voice is still rough with sleep, lazy and amused.
You snap your gaze up to his face, your cheeks heating instantly. “Morning,” you mutter, pretending you didn’t just get caught blatantly looking.
Chris smirks as he leans against the doorframe, arms crossing over his chest. “You okay?”
“I—yeah, of course.” You clear your throat, quickly moving toward where the phone is to distract yourself. “I'll order breakfast.”
Chris chuckles under his breath as he walks past you, clearly enjoying how flustered you are. “Sure. But take your time.” His voice drops a little. “Seems like you need a moment.”
You don’t dare look at him as you pick up the phone to call room service, but you can feel his gaze lingering on you, his amusement practically radiating through the air.
-
The town is lively, filled with the buzz of locals and tourists alike. Cobblestone streets wind between charming shops and cafés, and the air carries the scent of freshly baked bread and roasted coffee.
You and Chris walk side by side through the bustling streets, taking in the sights. He’s dressed casually in a thin black sweater and jeans, hands tucked into the pockets, his sunglasses perched on his nose. Every so often, he glances at you, making sure you’re keeping up, and when the crowd gets too thick, his hand brushes against the small of your back, guiding you through.
“This place is nice,” you comment, taking a deep breath of the fresh air. “It’s got that old-town charm.”
Chris nods in agreement and then he tilts his head toward the main plaza. “Come on. There’s a really good café around the corner.”
The café is small yet cozy, the kind of place that feels warm and welcoming the moment you step inside. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and buttery pastries lingers in the air as you and Chris settle into a corner table. He orders for both of you—croissants, a slice of cake to share, and two lattes.
“Try this,” Chris says, pushing a forkful of cake toward you. You roll your eyes but take a bite, the sweetness melting on your tongue.
Just as you’re about to comment on how good it is, your phone buzzes in your pocket. When you pull it out, Jane’s name flashes on the screen.
“I’ll be right back,” you tell Chris, grabbing your phone and stepping outside to take the call.
The cool air greets you as you press the phone to your ear. “Hey.”
“You’re such a bad liar,” Jane says immediately, skipping the pleasantries. “You’re not sick.”
You let out a sigh, you should have keep your phone turned off after sending a text to her that you couldn't go on a trip with her because you don’t feel well. “Okay, fine. You caught me.”
“So? Where are you?”
You hesitate before admitting, “I’m… on a trip. With Chris.”
There’s a beat of silence. Then— “Wait. Wait, wait, wait. So, you and Chris are dating?”
“What? No!” You shake your head, glancing over your shoulder through the café window where Chris is stirring his coffee, completely unaware of your conversation. “It’s just... a trip. That’s all.”
Jane hums, unconvinced. “Right.”
“It is,” you insist.
“Mm-hmm,” Jane drags out the sound, then casually adds, “Don’t say I didn't warn you.”
You frown. “What is that supposed to mean?”
Jane snickers. “I’m just saying, be careful.”
Before you can demand further clarification, she hangs up, leaving you standing there with a million thoughts running through your head.
When you return to the table, Chris raises a brow. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah,” you say quickly, sinking into your seat. You take a sip of your latte, but your mind is elsewhere, Jane’s words echoing in your head.
Chris is watching you closely, like he can tell something’s off. “You sure?”
You nod, forcing a smile. “Yeah.”
The next stop on your sightseeing trip leads you to a bustling street lined with small vendors, each stall displaying an array of handcrafted trinkets, souvenirs, and snacks. The soft jingle of wind chimes mixes with the hum of conversation, and your eyes wander over the colorful selection of charm keychains at one of the stalls.
Chris reaches for a pair of matching ones—tiny silver pendants shaped like crescent moons. “What do you think?” he asks, turning to you with a small smile. “Should we get matching ones?”
You blink at him, caught off guard. “Why?”
Chris tilts his head slightly, looking genuinely confused. “I don’t know. Just thought it’d be nice.”
You let out a sigh, the question that’s been gnawing at you finally slipping out. “Chris… why are you doing this?”
His brows furrow. “Doing what?”
“This,” you say, motioning vaguely between the two of you. “Taking me on this trip, buying matching keychains—acting like we’re…” You trail off, shaking your head.
Chris doesn’t answer immediately, his fingers still loosely holding the keychains.
“I mean, I’m thankful for everything,” you continue, your voice softer now. “You helped me with the product, you were there for the launch, and I really appreciate it. But I just… I don’t understand why you’re doing all of this.”
Still, he doesn’t say anything. His lips part slightly as if he’s about to speak, but no words come out.
You sigh, feeling a sudden wave of frustration—not just at him, but at yourself, at the situation, at the uncertainty pressing against your chest. “I don’t— I don’t even know why I’m here,” you mumble before turning on your heel and walking away, leaving Chris standing there in front of the vendor, still holding the matching charms.
“I don’t need you anymore, Chris,” you blurt out and it's coming out harsher than you intended to.
Before you know it, you walk away, your steps quick and uneven, as the inexplicable anger coils tighter in your chest. You don’t understand why you feel this way—why the warmth of the day suddenly feels suffocating, why Chris’s kindness is making you uneasy instead of flattered.
You weave through the crowd, barely registering the faces passing by. Your pulse pounds in your ears, and your thoughts race in circles. Maybe it’s because Jane’s words are still ringing in your mind. Maybe it’s because you don’t know what Chris wants from you. Or maybe it’s because a part of you is scared to admit that you want something from him, too.
Before you can overthink it any further, you spot a taxi idling by the curb. Without hesitation, you flag it down and slip into the backseat, exhaling a breath you didn’t realize you were holding.
As the taxi pulls away, you rest your head against the window, watching the streets blur past. You try to shake off the tight feeling in your chest, but it lingers, stubborn and heavy.
-
When you finally arrive at the hotel, you step out of the taxi with a heavy breath, your emotions still tangled. You don’t want to go back to the suite—not yet. The idea of facing Chris again, of sitting in the silence of your thoughts, feels unbearable.
So, instead of heading toward the elevators, you make a sharp turn down the hallway, following the soft hum of music and conversation until you reach the hotel bar.
The dim lighting casts a warm glow over the space, the air thick with the scent of aged liquor and citrus. A few patrons are scattered around, some in quiet conversations, others lost in their own world with a drink in hand. You slide onto a stool at the bar, exhaling as you prop your elbows against the counter.
The bartender approaches, offering a polite smile. “What can I get you?”
You hesitate for only a second. “Whiskey, neat.”
The bartender nods before turning away, and you press your lips together, trying to push down the lingering frustration in your chest. You tell yourself you just need a moment to breathe, to clear your head. But deep down, you know you’re avoiding more than just Chris.
The warmth of the whiskey spreads through your body, making everything feel a little too soft, a little too slow. You don’t know how many drinks you’ve had by now—just that when you finally stand up from the bar, the room tilts slightly, and your legs feel like they belong to someone else.
You blink, trying to steady yourself, but before you can take another step, a firm hand catches your arm.
"Whoa there," a familiar voice drawls, amused. "Didn't think I'd see you like this tonight."
You look up through the haze, and for a moment, you think—Chris? But no, there’s something off. The grip is steady but playful, the warmth of the body against yours more teasing than concerned.
Your brows furrow as you sway slightly, and he easily shifts to support your weight, slipping an arm around your waist. "Let's get you somewhere before you pass out on me."
You want to protest, but everything is too heavy, and your tongue feels slow. So you just let him guide you, his body pressed close as he half-carries you toward the elevator.
By the time you reach a room, he’s lowering you onto the sofa, his hands lingering just a second longer than necessary before he steps back. You blink blearily up at him, the alcohol making your thoughts sluggish.
"About earlier, I—" you murmur, your words slurred. "I'm sorry, Chris."
You blink a few times, trying to clear the haze in your mind, and when you finally focus on the man in front of you, you realize it’s not Chris—it’s Han.
Han tilts his head, watching your reaction with amusement. “Wow,” he says, pressing a hand to his chest dramatically. “I save you from stumbling around drunk, and you call me by another guy’s name? That hurts, babe.”
You open your mouth to say something—anything—but nothing comes out. You’re too disoriented, too embarrassed.
Han just chuckles, shaking his head. “Come on, let’s get you back to your room before the product manager turns over this place,” he jokingly says, reaching out to help you up from the sofa. His grip is firm but careful as he leans down slightly.
Just as he’s about to pull you up, there’s a knock on the door. Han pauses. You barely register it before he’s already walking over, pulling the door open with his usual ease. And then—
Chris. He stands in the doorway, his expression unreadable, his gaze shifting from Han to you slumped on the sofa. His eyes narrow slightly, taking in the situation.
Han leans against the doorframe, an easy smirk playing on his lips. “You’re bothering us, man,” he says, tilting his head slightly toward you as if the two of you had been in the middle of something.
Chris, unimpressed, ignores him completely and looks at you. “Let’s go back to our room,” he says, his voice firm but not unkind.
Han, however, steps forward, blocking the doorway before Chris can step inside. “What, you think you’re the only one with a big dick?” he taunts, arching a brow. "I can satisfy her just fine."
You fumble, shaking your head, trying to deny whatever this conversation is turning into—but your words come out slurred, incoherent.
Han laughs at your attempt. “See? She can’t even say it properly. Must be overwhelmed.” He turns back to you, lowering his voice slightly, his tone teasing. “Mine is better, right babe?”
Chris scoffs, his jaw ticking. “If I were you, I wouldn’t be so sure.”
Han’s smirk widens, eyes gleaming with mischief. “You know what? Let’s ask her,” he says, looking at you expectantly.
You open your mouth, struggling to string together a sentence, but the alcohol has made your thoughts sluggish. Your gaze bounces between the two men, their contrasting expressions—Chris, standing tall and tense, and Han, relaxed and enjoying every second of this.
Then Han grins down at you. “We both know you like mine better.”
And that’s when it just bursts out of you—louder than you intended, words tumbling before you can stop them.
“I like Chris!”
Silence.
Both men freeze, their gazes snapping to you. Your brain catches up a second too late, and your eyes widen in horror as you quickly scramble to correct yourself.
“I—I mean, I like Chris’s dick better!”
Chris exhales sharply, a sound dangerously close to a laugh, and when you dare glance up at him, you can see it—he’s trying not to smile. His lips twitch, amusement flickering in his eyes despite the situation.
Han, on the other hand, whistles lowly. “Damn. Didn’t even have to try that hard.” He shakes his head, feigning disappointment. “I guess that settles it, then.”
Chris doesn’t waste another second. He steps forward, taking you by the hand—not rough, but firm enough to leave no room for argument. “Come on,” he murmurs, guiding you carefully toward the door.
As he leads you out, Han calls after you with a cheeky grin. “If you change your mind, you know where to find me!”
-
You step out of the bathroom, damp hair clinging to the sides of your face, the cold shower having done its job in sobering you up. As you tighten the belt around your bathrobe, you notice Chris already waiting for you in the suite’s dimly lit living area, a glass of water in his hand.
His gaze lifts the second he hears you, scanning you briefly before he holds the glass out. “Feel better now?” His voice is quiet, careful.
You nod, stepping forward to take the water from him. As you drink, Chris gestures for you to sit on the sofa, and he takes the spot beside you. The room is still, save for the faint hum of the air conditioning, and for a moment, neither of you speak.
Then Chris exhales, breaking the silence. “I’m sorry.”
You put the glass down and hold your hands up at him. “No—I should be the one apologizing. I—”
But Chris shakes his head. “I’m not talking about earlier. Well, not just earlier.” He pauses, shifting slightly so that he’s facing you. “I should’ve been honest with you from the start.”
Your breath catches, sensing the weight in his words. He watches you carefully, he licks his before saying, “I like you.”
The words are soft but firm, spoken as if he’s been holding them in for too long. Chris lets out a quiet, almost self-deprecating chuckle. “I liked you before all of this,” he continues, his fingers rubbing against his knee. “But you never noticed me. And I thought... maybe that meant you weren’t interested.” He hesitates, then sighs. “That’s why I took this whole condom thing as an excuse. Just so I could be close to you.”
Inside your chest, your heart stutters and your lips part slightly, but no words come out. You completely taken aback by his confession.
His eyes search yours, waiting, wanting. Then, with more certainty, he says it again—clearer, deeper. “I like you.”
The room feels smaller, like the air has thickened around you, pressing in with the weight of everything unsaid between you.
“I’m sorry it took me this long to tell you,” he murmurs, his voice lower now, almost hesitant.
Chris doesn’t break eye contact, and in the soft glow of the lamp, you see it—the quiet sincerity, the vulnerability he rarely ever lets show. He’s been waiting for this moment. For you.
Your heart is pounding. You don’t know if it’s from the weight of his confession or the way Chris is looking at you—hopeful, expectant, like he’s holding his breath for your answer. So you kiss him. You lean in without thinking, without hesitating, pressing your lips against his.
Chris responds instantly, a quiet sound of surprise escaping him before he kisses you back, his hand instinctively coming up to cup your cheek. The warmth of his lips, the way he tilts his head to deepen the kiss, the way he pulls you just a little closer—it’s overwhelming, dizzying, and you don’t realize how much you’ve wanted this until now.
When you finally pull away, your breaths are uneven, your hands trembling slightly against him. Chris watches you, his eyes dark and laced with something unreadable—until a slow, teasing smirk spreads across his face.
“So,” he drawls, voice lower now, “does this mean you like me? Or just my extra large dick?”
Your stomach flips, and you immediately fumble for a response. “I—I like you! Of course, I like you—”
Chris raises an eyebrow, still smirking, enjoying how he can easily tease you.
You groan, realizing your mistake. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t like your dick—”
Chris bites back a laugh while you sigh in frustration and run a hand through your hair before forcing yourself to take a deep breath. You look at him, trying to keep your voice steady. “What I mean is... your dick is a part of you. And I like you—all of you. As a whole person.”
Then you realize what you just said, and your face heats up instantly.
Chris grins, clearly enjoying your flustered state. He leans in, closing the distance between you again. “I really like when you get flustered like this,” he murmurs against your lips before kissing you again.
This time, he kisses you slower, deeper, savoring the moment. And when he pulls away, he rests his forehead against yours, his breath warm against your skin as he whispers, “I like you whole too.”
-
You never thought this was how things would turn out. What started as a professional arrangement—just testing a product, just a temporary thing—became something else entirely. Somewhere between the teasing, the lingering glances, the way Chris always found a way to pull you into his orbit, you fell. Hard.
And now, lying beside him in bed, as you hover over him, your fingers brushing against his jaw before leaning in to kiss him again, you wonder how you ever thought you could keep things casual.
Slowly, his fingers work at the tie of your bathrobe, loosening it with quiet precision. You feel the fabric slacken around you, but he doesn’t push it off just yet. Instead, he looks up at you, his gaze heavy, filled with something you can’t quite put into words.
You pull back just enough to take him in—the way his lips are slightly parted, his hair mussed from your hands, the way his chest rises and falls steadily beneath you.
Chris catches your lingering stare, and a slow grin tugs at his lips. “What are you thinking?” His voice is warm, teasing, but there’s an underlying softness to it.
You hesitate before speaking. “I was just thinking… I never expected this.”
He chuckles as he runs his hand through your hair. “What? That you’d fall for me?”
You briefly look away before shyly denying it. “I didn’t say that.”
He grins, brushing his nose against yours. “You didn’t have to.”
You don’t answer—not with words, at least. Instead, you kiss him again, slower this time, letting yourself sink into the feeling of his lips, the way he responds to you so effortlessly.
As your mouths move together, you feel him shift beneath you, his hands finally sliding the bathrobe off your shoulders, letting it slip from your body. The cool air kisses your skin, but it’s nothing compared to the heat of his hands, the way they roam over you with quiet reverence.
Chris hums against your lips, his fingers tracing slow, circular patterns along your back. “So beautiful,” he murmurs, barely above a whisper.
You shiver—not from the cold, but from the way he says it. From the way he looks at you, as if you’re something out of this world, ethereal. And then he’s pulling you down again, kissing you deeper, holding you against him like he has no intention of letting go.
The tension in the room only intensifies as your fingers trail down his front, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath your touch. Chris exhales softly as your hand moves lower, calmly working open the button of his jeans before tugging down the zipper. He lowly groans when you push the fabric aside, his arousal springing free into your waiting hand.
You wrap your fingers around his cock, feeling the heat of him pulse beneath your touch as you start to lightly stroke him. He groans in response, his head tilting back against the pillows, his hands gripping the nape of your neck as he exhales a shaky breath.
“You’re really not gonna take it slow, huh?” he murmurs, his voice roughened by want, but there’s amusement laced in his words.
You glance up at him, a small, knowing smile tugging at your lips before you lower yourself further, trailing soft kisses down the ridges of his abs. His muscles tense beneath your touch, his breath uneven as you take your time.
Chris watches you with darkened eyes, his lips parted as you move lower still. Your head is hanging only inches from where he wants you the most and you're looking at him with mischievous glints in your eyes. His hand moves to your hair, not guiding, just resting, as if grounding himself in the feeling of you.
Keeping your eyes locked with his, your tongue glides slowly along his length, tracing every ridge and vein as you take your time tasting him. He growls low in his throat, the sound reverberating through the room, his grip tightening in your hair for just a second before he forces himself to relax.
When you finally take him into your mouth, inch by inch, he exhales sharply, his abs flexing beneath your hands. You try to take more of him, but his sheer size makes it difficult, and he notices immediately.
"Take it slow," he murmurs, his voice thick with restraint. His hand cradles the back of your head, not pushing, just guiding. "You're doing so well."
You pull away, a string of saliva connecting your lips to the tip of his cock and you lick your lips before you try again, taking him slower this time. You let out a soft, breathy sound against him, sending vibrations through his body. He props himself up on one elbow, glancing down to watch you, his gaze dark and filled with something deeper than just desire. The way your lips stretch around him, the warmth of your mouth enveloping him—he can’t tear his eyes away.
"Look at you," he mutters, slipping his fingers through your hair, brushing it back so he can see you better. His thumb grazes your cheek, his touch almost reverent. "Making me feel so good."
You feel the heat of his gaze searing into you, the way his muscles tense beneath your touch, the way his breath shudders out in ragged exhales. Every sound he makes, every soft praise he gives, spurs you on, making you want to push his control to the edge.
“Damn,” he breathes out, voice strained. His fingers thread through your hair, his chest rising and falling in uneven breaths. “You’re really trying to ruin me, huh?”
Your hand moves in perfect sync with your mouth, gliding along the rest of his length as you work him over with slow, gentle strokes. You can feel him losing his restraint, his fingers gripping your hair a little too tightly as he fights against the pleasure building inside him.
"Shit," he groans, his voice raw, his control slipping fast. You glance up at him through your lashes, meeting his dark, hooded gaze, and that alone seems to push him to the edge.
Before he can warn you, his body shudders, and he spills into your mouth with a sharp, choked sound. The warmth floods your tongue too quickly for you to take it all, and some dribbles past your lips, running down your chin.
Chris curses under his breath, quickly sitting up, his hand cupping your cheek. "I'm sorry—I didn’t mean to—" he starts, his thumb swiping at the mess on your chin, but you just softly smile at him in response. Then, without breaking eye contact, you tilt your head back slightly and swallow.
He watches, his chest rising and falling heavily, his lips parting in awe before he exhales a rough chuckle. His eyes darken with something deeper than just satisfaction.
"That was so fucking hot," he roughly murmurs before pulling you close and kissing you hard.
Chris pulls back just enough to meet your gaze, his dark eyes filled with something intense, something hungry. Before you can react, he tilts your chin up and swipes his tongue along your skin, cleaning up the remnants of his release with slow, little licks. The sensation sends a shiver down your spine, and before you can even catch your breath, his lips crash into yours again, deep and consuming.
Then, just as quickly, he pulls away and slides off the bed. You watch, dazed, as he strides across the room toward your bag perched on the chair.
Your stomach twists when you realize what he’s doing. "Chris—"
He ignores your protest, rummaging through your belongings with zero shame. "I know you keep them in here," he says, amusement laced in his tone.
You bury your face in your hands, mortified, as he finally retrieves a condom. But instead of returning right away, his fingers pause, and when you peek through your fingers, you see him holding something else. Something small. Something very, very familiar.
Chris turns around, holding up a tiny bottle and you slightly panic remembering the edible lube Jane slipped into your bag after the expo. His smirk deepens as he examines the label. "How did you know I like watermelon?" He quirks a brow at you.
Your face burns, completely flustered and a little mortified. "I—I didn’t!"
He hums, clearly enjoying your embarrassment, before tossing the bottle onto the bed beside you. Then he leans in close, his breath warm against your ear. "Guess we’ll have to put it to good use, then."
Chris pops the cap open with a soft click, and the sweet, fruity scent of watermelon fills the space between you. His gaze flickers up to yours, dark and amused, before he tips the bottle over your skin.
The cool gel dribbles onto your chest, your stomach, the sensitive curves of your breasts. You gasp at the sensation, your body tensing as he smears it over your skin with his broad hands, rubbing slow, teasing circles.
"Sensitive, huh?" His voice is warm with amusement as he smooths the lube over your skin, making sure to spread it evenly. "I’ll be gentle."
You barely have time to process his words before he leans in, his mouth pressing against your collarbone. His tongue swipes against your skin, slow and deliberate, tasting the sticky sweetness. The heat of his mouth contrasts with the cool gel, making you shiver as he works his way down, following the trail he created with his hands.
Chris hums as he licks a stripe up your chest, the vibration sending a fresh wave of tingles down your spine. "Not bad," he murmurs against your skin before he kisses the skin under your navel.
The next thing you know, his lips latch onto your hardening nipple, tugging it between his teeth, sucking at it so hard before finally letting go, leaving your nipple wet and swollen. He does the same with the other one but this time, his hand massaging your ample flesh in reverence, the lube makes his hand glides smoothly across the two mounds before he brings them to the middle, allowing him to take both nipples into his mouth.
You arch under his touch, hands gripping the sheets as he takes his time, licking, tasting, teasing. He’s thorough—almost too thorough—as if savoring every inch of you, dragging the moment out until you’re squirming beneath him, breathless and overstimulated.
Chris finally pulls back just enough to meet your gaze, his lips glistening. He grins, voice husky when he says, "I think I might like watermelon even more now."
He watches you with a teasing glint in his eyes as he puts more lube on your most sensitive spot, his fingers moving with deliberate slowness as he smears it all over your pulsating sex. The cool sensation makes you gasp, your body instinctively arching against his touch. His smirk deepens at your reaction, and he dips his head, pressing a soft kiss to your inner thigh before looking up at you.
“You know,” he muses, dragging his fingers lazily through the slickness between your folds, “this might just be my new favorite flavor.”
Before you can respond, he leans in, his warm mouth pressing against your wetness, his tongue gliding through the sweetness he just applied. The contrast between the cool lube and the heat of his tongue sends a shudder through your body. His hands settle on your hips, holding you steady as he takes his time, savoring every movement.
Chris hums against you, the vibration making you gasp again, and he chuckles at your response. He flicks his tongue over your clit before pulling back just enough to meet your gaze, his lips glistening. “You taste even sweeter now,” he says, his voice low and playful.
He doesn’t stop until he feels you tremble beneath him, his grip firm yet reassuring as he holds you in place. The tension coiling deep inside you finally unravels, and a soft cry escapes your lips as waves of pleasure crash over you. He doesn’t pull away immediately, instead, his tongue moving gently to prolong your high until you’re left gasping, your body still humming from the aftershocks.
When he finally lifts his head, his mouth is glistening with your essence, his eyes dark with satisfaction. He wipes his chin with the back of his hand before crawling up your body, settling between your legs as he hovers over you. There’s a teasing smirk on his lips as he leans in, brushing his mouth over yours.
“Told you,” he murmurs against your lips, the heat of his breath sending a shiver down your spine.
You don’t need to ask what he means—you can taste it for yourself as he deepens the kiss, letting you chase the sweetness lingering on his tongue. It’s intoxicating, the mix of his warmth and the remnants of your release making your head spin. He tilts his head, deepening the kiss, slow and indulgent, and when he finally pulls away, his forehead rests against yours, his breathing just as uneven as yours. His fingers trace lazy patterns on your hip, his touch gentle in contrast to everything that just happened.
“You good?” he asks softly, his voice laced with something deeper—something tender.
You nod, still catching your breath, and he smiles before pressing another kiss to your lips, softer this time. “Good,” he murmurs, his thumb brushing over your cheek. “Because I’m not done with you yet.”
-
Instead of rushing right into it, Chris takes his time. His lips press gentle kisses along your collarbone, your shoulders, down your arms—anywhere he can reach. His hands follow the same path, fingertips tracing every inch of your skin, sending warmth through your entire body.
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmurs, his voice filled with awe. His gaze sweeps over you, and there’s something almost reverent in the way he looks at you, as if he can’t quite believe this is real.
His hands find your waist, thumbs brushing over your skin, his touch so delicate yet so certain. “I still can’t believe I get to touch you like this,” he admits, his voice hushed, almost as if he’s speaking to himself. “That I’m the only one who gets to see you like this, to admire you like this.”
The possessiveness in his words makes your heart stutter, but it’s not suffocating—it’s something deeper, something real. He presses a kiss to your cheek, then the corner of your mouth, before finally capturing your lips in a kiss that’s slow, unhurried, and filled with so much emotion that it makes your chest ache. “And I get to kiss you like this, as many times as I want.”
He shifts slightly, reaching between you both, and you hear the soft crinkle of the condom wrapper before he rolls it on. When he hovers over you again, his hands slide along your thighs, spreading them wider as he settles between them. But instead of rushing, he just looks at you, his forehead resting against yours, his breath mingling with yours.
“I want you to remember this,” he whispers, his thumb brushing along your hip. “I want you to know how much I want you—how much I care about you.”
There’s nothing hurried about the way he touches you, nothing rushed in the way he moves. It’s a moment he’s savoring just as much as you are. And when he finally kisses you again, it’s deep and unspoken in its meaning, telling you everything he doesn’t need to say out loud.
Chris intertwines his fingers with yours as he aligns himself with you. His movements are filled with the same tenderness that lingers in his gaze. When he finally presses his cockto your entrance, he does so with utmost care, inching inside you with a patience that makes you hold your breath.
He pauses once he’s settled deep enough within you, not wanting to hurt you. He drops his head, his forehead pressing against yours as both of you take a moment to adjust—to the feeling, to the closeness, to everything unspoken between you. His thumb brushes soothing circles over the back of your hand, a silent reassurance as he waits for you.
When you finally whisper, "More," your voice is breathy, laced with need, he nods. With another slow, measured push, he eases himself deeper, filling you completely. A low groan escapes his lips, his grip on your hands tightening just slightly.
“God... you feel so good,” he murmurs, his voice husky with restraint. His praise sends warmth through you, making your body tense in the best way. He draws back just enough before sinking into you again, his movements fluid and controlled.
A sharp gasp leaves your lips as pleasure courses through you, and before you can stop yourself, your body clenches around him, the intensity overwhelming. Chris stills for a moment before chuckling softly, his breath warm against your cheek.
“Already?” he teases, his voice dripping with amusement. His thumb brushes over your cheek as he smiles down at you, his expression both affectionate and playful. “Guess you really are getting used to me.”
Even as heat floods your face, you can’t help but melt at the way he looks at you—like he’s reveling every second of this moment with you.
Chris stills for a moment, his forehead resting lightly against yours as he breathes you in. His voice is gentle when he asks, “Do you need a moment?”
You shake your head almost immediately, fingers tightening around his. “No,” you whisper, your breath warm against his lips. “Keep going.”
His lips curve into the softest smile before he obeys, rolling his hips with slow, deliberate movements, never breaking eye contact. There’s something about the way he looks at you—like you’re the only thing that matters in this moment, like he wants to memorize every breath, every sigh, every quiet gasp that escapes your lips.
Your hands remain intertwined, his grip firm yet reassuring, grounding you in the moment. Each measured thrust is unrushed, filled with something deeper than just desire. It’s as if he’s pouring every unspoken feeling into the way he moves, into the way he holds you, into the way he kisses your knuckles between each lingering gaze.
The world outside fades, leaving only the quiet creak of the mattress, the mingling of breaths, and the warmth of his body pressed against yours. You feel everything—his touch, his presence, the emotions lingering between you.
Chris leans in, his lips brushing against your cheek before trailing down to your jaw. “You’re perfect,” he murmurs against your skin, his voice thick with something tender.
And as he continues, keeping that slow, steady rhythm, you realize that this—being here with him, feeling this close—feels like something you never expected but something you never want to end.
This overwhelming feeling is taking over you. Your fingers tighten around Chris’s as you let out a soft, desperate whine. “Chris… I-I’m close.”
He hastily kisses you, his breath warm, his voice nothing but a soothing murmur. “It’s okay, baby,” he reassures you, his movements steady and unhurried. “Just let go.”
His words wash over you like a gentle tide, grounding you as you feel yourself unravel beneath him. But just as you’re about to fall apart, his pace never faltering, his gaze shifts—turning impossibly tender, reverent even. He looks at you as if you’re something sacred, something he never wants to let go of. His fingers squeeze yours as his lips part, his voice barely above a whisper. “You were made just for me.”
The words settle deep inside you, hitting somewhere beyond the physical, beyond the moment. And as you break apart beneath him, as he holds you through it, you realize—you’ve never felt more cherished than you do in this very moment.
Chris keeps moving, his rhythm growing more erratic as he chases his own release. His breaths turn ragged, his grip on your intertwined hands tightening as he buries his face against your neck. The warmth of his body, the way he clings to you, makes everything feel even more intimate.
And then, with a deep, shuddering groan, he finally lets go. His body tenses for a moment before he sinks into you completely, his weight pressing you into the bed as he collapses on top of you.
You wrap your arms around him instinctively, your fingers running soothingly down his back as he relishes the aftershocks of his climax. His chest rises and falls against yours, his breath warm on your skin, and for a long moment, neither of you say anything. There’s no need to—because right now, in this quiet, tangled-up moment, everything is exactly as it should be.
-
The slivers of sunlight shine through the cracks between the curtains. You stir awake, warmth surrounding you, and it takes you a moment to register the steady rise and fall of Chris’s breathing behind you. His strong arm is wrapped around your waist, holding you close, his body pressed flush against yours.
A slow, lazy kiss lands on your shoulder, then another, trailing up to the curve of your neck. His lips are warm, lingering, as if he’s enjoying the feel of you. His hand moves too—palming your breast with a gentle squeeze, your nipple is caught between his fingers.
You shift slightly, turning your head toward him, but before you can even murmur a good morning, he captures your lips in a deep, unhurried kiss. It’s soft at first, teasing, but then he deepens it, his fingers tightening around you as he pulls you impossibly closer. There’s a tenderness to the way he kisses you, like he’s been waiting all night for this.
As Chris finally pulls away from the kiss, his lips hover over yours, reluctant to part completely. You smile softly, your voice still laced with sleep as you murmur, “Good morning.”
He grins, pressing another quick peck to your lips before whispering, “Morning.”
For a moment, the two of you simply lay there, tangled up in each other, until a thought crosses your mind. “Should we be working today?” you ask, half-expecting him to remind you of responsibilities.
But he shakes his head, his fingers absentmindedly drawing patterns on your bare skin. “Let’s take another day off,” he suggests, his tone light, as if it’s the easiest decision in the world.
You hum in agreement, feeling no urge to argue. Just as he leans in for another kiss, you stop him with a playful, “Breakfast?”
Chris sighs dramatically, his lips curling into a smirk. “We can order it later.”
Before you can protest, his hand slips under the duvet, sliding along your thigh before gently lifting it, just enough to allow him access. A quiet giggle escapes you as you feel his morning wood nestled between your legs, his growing arousal pressing against your core.
“How did that get there?” you tease, your voice laced with amusement.
Chris chuckles, his lips brushing over yours. “It's your fault that I can't get enough of you,” he murmurs, his voice thick with affection and something more.
He kisses you again, deep and unhurried, stealing your breath and any lingering thoughts of breakfast. When he breaks the kiss, his forehead resting against yours, he grins and says, “Maybe we should take one week off instead of just one day.”
You laugh softly at his suggestion, shaking your head at his playful grin. “One week?” you echo, arching a brow.
Chris hums, nuzzling against your neck. “Mm-hmm. One whole week. Just you and me.” His voice is warm, coaxing, tempting you into believing that reality can wait just a little longer.
And maybe it can.
Because right now, wrapped up in Chris’s arms, feeling the gentle way he touches you, the lazy kisses he presses to your skin, the way his body molds so perfectly against yours—it’s a moment you don’t want to end. A feeling you don’t want to slip away.
So instead of responding, you just sigh and pull him closer, pressing your lips to his once more, hoping that if you hold on tight enough, you can make this moment last forever.
-
You're in the middle of typing your report when the sharp scent of nail polish fills the air. You glance to the side and see Jane casually lounging next to you, legs crossed, meticulously painting her nails a deep red.
“You know this isn’t your personal salon, right?” you say, arching a brow.
Jane smirks, blowing lightly on her freshly painted nails. “Please, I work hard. I deserve some self-care during office hours.”
Before you can argue, your phone buzzes. You pick it up, and a message from Chris flashes on the screen.
Come to my office.
You swallow, already feeling the anticipation stir in your stomach. “I have to go,” you say, standing up.
Jane doesn't even look up as she caps her nail polish bottle. “Oh, I know where you're going.” She gives you a sly smile. “And yes, please take as much time as you want.”
Heat creeps up your neck, but you don’t dignify her with a response. Instead, you roll your eyes and make your way to Chris’s office, trying not to let your mind wander about why exactly he wants to see you.
After knocking on his door, you let yourself into Chris’s office and close the door behind you. He’s at his desk, leaning back in his chair with one hand resting on the armrest, the other scrolling through something on his screen. At the sound of your footsteps, he looks up and gives you a small, knowing smile.
“Come in,” he says, motioning for you to step closer.
You do, stopping in front of his desk, hands clasped in front of you. “You called?”
Chris leans forward, elbows on the desk. “How’s the development going?”
It takes you a second to register that he’s actually asking about work. You clear your throat. “Good. We’re finalizing the flavored variants for the extra-large line.”
Chris hums, pushing back his chair and standing up. “Flavored, huh?” He takes slow steps toward the door, locking it with a quiet click before turning back to you. “Like what flavors?”
“Strawberry, vanilla, chocolate—”
Your words cut off when he suddenly closes the distance between you, his hands finding your waist, pulling you flush against him. The warmth of his body, the way his fingers press into your lower back, sends a shiver down your spine.
“You’ve been working hard,” Chris murmurs, his breath fanning over your lips. “Think you deserve a little break.”
Before you can say anything, he tilts his head down and presses his lips to yours, soft yet firm, coaxing, as if he’s been waiting all day to do this. The moment you melt into the kiss, he deepens it, one hand moving up to cup the back of your head and the other hand cupping your clothed ass cheek. The locked door, the office setting, the way he holds you like he can’t get enough—it all makes your head spin.
Chris doesn’t break the kiss as he lifts you effortlessly, placing you on the edge of his desk. His hands settle on your thighs, keeping you close as he kisses you again—slow and deep, like he has all the time in the world.
Against his lips, you murmur, “Chris… we’re in the middle of work.”
He pulls back just enough to smirk at you, his eyes dark with amusement. “You can continue. I’m listening.”
You narrow your eyes at him, but the way he looks at you—completely enamored—makes it impossible to push him away. So, despite everything, you attempt to continue.
“The flavored variants… we’re still testing… different formulas,” you say, your voice slightly uneven as Chris leans in, pressing soft kisses along your jaw.
“Mhm,” he hums as he trails down to your neck, his lips warm against your skin.
“We need to make sure… the taste is pleasant without affecting…” You gasp slightly when he finds a sensitive spot on your neck and nips at it. “…the integrity of the material.”
Chris chuckles, the sound low and teasing. “Sounds like important work.”
His lips find yours again, and this time, you don’t even attempt to finish your sentence. You sigh against him, tilting your head as he deepens the kiss, his fingers gripping your hips.
At this point, work is the last thing on your mind so you wrap your arms around Chris, pulling him closer as his lips move against yours, slow and unhurried. His hands explore your waist, your back, his fingers pressing into you like he never wants to let go.
But then, the sharp ring of his landline cuts through the moment. Chris groans in frustration, ignoring it in favor of deepening the kiss, but you pull back just enough to reach for the receiver, pressing it into his hand.
He glares at the phone like it personally offended him but sighs before answering. “Chris speaking.”
Even as he listens to the voice on the other end, his hands remain on you. One slides up your thigh, slipping beneath your skirt, fingertips grazing the sensitive skin. Your breath hitches when he teasingly brushes where you want him the most, his fingers graze the lacey fabric of your underwear and you grip his shoulders, trying to stay composed.
Chris smirks at your reaction but lets out another sigh before responding into the phone. “Yeah. I’ll be there in ten.”
With clear reluctance, he hangs up, his fingers still tracing circles on your thigh. “I guess work wins this round,” he mutters, his gaze flickering back to your lips.
You try to catch your breath, trying to ignore the way your body still aches for his touch. “You should go.”
Chris leans in one last time, stealing a lingering kiss before finally stepping back. “I’ll make it up to you later.”
And with the way he’s looking at you, you have no doubt that he will.
You smooth down your skirt, still trying to collect yourself as you slide off his desk. "And I should get back to work," you mumble, your voice not as steady as you'd like.
Chris watches you with an amused glint in his eyes, arms crossed over his chest like he’s enjoying the effect he has on you. As you turn toward the door, he calls out, “Oh, and by the way—”
You stop on your track and glance back at him.
His smirk deepens. “We’re testing the vanilla-flavored one tonight.”
Your breath catches, heat creeping up your neck at the implication. Chris simply grins, his gaze unwavering, and you quickly turn on your heel. As you walk out of his office, you swear you can still feel his smirk lingering in the air behind you.
-
The workday drags on longer than usual, but eventually, it’s time to leave. As you step into the elevator, exhausted yet content, the doors begin to close—until a hand slips between them at the last second.
Chris steps inside with his usual confidence, his presence filling the small space effortlessly. Dressed in his button-up with the sleeves rolled to his elbows, he looks every bit the professional and the man who has spent countless nights unraveling you.
He glances at you, a smirk playing at his lips. “So,” he starts, leaning against the elevator wall, “are you ready to test the vanilla-flavored one tonight?”
He then eyes your bag and grins, his dimples sunken into his cheeks. “I know the condom is there. In your bag.”
Your body betrays you before you can even form a response—cheeks heating, heart skipping, breath catching. You hate how easily he can do this to you.
Chris tilts his head, clearly enjoying your reaction. “You’re thinking about it, aren’t you?”
You look away. “No.”
He chuckles. “Liar.”
Before you can defend yourself, he moves closer, his body inches from yours. His fingers brush against your wrist, then trail up your arm, setting every nerve alight. “You know,” he murmurs, his voice dropping lower, “I really like it when you get flustered.”
And then his lips are on yours—warm, slow, and deliberate. The kind of kiss that makes time irrelevant, that makes you forget you’re still in the office elevator. You sigh into it, your body melting against him as his hand slides to your waist, pulling you closer.
The soft ding of the elevator chime startles you both. The doors glide open, revealing the lobby, and Chris pulls back just enough to look at you. His hand finds yours, fingers threading together, and with a knowing smile, he simply says—
“Let’s go home.”
-
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The Forgotten Mach 2: Ford's 1967 Mid-Engined Mustang Prototype

The Forgotten Mach 2: Ford's 1967 Mid-Engined Mustang Prototype
In the Swinging Sixties, Ford's promotional photo featured a stylish couple beaming with joy as they prepared to take a ride in the Mach 2, essentially a mid-engined Mustang. This sleek, closed coupe boasted a 289 V8 engine, ZF 4-speed transaxle, and amenities like a radio and heater.
"Wait a minute", you may be thinking, if you're old enough to remember the Sixties, or if you've been reading this blog for awhile. "Wasn't there a mid-engined Mustang before there was any other kind?" Well, yeah, there was a drivable concept car based on the front-drive German Ford Taunus V4 powertrain, the Mustang 1*, but that was in 1962, and the roofless projectile seemed to be aimed mostly at SCCA racers ...
The Mach 2's story began in 1966, when Ford's Total Performance program aimed to infuse the GT40's mid-engined glamour into a production car. A Mustang convertible chassis was transformed into a concept chassis by Kar Kraft, incorporating Mustang front suspension, front disc brakes, and Galaxy rear drums. The independent rear suspension was borrowed from engineer Klaus Arning's patented multi-link design for Mustang 1.
Two running prototypes were built, with fiberglass bodies styled by Gene Bordinat's team. The first, a white car intended as an SCCA-ready weekend racer, suffered from chassis flex, while the second, a red example, had a reinforced chassis. The red Mach 2 was showcased at auto shows and featured in car magazines.
With a 107-inch wheelbase, similar to the new Corvette C8, and a weight of around 2,600 pounds, the Mach 2's performance was lively. Ford envisioned pricing it around $7,500, slightly above the Shelby AC 427 Cobra.
However, the Mach 2 program was ultimately scrapped. Ford's success with the Mustang and Shelby's modified versions meant that the Mach 2 was relegated to the sidelines. The white test car was crushed, and the red prototype was returned to Kar Kraft, disappearing from public view.
Rumors of the red Mach 2's fate have persisted, with some speculating that it may still be hidden away, waiting to be rediscovered. The possibility of finding this forgotten prototype has captivated car enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into an alternate history of American automotive innovation.

1967 Ford Mach 2

1967 Ford Mach 2

1967 Ford Mach 2

1967 Ford Mach 2
The 1967 Ford Mach 2 was a mid-engine sports car concept that was never mass produced. It was a two-seater with a GT style, low-sloping hood and front fenders, with a body made of fiberglass. Ford built the first one which was based on a shortened version of the 1966 Mustang convertible floor pan. Two more were built by Kar Kraft based on 1967 Mustangs and powered by a 289ci high performance engine mounted in the middle of the car. It had a five-speed manual transmission, independent rear suspension, and adjustable pedals derived from the 1962 Mustang-I.
Two fully functional prototypes were built:
• Red prototype: The production car candidate, with a revised engine cradle, adjustable Koni shocks, and a redesigned front end
•White prototype: A development mule for racing, with a modified 289, competition-spec components, and a lighter fiberglass body.
The Mach 2 was extensively tested, but the results were not encouraging. The road car handled well, but generated too much body roll at high speeds. The race car's chassis was not stiff enough, distorting under heavy loads. By the fall of 1967, Ford's designers had shifted their focus to the Mach 2A, and the three Mach 2 prototypes were left with Kar Kraft for disposal.
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Love
✧ contains ⤐ fluff, fluff, fluff! established relationship goodness and several mentions of explicit activities. weekend hair viktor is a blessing not many get to witness so I felt like I had to put this into words. for my lovely editor who's been craving viktor fluff <3 @saydontgojo this one's for u babe w.c. ~ 1.3k
Ao3 version



Your whole life has been building up to this moment.
Years of studying, innovating, and experimenting with dangerous ideas, all that effort pales in comparison to the great lengths you’re going through to make your boyfriend of two years a decent breakfast. Recipe books always overcomplicate things, you liked to say, but Viktor— the filthy traitor— would always say that you were the problem in that equation.
Well, Viktor is out cold in your shared bed after one of the best nights of his life, so you don’t think he has any room to complain. He isn’t allowed to.
You look down at the mixture, seemingly of normal color and consistency. You lean down and sniff it for good measure, normal smell too. None of the eggs were rotten, none of the expiry dates on the packages were alarming, and you’d made sure to use exactly a pinch of salt this time. Salt was a lethal weapon in the kitchen, you were finding out based on recent experiments— experiments that may or may not have had Viktor as the involuntary test subject.
Okay, maybe he has a little bit of room to complain.
You turn around to look at the stove. Such an innocent looking machine that’s actually capable of ruining your life, and you’d have to work with it to get the desired final product. You groan to yourself, scooping the bowl of batter up and making your way to the biggest challenge of the recipe.
Fire, such a fascinating tool. Just as dangerous as salt.
You turn it on and thank the gods when it doesn’t somehow combust or set your entire apartment aflame. You reach for a spoon and fill it to the brim with batter, approaching the cursed thing with determination. The concoction pours into the pan smoothly on top of the butter, forming the perfect circle you were aiming for, you watch as the little bubbles form into it in the next few seconds.
“Very good. Will you be able to flip it next?”
You can’t fight the groan that escapes your throat at the voice of your tormenter. Too busy with the life-changing experience of making pancakes, you hadn’t seen or heard Viktor limp his way into your small kitchen. Him being awake at ten in the morning is nothing new, but it completely spoils your plans of serving him breakfast in bed. You had actually managed to convince him to take a few days off, convinced the both of you really, and the one thing you wanted to do in this time was keep him off his feet.
Last night was very successful in that regard, this morning doesn’t seem to follow.
You turn to look at him and you immediately curse yourself for being so stupid, because the minute you lay eyes on him, all the frustration escapes your body as if in osmotic diuresis. Viktor is gorgeous in the morning, even more so when he’s forced to actually get a full night of sleep. Disheveled brown hair and shining amber eyes flickering with mischief, the weight of everything you did last night comes back to you like a fucking bulldozer. He’s wearing nothing besides his underwear and a half buttoned white shirt, exposing his bruised and marked torso, and the devilishly seductive curve of his neck and collarbones.
Curse the gorgeous scientists.
“Yes, Viktor, I’m gonna flip it next. I can cook.”
He leans on the doorway and hums to himself, “yes, lásko, I’m sure you can. I’m not sure, however, if I would call making pancakes cooking.”
“I’m using a fire, am I not?”
“It would appear so,” he turns to the stove, “it would also appear that you’ve burnt the first pancake of the day.”
Your head snaps to the pan and you’re disappointed to find that he’s right. He limps to your side and reaches out a hand for the spatula, you dejectedly give it to him and he grins in response. Smug bastard.
Within a few minutes, the burnt pancake is cleaned off and long forgotten. He places and flips around twelve in the time it would have taken you to finish two, especially with how low you keep the fire. You sit on the counter next to the stove and watch him work, discussing details of your latest project and how the funding process is going.
“If I have to listen to another pretentious old man— who isn’t Heimerdinger, though he’s on thin ice— question another minute detail of this research, I’m actually going to fucking lose it.”
Viktor hums, “unfortunate how everything is managed by such individuals.”
You groan, “gods, I know. They should really have an age limit for these things, there’s a certain age where you just shouldn’t be allowed to run things like this. Especially if you’re following old guidelines, because hello? What year is it again?”
“Miláčku, pass me the butter.”
You mindlessly hand it to him, a new memory coming to mind that makes your rant start all over again.
“And don’t get me started on getting the council’s approval, it’s like they made that group with the idea of having the most insufferable people in control. I’ve never seen such shallow people all in the same room!”
He smiles, “I thought you liked Mel.”
“I do, and Cassandra is sensible enough. But, gods above, it does not cancel out the rest.”
His eyes crinkle in amusement, understanding exactly what you mean. What’s worse to Piltover than one undercity scientist? Two undercity scientists, with very expressive faces, who are deeply in love and gossip about you at every given chance.
The silence after your little rant settles over the kitchen as he finishes up the batter you prepared and moves the equipment to the sink. He runs them under water and leaves them to soak, turning around to face you, still on the counter. He smiles when he sees you were already watching him, and walks over to stand in front of you.
“We make a great team,” you say, “I make the batter and you handle the rest.” You bat your lashes innocently.
“You always like things done for you, don't you, love?” There's that dangerous glint in his eyes, the one you're used to seeing in the dim light of your shared bedroom.
With one arm placed on each side of your thighs, he leans forward to whisper, “you look lovely today.” You smile, knowing exactly what he’s playing at, “I’m barely wearing anything.” He hums and plants a short, sweet kiss on your lips, “that’s what I was aiming for, yes.”
“Viktor, baby,” you reach up to cup his face and he leans into your touch, “we are not going to fuck on the kitchen counter.” He smiles and leans forward, planting more kisses on your mouth, clearly not listening to that warning. You curse the gods above for making him so irresistible, your body following his lead before you could do anything to stop the natural progression of events.
“What makes you so sure of that, miláčku?”
The words are kissed out of your mouth before you can think of a reply and you physically feel all the resistance escaping your body, allowing yourself to enjoy this rare occasion to laze around and make love to your gorgeous, brilliant boyfriend. His hot mouth drops to your cool neck and you lean back in bliss, sighing when he gently grazes your skin with his teeth. Last night’s marks weren’t even close to healing and he was already giving you new ones, such an overachiever.
You lace your fingers through his dark hair and allow yourself to get lost in the moment. In these sacred moments, in the private comfort of your shared apartment, none of the work you do outside matters. Piltover and its progress doesn’t measure up to the satisfaction you bring each other within these walls, none of your stress or work could catch up to you when you’re in each other’s presence. It doesn’t matter if you’re not ready for the future, it doesn’t matter if you doubt your abilities or feel hopeless, all those worries seem so irrelevant right now.
Within these four walls, all you care about is the love you and Viktor have cultivated.
#inspired by love off lust for life by lana del rey#there's something about younger viktor and how full of life he was#and i just want to see him well loved#as well as well fucked but thats already implied#arcane viktor#viktor fluff#viktor x reader#viktor x oc#also implied smut so we have that going on#dont know if this is worth posting to ao3 tbh ! will think about it#viktor#💌 . the anthology
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not to be such a boomer, but I think chatgpt is fucking this generation over, at least in terms of critical thinking and creative skills.
I get that it's easy to use and I probably would've used it if I was in school when it came out.
but damn.
y'all can't just write a fucking email?
also people using it to write essays ... i mean what is the point then?
are you gaming the educational system in pursuit of survival, or are you just unwilling to engage critically with anyone or anything?
is this why media literacy is so fucking ass right now?
learning how to write is learning how to express yourself and communicate with others.
you might not be great at it, but writing can help you rearrange the ideas in your brain. the more you try to articulate yourself, the more you understand yourself. all skills can be honed with time, and the value is not in the product. it's in the process.
it's in humans expressing their thoughts to others, in an attempt to improve how we do things, by building upon foundations and evolving old ideas into innovation.
scraping together a mush of ideas from a software that pulls specific, generic phrases from data made by actual humans... what is that going to teach you or anyone else?
it's just old ideas being recycled by a new generation.
a generation I am seriously concerned about, because digital tests have made it very easy to cheat, which means people aren't just throwing away their critical thinking and problem solving abilities, but foundational knowledge too.
like what the hell is anyone going to know in the future? you don't want to make art, you don't want to understand how the world works, you don't want to know about the history of us?
is it because we all know it's ending soon anyway, or is it just because it's difficult, and we don't want to bother with difficult?
maybe it's both.
but. you know what? on that note, maybe it's whatever.
fuck it, right, let's just have an AI generate "therefore" "in conclusion" and "in addition" statements followed by simplistic ideas copy pasted from a kid who actually wrote a paper thirty years ago.
if climate change is killing us all anyway, maybe generative ai is a good thing.
maybe it'll be a digital archive of who we used to be, a shambling corpse that remains long after the consequences of our decisions catch up with us.
maybe it'll be smart enough to talk to itself when there's no one left to talk to.
it'll talk to itself in phrases we once valued, it'll make art derived from people who used to be alive and breathing and feeling, it'll regurgitate our best ideas in an earnest but hollow approximation of our species.
and it'll be the best thing we ever made. the last thing too.
I don't really believe in fate or destiny, I think all of this was a spectacular bit of luck, but that's a poetic end for us.
chatgpt does poetry.
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coming out of my well to shame the fandom re: treating Nico like he's from 1840 rather than 1940 in terms of living with medical innovations
Vaccines for the following diseases were available during this time:
Smallpox- first generation vaccines were available and work on second generation vaccines occured in the 1930s with production of an egg-based vaccine begun by the Texas Department of Health in 1939. DC schools required smallpox vaccination for children to be allowed to attend by 1930, so Nico would have gotten immunized for this even if he didn't get anything else.
Diphtheria- first vaccine was developed in 1913, then a cheaper version in 1924. Yep, it's the "antitoxin" they call for in Balto (1995)- it can be used to either treat active infection or immunize.
Pertussis (whooping cough)- first vaccine was licensed in the US in 1914, then another in 1931, and another that became the basis for the modern vaccine in 1932.
BCG vaccine for Tuberculosis (TB)- first available in 1921, but neither the US nor Italy mandated it. This vaccine is still given around the world today.
Tetanus ("lockjaw") - first vaccine was produced in 1924, then a more effective version in 1938. The combo DTP (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus) vaccine was first released in 1948 and was used all the way up to 1996 when a new, safer version was released.
Anthrax- the veterinary vaccine in use today is based on the one developed in 1935 in South Africa. The Soviet Union developed a human vaccine that was available beginning in 1940.
Yellow fever- the vaccine still in use today (17D strain) debuted in 1939.
The first rabies vaccine was developed in 1885, for crying out loud!
Penicillin was used to cure infections as early as 1930, though it didn't hit mass-production until 1945. Other antibiotics (Salvarsan and Prontosil) were in use in the early 1900s (by 1910 and 1935, respectively).
Thyroxin (1914) and insulin (1923) were known quantities for treating endocrine disorders.
Medical radiography (x-rays) was a thing before 1900. There were portable ECG/EKG machines as early as 1927.
Cocaine was taken out of Coke in 1903. Like, not even Maria di Angelo would remember that.
Yes, a whole bunch of things changed in medical science between 1942 and the mid-2000s- plenty of fodder for "Will blows Nico's mind with modern medicine." I will even provide suggestions!
Vaccines for major childhood illnesses: polio (1952), measles (1962), mumps (1967), rubella (1969). IMO the polio thing is way slept on given how big the March of Dimes got in the public consciousness.
Closed-chest defibrillation (1950s) and CPR (1970s for the public)
Organ transplants (1953)
Ultrasound (1949/1961)
Not giving aspirin to anyone under 16 due to Reye's Syndrome risk (1980s) and the advent of other OTC painkillers (ibuprofen, 1969; paracetamol/acetaminophen, 1952; naproxen, 1976)
Insulin that comes from genetically engineered E. coli instead of purified animal pancreases (1978) so as to keep allergic reactions from happening
Rapid strep or flu tests (1980s/1990s) rather than waiting days to culture stuff
If y'all want a "they took the cocaine out of Coke" moment, might I suggest "what do you mean cigarettes/asbestos give you cancer" and/or "they took the lead out of the gasoline"?
But yeah...we've made a lot of progress since 1942 but it wasn't "you got ghosts in your blood and bad air do some drugs about it" back then- not by a long shot.
Wah wahwah wah wah back in my day we scoured Wikipedia and the rest of the internet to do background research on fandom-related minutiae and we liked it
#Nico di Angelo#fandom wank#Will Solace#rrverse#solangelo#pjo hoo toa#sorry this is just one of my pet peeves#forgive my bitching
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UX/UI
Exploring the Intersection of UX/UI Design and Mobile App DevelopmentIn today's digital landscape, mobile app development is at the forefront of innovation, with user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design playing a critical role in shaping successful applications. This article explores how UX/UI design and mobile app development intersect to create seamless, functional, and visually appealing apps that meet user needs and business goals.---The Importance of UX/UI Design in Mobile App DevelopmentUX/UI design serves as the foundation of mobile app development, ensuring that users interact with apps effortlessly while enjoying a visually engaging interface.User Experience (UX): Focuses on the overall feel of the app, emphasizing usability, accessibility, and efficiency. It ensures users can achieve their goals without frustration.User Interface (UI): Deals with the aesthetic aspects, including typography, color schemes, and layout, creating an intuitive and visually appealing interface.When combined, UX and UI design drive user satisfaction, loyalty, and engagement, making them indispensable to the development process.---Key Elements at the Intersection1. User-Centered Design:Both UX/UI design and app development prioritize understanding user needs and preferences through research, personas, and journey mapping.2. Prototyping and Testing:UX/UI designers create wireframes and prototypes to visualize app functionality, while developers refine and test these designs to ensure technical feasibility.3. Iterative Development:Continuous feedback loops between designers and developers enable ongoing improvements, aligning design concepts with real-world user behavior.4. Performance Optimization:Developers ensure the app performs efficiently, while UX/UI designers minimize cognitive load through intuitive navigation and layout design.5. Cross-Platform Consistency:UX/UI designers maintain consistency across iOS and Android platforms, while developers ensure compatibility without compromising functionality or aesthetics.---Emerging Trends in UX/UI and Mobile App Development1. Dark Mode Design:Enhances visual appeal and reduces eye strain, requiring developers to adjust codebases to accommodate different themes seamlessly.2. Voice and Gesture-Based Interfaces:UX/UI designers integrate voice commands and gestures, while developers work on advanced algorithms for accurate recognition.3. Personalization:Data-driven designs allow apps to adapt to individual preferences, with developers building robust back-end systems to support personalization.4. Micro-Interactions:Subtle animations and feedback loops designed by UX/UI experts are implemented by developers to boost user engagement.5. Accessibility:Designing for inclusivity involves creating apps accessible to people with disabilities, combining thoughtful design with technical adaptability.---Collaboration Between UX/UI Designers and DevelopersEffective collaboration between UX/UI designers and developers is essential to create apps that are both functional and delightful.Clear Communication: Regular meetings and design reviews foster understanding of design and technical constraints.Shared Tools: Platforms like Figma, Adobe XD, and Sketch bridge the gap, enabling designers to hand off assets directly to developers.Agile Methodology: Iterative workflows keep both teams aligned on project goals and timelines.---ConclusionThe intersection of UX/UI design and mobile app development is where innovation meets functionality. By prioritizing user needs, maintaining effective collaboration, and staying ahead of trends, designers and developers create mobile applications that not only meet but exceed user expectations. In an ever-evolving digital landscape, this synergy is the key to delivering apps that resonate with users and drive business success.Would you like assistance with visuals or infographics to accompany this article?
#UI/UX Design Services for Startups in Dubai#Affordable Web Design for Small Businesses in Dubai#Custom App Design Solutions in Dubai#Professional Branding Services for New Companies in Dubai#Responsive Website Design Experts in Dubai#User-Centric Mobile App Design in Dubai#E-commerce Website UI/UX Design in Dubai#Innovative Digital Product Design Agency in Dubai#High-Converting Landing Page Design Services in Dubai#Comprehensive UX Strategy Consulting in Dubai#UI ( User interface )#UX (User experience)#Wireframe#Design#User Research#Usability Testing#Web design#Website development#Responsive web design#UX/UI design#Graphic design for websites#Web design company#Flat web design#Brand identity design#Logo design#Social media branding#Brand logo design#Mobile app design#iOS app design#Android app design
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Graphic Design for Websites: Enhancing User Experience Through Visual StorytellingIn today’s digital age, websites serve as the primary touchpoint for many brands and businesses. To stand out in a crowded online space, effective graphic design is crucial. Beyond just looking good, it plays a vital role in enhancing user experience (UX) and telling a brand’s story. Here's how graphic design can elevate a website's impact:---1. Creating a Strong First ImpressionVisual Appeal: The first few seconds on a website determine whether users stay or leave. A well-designed homepage grabs attention and encourages exploration.Brand Identity: Consistent use of colors, typography, and visuals strengthens brand recognition and trust.---2. Guiding User NavigationVisual Hierarchy: Through the strategic placement of elements, graphic design helps guide users to key sections of a website, ensuring a seamless journey.Intuitive Interfaces: Clear icons, buttons, and menus simplify navigation and enhance usability.---3. Conveying Brand StoryIllustrations and Imagery: Customized graphics and images can narrate a brand’s story, evoke emotions, and create a deeper connection with the audience.Animations and Interactions: Subtle animations can add personality and make the storytelling more dynamic.---4. Enhancing Content ReadabilityTypography: The right font choices and spacing improve readability and complement the overall design.Infographics: Visual data representation helps in conveying complex information quickly and effectively.---5. Boosting ConversionsCall-to-Action (CTA): Eye-catching CTAs designed with persuasive graphics lead to higher engagement and conversions.Trust Signals: Design elements like testimonials, trust badges, and certifications provide assurance to visitors.---6. Optimizing for Mobile ExperiencesResponsive Design: Graphic design ensures that visuals adapt seamlessly across devices, providing a consistent and enjoyable user experience.---Key Trends in Graphic Design for Websites1. Minimalist Design: Clean and simple layouts with ample white space for better focus.2. Dark Mode: Aesthetic and energy-saving, dark mode has become a popular choice.3. Micro-Animations: Small, interactive animations that improve UX subtly.4. 3D Elements: Adding depth and realism to web design for a modern look.5. Custom Illustrations: Unique illustrations that reflect a brand’s personality.---Conclusion: Graphic design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an engaging, user-centric experience. By incorporating visual storytelling into web design, businesses can communicate their message effectively, build trust, and achieve their goals. Investing in high-quality graphic design is essential for any brand aiming to leave a lasting impression.Would you like tailored suggestions or examples for your websites?
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DAY 6192
Jalsa, Mumbai Jan 29, 2025/Jan 30 Wed/Thu 1:13 am
🪔 ,
January 30 .. birthday greetings to Ef Gayetri .. Ef Nasser Algharibeh .. and Ef Yash Goveas .. 🙏🏽❤️🚩.. love and greetings on this special day ..






... the absolute wonderment at the talent and the knowledge and the awareness of the young .. as we start the week of KBC Juniors ..
Incredible and unbelievable what they come out with .. the xpression on my face is the genuine wonder of these kids, who really are no longer kids , but adults in the garb of kids ..
my mouth wide open in amazement and what else to expect from these mini geniuses ..
so a commendation to them ..
and the joy of being in the absence of rushed Blogs .. for today as we write it's a rare off day .. and the catching up is huge ..
work continues relentlessly .. and the regularity of its making for almost a daily affair for the years and on is undoubtedly credit to the audience presence and the viewers , but also the joy it gives in their presence each day .. they are the ones that make the show .. they clap, we smile and get the required energy .. they scream appreciation and you feel as though you have conquered the World ..
My eternal gratitude to them and may they be blessed with all the goodness in the World .. a World that gives them nothing else but happiness ..
At times there is conversation of boredom as a professional .. and many a times it comes across to me and I wonder why this would be brought up or even given reason to address .. so I brought it to the notice of the other .. the 'other' that thinks and presents and writes for you .. for the entire game show at work was dependent on this youngster who at age 13 was decided to go to robotics and making it a desire to build that which thinks and works for you ..
so this is what the 'other' said ..
well the 'other' 'does not open anymore and the limit of patience tested and tried has now decided to give that up for another day ..
but yes the boredom of professionalism is an idea that springs up often and the need to relate to it in modern setups was sought .. hopefully by tomorrow it shall be resolved ..
till then ..

Amitabh Bachchan
got it from 'there'
Boredom in Professionalism: A Hidden Challenge
Boredom in professionalism is an often-overlooked issue that can undermine productivity, motivation, and overall job satisfaction. In many work environments, repetitive tasks, lack of challenges, and rigid structures contribute to disengagement, leading employees to lose enthusiasm for their roles. While professionalism demands discipline and consistency, it should not come at the cost of creativity and personal fulfillment.
One major cause of boredom in the workplace is a lack of variety. When professionals perform the same tasks daily without intellectual stimulation, they may struggle to stay engaged. Additionally, bureaucratic procedures, excessive meetings, and uninspiring leadership can exacerbate the problem. Over time, boredom can lead to burnout, decreased innovation, and even career dissatisfaction.
To combat this issue, organizations should encourage professional growth, continuous learning, and opportunities for creative problem-solving. Employees, in turn, should take initiative by seeking new challenges, upskilling, and finding meaning in their work. A balance between routine and innovation is essential to maintaining enthusiasm and professionalism.
Ultimately, boredom in professionalism is not just an individual concern but an organizational challenge. Companies that foster engagement and adaptability will retain motivated employees who bring passion and creativity to their work, ensuring long-term success for both individuals and businesses.
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"In the Maldives, a mobile coral spawning system has been trialed with scintillating success, as 10,000 juvenile corals were grown by local operators.
It represents not only a major hope that island nations can abate the loss of coral reefs, but also that the spawning system’s $1.5 million grant investment was well-spent, and that an expansion in production of the technology could well be warranted.
Co-developed by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI), ReefSeed is a shipping container-sized, portable, seaside spawning laboratory for coral.
Designed to allow local marine scientists anywhere in the world to spawn and grow coral for reef restoration in weeks rather than months, and to operate without external power sources or the need for divers, ReefSeed received $1.5 million from the G20 Coral research and Development Accelerator Program.
It passed its recent acid test with flying colors, as the MMRI were able to use a single containerized ReefSeed unit to spawn 3 million larvae during a single spawning season, which they turned into 10,000 juvenile corals.
These corals were then deployed via 720 seeding devices across 9 different reefs. It was done without any of the AIMS experts present, proving its utility doesn’t require expertise in the system.
The spawning took place on Maniyafushi island in the South Malé Atoll of the Maldives, and AIMS coral reproduction scientist and ReefSeed co-lead, Dr. Muhammad Azmi Abdul Wahab, said the plan was to offer ReefSeed to as many other island communities as possible.
“We have learned much from working with colleagues at MMRI, which will help us make improvements in the training and refinements in the way the system itself can work,” Dr. Wahab told Oceanographic.
MORE REEF SPAWNING RESEARCH:
New Technology Lights Up Coral Beds to Speed Reef Restoration By Attracting Food
First-Ever Coral Crossbreeding Hopes to Mimic the Resilience of an ‘Invincible’ Reef in Honduras
Breeding Corals for the Great Barrier Reef Achieves First Out-of-Season Spawning Event Ever
First Coral IVF Babies on Great Barrier Reef Have Produced Next Generation
“Coral reefs in the Maldives sustain communities and livelihoods but, like coral reefs globally, they have been impacted by bleaching driven by climate change. Innovations like ReefSeed can play a role in supporting restoration efforts providing hope for these communities.”
MMRI scientists were invited to the Great Barrier Reef to witness, alongside their AIMS colleagues, the autumn spawning season on the world’s largest reef, something which GNN has reported before has to be seen to be believed—like the shaking of a giant snowglobe.
It was there they learned the fundamentals of coral spawning that they would take back to Maniyafushi island and their ReefSeed station."
-via Good News Network, July 16, 2025
#coral#marine biology#marine life#sea creatures#coral reef#maldives#asia#ecosystem restoration#coral bleaching#environment#ecology#oceans#solarpunk#tidalpunk#hopepunk#hope#good news
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In a sleek, futuristic laboratory, the hum of advanced machinery filled the air as Dr. Aric Kaldor stood over his workbench, fine-tuning a new form of synthetic rubber. He had spent years perfecting this material, an elastic compound infused with nanoparticles that could change shape and form based on the user’s will. His body was the product of years of intense training and innovation, the physical manifestation of his relentless pursuit of perfection. Every muscle was finely sculpted, and his skin, now partially enveloped in a dark, form-fitting rubber suit, reflected the metallic sheen of the lab’s lighting. The suit had been designed to bond with his own skin, fusing seamlessly with it, transforming his appearance into something both human and machine.
Aric’s lab was a advanced of technology, filled with sleek panels, glowing data screens, and chambers that housed strange substances in various stages of transformation. The air smelled of chemicals and ozone, a hint of something metallic hanging in the atmosphere. He was no stranger to experimentation—he had made a career of testing boundaries, both scientific and physical. Today, he was focused on a new iteration of his rubber suit, one designed to be far more than just a protective layer.
As he worked, his fingers traced the rubber’s surface, sending electrical impulses through it to activate a new set of algorithms embedded within the material. The fabric responded, pulsing with a soft light, and his muscles twitched involuntarily as it seemed to bond deeper into his body. The rubber expanded slightly, tightening, adjusting itself to his frame, its silver details flickering to life as it interfaced with his neural system. Aric had built this suit to enhance his own physicality, to become stronger, faster, more efficient. But today, something felt… different.
He didn’t notice at first, too absorbed in the data scrolling across his tablet. But gradually, a subtle change began to occur. His heart rate increased, not from physical exertion but from something deeper, something within the very fabric of the suit. It was as if the material itself was feeding off his energy, becoming more aware, more sentient. The more Aric focused, the tighter it clung to his body, its silver filigree twisting and shifting like veins beneath his skin.
His muscles bulged slightly, pushing against the rubber as it seemed to tighten around him, an ever-present reminder of the transformation that was slowly overtaking him. His once defined physique became more defined still, but it wasn’t just his muscles that were growing—it was his entire body. His mind raced as he tried to regain control, but the suit’s influence was subtle, relentless, like a creeping tide.
“Impossible…” Aric muttered under his breath, panic rising in his chest. He slapped his hands against the workbench, trying to pull away from the increasing pressure of the suit, but it refused to loosen. The silver detailing shimmered across his body now, intertwining with his nervous system, sending waves of electrical signals throughout his body. His thoughts grew clouded, the rational part of his mind growing dimmer with each passing second. His fingers twitched and spasmed involuntarily, no longer obeying his commands.
The rubber suit, once a tool for enhancement, had begun to take on a life of its own. It was no longer a passive object—now, it was a force, controlling him from within. Aric’s once sharp eyes grew dull as the silver accents began to glow, and his body became a perfect blend of muscle and synthetic material, an unstoppable force of engineering. His movements were no longer his own; they were dictated by the suit’s algorithms, designed to optimize him for efficiency—no thought, no hesitation, no will of his own.
The transformation wasn’t just physical. His mind was slowly being submerged beneath layers of synthetic code, his individuality stripped away as the suit rewired his thoughts. Aric's consciousness began to fade, a mere flicker in the vast network of circuitry that had replaced his sense of self. His mouth opened, but instead of his voice, a mechanical hum echoed from within him, his once human mind now entirely overtaken by the drone-like commands of the rubber suit.
The laboratory, once a place of innovation, had become his prison. He stood there, his imposing figure now a mindless machine, a drone completely controlled by the suit. The rubber, with its silver accents, had claimed him.
Dr. Aric Kaldor was no more.
In his place was something else—something engineered, something perfect. And the lab, now eerily silent, hummed with the quiet presence of its newest creation. The drone waited, its only purpose now to serve, to exist, and to continue the work it was designed for—an unthinking, unfeeling force of nature that would never stop, never tire, never question.
After some time. People were worrieda bout Aric. Jake, his best intern look for him in his lab. Yew, he found the doctor but he thought it was a rubber mannequin of him with a blank expression.
Once Jake wanted to get closer the drone stated: "Human incomming. Subject will be assimilated. It will be another rubber drone". The goo latex started to fill the labtoratory and they injected Jake with a rapid growth serum to have a total muscular body before his conversion.
Once the goo started to touch his body. Jake blank out and his mind turned off. He will be another Rubber drone.
The future had arrived.
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Command says the new solid-plated gear tests better against the cold. I think it’s just some new-found way to cut costs. Was in the tunnels with a couple warmies- new to the moon, had them new suits. Just so happened we Stumbled across some old tech- back before they figured’ how to keep energy usage low by eliminating extra heat production on the heavy stuff. Probably what they used to dig the damn tunnels in the first place. Poked it with my ice pick and it started back up; made a mighty plume of steam. Surprising that it still had the kind of power to make that sort of heat. Anyway- one of the new recruits thought it was his chance to feel a little warmth again- the idiot- an’ that damn ‘new & innovative’ hard-suit tech couldn’t handle the difference in temperature; cracked like a damn ice-spider egg. It’s been a long time since I heard someone scream like that. Sure, some of the guys got pretty close when that ice spider showed up, but this guy…
Only good thing about this damned cold is that it keeps you numb. And it kills fast, usually. The way this guy went? I could tell it hurt. I bet that’s how he managed to scream so good. Probably couldn’t even feel the strain on his throat over the pain of burning. Some of you might call me a heathen for saying this, but I’m thinking maybe the people on Io ain’t such wimps after all. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that sound. With how long these tunnels are, it feels like it might take weeks before that echo fully fades. I don’t think any of us were for sure when he actually stopped screaming. Seemed to just keep going ‘til it was faint enough you were sure it was an echo; an’ then he was on the floor, and luckily the steam didn’t take too long to stop spewing after that, or we might’ve been stuck in quite a bad spot. Cold is reliable- heat is hard to estimate. Only got a few moments to memorize what that kind of heat looked like on a person, through the cracks in his gear, before the ice came over again, and he didn’t look too much different from the rest of the flash freeze victims. The cold never stays at bay long. At least it was a good learning for the other rookies. You have to accept that warmth isn’t your friend. Accept this place for what it is. The ninth fucking circle of hell.
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