#Once again promoing my tt

[theylovevenus]

Inoshikacho gotta be the most unserious team, it’s probably a good thing Shikamaru never went to Asuma’s funeral

[qazastra]

hi look at qaz’s (my) top album releases of 2022!!! in no particular order. some of my fav tracks like this. lyrics below. i probably forgot a few? don’t worry about it

AMERICAN GURL - kilo kish     american gurl, on the outside (justin’s song)

in a locked box / in a locked drawer / will i find me an american girl?

this is a capital-A Album. kilo kish has been on the periphery of artists i keep tabs on for like 8 years now and im so glad i sat down and listened to this release all the way through. talks about/around being, well, an American Gurl, but in a much more realistic and relatable way than lana. v cool. u must hear it in order (at least the first time)!!!!!

CHASE - minho    prove it, heartbreak

i haven’t sat with this one as long as the others but i already know these songs are gonna stick with me!! waterfall has recently been on my mind :-)

Sweet Home - no buses    stopstopstop, i’m with you, rubbish:)

if i can’t come to you, take me to the place where you are

albums that singlehandedly make you excited about indie rock again i’m not even exaggerating. a little downbeat overall, but cozy. i’m 90% sure their band name comes from the arctic monkeys song and that they are also influenced by early phoenix, if that gives you an idea of their sound. but don’t misunderstand, i don’t think it’s derivative! just gives me similar feelings of being emotionally affected by guitars that listening to is this it for the first time did.

The Car - arctic monkeys    sculptures of anything goes, mr. schwartz, big ideas

i had big ideas, the band were so excited / the kind you'd rather not share over the phone

i’ve been on band tumblr since i think right before the AM era and this is quite a departure from that stadium rock vibe but it feels like a natural progression from their previous (excellent) sprawling concept album. each song has a real charm to it, i’ve been really into most of them in turns.

2 Baddies - nct 127    gold dust, designer, crash landing, time lapse

HI HELLO. NEED I SAY MORE. i will though. FASTER INTO 2 BADDIES?? HI. that transition is so good. are you kidding me!!! on first listen i really thought faster should’ve been the title track lol. the first seven tracks are PERFECT. a couple of the other songs inspire ummm. mirth. let’s put it that way. and the closer is fine. but the great parts balance out the mid and even the mid parts have their merits. plus i really like that this album makes sense sonically as a cohesive whole, i think the vaguely cyberpunk promo imagery from the album teaser actually pays off!

Instinct Part 2 - onlyoneof    skinz, gaslighting

what can i say??? this was my first comeback with onlyoneof and it cemented their spot as one of my favorite bands/groups of all time. i know many people took issue with the tt skinz but i love its nails-on-a-chalkboard moments with my whole heart. on first listen gaslighting held my attention and it never let me go. suit dance, once i got past the kind of silly lyrics, is just so pleasant to listen to. and ultimate bliss. what can i say. peak onlyoneof. incredible.

Face The Sun - seventeen    domino, shadow, hot

to be honest this has got to be the first straight pop album that i ever listened to that was genuinely no skips. and that would earn it a spot on here even if the songs were aggressively mid. bUT THEY AREN’T. 

LP3 - hippo campus    ashtray, semi-pro

i’ve been bad but i’m only getting better

i’ll be real i forgot this came out this year till i was recently reminded that i saw them live for it and it was so so good... hippo campus’ lyricism blends really well with their production in this album in a way i haven’t seen before!! i might call it a coming of age album for the twentysomething lost in a city. something like that maybe.

CYBERKISS* - blackstarkids    pink stars, sex appeal

gotta stay fresh as fuck inside this user interface / even when i’m feelin down, i know that i’ll be up again

so very fun!! same label as the 1975 which makes a lot of sense looking back on it but like, in a good way i think. i love how they all share the vocals, i love the hyperpop and bubblegum influence, love the genuine lyrics and the silly ones. just a joy to listen to.

undergrOund idOl series - onlyoneof    begin, because

begin was my top played song of 2022. it’s really something. i wasn’t sure what to expect when they announced a solo for each member, but i think their creative freedom was really put to good use here!! each song stands alone and together and they all have a recognizable onlyoneof-ness, they all feel very unique to each other and suited to their respective members. that’s not to mention the b-sides that come with every new song-- remixes of old bsides, all great (even if the company is doing it so they have versions of bsides without love on them :/ ). and that’s not even mentioning the music videos!! they all tell stories about gay relationships :] i’m very much looking forward to nine’s solo in a few days to close out the series!! <3

[z-exo-l]

Random TT Thoughts

Ep 7 became a lot more enjoyable on rewatch, and I’m no longer taking issue w that one. 8 had some lovely moments, but it had a lot of padding, and 9 was just frustrating because it felt predominantly *made* of padding. Specifically, discordant padding. And the set up for the main conflict feels really off, especially if the promo is anything to go by. (Though often, it’s not, but some messy groundwork has been laid aleady.)

I’m not worried about leaving the big drama and resolution for the last 3 episodes; (I’m not counting 13, because I’m banking on that one being chiefly fluff again.) because even though we’ve got a fundamentally different season, the same thing happened in s1.

And I would just like to make a few things clear:

I really like season 2. There have been aspects of this season that bothered me, *but* overall they’ve been small things; chiefly filming choices or post-production choices. I’ve also taken into consideration some of the limitations they faced while making a series during a pandemic, so those things haven’t had much impact on my overall enjoyment. Another big point, the complaints people had about what was happening in the plot early and midway...I don’t get it. Episodes 1-6 were so enjoyable, and 7 grew on me, particularly in light of the fact that once I took away the bits that annoyed me there were some golden moments in that episode. I’ve really only had genuine problems with the last two episodes, which yes, is a disappointment.

But, I have to be honest with you, that feeling pales in comparison to the worst-case scenarios I had looming in my head before the season began. I’ve been burned MORE THAN ONCE by the promise that my gay ship would have a happy, loving new season, complete with wedding bells, only to see them crash and burn. (The one very familiar to the BL world is Together With Me 2; the other is an American show that’s a bit outside the scope of this discussion.) But other than the typical conflicts, which mostly don’t bother me anyway, TharnType season 2 has been a delight. And, because of the broken promises I mentioned before, along w the fact that they don’t get married in the novel, I’ve kept it in the back of my head that we might not get a wedding after all, just in case. So even if there *isn’t* a wedding (just in case) I would only be disappointed with the decision, not the whole season. That’s the key for me at this point. Since most of the concerns I had are no longer feasible, as long as Tharn and Type have a happy ending, I’ll be happy.

Tl;dr. I’m disappointed in some of the choices they’ve made/could possibly make, and those specific episodes, but not in season 2 overall.

[tellywoodtrash]

tt, i'm the anon who always goes off to you about how wonderful your lb's are. let me be annoying and say it once again, your new double lb is sooooo good i love it. btw, have u seen the new promo for immj??? "vansh" ka entry and damn, man sure does look amazing in tht all black no beard look. THAT IS HOW YOU STYLE A MAN!!! *look's at vishal's stylist*

Thanks boo; tbh I halfassed it coz I got my period and the faltu ka filler drama gave me a legit headache. 26 minutes of bloody nothing really happening. The only redeeming parts of this show currently are Vishal’s acting, Rrahul’s face, and the existence of Ishani. They need to get Vihaan-Vansh back into the house already and kickstart the actual plot.

Yes, I did see the promo! Mans looks like legit 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 🥵🥵🥵🥵 I just hope they keep him in this kinda Vihaan-y wardrobe, and don’t put him back in those shitty atrangiiii Vansh suits with the scarf thingy. 🤢🤢🤢

[sseroxy]

I think it's time I said something as a person who's in both the BH6 and TTS fandoms.

Here are two facts:

Both shows are underrated

BH6 the movie got overshadowed by Frozen while at least Tangled was allowed to stand

Now here's what i have to say.

Don't you EVER compare these two shows like this. Neither deserve it. They both deserve so much more than they've gotten. They both amazing as movies and shows but you forget that you cannot say BH6 deserves more than Tangled and that Tangled fans are "spoiled" because BH6 doesnt get recognized

In the Tangled fandom we have gone so long without promos or good run times, and sometimes low amounts of new merch. It's barely recognized by the ones who put it on air. Yeah , the fanbase keeps it alive and yes we have gotten some promos finally, but I'll be damned if I ever say we're spoiled and whining.

Now as for Big Hero 6. We got promos all the time, not as much as id like but we got them. The merch is pretty dry but once again thr fandom picks that up. Now you complain about how we didnt even know the season finale was today and bro I got news for you: this latest season sucked and you know it. Everyone has been saying that this police arc was done poorly anf was boring. I think it should have been the first season amd then the next would be Obake and Di. So dony say anything about how we didnt get recognized because this season was just poorly made and you know it. The other arcs ARE AMAZING and everyonr recognized that. Dont bring up this current arc in your argument bc it's trash especially compared to its earlier arcs.

Now, onto who I think deserves more than the other.

Tangled. It's simply put that Tangled deserves more recognition for these few reasons: animation quality, characters, story, writing, character development

Dont get me wrong, BH6 has their moments with everything but animation.

Tangled animation is cleaner anf more appealing to the eye whilr BH6 has animation that was one of my biggest turn awayd when i first watched it. The writing in Tangled understands the characters far more than BH6. And I think that's just because in Tangled the movie, you have the personalities there for a few major characters and the rest are new and easy to mess around with.

BH6 the only character personalities you could see was the base of the main 6 anf for Hiro, Baymax, Tadashi, Fred, Cass, and Callahan you are given and actual personality. It's harder to do much with the rest when their personalities and stories are basic from the beginning.

Now for plot: Tangled has a more steady and consistent plot and that's just because of the way the show is made. I cant compare anything here except that thr plot is more satisfying.

Characters: I saif most in writing but you gotta admit that Tanglrd has better characters than BH6 I mean come on

And finally characters development: pretty simple. The characters in BH6 stay pretty stagnant in most situations. Since thr movie they have kept their personalities for the most part. Whereas in Tangled, every character has changed in their story anf in their character itself.

And with this I say Tangled deserves more recognition than it has because of all of these reasons and I wish BH6 would get more as well, but you can't say that the tangled fans are spoiled when we havr a great show that only now started getting consistent promos.

And this is coming from a person in both fandoms.

[marshmellowtea]

hey!! im gonna send you a lot of charas, you can answer them as you want, I just wanna make sure you have enough to answer all you want!! seishi, nikei, ayumu, marin maki, komaeda, makoto, mikan and sayake, please!

aaaaaaaa anon ur so sweet ilysm ;o; 

i’ll probably have to divide these into a couple posts so i can break it into chunks for myself but i’ll start off with seishi, nikei, and ayumu here :’0 

also putting this under a cut so i hopefully don’t break anyone’s dashes 

seishi 

favorite thing about them 

he’s just,, baby?? he’s just baby hdfjaslkdfsdf i don’t even know how to describe it. i was attached to him the moment i saw him and the more i watched of him the more in love i fell he’s such a precious dork,, 

least favorite thing about them 

idk if this actually counts because this is more of a criticism of his writing than anything but it’s so annoying how people just default him to “standard evil villain” after the katagiri zen reveal like no,, there’s so much more that can be done with him,, how dare you,, 

favorite line 

tbh as much as i’m disappointed (read: angry) with the direction voices was going to go, “did you just call us horny?” is still an ICONIC line fhaslksdfjlksdf i love it so much 

brOTP 

him and marin! also him and mikoto,, and him and nico,, tbh him and any girl is good he just vibes “let’s go wlw let’s go!!”, y’know? i also like him and nikei being like. adopted brothers or adopted cousins tbh it’s really cute 

OTP 

seishi/akira/ayumu/saiji. yes that it as an ot4. yes it counts come at me bro. any seishi/rebirth boy ship is good tho 

nOTP 

i,, really don’t like seishi/girls fjadsklfjsadf feels bad man 

random headcanon 

he has TRAUMA dammit!! i hc that he has a backstory similar to maki’s in that he was forced into being an assassin at a young age so it wasn’t really his choice to get involved in all this. i’ve kinda ran that idea into the ground at this point though so here’s a lighter headcanon: when he was 14, he reeeaaaally wanted to be a cat. like, to the point where he’s embarrassed to look back on those days because oh my god he really straight up tried to act like a cat 24/7 huh? kinda ties into another headcanon of mine that he’s less mature than he lets on and tends to go through periods of feeling kinda childlike but ssshh shsh shsh shush

unpopular opinion 

he’s a good boy with a morally dubious job and that doesn’t make him automatically evil. y’all are just unimaginative, uncreative and mean >:( 

song i associate with them 

coughs at my seishi and zen playlists uhh there’s a lot tbh but the songs most strongly connected with him in my mind are “this is how you spell haha we destroyed the hopes and dreams of a generation of faux romantics” by los campesinos! and “i’ve got all this ringing in my ears and none on my fingers” by fall out boy (and yes those are two songs with very long titles i know hdfaklsjdflsd ;w;) 

favorite picture of them 

aaaa rebirth doesn’t have a lot of good cgs to pull from across either of its canons and idk if fanart counts so,, but gosh i really love his surprised sprite. he’s like :o. he’s so baby i love him so much 

nikei 

favorite thing about them 

he’s so interesting. it’s clear a lot of work went into his character, and it’s always a fascinating struggle to try and write him. i think it might be a bit easier after chapter four is fully translated but still there’s a lot of complexity to him and it’s interesting trying to break down his outer shell and get inside his head, y’know? also, he’s adorable. i wanna squish his cheeks. 

least favorite thing about them 

oh my GOD does my boy stress me out. i hate seeing him being mean to my other favorite characters and i’m always just like baby why are you like this please don’t ohmygod?? i’m gonna have to watch chapter four with my hands covering my eyes hasdfjslkdf i hate betrayal plots :’) 

favorite line 

this is kinda hard actually hasdkflsjdfk but “and she threw them away just like that? girl, are you a genius or an idiot, make up your mind!” from the third trial is reALLY GOOD FHKJDFLKDSF on a more heartbreaking note though him apologizing before he dies is just,, god. god.

brOTP 

him and the other voids!! they’re a family fight me. and him and seishi, ofc. i also like him and setsuka a lot though,, after chapter six i’m doubling down on my “she’s his mom!!” stance okay. i also like him and yoruko because i think they could have a fun dynamic (and maybe a soft dynamic with older yoruko,, maybe,,)(what i’m saying is that he gains another mom okay. let me project my mommy issues in peace) 

OTP 

i,, actually largely headcanon him as aro so there’s not a lot of ships with him i’m super passionate about?? i still kinda like him and setsuka in aus and such but other than that i mostly dropped all my ships for him after chapter six cuz it’s no big loss to me. though,, i’m not gonna lie, i still have a HUGE soft spot for sorakei. after seeing his free time events they just,, grew on me and i’d think they’d be really cute together c’mon guys can we make it happen- :’0 

nOTP 

nikei/mikado nikei/mikado nikei/mikado LIKE CAN WE PUT IT TO REST ALREADY I ACTUALLY HATE IT 

random headcanon 

his hair is actually naturally super curly and he straightens it every morning so other people don’t realize this. the other voids think it looks really cute pre-straightener but he thinks it makes it hard for others to take him seriously which is why he goes to such lengths to try to hide it basically he does NOT appreciate the cooing he gets from emma, thank you very much. hgalsdjfadlfkl

unpopular opinion 

i’m not actually sure if this counts cuz i don’t see this on tumblr at least but i don’t think we should take what he says to emma and hajime in the void theater at face value. i think despite what he says he actually does care about them in his own way, he just doesn’t really show it well because he doesn’t like to be vulnerable around others. he’s an asshole sometimes (actually a lot of the time hadsflkjsdflk), but that doesn’t mean he’s unfeeling or unable to care about people. 

song i associate with them 

once again side eyes my nikei playlist ahdfslksdfjslkfd a part of me doesn’t want to spoil one of the songs on it because i do eventually wanna release it to the public but i really just,, i really gotta go with “are you satisfied?” by marina. it’s just too perfect and i think of him every time i hear it now 

favorite picture of them 

honestly? his first tts avatar. no talk him. him angy his last tts avatar upsets me though LEAVE HIM BE LINUJ

ayumu 

favorite thing about them 

AAAAAAAAAA BOYFRIEND BOYFRIEND he’s so sweet such a good boy!! i like that he’s empathetic towards others cuz of his luck and he cares about how it affects them. i like that he’s soft and definitely a good cuddle partner. i love that he’s a trans icon even if that’s not really the intent i don’t care he just vibes trans so well (gal or guy or nonbinary but i tend to stick with the trans guy headcanon cuz haha i transmasc-)  

least favorite thing about them 

i kinda wish he had more of a canon sarcastic side? i mean i’m gonna continue to write him that way lol but c’mon there had to have been times where his luck is just so wildly terrible that his inner hinata jumps out and he makes a quip about it hfkajsdfksdf 

favorite line 

aaaaaa his little hope speech during in voices’ chapter one trial makes me soft,, i love him so much,, i also like him shutting aruma down when she’s being too horny hdlkajdsflksdf it’s really good 

brOTP 

ngl i tend to ship him with most of the class so,, like,, i also brotp him with the whole class,, dalfksdlfkasdf 

OTP 

see above but my favorite of those pairings are ayumu/seishi, ayumu/akira and ayumu/mikoto 

nOTP 

when i’m headcanoning him as a trans guy: nico, misuzu, and kasumi cuz i hc them as lesbians. when i’m headcanoning her as a trans girl: seishi. kind of a nonissue when i go with a nonbinary headcanon though 

random headcanon 

he plays minecraft with akira a lot, but they always have to play in create mode where you can’t really die otherwise it’s just a montage of ayumu dying over and over again, pfft. even with unlimited life though he still usually ends up stuck somewhere and akira has to come dig him out and since akira’s a rude boy he’s always laughing his ass off as he’s doing it smh >:0

unpopular opinion 

it’s,, silly to be mad about his “secretly a boy” twist on the same level as you’re mad about the v3 protag twist,, it’s a fangan and not even that well known of one at that like it doesn’t really have the power to “break down barriers” like that or whatever tf you’re expecting hdsflkajsfdlksdf 

song i associate with them 

he’s another character i have a playlist for ahdflaksdjflaksd but “this is home” by cavetown and i cry every time :’) 

favorite picture of them 

once again there’s not a lot of canon art to pull from but i do adore the promo art of him with his “male” and “female” versions :’0 

[dearly]

Ok I agree with your points to that anon, but you can’t look at the others and compare them to Louis when they seem to be different artists. Louis seems to prioritize perfecting his album in lieu of being public whereas Niam, especially liam like to go overboard with promo. Liam also has had 2 songs out since the beginning of the year so he has more incentive to do performances whereas Louis only had MY that his label and him seemed to scrap in place of getting the album done. Also 1)

Zayn was in the middle of a promo rollout when he was dropped/left his management team. It does happen and if I remember correctly Louis actually switched labels a week or two before Back To You was released. We’re also going off of an unknown album date so for all we know the album could be dropping end of the year/next year and the rollout might start later this year. Idk just wanted to add a second opinion. 2)-end

i don’t even know where to start with this. like i said people can be as optimistic as they want, but i don’t need your second opinion when it has no basis in what we’re seeing. you people think i’m drawing conclusions based on nothing? i’m drawing conclusions based on past events. and you seem to have a completely different idea of how this shit works, putting a whole lot of decision making at louis’ feet. 

“they seem to be different artists” as in… louis is the kind of artists who doesn’t need promo? doesn’t need brand building? literally what are you even talking about? even indie artists get promo. here’s a story: last year i had peak solo louis optimism. because of his connection with high snobiety and noisey i figured OK–they are going the “indie” route. i adjusted my expectations in my head, no jingle ball and big radio bashes in sight, and i figured then he’d be doing lots of festivals this year–not radio ones, but stuff like governor’s ball, lolla, osheaga etc. the stuff that appeals to that crowd. maybe he’d be talked up to stereogum which is the arbiter of indie taste. he could do kexp live lounge etc. what did we get? nothing. and as someone who does frequent lots of indie sites let me tell you he’s not even on their radar, and if he is it’s not in a positive light.

liam has had two more songs out… is the exact point. he’s getting to release his music. and i don’t know how you’re just brushing aside the fact that MY was completely abandoned? that’s not normal. you don’t scrap a single in order to get the album done? additionally you’re forgetting that niall promoed TT for months. he then promoed SH for months and did festivals with just TT and SH under his belt. there’s absolutely not logical reason for louis to be out of the spotlight. and you seem to think louis…. decided to stop promoting MY? like i’m sorry but you’re putting so much onus on him in all of this when he’s not the one pulling the strings. they spent so much energy promoting its debut on TXF only to drop it immediately – almost like it was only TXF promo. 

i didn’t say that no artists change teams mid-rollout, i said it’s a bad sign. and how well have things worked out for zayn exactly? how much promo is he doing? right. management contracts are quite rigid and are typically on year terms, which means louis dropped them because he didn’t want to renew for another year or two because he knows how shit they’ve been (which should indicate that he is in fact not happy with how his career has been handled so far, which punches a hole in your theory that he’s just a ‘different artist’ who doesn’t want to ‘overboard’). i am very cautiously optimistic about what a new management might entail. but as i’ve said, we’ve been burned before. really, really badly. so no, i’m not going to sit here and say everything is now under control when we’ve literally not seen any indication that things have changed for the better just yet. 

as for unknown dates–louis said the album was coming in the first half of the year. that’s by the end of june. i really fucking hope that’s not when the album is actually coming because the lack of lead up is criminal and will be used to push the idea that he’s a failure. and to clarify– i don’t think he is one. i think he has the potential to do so much. but that’s not how he’s being treated or reported on. 

and no, he didn’t change labels. he was reported as being distributed by RCA in the US, that was corrected to say he was actually with epic. they are both sony subsidiaries. i believe epic is the smaller of the two labels, so if you wanna be really pessimistic i’d say sony told RCA “here you go” and they were like, “nah” so they had to shuffle him over to epic who has shown zero interest in supporting him. it’s been a nonstop waiting game. epic prioritized camila we said, “okay maybe once her album is out they’re going to give louis some focus.” didn’t happen. we won him the best solo breakout award over her, hoping that would jolt them into paying some attention to him, didn’t happen. now they’re putting all their juice in meghan trainor. syco are too busy praising harry to even know a louis and also promoting their new boyband that’s supposed to replace 1d. they don’t care about him.

considering everything that’s going on i don’t think i or anyone else can be blamed for being worried. the only thing that will reassure me is an actual change in direction and promo. not your rose coloured interpretation of events.the reality is what mika has said, and what i’ve been saying from the start: “Am I going to be in the top seven global priorities at my record company? Because if you’re not, you have to face up to that – and find other ways to get what you need to promote your career.” louis is not one of the priorities at his label. he isn’t. and maybe, hopefully his new management will help him to stay relevant and accomplish something in spite of syco/epic and can secure him a deal with a label that will prioritize him later. but we don’t know that that’s going to happen. and i don’t do blind faith or blind trust anymore. i’m still completely devastated about how wrong i was about so many things. i still cry when i think about how different i thought this “hiatus” was going to turn out. i cannot afford to be optimistic again and be crushed again. 

so please. go be optimistic somewhere else. i’m waiting for concrete proof that things have changed.

[chiwoopsie]

i only collect svt albums!! i am a multi stan, tho carat first, but i don't care as much about other groups to collect their albums :/ soo yeah 😅 wbu??

omg gose 2020 got me through many bad things i will never stop loving it !!! i rewatched so many episodes so many times and i'm never bored of it<3 i'm glad it brought so much popularity to them!! ohhh I LIKE YOUR CHOICES!!!! honestly i feel like anything you pick you can't go wrong with since every episode is iconic in it's own way!! it's so hard for me to choose top 3 but let's say don't lie, insomnia zero and boo seungkwan's past life destiny!!! from 2021 i liked let's go seventeen mostly bc i reeeeally really really wanted them to do a concept like wipeout? and ik it would cost a lot of money but i'll take the crumbs<3 also 13 raiders is another fave 😂 i listed so many episodes sorry 😅 the other concept i want them to do is something similar to hello baby 😭 or put hoshi in a tiger den? 👀

OK SO for the mission we have rn which is a sleepover i think we can do many fun things including my game but let's go one at a time yeah?? i think it's less overwhelming but if you want me to send everything i have in mind in on ask do let me know and i will in the next one!!

so i wanted to talk about unpopular opinions first cause i think it's fun and you struck me as someone with many (from the bside you chose and also gose eps)!! i'll give you my top 3 unpopular opinions regarding svt (honestly since you're a multi stan too, we could expand this to kpop in general? but we don't have to since this is a carat event lol we can do both i'm good with whatever):

i like jeonghan with short hair more than him with long hair; like he obviously looks good with either i swear to god he could have a nest on his head instead of hair and he would still look good????? but yeah idk i like him better with short hair, i think my favorite jeonghan look was during henggarae era (short brown hair) but dwc jeonghan is a great competitor

director's cut > teen,age; ok so i feel like director's cut is not talked about enough? i think it's a great album and the additional 4 songs just give teen,age a little something i really needed!! thanks is one of my favorite tts and run to you of bsides, and i think director's cut as a whole show svt's versatility than teen,age

i wish downpour wasn't given to ioi and remained as a svt song instead; downpour is a beautiful song!!! it's so emotional and i love it so much, it would fit seventeen and their discography perfectly and it really feels like a svt song performed by ioi!! it's such a woozi song and i'd give it all to have svt perform it, it obviously wasn't a mistake since it did draw more attention as ioi song than it would've as a svt's bside but still :/ a girl can dream

your turn!!!

- 💎

oooh ok i used to buy a lot of albums but then realized i never look at them ever again once i get them lol so now i just get the ones i reeally love

BSK's past life destiny and the let's go svt eps were my runner ups!! i really love boo channeling the 2000s era entertainment (music/tv/comedy etc) it's so cute and nostalgic like it makes me feel like i lived thru those times with him ahaha BUT IMAGINE SVT ON WIPEOUT OMG just imagining them tryna bounce on those big inflatable red balls dlkjfalkdsj

idk if i have unpopular opinions??? bc i just know them as my opinions y'know and im not sure what the 'popular' opinion is on a lot of things but here are some thoughts i have that might get me some haterz on stan twt i guess:

the hybe villian agenda - attributing every decision that changes/impacts svt's status quo to hybe (i.e. gose broadcast time, more american promos etc) seems petty and unnecessary. maybe it's bc i started off in kpop years ago as a bts stan but we as fans dont know shit about their internal company/business agendas, not to mention that these changes are nothing to get worked up over in the big scheme of things ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ now, if svt didnt renew, then it would be another story but they did (thank goodness) so ppl just need to chill lol

aju nice as a song is good but not great - everything about aju nice and its legacy is ICONIC but after hearing the licking/slurping sound sprinkled in the background, i cant unhear it so it’s kinda ruined for me

minghao has the best laugh in svt - idk if this is actually true but i think carats generally vote that dino has the best laugh? or was it vernon..? regardless, minghao’s lil giggles beats ‘em all^^

i had other ones in mind earlier but i forgot so we’ll just keep it at 3 for now heh My sleepover question for you is: have you ever seen svt live? if you have, tell me all about it!! if you haven’t, what are the top 5 songs/performances you want to see in concert (so if you could put together your ideal setlist with like special guests too 👀👀) 

[missaureus]

ElyXiOn in Manila Pt. 3

The fans were ecstatically waving their lightsticks on the air to match up the heated screams as the arena lights turned off. I was about to tear up. Overwhelmed. The boys were already on the rising platform ready to be revealed while the first VCR was rolling. I just had my hand covering my mouth because I still cannot believe it was already happening. They were hitting the notes of the first song, The Eve. As expected, the vocals were just unbelievably powerful. It served me goosebumps! It was starting but I was still being slapped by a big wave of panic and shock. I did not know what to do first! I just kept on excessively saying Oh my god! in between the mouth covering. Not to mention that they were performing on the main stage, thus, I had to take an effort tiptoeing to be able to see them from my area. Nonetheless, I just tried to watch them with my eyes instead of taking videos. The next song was on, Forever, followed by Kokobop, and I already had the guts to figure on how I can take videos with that kind of situation. 

During Growl, the boys were already approaching towards the center extended stage that caused chaos in our pit! I kept on chanting how handsome they are, especially when Jongin was dancing in front of my eyes! It is not even my first time to see him but I was still surprised! God really spent so much time molding this guy TT After the group performance was XiuBaek’s break dance on the rising platform of the center stage. It was good, I was questioning why they aren’t the main dancers of the group. No joke at all! VCR 2 played and eventually a time to appreciate the art that Jongin is while performing I See You. How I wish I saw it much closer since he did it on the main stage but still, seeing the whole production was beautiful. His spins were made out of grace.

After Jongin’s solo stage was the musical part. This was actually a favorite, it is analogous to the acoustic medley of EXOrDium setlist. It consisted of three songs, Call Me Baby, Touch It, and Chill. I love how hyped they were in this segment, they were trying to tell a story of young professionals going to a bar after a hard day from the office. Great acting with those facial gestures and body language plus the adlibs. Did I mention how grand the set-up was? Because it was grand grand! I wonder how they assemble such background in overseas stops, am curious. This is what I love about Kpop concerts, they invest so much on the production and do pioneering concepts. Every cent used to buy the concert ticket is worth it. Always. 

Kyungsoo had his solo stage, For Life English version. Thank you for the crowd respecting the masterpiece by staying silent throughout the solemn part of the song. In between silence, one fan really shouted his lung’s content, “I love you, Kyungsoo!. I felt that and it broke me to tears. Being able to attend ElyXiOn was a miracle and I was so much grateful that I chose to fight for it until the end. I wiped my wet cheeks out and sighed with relief. Thank God for this experience.

Next to the set list were Going Crazy and Sweet Lies. The choreographies were done to the center narrow stage. Eventually, first ment! They forwarded and stayed in their usual line formation to officially greet everyone. I was happy to see them together again after a long time. Manila stop was a reunion for all since they had different flights coming to the country. They just had short introductions of their names with matching Mabuhay, Kamusta kayo? and such. Next in line were Boomerang and Lotto. I love the throwback feels of the microphone props used in Bthe latter song. Lotto is just that song! I do not know but Jongin is just crazy for it! Probably because he was not able to do promo stages of it he gotta give his all for all remaining Lotto stages haha.

Kids at play plus messing up with CBX during Kaching happened next. This part was so wildt! Umin and Jongdae’s faces were on a life-sized fake peso bill and coin hahaha! Money’s good. Money’s bad! 

Finally, a rest for everyone! A ballad on the list, Sing for You. The members had an individual big portrait LED screens on stage. Did I mention that they sing live? Because yes! And after calming our nerves down, they attacked again. What’s good, Junmyeon? He just rudely performed Playboy on a table. The disrespect that I was not able to handle! But it was so cute he was trying to pull off a fierce and sexy image but it is out of his line. Hands down to the leader who loves to try new unfamiliar things. I guess this whole concert duration was a good example of a roller coaster ride haha! They would love to wreck you with intimate or hard performances and fix you back with ballads. Hand by Chanyeol emotionally wrecked everyone.

Back to happy setlist - Cloud 9, What U Do?, Lucky One and Tender Love. Okay this part was top-tier chaos, especially during the last song. The boys where scattered all over the arena, reaching corners to throw signed balls. There was swerving of people within the pit. I was so afraid of stampede to happen!!! My videos were so messy, I even recorded myself shouting at the back to stop pushing lmao. It continued for some time until the segment ended. Second ment is on. As I reviewed my fancams, there was even a part that I was not able to turn it off, I was uttering “ Wala na, patay nako!” It’s over, I’m dead already! because that was honestly scary. I cannot remember what they really talked about during this time but I can only remember Junmyeon kept on praising Filipino fans for singing along well haha. He even asked if we have Korean academy in the country lol. He also asked this during EXOrDium. We do no not to fanchants, that’s the rule. No one bends the rule!

The boys split up again, staying on the side extended stage. I honestly forgot what songs to be performed were on the spot near me but Jongin stopped literally in front of me, or in front of our area, there were like two people in front of me, during Walk on Memories! I tried hard to get my crumpled cloth banner that I happened to put in my back pocket! I raised it with my one hand and waved it while struggling to used my other hand to video him! I swear that was the closest proximity that I had with Jongin huhuhuhu! His eyes wandered over the crowd. I was not sure if he was able to read it. It was written as GOD KAI. But when it was already Jongin’s turn to sings his part, he acknowledged me by pointing it my banner mannerly HUHUHUHUHU!!! I shouted and kept chanting ohmygodohmygod!!! I must have saved someone from my previous life to deserve this! (okay, I am currently having a goosebumps while typing this down huhu) I was not able to video it properly, my whole existence was trembling. I tried to remain calm for the rest of the song since he did not leave the spot! I tried to reviewed my fancam second by second and yes, he read it! I am sure. 

Next in line was Heaven, a solo stage of Jongdae. I tried to collect myself this time. I was devastated in a good way. Is that even possible? I was already so satisfied and blessed to be recognized for once in my fangirl life. It was a right decision to stay in the area! What were the odds? I was greatly favored!

Though I could already go back to my condo, happy and satisfied, the most awaited part was yet to happen, the club/rave one! With Sehun’s Go as a mood-setter of the segment. I am so proud of him, producing this song! The next was Diamond, followed by Coming Over, and Run This. During Run This, Sehun replaced Jongin’s spot. He was so so so close! He even bent towards our area to reach for the microphone! He was unbelievably handsome! The last two songs were, Drop That and Power and ohmygod again because Jongin assumed his former position. What a dream to see him dance to Power in front of me!!! This part was fun. I guess its very highlight was when Jongdae was on a rising platform and it elevated when he sang the high-note part of Drop That! It was so lit! The confetti bombarded afterwards to end the grand moment. 

Encore followed. The fans were chanting. I was in denial that it was about to end. The boys appeared again and I was left silent because they skipped Monster which was originally on the setlist. I felt robbed, that song is lit. I need to witness it! Sadly, it went that way. They performed Don’t Go on the rising platform of the center stage. I was figuratively clenching my heart because the song brought so much emotions, happy and sad. We are literally growing with them. The fairytale-ish era was gone. 

EXO proceeded with their ending ments. Chanyeol shared that he had his scuba diving lessons in the Philippines and is now a licensed scuba diver. He also expressed that the country is one of the best places to chill and relax (we take pride of our white sand beaches and anything that plays with nature!) Kyungsoo was regretful that we only had one day for Manila stop, he also expressed that he loves to visit Philippines because of the food. Jongin said that we also wanted to have more days to perform in this stop and will try to do so for the next concerts. He expressed how much he enjoyed the loud crowd neomu neomu! Manila is the best! is the most remarkable comment that Jongdae mentioned. Minseok shared that Manila stop was a reunion for the members since they were not able to see each other due to individual schedules. He considered Manila stop very memorable because of that. Baekhyun emphasized how passionate PH fans are that he also drained all his energy to be at par with ours. It only meant that he enjoyed performing on stage for the fans. While Baekhyun was expressing his thoughts, the fans sang in chorus an advance happy birthday for Baekhyun. Sehun also expressed his interest of going back to the Philippines apart from doing concerts. It was already Junmyeon’s turn for the ment. He asked the fans if we’ve noticed those dust flying from above because he thought that the day was Blooming Day. I guess he just want to do a free promo for CBX haha that he then sang the song and hoped for the subunit to have a Manila stop for their concert. The other members were very chaotic throughout the ment, they had their own world especially ChanKaiSoo! Junmyeon noticed Jongin playfully let the two chicken toys kissed lmao and Junmyeon had secondhand embarassment while asking for apology. To distract the moment, Baekhyun sang Baby Shark hahahahahaha what the hell, I swear they are kids! The crowd joined the singing and the members were all smiley. When Junmyeon said that the members did not want to back to Korea [because they were enjoying too much on stage]  the VIP to general admission chanted “Walang uuwi! Walang uuwi!” I swear that was the loudest cheer we had that night! But I so disappointed because the translator did not translate it. You only have one job, miss. Junmyeon was actually asking what it was about and got no respond. Fans were already shouting at the top of our lungs “Nobody goes home!!!” Sadly, he did not get the message. Junmyeon shared a heartwarming message that: Wherever we are, EXO and EXOLs are one. Baekhyun, again, started singing Baby Shark and the crowd followed lmao. Jongdae and Xiumin were so done with him that they grabbed Baekhyun on the neck to make him stop. Lastly, Junmyeon said they will be back for a vacation and new concert and introduced the last song, Angel. 

The boys are happily picking stuff thrown on stage by the fans and tried to wear everything they liked! It was really the end of this soon-to-be memory~ Kyungsoo shouted loudly “ Mahal kita, Philippines!” and I appreciated it so much! We ended the day with a photo taking with everyone in the arena. They waved goodbye as they vanished like a sunset under the main stage. 

It was over but I was so happy. Probably the happiest. Definitely the best concert. I love them more. It is more than just stanning EXO as an artist but they are people who are part of my youth. I take pride of whatever they do in their life and career that makes them whole are a human being. 

I went how full the next day. I went to the airport alone and took time to appreciate how lucky I am and I greatly honored the Lord for letting me come this far. He knew how much I had, a fistful of endurance over not-so pleasant events but He allowed me and did not let go of me. Thank God. Thank God. 

[shitfics]

One of These Nights (6/?); jongyu; pg

Jinki knows that he’s gay. What he doesn’t know is how to handle a crush on someone as entwined in the music industry as he is.

part 1 - part 2 - part 3 - part 4 - part 5

new part, finally! ^^; i have quite a bit of work to go on the next, and i’m trying to reach 50k on my wip by the end of the month, so i’m not sure when the next part will be up...but i wanted to put this out there since it was already done and about the same length as the other portions, instead of sitting on a huge chunk forever. hope y’all enjoy! jongyu are finally making some progress 8)

The emotional hangover of his fight with Jonghyun sticks with him into the next morning. From the moment he wakes up, his stomach feels like lead, and the weight of his regret makes him drag his feet even more than usual when they arrive at the airport for their early-morning flight back to Japan. He keeps his eyes closed as they wait in line, letting himself enjoy the sleepiness that keeps his thoughts at bay, only to be pulled out of it by the familiar ring and vibration of his phone from the side of his bag.

Without thinking, he pulls out his phone, only for his stomach to drop when he sees the blink of Jonghyun’s username on the screen. He blinks at it for a moment, then quickly shoves it into the pocket of his sweatpants before he can read any of the message’s content.

He doesn’t know if he has the nerve yet to see what Jonghyun has to say. Would it be a continuation of their argument last night, or something else? He fiddles with the switch on the side of his phone and considers his options. It would be so easy to ignore whatever Jonghyun’s message said, when he only has a quarter of an hour before they board their flight. And after that, forgetting will be even easier once he’s sucked back into the whirlwind of promotions.

He chews his lip. Does he really want to do that, when he already regretted not sticking around last night? Even if Jonghyun just messaged him to lecture him more for smoking, he’d rather hear that again than wait and wonder if Jonghyun hated him for storming out like he did.

Taking a deep breath, Jinki pulls out the phone and taps the screen to open Jonghyun's messages.

realjonghyun85: Hey Jinki-yah

realjonghyun85: I remember you have a schedule, so I hope you got some sleep

realjonghyun85: Have a safe flight

Jinki stares at the screen, conflicted. He’d hoped Jonghyun wouldn’t continue their argument but...he doesn’t know what to think of a message like this. Did Jonghyun want to pretend nothing happened?

The boarding announcement buzzes through the speakers before he can think of a reply to compose. Jinki turns off his phone and shoves it deep into his bag. He doesn’t want to send anything thoughtless just because he’s in a hurry.

Once they’re boarded, he sits on his thoughts for a moment before opening the notepad function to trying out the start of a dozen responses he could send.

His first is angry — just a repeat of the same argument last night, with more words on his side, because now he doesn’t have to deal with someone arguing back — and isn’t what he wants to say at all. With a sigh, he backs out and deletes it, then starts on another, making sure to stop and take a break whenever he feels his defenses flying back up. Jonghyun is right that he shouldn’t smoke, he knows — that’s obvious. But he didn’t want to be told that then, during his first real break home after he’s spent month stuffing himself into a smaller and smaller box to fit what their managers wanted for their debut in Japan and keep from going crazy from their schedules.

After typing it all out, he takes a deep breath, then starts on his apology. Though he wanted Jonghyun to know his reasons for snapping at him so quickly, that isn’t the most important part to him now — he wants Jonghyun to know that he’s sorry for losing his temper, and even sorrier for leaving and missing the first night they would have gotten to spend together in months.

He copies the text to his clipboard and opens his chat with Jonghyun the moment they land, not wasting a minute to message him back.

majingki: Thanks hyung

majingki: We just landed

Jinki’s stomach drops when the message is immediately marked as read. This isn’t how he planned for it to go — the only reason he found the nerve to message Jonghyun immediately was the assumption that he would be asleep — and now he doesn’t have the courage to send the paragraphs-long apology he’d written up.

He swallows, forcing himself to keep the screen open, watches the messages roll in.

realjonghyun85: I'm really glad to hear that Jinki-yah

realjonghyun85: Um

realjonghyun85: About last night...

realjonghyun85: I don't know if you want to talk about it

realjonghyun85: But I want to say I’m sorry for getting so pushy

realjonghyun85: I know you wanted to relax

realjonghyun85: I just care about you a lot, and it caught me off guard to find out you smoke...

realjonhyun85: I don't want you to hurt your voice or your health

majingki: I know smoking isn’t the best for me hyung...

majingki: But I really needed the break

majingki: I just wanted to spend time with you last night

majingki: It’s hard being away from home for so long

majingki: I’d really been looking forward to seeing you

realjonghyun85: I know

realjonghyun85: I'm really sorry I ruined that

realjonghyun85: I wanted you to be able to relax too

majingki: It’s okay

majingki: And I'm sorry too hyung

majingki: You didn’t deserve me getting so angry and snapping at you

majingki: I knew you meant well and I shouldn’t have reacted that way

majingki: Or left so suddenly without trying to talk it out

majingki: Sigh...

majingki: I really wish I hadn't now

majingki: I haven't gotten to see you in so long

realjonghyun85: Yeah...

realjonghyun85: That hurt the most, because I've missed you a lot too

realjonghyun85: But I understand why you left

realjonghyun85: You know me too well, and I would have kept pushing it

majingki: Only because you're worried

majingki: I should have been understanding of that too

realjonghyun85: I still could’ve found a better time to nag you about it

realjonghyun85: I shouldn't have pushed it when you were so stressed already TT

majingki: It’s fine hyung ... really

majingki: We both messed up

realjonghyun85: Yeah ... I just hate that I made you so mad

realjonghyun85: I really didn’t mean to seem like I look down on you

majingki: I'm not mad anymore, okay?

realjonghyun85: Yeah?

majingki: Really, I’m not

realjonghyun85: Okay TT

 realjonghyun85: I’ll take your word for it

majingki: ^^

majingki: Are we good then?

realjonghyun85: I think so

realjonghyun85: I mean ... I’m still going to worry about your smoking...

realjonghyun85: But if you won’t give it up right now...

realjonghyun85: I’d at least prefer you don’t around me, since I’m sensitive to smells... and I’d rather not think about you smoking

realjonghyun85: Is that alright?

majingki: Sure hyung

majingki: I can do that

majingki: So let’s forget about this, okay? ^^

majingki: We already wasted one night on this ... I don't want to waste my time messaging you too

majingki: Since we don’t get to chat often while I’m in Japan

realjonghyun85: Yeah ... I think I feel the same

realjonghyun85: I'll try to forget about it TT

realjonghyun85: Hopefully I can get some sleep now before the radio

majingki: Did you not sleep hyung?

majingki: I was kind of surprised you messaged me back at this time...

realjonghyun85: Ah, yeah...

realjonghyun85: I couldn't sleep ^^;

realjonghyun85: I kept thinking about our fight over and over...

realjonghyun85: I was worried you wouldn't want to talk to me as much now

realjonghyun85: I got really worked up I guess

majingki: It was just one fight hyung

majingki: I wouldn't stop talking to you over that

realjonghyun85: I guess ... but you were really mad

realjonghyun85: We've never fought before, and I've never seen you like that...

realjonghyun85: I didn't know what would happen after

majingki: I'm sorry

realjonghyun85: It’s okay TT

realjonghyun85: I just hate that my eyes are all puffy now, and I didn’t sleep...

realjonghyun85: You owe me tissues for making me cry Jinki-yah

majingki: ... really?

majingki: I can't tell if you're joking over text...

realjonghyun85: I'm not!

realjonghyun85: Of course I cried a bit ... I cry easily

realjonghyun85: And I ruined the one chance I've had to see you in months

majingki: Hyung TT

majingki: I’m sorry

majingki: I’ll be sure to call you lots to make up for it? ^^

majingki: Our schedules here are winding down a little, since it's just the album that's left...

majingki: It’s already recorded and we don’t have any more music videos to film so it won't be as bad

majingki: We can try video calling if you want, too!

majingki: I picked up a new phone with a better camera

realjonghyun85: He he ... finally!!

realjonghyun85: For an idol you had a pretty crappy phone

majingki: ....thanks hyung

realjonghyun85: You’re welcome

realjonghyun85: I missed teasing you~

realjonghyun85: But if you can video chat, I'd like that a lot

realjonghyun85: I always wonder if your hair is different, but I only get to see it in the fan pictures...

majingki: I don’t think I’ll be changing it much for our next promos

majingki: Just letting it grow out a little ^^

majingki: But if we don't get to video chat, I'll start sending you more selcas

realjonghyun85: Just for me?!

realjonghyun85: You should just post on twitter or something like that

realjonghyun85: Your fans would like it too ^^

majingki: But you’re a different kind of fan ^^

majingki: And you know me, I'm a private person usually

realjonghyun85: I've noticed he he ... you never use your twitter

realjonghyun85: But that's fine!

realjonghyun85: You can just send them directly to me~

majingki: Just for you hyung ^^ my biggest fan

realjonghyun85: He he... don't flatter me like that Jinki-yah

realjonghyun85: I’m going to sleep soon and it’ll give me weird dreams

realjonghyun85: Now that I feel better, my eyes are slipping closed...

majingki: Oh yeah?

majingki: I’ve heard my fans have those a lot ...

realjonghuyn85: Fans tell you about that?!

realjonghyun85: Wow ... I thought they were all so innocent

realjonghyun85: How do you smile at them so sweetly knowing they think about that stuff...

majingki: They seem innocent to me?

majingki: One told me about a dream she had where I was a rabbit that worked at a shoe store

majingki: And another had one where I became her class president and made the whole class learn lucifer...

majingki: Are you talking about something else? ^^

realjonghyun85: Hmph

realjonghyun85: I’m not answering that!

realjonghyun85: You’re just teasing me because I’m tired!

majingki: Sorry hyung ^^

majingki: I can’t help it

realjonghyun85: Well I can’t either! My dirty mind slips out when I don’t get enough sleep

realjonghyun85: I should really go ... sorry Jinki -yah

majingki: It’s okay ^^ We’re on our way to the dorms now anyway

majingki: You can catch up on your rest and we'll talk more later

realjonghyun85: You take care Jinki-yah

realjonghyun85: Don’t work too hard!

 ***

 With their three Japanese singles already out, and their full album on the way, the constant recordings and photoshoots required to build up their Japanese presence are over. Now, it’s just a matter of showcases and concerts, which gives them the flexibility to bounce between Korea and Japan to fill whatever events SM decides for them. The travel is exhausting in ways that returning consistently to the same dorm isn’t, but for Jinki, it’s worth the trade off of getting to return home: only a few weeks after their new schedule begins, he has enough free time in Korea to meet up with Jonghyun and make up for the and billiards they’d missed out on the last time he’d been in Seoul.

It’s been a long time since both of them played, and though Jinki manages to break the balls from their starting cluster cleanly, Jonghyun isn’t quite as lucky.

The first shot he makes misses by a mile — somehow, though he’d been aiming for the simplest shot avaliable, he manages to ricochet the cue ball off of every side of the table without hitting even a single ball. Jinki smiles as he watches it travel around the table, grin broadening when it finally rolls to a stop at a perfect spot for him to pocket it on his next turn.

Jonghyun covers his face with his hands and groans. "That was awful, I’ll admit— but I'm just a little rusty, and it’s your fault for not being here to play with me."

"You gave it a good try, hyung," Jinki says. He moves to line up his shot, excited to get the first ball in, but the feeling dissolves the instant he catches the slight pout on Jonghyun’s lips across the table. He pulls his cue back and stands. "You probably are a bit rusty, hyung. Would it feel more fair if I let you have a few extra turns?"

"You normally wouldn't offer that this early in a game, even if I’m playing pitifully." Jonghyun takes a long drink of his beer, narrowed eyes boring into Jinki wtih suspicion. “What’re you thinking??”

Jinki bites his lip and shrugs, not wanting to say the real reason — that even Jonghyun’s small frown had reminded him of how things had ended the last time they’d met up. Though they’d moved past it over text, and Jonghyun hadn’t brought it up once after they exchanged their apologies, seeing him again in person had brought back a twinge of guilt that makes him want to do something to make up for storming out.

Before he can wonder what Jonghyun is doing, he circles around the table and wraps an arm over his shoulders to bring him close. "Are you still feeling bad about the last time we saw each other?"  

Jinki sighs. “A bit, I guess.”

“Don’t.” Jonghyun squeezes him tighter, letting his fingers curl into his shirt. “Seriously, we talked it over — you don’t need to try and make up for it by letting me win.”

Jinki leans into the contact, grateful to have Jonghyun near him again. "I know....I’d just feel bad winning too much after I treated you badly.”

"Jinki-yah — I haven’t practiced at all since you’ve been gone.” He laughs. "So trust me, I’m not expecting to win. We can just play like normal — things are good between us, so just try and have fun. Sulking really doesn't suit you."

"I guess..." Jinki smiles. "But it doesn't suit you either, and you always sulk when you don’t get in a single ball.”

Jonghyun forces Jinki out of his arms with a light shove. "That is not true!"

“You know it is, hyung.” Jinki grins. "And I want to at least keep you in a good mood tonight. So how about you buy me another drink, and I give you a few extra turns to make sure you get one in? I think we’ve done that before to make things more fair.”

"We did, when I was first learning — you're always easy to bribe with drinks." Jonghyun pokes at Jinki's already-empty glass on the nearby table and scoffs, a look of resignation on his face."One night together, and you have to drain my wallet dry..." He sighs. "I don't think my bank account missed you."

"You missed me though, right?” Jinki gives Jonghyun his best smile. “And you promised you’d buy me drinks anyway, the last time we talked..."

"You're lucky you're cute, and I'm already a little drunk," Jonghyun grumbles. He looks over his shoulder to make sure the bartender is free, then leans his cue up against the wall. "I'll go get another drink for you."

"Thank you, hyung." Jinki pats Jonghyun’s shoulder before he leaves, enjoying the small grin that earns him even when Jonghyun waves him off.

With nothing else to do while he waits, Jinki looks over the table to decide his next shot. He still plans on giving Jonghyun the extra turns he’d promised, but he's not so far in the lead that he needs to give Jonghyun three rounds for each of his own yet — he can go ahead and take his turn. When he finds the perfect angle, Jinki makes a quick lineup of his cue and takes his shot, standing back in satisfaction at the loud crack when the hits the balls he had aimed right on target, knocking them both into the pocket.

Jinki snickers — he can already predict Jonghyun’s reaction, and sure enough, Jonghyun is returns a minute later with his drink and a deep scowl.

"What the hell did you do to the table? How many balls did you get in?" Jonghyun pushes Jinki’s drink into his hands and points at the pocket where the balls had disappeared. "I turn my back for one second, and you’re already taking back the deal we made!”

"I never said I'd let you win—" Jinki jumps to dodge a playful jab of Jonghyun's cue at his side, then laughs. "Just that I'd give you a few extra turns, so you could get something in. You still have chance at that, I only knocked in those two to decide that I’m solids."

Jonghyun rolls his eyes and heads back to their table for a long drink of his own fruity cocktail. He adjusts his glasses, peering at the table, then circles it as he tries to plan out his next shot. As his eyes bounce from one pocket of the table to the next, he sways slightly, then hangs his head in defeat. "You didn’t leave me with a single good shot, Jinki-yah...and I’ve probably had too much of my drink to get anything in already."

"Not true, hyung. You have some options."

Jonghyun raises an eyebrow in challenge. "Really? Show me what you’d do, then."

"Alright." Jinki circles around the table to step behind Jonghyun. His hands are already buzzing just from the anticipation of touching him, and when he grabs Jonghyun by the elbow to guide him to the right position along the table, he finds his voice lowering as he tries to speak with mock-authority. "See that far pocket, hyung? You could make that pretty easy. You’re good at long shots when you're sober."

"Well...I’m far from sober, but I’ll give it a try," Jonghyun mumbles. He adjusts himself have his back against Jinki’s front, same as he had the first time Jinki had started guided him in billiards. “Help me keep steady?”

“Sure.”

Jinki swallows, trying to keeps his focus on the end of the cue as he curls his fingers around Jonghyun’s arm. Though he's never had an issue with the level of touching that came with Jonghyun's friendship, it’s been a while since he’s experienced it in person, and the position this contact comes with — Jonghyun’s back to his chest, and their hips nearly together — is making his mind wander to places it shouldn't when Jonghyun is this close.

He clears his throat and adjusts Jonghuyn’s aim, hoping to distract both of them — he could swear he felt Jonghyun's breathing slow when he moved back like this — and he doesn't want to linger on the thought that his awkwardness might’ve been noticed. "You really are good at long shots, so this would be a good one."

"Wait...” Jonghyun leans further over the table to test the shot, then stand back up with a frown. "Aren’t these solids? And you’re solids? Wouldn't this make me hit your ball in?"

"Well, you did ask what I would do..."

Jonghyun's back presses against his chest when he laughs. "You're too cheeky tonight, Jinki-yah."

"I know." Jinki smiles, then grips Jonghyun's elbow again, directing him to a shot for a striped ball that he could make at his current level of intoxication. "Here, this one might be easier for you."

Jonghyun pulls his teeth between his lips and closes one eye, ready to aim, but he only gets a half-second at it before his concentration is interrupted by a man around Jonghyun’s height that stops at the other end of their table. He leans down to look under the lower light above the table and squints at them both, then blinks, eyes widening in recognition. "Jonghyun? Is that you?"

At the mention of his name, Jonghyun shoots upright, bumping Jinki back with the swiftness of the movement. "Young bae? I haven’t seen you in forever! What're you doing here?"

Young bae grins. "Drinking, of course.”

"Of course — it is you." Jonghyun laughs.

Jinki looks between them, expression blank — there's obviously a history behind that remark, and the reminder that he's been out of Jonghyun's life for the past few months makes  his stomach twist bitterly. When he tries to step away to grab his drink and give them room to talk, Jonghyun slings an arm over his shoulder to keep stop him. "C'mon, Jinki-yah, you don't need to wander off. You should meet Young bae! I do radio with him sometimes."

"Ah, yeah." Jinki tries to look unbothered as Jonghyun drags him around the table to greet his friend, but it's difficult when Young bae is looking at him like he'd come from a different universe. And with Jonghyun's arm still over his shoulder, he can't bow to introduce himself and smooth over the awkwardness, leaving them all with a hanging silence that only Jonghyun seems unbothered by.

“Young bae, this is Jinki. And Jinki, this is Young bae.”

“Nice to meet you, Jinki.” Young bae's eyes shift from Jinki to Jonghyun, then back, brows furrowing in confusion thought. "Is this, uh...your new boyfriend, Jonghyun?"

Immediately, Jonghyun's hand jumps off of Jinki's shoulder, and a denial tumbles out of his mouth before Jinki even has time to process the statement.

"No, he’s not." Jonghyun glances nervously at him, then turns back to Young bae, clearly flustered. "And I'm not dating anyone right now — you should know that."

"Oh." Young bae looks to Jinki again, this time with skepticism. "You’ve been complaining less about being lonely lately, so I assumed you might’ve met someone..."

"You shouldn't just say things like that, it’s awkward." Jonghyun laughs nervously. He wipes his palms on his jeans and gestures jerkily to Jinki. "This is just that idol friend I’ve told you about, Jinki."

"Ah — I guess that’s why you seem familiar.” Young bae nods, now seeming more comfortable. “Onew-ssi, right? From SHINee?”

Jinki nods, not trusting himself to speak. He’s still reeling from the assumption Young Bae had made about them, and even more Jonghyun’s reaction to it.

There hadn’t been a single denial of the possibility that Jonghyun might date a man.

Silence falls between them as Jonghyun reaches over for his drink and refuses to meet either of their eyes, leaving Young bae and Jinki glancing awkwardly at each other.

Eventually, Young bae seems to get tired of the awkwardness, and clears his throat before announcing his exit. “I'll leave so two can continue your game. But catch up with me sometime, right?"

Jonghyun grimaces. “If it doesn’t involve alcohol. I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to be around you when you’re drunk, considering you don’t seem to have a filter about mentioning my personal life around strangers. "

Young bae cringes. "Sorry — I didn't really think about it’d be an issue, since I thought he was your boyfriend..."

"Just don’t make assumptions like that again, please," Jonghyun snaps, waving him off with poorly hidden irritation. "I’ll see you sometime at the station."

"Yeah, sure." Young bae steps forward to get a half-hearted hug out of Jonghyun, then leaves, but not without one last look at Jinki.

When Young bae is out of sight, Jinki stares at Jonghyun, still trying to comprehend all the implications of the short conversation. But the meaning of it is clear enough, and the fragile and nervous smile Jonghyun sends his way when he finally meets his eyes makes his stomach drop.

There had been clues — the fact that Jonghyun never spoke about women, the picture in Jonghyun's room, the books, and the idle comments that had made him pause — but those had always seemed more like his own  hopes than anything substantial.

The air of the bar suddenly feels thick enough to stick to his skin, and he swallows, fighting the instinct to reevaluate every interaction they had ever had with the new knowledge that Jonghyun is gay.

"I'm sorry about Young bae." Jonghyun covers his mouth with both hands and sighs.

Jinki blinks. “What?”

“I said that I’m sorry about Young bae,” he repeats. “And I'm sorry I didn't tell you about...this.” He looks down and fidgets with his wristwatch. “I really wasn’t trying to keep it from you. I just try to keep that to myself, especially with people I meet in music industry..." he trails off, expression pained. "I hope you're not uncomfortable."

Jinki slides his glass along the table as he tries to find the right thing to say to say.

He’s not bothered — obviously not, considering he’s been hiding the same thing — but Jonghyun couldn’t know that. More than anything, he wants to offer an easy assurance that things won’t change, but he can't seem to manage the words — because things are different now. His chest is nearly bursting with the urge to share his own secret with Jonghyun, but he can’t — even though the bar is near empty, there’s the lingering worry of being overheard, and he’s held it back so long now he can’t even find the words to start.

He digs his nails into his palm and opens his mouth, trying to force himself to speak, only to close it again when he finds nothing but a lump in his throat.

Jonghyun reaches out to hover a hand over his shoulder, hesitating to touch him for the first time. "Jinki...are you okay? I can...understand if you're upset."

"No, I'm not — sorry." Jinki shakes his head to force himself out of his daze. Though he's anxious to reveal his own secret, that hardly matters now, when Jonghyun is stilll on on edge from being outed so carelessly. That exact nightmare is the reason Jinki has never told a soul.

“I didn’t mean to worry you by getting quiet.” He pats Jonghyun’s back and tries to send him a smile.  "I understand you not wanting to talk about it, considering how most people would react, and your career. But you being...you know —" his throat catches on the word before he can get it out, and he pushes past it quickly with the hope that Jonghyun won’t take that as a sign of discomfort. "You liking men, I mean — that doesn't bother me at all."

Jonghyun's eyes soften, shoulders relaxing from the tension he had been holding from the moment Young bae first opened his mouth. "Are you sure? I’d rather you not lie, and you seem kind of..."

"I'm sure." Jinki interrupts. “I was just surprised by it.”

Relief instantly floods into Jonghyun's eyes, and Jinki’s heart flutters up into his throat at the sight, but the feeling isn’t as warm as usual — he can't help but feel a twinge of envy at the easy acceptance he’d given.

"I am sorry I caught you off guard like that." Jonghyun reaches over the table to grab a napkin, resting his elbows on the wood as he begins to twist and tear it. "I hope you're not hurt I didn't tell you earlier, even though I consider us close. I'd really been wanting to tell you for a while, but...I just couldn't find the right time, you know?"

"Yeah." Jinki wraps a hand around his drink to cool the nervous burn in his palms. "I get that. It's a hard thing to bring up."

"It is." Jonghyun smiles wryly. "And I guess it was selfish of me to hide it, but I was worried about losing you as a friend, after we had already gotten so close...I really didn't want anything to change."

"That wasn't selfish." Jinki assures, meeting Jonghyun's eyes intently. "But you wouldn't lose me over this, hyung. And I understand why you kept it to yourself."

The seriousness of his tone makes Jonghyun frown, and Jinki falters, suddenly afraid something that something about his statement would give away his reason for being so sure. "By that, I mean that I'm not the type to be bothered by this — we’ve kind of talked about it before, you know? It's...not a bad thing."

"Yeah. But that was a story, and fiction is different than reality, so I still worried a lot." Jonghyun tosses the pieces of his napkin down with a sigh, then looks up at Jinki, eyes crinkling with warmth. “I really appreciate you being so accepting.”

“Of course.”

Before Jinki can think of something to say next, Jonghyun pulls him into a tight hug. "I should have known you’d get me, though. You're really the best."

Jinki nods against his shoulder, trying not to stiffen as Jonghyun squeezes him tighter. Just knowing that Jonghyun is like him makes the usual warmth in his chest that comes whenever Jonghyun touches him bloom brighter, until he’s certain that his whole body is flushed hot enough for Jonghyun to feel through his clothes.

“Thank you, Jinki-yah — seriously.”

"You’re welcome," Jinki mumbles, trying to find a way to untangle out of the hug without making Jonghyun think the problem is him. They've hugged closer than this before, but it feels different now — there's possibilities behind it. He clears his throat and spits out the first excuse that comes to mind. “Can I move back? You’re choking me a little, hyung.”

“Shit, sorry.” There's a grin on Jonghyun’s face when he pulls back, broader and fuller than any Jinki has ever seen on him. The new honesty in the smile makes his stomach flip, and Jonghyun wraps an arm over his shoulder and starts to lead him away from the table.  “I’m buying you another drink.” Jonghyun squeezes his shoulder and pushes him towards the bartender. “I think I owe you a few more for being so accepting, don’t you?"

“Sure,” Jinki agrees, never wanting to say no to a free drink. He’s not sure it’s a good idea, when his heart and mind are still trying to catch up wtih all the revelations of the night — but maybe if he has a few more, he’ll find the courage to let Jonghyun know his secret once they’re alone.

   ***

 As always, when Jonghyun offers him a few drinks, Jinki takes a dozen.

Two short hours after Jonghyun was outed, Jinki is staring intently at the sidewalk as he stumbles out of a taxi with one arm around Jonghyun. The ground is moving more than he'd like, and he has to keep an eye on it to keep it from rising up and toppling him over, even if it means taking his eyes off Jonghyun in their last moments together for the night.

"I shouldn’t have let you get this drunk," Jonghyun apologizes for the dozenth time since they'd left the bar. "If I had know you weren't handling it, I would have stopped buying you drinks earlier..."

 "'s fine, hyung," Jinki says. They come to a stop at the keypad of the back entrance to the apartment complex Jinki's dorm is in, and Jinki leans down to peer at the keypad to try and remember the combination. The code had changed since the last time he came this way, and he’s pretty sure their managers sent it, but all he can remember is the old one...

Jonghyun's hand tightens against his side just in time to catch him before he nearly swings forward face-first into the keypad in his attempt to read it. "Um...do you need help remembering the code? If you have their numbers, I can call one of your members for the code."

"No, they’re probably sleeping — I don’t want to wake them up.” Jinki waves a hand at him. “We just switched the code recently, and I’m trying to remember it...just give me a minute."

"Even if you remember it, you don't really seem sober enough for the stairs right now." Jonghyun rebalances him onto his feet to prevent him from tipping over, and Jinki catches a spinning glimpse of the deep frown on his lips. “I’ll give you a minute to figure it out, but I’ll bring you up to your room after that, okay?”

Jinki shakes his head quickly. "I'll be fine with the elevator.”

"...and you think you can get there on your own?"

"It’s right by the door, I'll be fine," Jinki insists.

He doesn't want to be somewhere private with Jonghyun, not when he’s this drunk and his heart is still reeling from all the possibilities that come with Jonghyun being gay. He rests a hand against the wall for a brace and stands on his own, wanting to make a point as much as he wanted to get away from Jonghyun's touch before he does something stupid.

Jonghyun huffs at his attempt. “You can’t even stand straight without the wall.”

“I got it.” Jinki focuses back on the keypad to press in the number. He’s pretty sure he’s finally remembered the five-digit code, and he knows if he doesn’t put it in immediately, it’ll slip away from his mind again. When he has it in and presses the thumb to the enter key, the pad lights green, and he smirks up at Jonghyun in triumph. "See, hyung? I remembered the code. I can make it up to the dorm on my own. "

“Are you sure? I really don’t mind helping you up, that’s what drinking buddies are here for.”

“I’m sure, hyung.” Jinki straightens his back to stand upright, this time finding his balance easily. The thought that he’s parting with Jonghyun for the night already has a sobering effect on him, and when Jonghyun embraces him for their usual farewell hug, he finds the thoughts that he’d been trying to avoid with liquor and jokes return to the front of his mind.

Should he tell Jonghyun he’s gay? Or would that reveal too much, and make it obvious that all the reaching out he’s done for their friendship was really him chasing the butterflies and warmth that came with his most-likely-one-sided love?

His fingers tighten against Jonghyun’s sides as he weighs the questions. “Hyung...”

Jonghyun’s chest shifts slightly against him as he hums in question. “Hm?”

“I...” Jinki stops. The lump in his throat is trapping his voice again, and it blocks off the words he wants to say just long enough to let his doubts surface again.

Did he want to risk losing the only man that might understand him over his feelings?

Defeated, he ends up stepping back with tightness in his chest and a sigh. “Nevermind, hyung.”

Jonghyun eyes him skeptically. “...Are you sure?”

“Yeah.” Jinki tries to smile. “I’ll see you soon, if you have the time — I think I can probably squeeze in another visit before we head back to Japan for our last promotions.”

Jonghyun reaches out to ruffle his hair. “If you have enough time, I’ll definitely find a way for us to meet up.”

“Thanks. For the drinks, too.”

“Of course.” Jonghyun nods, then jerks his chin at the door. "You should get in there, before the door locks and you forget the combination again.”

“Yeah.” Jinki waves goodbye with a smile, but the moment he enters the building and the door shuts behind him, it disappears under the weight of regret in his gut. He rubs his face with his hands and forces himself to start heading towards the dorm, feeling fully like an idiot.

Why couldn't he find the courage to tell Jonghyun?

By the time he gets to his room, Jinki is filled with nothing but frustration, and he throws himself onto his bed with a drunken groan.

He shouldn’t have fucking waited.

He’d been given the perfect opportunity to bring up his own sexuality, and he had blown it — first, when he'd been too shocked at the revelation of Jonghyun’s to give anything but reassurances, and then, after the drinks had come, with his own inability to do anything but down them as fast as he could.

The chances of it coming up again naturally, when Jonghyun had hidden it for him for over a year, are next to done — if he wants to come out now, he’ll have to initiate the conversation himself.

But that seems like a better option than waiting. He won’t be able to sleep holding this back, and it should be easier over text than face-to-face. He doubts he’ll be able to do it when he’s in front of Jonghyun, especially if he’s entirely sober.

Determined, Jinki pulls out his phone and squints at it, struggling his way through the over-bright menu on his screen until he pulls up Jonghyun’s information.

majingki: Hyung?

majingki: Are you still awake?

realjonghyun85: Of course, it’s early for me

realjonghyun85: I’m on my way home now

realjonghyun85: Did you get up to the dorm safely?

majingki: Yeah

majingki: I'm fine

realjonghyun85: I’m glad

realjonghyun85: You should drink water and get some rest before you get a headache

majingki: I know

majingki: Just ... I don't know if I can sleep

majingki: I wanted to say something tonight ... about what we talked about

majingki: But I was nervous so

majingki: I just kept drinking

realjonghyun85: Ah...  I was a bit worried about you drinking that much

realjonghyun85: Is everything okay?

majingki: Yeah

realjonghyun85: If you need space, I can give you that...

majingki: No, it's okay

majingki: Please don’t think that hyung

realjonghyun85: You sure?

majingki: Yeah

majingki: It’s not about you at all

majingki: It’s about me

majingki: And the thing I want to tell you

majngki: Um

majingki: Please don't tell anyone?

realjonghyun85: I wouldn’t, Jinki-yah

realjonghyun85: I promise

realjonghyun85: Anything you say is just between us

majingki: Thank you

majingki: Not even the members know, so...

majingki: Sigh ...

majingki: I really don't know how to say it ... and I don’t want it to keep it in our chat

majingki: So please delete it after you read it, okay?

realjonghyun85: Okay

Jinki closes his eyes and breathes deep to try and calm his heart. He finds the position for the first word of what he needs to type on the screen, then types blindly, unable to stomach the thought of reading the part of himself that he’s putting to text for the first time. At a glimpse of the words, he deletes it all, then stares at the empty chatbox in frustration, sitting with his thoughts until Jonghyun starts  to message him again.

realjonghyun85: Jinki-yah?

realjonghyun85: I haven’t received anything ... did you already try and send it?

realjonghyun85: You're making me a little nervous

realjonghyun85: Are you okay?

majingki: Sorry

majingki: I got scared again...

majingki: I keep deleting everything I type out

realjonghyun85: It’s okay

realjonghyun85: Take your time, alright?

majingki: The longer I wait, the harder it’ll be, I think... so I should just get on with it

Jinki’s heart races as he types it out and hits send.

majingki: I'm gay too

The second it’s marked as read, he deletes the message on his end to make it disappear. With the blank screen left behind, it’s easy to think he just imagined hitting send.

realjonghyun85: Jinki...

realjonghyun85: Thank you for trusting me this much

realjonghyun85: I know how much it means to share that ... especially the first time

realjonghyun85: I already deleted it, so don't worry

majingki: Thank you

realjonghyun85: Mm ... I feel like I should have something wise to say but I'm clueless TT

realjonghyun85: I’m sorry

realjonghyun85: I'm not being the best hyung right now...

realjonghyun85: But please know I'm here for you

realjonghyun85: If you need to talk about this or anything else about it

realjonghyun85: I'll delete any conversations we have about it too

realjonghyun85: I want you to feel safe opening up to me

majingki: Thank you hyung

majingki: That would make me feel safer, if we ever talk about this again...

majingki: I appreciate it

realjonghyun85: You don't need to thank me

realjonghyun85: I'll always be here for you Jinki-yah

realjonghyun85: Especially about this ... you deserve to have someone on your side

realjonghyun85: I can’t imagine it’s been easy for you

Jinki lays down onto his side and peers at his phone through a growing blur of tears. He doesn’t know why — because everything’s going better than he could have even dreamed of — but Jonghyun’s pointing out the obvious brings up a well of emotions he thought he didn’t even have about this.

And though the weight in his chest is lighter, it feels tighter too — he doesn't know what to do with himself, or how this might change things between him and Jonghyun. It’s too much at once, and even though he hadn’t said a word about his feelings for Jonghyun, he feels exposed all the same.

When his phone buzzes, demanding his attention, he dabs at his eyes with his sleeve and returns to their conversation.

realjonghyun85: Are you still there?

realjonghyun85: It’s showing my messages aren’t read...

majingki: I’m fine, sorry

majingki: Just got overwhelmed

majingki: I feel exhausted for some reason

realjonghyun85: Emotions can do that ... I understand

realjonghyun85: You can imagine how much I cried when I came out the first time

realjonghyun85: I nearly slept a whole day after... and I wasn’t even drunk

realjonghyun85: But you drank a lot tonight... so you’ll probably need even more rest

majingki: Yeah ... sigh

majingki: I think the alcohol is finally catching up with me

realjonghyun85: I was wondering how long that would take

majingki: He he ... I held out for a while tonight

realjonghyun85: I know ... your tolerance is inhuman...

realjonghyun85: But get some water now if you can, okay?

realjonghyun85: I know you’re capable of getting hangovers ...

realjonghyun85: And if you sleep without drinking any water you’ll wake up with one for sure

majingki: I’ll get some ... don’t worry

realjonghyun85: I always will he he

majingki: I know ... thank you hyung

majingki: For caring so much and listening to everything I had to say

realjonghyun85: Of course Jinki-yah

realjonghyun85: I know I keep saying it, but ... I understand how hard and scary it is

realjonghyun85: And I’m glad that Young bae being thoughtless about my secret helped you share yours

realjonghyun85: You don’t need to be alone anymore

majingki: Yeah ... thank you again ^^

majingki: I should probably sleep now, but ...

majingki: Do you think we could meet up again soon? Before I go back to Japan?

majingki: It should be our last long trip for the year but ... it’ll be a month long

realjonghyun85: Of course! I told you I want as much time with you as possible right?

realjonghyun85: Just let me know when you’re free ... I’ll find the time ^^

realjonghyun85: Even if it means waking up early or staying up all night

majingki: Don’t worry about that

 majingki: I like my sleep too so ... it’ll probably be in the afternoon one of these days he he

realjonghyun85: I’ll keep my afternoons free then ^^

majingki: Thanks hyung ... I’ll let you know as soon as I know what day is good

realjonghyun85: Okay

realjonghyun85: I hope you sleep well!

majingki: You too hyung

[velvetcream03-blog]

Fitting Room Snapshots - LOFT

Happy Friday! 

I've accumulate quite a few fitting room snapshots... Check online for current promos. 

Hope you find something you like!

Wearing the same jeans in most of these picture. I've mentioned this before...LOFT, in my opinion, has some of the best affordable jeans.  I'm 26 in jeans and sometimes I have to size down. But other than that, fit is 90% off the time amazing! 

I tried both 26 regular and 25 curvy in the jeans below and 25 curvy fit me way better. 

All Loft jeans I own are in Regular. This is the first time I tried on curvy. I'd say these run tts. 

Loved this blouse!  Great for all season. Easily dressed up down as all blouses below.  Tried on my usual size below and it fits tts.

Bird blouse also in sleeveless version  |   Jeans 

Another cute blouse. I've a few very similar ones, so naturally I navigated towards this one and had to try it on. Wearing xs and it fits tts.

Striped Blouse

Told you Loft has cute blouses. Love this dot blouse too. Again, xs was fit me well.  

Dot utility blouse in xs

Ok, I LOVE LOVE this top. I told myself I won't buy anymore summery clothing pieces and I was debating back and forth about this one and I left it behind.  But I regret not getting it. Just love everything about it.  Wish they came out with this top back in June so I could have had the entire Summer to wear it (there is still time left).  It is pretty thin and requires a nude bra. I think I might have to get this one. It's just too pretty.  Wearing XS below and it fit well. Dot stripe wrap blouse

Basic white with with pretty sleeves. I like that the sleeves are pretty subtle. Wearing xs below. 

White Tee

When I grabbed this tee I thought it was the same as the white one above, but the sleeves are different.  Wearing xs below. Gray Tee

You might know by now that I love striped tees and have accumulated more than I'd like to admit.  Check out the nice cut-out detail in the back on their site.  I like how the xs fit me. 

Stripe Tee

Bad picture but great, chic blouse.  I couldn't find it online but I'll keep checking. 

I grabbed this knit blazer because I kinda liked it, but when its turn came to be tried on I went MEH, won't even try it. It just looked kinda weird on the hanger. But then I figured I grabbed it so might as well try it.  OMG...LOVE LOVE LOVE it on. This pic doesn't do it any justice.

I think it's actually a little overpriced for what it is. BUT darn it, I had to get it. It's perfect for cooler summer nights (or any indoor AC'd place) and SO perfect for Fall.  I'm determined to get my $$ worth out if this baby. 

I've been wanting this J.Crew one for a very long time, but when I tried it on once...it looked ridiculous on me. Not sure why, but it did.  Which made me sad. So this LOFT one is a great alternative.   I think I'm going to go ahead and order the camel one from J.Crew and give it another try because I do love the style (I originally tried it in gray).  

Textured Knit Pocket Blazer in xs

Really wanted to love this blazer but it looked big on me. I tried on xs and personally would like it more fitted.  I have a similar one in black. Which I've worn SO much.  It's a nice blazer that looks great with dressier outfits but also with a tee and jeans. Blazer

This pretty olive cardigan 😍.  Much nicer color in person. Tried on xs and it fit tts.  It comes in more colors too. Great price with the current promo. 

Boyfriend Cardigan in xs

Really wanted to love this sweater top but it was so wide/boxy on the bottom. Looks better semi-tucked in.  Runs big. 

So many cute skirts, but all SO short. WHY!?!  I'm sure this one is supposed to be worn high on the waist which would barely cover my rear-end.  Very cute otherwise just not for me.  Tried on size 2 below and it fits if worn kinda on hipbone. If I would wear it high-waisted, sizes 0 would be a better fit. 

Tweed Skirt  |   Top

Such a pretty dress.  Size 0 was not available but I had to try it on in size 2.  A tad big, 0 would have been a better fit. But ruffles are not over the top.  Great LBD.  It comes Petite and Tall as well. 

Ruffle Dress

Really liked this dress. Bad picture though. Dark dresses are so hard to photograph, especially when the mirror is dirty.  Smallest avail. was 4 which surprisingly wasn't as big as I thought it would be. I think this one runs small, I'd need size 2 instead of 0.  It felt super comfortable on. Way nicer in person. 

Fit and Flare Dress

Loved this grey hoodie. As with many Lou and Grey tops, it runs on the wide side. Not bad, but if you don't like tops slightly baggy consider sizing down. I tucked it in below and it instantly looked better.  Other than that, really liked it. Specially the V neck. Gray Hoodie

 You might have seen this jumpsuit yesterday on my Instagram. I'm obsessed with it and have worn it so much already. I feel like this jumpsuit was made for my body.   It's pretty small on top (I'm small on top).  If you have bigger girls, you might have to size up. Check other reeves too. Jumpsuit in xs

Plain gray tee with a twist. Ruffle hem is a nice touch to an otherwise plain tee.  Wearing xs below and I liked the relaxed fit. 

Ruffle Hem Top

Quite liked the style of this dress but it's way too short. Even shorter in the back. Jacquard Flare Dress

Loved this classic dress even more but also short (shorter than it appears on the picture).  Good news is, it does comes in Tall online. This dress was my favorite from this round of try-ons. Button Pocket Dress

If you missed out on this skirt that I got a couple of months ago from Loft, this one is super nice. It falls perfectly and it's lined.   The style comes in dotted version which would transition perfectly into Fall. Striped Midi Skirt

This light short sleeve cardi is perfect for this time of the year.  It can be transitioned into cooler days with a long sleeve tee. Smallest size available in store was Medium...which I just had to try. Open Cardigan

XS was already sold out in store, tried on Small which was too big (which is obvious).  Nice basic cardigan to have in your wardrobe.  Comes in whisper white. Cardigan

Which piece(s) are you favorite? 

Source: http://www.lilly-style.com/2018/08/fitting-room-snapshots-loft.html

[ikonis]

iKON’s love for iKONICs (long)

Let’s start with the story behind our fandom name iKONIC. Why iKONIC you ask? Because iKON = iKONIC we become one with them

+ They even gave us a nickname KONIC

iKONICs Profile according to iKON:

Our birth date is the 2015.09.15 since that’s the day they released their first song + MV (My Type). Our Zodiac is virgo bcs of the same reason and our Blood Type is a heart for all the love we give them ♥️ 

why #iKONIC is My Life hashtag you ask? First time hanbin said it was when iKON won Seoul music award 2016

It became a sentence which the members often use/d since then. So iKONICs started to use the sentence “iKON is My life” instead.

June wearing a fan sign with ‘iKON is My life’ around his neck: 

Chanwoo holding a cupboard made by iKONICs <3:

they are surrounded by iKONICs, wearing fansigns made  by iKONICs and have slogans in their hands that were made by iKONICs

They named their official instagram account withikonic and use the hashtag #withiKONIC under every post 

iKON mentioning & thanking iKONICs in DVD photobooks 

iKONCERT in Seoul DVD (Photobook)

Kony’s Wintertime Season Greetings:

Kony’s Summertime Season Greetings:

MMA 2018 Ending Credits:

Privat Stage KOLORFUL Behind The Scenes Video:

The amount of respect, love, care, support and appreciation that iKON treats us with and shows us every single day

“iKON exists because of you”- Bobby

actual quotes from iKON members:

Hanbin talking about he wants to be remembered by iKONICs:

iKON giving out hot chocolate coupons and hotpacks to iKONICs

During their ISAC Recording they kept on asking if iKONICS have eaten:

The way Yunhyeong and Bobby hold iKONICs hands and bow to them<3:

Donghyuk’s & Hanbin’s reaction when K-iKONICs raised a fan with the words ‘I missed you’ during iKON’s debut concert

Bobby cheering up fans for their exams:

Hanbin forever showering us with love and love <3 “As much as the love I’ve received, I’d wanted to share it with you.”:

“Everyone, we can grow with your love” - Hanbin

after their Continue Tour Encore in Seoul Concert (which btw lastet for 4 whole hours + 10 encore songs):

Hanbin told a security guard to use honorifics when he talked rudely to iKONICs

iKON started their concert in Indonesia later, for the muslim iKONICs who had to pray 

Donghyuk posting the presents they got from arab iKONICs (after their interview with Al arabiya) he even asked the interviewer to help him with the arabic caption:

Hanbin bowing to vietnamese iKONICs before leaving 

Hanbin was so impressed by how many iKONICs came to the airport in vietnam to welcome them that he suggested holding a concert there

After iKON’s 2nd Daesang Win at the 2019 Golden Disc Awards, Hanbin posted this picture with the caption “iKONIC, it’s an honor to live as a part of your memories.” on Instagram:

after the speech Hanbin even went down on his knees to thank iKONIC

+ the other members thanking iKONIC on their instagram acc:

Yunhyeong:

Donghyuk:

Jinhwan:

Donghyuk smiling and shaking Indonesian iKONICs hand during a fansign event:

Yunhyeong replying to a fan on Instagram who had a very hard time: 

Hanbin added a sentence to the end lyrics of ‘Welcome back’ and repeated it over and over again ‘Let’s stay together until we die.’ 

Hanbin further talking about & explaining the meaning of the sentence “Let’s take it slow, let’s last real long.”:

Donghyuk carries the official iKONIC Card in his wallet TT:

Bobby posted a thank you message to iKONICs on iKON’s 3rd anniversary on instagram and added the caption ‘Let’s get old together’:

Bobby mouthing I-K-O-N-I-C into the camera during one of iKON’s promotional Love Scenario stages:

Donghyuk replying “I love you” to iKONICs who were screaming “We love you iKON”

June helping a nervous fan during a fansign event:

Donghyuk cheering up an iKONIC who cried during one of their fansign events:

Hanbin holding a fan’s hand who was being nervous at their 15114 fansign:

Hanbin once again calming down a nervous fan:

An Indonesian iKONIC asked Bobby to wish her luck to get pregnant soon and Bobby wrote “Don’t be hasty about girl from heaven.”:

Hanbin & Bobby encouraging fans who went through a hard time: 

part of hanbin’s letter at iKONCERT in Osaka:

Bobby telling iKONICs to do their best in their personal lives while cheering for iKON:

“Dont live your life just to live but live to do something you want to do.”

“Love yourself more than you love us.” - Bobby

“If you have time for iKON, please focus on yourselves first.” - Hanbin

“I’m just a person just like you. Please buy nice clothes, please eat something delicious. And if you happen to have 25,000 won left over, then you can buy our album. That’s when you should buy our albums.”

“I didn’t give up because I had my family and iKONICs.” - Hanbin

iKON & iKONICs feeding each other <3:

Hanbin thanking iKONICs once again for waiting

Bobby hugging an iKONIC & caressing her hair/head:

iKON thanking iKONICs on instagram for getting #1

Bobby froze when a fan fainted in the audience:

Helping iKONICs 

During the filming for SBS midnight TV in Hongdae a fan suddenly fell down and hanbin wanted to help help her, the manager said just leave, but Hanbin said how can I leave when the fan already fell down so he insisted to help her to stand up and said sorry to her. 

an iKONIC who’s sitting in a wheelchair came to one of iKON’s fansign events but there were stairs so Yunhyeong & Bobby went down to give her their signs:

when one of iKON’s biggest wishes to hold a dome tour finally came true:

Hanbin took a fan on stage and treated her like a queen

Donghyuk giving autographs after their concert in Jakarta:

Bobhwan never forgets the fanboys:

Donghyuk dressed as krunk to be closer to iKONICs:

Donghyuk reveiling that he was Krunk right after spending time with fans (another concert):

Hanbin chatting with fans on CH+ (he wrote a bit in English for the international fans):

Bobby taking selfies with fans when he visited his family in virgina, u.s in December 2018:

He even took a video for the sister of one of them:

Bobby replying to fans on instagram:

Hanbin drew the word ‘romance’ in a heart on his white jacket during one of iKON’s freedom promo performances, he previously said during a fansign event that IKONICs are romance to him, which means the heart and the word he drew on his chest represented iKONICs:

Donghyuk chatting with iKONICs on CH+ chat:

Yunhyeong planned a special event for iKONICs for ‘Awesome Feed’, he made dumplings and gave them out to them and signed the packaging:

Afterwards he even went out to thank all fans who came & chatted with them casually, here are some videos 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |  5 | 6 | 7

Chanwoo promised iKONICs on his youtube account to make them the famous inkigayo sandwitches if his video reaches more than 500k views, since iKONICs broke that number he prepared the self made sandwitches at iKON’s Continue Tour Encore in Seoul with a personal message TT:

Bobby posted a picture of himself and iKONICs on instagram and replied to fans comments, urgh the trust!:

Hanbin once again accepting Fans presents at the airport even when he wasnt allowed to by the staff TT:

Chanwoo gave us a fan name for his youtube channel TT it’s Changu (mix between Chanwoo + Chingu which means friend in Korean):

Donghyuk saving an iKONIC from a ball during the 2019 ISAC recording:

June’s letter to iKONICs (ikoncert in Osaka):

Bobby wrapping himself in a fan sign:

Yunhyeong gave a fan his handwrist during their Continue Tour show in Jakarta:

during iKON’s performance for the MBN Hero Concert 2018 in Korea, Bobby went down from stage during their Dumb & Dumber performance and sat down on some fanboys laps to sing and dance along with them:

when iKONICs said ‘pls say you love us’

Bobby chatting wiht iKONICs on CH+ chat:

Hanbin gesturing a fan in the audience not to cry:

Bobby giving a fan his autograph on her Love and Fall album during iKON’s concert in Jakarta (even tho he wasn’t allowed to do it)

Bobdong promised a Vapp broadcast for iKON’s 300 Days anniversary, and they kept their promise like always:

Yunhyeong taking selfies with iKONICs who visited his parents restaurant:

never breaking their promises:

Donghyuk gave the stuffed toy he won to a fan: 

during one of iKON’s concerts:

during one of their Japan Tours after reading his letter:

dunring their iKONCERT in Chengdu concert:

an IKONIC met yoyo and june in japan and they bowed to him and thanked him:

Bobby flirting with iKONICs again:

Donghyuk flirting with a fan:

Hanbin cheering up a fan who was feeling stressed:

Bobby eating more when a fan told him ‘watching you eat makes me full’:

iKON members went down on their knees to thank iKONICs at their Continue Tour Encore in Seoul Concert:

iKON thanking iKONICs after their win at the 2019 Golden Disc Awards: 

Hanbin ONCE AGAIN thanking iKONICs (on CH+):

during a fansign event:

Bobby telling a fan who wants to lose weight to eat:

iKON talking about iKONICs:

never forget how hanbin apologized to his fansite for losing win

Bobby talking about iKONICs

Bobby recording iKONICs singing ‘Just for you’ at iKON’s 180824 concert in Japan:

Chanwoo used the normal vapp because he Is aware that there are iKONICs who can’t afford CH+ content TT:

Bobby talking about the issue regarding iKONICs boycotting iKON’s DVD in 2017 so YG would let them make a comeback again and treat them better:

Yunhyeong taking pics with fans at the airport before leaving for Law of the jungle:

Hanbin asking fans to wait for them on CH+:

Hanbin’s photocard Return album:

The way iKON looks at us like we are the most precious thing in the whole world:

June giving out free hugs to fans :

Yun receiving a fans letter <3

Bobby receiving a fan’s letter once again:

Bobby receiving a fan’s letter:

Bobby receiving a fan’s letter again <3:

Reading fan letters at the airport 💕

The amount of fanservice and skinship

Two little iKONICs went to iKON’s fansign event during their RETURN promotions and Bobdong went to them to give them their autographs, later that year duringig iKON’s Killing Me promotions, iKON held a pikonic day for baby iKONICs, and he remembered the little boy from before and gave him one of his bracelets:

Donghyuk meeting one of his biggest JPN iKONICs aka Mina:

He looked so excited waiting for his turn to finally meet her:

Scarlett, a 7yo iKONIC from the phillippines cried in one of her mother’s instagram posts and saying she wants to meet bobby, Bobby then made a instagram story gratulating her on her birthday:

Later the same year when iKON had a concert in the phillippines, Bobby finally met her and posted it on his insta story

iKON never forgets the international fans:

Chanwoo & Hanbin remembering fans:

lucky fans meeting iKON members:

Bobby & Jinhwan kissing an iKONIC’s hand:

more fanlove <3:

yoyo and dong took a fans handy and recorded a video

Bobby trying to get as close to fans as possible:

literally hugging iKONICS:

he might me awkward but super adorable:

Jinhwan stood up from his seat and decided to stay with iKONICs during their 190119 fansign:

Jinhwan going down to take pics with iKONICS at their 190119 fansign:

Hanbin showing a heart during one of their concerts:

Hanbin went down to take iKONICs hands at their 190119 fan sign:

Chanwoo, Hanbin & Yunhyeong took their fansisites cameras to take pictures of the members: 

Chanu taking pics with a fan’s phone:

Bobby accepting an iKONICs plushy and immediately holding it onto his cheek during their 190106 send off (encore concert in Seoul)

Hanbin caressing a fan’s face while singing his part from today ‘You’ve got perfect make-up on today’ (ikoncert in Seoul)

Donghyuk being a cute tease:

Donghyuk playing rock paper scissors with fans (link of three videos)

June taking selfies with fan’s phones:

+ Jinhwan, Chanwoo & Yunhyeong

Donghyuk invented DONGPARAZZI only for iKONICs. Just to show us unreleased and private pictures of the boys 

“No I put my fans first” 

Yunhyeong gestured to her eyes bcs she was crying and gave it to her to use it to dry her tears 

As an iKONIC you won’t be ignored

An italian fan commented “Remember me” in korean on Donghyuk’s real life broadcast & he remembered her 

Songs iKON wrote for iKONICs

Starting with “Wait for me” (When WIN ended)

The story behind the song

Most important lines of the song

“Time go faster, Time go to her so I can reach her.”

“Oh you and me, We’re under the same sky but we can’t meet, but believe in me, I’ll be there for you.”

“Wait because I’ll go to you right now. Wherever you are, I’ll go. 

“Thank you for making me live as the me right now.”

“I missed you, your voice, your face, even your soft breathing.”

“I won’t go anywhere now, I’ll be by your side. Even until the moment the world ends.”

“I can only breathe when I’m next to you. I’m ready for this, you alone are enough for me. I ain’t gonna leave, I promise you.”

“Wait because we’re gonna be forever now. Because I can’t go on without you.”

“I’ll run against time and go to you, Wait for me yeah, so she can remember me.”

Next “Long time no see” (Mix & Match ending)

Story behind the song

Most important lines of the song

“There’n no one like you. There’s only you.”

“My world I keep stopping when you’re not around. There’s not even a flower around me.”

“Long time no see. This is for you.”

“You were in the center of me – You are now buried in my memory.”

“To stand before you again. I always worked hard. The thought of seeing you again. It makes me excited.”

“I’m so used to calling your name. I talk about you all day. I don’t want nobody else.”

“I ran all the way, baby. Hold on just a bit more.”

“On the other side of my memory, you were waiting. I now stand before you.”

“Long time no see, How have you been? You’ve waited too long. I won’t go anywhere, baby don’t worry.”

“I longed for you a lot too. I got lost on the way to see you.”

“I made you wait crossed our little fingers,I made a promise to you. I didn’t keep it, I’m sorry.”

“Finally I am where I am now. And you are still beautiful.”

“Long time no see. I’ve missed you a lot.”

Next “Welcome Back” (Debut album)

Story behind the song

It’s a song to welcome back their fans and thank them for waiting so long for iKON. It’s also also the title of iKON’s debut album and the first song they performed at their debut concert. Welcome back os a really meaningful song to iKON & iKONIC’s. 

Most important lines of the song

“Baby oh! Welcoming you back here.”

“For me, I’m still the same guy that hasn’t changed a single bit. Except for the fact that I’ve realized how precious you are.”

“Seeing you again for a the first time in a while, It feels like my heart that hurt for so long is getting perfectly well again.”

“Your beauty and grace is still the same. My life without you was really lacking.”

“How were you doing this while? Who did you lean on when you were struggling?”

I found that I couldn’t stand for anyone but you. I mean, I never went searching but there’s not another girl like you in the world, for real.”

“It was really lonely, nothing was new. Every day by day was really just boring. What I want to say is thanks for coming back.”

Welcome back I’m glad you returned, I’ll treat you better now.”

Welcome back I really missed you. Now will you take me into your arms?”

“Without you i was all meaningless. Even my weekends were empty without you.”

When I saw those evening sunsets I reminisced those days with you.”

“I’ll treat you better, please don’t leave me. We’re definitly meant to be.”

“Let’s take it slow, let’s last real long (let’s stay together until we die) Welcome Back!”

Next is “M.U.P/Make You Proud” (Debut Album)

Story behind the song

In M.U.P, they promise that even if they don’t have much to show right now, they’ll definitely make us proud in the future & achieve more. They thank iKONICs for always being there for them & ask us to stay at their side forever. They talk about their struggles & how iKONICs helped them to get over it

Most important lines of the song

“Honestly the ‘me’ of as right now has nothing worth seeing. But I’ll promise to you that someday in this life, girl,  I’m gon make you proud.” 

“Within the trampled of life, I saw the one and only light (talking about ikonics) that illuminated my world. At those times when I couldn’t bear go on living, you whispered in my ear about the holiness of happiness, about the repentance of these 20 years (of his life) and I’m so thankful for you.” 

“It doesn’t matter that gravity’s pressing down on me like always. As long as it’s  with you, nothing better, nothing better.” 

“My goal was always to be your one top source of pride.” 

“Your two frail hands that pulled me into an embrace. You make someone like me want to live once again. I’ll be there at the world’s end, you just need to hold my hand.”

“When my hands were shaking, you took mine into yours. For holding my hand, I’ll promise, girl, I’m gon make you proud.” 

“Just stay at my side, just lean on my shoulder, don’t say nothing. I know that even if you don’t say it, it gonna be something.” 

The most recent song is ‘Just For You’ (iKON TV surprise release + New kids: continue album)

Story behind the song

Hanbin wrote the song a while ago and even talked about it on CH+ long before its release. He was worried that the song probably won’t ever come out. But as you can see he somehow made it possible so that the company would release the song as well as include it to their New kids: continue album later on.

Most important lines of the song:

“There is nothing I can give to you, there is nothing I can do just yet. Big promises, nice words, nothing comes to my mind.”

“But I hope that someday soon..I’ll be good to you and keep you safe, I’ll make you laugh as much as you’ve cried, I’ll be the star that lights you up”

“For as long as you’ve waited, I’ll be with you”

‘I’ll make good times for you and me’

“In this world, you’re the one I run to, but I don’t know if I can give you the world”

“Hand in hand, even if I can’t keep it, I promise for us both”

“You’re the one I want to protect in this uneasy world, you’re the reason I go on living, you’re my light in this never-ending darkness, The day will come to give us good laughs”

“We’ll be with you’, we’ll keep you safe” (ending)

+ BONUS: Hanbin answering why they named  iKON’s 2nd Album “RETURN”:

Those times they get surprised bcs of and by iKONICs

 hanbin’s reaction when iKONICs started to sing along to ‘wait for me’ (pre debut)

Bobby & Hanbin getting super excited and surprised when iKONICs started to sing along

J-iKONICs surprise event for iKON’s last showtime tour concert in Japan:

after the surprise event backstage  (another surprise event J-iKONICs prepared huge fan signs for them)

For iKON’s first debut anniversary, I-iKONICs prepared cake and started singing Happy Birthday for the boys 

For iKON’S very first concert in the Phillippines, PH iKONICs prepared 2 fan projects to show iKON how grateful and happy they are

1. Yellow Cloth Project: All iKONICs started raising a yellow cloth during iKON’s B-DAY performance:

2. Rainbow Project: 

iKON members even posted it on their instagram accounts

And last but not least some family portraits 💕

[danafraedrich]

Using IngramSpark: My Experience and Mistakes

Fair warning, this is gonna be one of those long, dry, but very helpful tutorials, so settle in with a nice warm beverage—I’ve got my tea next to me—and maybe a snack. Oh, and there’s a coupon code later on to help you save some money. I’m only going to address setting up a printed book (not an e-book) today since printed books are way more work and it deserves its own dedicated blog entry. Okay, let’s get to this!

Why? ~ First things first, why do we care about IngramSpark? Isn’t Amazon enough? I mean, they kind of run the bookselling world, right? Well, not exactly. True, Amazon dominates the U.S. market, and it has a considerable share in the U.K. and Canada too, but they don’t have as huge a market share in other places. Meanwhile, IngramSpark is the sixth largest book distributor in the world. The whole world. You know that old adage don’t put all your eggs in one basket? Yeah, that kind of goes for bookselling too. Diversifying your distribution can really help you reach a broader audience. Reedsy has a great article that goes into more detail on this here, including a case for “going wide” vs. using Amazon’s KDP Select service. Anyhoodles, IngramSpark also works with a lot of independent bookstores. For instance, using IS was the only way I was able to get my books into Parnassus here in Nashville because a lot of independent bookstores won’t order from Amazon. Why would they when Amazon is putting a lot of them out of business? Don’t get me wrong, I love me some Amazon and am a very happy Prime customer, but support your local bookstores!

Ahem. Moving on, I also find IngramSpark’s customer service to be more helpful than Amazon’s, which is really saying something because I also really like the customer service team at Amazon. I’ve had to contact them numerous times, and only once or twice have I not had my question answered or issue solved. IngramSpark is even more helpful than that. Whaaaaaat?! I know. And they’re super big proponents of helping indie authors succeed.

I was fortunate enough to be able to attend IngramSpark’s 5th birthday celebration this past summer and I learned so much in the short time I was there. In fact, that visit convinced me to move my books over. That and the fact that they offer hardcovers. So now that we’ve just established why IngramSpark is useful to us, let’s get to how to use them.

The Setup ~ This is a pretty standard process at first, very much like creating your Amazon Kindle Direct account, so we’re not going to spend too much time on it. You’ll need to choose the Create Account option on Ingram Spark’s website and follow the instructions. One of the things you’ll notice that’s different about IngramSpark, however, is that you have to enter a publisher. A lot of indie authors create their own publishing imprint for this. Here’s a great video on doing that from fellow indie author, Kristen Martin. After that, you’ll need to enter your banking information, tax information… you know all that stuff that comes with running your own business. Because that’s what you are as an indie author, a small business owner. Okay! So once your account is set up, the really tricky stuff begins.

Getting Your Titles In ~ There are several ways to do this, and I’ve been through them all (because I made mistakes*). The first method is to basically set everything up from scratch in IS just like you do with Amazon. Once your IngramSpark account is set up and you’re on your Dashboard page, click the “Add a new title” button and follow the instructions. One thing you’ll probably notice is that IngramSpark’s setup information is way more in depth than Amazon’s. Because Ingram distributes on such a broad basis, more types of categorization are required. You can click on the little (?) icons for further explanation of each field. You will need to buy a universal ISBN, which you can do as you go through the process. You get a discount by going through IngramSpark (it’s about $100 for one), so make sure you use the link they provide during the setup process.

I know a lot of authors like using Amazon for their printed books because you can do it for free. Except that lack of cost comes with a major restriction. The free ISBN Amazon gives you can only be used on Amazon, nowhere else. A universal ISBN, however, is just that—universal. Here in the U.S., you’ll purchase that from Bowker (the U.S. ISBN agency). If you’re in the U.K. or Canada or somewhere else, I’m not certain what you’ll use (feel free to let me know in the comments below 👇), but IS will tell you. You’ll also have to register with Bowker’s website, MyIdentifiers, to make your purchase, but once you’ve made your purchase that ISBN is yours!

I also highly recommend you use Ingram’s cover template tool so you (and your cover designer) know exactly what size to make the cover**. Remember, a printed book will vary in size depending on how many pages are in it, the trim size, paper tape, and other factors, so make sure you have it exactly right. Otherwise you’re going nowhere fast.

Right, so you’ve filled in all the fields, bought your ISBN, and have a correctly sized cover file waiting in the wings. Then you come to the setup fee. Excuse me? Yes, there’s a title setup fee, but not to worry! I have something to help with that.

Now, if you’re already signed up with IngramSpark/are subscribed to their newsletter, you already know about this awesome coupon code. In case the picture doesn’t show up for you or something, here’s the important text:

November is National Novel Writing Month and to celebrate the written word and writers everywhere, we're offering free title setup until March 31, 2019!… Upload your print or ebook for free with promo code NANO (all capital letters) until March 31, 2019! Code must be applied at time of upload.

IS runs these specials about twice a year, so I recommend subscribing to their newsletter. Now, your manuscript will also have to be sized correctly based on your chosen trim size, so make sure it is because last but not least, you have to upload your interior manuscript and cover files. It’ll take about a week for Ingram to check that these are sized correctly and look nice and all that other stuff. And if they aren’t, IngramSpark won’t do anything to fix them for you like Amazon does, so make doubly sure everything is the correct size.

Assuming everything is sized correctly and whatnot, your book will be move onto the next step. Ingram will email you letting you know you need to approve it. You’ll get to see a digital proof and whatnot, but be warned: updates after you approve your book cost money. It’s a $25 fee anytime you make an update to your book after you press the big scary Approve button. Then again, your book should be as close to perfect as possible when you publish and you should pay close attention during this process to ensure you’re using the correct files. So that change fee hopefully won’t be a bother. After approving your book, you just wait for IS to do their thing. Congratulations, you’ve set up a title from scratch in IngramSpark 🥳.

*Mistake No. 1 - Back when I set up Out of the Shadows, I didn’t purchase a universal ISBN for it, so when I started the process for setting up my books on IngramSpark, I had to do its set up the long way (e.g. what I just explained to you), which I admit has a very steep learning curve and makes you do twice the work. Not so with Into the Fire and Raven’s Cry. Whew!

**Mistake No. 2 - I did not use the cover template tool at first and wasted weeks not understanding why the cover I’d uploaded to Amazon (which they’d tweaked for me) wasn’t being accepted.

Onto the much easier method!

Title Transfer ~ This might feel like we’re going backwards, but stay with me because there’s a really good reason I recommend this method. Basically, you set up your printed book in Amazon first (it’s just way easier than IngramSpark’s from-scratch process) and then request that Ingram funnel your book from Amazon’s database to theirs.

Firstly, you’ll need to set up your printed book in Amazon and purchase one of those aforementioned universal ISBNs when you do. Again, you get a discount if you go through Amazon’s special link, which can be found during setup or on the U.S. support page for ISBNs here. If you’re in a different country, a quick Google search for “KDP universal ISBN” will probably get you a KDP support page that should help you. Use that link to save yourself some $$$!

Now, when I first did this, I used Raven’s Cry as my tester because it’s a standalone. I started doing the IngramSpark setup for it from scratch but got an error message when I entered the ISBN, so I emailed their customer service team for help. Enter the World’s Greatest Customer Service Rep. ever! She explained to me that I would have to do what’s called a Title Transfer, gave me the form, and provided me with detailed instructions for completing the process.

Just email IngramSpark’s customer service team to request this form and ask them for instructions to go with it. Once I’d emailed the form back to Ingram, they recommended I email Amazon to say IS would be doing this Title Transfer thingy. And I emailed Ingram again to let them know I’d done that thing once I’d let Amazon know. It was FYI-email mania! I was also advised that the TT process can take up to a month, but with all my (over?)communication, Raven’s Cry was transferred over within days.

When I did Into the Fire*** next, I decided to see how things went if I didn’t communicate very well. Long story short, it took a lot longer. Amazon had to email me for authorization to do the transfer, so then they had to do extra communication stuff between them and IS, and then I eventually followed up with IngramSpark. Yeah, way messier, so I recommend keeping everyone in the loop.

***Mistake No. 3 - Apparently, when I set up Into the Fire on Amazon, I did purchase a universal ISBN but then forgot I had and started to do a setup for it on IngramSpark before I knew about the Title Transfer, so now I have this unused ISBN hanging out in there for me. It’ll probably get assigned to the next book now that I know how that stuff works way better.

So that’s my tale, mistakes and all. Yes, IngramSpark is more work and more expensive than just using Amazon, but I truly believe it’s better to distribute your print books through them as well as the ‘Zon so more people can find your books throughout the world, you can get into more indie bookstores (and big ones too, but that’s another story), and have hardbacks if you want—this last one is something I’ve only begun to play with and haven’t made any solid decisions about. The issue is that POD hardbacks are very expensive, almost prohibitively so IMHO, so I haven’t quite figured out a way to make them worth it, but I’m working on a few ideas 😉. Why not tell me in the comments below how much you’d be willing to pay for a hardback? Or, if you have any questions about this process, drop them in there too.

If you made it this far, well done! You deserve a treat. Here’s me doing a happy dance to celebrate your stick-to-it-tive-ness!

Thanks for reading!

[ecchtastical-blog]

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