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Dance Appreciation Series 2023 Introduction to Cinderella - GoSingapore

For this Dance Appreciation Series, Singapore Ballet presents segments of the brand-new production of Cinderella. The Fairy Godmother has granted Cinderella’s wish and, in a beautiful dance with the fairies and cavaliers of the four seasons, sends her off to the ball where Cinderella meets the Prince.

More Singapore Events:

The Unofficial Pasar Malam Experience

StoryFest 2023: Story Walk

Beer, Music, Play at Safra Mount Faber

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[leviscolwill]

sanctuary

pairing: jude bellingham x f1 driver!reader

summary: after an eventful singapore gp, the only thing you can think of is your comfy bed but your body has another plan and your boyfriend isn't happy about that. [wc: 1,6k]

req: Ferrari driver reader x jude where she feels a bit dizzy after a race and kind of faints when they get at the hotel, like just fluff with him taking care of her + CAN YOU WRITE JUDE ANGST THEN FLUFF IDC ABT THE SCENARIO JS JUDE ANGST IN JUDE X DRIVER READER 🙏🙏

contents: established relationship, charles is reader's teammate, ferrari being good au (impossible ik), reader faints, jude is a worried bf, barely has angst ngl 🏃‍♀️, nothing else i think

note: i have no idea how to write about fainting and it probably shows. ALSO, i wrote most of this at 1am so i hope it makes sense (probably doesn't but we move😪)

now playing: sanctuary by joji (nectar)

usually you would say you absolutely loved singapore. the track was one of your favourites on the calendar and you practically counted down the days to this race. but this week was probably the most difficult of your entire career in motorsports. of course, marina bay had never been an easy race, and the weather conditions in singapore were only making it harder to handle. but this year, no number of ice bath and cold shower could appease the dizzying headache that plagued your weekend.

and to add to that, everyone at the team has been stressing you out about the championship. obviously, you were grateful that you could finally fight for one, ferrari had built the perfect car this season. but this came with a price, fighting against charles for the title. you were great friends with your teammate but you had to admit your relationship took a toll with the constant tension between the two of you throughout the season. anyone wearing a bright red kit kept reminding you that you needed to be careful on track, that if you crashed with anyone, but especially with charles, you'd be in great trouble.

thankfully your boyfriend joined you after qualifying, and made your weekend instantly better. he noticed something was wrong right away. of course, you told jude about your struggles but he didn't expect to find you in this state.

"maybe you shouldn't race tomorrow..?"

you took a glance at jude, laid down on the hotel room bed, to check if he actually meant what he just uttered only to find a very serious look on his face.

"yeah, i'll just call fred to tell him i'm feeling sick and don't care about the championship anymore, that's definitely the best choice i have." sarcasm dripped out of your words as jude rolled his eyes.

"just because you had a bad day, doesn't mean you have to give me an attitude." it was your turn to roll your eyes. you quietly got under the sheets and muttered a barely audible 'goodnight', clearly not having the energy to argue with him tonight.

as you closed your eyes you felt jude turn around to wrap you in his arms around you.

"i'm just worried for my girl, that's all." he said, softly kissing your hair. you turned around to face him, having to trace his face before finding his lips because of the darkness of the room, and pressed a quick kiss on his lips.

"i appreciate your concern, i really do. but this race is so much more important than a silly headache. i'll be okay." you kissed him again for good measure. "you're gonna have to trust me with this one."

"i always trust you." the two of you talked some more before falling asleep in each other's arms.

—

the only thing you could think of when you stepped out of your car was your bed. as expected the race had been particularly draining and truth be told, you didn't know if you would be able to stand on the podium in your state. you managed to score a satisfying p2, well it would have been more satisfying if charles wasn't standing on the highest step of the podium, with a 4-point difference before catching on you in the driver's standing.

when the whole team congratulated you on your results, it felt like you were in a fever dream, barely making out what was real and what wasn't. you didn't even notice jude talking to you before he snapped his fingers in front of you.

"are you okay ? should i take you to the medics ?" he asked in a worried tone.

"i'm alright... just need to get through the podium." which did not happen. you ran off stage as soon as the italian anthem stopped ringing in your ears. it was all too much, the heat, the noise, the exhaustion, the pressure. all too much to handle for you.

when you joined jude, he was already talking with your pr manager, telling her you wouldn't be able to do any media work right now. it was the truth, not a petty lie to get away with it. you genuinely felt even more lightheaded (if that was possible) at the sole thought of having to go through a dozen interviews.

seeing you barely standing straight must have conceived her, so soon enough you were on your way back to the hotel in a cab jude called.

you quietly laid your head on jude's shoulder. he barely said a word to you since the podium incident, only asking how you felt, if you drank enough water, and how many hours of sleep you had. you watched him as he typed things on his phone in total silence. you wondered if he was mad at you for putting yourself in such a situation or only worried. regardless, you felt a pang of sadness in your heart thinking about it before drifting off.

—

as soon as jude opened your hotel room's door, you felt your legs giving up on you, your hands found the wall to steady yourself. you could hear jude's voice but couldn't make out what he was saying, like you were underwater.

you tried making it to the bed, but you fell down on your knees and just propped your back against it, waiting a minute before getting up, to get your head to stop spinning uncontrollably.

"y/n. are you okay ?" you felt your boyfriend kneeling down next to you and could finally understand his words, but it felt like they were resonating in your brain, only worsening your headache.

"i'm fine, i'm fine... i just need a moment." you didn't want to worry jude more than he already was, although the weak tone of your voice alarmed him more than anything. you felt him shift around you, and caught a glimpse of him coming back from the bathroom before your eyes shut.

when you woke up, you were laid on the bed with a wet cloth on your forehead. and the first thing you saw was a wide-eyed jude handing you a glass of water.

"i thought about making you drink when you were... asleep? but i didn't want to drown you. so i waited for you to wake up." he was talking fast, too fast for you to fully understand his nonsense.

"hello to you too." your voice was still weak but you felt much better than at the race track. you quickly took a few sips of water before jude tried drowning you for good.

"what's that ?" you asked pointing at the cloth still laying on your face.

"some website said that's what you're supposed to do when your irresponsible girlfriend faints." you hid your face in your pillow at his accusatory words.

"no, but seriously y/n. do you have any idea of how worried i was ? imagine if something wrong happened. god, i knew i shouldn't have let you race..." his words had an angry tone to them and you were confused as to why jude was mad at you over hypothetical scenarios.

"but nothing wrong happened, i even got points. are you not proud of me ?"

"are you being serious right now ? you know i'm always proud of you, points or no points. but you think i'm gonna clap for you after putting yourself in danger like that ?" jude's tone got somewhat angrier but he kept going.

"fuck, when you fainted i already saw myself explaining everything to your mum. you can't take those risks, especially when you drive a fast car for a living. you can understand that right ?"

you felt tears well up in your eyes at his words, thinking about how worried he must have been this whole time.

"i'm sorry, it's just... i've been thinking about the championship a lot. i guess that clouded my judgment." you wiped away your tears quickly, before jude could notice them but it was too late.

"hey, hey, hey... you shouldn't be saying sorry to me, you probably spent a worse weekend than i did anyway. i'm not mad at you but at the situation, alright ?" his fingers stroke the wet spots under your eyes, wiping what was left of your tears away. "i'm proud of you, and happy for your points. but you're not winning a championship by making your dangerous job even more dangerous." his voice and his eyes were soft and you felt your chest get significantly warmer.

"you're right..." the room got silent for a couple seconds at your words.

"what was that ? i couldn't hear you babe" jude had a shit-eating grin on his face and you knew exactly what he wanted, and it almost made you physically sick to give him this satisfaction.

"i said... you'reright." you tried getting those terrible words out as fast as you could, but he wasn't happy with that.

"mmh mmh, that won't do... say it nice and loud for me love." you felt your face heat up, both in fluster and embarrassment at his words.

"you're right." your words had a defeated tone to them, but jude decided that would be enough by the way he didn't taunt you anymore.

he moved and got under the covers with you, even though you were gonna have to get up again as you were both still dressed. he just wanted to share this little moment of peace with you.

"you know, it's crazy how you drive the fastest car in the world but can't survive singapore's heat for a weekend." you playfully elbowed jude's ribs at his teasing.

you were grateful to have someone like jude to support you and your intense lifestyle, but also someone to talk about silly little things, legs tangled under the sheets.

[wooahaeruby]

Chapter 16: Into The Thick Of It

Chapter Word Count: 5,469 (nice)

Anything in Bold Italics are Korean/Another language.

Master List | Prev | Next

“It’s late, Mimi,” you whined into the phone, pulling the blankets over your head, Jihoon giving a scoff beside you, tapping away on his ipad in bed. Pulling the phone away from your ear, you frowned. “It’s midnight here in the Philippines.” 

“ And it’s one in the afternoon here.” She huffed, “ Anyways, I need to know what you are doing after Christmas.” 

“ After Christmas? I don’t even know what I’m doing tomorrow. We fly to Singapore tomorrow.” 

“ Well ask Jihoon, he is there, isn’t he?” 

“Mimi-” You groaned, throwing the blankets back and looking at Jihoon. “ What are we doing after Christmas?” 

He dropped the ipad to his chest, patting around the blankets for his phone and opening his calendar. “ Indonesia on the 28th then the New Years event, then we would be home until we get work done for the comeback.” 

“So busy?” He only nodded. "We are busy until after new years.” 

“ So if we come for a week or two after new years, would that be an issue?”

“Yeah that shouldn’t be a- Wait- '' You pouted your lips in confusion. “Did you save that fast?” 

“ Well-” 

“Oh just tell her, they will tell ‘em anyways!” Papa’s voice was heard in the back. 

You heard Mimi hush him and a small sound of a hit with a quiet ‘ hey!” from Papa. “ Jamie and Kazuki, such lovely boys by the way, I’m so glad you met them. They were so sweet when I went over to your place to get everything finalized with the packing and said they’d lend your grandfather and I the last bit of money to help us fly out.” 

“Mimi- I could have done that, all you had to do was ask.” 

“ Don’t worry about it, sweetheart, it was only a few hundred bucks and we agreed to use their new frequent flier card to give them miles so they can come see you next.” 

“ Of course you all made a deal.” You laughed quietly. Jihoon reached over you, pulling the blankets back over the two of you, tossing his phone, watch, and ipad on the nightstand and curling up. “How about the second week of January?” 

“ Sounds perfect, I’ll book it tonight. And everything should be shipped out to your apartment within the week.” 

“Okay, I’ll make sure the staff know. Thank you, Mimi, I can’t wait to see you. Love you, tell Papa too.” 

Hanging up and tossing your phone aside, you attempted to get comfortable, back to the other. You tug on the blanket that Jihoon was attempting to hog for the fourth night in a row. 

“Come on.” You grumbled, looking over your shoulder only to see the back of his head and back. “Give it up.” 

“ Just move closer .” He shot back. Something playful was thrumming through the bond. 

“And you say I’m annoying.” Tugging the blanket again, he didn’t budge in the slightest. 

“ You won’t win this.”

Your shoulders sagged. Maybe you should start working out to try and win this battle of the blankets… He was a human heater…And you will use that to your advantage if he was going to take the majority of the comforter. 

In the dark and quiet of the hotel room, you scooted backwards until your back met his and the buzz under your skin began to lull you. 

There was a warmth at your back and a weight was around your middle. When you cracked your eyes open to look around, it was still dark outside, no light in the sky that peeked through the curtains. The blankets were snuggly wrapped around you which you appreciated, knowing Jihoon didn’t steal them, but when you shifted, your brain finally processed that it was an arm that was wrapped around your middle. You heard a short intake of air from behind you then Jihoon shifting as he tugged you closer to his chest. 

You were still tired, the warmth he was emitting and the rumbling soulbond was weighing your eyelids down. Being the little spoon was also comforting, bringing a feeling of protection, it was calming overall. In your drowsy state, you didn’t think it was that important, really it was bound to happen eventually. Step one was Jihoon sleeping next to you, step two was him cuddling up to you (then him vehemently denying it if you brought it in any capacity). The third step? You didn’t know what that even was at this point, but you will enjoy sapping body heat and the comfort any given day of the week from him. 

Sitting on the sidelines of the In the Soop filming was interesting to say the least. While the members were technically on ‘vacation’ with this mini getaway, there was a lot of stress they’d still be going home to. 

Almost exactly when you all would return to Seoul, Vernon would be recording and filming for his solo Black Eye. When having the after concert dinner in Singapore not too long ago, Vernon mentioned he had the melody down, all that was left with the lyrics which he wanted to work on while here. You had asked about his solo out of curiosity and got really excited when he said it was going to be more punk pop than rap heavy. When he saw your excitement, he did play a bit of the instrumental that was done, saying that you’d have to have patience to hear the rest of it (which made you pout like a child). 

“ They’ve been working out for almost an hour and two of them are striping.” Hyeji snorted, sitting in the house just off the main property, looking at the live camera feeds that the staff was monitoring. 

You had curled up on a mattress pad on the floor reading a book Wonwoo had lent you from his little collection. Since you were staff, you didn’t need to monitor anything or do much if you didn’t want to. “ And they’ve worked out for longer back at home. Who is in there?” 

“Jihoon-ah, Soonyoung-ah, Jisoo-ah, and Chanie. Soonyoung-ah took off his shirt and Chanie followed not long after.” 

“ Not even surprised.” Snorting out a laugh, you closed the book, using your finger as a bookmark. You focused on the hum of the shared bond, smiling and shaking your head. “ Jihoon feels happy. Stupid gym rat.” 

Hyeji and the man monitoring alongside her gave quiet chuckles. “ Happy they made the Soop team build them a larger gym than last year.” 

“You’ve given into the Seventeen Effect. They get what they want.” 

Turning back to the book, you continued to read, letting the murmurs and idle chatter of the staff blend into the background. This was the first time you’ve been properly away from Jihoon for longer than a couple hours. Since the morning when everyone left, he did text you here and there, but he fell asleep on the ride (he apologized), then your phone died once you arrived (you apologized), and now he was off with the guys. It felt weird, maybe you were a little antsy but you were going to make the best of the situation. 

While you were still tired from the constant travel and your depression was lingering, it was a literal breath of fresh air being back in South Korea and in the gorgeous landscape. For the days you’d be here, the head of production did say that no cameras were in this general area. If you wished to explore you could, just let them know in case you are seen on any cameras close to the Soop sight and they’d edit or blur you out as they did with staff. 

To your delight, the Soop team stocked the kitchens just as full as the kitchen Seventeen was using. When staff started to get hungry, you offered to help the crew members make the prepackaged meals and side dishes to pick at and share. Though you didn’t know much of the staff well, Hyeji was more than happy to help with introductions when the majority sat to eat.  

“ Oh oh! Chaeyoung’s soulmate was an intern at Hybe just before Covid! They had drawing soulmarks. They could draw on their skin and it would appear on the other. ” One of the older women on the sound team, Ji-yu, laughed. “ And now they are off on their late honeymoon, they got married not that long ago, right before the tour started.” 

“Wah, I almost forgot the wedding was back in June.” Hayoon, another woman from the social media and PR crew with Hyeji, looked blown away. “ I’m just over here married to this hunk.” She motioned to the man beside her, Dae-Seong, a man from the video team; tall, well built, kinda reminded you of when Wonwoo stood tall, sleeper build.

“ Ya, you begged me to marry you two months after our bond settled.” His low rumble of  a voice held no bite, but Hayoon leaned against him, smiling wide and kissing his cheek. 

“ Yeah, I did do that, didn’t I?” 

Conversation continued to ebb and flow between your small group at the table. Outside of the bubble of your companions, many others of the staff gathered and ate, some staying to enjoy the meal while others took a plate of food to return to whatever job position that they were in before. It was nice hearing voices that weren’t coworkers or members of Seventeen, not that any of them were annoying to listen to, it was just nice to hear voices outside of them.

“Ruby-ah,” Ji-yu called your nickname and your attention was drawn up to her, continuing to bring chopsticks full of food to your mouth.” Have you and Jihoon-ah talked about anything like that? Marriage? The future?” 

You choked on the rice you just shoved into your mouth. The harsh coughing you let out was helped by Hyeji handing you a water bottle and patting you on the back. From both the choking on food and embarrassment you waved them off, catching your breath. 

“ I- Listen- We have barely talked about the stuff we have going on now- Plus it’s only been two months- And with his career-” You rambled, stumbling over your words, face flushing brighter with each passing moment.

Hyeji snorted, trying to hold in the cackling you knew she was ready to let out. “ Ruby-ah, do you wanna know a secret?” 

Deflating in your seat, the pout that spread on your lips had Hayoon, Dae-Seong, and Ji-yu snickering. “ You are going to tell me anyway.” 

“A little bird in the travel team told me that Jihoon asked if both of you could just share a room during the Japan leg of the tour to,” She made air quotes, “ ‘lessen expenses’.” 

“I’m going for a walk-” Standing up quickly as the table erupted into laughter, you pull your (read: Jihoon’s) sweatshirt hood over your head and scurry out of the backdoor where you left your shoes. 

The cool evening air was welcoming against your heated face. Looking off into the distance, you could see the lights of the buildings from Seventeen’s accommodations, even a few people you couldn’t make out wandering around (but you did manage to spot Mingyu’s tall ass). 

You walked towards the edge of the river, letting the light in the distance and the gentle shine of the moon guide you. Listening to the sound of the water rolling over the rocks, the quiet swishing of wind, and the rustling of the crisp autumn leaves took your mind off the…previous and definitely should be a private conversation between you and Jihoon instead of being asked by practically strangers. Marriage wasn’t something out of the question, the conversation was too early to have. On top of that his mother still doesn’t like you and Jihoon hasn't met your family yet. 

“Ahhh, this is stupid.” Pushing the hood back and running your hands through your hair, you sighed.. “Snap out of it, idiot. It’s not that serious.” 

Finding a larger rock just off the water, you leaned yourself against it, sliding the hood back up and slipping your hands into your sweatshirt pockets, resting atop your phone. You drummed your fingers against your phone case, breathing in the refreshing air that was untainted by the industry surrounding the city. Though it was relatively dark outside, you could faintly see the colors of the autumn woods over the green mountains, loving the ever changing leaves until they all eventually fall to the ground when the time came. 

A shiver shot down your spine, the crunching of rocks and pebbles underfoot caught your attention but you didn’t need to turn to see who approached you. A hand was placed on your back, sliding up around your shoulder as he rounded the rock you leaned against. When Jihoon came into your peripheral view, you let yourself sink into his side, thunking your head against his shoulder. Letting your eyes slide closed, you reached around him and held his waist, scoffing softly as he was only in a t-shirt and joggers.

“ It’s cold out here.”  

“ Mmm, maybe if you wore warm clothes, you wouldn’t be cold.” 

“Can’t do that when you take all my sweatshirts.” 

Faking a dramatic gasp, you shrugged your shoulders up until your chin went into the collar of the very much stolen sweatshirt. “ You keep leaving them at my place or giving them to me so technically it is your fault.” 

Jihoon pinched your arm, making you whine and hit him on the chest. Jihoon mocked your whine before he spoke up. “Don’t turn this on me like you don’t complain that you are cold all the time.”

“Rude but I’ll accept my actions.” 

“ Why did you feel startled earlier?” 

“Oh- it was nothing,” You brushed it off, tightening your hold on his waist. “ I was having dinner with some of the staff I was making friends with and they brought up something and I choked on my food.” 

You knew he didn't believe you fully but he chose not to respond, instead of continuing, you took comfort in basking in the bond's warmth and the tranquil feeling Jihoon was embracing at that moment. The subtle rise and fall of his shoulder with each breath was familiar and just as you did previously on your phone, you drummed your fingers against the side of his waist you held. Feeling his cheek bump against the top of your head, Jihoon yawned, definitely trying to keep it quiet but failed horribly. 

Lifting your head and resting your chin on his shoulder, you could see him look down at you tiredly from the corner of his eyes. “ If you are tired, go back to everyone. You can stop by between things you got going on tomorrow. Enjoy the vacation.” 

Jihoon gave a gruff grunt, the tired pout he typically likes to sport evident on his face. “ I should…I sleep better with you though.” 

“Go, Jihoon-ah. I’m not going anywhere.” 

With much reluctance and a teeny bit of whining (which he denies he wasn’t whining), Jihoon finally placed a kiss to your forehead, muttering a goodnight against your skin. He kept you wrapped in his arms for a much longer hug than he probably intended and you didn’t want to let him go, but he was tired and needed sleep. Giving the final push, Jihoon kissed your forehead once more before he took the trek back to the main houses.

Watching him leave, you chuckled silently. For the first time in at least two weeks, you’d be sleeping on your own away from him. You got used to the bond being so close, to his rhythmic breathing that lulled you to sleep. It made you feel secure, knowing that both you and Jihoon were safe, comfortable, and able to sleep through the night. Hopefully you both could sleep through the night without an issue, him more than you if his small comments and the outwardly denying love for curling up in bed beside you, holding you to his chest. Maybe you’d be a little cold tonight, maybe you were glad you had stolen a sweatshirt that definitely smelled like his cologne.

You stood tall and stretched your limbs, yawning and grunting out in the pleasant feeling of tension leaving your body. With Jihoon gone, a cold shiver went down your spine and the chill of the night started to settle in your bones. Shuffling your feet over the rocks carefully, you made your way back to the staff house, slipping in through the backdoor that you left through earlier. Much of the house has settled down but Hyeji and Ji-yu were at the table, passing phones back and forth, laughing at something they saw occasionally. When they heard the door close, both turned to look at you and both of their expressions were soft and inviting.

“ Ruby-ah, come sit with us again.” Hyeji motioned over and you lazily shuffled over, sliding into the seat adjacent to the both of them. 

Ji-yu hummed, “ Sorry for the teasing earlier. Seemed a little too easy.” She gave a wink and you shrugged. 

“ I plan to just go with the flow with Jihoon. If the conversation comes up, it comes up. If it doesn’t, we can sit down together and talk about it when the time feels right.” 

“ Very mature of you,” She placed her phone face down, focusing all her attention on you. “ When we were told that Jihoon-ah had found his soulmate and you’d be joining us, many of the crew from Pledis were a little protective. Bringing other staff in is fine but a soulmate? We’ve been working with them for years, they are a part of our little family.” 

“ At least you guys were nice about it. Don’t even get me started on when I met his mother.” You dropped your head against the table, laughing at yourself. Hyeji snickered and covered it up with a slap of her hand to her mouth. Ji-yu raised a brow, not fully understanding and you took the time to explain exactly how that horrible lunch went. 

“ So you are a well accomplished person and she still thinks you aren’t worthy? Typical mother-in-laws.” Ji-yu rolled her eyes. “ My mother-in-law wanted me to be a housewife and have a bunch of kids. My soulmate and I didn’t plan on having kids and she did not like that one. She holds it against me and it’s been ten years.” 

Hyeji chimed in, “ I hope my soulmate’s parents are never like that because if they are, I’ll scream.” 

“And like I told Jihoon, she should be lucky I’m caring for his ass. He can barely cook and I’m finally getting him on a proper sleep schedule most days. Maybe I’ll teach him how to bake for fun.” 

“That’s what you get when he spent his teen years in a dorm with other teenage boys. We should be happy some of them can cook now.” 

“ Amen.” Ji-yu leaned back in her chair. “ Vernon-ah can barely follow directions in a package. He’d live off toast and beans if no one fed him.” 

“ Do you know how many times the maknae line has shown up at my apartment just wanting food?” You were exasperated, huffing and shaking your head in no particular direction. “ I started to have them buy the groceries because they eat out my fridge.” 

“What about Jihoon? He has a bottomless pit for a stomach.” 

“Don’t remind me.” Groaning, you rested your chin on your hand, “ I told him that he is also eating everything in my fridge. He just smugly handed me his black card and said food shopping was on him now.” 

“Already sounding like a married couple.” Hyeji added.

Ji-yu pouted, “You are making me feel old.” 

“I feel like I've aged ten years since I’ve settled here because of Seventeen.” 

“ Join the party, Ruby-ah.” 

It didn’t take long for the three of you to branch off for the night. You took the mattress pad from your haphazard spot on the floor and found a corner of the main room that was free to curl up in for the night. Pulling to the collar of the sweatshirt up to your chin, you tucked into the comforter provided, closing your eyes and letting your breathing slow. Soon you were twisting and turning to get comfortable. The mattress wasn’t uncomfortable…you simply got used to a certain body heat resting beside you until you passed out. Pouting, you turned flat on your back, staring up at the ceiling. 

Most of the crew had settled in for the night, the house was quiet. You didn’t know how long you were just lying there, staring. Hyeji was knocked out on the couch, you could hear her quiet breathing and the quiet snoring. Under your pillow, you felt your phone buzz, and fished it out. You hissed out in pain at the blinding brightness and quickly lowered it to protect some of your sight. 

With quick tapping to find the notification, you smiled to yourself at the text you received. 

[Jihoonie 11:49PM] I can’t sleep. [To Jihoonie 11:50 PM]  Yeah, me too.  [Jihoonie 11:50 PM] Come here. 

You scoffed quietly at that.

[To Jihoonie 11:51 PM] I’m not gonna walk all the way over there to sleep then trudge my ass back here in the morning, idiot. We can go a few days without sleeping next to each other.   [Jihoonie 11:51 PM] You suck. →_→ [To Jihoonie 11:52 PM] No u ←_← Goodnight, Jihoon-ah. [Jihoonie 11:52 PM] →_→ Fine.  Goodnight.  Not like I need my sleep or anything.  Totally don’t. 

Taking a deep breath, you pinched the bridge of your nose but still managed a silent laugh, shaking your shoulders. Part of you wished to post this on instagram to expose the childish behaviors of your soulmate as a joke. If only Carats knew all the silly, childish things Jihoon subjects you to on a daily basis. Just this morning before you were to head out to Hybe, he wanted to make a blanket fort with the couch cushions and watch a movie. An absolute dork.

[To Jihoonie 11:53 PM] ←_← I’m changing your name in my contacts.  You changed Jihoonie to Twerp #1  There we go.  [Jihoonie 11:54 PM] ￣へ￣  Jihoon changed Ruby to Rude

You could feel he was tired through the bond, you could also feel that he was happy. Shaking your head, you typed out one final message. 

[To Jihoonie 11:55 PM] Goodnight, Jihoonie. Sleep as well as you can.  [Jihoonie 11:55 PM] (￣o￣) . z Z Goodnight, Ruby-ah 

By the third day, you had finished the book Wonwoo gave you since it wasn’t a long read and moved onto one that Minghao suggested. It was another short read, this one on the importance of inner peace and it sounded like a nice thing to find with the depression you’re coming down from. You had curled up on a seat outside, dressed in another hoodie of Jihoon’s (You brought three) and a blanket that was in the closet you peeked in earlier. 

When you raised your head, hearing Soonyoung and Seokmin in the distance, you tried to hold in the laughter that followed. There they were, standing on a rock in the middle of the river, with one of the other members standing on the edge of the water. 

“ Just jump!” You heard Jeonghan and you instantly knew this was all his idea… 

Standing up and closing your book, you left it and your phone in the seat, walking over to stand just off camera to watch the chaos ensue. You nearly fell over cackling when the two jumped in and scrambled to get out. You did squat down and hugged your knees laughing, covering your mouth to keep quiet when the oar floated off and Soonyoung swam to shore. Jeonghan tossed a towel over Soonyoung, walking off further from shore to wait for Seokmin. 

“ Ya! Ruby-ah! I lost a bet!” Seokmin called from the canoe, noticing you off to the side. 

“ Ahh~ Ruby-ah, come here!” Jeonghan called out, waving you over when he and Soonyoung moved towards the camping tent. 

Jeonghan waved the cameraman off that was filming in the distance and once more motioned for you to come over. Catching your breath finally, you stood back up from crouching and hurried your way over. When Seokmin managed to get off the canoe and onto dry land, he sprinted over, ready to take a towel. On your trek over, you could see Soonyoung and Jeonghan talking to Seokmin who’s back was turned to you. As you got within a few feet of the trio, the three of them were looking at you with the most evil glint in their eyes. 

“What?” You questioned, tilting your head to the side before Seokmin and Soonyoung were charging at you with wide, mischievous grins spread on their faces. 

The panicking fight or flight response had you running as fast as you psychically could away from them. Sadly, you weren’t close to being fast enough from getting away from whatever their plan was. 

Seokmin halted your fleeing, wrapping his arms under your armpits while Soonyoung joined in grabbing your legs to pick you up. You yelled out in protest, trying to kick your feet and wrangle yourself away. These assholes were laughing and moving as quickly as they could towards the fucking river . 

“Don’t you dare!” You yelled, screamed , and they didn’t stop. “ Stop it! Assholes!” 

“We are going for a dip, Ruby-ah!” Soonyoung cackled . 

They were high knees running in the water at this point and when it was deep enough, you went under with them. They instantly released you once you hit the water and you thrashed for a few moments before you surfaced and your feet found the rocky river floor below. Panting for air, you stood with scrunched up shoulders and murder in your eyes. 

“ You have…two seconds to run…before I kill you…” You took a forced breath of air in. “One…” 

And they bolted. 

Soonyoung, while agile on land, couldn’t get away fast enough in the water. You tackled him into the water, placing him into a sloppy chokehold to not hurt him but ended up giving him a noogie when he was back above water. You tossed him aside and waded your way through the water towards Seokmin who was catching his breath, standing knee deep in water. 

“ Lee Seokmin!” You yelled out, grabbing Seokmin by the arm and pulling him back. He lost his footing and fell back with a gasp, cushioned by the water behind him (and you making sure he didn’t actually get hurt). 

He whined so you knew he was fine, and ignored any complaining from either of them as you exited the water. Jeonghan, probably the mastermind behind all of this, was waiting for you with a wide smile, his phone in hand recording, and a towel. 

“ Ruby-ah?!” Jihoon’s panicked voice sounded out of breath in the distance. You could feel the bond warming but it only added to the boiling anger that pulsed in your veins. 

“By the river! They’re fine, Jihoonie.” Jeonghan scoffed, yelling over his shoulder. “ Just wet and very very angry.” 

“ Do you want to join them in the water?” You asked, pulling the sweatshirt over your head and sighing at your shirt clinging to your body uncomfortably. 

Jihoon closed in on the two of you (four but dumb and dumber in your opinion were still in the water), panting to catch his breath and groaning in frustration. His clothes were disheveled, same with his hair, and he took the towel from Jeonghan, dropping it over your head and helping you dry your hair. 

“ You need to stop scaring the shit out of me.” He spoke flatly, sighing when a shiver ripped through you. 

Your teeth started to chatter together causing you to huddle closer to Jihoon. “ Blame those three. Seokminie and Soonyoung-ah chased me down and threw me in.” 

“ Sorry~” Jeonghan snickered, tossing towels over to Seokmin and Soonyoung as they started towards the main houses to change. 

“ Sorry, Ruby-ah~!” Seokmin said in a sing-song tone, but there was a shake in his voice from the cold. 

“ Let’s get you back to the staff house.” Jihoon wrapped you up in the towel, took the soaked sweatshirt and walked back with you. “ I’ll deal with them later.” 

“ ‘m sorry.” You managed to get out albeit shaky. “ Jeonghanie called me over after I saw Seok-Soon jump into the river. I thought it would just say hello but they had other plans.” 

“Never trust when Jeonghan-hyung and Seokminie are together.” 

Laughing now, you took Jihoon’s hand to warm your freezing ones.  He flinched at the feeling but didn’t pull back from the touch. “Noted. Seokminie is Jeonghan’s prodigy after all.”

When you walked to the backdoor, Hyeji was already standing there with a fresh towel and a sympathetic smile. “ They got you good.” 

“ Shut up.” You huffed, taking the new towel and shuffled inside to find your suitcase. 

“ Don’t just stand there, come on in, Jihoon-ah.” The door closed not long after that. “ Go take a shower, Ruby-ah, I’ll keep your soulmate company~” 

“Why am I friends with you?” You threw a glare over your shoulder, grabbing a fresh pair of clothes from your bag. 

“ Because you’d only have thirteen idiots as friends here in Korea.” 

“Hey-” Jihoon furrowed his brow, dropping himself on the couch. 

You did end up taking a short shower, happy for the hot water running over your skin and hair, quick to warm up the numbness in your limbs. You tossed on the third sweatshirt of Jihoon’s that you brought along and a pair of sweatpants before making your way back to the living room. Hyeji was sitting at the table on her phone and Jihoon…Well he was asleep again, only now on your mattress pad. It was kinda early for him, he did stay up all night with the guys from what one of the camera guys said this morning. 

“ It’s kind of funny,” Hyeji caught your attention, side-eyeing you as you shuffled over towards him. “ I’ve known Jihoon-ah for a while, he isn’t outwardly affectionate with words or physically, but when he talks about you, looks at you…He is definitely in love with you.”

You blinked once, twice. She just said the L word. You hadn’t even thought about that word because everything has been moving a million miles a minute.

“ Don’t think about it too hard. Maybe take a nap with him, both of you look like you need it.” She stood up and shoved her hands and phone into her back pockets. “ I’ll wake you up later if you sleep too long.” Hyeji walked out the front door of the house, humming to herself.

You graced her with a hum and scrambled out the door to grab your book and phone before returning to lie down beside Jihoon. Unlike the typical arrangement you’ve fallen into, you had the perfect opportunity to be the big spoon in this cuddle session. When you pulled the comforter back, Jihoon was curled up on his side, facing the wall and corner you picked last night. 

You slid in behind him and dropped the blanket over the both of you, slinging an arm gently over his waist to get comfortable. He stirred in his sleep but the slow sounds of breathing didn’t change. Pressing your front to his back, you rested your forehead against the back of his neck, snuggling up close. It didn’t take long for your own breathing to fully even out and fall into the same, slow rhythm that Jihoon had. 

With your eyes closed, you basked in the peace you’ve surrounded yourself in. Things were difficult, you’d worry about Jihoon, he’d worry about you, but being able to hold him (or be held) like this, all the worries went away. In moments like this, it was just you and Jihoon, two souls bound together by the strings of fate. You reminded yourself that if Jihoon was beside you, you could face anything together. It was soulmates against the world, and if you were being honest, you’d like to think you were kicking ass.

[race-week]

Hi Al, hope all is well with you :) just was looking at the F1 calendar and I'm wanting to check my eyes aren't deceiving me, is there a 4 week break between Singapore and Austin?

Yeah, there’s 3 weekends without racing between the two events with Singapore on the 22nd of September and COTA on the 20th of October

I’m not exactly sure the reasoning for that, I mean last year Japan and Qatar were between Singapore and COTA, and this year Japan is early in the year and Qatar is later.

I mean the late October slot suits COTA well because of the weather, it’s about 4C hotter in Austin in September compared to October, so that could be why it wasn’t moved forward to fill the gap.

To be honest I think for teams and personnel it might be nice for them to get a bit of a break before the triple header

[preet-01]

A short prequel of sorts for my last Lewis x John Elkann ficlet. I cannot stop thinking about this pairing.

Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, John had never wanted for anything.

If he even thought about something, it would appear in front of him. Not quite served on a silver platter, but as close to it as humanly possible.

So he had never wanted for anything in his life, at least not until he’d run into one Lewis Hamilton — not yet a Sir but still so chivalrous.

A chance meeting had turned into a years long desire for the British racing driver. How anyone got anything done with Lewis near them, John would never know, but god did he want to find out.

His first thought is to throw money towards getting closer to Lewis. It’s a path that tended to always work. But Lewis had been a star from the day he touched one of those RC cars. And he was labeled the billion dollar man — Lewis had no need for the endless amount of money that John had at his disposal.

He has done work harder, get crafty and go out of the box.

Stepping outside of Italian aristocracy and industrialists, John finds himself in the presence of fashion icons and celebrities that he can’t name off the top of his head. But during every event Lewis greets him with his perfect gap-toothed smile and a joke about it being a small world.

If only he knew the effort John went to and the “anonymous” donations he’d made.

Lewis’ social circles are filled with parties and designer clothes. It truly is a blessing that Ferrari designs clothes and gives John an in. There are professional benefits to it, celebrities that wouldn’t have thought to come to a Ferrari fashion show are booking it in their calendars.

The next step to actually getting Lewis is getting him away from Mercedes. The team that had once lauded Lewis as their star had been slowly declining over the years and in John’s opinion wasn’t worthy of Lewis anymore.

But despite all his efforts, Lewis remains oblivious.

Until after the Singapore Grand Prix, Lewis on the podium and alone. A win that could have been his had something been different lost. A team that barely acknowledged him.

Lewis would typically fly with the team, but John offers a ride on his private jet and for once he actually accepts. There’s a hidden hurt in Lewis’ eyes that he would not have gotten to know Lewis so well, he would’ve missed it.

“How come you’ve been at so many races recently, man? I don’t think I’ve seen you this much ever,” Lewis questions.

“I am a fan of the sport first and foremost. Might as well enjoy the benefits of running Ferrari,” John replies. “And there are contracts that I want to be finalized,” he adds.

“Charles and Carlos? It would be a good idea to lock down drivers before it becomes chaotic with the other half of the grid not having contracts finalized during the summer,” Lewis notes.

“Charles, yes. With Carlos, however, we want to keep the seat open should someone else want it. Perhaps a world champion,” John replies vaguely. He’s curious to see what Lewis will say.

“Nothing could take Max away from Red Bull, especially not now that Daniel’s back there as well. And I doubt Fernando would return to Ferrari after his run,” Lewis says.

“They’re not the only champions on the grid and definitely not the ones I want,” John tells him.

“Oh, but I said after Monaco-“

“I know, but just keep it in mind. If we do sign Carlos again it’ll only be for a year,” John cuts him off.

He’ll have to forget being subtle because Lewis is perhaps one of the most oblivious men he’s ever met.

[inchidentally]

tricky asks below! pls do not rb as that removes the readmore for some reason and I want to keep these out of tags <3

the fact that we're having to to discuss friendzoning about two friends anon we're really in it now aren't we

I want to take a moment direct ppl to this interview if they like Carlos tho bc his interviews are always so intelligent and thoughtful. you also get a much more authentic persona out of him when he speaks in Spanish. there are more videos on that account from that interview too.

I love that he listed Checo and Fernando so highly bc of course he gravitates toward ppl he can speak to in his born language. the three of them personality wise are pretty different but whenever they move toward each other you can tell they're in compatriot mode.

but yea what he said re Lando and racing is exactly what Lando says - and what nobody ever wants to post except begrudgingly. the 'bromances' are dressed way up by fans and media but there is no deeper narrative and it's not that serious. when they're driving, all friends disappear bc winning is the only reason to even be in F1 let alone the only way to stay in it for certain. even the comments on videos like that are next to nothing bc they're not "shippy" videos. but it's authentic and true that these guys are F1 drivers first and foremost and wayyyy after that it's nice to have some regular buddies to hang with. we should all be able to put shipping aside and appreciate the actual drivers these guys are and the fact that they can put aside their intense competitiveness to be so friendly.

asgfkasgfksag I love that last part anon. fr I've found it so funny that the larrie carlandos class Oscar in with all the women they despise bc it threatens their ship. it's like sexy Brazilian woman, sexy European woman, sexy IG Baddie, and... Oscar.

that's wild though about lestappen having their own larries. how in the hell do ppl look at Charles and Carlos and even bother pretending they dislike let alone hate each other. we literally have real life F1 examples of teammates who are neutral/uninterested in each other w KMag and Hulk and teammates who bitterly hate each other w Ocon and Gasly. if Charles and Carlos were even in a dislike/disinterest category we wouldn't see them giggling and touching right up to the last day at Abu Dhabi this year. and side note but we also wouldn't see their gfs enjoying spending time together during races and events either, which Alex and Rebecca do.

I've seen that too it's insane. when has Lando NOT considered Silverstone the most important race on the calendar for him?? and nothing will beat his high over that podium until his actual win, nothing. (the fact that he kept saying how Oscar deserved to be up there with him was just the icing on the cake)

and like can they please just remember here that Lando was excited and happy on that podium in Singapore for himself as well???? that his own result meant more to him than a Ferrari driver?? yes he was happy for Carlos but Lando is sort of an actual F1 driver and if he could've knocked Carlos' ass aside and gotten that top spot for himself he very. much. would. have!! and that the double podiums that followed meant more to him bc y'know the team he drives for get more points?? carlando is a miniscule part of Lando's F1 career and Carlos is less a part of his life than Max V in terms of drivers who spend non-driving related time with him. after that being George, Alex and Daniel. and then Carlos.

yea honestly I'm not sure if the larry element has always been in carlando fandom and the latest Netflix/Liberty Media commercialization of the ship has just amplified it or if these are a bunch of new ppl who only go for the unhinged accounts. but that side of the ship literally view Lando as someone who responds to Carlos and does nothing else so huge shock that they try to override his actual choices and his actual race weekend with Carlos literally years after Carlos left him for Ferrari.

I'm guessing it's enraging watching Carlos do with Charles all the jokey sexual/romantic things they kept wanting him to do w Lando but sorry folks for all that we slow down certain moments and obsess over them sharing an umbrella to walk down the pit lane it's literally brotherly behavior. I've got another anon who brought up my tags of carlando being Charles and Arthur and it straight up is. all the physical carlando stuff is what they do. and I say this as someone who fully does twist all those carlando moments into something romantic/sexual lol. but gotta be able to keep that line between reality and fantasy.

fortunately Lando is chronically online enough to brush this crap off and Carlos just sees the carlando fan stuff as decent publicity. but fingers crossed it doesn't escalate even further to Sky Sports or F1 pushing it and fans getting so crazed that Lando or Carlos has to put their foot down. if it's already swamping McLaren social media and Lando's fan accounts then expect it to get even worse.

the lack of Oscar's presence in all of these places is probably the lamest thing bc good lord the guy has a long term gf can they all admit that as Lando's ACTUAL teammate he has more relevance to Lando's career than any former teammate? and can McLaren please get their act together next season and bring back Unboxeds and stop splitting up Lando and Oscar content when they never did this with Carlos or Daniel?? sorry Oscar ain't a wacky character but we all happen to love his dynamic with Lando.

you just answered that question anon and it's exactly why I can't believe they want carlando back as teammates. as things are we get to have a nice sprinkle of carlando content throughout the season and no drama! do they truly want silly challenges videos so badly that they want to watch the entire friendship sink like a stone now that Lando would be challenging and beating Carlos AND that now it would be Lando as first driver and not Carlos? the Sainz family's warmth is there bc they never had to see Lando as a direct competitor or hindrance to Carlos' success. they'd turn on him in a fucking second when Carlos didn't get an update and Lando did or Carlos wanted to change the car but Lando didn't or Lando was the reason why Carlos missed out on a podium. the main reason why Charles and Carlos work so well through the drama is that they're such similar people and can keep a level head and distance from it all. Lando is n o t h i n g like Charles' personality. Lando cannot translate frustration and misery into anything, it just sits with him until he does better. Carlos literally said he didn't know what to do with Lando when he'd get into those funks. imagine all the god awful repeats of that carlando "breakup" clip from 2021 bc Lando can't hide anything on his face and he'd be fed up with Carlos or his family or himself and christ.

it would be so. so very bad. can they at least be happy that Lando's got a nice placid easygoing guy in Oscar as a teammate and carlando content still rolls in.

I could def see the fact that Oscar is neither older brother or younger brother age for Lando and they do all the same gen z references and the same hobbies is probably part of whatever they perceive as a "threat". like it's still such a reach but it would explain the way Lando fan accounts try to post as little Lando with Oscar as possible but dredge up 2019 slowed down Carlos shoulder bumps and shit lol.

truly I personally don't know if the Oscar and Carlos dingdongs play much of a part for carlando fans bc honestly Carlos has quite a few regular enemies on the track alsgfjlsagf. by this time they've got to know that. Carlos sometimes can't drop the red mist even hours after a race so Oscar just happens to have come in for a share in his rookie season! but especially with how much Carlos has actually seemed to chum around with Oscar before and after drivers parades etc (even ignoring Lando a couple times to do so !!!!!! gasp horror etc)

side note that I'd honestly be glad if Oscar chose never to get into golf bc ohhhhh the shit fit if he went golfing at the same time as Lando and Carlos. even though Lando golfs with tons of people and they always play in fours anyway.

I still personally think that the mostly straight women who buy into the bromances to the point of thinking this is how gay relationships actually look are pretty cold toward Oscar bc even Lando has said that Oscar's brought out a new level in Lando's driving and that he likes how calm Oscar is. so the fact that Oscar and Lando aren't fake gaying it up and they're also not doing a bunch of physical touch that can be edited and slowed down to look gay to those women has got to look like Lando being I guess unhappy or like they have no chemistry. so they'll allow that Oscar can be cute sometimes and maybe sometimes he can be cute with Lando. for a treat. but that in their mind Lando is meh about Oscar and is just dying to have the guy back who... actively chose to leave ??

I never saw that cartoon but I remember one from the summer that had Lando and Oscar together in a boat - SHIP CONFIRMED???? CARLANDO OVER??

jesus christ thankfully the drivers never see these comments.

and yikes at the meltdowns over that Carlos trip to Monaco bc he was with Rebecca the whole time and rumors were that they were looking at apartments. I do hate myself for liking gossip but it's literally in a sit back and enjoy the madness way lol.

askfgakg anon are you by any chance part of the sainz family?

(if I didn't answer your ask here it's probably bc it's something I'd rather discuss privately/don't want to stir up in fandom. feel free to message me tho <3 tumblr may also have devoured it bc it still does that sometimes)

[valpoupdates]

FEBRUARY CALENDAR POSTING...

So much to see, so much to do, so little time ! Lucky for you, here in the Valparaíso Region, we keep track of it just for you ! Unless stated otherwise, these activities are optional. Residents do not have to take part in these if they don't wish to ! These can be used for threads throughout the month but new threads can't be started for these activities once the month is up. Please track the valpocalendar tag to stay updated month to month ( ©️ )

Casablanca Activities:

February 3rd-4th: Aire Libre will be hosting two romance-a-thon nights, one in Spanish and one in English (with Spanish closed captioning).  There will be a Valentine’s Day themed snack box consisting of a metal heart popcorn bowl, pink popcorn, a variety of candy, and heart-shaped alfajores provided by Dulce Sueño’s Sweets and Treats.

February 3rd 5 PM: La vida de los peces: Andrés se reencuentra con su antiguo amor. 7 PM: Play: Dos personas buscan amor, pero nunca se encuentran. 10:00 PM: Los Fuertes: Lucas y Antonio empiezan un gran amor. February 4th 5 PM: Shrek: Un ogro y un burro tienen una aventura. 7 PM: Crazy Rich Asians: El novio de Rachel Chu, una profesora de economía, tiene un gran secreto. 10 PM: The Notebook: Duke lee una historia romántica a una paciente.

February 8th: Casablanca Blooms and Coffee will be hosting two Valentine’s Day-themed events: from 5 PM - 6 PM will be a bouquet-making class where you can create a beautiful bouquet for a loved one, and from 6 PM - 7 PM will be a coffee blending class where you can create your own sweet blend.

February 14th: Dulce Sueño’s Sweets and Treats is hosting a Valentine’s Day dessert decorating session from 12 PM - 2 PM.  Come decorate cookies, brownies, and mini-cakes; then take home your goodies and share them with your loved ones.

Quilpué Activities:

February 9th: Caos Tattoos is hosting the Anti-Romance Tattoo Sale.  There will be affordable flash sheets around themes of anti-love and heartbreak.

February 18th: The Annual Beastly Brunch is happening again at the Quilpué Zoo from 11 PM - 1 PM.  Feast on delicious bites and sip brunch cocktails while learning and celebrating the feathered friends you have in your own backyard!  Brunch will be served.

February 22nd: Plantas Altas is having their Customer Appreciation Day. Plants will be up to 40% off, and there will be complimentary food and a DJ.  First 40 customers get a free t-shirt or tote bag with the store logo.

Valparaíso Activities:

February 1st: A Santa Moneda resident has some dozen leftover tickets for Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and has offered to fly people out to Carnival for a small fee. Carnival takes place February 9th-17th, and it is one of the largest yearly festivals in Brazil that celebrates their history, culture, and traditions. The itinerary is already made, hotel rooms have been booked, and VIP events have been reserved; all you need to do is reach out to Santa Moneda Front Desk and we can get you in touch with the resident. Serious inquiries only!

February 10th: Parque Cultural de Valparaíso is hosting a Lunar New Year Festival from 12 PM - 9 PM, celebrating the Year of the Wood Dragon. There will be foods from many different countries that celebrate the holiday, including China, Singapore, South Korea, Vietnam, and Malaysia, stalls that sell clothes, art, and knick-knacks, lion dancing, and presentations and reading corners for people of all ages to learn more about the history, culture, and traditions behind the holiday from each country. The festival will close out with fireworks.

February 23rd: The Universidad de Bellas Artes Poets play against the Pontifical Catholic University Pumas at 6 PM. Come show your school spirit or come support your local fútbol team.

February 24th: Biblioteca Santiago Severín is hosting a community shred day from 8 AM - 8 PM. With a small donation, you can bring any personal papers and documents to be shredded.  Volunteers are still needed; if interested, please sign up on our website, <santiagoseverin.cl>. 

Viña del Mar Activities:

February 11th-24th: The Ballet de Valparaíso will be performing Cinderella at The Teatro Municipal. Come laugh, be surprised, and fall in love with a new interpretation of an age-old fairytale.

February 14th: There will be speed dating in the Jardín Botánico Nacional from 2 PM - 4 PM, with complimentary coffee provided by Combi Coffee. Casual attire; no sign ups necessary.

February 17th: There is free admission for all tours, all day, at Castillo Wulff. If you and your kids or friends are looking for a fun way to pass the time, come learn about the beautiful, historic castle overlooking the sea.

February 25th - March 1st: The Quinta Vergara Amphitheater is hosting the LXII Festival Internacional de la Canción de Viña. It is the oldest and largest music festival in Latin America; the 6-day festival is broadcasted on the radio, television, and online streaming platforms. This year’s headlines include Maná, Peso Pluma, Allison Mandel, Andrea Bocelli with special guest Matteo Bocelli, Maria Becerra, and more!

February 29th: The restaurant inside the Casino de Viña del Mar is a popular place for people to get proposed to, and on Leap Year, that popularity dramatically increases as women will propose to their significant others.  No one knows when this tradition started, but it’s been going on for years; the restaurant even has a special menu for this day. Come grab a table and watch some potential impromptu proposals! Who cares if the rumors say most of them are staged!

[tcclsblog]

Chinese New Year: A Global Festival Beyond Asia

Every year, when the first new moon of the lunar calendar begins to wax, a wave of red lanterns, firecrackers, and jubilant parades sweeps over not just Asia but cast its crimson glow across the world. Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is a vibrant and soulful celebration deeply ingrained in Chinese culture and heritage, yet its grandeur resonates with millions globally. Let's embark on a fascinating journey to witness how this majestic festival paints the town red, all around the planet!

The Universal Appeal of Tradition

Tradition doesn't just reside within geographic boundaries; it transcends them. Chinese New Year is a testament to this as communities from Sydney to San Francisco, London to Lagos, come together to embrace the spirit of renewal, hope, and prosperity that the festival signifies. It's a time when the ancient rituals and colorful folklore of the East blend seamlessly with the diverse cultures and modern vibes of cities around the world.

Celebrations Around the Globe

Imagine the thunderous beats of drums and the sharp clack of clashing cymbals; feel the exhilaration as the Dragon Dance snakes its way through the bustling streets of Chinatowns everywhere! From Asia to the farthest reaches of the West, these iconic traditions have found a home, bringing with them a splash of culture and an invitation to communal feasting and reflection.

In Malaysia and Singapore, the streets come alive with decorations and performances, while families gather for the "reunion dinner," embracing the core values of family and community. Meanwhile, in the heart of London, a mesmerizing parade draws thousands, witnessing a fusion of English and Chinese festivities.

Across the Pacific, North America holds its own with cities like New York, Vancouver, and San Francisco hosting grand events - their Chinatowns pulsating with life and festivity, transforming the environs into a microcosm of the East.

A Time for Renewal and Prosperity

As we ring in the New Year with good food and vibrant celebrations, let’s not forget the underlying promise of a fresh start. This is a time to sweep away any ill-fortune and welcome incoming good luck with open arms and hearts full of ambition.

Delving into Diverse Practices

While the essence of Chinese New Year remains constant, local flavors and customs lend each celebration its own unique twist. In Indonesia, it's a national holiday reflective of the country's recognition of cultural diversity. The Philippines, with its considerable Chinese population, revels in street parties and sumptuous feasts celebrating both cultural harmony and delicious gastronomy!

Embracing the Future

As we joyously participate in these world celebrations, let us also remember the profound lessons they impart. These global festivities of Chinese New Year highlight the beauty of cultural exchange and the power of tradition to unite different peoples under the banner of shared celebration. The ubiquity of the festival underscores the universal themes of hope, resurgence, and the communal joy of ushering in better days.

Conclusion

As the brilliant fireworks dissolve into the night sky the world over, Chinese New Year stands as a glistening reminder that joy, much like the full moon, is round and complete when shared. So, no matter where you find yourself when the next Chinese New Year dawns, remember that you're part of a worldwide cadre who's celebrating not just a tradition rooted in time, but the ever-growing tree of human connection. Here's to a New Year filled with happiness, health, and prosperity. Oh, and don't forget to share your festivities with us. Tag us, and let's paint social media red with the splendor of Chinese New Year - together!

Remember, it's not just a festival; it's a global phenomenon that underscores our unity as a global village, festively tied with the reddest of strings. Join in the revelry, indulge in the spirit, and experience the magnificence that is Chinese New Year, wherever you may be. Gung Hay Fat Choy!

[mykpoplovers]

'B★VERSE' EXHIBITION: BTS TAKES THE WORLD BY STORM WITH EXCLUSIVE STOP IN MALAYSIA

Proudly presented by Seni Jaya, THE FACT 'B★VERSE’ (BTS, Singing the Stars) exhibition world tour - a spectacular treat for K-POP enthusiasts worldwide is now happening in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, 30 NOVEMBER 2023 – Brace yourselves, ARMYS! The highly anticipated 'B★VERSE' (BTS, Singing the Stars). Exhibition is set to dazzle Malaysian fans as it makes its first stop in the world at Pavilion Bukit Jalil from 1 December 2023 to 10 March 2024.

Hosted by THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS and expertly crafted by APOLLON STUDIO, 'B★VERSE' is not just an exhibition; it's a mesmerising journey through BTS's electrifying years from 2020 to 2022, inspired by the legendary 'THE FACT BTS PHOTOBOOK SPECIAL EDITION' unveiled alongside the prestigious THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS.

The exhibition is set to guide visitors through eight exclusive sessions, each offering a treasure trove of visuals and activities – including the VR Room, Orbital Tunnel, BTS Universe, 7 Planets, ARMY Way, Immersive Projection Mapping, Merchandise, and Photo Zone. Both VR and Immersive Projection Mapping Rooms are equipped with concert-like sound systems to amplify BTS’s popular songs to further elevate the immersive experience. While 7 Planets offers an immersive experience where each room represents a distinct universe of a BTS member, allowing visitors to explore the diverse worlds and artistic expressions that contribute to the group's collective identity.

Following the recent announcement of Seni Jaya Media Utama Sdn Bhd (SJMU), a subsidiary of Seni Jaya Corporation Berhad as the official intellectual property owner for the groundbreaking B★VERSE' Exhibition in Malaysia and Singapore, Mr. Jeff Cheah See Heong, CEO of Seni Jaya Corporation Berhad, expressed his enthusiasm for bringing this one-of-a-kind experience to all Malaysians especially BTS fans, marking a significant stride into the world of immersive entertainment for the company.

"We are immensely excited to witness the 'B★VERSE' Exhibition captivates the hearts of BTS fans in Malaysia. This unique journey through the BTS universe promises to be a milestone event, and we are thrilled to play a part in bringing this extraordinary experience to the vibrant cultural landscape of Malaysia," said Mr Cheah at the launch of the 'B★VERSE' Exhibition.

With tickets in hot demand, fans of all ages are racing to secure their spot in the BTS Universe. Secure your tickets now and join us for an unforgettable experience! Available now on their official ticket agent, Ticket2u, ARMYs and fans alike can soar through the BTS Universe for as low as RM88 on regular weekday tickets and RM98 on regular weekend tickets. This exclusive pricing is applicable only during the promotional period from 1 December 2023 until 17 December 2023.

Not only that, fans who purchase the tickets will also receive complimentary gifts including a Ziplock pouch, battery-operated ARMY Star badge, and a randomly picked Photocard. To complete the one-of-a-kind B★VERSE experience, ARMYs can also purchase the must-have limited-edition merchandise at the exhibition, such as BTS Inspired Clear Files, BTS Postcards, 2024 Calendar, Brochure, Tote Bags and T-Shirts.

For more information, updates, or to join in on the ARMY celebration, visit: Ticket2u Site: https://www.ticket2u.com.my/bstarverse Instagram: https://instagram.com/bversemalaysia?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Twitter: https://twitter.com/bversemalaysia?s=21 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bversemalaysia?_t=8fqUlUVLoOe&_r=1 Seni Jaya Official Website: https://www.senijayacorp.com/

[saintmeghanmarkle]

What happened to the Sentebale Polo event in Singapore? It is now gone from the internet. by u/GreatGossip

What happened to the Sentebale Polo event in Singapore? It is now gone from the internet. Yesterday there was the announcement of a polo event in Singapore to benifit Sentembale. It was discussed on this sub. Now it is gone from the internet. Why?Ref: Singapore polo club https://www.singaporepoloclub.org/events/event/calendar-of-events​ post link: https://ift.tt/K65TGrn author: GreatGossip submitted: June 24, 2023 at 01:11AM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit

[jewelry-making]

How to Celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival: History, Culture and Customs

The Dragon Boat Festival (Duan Wu Jie) is a traditional Chinese festival that has been celebrated for over 2,000 years. It is held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, which usually falls in June on the Gregorian calendar. The festival has a rich history and culture that is celebrated in different ways across China and other parts of the world. The most popular theory of the origin of the festival is that it was derived from the commemoration of a great patriot poet, Qu Yuan. Qu Yuan was a minister in the state of Chu during the Warring States period (475-221 BC). He was exiled by the king for opposing alliances with other states and committed suicide by drowning himself in the Miluo River. The local people who admired him raced out in boats to save him or retrieve his body. They beat drums and splashed their paddles in the water to scare away fish and evil spirits. This is said to be the origin of dragon boat racing.

The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated in different ways across China. In southern China, especially in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau, people eat zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) wrapped in bamboo leaves. The fillings can vary from sweet to savory and include pork belly, salted egg yolk, mushrooms, chestnuts, and red bean paste. In northern China, people eat wheat dumplings called jiaozi instead. Dragon boat racing is another popular activity during the festival. It involves teams of paddlers racing dragon-shaped boats to the beat of drums. The races are held on rivers or lakes and are accompanied by loud cheers and applause from spectators.

The Dragon Boat Festival has become an important cultural event around the world. It is celebrated in many countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, and the United States. In addition to dragon boat racing and eating zongzi, other activities include making sachets filled with herbs to ward off evil spirits and hanging calamus and wormwood leaves on doors to repel insects. I hope this information helps you understand more about this wonderful festival! Let me know if you have any other questions or if there’s anything else I can help you with. This is another blog post I wrote in French. If you are interested, please click to read https://teaware.over-blog.com/

[race-week]

Joe Saward has revealed some rumours about the 2024 Calendar

Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to be the first two races of the season, but they will be held on Saturdays instead of Sundays (2nd March and 9th March respectively) this is due in part to the start of Ramadan

Australia would then take place on the 24th March to allow for freight

Japanese GP on the 7th April, Chinese GP on the 21st April. This means that team personnel would be going Australia-Europe-Japan-Europe-China-Europe

5th May Miami GP with Canada 5 weeks later. F1 want to have a Miami-Canada double header but Canada can’t do May because of the risk of frost and Miami can’t do June because they have an event booked

Baku will likely move to Japan’s old spot in the calendar when Singapore is

Spa planned for 2024 but in the future will likely rotate with Zandvoort to make space for a race in Africa

[X]

These are all rumours and Joe Saward has a bit of a mixed bag of results when it comes to his rumours but they are interesting nonetheless.

[f1]

Monaco Grand Prix threatened by French energy workers strike | 2023 Monaco Grand Prix

A union of energy workers has threatened to disrupt next month’s Monaco Grand Prix in protest at the French government’s changes to its national pension scheme. The Fédération Nationale des Mines et de l’Énergie (FNME-CGT) declared “100 days of anger” in response to French president Emmanuel Macron’s reforms. The union has targeted events including the Monaco Grand Prix, which is due to take place from 26-28th May. “100 days of anger, 100 days to win,” said the union in a statement. “In May, do what you please! The Cannes film festival, the Monaco Grand Prix, the Roland-Garros [tennis] tournament, the Avignon [art] festival could end up in the dark! We won’t give up!” F1’s race around the streets of Monte-Carlo is one of the oldest and most prestigious rounds of the world championship. It is organised by the Automobile Club de Monaco, which also runs Monaco’s round of the Formula E series. That race is due to take place on May 6th but was not named as a target by the union. The ACM has been approached for comment. Macron’s plan to increase in the retirement age from 62 years to 64 was passed by France’s top constitutional body 10 days ago. It has been resisted by many in the country and its approval was greeted by a wave of protests. While the Monaco Grand Prix does not take place at night under lights, unlike six rounds on the 2023 F1 calendar, interference with the local energy supply has the potential to be disruptive. A power cut caused by heavy rain contributed to the delay at the start of last year’s Monaco Grand Prix. At the 2019 Singapore Grand Prix, a night race, Alfa Romeo were unable to run their cars for almost an hour in practice due to a power cut in their garage. Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free 2023 F1 season Browse all 2023 F1 season articles via RaceFans - Independent Motorsport Coverage https://www.racefans.net/

[indiantravelpackage]

Punjabi festivals are a vibrant blend of cultural traditions, religious significance, and community celebrations, deeply rooted in the region’s heritage. The festivals are primarily based on the Nanakshahi calendar, which marks important events related to Sikh Gurus, such as birth anniversaries and martyrdoms. These festivals offer a profound insight into Sikhism and Punjab’s values, with each one embodying the spirit of unity, joy, and devotion.

Here are some of the major festivals celebrated in Punjab:

Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti: Celebrated in December or January, this festival honors the birth of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. Devotees remember his teachings through kirtans, processions, and acts of seva (selfless service).

Lohri: Held on January 13, Lohri marks the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season, particularly the rabi crops. The festival involves gathering around bonfires, singing folk songs, and performing traditional dances like bhangra and gidda. Lohri also holds significance for newlywed couples and newborns, with families organizing grand celebrations.

Hola Mohalla: Occurring the day after Holi, Hola Mohalla celebrates Sikh martial heritage with displays of martial arts, horse riding, and archery. Held over three days at Anandpur Sahib, the festival combines physical endurance with spirituality, featuring kirtans, poetry recitations, and community meals.

Vaisakhi: This festival, celebrated on April 13 or 14, marks the Punjabi New Year and the harvest of wheat. It also commemorates the founding of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. Gurudwaras are decorated, and there are community prayers, processions, and langars (community kitchens).

Bandi Chhor Diwas (Diwali): While Diwali is celebrated across India, Sikhs observe it as Bandi Chhor Diwas, marking the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from imprisonment. The day is celebrated with lights, fireworks, sweets, and family gatherings, especially at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

Guru Nanak Jayanti: The most significant Sikh festival, Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru, on Kartik Purnima (usually in November). The day is filled with Akhand Path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib), processions, and kirtans.

Punjabi festivals are an enriching way to explore the culture, faith, and history of Punjab. They provide visitors with a deep connection to Sikhism, making them a unique cultural experience. Whether it's the lively celebrations of Lohri or the spiritual atmosphere of Guru Nanak Jayanti, these festivals are a testament to the region’s rich heritage.

Click here to read more about the significance of Punjab’s festivals and their cultural roots!

For those looking to explore these festivals and sacred sites, we being the best tour and travel company in India, provide customized tour packages to tourists from USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, etc. These festivals foster a deeper appreciation for Punjab’s cultural and spiritual significance, making them an unforgettable experience.

[saturation2hue]

Elevate Your Business with Custom Designs – Saturation2hue.com

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Our diverse range of services includes banners, sign boards, business cards, brochures, event tickets, door hangers, calendars, bookmarks, cards, menus, CD and DVD covers, and company advertisements. Whether you’re hosting an event, promoting a new product, or simply looking to upgrade your brand image, our custom designs ensure that your business stands out.

Why Choose Saturation2hue?

We are a global company, delivering excellence to clients across the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, India, and beyond. Whether you’re in Germany, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore, or Brazil, we bring creativity and precision to your doorstep. Our talented team ensures every project reflects the unique identity of your brand while maintaining a professional edge.

Our designs don’t just look great — they make an impact. With years of experience in the industry, we understand the power of quality visuals in driving your business forward. We ensure that every design we create is aligned with your brand’s message and goals, no matter where you are in the world.

Contact us today at +91 91238 76145 or visit our website at Saturation2hue.com to discuss how we can help you make your brand shine.

[mykpopwire]

media release: The New King of Music Creation in Asia returns!

Eric Chou [Odyssey~Journey RETURNS] World Tour – Malaysia will return on 30th November & 1st December 2024 at Axiata Arena Filled with thrilling surprises on four-sided stage, a diverse setlist and styles

Last June, Eric Chou, the New King of Music Creation in Asia, brought his Odyssey tour to Malaysia for three consecutive nights, touching every fan with his amazing sensory performances of voice, song and stage...

Brace yourselves for the spectacular comeback of the [Odyssey~Journey RETURNS] Tour Encore in Malaysia on 30th November and 1st December 2024 for an unforgettable experience at the Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil. This time, Eric is bringing you an exhilarating four-sided stage that promises to immerse you in thrilling surprises at every turn. Don’t miss out on the magic—mark your calendars!

➫ Constant evolution! Exploring across borders

Eric Chou [Odyssey~Journey] Tour travelled from Singapore, followed by the United States, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Greater China and Indonesia etc.

There was a frenzied rush for tickets in every city, with venues packed to capacity and tickets becoming increasingly rare. This is a testament to his popularity as the New King of Music Creation.

Eric is constantly expanding his music horizons – he made his debut in China last year and sang in more regions this year, and expanding in 2025.

Beyond his musical pursuits, he has also showcased his all-round talent in films. He was nominated for the Best New Actor award at the Golden Horse Awards for his first starring role in “My Best Friend’s Breakfast” and won the Best Original Film Song award for “What’s on Your Mind”.

➫ Filled with thrilling surprises on the four-sided stage, a diverse setlist and styles

After a year-long absence, Eric Chou returns to Malaysia with a fresh perspective, redefining the most important thing in life.  Eric has specially fine-tuned setlist for this encore concert, reintroducing his classic love ballads such as “How Have You Been”, “Unbreakable Love”, “The Distance of Love”, “What’s Wrong” and “The Chaos After You”.

Additionally, new tracks will include “No Place like you”, “Youth”, “I will always be with you”, which will first performed in Malaysia.

Eric’s concert is not only touching but also dynamically engaging. In addition to bringing the warmth of love, it will feature EDM that is guaranteed to hype up the entire stadium.

Moreover, [Odyssey~Journey] tour will make substantial investments in creating a brand new stage featuring upgraded sound and lighting systems, presenting a high-quality concert with audio-visual experience.

The audience can witness Eric’s performances in diverse styles from different angles.

Tickets will go on sale via BOOKMYSHOW on 2nd October at 12 noon.

*photos courtesy of UnUsUaL Entertainment Pte Ltd and Altus Prohouse

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