#ah yes look at this person who has my best interest at heart

[pizzapasta23045]

Why I imagine Dottore wasn't in the Arlecchino short despite already being an harbinger:

Scaramouche: So are you gonna change? We have like, a whole trial for the murder of an Habinger to get to? Dottore: SCARA FUCK OFF I'M BUSY! I'M BUSY I'M DOING A MALPRACTICE. LET ME FUCKING DO HUMAN EXPERIMENTS IN PEACE I DON'T GIVE A SINGLE SHIT ABOUT THAT TRIAL.

[0cta9on]

Unlikely Duet - 8

Length: 18k+ words

Genre: Fluff

NewJeans Minji x Male Reader (OC)

(Author's Note: First of all, thanks to @msafterhours for beta reading! This chapter wouldn't have been as good without your input :] TW: Violence and mention of blood. Hope y'all enjoy this chapter, it was a blast to write :> )

【☆】★【☆】★【☆】★【☆】★【☆】★【☆】★【☆】★【☆】★【☆】★【☆】★【☆】★

Yuno’s POV

It’s weird. It’s a Monday, universally agreed to be the most hated day of the week, and yet, here I am, waking up with a smile on my face like it’s the most regular thing in the world. I had no weird dreams this time around, but that didn’t stop Minji from being the first person I thought about the second I opened my eyes. Whatever I said before about love being stupid, scratch that. I feel invincible.

After quickly getting ready, I head downstairs to see my dad cooking breakfast, an image I’m slowly getting used to. It feels comforting knowing someone cares enough about me to go through all the trouble of cooking a meal.

“Good morning, dad.”

“Good morning, Yuno. You seem happy this morning,” he smirks at me.

My face already aches, not used to smiling this much. “Yeah, just… excited for school, I guess,” I shrug.

“Mhm, sure,” he chuckles, sliding a plate of food towards me. “Eat up.” Right before I dig into my breakfast, I send a text to the group chat, asking Winter and Yujin if they want to meet up at the convenience store and walk to school together.

Winter: sure thing :)

Yujin: yeahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

Actual food for breakfast, actual friends to walk to school with, and an actual crush I get to see at school? It’s only morning and already this day feels perfect.

______________________________________________________________

Minji’s POV

My heart thumps with anxiety while my parents sit across from me at the dining table, completely oblivious to the dread I feel in every fiber of my being. In order for me to survive at the banquet tomorrow, I need them to agree to let me bring a plus one. Specifically, I need them to let me bring Yuno, the one person they specifically told me to stay away from.

I inhale deeply, firming up my resolve as best as I can. “Um, Mother? Father?”

They both look up at me. “Yes, dear?” Mother answers.

“About the banquet tomorrow-” “Ah right, Ms. Park told me that Sunghoon is excited to see you again after so long. Isn’t that nice?”

I bite my tongue to keep myself from visibly cringing. “Right, um, I actually wanted to ask you if I could bring a friend to the banquet.”

They exchange looks at each other before turning back to me. “I don’t see why not. Who did you want to invite?”

“Um… Yuno.”

“Absolutely not!” Mother answers a bit too quickly. “We told you already that we don’t want you associating with that boy! Why don’t you bring any of your other friends, like Danielle, or even Hanni would be more acceptable than him.”

“Because, uh…” I need to think of a lie, something, anything that can convince them. “...Because he has an interest in the business,” I blurt out. Not my best work, but it’s better than nothing. Both of them furrow their brows, unconvinced, yet neither of them say a word, simply waiting for my explanation. 

“I, uh, told him about the family business and he got so, um, inspired by your story that he wants to, uh, pursue a business degree in college.”

 Their glares feel like spotlights, scrutinizing my every little move. Mother’s expression remains the same — bewildered and a little irked — but I can see the gears slowly turning in Father’s pensive gaze.

“I thought the banquet would be a good opportunity for him to make connections in the industry, y’know, just like how you want me to,” I continue. “You two always emphasize the importance of making strong connections in case I need help in the future, so why can’t I be the connection that helps Yuno?”

“Honey, we are not charity workers-”

“Wait,” Father says, turning towards her. “I think we should let him come.”

Both mine and my mother’s eyes grow wide in surprise.

“Really?” We say in unison.

“I’ve always had a firm belief in education, both in and out of the classroom. This banquet could be an opportunity for him to better himself. He clearly has no plans for the future otherwise.”

Mother opens her mouth to argue, but instead sighs and nods. “Fine, we will permit Yuno to come to the banquet.” 

I almost can’t believe the words coming out of their mouths. My plan is actually going to work. I’m so happy I could cry.

“But,” she adds, “If he causes any trouble, we forbid you from seeing him outside of school, okay?”

“Y-yes, of course, I’ll make sure he stays out of trouble! Thank yo-”

“And I don’t want you sneaking off and being alone with that boy. We’ll have Sunghoon stick with the two of you the entire time.”

My ears start to ring like a massive bomb just dropped nearby.

“...W-what!?”

______________________________________________________________

Yuno’s POV

The morning sun warms my skin as I wait for my friends by the convenience store. Birds fly above, singing their spring song like gentle plucks of a violin, sonorous yet fragile. A clear sky hangs overhead, unblemished by smog or storm clouds. It almost feels like mother nature herself wants me to have a good day.

“Good morning, Yuno!”

“YUNOOOOOOOOOO!!!” Winter and Yujin appear in the distance, walking towards me.

“Hey,” I greet them with a wave. They both stop in their tracks, eyeing me with surprise. “...What?”

“You’re smiling,” Winter states as if it’s the most insane thing she’s ever seen.

I turn my head away, suddenly feeling self-conscious. “Y-yeah, so what?”

“Aw, Winter, you ruined it,” Yujin teases. “He looked so happy.”

I sigh. “...Let’s just go.”

Both of them chuckle, taking their spot on either side of me like it’s where they belong. For so long, I walked the same route to school alone every morning, yet today, it feels a little different. The colors on the buildings and the street signs seem so much more vivid, the air smells like fresh grass and blooming flowers, puddles and windows glisten like diamonds as they reflect the sun’s morning light. A part of me thinks that I’m dreaming again — when did the world look this beautiful? But the way Yujin nudges my side to show me a drawing he’s working on or the way Winter clutches onto my shoulder after almost tripping on nothing lets me know that all of this is real. The world that I used to hate waking up to is now a world that I can look at with a smile. 

A real, genuine smile.

______________________________________________________________

As the three of us walk through the hallways of Evergreen, I feel the familiar stares of the other students, eyeing me like some kind of untamed beast that could jump out at them at any moment. Even with everything else changing around me, I can always count on high schoolers to be ever stagnant and predictable in their behaviors. Although, something in their eyes feels a little peculiar. Instead of just fear, there’s something else hiding behind it. Intrigue? Admiration? Maybe these rose-tinted lenses are starting to make me see things.

“P-people sure d-do stare a lot, h-huh?” Winter asks, her voice shrinking to a mere whisper.

“Yeah, I guess they do.” I glance back at them, both their gazes glued to the ground, clearly not used to the unwanted attention. “Sorry, I should’ve warned you guys.”

“It’s okay, Yuno, it’s not your fault,” Yujin reassures me.

“Y-yeah, I’m sure w-we’ll get used to it,” Winter adds with a small grin. Man, what did I do to deserve these two?

The five minute warning bell rings, sending the students still left in the hallways in a hurry. I say my goodbyes to Winter and Yujin as we part ways, enduring the usual stares and hushed voices as I make my way to my seay in the back. Still, something feels odd about the way they’re looking at me today. I try to meet their eyes to get a better look, but everyone keeps looking away, pretending like they weren’t whispering about me to their friends. If this keeps going on for the rest of the day, I’m gonna be pissed.

“Yuno Lin to the principal’s office, Yuno Lin to the principal’s office. Now,” the PA system announces, giving me a wave of deja vu. I have a couple guesses for what this could be about…

______________________________________________________________

Instead of coming out the gate swinging, Mr. Geier just sits at his desk, his hands clasped in deep thought. Normally, I would be pretty indifferent to whatever he has to say, but after everything Minji said to me, I suddenly feel guilty sitting in front of him. It probably isn’t easy dealing with my shit on a weekly basis.

“So…” he starts, finally looking up at me after a few minutes of silence. “I’m sure you know why you’re in here, Yuno.”

“Yup…”

He sighs. “The McGraw’s donate a lot of money to this school. They didn’t exactly take well to receiving a call that their son was found unconscious in the bathroom with a broken nose.”

Ah shit. This is it. The consequences of my actions have finally caught up to me. Fate, you cruel bastard, making me wake up in a good mood for the first time in years, only to send me to jail before the day even starts. Goodbye dad, Yujin, Winter, and Minji. Minji…

“But…”

But…!

“...They’ve decided not to press charges.”

“What!?” I exclaim, relieved and deeply confused. 

 “We received a tip from one of the boys on the football team that Tyler had been bullying a group of freshman boys for months. They still wanted to press charges anyways, but I may have… insinuated that if they did, I would ensure Tyler could only set foot into a community college at best.”

My eyes widen, slowly connecting the dots. “Did you…?”

“No, it was not for you,” he states matter-of-factly. “It was for the sake of all the freshmen that suffered because of him.”

“R-right.” I sink back into my chair, feeling sheepish. “So… what happens now? Detention? Suspension?”

“No, I have something else in mind for you.”

Just then, the door to Mr. Geier’s office swings open, sending in a wave of lavender and rainbows into his office as the girl of my dreams walks through.

“You wanted to see me, Mr. Geier?” Minji says before turning to me, a quizzical look in her eyes.

“Perfect timing, Minji,” he says, “This is Yuno Lin. Yuno, this is Minji Kim, the student council president.”

Minji shoots me a confused look, but I’m too distracted by her beauty to pay full attention. Her hair is in a ponytail today with two strands of hair framing her perfect face. The sound of my thumping heart gets louder in my ears, drowning out whatever Geier is saying. Hopefully it’s not anything important. What could be more important than Minji? God, she’s so pretty, I-

“Yuno, are you paying attention?” Mr. Geier snaps at me.

“S-sorry, what?” Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Minji stifling a giggle, making my cheeks burn red.

“As I was saying, your punishment will be to help Minji with prom preparations. Whatever she asks you to do, you do it. If you cause any trouble for her, she’ll report it to me and you will face the consequences, understand?”

You mean I get to spend more time with Minji? As a punishment? “Yup, I understand,” I say, trying not to look too eager.

“Good.” He turns towards Minji. “Just make him lift the heavy stuff or something. He can be a handful, but he, uh… He means well.” How sweet, Geier. I’m blushing.

“That shouldn’t be much of a problem,” she says, smirking. “We’ve actually met bef-”

“U-uh, it’s nice to meet you for the first time ever, Ms. President!” I exclaim, shoving my hand towards her before she can utter another word. If Geier finds out that his “punishment” is more like a “blessing” for me, he’ll probably give me some other grunt work to deal with.

Minji awkwardly shakes my hand, giving me a curious expression. “It’s, uh, nice to meet you too, Yuno.” The feeling of her soft hand against mine beats out any kind of embarrassment I should be feeling right now.

“Alright, you can head back to class now, Minji,” Mr. Geier dismisses her. She gives me a small yet bewildered grin before exiting his office, leaving me alone with the principal yet again. My gaze lingers towards the door even after it closes, wishing she’ll pop back in for a few more seconds.

“So,” he begins, taking me out of my daydreams. “You got lucky. Extremely lucky. However, that doesn’t mean you can keep doing this and expecting to get out scot free just because I stick my neck out for you. There are rules here, and I understand that you may not agree with those rules, but they are there regardless, which means you must follow them just like everybody else. No more playing vigilante just because you can, you understand?”

“Yeah, I understand. I’m sorry.”

“I- you what?” He asks, his eyes wide with surprise.

“Uh, I said I understand and I’m sorry,” I reiterate sheepishly.

“Oh. Okay. Well. Good. As long as you understand.” It’s almost offensive just how shocked he is, as if I didn’t know my own actions were wrong. I might be stubborn, but I’m not stupid.

“I’m going back to class,” I state, getting up from my chair. Right before I exit his office, I turn to Geier one last time. “Uh, my dad is doing better now.”

He looks up at me, the corners of his mouth curling into a smile. “Really? That’s great to hear, Yuno.” 

I give him a nod before shutting the door behind me. I’m not sure what exactly compelled me to tell him that, just a hunch that told me it was the right thing to do at the moment. Geier did ask about him last time, so it only makes sense. I guess.

As I turn the corner, I catch Minji leaning against the wall right outside of Geier’s office. Was she waiting for me?

“Oh. Hey,” I greet her with a small wave. “Hey!” She says, flashing me a smile that could bring about world peace. “What did Mr. Geier talk to you about? If you don’t mind me asking, of course.”

“It was about the, uh… thing that happened with Tyler.”

“Ah, right. So his idea of a punishment for you is to be around me? Ouch,” she jokes. We walk through the halls together despite not sharing the same first period (or any period for that matter). A weird energy hangs in the space between us, like a balloon threatening to pop if either of us get too close. My mind tiptoes on the fence between pushing my luck or staying in a comfortable space. In the end, I throw caution to the wind and close the gap just a little.

“If it makes you feel any better, I don’t think it’s a punishment at all,” I say, thinking out loud.

“That’s very kind of you, Yuno,” she chimes, a hint of pink gracing her cheeks. Simply being around her is making my heart pound like crazy. Can she hear it? God, I hope not. How am I supposed to control myself when she’s this cute? I just want to-

“Oh!” Minji suddenly stops and points at my face. Shit, was I thinking out loud again? Is she secretly psychic and can hear all my thoughts this whole time?

“W-what?” I ask, flustered.

“You’re smiling.”

I awkwardly clear my throat, wiping the smile off my face. “Y-yeah, so what? Am I not allowed to smile?”

She giggles at me. “No, you’re allowed to smile. In fact, I think you should smile more often, I rarely ever get to see you smile.”

“W-whatever,” I mutter, trying to hide the growing blush on my face. “About the banquet tomorrow, is there a dress code or something? I, uh, don’t own a suit,” I ask, changing the subject.

Minji’s expression suddenly darkens as a dejected sigh floats from her lips. “Oh right, the banquet…” she groans.

“S-sorry for bringing it up.”

“No, it’s fine,” she assures me. “My parents just told me this morning that if I’m gonna bring you along, the guy I’m trying to avoid has to stick around us the whole time, rendering my whole plan basically useless.”

“This guy you’re trying to avoid, is he, um….” I gulp nervously. “...your ex?”

“Ew! Oh my god, no!” Minji exclaims. “He’s the son of my parents’ business partners. He used to be a complete menace towards me when we were kids until he moved away during middle school. Oh my god, the thought of us ever dating is just…” Her entire body shivers in disgust.

I try my best to appear neutral, but inside, fireworks are going off in my head. It’s like Christmas came early this year. I have to physically fight off another smile from growing on my face.

“So, what are we gonna do now? Maybe…” I search my mind for another possible solution for her problem, but only one comes up, and frankly, it’s the best possible case for her and the worst possible case for me. I sigh in disappointment. “...maybe I just shouldn’t go.”

Her gaze shoots up at me. “What?”

“If I don’t go, then you won’t be forced to be around him the entire time,” I explain.

“But I-”

“I’ll probably stick out like a sore thumb anyways, being in a room full of a bunch of rich business people. Your parents already don’t like me, what would they all think of me being around you? Maybe it’s best if I don’t go-”

“Stop!” She suddenly exclaims, a fire burning in her irises. “I invited you because I want you to go, okay? Screw my original plan, screw everyone who judges you, and especially screw Sunghoon! You’re my friend and I want you to be there, don’t worry about all that superficial nonsense.” Her chest rises and falls with heavy breaths, carrying the determination of her words. No wonder people voted for her as student council president, a speech like that could move anyone to action.

After a short pause, I concede. “...Okay, I’ll go.”

A smile replaces the serious expression she had, sending my heart into another frenzy. “Thank you, Yuno. All you have to do is enjoy yourself, don’t worry about scaring him off or anything dumb like that.”

Enjoy myself. At a banquet. That I certainly don’t belong in. Sure, I can do that.

“I should probably head back to the student council room, I still have a lot of work to do,” she says. “I, um… I’m glad we had this talk. I’ll see ya later.” And just like that, Minji disappears down the halls, leaving me standing here like a fool in love. The warmth in my chest feels like it’s gonna get hotter and hotter until I explode. I desperately hope she needs my help with prom preparations later.

______________________________________________________________

The presence of a substitute would normally mean all chaos ensues, but the odd tension hanging in the air during English practically suffocates any chances of socialization. I didn’t exactly mind nor care, but the silence only made the nervous glances towards me even more obvious. Furthermore, thanks to Tyler’s “disappearance”, his friends on the other side of the room don’t even try to hide their accusatory pointing and disdainful glares. Their sentiments aren’t exactly wrong, but it’s still annoying being on the receiving end of them. Surely, they know better than to start any dumb shit right now. 

And yet, I’m unsurprisingly proven wrong as one of them, a tall boy with blonde hair (is his name Connor? Colton? I have no clue), stomps towards me with fury in his eyes.

“Hey,” he growls at me, “You wouldn’t happen to know what happened to Tyler, would you?”

A sigh escapes me. Welp, that’s what I get for getting my hopes up. “Is he not here today? I had no idea,” I mutter, not giving him so much as a glance.

He slams his fist into my desk, causing everyone to look back at the commotion with fearful glances, including Winter. I shake my head reassuringly at her, but unfortunately, Tyler’s friend notices this and scoffs to himself.

“Behind the gym during lunch. Don’t be late.” He glances in Winter’s direction with a smirk on his face. “Or else.”

My fingernails dig into my palms as I ball my fist up in anger, my heart pumping with anger. For the first time since he came over, I glare at him, watching his cocky facade crack in front of my eyes as he scurries back to his little group with his tail in between his legs.

Dammit. God fucking dammit. Is it so hard for me to have one good day without having to deal with anyone’s shit? I notice Winter still staring at me with a worried look, so I conjure up my best convincing smile. She nods and turns back to her book, but I’m not sure if it ends up working.

It’s clear that he wants a fight. Of course he wants a goddamn fight.

______________________________________________________________

Yuno: I won’t be at lunch. I have something I need to deal with.

I send the text to the group chat as I pace around, waiting for Tyler’s goons to show up. The area behind the school’s gym is basically a cesspool for rule breaking; half the concrete is covered in cigarette butts, glass shards, and other mysterious stains from other’s unseemly activities that I’d rather stay unaware of. It’s a wonder how none of the teachers look back here with how often students frequent this place.

Finally, the boy from English class (Kayden? Kenneth? It starts with a K sound, I know that much) appears, alongside a dozen other boys that I’ve seen hanging around Tyler. A few of them are unarmed, but most are carrying broken mop handles. One guy has a pocket knife, so that’s something at least.

“Hey fuckface!” The blonde boy yells. “You think you can mess with Tyler just because you think you’re all high and mighty? Well, newsflash pal, you’re not!”

“Yeah!” His entourage cheers him on.

This is comical. These guys attend a high school in the suburbs, and yet they’re parading around like a bunch of wannabe gangsters. Did they rehearse their lines or something? Why does he talk like a movie bully from the 1950s? It’s taking every fiber of my being not to burst out laughing right now.

“You made a big mistake pal, and we’re gonna make you regret-”

“Fuck, alright!” I groan in annoyance. “Are we doing this or not?”

I stretch my arms, loosening myself up as they timidly inch closer with their little sticks pointed towards me. This could be over in the blink of an eye if I want it to, but I promised Minji I would stop fighting, so I won’t. Not exactly sure what that means, but I’m not exactly known for planning these things out.

I’m not a fighting expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I’ve been in enough to recognize certain patterns. Shaky eyes. Quivering breath. Their knuckles burning white as they clench their fists too hard to compensate for the fact that they have no idea what they’re doing. With each step they take, it only becomes more apparent how downright terrified they are. I almost feel bad for them. 

It’s not like I wanted this either, but I brought this upon myself of my own volition. These guys could have said no and went about their day, living their regular high school lives, but instead, they’re rallying behind some guy they’re probably not close with just for a measly ounce of street cred they get for “showing their loyalty,” effectively reducing themselves to lap dogs that get the “privilege” of calling themselves popular. I’m not doing this for street cred or privilege or any of that bullshit that they care too much about. I’m doing this because the asshole that they’re rallying behind threatened my friend.

Inevitably, one of them gets brave enough to make the first move. He swings his stick, hollering at the top of his lungs, and misses wildly as I dodge to the side. The next guy gets lucky, breaking his stick against my arm as I block the side of my head. My arm stings like hell, but I can’t focus on that for too long before the rest of them start getting confident and lunging at me. 

Even in the midst of the frenzy, as I dodge a swing aimed towards my head or suffer a kick to the stomach, all I can think about is Minji. I made a promise to her, one I have no intention of breaking. Rather than a fight between me and the dozens of Tyler’s lackeys, it feels more like a fight between me and my instincts, actively trying to suppress the years of bad habits just for Minji. A part of me feels stupid for doing it - it’s not like she’ll ever see this anyways - yet I continue to subdue my instincts, even if it means sustaining a couple brutal blows to the body.

One of the bigger guys in the group tackles me to the ground, taking the wind out of me as my back collides with the hard concrete. My ears start to ring as he lands two solid punches to my cheek. I flail my hands wildly to the side, desperate for something to grab, before landing on a pile of broken glass. Ignoring the blood rushing to my palms, I chuck the shards at his face. He yelps in pain, allowing me to push him off and get back to my feet. Before I can even blink, my head begins to spin as another punch sends me careening towards the brick wall. Warm blood leaks through my lips, staining my shirt. Two more guys stand over me before hoisting me up by my arms.

I’m fucking exhausted. My vision is blurry and the ringing in my ears grows louder by the second. Each inhale burns just a bit hotter than the last. I’m covered in blood again, but this time, it’s all my own. Every cell in my body screams at me for getting into this situation in the first place, berating me for my own stubbornness. Yet the blonde boy, Kyle or whatever the fuck his name is, stands in front of me unscathed, not even a drop of sweat on his brow. The rest of his buddies are on the ground, breathless and covered in injuries they got from tripping over each other. I cough out a weak chuckle, sending a jolt of pain through my chest.

“W-what the fuck are you laughing at?!” Even his threats are starting to get shaky.

“Just funny… You called me out here… Yet… You didn’t do shit…” I mutter. “Fucking… coward…”

The fury ignites in his eyes, the same one present when he first called me out in English. He grabs a broken mop handle off the ground and swings it overhead, aiming for my face. This is it. Started this day off with a smile, and look where I’m at now. In the back of my mind, I always knew I would go out like this. It’s a shame this had to happen after I finally found something to look forward to. With a shallow breath, my eyes flutter shut as I unwillingly accept my fate.

Suddenly, a loud siren blares through the air. The stick that was sailing towards my head mere seconds ago now clatters to the ground. Mr. Geier pops up from behind the building with a megaphone in his hand, alongside two teachers, Winter, Yujin, Danielle, and Minji.

“What the hell are you doing!? Put him down NOW!” Geier yells through the megaphone. I collapse to my knees as the two idiots drop me to the ground. A mix of emotions swirl through my head, but the sense of relief shines clearest through the storm. The fact that I’m alive almost makes everything feel more painful. 

As the teachers reprimand the other guys, Minji and the others rush over to me, their overlapping voices of worry combined with the ringing in my ears making it impossible to make out anything. I want to tell them that it’s fine, I made it out alive. In a shit ton of pain, but alive nonetheless. No words come out. My vision is starting to blur again. Minji’s face is the last thing I see before everything turns to black.

______________________________________________________________

Minji’s POV

I lean back in my chair, stretching my arms as I let out a long, exhausted sigh. It feels like no matter how much progress I make with prom, there’s still a whole mountain of things I still need to do.

Danielle walks through the door of the student council room, carrying a pile of papers with her. I nearly burst into tears just looking at the size of the stack.

“Relax,” she says reassuringly, reading my expression. “These are all taken care of.”

I slide farther into my chair, releasing a deep breath. “Oh thank god, I don’t think I can handle doing anymore paperwork.”

She grins, taking a seat next to me. “The principal approved the caterers and our ‘Red Carpet’ theme, I informed the club leaders to start working on their floats for the prom parade, and Woohyuk and Julie from the art club agreed to paint a mural in the gym. All we have left to do is pick a venue, find a DJ, and prepare decorations.”

“You say that like it’s an easy thing to do.” I sigh, resting my head on the table while Danielle merely shrugs her shoulders. A couple minutes of silence pass, both of us exhausted and overwhelmed by the ever growing pile of work. “Are Woohyuk and Julie dating?” I ask, making small talk.

“I think so. They seem to have gotten a lot closer after the school festival, and they wouldn’t stop shooting each other heart eyes when I asked them to paint the mural. It was sickening,” she jokes.

Dating in high school always felt like an enigma to me. Statistically speaking, only 20% of couples last until college, and only 10% ever get married. High schoolers are the most emotional, stubborn, immature, and hormonal people on the planet (according to my parents), why would you want to date someone like that? But it’s not like I don’t want to date… I just never had the chance to. I would be lying if I said I don’t look at couples walking arm-in-arm through the halls with some kind of envy. Wouldn’t it be nice to go through the struggles of your teen years with someone that understands you because they’re going through the exact same thing? I say that, and then I look out the potential dating pool at Evergreen, only to be reminded of why I haven’t dated anyone. I mean, there is one guy I wouldn’t mind dating…

“Why do you ask?” Danielle says, interrupting my train of thought.

“U-uh nothing, just curious.” My cheeks suddenly flare up with heat as she leans forward, scrutinizing my expression.

“Are you thinking about that boy again?

My eyes go wide as I shake my head profusely. “W-what, no! Why would I be thinking about Yuno?”

“Because I didn’t even mention a name, yet your mind automatically went to Yuno.” She raises her eyebrows in an ‘I told you so’ expression, causing me to shrink in my chair. “Are you really gonna fall for someone like that just because he saves your purse from a thief?”

“I told you I—Huh? How do you know about that?”

Danielle takes her phone out and pulls up a video from a local news account titled, “Heroic Man Stops Mall Purse Thief.” My eyes grow even wider as the video plays, showing Yuno tackling the thief who stole my purse and the… awkward hug I gave him afterwards. Apparently, someone had recorded the entire altercation and uploaded it to social media. It now has…

“Five million views?!” I exclaim. That explains all the weird looks I’ve been getting today. I faceplant into the table, my face burning with a fire of a thousand suns. So that means the entire school saw me… hugging Yuno… I mean, why do I feel so embarrassed in the first place? Hugging is a perfectly normal way to show gratitude towards someone. He got my purse back, so a hug seems pretty normal, right? It’s not like people are gonna assume we’re dating. Not that I have any problem with dating him, it’s just…

I let out a sigh. “Danielle…” I groan, my voice muffled by the table.

“Hm?” I feel her gently pat my shoulder in support. I lift my head, turning towards her.

“What do I do?”

She tilts her head at me, confused. “Do you want them to take the video down?”

“No, it’s not that, it’s… I don’t know. I’m so lost. There’s a lot going on with prom and my parents, it feels like I’m being tossed back and forth in a tornado with nothing around to hold onto for support. There’s things that I want to do that seem so… impossible given the circumstances. I wish I could freeze time just so I could have a moment to myself to think.” I slump back onto the table in defeat while Danielle continues to rub my shoulder.

Compared to the rest of the girls, Danielle is the most logical one. Hanni does everything she can to cheer me up, Haerin lends an ear and a shoulder to cry on no matter what, Hyein is always there to show me the brighter side of things, and Danielle is prepared with an easy 3-step solution to virtually any of my problems. If I’m drowning in a sea of doubt and anxiety, I know she’ll be there with a spare life vest and an intricately made wooden raft to hoist me out of the water. But not even she has the answers to everything.

Suddenly, the door to the student council room swings open.

“We need help,” a familiar voice shoots through the door. “Quickly.”

Yuno’s friends stand in the doorway panting, worry painted on their faces. Winter looks like she’s on the verge of tears while Yujin’s normally cheery disposition is hauntingly absent.

“What’s wrong?” Danielle asks.

“I-I’m not sure, b-but I think h-he’s in a fight right n-now, behind the g-gym,” Winter answers, her voice breaking.

A fight? N-no… What if he gets hurt?

I hurriedly jump to my feet, my mind racing. “Danielle, Yujin, go get Principal Geier. Winter, come with me,” I command, panic evident in my voice. The four of us promptly leave the student council room, with Danielle and Yujin diverging to the principal’s office while Winter and I walk briskly towards the gym.

“Tell me everything. What do you mean Yuno might be in a fight?” I ask her.

“D-during English, Cameron w-went up to Yuno and he looked r-really angry. I-I couldn’t hear everything th-they were saying, but it s-sounded like he told him to m-meet behind the gym during l-lunch,” she explains. I pick up the pace, adrenaline pumping through my body. With each passing step, all I can think about is one thing.

Please be okay. Please be okay. Please be okay.

______________________________________________________________

As we turn the corner to the back of the gym, my heart sinks into the pit of my stomach while my breath gets completely sucked from my lungs. Two boys hold up Yuno’s limp body as a third prepares to swing a stick straight towards his head. I wanna scream, I wanna run to him and make sure he’s okay, but my entire body stays frozen in place. Why does it have to be Yuno? Why couldn’t it be anyone else? I was just talking to him a few hours ago, he was fine. He was smiling. I wish I could see that smile on his face again. Please.

“M-Minji,” Danielle softly calls out my name, wiping the tears off my face with concern in her eyes. I didn’t even realize I was crying. She holds me as I uncontrollably sob into her shoulder, my heart aching with an indescribable pain. It feels like I’m being torn apart from the inside. I need him to be okay. Please.

“C’mon, let’s go,” she says, patting my arm. I look up from her shoulder, wiping away my tears, to see Yuno collapse to the floor. Mr. Geier and the other two teachers with us yell at the rest of the boys to line up against the wall using harsh language I’ve never heard him say before. The four of us get down by his side, desperate to make sure he’s okay.

“H-he’s fine, right? He’ll be okay, right? D-Dani?” Yujin asks, his voice quivering as he looks up at her for reassurance.

“Just, um, give him some room to breathe for now.”

“Y-Y-Y-Yuno…” Winter’s entire body shakes as she weeps into her hands. I should comfort her. I’m the student council president, it’s my responsibility to make sure everyone’s okay. But my own tears won’t stop flowing as I gently cup his cheek, swollen and red with cuts. You were awake earlier. Your eyes were open and you were smiling. Please wake up. Please smile again, Yuno. Please.

“Guys, we have to take him to the nurse, now!” Mr. Geier exclaims, grabbing Yuno by the arms. “Help me get his legs up!”

The three of them lift up his legs while I’m still too busy crying to help. My body is moving, following close behind them, but my mind is too muddled to properly process anything. The next few minutes are nothing but a blur of hallways and odd stares from students exiting the lunch room. I don’t care. I don’t care about what other students think of Yuno. I don’t care about what my parents think of him. I don’t care about what people at the banquet will think of him. All I care about is him and making sure that he’s okay.

Once we arrive at the nurse’s office, they gently lay his body on one of the cots. I sit down next to him, just staring at his face. His chest slowly rises and falls with breath. That’s good. He’s breathing. He’s alive. 

Mr. Geier says something to us that I can’t quite make out. All of their voices fade into the background of my mind like nothing was ever said in the first place. Mr. Geier leaves, with Winter and Yujin following soon after. Danielle sits down next to me and says something, but I’m too distracted to listen right now. She ends up leaving soon too. All I can do is sit here and wait for him to wake up. Please wake up soon. Please.

______________________________________________________________

Yuno’s POV

My eyes blink open to a blotchy field of grays and blacks. I try to sit up, but a stabbing pain shoots through my entire body. Every breath feels like hell to get through. Memories of what happened moments before I passed out come back to me. I almost got my skull busted open, and then there was this loud siren. I thought I saw Minji before I passed out, but I’m not too sure. Fuck, my body hurts like hell. Where am I anyways?

As my vision begins to focus, I see the familiar fluorescent lights of the school glaring back at me. I finally sit up, doing my best to ignore the pain in my back, and look around - the nurse’s office. The school’s nurse, a skinny woman with giant glasses and violently pink scrubs, sits at her desk and types away at her computer, oblivious to my consciousness. I consider saying something to let her know I’m awake, but my throat is too dry to produce any noise.

I turn to my left and my heart stops in my chest. Minji is lying on the cot next to me, sleeping peacefully. I start to wonder if this is all just another weird dream, but as I reach out and gently brush the hair from her face, the soft skin of her cheek feels too real. Even when she’s sleeping, she’s so beautiful. But… Why is she here?

“Oh good, you’re awake,” the nurse says, rising from her desk. I quickly retract my hand from Minji’s face. “Principal Geier explained everything that happened. How are you feeling?”

I stretch my limbs, testing how much I can withstand the pain before it becomes unbearable. “Could be better, but I’m alive and breathing at least,” I say. “Uh, what is she doing here? Did she get hurt?” My voice raises slightly as I gesture to Minji’s sleeping form. If those fuckers did anything to her, I’m gonna-

“I think she’s fine. She came in with you and wouldn’t move or speak, even after Principal Geier told the rest of the kids to get back to class. She just sat there, watching over you until she fell asleep,” the nurse explains.

I sign in relief, thankful that she’s not hurt, but the nurse’s explanation only produces more questions. Why didn’t she leave? I’m sure she’s busy with a million other things, watching over me will only set her back even more. It’s not like this is the first time this kind of thing has happened to me. Something similar happened right before I met Minji. I’ll feel like shit for a few days, but I’m relatively fine. 

So why did she stay?

The nurse pats my shoulder, handing me an ice bag. “I have to go, some kid threw up in the library, just put this wherever you feel like it. Will you and your girlfriend be fine here alone?”

Heat rushes to my cheeks. “She’s not m- Uh, sure, we’ll be fine.”

She exits the room, leaving me alone with Minji. The silence gives me a moment to get my thoughts straight as the ice bag partially soothes my headache. Her face is so still and peaceful, I slow down my breaths despite the pain just so I don’t wake her up. The last time I saw her face like this was when we slept in the same bed after she almost got attacked in front of the convenience store. My heart still burns with anger at the thought of Minji nearly getting hurt. I want to protect her. Even if she doesn’t feel the same, I want to be there for her in any way I can. In the short time I’ve known Minji, it feels like I’m becoming a better person, or maybe I’m just becoming more and more foolish. I don’t know. Feelings are confusing.

Minji’s eyes suddenly flutter open, and as soon as they meet mine, she jumps up, wrapping her arms around me in a tight embrace. “Y-you’re awake! Oh my god, you’re awake!” She sobs into my shoulders. I completely freeze in her arms, the surprise overtaking the pain.

“Y-yeah, I’m fine, Minji. Are you okay?” I ask, awkwardly patting her back. She separates from me, tears overflowing from her eyes. With each drop that falls, I feel my heart crack into a billion pieces, this pain worse than anything I’ve ever felt before. Hesitantly, I wipe away her tears with my uninjured hand, making sure my movements are gentle.

“H-hey, it’s okay. What’s wrong?” She takes a moment to calm down, sinking her cheek into my palm as she controls her breathing. I don’t dare move my hand, even after most of the tears stop flowing.

“I-I was… so worried… that y-you wouldn’t… wake up…” She stutters in between sniffles. “I-I thought you w-were… th-thought you were… dea-”

“I’m okay, Minji,” I interrupt her, afraid she’ll start bawling again if she finishes her sentence. “U-um, please stop crying. I’m okay.”

She takes one more deep breath before sitting back down, regretfully moving my hand from her cheek. We sit in silence for a while, unsure of what to say. She cried after getting attacked by the convenience store, but this time seems different. This time, she wasn’t crying for her, she was crying for me.

“Wait here,” Minji mutters before getting up and walking over to the sink in the corner of the room. I watch silently as she pulls out a few things from the cupboard and fiddles with the sink for a moment before walking back over to me. She gently places a bowl of water and a hand towel next to me before taking out a juice box and poking a straw through the top.

“Here.” She brings the straw to my lips, making me flinch slightly.

“Oh. Thanks.” I take it from her, drinking it as she dips the towel into the water and gently tends to my cut up hand. My body recoils from her touch more than the pain itself. It still feels foreign to me, being cared for like this. Never in a million years did I imagine someone like Minji Kim to pop into my life. She’s way too good for me. What good would I be as her boyfriend? What good am I as her friend for that matter? I don’t want to be a nuisance in her life. I want- No, I need to be better. For her.

She finishes wrapping the gauze around my hand. “Is that okay? Not too tight?” She asks, her voice slightly hoarse from crying.

“Yeah, it’s fine. Thanks.” I look at her, meeting her eyes. “You didn’t have to do this. You should’ve just left-”

“Why did you get into another fight? I thought you said you wouldn’t fight anymore.” Her tone turns stern, softly reprimanding my decisions.

“I didn’t fight,” I assure her. “If I didn’t show up, they were gonna go after Winter, but I promise, I didn’t try to hit them or anything.”

“So you just let them beat you up!?” Minji shoots me a look of disbelief, tears welling up in her eyes.

“N-no! I-I dodged and stuff, they just got a few lucky hits in!” I hastily try to explain myself, hoping she doesn’t cry again. In hindsight, it sounds even more stupid when I say it out loud. I went to the back of the gym, fully expecting there to be a crowd of people wanting to kick my ass, and the only plan I had was to… not fight? Even if I did make it out fine, did I just expect Minji not to say anything about the sudden abundance of injuries all over my body? God, I’m such a dumbass.

“Why didn’t you tell anyone!? A-a teacher!? Principal Geier!? Me!?” The look of outrage alone is enough to make me feel like a child getting scolded by their parents. My gaze falls to the ground, hiding my embarrassed blush.

“I, uh… I didn’t think of that…” I shamefully admit. She sits next to me, sighing into her hands. Seconds stretch into entire years as tense silence overtakes the room. Even my own breathing feels comparable to a car engine with how quiet everything is.

My entire body freezes as I feel Minji rest her head on my shoulder. Her silky black hair tickles my neck while the scent of her lavender perfume wafts through my nose, giving me visions of running through a clear field full of nothing but lavender stems. “Do you know why I’m mad at you?” She asks, her voice surprisingly mild.

“Uh, because I’m… stupid?”

She chuckles lightly at my half-joke. “You’re not stupid. What you did was stupid, but no, that’s not why I’m mad.”

“Because, uh… I didn’t talk to you first?”

“Bingo.” She lifts her head up to look at me. Her face is close, I can feel the warmth emanating from her soft cheeks. “I know you wanted to protect Winter, but you ended up getting hurt in the process. If you had just gone to a teacher, those boys would’ve been reprimanded without you having to get hurt.”

“They would not have been reprimanded-”

“Okay, fine, they probably wouldn’t have been seriously reprimanded without any solid evidence,” she concedes. “But that doesn’t mean you should go through these kinds of things alone. Your friends were worried sick about you. And I…” Her voice cracks like delicate porcelain. “...I was worried sick about you.”

I gulp, finally feeling the weight of my actions. For years, everything I’ve done has only affected me. I never had to second guess anything. But things are different now. I have people around me that care about my well-being, which means all of my actions have some kind of effect on them. This whole thing sprouted from me wanting to protect a friend, but in the end, they got hurt because of me.

“I’m sorry, Minji. For being stupid and not talking to you and letting myself get hurt.”

She nods, offering an appreciative grin. “Next time something like this happens, just text me first so I can at least try to talk you out of it, okay?”

How could I ever say no to a face like that? “Okay.”

Minji’s smile widens, and like a mirror, I can feel my own lips curling to reflect her joy. She’s so… amazing, unreal even—like someone plucked a princess straight from a fairy tale and placed her right in front of me. Kind, caring, courteous, beautiful, strong, intelligent, absolutely perfect in every way possible that it almost feels unfair. I might be fated for nothing more than an early grave, but for once, I want to defy fate and entertain the possibility that something good could happen to me. Maybe Minji is the good thing that happened to me, and maybe, just maybe, there is a future where me and her… y’know.

A whole minute passes before I realize that neither of us have stopped staring at each other. Something in my head clicks. I find myself leaning in, inch by inch, closer to Minji’s lips, just like I’ve done many times in my dreams - But this time, it’s real. Her breath dances against my skin, making my cells tingle in anticipation. Something in her expression shifts. Her eyes widen slightly, flickering downwards every so often, but she doesn’t pull away, even after my intentions become crystal clear. She opens her mouth as if to say something, a protest maybe, but no sound comes out except for her shivering breath. My heart pounds in my ears like a warning alarm telling me to stop. “This is a bad idea, Yuno! What are you doing!?” Yet I continue onward until the tension is palpable. So close, I can almost taste it-

The door to the nurse’s office swings open. “Oh good, you’re both awake!”

Minji and I jump to opposite sides of the cot, my face burning hotter than the sun. The nurses waltzes in with another kid sporting a gross vomit stain on his shirt, tossing any kind of sentiment I had mere moments ago out the window. My heart chugs with the force of a speeding bullet train; it’s a miracle I haven’t succumbed to a heart attack by now.

“U-um, I should, um…” Minji stutters frantically, her eyes darting everywhere but in my direction. If it’s any consolation, I feel too overwhelmed to look at anywhere except the floor. She hurries out of the nurse’s office without uttering another word.

“What’s up with her?” The nurse asks. I’m too busy freaking out to even register her question properly.

WHAT THE FUCK DID I JUST TRY TO DO!?

___________________________________________________________

Minji’s POV

Oh my god. Oh… my god. Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. My god. OH. MY. GOD. OMGOMGOMGOMGOGMOMGOMGOMGOMGM-

“Minj? Are you alright?”

I jump in my seat, my gaze flying wildly around me. “H-huh?”

Hanni and Haerin exchange odd glances as they take their seats on either side of me. “Girl, what’s wrong with you?” Hanni asks, her eyebrow raised in concern.

“I-I’m fine, just working on prom stuff like usual.” That’s only somewhat of a lie: after getting permission to excuse myself from the rest of the day’s classes, I came into the student council room with the intent to work on prom stuff to get my mind off of… that. However, I ended up spending the last hours of the school day staring at my blank computer screen while my mind spirals out of control. “Where’s Danielle and Hyein?” I ask, changing the subject.

“Home stuff,” Hanni answers, sliding an iced coffee towards me. “Are you sure you’re fine? You look… shaky.”

“It’s probably just stress, you know how I’ve been lately,” I awkwardly chuckle. Caffeine is probably the last thing that I need right now, yet I take a sip to keep up appearances. Haerin’s cold, analyzing glare seems to notice this.

“Mmm…” She grumbles to herself, her gaze never leaving mine as she takes a notebook from her backpack and starts to scribble in it. Haerin always had a knack for knowing things before they happen, but not even she could’ve possibly known about the nurse’s office… right?

“Ugh, all this talk about prom is making me sick,” Hanni groans. “Spending over $1000 on hair, makeup, a dress, and a limo, all for what? Three hours of some sweaty boy’s hands on my waist? I think I’ll pass.”

“You can think that, but some people wait their entire lives for this one magical night, I just want to make sure everyone has fun,” I reason.

“Pfft, you just want to slow dance with your little boyfriend, Yuno.”

The shock from her words makes me choke on my drink, devolving into a mad coughing fit. “W-what?! N-no I don’t! He’s not my- shut up!” Hanni throws her head back in laughter, clearly amused by my near death experience at her hands.

With how insanely stressful prom preparations have been, the thought of procuring a date to the event never crossed my mind. At this point in the year, most people have found potential dates to take or a close group of friends to go with, with Danielle, Hanni, and I falling into the latter. All this time, I never even thought what prom would be like for myself. I’ve seen it all the time in movies and TV shows: the main character boy asks the hot cheerleader girl to prom, they slow dance together to a popular song fitting of the time, they kiss, credits roll. A simple, predictable formula riddled with a mess of cliches, but one that many dream about for their own special night. But what did I want out of prom? Would he even- Nevermind, I can’t even think clearly about that right now.

Haerin tosses her notebook over to me. “I drew this,” she states.

I peer down at her drawing, growing more confused with each second. It seems to depict some kind of misshapen blob and a… girl? I think? They’re sitting on some kind of bench really close together. Haerin never showed any interest in the arts before this, so why would she be into drawing all of a sudden?

“Um, it’s nice? I think? What is it supposed to be?” I ask.

“It’s you kissing a shadow monster.”

My arm lurches wildly to the side, inadvertently tossing her notebook across the room. Does she know? How does she know!? She wasn’t there, right? Right!?

“That wasn’t very nice, Minj,” Hanni chides, picking the notebook off the ground. “I think it’s very unique and has a lot of character. She even got your ponytail right. Good job, Kitty Kang.” She pats Haerin’s head, bringing a pleased smile out of her, yet her eyes stay glued to me like a predator stalking its prey. I’m starting to wonder if she ever even blinks.

“Sorry, Haerin, I just feel out of it today. It’s a, uh… lovely drawing,” I sigh, resting my head onto my palm.

“Yah, you’re bumming me out, Minj. Let’s do something fun instead of all this prom garbage. Karaoke?” Hanni suggests. They both look at me expectantly, which only makes my answer even more painful.

“I would love to, especially today out of all days, but I have to prepare for a banquet tomorrow.”

“A banquet? You never told us about that. Ooh, can we come?” Hanni pleads, flashing her big eyes and pouty lips.

“I, um… It’s for my family’s business. They said I couldn’t invite anyone, sorry.” Oh god. Lying to my parents is one thing, but lying to my best friends? The people I trust more than anybody in the entire world? My own words leave a bitter taste in my mouth, more bitter than the strongest black coffee. But what am I supposed to tell them? That I invited Yu- him instead of my own closest friends? Even if his presence serves some kind of purpose, I still can’t imagine how they would react if I told them I basically chose a boy over them. No matter how I try to justify it, it still feels wrong.

“Aww,” Hanni pouts. While she’s distracted, I notice Haerin picking up her notebook and pointing at the “shadow monster” in her drawing with a scrutinizing squint. I try to ignore her, keeping a straight face, but it’s becoming more clear that she knows something’s up.

“I’ll make it up to you guys some other time,” I say, gathering my things. “Next time we go to karaoke, I’ll pay for everything, snacks, drinks, whatever, alright?”

“Woo! I won’t say no to that!” Hanni cheers, skipping out of the student council room. I get up to follow her, but a tug on my sleeve stops me. Haerin stares at me blankly, unblinking, for what feels like forever. It’s normally hard to read her, but especially now when my mind has been in a constant whirlwind for the last couple hours, all I can come to are a few thousand anxiety-ridden conclusions. She suddenly moves her hand upwards with the focused intensity of a cat, waving it around before finally landing her index finger on the middle of my forehead.

“U-um, Haerin, what are you-”

“You’re overthinking things. Go with your gut,” she states before putting her notebook back into her bag like nothing ever happened.

“What are you talking about-”

“If you’re not gonna admit it to us, at least admit it to yourself. It’s not healthy to keep things bottled up, you’re barely floating as it is.” Haerin goes up to the door, stopping to look back at me. “Are you coming with us or not?”

“O-oh, right, yeah.” I can barely process her words as I follow the two of them off campus. What does she mean by “overthinking”? I’m not overthinking, I’m thinking a perfectly healthy amount. I just have a lot on my plate, so there’s a lot I need to think about. That’s not overthinking, that’s just… thinking a lot. I need to be thinking a lot, or else I run the risk of letting a ton of people down. My parents, the entire student body, my friends. Once I get a quiet moment to myself, I’ll be fine. Right? Right?

______________________________________________________________

I kick off my shoes by the front door, ready to land face first into my bed and turn off my brain for a couple hours. Unfortunately, fate has other plans for me.

“Minji! Welcome home, dear!” My mom announces from the living room, her tone a bit too cheerful to not raise any immediate red flags. “How was school?”

I fight back an exhausted sigh. “It was fine, Mother. I’m just gonna go up to my room and-”

“Oh, well don’t go upstairs yet! The Parks are here, come say hello!”

The Parks are what!? My eyes shoot up, scanning the living room. Mr. and Mrs. Park sit on the sofa, offering me kind smiles. But if they’re here, does that mean-

“Minji! Long time no see!” My worst nightmare rounds the corner with my father in tow, laughing like they’re old buddies or something. My skin crawls as he walks towards me with his arm spread out like he’s about to hug me. I wanna run and hide, but I’m too terrified to move. In the end, all I can do is try not to vomit on his shoulder as he wraps me up in an awkward hug.

Is this real? Surely this isn’t real, right? Maybe this is all just some sick nightmare and I’m still sleeping in the nurse’s office. Please let this be just a nightmare.

“Cat got your tongue or something?” He jokes, finally releasing me from his grasp.

“Sunghoon, it’s uh… good to see you.”

Father walks up and clasps his hand on Sunghoon’s shoulder. “Sunghoon was just telling me that he’s considering transferring over Evergreen for the rest of the school year. Isn’t that great, Minji?”

“He WHAT!?”

Everyone turns to look at me, shock and concern written all over their faces. “I-I mean what a great surprise! That’s just… so, so, sooo great to hear,” I say through bared teeth. “I have an, uh, important test tomorrow that I need to study for, so I’m just gonna go up to my room and-”

“Why don’t you bring Sunghoon with you, dear?” Mother suggests, oblivious to the fact that she’s slowly destroying my life. “It’ll give you two time to catch up without us adults getting in the way.”

I muster up the most convincing smile I can and say, “S-sure. That would be great. Just… great.”

I stomp up the stairs to my room with Sunghoon in tow, immediately collapsing onto my bed without giving him a second thought.

“Your room is nice,” he says, shutting the door behind him and effectively taking away my only way of escape. Maybe there’s some soft bushes I can land on if I jump out the window. If not, at least death seems more favorable than being stuck in here with the worst human being alive.

“Mhm,” I mutter, half-listening to whatever he has to say.

Sunghoon paces around my room, looking around at my posters and my desk before picking up Mr. Bear from my bed. “I see you’re still into teddy bears,” he chuckles to himself.

“Put that down!” I grab Mr. Bear from his grasp and glare coldly at him, causing him to back off with his hands up.

“Alright, it’s clear that there’s still some bitterness so I might as well just go ahead and address the elephant in the room: I’m sorry for the way I treated you when we were kids. I was an immature little brat and I should’ve treated you better. Will you forgive me?”

That was… surprisingly mature. Did the original Sunghoon die in an accident and got replaced by a nicer clone? Does he have an illegitimate twin brother that replaced him and took his name after Mr. and Mrs. Park realized how much of a gremlin their son is? Any of those explanations seem more plausible than Sunghoon actually maturing.

“Uh… sure, I guess,” I say, still weirded about this sudden revelation. He grins at me, sitting next to me on the bed. “Um, I’m sorry for yelling. It’s been a, uh… long day.”

“No worries, I deserved it.” Jeez, this new understanding side of Sunghoon is so off putting. If he acted like old self, at least that would be predictable. This feels like walking through uncharted territory without so much as a map or even a flashlight.

“Your mother told me that you’re inviting a friend to the banquet tomorrow,” he continues. “Some guy named Yuno. What’s he like?

“He’s…” Oh god, I can’t even think properly about him right now after what happened in the nurse’s office. I still haven’t been able to process my own feelings about it. What was he thinking? What was I thinking? I can’t even remember where my mind was during that whole thing, yet I can remember everything else so vividly; his warm breath dancing against my skin, his kind eyes peering into mine with so much care behind them, his soft lips inching closer and closer-

“Minji? Are you alright?” Sunghoon nudges my shoulder, taking me out of my impromptu trip down memory lane. I sink my face into Mr. Bear’s head, hiding the growing blush on my cheeks.

“Y-yeah, I’m fine. Like I said, long day,” I reason. “Um… He’s nice. A little shy, but he means well.”

“Are you sure you two are friends?” He chuckles at me. “It doesn’t seem like you know him very well.”

“We, uh, haven’t been friends very long,” I explain. As weird as it is, Yuno and I have only known each other a couple of days, yet it feels like so much longer than that. Now that I think about it, we’ve run into each other everyday since we met, even on the weekend. For the past three years of attending the same high school, he’s been nothing but a body walking through the hall or the utterance of a name whenever he stirred up trouble, but now, we’re so intertwined in each other’s lives like he’s been there from the start. Without him, I probably would’ve gotten attacked by that drunk man and I never would’ve gotten over my fear of spiders. His presence has become so integral to my life, I can’t imagine him not being there in some way.

“Do you like him?” Sunghoon asks suddenly, glancing at me.

I… I don’t know. I don’t know what to think or feel about him. He is a part of my life, but I just… I don’t know. “As a friend, yeah,” I utter, unsure of the words coming out of my own mouth.

He nods, grinning to himself. “Good.”

“What do you mean ‘good’?” My eyebrows furrow in confusion.

“Oh, nothing, just, uh… thinking out loud.” He gets up from my bed and walks towards the door. “I’ll let you study for your test now, I’d hate to interfere with your academics. See ya tomorrow, Minji.”

“Yeah, see ya…” He shuts the door behind him, leaving me alone with my thoughts. Instead of getting up and doing something productive to distract myself, all I can do is lie there and stare at the ceiling, wondering when everything became so complicated.

______________________________________________________________

Yuno’s POV

“Yuno, are you okay? You’re blanking out again,” Winter says.

“Hm? Oh, it’s nothing. Just a little headache.”

Honestly, I would prefer it if it was just a little headache rather than the fucking tornado that’s been running rampant through my mind. During the entire walk from the school to the convenience store, all I could do was stare at the ground and let my legs blindly follow behind Winter and Yujin. Hell, I barely even noticed we came to the convenience store until just now.

“Shouldn’t you go to the doctor? You don’t look very good,” Yujin says.

“I’ve been through worse.” Both of them still stare at me, unconvinced of my wellbeing. “I’ll feel better after I sleep it off, alright? You guys don’t have to worry about me.”

“How can we not worry about you, you got hurt b-because of me…” Winter’s voice falters as tears begin to well within her eyes.

“Ah jeez. Look, I…” My mind wanders back to what Minji said to me in the nurse’s office before I did… that: But that doesn’t mean you should go through these kinds of things alone. Your friends were worried sick about you.

“I’m sorry. To both of you. I should’ve let you two know what was going on instead of running in alone and letting myself get hurt. It won’t happen again, okay? I’m done fighting,” I say. Both of them look up at me in surprise.

“So no more Super Yuno?” Yujin asks.

“Uh yeah. No more, uh, ‘Super Yuno’.” If there’s a silver lining in any of this, it’s definitely getting rid of that ridiculous nickname.

“Hmm…” Yujin’s gaze falls to the ground in contemplation. “When superheroes in comic books get hurt, they usually have some kind of healing factor or revival ability that helps them get back up no matter how much damage they take. But you…” He looks up at me, his own eyes glossy with sorrow. “...You’re real. You don’t have any superpowers to help you. It was really scary seeing you not wake up, Yuno. I-I don’t… I don’t want to see you get hurt anymore.”

“Me neither,” Winter adds.

The three of us sit in silence with nothing but the crickets and the gentle howl of the passing breeze to let us know the world is still moving. The weight of their words sink deeper into me, making me feel even more guilty for my lack of consideration. Things are different now. I can’t act like I’m still living the same life I was a couple days ago, and frankly, I don’t want to go back to that life of solitude and pain. I need to change for the better. For me. For my dad. For my friends. For Min… For her.

I clap Yujin on the back, ruffling his hair. “You guys won’t have to see me get hurt anymore, alright? I really am done fighting.”

Winter smiles at me, wiping the tears from her eyes. “I’m glad.”

“Me too,” Yujin chuckles.

My lips form into a grin, a feeling I’m starting to get used to. “But if anyone messes with either of you, I don’t mind coming out of retirement for a little bit.”

The sounds of their laughter float with the wind, carried wherever fate takes them. I always viewed fate as cruel and unyielding, rendering our sense of choice to nothing but dust. But every once in a while, it’ll surprise me with something new, not necessarily good or bad, just different. This, however, is good. Unequivocally good. It can be convoluted and annoying at times, but still good.

“How’s the student council president?” Winter asks, making my shoulders tense up suddenly.

“Oh yeah, she looked really worried about you. Danielle told me that she’s never seen her act like that before,” Yujin says.

My gaze drifts to the side, unable to meet their eyes. “U-uh, she’s fine. We talked. We’re, uh, cool.” I can’t even imagine how she must be feeling right now after I did all that. What am I supposed to say to her? Do I just pretend like nothing happened? That I didn’t just try to kiss her? OUT OF NOWHERE? I clutch my head as I devolve into another tumultuous storm of uncertainty and anxiety. I need to get this feeling out of me. I need to… I…

“I almost kissed her,” I blurt out. Winter and Yujin’s jaws drop in utter shock at my confession. My entire face burns with shame, but my soul feels lighter now that I finally acknowledged it.

“Uh, what do you mean almost?” Winter asks after several seconds of stunned silence.

“I-I, uh… Fuck…” I inhale deeply, steadying my breath. “We were just talking and then suddenly her face was really close and I kinda just… leaned in… uh…” The more I blabber, the warmer my entire body feels, yet going back and reliving that moment so clearly feels oddly nice in a way. Instead of it being a dream, it was real. I almost got to see what happens at the end of that dream instead of waking up in my bed.

Both of them lean in with amused smirks, completely intrigued by my stupid little accident. “Do you like her?” Winter asks.

“Y-yeah, I do. A lot.”

“Aw, look at him, he’s blushing,” Yujin teases.

I turn my head, hiding my face into my hands. “Sh-shut up…”

“I think it’s very cute that you have a crush on her. Minji seems like a really nice girl,” Winter says, amused. “Are you gonna ask her out to prom?”

“I, uh… I don’t know.”

“Why not? I think you should go for it if you really like her.”

“I don’t know how she feels about me. I mean, I know she thinks of us as friends, but more than that…” I sigh, my shoulders slumping towards the ground. “Minji has a lot going for her, and I’m just me.”

“How did she react when you almost kissed her?” Yujin asks.

“She, uh… She ran out of the room in a panic.”

Both of them turn to each other in contemplation. “Well, that could mean anything,” Winter says. “Regardless of what you think she feels, you should ask her out or else you’re gonna regret it for the rest of your life. I didn’t think Karina would ever like me, but look where we’re at now.”

“Yeah, Yuno!” Yujin adds. “We’ll even help you with your promposal! I can make posters and-”

“N-no!” I interject. “No posters. I don’t want to make a big deal out of it. I already know what people think of me, so to put that kind of attention on her would be cruel.”

Amused smirks grow on their faces as they exchange knowing glances at each other. “That was really sweet, Yuno,” Winter says, gushing.

On second thought, maybe it’s better if I didn’t tell them all of this; God knows I won’t hear the end of it for the next week. But as I look at the sincerity in their smiles, a warm feeling stirs within me. Maybe it’s better I did.

______________________________________________________________

My hand rests on the doorknob of my home, frozen by the impending dread of having to come clean and explain the sudden influx of cuts and bruises marking my body. If he’s going to be in my life again, he’ll have to deal with the fact that I made and will continue to make really shitty mistakes. I just hope I’m able to learn from them every once in a while.

With a deep breath, I enter my home to find him sitting alone at the dining table, his leg bouncing restlessly as he stares blankly at nothing. All the lights in the house are off, save for the single one floating right above him, creating an ominous tension that blasts me from the doorway.

“Uh, hey, Dad.”

“Yuno!” I expected anger, disappointment, maybe even disgust, but instead I’m met with relief as he walks over to me, placing his hand on my shoulder. “Your principal called me earlier, I was worried sick about you. Are you okay?

“Yeah, I’m fine.” I thought I would get tired of reiterating for the umpteenth time that I’m fine, but having people around me that care enough to worry gives me this tingling feeling in my chest. It feels… nice, actually.

“Are you getting bullied at school?” He asks worriedly.

“No, it’s nothing like that. It was just a stupid fight.” Some could argue that I’m the bully at the school, and maybe they’re right, but at least I pick on people that deserve it instead of defenseless underclassmen.

“Do you need me to take you to the hospital or something?”

“I’m fine, I’ve been through worse. Just need a little rest,” I say. He begins to speak, but stops and sighs instead.

“Alright. Just let me know if you need anything, okay?” I nod. “I trust you know how to take care of yourself by now, but I’m always gonna be here if you need me.” He walks over to the kitchen and pours himself a cup of water, but instead stares pensively at it, watching his reflection in the cup.

“Actually, I could use a ride after school tomorrow,” I say. “I was, uh, invited to a banquet.”

He looks up from the cup, his brow raised in curiosity. “Really? What for?”

“Minji - the girl you met at the mall - she invited me,” I explain.

My dad smirks, finally showing a positive emotion for the first time since I got home. “Sure thing, I can drive you.” 

“Thanks, dad.” I grin at him before heading upstairs to my room. 

The easy parts are over. I apologized to Winter and Yujin, and accidentally let my feelings for Minji slip out. I talked to my dad and he seemed to take things better than I thought he would. Now there’s just one person left I have to talk to, arguably the most important I need to talk to: Minji.

I stare at my phone, my eyes rereading our previous texts over and over again. Should I call her? What would I even say? Even texting her seems like an impossible feat at this point. After she freaked out and ran out of the nurse’s office, I’ve been struggling to think of how I should address the incident. Hell, I’ve been struggling on how I should feel about it myself. I did, technically, want it to happen, but couldn’t I have chosen a more opportune moment to do it? Y’know, like after knowing for sure what she feels about me? God, I’m a fucking idiot.

To add salt to the wound, I end up going for the coward’s way out, typing up a message that avoids the issue entirely because acting like everything is fine is surely the best course of action.

Yuno: Hi. What should I wear to the banquet? And what’s the address?

Feelings are so exhausting.

______________________________________________________________

Compared to how “eventful” yesterday was, Tuesday went by in the blink of an eye. The weird stares were still there, even more so thanks to my injuries, and Tyler’s group of friends in English class seemed to be down a couple of guys. Not my problem, less trouble for me and it’s not like I even hit any of them. Minji never responded to the text I sent last night. To make matters worse, every time I saw her in the hallway, she avoided eye contact completely and ran the opposite direction. If she told me that what I did was disgusting and to never talk to her again, I would at least understand, but to avoid me completely when I’m literally going to a banquet with her feels like cruel and unusual punishment.

I sigh, banging my head into my locker. Not the greatest decision given my condition, but I don’t give a shit anymore. I just want the girl I like to talk to me.

“Is she still avoiding you?” Winter asks from next to me.

“Yeah,” I utter sadly. “Maybe I messed up. Maybe she doesn’t want to be friends anymore.”

Yujin pats my shoulder in support. “Don’t worry about it, Yuno, you’ll get a chance to talk to her eventually. Didn’t you say you were going to that banquet with her tonight? You can talk to her then!”

“She hasn’t even given me the address, how am I supposed to get there?” I reason. “Maybe this is her way of telling me not to come.”

Winter and Yujin exchange worried glances while I lean against my locker, thinking about everything and nothing. Is this what it feels like to have something good ripped away from you all of a sudden? It sucks. It fucking sucks. Part of me wishes I never met Minji in the first place just so I never have to feel like this.

Just then, Minji’s tall friend walks past, offering a polite wave. What’s her name again? It starts with an H… Not Hanni… Harry… Halsey… Hyemi…

“Hyein!” I call out, rushing over to her.

“Hello, Minji’s friend!” She says. “What’s up?”

“Have you talked to Minji at all today?”

“Of course I have!” She smiles like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “Why?”

“Has she, um, said anything about me?” I may sound feeble and desperate, but that’s because I am. If Minji hates my guts, then I need to know, or else I’m gonna be walking around like a hopeless idiot.

“Hmm… No, I don’t think she’s said anything about you.”

“Oh…” I hang my head, completely dejected. Not only did I get any new information, but now her friends are gonna think I’m a weirdo. “Well, next time you see her, can you ask her to check her texts? She hasn’t given me a response yet.”

“Why can’t you tell her yourself? Did something happen between you two?” Hyein squints at me.

“N-no! I mean…” You tried to kiss her, you dumbass. “...maybe. I don’t know. Can you tell her that I want to talk? Please.”

“Hmm…” She studies my expression with an intense glare. “Okay, but I can’t promise anything. Whatever you did must’ve upset her a lot if she’s not talking to you all of a sudden.” I sigh, feeling my heart being ripped out of my chest. “Yeah, I figured. Thanks.” With my gaze fixed on the ground, I trudge back to my locker where Winter and Yujin are waiting. I wanna bash my head into the metal door so I can stop feeling like this, but I can’t even muster up the energy to do that. If only I didn’t catch a stupid crush on her.

A stupid, hopeless, foolish crush.

______________________________________________________________

Minji’s POV

Schoolwork. Study. Test. Prom. Schoolwork. Study. Test. Prom. Schoolwork. Study. Test. Prom. I feel like a robot running through a constant cycle to maintain peak productivity. I’ve accomplished so much in the day that I don’t even have time to think about anything else. With prom slowly approaching, my continuous cycle of work will eventually pay off and everyone will finally be happy.

The door to the student council room clicks open, but I don’t even flinch. Eyes are glued to the screen, typing up emails and researching venues until calluses form on my fingers.

“Uh, Minji?” I hear Danielle’s voice ask. “What are you doing in here with the lights off?”

Oh right. The lights are off. I didn’t even notice. The bluelight from my laptop has burned itself into my retinas. Even when I blink, all I see is the screen.

“Just working,” I mutter.

“Hey, girl,” Hanni says, concern laced in her tone. “We got you an iced coffee if you want it.”

“Thanks.” I take a sip, the caffeine having an immediate effect on me like adding coal to the furnace of a speeding steam train. Email sent. New tab opened up. Check notification. Look at potential venues. Don’t think. Just work.

A hand slams my laptop shut. “Hey! What are you-” I look up for the first time to see all of my friends looking down at me with worry all over their faces.

“I told you keeping things bottled up isn’t healthy,” Haerin states, her hand holding my laptop closed.

“W-what are you talking about?” I ask, annoyed. “Can’t you see I’m trying to work!?”

“Minj, look at yourself! This isn’t just stress anymore, you look like a zombie!” Hanni exclaims.

I scoff, rubbing my hands over my face. “I’m fine, I’m just working on prom like usual. Haerin, give me back my-” I reach for my laptop, but Haerin snatches it away. “Haerin, what are you doing!? I’m in the middle of something important!”

“Minji, what is going on with you?” Danielle asks in a calm yet concerned tone. “You’ve been acting weird ever since yesterday.”

I feel like my head is about to explode. What are they not understanding!? Of course I’m going to be mad, they just took away my laptop! If anything, they’re acting weird! “I told you guys, I’m fine-”

“Is this about what happened between you and Yuno?” Hyein asks from the corner of the room. My gaze shoots towards her. Her hands are trembling by her sides like leaves in a heavy storm, barely holding onto the branch they’re a part of. Tears threaten to burst from her eyes. She’s scared, terrified. Of me.

My legs give out from underneath me as my vision becomes blurry with tears. A blanket of warmth covers me as the girls hold me in their gentle embrace. I don’t deserve them. I’ve been lying and keeping secrets from them, and now I yelled at them. All for what? A boy? Have I lost sight of what really matters in my life just because I think I have feelings for someone?

It takes a while for me to come down from the overwhelming wave of emotions. By the time my tears stop, I find myself surrounded by my friends’ caring gazes. The four people I trust most in the world, but also the ones I need to apologize to.

“I-I’m sorry guys,” I begin. “I know I said I’ve been stressed, but that doesn’t excuse my outburst. You guys don’t deserve to be yelled at like that.”

Hanni tenderly brushes my hair with her fingers, letting me rest my head on her shoulder. “It’s okay, Minj, we know you didn’t mean it. We’re just really worried about you.”

“Yeah,” Danielle adds. “It’s clear that this isn’t just about prom anymore.”

“What did Yuno do to you?” Hyein asks.

“He didn’t, um…” I take a deep breath, steadying my heartbeat. “When he got into that fight yesterday, it really scared me. Seeing him pass out like that, I thought he was d… gone. It felt like I couldn’t breathe properly until I knew he was alright. All I could think about was ‘Why did this have to happen to him? It’s so unfair. He doesn’t deserve this at all’. When Yuno finally woke up, it was like… everything felt right again. I was so relieved. And then I looked into his eyes and thought ‘I never want to see you get hurt again’. And I…” My cheeks start to burn as my voice falters. The girls begin to stare at me with intrigue, waiting for me to finish my sentence.

“I-I… I almost kissed him.”

The room fills with collective gasps as each of them freeze in shock. I bury my face into Hanni’s shoulder, each passing second of silence making me feel even more embarrassed.

“W-what do you mean almost?” Danielle asks, the most disturbed out of the four of them.

“The nurse came in before we could, uh… finish,” I say, my voice muffled by Hanni’s shirt.

“OH. MY. GOD.” Hanni squeals. “Girl, tell us everything! Who initiated? What did he say to you? Did he go right or left-” Haerin clasps her hand over Hanni’s mouth, shaking her head disapprovingly. Thank god, I don’t know how much longer I could’ve taken her questions. 

“Is that why you were avoiding him all day?” Hyein asks. I sigh, nodding sadly.

“Every time I saw him, I panicked and ran away like an idiot,” I admit. “I don’t know what to think or how to feel.”

“Do you like him?”

I stare at the ground in contemplation, thinking about the past few days with Yuno. Despite what others think of him, he’s proven himself to be kind hearted and loyal, oftentimes putting his friends above his own well being. He’s saved me countless times, never once asking for any sort of recompense, and he’s shown that he’s willing to change for the better, even if it might go against his own ideas of justice. Yuno is a good guy, a great friend, and…

“Yeah,” I nod. “I think I do like him.”

“You think?” Danielle asks, unconvinced.

“I don’t know, I’ve never had a crush on anybody before.”

“Minj, that is so cute!” Hanni chimes. “You should ask him to prom!”

“Shouldn’t he ask me…?”

Haerin shakes her head. “It’s 2024, subjecting yourself to outdated ideals will only leave you disappointed. Get with the times, grandma.”

I side-eye her, grimacing at her insult. “Whatever. I don’t even know if he feels the same and I’d rather not do something drastic to ruin our friendship.”

“But you’ll never know if you don’t try,’ Hanni says. “You’re gonna regret it if you don’t tell him how you feel.”

“I know, but I can’t just rush into something like this without thinking first,” I argue. “Besides, I’m busy with a thousand things right now, I don’t even think I have time for a relationship.”

Danielle takes my hand in hers, looking me in the eye. “You should do what makes you happy, Minji. I mean, look what happened when you bottled up everything inside and put other people’s feelings above your own. Forget everyone else right now and focus on your own happiness for once.”

“But-”

“No buts,” she snaps. “I can get the other student council members to pick up the slack on prom preparations, so go out, have fun, and date a stupid boy. And if he hurts you, then you have the four of us to fall back on.” The others nod in agreement, smiling brightly at me.

“Thanks, guys.” I quickly clap my hands over my eyes in an attempt to stop another onslaught of tears. “God, I feel like I’m gonna cry again.”

“Aww, you big softie,” Hanni says. “Come here.”

The four of them pull me into a warm group hug that melts all my worries away. Honest to God, I don’t know what I would do without them. These girls are like my own little life raft, keeping me afloat even when I fall overboard. 

I take out my phone and send a text that I should have sent ages ago.

Yuno: Hi. What should I wear to the banquet? And what’s the address?

Minji: hey :) just wear something nice! the address is 0507 Ador Ln. don’t be late, there’s something i want to talk to you about.

______________________________________________________________

Yuno’s POV

I stare at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, checking if my outfit is okay for the millionth time. “just wear something nice!” she says, yet the only nice clothes I have are some light blue jeans and the bear sweater that I bought on a whim. I’m not sure if “nice” is how I would describe this outfit, but I don’t exactly have any other alternatives.

I would be lying if I said her text didn’t make my heart feel so much lighter. It doesn’t matter how stupid I look as long as I finally get to clear things up with her. Not being able to talk to her at all for the past day has been complete hell, I wouldn’t wish the feeling on my worst enemy. Yet, a part of me feels downright terrified. What is she gonna say to me? Will we still be friends after this? I’ll have to hold onto this dreadful suspense until I see her, and probably even longer depending on how the banquet goes. Hopefully we can get over this quickly so I can finally breathe normally.

My dad knocks on the bathroom, peeking his head through the open door. “You ready to go?” He asks.

“Yeah, uh…” I pause, awkwardly looking at the ground. “Do I look okay?”

He chuckles at me, patting my shoulder. “You look great. I’m sure she’ll like it.”

I take one last look at myself in the mirror before heading out to the car, my heartbeat ringing in my ears as we head to the banquet.

Naturally, the banquet takes place on the far side of the town where all the rich people live. Grandiose buildings line the streets as opposed to the regular suburban houses I’m used to, larger and shinier than anything I’ve ever seen, their opulence almost blinding under the streetlights. Even my dad looked impressed, staring at all the different houses that we could never dream of affording. All of this only serves as a reminder that I don’t belong in this world and never will. To Minji, this is just another Tuesday for her. I sigh, the pit in my stomach growing deeper and deeper.

The banquet hall sits atop a hill overlooking the town as if it's looking down on everyone else with disgust. As we drive up to the building, the frequency of luxury cars increases, making our car look like garbage on wheels in comparison. The closer we get, the more I’m starting to regret my decision to come along. A few guests are talking outside, dressed in their finest tailored suits and elegant gowns. I look down at the bear on my sweater with shame. I didn’t want to stand out, yet I’m basically wearing a giant sign that says “look at me, I’m an idiot.”

Near the entrance, I spot Minji wearing a stunning black dress that compliments her natural beauty. Simple yet sophisticated… And I’m wearing this god damn bear sweater. Maybe it’s not too late to turn around and go back home. I’ll tell her my body started hurting all of a sudden and I can’t move and-

“Hey,” my dad says, patting my shoulder. “It’ll be okay. Go have fun.”

I nod, taking one more deep breath before stepping out of the car. “A-alright. Uh, thanks for giving me a ride.”

He smiles at me. “Of course. Text me when you want to leave and I’ll come right away. Bye, Yuno.” I watch as the car disappears down the hill, leaving me completely stranded with no way of escaping. All I can do is face this head on, like I’ve always done.

With each step I take towards Minji, my heart beat rings louder and louder in my ears. The gnawing insecurity in the pit of my stomach makes it hard to breathe, yet I continue forward towards the impossibly beautiful girl that I’ve fallen completely in love with. Her black hair flows like waves curling from a waterfall, light and airy, as she exudes an air of elegance and grace. If I survived a beating from a group of guys, then I can survive this one night. For her.

“Min-”

“Hey Minji!” A loud voice calls out from behind me. The source of the voice, a tall guy wearing a sophisticated suit, walks over to her and pulls her into a hug. My blood immediately begins to boil with rage. Who the fuck is this guy!?

“You look great! How are you doing?” I hear him ask her.

“U-uh, thanks, I’m fine, um…” Minji spots me, her face lighting up instantly. “Yuno!” I do my best to hide the growing smirk as he looks back at me with bewilderment.

“H-hey. Hi,” I say to her.

“I’m glad you could make it,” she replies, smiling at me. God, I missed that smile. I missed hearing her voice. It’s only been a day, but it feels nice to finally talk to her again.

“Um, hello? Aren’t you gonna introduce me to your friend, Minji?” The tall guy says. He must be the one Minji was warning me about, I can already tell he gives off a pompous energy.

“Ah right. Yuno, this is Sunghoon, Sunghoon, this is my friend from school, Yuno,” Minji says.

“What’s up, man?” Sunghoon reaches his hand out towards me, which I nearly shake before realizing I still have the gauze wrapped around my hand. “Oh damn, what happened to your hand? Are you some kind of fighter or something?” He jokes. Minji gives me an apologetic look while I simply shake my head.

“Cooking accident. I’m fine,” I say, lowering my hand.

“That sucks, man, uh…” He looks down at my sweater, his lips widening into an amused smirk. “Cool sweater, man, where’d you get it? Balenciaga? Armani? Target?” he chides, laughing at his own shitty joke. I shoot a glare at him which makes him shut up pretty quickly.

“I’m just joking man, jeez,” he says. “I’m gonna head inside, Minji. I’ll get us a good table.” Sunghoon winks at her before walking off towards the building, leaving me and Minji alone finally.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry about him, Yuno,” Minji apologizes.

“It’s fine.” I gaze into her eyes for the first time since arriving, my heart skipping a beat as I got lost in the deep browns of her irises. The stars reflect off of them, containing the beauty of an entire galaxy right in front of me. “U-um, is this sweater okay? I, uh, didn’t really have any nice clothes to wear,” I blabber awkwardly.

“It’s, uh… It’s cute,” she says, her face lighting up as she looks at the bear. “Aw, he’s wearing little overalls. It’s like he’s a little farmer bear.”

I turn my head, quietly giggling to myself. How can someone look so ethereal, yet act so adorable? “Oh right, you said you wanted to talk to me about something,” I say, fixing my expression.

“Oh, um… Uh…” Her gaze nervously shifts side to side as she messes with her fingers. “Can we, uh, talk about that later? My parents are probably waiting for me inside.”

I sigh, disappointed but also understanding. “Okay, that’s fine.”

She offers an apologetic look before leading the way into the building. As we walk through the doors, my jaw hits the floor from utter shock and awe. The banquet hall is a giant room adorned with pillars of flowers and a giant golden chandelier hanging overhead, illuminating the room with a brilliant light. Fancy-looking tables are spread out throughout the room, seating even fancier-looking people, laughing and sipping from skinny glasses of champagne as they talk. The looks I get from school are a little annoying, but bearable enough - They’re all just kids trying not to get into any trouble that I’m usually a part of - but being in this room, looked down upon by these people is a different beast entirely. Instead of being viewed as some scary monster that could act up at any moment, it feels like they’re scorning at me like a rat that wandered into the wrong place. It’s like Minji’s mom times a thousand in here.

“Are you okay, Yuno?” Minji asks, lightly grabbing onto my sleeve with a worried look.

“I-I’m fine,” I assure her. Before she can say anything else, an older man walks up to her, smiling.

“Minji! How are you doing, dear?” He says.

“Hello, Mr. Park! I’m doing well, how are you?” She replies, seamlessly slipping into a more professional tone.

“I’m doing great, of course. It’s great to be doing business with your parents.” He looks towards me, his face subtly shifting into that of disdain. “Who’s your friend here, Minji?”

“This is Yuno, he’s my friend from school.”

“H-hello, sir.” I reach out to shake his hand only to be met with a confused expression as he stares down at my gauze-covered hand. Sheepishly, I retract it, my gaze falling to the ground in embarrassment.

“Right… Well, my wife is probably wondering where I am and I wouldn’t want to keep her waiting,” Mr. Park says, not even glancing at me. “Good bye, Minji.”

I sigh dejectedly as he walks off, both grateful that he’s gone and annoyed at myself for not making a better first impression. “That was… awful,” I mutter.

“Hey, it’s okay,” Minji soothes. “On the bright side, you’ll never have to talk to him again after tonight.”

“I don’t know, Minji, maybe me being here is a mistak-”

“Oh!” She takes an empty glass from one of the tables and hands it to me. “Here, hold this.”

I take it from her, giving her a quizzical look. “What do you want me to do with this?”

“Just hold up this glass with your right hand and people won’t shake your hand anymore. Problem solved, right?”

She’s trying so hard for me. What a saint. I truly don’t deserve her. “Yeah, okay,” I nod, mustering up a smile. “Thanks.”

“No proble-”

“Ay, that’s where you guys are!” Sunghoon pops out of nowhere, wrapping his arm around Minji. It’s taking every fiber of my being not to knock his lights out right now. “I was wondering where you two were.”

Minji pushes his arm off of her, side-eyeing him with contempt. “We were just talking,” she states.

“Well, I’m sure there’s a lot of people that would love to get to know Yuno. Isn’t that right, man?” Sunghoon firmly grasps my shoulder, pushing me towards a larger crowd of people culminating in the middle of the room. I could kill him if I want to (and I do want to), but with Minji here, I’m left at the mercy at whatever the hell this rich fuck plans to do. Whatever. I can survive talking to old people for a little bit.

The next hour crawls along as I’m swept through countless bouts of small talk with increasingly important people, constantly bombarded with questions that I don’t have the answer to.

“What are your plans after high school?”

“What university are you thinking of attending?”

“Have you started on your college admission papers?”

Minji and Sunghoon handled everything with ease, accustomed to the talk like they’re fluent in a second language, whereas I was barely floating by. Overwhelmed doesn’t even begin to describe how I felt. Minji tried her best to help me out, but with an abundance of other people talking to her, her plate was already full as it was.

Finally, after another uncomfortable conversation with a woman that didn’t even try to hide her disapproval, I found myself on the outer rim of the conversation. Minji and Sunghoon were in the middle, keeping everyone distracted, giving me a chance to escape. I spot a door at the edge of the room leading towards the outside. I take one last look at Minji, feeling guilty for leaving her like this, before scurrying out the door.

Fresh air fills my lungs, a luxury I didn’t know I had until now. I scramble over towards the railing, letting myself breath for the first time in what feels like years. Getting another beating would be more favorable compared to the hell that I just went through inside. I don’t know how Minji does that on a regular basis, I could barely get a coherent word out the entire time.

I lean against the railing, watching the full moon float slowly above the town as I ponder whether or not me being here is a good idea. Maybe I should’ve just given Minji a lame excuse and stayed home. Like a dazzling star in the sky, it feels like all I can do is watch her from afar while I’m trapped by the gravity of my own miserable little planet, destined to fade into mediocrity as she illuminates the night sky with her light. A part of me wishes I never offered to walk her home in the rain just so I would never have to feel this pain. But I did and now I’m paying the price for it.

Isn’t it so tragic? To fall for someone that’s so close yet so far?

“There you are.”

The clacking of high heels against the concrete gets louder with each step as Minji walks up next to me. “I was worried you got lost or something. Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I answer, not quite meeting her gaze. Minji slumps against the railing next to me, watching the moon.

“I’m sorry for dragging you into this. I invited you here for a selfish reason, and after that backfired, I thought I could salvage it, but all I did was make you uncomfortable.”

“Hey, it’s fi-”

“And I’m sorry for ignoring you all day,” she says, her gaze falling to the ground. “I should’ve just talked to you instead of running away like an idiot.”

I breathe a sigh of relief, grateful that she finally acknowledged it. “It’s fine. I’m sorry too, for, um… y’know.” Heat rises to my cheeks as I’m reminded of why we’re in this awkward spot in the first place. If I just kept my urges in check, neither of us would’ve felt like this.

“U-um, it’s okay, that’s partially my fault too anyways,” she says, chuckling nervously. Minji looks up at the moon and inhales deeply. “It’s really pretty tonight.” Something in my head shifts as she utters those words, and I’m suddenly hit with a wave of deja vu as Minji shifts from “The daughter of the founder of a highly esteemed multimillion dollar company” to “The girl who’s afraid of spiders and likes teddy bears and dreams of becoming a singer one day against her parents’ wishes”. The girl that I fell in love with.

I nod in agreement, but all my focus is on Minji, more beautiful than any celestial body could hope to be. The wind makes her long, black hair float and ebb like a stream of the finest silk, while the Milky Way traps itself in her irises, containing the beauty of an entire galaxy in just her eyes alone. She shivers as another gust of wind floats past, and I contemplate whether or not I should give her my sweater. I’m wearing a tank top underneath, so it’s not like I would be flashing her all of a sudden…

Without anymore hesitation, I take the sweater off my back and hand it to her. “U-uh, here. Y-you seem cold,” I stutter awkwardly.

“O-oh!” Her cheeks turn a bright pink as she eyes my upper body, her gaze flying back and forth. “Thanks, that’s very, um, sweet of you,” she says, wrapping the sweater over her shoulders.

“Y-yeah, no problem…”

We stand there in complete silence, simply watching the moon as the crickets and the wind play their abstract melodies. The breeze may be cold, but it’s nothing compared to the warmth I feel in my heart for Minji. I want to tell her how I feel. I wanna scream it from the top of this hill for everyone to hear. But I can’t. What good would it do, knowing that it won’t work out? I know life has been nothing but cruel to me, but having the person who fills me with nothing but joy be this close to me yet still so far away is this cruelest act it’s committed. I’m cursed to live a life of mediocrity while Minji undoubtedly skyrockets to a space among the stars, a place that I can never hope to reach.

Minji glances at me, scanning the bruises on my arm. Without a single utterance, she gently traces her finger over them, leaving a line of electricity in its wake. “How are you feeling?” She asks softly.

“I’m fine. Like I said, I’ve been through worse,” I say.

She sighs, moving closer to inspect the injuries. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

I turn to her, her face much closer than before. “Y’know, I think you’re the first person to ever say that to me.”

“What do you mean?”

I shrug. “People don’t really talk to me in general. They’ll look at the cuts and the bruises and think that I probably deserve them. And maybe they’re right.”

“Hey,” she lightly chides. “Don’t say that, they’re not right at all.”

“I’m always sticking my neck into situations that I don’t belong in, it’s only natural for me to get hit every once in a while.”

“Still, that doesn’t mean you deserve to get hurt.” The worry in her tone begins to grow with each word.

“I’ve hurt countless people in the past, Minji. There’s literal blood on my hands. To say I don’t deserve some kind of divine punishment would be wrong.”

“O-okay, but-”

“And maybe this is it. This is my punishment.” I look in her eyes, tears slowly welling up within them. “My mother’s dead. My father became an alcoholic. I’m left to survive alone while people look at me like a monster. I constantly get into fights because I’m hard-wired to have this fucked up sense of justice that I have to act on for some reason. A-and…” And you. The greatest punishment of all is meeting you. Because I know that I’m not good enough for you and I never will be. No matter how much I like you, you’re always going to be light years away. 

“...My life has been nothing but a punishment, one after another. I deserve to-” “STOP!” Minji shouts, pushing me back a bit. “Just… stop, Yuno. You don’t deserve any of that. When I look at you, all I see is someone that’s been treated unfairly their whole life. You deserve to be happy. I-I mean, look at where you are now! You have friends that care about you, your dad is doing so much better now, and I…” She looks at me with steely determination. Her chest rises and falls with breath, as if she’s made up her mind about something.

And then she kisses me.

Her arms clumsily wrap around my head, pulling me into her lips. It’s rough and messy, yet so sweet and soft. The heat in my chest expands, hitting every cell in my body. I melt into her, placing my hands gently above her waist. All of my feelings for her are contained in my lips, transferring over in a silent exchange. Her lips are everything I’ve ever dreamed of and more.

Minji pulls away slightly to catch her breath, warm puffs of her dancing against my cheeks. We look into each other’s eyes, not a word spoken but so many things said before going back in for another, this kiss more gentle than the first. She softly cups my cheek, caressing me with her fingers. I pull her in, wanting to be as close to her as physically possible. I want nothing more than to be here in this perfect moment with her forever.

A glass shatters against the concrete, ripping us out of our blissful space. We scramble to get off of each other as Sunghoon stands there, his jaw dropped in shock.

“W-what… What the hell are you two doing?!”

[dira333]

Good things come to those who wait - Kirishima x Reader

I don't know why but this was really hard for me to write. I hope you still enjoy it - @crimsonredlotus

"You good?" Mina's waving a hand in front of his eyes, back and forth, back and forth. "Never saw you zone out like that before, not even when they announced Crimson Riot becoming a playable character in the Hero Nights Multiplayer Game."

"I just saw the most beautiful girl in the world," he stammers, eyes still locked on the door you disappeared through. "Like... Oh, no, that was superficial, wasn't it? Like, I swear she's probably super smart and incredibly talented, but I just- I noticed- I swear I don't care about looks that much!"

"Relax," Mina slings an arm around his shoulder, "You're still manly. Now, describe her to me. I need the deets."

-

"Did you see that?" Yukie asks, giggling. "The redhead couldn't believe his eyes when he saw you. I swear, there were hearts dancing around his head."

"You're exaggerating," you tell her off, though your heart still beats a little faster. He'd been cute, really cute, with his red hair and flushed face, wide grin, and open posture. Like sunshine poured into a human being, but that might just be your imagination. You didn't know him, after all.

-

"Okay, so she's one of the business class students," Mina recalls, "She's getting good grades, and the teachers like her a lot. I think I've heard Ectoplasm call her by her first name and he's really picky with that."

"Sounds kinda boring," Bakugo declares as Kirishima presses both hands to his mouth to hide his glee. "See!" He preens, "I knew she was special. I bet she has an awesome quirk too." He falters immediately. "Oh, but that means she won't be interested in me."

"No, no, we don't think like that here," Mina bonks him on the head with her fist. "You've got great qualities, not to mention a solid body to show off. And you're a nice person, unlike some other people here." She glares at Bakugo who only snorts.

"So now that we know her name and her class, how are you planning to go over it," Sero asks, leaning in, "Business Class isn't all that interested in Hero Class. They think we're stuck up."

"I can't just go over there and ask her out!" Kirishima wails, "That would be totally unmanly. What if she feels pressured to say yes? I could never live with that."

"I'm going to infiltrate their friend group and get the intel," Mina promises. "Jirou, you're with me."

-

You blink in surprise when two girls slide into the seats across from you and Yukie.

"Do we... know you?" You ask, a little concerned by the bright smile on the pink-skinned girl's face. The other one looks like she might not be here on her own accord.

"Oh, we're from the Hero Class. We just wanted to get to know you people a bit better. How are you? What are your names? What are you learning in Class?"

"Which Hero Class?" You ask.

"1A of course, the best one!"

"Ah, so you've got Aizawa-Sensei as homeroom teacher?"

"The man, the mystery, you name it. I'm Mina, by the way." She offers you her hand and you shake it, albeit a bit reluctantly.

"Say, do you have any cute boys in your Class?" Mina leans in, "Because we might have some cute boys in our Class but they're just not my style, if you know what I mean."

You share a look with Yukie. She smiles. "Oh, yes, we do have some hotties. Look," she pulls out her phone to showcase the class photo you had to take a week ago. "This one's already taken though," she points out. And he eats his snot as a way to power his quirk. I'm not one to Quirkshame, but that's kinda disgusting."

"Oh, talking about Quirks," Mina flashes yet another smile. "Mine is Acid and Jirou's here is Earphone Jack. What are yours?"

Your smile tightens. "I'm Quirkless," you point out, waiting for the usual reaction. Mina's smile falters for a millisecond.

"Oh, I'm... sorry, I guess? I don't know if you feel bad about it, but I don't really think you need a Quirk to succeed-"

"Unless you want to be a hero," you point out calmly, grabbing your plate. "I need to get back to Class."

"No, wait," Mina's standing now, "I need to know if you think Kirishima is cute."

"Mina!" Jirou hisses. "That's not subtle at all."

"Maybe, but I'm not going without an answer." Mina stomps her foot and you throw her a look.

"I don't know who this Kirishima is, but I don't care for boys who cannot ask me questions themselves. And if you feel threatened by my existence, don't bother. I don't care about the Hero Class anyway."

"You really are a good liar," Yukie exclaims once you're out of earshot of the girls, "I might have even believed that myself had I not known you're crushing a teensy bit for that redhead from the Hero Department."

"Let's just hope he's not in Mina's Class," you tell her, looking back. To your surprise, Jirou's looking directly at you.

-

"Dad?" You ask after Dinner, sliding into the small space between him and the front door, "Can I ask you a Question?"

"Sure can, Bean," he pats your head before taking a seat on the stairs. "What's the matter?"

"Mina Ashido came to see me at Lunch today."

"Mina?" He looks surprised. "What did she want?"

"I'm not sure, she was all over the place asking questions. But she mentioned someone from her Class... Kirishima, I think?"

"Ah yes, they're friends. What about him?"

"What does he look like?"

Your Stepdad blinks. "Why do you wanna know?"

"For reasons I cannot disclose."

He laughs softly. "Alright, alright. Red hair, shark teeth. Does that answer your question? You don't look too happy about that answer."

"Is he nice?"

He ponders that question for a moment. "He's not the smartest and his Quirk is better for Defense, which clearly troubles him, but he's pretty social and gets along with everyone in Class. Why do you ask?"

Now... how to answer that? If you say he has a crush on you, will that fall back on him? Your Dad is his teacher after all. And if you say you have a crush on him, won't your Dad just end up embarrassing you? You want to do nothing but forget it, but your Middle School Crush is still fresh in your mind, or rather, how your Father tried to threaten him into going on a Date with you.

"Never mind," you lie, "I was just curious. Have a safe Patrol, okay?"

"Okay," he leans down to press a kiss to your temple, "Don't stay up too late, okay?"

"Aye Aye, Eraserhead."

- - -

"Hey, ehm..." You turn at the call of your name, surprised to see Kirishima. You thought the Hero Classes would only come back to school next week.

"Hey," you give him a small smile. He deserves it, after all you've heard. "Glad to see you're alive and well."

"About that, yeah, I-" He stops, takes a deep breath, "I heard from Eri that you're... that you're Aizawa-Sensei's daughter."

You tense a little, but you nod. "Stepdaughter, to be exact. He does collect us like Pokemon, it seems."

Kirishima laughs softly at that. "How is he? Last I heard he got released from the Hospital."

"He's adapting," you shrug, unsure what to say. "Mom keeps making him a ton of food, so we're all gaining weight. He keeps forgetting to put his new foot on, so I often stumble over it. It's... eh..." you halt, take a breath, "It's good to have him back."

"I can imagine. I hope he... I don't wanna assume, but-"

"He's coming back as a teacher," you nod, "He'd never leave a class behind. Least of all you. He's very fond of you guys."

"Ah," Kirishima rubs the back of his head, "We're not that special. Annoying, yes. But not special."

You smile. It's easier now, talking to him, without the pretense and the Chaos of who likes who, of High School Rumours and all the Gossip.

"Kirishima? Would you... like to get something to drink?"

-

"What?" Midoriya blinks. "I missed all of that? I wasn't in the hospital for that long."

"Longer," Bakugo harrumphs before stuffing his face again. You'd been a little scared of him before, but Kirishima had vouched for him, calling him a softie with the prickliest attitude.

"Ah, Sorry, sorry." Midoriya grins, reddening. "So glad to be back though. How's Eri, by the way."

"Great," you smile, pressed into Kirishima's side. You haven't been official for long, but he's the touchiest person you know. "She's found a few friends in school that she keeps bringing home. One of them, Kota, is a huge fan of me for reasons I still haven't found out."

"Ah," Kirishima grins, "That's because you're Quirkless. He thinks you're like Midoriya."

"Like..." You blink at the green-haired boy who defeated All For One mere months ago. "Why?"

Midoriya laughs, cheeks now as red as Kirishima's hair. "Long Story."

[pinksobg]

Message from someone that loves you 💌

so good to be back! I was doing some exams and recovering myself. 🌷 happy leo season for you all and happy birthday to me yay ☺🍵 I hope you guys enjoy this pick a card and that you all are doing good! <3

Pile 1 - Hello, hello cinnamon roll! Pile one! Yes, yes. Ok! Could it be a child? Definitely someone younger than you. Or a childhood friend for some people in this pile. Ok! It could also be a friend from adolescence. Ok, that person. I keep thinking "soul level." Ok! It could be that you have healed your inner children together! How cute! Someone with a good sense of humor, cheerful, and upbeat.

Message: Don’t let anyone tell you what to do. I don’t like seeing you feeling down or being bossed around. What I mean is that I want to see you show your braver and more authentic side to the world more often. But, haha, yeah, maybe the world isn’t ready. My dear, I don’t know if you care much about your appearance, but you attract more attention than you think! You are much more beautiful than you realize! Much more. 💌 I will protect you, I will protect your heart, just as you did with my inner child’s heart, haha. Don’t look at me like that! I’ve grown up a lot already, haha! I learned from you and see you as a role model. It’s true, you inspire me. Even from afar or without words. Watching you chase your dreams is amazing! It’s what I want to see the most! Yay! 💌 I’ll send you a song.

songs: blessed-cursed - enhypen; birds of a feather - billie eilish; say you won't let go - james arthur.

___________________

Pile 2 - Hello pile 2! My melody! Ah! How sweet! It could be a romantic interest or someone who has a crush on you! How cute! Really, you give this person butterflies in their stomach or speed up their heart. It could also be a confirmation if you’re feeling discomfort in your lower back, because I started noticing that while writing the beginning of your pile, and I wasn’t feeling it before. Anyway, let’s go to your message?

Message: Hi! You don’t leave my mind and can sometimes make me a bit confused. Well, yeah, I’ve been thinking a lot about you, but my ability with words isn’t as good or as voracious as my thoughts. In my thoughts, everything seems to work out perfectly, thank you, but I wonder if you feel the same. I’m at a loss for words to describe or express what I feel inside. 💌 Your scent is wonderful and your hair is beautiful! Something about you makes me admire you so much, and I’m looking to meet people like you now. Thank you for helping me notice certain patterns in my life. Now I just want people in my life who make me feel good, just like you do. You are someone who makes others feel heard, and that’s great! I want to be like that too. 💌 See you again! <3 💌🌷

songs: fate - g-idle; stereo hearts - gym class heroes ft adam levine; don't you worry Child.

___________________

Pile 3 - Hello, hello pile 3! Hello Kitty pile! It seems to be an old friend, someone whose connection reminds you of human warmth or maybe summer. Predominantly feminine energy. Ok! Let’s go to your message?

Message: Hi, dear! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Well, you seem a bit tired? If you feel guilty for resting or wanting to rest, please don’t feel guilty. If you’re choosing between two paths, let me tell you a story to try to help you! Sometimes we’re like ducks swimming in a familiar lake, but sometimes we have to move and migrate to another place because of the temperature. So, don’t feel guilty for choosing what’s best for you now, my dear. 💌 Look, I have to tell you that I’m very proud of you! I’ve always believed in you, and your potential never ceases to amaze me, you know? 💌 Shine brightly as always, you’re my rock star!

songs: bring me to life - evanescence; ophelia - the lumineers; sweet juice - purple kiss; midas touch - kiss of life.

[kaeichi]

love is in the air.

. . . and maybe that's why mikage reo can view the world with such clouded, pink-hued vision, and why nagi seishiro cannot breathe at all.

series. nagi + reader + reo. gn! reader. reader likes guys. bestfriend! nagi. valentines/white day. highschool setting. swearing. humor. fluff & angst.

prev ┊ next ┊ 01 �� 02 … 03

⊹ 02 : radiant [wc: 4.6k]

TWO YEARS AGO

“ah…found you, finally.” 

nagi huffs out, slightly out of breath as he leans against the railing of the staircase on the fourth floor. what a damn hassle, making him expend such excessive effort like this—it all could've been easily prevented if you just replied to his text asking you about his whereabouts. he figures your phone must've died, because there's no way you wouldn't have noticed his 7 texts of wya? in a row.

“been tryin’ to look everywhere f’you. next time, can you just tell…” he trails off once he steps closer and realizes you're not alone.

“seriously? him again?” your boyfriend len scowls, directing his caustic gaze at the topic of interest, who has conveniently decided to show up at the right moment.

except nothing about this is right at all. 

there's no good explanation as to why you feel your heart plummet. your best friend, your only trusted companion whose mere presence incites a familiar sense of comfort and an effortless, breezy smile from you; when you're with him, you don’t have to think much about the reasoning behind why he has that sort of ability, or why it feels like you're right at home whenever you're with him.

you just somehow know. and that's how it has always been.

being with nagi is supposed to be easy, calming, and freeing, even—so why is there a heavy pressure weighing down on you all of a sudden? despite everything, why has he suddenly become the last person you want to see right now?

“seishiro?” apprehensively, you ask, “what are you doing here?”

“i just came to get you. like usual.” while there's nothing wrong with what nagi says, you still inadvertently wince, hesitating to meet either male's eyes as an unpleasant feeling brews in your gut.

“yeah, but i told you i was gonna be with my boyfriend…”

here’s the thing: it's not like nagi doesn't know you have one. 

when you first told him about it, he thought it was a joke (a hilarious one, at that). he thought it might've been one of your delusions again, and in typical nagi seishiro fashion he only spared you a fleeting glance with heavy-lidded eyes and a congratulations, i guess in the most listless tone. and when you told him to go on ahead because you wouldn't walk home with him today, he failed to take it seriously once more, thinking it was one of your weird ‘loyalty pranks’ to see if he would actually go and leave you behind.

but when he didn't feel the usual tug on his shoulder, or your arm resting against the top of his dozing head to wake him up at the end of the class, he thought there was something slightly off. when he looked around and saw no trace of you around the classroom or even around the front of the school, he thought there was something really wrong.

nagi’s starting to find this stupid joke less and less funny.

could all of the previous days (or has it already been weeks?) you’ve been talking about this mysterious nobody be true? he should’ve paid more attention. so, yes—it's not like he doesn't know you have one, he just had a rather hard time believing it (though he doesn't know it's due to the fact that you are you, or because maybe he's just in denial about it).

what annoying, annoying jest. when did this so-called “relationship” even have the time to blossom? 

“oh…did you?” the white-haired male’s voice doesn't come out as smooth as he’d like. he scratches his neck, feeling it a bit clogged for whatever reason. he's glad he's not the type to wear his heart on his sleeve, because even if his voice betrays him, he can at least keep his expression neutral. “well, i’m here now, and i don't wanna walk home alone. i kinda forgot the way back, so i need your help—”

“seishiro!” you hiss, your voice clipped and bordering on desperate; a warning, one that goes right over nagi’s head.

“you know what?” a peeved voice cuts in—len’s, whose patience has worn thin. he has had enough of nagi demanding your attention that was supposed to be reserved for him. if you can’t even keep your eyes solely on your boyfriend, then you might as well be a good-for-nothing cheat. “forget this. i don’t think we’d ever work out if this continues.”

“w-what? wait, huh?” as your face crumbles, nagi is unable to grasp why he feels a faint throb in his chest at the sight. “let's talk about thi—”

“right, let's talk about it, hm?” when you finally meet len’s eyes, you’re barely able to recognize your boyfriend at this point, his taunting sneer morphing his face into someone completely different. is this really the kind, alluring lover that you fell for? “be with me, or cut off this… this nagi kid?”

“what? where did this come from? you can't just suddenly make me choose—”

“and there's your answer.” he scoffs, slapping your hand away that's unconsciously reaching out to him before turning around to leave. in a few rigid strides, he's gone, and you're left staring blankly at the space where he just was.

it is nagi who breaks the silence after a few moments. “…guess this wasn't a good time, huh?” nagi sighs, gripping the strap of his backpack tighter as you remain frozen. “well, at least we can go home now.”

“nagi.”

confusion clouding all over his face, he slightly perks up at your somber tone, a hint of unease setting in his stomach. he doesn't like whatever this is that he's suddenly feeling. “why’re you calling me nagi?”

“i think you know why. leave me alone, nagi.”

for quite some time after, those words remain the last thing you've said to him.

nagi has always been somewhat aware of his inability to comprehend feelings, whether it be his own or of others, but this time is the first time he's ever bothered by his lack of aptitude; the first time he's ever felt this swirl of foreign emotions engulf him, of strange, unknown sensations rushing to him all at once. what started as a mere bud sprouting along the expanse of his lungs, grew double—no, triple in size within a matter of days, poking and squeezing the spongy organ until its function proved near useless. 

the abundance of petals produced by these excrescences is nothing but a nuisance, blocking his airways and tainting his tongue with the bitter, awful taste of decay, which only seems to get worse with each passing week without a word from you. it's a pain, it's majorly vexing, it's—

“leave me alone, nagi.”

—it's suffocating.

PRESENT

nagi still refuses to join the soccer team.

in the hallways, reo somehow manages to always find you and your companion throughout the day, greeting the both of you with unmatched enthusiasm—the kind that someone really shouldn't have at seven o’clock in the morning. everytime that happens, reo is only met with the same, vacant stare, accompanied with a blunt no without much thought.

after all, he's not the only one who came to recruit the white-haired genius. the volleyball, basketball, and softball clubs (even the cheerleading team, for some reason?) have all tried, to which he instantly shut down.

“why would i participate in sports? even walking is tiring to me,” is his simple reasoning every single time, without fail.

at some point, reo tries to bribe him with a brand new gaming console as a “customary gift”. not that there's anything customary about that, but you suppose rich people live in a different world than you common folks do (when you found out that reo arrives to school in a goddamn limousine, you've lost all interest in being more than acquaintances with someone as absurd as that).

however, that is when reo finally manages to elicit a reaction from nagi, a slight sheen in his eyes that made you immediately panic, dragging him away before he gives in and telling him accepting anything from mikage? i think the fuck not! (“why not?” “because we don’t want to get in debt by someone like him!” “oh, we don’t?” “yes, dummy! next thing you know, we keep ‘borrowing’ money from him and eventually when we can't pay it back, he ships us off to some remote island and makes us his slaves for the rest of our lives because we couldn't afford our debt!” “you watch too much horror movies, i think.”)

however, as irritating as one’s persistence could be, deep down you hope nagi accepts reo’s invite. you've always known about his underutilized potential, and how he himself is the only thing that's holding him back.

truly, a waste that is.

“i know that rich boy’s been really annoying about it, but why don't you try it out? even just for a little bit?” you ask nagi, having stayed behind during lunch in your classroom instead of heading to the crowded school cafeteria.

“don't wanna,” he mutters against his arms, head buried against the desk.

“why not? our teacher’s been hounding you for not being in a club, right?”

“i’ll just join the book club or something. now go away,” he says, probably trying to catch up on much needed rest, despite already sleeping through your morning classes.

“you slacker. just try it out so mikage stops bothering me too.”

nagi suddenly lifts his head up. “he’s bothering you?”

leaning your elbow on the desk nagi’s lying down on, you press your cheek against your palm as you snicker at his sudden mood change. “mhm. won't you save me, your one and only best friend? the one you swore to protect until the world collapses? me, an innocent, pure ethereal being who's cruelly subjected to harassment and—” 

he breathes out a long exhale. you brace yourself, racking your brain as you try to think of more ways to persuade him (without including the promise of reo’s “prize” or whatever suspicious deals you're sure the heir is involved with). 

however, in nagi’s perspective, it's not because he needed any more convincing, but because he can't believe he's actually willingly to participate in something so bothersome for someone's sake. “…fine.”

“wait, actually?! for real?” with your eyes nearly popping out of their sockets, nagi almost snorts at your ridiculousness. almost.

“you're the one who kept telling me to go for it, so why’re ya surprised?” 

his sleepy voice gets drowned out by your excited chattering. “wow, nagi seishiro is actually interested in something else other than napping and gaming? no way! noooo way!”

“it's annoying, but yeah.” he grimaces, regret already sinking in—but since he's doing it for you, he supposes it's alright. just this once, he can make an exception. “…you're coming with me, right?”

a pause. “um… no? unless you want me to be the token benchwarmer?”

“ah, fair.”

“yeah, yeah. besides, i’m already in debate club, so me joining you is out of the question.”

“not even as our manager?”

“nope.”

nagi visibly sulks, lips forming into his signature pout. cute. it almost looks like he's at a loss of what to do without you—maybe it’s a result of you and him being stuck together at the hip since middle school, and how he's grown dependent on you due to his lazy nature, but you're sure he'll survive on his own.

…probably.

“i’ll come watch your games though,” you quickly add in case he backtracks on his word, reaching over the desk and tousling his hair, messing it up even more. he doesn't complain like how he usually would, merely blinking his wide gray eyes at you. “i mean, what kind of best friend would i be if i didn't support you?”

that seems enough for nagi. he straightens up, a hand running through his now disheveled white locks, peering at you with a newfound motivation. “better keep your eyes on me, ‘kay?”

you grin, nodding. “duh. goes without saying, loser.”

sometime after that, reo, nagi, and yourself have now fallen into some sort of routine: nagi now has practice on thursdays and fridays after school, but sometimes reo swings by unexpectedly during lunch on those days to discuss with nagi what their training plans would be after school (unable to wait until the end of the day, apparently). not that nagi actually listens, but he has come to a realization that it’d be too much work if he were to refuse him, so he just lets him do whatever he wants.

would it be foolish to think that reo would let up once he’s gotten what he wanted? if anything, his apparent interest grows even more, which only encourages the rumors that are recently circulating about you. girls still glare at you in jealousy, while guys sneak judgmental glances at you, but reo manages to clear up any misunderstandings using his natural charm and influence, so you're fine for the most part. how thoughtful. well, it's his fault in the first place anyway. 

for some reason, you see him a lot more often than necessary.

…like right now, for instance.

when a flash of purple appears in your peripherals, you turn, met with the sight of reo’s handsome figure hovering by the doorway. the tall male is hanging rather stiffly in the middle of the entrance, as if unable to decide whether to come inside or not.

“mikage?” you decide to call him out. “what are you doing here?”

he flinches, akin to a deer in headlights. what's up with that reaction? is he not supposed to be here or…? “huh? well, i’m here for nagi, of course.”

“right.” you nod curtly. it's monday today; they don't even have practice until the next few days.

but even then, reo has picked the worst time to drop by, because nagi isn't even at school today. (surprise, surprise—he slept in. again.) just as you are about to bring that up, reo casually ambles over and pulls a seat back, sitting across you with a sheepish smile on his face.

by now, you've grown familiar with the scent of his cologne wafting in the air whenever he's nearby. it's a delicate yet expensive scent, fresh and woody, like musk with hints of apples and mint. a vast difference from nagi’s, whose smell is more down-to-earth, like fresh laundry and the breeze of early mornings.

other than the questioning glance you offer him, nothing happens for a few moments. reo opens his mouth as if to say something, but when nothing comes out, he reverts back to pursed lips and skittish glimpses. it's off-putting how he seems to struggle with striking up a conversation for once—you start to feel a bit awkward about the stretched silence, so you just shrug and continue eating from your bento. as long as he's not bothering you too much, you don't actually mind his company.

“want some?” noticing how you're the only one eating lunch, you absentmindedly bring up the chopsticks close to his mouth, urging him to take a bite out of your tamagoyaki.

that seems to finally snap reo out of his inner strife, his violet eyes widening as they flicker between you and the food, “y-you're feeding me…?” 

ah, crap—you’re so used to feeding nagi that you didn't even think twice before bringing the neatly rolled omelette to his lips. before you can retract your hand though, reo quickly composes himself, enclosing his fingers on your forearm to prevent you from moving away. “okay, i guess,” he mutters shyly before taking a bite.

a slight relief fills you as you watch him accept your offer, though that quickly turns into nervousness. “well? how was it?” you ask, observing the purple-haired male chewing carefully with a finger on his chin.

“did you cook this?” reo returns with a question of his own, peering at you through his lashes.

“you didn’t answer my question…”

“hm. did you?”

“what, is my cooking not good enough for the great master mikage reo’s superior taste buds?” you roll your eyes, feigning nonchalance as your face warms at the fact that he's deliberately avoiding your questions. you half-expect him to spit out the food; now that you think about it, surely he wouldn't enjoy eating something so bland and second-rate—

“hmm, not sure. i might need another bite to fully understand the flavors.”

you blink dumbly at reo’s coyness. well, he doesn't seem to outright hate it, so that's better than you are initially expecting. when you push the bento closer to him, he only stares at you expectantly, as if waiting for something. you stare right back, muttering, “what is it?” 

“uh…actually, i broke both of my hands. and my fingers too. all ten of them.” reo blurts out, simultaneously hiding his hands away from your view.

…what.

this is the second time you're at a loss for words because of reo. perplexed, you lean in, trying to take a peek behind his back. “your fingers seemed perfectly fine when you grabbed my arm.”

“well, a lot can happen in two seconds.”

“like…?”

“spontaneous functional impairment?”

i’ll show you a spontaneous functional impairment, you grumble under your breath. “i am not your maid.”

reo tilts his head to side, warmth radiating from the innocent smile plastered on his face. it's the same one he usually wears, the kind that makes one weak in the knees—one that you're fortunately immune to. 

(at least you think so, anyway.)

“…if i paid you, would you be more inclined?”

“piss off, mikage.”

reo chuckles, airy and soft, and you find it disturbing how a mere sound can easily disarm your guard. that's just the kind of person he is, you guess, barely even having to try yet the influence he holds over anyone (regrettably including you, to a certain degree) is undeniable. you ponder why someone like him is even here in the first place; doesn't he have more important stuff to do?

“kidding, i'm kidding! it's delicious.”

but when he assures you and you watch as his eyes crinkle with amusement, you decide not to sweat the little details. he continues, “i mean it. i’d love to have more, if you're willing, of course.”

since hakuho high is a college prep school, your school’s soccer team is weak compared to the others, not to mention fairly new, established only recently by reo himself (thus making him captain, as if he couldn't be any more popular). it hasn't garnered much attention from its students—but since this is the first official match against another school, a pretty sizable crowd has filled the bleachers that friday afternoon, excitement and anticipation buzzing in the air.

on the way to the bleachers, you catch sight of your friend and his teammates warming up while the coach gathers them to hold his final group meeting prior to the game, most of them stretching their legs and some basking under the sunshine (and by some, you mean only nagi).

after the coach finishes saying his speech to the team, reo claps his hand against nagi’s back, making the latter wince. reo just hooks his arm around nagi’s shoulder, and you see his mouth moving and gesturing towards the direction of the bleachers when his purple eyes suddenly fall on you. sending reo a small wave, he waves back at you, albeit with more enthusiasm—which also made the girls surrounding you shriek. ah, right. you briefly think that you should start acting like you don’t know him in public, on the off chance that a crazed fan of his comes for your throat just for being involved with him.

nagi glances where reo’s line of sight is. you wave at him as well when your eyes meet, expecting him to just send one back in acknowledgment, but instead he starts jogging towards you. “you made it,” he breathes out once he's within earshot. 

“i said i’d watch your game, right?” you playfully jab him on the arm, observing how his legs look way more toned than you’ve last seen. has he always been this fit? seems like all that training he begrudgingly went through has paid off. “lookin’ fresh in uniform, seishiro. sorry i couldn't make it to any practices though, i couldn't ditch my own club.”

nagi shrugs, feeling content since you still made it. he reaches into his pocket, fishing out his beloved device and handing it to you. “can you keep my phone with you? i forgot i had it in my pocket.”

after nagi gets back to his team, you end up sitting on the third row of the bleachers as you wait for the game to begin. you fiddle with the charm on his phone. he still has it attached (you make a mental note to ask him about it again later), and you notice how some of the colors of the black beads have faded. a cursory thought passes, where you wonder if it's due to age, or if he touched it too often that the oils from his fingertips have worn the surface off.

you're leaning more on the former hypothesis—you can’t imagine nagi getting sentimental over a handmade charm that’s mediocre at best. or anything at all, period.

a sudden bump on your shoulder causes you to break out of your thoughts. a deep voice hurriedly speaks out, “excuse m—”

“len?” out of all people, why is he sitting next to you? 

you’ve barely seen your ex-boyfriend in the past three years. either he's good at hiding, or you're even less popular (or involved with anyone else who isn't nagi) than you think. to be honest, you've forgotten all about him, but you can still recognize his dark eyes and, annoyingly enough, even the scent of his cologne with just one moment of appraisal.

len looks at you, eyes widened and mouth agape, before he gets up and turns around, climbing up the stairs to find a different seat. you click your tongue, slightly ticked off that he ran away from you. again. okay, whatever.

just then, the referee blows the whistle, signaling the start of the game. reo gets the ball first touch, sneaking his way through defenders with his quick thinking and passes. you're impressed by his skill, but since this is the mikage reo we're talking about, you guess you should've expected it. the team moves accordingly, passing the ball back and forth between them, intensity already cranked up to the maximum so soon after it began.

well, mostly everyone is pumped up. nagi’s half-ass running makes you snicker, and you wonder if he's even going to do anything at all this match if his slouched, lethargic posture is anything to go by. but then you catch sight of his face when an opposing player comes up to him, his visage contorting from passive to mildly irritated. it's only a tiny change, hardly even noticeable, but since you've known him for so long you've gained a good understanding of these miniscule differences. you realize his opponent must have taunted him because now he's locked in, straightening up and dashing towards the penalty area.

for a pretty lax person, you wouldn't have guessed he'd be the type to be vindictive when provoked. most of the time, he does it unintentionally, showing off his unparalleled genius with barely any effort. the ball comes flying toward him, and it almost lands a few inches behind him yet he reaches it perfectly, twisting his body to trap the ball and swiftly kicking it to the goal in one fluid motion.

not even a minute in, hakuho scores a goal, and the world abruptly stops for a second.

absolute silence falls on the field, rendering both the opposing team and the crowd too stunned to speak or even move, save for reo who just beams at the prodigious striker.

“LET’S GO, SEISHIRO!” 

the crowd subsequently erupts with deafening applause and cheers the moment they break out of their stupor, jumping out of their seats and yelling out what was that? in wonder and amazement.

nagi looks up as he hears your voice so distinctly clear from the bleachers. sure, he might have been a tad more zealous about that first goal, but it's not like it was a hard one to pull off—though you and everyone else’s reaction says otherwise, so he must've done something cool.

…still, is any of that really necessary? nagi likes that you've made it to his first ever official match, but you look as if you're one step away from joining the cheerleading squad and be his personal cheerleader. he watches as you cup your hands around your mouth, grinning widely at him across the field, and he thinks that you've never changed at all since middle school. you're always too loud, too forward, too bothersome, too annoying—

but that makes you, you. he wouldn't want it any other way.

for the rest of the game, hakuho dominates the match thanks to him and reo. at some point, the white-haired striker vaguely remembers his captain telling him about some sort of a hat trick, and that it was a really difficult move to pull off (not really) so he tries doing that just to show off a little. i mean, it's my debut, and you're watching, he reasons.

it’s over before he knows it, the score being an impressive 7-0. after the referee blows the whistle and the game ends, everyone explodes into cheers once again, nagi’s teammates huddling over, some jumping on his back and some even lifting him up. 

“nagi!” reo cries out. “wow! i've never seen you worked that hard bef— wait, where are you going?”

when nagi glances towards the bleachers again, he sees you pushing past the other students, nearly hopping over them so you can get to the field, fueled by nothing but adrenaline and hype. he shrugs off his teammate's arms around him, making a beeline towards you. he doesn't even realize what he's doing, lured by the excitement and passion emanating from your presence.

“hey, what are you doing all the way h—”

“SEISHIRO, HELLO? that was so incredible, what the hell was that?!” you exclaim, launching yourself at him. luckily, he catches you just in time…unluckily, he underestimates your exhilaration, your tackle causing both you toppling down on the grass with you landing on top of him as he lets out an oof– as his back hits the grass. “you crazy bastard. i always knew you had it in you!”

from the corner of his eye, he sees reo’s head whipped in your direction, watching the two of you intently, but at the moment none of that matters. nagi still isn’t too good at reading people's emotions, but when it's displayed so clearly before him, your earnest gaze and a smile impossibly wide that your face must've hurt to hold that for so long, he realizes you make it easy for him to understand it this time with no room for any alternative perception.

strands of your hair fall against his face as you hover above him, and the afternoon sun is just about to set, creating a warm halo against your form, and nagi thinks you look as radiant as ever.

taglist: @yoimiya-lover @i2innie

SORRY FOR THE LATE UPDATE i got so busy irl 😔 taglist is open! just comment ^_^ (if im unable/forgot to tag you, pls lmk!!)

[bloedewir]

Incorrect and nonexistent Dragon Age: The Veilguard dialogues

Just trying to fit Inquisitor in DA4 party activities for my amusement. It is no less than an act of desperation. (May contain some headcanons).

***

Rook: I need to ask, Inquisitor. Can I trust Him?

Inquisitor: I don't know.

Rook: But..

Inquisitor: I am not you. And you are not me. Decision is yours to make.

Rook: I see.. But do you trust Him?

Inquisitor: ...

Inquisitor: I do, yes. With all my heart.

Rook: Ah!

Inquisitor: It's broken.

Rook: Ah..

***

Harding: Hey, Lavellan, I..

Inquisitor: It's "Inquisitor", Lace. Or any other impersonal word. For your taste.

Harding: Oh.

Inquisitor: I know that look, no need to apologize. It's just.. Do you still remember Ameridan?

Harding: I see.. Yes, I do remember him. I remember all of them, to be clear. Even if the world has forgotten, I remember. Inquisitor.

Inquisitor: That's why I always loved you, scout Harding.

***

Emmrich: I was told you are familiar to necromancy art, Inquisitor. Is it correct, if I may ask?

Inquisitor: Yes. And you are from Mourn Watch? Seeker Pentaghast was telling me about mortalitasi but I still don't know the details.

Emmrich: Ask then and I will be glad to fill in the gaps, so to speak.

Inquisitor: I heard about binding spirits. Is it true?

Emmrich: In some ways, yes.

Inquisitor: Against their will?

Emmrich: It would be irresponsible, if not to say cruel. No, dear Inquisitor. We bind those spirits who are willing to cross the Veil and want to stay.

Inquisitor: Hm. If so.. I guess, you would find common ground. Probably He is regretting being bound with Rook instead of you.

Emmrich: Flattering as it is yet it's for the best. Two academic minds connected by an unstudied kind of magic? A recipe for disaster, mark my words.

Inquisitor: Apparently so.

Emmrich: Although... I would like to discuss some quite capturing matters I have in mind. You think master Solas would agree if I make that kind of suggestion?

Inquisitor: I'm not the person you should ask.

Emmrich: Oh. Yes, I should've thought.. I apologize, Inquisitor.

***

Lucanis: Verdict?

Inquisitor: Benissimo.

Lucanis: Speak antivan?

Inquisitor: Just a few words. Picked that up from ambassador Montilyet.

Lucanis: Accent is terrible.

Inquisitor: Si, lo so.

Lucanis: A mockery?

Inquisitor: Perish the thought, Crow.

Lucanis: Drink your coffee, Inquisitor. Preferably in silence.

Inquisitor: Si.

Lucanis: You well aware I built a reputation on killing people, yes?

Inquisitor: As am I, in a way.

Lucanis: Hm. I think, we'll get along.

***

Taash: I know you hunted dragons.

Inquisitor: Few years ago, yes.

Taash: And you killed avvar dragon.

Inquisitor: I did.

Taash: And Ataashi.

Inquisitor: That one I released.

Taash: What for?

Inquisitor: No glory in victory above trapped enemy. A friend of mine told me so someday.

Taash: Some wisdom I hear in those words. Who was that friend?

Inquisitor: Tal-vashot.

Taash: As I thought. My kin knows much shit about good battles.

Inquisitor: He also loves to yell "Taarsidath-an halsaam!" after every dragon fight. Can't say it's fitting me.

Taash: Ha! I already like that bastard.

Inquisitor: You and me both.

***

Neve: Good morning, Your Grace. Or it's evening? Hard to tell.

Inquisitor: I have no titles anymore. You know it, I'm sure.

Neve: Don't be. You're still quite popular, especially among the venatori. Titles you possesses in Tevinter? Many.

Inquisitor: Heard a few. "Southern mud" or, my favorite, "Dog's slag".

Neve: Surprised those rumors have reached your elitist ears, Your Grace.

Inquisitor: Do we have a problem, detective Gallus?

Neve: Not sure yet. I'm just interested, where was your glorious Inquisition when people needed it? And by "people" I don't mean those false orlesians and their fancy soirees.

Inquisitor: I was a bit busy trying to patch a hole in the sky. I'm so sorry my actions offended a few grocers in Minrathous yet I can't imagine how they would've helped me to defeat Corypheus.

Neve: Profit isn't the only..

Inquisitor: Not to mention I have no interest in dealing with Tevinter Imperium. Or helping. It must be "saved" by those who love the place and I don't. My interruption is hypocrisy in that matter.

Neve: Well, that was a more honest answer than I expected. Accepted, Inquisitor.

Inquisitor: Case closed?

Neve: Not entirely, but I can call it a progress.

***

Inquisitor: I bring some "normal" food. Left it in kitchen.

Davrin: Assan is not a kitten, lethallan.

Inquisitor: I've noticed. There's no harm in feeding your friend with some treats instead of ripped enemies' limbs.

Davrin: Maybe.. but do not spoil him! Griffon isn't a halla to be treated so gently.

Inquisitor: I never took care of hallas. And probably never will.

Davrin: About that.. I'm sorry you were cast out.

Inquisitor: Arlathvhen spoke their word. If they've decided I'm harellan, let it be.

Davrin: Clan isn't everything, you know. I'm handling, as you see, so you can too. And.. for all that matters, I still think you're lethallan.

Davrin: I.. Thank you. Lethallin.

***

Bellara: No, no, I understand. I really do, but.. please, tell me I'm not the only one who sees a potential here?! A tragic love story between a rebellious god and his..

Varric: Don't go there, Bunny. It's.. complicated.

Rook: But the profit? I can bet nobles would discuss your book a whole season. Maybe two? There will be enough gold to build another Lighthouse to the east.. or west? I can provide you a few spicy details, huh?

Varric: You can? Pfft.. nug shit, Rookie. Chuckles would rather drink a pint of tea than tell you anything about it.

Rook: Well, maybe it's only a guesses but..

Varric: AH! Inquisitorialness! Finally decide to join us?

Inquisitor: Don't interrupt your conversation on my account. I just went down to drink.

Lucanis: I made coffee a few minutes ago. Interested?

Inquisitor: Much appreciated.

Varric: So, and.. Ha. Can you imagine, I just lost my thought! Let's talk about anything else?

Inquisitor: If you need an assistance, you just discussed how to take the most painful memories of mine and transform it into vulgar porn novel to entertain nobles.

Varric: Oh. You heard.

Inquisitor: I lost the arm, Varric. Not my ears.

Bellara: Varric didn't agree anyway.

Rook: He didn't agree either.

***

I know none of it will be canon but

[aibloomie]

them as love interests (aot + jjk | modern au)

✧ ft :: itadori yuuji, armin arlert, eren jaeger, jean kirstein x gn!reader

→ these were so fun to write omg </3 I can't help being a fluff enthusiast MY HEARTSTRINGS

→ ITADORI YUUJI

━ he's the sweetheart who's actually kind of popular but it isn't really known. people talk about him within their friend groups and he's constantly getting invited to events, but he'd rather hang out with his really close friends or people he notices are usually left out or alone.

━ he has his way of making people feel special, especially you. he'll notice any changes you make to your appearances or possessions, and every morning he goes over to your desk and points it out with a comforting smile or if you haven't changed anything then he still compliments you. it always makes your heart jump because it shows he's attentive and he always sounds so excited

↳ "hey! is that a new sweatshirt? it looks awesome!"   "I've never seen you wear this jewelry, it looks great! maybe I should go buy some and we can match." “the design on your keys is so cool! mine are just plain- ah! where did you get them done?”

━ the guy who sees you from afar and he always stops what he's doing to go talk to you and see what you're up too <33 the type of person who can easily slide into a casual conversation and before you know it, the two of you have spent the last three hours hanging out even if it wasn't intended

━ the gentleman who was raised with manners and will always leave you stunned because wow, the bars and standards are low these days. and whenever he sees you coming over to him he unknowingly starts readjusting himself and fixing his hair because he wants to look presentable just for you <3 because he adores you 

━ the guy who is oblivious to how much his physical affection flusters you. the two of you could be walking in a crowded area and he'll immediately wrap an arm around you and pull you close so you don't get lost or to comfort you if he knows you get anxious in crowded places. and he's so close that you can smell him <33 and it's intoxicating. and he won't notice the way you smile extra hard when he hugs you every morning and after school as he says goodbye

━ his friends will always encourage him to ask you out, but he ends up deep in thought because even though he does have a crush on you, he's oblivious and can't tell the difference between platonic and romantic feelings. LIKE PLEASE NO liking him is so infuriating because even when you flirt with him he just cannot take the hint. but oh boy, once he finally realizes he gets so nervous around you. he's suddenly aware of how hard his heart is pounding and the way he stays up at night thinking of you, he's down bad

→ ARMIN ARLERT

━ he’s your best friend !! who has no idea how to tell you how nervous you make him. because, it hasn’t always been like this. when the two of you were younger he had no problem composing himself when you would lean closer to him and whisper a secret into his ear. he didn’t get intimidated by the way you would look at him in the eye, and wouldn’t feel his heart pound when he saw you in the halls

━ it was different now. the two of you had always shared things, and now he’d find his jaw dropping, eyes widening, and cheeks flushing whenever you reached for his drink and drank from the same straw as him. you’d question him with a raised eyebrow and wave a hand near his face, “armin? you okay dude?” and he’d hesitantly nod, which of course gave you the answer, no, he wasn’t okay

━ he's constantly texting eren and calling him at night whenever he can't get you off his mind <3 eren will get very annoyed but who is he to deny one of his closest friends the ability to dreamily sigh and talk about the person he's utterly infatuated with?

━ the type to recommend romance themed books to you as a form of hoping you'd finally take the hint and notice that he likes you as more than a friend. and yes, whenever he himself reads them he always makes scenarios with you and he gets so lost in them

→ EREN JEAGER

━ he's that one guy in your class who has a pretty tight friend group consisting of only a few people, so it kind of makes him intimidating. he's sweet and considerate, but also has a short temper so he gets into trouble often– both with his peers and the school faculty. not a day goes by where you don't hear a teacher say "eren stop bickering with jean or I'll send you out again!", to which eren replies with "yeah? well I'd rather get detention than be stuck in this room with that guy for another thirty minutes"

━ the guy who's clumsy and it makes everyone in the room laugh, well kind of. eren searches the room with flushed cheeks out of the embarrassment, but he always notices that you smile fondly at him whenever he trips in front of the class or drops his papers while doing a presentation. it's the smile that makes him feel calm and regain his composure

━ teachers call him out for not paying attention in class, and that's because he's too busy staring at the back of your head. too busy planning out ways to impress you, whether it be by him excelling at a sport or academically. or maybe winning at a fight against jean, just a backup plan !!

━ honestly, eren gets embarrassed but he doesn't really have any shame. hey, you may have seen him literally faceplant into the grass, or fall back in his chair but at least he got your attention right? at least he made you smile and look at him with those beautiful eyes of yours, right?

→ JEAN KIRSTEIN

━ he'd be the guy who hangs out with the wrong crowd to gain popularity – and therefore, have it easier when it came to social interactions. the guy who would get easily influenced to do mean things to others by his friends. but he has morals, and in his head there's always a voice telling him it isn't right. he walks home alone everyday with a guilty conscious

━ as expected, once he takes notice of you and starts developing feelings, it'll spark him with the goal to change and improve himself. he'll be standing in the hallway during passing period with the douchebag guys he calls friends, and whenever you pass by, his eyes will immediately follow you until you leave his sight of vision. he'll come back to reality and hear his friends planning mean pranks and he'll feel a pit in his stomach, he'll walk away and hear some shouts of, "is it too much for you to handle jean?"

━ the guy that's so insecure due to his shitty decisions that whenever you initiate a conversation with him, he's in bliss because wow you're talking to him! but he also ends it as soon as possible because he doesn't think he's good enough to be with you

━ but once he grows more used to you always being the one striking up conversations, waving at him in the halls with that lovely smile of yours, and making plans to hang out – he'll eventually start doing the same. and before he knows it, he's hanging out with you everyday instead of his previous group of "friends"

━ and yes, he's that one annoying guy who will take your phone and hold it up above just to see you struggle. the one that will throw playful insults at you just to see you roll your eyes and think of a comeback. the guy who will come to class late just to get your attention and have you wondering where he's at. and of course, the guy that tries to make his voice deeper when talking to you but he fails and his voice rises higher because he gets embarrassed 

━ but of course, jean is also very sweet <33 he'll try extra hard to impress your parents when he comes over because he wants them to approve of him. he'll knock on the door holding a bouquet of flowers and with some fancy clothes. the guy who blushes so hard when you so much as hold eye contact with him and he has to look the other way and scratch his neck awkwardly. whenever you trip or are clumsy, he won't laugh but instead he'll be worried and scold you lightly because he's scared you'll get hurt. he takes all your advice because he wants to improve himself, all for you because he adores you.

[factual-fantasy]

24 ASKS!! AAA THANK YALL SO MUCH THIS ONE WAS VERY FUN :}} ✨💖✨

Ah no worries about not understanding! I would prefer no fanart was drawn of my cookie ocs.. thank you for asking to double check though! :}}

(Post this ask is referencing)

I explain it all in this post! :00

:DD Thank you so much!! And yeah, I just didn't have the heart to keep Papyrus suffering 😭😭 as much as it really seems like I don't-- I do love Papyrus as a character. And I felt like he really deserved some kind of salvation after everything I put him through.. Also it'll make for some interesting dynamics in the group! Looking at Seam and Jevil.. 👀👀

Oh yeah, and poor Coconut. If I hadn't drawn angst of Octo already she wouldn't have been the subject this time! <XDD And thank you!! :DD I'm glad to hear that she's your favorite!! :}}

And yes! I always saw the other koopa kids- especially Ludwig- to be older than JR. Maybe its the bib-- and who knows! I tend to loop back around to old fandoms from time to time so I can see myself drawing the koopa kids again XDD

As for the Mario Movie,, shockingly enough I still haven't seen it. What can I say? I have some kind of problem upstairs I'm sure of it--

Though its interesting to hear that the movie blue shells are similar to mine! :0 And I'm honored to hear that you like my version more than the movies! :DD 💖💖

XD Its been a while since I've seen those movies. So I cant really remember much of Jack Sparrow.. but I trust that you are right! XD

@foxythefox11

XD If I do that Jangles will probably super bounce her into the sun-

And thank you! And hey, I'm sorry that you're not very confident in your artwork right now.. Just keep in mind, all it took for me was time. Your art will improve with time. Try your best to cut yourself some slack. Understand that you're still learning. We all are! Remember that your art will continue to improve if you just keep drawing!

I don't play it or know anything about it either <XDD but I'm glad you like them!! :}} ✨💖✨

(Post in question)

AWW! THAT SOUNDS ADORABLE!! 😭😭🥺💖

@solst1ce-sketches

@komikudikentalendo

Its actually the 3rd option. Usually when I'm in some kind of fandom I prefer my own AUs as opposed to others AUs or even canon. :00

That's probably becuase most of my AUs consist of removing things from canon I don't like and adding in random things that I do like-

@abaroo (Post in question)

AWWW THAT WOULD'A WORKED TOO THOUGH :(

I guess I was thinking that Frisk fully trusted Papyrus instantly. And so did not hesitate to give her cape to him 🥺💖

@natewithacake

ASKSAKSFDJ THANK YOU!! :DD MEGA HIGH FIVE VIBES FRFR!!

@skulls-and-cypresses (Post in question)

WHW- WAHG??? THAK YOU?? THANK YOU SO MUCH!! THAT'S SO KIND!! PROBABLY THE KINDEST THING ANYONE HAS EVER SAID ABOUT THE WAY I DRAW PAPYRUS!! ME?? REPRESENT HIM PERFECTLY??? WAAAA THANK OU!!! 😭😭��😭💖💖

THANK YOU!! THANK THANK THANK YOU!! FOR EVERYTHING!! 😭😭💖💙😭😭😭

@dementia27

Aww! How cute! That might work! :000 Why do I want one now- XDD

@khoiazo

Aw, I'm sorry! <XDD I don't mean to make you sad :(((

AND YOOO!!! Its Friday when I'm answering this but the Wednesday dude is welcome any day of the week! :DD

Yeah, both canon Jevil and Spamton would be pretty dangerous to have around XDD But out of the two I think original Spamton would be interesting.. 👀

Not really for the personality, because my Spamton's personality is actually a bit similar.. but more for the visual aspect. I headcannon that canon Spamton's body shrunk when he fell into an acid pool. My Spamton fell into an acid pool as well, but it didn't shrink him. It destroyed the structure of his body and elongated him. Making him much taller and extremely deformed..

Imagine the two of them standing side by side. Original Spam would be up to my Spams knee! <XD

@minnesotamedic186

Evil voice: ehhehghehe... noted... hehehghehee

@pythecyberguy

Me when someone compliments me on the characters design that I was least confident about:

(fr tho THANK YOU!! THAT MEANS A LOT TO MEEEE😭😭💖💖😭💖 )

@nunyabusiness459 (Post in question)

Whoopsies! <XDD (jk jk light hearted--)

SHE WOULD THO XDD

I wouldn't say near-death.. Spade King didn't want to kill Jevil. So any injuries he inflicted upon him were injuries he could recover from..

@beryl-shade

Yeah :( their value to him was that of a grain of sand..

@neo-metalscottic

AAAAA THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I'M SO GLAD YOU LIKE THEM!! :DDD

As for what kind of monsters they'd face,, I'm actually unsure- I haven't played either game and I don't know any of the lore or characters.. so I'm not sure what kinds of dangers the real cookie run pirates face.. :( But what I DO know is that Blue Beauty is their main form of protection.

She's not exactly threatening to a lot of creatures I'd imagine.. She is just a Mer-whale. No teeth or stingers to make her more intimidating.. But what she is, is huge. And incredibly strong. She's a real power house and uses tools and weapons the crew taught her how to use to defend herself. And I imagine with her thick blubber, it takes a really deep wound to actually hurt her. So she doesn't fear getting a couple scratches here and there.

When it comes to the other cookies, most everyone stands up and fights. Only a select few retreat to the lower decks to protect their goods or hide. Those likely being Ellie, she's too old for this crap- and Coco and Red, though don't be fooled! Coco can fight! She's just retreating with Red in order to protect him. Everyone else though is up there duking it out with who ever dares cross their ship! ⚔⚔

@lildiaperboyjake

Ah! Sorry for the late reply, this ask got buried--

I'd like to think Funtime Freddy would have a really hard time deciding on a favorite song. California girls, call me maybe,, wannabe?? But after a loooot of careful thinking, he'd pick all star by smash mouth XD

Hello hi yes this ask was sent weeks ago but then it got lost and buried but then revived in a way that I cant explain but my intended response was--

Awwww.. imagine her in tears after drawing a picture of a little girl she remembers. She holds the drawing up to the night sky, trembling.

"S-She dreamed of seeing the stars one day.." 💔

[blueesnow]

(4/6) Ichinose Tokiya's Private Story [Utapri Live Emotion]

Ch 1: (unlocked if you reached intimacy lvl 6 with Tokiya)

-Shining Agency's Hallway- Haruka: (Hmm… Oh no. What should I do with this…) Tokiya: …Oh, Nanami-kun. To think you have such a troubled face, what exactly happened? Haruka: Ichinose-san. Actually someone I worked with before suddenly gave me two tickets to a stage play. Haruka: Since I had it I thought I'd like to go and check it out, but my friend… Tomo-chan suddenly can't make it since it conflicted with her schedule. Tokiya: I see. So there's one left unused huh. Haruka: Yes. If only I could find just one more person who want to go… Tokiya: …. Can I see that ticket? Haruka: Oh yeah, here. Tokiya: This… Isn't this a play that was created by an up-and-coming director? Haruka: Ichinose-san, don't tell me you're interested in it? Tokiya: That's right, it has been a hot topic for some time now that this play would feature quite a bolder approach that we'd never seen before. Tokiya: Since there might be a lot that I could learn from this, I was just thinking about ordering a ticket for a while. Haruka: Really!? If you're free today… then here I'll give you two of these tickets, so why don't you go there with someone else. Tokiya: Ah… thank you for being so considerate. I do appreciate your feelings. Tokiya: Nanami-kun, since it went like this, why don't you and I go together?

Ch 2: (unlocked if you reached intimacy lvl 11 with Tokiya)

-Shining Agency's Hallway- Haruka: Eh…are you okay going with me? Tokiya: These tickets were originally given to you in the first place. Wouldn't it be strange if the person herself didn't even go there? Tokiya: And besides didn't you want to see this play too, that's why you were trying to search for someone else to go with? Haruka: Yes, but… Ichinose-san is an idol after all, I thought it'd be troublesome for you if we go there together. Tokiya: Thanks for looking out for me, but you don't have to worry too much about it this time. Tokiya: Since I already have experiences in the entertainment industry, I at least knew how to blend in the crowd and erase my aura. Please don't underestimate me. Haruka: Well then…if you say so. I'm in your care. -Later on- -Theater- Tokiya: Look, we got into the theater without any problems right. With these seats we should be able to enjoy the show at our leisure. Haruka: Fufu, it's not that much longer until the show starts. I'm getting excited. Tokiya: This sense of excitement that gradually increases is one of the joys of going to the theater. Tokiya: It seems like there's a lot of effort put into the music for this performance, is that what you're aiming for? Tokiya: Apparently the director originally studied opera. It seems like we might be able to see a lot of variety of music in this play. Haruka: To think you already know so far about it, as expected of Ichinose-san…! Tokiya: It's not that big of a thing. …Guess I talked a bit too much. Tokiya: Oh, it's starting. Let's enjoy it to the fullest.

Ch 3: (unlocked if you reached intimacy lvl 21 with Tokiya)

-Theater- Haruka: Phew… That was so good…! Tokiya: You're right, that was indeed a good play. I was surprised at how they arranged the main theme to each scene. Tokiya: Especially towards the end. The way they're immersing themselves in their roles by layering the rising emotions with the tense rhythms. It was such a brilliant move. Haruka: Yes. Just thinking of it again makes my heart beats faster… It's as if the sounds are overflowing from the bottom of my heart! Tokiya: Looks like you might create a wonderful music once again. I hope you can also make an amazing song for us, ST☆RISH, too. Haruka: I'll do my best…! Thank you so much for coming here together with me today. Tokiya: Likewise. I also gained a new inspiration just like you, although I do feel a little bit jealous. Tokiya: Next time, I will be the one who'll be helping you in your composing. Haruka: To think you would say that…I'm happy to hear that. Tokiya: I will definitely make it happen. Next time, please allow me to invite you to my workplace. (choices) <Is it really okay...?> Haruka: I'm happy that you would invite me but, is it really okay…? Tokiya: Of course. Or don't tell me, you're not interested a bit in my work? …Fufu, don't make that face, I'm just kidding. Tokiya: I'm just teasing you a little bit. It's because I want you to be there that I invited you out in the first place. <I want to go!> Haruka: Ichinose-san's work…! It'd be my pleasure, I want to go and see it! Tokiya: When I hear you said it like that, it made me feels like I have to absolute show you my best performance. Tokiya: I will do my best so that I could provide you with some good inspirations. (back to story) Tokiya: That's right…I'm also currently in the middle of drama filming, so why don't you go and check that out. Haruka: Yes, gladly! I'll be looking forward to it from today.

Ch 4: (unlocked if you reached intimacy lvl 31 with Tokiya)

-Hotel Lobby- Haruka: (The location for the drama filming…is here, right. I wonder where's Ichinose-san is…) Tokiya: I'm right here, Nanami-kun. I've been waiting for you. Haruka: Ichinose-san, thank you for today. What kind of scene are they going to shoot here? Tokiya: It's a scene where the young man, who I play, finally comes to a party while pretending to be someone else's acquaintance. According to the script, it's supposed to be around here… Director: Ichinose-san, can you come here please? Tokiya: Yes, I'll be right there! My apologize, Nanami-kun. I'll be leaving you for a while. Haruka: Don't worry about it. I can also look after your luggage for you if you don't mind? Tokiya: Thank you for your consideration. I'll be back soon, so you can wait for me on that sofa. Haruka: (This title…is that the original novel the drama is based on. There are a lot of sticky notes stuck on it…) - Tokiya: Sorry to keep you waiting so long. Ah…that book, please don't look at it too much. Haruka: I'm sorry, I got a bit curious. Looks like you also check the original work very thoroughly. Tokiya: That's because I want to fully express the emotional subtleties that cannot be felt just from the script alone. Tokiya: And besides, it's natural for me, as an actor, to read the original work, right. It's not something that's unusual. Haruka: (But still, it's so amazing that you're reading this so intently. I can feel the passion that Ichinose-san puts into his role.) Tokiya: You're also here too for today. I hope that you properly watch me while I get serious.

Ch 5: (unlocked if you reached intimacy lvl 41 with Tokiya)

Ch 6: (unlocked if you reached intimacy lvl 51 with Tokiya)

[matcha-kathrin]

STRANGERS - Chapter 4

Summary: Promises are the hardest to make, and the easiest to break. You knew that, but maybe a part of you believes your stranger will show up. 

Pairing: Pedro Pascal x reader

Notes/Warnings: Bittersweet. Not heart wrenching but DAMN. I was in an interesting state when I wrote this lmao. I feel the need to be honest with you guys and come clean: this will be the final part of the series for the time being. To me this is the perfect way to end things, Strangers has made it’s way into my heart and it’s there to stay! Stay tuned for future fics and oneshots, and my asks are always open so feel free to flood me with requests or questions and I’ll be glad to answer!

Word Count: 3.3k 

Please read Part One, Part Two and Part Three before proceeding.

~*~

STRANGERS – CHAPTER 4

It’s physically impossible to be happy every day. That was something you were understanding more and more as time went by. You had thought that once you had reached a certain stability in life the waves of depression that came crashing down on you would subside, becoming somewhat of a gentle tide. Unfortunately, the sadness never leaves, it’s a part of life, without the deep rooted feelings of melancholy you wouldn’t be able to enjoy the beautiful, positive things in life.

Yet you hoped, you hoped that one day you would be at peace. Even now as you were getting ready to leave for what was supposed to be a very exciting night for you the feeling inside you couldn’t help but settle in the pit of your stomach. You wondered if it was because of your nervousness or excitement. All in all, you were looking forward to the evening ahead of you. You were excited to see how the film turned out and how you looked on screen. You’d never get over seeing your face on a big wide screen in a theatre projected in front of a hall full of people.

It was like staring into the face of someone you didn’t know, someone who looked awfully familiar, someone who looked like you, but was a stranger nonetheless. Because the person on the screen was not you, it was a part of you, a small piece of a bigger picture. A small fragment that for the span of a film’s duration had gained individuality. It was the uncanniest thing you had ever experienced.

You sat on your bed, staring at the window that gave onto your small fire escape, you watched as the sun had slowly receded behind the tall buildings of your street. Soon you would have to leave, take a cab or walk the five miles it took from your place to get to the downtown theatre. You didn’t mind walking, even if that meant spending quite a bit of time in the cold chilly air with nothing but your dress and your favorite jacket.

Ah yes, your dress.

In all fairness it wasn’t fully dry, you could feel the slight dampness of it at the hems, but overall, it was wearable. You’d be lying, or worse cheating, if you said otherwise. After straightening it out with your old iron which you never even took out it felt better already, and after you had slipped it on and stared into your mirror, the only light shining the one from your bed, you frowned.

You felt, as you had the day before, stupid.

Not because you felt ridiculous, or because you didn’t think you looked good in it, but for some reason you felt slightly childish in dressing up so elegantly for a small film screening. Like it was something important.

“It sounds important.” His voice whispered in your mind, and you smiled. You knew what he would say if he saw you frown at yourself, he would tell you how you had every right to dress up for something you deemed important. Even if you were the only one who thought so. And was it so bad? Trying to look your best for people you didn’t even know? A few minutes ago you thought exactly that, but even just imagining how he would react seeing you wear the dress you bet on, made you change your mind quicker than ever.

You wondered if you were more excited for your film screening, or finally knowing the name of your dear stranger.  You pushed the thought aside as you turned around to check that every fold, and every thread, of your dress was in place. It fit you like a glove, the soft fabric complimenting your natural features in a way no other dress really could. It had been your mother’s dress, that’s why it meant so much to you, as soon as she had grown out of it she placed it in a pretty box along with your things when you were moving out of your home. Unbeknownst to you it would become your prized possession. And you treasured it dearly, only wearing it in the pivotal moments of your life.

Letting out a shaky breath you realized you had no more reason to stay idle in your room, staring blankly at your reflection. Even when you locked eyes with yourself you felt the same uncanny feeling, as if you didn’t quite recognize yourself. Like there were parts you still had to meet, still had to know. Maybe someday you would.

You shrugged on your jacket, feeling a slightly bit better that the air wasn’t prickling your bare skin anymore, and you slipped on your shoes. Even the pair of shoes were elegant, a pair you never really wore, but you didn’t have much of a choice now. Taking your bag and keys, checking that you had your phone and, god forbid, your cigarettes you looked at yourself in the mirror once more.

You were ready, at least you hoped.

And with that you left your apartment, double checking the lock and click clacking your way onto the ever dark, ever damp streets. You enjoyed the way you made heads turn, for some reason you were more aware of it when you had this particular dress on, like you were searching for something in the eyes of the strangers who passed you by. Even though you had done it a thousand times before, something felt different. You weren’t satiated by the quick glances or looks people were giving you, oh no, these strangers had no power over you anymore.

Only one stranger did.

You wondered if he would really show, you had lived long enough that you had experienced disappointment before. The little voice in your head preparing you for the worst. He was kind, he listened to you, he was there when you least expected him to be. But he owed you nothing, and for all you knew he might’ve forgotten about the whole thing already. Even if he had promised, but promises were very easily broken.

Maybe the little voice in your head was just trying to protect you, the rational, impartial voice trying to lower your expectations as much as it could. Which, on certain accounts, was also quite sad. It was like you wouldn’t allow yourself to get too excited. You never did, always fearing it could backfire.

So, as your pace quickened you tried to concentrate on what you could actually look forward to. You had met some amazing people while working on the film, talented young students that reminded you a lot of how you were when you were in their shoes. And you were excited for them, excited that they got chosen for a late evening screening at a film festival that could mean the opportunity of a lifetime. You hoped for them. Hoped they would get the gratification that they deserved. And before you knew it your feet were drawing near to the entrance of the theatre, your mind buzzing and your heart thumping loudly in your chest.

You could see people filing in, and a few familiar faces smiled when they noticed you approach, greeting you and complimenting you on your appearance. To your relief you weren’t the only one who had dressed up for the evening, making you feel less out of place than you expected. As your colleagues exchanged niceties you couldn’t help when your eyes scanned around you for a glimpse of your stranger. But even when you had sat down in the theatre in between your director and co-star, the light of the hall darkened signaling the start of the film, you hadn’t seen him anywhere.

You should’ve expected as much.

And soon you forgot all about him, the images on the screen in front of you transporting you to a place far away. You loved that about movies. How you could forget who you were for the span of a few hours and live something completely different. Though you had to admit, it was a bit hard to immerse yourself in something you had acted in, seeing yourself on the screen broke the fragile illusion, making you remember on and off that all you were doing was watching a movie. Nonetheless, you loved it. And to your relief the people around you seemed to love it as well. And for a moment, a split moment, hope reignited in your heart.

You didn’t want to, but the feeling had formed without you knowing, the voice in your head switching sides, whispering the possibility that your stranger might be there, watching your final scene as you were doing.

And suddenly it all became too much. Your heart pacing at the idea of it. If he was there, what was he thinking, had he enjoyed it as much as you did? As soon as the credits rolled in and the lights came back on you were brought back to the present moment in full force, and as your audience applauded and you shared smiles with the people sitting next to you, you excused yourself.

You didn’t want to be rude, but you needed fresh air, and you didn’t think you would last during the creator to creator panel that was going to start very soon. So in the midst of the applause and ruckus you took your small bag and got your jacket, assuring your colleagues you would catch them later.

But you weren’t so sure you would.

The empty red carpeted corridor was all blurry as you quickly made your way through it, your hands bracing the glass door as you pushed it open almost desperately. When the brisk air hit your flushed face you sighed, smiling. The buildup of your emotions subsiding. You didn’t know why you were feeling so overwhelmed, but you didn’t blame yourself for it. You just waited for it to fizzle out as you stepped to the side of the theatre’s entrance, rummaging in your small bag for your cigarettes.

And once you plucked one out and placed it in between your lips you felt a calm wash over you. And finally, your mind was quiet.

“Need a light?”

Jumping slightly your head snapped to source of the voice, and when your eyes focused on the person who snuck up on you, they softened.

And there he was, your stranger, making quite an entrance as he always did. You couldn’t help the absolute star struck expression that happened upon your face when you took in the sight of him. He had dressed up, and he looked like a completely different person.

It looked like he was glowing, and as he approached you to light your cigarette you couldn’t contain the way your eyes followed his every movement. Dropping down only for a moment to look at where the flame met your smoke.

“Much obliged,” you reenacted your first encounter with a small laugh, still eyeing him incredulously “What are you wearing?”

“Oh this?” he asked, looking down at himself and matching your amusement “There was a possibility that the star of tonight’s film would show in a beautiful dress, I had to come prepared.”

You hummed in response, not being able to wipe the cheeky grin that had settled on your face. And he just rubbed the back of his neck nervously as you looked at him from head to toe.

“So? Any thoughts on tonight’s performance?” You lulled, bringing him back from his bashfulness.

“Well, having had no expectations whatsoever I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.” He mused, your eyebrows rising dramatically.

“Really? And what about the final scene?”

He hesitated. And so did you, not expecting your question to make him falter in his playfulness. But he seemed to really think about it, and somehow you got nervous all over again. You didn’t really want a serious answer, heck your question wasn’t even all that serious. But now too much time had passed to take it back.

“It was…sad.”

“Yes?” You quickly spoke, furrowing your brows “That was the point.”

“No, I mean- It was supposed to be the moment in which you realized that everything was okay, that everything was going to be okay despite all the hardships you faced. But somehow instead of being proud of yourself you just seemed so- so sad.”

You looked to your feet as you took a quick puff of your smoke, nodding a bit as you listened.

“True,” You spoke after a moment “then again, she was alone.”

“What do you mean?”

“Sure, its empowering to know you have the strength and resilience to keep going all by yourself, to not need anything from anyone and still be able to make it through. But isn’t that all kind of sad? Isn’t it sad that she had to go through all of that by herself?” You spoke softly, your gaze wandering to an uncertain point in front of you, and for a moment you stood there. Then you shook your head lightly and looked back at him, finding his eyes already on you.

“I feel like it was reassuring, but at the same time she came to the realization that she was all alone. That she had been all alone the whole time. Even when she met the one person who didn’t make her feel like it was her against the world, ultimately he left too.”

“Do you think he’d come back for her?” He asked, so quickly it almost took you aback. And you smiled, looking up into the night sky in thought.

“Who knows? I guess we’ll never find out.” You lulled, looking at your stranger with curiosity. He didn’t seem to share the same sentiment, he just looked back solemnly. It was like seeing a whole new side of him, how he could get so invested in a film made you all warm inside. Because you were just like him.

And suddenly you noticed something you hadn’t before. How had you not seen it before? With an exaggerated gasp you held a hand to your mouth “This is the first time I’ve seen you without those godforsaken sunglasses!”

For a moment it looked like he was expecting something else, a small stupor in his eyes, he was a bit surprised at how quickly you switched the topics of conversation. But then he smiled, doing a ridiculous spin on himself.

“And? Was it everything you hoped it’d be?” He flaunted, making you chuckle at his boldness. Two could play that game.

You quickly threw your cigarette in the trash next to you, not caring that you hadn’t smoked it at all, and stepped closer to him. You tentatively placed your hands on his face, and for a moment his smiled faltered. He gazed into your eyes as you took in his features, your thumbs brushing on his eyebrows and settling on his cheeks. Holding him there for a moment as you studied him. Every line, every crease, every aspect of his face entranced you. And as your eyes wandered down his nose to his lips, scurrying over his chin and back at his eyes you noticed he hadn’t stopped staring at you.

How could he, when you held him so gently? As you were taking a mental note of each one of his features, he was permanently burning your face in his memories. The curve of your nose, how your lips looked unbearably soft, he wondered how they tasted, if he only dared to close the space between you.

But his thoughts were interrupted when you let out a light huff of laughter. “Well you certainly clean up nicely, though I have to say I kind of miss the laundromat look.”

His hands reached up and rested on your arms, and just when you were thinking of letting him go, as if he had known you wouldn’t keep him there for much longer. The proximity settled in, your face feeling hotter by the second. Where had your boldness run off to?

“I don’t know, I’d have to say this is my favorite look of yours so far.” He spoke softly, so unbearably soft you almost trembled at the low reverb of it. Not even a day had passed, and you realized just how much you missed the sound of it.

“Yeah, I-” you swallowed “I lost a bet you see.”

“Oh? What were you betting for?”

As soon as his gaze left your eyes and dropped to your lips all reason cleared from your mind. It was the moment in between words and a glance where you had a very important decision to make. And without thinking twice, you placed your lips on him. Your hands bringing his face slightly down to meet yours, but you didn’t need to do much, for he was already moving on his own.

And as you stood on the tips of your toes, his arms sliding down your sides to steady your unbalanced position, you felt all the sounds around you drown out. The street fading to black as you both fluttered your eyes shut, no space or time existing in the moment you were having. It was like every fiber of your body was concentrating on the feeling of his lips on yours. Moving gently as he kissed you. It was full of desire, of hunger, but also restraint. As if he was worried that if he did too much, you would slip from his grasp. And suddenly all the soft gazes, all the secretive glances, the close proximities, every moment you had spent together came to its culmination.

And you couldn’t even believe it was happening.

You had never gotten so lost in a kiss before. You had lived many kisses; sad and sweet, rushed and chaotic, but never one quite like this one. No matter how much he pulled you against him it wasn’t close enough, no matter how much your hands brushed his hair you couldn’t ease the burn that coursed through his body.

You had never felt so…alive.

And as you parted from him, your bodies flush against each other, you let out a shaky breath as you watched him open his eyes in a daze. A cheeky grin forming on his face. And for a moment you wanted to kiss him again. Again, and again. But a bet was a bet, and you were a person of your word.

So, in a warm whisper, you told him your name. And it was like he had almost forgotten all about it, but as soon as your name left your lips he dipped once more, kissing you and making you forget all about the first one. It was a much shorter kiss, but it was filled with gratitude, and when he parted he tasted out your name for himself, as if he needed to say it out loud to mark it on his tongue.

“Is it everything you hoped it would be?” You quipped, using his own words against him as you so often did, and he chuckled.

“Even better.” He whispered, pulling you closer so he could kiss you once more. You both knew that when you would stop he would finally tell you his name, and you would not be strangers anymore.

And maybe you never were, maybe you were meant to meet him outside of the bar that night. Maybe you were meant to leave your lighter at home so he could offer you his. Or maybe it was all just a blissful coincidence, one that you would never forget. As you smiled in between kisses, in between glances and breaths, you couldn’t care less what you were.

Because even if there was no going back from this point on, he would always be your sweet, dear stranger.

[mysteryshoptls]

SSR Azul Ashengrotto Tsumsitter Personal Story: Part 2

"A Moment with Azultsum II"

(Part 1) Part 2 (Part 3)

[Mostro Lounge]

Azul: You wish to see the Tsum as the Lounge's owner? What do you think you're saying, Jade?

Floyd: An owner takeover bid. Basically, you're being let go, Azul.

Azul: Don't be ridiculous. There's no way I would let that happen.

Jade: You may say that, but in the business world, the only thing that matters is results…

Jade: Are you saying that you would be able to generate even more profit than the Tsum has in this short period of time?

Azul: Of course. Besides, I cannot allow such a pushy and classless method to continue.

Floyd: Huuuh? You sure you can call someone else pushy and classless?

Jade: If anything, I do believe that is entirely your brand, wouldn't you say?

Azul: I don't understand how you could possibly think that thing could resemble me…

[Azultsum presses a menu against another student]

[Azultsum continues pressing more menus]

Floyd: Seeeee? The way it just keeps on pressuring them with that shady grin,

Floyd: It's just like you usually are.

Azul: I'm afraid I have no idea what you're talking about.

Jade: Returning to the point at hand, I see no issue with the method it uses.

Jade: The most important aspect to keep in mind is that the Tsum has garnered more sales than Azul.

Jade: As someone who has the Mostro Lounge's best interests at heart…

Jade: I have no choice but to propose a refresh by transferring the ownership to new hands.

Azul: You say you have the Mostro Lounge's best interests at heart? Of course you would lie so brazenly about that.

Azul: You've just found something to tease me about and are simply thoroughly enjoying yourselves.

Azul: You brushed it off as "only" a suggestion earlier, but essentially you two seem to be asking me to leave.

Azul: I emphatically refuse. I have no intention of going along with your tasteless games.

Jade: We aren't playing any sort of game. We simply made this suggestion after serious consideration.

Azul: Oh, is that so… I see.

Azul: Well, if you are going to insist that much, then allow me to show you why I am the more suitable owner.

Azul: I challenge you, Tsum. We shall compete for ownership of the Mostro Lounge!

[Azultsum gives serious look]

Floyd: Oooh, looks like the Tsum's raring to go. So, how're you gonna do this?

Azul: We'll split the Lounge into two, and I shall be the owner of one half.

Azul: The Tsum will take ownership of the other half, and we will see who makes more sales.

Azul: The winner is the undisputed superior owner and will take over Mostro Lounge from there on out.

Azul: Well, I'll be the one to win, of course.

Jade: So you plan on settling things once and for all with a head-to-head battle, I see. What an interesting concept you've concocted.

Azul: Jade, Floyd, you can join the Tsum's side. I have no need for your assistance.

Jade: Oh, are you sure? Do you truly think you will be able to garner more sales than the Tsum without our help?

Floyd: If you reeeeally beg for it, I'll help you～ C'mon, c'mon, y'don't wanna grovel for me even a little bit?

Azul: Don't make me repeat myself. Even if I were to keep you by my side, you would only get in my way.

Jade: So untrusting of your employees, what a horrid manager… Ah, my mistake, former manager…

Floyd: Guess that kind and charming Tsum really is more suited to be the owner of the Mostro Lounge, huh.

Azul: Yes, yes, alright. Then please, go ahead and play manservants to that Tsum.

Jade: Now then, we shall call the side where the Tsum is the owner the "Mostro Lounge First Branch."

Jade: And the side where Azul is the owner can be the "Mostro Lounge Second Branch."

Azul: Wait a moment! Why am I the second branch?

Floyd: 'Cause me n' Jade're over here, and it's just you over there.

Floyd: If you think about what's closer to the original Lounge structure, that's totally this side.

Azul: … Well, whatever. Everything will be made clear soon enough.

Azul: I shall show you that no one other than me is capable of being the owner of the Mostro Lounge.

[Azultsum jumps for joy]

Floyd: Looks like the Tsum's all excited too.

Azul: I hold no grudges against the Tsum, but I shall have no mercy. Allow me to show you all the proper way to run a Lounge like this.

(Part 1) Part 2 (Part 3)

[plumfondler]

Steve knows he’s bi and he assumes everyone else knows too… so when he is talking (with the spicy 6) about the person he has a crush on(Eddie) and mentions he’s a guy everyone is supper surprised and speechless.

"Hey guys, we're all single at the same time right now, let's toast to that," Nancy said, raising her beer.

"Well, I've always been single, but okay," Robin mumbled, following suit.

Steve sighed and lifted his glass that was almost empty.

"Well I'm almost finished with my second drink but yes, a toast! To loneliness!" They all clinked their glasses and Jonathan rolled his eyes, "come on man. Don't be so dramatic."

"Yeah bro. We have each other, we'll never be lonely," Argyle added.

Eddie grinned, sitting back and finishing his drink. 

"But Steve, honestly, you have the best chance of all of us," Jonathan said.

"Oh, but does he?" Robin sat up, full attention. 

"Oh no," Steve replied, putting a hand over his face, missing Eddie raising an eyebrow.

"Because I have seen Steve strikeout eleven times in the past week alone."

"Whoa what?" Nancy said, unable to hide her shock.

"Strikeout, come on, Robin, that's not fair. I'm not even trying-"

"Why aren't you trying, Steve? And how are you striking out?" Jonathan asked.

"He's just missing huge flirting opportunities. Women are literally throwing themselves at his feet and it's like he doesn't notice," Robin shrugged.

Everyone turned back to Steve.

"Why is this all about me all of a sudden! I'm just not interested!" He huffed.

"Because you already have someone you're interested in," Nancy smirked, tapping her chin thoughtfully.

"Wait what?! Why haven't you told me! You tell me everything! Did this just happen? Is that why?" Robin scrambled a few feet closer to Steve on the couch, clutching his arm.

"But everyone loves Steve Harrington, you gotta make a move, don't just sit there pining!" Jonathan threw his hands up in the air.

"Fine. Okay, yes. Will that shut you all up? I'm not interested in flirting with anyone else because there is someone, okay? But he's not interested in me like that so it's not going to happen."

The silence was painful.

"Steve, did you just say he?" Robin said calmly.

"Yeah."

"Okay. Okay that's what I thought. Cool. Hey. Um, you know we didn't know you… liked guys. Right?"

"I uh… oh. I guess… I guess I forgot to tell you guys I'm bi?"

Everyone started talking at once, except for Eddie, who silently got up and went to the kitchen.

The crack in Steve's heart got a little bigger as he watched Eddie walk away, Robin observing.

"Oh," she whispered.

Everyone stopped talking and looked at Steve who was focused on Robin's empty beer bottle that he took, his fingers furiously picking the corner of the label.

"Steve, you should go talk to him," Nancy said softly. 

"What, why? He clearly doesn't want to be near me."

Robin and Nancy both sighed and Argyle stood up and went to Steve, holding out his hand.

"Bro, come here," he said.

Steve warily took his hand and stood, thinking he was getting a hug, instead, Argyle started walking towards the kitchen.

"Okay, okay, fine. I don't need a chaperone," Steve mumbled, walking to the kitchen.

Steve stopped at the entrance to the kitchen to see Eddie pacing and talking to himself, gesturing wildly.

"No no no, not gonna do this again, not doing this again, just because he's into guys doesn't mean-"

"Not doing what again?" Steve asked, his heart thumping hopefully in his ears.

Eddie froze and looked at Steve. 

"How long have you been there?"

"Like 3 seconds."

Eddie visibly relaxed.

"So what aren't you doing again?"

"Ah, I thought I was going to be able to successfully avoid that question," Eddie said, leaning against the counter.

Steve looked at him expectantly.

"Having hope, Steve."

Steve took a step closer, "For what, Eddie."

"I-I can't say."

Steve closed the gap between them and like so many times Eddie had done it, Steve ignored the space between them. Steve put his fingers on Eddie's chin and lifted gently to meet his eyes.

"Why can't you."

"Because I can't lose you."

Steve grabbed Eddie's waist and squeezed, "do I look like I'm going anywhere?"

After several long seconds of silence, Eddie finally spoke.

"Is it me?" Eddie whispered, closing his eyes.

Steve softly put a hand on Eddie's face who opened his eyes to see the adoration in Steve's gaze.

"Yes."

Eddie choked on a breath and grabbed Steve's face, pulling him into a kiss, a little too eagerly. Their noses smashed together and they immediately parted, laughing.

"Oh my god, I think you broke my nose!" Steve doubled over laughing, holding Eddie's hand and kissing it.

"Your nose! My nose!" Eddie cried.

A loud clambering behind them startled them into fully upright positions as their four friends came to assess damage.

"WHAT THE FUCK, WHY ARE YOU BOTH BLEEDING WHO DO I HAVE TO DISOWN FIRST?" Robin yelled.

"Fuck, are we both bleeding?" Steve laughed, wiping the tears from his eyes then putting his fingers to his upper lip to find a trickle of blood.

Eddie started laughing again and grabbed a dish towel to wipe Steve's face. 

"Did you… punch each other? What the fuck happened?" Jonathan asked.

"It was an unfortunate kissing accident," Steve said, taking the towel from Eddie and using a clean part to wipe off his nose.

The four in the doorway all gasped excitedly.

"Right on!" Argyle nodded, smiling. 

"Okay well. Uh. Carry on? A little more gently maybe?" Robin said, herding everyone back out of the kitchen.

Eddie and Steve stared at each other dumbly, holding hands.

"Can we try that again?" Steve asked.

"Yes but, uh, can you take the lead? I spooked myself." 

Steve giggled and nodded, holding Eddie's face and pulling him in for a soft kiss.

Their lips met and they both melted, arms around each other in an instant, both of them trembling as they parted.

"Much better. But what a good story, am I right?" Eddie grinned.

"Yeah, now I'm just worried what's going to happen the first time we have sex," Steve smirked, flicking his tongue at Eddie's earlobe.

Eddie's knees buckled.

[nijigasakilove]

Weekly dose of my independent queen Rishe 🙏🏾 Finally time for her to meet her old friend Kaine for the first time in this life.

Gotta feel weird to see someone you were so close with before using all this formal language and standing on ceremony. That first round of negotiations was never going to go anywhere.

Rishe sneaking out and meeting Kaine at a more appropriate venue, a bar, was a good idea to show her willingness to get a deal done. Kaine is a very results oriented guy and won’t commit to something unless it benefits him. I like it. Rishe’s business acumen was on full display in this episode. Being able to read Kaine like a book because of how close they were also helps. Not to mention giving him medicine for the hangovers people will have after they wake up.. well played Rishe.

The one thing she hadn’t considered was Arnold waiting in her room for her return lol. What I love about that scene in addition to the immense sexual tension, is that Arnold reaffirms his commitment to support Rishe in her endeavours. He doesn’t even try to pry in her business or limit her movements. He just wants her to be safe when doing so considering her position both as future Queen and his fiancé. Understandable. “ I said you’re free to do as you like, not put yourself in danger” cute 😩

The best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. No better way to diffuse the situation than by offering to cook Arnold some food. Despite her humility, Rishe’s soup was more than enough to satisfy Arnold. Guess when you like someone anything they cook tastes good lol. The added medicinal herbs didn’t bother Arnold at all.

Ah yes, Prince Theodore is here. I can already tell he’s a very interesting character. His introduction scene showcases his ability to go between the innocent persona and the more devilish and conniving one. He says he wants to save Rishe, but how does he know Rishe doesn’t want to be there lol!? I’m very much looking forward to that secret he has to tell her next episode.

Arnold arguing with his military advisor about sending the military to help the nobles was a great scene. It seems from everything we’ve seen so far, that Arnold is a very considerate person and loves both his people and close servants. Prioritising the commoners safety over that of nobles who already have private armies isn’t the usual mark of a tyrant. I wonder what makes him go down that dark path in every previous loop.

Really seems like Rishe and Arnold meeting is the big X factor! They’ve both always gone through life alone in these previous loops. The scene of Rishe giving Arnold a fist bump and telling him to do his best was so cute. When you got someone that sweet supporting you, how can you fail!

Great ep

[talesfromthesnogbox]

People Magazine, Page 31

Summary: Henry's decided to totally ghost Alex after their New Years kiss because there's no way Alex could ever like him back... right? He avoids all his texts and calls, and even goes on a date with a pretty actress named Emily for publicity, but how will he ever be able to face Alex after their kiss?

Rating: G

Word Count: 1,409

AO3 Link

Part 2 | Part 3

After New Years, literally everyone at Kensington Palace could tell Henry was in a mood. He needed a distraction, and quickly. 

So when his grandmother suggested (more like declared) he go out with Emily, a pretty blonde actress from a strong noble family who’d just starred in a period drama, he couldn’t say no. Emily was sweet, a year younger than him (the same age as Alex, he thought wistfully), very well spoken, incredibly well read, just the type of person he should be dating. He actually really enjoyed her company, and she seemed to enjoy his as well.

They were at a little coffee shop on their second outing together, Shaan sat across the street watching from the Range Rover that had driven them there, when he felt his phone vibrate on the table. 

Alex Claremont Diaz [12:45 p.m.]

come on Henry, you can’t ignore me forever

Henry sighed and flipped the phone over, turning his attention back to Emily.

“Is everything okay?” 

He nods. “Yes, yes sorry to be so rude, I’m fine, thank you.”

Emily smiles and looks pointedly at his phone. “Are you sure? I’m sorry if this is too forward, but you seem to be rather distracted today.”

He drops his head, nodding slightly. “I’m not the best company right now, am I?”

Henry wasn’t sure what Emily was hoping to get out of this ‘relationship’. She was different than the other women he’d gone on dates with, a lot more reserved, less enthusiastic about flaunting the fact that she was with him, and more interested in actually speaking to him. She was also a lot more forthcoming than anyone else was, and wasn’t afraid to hurt his feelings. “Not really if we’re being honest, but I have a hunch it’s because you have something on your mind.” She leaned forward across the table, and took his hand in both of hers, prompting him to look up at her. “Cameras, remember? If you’re going to fake date me, might as well make it look somewhat convincing.”

“…Fake…?”

Emily giggled very girlishly, out of character for her as far as he could tell, but she was right, the whole point of their outing was for the cameras. “Henry I signed an NDA, my mother was the one who told me I’d be going to dinner with a man I’d only met at state balls, and your head has been in the clouds the whole time. I know what this is, tell me about her.” 

“You signed an NDA?” Henry asked, looking more for a confirmation from her than as a genuine question.

“I did.”

He looked around and stood up from the chair, taking her hand and guiding her out onto the street. “Before I tell you anything, would you mind helping me make this look convincing?”

Emily giggled, dragging him around the corner of the cafe, barely concealed by the alley. A perfect spot for a sordid love affair. “Of course, plant one on me, Prince Charming.”

Henry knew realistically the cameras were completely trained on the two of them, so with a big smile, he wrapped his arms around her waist and leaned in, pressing a kiss to the corner of her mouth. Immediately, he was comparing this to his kiss with Alex. He missed the smell of Santal 33 and sweat, the feeling of stubble beneath his lips, he craved the feeling of Alex’s hands on his hips, dragging him closer. But those were all things he could not have, so for the moment, he had Emily. 

Shaan drove them back to KP, and they decided to take a stroll around the gardens where Henry resolutely decided Emily was trustworthy.

“I don’t mind doing this for you Henry, but why can’t you just be with her if that’s where your heart lies?”

Henry took a deep breath and twisted the signet ring around his pinky finger. “Him, actually.”

“Ah.” Emily’s reply was soft, she nodded along with the realization. “Is he your boyfriend?”

He chuckled. “No, he… er, it was kind of a mistake. I don’t even think he’s interested in men, but some alcohol was involved, and I got jealous and… well…”

“You kissed him?”

Henry nodded. “I kissed him.”

“He didn’t react badly, did he?”

His eyes met Emily’s, and the fierce expression of protectiveness on her face made him instantly fond. 

“No, quite the opposite actually, he kissed me back.” This is normally something Henry would talk about with Bea, but she’d been spending some extra time in Sandringham after Christmas, and he’d not gotten the chance to fill her in. She knew about his raging crush on Alex, she’d figured it out quickly after he left the palace from their press weekend, so he knew she’d be ecstatic to hear he’d finally made a move. It was freeing though, being able to talk about it with someone else, not having to disclose names or places, and it being someone totally outside the situation.

“Then what’s the problem?”

Henry felt relieved, talking over his anxieties with Emily. She was a great listener, and gave him real advice, and for the first time since Pez, he felt safe showing his true self to someone, sexuality and all. It wasn’t that he didn’t feel safe with Alex, he definitely formed a quick bond with him, but it was different, a deeper bond he could only attribute to his big gay crush on him. 

“Henry, you can’t avoid him forever.”

He lets out a bitter laugh. “That’s exactly what he texted me at the cafe.”

“See!” She stands as she exclaims it. “It kind of sounds like he wants you too. You should text him.”

“But… even if I do text him, the pictures of us together are going to come out. What if he suddenly thinks I’m cheating on you?”

“All the better time for you to clear the air. Henry, I don’t want to date. I’m young, I want to focus on my acting, I want to win an Oscar, I don’t want a man right now even if that’s what my parents think is right. If you want to keep pretending this is happening between us, I don’t mind that.”

Henry’s chest aches as he gives Emily a sad smile. It’s more than he’d ever expect anyone to do for him, and he’d eternally be grateful for her, even though they’d only known each other a short time. 

“You’re a good person, Emily, I don’t deserve your kindness.”

“Shut up, stop being so sappy and let’s get you your man. When is the next time you’ll see him?”

The sudden realization of his next scheduled appearance dawns on him. “At the end of the month. I’m supposed to go to a state dinner at his residence.”

Emily whips around to face Henry on the bench they’d occupied. “Wait… is he a nobleman?”

He chuckles. “Well… not exactly, but he’s in the public eye, so—”

“Hang on… this man doesn’t happen to be the gorgeous son of the American president you’ve recently become besties with, does he?” 

Henry tries to keep a poker face about it, but winces once he realizes Emily would push on. “Em, you have to promise—”

“Oh Henry, of course. So what are you going to do?”

He shrugs, and takes sudden interest in his shoes. “I have to go, it was part of an agreement, but I just have no idea what to say to him.”

“If he kissed you back, then I don’t think he’ll be upset with you, he’ll probably be more upset that his friend hasn’t spoken to him since new years.”

“I know. But… I just don’t know what to do, or say. I like him so much, I’m not sure I can just be his friend just yet but I know I can’t be with him.”

She nods. “That’s tough Henry. But you need to talk to him. He’s probably got questions for you too, and he obviously wants to talk if he’s texting you.”

“You’re right.” The two of them sit in comfortable silence for a moment, then Henry reaches over to take her hand in his. “Thank you, truly. This has been more helpful than I can even say.”

“Of course, and thank you for being honest with me. Now come on, it’s nearly tea time, I’m sure your grandmother would be happy if I joined.”

[maplleaf]

"Snow and Stars"

Dainsleif x gn!reader

{cw: Dain pining harder than when Khaenri'ah got destroyed}

BRO I HAD THIS IN MY DRAFTS FOR LIKE 2 MONTHS AND NEVER GOT AROUND TO CONTINUING IT 💀

You sighed, the calming warmth after hours of walking around the cold mountain that is Dragonspine finally hits you. The curse that the Gods gave hurts as hell sometimes, but it does ive an extra layer of resistance to the cold.

Surviving the Cataclysm as a Khaenri'ah citizen seems more like a curse than a blessing. The literal curse that the Gods inlaid upon you is a sore thumb. Not wanting to gain attention from people; and possibly Gods, you retreated to Dragonspine. The barren snowland making it easy for you to blend in, it's been like that for the past 500 years.

Unfortunately someone at the Adventurer's Guild decides it would be great to start using Dragonspine as the 'peak of an adventurer's strenght', causing many adventurers to come here.

The sudden interests of adventurers made you uneasy. They pop up unexpectedly in Dragonspine when the only reason you're here is to avoid people for fuck's sake!

You swear to your long-gone homeland that the adventurer would get frostbite.

Just as your legs were starting to feel less numb, you hear footsteps coming from behind.

"Shouldn't you be resting somewhere more safe?"

Ah yes, that deep and recognizable voice. "Dain, you need something?" Just as you looked back, you realized how Dain isn't looking the best as usual, "abyss fight again?"

"You could describe it as that," Dainsleif sat besides you. It's common to see the Twilight Sword alongside you. As the few Khaenri'ah survivors of the Cataclysm who still has their humanity left, the both of you got along well.

You both stayed quiet whilst looking at the corrupted dragon's heart in front of you two; the heavier air doesn't affect the both of you but it does give warmth around the cave. "It's really unsettling that the heart is still beating..." you commented.

Dainsleif chuckled, "then look for another cave to seek warmth, a fire would suffice."

You disregarded his idea with a scoff, "with all the adventurers running around? No thanks. They'll end up dragging me to Mondstadt as a new species of hilichurl or something."

You leaned back against the red ground you're sitting on, feeling much more at ease with the calming warmth and no sounds of anyone else nearby, and of course the added safety from Dainsleif. "So, are you here to regain some energy or just to comment on my life decisions?"

"I wanted some companion, that's all," Dainsleif answered truthfully. After seeing his past soldier back at the Chasm, he wanted some time to be with someone from his past again; even if the two of you didn't know eachother back then.

"A companion," you couldn't help but laugh, "worked out well last time." Dainsleif's lack of words made you feel guilty for the jab, "but I'm glad you came to me, the snowy mountains started to feel lonely."

When the traveler's sibling joined the abyss, Dainsleif devoted his next hundreds of years to prevent them from destroying Teyvat. He expected it to be a long and lonely path; to which his expectations are broken when he finds himself befriending someone with the same curse as him within the snowstorms of Dragonspine.

"It is much safer at least," Dainsleif glances at you; the last person he knows from his homeland that, like him, prefers the peace that reigns over Teyvat now.

He doesn't remember the exact moment when he fell for you, his feelings more like raindrops than a hard pouring rain that comes out of nowhere. Your presence brings him comfort he thought he didn't deserve anymore, sometimes he feels that he doesn't even deserve you.

Even with all those thoughts, Dainsleif still finds himself getting closer to you, and he's scared.

Dainsleif have lost too many things; his homeland, his people, his companion. Thoughts about you leaving him when he's vulnerable, or some kind of disaster taking you away makes him scared.

The Twilight Sword would rather distance himself away than to see you in danger. Chances are is that Dainsleif himself is the person who would endanger you with all the enemies he made.

You couldn't help but glance at the former knight. I's rare to see Dainsleif look so, for the lack of a better term, absent-minded. You've seen him focused before, yet it's the first time he has this expression.

Your hand subconsciously start to move as you fall into temptation.

Poke

The twilight sword held the cheek that you poked with your finger, a small hue of pink shades his face; it's almost invisible if you're not looking at it closely, "What're you doing?"

You couldn't help but smile at his adorable reaction. It's probably the first and last time you'll see him flustered, so it's best to savor the moment.

"Nothing," Dainsleif didn't seem too convinced with your answer but brushed it off anyway.

You wonder how long it'll take for him to realize that you know about his infatuation towards you.

[twstgarden]

✦ ❝ 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐋'𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 ❞

match-up bundle commission for @lightbluecloud

— a purchase of two carnation petals has arrived from our dearest customer. your romantic matches have now been determined by the red carnation’s petals.

➻ a romance match-up bundle commission for honkai: star rail and genshin impact. bundle includes the main romantic match, voice lines with the main match and 4 other randomly picked characters, a paths match for hsr, and a vision match for genshin impact. ➻ commissions are open, you may refer to this info post.

— HONKAI: STAR RAIL — 

℘ your romantic match is…

━ 𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙚 ━

➻ the carnation petals have revealed your matches. the first match appears to be the senior manager of the ipc, also known as one of the ten stonehearts.

➻ this risk-taker would find comfort in your presence but will also not hesitate to annoy you just to get a funny reaction out of you. he makes it a point to let you know that even for a moment, he forgets about his worries when he focuses on you.

➻ at first glance, he thought you were going to be the cold, expressionless type. however, after getting to know you better, he immediately told you that you belonged to the "looks like would kill you, is a cinnamon roll" category.

➻ your impeccable timing with your sense of humour is one of the many things that aventurine appreciates about you. he knows that with you around, there will always be a moment of laughter.

➻ he would not hesitate to indulge in your interests. if there's anything you need, he can always give it to you. books? he's got you covered. pens? already there. baking ingredients? check your cabinets. he'll spoil you rotten.

➻ overall, you'd have a fun and harmonious relationship with aventurine. there is a good balance between logical thinking and indulgence on emotions, which makes your relationship feel completely harmonized and secure.

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

━ possible matches: ➻ dr. veritas ratio (an intellectual partner that you might appreciate) ➻ blade (quite serious but may find peace with you - loves your presence) ➻ dan heng (calmer type and comfortable to be with)

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

℘ you follow the path of…

❝ harmony ❞

— ❝ the world is in harmony and the stars shine bright. praise the lord! all are connected and the wind of blessing breathes across the lands! ❞ —

➻ those who follow the path of harmony admire understanding, support, and cooperative behaviour. your kindness behind your stoic exterior and your desire to live a life filled with all the love and support you can get from your loved ones is well-suited for those who follow the path of harmony.

➻ an individual who can operate both logically and whimsically, and holds a laugh that brings a sense of comfort to others around them. surely, even xipe, the aeon of the harmony, would be glad to have you follow their path.

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

℘ voice lines

【 aventurine 】

❚❚ || about cyan

↪ “cyan's the kind of guy that looks like he could kill you, but he's actually a softie. don't be fooled by his blank expression. he has a very kind heart. oh, by the way, he has the best reactions. it's fun teasing him.”

【 dan heng / 丹恒) 】

❚❚ || about cyan

↪ “he once asked me if the data bank has any special collections on books, and i told him yes. i found him reading a rare book the next day by the phonograph.”

【 argenti 】

❚❚ || about cyan

↪ “such a wonderful person! that charming stoic expression paired with a pure soul makes cyan such a beautiful man. i give him my compliments.”

【 gallagher 】

❚❚ || about cyan

↪ “ah, cyan? i've seen that guy visiting from time to time. you can barely tell what he has on his mind with how blank his expression, but shoot him a weird and illogical question and he'd give you the best reaction.”

【 luocha / 罗刹 】

❚❚ || about cyan

↪ “cyan? hmm... oh, yes. i remember. we never met personally, but i have heard of him quite a few times.”

— GENSHIN IMPACT — 

℘ your romantic match is…

━ 𝙠𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙝 ━

➻ the carnation petal has revealed the architect, known for his notable work 'the palace of alcazarzaray', who was also a student of the kshahrewar darshan of the summer akademiya, to be your best match.

➻ in contrast to your blank expressions, kaveh is more on the expressive side. he does not mind your stoic exterior and thinks it's quite charming too.

➻ the way you shift between logic and whimsical behaviours always keeps him on his toes - in a good way. he can never expect if he's going to hear a fun fact about your interests or a joke that might send cyno into a laughing fit.

➻ when he's around you, he feels a sense of contentment and peace that he rarely feels due to all the thoughts he had running on his mind. perhaps he could call you his safe space?

➻ he loves reading your fiction stories and poems. it keeps him entertained and, in a way, helps him see your inner world. he also likes reading with you and if you recommend him a book, he'd gladly read it.

➻ kaveh is a wonderful partner and you two would have a peaceful and rather wholesome relationship. he can always rely on you for anything and you can do the same. overall, a relationship that prioritizes one another's growth and stabilisation.

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

━ possible matches: ➻ alhaitham (a great partner, the intellectual type) ➻ lyney (would be a great partner as well, and may even bond together with your similar interests in magic) ➻ childe (the more active and, quite frankly, funny kind of partner, will make you laugh at times, incredibly protective)

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

℘ you are bestowed with an…

❝ electro vision ❞

— ❝ this body is the noblest and most eminent of all in this world. it should hold absolute control over this world. it once promised its people a dream: the never-changing 'eternity'. ❞ —

➻ a vision that acknowledges your qualities and ambition is bestowed upon you.

➻ perhaps you have a certain goal in life that makes people think you are odd, or the view you have on this world is not like any other. however, you do not let that stop you and you'd go through anything just to ensure your goals are met

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

℘ voice lines

【 kaveh / کاوه 】

❚❚ || about cyan: cherish

↪ “i feel comfortable when he's around. there's something about cyan that keeps me at peace, especially on days when i feel overwhelmed with my tasks as an architect. i try to show him my appreciation, but i don't know if it's working. he likes rare books... should i grab one of alhaitham's? i'm kidding, i'm kidding!”

【 lyney 】

❚❚ || about cyan

↪ “cyan! he's such a pleasant guy to be with. i once tried to impress him with a card trick, but he pulled the same act on me... turns out he knows what i was doing.”

【 thoma / トーマ 】

❚❚ || about cyan

↪ “one thing i noticed about cyan is how he has a softer personality behind his tough exterior. just an observation, really. i sometimes invite him over to the teahouse since he's a great chatmate.”

【 kaeya alberich 】

❚❚ || about cyan

↪ “oh, cyan? i've met him a couple of times. did you know he can bake? he calls it his gluten-free cookies. i hope he brings those treats every so often.”

【 cyno 】

❚❚ || about cyan

↪ “i once told a joke while playing tcg with the rest of the guys. cyan was the only one who understood my joke... i knew i can count on him.”

© twstgarden 2024 || please do not steal, translate without my permission, or use this to train a.i.