#also while I love all of the idols vocals deep cut vocals are the most consistently good imo

[arolesbianism]

Breakcore may not be a super strictly defined genre but I swear ppl will call anything that has noises at all like y'know music has like just normal ass music from any other genre breakcore with a straight face and I just have to sit there and try to not reveal I'm a pretentious fuck when it comes to this stuff

[thesinglesjukebox]

YOASOBI - "IDOL"

Not a Jocelyn cover -- though there are parallels...

[7.79]

Ryo Miyauchi: You can call "idols," in particular the human exchanges and the parasocial relationships built around them, a lot of things. Using the words of Ai Hoshina from the manga-turned-anime Oshi no Ko, Ayase and Ikuta Lilas call it a lie. A performance would have neutralized, artifice would have made the critique more academic, and maybe fake would have softened the blow. A lie digs deep because it implies that I, the fan, am partly complicit in believing what I'm convinced to be true, whether or not I am aware of being sold to. And YOASOBI say the quiet parts fucking loud, starting from the most bombastic production they've made: a monstrous blast of brass, a blinding flash of synths, a trap-pop breakdown, and a gothic choir singing "you're my savior, you're my saving grace." But as "IDOL" places the onus also on the idol herself for knowingly selling a lie to her beloved fans, how could anyone resist buying into the spectacle? Ikuta embodies the superhuman ability of Ai Hoshina via her vocal performance: not only does she seamlessly maneuver through the trickiest melodies and a demanding production, she inspires in us the feeling that we can recreate the magic, too, as evident from the countless TikTok dance snippets and YouTube vocal covers uploaded this year. She fakes it until she makes it, fabricating her value before her reputation catches up to the level of work put in. But she also convinces herself this is how to love until her little fib starts to feel true. In a macabre, perfectly meta way, it's the idol's own dying words that give the song its most validating, emotionally moving moment, as she finally speaks her love into actual being: "I, I said it at last/I know it's not a lie as I'm voicing these words/I love you." I, for one, know all this is a lie, though it doesn't make the feelings any less real. [10]

Crystal Leww: Structurally and sonically, "IDOL" borrows elements that I associate with the two major, somewhat external-facing Asian pop music scenes -- the racing feeling and sweet vocal of J-pop and the cut-and-paste nature, especially second-verse half-time rap, of K-pop. It's been fun to observe this cross over into both -- on TikTok you can see not only J-pop idols covering the dance but a big contingent of K-pop idols doing the same. Ironically, all these idols are doing the little dance with a smile to a song about the dark side of the idol industry, which I guess is something that all idols from all countries can agree on after all. [7]

Jacob Sujin Kuppermann: There's too much going on here! Which, frankly, I love. Every single second of "Idol" feels stuffed to the gills with sonic ideas, burning through riffs and hooks like they've got an infinite supply. Some of it is more familiar to YOASOBI's earlier work (those mathy guitar-synth-piano passages, some of the more bombastic orchestral touches), while other parts feel more novel (those cadences on the verses call to mind J.I.D and Ski Mask; the "Heys" at the end are so very Mustard-coded; someone please tell me where those choral touches are drawn from). But it all comes together mostly by virtue of the raw power of juxtaposition. If you slowed this down and tried to dissect the individual parts of "Idol" I'm not sure it would all hang together, but why would you want to do that? The sick thrill of "Idol" -- both in sound and in lyrical message -- is in the rush and overwhelm of Big Pop Moments TM, of the joy of each individual detail as it wears you down in turn. [8]

Dorian Sinclair: Ayase is a hell of a writer and producer, and on "IDOL" he makes something that feels new for Yoasobi, even if he falls back on a few of his favourite tricks (that busy keyboard line does not feel meaningfully different from the one in "Yoru ni Kakeru" or a half-dozen songs since, even if there's a lot more around it to distract you). But if there was any doubt that Lilas Ikuta is as essential, "IDOL" should conclusively lay that to rest. It's two, or even three, unrelated songs that have been glued together, asking completely different things from the singer and doing little to ease the transition between sections. She navigates the transitions effortlessly, skipping between registers and delivery styles and making the whole thing cohere with her performance. The song's about a fictional character, but it's Ikuta's coronation. [9]

Taylor Alatorre: "IDOL" serves as an interesting companion piece to another viral Japanese smash of 2023, "INTERNET YAMERO" from the game Needy Streamer Overload. Both tread similar thematic ground: the tyranny of the public image, the codependency of entertainer and audience, the desperate search for a "savior" or "angel" in the wreckage of a mediated age. The latter, however, due to its origin in an indie visual novel, is able to shed all concerns of good taste and indulge its most ear-piercing denpa fantasies, of the kind that would be unbecoming for the theme to a Doga Kobo anime. The constraints placed upon "IDOL"'s composition may be necessary, and even beneficial to the franchise as a whole, but they are palpable throughout. It stretches against its need to serve as both a credible idol song and as a fashionably cynical take on idols, and as a portent of dark events to come -- a tough mandate indeed. Even with all of its trap interludes, wotagei chanting, and Square Enix gospel choirs, Oshi no Ko's theme ends up sounding not all that different than any random OP on the MyAnimeList top 200. Which is to say, it still pretty much bangs. [7]

Katherine St Asaph: Blurbing Stray Kids' "LALALALA" last month, I wrote: "I'm a complete mark for any pop song that sounds like its true spiritual home is on a Warcraft soundtrack." Nothing has changed, nor will it. Other things I'm a complete mark for: orchestra hits, key changes, faux harpsichord. [8]

Joshua Minsoo Kim: The half-time, militaristic reprise of the intro sequence got a chuckle out of me, as did the swiftness with which it abandons the idea. I've heard countless songs that have given me constant sonic whiplash, but "IDOL" is the rare one where you can envision that everyone involved was full-on grinning, excited to see what they could get away with. [6]

Brad Shoup: The audacity! My favorite bit is Ikura's swiping the "HUMBLE." flow for funsies: just one tool furiously, cartoonishly tossed out of YOASOBI's bag. It's like watching someone solve a Rubik's Cube while setting off a series of controlled demolitions. [9]

Nortey Dowuona: The hammering of the rap parts is so deafening; the rapping, filtered and compressed to the nth degree, has to be left alone to capture your attention. The piano line emerges at the pre-chorus but is quickly squashed by the drum programming that lightens the farther it stretches away from rap, leaving the voice to settle into the song instead of battling the synth horns stolen off a Southside beat from 2014. The theme rewards you with a brief piano line and the overly processed voice singing in the comfortable center of their range, allowing you to appreciate the creative excitement with which the producer and composer combined all these stylish sounds. But next time the production team composes a song like this, either find a vocalist who can comfortably handle the heavy-handed hammers of the rap verses, or tamp down to let this light uwu cutesy vocal shine. [8]

Michael Hong: YOASOBI's songs often sound like they could afford to be a touch faster than they are, and it's no different here. The topline of "IDOL" comes off as stiff, particularly across the opening clangs and the jumps of the chorus. As the duo race through all these ideas, Ikura stalls into a moment of exhaustion, as if the track's punch has started to weigh heavy on her. [4]

Ian Mathers: This one is genuinely baffling to me. I can't really parse out why some parts of it make my brain feel like it's fizzing pleasurably, while other parts trigger the avoidant feelings I get with certain strains of prog rock. Even worse, I'm not sure I can keep track of which parts are which from one listen to another. I love/don't love when it gets more measured and stompy. I love/don't love when it gets quieter, or when it just fully goes for it. Depending on which way this resolves in my brain, I'm either never going to seek out "IDOL" again, or going to start playing it on a loop. Hard to score that! [7]

Anna Katrina Lockwood: After reading up on Oshi no Ko, the anime for which "Idol" is the theme, this song made sense in a new way. It sounds like an idol group song shoved backward through a hedge at SMTown Tokyo in 2013, or a Dempagumi.inc song that was written by Yoo Young-jin and then performed with way more fervor than required. While I don't think it's required to enjoy this song, being familiar with the format of the titular idol, a profession with a decent amount of regional variation across Asia but entirely distinct from the Western boy/girl group, makes "Idol" more effective to me. The song really captures the troubling parasocial aspects of the idol industrial complex, issues that I feel a duty to grapple with as a long-time idol group fan. Parasocial attachment is by no means exclusive to idols, but the heady mix of accessibility, human as allegory, and physical beauty increases the likelihood of issues, sometimes with serious consequences for the idols themselves. This is all without even mentioning "Idol" being the runaway megahit of the year in a particular niche, which doesn't really demonstrate anything other than the song's wide appeal. Hey, a good song is a good song, and it's nice when that trumps everything. [9]

Leah Isobel: "IDOL" is so literal, and so garish, and so much, in a way that doesn't normally work for me. Its rapid consecutive U-turns, its pileup of shiny baubles, makes me feel like Yoasobi is playing a trick -- like they're using these techniques to gussy up what is, at heart, a relatively familiar story about the underbelly of fame. And then the final key change-into-chorus transition happens and, yeah, okay, I get it. The shifts in mood and mode raise the stakes so high that the last turnaround feels like squeezing an ocean through an arrow slit: for one person to hold the attention of millions is, after all, an impossible virtuosity. [7]

Tara Hillegeist: To love a piece of art is not, by necessity, to identify myself with the work involved in its making or feel any precious defensiveness about its merits. Indeed, when appreciating art for what it is and what it can be, it is often a richer form of love to come to that feeling through studiously antagonistic critique instead of immediately sincere affection. I already know all the work's faults, the reasons it's a failed work; and yet I still find it worth your time. There is a chasm of difference -- the kind that runs down the vein of this discourse, more often than it cuts across -- between loving art and loving "an artist," in the singular, as the bespoke creature/object/entity/producer/"person" that makes the art in question. There are many ways to prevent myself, as a critic, from falling into that trap, as many ways as there are critics. And with so many of these ways of putting distance between myself and my subjects of choice, it's easy to grow jaded and callous, to forget that these performances began as people, to make light of this business -- for it is a business, for what it does to the lives at its forefront. To crack jokes about the strain it puts on them to be the wick at the center of the candle, while we watch them flicker, flare out, and fade. Distance renders my protections as perverse as the alternative.

To find myself in love with "the artist" that makes the art I love, though -- there is no escape from the parasocial realignment of one's approach that follows. A part of me has already accepted it will betray the sensible ethics of the arrangement between that art's creator and its consumer, on behalf of a belief in the righteousness, the decency, the fundamental moral worthiness, of this image I've chosen to perceive within the actions of an otherwise total stranger -- a betrayal all the more dangerously stupid on my end for the obvious awareness that this is the image they want to sell me on. As an appreciator of art, as a fair critic, the worst mistake I can make is to take that performative sincerity at its word. It's even worse when that collapse of situational awareness leaves me with a sense of entitlement, in either direction -- a sense that the transaction involved is anything more than the exchange of the pleasure of creating for the pleasure of consuming, that in return for the joy I take in their ability to synthesize "truth" into "performance," I now owe them a debt in the form of devotion ... or, worse, that they owe me anything in kind. No matter how chaste or compassionate or self-effacing the gesture may feel, it remains a trap. I'm in love with being lied to. They're in love with lying to me. At best, it only leads to the tragedy of heartbreak -- a tragedy all the more cruel if one of us really meant it. It's enough to send one screaming to the madhouse, thinking about it seriously. Maybe that's why we all try not to. But sometimes, we let ourselves forget. It's so easy to do -- as easy as we say it is not to do it.

There was this ... girl, I liked, on the come-up in the entertainment world. She'd started as a wrestler, and I'd been what you might call a fan of her mother, a well-established name in the industry. So I was already paying attention when her mother introduced her in the ring to say she'd be pursuing the family business. I was already a fan of hers when it was announced she too would step back from wrestling to pursue a career in the wider entertainment industry. I thought she deserved the limelight, that she was made for it, that anyone could see how hard-working she was and how much she'd earned their adoration. In turn, I felt entitled to following her personal Twitter, because seeing her messages on my timeline -- whether upon waking or before bed -- and giving them the occasional like made me feel like I was supporting her in her pursuits, whatever she did. As a wrestling fan, seeing her succeed felt like its own reward, "one of ours" making good, one step at a time. In K-pop terms, you could've said she was one of my biases; in Japan, an "oshi," from the verb for "support."

Maybe you've already guessed how this story ends. It made international news, after all. They changed laws because of it. Her mother made sure they did. But for me, the volcanic upheaval that resulted was on a much more personal and unavoidable scale. All I saw, at first, was someone struggling to put her best foot forward and finally getting what looked to be her big break -- on a reality show, but one of the most popular reality shows on television at the time, where thousands of people could see her! I'd wake up every morning, eager to see whether she'd say anything new about it. So I was already awake and alert, locked down in COVID quarantine on that cold morning in the spring of 2020, when she tweeted out her suicide note for all her friends and followers to see, and followed it up with picture proof of how deeply serious she meant her attempt to be. I sat there, a helpless voyeur, those pictures a constant companion. I waited, one of the lucky few, to learn whether what my "support" had led me to witness being done "live" could be undone, or whether I'd have to live the rest of my life knowing my last memories of someone I thought I'd valued as a person would be those bloody images, all because I "cared" so much to keep tabs on her social media on the regular.

Within the hour, we all knew the answer. Her friends and family were able to at least get Twitter to take the images down before they had to put out any further statements themselves. By the time the wider world awoke to learn the news, the pronouncement of her death was a matter of recorded, impersonal fact, accompanied by photographs of her alive in the ring and on set, rather than the catastrophic tableau of judgmental violence that the internet and the television crew drove her to inflict upon herself. The price I would pay for my mistake, in thinking my support of her entitled me to knowing as much about her as was publicly knowable, would be that my witness was as much my own fault as my worthlessness. I could only live with what I'd seen and damn myself for why.

I threw myself into other spheres of my interest -- "virtual YouTubers" -- in the vain hope that my awareness of the failings of the genre would cushion me from such a tragic mistake another time. I was no stranger to the cynical mode in which the subculture operated, using surreal motion-tracked avatars as a means by which tech startups could showcase and sell their proprietary apps. I was hardly uninformed on its casually abusive handling of their talent and lax management policies. Before I'd ever started engaging with any of the talent responsible, I'd heard about managers needing to be fired for power-harassment who went on to stalk and threaten their former clients. I already knew about performers needing to go on hiatus because their audiences turned violent over the sound of their mic accidentally picking up a roommate's presence. I already knew about performers needing to reveal their own behind-the-scenes identities to prevent themselves from being replaced as the voice of the model they'd made famous.

Naturally, the artists I grew to appreciate most in the scene were the ones most aware, if not outright forceful, about reminding their audience where the boundaries were between the audience, the audience's perception of themselves, and themselves, the person putting those perceptions and boundaries in place. One of those artists mentioned that one of her favorite manga was this niche series that she felt was the most relatable and compelling depiction of the ins and outs of being, at once, both a performer and someone who had performers she loved in turn: a series called Oshi no ko. I jotted it down as something to look into, later -- it sounded like a pretty out-there title, so I didn't expect I'd find many, if any, translations of it; there certainly weren't any being published legally at that time.

But she kept bringing it up, and soon I started hearing other VTubers doing the same, so I took the curiosity more seriously. Two or three volumes in, a strange horror overtook me. The events that led to what I was reading were anything but events that I had any connection to, although I'd noticed similarities between them and real events in the industry. But now the characters in the manga had been roped into performing on a reality show, one of the most-watched television shows at that time ... and there it was. Ripped from reality, turned into performative art: the same events that I could never forget happening, had never really forgiven myself for putting myself in the position of being a helpless witness to. They had been turned into a cathartic lie -- because in the fictional tale of Oshi no ko, the protagonists, who had become her friends, were able to prevent her story from ending the same way: the way, in the fiction, that they hadn't been able to prevent their mother's ... and the way, in reality, that they couldn't have prevented their inspiration's. Through the artists' efforts, I realized I wasn't suffering that heartache alone. I, too, didn't deserve to regret having lied to myself enough about what I loved that I turned that love into a lie, that I loved a lie that can never be true. Maybe that, too, is a lie, but it's no less a lie than the belief that as an audience, our personal responsibilities should ever matter to anyone but ourselves. Cut to the spring of 2023: Oshi no ko, shocking me to the core, receives an animated adaptation. Tapped for the opening theme is YOASOBI, a group comprised of a former idol and a former Vocaloid producer, mostly known for moody, emotional rock songs. The song they make for it is this one: "IDOL"; the charts make the rest into obvious history, and the lyrics speak for themselves. So now that lie belongs to the rest of you. For what it's worth, I hope you love it as much as I did. [10]

[totaldramafan-lauri]

Apparently, I dodged a bullet by not being active in the Splatoon community on still-calling-it-Twitter, cuz apparently......things have gotten......a bit heated during the last few Splatfests.

Again, just as a reminder: I took a break between the Zelda Splatfest and this recent one, so I was NOT aware that Shiver was on a win streak. But....I-I don't mind it, and not just because I love her, but....because I'm used to it. Something similar happened in 2. There was a Pearl win streak at one point (during the old "reverse popularity contest" system). I forget how long it was, but I do distinctly remember Marina actually getting upset in-universe about it after the end of one fest. I-I hope that doesn't happen this time....

I-it didn't really hit me just how popular Shiver was.....after all, one of the last fests I took part in was the one where Team Alien, Frye's team, was the most popular. And Big Man had Team Water, which was the most popular. And I've skipped a total of....I think four. So yeah.....I didn't realize this. I knew Shiver was popular, but I didn't really think of her as a runaway favorite or anything, not as bad as Marina. At first, I thought this was because maybe Big Man happened to have the most vocal fanbase, but....

.....Turns out.....the reason it didn't seem that bad to me....AND the reason I had next to no mirror matches despite being on a team of 55%.....

.....Most of Shiver's success comes from Japan.

Y-yeah, at least, that's what people are saying. While Deep Cut are about equally popular internationally, Shiver is overwhelmingly popular in Japan, which has the most players and (from what I can tell) a lot of the best players. That's why it didn't seem like we had a lead to me, because the vast majority of my team was cut off from me due to ping.

I can't speak for the other fests I've been in - all of them have had predictable results to me and it never seemed like Shiver got a random amount of popularity no one saw coming (She won popularity for Gear, but I saw that as "the obvious choice", and she also won popularity for Power but I assumed that was people liking villains or something - and while she won overall with Nessie, she didn't win popularity) - but for the ones I wasn't a part of, maybe this was also the case? If Shiver really winning popularity just cuz of her Japanese fans, that's news to me....

Still, I wouldn't call her winning streak unearned or anything...*shrug* But maybe I just like seeing her win....? But still, I don't pick her every time.....I think I can shed my bias enough to say that I feel like not all of her wins came outta nowhere.....

But in this case, when we were literally voting for the idols themselves, I can definitely see it.

People are begging for region-locked Splatfests again for this reason, and.....while I don't completely agree (cuz of how bad some regional themes were in 2 like the toilet paper one or Spoon vs. Fork)....Y'know what, if it'll make people calm down, sure, I'll be for it. I just....have seen a lot of extremely rude comments toward Shiver and her fanbase over this, and it makes me uncomfy. I don't want too many people to turn against my girl. =<

[venusiangguk]

hand-picked | jjk (m)

>>pairing: jungkook x reader / famous!jk x sex worker!oc

>>genre: strangers to lovers, smut, pwp, teaser, drabble

>>word count: 2.8k

>>warnings: glory hole au!!!, cocky jk, bad boy jk, stripper oc, sex work, sexual tension, awkward tension, hand job, blowjob, cumshot, cum on tits, pay for play, semi-anonymous sex, dirty talk, dishonesty...  that’s it i think zzz

>>notes: if u don’t like sex workers ur ugly and i hate u 😌 also ty to @wheresmymoniat​ for betaing n helping me out, ily <3 *repost bc tag issues don’t mind me 🙄*

>>summary: glory holes weren’t a real thing... at least until you’re on your knees for a stranger, cock in your face, with nothing but a curtain between you.

Despite your nerves, you grasp the semi-hard cock in front of you, attached to a nameless person behind the curtain. For a moment you wonder what the hell you’re doing, but the soft sigh that you hear brings you back to the present. You stroke up and down, watching as he starts to become fully aroused. The foreskin rolls over the pink tip on every upstroke. You bite your lip. The silence is awkward, but you think maybe the whole situation is.

 “So... what do you do? Like… not specifically of course, but are you an idol? An actor? You can be vague…” 

 Behind the curtain, Jeongguk, whom you don’t know the identity of, stiffens just a bit. Will his voice give him away? Maybe, but he was never one to turn down an opportunity to boast about himself and his achievements.

 “I’ve done it all,” His voice is airy, softer than he would like, but your hand on his cock is speeding up, and so is his breathing. “I’m good at all of it too.”

 You hum at the man’s response. Cocky. “Isn’t saying you’re good at a lot of things just another way of saying you’re not good enough at one thing? So you have to compensate by spreading yourself thin?” You gasp a small giggle when you feel the cock in your hand jump a little at your words. “Did you like that? It wasn’t meant to be degrading, but if that’s what you’re into-“

 “It’s not- that.” He doesn’t know if he’s denying your psychoanalyzation, or your keen interpretation of the way his cock reacted to your psychoanalyzation but one was more inaccurate than the other. He actually was great at most everything he did, no need to overcompensate like you assumed. 

 Your small hand tightens, and you rub your thumb at the underside of the head, you let out a small pleased noise when you see a bead of precum well at the tip. “Really? You’re starting to leak a little.”

 You sound amused and humorous and if Jeongguk had it in him he would be annoyed or even upset at the way you’re talking to him. You were basically hired help, a means to an end. He glances down his torso at his hard cock in your tiny, well-kept manicured hands. Your nails are a dark red, burgundy color. It complements your skin well, he thinks. He can’t see much of you, just your forearms, along with the bottom part of your tummy and your legs. You’re sitting on your knees between his spread out thighs, feet tucked under you. From the tight black leggings you’re wearing and the slim-fit long sleeve white crop top you have on, Jeongguk can tell you have a good figure. Your waist is tapered in, tiny and cinched, and your hips are wide enough to accentuate it, letting him know you’ve got a petite hourglass frame. You aren’t too skinny though, there’s a softness to your body that he likes. It’s not like he needed the tight fitting clothes to know what your body looked like, though. He’s already seen more of it than he is right now. His mind flashes to the club.

 You may be hired help, but you were hand-picked by him. 

 “It’s just-“ He contemplates what to tell you and settles for, “It’s been a while.”

 “Since?” You push. You hear footsteps outside and you hand stops, scared for some reason that you’ll get caught doing something bad. As if the door wasn’t locked and being guarded. Behind the black curtain, his hips lift just barely, urging you to keep going. Don’t stop.

 “Since someone’s helped me.” Jeongguk’s head rolls back when your hand starts moving again. It’s been at least a few months since he’s gotten off with someone, his hand being his only companion. After the situation blew up even more than it had in months prior, his leash was tight. No wiggle room at all. He was suffocating and desperate. He almost cried when his team propositioned this arrangement, embarrassing as it was.

 When he speaks, his voice is soft and everything is said with a sigh. He sounds so relieved, like it feels so good to be in your palm, like he’s been waiting for your hand on his cock forever. You blush, and right your thoughts. You don’t even know who he is or what he looks like. Still, you ask, “Does it feel good, do you like it?” Tone soft to match his.

 Jeongguk nods and swallows thickly. Eyes still closed, letting the pleasure slowly work its way through his veins. Then he remembers you can’t see him. “Yeah.” He breathes.

 You hum and keep up your ministrations. Not slow, but not fast either. You’re not quite sure what he likes yet, but the soft moans that flutter through the curtain at least let you know what you’re doing isn’t wrong. 

 “I like your hands,” He surprises you by saying. “They’re so small; soft,” A more vocal sound falls from his lips when you twist your hand on the upstroke. He’s chuckling when he says, “Kinda strokes my ego a little bit.”

 You glance at the cock in your hand. It’s pretty. Thick and pink. A pleasant kind of heavy in your hand. The veins running over it are subtle enough to not be ugly or intimidating. The only intimidating thing about it is the size. He’s big. And you’re sure he already knows that. 

 You snort. “I don’t think you need that stroked.”

 This makes him laugh a little harder. It’s a nice sound. “Yeah, you’re probably right,” He hums, you think you can hear a smile in his voice. It’s quiet again for just a moment before he says, “Will you- faster? Make your hand a little tighter too- yeah, like that.”

 His hips sink into the chair when you comply with his requests before he’s bringing them back up, subtly thrusting into your palm. You fight back a moan; you shouldn’t be getting hot for someone you don’t even know right? This was strictly business. Still, you can’t help the slight shifting you do, squeezing your legs together for a little bit of pressure on your pussy.

 Jeongguk notices. “Are you turned on?”

 “No!” You squeak.

 “You can touch yourself,” He offers.

 “No!” You insist, “I-I’m fine.Thank you though.” You say dumbly.

 He doesn’t say anything more, focuses on your hand on him, tugging just how he asked. His hand rubs over his stomach, flexing as he teases himself, his own light touches mixed with your strokes brings goosebumps over his skin. “Feels, so good.” He groans, eyes watching your hand under the curtain.

 Encouraged, you bring your other hand up and massage lightly at his balls. They’re hairless, the only hair he has is the small trimmed patch above the base of his cock. He’s well kept and has good hygiene. That alone was attractive to you, stranger or not.

 When you palm his balls, his legs spread as far as they can with his black cargo pants still around his calves, his big black stomper boots keeping them from being shed all the way. “Fuck,” He moans deep and loud for you. One of his hands comes down past the curtain and reaches for you before he quickly pulls it back. You think you saw a flash of ink on it, but you can’t be too sure, mind kind of fuzzy with poorly hidden arousal. The opposite hand comes into view, and your mouth parts in awe as he covers your own hand with his. It’s so much bigger than yours, completely enveloping it as he strokes himself off, using you in a way. Then again the whole arrangement was you both using each other. 

 “You’re mouth- put your mouth on it,” He sighs, pleasure just dripping from his lips. His cock is rock hard in both your hands, and you can tell he’s getting close.

 You hesitate. “Will… will you be able to see me?”

 Jeongguk comes out of his desire induced high a little bit and realizes what he said. He wants it, fuck does he want your mouth, but he probably should have asked. “No, no. I’ll lower the curtain a bit more if you want, and you don’t have to swallow. You don’t even have to suck it if you don’t want- like I know we have a thing going on but I would never like- force you I-“

 He’s rambling a tad so you cut him off. “I want to, I think,” You whisper, taking in his intimidating size again, “I just- if I can’t know who you are, you can’t know who I am.” You blush feeling a little childish.

 Jeongguk keeps the fact that he already knows what you look like and more or less who you are, at least on a surface level, to himself as he moves the curtain to the next lower notch, the bar resting just above his pelvis now. He can’t really see much of you at all anymore. “That’s fair, yeah, just-“ With your confirmation that you do in fact want to suck him off, he can’t keep the lustful neediness out of his voice, “Please.”

 You take a deep breath as you wrap both of your hands around his cock, the tip still poking out the top. Tentatively you lick at his frenulum and the sound that comes from behind the curtain is obscene. His hips twitch and everything. You want to hear his noises, all of them, so you do it again. You flick your tongue fast over the most sensitive underpart of the head, before placing wet sucking kisses to the same area, almost making out with the tip of his cock.

 “Oh my god-“ His body is pulled taut, and his hands are gripping the chair that he’s sitting in. “Fuck that’s- I love that.” He says, head dropping back, mouth open in a silent moan. 

 You moan against the tip of his cock, not able to hold yourself back anymore. Wrapping your lips around it, you take the head all the way into your wet, hot mouth, and suck. You lap up all the precum that leaked out, and point your tongue to play with the slit. The man behind the curtain is loud for you, letting you know just how good you’re making him feel. You get so lost in it that you don’t register him raising the curtain bar just enough for him to slip his hand past and push you off.

 “S-sorry,” He says, panting, “I was about to cum.”

 You make a small sound of confusion. “That’s okay, I can swallow- If you want me to.”

 Jeongguk shakes his head behind the curtain. “No, I- I wanna watch… see your hands stroke me off.” His request is quiet but his cock pulses in your hand, needy and hot. Already begging for release, despite you not being at it for that long.

 Wordlessly, you start stroking again, gathering the spit that’s on his tip to make the slide easier. It doesn’t take much time at all before his thighs are flexing and you can see the lower part of his abs tensing. 

 “Close,” He whispers.

 Jeongguk watches as your tiny hands fly up and down his cock, grip tight just like he showed you. He’s doing his best to not fuck up into your hands, wanting to just rely on you and your movements, but it’s hard. Small eager little thrusts of his hips show you how ruined he is. And it’s just a handjob. He knows. If he was present enough he would probably be embarrassed by how angry and red his cock is, swollen and hot in your palm. And he’s just so wet, leaking all over the place making the strokes of your hand loud in the room. 

 He watches as you hunch over some, to where he can see everything below your neck, and your free hand comes up to your shirt. He sees you struggle a little bit as do your best to get the collar down under your bra, with only one hand before squeezing at your tits. “Do you want to cum on them?” You whisper.

 “Fuck, please.” He whines high pitch and needy, all reservations out the window. 

 You hum, and work your arm faster over his cock, the rapid movements making your tits jiggle. “Do it, cum for me… cum all over my tits.”

 You can’t see him, but Jeongguk’s face is lewd. Pleasure so apparent on his features, it almost looks painful. His eyebrows are furrowed, his mouth open, his cheeks flushed, and his eyes are wet and glassy, so overwhelmed by finally getting help after so long of cumming by himself. He’s chanting soft, pornographic yeah’s and yes’s until his whole body curls in on itself, you can see the way his legs tremble as he moans, “Fuck, I’m cumming.”

 He forces himself to keep his eyes somewhat open, lidded and heavy with arousal, as he shoots all over your chest. You’re moaning with him behind the curtain as you work him through his orgasm, despite no physical pleasure being given to you, and that makes another small shot of cum dribble from his spent cock. You lean forward, careful of your identity, and wipe the leftover milky substance on your already soiled skin and black bra. You slap the slowly softening cock on them for good measure and Jeongguk groans.

 You keep playing with his cock, not sure if he’s the type to like it or the kind that wants you off right after he finishes, but he winces and reaches his hand under after not too long, stopping you.

 “Please,” He whines.

 His voice is fucked out, and your pussy aches, needy and wet in your panties. “Oh, sorry…”

 He laughs lightly. “No, no. Don’t say sorry… You’re like- so good.” Jeongguk sighs to himself out of your view. He’s leaning back in the chair, while running a hand through his sweaty hair. Little tremors of pleasure are still coursing through him, when he closes his eyes, blissed out, dazed and relaxed. Finally, after months of being pent up. “So, so good.” He murmurs softly, distractedly. 

 His hand that reached under the bar to grab yours to stop you, is lazily rubbing over the back of your hand, hold light and subconscious against his thigh. He probably doesn’t even know he’s doing it and you blush, shyly pulling your hand away. He doesn’t show any sign of even noticing and you both settle into a soft quiet, only your breaths sounding in the room.

 “Um.” You say eloquently.

 “Fuck sorry.” Jeongguk says, scooting the chair back to put his now soft cock away. He rolls his eyes to himself. Way to get stuck in the afterglow by himself with his flaccid cock in some girls face. “Let me get you a towel.”

 “Should I put the blindfold back on?” You ask.

 “Uh- Yeah.” He says stilted. This is weird. You just made him cum so hard he almost knocked out, and now he’s making you cover your eyes so you don’t figure out who he is. 

 You hear the hesitation in the man’s voice and assure him that it’s okay, while grabbing the blindfold you tucked into the waistband of your leggings. You knew how it went, you signed the papers. Patiently you wait until you hear him coming back and sense a soft moist towel being shoved under the bar. You blindly grab it with a soft, “Thanks.”

 “I’ll go wait in the bathroom so you can- I don’t know…? Get ready to go I guess.” You hear his heavy boots retreat to the bathroom, that’s located on his side of the curtain, assuring that he wouldn’t be seeing you on his way.

 With the blindfold off, you go about cleaning yourself. Your knees crack when you stand up after being sat on them for so long. Wincing, you run a hand through your long hair and walk over to the table where you left your bag. You leave the used rag in its place and you shoulder the purse. About to make your way to the door, you pause.

 “I’m uh- leaving?” You yell unsure.

 “Okay,” He yells back through the door. “Did you- did they- your- did they give you the-“ He stutters, not sure how to ask if you got paid.

 The wad of cash in your purse is heavy. Figuratively and literally. “Yeah, they did.” 

 “Okay… Good. I’ll um see you next time?” He sounds hesitant and shy. 

 You laugh. “Yeah I guess so.” And with that, you make your way out of the hotel, thinking that he sounds a whole lot less entitled and cocky than he did when you first got there.

~~~

hiii guysss! thanks for reading this lil drabble! This is kind of like a teaser for a longer fic i have on the back burner (let me know if you like the concept and want me to continue!) but i wanted to post something because i havent for a few weeks bc i have been soo busy with school pls i want to cry 🥲 i should be doing maths as i post this lmao. ANYWAY! thanks again for reading, if u liked it, pls like, comment, reblog, or even send an ask! love talking to u guys n feedback is always lovely <3

[gr0vndz3ro]

Fucking Fame

Idol!Bakugou x Idol!Reader(NSFW)

Warnings:NSFW,18+, cursing, thigh riding, slight degradation??, unprotected sex

Word Count:3,656

Crossed off: Popstar AU

Tag list: @gallickingun​ @prismaroyal​ @shoutodoki​ @sadistiks​ @keigod​ @honeytama​ @shoutogepi​ @hawks-senseis​​

A/N: Happy forth of July to my fellow people in the USA enjoy some smut. This is my first piece for the @bnhabookclub​  bingo event, but I hope that you guys really enjoy it :3

“We’ve been driving for hours, PLEASE tell me that we’re close to the venue. I think I’m going to die.” You say as you throw yourself against the couch in your tour bus. You were currently heading to where your next concert was supposed to be located. It wasn’t far enough in distance to warrant taking the plane so here you were, trap inside this boring bus.

“You should be relaxing for the show tonight. And your supposed to be on vocal rest until we get there, so stop focusing on when we are going to arrive and just do what you’re told.” Your manager doesn’t even bother looking up from her laptop while you throw your fit. You roll your head over to where she sat and sigh dramatically hoping to get her attention so the two off you could do something more entertaining, but when she continues typing you give up. Moving your feet off of the side of the couch, you get up heading back toward the little hang out room. 

You shut the door behind you and take a seat on one of the comfy chairs and pull out your phone checking out tonight’s show and venue. After typing in your password you can see that the show tonight was one of your combined shows with a well known band that your agency wanted to have a show with to help boost your ratings. You had tried refusing doing a combined show but in the end your manager and team won. You knew that it would be good publicity but there was apart of you that wanted to be able to achieve your fame without having to piggy back off of others. Seeing as this was your first tour though, you didn’t have much say in things. What bothered you the most though, was that you had never even met this band before. At the least with other shows, you had a day or two to get to know whoever you were preforming with but this time it was almost as if you were thrown to the vultures. 

So you took it upon yourself to look them up. The band had consisted of 5 members. There was their lead singer, Izuku Midoryia, who seemed to be the face of the band, appearing in the most amount of interviews and seeming to have the biggest general following. The lead guitarist and back up singer, Shouto Todoroki, seemed to be more of the band’s mystery man and the ladies favorite. The second guitarist, Eijirou Kirishima, looked to be the life of the group, appearing at as many meet and greets and almost always staying after shows to talk to fans. There was the base guitarist, Denki Kaminari, who seemed to get in the most amount of newspapers and magazines. Never for any super bad reasons but it seemed to be for really stupid things like accidently breaking a hotel microwave by microwaving glass. And then there was the drummer.

Katsuki Bakugou.

According to article after article, he was the group bad boy. He had no filter and was often never brought to interviews due to past appearances. He didn’t put up with the fakeness of celebrity life and called every person who was apart of it out on it. The band’s PR team constantly had to log him out of his twitter due to vulgar debates. You were also able to find multiple scandals' involving him and other female celebrities and fans to which he never responded to with more than a wicked smile. But other than his hot headed ego and promiscuous relations, there wasn’t much else you could find. You searched for a half hour to try to see if you could find anything else about who he was but nothing came up. Eventually you gave up on your efforts to try to uncover any actually useful information on the man, instead decided to waste your time by taking a nap until you arrived at the venue. 

It felt like only seconds had passed before you were being nudged awake by your lovely manager. She explained to you that you had arrived at the arena and gave you direction to where your dressing room was going to be. The band had already preformed the sound check so you were free to take your time while getting ready seeing as they wouldn’t need you for a bit before it was time for your own mic check. You made your way through the poorly lit halls to where your manager had told you your dressing room was. When you finally come across the door you believe to lead to your room you push it open and quickly enter. Your make your way over to were the vanity was and take a seat. While reaching over to grab your products for the night, your attention is caught by the sound of the door opening. There in the doorframe was the same man you were unable to find any information on. Although you were confused as to what he was doing in your dressing room.

“Um can I help you?” Your eyes trail after him as he beelines toward the couch before plopping down. You raise your eyebrow at him, questioning how comfortable he was making himself. “Make yourself comfy I guess” He continued to ignore you while moving his arms behind his head as he closes his eyes. “Are you just going to sit there and ignore me? What are you even doing in my room?” You were now standing next to where you were just seated, hands against your hips as you question him. He shuffled on the couch looking over at where you were.

“Your room? I don't think you got the memo princess.” He sat up from his spot on the couch, still taking an obnoxiously large amount of room he spoke again. “This is our room. The other dressing room was too small for all 5 of us so the two of us are sharing. Besides...” He looked you up and down, suddenly feeling very small under his glare, “wannabe brats like you don’t get a private room. Sorry about your luck your highness” You’re stare hardens at his words, angry now flowing through you.

“Well you don’t have a private room either so what does that say about you?” Crossing your arms you wait for him to come up with some clever response. You make your way over to wear he was, prepared to shove him out of your room so that you could have some peace and quiet before tonight.

“Why you little-” You cut him off before he can finish his sentence.

“You know what I think. I think that your other bandmates probably got sick and tired of your ‘I’m the best person here and everyone else can fuck off’ attitude and forced you to go to some other room. How pathetic do you have to be for your own friends to find you obnoxious?” Your words leaving your mouth like venom, not even caring how mean you sounded. When he shot up from the couch and stormed right infront of you, you still stood your ground. You weren’t going to back down. He kept coming closer and closer to you until he was barely a step away, his face merely a few inches from yours. A breath hitches in the back of your throat, as you feel your body betray you. Just his presence alone was soaked in intimidation. You go to speak up again to tell him to back off but you feel the words get trapped and fail to get out. A smirk covering his face as he notices as well. 

“Oh? Not so big and tough now are you? You should learn to hold your fucking tongue, especially when you’re talking to someone who could end your whole career.” He holds you in place with his killer stare, Vermillion eyes staring into your own. You swallow whatever lump had formed and spoke up.

“Oh yeah? You and what following? I’ve heard about you ya know. Everyone knows that you call out everyone for living such fake lives. For taking advantage of their fame and sleeping with whoever they want just because they’re famous and they know they’ll do what ever they say. Yet you’re exactly the same. You pick up chick after chick as they all practically fling themselves onto you. You’re just a fucking hypocrite and I know you’re not going to do shit because you’re all talk.” Confidence pouring from your mouth as you take a step away from him, trying to create distance between the two of you. But he quickly takes another step forward closing your attempt.

“You almost sounded jealous there, what do you wish you could be one of them?” His smirk so wide you could see his gums poking out. You scoff at his remark.

“As if I would ever be with someone like you.” A look of disgust taking over you face at even the thought of sleeping with him. But like a disease, the thought continued to spread in your thoughts and slowly your face began to heat up. Suddenly the little space between you felt hot and you were wanting nothing more than to leave the room and distance yourself from him, but he had different plans. 

“Is that so?” He continues stepping toward you and you back away from him. This continues until you feel you back hit the wall next to where you were once getting ready. A gasp leave your lips at the sudden contact but are quickly brought back by a hand on your jaw, turning you toward his face. 

“Yes t-that’s so” You curse yourself at the stutter that manages to escape, the tension in between you finally getting to you, against your own wishes. A deep chuckle makes a shiver shoot down your spin.

“You don’t seem to confident in that answer. Come on where did all of that sass go? Don’t tell me the brat has lost her fight.” His free hand makes its way to the wall behind you, effectively caging you in-between it and his broad chest. 

“I didn’t lose anything and I’m not a brat.” You clench your teeth, sure he could feel it through his hold. His grip tightens slightly against you as he brings you closer to his face. So close that you could now feel his warm breath fan across you as he spoke.

“Then prove it princess. Show me that you’re not just some goodie two shoes who’s gonna cry if she doesn’t get her way.” His face hovering just barely in front of yours. You look into his eyes and think about what he said. You could very easily just brush past him and walk out but it was something about the way he was staring you down that almost didn’t make you want to go. So, against you better judgement, you did the exact opposite. You raise your arm up, bringing it to his forearm. Moving your fingertips up the muscles of his thick arms, you watch goosebumps litter his skin. Once you get to his bicep you switch to having your full arm feel him as you continue to travel all the way to his neck, where you run your hand around the back of his neck, finger tips spreading throughout his hair. Bringing your eyes back to meet his, you take a handful of the soft locks and lightly tug it, earning a throaty groan from him. Using the leverage of control over his head, you bring him down so you are at level with his ear.

“Why don't you make me?” You say as you lean forward, giving his ear a small nibble before returning back to your spot against the wall. His face grows red at your sudden forwardness, and you chuckled before letting a smirk cross your lip. But when you watch as his eyes darken as he drinks you in, you find yourself subconsciously biting your bottom lip. His eyes flicker down to see you release your lip before bring his own to come crashing down.

Both of your lips meet in a fight for dominance, not wanting to just let him win and loose your ground. Your hands still tangled in his hair as you find yourself tugging on the stands as you fight for air. The sensation only further driving Bakugou to want more. His hand moves away from the wall and to you hip as the other travels to the back of your neck, pulling you further into him if it was even possible. Your lips move in perfect harmony as he pushes himself into you, his thigh separating your legs as he kept you pinned against the wall. You gasp as you feel his hand grab your ass, but he takes advantage of it and dives his tongue into your mouth. They meet in a battle of dominance, exploring every dip of each others mouth. Eventually he takes charge and you feel yourself moan into the kiss. Oblivious from the heated kiss, you had hardly noticed Bakugou’s hand slid down to the edge of your skirt until you felt him take a handful of your ass and squeeze. 

You pull away from the kiss looking him in the eyes, lust glazed over them. You squeezed your thighs together but instead of getting any relief from the presser, it caused you rind down onto the thick thigh that was holding them apart. The friction making a surge of pleasure rip through you and the need to feel again grew. So you roll you hips forward, moaning from the rough jeans against your almost naked core, protected only by thin lace. It was almost as if something had came over you as you continued rolling your hips against his muscular thigh getting yourself closer to your own release. That was until two firm hands landed on either side of you hips, haltering your movement. 

“Are you so desperate that you’re trying to get off by riding my thigh? If you want more all you have to do is ask princess.” Leaning down so that his head was right next to your ear, making sure you heard his next sentence. “Go ahead, I want to hear you beg for it.” The feeling of his lips on your neck make your hips involuntarily move as he searches for the sweet spot, but as soon as he finds it you’re a puddle of whimpers in his fingertips. 

“Pl-please Bakugou- ughh- I need more” Barely able to get the words out any louder than a whine. Desperately trying to receive any form of please the man infront of you was willing to give to you. You shutter as you feel him chuckle against your skin.

“Is that all you got? You’re going to have to do better than that if you want this dick at all.” He returns to kissing against your neck, just light enough not to give you the pleasure you so desired.

“Fuck! Bakugou please! I need you to fill me up and fuck me until I can’t walk. Please I need your fat cock to just split me open.” If you could hear the words you were saying right now you would probably die of embarrassment but the amount of lust taking over your body made you not even think twice at the lewd confession. You feel his grasp on your hips tighten, his finger tips digging into your soft sides, surely leaving marks, as a groan leaves his lips at your begging. Quickly, he moves his hands from your side to underneath your hips, picking you up before placing you down on the sofa he once was on, pinning you between the soft cushion and his hard chest. You two met again in a passionate kiss, much messier than the first, spit was everywhere but you couldn’t care less you just wanted all of him. As he reached down to pull the drenched lace down your thighs you could feel his hard on press against your thigh and you couldn’t help but feel even more turned on by the fact he was liking this as much as you were. Pulling away from the kiss you feel him pant against your lips.

“Call me Katsuki baby, I want to hear you scream my name as I destroy this pretty little pussy of yours.” He almost couldn’t tear his gaze away from your soaked core, wanting nothing more than to devour you then and there. “Next time I’m going to have to eat you out but for now I want to feel you around me instead.” You feel yourself clench around nothing at the thought of there being a next time.

But suddenly your attention is grabbed when you feel his head press against your entrance, your head shoots down to see his massive cock rubbing against you, gathering all your slick with each stroke. Teasingly, he stops right as his tip is aligned with your hole, causing you to squirm as you craved to feel him deep inside you.

“Please Katsuki I can’t take it any more, I need you!” You bite down on your lip as you feel him start to push into you, feeling yourself stretch around his head as it dips further into you. Clenching around him at the pleasure of him filling you up.

“F-fuck Y/N you gotta stop squeezing me like that.” He struggled with trying to slowly push into you at how tight you were, so he did the next best thing. Thrusting his hips forward, he forces himself passed though the squeezing grip into you until you are filled to the brim with his cock. His head dipping back in ecstasy at how your walls hug around him. “Shit you’re so fucking tight.”

“P-please move.” Tears collect in your eyes at how full you were. Sure you may have been with other guys before but no one ever made you feel this full. Slowly he pulls out of you before rutting his hips forward to fill you back up. The way he was positioned, causing him to hit your g-spot. A moan leaving your lips as he starts moving his hip again, starting to pick up the pace before eventually he is slamming into you at an unforgiving speed.

The feeling of his vein dragging against your walls as he slams into your spongey wall causing you to cry out at the amount of intense pleasure you were feeling. Your hands make there way to his back, digging your nails into the muscle as you try to somehow control how you were feeling.

“Is my little princess already going to cum?” A yes barely makes it out of you as a mutter of profanities follow soon after. His hand reaches down to press into your clit causing a wave of heat to flood through you. While rubbing little circles into you, he leans down, kissing and sucking on your neck before speaking again. “Come on then baby girl, let me hear you. I want everyone in the whole building to know who’s making you feel this good.”

“God you Katsuki!! You do! Holy fuck you’re gonna make me cum” Your back arches as his pace becomes sloppy but he keeps increasing in power. You can feel the couch shaking at the intensity at which he’s slamming into you.

“Cum for me princess, cum all over me.” If the pleasure from him hitting both of your sweet spots wasn’t enough, the addition of his lewd words burning into your ear was enough to make you see stars. As he continued his assault on your body your vision went white as you chased your release, clenching tightly around him as your hands dragged down his back, marking it as your own as you felt yourself cum around the thick cock that pulsed inside of you. Watching your face be taken over in pure bliss and the feeling of you milking his dick had Bakugou painting the inside of your walls white within a few thrusts.

His pace started to slow down helping the both of you ride out your high. The room was filled with the sound of both of your uneven breathing as you both attempted to catch your breath. After a few minutes he pulled himself out of you and you immediately felt empty. He watched as his seed tried spilling out of you as you clenched at the sudden emptiness, and quickly brought his finger down to scoop it back up and push it back into you. He looked into your eyes as a smirk takes over his face.

“Maybe you aren’t as much of a goodie two shoes as I thought.” He grabs your hand and helps you to stand up and you feel your knees buckle under the weight. An arm is wrapped around you waist, stopping you from falling to the floor. As he held you, you felt his cum run down your thighs. You were about to ask him a question when a knock came from the door.

“Y/N you’re need for a mic check, make sure you hurry up because they’re waiting for you.” You heard the voice of your manager from out side of the room and a look of panic crosses your face but Bakugou just chuckles.

“You heard her princess, your audience awaits. We’ll just have to pick up where we left off after the show.” An evil smile on his face as he lets go of you and nudges you toward the door. As you step out of the room and make your way toward the where the stage was, you realized one thing.

That fucker didn’t give you back your underwear.

[daisukefmd]

hey guys, it’s oli here, late as ever. sorry to be so tardy to the party, but work’s been kicking my ass for the past week ;-; but fortunately i have today and tomorrow off, so i’ll be around to plot and get some threads going! below the cut, you’ll find his background info, how he came to be an idol, present day stuff and everything in between. if you’re interested in plotting, just drop a like and i’ll shoot you a dm!

BACKGROUND

he’s the youngest of five children and he was born in kobe, japan. he’s always been a little bit on the more quieter side of things. his preschool teachers used to try to tell his parents that he was antisocial and wouldn’t interact with the other kids, but the truth was just that he was quiet and shy. his whole family is quiet and shy too, something his teachers found out when his parents came in for their meeting about daisuke. he was definitely a wall flower while he was growing up, which was pretty difficult to believe given the fact that he was always the tallest person in his class ever since he was a little kid. despite his height, he always managed to fade into the background.

he continued to fade into the background until he was about thirteen years old and he was scouted by a label in japan for his height and visuals. he was thrust into training, where they discovered that he had a pretty decent singing voice and they decided to make him the main vocal of that group. it was supposed to be an idol super group (think akb48 but with a bunch of guys instead). unfortunately the company lost more money than they gained and they ended up shutting down and his group disbanded before he could gain any real recognition with the public.

he had only been out of the group for a week before bc found him and asked his parents if they could take him to south korea to be in an idol group they were debuting. it didn’t take much to convince his parents, and a month later he was being shipped off to south korea. he arrived at the end of the summer in 2014 and officially joined bc entertainment as a trainee. 

being a foreigner made forming connections and bonds with others difficult for him as well. it didn’t help that he was socially awkward and tended to stick to himself when he wasn’t training or sitting through lessons. his first year and a half as a trainee was spent more or less on his own, which took a huge toll on his mental health at the time. he was lonely, but he had never really learned how to reach out and form friendships with one another. it didn’t help that he was so far away from his family, whom he had never spent more than a few days from at a time.

the year and a half mark brought along not only stronger korean language skills, but a certain comfortability being in south korea. he had grown used to it by then, and while he would have preferred to be home with his family, he had figured out a way to cope by just burying his negative feelings deep down until he didn’t really acknowledge them anymore. not the healthiest way to cope, but it was all he could do at the time. fortunately, on the brighter side of things, he had formed a handful of friendships that made being away from his family a little easier for him.

he had began to grow a little weary that his debut would never come because he had been a trainee for over two years, but then bc told him that he’d be participating in cloud6. usually, daisuke isn’t a competitive person, but he couldn’t lie and say that he didn’t give his all on the show. he knew that his personality fell flat, so he worked hard to make sure that his talent more than made up for his more subtle and underwhelming persona.

while he was praised by many for his hard work ethic and strong voice, he was attacked by just as many for being boring, some hateful comments even taking shots at his cultural background. while that was something he had been expecting, he wasn’t stupid enough to believe that everyone would be accepting of a foreigner, it did hit him very hard. he just wanted to sing and there he was, being attacked for something that he couldn’t even change.

despite all of that, he ended up ranking in third place on cloud6 and ended up debuting in cloud. he was happy to make it to the end, but he was also a little hesitant in his happiness because he was met with such criticism when his ranking was announced. people accused the show of rigging and giving daisuke his spot, and it made him question his own ranking for quite some time.  was his spot given to him? did he really earn it? those were thoughts that ran through his mind consistently, and still do whenever he’s in a particularly bad place mentally.

cloud’s success was a source of happiness for daisuke for a while - still is, however not as much. he was glad that they were being well received, but as the years dragged along, he couldn’t help but crave more. he wanted to start dipping his toes into other aspects of the entertainment industry, mainly creating his own music. he had learned a lot from the industry, and he wanted to step out of the realm that cloud had created for him and try out something new. he was given the opportunity to do so with his debut album and solo releases so far. however his next album will be completely his sound, different from anything cloud’s released before, and he’s excited that bc’s letting him experiment a bit more. 

DAISUKE’S OFFICIAL IMAGE 

while cloud’s overall image might be bright and refreshing, daisuke’s personality and persona don’t really fit into that category. on stage, he’s more than capable of putting out that vibe during performances, however once he steps foot off stage, he’s retreating back into his real self - quiet and reserved. despite bc trying consistently to bring him out of his shell during his trainee years and the first few months of cloud’s career, they eventually found an image that could work for him. daisuke’s job in cloud is to be the buffer. he’s the calm, cool and collected one. the mediator. he’s literally and figuratively the middle child of cloud. he balances the group out really well, adding a personality that’s the opposite of his group members’.

he’s marketed as mature, intelligent and hard working. the voice of reason in the group. respectful, the kind of guy your parents would trust their daughter with. a lot of cloud’s fans have even called him “regal” because of how he carries himself and speaks. the general public sees him as a strong vocalist, one of the better ones of the current k-pop generation, but they don’t know much about him aside from that. most of the time he makes headlines is because of his singing, and bc likes to keep it that way. there’s a slight air of mystery around him that makes him interesting enough to pay attention to. bc does have a habit of using that to their advantage whenever they can, and so far it has worked for daisuke. a lot of people are, surprisingly, drawn to his quiet demeanor and hard working attitude.

OTHER INFO

some people are a little intimidated by him because he’s not really smiley and he’s super tall (he’s about 6′5″) but he’s really not a bad guy. he’s just really quiet and shy, but if you can make your way through his shell, you’ll have a great friend. he loves his group members, although it may not seem like it because he’s not really affectionate, but he’s happy with them.

most people are shocked whenever he sings because his speaking voice is so deep and then he sings and that voice comes out of him lmao not to mention his physical appearance contradicts his singing

he knows that his stage name is ‘dai’ because it’s probably to make it easier for koreans to pronounce, but he hates it lmao he hates nicknames and pet names and anything of the like.

while he’s still a quiet guy that prefers to keep to himself, he’s not as much of a pushover as he used to be. he has a voice for himself, and he speaks up for himself when he needs to. 

[jingabitch]

a concept (but also a request) --- a saesang discovers yn and tries to harm/blackmail her, and is almost successful. i'd love to see how the boys react and how they protect her

It has been a while !! since I wrote anything for this and I always worry that I’ve lost the AU. Let me know what you think as always, and I’m sorry it took me so long to get to this!

Word count: 5k

series index

Spa days are fun. They’d always been something you enjoyed, but didn’t have the money or time to indulge in before the boys. Since you’ve come to live with them, however, it’s become a group activity for you, which is all the better. Needless to say, pampering yourself is now a regular hobby, one they’re all too willing to encourage. It’s a nice compromise for when you feel like going out – they drop you off at the spa on their way to work and pick you up on the way back, and the spa employees know to text Namjoon frequently about what you’re getting up to.

Today’s spa session, however, is even more exciting than usual for you, because you’re preparing to attend an award show. Not as their date, of course – kpop idols don’t get dates – but as a member of the audience. They’d managed to wrangle you a ticket to the best seat in the house, after your persistent begging for weeks, and definitely way too much flaunting of your new engagement ring because all of them grew soft when they saw it.

It was all worth it in the end, because they eventually caved and let you go for the show. Not without a bunch of rules like ‘don’t talk to anyone’ and ‘come straight home’, or hiring what amounted to an armoured vehicle to ferry you to and from the event, but you’re excited nonetheless.

The show is tomorrow, and you’re going to be alone for most of the day because the boys have to rehearse for their performance, go early and all that, but for today, you’re with the seven of them being massaged and waxed and scrubbed together, and it’s amazing.

“Joonie-oppa?” you say into the dark silence of the room where you’re all lying as you get facials.

“Hmm?” he mumbles back, clearly half-asleep. You bite back a smile of fondness, not wanting to disturb the layer of goop on your face.

“Thank you,” you say quietly, knowing that he’s the one who made all the arrangements for you to go. It can’t have been easy, since you’re a secret they’re determinedly keeping.

“You’re welcome,” he responds, his words still slightly slurred.

“Why didn’t you say thank you to the rest of us?” Jimin, ever the needy one, whines.

“I’ll thank you when we get home,” you respond, biting your lip against the smile that threatens to emerge. They’re all so cute, you just want to pinch their cheeks and show them love. And now you get to do just that for the rest of your life. What a lucky girl you are.

Getting ready for the show isn’t nearly as glamorous as one might imagine. For one thing, you’re alone in the apartment, doing your own hair and makeup. For another, you’re hardly able to focus on anything because the boys are constantly texting you. It’s like every second they aren’t actively rehearsing or doing sound check or whatever it is, they want pictures of you, updates on how you’re feeling, and, of course, it wouldn’t be Yoongi without repeated questions about whether you’re sure you really want to go for the show.

You love it, of course. After being alone for so many years, you’re hardly in a position to complain about too much attention. There isn’t such a thing, as far as you’re concerned, so you happily pose for pictures with half-done makeup, in the expensive silk robe they’d bought you.

When it comes time to get dressed, the boys insist on Facetiming you so they can see your reaction to the dress they’d bought for you. You know it’s expensive because it comes in a giant Dior box, but the boys had insisted on it remaining a secret for you until it was time to put it on.

With the boys eagerly watching from your phone propped up with some pillows, you lift the lid off the box and promptly gasp in shock. The gown is white, with silk chiffon buds sewn into it. As you lift it out of the box, you note that it’s a gorgeous A-line cut with a flared skirt that will leave only your ankles exposed, and that while the bodice is white, the skirt fades into deep blue and violet, with tiny yellow flowers adorning the hem.

“Oh, my God…” you marvel, speechless as you hold the dress up.

“Do you like it?” Hoseok asks eagerly, unable to stay quiet. He and Taehyung fought for almost a week over the dress before settling on this one, and he, for one, is rather proud of their selection. From afar it looks simple enough, with a classic cut and colour that you, with your more conservative fashion sense would feel comfortable wearing, but still unique, with intricate detailing that satisfied the boys. After all, even if no one at the show knows that you’re theirs, they should still admire you.

“It’s beautiful.” Your voice wobbles slightly, and Jimin immediately crowds closer to the phone, blocking most of the other boys.

“Y/n-ie, are you okay? Are you upset?” His voice is slightly panicked, and you sniffle as you blink away the tears.

“I’m fine, Chim. It’s just… this is so pretty; you guys are always too good to me,” you choke out.

“Stop it,” Yoongi says, knocking Jimin’s head away so he can take his turn peering at you. “You’re perfect; we’re the ones who don’t deserve you,” he says gruffly, clearing his throat. You know he isn’t the most vocal about his feelings, so you just smile at him.

“Okay, oppa,” you accept. “Thank you boys for this.”

Jimin returns enthusiastically, pressing his face so close to Yoongi’s that their cheeks are practically touching. You stifle a giggle at how cute they look together. “Y/n-ie! We’re not done! Look in my closet!”

“Uh… okay.” You pick up the phone and leave Yoongi’s room to go down the hall to the bigger one that Jimin and Hoseok share. Sitting on top of the drawers in Jimin’s section of their walk-in closet is a distinct blue box. “You didn’t,” you gasp, setting down the phone to open the box.

“Do you like it? It matches your ring, doesn’t it?” Hoseok yells from somewhere in the background. You stare reverently at the necklace and earrings set, a diamanté chain with a massive teardrop-shaped pendant dangling from it, and matching dangly earrings.

“Yeah, it’s gorgeous.” Ridiculously, you’re on the brink of tears again.

“Well, stop staring at it and go get ready, Y/n,” Seokjin frowns at you. His good-natured nagging is welcome now more than ever, and you nod obediently.

“Okay… I’ll see you later?” The statement comes out as a question against your will. Stupid, of course. The whole point of going to the show is to see the boys accept a whole slew of awards.

Yoongi smiles softly at you, though. “Yeah, baby, we’ll see you later,” he confirms before hanging up, and for the rest of the time that you’re getting ready, you can’t stop grinning.

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

The show is spectacular. From where you’re seated, you have a perfect view of the celebrities in their own section, seated around tables – although you’ve really never understood why, since it’s not like this is a banquet. You ooh and ahh at the appropriate moments, applaud (smugly) when your boys sweep the awards, and in general have a grand old time. You’re alone, of course, but that doesn’t really bother you when you’d had so much time to get used to it in the past.

Besides, it’s somewhat different today. Even though the boys can’t text you given that all eyes – and cameras – are on them and they need to look like they’re engaged with the happenings of the event, their eyes are constantly drifting over to the audience, where they know you’re seated. The urge to wave at them is overwhelming, but you know how imperative it is that you not show any sign of knowing them in public. It was something that Namjoon had emphasized to you repeatedly last night, even though you’re not that sure why that’s the case. He’d said something about hate and crazy fans…?

Truth be told, though, you think his concern is just a tiny bit overblown. Sure, there are overzealous fans out there, but these days it really does seem like fans are becoming more mature. Even Chen from EXO had gotten married recently, and when they announced their engagement most of the reactions had been fairly positive. You hate doubting your boys, but it feels a little like they’re ashamed of you.

Once the seed takes root in your mind, it becomes almost impossible to shake. Years of coping with your insecurities and loneliness have primed you to think the worst, although the boys have always been so attentive that it’s impossible for even you to feel like they don’t care about you. Now, though, with the short distance between you that feels like an insurmountable barrier, it occurs to you that this is a metaphor for your lives. You’ll always be on the outside, looking in. They own you, but the inverse will never be the same.

Thinking about it threatens to send you into a spiral, and you know that you can’t have a full-blown panic attack here, so you leap out of your seat and bolt for the exit. Some fresh air will do you good, you think slightly hysterically, trying to put off the inevitable.

The cool spring air feels good on your overheated cheeks, and you pace up and down the alley next to the building, your arms folded across your chest. It feels like your ribs are constricting your lungs, and you suck in deep breaths of air, trying to calm yourself. Before you can get too caught up in your own mind, however, you hear footsteps behind you and whip around to see who it is.

“Hey,” Yoongi says simply, his hands in his pockets. “You okay?”

“Yes,” you lie, not wanting him to worry, but your voice wobbles slightly before you can catch it. You clear your throat loudly, hoping he’ll think it was just something stuck, but he just raises a brow at you.

Your shoulders slump defeatedly. You know you’ll never be able to hide anything from Yoongi. He’s the one who knows you the best, who saw you at your worst, back when you’d been alone and before he saved you.

“What happened?” he asks, holding his arms out for you, and you dive into them gratefully. You’re careful not to press your face against him, knowing that he can’t go back in with makeup smeared on his clothes, but you rest your chin on his shoulder and let him wrap you up in a hug.

“Are you embarrassed for people to know you’re with me?” you ask in a small voice.

Yoongi’s reaction is almost comedic. The normally lackadaisical man lets go of you to take a step back in shock, one hand on your shoulder as the other tilts your chin so that you have no choice to look at him, despite your best efforts. “Of course not,” he says emphatically, almost shaking you in his eagerness to make sure you understand just now serious he is. “Why? Who told you that?” His voice starts to rise and he starts turning away from you, almost like he’s going rush right back in to yell at his brothers.

You grab his hand so he doesn’t do anything ridiculous and drastic. “No one, it’s just… I don’t know, I feel like a dirty little secret sometimes, you know?”

“Baby…” he sighs. “You know why we can’t go public. It’s not safe for you.”

“I know… but Taeyang got married and it was fine, and Chen’s pregnancy reveal went all right too. I don’t know, I just feel like things might be changing, y’know?”

Yoongi frowns. “Chen’s wife’s identity isn’t revealed to the public, and he’s terrified to let her go out alone these days because of all the backlash from the fans.”

You pout a little. “I never go outside anyway; what does it matter?” you complain a little petulantly.

Yoongi sighs, sensing that this is something you’re going to dig your heels in over. “All right, I’ll talk to the others about it,” he says. “We can test the waters tonight, but promise me that you’ll let us prioritize your own safety over going public, okay?”

You nod obediently, smiling up at Yoongi. “Okay,” you agree. He drops a kiss on your forehead, then sends you back in, waiting a couple of minutes before he re-enters through the back entrance that celebrities use so no one suspects anything.

Little does he know, it’s already too late for such measures.

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

Returning to your seat for the last part of the awards ceremony, you honestly feel a lot better. You don’t know how Yoongi knew you needed him, but he did, and he was there for you, no questions asked. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to get you out of your own head. Unconsciously you start stroking the edge of the ring adorning your finger. It was something you’d started doing for the boys, but along the way you realized how much the action comforted you as well, reminding you of the commitment they’d made to you.

You’re already seated when you see Yoongi returning to his, winding through the tables spread across the floor to get to the one the boys are at. They look at him inquiringly, but he just shakes his head and explains quietly, looking up at the audience for a second. If you weren’t looking out for it, you wouldn’t have noticed that he was talking about you.

Unfortunately, someone other than you is also looking out.

At the end of the event, the idols start standing up to leave and when your phone buzzes in your clutch, your eyes fly to the boys. Jungkook is casually adjusting his clothing and you can see him slip his phone back into his pocket. You smile to yourself. What a cute boy. He’s not that much younger than you, but you always feel the need to baby him.

You open up your clutch to check your phone, slowly standing to leave. The message you find causes you to glance back at the boys, who are now in a sea of idols all crowding towards the exit points. Taehyung sees you, though, and winks at you. Stifling a giggle, you wink back and follow the crowds out of the auditorium, heading towards the restrooms.

There’s a long line (of course) but you don’t mind, smiling to yourself as you text the boys, letting them know how proud you are of them, and how happy you are to be able to see it this close. The girl standing in line behind you taps you on the shoulder, and you look up at her, confused. “Yes?” you ask, politely, you hope. Your social skills have really deteriorated since moving in with the boys, not that they were necessarily excellent before.

“Your dress is so pretty!” she compliments you, and you giggle in response, flushing.

“Thank you so much!” you accept with grace. You know the dress is amazing – the boys have impeccable taste, after all, and the expensive accessories only highlight your whole outfit. You’re probably overdressed, but you don’t much care. You so rarely get to go out as it is, and you have to admit, you love playing dress up with the boys. It’s like Hobi and Taehyung think of you as a doll sometimes, and you don’t mind it at all.

“No problem! I think BTS liked it too,” the girl giggled. “They kept looking over at you just now.”

“Oh…” you laughed awkwardly, not sure how to respond. “I don’t think so; they just look over at the audience a lot because they care about their fans, I think.” Your excuse was weak, but without any warning, it was all you could come up with.

“No way! They were definitely looking at you. I bet you might even get some numbers tonight,” she whispered conspiratorially.

“Wow, that would really be something…” you trailed off, letting the conversation die. Thankfully, your phone pinged again and you excused yourself to continue texting the boys. You thought nothing more of the strange interaction you’d had, assuming it was just some overzealous fan who’d wanted to gush about the boys.

You took your time in the restroom, then hung around the entrance for a bit, watching people leave for the subway or get into cars. When it seemed like most people had left, you slipped back into the building, heading for the backstage area. You slipped in and someone with a clipboard and headset came to chase you away, but before he could, Namjoon came to get you. He brought you to the dressing room where the boys were hanging out, most of the stylists having left already.

“Baby!” Hoseok sprang up and ran to greet you in a way that honestly reminded you of Yeontan. You laughed and opened your arms to hug him, which he accepted happily. He took a step back a second later to take a good look at you, dripping in diamonds and adorned in the dress he’d chosen. You were always prettiest when you wore the clothes he picked, and it was a good thing you tended to agree with him.

He tugged you over to the couch where you sat, squished between him and the other boys. Spending time with them truly was the balm to your soul, you thought. With them around, you could definitely take on anything – overzealous fans, paparazzi, even strange personal encounters like the one you’d had earlier.

You had Yoongi’s jacket over your shoulders as you half-leaned on Taehyung, Jin standing behind you on the couch when you heard a commotion outside the dressing room. Before you could react, there was a scuffling sound and then someone burst through the curtains that were being used to give the rooms some semblance of privacy.

All of you turned, shocked, as the girl you’d been talking to earlier half-fell into the room. “You!” she gasps, just as surprised to see you. The boys immediately stand up, putting their bodies between you and the girl, so you can’t see each other anymore.

“What’s going on?” you wonder, your voice not working well enough to enunciate your words clearly.

Namjoon steps forward, Hoseok right behind him. “Get her out of here,” he directs security sharply, and they make to follow his orders, going to grab her to drag her out of there.

“Wait!” she gasps, lurching forward out of their grasp. “I just wanted to say hi.”

“Well, you’ve said it, now please leave. You’re not supposed to be back here.” Jimin, always the most polite one, says.

“Who is that girl?” the girl ignores Jimin to crane her neck so she can see around the boys.

“None of your business,” Jin snaps in response. While she looks up at him, hurt, the security guards take the opportunity to drag her out of the room.

Immediately, the boys turn back to you, rushing over to make sure you’re okay. Taehyung is so concerned he almost launches himself back onto the couch next to you, and Yoongi admonishes him to be more careful in case he actually hurt you. You smile up at Yoongi, accepting his gentle kisses and concern, but tell him that you’re not that fragile, that Taehyung would never actually hurt you.

When all the boys have made sure that you’re okay and gotten their share of hugs and fussing in, all of you make your way back home.

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

For the next couple of days, it seems like everything’s gone back to normal. You hang the gorgeous dress up next to all the others you now on, and return to your usual attire of loungewear, hanging out on the couch with Yeontan most of the time. The boys, of course, still have to work, so you end up ordering a lot of takeout when Jin isn’t free to cook for you.

Then you start getting sick. At first, you think it’s probably just an upset tummy and review your takeout places, cutting out those that might have caused the issue. But it doesn’t stop, and you keep getting sicker. It gets to the point where you can’t hide it from the boys anymore, after running to the bathroom to throw up right as you’re getting comfortable to watch a movie together on one of the rare free nights they have.

“Baby? You okay?” It mortifies you to note that all the boys are standing right outside the bathroom door, watching you worship the porcelain god.

You give them a weak thumbs up, feeling like you’ve gotten it all out of your system, but then another wave hits and you’re forced to turn back to the toilet. A fresh wave of alarm runs through the boys. Jimin, Taehyung and Yoongi try to burst through the door at the same time, getting stuck before Yoongi, the most determined, pushes past the others and runs to you, rubbing your back gently. The others hover back, concerned but also kind of grossed out by what’s happening.

Eventually you stop and reach up weakly to flush the toilet. Yoongi helps you to the sink where Jimin’s already gotten your toothbrush loaded up to brush your teeth. As you snuggle up in bed – at Yoongi’s insistence, despite your insistence that you feel better already – the boys all take care of you in their own special ways. Namjoon, wondering if you’ve developed a sudden food aversion, starts Googling potential causes and making a table of all the things you’ve eaten in the past couple of days, separated by ingredient. Jimin, who’s curled up next to you, tells Namjoon that you should rest, but you shush him, letting Namjoon fret about you in his own way. Jin is in the kitchen, making porridge and mild soups for you to eat for the next few days, while Yeontan lies on the bed, mostly oblivious but pleased to be around everyone anyway.

Over the next few days, you seem to get better, and all of them are relieved to see that you’ve returned to your usual self. Of course, with how busy the boys are, Jin can’t keep cooking for you, and you go back to the takeout food once you’ve finished the last of his porridge.

Immediately you deteriorate again, even though you changed all the places you were getting takeout from. It’s infuriating and confusing, and truth be told, you’re getting a little scared. Not wanting to worry the boys, you try to hide it from them, but your cover was blown when you had to run out of the bedroom to throw up in the middle of the night, probably trampling over a couple of them in your hurry.

After that, you’re forced to confess that ever since you finished Jin’s home-cooked meals, all the food you’ve ordered is making you sick, which makes no sense because you aren’t even ordering from the same place more than once anymore. When you explain that, Namjoon’s jaw does that ticking thing and he kisses your forehead, telling you that everything will be okay, that he’ll take care of it.

The next morning, he’s gone before the rest of you really wake up, to talk to the security staff and check out the camera footage. When he comes back, you’re still in bed, but the others are in various stages of getting ready to go to the studio. He enters the apartment dramatically, slamming the door open and stomping into the bedroom, although the way he trips over the step to get past the entryway undercuts the effect of his rage slightly.

Yoongi is getting dressed when Namjoon barges into the room, but he’s so used to the other members seeing him in various states of undress that he doesn’t even react as he finishes taking his pajamas off. “What is it?” Yoongi asks, deadpan as always.

“That person at the award show has been intercepting all her meals,” Namjoon explained tightly, his jaw clenching.

You and Yoongi looked at each other as the dots connected in your mind. A second later, Yoongi had all but exploded with rage, pacing up and down while muttering about killing her. The others came to see what the commotion was about, Jimin still fastening his earrings and Taehyung buttoning his shirt as he stood in the hallway, and Namjoon had to explain all over again, and then calm everyone down because even if they all felt like it, murder wasn’t really an option for them.

“Guys…” you called from inside the room, since all of them seemed to have forgotten that you were even here. “It’s fine, I’ll just stop ordering delivery and the problem will be solved.”

The boys blinked at you, incredulous at your lack of anger and basic self-preservation. Then again, it was what had led you to them, so maybe they shouldn’t be quite that surprised…

“Well, yes, of course you should stop ordering delivery until we catch this person, but that can’t be all…” Even Hoseok was shocked at your carefree attitude towards someone literally trying to poison you.

“Sweetie, don’t you want that person to be put behind bars or something?” Jimin asked tentatively.

You shrugged. “Sure, but karma will take care of all of that.”

Karma…? Before any of them could question it, Namjoon cleared his throat, bringing everyone’s attention back to him, to explain the plan. Hoseok and Jin interjected once in a while to ask questions and add their suggestions, but the rest listened. Yoongi was still far too furious to think rationally, aggressively cuddling you and wrinkling his clothes, although he brushed that aside when you pointed it out. The younger ones listened with wide eyes, somehow shocked that something like this could happen, even though all of them had experienced crazy stalker fans before.

It was impossible for all of them to stay home, of course. Not only was this completely infeasible from a practical perspective, but there were various phases of the plan that were required to fully ensnare the stalker – not to mention, punish her for her actions. It was the only way that any of them could convince Yoongi to go along with the plan instead of going off by himself to commit murder or something.

First, they realized that since they didn’t actually have video footage of her messing with the food, they didn’t have enough evidence to hold up in court, so additional cameras were installed around the building, in the elevators and even a little one right outside their front door that was hidden in one of those silly “Welcome” signs people liked to put up on their doors. It was obvious that the case going to court would be impossible – they were in the public eye so often that everyone knew none of the boys were sick, and they didn’t want you to have to testify, which would reveal to the world that you were living in their dorm with the rest of them.

Then they had to figure out how she knew which deliveries were theirs. It wasn’t like she was hanging around their apartment complex all day, since that would definitely have aroused suspicion among the security guards. After trying out a few different experiments, they realized she’d somehow managed to tap the landline and intercepted every delivery that was ordered by you with one portion. It was genius, but they weren’t in much of a mood to appreciate it.

It took a couple more weeks, but eventually they managed to get enough footage of her taking their deliveries, sprinkling some sort of powder over it and then delivering it to your apartment. Since she always just knocked and then dropped the food off at your door, you never realized that all the deliveries were being brought to you by the same person.

Meanwhile, to prime the public to rain hate down on her when she was arrested, the boys had been taking turn releasing cryptic messages on vlives and weverse alluding to someone who was harming them and the precious people in their lives. Taehyung even teared up on vlive, which had fans ready to wield pitchforks and torches to hunt down whoever it was.

In the end, instead of taking their evidence to the police, a clip compilation showing the girl poisoning the food and delivering it to the boys’ apartment was ‘leaked’ online, prompting a police investigation without the boys even initiating it with a report. The public outrage was so intense that in a strange turn of events, police protection had to be deployed for her safety, and she quickly pled guilty without trial to avoid the drawn-out agony of a public trial.

In the end, fans all around the world were made aware that there were some lines that the boys wouldn’t tolerate being crossed without serious retaliation. Through the whole debacle, none of the boys made any open statements, but their vlives and weverse messages made so much more sense now that everything was out in the open. It was honestly chilling, how far they were willing to go when boundaries were overstepped.

They didn’t know what exactly had set them off, but you knew. It was you.

[shefanispeculator]

Blake Shelton has 28 career No. 1 songs on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, and another seven that have reached the Top 10. It'd be easy just to stick with the singles in making a list of his best songs, but who likes easy?

Find plenty of deep cuts on this list of Shelton's 50 best songs, including his spiritual songs. Those are sprinkled all over the playlist — The Voice coach is a rare singer who can sing about drinking and heartache with as much conviction as his relationship with God. Fans will find a new one called "Bible Verses" on his Body Language album. It does well on this staff and reader partnership.

Songs with ex-wife Miranda Lambert and fiancee Gwen Stefani make the list as well, but the Top 10 Blake Shelton songs are all solo efforts ... with one exception. Is it strange that his most convincing bedroom ballad was a collaboration with a different "Gwen"? Cover songs by George Jones and Conway Twitty, collaborations with RaeLynn and Trace Adkins, and a co-write with Earl Thomas Conley all make this list of Shelton's top songs. Which is your No. 1?

Top Blake Songs: His Greatest Hits + Best Deep Cuts

Taste of Country staff opinion, and the commercial success of tracks from Shelton's 12 studio albums were certainly considered in making this list of the top songs. More than anything, we sought fan input, via sales and direct input. What's your favorite Blake Shelton song, and does it agree with our No. 1?

Below are the The Voice coach's 50 best songs. Lyrical integrity and production were also considered in this ranking. Really it's hard to argue against any of the Top 5, but we understand if there's a debate about placement. Heck, we encourage it!

Warner Music Nashville

No. 50: "She's Got a Way With Words"

Songwriters Andy Albert, Marc Beeson and Wyatt Earp wrote a clever country lyric, but the problem is, it felt too personal from Blake Shelton in 2016. This is the song that stopped Shelton's impressive streak of No. 1 singles. Sonically, very few songs from this era stand apart from one another.

No. 49: "Gonna"

" isn't a bad song — a strong case could be made that it's better than some of the singles ranked ahead of it on this list of the top 50 Blake Shelton songs, actually — the love story from 2014 just isn't memorable in any way. Think about it: At best you said, "I remember that song" but more likely thought, "which one is that?"

No. 48: "The Wave"

" is a unique metaphor for how a good love can wash away all of your troubles. Blake Shelton's song from Texoma Shore is another fan favorite. The mid-tempo track displays his voice nicely.

No. 47: "When the Wine Wears Off"

," an album track from Texoma Shore that could have been a single. The song's structure and flow is very similar to so many hits from this era of Blake Shelton.

No. 46: "Anyone Else"

When asked which deep cut they like most, Blake Shelton fans chose "

," an album cut from Bringing Back the Sunshine. This ballad shows a bitterness that's rare across the singer's discography, and certainly this list of 50 songs. It's packaged in a fairly unoffensive arrangement, but his lyrics really sting.

No. 45: "Over"

Blake Shelton gives a great vocal performance of a fairly ordinary song during "

," his fourth straight No. 1 single from the Red River Blue album.

No. 44: "I'll Just Hold On"

Shelton relied on a sitar to make this song stand out. It only worked to get him a Top 10 hit. The remainder of "

" is arranged more conventionally, making the outsider instrument something of a gimmick.

No. 43: "All Over Me"

" will always hold a special place for Shelton, as he co-wrote it with an idol, Earl Thomas Conley. The piano-led ballad finds the singer doing something truly unique: Showcasing a timid falsetto during the chorus of this poignant, pure country single. Lyrically it's difficult to keep up with, but sonically it's bold, like so many of his early hits.

No. 42: "Every Time I Hear That Song"

In retrospect, very few songs from Shelton's post-divorce album stack up against his earliest and most recent singles and deep cuts. "

" relies on a vocal hook, but the performance lacks urgency. Still, it hit No. 1 easily.

No. 41: "Sure Be Cool If You Did"

Shelton's Based on a True Story ... album started with "

," but every single that followed is far better and more engaging. This love ballad doesn't hurt for warmth, but the arrangement is milquetoast at best.

Rick Diamond, Getty Images

No. 40: "Drink on It"

Real life couple Jessi Alexander and Jon Randall joined Rodney Clawson for this track from Shelton's Red River Blue album. While still a No. 1 hit, "

" gets a little lost among other more dynamic performances and arrangements on this list of his 50 best songs.

No. 39: "I'll Name the Dogs"

" cast Blake Shelton as a husband in waiting, something his fans and the world in general were hoping for in his real life. The No. 1 hit from 2017 went Platinum on the strength of a pop-rock chorus and a charming lyrical hook.

No. 38: "Happy Anywhere"

" — the second of two straight single collaborations with Gwen Stefani — hit No. 1 and is a total earworm. It's hard to criticize the feel-good jam, but we'll say "Nobody But You" is a superior duet for the country couple.

No. 37: "Neon Light"

In a vacuum, "Neon Light" — a No. 1 hit, released in 2014 — is a funky, country and hip fusion that works. Across Blake Shelton's full catalog of hits and album cuts, however, it tries to do too many things that this singer does better elsewhere. For that reason, this track rates a bit low on this list of Shelton's best songs.

No. 36: "Granddaddy's Gun"

Aaron Lewis' version of this same song was more convincing, but Blake Shelton's "

" wasn't trying to act tough. The more sensitive singer's rendition was more sensitive and polished. The two men were targeting different country audiences.

No. 35: "A Guy With a Girl"

Blake Shelton celebrates his woman during "

" a No. 1 hit from If I'm Honest. The song is a sweet gesture, made atop a radio-ready arrangement.

No. 34: "Nobody But You"

The first of two straight, Gwen Stefani duets to country radio finds the couple trading lines as they tell a love story that can only be described as genuine. The No. 1 hit reached a very pleasing one million downloads quickly. "

" should not be confused with another song on this list. It's a progressive, pop-friendly ballad that truly simmers.

No. 33: "When Somebody Knows You That Well"

Of all of Blake Shelton's official singles, "

" faired the worst. It barely cracked the Top 40, possibly due to an outdated, string heavy arrangement. But it's not a bad little song. Harley Allen co-wrote this ballad and Shelton does OK in finding the right perspective. 'A' for effort, big fella.

No. 32: "Doin' What She Likes"

This charming No. 1 hit is best remembered for a music video in which a bumbling Blake Shelton burns the house down trying to cook a romantic dinner for Miranda Lambert, who makes a vocal cameo early. Sans video, "

" is a warm love song that's fit for a squeeze.

No. 31: "Just South of Heaven"

Another fan favorite from deep in Shelton's catalog, "

" finds the singer relying on a familiar mood over a welcome acoustic guitar and fiddle combination.

No. 30: "Came Here to Forget"

If you expected Blake Shelton's post-divorce album to include some heartache, you were right. "

is a dark country lyric atop an R&B-infused guitar line. His twang keeps it country, but the song is among his most progressive No. 1 hits. Often when he stretches the genre, it's done with a wink — not this time.

No. 29: "Sangria"

Few songs on this list of Blake Shelton's best smolder like "

." The love song rides a warm melody that covers for a barely-there hook. This 2015 hit was one in a string of No. 1 hits for Shelton, most of which went Gold or Platinum.

No. 28: "Jesus Got a Tight Grip"

When Blake Shelton does sit down to write, what comes out is often spiritual. Deep love songs and reflections on a higher power make up his short songwriting catalog. Jessi Alexander helped him with "

," a plucky country-rocker from 2019.

No. 27 Draggin' the River

" tells a dark story of two lovers escaping together, and in that way, it's very Miranda. Shelton's polished vocals and a sweetened production make this track from the All About Tonight EP very Blake, however. While not a single, it was a fan favorite back when they were a couple. We still dig it.

No. 26: "Minimum Wage"

Blake Shelton's blue-collar love song is no "Friends in Low Places" but the spirit of this song still hits today. There's not a lot of love-conquers-all messaging across his catalog, at least not as much as that of storytellers like

" is a mainstream effort that did its job of introducing a new album, but it's hard to put it high on this list of Shelton's 50 best at this point.

No. 25: "Footloose"

Blake Shelton didn't deviate much from Kenny Loggins' original version. The country "

" wasn't a radio hit, but it went Gold and introduced the country singer to an all-genre audience that was just beginning to learn of him via The Voice.

No. 24: "Some Beach"

One could make a case for "

" as Shelton's most important song, as it saved a career that was spiraling after a trio of Top 40 country airplay hits. This is the first time fans got to witness his sense of humor and sarcasm — remember, there was no Twitter in 2004. A pre

Rory Feek co-wrote "Some Beach," showing how wide the singer reached for great songs early in his career.

No. 23: "Bible Verses"

" is the faith song on Blake Shelton's 2021 album Body Language, and it's truly a highlight on the project. The singer approaches the topic with genuine humility that feels as honest as any love or drinking song he has recorded. A great play on a phrase pushes the song higher up on this Top 50 list.

No. 22: "Hillbilly Bone" with Trace Adkins

Blake Shelton proved he's a dynamic duet partner with this partnership with Trace

" is among his most well-known songs, even if it's not a Top 10 song on our list. Amid a catalog of songs with sexy, delicate women, this rocker with tough guy Adkins stands up and demands you pay attention. Even the haters have to smile!

No. 21: "Nobody But Me"

Did you even know that Shelton has a hit song called "Nobody But You" and "

"? The former is his most recent hit with Gwen Stefani, but the 2005 love ballad is the one that deserves a celebration. A jazzy piano carries the country singer atop this pleading love song. It's both memorable and effective.

No. 20: "Savior's Shadow"

Jessi Alexander returns to this list of the best Blake Shelton songs to offer a gentle message about faith and peace. "

" is Shelton's only Hot Christian Songs hit, reaching No. 14 in 2016. He's rarely, if ever, performs the song live.

No. 19: "The More I Drink"

," a Top 10 hit for Blake Shelton in 2007. The singer's early rompers are unmistakably genuine. In his later years, a certain polish would change the raw messaging, but that doesn't exist in this Brent Rowan production.

No. 18: "Playboys of the Southwestern World"

This is a song about best friends. "

" is a critic's pick for this list because we can recall him playing it live. The song is largely shelved now, but it still cooks. As a storyteller, few artists do better than Shelton, as some of the highest ranked songs on this list will prove. Playboys (No. 24 in 2003) is a different kind of story.

No. 17: "Lonely Tonight"

Give Shelton credit: At a time when few solo females could break in country music, he was doing what he could to celebrate talent.

is just one example of the hitmaker looking past stars who would have furthered his career to support Nashville's best. This dark ballad about a one night stand is a provocative conversation that just burned in 2014, a time where Blake Shelton was king. During "

No. 16: "Turnin' Me On"

Blake Shelton hasn't written very many of the songs found on this list of his 50 best. "

" is a rare case where he set out to write a song that became a hit, albeit a minor one. The simmering love song only reached the Top 10 after its 2018 release, but charts aren't everything. Years later it really stands apart from the rest of the songs he released to radio. You can feel his passion as he sings a song that he clearly had girlfriend Gwen Stefani in mind for.

No. 15: "I Lived It"

This Top 5 hit for Blake Shelton seemed to come and go, but we wish it would have stuck around as a catalog cut for the singer. "

" is among his best late model songs as it treads into new, nostalgic territory for a singer who is so often singing of love and love lost.

No. 14: "The Baby"

Blake Shelton cemented himself as one of country music's most promising young storytellers with three of his first four singles, including "

." The heartbreaking mother-son story is a gut punch for older country music fans. Melodically, the chorus gives it wings. This song from The Dreamer would become his second No. 1 hit.

No. 13: "All About Tonight"

" for Blake Shelton, and it's a song that will forever hold a place in his live show. It's kind of the theme song for any country concert, isn't it? In truth, Shelton hasn't released too many all-out jams like this one in the last decade, so it stands out a decade later.

No. 12: "Boys 'Round Here" With Pistol Annies and RaeLynn

Every once in awhile Blake Shelton drops a song that reminds you he doesn't take himself too seriously. It's critical to his artistry and an integral part of his longevity. "

" was his early 2010s version of that song. It's a sort of hip-hop-inspired redneck stomp with callback lyrics and his then-wife's supergroup supporting him. The song is just so much fun to bop along with, even a decade later.

No. 11: "God Gave Me You"

Blake Shelton took Dave Barnes' "

God Gave Me You

" and turned it into a Grammy-nominated, chart-topping country song. But that's just part of the story. The emotive love ballad is also what gave the singer the kick in the pants he needed to propose marriage to then-girlfriend Miranda Lambert. This is a tremendous vocal performance and certainly worthy of a high placement on the singer's best songs list.

No. 10: "My Eyes"

Blake Shelton and

Gwen Sebastian

kept a brother-sister kind of relationship after her time on The Voice. She even joined his band. That changed with "

," a true bed burner that beckons, "Come a little closer, come a little closer / Come a little closer, love the way you look tonight / My eyes are the only thing I don't wanna take off of you."

"My Eyes" was the last of a trio of great male/female collaborations that truly put new female artists on a pedestal. RaeLynn and Pistol Annies joined him for "Boys 'Round Here," Ashley Monroe jumped in for "Lonely Tonight" and Sebastian for "My Eyes." This was a time when women struggled mightily at country radio, but the singer did what he could to help introduce new talent.

Warner Music Nashville

No. 9: "Home"

You see a real change in Blake Shelton's commercial success beginning with his cover of "

" in 2008. One could argue this is his most important radio release, and his vocals stand up to anything else he's put out. Prior to his version of the Michel Bublé song, Top 20 was where he lived. After that, he rattled off a string of No. 1 hits as long as anyone ever: Nineteen of Shelton's next 20 singles hit No. 1.

Warner Music Nashville

No. 8: "Goodbye Time"

There is more than one famous cover among Blake Shelton's 50 best songs. "

" was a

Conway Twitty

hit in 1988, and the younger singer did it justice with a piano-led arrangement that showcased him as a premier vocalist. This song also exemplifies why he was hit-and-miss at radio in the mid 2000s. It followed the chart-topping "Some Beach," which followed a Top 40 song called "When Somebody Knows You That Well." It's good to go back and forth between good times and heartache, but with Shelton, the pendulum swung too far every time. It was hard to figure out who he was for most of a decade.

No. 7: "Ol' Red"

" is not Blake Shelton's best song, but it's his signature song. He can't play a live show without telling this story of a prisoner, a dog and a warden who gets fooled. Early in his career, Shelton wasn't shy about covering other artists, including Conway Twitty and (in this case) George Jones. His tie to the past has loosened in recent years, which is a bummer because songs like this are far more interesting than anything on the radio today.

Warner Music Nashville

No. 6: "Honey Bee"

There's not an easier song in Blake Shelton's catalog to enjoy than "

," his slightly saccharine, but still grinning love song from 2011. The track went triple-Platinum and is perhaps his most recognizable song worldwide today.

No. 5: "Who Are You When I'm Not Looking"

Joe Nichols

cut this song several years before Shelton would make it his best love song. Both versions are exemplary. It starts with the songwriting. Lyrically, "

" is more sensitive and poetic than anything else on this list. Each line is phrased as a question, and each question is one any woman can relate to. The magic is in this hitmaker's personal delivery. His range isn't needed for a subtle romancer that the greats would be proud of. Few country women will resist a warm smile when this No. 1 hit begins.

Warner Music Nashville

No. 4: "God's Country"

God's Country

" rejuvenated Blake Shelton's career. The country-rock song paints a vivid picture but it works so well because everyone who touched the song went for it 100 percent. The chart-topping hit is arguably his best of the last half-decade and an easy pick for Top 10 on this list of his greatest songs.

No. 3: "She Wouldn't Be Gone"

There's no song in Blake Shelton's catalog that paints a breathtaking picture with the same ease of "

She Wouldn't Be Gone

," his No. 1 song from 2008. He begins with, "Red roadside wild flower if I'd only picked you / Took you home set you on the counter" before his second metered stanza that goes, "Yellow sunset slowly dipping down in the rear view / Oh, how she'd love to sit and watch you / I could have done that a whole lot more."

The chorus of this song is where the tension lies, however. Shelton has told great stories before and delivered strong vocal performances plenty of times, but few songs find him so recklessly emotional as this ballad. It's almost unnerving to listen to.

No. 2: "Mine Would Be You"

" is a Top 5 Blake Shelton song because of the twist at the end that just crushes your heart. It's a love song, until suddenly it isn't. Jessi Alexander and company wrote it, but it's the singer's energy that makes the song special. As with "She Wouldn't Be Gone," there's a sense of panic so rare on the radio today. Shelton seems like such a cool character most of the time, but moments like this remind us of his gifts.

No. 1: "Austin"

Fans have, and will continue to, make a case for "

" as Blake Shelton's best song. It's certainly an all-time great debut single — one that would work in any era of country music. Early in his career, the Oklahoma native relied on veteran songwriters and producers like Bobby Braddock to shape his sound. These days everything comes with a little more polish, which is fine and probably even necessary.

You can't compare 20-year-old tracks like "Austin" with modern songs like "I'll Name the Dogs." Lyrically, his newest material lacks depth when held up against the rich tapestry of these early hits. So many songs from Shelton's first two albums make the Top 10 or even Top 20 of this list for this reason. "Austin" at No. 1? It's tempting to select another for the sake of being bold, but doing so would just be dishonest.

[kkodzvken]

luuuune can u give music recs? the songs your fics are named after are all so good

grouping these all together bc most of my inspiration does come from music!! usually, my ideas start w a general vibe or “spark”, and then i flesh it out from there. the spark normally comes from music, but sometimes it’s a book i’m reading, or a conversation i had, or just random things (for example, i saw some flowers earlier this week that gave me an idea for a dabi fic KDHFJSK). i usually pick one song and loop it while i’m writing bc otherwise the variety gets too distracting lol

recs under the cut!! i went pop -> kpop -> punk/emo/alt

to start out w, everyone and their mom recommends chase atlantic lmao but they r just SO GOOD !! and the vibes r so sexy and give me so much angst inspo skfjdkskw

songs: slide, like a rockstar, lust, consume, i never existed. the don’t try this ep is my favorite, and i’m writing a dabihawks punk band au inspired by it!!

i also listen to the weeknd (trilogy), khalid, sza and kehlani (their latest album, it was good until it wasn’t, is a fucking masterpiece) a lot while writing!! 

one of my faves is shinee, specifically jonghyun and taemin’s solo albums (ot5 until i die, but their solo music is sexy and sets the ~mood~ for writing smut lmao). i gave some jjong rec’s in the tags of this post!!

taemin songs: heaven, love and pansy hurt my heart. thirsty, criminal, famous, and sexuality are hoe songs lmao

speaking of shinee, i like other kpop as well!! bts are forever my number #1 (hyyh is one of my favorite albums ever — so bittersweet, makes me painfully nostalgic). also looove monsta x !! tomorrow x together, stray kids and ateez are also great. mamamoo r the only girl group that i like, i just can’t vibe w a lot of gg concepts skfjfjsj (although i do like a few soloists)

a lot of people stan kpop just for the idols but i do like the music a lot!!

txt: ghosting, blue hour, drama (the japanese music video is haikyuu concept lmao), our summer

monsta x: middle of the night, nobody else, gasoline (the title is in hangul so you can’t look it up specifically on streaming services, but it’s the second song on the fatal love album), last carnival, blind, my beast, turbulence (again, hangul title, but it’s track 7 on take.2 we are here)

i also recommend solo albums/mixtapes of the monsta x members!! joohoney’s psyche, i.m’s duality, and wonho’s two eps!!

and speaking of solo work, all of the bts rapline have amazing solo mixtapes. i love their group music that’s hype w heavy concepts/production/choreo (ot7 always), but the mixtapes hold a special place in my heart because they feel so ...intimate, almost? like a piece of their hearts that they’re sharing with the world. rm’s mono is the definition of comfort. j-hope’s hope world is lots of fun, but he just released the extended version of blue side, and it’s absolutely heartbreaking (and reminds me a lot of touya lol). and agust d... listen, i love him more than words can say, so his mixtapes d-2 and self-titled, along w the other song’s he’s solo produced like eight by iu, are very special to me.

i’m not majorly into skz/ateez/mamamoo like i am w the other groups, but they’re all amazing performers so i recommend checking out their comeback + awards show stages!!

i also really love eAeon, he’s a korean indie artist, and his music is breathtaking. he just dropped an album called fragile that’s i adore, the lead single don’t features rm of bts and is unbelievably beautiful.

okay that’s all good and fun but the majority of what i listen to is emo shit lmfaoo i’m definitely more into alt + punk music, here are some of my fave bands and fave songs from them!!

blood command: they are unreal i love them SO MUCH!! they’re a norwegian punk rock band w a female singer, return of the arsonist ep is when i got into them and it’s golden. no thank you i’m more into fake grindcore, saturday city, white skin/tanned teeth, and alarm all assassins are some of their best songs imo

dance gavin dance: listen... their music scratches a certain itch in my brain that makes me go insane akdjfjsk they’ve had a bunch of different lineups but the more recent albums with tillian and jon on vocals are my favorites (jonny craig can suck my dick, fuck that dude). lost, son of robot, bloodsucker, young robot, inspire the liars, jesus h. macy are all great. acceptance speech, man of the year, and evaporate make me cry/lose my mind

mannequin pussy: *chefs kiss* drunk ii is a masterpiece, i cried to that shit every day after a break up, so cathartic. cream and kiss are more upbeat, and their latest song perfect is also vv good!!! patience is a beautiful, emotional album, whereas romantic and self titled have more classic alt bops

G.L.O.S.S.: listen, theyre so fucking cool, and i respect the hell out of them. they only released a few songs before disbanding but i’ll cherish those songs until i die. they perfectly embody what punk should be. demo 2015 is on streaming services, and their second and final ep trans day of revenge can easily be found online!!

wow this is getting fucking LONG so i’ll just quickly list a few more, but this was so fun, i love talking ab music!! pls don’t be shy, i’m always down to give more recs or hear about the stuff that u like!!

movements, yonaka, shiny wet machine, real friends, skating polly, nova twins, the japanese house, bratmobile, yours truly. and, ofc, the pop punk staples: jimmy eat world, paramore, waterparks, stand atlantic, neck deep, the story so far, etc etc !!

[lunapaper]

Album Review: 'Screen Violence' - CHVRCHES

I’ve said it a lot over the years, but it bears repeating: I thought Love is Dead was awful. Most people did, in fact.

Working with super-producer Greg Kurstin, CHVRCHES’ 2018 album saw them go from sinister wordplay and cinematic soundscapes to repetitive hooks, vague platitudes and bland, Imagine Dragons-style EDM pop.

Needless to say, it didn’t go down well. In their attempt to appeal to mainstream audiences and Spotify algorithms, the Scottish trio had managed to disappoint critics and alienate longtime fans. Accusations of ‘selling out’ get thrown around all too often, but it really did feel like a betrayal of sorts.

And it only got worse from there, with the band collaborating with pop’s Kiss of Death, Marshmello, on the tepid ‘Here With Me’ (a decision they later came to regret).

Lauren Mayberry didn’t take kindly to the criticism, even accusing Stereogum’s Chris DeVille of supposedly using the record as a ‘symbol or scapegoat for something.’ What the frontwoman had a problem with is not entirely clear, though she seemed to chalk it up to politics, writing in a series of now-deleted tweets:

‘You can write a crappy album review and feel smart and what do I give a shit. But don’t minimise the ‘resistance’ as a comical joke/a stupid thing that you think is funny or smart because you are privileged enough to not actually have to think about it in real terms. It actually matters to people who live outside of you moment/life/world view, so shame on you. Maybe I live in my ‘inter personal comfort zone’ but at least I give a fucking shit. What can you say in exchange?’

DeVille’s take was, in my opinion, quite fair, even if he does admit that Love is Dead is ‘not a faceplant, but it’s definitely a stumble.’

Mayberry’s knee-jerk reaction, unfortunately, left a bitter taste in my mouth, impacting my already low opinion of Love is Dead. As I’ve also stated time and time again: What’s the point of responding to a negative review without looking petty as fuck? If you don’t want your art judge by the masses, then being an artist is probably not for you.

It’s also pretty rich of the band to try and make excuses for why everyone hated Love is Dead. No one made you produce a generic pop album. No one made you write and record a ‘tacky pop song’ with Marshmello. How could you not know that he’s a sleazy EDM bro, the rest of us did! Don’t take your shitty creative decisions out on everyone else – that's on you.

So, have CHVRCHES been able to rectify the damage on Album No.4? For the most part, yes.

Keeping production duties in-house this time around, Screen Violence combines the dystopian feel of their 2013 debut with the sleek gloss of later releases.

Written and produced through screens between LA and Glasgow in the early stages of the pandemic, the record explores the horrors that play out on screens via social media and how they translate into real-world feelings of fear, isolation and hopelessness.

On the ‘depressing but hopeful’ Asking for a Friend,’ Mayberry admits ‘'Cause I sunk some ships with selfish lips/And it all came back to me/I was terrified//I never told them why,’ riddled with self-loathing and regret. On ‘He Said She Said,’ she reckons with industry sexism and social contradictions, the track recalling the heady euphoria of the trio’s earlier singles.

‘Killing your idols is a chore/And it's such a fucking bore/'Cause I don't need them anymore,’ she asserts on the glistening ‘Good Girls,’ obliterating the pedestal that some male artists sit upon. Insecurity, however, gets the better of her on ‘Final Girl,’ wondering if she should just ‘quit, maybe go get married’ before she becomes yet another victim of the Hollywood machine.

Repetition is also employed a hell of a lot better than it was on Love is Dead. When Mayberry tells you she feels like she’s losing her mind on ‘He Said She Said, it’s like she’s in the grips of madness while trapped in a cybernetic void. Fear grips her by the throat on standout track ‘Violent Delights’ as she begs ‘I don't want to see it’ over and over again.

Screen Violence also lives up to its name music-wise, proving a lot darker and more foreboding than 2015’s Every Open Eye and even The Bones of What You Believe.

There’s jangling indie rock on ‘Violent Delights’ that give the track a foggy sense of nostalgia. On the menacing ‘Final Girl,’ they drive Mayberry’s sense of panic as she stares back in disbelief at a flickering screen, while the thumping New Wave angst of ‘Lullabies’ sees her vocals soar. Final track, ‘Better If You Don’t’ is almost straight-up grunge, evoking the feel of a rainy Glasgow morning.

And apparently ‘Nightmares’ was ‘too metal for German radio,’ suitably chilling as Mayberry asks: ‘What is it like to be the apple of your own eye?’ It could almost be mistaken for a Poppy track. Darkest, though, is ‘How Not to Drown’ with The Cure’s Robert Smith, their dissonant tones rising from the murky deep like a haunting spectre.

Screen Violence doesn't reinvent CHVRCHES, but it does help to reinvigorate them, even if the record feels a little samey at times. Some mediocre lyrics also manage to slip through the cracks, yet Mayberry’s commentary is overall cutting, brutal and sometimes tragic.

From trying to seem perfect on Love is Dead to realising things aren’t so fucking perfect after all, the trio discover that there’s ‘freedom in failure.’ Though they might never reach the dizzying heights of The Bones of What You Believe or even Every Open Eye again, CHVRCHES have found a groove that works for now just as the world finds itself in the grips of an ongoing nightmare.

Hopefully they’ll be able to sustain this momentum in the long run...

- Bianca B.

[ryqoshay]

Tri-Arame: Feelings Astray

Primary Pairing Trio: YuuAyuSetsu Words: ~1.5k Rating: G Time Frame: Something like their 4th or 5th week of college Story Arc: Stand Alone

----------

Author’s Note: Some practice drama as well as setup for future stuff.

----------

“Ne, Ayumu, Setsuna-chan.” Yuu said, turning around on her piano bench. “Would you mind listening to this for me?”

“Of course.” Ayumu and Setsuna replied, practically in unison.

Yuu smiled, stood, and walked over to Ayumu to hand her a set of headphones before giving a set to Setsuna and returning to the keyboard.

The three girls had spent the bulk of the afternoon in Yuu’s room, a bit of a change from their established habit of gathering in Ayumu’s room. This was actually their third day here, as Yuu was working on composing a new piece and needed to use her keyboard. There wasn’t space to move the device to Ayumu’s room so Ayumu and Setsuna mutually decided to keep her company. As Yuu lacked a kotatsu for her guests to gather around, she let Setsuna use her desk to study and Ayumu was sitting on the couch taking a break from her own studies to play a game with Rina on her phone.

Ayumu sent a message to her gaming companion and closed the app before donning the headset. She nodded to Yuu to indicate that she was ready. The twintailed girl smiled again and turned on her bench.

After a deep breath, Yuu positioned her fingers above the keys and began to play. Music poured out of the tiny speakers into Ayumu’s ears as she leaned back and let the experience wash over her. By the gods, she loved listening to Yuu play. Ever since her childhood friend had changed her class course to music back in high school, getting to be part of the audience for small, private concerts had become one of Ayumu’s favorite pastimes. Even if the song was still a work in progress, like today.

Movement off to Yuu’s side caught Ayumu’s attention. Setsuna had sat up straighter, closed her eyes and lifted her chin. Was she…? Ayumu slid one side of her headphones off. Yes, Setsuna was indeed humming along, adding a melody atop Yuu’s piece. Did she already know the tune?

“La la la… Lalala laaa~…” Setsuna apparently was not content to merely hum and began vocalizing instead. No actual lyrics, just the sound of her voice.

And it was beautiful. The harmony was perfect. Ayumu wanted to simply sit and bear witness, but she found herself wondering if Yuu could hear Setsuna as well. She was about to stand and either try to get Yuu’s attention or discreetly move one side of her headphones off like she had done herself. But then Yuu’s hand shot up and quickly did exactly that, barely missing a note. Oh, good. Ayumu relaxed and continued to enjoy the performance.

Then, all too soon, it came to an end.

Setsuna opened her eyes as though coming out of a trance. She blinked and stiffened as she noticed that Yuu’s headphones were half off and it was obvious she had heard her. Pink began to dust her cheeks.

“I’m sorry, Yuu-san!” Setsuna blurted out. “I didn’t mean to interfere! I just couldn’t help…”

“That was amazing, Setsuna-chan!” Yuu interrupted excitedly.

“Eh?”

“I hadn’t even considered adding another melody like that, but it was perfect!”

“It really was amazing.” Ayumu agreed, earning a toothy grin from Yuu and a more bashful smile from Setsuna.

“Do you think maybe you could write lyrics to this?” Yuu continued.

“Me? Lyrics?” Setsuna asked.

“Well you just came up with that lovely melody. Surely you could put some words to it, right?”

“Maybe.”

“Obviously I would be happy to help. But, hey, if we do that, maybe you could even use it as a single!”

“Oh, uhm…” Setsuna’s blush deepened. “I wouldn’t want to interfere with your schoolwork.”

“It’s fine.” Yuu assured. “The assignment is just to compose an original work, there’s nothing against turning around and letting a professional idol add lyrics and use it herself.”

“You’d really be alright with that?”

“Of course!” Yuu was practically bouncing in her seat. “It’d be like old times back in the idol club, except now Setsuna-chan is a professional idol.”

Like old times…

“I’d like that.” Setsuna’s smile became more natural as her blush began to fade. “It really is a wonderful work and it would be an honor to sing to it. Thank you, Yuu-san.”

As the two started talking about potential themes for the lyrics, Ayumu found her own thoughts drifting.

There was no doubt in Ayumu’s mind as to Setsuna’s musical prowess, specifically when it came to utilizing her voice. But still, to predict and adjust on the fly like she had just done also implied an implicit trust in Yuu and incredible knowledge about her style of composition. And that was a bond Ayumu simply did not share with Yuu. Or Setsuna for that matter.

Sure, back in high school, Ayumu had done well enough as a school idol, when it came to performing. But she was nowhere near as active as either Yuu or Setsuna when it came the creation of the songs they would sing or the choreography they would use.

Ayumu’s contributions to the club were more of general support. She helped the costume club occasionally with outfit design and creation. She often helped the baking club make snacks for the other idols. And of course, she very much enjoyed being the go-to individual for help with styling her friends’ hair before Live performances or photoshoots, particularly for those with longer hair, like Kanata, Shizuku and Setsuna.

But that often meant that she was doing something for the club other than either Yuu or Setsuna. And they were often doing something together, like when they were spearheading the efforts to organize the School Idol Festival. So, of course they would develop that sort of bond.

And nowadays, they had bonded over many other things as well. They geeked out over idols and anime, often to the point of seeming to forget Ayumu’s presence; not unlike right now. And sure, Yuu had taken to snuggling into Ayumu in bed, but Setsuna seemed to cling to Yuu with a desperation that neither did with her. Even their morning meeting on the balcony, they were more often next to one another. Who knows, the next thing they’ll bond over might end up being cooking.

Was Ayumu getting in their way?

No. That couldn’t be the case.

Both actively sought her out for drying their hair whenever they washed it. Yuu was very open about that fact that she had no desire to go to any hairstylist other than her, for cuts, dyeing or anything else. And while Setsuna hadn’t said as such out loud, her actions seemed to imply that she felt similar.

Both girls were also vocal in their gratitude for all of the cooking Ayumu did for them. And knowing how much they enjoyed her food was something in which Ayumu did take some pride. Not too much, as she knew there were far better cooks than her out in the world. But if the two people she loved most were happy with it, then that was enough to make her happy.

And then there was the fact that Yuu was quite insistent on walking to class with Ayumu, despite having a later schedule. And Setsuna always greeted her enthusiastically when she arrived home. Although she greeted Yuu the same way. And Yuu greeted Setsuna the same way as well… Perhaps that wasn’t the best example.

Even the private piano performances had started out only being for Ayumu. But then Setsuna started to join in regularly. And while Ayumu was certainly happy when the three of them were together, there started to be more and more times like now. More and more times that the other two seemed to forget Ayumu was present.

Maybe I should just move out and let them be a happy cou…

Wait, where did that thought come from?

Ayumu physically shook her head as though it might help rid herself of that thought.

“Ayumu?”

“Mm?” Ayumu blinked to find Yuu had turned her attention to her.

“You alright?”

“I’m fine. I just…”

Ayumu was interrupted by the sound of Setsuna’s stomach growling. Loudly. Yuu immediately started laughing while Setsuna’s face flushed adorably.

Ayumu held back a laugh of her own. “I suppose it is about that time.” She said, checking her phone. “I’ll go make dinner.”

“I’ll come with.” Yuu said, bouncing up from her bench.

“Oh, I’ll be fine.” Ayumu assured. “Please continue to work here if you want.”

“I’m good here for now.” Yuu shook her head. “And I need to do a few things on my laptop anyway.”

Ayumu noticed Setsuna close her own laptop and stand as well. “I’ll come as well.” The raven-haired girl said with a smile.

“Mm.” Ayumu agreed with a nod and headed for the door.

So, Ayumu and Setsuna had decided to keep Yuu company in her room. And now Yuu and Setsuna wanted to keep Ayumu company in hers. That meant they all wanted to stay together, right?

Yes. That had to be the case.

Ayumu thought to herself as she led the way back to her room. It was fine. That strange thought from before should just be forgotten.

Everything was fine.

Right…?

----------

Author’s Note Continued in Followup Post

[kerikaaria]

If I Never Met You: Chapter 24

(??? X Reader) Idol!AU, Manager!Reader

Genre: (PG13) Fluff

WC: 3.7k

Warnings: None

Series Masterlist

Chapter 23 | Chapter 24 | Chapter 25

The rest of the boys returned from Japan today, the day after Yoongi’s surgery, but after today we wouldn’t see them for the next three days since they’d be out of town for fan sign events. They were going to Busan, Daegu, and Daejeon which were hours away from Seoul but not too far from each other, so rather than them go back and forth they won’t return until after the last one.

Obviously he was an adult and could take care of himself, but Bang also insisted that I stay back with Yoongi. I wasn’t complaining, and it seemed like he wasn’t either. I didn’t think he liked the idea of being left alone for such a long period of time.

I sat next to Yoongi while he worked on the computer in his studio. He was doing something on a music program to put together a song, but I couldn’t make any sense of what he was doing. Yoongi had asked me if we could come to the company today so he could work on music rather than just lay around at home. I had been curious how this worked anyway, so I couldn’t argue with the idea.

Yoongi glanced at me out of the corner of his eyes a couple of times before pausing what he was doing. “Do you have to sit that close?” he asked.

I hadn’t noticed that I had slowly inched closer to him and the screen. I scooched back into my seat. “Sorry, I didn’t realize I got that close. I was just trying to figure out how this all works.”

“You’re really that curious?” he asked, removing his headphones.

I nodded. “Yeah, I’ve actually been curious for a while.”

“I think Bang was right when he pegged you as someone ‘hungry for knowledge’.” He chuckled. “But you have an interest in music, noona?” His eyes lit up a bit.

I smiled. “I’ve always had an interest.”

“You’ve never said anything before.” He turned in his chair to face me.

“I’ve kind of been busy with everything else since I’ve been here, so I didn’t really try to put any time aside for it. Besides, I don’t think I could write music myself. I am just curious.”

“It doesn’t hurt to give it a shot if you’re interested,” he smiled. “Do you have any musical background?”

I nodded. “I’ve played instruments since I was young. And I have some very basic music theory knowledge that I learned in high school and my year in college back home. But not much else other than that.”

“That sounds like quite a lot to me. And to be honest, you don’t need to be knee-deep in musical theory to start trying to write songs if you want. It’s helpful, but if you have an ear for music then you can just kind of figure it out on your own as you go.”

“I guess that makes sense.”

“What instruments do you play?”

“Well at school I played the flute. And I’ve played piano on my own since I was young.”

He smiled. “I haven’t seen or heard you play at all. Have you played recently?”

I shook my head. “It’s been a while. I think I may have played a little bit just a couple of times after I started working here, but that’s about it. I definitely haven’t for months.”

“You should play something. I want to hear it.”

My eyes widened. “I think I’ll pass.” I chuckled nervously and rubbed the back of my head. “I’ve heard you play and you’re absolutely amazing. I’m not that great.”

Yoongi shook his head. “I won’t judge you, noona. I just want to hear you play.”

I scrunched my face in contemplation. “It’s still been a while, though. I don’t know if I can play well…”

“Like I said, I won’t judge.” When I still hesitated, he crossed his arms. “Well, I can’t force you. But if you play for me I’ll show you how to use the program and some basics on making music.”

“Really?” I asked, excited.

He laughed. “Yeah, really.”

I thought for another moment before deciding. “Alright then. Just one song.”

We both stood up to go to the nearby practice room that had a piano. I sat at the bench while he stood next to me and I contemplated what piece I should play. While I recalled the library of songs I knew without sheet music, one song jumped out to me. It was simple enough that being a bit out of practice shouldn’t affect my playing as much as others. I hovered my hands over the keys, but hesitated. It was a song with lyrics.

“What’s wrong?” Yoongi asked.

“There was a song I was thinking of playing, but…” I hummed as I contemplated if I should play it or not. “It has lyrics, and without singing the song sounds pretty empty. Most of the piano part can’t really stand on its own…”

“Then sing too,” he said simply.

I turned to him and blinked a few times. “I’m already going to embarrass myself with my piano skills that are nowhere near matching yours, and now you’re asking me to sing? In front of a musician? Whose group has singers with absolutely amazing voices?”

He nodded with a confident smile. “Come on. I’m sure it’s not that bad, noona. You’re always hard on yourself. I’m sure you’re better than you give yourself credit for.”

I bit the inside of my cheek nervously. “I don’t know…”

“Or we could just forget this and I can go back to my studio alone.”

I thought for another moment, and he started backing towards the door. “Okay, okay. Fine. I’ll do it.” I felt butterflies in my stomach at the realization I was about to embarrass myself in front of him. “Let me just warm up my hands a bit.”

He smiled triumphantly and gestured for me to go ahead.

I played some basic warm up scales and exercises in the key the song was in, and then a couple of the main chords the song used to make sure I wouldn’t fumble around quite as much.

It was a song I really loved and listened to a lot in high school. Vanessa Carlton played the piano herself and wrote her own music. She was mostly known for A Thousand Miles, which of course was a classic for her. But she had a lot of great songs and this one, Home, was one of my absolute favorites of hers. It was simple enough that I learned to play it myself just by ear, but it was still a beautiful song. I closed my eyes and collected myself before playing the first chord of the song.

After the first few measures, I took in a breath and started singing the lyrics. I still felt nervous, so my voice shook a bit at first. But as I continued, I started feeling more comfortable and relaxed a bit. The music picked up a bit for the second part of the first verse, and even more so when the chorus came around. I was a bit nervous at that point because that part of the melody was heading towards the top of my vocal range. But I was luckily able to hit the notes steadily and without faltering on the keys.

When the second verse came, I felt completely in my element. I was focused on my hands moving and periodically closed my eyes to feel the music even more, forgetting that I had an audience listening and watching.

After the chorus repeated, there was a brief break from singing while the piano melody calmed down before a short third and final verse. Knowing the lyrics that were coming, I felt a warmth in my heart. “For me, it’s a glance and the smile on your face.” I pictured him smiling and laughing. “And the touch of your hands, an honest embrace.” I could almost feel the strength of his arms around me. “For where I lay it’s you I keep. This changing world, I fall asleep. With you, all I know is I’m coming home, coming home.”

I continued to play the rest of the piano part that mimicked the chorus after the singing was over and slowly died down until it sounded like it was over. But the piano part continued, starting soft and slowly building up and getting stronger. It built until the part that I was most worried about getting right. It wasn’t very difficult even if it sounded like it to a listener, but the challenge was in maintaining a lot of control to keep the tempo and not get your fingers tangled. I managed to make it through without fumbling and then the music calmed down again to just the main chords quietly ringing. I finished the song and lifted my hands from the keys.

I realized how I thought of him again while playing the song. I had been noticing he’d been on my mind more lately, but I hadn’t been thinking much of it.

There was no way that I… No I couldn’t. It wasn’t possible.

Right?

I was startled from my thoughts when I heard a few slow claps come from Yoongi, still standing next to the piano. I had almost forgotten he was there.

“That was really great, noona.” He smiled sweetly, big enough that his gums showed. “I don’t know what you were so worried about. Yeah, it might not be a high-level piece, but that doesn’t matter. It was a beautiful song and you played it wonderfully. And also, your singing voice sounds lovely. You shouldn’t be so insecure about it.”

I nervously rubbed my hands together in my lap, staring at them and feeling my face flush from the compliments. “Thanks, Yoongi.”

“You seem like you have a really nice talent for music,” he said. “Why’d you stop?”

“Well, when I graduated high school I wanted to be a music teacher,” I said. “That was my original goal.”

“You weren’t studying music when you transferred here though, were you?” he asked.

I shook my head. “No. During my first year of college back home I realized that it would probably be difficult to find a stable job. A lot of schools care more about sports than the arts. It happened to my school after I graduated too. They got a new principle that didn’t care about music or arts and he cut the really wonderful music program in half. I decided to just keep music as a hobby.”

“That really sucks,” he said.

I nodded. “Yeah. I felt bad for the students still there. It wasn’t fair what he did to the program. Especially because he had also bought one of the sports teams new uniforms even though the ones they already had weren’t even old.” I sighed, remembering how frustrated I was to hear to news. “But I didn’t feel like I lost a dream or anything like that. I was still figuring myself out, and I found something else I enjoyed studying and went down that path. But now obviously I have a completely new one that I am perfectly happy with.” I looked up to smile at my friend.

“You looked so happy and free while you played,” Yoongi said. “You should really keep up with music. No matter how you choose to do so. It seems to be a part of you and I think it would be a shame if you let that piece of you die when you clearly love it so much.”

“I’ll do my best not to.”

“Come on, let me show you around the music software.”

I got up excitedly to follow him back into his studio to learn something new.

If Yoongi were to say that he didn’t enjoy the past few days with (Y/n) he’d be lying. It was strangely comfortable, it being just the two of them in the house. He could cook fine on his own, but she still cooked all of their meals, and he was pleasantly surprised that she had gotten really good at cooking Korean food. Most of the time they spent at home was just comfortable, quiet companionship. But he also found himself talking quite a bit more than he was used to. Maybe it was because he wasn’t competing against six others to get a word in.

After she played that song for him, he asked her the name so he could look it up and found a translation to Korean of the lyrics. The song itself was very nice, and the lyrics were rather poetic as well. The last verse made him smile, and he couldn’t help but wonder if she had anyone specific on her mind when she sang it. He knew he definitely did.

The time they spent together in his studio was nice as well. He kept to his word of showing her how to work the program and basics on putting a song together. He wouldn’t let her listen to his current projects, but did let her check out ones he already finished. She soaked up information like a sponge, and he was pleasantly surprised both by how eager she was to learn, and how well she did. He really did hope she wouldn’t let the fire she harbored for music die.

Bang was also happy they were spending time at the company, having stopped by a few times to check on him and how he was doing. It was such a comfort to know that he was more worried about his employees being healthy than getting a little more money out of them. He’d seen people from other groups in this industry get injured or sick and not have much, if any, time to recover before their bosses forced them on the stage again. Even if their company was small and they weren’t very popular, he thought that he was far happier here than he would have been somewhere else.

Unfortunately, he couldn’t spend as much time at his studio as he had wanted to. His body was still tired and wanting him to sleep half of the day away while he recovered. And while sometimes he felt like she was overdoing it, he couldn’t deny that it was nice to have (Y/n) take care of him and just be here.

Spending so much time with (Y/n) just felt so comfortable to Yoongi. He was lowkey upset that the others would be returning later today and things would go back to normal. It was of course a good thing and he missed his members, but he wanted to savor every moment of this while it lasted.

They ate the lunch (Y/n) made together, a comfortable silence hanging between them. Yoongi glanced at (Y/n)’s face where she sat across from him and had to hide a smile at how adorable she looked, her cheeks puffed out when she took a bite that was a little too big. He also noticed how tired she looked, her eyes staying closed just half a second too long when she blinked. She said she’d been getting enough sleep, but he recalled her saying shortly after they moved to their new houses about how she takes a while to get comfortable in a new bed. She was probably having trouble sleeping in Jin’s bed.

Not to mention, she was basically still being a manager, just on a more personal level for Yoongi. He felt like she was overworking herself even though it wasn’t a big deal and he could still do basically anything he wanted to on his own. He couldn’t help but wonder why (Y/n) went so far for him. Yeah, she was a kind-hearted person and of course he knew that. But, would she have done as much as she has for any of the others too?

“You want to go back to your studio today?” (Y/n) asked, interrupting his thoughts.

“Let’s stay here today, noona,” Yoongi responded. “You look really tired, I don’t want you driving like that.”

“I’m fine, don’t worry about me.” She smiled, her exhaustion still evident in her expression.

“I know you’re eager to learn more about writing music,” Yoongi said, “but I don’t think it’s worth getting into an accident on the way.”

“I don’t want you to have to sit around the house all day though,” she said frowning.

“Don’t worry about me, I can survive. You should go take a nap.” She hesitated, looking unsure if it was okay to be selfish for once. “Noona, you’ve been spending so much time worrying about me, but you’re not taking care of yourself. I don’t want you getting sick on my account.” Yoongi collected some of the dishes to take into the kitchen, both of them having finished their meal.

“Are you really sure?” she asked, following him with what he didn’t have enough hands for.

“Of course. I’m actually a little tired myself, could probably use a nap as well before the others come back and I can’t get any more peace and quiet.”

She giggled and Yoongi couldn’t hold back his smile at the sound.

“Okay then,” she said. “I guess we’ll take a nap. Once I get these dishes clean, at least. You can go first.” She barely got the last sentence out as she started to yawn.

“Let me clean them,” Yoongi insisted. “You really can barely keep your eyes open. I got this, noona.” She opened her mouth to protest, but Yoongi responded before she could say anything. “I won’t tear my stitches by doing dishes.”

When she didn’t move, he stood behind her, pushing on her shoulders to direct her towards the bedroom and next to Jin’s bed. He gave her a pointed look, and she caved in and climbed the ladder, laying down on the bed. He nodded in approval before going back to the kitchen to clean.

It was quick, since (Y/n) was good at not making a mess when she cooked and used minimal dishes, which was saying something for Korean meals that had multiple side dishes. Even though it didn’t take him long, when he returned to the bedroom Yoongi found (Y/n) already asleep.

He smiled, taking a moment to step on the ladder to the bunk so he could look at the peaceful expression on her face as she slept. He couldn’t count how many times he caught himself catching glimpses of her when she wasn’t looking these past few days. After a few moments, Yoongi laid down in his own bed, and was soon enough about to drift into sleep himself.

Until he heard (Y/n) making a noise in her sleep and pried his eyes open quickly. As far as he could tell, she was a pretty quiet sleeper and the noise had sounded a bit distressed so it seemed unusual. He turned to look in the direction of Jin’s bed, listening carefully. There it was again.

He quickly got up and climbed up to the bunk to see if she was okay. He found her with her eyebrows furrowed, breathing ragged, and knees curled into her chest. She whimpered, and it was obvious she was having a nightmare.

“Noona,” Yoongi said, crawling onto the bed and gently shaking her shoulder. “Noona, wake up.” She wasn’t budging, and now she was even sweating. Even if it was just a dream, Yoongi couldn’t stand seeing her so distressed. “Come on, wake up,” he said more loudly and shaking her shoulder a little more roughly to try to force her awake.

Her eyes flew open and she took in a deep shaky breath as she quickly sat up. “It’s okay, noona,” Yoongi said, making her look at him. “It’s all right, you were just dreaming. What were you dreaming about?”

She lowered her gaze and shook her head. “I don’t… I don’t want to think about it right now.” She was still trying to catch her breath and tears threatening to fall from her eyes.

“Okay,” Yoongi replied. “That’s fair.” He took a good look at her and saw that she still seemed scared, so he wrapped his arms around her securely. (Y/n) was surprised at the action; Yoongi didn’t usually initiate hugs. But she relaxed a bit and returned the gesture, gripping tightly.

“It’s okay, noona.” His voice was muffled by her hair. “Whatever it was, it wasn’t real. You should get some sleep, you weren’t even asleep for very long.” He pulled away from her and gave her a soft smile.

(Y/n) nodded, calming down. “Okay. I’m sorry I woke you.”

“I hadn’t fallen asleep yet, it’s okay.” He sat next to her for another minute while she laid back down and readjusted herself to go back to sleep. Once he was convinced she was relaxed again he walked back to his own bunk. “Sleep well, noona. Don’t get any more nightmares, okay?”

She chuckled. “Alright, I’ll try not to. Thank you, Yoongi.”

“Of course, noona,” Yoongi said as he made himself comfortable again, facing toward the bed she lay in. “You know I’m always here for you, just like how you’re always there for us.”

After a few minutes, (Y/n) stirred a little bit. “Yoongi,” she said very sleepily.

“Is something wrong?” Yoongi asked.

“Could you come here?” she asked.

He was confused but complied, walking back over to her. “What’s wrong, noona?”

“I’d feel better if you’re close.” (Y/n)’s speech was really slurred from how tired she was, but he could still understand her. “That dream… I just want to know you’re okay.”

He wondered what happened in the nightmare if she was concerned about his safety. “If I sleep in the bunk next to you is that okay?” Yoongi asked quietly.

She lazily patted the spot on the bed next to her. “Can you stay here?”

Yoongi’s eyes widened. She was asking him to sleep next to her. On the same bed. He blinked rapidly as his face flushed.

“Yoongi?” she called when he didn’t answer. “Please?”

“O-okay,” he finally replied as he finished climbing the ladder and gently lay down beside her, being careful not to make any contact with her. He thought it’d be fine just as long as he could keep a little bit of room in between them.

“Thank you,” (Y/n) said, half-asleep.

Yoongi lay on his side facing her, watching her fall asleep until he heard (Y/n)’s breath steady to a slow rhythm. He fell asleep as well, knowing that when they woke up this beautiful dream he’d been living the past few days would be over.

Series Masterlist

Chapter 23 | Chapter 24 | Chapter 25

Tags: @calling-dips-on-j-hope​ @misohime​ @netflix-batman-sleep​ @smallbaby-cat​ @leitholdwithlove​ @ramyagovindraj​ @leesalts​ @rjsmochii​

Send me a message or ask if you want tagged! And also feel free to leave comments or send asks to just talk to me!

[jdevyn]

AU! IkeRev Suitors in a KPOP Group! HCS

Because while I was making the Just Do It Lyric video if Blanc, Oliver and Kyle were to sing it had me thinking if they were part of a subunit, what the actual group would be like... 

(I wanted to do a super group and have all of the suitors in one big group but it was too much to try and make facts for all of them so I handpicked my own suitors I would put in a group together. They are listed in order of oldest to youngest for this AU)

Stage name: Lance Real name: Lancelot Kingsley Position: Leader, Lead Rapper, Sub Vocalist, Producer Nationality: Korean-Taiwanese

Has trained the longest out of the everyone in the group with 6 years

Has also known Harr the longest amongst the members

Although he is half Taiwanese he only speaks Korean

Is known for his amazing charisma on stage, however off stage he is very quiet and actually very clumsy. One time after their comeback stage as they were exiting he walked into one of the floating cameras

In a Dingo interview when asked who was the most troublesome member he said Oliver. "Mmm... He might be the most troublesome but... He takes care of the other members well."

He produces the group's songs, and often co-writes music with Harr

He is very shy with people he doesn't know very well

He gets very competitive when they play games, and if they can choose partners he will normally choose Jonah who is just as competitive, so that he can win

All the members agree that he is the best listener and they can go to him if they have any problems

He is good friends with Bang Chan from Stray Kids

Currently shares a dorm with Fenrir and Jonah

Stage name: Blanc Real name: Blanc Lapin Position: Lead Rapper, Lead Vocalist Nationality: Chinese

He is known as the mother of the group 

He is also known as the gentleman of the group by the fans 

He is fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese, his Korean is actually a lot better than he gives himself credit for

He is known for his signature deep voiced raps

Actually has a really good singing voice which surprised a lot of fans when he first sung an a song

He trained for 4 years before debut

He is closest with Kyle and Oliver. Kyle approached him first as he was able to speak Mandarin to him. "I was really happy when Kyle spoke to me in mandarin when I first joined. I was really nervous my Korean wouldn't be understandable."

Oliver makes fun of his Korean when he can though, and sometimes teaches him the wrong meanings to some words

He is the leader of the subunit with Kyle and Oliver

He is good friends with Jackson from GOT7 and Lucas from NCT

Currently shares a dorm with Oliver

Stage name: Joker Real name: Harr Silver Position: Main vocalist Nationality: Korean

He was forced by his friend to audition because he has such an amazing voice

He actually failed several auditions before he was accepted

He actually didn’t want to pursue any more auditions. “My friend, he kept pushing me to keep auditioning. He would help me with the critiques I got so I could better polish them for the next audition. If it wasn’t for him, I really wouldn’t be here.” 

When asked if he was still in contact with this friend he said he was “He’s self declared himself as my number one fan. (Laughs) He’s really crazy, I honestly feel like he would be better suited in an idol group. He has red hair and amazing visuals.”

He still gets very nervous performing in front of a crowd. He was once criticised that he was lacking in his dance and stage presence in the  comeback they were doing in an interview once. This made Jonah mad who is also the group’s other main vocals, "I would like to hear you sing as well as him then." Jonah got reprimanded by Lance soon after the interview

Learning choreography is hard for him, he is always the last to leave the dance studio, luckily for him Oliver always stays to help him out

He writes, and composes some of the groups songs along with Lance

He is good friends with Hwasa of MAMAMOO whom he looks up to for her stage presence and singing

Currently shares a dorm with Seth and Kyle

Stage name: Oliver Real name: Oliver Knight Position: Main dancer, Lead Vocalist, Visual Nationality: British

Born in London

1/2 of English line

Speaks English, Korean, Cantonese and Mandarin fluently. He is currently learning Japanese with Kyle

He was scouted when he was 12 when a video of him dancing went viral

Was a YG trainee

Is an overall well rounded idol, he can sing, dance, and rap

He is actually a very good singer and originally joined to be a main vocalist, however they needed a main dancer and his position was switched

Is pretty active on his Instagram often posting pranks he pulls on the other members

He is often thought to be a fairly quiet person, however he is the most playful, and when people get to know him they say his visuals and personality don't match at all

He likes to collect teas from the places they tour

He is good friends with Kai from EXO and Woozi from SEVENTEEN (Woozi: "... This greedy guy, share your height with me.")

Currently shares a dorm with Blanc

Stage name: G.SPEED Real name: Fenrir Godspeed Position: Main Rapper, Sub Vocalist, Face of the Group Nationality: Korean American

He is the group's mood maker

2/2 of English line

He was born in Los Angeles

He was scouted at the mall

Passed his audition with his vocals, but he ended up really loving rapping

He along with Seth appear the most on talk shows to promote the group

Amongst the group he does the most V-LIVES. Sometimes when he appears with Oliver they both speak English for the international fans. Kyle also sometimes joins them as he is trying to polish his English

His idol is G-Dragon

Has the most energy on stage and is often the one yelling SORI JILLUH!!!! (Make some noise!!!!!)

He was voted as the most ambitious of the group always wanting to do a different stage for the fans

Friends with Bobby from iKon

Currently shares a dorm with Lance, and Jonah

Stage name: Seth (Stylized as SETH✩) Real name: Seth Hyde Position: Lead vocalist, Lead dancer, Visual, Sub Rapper Nationality: Korean

He is the official visual of the group

He skipped school to audition

He did not get along with Oliver when they first met. They get along much better now and fans consider them adoring frenemies. They often get competitive against each other, however if they are on the same team for games they actually get along scarily well for the sake of winning

They once almost had a full blown fist fight when during dance practice Seth had really accidentally extended his leg too far and tripped Oliver

Lance had to intervene to calm the two

Now they often reenact the moment during fansigns for laughs

When asked if he would ever cut his hair, he said “It’s my charm point don’t you think?”

He said he would consider cutting his hair for a comeback, MAYBE

He is friends with a lot girl idols including YooA from Oh My Girl, Miyeon from (G)I-DLE and CHUNG HA

Currently sharing a dorm with Harr and Kyle

Stage name: Kyle Real name: Kyle Ash Position: Main Rapper, Lead Dancer, Sub Vocalist Nationality: Korean

Fluent in Korean, Mandarin, and getting very good at English. He is also learning Japanese with Oliver. His reason for learning is actually because he loves anime

He is extremely intelligent, with an IQ of 155

He originally was planning to study to become a doctor after high school 

He auditioned on a dare but he passed

He became friends with Jeonghan of SEVENTEEN during Idol Olympics when he went searching for a quiet place to nap between events, and he found Jeonghan napping in the space he was going to

He is also close friends with Vernon of SEVENTEEN

He is often praised for his rap flow and writing

He is currently learning the guitar in his spare time

He says he is envious of Oliver’s dress sense, “Oliver hyung always dresses so well. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him in just a t-shirt.”

He really admires Seth’s fashion sense even if he annoys him, “Ahh it’s annoying... Seth hyung always is on trend.”

Currently shares a dorm with Harr and Seth

Stage Name: Jonah Real name: Jonah Clemence Psoition: Main vocalist, Visual, Maknae Nationality: Taiwanese

His parents originally wouldn't let him audition, but he kept singing late into the night and would annoying them all day until they caved and said he could audition. He ended up being the only one who passed the auditions

He is currently starring in a Korean drama

He is a huge fan of Girls’ Generation Taeyon

He is actually really good at aegyo, but is really shy to do it

Has a younger brother named Luka

Seth told a story of how whenever Jonah would talk about Luka on a talk show Luka would always text him right away saying, “STUPID HYUNG DON'T TALK ABOUT ME!!”

The interviewers laughed, and asked if Luka actually calls his brother stupid and the whole group was like, YES!!

Jonah completely missed the point though and he was just overjoyed that his younger brother watched him on TV

He is the maknae of the group however he hates it and all the other members make fun of him for this especially Seth

He is friends with Jungkook from BTS and Eunwoo from Astro

Currently shares a room with Lance and Fenrir

[skottydawgblog]

Top 25 Albums of All Time

Scott Welsch

Criteria:

Every song on the album must be attractive for listening. No “skippers” on the album. No, “Eh, that song kinda sucks” on the album. *Greatest Hits albums ARE NOT acceptable for this list. (This rule devastates me, as it disqualifies Foo Fighters)

2. The album/music/lyrics should still be relevant (and listenable) today.

3. The artist can’t just be for a specific crowd or followers (e.g. Jimmy Buffet, Grateful Dead, Moody Blues, etc.).

4. There is no need for the album to have won any awards or previous recognition.

5. I could have easily made this a “Top 100”, but I have a life.

TOP TWENTY FIVE ALBUMS OF ALL TIME:

#25 Billy Joel — Glass Houses

I played this album at bedtime growing up. I listened to side one, flipped the album, then listened to side two until the needle lulled me to sleep by making the “click click” noise at the end of the record. The album features Billy Joel’s first song to reach #1 status on Billboard (Still Rock and Roll To Me).

#24 Guns n Roses — Appetite For Destruction

My best friend in the 80s said to me, “Have you heard of this new band?” and handed me a cassette tape (in 1987). I listened to the entire cassette from start to finish the first time, and thought to myself, “Oh, man. These guys are gonna be huge.” Sure enough, Guns n Roses became one of the best-known names in modern rock. Their debut album (Appetite) has a buffet of glorious songs to listen to. Repeatedly.

#23 Elton John — Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Elton John released this album as a two-disc set because he ended up writing and recording more songs than required by his recording company for the release. His creativity had kicked in full force (and then some). He recorded it in Jamaica (the country, not the neighborhood in Queens, NY).

#22 Red Hot Chili Peppers — Blood Sugar Sex Magik

The Chili Peppers’ fifth studio album, BSSM pushed them into mainstream. Prior to this album, the closest they had gotten was with a Stevie Wonder cover of Higher Ground on the Mother’s Milk album. No one has ever duplicated the variety of melodic undertones created by the combination of acid-rock, soul-funk, early alt-rock, and blues style on BSSM.

#21 Billy Idol — Billy Idol

Billy Idol’s debut album, released in 1982, was an absolute success after his breakup with the band Generation X. The song Dancing With Myself (track 11 on the 1983 reissue of the album) was actually a song originally recorded BY Generation X (with Billy Idol on lead vocals). It was a retail failure when released with Generation X, but when Billy Idol re-recorded and re-released it as a solo artist, it went mainstream.

#20 The Police — Zenyatta Mondotta

This was the last album The Police recorded by combining their reggae and punk music style before they switched to a more “popular” music style. Songs like Canary In A Coal Mine and Bombs Away had innuendos of political undertones, while Don’t Stand So Close To Me and De Do Do Do De Da Da Da were more lackadaisical and humorous.

#19 Van Halen — Van Halen

This album is an anomaly. Van Halen is a very well known band. They produced twelve albums. Yet, this is their debut album and has their legacy songs. The album has reached Diamond status by selling over ten million copies. It has one of the best-known guitar instrumental songs in history (eruption).

#18 Nirvana — Nevermind

This is my nod to the Foo Fighters, since they are not eligible for the list. Nevermind was the cork that popped and brought alternative rock (as a whole) into the mainstream. It basically created a whole new genre of both musicians and fans.

#17 Lynyrd Skynyrd — (Pronounced Lĕh-’nérd ‘Skin-’nérd)

Well…Free Bird, of course. I don’t need to write any about this album more than that.

#16 Pink Floyd — The Wall

I used to just listen to this album and watch the movie because it was the cool thing to do. Then, once I picked apart the meaning behind both (the music and the screenplay), it was totally eye opening. Pink Floyd was successful at concept before concept was cool.

#15 The Doors — The Doors

The Doors recorded this album in less than a month, yet it will inspire musicians for centuries. Critics often rate it the best album of all time.

#14 Rainmakers — Rainmakers

The Rainmakers self-titled album epitomizes my “100%” criterion. Every well written song tells a story, either historically or humorously. Also, The Rainmakers made rockabilly cool when no one knew what rockabilly was.

#13 Rush — Moving Pictures

With so many amazing Rush albums to choose from, it was difficult to pick just one. However, the rules of my list narrowed it down to Moving Pictures. I have spent countless nights in my life listening to this album from start to finish. Although Side B has no songs that ever received radio play, they are still AMAZING songs.

#12 Linkin Park — Hybrid Theory

This debut album launched Linkin Park into their river of greatness. Linkin Park was initially rejected by 42 recording agents before recording Hybrid Theory and becoming one of the all-time greatest alt rock bands.

#11 Beastie Boys — Licensed To Ill

Licensed To Ill is one of the fastest selling debut albums in history. It gained Diamond status (over 10 million copies). Some claim that Licensed To Ill is the best punk rap album ever released.

#10 Van Halen–5150

5150 was Van Halen’s debut album with Sammy Hagar as lead singer. Each song has crisp, clear instrumentals and incredibly well written music. Although the album received negative reviews from critics, each song creates different feelings and scenarios with the tempos and feelings. I know, I know. Van Halen is already on this list. However, as stated: this album is with Sammy Hagar as lead singer. The previous one was David Lee Roth.

#9 Violent Femmes — Violent Femmes

This was Violent Femmes debut album. It was the party album of the eighties. Every partygoer knew every lyric to every song. The Femmes had one of the most distinctive sounds of the times and remains an enduring classic. The minimalism and simplicity of their music created the attractiveness, and their lyrics are a drug.

#8 New Order — Substance

This is a compilation (2 disc) album. NOT a greatest hits album. It contains a ton of great New Order music. The only reason I made the exception (of “Greatest Hits”) is because it has a “B” sides disc included with many unreleased, 12-inch, and dub versions of the original songs. For New Order fans, this is a gold mine.

#7 The Who — Who’s Next

There are so many great tracks on here. The primary reason this one made the list is Baba O’Riley. This song (often mislabeled as Teenage Wasteland) was originally 30 minutes long. I would have had no problem with the song being that long.

#6 Prince — Purple Rain

Purple Rain had innovation that was unheard of in the early ’80s. For example, When Doves Cry does not have a bass line. The consolidation of R&B with rock was a new concept. Lastly, Prince’s guitar playing on this album was out of this world.

#5 U2 — Joshua Tree

Bono’s “great romance” and fascination with the United States served as the inspirations for The Joshua Tree. I wonder if Bono would have found today’s United States as inspirational? One of the BEST songs on this album- Running To Stand Still.

#4 AC/DC — Back In Black

This is one of the best-selling albums in history. It is AC/DC’s leanest, meanest album of all-time. It will always sound timeless and simple, yet savagely crafted.

#3 Led Zeppelin — IV

This album defined not only Led Zeppelin but the sound and style of 70s hard rock. It encompassed heavy metal, folk, pure rock-and-roll, and blues. This album not only served as a cornerstone but also a turning point for the future of music. Just don’t ask a guitar player to play Stairway (or Freebird).

#2 Nine Inch Nails — Downward Spiral

It’s no surprise that Trent Reznor collaborated with Jane’s Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins on this album. The instrumentation throughout the album is amazing. Every song leads into the next (it should, as it’s a concept album). Just don’t listen to the lyrics too closely. It could prove very, very depressing!

#1 Pearl Jam — Ten

Ten was the debut album from Pearl Jam in August 1991. Although most consider Pearl Jam a “Grunge” band, the album is more classic rock music. Most of the songs on the album began as simple instrumental band jam sessions that Eddie Vedder then wrote lyrics to go along with. The songs on Ten, despite their deep, dark lyrics, will remain on playlists for generations to come. Ten is powerful, insightful, deep, dark, thought provoking, and brilliant. “Why is the album named ‘Ten’?” you ask, when there are eleven tracks on it? Jeff Ament’s (the band’s bass player) love for NBA point guard Mookie Blaylock provided the inspiration. Blaylock’s involvement in a tragic car accident hit Pearl Jam like an injury to a family member. Blaylock’s jersey number was — you guessed it — Ten.

HONORABLE MENTION:

Steve Miller Band — Book of Dreams

This album has a few legendary songs on it: Jet Airliner, Swingtown, Jungle Love, and True Fine Love. The only reason it did not meet the cut is because it has some “eh” songs on it. However, a host can play this album straight through at a party or a get together, and no one will complain.

The Cars — The Cars

This is an amazing album. Clean, crisp guitar. Ric Ocasek’s vocals and lyrics are powerful. However, two songs (I’m In Touch With Your World and Dontcha Stop) prevent this album from meeting the “100%” criterion.

[mysterylover123]

BNHA Rewatch: Episode 61 “Deku vs Kacchan Part 2″

 mysterylover123

O.T.P.

This is gonna get kinda emotional.

Deku is turning Kacchan’s fight proposal down. Dammit Deku! He’s being serious!

Hoo boy that Kacchan face. No light in his eyes. That realization, just…just bleeding through…hoo boy.

“If the way you admired him was correct, does that mean my way of thinking was wrong?” OMG ITS HAPPENING. HE’S REALIZING IT YA’LL.

The flashbacks to bb Deku and Kacchan the feels.

The white void, it’s just the two of them. 

That Deku line from the first episode. I’m transported right back, ya’ll. It’s that first love again, that same feeling I had when I first discovered this series all the way back in summer of last year.

So Deku starts by thinking too hard about what’s going on and immediately gets blasted.

“You think too much” hoo boy recently Mother’s Basement posted the analysis of this fight and pointed out that this is actually a flaw of Deku’s that he can learn to remedy by adopting some of Kacchan’s impulsiveness. Never has the phrase “you complete me” been more accurate.

This freaking animation. It’s so beautiful. OMG.

“Wait for me” OH MAN BB DEKU BB KACCHAN RUNNING I’M DEAD I AM DYING

Cause he loves ya you dope.

Cute overload

WHY WHY WHY hoo boy Kacchan flashbacks.

Dat little trip oh man. He’s so bummed Deku doesn’t wanna fight and Deku’s little kick actually knocked him down.

Ooh boy. Here it comes. The music went out

Hold his freaking hand some day dammit

Oh god I can’t watch this again I can’t I can’t

“why is to you became strong…while I - “ OH GOD HERE IT COMES HERE IT COMES

OH GOD. Slow clap. Okamoto and Chapin both deserve freaking awards for that performance. I mean holy shit. That voice acting. Those cracks. That hit. It makes me cry. I’m tearing up right now. Cause you see, this whole episode, it really rests on the ability of Bakugou’s Seiyuu and VA to pour everything into the performance. It’s not going to hit without both of them giving the vocal acting performance of a lifetime, and they both knocked it out of the freaking park. I actually love them both as his voice; I don’t have a preference for dub over sub, as regards their performances (not the dialogue translations), because both are incredible. Just. Slow clap. All of the awards, please.

Look at how Deku looks at him. He’s the best. He just…he cares, so much. I mean, you’d admittedly have to be a pretty heartless bastard not to feel a little compassionate after hearing that speech but still. Kacchan’s so fucking lucky he has Deku and he doesn’t even know it. I want one too.

He’s crying. Me too.

Kacchan no Kacchan no nononononono 

Oh god Deku you beautiful darling

“may not be any meaning” I DISAGREE THIS IS THE CULMINATION OF AN ENTIRE SERIES’ WORTH OF 100+ SYMBOLIC CHAPTERS DETAILING YOUR GROWTH FROM ANGRY YELLING RIVALS TO RIVALS WHO SUPPORT EACH OTHER DAMMIT IT’S EVERYTHING

“May not be any meaning in winning or losing” lol are you just saying that in hindsight, Future Deku, cause you know you lost?

Deku didn’t have to do this. He didn’t have to fight Kacchan or even let him know the truth.

And note, he didn’t accept until he realized there was someone he could save. Someone who needs saving, to be helped. And this is how to help him.

“The only one who can accept his feelings is me.” Ya’ll heard that haters? Say it a little louder for the people in the back, Deku. He’s got his heart.

And look who’s smiling again, eyes lighting up again, the minute Deku started fighting back?

“I couldn’t just completely reject him” Guess who also sad that about their fiery spiky blond spouse in BNHA? Kacchan’s dad in that omake about their marriage.

Their relationship was wrong, but now it’s right. 

They never talked about how they really felt. Communication is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship, folks. Go on. Talk about your feels. Your real feelings.

Of that was one hell of a hit.

That speedy recovery though. Deku is fast. 

Oh wow Kacchan hit it too

That smile. That smile OMG that is THE HOTTEST, by far, that Deku has ever looked in animation. And I don’t say that lightly.

The translation here is either “I’ve” or “you’ve” gotten stronger. Both fit fine, which is the crazy part. Deku could be either saying that he himself has improved, or complimenting Bakugou, which does admittedly make more sense with what he was saying before, while ‘I’ve’ fits his cocky grin here better. I want him to flash a cocky grin more. It suits him. (BTW The English Dub compromises between the two and says’ we’ve both’.

Katsuki assumes Deku has a plan. Always overestimating him.

“That’s what I hate about you” OMG HE FINALLY TELLS HIM HOW HE FEELS. “I can never tell what you’re thinking” Because ya know he’s so good at understanding how everyone else thinks and feels.

He’s always being mean to Deku. Deku has seen him at his very worst and yet still admires him. Maybe that’s scary, you know? Unconditional love is…kinda terrifying. But so, so beautiful. So he has to rationalize it that Deku is just looking down on him.

Wow Deku sure took you long enough! He’s been saying that since day 1!

“I wouldn’t want anything to do with them anymore” Deku there you go being empathetic and wonderful and perfect again. So understanding you darling, darling boy.

 “Along with the parts I hated about you, I saw all the amazing things you could do.” THAT’S ADMIRATION, FOLKS. ADMIRATION WITHOUT IDOLIZATION. Without hero-worship. Acknowledging the good and the bad. Seeing a person for who they really are and always, always seeing the best of them, even at their worst.

“MUCH CLOSER TO ME THAN ALL MIGHT” Do you hear him guys? The closest person to him, closer than All Might. Closer than his freaking #1 favorite hero. The dub version has “actually in my life”, which isn’t a bad idea either. Both are true. That is so powerful. The person who

Oh yeah and again how does Deku advance in power? How does he Go Beyond? KACCHAN. Full cowling, he found from him. OFA itself, he gained by saving him. And 8%.

THAT SMILE. “I thought you were amazing.” He loves you you idiot. 

He kept chasing after him. He’ll never stop. He won’t just give up.

He passed him. And Bakugo looks happy. Possibly because he wants Deku to do better. Possibly because it seems to be confirming his might-makes-right theory. Possibly both.

ANIMATION-GASM AGAIN. 

AHAHAHAHAHAH ITS THAT CUT ITS THAT CUT DEKU’S DANCING FEET

THE VOID AROUND THEM IT’S JUST YOU AND ME 

AND THE BLOCK OMG THIS IS BEAUTIFUL THIS IS THE MOST FREAKING BEAUTIFUL ANIMATION IVE EVER SEEN

I’m serious. They brought out all the stops for this one. Of course. they knew, they had to know, that this was it. The animation, too, had to be perfect, or else it wasn’t gonna come across. And it is. Even better, in my opinion, than the animation in the stuff that came before it. Bones you are incredible. 

Higher gear. Can anyone doubt that Katsuki is important to Deku’s journey after this?

“This is gross, so I can’t say it”.. “I love you?” A reactor I follow actually said that after that line. That’s how intense they are.

Anyway IMAGE OF VICTORY SPEECH. The Ep that keeps on giving. 

Kacchan is his image of victory. The other side of him. And he adopts some of his traits.

“The part of you I hate and yet” How much love can you have for a person when you can somehow still admire the darkest, meanest parts of them? I don’t have a very perfect definition of love but I think that’s probably a big part of it.

“my image of victory is of you” feels overload. Feels O.D. 

dat crane shot.

My one disappointment with this episode is that they used the US of Smash OST instead of the Katsuki and Izuku OST for this scene. CMON GUYS. SERIOUSLY. THE KATSUKI AND IZUKU THEME HAD TO HAVE BEEN WRITTEN FOR THIS EPISODE AND THIS MOMENT ALONE. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING. 

“I have to beat you” the music the feels omg

Hahaha psych. Kacchan wins anyway. 

WOOF. Like OK this is in the manga, this positioning, but it’s only for one frame. In the anime it goes on for like, an uncomfortably long time, with the slow panting, and the close-ups on the twisting body parts, and…combined with the fact that all of Deku’s admiring girlfriends in this arc have also landed on top of him in a similar pose, and you can’t blame me for the fact that my mind went into rather…R-rated territory. 

Kacchan’s disappointed. He didn’t want Deku to lose. He wanted Deku to win.

That breaking  voice again. Don’t make me cry more dammit it’s too late.

ALL MIGHT! I need an MST3K style All Might commentary-reaction to this entire damn thing. Seriously Hori. If you ever do an extra, please make one that’s a serious of All Might panel reacting to this whole thing. I NEED THAT. 

Finishing each other’s sentences again.

“It’s too late” IT’S NEVER TOO LATE YOU CYNICAL PORCUPINE.

This is such a great moment of catharsis. Why Deku indeed? Well, you’re about to learn.

THAT LINE DELIVERY AGAIN. That Broken voice. Both voice actors are too good.

Deku’s legs though. WOWSA. A little detail I’ve noticed is that Kacchan has really buff, sexy arms and Deku has really buff, sexy legs. Because those are the body parts they use, while the reverse parts are more average.

“I’m weak too” You’re making me weak I can’t take it. His voice his voice that fucking voice

DEKU’S EYES. THEY’RE WELLING. 

HE’S GONNA CRY TOO.

I also need an All Might in my life. I kinda blame myself all the time for things outside of my control. Deku AND Kacchan both blamed themselves for what happened. For All Might’s end. And neither one was really responsible, but they’re just like that. I relate, painfully, to both of them. I have a Deku side and a Bakugo side - deep down, I think we all do. Maybe one more than the other, but that’s what you get when you create two characters who initially act as kind of…distilled embodiments of two sides of the super-hero coin. One all super with no hero, the other all hero with no super - at least, at the beginning.

THAT PIANO MUSIC IT SOUNDS FAMILIAR. IT’S ALL MIGHT’S FREAKING THEME YA’LL!

Ooh boy All Might’s BKDK Speech! Both of their teachers ship them, you guys. All Might AND Aizawa both give big, beautiful speeches about their compatibility. In case you somehow missed it. 

Being fixated on victory like you, young Bakugou…and wanting to save those in trouble, like you, young Midoriya…both of those feelings are necessary.” “You guys are perfect for each other”, says the reactor I mentioned earlier (who isn’t even a hardcore BKDK shipper, mind you, it’s just that it’s that obvious.) And it’s true. You need both. They want each other, they need each other, because they have what the other lacks. They complete each other.  

This is the shonen rival equivalent of having the couple in a rom-com confess at the end of act one instead of act three. It upsets all the cliches and is all the better for it. Though even the most hardcore, dedicated anime rivals, I don’t think have ever gone this married-couple with the ‘mutual respect’ and ‘making each other stronger’ thing.

WIN AND SAVE SAVE TO WIN. They look each other in the eyes.

Oh god not that voice again I’m dying. Don’t make me cry again Kacchan.  

“Don’t lose.” SUPPORTIVE KACCHAN I LOVE SUPPORTIVE KACCHAN.

“I’ll get stronger” CONFIDENT DEKU I LOVE CONFIDENT DEKU. 

“Of the students only you.” ONLY YOU. 

I put this moment really high on my list of Kacchan’s nicest moments, because it means a lot to me and to All Might. All Might acknowledges it. He’s a good secret keeper.

Oh and Deku thanks him too in the English Dub, BTW. Not the manga but nice dub touch. 

OMG he’s such a Tsundere.

He told him everything. HE KNOWS. The only one who knows. None of Deku’s other love interests do. And he has no interest in telling them. 

Kacchan asks why he told him. And I’ve got an answer, after obsessively rereading Chapter 11/rewatching Episode 8 a lot: BECAUSE HE LOVES YOU, YOU IDIOT. You were mad at him for lying about his quirk to you. You asked what was going on (loudly). You accused him of lying to you your whole life. So he told you the truth. Because he can lie to his mom, and he can lie to his friends and teachers and the entire freaking world. But he cannot lie to YOU. Because he loves you. Idiot baka. 

Oh and what’s that music playing there? Why does that sound familiar? YOU SAY RUN YOU SAY RUN YOU SAY RUN IT’S BACK. And you know? That’s I think because YSR symbolizes Deku’s heroic inspiration. The inspiration he both takes in and gives to others. And here, he’s both being inspired by Kacchan, and inspiring him at the same  time.

Now Kacchan is doing the same. “Chosen one” He knows. Deku is better. He’s gotta surpass him.

LOL THIS IS FUNNY. THEY SURE BICKER LIKE THEY’RE MARRIED.

This shot composition. Get it? ALL MIGHT’S THE THING BETWEEN ‘EM.

Oh and this. Yay some character development from Kacchan! Another nice moment of his in this ep. Three times! 

All Might Meta’s a bit about how Kacchan took responsibility and felt bad and does a Mom guilt trip on Dadzawa. They’re getting to be kinda married too now.  

“I went in pretty HARD”. OMG stop it you’re making me think bad things again. Just F*CK already.

Their first act as a married couple is to clean the house together. OMG domestic fluff. 

And now for the best Post-credits scene ever. 

Wow Uraraka ships it so bad. 

Oh and some Todobaku bonus! Aw I guess Bakugou just turned down his 3some offer. 

Ooh awkward silence. 

YAY! Though they did kinda wreck it by having Deku bring it up instead of Kacchan 

NOW THEY’RE HEALTHY ENOUGH TO TALK TO EACH OTHER LIKE HUMAN BEINGS.

Kacchan just praised me. Life is good.

Episode 61 is my favorite episode of my favorite show. I think it’s the best and will never be topped. Feels, left and right. It’s really just perfect. Funny, all 3 of the transcendent, best-of-the-best BNHA eps (This, 49 and 23) are basically just two characters fighting for 20 minutes. Nothing more or less. Yet they’re all so, so good. And this one is…I don’t even know how to put it into words. It’s a phenomenal tour-de-force of acting, visuals, animation, music, and of course, writing, all combining together to be just absolutely unsurpassable. Everything that makes this series good, boiled down to it’s essence. And yes, this did seal the deal for me with BKDK. I liked it before, but this made it a done deal. No going back. And I love it.

BEST GIRL OF THE EP: Uraraka for being so supportive.

RANKER: Top 5 Best Moments of This Episode: (it’s really more like a top 50)

5. Deku’s little Dance number

4. True Rivals at Last

3. True feelings at last

2. The Image of Victory Speech

1. “Why did I become...”

[gamerwoo]

A Guide to Seventeen

This lil guide is mostly for @sugarboyuto​, but honestly this is for anybody who wants to get into Seventeen. They’re definitely not slept on, but there are a lot of people who are wary of a lot of members, so hopefully this makes it a lil easier.

Despite being called Seventeen, there are 13 members. They did a show while creating the group called Seventeen TV, which you can probably find on YouTube or somewhere on the internet. There were 17 members before, but some left or got cut (I’m not positive because I didn’t watch it oop). But they’re called Seventeen because there are 13 members, 3 main units (hip hop, performance, and vocal), and they make 1 group. 13+3+1=17.

Music Videos (in order):

Shining Diamond (pre-debut and technically doesn’t count but it’s a bop no matter how cringey anybody says it is)

Adore U (actual debut song)

Mansae

Pretty U

Very Nice

Boom Boom

Don’t Wanna Cry

Clap

Thanks

Call Call Call (Japanese)

Oh My!

Getting Closer

Home

Happy Ending (Japanese)

Hit

Fear

Unit Music Videos (in order):

Check In (hip hop unit)

Highlight (performance unit)

Change Up (svt leaders)

Trauma (hip hop unit)

Lilili Yabbay (performance unit)

Pinwheel (vocal unit)

Other Music Videos (not in order and I’m probably missing some):

My I (Jun and Minghao Korean ver)

My I (Jun and Minghao Chinese ver)

Home (Chinese ver)

Oh My (Chinese ver)

Just Do It (BooSeokSoon)

Chocolate (vocal unit but for some reason it doesn’t count as a unit mv??)

Q and A (Seungcheol, Jihoon, Hansol, and Ailee)

Videos To Watch To Learn Members:

Ask In A Box Part 1

Ask In A Box Part 2

Seventeen Play Who’s Who (but minus Seungkwan because he was sick)

an unhelpful guide to seventeen (this is probably what i watched bc it was made around the time i got into them tbh)

Seventeen Member Profiles

a shitty guide to seventeen

Misc Videos That Might Help But I Just Like Them:

Mingyu and Seokmin on Weekly Idol for year of the dog

Seventeen on Idol Room

Going Seventeen TTT (bc who doesn’t like to see guys driving)

Going Seventeen Playground

Woozi playing the drums

This performance of Clap bc Mingyu plays the guitar

Jun playing piano and Soonyoung’s solo

Seventeen on Knowing Bros

Minghao using nunchucks ft Jun sorta using nunchucks

Don’t Wanna Cry part switch

Mansae part switch

Pretty U part switch

basically any part switch

Below the cut is also a short guide to Seventeen in age order!! (and yes I had to look up their birthdays I only know what year they’re born lmao)

S.Coups

Real name: Choi Seungcheol

95 line (and he the oldest)

Overall leader but also the leader of hip hop unit

1/3 hyung line

he yell 

he also point

loves to mess with his members as much as they love to mess w him

but he loves them and carats so much

said he only wants carats to look at him

he’s everybody’s husband basically

big soft boi

Jeonghan

Real name: Yoon Jeonghan

95 line

1/5 vocal unit

1/3 hyung line

1/2 of sloth line lmao

he loves winning and will do it at all costs

often caught cheating but nobody ever calls him out

he used to have long hair (i think thats how most people know him tbh)

i confused him and josh a lot when i first got into them lmao

he babies chan but its fine bc everybody does

idk if he still does it but he used to always be like “dino who’s baby are you” and it was like a thing idk

Joshua

Real name: Joshua Hong (Korean name is Hong Jisoo)

95 line

1/5 vocal unit

1/3 hyung line

1/2 English line

born and raised in California but he’s 100% Korean

when they first debuted and honestly for a few years, everybody pushed the gentleman persona on him

and I’m not saying he’s not a gentleman but he’s definitely not just a gentleman u feel me

lowkey a crackhead even if he tries to hide it sometimes

he’s religious so people always push this “good church boy” trope on him but sometimes they take it too far tbh

let him live

Jun

Real name: Wen Junhui (Korean name is Moon Junhwi)

96 line

1/4 performance unit

1/2 of China line

he rarely gets lines its sad bc his vocals are beautiful and his range is great

he was on a Chinese TV program with Minghao called The Collaboration (I think???) and he was so cute

“English is so dangerous” yes babie u are correct

he’s friends with Yanan from Pentagon and they were partners on the show and they were adorable

loves animals a lot its adorable

give the poor babie more lines

Hoshi

Real Name: Kwon Soonyoung

96 line

performance unit leader

1/3 of booseoksoon

used to be a hamster and now he’s a self-proclaimed tiger and seventeen clowns him for it

very proud of his 10:10 eyes (they look like they’re slanted up to be 10:10 on a clock)

honestly has the cutest laugh ever

hyper and loud af

has choreographed some of their dances and i think he still assists with them????

just a very happy boi

Wonwoo

Real name: Jeon Wonwoo

96 line

1/4 hip hop unit

1/2 of sloth line

certified gamer boi lmao (so are cheol and jihoon)

he literally had to show soonyoung how to play video games on his computer lmao

this dude is so dedicated to gaming that he sleeps in the living room instead of in his shared room with seungcheol so they can both have room for their setups

deep voice

looks very scary but he soft

loves cats and is afraid of dogs

when he smiles or laughs he does a nose scrunch just look up wonwoo nose scrunch trust me

shy boi

but he also a breadstick (he’s very very thin he is definitely not apart of thicc line)

Woozi

Real name: Lee Jihoon

96 line

leader of vocal unit

the shortest member but people act like he’s like 3 feet tall

he’s 5′5 he’s not that short ok

everybody says he looks like yoongi from bts

he produces most if not all of seventeen’s songs so he feels a lot of pressure to have seventeen be successful

he may be cute and tiny but he’ll fuck u up

he picked up wonwoo over his shoulder before it was hilarious lmao

he’s still soft tho

also just wants to stay inside all the time even when they’re traveling

boy can d a n c e

plays a lot of instruments too

clarinet, drums, piano, probably more stuff tbh

DK/Dokyeom

Real name: Lee Seokmin

97 line

1/5 vocal unit

1/3 of booseoksoon

the actual sun tbh

he’s so happy all the time and he’s so kind to everybody how can you not love him

hits those high notes real well

he was in a musical for king arthur and he played arthur so he’s now a certified actor

lowkey rap extraordinaire lmao

always making jokes and trying to make everybody happy

basically the mood maker

Mingyu

Real name: Kim Mingyu

97 line

1/4 hip hop unit

he’s totally a himbo

he’s so beautiful and he’s getting pretty ripped but god he’s so dumb

he’s “the cook” of seventeen even though like,,,,,,other members also cook

he’s clumsy as hell too lmao he almost dropped an award after they just won it

also has a deep voice

him and wonwoo are a really popular ship they’re called meanie but it’s a long story

he’s also the tallest member he’s like 6′1 i think

The8

Real name: Xu Minghao (Korean name is Seo Myungho)

97 line

1/4 performance unit

1/2 China line

he’s literally good at everything

he can sing, dance, rap, bboy, use nunchucks, do some cool shit w his hands/fingers, idk dude is amazing

he also tells fans to put themselves first and not seventeen and basically breaks the delusion that fans own them or will be with them

basically the opposite of seungcheol lmao

since his stage name is the8, he goes 8th in the lineup, so he would be in seokmin’s place

people paid him dirt from debut to like 2017 or 2018 but then he found himself and had a glowup and now everybody thirsts after him but he deserves better because he’s always been amazing

also pledis give him more lines

Seungkwan

Real name: Boo Seungkwan

98 line

1/5 vocal unit

1/3 booseoksoon

1/3 maknae line

he’s very good with variety shows so he’s always making jokes and being loud

also hits insane high notes

he’s just super loud and goofy but in a different way from seokmin somehow????

definitely apart of thicc line but like,,,,,,not important

Vernon

Real name: Hansol Vernon Chwe (Korean name is Choi Hansol)

98 line

1/3 hip hop unit

1/2 English line

he was born in America but he moved to Korea when he was,,,,5 i think????

he’s half korean and half white and people used to give him a lot of shit for it and some people probably still do which sucks

stop calling hansol ‘some white boy’ for the love of god

he’s kind of a meme as in he’s just really goofy but it’s so endearing

but sometimes he’s just quiet and doesn’t do much like it’s 50/50

he’s just a very sweet and thoughtful boi

oh him and seungkwan are also a popular ship bc one time hansol was asked his favorite part of seungkwan and he literally turned that boi around and slapped his cake and was like “the butt” so there’s that

Dino

Real name: Lee Chan

99 line

1/4 performance unit

1/3 maknae line

not that it matters but chan is the thiccest person in seventeen i saw them at kcon ny and oh my god you cant even photograph how thicc

moving on

he doesn’t get enough love tbh like there are always stories of fans ignoring him or not sending him any flower wreath things and it’s so infuriating and sad so pls love chan !!!!

does videos called dino’s danceology where he creates choreo to songs and just dances

he’s so fuckin talented holy shit he dances so well and he can sing and he can rap (see his rap in boom boom that’s the best part)

he gets babied so everybody sees him as one but he definitely isn’t like sometimes he acts like he should be the oldest lmao

but he definitely has his babie moments but they all do

Okay, I think that’s everything! I hope this helped and please show Seventeen lots of love!!