#and like. the head impact too. BAM

[tojicide]

chapter three ── pepper spray.

the spider’s sense: a spidercaleb series.

♥︎ spider-man!caleb 𝑥 fem!reader.

synopsis. ┆ caleb’s life was perfect—until it wasn’t. a radioactive spider bite turned him into linkon’s friendly neighborhood spider-man, the daily bugle started hunting for the man behind the mask, and to top it all off, he was forced to partner up with you—his smart, competitive, and infuriatingly perfect classmate who threatened his spot as number one in the class rankings.

tags/warnings. ┆ college/modern au, academic rivals to lovers, fluff, angst, eventual smut, gran isn’t evil in this LOL, the canon event, college parties, alcohol consumption, cliches, depictions of serious crime, references to the spider-man comics and movies, credit to @/haven__ly on x for the middle pic, mdni

chapter summary. ┆ caleb tries to adapt to his newfound role as the web-slinging hero of linkon city, and you receive the opportunity of a lifetime.

chapter warnings. ┆ slightly sexually suggestive content and a little bit of bodily harm…… but nothing too crazy i swear!

prev: chapter two. ┆ series masterlist. ┆ next: chapter four.

“Aw, come on. Again?”

Caleb feels like he’s been at this for hours. Realistically, it’s been four minutes—maybe five—but time stretches a bit slower when all you do is fail.

He straightens up, tugging at the red ski mask that clings to his face. Despite the crisp morning air, the layers he’s wearing are doing him no favors. The mask in particular is itchy, tight, and, if he’s being honest, suffocating. Maybe you were right—maybe he did have big head syndrome.

But he pushes that thought aside, rolling his shoulders back and planting his feet firmly against the rooftop. With careful precision, he flicks his wrist toward the corner of Mama Louisa’s Pastry Shop—a well-loved business by both himself and every other Linkon University student running on caffeine and sugar. Hopefully she won’t mind him using her bakery as a makeshift training ground.

He tenses his wrist again, and finally—finally—a strand of silk shoots from his pulse point… only for a gentle breeze to carry it away like it’s nothing more than stray thread from a sweater.

Caleb exhales sharply through his nose. Okay. That’s fine. Progress is progress.

He tries again. Fails again, too.

But then, on his next attempt, something changes. He can feel it. A flick of his wrist, the perfect angle with just the right amount of tension.

Thwip!

The web sticks, thick and sturdy like the ones he’d shot in his dorm room, right against the bakery’s awning.

Caleb grins so wide it could rival the Empire State Building. He doesn’t fully understand why this is happening—these heightened senses, the silk-slinging, the unnatural strength—but if his research means anything, it all traces back to the spider bite in the university lab. Probably. If he were to be honest, it’s more of an educated guess for the moment.

Without thinking twice, he sprints forward and leaps from the rooftop. In hindsight, thinking twice might’ve been a good idea, because when he goes to shoot another web at the next building, his aim is—how should he put this?—gods awful.

The silk completely misses its mark, latching onto a birch tree instead. And before Caleb can course-correct, he goes slamming into it face-first.

BAM!

Leaves rustle. Branches snap. Somewhere, a pigeon squawks in alarm, and it might be simultaneously scolding Caleb in a language he can’t understand.

He groans, peeling himself away from the tree trunk, only to find himself tangled in a mess of twigs and leaves.

“Mister!”

He blinks, his brain still rattled from the impact.

“Mister! Down here!”

It takes a second for his senses to recalibrate, but once they do, he follows the tiny voice downward until his gaze lands on a little girl standing at the tree’s base. She looks no older than five, her curly hair swallowing her small face as the wind ruffles through it. Despite her tiny stature, she stands with her hands on her hips, staring up at him with a look of determination.

She points upward. “Can you get Mr. Pickles? He’s scared of heights.”

Caleb blinks again, squinting in the direction of her tiny finger.

And there, perched precariously on a flimsy branch, is a scrawny grey cat.

“Mr. Pickles?” he mutters, already moving before he can think twice. (And this time, that was a good thing.)

His fingers stick effortlessly to the tree bark as he climbs, his static cling allowing him to crawl along the surface like he was made for this. He scales the trunk with ease, reaching the trembling feline in a matter of seconds.

“Here, kitty kitty,” he coos, slowly wrapping an arm around the cat and tucking him securely against his chest. “You’re alright. No need to be scared now.”

Once he makes his way back down, he lands gracefully on his feet, adjusting the cat in his arms before handing him off.

The little girl grins, cradling Mr. Pickles like he’s the most precious thing in the world. “Thank you, mister!”

Caleb smiles. “No problem, sweetheart.”

She beams up at him before dashing back toward a nearby apartment building. “I’ll give Mr. Pickles a hug for you!”

“Make it extra warm for me, yeah?”

“Okay!”

And just like that, she’s gone, disappearing behind the lobby doors with her newly rescued companion.

The air is cold, the streets quiet. No sirens, which was a luxury these days. The perfect time for a peaceful stroll.

Or, in Caleb’s case, the perfect time to fail at web-slinging.

That was fine, though. No one saw.

Except for a small child who owned a runaway cat.

Caleb walks down the sidewalk in an attempt to forget about the embarrassment of the moment, hands stuffed into the pocket of his hoodie, the ski mask still clinging uncomfortably to his face. The whole city feels half-asleep, barely stirring under the early sun, and for once, Caleb lets himself enjoy it. Well, as much as he possibly can enjoy something after a morning of throwing himself at trees and towards buildings.

“Excuse me, young man?”

Caleb halts, turning to find an elderly woman peering up at him through thick-framed glasses, her wrinkled face pulled into a look of concern. She clutches a tote bag to her side, a plaid scarf wrapped neatly around her hair.

“I just saw you help that young girl, and I was wondering if you could point me in the direction of the nearest dry cleaners,” she asks, adjusting her grip on the bag. “I swear, my memory is getting worse by the day. It’s around here somewhere, I just can’t seem to—”

“Oh, yeah, it’s just a few blocks down,” he gently interrupts, gesturing toward the street corner. “Take a left at the bakery right over there and then it’s right past the old bookstore. Can’t miss it, I promise.”

The woman sighs in relief. “Oh, you’re an angel, thank you! I was walking in the wrong direction for who knows how long.”

Caleb chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck. “Happens to the best of us.”

“I hope you have a wonderful day, sweetheart,” she says, already turning to go in the direction he’d gestured to.

He offers a charming smile that reaches his eyes. “You too, ma’am.”

And with that, he continues down the sidewalk, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. It’s funny, really. He hadn’t really thought about it before, but he actually enjoys this aspect of his new predicament more than he originally anticipated. Helping people, even if it’s just with the small stuff. Before, it seemed like those opportunities were fleeting, and now, they laid around him in abundance. 

Then, just as he’s about to take a right onto the next block…

BEEP-BEEP-BEEP-BEEP!

His head snaps toward the alleyway up ahead. A car alarm wails through the narrow space between buildings, the sharp noise sending a jolt of electricity straight down his spine.

And before he can think—before he can even process what was going on—his legs are already moving. Maybe that was a new impulse that the spider bite had brought upon him, too.

He sprints into the alley, heart hammering wildly in his chest, and that’s when he sees him.

A man hunched over the driver’s side door of an old blue sedan, hands fumbling with a crowbar against the handle. He’s working fast—too fast and too irresponsibly—not even sparing a glance over his shoulder as the alarm screeches on.

Caleb doesn’t hesitate. His wrist flicks.

Thwip!

The web shoots out before he even registers it happening, sticking clean onto the man’s hand… and the door handle he was prying open.

“What the—”

The guy jerks back instinctively, only to realize that his hand isn’t going anywhere.

Caleb halts to a stop a few feet away, breathing hard, adrenaline singing through his veins.

Sirens wail in the distance, he then realizes. 

The thief panics, tugging at his hand with increasing desperation. “What the hell? Get this off me, man! What is this—glue?”

Caleb tilts his head, taking a slow step forward. “Tch. What glue do you know that looks like that? You’ve got the mind of a real scholar, you know. Ever thought about givin’ up grand theft auto for Harvard?”

The sirens grow louder.

The man flails now, yanking at his wrist, his feet slipping against the pavement. “C’mon, man, you gotta— you gotta help me out here.”

“Yeah, see, I don’t think I do,” Caleb muses, his heartbeat finally slowing to something steady, something that was almost calm. 

“What are you? A cop?”

Caleb tilts his head. Even through the mask, his deadpan is palpable. “Really, man?” he drawls. “You think I’m a cop?”

The thief scoffs, loud and hard, shaking his head like Caleb is the idiot here. “Tch. Whatever.”

Then, his free hand vanishes into his coat. When it returns to his line of sight, a blade flashes before he even has time to blink. “Don’t make me use this, kid.”

A knife. A whole kitchen knife. Serrated edges, too. Probably stolen. Probably dirty. Probably the worst attempt at a threat that he has ever seen in his entire life.

Caleb gasps. Theatrically. He drops straight to his knees, too, his arms flying up over his head in a show of fake panic. “A kitchen knife? No! No, please spare me!”

The guy nods. “Yeah, that’s right. Just let me go, and—”

Thwip!

The thief jerks, eyes so wide they nearly bulge out of his skull.

And just like that, his mouth is gone.

Well. Not gone, gone. Just… thoroughly webbed shut.

“Mmph! Mm— mmph!”

Caleb straightens up, resting his hands on his hips as he tilts his head, a layer of faux sympathy dripping from his voice. “Sorry, what was that? Couldn’t quite catch it.”

The guy flails once more.

Useless. Helpless. Pathetic.

So pathetic that it almost makes Caleb feel bad. Almost. 

Then the sirens return. They’re more persistent now. Louder. Closer. 

Flashing red and blue swallow the alley, bouncing off the walls like stage lights for the thief’s almost-perfect crime.

The man whips his head toward them. Caleb follows his gaze, then hums, turning back with a single gloved finger pressed over his own masked mouth. 

“Sh.”

He disappears before the first cop even steps out of the car, and as he whisks into the city, slipping between alleyways, a single thought loops through his mind. 

He can do something with this.

Like... really do something. 

Not just helping lost grandmas and rescuing stranded cats.

But this…

This was something that went far beyond what the Linkon PD was capable of: stopping the bad guys before they got away.

And now, he swings with a newfound ease, a confidence that wasn’t there before, flipping between buildings, twisting through the bright glow of billboards. Caleb finally gets it. The mechanics, the rhythm, the thrill of it. The way the city unfolds before him like a playground of concrete and steel.

Beneath him, people point. People cheer. People wonder.

But one man does not wonder.

One man knows.

That man stands just outside a quiet café, his untouched tea steaming in his hands, his sharp gaze never leaving the sky. He was on his way toward the Oscorp building in the distance, his badge reading Dr. Curtis Connors — Head Biologist. 

Unlike the others, he does not gape. He does not cheer.

He only watches.

His glasses slip down his nose as he tilts his head, following the figure’s trajectory with a stare so focused and precise it could slice through bone. His mind moves faster than his pulse. Not a suit. Not a rig. Not a device. No, no—it’s organic. The silk isn’t shot from him. It belongs to him.

His fingers twitch.

Click.

The photo is grainy due to the shakiness of his grip, but the silhouette is unmistakable.

Curtis Connors exhales slowly through his nose, fingers already moving, already typing, already sending. His recipients were none other than the student team who wrote for the medical journalism column in the Linkon University Chronicle. 

Curtis Connors: [image attachment] Find out as much info as you can on this figure.

He watches the message send. Then, he watches as this figure, as blissfully unaware as can be, swings off into the sky—free and untouchable.

For now.

♥︎ ♥︎ ♥︎

Your phone buzzes in your back pocket, but you don’t have half the mind to reach for it—not when a sea of sorority girls is already waving you down with welcoming smiles and outstretched arms.

“Tara!” you greet, barely getting the word out before she yanks you into a bear hug that nearly knocks the wind out of you.

“You came!” she squeals. “I totally thought you were gonna back out at the last minute.”

“How could I?” you reply, returning the hug before reaching for Cleo, who wraps her arms around you like she hasn’t seen you in years. “I made a commitment. I had to follow through, even if midterms are coming for my throat and I haven’t touched my biology flashcards in, like… two weeks.”

Tara laughs, shaking her head. “You worry too much. Just relax, have some fun. You deserve it.” Then, she leans in conspiratorially, dropping her voice to a whisper. “Plus… he who shall not be named isn’t even here. I think he bailed. You might actually be Caleb-free today.”

Your eyes widen with a gleam that could outshine a kid in a candy store. A sunny afternoon with your friends? Caleb-free? Total score.

“I love your suit!” Cleo chirps, dragging your attention back to Earth. Her fingers lightly trace the hem of your bikini top. “It suits your skin tone so well. Where’d you get it?”

You glance toward the sky like the clouds might give you your memory back. “Uh… probably Target? Like, two years ago?”

“Well, I’m definitely raiding the swimwear section before Spring Break,” she laughs, handing you a half-full bucket of water. She pauses for a moment, then adds with a grin, “I mean seriously—that top is really working for you.”

You laugh, awkwardly tucking the large bucket against your torso. “Thanks. I thought it might’ve been… too much,” you say, gesturing a hand over your chest.

“No, no!” Tara interjects immediately, hands flying into the air like she’s warding off some curse. “It’s the perfect amount of boobage.”

You eyebrows raise. “You think so?”

“I know so,” she says with full confidence.

Before you can say much at all, Cleo’s voice cuts in like a bullet. “Looks like someone else thinks so too.”

“Someone else? Who…?”

But you don’t finish. Your voice trails off the second your eyes follow her pointed gaze.

Across the lot. Lambda Chi Alpha’s side. Shirtless guys joking and slinging sudsy water at each other like they're in a beer commercial. But your gaze settles on one in particular.

Caleb.

Shirt off. Abs fully present and accounted for—all eight of them, you made sure to count. Somehow looking even better than he did a few days ago, which is rude. Biceps glistening from the sun and suds. Hair a mess in the best possible way. And those arms—Gods, those arms should be studied in a lab.

“Yoohoo?” Tara sings, tapping your forehead like she’s knocking on a front door.

You blink, snapping out of your trance. “What?”

Tara and Cleo exchange an all-knowing look.

“I thought you didn’t want to see Caleb today,” Tara says with a lopsided smile.

“I don’t.”

“And yet…” Cleo gestures broadly, “there you were. Gawking.”

You scoff. “I can dislike someone and still objectively—totally objectively—acknowledge that they might not be the most hideous person to walk the Earth.”

Cleo hums. “Uh-huh. Totally objective.”

“It is an objective observation!”

“Sure, sure,” Tara teases. “Just science. A visual data analysis of muscle definition.”

You sigh, pointing at her. “Exactly.”

. . .

Caleb isn’t faring much better.

In fact, he’s doing worse. A lot worse.

He tries to apply logic to the situation. To rationalize the incredibly logicless mess he has found himself in.

It must be his new senses—yeah, that has to be it. His body adjusting, his nervous system overcompensating, deciding that now, of all godforsaken times, would be a great moment to send every ounce of blood in his body to a very unhelpful location.

His eyes widen, panic rising in his chest.

No. No, no, no. This is not happening.

Almost instinctively, he wrenches himself away from your general direction, physically turning his body like that alone will make his predicament less of a predicament.

It’s not his fault.

Seriously. It’s not.

No amount of superability could ever counteract the very human reality that, at the end of the day, Caleb Xia is just a man.

A man with… an appreciation for certain assets.

And today, his attention seems to have locked onto yours in particular.

Now isn’t the time for this. There would never be a time for this. He feels horrible, like a pathetic schoolboy with zero control over his own body.

Somewhere in his haze of absolute distress, his dog tag ends up wedged between his teeth, because apparently, his body has decided that biting metal is his last line of defense against catastrophic embarrassment.

Gran naked. Gran naked. Gran naked.

He squeezes his eyes shut, practically chanting the words in his head to paint a better picture like a desperate exorcism.

Gran naked. Gran naked. Gran na—

“You’re going to ruin those if you bite on them any harder.”

Caleb’s entire brain short-circuits.

His eyes snap open, locking onto yours. You’re standing there, bucket in your arms, tilting your head at him like he’s some kind of science experiment gone wrong.

He is barely keeping himself together.

Nope. Nope, nope, nope.

But then, you pout.

“Go on, boy,” you tease, voice dangerously sweet, mockingly condescending, like you’re talking to a dog. “Drop ‘em.”

His entire soul leaves his body. A muscle in his jaw ticks, and with a dramatic roll of his eyes, he finally drops the dog tag from his teeth.

You beam at him, reaching out to ruffle his hair like he actually is a well-trained mutt. “Good boy!”

Caleb scoffs, swatting your hand away. “Shut up.”

You laugh, and he hates how much he likes the sound of it.

“Oh, don’t be like that,” you grin, reaching into the bucket. “Here’s your treat.”

Before he can react, a water-soaked sponge lands smack against his chest with a loud slap.

“You’re the worst,” he grumbles, peeling the sponge off as you shut off the hose and hoist your bucket back into your arms.

“Sure I am,” you chirp. “Good luck, waterboy.”

Caleb huffs, his head snapping up as you begin to walk past him. “The newbie is callin’ me a waterboy? Who brought in the most customers last year again?”

“Blah, blah, blah,” you say through a sigh, waving him off. “Who cares about last year?”

He’s about to counter—because he cares, and his title as reigning champ of the car wash must be defended at all costs—but then, you stop right beside him.

And for the love of all things holy, the air thickens.

You turn slightly, tilting your chin, that same smug glint in your eyes. “I, for one, certainly don’t care about last year. You’ll have to work harder this time around, anyway.”

Caleb narrows his eyes. “Why’s that?”

You don’t answer verbally. With a small sway of your fingers toward the parking lot, you point his attention elsewhere. Delta Gamma’s station currently had a long, ever-growing line of cars. A parade of eager customers at your fingertips.

Caleb exhales slowly. “Ah.”

“Mm-hmm,” you hum knowingly.

And then you look him over. Blatant in a way that makes him shiver. Up. Down. Unrushed. Deliberate. Unfair.

And then, just like that, you pivot on your heel. “Gotta go.”

Before you can fully escape, his hand catches your wrist.

“Hey, hey, hey— not so fast,” he murmurs, voice dropping just slightly. Just enough. “If you’re so confident… maybe we should bet on it.”

You stop and turn back toward him. There’s a competitive glint in your eye. It’s exciting. 

And unfortunately, it’s doing nothing to help with the currently unsolved issue in his shorts.

“Alright.” It takes zero hesitation. The opportunity to publicly defeat Caleb Xia is simply too good to pass up. “You’re on.”

His lips curl into an almost-there smile. “Terms?”

Your smile should be legally registered as a deadly weapon. “Loser has to wash the winner’s car… and purposely take a B- on the next lab report.”

Caleb lifts a brow. “You don’t have much to lose.”

You shrug, all casual, all effortless charm, and it’s killing him.

“Nope,” you reply smoothly. “I have everything to gain.”

Caleb should be fighting for his life against whatever spell you’ve just cast over him.

Instead, he falls for it.

(Hook. Line. Sinker.)

“Fine,” he says, sliding his hold from your wrist to your palm, giving your hand a firm shake—his fingers lingering just a little too long against yours.

“You’re on.”

. . .

Caleb should have really thought this through.

But instead, he let you get under his skin, let your smug little grin trick him into underestimating you.

Big mistake, because not even five minutes in, the Delta Gamma girls are practically drowning in customers, and Caleb has barely started scrubbing down his first car.

Caleb squints in your direction. This is not fair.

It feels like only ten minutes pass by before he looks in your direction again, and this time, he finds himself sweating.

Partially from the sun, partially from watching you rinse off a car with zero mercy—your movements way too efficient for someone who supposedly hasn’t done this sort of thing before.

And still, he refuses to lose. He has to switch tactics.

If charm is your secret weapon, then it can be his too. It was his before it was yours, anyway.

He yawns, stretching his arms just enough to get the attention of a group of girls suspiciously and slowly passing by in a yellow slugbug.

"Hey," he greets, sending a smile their way as he leans against the car, muscles flexing just right. "Need a wash?"

And to no one’s surprise but your own, it works.

Unfortunately, by the time the car wash ends, the results are as clear as day—you won.

And now, here Caleb stood—arms crossed, lips pressed into a firm line, trying to accept his defeat.

“So,” he exhales, dragging a hand down his face, “when am I washing your car?”

Your grin turns dangerously smug. “Oh, I don’t have a car.”

Caleb stares at you like his brain needs a full reboot to comprehend what you just said.

“Sneaky.”

You shrug. “I prefer genius.”

"Not cool." Caleb shakes his head, his hands going to his hips. “I don’t like havin’ unpaid debts.”

“Well…” You rock back on your heels, tilting your head at him. “Maybe you can get creative. Find a new way to pay up.”

Caleb arches a brow. “Like?”

You hum, tapping your chin like you’re actually putting serious thought into it. “Hm… bring me coffee from the café every time we have a lecture.”

Caleb scoffs. “You're joking.”

“I'm not.”

He lets out a long, drawn out sigh. “Fine.”

♥︎ ♥︎ ♥︎

Caleb knew as well as anyone that crime woke up when the city went to sleep.

So tonight, he stayed up to witness it. Maybe he’d do something good for the city. Maybe he wouldn’t. But he had to try. He had to.

It felt like something was calling to him, something so instinctive and certain that he couldn’t help but listen.

That was how he found himself here, sprawled across the roof of a liquor store, killing time with a game that had no winner. He flicked a pebble toward the ledge, watching as it bounced back near his hand. Again. Again. Anything to keep himself occupied while he listened for any sounds of trouble.

The bell of the liquor store’s entrance rang, and the sudden noise jolted through him, causing his grip to slip. Instead of hitting the ledge, the pebble sailed clean over the rooftop.

“Ouch!”

Caleb froze, and then scrambled to the edge of the roof, yanking his ski mask into place. He peered over the ledge, pulse spiking.

And when he saw who he’d just pelted in the head with a rock, he really should have expected it.

You.

Of course it was you, because why wouldn’t it be?

He watched as you winced, rubbing at the spot where the pebble had struck. You glanced around but, not seeing anyone, just sighed and continued down the sidewalk, bag of groceries clenched in your hand.

And as you walked, Caleb noticed a few things.

The way your pace sped up near the alleys. The way you slowed when you passed under a streetlamp, lingering just a second longer in the light. The way your fingers curled a little tighter around the grocery bag.

You were afraid, and he could understand why.

This wasn’t the best part of the city. It was dark and lonesome, a breeding ground for all things dangerous.

So, without much thinking—without even giving himself the chance to talk himself out of it—he decided to make sure you got home safe.

For purely vigilante reasons, of course.

. . .

You swear you’re not crazy, but someone is definitely following you.

The almost silent breathing. The faint but deliberate footsteps against pavement.

You pick up your pace, but curiosity is a terrible thing, and despite your better judgment, you glance over your shoulder.

And there he is: a shadow perched on the edge of a rooftop. Watching.

Your heart stutters in your chest.

What the hell? Was he… doing parkour? You huff, shaking your head. Not important.

Your pulse spikes, and your body reacts before your mind does. You do the only logical thing you can think of: you bolt.

Your bag slips from your grip, but you don’t have time to care. Every survival instinct you’ve ever had is screaming at you to run.

Like clockwork, the footsteps behind you quicken.

A voice speaks up. “Hey, you dropped your—“

Shrieking, you whip around mid-sprint, finger already slamming down on the trigger of your pepper spray.

The man barely has time to react. He coughs and chokes, stumbling backward like he just got decked in the face. Your groceries fly through the air as he flails, practically throwing them back at you in the process.

“What—” he wheezes, hands clutching his eyes as he coughs again. “What was that for?”

“You…” your breath is coming out in sharp gasps as you clutch the pepper spray tighter. “You were following me!”

He tries to open his eyes, then immediately winces. “I was making sure you got back to campus okay!”

You take a step back, grip still firm around the bottle. “Well… well why the hell did you start running after me when I ran, huh?”

“You dropped your groceries!”

You hesitate because he sounds genuinely frustrated. “Well… don’t do that again, you freak! Don’t you know you shouldn’t follow people home?”

“I wasn’t— I mean, I was, but not for any reason you might be thinking of,” he stammers.

There’s an awkward beat as he forces himself to stand upright again, shoulders tense. Then, as if realizing how bad this looks, he raises his hands in surrender.

“I mean no harm,” he says. And despite everything, he sounds sincere. “This is just… kinda what I do now. I’m looking out for the people of the city.”

You exhale sharply. Then, after a beat, your free hand dips into your grocery bag.

You pull out a bottle of water and toss it to him.

“You should really work on your methods, Spider-Man,” you mutter, shaking your head as your gaze falls down to the spider design on his sweatshirt. As you turn away, you add, "Rinse your eyes. It’ll help."

Your heart is still hammering in your chest as you begin to walk away, but you manage to steady your breathing as you near the dorms. Your mind, however, is still racing.

Because the moment you calm down enough to think, a realization hits you.

The image. The blurry, low-resolution shot that Dr. Curtis Connors sent your group just days ago. The figure looked identical to the man you just encountered. The one he wanted to know more about.

Your stomach drops, and you whirl around, phone in hand with your camera ready. Much to your dismay, the figure is already gone. He has vanished into thin air without leaving so much as a single trace.

You curse under your breath, fingers flying over your phone screen as you open up the message thread.

You: I have a lead. I just ran into him. I think he’s a student at Linkon University.

series masterlist. ┆ next: chapter four.

a/n hi guys :P…. sorry i didn’t update for awhile buuuut here’s chapter 3!!! i wrote and edited some of this chapter with a 103 F fever so… if it’s illegible at any point that might be why. i’d love to know your thoughts so please share them !!! <3

also i just wanted to say that i love all of the comments and messages you guys send into my asks :,) this made me laugh so i really hurried to get this chapter out

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[slutoru1207]

Variants!Mark x reader 14

Part 14 is outtttt i hope you guys like it !! if theres anything I should add or change let me know and i would be more than happy to 💕😽

Mark exhaled sharply, your touch still lingering on his skin. The rage inside him had settled—but the fight was far from over.

Viltrumite Mark rolled his shoulders, cracking his neck. "Now that’s interesting."

Mohawk Mark sneered. "You really think a little human love tap is gonna save you?"

And Sinister Mark—oh, he was just laughing. Low. Amused. Like he already knew how this would end.

Mark narrowed his eyes. “You’re done talking.”

And then—he moved.

Faster than they expected. Faster than even he expected.

BAM.

Mark slammed into Mohawk Mark, sending him flying into a burning airship. The impact shattered metal like glass.

Viltrumite Mark barely had time to react before Mark was on him, too.

A punch to the gut. A blur of movement. He drove his knee straight into his double’s ribs—hard enough to crack bone.

The adrenaline was still there. But he was in control now.

He wasn’t just lashing out.

He was fighting to win.

Sinister Mark, still standing off to the side, watching the chaos unfold, tilted his head and sighed.

"This is getting fun."

And then—he vanished.

"MARK!"

Your shout was the only warning he got.

A split second later, Sinister Mark was behind him.

His arms wrapped around Mark’s throat—a crushing chokehold meant to snap his neck instantly.

Mark barely twisted in time. The pressure cut off his breath, his vision tunneling for a split second.

But he was still standing.

Sinister Mark’s breath was hot against his ear. "You’re holding up better than I thought."

Mark growled. "Get off me."

Sinister Mark just smirked. "Make me."

And then—he let go.

Because he was already moving for you.

Mark’s heart stopped.

He could survive the fight. He could survive broken ribs, blood loss, and every damn thing they threw at him.

But he couldn’t survive losing you.

His vision went red.

BOOM.

Sinister Mark barely made it a step before Mark tackled him mid-air.

They crashed into the ground—cratered it.

Mark didn’t stop. Didn’t hesitate.

One punch. Sinister Mark’s head snapped sideways.

Another. Teeth cracked.

Another. Another. Another.

There was no holding back.

Not this time.

Sinister Mark grinned through the blood. "There it is."

The monster inside Mark.

The thing he was always afraid of becoming.

And he wasn’t stopping.

Above the battlefield, Cecil watched.

His forces were losing.

Viltrumite Mark was back in the fight. Mohawk Mark was pulling himself from the wreckage. Sinister Mark was getting his face caved in.

And Mark—their Mark—was already losing himself.

Cecil’s jaw tightened.

They couldn’t afford to lose him.

Not now.

Not when he was the only chance they had.

His fingers hovered over the red button.

The last resort. The thing he swore he’d never use again.

The Kaiju.

“Sir—” a voice crackled in his earpiece. “Orders?”

Cecil closed his eyes.

He already knew how this would end.

He pressed the button.

And below—the ground started to shake.

Your voice was the only thing that cut through the madness.

"MARK!"

His fists stopped.

His chest heaved.

The world blurred, the edges of reality warping from how hard he’d pushed himself.

He was so close to losing it. To becoming them.

But then—your hands cupped his face.

Warm. Real. Grounding.

"Look at me," you whispered. "You’re still here. Come back to me."

His breath hitched.

And then—the world shook.

And from the dust and debris, a deafening roar echoed across the battlefield.Cecil had just made things worse.

part 15

[dinoandguitar]

"..Coffee?"

Idol!KwonSoonyoung x Staff!Reader

The first time Hoshi saw her, he nearly ran into a wall. It wasn’t dramatic like a slow-motion movie moment, but it sure felt like one.

She was standing near the practice room, listening intently to one of the senior staff members. Her clipboard was tucked under one arm, her head tilted slightly as she nodded along. Then she smiled, small but bright, like it came naturally to her.

Hoshi, mid-step, completely lost focus. One second, he was walking out of the practice room, and the next... BAM!

He smacked right into the doorframe.

"Hyung!" Dino yelped, catching his arm before he could stumble too hard. "Are you okay?" Hoshi barely heard him. His ears were ringing, and not just from the impact. He glanced up quickly, praying that she hadn’t seen..

She had.

Her eyebrows furrowed in concern, her lips parting like she was about to ask if he was alright. Hoshi panicked. He spun on his heel and speed-walked back inside, slamming the door behind him.

Dino blinked at the now-closed door before turning to the staff members. "Uh… he's fine... I think.."

♡

Over the next few days, Hoshi became painfully aware of her presence. She wasn’t around all the time, but when she was, he turned into a full-on puppy-eager, flustered, and ridiculously obvious about his crush.

"Hyung, you're staring again," Joshua said, nudging him as they sat on the practice room floor.

"I'm not!" Hoshi hissed, even though he absolutely was.

She was across the room, checking something on her clipboard while chatting with another staff member. She looked so calm and professional, and here he was, sweating over her mere existence.

Jeonghan smirked. "You're wagging your tail."

Hoshi shot him a glare. "I do not have a tail."

"You might as well with how excited you get whenever she's near."

Hoshi groaned, dropping his head onto his knees. This was ridiculous. He was Kwon Soonyoung, SEVENTEEN’s performance leader, the energetic one, the confident one. Why was he turning into a shy mess every time she was in the same room?

♡

His crush only got worse when he actually interacted with her. One day, she was passing out water bottles after a long practice session. Hoshi was mid-conversation with Mingyu when she walked up, holding one out to him with a soft smile.

"Here, you looked like you needed this," she said.

Hoshi forgot how to speak.

He stared at the bottle. Then at her. Then back at the bottle.

"Hyung, take it," Mingyu muttered.

Hoshi finally snapped out of it, grabbing the bottle way too quickly. "Thank you!" he blurted out, his voice a little too enthusiastic. She laughed—a soft, amused sound that made his heart go haywire. "No problem," she said before moving on.

Hoshi turned to Mingyu, gripping his arm. "Mingyu-yah. Did you hear that? She laughed at something I said!"

Mingyu looked unimpressed. "She laughed because you were weird."

"Doesn't matter," Hoshi whispered, clutching the water bottle to his chest. "She laughed."

Mingyu sighed. "You're hopeless."

♡

The teasing only got worse when the other members caught on. One evening, Hoshi was lingering near the break room, psyching himself up to talk to her. "Be cool," he told himself under his breath. "Just go in, say hi, and act normal—"

The moment he stepped inside, she turned and smiled. "Oh, hey Hoshi!"

He froze.

His brain blanked.

"Uh-hi! Coffee!" he blurted out. "I mean...you’re drinking coffee. Nice. That’s… great."

She blinked. Then, to his horror, she giggled."Yeah," she said, looking amused. "Do you want some?"

"No!" Hoshi yelped, then immediately regretted it. "I mean, no, I just-I was gonna- um…"

She tilted her head, waiting. Hoshi took a deep breath. Okay, just say it.

"I was wondering if...maybe...you’d like to get coffee with me? Not like this coffee but like outside coffee. With me. Together. If you want."

A long pause.

Then, she smiled. "Are you asking me out?"

Hoshi swallowed. "Yes?"

She laughed, soft and genuine. "I’d love to."

Hoshi blinked. "Wait, really?"

"Really."

He barely managed to hold back a victorious cheer. Instead, he gave a very enthusiastic nod, his grin stretching from ear to ear. "Cool! Great! Uh, I’ll text you!" he said, practically vibrating with excitement.

As she walked away, Hoshi turned the corner and immediately collapsed against the wall. His heart was racing. His hands were shaking. His entire body felt like it was on fire.

And as he entered the practice room, he knew he was in for some good teasing by his members. And as embarrassing it will be, Hoshi didn’t even care. Because he had a date with her.

And that was all that mattered.

[feelfreetopleasemexo]

hiii!! I just read your "stumbling into MHA boys beds while drunk" and I loved it so much!!! I was wondering if I could request a continuation of izukus scenario? ❣️❣️❣️

Of course! 🥰

The morning after

A continuation of Izukus scene!

As he almost fucking skipped towards the tree line to meet all might, he couldnt help but reflect back onto the feelings of your soft skin tracing his, the way your arm tightly wrapped around his midsection, the way your hot breath tickled the back of his neck, how your leg lay claim to his as it laid over it…bam! As he was lost in his romanticism he hadn’t realised the tiny mound of tree roots infront of him, causing him to trip over them and stumble head first into all mights feet. He couldnt help but chuckle at the lovesick young Izuku as he lay infront of him, face full of dust and arms tangled trying to brace for the unexpected impact. He knew him well enough to know that this wasn’t his usual clumsy antics, but rather something wonderful plaguing his mind, perhaps a girl had given him some form of confession, or even a glance that lingered slightly too long.

You eventually woke to the morning sun gleaming through the blinds, the light gently kissing your eyes like a lover trying not to wake you too abruptly….since when did Mina get blinds? You placed your hand over your face and used the other to try to find where her body would usually be next to you, only to find an empty space. She’d probably gone to get coffee for you like she sometimes did. As you opened your eyes gingerly, you noticed that the room was suddenly a lot brighter, a lot tidier, and a lot more….all might themed. Shit. As you sat up and took in your surroundings, the sudden realisation of where you were set it….izukus room. As the duvet slipped down your body as you sat up right, you suddenly realised that not only had you spent the night in the wrong room, but you were also completely naked and there was a note lazily left to your right on a nightstand.

You reached for the note, reading over the sweet cursive letter Izuku had left you, and couldnt help but smile at his sweet words. Then as the headache started to claw its way up your forehead, you immediately realised that youd slept next to him. Naked. All night. Before your mind could fully comprehend the impending panic attack there was a gentle knock on the door.

Your eyes flicked to the door as you pulled the duvet up to your chest, unsure of if you should try to hide and pretend that izukus room was empty, or if you should frantically pull on the clothes that youd shed the night before and pretend you were waiting patiently for him at the end of his bed. Before you could move, the door gently opened slightly, a wave of wildly green hair pocking through slightly as a shakey voice followed.

“H,hey y/n…are you…awake yet? It’s me, izuku. I, im back. Can I…come in?”

“It’s your room dummy, why’re you knocking in the first place? Don’t worry im semi decent, I guess?” Your small laugh helped ease his anxiety slightly as he opened the door gently more and shuffled in, averting his gaze from the bed and painfully focused on his own two feet. As he entered the room, you flung your head back and covered your face with your hands, groaning slightly at your headache and at the stupid mistake you made last night.

“Sorry I ended up in your room, I could’ve sworn I went to Mina’s room. Hope I didn’t scare you too much…”

“No no it’s okay, it was actually kinda…nice. You’re a bit of a snuggler arent you…. Not that you snuggled me too much. It wasnt as if I made you or anything I swear. I didn’t move at all and I never touched you and….”

“Zuku, it’s okay. I know you wouldnt do anything to hurt me, I trust you. If anything, it’s the safest place i couldve ended up anyway.”

Your soft smile interrupted his rambling as he slowly allowed his gaze to meet yours, furthering his flustered stare at how wildly your hair lay across your shoulders, and how the sun kissing the freckles on your nose. He immediately widened his eyes, cheeks flushed beyond anything youd see before as you laughed slightly and patted the edge of the bed near you.

“Youve already seen me half naked so, might as well help me get dressed i guess. Can you pass me my dress please? Oh god, is it still…sticky? This stupid guy ended up spilling his beer all over me as I was leaving and…”

“Here, take this!” He immediately ran to his wardrobe and pulled out an oversized all might varsity t shirt that he usually slept in, handing it to you as he tried to stifle his shaking hands. You glanced down and smiled, thanking him for it as your fingers brushed slightly.

“It’s from his golden age, I got it last year at an auction, it cost me….anyway, I hope it’s okay enough and fits you and…”

You pulled it over your head, it nearly drowning you in the bright yellow cotton already as you swung your legs around and promptly tried to stand up, falling slightly as your stability tried to regain control and failed, only for him to rush to your side and help stabilise you. Suddenly as he placed his hands on your waist to help you, you couldnt help but laugh at the contact, causing him to look down at where his hands were placed then frantically letting go and continuing his ramblings.

“Im so sorry, I didn’t mean to…I was just trying to help you and…my hands…im so sorry.”

“Zuku it’s fine, you’re allowed to touch me it’s okay. This is NOT how I had planned on telling you, like at all….”

“Tell me…what?”

“Ah fuck it, mightswell….i like you Izuku. Like, really like you. A lot.”

His eyes widened again, mind rushing a mile a minute at your confession. Having a naked girl cuddle into him all night, paired with her now standing infront of him in his favourite all might t shirt, then confessing she had some feelings towards him all became too much. As he tried to open his mouth to reply, the room suddenly went black and his legs gave way underneath him. The poor innocent boy had passed out under your confession, only furthering your adoration for him, and giving you an amply opportunity to take care of him, and show him that just because you sometimes drank too much and ended up in his room, didnt mean you couldnt take care of him snd shower him in love and affection. You took his reaction as his very own confession, and thus started the beginning of a very unusual, incredibly funny first love.

[linyki]

PERFECT CHEM . ❨ y.jw smau ❩ ⵌ 03 — fake it till you make it! word count. 2.4k

you’d sooner shove your right arm down an industrial-sized meat grinder than enter the cafe at this very moment. morbid, sure— but it’s the truth.

it’s been a solid five minutes since you arrived, loitering awkwardly near a no smoking sign like some kind of lost child in a supermarket. a confused couple gives you a not-so-subtle double-take as they push through the cafe door, and you silently hope for lightning to strike you to a crisp. 

you peer through the windows, scanning whatever your eyes can make out as visible. in the furthest corner of the café, partially obscured by faux greenery and furniture, you spot a familiar silhouette— it’s a figure you’d recognize anywhere. 

it’s heeseung and he’s alone. great, just great.

you suck in a breath or two, gather what’s left of your courage, and begrudgingly pull at the door handle. you thank your lucky stars when heeseung doesn’t turn around immediately— it gives you some time to carefully loop around the cafe and intentionally take the longer route towards his table. 

your eyes are perpetually glued to the floor, as you slowly drag your feet across the hardwood floor. suddenly, your head comes into full impact into some unidentifiable structure. with a comedic bam, you tumble to the floor. “oww…” you groan in pain. for fuck’s sake, was that a wall? 

“oh my god,” a stranger suddenly begins to ramble frantically. “i’m so sorry, are you alright?” he’s speaking formally, while extending a hand in your direction. you rub your head, wincing slightly, then take his hand and let him help you to your feet. “it’s alright,” you say, brushing yourself off. “i wasn’t watching where i was going.” you pull your eyes upwards to meet his gaze.

“jungwon?” 

“yn sunbae?” he looks equally, if not more, surprised. the two of you stare at each other. as if running into one another was purely coincidental.

you must’ve been staring each other down for a few beats too long, because a third person decides to join the party. “you finally decided to come inside, huh?” heeseung says, appearing at your side with an expression floating somewhere in-between amusement and impatience. you stifle a forced laugh, but it comes out more like a choke, “so you knew i was here?” 

“the life360, dumbass,” he explains.

“oh.” you scratch your nape, and feel small beads of sweat running down your neck. you briefly catch the eye of a cafe employee who looks mildly irritated that the three of you are blocking the walkway. “let’s sit,” you say while rigidly gesturing towards their table. “let’s do that!” jungwon pipes up, with an awkward smile. 

yep, you have absolutely no trust that this guy will pull through. zilch.

the three of you shuffle toward the table and take your seats, jungwon settling beside you while heeseung slides into the seat across. for a fleeting moment, the scene feels oddly familiar. it reminds you of a k-drama you watched not too long ago— the one where the mother-in-law, icy and furious, demands the female lead leave her precious son. yeah, something like that.

you noticed an untouched drink in front of you. must be mine, you think. it’s a warm mocha, befitting for the cold, winter weather. you figure heeseung must’ve ordered it, since he knows how much you like chocolate. good sense, you take a sip.

the tension hangs so thickly in the atmosphere, it’s almost palpable. “so, um? great weather we’re having today,” you express, nervously. the corners of your mouth are twitching, and you feel like bursting into tears. you’re starting to question if losing your sanity is worth a measly 300,000 won.

“it’s negative nineteen degrees celsius today,” heeseung replies, eerily composed. “oh, that’s why my fingers feel like they’re about to fall off!” jungwon jokes in an attempt to lift the mood. 

though, rather unfortunately, his efforts end up pretty much ignored. “when?” heeseung states simply. 

“when what?” you stutter.

“when did this start?”

“it’s not yn noona’s fault,” jungwon interjects. noona? you don’t recall permitting him to call you that. he continues, “hyung, it’s only been a short while, i swear. it hasn’t even been a full week yet.” well, he isn’t exactly lying about that part. 

“is he telling the truth, yn?” heeseung shoots his head towards your direction, almost as if he’s trying to catch you off-guard by addressing you out of the blue. you nimbly nod, “honest, heeseung. i was going to tell you guys as soon as possible.”

heeseung seems to be buying it, because he starts nestling into his cushioned seat, adjusting himself into a more comfortable position. “what about heejin?” hee-who? for a split second, you notice jungwon freeze up. however, he is quick to compose himself and wipes his expression blank. “what about her?” 

heeseung looks a little flustered at his sudden change in attitude. “heejin. she told me that the two of you were together.” a sigh escapes jungwon’s lips. it’s subtle but you can tell he sounds exasperated— almost as if he’s tired of hearing that name. “we never dated, hyung. if i’m being honest, i’m tired of people assuming that without clarifying with me first,” jungwon replies a little coldly. a flash of confusion crosses heeseung’s face, “so you guys were never together? that’s why i got so upset, at first. i thought you were two-timing yn without her knowing.”

jungwon shakes his head, “never. i’m a little hurt that you’d think that i’d do that, hyung. i thought you knew me better than that.” you nod in approval, and internally regret doubting jungwon's superb acting skills— hell, it even seems pretty realistic to you.

“i’m sorry,” heeseung groans in sheer embarrassment, his hands flying to cover his flushed cheeks. “i shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions, and i should’ve clarified with you first. i was just so taken aback to hear that yn was finally dating someone—” finally? you damn nearly spat out your drink right then and there. when did the conversation suddenly take a turn for the worse?

“what?” you sputter in shock. “w-what are you even talking about?” you stammer so hard, the syllables are practically flying off your lips. a glint of mischief twinkles in jungwon’s eyes, and he moves his hands atop yours. 

you silently resist the urge to sock him in the face. 

“isn’t she just so cute?” you feel the colour drain from your face. what the hell is he doing?

heeseung forces a gag, his expression both nauseated and repulsed. “what the hell are you talking about?” he asks, disgusted. exactly what i’m saying, you internalize a scream.  “i pursued her first, y’know?” you feel a light kick under the table— jungwon is signally you to play along. “um, yeah,” you agree, half-heartedly. clearly, you need to work on your improv. 

“no need to be shy,” jungwon insists, grasping your hands even tighter. you squeeze your eyes closed, and force a wide smile. “aww, i told you i don’t like this shi— stuff,” you correct yourself quickly. 

“ugh.” you hear heeseung’s chair scrape back, and open your eyes to see him standing up. “i’m out of here. anymore of this is gonna make me vomit my breakfast out,” he groans. thankfully, he seems to have fully bought your story. “i’m off,” he says, collecting his bag. “oh, and yn?” he says. you hum in response. 

“i’ll let you be the one to tell the others about… this,” he says, pointing his index finger and rapidly flicking it between you and jungwon. “but try to do it soon, okay? they won’t take it well if you keep it from them too long— especially yuri.” a shiver runs down your spine and you silently curse.

right, it was never heeseung you had to worry about believing your act— it was yuri.

“right,” you reply. “i’ll tell them tonight.”

before he leaves, heeseung casts one last glance in your direction. you wave your free hand goodbye, the other still intertwined with jungwon’s. 

as soon as you hear the front door jingle, you throw your head back in relief. “thank god,” you grunt in pure relief. you notice jungwon still has his hand over top of yours, “you gonna move that, or am i gonna have to pry it off for you?” 

embarrassed, jungwon meekly removes his hand. “sorry, noona.”

you raise an eyebrow. “since when did i say you could call me that?”

“what? you didn’t seem to have a problem earlier while heeseung hyung was still here,” jungwon retorts.

“that was because—“ you pause. “we had to make this believable.” 

jungwon rolls his eyes. “if we keep switching back and forth, we’re bound to get confused. let’s just drop the formalities, pretty please?” he clasps his hands, rubbing them together as if he’s making a new years’ wish at a temple’s shrine. you sigh, “fine.” 

he flashes a cheeky smile, leaning forwards to take a sip out of the straw of his drink. “alright, shall we get down to business, then?” jungwon reaches into his backpack, and pulls out his laptop. with a practiced motion, he flips it open, the screen flickers to life, and he settles into his seat. 

you scoot your chair a little closer to his, and catch the subtle shift in jungwon’s expression— just a flicker, but enough to tell he’s noticed the sudden proximity. “oh.” you feel the inclination to explain yourself. “it’s just… i can’t really use my laptop. it’s dead. heeseung was supposed to give me his charger but—” you cut yourself off. why are you explaining so much, anyway? it’s not like it really matters. “anyways,” you shrug, “that’s just how it is. hope you don’t mind.” 

“no, i don’t mind,” jungwon mumbles, and you almost don’t catch it. a brief, awkward silence settles between the two of you. your eyes drift to his laptop screen, still lit up, and you catch a glimpse of his lock screen. you seize the chance to change the subject. “is that your dog?” you ask, tilting your head slightly.

“yeah,” he quickly replies, “her name is maeum.” 

“she’s very cute,” you compliment a little robotically. the two of you once again fall into deafening silence, and you begin to slightly squirm in your seat looking for something else to say. luckily for you, jungwon beats you to it. “uh, so we should probably start now, huh?” jungwon finally says. you just nod, eyes fixed on him as he opens a new word document and begins to type:

‘yln yn, hereinafter referred to as “party a,” and yang jungwon, hereinafter referred to as “party b,” hereby agree as follows:’

“you’re taking this contact awfully seriously,” you offhandedly comment. the tips of jungwon’s ears redden. “would you like to type it out then?” he offers, feigning annoyance. “i’m good. i’m just here to state my terms. you can do the rest,” you coolly respond. you catch jungwon’s eyes rolling, reflecting on the screen of the laptop, and you snort. 

jungwon’s fingers hover over the keyboard for a second, then he types:

“1. party a and party b must adhere to the terms and conditions outlined in this contract. failure to comply will result in party a’s immediate forfeit of 300,000 won and the advisor referral.”

you raise an eyebrow. “harsh.” jungwon glances at you, a hint of a grin tugging at his lips. “make sure to follow through for the month, then.” he continues: 

‘2. party a and party b agree to pretend to be in a romantic relationship for a period of one month, beginning on january 9, 2025, and ending on february 9, 2025. this will include, but is not limited to, activities such as: …’

“activities? we have to do stuff together?” you ask. jungwon casts you a brief ‘no-duh’ look. “i told you already, we have to convince someone we're together. how are we supposed to do that if we're never seen together?" 

heejin? you want to ask, but instead, you chew the inside of your lip. 

"okay, fine. whatever," you relent. “what do you suggest we do, then?” 

“dates. at least, twice a week— somewhere public,” jungwon says firmly. you stare at him, a dumbfounded expression painted across your face, “seriously?” he nods, unwavered by your clear opposition, “i’ll plan one week, you plan the next. we’ll rotate.”

you wordlessly groan, and a realization hits you that this is going to be a long four weeks. the two of you quietly work for the next few hours, immersed in drafting up the rest of the contract. you and jungwon argue about the terms, adjust the conditions, and eventually come to some semblance of compromise. 

it’s almost evening by the time the two of you finish. all that bickering seemed to have taken up more time than you expected. jungwon moves the cursor towards the ‘save’ button, emails you a pdf copy of the contract, and powers off his laptop. 

“god, i’m starving.” almost as if it was on command, your stomach gargles a loud growl, rendering you slightly flustered. “how about a late lunch?” jungwon quickly offers. “i’ll pay.”

you shake your head, “how can i ask someone who's younger to pay? it’s fine,” you insist, gathering the paper straw wrappers and tissue waste accumulated on the table. “you have no problem taking my 300,000 won, though?” jungwon teasingly replies. 

“that’s different,” you argue, slinging your bag over your shoulder. jungwon yet again rolls his eyes for what seems like the umpteenth time of the day. “you’re so stubborn, just let me just treat you for the trouble. after all, i’m gonna be your boyfriend for the next month.” 

boyfriend. for some reason, the word leaves a ticklish feeling in your chest. you let out an embarrassed cough, before lightly nudging him in the shoulder with your elbow. “yeah, whatever. y'know that i'm still your ta regardless of this whole thing. at least, i am till the end of this semester.”

“so what?” he looks confused.

you feel a blood vessel enlarge in the corner of your forehead. “so, you better not slack or expect special treatment from me. speaking of which, where the hell is your lab report? i checked the submissions box this morning, and it’s —“

jungwon clasps his hands over his ears, and in a sing-song voice, he chants, “la-la-la.” you feel yet another urge to kick him in the shin, but you retrain yourself before you end up with a misdemeanour assault charge. 

yep, this is going to be a long four weeks, indeed.

last. next. m.list.

⸝⸝ summary : yn is a voluntary “outsider”— the kind who’s never spotted at department social events, vanishes the moment a lecture ends, and is practically an enigmatic ghost to her peers. she’d much rather spend her time tucked away in the quiet comfort of her apartment, away from the noise and nonsense that accompany a social life. enter yang jungwon: student council president, the life sci department’s resident golden boy, and, unfortunately for yn, her newest, most persistent headache.

⸝⸝ lin's love note : ddouble update???🥳🥳🥳🥳 my writing is so rusty but written chapters r always the most fun to make .. 🙂‍↕️ excuse any gramatical issues i lowk j word vomited 2 the best of my abilities

⸝⸝ taglist : @jun2ki @cara9065 @ivxae @graceyein @yunkiism @dearmynayeon @seokjinthescientist @devilish-meangadh (comment or ask to be added!)

[deceasedream69]

Alien

Summary: He found you, you're not supposed to be here, what's he gonna do about it?

-

The concrete wet beneath my feet. It was raining a while ago but it stopped, the air was still cold. It was late, the only thing I could hear were my shoes, some drops and an ocassional passing car.

I felt alone for the most part of the walk, I just wanted to get home, put my pjs on, eat something and watch a movie until I fell asleep.

God, that sounded like such a good plan, I was already savouring it.

Until I felt like I wasn't alone anymore. But I didn`t want to make it obvious, so I didn't stop or turn around, instead, I tried to use the mirrors or windows I was passing by, but I didn't notice anything...

I didn't want to draw attention to myself but I already started to walk faster unconciously, my grip tight on my purse and my eyes scanning everything they could around me.

There was an emtpy alley, so I took the chance, it was a limited space where I could have more vision and control.

I walked normally again, trying to spike my senses, but I didn't feel anything or see anything anymore.

I sighed and kept walking with a tight grip on my purse and relief in my stomach.

I exited the alley and BAM.

Something hit me in the head. I fell, throwing my purse away from the impact. I fell on that dirty wet floor. I sat up, cleaning my hands on my jeans.

There was this tall guy in a white bandages suit, not far from him was this even taller bird like person, with a big reaper scythe. I looked up at the guy in front of me. He was looking directly at me with those white glowing eyes. In his hands he already had his daggers ready.

-what do you think you're doing here? - the bird like person said. I turned to look at him.

The guy turned to look at the bird and then at me, almost like in surprise.

-What do you fucking care? Am I doing something bad...? - I smiled - you think you're the hero now? saving the world from the bad guys? attacking from the root before they even have the chance of even thinking about doing something? - I stood up, the guy with the suit just backed away, not taking his eyes off of me, but not doing anything without the bird's instructions.

-Cause I know damn well walking on the street isn't something wrong.

-everything you do here is wrong, you don't belong here - he stood from the car he was sitting - you think you can just pick a universe to live on and everyone in it will acommodate? hm? silly witch

-sorry, God of this world, if you must... send me to hell then, but you - I pointed directly at him, my hand glowing read already - not your soldadito. (little soldier)

He was wearing a mask but I could still see the confusion and surprise on his face.

-Marc, finish her.

-such a pussy - I whispered to myself.

The bird man turned around and left us alone.

-I'm not going to fight you, I don't even know you, and I know you don't want to do this - I picked my purse from the floor and kept walking, trying to clean myself a little.

-great, now I also gotta shower.

WHAM

I felt the punch on my cheek but it was too late, I couldn't even use my hands. I hit myself against a car. I quuickly put myself together, looking everywhere.

He pushed me from behind, I tried to use my powers but he quickly kicked my hands and then my stomach.

I gasped for air.

I could see the bird man seeing everything from a rooftop.

I collected air again and stood up. Throwing a ball of enery to the guy, but he quickly dodge them. I took rocks and started throwing them on his way.

He got his daggers out and threw one at me, I quickly dodge it but it still managed to cut my cheek a little. I fell and took the dagger out, with my powers of course, and tried to pursue him with it. I made an ugly cut on his leg and he fell. I took my chance and started to run away.

But it didn't take long for him to be behind me again.

-fuck!

I stopped.

-look, please, let's just stop, okay? I don't want to create a scene, there's too much people here, I don't want to hurt or even fight you, please - I pleaded as I backed away.

Not even sure if he could answer, the suit covering his mouth entirely.

He walking towards me, slowly, like showing he wasn't going to stop. Until he came to a stop, really close to me. He looked at me, up and down, and got his dagger up, but when he got it down I stopped him with my powers.

-I tried.

I sent the dagger flying away and the picked him up, sending him through a closed store glass, and then throwing a car too.

Quickly flying away, falling on a rooftop and running and jumping, just trying to get away.

-hm - he smiled - I knew you weren't going to be an easy catch, but I believe I underestimated you.

-just let me go, I know I don't belong here, but I promise I won't cause any trouble.

-on the contrary, I think you're going to be very useful to me.

that's when I felt a needle on my neck, there's nothing else I could do.

-hours later-

Opening my eyes slowly, my head felt dizzy and my body numb. It was alredy day time, the sun was shining through the windows, white walls, pictures on them, this house seemed really cozy. I looked down, new clothes, clothes that weren't mine. I sighed in defeat.

-you woke up - a man said walking pass me, must be the suit guy.

-mhm - I barely replied.

He got closer.

-not talking hm? I made breakfast, but before we get to that part-

-don't misunterstand what I'm about to do, but I'm really uncomfortable.

He looked puzzle.

I used my powers and got myself off the table I was on and into the kitchen. There was a big buffet in there.

He laughed - that's what I was aout to say, but I guess it's better if I explain it while we're eating.

-at the table-

He wasn't so tall, but he seemed big, dark eyes and dark curly hair. He was wearing a loose shirt but I could tell he's strong.

-Konshu needs you, that's why we did what we did last night

-Konshu? the bird man?

He laughed and nodded - yeah, exactly him, the bird man. I'm Marc, and you? I don't really know your name, you just were a mission last night

-flattering, my name is y/n. Why does he need me?

-from what I can see, you're powerful, he doesn't like to see so much power and it not being on his side, so he needs to have control over it, immediatly.

He was eating fast, I suppose that's what he's trained for.

-what am I doing here? you could just tell me and send me home.

-you're here because I'm going to train you.

I laughed - I don't need training, do you even have powers like mine?

-I don't need to have them, I'll train you on hand to hand combat, you really need it - he stood up, his plate already finished.

-eat, shower, in the backyard at eight.

He said leaving the house.

[fisheito]

Whenever you get the chance, I'd love to hear your thoughts on Yakumo so far in this event! He so shmoopy. So worble

contemplative pout at the screen🦀💭

well, this can be easily accommodated... yes, shouldn't take too long. i'll put it behind the Read More in case ppl haven't caught up on the event:

i thought we were going to have a lovely time with blade oli kuya. no yakumo to plague my senses. ahhh, a winter of joy and wonder. the snake's too busy brumating, so i won't need to worry about--- WHAT IS HE DOING HERE (yes, the angry brow that graced the Helm of my face when he popped up. insidious, that he should appear , even when it's not his featured event. BGONE)

but he's with garu and i can't really be mad at garu so i unclench my brow eventually.

then they misunderstand what "everybody" meant and then i started panicking because i was still holding onto my idea of an untouched bladeolikuya story buthtennt.....

everybody.... everybody means... EVERYBOdy..... ohoohoohohohoo... the whole gang??!? don't mDInd if I dOOO

god morv you really are not worried. that's ok. brainless wonderment will get us the polyclan we deserve

then there's the ONE MOMENT where dante and yakumo stand next to each other without yakumo shrinking away in fear (because he's too busy having a sob over Merry's story) and i felt so incredibly stupid in my rarepairinating like. ah. i understand now. when people got so excited over characters just STANDING next to each other. THEY'RE NOT EVEN INTERACTING. THEYRE JUST NEXT TO EACH OTHER, AND THERE IS NO MEANING TO IT.

AND YET.................... [back on my yakudan nonsense. just ignore it]

and OOOOOOHHHHHH PART 13 BELOVED PART 13 BUMPER BOAT FIASCO

amazing, wonderful, i eat my words from before about not wanting everyone at the fair, no notes, carry on.

i was SO happy when i saw yakumo was paired with blade because that means he's in for a ROUGH RIDE AHAHAHAHAHAHAA

(smooshes them together) bladeyaku. another pair i want to see together more often. suffering circumstances together (well, mosztly yaku suffering. blade is pretty adept at having a good time whereverwhenever)/.

HOOOO boy . HELPLESS in that boat USELESS passenger princess or rather, passenger princess held hostage...? i wonder if he gets motion sickness. i wonder what's keeping him inside the boat. are there seatbelts? (thinks back to Blasting Off Again✨) huh/. i guess not. HAH!

ugh i loved everyone in their silly pairs (trio, in rei's case)

tho now i'm wondering how exactly blade and yakumo were sent flying. my understanding of physics is 😬, so i don't know the exact scenario that would result in the most bladeyaku airtime.

blade invited karu to play... so he knew he was approaching

if karu and blade headed toward each other at similar speeds, they would probably bounce back at similar rates so wouldn't karukuya also be flying away with bladeyaku?

but whAT if, after blade invites karu over and karu starts going FULL SPEED toward them but blade suddenly... stops. just, all motion on the boat ceases. somehow. not even a ripple. he hums patiently. and yakumo's just shaking out of his slippers like ummmmmmmm mr blade theyre coming closer why arent we----

THEN BAM!!!!!!!! TRANSFER OF FORCE!!!!!!! blade yaku fly into the sky!?!?! ... even then,, i'm wondering how they got the vertical in there

if karu rammed em at MegaSpeed, wouldn't they just float backward, or spin around really fast while still on the surface of the water? or was karu's speed SO destructive that as soon as the impact happened the tidal wave following him caught up, and lifted bladeyaku into the air =airborne droidsnake.

RIDICULOUS. i guess i'll never know for sure. it's tough to argue with results, though.

i will now take a moment to thank @fallencelsetial for sending me this recording:

very soothing. exactly what i needed. thank u

[kathlare]

one last time

Lando Norris x Amelie Dayman

Summary: In the quiet aftermath of the Spanish Grand Prix, emotions run high as Amelie and Lando grapple with love, timing, and the painful understanding that sometimes, caring for each other isn’t enough to make things work.

Wordcount: 1.7 k

Warnings: none

full masterlist // request over here!

May 6th, 2021 - Barcelona, Spain

liked by lanelieshippers, f1gossipgirl, and others

ameliedaymanupdates: 👀 Looks like Amelie made a surprise appearance at the Spanish Grand Prix today in Barcelona! 🇪🇸✨ After being MIA around the paddock on Friday and Saturday, she was spotted today, looking as gorgeous as ever! 😍💫 Could she be here to support Lando during the race? 👀👑

View all 2,899 comments

ameliefan09: She wasn’t at the paddock all weekend and now she’s showing up on race day? Hmmm… I wonder if she's there to watch Lando crush it on the track 😏💚 → f1gossipqueen: @ameliefan09 oh 100%! She's probably just waiting for the right moment to pop in and support her man! 💕💚

f1lover_23: Why is she always so lowkey? We barely get any pictures of her, and then BOOM, she appears on race day looking stunning. 😩

justf1fanatic: I swear Amelie is the definition of “less is more.” Not a ton of public appearances but when she does show up, it’s like BAM! 😍 → f1addict_: @justf1fanatic Exactly! She knows how to make an impact without trying too hard. All eyes on her today 👀👑

f1tea: Seriously, why does Amelie even need to be at the race today? We all know she’s just showing up to make sure she’s still relevant.

liveracefan: The way she quietly showed up after not being seen all weekend… like come on, she’s definitely supporting Lando today. 💚💚 → racingfan_69: @liveracefan If that’s not love, idk what is. She’s got his back, for sure.

lovelando33: Anyone else feel like Amelie has really settled into the F1 lifestyle? She’s been around more recently and honestly, I'm loving it. 😍

ameliefan100: Okay but why is everyone coming for Amelie?? She and Lando are so cute together! Who cares about the drama from years ago, they’ve clearly moved on! 🙄 → f1hater123: @ameliefan100 It’s not about moving on, it’s about how she jumped from one guy to another while playing the “I’m so innocent” card. Can’t trust her. 😤

lando_is_love: Every time I see Amelie, I remember that stupid "Driver's License" song. She really did Olivia dirty, huh? 🙄 → speedyboi44: @lando_is_love Seriously? People have to let that shit go.

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

Lando pushed open the door to his hotel room, the exhaustion of the race still weighing heavy on his shoulders. The Spanish Grand Prix was over, and he should’ve felt relieved. But all he felt was drained.

He stepped inside, already reaching up to run a hand through his damp curls when he stopped dead in his tracks.

She was there.

Sitting on the edge of his bed, her legs curled up against her chest, looking small in the oversized hoodie she wore—his hoodie. Her face was partially hidden in the fabric, but the second she heard him, her head lifted, and her tired, red-rimmed eyes met his.

—Amelie?— His voice was quiet, almost disbelieving.

She swallowed, shifting slightly as if she was unsure how to start. —Hi.—

For a second, neither of them moved. Lando didn’t even close the door behind him. His heart was racing, a mix of surprise and something heavier settling in his chest. He hadn’t expected to see her here. Not after the way they had fought over the phone. Not after the past few weeks of distance, of missed calls and short replies and feeling like they were slipping further and further away from each other.

—What are you doing here?— he finally asked, stepping further inside, his voice careful, cautious.

Amelie exhaled, rubbing her hands together, looking anywhere but at him. —I didn’t want to do this over the phone.—

Lando’s chest tightened. He knew exactly what this meant.

He closed the door softly behind him and leaned against it, his jaw clenching as he watched her. He wanted to be angry. He wanted to tell her she was being dramatic, that they were just going through a rough patch, that they’d figure it out. But the truth was, deep down, he knew.

They’d been holding on by a thread for weeks now, maybe even months. They hadn’t seen each other in so long, barely had time for each other, and when they did, it was rushed, stolen moments between schedules, between races, between everything else that seemed to demand more of them than they could give to each other.

—So this is it, then?— he asked, his voice rough around the edges, barely above a whisper.

Amelie sucked in a shaky breath, her eyes glassy. —I don’t know how to do this, Lando. I don’t know how to be with you when we’re never really with each other. And I don’t want to keep pretending like it’s fine when it’s not.—

Lando looked away, blinking up at the ceiling as if it could stop the burning in his eyes.

—So we just... give up? Just like that?— His voice cracked slightly, and he hated himself for it.

—We’re not giving up.— Amelie shook her head, wiping at her cheeks as the first tear fell. —We’re just... we can’t keep hurting each other like this. You and I, we both know we don’t have the time to do this right. And I don’t want to resent you for that. I don’t want you to resent me for that.—

Lando’s jaw tightened, his breathing uneven.

—It’s not fair,— she continued, her voice barely above a whisper. —It’s not fair to you, and it’s not fair to me. We deserve more than just stolen moments, Lando.—

Lando closed his eyes, swallowing against the lump in his throat.

—You’re saying all the right things, Amelie, but it still fucking hurts.— His voice was hoarse, defeated.

Amelie let out a choked sound, something between a laugh and a sob.

She wiped at her face again, but the tears kept falling, no matter how much she tried to stop them. Lando just stood there, staring at her like he was trying to memorize everything about this moment—the way she looked in his hoodie, the way her hair fell messily around her face, the way her eyes, even filled with tears, still felt like home.

She had always been home.

Lando stepped forward, hesitantly at first, like he was afraid that if he moved too fast, this moment would shatter completely. Amelie didn’t pull away when he finally reached her, dropping to sit on the bed beside her. He was close enough now that he could see the way her fingers trembled as she gripped the edge of the hoodie’s sleeve, like she was holding onto it for dear life.

—Hey,— Lando whispered, his voice softer now, barely above a breath.

Amelie sniffled, lifting her gaze to his.

—It’s not supposed to be this hard,— she admitted, her voice breaking.

Lando exhaled sharply, nodding as he ran a hand through his curls.

—Yeah… but it is.—

They sat there in silence, the weight of what they were doing pressing down on them like an unbearable force. Neither of them wanted this. Neither of them wanted to say goodbye to whatever the hell they were—whatever they had been.

Lando reached for her hand without thinking, his fingers lacing with hers, his grip tight like if he held on hard enough, maybe this wouldn’t be real. Amelie squeezed back, her thumb brushing over his knuckles, memorizing the way his skin felt against hers.

—You know I never wanted this, right?— Lando said after a moment, his voice raw.

Amelie nodded. —I know.—

—And I don’t regret a second of it.—

That was what broke her. A sob tore through her chest, and before she could stop herself, she was leaning into him, burying her face against his shoulder. Lando wrapped his arms around her immediately, holding her as tightly as he could, pressing his cheek against the top of her head.

They stayed like that for what felt like forever, clinging to each other as if letting go would mean losing everything. And in a way, it did.

—This is so fucking unfair,— Lando muttered against her hair.

—Yeah.— Amelie’s voice was muffled against his hoodie. —It is.—

Lando pulled back slightly, just enough to see her face. Her cheeks were tear-streaked, her lips trembling, and yet she was still the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.

He cupped her face gently, his thumb brushing away a tear that had just fallen. Amelie leaned into his touch instinctively, her eyes fluttering shut for a second as if trying to savor the feeling.

—What if…— Lando hesitated, his voice barely above a whisper. —What if we just tried a little longer?—

Amelie let out a shaky breath, opening her eyes to look at him. There was so much emotion there, so much love tangled in the pain, but she still shook her head.

—And then what?— she whispered back. —We keep waiting for a moment that never comes? We keep making promises we can’t keep?—

Lando didn’t answer. He didn’t have to. They both knew the truth. They had been running on borrowed time for too long, and this… this was inevitable.

—We’ll still be us, right?— His voice was hoarse, almost desperate now.

Amelie nodded, but she didn’t look convinced.

—You’re my best friend, Lando. I don’t want to lose that.—

—You won’t.— His grip on her hands tightened. —I swear, you won’t.—

She gave him a watery smile, one that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

—You know, I used to think…— she paused, biting her lip before continuing. —I used to think that maybe Cam sent you to me. That maybe, somehow, he knew I needed you.—

Lando’s breath caught in his throat. He had always known how much Cameron had meant to her. He had never tried to compete with that, had never wanted to. But hearing her say that, knowing she had thought of him that way, it made his chest ache even more.

—Maybe he did,— Lando murmured.

Amelie swallowed hard, her fingers gripping onto the fabric of his hoodie.

—And now I feel like I’m letting you go too.—

Lando shook his head instantly.

—You’re not letting me go. We’re just…— he trailed off, exhaling deeply. —We’re just choosing to love each other in a different way now.—

Amelie let out another sob, one she couldn’t hold back, and Lando felt his own tears spill over. It wasn’t fair. None of it was fair. But she was right—prolonging this would only hurt them more in the end.

They weren’t breaking up because they didn’t love each other. They were breaking up because they did.

—We should stop crying,— Amelie sniffled, trying to laugh, but it came out broken.

Lando let out a choked laugh of his own, shaking his head. —I don’t think that’s possible right now.—

She wiped at her face with the sleeve of his hoodie, and Lando reached for her hand again, stopping her. Gently, he cupped her face, his thumb brushing away the tears that wouldn’t stop falling. His eyes traced every feature, committing it to memory.

—Can I kiss you?— he asked, his voice barely audible.

Amelie’s breath hitched, her lips parting slightly. For a moment, she hesitated, but then she nodded.

—One last time.—

That was all he needed.

Lando leaned in slowly, his nose brushing against hers before their lips met in the softest, most heartbreaking kiss they’d ever shared. It wasn’t desperate or rushed. It wasn’t trying to change anything. It was a goodbye—a painful, beautiful goodbye.

Amelie gripped the front of his hoodie, pulling him closer as she kissed him back, trying to pour everything she felt into it. The love, the sadness, the gratitude. Lando’s hands cradled her face, his thumbs stroking her cheeks as he tried to hold onto this moment for just a little longer.

When they finally pulled away, Amelie was trembling, her forehead resting against his.

—That was the worst goodbye ever,— she whispered.

Lando let out a soft, wet laugh. —Yeah. It really fucking was.—

Neither of them moved, both unwilling to be the first to let go.

—So, what now?— Amelie asked after a moment, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lando exhaled, his hand finding hers again, squeezing tightly.

—Now… we figure out how to be just friends again.—

Amelie nodded, her eyes searching his. —I don’t know how to do that.—

—Me neither.— He swallowed. —But we’ll figure it out. Together.—

She gave him a weak smile, her fingers tracing absent patterns against his palm.

—Promise?—

Lando’s heart ached as he looked at her, but he nodded.

—Promise.—

And even though they both knew it wouldn’t be easy, even though the pain of this moment would linger for a long, long time, they also knew that some things—some people—were worth holding onto, even if it had to be in a different way.

They sat there for a while longer, side by side, hands still intertwined, as the reality of their decision settled between them.

They weren’t a couple anymore.

But they weren’t losing each other.

And for now, that had to be enough.

[miniaturem00n]

First (Jake seresin x reader)

summary: after moving in with your sister, you start working as a waitress, where you met a charming guy,who will turn your life into a mess

TW:Abusive household mentions, Toxic parents, Self-Harm

The door opened,you met the gaze of your baby sister, the one that used to be so little

"Miriam!" You hugged her tightly, softlt closing your eyes "And my nephews??" She took your wrist and closed the door, guiding you to two cribs

"They are so beautiful" you watched them sleep peacefully "Ok,so, ill put my stuff on the room,and then i will leave, I talked to Sarah,the girl I went to highschool with,and yes,she knows where they need a waitress,so, wish me luck darling" you patted her on the head,she looked restless,tired and done,so you had to help somehow

Walking there was boring, everyone dressed the same 3 colors, brown deep green and if youre lucky white, you supposed it was because of the navy presence and impact on the town, you opened the door to the restaurant,your friend from highschool ,Sarah, was there "Finally youre here, go talk to the boss, i already told her you need a job, and she said you were in but you had to talk to her first" she patted your back and told you were she was

She was around 33-38, you looked up at her "Im going to be honest with you, i dont pay too much, the work is a lot, nightshifts are hard, and youre probably going to be very tired" she looked down at you,one hand on her hip, you gulped and breathed softly, in order to not disturb her "Why do you tell me all of this stuff?"

"We dont have alot of staff, it was a little warning, the girl on the bar,her name is michelle, she will give you the key so you can grab your uniform" she made you sign one paper and bam! Off to work, things were going so fast, you didnt liked that,you prefered a low and quiet lifestyle,so this wasnt for you clearly, you rubbed your eyes and walked to the bar,she was standing there,Blonde, Blue eyes, such a beautiful woman,she offered you a kind and warm smile, you smiled back "Hi..are you Michelle?" She nodded "I guess you already talked to the boss,dont worry, the key is on my coat,its black and long it should be on the back of the kitchen" you nodded and walked slowly, since it was the early morning,just a few people were there, guys from the navy mostly, you tied your hair, and searchdd throught the small building,after the kitchen,there was a door that said "Employees only" you opened the door and got in, lockers and lockers were, you spotted coats hanging on the wall,searching throught the pockets, you finally found the key, when you got your uniform,it wasnt your size, it was short for you, so you guessed you could fix it later,you putted it on, and ran to help,taking orders from table to table, you were trying your best,the uniform was awkward,you stopped on a table,a navy guy, blonde and handsome

"What- What can I get for you?" You said, looking away from him, he smirked "Why arent you looking at me "Hu? Im looking at you" you tried to avoid him, but he was kinda infatuated with you, you gulped "What can i get for you?" You repeated louder, he shook his head "Not until you look at me" you groaned and walked away "Sarah can you attend the navy guy? He makes me nervous" she giggled and looked at you in a cheeky way "He's my ex" you nodded and hummed "Oh, ok" you looked at Michelle,she just shook her head, you groaned "Im not doing it he be starving!" You walked to another table, and took the girls order, delivering it to the kitchen it was 9:00 am now,it was full to the rim, you sighed and kept working, your legs getting more tired, your shift ended at 4:00 pm, You sat down on a table,it wasnt as full as it was before "Im so tired" you said, closing your eyes softly

he sat infront of you,the same guy from earlier "Hi" you opened your eyes startled "Hi?" Gaze was on him, looking at him confused "Why are you here?"

"The table was empty"

"Im here it wasnt" you stood up, he followed after you "Why do you not like me?" You shrugged "I dont find you endearing" he scoffed "not even a bit?"

"Not even a bit!!" You smiled and kept walking, you made your way back home

"Im home!" You opened the door,your sister asleep on the couch, making you way to the cribs, you craddled both of them to your chest "Lets let mommy take a break" you hummed a soft lullaby to them,when they fell asleep,they were placed back on the cribs

The path to the bedroom was long,since the house was old,your father used to own it, every step you took was like a dagger to your heart, every time he punched you, everytime he mistreated you, it was all coming back in this place, like a fever, like a burning pain

When he died,you thought it was over, so your mom and your sister moved far away from there, Miriam came back for the house, and married a pilot, you on the other hand, got stuck, on a trance,not quite knowing what to do with your life

now,you were back where it all started, on your old bedroom, it was not the same,some stuff was not longer there,the bed was dirty,but you were too tired to care, you threw yourself into bed, and since that day a routine started

Every monday your shift was from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm

On tuesdays and thursdays it was from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm

On wednesdays fridays and sundays it was from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

The only constant everyday was him, he always asked for you,not matter the weather, he was always waiting for you, it was creepy, a little bit cute,but mostly creepy

"Are you never gonna give up?" You said walking to his table,he smirked "No not yet" giggling under your breath as a response "Hows your sister?" You shrugged "She's ok, a little sad, and very tired" he nodded and made space for you on his table, you sat down without a doubt "Im tired too" you layed you head on his shoulder "I need a long loong break" he ran his fingers throught your hair, you had known eachother for such a short time,around 6 months,but you felt so comfortable around him, like you belonged near him "I'm just overwhelmed you know? But I need the money and well,this is my best option, my sister needs me.." he smiled at you softly,in a comforting way "Its gonna be ok, youre a hard worker,and you can take this"

Friends do this all the time, thats what you were trynna say to yourself, but you couldnt deny there was a little spark on you heart for him, there was a big fire for him, but no, you couldnt,not now, as soon as you saw Sarah walk by, You stood up and fixed your hair

"Anyways your usual- usual order?" You said smiling, he nodded,a little more serious than before

You had never felt this way before, aleays focused always strong,thats who you were, not a very vulnerable girl to be honest, you were nervous, liking him was going to make you a bitch who likes her friend's ex's? You didnt wanted to be ungrateful to the person who helped you get a job and helped your family,so all you could do was push your attraction to the bottom of your heart

When your shift ended,you were sitting next to the lockers "Are you ok?" Sarah asked to you, gathering your courage and taking a big gulp was your action, you had to ask "Yes..but..can i ask you something?" She nodded looking into your eyes "You and jake...was it like...very serious?" She sighed and sat next to you "Well, I thought so, but we never formalized, it was dates, some nights together, but, i guess we werent ready for the next step.." she nudged your arm "You like him right?" You nodded,you werent going to lie "But I wouldnt do that to you, so i wont act" she laughed "Shoot your shot, if he rejects you its ok, if he doesnt then its good,dont think im gonna be mad or jealous" she hugged your side "Its ok" you shook your head "Nah, I dont even like him that much"

You took your coat and your umbrella,since it was very rainy outside, walking with heel on the flooded streets was hard, your umbrella was broken and it wouldnt open,al you had was your coat, shivering and cold under the cruel weather, soaked

until a car stopped next to you, the window rolling down to reveal Jake, You sighed in relief "Need a ride princess?" You smiled and opened the passanger door "I adore you" you said playfully "I know"

"It was sunny when i entered my shift,and my stupid umbrella wouldnt open, so now im soaked!, Miriam is probably worried" he placed his hand on yours "Dont worry, you can stay with me tonight" you squinted your eyes "Nice try" he rolled his eyes "I promise i wont make a move on you"

"Promise?" You held your pinky out "Promised" he locked his pinky with you "As soon as the rain stops ill take you home to Miriam" you nodded, and when he parked on his place you followed him inside "Wow, you dont clean do you?" Giggling was your response to the mess, walking in and taking your heels off, he carried you like a princess

"What do you think youre doing?" You said with a big smile on your face "Well I dont want you to stain my floor"

"You cant stain with water"

"Just making sure darling" you laughed and wrapped your arms around his neck "Good slave" he feigned offense "Slave? Slave?!" You nodded, he threw you to bed and started annoying you "Im not your slave, slaves arent nice"

"SH! Dont talk to royalty like that" You laughed and layed on his chest "Well,that i cant deny princess" his face got closer to you, your knee touching his, so intimate, so close

"I'm-I'm still soaked are you gonna give me clothes?" He pulled away and stood up,handing you his pants and his shirt "Here, use this"

"Wow, im surprised you dont have girls clothes" he tilted his head softly "Why?" You shrugged, being dramatically jealous "Since youre always with girls i thought that, you had sooo manyy clothes" he rolled his eyes and pinned you to bed again "Not since I met you"

"No?, Promise?" You held out your pinky again, he locked it with his "Promise" you smiled to each other "I have to calm Miriam to check on her" you tried to sit up but he pulled you back "Not right now.." he said hiding his face on your neck "Five minutes"

You smelled his hair, something about him was so comforting to you, but..a part of you felt like you hadnt won it, like you didnt deserve it, he placed his hands under the shirt,feeling your body, tracing it, he found the scars on your side and changed sides to be able to see them "What happened here?" You shrugged,not a memory you were a fan of "I was young" he nodded, not wanting to push you too far, he kissed the scars,softly, lovingly, and it was your breaking point, you stood up and backed up from him "Was it too much? Im sorry, im sorry" you shook your head "Please, dont..dont do this to me, dont be..dont be something I dont deserve"

He couldnt understand what you meant he stood up aswell and got near you, your eyes getting watery "Im not.. not enough for you jake" he laughed

"You are enough, more than enough, I understand if you need more time, i can wait, but I need you to understand that i want you, I need you" you didnt hold back anymore and cried "I hate you, do you know that?" You said smiling and cupping his face, softly bring your lips together, in a cute and loving slow kiss, you wrapped your arms on his neck and dropped to bed

The next morning, you were laying on his chest, both of you underneath the sheets, he was deep in sleep, but, you didnt wanted to leave, just to stay for a bit, you shifted to look at his face, tracing his features with the tip of your fingers he woke up with a groan and wrapped his arms on your waist "Why so moody Jake? Was i too good for you?" You said in a soft spoken voice, he chuckled and bit your shoulder softly, making you whine "Ouch, what was that for?"

"Just to wake you up,princess" You frowned "Jerk" he kissed your cheek "Say whatever, you know you love me"

"I love you" you said softly, he took a pause, looking up at you "I love you too"

"Promise?" You held your pinky out "Promise" he locked it with his, kissing your lips

Notes:I hope you guys enjoyed! I had some trouble with language since my mother tongue is spanish, but i think i did pretty well

[bossybi]

They were cuddled up on the couch, kisses turning slow and heated. The TV buzzed quietly in the background, long forgotten. Isabelle shifted into his lap, hands exploring under his shirt, her soft laugh pressed against his ear.

Izuku’s breath hitched. She was beautiful, wild, full of chaotic love. Moments like this were electric.

Until—

He paused.

Then blinked.

Then leaned back, just a bit.

“…Izuku?” Isabelle tilted her head. “Why’d you stop?”

He tried to play it cool. Really, he did.

But his eyes had flicked downward, just briefly, and what he saw had his brain short-circuiting.

There was… a faint greenish tinge. Not bright green. Not cartoon slime. But definitely not a healthy color.

And the smell—sharp. Not just sweat or natural musk, but something tangier. Wrong.

“Um.” He sat up straighter, cheeks blazing. “Hey, sweetheart?”

Her smile faltered. “You okay?”

“Yeah, yeah, I just…” He swallowed. “I think maybe something’s… off. Like—not in a bad way! Just… your body might be telling you something.”

She stared at him blankly. “What?”

He rubbed the back of his neck, mortified. “It’s just… the smell is kinda strong. And… uh, there’s a bit of… green?”

There was a beat of silence.

Then—

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN GREEN?” she shrieked, sitting up like she’d been electrocuted. “LIKE RADIOACTIVE?!”

“No! No, just… a little off-color,” he said quickly. “I didn’t want to say anything, but—well, now I’m kinda worried. Maybe it’s an infection?”

She was already halfway off the couch, storming toward the bathroom. “Oh my GOD I KNEW IT. I thought it was just sweat from sparring yesterday—this is what I get for ignoring my gut!!”

Izuku followed sheepishly. “Do you want me to help you make a doctor’s appointment?”

“YES,” she groaned from behind the door. “

Ten minutes after Isabelle sprinted to the bathroom yelling about “radioactive ,”

He texted Ochaco.

And ten minutes later, there was a knock at the door.

“…Uh,” Isabelle blinked. “What’s up?”

“You know what this is,” Ochaco said, cracking her knuckles.

“You’ve been causing too much trouble,” Tsuyu added, stepping forward.

Isabelle froze. “Wait—guys, are you serious right now?”

Ochaco stepped into her space. “You’ve skipped showering for three weeks, ate everyone’s snacks, and you smelled up Recovery Girl’s office. This is bathroom justice.”

Before Isabelle could react—bam!—Ochaco landed the first punch, square in the gut.

Isabelle wheezed. “WHAT THE HELL?!”

Tsuyu didn’t even give her time to breathe. A quick low sweep took Isabelle’s legs out, and she hit the floor hard.

She scrambled to get up, arms raised. “Okay, okay, truce?!”

No dice.

Ochaco grabbed her hoodie and yanked her up, landing a sharp right hook to the jaw. Isabelle stumbled back, dazed.

“You brought this on yourself!” Tsuyu shouted, slamming her against the wall. “We warned you!”

Isabelle tried to swing—missed. Ochaco ducked and drove a fist into her ribs. Tsuyu followed up with a punch to the shoulder that sent her spinning.

She hit the ground, groaning.

Dust swirled around her. The trash can rolled over from the impact.

“Y’all are insane…” Isabelle coughed. “This is actually crazy…”

Ochaco wiped her knuckles. “Next time, don’t stink up the room and lie about it.”

Tsuyu crossed her arms. “And take a shower.”

They walked off without another word, ochaco laying in izuku arms leaving Isabelle on the cold bathroom floor, hoodie torn, ego in ruins.

[slutoru1207]

Variant!Mark x reader part 12

Nolan stood still in the wreckage, his blue eyes scanning the battlefield like he was bored. Like none of this—the blood, the chaos, the bodies—mattered.

Mark had barely moved.

His whole body was locked up, shaking, but not from fear—no, this was something worse.

Pure rage.

His chest heaved, hands clenched so tight you thought he might shatter his own bones.

"Nolan," Cecil muttered, gritting his teeth. "You've got about ten seconds to explain why the hell you're here before I order the next missile strike."

Nolan didn’t even look at him. His eyes were on you.

Your breath caught.

"Ah," he said smoothly. "Now I understand."

Something twisted in your gut.

Mark snapped.

"DON'T TALK TO HER."

He launched forward—faster than anyone could react, faster than you'd ever seen him move— and swung his fist right at Nolan's head.

But he missed.

No—he didn’t miss.

Nolan caught it.

Midair. Effortlessly.

The sound of it echoed through the broken city—a sickening, sharp CRACK as Mark’s knuckles collided with his father’s palm. No resistance. No struggle.

Nolan didn’t even flinch.

Mark froze.

"...Still so weak," Nolan murmured.

And then—he punched him.

The impact was brutal.

A shockwave exploded from the hit, and before you could even scream, Mark was gone— sent flying so hard he crashed through two skyscrapers before disappearing into the horizon.

Silence.

Your body locked up, your heartbeat a hammering pulse in your ears.

Nolan let out a sigh, shaking his head. Like he was disappointed.

"You humans," he muttered. "Always so sentimental."

"HEY, ASSHOLE!"

Your breath hitched.

A new blur shot across the sky—one that was familiar. Too familiar.

And before Nolan could even turn around—

BAM.

A body slammed into him from the side, tackling him mid-air, sending them both crashing into the city ruins.

You staggered back, eyes wide.

Because you recognized the colors.

Blue and yellow.

Another Mark.

Mohawk Mark.

But before you could even react, another explosion rocked the sky.

And this time—two more figures arrived.

One with a darker suit, moving like a hunter. One with bloodstained armor, golden eyes burning.

Sinister Mark. Viltrumite Mark.

They had found you.

Again.

And this time, they weren’t alone.

part 13

[thecoolerliauditore]

big post now that the adrenaline is cooled down a bit. thoughts on each team so far.

overall: ohh I really didn't think I would be enraptured again I really didn't think I would be. Like don't get me wrong I'm not one for wanting the series to end or anything but I was very, very happy about the year long break after Secret Life because it was feeling like quite a lot of content to the point where it was overwhelming.

That break was crucial, I think, to the vibes since I don't know if it's just me but the players just feel like they have so much more energy and excitement for the new season. Etho and Mumbo especially are so quirky this session.

The new mechanic is. shrugs. Really no way to judge it yet seeing as we've pretty much barely seen what it can entail. The fact that everyone has six lives though is making me think some of them are gonna be crazy in future sessions cus that's a ridiculously generous number otherwise and I assume Grian doesn't intend for this season to be twice Third Life's length.

EIGHTEEN PLAYERS! EIGHTEEN PLAYERS! Lizzie, Mumbo, Rendog, Gem 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹 I don't have much to add I'm just so happy we're finally getting a season with All of Them. Rendog Ren Ren Diggity Dawg I'm so happy. I'm so happy.

The lag on the server looks um ..... ? Aternos lookin ass. I hope it doesnt impact them too much beyond this episode and they get that fixed cus whoagh that is um bad. Joel being soooo fucking angry about it is so funny please never change Joel.

~

Renwood Mound: First of all horrid name but I would be disappointed by anything less sexually suggestive. Second of all please check up on your Treebark mutuals this is a difficult time. Refeeding syndrome might just kill a couple of you I'm so sorry.

I'm not a big Ren/Martyn understander but my dash has been more celebrating their reunion than crying tears of anguish like the other toxic rebounds (ethubs, tango, pearl) that have popped up so I can only assume it's going to be okay we're all gonna make it.

If they do stay as a duo this season is going to be crazy for Martyn specifically I think. He's already gotten the betrayal he wants, he's already achieved the villainous role he so wants to play, and now it's just him and Ren together with no Dogwarts to lead. I genuinely have no idea where this one will go. o7

~

BAM Boys: I really hope the "boys" part stays in the name despite Lizzie joining them at the end for my very specific Lizzie headcanons. It would tickle me.

Anyway we're finally freed from the grasps of blue man and get the Scar/Jimmy team up this time with added Lizzie flavour. I'm very excited and like. I've seen a lot of people doubting this team will go far which confuses me because I don't know if you guys are aware but Scar won last season. And Lizzie, despite her early death in SL, really is no pushover either (she had one of the highest body counts in LL and I wish more people talked about that).

Scar specifically is in a great spot with pretty much full diamond armour already. He gets all giddy while mining and says to himself something like "ooh I get to share some with Jimmy!" which is so sweet to me.

Scar remaking the reputation board from Third Life is actually insane. What is he doing.

All this to say I think this team looks wholesome and I'm optimistic for their future. This could be Jimmy's Mounders. Or it could be Fairy Fort 2 idk let's see.

~

I think Bigb's possessed again.

~

The Hobbits(???): Hilarious to me that they stole Flower Husbands' original branding. Anyway Grumbo is back idk if I know them well enough to make a statement but I'm mentally chucking them into the toxic rebound box in my head just to get the number up.

This is the POV I've seen the least of but they seem fun. I wonder if being out of the horrific environment that was the Southlanders will do any good for Grumbo's relationship. Skizz being there also tends to bring the mood up 400% (unless it's Dogwarts).

~

Joel & Gem: IM SO EXCITED. This is pretty much the Bdubs/Joel team-up I wanted originally but now we get Ethubs too which is even more awesome for me. Very cringe take from me but they are both shounen anime.

Despite what Scott says I really don't think they'll "spontaneously combust". They're both high energy and aggressive but historically loyal to the people who accept them, the sample rate for Gem is not exactly scientifically viable but. Vaguely gestures to all of Secret Life.

I kind of wanna see Gem kill Pearl.

~

Whatever the fuck the Ethubs + Tango team is called: Why.

No like seriously Tango I thought you hated these bitches why are you third wheeling them. He's also surprisingly Bdubspilled like he sides with him on the horse thing and tries to warn Bdubs about Etho lying later. Like, don't get me wrong I really don't think Tango has spite for Bdubs comparable to like. Pearl for Scott for example but he certainly isn't fond of him after he um Fucking Murdered Him and was completely unapologetic.

I'm not really a Tango guy so I can't speak on what's going on inside his head regarding that it's just. Interesting to observe. At least the brief ranchers interaction was cute (and really funny to see in the background of ethubs yelling at eachother).

Anyway Ethubs are insane. It's so funny to me that their horse argument literally lasted an entire in game day.

It's fun for me specifically because I always viewed Secret Life as somewhat of a soft end/reboot point for the series for multiple reasons - the year long hiatus, scars win bookending things really well, pearl and scotts arcs wrapping up (oh how naive) and, of course, the conclusion ethubs reached.

I think I've made a post before about how beautiful of an ending SL is for Ethubs. The distance allowing them to overcome their own personal issues with Bdubs learning he's capable and to care for people who aren't himself or Etho and Etho learning relationships don't have to be minefields, leading into HC10 where Bdubs moves into the rural countryside away from everything and Etho hanging out with his new coworkers at the post office. They can still talk and visit, of course, but the time away from eachother does them wonders and adds a bit of hope for how they will be in the future.

So how should I even fucking feel about Etho pulling a Limited Life and almost killing Bdubs for a prank. Or Etho asking Bdubs what he's done for him. Or Etho in general being a little shit about the horse thing and Bdubs being equally stubborn.

Bdubs even kinda?? Talks like they're a couple who've gone to therapy with the "I should express how I feel and how I feel is.." and the way he catches himself when he's halfway through yelling. Like I'm not insane you guys hear it too right.

Like don't get me wrong I'm very stuck in my ways of insisting Ethubs isn't really toxic, at least not anymore, but I can totally see someone else being horrified by them and I would cheer them on for it. This episode is especially going to be horrible for that person. At least for me it seems like Bdubs' character development is very real i.e. him rejecting Etho's chestplate with the classic "I can take care of myself", a stark contrast to LL/DL Bdubs and he bites back when Etho is weird.

I have hope for Ethubs is what I'm trying to say and it's totallyyyy not because they're my first ship and I'm biased. I need to figure out what's wrong with Etho and why he's doing this. I saw a post that theorized Etho wanted Bdubs to get mad at him and kill him this season which I'm rotating a bit but I'll have to keep watching. Ethubs girls we're in for it we really are. Tango girls I'm um sorry.

~

PICS / the Islanders: My 13th reason why.

Trying to not repeat too much here from whatever happened to me emotionally last night but this is what hell looks like. It's what I expected but like. DAMN. I wasn't expecting it to be. That bad.

Seeing a lot of people say that the team is just. Pearl, The Horrors and Impulse who is just 🧍‍♂️and I don't think that's completely wrong or anything however ☝️I must say that Impulse continues to frighten me and him being here is making me personally shake like a chihuahua. Like I can't really explain his character if you put a gun to my head I just think the guy might have some issues communicating emotions and prefers to hold grudges/be passive aggressive like with the psychological horror that was the impdubs DL POV and I can't imagine him being particularly Good for Pearl. Also he's done several insane things in the past e.g. the Bdubs grudge, laughing at Tango when he tries to kill himself in SL, being excited(??) for gem to kill him in SL, trying to kill Skizz in SL wow wait maybe it's just proximity to gem and scott that fucks this guy up. Idk though I don't trust his ass.

Anyway. Yes like we are all Martyn Inthelittlewooding it up for Pearl in here. I have so many somewhat misogynistic fantasies in my head about her being saved by Gem or Bdubs or Joel or Bigb for that matter. Emotionally that's what I would want. HOWEVER I don't think that would actually be anything that would help Pearl in fact I think she'd just run back to her team because she's loyal like that. So now I kind of just want to see the consequences of her actions. Whittle her down to nothing 💥💥💥💥💥It would break me it genuinely would.

Cleo fucking catching herself and correcting "trauma" to "damage" mid sentence is insane can we kill. can we kill them.

So yeah um I'm excited for this season

[isabela-merceds]

So many people saying they are avoiding part 2 because of Luke’s hard launch. I mean the feelings are valid, but I’m like please look after yourselves and get support if you are really negatively impacted. I know the promo tour blurs lines but Luke and Nic are effectively strangers to us and we need to remember that.

yeahhhhh....i've seen it too.

um, i think it's the timing as well. lowkey, it's shite timing. you know you've just launched the most highly anticipated show of all time, you've spent 6 months with this gorgeous woman touching her, flirting with her, both of them giving adoring looks like yes, they're friends! they are! but to suddenly have all that, all of it, and then BAM! girlfriend.

fuck me, it's like whiplash. i get why people are like whoaaaaa because it's like being whacked in the head with the reality pole, it's that "oh they really truly don't owe us anything" so i get why people feel like it's been ruined. i do.

[princ3sstears]

DRV3 prologue transcript

The video opened up with red text and Monokuma laughing.

This story is not over

It shows Maki, Kaito, and the rest of the participants in the killing game.

A new killing game will begin again

A logo with text underneath it, that reads "Team Dangonronpa".

Then another logo pops up, "Danganronpa V3:KILLING HARMONY".

"Nothing"

"No light.No sound."

"No form.No voice."

"No knowledge of who I am"

"...Who I am?

"Who am I?"

"I extend a hand"

"A hand that belongs to no one"

"To take hold of my existence-"

A blonde girl in a school uniform opened the rusty locker's door.

"This is me." said the girl

"My name is Kaeda Akamatsu." the girl introduced herself.

"I just remembered who I am-" said Kaeda.

"Nice to meet...me" the blonde girl's sweat dropped.

"I'm the protagonist of this crazy story," said Kaeda.

Shows the silhouette of Kaeda, and in the middle is shown the words 'Ultimate Revival'.

An old rusty classroom with bared wires on the windows.

Kaeda stumbled out of the locker in a daze. But as soon as I did...I fell on the floor. She couldn't even brace for impact as blinding pain suddenly rushed through her head. But thanks to that pain, I went from dazed to annoyed.

"...Huh?Wait, where am I? What is this place?" Kaeda said to herself. She rubbed her throbbing forehead. Yep, this is going to leave a bump." She looked around.

"...A classroom?" said confused Kaeda. Kaeda doesn't recognize the classroom. The girl then self-monologues about how she doesn't recognize this place, and how she thinks it's a dream. She pinched her checks...but all that did was make her head hurt in two places instead of one. Confused as she was, she tried to remember how she ended up here. But no matter how hard I tried she couldn't-

A loud bam echoed through the classroom. The girl shouted in shock. The locker next to her started swaying and shaking, making all kinds of noise. As she fearfully turned around, the locker door slowly opened, and...a boy came stumbling out. The boy is dressed in a school uniform. He locked bewildered, and when he slowly lifted his head...he screamed, fell on his butt, and scooted back.

"Who are you!? Are you with those other guys!?" said the panicked boy.

"...What other guys?" asked dumbfounded Kaeda.

"The people who kidnapped me!" said the emo boy. The boy contained to think that Kaeda kidnapped him, and fearfully asked her what she is going to do with him.

"Hey, hold on."Kaeda firmly gripped his shoulders...

"What's your name?" asked Kaeda. Then it was the unknown boy's turn to look dumbfounded.

"Ah, I'm...Shuichi Saihara." the boy introduced himself.

"I'm Kaeda Akamatsu. Now listen to me, Shuichi..." Kaeda glared at the boy.

"Shut up! You're not the only one who's confused right now!" shouted Kaeda. Shuichi apologized.

After making him shut up, she retraced her steps.

"That's right! I was kidnapped too" said Kaeda.

"I was walking my usual route to school when all of sudden, someone shoved me into a car. I shouted for help, but no one came to rescue me... Everyone pretended as if nothing happened... It made me think how rotten the world is." said Kaeda.

"And then, I lost consciousness...And when I woke up, I was inside the locker..." said Kaeda.

"Same with me...Were we kidnapped by the same people?" said Kaeda.

"It seems like it...But...why me?" said Kaeda.

"My family's not rich and I'm no one special. I'm just a normal high school girl," said Kaeda.

"There's no reason to kidnap me..." said Kaeda.

"Me either... I'm just a regular guy..." said Shuichi.

"And...this is a school, right? Why did they take us to a school?" said Shuichi.

"I wonder why..." Kaeda rubbed her head.

Hey there. I'm sure you're confused right now. You're thinking," Where am I...?".Well, I can't explain that, but I can give a basic explanation about the *buzz*

"Anyway, let's just stay calm and think. I'm sure I shouted t you earlier." Kaeda apologized.

"Ah, no, it's okay..." said Shuichi.

"Hey, let's get out of here as fast as we can and find some help!" said Kaeda.

"Yeah, good idea..." said Shuichi.

They ran as fast as they could to the classroom door and opened it. But then-

"Hell yeah! Found you!" said the robot.

Shuichi and Kaeda were stunned for a bit but then run to the basement. The big robot repeated for them to wait, but the duo didn't listen. Then they run away from the robot until they dove toward the gym door, they saw...something they never expected to see.

"Ohhh...More people have arrived." said a feminine voice.

"Did you all get chased by that monster, too?" asked a harsh male voice.

"O-Oh, yeah..." gulped Kaeda.

"What...are they? What do they want with us?" asked a serious male voice.

"Do you want me to check on what's happening?" asked a male voice.

"You can't! It's too dangerous out there!" said a loud feminine voice.

Then the students chit-chatted until an unknown voice echoed through the gym.

Then five robots argued whether to kill or not kill one of the students.

"Wait! We can't kill them with Exisals. According to the schedule, the Exisals aren't supposed to show up till later!" said the orange Exisal.

Then the Exisals talk about how they weren't supposed to be in Exisals, and how they should have looked over the script.

[banapsha]

The Art of Plot Twists: A God-Tier Guide

Hey there, sunshine(s) and moonlight(s)! Do you want to rock your readers' worlds with mind-boggling plot twists? Well, lucky for you, I recently met a mind reader in my basement and they told me you want to know this. Buckle up, because we're about to begin a journey into the abyss. Kidding! We are going to the Kingdom of Twistano-Turnano; narratives that'll leave jaws on the floor and minds on some walls. Strap in, grab your favorite snacks and let's get this party started. (I believe that one was too much, right? Coz’ who’s got time for any parties? Or am I the only one missing out?) 

What Makes a Good Plot Twist?

Let's kick things off with the basics. A plot twist isn't just about throwing in a random curveball– oh no, it's about shaking up the very fabric of your story. A meaningful plot twist should be a seismic shift in the audience's perception, whether it's through an unexpected event, a shocking revelation, or a philosophical awakening. We're talking external, internal, and philosophical shifts that make the audiences question everything they thought they knew. It's about changing your audience's reality.

The Three Types of Shifts: External, Internal, and Philosophical

The external shift– think unexpected deaths, hidden treasures, and jaw-dropping identity reveals. These twists are all about rearranging plot elements in ways that leave readers gasping for air.

The internal shift– this one's all about messing with your audience's emotions. One minute they're feeling all warm and fuzzy, and the next, BAM! You hit 'em with an event that leaves them shaken to the core. Just make sure to keep things clear, or you'll have a bunch of confused readers scratching their heads.

The philosophical shift– the granddaddy of all plot twists. This one's all about making your audience question their beliefs and perceptions. You take 'em from thinking they've got it all figured out to realize that maybe, just maybe, they've been wrong all along.

To really knock your readers' socks off, you gotta apply all three shifts. That's right, no half-measures here. Using just one or missing one entirely is just going to confuse the shit out of your audiences. Trust me, you don't wanna do that.

What makes a plot twist good?

Shock Value: First things first, a good plot twist needs to pack a punch. We're talking about leaving your readers reeling, jaws on the floor, and minds blown. If it doesn't make 'em gasp, it ain't worth it. The key is to not settle for the first twist that comes to mind. Dig deep, get creative, and find a way to really knock your readers' socks off.

Believability: Sure, we love a good surprise, but it's gotta make sense, ya know? You can't just say that the human we have been following around is a dog disguised as a pizza! Nope, we ain't gone believe that boy. Keep it real. Actually, the real(er) the better. Foreshadowing is your best friend. Drop hints, plant seeds, and lay the groundwork for your twist early on. That way, when it finally hits, it'll feel like a natural progression of the story. (Maybe show me a barking human to make me go along with the pizza dog twist.)

Impact on Characters AND Plot: A truly great plot twist doesn't just shake things up for the sake of it. It needs to have real consequences, affecting not only the characters but the entire storyline. Don't just focus on the shock factor – think about how your twist will affect your characters and your plot. Will it send them spiraling into chaos? Will it force them to confront their deepest fears? Make it count.

Variety in Tropes: Cliched tropes are good but if you can manage to twist it up, that's even better. Try to give us something we've never seen before. Surprise us, delight us, and keep us guessing 'til the very end. But don't be afraid to break the mold. Sure, some tropes are tried and true, but the best twists are the ones that defy expectations. Surprise your readers, challenge their assumptions, and leave 'em begging for more.

Timing: Timing is literally everything. You need to build up to the right moment for that twist like a mastermind supervillain. Keep your readers on their toes. Drop breadcrumbs along the way, build up the tension, ratchet up the suspense, and then hit 'em with that (do-do do-do) twist right when they least expect it. You gotta know exactly when to drop that grenade. Trust me, it'll be worth the wait.

Plot Twist Techniques:

Breadcrumbs: The classic "how did I not see this coming" twist. Make 'em scratch their heads and wonder, "How did I miss that?" Lay the groundwork for your twist by dropping subtle hints and clues throughout your story. It's all about planting those breadcrumbs and watching your readers play Sherlock Holmes.

Misdirection: The good ol' red herring. Lead your readers down one path, only to yank the rug out from under them at the last minute. Get 'em emotionally invested in a particular outcome, then flip the script and watch 'em squirm. Mix this with the breadcrumbs and you have a beautiful pie.

The False Win: Picture this – your characters are riding high, victory is in sight, and then BAM! You hit 'em with the ultimate plot twist: it's not over yet. Give 'em a false sense of comfort, then snatch it away like a cruel twist of fate. 

The Unprovoked: Ever seen a plot twist  that leaves you scratching your head and wondering, "Where did that come from?" That's the unprovoked twist. It happens out of nowhere, catching everyone off guard and leaving 'em reeling. It's unexpected, it's unpredictable, and it's oh-so deliciously twisty.

Types of Twists: The classics

Identity Reveal: Remember the "I am your father" moment? Yes. There's nothing quite like the shock of discovering that a character's true identity isn't what it seems. Whether it's a long-lost twin or a secret agent in disguise, identity reveals never fail to leave readers gasping for air. Mix it up to make it newer and you have an even tastier sandwich.

Motive Reveal: Ever wondered why that one seemingly innocent character was acting so shady? Well, it's time for a motive reveal – the moment when all becomes clear and the true intentions behind a character's actions are laid bare. It's like peeling back layers of an onion, only way more dramatic. (Plot twist: This entire post has been written so you will buy my book, The Sinner and The Scarred from Amazon! It is available in both Paperback and Ebook formats but if you have Kindle Unlimited you can read it for FREE!)

Background Reveal: Behind every great character is a great backstory. Well, these backstories can also be great plot twists. (What? The hero's love interest is the villain's child. WHAT? The hero's love interest is the villain! WHAT? THE HERO IS DATING BOTH THE VILLAIN AND THEIR CHILD!!) From dark secrets to hidden traumas, background reveals add depth and complexity to your story.

Character Deaths: Sometimes, the only way to shake things up is by "killing your darlings." Actually, whether it's a beloved hero sacrificing themselves for the greater good or a villain meeting their untimely demise, character deaths are guaranteed to leave readers in shock and awe. Especially when done right. (Set the mood for a fun wedding. Then kill someone at the wedding. Kill the bride. Or the groom. Kill 'em both. Have them kill each other!)

Destruction of Setting or Important Elements: Say goodbye to the status quo, because we're about to shake things up with a little destruction. Whether it's a beloved setting crumbling to the ground or a crucial element of the story being obliterated, destruction twists add a sense of urgency and chaos to your narrative. (Burn your hero's house down. Extra points if their family was still inside. Minus points if their dog was in there, though.)

Timeline Shift: A timeline shift can turn your story on its head, sending characters hurtling through time and space or revealing shocking truths about the past, present, and future. (It will be a weird way to find out you’re adopted, you know?)

Surprising Events in General: Sometimes, you just gotta throw caution to the wind and hit your readers with something completely unexpected. From random acts of kindness to bizarre coincidences, surprising events add an element of unpredictability to your story that'll keep readers guessing until the very end. 

Special Ability Reveal: The moment when a character discovers they've got powers beyond their wildest dreams, things start getting out of hand. Whether it's flying, telekinesis, or the ability to talk to animals, special ability reveals add a touch of magic and wonder to your story.

Do remember when it comes to plot twists, the sky's the limit. But placement is key. Whether it's smack dab in the middle of your story or right at the climax, the timing of your twist can make or break its impact. 

Now, let's touch on what NOT to do. Forced twists? No, thank you. Unbelievable plot developments? Hard pass. And let's not even get started on the dreaded plot armor– nothing kills the vibe faster than a last-minute rescue by bad writing. (Leave a comment if you’d like to learn more about what NOT to do!)

In conclusion, mastering the art of plot twists is no easy feat. It takes careful planning (AKA outlining of the story), strategic execution, and a whole lot of creativity. So go forth, soldiers, and twist those plots until they're unrecognizable. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility – don't abuse those twists, and always respect your readers' intelligence.

Now, go forth and twist to your heart's content. Happy writing! 🌀✨

[aeoki]

[Idol Story] Esu Sagiri - Dream-à-Gogo 2

Characters: Esu Unlocked in: [5☆] Bursting Stardrop Season: Spring

Esu: …And I’m here~☆

Alright. I don’t see my pursuer – looks like I managed to outrun him.

Even if Fuyume followed me here… it’s such a big building, so I should be able to shake him off. Probably!

But it’s dangerous to be in the lobby~ I’ll move to a random floor.

Esu: The resting room… Yep, I’ve decided to stay here!

It’s an open space, so I should be able to notice Fuyume if he comes, and I’ve heard we’re free to have some of the snacks and drinks here too.

Yep, I should have no problems here! I’d expect nothing less from the idol headquarters! (?)

This space is pretty big, so maybe it’ll be fine for me to camp out somewhere here.

In the meantime, I’ll take some cushions and place them by the window… There we go.

Ohh, looking great! I now pronounce this corner Captain Esu Sagiri’s Hideout!

If I’m gonna sit down and think, then I’ll need a quiet and calming place~ Now, I can finally read Anzu-san’s message carefully ♪

…An “exclusive outfit” is one that “shows each idol’s unique traits and charms” and Anzu-san wants to make one for me… hmm.

I just read this part earlier.

But seeing as I’ve made a hideout in the idol HQ, then now’s the best time to come up with ideas for my outfit! Or so I think, but I don’t know what I should be racking my brain for.

Should I ask Anzu-san for a hint…?

Wait, should I reply to her first? Great job, Esu-kun – that’s an awesome idea!

…Oh, crap! Now that I’m reading this properly, there’s a date for a meeting attached!

She’s asking me if we can meet at that time, so I should send her a reply quickly…!

No, wait. She also said, “You don’t need to rush to reply.” But I’m gonna cause Anzu-san trouble if I don’t reply right away!

Hmm? Who’s trying to talk to me now?

UWAAAAAAAAH!? Anzu-san!?

You heard someone talking to himself and came over to see…?

I see, I’ve understood. People always tell me I have a loud voice!

Oh, uhh. To tell the truth, I’m seeking refuge at ES because of certain issues, but I was just thinking of sending you a reply, Anzu-san.

I was trying to do my best to come up with ideas for the outfit you mentioned in your message, but…

Ah, why’re you sitting down? Did you take a liking to my hideout?

No? You’re thinking of discussing my “exclusive outfit” together with me right now…?

I’d love to do that, but are you sure? You must be really busy, right…?

Oh, if you’re saying it’s fine, then that’s great. Thank you so much! Then, let’s come up with ideas together!

By the way, I’m referring to this little corner of the resting room as my hideout and I can guarantee it’s a comfortable place to sit in!

Ahaha. The building’s big and pretty, so it’s definitely gotta be comfortable, huh ♪

Oh, right, the outfit… I haven’t come up with any ideas yet.

But since it’s supposed to be an exclusive outfit, then I hope it’s nice and has a lotta impact like BAM!

After all, it’s supposed to be an outfit that shows off my charms and individuality, right?

I am  the King of Adventures in the idol industry and the man who will stand at the top of that industry! That’s me, Esu Sagiri!!

So, there’s no way my outfit can be plain. It’s gotta shine so brightly that no one can take their eyes off meee!

Just kidding. I’m just saying the first thing on my mind since I’m in a good mood ♪

……? That’s fine, so tell me more about yourself, you say?

Okay! If talking about myself will help you, then I’ll tell you all sorts of stories!

Maybe I’ll tell you about my recent adventure!

On a sunny day, I went out to scale a mountain and…

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ(Some time passes)

Esu: *Gulp gulp gulp* ♪

Mm! I got so thirsty after all that talking~☆

You’re such a good listener, Anzu-san~ Time flew by so quickly once I started talking.

…Oh~ yeah. It’s gonna get dark soon. I know it’s time for a kid like me to head home.

Esu: But since I’ve already made this hideout…

The cushions feel nice and soft, it’s comfortable, it puts me in a good mood and I’m having a blast here!!

I could even spend the night here. Mmm~ *rolls about* ♪

I wonder if I could do that if our discussion gets nowhere.

You’ve heard everything that you need? No, no. There’s so much more I wanna tell you!

I was surprised because it didn’t cross my mind that you’d want to make an outfit for me, Anzu-san. Anyone would wanna know what sort of outfit you’d make for them.

Well, if you say so… I guess I’ll just have to look forward to the final product…

But please show me some progress shots, okay?

…Am I excited for the outfit, you ask? Well, of course, I am! I’m super duper excited for it!

You even showed me the ones you made so far for the other idols as we were talking. I can’t wait to see how mine will turn out!

All of the outfits scream “idol” and they’re all so unique…!

It makes me so excited, wondering what sort of person the outfit belongs to, and what sort of performance they’ll give!

I’m so deeply moved, thinking I’ll also get an outfit that will make my heart pound!

I’ll say this over and over again, but I’m really looking forward to it.

After all, it’s gonna be the outfit of the man who’s gonna stand at the top of the idol industry. That man’s gonna wear that outfit.

It’s gonna be an outfit that will grab everyone’s attention – it’ll run all the way up… and shine brightly at the top ♪

…Hehehe. So yeah, I can’t wait to see my outfit!

It’d be awesome if it’s a special and precious piece of clothing that will accompany me on my adventures in the idol industry…

I’m leaving my outfit in your good hands, Anzu-san!!!!

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ← Previous Chapter