#anyway GYU MOVE MY TURN WITH TAE

[minhosimthings]

https://www.tumblr.com/kangtaehyuned/750328449830453248/the-zoom-in?source=share

Link

No word that will come out of my mouth right now is in the Bible

[tiedyeflannels]

Adventure of a Lifetime

Kim Taehyung x reader

Chapter 12 | Masterlist

A/N: Get your dancing shoes on 'cuz we're learning some choreo!! Anyway, enjoy!

“They're the one you’ve been talking about in the group-” one started before another member slapped a hand over his mouth, effectively shutting him up.

“Jungkook, you can’t just blurt that out,” he quietly scolded the youngest member.

I chuckled at the interaction then looked over at Tae, who was awkwardly scratching his neck with a smile.

“Anyway… Y/n, this is everyone,” he announced, motioning to the others.

I smiled as Tae suggested that everyone introduce themselves individually so I would “know who’s who”. They all agreed and Jimin was the first one to come up to me and give me a side hug, which I happily returned.

“It’s great to see you again!”

“You too!”

“Tae hasn’t given you too much trouble, has he,” he teased, making Tae start pouting.

I laughed, “No, but I’ll let you know when he does.”

Tae all but pushed Jimin away from me as J-hope came up and shook my hand. The others quickly followed suit as Namjoon, Jungkook and Jin- the one that scolded the youngest- introduced themselves. The last one, Yoongi, stayed in his spot, but politely nodded his head. 

I mirrored the action and thanked them for letting me come to their practice before J-hope spoke up.

“We’re going to start with some stretches if you’d like to join us. We all can chat so we can get to know you a bit more,” he suggested.

I agreed and followed them to the middle of the room, facing the mirrors.

We collectively sat down as we started some on-the-floor stretches. Bending to the side and stretching my arm to my foot in order to mirror what they were doing, I winced at the pain as I stretched the muscles in my leg.

“So Y/n, we heard that you’re visiting with Taehyung’s brother and your sister. How are you liking it so far,” Namjoon asked, making me look at him through the mirror, nose still scrunched at the slight pain.

“It’s been really fun,” I smiled before Tae butted in.

“Yeah, Y/n's planning to stay here forever.”

I laughed and switched the leg I was currently stretching.

“It was a momentary lapse in judgment! That beach was too beautiful at sunset. How could you not want to stay there forever,” I happily sighed, thinking about that view.

“Oh, so you guys did go to Gwangalli in the end,” Jimin asked and we both nodded.

We switched to stretching our arms over our heads before Jungkook spoke up. “Wait, you guys were in Busan?”

He turned to Tae with puppy dog eyes. “Aw Hyung, you should've told me. We could’ve met up,” he whined and I smiled when he pouted, thinking about how cute he looked.

Tae waved him off with a smile, "It was a spur-of-the-moment kind of thing. Jeong-Gyu wanted us to go. Plus I didn't know that Jimin was there, we just met him by accident." Jimin shrugged and nodded as we all stood up to do more warm-ups. 

Tae promised that he would visit him next time they had a break as we continued talking. It was a lot of fun seeing the group’s dynamic in the purest form.

They talked, teased, joked and laughed with each other throughout the warm-up. They asked me some questions which I was always happy to answer as I told them about what we were doing here all the way to what I was studying in college.

Soon enough, they all had to start practicing so once warm-ups were over, I walked over and took a seat by the wall where all of their bags were.

I sat there bouncing between looking through my phone and quietly watching them learn new choreography or solidifying the moves they already learned. 

It was entertaining to watch the process that went into those award-winning dances, though I would be lying if I said that J-hope’s judging gaze didn’t send a shiver down my spine.

By the 2-hour mark, I had gotten down some of the moves for “Black Swan” and would find myself dancing along to the parts that I had picked up.

They all sat down, out of breath after their run-through. Tae looked around the room before his eyes settled on me.

"What do you think," he asked as he threw a tired smile over to me. I hummed in thought.

"I think that I would not be able to do this for a career," I chuckled.

"What? Being an idol," Jimin queried.

I nodded, "I'm not much of a dancer and these steps look a little complicated…"

Jin laughed at my statement, finding it amusing, "We've had years of training, but trust us when we say that Hobi had to teach us from scratch."

Jungkook popped his head up and looked at me with sparkling eyes, "Do you want to learn some choreo?"

My eyes widened as a mischievous smile spread across his face and got up to walk over to me. I violently shook my head as he got closer.

“No, no, Tae,” I exclaimed as he grabbed my hands and tugged me up to my feet.

He circled around me and started pushing me in the direction of the others.

I tried “digging” my feet into the floor to slow him down, but he kept pushing, “Dude, I’m not a good dancer, trust me!”

He stopped when we made it to the group and turned me to face J-hope, “We all start somewhere and luckily, you’ve got the best dance teacher in the industry!” 

The man in question gave me a lovely smile, “I promise I won’t be too hard on you.”

“Yeah. He really only looks intimidating with us, but he’s an absolute sweetheart with others,” Namjoon chimed in.

I sighed and nodded, “Alright, I’ll give it a try.”

Chapter 13

Taglist:

@maple-leaves-in-the-wind | @eli-xar | @amaroho

[cherrycheolliesc]

Let Me Hear You Say

part 46: Joshua’s Weeb Closet. (46/50)

red below 👇 (1.5k words)

“You know I can break out of this, right?” you say to Mingyu who is currently holding you down. He just scoffs knowing you can't move anywhere, but entertains you, “I know, it just makes me feel strong”

“You already strong, Gyu. Anyways where is everyone?” Seokmin asks. You look around the room only seeing half of your friends in Seungcheol’s small living room. Seungkwan and Wonwoo are sitting on the couch quietly talking. You wonder how they became friends because you've never seen them talk to each other. You assume Jeonghan and Joshua are probably somewhere making out so they don't have to deal with actually setting up the party. Seungcheol and Jihoon seem to be lecturing Chan about who knows what. Things are finally quieting down when everyone decides to watch the movie that's playing until someone bursts through the doors, “I'm here motherfuckers. The party is finally getting started”

“She drunk, isn't she,” Cheol asks as he points towards the small blonde girl in Mina’s arms. Seoyeon nods as she brings Chaeyoung to one of the rooms in the apartment. When she comes back, everyone turns towards the commotion at the front door. “You can't make me go inside. I'll bite you, you know I will” 

“Soonyoung, if you just go inside, it'll make everything so much easier,” Jun says as he continues to try and push the smaller boy in. Everyone just watches him, Minghao, and Vernon struggle to bring Soonyoung in until Cheol eventually just picks him up and holds him down, “You two are gonna talk like two grown adults or I’m firing Jihoon”

“Woah why am I getting involved in this?” Jihoon asks walking over to the rest of the group. Everyone looks confused before Chan talks, “How can you even fire him?” 

“Yea and with what job exactly,” Soonyoung says causing Cheol to roll his eyes, “Look if guys talk to each other, I'll tell you where I work” 

“One, no one cares. Two, stop lying to yourself, it's okay if you're unemployed. We won't stop loving you just because you don't have a job, Cheollie” you say which only annoys him more. Jihoon confused asks, “Why do you guys really believe he's unemployed? The dude is literally our boss.”

“ ‘Our’ boss?” Seungkwan says, “yes our boss. He's at the building all the time. How did you not know that?”

“To be honest I thought he was just going there to hook up with you, Ji,” Jeonghan says before getting a drink. “Ew, why would I hook up with Cheol? He's like my brother. That would just ruin your friendship.”

“And that is exactly why I’m not admitting my feelings for Y/n!” Soonyoung screams before trying to run away but failing as Cheol is still holding him down. You decide yelling back is the best option, “like I would ever admit my feelings for you.” 

“That’s it! Time out for you two until you can figure out your issues. Bring them to Shua’s weeb closet and don’t let them out until they're cool with each other.” Cheol says before lifting Soonyoung. Mingyu sees the message Cheol sends and brings you to Joshua’s room as well. “Hey hey, why are you taking them to my closet? What if they fuck in there?”

“Then they'll be happy again,” Vernon says with a smile on his face. Shua rolls his eyes before giving in. Eventually, you and Soonyoung are both shoved into the small closet. You try to stay as far as you can from him, putting a blowup titan in between the two of you. To ease the awkwardness after a few minutes of silence, Soonyoung asks, “You think Shua uses this thing as a sex doll?”

“If he does, I regret touching it,” you reply. The boy beside you laughs and says, “If I remember correctly, you and Joshua sleeping together for a whole two years after college, right?” 

“Yeah well, it was kinda weird. Let's just say, you aren't the only furry in our friend group.” This makes him laugh again before finding a place to sit down. You take a seat beside him as he leans his head on your shoulder, “I’m sorry, Y/n.”

“For what exactly, Soonie?” You ask back wanting a better explanation than just a small sorry. He rolls his eyes before saying, “You already know why. For being immature and not dealing with things like an adult.”

“To be honest, none of us deal with things like adults. We're just the worst. I guess I’m sorry too.” you say back to him. The two sit comfortably in silence just relaxing in each other’s company. Why did we make things so hard for no reason? you wonder. That thought quickly goes away when you remember that the two of you are friends and you never want to ruin that, but your thoughts are interrupted, “I love you, Y/n. But I mean even if it's pretty obvious, I know I'm not very good at showing it.” 

“But we're friends, Soon,” you say back before walking to the other side of the closet. You glance at his face for a second and see a bit of hurt in his eyes. Why am I still hiding how I feel? What’s the point of lying to myself and everyone else? You ask yourself before he breaks your thoughts once again, “Y/n, you say that, but then you're willing to fight with me for months because of the whole situation. Why are we just continuing to do this to each other?” 

“I don't know, Soon. I really don't know,” you reply, overwhelmed, burying your face into your hands. He walks behind you and gives one of his famous, familiar back hugs to comfort you. You relax into the hug as he softly kisses your shoulder, “it's okay, Y/n. You don't need to have an answer right now. It's not wrong to want to take everything at your own pace. I just don't want to feel like I have to constantly avoid you because like you said, you are my best friend.“

“Are you trying to say ‘the power of friendship is so strong’ that we can get through things like this?” you sarcastically say as you laugh and lean into his arms. He giggles and replies, “That's exactly what I’m saying.” The two of you once again sit in silence. You take in everything from the moment you first saw Soonyoung as a small boy eating dirt in the playground to this exact moment You wonder when everything changed, “When did you realize you loved me, Soon?” 

“There isn't an exact moment. I think just over time my love constantly grew for you. I didn't realize it at first and never really wanted to accept it because, well I'm pretty sure it's obvious why,” he responds. You feel the same way. You've always just told yourself it was because of that dance, but you know those feelings have always been there. More importantly, you know you've acted on those feelings before. “Why did you leave me after graduation? After I told you I love you?” 

“Because I was stupid and a coward. I got jealous of Joshua, but then I started to think I wasn't as good as him. I wouldn't be good enough like him. I thought I wouldn't be able to make you happy like he would, ” he says honestly. You don't understand how he could ever think he wasn't good enough. You loved everything about the kid, from his weird tiger obsession to his incredible dance skills. “Soonie, you know I never believed you weren't good enough. And to be honest, Shua wasn't the greatest boyfriend. He was an amazing friend, but there's something off about knowing your boyfriend is denying his feelings for someone else”

“I guess that's how Seoyeon felt. It was just seeing you in the arms of a model like him brought up my insecurities I guess. I thought it would be too hard to compete. So I ran away because I didn't want to deal with the feelings, ” he explains still holding you in his arms. You feel how much bigger his arms got over the years and decide to ask him another question, “When did you start working out? Not that I'm complaining, but the last time Cheol asked you to work out with him you called him a loser and told him there's no reason to work out when you have a cute face.”

“Yes, my face is adorable, but I figured I'd just work out because why not. Also, Ji paid for a year's gym membership in China by accident,” he answers while softly laughing. The two of you continue to talk about random things for the next few hours without anyone interrupting you. You hear soft snoring on the other side of the door. Soonyoung quietly opens the door to not wake the sleeping person on the other side. You walk out to see Seungcheol and Wonwoo fast asleep on each other and quickly take a photo before sneaking away. You and Soonyoung decide to leave through the window to avoid questions or stares from anyone else. For the rest of the night, the two of you wonder who knows where and finally you feel happy to be with your best friend for once.

previous / masterlist / next

↣ summary: after not seeing each other for years, Yn is ecstatic when she finds out all of her friends will finally be in the same place at one time. but unfortunately an unwanted dream turns a 12 year friendship into hateful relationship between yn and soonyoung.

↣ pairing: reader x soonyoung.

↣ genre: angst, comedy, youtube au, sm au. friends to enemies to lovers.

just message me or dm me if you wanted to be added to a tag list.

tag list: @agustmonoworld @multinines--xx @noniesgirl @svtslvt @binniebutter @fluffyhyeju @happyvitamin @liarspoetry @itsdnguyenxoxo @monstathedisco @mimaisiomai @sensorivm @sunshineshouchan @hoerangdan @lovingyu04 @linhyyboo12 @youdawonu @ash-moon8 @twitterpated-by-you @hao-are-xu @onefinecarat @kwonthefics @datte-bae-yo @gabagaba05 @all-i-needislovee @smolchild95 @pooofthechicken @simplewonderland @starrysungie @yanniezx @woohannie @serenadesvt @minghaofilm @velve-tae @ahnneyong @sherizaraiyah Unable to tag @manamiyx

a/n- tbh i don’t really know how i feel abt this chapter. but also i don’t really see myself as a good writer when it comes to like written things like this but i really want to get better because i want to open requests soon when i get the time.

[btxtreads]

✒️ opposite attraction 🖋

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: WISH

↳ Pairing: Kang Taehyun x Reader

↳ word count: 1.7k words

↳ rating: PG

↳ genre: fluff, so much fluff

↳ warnings: underage drinking, sunhee tries to sell herself too much, sunhee verbal smackdown

a/n: I lied. There is a chapter in Beomgyu’s house and it’s written. 🤡anon big brain that’s so sexc

IMPORTANT: i dont know if you guys know this, but this smau was inspired by two of my favorite mangas-turned-jdramas: Itazura na Kiss: Love in Tokyo and Hana Yori Dango. This chapter was inspired by Hana Yori Dango Season 1′s theme song: Wish by Arashi. I think the upbeat hopeful tone of the song describes Taehyun and Y/N’s relationship a lot lol. You can read the english translation of the lyrics here. Enjoy! 💖

Taehyun leaned on the counter doing what he does best—observe.

In his hands was a cup of grape soda, which he was told was Hueningkai’s specific request.

All around him were strobe lights and drunk teenagers.

Beomgyu, sporting a can of sprite, was actively avoiding Minjeong as he made his way to Taehyun.

Minjeong was behind him, tipsy and drunk as she called to Beomgyu.

Both boys knew she already downed three shots upon arrival.

“What’s up!” Beomgyu greeted happily as he reached Taehyun, slinging an arm around the shorter male.

“She’s wasted,” Taehyun noted, pointing over to Minjeong.

The said girl swayed as Ara, equally as drunk, approached her with a giggle.

Beomgyu winced.

“Yeah, someone saw her down three shots in one go. Is she even legal yet?”

“Nope,” Taehyun shrugged. “That’s what you get when you throw a party with an open-for-all liquor bar,”

Beomgyu chuckled as Taehyun raised an eyebrow at him.

“You’re already legal though, and it’s your party. I’m sure you could drink,” Taehyun said. “Why aren’t you?”

“I have a mission and I can’t do it when I’m drunk,” Beomgyu shrugged. “Also I’m not in the mood, maybe later.”

Taehyun rolled his eyes.

Beomgyu’s phone rang with an alert.

“Oh, they’re here,” Beomgyu muttered.

Taehyun whipped his head to the boy, heart suddenly pounding as he fought to maintain his composure.

“Oh, are they?” Taehyun asked nonchalantly as he looked back at the crowd.

Beomgyu snorted, patting Taehyun’s back.

“Yeah, so is Sunhee,” Beomgyu teased before a hand gripped Taehyun’s shoulder.

“Hi, Tae!” A shrill voice called.

Taehyun turned, raising an eyebrow at the girl.

“Beom, this is Sunhee?” Taehyun asked, frowning as the boy nodded.

Sunhee’s eyes brightened as she straightened her posture, smile widening.

“Oh, It’s you,” Taehyun hummed.

“It’s me?” Sunhee blinked flirtatiously, hand landing on Taehyun’s arm. “Ah, have you been looking for me?”

Taehyun remained stone-faced as the girl flaunted her short dress.

“I dressed up for you, by the way,” Sunhee giggled, gesturing to her awfully tight dress and sky-high pumps.

“Can you even walk in that?” Beomgyu asked incredulously.

“Oh, of course, Gyu!” Sunhee giggled, making Beomgyu form a face of disgust.

“Please don’t call me that,”

“But Y/N calls you that?” Sunhee replied, her smile tense.

Taehyun’s head whipped up at the mention of the girl.

“Why can’t I, Gyu? We’re friends, right?” Sunhee continued, her arm snaking around Taehyun’s.

The boy’s eyes wandered around as Beomgyu shook his head with a firm no.

Taehyun’s eyes locked onto Y/N, who had the prettiest white dress on, walking across the room with Hueningkai.

They conversed by the snack table, Hueningkai grabbing them two bottles of grape juice, before Hueningkai was pulled away by Ara.

Y/N shot a gaze over at their direction, locking eyes with Taehyun.

“Tae, babe? You okay?”

Taehyun flinched, looking down at Sunhee.

In a span of the few seconds he was looking for Y/N, the girl manage to press up even closer to him and procured a can of beer in her hands.

“How old are you?” Taehyun asked.

Delighted, Sunhee giggled.

“You must be so curious about me,” Sunhee tilted her head and hummed.

Beside them, Beomgyu muttered under his breath as he shoved a nacho chip in his mouth.

“I asked you a question,” Taehyun rolled his eyes. “Are you deaf?”

There was a beat of silence before Sunhee laughed obnoxiously, making Taehyun glare at the girl in irritation.

“That was so funny, babe!” Sunhee giggled, lightly hitting his arm. “Hm, well, I’m the same age as you,”

“So, you’re not legal?”

“Oh,” Sunhee raised her eyebrows, smirking as she tilted her head flirtatiously. “That wouldn’t be a problem,”

“It actually is, since you’re drinking under legal age,” Taehyun commented, gesturing to the can of beer in her hands. “Stop calling me babe, we’re not close. Don’t call me Tae, we’re not friends.”

Sunhee blinked in surprise as Taehyun shook her off with an irritated sigh.

“For the record, I don’t like girls who sell themselves too much,” Taehyun rolled his eyes, crossing his arms.

“Tae, I’m just teasing,” Sunhee rolled her eyes, smiling.

“Yeah? Well, it’s not cute or sexy or whatever you’re going for so stop,” Taehyun snorted.

“Oh, but you looked at me like I was when you said ‘It’s you,’” Sunhee said suggestively.

Behind Taehyun, Beomgyu sat at the counter as he watched the exchange in amusement.

“I was just wondering who you were since you assumed my tweet yesterday was about you,” Taehyun scoffed. “Which isn’t, since I have no idea who the hell you are. Stop holding me, god.”

Before Sunhee could reply, Taehyun backed away from the girl, who tried to take his arm again, and turned back to Beomgyu with pursed lips.

The said boy was cackling silently at the side.

“She’s so annoying,” Taehyun hissed as Beomgyu snorted. “Anyways, have you seen—“

“Y/N?” Beomgyu teased, wiggling his eyebrows at a fuming Sunhee behind Taehyun.

“I might be looking for Kai,” Taehyun said, turning back to Sunhee. “You’re still here? Why are you still here?”

“I was hoping that we could—“

“Are you stupid?” Taehyun groaned. “I was asking you to leave,”

“She’s at the garden,” Beomgyu said, nodding at the direction of the backyard.

“Whatever,” Taehyun snorted before glaring at Sunhee. “Don’t follow me,”

Beomgyu snorted, wandering away to save Hueningkai, who was stuck trying to get away from a drunk Ara, as Sunhee stewed in her spot.

Taehyun made a beeline over to the door to the exit, standing at the veranda.

He always found Beomgyu’s massive mansion beautiful—especially the backyard that was decorated with hanging plants and twinkling lights by the pool and the gardens.

The way the backyard looked right now made him doubt a little.

The tanning beds by the pool we filled with booze and beer cans, with the crazy students swimming around the pool in their outfits.

The pathway to the gardens, however, was much more peaceful.

Past the short pathway was a big space with a table in the middle, with bean bags and a fire pit at the side for campfires.

Lying on one particular bean bag, was a girl in a white dress.

Slowly, Taehyun made his way to the coffee table, taking a seat as he observed the girl who opted to observe the stars.

The girl slowly raised her head, blinking over at Taehyun.

“What are you doing here?” She asked.

Taehyun frowned, shrugging.

“I don’t know,” He replied. “What are you looking at?”

Y/N cracked a tiny smile and leaned back, gazing up at the stars once more.

“The stars,”

“There are no stars,” Taehyun deadpanned, making Y/N laugh.

“Well, yeah, but you can imagine,” Y/N said.

Taehyun sighed, observing the girl.

She was so carefree. She looked like someone who doesn’t think things through and just goes with whatever was handed to them.

Taehyun didn’t like people like that.

“The news said there would be a shooting star tonight,” Y/N said. “At 10.”

“You’d be looking at a dead star,” Taehyun replied.

“I should make a wish,” Y/N hummed, ignoring the boy as she gazed at her watch. “Oh, that’s in 10 minutes,”

Taehyun cracked a smile.

Taehyun can stand her though.

He stood up and moved to the bean bag next to her, positioning himself to look up at the sky.

“What are you doing?”

“Looking,”

“At what?” Y/N frowned.

“The stars,” Taehyun replied, raising an eyebrow at the girl. “Now, shut up and wait for the shooting star,”

“Are you going to make a wish?”

“Maybe.”

“You’d be wishing on a dead star,” Y/N teased, making Taehyun snort.

“Original,”

Y/N giggled as she checked her watch again.

6 minutes.

“Hey, Y/N?”

“Hm?”

“I’m sorry,” Taehyun said, his eyes trained at the sky.

“What are you apologizing for?” Y/N asked turning to the boy in confusion.

“I’ve been a big asshole lately,” Taehyun replied, before shaking his head. “I’m an asshole to everybody, but particularly to you,”

“Ah, it’s no big deal,” Y/N shrugged. “Co-captain of the basketball team, president of the student council, top student of the school and trying to ward girls off of you—must be so tiring,”

“I guess,” Taehyun sighed, making Y/N shake her head with a chuckle.

“I’m glad you felt comfortable enough to take the worst out on me,” Y/N smiled over at the boy before looking back up.

3 minutes.

“Beomgyu said you’re amazing and stuff,” Taehyun hummed. “I wondered what all the fuss was all about since you didn’t seem so confident and amazing when we did the project,”

“Well, I was—uh—dealing with some stuff,” Y/N replied. “Class, friends, bullies. You know, high school.”

“Bullies?”

“Oh yeah,” Y/N snorted. “You know Sunhee? She and her friends—what a peach. Locked me in rooms and poured lunches on me,”

“Sunhee?” Taehyun furrowed his eyebrows, remembering the girl cozying up to him earlier as he sat up. “We should do something about it,”

“No, it’s okay,” Y/N smiled. “I’m a big girl. I can handle it,”

Taehyun turned to the girl, frowning.

“But, Y/N—“

“Trust me,”

“Okay, then,” Taehyun sighed, lying back down. “If you say so.”

Y/N smiled.

One minute.

“Hey, what are you wishing for?” Y/N asked, eyes darting around the sky to look for the shooting star bound to fall anytime.

“Uh, good health? grades? to win basketball finals?”

“I wish we can be great friends,” Y/N smiled over at him.

Taehyun smiled back.

“Yeah,” he agreed softly. “Me too.”

Overhead, a white streak darted past the night sky.

Y/N snapped her head to it with a gasp.

“Oh, there it is!” Y/N said, sitting up. “It’s a shooting star!”

Her hand reached out, taking a hold of his arm.

“Yeah,” Taehyun smiled at her. “Yeah, it is,”

He was more interested in looking at the star sitting next to him.

[bts-reveries]

picnic blanket

the most beautiful moment in life | drabble/oneshot #1

genre: fluff, family

member(s): ot7

a/n: as some of you may know, the daddy aus series that i have are actually not called ‘daddy diaries’ but instead called ‘the most beautiful moment in life’ 

i always thought of making little drabbles or oneshots for this alternate universe once the series was over but since it’s father’s day, i decided to make this now as a special little gift 

so please enjoy this, and although ‘y/n’ is not written in any of this (since everyone seem to like the couples anyways and because it’s with all the boys, i figured it would be okay) you can also just replace their names with yours 😂

and lastly, none of this would make any sense to you if you haven’t read the series! here’s the link to the master list: the most beautiful moment in life

✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧

It was a partly cloudy afternoon, the group was at a huge park having a nice family picnic. Even though everyone was kind of just doing their own thing, it was a nice day for everyone to make sweet memories with their kids. 

Namjoon was walking around with Moonji, picking flowers. Byul stayed back at the picnic blanket reading a book. Jin was taking Soojin butterfly hunting, while Mae and her two boys, Minseok and Haneul, played with a couple of water guns. Yoongi was taking a nap at the picnic blanket while Hana ran around chasing Yeontan. Sohyun was stuck sitting at the picnic blanket with Yoongi on her lap, petting his hair. Hobi was making a sandwich for Huimang while Sarang had Huimang between her legs, braiding her hair. Jimin was also at the picnic blanket, sitting down with Yuna resting on his lap, while Mingyu laid on her chest. Taehyung was raiding the picnic basket that Jin packed up, looking for strawberries. Lastly, Jungkook was sitting on the grass, making flower chains with Sian and Rina. 

“Min Hana!” Yoongi yells from the picnic blanket. He had his arms under his head, shades on, lying comfortably on Sohyun’s lap. Sohyun scoffs, slapping his stomach.

“Min Yoongi! I said to go get her!” Sohyun says, pointing to the little girl, running farther into the field. Yoongi groans, sitting up and taking his shades off.

“Taehyung, can you get her?” He asks. Taehyung turns to him and laughs.

“I believe I heard Sohyun ask you not me hyung.” Yoongi whines in response, standing up and dragging his legs towards where his daughter was.

“Min Hana!” He yells again. Hana turns around to her dad’s voice, smiling instantly as she runs a little further.

“Where is she even going to?” Jungkook asks, watching Yoongi finally run after her. 

“Daddy let’s go with them,” Sian says, getting up on his little feet, reaching down to pull Jungkook up. 

“Daddy doesn’t want to,” Jungkook says, pouting at his son. 

“Whyyy~” Sian whines, tugging on his dad’s arm. 

“We’re not done making our matching flower bracelet. Ask mommy,” Jungkook says, pointing at Rina. Rina looks up from the flowers she’s holding and frowns.

“What. Umm.. Taehyung,” she calls, making Taehyung turn around for the second time. “Hana’s chasing your dog out there, you should go.” Taehyung frowns, looking up towards Hana and Yoongi.

“You mean mY SON IS OUT THERE?!” Taehyung yells, immediately getting up and running off to wherever Yoongi and Hana was.

“Wait!” Sian says, dropping his flowers on Jungkook’s shoulder and running after his Uncle Taetae. “Don’t leave me!” 

“Ugh, I can’t wait until Gyu is big enough to run around with us like that,” Yuna says, watching Sian run off to catch up with Taehyung.

“I can,” Jimin replies, looking down at his son, who’s peacefully sleeping on Yuna’s chest. 

“I’m sure you’d be the one who’s going to be so excited when he takes his first step,” Yuna says, looking up at Jimin. 

“You’re right, I can’t wait to walk around with him,” he says, leaning down to peck Yuna on the lips, pulling away, moving to the side to kiss Mingyu’s little head. 

“Aww, remember when we were like that?” Rina says, looking over at the new parents. Jungkook nods.

“Yeah, but now you’re mean to me,” Jungkook frowns, throwing Sian’s flowers at her face. 

“Awww~~~ My baby,” Rina coos, leaning over to give Jungkook a kiss. When she pulls away, Jungkook scrunches his nose, pushing her away slightly.

“Ew...” He laughs. 

“O-ow!” Huimang screams. “Mommy you’re pulling my hair a bit too tight I think.” Sarang ends Huimang’s braid with a small hair tie. 

“Is it?” Sarang says, looking down at her. “It’s good tight, so it doesn’t get all over your face.” 

“Here you go princess,” Hoseok says, handing Huimang his special sandwich. “Do you want some strawberries too?” He says, giving her a small bowl of nice, red strawberries. 

“Wasn’t Taehyung looking for those?” Sarang asks. 

“Yeah, I took them before he could eat all of it.”

“Daddy,” Huimang whispers to Hoseok. He kneels down so Huimang could whisper whatever she needed to say in his ear. “Can you take out mommy’s braid on me. It kinda hurts,” she says, making Hoseok laugh. 

“Of course. Come sit,” Hoseok says, gesturing to the space in front of him. He began to take out the small hair tie Sarang put on her, and began to disassemble her braid. 

“Hey, what are you doing,” Sarang pouts. “I worked hard on that braid..”

“It was too tight mommy,” Huimang said, her head moving around as Hoseok attempted to put her hair in a high ponytail. 

“Hoseok,” Byul says, putting her book down. “Can you pass me some of those strawberries?” Hoseok nods, handing her the bowl. 

“Thank you.”

“How’s that book going?” Yuna asks, sitting up, holding Mingyu steady on her chest.

Byul sighs before answering, closing her book and placing it on her lap.

“Honestly… it’s such a slow start and I’m not in the mood to read it anymore. I wonder where Moonji and Namjoon are now,” she says, popping a strawberry in her mouth.

“I’m sure they’ll come soon, her little legs could only walk so much,” Jungkook replies, getting up and stretching his legs. He groans as he stretches his whole body, reaching down to grab Rina’s hands, pulling her up.

“Where the heck is my son though,” Jungkook says, putting a hand over his eyes to block the sun, looking at the direction to where Sian and Taehyung ran off. 

“They’ll be back soon, just like Moonji, Yoongi hyung’s legs can only walk so much,” Jimin comments. 

“Should we-- aHH!” Jungkook yells. “What the--” Jungkook turns around to see a giggly Minseok holding a water gun. 

“Oops! Sorry Uncle Kookie, that was our fault,” Mae says, helping Haneul with his little water gun. 

“Haneul did you just spray me?” Jungkook says, making Haneul laugh. Jungkook runs towards him in an attempt to attack him with some kisses, making Haneul squeal, spraying him a bit more. 

“Oh my gosh, I’m soaked,” Jungkook laughs, pulling Haneul in when the little guy notices that he’s run out of water. Jungkook kisses Haneul’s cheek and neck, making him giggle. “Aigoo, you’re so chunky I love it.”

“Uncle Kookie!” Minseok yells, causing Jungkook to turn around.

“Wha-- oH!” He yells as Minseok soaks his face.

“Ohhhhh,” Jungkook says into a laugh, “that’s it, I’m going to get you!” He yells, grabbing Minseok’s water gun from his hand and chasing him with it.

“Hey!” Minseok yells, screaming as Jungkook starts to spray him as well. “Mommy help!” 

“Sorry buddy, you did this to yourself,” Mae says, laughing and picking up Haneul. “Let’s get you a towel buddy. Your hyung got you soaked.”

“Hey where’s Jin and Soojin?” Rina asks Mae. She replies with a shrug.

“They left to go butterfly hunting. I don’t even know how that’s going to work out when Jin yells whenever a bug gets near him,” Mae says as she wraps Haneul up in a little blanket. 

“Unnie!”

Everyone at the picnic table looks up when they hear the small voice and instantly smiles when they see who it was.

“Unnie!” Moonji yells again, running with her little legs to the picnic blanket. Namjoon walked behind her, smiling at his little girl as she ran to his girlfriend with several little flowers in her small hands. 

“Unnie,” Moonji says once again as she gets to the blanket, tripping and falling onto Byul’s lap.

“Ooh, are you okay sweetie?” She asks, helping the little girl up onto her feet.

“I got you this,” she smiles, holding up the flowers to Byul’s face. She gasps, taking them from Moonji’s hand.

“You got this for me?” Byul says.

“She was so excited and thought of you as soon as she found them,” Namjoon says, walking over to sit next to Byul, putting his hand on her shoulder and pulling her towards him so he can kiss her forehead.

“How sweet, thank you Moonji,” Byul says, “Come sit on my lap. Do you want to help me press them in my book? This way I can keep it forever.”

“Yes!”

“Okay, come here then.”

“MOMMY!” They hear another little voice and they all look up to another little girl running towards the picnic blanket. 

“Oh baby you’re back!” Mae says, reaching out for her daughter to come to her.

“Mommy, we didn’t get any butterflies,” she says sadly, dropping down next to her little brother.

“Why not?” Mae asks.

“Because daddy scared them away!” She says angrily, pointing at Seokjin when he came up. Jin’s jaw drops.

“Me? What do you mean I scared them away?? They scared me!” Jin argues. 

“One landed on daddy’s nose and he screamed and slapped it off and it flew away,” Soojin says.

“It’s okay, at least you found one right?” Mae says, reassuring her daughter. She nods, looking up at her dad and scrunching her brows. 

“Hey don’t look at me like that, you clearly haven’t seen the wormy episode from spongebob,” Jin says, pointing at Soojin.

“You won’t let me watch Spongebob daddy.”

“We’re back!” Everybody looked up for the third time, watching as the last little girl came running up to the picnic blanket. Sian walked right beside Hana. 

“Where’s your dad and Uncle Taetae?” Rina asks. Sian turns around pointing.

“Daddy’s walking really slow but he’s coming,” Hana says, running to Sohyung, instantly cuddling against her when she sat on her lap.

“What about uncle Tae?” Jimin asks, seeing Yoongi walking back but Taehyung nowhere in sight.

“He’s looking for Yeontan,” Sian answers. 

“Oh? Where did Yeontan go?” Sarang asks. Sian answers with a shrug. Hoseok had a worried look on his face.

“I hope he’s okay, should I call him?”

“Mommy!” Rina turns around to the sound of her boyfriend’s voice. 

“What you big baby,” she says, watching Jungkook dragging his feet and soaked clothes towards her.

“I’m wet.” He says, Minseok giggles, throwing his water gun on the ground, that he stole back from Jungkook at one point, and he runs towards his dad as Jin holds a towel open for him to run into. 

“Well what do you want me to do, I don’t have a towel ready for you,” Rina says. 

“Jungkook, come here,” Jin says, gesturing for Jungkook to come over as he held another clean towel in his hand, opening it up for Jungkook to run into just as Minseok did. Jungkook laughs, running to Jin as he wraps the clean towel around him.

“Wah~ It’s like Minseok suddenly grew up,” Jin laughs. 

“Aww, I want to play with the water gun too,” Sian says, running to the abandoned ones on the floor and picking them up.

“They're empty,” Minseok says. Sian frowns. 

“I should’ve just stayed here earlier…” He mumbles.

~

“Tannie!” Taehyung calls, walking through the trees where he last saw Yeontan run to. 

“Kim Yeontan!” He yells even louder. Taehyung sighs, walking farther and farther when he heard a yip. Taehyung turns to the sound and follows it. 

He sees a tail, behind a tree, wagging fast, just as Yeontan's tail does when he’s happy. 

“Yeontan!” He calls again, the little dog turns around and immediately runs to Taehyung when he sees him.

“Where the heck have you been, I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” Taehyung says, picking up the pomeranian.

“Oh I’m sorry, is this your dog?” Taehyung looks up and sees a small boy and a woman who looks about the same age as him.

“Yeah, he ran off earlier and my niece was chasing him and he suddenly disappeared.”

“He saw me and ran straight to me! I think doggy likes me,” the little boy says, walking over to Taehyung and petting Yeontan’s head.

“He does,” Taehyung says. “He has a lot of cousins-- human, cousins-- that are around your age that he likes to play with. Maybe that’s why.”

“What’s his name?” The little boy asks.

“Yeontan, but we also call him Tannie,” Taehyung answers.

“Honey, tell the nice man thank you for letting you play with his dog and we have to go.” The woman says to his son. The little boy pouts, tippy toeing and leaning over to give Yeontan a kiss on the nose. Making Taehyung smile.

“Bye Tannie,” he whispers. “Thank you,” The boy says to Taehyung, bowing before running to his mom and grabbing her hand. The lady looks at Taehyung and bows her head as well before leaving. Taehyung bows back, turning around to walk back to the group. Yeontan begins to whine as he watches the little boy go.

“No no, we’re going back to the group, I’m sure they’re looking for us.” Yeontan began to cry as he looked over Taehyung’s shoulder.

“He’s just one of the many little boys you met, it’s okay.”

~

“Mommy I want some of that,” Huimang says, pointing to the kimbap. 

“Okay, get some sweetie.” 

“Shouldn’t Taehyung be back by now? I’m getting kind of worried,” Jimin says, feeling uneasy that his best friend has been gone for so long.

“I’m sure he’ll be back, with Yeontan too,” Hoseok says, grabbing some kimbap for Huimang. 

“Tannie!” Soojin yells as the little dog comes running to the picnic blanket, Taehyung not far behind him.

“You’re back!” Jimin says, running up to him and giving him a hug.

“Where did you find Yeontan?” Namjoon asks. 

“He was with some little boy and his mom,” Taehyung answers, sitting back down with everyone.

“Jin hyung, did you pack any strawberries? I’ve been looking for them before I left to get Yeontan and I could really have some right now.” As soon as he said that, Byul’s eyes widened, looking down at the nearly empty bowl that she had. It only contained about three small strawberries. She laughed sheepishly as she passed the small bowl to Taehyung.

“There’s about three left… sorry..”

“Mommy I’m done eating,” Minseok says, leaning over to grab Yeontan. Yeontan squeals as Minseok hugs him tight, wiggling out of his grasp and running off once again. Minseok laughs and gets up to chase Yeontan down. 

“Wait I wanna come!” Soojin yells, running after her older brother. Huimang gets up after her and soon, so does Hana and Moonji. Then lastly Sian caves in and runs off as well. Haneul instead looks up at his mom and cuddles into her chest as he begins to get sleepy. Meanwhile Mingyu was actually awake this time and playing on Uncle Joon’s tummy. 

“I’m not going after them anymore,” Yoongi says, leaning back down and closing his eyes. 

Taehyung sighs, “I should’ve brought his leash.”

“Hey kids, don’t go too far!” Mae yells. As if they knew they’d get in trouble if they were to drift farther like they did earlier, Yeontan makes a U-turn and runs back towards the picnic blanket, bringing his train of little kids right behind him. 

[odanurr87]

2019: My year in K-Dramas - Part 2

And we’re back! So, um, yeah, this took a lot longer than I imagined at first, but the truth is I was also dealing with coursework and other projects. As a result, I decided to break this last post into two, so instead of 6 shows in 1 post, you get 6 shows across 2 posts, building anticipation like a kdrama! And, I mean, two of those shows are My Love from the Star and Descendants of the Sun... Those two powerhouses deserve a bit more attention, maybe a couple of rewatches. Anyway, let’s get this show on the road!

WARNING! I’ve purposefully kept any big spoilers out of this post but some light spoilers may remain. Proceed with caution.

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When the Camellia Blooms (2019)

Gong Hyo-Jin as Oh Dong-Baek and Kang Ha-Neul as Hwang Yong-Sik.

Release Date: September 18 - November 21, 2019

Episodes: 20

Available on: Netflix

Summary: Dong-Baek is a single mother who moves to the town of Ongsan to open up a bar, the Camellia, while trying to raise her son, Pil-Gu. Six years later, Yong-Sik, a police officer and the youngest son of Dong-Baek’s only friend in Ongsan, returns and is instantly smitten by her. Yong-Sik is determined to woo her but Dong-Baek is also equally determined to resist his advances at first, a situation that is further complicated by the sudden reappearance of Dong-Baek’s ex and Pil-Gu’s biological father, Kang Jong-Ryul, who tries to win her back. When a serial killer known as Joker resurfaces after years of inactivity threatening to go after Dong-Baek, Yong-Sik launches an investigation to catch the elusive Joker once and for all.

What I liked:

The down-to-earth feel of the show. Save for the murder mystery element of the show, When the Camellia Blooms is pretty down-to-earth, depicting characters that could very much exist in our neighbourhood and exploring problems related to everyday life. How many kdramas show the struggles of a single mom trying to handle a love life while raising her son? I bet there are not a lot of them, and the only similar one I’ve watched, and would recommend, is One Spring Night, that depicts the life of a single dad balancing a romantic relationship while raising his son (it’s probably a more realistic representation all around down even to side characters). Even Yong-Sik is not the idealized male protagonist that most kdramas favour, at one point referred to as a “country bumpkin” by Dong-Baek’s ex, and while he may come across as rather simple-minded, he’s also refreshingly honest, determined (both in his pursuit of Dong-Baek and Joker), hard-working, and always there when the chips fall. While Dong-Baek’s ex is an ass for the majority of the show, I appreciated his inclusion because it clearly showed the contrast between the two characters vying for Dong-Baek’s affections: the man who pities her, and the man who encourages her; the man who’s ashamed of how she’s living her life, and the man who’s proud of what she has accomplished; the man who loves his memory of her, and the man who loves her as she is now; her past, and her present. Which one of the two will become her future?

The supporting cast. I am going to put them all together in the same bag as I don’t think anyone was particularly outstanding, but they all contributed to making this show a most entertaining watch from beginning to end: from Yong-Sik’s superior and chief of police, Byun Bae-Soo (played by Jeon Bae-Soo), through the simple-minded landlord with political aspirations, Noh Gyu-Tae (played by Oh Jung-Se), his cunning wife and ace attorney, Hong Ja-Young (played by Yeom Hye-Rae), to Dong-Baek’s kleptomaniac friend, Choi Hyang-Mi (played by Son Dam-Bi). At one point I even became more interested in the relationship between the characters of Gyu-Tae and Ja-Young, so strong were their performances. And I couldn’t help but feel sad for Hyang-Mi despite her many opportunistic deeds, a character who’s had a life as unforgiving as Dong-Baek, especially when we learn the reason behind some of her actions, and happy for her when she realises family isn’t always blood and ultimately chooses to walk a path of redemption. Sure wish we had seen more of that. You could make the case that Gyu-Tae and Hyang-Mi are the best out of the supporting cast, perhaps because of how much their characters grow over the course of the show.

What I didn’t like:

How the murder-mystery was handled/resolved. The first episode starts with the murder of an unknown person at some unspecified point in the future, a typical enough hook. We’re shown that person is someone who Yong-Sik apparently knew and cared for, but even when later episodes extend that scene frame by frame, tempting the audience to participate in this game of whodunit, the identity is only allowed to be revealed when the series catches up to that moment. The murder mystery element is sprinkled throughout the series as Yong-Sik is intent on protecting Dong-Baek and catching the serial killer Joker. But this isn’t Broadchurch, where the entire show revolves around solving the murder mystery and seeing its effects on the people of the small town of Dorset. No, in a way, the murder mystery in When the Camellia Blooms feels like a strategy, designed so that when the real goal of the show is revealed, the exploration of motherhood, you’ll be too invested to back out. One could argue the same for the romance between Dong-Baek and Yong-Sik. As a result, the murder-mystery feels drawn out and starts losing some of its steam as we approach the final episodes. Involving Dong-Baek’s mother in the whole affair was oddly convenient but felt out of place and worked against the show. Here we have a woman who knows, or thinks she knows, who the killer is several episodes before the end, and not only does she not tell the police about it but she actually confronts the killer. In any other show, the outcome would have been inevitable: the woman is murdered, leaving the police another clue as to who might have done it. However, since the show has already planned a happy ending for this character, she can’t be killed (incidentally, this happens with another character as well), even if the show later tries to toy with our feelings by suggesting she’s dead (not because of Joker though). The reveal of the culprit’s identity was a letdown, not only because the writers showed their hand early on but because we were never really given good suspects to begin with, and in a murder mystery that’s essential. Yes, we’re given a good pool of suspects for Joker’s latest victim, but since we also know Joker killed other people and is targeting Dong-Baek, not to mention the tone and themes of the show, we can readily eliminate almost all of them. They could’ve toyed around with the idea of a copycat, killing a person and pinning it on Joker, but they didn’t. And don’t get me started on how they finally catch Joker, this dreaded serial killer who had managed to avoid capture for years but turned out be to a bit of a joke, pun intended.

How insufferable Pil-Gu became towards the end. To be fair, I blame the adults (and writers) in this show more than I do Pil-Gu. I had no qualms about how his character had been handled for most of the show, but then along came Episode 17, where the writers decided to amp the drama to 11 just for the sake of it, a trope I really don’t like. Basically, through a series of misunderstandings that no adult feels compelled to clear up, Pil-Gu throws a tantrum, accusing her mother of not loving him anymore, and why does she need to get married, and why can’t she live alone with him for the rest of her life, etc., etc., forgetting it was Pil-Gu who, earlier that episode, had asked Yong-Sik to stay at their home and protect his mom. Like I said, nobody even bothers to explain the situation to him (even though he’s shown to be pretty smart and should’ve probably figured it out himself) and, worse, Dong-Baek plays along and decides to break up with Yong-Sik, determined never to love anyone other than Pil-Gu for the rest of her life. Jesus. As if wanting to twist the knife further, Episode 18 ends with a grown-up Pil-Gu, a jarring and decidedly out-of-place transition, suggesting he grew up to be a fine man as a result of her mom’s decision, but anyone who’s ever watched a kdrama knows better than that: you’re just padding out events for the sake of drama and this show didn’t need that. At this point, I lost whatever appreciation I might have had for the character of Pil-Gu and was half rooting for Yong-Sik to be promoted and get his ass back to Seoul ASAP, never to return to Ongsan again.

The existence of Episode 18. Yes, this is the episode where Dong-Baek and Yong-Sik break up, but that’s not what I’m getting at as I discussed that point previously. Episode 18 also sees Pil-Gu suddenly want to live with his biological father out of a misunderstanding (so many misunderstandings in these last few episodes!) and Kang Jong-Ryul try to act as that father to him. It’s clear he’s out of his depth with Pil-Gu, but he seems to be trying so it feels jarring when Dong-Baek returns for Pil-Gu and punches him in the face. Look, Jong-Ryul has been a bit of an ass throughout so he has more than earned that punch but not in this context. The show immediately kicks in the music that depicts this as a moment of triumph and personal growth for Dong-Baek but I kept thinking, “The one time this dude is actually trying to step up to the plate, assuming his responsibilities as a father, and he gets punched for it? Sure, he’s not that great but he’s only had Pil-Gu for, what, a week? Less? And it’s not like he kidnapped him or anything. This doesn’t even make sense.” And what growth are we talking about when she immediately caters to the whims of a kid and breaks up with Yong-Sik? Who is the adult in this relationship? Are there any adults in this show? There’s a decidedly marked absence of fathers, and those there are aren’t shown in a very good light but that’s another matter. Episode 18 is, quite simply, an episode that shouldn’t exist as it really brings nothing to the table and only pads out the inevitable.

OTP: While not my #1 pick amongst the shows I watched in 2019, it was refreshingly different, with the show slowly building their relationship in spite of Yong-Sik’s relentless attempts to woo Dong-Baek. In any other show, such determination could’ve come across as annoying, perhaps bordering on harassment, but this is mitigated by Yong-Sik’s sincere personality, his active listening of Dong-Baek’s problems, his support and encouragement of her, and ultimately his respect of the boundaries set by Dong-Baek, a woman who is not accustomed to such repeated shows of affection and is ill-equipped to handle them. It was very rewarding to see her evolution as a character, finding the confidence to grow out of her shell, even if there were some flaws in the journey.

Verdict: While the show trips a little at the end it was a solid watch, and I could see myself returning to it every once in a while because of its mundane (and I’m using this word as a compliment here) aspects. It doesn’t hurt it has some good humour in between all the crying. Oh, yes, there’s a reason why I chose that particular gif to represent the relationship between Yong-Sik and Dong-Baek.

Rewatch meter: I’m going to cheat and say it’s Medium-to-High.

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Bring it on, ghost (2016)

Kim So-Hyun as Kim Hyun-Ji, and Ok Taec-Yeon as Park Bong-Pal.

Release Date: July 11 - August 30, 2016

Episodes: 16

Available on: Netflix, Viki

Summary: Park Bong-Pal is a 2nd year Economics student with a side job as an exorcist due to his strange ability to see ghosts, a fact that has prevented him from having a normal life and that he deeply resents. One night, while performing an exorcism at a high school, he comes across Kim Hyun-Ji, a former high school student turned wandering spirit, who has no recollection of her past but possesses an innate talent to fight ghosts and spot their weak points. During this encounter, the two accidentally kiss, and Hyun-Ji briefly recalls some of her memories. Convinced Bong-Pal holds the key to her memories and determined to find out more, she manages to persuade a reluctant Bong-Pal to let her move in in exchange for helping him fight ghosts. But Bong-Pal soon learns that not all ghosts are evil, and some may be even cute enough to fall for.

What I liked:

Kim So-Hyun as Kim Hyun-Ji. Do I need to add anything further? That picture should be enough evidence in and of itself. Kim So-Hyun looks like she’s having a blast acting as a kickass high-school student/ghost who has a penchant for upsetting Bong-Pal and looking criminally cute while doing so. With a personality like that, it’s no wonder Bong-Pal couldn’t help but fall for her. Who wouldn’t? Perhaps what makes her character so lovable is precisely the fact that she works off of Bong-Pal’s more curt personality. As they say, opposites attract.

Lee David as Kim In-Rang and Kang Ki-Young as Choi Cheon-Sang.

The humor. I’ll admit that I miscalculated with these two in the beginning, resigning myself to having to endure their interventions in what I felt was shaping up to be an otherwise great show. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find they made for some good comic relief, especially after they convince Bong-Pal to let them handle the business side of exorcising ghosts and join him and Hyun-Ji in their nightly escapades. That sounded better in my head. The humor is never crass and, most importantly, it never outlasts its welcome. Hey, they even try to do him a solid and hitch him with his crush, but Hyun-Ji has already managed to work her magic on him unbeknownst to her. In fact, much of the show’s humor is also a credit to the comedic rapport between the characters of Bong-Pal and Hyun-Ji, especially in the earlier episodes when their different personalities are most notable, but also later on when feelings of jealousy start to surface. Their playful bickering is often reproduced in some of the background music used and is also present in some of the ghost fights as if saying, “Yeah, we’re fighting a pervert ghost in a sauna and having a blast, what of it?”

The formula. What do I mean by that? For the most part, this show works like a procedural, with Hyun-Ji and Bong-Pal fighting the ghost of the week in each successive episode, while at the same time having a multi-episodic story-arc. This is the formula used in US TV shows: introduce an interesting story-arc in the first few episodes, then forget all about it until the final episodes of the season, with filler episodes in between. The difference being Bring it on, Ghost is actually a good procedural: there are no filler episodes, every ghost fight serves a purpose, whether it be to develop our protagonists (at times providing interesting backstory) or to strengthen their bond, and the main story-arc is always subtly running in the background until the paths of our protagonists and villain cross and events come to a head. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, US TV shows should seriously consider having shorter and tighter seasons, as their quality suffers otherwise. Bong Pal and Hyun-Ji’s ghost fights will also sometimes include moral or life lessons that flow naturally and never feel forced; nobody’s beating you over the head with them and shouting, “DO YOU GET IT NOW?!” As you can imagine, they’re certainly more subtle than US TV shows, but then again kdramas seem to have mastered the art of telling a lot without actually saying it, something others could learn from.

What I didn’t like:

The amnesia trope. Look, before you say anything, I understand why it’s there, sorta, it’s a reversal of Kim Hyun-Ji’s clinginess (that is an actual word) to Bong-Pal, if for different reasons. I don’t mind that it happened, but what I do mind is that it’s never reversed, making it somewhat difficult to believe that she’d fall for a stranger in what appears to be a very short amount of time. You could argue she’s unconsciouscly attracted to him given their past connection, and the show does at one point suggest that she may be regaining her memories, or that it’s possible at least, but nothing comes of it. This sudden bout of amnesia also offers her temporary protection from the villain, but at the end of the day I am left thinking that the show could’ve done without it or reverse it at the very end.

OTP:  It’s a team effort, but Kim So-Hyun kills it!

Verdict: An infinitely rewatchable show with an all-around solid cast and great sense of humor. Like Strong Woman Do Bong-Soon, this show is sure to put a smile on your face if you’re feeling down or if you simply want to have a good time.

Rewatch meter: High

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One More Time (2016)

Kim Myung Soo as Yoo Tan, and Yoon So-Hee as Moon Da-In.

Release Date: October 26 - December 14, 2016

Episodes: 8

Available on: Netflix

Summary: Yoo Tan is the lead singer of an indie band called One More Time, together with his girlfriend, Moon Da-In, and his childhood friends. However, with bills mounting and his hopes for success dwindling, his relationships take a turn for the worse. When he’s offered to sign a contract with a music label, Yoo Tan sees his long-awaited chance and decides to burn all bridges to his past life, but an unexpected event that forces him to constantly relive the past twenty-four hours makes him reconsider his outlook on life.

What I liked:

The concept. The idea of being stuck in a time loop is not a particularly new one, with Groundhog Day being the most obvious, and highly entertaining, exponent, although I do remember an episode of Stargate SG-1 called “Window of Opportunity” that exploited the same concept, if to a different effect. As in Groundhog Day, One More Time uses this idea as a vehicle of self-reflection for the main character, transforming him from a bitter, selfish, and somewhat egocentric person, to someone far more likable, who recognises the value in the friendships he has forged and rediscovers the love he holds for the woman who has always been there for him. But this is only the prelude to our story as One More Time extends this concept by providing a reason for the time loop: tying it to Moon Da-In’s life, or death. In Groundhog Day, Bill Murray’s character, Phil, is eventually confronted by the fact that, for all the things he can do as a result of the day resetting, he cannot prevent death no matter how hard he tries. This is a sobering moment for our main character. However, Yoo Tan goes through an even more harrowing crucible, as the person whose death he seemingly cannot prevent is his girlfriend, Da-In. Thus, the series shows us Yoo Tan’s many attempts to save her while delving into Da-In’s past. Will he succeed and get a second chance at a life with Da-In? I guess you’ll have to watch the show for that.

The songs. With a running time of 240 minutes, give or take, don’t expect a large soundtrack (compared to most kdramas), but I believe that is something that actually works in the show’s favour, as the songs are always used to highlight a given context, thus engraving them in your mind and rendering them memorable. I don’t really know how to explain it, and I blame my musical illiteracy. Sadly, the powers that be didn’t think that such a short web series was worthy of having a physical or even digital soundtrack release, what made finding any trace of these songs rather difficult for the past few years. Fortunately, one of the composers and singer, known as ODD, has recently released some tracks on her YouTube channel. These are: ‘Moonlight,’ ‘Birds,’ ‘Without you,’ and ‘In this night.’ While ‘Moonlight’ is my personal favourite, all four tracks are entirely deserving of being released, at least on Spotify so I can listen to them over and over again. With Spotify apparently coming to South Korea this year, that may yet be the case. There is also the main song, ‘One More Time,’ sang by none other than Kim Myung Soo himself in perhaps the most emotional scene in the drama, but it still remains elusive.

The leads and their chemistry. I had absolutely no trouble believing these two were in love with their longing stares and beautiful smiles. Kim Myung Soo and Yoon So-Hee did an incredible job (and the writers too, obviously) selling me on their relationship in such a short amount of time. At every point in the show I could understand where the characters were coming from, how much they cared for one another, and why they’d go to great lengths to protect their better half. Yes, they go through a rough patch at the beginning of the show, but that only makes it feel more real and it’s a necessary stepping stone in Yoo Tan’s character arc. I also really liked how the show took the time to explore Da-In’s past and see events from her perspective, highlighting just how central her character is to the plot of the story. Can’t say anymore for fear of spoilers. Really wish these two actors were to collaborate again in main roles.

Kim Ji-Young as the Grim Reaper. The way the show integrated a Grim Reaper was well thought out, and making her a child was a stroke of genius played to great comedic effect. I mean, who’d think this cute child was the embodiment of Death? Her childlike appearance is contrasted by her adult personality, and you can see she’s more than a bit fed up with troublesome humans who make her job more difficult than it already is, and she grows increasingly annoyed at a particular pair of them. I’ll let you guess who. Come to think of it, she reminds me a little of the older version of Samshin, the goddess of birth and fate, from Goblin. A great character all around without whom the show would be considerably lessened.

What I didn’t like:

Honestly, there’s really nothing that comes to mind. Sure, I could nitpick and say that some characters and storylines are dropped midway through the show, but I think it’s fair to say they had served their purpose, and trying to account for them in later episodes would’ve wasted the show’s valuable runtime. Could it have benefited from having a few more episodes? I suppose it’s possible, and I would’ve welcomed the chance to spend more time with these characters, but I believe the show was effective in telling its story across eight episodes, and any more could have placed the narrative under considerable stress. For instance, while I absolutely love Angel’s Last Mission: Love (incidentally, also starring Kim Myung Soo), one has to admit the plot was stretched longer than it needed to, and certain events do not hold up under further scrutiny.

OTP: 

There is no sadness that last for eternity. There is no love that lasts for eternity either.

I’m going to vote that there is.

Which one are you voting for? Love or sadness?

Sad love.

Verdict: They say that good things come in small doses. If so, that fits this show perfectly. It was my introduction to Kim Myung Soo, who would then go on to deliver a stronger performance in Angel’s Last Mission: Love, as well as my introduction to Yoon So-Hee, whom I’d love to see in more main roles. While delivered in a short format I’m not used to, the show’s creators made the most of it and not a single minute feels wasted. An interesting concept that benefits from some tight writing, beautiful music, solid leads, and a lovable OTP, packaged as a mini-series. What more could I want?

Rewatch meter: High

[tiedyeflannels]

Adventure of a Lifetime

Kim Taehyung x reader

Chapter 13 | Masterlist

A/N: ~Listen my my baby 나는~ We learned some choreo! Pat yourself on the back! Anyway, I'll be wrapping up this series within the next few chapters. Thanks for sticking with me and I hope you enjoy!

-3rd Person POV-

 “Do you have a dance that you’d like to learn,” Hoseok asked.

Y/n thought for a bit, “Umm… maybe something that isn’t too difficult?”

“How about ‘Boy With Luv’? That one’s kind of easy,” Jimin shouted as he slid down the wall right behind the group.

Namjoon and Taehyung joined him while others branched off for their break. Jungkook was the only one that stayed with the two that were going to practice.

“That one would be fun,” Jungkook said, standing up and stretching.

He, then, went over to where his bag was and pulled out his phone, walking back to us while typing something.

“Just so you know how it goes,” Jungkook said as all three of them watched the “Boy With Luv” dance practice before starting.

Right behind them, sitting by the wall, a conversation took place.

“So… ‘Tae’ huh? When did that happen,” Jimin asked, taking a sip from his water bottle.

Taehyung sighed, “It’s a long story.”

“Can’t be that long,” Jimin deadpanned.

“It happened when we were coming back from the beach-”

“Did you confess,” Jimin gasped.

“No! No, I didn’t,” Taehyung quickly objected. 

“I’m lost,” Namjoon sighed and Jimin nodded in agreement.

“So, we all know that you like Y/n, but you haven’t confessed?” Taehyung shook his head, so Namjoon asked another question.

“Are they single?”

The former nodded, making Jimin sigh, “Then why haven’t you told them?”

“I was going to, at the beach, but then Y/n slipped and got hurt so I didn’t think that it would be the right time. Plus they said that they have feelings for someone else,” Taehyung sighed, not sure if he wanted to tell the others that the feelings were for Jeong-Gyu.

“Well, something’s going on with you two,” Namjoon spoke.

“Everyone can see it,” Yoongi said as he sat down with the small group.

“Yeah…” Taehyung trailed off to look at the others and watched Y/n pick up on the movements in the chorus.

Y/n laughed happily when they completed the steps for the chorus. Taehyung fondly smiled before turning his head down.

He shook his head and sighed, knowing that he’s going to regret saying this, “It doesn’t help that we almost kissed last night.”

The others quickly turned their heads from wherever they were facing to look at the boy.

“WHAT?!”

The loud commotion made everyone look over to the group in the back in question. There was a long silence in the room as everyone was looking at each other. Y/n and Taehyung met each other’s eyes in the mirror, the former’s held a bit of concern.

“Sorry,” Jimin called out and everyone went back to what they were doing before.

“What do you mean almost kissed,” Jimin whispered.

Taehyung told them a basic overview of what happened the night before and how he and Y/n were about to kiss until Yeontan interrupted. The older boys sighed at their younger brother’s predicament.

“Okay so, this confession needs to happen soon,” Yoongi said.

“Isn’t it going to confuse them?” 

“Listen, I think it’s better that Y/n knows your feelings rather than playing this little game of cat and mouse where they would be even more confused. If you tell Y/n, then the ball is in their court and they can decide what to do,” Namjoon rationalized.

Taehyung nodded, knowing that would be the right thing to do but wasn’t sure how he was going to do it, but for the time being, he turned his attention back to the group before him. 

Y/n was learning the movements for the fourth verse, Hoseok and Jungkook’s verse. They smiled brightly as Y/n swung their arm in front of them before bending forward and shaking their finger.

“That has to be my favorite move,” Y/n laughed as they happily did it again. The two others smiled at their enthusiasm and so did Taehyung.

They all continued doing their own things, the dance group did a small run-through and the group in the back continued to chat a while about a few things before it was time for all of them to go back to practicing.

“Thanks for teaching me, it was a lot of fun,” Y/n smiled as they thanked Jungkook and Hoseok.

“Of course! It was a lot of fun! You’re a surprisingly fast learner, unlike…” Jungkook looked over his shoulder at Jin, who rolled his eyes at the implication.

Y/n laughed before going to sit down by the wall once more and the guys went back to practicing. It was a couple hours before they called it “quits” for the day. They all started to pack up their belongings when Namjoon spoke up to ask a question.

“Do you guys want to get some dinner?”

Some nodded happily, some shrugged but still agreed to go. Namjoon turned to Y/n, “Do you want to come?” 

They raised their eyebrows in surprise, “Oh! Sure, if you guys are okay with it.”

“Of course,” Hoseok cheered, making everyone nod in agreement to let me tag along. Y/n smiled, “I would love to join!”

Jungkook cheered and joined Y/n as they all started heading out of the dance studio. They both fell into a nice conversation with some of the others joining in, but Jimin and Taehyung stayed behind the group a few steps.

“Remember to tell Y/n before they leave, okay,” Jimin whispered to his friend.

Taehyung sighed and nodded, “I know.”

Jimin nudged him in support, “Listen, something’s there. You don’t just almost kiss on accident. Everything’s going to work out.”

A relieved smile made its way onto the younger one’s face, “Thanks.”

“And you know, nothing’s stronger ~than a boy with love~” Jimin sang before laughing once Taehyung playfully shoved him away.

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@maple-leaves-in-the-wind | @amaroho | @eli-xar