#but i tried making a few mv sets and hated them

[bu99erfly]

KIM LIP ECLIPSE, 221015

[ahgasegotarmy116]

Seven Days to Fall Again | Thursday | Jeon Jungkook

Inspired by the MV "Seven" by Jung Kook ft. Latto (obvi lol) Summary: Flowers for my love. Jungkook is trying absolutely everything he can to get you back. No matter how ridiculous it might seem. Pairing: Reader x Jungkook (almost exes to lovers lol) Word Count: 3.2k (longer one this time lol) a/n: So I haven't posted anything for this series in almost a month so I'm really really sorry for that. I have so many other series going at this point that it's taken me a second to come back around and write for this one again. This one is a little bit longer to hopefully make up for it. Let me know what you think! p.s. Pretty much wrote all of this is one night so I hope it's not complete crap but I thought it was cute hehe Start from the beginning

Jungkook's visit yesterday threw me for a loop to say the least. 

I've tried to do everything in my power to make sure it doesn't get to me but no matter how many pep talks I give myself or how many times I've tried to scold myself instead, nothing works. 

I miss him, and I hate myself because of that. 

I've been able to go through my morning and most of my afternoon with radio silence from him which has been incredible for my stress levels but I can't help but feel his absence more and more as time goes by.

He was hardly ever around for the last few months of our relationship so I don't know why his presence; which I had specifically chose not to have around now almost feels more painful. 

"Maybe I just need a walk" I say out loud "Yeah a walk and some fresh air should clear everything up" I continue, trying to lie to myself in thinking that some sunshine might actually fix this. 

Walking out of my apartment and heading straight to the subway I make a decision to go to a little cafe that I used to go to with my classmates. It's been a while since I've been there and their strawberry crepes were to die for from what I remember so I think it's time I treated myself to something nice.

~~~~~~~

Leaving the station I notice a big crowd starting to  gather around and I get a glimpse of what they're all staring at, seeing that it's some guy getting picked up off the ground and rolled out on a gurney. 

Taking a closer look, believing that I somehow know them, I feel the need to make sure they're okay but I'm stopped by the police tape they've put up. 

Once the guy's head turns towards me my eyes widen in horror seeing that it's Jungkook. "Wait! Wait! Jungkook! Wait that's my boyfriend!" I say and duck under the yellow tape not bothering to worry about the repercussions. 

When he hears my voice and opens his eyes and I see them quickly change from seeming like he had been on the edge of life and death into his big doe ones, sending me a bright smile, showing zero sighs of distress anymore and leaves me stopping in my tracks.

"CUT" I hear someone shout in the distance. "Who is this girl and why is she on my set?" the same voice say as they gradually get closer. 

"No one" I say, crossing my arms over my chest and see Jungkook give me an awkward smile in response. I scoff and don't bother listening to no doubt the director trying to speak to me and from the small bits I catch onto it sounds almost as if he wanted me to complete the scene. 

"Not interested" I mumble and walk off, ignoring their efforts to keep me there. "Baby wait!" I hear Jungkook say as he struggles to get the belt they had fastened off of him. 

I don't even bother responding and continue to make my way down the street to the cafe, praying that he won't follow me but it seems as though the universe is laughing at me because despite the growing crowd around us he still is able to keep his eyes on me. 

"Y/n wait! Please!" he yells, making sure that there's no way possible that I couldn't hear him but I choose to ignore him nonetheless. "Please Noona wait!" he continues, using a word that he knows will get a reaction out of me and my steps stutter for a second but I regain my balance seamlessly and pick up the pace seconds after. 

"Excuse me, sorry. Excuse me, thank you" I hear him say, continuing to use that loud voice letting me know that he's still on my tail but as soon as I get to a crosswalk I start to walk a bit faster, hoping to cut him off and lose him when he hopefully gets stuck waiting for the next light and luckily this time it works. 

I take a quick glance behind me to check and see him standing there catching my gaze and turning to a flower vender beside him and buying a bouquet of sunflowers, my favorite flowers during this time of year and I know he didn't just get them randomly because no matter how much I think he doesn't pay attention or care about our relationship I know he makes sure he knows the little things about me.

And that's one of the things that makes me want to take him back. 

"Y/n wait! Please" he yells and I turn around just in time to see him decide to take a risk and cross the street without waiting for the light and seconds later I hear the sound of tires screeching on the pavement and see Jungkook duck out of view. 

"Jungkook" I whisper, stopping dead in my tracks, my body totally frozen at the thought that he might've gotten hit. 

Moments later though I see the sunflowers resurface above the crowd and his head soon after that and I watch the exchange between him and the driver and then soon see him turning back to me and abandoning the conversation to start running after me again. 

"Wait!" he says and I turn on my heel to keep going, hating the fact that I've already lost the distance I had gained between us. 

I duck into a random shop in hopes that he'll somehow lose sight of me and walk right past it, losing me and hopefully letting me resume my intended relaxing day to myself. I'll just stop by the bakery instead and make my way home so I can head in the opposite way of what he probably had expected me to be going in. 

As I hear the shopkeeper welcome me I quickly return their greeting and hide behind one of their shelves, picking up a random book and holding it up to my face. Making sure it's open and covering me just enough for him not to notice, but also giving me enough visual to see him pass by and continue his search in the opposite way, just as I had planned. 

I watch as he walks past the store, frantically turning his head in all directions to see if he could finally catch sight of me again and to my delight he continues on the path he had seen me on a few minutes before. 

I let out a deep breath at the sight and put the book down, finally gaining some of that peace of mind. 

"Were you looking for anything specific dear?" the older shopkeeper asks. "No not really, I was just trying to lose my tail" I say pointing towards the window. "My ex boyfriend has been trying to get me back and he won't stop trying to talk to me so we can 'Talk things out' or whatever" I say, letting out a huge sigh, happy to get a chance to talk to someone at least a little bit. 

"Well have you given him a chance to say his piece yet?" she questions, leaving me shocked, expecting her to side with me. "Well...no, but we've gone through these sorts of problems before and I just don't want him to say something that will convince me to give him another chance again" I say, walking towards her and leaning on a shelf nearby. 

She takes a second to think before responding and says something that I was hoping she wouldn't. "You need to give him a chance to at least say something. Everyone deserves closure don't you think?" she says with a soft smile, hoping to get through to me. "Unless he's violent or something of that sort. Then he can go fuck himself" she says with a grin, already knowing that's not the case. 

I open and close my mouth a bit, not really knowing how to respond and she laughs at my reaction, loving how much she's caught me off guard. "He was the young man that just passed by with those sunflowers wasn't he?" she says with a knowing smile. "How did you-" I start out but she cuts me off with another laugh. 

"That boy had the most adorable panicked look, searching here and there as if he had lost his owner. He's quite handsome if you ask me" she say winking at me and making me blush a bit at her straightforward nature. "Give him a chance love. And if you let him go, then you let him go. Trust me, you don't want to deal with the what ifs if he stops trying" she says giving me a soft smile. 

I know she's right and I know I should at least hear him out but at this point I think it's something I've gotta work my way up to. His all or nothing attitude right now is just too much for me. 

"You're right. I'll take some time and when I'm ready I'll sit down with him to talk it all out. Thank you. Oh I'm sorry I should probably get out of your hair. Uh" I stammer at the end, feeling guilty for taking up so much of her time. 

"Um here, can I buy this?" I ask, placing a little bear with a lavender flower embroidered on it's collar on the counter, grabbing the first thing I laid eyes on. It can't be more than four inches tall with it's cute round belly and a little sun hat on it with the ears sticking through it. 

"Keep it" she say, not even bothering to offer room for discussion as she walks away from the counter. "It's full of lavender petals so keep it close and the smell will help calm you down whenever you need it. You might even want to hold it close when you're talking to that boyfriend of yours" she says with a wink and walks to the back of the store, disappearing behind a shelf, leaving me alone with my thoughts. 

I pull out my wallet and put a five dollar bill in the tip jar and take a second glance at the bear and hold it up close to my face, breathing in it's sweet and slightly musky fragrance. I smile down at it's cute little face and put it in my purse. 'I've never been in this bookstore before' I think to myself, now finally taking a second to check out the rest of the interior beyond the immediate storefront. 

I make it a note to come back here one day and return her kindness by bringing something for her to repay her not only for the bear but also for her hospitality and advice.

I take one last glance around and turn to make my way out. 

"You certainly took your time in there" I hear a familiar voice say beside me, leaving me holding my breath for a second at the scare. "Jungkook" I say placing my hand over my chest before using that same hand seconds later to wack his arm making him drop the flowers he had started to hold out for me to take. 

"Hey! What was that for?" he whines, rubbing his arm for a few seconds and picking them back up. "That's for not only scaring me just now, but also scarring me earlier today with that stupid ambulance nonsense" I say throwing my arm out towards what I now know as being a stupid movie set and when I turn back to face him all I can see is a big grin on his face. 

"Why are you smiling at me like that?" I question crossing my arms over my chest. "You know you called me your boyfriend back there right?" he says, his smile growing even wider. I scoff at the memory and don't even dignify his words with a response, turning and making my way back to the bakery just as I had intended as my plan B.

"Wait Noona please" he says and places a light grip on my arm. "What?" I spit out, turning to face him again, a look of displeasure on my face which somehow makes him smile even wider. "Can I at least walk you home?" he asks, poised in anticipation. 

Now that the shop keeper had equated him to a dog I can't help but notice how much he's been giving off golden retriever energy these past few days. Excited and begging for my attention no matter what I say.

"I'm not going home" I say pulling my arm out of his grasp but he grabs onto my hand this time instead, making me stop again, knowing that as much as I want to, I'm probably not going to get my way this time. "Can I walk you to wherever you're going then?" he questions, now completing the look with his puppy dog eyes that pull on my heartstrings every time.

"Fine" I say and he happily catches up to me after deciding to hand the flowers off to some guy and his girlfriend, knowing for a fact that I won't take them. For a second I don't even realize that he had decided to hold my hand again until he sways them back and forth a bit making me rip mine out of his grasp and opting to cross my arms over my chest instead, leaving it hard for him to try to grab onto me again. 

~~~~~~

Walking up to the bakery a few minutes later I stop and face him for a second hoping to shoo him away. "Okay, you can leave now" I say and take a few steps but I still feel his presence close behind me. "Why are you following me?" I ask turning around again, not amused at the fact that he's not listening to me. 

"Who said I was following you? I wanted to get something from here too! You know I like the chocolate donuts here, remember?" he says giving me a soft smile. "Fine" I mumble and reach for the door handle but before I can his hand reaches for it and opens it for me. I spare him a glare and he sends me a sweet bunny smile in return making me roll my eyes in response. 

I walk in and when he tries to do the same he notices a group of older woman making their way out and he waits to hold it open for them as well and I can't help but roll my eyes again, watching him continue to play the sweet loving gentlemen. They smile and thank him a few times in return which he responds with a smile and once they're finally out he heads inside intending to stand next to me in line but is cut off by a few people between us leaving me smiling in victory but it doesn't last long. 

"Excuse me sorry do you mind? I'm with her" he says pointing towards me leaving me widening my gaze and turning around but not fast enough for the others to notice if he's lying or not. "Yeah, sure" one of the guys says and they step aside and let him walk up to me but in the process of squeezing through he stumbles and falls into me a little bit, leaving him latching onto me, pressing me up against the wall I had been leaning against. 

"S-sorry Noona" he apologizes, ears turning red clearly embarrassed at our current position. "It's fine" I grumble and push him off of me, creating some much needed space and walking up to the counter where they're waiting for the next customer. 

"Hi can I get a raspberry donut and a ham and cheese croissant? Thanks" I say and the worker looks over at Jungkook as he is standing next to me and waits for his order. "Oh we're not, we're not together" I say tripping over my words, this being the first time I've said that in front of someone while he's standing right next to me. 

The worker looks between us and draws what I can assume is a line under my order that she's written down and then asks for Jungkook's which he orders just what he had said before, a chocolate donut. 

"Thank you" he says warmly and the worker looks between the two of us, not believing my words from before but smiles almost amused by our situation and tells us our orders will be right out before handing the paper over to the cashier where she gives me my total. 

Before I'm even able to reach for my card though I see Jungkook place his phone on the card reader to pay. 

"Hey!" I say in protest while Jungkook tells her to ring him up again for his donut as well. I decide it's useless arguing with him in public and walk off to the side to wait for our food. "I can pay for my own food" I grumble as he walks up to me. "I know, but I wanted to" he says simply and we wait in silence until they hand us our bags. 

"So where are you going now?" he asks, holding the door open for me again and jogging after me, having to hold the door for the next person again. "Home" I say and make my way to the subway entrance. "Can I walk you home?" he asks, already knowing the answer but trying anyway. 

"No Jungkook. You can't. You asked if you could walk me to wherever I was going next but that isn't an invitation to follow me around for the rest of the day. Just leave me alone." I say, the last part not as confident as the rest. "I just want to make sure you get back safely" he offers and at that my blood starts boiling. 

"I'm more that capable of taking care of myself! I don't need you to babysit me because last time I checked I was the one that was older than you" spit out at him, pressing a finger on his chest. Getting more and more irritated with every breath and watch as his eyes get wide, surprised by my sudden hostile nature. 

"I'm s-sorry I didn't think tha-" "And that's exactly what your problem is. You don't think about what I want or even what I don't want. Now will you please leave me alone? I don't want to deal with this today and I don't want you to follow me" I say, punctuating my words so it'll get through his thick skull. 

He opens his mouth to respond but I cut him off again before he makes me even more upset. "Don't" I say and walk away, throwing my food away in the nearest trashcan and descend down the step into the subway station, hoping and praying he doesn't follow me. 

This time around though the universe smiles down at me, granting my wishes but leaves behind a broken and beaten down Jungkook, truly trying to figure out how everything went so wrong. 

Wednesday / Friday Series Masterlist

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[good-beans]

What do think of a Milgram next generation au? Like an AU where the prisoners (excluding amane) have kids?

Ooh, what an interesting concept! I've never thought of that before (besides crying over Mahiru’s dream family she mentioned lol) so this was real fun to think about >:) I’m assuming the Milgram events all occur, but somehow everyone makes it out and tries to move on with their lives as best as they can. It'd be really cool story of all these kids meeting up and slowly uncovering their parents trauma/secrets...

For a lighter tone, it could be a very cute “kid detectives meeting up and making a little club to talk about mysteries of the past with their weird pet rabbit :)” But of course you could keep the darker canon tone, and have these ordinary children from wildly different walks of life discovering the bloody secrets that have haunted their family.

Either way, it'd be cool to set it up the same way we’re discovering the crimes: the children get pieces of information here and there as their parents let things slip, they check a story from an old news site, they catch details here and there from the locals. The group tries to put all the pieces together with limited snapshots and comments. There are no judgements -- it definitely leans into the mystery/story elements.

I'm sure their time in Milgram would drastically change the original prisoners, so some of their children would be shocked to find out what their parents were doing back in the day... I think a few of them would move far away, or want nothing to do with the others, so it takes their children a bit of digging to track down the other kids like them. Even if their parents are enemies, the children can all get close over their unique situation. I'm also a sucker for siblings who aren't close to find a better relationship through discovering the family secrets.

For an even darker tone, though, the original prisoners could have been wrongfully released or escaped back into the real world -- so years later, Milgram collects the children into the prison to judge them instead (sins of the father and all that). Instead of extracting mvs from them, the child and warden are forced to watch their parents’ videos and are interrogated about that. In this case, there'd be a weird dynamic in which they're learning to hate their parents (for the cruel things they did or for being the reason they're currently imprisoned) while also working really hard to defend them to the warden so that their family is forgiven. Similarly, there's an interesting relationship between them and the warden: these new prisoners criticize their decisions while also working together to solve the details of the parents' crimes.

I don't have a ton of specific headcanons on the cast, but a few roles in the group I can picture:

Kazui becomes much more honest after everything -- his children end up with leader roles because they have the most information on milgram/his crime.

Alongside them, Kotoko's kid would take after her mannerisms and become a leader as well. Out of Fuuta, Mahiru, and Mikoto's kids, half of them don't mind their parents' conflicts, while the other half act like they should carry on that legacy. I don't think Kotoko's kid themself feels the need to carry on her work, but will definitely defend her actions no matter what.

Shidou’s child would be put in a really weird spot, hearing how much he mourned those that came before. Feeling like a replacement, or not living up to the idea of his previous family, they act just as melancholy as him. Yuno's child also has a strange survivors guilt sort of thing going on.

In a normal-world setting, Fuuta's kid is the one to track the others down and get in touch with them. (But they're just as hotheaded as he was at that age, so another member has to do the actual recruiting lol)

Mahiru tries to move on from the events of Milgram, so her child is the most shocked that their mother was involved in a death and trial like this.

I think there'd be a solid mix of kids who are exactly like their parents, and the complete opposite. I like the idea of Haruka’s kid becoming the friendly, talkative one who really brings the group together <3

[wonwoonlight]

hope not (part 2) | yoon jeonghan

A/N: whew ok so this took so long. and as I said, idk what’s happening in these two parts fic lol. literally a word vomit and i’m thankful there are people who read this haha. anyway, if any of you are waiting for the part 2, here it is! pls tell me if you like it  💜 sorry if there’s any mistake, i dont have the time to proofread  😰

part one is here

➝ Jeonghan x Reader 

➝ word count: 5200 words.

➝ angst (???) idk but its deffo not fluffy // idol!au // “exes”…meeting again.

nothing like filming an MV pretending to be a couple with your ex.

After the whole thing that had happened in the studio, you’re glad Jeonghan didn’t really try hard to talk to you despite his words before that. He definitely stopped pretending like he didn’t want to talk to you, though. At least he only engaged you in conversation in the studio and he knew his limit so all was good.

You hated to admit it but you’re glad you didn’t have to avoid him all day anymore. Your conversations were just normal conversations like usual colleagues would share; a complain about schedules, lack of sleep, problem in the dorms—nothing personal, and most of the time Jihoon was also there so it’s not just you and Jeonghan.

There were also times when you ended up laughing together. At first, you admitted you tried to not get too engaged with them for jokes and stuffs, but, in the end, both Yoon Jeonghan and Lee Jihoon managed to break through that and you dare said this recording had been more fun than you thought it would be. One time, you accidentally heard Jihoon telling Jeonghan he’s glad you both weren’t awkward anymore. You could still remember the hesitance in Jeonghan voice as he agreed with the younger guy.

You sighed at the memory, looking at the window of your car. Currently, you’re at your way to the set of the MV. You remember them saying there would be a couple of sets and a few outdoor shootings and the filming would go for at least three days. Another three days with Jeonghan and that’s it. You didn’t know how to feel at all; but you should be glad, shouldn’t you?

“We’re here,” your manager said, stopping the car and gathering all your things from the back seat.

You exhaled before pulling off the seat belt, praying to every deity up there to help you go through this. You managed to be in an enclosed space with Yoon Jeonghan for a week, three days more shouldn’t be that hard, right?

Wrong. Sitting on the same sofa with a safe distance between you and Jeonghan with Jihoon in the room was definitely a whole lot level of different than having to have the guy sit in the sofa with a guitar on his lap and you’re sitting so close near him—a little distance between the two of you just enough so he could hold the guitar properly. Even if there are about fifteen people and a few cameras in front of you, it didn’t help at all. Not when you’re this close with him. Not when this scene was something straight out of your memory.

“Okay, is everyone ready?” the director asked, making you pull out of your thought. You saw the stylist in front of you, saying she needed just a moment to fix Jeonghan’s hair and, quite frankly, you didn’t see what was there that needed to be fixed. Your eyes fell down from his hair to his face, startled when you saw him already staring at you. You turned your head to the side, waiting for the director’s cue, not wanting to get into whatever Jeonghan was trying to do.

“Action!”

You turned to Jeonghan, meeting his eyes and smiling at him as he started messing around with the guitar. You giggled at him; at the way he’s blatantly playing the guitar badly, his expression serious as if he’s some rock star.

It was painful; reenacting something that you often did with him before. For a split second, you wondered if it was also painful for him as it was for you before you quickly brushed off the thought, reminding yourself that this was all just work—you’re acting, he’s acting, there’s no need to remember the past.

You reached forward to place your fingers on the guitar strings, making the sound stop. Jeonghan looked up at you, his face in mock annoyance and you laughed, the guy bit down a grin though a smile was still in his face. One of his hand let go of the guitar and reached up to ruffle your hair, in which you just giggled back.

At the sharp “cut!” from the director, Jeonghan dropped his hand and you pretended to flatten down your hair even though your stylist eventually came up to fix it for you. You tried your best to avoid Jeonghan’s eyes, missing the look he’s giving you; knowing it would break something inside you if you did.

The both of you walked to the screen, monitoring what you just shot with the director. He said something about how good you looked together and the chemistry was pretty good; you and Jeonghan just laughed awkwardly at the comment, thanking him for the compliment.

“Okay, I’m pretty satisfied with this shot. But if you guys want to give it another go I’d be happy to get a few extra shots,” he said, looking at the both of you.

You looked at the screen, both happy and bitter at how good the scene looked. The lighting hit Jeonghan just right, accenting his handsomeness as if his face wasn’t already handsome enough as it was.

Turning to Jeonghan, you noticed the way his eyes looked sentimental at the scene playing in front of him. Before you could think any further, you shook your head at the director, saying you’re happy with the cut. Jeonghan agreed, joking that if it’s already good from the first take, they should just go with it so the shooting would finish quickly.

The director laughed at his words, telling you both to sit back on the sofa again, this time without the guitar. He told you to pretend to be watching TV though eventually you should just joke around with each other, posing as comfortable as a couple usually would be.

You blinked, not sure how to take the vague description. It was Jeonghan who moved first, he sat right beside you, his shoulder and thigh touching yours and his arm went behind you on top of the sofa, you could feel the tip of his fingers touching your shoulder. You took a sharp breath at the familiarity, once again having to remind yourself that this was work.

As another “Action!” was heard, Jeonghan rested his head on top of yours, looking bored, his hand absentmindedly playing with your hair. The next “cut!” was quick, though. The director saying you looked too stiff in Jeonghan’s arm and you should relax. No couple would be that tense with each other, he had said.

“Am I making you uncomfortable like this?” he asked. And you shook your head, telling him it’s totally okay. You were just overreacting.

You apologized to the director, telling him you understood and you’d be better the next time around—and you were. You were even relaxed enough to lay your head on his shoulder on the next scene, one of your arms holding a bowl of popcorn as you fed him a few. You could see him startled at first, though it was gone as quick as it appeared as he happily munched on the snack and even opened his mouth first, asking to be fed.

Jeonghan comically pushed his lips out and his eyes forcibly closed as if asking for a kiss; you just laughed in return, hitting his lips softly with your hand. He opened his eyes and scrunched his nose cutely, pretending to be annoyed. You grinned, now comfortable with the whole setting.

“Cut!” the director said, startling you and Jeonghan, the both of you quickly got off of each other.

“That was good. Almost like you guys were used to this,” he commented, giving the both of you a thumbs up, not realizing how the comment turned you both stiff. “Now, change your clothes and get ready for the next scene, we’d need to make a few adjustments to the set.”

The next thing you know, it’s already the last day of the shooting. You looked back on the last few days, remembering the scenes you had to shoot with him: a hugging scene, playing in the kitchen, a big fight, a break up scene full of tears (which was pretty easy to do with Yoon Jeonghan in front of you. It kind of hurt, though, like a delayed break up announcement after all those years. You’re somewhat thankful this was just an MV so you didn’t have to do any lines that might struck too close to home), and a few solo shots you had to do.

There was even one particular shooting when they asked you to take a bunch of pictures with Jeonghan. “Just be cute!” they had said; saying they’d need to print them out for prop use. You weren’t going to lie and say taking selfies with him doing cute poses didn’t get your heart beating too fast for your own liking. You even had to change clothes two or three times for that.

You were told you’re going a bit out of the city, to an open flower field, for the last shooting. You’re kind of excited, though. You had always wanted to shoot in a flower field and you’d finally get to do it—it would be a simple one, the director had said. Some method acting, walking here and there, and you’d meet Jeonghan in the end; giving the music video an open ending.

When you arrived at the location, it seemed like Jeonghan’s team had arrived first. You looked at your watch, wondering if you’re late. When the car had stopped, you immediately got out, going to the director’s assistant who was already talking with Jeonghan.

“I’m sorry, am I late?”

Jeonghan turned to you, shaking his head with a smile. “No, I was just early. Don’t worry.”

The assistant agreed, telling you not to worry about being late. The director was still on his way, anyway, and you should start doing your hair and makeup for the shoot.

It was a big, shared waiting room for both your team and Jeonghan’s. When you stepped inside the sturdy tent, you greeted everyone there before your stylist told you to change your outfit in the fitting room they had put up inside.

Stepping out of the room after everything was done, you saw the director making his way to his seat, seemingly just arrived. You made your way to greet him, making small talks about the pretty field.

“Where’s Jeonghan?”

“I think he’s changing his clothes. I heard there’s some kind of problem with the outfit he was wearing,” you explained to him.

“Aah, I see. Do you guys know each other before this?” he asked out of nowhere.

You blinked at him, surprised at the question. “I just know of him, I guess? But we got somewhat comfortable after the recording.”

“I don’t know how this would sound to you,” he started. “But sometimes I feel like you guys act really natural with the whole romantic scenes, you know? And not in acting way—it feels like I was just watching you guys dating sometimes.”

“Ah, you make me blush with the compliment,” Jeonghan suddenly said, making you both turn to him. “Gossiping now, are we?”

The director laughed at him. “Just saying you guys look good together. Okay, if we’re all ready, should we just start?”

You and Jeonghan nodded, and the director told you to just enjoy a walk together, you should just pretend to be having a conversation. It would be used as a flashback kind of scenes, he said.

The both of you stood side by side, your arm clinging into his and his hands are stuffed in the pocket of his coat—per the director’s request.

“Last day of shooting, are we all ready?” the assistant announced, making you smile at her. “Action!”

“How do you feel about this?” Jeonghan said as you started to walk, the cameraman was pretty far from the both of you, taking a full shot.

You hummed at him. “I like it here. The field is so pretty.” You’re pretty sure he’s not asking about this but you couldn’t care less.

Jeonghan chuckled a little, making you look up at him. “I��m just glad to know after all those years your love for flower field is still there.”

You gave him a forced laugh, not expecting him to say anything about the past. You were doing so well pretending those never happened.

“I think this scene would be our last scene together, save for the multiple angle shots they’d need to take,” he said, his voice small.

“Aren’t you supposed to be glad?” you asked back, laying your head on his shoulder as you walked through the field. When he didn’t reply, you continued. “You used to like it when schedules end early, I don’t think that part of anyone would ever change. Who’s not happy with work ending early, right?”

Jeonghan suddenly stopped walking and you turned to him in question. He simply kneeled in front of you, though, pretending to be fixing your perfectly fine ties of your shoes. When he stood up again, he looked at you and cupped your face in his hands.

Your eyes widened at the sudden gesture and you couldn’t say how much thankful you’ were that it was not currently a close-up shot.

“Why would I be happy if I won’t get to see you this close ever again?” he said, pulling his hands back down before taking your hand in his, intertwining your fingers together and then he pretended to be jogging backwards, dragging you with him.

You scrunched your nose at him. “Jeonghan, we’re in the middle of work right now,” you reasoned.

“Does that mean you’re willing to talk about this off work?” he asked, his eyes hopeful.

“I don’t think there’s anything we could talk about, hm?” you said, smiling sweetly at him for the act. Before Jeonghan could answer, the director cut him off, asking you both to start from the beginning again to get the shots from another angle.

After monitoring the video in front of you, you were glad to say the shot was great, even the time you were fazed by Jeonghan wasn’t clear in the camera. The pair of you just looked like a happy couple taking a stroll in the field, playing around with each other with no care in the world. Even the director was happy about it though he kept on saying there’s something missing. You’d give anything to be that couple, but Yoon Jeonghan left four years ago and the scar hadn’t even completely healed; you’re getting there but you’re not there yet. It didn’t matter that he’s in front of you now, that you’re somewhat civil with each other; he left without words those years ago and the pain you had to go through to get back on your feet was something you didn’t want to go through again.

“Are you okay?” Jeonghan asked, the arm around you getting strangely tighter. Currently, you’re sitting with Jeonghan on top of a tiny hill near the flower field, your backs facing the camera. After your solo shots were done, the assistant director had found this particular spot and suggested to shoot there.

“Huh? Yeah… yeah,” you answered, your head settling on the juncture of his neck.

“I’m sorry I brought it up earlier. It came out before I realized,” he whispered, his hand caressing your head. You hated how comforting that felt even now.

“Hmm… yeah. Do you think we should talk about it?” you muttered back, thinking maybe you needed closure, after all.

When Jeonghan didn’t answer, you pushed your head back slowly from his shoulder, trying to look at him; there was barely a distance between you and him. He was just staring at you in disbelief as if not believing what he just heard.

“Is that a no?” you whisper, trying not to move your mouth too much.

Jeonghan stared back at you, his answer interrupted by the “cut!” from the director. Your manager walked to you, giving you a bottle of water.

“Would you two mind having a kiss scene?” he said out of sudden, making you choke on your drink. Your manager pat you in the back, taking the bottle from you.

“I’m sorry, that must’ve been a surprise,” the director grinned sheepishly. “I’ve been feeling like there’s something missing and I feel like this might be it. It just needs to be a chaste kiss, so don’t worry.”

It was Jeonghan who spoke first. “I don’t mind if it could help the MV but I’m not sure if the company would agree.”

“Me too,” you joined, surprising him. To be completely honest, you didn’t think you were in any position to reject the director’s idea, though.

The director scratched the back of his head, wondering what to do. Making a call now would be a pain. “What if we just shoot it first? If your companies decided against it, we could just exclude the shot.”

Looking at Jeonghan, you nodded slowly at the director, praying this decision wouldn’t haunt you.

“Okay so I just want you to get mesmerized by the field while Jeonghan stares at you, okay? And when you looked back at him, he’s already staring at you. Just look at him in confusion and Jeonghan would initiate the kiss after that. Is that clear?”

You and Jeonghan nodded, and then immediately went to the spot the director had chosen for the scene.

It was easy: getting mesmerized by the field. It was beautiful and the breeze hitting your face was helping a lot. You’re pretty sure the joy in your face would be completely natural in this shot if it would make the cut. Your hand was in Jeonghan’s and you pretended to look around, looking at the flowers.

Remembering the direction earlier, you turned to Jeonghan, only to find him already looking at you as expected. He looked so good it’s not even fair; with the wind hitting his hair just right and the sentimental look in his eyes. Jeonghan was a really good actor and you wondered why his company hadn’t let him act.

Your smile faltered at his stare, tilting your head in question. You could feel your heart beating faster and faster, already knowing what was going to happen.

Jeonghan let go of your hand, his warm hands slowly making their ways to your face. You just stood there, looking at each other as his thumb caressed your cheek. Your mind flashed back to your first kiss with Jeonghan a long time ago, you both were kids—not knowing any better. Now you’re both older, and hopefully wiser.

A part of you wanted to just part ways with him after this, but you knew deep down you needed closure and if he was willing to give you one, maybe it would be the last piece of the puzzle that would help you completely let go of his memories. Not him. His memories. You had let go of Jeonghan a long time ago, but his memories had stayed for way longer than you thought it would.

When Jeonghan got closer, his head tilting a little, your hands went to hold his coat out of reflex—as if knowing you’d need something to hold on to or you’d fall off your feet.

It was crazy, the way his lips still brought the same butterfly fluttering in your stomach. It was as if every sense in you had sharpened out of nowhere; you could feel the curve of his lips, the warmth of his hands, his trembling fingers on your face (and you’re sure he could feel how warm your face was). And before you know it, his lips left yours.

You groggily opened your eyes, looking up at Jeonghan who softly smiled down at you. He put his forehead on yours, his nose bumping into yours. He closed his eyes then, and you did too, a smile already on your face before you knew it.

“And cut!” the director shouted, making you and Jeonghan jump away from each other in surprise. “That’s a wrap everyone! If the kiss didn’t make the cut, that last shot definitely would.” He grinned in satisfaction, happy that he got the picture he had wished.

You bowed at everyone, thanking them for their hard work. You turned to Jeonghan who was still beside you, bowing at him and thanking him for this opportunity.

“We’ll talk later, okay? After the evening get together?” you whispered to him, and he nodded with a small smile before following his manager to the dressing room.

“Thank you everyone, for your hard work for these four days. The shooting went longer than expected but I am thankful everyone still tried their best. Here’s to the success of this project!” Jeonghan cheered, holding up his glass, and everyone followed through.

It was a pretty nice night and the food was great, too. You were sitting beside Jeonghan, on the same table as the director and his assistant. Your and Jeonghan’s manager were sitting on the table beside you with the other staffs.

“You guys were fairly good, you know? Isn’t this the first time for the both of you to act in a music video with story line?” the assistant said, looking at you both.

“Yeah, I don’t think I’ve ever actually acted with a female protagonist?” Jeonghan answered, unsure. “Or even if I have, it’s never this long. A lot of members.” He joked, earning a laugh from the table.

“You were really good too,” the director said, addressing you. “A bit tense at first but that’s normal.”

“Ah, thank you so much. I was nervous because I’m the most junior here and it’s such an honor to work with all of you,” you said, bowing your head slightly at them.

“I’d love to work with the both of you again but seeing the industry, I think it’s rare or pretty much nonexistent to have two same main characters in different MVs. I’d have to settle with one of you at a time, I guess,” the director said, making you surprised at the big compliment.

The night went on like that; you, Jeonghan, and the assistant director went around talking with everyone, thanking them for their work, as others came to the director’s table to talk to him. Eventually, you excused yourself to step out to get some fresh air, though you doubt anyone would mind because everyone seemed to be having gun and a bit tipsy except for the designated drivers.

You noticed the restaurant had a garden and a beautiful pond at the back and you sat down on a stone bench there, listening to this sound of the water from a bamboo water fountain nearby, the night breeze sobered up the little alcohol you had in you.

“Been a long time, yeah?” Jeonghan said, sitting beside you. You just looked at him in question, not getting whatever he’s referring to. “Since we sit like this, side by side, under the night sky.”

You let out a quiet ‘ah’ with an uncertain chuckle. “Yeah, I guess.”

You could feel your heartbeat gradually getting faster, knowing the talk would come sooner rather than later.

 “It’s really late to say sorry now but… I’m truly sorry,” he started, his voice small. “I… don’t have any good reason, you know?”

You noticed him playing with the strap of his phone, a habit he hadn’t lost. You fidgeted in your spot, too, preparing to listen to his reason.

“It was all on me,” he said, looking down. “The company didn’t find out then, and we had no dating ban, but… we were eating with NU’EST one day and they brought up something about someone getting caught dating during their early years. The company just told him to be careful, don’t go out too much, things like that. But, at some point, somehow the sasaeng found out that the company was in a way protecting that girl and things got out of control. Terribly out of control. He had to break up with her and, even then, I heard she was still harassed for some time.”

Jeonghan took a deep breath, trying to gauge your reaction. But you were silent, your eyes casted to the pond in front of you.

He gripped the bench beneath him, exhaling before he continued. “I couldn’t… sleep that night. Thinking what might happen to you if we were found out. I had always known there were risks, but hearing about it from someone close to me… it was frightening. It felt so real. I thought it would be fine as long as we’re careful, and we weren’t… official… anyway, so we could deny if it came to it. But turns out hearing it directly from someone who has experienced it meant a lot more than I thought it would. It was a moment of a bad, impulsive decision. I know I should’ve told you something, that I shouldn’t leave just like that. But I got too scared for no reason at all. I just wanted to run away under the pretense of protecting you when in the end it was me who hurt you the most by being that way.”

It surprised you, to be honest; the fact that you didn’t even tear up. You had always cried easily, something that your members made fun you of a lot. Even Jeonghan had said something about it at some point even though it was endearing to him. You just looked down on your shoes, registering his words. You were kind of glad that, in the end, it was never about whether you’re enough or not; Jeonghan was afraid and he ran away—you were the victim of that.

“Thanks for telling me even if it takes us four long years.” You decided to say. “It was painful, you know? Being left without words as if I didn’t matter at all. Made me wonder if what we had was just a long fever dream I imagined myself.”

Jeonghan opened his mouth, about to interrupt you when you continued.

“I knew, though, that deep down what we had was real. Or, at least, I was being real. And I wanted to think that, at least I was happy with you at some point. I doubted myself a lot—was I not enough? Was it easy for you to just… turn your back? And then I had to see you on TV, too. Thankfully, not long after that, I started my trainee life so I didn’t have a lot of time to think of you. But, then, seeing your group everywhere for the past few years, it would haunt me again from time to time. And it’s hard, Han,” you said before you knew it, his old nickname slipped out of your mouth, making him warm inside. “It’s hard to accept that after all those years, you still have effects on me. Even just a few weeks ago when we me again. Even a few days ago when we had to act as a couple. Even earlier when we had to… kiss. Even now.”

Jeonghan didn’t know what to say. Of course, he knew you’d be hurt. He just didn’t think it would last that long for you just like it did from him. He left out of his own foolish decision and it still hurt; how could he imagine how much painful it was for you?

“Seungcheol texted me before, you know?” you smiled sadly, remembering the friend you lost because of the whole ordeal. You were young and you had known no better, talking to Seungcheol and Joshua felt a bit too much at the time even if they were trying to comfort you. Before you knew it, you had lost contact with them, the only two people who had known about your relationship with their brother.

He turned to you in surprise, not knowing this fact at all. “Really?”

“Yeah, he tried to comfort me. He kept on saying that I shouldn’t blame myself for whatever that happened. I think he might’ve called you a jerk once or twice.” You smiled at the memory, hoping that Seungcheol was doing well.

“Shua also texted me a few times until they both gave up because I barely answered to them. Kind of sad, now that I think about it. I shouldn’t have let my friends go just because I was trying to let you go.” You sighed, putting both of your arms on the bench, holding your weight up.

“Is there… anything I could do to make up for it?” he offered carefully.

Jeonghan wasn’t stupid. Four years was a long time and whatever love you had shared with him were long gone now. If anything, it was just a lingering attachment that made you act the way you did when you first saw him. It seemed like you needed closure and if it could help you feel better even if it was years too late, Jeonghan would readily give it to you.

He wasn’t going to say he was still utterly, completely in love with you, either. But saying he had let go of you would be a complete lie: because he hadn’t. Whatever he was feeling didn’t matter, though. He had his chance and he blew it up, he doubted you’d give him another one if you hadn’t even healed from the scar he had left you before.

“No,” you said just as he expected. “It’s been four years, Jeonghan. You’re a little too late to be making it up, I think.”

The way you chuckled ease his heart a bit, at least you were feeling good enough to be able to joke about it now.

“But, anyway. Thank you for finally making it clear for me; it would help a lot. I think I can finally make peace with the past now,” you smiled at him, offering a hand for him to shake.

He took your hand in his, holding it instead of shaking your hand. “I’d like to say sorry again, yeah? For everything I made you go through, every pain you had to endure, every tear you had to shed because of me. I’m genuinely sorry.”

You looked down at your hand together, slowly letting go of his hand as you turned your head to him, meeting his eyes with a smile in your face. “Thank you… for apologizing. I hope you’d never do that to anyone ever again, hm?”

Jeonghan smiled bitterly, already missing the warmth of your hand. “Yeah. I know better now.”

You simply smiled at him, not knowing what to say anymore. “I’ll go in first, okay?” you said, pointing to the door.

He nodded, looking at your retreating self.

“Hey!” he suddenly said, startling you a bit.

Turning to him, you tilted your head in question.

“Can we… talk again sometime?” he asked timidly, his fingers balling into fists.

You just chuckled in amusement, answering vaguely. “Maybe if fate lets us some day.”

[thoughts-on-bangtan]

Let’s talk: the Vmin “no on screen interaction = no bond” Paradox

by Admin 1 & 2

One of the reasons that are usually stated for why people are so insistent on their claims that Jimin and Tae supposedly aren’t close anymore, that their friendship is nothing but PR for Friends, and that the whole “soulmate agenda” is fake as well, boils down to the statement of “we rarely or never see them interact on screen, no touching, no talking, nothing”. We find this both misleading, since it isn’t true, but also disrespectful, since it means that the only way in which some are able to accept closeness between the members as real and valid is if they see it, nothing else. So, just because you don’t see it through grand physical touches, hugs and whatnot, does that mean if they speak about each other, for example, that doesn’t count? 

You could argue that the power of pictures is greater than that of words, but to that I would like to ask: do they owe us visual proof of their closeness when we already have so much that shows how truly close Jimin and Tae are, how much they care about each other and how much work across years they’ve willingly and eagerly put into their bond for it to grow as deep and beautiful as it is?

As a way to showcase how misleading the screen time = friendship/closeness argument is, especially in connection to Jimin and Tae, I’d like for us to look at two different instances: Black Swan MV (the MV Sketch as well as the “opera” b*omb and the basket ball b*omb) and the Jingle Ball 2019 EPISODE.

Let’s start with the videos surrounding Black Swan below the cut:

Around that time I saw a lot, and I mean a lot, of chatter (mostly negative) about vmin since a very loud portion of the fandom were very up in arms after we got Friends. Not only did it solidify their preconceived notion that they are just friends, because the song is titled like that and none of them really cared enough to check the lyrics, but also because it opened up a whole new discussion about “but like, are they really friends?” To which, of course, their answer was mostly “no”. It’s just PR, they actually don’t really like each other, they barely interact, we see nothing of them, both interact way more with the other members, you know the drill. So when the MV Sketch for Black Swan came out it was, once again, like more “am/munition” for their arguments.

The thing we find laughable though is this expectation of “ship moments” in a video that’s literally about the filming of their music video, most of the scenes showing said filming happening though there’s also a few scenes of the members interacting. But, at the core, this isn’t like a bangtan b*mb of them hanging out backstage waiting for something or another where it makes sense that we’d see them interact a lot and be silly, instead it’s a video in which their focus (as well as ours should be) is on filming and giving the best performance they can so the MV turns out amazing, which it did. They are doing their work, not enjoying their free time. When you’re at work, do you really spend the majority of your time playing around with your friends? No, you do your job, the thing you get paid for doing.

The first few times I watched the video, I was so captivated by the theatre and their dancing, their mindset and performance, I didn’t even really notice any of their interactions or pay attention to who interacted with who or who did not. Guess my priorities and expectations are simply a bit different when watching a music video being filmed...

So what was the conclusion people drew? While Jimin and Tae are both close to JK and the other member, they are not close to each other, they don’t even particularly like each other. It was a narrative I saw repeated across various sns and, really, while it made me sad, I also wasn’t surprised. It’s nothing new that people treat vmin in such a manner.

Then, months later we got two Bangtan B*mbs from the same time and surprise, surprise Jimin and Tae did interact, a lot even, in ways that show how attuned with each other they are, how easy it is for them to fall into one of their role-plays or just be silly together, how gentle and thoughtful of the other they are, and how much they enjoy doing something together, regardless of what it is.

The first, posted October 1st 2020, showed Tae playing basket ball while Jimin and JK sat off to the side and watched him. Like you can see in the above pictures, eventually Jimin joined Tae and they played together for most of the video. Since the sun was shining at them, Tae stood before Jimin and raised his hands so the shadow fell onto Jimin’s eyes and he could see better, later on doing the same for Tae. It’s a small thing and yet it shows they care about each other. At some point Jimin pretended that he’ll be leaving, twice, and yet he stayed and they played some more. Toward the end of the video Namjoon joins them and eventually vmin leave and Namjoon stays behind and plays with Seokjin before the video ends.

Based on all that you’d assume the people who, seven months earlier, claimed vmin are essentially estranged and barely even like each other would reconsider, but of course not. Despite the focus being largely on them across the entire video, many comments by non-vminies (and non-namjinists) I saw on sns were about Tae playing on his own, Jimin and JK sitting off to the side together, and Namjoon playing with Seokjin. 

The second video was posted October 24th 2020 and began with Jimin pretending he’s an opera singer, which Tae noticed and immediately joined in, since we know this is the sort of thing Tae enjoys doing, even occasionally turning their own songs and lyrics into opera style to make the other members laugh. This sets off this entire sequence of Tae and Jimin singing different things, JK also joining in for a moment, and then vmin ending on that sweet moment of Jimin standing behind Tae with his hands covering Tae’s eyes before concluding that “it’s hard to play with him”. And yet, even if it’s hard, can we talk about these two screenshots of Jimin fondly watching Tae and looking like he can’t wait until his stylist is done so he can go join him? Adorable.

But again, even here while the focus is on vmin for a large portion of the video, this fact was largely omitted and instead people zeroed in on moments in which Tae was alone, Tae or Jimin interacted with JK, and Tae singing with Namjoon and Seokjin. It seems to me like the council of “how valid is a friendship” decided on their opinion months prior and stuck with it even if it meant, as always, to just ignore vmin interactions in favor of other things while at the same time spreading the “vmin are not friends because they don’t interact” agenda to anyone who’ll listen.

Generally I don’t really care all that much for all the chatter happening among parts of ARMY, but seeing these comments belittling and erasing the bond Jimin and Tae have, regardless if you see it as platonic or potentially romantic, is just really hard to read sometimes. Not even because I’m a vminnie, but simply because they are erasing something that is so important to both Tae and Jimin, this bond they have with each other they themselves spoke so much about, showed so much of, and yet people refuse to accept it, like they have any right to make such judgements about their bond.

The second example I’d like to show is Jingle Ball 2019 in LA and how deceptive, paradoxical and misleading the no screen time = no bond agenda really is.

For context, the Jingle Ball happened some time in December 2019, the same month as when we got the vmin “let’s take a half bath together” while holding hands during Seokjin’s birthday vlive happened, meaning a time when Jimin and Tae were just as close as ever, even occasionally giving us glimpses into their bond, giggling together and being all smiles. Also the same month as the famous holding hands because we think no one sees us anymore moment at the airport.

On July 22nd 2020 we got the EPISODE showing the behind the scenes of the Jingle Ball performance. It’s 11 minutes long and includes the BWL performance with Halsey, but largely shows the members getting ready, practicing their English and being excited to perform. If we focus solely on vmin then sure, I’ll agree that there were no interactions between those two whatsoever, not a usual or out of the ordinary thing, and not something I see any kind of problem in. They don’t owe us interactions in every piece of content. And yet, as always, it just added fuel to everyones favorite agenda that vmin are not close, ignoring all the prior time frame context we established previously. But who cares, they didn’t interact in this 11 minute video therefore they definitely didn’t interact at all and now hate each other.

Jokes on those people because of course that isn’t true.

Excuse the rather mediocre quality of those pictures, I tried my best with the screenshots taken from a video taken by a fan (one of many) who got to see BTS behind the scenes before going on stage from the stands further up. There’s this video on twt that shows just vmin and then I found a longer version in this person’s vlog (around the 7:25 min mark and onward). You can check both and confirm that it really is vmin in those screenshots. Also, as memory refresher, Jimin was the only one with a black collar and shirt along with blond hair. Namjoon stands further away and can be seen in the three lower pictures.

So, what does this tell us? Easy--just because it wasn’t shown in a condensed and edited video it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Just because Jimin and Tae don’t show us things on screen, or the editors don’t use scenes where it can be seen, it doesn’t mean that it’s an accurate representation of their actual, real life bond. They weren’t in the EPISODE but hugged and walked together off camera.

Notice how this agenda merely applies to vmin, how their bond, their soulmate status and closeness is the only one that gets questioned at every possible moment. When Seokjin said that Yoongi feels like his soulmate nowadays in an episode of In The SOOP no one questioned his words and accepted them as true, because he said so himself and we should believe their sincerity when they say these things. And yet when it comes to vmin, the rules are entirely different.

This was a post brought to you by Admin 2 coming across yet another thread on twt filled with ARMY claiming outlandish things about vmin and their bond and getting annoyed.

[miingyu]

I was tagged by @scoupsy to list my 5 favorite creations that I’ve posted. Ahh thanks so much Dreamy! 💕

Sooo I don’t have any gfx to include bc I never actually post them 🙈 so this will just be some gifsets and an edit or so. Just putting whatever comes to mind first here so prepare for my rambling and attempt to be positive about my content under the cut! 

Jeonghan - Okay to throw in an edit I I’ll choose this one bc it’s recent. I’ve NEVER been confident about coloring teaser pics or whatever bc I’m not fast at posting content. Usually I just play with them in ps when I’m bored at work and banish them to the hard drive dungeon. (much like any gfx I make) But I liked this one enough to post AND actually use net tags for once! TLDR: I make content at the speed of a snail. And edits? By me? Ten hours after a drop?? Totally me. 

Lee Know - So what I really love is a good a coloring challenge as well as some Minho so this was a delight for me. Give me a washed out orange stage and a few hours? Let’s go! But yeah it took a looooong time to recolor bc of that stage lighting. Lots of time to stare at Minho that I enjoyed as well. I wanted to make larger gifs but the frames were too many. Anyway I’m about 50% pleased with how it turned out... but it is Minho after all so that kicks in the other 50% heh. TLDR: I love coloring challenges. And Minho. Had lots of fun recoloring orange Minho. Kinda sorta pleased with it.

Hoshi - I will love this set forever even if the size is off and it nearly drove me crazy! To explain I guess: with gose eps some of the cameras have great focus and some don’t depending on the content of the ep. And that bad clue ep, whew the shots were a mess plus the lighting. Usually I don’t gif gose if the shots are like that (this week’s ep was similar) but I just thought he looked so cute that it was a MUST GIF situation! Anyway I couldn’t get the color similar so 18 gifs and a meltdown later I just made them b&w and threw all the sepia and noise at it. TLDR: A personal favorite set. Nearly drove me to crazytown.

Chungha - I think I just come back to this one bc it was the first time I remember feeling somewhat happy with my coloring. I remember finishing it and just being satisfied with a gifset for once. Like a few months before this I tried to make a psd that I could use across the board to gif quicker, but a one size fits all psd isn’t for me. I’ve only made one psd that I rarely use and it’s for certain stage gifs. TLDR: Stevie found her coloring groove here. Likes Chungha. Dislikes pre-made psds.

Hoshi - Yes Hoshi again! I absolutely love to color vibrantly and when I saw the mv and the shots I was like ‘oh yes it’s color time!’ I just saw that carpet or whatever and I was like this should be so rich and it needs red! It needs all the red! Anyway, I posted two sets of the same gifs (large and small) but deleted the smaller set. That one keeps getting reblogged though so I recently just put the smaller gifs in place of the larger set. TLDR: Did you know I like vibrant colors and red and hoshi and that I’m very indecisive?

I have absolutely no idea who’s done this or not bc I’m forever late for everything. I’m not tagging anyone bc I hate to be a bother. Soooo if you’d like to do this please do! Any content at all, it doesn’t have to be gifs/edits. Tag me as well I’d love to see you’re personal favorite creations!  😊

[gidleboo]

hi! can i request (G)I-dle’s reaction to fem SO putting their hand on their thigh to tease them thanks! also hope you’re doing well and drinking water!!

GIDLE Reacts

a headcanon showing how each member may react to their female s/o teasing them in the waiting room.

requested by: anon

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

You stifled a yawn as you stretched your arms, your back arching in the process. The time read 1:12 pm on your phone before you lazily plopped it back down onto your lap, glancing over to your girlfriend who sat next to you as she was focused on her phone.

She and the other members were currently on break after recording their group scene for their new MV, "Oh my God" and the two of you decided to spend some alone time with each other as you sat in the furthest couch, away from the others.

You shuffled in your seat, turning to face your girlfriend as you stared at her lovingly, wondering how breathtaking a person could get while you leaned onto your palm with your elbow propped up on the back part of the couch.

You watched her scroll through her phone lazily while she sat comfortably with one of her legs placed on top of your thighs, occasionally giggling at whatever she saw on her phone.

You smiled softly at her and let your gaze drop from her face as your eyes started traveling down her body, suddenly feeling your face heat up from embarrassment as you shamelessly checked her out. You couldn't help it though, your eyes were moving on their own.

Your eyes found their way down to her flawless legs and you felt yourself bite the inside of your cheeks. 'Damn,' you thought to yourself as you unconsciously placed your hand onto her bare thigh.

You suddenly thought of a naughty little plan as you grabbed the blanket that you remembered sitting on and covered both of your legs, slightly surprised that your girlfriend hasn't paid any attention to what you were doing as she was so engrossed with her phone.

You let your hand make their way underneath the blanket as you stared at your girlfriend, waiting for some sort of reaction as you let your hand place themself back on top of her thigh. When you stil receive no reaction from her, you let your hand caress the skin, squeezing the soft flesh.

SOYEON

first off, this smol bean has been paying attention to everything you were doing

her attention was split in half; for you and for her phone

anyway, she was completely taken aback from the unexpected action

she literally thought you were just covering both of your legs with the blanket

soyeon's eyes widened as she immediately turned her head to face you with a questioning look

you gave her a smirk as your hand started moving upwards, reaching for the hem of her shorts

soyeon was quick to stop your hand before nervously glancing over to the other members and staff in the next room

seeing that no one was paying attention to you both, she sighed and shot you a warning look; 'We can't'

no joke, that dominant gaze she gave you brought a shiver down your spine

you bit your lip and immediately pulled your hand out from under the blanket as you slump in your seat, pouting at your failed attempt

so in conclusion: soyeon would be stopping you from going any further almost immediately, leaving you no choice but to follow her

MIYEON

completely oblivious at first

mistook your teasing as a sign of comfort; lol cute

but that was all until your hand started traveling upwards

would be flustered af

her face immediately heats up as she tightens her hold on her phone, your fingernails drawing patterns on her inner thigh

decides to not question what the hell you were doing as she lets out a soft whimper once your hand drew closer to her heat

she bites onto her bottom lip, trying hard to not let out any more sounds but fails as your hand slides over her clothed center

"y/n stop, we can't," miyeon breathes out, her face now turned completely red

clearly her body doesn't want you to stop, so you continue to tease her as she starts to breathe heavily

after a few more minutes, the two of you flinched when you both hear her manager clap their hands from the other room, "guys, time to go."

miyeon immediately slapped your hand away as she stood up to fix herself

you laugh once you see a slight scowl present onto her face as she whined, "i hate you," before nudging you goodbye and walking to the set

you literally got her worked up in just a few minutes of stroking her thigh

MINNIE

would immediately catch on what you're trying to do and would pretend like she doesn't care

she knows that you want a reaction from her

so she ain't gonna give you one :)

low-key feels aroused from the thought of being caught by someone

she smirks to herself as she feels your hand grip onto her thigh in frustration of her not paying you any attention

pretends to yawn to annoy you further

tenses up when you suddenly pressed your thumb onto her center, almost choking since she did not expect that

you smirk as you finally got her, slowly rubbing circles over her clothed heat, thinking how fortunate it was that she was wearing a skirt

she tries to stop squirming around

had to place a hand over her mouth to shut herself up

you slid your finger up and down her clothed slit, feeling her underwear slowly start to get wet

before you could even get a chance to move her panties aside, you felt her figure stand up and straddle your hips as she leaned close to your ear and purred,

"let's make this quick,"

SOOJIN

momma knew right away what you were trying to do

would react slightly similar to soyeon;

shocked, eyes widened, her head immediately turned to your direction

'are you crazy?' soojin mouthed to you, a smirk tugging at her lips in amusement

you bat your eyelashes innocently as you smiled at her in question, playing dumb

soojin rolled her eyes playfully and stopped your hand before they could grab the hem of her shorts

"be a good girl for me, and keep your hands to yourself."

"were almost done with the shoot, ill take care of you at home."

as much as she wants to, she knew to herself that she can't since she won't be able to focus afterwards

after seeing you pout, she decided to give you a kiss on the lips

would much rather not risk getting caught

YUQI

ticklish baby immediately flinched and let out a surprised yelp (which to your luck, no one paid any attention to)

yuqi covered her mouth to stop any other sounds from leaving her lips

her mood immediately changed; from being all giggly to suddenly being quiet with her ears slowly turning red

yuqi looks over at you and was annoyed to see that you were pretending to scroll through your phone, a smirk present on your lips

before she could call you out, yuqi flinched as your hand squeezed her inner thigh and she moaned softly in her hand

is really anxious that someone might walk in but at the same time, the thrill of getting caught was slightly arousing

yuqi was an expressive person

so she accidentally moaned loudly when your hand cupped her clothed center

the two of you froze

even the staff and the other members a few feet away from you stopped talking

as the silence continued, yuqi's face turned dark red and you tried to stop yourself from laughing

"you have no idea how much i hate you right now"

SHUHUA

a panicked gay

would start squirming in her seat once your fingernails dragged onto her skin

she starts blinking really fast, her eyes nervously darting around all over place

would shakily start singing out loud as she tried to ignore your hand that was inches away from her heat

her singing would get cut off as her voice cracks from the sudden movement of your hand;

your hand palmed shuhua's center

"wait, wait, wait!" shuhua immediately grabbed onto your arm as she whisper-shouted at you

you broke into a fit of laughter at her before she whispers again;

"are you sure were doing it here?"

"we might get caught"

babygirl wants it but the risk of getting caught was too high

shuhua slaps your hand away before standing and pulling you up with her

she leads you both to the bathroom and locks the door

"let's be quick"

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

i feel like i just wrote 6 imagines with the same concept except they're all in bullet point forms🙃

anyway, im sorry if this took a little longer than i expected since my ass just couldn't shorten everything

also, i think this was a little bit smutty i'm sorry–

i have no idea what this is but i hope it's okay anon! thank you very much for requesting :) and yes, ive been drinking water thank you for worrying anon

i hope everyone is also safe uwu

thats all, thanks for reading❣

[leerongrong]

College Student!Haechan

part of the NCT DREAM living the Y/N life collection.

lemme introduce you to some new things donghyuck

full name: lee donghyuck

age: 19 [international]

height: 174cm

donghyuck is an adorable prankster who’s known far-and-wide throughout his life

the boy started out as a class clown, making jokes at teachers and other students in kindergarten

it got him into loads of trouble, and he didn’t really have friends because the other kids called him mean and scary when he tries to joke around with them

hyuck didn’t care tho

he loves the attention from both his peers and parents even if it meant getting scolded every night

he didn’t change when he went to elementary school, still going around pulling pranks on other people, so far as to pulling at a girl’s pigtails and being sent into detention

although his persona did change when high school rolled around

he’s no longer donghyuck, the adorkable class clown he’s now donghyuck, a rebel that hates schoolwork, teachers, and gets thrown into detention more often than he should

never does his homework, smack talks at teachers and destroys school property

people started to wonder why he hasn’t been thrown out of school yet

the only reason he’s still passing his grades is because of mark, a senior who talks and acts friendly around hyuck as if he’s just any normal student

at first hyuck thought the guy befriended him because he wanted something from him

maybe his lunch or his money

but hyuck’s blown away when mark tells him that he just wanted them to be friends

mark tells him about seeing him roam around the halls with no one to talk to,, his hands in his pockets and staying out on the outskirts and how he feels a pang in his heart

he knows the feeling of being alone with no one to talk to just because people won’t spend time trying to get to know the person underneath

he felt it himself after he moved to seoul, all the kids rejecting him from their friend circles because he looked and talked differently

and mark felt the need to befriend him

the two start hanging out alot after that

playing online games together, hanging out in arcades together, walking around school together

sometimes hyuck gives mark headaches because the boy doesn’t want to do any of his workload,, even once trying to pay mark to do his homework

and mark’s pleasantly surprised when he finds out that hyuck is nowhere near stupid

the boy could rank number one in his year if he actually put some work in

hyuck tells him it’s because school just isn’t his passion

“i want to be a singer someday. i won’t be stuck doing algebra and i’ll be going on tours and performing instead.”

hyuck’s 20 now and a changed man

he’s gotten himself into a prestigious college for the performing arts, one step closer to making his dream come true

and while he would never admit it, he’s grateful for mark. if it weren’t for him, he’s end up as a dead beat high school dropout

speaking of mark

mark went to a different college for arts, almost a town away from his

and today he’s going to come by from all the nagging hyucks’s been giving him about not meeting each other often

they’re going to meet at a cafe

and hyuck’s waiting for mark who’s 20 minutes late because of traffic

“hyung! if you didn’t want to see me you could have said so.”

“traffic’s a bitch.”

he’s starting to get bored sitting at the corner alone with nothing but his phone to keep him company, mark not even replying to his messages

until something gets his attention

its you

you’re a solo singer that started out as an actress

relatively young and have debuted for a few years now, known for your amazing vocals and catchy songs

and there you are

on the screen of a flat screen tv hanging just above him, singing and dancing in your newly released mv

hyuck’s staring at the screen and he’s listening very carefully to your song

even going onto his phone and searching for your music after the mv finishes and another show starts playing on the tv

he doesn’t even realize mark running in looking like a train wreck

out of breath and very disheveled with a very clear coffee stain on his shirt

and when he does, haechan shoves his phone into mark’s face, the latter squinting at the bright screen

“who’s this?”

“that’s y/n? she’s a solo singer, i told you about her remember?”

“nope.”

hyuck’s a little confused because?? if mark had told him about you there’s no way he would’ve forgotten

boy goes on a streaming spree right after coming home

can’t be reached by anyone for a whole 24/7, burrowing in his room with the air con on full and his phone blasting your mv one after the other

he’s hooked

goes on an impulsive buying spree for your light stick and multiple albums

pretty much spending his life’s money

droning on and on again and again to mark about you

he goes on non stop about how mark should’ve told him about you sooner, said boy rolling his eyes because, “you’re the one who forgot.”

he burst into tears when mark gave him a fan sign ticket as a reward for acing all his classes mark is THAT friend yall

hugging the life out of the older one and covering mark’s face with spit when he kisses him all over we all need a mark in our lives tbh

he still can not believe he’s going to meet you

d-day arrives

hyuck set up 5 alarms last night so he wouldn’t accidentally over sleep and miss meeting you

all his life, he’s never been a fan of working out but here he is, 8 hours before a fan sign doing pull ups and push ups because he wants to look good

he isn’t ashamed to admit that he shaved twice

nor is he ashamed that he’s using a face mask he literally just bought yesterday because they’re supposed to make him look shining, shimmering and splendid

he’s rushing out of his dorm to where the fan sign is held and he literally stops breathing when he sees you in person surrounded by security and scary looking managers

he’s reminding himself to breath because he doesn’t want to pass out in front of you while all his brain is thinking is, ‘how does she even look better in person?’

‘she looks like an angel.’

‘she’s breathtaking.’

hyuck’s convinced he’s in love

and he only watches you and stares at everything you do

he turns red when you turn to him and wave from afar

‘did that just really happen?’

‘did i just get noticed?’

‘am i in heaven?’

when its finally his turn, he turns into stone all of his planned speeches disappearing into thin air

donghyuck.exe.has stopped functioning

he gives you his gift and he knows you see him trembling and you laugh, holding his hand to stop his shaking

‘did i just hear wedding bells ringing?’

‘i’m never going to wash my hands’

he’s having his own internal crisis

you’re there staring at him for a bit, making sure you smile at him and engage in eye contact

while inside you’re a little blown away because you’ve seen your fair shares of handsome men, your own fans being the most handsome in your eyes but you’ve never seen anyone as handsome as donghyuck is and you’re wondering why he hasn’t been snatched by idol companies

both of you smile and talk to each other

and hyuck’s freaking out a little because this is his time is running out and this is the only chance to tell you the words he thought about for 3 days he even forced mark into his mini lyric writing session

“i wanted to thank you for always making me smile.”

and you’re smiling so much wider by now, the sweet words from your fans never failing to take your breath away

“are you kidding me? donghyuck you’re like the sun, so warm and you bright up my day. you’re my full sun.”

the boy practically melted then and there and had to be escorted out by your security team

the next time he meets mark all he can ramble on and on about is your fansign

“mark, she called me her sun..”

“mARK DON’T TOUCH ME I’M THE FREAKING SUN.”

“I’M CHANGING MY NAME TO LEE HAECHAN.”

[stuckinapatriarchalbullshitland]

Stuck, hi Hope you're doin good. What do you think about artist queer baiting, I recently saw on twitter, some actor accused Harry styles for queer baiting in his music/ costumes and is set to play a lead in a gay romantic film, I don't follow 1D or the boys, but Harry's style is kinda flamboyant and the Larry rumours also don't help, I feel bad if he's actually a part of the community and can't come out, but tries being a part of it in whatever way he's allowed and now ppl accuse him for it, but if he isn't and using these themes for money, I'll be hella pissed. Some ppl on the comments also called out a few celebs what caught my attention was someone mentioned Camila's living proof amas performance that 'orgy' one 😂, but I don't think camila has ever queer baited, in all honesty she herself is being straight washed by her team. And the only people who connect her songs, and have proofs of why she said what she says in her songs are CS, cuz I actually played Camila's entire discography, mv to my straight friend ( she's no SS or CS, but she like camila's songs), who think they are just good love songs, and can be interpreted with wlw/ wlm relationship based on the a person's perspective.

I seriously went off topic w camila 😅 anyways what do you think about HS queer baiting accusations.

It could be queerbaiting because he has only had very public straight PRs but is somewhat more open to the LGBT + community in his music and videos. Yes, it is a kind of queerbating because someone from the community would say: What is this heterosexual guy doing wearing feminine dresses and necklaces if he does not belong to the community or is openly homosexual or bisexual +? It is the same that happens on television and in movies and series where heterosexual actors play LGBT + roles. The lack of real representation of the community, openly LGBT + artists is what has always been criticized because we hate that that happens when there are many artists who do belong are openly gay or lesbian or trans or bisexual, the whole spectrum, but they are not taken in counts because they are not familiar or famous faces.

About Camila, she has had rumors and does not hide anything. She has never talked openly about anything about her sexuality and that is what makes her different, I think. They have put penises on her. With all this, I do not mean that Harry is wrong, but on the contrary. It is a very honest way of expressing himself, but one that still does not match what the industry has sold about him in public. This gives you to understand that the industry uses the community when it suits them and not to worry about the true essences of the artists. For the bastards, artists have no other label than heterosexual.

[ueberdemnebelmeer]

there's even more i wanna ask but: 4, 8, 9, 27, 32, 42 and 48 <3

AHHH LOTS OF QUESTIONS😍😍😍 thank u 😘

4. A set that flopped but deserved better

My Deutschland trilogy sets, but that's because very few people have watched it. Like, as long as stuff gets ≥100 notes I'm happy, if I get less I'm aware it's usually niche stuff I wanted to gif anyway, it's my anti-stress ball.

8. What gif trend do you hate?

I have Opinions™ — but I would never give unsolicited criticism about it, I'm aware we're all doing this for fun

why would you stretch out & zoom in on <720p or LQ youtube videos to make 540px gifs? I know it's trendy now, but learn the art of 2 columns gifsets, I beg you;

some people should have their copy of topaz confiscated, especially when related to the point above;

and this is an old trend, but i'm glad the excessively desaturated & overexposed pale sets fad faded (pun unintended, i swear). i tried dabbling with it myself, but getting pretty pastel-coloured gifs is definitely an Art & not everyone can manage it and the amount of whitewashing I've seen, yeah, not a good look.

9. What/who inspired you to start making gifs?

It started when I wanted to be an active part of the Merlin fandom but I (still) can't draw or write anything, so I just booted GIMP & made clumsy attempts 'till I came across a fest & "learnt" how to gif on photoshop in an evening to produce even clumsier attempts. Also, this user shared AUs via gorgeous gifsets & I wanted to get to the point I'd be able to make them myself; my goals shifted in the meantime, though.

27. Have you ever made a set, decided you hated it and deleted it? What was it?

I either go through with it anyway because I've already put too much effort into it, or I stop after the first two gifs so it's never a complete set. I think the last one was a parallels kind of set with dialogue from Days of Being Wild, but that movie's quite difficult to colour so I just gave up after the amount of grain I got from too much colour manipulation.

32. What is your favorite tool/adjustment layer in Photoshop?

Selective Colour & Layer Masks are my best friends 😊 Curves, too, actually

42. How is your gif folder organized? Is it organized at all?

you guys have a gif folder?? once they're posted i get so much dopamine from dropping them in the recycle bin on my desktop djdjdjdj

i started an imgbox gallery to post >2MB gifs when i backed up my sets on pillowfort (discontinued, obviously, because i'm lazy) but i've kept on uploading my gifs there after i post them on tumblr. the categories are loosely these: specific folder for tv shows i made lots of gifs for (medici, merlin, babylon berlin, etc.), movies, misc, italian stuff (tv shows, movies, mvs), kpop, specific singers, etc.

48. How would you describe your giffing style?

not sure I have a giffing style, i tend to stick to the source's colour palette and to make that pop; i like vibrancy, i guess. i do have the tendency to make midtones warm, interior scenes in period dramas always turn out orange-y in my sets lol.

____________

questions for gif-makers.

[not-majestic-bluenicorn]

The MONSTA X Time-Travel Theory (Originally the MONSTA X Universe Theory)

Hello everyone, and welcome to my new and improved MONSTA X Theory. You read the title right, this was originally called the MONSTA X Universe Theory, but unfortunately it can no longer have that name. I’ll explain why shortly. I posted this theory in February of last year, and since then, a lot of things have changed. My theory really only addressed until before Take 1, so it’s been 4 comebacks and one world tour since then, can you believe it? So yes, quite a few things have changed, and we’ll go over them.

What has changed?

Originally, the theory proposed that everything started in the Tresspass-The Clan timeline, that it was the original timeline and that everything went down from there. However, since Follow: Find You, this is no longer possible, as the Find You MV shows us the origin of Hyungwon’s abilties. Thus, the Tresspass-The Clan theory is now a stand alone. Technically I already wrote a theory on The Clan, although I didn’t address its connection to Tresspass, maybe I’ll do that in a separate “add-on” sort of post. Because of this, it can no longer be called a “Universe Theory”, as MONSTA X is not integrating all of their stories into one very convoluted timeline, but instead they have two separate stories (if later on they connect everything, I’m throwing the towel). That’s the main change, but this change provokes a bit of a butterfly effect, so let’s see how much the theory has changed.

The Story

Phase 1: The First Timeline - The Origin (We Are Here World Tour VCR, Take 1 & Take 2)

I know this is a weird place to start the theory, almost near the end, but it actually makes a lot of sense. These three videos serve a very similar purpose to what Beautiful did for The Clan, they explain the origin of their friendship. Now, things aren’t as dramatic as they’re shown in these three videos (at least I hope so, ‘cause things are gonna get very weird from a plot point of view if they are). The main point of narration is the We Are Here World Tour VCR, from now on abbreviated as WAR because it’s easy to remember like that, and because it fits the theme of the video (watch it here).

WAR introduces us to seven fine young men who have each committed a sin (two of which aren’t even actual sins, but I understand why they would change those two). Hyungwon and Pride, I.M and Envy, Kihyun and Loneliness, Jooheon and Greed, Wonho and Sloth, Shownu and Wrath, and Minhyuk and Agony. These sins are not actual crimes from a futuristic dystopia (although that would be a cool concept), these are just the personal struggles they are dealing with, the personal backgrounds that consume them.

Hyungwon is a rich kid that believes himself better than everyone. I.M is the local witch (?) who hates the rich kid. Kihyun is probably the only child that was forced by his parents to be perfect. Jooheon and Shownu are a very misguided pair of trouble-makers who’re friends with Wonho, who practices Taekwondo but can’t reach the standard he wants. Minhyuk lost someone important to him.

In the Special Film and the Previous Film called ‘ARE YOU THERE?’ they explain these personal struggles, how their situations make them fall into those sins, and how they’re looking for someone to save them. This salvation comes in the form of each other. In WAR they further explain their own sins and how being with each other saved them from drowning in them. Alligator represents the sins and them drowning in the swamp of their own despair. Shoot Out is them breaking away from their past and destroying these sins.

Phase 2: The First Timeline - The Trigger (Find You MV)

Originally I proposed that Hyungwon got his powers by entering that weird heart at the end of All In and Fighter. I’ve now been proved wrong. After they each overcome their past and become friends, Hyungwon’s family has an accident in which both of his parents die and he comes out badly wounded. After he recovers, he’s now living by himself and taking different medications to deal with the aftermath of the accident. The boys decide they cannot leave their friend like that and temporarily stay at his house.

While they’re sleeping, Hyungwon wakes up and visits his father’s study. He finds the damaged watch which sends him to an entirely different timeline. This is showcased by him suspended in the water, with images of Dramarama and Destroyer flashing by. There is a scientific theory that proposes that spacetime is actually a superfluid; I won’t go deep on this because I don’t fully understand it, but showing Hyungwon trapped in water is a good analogy to him being trapped in a different spacetime. This is also briefly shown in The Connect World Tour VCR, (from now on addressed as CWT), but we’ll talk about this one in more detail later.

Wonho wakes up first and notices Hyungwon isn’t there, so he wakes up the others and they try to retrace his steps. Unfortunately, Hyungwon is not part of that timeline anymore, he’s gone for good. This leads us into our second timeline.

Phase 3: The Second Timeline (The Code & The Connect World Tour VCR)

After Hyungwon jumps into spacetime, he becomes lost. Personally, I think there is a possibility that there were other timelines he visited first until he eventually learned to craft the watches himself, as we see in CWT (watch it here). Maybe he just watched this timeline fail a lot of times before he learned and decided to intervene. Either way, Hyungwon actively tries to reunite all of them by giving them the watches. He succeeds for a moment, but in this timeline there exists an agency that controls Time Travel, who frustrate his plans every single time.

It is important to know that in this timeline, the boys don’t all know each other and some of them don’t even exist in the same era. They don’t remember Hyungwon either. Personally I think not remembering Hyungwon might be because he removed his existence entirely by disappearing from his original timeline. There cannot be two of him, as that would cause problems, so instead he just completely seizes existing in all possible universes as he moves through them.

The rest of the boys still exist within the normal spacetime frame though, but they’re lost and ignorant to their true origin. They have forgotten each other and can’t remember yet. However, no matter how hard they try, this timeline is completely doomed because the agency is actively trying to frustrate Hyungwon’s efforts, even if they don’t have something against him specifically. So Hyungwon jumps into the water again, he must continue searching.

Phase 4: The Third Timeline (The Connect: Music Film D & The Connect World Tour VCR)

Destroyer is yet another timeline distinct to Dramarama. We know this because we see different pairings, completely different settings and completely different timelines. The Music Film D is divided in three stages: Part 1 The Code (a very obvious reference, this is already letting us know they’re connected), Part 2 Finding the road, and Part 3 Connected (clear reference to the current album).

D shows us the boys as geniuses, Minhyuk and Shownu are artists, Kihyun and Wonho are science (physics?) prodigies, and Jooheon and IM dominate technology. CWT gives us a bit more insight and shows us something very important: they have begun to remember each other and they have memories from their previous timeline. They want to find the person they were paired with in their first timeline, but more than that, they also have memories of Hyungwon’s intervention, even if they don’t remember him properly (because let’s remember Hyungwon removed himself entirely).

They know they have to find someone, and so they set out to do it. Through their own methods they all come to the revelation on how to find Hyungwon. Kihyun and Wonho do the math, Jooheon and Changkyun use technology, and I guess Minhyuk and Shownu have a vision which they paint? Not sure on that one to be honest, but they find the train station.

This could either be a real place in which every timeline and universe converge or just a metaphor for them figuring out how to do the same thing Hyungwon does, either explanation works.

Hyungwon is trapped in this train, which is another analogy, but this time for the (liminal) space between dimensions. He’s tired himself out trying to reunite the others, and this time they must come for him, and they do. They find each other, they remember, and they reunite once again. This time nothing can pull them apart.

Phase 5: Interlude (The Connect: Jealousy & The Connect World Tour VCR)

Jealousy doesn’t feed the plot itself but helps connect (pun not intended) and put everything else into place. Through different imagery, Jealousy illustrates how the different timelines push them together and then pull them apart, creating different pairings, but that despite this they still share things in common (the paper with numbers, the recorder, the glass of water). Another thing this video does is allude to Jooheon’s death in Dramarama through the use of os symbolism. In one scene, a paper with his symbol is being burned, while in yet another, the chair he’s seen sitting on throughout the video is being burned as well and then falls down to the abyss.

On the other hand, CWT creates a clear and obvious connection between Dramarama and D, revealing to us that they do have memories from other timelines. Another cool thing is that we get to see Hyungwon on the rooftop where they filmed Hero, released back in 2015. It also provides a clearer scene of Hyungwon crafting the watches himself and of him at the top of the Hero building. We can also see the last scene from Jealousy mirrored in the last few seconds of the VCR, which is something worth pointing out.

But, as the VCR says “when everything goes back to the beginning, someday, we will be connected again”. Where did things begin? That’s right, in Find You, so the next step is Follow.

Phase 6: The Third Timeline - Back to the Beginning (Follow)

If Monbebe has a war anthem, it is most definitely Follow, which is an amazing song. Unfortunately, Starship has decided to stop providing explicit story development on their MVs since Jealousy, so Follow doesn’t do much for the story itself. However, I have three important reasons to believe this is where the circle ends: all of the references to time, the quote from CWT,and the very last scene of the MV. Let’s go in order.

The most obvious reference is them standing on clocks painted on the floor, but that’s not the only one. We get to appreciate a few watches here and there, reminiscent of Hyungwon’s in D and Dramarama, and also see the movement of their shadows as a passage of time. The most important reference though, is the cover of the album. The title, “Follow” is solid and then becomes “liquid” as it moves down. This makes sense when you consider the other two points.

First of all, “when everything goes back to the beginning, someday, we will be connected again”. The beginning of the whole mess is Find You, part of the Follow album, there is no doubt about it, so why is Follow the end? Well, because of the last scene in the MV. I know it’s Shownu standing at the top of the stairs in front of the circle, and while it would be better if it was Hyungwon for the sake of this theory, we’ll just completely ignore that. That circle they’re walking towards is the train. ‘Follow’ in the cover becomes fluid because once they cross that circle or enter that train, they too remove themselves from existence like Hyungwon.

That’s not the only thing though. In D, Wonho solves the formula for time travel as X=4155102M, he does it again in Alligator and I believe it’s also briefly shown in WAR. Kihyun also travels back to 2015 in Dramarama to save Jooheon, and Hyungwon is standing on Hero’s rooftop, which was released back in 2015. Their debut date is their beginning, and they keep referencing it over and over because they’re trying to go back to the beginning in order to solve everything.

They went from Find You to Dramarama, to Destroyer and now they’re back at the beginning with Follow; they are connected again. They have different faces and personalities because they’re not the same people from the original timeline, but they managed to find each other and transcend spacetime to be together. So now, what happens next?

Phase 7: Moving Forward (FANTASIA X)

Here is where things get a little complicated, both in the story and in real life. With Wonho’s departure from the group (go support his solo debut), we now have an even number, which wouldn’t seem like a big deal if it wasn’t for the FANTASIA X Trailers. In each trailer we see that each one of the members now possesses a device which allows them to control time in one way or another.

Hyungwon and Shownu have keys, which when used to open anything will allow them to do spacetime travel (I would say only time but, well, I have no way to confirm this right now). Jooheon and I.M have this lighter-watches that when turned on, they allow them to stop time. Kihyun and Minhyuk have another very different set of keys that look like those in old toys or music boxes, which allow them to ‘rewind’ time when used.

Now, them getting powers is expected, since they also removed themselves from the “normal” existence and joined Hyungwon. I assume it is because of the even number that they gave Shownu the same powers as Hyungwon, but it makes it a little weird because Hyungwon has been special all this time. It also doesn’t make much sense that now Hyungwon is using a very different instrument. I want to believe that Wonho is supposed to be in Hyungwon’s place in the teaser, but it’s impossible to tell now.

Even ignoring all of that though, FANTASIA X overall just doesn’t make much sense with the theory. Sure, it’s still time related, which is like the biggest giveaway, but the boys still look lost and like they’re looking for something despite the fact that they already found each other. Maybe the Teasers could be their personal research into spacetime travel and their attempts to find Hyungwon, but I highly doubt so. I think it’ll make more sense after the next comeback or tour, since so far everything seems to come in threes (Dramarama, Destroyer and CWT, Shoot Out and Alligator and WAR, Follow:Find You, FANTASIA X and?).

Conclusions

Despite the fact that we can no longer call it a Universe Theory because it hasn’t been there since the start, I still think it is a story about them, about their struggles and how they’ve grown up. They’re each other’s friends and family, the value of X is their debut date because that is when they came into existence, they are each other’s dreams because they wanted to become artists and they did so by coming together into one group.

A lot of things have happened, but their friendship hasn’t changed. They got each other out of the swamp and helped each other overcome their difficulties in the hardest times. It is uncertain as to where the story will lead us next, in a way, I think this might be the start of a brand new story for MONSTA X. A direct consequence of the story they have carried out since The Code? Maybe, but probably very different and not exactly in the same storyline. It’s hard to know, but I’m excited about what they have in store for us nonetheless.

I hope you liked this theory, and be assured that I’ll add onto it as more things come out and new mysteries are to be solved. If you have any questions you can hit me up on my asks, Twitter (@soft_bluenicorn) or my CuriousCat (@soft_bluenicorn)! I’ll be glad to answer them ^^

[darawonplease]

trauma. ch9 – wrong judgment.

Dara and Jiwon are ordered to spend more time together by YG sajang-nim himself. Jiwon finally learns the truth about that night.

chapter 9 - wrong judgment.

a.n. I feel bad making the characters go through such hardships and drama, I know you all want them to be happy (together or not). I initially thought of this series to have a k-drama tone to it, it might get frustrating, but I promise you I’ll try to be more light-handed and give more space for them to shine so that we can actually root for them.

[3 days before the script read-through]

「Dara's POV」

I took a sip from the cup of tea, maybe I was hoping to escape from Chae’s questions, truth was I was too embarrassed to explain the whole situation to her. How could I when I just couldn’t make sense out of it myself?

She lived at 500 thousand miles of distance from me, but her boiling rage could be felt through the cluster of pixels of our unstable videocall.

.

“Just explain it to me so that I can understand it right, he literally said you tricked him into going out? Is he out of his mind? What a lunatic bastard!”, Chae nervously pet Pudding In an attempt to calm her nerves but the poor cat didn’t seem to be interested in that sudden display of affection, eager to be left on the floor.

I left the reg mug on the countertop as I whined at my phone, “I don’t know Chaerin-ah~ He literally said I did all of ‘that’ just to go with him”,

“What does he mean by ‘that’ anyways? Did you ask for explanations?”.

“I meant to ask him but we were interrupted by his manager and despite that… I don’t dare to ask him anything at this point!”.

“Unnie, you shouldn’t receive accusation without defending yourself! As if you forced him to go out with you! The nerve to accuse you like that! I told you, men only give headaches!”.

“He really looked disappointed tho…”.

“Stop defending him, you should start defending your feelings, first that selfish idiot of ji, then that opportunistic actor and now this compulsive liar of Jiwon oppa? You seem to attract bad men only”, she concluded.

.

[…]

.

“I told you, I predicted Jiwon oppa’s love-life will be troublesome as he’s always surrounded by women! Better stay away from men like that*”. Narae commented as she checked the colorful design the nail tech was executing.

(* //On an old tv program, an 18y/o Narae, pretended to be a shaman and predicted Eun Jiwon to always be surrounded by women, making his love life messy and troublesome.)

I glanced at the selca we shot at the tent bar, I just couldn’t take my eyes off from his eye-smile and his slightly flushed cheeks. He usually carried around a brooding look, that’s why the cheeky smirk on his face felt so much unlike him. Perhaps, that’s how the real Jiwon looked. Well, how could I know anyway? I knew nothing of him.

It seemed as if I had told him everything of me and yet, I really knew nothing of him outside his career. Our relationship was one-sided from the very start.

(//refer to chapter 3)

.

“I preferred it when you didn’t even look my way”, I sighed.

For once, I thought I became mature when it came to love. For once I knew what was better for me, I knew I had to keep distances, admiring him from afar to avoid hurting myself, not to ruin the perfect image I had of him. Just like a majestic fire, I got too close and got burned.

I almost surrendered at the thought, “He must really hate me right now, doesn’t he? Was I a fool for believing there was something between the two of us?”.

Some part of me didn’t want to blame him although his scenario didn’t look any different from the disappointing ones I had experienced before. He seemed different, but then again, the other all seemed different when I first met them. “Stupid me! How come I fell for that again!”.

I finally understood that I had to give up all my feelings for him at once to protect my heart. I had to go back to admiring him as a junior. No fantasising, no assuming.

How I wished I could’ve avoided him just enough to heal my broken heart, yet he kept appearing in front of me.

Why was fate so cruel to me?

「End of  POV」

.

[…]

.

[The day after the script read-through]

.

“Come on Hyung, I promised the others you’d come”, Mino whined on the phone, working his best aegyo against an uninterested Jiwon on the other side of the line.

“Is Seungyoon-ie coming?”, he sighed before asking.

“I told you, all members are coming, we’re going to eat barbeque right after-…I’ll pay”.

Jiwon had planned a long session of World of Warcraft for the night, but his favorite junior’s insistencies and a good free meal were good enough for a change of plan.

“Send me the address”, he surrendered before closing the call.

.

.

Jiwon lazily sat beside Mino once arrived at the Karaoke place, immediately resting his tired body on the red cushions.

“Oh no”, the hoobae thought to himself at the sight of Jiwon’s eyelids slightly closing.

“Hyung, choose something to sing while we wait for Seungyoon-ie!”, Mino quickly shoved the music book on Jiwon’s lap, he perfectly knew that he’d be capable of sleeping right there and then and there was no way in hell all four members of Winner wanted to lift his dead-weight again out of the room.

“Hi guys!”, a female voice could be heard from behind his back.

“This can’t be it”, Jiwon cursed Mino with his eyes.

“Dara unnie! You finally came!”, Jinu exhorted as he made his way to go hug her.

“I’m going”, Jiwon immediately stood up only to be stopped by Hoon’s arm, “You just got here Hyung! Where are you going?”.

He silently sighed and sat down again,“Why didn’t you tell me she was coming too?”, Jiwon lightly slapped Mino’s arm with the back of his hand to catch his attention. He wasn’t ready to face her, not when he had such mixed feelings in her regards.

Mino tilted his head, “Eh? Why? Is anything wrong?”.

“No, nothing”, Jiwon’s expression was gloomier than ever.

He secretly threw a glance at her. She looked melancholic, no matter how much she tried to conceal it around Winner.

“Dara Nuna? Is everything ok? Why the pouty face?”, Jinu didn’t take long to actually notice, he wasn’t her cherished dongsaeng for no reason.

“Huh? Did YG sajang-nim scold you?”.

“N-no it’s nothing like that, I’m okay, I swear you guys! Come on let’s sing”.

Jiwon glanced at her for a second too long,  she sure sucked at concealing her true feelings.

.

[…]

.

[Jiwon’s solo mv shooting – DAY1]

.

“You clearly told me about your feelings the other day, since we’re professionals let’s just pretend it never happened and get it over with. I won’t bother you anymore so don’t get in my way either”.

The coldness in her tone took Jiwon by surprise, there was something different about her that day. It seemed as if he could see his own self reflected onto her. Cold, unreachable, stoic. Being on the receiving end sure felt hurtful.

How could such a phrase be told by her gentle cherry pink lips? The melancholic expression he had seen on her at the karaoke room completely vanished, replaced by an emotionless glance that somehow felt aggressive.  

“Sure”, he pierced her through with the same energy but that didn’t seem to faze her at all.

.

.

“CUT! That didn’t seem right, let’s do it again!”.

The stylist hurriedly fixed their hair before disappearing behind the film director.

“Ok, now get closer, slowly!”.

Jiwon cupped Dara’s cheek, shifting his weight on his right hand as he carefully descended into the velvety couch she was laying on. Their eyes met for a few seconds before Dara panicked, scattering her attention anywhere but on Jiwon.

.

“CUT!”, film director Kim yelled.

The managers looked at each other, concerned by the grim expression on Mr. Kim’s face.

“This is no good, why can’t I feel the chemistry between the two leads? When you interact, I feel uncomfortable too!”.

“I apologize, Director Kim! I’ll try harder!”, Dara quickly bowed with her head.

“Let’s switch to the individual shots, quicky!”.

.

[...]

.

Director Kim trapped the managers in an empty spot of the set.

“Dohyun-ssi, Wonjun-ssi, I’ve called you here because I think we made a mistake casting Miss Sandara for the female role, I thought Mr. Yang chose her because of their strong affinity but it just feels like they’re worse than enemies on screen! This won’t work, we need to recast someone else, I won’t put up with this again!”.

“Mr. Kim, I wish I could avoid putting you in an uncomfortable spot but… please look at this”, Dohyun raised his phone, showing the main Naver page, his gaze purposely avoiding the director’s.

“Sandara Park confirmed an appearance on Eun Jiwon’s solo M/V”

“Huh? This is not good, this is terrible! I need have a serious talk with Mr. Yang!”.

.

[…]

.

「Dara's POV」

I couldn’t believe YG Sajang-nim actually convoked me to the 7th floor with him.

I glimpsed at President Yang: the moment he adjusted his old gray cap right after crossing his legs I knew I would be nagged at.

.

“Dara-yah, I thought you were excited to finally work with Jiwon, then why did the director have to complain to me?”.  

“I’m sorry president, I’ll try my best”.

“What’s the problem? You don’t like each other? Why are you seated so far apart from one another?”.

.

maybe because he makes every cell in my body uncomfortable, but I can’t really say that aloud, can I?

.

We exchanged guilty looks and proceeded to silently scoot a bit towards the center of the long sofa that ran through the CEO’s office.

“The scenes looked fine to me though”. Jiwon interjected, scratching the back of his head as he leaned back onto the seat.

“Fine is not enough. If we want this promotion to work it’ll need to look like you two are very close, that’s why I decided to take action with your respective managers”.

.

Dohyun rarely had me wondering about his whereabouts, lately he had been fixing my schedule without informing me, that’s how he agreed to my appearance in Jiwon’s MV without my approval.

-

I nervously started fidgeting, “What do you mean by that President Yang?”.

“They’ll arrange you to participate on the same shows so that you’ll have the time to know one another, become comfortable and also make some public appearance, the shows will air right before and right after the release of Jiwon’s solo album, to increase the public’s interest”.

“I-is that really necessary Mr. President?”, he objected.

.

as if I wanted to spend any more time with you, Mr. Precious.

.

“It wouldn’t have been if you had worked harder on your affinity on screen, but you two left me no choice, It’s decided”.

.

And at that moment I realized, I was done for.

「End of POV」

.

[…]

.

[The day of Sechskies’ concert]

.

“Dara-yah! I didn’t know you came, why didn’t you tell me?”. Suwon immediately sprinted towards the disguised Sandara, the white mask covered her features well and yet- you could really tell her identity because of her unique timid demeanour.

“She’s here too? When will she stop appearing before my very eyes? This is becoming ridiculous”, Jiwon thought as he rolled his eyes away from her image reflected on the mirror right in front of him.

“Was she forced to come here too because the CEO asked us to spend more time together?”. Jiwon couldn’t help but quietly huff alone at the hair-styling station while all the other members and staff were busy smothering Sandara with attention.

“This is the first time I pre-order a ticket by myself, I wasn’t sure how it worked so I waited to tell you, in case the purchase didn’t go through”, she chuckled, slightly embarrassed at her own computer illiteracy.

.

“What? She did it by herself? No way”, Jiwon continued to silently judge her.

.

“Why haven’t you contacted me? The staff would’ve provided you with a VIP ticket for free”, Suwon pointed out after helping her carry a basket to the glass tabletop in the middle of the waiting room.

“It was difficult, but I really wanted to support Sechskies since it’s your last concert for the tour, and also- I’ve recently visited the Philippines, so I decided to bring you something to snack on!”.

.

“Does she ever stop smiling like that? Aren’t her cheeks sore?”, he unknowingly found himself scrutinizing her, all the attention was diverted onto her anyway, why bother ignoring her presence?

.

Dara readily informed the staff that the big basket of Filipino delicacies was there for them to enjoy and proceeded to distribute individual paper bags to each member.

“Here”, she extended her arms and offered one to Jiwon. He glared at her straight away, not averting his gaze for a second.

Her heart was about to jump out from her chest, “Why is he staring so intensely at me?”, she was not sure if that was meant to make her uneasy or was just his way of dealing with people.

“Here you go!”, she forced a smile and immediately dropped the bag in Jiwon’s hands.

.

“That’s very thoughtful of you Dara-yah, you’re the best!”, Jaeduck opened his own with anticipation, clearly moved by that simple considerate act.

Jaejin waved a yellow post-it he had just found and questioned: “Is this note supposed to be here?”.

“Oh- that! I figured a couple of encouraging words would be nice!”, she beamed warmly, making her eyes disappear in two cute half-moons.

Jiwon looked down and casually searched for the piece of paper in question amid the packets of chips and fruits, but failing to find it. His eyebrow twitched a little, why was he so bothered by it? Not that he should really care about a stupid note. But why did everyone receive one but him? Was she being petty out of revenge?

.

Suwon proceeded to attentively read his: “Mine says ‘Thank you for being such a good friend, you improved a lot Suwon-Oppa, fighting!’ ”

“Oh no- don’t read it out loud! It’s embarrassing-… I’ll get going then”.

“I’ll escort you”, Jiwon suddenly stood up and closely followed behind her with a couple of pink hair rollers still attached to his black hair.

.

An awkward silence wrapped the two of them as they silently walked beside one another through the venue hallways.

“You were the one who told me to get it over with. So why are you being so petty to act in such a childish way?”, he stopped in his tracks.

“Did you accompany me just to say this?”. Dara turned around to face him, glaring at him like she never did with anybody else before, “I’m tired of being accused like this, I’m going”, she turned her back on him without hesitation and crossed the door.

.

“That woman is unbelievable”, a growl left Jiwon’s mouth as he angrily stomped back towards the waiting room.

“Oh- look hyung, there’s a sticky note attached to your sole”, Jaeduck pointed out as soon as Jiwon sat down at the styling station.

He lifted his shoe only to find the yellow post-it he was searching for.

.

[Jiwon Oppa fighting! Congrats on your solo debut, enjoy the snacks!]

.

He sighed at the sight of those supporting words. Why did she have to be so kind for? Perhaps he had a hard time accepting she was more mature than him, in fact, it seemed like he was the only one who didn’t “get over it” between the two of them.

.

No, she was the cunning woman who manipulated his friend into helping her orchestrate that date.

“Was she?”, he shook his head. Of course, she was. And yet, this time Jiwon was the one at fault. He had just accused her of something she didn’t do. He felt apologetic, but how could you ask forgiveness for something so irreparable? As he said, some things are better left in pieces or you’ll get hurt fixing them.

Wasn’t that exactly what he was hoping for? That annoying woman would definitely stop bothering him. And yet, he couldn’t accept it.

.

“Come on hyung~ I know you’re trying to keep it a secret, but you’re so obvious, why would you accompany her otherwise?”, Jaeduck interrupted his reflection, playfully nudging his leader to make him spill the beans.

“Suwon-ah, we need to talk”, Jiwon grabbed his member’s arm and dragged him along towards the next room.

.

.

“YOU BASTARD TRAITOR!”. Jiwon’s voice was so powerful that it could be heard through the thick wall separating the two waiting rooms.

“Do you think they’re doing fine hyung?”. Jaeduck tilted his head at Jaejin, slightly concerned for their dear maknae.

“It’s fine as long as we’re not involved”, the rapper chuckled calmly while Jiwon’s voice got louder and louder.

.

“J-jiwon hyung, you’re ruining my stage clothes…”, a droplet of sweat dribbled down Suwon’s forehead as Jiwon didn’t seem to release the grip on his collar any sooner.                                                                                             .

“How could you help her and set me up for that stupid date?!”.

.

(//Poor Suwon-…)

.

“H-help her? What are you talking about hyung?”.

“Just admit it, you bastard! We’ve known each other for 23 years old but you sold me to her!”

“Wait- are you talking about Sandara?”.

“I see you’ve stopped playing dumb Suwon”.

“I just told her to let you loosen up a bit! Why are you so mad for hyung?”, he protected his face with his arms as his last resource, ready to get beaten by the leader, “It’s not even me who sent that message, it was Jaeduck hyung!”. He didn’t hesitate to throw his hyung under the bus.

Jiwon’s fist dangerously got nearer to the maknae’s face.

“N-no Hyung! You must be mistaken, I never helped her go out with you!”, Suwon’s voice cracked under pressure.

.

[after a throughout and embarrassing explanation of the events leading to the misunderstanding…]

.

“How could you even believe we set you up Hyung?”.

“It’s not my fault I kept seeing you huddled up with Sandara at all times”, Jiwon protested, not even looking at him.

“I wasn’t huddled u—wait, have you been spying on us?”.

“I-it’s not like I was spying on you! You two were always in my way!”, the leader complained, scoffing at Suwon’s assumptions although they were in part true.

“You’ve become so diffident throughout the years Hyung, you always feel the need to push everyone away”, Suwon leaned on the wall behind him, a sudden sense of calm and wiseness possessing him, “She’s different, isn’t she?”, he continued.

.

(//Suwon dropping truth bombs is everything we ever wanted)

.

“What are you even talking about…?”, Jiwon nervously rebutted.

“You usually straighten things out with women, you’re upfront If you’re uninterested in them. With her? You even came up with a reason to despise her because you can’t accept the fact you actually like her”.

“L-like her?”, Jiwon was suddenly reminded of how intrusively her face kept appearing in his thoughts, “W-what the fuck are you even talking about?”, a weak murmur came out of his mouths, he was almost embarrassed by how non-confidently he was denying it.

“I’m sure you’ve been acting strange around her because of this”.

Suwon wasn’t wrong, he had been unkind to her, whether in his mind or verbally when she didn’t deserve any of that.

“You sure don’t know Sandara very well, she’s a good and honest person, just be kind to her from now on hyung”, he sighed.

“I-…”.

“Jiwon, Suwon? You’re on stage in 5 minutes!”.

.

[…]

.

「Dara's POV」

I hurriedly got back to my seat, careful to put my disguise on not to be recognized by the fans. I was a yellowkie that day.

The huge led cubes turned fiery red were accompanied by a suspenseful beat that slowly grew, just like the anticipation of the audience.

A figure appeared at the center of the rising platform, hidden by a thick cloud of smoke. My heart skipped a beat, it seemed as if I was catapulted back into the 90s, I wasn’t Sandara Park the celebrity anymore, I felt like the sensible teenager who squirmed at Sechskies’ posters in her room in the Philippines again.

The crescendo stopped, the roaring of the crowd making itself heard. I held my breath for a second until the opening song started.

My place was among the crowd, cheering him from afar. Not on stage with him.

.

♪  I’m dizzy, I’m spinning I wanna close my eyes now I’m dizzy, I’m spinning I’m getting vertigo from thinking about you ♪

[Vertigo – SECHSKIES]

.

I jumped at the beat, waving the lightstick like crazy. If that was the energy I was consuming for the opening song, I wasn’t sure how could I survive the rest of the concert.

.

♪ Like the TV that’s turned off   We’ve ended   But I’m here   What am I waiting for? ♪

.

“We’ve ended, but I’m here. What am I waiting for…?”.

My pace slowed, why did I relate so much with the lyrics? I shook my head to get out all of those intruding thoughts. Why was my heart even acting up?

.

♪ I wanna run away but I’m at the same place every day   My head is about to break from thinking of you ♪

.

I wish there was a switch to turn it off. That wasn’t the right time to start thinking about him again, I just had to enjoy the show. I was there for SECHSKIES, not to feed my sadness over him.

I was left in awe, his energy was explosive. My eyes were naturally drawn to him, there was no point in denying his charisma. He was born to be a star.

.

How I wished I could stand on a stage again. Just wishful thinking. Seeing him perform with such infectious energy reminded me of why I wanted to become a singer in the first place.

Seeing Sechskies perform together made me feel hopeful; no matter how lost I felt. I secretly hoped I could find my own way only to go back to sing with 2NE1.

A small teardrop of joy fell from my eyes as I kept cheering on them.

.

[…]

.

“Dara-yah! Did you have fun?”, Jaeduck enthusiastically asked me as he held my hands.

“Lots of it! I felt like a teenager again~ ”.

Suwon wiped away the sweat on his neck and joined the conversation.

“You’re here! I still can’t believe you managed to make it to our last concert, thank you so much for the support”.

“We’re grabbing dinner with the staff, are you coming Dara-yah?”.

“I-…”, I looked at Jiwon from a distance and squirmed, “I’ll join you next time! I have a shooting tomorrow morning”. I dismissed myself and left after a round of farewells.

.

.

I stepped out of the elevator and caught a glimpse of my red car under the pouring rain. There it was my luck for that day. “If only I had grabbed my umbrella…”, I clutched the hoodie and pushed it onto my head, quickly accepting the idea I’d definitely get drenched wet. I sprinted towards the parking lot, careful to avoid all of the puddles in my way.

“Dara wait!”.

The sloshing sound of steps in the rain followed behind me as I slowly turned around towards the voice calling my name.

“Y-you…?”.

-

previous chapter.  ⋆  next chapter.  ⋆ masterlist.

[miraefmd]

updates & changes restructuring prompts

assuming your muse has changed in some way, be it internally or as a result of a change of the external factors around them, how is your muse different?

well... her faceclaim has changed, which i feel actually represents most of the character changes she’s had pretty well, but that is almost certainly something that only makes sense to me and is not surface-level obvious to an outsider. mirae has changed a lot less than ash has, but she’s got a little more background and journey now within her past in the industry.

firstly, i gave her dad back his hobby of singing in his little hobby indie rock band. wish mirae had that, but i removed it for silhouette mirae when she became dance focused over vocal focused. i’ve given it back to her now because i feel like it works well with who selene mirae is, which is very well-known for her stage presence and performance. her dad would drag her up on stage sometimes to his little free shows with an audience of like fifteen people, and that sparked her love of the stage. he’s still an author as how he makes money (when he makes money... his books aren’t bestsellers and mirae does support him quite a bit financially now that she has a steady cashflow and he divorced her mom).

there’s more focus on her having made the choice to keep mostly to selene without venturing too much into solo activities despite being presented several chances that she pretty much threw away over the years now (her viral fancam in 2013, parasite’s success). a lot of her changes are reflected in her established career claims, so i’ll more in depth about that in that section.

since this is the section for it, though, abracadabra soty. she wasn’t so sure about the whole era at the time because the sound was very different from what selene had been doing and was twenty and her role in the mv was quite sexual, far beyond the bounds of what she’d acted at that time. in retrospect, she really loves the era, though, because it marked the beginning of selene stepping outside of the typical idol box and the choreography is fun to perform despite its simplicity. petition for mirae to get felt up by female dancers in more of their choreographies.

version two of mirae was very ambitious and version three still is, but it’s more explicit in her background that she’s often suppressed her individual ambitions in favor of the group.

what does your muse think of their company and their group?

mirae loves selene. she very aware of the gift being able to debut within selene is. she’d been let go from her old company and dropped out of school by the time she became a gold star trainee and her family had nowhere near the money or network to secure a future for her. she had to secure it herself and she’d given everything to secure that as an idol, only for it to be ripped away. joining gold star and being put in selene was a saving grace. she would love the group to some extent even if she’d been put into a group she didn’t like, but selene’s concepts have fit her like a glove over the years. it could be argued their debut song was too sexualized, but, at the time, mirae loved it and felt it showed the best sides of her.

idol girl groups aren’t always given the chance to mature at the same pace as their members, but mirae is grateful that eleven years after debut, selene is still releasing music that doesn’t feel out of place for women in their late twenties and early thirties. she’s never grown tired of standing on stage as a member of selene and has no desire to see them disband in their lifetimes. she doesn’t know how the others feel, but she’d love to release an album when they’re in their sixties or seventies to prove they’ve still got it.

gold star is the entity that allowed selene to exist, so she’s grateful toward the company. she doesn’t have any particular negative feelings toward the company, but she’s also aware companies are companies and it doesn’t make sense to ever glorify one entirely. she has no plans to leave gold star at this time.

is your muse on their first contract or their second? if they’ve renewed, what were their feelings around that at the time and what were their hopes for their second contract? if they haven’t renewed, what are their current thoughts on the end of their eventual first contract?

mirae renewed her contract with gold star in 2017. she never seriously considered leaving the company, but she did take renewals seriously. it was around that time she realized she’d had her career for seven years and although selene had tons to show for it, mirae as an individual hadn’t shaped much of a name for herself. she’d acted in a well-received film in 2013 and gone viral for her stage presence, so her name had some weight behind it, but she’d seen others who debuted around the same time rise to cf queens or solo artists, meanwhile mirae was best known for being in selene to most.

it’s not that she didn’t want to be known for being in selene, but she’d been taking acting lessons the past four years even though she wasn’t acting and that seemed like a waste when it was something she had a passion for. when it came time for meetings about contract renewals, mirae expressed that she wanted to be able to pursue acting more consistently that she had been. it was an early step into allowing herself to have ambitions beyond selene, but a crucial one that it may have taken her longer to make had contract renewals not come into the equation.

she worried that their second contract would mean waning activities for selene as a group, which happened a little bit, but not as much as mirae had feared beforehand. right now, she’s happy with where her second contract has landed her and wouldn’t be opposed at all to signing on for a third in a few years time.

what are your muse’s goals and motivations?

when she first became an idol, her main goal was to make a living. she’d never really known financial security growing up and she was lucky to have what she did have. this, at times, conflicted with her own personal determination to do what made her happy. the topic had been a source of contention between her mom and dad for a long time, with her dad not contributing much financially to the household but being much happier with his job than his mom, who was the main source of income for the family. mirae was much closer to her dad and favored his approach to life, so whenever she thought too much about her own deep need for financial security, she doubted if she was pursuing idoldom with the right intentions, but she usually worked out eventually that if she really wanted money, becoming an idol under a fairly small company (as the one she first trained under was) was far from the most reliable way to go about that.

now, at twenty-seven, mirae is mostly driven by a desire to grow and challenge herself. she’s found financial security and it doesn’t look to be going away any time soon, so she wants to become someone who is very fulfilled personally instead. it’s a luxury she can worry about such a thing and, because of her history, she knows that. with the foundation of money solidly built, she’s turned her focus to building the foundation of a legacy she’ll have when the day comes she can’t act or sing or dance or model with the same energy and health she has now.

what is one conflict, internal or external, that your muse is currently dealing with, has recently dealt with, or will need to deal with in the future?

i’ve touched on this multiple times already, but mirae struggles with the idea that striking out too much on her own might somehow hurt selene. she’s not sure where the idea came from and if she sits down and thinks about it logically, it doesn’t make much sense, but it might come from a place of fear more than anything else. she’s dealt with hate comments for speaking her mind and being unapologetically herself for years now and she has pretty thick skin, so it’s not that, but dedicating herself to individual activities risks loneliness or not living up to the expectations set for her by all the praise she’s earned as a selene member. whenever she finds herself on the verge of a potential breakthrough as an individual, like with her acting debut or her viral fancam or parasite’s global success, she’s balked at it a little. she wants to stop doing that and embrace it if she gets another chance like that. she's trying to do that right now with her viral dance performance video from her youtube channel.

another conflict she’s dealing with is her relationship with her family, specifically her mom. mirae and her mom have never gotten along very well, and her mom never supported her in being an idol. even now that mirae’s successful, her mom doesn’t seem to approve and mirae can’t tell if it’s pride or genuine disapproval that causes that. she tries her hardest to be a good daughter to her mother like she is to her dad, but it comes much less easily to her because she’s never really gotten any kind of obvious approval from her.

if your muse has established career claims, what are their thoughts on their career so far? if they do not, how do they feel about not having individual activities yet? what would they like to do in the future, if anything? if they don’t have ambitions for individual activities, explain why.

mirae’s main area of established career claims is in acting. she made her acting debut in the film miracle in cell no. 7, which was a big success. after that, she didn’t take an acting role again for almost five years when she took on a supporting role in the film heart blackened. acting became more consistent after that with a role in parasite in 2019 and her first lead role in space sweepers in 2021. she’s only acted in films so far, although this year, she starred as the female lead in platinum’s “remember that” music video. 

in 2013, a fancam of her performing selene’s song “up & down” went viral for her charisma and stage presence. for a brief moment, she had a surge in popularity as attention turned to her skills as a performer and her visuals, but she turned down the offers that came her way for individual activities and the effect of that faded with time.

mirae’s long held an interest in fashion, so when her newfound global popularity following parasite got her an offer to attend paris fashion week in spring 2020, she took it. it confirmed for her that she wants to do more in the areas of fashion and modeling, whether through the gateway of her acclaim as an idol or actress or on her own merits as a model or style icon.

mirae’s solo activities have been spread out across her eleven year career and she hasn’t fully utilized them to the potential they had to propel her forward as hwang mirae and not only selene’s mirae, but she is proud of them and the work she’s been able to accomplish.

[shiningliive]

7th Stage Set List Speculation 

Tumblr hates tall images so please click to see in higher quality!

I put way too much time and effort into thinking up a possible set list for 7th stage, and I’m sure it’ll be way off, but I’m curious how close I can get. Some clarifications, other ideas, and explanations below the read more. Be warned, it’s very long.

*This is not an official set Utapri 7th Stage list, just speculation.

Basic Layout:

1. This is all assuming they want something similar-ish to Maji Love Kingdom, plus solos and other recent songs. I didnt want to just copy the Maji Love Kingdom set list and whack some solos in there

2. Another order I considered was similar to the 5th stage layout where they did ‘character 1 solo, character 2 solo, character 3 solo, song they did together.’ I do think this is definitely possible for 7th stage, and if they do do this, it could be, for example, Tokiya solo, Cecil solo, Yamato solo, Colourfully Spark. I mainly didnt use this for my primary example because I figured it might be odd if they arent doing Quartet Night Solos. 

3. Not very notable, but I also placed the solos in the order the boys are usually in (Otoya, Masato, Natsuki, Tokiya, Ren, Syo, Cecil) with the matching Heavens order. 

4. I did my best to not have too much focus on one group to the point where you dont see another at all until the second half or later. This happened with 6th stage with Heavens not even being introduced until an hour and 45 minutes in. There is a bit of a gap without Quartet Night as Heavens and Starish do their solos, but I feel like this is a bit unnavoidable, and tried to counterbalance it by having the shining masterpiece songs (no heavens) before the solos. 

5. Of this speculative set list, I consider Setsugetsuka-Michibiki Hikari to be the first half, and Up Down Up-Welcome to Utapri Kingdom (just realised I wrote welcome to utapri world in the graphic but you get me) to be the second half. This doesnt matter too much, but it could be split this way across discs or have an interlude inbetween. There are less songs in the ‘second half’ but it does end up being around the same length when you consider we usually get about 2 20 minute talks at the end.

Explanations:

1. I didnt include Quartet Night songs for a few reasons. Mainly because they dont have any new ones released lately and there have already been two QN only lives with qnlf being the most recent main live since 6th stage. It’s certainly possible that they might include some repeats of older QN solos, but this set list is already at the same length and amount of songs as 6th stage, so it would add enough extra time to make 7th stage too long. 

2. Obviously I didnt include a Nagi solo because Wingu isn’t able to attend 7th stage. I assumed this would not affect other song selections and that they will likely have other members fill in for his parts in group songs.

3. I was unable to figure out which new set of solos for Heavens and Starish they would use. I didn’t decide the ones used for any particular reason, so I wouldn’t at all be surprised if different solos than I wrote are used. 

4. I used Setsugetsuka as the opener song, because I thought it would not only allow for special outfits to be worn by Starish and Quartet Night that could be chanegd after their introductions, but it also saved time (instead of having one starish song and one QN song, theyre combined). It’s not quite an exciting booming start to the live, but it is a very well loved song by the fandom that hasnt been performed yet, and the first few notes are very recognisable. I can also imagine it fading nicely into a Heavens group song  I’m not sure about this choice, but I couldnt quite shake the idea, so I kept it. Wouldn’t be surprised if they started with the same three group songs as Maji Love Kingdom though. 

5. In general, I tried to consider things like outfit changes, the time of each song, having a first and second half that can be split onto two discs for dvd/bluray release, and most importantly perhaps, not having the same seiyuu perform too many times in a row to avoid them getting too exhausted.

6.  I found it very hard to place Encore. Unlike a lot of the other Mamo songs, it isnt exactly a hype, exciting song to start off a live (after the initial group songs) but it also doesnt really work in the middle after the solos, or towards the end. Having the song be called ‘encore’ and being played during the credits of Maji Love Kingdom really give that vibe that it should be an encore song.

7. I don’t think they would want 4 Quartet Night+Starish joint songs without Heavens (as it would cause a bit of an imbalance) so I figure they might do either the Shining CD 2 songs or the upcoming Black/White songs that are released shortly before the live. For now I’ve gone with Wonder Rondo and Dancing Over Night because we dont know the length of the Black/White songs.

 “Things that would be cool but probably won’t happen”:

1. I placed Encore towards the start of my set list, but theres something that I would love to see, no matter where its placed. If the song starts with Mamo singing, as expected, until about 30 seconds in when slowly all other seiyuu would walk on stage and join in. This would allow the song to be used as an encore with all seiyuu, or just help build variety and excitement to an otherwise (albeit intense) but slower more emotional song. It also lines up well with the songs build itself as well as the MV that slowly includes more and more people. 

2. More special outfits for Setsugetsuka and the Shining Masterpiece songs and more special outfits/performances in general. I think this is the reason why previous performances like Koizakura and other Shining Theatre songs are so memorable.

3. Pretty sure this one is almost 100% not happening, but, I want Sawashiro Miyuki as a guest to sing Maigo no Kokoro, Haru’s solo song from the first season of the anime. It’s so often forgotten, but its a beautiful song. This would also serve as a nice interlude for the boys to have an outfit change or change staging etc. 

4. I feel like there should maybe be a third encore song, but I couldnt choose a good one. It feels odd to not have 1000% or 2000%, so a version of them with all three groups is possible. If they are going to have a new version of an older song, I feel like a Mirai Chizu would be a great choice. Not only does it suit an encore (emotionally and lyrically speaking), but they haven’t performed it since 1st stage, and I feel like it could work really well with all groups together. Or it could be some kind of new medley or song entirely. 

5. Of course, there are 3 big things we’d all like to see announced at 7th stage. These being: a 5th season of the anime or some kind of sequel, Dolce Vita news, and a large scale update to shining live (eg, adding Heavens.)

Stats of my set list:

1. The total song time of my set list is 2 hours and 20 minutes with an hour and a half of extra time including a shining dancers or other interlude, introduction video, talks, about 5-10 seconds inbetween songs, audience encore call, and goodbyes. 

2. The final time of this set list would be about 3 hours and 48 minutes. 

3. For the performance on the 18th for example, doors open at 2pm, and 7th stage begins at 4:30. With this set list, it seems like it would end at about 8:15-8:30pm which allows for enough time to exit the dome before 9:00pm.

4. There are 33 songs in this set list (one talk is incorrectly labeled as an extra song in the graphic) which is the same as 6th stage.

For anyone who’s gotten this far, thank you. This is literally essay length and I wrote it in 50 minutes. It was a lot of fun thinking up this set list, so I’m excited to see if im at all accurate, or 100% wrong. Either way I’m so excited to see the actual set list. 

[thinking-ji]

Why does TXT’s “We Lost The Summer” MV work?

Hi, I’m back again to overanalyse TXT’s MV for “We Lost The Summer”. After first watching it, I was overwhelmed by sadness but didn’t know why. After all, there have been literally tons of videos and songs about COVID-19. Until 2h ago, perhaps the most heart-wrenching song I’d heard about the topic was FINNEAS’ “What They'll Say About Us". Yet I was more deeply affected by “We Lost The Summer” thanks to its combination of brutal honesty, clever cinematic juxtaposition and images of kids suffering (from first world problems, but problems all the same).

I think what makes the MV work so well are two things:

The song conveys a message of longing for the past, for the "normal". This complements all the contrasting shots of "what is" and "what could have been". It hurts to see kids who could have had a fun summer with their friends out in the warm sun be banished to self-isolation with no one but themselves (or in some cases, a soft toy or a dog) for company.

Their acting. Their facial expressions do tons in expressing the plot, especially in the scenes where they look longingly at the camera. As cheesy as that sounds, their expressions line up perfectly with the almost resentful mood of the song.

Click ‘read more’ for frame-by-frame analysis of what makes the MV work:

0:09-0:15 Taking photos as a group in front of the toilet mirror, probably in school. Bright. Just a normal day in school with ya bros, no problems hugging one another.

0:16 Cut to Yeonjun receiving a Public Safety Alert. He's using an iPhone - this feature was not available until a few months into the COVID-19 outbreak (20 May 2020). Two possibilities - 1) This marks the point at which everything changed i.e. when the pandemic became concerning enough that quarantine was necessary (note the strict warning on screen - "If you leave home, assume you were exposed to COVID-19."); 2) canon-compliant sequence of events - this was in May 2020, when there was also a spike in cases in South Korea (see: Itaewon spike). The former is more likely, considering the lyrics "left alone on the evening of an endless March 1".

0:16-0:17 Back and forth shot - we first see the Public Safety Alert (with a jarring alert ringtone), then the video cuts to the group's concerned reaction, then back to the Public Safety Alert. Almost as if they cannot believe what they're seeing. Note also that the second shot of the Public Safety Alert is clearer than the first - they're paying more attention the second time around.

0:18 Cut to awkward Zoom call (with dog!).

0:19 Intro to main protagonist Yeonjun. Interesting styling choices here - Yeonjun doesn't himself have tattoos; these are fake tattoos. I see this as an effort to represent every kind of young person - it's not only the studious, clean-cut kids who choose to stay home. Now, even the stereotypical bad boys who would usually stay out are forced to stay home as well (that is, if they choose to be socially responsible).

Yeonjun is also putting on a simple singlet here. This is a clear departure from his school uniform. He's chosen to dress comfortably and looks disappointed. Perhaps he feels that nothing matters at this point. This will be a recurring theme throughout the video.

0:24 He gets up to hug his teddy bear, likely a source of comfort. He appears to be alone. Maybe the teddy bear is his only companion when he's at home. A stark contrast to the beginning of the video, when he had a squad of friends to hang out with.

0:26-0:27 Yeonjun starts to dress up for the Zoom call with his friends later. He seems to be in a much better mood with this semblance of normalcy. Or maybe he's just practicing his smile for the camera. His room is bright despite the blinds being drawn; it's the morning.

0:28 We realise that Yeonjun was smiling in the mirror. His expression changes as soon as he looks away. He's not happy about the situation; guess he's just practicing his smile for later.

0:31 The squad's coming online, just waiting for Yeonjun. Everyone is dressed up in bright colours, against their very bright and cheerily-coloured rooms. Juxtaposed with the rather dull school outfits and blue walls at the beginning of the video.

0:33-0:36 For the first time since being at home, he appears to be truly excited. He waves enthusiastically at the squad. Interestingly, his curtains are drawn and the only source of light is a neon green light in the corner of his room. It's unclear what time it is.

0:39 Classic eyes closed, close-up shot of Kai's face. Sadness. Slight increase in exposure near the end of the shot - reminiscence of a time when the surroundings were brighter.

0:41 Flashback to old times in school with the squad. The setting is brightly-lit. We'll see that this changes as the MV progresses.

0:47 Sharing earphones. Ah, the good times.

0:52 Taehyun throws a baseball across the open area. Something you won't get to do inside unless you want to break something.

0:54 Cut to Soobin lying down on the floor of his room (peak relaxing position tbh). He's just dropped his phone on his face. First world problems. Sucks that even little things like this will happen more often now that they're home alone with their phones being their only connection to the outside world.

0:56 Guess Soobin is trying to preoccupy himself by putting together a (big, may I add) puzzle. Seems like he also tried to distract himself with whack-a-mole. But he can't help but watch old videos of him and his friends - this is marked by the school uniforms. Again, reminiscing the old times.

0:58 Closer look at the video Soobin is watching.

1:00 Dude fell asleep with a puzzle piece on his face omg. Clearly bored/frustrated/tired of being stuck at home with puzzles being the most interesting thing he could possibly do alone.

1:01 Yeah, he's not happy about it.

1:03-1:08 Beomgyu is at home with his dog. I can't tell much other than that his dog doesn't hate him, which is a good thing when your dog is your closest companion at home.

1:09-1:12 I can't think of this shot of them syncing the choreo over Zoom being anything other than a cool way to transition to the dance and juxtapose with them performing the choreography together (see: 1:13~1:19).

1:20 Jamming out to the song together.

1:21, 1:24, 1:25, 1:27, 1:28: Yeonjun jamming out alone.

1:31 It's raining/snowing...

1:32 In their hideout in school (remember it's only partially covered). Also note that the colour scheme in the school setting has gotten much duller than before.

1:34 Taehyun catches a baseball. Note that he isn't in his school uniform, so we can assume he is alone here while everyone else is staying in.

1:35, 1:38, The squad escapes the rain.

1:40 Yeonjun admiring his image in the mirror while trying on a different jacket. Compare this and the previous images of him looking into the mirror, with a later shot of him looking into a mirror. Here, we can see both him and his reflection, which gives us the impression that he isn't alone.

1:44 Beomgyu is on the floor hugging his dog. Maybe he's given up lol

1:46 Beomgyu opened the blinds a little to look outside. "Want to see you again."

1:48, 1:50 I'm not sure what Kai was trying to do, but he definitely messed up that smiley face. Seems like an allusion to how everything was fine and dandy, but then this virus just had to come and ruin it for everyone.

1:51 Seems like Taehyun is playing baseball with himself.

1:56, 1:59 Repetitions show that Taehyun is going through the motions. Has nothing better to do.

2:03, 2:07 These shots confused me at first, but "I hate my face drained of expression" clears it up. Communicating online has reduced us to avatars, profile pictures and our digital versions of ourselves. A pretty digital avatar void of human emotion - that's what Soobin has become.

2:13 Beomgyu seems pretty happy creating his personal Jurassic Park...

2:15 But yeah, there could've been better things to do.

2:16 I know Beomgyu is creating an obstacle course for his dog, but his constantly changing environment (e.g. additional bowling pins in this frame) makes it seem like he's trying every possible trick in the book to occupy himself while he's alone.

2:22 Again, the introduction of Beomgyu's dog makes it seem like he's exhausting all his sources of entertainment. I'm not complaining though, it's cute to see him try.

2:25-2:26 The transition to a wide shot showing that Beomgyu's dog is leashed indoors is jarring when you think twice about it. There's no reason to leash his dog when they're indoors, but maybe he's trying to simulate being outside.

2:28 From here onwards is where the structure of the MV changes. Before this, we'd been getting shots of TXT at home interspersed with flashbacks of their time together pre-COVID. But now they're out on a large, empty road on a bright day. They would not be dancing on such a wide road if it weren't empty because no one needs/wants/is allowed to go anywhere. Also note that these are different outfits from previous cuts of them dancing, where they were dressed in their school uniforms.

2:31 Taehyun pastes a sticker of pixel ver. squad on his drone. Perhaps highlighting the fact that the only reminder he has of them while they're separated is their online presence.

2:33 Taehyun is wearing a helmet to fly his drone even though he doesn't really need to. It's not like he's travelling outside or anything. But anything to escape the feeling of being stuck at home, I guess. You do you. Also, the fact that he's flying a drone is symbolic of his wish to travel or at least wander outside. He can't do it in person, so he lets his drone do it for him.

2:33 The squad arrives on the rooftop! Note that Yeonjun is wearing the jacket he tried on the second time - this is still during COVID times. How were they able to get on the rooftop with Taehyun when they were all supposed to be at home? REBELS. Maybe this is all just a dream... unless? Last thing - it's sunset here, which links to...

2:47 It's snowing and dark outside in their usual hideout in school. Note that Yeonjun is wearing the same outfit as in the dancing on the road cuts. Clear juxtaposition between hopes and reality.

2:48 Their bench and things are covered in snow, almost as if the winter has stopped them from doing whatever they were doing before. "Endless winter."

2:53, 2:57 They're taking photos alone. Interesting upside-down shots.

2:55 They're trying to have fun in the winter but for Beomgyu it's just not the same.

3:00 The brightly-lit toilet is juxtaposed with - gasp! - not its reflection. Without his friends, Yeonjun perhaps finds that staring into a mirror alone isi like staring into a dark void, or a duller version of reality.

3:02 Also, it's snowing on the other side. Note that in all the 'winter' shots we've been getting, it's always dark.

3:09 Is Yeonjun trying to check if there's a mirror, or reach into the void?

3:11 We get confirmation that there is a mirror in reality, but to Yeonjun it feels like a void. This image of him telling his reflection that "it's all gone" is honestly heartbreaking.

3:14 The squad is together, but the winter is depressing.

3:20 The most direct reference to COVID in this entire MV. "It's all gone". The masks serve as a tangible representation of the new normal. Their expressions are all gone now ("I hate my face drained of expression") since half their faces are hidden. It no longer matters if they smile or laugh; no one can see it anyway.

3:21-3:25 Direct reference to social distancing.

3:25 The toilet gets progressively darker.

3:36 It's snowing on the road now, almost as if the bleakness of their reality has permeated through to their imagination of a brighter future.

3:39 Interestingly, compared to the past few shots of the boys in the dark winter, they seem to be slightly happier here, getting used to the new normal.

3:40 Butterfly on Beomgyu's face a representation of summer.

3:46 Cut to someone's phone on the bench, the only thing that hasn't been covered in snow, the only bright thing in the darkness. Looks like this is the last video they filmed while they were out on the road dancing.

Overall, it seems that:

bathroom, bright school hideout scenes = the past

road scene = last time they were able to see each other, transition period OR a time between strict quarantine and "new normal" where cases were low enough that people felt comfortable going outside

home scenes = quarantine period

winter scenes = new normal

[gra-sonas]

Roswell, New Mexico’s Michael Vlamis sat down for an exclusive interview with HypabIe, and we got into everyone’s favorite alien love triangle.

Michael Guerin has a lot on his plate in Roswell, New Mexico season 2. His brother died, his sister’s husband died, he’s trying to resurrect the aforementioned brother, he’s learning more about his mother, and he’s trying to pretend that his hand wasn’t miraculously healed. And you thought your 2020 was off to a rough start!

We’re not sure how the guy is even finding time for romance, but we’re so, so glad he is. While struggling through things with his long-time-love Alex Manes in season 1, he also found a connection with Maria DiLuca. In season 2, it looks like he’s chosen to give things a shot with New Mexico’s most beautiful bar owner.

Of course, my first question was about Malex. Are things really over? What’s to come for them? “In a romantic sense, yes, this is the end for now,” Vlamis confessed. “But we actually had more scenes together this season than in season 1 where we really get to work on our friendship, which I think is what we really need.”

That’s probably not what Malex fans wanted to hear, but there’s still hope. If you read to the end of the interview, Michael Vlamis reveals his favorite Malex scene from Roswell, New Mexico season 2, and it sounds like a really good one!

Also, Vlamis revealed his three favorite songs to get into character as Michael Guerin. They are the incredibly fitting “Buckskin Stallion Blues” by Amy Annelle, “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys,” by Waylon Jennings, and “First Day of My Life,” by Bright Eyes! If you don’t remember, that’s the song that Michael and Alex shared their first kiss to. *swoon*

Hypable: Often, different romantic relationships bring out different sides of people’s personalities. What’s your favorite thing about Michael with Maria versus Michael with Alex?

Michael Vlamis: I think with Maria he feels safe. I think with Alex there are moments of him feeling safe when they’re intertwined and in the bed and a couple moments we saw last year, but really he’s never feeling safe. Yes, his hand’s heeled now but he’s still wearing a bandana to hide that. First of all, because if anyone in the town pays attention to that they’re going to be like, “how did his hand get heeled?” but also that bandana is a reminder of the pain that he’s gone through in his life, and that pain, unfortunately, is directly correlated with Alex.

You might see a little bit of a softer side when we see Guerin and Maria coming together, and that was really fun to play. Everything’s okay. This is fresh, this is good, this is kind of my new home right now where I can come back to.

Hypable: What can you tease about Guerin’s journey to find his mother in ‘Roswell, New Mexico’ season 2, and how both Maria and Alex will be involved in that?

MV: Yeah, so over the whole season I really spend time trying to break that story and figure out what happened, which is just helping me figure out who I am, what’s my self-worth, and just kind of piecing together why I am the way I am and trying to piece together a family. Because yes, I have Isobel and Max…well, I had Max, but I never really felt like I had a family. Over the season, we’re trying to uncover this mystery of where my mom really disappeared, especially Alex. Was she in Roswell, for a little bit of time before she disappeared? Did she ever make contact with anyone?

It was fun to go back to the 1940s, early 1950s and see what life was like in Roswell back then. With the costumes and the set decorations there was a lot of fun to be had on set with that. As I am unveiling the story we see that story unveiled in the flashbacks. That was really cool.

Hypable: Isobel and Max have both begun to explore the breadth and potential of their powers. Will your character be doing the same in ‘Roswell, New Mexico’ season 2?

MV: Not exactly. Michael is playing a little bit of the victim card. He’s just been punched on his whole life, and taking a beating. And now, he lost his brother. It’s like when you go through a break up, right? You don’t care about anything else, you just miss that one person. What he’s thinking about right now is escaping, so he’s not trying to get his powers any stronger because part of him probably wishes he was just a normal guy who didn’t even have these powers. Then everything would be so much easier and they wouldn’t have had to kill a bunch of girls and stage a car accident and deaths. That’s all stuff that he doesn’t want. He was a good kid who was off the college, and then all of a sudden this changed his whole life and he’s just been kind of dealing with that ever since.

Hypable: On top of missing Max is he feeling any kind of pressure to take on Max’s role as the traditional big brother?

MV: One hundred percent. Their whole lives Max was always the hero and I think in a way, Michael, looked up to him for many years. But then when Max made the decision to cover up the murder instead of letting ourselves be exposed, I don’t think Michael Guerin wanted that. He’s a selfless guy for the most part, and he means well. I think he wanted the truth to be out there. But yeah, he’s going to struggle with that a lot and just figuring out what his new role is now especially with Isobel.

For instance, he didn’t wanna be at the church [for the funeral]. The only reason he showed up at that funeral was for his sister, so he knows deep down he has to step up and be this kind of hero savior thing, which he freaking hates. He doesn’t want that responsibility, but he knows that it’s his time to step up and play that role.

Hypable: Could college still be on the horizon for Michael Guerin?

MV: I think that’s one of those things that’s gone now, but I do think that he would take his talents and put them towards something bigger. If he’s ever able to fully escape living in hiding and the kind of prison that they’ve built around their lives. I think as time progresses, he’s going to continue exercising his talents and his mind and stepping up and not letting that all go to the wayside. But right now, he’s not thinking about that at all.

Hypable: Is he still eager to get back to his home planet, or did meeting his mom change that drive?

MV: I think it definitely changed the drive a little bit, but I also think with her being gone, and him knowing that she existed, it gives him hope. Maybe there are other family members or there’s another community of aliens still living somewhere and thriving. So yeah, I think it was definitely a deterrent. And that’s why you see him in these first couple of episodes. He seems like a guy who’s given up with the way he’s treating people, especially Maria. And also just how dirty he is. I mean, they made me so filthy this season…in like a CW hot way though.

I’m a dirty, dirty man who’s just a little hopeless right now. But yeah, as time goes on, he reels it in and tries to figure out why he’s here. Why is anyone here? Is he supposed to go home? I don’t know, I think that is all going to depend on how this season plays out, and also where his love interest is. I can see him getting his heart broken and just leaving the planet for sure, but I don’t think he really wants that if he could have that true love that he’s longing for.

Hypable: Are there any character dynamics that you got to explore more of in ‘Roswell, New Mexico’ season 2 that you were excited about?

MV: Oh yeah, it was fun doing more scenes with Michael Trevino (Kyle Valenti) this year. Obviously we’re working together to save Max. We only got a few scenes last year towards the prison shots at the end of the season where we were really together. Aside from that, it was just like me giving him a dirty look and pushing him off Alex in the flashback episode. It’s been really fun to work with Trevino just because he’s another guy who, like Nathan Parsons and Heather Hemmens, they’re pros. They’ve done this before. They’ve done eight seasons of a show.

Trevino was in my exact position where a show just comes about and changes your life. It’s really cool seeing how he navigate a set. Also, we just kind of mess with each other all the time. I mess around with everyone, but when it comes to Trevino, he’s such a confident man’s man. He wears really cool clothes, works out all the time, has a six pack no matter what he eats, so we just shit on each other. We shit on each other all the time. That dynamic really comes through when we’re working together as well.

[...]

Hypable: What are you doing to stay sane in this crazy time of self-isolation, and what do you think Michael Guerin would be doing?

MV: You know what, I bet I’m doing similar things to him. We have all these cinder blocks on a bonfire we built in our backyard and we’ve been taking those and making a home work out set up. So I’m doing prison workouts right now in my backyard, and I feel like that’s very Guerin-esque. Also, during this quarantine I’m eating healthy, I’m on a cooking routine with my roommates and that means that I’m feeling better about myself, so like Guerin, I’m just taking my shirt off all the time.

Hypable: Finally, do you have a favorite moment from Malex and MiLuca in ‘Roswell, New Mexico?’

MV: eah, I do. I’m going to focus specifically on season two. I was really, really proud of that last scene where me and Maria kissed at the end of episode two. That was a really cool scene to do. And actually, what was so interesting about that is in the episode I said “I’m sorry” to her, but it wasn’t written. Carina MacKenzie, our showrunner, came out and was like, “listen guys, this is working great. The chemistry, the passion, the love, the heartache, the hope, everything is there. But Guerin was just all over some girl in the bar in front of Maria. This is bullshit, he needs to apologize.” And so she was like, “Vlam, do you want to try working in an ‘I’m sorry,’ right around this moment?” And I did that, and I think it kind of changed the whole scene. That one little line. It made you remember that this guy is a good guy, he’s just caught up in something that he’s having a hard time wrestling with right now.

With Alex, there’s a moment at the end of the season that I actually asked the director for another take. I have so much pride as an actor, I’m just so hard on myself, I never do stuff like that. But in this one moment, I knew how much the scene meant and I asked for another take and something really special happened internally with how I was feeling. In that moment, locked in with Alex. I’m not saying if it was romantic or whatnot, but there’s a scene at the end of the season that was probably my favorite and it’ll be a lot of fun to watch too.

If you’re looking to see more of Michael Vlamis outside of his regularly scheduled Monday night appearances in Roswell, New Mexico, you can check out his recently released three-part series on michaelvlamis.com! Making it is a hilarious (and extremely well shot) series about a baby-faced Michael Vlamis and his friends trying to “make it” in Hollywood.

He decided to release the series in response to the increased demand for entertainment due to the COVID-19 quarantines. “It’s a digital series making fun of this industry, and everything that we go through.” The first episode tackles an audition process that I’m guessing is shockingly similar to his experience with Roswell, New Mexico, complete with cowboy hat and “Magic Mike abs,” but presented in a way that will make you laugh…and maybe also make you slightly nauseous. Check it out!

~ HypabIe