#custom build exhibition stands

[exhibitsexpo]

Leading Exhibition Stand Builders in Abu Dhabi & Dubai

Introduction

Trade fairs are colourful chances for businesses to market their products, look for new clients, and develop their brand. In a highly competitive marketplace such as the confines of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, where even ad and trade shows are internationally competitive, an eye-catching and working exhibition booth can be the game changer. It is one of the best Exhibition Company in UAE. Exhibitsexpo provides an outstanding and beneficial help as it helps unites businesses with clients through proper marketing and advertising through firm’s display panels and staging.

As some of the leading international business centres, Abu dhabi and Dubai delocalate some of the renowned global events from trade shows, industry exhibitions and cultural festivals. Firms willing to take part in these events must be creative and come up with stands that will appeal the audience and help to express the brand very well. With the knowledge and skills of Exhibitsexpo, the world’s gathering for showcasing goods is just the exhibit stand, the focus of the event that lures visitors into engaging with brand.

Why Choose Exhibitsexpo?

Exhibitsexpo has established itself as a strong brand in the exhibition sector by providing exceptional services in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and other regions. Let’s understand how Exhibitsexpo has made its mark as the best Exhibition Company in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

1. Experience and Expertise

Exhibitsexpo has been in the industry for decades and their seasoned staff is experienced in handling different projects. Their professionals comprehend the nuances of exhibition design thus ensuring that every stand created is functional, creative and true to the brand’s identity.

2. End-to-End Services

The end-to-end services provided by Exhibitsexpo include:

3. Customization at Its Best

Each business is different as is its niche market and we all know that a single solution will never work for all, what Exhibitsexpo provides in such cases is specialized solutions that would suit your stand design and event in question.

4. Commitment to Quality

Our Quality Commitment As Withstand as one of the best exhibition stand contractors in Dubai, Exhibitsexpo is aggressive in maintaining quality by sourcing top materials and using advanced technology in building stands aimed at remarkable experiences for people.

The Value of a Perfect Exhibition Stand

A booth is no longer just a physical structure; it is the embodiment of your primary offerings as a brand. That is why for Exhibitsexpo it is important that your stand is:

Through collaborations with Exhibitsexpo, it is possible for companies to create booths that have the power to transport the visitors and even help market the brand.

Trends in Exhibition Stand Design at Exhibitsexpo

The trade show exhibition industry is gradually changing, and it is imperative to keep innovating with new design concepts. Exhibitsexpo applies some of the latest trends in order for your stand to be attractive and up to date:

Working with Exhibitsexpo: Tips for Success

For the impact of your exhibition to be at its peak, you need to be working efficiently with your stand builder. For this reason, here are some points that you can remember when working with Exhibitsexpo: 

Why Abu Dhabi and Dubai Are Ideal for Exhibitions

When looking for a city to host their business conferences, numerous corporations have chosen Abu Dhabi and Dubai. These two cities in the United Arab Emirates have everything in the perfect combination: international audience appeal, business applications, and top infrastructure and sites available for exhibitions.

Everywhere they go clients tend to be on high demand. The efforts for Meeting the demands believes that clients will get in our in every part of the world. Understanding the complexities, challenges and unitary or distinctive issues that come with exhibiting across different countries is made an easy task by the use of our in-house exhibit designers.

Exhibitsexpo: The Right Partner for Your Exhibition Success

Be prepared for more than just an appearance when it comes to exhibiting at trade shows in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. It is required of you to be outstanding as well. It is guaranteed that your stand design, construction and project management would be in the hands of the right people.

What’s more, by deciding to partner with these professionals, you partner with someone who cares about the outcome, whose team is constantly trying to provide the kind of stands that attract attention, invokes engagement and represents your brand.

Conclusion

To be noticed on the exhibition markets of Abu Dhabi and Dubai requires quite a lot, such as imagination and skills as well as perfection. Exhibitsexpo, a leading Exhibition Company in UAE, has it all and even better. Their elaborate solutions, focus on clients and pursuit for perfection makes them perfect allies for companies willing to achieve great recognition.

Regardless of the fact that you are in a trade fair, an industry expo, or a cultural event, Exhibitsexpo makes sure that your stand becomes a selling machine that creates branding and builds audience engagement. Let your imagination loose and in no time you are going to see what your exhibition should look like with Exhibitsexpo.

With Exhibitsexpo on your team, your brand will not only be an exhibition participant - it will be an exhibition headliner.

[aarsexhibitionsworldwide]

Enhance your event impact with our custom exhibition stands, expertly designed and manufactured in Europe. Unique, high-quality solutions tailored to showcase your brand.

For More Info visit website :- https://aarsexhibitionsworldwide.com/custom-exhibition-stands/

[globstarexhibition]

BAU 2025 Munich: Elevate Your Presence with Globstar Exhibitions

BAU 2025, the world’s leading trade fair for architecture, building materials, and systems, is set to take place in Munich, Germany. This international event will draw key players in the construction and building industry, showcasing the latest innovations in materials, technologies, and solutions.

As a premier Exhibitions Stand Builder in Europe, Globstar Exhibitions is here to help you make the most of this prestigious platform. Whether you're introducing a new product line or aiming to reinforce your brand’s leadership, we specialize in designing and fabricating high-impact exhibition stands that will set you apart from the competition.

In this blog, we’ll explore why exhibiting at BAU 2025 is crucial for your business, how a custom exhibition stand can boost your success, and why Globstar Exhibitions is the ideal partner to ensure a seamless and standout presence at the show.

What is BAU 2025?

BAU 2025 is the leading global event for architecture, building materials, and systems. Held every two years in Munich, this event attracts over 250,000 visitors, including architects, engineers, project developers, manufacturers, and construction professionals from across the world.

With its wide range of exhibits, from building materials and sustainable construction solutions to cutting-edge digital technologies, BAU is more than just a trade fair—it’s a platform for innovation, knowledge exchange, and business networking. Exhibiting at BAU 2025 offers unparalleled opportunities to showcase your products, engage with industry professionals, and forge valuable business connections.

However, the competition for attention at BAU is fierce. With thousands of exhibitors vying for the spotlight, your exhibition stand needs to make an immediate impact. This is where Globstar Exhibitions comes in.

Why Your Exhibition Stand at BAU 2025 is Critical

Your booth is not just a place to display products—it’s your brand’s voice, telling your story and connecting with visitors on a personal level. Here's why your exhibition stand is key to your success at BAU 2025 Munich:

First Impressions Matter: At BAU 2025, you will be competing with thousands of other brands for the attention of industry decision-makers. An eye-catching, custom-designed exhibition stand ensures that your brand leaves a lasting first impression. Your booth should not only attract attendees but also communicate your brand's expertise and innovation in a clear, compelling way.

Increase Foot Traffic: A well-designed booth acts as a magnet, pulling in visitors who are genuinely interested in what you have to offer. With interactive elements, thoughtful layout, and visually appealing displays, your stand will draw foot traffic and keep visitors engaged for longer, increasing the chance of generating valuable leads.

Showcase Your Expertise: An exhibition stand is a powerful platform to showcase your brand’s knowledge, skills, and products. By designing a stand that highlights your strengths—whether it's new materials, eco-friendly solutions, or cutting-edge technology—you demonstrate your authority in the field and build trust with potential customers.

Maximize Engagement with Visitors: A booth that offers an interactive experience will not only attract attention but also engage visitors on a deeper level. By incorporating product demonstrations, virtual reality (VR) experiences, or hands-on activities, you can create memorable experiences that resonate with your audience, encouraging them to stay longer and inquire about your products or services.

Brand Visibility and Differentiation: With hundreds of exhibitors in the same industry, it’s essential to stand out. Your exhibition stand design can differentiate your brand from competitors, ensuring you attract the right audience and remain memorable long after the event. Whether you emphasize your innovation, sustainability, or design excellence, your booth must reflect the core values of your brand in a unique way.

How Globstar Exhibitions Can Elevate Your Presence at BAU 2025

As a leading Exhibitions Stand Builder in Europe, Globstar Exhibitions specializes in custom booth design and fabrication that ensures your brand shines at BAU 2025. Here’s how we can help:

Custom Exhibition Stand Designs: We understand that no two brands are the same. Our design team works closely with you to develop a stand that is tailored to your brand’s identity, goals, and target audience. Whether you prefer a sleek, modern design or a bold, innovative concept, we will bring your vision to life. From minimalist designs that focus on clean aesthetics to immersive booths with high-tech displays, we have the creativity and expertise to deliver.

Local Production in Europe: With our local production facilities in Europe, we offer faster turnaround times, cost-efficiency, and a hands-on approach to the design and fabrication process. Our proximity to key trade fair destinations like Munich ensures that your stand is built and delivered with precision, without the hassle of long shipping times or costly delays. Our experienced team handles every aspect, from design conception to on-site installation and dismantling.

Sustainable Exhibition Stands: Sustainability is more important than ever in today’s world, and at Globstar Exhibitions, we are committed to offering eco-friendly solutions. We provide modular, reusable booth designs, sustainable materials, and energy-efficient lighting to minimize the environmental impact of your exhibition presence. By choosing us, you can align your brand with the growing demand for sustainable practices, especially relevant at events like BAU, which places emphasis on eco-friendly solutions.

Full-Service Project Management: We offer end-to-end project management for all aspects of your exhibition stand, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process. From the initial design consultation to the installation of your booth at BAU 2025, our team will manage everything to deliver a high-quality stand on time and on budget. Our team is always on-site to ensure that the stand is installed and dismantled efficiently, giving you more time to focus on your business.

Expertise in European Trade Shows: As seasoned experts in European trade shows, we understand the local regulations, trends, and challenges that come with exhibiting in Europe. We ensure that your stand meets all local guidelines while incorporating design elements that appeal to the European market.

Maximizing Your Impact at BAU 2025: Pre-Event, Onsite, and Post-Event Strategy

Exhibiting at BAU 2025 is a significant investment, and to ensure the best return, you need to maximize your visibility and engagement at every stage of the event. Here’s a simple strategy to help you make the most out of your exhibition experience:

Pre-Event Marketing: The success of your exhibition starts long before you arrive at BAU 2025. Begin by promoting your participation on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. Share sneak peeks of your booth, new products, or innovative solutions that visitors can expect at your stand. This will help build anticipation and ensure that your target audience knows where to find you.

Engaging Visitors Onsite: Once the event begins, your focus should be on engaging with visitors in a meaningful way. Train your team to be welcoming and knowledgeable, offering clear explanations of your products and services. Utilize technology, such as interactive displays or product demonstrations, to create memorable experiences for attendees.

Post-Event Follow-Up: After BAU 2025 ends, your work isn't done. Follow up with the contacts you made during the event, whether through personalized emails, social media outreach, or direct calls. Provide more detailed information about your offerings, and invite them to continue the conversation.

Why Choose Globstar Exhibitions as Your Stand Builder for BAU 2025?

Here are some compelling reasons to choose Globstar Exhibitions as your partner for BAU 2025:

Tailored Design Solutions: We believe that your exhibition stand should reflect your brand’s unique identity and goals. Our custom-built stands are designed to attract attention and deliver results.

Local European Production: With our production facilities in Europe, we ensure that your stand is built to the highest quality standards while saving you time and money.

Sustainability: We offer eco-friendly solutions that align with your brand’s values and contribute to a greener future.

Full-Service Offering: From design to installation, we manage every aspect of your exhibition stand, providing a stress-free experience.

Expertise in European Trade Shows: We have extensive experience in designing and building stands for European trade shows, including BAU, ensuring that your stand will meet all local guidelines while standing out in a competitive environment.

Conclusion

BAU 2025 is the ultimate platform for businesses in the building and construction industries to showcase their products and innovations. To stand out at such a prestigious event, you need an exhibition stand that not only attracts attention but also conveys your brand’s expertise and innovation.

As a leading Exhibitions Stand Builder in Europe, Globstar Exhibitions is ready to help you elevate your presence at BAU 2025 with custom-built, sustainable stands designed to impress. With our local production facilities, eco-friendly solutions, and full-service project management, we ensure that your exhibition stand is a success from start to finish.

Let us help you make your mark at BAU 2025 and drive meaningful business results.

[aars-45]

How to Select the Best Custom Exhibition Stand Design in the USA for Your Next Trade Show

In the high-energy atmosphere of a trade show, where countless businesses compete for the spotlight. Trade shows in the USA are crucial platforms for businesses to showcase their products, connect with potential clients, generate valuable leads, and strengthen their brand presence in the market. With so many companies competing for attention, having a custom exhibition stand that stands out is essential. An effective exhibition stand is more than just a display; it’s a strategic tool that can significantly impact your success at the event.

A well-designed stand attracts visitors and communicates your brand’s message and values. It sets the stage for meaningful interactions, helping you achieve your objectives. Be it lead generation, product launches, or enhancing brand awareness. In this article, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when selecting the best Custom Exhibition Stand Design in USA for your next trade show.

Understanding Your Objectives

Before diving into the design process, it’s crucial to define your objectives for the trade show clearly. Understanding what you aim to achieve will guide your decision regarding your exhibition stand. Are you looking to generate leads, increase brand awareness, launch a new product, or simply network with industry professionals? Each of these goals requires a different approach to stand design.

Researching Exhibition Stand Designers in the USA

Finding the right exhibition stand designer is critical to bringing your vision to life. The USA is home to many talented designers, but selecting one that aligns with your brand and objectives is key.

Start by researching potential designers online. Look for portfolios, case studies, and client testimonials to gauge their experience and expertise. A designer who has worked within your industry may have a better understanding of what works and what doesn’t. Pay attention to the quality of their previous work and whether they have experience with the type of customization you require.

When narrowing down your options, ask potential designers important questions such as:

What customization options do you offer?

What is your turnaround time for design and production?

Can you provide references from past clients?

A thorough vetting process ensures you choose a Custom Exhibition Stand Design in USA who can deliver a stand that meets your expectations and stands out in a crowded trade show environment.

Key Elements of an Effective Custom Exhibition Stand Design

An effective Custom Trade Show Displays in USA incorporates several key elements that work together to create a memorable and engaging experience for attendees.

Branding

Your stand should be an extension of your brand, making it instantly recognizable to your target audience. Use consistent brand colors, logos, and messaging to reinforce brand identity. The design should communicate who you are and what you offer at a glance.

Functionality

A well-designed stand isn’t just visually appealing it should be functional as well. Consider the layout, traffic flow, and how attendees will interact with your stand. Are there dedicated areas for product displays, meetings, and demonstrations? Is the stand accessible and easy to navigate? A functional design enhances the attendee experience and encourages deeper engagement with your brand.

Visual Appeal

Visual appeal is the key to drawing people into the ocean of exhibition stands. Effective use of colors, lighting, and graphics can make your stand more inviting and attention-grabbing. High-quality materials and a modern aesthetic can also set your stand apart and make a strong first impression.

Technology Integration

Incorporating technology can elevate your exhibition stand to the next level. Digital displays, touchscreens, and VR/AR experiences attract attention and provide interactive ways for attendees to learn about your products or services. Technology can make your stand more engaging and memorable, helping you stand out in a crowded exhibition hall.

Budgeting and Cost Considerations

Budgeting is a crucial aspect of selecting the best Custom Trade Show Displays in USA. Understanding the costs involved and planning accordingly can help you avoid surprises down the line.

Start by outlining all potential costs, including design fees, materials, production, shipping, and installation. Keep in mind that custom designs typically cost more than standard options, but the investment often pays off in terms of increased engagement and brand impact.

Final Preparations Before the Trade Show

With your exhibition booth designed, built, and approved, it’s time to focus on final preparations. A smooth setup is critical to a successful trade show experience.

Confirm the delivery and installation schedule with your designer or supplier, ensuring everything arrives on time. Conduct a mock setup or walkthrough to identify any potential issues before the event. This step also allows your team to familiarize themselves with the stand and plan their approach to engaging with attendees.

Conclusion

Selecting the best Custom Build Exhibition Stand in USA for your next trade show is a strategic process that requires careful planning and execution. By clearly defining your objectives you can create a stand that attracts attention and drives meaningful engagement.

A well-designed exhibition stand is a powerful tool in setting your brand apart from the competition and achieving your trade show goals. Start planning early, collaborate with experienced professionals, and invest in a stand that reflects your brand’s values and vision. With the right approach, your next trade show could be your most successful yet.

[mariacallous]

For the first time since World War II, one of Prague’s most historic synagogues has held a Jewish worship service.

Kol Nidre, the introductory service of Yom Kippur, took place in the Klausen Synagogue on Friday night, ending a hiatus that lasted more than 80 years and encompassed both the murder and suppression of Czech Jewry.

Originally erected in 1573 and rebuilt after a fire in 1694, the Klausen Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Prague’s Jewish Quarter and once served as a central hub of Jewish life. It’s known as the home of several prominent rabbis and thinkers, from Judah Loew — a 16th-century Talmudic scholar also known as the Maharal of Prague — to Baruch Jeitteles, a scholar associated with the Jewish Enlightenment movement of the 18th and 19th centuries.

But for more than 80 years after the Holocaust decimated Czech Jews, the Klausen Synagogue held no services.

That was until Friday evening, when about 200 people poured in for a service led by Rabbi David Maxa, who represents Czechia’s community of Progressive or Reform Jews. That community was joined by guests and Jewish tourists from around the world for Yom Kippur, according to Maxa. He saw the moment as a sign of Jewish life resurging in Prague.

“It’s quite remarkable that there is a Yom Kippur service in five historic synagogues in Prague,” Maxa told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

Under German occupation in World War II, the Klausen Synagogue was used as a storage facility. Although the Nazis and their collaborators killed about 263,000 Jews who lived in the former Czechoslovak Republic, they took an interest in collecting Jewish art and artifacts that they deemed valuable enough to preserve. The Jewish Museum in Prague was allowed to continue storing those objects, and the synagogue became part of the museum’s depository.

After the war, there were not enough survivors to refill services in the synagogues of Prague. The country became a Soviet satellite in 1948, starting a long era in which Jews were often persecuted and surveilled for following any religious practices. The last Soviet census of 1989 registered only 2,700 Jews living in Czech lands.

“During Communist times, it was very difficult to relate to Jewish identity,” said Maxa. “People who visited any kind of synagogue were followed by the secret police, and only after the Velvet Revolution in 1989 did it become possible for people to visit synagogues without the feeling of being followed and put on a list.”

After the end of communism, some synagogues returned to use by the few Jews who still identified as such. Two of the six synagogues that still stand in the Jewish Quarter now are in regular use as houses of worship.

But the Klausen Synagogue, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1982, remained part of the Jewish Museum, hosting exhibitions about Jewish festivals, early Hebrew manuscripts and Jewish customs and traditions.

Museum director Pavla Niklová said returning the synagogue to use for Yom Kippur happened almost by accident. Maxa was asking if she knew about a space large enough to host his growing congregation, Ec Chajim, for the holiest day in the Jewish calendar — its own space, which opened four years ago about a 20-minute walk away, could not accommodate the crowds expected for Yom Kippur.

Since the museum had just taken down its exhibition in the Klausen Synagogue after 28 years, she had an answer. The clean, empty space was ready to be refilled with Jewish life.

Visiting the synagogue just before Yom Kippur, Niklová said she was awed to see the building returned to its original purpose. She hopes that it will continue to be used for large services.

“I felt like the synagogue started breathing again,” she told JTA. “I believe it was a good move to take down the old exhibit, and now we can start anew.”

For many in Prague’s Jewish community, which is largely secular, Yom Kippur is the single most important service of the year. Even Jewish families that suppressed religious practices under Communism often passed on the memory of Yom Kippur, said Maxa.

Maxa founded Prague’s Progressive Jewish community in 2019, responding to a growing number of people who sought to explore their Jewish roots. The community currently has 200 members and adds about five more every month.

“Often, I meet people who simply want to learn about the culture, tradition and religion of their grandparents,” said Maxa. “They say, my grandmother and grandfather were Shoah survivors — can I come and learn more about Judaism? We offer a wide range of activities, including of course regular services, but also educational courses to help these people reconnect with the tradition.”

Maxa, who himself grew up in Prague with little connection to his Jewish roots, wants to revive some of the rituals that threaded through Prague’s pre-war Jewish world — including a tradition of organ accompaniment in the city’s synagogues. On Friday, Jewish organist Ralph Selig performed during his service.

Like many of his congregants, Maxa’s family history intertwines with the losses of the last century. His father came from Prague and survived the Holocaust. He does not know if his father visited the Klausen Synagogue, but he knows it was a familiar part of his world.

“It means a lot for me that the tradition was not exterminated, and that this is coming back, even to a place where no services were held since World War II,” he said.

[imtashamonet]

🏷️ [Mod Release] Custom Labels

Create your own stories with Custom Labels - perfect for museums and beyond! 📚✨

Features:

🔠 Fully customizable labels for museum placards

📝 Add titles (up to 125 characters) and descriptions (up to 280 characters)

🏛️ Ideal for museums, galleries, and potential future expansions with other objects!

How it works:

1️⃣ Place the label near your object

2️⃣ Click to customize

3️⃣ Enter your title and description

📍 Where to Find Objects:

In the build/buy menu, you can search "Museum Exhibit Placard" and both options will come up.

📦 Mod Components:

Core file (required for all objects)

Museum Exhibit Placard - Stand (requires Get Together pack)

Museum Exhibit Placard - Wall (requires Get to Work pack)

⚙️ Installation:

Download the mod files

Place .package files in your Mods folder

Ensure custom content is enabled in game options

📋 Requirements:

Base Game + either Get Together or Get to Work (or both!)

Latest game patch recommended

📥DL: Patreon (always free) | SFS

📢Terms of Use

Feel free to:

✔️ Link back to the original download page when sharing

✔️ Translate the mod into other languages. Please provide me with the link to the translation and link the original translation on your translated version

Do not:

❌ Reupload or distribute mods on other sites

❌Place translations on Curseforge

❌Place translations behind any form of paywall (including early access)

[jymwahuwu]

Mini! you set up a booth at the IPC exhibition. You stand on a prepared high chair and sell and promote your products, such as aromatherapy from different planets, hand cream, and special cultural souvenirs. There were fewer customers than other stalls, but still good. You run around pulling long ribbons and wrapping gifts for guests.

The professor named Ratio who works with IPC has been staring in your direction. You have pretended not to care, but the pressure is building up, as if you were back in the classroom… until a customer mocks you. He goes through the items you sell one by one and messes with them. Bewildered, you pressed his thumb to tell him to stop.

Aventurine approaches you and stops the customer's rude behavior, convincing him to purchase some of your merchandise. You breathed a sigh of relief and bowed gratefully to him.

"You're welcome, it's just a small favor. Who's to say you won't have the chance to help me in the future?"

Those luxurious sunglasses reflected his complex and beautiful eyes. You touched his finger shyly, but with a shiver on your back, you slowly turned around. Ratio frowned. Not knowing what he was thinking, he closed the book and left.

[sarahblueskyyyy]

Frames

Romance, MaxBradley, Fluff, Slow Burn, Tension, Post Canon, Future Setting, Happy Ending, Reunion, etc.

Bradley Uppercrust the Third, has always been and always will be someone who’s minding his own business. At least—that’s what he has learned throughout the years, ever since his university life.

“Oh, God—are you seriously saying that? I can’t believe you!”

He lets out a yawn. His head is filled with what he should eat when he finally gets home. A takeaway from that one Chinese diner might be nice—or he could just bring home something. The owner of this restaurant is kind enough to share any remaining food with his employees anyway.

“Bradley, you seein’ this?” One of the waiters nudges him with his elbow. He cocks his head towards the center of the freshly-made exhibition. “That guy is gonna get dumped. It’s a painful sight.”

Bradley rolls his eyes. “Really, as if there isn’t anything worth watching.”

“At this moment? No, not exactly.”

A kitchen staff member rings a bell—an implicit order for a server to fetch the cooked meal to its customer. Bradley picks a tray, puts that plate onto it, and his blue eyes scrutinize the number of the table that is attached to a bill besides the plate.

How lucky. It’s the table with that couple that has been on each other's throats for the last 10 minutes. Well, to be more specific, the lady dog is the one who’s berating him, and the poor guy is just accepting it in silence.

Eh. Maybe he deserves it.

Bradley shrugs and brings that tray towards the table, unwavering. It’s not really his problem, but perhaps he should meddle, for other customers have been whispering and trading looks. Certainly concerning to the restaurant’s reputation. And, who knows, he might get some appreciation from his boss if he could break lovers’ quarrels.

However, when he arrives at the table—even before he could part his lips to say a word—the lady dog stands abruptly. Without him realizing it, her fingers wrap around that glass of whiskey, and her arm swings in a forward motion, transferring all the liquid inside to drench the other person on that table.

The other man is still looking down. His hair, pitch black like a pair of a raven’s wings, is damp and shiny under the light. Droplets form rivulets on that head before they fall free from the pointy end of his hair.

Bradley sure hopes it was the climax of her wrath, and perhaps God answers his hidden thought because, in the next second, that lady dog storms away until she is no longer inside the building.

Alright. At least one problem has ceased for now. Bradley sighs. His job still requires him not to be a dick, so he calls out delicately to the poor guy, offering his condolences and help.

“I’m sorry for what has happened. May I offer you our hospitality, and get you some dry towels—”

When the other guy lifts his face, this time Bradley manages to have a good look. He can’t prevent the smirk that creeps into his cheeks, carving an absolutely snarky expression.

“Ha!” His scoff surprises almost everyone in that room. “Long time no see, freshman.”

Maximilian Goof groans, and the frown on his forehead is apparent. “I miss you too.”

It looks like both of them developed a sense of humor over the years.

.

“Don’t you have work to do?”

As sharp as it might sound, the sentence lost its bite completely. Max receives the towel Bradley gives him and places the fluffy fabric on top of his head. His ears sag on the sides of his face like usual, but this time they look even more slumpy because of the whiskey.

“My boss pities you.” It sounds like a plain mockery, but no—Max notices it’s just how Bradley talks. How has he always been. “Besides, my shift is gonna be over soon. So, dry yourself up, be a doll, and go home.”

Max doesn’t answer that. Instead, he rubs his own hair with a tad too much force, finding the rocky pavement more interesting to pay attention to.

Bradley breaks the uncomfortable stillness with a question, “So—what went wrong? I didn’t take you to be the cheating type. Or a jerk—oh, wait, you maybe are one.”

“Perhaps take a look into a mirror for once.” Max is pressing the back of his head. Then, after that, the tone of his voice gets gentler a notch. “Nothing, really. I just admitted I’ve lost my feeling for her, and I thought it’s best to break it up now than prolong it into something worse.”

“Lost?” Bradley isn’t sure why he needs a confirmation, but he asks it anyway, “Or never had it in the first place?”

That makes Max snap his neck towards Bradley, his expression almost unidentifiable. But for some reasons—for Bradley, it is quite clear what’s going on inside his mind. Max wears his heart on his sleeve; it is easy to see and even easier to break. Max looks hurt and betrayed—like a child who’s caught red-handed doing something he shouldn’t do, and now he can’t lie through his teeth about it.

Aha. Bradley shakes his head and smiles. "You've got to train your poker face more.”

“That’s not funny, Brad.”

“It's Bradley, and I wasn’t trying to be a jester.” Bradley thinks for a few seconds before he proceeds with his words, “Big chances are that lady knew you were lying to her. She probably figured out you never really loved her, and yet, like a fool, you keep being kind to her until you realize it’s futile. You let her make you the bad guy.”

Max’s lips grow apart. His eyes are fixated on the figure in front of him, incredulously.

“What? Bull’s eye?”

“How do you know that?”

“What don't I know?” Bradley mentally takes note of how—maybe some things aren’t meant to change. Case in point: Max Goof’s naivete. A wave of innocence blankets his personality and protects him from the world’s vile truths, and they against his optimism. A combo match made in heaven. “Anyway, are you done? I need to get ready to go home; it’s getting chilly.”

Bradley is greeted by faint cricket sounds and the night wind.

Max takes a deep breath and empties his lungs before he answers, “I share an apartment with her. I can’t exactly waltz into my home right now.”

“Are you serious?”—that’s what Bradley was going to ask. That, and probably followed by, “How is that my problem? I ain’t your babysitters; figure things out yourselves, hon.”

Unfortunately for him, as he matures in age, empathy seeps inside him now more than ever, and the intensity magnifies compared to when he was still an adolescent. And also, all the hardship he encounters perhaps contributes to the sentiment.

Bradley knows he’s going to regret this, but the last thing he wants is to find the possibility of tomorrow’s newspaper filled with information about a missing dog or a dead one. Exaggerating it might sound.

“Do you want to stay at my place?”

.

.

.

Bradley isn’t kind, compassionate, or polite enough to sputter out the courtesy, “Make yourself at home.” He doesn’t need to, anyway, because the younger Goof marches inside the apartment with such confidence.

“Sit.” Bradley’s forefinger is aimed at his couch. “I’ll give you my unused shirt and towel.” Before he himself goes into the bedroom, the corners of his eyes catch Max's unusual excitement towards the living space. Bradley alarms him with an order—which he’s quite sure will be disregarded completely. “Don’t look, don’t touch, nothin’.”

Max gives him a half-hearted thumbs up. He can hear Bradley’s grumble as he walks inside his room. Then, the black-haired canine, as expected, starts looking around the place. Order and rules are meant to be broken—or however the saying goes.

If there is one thing he realizes once he steps foot inside the house, it’s how inhumanely tidy this place is. Small paintings are framed and nailed to the wall with such precision that they rival the strictness of Britain’s royal regulations. Mugs, accessory bowls, and ornaments are placed in their own designated area. There is no dirty laundry or random briefs on the corners of the room, which, by Max’s standard, is preposterous. Who doesn’t throw their shirt somewhere on the floor once in a while? There are many times when Max is exhausted and just overwhelmed by his work; his limbs feel like they’re falling out, and he can’t be bothered by doing laundry.

However, his mind’s focus shifts almost instantly when he sees three framed photos on the TV table.

The first frame is a photo of Bradley and his—Gamma Mu Mu. He had his usual arrogant lines on his expression, while the rest of the members were wearing this silly laugh. It looks surprisingly endearing.

The second one is his graduation photo. A formal one where he wore a mortarboard and the college’s distinct cloak. In that picture, he stands tall with his chin up, yet he’s alone. The display alone raises Max’s memory of his own graduation photos—and there are a ton of them. Of course, his father, Goofy, insisted on such an idea to make sure they have something to remind them of home—no matter how far the world may take them. And Max, albeit being surged by the complexity of embarrassment and elation, is forever thankful to his dad. He remembers the series of photos of him, Bobby, and P.J., then some others of him, his dad, and Sylvia.

So why did Bradley take the photo alone?

Before the cogs of his head could turn and arrive at a conclusion, his eyes had already moved to the third frame, and it's empty. There is nothing in it.

Why bother setting up the frame, then?

“Having fun diving your nose into my business, Max?”

“How come the third frame is empty?”

Crass, brash—Bradley didn’t know Max could showcase two insufferable traits in one go. But he’s been proven wrong, hasn’t he?

Bradley’s refusal to answer is prominent. He shoves a set of comfortable clothes into Max’s arms, which readily cradle them. That, and a clean towel. The silky smell of fabric softener is gently spewed out of those cloths, and the electric synapse in Max’s brain works fast to associate the fragrance with Bradley.

“Take a shower, stinky.”

Max offers a genuine smile. “Thanks.”

When he finally steps inside the bathroom, Bradley sighs deeply. Wondering what he’s gotten himself to.

.

Bradley has taken his own bath when he enters his room with a towel hanging on top of his head. His sky-colored eyes look at Max, who’s now leisurely lying down on a mattress he provided before. There is a scrunch between Max’s eyebrows and his fingers typing fast on the thin screen of his phone—Bradley can guess several reasons for such behavior.

The Uppercrust sits down on the edge of his bed. He blinks—once, twice. Perhaps he’s really drained because his eyelids struggle to keep them lifted. And the effect of the warm bath that relaxed his whole body is surely pumping the melatonin even more.

He still observes the young Goof. The way his own shirt fits on his toned body, sharp blade shoulders, and a little too tight on his biceps and the curves of his muscles are obvious behind the cloth. Huh. Brandley wonders if Max has always leaning on the sturdy side, even back in the day.

“Are you sleepy yet?”

Bradley snatches the towel off, then spreads it on the hanger to ensure its dryness the following day.

“Unlike you, I worked all day. So, in a matter of fact—yes, I am. Goodnight.”

“I worked all day, too.”

“And getting dumped by the end of it? God really hates you, Goof.”

Max scoffs and smiles. He puts down his phone, eliminating a source of dim light in that room. “So, tell me. What a rich guy like you doin’ in a restaurant as a server nonetheless?”

“Haven’t you heard?” Bradley flicks off the switch of his table lamp, and instantly, the room is engulfed by the dark. “I got disowned right after the X Games. Cash is an old friend.”

Max can feel his furrow go even deeper. A little more of that, and it’ll dig into his skull. “I thought that was just a—rumor.”

“Why would it be?” Bradley yawns, and as a result, a drop of tears prickles out of his eyes. He rubs it away. The timbre of his voice insinuates that this is no more than a weather talk—it’s concerning for Max personally. “Uppercrust never jokes when it comes to the things that matter the most.” 

“…. I can see that now.” A silence. “Is that why I practically never saw you anymore after the games?”

“More or less.” Bradley speculates how many more questions he needs to answer before the curiosity weans off. But then he realizes it feels good to talk about himself occasionally. And to be fair, it’s been a long time since he did that. “Gotta focus on graduating, then job-seeking. It wasn’t so bad. It took me fast enough to comprehend that the money you gain yourself is far more satisfying than being given.”

“But that’s …,” Max’s words dissipate in the air before it comes back to its track, “… crazy. I mean, why would parents abandon their own child? I know my father wouldn’t.”

“Good for you.” Bradley can’t see Max since he’s lying on his back, but he’s pretty sure that empty head is tilting in confusion. He continues, “People are just different. You of all people should’ve known that.”

“You did almost kill me. And Tank. And the others.”

“…. That I did. If my memory serves me correctly, I have properly apologized."

"You have." Max huffs quietly. His vision scans the strange ceiling, almost alienating since he’s gotten used to his own. “You’ve mellowed.”

Bradley almost lost his drowsiness. “Are you calling me old?”

“Well, I mean—I am 29 this year. That makes you … what, 40?”

“Your perception of others is fucked. I’m 33.”

“Oh. Well. It wasn’t an insult.”

“Sure, it wasn’t.”

Max chuckles. His laugh is light and airy, oozing across the room in a tender way. And at the end of that giggle, there is a unique hiccup—something only the Goofs have. It throws Bradley off for a moment. Is he deranged, or somehow, he does miss that laugh? Something he hasn’t heard since a decade ago.

“It’s good, really,” Max tries to convince him. “I mean, how to put this … you are still—you. But you’ve matured and are not as annoying as before—”

“Maxmillian Goof.”

“—but you know. All grown up. Hey, look! Shitty parents don’t always produce shitty kids. So, there is that.”

“I was a shitty kid.”

“Not anymore. If you were, I wouldn’t have been here.”

Bradley pursed his lips in defeat. He wants to retaliate, but then it’ll look ridiculous. So instead, there is an attempt to change the topic, “How about you? No luck with girls, ever, huh?”

“Oh, c’mon ….” Max scratches his nape. “I just haven’t found the right one, I guess.”

Bradley hums. “The right one. That’s a broad description.”

Max ponders for a few seconds before he verbalizes his thoughts, “Well, someone that you’d get married to. The one that stays in your life for the better or worse. Cliché, I know, but—that’s the goal.”

Bradley forgets that not everyone is as laid-back as he is. People tangle themselves in relationships and a series of interlaced emotions so they can have a friend that’ll walk with them until the end of the line. Truth be told, if he wanted to satisfy his primal, compulsory needs, he'd just rub it out or hire someone.

“What if you never find one?”

Max blinks in his direction. “It can’t be helped, then. My dad probably will be more devastated than I am, but—you can’t force a feeling.”

“Look at you. All grown up, huh?”

Max feels a heat crawl into his face, and he groans. “We should sleep.”

“Thank God, I’ve been saying.”

Reticence comes back with the absence of conversation. Just a mild whirling sound from the air conditioner and an even muted ticking from the clock.

“…. Bradley?”

An exasperated sigh. “What, Max?”

“The third photo frames. Why didn’t you put anything in it?”

Bradley closes his eyes.

“The third is not important. Go to sleep.”

Max goes quiet. It doesn’t take him long to drown in his own unconsciousness, pulled by an immense strength that renders him unable to stay awake.

When tomorrow comes, he knows it’s time to say goodbye.

.

The next morning, Bradley wakes up at 6—just like he always does. Apparently, Max woke up even earlier, seeing that his used mattress had been neatly folded. Bradley notices a small note that was put on top of it, with handwriting that he recognizes as Max’s.

Thank you!

M. G. 

That’s what was written.

That’s it, huh? Bradley closes his eyes, reminding himself internally to stay alert, and only after then is he startled by his own thoughts.

That’s it—of course. What am I hoping for?

.

.

.

.

.

“Oh—hey, Maxie.”

Max’s arm freezes in the air, just by the time his fingers are holding a warm cup of latte. His head turns to the side, where he finds a lady dog smiling gently towards him. Max goes agape before his voice resurfaces, “Oh. Hi.”

It’s his ex. The lady dog’s chin perks up in another direction—an invitation to talk. Max’s stomach is filled with a ball of worry as his footstep follows her—and he suddenly remembers that the two of them never really had a chance to talk it out.

That morning, after the one-sided fight and an awful breakup, Max found his apartment already cleared of her stuff. There is no remnant of it except what’s left in memory. If Max didn’t know better, he’d have doubted her existence.

However—he was sure she was real because the feeling was there, no matter how minuscule it was. There were comforting moments between them, a shared fleeting happiness. So, it was real.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t say anything.” The lady dog speaks in a serene demeanor. A contradiction of what she was displaying that night. But Max knows this is how she usually is. “I was just … too distracted, and my emotions got ahead of me, and I selfishly pulled myself away.”

“No—,” Max quickly interrupts her. He parts his lips, trying to say something, and his guilt is weaved along with his explanation, “I’m the one who should’ve been apologized. You’re right; I don’t deserve you, and I shouldn’t stay longer than I did. I hurt you. I’m sorry.”

The lady smiles. No faux geniality, and her heart swells. “You are kind, Maxie. You’ve always been. I took advantage of that. I knew you never loved me, yet I still try to convince you that you do—because I was craving the affection. It was foolish of me, because then I realized that the compassion you had, the kindness you served me with—were never mine in the first place.”

Max’s head slants to one side, and his loopy ears follow the gravitation and sway softly. It is expectedly adorable, and the lady is confident there are other people who’d think the same.

“I don’t know, Max,” she says once again with firm authority, but she doesn’t lose the tenderness. “You love someone, that’s certain. If you’re confused by it, I suggest you better start finding out, for you don’t want something similar like this to happen again.”

Those words root and glide into the slopes of his heart. The lady bids farewell and walks away, and still, Max doesn’t move from where his feet are nestled. Eventually, he drags his limbs outside the café. He isn’t sure where his legs are bringing him forward, but there is an indescribable relief when he stumbles upon someone he knows on the bench near the central town.

A smile instinctively sculpts itself on Max’s face.

“Bradley.”

Bradley grimaces at the sudden sound. Not for long, because he finds a familiarity in that intonation.

“Is this town getting shrunk or what?”

“What are the chances, am I right?” Max sits beside his former upper-class man, ignoring the look of disapproval that is shot towards him. A beat of silence. “I met my ex just now.”

“Congratulation!” Bradley bites back quickly. He takes a furtive glimpse at the Goof and notices how fidgety the man is. “There wasn’t any incident involving liquid, I assume, since the content inside that cup is still whole?”

Max shrugs. “No, there wasn’t.” He looks at Bradly, who mutters a low hum. “What are you doing here, anyway? No work? How about that restaurant?”

“Easy, Max.” He shakes his head. “I’m just taking a walk. Besides, that wasn’t my fixed job. It was part-time until I landed on a permanent one, and I have, so I quit.”

“Oh … good for you.”

“Yep.”

“So, what are you going to do? I mean—what’s your job now?”

“Just simple supervising in a garment factory. The idea is, I’ll get promoted to manager after 2 years.”

“That’s cool. I can’t imagine doing corporate work, though. Being a sports coach feels right for me. A lot of movements and all.”

“Well, each to their own, I guess.”

Max nods, almost in slow motion. His dark eyes stray to glance at something else, but it’s ineffective since his thoughts are reverberating, pleading to get unraveled verbally.

“I’m not good at this. Can I just say whatever's on my mind?”

Bradley exhales in a dramatic manner. “Finally, yes—stop beating around the bush.”

Max’s grin widens from ear to ear. He takes out his phone, and with a somehow crafty look, he tells Bradley, “Look here.”

Bradley automatically slants towards Max, just for him to be met with Max’s phone camera, and the younger guy wastes no time to hit the red button in the middle.

“Hey! What gives?”

“You said the third frame is not important, right?” Max is filled with glee that Bradley doesn’t understand. Max’s goofy teeth peek up from the lips, and there are lines near his eyes, an undeniable proof that the flow of time waits for no one, yet it feels like the same smile he wore when they first met. “Then I claim its spot, and it’s up to me to fill it with whatever.”

“Excuse me? What even are you yappin’ about?”

“Oh! Or maybe you want to settle this on the skateboards, like old times? I don’t mind—it’s our style after all.”

The look on Bradley’s face is one of disbelief. His jaw falls, almost comically. He suspects Max is toying with him. His thoughts dart around, bouncing inside the space in his skull, and he tries to make sense of the situation. However, he sees the grin on Max’s lips and how the evening sun outlines his unruly hair, and he caves in.

“What? You scared?”

“Okay, whatever, Max.” And he'll be a hypocrite if he says he doesn't feel the same thrill. “What do I get if I win?”

“Me vanish from your life forever.”

Bradley raises both of his eyebrows. How fuckin' arrogant and confident! “You’re so full of yourself, you know that?”

“I’d win. So don’t fret about it.”

Max stretches his arm out for Bradley to reach.

And when Bradley does reach for it, his inner voice tells him that it’s probably a bad idea.

But he has nothing to lose, doesn’t he?

.

.

.

EPILOG

“Have you ever expected this?”

P. J. squints at Bobby through the sides of his eyes. He doesn’t need to ask for an answer, because he too knows full well that it was a rhetorical question. He turns his head back to the view in front of him: Max and Bradley are exchanging words with Goofy and Sylvia.

“No,” P. J. says anyway. “Have you?”

Bobby examines the house with his sight. There are photo frames all over it, neatly planted in their own spaces. This is Max’s style and personality talking. However, the precision of every placed object is undoubtedly Bradley’s.

“I know Max swings both ways. I never thought it’d be Bradley at the end of the day.”

“Is that so wrong?”

Bobby grins. His teeth present themselves, and P. J is positive; that’s the biggest beam Bobby can muster.

“No,” the buzz-cut man answers. “Not at all.”

P. J. smiles. Yeah. Of course not.

[jooniperbonsai]

Thanks for the Sub (ksj) | Chapter Six

Pairing: Camboy!Seokjin x Gamer!Reader (afab)

Rating: 18+

Word Count: 9k 13.5k (SORRYYYYY)

Release date: October 2, 2024

Genre: Smut, fluff, angst, camboy au, gamer au, comedy, crack, slow burn, coworkers/boss/friends to lovers, an exploration of adults in their late 20s/early 30s

Summary: The intensity between you and Seokjin is building, but there's still some shadows of the past that just won't let you go.

Chapter Warnings: angst, negative/derogatory comments toward sex workers, god so much tenderness I really leaned in with the fluff here huh, more panic attacks, relationship insecurity/fears of inadequacy, dirty talking, praise kink, fingering, handjob, sex toys, little bit of exhibition and voyeurism implied, references to masturbation, references to bdsm, slight bratting, y/n teared up a bit again sorry, 1 slap to the thigh, slight body image issues/allusions to fatphobia, dry humping, god Seokjin is such a simp my god he is so in love what a moron to not realize it, body positivity and normalization of bodies, the honeymoon early relationship period of them constantly wanting to fuck phase is upon us, blowjob, slight implied cum kink? Idk they kinda fixate on it sometimes, lying,

a/n: We are so back! Enjoy the newest chapter. I really needed the break this summer. I was so busy with my job and life happening I barely could do anything except go to work, sleep, stare into the abyss. But things have slowed down a bit so the ideas can really keep flowing. Thanks for your patience in all this. I hope you enjoy! -h

“I feel like there’s something you’re not telling me,” the woman said, rolling a pen between her fingers as she sat on the counter of the kitchen with a clipboard in her lap. 

Seokjin chewed his bottom lip anxiously. There was a late shipment and somehow no one else had shown up in time to receive it. He couldn’t be discussing this now, not when he knew there would be customers arriving any minute while heaps of prep work and inventory needed to be done. 

“There’s nothing I’m not telling you,” he said, reaching behind her for the crate of pears he needed to place in the fridge. 

“Mhm,” the woman hummed. Her head was dipped. Seokjin thought she was you, but something had to be off. “So you’re just going to fuck me like I’m some viewer and then get back to work, is it?” 

He froze in place. “What do you mean?” 

“You know exactly what I mean,” she said, sighing and hopping off the counter. She pushed off with such force the precariously stacked jars and cans all crashed to the floor. “Whoops,” she said, giggling. 

Seokjin’s heart rate picked up, and as he moved to question her further, he heard his cell phone ringing. But in the mess of the kitchen, he couldn’t find it. 

“I can’t talk about this right now,” he said, fishing through the piles of unpackaged chives, which appeared to be doubling in quantity the more he dug. 

Somewhere in the background he heard the front door open. 

“How…did you unlock the front door already?” 

The face came into focus, and as he thought, it was you standing there. You raised an eyebrow. “Um, no?” 

He couldn’t believe this was happening. Why now you were taking on some careless personality that was unlike you? This was something he’d expect from your coworkers but not you. You cared about this place too much. 

“Well there are two people here right now, and I wasn’t the one who left the door unlocked. Can you at least tell them we’re not open?” God, where was his phone? Where was anyone?

“But they’re not here for food,” you said softly, and Seokjin puffed a chest of air, trying to get himself to calm down. 

“Then, what the fuck are they here for?” 

“The show, obviously.” He whipped his head in your direction. You were holding his phone up, smiling wickedly. 

“I don’t know what show you mean!” he practically shouted. “Did you have my phone this entire time and were fucking with me?” 

You laughed, sounding bitter and distant, less like you and more like someone else he knew. 

“You are the one who seems to like to do the fucking with, well everything and everyone else,” you spit. 

“What does that even mea-”

You cut him off, holding your finger to your cupid’s bow and answering his still-ringing phone. 

“Oh, Mrs. Kim, hello. Yes, Seokjin is here, he’s just busy with something. Oh you’re back so soon? Then you’ll have to stop by today. It’s going to be an interesting show.” 

You hung up then tossed his phone aside. Seokjin couldn’t move. Couldn’t get over the rapidly growing pile of chives that were threatening to drown him in their smell. Couldn’t get to his phone quick enough or ask you why you were behaving so cruelly. So cryptically. 

Some of the chives toppled over his head and he lost his balance, following the wave to wherever it would take him next. As he reached up to the surface, he felt himself be jolted outward and he smacked right at the bottom of a pair of shoes. 

“Pathetic,” the owner said, and as he rolled over, Seokjin could see that you were sitting on the counter across the room, where he just had been, looking more like yourself, more worried about him. You didn’t speak however, just watched as he crawled to his knees and pushed up. Seokjin stood, and then realized the owner of the shoes was Soon Yi, who was staring back at him with pure malice. 

“You really couldn’t get your shit together without me, huh? Couldn’t just get a job like everyone else? You ended up being a pornstar and running your parents’ shitty little restaurant?” 

Seokjin’s mouth felt like it was filled with pennies. As he opened to speak, to defend himself, he realized he couldn’t. His mouth was duct taped, and the outfit Soon Yi was wearing was…it was kinky. She had a bra on but it wasn’t really doing much, only went to the curve under the swell of her breasts, and tape x’s covered her nipples. He could see from her exposed abdomen that was also pregnant again, her stomach heavy and taught. She wore some kind of thong, but Seokjin didn’t really want to see how big or small that thing was. Nor was his body reacting to her and the dominatrix type of persona she had undertaken. Was this how she was with her husband, Seokjin’s former boss? Why was she even here?

“It looks like I’ll be taking care of you after all,” she said, and a riding crop that Seokjin swore was never there before was in her hands. “Now be a good dog and sit.” 

His eyes shot to you, and he saw how betrayed you look as he, despite all the restraint he had, fell to his knees for his ex. 

“Good. Now, are you coming or not? There’s so many people waiting for you.”

He tried to shake his head as he kept his focus on you. Wanting to tell you that this wasn’t at all what it looked like, that he had been trying to fight against Soon Yi. 

But he didn’t have control over his body; he couldn't speak. So he left you in the back room, crawling like a dog into the main part of the restaurant which now looked like…his home office? 

At least part of it. The desk chair he sat in often to stream at was in the center of the room and crowds of strangers were there. Seokjin also noticed that he was naked. 

He followed Soon Yi, and scanned the crowd again, this time seeing to his horror his parents had arrived, their shock and disappointment rocking him with so much shame he felt tears spring to his eyes. 

How was everything falling apart? 

Next to his parents, you sat, too. And you were crying, though no one paid you any mind as you shook your head at him as Soon Yi propped him into the chair and turned him toward the crowd. 

“Here he is, ladies and gentleman. Tonight, Jin will be doing a very special performance for you.” She turned around and like magic, she went from holding nothing to Seokjin’s too familiar sparkly pink dildo in her hands. 

His eyes widened. No, he was going to do that here? In front of his family? In front of you? He shook his head again, this time at Soon Yi, who laughed. 

“What? I’m just doing you a favor. Just letting everyone see who you really are.” 

He was hard now, despite himself. Soon Yi laughed again. 

“I guess someone should take care of that for you,” she said, and Seokjin felt her reach down and squeeze his length. He hated that her doing that made him moan. It was churning his stomach to even think of. 

“I’m not going to fuck you,” she said, and he breathed a sigh of relief. Thank god. 

“Y/N, come here.” Seokjin wasn’t sure how Soon Yi knew you, how she even knew he streamed, but none of that mattered to him as his dick throbbed at the mention of your name. Yes, you were the right person to stimulate him this way. But not like this. 

“I– I don’t want to,” you said.  

“I thought you liked him, Y/N. Don’t you want to ride his dick? He seems to want you to. What? Are you too vanilla or something?” 

You squirmed under Soon Yi’s insult, the eyes of the room flashing toward you. Seokjin moved to shove himself forward but then saw that Soon Yi had taped his wrists to the chair when he wasn’t looking. 

Goddamn it. How had she done that? 

You shake your head again, tears falling from your eyes. He wanted to go to you. To remind you that you didn’t want to do anything you didn’t want to. That you could leave at any time. But you didn’t. And he couldn’t. 

“That’s not why,” you insisted. 

Soon Yi smiled. “Tell me,” she practically purred. 

“It’s because he’s…well…” 

“What?” Soon Yi said. “He’s a gay porn star?”

You nodded, your eyes falling to the floor. 

Seokjin’s heart sank. 

“You didn’t even have the decency to tell her, huh? God, you really are such a selfish asshole. Now Y/N knows the truth. And she’s never going to love you. Look at yourself. You made your choice a long time ago. Now, now you have to live with the consequences.”

Seokjin gasped as he pulled himself from his nightmare. Part of him knew he was dreaming. But that wasn’t enough to wake him up. As he sat up and steadied his heartbeat, he took in his surroundings. A beat-up old dresser was across from him, littered with picture frames and knick-knacks that didn’t belong to him. 

Because he was still at your place. It was probably after noon, though he still didn’t have a phone and you didn’t have a clock in this room. 

As he glanced around, he noticed you were still asleep next to him, your hair fanned out across the pillow, arms resting above your head, and the shirt you put on early this morning as you ventured into the city lights to get ramyeon from the convenience store down the block was now bunched up over your breasts, exposing your nipples to Seokjin.

He felt his cock stir, despite the confusing and awful nightmare he’d had. 

With all his recent stress and lack of sleep, he shouldn’t have been surprised everything would all coalesce into one giant messy dream. He was surprised that Soon Yi was there, though. He really rarely thought of her these days, though it seemed his subconscious wanted to send her as a messenger of shame. 

The feeling stewed in his stomach, dousing him in a cool sweat as he processed the dream alongside last night. 

Was he too needy and desperate? Did he rush things too soon? What if you found out that he did stream? Would that make you feel like he was choosing that over you? Or that it exposed you too much, especially when you’d just shyly admitted the night before that you hadn’t ventured into kink but was interested? 

Was streaming cheating? That was something that he couldn’t wrap his mind around. He’d never considered that you might find that to be something as such. How would he make you understand that this wasn’t the same thing, that what he wanted to build with you wouldn’t be exposed online, wouldn’t be cheating because what he felt for you wasn’t what he said he felt toward his viewers. 

But how would you know that? 

Anxiety began to flare up, and he found himself trying to solve this puzzle in various segments, trying to understand and imagine every possible outcome. Either he told you and you were okay with it, or you weren’t. And if he did tell you and you weren’t okay, he didn’t know if you would be willing to give him enough time to explain himself or make you understand.

But if you found out on your own, or through someone else, he knew that would be the end of things before they even began. But what if he told you and you assumed he was just some shitty guy who used sex as a way to make money and power? 

He didn’t even know how he would feel if the roles were reversed. Or rather, he did. Because Seokjin knew that if you were streaming yourself on the internet, a part of him would be insanely jealous. He already felt a twinge of it just from the times he read your chats. But you naked was something else. And while he knew he would respect your decision to do so, he would never feel like he could be fully close to you. 

Just like Soon Yi said in his dream. 

Fuck, he needed to figure this out. 

“What are you thinking about?” Your soft voice broke through his reverie, and he remembered again that you were in front of him, alive, and real. 

And naked. 

He looked down. You had pulled the covers up over your breasts, to his disappointment. Your brow was furrowed, your left pointer finger softly skimming over his side. 

“Oh, a nightmare I had. And other things,” he relaxed back into the bed, rolling over onto his side facing you, using his hand to prop up his head. 

“Do you want to talk about it?” Your eyes were sparkling, your voice so gentle it felt like water washing over the scalding parts of his brain, soothing him. 

“No, it’s okay. It was just a dream.” He looked back at you, noticing that your concerned expression didn’t fade. 

He sighed. “I guess I’m feeling a little…overwhelmed from everything.” 

You froze. “Oh.”

He could see your expression changing, the walls he had finally broken through starting to slide back into place, and he realized how awful what he’d just said probably sounded. 

“Not about you, it’s my own shit I swear I–”

“Are you having regrets about last night?” Your voice sounded broken. You crossed your arms over your chest.

“No, no, jagi, not at all. I mean that I felt like…I don’t know. So much happening with work and stress of family stuff and it’s all starting to really get to me. And then there’s you…and you’re like this light among all the bullshit but god. I was a lot really fast with you. I said a lot of things that were maybe too soon, and I also didn’t really talk to you fully about the emotional side of how I feel for you. My body, uh, I feel like that part took over before I could express that to you.” 

He knew he had to at least address this part, and had to absolve that part of him, his dream where sex and power seemed to really want to play their hand over him. Something he never wanted to happen to you. 

“I know that you care about me,” you assured him. “And I know that yes, we kind of immediately dove into some different roles, sharing really personal fantasies. But I don’t think that’s bad, do you?”

Your voice strained a bit at the end, and Seokjin realized that you were also just as anxious that something happened beyond what either of you communicated to each other in the moments after. 

He shook his head. “No, I don’t think that’s bad. But I want you to know that this isn't’ just sex for me. That I’m not going to just walk away or use you to get off. And I-I don’t want you to think that I’m using you.” 

You sighed, sitting up. You pulled his hand into your lap. “I don’t think you used me for sex, Seokjin. I’m not embarrassed by it or feel like you disrespected me. I feel more flattered. I guess that you played up those dynamics more with me because you knew they made me feel good. You know they made me feel good, right? I didn’t, like, not express how good it felt did I?” 

He smiled. “No, no I knew. And you’re right. I guess I felt like I could have been more smooth, amped this up more. I know you felt like we did things out of order because of the fact that we had sex before going on a date, but I feel like I made things out of order by being less romantic and more…”

“Perverted?” you finished, a smirk flying to your lips as you processed Seokjn’s bashful look, his cheeks turning red. 

“Yeah, I guess that’s the word for it,” he smiled back despite himself. Relief set in as he realized you were okay with it. Okay with the pace being set. He wasn’t taking advantage of you. And you knew that. 

You snorted. “I may have slipped some of my dirtiness out yesterday, and maybe you beat me to it faster, but I think you’ll learn soon I’m way more perverted than you.” 

His eyebrows rose. “Oh?”

You laughed. “Yes. I read!” 

“Oh, that’s right. Most of the books on your shelf are quite suggestive, aren’t they?” He began to drag his hand along your covered thigh, then hesitated. He didn’t want to just move toward sex. Why was it so hard for him to keep himself under control?

“Do you want to talk about it?” you asked, throwing Seokjin off. 

“Huh?” 

“Your nightmare you had. You were saying no a lot in your sleep. I figured that’s why you’ve been a bit off this morning. You didn’t sleep very peacefully.” 

He was off? How?

“I’m not…I wasn’t…” No excuse came. 

“We don’t have to talk about it,” you said softly. But Seokjin knew. He could feel the silence wedging between you. The distance started to leave a bitter taste in his mouth over what happened last night. 

“Soon Yi was in it,” he said uneasily, not knowing where to start.  

You sat quietly, though he saw you tense at the name. 

“She was telling me lots of stuff. I was failing with the restaurant, and I was failing with you. And she wanted me to make sure I knew it.” 

You pursed your lips for a moment and nodded, then wiggled back under the covers, scooting your head across the pillow to lie just under Seokjin’s bent elbow. He watched you closely, trying to detect what kind of reaction you were giving from this. 

“Can I ask you something?” you asked after a moment. 

He hummed, flicking his gaze down to you. He felt one of your legs curl across his as you pulled yourself closer. Your breasts dragged against his stomach. His free hand found itself in your hair, stroking it away from your face at your temple. 

“When you…when you dream of her, do you miss her?” 

His gut twinged, something in him stirring at that question. He’d often asked himself the same one over the years, trying to figure out what the feeling really was. But this time, as Seokjin craned his neck down to see you worry your lip between your teeth, he finally had the words. 

As he leaned down to peck a kiss onto your forehead, he sighed. “No, I don’t anymore. I think sometimes I feel maybe nostalgic for a time where I was known the way she knew me, but I don’t miss her. If I did, I don’t think I would have been so attracted to you, so drawn to you that my thoughts are clouded with you every day.” 

“Okay. It’s not that I wanted to assume it. I just didn’t know. I don’t know how serious this breakup was. I mean, I guess I assumed it had to be serious because she was your fiancé but…” Your hand found a way out of the covers and up to his cheek, gently rolling your thumb against the stubble of his jaw. A soft smile bloomed across your face. “When you talked about her before, you almost did like there was no emotion behind it.” 

“What do you mean? Like I didn’t care about her?”

“Not really like that,” you said. “More like you didn’t want me to know you cared about her. Like it was a story to move on from and not something you actually lived.” 

His heart wrenched at the call-out, and Seokjin began to feel his cheeks burn. “I-I’m sorry.” 

Your eyes widened and you shook your head vigorously. “No, no, don’t apologize for that. Seokjin. I’m weirdly relieved to see that you do feel things about her. I don’t expect you to not feel anything.” 

“I just…I care about you. And in my dream, you listened to what she said about me and it changed your mind.” 

“Well, what did she say? What is it that would change my mind about you? Because I don’t think it probably is as bad as you seem to believe.” 

His throat welled. This was the moment. He could tell you. He could be honest and would know you wouldn’t walk away. Or that if you did, it would be before he got too attached to you. Seokjin could live with the results of you deciding his lifestyle was too much. He could seal away his feelings, and once his parents returned in a month or so, he could move on with his life and find a new job where you wouldn’t haunt every thought he had.

He swallowed, mouth dry as his heart began hammering against his chest.

“Sh-she said that you would never love me. That no one ever would.” His breathing was slightly ragged, voice shaking a bit. He felt like he’d drunk too much caffeine on an empty stomach, the dizzying haze of fear rooting itself in his core. 

To think it was one thing. To say the fear out loud, in the quiet of the early afternoon light, was another. 

Your hand stilled on his face, and you turned his head so his gaze met yours. Seokjin couldn’t help it as he felt you pull closer to him. He felt the tears spring up into his eyes.

“Do you believe that? That you’re so unlovable?” 

Did he? He didn’t know. Perhaps it was less that Seokjin believed he was unlovable and more that he didn’t deserve your love. Especially with how gentle and pure and good you were. How tainted he was. 

He didn’t answer, but that was enough of one for you. Enough for you to pull yourself up, the covers falling away from your body, your breasts swaying as you hoisted yourself on top of him, straddling his stomach with your naked thighs. 

You moved his hands to your hips, bowing your head so it hovered just above his. Your warm voice found his ear as you leaned closer. 

“I’ll tell you a little secret,” you whispered. Chills formed across his body as your breath tickled his neck. “You’re just as lovable as everybody else, Seokjin. No matter what you’ve been told. By anyone.” He felt your lips brush against his neck. 

His breath heaved once, and then he felt a few beads rolling down his cheeks as you pecked small kisses onto him.

“I’ve wanted you for a long time.” 

How? How could this be real? Any of this be real? Was he drifting through a different kind of dream now? In his life, Seokjin couldn’t imagine being told this so honestly. And furthermore, the lump in his throat was still there because while he was hearing you admit you felt something for him, wouldn’t that change the second he informed you of the other half of the dream? 

The reasoning behind no one ever loving him?

“I’m so scared, Seokjin.” Your shaking voice pulled him from his thoughts, and his eyes flashed to yours as you pulled away. 

He wasn’t the only one with tears in his eyes. You, too, had some brimming your eyelashes, the shine of wetness almost ethereal. 

“I’m absolutely fucking terrified.” He could see the sincerity; the anxiety and fear stirred beneath the intensity of your stare. He imagined his eyes were reflecting the same thing. “And you want to know why?” 

He did. He nodded.

“Because I’m worried I will fuck this up somehow. Or that the past will repeat itself. That you’ll disappear one day and it’ll be like I dreamt all this. I don’t know if I can take it if I wake up and find you gone without a trace, as if I never existed to you. It’s happened before.” Your voice shook as a few tears fell down your face. 

Seokjin’s eyes widened. “What?”

Your eyes flicked away from him and you laughed lightly as you wiped the tears from your face. “God, I don’t even know why I’m crying. This is so stupid.” 

“No, no back up. What happened?” He wasn’t going to let you change the subject. Not about this. Not when you two were being honest and communicating clearly. Not when despite being inside of you last night, he had never felt so close to you as he did in this moment. 

“You’re not the only one with a past. You know that, right?”

A flood of embarrassment washed over him, souring his stomach. Because truthfully, he hadn’t really considered how much of your past had led you to being there on top of him. 

“Y/N, I–”

“No, no, I don’t mean it that way. I meant it more that you aren’t the only one who is scared because of the past. I wasn’t engaged before. I thought I would be, though, at one point. But looking back, I don’t think Do Woon and I even knew each other, and I was more thinking about the idea of getting married as something I had to do more than I wanted to. Not to say I don’t want to get married but–”. You cut yourself off, your words sharp and quick as if a rain of thoughts had all come down at once. 

Seokjin took a deep breath, steadying himself under you as he asked. “Do you…do you want to start from the beginning?” 

You chuckled, lacing your fingers into his. “I wanted to say that I have been with someone. And it was getting serious, or it was for me. And then one day, poof, he just ghosted me. Blocked my number when he was supposed to come to my dad’s birthday party. It was a whole mess.” 

Seokjin stroked his thumb over the back of your hand. “It sounds like a mess. And that guy was an absolute asshole.” He tried to ignore the pit of guilt in his stomach as he realized he had also been considering disappearing a few moments ago. Granted, that was under the assumption that you weren’t interested in him, or that if you found out you would change your mind. 

Fuck. Just tell her. 

He didn’t know when he would be able to insert this information. Definitely not as he spoke next. 

“Why don’t you tell me about them. As much or as little as you want to share.” 

And that was all it really took, you being granted permission to unstopper the bottle of your past and some of the outer laying details that Seokjin never could make sense of. You told him about Do Woon, explaining that he, along with some other guy who shall not be named, were your two main relationships you’d had in your adult life, and both of them left some part of you feeling shattered and vulnerable, despite how short those relationships were. Only a few months of your life. Not even enough to establish them officially as your boyfriend, or at least that was something he’d never referred to himself as while dating you. 

At some point you pulled yourself off of Seokjin, settling back into the plush comforter on your bed. And despite his best efforts to not look for a clock to mark what time it was, he found himself scanning your room for one, only to realize whatever time it was really didn’t matter. 

Not when you were being so open after a time of being so closed off. 

“I feel…inexperienced compared to you. Almost like I’m some sixteen year old kid doing this all for the first time.” 

Your apartment was quiet. There were clearly sounds of the old building creaking as neighbors around you occasionally left or arrived with a slam of a door. But all that life outside, Seokjin thought, it resembled something mechanical and impersonal, far from the life he was experiencing with you. 

“You know, it’s funny. You’re saying I have all this experience, but I don’t.” 

“But you do. You’ve taken someone on dates before, probably bought her flowers and birthday presents. You clearly know how to have sex and do it well. You cook for people, you’ve lived this exceptional career, and are known by a ton of people. You just exist so maturely and fully in a way that I don’t feel like I do. In a way that means something officially through a relationship. I feel like I’m watching you like a kid observing a teacher to know how to write the alphabet, and it’s kind of embarrassing.” 

Seokjin watched as you shifted uneasily, pulling your arm across your chest as you became guarded once more, on edge and awaiting his response. 

“None of that even means anything, Y/N. I don’t have experience in all this stuff, not with you. I don’t know what I’m doing, what I could say that might offend you. And I’m not sure what career you’re referring to because I’m just some nepo baby but much lower in class. Hard work didn’t give me this job; being the son of the owners did.

“And as far as existing in a way that is mature, what makes me qualified to be considered as such? I play video games in my apartment by myself, I don’t have complex problems with school and finances and balancing a future career to contend with the way you do. Now, that’s maturity.” 

Seokjin reached forward, tugging you into his embrace. 

Into your ear, he whispered. “You’re right about one thing, though. I do know how to have really good sex.” 

You snorted, your shoulders relaxing as you nuzzled into him. “Yes, I’m aware. I was there.”

“Which means you know that it takes two people at least to have sex. And that means the sex wasn’t just good because of me. But you, too. Like, really, really good.” 

You laughed lightly. “Okay, fine. But I still feel like a beginner.” 

“I do too. And before you argue with me again about this. I’m learning you, just like you’re learning me. What demons we carry, what flaws we have. What hot little kinks lurk in your closet that I cannot wait for you to inform me of. How you like your eggs in the morning, what songs you’ll sing in the shower. Mine is ‘Loner’ by Outsider, by the way.” 

Your laugh built, your body shaking against his. He smiled despite the fact that you couldn’t see him. 

“This is new. We’re new. We are both beginners in the process of hopefully becoming experts in each other.”

You released a puff of air from your chest, angling yourself to look at him. 

“I like that. I want to be an expert in you, I think.” 

He cocked an eyebrow. “You think?”

You rolled your eyes. “Fine, I know. I want to be an expert in you. Period.” 

“Good, because I plan on becoming an expert in you.” 

“Okay then…so first of all, I like scrambled eggs. But not the gummy rubbery crap. Soft scramble, low and slow. With toast and pats of butter.” 

“Low and slow, got it.” Seokjin said. He gazed down at you, your sleep-tangled hair falling cutely into your face as you described your favorite breakfast and how to make it. Ideally with lower heat, the curds of the eggs softly mixed and cooked into the butter to be uniform throughout. He filed the recipe away, but more specifically how you said it, how your lips curved around every word as you enthusiastically rambled on, ranking your favorite to least favorite egg varieties. 

He stroked the hair out of your face with one arm, his other tracing the curves of your bare back. 

“And then, hmm song I’ll sing in the shower.” You drifted off, your breath coming more ragged in your chest as his hand traced the outer lines of your hip and thighs. Seokjin felt you adjust yourself, the heat of your lower body escaping as you opened your thighs wider. 

“It’s a very important answer,” he said casually, his eyes becoming more hooded as he watched your arousal starting to grow, your body attempting to make subtle attempts to cover up what Seokjin knew was already there. 

“Mmm,” you responded weakly. Your own hands were exploring now under the covers, grazing Seokjin’s defined chest and abs, and resting just under the hair that trailed his belly button. Millimeters away from his stiffening cock. 

His left hand found its way away from your head, fingers running down the length of your neck and shoulders, and finally to your plump breasts. 

You gasped out a moan when he plucked a nipple between two of his fingers, a devilish smile splayed across his face when your eyes flew open to look at him. 

“Shit,” you rasped, and Seokjin chuckled, amused by how your building arousal made you all the more sensitive. 

Your hand closed over his cock unexpectedly, eliciting a groan from him as you began firmly stroking him in your hands. 

He took that as a cue, letting his right hand finally push your thighs more apart. He ran his fingers through you, pulling them away and placing them between the two of you. 

His tongue poked out as he tasted you on his fingers, relishing how your mouth fell slightly open as you intently watched his tongue loop over every ridge of his pointer finger. You shifted again. 

“Mmm, you taste good. Have you tasted yourself before?” he asked, and your eyes widened before you did a short, embarrassed nod. 

“So curious.” He lapped at his other finger, spending less time cleaning it. “I think you might like your taste even better now.” 

“How?” Your voice was soft, still enamored by his ministrations.  

Seokjin grinned, leaning forward to tilt your head up to him to kiss you. The kiss was hard, a pull of dominance overtaking him as he forced your mouth open with his, his tongue tangling into yours, giving you a shared taste of your arousal and him. 

You moaned, and as he dipped back down to your hot core with his fingers, you leaned in harder to the kiss, wrapping your arm around his neck to keep him close to you as you sucked his plump bottom lip into your mouth. Your other hand stilled on his cock, holding it but loosening in your grasp as you remained distracted by him. You shuddered into his mouth as he stroked your swollen clit with his thumb, pushing your pelvis up so he could get the right angle. 

“That’s a good girl, Y/N, spread your legs for me so I can fuck you open with my fingers.” 

As he slid one in with ease, then the second, he could feel you clench around him, causing his cock to to throb as he imagined it in place of his fingers. 

You ground into his hand, still chasing his mouth with yours. Your hand brushed up and down his length again before abandoning its mission, instead using your hand to push away from the kiss. You pouted at him as he built a rhythm with his fingers, pulling slowly in and out and occasionally scissoring his fingers open to ensure you were ready for him. 

“So greedy,” he chuckled. 

“I need you,” you whined, and your arm left his neck to the hand thrusting into you. You put your hand over his, commanding it to deliver sharper, heavier thrusts into your drenched pussy. 

“I can see that,” he teased, following your set rhythm for the moment. As he watched you writhe below him, he couldn’t help but look at every curve of you, trying to burn this memory into him forever. 

The room fell quiet, the only sounds being your little moans and the wet sounds of his fingers thrusting in and out of you. He felt your hand take hold of his cock again, and he glanced down to see your small fingers laced around its thickness. 

God, it was perfect. 

“You’re so hard,” you remarked, pumping him to the same speed he was working his fingers. 

His eyebrow cocked. You were teasing him, trading out your nervousness for a sexy, confident self who was only working him up further. More precum dribbled from the head of his cock as you worked him in your fist, pumping up and down roughly, perfectly. 

He didn’t know how you knew he liked harder, rougher handjobs. Or that his heavy sack was so deliciously sensitive that your mouth on it last night almost had him cumming immediately. Either way, he was thoroughly enjoying how you were panting a little as he continued to thrust in and out of you while you tried to focus, your breasts bouncing along with your strokes. 

God, he needed to pace himself or he would cum all over you without warning. The image of that idea alone had his hips buck forward into your grasp and he imagined you painted so sinfully with his white cum dripping down your face, your chest—

Fuck. His balls drew up with the ache of his thrust into your hands, threatening to spill. No. No he didn’t want this to be how it ended. 

In all this, you were on the edge, but he could tell the angle just wasn’t right. 

Seokjin pulled his fingers from you, a pathetically cute “no, please” leaving your lips as you closed your legs around his hand, grinding onto him to try and get yourself off. 

But Seokjin had a better idea. Instead, he pulled away, flipping the comforter off of you. He  searched along the floor until he found what he was looking for. 

Your abandoned vibrator was on top of some dirty laundry. He picked it up, holding it in front of you. 

“It’s dirty,” you said. “I used it last night before–“ 

You froze, looking away from Seokjin and down at a spot on the floor. 

“Before what?” He asked. 

“Before, um…” 

God you were so cute when you were being shy. 

“Were you using this right before I got here?” 

Your eyes widened and you nodded, still avoiding eye contact. 

“What were you masturbating to, princess? I’m sorry I interrupted you. Did you get to cum?” 

You shook your head and then looked back up at Seokjin. “I mean technically yes but not while I was masturbating. You made me cum later.” 

“Oh, baby. Then I owe you an orgasm, then, don’t I? Poor thing had to wait so long to cum. You were probably so worked up and wet and tense.” 

He could see the effect his words had on you, the playful, almost bratty facade melting into a more submissive, soft haze. Your eyes were locked on his, gaze burning hot. 

“I-I was,” you agreed softly. 

Seokjin clicked his tongue. “Tsk, I’ll make it up to you. But first, tell me what got you so worked up.” 

You groaned, your hands flying to your face as you hid behind them. 

“I can’t.” 

“And why is that?” 

“It’s too embarrassing.” 

“Is it? There’s nothing to be ashamed of, Y/N. I don’t care who you were masturbating to, I know that doesn’t mean anything. But it’s healthy. It’s about your relationship to yourself.” 

“You,” you replied quickly. You didn’t remove your hands from your face, muffling the sound. 

“Me?” Seokjin replied, a wide grin spreading to his face. He liked the sound of that. 

“Yes. Don’t let it go to your head.” 

But he couldn’t help himself. Seokjin was delighted, warmth spreading throughout his body as he imagined you on this very bed naked, sighing and moaning and twitching around your toy. It was a perfect view, one he wanted to see in real time so he could memorize it just as it happened. 

“What were you thinking about that had you soaking wet for me when I arrived? What was I doing? Was it your kinky fantasy you told me about?” 

Your hands fell from your face as you smacked his thigh with your hands. “Shut up! You’re letting it go to your head. It’s none of your business what I was fantasizing about and now you’re kink shaming me!” 

Seokjin laughed, carding his hand through his hair. 

“Kink shaming you? Did you not see how turned on I was by the idea of you having a little exhibitionist streak?” 

“Okay, well fine! You tell me what one of your fantasies is so it’s fair.” 

Seokjin smirked. He was used to this kind of talk. He wouldn’t back down from a challenge. 

“Hmm, which one do you want to know more about? The one where I have you tied up like a pretty little present for me, rope threaded around your soft arms and stomach, being held open for me? Or, maybe the one where you’re blindfolded, unable to see anything but feel everything.”

Your lips pop open, eyes flashing with something dark that Seokjin can tell has sent your mind into overdrive. Oh, you like that just as much as him. 

“Is that what you want, princess? For me to make you feel everything while I fuck you blindfolded?” 

You squirm under him, but surprisingly, you shake your head. “Not now. Maybe later. Right now I want to see you. See everything you do to me.” 

“I can definitely do that.” 

Seokjin reached over to your bedside table, cocking his head toward the drawer. “Is this where your toys live?” he asked. 

“Yes, but…”

“But?”

“Just…don’t judge me.” 

“Never,” Seokjin assured, and he opened the drawer. 

You didn’t have many toys, but just from the fact that you had more than one told Seokjin that you were just as curious as he was. 

He sifted through the drawer, moving anal beads, a bullet vibrator, a rabbit vibrator, and a long blue dildo out of the way. He found the case to the purple clitoral vibrator he now knew you used to get yourself off last night and slipped it in. 

Then he saw what he was looking for. Of course you would have one.

Seokjin pulled the c-shaped vibrator out of its case, your eyes widening as you saw it in his palm. 

“Fuck,” you said. “That one is…really intense.” 

“Oh?” he teased, crawling across the bed and over you once more. “How so?”

“Um, I usually cum really fast with that one. Almost too fast. And hard.”

“That sounds like the opposite of a problem to me.”

You laughed, relaxing back into your pillows. “I mean that I kind of struggle with it.” 

“Do you not want me to use this on you?” 

“You can, it’s just that I like the way it feels when you touch me. I can use toys any time. That feeling is the same.”

“Princess, I guarantee that it won’t feel the same. Not when I’m the one holding the remote and deciding what angle and where.”

You shrugged, gesturing down to your parted legs. “Fine, then go for it.” 

“Oh, I will. And don’t you forget that you still owe me an answer to my question. I want to know what I was doing in your little fantasy that got you so worked up you made a mess on one of your toys.”

“God, are you going to fuck me already or am I going to have to do it myse-”

A firm slap landed on your thigh and you cried out. 

“Hey! That hurt!” 

“Yes, it’s supposed to. You’re being a brat. And I don’t appreciate it.”

You rolled your eyes, and for a moment Seokjin thought to delve out another slap to your other thigh. But he was also getting impatient. His cock felt angry and hard as it strained against his stomach. He needed to get his mind off of it. 

So instead he tapped your thighs, this time softer, signaling you to spread further to expose your glistening core. You were still so wet, and as he pushed the toy into you, a squelch rang out into the room as you sucked it right in. 

It might have been the hottest thing Seokjin had ever seen in his life. 

“How’s that feel?” he asked gently, enamored with the sight of you below him. 

“Mmm, good,” you replied, a slight breathiness in your voice. A happy, drunk smile spread across your lips.

He felt himself mirror you, probably some stupid, dopey grin slapped across his own face. But you were like a goddess, your hair splayed onto the pillow under your head, arms bent at the elbow and resting near your face. 

“So beautiful,” he whispered. God, he could look at you like this forever. A tight warmth surged into his chest, and he bent forward to kiss your forehead. “So good for me.”

You didn’t get a chance to protest as the vibrator came to life, dual controls vibrating both the curved shaft that was snuggly wrapped around your pelvic bone and the clitoral attachment. 

You jolted, your back immediately arching as you responded to the sensation. 

“Fuck, Seokjin.” 

“Mm, I believe I’m the one fucking you,” he joked, chuckling to himself. 

“Oh my god shut up it’s not funny oh, fuck–”

Your eyes shut tightly as you clenched around the vibrator, its low buzz sounding louder in the room as Seokjin rested it up against you.

“I thought you wanted to see everything I do to you.” 

Your eyes shot open and looked up at him. “I do, but god this is so intense.” 

“Well, let me provide a solution to that,” Seokjin responded, and then he pulled away, leaving the vibrator to rest inside of you for a minute. He’d gotten this idea only a few minutes ago, but just in his general state of wonder at your apartment, he knew that you had a floor mirror peeking out from the corner of the room. 

You whined as he stood across your room, hips bucking as the wet sounds of the clitoral vibrator created small suction noises that alerted Seokjin of just how wet you were. 

He turned back to you, climbing back atop the bed and sliding his hands underneath your bottom, pulling you up into his arms. 

You gasped, though he wasn’t sure if it was because the toy had hit a particular sensitive spot, or you weren’t expecting him to carry your weight. But none of that mattered right now. Instead, he was transfixed by the way you were watching yourself as you both stood in front of the mirror, Seokjin positioning you with your legs spread and hips angled toward the mirror, propping yourself up by leaning your back against his chest. 

“Here you go princess,” he cooed. “Now you can see everything.” 

You shuddered, as if his words sent a chill down your spine. He grinned, taking one of your hands and guiding it down to the vibrator, nudging it further into you. 

You began to take over, but he tightened his grasp on your hand, shaking his head. 

“Then why–”

“So when you use it alone next time, you’ll have no choice but to think of me, my hands making you tremble, making you drip down your legs.” 

You moaned, low in your throat, closing your eyes as he upped the intensity through the remote. A heavy, wet gasp shuddered through your chest, your other hand that wasn’t positioned on your vibrator finding Seokjin’s hand and squeezing it. 

“Is this angle better? Or is it still too much?” 

“It’s good. It’s really good.”

“Then keep your eyes open, princess,” he ordered. “Look how beautiful you are as you cum.” 

After a moment of hesitation, you obliged, opening your eyes again and staring directly at him in the mirror. 

“Close,” you said, your legs quivering. You leaned into his chest harder for support. 

“I know,” he replied. Seokjin was drunk on the tiny whimpers exiting your mouth, how you wriggled against him during moments of more intense sensation. How could he ever want anything more from the world when he had this moment, the bright afternoon light cascading over your bodies through the window, the sheen of sweat coating your skin looking like diamonds. Your eyes were bright and hungry, chasing your end with the determination that he always admired in you. 

It was the same hunger you had for knowledge, those days at the restaurant when he would pull you out of your textbooks and notetaking because you failed to hear the chime of the door alerting you to the fact that customers had arrived. You would always look at him with a daze, but like you were craving to delve back in, to learn the next part about family structures and psychology of developing minds.  

This time though, that hunger was fixated on your orgasm, on Seokjin, how you untangled your hand from his to reach behind you and grab his cock, pulling it through your legs so you could grind down on it, your hips jutting against him as he slid between your damp thighs and against the toy. You smirked darkly, satisfied that he would play this game with you, and would follow your lead with the rocking of his hips. 

He loved that you were challenging him. He was quickly learning that you desired–no, required– the reminder that you were truly the one in control, even if you were submissive. You were setting the parameters of the boundaries, the cat and mouse games weaving in and out so you could explore how far you wanted to go, where the lines you wouldn’t cross were. 

It was a lot more intuitive than Seokjin would have thought, how he could recognize your hesitation in some moments and provide reassurance through a question, or recognize what situations of you grabbing his hand were a hard stop, and what other times were meaning you were so overcome with pleasure that you needed something to hold onto. 

He was happy to do this, so happy and lucky and bewildered that this was real, that you were real. He needed to steady himself, and so he took your hand in his once more, reveling in the warmth of your softness. 

He pulled the hand to his mouth, kissing it. Your eyes were glassy, a soft smile blooming as you embraced the tender gesture.

You ground down harder, your movements becoming sloppier as you heaved another breath in your chest. 

“Close,” you said again. This time with more urgency. Your brows furrowed, your thighs snapping together, and then your orgasm rocked through you, heavy delicious shakes spiraling out from you, clamping down on the toy and also his cock between your legs, a rush of dampness spilling out from you. . 

“Please, please, please, please,” you begged, still shaking, still in the midst of intensity, though Seokjin didn’t know what you were begging for. His brain was fuzzy as he watched you cresting with pleasure. Did you want him to turn off the toy? As he moved your hands on the vibrator toward the off button you shook again, adding a shake of your head. 

“No, no. More, Jinnie, please more.” He was a bit shocked by the way you were whining so desperately for him, but it encouraged him to move your hands toward the other buttons that turned up the settings. 

With a sharper, higher buzz, he watched in awe as you coasted from one orgasm to the next, thighs shaking so hard your knees were failing, and he had to curl his hand around your waist to ensure you didn’t fall to the ground. 

“Yes,” you sighed, the word repeated over and over and over like a spell. You looked directly at him as you moaned, like you were championing him through this orgasm, your eyes melting into a thicker, warmer gaze as you ground harder against him and the toy. 

“Fuck, Y/N.” He didn’t know what to say. He just watched you have two earth-shattering orgasms on top of him, against him, and you were asking for more. He settled on words that barely touched the surface, but would do for the moment. “You’re incredible.”

As you pushed further toward the edge, you looked at your body, and before you could even begin to think, he was kissing your neck, whispering in between kisses. 

He took your laced hands, trailing your fingers over your thigh. 

“Gorgeous. Look at yourself. So soft and sweet and wet. You can do it, baby, let yourself go.”

And somehow, though he was ready to deliver you a string of other encouragement, you broke, a throaty, clipped yelp carrying across the room as you came. 

“Oh my god, oh my god,” you heaved, your eyes shining wet with tears that leaked out of you. You laughed lightly, euphoric and almost giddy as your legs wobbled. He noticed you began to tilt more toward the floor, and quickly Seokjin threw his arms around you before you fell,  hoisting  you up against him, kissing your temple and cheek. He reached down and turned off the vibrator, your hips still bucking in the after shock. 

“That’s my good girl.”

“Shit.”

You both stood in the quiet, still in front of the mirror. You were panting, eyes locked on him. A smile crept up your face, and Seokjin felt full suddenly, like he was feasting on his adoration for you as it grew by the minute. He was grinning back, his cheeks hurting from how much he’d been doing that all day. 

After a moment, he pulled the vibrator out of you. You winced at the sensitivity, but there were still stars in your eyes as you basked in the afterglow. Your eyes followed the threads of arousal clinging to you and the toy, its silicone shiny and slick as Seokjin took it into his hand and tossed it on the bed. 

He studied you carefully, watching intently to gauge your mood in case you crashed. But you were glowing and sighing happily against him, ready to tug your tangled fingers from his. 

But Seokjin had other ideas. He took your joined hands, drawing small circles on your thighs. 

“But, you’re still hard,” you said in protest. 

He was. Painfully so. He’d gotten so close to cumming when you writhed against him, but it could wait. This couldn’t. 

“Yes, and I’ll still be hard in a few minutes,” he said. “But I’m not done with you, yet. It’s still your turn.” 

“I don’t think I can cum again so soon. I still feel the buzzing of the vibrator in my clit.” 

Seokjin chuckled fondly. “That’s okay, princess. That’s not exactly what I had in mind.”

“Then what-”

He shushed you, continuing the slow circles on your thighs. 

“I saw you starting to judge yourself back there,” he said softly. “Especially when you were about to cum. And I just want to say I see you, I witness you and all that you are. I see you so fully and I only hope one day you will see you how I see you. Your strong thighs that carry you from class to work and home every day.” 

He moved your hands up to your stomach. “Your stomach, which is a stomach. Muscles and organs and skin and, sure, fat. All those things nourishing your body, protecting you like armor. Softness, too.” He kissed your neck again, this time sucking in slightly. Just enough to bloom a hickey. 

He cocked an eyebrow when you moaned, clearly not opposed. 

“Definitely a fan of this part right here. But you know that,” he said, guiding your hands to your plump ass. He grabbed a handful of it, sighing. 

You giggled, the brightness in your eyes lively and playful as you hung on every word he said. 

“Love this part, this sweet, tight little pussy.” He ran a finger through you again, and you hissed when his knuckle brushed your clit. “Still a little too sensitive though. But truly, if I could, I’d live the remainder of my existence with you sitting on my face.” 

“Seokjin!” 

“It’s true!!! Beauty knows beauty. I would be honored if your beautiful pussy smothered my beautiful face.” 

“Oh my god,” you yanked at your hands, but he didn’t budge. 

“Okay, okay. I will stop talking about your tasty little pussy and how much I want to bury my nose in it, drown in it, worship it.” He moved his hands along your sides. “Strong hips, and the dip right here? Absolute masterpiece. The ancient Greeks would have fought each other to determine who got to carve those into marble.” 

You rolled your eyes but let him continue. 

When he arrived at your breasts, he cupped them with both hands, savoring the heaviness of them in his palms. “I have no words for these. Okay maybe a few. One time, you wore a lower cut shirt and just the suggestion of cleavage had me jacking off in the bathroom at work. I could not extinguish the boner that gave me. I was like a horny high school boy again. Honestly, I haven't had that happen since I was probably sixteen.” 

You both laughed, but you recovered as he moved inward, a little further up your chest. 

“There’s so much I love about you, Y/N. You’re compassionate and kind. The way you always go out of the way to help others in need. When you helped Yuna with the crates that fell over last week, spending longer cleaning them up than she did. Or how you are vulnerable with me when I haven’t even really been so with you.” 

You opened your mouth to protest but he squeezed your hand in warning. “Don’t even deny it baby. We both know it. But that’s not the point. Your heart is so pure, so effervescent. You find so much joy in things. I remember you telling me about the snow. How it made you feel the romance of the air. That’s something so beautiful, and I see it in you every day.”

You took a deep breath, and he smiled softly as you looked at your connected hands over your chest. 

“I could go on and on. Your ticklish neck. How your lips pout and your eyes are like moonbeams. How you work so hard to make a difference and find a way to get through it despite it all. How am I so lucky to hold you right now? You’re so real in my arms, but sometimes, I swear I’ve dreamed you.” 

“I’m real,” you said hoarsely. “This is real.” 

You also sounded like you couldn’t believe it, but as Seokjin released your hands, he turned your body toward him, placing his thumb on your bottom lip. 

“Yes. Yes, this is real.” 

Seokjin leaned down, tucking his hand behind your head and kissing you, just to prove that you both hadn’t imagined each other. 

After a long, distracting shower that started as a shower but ended with Seokjin’s cum on your chest, thus being the cause for another shower, you now are both clean, dressed, and hungry. 

“Hey,” Seokjin says, lightly pulling the comb he was using for his hair through the ends of yours. 

“Mmm?” You’re a bit sore and tired, your legs still feeling like noodles after the three orgasms he pulled out of you earlier, plus the intense sex you had last night. 

“Food,” he deadpans. 

“Ugh, can we order something? I don’t want to move.” 

“If we do that you know it’s going to just end up with me fucking you on the couch.” 

You turn around from your spot on the floor, Seokjin’s legs wide as he sits on the couch with you between them. You look at his crotch, noticing that while he’s not hard, his natural bulge still has your mouth watering at the idea of what’s hidden beneath his pants.

Seokjin clears his throat and you look up. He cocks his head. 

“No, I know, you’re right. Plus, we still need to get you a new phone.” 

At the mention of his phone, he tenses, the realization dawning on him. His eyes look down to your phone on the coffee table. “Fuck, I completely forgot. Shit, what time is it? Do we still have time?” 

You tap the screen of your phone, the bright light alerting you to the fact that while you have time, you don’t have much.

“God, I can’t believe I forgot to go do that. I’m sure there’s a thousand texts waiting for me from my mother and what if something happened to the restaurant and–” 

“Relax! It’s okay; let’s go now. There’s a store around the block from here. And then while we’re out maybe we can go get some dinner? I have been wanting to try this Italian place that has these viral garlic knots and oh my god you’re allergic to garlic nevermind.”

The words rush out of you in a puff of air. You begin to feel embarrassed for forgetting such a crucial allergy. 

“It’s not going to kill me,” he says, the warmth of his voice and depth of his brown eyes looking at you sending a shiver down your spine. “Thank you for remembering my allergy, though. Of course we can go get dinner. That sounds perfect.”

He cups your cheek in his hand, and you feel yourself melt into the touch. It’s almost as if he’s glued to you, finding excuses to tuck your hair behind your ear or place a kiss on your neck. Almost like he’s been starved for hundreds of years and now he’s finally getting his fill. 

You can’t say you blame him. Since last night, you too have been using any chance you can get to touch him, to feel his wholeness and realness under your fingertips. 

It’s not that you’re in denial any of this is happening. You know Seokjin is sitting behind you, his plump lips smacking as he takes one last bite of the rice you hurriedly threw into the rice cooker before your shower to satiate some of the ravenous hunger you had.

Little did you know, that your hunger is less for food and more for something else. But you think it’s important to set the tone with a more official date. Besides, successful dinners often mean successful post dinner drinks, post dinner kisses at your door and then in your kitchen and your bed. 

Your mind begins to wander to what happened merely forty five minutes ago in the shower. You had both decided to shower together; the idea of being separated and out of each other’s sight somehow wrenched some type of panic out of you that Seokjin quickly extinguished with a reassuring peck as he led you into the bathroom, turning on the faucet and gesturing for you to get in. 

He’d softened a bit from the very hard and very painful looking erection he’d sported earlier, but his cock had twitched right as you stepped under the water, and before long you found you couldn’t help yourself, bending down until it was level with your face. 

There was a deep satisfaction you got staring up at him as you’d taken him into your mouth, the spray of water from the shower head occasionally hitting over his shoulders to splatter droplets down his perfectly toned abs. He watched you so intently, his gaze scorching hot on your body when he glazed over it. When he came on your chest, you could see that there was still a glint of heat in his eyes, but he didn’t act on it. Instead, he washed himself off of you with your body wash and then wrapped you tightly in a towel. 

Your hand digs into the fabric of your shorts as you shake the memory away. The lingering heat in your core begins to stir anew. God. You have to leave the house. 

You gather up your things and idle in front of the door as Seokjin slowly saunters around, collecting his belongings that have been strewn across the apartment throughout the day, his eyes scanning the room one last time before he places his hand on your waist, dipping down to kiss you again.

“You could have left your stuff here for later, you know.” 

“Ah but if I don’t get it together I won’t ever leave. And after I get my phone and feed you, I know I’ll have work to do. So as much as I love the idea of staying, we both knowI need to leave at some point.” 

You feel a pang of disappointment in your chest but it ends when he wraps his arms around you, sealing you two back together. 

You let him part your lips with his, let his tongue slide into yours. Let him push you firmly against the door and kiss you harder with need, starving and addicted at the same time, like he can’t bring himself to stop. 

When he comes up for air, somehow you find the strength to push him away, his hair mussed from you digging your hands into it without noticing. You flip a few pieces of his hair back into place, smiling at him in response to his huge grin and flushed cheeks.

“We need to go,” you say. He groans. “Seokjin, you said so yourself that you need a new phone.” 

“I know, but I…I don’t know I feel like there’s this little universe we are in right now. It’s like when we walk out that door I’m not sure what’s going to happen. Is that weird?”

It isn’t. It’s the exact feeling you’ve been churning in your brain all morning. You nod and think for a moment before responding. 

“What if we make a promise like we did last winter? When we were on top of the mountain and we decided that for that moment we were one version of ourselves up there before we came back down here?” 

His brow furrowed. “So what would we be like out there? Is this version of us people we are leaving at the door?” Disappointment washed over his face. “But I like this version of us. I don’t want to keep this a secret.”

“That’s not what I meant. I mean, let’s take a minute then and decide who we want to be when we step into the hallway.”

He leans in, still trapping you against the closed door, his forearms resting on the wood above your head. 

“Okay,” he whispers. “I think I know who I want to be.” 

“Tell me.” 

“I want to be your boyfriend. I want to call you my girlfriend, take you out to eat. I want to buy you flowers on your happiest and saddest of days.” He studies your face, which you assume is surprised because his eyes flash wide and ears turn bright red. “I’m sorry, that’s inappropriate. We don’t have to label it.”

Your stomach tenses as he does, his body locked in place like a scared deer. 

“We can though,” you offer. “I can be your girlfriend when we walk outside of here. I want that. And I want…to be more confident and less insecure. To trust that my spiral of thoughts aren’t always real.” 

Seokjin smiles and slowly his body comes back to life, melting away the freeze as he steps back to take a deep breath. 

“Okay then. Let’s go exist in society.” 

A chuckle slips out of you as you register his annoyed tone. “Life is outside, not just in this room. And besides, I have no food in my fridge because I haven’t had the time to go shopping, and we keep putting off eating for other things.” 

“Other things,” he muses. “Cute.” 

You roll your eyes and open the door to the outside world. 

“Wait,” Seokjin says. You stop, your feet in the hallway while he remains in your apartment. 

“Yeah?”

He hesitates like he’s now regretting saying anything at all. He takes a deep breath and leans down. 

“There’s something I want to talk to you about. To tell you…”

You wait, trying not to alert him to how hungry you are as you silently beg your stomach not to betray you. A tiny squeak responds, but he doesn’t react. You know this is probably the moment, and you want to ensure you don’t do anything to make him feel like you’re judging him. It’s hard to keep your expression neutral, but you try. 

“I know that this has been a weird start. In a lot of ways during the last few months you’ve started sharing things with me more than I have been able to with you. And I…I can see how you’re trying to let me into your world. And I want to let you know that while it’s hard to get past myself sometimes, I’m trying. I want you to know me. All of me.” 

You nod, encouraging him to continue. 

“I just…there’s some things I’m not ready to talk about yet. I know that sounds sketchy and you have a right to feel like I’m being sneaky and deceiving you. I understand if you feel like I’m not trustworthy. But I have some stuff I’m figuring out that I will tell you about at some point, I promise. But if I can ask too much of you and more to say just be patient with me, please. I’ll figure out how to talk about it with you soon but right now I can’t and I’m sorry. Can you do that? Can you let us be like this for a while longer?” 

That is not what you expect him to say. He’s going to be withholding things from you. And while you’re relieved he’s saying so, how anxious it makes you to know that you currently stand on one side of the threshold, now as his girlfriend, as someone who is supposed to be confident and trusting. And you’re already slipping back into the usual. 

But you can’t help it, in a way. He hasn’t taken the literal step yet. He could change his mind at any point and tell you this isn’t what he wants. 

But you can tell that regardless of the insecurity, he does want this. He looks so nervous, so vulnerable and terrified. And you know what that feels like, how awful a place it is as you wait for an answer. So you don’t string it along for much longer. You bite your bottom lip and nod. 

“Okay,” you say. “We can be like this a while longer.” 

His shoulders relax and he finally steps across the threshold and into the hallway with you. Into a place that ensures nothing between you two will ever be the same. 

But you’re not alone out here. He takes your hand in his, bringing up to his mouth to kiss the knuckles. Your boyfriend leads you down the stairs to the street. 

“I can’t believe I’ve been without my phone for this long,” Seokjin says as you walk in an easy stride together toward the phone store. “I must have so many messages in my voicemail.” 

Your stomach drops, a bitter cold and tingly feeling working its way down your spine and up through your chest as you remember part of last night. The part where you met his friend Jungkook after calling him out and telling him you knew he was a sex warm worker in the middle of a restaurant. Over voicemail. 

That message is sitting there, after you just agreed you will let him tell you in his own time. Your pace slows as your mind races, trying to think of some type of way to distract Seokjin long enough to prevent him from checking his messages until later. Maybe you can delete the message before he hears it?

He notices the slow down, turning his head toward you as you both shuffle across the sidewalk. 

“You okay?” 

“Yeah,” you reply, your voice sounding thin and higher pitched, something unlike your normal voice. He frowns.

“It’s nothing,” you lie. “Just the adjustment to being around strangers again after being in our own universe instead of the real world.” 

He hums in thought. “Yeah, I guess I wasn’t ready for the whole sea of people to be out and about at this time of day.” 

You relax a little for the remainder of the walk, until you arrive at the phone store. 

Then your heart pounds violently, so hard that you can feel in your ears.

Seokjin waltzes over to the counter, telling the employee exactly what he wants and how he lost his phone in the first place. 

“That’s the third one this week I’ve heard that exact story about. Crazy, huh?” The employee, a stout man in a polo, looks to you as if your word is all the validation he needs. 

“Um, yeah,” you say. You look at the display of different phone options, trying to do something with your hands to steady you. 

Seokjin is about to find out that you know. He’s going to learn about it through the horrific, awful drunk tirade you went on last night. You’ll hurt him. You’ll only add to that fodder of him not feeling lovable. 

Your hands shake as Seokjin says something to the employee and laughs, his windshield wiper like laughter squeaking from him. In betrayal, your body responds to it, a sharp and incredibly temporary flutter of joy masking the terror that you feel in his discovery. What if he thinks you have bad intentions? That you’re using him as a personal toy. 

A knot of bile starts to crawl up your throat and you gesture at Seokjin, his eyes meeting yours as you point to the door. You must look awful because he nods, his eyebrows furrowing as you slide out the door. 

Air, you need air. The sticky summer humidity isn’t offering much relief but you inhale anyway, full breaths expanding your lungs and helping soothe a bit of the nausea. 

You close your eyes. You can’t watch his face as he learns. Can’t see the betrayal as whatever you said last night in all your fogginess is pulled into thin air. So you sit there, breathing over and over again, trying to steady yourself. 

Your mouth is dry. If he wants to talk you’re not sure you’ll have the words much less be able to work around the bitter taste in your mouth as you try to form your lips around the words to speak them. 

How quickly can you fuck up a relationship? Will this be some kind of world record for the fastest time someone is dated and then dumped? How long has it been? A handful of hours since Seokjin said he wanted to date you. A handful of minutes since you became his girlfriend and another handful of minutes that feel like hours since he stepped into that shop. Seconds until you’re told all this ends here. 

Can you mourn something you never even really had? You’re learning now that yes. That the idea of it was enough because that cloying tenseness in your throat has worked its way up to bead a few tears from your eyes. 

Why do you always cry now, you wonder. This has been an ongoing thing with you, tears springing free during moments of anxiety or joy or fear. You haven’t had the chance to decode any of that. You just know Seokjin feels safe to cry around. But now, he’s going to see you like this and what if he thinks you’re manipulating him? 

You rasp a breath to your lungs, the tears falling more freely as you heave into the air. The sun is setting, the hot summer night breaking through the sky in streams of pinks and oranges and purples. Any other time it would be beautiful but right now it feels like the sky is falling. 

You hold the air into your lungs, out of forgetting to breathe or intentionally trying to steady yourself, it’s hard to know. They both feel like the same thing right now. 

“Y/N?” 

Your head snaps around, and despite the fear of what you’ll see, you can’t deny him anything. Not now. You look at Seokjin, his brand new phone in his hands, eyes wide with concern. 

“What happened? Are you hurt? Did someone do something?” 

He looks you up and down and then rapidly flits to your surroundings, no doubt looking for some kind of perpetrator or cause for your tears. 

“‘m fine,” you somehow mutter through another heavy breath. 

“No, no you’re not. What’s going on? You’re shaking, baby. Come here.” 

Your teeth chatter, exposing you, but before you can protest, Seokjin wraps his arms around you, slowly rocking you back and forth on the sidewalk in the dying light. 

You’re glad he doesn’t say anything, because the idea of him being nice to you all the while knowing you have said such awful things makes you want to throw up. 

Instead, you stand in the hot air, your bodies sweating after only a moment of the embrace. 

When your breathing finally steadies, Seokjin pulls away, a soft smile on his face as he brushes his fingers under your eyes to wipe your tears. The gesture is so sweet it rots a hole in your stomach. 

Say something, it demands. 

“Messages,” you say. That’s all you can get out, your body’s remaining tremor threatening to travel up to your teeth. 

Seokjin stares at you blankly. Is he shocked you’re the one to bring it up?��

His eyebrows raise as he finally registers what you just said. 

“Oh,” he says. 

Oh. So simple. Not a nose dive into fury or a tip into an argument. Just one word ringing across the atoms between you too. 

Please, you think. Please just get this over with. 

“So you heard them?” you ask. 

He frowns, holding up the new shiny phone in front of you. 

“Um, no actually. Turns out that there’s some stupid issue they’re having moving voicemails from one phone to another. Not a cloud issue but a carrier problem. So if someone called me during the time my phone was dead, I have no idea. No messages.” 

You blink at him. “What?”

“I know, it’s frustrating. Now I have to double back and call everyone I can think of. My parents, my brother. The restaurant. The suppliers, the dry cleaner. In a way I’m almost relieved I don’t have any messages because I can now lean into the fact that I played hooky so I could stay home with you and use it as a far better excuse than what I was planning but it’s still such a fucking inconvenience.” 

He didn’t hear. He doesn’t know. A cool breeze flows through the street, rustling some trash and leaves in the road. You feel the heat of the panic attack begin to recede as realization sets in. 

“Either way, that’s not the point. Are you okay? You look pretty shaken up and your eyes were like wide lamps of terror when I stepped outside.” 

“I…I panicked,” you offer after a moment. “Not sure what it was but it just hit and I needed to get out.” 

The threat of bile rises in your throat as you tack on the lie. 

“Was it that employee? Because he was kind of a weird dude. Gave me strange vibes.”

“Maybe,” you say. 

“Okay, well I’m glad you’re okay now. Are you ready to go eat? I heard your stomach growling earlier so I know you must be starving.” 

You nod, letting Seokjin walk you toward the restaurant. Another lie. 

You feel nothing resembling hunger in your stomach. Instead, you feel the unmistakable heaviness of guilt, leaden and metallic in your mouth. You don’t eat a single thing. And Seokjin doesn’t say so, but the way he regards you as you dump your whole meal into a carry out container tells you he also knows you’re lying to him but just hasn’t asked the question you don’t want to answer.

He walks you home in the darkness, the warped spotlights of street lamps flickering continue to paint your bodies. Dark and light. Dark and light. Shadows and moonlight. In this scenario, you think you know who is the shadow and who is the moonlight. 

©2024 by jooniperbonsai

[exhibitsexpo]

Stand Out with Unique Exhibition Stand Design Tips in UK

In the world of exhibitions and trade shows, your exhibition booth is your first impression. A well-designed stand can set you apart from the competition and attract more foot traffic, making it crucial to get it right. Here are some essential exhibition stand design tips to help your booth stand out and leave a lasting impact.

1. Go for Bespoke Exhibition Stand Design

When designing your exhibition stand, think outside the box. Opt for a bespoke exhibition stand design that reflects your brand’s uniqueness. A tailor-made stand will ensure that your booth is unlike anything else at the event. Bespoke designs allow for personalization, making it easier to showcase your company’s identity and products in a visually appealing way.

A bespoke exhibition stand designer can help you create a memorable experience for visitors. Whether through unique shapes, vibrant colors, or interactive elements. Make sure your stand communicates your brand’s personality and message clearly to passersby.

2. Invest in Custom Exhibition Stand Design

Custom exhibition stands are becoming increasingly popular, and for a good reason. A custom exhibition booth design gives you the flexibility to craft a booth that perfectly matches your vision. Whether you need a modern, minimalist look or something bold and creative, a custom design lets you control every detail—from the layout to the materials used.

This approach ensures that your stand aligns with your goals and maximizes the available space effectively. Plus, a custom exhibition stand design often incorporates innovative solutions that make your booth more interactive and engaging.

3. Work with Expert Exhibition Stand Designers

Choosing the right exhibition stand designers is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make. Experienced professionals will not only understand the latest trends but will also work with you to bring your ideas to life. Their expertise ensures that your exhibition stand is both functional and visually striking, helping you attract the right kind of attention at your event.

Professional exhibition stand designers are skilled in transforming your vision into a fully realized design that stands out on the show floor, balancing creativity with practicality. They’ll take into account your specific objectives, audience, and space limitations to create an optimal design.

4. The Power of Custom Exhibition Stand Design and Build

The process of designing and building your exhibition stand should be seamless. Opting for custom exhibition booth design and build services means you get the convenience of having the entire process handled by one expert team. This approach can ensure that the design is implemented accurately, with high-quality materials and craftsmanship.

A custom exhibition stand design and build service streamlines the project, so you don’t have to worry about coordinating multiple vendors. From concept to construction, this all-in-one solution ensures that your stand is built to the highest standards.

5. Incorporate Interactive and Engaging Elements

A static display won’t cut it at a trade show anymore. Incorporate interactive elements into your exhibition booth design to engage your audience. From touchscreens to VR experiences or even live product demonstrations, interactive components create a dynamic atmosphere that draws in more visitors.

When designing your exhibition stand, think about how visitors can engage with your brand. The more interactive and hands-on your stand is, the more memorable it will be, increasing your chances of converting leads into customers.

Conclusion

Your exhibition booth design is an integral part of your overall marketing strategy at trade shows. Whether you opt for a bespoke exhibition stand design, a custom exhibition stand design, or custom exhibition stand design and build services, the key is to create an environment that resonates with your audience and reflects your brand’s unique qualities.

If you’re ready to elevate your next trade show experience, contact our expert team at Exhibitsexpo for customized, high-quality exhibition stand designs. Let us help you make a lasting impression!

Enquire Now!

Want to create a show-stopping exhibition stand? Enquire now and let our team of exhibition stand designers craft a bespoke design that sets you apart at your next event. Get in touch today!

[aarsexhibitionsworldwide]

Unlock Success at European Exhibitions: How to Choose the Professional Trade Show Stand Builder

Standing out at European exhibitions is essential for brands looking to expand their reach and establish a strong presence. With diverse audiences and high expectations, European trade shows demand nothing less than eye-catching, professional exhibition stands that captivate and engage. Choosing the right Custom Stand Design Contractor is the key to achieving an impactful presence. This article will explore the qualities to look for in a professional stand builder and provide practical steps to help you select the ideal partner for your European exhibition needs.

The European exhibition scene is dynamic and highly competitive, with exhibitors worldwide vying for attention. Attendees expect innovative designs, quality craftsmanship, and memorable experiences. A professional stand builder understands this landscape and can create a space that resonates with local and international visitors.

In addition to design expertise, a professional builder brings cultural sensitivity, knowing how to appeal to audiences in different European regions like Germany, France, Poland, Netherlands, UK, Italy, and Spain. Your brand is well-positioned to stand out by partnering with a Custom Stand Design Contractor who understands these nuances.

Key Qualities to Look for in a Professional Exhibition Stand Builder

1. Experience in the European Exhibition Market

Familiarity with high-profile European venues and knowledge of the various exhibition regulations ensures a smoother setup process and a better return on investment. Look for builders with a track record of success at notable European events and a portfolio of making Custom Trade Show Stand Design for recognized brands.

2. Design Expertise and Creativity

Exhibition stands should reflect your brand's identity and engage audiences effectively. Skilled stand builders bring creative ideas to make Custom Exhibition Stand Designs, helping your brand convey its message through unique visual elements and innovative layouts. Look for a contractor who can merge function with creativity, ensuring that the stand is both visually appealing and easy to navigate, drawing visitors into meaningful interactions with your brand.

3. Project Management and Reliability

Project management skills ensure that all elements, from planning to execution, run smoothly and on time. Reliable stand builders are organized, clear in their communication, and proactive in addressing potential challenges. Custom Stand Design Contractor with a reputation for meeting deadlines and keeping clients informed every step of the way, ensuring that your stand is ready when it needs to be.

4. Technical Skills and Knowledge

Effective Custom Build Exhibition Stands are required to be structurally sound and technically robust. A professional builder should be knowledgeable in construction standards, safety protocols, and digital integrations. Their technical skills ensure a seamless setup and create an engaging experience for attendees.

5. Sustainability Practices

European consumers and businesses are increasingly focused on environmental responsibility. A stand builder who prioritizes sustainable practices demonstrates an understanding of these values. By partnering with a builder who prioritizes sustainability, your brand can enhance its reputation and align with European standards on environmental responsibility.

6. Customer Service and Flexibility

Exhibition projects often come with last-minute changes and unpredictable circumstances. They are flexible and responsive, ready to address changes or challenges as they arise. Look for builders who have testimonials or case studies highlighting their customer service in European countries like Germany, France, Poland, Netherlands, UK, Italy, and Spain, as these qualities are invaluable when unexpected issues emerge.

Steps to Evaluate Potential Trade Show Stand Builders

1. Review Portfolios and Past Projects

Look for diversity in design, attention to detail in the Custom Build Exhibition Stand, and alignment with different brand identities. A strong portfolio should demonstrate creativity, craftsmanship, and an understanding of visually communicating unique brand messages.

2. Assess Their Understanding of Your Brand Vision

Custom Trade Show Stand Design collaborates with you to realize your brand’s vision and execute a design. During the initial consultations, evaluate their understanding of your goals and target audience. Builders who ask insightful questions and offer relevant suggestions demonstrate a commitment to creating a stand that authentically represents your brand.

3. Understand Their Process and Pricing Structure

Before committing, ensure the builder clearly explains their design-to-installation process, covering timelines, milestones, and key responsibilities. This includes a transparent pricing model, so there are no surprises. A professional builder will outline these details and be willing to answer questions on costs, changes, and any contingencies.

Conclusion

Selecting the right exhibition stand builder in Europe can transform your brand’s presence from ordinary to exceptional at European trade shows. By partnering with a professional team that understands the nuances of design, technical excellence, and local expectations, you’re setting the stage for an unforgettable brand experience. Being the best exhibition stand-building company in Europe, we embody these qualities, offering tailored solutions that captivate audiences and elevate your brand. From creative concepts to flawless execution, we’re here to bring your vision to life and make your next exhibition a powerful success. Ready to create an impactful stand that turns heads and drives results? Contact us today to start planning your standout exhibit!

Contact Details

AARS WORLDWIDE SP.Z.O.O

Ul.Juliusza Słowackiego 55/1, 60-521 Poznań, Polska

Email Id:- marketing@aarsexhibitionsworldwide.com

Call:- +48 616 781244

[stands-pro]

Exhibition Stand Builders Company In Germany

Every company or brand wants to increase their potential customer base by investing in a good stand design. Stands Pro offers comprehensive services. We cover all aspects of the project, from design and construction to storage. Our exhibition stands to generate ideas that satisfy customers’ needs. Our trade fair projects are carried out for our clients, and we specialize in building creative stands. Stands Pro, one of Germany’s most reputable exhibition stand builders , is trusted by many to provide unforgettable memories by constructing exhibition stands. This includes 3-D brand presentations, concepts, design and production of exhibition stands, and interior furniture installations worldwide.

Our experts don’t just limit themselves to presenting stand construction ideas; we also offer customized 360° demonstrations, all other things being equal. All of our manufacturing facilities, including our support teams, are located under the same roof to ensure that our customers receive efficient service.

What We Do

Stands Pro offers the finest and most exceptional exhibition stands made of premium quality. We make your brand come to life. We are a trustworthy stand builder and contractor in Germany. If you attend a tradeshow, you will find many innovative exhibition stands. Stands Pro specializes in the production of exhibitions and conferences that promote business and economic growth by connecting buyers with suppliers around the world.

Things That You Should Know About Us As Your Exhibition Stand Builders

We serve customers all over the world. Stands Pro is a professional exhibition stand builder in Germany with an established identity. We strive to produce projects that have an unforgettable visual appearance. Our modern design studio is ready to offer exhibition construction management. The aim is to create a complete and integrated package that allows a unique and inviting appearance at an exhibition so that visitors, often surrounded by many competing demands for attention, are attracted to a particular stand. 

Stands Pro is one of Germany’s leading contractors for exhibition stands. Intelligently designed and tailored stands effectively communicate the exhibitor’s branding and message.

We are a leading stand at exhibitions due to our features and working model.

The exhibition’s message is clearly understood based on a carefully designed concept.

We are a team of experienced builders and rental partners who are always ahead of the curve and have eye-catching designs and plans. This makes us a reliable company for stand building.

The construction of an exhibition stand is our top priority. Stands Pro experts upload data and advise on display stand improvements.

We assure you can expect to receive a hassle-free, low-cost custom stand design.

Exhibition stand designs can be made by professionals working hard to create a stand that makes your brand stand out. Our experts can help you find out the purpose of an exhibition stand.

We understand your business better than anyone else, so you chose us to be at the exhibition with the most diverse traffic.

Stands Pro, a leading exhibition stand builder in Germany, creates a truly joyful experience for clients.

We are an all-in-one valuable resource and feature robust solutions for all exhibition stand requirements! 

Ensure Your Success With The Best Exhibition Stand Builders

Stands Pro understands the importance of branding to gain an advantage over your competitors. We use our experience to determine your needs and then work with you to develop the best solution. Suppose you are considering present ideas only a German modular stands builder can understand. In that case, You should consider us, as we are experts who can make your ideas a reality. By helping our clients succeed, our in-house team has earned the title “trusted stand-building company“. They are critically analysed before we offer our clients exhibition stand concepts and designs. Our customers benefit from our optimized lead generation, achieved by leveraging resources and technologies specific to their industry. We are among the leading exhibition stand contractors and will support you throughout the event. From planning, construction, transportation, and installation to dismantling.

Some Of Our Qualities That Show Our Commitment

On-time deliverables

Our energetic and dedicated teams are always able to complete tasks in accordance with international requirements. We also deliver on time. We are able to achieve this by combining our commitment to the direction of what we offer with a short turnaround time, stringent requirements and a refined approach whereby we prioritize and organise as needed.

Own production facilities

At Stands Pro , we offer the best exhibition services, all under one roof. All these exhibition services are all provided on site. Stand design, production, set up, and dismantling are all included. We help customers focus on their brands by saving them time.

Innovative and creative customized designs

We love simplicity, aesthetics, and the power of simplicity in design and communication. With the help of design experts, we developed a design language that brings this charm to brand communication through stand design.

Why Choose Stands Pro As Exhibition Stand Builders Company In Germany?

Stands Pro is an Exhibition Stand Design and Production Company in Germany. We have established ourselves as a stand contractor of choice due to our global presence, ability and willingness to deliver on time. Stands Pro offers everything from custom displays to modular exhibition stands, country pavilion booths, and double-storey exhibition stand designs. We are driven by the desire to create, build and deliver the most fantastic exhibition booth designs. We specialize in making the best trade shows to attract the most target audience. Our designers are highly trained and understand your business goals. They ensure that the booth meets the objectives and goals of the exhibition. Our professional team will deliver high-quality work. These elements will lead to a successful international trade fair, and the attention of your target audience at the exhibition. You’ve probably been searching for exhibition stand builders to build a booth for your business. You’ll need the right design and structure to showcase your products and services effectively. You can interact with prospects by using the right booth. We are the best exhibition contractor & stand builder in Germany. We help your customers connect with your brand and products by assisting them to connect with and buy from you even before they buy. We know that your brand represents quality, value and a brighter tomorrow.

Get Us On Board To Ensure You Showcase Success

We have built a solid reputation in Germany as a leading exhibition stand builder. We understand show performance regionally and offer solutions to meet any requirement. Send us your brief if you want us to create an impressive exhibition stand. We will then put everything together and offer you the best possible price on the market.

[skyloftian-nutcase]

HEY LOVELIES GUESS WHO CAME UP WITH MORE SILLINESS WHILE PLAYING ZELDA GAMES

SO. Y'all remember how Blood of the Hero stemmed from me replaying BotW and wanting to spice up the story? Fun fact about me, I can't replay a game without creating a new storyline for it in my head. So Blood of the Hero came about because I wanted to replay BotW and change the stakes, change the gameplay, change the order of things, etc. I love exploring how you can complete the game differently!

I decided to replay TotK.

But I wanted to do it differently. I wanted to avoid the main quest, build up hearts/stamina and complete the side quests because frankly they're the best part of the game to me. So I was like "how do I complete the game without getting the sages or the dragon tears?" I was puzzling over what new story I could create just for my own amusement to help me complete the game like this, and it hit me.

It's freaking Mystery Link. Who else would avoid the Main Plotline like the plague? That man can smell Destiny's Call from a mile away and Noped right out of there.

It just--it fits so perfectly and now I am having an absolute blast. Becuase I had to come up with logical reasons why the game mechanics are the way they are for Mystery Link, so why is he almost naked at the beginning? It's because he was washing his one (1) set of clothes in the river and got distracted by Friend, so then his clothes washed down the river and off a waterfall and he never found them so now he's running around in his underwear.

And this poor man. Is trying so hard. To get some clothes. But he went to Kakariko and the clothing shop is overpriced because the owner's grandma is sick, and he feels for her plight but he can't afford these prices. So off in his underwear he goes. But wait! Hateno! Fashion central! Surely they have clothes! He goes there, and has to stand around and listen to fashion people argue over tickets to get inside, and eventually when they give up he gets the solitary ticket, and--

Sophie: Oh, well since you're the only customer now, you can enter. :) Mystery: THANK HYLIA, I can finally get some-- Sophie: It's only an exhibition, but Cece herself is-- Mystery: ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME

The best part is that the first set of clothes Mystery and I could find was the barbarian top, and y'all, he was so annoyed.

Mystery, finding a big shiny treasure chest: :D Mystery, realizing there are clothes inside: !!!!! :D :D :D Mystery, realizing it's a glorified leather strap and a pelt to wear as a miniskirt: WHY

I am having so much fun. Also, fun fact, trying to complete this game without a paraglider is hellish but Mystery Link and I are accepting the challenge.

[aars-45]

The Role of Technology in Modern Custom Stands: A Game Changer for Exhibitions

Standing out in top-notch exhibitions is crucial for success in a competitive market. Exhibitions are pivotal in various industries, from technology and healthcare to fashion and automotive. They provide a unique platform for businesses to showcase their innovations, connect with potential clients, and stay ahead of industry trends.

Custom build exhibition stands have long been a staple of exhibitions, offering companies a way to present their brand in a distinctive and engaging manner. In the past, these stands were primarily static structures, designed with traditional materials and limited by their physical constraints. Over the years, as design techniques improved, custom stands became more sophisticated, incorporating better aesthetics and more functional layouts.

Technology has become a game changer in the realm of custom exhibition stand design, transforming them from simple displays into dynamic, interactive experiences. The transformative impact of technology on modern custom stands is undeniable, providing businesses with innovative tools to captivate audiences and achieve their exhibition goals. Evolution of Custom Stands Traditional custom stands were static structures made of wood and metal, with basic design elements like banners and product displays. They struggled to capture and retain visitors' attention in dynamic exhibition environments. The integration of technology in Custom Exhibition Booth Design marked a significant shift, paving the way for modern exhibitions with advanced and immersive experiences. Exhibition Booth Design Consultancy in the USA can leverage these modern technologies to enhance personalized experience to improve conversion rates.

Key Technological Advancements in Custom Build Exhibition Stand

Digital Displays and Signage

High-resolution LED screens provide vibrant visuals.

Interactive displays engage visitors through touch.

Dynamic content captures attention with moving images and videos.

Easily updated to reflect real-time information and promotions.

Motion-sensing virtual walls create a digital canvas for visitors.

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

Enhancing visitor engagement with immersive experiences

AR overlays digital information onto physical products.

VR offers a fully immersive experience, transporting visitors to virtual environments.

Interactive Touchscreens and Kiosks for visitors

Allows browsing of product catalogs and company information.

Enables self-service check-in for events and demos.

Captures visitor interactions and preferences via touchscreens.

Collects instant feedback through surveys and polls.

Advanced Lighting and Sound Systems

Programmable lighting effects highlight products.

The use of color and intensity guides visitor attention.

High-quality sound systems for impactful presentations.

Ambient soundscapes enhance the overall experience.

Benefits of Technology in Custom Stands

●     Increased Visitor Engagement

Creating a strong and memorable brand presence

Customization and personalization options

●  Real-time Data Collection and Analytics

Gathering insights on visitor behavior and preferences

Utilizing data for post-event analysis and future improvements

Easily updating and modifying stand elements

Quick adaptation to different themes or events

Future Trends in Technology for Custom Stands

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI and machine learning are revolutionizing the industry by providing personalized experiences and predictive analytics. AI-driven systems can offer tailored content and recommendations, while predictive analytics can forecast visitor behavior and optimize stand design. Future applications include virtual assistants and machine learning algorithms for continuous improvement in stand performance and visitor satisfaction.

Connecting devices and systems for smarter stands

IoT-enabled devices create a seamless, interconnected stand environment, automating functions like lighting and temperature control. Real-time data allows for immediate adjustments to enhance visitor experience. Remote monitoring and control enable exhibitors to manage and optimize their stands, ensuring optimal event performance.

 Sustainable and Eco-friendly Technologies Innovations in energy-efficient tech solutions are reducing the environmental impact of custom stands, while sustainable materials and technologies promote eco-friendly practices and waste reduction. Conclusion Embracing technological innovations in custom stands is crucial for staying competitive in the ever-evolving exhibition landscape. As industries continue to advance, integrating cutting-edge technologies into exhibition stands can make a significant difference in attracting and retaining visitors, ultimately leading to greater success at events.

Exhibition Booth Design Consultancy in the USA specializes in leveraging the latest technologies to create custom Booth that captivate and engage audiences. Our expert team is dedicated to helping you explore and implement innovative solutions tailored to your unique needs. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make a powerful impact at your next exhibition. Contact AARS today to discover how we can transform your exhibition stand into an unforgettable experience.

[ultimateaclrecovery]

Japan day 8 (this is from last November because I don’t believe in timelyness)

Tokyo and tea time!

Started the day at the museum because it was raining

Then explored a fancy mall in ginza and had soba noodles and fancy Japanese omelets with so much tea for lunch.

And then it was time for purple tea!! It was so very cute and delicious and I had so much fun. It was very Instagramable which was fun but also made me feel a little silly and I felt a little underdressed. But look at noomi! Noomi is the bear dressed as a unicorn in a teacup 🥺💜🥺 so fun!

We then get kebabs from a street stand for dinner. It’s fun because they are speaking Turkish to each other but then English and Japanese to customers. Pretty impressive.

We then go see the giant cat billboard which I love. I also love this restaurants street display (we didn’t even go there)

Overly long travel diary plus hotel musings

Day 8

Day 8

Anthony paid for chicken from Lawson.

Anthony paid 1000 yen each museum fee.

Bit of a slow morning in our tiny hotel with some very good quality time.

The hotel rooms in Japan are often very tiny, with full beds pressed into the corner.

The exception being the onsen room which had a whole sitting area with chairs and then a raised dining room withsliding room dividers for dinner. The Osaka room was also unusually large for a Japanese hotel. That one had the weirdest bathroom setup. There was a toilet room and then the sink and counter where just in the room, but then the shower and bathtub where in their own tiled room with nothing else. Like you where just showering in a room with a drain not a separate shower stall.

We first head to a museum since it’s going to be raining in the morning. It’s not too bad out yet but definitely drizzling. The museum is filled with school children.

It’s the Tokyo national museum so almost all of it is Japanese which is nice. They have a couple of interactive exhibits. One is simply create your own stamp art, but the other is a video display where standing in certain places and waving your arms will reveal more art and more information. A lot of the museum information is in English in addition to Japanese although not all. We go through the main hall and then the hyrokium treasures room which has really old masks that are really cool.

The main hall had lots of Buddha statues and painted hangings or scrolls.

After the museum we head out to one of Japans best indoor shopping malls near our afternoon activity. It’s really pouring and we get pretty soaked on our under ten minute walk to the train station.

After the train it takes us awhile to actually find the shopping mall. All of the buildings are huge and full of stores. It is mostly fancy designer stores as this is a ritzy area.

We get lunch of slightly overpriced soba noodles and delicious (it’s so fluffy!) Japanese omelets. The place is very posh and they keep giving us tea which is nice.

We take in the roof top garden (which also has a skating rink) and then wander through the mall just sort of ogling all of the rich people stores. We don’t really go in any. And then it’s time for tea!

Art muesuem and then travel to Ginza six. Hard to find and overly fancy. Have soba noodles with chicken and egg. And Japanese omelette. Everything is so good but so hot that I keep burning my mouth. But I’m also too hungry to slow down. Walk around all the fancy stores and then it’s time for tea!! And noomi the bear dressed as a unicorn.

I booked a fancy tea because they had an adorable purple themed set. The set is just as adorable and purple as hoped. Although the place is pretty fancy and we feel a little underdressed. I take a bunch of fun food pictures but I feel a little silly awkward doing it, especially because my bf isn’t super into. And then the other table next to us is two girls dressed to the nines taking all of the perfect Instagram pictures.

All of the food is so purple and so perfectly dainty. Some of it is a little strange though, like samon tarte tarte that I give to my bf. The bear dressed like a unicorn sitting in a tea cup is perfect in every way. I also love white chocolate so I enjoy eating it. My favorite bite tho was the chocolate truffle lollipop.

After tea we walk around ginza some more and stop at a craft beer bar. I get “the yuzu thing” which is a wheat beer flavor with yuzu and it’s delicious.

And then on our way back to the hotel we make a quick pit stop at “” to see the giant 3D cat!! A giant billboard that goes around a corner and displays ads and also a giant car that meows and does cute things like drink milk, or chase yarn, or lick itself. It’s every bit as delightful as I hoped it would be.

We walk through the area a bit more. And see the golden(?) street with all its tiny bars, most of which have table charges and some which are members only. It’s pretty quite now because it’s like 6pm but it will be crazy later since a lot of those bars stay open until 5am apparently. The streets are so narrow and winding, def pedestrian only.

We head back to the hotel area and since we are still fairly full from tea decide to just get kebabs for dinner. I get a kebab/ gyro/ donner wrap and a grapefruit sour. My bf pays in cash. He has a debit card with zero atm fees or foreign fees so he’s been paying for most of the cash things.

Kebabs for dinner. Anthony pays 700 food, 400 grapefruit sour for me.