#i know i also forgot to say i came back from japan

[hey-hamlet]

Every so often i remember one of your aus and become fully obsessed for a few hours. I am having the time of my life imagining end of and era where the minds of the vestiges jump back too, and Izuku talks with them like he did in the vigilante arc. He could have someone to rant with about afo's bullshit <33

Not going to lie I also do that, and wildly, i was reading through end of an era like 5 minutes ago!

I don't think I ever mention what the vestiges are up to, so this is like, shrodinger's canon lmao. I like to imagine this version of the au sees an even more maladjusted Izuku, considering he and the vestiges have all been through enough shit they don't really know where to draw the line between normal and wildly fucked up. He is better socially though, because hes got a cheer squad in the back of his head reminding him not to be weird about things.

He got like, a full bowl of fluffy, perfectly white rice from lunch rush for the first time in years and almost had a massive breakdown in the cafeteria (he'd been unintentionally avoiding foods they hadn't been able to eat as they'd either run on stolen goods (risky) or subsistence farming (vulnerable)). Nana is there patting his back when Yoichi cheerfully talks about the time he puked eating white rice because he'd gone on a 2-week hunger strike and forgot how much sugar was in rice when he started eating again.

Wildly, it helps.

This au also features a lot of really scary muttering from Izuku about murder plans. His friends desperately do not want him to be put on a list so whenever someone comes over they start talking really loudly to cover up the violence-heavy conversation Izuku seems to be having with himself. They all think the plans are for Bakugo and not one of them thinks they should warn him.

Boy had it coming.

(In reality, its how Izuku relieves stress with the vestiges. Its also great bonding.)

[asilosmagdalena]

Actually quite terrifying that ymk has a handful of shows available on US Netflix because that means there is a non zero probability that I might meet someone irl who knows who he is. Americans never watch j-dramas but the fact is I can mention him in passing and they could easily learn who he is. That's not okay

[drenched-in-sunlight]

"Marika becomes the sum of all the Fromsoft girlies" is nice but you forgot Nashandra who actually has parallels with Marika! Recommending to check it out, she's cool!

let’s get this out of the way now… I love DS2, I think the vibe and gameplay is immaculate and I’ll defend it as a whimsical and enjoyable videogame experience till the end of time.

But my god, I hate how they handle female characters in that one 💀

In fact, I don’t like how they handle female characters in DS franchise in general. It got a bit better in Bloodborne and Sekiro and especially AC6, but overall ever since I started playing Fromsoft game in 2020, my main gripe with them is they only have 2 tropes to shoehorn their female character into: helpless victim of a system that would mangle and exploit them OR serious sword lady. And if I’m being real, it’s the main gripe I have with Elden Ring base game too?

I didn’t discuss it on tumblr because back then I were still trying to keep this blog art-focused, but when the game came out in 2022, I did express my concern on twitter that I found the female characters cast… strangely lacking. Because I went into the game expecting Ema-level of writing (literally Sekiro’s Ema is one of the best female characters Fromsoft has ever written to this day I could and have talked ppl’s ears off about her. And I’m glad she on her own is very different from Marika. That means they could at least write 2 more types of female characters now the bar is on the floor but I’ll take it and cherish what I have), but it felt like they got reset back to DS franchise with ER base game.

(This has an added layer of me being a girl born, raised and lived in a Sinosphere country that is entrenched in Confucius values just like Japan, so yes I do understand and experience firsthand the underlying culture values that shapes their writing. Hell, I live and study postgraduate in Japan for 2 years too).

But we are going off track, this is about DS2. Now, my problem with DS2 is, see, with 1 or 3, the female characters either have very little agency or no agency at all. And it just…. be like that. The male characters are somewhat the same, so it really doesn’t bother me that much. The cool, unique, not sexualized design is enough. But 2?

2 has a lot of female characters…. who either play no role in the world setting or sinister figures that charm men and bring ruins to kingdoms? What?

(Before anyone says “but Lucatiel—” Lucatiel is the beacon of light in that game, yes, but at the same time her purpose centering around her brother is… also a problem I have with the way they handle Malenia’s story. My Fromsoft experience has lore to it as well jfc)

Like, it’s just ??? to me half of those women have no agency or backstory whatsoever apart from being the Dark’s daughters that would bring doom everywhere they go??? You can say everything wrong in DS2 world is their fault and I actually wouldn’t have much to argue. Actually, it’s interesting you bring up Nashandra because I do think Nashandra has parallel in Elden Ring. But not to Marika.

Nanaya.

That’s who reminds me of Nashandra in Elden Ring. Literally the mysterious, lowkey nefarious lady and her old man husband with questionable dynamic DS2 trope 🧍‍♀️ you can actually see that in their name too.

If I have to pick a character in DS franchise specifically to make parallel to Marika, it’ll always be Gwynevere. Because I honestly think it’s amazing they took a character that has the least amount of agency they’ve ever created, and turned the core concept of her (warmth, healing spells, sunlight, mother, daughter, queen, faith) into another character with actual good writing.

That’s why I didn’t include Nashandra in my previous post. Not because I don’t know about her. It’s because I know.

[livwritesstuff]

i’ve been very quiet so srry - my week started with my annual performance review (which went well) and ended with an emergency surgery (also went well) so…a lot going on to say the least

this is a deleted scene from the first chapter of plant a seed

When Robin called, Steve and Eddie were in the phase of newborn parenthood where they froze every single time the phone rang (because said newborn was napping more often than not and when she was, there was a 50% chance minimum the phone would wake her up).

So when Robin called and the ringing of the phone broke the otherwise peaceful silence, Steve froze and he waited. When the baby didn't wake up, Steve exhaled a sigh of relief and answered the call.

"This is Steve."

"Hey Steve-o!"

Steve immediately recognized the voice as Robin's – of course he did, even if he hadn't heard it since she and Nancy left for a work trip in Japan a little over a month ago.

“Oh shit,” Steve said, because this means that Robin and Nancy are finally home, finally back in their Boston apartment fifteen minutes away from his and Eddie's in Cambridge instead of the opposite side of the entire world, “You’re home!”

“Yep,” Robin replied, popping the P, “That plane was a million degrees, I’m pretty sure. No more August flights if I have any say in it. Anyways – wanted to let you know we made it back unscathed. What’s new with you guys?”

“Uh…” Steve began, not totally sure where to start, because Robin didn't know about the baby he and Eddie had been placed with two weeks ago and she certainly didn't know that they're going to adopt her (because they'd landed on that decision that very day – about two hours ago, to be specific), “Well–”

“Hey, do you still have those placements?" Robin interrupted, "The kids who like to read the Goosebumps books?”

“Oh,” Steve blinked, “No. They went back with their mom a couple days after you left.”

“Damn. Been a while. Forgot this trip was longer than usual – wait, so are you between placements now, then? Hey, we should finally make that trip to P-Town!”

"Might need a raincheck on that," Steve said with a laugh, because at the moment a trip to the goddamn grocery store required at least a day's worth of planning, "We've got another placement right now – a newborn. We've had her for, uh, for just under two weeks, pretty sure."

“Shit, a newborn?" Robin repeated.

Steve faintly heard Nancy's voice, though he couldn't make out exactly what she was saying. He listened as Robin recounted to her what he'd just said, then started to laugh.

"Nancy just said that if she misses out on a chance to hold a new baby, she'll kill you," Robin told him, "Any idea when she might move on?”

Steve paused for a second. He and Eddie had decided earlier that they wouldn’t be telling anyone about the baby until the adoption was finalized, but…it’s Robin. 

He doesn’t think he’s ever kept a secret from Robin before, certainly not something this big and certainly not for very long.

He has to tell her.

“We’re, uh, we’re actually adopting her.”

Robin was silent.

Then –

“Holy shit – Steve.”

And then –

“I’m coming over right now. Immediately. Wait–” Robin stopped, “Damn, I can’t be a dick and come over unannounced anymore, can I? Because you guys have a baby. A baby. And she’s gonna be yours? What the fuck? Wait, let me start over.”

Robin paused long enough to take a deep breath.

“Steve Harrington – my best friend who’s finally fulfilling a lifelong dream of becoming a dad – when will you allow us to come and be formally introduced to our niece?”

Truth be told, Steve wouldn’t say no to a visit from Robin and Nancy that day (especially after the our niece comment), but their case worker had just started faxing over all the paperwork to get the ball rolling on the adoption process and Steve has a feeling that he might catch Eddie trying to fill that shit out as it came out of the machine so tonight they might be a little occupied.

"Tomorrow?" he suggested.

"Morning?" Robin added.

Steve laughed, "Sure. Tomorrow morning."

"Bright and early, dad. Holy fuck, I can't believe you're a dad."

"You can't?"

"No, I totally can."

[milaisreading]

Hi, is your request open? If so can I please request something like the bllk boys didn't know it's CD!YN's birthday because they're too engrossed on practicing and they just find out because Ego-san greeted her in the middle of lecturing them.

-Please excuse my grammar, English is not my first language TT

-also it's my birthday today so I gathered my courage to request for the first time to indulge myself (⁠^⁠～⁠^⁠;⁠)⁠ゞ

Have a greet day!

🌱🩷: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE ASK! I feel honored to write this then. Hope you like it and hope you are having a great birthday, and getting a lot of presents 🥰❤️

Warnings: Reader uses she/her. In the story the boys will be using he/him when addressing Yn. Requests for this series are open.

⚽️Blue Lock belongs to Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura⚽️

Ever since (Y/n) became the captain of the rowdy team known as Blue Lock, her life changed a lot. Whether it was for the better or for worse, she didn't know. Maybe someday she will be able to judge it better, but for now she barely had any time to sit down and think this through. With how chaotic everyone was, the JFA gave her a clear warning:

'Make sure they behave during interviews and on TV. Their behavior is a reflection of you as a captain. It is also a reflection of Japan to the world. Don't tarnish it.'

Back then she wanted to say a lot of colorful words to the old men, and she still does, but now she had little to no energy to do that. In fact, she completely forgot what day was when thanks to how hectic everything became. And just like that December 24th came, which is also (Y/n)'s birthday.

While the outside, aka fans and general public saw some ads and public congratulations for the player's birthday, the girl and other Blue Lock players stayed blissfully unaware of everything.

"Here." (Y/n) sighed as she offered some salmon on her chopsticks to Bachira. Grinning, the boy took a bite, smiling in victory as he received death stares from everyone else.

"Bachira, you can eat on your own." Isagi rolled his eyes and looked back at (Y/n), speaking more softly now.

"Please, eat your own food. You look like you need some."

"Huh... oh, I don't mind, Isagi. I need to make sure you guys are healthy." (Y/n) smiled weakly, feeling way too tired to say more.

"(Y/n), feed me too. Feed me, too!" Nagi begged, tugging on her sleeve.

"Oh, sure-"

"Nagi, you have your own hands and chopsticks. Let (Y/n) eat his own food." Reo warned from the girl's left side as Nagi pouted.

"Please~" The albino gave (Y/n) some puppy eyes, and before she could agree, a tray was put between her and Nagi's face.

"Huh?" She looked at the person who did it, only to find Barou glaring at her classmate.

"Eat on your own. And you, eat something, now. Let Bachira eat on his own."

"But I don't want to-" Before Bachira could finish, Gagamaru shoved a pastry into the boy's mouth.

"I will feed him instead. You eat something." Gagamaru said as he grabbed a displeased Bachira's shoulders.

"Yeah, let us handle it." Isagi agreed.

"But-"

They are right. You should eat something. I didn't see you during breakfast today." Karasu said from the table next to them.

"What?! Why did you miss out on breakfast?" Rin yelled in worry, and (Y/n) gulped as she felt Reo and Barou glare at her.

"I didn't feel like eating this morning." She excused herself.

'I had to prepare everything for an upcoming interview.' She wanted to say, but couldn't bring herself to burden them with it.

"Not feeling like eating? You? I have a hard time believing that." Otoya said suspiciously.

Yukimiya sighed and took his plate of food, walked over to (Y/n) and put the plate in front of her.

"What?" She asked the boy.

"Have my food, too. It can't bring you any good to miss out on food."

"Uh..."

Reo frantically nodded his head.

"Have mine too."

"You should have something high in protein, (Y/n)." Hiori agreed.

"Take my tofu, too."

"I can give you some of my veggies as well. They are sweet-sour." Niko added on.

"No, guys. It's fine. Please eat. It's more important that you all are full and-"

"It's also important that the captain isn't hungry, (Y/n)." Kunigami said, putting a hand on her head.

'Where did he come from?!' She thought in surprise.

"Seriously, I am fine-"

"That pale face says otherwise. I should give you a nice skin care day, (Y/n)! A nice Vitamin C mask does wonders~" Aryu added in, causing (Y/n) to raise an eyebrow.

"I am really fine, Aryu. Please, focus on yourselves. We can't have you tired-"

"We-we can't have you faint on the field, (Y/n)! P-please listen to us!" Tokimitsu interjected, clearly worried over the girl's health.

"Yes! You are important for the team, too!" Kurona added in.

'I am? I am just the captain... a babysitter if you will...' Well, at least that's what she was made to feel by the JFA.

"Here! I was given this new nutritious shake to try. It's good for the bones." Chigiri said, handing her the pinkish drink.

"Uh... this is your-"

"Eat!"

"And drink that!"

"You should really get some rest after, too."

"My pillow is very soft, I will give it to you."

"I will carry you to your room."

"Hold up! Hold up, everyone!"

(Y/n) grew a little overwhelmed, but thankfully everything stopped once Ego's voice appeared.

"What is this ruckus?!" Everyone stopped and looked at the screen that was showing the confused adult. Gulping, (Y/n) put her utensils down and got up.

"I am so sorry, Ego-san. This one is my fault-"

"Silence. I know it's not. And don't put all the blame on yourself." (Y/n) shut up and looked at Ego silently, the boys watching the interaction in confusion.

"Besides, why aren't you resting today?"

"Uh... The JFA-"

"Forget what those old farts said, I told you to rest today."

"Are you sure?" (Y/n) asked, unsure if she should listen. On one hand she had Ego, and on the other she had the duty to keep everything in line, for the country.

"Yes, besides, it's your birthday. Go and rest."

"Bitthday?! You never told us it's your birthday today!" The team yelled in unison, causing (Y/n) to flinch a little.

"I myself forgot... if I can be honest." (Y/n) blushed as Ego sighed.

"Go. Sleep. Now. I will deal with the JFA. The rest of you stay and finish your lunch."

Ego ordered as the room fell silent.

'Ego... will handle it.' The girl slowly nodded her head and walked out of the cafeteria as everyone watched her silently.

Once she was away, and out of earshot, Ego spoke up again.

"So... you guys want to take part in a surprise party Anri and I are preparing?"

"Hell yeah!"

"Of course!"

"Party for (Y/n)! Yes!" The team agreed, eagerly waiting for what Ego will say next.

Walking back into her and Rin's room, the girl sighed and plopped herself on her bed, cuddling into the pillow.

'Ego-san will handle it. I can rest for now.' As if a weight got lifted of off her, (Y/n) sighed in relief and started to drift into a slumber. Feeling more carefree now.

Once Ego finished instructing everyone what they should do, he turned off his camera and looked back at Anri.

"Is everything ready?"

Happily, Anri nodded her head and went through the list.

"All the ingredients and instructions are set for Isagi, Barou, and Rin. The meat, veggies, sauces, and spices for the katsu are there for Kunigami, Hiori, and Yukimiya. Bachira, Niko, and Karasu will get the balloons and decorations to prepare. Sanrio themed ones are so hard to find during Christmas, especially of that pink sheep." Anri commented as Ego nodded from time to time.

"Nagi, Reo, Kurona, and Aryu have the wrapping paper set for the presents. And lastly, Tokimitsu, Gagamaru, Chigiri, and Otoya will clean up and prepare the cafeteria. In case (Y/n) wakes up earlier than expected, I will try to distract her till everything is done."

"Ok. Everything is under control then. I will leave now." Ego announced as Anri finished her talk, causing the woman to raise an eyebrow.

"Go? Where to?"

"To talk with the JFA. Nobody treats my players like they are some no-name babysitters."

As the day went on, (Y/n) slept peacefully while the boys were moving fast to cook, bake and set everything up for the party. Anri was watching over everything, in case they needed help in the kitchen, while also keeping an eye on the monitor showing the door to (Y/n) and Rin's room.

6 hours later...

By now it was 8 PM and (Y/n) slowly opened her eyes, and sat up on her bed as she stretched.

"I feel so much better now. What time is it even?" She mumbled blinking the sleep away to look at her clock.

"8 pm... already? I slept for so long?"

She said in surprise and then looked at Rin's bed.

"Rin isn't here yet... maybe they are practicing still. I will go and join them." (Y/n) said, getting up from her bed, but before she could move more, a knock was heard.

"Huh? Yes?" She called out.

"Oh! Good, you are awake!" Otoya's voice was heard and the door opened, only for (Y/n) to see the said boy and Bachira.

"Hi, guys? Sorry for missing practice today, I will join-"

"No,no. We aren't practicing today. Come with us, Ego-san told us to get you."

Bachira and Otoya walked over to the confused girl, grabbing each of her arms and dragged her out of the room.

"Ha? Did something happen?"

"Nope!" The two said, sending each other secretive smiles.

'What did I miss?' She raised an eyebrow.

"We are here! We are here!" Bachira said happily as Otoya hummed along. (Y/n) grew even more unnerved now as she sniffed the air a little.

'Am I crazy? Why does it smell like Katsu?' She thought.

"Open the door~" The duo said.

"Are you guys pulling a prank on me?" (Y/n) asked in confusion.

"No!"

"Please, just open the door." Bachira and Otoya answered. Reluctantly, (Y/n) nodded her head and walked closer to the door, slowly opening it.

"Happy birthday!"

"There you are! We were worried you won't wake up till tomorrow!"

"Happy birthday, (Y/n)! Hope you like everything!"

(Y/n) blinked in surprise as Otoya gently pushed her into the room. Flabbergasted, the girl looked around the room, now decorated with different balloons.

'Oh... Sweet Piano balloons! How did they find them?! They are so hard to find.' (Y/n) thought, blushing in excitement as she saw them. The players silently, and anxiously, watched the girl inspect everything.

"Huh..." (Y/n) muttered, eyes widening in amazement as she saw the cake, decorated with the pink sheep.

'Not even my parents did this for me...' (Y/n) thought, feeling her eyes water up a little.

The boys watched in panic as tears started to stream down the girl's face.

"Ah?! Did we mess something up?" Gagamaru asked in worry.

"I don't know!" Hiori said back as Isagi went to hand her a napkin, which (Y/n) gladly took it to wipe her tears away.

"We... we are sorry..." Rin said awkwardly.

"Did I mess up the decorations on the cake?" Barou looked over the cake.

"I think it's my fault. The balloons look a little deflated." Niko gulped.

"Maybe we should have done a better job on them." Karasu muttered nervously as Bachira and he glanced at each other.

"I swear I made sure the katsu doesn't burn." Yukimiya flinched.

"Did I mess up the salad?" Kunigami bit his fingernail in worry.

"You... you guys did everything amazing! Thank you so much!" (Y/n) finally busted out, hugging Isagi, who was the closest to her. Isagi tensed up and blushed a scarlet red, but hugged her back anyways.

"You are the greatest team ever!" (Y/n) announced with a huge smile, causing their worries to lift, and smiles to appear on their faces.

"Happy to hear that..." Nagi sighed in relief, but tugged on her shirt.

"Huh?" She looked over at the boy, still hugging Isagi.

"I want a hug, too."

"Me too! Me too!" Kurona nodded, running up to her, followed by Gagamaru and Tokimitsu.

"Me as well. Please."

"Me-me too, if you don't mind." Slowly, the other guys joined in on the asked and (Y/n) couldn't help but laugh softly.

'These guys are the best.'

[runabout-river]

Thoughts on JJK chapter 265 (spoilers)

There is so much in this chapter that one could write essay after essay about its content, themes and symbolism to name a few. The best thing though is that Gege shows us that he can take the time to put deep character moments into his plot. In the last year that seemed to fall to the wayside unfortunately especially when it came to Yuji.

Yuji recreates his grandfather's hometown in the northeast of Japan to show Sukuna and Sukuna is uncharacteristically going along with it for a long time. This might be because of the special way this DE is formed, it could e.g. have a non-violence Binding Vow. Or Sukuna was just flabbergasted.

I looked the statue up that Yuji pointed to and found the Oni kenbai dance from Iwate prefecture. On the panel it's difficult to make out what the statue represents but you can see a fan in the right hand.

This panel is an extremely important one about the point of view that Sukuna and Yuji have towards each other. For Sukuna, Yuji is barely anything; he blends into the background like a ghost, maybe reminiscent of how Sukuna might've viewed his eaten twin once in his life.

For Yuji Sukuna is not a person, there is no face to him, he's just an abomination consisting of black mass. Not even CE is presented to us like that, Sukuna is just a black distortion in space able to walk on its own.

It's good that we're given this panel so early in the chapter because it tells us what Sukuna is about and that Yuji knows it.

In Japan, the Hydrangea is used to make a sweet tea that on April 8 is poured over Buddha Statues for the Buddha bathing ceremony. This is in direct contrast to Sukuna's Bath that comes from the historic practice of throwing poisonous insect and more into a pit to make them kill each other.

Symbolically, Gege tells us that Yuji will be the one to reverse Megumi's torture that he went through. Narratively, I'd like to see the Bath have more physical affects on Megumi before it gets cleaned though.

Really funny how Yuji entices Sukuna to play crayfishing with him and I count 4 missed arrows from Yuji compared to Sukuna's bullseye hit.

Also capitalism killed Grandpa's hometown.

Whats also funny is that Yuji says that he was about 6 or 7 when they moved out of that town and that he was about 10 years before he went back there again. Boy, you're still 15.

I counted 8 dragonflies on that grassy panel with many more in the Yuji close up panel. I forgot what dragonflies represented in Japan but th symbolism appeared before in JJK, once on kid Gojo's kimono and once at the base of Megumi's domain construction.

Next we get a much needed Yuji character resolution and growth while he thinks of all the people that have died on him. We see that he did put his cog mentality behind him and that he analyzed his "proper death" wish from the very first chapter and concluded that he wanted sth else from that.

Nobara is with the others on the dead list and this looks like the final nail (ha) in the coffin that is her death but the diehards (me) can still say that Yuji merely thinks that she's dead.

Take this Sukuna panel and inject it straight into my veins 💉

There is just this visceral level of disgust and mania in Itadori Sukuna that Gege has barely shown in OriginalSukuna and absolutely didn't in Megukuna. Think of the detention center, and laughing at Yuji with Mahito together or just laughing at Yuji whenever he came out as a mouth and eye. How much I've missed that.

Can't wait to see where this will go 👀

[myobsessionsspace]

Pre Release of Travel Show Thoughts

This might be a bit all over the place 🙈

Just some random thoughts after talking with my friends.

Remember when Hope on the Street came out and it was on Amazon Prime. I think many of us were thinking that was the end of the set shows, programs etc that were gonna appear on Disney+ from BTS.

We’ve had a number of shows from the group since Chapter 2

I kinda forgot about their Disney deal when the talks of Jikook’s travel show started to become real. My friends and I started guessing if it would be on Weverse only, like Jimin’s Production Diary or on YouTube like Suchwita & Jin’s The Drunken Truth. We were hoping and praying it wouldn’t just be one Bangtan Episode or on a South Korean nft platform like the HYYH series Begins ≠ Youth.

To be honest we hoped for a Jikook YouTube Channel (still dreaming for one🥲), where after service they could come back and carry on with more adventures and content, but we would have settled for Prime too.

I say all of this to say, how come it’s on Disney+ again after the switch up with the last HYBE show Hope on the Street being on Prime?

It makes me wonder about the start of the show’s planning. Like Jungkook said in Suchwita it was kinda spontaneous and following a years old conversation between Jimin & Jungkook. Them seizing the opportunity of the both of them being together in New York, after Jimin went to support Jungkook’s solo debut performance.

I wonder about if Jikook knew if their application for companion enlistment had been approved yet. Many have covered in detail the program and the kinda 1 in 100 chance of getting approved for it. BTS already have done many unique things and why should their military service be any different, all members aiming to at one point in time be serving at the same time and have all completed their service to not have to worry about it again?

There’s only one other group I know of before BTS

**see comments for extra info**

Anyway back to the the point 😅. As all the members wanted to enlist and return as one unit in 2025 and with Jimin being in his last year of eligibility due to age criteria, if they hadn’t have been approved Jikook wouldn’t have been certain of being together for their 18 month military service.

It makes me wonder about their plans. If they wanted to create as many memories as they could in as many places as they could together just in case they weren’t going to be able to enlist together.

If they wanted to take the moments in between the end of FACE promotions, the little gap at the start of SEVEN promotions and the gap in between the rest of GOLDEN’s recordings, MUSE’ recording and also squeezing some more travel at the end of GOLDEN promotions, Jungkook’s Japan promotions and the Usher remix video Jungkook had to do straight after Japan.

It feels to me like Jikook knew that regardless of if they did enlist together, they wouldn’t have been able to travel as a duo for a long time as if we can take Jim as an example, the members will most likely be going straight into OT7 work mode once they complete their service in 2025.

It feels to me like if Jikook hadn’t have gotten their companion enlistment approved, the travelogue was a was to permanently keep record of the many memories they wanted to make.

That with everything on Jungkook’s plate it wouldn’t be feasible for one GCF Tokyo style video like before.

For starters their travels were on a much larger scale than their 2017 trip to Tokyo.

Not just one hotel in one destination, walking around the city, visiting some shops restaurants and Disney but multiple countries, multiple hotels, villas, camping, kayaking, yachting, skiing, indoor adventures, restaurants etc

They are way more globally recognisable than in 2017 where there were still some sightings but not as many as if it was 2023.

Jungkook and Jimin literally had to squeeze these moments in between hectic schedules tight time constraints.

It makes sense that they would utilise their company to help with areas to visit to help with descretion, with bookings, as they’d have to book out whole villas, hotel floors, activity locations etc. it makes sense that because they’d need security.

Unlike Tokyo 2017,

dropped off by their fathers and Jimin’s brother

No security detail with them at airport

Sightings around Tokyo

which was a gift to Jimin from Jungkook, where Jungkook planned everything, paid for everything, filmed everything and edited and uploaded GCFT, this time round it was for both of them. Not for one to have to shoulder the planning, payments, filming and editing.

How would they coordinate everything in the midst of recordings, rehearsals and flying around the world for international promotions?

ding ding ding

Their company and staff are still a company, whose main directive is to make money, beginning and end of it all.

I’m sure the company are nice enough to the members but how would such time, resources and expenses be written off if Jikook asked on the company to help them with security details, with flight planning, whole hotel floor booking, villa bookings, closing businesses down for the duration they wanted to visit or opening ski resorts up a day early etc.

Their airport arrival streamed by news outlets

Management and security accompaniment vs when they were spotted alone in 2017

Fans falling over to picture Jikook, camping out for hours at airports, protective barriers errected at Japanese airport for theirs and fans protection etc

Yes they are millionaires but I’m sure we all know millionaires who earned from the bottom up and are sensible with their money. We all know the members and joke about how they’ll wear expensive watches and clothes but still fight over a rice cooker as a prize or Jungkook take home hotel toiletries or ingredients from run cooking episodes etc

So for the company and staff to help Jikook make this a possibility in the time the had before enlistment how would it make sense financially? How would it benefit everyone? We know Jikook love sharing with army, Jungkook’s lives of 2023 show us, their predebut days of vlogging to now show us, Jungkook’s GCFT shows us. They share.

So a show, sure, Jikook are used to cameras, the members are able to retain their authenticity through they years since day one of being in front of a camera.

That’s it, I’ll stop cos otherwise I’ll keep on musing forever 😅

💜💛

[nitrokiraru]

madatowa drama cd notes as someone who has very limited jp knowledge. i am simply using my 4 yrs of high school japanese, google translate, and a dream. just posting this for fun so it’s not like an official translation or anything it’s just basically me describing what’s happening to the best of my ability and also being insane about them

major events that happened that i could make out as like a tldr

-mada reunited with someone he knew when he was little

-towa learns abt mada’s past, mainly around a guy named “kurahashi”

-mayu eiji and kotarou appearance :D being sillies as always

-two yowie moments. first one in an alleyway second one presumably in their home. both are freak nasty as usual madatowa shenanigans

notes:

track 1

-LOTS of fighting noises in this

-towa and mada have a coffee and say it tastes like shinkoumi. some dudes come up to em and try to fight

track 2+3

-somebody notices them and gives them a job. presumably to fight people

-towa fights some people and it riles him up

-this part has already been translated but i just wanna scream abt it here bc!!!!!! towa brings him and mada into like an alleyway or something and he goes “hit me. it has to be you.” and mada says something like “you really are a lost cause/what am i going to do with you, huh?” hits him n his mouth fills with blood and towa kisses mada to make him taste it dnnsjdjd ❤️

-they have a quickie in the third track in said alleyway like the freaks they are

track 4

-a character (acquaintance of mada) called him “kei” which was kinda crazy to me since nobody called him that in the vn

-theyre in south america i believe? it’s funny in drama cds when they go to a country outside of japan and still speak japanese

-this character knew mada when he was little??? omg

-KAGA MENTION

-somebody came up to towa and madarame and said “forget everything you saw/heard today”?!

-there’s a VA in here that lowkey sounds like koujaku dmmd but idk how to check

track 5

-it’s funny how some tracks in here are like 2 minutes and the next one is 20

-dude i forgot how good nitroplus’ like sound effects are these mfs sound like they’re in my ROOM

-towa n mada having a convo abt the previous day. i think they may be arguing slightly? tone feels passive aggressive

-birds chirpin’ and towa’s breathing. he just woke up

-he just said madarame in the softest voice ever… 💔💔

-i think he woke up on their bed and mada left before he did

-towa: where did you go?😕 *track ends*

track 6

-footsteps. towa in a coffee shop once again

-MADA FIGHTING THAT DUDE HE KNEW

-cut back to towa. beep beep boop. towa calling somebody? ITS MAYU KOTAROU AND I THINK EIJI OMGGGGG T__T I MISSED EM

-i missed mayus silly voice

-they keep talking about somebody named “kurahashi” related to mada and kaga

-sasaki and toono mention?

-mayu: did something happen between you and madarame? did you two fight? (in the most teasing lil shit voice ever)

towa: *exhales smoke probably abt to hang up the phone* i’m done. -__-

eiji: HE WAs JUST KIDDIN-

-eiji: mata!! (see you!)

kotarou: mata na.

mayu: mata ne~ ^__^

the difference in tones was cute

-towa walks out of da shop. the dude from before comes up to him and asks if he wants to know what he and mada have been doing

-he like grabs him?? menacing music playing

-ok towa said let me go i think he pushed him up against a wall or something

-this dude is asking towa if he knows abt mada before he joined the takasatogumi. some massive lore bits goin on here (i understand about 20% of it)

-from what i got: madarame and kaga had a promise. lots of talk abt this promise. lots of talk abt madarame’s history with his siblings and takasatogumi. this entire bit is probably really interesting lore wise but i can’t understand most of it…💔 apologies

- enter madarame from the distance to save towa from this dude’s grasp

-he walks away.

-madarame: that guy…what happened?

towa: nothin. we just talked

madarame: really?

towa: yea. (he lyin)

track 7

-they go back home (i think) and enter.

towa sighssss. towa and mada talk time it seems ^__^

-madarame’s voice is so soft when he’s w him…cries

-towa: mentions something abt kurahashi

music: gets Suspenseful

-towa talks abt the stuff that dude told him

-towa ran away into a room?! (once again this would make me more sense if i even understood the weight of that dudes words and the lore of what happened)

track 8 (pretty sure this is the beginning of disc 2? however i’m listening from dlsite so it just shows up as track 8)

-this track is 20 minutes oh god pray for me as i try to even figure out what the hell is happening

-towa goes to see kurahashi and some dude tells him he needs an appt lawl… he lets him in tho

-“you came after all, towa” *suspense music starts*

-there’s a new takasatogumi?¿

-the dude who calls madarame “kei” is here telling him this. actually i think this is kurahashi i’ve just been calling him “the dude” this whole time but maybe it is kurahashi LMFAO i’ll just call him that

-wait the interrogation/euphoria music is playing? they’re still doing this segment in the drama cds omg

-towas voice still remaining the sexiest shit ever god

-IS HE TRYING TO SEDUCE INFORMATION OUT OF HIM or is it just his voice. maybe both

-more lore bits abt mada that i can only get bits n pieces from

-towa provoking da hell out of this mf.

-literally what the HELL is happening some other dude came in i hear clothes rustling and towa said Unhand Me

-HELLO GLASS JUST BROKE THAT SCARED ME WHY ARE NITROPLUS’ SOUND EFFECTS SO REALISTIC

-ITS MADA LMFAKOOK HE BROKE IN AND ASAID “towa. u in here?”

-the guy who sounds like koujaku is back apparently w him. they saved towa :D

-OK WHERE DID EIJI MAYU AND KOTAROU COME FROM I MISSED SOMETHING. i did.

track 9

-more kotarou eiji and mayuuuu. looks like they’re with towa and madarame now

-ok they left lawl

-everything’s all chill now i think that last track was the drama. i can’t wait until somebody translates the whole thing so i can actually understand what da hell happened

-once again their voices when they speak to each other alone are just 💔💔..

-it got a bit intimate at the end there i think i’m abt to hear a secks scene ngl

track 10

-YUP THE JAZZ MUSIC PLAYIN AND THERES KISSIN

-blood and knife(?) mention oh it’s abt to get real crazy in here

-mada: want me to cut you (non-verbatim ish)

towa: yes…..!!

-i’m punching the air.

-*cut sfx* mada: did that hurt?

towa:… feels good

-towa is such a fucking freak (affectionate) my god

-i think mada is licking the blood up oh my goodnes i’m abt to pass out and i’m only 2 min in

-oh he’s . towas whimpering . i’m normal (yes they’re fucking now)

-towa: cut me more. i want it to hurt

-mada keeps cutting him and towa keeps doing that little whimper FAWKKKK I CANR

-after they finished

towa: you’re covered in blood.

mada: whose fault is that?

towa: yours, isn’t it?

-ok that just changed me and i am very glad i bought this CD so i can now listen to it for the rest of time.

track 11 (last one!! ;_;)

-outside ambience. towa talking abt da sky

-at the coffee shop again talking w da waiter

-melancholy music playing.. why am i feeling emotional

-if i heard this correctly mada and kaga had coffee together that tasted like what they’re having rn?¿ madarame talking more abt his past but like. fondly i guess

-madarame said something that kind of gagged towa but IDK WHAT IT WASSSS HE SAID “who knows”

ARKTA song once again for the ending! AND IM DONEEE

ok so. i’m not gonna give a full review since i didn’t understand all of what they were saying but i saw on twt some people are going to start translating it? so perhaps i’ll relisten once a translation is out and give my full thoughts but as of now i loved it regardless. i missed towa and madarame a lot i love their dynamic 💔 just a bunch of freaks fighting mfs occasionally and going anywhere but still sticking beside one other. im rly glad i actually bought it because i get to listen to it whenever AND it’ll probably feel like the first time once i finally listen to it along with an eng translation so i actually know wtf is GOING ON

anyways hi and thank u if u read this whole thing. ’m gonna buy the rest of them soon and also make a review post but probably not as long. the reason is because god i MISSED TOWAS VOICE SO MUCH LOL i must hear it again. that is all

[hopelessdelusional]

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷bad for business

‧₊˚♡pairing: bakugou x singer! reader

‧₊˚♡tw: slight mention of injury in the beginning, but that’s abt it

‧₊˚♡word count: 4K

‧₊˚♡a/n: Literally got a dream after i read this prompt, went insane, and then basically wrote a whole book…so it’s safe to say im obsessed

‧₊˚♡masterlist

inbox is open so hmu!!

╭── ⋅ ⋅ ─ ✩ ─⋅ ⋅ ──╮

Bakugou Katsuki is a hero.

He is a Pro Hero, number 2 to be in fact (damn Deku). He has made a living fighting battles and saving lives, jumping off roofs and flying in the sky. He is a real life super hero, putting his life in danger. Every morning he wakes up has to prepare himself for the things he may see that day. The blood he might shed, and the people he may not be able to save. He has learned to be fearless, never finding himself nervous when jumping into the fight.

And yet, he’s never felt more terrified right now.

He met you three years ago, after quite literally crashing right into the very studio you record your music. He was battling a woman who had the ability to make and control giant vines, and apparently are explosive-proof. Todoroki almost hit him with a blast of his shitty ice, making him turn to his so called “partner” and cuss him out. However, that gave the villain the chance to grab him, and send him flying.

Bakugou soon found himself miles away from the fight, as he had to use his quirk in order not to fall to his death. But as many know, his quirk is sporadic.

That is how he crash landed into your studio.

It hurt like hell sure, but when he opened his eyes and saw you standing over him with nothing but concern in your eyes, he instantly forgot the many injuries he gained. You were breathtaking, and not like anyone he had ever interacted with. You immediately made the terrified people in the studio help him up and you found the nearest first aid kit and fixed him up as best as you could before an ambulance came.

He was dazed, but you were so kind and made small talk. Bakugou had always been one to hate any type of small talk, but he loved every word that left your mouth. You were newly moved to Japan, some sort of opportunity came to you that you couldn’t turn down (Bakugou was severely concussed so a lot of what you said was a blur).

Bakugou does remember Mina and Kaminari mentioning you, playing your music whenever he came to either of their houses. You had such a unique voice, a bit raspy that caught the attention of millions of people. Surprisingly, also caught the attention to Bakugou, as he would play it during the rare nights when he’d be cooking alone in his kitchen. Your story telling was incredible, your lyrics were anything but bland. Making music about the bad and good exes you’ve had, your friends and family, your past, and even wrote songs about random characters your beautiful mind came up with. You always made sure to use all sorts of instruments, and the notes that you compacted into your songs never ceased to amaze Bakugou’s standards.

Now he was here, sitting on a table asking you all sorts of questions about you. Maybe it was the concussion, or maybe it was just your personality but Bakugou began to get addicted to you, never wanting you to stop talking.

“Here.”

You turned away from him, your hand leaving his knee instantly making him already miss the warmth of you as you shuffled through your bag.

He watched you with curiosity (and took the chance to shamelessly check out your ass) before you turned around with a newfound grin on your face. You were holding a pen, and he cocked an eyebrow at you, not understanding the excitement of this pen in your perfect hand. You walked back over to him, your perfume becoming addicting to him, and you gently grabbed his hand. You were making intense eye contact with him, and Bakugou suddenly felt…nervous? You smiled at the blush that rose on the hero’s face, before you clicked the pen and began to write something on his wrist.

Bakugou watched, feeling somewhat like a child, and once you finished and allowed him to look. He was pleasantly surprised to see your number on his arm.

His head instantly shot up, almost not believing this was happening.

“If I text this and it’s a scam, I’m gonna hunt you down.”

His gruff voice didn’t match the face he was making at you, and you threw your head back and laughed.

Once you caught your breath, you smiled at him, making him blush even more (he didn’t even know that was possible!).

“As fun as that would be, I promise that is in fact my home number. I would never trick my favorite pro hero like that.”

Out of the corner of his eye he saw two paramedics walking through the door, ready to help him out of there. However, he chose to ignore them and smirk at you instead.

“Favorite eh?”

You giggled, still holding his hand.

“Don’t get too cocky mister, or else I’ll write a mean song about you.”

His grin widened, using his other hand to lead your hand to his lips. He gently kissed it, hating how chapped his lips were, but the blush that quickly appeared on your cute cheeks made it worth it.

“I’d rather the song have another meaning.”

The two of you held eye contact, and he soaked up every second of it not ever wanting to forget what color you eyes were.

You smiled at him before you turned to the paramedics that began to replace your presence. They helped him up, and walked him over to the bed that was rolled in by another paramedic. Once he was comfortable (as comfortable as someone with many broken ribs and a concussion could be) he looked back up at you. Bakugou was annoyed to see one of the paramedics talking nervously to you, asking for an autograph. However, the jealously slowly turned into admiration as he watched you beam at the man as you excitedly signed the crinkled piece of paper he had in his pocket.

“My daughter just adores your music, she started learning guitar because of you actually! It’s truly incredible watching her play, just makes me so proud of her.”

Your lip was pouted, as you stood listening to his words. You looked so genuine, so happy that he was telling you this. Bakugou could tell this means the world to you, watching you enthusiastically hugged him. The two of you quickly made your goodbyes, and you immediately turned to look his way. Bakugou would have been embarrassed that he was caught looking at you if you hadn’t beamed at him like that. You jogged over to him, making him chuckle how eager you were to be back in his presence. Bakugou instantly grabbed your empty hand again, not a single ounce of shame for how “down bad” he was acting.

“Talk to you later?”

Your voice couldn’t have been any louder than a whisper, making sure he knew these were words only for him to hear. Bakugou grinned, giving your hand a squeeze.

“Of course.”

Instead of one of your flashing smiles, your whole face softened and a small smile appeared on your face.

“In the meantime then, I’ll definitely be writing a song.”

That’s when Bakugou realized there was no coming back from you. He was officially obsessed, never wanting anything more than your hand in his.

Unfortunately for him, the two of you were rudely interrupted by the dumbass that got him here in the first place (not that Bakugou is complaining). Todoroki loudly coughed, making you jump and him scowl.

“I see you’re in good-“ his heterochromia eyes looked down at Bakugou and your interlocked hands, and then looked back up at Bakugou with a smirk.

“Good hands?”

Yeah, Bakugou definitely got teased for the rest of the day, and soon the rest of the week by all the people half-and-half told. But honestly? Bakugou couldn’t give two shits when had you texting him all day.

Besides, they were just jealous.

Kaminari and Mina especially lost their shit, begging for him to tell them all about you, even asking for your number. Obviously, Bakugou kindly told them to stop asking (he told them to fuck off and mind their fucking business) and soon enough the two of you began dating.

It was so easy being with someone like you. The two of you worked so well together, and you already understood the pressure of paparazzi constantly swarming you like hawks. Crazily enough, the reveal of you guys dating didn’t release until after your one year. Of course there were plenty of news articles and random fans on the internet who speculated it, but you interacted with enough people for your fans to also say you were dating them as well. Besides, the idea of you, an international singer/songwriter dating the number two hero in the world was not something that people could believe easily. But it was the truth, and people everywhere went crazy when you posted a picture of the two of you.

It was the picture of Bakugou picking you up by the waist in his kitchen. You were wearing his shirt and some random sweats because you had just gotten home from a concert the night before. Ochako was the one able to capture this beautiful moment of the couple. You had been teasing him for being able to cook but not bake, and he had enough of your jokes and simply picked you right off your feet. In the picture the both of you were smiling widely, especially Bakugou. When you posted the picture, fans analyzed the picture like crazy.

Bakugou knew he wasn’t the most well liked Pro-Hero, but the amount of people who tried to make a video showing the picture and claiming it was “obvious” that he was abusing you was a little annoying. You always reassured the blond when you caught him watching those videos, turning off his phone and climbing in his lap. His hands happily making his way on your waist as you ran your fingers through his hair while the other hand held his face gently. His eyes would close and you would whisper sweet nothings in his ear, praising him for anything and everything, sometimes even singing the songs you wrote for him.

Bakugou still remembers when the two of you were almost a year into the relationship (ten months and 6 days to be exact) and in the mist of him casually scrolling on TikTok a video of you performing at your concert popped up. He was certainly surprised to see videos already posted, since the concert had quite literally just ended. Obviously he watched the video, adoring how you talked to your fans.

“Now children, calm down so I can talk. I am not gonna talk over your borderline screaming, there’s no way in hell I’m gonna be able to sing after this if I talk like that.”

Bakugou snickered. He always loved when you were sassy and continued to watch.

“So whilst on tour, I’ve had a song stuck in my head,” the crowd went wild, probably thinking you were going to play one of your songs called “stuck in my head.” Your face lit up in realization, and you laughed at the mistake you made.

“Oh my poor babies, I’m so sorry but I am not playing that song.”

You gave your crowd an apologetic smile as they booed you. Bakugou’s eyebrows furrowed, upset as to why you were being booed, but continued to watch nonetheless.

“Oh my gosh get over yourself,” you rolled your eye waiting for the crowd to settle down before starting up again.

“I had like, this chorus just repeating itself over and over again. It was so annoying y’all! I felt like I was going crazy! And what made it even more annoying is that I couldn’t go to my safe place and sit down and write it cus-“

You gestured to your surroundings.

“-I’m on tour.”

The crowd went wild for longer than Bakugou liked, but you let them get it out, shaking your head like you were disappointed but the smile gave you away.

“Instead I had to settle with my oh so very empty tour bus bed, and write the song there. It was literally like, what? 3AM? And I was sitting on that bed with my guitar, notebook, and my laptop. I’m so glad I wasn’t sharing or like in a hotel because I was up until 5…”

You bent over to laugh, and the audience as well. Meanwhile, your now very grumpy boyfriend was about to close the app and text you not to do shit like that. You put on full fledge concerts for crying out loud! You should not be staying up that late just to write a goddamn song.

“And that was last night.”

The concert booed as Bakugou’s patience started to thin. What the hell were you thinking? You even texted him goodnight at like 2! Rest is very important and you need to-

“But I’m glad that I did, because I think this is my new favorite song. And I just can’t wait anymore, so is it okay if I play it for you guys?”

The crowd literally went feral. The person recording was screaming along with every goddamn person at that place. Bakugou was now fully sitting up in his bed, eager to listen to this song. He was a little hurt, he will admit. You always send him a video of the many songs that you write sporadically on this tour, and you’ve written a lot. So why didn’t you do the same thing here? What was so different about this song that he couldn’t be the first to hear it like usual?

“That sounds like a yes,” you reached for one of the many necklaces you were wearing and pulled out a very thin necklace with a familiar pendant. Bakugou immediately recognized it, as it was the one he got for you on your six month anniversary. It was one of the petals of a rose that you saved from your first date. He had it dried and put into a charm of a necklace when he noticed you getting upset that you couldn’t keep the flowers he got you. When he gave it to you, tears were falling down your face as he kissed you. That’s when he swore to himself that if he met any of your exes he wouldn’t leave without giving them a brand new scar.

You pulled it out and kissed it gently, before whispering into it.

“This is for you baby.”

Bakugou’s eyes widened, the crowd losing their minds and you started playing guitar. The two of you would make the smallest hints that you were in a relationship, but never as bold as this. Not that he was complaining.

Secretly he had been wanting to let the public know that you were dating, he wanted everyone to know you were his and he was yours. He was honestly sick of seeing people “ship” him with extras and he especially hated when the same happened to you.

He’s good for my heart but he’s bad for business

Tears me apart when he grants my wishes

All of my friends think I’ve gone crazy

But they don’t know me like my baby~

Bakugou remembers that moment like it was yesterday. His face instantly blossomed a bright blush, and his lips formed a soft smile. The crowd finally settled down after the beginning and he was able to listen to the song, closing his eyes pretending like he was there in the audience. He put the phone up to his ear and laid back down, soaking up every word and every note.

He’s good

It’s bad

The best I’ve ever had

And he’s so nice

It’s sad

He ruined all my plans

And he just makes me so crazy

I know everyone sees

He’ll be the death of me

That’s how he got here, standing in a special area in your sold out venue wearing your newest merch.

And Bakugou Katsuki was terrified.


This was the first time he had come to see your concert, because last time you toured it was when your relationship was a secret. Now, he sat nervously in his chair, his colleagues on either side of him. You had given all of them tickets, making sure they had the best seats in the house but also allowed them to not be disturbed by fans.

Bakugou was bouncing his leg, picking at his fingernails as he watched the crowd. It seemed that nobody knew they were there, everyone waiting in anticipation of your show. Your music was so diverse, everyone knew that it would contain all sorts of emotions and energies. You were the type of performer who liked to be as close to the audience as possible, you loved adding commentary to your songs during the pauses, making faces, and dancing around. You loved to have fun, and let loose. When you got the green light to plan the tour, you were practically bouncing off the walls of your now shared home. You spent three months planning it, which was a new record for you, before announcing. However, there was just one thing that Bakugou didn’t like about the tour.

He knew absolutely nothing about it. In fact, you made sure of it. Hiding your notebook, changing your laptop’s password, making sure your manager didn’t tell him shit about it. That’s why he was terrified. His partner, his very famous singer/songwriter of a soulmate was about to do the very first night of the tour in Japan and Bakugou didn’t know a thing.

That’s why Bakugou Katsuki was terrified.

Soon enough, the lights began to dim, and people started to stand up. A hush fell over the crowd as the venue blacked out, and the wrist bands on everyone’s wrists lit up.

“Holy shit it’s happening.” Kaminari whispered to Bakugou, grin spreading across his face.

Ochako, Kaminari, and Mina happily took the evening off to see you, while the rest of your invites weren’t able to. Kirishima made Bakugou promise at least one photo of the two of them after the show.

A soft hum came out of the speakers, and suddenly a spotlight appeared to reveal you standing at the very far back of the stage. The crowd went insane, and you walked down the stage.

When it came to your outfits, you always had to keep it comfortable. You loved to jump around dancing, sometimes fall to your knees dramatically. You especially loved to squat. Jumping around in that position and when you stood up you always made sure to flaunt the ass that you worked very hard on in the gym.

You came out strutting down the stage in very baggy and flowy black pants and a very cropped black long sleeve sweater that allowed you to show off the lace bra that went down to your belly button. But that wasn’t where it stopped, nor was it the best part of your outfit. To Bakugou’s surprise you were wearing boots with an obnoxiously thick heel, that were very obviously Dynamite themed.

Bakugou smirked at the sight, taking in the rest of the little details of your outfit. You wore a giant ring on your index finger that was also Dynamite inspired, as a fan gave it to you, and Bakugou could see his initials sewn into the bottom of your sweater.

You stopped at the end of the runway, pulling the microphone away from your face in a dramatic motion. You slowly looked around, taking in your crowd. A smile spread across your face, and when your gaze looked straight forward to look for Bakugou, he made sure to make little sparks from his hands to let you know he was right here. You pointed at him with the finger that had the Dynamite ring on it, and Bakugou honestly felt like it was just you and him in the stadium. You mouthed an ‘I love you’ at him, and Bakugou was now ignoring the new roar from the audience.

“You guys should get married already.” Mina whispered in Bakugou’s ear, and instead of blowing her face up, he just smiled, still looking in your direction.

“I plan on it.”

The first song you sang was one of your oldest ones, which also happened to be a much slower and sadder song. Instead of listening to the grim lyrics (not because they were bad, just because Bakugou hated to remember how bad some of your relationships were and didn’t want to get angry) the hero closed his eyes and listened to your voice. He wanted to take in his environment and all the notes you sang. The song started to drift off midway, which confused Bakugou. His eyes suddenly snapped open when he heard your newest song, which was much more upbeat. He watched you jump in the air and sing the song with much more passion than the original version. The crowd recovered quickly from the switch up and was singing along happily.

You sang a couple more of your newer and upbeat songs, making sure to add new notes to them and even belt a couple of notes to get the crowd excited. You were having so much fun, and Bakugou had never seen you look more alive. This is where you belonged, and he wanted to be right here every time watching.

There was a pause for you to sit down at the edge of the runway. You sat criss-cross, and much closer to the audience for Bakugou’s liking. He always got nervous when you reached out for a fan’s hand, scared that they would do something that could hurt you.

Thankfully, that hadn’t ever happened, and you sat very cutely waiting for the audience to quiet down so you could speak.

“Wow. We’re halfway through already? Well, I think we all know what that means…”

You cocked your head to the side, and a soft piano started to play a familiar rhythm.

“Ladies, gentlemen, and everything in between, get out your tissues. It is now time to remember why you are no longer dating your ex, and for you to be reminded that your trauma isn’t just a thing that makes you funny.”

The crowd screamed, but almost immediately stopped when you began to sing in a much softer and lower register than before. As depressing as these songs may be, Bakugou firmly believes that these types of songs bring out the best in your voice. It allows you to challenge your breath control, and truly sing with so much passion and emotion.

A couple of songs pass, and Bakugou finds you when the stage gets lit up again. You’re in the middle of the runway, standing with your head down waiting for the band to begin. As soon as the piano starts, the crowd screams and yells. This is one of your all-time most popular songs, it was the one that caught a lot of people’s attention and boosted your popularity. Funnily enough, you actually hated this song because you wrote it in high school, so Bakugou was surprised to see you preform it.

“Is this Sick of Losing Soulmates?” Ochako yelled, because of the screaming of your audience.

Bakugou turned to her and confirmed her suspicions, making Mina and Kaminari start screaming along with the audience (as they were doing the entire time).

Bakugou watched as you began to sing, and noticed how you really got into it. You added a lot more dramatic pauses before certain lines, and even speaking some of the lyrics, making it feel more like anger than sadness.

Yeah, I’m sick of losing soulmates

Won’t be alone again

I can finally see you’re as fucked up as me

So how do we begin?

At one point, you laid down on your back, reaching for the sky as you sang your heart out, and Bakugou noticed you choking up a bit at certain lyrics.

We will grow old as friends

I've promised that before, so what's one more in our grey-haired circle, waiting for the end?

Time and hearts will wear us thin

So which path will you take, 'cause we both know a break does exactly what it says on the tin

The song soon ends, and your last pose has you on your knees, head looking down at the floor. The stadium goes pitch dark, including the wrist bands, before they light up again along with your stage. Bakugou sees you wipe a tear off your cheek, and you sit there once more taking in your fans that take the chance to start chanting your name. You put your lips together, closing your eyes and putting your hands on your heart. Your eyebrows are furrowed and Bakugou can tell you’re still crying. In that moment he wanted nothing more than to go to you and hold you, wiping away your tears and replacing them with tender kisses.

You open your eyes, putting the mic back to your mouth and the audience quiets down in order to let you speak.

“Oh boy, I am so overwhelmed by emotions. I mean that was the song that started it all right?”

The crowd was still practically silent, as you’ve trained them well. You get off your knees and get into a more comfortable sitting position (criss-cross of course) and continue.

“I used to absolutely loath that song, because I wrote that when I was at my lowest. I was so sick and tired of love, having to try again over and over again. Every relationship that ended seem to break a piece of me off, and I was honestly starting to give up.”

You let out a broken chuckle, putting your free hand over your eyes momentarily before starting again.

“But then I met Katsuki, in which he literally crashed into my life.”

The crowd stayed silent, but Bakugou could tell they wanted to start screaming. You were not looking at him, and to his surprise Bakugou felt a tear run down his cheek.

“Three years of paradise. I’ve always had a fear of losing you, but it especially hits when I sing songs like that.”

There was a pause, and suddenly Bakugou felt like he was back in that studio where he met you. Staring at you and falling in love all over again.

“I love you baby, forever and always.”

Bakugou smiled, and all that fear that was with him before left. You were his and he was yours, and that’s all that he needed.

“I love you too,” he whispered, and you knew.

Bakugou Katsuki was no longer terrified.

╰── ⋅ ⋅ ─ ✩ ─⋅ ⋅ ──╯

none of the songs quoted are not mine!!! the first one is “Bad for Business” by Sabrina Carpenter, and the second one is “Sick of Losing Soulmates” by dodie

i hope you enjoyed bc boy oh boy i did

literally took me 4 hours to write but i couldn’t pull myself away from the keyboard

i rlly need to start writing other characters for x readers but oh well

[tokyo-daaaamn-ji-gang]

There's been something going on in my head lately. This topic is about Shinichiro and I feel disappointed. Because Shinichiro is a man who I see as the ideal older brother and parent, who is really good-hearted and loves his siblings more than anything. This is definitely Shinichiro. He is a really good-hearted man who can be easily trusted. But today, some of the things written in Izana's letter confused me a lot. We had discussions about this issue on Twitter and many things came to my mind. Our topic is this friends;

Shinichiro knew that Izana was brother to Emma, so he went to the Philippines to pick up his brother. He picked up his younger brother and went back to Japan. He gave Izana an incredibly beautiful day on the first day, and in fact, in Izana's words, gave him the best day of his life. He gave her the opportunity to live her beautiful day. Afterwards, she continued to take care of him and spend the day with him. What bothers me is that Shinichiro knew that Emma and Izana were sisters. Why didn't he come and tell Emma this in the first place? Was it such a difficult thing to say that you found your brother? For God's sake, he wasn't just Emma's brother, but theirs too. As soon as he found Izana, why didn't he bring her home and introduce her to Grandpa? Why didn't he take Mikey and Emma to their orphanage visits? Why did he promise Izana an empty family?

so apparently, from the letter we saw in the trailer, we find out that shinichiro actually /knew/ that emma and izana were related and still kept them separate when he could have adopted him...shinichiro, that's so sick and twisted shit is there an adult who didn't do izana wrong?The adoption process is surely hard but at this point he could have simply brought emma to visit him and introduce izana to mikey when he got to see him at the orphanage. Mikey was positive about the idea (as we see in the manga) so why didn't Shinichiro do anything about it?When he talks to mikey asking him his opinion on having another brother , he was already an adult, so why didn't he do anything? It's like he kinda forgot about izana because they're not "related", but at that point, why did he get izana's life in the first place? Because he was Emma's brother? And like this we get to the initial point again: he could have, at least, introduced them all

Well firstly I'm pretty sure Shinichiro didn't pick Izana up from the Philippines at all. Since Izana was in a foster home adoption type place and then juvie in Japan (that's how he met Kakucho at the foster home and then the S62 at juvie). I'm also not sure how a Japanese teenager would've been just allowed to take a kid from the Philippines to Japan like that. Actually Izana doesn't even seem to have known he had family in the Philippines until Karen told him. He thought she was his mum and that he had the same dad as Shinichiro (not clear if he knew the guys name or what he looked like though).

I agree though, from our perspective it does seem like Shinichiro made a big mistake here with not introducing Izana to the others or at least telling them. However Shinichiro didn't have our perspective. Shinichiro had no idea what was going to happen or what the consequences of doing that would be. I feel like this is one of those things which will divide the fandom, with some ageeeing and some disagreeing (both are totally fine though).

Like I think Shinichiro was right not to rush into things here, taking on the care of another child is a big responsibility and Shinichiro was already practically raising two, not to mention what kind of impact a change in environment could have on Izana's mental health, a kid he had known for a few hours at this point. I don't know a lot about the irl adoption process but I'm pretty sure you have to spend more then a few hours with the kid before deciding anything. I think that's why they then started exchanging letters, as a way for them to get to know each other better and get more comfortable with each other.

I'm guessing the next part of Shinichiro's plan was to get to know Izana better and get Izana more comfortable with him before introducing him to the others. We know Shinichiro was at least thinking about introducing Izana to them because of the question he asked Mikey.

But then I'm guessing what stopped him was all the complications. Aka Mikey ripped Sanzu's face open and Izana beat up a bunch of kids and then basically forced one to take his own life. Put them together and they don't get along and you're going to have a big problem on your hands. Like I understand why Shinichiro wanted to move slowly here, this isn't something that should've been rushed. Not to mention the warning signs Izana was already showing towards Mikey by asking Shinichiro to stop talking about him and saying hearing about Mikey gives him a headache.

I'd say the main mystery here is why he didn't tell Emma/ bring Emma with him to visit. I'm not sure if he didn't wanna get her hopes up or if he wss worried about her or Izana's reaction (though they both seem like they would've been positive), or if he didn't want to make Emma keep the secret from Mikey but didn't want to let Mikey know yet. That is a bit of mystery.

Also to be completely fair to Shinichiro I don't think he ever would've expected things to play out the way they did. He was only a teenager himself when he first met Izana and even as a young adult it's a big responsibility to bring Izana into the house and make sure all his siblings were doing ok. He clearly wanted to unite them all but wanted it done in the correct way. Shinichiro has only been shown to want the best for his siblings so I'm sure he thought he was doing the right thing here. Though obviously this is just my take and we're all going to have different opinions on this.

[circledotdestroy]

Retrospective - Chapter 5: Let’s Rock

Pairing: Shouta Aizawa x F! Pro-Hero! Reader (the slowest burn)Main summary: After 12 years, you, Pro-Hero Strife, has to return to Japan. Your objective: discreetly track down and capture Akari Kaneko, a.k.a. Pro-Hero Aegis— your old classmate who attacked you during her visit in America. In the aftermath of All Might losing his power, however, using UA resources has its complications. The most unexpected complication being Aizawa, someone you never expected to see again. Why does your past have to come back to haunt you now? Masterlist First Chapter Last Chapter Word Count: 3,869 words

A/N: Hey, I'm back. Sorry for the long gap between this chapter and the last. I know I said i was supposed to be post more frequently last time. This chapter was a struggle for me to write because I lost my grandmother to cancer a few weeks ago and that kinda caused a depressive episode. I think I'm better now tho! There's a lot of stuff going on with the anime and manga (I can't believe its ending) so if anyone wants to discuss, i'm here Anyway, thank you for stopping by, and I hope you enjoy the show!

The screeching device rattled from your hand to your skull.

A child-lock. Uh huh. If the past was in the past, what’s this about? You shoved the gym doors wide open letting all the heat escape the room. As you take a step forward, you wince at explosions blasting through the room. You forgot how hero training areas can rival a construction site in terms of noise. A tight grin cracked on your face as you scanned the potential disaster zone.

Where’s Eraserhead?

Around the rocks? You wondered about walking the perimeter.  Behind the towers, you tilted your head. Hiding?

Mere seconds and the adrenaline in the room burrows into your nervous system with the heat waves. You did the math from the time he left— from the time he left you were supposed to have at least 20 minutes, but you were caught off at 17. Three minutes can start and end a fight, you thought as you weaved through rocks falling from the sky. Did he really think you’d intentionally waste his time?

A rock the size of a steroid-addled moose hurdled toward you.  A loud CRACK traveled through the room—fragments raining around you. Holding your arm out you looked around you. Where the hell did that come from?  

“Are you okay?!” You turned your head to the direction of fast, frantic steps toward you. It was the boy in the knight outfit running toward you with smoke coming out of his calves. You glanced at the scratched knuckles of your gloves then gave it a shake to take the remaining dust off. 

Turns out there was dust all over your uniform. That’s no way to make a first impression on the boy who was racing to meet you. As you continued brushing yourself off you took a good look at the state of his uniform, also covered in debris, especially the guards on his legs. When he was close enough to speak to you nodded at him. “Kicked that rock pretty far—are you conditioning?” 

The boy's eyes widened behind his glass as color drained from his face. He “I am so sorry! I didn’t mean to—”  

“Hey, hey, hey,” you interrupted him as his arms went to his side. The boy was confounded by the disruption. “You don’t have to say sorry. I’m not hurt. I conditioned my hands a long time ago. I was a little older than you then, and I’m extremely old now.” You scanned the room swiftly to see if Eraser had decided to investigate the noise, to no avail. “You can go back to your training,” you finished, waving the boy off. 

Before you can go back to your mission the student stopped you. “Wait, I’m the class representative, and a student at UA. I should've been a better example…”

“Then do better next time? There’s a lot of people in here, think about that before you kick the big rock somewhere.”

“I see…” The boy’s hand came up to his chin as he pieced together what you said. You couldn't help wondering if your accent somehow got worse between the meeting and now.  “All of the students training in the gym together is not only about our ultimate moves, but about our awareness of our environment as well,” he commented, although it was clear he was talking to himself. “I take your advice to heart! Thank you—uh?

“Strife. I’m the Pro-Hero Strife.”

“And I am Iida Tenya.” The boy said bowing before you. “Thank you for your advice, Ms. Pro-Hero Strife.” 

You pressed your lips in a tight line looking across the room as the boy continued to bow in gratitude. In all your years, you’ve never quite understood what you were supposed to do in these types of situations. Having someone bow at you was up there with people singing happy birthday or crying, in terms of you not knowing what to do. The best thing you knew to do in either of those situations was move it along as fast as possible. 

Luckily it didn’t last for as long as it felt it would. The boy stood upright and gestured toward the device you held. “Ms. Pro-Hero Strife? I don’t mean to be rude but your tablet has been ringing this whole time.”

“Yeah,” you lifted the tablet higher. “I was borrowing this from Eraserhead. The screaming won’t stop until I get it back to him. Have you seen your teacher?” Apparently he was exactly the one to ask, giving you precise instructions on where to find him. Mic should really take up some lessons from this kid.

By the time you spotted Eraser standing by the side entrance, the one that came from outside, your need to roll up and say “What the hell is wrong with you? I thought we were cool—” was gone.  Explosions and the sound of bowling balls striking drowned out the sound of the tablet. Getting closer to Eraser your spine heats up like a wire. Your eyes locked onto the girl with pink skin above you on a plateau immediately. You crossed her path like a black cat, giving her a slight wave, but not truely stopping to interact with her. She waved back before nearly getting hit on the head by a Smile Man. Two steps later your spine increased by a few more degrees. Still feeling her eyes you glance back to see she was drawing the pathway between you and her teacher. When you reached your destination, you held out Eraser’s stupid little tablet.

“You’re here.” He took the tablet off your hands and tapped at the screen disabling the alarm. “Did you get the information you needed,” he asked with holding the tablet closer, swiping and tapping at the screen. 

A passive aggressive half-thought bubbled in your mind, but floated away just as quick. You weren’t trying to start anything and you were just relieved there was no more high pitched screeching in the menagerie of sound. “For now, yes,” you answered, turning to stand next to him. 

The mountain range ahead was truly something else. Three of the mountains had their own light show going on. One of the mountain tops had a laser beam, another had a full solar flare that made the mountain look like a volcano, and the third was capped with flaming ice. From your time in both countries you can confidently say that pretty lights were one of two things that people across the world could get excited about. Think about it, fireworks, lasers, glow-in-the-dark toys, neon lights— who doesn’t like those things? The only downside these things could have is that they’re often paired with loud noises. Like the explosions in the air and bone rattling booms hitting the pavement.

As you watched the lights, Eraser fiddled with his device, reading something you can’t see on the screen. He didn’t look confused at all so he couldn’t have read your notes.

“I spoke to your class president,” you continued, putting your attention on the flaming ice. “Your students are very serious.”

“That’s how it’s supposed to be.” 

“All of them, or just Iida?” You grin at the swaying flames in the distance. Eraser lowered his tablet and set his eyes on you. Your spine started to heat up and you didn’t have to mention moose-sized rock or how his student tried to apologize to you. “You shouldn’t get nervous, he was training and he’s supposed to improve… I can see—I think he cares more about training than we did.”

“When did you ever care about anything?”

You chuckled and looked at the flames again, “I cared. Less than you but I still cared.”

“I’m sure you did…”

“Iida should work on his aim for his Ultimate Move. I’m sure we both know a giant flying rock could really hurt someone.” Eraser doesn’t respond. Warm air begins to suffocate you next to him. Out of all the dumb jokes you could’ve made that’s what you chose? Adjusting the guards on your arms you looked off. A few Smile Mans— Smile Men(?), were still with the students you could see. The other man, the Cement Snowman was missing, either having left or camouflaged extremely well. That left the only actual adult you’d rather be with— “Where’s Midnight, anyway?”

“She’s helping a student on the other side of the room,” Eraser stated plainly. The explosions from above shook the room as it did before. Bits and pieces shatter and fall onto the main path connecting the mountains and plateaus together. 

“Alright then…” Somehow the steep slants and the narrow trails with falling ruble looked more comfortable then how this conversation felt.

Shifting your weight side to side, the image of stumbling, toppling over the side consumes your thoughts. Yet you still took a step forward. With Midnight on the other side of the gym, and Mic not around at all, you needed to make your own exit. The only practical excuse you could think of was observing the students close and that meant… Looking up toward the looming peaks you gulped.  The looming peaks made you gulp. 

Another heat wave flushed your skin and buried into your bones. Your skull felt like it was expanding. If you weren’t working then you wouldn’t have been okay with this. Eraser of all people should know damn-well you wouldn’t have, maybe that’s what he was relying on. Here you were though, poised and marched into your work as you always did. 

Adrenaline was in the air. 

You’ll work with this.

Eraser called out after you before  you left his sight. “You're not taking notes?” He held the tablet out toward you, but you put your focus on the path ahead. You declined. He’d probably put another one of those god-awful alarms again. His head turned from where you stood to what was behind. 

“Are you sure you can walk okay?”

Your lungs filled with sand. “Why wouldn’t I be?” You smiled as your heart picked up the pace. Did he notice it when you were in the observation room? Or was it the meeting? It’s possible he noticed before than and chose not to say anything before now. The way he tucked the tablet under his arm told you nothing about what could’ve given you away. “The path isn’t smooth. I can ask Cementoss to make a wall if you’re worried about falling.” 

“I’m good,” you said, your smile turned tight. So he didn’t notice your injury, he just wanted to use your past fears against you. Go figure. “I’m going now. Bye.” You didn’t give him a chance to respond before you turned and dropped your grin. You sighed and prepared yourself for the journey ahead.

Having to ignore your fears for the sake of a mission was nothing new. You’ve had to climb and jump off objects at great heights to face opponents and beasts alike. Occasionally you had to jump from one rooftop to another when you worked in a main city. The main difference between then and now was you had a goal. If that’s all you needed…. All you had to do was approach every trainee. Get enough information on their quirk to have an idea then move on. That’s easy! You already saw the class rep, who has speed. He has a good amount of power if he was able to kick that boulder at you. When you punched it, it felt like it was about 1200 pounds–good to know…

You walked past a few more students. The boy with super strength, the other boy with the tail, diaper boy… The next student on the roster was a girl with a frog-themed uniform. She worked on camouflage, which could be seen as strange considering she’s wearing bright green. Then again you wore bright red and she hasn’t noticed you. Actually now that you think about it, the last three didn’t either…

Well that’s awful!

 Grabbing an outlying curve in the wall beside you broke off a chunk. Staring at the back of the girl's head, you counted to ten, but she hadn’t sensed your presence. You squeezed the chunk with both hands until it crumbled to bits. Twenty seconds and the girl still hasn't seen you. You picked a pebble to place between your fingers. Pointed, aimed, then fired toward the wall behind her. She leapt out of the way as a projectile pebble flew past her. 

You hummed. The lack of awareness was concerning, for her and the other students you walked past. However, her reflexes are good for a first year. Shrugging you continued your hike ready to find your next target. 

Flicking pebbles toward students yielded some interesting results. Out of the ten you launched pebbles toward, eight students with the first girl included, had excellent reaction times. Then of those eight, three students– a tall boy with extra arms, a girl who created a giant iron bar, and the girl with pink skin, who shrieked and melted the pebble on instinct–spotted you after stones were thrown. Of course you apologized and said they could ignore you. 

What you weren’t prepared for was student eleven. Unlike the first ten, he stood by a giant generator. The coat of paint was the same green of the robots used for challenges and tests when you were a student. When you entered his vicinity, he faced the path and waved enthusiastically. “Oh, hey!” It caught you off guard. You tried to subtly put the pebbles into your pocket as you met him halfway. The pebbles scattered across his platform when you felt your work phone. The boy, one of the little rockstars from earlier, buffered as he saw them roll away. “So that’s what you were doing— I was wondering when you were gonna get to me! You’re a Pro, right? I’ve never seen you before, where are you from?”

You thought of how to answer the question, but was interrupted by someone below you. “Kaminari! Is that mystery woman up there with you? Who is she?”

“I don’t know! She was about to tell me before you had to interrupt!”

“Well, excuse me for— AAHH!” The girl shrieked. You jumped to the edge of the platform with grit teeth leaving the boy behind you. “Aizawa-sensei!” The girl became pastel at the sight of her teacher drawing closer. 

“Do you have an ultimate move ready, Ashido?”

The girl slumped, “no… But who is SHE,” the girl pointed up at you. Standing upright again, you waved at the two beneath you. When you stopped waving, you used that hand to brush on top of the itching wound and dug your nails in. Eraser kept his eyes on you and you tilted your head back at him. 

The boy, Kaminari, stepped closer to the ledge. “Yeah, she just showed up unannounced in the hallway. We’ve been dying to know!”

Eraser’s hair raised toward his student, but the energy flowing through you stopped leaving you cold. You forced your weight to bended knees. “Does it make a difference to your training?” Dizziness struck you at the distance between where you and they stood. Your side was burning hot, probably because of your little hike. Stepping away, you’ll look suspicious; but if you did nothing you could topple over. You swallowed. How were you supposed to make him stop? Kaminari was downtrodden— he and Ashido didn’t get there answer

“Good morning, I’m Pro-Hero Strife,” you said as kind as you could muster despite yourself. After a split-second of confusion, the students brightened up. “I’m here to help you with your license exams.” You looked toward Ashido who beamed with energy as Eraser’s hair fell back in place. “I’m sorry I didn’t say my name earlier. We wanted you to focus on Ultimate Moves.” As you explain, the warmth of your energy creeped back into your spine. You took your focus off the girl to say a half-hearted apology to Eraser, a simple “my bad, I won’t distract your students again. I mean it— forever, for life.” Now came the exit strategy: “You will know more about me later with everyone in your class okay? Focus on training for now, cool? Cool. ” you and the girl waved goodbye at one another as you stepped away with a sigh.

“I know— Aizawa is scary sometimes,” said Kaminari. 

You chuckle at the statement. “Really? And he lets you call him ‘Aizawa’, casually? My old teacher would’ve made you run laps around campus.”

“Wait, you went here?”

“Yeah, fifteen years ago– I’m like really old.” You nodded.

Kaminari hummed, “doesn’t that make you the same age as Aizawa?”

“Are you ready for that exam now,” you asked. You didn’t feel like giving a history lesson on your personal life at the moment. The flare in your back spiked as the trainee’s curiosity dropped into horror. “No? Alright, then I guess it’s time for me to go,” you held your hand out to the boy catching him off guard. “Right, we don’t usually shake hands with—”

Kaminari shook your hand enthusiastically, “it was cool meeting you!”

After shaking hands, you went back to scaling the mountain. If how you felt earlier told you anything, time was ticking. You needed to hurry before you made your condition worse. Patting at the phone at your side, you thought of whether you should call the medic. When you’re alone you’ll make the decision. You could only call when you were in your hotel room. If anything, after training you can find a way to leave if it gets to that point. 

After Kaminari, you passed by three other students— the boy with red hair punching away at the wall, the other rockstar who made smaller rocks explode, and the boy with the burn scar who was responsible for the flaming ice. You didn’t bother launching pebbles at them. Moving things along, three more students were left at the top. Two of them, a boy and a girl, were in the sky–you don’t know how to work with that, the other one you couldn’t see was shooting something from the platform above you. You squinted at the shiny line in the distance, as you approached closer. Was this plastic—

The ground slid beneath you, then it was gone. You fell parallel to the plastic piling on the floor. The length was the same as a three story house. You attempted to grab the knife at your side, you moved the phone in your pocket, but grasped at nothing.

That’s right… Campus visitors couldn’t bring weapons into school; and you didn't even sign the official papers yet. Falling down, your body twisted until you faced the wall. Generating as much force as you could, you jabbed at the rock.

Fireworks burst your eardrum when your right hand pierced a hole in the wall. A tight coil squeezed around at your side. Thundering explosions rattled your skull, split your brain down the middle.

“What were you doing falling like that for!” A rough voice boomed over the explosion. Two more sounded off before you were slumped on the ground breathless. When you opened your eyes a masked boy with gigantic grenade-style gauntlets and an orange X across his black tank top blurred across your vision. “Aren’t pros supposed to watch where they’re going?”

“Wow. One interesting way to speak to a person you saved—” you commented, pushing yourself up to stand. The shattered remains of your work-phone scattered across the top of the plateau caught your eye. “And my phone’s broken now too…” you finished, looking onward wistfully. 

“You flung yourself off the tower on purpose,” the trainee asked, irritated and baffled at your vacant diatribe. 

Behind you Eraser rushed toward you, and that girl who was in the air floated down. “What do you think will happen when it’s your turn to take the exam?”

“Hey, are you alright?” The girl asked when she was shot in earshot. She touched her fingertips together in a diamond shape– it must be how she activates her quirk. You raised your gloved hand, the one you put through stone, to show off to her. The material had damage, but it was minimal. Just a few scratches. Eraser was getting closer too, anything you’d say he’d hear. 

“I put my hand through the rock a little hard. Your classmate caught me and he did good. Thank you for—”

“Just GOOD?”

“Bakugo,” Eraser called out, the blond student snapped his head up bearing his teeth like that security guard at the entrance. “That’s not how you speak to guests, or people who are helping you with the exam.”

“You made a choice and you acted fast,” you explained. “Your catch was done well, you didn’t hurt me more. If technique was the only thing judges grade on, you would be great.” The boy muttered before walking off. Eraser’s hand clutched at the binding cloth bunched at his neck. 

You raised yours distracting him from grabbing the kid to tell him to respect his elders, you shook your head at the man. He lowered his hand on his weapon, thankfully. God-forbid makes the kid bow to apologize to you. Walking away you went to inspect the remnants of your phone, so much for calling the medic later. 

 “Well…” Eraser opened disturbing the silence in the hallway. After all the improvised excitement happened you were called in by the PA system to Nezu’s office. You signed some papers, got your badge made, and then he wanted to get your opinions on the students you watched today. Eraser entered the room when the conversation was almost finished. When the meeting with Nezu was over, you decided to excuse yourself for the day. Eraser being the gentleman that he is, offered to show you out the gate. The moment he approached the office doors, you could feel he was worked up by something. “What did you think?” 

 “One day in the country and my phone broke,” Eraser didn’t appreciate the joke though. You didn’t think he’d get worried about your evaluation today. “Don’t stress, your students are fine.” You thought about bringing up how most of them didn’t notice how you walked by them and even had pebbles thrown at them, but you figured you’d save that for another time.

“I’d say they’re better than fine considering one of them caught you… what was that anyway? I can’t see the logic behind you falling on purpose.”

“That one student knew why in seconds— you shouldn’t think too much about what happened.”

“So you grew out of your fear of heights then?”

You thought about a moment from when you were younger. A time where you would complete these types of assignments. You held your head high, confident as a lion in front of your classmates; but when classes were over and it was time to tutor Aizawa on some moves, you’d joke about how freaked you were. At one point, you told Shouta all the times you thought you were going to fall before practicing his takedowns. “We grow up eventually, don’t we? I’m not a child anymore, Eraser.” 

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Taglist:

@lonelyghosts-stuff

[ns-imagines]

Marine Corps Birthday Ball

RAAHHH THE BEST DAY OF THE YEAR JUST PASSED. NOVEMEBER 10TH THE MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY!!

All U.S. Marines in COD x USMC Birthday Ball

| Word Count: Not sure its a lot w/ videos| SFW

A/N: *Rips someone into two pieces with my bare hands* Shit makes me so happy that im a U.S. Marine. RAH. Keegan please be my date to the ball &lt;3 Sgt Russ and Sgt ****** <3

Context: Every year throughout the month of November we have our Marine Corps Birthday Ball. There's a ceremony and fancy dinner and of course a lot of alcohol and tabaco. Enlisted wear our Marine Corps Blues uniform and get to show off all our fancy awards and medals. The officers wear their sick uniform as well. Guests wear a formal suit or dress!! We get drunk, have cake, and dance. Its fun and one of the many traditions we have in this service. This year it was the 248th Birthday!! Let me give you the run down for todays event <3

Military Lingo Key at the end

1845 - Venue doors open

1900 - Cocktail Hour

2000 - Cocktail Hour ends all bars are closed

2005 - 5 Minute warning for the ceremony

2010 - Ceremony begins

2100 - Ceremony ends

2110 - Dinner service starts and Bars reopen

2200 - Dance floor opens / DJ starts

0130 - Venue doors close

Okay now that we have the schedule down. Lets list all the Marines in COD. Were gonna pretend everyone's alive and in the same unit for tonight. Whos going to be your date for tonight? Skip past the photo when you're ready.

All unnamed Marines <3 (damn npcs)

-MARSOC Marines, 2nd MarDiv

1st FRP (MW1) Source for info below click here and here (<- Has character pictures as well for some)

-Lt Vasquez, Cpt Pelayo, Sgt Paul Jackson, SSgt Griggs, Pvt Massey, Pvt West, Pvt Royzewicz, LCpl Lopez, and LCpl Gaines

DRT Stalker Units With Air Squadrons (All games) Information Source click here

Cpl Baker, Sgt Baker, Capt Weston, Cpt Keating, and Lt Volker

GHOSTS Platoon prior Force Recon Platoon (COD GHOSTS) Information Source click here

Sgt Keegan Russ, Sgt Alex Johnson, and Cpt Gabe Rorke

Lemme know if I forgot anyone!!

Okay, you have your date or friend group that you're going with. You as the guest are in your formal attire. Lets get this party started! (Every year and in every venue its the same setup, same ceremony, and same food)

1845-1900

You show up to the venue with your date. The ball room is set. There are about a dozen round tables draped with a beautiful white table cloth. There is a round red and gold table cloth in the center of the table. On it sits two pitchers one with water and the other with iced sweet tea. In front of each seat is a set of silverware for each course, a wine glass, a water/tea glass, a pamphlet with tonight's events, and a neatly folded napkin. Each section is sat with each other. A chair left empty next to your Marine for you of course.

Usually the Commanding Officer or Executive Officer will put money down for everyone to get one free drink. The venue offers two bars. Both the lines are a bit long but you can just chat while you wait. There plenty of people to be introduced too and everyone is saying "Happy Birthday" to each other. If you're stationed in an allied country like Japan there are guests from their military as well.

The bar has a wide variety. Wine, shots, mixed drinks, and juice if you arent drinking. They even sell cigars. You and your date get your drinks and socialize. You get to meet their peers and squad members. This is also the time to take pictures! You walk towards the entrance of the venue with your date. There is always a professional Photographer waiting. The American flag and Marine Corps flag are proudly displayed in front of a royal red backdrop. The backdrop has accents of gold.

The photographer asks if you want their pictures or just on your phone. You both pose and smile. The pictures came out amazing. Your Marine will take some photos with their shop and then you'll head back into the venue. Another drink?

2005

Man that hour went by fast! The five minute warning has just been called. You and your Marine go to your seats and wait for the ceremony to begin.

2010

The ceremony starts. Everyone is seated and quiet. There's always one rushing back to their seat from the bathroom. (You can watch a full ceremony from last year here but im going to summarize it. Im speaking from my experience overseas but the video is stateside Marine Corps)

The band does their introduction segment commencing the start of the ceremony. The march forward turn and march back. Next comes the sword detail. There are 4 pairs that walk through. There are both Enlisted Marines and Officers in the sword detail. They march in pairs to their position and once are all in place the Commanding Officer, Sergeant Major, and XO march past the sword detail to the front of the stage. Everyone stands when they walk by to show respect. Next comes the color guard with the American Flag and Marine Corps flag and two rifles march onto stage. Everyone stays standing to honor the colors are they pass. The National Anthem is played followed by Anchors Away and then the Marine Corps Hymn. Which every Marine sings!!

The cake is then marched onto stage while the band plays. A traditional speech is made. Then the CO cuts the cake with the NCO sword giving a slice to the guest speaker. The another slice to the oldest Marine. The oldest Marine takes a fork full and passes it to the youngest Marine for a fork full. This symbolizes the passing of traditions!

After that the color guard marches off stage followed by the cake detail and oldest and youngest Marine. The CO, XO, and SgtMaj exit the stage. Then the sword detail. The guest speaker will then give their speech and then the birthday message will play. I have it linked below. It was fire this year!!

2110

The ceremony ends and the bars open. Half the Marines there rush to the bathroom and the other half to the bar. The venue staff start to bring out a shrimp cocktail appetizer. After 15 minutes they bring out a salad. Then after about another 15 minutes they bring out the main course. There are four options chicken, steak, fish, and vegetarian.

2200 - 0130

The dance floor opens. You are free to leave at this time if you want. The venue service starts clearing off the tables and the DJ starts playing music. Marines go outside to smoke cigars others hit the bar for the 4-5th time. The dance floor gets crazy. The CO will even bust some moves on the dance floor. Medals come off so no one looses them (Plus they are so freaking expensive) and everyone has fun till the venue closes.

I hope you enjoyed your ball <3

Happy Birthday Marines!! Semper Fi

Military Lingo Key:

Section - who you work with basically

Sword detail - you can read about that tradition here

cake detail - you can read all about it here

[autumn-foxfire]

Woohoo. Time for more gaslighting of Ran.

Yukiko, that is your son, not your therapist.

"He'd never be that good-for-nothing," oh famous last words Shinichi, don't underestimate how much a shit person your dad can be.

"They're so close they argue a lot." NO. Fuck I hate this belief, a good relationship will still have arguments, we're human after all, but one will not have a lot of arguments.

Shinich, pouring random chemicals that you don't know what they are together is a very, very bad idea.

Yeah, it's not the season of love because I doubt any of the canon pairings actually know what love is.

This woman looks exactly the same as the diplomat's wife from the episode that introduced Hattori. Kind of amusing to how off Gosho's same face syndrome in an episode where Ran suspects that Conan is Shinichi.

That was... an extremely lame lie. Shinichi, just say you like to watch documentaries. There are tones of documentaries on varies subjects out there, poison included.

A mutual talked about this sometime about and I can't help but recall their post about this but I hate how these shows handle suicide. "Oh the suicidal person wouldn't do this!" Yes, yes they can.

Again, Gosho forgot Shinichi should know about sheet music, this is something he has already established in the Moonlight Sonata case. I hate that in order to make Ran useful, he tends to reduces Shinichi's intelligence. I wouldn't mind as much if he hadn't already shown us that this is a field Shinichi should know because Ran helping Shinichi in areas he isn't as knowledagble in would be nice.

"I haven't met such a close lookalike before," yes, yes you have Ran. You even thought he was Shinichi.

Ran conveniently forgetting that Shinichi's mother is an actor and might be in on the lie.

Honestly, Shinichi being beat up because he saw things he shouldn't would be deserved.

I'm not even going to comment on Shinichi being tucked between Yukiko's boobs. Beyond this.

Urgh, it's Yamamura.

They did not resolve the fact Yukiko came to Japan because she also thought Yusaku was cheating on her. He just told her they were going and she hopped onto the back of the bike with no issue.

And my almost daily message to Shinichi: Tell. Her.

[whocarestbhly]

ain’t sweet enough.

prologue: chocolates and strawberries.

part one

(a/n: this story contains mature themes such as domestic abuse, sexual themes, death of characters, and mild language)

other tags: fluff, Ichihime, angst, slow start, romance.

(a/n: also, this is my first story so go easy on me like Adele said, i’ll get better overtime. feel free to give me some advice and critique, i’ll listen and respond to you. not to those being a little disrespectful though. also, i feel as if Ichigo and Orihime don’t get no love, so that’s why i wanted to do this story. anyway, we’ll see how it goes. smooches!)

A Convenience Store in Tokyo, Japan. 2:56am.

‘And there I was. In the middle of the soda and beverage aisle. My mouth wide open and my eyes glued to probably the most beautiful person on the planet.’

The previously scowling man stood there openly staring at the red headed beauty, who was having a tough time deciding on which milk to buy. He told himself that he was only at the store to pick up a few staple items: bread, milk, eggs, cigarettes, and beer. Placing the last item on his list in the basket, he started to make his way to the cashier. That's when he stopped dead in his tracks.

Ichigo Kurosaki, a twenty year old man was a man who had problems of showing his emotions. He usually bore a mean scowl on his face, scaring many people off, and he was known as a rough troublemaker. Of course, he had crushes in the past and thought of some women as attractive, but he never acted on his thoughts. And honestly, they never kept his attention long. He’ll usually get caught up in his job, hanging out with his friends, or unintentionally beat some jerk’s ass. His friends tried to tell him that he should get a hold on his temper and stop scowling, or else he'll scare all the girls away.

God, he should've listened to their advice. While he was gawking at the oblivious beauty, his heart hammered against his chest, which is a feeling he rarely got. He could feel the blood rushing into his face, and his palms were getting all sweaty.

If any gangster saw the former infamous high school bad boy, Ichigo Kurosaki, getting flustered by some pretty lady, they would be finding themselves picking up their jaws.

Finally, the woman decided on 2% milk, and was heading towards the cashier, which was at the front. Thankfully, it was away from him. But then again, she's inching close to walking out the store, and there’s a chance he’ll never see her again. He became more anxious at that thought and he didn’t know what to do. It’s not like he didn’t want to speak to her, he just didn’t know how. He’s not what you would call a people person and he was completely fine with that until just now. For the first time, he wanted to talk to someone, a woman at that. He just doesn’t know how to go about it.

She happily laid her food items on the counter: butter, eggs, cheese, red bean paste, milk...

Okay, okay. Ichigo, we don’t even know this woman. It’ll be creepy to just ask for her number. Plus, she could be nuts for all you know.

He squared his shoulders, straightened his back, and held his usual determined scowl. Clenching his handheld store basket, he made his way to the counter. And he was there, one foot away from the being that was making his heart race.

"Okay that'll be-" The cashier was about to announce the total price, until the lady interrupted him.

"Oh, I knew I forgot something! I'll be right back Mister Urahara!" She hurried to the back of the store, and in a minute or less, she came back with a pack of strawberries. Her eyes laid on Ichigo's, which made his heart rate to a little more faster.

He nervously swallowed, and tried his absolute best not to coward. But unexpectedly, the red beauty gave him bright smile. "You don't mind if I cut in front, do you?" She innocently said, which would make him say yes to anything she'd request.

"Nah. I don't mind at all." Ichigo moved out the way. She smiled even wider, "Thank you, kind gentleman." She slid back, and placed the strawberries on the counter, and the old man rung it up. "Okay, that'll be $15.48." She gave him her debit card and waited for her receipt. When he gave it to her, she grabbed her bags and turned around. "See ya later Mister Urahara!"

"You be careful out there!" The old man smiled and waved. Again, her sweet gray eyes landed on Kurosaki's deep brown ones. "And thank you, kind gentleman." He gently waved back, "Don't sweat it."

She carried her two bags of groceries to her car, which was a red beetle. Put the bags in the trunk and hopped in the front and drove off. Welp, probably the last time you’ll see her again. He silently sighed but shook it off as he laid his items on the counter for the man to ring up. “How are you, Ichigo?” Mister Urahara, the owner of the store. He ran the store for the past eight years and has been a local for twelve years, so he’s pretty familiar with everyone around the area.

"Ya staying out of trouble?" He started to ring me up. I rested my elbow on the counter and cradled my head. "I can't afford to get in trouble." Then Ichigo released a long sigh, "I lost my job today."

The cashier grunted, "What's this? The seventh job you've quit for this year?" Mister Urahara chuckled finishing up his order. Ichigo rolled his eyes, "Nope it's only the second. Geez, I knew you was losing your memory but I didn't know it was this bad." Urahara chuckled rubbing his head as Ichigo continued, “But I had a good reason this time. He was working me overtime not even giving me the pay I deserve. I even tried to explain why I couldn't work late hours but he ignored me."

"That'll be $18.50” Mister Urahara said.

Ichigo sighed, "Kinda like you're doing to me right now."

"I heard every word you said, boy." Ichigo gave him his card. He swiped it. "Well, I guess it wasn't meant to be for that job." He gave me the bags. Ichigo was about to grab them and head towards the door but the man put his hand on his shoulder to stop him from doing so.

"If you need a job, you could work here. I know I always say that, but it’s the truth.” Urahara offered to him. He’s been offering Ichigo the same opportunity for the past months, but Ichigo gives him the same reply. "Please, old man. Why would I wanna work here? They're ain't that much pay in this job."

“True, true," The manager nodded in agreement and retreated his hand from his shoulder. "But the hours here are very flexible, meaning you could come in at anytime and leave at anytime." Ichigo grabbed his bags and headed towards the door, “Appreciate the offer once again, but no thanks.”

“Also, you get the chance to talk to my regular customer Orihime-san.” He mischievously smirked at the younger man and continued. “Yeah, yeah. I saw how you were drooling over the woman.”

Ichigo popped a vein, “Oi, just because you’re a perv, doesn’t mean I’m one. I’m not just gonna accept a job because of a girl.”

Urahara raised a brow, “Oh? So you don’t deny your attraction to the woman?” Ichigo narrowed his eyes and sucked his teeth, “Shut up.” As he slammed the door.

On his way back to his apartment, it started to rain.

"Damn it, why does it have to rain now?" Ichigo cursed to himself while driving on the presoaked roads. It was past midnight and in the middle of December. He didn't really care for driving, especially at night. He brought a cigarette to his mouth reached for his lighter in his back pocket. A thunder boomed in the background, and a thought crossed his mind. Why was she out so late anyway? A girl like her should be at the house getting her beauty sleep. There's perverts and dangerous men-

He almost choked on his cig.

But it was like fate were pulling them together, as he saw the red head on the side of the road, parked near a lake. It looked as if her red Volkswagen Beetle had broken down, due to all the smoke that was coming from her hood.

In a flash, he pulled over.

She was soaking wet, gripping her phone for dear life. "Please pick up Tatsuki-Chan...." She silently pleaded while on the verge of tears. She didn't like being alone in the middle of the night. The thought alone scared her. But she didn't have any food at home and she had to make the choice to stop to the store after work.

"Tatsuki here! Sorry I'm not at home at the mom-" Inoue Orhime let her anger get the best of her as she pulled her phone away from her ear and threw it on the soft ground. She huffed in annoyance, her beautiful face twisted in a distressed snare. "I want to cry." And she did cry. Her eyes puffed up as she looked under the hood. Her motor was giving off pure black smoke. She should've sold this car years ago but her heart couldn't allow her to do that. She held precious memories with Gumball (the name she gave the beetle).

Now, she was left stranded on the side of a highway while it was pouring cats and dogs. She didn’t even have the energy to grab her umbrella, she was already soaking wet. But then she heard a howling nearby. I should get in the car. Coyotes could be out tonight. But she heard a car door slam. Terrified, she whipped her head in the direction of the sound and looked into his eyes.

Chocolate. She remembers those chocolate brown eyes.

"H-hey." Her voice squeaked as she stared at the dude she just seen at the convenience store. He stared back at her as he casually strolled to the car. He looked under her hood, "Damn, the engine's blowed." He stated bluntly then looked at her face which had fresh tears. His eyes roamed her soaking wet body. He quickly turned his head away from her gorgeous curves as he inspected the car further.

"Looks l-like it." She tried to clear her voice to sound more confident but failed miserably. Ichigo looked at the busted motor with some thought. Moments later, he spoke. "I know a car shop around the corner. They can have your car ready for you in a day." He informed her, as she looked up at him surprised.

He gazed into her honey doe eyes, then there was that familiar pound to his heart. "I-uh got there number. I'll call them for you so they can fill in an appointment to fix your car.” He scratched the back of his head uneasily whilst melting under her gaze.

"You'll do that for me?" She asked the man who was more than a foot taller than her petite frame. He could've been intimidating to her if he didn't offer to do such kind things for her. He gulped but slightly smiled, “With no problem.” She gave him another one of her blinding smiles, making him blush a little. Then ran up to the man and side-hugged him. "Thank you, kind gentleman!” He tensed at the sudden hug and cool sensation. “Hey, you’re wet!” She quickly pulled back and chuckled, “Oops, sorry.”

He offered to drive her home and she nodded, thanking him again. He just waved it off and helped her groceries in the back of his Jeep. He also reminded her that he phone was on the ground. Embarrassed, she thanked him as she picked it up. It wasn't a quite drive after she decided that he wasn't a bad guy. In fact, he was rather nice. Ichigo would think on the contrary.

When they first got in the car, she hit him with a bus load of questions. "So kind gentleman, what's your name?" She delightfully smiled. He put the key in ignition.

"Kurosaki. Kurosaki Ichigo." The Jeep started and he offered her a hint of a smile. Her held out her hand, "Great name, kind-oop. Kurosaki-kun!" She giggles at her clumsiness, and he simply smirked while shaking her hand. He drove onto the road.

"What's your name?" Though, he kinda already knew because of the old man. "My name is Inoue Orihime!" She chirped, gladly introducing herself, placing her hand on her hips. "A superwoman in disguise!" She tried to laugh boisterously. He raised any eyebrow at her antics. Okay, she’s kinda nuts. But what’s bad about that?

"So what do you do for a living?" She freely asked, he smirked while reaching in his box for a new cig. "I sell drugs." He said bluntly putting the cig in the corner of his mouth. He lit the cig amused as he looked her face of shock. "K-Kurosaki-kun...."

"Just kidding. I'm actually out of work." He chuckled and she caught on and laughed with him. "Jeez, don't scare me like that, Kurosaki-kun." He chuckled a bit, “Same question for you. What do you do for living?” Orihime hummed, “I’m a part-time baker downtown. But my dream job is to become a nurse. I’m currently going to school for that.”

Ichigo let out a puff of smoke, “Really? Sounds like you got it all planned.” She smiled at him, “I’m trying. It’s not easy as you can see with what happened with my car.” He nodded his head, “Well, you can’t predict everything.” And she agreed and the car was silent for a moment until she spoke again.

“So, would do you wish to be?” She asked him a question on which he doesn’t dwell on anymore. But he hummed and pondered, “I don’t know yet. Right now, I just want a job that’ll pay the bills.” Orihime nodded her head this time and thought for a moment, “You know, you’ll make a great car inspector. Or someone who works in mechanics.” He laughed at that.

“You’re just saying that because I just helped you out.” She laughed with him. “Perhaps.”

After a smooth, short ride. Which was too short for Ichigo personally. The two redheads made it to her home safely. "Welp, we're here." She announced as he drove into the apartment complex's parking lot. He park in a random spot, "Yep." Ichigo said, somewhat deflated.

Honestly, he enjoyed the conversation they had up until now. Sure, the more she spoke, the weirder she was but it in a wholesome manner. Anyway, he became comfortable with her and kinda wanted to see more of her. But he didn't know how to bring that part up since they were now at her crib, dropping her off. He didn't just want to spring the question: 'Ay, so I think you and me hit it off pretty well. So what about it? Six o'clock at Seymour's Restaurant?'

A pregnant pause loomed inside the car. She cleared her throat, adding to the awkwardness. "Would you-"

"So um-"

They both spoke at the same time. Another pause entered until Orihime broke it with a soft giggle. "You go first." She said, he smiled lightly. "Okay, I wanted to know if we could...um, you know. Keep in touch?" He asked, unsure if it sounded too creepy. She blinked at him.

He shuffled in his seat at her reaction and continued to talk. "I-I know we just met like 15 minutes ago, but keep in touch so I’d know if everything went right with your car and you seem like decent company and I thought- n-never mind. If you don't want to, it's fine-"

Orihime laughed, loudly this time. "Kurosaki-kun, it's fine." She pulled out a notepad and written something on it. After a few seconds, she handed the paper to him. "Here's my phone number. My phone is wet right now since I dropped it. But make sure you text me so that I can have your number.” Orihime handed Ichigo the slip of paper. He smirked, “I will. Take care and make sure not to throw your phone in anymore water due to anger.” She giggled and pumped her fist into the air, "I'll do my best!" Ichigo slightly shook his head. Then her smaller hand was placed on his larger hands, "I did enjoy meeting you, Kurosaki-kun. I think you're nice company too." She smiled sweetly making the guy next to her blush. He fiddled with his collar, trying to loosen the fabric.

"Yeah. I do my best.” Was all he said, as she grabbed her belongings and said her final goodbyes as she walked towards her apartment. This was about to be very interesting, he thought. Little did he know, that was also what Orihime Inoue was thinking.

The old man had just finished counting the money in the register and was about to move to sweeping the nasty floor. He was humming an old tone, till he heard a car door slam from outside.

He didn't pay it no mind until a man came running frantically to the register. "What in the ham sandwich-" He stopped as he recognized the face. "Boy, whatcha doing around here again?"

"I'll take it." The orange head said, trying to catch his breath. The old man squinted at him like he grew a second head, "Take what?"

Kurosaki Ichigo gave him the same look, only with a hint of determination. "What do think I mean? The damn job!” He said as Urahara blinked in shock. Then the owner started to smirk but before he could say anything, Ichigo beat him to it.

“And no, it’s not because of the girl, you perv.” Ichigo rolled his eyes as Urahara chuckled but gave him some paperwork.

“Sure, it’s not.”

end of chapter.

(a/n: alrighty, that’s how we gonna start it. i’m going to be editing here and there. but lemme know if you guys want me to continue the story.)

[demon-blood-youths]

An Officer's Corruption - Twenty-Eight

Hi everyone, this is Deamon-mun with part 28 for An Officer's corruption. This is for my friend @the-silver-peahen-residence who started this series. Here are the chapters so far.

Chapters so far

||Previous Chapters 1-7||((Click here))

((Previous chapters 8-13)) (Click here))

||Previous chapters 14-20)) ((Click here))

Part Twenty one ((NSFW Warning))

Part Twenty two ((NSFW Warning))

Part Twenty three

Part Twenty Four

Part Twenty-Five

Part Twenty-Six

Part Twenty Seven ( Dark Theme Warning )

((Your reading part Twenty five))

||OVA Chapters 1-7|| ((Written by my amazing friend demon mun)) (Click here))

---- Guest Stars ----

Principal Nezu from BNHA, he is a npc.

Aizawa Shota aka Eraserhead is rped by Peahen-mun

------ Drabble Summary ----

After the brawl at T prison, Itadori's gang and the Six Claws make sure that a fight like that will never happen again but how? Also, how are things faring at Northen State Pentiaterny? Also, Terry and Sai have finally arrived in Japan and now have a meeting with the UA Principal and the teacher who is in charge of Yuuka's class.

------

------ T Prison -----

A few days after the brawl between the guards and the inmates. Things became peaceful or rather it was stayed that way. The officer assured their charges that they were fine. Itadori's gang and the Six Claws accepted this however, they will make very sure that it won't ever happen. Ironically, both leaders of their parties have a similar plan on how to do that.

The inmates who tried to fight the three officers and failed resulted in getting beat up by the other inmates.

And who were these inmates?!

"Ow! What the hell?!" One of the inmates cried before he got a kick to the gut. Denji looks down on the inmate who tried to fight Ink. "Shut the hell up! Who do you think you are?!"

"W-what did I do?!" The inmate cried as he was scared of the Six Claws.

"In case if you forgot, Officer Ink is our target. Not yours. I don't believe Midoriya gave you permission, did he? Did you not know that Officer Ink is in charge of us? Therefore, any guard that is assigned to us is ours." Ren presses his glasses up as Rin holds the inmate down while getting beat up by Denji.

"I-I thought-"

"You thought wrong," Ren said coldly. "We need to make sure that the message is loud and clear. Unfortunately for you, you're one of the messengers."

The inmate starts to cry in pain as Denji continues to beat him till he's black and blue. "Oh. Denji. Make sure not to hit him in the face." Ren reminds him.

Meanwhile...Midoriya is waiting for Bakugo and Atsushi to finish their errand that they're on. However, they came back earlier than expected.

"What happened?"

"Fucking Pinky and his extras beat us to it!" Bakugo yelled as Atsushi sighed. "It seems like the man who was sent to the isolation cell, Maldive was beaten by Itadori Yuji."

"Oh? That's unexpected." Midoriya muses, drinking his water bottle. He gotta thank Itadori for taking care of that baboon.

----- Minutes ago -----

Maldive is released from the isolation cell. And already he doesn't seem to get it as he is with his allies, planning how to get back at the officers. Of course, Itadori and his friends weren't too far away.

Maldive quiets himself when passing Itadori and his gang, not looking at his way.

However, his ears can already hear what Maldive is planning to do seconds earlier due to his loud big mouth. Itadori stops for a moment and says something.

"Hey." Itadori calls Maldive. The man and his lackeys stopped.

"Ha?" Maldive turns around wondering what the guy wants and he gets a punch to the face, sending him down. This got his two lackeys to panic. Megumi grabs one by the collar while Kisho kneels the other in the gut. The two separated them from their leader, taking them down to the hall.

"Ow! What the fuck?! What did I-" Maldive didn't get to finish his sentence as he got beat up by the Wild Tiger. His friends weren't as lucky as he was as they were getting beat up by Megumi and Kisho.

Maldive didn't know why he was getting beaten until he was told that he should never cause trouble again because he ruined his lunch and the fact he hates people who made disgusting remarks like that. Of course, that was a lie. The real truth is, that he wants Jinx to be left alone as she is his. She is already claimed by him.

---- At the officer's office ----

Kali sighed loudly as she came back to the office. She sits down at the desk before two guards give their reports that some inmates were beaten.

"Did anyone say who did it?"

"No sir. But we suspect it must be the Six Claws since they don't like anyone causing a huge ruckus during lunch. There's a rule where they prefer brawls be fought outside instead of inside. Something about table manners?"

"How very polite..." Kali rolls her eyes. Rex didn't say anything about that. Then again...it seems to Rex that the prisoners deserve. Still, she can't have people running making a nose no matter the reason.

She wonders how the other prisons doing.

----- Area E, Northern State Pentitareny -----

"Hey Ryunosuke. Time for your lunch!" Matt said with a smile, sliding the tray in. No word. He hums. "Are you behaving yourself?"

He sees through the window and sees Ryunosuke took the tray, eating the food but is glaring at his direction.

"If you're good, I might be able to let you out." Matt said with a smile. Ryunosuke huffs, "If you do, I will tear your throat out."

"I looked forward to that then." Matt smiles. Ryunosuke growls but continues to eat. So adorable. Sooner or later, Ryunosuke will challenge Matt to a duel.

----- Area F -----

"Nakahara...are you done shouting? You are wasting energy by doing that." Said Sid with her arms crossed.

"NO! I AM NOT! THIS PLACE STINKS!"

"Well it isn't a hotel..." Sid reminds him. Chuuya looks at her behind the door and huffs, "I know that! I want my lawyer!"

"Your lawyer will be present soon. Did you call for one during your arrest?" Sid said. Chuuya bit his lip, not saying anything. Sid then says, "Guess you didn't?"

"I was about to, okay?!" Chuuya yelled. The mafioso grumbles making Sid sighs. "If you like, I can get you to make a phone call at least."

Chuuya lifts his head in surprise, upon hearing that. "Really?! Wait...you better not trick me!"

"I'm not," Sid said. "It's a common request."

Chuuya thinks, "So...one phone call? Even if it's just one."

"Yes. But you have to make use of the minutes as well." She advises. Chuuya smirks, "Huh. Thanks for telling me. For an officer, you seem nice and not to mention, pretty."

Hearing that, Sid arches a brow at this behind her glasses. "Is that so? What part of me is pretty to you?" She muses. Chuuya thinks, "Your white hair, your face, and your eyes."

"You haven't seen my eyes."

"I bet they are beautiful too," Chuuya added.

"Trust me...they're anything but beautiful.." She said. The man looks confused by this. "Well I think they are beautiful even if I don't see it or not.," he said. Sid pushes her glasses up. "If you try to flatter me, it's not working. That said, I will arrange a time for you to get a phone call. I will be back."

Chuuya watches her leave, making a sigh as he is now bored inside.

As for Sid, as she turns around the corner. She held her own cheek. 'He thinks I'm pretty?' Sid thought to herself as there is a slight tint of pink on her cheeks. Sid shakes her head. No. He's just saying that to get on my good side.

----- Area D ----

"Alright, Akutagawa. Charlie says that you're out." Jason said opening the door. Gin looks at Jason with a wary look before huffing. Jason grumbles. "Listen. This is your first week. So try not to get in more trouble..."

"Hmph. I was defending myself." Gin crosses her arms.

"Yeah well..." Jason sighs, "Just go back to your assigned cell. And also...are you sick or something?" He said, points to himself referring to the face mask that Gin is wearing.

"No. I prefer this way so I won't get sick." Said Gin.

"Right...." Jason sweatdrops. Of course, trouble will find Gin soon and Gin would be placed in solitary cell again much to Jason's dismay.

----- Musutafu, Japan-----

After 14 hours in the air, they're finally here as they landed. Sai already booked a hotel for a week. Now they need to get into the school. However, whenever they call for an appointment. It took too long due to a lot of activities at the school. Sai asked the staff since the matter is delicate if they could talk with the principal to which the staff transferred the call to the principal.

"Hello there! This is Principal Nezu of UA. How can I help you?" He asked in the most polite and chirpy tone. Sai raised a brow at the tone. Not strict but too happy going.

"Hello there. I like to have some information about your student. A former student."

"Oh?" Nezu muses, "Is this hero agency or a journalist wanting to know about our students."

"No. An investigator."

"Oh! Well pardon me, you don't sound Japanese, you must be a foreigner. Most likely...an American. And I doubt you have permission." Nezu chuckles. Sai blinked. What the? How in the world did he knew-no..focus!

"Look. Please. It's important." Sai sighed.

"Is that so? And what's important? Or who?" Nezu chuckles.

"Yuuka Nanako," Sai said the name. The other line went silent. Sai noticed how quiet it is.

"I see..." The tone became blank. "I'm sorry but that is private information-"

"Look. I already know. I read the documents." He quickly says.

"And what do you intend to do with that information?" Nezu asks.

Sai would of sworn that there's a dangerous emphasis with that statement. This is someone he doesn't want to mess with.

"I want to help her! Rather, my friend wants to help her and wants to put the people who did this to her behind bars. I just want to talk to the teacher of her class and in person." Sai quickly said. "The situation right now has changed."

A short pause then Nezu replies, "I see. I think we can't talk about this over the phone. I will set up a meeting with one of our teachers at our school. Therefore, it can be discussed there. Just come to the school's office and say that I have a meeting with Eraserhead at 11am during recess."

"What day?"

"Tomorrow. On exact time. Sharp"

"Fine," Sai said. With that Nezu hangs up. Terry overhears the call. "Guess we're in."

"Yeah, but that conversation wasn't easy enough for me..."

---------

The next day, they came to the school ahead of schedule and early before their meeting. Sai rather be there early than on time. On-time to him means late. Just tell the staff that they're here to say that they're meeting Eraserhead at 11am. Which they did and right away, they are escorted to a meeting room so they just need to wait.

"You know...I never been to a hero school before." Said Terry.

"Neither have I." Sai sighs, crossing his legs.

A few minutes later, two people came in. Or rather an animal with white fur and a large scar over the right eye. This person looks like between a polar bear and a rat so it's a bit confusing...

And the other person looks dead tired like he just rolled out of bed with his messy bed hair, unkempt stubble, and bags under his eyes.

"Hello there! You must be the ones on the phone! I'm principal Nezu!" Principal Nezu greets, offering him a handshake. Sai blinked. This is the principal?! So the other one is the teacher.

Sai clears his throat, "It's nice to meet you." He shakes his hand, "I am Sai Narong and this is my associate, Terry. McGinnis"

"Nice to meet you both!" Nezu said happily while the other student sat down. "And oh! This is the homeroom teacher of class A-1, Teacher Aizawa Shota." He said. "Otherwise known as the underground hero, Eraserhead!

"Nice to meet you, Teacher Aizawa."

"Nice to meet you as well, Mr. Narong. Principal Nezu told us this is an urgent meeting and you need my information on this." Said Aizawa sitting down. Terry blinks while Sai nods.

"Yes. This is about your former student named Yuuka Nanako."

And right away, Aizawa widens his eyes and scowls, glaring at Principal Nezu now. Wait...did the principal not inform him about this.

"My apologies, Aizawa but these young gentlemen were adamant in helping Yuuka." Said Nezu. "How? Besides...how can they help her?" Aizawa is visibly upset. Sai clears his throat, "Aizawa. I'm sorry if this is sudden. But I want to help Yuuka."

"How? Because we try anything we can think of and they took her away from the school without us noticing." Said Aizawa.

"They?" Terry said.

"Ugh....the Hero Public Safety Commission.." Aizawa growls. "They took Yuuka away from us and said that she would be sent to a place where she would get the help she needs. But I don't get any information from them or updates on Yuuka. All they keep telling me that she was fine but when I visited their family. They didn't have any updates from their own daughter either. It has been months now." Aizawa grits his teeth. "Therefore...I don't know where she is so I'm sorry. I can't do much to help." He goes to leave but Sai gets up.

"We already know where she is!"

Aizawa turns to him, "Where?"

"America..."

"What?!" Aizawa widen his eyes while Nezu hums. Terry wonders if the principal knew.

"Principal Nezu?" Aizawa asked. Nezu sighs, "Yes. They sent her to America but..." "But?" Aizawa glowers.

Nezu is quiet but says, "A prison. They sent Miss Nanako to a prison"

"A prison?!" Aizawa exclaimed angrily. "How could you-"

"From what I can tell, this wasn't your choice, is it?" Terry injected. Nezu sighs, "It is not. I even pressured the commission to tell me or else. They told me where they sent her but that's all they are allowed to tell me. They said that she would be treated in a place where her quirk hurts no one. A facility where she can get the help she needs while keeping her quirk under control."

Sai sighs. "If that's what they're telling you...then I have some news to tell you from a friend who is in charge of her." "Tell us." Nezu asked as Aizawa stiffened, preparing for the worse. Sai sighs, "Yuuka is getting worse. An informant told me that Yuuka is being injected with shots that are messing with her quirk."

Aizawa became tight-lipped.

"Not only that..." Sai wasn't sure if he could say this but he had to. "She tried to kill herself."

"She what?!" Aizawa widened his eyes, becoming horrified by what he heard.

"I'm sorry but from what my friend told me...she still believes that the drugs that was forced onto her are still inside of her. I think the treatment isn't working and I have another friend trying to come up with an alternative." Sai said. "From what I saw in the reports thanks to a source..."

"If I may ask...how did you got our reports. A hacker I suppose?" Nezu asks.

Terry and Sai sweat a little.

"You can say that." Said Terry, "We have the reports here if you think we're lying." He brings a folder out where the reports that are printed out. Aizawa goes to take a folder and reads it. Aizawa frowns, "Yes these reports are true as this is what the doctor exactly when he told us."

"Okay...so based on the reports and what my friend witnessed. We believe that Yuuka was used as an experiment for those drugs."

"And what made you come to that theory?" Nezu asked.

"Her quirk. They believe that her quirk can test the toxicity of the drugs or rather use her as some sort of bioweapon or worse." He said. "Right now...we need information about the kidnappers or these drugs. Because some of these drugs are from the black market. And some of these drugs are already confiscated in a drug bust back home."

Aizawa sighs, "I see. You're on the mark, it is true."

"Right now...we need to know what Yuuka has told you after she recovered. Like she spoke to the police about her kidnappers or confinement?"

"She did but she said that her memory was hazy..." Aizawa begins. He recalls when he tried to visit her at the hospital. He saw few of the nurses limping out of her room as they were coughing. Right away, Aizawa erases her quirk for the time being while she is being held down. Her terrified screams are something that can't get out of his head. His student was victimized like that.

"After she was calmed down, I asked her what happened with a detective taking her statement." He said. "She mentions two males and a female who are the ringleaders. Holding her in some sort of building with the smell of chemicals. There were people, I say two of three she doesn't recognized. We assumed it's lab One of the males that is in charge was force-feeding drugs to make her more obedient and force her to steal things for them. If she doesn't get the right items on the list, she will be punished physically."

"The doctor gave us a toxicity report on what is forced onto her." Nezu gives them a paper. Terry reads the toxicity report.

"She was given drugs by needles or by pills." Aizawa gripped the fabric of his pants, glaring at the ground as he felt angry that he can't do enough for Yuuka. "When she was discharged from the hospital, she stay with her family for a while before coming back to class."

"I see. Did she said where she was taken to?"

"Yes but she could describe the sounds and the look of her confinement," Nezu stated. "She said she is inside a room with walls and such. She is blindfolded when she leaves the place. She felt a rumbling sound under her feet which I assumed was a train and since she ran through a forest. We assumed the building was a house with an underground basement."

"Have you found it?" He asked.

"We did but the culprits were not there." Said Nezu. "Yuuka was found in Kawaski and the direction she ran from is Yokohoma."

"I see." Sai said.

"She...." Aizawa closes his mouth, pausing before speaking once more, "She isn't herself. She was muttering things I can't understand. It's like...she has never left the hole she was put under. I assumed it's PSTD so I applied for her to get more therapy."

"We thought she would be fine because she was strong but..." Nezu said.

"But?"

"You read the reports. It is as it is written." Said Aizawa. "Whenever someone pins her down in a sparring match, she goes overboard. Or when someone talks to her while she is in a trance, she attacks, almost seriously injured. Of course, her class is forgiving and tries to help her but Yuuka....she begins to hate villains to the point she wants them dead. I can't blame her given how she was mistreated. But my students were becoming scared. Scared for her in now becoming scared of her. They feared that they will be next." Said Aizawa.

"So we suspend her from doing internships and missions so she can focus on healing. But then....I found out about her vigilante activities. She was killing villains with unbridled rage. It seems like she is trying to find the people who made her like this." Said Aizawa.

Nezu nods. "You see...she tracked a villain that is connected to her kidnappers. She tried to interrogate him by using her quirk to the point he lost consciousness. She got the information but she didn't get very far until the heroes arrested her." He said. "And that's where we put her in a facility. However....I didn't know that we put her in a prison in America of all places."

"The commission told me that America has the best doctors to help her but it seems like from what you said, Mr. Narong it got worse?"

"Yes. It seems the people in charge of her aren't helping but rather keeping her contained. Because they think that Yuuka is too far gone." Sai sighs. "That's why I want to find the people responsible for this. Because these drugs are the ones that we found in some of the drug busts."

"Ah....I suspect that's the case. Me and Aizawa surmised that the people charged of smuggling illegal products are Port Mafia." Nezu said.

"Port Mafia?" Terry blinks.

"Yes. Think of them as a general trading company for criminal underground..." Aizawa explains, "They serve as vendors for illegal products such as organs, chemical weapons and criminal personnel. They're our prime suspects since they are stationed in Yokohoma. However..."

"However?" Sai raised a brow.

"They do not deal in drugs." Nezu sips his coffee.

"What?" Sai blinks, "Hold on...didn't you say that they do things like chemical weapons? That's pretty related."

"Drugs aren't chemical weapons. Chemical weapons...can be biological weapons. For example, Spilcing isn't a drug but can be a chemical weapon. to turn tides in a gang war or battlefield." Terry explains. Nezu nods, "Correct you are, Mr. McGinnis." Then the principal adds, "They have always expanded their reach globally and work with other criminal organizations but they could only oversee shady organizations coming into their ports in and out. They also obtained a skilled business permit but they must not dabble in drugs for that.."

"I see." Sai said.

"But here is some good news!" Nezu smiles now.

"Which is...??" Sai narrows his eyes.

"Three of their members have been arrested in your country in a drug bust!" Nezu laughed.

"Hold on...seriously?" Terry asked, now surprised at this turn of events. Sai widens at this news. When did this happen?!

"I bet the people in the narcotics bureau in Yokohama are ecstatic. They're going to extradite them but we won't our breath. You see the man in charge will make sure that his men will come home without handcuffs. Maybe you can ask your friends to question the members about the drugs during their imprisonment.."Nezu said.

"In the meantime, we can tell everything we know so far," Azizwa said.

"So let's continue after school, shall we?" Nezu said before the bell rang, signaling recess was over. "I recommend you two to stay here for the time being." Said Nezu. "Now would you like some lunch?"

"Yes of course," Sai said. And so, Terry and Sai will get the information they need regarding this case.

----

To be continued.....

[fujoreads]

The Summer Hikaru Died Vol. 1 + 2 // Review & Thoughts

I just finished reading volume 2 and realized I did not talk about vol. 1 at all, so let's talk!

The Summer Hikaru Died (story & art by mokomokuren) is a cosmic horror story with a queer-coded complicated relationship, set in rural Japan. Got your interest? Well, you’re in for a ride!

CW: Death; Body & Cosmic Horror; Gay Panic & Homophobia

I honestly don’t remember how I got to know about this… I think someone talked about it in a podcast episode? I remember the concept being very interesting: your friend is gone for a week and when he comes back, it turns out he’s some sort of creature that only our protagonist is aware of.

I read both volumes with a huge time gap—almost an entire year, I think?—and every time I finished one, I was just too stunned to read much of any other thing that day. It’s immersive, it’s creepy, and it has that gay panic vibe only these types of works can give. I love me some fluffy and dramatic romance, but the angsty, scary and out there stuff is what conquers me.

I’ll admit: I thought this was going to be just another BL I’d forget soon enough, so the horror aspect caught me off guard… and I absolutely loved it! It’s intense without being always present. I wouldn’t say it’s psychological horror as the horror is present, but it does not rely on cheap jumpscares. Instead, it builds its tense atmosphere, and the use of cicadas for that is amazing. I remember getting the same anxiety-inducing feeling when reading Higurashi: When They Cry (the visual novel), like the heat is getting to you.

I’m not a huge horror fan. Not that I don’t like it—I love it—but I just can’t find stuff that suits my specific tastes. This one does, and I can’t get enough of it. I love mystery and horror but I hate the kind of horror that relies on visuals to scare the reader. This one managed to have a healthy balance and it serves as the exception.

It has Hikaru’s face. It has Hikaru’s voice. It even has Hikaru’s memories. But whatever came down from the mountains six months ago isn’t Yoshiki’s best friend. Whatever it is, it’s dangerous. Carrying on at school and hanging out as if nothing has changed—as if Hikaru isn’t gone—would be crazy...but when it looks so very like Hikaru...and acts so very like Hikaru…

This story is fantastic. It’s fast-paced, and yet you feel stuck in time, glued to your seat. I sometimes even forgot the background cicada noises I’d play while reading.

This is mysterious, but don’t expect your typical mystery read. This is a slice of life existencial thriller, dealing with bizarre creatures and worst of all—your own feelings.

Mokumokuren’s art is just superb. It’s so unique that if I wasn’t already drawn by the synopsis, I would have read it for the art alone. Not only is the artstyle pleasing to look at, but the way they draw perspectives and play with the shading does wonders to the horror elements.

Also, I have to shoutout to Abigail Blackman (the letterer) and Yen Press! The way the sound effects were inserts in the panels made a world of difference, especially when it comes to the cicada sounds.

The story follows mainly Yoshiki and Hikaru, two best friends in a rural Japanese village. Yoshiki is more of a gloomy kid, while Hikaru (just like his name, “light”) is the sunny, dumb kind. This all changes after the events the synopsis presents, showing Hikaru as more feeling, and even more childish.

These two are so interesting to follow: a co-dependent pair that doesn’t want to admit it and the way this shows through a literal monster is just delicious.

The way Yoshiki feels repulsed towards his friend and his own feelings, while feeling seduced to accept something that might not be so good to him—and yet, it feels right. He misses his friend and feels conflicting feelings towards this new creature inhabiting Hikaru’s body. Is it alright to accept this as Hikaru, or will it never be the same? Are is feelings true when directed to someone who isn’t there anymore?

The way Hikaru tries to come to terms with the meaning for his feelings and what is “Hikaru” and the being’s own identity. His strong feelings of loneliness and feeling overly attached to Yoshiki is something I could definitely relate to.

While there’s nothing explicitely better about queer media, something I’ve noticed is how more subtle and metaphorical dynamics and relationships can be, either because of direct societal prejudice or because of how queer people grow to hide their feelings, in fear of rejection and humiliation. Of course, the latter can also happen with hetero couples, but the feelings of rejection that can lead to co-dependence and loneliness are just that much stronger within the queer sphere, especially amongst gay men—and it’s visceral, to the point of fitting right into the horror realm.

Dealing with the unknown can be scary, and the way mokumokuren portrays this relationship and mixes it with the cosmic horror elements is masterfully done. It feels gross but erotic—like a guilty pleasure you find as a teenager—without ever being pornographic in nature. Hell, there’s not even a kiss or explicit thoughts, it’s all a play of “will they, won’t they” for the readers to munch over. While this is a fast-paced series, it’s also a slow burn when it comes to their relationship.

The writing iself isn’t anything too grand, due to its format. You can’t expect too much of a focus on writing in a visual medium.

I’ll talk about this into more detail in the following paragraphs, but the way the writing mixes with the environment and horror elements is where it peaks. There’s occasional bolding and a play with the font sizes, making it more tense to follow along.

I’ve always loved stories set in rural Japan, but all I’ve read that checked my boxes were set before the 2000s—before smartphones and other modern technologies.

The Summer Hikaru Died is set in contemporaneity and even then, you sometimes forget it. There are occasional shows of a smartphone, and even a mention of the Nintendo Switch, but the rural setting makes it so that feels useless.

When reading Higurashi (which is set in the 80s), I always thought “man, this wouldn’t have happened if they had smartphones” but reading this now, I realize that was a futile thought. Sure, they could use the GPS tracker in moments of panic, or call a friend, but in the moment of fear and paranoia, that could only aggravate a situation. Mokumokuren takes full advantage of that: someone sneaking a glance at a message notification they weren’t supposed to see; being too scared to grab the phone…

The horror elements here were only intensified by the creative use of the format!

The concept for this story by itself isn’t anything unique: things inhabiting our loved ones’ bodies isn’t a new thing. However, the way this trope is used to explore other fears and themes is where it stands out.

The exploration of sexuality mixed with feelings of guilt for both parties; the “what if” scenarios in Yoshiki’s mind that could have saved Hikaru; and the overall way being queer plays into society, especially one such as the rural community in Japan.

It’s not uncommon for queer people to have lost a friend or two, be it to mental health or an STD, and the way homossexuality is sometimes compared to an “illness” by the townfolk, I can see the being inside Hikaru as a personification of his feelings and desires, and how Yoshiki struggles to accept them and his own love.

The series isn’t over, but I strongly recommend checking it out.

The third (and latest) volume comes out in April 16th, and I’m super excited! From the cover alone, it may focus more on the minor cast, such as the group of school friends.

In summary: this is a fast-paced (but slow burn when it comes to the main relationship) horror story, more within the cosmic horror sub-genre. It has BL elements and I personally find it to be the main topic, even if it’s not explicit. If you enjoy these, go for it!

Even if you’re not a fan of BL, I find it interesting and subtle enough most times so even people who aren’t into BL can enjoy it, as long as you enjoy slow-burn horror.

I’ll give all my starts and love to this one, as it’s one of my personal favorites! I’m looking forward to more from mokumokuren!

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

Thank you for reading it all to the end! Hey, kind stranger! Would you be so kind and consider giving me a little tip? It can be as low as 3 bucks and it’d make a huuuuuge difference!! If you tip 10€ (or higher), you can dictate my next read and be credited (if you’d like) on that review! Have a nice day!!