#i then proceed to beat them to death

[monotone-artist]

naming layers is my passion

[id: screenshot of drawing layers on clip studio paint. the first layer is named "Layer metal pipe noises1 Copy," the second layer is "shad/dhead body," third is "BLOOOOD," and the last one is just "bg." end id]

[poorxsouls]

“My perfect Marionette~.”

Shadow Milk Cookie HCs

‧₊˚ 🩻 ✮⋆˙ ₊˚🎧⊹⋆｡𖦹 °

“Oh, mister wolf, you want me to stay? But I fear we’ll regret it one day.”

TW: slight spoilers(mainly tame), possible yandereisk themes, SM being a morally evil cookie (who all we love), mention of violence/death, slightly suggestive ( aka biting and stuff, but nothing NSFW), this is mainly fluffy, etc..

CW: Shadow Milk Cookie, other CRK characters ( such as Pure Vanilla cookie, the other beast, etc.. ).

Based on @dedfly ‘s CK/SM x anon art, maybe check them out since they’re honestly awesome and deeply underrated! These HCs are mainly romantic, but can be platonic dating depending on your preferences. BTW, the reader will have they/them pronouns for gender neutral reasons.

‧₊˚ 🩻 ✮⋆˙ ₊˚🎧⊹⋆｡𖦹 °

—⟡—

-Let’s get it out of the way—yes, he’s the jealous type. Whenever he sees you around the other cookies (expect for the beast cookies, he’s cool with the gang), he automatically pouts before shooting a glare at whoever dares to even breathe your air. Of course, you always calm him down with butterfly kisses.

-As evil as your man is, only you can insult him. So whenever a cookie tries to say something, you often end up beating that said cookie while Shadow Milk Cookie places his hands on his cheeks with a playful smile. It’s like he gets a power trip off seeing you defend him, he either becomes a playful ass: “Baaaabe, staaaawp, you know I’m shy!!” or be your personal cheerleader, doing whole choreographed works while you beat someone up.

-Often, he dresses himself up all pretty whenever you two go outside for a date as to show off to other cookies. Mainly wearing jester related clothing, but making sure to stand out. If you praise him, he always lets out a smug scoff saying that obviously he’s the handsomest cookie to live!… only to ask you to repeat the praise again, basically fishing for compliments.

-Yes, he has fangs which he proceeds to nibble on your fingers. Like a cat, biting is a love language he enjoys, but unlike Burning Spice Cookie, he isn’t going to bite your face off, so it’s only mildly annoying to you. Most of the time, you find the jester only leaving soft and light marks on your fingers and at worst, he takes a playful nibble of noise. Again, he is nothing compared to Burning Spice Cookie.

-When he confessed to you, he did it through a puppet play and you cannot believe how long it was. He plan out the whole puppet wedding, domestic life, how we could kill million of cookies as a present for you.. you know, the usual! Anyways, he was over the moon when you accepted and return his feelings.

-He has odd gifts, alright? Look, he’s tried getting tips from Eternal Sugar Cookie herself, but the gifts are not the best. Most of the time, you end up getting gifts such as a bouquet of cookie’s (still beating) hearts, designing fancy outfits for you, and so on, so on.. either way, Pure Vanilla has to force him to get you normal gifts even if the Beast whines.

-Long story short, he’s a ♾️/10 and you cannot convince me otherwise. Of course, he’s not the best, but he’s trying his best! Basically, you two are cutie pies who love each other.

—⟡—

.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.

જ⁀➴ Me and Mr Wolf - The Real Tuesday Weld

0:32 ━❍──────── 4:33

𐙚 “The old and upright, what do they know?

I'm all appetite, you'll help me grow!”

𐙚 “Oh my love, I want you too

But, my desire may prove your doom.”

.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.

“His evil eyes and jolly smile captivate me”(✿╹◡╹)!

[kazutora-kurokawa]

Can I ask a wuestion?

What iif tenjikud girlfriend beaten up by their enemies after their rough fight. I wanna know see their reactions. Especcialy İzana and ran

Tenjiku When Their Girlfriend Gets Hurt By A Rival Gang

♡ SFW, angst, fluff, fem reader, violence against reader and random gang, murder but not anything detailed, Tenjiku members getting their getback ♡

note: yes anon, you may ask a "wuestion" lol

note 2: I've been ultra busy lately, essays, research papers, group projects, applying to jobs and all that jazz lol, things have been good tho

note 3: I put Ran and Rin together, scenario works for both regardless of which brother you're with

❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀

Izana

🎴 Whoever hurt you must've had a death wish, you think Hanma is the grim reaper? Nothing compares to Izana running full speed at somebody

🎴 He tracks each of them down and essentially tortures them (as he should)

🎴 He refuses to kill anyone, he just beats them so bad that they wish they were dead

Kakucho

🩷 Kakucho is usually a very calm man, but as soon as he saw you, limping and covered in bruises, it was over for the bastards that messed with you

🩷 Launches a full fledged attack against the other gang and beats the shit out of their leader, then proceeds to use the leader's body as a weapon to beat the shit out of the other members

🩷 Once he's done he rushes home to take care of you, you're his top priority afterall

Ran & Rindou

💜 Whether you're with Ran or Rin, everybody knows that you have both rulers of Roppongi backing you up

🩵 So when you get jumped by a gang that has beef with Tenjiku, everyone in that gang's general vicinity knows it about to be a bloodbath and vacates accordingly

💜 They pull up on them, straightfaced and ready to pop off on whoever hurt you

🩵 Rin's putting them in leg locks and Ran's breaking faces with his baton, they're a duo at heart and tag teaming is their specialty, especially when they're standing up for you

Mochi

🍡 Shion is really gonna be calling him a gorilla the way he went apeshit (I'm sorry that was corny af lmao)

🍡 He's baffled by the audacity those motherfuckers had to put their hands on you knowing you were his

🍡 Puts every last one of them in the hospital, then beats the shit out of the person he had assigned to watch over you because what the fuck were they doing and why did they leave you alone 🤨

Mucho

💙 As soon as you call him and tell him what happened he has Sanzu pick you up and goes to take care of the 'problem'

💙 Comes home with blood on his clothes and acts like nothing happened

💙 He doesn't talk about what happened while he was gone, and you don't bring it up either. You have a shared silence about these types of things

Shion

🩸 Turns into a certified attack dog, but on the outside he tries to stay cool, calm, and collected so he can focus on you

🩸 Gives you all his attention and affection, vengeance can wait because his girl is hurting (future husband lowkey)

🩸 Once he thinks you're okay enough for him to leave you alone, he's speeding to the rival gang's hideout and bodying everybody, zero fucks given

❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀

Taglist

@arlerts-angel @i-literally-cant-with-this @trevengersprincess @giugiette @katkusuo @happy-trenchcoated-impala @drunkcheesecake @darkstarlight82 @reiners-milkbiddies @manji-hoe @southside-otaku @xxchthonicreaturexx @evergreen-endo @hanmaslilslut @dystop4in14nd @mysouleaten @mdsbabygirl

[mamashenanigans]

When my head isn’t filled with “keephishandkeephishandkeephishand” on a loop, I actually think about more stuff from 407.

Someone on X pointed this out, but how wittle baby boy Yoichi is shown here…

Makes it seem like the people that AFO just killed had maybe beat him up. Of course, AFO is taking their metapowers away too, but it’s an interesting catch. And, yes, Yoichi is wearing fitted clothes while AFO walks around with something just wrapped around him.

You know how Yoichi still believed there was good in his brother because of the kindness of his “hand”?

Well, in case you missed it…

They were born apart with their hands already reaching out to each other. They are on their backs right now, so those are the same hands that are holding/being held.

This means…

AFO grabbed Yoichi and dragged him with him. What you’re seeing in that top panel is the water starting to overflow the river and rush past. AFO pulled Yoichi out of the water and on to their mother. He is also using the spike quirk for teeth and on his hand to grab onto their mother and pull them up. The bottom left panel is him biting into her dress as he pulls them out of the danger of the water. Yes, AFO saved Yoichi when they were fucking newborns. THIS is what Yoichi has a faint memory of. That was the kindness.

I know some people have been wondering if they’re fraternal or identical. This seems to suggest that they are in fact sharing the same umbilical cord. It’s rare for fraternal twins to have this. It’s crazy to think that Yoichi may have looked just like AFO if he had the same amount of nutrients. But I digress…

A very notable thing about AFO’s eyes: they are huge and creepy in feral/survivor mode. We’ve seen his eyes get like this as AFOTomura and when he goes into rage mode against All Might and now Bakugo.

Here, he is quite literally just walking down the street past the anti-meta people and presumably just heard them talk about killing metas. Once they take notice of him, he turns his head towards them and his eyes are huge like a startled animal.

He then proceeds to kill them and still has that feral look.

But now let me get to something pretty important…

We don’t see AFO actually smile until this panel

Once he has a dream of everyone living for his sake, like Yoichi, he is finally smiling. And continues to do so after this point.

Something really bothering me is that they must have named themselves including their surname. Shigaraki means “death tree” which fits in nicely as they were born “from death”. However, where did Yoichi get his name? AFO must have named him and Yoichi can mean “first gift”. So he named him that because Yoichi was QUITE LITERALLY the first thing AFO ever had. As for AFO…I don’t know if he would take the time to name himself. Yoichi only calls him big brother so he may have told Yoichi to just keep calling him that then decided to name himself after the Quirk he also named himself: All for One. Dude is really committed to the bit.

There��s one more thing I haven’t seen anyone touch on yet…

The hatred.

As you probably recall, Hawks has a talk with Best Jeanist over AFO’s lack of emotions and lack of hate. Why he has to use Tomura to get OFA.

406 explained why that is perfectly.

When he feels hatred, he is forced to remember WHEN HE WAS TOLD HE KILLED HIS BROTHER HOLY SHIT. It would also be possibly the first and only time he ever cried. Felt real grief. So, he never “feels” REAL hatred because that would mean having to confront this memory.

It’s fucking genius.

You’’re welcome.

[2tcs]

I love your content so far from what I read and I had a crack I did just hit me

After a while the bat family finally decides to get rid of Ra al Ghul like take him down and take his position from him as the leader of the League of assassins to dismantle it

Ra al Ghul never warned anyone if they want to actually become like the main watcher over the Lazarus pits but they have to go to a 2000 door haunted house run by the ghost King who is 15 years old

So I'll be entire bat family is practically being put through spooky's haunted house 1000 doors except it's Phantom haunted house 2000 doors

Danny believes that anyone that wants the Lazarus pits is undirectly like a bad person so he kind of uses it to a trauma dump on people and be mentally tortured these people so they drop out of taking it

He's getting help from Ghost like Ember Techn, Poindexter, Wulf even cujo

Like they put Ra al Ghul through hell and now they're going to put the bat family to that because they have no idea or not if they're good people

So it's just Danny traumatizing them by making with the horrors and some of the deaths of the ghost the last shocker is at the last door they have to relive Danny's death then Danny will come out and hand them a key and then proceed to give them the whole feel about being the new owners of Lazarus pits

I just enjoy the idea of Danny and the ghost being terrifying

I don't think Danny knows enough ghosts to pull off 2000 doors but he does know Ghost Writer. As well as several ghosts who could make them relive each other's worst/most traumatic moments. Ras probably went alone when he did his trial. But if the whole batfam is going in? So much ammo.

It could start out simple. Lure them into a sense of ease.

---

"Huh. When the scary voice said we would be facing trials to prove our worth. I didn't expect sentient, cuddly blobs." Duke said petting one of the blobs that was chirping happily. Not noticing as his fellow vigilantes and friends also began to cuddle the blobs.

It takes them three hours before they realize that they've lost time and begin to fight the calming effect that the blobs exude and head towards the door on the other side of the room.

---

And maybe embarrassing.

---

"Once upon a time."

"WHY THE FUCK AM I WEARING TIGHTS!"

"I don't know. I think they look good."

"Shut up dickface."

---

Even a bit annoying at times.

---

"I AM THE BOX GHOST!"

"WTF! This guy is more annoying than Condiment King!"

"At least he isn't dumping ketchup on us!"

---

The first few hundred doors could even be called easy for people like the bats.

---

"Quit hitting yourself. Quit hitting yourself." Jason said after he ripped off the robot's arm and started to use it to beat the robot.

"Hay. Don't you think you're going too far Hood?"

"Stop your incelence! For I. Skulker. The greatest hunter ever. Shall be the one to skin you alive and use your pelts as a rug in my den!"

"You were saying Dickolase?"

"Give me the other arm. I want to break this pinata open."

---

But that ease does not last long. Soon they are faced with the suffering of others.

---

"What was that. What was that!" Steph shouted as she clung to Tim. Trembling from the adrenalin rush.

"I think. I think we just died? In a motorcycle crash? Did we just get hit by a CAR while on a MOTORCYCLE?!"

"That motorcycle crash was quick compared to how I died! So shut the fuck up!" Jason yelled before stomping toward the next door. And if his hand was shaking as he reached for the doorknob? No, they weren't

---

And even faced with the consequences of their failures. Failures that nearly tore them apart. Failures that could still tear them apart.

---

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't know."

"Shut up old man! You never asked! You weren't there! You're Never There!"

---

And temptations.

---

Dick looked around as his family piled into the living room of the manor. Everyone was laughing at something Duke said. Jason laughed the loudest as he slung his arm over Tim's shoulder for support. (Wrong, this is wrong, why is this wrong?)

---

And nightmares.

---

"Give them back! GIVE THEM BACK!" Bruce screamed to the sky as he clutched his kids as close to him as he could. Falling into despair as their bodies, their corpses, grew colder. The echos of their own cries of pain and anguish ringing in his ears.

---

They still manage to fight through the physical and psychological horror. Even when they are pushed to experience torture that not even their most vial villain would do to them.

---

"I'm alive! I'm me! Mom! Dad! Please! Please!" "Shut up you freak! Honey, get the muzzle. I don't want to hear its lies anymore." The woman, the monster, in the teal hazmat suit said as she pulled out their intestine and hung it on a rack for further examination.

---

They persevered. And when they leave the last door behind? And are faced with a young boy, no older than 14, who looks like an amalgamation of all of the Robins when they were that age?

---

Danny watched as the would-be-owner of the Lazarus Pits stumbled through the door. Only for an entire group of Kevlar waring fruitloops to fall out of the door.

"So you are the fools who think to control the blood of King Lazarus. So far you have seen many facets of the horrors that can come from..." Danny started his monologue before he was interrupted by the one wearing a cloak reminiscent of a bat falling to his knees.

"Please. Please say we don't have to fight you. I can't. I can't." He said before breaking down in tears as several others joined him in his cry fest.

"Shit." Danny said as he looked at the people before him. Panicking over what he was supposed to do.

[ooooo-mcyt]

Since people love to say Scott was canonically Toxic toward Jimmy in Third Life, I'm basically gonna recount every argument they actually had in Third Life just to give an idea of what kind of relationship conflicts they actually had in canon.

(based on my notes from my last rewatch, i may have missed something so please feel free to add on in comments/tags if there are more conflicts i didn't write in my notes!)

They argued quite a bit over cows. Scott was annoyed when Jimmy decided to give away cows to BigB, Martyn, and Joel without telling him first. Jimmy felt like, since they already knew they had cows, it was best to just try to get in their good graces instead of pointlessly hiding it, but Scott was frustrated because he only wanted to keep the cows secret until they got an enchanting setup, but Jimmy just gave them away without talking about it. They dropped the argument when Jimmy went to work on the wall, and it never came up again.

Scar and Grian tried to use their enderman to extort Scott for diamonds by having it attack him and promising to stop it if Scott gave them diamonds. Scott killed the enderman, and Jimmy scolded Scott for it, apologizing for Scott to Scar and Grian, which frustrated Scott because they're the ones who tried to extort him, and Scott didn't feel like he had any reason to be sorry. They dropped the argument shortly after

Scott ended up cross with Jimmy when he died twice in one episode. Scott warned Jimmy not to play Dare To Flare, and Jimmy played anyway and died. Scott then told Jimmy how to safely disarm a tnt minecart, but Jimmy detonated it, killing himself and two other people. Scott was bitter about Jimmy getting hurt by disregarding his concern and advice. When Jimmy expressed how bad he felt about the minecart, though, Scott relented and expressed to Jimmy that it was Grian and Scar's fault, not his.

When Ren and Martyn come to threaten Jimmy and Scott, Jimmy tries to stand up for them, but Scott insists on Jimmy staying back and agrees when Martyn says Ren could beat Jimmy in a fight. Jimmy is upset about this and tells Scott to say something nice about him, feeling like Scott doesn't believe in him. Scott spends most of the interaction trying to appease and negotiate with Ren and Martyn, but Jimmy ends up making them enemies.

They have probably their most major argument after the interaction with Ren and Martyn. Jimmy is angry that Scott would give in so easily, implying he thinks Scott's being cowardly and/or naive. More than anything, though, Jimmy is worried about Scott, believing Dogwarts cannot be trusted and that they will hurt Scott if they get wrapped up with them. Scott, on the other hand, feels like Jimmy is being reckless (again!) and putting himself in danger by needlessly making enemies without taking Scott's feelings into consideration. In the end, though, Jimmy's already made an enemy out of Dogwarts, and Scott follows Jimmy into the battle that ends up killing Jimmy, and then proceeds to follow the war path against Dogwarts on his own out of grief after Jimmy's death.

[everythingwasalreadypicked]

I have NEVER watched Arcane, and all my knowledge comes from moots' reblogs and my irl friends' lunch time ramblings. So here's what I got :3

Everyone is doomed except the lesbians

Caitlyn calls Vi cupcake

Everyone hates Maddie. She's like that one(1) sheep from Zootopia

Silco is Jinx's dad. Isha is Jinx's child. Silco is NOT Isha's granddad.

Jinx had two other dads other than him. Do they meet? It would be fun if they did.

Powder turns into Jinx but Powder is also dead

Vi says that Yes, her younger sister is a jinx and she's her responsibility. Powder only hears the first part and proceeds to bomb a congress.

Echo is not above beating the girl he loves with a crowbar but he draws the line at killing her. Jinx on the other hand is not above blowing both of them up with a handbomb.

All the dead adopted found family surrounding Jinx symbolises her broken relationship with Vi

Caitlyn and Vi have lesbian prison sex. That is essential to the plot. Good for them.

Jayce and Viktor are married and Jayce gets the kids (Viktor's inventions) in the divorce.

I thought the show was sci-fi/steampunk but apparently it has magic?? And Jayce would had gotten executed if he failed at bringing the magic back.

Jayce heals Viktor from the brink of death. Viktor proceeds to then call him a class traitor and goes onto become Jesus

Gay people cannot breakup normally in this show: they either become dictators or Jesus

The Pilltower folks are exploiting Zaunites. The Writers are not aware they wrote that in.

Also at some point a bunch of Jinx cosplayers get arrested. I'm guessing the Enforcers also shot at them.

The Writers played loose with the worldbuilding to focus on a character driven story.

My friend lost a bet to another friend and now she has to write a 3 page long apology letter dedicated to Jayce.

Viktor time travels, saves past Jayce from execution and also possesses him at one point. Not even Arcane fans understood that part clearly.

Angst. Heart-wrenching Angst. That is the whole show.

All of my irl friends advised me to never ever play LOL and that it is horrible. Yes, they do play LOL.

[stoutguts]

Ghoap 💀🧼 relationship dynamic HC (shall we?)

Simon "Ghost" Riley is no scaredy-cat.

The man has been through hell on Earth, survived torture, abuse,—and being buried alive for fuck’s sake. They managed,—even after everyone he loved was taken from him. Has been through countless tense and anxiety inducing situations throughout their military career.

But Ghost has nerves of steel, excellent control over his emotions, and naturally that’s why it’s so damn good at its job.

Though…there is one thing that scares the shit out of them. Soap.

Simon thought he was all big and bad,—intimidating,—until he met John “Soap” MacTavish.

Johnny is only around half its size, yet he manages to be even scarier than Ghost somehow. Which is wild, considering one of them looks like the damn grim reaper with that skull mask of theirs.

Simon may have a reputation for “the guy you don’t wanna mess with”, to the point where people won’t even bother with them.—But Soap’s got more than a few screws loose himself.

New recruits and others will at least approach him,—but with serious caution, and are careful to watch their mouths around him.

His anger is explosive, fitting, for a demolitions expert. A total loose cannon when he wants to to be. Some recruits even refer to him as “the psycho Scot” or "Ghost's guard dog". Titles he takes to with pride.

Johnny’s known for putting people in their place, and with every fight he’s ever gotten into,—he’s always won. Often sending his opponents to medical.

Most of the time though, he just has to look at someone and it scares them shitless. He’s mastered his death glare, and it even sends shivers up Ghost’s spine.

The man’s a total gym rat and health nut, nothing but muscle, and he trains the most of anyone Simon has ever seen. Works out constantly, and loves to get his body moving. He can never simply sit still, and being active actually helps him to clear his head and blow off steam. Always keeping track of his calories, weighing out his portions, and whatnot,—with a pescatarian and vegetarian lifestyle. He’s also a nature lover and tree hugger,—loves to go on hikes or go camping in his spare time. He’s naturally a reigning champ when it comes to hand to hand combat, and is a highly skilled fighter, in fact, he specializes in it. He’s capable of taking out tangos with nothing but his fists alone. He even beats Simon to a pulp on the sparring mats most of the time. (Ghost may like him beating the snot out of him more than they than would like to admit…)

Soap is used for interrogations, (as he also just so happens to be an interrogation expert). He’s morally bankrupt just enough,—to where he’ll do just about anything to get answers out of someone. Whether it involves violence or not.

Simon has seen the sheer extent of the injuries sustained by the poor bastards that were stupid enough to challenge him, that pissed him off, or that he’s extracted information out of—and that was enough for Ghost.

He recalls that one time he directly witnessed Johnny, feigning calmness, take a recruit’s hand in his, then proceed to snap the guy’s thumb clean in half in one fluid motion. (The recruit had decided to wolf whistle at him when he was walking over to Ghost,—after their duties had wrapped up regarding training the newbies).

Simon is a smart man, and knows when to pick his battles. Soap being the battle he most certainly knows NOT to pick.

Although Johnny is more lenient with Ghost than other people, and lets them get away more,—Simon’ll be damned if it ends up on the receiving end of Soap’s wrath.

I really like the idea of Soap being the dominating one in the relationship, but Ghost not being entirely submissive either.

Like Simon can and will be the one to put him in HIS place, and snap him back to reality. Though still allows him his fun.

While Johnny relies on Ghost to let him know when he’s “too much” or taking things too far,—allows himself to be muzzled. Making a point to let Simon have the control, at least every now and then. Of course, while challenging Ghost’s authority a healthy amount and protesting the whole time.

Both try to be as respectful as possible of the other’s needs and desires, while also "maintaining their roles". But both are effectively switches, whether it's in the bedroom or not, and mainly put up this dom and sub act for other people and for their own amusement. They have no fixed roles, truly.

SOAP BEING JUST AS MENTALLY FUCKED AS GHOST MY BELOVED

thanks for coming to my Ted talk

(Also, the tidbit about Soap snapping a recruit’s thumb in half is actually based on a family member of mine’s story. Basically, my older sister had this guy pour water down the back of her shirt in high school, and in response, she straight up broke his thumb/snapped it in half lmao).

[softpascalito]

Dulcissima I Marcus Acacius x Vestal!Reader I Chapter I

! This Fic contains major spoilers for Gladiator II ! Proceed with caution !

Spoiler-Free Summary: Set before and during Gladiator II. General Acacius finds himself entranced by a highly valued priestess of Rome – A Vestal Virgin. Both have taken vows that make sure their paths may never cross. Until they do.

Pairing: Marcus Acacius x F!Vestal!Reader Rating: Explicit / MDNI Word count: 12k+ Tags: Secret Relationship, Vestal Virgins, Religious Guilt, Gladiator fights, Gladiator II compliant (more or less), Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Ancient Rome, Age Difference, Slow Burn(ish), Injry, Kissing, Historical Inaccuracy, (Attempted) Sexual Harassment, More tags to be added

AO3 I Series Masterlist I Masterlist

notes: ! last major spoiler warning for gladiator II below the cut !

guys, where do we even start. i can't live with his end so i am rewriting it. enjoy <3

vestal (vigins) - priestesses of vesta, virgin goddess of Rome's sacred flame (details will be explained later in the story) dulcissima - sweetest (fond nickname) domus - a roman house posticum - a servant's entrance cubiculas - roman bedrooms

You didn't think it would lead to this.

A beloved General, a just man, kneeling in front of his opponent in the sand that covers the arena floor, the cloud of its dust settling onto the two men facing each other. The particles glisten in the scorching heat of the relentless sun above you, just as violent as the battle you have just witnessed.

It is not something you have ever truly enjoyed, hearing the last gasp of a dying man, seeing the moment a blade enters his stomach. Watching the winner shout with glee. Watching the dead body be dragged away.

But sitting in the specifically reserved area near the Emperors is good custom. Custom keeps one alive.

Custom is also hard to uphold when the man your heart is set on is fighting to keep his life mere feet below you.

You see Acacius’s lips move, see the pleading look in his eyes.

And then a soft thud echoes through the Colosseum as Lucius drops his sword and falls to his knees across from the General.

You wipe your hands furiously on your white gown, trying to keep your hands from sweating as your heart pumps wildly in your chest. You wonder what would happen to it if the sword would've found Acacius’s torso instead. Or his neck. Maybe it would've just given out, unwilling to beat any longer if his was not doing the same.

“No! Kill him! Soldiers!” The Emperor's cries reach you even through the uproar of the crowd, which is unwilling to accept any match that doesn't end with death. Rome always wants death.

“Archers!” He yells and you hold your breath as they draw their bows in unison, tips pointed right into the middle of the arena where the two men are still kneeling.

“Move,” you whisper under your breath, almost as if you believe Acacius can hear you. But he doesn't. He stays on his knees, upright, seemingly waiting for the arrows to hit. An archer to your left releases his arrow with a slight tremor in his arm–and misses by inches. It hits the sand behind Lucius instead, a small cloud of dust rising around it. But your eyes are drawn to the gentle movement of the General as he raises his arm.

“Hold.”

He doesn't have to scream the command. But his deep voice still travels throughout the Colosseum with urgency. The voice of a man who knows how to instruct his soldiers, how to make himself heard even on the battlefield, in the face of death. Even if it's his own that is imminent.

His reminder rings out in your head.

“How many of them will be loyal to you?” – “All of them.”

The archers hold their fire, no arrows following the first one. You turn your head to catch a glimpse of the twin Emperors, both practically jumping up and down with fury as they yell at the archers, at the guards, at anyone who will listen. “We'll have his head! We'll have the General's head for this! How dare he defy us–”

The bows are lowered as soldiers march into the arena, roughly placing cuffs around both men's hands. Acacius doesn't try to intervene with their orders this time, slowly rising to his feet and letting them lead him back towards the gate, though you don't miss the small stagger in his step. It makes a wave of worry wash over you.

“We’ll have your head, General! You will not live to see another battle! You will not even live to see another sunrise!”

Your blood runs cold at that and you stand up abruptly, your head bowed as your feet carry you back into the outer corridor of the Colosseum, a light breeze greeting you as the angry yells and curses from inside the arena grow more quiet.

You have given everything for Rome. Your vows, your service. You will not give him.

***

The moon is hiding away behind a large cloud when you slip out of the house and onto Via Nova, the sounds of cicadas and the occasional bark of a dog filling the night. Having fulfilled your duties for the evening and claimed that the scene at the Colosseum gave you a dull headache, you retired early. When the sounds of the other women in the house died down, you took your chance.

It isn't far to the domus Acacius and Lucilla reside in, your own quarters located just below Palatine Hill. On a clear day, you can see the stone walls of his house from the garden you use to grow herbs.

After about fifty feet, you turn, following down a more narrow path that allows you to travel in the shadows. A few minutes later, it leads you to the posticum of the noble home, an entrance off to the side, used mainly by the servants–or visitors unwilling to be seen. Acacius has taken to keeping it unlocked whenever he knows you are coming. You pray that it still is.

A light push against the wooden door is all it needs to swing open with a small creak, making you hold your breath as you place one careful foot in front of the other. The last thing you need is to alert any guards to your nightly visit.

But you’ve learned how to walk in the shadows and which streets to avoid. You know that the second step from the bottom creaks if you put too much weight on it. It feels like the stone walls of his house are silent witnesses to the amount of time you have spent tip-toeing to his quarters after everyone else has retired for the night.

You distantly wonder if they have allowed him the comfort of his own bed as you enter the atrium, already turning right towards the cubiculas–and pause when your gaze flickers around the open space.

Acacius is hunched over on a chair, a thick metal cuff sneaking around his ankle, the chain fastened securely around one of the columns that line each side of the open room. Your breath catches in your throat as you notice that he is wearing nothing but his red tunic, the gold details on the edges already worn and fading. He shivers in the cold night air, his arms wrapped protectively around himself. He looks so different from how he did in the arena just mere hours earlier. Smaller, somehow.

When you step forward, his head turns, eyes widening as you step into the dim light and recognition flickers over his face. “Dulcissima.”

You try to give him a smile but you're sure it fails miserably. Instead, you lessen the distance between you, passing the fountain in the center. “Acacius–”

“By the gods, what are you doing here?” He whispers, his soft brown eyes looking up at you. He sounds scared, his voice quiet but rough. Up close, you find that not only have they left him chained up in his own atrium but they have also not tended to his wounds. Caked blood and dirt decorate his skin, a part of his hair matted down with something that you hope is the latter.

You ignore his question. “They sentenced you to death.” No matter how hard you try, you can't keep your voice from shaking.

“They sentenced me to death the moment they learned about the plot,” Acacius mumbles quietly. “You know this. It was always going to end this way.”

“Where is Lucilla?” You ask quietly, casting a quick glance around yourself, almost expecting her to step forward from behind one of the columns. Even if you know you have nothing to fear from her. In fact, she may be the only person who understands what you are currently feeling.

“She is with two of the men. On their way to Lucius,” he admits, turning his body a bit more into your direction, which immediately forces a small grunt out of him. You suck in a sharp breath, though you're not sure whether it's in response to his injury or to what you just learned.

“He may already be dead.”

Acacius glances up at you with a look you can't quite place. Then he nods. “He may be.” He shakes his head ever so slightly. “But he has friends in the Colosseum. You forget whose son he is.” The General pauses again, his eyes searching your face as his whisper becomes more urgent. “Why are you here?”

A small sigh escapes you as you take two more steps towards Acacius. “Because you forgot who I am.”

It takes a few moments before recognition flickers in his eyes–and he understands. That as a Vestal, you may pardon with a touch of your hand. Even slaves. Even those sentenced to death.

He has seen you do it, once or twice. When prisoners called out to you as you passed by them with the jug of holy water. Begged you to place your palm on their head, to allow them to live. And they did. But this? This is different.

“No.”

“Marcus,” you say softly. “It’s the power they have given me, the role they have cursed me with. I may as well use it for good.”

“Dulcissima, they will know,” he protests, wincing slightly as he shifts his weight onto his legs and stands up. “They will know about us. They do not even need proof to put you on trial.”

“I do not care if they put me on trial,” you blurt out, taking a step forward just as he takes two back.

“Do not lay your hand on me,” he warns, raising his hand not unlike the way he did in the Colosseum earlier.

“Marcus. Please.” You’re begging more than asking. You don't think you could take it. A Rome without him.

His back hits the marble column and he curses under his breath just as you reach him. The chains meant to keep him from escaping turn into chains that make sure you can save him. Even if he does not want saving.

The tremor that has been a constant in your hands since seeing Acacius fall to his knees in the arena has disappeared, your fingers stretching slightly as you stand on tiptoes to reach for his head.

Soft, dark curls greet the tips of your fingers and you sigh in relief, mumbling a prayer as your hand comes to rest on his head like a crown. A shuddering breath leaves him, his eyes cast downward. Tension bleeds from his body, his shoulders sagging. A softness his soldiers never get to see.

It is a reminder of the nights you’ve spent together, always hidden and always too short. With whispered promises and silent prayers to Vesta to forgive you for loving him. You do not know how not to. And you don't ever want to find out.

But the way you bend upward, lips meeting his forehead–it simply comes more naturally than it should.

notes: thank you for reading! feel free to follow me on here or twitter/ao3 for updates on the next chapters! also, i would love to hear yalls thoughts so feel very free to leave a comment <3

! when commenting or reblogging, please make sure to hide spoilers from others !

[antinousletmehit]

Okay please hear me out…

after seeing the amazing art of @simpformoonkight for Aphrodite gamble now I can’t stop thinking about what if when reader first meet Telemachus after first arriving at the palace, reader is wearing more boyish cloths due to that is all they had at the time before arriving at the palace and after a while she receives a pretty dress and gets dolled up and something like this happened:

Tele: YOU LOOK LIKE A GIRL?!?! Reader: that’s what I am halfwit!!! 😡 tele: yeah but today you look it!! reader: *proceeds to chase him fuming mad wanting to beat him up*

Wait stop I love this ask

——

Y/N stepped into the main hall, fidgeting with the unfamiliar fabric of her dress. She glanced down at the soft, flowing material, her nose slightly scrunched in discomfort. It was undeniably beautiful, with delicate embroidery and a ribbon cinched at the waist, but it felt strange compared to the loose tunics and boyish clothes she was used to. She felt… exposed. Vulnerable, even.

A sudden choking sound drew her attention. Telemachus was sitting nearby, holding a goblet, and staring at her like she’d grown a second head.“Wait a second…” he started, squinting as if to confirm what he was seeing. “You look like a girl!?”

Her brows furrowed instantly, and she whirled to face him, planting her hands on her hips. “That’s what I am, dimwit!”

Telemachus blinked, then grinned mischievously. “Yeah, but now you actually look like it!”

Her jaw dropped. “You absolute ass! That’s it! You’re dead!”

Before he could even think about explaining himself, she was already charging toward him. Telemachus’s survival instincts kicked in, and he leapt from his seat, narrowly dodging her outstretched hand.

“Catch me if you can, princess!” he called over his shoulder, darting into the hallway.

She kicked off her shoes without missing a beat, the elegant dress now billowing behind her as she sprinted after him. “You’re gonna regret that, you overgrown baby!”

“You’re gonna trip in that fancy dress before you even catch me!” Telemachus laughed, weaving between pillars and furniture, his voice echoing through the palace halls.

“I’ll trip you in a minute!” she shouted, nearly colliding with a table in her pursuit.

Eurymachus, leaning against a column with his arms crossed, watched the chaos unfold. A grin spread across his face as he sipped from a goblet of wine. “Finally, some entertainment around here,” he said to no one in particular. “Go get him, Y/N!”

The commotion reached Antinous, who walked into the hall just in time to see his sister barreling past him, her bare feet slapping against the marble floor. She was yelling death threats, her eyes blazing with fury. Hot on her heels was Telemachus, his laughter ringing out like a taunt.

Antinous sighed heavily and rubbed his temples. “What now?”

Eurymachus pushed himself off the wall, a lazy smirk on his face. “Oh, nothing much. Telemachus just pointed out that your sister finally looks like a girl. You know, finally.”

Antinous groaned loudly, glaring after the two. “Of course, he did. I should’ve known.”

“Don’t worry,” Eurymachus added, his tone dripping with amusement. “I’m sure she’ll only bruise him a little. Maybe.”

Before Antinous could respond, a loud crash echoed from the next room, followed by Telemachus’s panicked yelp. Y/N’s triumphant shout came shortly after.

Antinous pressed his fingers to the bridge of his nose, exhaling in exasperation. “I swear, one of these days, I’m locking them both in separate rooms.”

Eurymachus chuckled. “You wouldn’t. You’d miss the chaos.”

Antinous muttered something under his breath and strode toward the source of the noise, already dreading whatever scene he was about to walk into. The shouting, laughing, and occasional thud made it clear, this was going to be a long day.

[snoozyjoosi]

Homicipher Episode 1 Guide

If you want the additional 2 rows/alternate routes of Episode 1, skip down to big red text.

I included the scenes of the correct storyline of Episode 1 which is may be unnecessary as they are easy to get through with minor trial and error, but I still included them.

Episode 2 Guide - https://www.tumblr.com/snoozyjoosi/766185589671444480/homicipher-episode-2-guide

Episode 3 Guide - https://www.tumblr.com/snoozyjoosi/766219102165598208/homicipher-episode-3-guide?source=share

Proceed down below the cut, scene order is from left to right and top to bottom.

Scene 1: Game starts, click on Mr Crawling

Scene 2-3: Interact with Mr Hood as per usual and leave through the door

Scene 4: Do not go down the doorless pathway on the right as it would result in death (unless you leave) and no progression.

The closed door on the right is where you’ll meet Mr Gap who asks to take your heart (in a very literal sense unfortunately), close the door on him or don’t open it at all (however I recommend that you do open it so you can get some words to translate).

Go to door on the left.

Scene 5: Enter the room after moving junk out the way and meet Mr Chopped.

Scene 6: You have the choice between either picking up the little guy or leaving him there.

Scene 7: This is the result of you leaving Mr Chopped and going downstairs without him, getting kidnapped and experimented on by Mr Silvair which is Ending 01 - Research (I personally do not mind being tortured by him.)

Scene 8: This is the result of picking up Mr Chopped and will progress the game further on.

Scene 9: A little language lesson with Mr Silvair and Mr Chopped, afterwards go into the door at the back on the room.

Scene 10: Now inside Mr Silvair’s torture room/lab, collect some more words if you’d like, then leave the torture room and exit Mr Silvair’s base.

Scene 11: Go up stairs, Mr Silvair bids you farewell, and continue on your journey.

Scene 12: There’s two ways to go to, and regardless of which side you pick it would result in the same outcome of being alarmed by a mysterious presence and running to the dark left side. With the two rectangular windows on the wall, the right one is empty while the left one has Mr Gap who cannot do anything with the bars in the way (haha loser), which you can use to collect more words.

Scene 13: Once went into the dark left side, you can grab a crowbar and hide or hide without any weapon behind the wall.

Scene 14: Mr Crawling pops outta nowhere in your hiding space.

Scene 15: It’s when you beat him in the face with a crowbar that you picked up before hiding.

Scene 16: Regardless whether or not you grabbed the weapon beforehand (you’ll still get it anyways) and hit Mr Crawling, you leave the room and head out to the hallway over to where the original red glowing right side is. Mr Crawling accompanies you.

Scene 17: You see the blood splatter on the floor, then sense someone approaching.

Scene 18: Mr Crawling alerts you of danger, talk to him and he’ll push you down to the ground and get on top of you (ykyk) to protect you. Get angry and push him instead then he’ll leave you to your death (understandable have a nice day) and you’ll get killed by Mr Scarletella.

Scene 19 and 20: Once Mr Scarletta leaves, you and Mr Crawling progress on the journey.

Episode 1 ends here.

For the additional alternative route/s of Episode 1:

(Note: To unlock this alternate route you must complete the main storyline first all the way to episode 5, so you cannot do this in a fresh save)

Scene 21: Start from Scene 1 and DO NOT click on Mr Crawling, wait for the time to run out. Then follow the arrows to Scene 22.

Scene 22: Keep following arrows. If you click on any characters you pass by, you will kill them.

Scene 23: Once you walked into a certain room (aka Mr Machete’s room) continue to walk and get stabbed by Mr Machete. Do not get up.

Scene 24: After staying down from Machete’s attack, you end up in a collapsed room with Mr Chopped inside who asks you to help him. Talk to him instead of killing him as that would lead to Ending 13 - And Then I Saw No One (this ending physically hurts me btw).

Scene 25: You chat with Chopped who tries to teach you more words. When the selection between two sentences comes up, it doesn’t matter which one you pick, Chopped will fall asleep.

Scene 26: As Chopped is resting, he talks some more and reminisces about Mr Silvair sadly, in which you pat him on the head (thankfully not killing him). He will then sadly complain that his hair is dirty and wants to go to the hair dresser.

Scene 27: There will be an earthquake/building collapse, but there’s a tunnel to exit through.

Scene 28: After climbing out of tunnel, just follow the arrow to the hairdresser’s room. This is the end of Mr Chopped’s Route.

Scene 29: Start from Scene 23, this time look up in time after being stabbed by Mr Machete which will result in getting killed by him which will end in Ending 12 - Sore Loser. However you can go beyond this ending for Scene 29 and 30.

Once gone beyond, you enter a fight with Mr Machete, make sure to click in time!

Scene 30: However despite hitting him in time, you will still end up losing, resulting in ‘Fight End’.

[save-the-villainous-cat]

Hero shows up at the gates of villain’s manor, all beat up and heavily injured, looking to seek help. Of course, they immediately get treated roughly & shoved away by the guards at the gate. But little do they know that just as villain was about to exit the gates to go somewhere, they witness the scene and immediately comes to the hero’s rescue. Then proceeds to shoot a death glare to their guards, promising to deal with them later after taking care of their hero :)

Before another plea could drop from their lips, the hero fell to their knees. Rain and blood soaked alike through the many layers of their uniform and the adrenaline was fading ever so slightly.

Somewhere in their exhausted mind, they decided to sleep right here in front of the door if they had to. Even if it meant they’d freeze to death. What else was there to do?

It must’ve looked funny how the hero had collapsed there and readied themselves to beg again. As if they were a worshipper who prayed to a god that would never answer.

The guards had no sympathy left for them and the hero couldn’t even blame them — they were the enemy after all, the big bad enemy. But the punches and the pushing around…that had robbed the hero of all the energy and hope they had had left.

“Please,” they tried again. Their voice was hoarse. Their throat burnt. “I can’t go home.”

One of the guards laughed and the hero lowered their head. It was easy to focus on the rain instead of the unkind words the other spoke. After a few other insults, the hero stopped listening and concentrated on their breathing. Keeping themselves alive was a priority right now. They didn’t need disgusting comments.

They needed bandages, they needed rubbing alcohol. They needed a bathroom and towels. They needed needles. Thread.

Maybe a hand to hold onto.

The hero closed their eyes for just a moment. They figured no one would see the tear running down their cheek when it rained cats and dogs like this.

When had they become this fragile? They couldn’t remember. But they knew the wound burnt into their shoulder and that the blood would seriously trouble them in a few minutes.

They were sure they’d pass out any second now.

“You’re going to catch a cold.”

The hero gathered the strength to look up and to their surprise, they saw their nemesis, all dressed up. Confused, the hero looked around, only to find the two guards further away, talking quietly. They avoided to look into their direction.

The villain looked upset.

“You…”

The villain shook their head and tutted. They crouched and their fancy clothes got drenched in filthy puddle water. The hero wanted to protest but forming words was so, so difficult right now.

“You don’t look good,” the villain said. They cupped the hero’s face with one hand but the hero realised a little too late that it wasn’t an offer of affection. The villain was merely checking if they had a fever. In their voice was a hint of frustration. “I’m sorry about that.”

“…about?” The villain’s hands went over the hero’s body quickly and even though the hero understood they were searching for broken bones, they wanted the villain’s hand to stay on them a little longer.

“My guards...I’m sorry they treated you like that.” Now, the villain’s voice was calmer. A bit more controlled.

“Oh…” The hero tasted bile. For whatever reason, they felt bad that the villain was here, getting their clothes all dirty and punishing their guards.

No matter what they did, the hero felt like a burden. Even now when they truly needed help.

“What happened to your shoulder?” the villain asked.

“Are you gonna kill them?” the hero asked quietly.

“The people who did this to you? Probably.”

“I meant your guards,” the hero said. They stared at the two, suddenly feeling anxious. Maybe they shouldn’t have come here. Whatever they touched only decayed.

But the villain chuckled softly. The hero felt some sort of relief.

“No, of course not,” they said. Nevertheless, their gaze on the two wasn’t that friendly. “They’ll get a scolding, of course. But there’s no need for any harsh punishments.”

Their expression was soft now and the hero couldn’t help but feel the sweet comfort of their enemy’s hands on them. The pain in their shoulder was merciless and they were quite sure death was already kissing them. But it didn’t feel urgent.

“…your clothes,” the hero whispered. The expensive fabric was drenched in blood and rain. The hero felt guilty.

“I won’t go to the auction, don’t worry.”

“The auction?” the hero whispered but they started to feel quite lightheaded.

“Don’t worry about that. One more thing, though. You told my guards you can’t go home. Why’d you come here?” the villain asked. The hero didn’t realise it yet but the villain pulled them closer to pick them up.

“Ah, that’s kinda embarrassing—”

“I won’t judge you.” The villain’s lips brushed the hero’s ear now and the hero couldn’t help but shiver.

They grabbed the hero, ready to pick them up and the hero nearly mistook them for an angel.

“I kinda still live with my parents…I know it’s embarrassing but—”

“Don’t worry.” The villain’s smile was warm. “Today you’ll stay with me.”

The hero knew there was no room for a debate.

[justice4gyeongsu]

━━━ 'CHAPTER FOURTEEN' [WHEN DAWN BREAKS]

SYNOPSIS ➢ an old friend becomes a new person of interest, not everyone is happy about it.

PAIRING ➢ lee suhyeok x male!reader

AU ➢ enemies-to-lovers au!

CONTENT WARNING ➢ this chapter contains; flashbacks, violence, alot of angst, signs of depression, jealousy, signs of ptsd, intimate scenes, fluff sprinkles, anxiety mentions, barely legal drinking, flirting, death, reoccuring ptsd, mentions of gore, blood, cannibalism [let me know if i missed any!]

NEXT I PREVIOUS

after trudging through the desolate streets for what feels like an eternity, the group finally reaches a critical juncture. you're walking behind kyungho, your senses on high alert as you tiptoe down the empty street. everyone's weapons are at the ready, prepared for a potential ambush by a horde of zombies. kyungho suddenly stops and leans against the building, peeking around the corner. the rest of the group follows suit, pressing themselves against the wall as they wait for kyungho's signal to proceed.

kyungho drapes his arm over your shoulder, gently guiding you to take a look at what's ahead. you carefully peer around the corner, your katana clutched tightly in your hand. kyungho's face is inches from yours, his warm breath on your skin as he points down the street. "there's two of them down the street," he whispers, "but the store is right there." he nods toward the back of a two-story building situated in the middle of the street. your heart skips a beat as you take in the sight, your stomach growling with anticipation at the prospect of finding food and shelter.

kyungho begins to outline his plan, "if i head over to unlock the door, you have to protect my—" but he's cut off by suhyeok's sudden bold move. suhyeok sprints down the street, bat in hand, and strikes the ground once, as if to announce his presence. then, with swift and deadly precision, he takes down the two zombies, smashing their faces with his bat as they crumple to the ground.

the group watches in awe, peeking around the corner to take in the scene. kyungho's eyes widen in surprise, and he chuckles, "or he can just do that." the tension is broken, and the group quickly scatters, moving towards the store. wujin, cheongsan, and suhyeok form a rear guard, watching the group's backs with their baseball bats at the ready, ensuring no other zombies sneak up on them. meanwhile, kyungho swiftly retrieves the keys from his bag and unlocks the door. he gently pushes you inside by the waist, ushering you into the safety of the store.

as you step inside, you're enveloped in darkness, the only light coming from candles scattered around the store and the faint slivers of sunlight peeking through the newspaper-covered windows. the air is stale, but the store seems quiet, a haven from the dangers outside.

as the last person steps inside, kyungho secures the door by wrapping a sturdy chain around the handle and locking it with a massive lock. the sound of the lock clicking into place is music to everyone's ears, and they let out a collective sigh of relief. as they look around, their eyes widen in shock and amazement. the store is a treasure trove of food and drinks, with fully stocked aisles and corners filled with cold beverages. "dig in, guys," kyungho says with a smile, patting your back softly as he walks by.

the group erupts into a frenzy of activity, scrambling to grab as much food and drink as they can. you sprint to the drink section and find the largest water bottle you can, twisting off the cap and chugging the water greedily. some of it spills down your neck, but you don't care – the refreshing taste is like heaven.

daesu's voice rings out across the store, "where's the ramyun?!" he shouts, racing through the aisles until he spots an entire section dedicated to his beloved noodles. he drops to his knees, overcome with emotion, and begins to sob. "thank you, god," he whispers, his hands clasped together in gratitude.

meanwhile, namra stands off to the side, observing the chaos with a detached air. her stomach growls with hunger, but she's not craving the usual food that would normally satisfy her. she's developed a strange, unsettling appetite, one that she can't quite explain. as she scans the surrounding area, she strains her ears to listen for any signs of movement or potential threats outside. but the only sounds she can hear are the contented noises of her companions: the smacking of lips, the gulping of drinks, and the groans of pleasure as they devour their food.

hroryeong's voice breaks the spell, "i could actually cry," she says, her eyes welling up with tears as she savors a full chocolate bar. sure enough, she begins to sob, overcome with emotion. wujin offers her a sympathetic pat on the back before chugging a soda bottle, some of the fizzy drink spilling onto the floor as he does so.

kyungho double-checks the security of the front doors now, tugging on the handles and jiggling them to ensure they're securely locked in place. he tests the doors, pulling and pushing to confirm that they don't budge, his actions methodical and deliberate as he makes certain that the group's temporary sanctuary is safe and secure.

you're winded by the time you've made it halfway through the bottle, and you lean against the cold beverage door to catch your breath. as you pause, your mind begins to wander to all the peers you've lost, and the fact that they'll never get to experience this moment of relief with you. the thought brings a pang of sadness, and you feel a lump form in your throat.

you make a silent vow to yourself to consume everything in their honor, a way of celebrating their memory and the struggles you've overcome. as you turn around, you're met with namra's gentle gaze, and she offers you a twinkie. you look up at her, and she hands you the snack, her slender fingers brushing against yours.

"thanks," you say softly, your voice barely above a whisper. namra's response is a small, enigmatic smile – a smile that you'll come to recognize as her signature expression.

as you gaze at namra, her eyes fixed on the ground, you pose a question that seems to have been avoided by everyone around you. "you okay?" the words hang in the air, heavy with unspoken concerns. namra's silence is palpable, but instead of responding, she reaches out and grasps your hand, her fingers intertwining with yours.

without a word, she leads you to the front of the store, where newspaper-covered windows block our view of the outside world. the air is thick with tension as she stops in front of the makeshift barrier. "if you need me to scout out supplies, i can do it without putting anyone at risk of getting caught," she says, her voice low and determined. you sense a deep-seated resolve in her words, a willingness to take on the challenges that lie ahead. "i'll come with you," you offer, but namra's expression turns resolute as she shakes her head. "too much of a risk," she whispers, her eyes locked onto yours, conveying a depth of understanding that goes unspoken.

as you begin to inquire about namra's hunger, the creaking of a door opening captures your attention, and you turn to see a doorway on the opposite side of the store. a steep staircase leads up to the second floor, and kyungho gestures toward it with a gracious smile. "there are beds upstairs, you're all welcome to rest there," he says, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "i'll be keeping watch down here, behind the register."

you return his smile, feeling a sense of gratitude toward this stranger who has taken you in. "thank you, that's sweet of you," you say, as you gently tug on namra's hand, encouraging her to follow you upstairs. the prospect of rest and a safe haven is a welcome respite, and you can sense namra's reluctance giving way to exhaustion as she allows you to lead her toward the staircase.

as you begin to ascend the stairs, the creaking of the wooden steps beneath your feet echoes through the quiet space. namra follows closely behind, her eyes fixed on the stairs ahead. you can sense her weariness, her body language screaming for rest. the upstairs area is dimly lit, with only a few faint rays of light peeking through the grimy windows. you see a few beds scattered about, each one neatly made with a thin blanket. the air is stale, but it's quiet and peaceful, a welcome respite from the chaos outside.

kyungho calls out from downstairs, "make yourselves at home." he points to a small area that you realized was a bathroom. "if you guys need to freshen up, there a shower."

"you're saying there's a shower?" you ask, your eyes widening in astonishment. the mere mention of it is almost too good to be true. you can't recall the last time you had the luxury of a shower, and the thought of being clean again is almost overwhelming. the group's collective stench had become a norm, something you'd all grown accustomed to.

kyungho nods, a charming smile spreading across his face as he leans against the doorway, his arms crossed. he seems to be savoring your reaction, and you can't help but laugh, a delirious, disbelieving sound. kyungho joins in, his laughter warm and genuine. "man, you guys have probably been through a lot," he says, shaking his head in sympathy. namra, who had been watching the exchange, turns to you and whispers that she'll go share the good news with the others.

as namra heads off to spread the news, you can't help but feel a sense of excitement and trepidation. a shower sounds like a luxury, but it's also a reminder of how long it's been since you've had access to basic amenities. you glance over at kyungho, who's still smiling at you, and feel a sense of gratitude toward this stranger who's offering you a glimmer of hope. "thank you," you say, your voice sincere. "this means a lot to us." kyungho's smile widens, and he nods, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "you're welcome," he says. "i'm just glad i can help. now, go enjoy that shower. you've earned it."

"that'd be nice, but i think i'll let the girls go first," you say, as you wander into one of the rooms, taking stock of the space. you notice that there are more than enough mattresses for everyone, and a sense of relief washes over you. kyungho observes your actions, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.

"what a gentleman," he teases, his voice laced with a playful tone, as he leans against the doorway, watching you with a warm smile.

his words bring a flush to your cheeks, but you can't help but smile, feeling a sense of gratitude toward this kind stranger who's taking you in. you shrug off the compliment, feeling a slight blush rise to your cheeks. "its common sense," you say, attempting to downplay kyungho's praise. but he just chuckles and nods, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "well, whatever your motivations are, it's appreciated," he says, pushing off from the doorway and heading back toward the stairs. "i'll go get some more blankets, get comfortable." he disappears down the stairs, leaving you to continue exploring the makeshift shelter.

as kyungho descends the stairs, you take a moment to look around the room again, this time noticing the small details that make it feel more like a home. there's a small bookshelf in the corner, filled with worn paperbacks and dog-eared pages. a faded rug covers the floor, adding a touch of warmth to the space.

you hear the sound of footsteps coming from the stairs, and as the group makes their way upstairs, their faces light up with wonder and relief. the sight of a functional bathroom and comfortable sleeping quarters is almost too good to be true. wujin, ever the enthusiastic one, can't contain his excitement. "i call the first shower!" he shouts, already making a beeline for the bathroom. but before he can take another step, hari reaches out and grabs his ear, pulling him back with a playful scold. "women go first, idiot," mijin chimes in, her voice dripping with amusement and a hint of teasing. wujin rubs his ear, looking sheepish, but can't help grinning at the good-natured ribbing.

you can't help but laugh at the lighthearted exchange between wujin and the others. meanwhile, cheongsan and suhyeok wander into the adjacent room, their eyes scanning the space filled with beds. suhyeok lets out a deep sigh of relief, his shoulders sagging as he takes in the cozy atmosphere. "this is gonna be so nice," he breathes, his voice filled with gratitude.

as the group begins to settle in, they all remove their shoes and leave them outside in the hallway, a habitual gesture that speaks to their growing sense of comfort and security. the tension and wariness that had been palpable just hours before seem to be melting away, replaced by a sense of camaraderie and shared relief.

onjo takes charge, assigning the rooms with a practical sense of fairness. "the girls will take this room, and the boys can take that one," she declares, pointing to the room closest to the bathroom. the others nod in agreement, and the group begins to settle into their respective spaces.

just then, the sound of footsteps echoes up the stairs once more. kyungho appears, his arms laden with a pile of knitted blankets. "hey, i found a few more blankets," he announces, offering them up to the group. "anyone who tends to get cold can grab another one."

you consider reaching for an extra blanket, but then think better of it, realizing that some of the girls might need it more than you. and indeed, they quickly claim most of the blankets, leaving only two remaining in kyungho's hands. cheongsan notices your ripped shirt and gestures for you to take one of the remaining blankets. "you should get one, y/n," he suggests, his expression concerned. you nod, feeling a bit self-conscious about your torn clothing. you walk over to kyungho, giving him a smile as you take one of the blue blankets from his outstretched hand.

daesu's eyes light up with a warm smile as he whispers to himself, "kyungho's so nice." wujin catches the comment and nods in agreement, a matching smile spreading across his face. however, suhyeok's expression takes a different turn. his eyes narrow, and his face clouds with suspicion as he notices kyungho's gaze lingering on you. his eyes flicker with unease, and he seems to be sizing up the situation.

kyungho, oblivious to suhyeok's concerns, continues to offer his hospitality. "whoever is showering first can go ahead," he says, his eyes scanning the group. "i can hand-wash your clothing and leave it out to dry. in the meantime, there are clothes in the drawers in your rooms. i'm sure they belonged to the people who owned this place before, but they would've wanted you all to wear them." the group exchanges warm smiles and nods, grateful for kyungho's kindness. hroryeong's face lights up with a shy smile as she thanks kyungho again for saving them. kyungho responds with a thumbs-up and a reassuring smile. "no worries, really. you guys are all doing me a favor by not letting me be lonely," he says, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

the boys chuckle at kyungho's comment, but suhyeok remains stoic, his expression unreadable. the group's laughter and chatter fill the air as they begin to settle in, the warmth and comfort of their new surroundings slowly seeping in. kyungho watches them with a gentle smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he takes in the scene.

as the girls start to make their discussion on the bathroom, eager to take advantage of the shower, kyungho turns to you and asks, "do you need anything?" his voice is low and considerate, and you feel a sense of gratitude toward him.

meanwhile, suhyeok's eyes never leave kyungho's face, his expression a mask of suspicion and wariness. it's clear that he’s still not convinced of kyungho's intentions. "no, it's okay, i'm good," you say, waving your hand dismissively. "i'm just ready to get out of these clothes." you gesture to your dirty, torn clothing, feeling a sense of self-consciousness about your appearance.

kyungho's eyes follow your gesture, and he takes a step closer to you. he reaches out and gently takes hold of the torn part of your shirt, his index and middle fingers loosely grasping the fabric. "yeah, looks like you've been through a lot," he says, his voice filled with empathy. as he speaks, kyungho tilts his head to get a better look at the damage. his eyes scan the torn fabric, and then drift to the scratches on your skin, visible through the tears.

suhyeok's interruption grabbed both of your attention. "is the backdoor downstairs the only exit?" he asks, his eyes locked intently on kyungho. you turn to look at suhyeok, but only for a brief moment, before your gaze drifts back to kyungho. there's something about kyungho's calm and gentle demeanor that puts you at ease, and you find yourself drawn to him.

kyungho's expression changes, a flicker of surprise crossing his face, before he quickly composes himself. he points to the rooms, his gesture expansive. "besides the windows that slide open, yeah," he explains. "you're more than welcome to go out through the front door, but if any of them see you out there, you'd bring them right to the rest of us." kyungho's voice is laced with concern, and it's clear that he's thinking about their safety. suhyeok's question has brought a sense of unease to the group, and you can't help but wonder what's behind suhyeok's inquiry.

kyungho's question hangs in the air, and everyone's eyes turn to suhyeok, waiting for his response. "were you thinking of leaving?" kyungho asks, his tone neutral, but his eyes searching for answers.

suhyeok's expression is inscrutable, his arms crossing over his chest as he responds with a curt, "just curious." the words are dismissive, but the tension in his body language suggests that there's more to it. without another word, suhyeok turns and walks into the boys' room, leaving the rest of the group to wonder about his intentions. a small flag pops up in your mind, warning you that there's more to suhyeok's question than meets the eye. you're not sure what's driving his curiosity, but you have a feeling that it's not just idle wondering.

hroryeong's voice rings out, announcing that she's taking the first shower. you take the opportunity to head into the boys' room, where you see that most of the guys have already staked their claims on the beds by placing their weapons beside them.

you make your way to the bed that's deepest in the room and place your katana down beside it, claiming it as your own. as you look around, you notice daesu standing by the sliding windows, his eyes gazing out at something in the distance. his expression is melancholic, and you can sense a deep sadness emanating from him.

just then, wujin's voice cuts through the air, grabbing everyone's attention. "who wants to take the first shower after the girls finish?" he asks, his eyes scanning the room. you look up at wujin and shrug, "cheongsan should. he did a lot for us," you say, nodding in cheongsan's direction. suhyeok chimes in, his voice a little softer than usual, "yeah, cheongsan, you go first."

daesu lets out a deep sigh, his arms folding over his head as he complains, "man, it was really warm outside." his voice is laced with a whiny tone, and wujin can't help but grimace in response.

wujin's eyes dart to daesu, and he covers his nose, his voice muffled as he says, "maybe daesu should go first..." the suggestion is met with a chorus of agreements from the other boys, including you, as the pungent aroma wafting from daesu's armpits begins to fill the room. daesu's expression turns defensive, his arms slowly lowering as he accuses wujin, "stop lying! you can't even smell anything." wujin's face scrunches up in indignation, and he begins to argue, "why would i lie?" the two boys start to bicker back and forth, their voices rising in a comedic display of denial and accusation.

you step out of the shower, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. the warm water has washed away the dirt and grime of the day, leaving you feeling clean and revitalized. your damp hair clings to your face, and you try to push it back, away from your forehead. you're surprised to notice that your hair seems longer when it's wet, and you make a mental note to get it cut soon.

you slide open the wooden door to the boys' bedroom, expecting to see the others lounging around. but to your surprise, the room is empty. you assume that everyone must be downstairs, and you're left alone in the quiet, peaceful space.

you look down at your outfit, feeling the soft, lightweight fabric of the plain dark blue pajama shirt and pants. it's a simple but comfortable ensemble, and you appreciate the feeling of the gentle cotton against your skin. you take a deep breath, feeling relaxed and at ease, and begin to make your way downstairs to join the others.

you make your way down the stairs, and your eyes scan the room, taking in the scene. some of the girls are gathered around kyungho, their faces aglow with excitement as they listen to him talk about his studies. they're practically swooning over his every word, and you can't help but chuckle at the sight.

your gaze drifts to the corner of the room, where hari and mijin are sitting together, chatting quietly. they're both smiling, and their body language suggests that they're having a relaxed and enjoyable conversation. you continue to scan the room, searching for wujin. you spot him and cheongsan standing in front of a shelf, engaged in a heated debate. they're arguing over which brand of garlic chips is superior, and their voices are rising in excitement.

you call out to wujin, letting him know that it's his turn to take a shower. his face lights up, and he instantly tosses the bags of chips to cheongsan. "i'll be right back!" he exclaims, before turning and making a beeline for the stairs. wujin's enthusiasm is palpable, and he's in such a hurry that he trips twice on the stairs before he reaches the bathroom. you can't help but laugh at his antics, and you shake your head in amusement.

as wujin disappears, you can't help but smile at his energetic behavior. you turn your attention back to the rest of the group, noticing that kyungho is still regaling the girls with stories of his studies. hari and mijin are still chatting quietly in the corner, looking relaxed and comfortable.

cheongsan, on the other hand, is still standing in front of the shelf, looking triumphant as he holds up the bags of garlic chips. he catches your eye and grins, clearly proud of having won the argument with wujin.

you chuckle to yourself, feeling grateful for the sense of camaraderie and friendship that's developed within the group. despite the challenges and dangers you've faced, you're all managing to find moments of joy and laughter together. as you continue to observe the group, you notice that suhyeok is still sitting off to the side, looking a bit subdued.

you feel a pang of frustration with yourself as you realize that your heart is trying to get the better of you. you're drawn to suhyeok, despite his odd behavior, and you find yourself wanting to check in on him, to make sure he's okay. you curse your heart for its weakness, and force yourself to look away, trying to ignore the concern that's rising up inside you.

just then, cheongsan speaks up, his voice low and understanding. "he's gonna be alright," he says, his eyes following your gaze to suhyeok. "i think he's stressing because this wasn't part of the plan."

cheongsan's words are like a splash of cold water, bringing you back to reality. you realize that suhyeok's behavior is likely due to the unexpected turn of events, and that he's probably just feeling overwhelmed. you nod in understanding, trying to push aside your concern for suhyeok and focus on the bigger picture.

you turn to cheongsan, your eyes filled with hope as you ask, "you think we can reach the mountain?" your voice is laced with a mix of worriesome and trepidation, and you can't help but feel a sense of uncertainty. cheongsan's expression is reassuring, and he nods confidently. "we'll make it, all of us," he says, his voice firm and resolute. "so stop worrying so much about it." he adds, his tone playful as he reaches out to push your shoulder gently.

you nod, trying to muster up a smile, but it's tinged with worry. you can't shake off the feeling of unease, and you're not sure if you'll really be able to make it to the mountain safely. but with cheongsan's reassurance, you try to push aside your doubts and focus on the task at hand.

"have you seen namra?" you ask cheongsan, and he points to the front of the store. you follow his gesture and see namra kneeling beside a small bonsai plant. the plant looks like it was carefully tended to before the apocalypse, and you can't help but wonder who might have been growing it.

you approach namra quietly, but she turns around before you can sneak up on her. "how'd you know i was behind you?" you ask, feeling a little surprised.

namra's response is casual, but it sends a flutter through your chest. "i recognize your steps," she says. "you always step like you're careful something might jump in front of you." her words are simple, but they reveal a level of awareness and attention to detail that makes you feel seen. you kneel down beside her, feeling a little self-conscious about your habits. "i guess it's a bad habit," you say, clearing your throat. you both sit there in silence for a moment, looking at the bonsai plant. the quiet is comfortable, and you feel a sense of ease with namra that you don't always feel with others.

namra's eyes are fixed on your face as you gently rub the leaves of the bonsai tree, oblivious to her gaze. she takes a moment to glance behind her, noticing suhyeok sitting on an upside-down bucket, staring at his knuckles. he's wearing an all-white thin pajama set, and namra can't help but think that he looks softer, more vulnerable, in white.

she turns her attention back to you, her expression careful. "he likes you," she says, her voice low and matter-of-fact. you snap your head towards her, your eyes wide with surprise. "wait, really? you think so?" you ask, your voice filled with excitement.

namra nods, her expression serious. "he cares a lot about you. did you know that?" she asks, her voice soft. you look around, as if checking to make sure no one is listening, before responding.

"well," you say, a smile spreading across your face, "i thought maybe he was into guys, but i wasn't sure." you admit, shrugging. namra's expression changes to one of disbelief and confusion. "you weren't sure?" she asks, her voice incredulous. you nod, matter-of-factly. "yeah, it's kinda hard to tell."

namra's eyes sparkle with curiosity as she asks, "even after he kissed you?" her words are innocent, but they send a shockwave through you. you stop dead in your tracks, turning to her with a confused expression. "what did you just say?" you ask, blinking rapidly as you try to process her words.

namra's face flushes with embarrassment, and she looks away, her voice barely above a whisper. "i saw, i'm sorry, i didn't mean to." she's clearly uncomfortable, and you can tell she didn't mean to spill the beans. your mind is reeling as you try to understand what's going on. "what? kyungho didn't kiss me?" you ask, feeling bewildered. namra's expression changes to one of confusion, and she looks back at you. "kyungho?" she repeats, clearly unsure what you're talking about. you nod, waiting for her to explain what she meant. your heart is racing with anticipation, and you can't help but wonder who she's talking about. it couldnt be..could it?

namra's words hang in the air like a challenge, and your entire world freezes in that moment. "i'm talking about... suhyeok," she finally says, her voice barely above a whisper. you're stunned, unsure of how she could possibly know about the kiss. it was in the middle of the night, and you thought you two were being quiet.

your mind is racing with questions, but before you can even process your thoughts, namra speaks up again. "i won't tell anyone if you don't want me to," she says, her expression reassuring. she can see the shock and confusion written all over your face, and she's trying to put you at ease.

you blink slowly, still trying to wrap your head around the fact that namra knows about the kiss. "how...?" you ask softly, your voice barely above a whisper. namra takes a deep breath before explaining, her words spilling out in a gentle rush. "i couldn't sleep that night," she says. "i heard and saw everything that happened."

you let out a sigh and bury your face in your arms, still kneeling on the ground. namra's hand finds its way to the top of yours, and she gives it a gentle squeeze. you feel a sense of comfort from her touch, and her words that follow only add to the feeling.

"i could hear his heart beating," she says softly. "it was steady throughout most of it." you lift your head, confusion etched on your face. "..so?" you ask, seeking clarity on what she's trying to say.

namra's gaze drifts behind her, to where suhyeok is sitting, looking troubled. "which means he wasnt lying," you follow her line of sight, and your gaze softens as you take in the sight of him. suddenly, flashbacks of the two of you walking home together every day flood your mind. the feeling of safety and friendship that you experienced during those walks blossoms in your chest, and you can't help but feel a sense of affection towards suhyeok.

you continue, your voice barely above a whisper. "then you'd also know how he was scared to be seen with me..." you bring your fist to your heart, feeling it racing in your chest. you're not sure what emotion is causing it, but you know you need to calm down. as you speak, you can feel a lump forming in your throat, and your eyes start to well up with tears. you bite back a pout, trying to hold back the emotions that are threatening to overwhelm you. your eye line begins to water, and you look away, trying to compose yourself. the memory of suhyeok's fear of being seen with you is still raw, and it's clear that it's still affecting you deeply.

you take a deep breath, trying to calm down and process your emotions. namra's hand is still on top of yours, and she gives it a gentle squeeze, offering you comfort and support.

"hey, it's okay," she says softly, her voice full of empathy. "he was scared, but that doesn't mean he didn't care about you. people are complicated, and sometimes they do things that hurt us without meaning to." you look up at namra, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her. she's always been a good listener, and her words of wisdom are just what you need to hear right now.

you take another deep breath, feeling your emotions begin to settle. you look over at suhyeok, who's still sitting on the bucket, looking troubled. you can't help but wonder what's going through his mind, and whether he's still scared of being seen with you. namra's words are cryptic, and you look at her with confusion. "i asked him... back at the storage closet," she says, leaving you wondering what she's talking about.

but then she adds, "i asked if he liked you," and your eyes go wide with surprise. you're eager to hear more, and you wait with bated breath for namra to continue.

however, suhyeok's name is called out by daesu, and he reluctantly gets up to head over. namra's gaze follows him, but then she turns back to you. "what did he say?" you ask, staring into her eyes, hoping to find some answers. namra's expression is sympathetic, and she says, "he didn't say anything." you sigh, feeling a pang of disappointment. but then namra adds, "but, he looked at me and i heard his heart beat rise quickly." her words are like a ray of hope, and you can't help but feel a spark of achievement.

you feel a flutter in your chest as you process namra's words. the fact that suhyeok's heart beat rose quickly when she asked him about you suggests that he might have feelings for you after all.

you look over at suhyeok, who's now talking to daesu, and you can't help but wonder what's going through his mind. does he really like you? and if so, why hasn't he said anything?

namra's hand is still on top of yours, and she gives it a gentle squeeze. "don't worry," she says softly. "i'm sure he'll come around eventually." you nod, feeling a sense of gratitude towards namra. she's always been a good friend to you, and her words of encouragement mean a lot. as you continue to talk to namra, you can't help but steal glances at suhyeok, wondering what the future might hold for the two of you.

you pause, collecting your thoughts before speaking. "it's not that," you say, your voice barely above a whisper. namra looks at you curiously, sensing that there's more to your words.

you take a deep breath, hesitating for a moment before admitting the truth. "i'm not sure if i even want him anymore," you say, your voice laced with uncertainty. namra's expression changes, and she looks at you with surprise. she didn't expect you to say that, and you can tell she's wondering what's going through your mind. you look away, feeling a little vulnerable. you're not sure why you're unsure about suhyeok. you care about him deeply, but you're not sure if your feelings for him are romantic. you're confused, and you don't know what to do.

namra's expression softens, and she nods understandingly. "it's okay to be unsure," she says gently. "feelings can be complicated, and it's normal to take time to figure them out."

you nod, feeling a sense of relief wash over you. it's nice to know that namra understands, and that you're not alone in your confusion. "do you think... he'd wait for me to figure things out?" you ask hesitantly, looking over at suhyeok, who's still talking to daesu. namra follows your gaze, and then turns back to you. "i think he might," she says with a small smile.

you can't help but laugh as you wipe your eyes, making sure no tears fall. "when did you become a love doctor?" you ask, amusement dancing in your voice. you scoff and look away, a small smile still playing on your lips. namra's eyes sparkle with mirth as she catches your teasing tone. "did you just scoff at me? ms. namra?" you tease her further, trying to stifle a grin. namra shakes her head, a smile still plastered on her face. she stands up, her movements fluid and effortless. "you're ridiculous," she says, her voice laced with affection. she looks down at you, her eyes shining with warmth. "but i'm always here for you, no matter how ridiculous you get deskmate."

namra offers you her hand, and you take it with a smile, feeling a sense of gratitude and affection towards her. "likewise," you say, your voice sincere.

but then namra's expression changes, and she whispers a name that makes your heart skip a beat. "so... kyungho?" she says, a small smile playing on her lips. your ears turn bright red as you realize that you've unintentionally shared your secret crush. you feel a wave of embarrassment wash over you, and you look away, trying to play it cool. but it's too late, namra's already seen the look on your face, and she knows that you have feelings for kyungho.

you try to brush it off, but namra's knowing gaze makes you feel like you've been caught red-handed. you can't believe you let your secret slip out, and now namra knows that you have a crush on kyungho.

namra's smile grows wider, and she gives your hand a gentle squeeze. "don't worry, your secret is safe with me," she whispers, her voice full of amusement. you look at her, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment. you're glad that namra is being understanding, but you're still mortified that you let your secret slip out.

"thanks," you say, your voice barely above a whisper. namra nods, still smiling, and you can't help but wonder what she's thinking.

you hear a familiar voice calling out to you, and you turn to see horyeong smiling and waving you over to her. "y/n-ie!" she exclaims, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. you can't help but notice kyungho standing on the other side of the register, his muscular arms and chest on full display in his muscle shirt. hari, mijin, and horyeong are all gazing at him with interest, and you find yourself sneaking a few peeks as well.

mijin smirks at you, "kyungho-nim is gonna pour us some drinks." she says, and you raise an eyebrow in surprise. "really?" you ask, looking around at the others. daesu stands up, enthusiasm written all over his face. "count me in!" he exclaims, raising a finger in the air. hari chimes in, "add two more," with a nonchalant nod in kyungho's direction.

kyungho smiles at hari, "you got it," and begins mixing drinks with a combination of soju and beer. you watch with curiosity, unsure of what to expect. as someone who's recently come of age to drink legally, you've never really had the opportunity to try alcohol before. your father's struggles with alcoholism had always made you wary of drinking, but now you're not so sure.

hroryeong's bright smile is infectious as she asks loudly, "onjo, you want one?" she's clearly excited, and you can't help but notice that she seems happier than usual. you attribute it to the presence of kyungho, who's still busy mixing drinks behind the register. maybe his handsome face has brought out her confident side, especially after she's freshened up from her shower. onjo shakes her head, declining the offer, and cheongsan chimes in, "leave us out." hroryeong nods, unfazed, and continues to chat with the others, still beaming with enthusiasm. the atmosphere is lively, and you can't help but feel a little left out, wondering if you should join in on the fun and try one of kyungho's mysterious drinks.

kyungho's smile is still plastered on his face as he gestures behind you, asking "what about you big-man?" you turn to see who he's addressing, and your eyes land on suhyeok, who looks decidedly annoyed. he's wearing all-white pajamas, which somehow makes him appear less intimidating than usual.

daesu's laughter rings out as he chimes in, "yeah, c'mon bare-su!" he exclaims, using suhyeok's well-known nickname. you can't help but feel a twinge of distaste at the nickname, mainly because it's a reference to suhyeok's peculiar habit of not wearing socks with shoes. suhyeok's expression remains serious as he crosses his arms, leaning against an aisle. "count me out too," he says, his voice firm. you can't help but wonder why he's being so stubborn.

kyungho's eyes lock onto yours, and he asks, "what about you, y/n-ie?" the added cuteness at the end of your name makes you feel a flutter in your chest, and you can't help but feel a little shy.

"me?" you ask, shocked, as if you're surprised he's even considering you. hroryeong's smile falters as she looks between you and kyungho, a confused expression on her face. she seems to be wondering how close the two of you really are. meanwhile, daesu's eyes narrow slightly as he looks at kyungho with suspicion. kyungho raises an eyebrow, his expression daring you to say no. "yeah, sorry. is it cool if i call you that?" he asks, his voice low and smooth.

you laugh, feeling a little self-conscious, and reply, "sure, i don't mind." you pause for a moment before adding, "i don't mind a drink either," as you fidget with your pajamas, feeling a little more aware of your appearance.

kyungho's low, smooth voice sends a shiver down your spine, and you can't help but straighten your posture, feeling a little more alert. "good," he says, his tone dripping with a quiet confidence that makes you feel a little fluttery inside.

just as you're processing the effect of kyungho's voice, you're startled by a sudden movement beside you. hroryeong is pushed aside, and suhyeok's long arm reaches over you, placing a plastic cup still in its bag on the table in front of you. "i'll take one," suhyeok says, his voice low and even, but with a hint of authority. you don't dare to look up at him, sensing a subtle tension in his tone. instead, you keep your eyes fixed on the cup, wondering what just happened.

the atmosphere around you seems to shift slightly, with a subtle undercurrent of tension. kyungho's eyes flicker to suhyeok, a hint of surprise and curiosity in his expression.

hroryeong, who had been pushed aside, clears her throat and steps back, her eyes darting between suhyeok and kyungho. "alright, so... two drinks, then?" she asks, trying to break the tension. kyungho nods, his expression neutral once more. "yeah, two more drinks. coming right up." he turns back to the counter, his movements fluid and efficient as he begins to prepare the drinks.

as kyungho continues to prepare the drinks, the tension in the air seems to dissipate slightly. suhyeok, however, remains standing beside you, his presence still radiating a sense of quiet intensity.

daesu, seemingly sensing the awkwardness, attempts to lighten the mood. "what made you change your mind?" he asks, his voice cheerful and curious. suhyeok's response is low and even, "just thought i'd join in." his tone doesn't invite further questioning, and hroryeong wisely decides not to push the issue. meanwhile, kyungho slides two drinks across the counter, his eyes meeting suhyeok's for a brief moment before he looks away. "enjoy," he says, his voice neutral. you pick up your drink, feeling a little uncertain about what to expect.

as daesu calls for a toast, everyone raises their drinks in unison, cheering and clinking their cups together. you join in, feeling a sense of camaraderie with the group. as you take a gulp of your drink, the liquid burns its way down your throat, making you grimace.

as you tip your head back, your eyes wander from the cup to suhyeok, who's also downing his drink. your gaze is drawn to the column of his neck, stretched out as he tilts his head back. suddenly, you're struck by the size difference between you and suhyeok. his broad shoulders and tall frame make you feel almost dainty in comparison. you can't help but stare, feeling a little awestruck by suhyeok's imposing presence. his eyes, still closed as he swallows his drink, seem to be savoring the moment, and you find yourself wondering what he's thinking.

the tranquility of the moment is shattered by a loud, booming voice echoing from the stairs. "why the hell didn't you guys save me one?" wujin's angry shout sends a ripple of amusement through the group.

daesu, quick-witted as ever, shouts back, "we were waiting, brother-in-law!" his response is met with a burst of laughter from the others. hari, however, takes a more... creative approach. with lightning-fast reflexes, she grabs the nearest object and hurls it at daesu's head. the room erupts into chaos as daesu ducks and weaves, narrowly avoiding the projectile.

mijin's arm brushes against your shoulders as she attempts to draw you into a friendly embrace. "did you like the drink?" she asks, her voice tinged with curiosity.

you gaze down at the bottom of your cup, recalling the unexpected flavor. "it wasn't exactly how i imagined it would taste..." you admit, trying to be diplomatic. mijin's laughter chimes in, and she playfully teases, "yeah." you both share a laugh, your grimaces mirroring each other's as you remember the drink's unusual taste.

as the night wears on, the group finds themselves in a circle on the floor, surrounded by the refrigerated drinks. the hours have slipped away, and midnight is fast approaching. the air is thick with laughter and the smell of snacks and ramen.

more than half the group is now tipsy or downright drunk, and the jokes are getting progressively sillier. wujin, still chuckling, nudges cheongsan and begs him to repeat a joke. cheongsan rolls his eyes, claiming it wasn't that funny, but mijin disagrees, her laughter echoing through the room as she leans against hari, who's also giggling. kyungho gets up to grab a water bottle from one of the fridges behind them, but before he can even take a sip, daesu snatches it from him and starts drinking from it too. the absurdity of the situation sends you into a fit of giggles, and you double over, holding your stomach in laughter. namra watches you with a warm smile, clearly amused by your reaction.

still riding the wave of laughter, you propose, "lets take one more shot!" daesu and wujin erupt into cheers, their enthusiasm infectious and making you even more hyped. in this moment, you're grateful for these two friends, knowing they'll always be up for a good time.

wujin shouts, "yeah, let's do it!" as he nudges suhyeok, who responds with a calm smile and a casual flick of his hair. mijin teases him, "i feel like you're not on the same level as us..." suhyeok just laughs and says, "i'm just feeling warm."

kyungho chimes in, "hey, you could be a good drinker." mijin and hari exchange shocked glances, seemingly surprised by the suggestion. the room falls silent for a moment, awaiting suhyeok's response to kyungho's provocative comment.

suhyeok's enigmatic response, "something like that," hangs in the air as you take the soju bottle and begin pouring shots for those who want them. "hroryeong, you want some?" you ask, but she shakes her head, her eyes already half-closed as she leans back against the aisle. "no, i'm done," she says, her voice laced with exhaustion. daesu seizes the opportunity to tease her, "she can't keep up!" he laughs, and the room erupts into a fit of laughter. you're caught off guard, and your giggles become uncontrollable. you put your head down, trying to compose yourself, but it's no use. the laughter is too much, and you're happy to let it consume you.

as the laughter overtakes you, you feel someone gently pry the bottle from your grasp. you don't even bother to open your eyes, too caught up in the hilarity of the moment. instead, you let your body relax, laying back on the ground as the laughter continues to shake your frame.

onjo slips into your spot, taking over the task of pouring shots for the others. you're vaguely aware of onjo, cheongsan, and namra being the only ones still sober, but even that thought is enough to send you into another fit of giggles. the three of them seem to be enjoying the show, watching their friends with amused smiles.

namra's gentle hands guide you back into a seated position, and she tenderly fixes your disheveled hair. onjo's compliment, "aigoo, y/n, you're so cute," makes you blush, and you pull your knees to your chest, feeling a little self-conscious.

you bow your head, murmuring a soft "thank you," which prompts cheongsan to chuckle and shake his head. just as kyungho is about to ask if everyone is ready for the shot, you suddenly speak up, "wait! where's joonyeong? he needs one." your words are met with an awkward silence, and the laughter that had filled the room just moments before dies down. you look around the circle, expecting to see joonyeong's familiar face, but he's nowhere to be found. "did he go upstairs?" you ask, a hint of concern creeping into your voice. you shout his name, "joonyeong!" but there's no response. namra and onjo exchange an uncertain glance, before turning to look at you, seemingly surprised by your seriousness. the room remains silent, with all eyes on you, as you wait for a response that doesn't come.

daesu's slurred words cut through the awkward silence, "what did you say?" he asks, his eyes squinting slightly as he tries to focus.

you brush your hair out of your face, feeling a warm flush spread through your body as the alcohol takes hold. "huh? joonyeong," you repeat, your tone casual, as if you're discussing something mundane. you shrug, looking around at the others, who are still wearing serious expressions. "what? should we not invite him?" you ask, a hint of confusion creeping into your voice. you laugh, thinking it's all some kind of joke, but the others' somber faces only add to your confusion.

namra's soft voice breaks the silence, "y/n..." she says, her words trailing off as she hesitates to repeat the painful events of just a couple of hours ago. but before she can continue, cheongsan interrupts, "asleep." his voice is firm, but his eyes betray a hint of sadness. "remember? he said he was tired," he adds, his words a gentle lie.

the group's attention turns to cheongsan, their faces a mix of confusion and sadness. you, however, seem to accept his explanation, thinking for a moment before nodding, "oh, you're right. i kinda remember that now." you point at cheongsan, a look of vague recollection on your face. the others exchange somber glances, their expressions a mix of sorrow and confusion. it's clear that they're struggling to understand how you could have forgotten, or perhaps, how you could have thought joonyeong was still alive. the atmosphere in the room grows heavier, weighed down by the unspoken truth.

kyungho, sensing the awkwardness in the air, attempts to shift the mood with a sudden declaration, "okay, let's take this shot then!" the others, grateful for the distraction, quickly grab their shots and cheer before downing them.

as you tilt your head back to take the shot, your hand seems to move of its own accord, spilling some of the liquid down your chin and onto your neck. you hastily swallow the remaining drink in your mouth, wincing slightly at the burning sensation. wujin's enthusiastic "woo!" cuts through the air, followed by nods of agreement from the others. "that was good," he declares, savoring the taste. hari, meanwhile, admits, "i wish i knew drinking games," a hint of wistfulness in her voice.

you bring your fingers to your neck, assessing the damage from the spilled drink. your eyes, now hazy from the alcohol, gaze upward to find kyungho gently wiping your chin with a small towel. he flashes a warm smile, asking, "did you even drink any?" his smile is infectious, and you can't help but laugh. for a moment, you're tempted to lean into his touch, but a tiny voice of dignity within you protests, urging you to maintain some semblance of composure. "i did, i promise," you reply, trying to sound convincing, before a hiccup escapes your lips, betraying your inebriated state.

onjo stands up, adjusting her pants as she announces, "okay, i think i'm gonna take hroryeong upstairs and sleep." you immediately protest, "no! onjo, stay here," but she's resolute.

hari chimes in, "i'mma head upstairs too," and together, hari and onjo carefully lift hroryeong and begin to make their way up the stairs. you watch them go, feeling a pang of disappointment. as you turn to mijin, you ask, "you're staying, right?" but mijin looks uncertain, glancing back and forth between you and hari, who's now disappearing up the stairs. you tease her, "whatever, just go," and laugh, trying to make light of the situation.

mijin hesitates for a moment before she too decides to head upstairs. "alright, i'll go," she says, before turning to leave. you watch her go, feeling a bit deserted.

the group has dwindled significantly, leaving only a handful of people remaining. you glance around at the others, noticing that the atmosphere has become more subdued. kyungho catches your eye and smiles, and you can't help but smile back. "so, what's next?" wujin asks, breaking the silence. he looks around at the others, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "should we play another round?"

the playful banter between mijin and wujin continues, with the others watching with amused smiles. kyungho chuckles and shakes his head, "you two are something else." suhyeok, who had been quietly observing the exchange, suddenly speaks up, "actually, i think wujin has a point." he says, his voice calm and measured. "we could play a game. something to liven things up." the group's attention turns to suhyeok, intrigued by his suggestion. "what kind of game?" daesu asks, his curiosity piqued.

"how about 'rock, paper, scissors, shot'?" you suggest, a mischievous grin spreading across your face. "we can play a best-of-three series, and the loser of each round has to take a shot."

mijin's eyes sparkle with excitement. "oh, i love that game," she says, already pouring herself a shot. "it's so simple, but so brutal." wujin chuckles. "yeah, and it's a great way to get drunk quickly." kyungho nods, a competitive glint in his eye. "alright, let's play. i'm going to crush you all."

the air is electric as everyone prepares for a thrilling round of "rock, paper, scissors, shot." kyungho's voice cuts through the tension, "ready?" the group collectively holds their breath, focusing intently. "rock, paper, scissors!" kyungho exclaims, and in unison, everyone reveals their hand.

namra and cheongsan opt out, leaving you, wujin, daesu, mijin, and suhyeok to battle it out. the results are in, and daesu and mijin triumphantly shout, "we got scissors!" a glance around reveals that everyone else had chosen paper. you can't help but sigh, knowing daesu and mijin are off the hook. wujin breaks the silence, "okay, us four, let's go." the others prepare for another round as kyungho's voice rings out once more, "rock, paper, scissors!" but this time, you notice your vision starting to blur. you blink hard, struggling to refocus.

as you take stock of the situation, you breathe a sigh of relief to see wujin and kyungho are safe, but your anxiety quickly returns as you realize you and suhyeok are the last two remaining. kyungho's enthusiastic shout of "come on y/n!" breaks the tension, while wujin offers suhyeok a supportive pat on the back. the group's energetic chant of "rock, paper, scissors!" fills the air, and you throw a rock, only to have suhyeok try to sneak in a scissors before swiftly changing to paper. you catch him in the act, smacking his hand away, and the group erupts in laughter, with suhyeok joining in. namra observes the scene, noting the way this lighthearted moment has effortlessly dissipated the tension between you and suhyeok.

as suhyeok reaches for a cup, the room erupts in a chorus of cheering, with everyone chanting his name. he chugs the contents instantly, and the crowd goes wild. your gaze lingers on him, and you can't help but notice how captivating suhyeok looks in this moment.

your eyes grow heavier, and your head spins slightly. daesu slurs, "y/n is so drunk," but it's clear he's not one to talk, given his own inebriated state. you turn to him, shaking your finger in mock scolding, "you're worse than he is!" mijin points at daesu, cackling uncontrollably as she topples backward. namra's voice trails off as she mentions heading upstairs to check on the girls, and in an instant, she's gone. the sudden absence isn't even registered until an hour later, when a careless reach for her reveals only empty space.

kyungho's subtle posture hadn't caught your attention - he was leaning on his side, head propped up, and gazing at you with an intriguing smile. mijin, however, had noticed and couldn't help but react with a raised eyebrow. she nudged wujin and discreetly pointed to kyungho, prompting wujin to tilt his head in confusion.

in a slightly slurred tone, mijin asked, "so, kyungho, are you...into guys or girls?" the question hung in the air, and you froze, apprehensive about the potential fallout. even in your intoxicated state, a thread of fear managed to weave its way into your relaxed demeanor. kyungho paused, taking a moment to collect his thoughts. his gaze drifted to the bottle in his hand before he replied, "i like what i like." as he spoke, his eyes locked onto yours, and he took a sip from his bottle. daesu, who was leaning against wujin, caught the intense look and immediately sought wujin's confirmation, as if to validate what he thought he was seeing.

daesu's voice cuts through the air, a hint of forced nonchalance betraying his drunken state. "so, what's your thoughts on my friend here?" he asks, his gesture in your direction drawing attention to you like an unwanted spotlight.

you feel your face grow warm as the conversation continues, your embarrassment simmering just below the surface. "guys, shut up," you interject, your voice low and even, as you turn to wujin. "can you pass me that water bottle?" you ask, nodding towards the refrigerated doors behind him. wujin complies, retrieving the bottle with a bit of clumsiness, his movements a reminder of the evening's events.

kyungho's response is laced with a hint of mischief. "let's just say, i like what i see," he admits, his words sparking a contagious laughter from mijin, who playfully punches him in the arm. her eyes sparkle with giddy excitement at the subtle confession. meanwhile, you maintain a poker face, sipping on the cold water that brings some relief to your embarrassed flush.

kyungho's smirk returns as he recounts your first meeting. "seriously, i was drawn to his charm," he says, his gaze locked on yours. "he was sweet," he adds, his expression sincere. you nod in agreement, giving a thumbs up that sets off a round of laughter. however, not everyone shares the amusement. suhyeok's eyeroll and scoff don't go unnoticed by kyungho, who turns to face him with a serious, low tone. "you don't think so?" the room falls silent, with all eyes on suhyeok.

suhyeok's gaze drifted sideways, his annoyance palpable as he was met with yet another overly flattering comment. "i didn't say anything," he muttered, his tone subdued. kyungho, however, wasn't one to let things slide. "oh, come on," he pressed, taking a sip of his drink. "you were thinking something. the eye roll was a dead giveaway." his words hung in the air, making you feel uneasy for the second time. in that moment, you couldn't help but wish namra was by your side.

suhyeok shakes his head, his expression a mix of concern and amusement. "i think you've had one too many, friend," he says, nodding towards kyungho's drink. kyungho raises an eyebrow, his voice laced with a hint of defiance. "i'm not even tipsy, but i'm a man who values honesty. if you're going to call me out, i'll tell it like it is. apparently, that's not your style." the air is thick with tension as the two lock eyes. sensing the unease, you intervene, your voice soft and soothing. "how about we play another round?”

mijin breaks the tension with a nervous chuckle, "come on guys, let's not ruin the night." wujin chimes in, his awkward smile a testament to the discomfort in the air. "i'm game for another round, but..." kyungho sits up, his eyes fixed intently on suhyeok, "actually, can we clear the air? if suhyeok's not cool with me flirting with y/n, i'd like to know why." the atmosphere grows heavier, the group's attention now squarely on suhyeok.

suhyeok's demeanor shifted in an instant, his eyes transforming into those of a wolf poised to strike. the atmosphere grew thick with tension as you felt a shiver run down your spine. desperate to escape the uncomfortable encounter, you attempted to stand, but a wave of dizziness washed over you, forcing you back into your seat.

concerned voices filled the air as wujin asked, "y/n, are you okay?" mijin's grip on your arm tightened, her eyes filled with worry. "i'm really tired all of a sudden," you stammered, struggling to keep the tension calm. mijin swiftly took charge, helping you to your feet and draping your arm over her shoulders. "let's get you to bed," she said, guiding you upstairs as you stumbled, your vision blurring. "everything is so... fuzzy," you mumbled, rubbing your eye with your free hand.

wujin broke the silence with an awkward suggestion, "i think we should call it a night." he patted suhyeok's back as he stood up, suhyeok agreed by standing up and ttrailing behind mijin and you.

meanwhile, daesu's voice slurred as he slapped kyungho's back, "tomorrow, we drink again!" kyungho returned the gesture, playfully slapping daesu's back in response. “ofcourse!” he said with a bright smile.

kyungho was left to solitude, tasked with gathering the scattered trash while everyone else retreated upstairs. meanwhile, mijin struggled to lift you, her efforts hindered by your shifting weight. your outstretched hand grasped for the wall, but it offered little support. "y/n, come on! use your strength to help me out," mijin urged, her voice laced with a hint of amusement. just then, suhyeok swooped in, gently prying your arm from mijin's grasp and draping it over his shoulder. as he bent down to match your height, he simply stated, "i've got him." mijin nodded in agreement, affectionately ruffling your hair as you gazed down at your feet.

her voice dripped with amusement as she giggled and hurried up the stairs, peeking over the railing to catch your struggle. you leaned into suhyeok's embrace, placing a reassuring hand on his chest. "this is impossible," you whined, to which suhyeok offered a gentle nod and a soft whisper of encouragement: "you've got it." meanwhile, wujin's voice echoed up the stairs, "come on, y/n!" as he helped daesu, equally drunk, navigate the steps.

daesu's sudden declaration, "i think i need to go to the bathroom," is quickly followed by a gagging sound, prompting suhyeok to swiftly scoop you up in his arms. he rushes into the room, gently placing you on your bed. you can't help but laugh at the frantic pace. suhyeok inquires about your well-being, and you nod reassuringly.

just then, wujin's voice echoes from outside, calling for suhyeok's assistance with daesu, who's struggling to make it up the stairs. mijin's cackles can be heard, while suhyeok rushes out of the room to lend a hand, leaving you alone.

as you waited for the others to arrive, you found yourself fidgeting with your clothes, the silence a gentle hum in the background. the sound of footsteps and muffled voices drifted in from the hallway, signaling the boys' passage as they escorted daesu to the restroom. it was then that cheongsan slipped into the room, his voice barely above a whisper as he asked, "is he sick?" your response was a fit of giggles, accompanied by a nod, leaving cheongsan to wonder what had transpired.

cheongsan slid the wooden door shut with a soft creak, seeking refuge in his bed. he collapsed onto the mattress with a contented groan, his voice dripping with relaxation as he murmured, "this is going to be the best sleep ever." you trued to copy him, but your comfort was short-lived. a sudden lump formed in your throat, prompting you to sit up with alarm. "no, no, i need to stay upright," you whined, clutching at your chest with growing unease, fearful of succumbing to the same queasiness that had afflicted daesu.

"i need some water," you whispered to cheongsan, who sprang into action, sitting up with a jolt. his voice was laced with concern as he asked, "are you sure?" you nodded, becoming increasingly aware of the inky darkness that enveloped the upstairs. the alcohol was already wreaking havoc on your vision, and the shadows seemed to be closing in, making your head spin.

the door slid open once more, and suhyeok's voice cut through the darkness, "daesu is throwing up..." but before he could finish, cheongsan swiftly intervened, his voice tinged with urgency. "suhyeok, grab a cold water – y/n needs one, now." suhyeok vanished into the night, his footsteps a distant echo as he hastened downstairs. cheongsan shifted to your bedside, his gentle hands rubbing soothing circles on your back. "you're okay, y/n. hang in there," he whispered reassuringly, as you pressed your fingers to your forehead, fighting to stay awake.

meanwhile, suhyeok's feet pounded the stairs, skipping two at a time, as he hastened to fetch water. his mission was to help his friends rehydrate and sober up, despite his own slightly tipsy state. the cold air seemed to have a sobering effect on him, and he focused intently on his task. he yanked open the refrigerator door and scanned the shelves, his eyes locking onto the largest water bottle. as he pulled it out, he noticed it was the last one. his gaze wandered behind the refrigerator, where the open freezer door caught his attention. beyond it, a deeper freezer door came into view, adorned with a thick chain and lock. suhyeok's curiosity was piqued, and he found himself wondering what could be hidden behind such a secure door. his reverie was shattered by a sudden voice. "hey!" kyungho's greeting made suhyeok jump, his heart racing as he stood up straight, water bottle still in hand.

kyungho descended the aisle with a jog, small packets clutched in his hand, his expression a mask of contrition. "hey, man, i wanted to apologize. what i did earlier was stupid and immature," he admitted, his head shaking in guilt. suhyeok's gaze darted to the staircase before returning to kyungho, his response a simple, acknowledging nod. kyungho extended the packets, a peace offering of hangover remedies. "take these, give some to whoever needs them upstairs. i'll be behind the register if you need anything, anything at all," he said, his tone sincere. suhyeok's eyes flicked to kyungho's frame, a fleeting thought crossing his mind – he could take him down if needed, though it might require some effort. instead, he chose to accept the offering, nodding curtly as he took the packets and closed the fridge door. with a sense of urgency, he hastened back upstairs.

cheongsan moved with gentle purpose, lighting the lanterns scattered throughout the room. the soft glow of the flames cast a warm, golden light, transforming the space into a haven of comfort and tranquility.

you gazed around, taking in the cozy atmosphere, and turned to cheongsan with a smile. "this feels amazing, doesn't it?" you asked, and cheongsan's face lit up with a nod of agreement. "yeah..." he murmured, his voice barely audible, "i wish gyeongsu could've seen this." though spoken under his breath, the words carried to your ears, and you shared a laugh with cheongsan at the thought of gyeongsu's antics. "he would've eaten so much," you chuckled, the image conjuring up a warm, fuzzy feeling.

the door slid open once more, and you anticipated suhyeok's return, but instead, wujin stumbled into the room, his face a picture of distress. "guys, i couldn't take it anymore – he got it everywhere," wujin exclaimed, collapsing onto the floor with a dramatic flourish. cheongsan's eyes widened in shock, "no way, really?" he asked, incredulous. your concern, however, was focused on daesu's well-being, "is he okay?" you inquired, worry etched in your voice. just then, mijin's unmistakable cackles echoed from the hallway, and you couldn't help but ask, "is that mijin?" but your question was cut short as you doubled over, falling forward onto your bed, consumed by a fit of laughter.

wujin's laughter harmonized with yours, "yeah, the girls are trying to get her to sleep," he chuckled, clearly amused by the situation. cheongsan slipped out of the room, likely to lend a hand with daesu. just then, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the doorway, and suhyeok appeared, his voice low and cautious as he whispered, "wujin, watch out." but wujin remained immobile, too caught up in the hilarity of the moment.

suhyeok expertly navigated around him, his eyes fixed on you as he approached. he tosses something in his hand in the forner of the room with annoyance, it sounded like sugar packets but you ignore it. he twisted open the water bottle en route, the soft gurgle of the liquid a soothing serenade. as he sat down in front of you, his expression turned concerned, "you okay? do you feel sick?" he asked, his voice gentle. you smiled and shook your head, feeling an unexpected wave of relief wash over you now that suhyeok was back by your side.

as you gazed at suhyeok, you couldn't help but be captivated by the soft, golden light of the lanterns dancing across his features. the gentle glow seemed to accentuate his inviting expression, making it impossible for you to look away.

your eyes lingered on his hair, which lay flat against his forehead, appearing impossibly soft. suhyeok's sudden command, "open," startled you, and for a moment, you hesitated. your gaze dropped to the water bottle, now poised near your lips, with suhyeok's hand positioned beneath to catch any stray droplets. the tender gesture only added to the sense of intimacy, leaving you feeling momentarily breathless.

you parted your lips, and suhyeok carefully tilted the water bottle, allowing you to sip from it. as you swallowed, his fingertips from his other hand brushed against your throat, sending a subtle feeling in the bottom of your stomach. your gaze drifted upward, meeting suhyeok's eyes, and you felt a flush rise to your ears under his gentle scrutiny. your eyelids grew heavy, blinking lazily as you succumbed to the soothing sensation. the scene was almost surreal, with you resembling a deer calmed by a wolf's gentle touch. wujin, still sprawled on the floor, watched the exchange with an astute expression, as if he had just stumbled upon a profound realization. his eyes sparkled with a knowing glint, while you continued to drink.

suhyeok set the water bottle down, allowing you to catch your breath. you murmured a shy thank you, but suhyeok didn't respond, instead focusing on closing the bottle and placing it beside the bed. the moment was interrupted by cheongsan's shout, "wujin!" which jolted wujin out of his trance-like state.

he cursed under his breath, "shit..." before reluctantly pushing himself up from the floor and shuffling out into the hallway. however, he suddenly stopped in his tracks, tiptoed back to the room, and carefully slid the door closed before continuing on his way. cheongsan's voice echoed down the hallway once more, "wujin!" this time, wujin responded with a shout of his own, his tone tinged with annoyance, "i'm coming already!"

the room fell silent once more, with only the two of you remaining. suhyeok hadn't uttered a word, instead focusing on removing his socks as he padded over to his bed. you watched him intently, your gaze fixed on his every move, much like a devoted puppy awaiting instructions. suhyeok carefully placed his socks beside his bed before walking back over to you, his movements fluid and deliberate. he knelt down beside you, his hands gently cradling your foot as he began to remove your socks. the tender touch sent a warm feeling in you chest, and you couldn't help but bask in the soothing sensation.

suhyeok carefully set your socks aside, mirroring the precise manner in which he had handled his own. the silence was finally broken by your soft, grateful whisper, "thank you."

suhyeok stood up fully, his eyes never leaving yours, and said, "you should rest now. you've had a long night." his voice was low and soothing, a gentle command that brooked no argument. he reached out and carefully pulled the blankets up to your chest, his fingers brushing against yours in the process. you didn't pull away, instead letting the warmth of his hand linger on yours. "i'll be right outside if you need anything," he continued, his voice a soft promise. "just call out, okay?"

suhyeok turned to leave, his footsteps quiet on the floor, but you called out to him again, your voice barely above a whisper. "suhyeok?" he stopped in his tracks, his back still turned to you, and waited for you to continue. "i need you," you said, the words feeling inadequate for the comfort and care he had shown you. suhyeok turned around, a familiar look on his face, and nodded slightly. "what is it?," he replied, his voice low and gentle.

you hesitated, unsure of what to say next, but before you could gather your thoughts, a loud voice echoed down the hallway, "suhyeok!" wujin's boisterous call made both of you turn towards the door, suhyeok's eyes flicking towards the hallway before returning to yours. "can it wait?" he asked, his voice low and questioning. you nodded slowly, feeling a pang of disappointment, but also relief. suhyeok gave a small nod before turning to leave, sliding the door closed behind him. the moment the door clicked shut, you were alone with your thoughts, and they came flooding in. your face grew hot, a deep red spreading across your cheeks as your mind whirled with thoughts of suhyeok. you couldn't shake the feelings that had been building, and you felt overwhelmed. in a desperate attempt to drown out your thoughts, you closed your eyes and pulled the blanket over your head, hiding from the emotions that threatened to consume you.

[adastra-rising]

I’ve been rewatching episodes of miraculous because I finally got the family Disney Plus Password (was too lazy to ask) and I’ve been struck with thoughts.

I desperately want to rewrite the season 3 episode “Felix” because OH DEAR GOD I HATE IT. You only get the good shit when you read between the lines, what’s actually shown is ass.

So here’s my ideas for a rewrite

- Adrien definitively knows Colt Fathom was abusive, and alludes to it vaguely. He switched identities with Felix as a kid and has a good idea of what he went through at home.

- Adrien is less condescending in his taunts during the battle and shows a little more empathy towards his cousin. Less “boohoo bozo you have no friends” and more like, “dear god what happened to you bud?” Like he’s genuinely concerned over his wellbeing. Angry over what he did but genuinely concerned. Angry that his cousin never got a therapist lol.

- Marinette doesn’t try to confess her love to Adrien on the anniversary of his mother’s death because that’s literally so stupid.

- Felix is a bit more straightforward in his goals here, in that the audience is not led to believe he’s straight up evil. His behavior and general demeanor are more in-line with how he’s portrayed in season 4. He’s less obsessed with the GDV rings and more focused on outing his uncle as Hawkmoth or catching him in the act.

- He specifically chooses to mess with the videos to not only lure out Hawkmoth but because he’s extremely lonely and jealous. And that’s shown via subtle facial expressions and visual cues.

- His attempts to get Hawkmoth’s attention are more clearly shown to be an attempt to double-cross him and not just for the lols. Like, there’s certain things he does in the OG that are literally pointless, like the shit with Plagg’s cheese. Why? just, why?

- He is shown to be super competent at physical things (beating people up lol) but his social ineptitude is more clearly alluded to.

- No more SA scene I will burn that scene.

- Amelie actually gets to do stuff. She’s more straightforward about needing the GDV rings and actually makes an attempt to steal them herself. Auntie on a mission,

Canon Divergence Territory (aka rewrite)

✨MLB S3 Episode 23: Zelus✨

- If I wanted to do a bit more canon divergence, I’d shift focus from Felix being a trouble maker for the lols and instead focus on his jealousy. The feeling of being left behind by your only friend.

- His attempts to sabotage Adrien’s relationships is not to bait Hawkmoth but instead because he’s overcome with jealousy that Adrien has all these friends supporting him through his mothers passing, when Felix has never had anyone, both when his dad was dead and when he was alive. Nobody came to save him when he needed it and he’s gonna make that everybody’s problem.

- He thinks it’s unfair that Adrien seems to be so much happier than him and gets all of the things Felix wants (companionship) all the while getting to avoid the abuse he went through.

- Bro is genuinely super bitter and emotionally broken but hides it under a facade of showing no emotion at all until he snaps and gets akumatized into Zelus.

- Zelus (more commonly known as Phthonus) is the Greek personification of Jealousy.

- Maybe the ending could parallel the ending of Perfection, where other characters make an attempt to reach out and say “ur not alone <3” and while it works to defeat him, the message does NOT reach Felix and he goes home outwardly seeming better (it’s an act. One that Adrien believes) but remains just lonely.

- Like Kagami his trust issues run deep and one single episode is not gonna fix them. (They’ll heal together though, trust me!)

- His experience getting Akumatized proves to him that his uncle is Hawkmoth, he swipes the GDV ring on his way out to please his mother, and season 4 proceeds as written.

Dialogue Changes

Adrien: Listen, Plagg. Félix lost his dad not so long ago, he's probably not himself.

Plagg: I'm sorry, but there's just no excuse! You never touch my cheese, and yet, you just lost your mother not so long ago, right?

Adrien: My mom and his dad were nothing alike. It’s totally different.

[daveyscheezitz]

♤My personal David HCs♤

And Angel ofc

- He's 6'7ft or 200cm

- His mother was Peruvian while Gabe was American.

- Although he looks a lot like his father, most of his physique came from his mother's side.

- His eyes are a hazel, but depending on the light, his eye color looks like it changes to either green or brown.

- When they were really young, both David and Asher thought he had super powers other than his shifting until Gabe told them the truth.

- His great grandfather (moms side) was Samoan, but his genes skipped a couple of generations until they reached David, making him turn out huge.

- He's surpassed both Asher and Gabe in height.

- He has a small scar over his lip. He fell off a tree face first.

- A lot of people try to flirt with him while on the job, but he ignores them. Asher likes stepping in and pretending he's David's boyfriend until the person leaves.

- "Another relationship saved, don't ya think David?" "Shut up, Ash."

- Him and Asher have a "Wolverine & Deadpool" friendship.

- Unironically listens to kpop girl groups from time to time. Especially Twice and Red Velvet.

- Will take it to the grave before anyone finds out, especially Asher and Angel.

-They know but they want to catch him in the act.

- He genuinely enjoys musicals. His favorites are Hairspray and Epic.

- Loves playing video games and is definitely the type to scream at a game yet continue playing it. *ahem* Overwatch & COD

- If Angel likes Legos, he'll tell them not to waste so much money on those things ... then proceeds to buy them the Colosseum ... and a set of small flowers.

- He's rich >:]

- He drives a F250 but has a 1990 corvette that him and his dad fixed up in the garage. It was his first car and a way for Gabe to teach him how to fix a car.

- Phonk & Rock>>

- Has black hair and a couple gray hairs (We love silver foxes)

- He has bright gold eyes in his wolf form, but his fur is completely black

- Although they've been together 6 years, The mall wasn't the first place they've seen each other. While Angel was in their last year of college, one of the pack members was in the cheer squad and they came to support her while Angel was in (band dance cheer wtv u want) that was the first time they saw each other but other than a comment from Asher that Angel was cute, they didn't actually talk.

- He's actually really good at dancing but doesn't like to do it. The only reason he'll dance is if Angel begs him, and even at that, it's only limited to slow dancing.

•These next Hcs are about mostly my Angel OC so if you're not interested you can skip these•

- Angel was raised in a wealthy family and owns a ranch that their father tends to. All future Solstice parties hosted by David and Angel take place there due to the large house and even bigger land area. (As long as they don't eat the animals)

- (i refuse to believe Angel and Babee are useless) Angel and Babee both are childhood friends who served in the military together. Angel is a sergeant with good sniper skills and Babee was a demolitionist.

- Angel owns quite a few dogs. Most are herding dogs for the animals in her ranch, but 2 of them are her pets. A Rottweiler and a Chihuahua that David gets jealous of sometimes.

•Okay done•

- (This 1 is quite sad. Tw: mentions of death) David is fluent in spanish because Gabe didn't want him to forget about his Peruvian heritage after his mom passed away, so while he was young, he did his best to take David to Peruvian style restaurant and events. Gabe even traveled all the way to Peru so David could visit his grandparents, who he adored.

- Loves spicy food.

- His favorite dog breed is a Caucasian Shepard or a Calupoh.

- His love languages are Acts of Service or Gift giving.

- After he proposed to Angel or after they were married, if anyone tried flirting with him, he would flash is wedding ring before silently walking away.

- Angel is not allowed to cook, and if they are, it's either to make noodles. Their ramen is so good, even beating David's.

- David's name on Angels phone is "Pookie Wookie 🐺" Angels' name of David's phone is their actual name. ex. "Alex," "Jackson," "Monica," but Angel changed it to "Beautiful Gorgeous🧍" He didn't care enough to change it.

- He got so jealous of the name Asher put for his number on Angels phone "Ashy Baby," but Angel was the one he punished (no walking for you tmr)

I got no more tysm <3

[ironhyde202]

Okay my friend has convinced me to share my dumb arcane head canons that I've been hoarding, their not great but they randomly popped up in my head, soooo:

Vi acts like she hates pop music but secretly listens to sad ones and cries, Jayce walks in on this once, and instead of leaving when Vi yells at him sits with her cause man loves sad pop music but Viktor never lets him listen to it. Hours later Caitlyn and Viktor find both of them crying to sad pop music in Vi's room, Caitlyn has no idea how to react to this weird ass image, Viktor just sighs pitches the bridge of his nose and proceeds to scold Jayce because this is exactly why he doesn't let him listen to it. All while going over to jayce wrapping his arms around him because he looks like a sad puppy While Vi is just threatening murder if anyone ever finds out about this, as Caitlyn turns off the music and hugs her

Sevika, big scary sevika who takes no shit from anyone, thee try me bitch, sex drugs and rock an roll, I don't need comfort that's weak, melts completely if someone plays with her hair

Viktor who absolutely looks like he'd listen to classical music, blasts death metal, anti government/piltover music in the lab sometimes and looks at Jayce daring him to say a word

heimerdinger walks in on this once compliments the music and leaves, Viktor is both embarrassed and has known no peace bc Jayce now teases him about it constantly

Viktor has to threaten Jayce with no physical affection every time jayce finds an animal on the street bc jayce tries to take every single one home, He caves exactly once, when it's a golden retervior puppy and it's feral black cat buddy bc their just them and he can't say no

Vander who doesn't push when the kids don't want to tell him why their upset unless it's seriously affecting them, than it's old man story time followed by him telling them that he's proud of them and they can tell him anything

Silco is the opposite and is very much who hurt my baby i have a knife, bc nothing makes him more feral and loose his calm collected coolness like someone hurting his babies

Silco and vander adopting the hoard of children together but they also get viktor and when jinx and viktor work together on a project Silco loves the chaos while Vander debates drinking the whole bar

Sevika in the world with hextech is still just Sevika and swears up and down sge doesn't like kids but she sees one of the kids getting beat up, (probably powder, like tiny percious bean powder) and goes fucking off on the idiot who did it, R.I.P idiot. And when Vander and Silco find out about this they give ger constant shit about it.