#i.m chat

[wonderxshows]

mmy nap . . . . <- being summoned to make dinner

[h3nderyss]

hello!!! could i request a one shot with kihyun or changkyun (whoever suits you more) where he meets the reader in some sort of show/yt program/thing like that and takes a liking to reader immediately?

caught on camera - im changkyun

pairing: idol!i.m x idol!fem!reader . . . masterlist genre: fluff word count: 736 a/n: i'm loving all these monsta x reqs! to expand a lil, reader is a 4th gen idol, debuting later than i.m and is a few years younger :)

・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

filming days were always a mix of nerves and excitement, but today felt... different.

because you were meeting monsta x's i.m for a one on one.

other than, y'know.. having an impending crush on him even during your non-idol days, it's always nerve wracking to meet an idol who you've barely interacted with before.

but that was the charm of the youtube series you've taken part of, "idol unfiltered." it was a show putting two random idols together to simply, naturally connect. they'd ask each other icebreaker questions, play games, or just chat.

you've always wanted to do this—you watched many videos and couldn't wait till it was your turn.

but when your manager told you who you'd be meeting, you froze. how could you do this? how could you be in such an intimate space with him, only you two, minus the producers and camera crew?

but the day came. as the crew finished setting up, you glanced at the clock. he was due any minute now.

"ah, i'm sorry, am i late?"

the second you saw him, it was just a wow. he definitely was more beautiful in person. the blush rose to your cheeks and if anyone were to look at you, they'd notice the sparkle in your eyes. thank god the cameras weren't rolling.

his voice was calm, deep, with that slight rasp that made every sentence sound ten times cooler than it should.

"almost," you managed to muster out, smiling. "but i'll accept the apology anyway."

he let out a chuckle. "nice to meet you. i'm i.m." he lightly bowed in greeting.

"i know," your smile was still plastered on your face. "i'm y/n." you bowed back.

"i know." he repeated your words and smiled.

///

the cameras rolled, and the usual introduction went smoothly, the production team telling you guys what was planned behind the scenes, and they gave you each queue cards. looks like for this episode, you guys were prompted with icebreaker questions.

"so, i.m, are you ready for this?" you glance at him, while preparing to ask the first question.

"changkyun. you can call me changkyun." he gave a light smile and it seemed like his eyes rested on you unintentionally.

you looked back up at him and tried to hold back your smile (which you failed), as you lightly nod. "changkyun." you repeated.

the minutes had been fun. some funny questions, some deep, some a little tmi. what was very evident on camera though, was like viewers could see the chemistry pouring out the screen. the way your eyes met, the jokes and the teasing, nobody's ever seen changkyun act like this.

the most unexpected thing had been that changkyun was yapping. with you it felt like his guard was down. both of you were comfortable, and it most definitely didn't feel like this was the first time meeting. the talking had been a silly mix of english and korean between you two. it was just pure natural.

his—and your—smiles were not the controlled, camera-ready expressions idols were trained to perfect. these were unguarded, effortless. his were radiant, the ones that you could probably melt to.

and the cameras caught every single one.

///

the episode aired a week later, and within hours, social media exploded.

"wait why is changkyun smiling so much?" "i swear kyun doesn't usually smile this much in interviews... what's going on???" "the power y/n holds.. i've never seen changkyun like this.."

fans dissected every moment—every small smirk, every full grin. believe it or not, there was already a compilation on tiktok: "i.m smiling for 10 minutes straight because of y/n." put in two different videos.

and the funniest part? none of you even knew.

it wasn't until your group member showed you a video, "y/n, have you seen this?!" that you finally realized.

you watched the clip in disbelief, a little embarrassed. "he really smiled that much..?"

your groupmate spoke, "i mean... yeah. and not just polite smiles. like, full-on 'i'm into her' kinda smiles."

though, after the shoot, what nobody knew was he managed to score your number where no one was around.

and just like that, something unspoken settled between you.

it wasn't scripted. it wasn't forced. it was just two idols, unexpectedly clicking a little too well.

but for now, you both had to keep it private for a little while longer.

[cksanpurpleluv]

I love u at the first sight (I.M/Im ChangKyun)

Genre: fluff

Pairings: Idol!changkyun x fem!reader

w/c: 1.76k

Synopsis: Changkyun saw you at the first sight and he asks your number because you're so pretty.

Playlist (links to the songs, Spotify): nvrmnd by SOULBYSEL, I.M | XO by I.M | Dumb by I.M | Habit by I.M | Runnin' by Moon Sujin (feat. I.M)

A/N: Hi guys! This is my first writing, so it might be not good but hope you enjoy it! 🫶🏻 I have actually dreamed about this scene, so I'm so glade that I wrote it out. Miss Changkyun so much, really hope he get will soon! Also, If you have find any mistakes as you read, please let me know, I will fix it!

The breeze outside the cinema carried the scent of early summer, brushing gently through your hair. You wore an off-white blouse layered with a thin black blazer—simple, but effortlessly commanding. The theater lights were dim, velvet seats slowly filling with quiet chatter and the faint rustle of popcorn. The theater is also quite unique, the room has a gray wall with white floor. You had come alone to see the premiere of I.M ‘OVERDRIVE’ Documentary, curious, moved by the trailers, but mostly drawn by something unspoken. You weren’t expecting him to be there.

Just as I took my seat, eyes skimming over the elegant layout of the room, there were many girls in the room chatting with their friends, but I just sat there and watch. Suddenly I heard some staff were talking and it seems that one voice is so familar. Heads turned. A tall figure quietly entered from the back.

Im Changkyun.

He walked down the aisle gracefully, dressed in the white button-up shirt with a blazer over it just same like me, offering subtle nods and small waves to fans and staff alike—lowkey but magnetic. As he passed each row, he paused to greet a few familiar faces:

“Hi, thank you for coming.”

“오랜��이야, 잘 지냈어?” (It’s been a while—how have you been?)

As he reached my row, a girl sitting right beside me stood up to adjust her seat, and in the shuffle, her lip gloss tumbled out of her bag—clattering onto the floor and rolling into the center of the aisle.

Without hesitation, he crouched down gracefully, picked it up, and handed it back to her with a soft smile:

“여기요.” (Here you go.)

“아, 정말 감사합니다” she replied, slightly flustered. (Ah, thank you so much!)

Then—he turned. He was right in front of me now. His gaze landed squarely on my face.

I quickly lowered my head, pretending to fix my jacket sleeve, hoping to avoid his eyes.

But he spoke.

“너무 예뻐.” (You’re so beautiful.)

For one second, it felt like all the blood in your body surged to your ears.

I bowed my head gently and smiled, my voice is no louder than a feather brushing across a violin string:

“아, 감사합니다…” (Ah, thank you…)

I tried to stay composed, but my fingertips trembled lightly on the armrest. He still hadn’t moved away. I slowly lifted my head—and saw him take out his phone.

His eyes were soft, but there was a playful mischief lingering behind his gaze.

He smiled faintly, held up his hand and made a “call me” gesture.

Then, he actually handed me his phone.

My eyes widened. For a moment, I bliked, stunned.

My heart was racing.

I was thinking:

"In front of all these people? Really? Me?"

But I nodded, keeping as cool as I could, and took his phone.

I tapped into the contacts app—though your hand was trembling just enough to make your thumb slide once or twice. Still, you typed in your number and, just before handing it back, saved your name:

Y/N

He stood quietly, watching me. There was a small smile on his lips—one I couldn’t quite decipher.

I returned his phone and said gently:

“Here you go.”

He glanced down at the screen and smiled.

“Y/N… I won’t forget this name.”

I was trying to act chill, but I knew my expression had already given away the shock and excitement. He grinned knowingly before heading to his seat.

I sat there frozen in my chair, eyes locked onto the silver screen like my life depended on it, pretending to focus on the pre-show countdown. But inside… my heart was beating so loud it echoed like a drumline.

My cheeks were warm. My hands wouldn’t stop trembling.

The lights dimmed. The first frame of the screen lit up slowly, and the theater fell into a sacred silence. Changkyun’s voice flowed from the surround speakers—deep, magnetic, like candles lighting one by one in the dark.

I were supposed to be focused on the film. But my peripheral vision kept being drawn to that familiar figure.

He sat two seats to the right and a little ahead of me, somewhere near the middle. Tall and composed, he radiated a quiet presence even while seated. At first, he was calm, watching his own story unfold on screen with focused eyes. His brows occasionally furrowed slightly, as if he was reliving a particular emotion.

But soon, I realized… he was also watching me.

I stole a glance at him through the reflection on the screen. As if sensing my gaze, he gently turned his head—his eyes found mine in the dim light.

I instinctively looked away, but in that moment—

I clearly saw the corner of his lips lift, just slightly, barely perceptible—but he smiled.

My heart leapt. I reached for your water bottle to hide the panic rising in your chest, but nearly choked trying to drink. Fumbling, I took a sip, trying to cool my burning cheeks. And just as I set the bottle down—

My phone buzzed.

I quickly glanced down. A new iMessage from an unfamiliar number:

💬 Y/N, you look like you’re in a movie.

My eyes widened, lips parted, hands frozen mid-air. I peeked in his direction—he sat reclined in his seat, phone loosely in hand, eyes on the screen, as if nothing had happened.

Biting your lip, I hesitantly typed back:

💬 This documentary is crazy… I can’t believe the you is sitting right in front of me.

Seconds later, he replied:

💬 Then I guess I should behave better. Or should I steal a glance again?

Me: “…!”

My cheeks flushed instantly, like steam would rise from my skin any second. I quickly flipped my phone face down on my lap and didn’t dare look at it again.

The lights hadn’t come fully back on yet. Credits were rolling up the screen, the his song fading out softly.

My eyes were a little misty. I dabbed at them gently with a tissue. Then, my phone buzzed again.

A message popped up—still from that same unfamiliar number, just recently saved as 창균 오빠🐈‍⬛💜:

💬 Don’t leave yet. Wait for me, please.

I stared at the message, and it was as if I could hear his voice whispering it directly into my ear. Just one simple sentence, but it stirred the air around my heart like a breeze over a quiet lake.

I bit your lip, didn’t reply. Just nodded slightly—even though I knew he couldn’t see it. I couldn’t help but feel the need to respond somehow. So I stayed in my seat, waiting while the rest of the audience began to rise and trickle out.

A few minutes later, the lights fully brightened. People were now filing toward the exits, chatting excitedly:

“Wow, Changkyun was incredible…” “That documentary was so touching!” “Did you see him say hi to me earlier?!”

I didn’t move. Head bowed slightly, waiting for the crowd to thin, sneaking glances toward the front.

He stood off to the side of the screen, chatting politely with a few staff members. He nodded, smiled with humility, low-key yet completely composed.

He responded to each warmly. His tone was gentle, unhurried, like a breeze at night:

“감사합니다, 와줘서 정말 고마워요.” (Thank you. I’m really grateful you came.) “오늘 밤 좋은 꿈 꿔요. 예쁜 밤 되길 바랄게요.” (Sweet dreams tonight. I hope you have a beautiful evening.)

From your seat, I watched him glow—not with the radiance of stage lights, but with the kind of warmth that feels real and safe.

He glanced at me every now and then, as if to make sure I were still there.

Finally, as the crowd dispersed, he slipped away from the attention and his gaze locked directly onto mine. He didn’t say a word, just walked toward me slowly, like each step was leading him down a path he already knew by heart.

When he reached me, he stopped and leaned in slightly, speaking in a soft voice:

“You waited. I’m glad.”

I nodded gently, my voice barely audible: “You told me to.”

The corner of his mouth curved upward—an uncontainable smile laced with something a little more serious behind his eyes. He glanced at my hand, then at your shoes, as if confirming something, and then asked:

“You free now?”

You blinked: “yeah, kind of.”

“그럼… 잠깐만요.” (Then… wait a sec.)

He turned around, walked to the last fan lingering for a selfie, and said gently:

“죄송해요, 오늘은 여기까지만 할게요. 조심히 가요.” (I’m sorry, that’s all for tonight. Please get home safe.)

The fan looked a little disappointed, but he smiled and patted her shoulder kindly, giving her a small bow.

Then he turned back to me.

“Shall we?”

In that moment, it didn’t feel like I were at the entrance of a movie theater.

It felt like I had stepped into a post-credit scene written just for me and him, Im Changkyun.

︵ ‿︵‿୨♥︎♡︎♥︎୧‿︵‿︵ Do not copy, translate or steal my work on any other sites. All rights belongs to cksanpurpleluv on tumblr. If you have any requests please let me know. I hope you enjoy!!

[stayteezdreams]

Masquerade

Plot: While attending a Christmas masquerade, Changkyun meets someone who steals his heart. But what does he do when they disappear at the end of the night? (Cinderella-esque au but not really)

Pairing: Im Changkyun | I.M x Gn!Reader

A/n's: I avoided using any descriptors for the Readers outfit (not a dress or suit specifically), but I did describe the color and "pattern", sorry if its not your vibe. Cinderella-esque vibe, but the reader is more like the step-sister being forced to the ball to meet a prince rather than sneaking in to enjoy the ball.

Warnings: Defenestration mentions (as a joke) . Reader has kind of shitty parents. This is written in a style sort of like older stories where the parents basically marry off their children to wealthy people no matter who they are.

Words: 4.8k

As Changkyun looked himself over in the mirror he let out a sigh. Every year, his parents threw a massive party for Christmas. This year the theme was masquerade.

He didn't often attend the parties or would at least pop in and say hello to some people. But this year, he was demanded to stay by his parents. And he knew it was because they wanted to find him a "match."

He was lucky that they didn't care much about the status of whoever he would end up with. But they were pushy about when he ended up with someone.

And because he had not met anyone that he felt anything strong for, they were starting to throw people his way in hopes some feelings surfaced. He knew tonight would be no different, if not worse.

Reluctantly leaving his room, he made his way down into the party, many eyes on him as soon as he entered. Even though he had a mask on, most knew who he was already.

He barely made it ten steps into the room before his mother saw him and began leading over a woman, and who he assumed was her daughter.

'Oh God, here we go.'

He put on a charming smile as they approached, greeted and chatted with them. And of course, after a stern look from his mother, asked her to dance.

She was nice, but a bit dense, and clearly only interested in money and status. Definitely not his type.

One after another, he was introduced, one after another he danced, and by the time nine o'clock came, he was ready to throw himself out of the nearest window.

Managing to escape to a corner, pretending to get a drink, his eyes raked over the room. He wondered if he could make it out of the door without anyone stopping him. Most everyone seemed to be growing tipsier as the night went on.

As he eyed the back of the room, his eyes locked onto a figure moving at the back, behind everyone else.

You were clearly trying to sneak away from something or someone as you continuously looked over your shoulder. It was working, as no one seemed to notice you except him. Though he wasn't sure how.

You were immediately alluring, and your outfit eye-catching, the color was black- no, a deep blue in the light, and it was covered in thousands of tiny sparkles that made it seem like you were covered in stars.

Changkyun didn't realize he was holding his breath as he watched you successfully reach the balcony door unseen and sneak out into the night. He let out a soft scoff as he felt more intrigued by the fact there was someone else here who was as desperate to escape as he was, if not more so.

Setting his glass down, he tried to make his way swiftly to the balcony to follow you. Narrowly escaping a few people attempting to stop him, he finally slipped out the door and looked around for you.

He felt a disappointed pang in his chest as he couldn't spot you, until his eyes spotted a shimmering figure heading into the covered garden. Following you, he wondered why he was so compelled by you.

The weight in your chest already seemed to lift as you escaped into the garden. No one was around, and the night air was calming, though cold.

All night you had entertained your parents demands for you to find a spouse. Met and talked with various people, all with the same bland personality and conversation starters. You never hated small talk as much as you did with a man who had a personality centered around wealth and status.

It was just like your parents to bring you to a wealthy family’s party just to garner the attention of elites who wanted easy to gain spouses. Your parents often mentioned they wanted you to marry for love, yet they threw you at any one they could whenever they got the chance and insisted you force the love to follow.

Finding your way into a small clearing, your eyes gazed around at the trees, all decorated in lights and Christmas ornaments. You smiled as you wondered why they went to so much effort to decorate areas no one went too.

Then your eyes landed on a swing hanging from a large tree. You smiled at the site as you sat down, swaying back and forth and allowing yourself to breathe for the first time tonight. You wondered how much time you could get yourself before your parents found you.

Closing your eyes as you leaned your head back, you took in some cold brisk breaths as you tried to calm your anchored anxiety.

Hearing a crunch in the gravel nearby, your eyes shot open as you spotted a man standing not too far away. He was tall, slim, but fit, black hair just past his ears. He was wearing a slick silk black suit and a mask to match. Even at a distance you could see he was attractive.

He raised his hand at your reaction and let out a soft breathy laugh. "Sorry! I didn't mean to startle you."

You didn't recognize him, so you assumed he wasn't someone sent after you by your parents.

You bowed your head softly and smiled, "That's alright."

He took a tentative step forward as he spoke, "I noticed you flee the house and grew curious."

You frowned softly, "Why?"

He smiled and your heart fluttered unexpectedly. "I thought I was the only one who wanted to run away."

You remained silent for a second before you let out a soft breathy laugh. "Forced by your parents?"

He grinned at this, you just told him, without really telling him, why you were so fed up with being here.

"Forced by the parents."

You tilted your head in confusion for a moment before it donned on you what he might mean. "I suppose this is your home then?"

He nodded almost sheepishly at the identification. He began to wonder slowly towards you, walking behind the swing as he spoke, his eyes remaining on you the whole time.

"My parents host this party every year. But this year they are quite determined to find me a match. Since I am taking too long in finding my own-"

"They will find one for you."

He chuckled as he nodded, though you couldn't see him. "I assume it’s the same for you then?"

You nodded as you swung once in the swing again. "Unfortunately. Though, I was never really given the opportunity to find my own spouse. I will only marry someone they approve of, and that in itself is already an absurd standard."

"So, no matches tonight then?"

You shrugged. "Apparently they are fond of this particularly well-known man names James."

Changkyun felt his heart drop at this. He looked at you, your soft profile in the moonlight as you gazed outwards, no idea what your fate would become if your parents chose him. Anyone in his family’s close circle knew exactly who he was, but someone outside of it might not.

"Not him."

Something in his tone sent a chill down your spine. You stopped your movement on the swing as you turned to look at him, he was behind you, a few steps away, his eyes on you and his gaze tense.

"He's not a good man."

The tone of his voice held contempt and fear, making your chest tighten. He was being truthful.

You nodded softly in understanding, "Not him."

He nodded once, letting out a soft breath. Even though he didn't really know you, he knew you were far too good to be paired with someone like him.

Your heart jolted at the sound of distant voices, listening for a moment, you recognized then, your parents. They were clearly upset and looking for you.

"Shit." You cursed under your breath, but Changkyun was quick to catch on.

"Your parents?"

You nodded as you rose from the swing, looking around for another path. Before you could choose where to go, you suddenly felt the stranger grab your wrist lightly.

As you looked at him in alarm, he gently pulled you along. "Come on."

Between following a stranger you knew nothing about, and being caught by your parents, you knew the clear answer was to follow the stranger into the darkness of the garden.

Letting him lead you down a stony path, you watched as the path slowly became more overgrown, clearly having been forgotten about. Ducking underneath an old overgrown willow tree, you stared in awe as you came through the other side to see a large gazebo covered in vines.

The moon above you lit up the area well enough to see, as the two of you stepped up into the gazebo. You looked around at the old structure, clearly forgotten about by everyone but him.

Changkyun looked back at you and smiled at your awestruck gaze. Your clothes were twinkling in the moonlight, and he could feel the way his stomach fluttered as he watched you. Had he a mirror, he would see the same gaze on your face plastered on his as he looked at you.

He finally spoke with a soft voice, "I often come here to escape. Tonight, I will lend it to you."

You smiled at him and his heart stuttered. "Thank you."

He smiled at you and bowed his head slightly in response.

As he began turning away, you hesitated "Wait-" he looked back at you and you suddenly felt shy, "Are you leaving?"

He hadn't intended on it, but your reaction when you thought he was made him near giddy. "Do you want me to stay?"

You shrugged lightly, not sure what to do now. "I thought we could talk more is all."

Changkyun grinned and you felt your heart skip a beat. He stepped closer to you, "We could."

As he stared at you with a smile, you couldn't help but smile brightly in return. Something about this stranger had your heart fluttering in ways you had never experienced.

While the party inside continued, and your parents wandered near every inch of it to find you, you and Changkyun talked nonstop. You learned that you had much more than your pushy parents in common.

As silence settled between you after you had laughed at one of his stories, the sound of music became louder.

You looked towards the house, as the sound traveled along the soft breeze. And suddenly you remembered where you were, having been so lost in your conversations with your new friend, you had nearly forgotten.

Changkyun stood up, catching your attention as he placed out his hand for you to take. "Do you want to dance with me?"

You looked at this hand before you smiled, "I thought you had grown tired of dancing tonight?"

He smiled and he shrugged his head, "I grew tired of dancing with the people my parents forced on me. I'd very much like to dance with someone I choose."

Heart fluttering again, you gently took his hand as you rose, "Good answer."

He chuckled softly as the two of you began dancing, your motions flowing together smoothly as you seemed to have a good rhythm together.

As you danced around the gazebo, moonlight peeking through, Changkyun was in awe of your presence. He had never felt this towards anyone, let alone someone whose name he didn't even know.

This thought suddenly struck him, why hadn't he asked your name? Let alone tell you his own.

Spinning you once more, he pulled you close to his chest as the song died out, the sound of distant clapping heard. Your eyes were locked as your hands remained clasped. Slowly, you parted with a single step back.

You held your breath as he slowly raised his hands towards your mask, to remove it. You had nearly forgotten you had still been wearing it all along. Your face barely looked any different with or without it, but his actions still made your heart race.

Before he could remove it, however, you heard the sudden loud chiming of a clock.

Your head snapped in the direction of the house, catching Changkyun off guard.

"It’s midnight?"

Changkyun almost laughed, he hadn't realized the two of you had spent so long out here together. It felt like no time had passed at all, he would be glad to have more.

Unfortunately for him, your thoughts were the opposite as you looked back at him with panic.

"My parents are going to kill me. We were supposed to have left by now. They must be going crazy!"

Changkyun watched as you darted away from him and out of the gazebo.

"Wait!" He called after you as he ran to follow.

You were cursing to yourself the whole way back to the house. Worried your parents would punish you, fearful they may have left you here, and disappointed you had to leave.

Climbing up the steps back to the house, as you were about to grab the door handles to go back inside, you stopped as you were grabbed by your elbow.

As you looked back, Changkyun was hurrying to catch his breath. "But I never got your name."

Your eyes widened in realization. How had you spent that much time with him, talking, laughing, gazing, dancing, and yet you never actually introduced yourselves?

"Oh it's-"

Before you could tell him your name, the doors burst open, revealing your clearly disheveled if not somewhat buzzed parents.

You opened your mouth, ready to give excuse after excuse, but they grabbed your arms and wrists as they began pulling you inside.

"Do you realize how long we had been looking for you?!"

"Where did you go?! Were you with someone? Who?"

As they dragged you through the house and towards the front door, you looked back to see Changkyun trying to follow you. He wanted to know your name, to tell you his, he wanted to introduce himself to your parents, to tell them not to let James anywhere near you.

Suddenly stopped by his own parents, he tried to push past them but failed, his heart dropping as he saw you dragged out the front doors and away from him.

His parents bombarded him with similar questions your own parents whispered into your ears.

"Just one moment, okay? I'll explain later!"

Managing to push past them, he made his way through the remnant crowd, and out the front door. His eyes darted from person to person, group to group, as many people were leaving and lingering in the front of the house.

He let out a disdained sigh as he saw you nowhere in sight. He had been too late to catch up to you, you were gone.

He stared out at the crowd of people, ignoring people as they greeted him, his mind only on you. He felt as though something wonderful had been ripped away from him. How was he going to get it back? He had to find you. He needed to. He would.

Swinging gently on the swing he first met you at, Changkyun stared ahead, lost in thought. It had been nearly a week since the masquerade, and he had yet to find out who you were.

After telling his parents about you, they were intrigued as well, wanting to know who gained their son’s attention so undividedly. So, even they tried to help find you, but came up with nothing. You remained a mystery, as though you had never been there at all.

He even considered reaching out to James, but with their relationship and how vindictive he was, he might seek you out to hurt you because of him.

He began to wonder if maybe your parents had pulled some strings and got an invite from someone else, or maybe snuck you in all together. Perhaps that was why they dragged you out of the party so quickly. You had overstayed your welcome and as the crowds were dying down, your presence might become more noticeable.

Letting out a soft laugh at the thought, he shook his head as he leaned back and looked up at the cloudy sky. "Why didn't I ask your name sooner?" He spoke allowed, to the sky, remembering how he felt as the two of you danced and smiled together.

His chest tightened as he grew more frustrated. There had to be a way to find you again. If you were so prevalently on his mind a week later, surely, he truly felt something for you.

Feeling a chill shudder over him from the winter breeze, he returned into his home. As he entered the dining room, he overheard the end of a conversation from his parents.

"Of course it would be a contract marriage, no one would marry James if they really knew him."

Changkyun stopped dead in his tracks, a chill running over him as a bad feeling filled his gut. Marching into the room up to the table, he looked at his mother with alarmed eyes, "What are you talking about?"

"Oh, well, James is engaged apparently, a contract marriage."

He placed his hands on the table harshly as he leaned in, "To who?!"

"Why are you so upset?"

"Because-" He recalled that night, your parents had an interest in James being with you, but did they really sell you off to him? "Find out who it is mother, please, I think it might be the one I met that night."

Seeing and hearing the urgent desperation in her sons’ voice, she nodded, quickly rising to find out more information. Changkyun's father ushered him to sit, to question him further. Changkyun only hoped if it was you, that he could stop it before you were married off to a monster.

The second his mother came back with a name and address, Changkyun was out the doors and on his way to you. He needed to make sure you would be free of this engagement, no matter what.

"Y/n" He muttered the name to himself breathlessly as he pictured your face, a soft smile forming on his own. "It suits you."

Your chest was heavy with anxiety as you sat in the corner of the room looking at anything but your parents and James.

You had tried to convince them not to pair you with him, but since you learned no real details about why your mystery friend warned you about him, they didn't listen. And nothing other than he is a horrible dangerous person would deter them.

It didn't matter if the way he looked at you made you uncomfortable, it didn't matter if he was ten years older, it didn't matter if he made weird comments openly about the maids.

Unless you could find another suitor, a better suitor, it was only "You'll get used to it", "Feelings will come with time", "He probably isn't as bad as you think."

Part of you wanted to go back to the home where you had attended the masquerade. To be with, well, whoever he was, and get him to help you. And maybe, just maybe, the two of you could grow closer.  

But after you learned that you and your parents were never supposed to be at that party, you felt mortified to ever return. You were party crashers, and you hadn't even known it.

"I was thinking we could have the wedding next week."

Your heart clenched at James's suggestion. Daring a look at him he caught your eye and smiled, an eerie smile. He knew of your reservations against him, he knew you wanted nothing to do with him. What would he be like when you no longer had your parents around?

The anxiety nearly made you dizzy. What was your future holding for you. Torture? Sadness? Loneliness?

Your spiraling thoughts were interrupted at the sound of loud pounding at the door. It was loud and sudden enough to make you jump. Waiting and watching as you heard muffled voices before hurried footsteps came closer to the study, your hand clenched the arm of your chair nervously.

Your fear was replaced by surprise and relief as the man you met at the masquerade barged into the room. He looked disheveled and breathless, as he looked around the room hurriedly.

As his eyes met yours, you rose from your seat.

You knew well enough what he looked like, but without the mask, seeing him for everything he was, made your heart flutter heavier than it ever had before.

He let out a sigh of relief, his heart swelling as he saw you. "Y/n"

As your name left his lips, you moved to take a step towards him but stopped as your father stepped forward with a demanding voice.

"Who are you?!"

Quickly bowing in respect, he apologized for his sudden entry. "I must insist I speak with you regarding your betrothal of Y/n to James."

"Changkyun." The voice that left James was full of venom as he stared daggers into him.

'Changkyun' that was his name?

"I must insist you know exactly who it is you are trying to marry your child off too." Changkyun was speaking to your parents, but his eyes never left James.

"You will leave this house!" James countered, but you stepped forward suddenly.

"No! He will not."

Changkyun's eyes finally left James and landed on you. Your stance was defiant as you looked from James to Changkyun. "I want to know too."

Your father let out an annoyed grunt before he waved his hand at Changkyun. "Fine, but you will tell me who you are first! I want to know if you have the authority to tell me anything!"

"I am Im Changkyun Sir."

Your parents suddenly straightened up at the sound of his name, one they clearly recognized.

"And I am Y/n's friend."

His eyes fell to you as he spoke, his voice somewhat hesitant on the word 'friend', as he knew he felt more for you than mere friendship.

You smiled at him, and something in your face told him you felt the same.

Looking back at your parents he spared James one more look. "James is a violent drunk who had made many an innocent person disappear for the mere instance of looking at him for too long. He is cruel, disrespectful, and a bastard overall. If you marry Y/n off to him, you will never see them smile, laugh or be healthy again."

"You bastard, how dare you!" James rushed at Changkyun, but he easily dodged him and knocked him off his balance with a swift movement of his leg.

As he tried to attack Changkyun again, you wanted to rush forward, but Changkyun, seeing this, moved to block you instead, so that you would not get hurt.

Your father yelled at James to stand down, gaining his attention well enough that he regained most of his composure.

Your father was clearly disgruntled and upset over everything that was happening. Your mother, grabbing his arm to steady not only herself, but him.

"I can see from that outrageous outburst, that what Mr Im said must hold some truth to it. And I know of the Im family well enough to know they are far more respected than you." As your father looked over at you, recalling the numerous times you begged him to break the engagement he let out a sigh, "I will break the engagement at once."

You let out a soft sigh as you gently rested your head against Changkyun's back out of relief without thinking much of the action.

Changkyun, feeling this, smiled softly, the own heavy weight on his shoulders lifting as he realized he managed to save you from an unbearable fate.

James, unable to bear the offense, only grew angrier, "We are already engaged, you cannot break it now!"

"This is not the 1800's, your engagement can be ended as easily as it was formed." Changkyun countered.

After more petty remarks and arguing, James finally turned his attention to you. "I suppose you're happy now" He scoffed, as if spitting at you. "Who would want to marry you if not me? Huh!?"

You had no time to be offended by his comment before Changkyun responded, his voice laced with a dangerous tone, telling James not to overstep.

"I will."

You looked at him with shock, your heart practically leaping from your chest. Your mother grabbed at your father's arm, secretly relishing in the fact you had men fighting over your hand.

"And I would do far better in marriage than you could ever wish or imagine. It is not Y/n that no one wishes to marry, it is you. Haven't you ever wondered why so many disregard and avoid you? You are the one no one wants."

Stunned out of anger, James could make no retort before your father had him removed from the home. You could hear him cursing your family as he left, but you feared no real retaliation or effect on you or your family. He may be wealthy but held no influence.

As a tense silence filled the room, you saw your mother reader to charge at Changkyun with questions and excitement, but you stepped forward.

"Mother, father, please let me speak to Changkyun alone for a bit, okay?"

Your mother wanted to protest but gave in to your stern look. After they left you alone, you turned to face Changkyun, who swallowed nervously.

"Are you insane?"

He blinked a few times, "For what? Saving you from a marriage with James?"

You let out a soft laugh, "No. Not that, we'll get to that later. I'm talking about the fact that you just told my parents you would marry me!"

"Oh, that."

"Yeah, that!"

Letting out an awkward, almost shy laugh as he scratched the back of his neck, he cleared his throat. "I mean, it wasn't a lie."

You stared at him in stunned silence for a moment and he let out another sot laugh. "You can't say you didn't feel anything that night. Between us."

Butterflies rampaged through you as you repressed a smile, that did not go unnoticed by him. "Yes, I did. But marriage?"

He shrugged his shoulders, "Well. We could just have a very, very long engagement. Until we got to know each other a bit more. Or maybe your father will let us put it off, for now."

"For now?" You repeated softly, your ears and neck heating up.

He nodded as he stepped towards you. "I have already told my parents all about you. And I wouldn't be surprised if my mother has already planned a wedding out in her mind already."

You laughed, "Honestly my mother is probably doing the same right about now." You ended this with a soft glare at him making him chuckle.

"I'm sorry, it was very sudden. But I couldn't let James get away with saying something like that to you."

You gently chewed the inside of your cheek as you looked down bashfully, recalling again how he defended you. "Thank you, for coming to save me."

He grinned at this, stepping toward you again, now right in front of you. His gaze met yours with a gentle fondness that took your breath away.

"I've been looking for you, ever since that night. I only knew where to find you after hearing about James's engagement. I'm glad I got here in time. I was afraid I would have been too late."

"And if you had been?"

He hummed softly before answering, "I would have crashed your wedding and stolen you away."

You let out a startled laugh, making him chuckle as well. You nodded, "Somehow, I can imagine that."

You felt a shiver rise up your body as he suddenly set his hands on your shoulders, making you look at him.

"So, given two options. Stay engaged to me, and let me court you, or announce that you have now had two engagements broken, what would you choose?"

"Starting off a relationship with an engagement? I thought you said this wasn't the 1800's anymore?"

He chuckled, "It isn't, but like I said, we can have a very long engagement. Besides, if you were engaged to me, neither of our parents would continue and introduce us to everyone they could.”

You repressed another laugh as he grinned at you, making your cheeks burn with bashful embarrassment. “A win, win situation then?”

He nodded with a grin, and you chuckled softly. "I suppose if I had to choose, one of those choices is much more appealing."

Taking a small step closer, so the two of you were only a few inches apart, he nodded before speaking softly. "I promise I will prove myself to you."

"More than you already have?"

He nodded confidently, "Yes. Much more."

You stared at each other with fondness, and growing affection. You smiled softly, daring him with your eyes, and somehow knowing he would do exactly as you said.

"Alright. Prove it then."

xx End xx

Not sure how I feel about the ending but its late at night and I was trying very hard to finish this before I fall asleep in my chair lol

Overall, I like how this one came out. its my first time writing for I.M, so I hope you liked it!

((Taglist Form))

12 Days of Christmas Tag: @multi-fandommaniac, @mbruben-stein

General Taglist: @charmsprout, @brattybunfornct, @bahng-chrizz, @otakutrash669,

@tinyelfperson, @pinievsev, @teenyfinds, @everythingboutkpop,

@shymexican, @stillwjk-channie-lixie, @alexxavicry

[a-cat-in-toffee]

still haven’t written a majority of the plot ☝️

I.M SO FUCKING ECXCITED CHAT. STARING.........................

[large-baguette-112]

chat we're veering on delirious nugs again i.m so tired

[find-krp]

Hi, Reader!:) It's my first time trying to find someone to write with from Tumblr, so I hope this ad will reach you!:)

I'm 21F, GMT+1, and searching for a partner who'd be interested in writing a romance plot with smut! I write a feminised M or a F against a male character. I know that it may sound strange, but I found it to be the most comfortable, balanced option for my writing partners and me. :) If you're still interested — I'm happy to have you here!

I write in 3rd person, past tense, and I'm a multi-paragraph, detailed writer. I am a neat freak when it comes to my writing, so you can expect proper grammar, punctuation, and capitalisation. I like to paint a vivid picture of the events, with the biggest focus on my character's emotional state/sensations/thoughts — all for our mutual immersion in the story! I'd like to find a person who can write at least two paragraphs per response, and meshes well with my writing style. :)

I'm looking for all kinds of plots, ranging from best friends to lovers (internal conflict, risk of losing their friendship if they step over a platonic boundary, longing for something seemingly forbidden), to some toxic dead 🕊️ stuff. You name it!:) But a little toxic is always interesting, no matter the plot.

Regarding NSFW themes and smut, I'm open to almost anything and don't have a lot of limits, though I do not play dominant characters (I've been scarred for life after some strange past experiences, lol). I like all things, dark and shameless. :) We can discuss them!

I'm an open communicator and would like for you to be the same:) No shame in discussing and being transparent, or going crazy over our characters/FCs! I'm all open to OOC chat, sending ourselves pins, music, playlists. Just don't ghost without a word — if we don't mesh well, that's fine!:)

The male FC I write as is NCT Haechan, for F I haven't really thought about it, but will come up with something!:) I'm primarily searching for FCs like:

Ateez: Yunho!, Mingi

NCT: Mark, Jeno

Monsta X: I.M

Seventeen: Mingyu

Victon: Sejun

Shinee: Taemin, Kibum

If anything I mentioned strikes your interest, please interact and I'll contact you! I roleplay on Discord primarily, where I can set us up a server.:) I also like video game/movie fandoms, so we can merge them with our plot if you'd like!:) I look forward to meeting you!!:))

please interact if interested.

[xcziel]

ok so far it's been:

like crazy 💜💜💜

come back to me

???babymonster -idk them well ?? like that??

chat with babymonster

babymonster sheesh

stray kids lalala

blackpink pink venom

new jeans how sweet

standing next to you

bibi x jackson wang feelin lucky

ed sheeran ???????? what?

i.m. from monstax interview

i.m. lure

fifty fifty cupid

maestro seventeen

8:58pm station id

top of the second hour: Ateez triple play!

crazy form first

now: WORK

[thedurvin]

Started volunteering at the state historical society/museum in hopes of eventually getting a big boy job and it was so weird chatting with other volunteers, mostly wealthy retirees, vs chatting with my retail coworkers. Stories starting with “back when I was the archivist for I.M. Pei’s architectural firm while they were designing the Louvre pyramid I was having dinner with the head of the NAACP” vs “i know a place where they have those big wire spools if you can’t afford a coffee table”

[angela-the-fox]

Guys,please chat with me!

I'm extremely lonely.😞

I feel scared why i have no friends.Except my family and siblings.I have nightmares all the time that i didn't want to chat with anyone and i have trust issues and i feel like no one wants to talk to me.Is it because i was too energetic all the time or what?My mom always wants my attention to get a comfort zone from my panic zone.

Why i feel like i have no one by my side and i feel like to kill myself and they think that you're a stupid attention seeker.But i wasn't acting like that.My parents are just want my attention to best friends and i was super lonely and i was getting stressed.Why?Just why?!?!!Why do i have nobody.

I wish i would be dead for this and i'll become an abuser myself and abuse myself for being super lost and lose control.And they wished i wasn't born.

.

. .

. . .

. . . .

Please.....

. . . . . . . .

P-please....

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Evelyn:Uh-oh....she was going to monochrome herself.

I.m. . .D.E.A.D

Michael:Oh no....too late......

(My monochrome version is like Lost silver from Fnf Lullaby)

[kawaiixbeats]

Chapter Twenty-Three

🩷 Word Count: 1,411 🩷 In Bloom m.list

⋆✧˚。⋆。˚☽˚。⋆♥⋆。⋆✧˚。⋆。˚☽˚。⋆♥⋆。⋆✧˚。⋆。˚☽˚。⋆♥⋆。⋆✧˚。⋆。˚☽˚。

Azalea woke up and saw a response from Jooheon waiting for her:

Joo: Thank you for letting me know you’re home safe and making my day more special. Sweet dreams, Azzy.

Her heart fluttered as she read it, a faint rose blush starting to appear on her cheeks as she smiled. She quickly got ready for the day and prepared for her video call with Charli, eager to reminisce about the party.

During their chat, Azalea excitedly shared every detail, how amazing the decorations were, how fun the games had been, and most importantly, her interactions with Jooheon. Charli listened intently, happy to hear her best friend’s joy.

When Azalea told her about Jooheon asking for her number, Charli couldn’t help but laugh. “You know, Azzy, that sounds like more than just friendly interest to me.”

Azalea brushed it off with a laugh, not taking it seriously. She trusted Jooheon’s kindness and wasn’t reading too much into it. She didn’t know that Charli, like Penelope, had her own suspicions, but Charli decided not to bring them up further. She knew Azalea’s history and didn’t want to overwhelm her.

Their conversation shifted to lighter topics, how the cafe had slowed down again, Charli’s newfound free time to organize accounts at the office, and her plans to hit the beach more often and catch up on World of Warcraft. The two friends laughed and joked for an hour before wrapping up with their usual “love yous” and goodbyes.

After the call, Azalea found herself unsure of what to do next. She didn’t want to bother Penelope, knowing she’d probably want some downtime with Kihyun after yesterday’s party and spending the last few weekends with her. And as much as she was tempted to text Jooheon, she hesitated, not wanting to seem too eager.

Instead, she turned on her favorite comfort show and mindlessly scrolled through her phone. Hours passed until a notification snapped her out of her trance.

Message: Hey everyone,

The message read from a number she didn’t recognize. Curiously, she opened it and saw the full text:

Ki: I wanted to make a new chat to add Azalea and the girls. That way, when we plan big group outings that include them, we have them all in one place. I’m pretty sure everyone but Azalea has each other’s numbers, so why don’t we all just say our names when we respond so she isn’t freaking out about what’s going on. BTW, this is Kihyun.

Everything suddenly clicked, and she laughed. As the names popped up, she saved them into her phone with nicknames: Ki, Joo, Penny, Puppy, Sang, I.M, Papa Bear, and Wonnie. Once she had everyone’s name, she renamed the group chat “Family.”

Amused, she sent Jooheon a message: Azzy: I guess we got a head start last night, Joo.

Jooheon’s phone buzzed, and a smile tugged at his lips, seeing her name. But as he read the message, he couldn’t help feeling a little self-conscious. She wasn’t wrong, but he appreciated the humor.

Joo: Yeah, I guess. But at least now I know I can text you outside of that group chat 😀

Azalea chuckled, feeling a warmth in her chest. The group chat might have made things official, but her private connection with Jooheon was already special.

Azalea and Jooheon immersed themselves in an unexpected conversation rhythm as the day passed. Texting back and forth, their initial hesitation melted away as they discussed everything from their favorite songs to their go-to movies. The quote battle became a highlight of their exchange, each challenging the other to identify lines from iconic films.

Joo: “You can’t handle the truth!” Azzy: Pfft, easy. ‘A Few Good Men.’ My turn, Joo! Azzy: “Why so serious?” Joo: ‘The Dark Knight,’ of course! Okay, let me think of a tricky one...

Their lighthearted banter made the hours fly by. Azalea was surprised by how easily she could talk to him. It felt natural, effortless, and safe. When the time came for her to prepare for the upcoming workday, she sent him a quick message to let him know.

Azzy: Hey, if I take longer to respond, don’t worry. I need to get some stuff done for work tomorrow. Laundry, dinner, shower, the usual.

Jooheon replied almost instantly:

Joo: No problem, Azzy. What’s for dinner?

Azalea hesitated for a moment before responding:

Azzy: Honestly, just microwave ramen. Studio living doesn’t leave me much room to cook, so I opt for quick and easy options.

Reading her reply, Jooheon’s heart sank. The thought of her relying on quick meals tugged at him. He couldn’t help but imagine surprising her with a homemade dish, something warm and hearty, to make her day a little brighter.

But as much as he wanted to, he knew it wasn’t the right time. They had just met, and he didn’t know Azalea well enough to ask for her address without seeming odd. Asking Penelope would also feel suspicious, and he didn’t want to risk pushing boundaries too soon.

Still, he couldn’t shake the thought of Azalea. She was unlike anyone he’d met before; she was kind, genuine, and unguarded in a way that made him want to know her even more. The idea of asking her on a date crossed his mind, but he quickly dismissed it. He didn’t want to rush things and risk scaring her away.

Instead, he settled for texting her a playful reply:

Joo: One day, I’m going to make you the best meal you’ve ever had. You just wait, Azzy. But for now, I’ll let you get to it. Sweet dreams in advance, okay?

Azalea smiled at his message. She hadn’t felt this kind of connection with someone in a long time, and while it was still new, she wanted to explore it.

Azzy: Sweet dreams to you, too, Joo. Thanks for keeping me company today. Talk soon? Joo: Anytime, Azzy. Talk soon. 😊

As Azalea prepared for bed for the night, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of comfort. She felt genuinely excited about the future for the first time in a while. Little did she know, Jooheon was lying in his own bed, replaying their conversations and smiling at the thought of her.

The “Family” group chat lit up with messages Wednesday evening as everyone discussed details for the upcoming Saturday mini-golf outing. Kihyun started the conversation:

Ki: Alright, let’s figure out the car situation first. Who’s riding with whom?

Penelope replied quickly:

Penny: I’ll be picking up Azzy with a rideshare. There’s room for one or two more if needed. If Ki’s still at the house with us, he can join our ride.

Sanghee jumped in: Sang: If we book an XL, Minny and I can ride with you. We should double-check vehicle sizes and see if we can all fit.

Kihyun agreed, keeping the momentum going:

Ki: That’s a good idea. Let’s explore the options for XL ride shares. It should be easier to group as many of us as possible into one vehicle.

Hyungwon added his own solution:

Wonnie: If that works, then the rest of us can fit into my car. Problem solved.

After a brief pause, Kihyun followed up:

Ki: Great, that’s one thing sorted. Now, let’s aim to meet at the mini-golf place by 5 p.m.

Penelope addressed Azalea directly:

Penny: Azzy, I’ll pick you up around 4 p.m., so we have plenty of time to get there. Oh, and don’t forget to bring an overnight bag, just in case! You can leave it in the guest room.

Azalea reread Penelope’s last line, and just as she was about to ask for clarification, Penelope sent another message:

Penny: After mini-golf, everyone’s invited back to the apartment to hang out. If it gets late, anyone who wants to can stay the night. I just wanted you to be prepared, Azzy!

Azalea smiled at Penelope’s thoughtfulness and quickly typed her reply:

Azzy: Thanks for the heads-up, Penny. I’ll pack what I need and let C.J. know if anything happens.

The chat continued, with the group cracking jokes and debating who would dominate at mini-golf. Azalea felt a growing excitement as the plan began to come together. Her heart warmed at how effortlessly the group included her and made her feel at home. She couldn’t wait for Saturday, not just for mini-golf but to spend more time with everyone who had already started feeling like family.

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⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆ Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this story, please feel free to leave a like, reblog, notes, and/or a message in my inbox! I would love to hear your feedback! ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆

[sseeaasalt]

Vent #2 - I.M.

I'm currently reading The Princess Diaries (the 2nd book in the series to be specific) and it got me thinking about instant messaging. The books feature Mia's I.M. messages with other people and I realized that I'm not really one to communicate with people in that way. I hate texting, DMing or anything of the sort. But for some reason, I feel nostalgic for something I never even participated in. There's just something so attractive about instant messaging. I feel like in this age everyone is just so accessible. It hard to ignore people or even just draw your own boundaries. I don't want to be able to be reached at every hour of everyday by anyone in the world. Back then you would hop on the computer, check someone’s status, and if they were active, THEN you would message them. And then you would just chat. I can't quite put my finger one what makes that more attractive than just plain texting.

I hate texting, I dread it even. I never reach out to people to ask them how they're doing. And I know that makes me a bad friend but I'd rather just talk in person. But the trouble with meeting in person is it usually revolves around spending some kind of money. So then you stress about planning a meet up, then stress about what to do, the stress about how much its going to cost, the gas money and everything, and then you can see each other. Why does it have to be so complicated? Or maybe I'm just making it out to be that way.

Things seemed so much easier when I was a kid. You saw all your friends at school or at whatever organized extracurricular activity you participated in and you got your social fix. Now that I graduated university, moved back home, and have no job....what am I to do? Why is it all so hard now? I'm still young, I'm supposed to be out every night doing something fun. Anyways, it all just seemed simpler back when you could just I.M. someone.

[bluntshavingrazor]

I put together a quick rewrite of the scene for what I mean. I kept a lot of the dialogue the same, just changed the context and stuff. Feel free to give criticism, but also free free to keep any criticism to yourself.

EXT. LONDON SQUARE - DAY

Various businessmen in businessman suits are walking around. One of the BONE BEASTS steps down on them all. Other than freezing in place until it’s gone, they don’t react at all. CONRAD is still on screen reading from the same book, so either he’s taking long breaks between chapters or that is one doorstopper of a novel I.M. Foreman has written. BELINDA walks around and stops people on the street to ask them about RUBY. 

BELINDA

Excuse me, have you seen a girl around here? Young looking, maybe early twenties? So tall, blonde hair? Dresses like a city girl. She must be around here somewhere. 

SHIRLEY

I don't suppose you could spare us a couple of quid, could you?

BELINDA walks right by SHIRLEY without acknowledging her, just as everyone else did. A moment later we see her hand drop money into SHIRLEY’S cup.

BELINDA

I don't suppose you've seen the girl I'm looking for?

SHIRLEY

She got a name?

BELINDA

A name? Oh, I suppose she must have. It was... R- ’R’ something? Started with an R? Short, one syllable. I’m thinking... red?

SHIRLEY

Ruby?

EXT. TENT TOWN -DAY

A collection of tents are in an underpass, placed in tight rows with just enough room for Shirley to lead Belinda in. People turn and look at the fancily dressed suburban housewife, but for the most part mind their own business. Ruby is with a group of people, many of whom are visibly disabled in some way.

BELINDA

(looking around) I swear I've never seen this place before.

RUBY

Yes, you have. You walk past it every day. And you ignore us.

BELINDA

You came to our house this morning. You said you knew John.

RUBY

I can explain everything, I promise. You just have to be willing to listen.

The Tent Town residents gather in a larger tent, which is like a community hub for them all. Ruby and Belinda sit in the centre of a circle to chat while the others look on and listen. Despite everything else being a patchwork collection of odds and ends, they’re all drinking tea out of the exact same model of orange mug that is endemic to Conrad’s world.

RUBY (CONT’D)

This is how we live. The disabled, the dispossessed, the ones who don't fit in.

BELINDA

You're different from the others. Pardon me if I don't frisk you, but you seem very non-disabled to me.

RUBY

Well, I could be taller.

A faint chuckle goes around the circle. Even Belinda joins in, politely. 

RUBY (CONT’D)

But, yeah. I was abandoned. My mother left me on a doorstep, no one to look after me. No place for a single teenage mother in this world.

BELINDA

Oh, I'm... sorry?

BELINDA puts her mug down on a small table beside her chair.

RUBY

But that's the thing, I remember having a mum. A good mum, a great one. [ED: Oh yeah, I'm not having Carla horrible for a third time] And I remember my other mum, the one who left me. I tracked her down, we reconnected. Now I can’t find her. There are no teenage mums in the world, so how can I have been left to end up here?

BELINDA’S mug falls and breaks.

SHIRLEY

Get her another one, Pete.

RUBY

You keep having doubts about the world, don't you?

BELINDA

I just want to know what's going on. You came to our house and said you knew John, kept calling him a doctor.

RUBY

Not 'a' doctor. 'The' Doctor. 

RUBY gestures to CONRAD’S story time show, still going strong.

BELINDA

...You think my husband John is a character in a Conrad Clark's book?

RUBY

I know he is. I know a lot about him.

BELINDA

You don't know him, he's never met you.

RUBY

He has though, a lifetime ago. Me and him, we used to travel together. I don't remember all the details, it's like... a glimpse in the corner of my eye, like I can remember something, then... it's gone.

BRIAN

A glimpse of a better world.

One of the residents begins to sign something, so people wait for her to finish and for her words to be translated by her friend.

WINNIE

Val says we're all lucky. We live outside the world, so we can see it better. We can see when things don't make sense.

SHIRLEY

Like, here we are, we haven't got a penny. But I've got this wheelchair. State of the art. And God knows, with my spina bifida, I need medicine, and I've got nothing, but I'm okay.

RUBY

Somehow, it all comes down to the Doctor. To your John. John Smith, and Conrad Clark.

BELINDA

Well I'm sorry for your... situation, but this all sounds completely unbelievable. When you came to the house this morning I thought maybe you had your reasons. But whoever you think my John is, he's not a doctor, he never travels, and he's definitely not some character in a children's book.

RUBY

(pause) What is he like then, your John?

BELINDA

What? Well, he... he's great. A great husband, a great father. Good at his job, very hard working. Never questions how things are, just keeps his head down and gets on.

RUBY

Does he remember your anniversary?

BELINDA

Hah! Oh, OK, no. He's terrible at anniversaries. But that's a wife's job to remember all that, isn't it? He's got much more important things to do like- like working, and-

RUBY

(interrupting) So when is it?

BELINDA looks confused. She doesn’t even understand the question at first.

RUBY (CONT’D)

Your anniversary, if it's a wife's job to remember? When did you get married? How long ago? Did you get married in a church or did you go for a more Hindu inspired thing?

BELINDA

What, what are you- I don't... I don't remember?

RUBY

Belinda, I'm sorry. This is going to be hard to hear. But there is a reason you don’t remember your wedding. You and John never had a wedding. You never got married. There is no John Smith!

Everybody's cup falls and smashes. People start tidying up, but they don't bother replacing them now. BELINDA begins to point a finger at RUBY.

BELINDA

No, no, because, hah, because you said it yourself! If John isn't real and I don't have a husband, then how can I have Poppy, hmm? How can I have a daughter?

RUBY

...you don't have a daughter. I don't know where Poppy came from, but she's not your daughter.

BELINDA

Don't you dare, don't you dare say that! I know my own child, I know that... I shouldn't have come here, I never should have...

BELINDA stands up in a hurry, knocking her chair over. Ruby stands too, more carefully.

RUBY

Belinda, calm down-

BELINDA

No! No, you are not dragging me into your sick little fantasy about fake Doctors and missing mothers and evil robots-

SHIRLEY

Evil robots?

RUBY

See, you remember, don't you? Something from the other world, the world that is supposed to be-

BELINDA

Get away from me! I know what is supposed to be, I am supposed to be at home, with my husband and my daughter, my very real daughter, and you (she gestures around to the whole camp as she backs away) You should all be taken away.

No one gets in her way as she runs from the circle and out of the underpass. RUBY sighs, while SHIRLEY gives her a comforting pat on the back. They didn't get through to her this time.

[After that, the episode continues as normal. Yes, there are a lot of things I would have changed about scenes before and after this part of the episode, but if I started on that then I'd be here all day. Maybe later.]

I still think the Wish World/The Reality War story is too messed up to be salvageable with any easy solution, but something that would, IMO, go a long way to fixing it without rewriting the whole episode? Belinda should have been Ruby, Ruby should have been Shirley and Shirley should have... well, also been Shirley but less so.

After Belinda has her screaming session, she goes out in search of the weird girl who turned up at their house that morning. Ruby brings her to the disabled camp, where she's been living ever since her mother kicked her out (and, yes, I'm also not too happy about Carla constantly being horrible in every alternate timeline but I'm trying to give the smallest change for the biggest improvement) and tries to get her to see that Conrad is a horrible person. Shirley is also there.

Then, since the scene where Belinda snitches on John is a different section of the episode and I'm trying to not rewrite the whole episode here, Wish-Belinda is not convinced by their insistence that Conrad is awful and Poppy isn't real, and instead leaves the camp angry. No, I don't think real world Belinda would have done that for a second, but Wish World-Belinda would have. Belinda in either reality was defined largely by just wanting to go home and being pulled into these adventures more or less against her will, so getting her to disrupt her comfortable life on the word of some insane sounding disabled heretics is a big ask.

This gives Belinda something to do in this episode, means the disabled resistance plot doesn't go absolutely nowhere, and still ties in to Belinda's character arc if you kind of squint and don't look too closely.

[1398man]

hi anybody like to chat ? i.m not american

[all-funny-names]

300+ Catchy Funny Zombie Names (For Your Undead Friend)

Hey friend! Have you been looking for just the right funny zombie name for your undead companion? I totally get the struggle. Zombie names are super important - they need to capture your zombie's personality while also being punny and humorous. In this blog post, I'll share my tips for picking the perfect funny zombie names and provide some hilarious example zombie names to get your brain juices flowing!

Why Choose a Funny Zombie Name:

Giving your zombie a funny, punny name brings some lightness and humor to their undead existence. I mean, being a zombie seems kinda dreary, right? Having a silly name gives them a chance to show off their personality...even if that personality is a little decomposed (hehe, zombie jokes). A funny name also helps others see your zombie as more friendly and approachable rather than just a mindless flesh-eating monster. 

How to Choose a Funny Zombie Name: 

When picking a funny zombie name, you want it to connect to their appearance, backstory, or personality. Are they a zombie with half an arm? Maybe Armie Deadfits or I.M. Halfdead would work. Were they a chef before becoming undead? Chef Boyardead could be fun. Really dig into what makes your zombie unique. You also want the name to sound zombie-fied. Sub in "dead," "undead," "zomb," "brainz," etc. Or make puns based on their former human name or career. The sillier the better!

300+ Catchy Funny Zombie Names Ideas

Funny Zombie Names With Meanings - Rigor Mortis - This science-y name meaning the stiffness of death could be good for a zombie who is very stiff and robotic in their movements.  - Ghouliani - A play on the name "Giuliani", this could be fitting for a former lawyer or politician zombie who is still holding onto their ambitious side in the afterlife. - Deadward - A zombie twist on "Edward", this name might suit a more reserved, genteel zombie. - Zombette - For a classy lady zombie who still wants to highlight her feminine side even after death, Zombette would be cute.  - Rottica - This punky-sounding name could match a zombie with an edgy, alternative style. - Hed Shouderson - A punny name for a zombie who lost their head and has just shoulders left. Fitting for a silly, fun-loving headless zombie. - Ivana Bitechu - A vampy name for a flirty female zombie who likes to chat up humans and flaunt her undead charms. Definitely a bold personality! - Barry Brainz - This sounds like the name of a zombie scientist type who is still dedicated to academics and discovery, even without functioning brain cells! - Carcasse Chrissie - For a festive zombie who loves Christmas, this name brings out their holiday cheer and spirit. - Hambone Shuffler - With a Southern vibe, this name might suit a zombie from the country who still shuffles along slowly. Laidback personality. - Gory Bloodymary - A gory, creepy name for a former queen bee type who wants to maintain an edgy, vampish vibe in the afterlife. Cute Zombie Names: - ZomBuddy - Brainsy - Giggles - ZomPet - Chompster - Gnawbles - Stumbler - PuzzleBite - Grinny - FuzzyGore - Bitey Boo - ZomNom - Wobblekins - SnickerBite - Fangy - ZomCuddle - Squiggle - Gorelina - ChuckleChomp - ZomPuff - Droolish - Snugglebite - Stitch - FuzzyBrains - ZomZom - GiggleBite - Chewie - NuzzleFangs - TickleBite - Fluffkins Read the full article

[mebeindelulu]

Texts w/ bf!changkyun