#jin under construction

[jinmukangwrites]

Jedi: Fallen Order & Survivor

weep little lion man

[1] [1.5] [2] [3] [3.5] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [9.5] [10]

A place to call home

Wounds that Remember

all that we intend is built on sand

holding on to what i haven't got

living at the mercy of the pain and the fear

To Tomorrow

[veliseraptor]

a couple people expressed some interest in this so I'm going to try noodling on it in a more coherent fashion

The first thing is that - as other people have written about - when constructing a modern AU it is important to think about how characters in a historical or fantasy setting relate to violence in a proportional rather than literal way. MDZS has a setting where killing is more normalized than it generally is in modern society, both on a personal and a societal level.

(This is also why acting as though a fantasy villain blowing up a planet is equivalent to the concept of a real planet being blown up is silly on a level that's not just the equation of fictional and real; it's also a matter of scale in the setting or genre.)

So looking at Xue Yang's propensity for violence in canon as a way to consider how he might behave in a modern setting firstly needs to examine the ways in which that violence is calibrated to his canon setting.

It is definitely true that, even relative to other characters, Xue Yang's violence is marked as beyond the pale and extreme. So it would follow that the same would be true in a modern setting - but my argument is that it's not quite as straightforward as that, because there are certain contextual things about Xue Yang's violence that I think are important to take into consideration.

The first is to note that his most notorious act of extreme violence - the massacre of the Chang Clan - is one that occurs while he is under the protection of the Jin Sect, and he knows it. (In CQL, he gets permission from Wen Ruohan, though it's true that he never invokes that as a defense.) There is every indication that Xue Yang is thoroughly unconcerned about the prospect of getting in trouble for the massacre. Xue Yang isn't acting without being mindful of potential consequences; he's acting in the knowledge that he won't have to deal with them. The second is contextual: who Xue Yang chooses to target, and where. For instance: the people he tricks Xiao Xingchen into killing live in a remote area where he's a little risk of authority intervening. In both cases, Xue Yang is acting under conditions where he's unlikely to face consequences; where his violence is, if not considered acceptable, then something he can get away with.

Xue Yang can be reckless, but that recklessness is tempered by a very strong survival instinct and a recognition of what he needs to do in order to stay free and alive.

So then, to carry this into a modern context, particularly in a setting with a state-sponsored police and a defined legal system: I think that consciousness of the risks he'd be taking with acting violently would be even more acute, particularly because it's likely that he would be existing in a state where he'd come into contact with the legal system early for more minor crimes. Connected with that, there's the fact that the tolerance/acceptance of authority for violence outside of warfare or state acts is significantly lower, so any shielding he might have for acting violently illegally would be much thinner. Xue Yang is aware of the extent of what he can get away with, and "what he can get away with" is less, under a modern legal apparatus, than he could in the decentralized jianghu with its ad-hoc justice system.

When I say that I think Xue Yang's violent tendencies would be tempered by the existence of a modern legal system, I'm absolutely not saying that it's out of respect for that system. (I would hope that'd be obvious.) And I'm not saying that a modern Xue Yang wouldn't still possess violent tendencies (I think he probably would). I just think he's highly motivated to consider the context and targets for his violence in such a way that would keep it much less visible and extreme than it is in canon. There are still acceptable targets. But he's not going to kill a whole family. And I actually think he's likely to stop short of murder in general.

[minyoongisnewthing]

Han river lullaby chapter five | myg

Chapter one, Chapter two, chapter three, chapter four chapter six

Pairing: Min Yoongi x Reader

Genre: angst, fluff, exs to lovers, eventual smut, idol!au, co parents, second chance romance.

Chapter warnings: Sassy uncle Jin should carry his own warning honestly, other then that I don’t believe there are any. If I’m wrong please let me know and I will happily add them.

Word count: 4.8k approximately.

Authors notes: I hope everyone had a great Easter, and I am still so amazed and thankful for the love my story has gotten every comment, like and reblog has meant the world to me, but finally we are here, half way through this story already! I hope you all enjoy this chapter.

That Thursday you found yourself standing in Han's preschool hallway, surrounded by tiny art projects and bright construction paper decorations. Parent-Teacher interviews always made you nervous, but this time felt different—because this time, Yoongi was coming too.

You spotted him before he saw you, making his way down the colorful hallway. Even in casual clothes—a simple black sweater and jeans bucket hat pulled low—he looked slightly out of place among the finger paintings and alphabet charts. But the moment Han spotted him, none of that mattered.

"Appa!" Han broke free from your grip, racing toward him. "You came!"

Yoongi's whole face softened as he caught Han, lifting him easily. "Of course I did, I Wouldn't miss it."

Your heart squeezed at the sight—at how natural they looked together, at how Yoongi's eyes crinkled with genuine joy as Han babbled about his artwork on the walls.

"Mr. Min?" Han's teacher, Ms. Park, appeared in the doorway, her eyes widening slightly in recognition before she schooled her features into professional warmth. "And Ms. Y/L/N. Please, come in."

Inside the classroom, Han proudly showed Yoongi the cubby where he kept his school bag, his favorite reading corner, and the plant he was helping to grow. You watched as Yoongi absorbed every detail, asking questions and responding with appropriate enthusiasm to each new discovery.

"And this!" Han dragged Yoongi to the wall of family pictures Han and his pre-school class had drawn. It was an array of stick figures and bright crayon chaos. "This is my drawing of us!"

Your breath caught as you looked at the crayon masterpiece—three stick figures, one tall with black hair (clearly Yoongi), one medium with your hair color, and one small figure between them, holding both their hands, all with big smiles on their faces.

Yoongi went very still beside you, his eyes fixed on the drawing.

"That's beautiful, Han," Ms. Park said gently, sensing the weight of the moment. "Why don't you show your parents what you've been up too in the reading corner?"

As Han tugged you both toward his favorite books, you caught Yoongi discreetly wiping at his eyes

“damn, the little Picasso got me”  

“Softy” you teased nudging his shoulder playfully

The parent-teacher conference itself was surprisingly smooth. You and Yoongi sat side by side, your knees occasionally brushing as Ms. Park went through Han's progress.

"Han's doing wonderfully," she assured you both. "His social skills are excellent, he's very creative, he loves to draw as you saw, and his reading level is actually a tiny bit above average for his age." She smiled warmly. "Though he does have quite the stubborn streak when he sets his mind to something, and sometimes has trouble relaxing at nap time."

You and Yoongi exchanged knowing looks.

"Wonder where he gets that from," you muttered under your breath.

Yoongi scoffed quietly. "Oh, like you're not just as bad, the kid didn’t stand a chance."

The familiar banter felt... nice. Natural. Like maybe you could really do this, that the ease so far hadn’t been a fluke, you could be parents together, support each other, create something stable for Han.

After the conference, as Han showed Yoongi every single book he'd read in the past month, Ms. Park pulled you aside.

"I just wanted to say," she began carefully, "that Han seems... happier lately. More settled. Having both of you here, involved..." She smiled. "It makes a difference."

You swallowed past the sudden lump in your throat. "Thank you. We're... we're trying."

Looking back at Yoongi and Han, you found them deep in conversation now, about a particularly elaborate block tower Han had insisted on building. Yoongi was crouched at Han's level, listening intently as his son explained his architectural vision, complete with dramatic hand gestures.

"Eomma!" Han called out. "Come see what Appa and I built!"

As you joined them on the floor, watching Han direct Yoongi on proper block placement with all the authority of a tiny construction foreman, you couldn't help but smile.

This was what mattered. These moments, these small victories, this careful dance of building something new while honoring what was.

One block at a time

Later that afternoon, the school reported that Han had taken the best nap he’d had in weeks. And if you and Yoongi shared a smile when picking him up for a park playdate, well, that was just good parenting in your book.

Bright and early the following Saturday morning saw you bleary-eyed, barely caffeinated, and desperately second-guessing your life choices as you pulled into the parking lot of the children’s boutique Yoongi had told you about. According to him, Seokjin insisted it was the place for anyone serious about decking out a kid’s room just like his nephew deserved—and Seokjin had many opinions, especially when it came to his self proclaimed and honorary role as favourite Uncle.

The store was all soft lighting and whimsical displays—tiny clothes that cost more than your entire outfit and themed nursery setups that looked plucked from Pinterest fever dreams. You were still shaking off the fog of sleep when Han, warm little fingers gripping your hand tightly, suddenly lit up with recognition.

“Uncle Jin!!!” he squealed, his voice echoing across the store like a cannon blast. Before you could blink, he let go of your hand and bolted across the polished tile floor, launching himself straight into Seokjin’s waiting arms.

Yoongi’s steps faltered beside Jin. He watched the scene unfold with an expression that could only be described as mild betrayal. You had to bite back a laugh.

“Wow,” Yoongi muttered under his breath, a smile tugging at his lips despite himself. “The little traitor, et tu Han.”

A soft chuckle slipped from you. “Drama queen we just can’t compete with the magnetism of Worldwide Handsome up there, I’m afraid.”

Ahead of you, Jin lifted Han easily onto his hip like he did it every day, beaming with pride as the little boy chattered away animatedly. Jin caught your eye and gave you and Yoongi a wink over Han’s shoulder before disappearing further into the store with your son, already pointing at some space themed bedding display.

Yoongi sighed, falling back into step beside you as you wandered down the nearest aisle filled with cloud-shaped nightlights and hand-stitched throw pillows.

“I’ll remember this next time he begs for Dino nuggets, and insists I’m the only one that makes them right.” Yoongi said, mock bitterness in his tone.

You nudged him playfully. “You’ll still cave. You always do.”

He didn’t argue, just smiled in that soft, private way he sometimes did when he thought you weren’t looking.

A few aisles later, you and Yoongi found yourselves crouched in front of a display of bed linens, deep in a heated debate that had somehow become more intense than necessary. His sweater sleeves were pushed up to his elbows, a sure sign he was taking this decision far too seriously.

“I’m just saying,” you argued, picking up a plain navy-blue comforter set, “he’s three. He changes his mind more than he changes his socks. Plain is safer.”

Yoongi held up a comforter set covered in astronauts wearing different coloured space suits. “Okay, but this? This is epic. Look at this little guy! He’s riding a comet!”

You raised an eyebrow. “You’re such a pushover for him.”

He grinned, unabashed. “Not denying it.”

You were just opening your mouth to tease him further when a sudden burst of animated voices reached your ears. One of them was unmistakably Han—high-pitched, passionate, and growing louder by the second. The other, deeper and equally dramatic, was Seokjin.

Yoongi stood up, peeking over the display. “What the—?”

You followed quickly, and the sight before you nearly had you doubling over with laughter.

In the middle of the store stood Han and Seokjin, fully locked in what could only be described as a theatrical, borderline operatic debate in the middle of the glow-in-the-dark sticker section. Hands were flying, eyebrows were raised, and both parties looked like they were seconds away from presenting PowerPoint slides to back their claims.

“I told you, Uncle Jin, the star ones are cooler!” Han insisted, clutching a packet of star and planet stickers to his chest like they were a rare treasure.

“But dinosaurs, Han, you like dinosaurs.” Seokjin countered, holding up his own pick with flourish. “They roar. These stickers will make your room prehistoric chic.”

Han crossed his arms, glaring up at him with the fiery resolve of a kid who’d watched too many courtroom dramas. “But uncle Jin, space is cooler. Dinosaurs are for babies!.”

Yoongi choked on a laugh beside you.

“Told you his mind changes more than his underwear, but should… should we break that up?” you asked, eyes wide as Han stomped his foot for emphasis.

“No, no,” Yoongi said, biting back a laugh as his eyes crinkled with delight. “I wanna see how this plays out.”

The argument escalated into a flurry of sass, dramatic sighs. Seokjin whipped his hair for emphasis. Han mimicked him with a flick of his whole head. You could’ve sworn you saw a store employee peeking around the corner to spectate.

It ended, of course, with Han triumphant, the galaxy and star stickers clutched in one victorious hand while Seokjin sulked dramatically beside him. But in true Jin fashion, he still tossed the dinosaur stickers into the basket on the way to the register.

All because he was apparently physically incapable of leaving a store without buying just one more thing, Han decided to push his luck by picking up a moon shaped night light, and with nerves of steel turned the biggest puppy dog eyes you’d seen him give up to seokjin, who ruffled his hair and called him a ‘little rascal’ while putting that night light in the cart too.

As you and Yoongi approached, Han was already bragging.

“I told you space was better, Uncle Jin’s just a sore loser isn’t he Appa.”

Seokjin gasped like he’d been mortally wounded. “You wound me, child!”

Yoongi snorted, scooping Han up as he beamed in victory.

“You absolute little hustler,” Yoongi muttered, shaking his head with a grin. “We’re all doomed.”

You couldn’t disagree

Back in Yoongi’s apartment, the three of you had barely stepped inside Han’s room before he clapped his hands in joy and launched into full explanation of his vision.

“Okay! Appa, you do the moon. Eomma, you do the stars. Uncle Jin, you can help me open the stickers,” Han said, already climbing onto his little stool to sit like he was presenting blueprints for a spaceship.

You couldn’t help but laugh, exchanging a glance with Yoongi as you started remaking Han’s bed. The new navy-blue comforter set contrasted perfectly with the pale walls, giving the room a cozy, dreamy vibe that made it feel more like home.

Once the bed was made, Han handed Yoongi a large, glow-in-the-dark moon sticker with a sense of ceremony.

“This one right above my pillow, please,” he said with the utmost seriousness, like its placement determined the success of the entire galaxy.

“Right here,” Yoongi murmured, already stepping up onto the bed to reach the spot Han pointed to.

You turned, just in time to catch Yoongi mid-stretch.

His black crew neck had ridden up slightly, exposing a sliver of toned skin and the subtle dip of his waist. His jeans—worn in and soft—fit him like they were tailored, perfectly hugging his frame like sin as he reached for the wall.

You froze, your mouth suddenly dry.

God. Really? Your brain chose now to betray you like this?

You tried to look away, tried to focus on something—anything—else, but your eyes wandered on instinct, tracing the lines of his back, the definition in his forearms, the way his shoulder blades moved beneath the fabric.

The way those damn jeans made it impossible to not look.

Your jaw clenched as you quickly shook your head, trying to banish the thoughts before they spiraled any further. Focus, focus. Stickers. Your child. Room decorating.

But when your gaze drifted sideways, you immediately regretted it.

Seokjin was already watching you, leaned casually against the doorway with his arms crossed and a slow, cat-like grin spreading across his face.

You’d been caught. And Seokjin, of all people, was the last person you wanted clocking you checking out Yoongi’s ass.

Your eyes narrowed, fixing him with what you hoped was your best Don’t you dare stare.

Seokjin raised one teasing eyebrow.

“Not. A. Word.” you mouthed, but it only made him smirk wider.

Thankfully, Han was far too busy trying to peel a sticker off its backing to notice the silent exchange happening above his head.

Yoongi stepped down from the bed with a satisfied hum, brushing his hands off. “Moon, secure and glowing.”

“Perfect!” Han beamed, giving a proud nod. “Now stars everywhere!”

“Everywhere?” Yoongi asked with mock dread.

Han nodded solemnly. “They go all over, Appa. Even the closet.”

Yoongi chuckled, already peeling another sticker. “Guess we’re building a universe huh.”

You smiled as you watched them, heart twisting in that painfully sweet way it always did when Yoongi and Han were like this—effortless. Familiar. Like no time had passed at all.

And then, from behind you, Seokjin muttered low enough for only you to hear, “Staring’s free, you know. But touching will cost extra.”

You elbowed him hard in the ribs.

He only laughed harder.

You stood back and took it all in — the glowing constellations scattered unevenly across the ceiling, the oversized moon sticker positioned perfectly above Han’s pillow, the navy comforter smoothed neatly over the bed now crowned with a dozen mismatched plush toys. It was chaos, yes, but it was Han’s chaos. Bright and expressive and entirely his.

Your chest swelled with quiet pride — not just for the room, but for you and Yoongi. Somehow, between awkward co-parenting schedules, you’d managed to give Han this little piece of magic. A space that felt like home in both places.

You started gathering your things, folding Han’s jacket over your arm as he lit up his new moon night light and busied himself assigning names to every single sticker on the wall. You were just reaching for your bag when Yoongi touched your elbow lightly, pulling you aside, his voice dropping low so Han wouldn’t overhear.

“Y/N,” he started, and already his tone was heavy with guilt, “I know I was meant to have him from Thursday through to Monday, but—” he paused, exhaling through his nose. “There’s an event in Japan. It’s important. I really tried to get out of it, but…”

He didn’t need to finish. You saw it in the way his eyes flickered with regret, the way his fingers tapped absently against the palm of his hand.

You shook your head quickly, brushing off the concern before it could settle between you. “Yoon, it’s okay. I don’t want or expect you to halt your career, or any obligations you have.,” you said sincerely. “I’ll talk to the hospital about the crèche schedule or book a sitter during my shift. We’ll make it work — it’s fine, really.”

But Yoongi didn’t look reassured. He looked like a man caught between two worlds — one where his dreams lived under spotlights, and another where they giggled while naming glow-in-the-dark stars. His jaw tensed like he had more to say, like he wanted to argue or apologize more deeply, but all he managed was a quiet, “You sure?”

You nodded with a soft smile. “Positive. He’ll be okay, Yoongi. You’re doing fantastic, we're doing fantastic with him.”

That seemed to break something loose in him — the tension in his shoulders dropped slightly as he looked past you, watching Han hold court almost with his stickers, babbling animatedly about a galaxy he’d created on the wall to his toys.

“He really does love it here,” Yoongi said, his voice barely above a whisper.

You followed his gaze and smiled. “No Yoongi, he loves you. This place is just a bonus to him, a place he sees you.”

Yoongi glanced back at you, eyes softening with a gratitude he didn’t quite know how to voice. And you weren’t sure he needed to.

You’d both managed to placate Han about the change in plans, sweetening the disappointment with the promise that Appa would come to your house for dinner next weekend. It had thrilled him enough to bounce right past his sadness. And now, as you moved through your small apartment tidying the last few things and adjusting the lighting in the dining nook, you realized something: it felt right having Yoongi here again. Not just dropping Han off or picking him up at the door—but here. Inside your home. Moving through your shared space. Not as two exes cautiously orbiting around past wounds, but as parents who were trying.

It had been too long since he’d existed in this world of yours. The lived-in clutter of Han’s books and toys, the candle flickering softly near the TV, the music humming gently in the background. You wanted him to see it—how you and Han lived. To feel the warmth of this home you’d built. Not perfect, but full of love.

The banchan were already laid out: crisp kimchi that snapped lightly with each bite, seasoned bean sprouts glistening with sesame oil, and fluffy white rice steaming in its bowl. The rich, garlicky scent of marinated pork drifted from the oven, its sweet-salty glaze of soy sauce caramelizing to a glossy sheen. The entire apartment felt wrapped in comfort.

A sudden knock, sharp and eager, rattled the door. It was all the warning Han needed. He tore through the room, feet pattering wildly across the wood floors, his voice a shrill squeal of joy.

“APPA!” he shouted, practically vibrating as he skidded to a stop.

Your heart skipped—whether from Han’s excitement or your own nervous flutter, you couldn’t tell. Calm down, you told yourself, smoothing your hands down your sweater. This wasn’t a date. It was dinner.

Still, when you opened the door and saw him—really saw him—you felt like someone had knocked the wind out of your lungs.

Yoongi stood there dressed simply but devastatingly well: a crisp white button-down that skimmed the sharp lines of his shoulders, sleeves casually rolled to his forearms. Dark jeans hugged his legs just right, worn at the knees in a way that made him look effortlessly cool. His black hair was slightly styled, pushed back from his forehead, a few pieces falling rebelliously into his eyes. And those eyes—deep, dark, and warm—met yours with a quiet familiarity that pulled something taut inside you.

“Hey,” he said softly, voice like a slow glide of velvet.

You cleared your throat, trying to hide how your pulse leapt. “Hey. Come in.”

As he stepped past you, his cologne curled around your senses—clean, woodsy, and subtle. Something that smelled like skin warmed by sun and just a hint of spice. Your breath caught for half a second as the scent lingered between you.

Han grabbed Yoongi’s hand before the door had even closed.

“Appa, Appa! Come play in my room! I wanna show you my new cars, the green one zoomed so fast, you won’t believe it!”

Yoongi chuckled, a deep, warm sound from his chest. He ruffled Han’s hair with one hand, his other still clutching the boy’s fingers.

“Of course, buddy. But we’ve got to listen to Eomma—when she calls us for dinner, we come, okay?”

Han nodded with cartoonish enthusiasm. “Okay, let’s go!” And just like that, he tugged Yoongi down the hallway, already rambling about engines and race tracks.

You shook your head with a fond smile, watching them disappear. The soft sound of Yoongi’s low laughter trailed down the hall as you turned back to the table, laying out utensils with slightly trembling hands.

When you finally called them to the table, Han came barreling out, and Yoongi followed at a more leisurely pace, that same amused smile tugging at his lips. He moved with a kind of grounded calm—shoulders relaxed, movements fluid, always slightly slower than the world around him.

You gestured to the seat across from you, and he sat, carefully, like someone easing into unfamiliar territory. His long fingers rested loosely on the table’s edge, thumb brushing against the grain.

“I hope you still like dwaeji bulgogi,” you said, placing a generous helping of the glistening pork on his plate.

Yoongi’s lips twitched into a smile, eyes crinkling slightly. “You know I do.”

You offered a smile of your own, then handed him the rice bowl. “I figured I’d cook something you taught me how to make.”

That made him pause. His dark eyes flicked up, catching yours for a long second. Something unreadable—nostalgia, maybe, or something heavier—glinted there. But he didn’t speak it aloud. Instead, he reached for the bean sprouts, and his hand brushed yours. Just a graze. A whisper of skin. But it set your nerves buzzing like struck wires.

Your eyes met. And for the briefest second, the air between you tightened, a quiet electricity humming in the space that hadn’t existed here in years.

“Eomma makes the best food, right, Appa?” Han said suddenly, his cheeks puffed out with rice.

Yoongi broke the stare first, chuckling softly. “She really does.”

You swallowed, the air still thick around you.

Dinner went on like that. The food, the laughter, Han’s endless chatter. But beneath it all, those touches kept happening. Small. Fleeting. The brush of his fingers passing you the kimchi. The nudge of his knee under the table. The way he watched you when he thought you weren’t looking.

By the time dinner ended, you were flushed, your heart refusing to calm.

As you cleared the table, Yoongi leaned back in his chair, arms crossed loosely, watching you with that quiet attentiveness he always had. His voice, when he spoke, was warm, unassuming.

“Want me to help you clean up?”

You shook your head, waving him off. “No, you’re a guest. Don’t worry about it.”

He let out a dramatic yaa, rising to his feet, and made his way toward you, leaning against the counter like it was second nature.

“Ouch. A guest? Is that all I am?” He raised an eyebrow, his tone teasing, but the smile tugging at his lips was boyish, charming.

You paused, mortified, glancing at him with wide eyes. “You know that’s not what I meant, you jerk.”

His laugh was low, honeyed and rich, and without thinking, your hand dipped into the sink, scooping up a handful of soapy bubbles. In a flash, you flicked them at him, white foam landing squarely on his perfect white shirt.

Yoongi’s eyes widened. He stared down at the soap on his chest, then looked at you like you’d just declared war.

“Oh, you are so in for it,” he said, mock-serious, already dipping his fingers into the sink.

“Yoongi, don’t—!”

Too late. He flicked water in your direction, smirking as you tried to dodge. Bubbles flew, giggles spilled from both of you like you were kids again, caught in the sheer joy of play.

At some point, you lunged forward, towel in hand, intending to retaliate. But instead, you collided with him—your bodies pressing close. His hands landed at your waist to steady you, warm and strong through the fabric of your shirt. Your fingers curled instinctively around his wrist.

You froze. And so did he.

You were chest-to-chest, breaths mingling, hearts pounding. The warmth of his skin seeped through the layers between you, the scent of his cologne so close now it was dizzying. Yoongi’s eyes searched yours, the humor draining into something quieter, something heavier. His gaze dropped briefly to your lips, then returned to your eyes.

For a heartbeat, neither of you moved.

“Eomma! Appa! Are you okay?”

Han’s voice was a lightning bolt, jolting you both back to your senses.

You stepped back quickly, cheeks flushed, brushing stray bubbles from your arm. Yoongi’s hands slipped away, and he cleared his throat, trying to look unbothered, though that mischievous smile still tugged at his lips.

“Yeah, we’re okay Han,” he called out, loud enough for Han to hear, “Eomma just decided to splash me with dishwater for no reason at all!”

You scoffed, glaring at him. “No reason? You started it!”

“Slander,” he said, grinning.

Han appeared a moment later, clutching his stuffed bunny and looking very serious. “You have to say sorry, Eomma.”

You sighed. “Okay, okay. Sorry, Appa.”

“Can we have dessert now?” Han asked, voice hopeful.

Yoongi chuckled, ruffling his hair. “I think that’s fair.”

You turned back toward the kitchen, and as you reached for the dishes, Yoongi’s voice dropped low behind you.

“Nice apology… Eomma.”

You turned just enough to see that familiar spark in his eyes—and with no hesitation, flicked another bubble at him.

“Oops.”

Yoongi’s narrowed gaze told you this wasn’t over.

Dessert was simple but sweet—dairy-free ice cream with strawberries for Han, while you and Yoongi had regular ice cream topped with fresh fruit. Han happily dug into his bowl, swinging his legs under the table as he hummed in delight at the treat.

After cleaning up, the three of you settled into the living room, Han immediately climbing into Yoongi’s lap as you put on a Disney movie. The room was warm, filled with the soft glow of the TV and the rhythmic sound of Han’s little breaths as he started to relax against Yoongi.

Halfway through the movie, Han’s sleepy voice broke the comfortable silence.

“Appa, can you stay the night?”

Yoongi’s body stiffened just slightly. You felt it before you saw it—the way his fingers tensed against Han’s back, the way his jaw tightened just a fraction before he schooled his features into something softer.

He smoothed a hand over Han’s hair, choosing his words carefully. “Han, son… not this time, okay? Appa has an early morning tomorrow, a really big day.”

Han blinked up at him, sleepy but sharp, studying Yoongi’s face as if trying to decide whether or not to believe him. You held your breath, unsure how he’d react.

Finally, after a long pause, Han let out a tiny, resigned sigh and burrowed further into Yoongi’s chest. “Okay,” he mumbled, eyes already fluttering shut.

Yoongi let out a breath of relief, his hand still rubbing slow, soothing circles over Han’s back. He glanced at you briefly, something unreadable in his gaze.

You offered him a small smile, knowing this was something that would take time—Han’s little heart was so eager, so full of love, but this wasn’t a wound that could be healed overnight, but was healing slowly.

Han’s little snores filled the quiet space, soft and steady, a reminder of how completely at peace he was in his sleep. You watched his tiny chest rise and fall, his hand clutching his well-loved bunny, and you felt the familiar warmth of love and protectiveness bloom in your chest.

Gently, you reached out and tapped Yoongi’s shoulder to get his attention. He turned to you, and you nodded toward Han before gesturing for him to follow. Together, the two of you carefully maneuvered Han into his room, mindful not to wake him as you laid him down and tucked the blankets around him.

Standing in the doorway, both of you lingered, watching the way Han snuggled deeper into his blankets, his bunny still firmly held against his cheek. The sight made you smile, but there was also something bittersweet about it.

“I’m sorry about that, Yoon,” you murmured, breaking the silence.

Yoongi shook his head, his voice soft but certain. “It’s okay. I really do have an early day tomorrow. You know… he snores like you.”

Your lips quirked up at the corner, amused. “Yeah? About the only thing he got from me, though.”

Yoongi hummed, his gaze lingering on Han before flickering back to you. “I don’t know… he has your eye color.”

You turned to meet his gaze and found something in his expression that you couldn’t quite place—soft, searching, something close to nostalgia. It made your breath catch for just a moment.

Instead of answering, you simply smiled, letting the moment settle between you. Then, with quiet steps, you walked Yoongi to the door, the air between you charged but gentle.

“Good night, Yoon,” you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper. “Drive safe home”

Yoongi hesitated, his fingers brushing yours for just a fleeting second before he pulled away. “Good night, y/n”

taglist: @busanbby-jjk @jajabro @kam9404 @yoongiiuu93 @julseka07 @tea4sykes @marihoneywk @maryhopemei @sanarin @misschelliejeon @boraluv @wobblewobble822 @amarawayne @hyuninslutbbgirl @Granataepfelchen @mar-lo-pap @enfppuff @senaqsstuff @vainkiss @rinkud @lanyia

[whetstonefires]

You know I'm realizing one reason you keep seeing mdzs modern AUs where the Jiang parents are alive mainly so they can dramatically fail and betray Wei Wuxian by cutting him off financially--defaulting on his college tuition or formally disowning him etc--isn't just that people want to translate the Burial Mounds II arc into modern terms while keeping Jiang Cheng clean of it.

(Despite the fact that the internal logic of Jiang Cheng's character is largely built around him being a person who would abandon someone he intensely cared about under these specific circumstances.)

It's because it's hard to set up a modern analogue for the way that Jiang Cheng is responsible for Wei Wuxian, as his Sect Leader.

We live in a highly individualistic society. People are trying to write Wei Wuxian Tragically Wronged, and because there's a normative expectation that people in the position of parents will provide you with resources, and certainly won't withdraw them without warning, but no such assumption that people in the position of siblings necessarily owe each other support, making this work in modern setting with Jiang Cheng in his canon role would require a lot of extra work, just to get a less readily resonant result.

But I keep thinking about it. Because something that's getting lost here is, not just the nuances of character and relationship, but like...it's sort of key to the story that cutting Wei Wuxian off was, in fact, Completely Socially Appropriate.

The level on which it was a betrayal is subtle, and deeply cutting. And intensely tied up in the very different opinions each of Jiang Cheng's parents had about what obligations existed in their family wrt Wei Wuxian, and what these meant.

The level on which it was the obvious, normal course of action is blatant. That is to a huge extent why it happens: because Jiang Cheng's instinct to conform is a survival instinct, reinforced by trauma, and Wei Wuxian's choices meant he had no coherently compelling reason not to obey it, and enormous peer pressure to do so.

The fact is that Jiang Cheng was making a reasonable choice, the actual thing 'anyone would do in that situation,' unlike Wei Wuxian and Jin Guangyao's respective wildly warped ideas about what that is.

Wei Wuxian wasn't betrayed by Jiang Sect like your foster parents cutting you off because you're disobedient. Wei Wuxian was betrayed by Jiang Sect like your brother refusing to drop fifty grand to bail you out of jail.

Of course Wei Wuxian tells him not to. And of course the fact that Jiang Cheng already chose in the moment not to pay a cent because Fuck You Wei Ying still stands there glaring, a precedent that can never be taken back.

And then later he's betrayed by Jiang Cheng like your brother cooperating with a police investigation into a manslaughter you really did commit, that's being handled like domestic terrorism. And then like your brother calling the cops on you. And then like your brother helping the cops find where you're hiding.

I'm personally fascinated by the way Jiang Cheng's lifelong resentment for the way Jiang Fengmian reliably bailed Wei Wuxian out of everything informed those decisions to do the normal thing, the way he's reacting against his dead father as well as against Wei Wuxian and the actual situation.

But even without that daddy issues angle, the fact that the person who made that choice was Jiang Cheng, and that it was simultaneously the reasonable appropriate normal upstanding citizen rational thing to do and so shitty Wei Wuxian would be entitled never to forgive it is sort of. The Point.

Of the scenario, and also to a considerable degree of the entire finely tuned narrative construct that is Jiang Cheng.

[luanna801]

Funnily enough, Jin Guangyao's "Even if he hadn't been murdered, A-Song still had to die" line is actually a significant part of what makes me think he didn't kill him. Because if we assume he's lying through his teeth and totally did murder his son, and he's just saying whatever lie will calm Qin Su down and put her off being suspicious of him... why even admit that much? Why not keep pushing back as hard as he can against the accusation, double down on "Of course I would never have hurt him, I never even considered such a thing, he was my son and an innocent child and I loved him, how dare you even suggest otherwise"?

It just seems like a really weird and counterintuitive move, if he's trying to falsely convince Qin Su he had nothing to do with this, to go the "I didn't do it, but if I'd done it, how could you tell me that I was wrong" route.

(More thoughts under the cut.)

It's not totally out of the realm of possibility - I know of real-life murderers who said roughly comparable things about their victims (see, for example, this infamous statement from historical murderer Richard Loeb, who looked a reporter dead in the eye and said "Yeah, actually, that kid is exactly the victim I'd pick if I was going to murder someone" about the kid he did in fact very much murder). But I don't really think it fits Jin Guangyao's MO - he's not an arrogant braggart seeing how much he can get away with, he's someone who's incredibly careful and doesn't just go blurting out incriminating things about himself.

I guess he could be hoping that if he convinces Qin Su it was ~totally all for the best, actually~ she'll just drop the whole line of accusation and stop feeling like she needs to dig into this any further. But again, that doesn't really seem like his strongest argument if he's just going to lie here anyway. Despite how upset and horrified she is here, he still has fifteen-odd years of her knowing him as a kind, seemingly? decent person working in his favor. I don't think that view of him would have entirely evaporated in an instant (although it's clearly severely shaken by the things she's learned).

So I think if he'd stuck to insisting he was horrified at the very thought and outraged she'd accuse him of such a thing, she might well have backed down and possibly even apologized for thinking he'd go that far. By contrast, him acknowledging that he did think Jin Rusong needed to die, even if he simultaneously claims not to have actually killed him, is just likely to make her feel like she's on the right track by suspecting him and he's probably just trying to downplay his culpability.

It's also true that it's a very emotional conversation that he does not handle well in a lot of ways, so like. He could be lying but just doing it in a really dumb way because he's panicking. But everything else he says in that part of the conversation (about being grateful to her for accepting his background, wanting to lie to her so she'd be shielded from knowing the awful truth, etc. etc.) seems to be an attempt at actual honesty, however warped and incredibly mishandled that attempt is.

And I think it makes the most sense to me that the "A-Song had to die" line is more of the same. He's genuinely trying to explain his perspective to her and get her to understand how he's constructed this in his mind, not getting that this is only going to understandably horrify her even more. And that is very much a thing you see in his confrontations with other characters, for all his ability to lie - he's just as likely to respond to accusations with at least some form of how he genuinely justifies things in his mind, even when it's something the other person is not remotely inclined to accept and ends up backfiring spectacularly (see for example also his confrontations with Nie Mingjue).

So to me, that's the reason that makes by far the most sense for why he'd say this. If he was going to lie, it would make more sense to claim total innocence and deny that such a thing had ever so much as crossed his mind. It's only if he's actually trying to be honest, in his very messed-up way, that saying he thinks this death was inevitable and maybe even for the best makes sense as a thing he'd willingly admit in that moment.

[drzootsuit]

Been watching through Samurai Champloo recently and man this shit slaps.

What if there were two warriors of equal skill but differing principles who were color coded red and blue and who constantly came into conflict because of their differing temperaments and views, with one being a cold stoic and the other a hot-blooded wildman... and then both of them, in time around each other and with the audience, reveal themselves to be more, with the stoic revealing himself to be deeper and more emotionally vulnerable than he wishes to be, and the wildman revealing himself to be detached in his own ways, both reflecting the emotional landscape of what it means to be a dedicated warrior and how such a life weighs on the soul. I also really like the structure of the stories. Most episodes deal with some kind of injustice, be it xenophobia, human trafficking, abuse of government power, lack of divorce, or what have you, which I feel like is meant to make a particular point about the ways modern societies are constructed. The show is intentionally anachronistic in small places, and while one could see it as being stylistic, I view it as a way of saying "here is the past. Historical period Edo japan. Here is all of the injustice, both personal and governmental, that this era labored under in a burden of hypocrisy where the continuing modernization of the formal systems and life sits in relief to antiquated forms of violence and control. How does that differ from our modern world?" A world where, at the end of things, violence is still the root of all social control. Where injustice of the sort we picture romantic knights and samurai as fighting still exists. Every story the show has, of whores and bureaucrats and artists and criminals and tourists and blowhards and stoics and wildmen... all of those people still exist today. The same stories play out. You could move Jin and Mugen to the modern world, put them in some Pulp Fiction suits, and they wouldn't need a single adjustment to their personalities to work. The incredible hip-hop soundtrack that underscores the show makes this point too, I think. It takes a highly modern sound and says "this is the sound of this story. this is not a disconnected period drama where this injustice is a maudlin thing to click our tongues at as advanced space people. this is the sound of our modern streets, and the sound of the Samurai. Your world and theirs are the same." Anyway I think Jin and Mugen should fight until they're half dead and then kiss passionately with tongue and then refuse to ever acknowledge it if asked.

[bratzkoo]

into you | kim seokjin pt. 2

Author: bratzkoo | navi Banner made by: @shadowkoo Pairing: actor! seokjin x journalist! reader Word Count: 4.5k~ Genre: fluff, more fluff, angst, more angst Rating: PG-15 Possible Warnings/Note: enemies to lovers seokjin is *chef's kiss*

Summary: Kim Seokjin finds himself entangled in a complex web of emotions when he meets the journalist covering his new series, challenging everything he is.

taglist (hit me up if you wanna be added): @aretha170 , @jinniegenie , @mooniyooni .@we8joon​ , @njrwifey​, @woncheecks, @armycarat2612

requests are open, but you can just say hi! | bts masterlist

Jin was staring at his reflection in his trailer's mirror, adjusting his cravat for what had to be the fifteenth time that morning. The period costume was immaculate – it had been for the past hour – but he couldn't seem to stop fidgeting with it.

"If you keep fussing with that tie, you're going to wrinkle it," Kyrie observed from her spot on his trailer's sofa, not bothering to hide her amusement.

"It's a cravat," Jin corrected automatically, hands finally dropping from the fabric. "And I'm not fussing. I'm ensuring historical accuracy."

"Mhmm." Kyrie's tone was knowing. "And I suppose that has nothing to do with a certain journalist starting her behind-the-scenes coverage today?"

The tips of Jin's ears turned pink, a telltale sign that Kyrie had hit the mark. He chose to ignore her, instead pulling out his phone to check the time. And if he happened to glance at the saved tab of Y/N's article about him – well, that was purely for professional reference.

A knock at the trailer door made him nearly drop his phone. "Mr. Kim? Y/N from Spotlight has arrived."

Jin's heart did a complicated little flip that he steadfastly ignored. "Coming," he called out, shooting one last glance at his reflection.

"Just remember," Kyrie said, her teasing tone shifting to something more serious, "we have a lot riding on this show."

The unspoken reminder of their complicated situation hung in the air. Jin nodded, squaring his shoulders. He was an actor. He could handle this.

That confidence lasted approximately three seconds after stepping out of his trailer, because Y/N standing in the morning sunlight was somehow even more devastating than he'd prepared for. She was dressed professionally in tailored slacks and a blouse, her hair pulled back in a neat bun – though a few stubborn strands had already escaped to frame her face. Jin's fingers itched with the inexplicable urge to tuck them behind her ear.

"Mr. Kim," she greeted, her tone perfectly professional. The same tone that had dissected his career in her article, seeing through his carefully constructed image with unnerving accuracy.

"Ms. Y/N." He managed to keep his voice steady. "Welcome to the 19th century."

Something flickered in her eyes – amusement? skepticism? – before she checked her notebook. "Shall we begin with the scheduled interview?"

And so began what Jin would later refer to as his own personal form of torture. Because Y/N, it turned out, was even more perceptive in person than in print. She had this way of looking at him when he gave one of his practiced answers, one eyebrow slightly raised as if to say 'really? that's what you're going with?'

It was infuriating. It was fascinating. It was definitely not making his heart race.

"You still haven't answered how you're approaching Lord Hawthorne's emotional complexity," she pressed during their third interview session. "Your previous roles have been quite different."

Jin resisted the urge to loosen his cravat. The period costume suddenly felt stifling under her direct gaze. "Every role requires finding the character's truth," he replied smoothly, falling back on his media training.

"That sounds rehearsed," Y/N said bluntly.

The honesty caught him off guard, making him forget his carefully crafted persona for a moment. He looked at her – really looked at her – and found genuine interest beneath her professional exterior. She wasn't trying to trip him up or catch him in a scandal. She actually wanted to understand.

It was terrifying.

"Perhaps we should move on to discussing the costume department?" he suggested instead of admitting how much her observation had affected him.

Later, during a break in filming, Jin found himself drawn to the library set where Y/N was examining the book collection. She was so absorbed in a leather-bound volume that she didn't notice his approach.

"Jane Eyre?" he asked, recognizing the edition in her hands.

Y/N startled slightly, nearly dropping the book. "You know it?"

"Rochester's a bit of an ass, if you ask me," Jin said before he could stop himself. "The whole 'hiding my wife in the attic' thing? Major red flag."

The laugh that escaped Y/N was bright and unguarded, so different from her usual professional demeanor that it made Jin's chest tight. He wanted to hear that laugh again. Wanted to be the cause of it.

The thought sent a jolt of panic through him.

- The ballroom scene that afternoon proved to be Jin's undoing. Every time he turned Kyrie in their practiced dance steps, his eyes would involuntarily find Y/N in the corner. She was taking notes, but her body swayed subtly to the period music, an unconscious movement that made her seem softer somehow, more approachable.

"That's the third time you've missed your cue," Kyrie murmured during their fifth take, quiet enough that only Jin could hear.

"Sorry," he muttered, forcing his attention back to the choreography.

"You're not exactly being subtle, you know."

Jin's step faltered slightly. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Cut!" the director called out, frustration evident in his voice. "Jin, can we talk for a moment?"

As Jin made his way over to the director, he caught Y/N hastily scribbling something in her notebook. Probably noting his repeated mistakes. Great. Just what he needed – more ammunition for her to see through his professional facade.

The afternoon dragged on, each scene requiring multiple takes. Not because of any particular difficulty with the choreography, but because Jin's focus kept betraying him. He'd catch a glimpse of Y/N biting her lip in concentration, or tucking those stubborn loose strands behind her ear, and suddenly his carefully maintained Regency manners would slip.

His phone buzzed in his pocket during a break:

Jungkook: "Saw the behind-the-scenes photos the crew's been sharing. Subtle as a brick, hyung 😏"

Jin groaned internally, shoving his phone back into his pocket. Was he really being that obvious?

"Here."

He looked up to find Y/N holding out a cup of coffee – his exact order from the cafe cart that had been set up for the crew.

"You seemed like you could use it," she explained, a hint of uncertainty in her voice.

Jin took the cup, trying to ignore how his fingers tingled where they brushed against hers. "How did you know my coffee order?"

A faint blush colored Y/N's cheeks. "I'm observant. It's part of my job."

"Right. Your job." The words tasted bitter in his mouth, a reminder of why he needed to maintain his distance.

Y/N lingered for a moment, as if wanting to say more. The late afternoon sun streaming through the set windows caught her face just so, making her eyes seem impossibly bright. Jin found himself holding his breath, caught in the moment.

"Y/N! Got a minute?" One of the crew members called out, breaking the spell.

"I should..." Y/N gestured vaguely in the crew member's direction.

"Right, yes. Of course." Jin straightened, rebuilding his walls. "Thank you for the coffee."

He watched her walk away, the coffee warming his hands but doing nothing for the cold knot in his chest.

"You know," Kyrie said, appearing beside him with her uncanny timing, "for someone who's supposed to be keeping his distance, you're doing a spectacularly bad job."

"Not now, Kyrie."

"I'm just saying." She leaned against the wall next to him. "Maybe if you told her the truth—"

"The truth?" Jin let out a hollow laugh. "Which truth would that be? That I'm involved in covering your secret relationship with Jungkook? That I'm supposed to be focusing on maintaining our public image but instead I can't stop thinking about—" He cut himself off, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

"About her?" Kyrie finished softly.

Jin's silence was answer enough.

Later that evening, after most of the crew had left, Jin found himself lingering in his trailer. Through the window, he could see Y/N in her temporary office, illuminated by her laptop screen as she worked on her article. She looked tired, but determined, occasionally pausing to reference her notes or check something on her phone.

His own phone buzzed with a series of messages:

Kyrie: "Stop brooding and go home."

Jungkook: "Everything okay? Kyrie says you're being extra moody today."

Kyrie: "He's not moody, he's pining."

Jungkook: "Ah. The journalist again?"

Kyrie: "You should see him when she's around. It's actually kind of adorable."

Jin: "I can see these messages. This is a group chat."

Jungkook: "We know 😉"

Jin was about to type out a retort when movement caught his eye. Y/N was packing up her things, but seemed to be struggling with her laptop bag. Before he could think better of it, he was out of his trailer and halfway to her office.

"Let me help," he offered, reaching for the bag just as she turned around.

They ended up unnecessarily close, the bag trapped between them. Jin could smell her perfume – something light and floral that made his head spin.

"Oh! Mr. Kim—"

"Jin," he corrected automatically, then immediately regretted it. First names were dangerous territory.

"Jin," she repeated softly, and god, he was not prepared for how his name would sound in her voice. "I... actually wanted to ask you something."

His heart rate picked up. "Oh?"

"Yesterday, in the costume department... that phone call seemed intense." She hesitated, studying his reaction. "Is everything okay?"

The genuine concern in her voice made his chest ache. For a moment – one dangerous, tempting moment – he considered telling her everything. About the pressure of maintaining appearances, about the complicated relationship he shared with Kyrie and Jungkook, about how her presence was simultaneously the best and most terrifying thing to happen to him in years.

Instead, he took a careful step back. "Everything's fine. Just business." His voice came out colder than intended.

The hurt that flashed across Y/N's face felt like a physical blow. "Right. Of course. Well, good night... Mr. Kim."

The return to formality stung, but isn't this what he wanted? What he needed?

Back in his apartment that night, Jin lay awake staring at his phone. Y/N's contact information glowed on the screen – obtained for "professional purposes" only. His thumb hovered over the message field.

He wanted to apologize for being cold.

He wanted to ask what she thought of Jane Eyre.

He wanted to tell her that her coffee order was one sugar, no cream.

He wanted...

A text from Jungkook interrupted his thoughts: "Meeting tomorrow about the album rollout. Also, hyung? She looks at you too."

Jin pressed his face into his pillow with a groan. He was so, so screwed.

- The next few days on set became an elaborate dance of avoidance and inevitable collision. Every time Jin tried to maintain his professional distance, he'd find himself gravitating towards Y/N like she had her own magnetic field. And she wasn't making it any easier – not with the way she'd watch him during scenes with those analytical eyes that seemed to see right through him.

"You're doing it again," Kyrie whispered during another take of their ballroom scene.

"What?" Jin muttered, trying to focus on the steps.

"Looking at her like she's the only person in the room."

Jin nearly missed his next turn. "I am not—"

"Cut!" The director's voice rang out. "Jin, what's going on? You nailed this scene yesterday."

From her corner, Y/N glanced up from her notebook, her expression unreadable. Jin caught her eye for a brief moment before she quickly looked away, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. The simple reaction sent his heart into overdrive.

"Sorry," he called out to the director. "Let's go again."

During their break, Jin overheard two crew members talking:

"Have you noticed how the journalist looks at him when she thinks no one's watching?"

"Please, have you seen how he looks at her? The sexual tension is insane."

Jin's hand tightened around his coffee cup. He shouldn't care about their gossip. He shouldn't feel this flutter in his stomach at the thought of Y/N watching him. He definitely shouldn't want to know exactly how she looks at him when he's not looking back.

His phone buzzed:

Jungkook: "The album's almost ready. We need to be extra careful now." Kyrie: "Jin's a bit distracted lately..." Jungkook: "I noticed. The photos from set are... telling." Jin: "Can we focus on the actual issue here?" Kyrie: "Your crushing on the journalist IS an issue, babe." Jin: "I'm not crushing on anyone." Jungkook: "Sure, hyung. And I'm not the most successful soloist of the year 😏"

Jin shoved his phone away in frustration, only to look up and find Y/N approaching his spot by the refreshment table. She hesitated a few feet away, and he could see her mentally debating whether to continue forward or retreat.

"Ms. Y/N," he acknowledged, hating how formal it sounded.

"I was wondering if we could discuss the emotional progression of your character," she said, all professional despite the uncertainty in her eyes. "For the article."

Always for the article. The reminder was like a bucket of cold water.

"Of course," Jin replied, gesturing to a quiet corner of the set. As they walked, he noticed she kept a careful distance between them, as if afraid to get too close. He tried to ignore how much that hurt.

"Your scene today," she began, consulting her notes. "It seemed... different from yesterday's take."

"Different how?" He knew exactly how, but he wanted – needed – to hear her perspective.

Y/N bit her lip, a habit Jin had noticed she had when choosing her words carefully. "Less... controlled. More authentic, maybe? Like you were letting real emotions bleed through."

The accuracy of her observation made him want to laugh. Or cry. Or maybe both.

"Method acting," he deflected, offering his media-ready smile.

Y/N's eyes narrowed slightly. "You don't do method acting. You said so yourself in your interview with Vogue last month."

Of course she'd remember that. Of course she'd done her research. Of course she'd see right through his excuse.

"People change," he said weakly.

"Do they?" Her voice was soft, almost vulnerable. For a moment, neither of them was talking about acting anymore.

The air between them felt charged, heavy with unspoken words and carefully maintained boundaries threatening to crumble. Jin found himself leaning forward slightly, drawn in by the question in her eyes.

"Y/N..." His voice came out rougher than intended.

Her phone rang, shattering the moment. It was her editor, Yannie, requiring her immediate attention. Y/N practically fled, leaving Jin standing there with all the words he couldn't say stuck in his throat.

"That was painful to watch," Kyrie commented, appearing beside him with a sympathetic expression.

"Don't," Jin warned.

"You know, this would all be simpler if you just—"

"Nothing about this is simple," he cut her off. "Nothing about us – about any of this – is simple."

Kyrie's expression softened. "Maybe that's okay. Maybe it doesn't have to be simple to be right."

Before Jin could respond, a commotion near the costume department caught their attention. Someone had dropped a box of accessories, sending period-appropriate jewelry scattering across the floor. Without thinking, Jin moved to help, only to find himself reaching for the same necklace as Y/N.

Their hands brushed, sending electricity up his arm. Y/N jerked back as if burned, the necklace falling between them.

"Sorry," they both said simultaneously.

Behind them, someone cleared their throat. Jin turned to find one of the crew members holding up their phone, having clearly captured the moment on camera.

"Just for the behind-the-scenes documentation," they said with a knowing smile.

Jin felt the blood drain from his face. Y/N was already backing away, her professional mask firmly in place but her eyes betraying her panic.

His phone buzzed again:

Jungkook: "We might have a problem. Some photos are circulating..."

Jin looked at Y/N's retreating form, then at the message from Jungkook, then at Kyrie's concerned face. Everything was spinning out of control, and he had no idea how to stop it.

-

The headlines that morning were particularly nauseating:

"BRIDGERTON'S GOLDEN COUPLE: JIN AND KYRIE'S CHEMISTRY SIZZLES ON AND OFF SCREEN" "FROM PAGE TO PASSION: ARE JIN AND KYRIE BRINGING ROMANCE TO LIFE?" "COSTARS TO LOVERS? INSIDE JIN AND KYRIE'S INTIMATE SCENES"

Jin scrolled through his phone with growing unease, hyper-aware of Y/N's presence across the set. She was interviewing one of the costume designers, but he caught her glancing at the entertainment news headlines on her laptop. Each time she looked his way, her expression would become carefully blank – a journalist's poker face that made his chest ache.

"We need to play this up more," his manager informed him during their morning meeting. "The publicity is perfect for the show. I want you and Kyrie to be seen having lunch together. Maybe take a walk in the park where paparazzi just happen to be."

Jin's jaw clenched. "More staged photos?"

"Whatever it takes. The networks love this narrative."

Meanwhile, Kyrie was dealing with her own storm of emotions. Jin watched as she checked her phone for what had to be the hundredth time that morning, no doubt looking for messages from Jungkook that she couldn't publicly acknowledge.

"He understands," she whispered to Jin between takes. "But it's still hard."

"I know," Jin replied, equally quiet. They both watched as Y/N made notes in her journal, probably documenting their apparent closeness for her article.

The irony wasn't lost on him – everyone watching them, thinking they were witnessing a romance blooming, while the real story was completely different. Kyrie's heart belonged to Jungkook, and Jin's... well, his kept betraying him every time Y/N walked into a room.

"Ready for the love scene?" the director called out.

Jin felt rather than saw Y/N's head snap up at those words. He desperately wanted to look her way, to explain somehow that this wasn't what she might think, but he couldn't. Instead, he took his position with Kyrie, both of them professionals playing their parts.

"Big smile," Kyrie muttered through her teeth as cameras flashed from the approved behind-the-scenes photographers. "We're madly in love, remember?"

Jin smiled on cue, all too aware of Y/N watching them with those perceptive eyes of hers. He wondered what she saw – did she buy into the publicity narrative? Or did she sense something off, the way she seemed to sense everything about him?

His phone vibrated in his pocket:

Jungkook: "The photos of you two are everywhere. You're trending again." Kyrie: "I miss you." Jungkook: "Soon. Once the album drops..." Jin: "...This is the gc, little flirts"

But focusing became increasingly difficult as the day wore on. Every staged intimate moment with Kyrie felt like a betrayal – not just of Y/N, who kept her professional distance but couldn't quite hide the hurt in her eyes, but of the truth itself.

During their lunch break, which they were required to take together at a visible table, Kyrie sighed. "This is exhausting."

"Which part?" Jin asked, though he knew. All of it was exhausting – the pretense, the secrets, the careful dance of public perception.

"Jungkook saw the new photos," she said quietly. "The ones where we're 'gazing lovingly' at each other. He laughed it off, but..." She trailed off, staring at her untouched salad.

Jin understood. It was one thing to agree to this arrangement, another to watch the person you love being paired with someone else in the public eye.

"Y/N's watching us again," Kyrie noted, changing the subject. "She looks like she's trying to solve a puzzle."

"She's good at that," Jin muttered. "Too good."

"Maybe that's not a bad thing?" Kyrie suggested carefully. "If she figures it out—"

"She can't," Jin cut her off, even as his heart protested. "There's too much at stake. Your career, Jungkook's album launch, the show..."

"Your feelings for her?"

Jin didn't answer, but his silence spoke volumes.

Later, during a scene break, Jin overheard Y/N interviewing Kyrie:

"Your chemistry with Jin seems very natural," Y/N said, her professional tone perfectly maintained despite the slight tension in her shoulders.

"Oh, you know how it is," Kyrie replied with a practiced laugh. "When you spend so much time with someone..." She let the implication hang in the air, playing her part perfectly.

Jin wanted to scream. Wanted to tell Y/N that none of it was real, that the person Kyrie's heart raced for was currently in a recording studio across town, that his own heart was currently doing somersaults just watching Y/N tuck her hair behind her ear as she took notes.

Instead, he walked over and placed a gentle hand on Kyrie's shoulder, just as they'd been instructed to do whenever cameras were around. "Ready for the next scene?"

He felt Y/N's eyes on them, saw the way she pressed her pen a little too hard against her notebook. The urge to explain himself was overwhelming.

His phone buzzed again:

Jungkook: "The album teaser drops next week. Everything has to be perfect until then." Kyrie: "I hate this." Jin: "Just a little longer. We can do this."

But looking at Y/N's carefully composed expression as she watched them play their parts, Jin wasn't so sure he could.

-

The next morning brought fresh hell in the form of a gossip column featuring candid shots from the garden scene. The photos were artfully arranged to tell a story of blooming romance between costars, complete with "inside source" quotes about Jin and Kyrie's off-screen chemistry.

Jin found Y/N in her makeshift office, the article prominently displayed on her laptop screen. She quickly switched tabs when she noticed him, but not before he caught sight of her browser history – she'd been researching his previous projects, interviews where he'd talked about dating, articles about method acting and on-screen chemistry.

"Good morning," she said, her voice carefully neutral. Professional. Distant.

"The articles are exaggerated," he blurted out before he could stop himself.

Y/N's eyebrows rose slightly. "I wasn't aware you owed me any explanations, Mr. Kim."

The formal address felt like a slap. "I don't," he agreed, hating how everything he said came out wrong. "I just..."

"Places, everyone!" The director's voice saved him from fumbling further. "Jin, we need you in costume!"

He lingered for a moment too long, watching Y/N return to her laptop, her shoulders tense. His phone buzzed:

Jungkook: "Music video filming starts next week. Everything needs to stay under wraps until then." Kyrie: "Just saw the gossip columns. 🙄 You okay?" Jin: "Define okay." Kyrie: "That bad, huh?"

The morning's scene was particularly challenging – a quiet moment between his character and Kyrie's, full of loaded glances and unspoken feelings. The irony wasn't lost on him that while everyone thought they were watching two actors falling in love, they were actually watching two friends trying to protect someone else's romance while his own heart was being pulled in a completely different direction.

"Cut!" The director called out. "Jin, you're supposed to be looking at Kyrie like she's your whole world, not glancing off-camera every five seconds!"

Jin's ears burned, knowing exactly who he'd been unconsciously looking for. Y/N was studiously taking notes, but he caught the slight flush on her cheeks. She'd noticed too.

During their break, Kyrie cornered him behind a set piece. "This is getting messier by the minute," she muttered.

"I'm handling it," Jin insisted.

"Are you? Because from where I'm standing, you're about five minutes away from either kissing that journalist or having a complete breakdown."

"I'm not—" Jin started to protest, but Kyrie cut him off.

"You literally brought her coffee this morning. Her exact order. And yesterday you snapped at a crew member for interrupting her interview. And don't even get me started on how you keep finding excuses to walk past her office."

"...Is it that obvious?"

"Only to everyone with eyes." Kyrie's expression softened. "Look, I get it. Trust me, I understand complicated feelings. But we need to be careful right now. Jungkook's album—"

"I know," Jin cut in. "I know, okay? The album, the show, our careers. I know what's at stake."

"Do you? Because every time she looks at you with those big questioning eyes of hers, you look about ready to spill every secret we have."

Before Jin could respond, they heard voices approaching:

"—just think there might be more to the story," Y/N was saying.

"Like what?" Another journalist's voice. "It's obvious they're together. The chemistry—"

"Seems practiced," Y/N cut in. "Almost... choreographed."

Jin's heart stopped. Beside him, Kyrie tensed.

"You're too cynical," the other journalist laughed. "Next you'll tell me you think it's all for publicity."

"I just think..." Y/N paused, and Jin could picture her biting her lip the way she did when choosing her words carefully. "I think there are layers here we're not seeing."

The voices faded as they passed, but the damage was done. She was getting too close to the truth.

Later that afternoon, following their manager's instructions, Jin and Kyrie had to do a "candid" walk through the set's garden, knowing photographers were stationed nearby. As they strolled, arm in arm, Jin caught sight of Y/N watching from her office window. Her expression was carefully blank, but he saw her hand tighten around her pen until her knuckles turned white.

"She's hurting," Kyrie whispered.

"So am I," Jin admitted quietly.

That evening, as most of the crew was packing up, Jin found himself drawn to Y/N's office again. She was alone, staring at her screen with unfocused eyes.

"The article's not going well?" he asked, trying for casual.

Y/N jumped slightly, then composed herself. "Actually, I'm looking at your old interviews. Trying to understand..."

"What?"

She turned to face him fully. "How someone so supposedly transparent in interviews can be hiding so much."

Jin felt the blood drain from his face. "I don't know what you—"

"Don't," she cut him off softly. "Please don't lie to me. Not again."

The plea in her voice undid him. For a moment, he wanted to tell her everything – about Jungkook and Kyrie's secret relationship, about the album collaboration, about how every staged romantic moment with Kyrie felt like a betrayal of not just the truth but of his growing feelings for Y/N.

Instead, he took a step back. "I should go."

"Jin," she called after him, dropping the formal address. He froze. "Whatever you're protecting... I hope it's worth all this."

He didn't turn around. Couldn't. If he looked at her now, he might break.

His phone buzzed one last time as he fled:Jungkook: "One more week. Just hold on for one more week." Kyrie: "We're losing him..." Jin: "I'm fine." Kyrie: "No, you're not. And neither is she."

[super-paper]

What was the point of Chapter 419 with AFO giving Tomura decay and being involved in his life since he was born, besides generating AFO is behind everything and Kotaro gay affair memes?

I still believe Hori could have pulled this off if he hadn't veered completely off course after 419 because a LOT of Tenko's (and AFO's) arc revolves around the concepts of "identity" and fantasy vs reality (Like, just scratching the surface: AFO attempting to escape from his reality through fantasy, Tenko angrily attempting to pull away the curtain of fantasy and expose the cruel reality of their world. AFO using "reality" as his source of power by claiming its victims for himself, Tenko using "fantasy" as his power by offering those same victims a dream and the promise of an "escape" from their painful reality. "Shigaraki Tomura" as the fictional construct that both AFO and Tenko are attempting to insert themselves into, for both different and similar reasons-- Tenko because he decides to embrace the fact that he killed his family and uses it as evidence that he was "born evil" and "wanted them to die" as a way of explaining his existence. AFO because he wants to escape from the reality that he murdered his brother, while also escaping from the reality of his origin as a helpless infant who no one would look at no matter how much he cried. Blah blah blah etc etc when I say u have to read AFO and Tenko's arcs as a set instead of getting angry at AFO for "inserting himself into Tenko's story," I really do mean it lmao).

Like, MVA aside, Chapter 115 in particular set the tone for Act 2 and HEAVILY foreshadowed what Tenko's arc would end up being about:

(lmao ya'll there is so much evidence in Act 2 that points to the idea that Hori really did want to write a deconstruction of your typical hero story. like, the framing of this panel with Jin angrily turning the TV off when they start talking about "focusing on the positives"????😭I get so sad when I think about the mha we coulda had)

(Side note: Jin was just so so so good as both a character and as a device meant to introduce the reader to MHA's concepts of identity + how a "hero/villain" identities are frequently used as crutches to stop a person from breaking apart under the weight of their trauma

..... which of course makes the fact that Hori rendered his death pointless in the end all the more upsetting :/)

(Pictured: AFO and Tenko fighting over the role of Shigaraki Tomura)

(this scene where Jin talks about the importance of knowing "who u really are" immediately transitions to a scene with AFO, btw. lmao)

((As an aside: 115 is another shining example of how Hori is definitely a competent writer, bc it manages to set up pretty much the entirety of Act 2 + its themes up in just 15-17 pages-- which is all the more reason why the extremely poor quality of MHA's conclusion is so hard to swallow. I definitely don't believe in blaming the editors/publishers alone for how things turned out, but all the same, I do think there was some executive meddling from behind the scenes bc of how rushed and disjointed the epilogue ended up being. It's not the quality we're used to, not by a long shot, and you can tell as much by reading pretty much any chapter before 423.)) /tangent over

ANYWAY. To me, it ways always pretty obvious that AFO was more or less grooming Tenko to be his perfect ~Demon Lord~ OC-- the idea of treating a real person like a fictional character is something I find pretty terrifying + it's something that further emphasizes MHA's metafiction elements, with Tenko being trapped in a role that was written for someone else. I feel that there was adequate build up to AFO being "the author" behind Shigaraki Tomura, specifically-- and it all seemed to be leading up to a point where Tenko would be encouraged to break free & finally take control of his own story ("I needed to hear those words" -> "Those guys (the villains) need a hero, too" -> "You CAN be a hero" "Uh, whoopsie??" 🥲🥲🥲)

Sadly it ends up amounting to nothing because..... Tenko isn't even allowed to fully process the implications of his birth/life and how this has influenced his actions/beliefs/"dream" before exploding, a core scene between him and Nana gets offscreened, and our MC never even bothers to react to the revelation that Tenko's life was scripted. It renders a HUGE part of Tenko's character arc almost completely pointless because we get no actual resolution/pay off for everything that was set up. Like, so much of the finale + epilogue just feels like Hori was going down a check list of plot points/parallels he wanted to include before putting MHA out of its misery, rather than building up to them naturally-- and it's just sad it had to end this way, bc, well. It didn't HAVE to end this way. Hori had all the ingredients necessary to make something truly wonderful, but he didn't use them.

[peachjagiya]

I think Jungkook re-signed with HYBE. His last Weverse post about ARMY holding the pen of his future and him knowing what he should do gave me a hunch. Jhope or Jin said he has become an adult. I dont know why but I feel it had something to do with their negotiations. Hybe is organizing an exhibit for Golden again, could be a cash grab.

I feel if JK re-signed the contract on the same role of uplifting other members, I expect Tae to separate himself from the narrative. I mean he will definitely be participating in group activieties and fan service, but solo wise he will be focusing on his industry connections and friends. Maybe TK will continue as it was pre enlistment, but I wonder how do they deal with same old script. It must get tiring. I can see Tae getting tired of that tbh. No growth even after military. No new chapter really. I can see why JK would still participate, he feels the burden of his role in the group. I wonder if this would be a pain point between TaeKook though. I can sense some pattern happening already and they're not yet out.

I'd like to believe they have negotiating power, but TK's solo era under HYBE told me they don't have as much. I love Layover and Golden, but I do believe these projects were not what they prepared for and talked about for years and in Festa 2022. I am hoping I wean off my

I haven't got a read on any of them and their intentions really. I sometimes feel like I'm too clouded, by my wish that Taekook particularly don't re-sign, to take a good look at what we actually know.

I am leaning towards June 2025 onwards being much the same as it was before but REALLY hope not.

What WILL have changed is a lot of us being more cynical about Hybe, about constructed content, about the treatment Taekook have received and maybe all of that being a tougher thing to handle than it used to be. I'm tired, guys. I just don't want what we ended on: Jungkook being used as a pawn for other people and getting shit on by Army whenever he dared to breathe anything other than "I LOVE BTS AND ARMY"; this gross othering of Taehyung as a loner problem child who must be locked in the attic; the idea that Taekook got given their success by Hybe, BTS and Army for everything they have but Hybe, BTS and Army are indebted to the hyungs for their hard work and talent.

I suppose we just have to trust whatever Jungkook and Taehyung have in mind. We can't demand grown men make decisions that would make us more comfortable. All we can do is support and show them that we're still with them.

[clavissionary-position]

Leon: Gather around, kiddos.

Licht: You're not that much older than us. And Jin is older than you.

Jin: He's right, Leon. I am. (takes out a notepad and adds a tally to his daily count of every time someone brings up his age)

Jin: (tucks the notepad back into his pocket) But if you want to switch roles and be the big brother for the day, I'm open to it. I could use the break.

Yves: You say that like being the eldest brother is some sort of mentally and emotionally exhausting... Actually, when I say it out-loud like that, I see how that could be the case. Except not! You're so easy-going, I don't see how that could be the case at... But when I think about it, you could just be putting on a brave face for all of us, and... I don't know what point I'm trying to make anymore.

Leon: There, there. (pats Yves' head as Yves flinches like a cat) Jin's a hard man to read sometimes, but his heart's in the right place, and I think that's something we all see.

Jin: Aw, Leon. Are you trying to make a grown man cry?

Leon: It wouldn't be very big-brother-like of me to put my little brother in tears.

Jin: Ha, so you taking me up on the offer?

Yves: Wait a minute! I don't think we need to give Jin even more of an excuse to fool around!

Jin: (pats Yves' head as Yves flinches) But that's where you're wrong. I'm free to choose the type of little brother I want to be, right Leon?

Leon: If I can choose the type of big brother, I see no problem.

Licht: A shiver just ran down my spine.

Yves: So you're going to be a responsible little brother? (shakes his head) I'll only believe it when you relinquish those awful books you read when you're supposed to be doing work!

Jin: I'll start right now.

Jin: (removes his x-rated books from under his chair and piles them into Yves' arms)

Yves: I know that's not all of them.

Jin: (bittersweet smile) Caught me. (goes to a nearby shelf and removes the outer binding of several, revealing spicy titles)

Yves: (dips a little under the weight of these new books) Thank you. Now-

Jin: (lifts the seat cushion from Licht's chair and retrieves several more books)

Licht: (runs to his chair and repeatedly looks above and below the seat) How did those even fit... It's like it's bigger on the inside...

Yves: (dips even more under these new books) Okay, that's the last bit, right?

Jin: Yeah. Oh, but-

Jin: (pulls the little cat-bell ornament that Yves wears which triggers one of the faction office walls to rotate, revealing an entire wall of x-rated material)

Leon: So that's where that construction budget went... (takes one of the books and blows the dust off) Oh ho ho, this stuff is banned, if I recall. (sits down to read)

Yves: Wh... What are you doing?!

Leon: What? It's fine for an older brother to be pervy, right? Jin did it for 32 years.

Licht: You were already kind of pervy.

Jin: (making another tally on his notepad) I didn't start 32 years ago, but I get what you're saying.

Leon: Actually, Yves, don't worry about taking those books away. I'll take care of them.

Yves: You're not seriously going to read these!?

Leon: I haven't decided what I'm going to do with my Big Brother Vacation yet, but I want to leave my options open. (crosses his legs and begins reading the banned adult novel in earnest)

Jin: And since I've temporarily changed my ways, I'll go clear out the books I have in the sub-basement of this office.

Licht: There's a sub-basement? Wait, there's a basement? Wait. How much of this office is made of (censored)?

a/n: inspired by @ikeprinces-stuff!

[cardboardheartss]

Packaging-list #2 (under construction👷🏽‍♀️)

Kpop Readings

Min Hee Jin vs HYBE Situation Update (03/06/2024)

LE SSERAFIM Yunjin Grammy Win Reading

ILL'IT Following Anti Stan Account on X Mini Reading

K-Pop Industry Views on KATSEYE Mini Reading

Bang Si Hyuk Ruining FifityFifty's Careers Mini Reading

RIIZE Shotaro & Eunseok Thoughts On Each Other Mini Reading

HYBE Downfall Mini Reading

Kiss of Life Julie & Boynextdoor Taesan Thoughts On Each Other Mini Reading

NEWJEANS Hanni Mini Career Reading

SEVENTEEN Future Mini Reading

Future SMGG Career Mini Reading

BABYMONSTER Comeback Mini Reading

BTS Jungkook and BLACKPINK Rose Thoughts on Each Other + NCT's Jaehyun and AESPA Winter Thoughts on Each Other

NEWJEANS Haerin Lack of Screentime Mini Reading

Kiss of Life Next BLACKPINK MIni Reading

MEOVV Mini Reading

Fake ADOR CEO Mini Reading

BTS Jungkook Hacked Insta Account Mini Reading

NEWJEANS Group Dynamic Mini Reading

KATSEYE Manon Anti-Black Treatment Mini Reading

NEWJEANS & AESPA 2025 Coachella Mini Reading

KATSEYE Group Dynamics Mini Reading

TXT Soobin and NEWJEANS Haerin Dynamics Mini Reading

September 25th NEWJEANS Mini Reading

AESPA NingNIng & Boynextdoors Jaehyun Thoughts on Each Other

NEWJEANS Future IT Girl Mini Reading

NEWJEANS Danielle and Dua Lipa Thoughts Of Each Ofher

Min Hee Jin vs HYBE Situation Reading

NEWJEANS Members Current Energy Reading (26/04/2024)

Min Hee Jin Thoughts On Pinkpantheress

NEWJEANS Overall Reading (17/09/2024)

SEVENTEEN Mingyu Mini Personality Reading

NEWJEANS Possible Departure From HYBE

Babymonster & MEOVV Dynamics Mini Reading

BTS Jungkook Departure from HYBE Mini Reading

Next Kpop Scandal Mini Reading

KATSEYE Manon Views on K-Pop Industry Mini Reading

K-Pop Industry during 2025-2028 Mini Reading

NEWJEANS Danielle Mini Career Reading + Brand Deal Contractual Relationships

NEWJEANS Hanni Audit Mini Reading

NEWJEANS & MHJ POSSIBLE Movement to SM Mini Reading

Hanni Post Audit Reading

BTS SUGA vs K-ARMY

NEWJEANS Hanni and Wonyoung Thoughts On Each Other Mini Reading

BLACKPINK and YG Thoughts on APT. Success Mini Reading

Checking Up On HYBE's Biggest Opps Mini Reading

HYBE's Investors View on the HYBE vs NEWJEANS Situation Mini Reading

Ill'its Thoughts On Their Comeback Mini Reading

BTS View On Palestine Genocide Mini Reading

BLACKPINK Jennie and 2NE1 CL Dynamic Mini Reading

BTS Jungkook Solo Fandom Mini Reading

HYBE Audit Mini Reading

Youngseo leaving HYBE Mini Reading

BTS Thoughts on HYBE and BSH Mini Reading

Jungkook leaving HYBE Mini Reading

V Thoughts On His Solo Fandom

TheBoyz Company Change Mini Reading

NEWJEANS and LE SSERAFIM Current State of Friendship Mini Reading

LE SSERAFIM Current Energy Mini Reading

IVE Thoughts On HYBE Leaked Documents Mini Reading

TXT Favortism Mini Reading

American K-Idols Thoughts on Donald Trump Presidency

NEWJEANS KGMA Performance Mini Reading

BLACKSWAN Nvee Thoughts on 2024 Elections Mini Reading

K-Pop Grammy's Mini Reading

North ans South Korea Reunion Mini Reading

BTS Grammy Win Mini Reading

TYLA and NEWJEANS Future Collaboration Mini Reading

Min Hee Jin Future Plans MIni Reading

Future of K-Content (K-Drama/Pop) Mini Reading

BLACKPINK MTL to Win A Grammy Mini Reading

BTS Possible Comeback Mini Reading

2024 MAMA Awards RIgged Votes Mini Reading

NEWJEANS Future Mini Reading

BLACKPINK Rose and Bruno Mars Dynamics Mini Reading

BLACKPINK Lisa Mini Personality Reading

BLACKPINK Jennie Mini Personality Reading

BLACKPINK Jisoo Mini Personality Reading

NEWJEANS Danielle and RIIZE Wonbin Thoughts On Each Other

HYBE Artists Leaving HYBE Mini Reading

BLACKPINK Rose and Jaden Smith Past Relationship Mini Reading

BLACKPINK Lisa Support for NEWJEANS Mini Reading

K-Pop Idols Thoughts On Amapiano + SA World Tour Delay Mini Reading

BLACKPINK MTL To Cheat Mini Reading

TWICE MTL To Cheat Mini Reading

North American & European Readings

Avatar The Last Airbender Cast Thoughts On The Series

Kiawentiio Mini Personality Reading

Gordon Cormier Mini Personality Reading

Dallas Liu Mini Personality Reading

Sims Live Action Movie Mini Reading

Where is Kate Middleton Reading + Update

Mason Mount Mini Personality Reading

Jonathan Bailey Mini Personality Reading

Luke Thompson Mini Personality Reading

Simone Ashley Mini Personality Reading

Masali Baduza Mini Personality Reading

Hannah Dodd Mini Personality Reading

Claudia Jessie Mini Personality Reading

Luke Newton Mini Personality Reading

Nicola Coughlan Mini Personality Reading

FLO Group Dynamics Mini Reading

Whats Going On With Chappell Roan Mini Reading

Kiawentiio Energy/Career Mini Reading

Future of POC Racial Representation Mini Reading (All races)

[rhythmic-idealist]

Everytime I start to think "maybe BNHA wasn't *that bad*, maybe I could bring it back in and let it just coexist with whatever interests I have nowadays" I just look at your blog and get a snap back to reality🙏

(SORRY THIS IS LONG. Oh my god. My bad. Yw, though)

This is so interesting. I adore BNHA, and the post that people are tagging "BNHA critical" lately was.... intended not to be read as "BNHA uncritically believes this thing" but instead as "BNHA constructs a society that it specifically exposes for this bad thing."

I really will never agree with decisions made with the end of the manga. [I'm about to do manga spoilers. I figured this was okay since you aren't coming back, but you can stop here if you'd rather.]

Tenko should have lived. Himiko should have lived. Touya DESERVED to live, although I find myself less burned by his specific tragedy & it seems handled with the most appropriate context and care.

Like. I've analyzed it, and I'll continue to. I get the feeling even Horikoshi may be uneasy with it, although I'll never know for certain obviously and I always feel strange speculating about that stuff. But I don't think the ending was good.

BNHA started conversations in public spaces for me and gave me specific characters and concepts in ways that I will never begrudge it, and for that I find myself really just unbelievably lucky. Lucky in the ways I find myself able to continue to engage, in the fact that its ending has managed not to taint the rest of it. There still exists in my mind a very real "BNHA before the ending was written" as its own piece of art that existed for a period of time and that I'm not really done talking about. BNHA has made me want to write a novel with more of a strong pull to action than anything has for a long time.

But—while I love Tenko, and love Himiko—my favorite characters are Tenya and Hikage. Tenya's ending is imperfect, but oh my god, it's barely imperfect. Hikage's ending is imperfect for Tenko, but for HIMSELF? I have no notes. Missed opportunities, but no complaints, no notes. Oh my god Hikage fans are the luckiest people in this goddamn fandom.

And so my heart winds up insulated. I experience the letdown of the manga's end but I think that myself having other CENTERS to my BNHA experience probably has a lot to do with why it was able to deeply disappoint me without hurting me or changing itself so drastically, in the way that it has alienated so many other fans.

I really do love BNHA as a piece of art. I believe it is a good piece of art.

Growing up my favorite book was The Two Princesses of Bamarre, and I hated the final chapter with a burning passion. The feelings were significantly more intense than my BNHA ending feelings somehow, although being a tween/teen may have had something to do with that. It was still my favorite book.

I love.... so much about how BNHA opens conversations about transformative justice. I love that it's a story about how parents cannot be abandoned to protect their chid from the world alone if the child is under constant fire, and how sometimes the fire is coming from inside the house, and it is everyone's obligation to meddle even when social rules say otherwise. I have sat in Discord servers having long conversations with people who NEEDED to be asked If heroes "save people," was Jin a person?

BNHA falls short of writing an ending that imagines the world where we actually all become the hero who saves everyone, but the fact that it speaks to a fandom that is so often lagging so far behind that concept on even a basic level—that Izuku provides a conversation space for me to even tell people no he says his goal is to save everyone. Everyone. Everyone. His goal is to save everyone. "Does [x] deserve to live" I have a question. is that person one of Everyone? Then Yes, Deku Is About Saving That Person. Whether he achieves it or not, that's what the concept of Deku is for. It is for trying.

(There's a lot that I disagree with about how Izuku's ending was written too. To speculate, and I'm not the first to say this, much of the ending feels like it was.... following a plan that was made years and years ago, even when it didn't fit anymore.)

I think it was trying to do something with the idea that Tenko and Himiko were tragedies. It feels vaguely like it was trying to do something with their lack of privilege, and like it was trying to do something with characters who deserved to live but were so successfully isolated by mainstream society that their survival, unlike All Might's and Izuku's, wasn't "possible." (When the world prayed for All Might, when Ochako yelled at the civilians to buck up and take on some of Izuku's burden- Tenko and Himiko don't have that.) The strategy heroes use to kill the villains is called Divide And Conquer, and this series is about how no one can manage without Those Who Match Their Pace And Run Alongside Them. And how even with a few people like that... that's only a stopgap, and the broader context they exist in MUST change.

It imagines more than thousands of its more mainstream fanbase are willing to. I think it is something deeply important for that. I think that as a piece of political art (all art is political) it WILL ultimately matter that

But I feel that it forgot that some of its audience relates more to the Tenkos and Himikos to anyone else, and that it managed to deeply betray that audience after building so much hope.

Anyway. It's a work that wounds a lot of people for extremely legitimate reasons. Also there is sexism and some such etc in it. I'm quite glad that if you won't have fun here I manage to remind you to stay away, ahfjdisgin.

I am.... a little sore lately abt that post of mine circulating with the tag "BNHA critical"—not because of the tag itself, but because it shows me several people seriously believing a post I made about "look at this cool flaw BNHA points out in its own society" means "wow, fucked up that Horikoshi EARNESTLY BELIEVES this," and that the misread is so consistent it's likely a problem with my phrasing—and so whenever I post about it now I always want to make my OWN feelings very clear. I hope this does not feel that it was at all in argument with you?

I am VERY glad we enjoy our various different fandoms in our own different corners. And that my portrayal of BNHA is honest enough to remind you that you wouldn't have a good time getting in here with me!

.....The other option for why I'm receiving this ask is that you just...... REALLY don't like local hermit Hikage Shinomori. In which case. There are so many people in BNHA-historical-era Japan who have that in common with you ahjfdsingkd <333333

[compneuropapers]

Interesting Papers for Week 37, 2024

Simple spike patterns and synaptic mechanisms encoding sensory and motor signals in Purkinje cells and the cerebellar nuclei. Brown, S. T., Medina-Pizarro, M., Holla, M., Vaaga, C. E., & Raman, I. M. (2024). Neuron, 112(11), 1848-1861.e4.

Disentangling the effects of metabolic cost and accuracy on movement speed. Bruening, G. W., Courter, R. J., Sukumar, S., O’Brien, M. K., & Ahmed, A. A. (2024). PLOS Computational Biology, 20(5), e1012169.

Two Prediction Error Systems in the Nonlemniscal Inferior Colliculus: “Spectral” and “Nonspectral”. Carbajal, G. V, Casado-Román, L., & Malmierca, M. S. (2024). Journal of Neuroscience, 44(23), e2327232024.

In and Out of Criticality? State-Dependent Scaling in the Rat Visual Cortex. Castro, D. M., Feliciano, T., de Vasconcelos, N. A. P., Soares-Cunha, C., Coimbra, B., Rodrigues, A. J., … Copelli, M. (2024). PRX Life, 2(2), 023008.

Visual working memories are abstractions of percepts. Duan, Z., & Curtis, C. E. (2024). eLife, 13, e94191.3.

A scalable spiking amygdala model that explains fear conditioning, extinction, renewal and generalization. Duggins, P., & Eliasmith, C. (2024). European Journal of Neuroscience, 59(11), 3093–3116.

Mesostriatal dopamine is sensitive to changes in specific cue-reward contingencies. Garr, E., Cheng, Y., Jeong, H., Brooke, S., Castell, L., Bal, A., … Janak, P. H. (2024). Science Advances, 10(22).

Astrocytes as a mechanism for contextually-guided network dynamics and function. Gong, L., Pasqualetti, F., Papouin, T., & Ching, S. (2024). PLOS Computational Biology, 20(5), e1012186.

Ventral Pallidum and Amygdala Cooperate to Restrain Reward Approach under Threat. Hernández-Jaramillo, A., Illescas-Huerta, E., & Sotres-Bayon, F. (2024). Journal of Neuroscience, 44(23), e2327232024.

Choice overload interferes with early processing and necessitates late compensation: Evidence from electroencephalogram. Hu, X., Meng, Z., & He, Q. (2024). European Journal of Neuroscience, 59(11), 2995–3008.

Decision-related activity and movement selection in primate visual cortex. Laamerad, P., Liu, L. D., & Pack, C. C. (2024). Science Advances, 10(22).

Intrinsic and synaptic determinants of receptive field plasticity in Purkinje cells of the mouse cerebellum. Lin, T.-F., Busch, S. E., & Hansel, C. (2024). Nature Communications, 15, 4645.

Effects of post-saccadic oscillations on visual processing times. Llapashtica, E., Sun, T., Grattan, K. T. V., & Barbur, J. L. (2024). PLOS ONE, 19(5), e0302459.

Cholinergic Neuromodulation of Prefrontal Attractor Dynamics Controls Performance in Spatial Working Memory. Mahrach, A., Bestue, D., Qi, X.-L., Constantinidis, C., & Compte, A. (2024). Journal of Neuroscience, 44(23), e1225232024.

Binocular receptive-field construction in the primary visual cortex. Olianezhad, F., Jin, J., Najafian, S., Pons, C., Mazade, R., Kremkow, J., & Alonso, J.-M. (2024). Current Biology, 34(11), 2474-2486.e5.

Behavioral strategy shapes activation of the Vip-Sst disinhibitory circuit in visual cortex. Piet, A., Ponvert, N., Ollerenshaw, D., Garrett, M., Groblewski, P. A., Olsen, S., … Arkhipov, A. (2024). Neuron, 112(11), 1876-1890.e4.

Exact Distribution of the Quantal Content in Synaptic Transmission. Rijal, K., Müller, N. I. C., Friauf, E., Singh, A., Prasad, A., & Das, D. (2024). Physical Review Letters, 132(22), 228401.

Phase-dependent word perception emerges from region-specific sensitivity to the statistics of language. Ten Oever, S., Titone, L., te Rietmolen, N., & Martin, A. E. (2024). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 121(23), e2320489121.

Temporal interference stimulation disrupts spike timing in the primate brain. Vieira, P. G., Krause, M. R., & Pack, C. C. (2024). Nature Communications, 15, 4558.

Theoretical principles explain the structure of the insect head direction circuit. Vilimelis Aceituno, P., Dall’Osto, D., & Pisokas, I. (2024). eLife, 13, e91533.

[amyrahrose]

MasterList

Jujutsu Kaisen

⋇Toji: Like This Baby? ⁞ Again ⁞Traffic Jam ⟨Under revision⟩ ⁞ Toji Oneshot

⋇Geto: You're Mine

⋇ Choso: Recording in Session

⋇Nanami: Feral

⋇Sukuna: Gym Rat: Part 1 , Gym Rat: Part 2

Ron Kamonohashi's Forbidden Deductions

The Beauty and the Detective ⟨under construction⟩

Bucchigiri?!

⋇ Jin Marito (Drabble)

HEADCANONS

⋇JJKMenxReader Drabble

[hanakihan]

man you have no idea the sheer DESIRE to write something about Titanic esque chulwoo AU

The main drill is that Sungs come from a rather wealthy old noble family (courtesy of Ashborn as their predecessor being royal knight or smth), Jin-Woo is a next heir while Jin-Ah studies to become a doctor (or a nurse depending on timeline it happens im not even completely sure with setting but probably og titanic vibe mixed with Korean Idek wheeze) and parents send them on a cruise ship for vacation (and in hopes jinwoo will meet nice noblewoman or any woman since sungs are pretty chill about bloodline)

Then there’s Jin-Chul who’s a ship engineer/captain in training courtesy of navy captain on pension Gun-Hee. Gun-Hee comes from rather humble background but managed to reach rather prestigious position of first navy and then civil ship captain but now he’s on pension, and this man is an example to Jin-Chul that you can reach your dream despite your upbringing. Jin-Chul himself also comes from rather humble background on verge of poverty but money and fame never fascinated him, but ships and sailing did. When Jin-Chul was assigned on Gun-Hee’s ship as a new engineer, Gun-Hee saw talent in boy and unofficially took him under his wing teaching him to be a captain. Then Gun-Hee left (or honestly more likely was forcefully dismissed) and Jin-Chul got assigned as one of engineers/coal workers on this giant ship, but Gun-Hee still sails under his own name as a trader or smth like that.

Cue sailing day and at evening Jin-Woo excused himself since noble parties bore him to death and anyway, evening is beautiful and sea is calm. Wandering around he stumbles upon Jin-Chul doing small repairs and who nearly hit Jin-Woo in nose with his elbow because he came too close without announcement. Jin-Chul stiffly apologizing because he knows how annoying nobles can be but is surprised when Jin-Woo is the one to apologize for being so careless and invites him for an apology tea or coffee since compared to other choices Jin-Chul seems as a perfect company thanks to his sharp tongue, wits and knowledge.

Some day of cruise pass and they become rather close friends, Jin-Woo visits Jin-Chul in lowest decks which surprises everyone here and they have a rather nice drinking and dancing session, while in turn Jin-Woo helps Jin-Chul to sneak in 1st class deck so they can chat and play chess in peace of room (and so he can introduce Jin-Chul to Jin-Ah). Jin-Woo even tries to gift Jin-Chul his sapphire brooch so he can sell it for nice sum of money and get his own ship or even open his own company or smth, but Jin-Chul politely refuses, satisfied with their friendship.

Cue disaster night. Now think about captain being an incompetent prick (maybe even on levels of Costa Concordia captain damn) and fucking up entire probably miss into sure hit (even if Jin-Chul risked it and asked people to follow his instructions despite it being a big ass discipline insubordination but no one really minded because people saw that captain gives shit orders) but since bridge was still under captains command, instructions contradicted, but it still allowed a graze hit rather than direct one. So yea this gets worse, Jin-Chul was in section that suffered from impact and got tore, barely got out of here along with most of his men. Seeing how fast water fills decks he tells people to go higher and himself runs to find Sungs or other people he knows. Apparently he finds panicking Jin-Ah and through dangers of ice cold water and falling construction manages to cross paths with Jin-Woo until they got separated again. They manage to get out of sinking shell that nearly becomes their coffin (because he promised Jin-Woo to take care of and save Jin-Ah no matter what goddamnit), Jin-Chul manages to place Jin-Ah on some drifting wood before starting to sink because of cold water.

Now, I’m a sucker for happy endings despite shit looking really bad, so let’s say Jin-Woo with others on safe boat manages to find shell shocked Jin-Ah wrapped in Jin-Chul’s coat, pointing at water and trying to say something with her teeth chattering and managing to say that he’s drowning, Jin-Woo saying ‘not on my fucking watch’ and jumps after, managing to grab him and drag on surface, man is absolutely freezing with lips blue and not really conscious but still weakly breathing.

ANYWAY they safely get back on shore, they all get medical treatment, Jin-Chul earns himself pneumonia (well fuck his sailing dreams ig), Sungs’ gratitude for saving their children and a fucking trial because captain blamed entire catastrophe on lower deck crew defying his orders and following engineer’s ones and that’s a big ass crime in navy. Things ain’t looking good because they want to prosecute him in shortest time to give people answers who’s the guilty one, Jin-Woo is really ready to throw hands with people, Jin-Chul’s patient explanations through coughs ain’t helping because no one can confirm accuracy of his words and that’s when Gun-Hee himself enters court saying smth like ‘maybe you should interrogate deck staff too to hear what commands captain was giving’ and then our sir proceeds to destroy this captain‘s whole career. Jin-Chul is cleaned of accusations and becomes a sort of a good example semi-legend, but thanks to extreme colds diving he now can’t sail on long distances but fear not Gun-Hee invites him to work for him since Jin-Chul is out of commission and Jin-Woo once again gifts Jin-Chul a sapphire brooch but this time asking if Jin-Chul will share future with him. Jin-Chul honestly having ??? reaction while Jin-Woo with the most deadpan face asks ‘You seriously think I’ll dive into cold waters of ocean at night to drag you on surface and then using my body warmth to keep you alive if i didn’t cared about you???’

[canyonkingdom]

that annoying shit named bruner

since i'm active most of the time while the RCP community isn't (different timezones galore), i've decided tor rant about one of my least favorite characters bruner

why do you hate him so much?

there are other characters that deserve the hate like cap or that truck who kidnapped the kids, but bruner specifically i don't understand where he comes from; like, why are you so mean and so nice in the next episode? and the fact that he left his cousin unattended makes me hate him even more; i know you want to play ball but a literal child is under your care, can you please think about their safety?

i really hated the cousin episode; even though bruner learned his lesson, throughout the episode he doesn't give a shit about his cousin and left him in the woods somewhere

yeaaa bruny is also an annoying shit but he's a child and it's understandable for him but bruner is kinda like a psychopath to leave his cousin in the woods just because he couldn't deal with him

what jin says before the episode ended is complete bullshit: "you can tell he really cares about his cousin" does he care enough that he couldn't even leave bruny in the hands of more capable bbysitters? even the rest of the construction crew seemed more worried than bruner until bruner finally realizes the errors of his ways and go looking for his cousin; and because of his empty concern, poli and the gang have to suffer because of his icompetence of leaving a child alone

anddd his voice is annoying and he's just all around annoying