#l shaped anchor bolt

[fasteners-bolts]

DC Engineering is One of the Leading Manufacture and Supplier of Stainless Steel Anchor. We offer to our customer high quality Stainless Steel Anchor at best price, which is produce by high quality material. Click here and Buy Now.

[priyasinghi]

Grades of Foundation J Bolts & Foundation Bolts | Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to construction, foundation bolts are the unsung heroes. Whether you’re securing machinery or erecting a building, the strength of the foundation often rests on these bolts. In this guide, I'll walk you through the various grades of foundation J bolts and foundation bolts, helping you choose the right one for your project.

Table of Contents:

What Are Foundation J Bolts & Foundation Bolts?

Importance of Bolt Grades in Construction

Applications of Different Grades

Choosing the Right Grade for Your Project

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Foundation J Bolts & Foundation Bolts?

Foundation bolts, including J bolts, are anchor bolts used to fix structures to their foundations. As their name suggests, J bolts have a distinctive "J" shape, while standard foundation bolts come in straight or L-shaped varieties. These bolts are embedded into concrete foundations to provide stability for heavy machinery, columns, and steel structures.

Importance of Bolt Grades in Construction

When you're working on a construction project, the grade of a foundation bolt plays a significant role in determining the bolt's strength, durability, and suitability for a given application. The grade is essentially the bolt’s classification based on the material's tensile strength.

Think of it like choosing the right ingredients for a recipe. You wouldn't use the wrong flour for baking, and the same applies here — you need the right bolt grade for the job to ensure safety and longevity.

The higher the grade, the more strength the foundation bolt can bear. A lower-grade bolt might not withstand the tension in heavy-duty projects, leading to potential safety risks. That’s why it’s crucial to know what grade your project needs.

Applications of Different Grades

Now that you’re familiar with the different grades, let’s dive into some practical applications for each.

Grade 4.6: Ideal for projects like home-based fixtures, lightweight installations, or temporary structures.

Grade 5.8: Great for small-to-medium industrial equipment or smaller building structures.

Grade 8.8: Perfect for infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and large-scale buildings.

Grade 10.9 & 12.9: These grades are essential for projects that involve large machines, energy plants, or where high loads and forces are applied continuously.

Choosing the Right Grade for Your Project

Selecting the right grade of foundation bolt can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options. But it’s simpler than it seems. Here’s a quick checklist to guide you:

Understand the Load Requirements: What are you anchoring? Heavier structures like bridges or industrial machinery will need higher grades like 8.8 or 10.9.

Factor in Environmental Conditions: Will the foundation bolts be exposed to harsh weather, moisture, or chemicals? Opt for corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel bolts.

Consult Design Codes: Depending on your region, you might have specific codes that dictate the required bolt grade for certain projects. Always double-check!

Budget: You don’t want to overspend on high-grade bolts for light-duty projects. Find a balance between quality and cost.

The right foundation bolt ensures long-term stability and safety for your structure.

Conclusion

I hope this guide helps you better understand the grades of foundation J bolts and foundation bolts. By choosing the right grade for your construction project, you're ensuring both strength and safety for the long haul.

[jinnoxbolt]

The Essential Guide to Bolts: Types, Uses, and Selection Tips

Jinnox Bolt is a leading Bolt Manufacturer in India, known for quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Since it started, we have been catering top-quality fasteners to industries such as automobile, construction, aerospace etc. Bolts are a fundamental component in construction and manufacturing, serving as the backbone for various structures and machinery. Understanding the different types of bolts, their applications, and how to select the right one is crucial for ensuring the stability and safety of any project. In this article, we'll explore the world of bolts in detail, providing you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions.

Introduction to Bolts

Bolts are threaded fasteners that are typically used in conjunction with nuts to hold objects together. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, each designed for specific applications. Unlike screws, bolts are not self-tapping and require a nut or a pre-tapped hole for installation.

Types of Bolts

Hex Bolts

Hex bolts are one of the most common types, characterized by their hexagonal heads. They are used in various applications, from construction to machinery, due to their strong grip and ease of installation.

Carriage Bolts

Carriage bolts have a round head with a square neck that prevents the bolt from turning when the nut is tightened. They are often used in wood connections and applications where a smooth, finished appearance is desired.

Eye Bolts

Eye bolts have a looped head and are used for attaching ropes, chains, or cables. They are commonly used in lifting and rigging applications.

Anchor Bolts

Anchor bolts are designed to attach structures to concrete. They come in various designs, including L-shaped, J-shaped, and wedge anchors, each serving specific purposes.

Materials Used in Bolts

Bolts are made from a variety of materials, each offering different levels of strength, corrosion resistance, and suitability for specific environments.

Steel Bolts

Steel bolts are the most common and come in different grades, such as low-carbon steel, medium-carbon steel, and alloy steel. They are known for their strength and versatility.

Stainless Steel Bolts

Stainless steel bolts offer excellent corrosion resistance, making them ideal for use in environments exposed to moisture and chemicals.

Brass Bolts

Brass bolts are known for their resistance to corrosion and electrical conductivity. They are often used in plumbing and electrical applications.

Titanium Bolts

Titanium bolts are lightweight and highly resistant to corrosion, making them suitable for aerospace and marine applications.

How to Select the Right Bolt

Choosing the right bolt for your application involves considering several factors:

Load Requirements

Determine the load that the bolt will need to support. This includes both static and dynamic loads.

Environmental Conditions

Consider the environment in which the bolt will be used. Corrosive environments require bolts made from materials like stainless steel or titanium.

Bolt Size and Length

Select the appropriate bolt size and length to ensure a secure fit. This involves measuring the thickness of the materials being joined.

Thread Type

Choose the right thread type for your application. Coarse threads are suitable for quick assembly, while fine threads offer better-holding power.

Common Applications of Bolts

Bolts are used in a wide range of applications across various industries:

Construction

Bolts are essential in construction for joining structural elements, securing beams, and assembling scaffolding.

Automotive

In the automotive industry, bolts are used to assemble engines, transmissions, and other critical components.

Machinery

Bolts are used in machinery to hold parts together, ensuring the smooth operation of equipment.

Furniture

In furniture making, bolts provide strong and durable connections, especially in flat-pack furniture.

Countries Where We Supply Our Bolts:

Bolt Manufacturers in UK

Bolt Manufacturers in Australia

Bolt Manufacturers in South Africa

Bolt Manufacturers in USA

Bolt Manufacturer in UAE

Bolt Manufacturer in Kenya

Bolt Manufacturer in Qatar

Jinnox Bolt is a top Bolt Manufacturers in India. We focus on providing the most premium Bolts that are made with the help of the latest technology and the best quality Bolt materials. Our Fasteners are used in diverse industries across the board ranging from petroleum, transportation and construction.

For more details:

Product: Bolt Supplier in India

Website: jinnoxbolt.com

[jimitjain]

Types of Bolts: A Comprehensive Guide

Ananka Group is the Best Bolt Manufacturer in India. In many different industries, bolt is an essential component of the supply and transportation networks. It is used to link or connect objects together and is simple to assemble and disassemble. High-tensile bolts are important because of their high tensile strength and resistance to compression fitting in the building of steel structures. 

1. Hex Bolts

Hex bolts are named for their hexagonal heads and are one of the most commonly used types of bolts. They come in various grades and materials, making them versatile for different applications.

Uses: Hex bolts are widely used in construction, machinery, and automotive industries. They are ideal for joining wood, metal, and other materials.

Characteristics: They are available in both coarse and fine thread varieties and can be used with a corresponding hex nut or tapped hole.

2. Carriage Bolts

Carriage bolts feature a round, domed head and a square neck that prevents the bolt from turning when the nut is tightened.

Uses: Commonly used in wood-to-wood or wood-to-metal applications such as furniture assembly, fencing, and deck building.

Characteristics: The square neck grips into the material to prevent the bolt from spinning during installation.

3. Lag Bolts

Lag bolts, also known as lag screws, are large, heavy-duty bolts with a hex head.

Uses: Ideal for heavy-duty applications such as securing large timbers, wood construction, and outdoor projects like decking.

Characteristics: They have sharp, coarse threads that provide a strong grip in wood.

4. Eye Bolts

Eye bolts have a looped head that can accommodate ropes, cables, or chains.

Uses: Often used for lifting, rigging, and anchoring applications. They are also used in light fixtures, electrical wiring, and marine hardware.

Characteristics: Available in various materials, including stainless steel for corrosion resistance in marine environments.

5. Anchor Bolts

Anchor bolts are designed to attach structures or machinery to concrete.

Uses: Widely used in construction for securing buildings, bridges, and heavy machinery to concrete foundations.

Characteristics: They come in different types, such as L-shaped, J-shaped, and wedge anchors, each suited for specific applications.

6. U-Bolts

U-bolts are shaped like the letter "U" with threads on both ends.

Uses: Commonly used to secure pipes, conduit, or other round objects to a surface. They are also used in automotive applications to attach exhaust systems.

Characteristics: They provide a strong and stable attachment for cylindrical objects.

7. Flange Bolts

Flange bolts have a built-in washer (flange) under the head that distributes the load and provides a larger bearing surface.

Uses: Frequently used in the automotive industry for securing frames, engines, and transmission systems. They are also used in plumbing and construction.

Characteristics: The flange reduces the need for a separate washer, simplifying installation.

As India's largest Bolt Manufacturer, Our specialty is larger diameter bolts and nuts made of stainless steel with higher tensile strength. They are essential components of many industries, including home goods, construction, manufacturing, and transportation. Also we are India's largest Fasteners Suppliers. We provide fastener grades that satisfy all international and national specifications. We also specialise in stainless steel Hex bolts, nuts, Stud bolts, and other fasteners.

[sachiyasteel]

Anchor Bolts Manufacturers in India

Anchor Bolts Manufacturers in India. Leading suppliers dealers in Mumbai Chennai Bangalore Ludhiana Delhi Coimbatore Pune Rajkot Ahmedabad Kolkata Hyderabad Gujarat and many more places. Sachiya Steel International manufacturing and exporting high quality Anchor Bolts Fasteners worldwide. We are India's largest Anchor Bolts Exporter, exporting to more than 85 countries. We are known as Anchor Bolts Manufacturers and Exporters due to exporting and manufacturing on a large scale.

Types of Bolts -

Sachiya Steel International manufacture a wide variety of bolts. There is a different types of bolt used for different needs. Anchor Bolts are used with Nuts. Our Anchor Bolts are available in different sizes, grades and shapes. Sachiya Steel International manufactures and exports high-quality industrial Anchor Bolts. We are India's Leading Manufacturers Exporters of Anchor Bolts. We also export Carriage Bolts, Hex Bolts, Allen Cap Bolts, High Tensile Anchor Bolts, L Bolts, U Bolts, T Bolts, Square Bolts and all other Industrial Bolts.

About Anchor Bolts Fasteners -

A Anchor Bolts is a form of threaded fastener with an external male thread. Anchor Bolts are closely related to screws. People misunderstand the difference between Anchor Bolts and screws. Anchor Bolts are often used to make a Bolted joint. This is a combination of the nut applying an axial clamping force and also the shank of the Anchor Bolts acting as a dowel, pinning the joint against sideways shear forces. For this reason, many Anchor Bolts have a plain unthreaded shank (called the grip length) as this makes for a better, stronger dowel. The presence of the unthreaded shank has often been given as characteristic of Anchor Bolts vs. screws, but this is incidental to its use, rather than defining

For More Info Visit our Website: https://sachiyasteel.com/anchor-bolts-manufacturers-in-india.php

Email Us: sales@sachiyasteel.com

Contact Us: 097690 56007

[din976]

Product: L Shaped Bolt Standard: DIN, GB, ANSI, BSW Material: carbon steel or specified Level: 4.8 Level 8.8 Specifications: M3~M45, 3/16"~1-3/4"

Anchor: support specified

Thread: fine teeth, coarse teeth, imperial, American, German Surface treatment: natural color, galvanized, hot-dip galvanized, blackened, yellow zinc plated Packing: sacks, paper bags, trays, or upon request

[foundationbolts]

Fondation Bolts

Foundation Bolts: Anchors of Stability

Foundation bolts are unsung heroes in the world of construction, silently playing a pivotal role in ensuring the stability and resilience of structures. These bolts serve as the crucial link between a building and its foundation, anchoring the two together to withstand the test of time and external forces.

Types: Foundation bolts manufacturers come in various types, each designed to meet specific structural requirements. J-type bolts, resembling the letter 'J,' provide a strong hold, while L-type bolts, shaped like an 'L,' offer stability at a specific depth. T-type bolts feature a flat, horizontal base for robust anchoring, and U-type bolts provide flexibility for adjustments during construction.

Materials: Crafted from high-strength materials such as carbon steel or alloy steel, foundation bolts are engineered to endure substantial loads while resisting corrosion. In corrosive environments, stainless steel bolts become the material of choice, ensuring longevity in challenging conditions.

Installation: The installation process of foundation bolts is a critical phase in construction. Positioned strategically during the initial stages, these bolts are embedded into the concrete foundation. Precision in alignment is crucial to ensure the subsequent attachment of structural elements. Once the foundation sets, nuts and washers are fastened onto the exposed ends, locking the bolts securely in place.

Importance: The significance of foundation bolts lies in their ability to provide structural stability, distribute loads evenly, and enhance the overall safety of a building. In seismic-prone regions, these bolts act as essential safeguards, preventing excessive movement and potential structural failure.

In essence, foundation bolts are the anchors that silently contribute to the resilience and longevity of structures. Their installation, often overlooked by many, is a meticulous process that ensures the very foundation of a building is firmly anchored, standing as a testament to their importance in the realm of construction.

[pronto-fabril]

The Hidden Power of Foundation Bolts: Discover the Key to a Rock-Solid Foundation

Introduction: Beneath the surface of every solid structure lies a hidden power, a key element that ensures its unwavering strength and stability: foundation bolts. Often overlooked, these unassuming fasteners play a vital role in creating a rock-solid foundation. From towering skyscrapers to humble homes, understanding the hidden power of foundation bolts unveils their crucial role in constructing structures that stand the test of time.

The Foundation's Backbone: Foundation bolts act as the backbone of any construction project, providing the essential link between the foundation and the superstructure. These robust metal bolts are strategically embedded in concrete or masonry, securing the structure firmly to the ground. By creating a strong connection, foundation bolts counteract the forces of gravity, external loads, and environmental factors that can jeopardize the stability of the building.

Anchoring for Stability: The primary function of foundation bolts is to anchor the structure to the foundation. This anchoring process prevents excessive movement, ensuring that the building remains stable and resistant to forces such as wind, earthquakes, and vibrations. Foundation bolts work in conjunction with the foundation to distribute the loads evenly, minimizing the risk of structural failure and guaranteeing long-term stability.

Types and Configurations: Foundation bolts come in various types and configurations, each designed to suit specific construction requirements. J-bolts, L-bolts, and U-bolts are commonly used, with each type offering distinct advantages in different scenarios. These bolts can be customized in terms of size, shape, and threading, allowing them to accommodate specific load demands and structural designs.

Precision Installation: The installation of foundation bolts demands precision and expertise. During the construction phase, anchor bolt locations are meticulously planned based on architectural and engineering specifications. Once the foundation is ready, the bolts are embedded and aligned precisely. Proper alignment ensures that the superstructure can be securely attached, minimizing any potential structural weaknesses. The bolts are then tightened to the specified torque, guaranteeing a strong and secure connection.

Enhancing Durability: Foundation bolts play a crucial role in enhancing the durability of the structure. Galvanized or stainless steel bolts are often used to provide resistance against corrosion, which can weaken the bolts over time. The selection of appropriate materials and coatings ensures that the foundation bolts remain robust, contributing to the overall longevity and integrity of the structure.

Beyond Buildings: Industrial Applications: The hidden power of foundation bolts extends beyond traditional building construction. In industrial settings, such as manufacturing plants and infrastructure projects, foundation bolts are instrumental in securing heavy machinery, equipment, and structural components. These bolts provide the necessary stability and rigidity to support the operational needs of various industries, ensuring safety and efficiency.

Conclusion: As we admire magnificent structures, it is essential to recognize the hidden power of foundation bolts—the silent heroes that establish a rock-solid foundation. From providing stability and load distribution to enhancing durability, these unassuming fasteners play a vital role in constructing structures that withstand the test of time. Understanding the hidden power of foundation bolts sheds light on the critical elements that contribute to the strength and longevity of our built environment

[hydrofittings]

SAE  BLIND hydraulic flanges by hydrofittings 

SAE Flanges are mainly used for bigger sizes of tubes in NB (Nominal Bore) sizes. Hydraulic Flanges are used in bigger sizes of Piping joints Where Nut & ferrule assembly is not possible due to higher in Hex section sizes & High torgue require to tightened / Grip the ferrule in to the tube & lead to lose the joints at High pressure application. In such cases the usage of Flanges with Butt weld or Socket weld has been found to be more practical leading to compact piping installation.

SAE Flanges manufacture an array of SAE flanges and Hydraulic flanges which corresponds to relevant international standards.

SAE Flanges find application in industries where flanged joints are encountered during the tasks of fabrication & maintenance.

SAE Flanges can also be customized as per the drawings and specifications provided by the clients.

SAE Flanges are manufactured as per SAE J518 standard equivalent to ISO 6162 types

SAE Flanges are in OVAL shaped & available in forged body.

SAE flanges are in various types such as Split, Mono, captive, Butt weld, Socket weld, stub end type.

SAE Flanges are available in various materials like carbon steel, stainless steel 304 & 316 grades.

SAE Flanges are designed as per SAE J 518 C standards worldwide & Ve-Lock SAE Flanges can be Interchangeable. The design for the SAE System calls for Forged Flanges to ASTM A 105 with Sleeves made from weldable material. In order to reduce costs, various manufacturers have introduced a two piece system where the sleeve & the Flange were combined into one Piece. Such a system is easily adaptable to both Butt Weld and Socket weld Systems. However in practice, the two piece system is used mainly for Socket Weld Flanges for cost considerations.

SAE Flanges are followed SAE J 518 C Equivalent to ISO 6162 standards for the 3000 psi and 6000 psi static pressure range respectively.

SAE system depends on the same set of butt welding sleeves held together by a set of Split Flange and Solid Flange secured by Allen Bolts and Nuts.

In order to reduce the distance between pipes , SAE introduced their own Standards which are now incorporated in to ISO 6162 for the 3000 psi and 6000 psi

Static Pressure ranges respectively. SAE Flanges system depends on the same set of butt welding sleeves held together by a set of Split Flange and Solid Flange secured by Hex Bolts and Nut.

Specification And Material Grade Of Hydraulic SAE Flange

BRAND HYDRO-FITTINGSDESIGNSAE J518 C / ISO 6162 / ISO 6164 / JIS B2291 MATERIALCS, SS 304, SS 316, SS 316 TI, ALLOY STEEL, DUPLEX, SUPER DUPLEX, INCONEL, MONEL, HASTELLOY, SMO 254, 904 L, TITANIUM WORKING PRESSURE UPTO 210 BAR (3000 PSI) & 420 BAR (6000 PSI) & 700 BAR (10,000 PSI) CUSTOMISEDCODE CODE 61 FLANGE (3000 PSI) &  CODE 62 FLANGE (6000 PSI)SIZE RANGE 3/8″ (DN 10) TO 5″ (DN 125)CONNECTIONSBUTT WELD, SOCKET WELD, THREADED (BSPP, NPT, METRIC, JIC)BODY TYPEFORGED, BAR STOCKFLANGE ACCESSORIESO-RING, BOLT, NUT, WASHERO-RING MATERALNITRILE, BUNA 90 SHORE, VITON 85-90 SHOREBOLTS MATERIALHIGH TENSILE 8.8 GR, 10.9 GR, 12.9 GR, SS 304, SS316SURFACECARBON STEEL – BLACK PHOSPHATED, TRIVALENT ZINC PLATED,  STAINLESS STEEL – ELECTROPLATING, NATURAL FINISHEQUIVALENT BRANDSSTAUFF, PARKER, HAVIT, HANSA FLEX, ANCHOR FLUID, OLEO TECHNICAAPPLICATIONSINDUSTRIAL HYDRAULICS, INJECTION MOULDING MACHINERY , ALUMINUM DIE-CASTING MACHINERY, SINTERING MACHINERY, STEEL MILLS, HYDRAULIC PRESSES, PAPER PROCESSING MOBILE HYDRAULICS, BUILDING MACHINERY, AGRICULTURAL FORESTRY, LIFTING & MATERIAL HANDLING 

Why to choose hydrofittings ?

About us – The briefcase of our company consists of numerous additions which include, – clever hydraulics, engineering, and digital answers. With the guide of 80 personnel, our company works like a well-oiled system to deliver most effective the very best fine product to our buyers. Proper from the responsibly sourced product by way of our procurement team to our nice manage team, many agencies have lauded our work. And that they admire the fact that we’re transparent in all our dealings. With a properly-mounted channel of communique, our customers can connect with us anytime. Our control and our body of workers, together form a competent and ambitious crew. The readability and high stage of performance make us one of the most modern but sought after manufacturers. And because we fee initiative behavior, we adore to have our studies and development crew collaborate with the opposite teams to recognize the current requirements of the hour. We frequently have checking out and great exams to maintain brilliant requirements.

                          An global provider of

                                 TO KNOW MORE ABOUTS US VISITE OUR WEBSITE 

www.hydrofittings.com

[gdpafasteners]

What is L- Type Anchor Bolts?

L type anchor bolts are typically used in concrete construction.

L type anchor bolts are also known as “Tie-down” anchors because they are used to tie the structure down to the foundation. They are usually made of steel and they come in many different lengths, diameters and shapes.

L Type Anchor bolts can be used for a variety of purposes, but their most popular use is in concrete construction. L type anchor bolts are often referred to as "tie-down" anchors because they're primarily used to tie structures down to foundations. They come in many different lengths, diameters, and shapes, but all have one thing in common: they're made of steel.

[din972sd]

L-bolts are commonly used in the development industry

L-bolts will be anchor bolts included in construction. Their length and shape make all of them Stud Bolts And Nuts Suppliers In China ideal for a number of purposes, including your attachment of sill system and post bases. They also supply general concrete anchorage in addition to meet the prescriptive requirements belonging to the National Building Code of Canada 2015. Read on to find out more about the benefits of using L-bolts throughout construction. There undoubtedly are a few things to learn about L-bolts and the way to properly use them. L-bolts are commonly used in the development industry to single point plate members to masonry foundations. They are commonly termed as 90-degree anchor bolts and now have standard applications while in the anchoring of structural tips, light poles, fill rails, and signage. These kind of anchor bolts supply maximum strength plus durability, due on the bent part in the shaft, which stops it from coming loose. They are available in various sizes and materials and have varying thread diameters. An L-bolt is required in construction projects to carry structural elements constantly in place. L-bolts are typically cast into concrete and offer resistance for embedded tangible foundations. They can even be used in hold-down bolt parrot cage configurations to safe and sound steel panels. They can be found in M12 to M36 diameter and can be found in plain steel in addition to 304 or 316 s / s. They are the best option for several applications. They are also a good solution for securing a heavy stone system. The most typical use for L-bolts is designed for attaching plate customers to masonry foundations. These bolts are also called 90-degree anchor bolts. Some of the common uses of L-bolts consist of anchoring structural posts, light poles, bridge rails, and signage. The bent portion on the L-bolt adds sturdiness and prevents it from coming free. There are lots of sizes and materials for L-bolts, with thread diameters including M6 to M16. L-bolts may be used for anchoring structural aspects in concrete as well as masonry. They reject earthquakes, wind, and other forces that causes the structure to transfer. Because they are made from strong, high-quality components, L-bolts provide a substantial foundation. However, they're just expensive and could be difficult to find. They are critical for building in addition to constructing structures. Regardless of their function, L-bolts are essential for structural sincerity. L-bolts are employed for building construction. They can be familiar with secure heavy boulders in concrete. The L-bolts may be formed into a new loop when found in construction. It can also be used for different uses, like holding up heavy diamond blocks. It is vital to note that L-bolts is the most commonly utilised anchor bolts in foundations. A foundation may be a strong structure as well as a foundation is essential for the stable structure. L-bolts are commonly used in engineering and engineering. They are widely used to charge objects to real. Their threaded end is threaded. They can be purchased in different materials, like zinc, hot-dip galvanized, and black oxide. You can choose the ideal one to your requirements. The materials and sizes of L-bolts can vary a whole lot. They are as well used for the various models of bolts, which include things like anchors, nut, as well as washers.

[fixdex-fastening-technology]

Zinc Plated L Shaped Single End Screw Hanger Bolt Carbon Steel L Shaped Type Shape Bolt

click here to see more of this product

[priyasinghi]

Why Foundation Bolts are Essential for Machine Stability and Performance

Foundation bolts are heavy-duty fasteners used to anchor machinery or structures to a concrete foundation. They are designed to provide stability and support for various applications, including industrial machines, electrical equipment, and structural components. Foundation bolts typically come in different shapes and sizes, including:

L-shaped bolts: These bolts have an “L” shape at one end for better grip and stability.

Straight bolts: These are simple cylindrical bolts that can be used in conjunction with nuts and washers.

Foundation J bolts: These are a specific type of foundation J bolts with a shape, providing extra hold and security in concrete foundations.

When it comes to machine stability, foundation bolts are your first line of defense. Here’s how they contribute:

Preventing Movement: Machines can generate significant forces during operation, which can cause them to shift or vibrate. Foundation bolts anchor them firmly in place, preventing any unwanted movement.

Enhancing Structural Integrity: By securing the machine to the foundation, foundation bolts enhance the overall structural integrity of your setup. This means less wear and tear on the machine and surrounding components.

Resisting Environmental Factors: External factors such as wind, seismic activity, or heavy loads can threaten the stability of your machines. Foundation bolts provide the necessary resistance to keep your equipment secure.

Custom Fit: Different machines have different requirements. Foundation bolts can be customized in length and thickness to meet specific needs, ensuring a snug fit that enhances stability.

Foundation bolts are not just minor components in machinery; they are essential for ensuring machine stability and performance. They prevent unwanted movement, enhance structural integrity, and ultimately contribute to the efficiency and longevity of your machines.

When you’re looking for the best foundation bolts and foundation J bolts for machine stability, make sure to consider the material, size, and proper installation practices. By investing in high-quality foundation bolts, you’re not just securing your machines; you’re also investing in a safer and more efficient operational environment.

This guide will equip you with the knowledge to take your garment construction skills to the next level and create clothes that look and feel truly professional.

Link

Why Foundation Bolts are Essential for Machine Stability and Performance

[alch3mic]

in between. (drabble series)

chapter three (words.)

prince!sans x gender neutral reader. 3k+ word count.

please be advised for themes of anxiety, panic attacks, self-doubt, some light cursing and sadness.

* the third chapter of the series, this time focusing on our dear underswap sans, prince! he has no official fic as of yet but has his own tag here on my tumblr that you can check out if you wish to learn more about him! thank you all very much and i hope you enjoy!

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words shall never hurt me.

....

Bullshit.

...Whoever came up with that stupid rhyme must've never heard a cruel word spoken to them in their life!

...

...Or maybe they were trying to sell themselves the world's biggest lie...

....Because... words.. hurt.

They snapped.

They stung.

They burned.

They engraved themselves upon his bones as permanent reminder of his worth.

"Coward."

"Freak!"

"Idiot."

"Weirdo."

They sloshed and swirled inside his skull, drowning him in the waves of their meaning,  pulling him down further and further with their weight like an anchor tied to his legs. They sang like a horrid symphony that refused to let him rest, violins screeching their painful notes while the drums bellowed out their laughter at him.

It was so loud.

So loud.

So.. damn.. loud...!

He..!

Couldn't think.

He couldn't breathe, he was...!

....

...Shaking.

He could hear his bones rattling as an accompaniment to the symphony of word in his head, his eyelights refusing to focus and the world practically became a blur around him. Every single thing was fading from his sight. The colors, the shapes, all of it falling away as the sounds sang louder and louder, drowning everything else out. The air felt putrid with every breath he tried to take in, making him want to gag on the horrid taste of it all.

"...ns.."

..Why..

Why did he think he could do this..!

After... what they said to him..!

After everything they.. they..!

..No...

No..!

He was..!

"......ans..!"

His teeth were chattering.

Clicking.

Tapping.

Adding to the unending concert of syllables as they picked up their pace and momentum. They were hitting their high point, the music of words becoming louder.. and faster and..!

His soul was pounding so painfully too, he feared it might just burst from his ribcage.

"sans!"

Panic.

He was panicking and.. and..!

He needed to..!

...

..Papyrus..

...

He could barely make out his brother's features anymore, his name becoming lost to the noises eating him alive.

What was he saying...?

'breathe.'

No.. he.. he couldn't..

He was choking.

Coughing.

Sputtering.

The air was refusing to enter his body anymore no matter how hard he tried.

The air was just too..!

He.. he couldn't..!

His magic was buzzing as it couldn't ventilate properly, straining and pulling against him, making his head spin further out of control.

He..

He couldn't do this.

He.. wasn't.. strong enough..

"You're.. not the person I once knew."

The words they were..

They were going to.. swallow him whole.

"Look at what you've become!"

"What's happened to you, Sans?"

He doesn't know.

He doesn't know!

He doesn't-!

"You're nothing but a shadow of yourself now."

No-! He's-!

He's still here!

He's still himself!

He's just-!

Just...!

"W-w-why di-did you... b-become l-like...this..?"

How the hell was he suppose to know!!

"...How.. disappointing.."

The words were..

Breaking him.

It hurt.

It hurt.

It hurt!

It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! It hurt!

"sans!"

No.. please..

..Not him too.

Please.. he..

Couldn't take it anymore.

It was too loud it..!

It hurt too much.. he... he had to get away!

He had to get away..!

From this!

From them!

From those people he thought were...!

Just... get away...!

GET AWAY FROM HIM!

GET AWAY!

GET AWAY!

GET AWAY!

.....

And so he ran.

....

Or... he tried, until his brother caught his arm.

"sans! wait, please-!"

But he snatched his arms back, not wanting to hear anything anymore.

He just couldn't...

..Take anymore words...

.....

So he fled...

Out of the room.

Down the hall.

And away from those people...

....

His shoes were stomping against the floor as the tears filled his eyesockets, making the once blurry world a complete mess of runny colors and odd shapes.

How stupid was he... to believe he was strong enough to face them.

After everything they went through.

After everything they said-!

..He was..

....

He was still a coward.

....

And so he fled, like cowards do, every bone in his body screaming at him to just keep going far, far away from the source of those painful word.

From the people who.. he thought he trusted, a long time ago.

Who he thought would understand, but in the end they...

....

..Mocked him..

"The sky?"

He still remembers the disbelief on their features.

"Wait.. seriously? That's why you've been hiding inside? You're scared of the sky?"

...Yes...

"Sans it can't hurt you. Everything fine."

...He.. knows that...

"Then why?"

He.. doesn't know....

"I can't believe this!"

He.. can't either..

..What was...

...What was wrong with him?

"You're nothing like the skeleton I knew before."

..No.. he' still..

...Here..

"What happened to him?"

He doesn't know..!

Stop.. talking to him like he's someone else..!

He's right here!

He's still right here!

Why are they...?

"What happened to the 'Wonderful' and 'Magnificent' Sans?"

HE DOESN'T KNOW!

.....

...He just... doesn't... know anymore.

....

..Just like now, he didn't know where he was running to.

He didn't have much of a destination in mind, just that he had to go.

He just wanted to get.. away..

"ˢᵃⁿˢ!"

Just get away...

Away from this.

From the pain.

From the looks on their damned faces as they spoke those hurtful words that tore his mind and soul apart piece by piece.

They treated him like he wasn't aware of what he's become!

As if he didn't wish with every damn fiber of magic in his body that he wasn't like this!

A coward!

A disappointment!

An idiot who's so afraid of the open world around him that he couldn't even step outside anymore!

He-!

He wanted to go back.

He wanted to go back...! He wanted to go back!

He wanted to go back to who he was, before all of this but..!

....

The person he once was... was gone...

..He vanished into thin air the moment he took one look up at that sky on that fateful day..

...And the terror he felt had almost swallowed him whole....

..Or maybe it did.. and all that was left was a husk of a skeleton who use to have more confidence than he knew what to do with.

Now the simplest of words could.. break him.

And that.. was the hardest thing of all to accept.

....That somewhere along the way he had..

...

...changed.

And so.. like a coward he ran, wanting to hide somewhere no one would find him so he could lay there for all of eternity without a single thought in his head until he dusted. He was tired of this. He was tired of feeling this way! He was tired of them and these walls and that damned sky that struck fear into his bones every time he looked at it.

Why..?

Why..!?

Why couldn't he be.. him?!

Where did he go?

When did he lose himself..?

Who...

..Who was he...?

The quiet hallways threatened to split his head open as his thoughts poured all over the place, causing his soul to spasm and spiral out of control while he desperately tried to breathe in, but the air still refused to enter his lungs.

He needed something..!

Something to replace the noise..!

All of his hiding spots were inside and if he stewed in his thoughts much longer he really was going to come undone!

He just needed.. something...

Anything..!

Make it stop.

Make it stop!

MAKE IT STOP!

Woosh.

....

He drew in a heavy breath, all at once the scent of rain hitting his nasal bone and the sounds of water hitting the roof, disrupting the symphony.

Softly.

Gently.

Then harder, tapping and thundering against the roof as it...

Washed away the words inside is head.

....

...But they were still singing.

Even the sounds weren't enough.. he...

Glanced further down the hall, to a set of doors that led...

..Outside...

...

...

He swallowed, desperately chasing the harmony that made all the words fade away and taking a few careful steps towards it...

"ˢᵃⁿˢ!"

.....

Before running off.

....

..Right through the doors, throwing them open with what strength he had left and letting them close behind him as he bolted out into the rain.

It splattered and splashed against the tile, filling his head with nothing but their sounds as the droplets tapped against his empty skull. That tight burst of energy was fading from his chest, gradually falling further and further away as the fatigue set into his bones and he slowed down.

He finally come to a stop in the middle of the garden.

Gasping and heaving, he finally managed to take in some  fresh air that filled his body with its cold embrace and overwhelmed his humming soul with relief. The rattling of his bones ceased... and soon he gained control over his breaths, willing his legs to take just a few more tiny strides further out to where no one could find him.

Out, past the normal confines of the garden and into some rose bushes...

...

He was.. exhausted..

Glancing around, the normally pink flowers scattered along the bushes were diluted by the cloudy skies above and harsh rain that thundered all around them. His shirt now stuck to his bones, sending a chill down his spine and making him feel heavy but.. he didn't care.

The symphony had silenced.. leaving him..

..Empty...

...and alone.

....

..Eventually it was all to much as his legs gave out, sitting down to the muddy ground and placing his skull on his knees as the world continued to rain down on him.

And it poured.

And it poured.

And it poured.

All alone in the garden, without a single thought in his head, Sans suffered.

The pain of it all marched on in his bones, gripping and grinding, threatening to break him apart bit by bit.

It hurt so badly and yet..

Yet there were no sticks, and no stones.

Just words.. and the marks they had left on his soul.

And it hurt.

And it hurt.

And it hurt.

And he was sure he would finally just break...

And his soul would finally give in..

And he'd come undone at the seams.

And...

It.. stopped.....?

He could still hear the sounds of the rain all around him, crashing and thundering upon the bushes and muddy grass, but it stopped tapping against his skull and instead began hitting something... else.

An umbrella..?

Sans picked his head slowly, still having so little energy after his fit of panic and looked up.

You smiled at him sweetly as you stood beside him, holding up an umbrella above as the world continuing its downpour.

..Ah...

...You..

....sat down.. right beside him in the mud, sheltering the both of you under the clear plastic umbrella as you glancing up at the clouded sky with a small look of peace on your features.

..Not a single word uttered from your lips.

..Instead you sat by him..

And even in the dull and grey world around you both..

He swore he could see your eyes shine.

He.. didn't know what to say.

The words just didn't come.

Normally his whole head would be buzzing of things to blurt when you were around, but they were all washed away with the rain.

...

..But maybe he didn't need to say.. anything.

At least not right now..

So slowly he let go of the tension in his chest, relaxing his shoulders and taking a few deep breaths as his eyelights also hesitantly traveled to the sky above. That once endless blue abyss was now covered under a patchwork of gray clouds making that ceaseless void just.. disappear.

In a way he almost felt like he was back underneath the mountain again and.. a strange form of peace also found its way to his soul.

...As did the tears.

Quietly they gathered, because even when the words weren't present in his mind.. his body still ached from the pain that they had caused. Somehow it even felt worse than any sticks, stones or even broken bones. Nobody could believe how much he was hurting because there were no physical wounds, just the throb left in his soul from their brutality. They ached in a way that couldn't be healed by magic... in a way that couldn't be explained or cured..

It's clear that they had.. no idea what they were doing to him anymore.

How badly their words had hurt him, because he tried to hide it all under fake smiles.

He wasn't.. unbreakable anymore.

Somewhere along the way.. he had become so fragile...

And yet they still stacked all of their expectations on top of him.

...Then they mocked him when he just couldn't keep up...

....

He..

...blinked once, catching something on his peripheral vision and glancing towards you again.

Carefully you held out a handkerchief to him.

....That was..

The same one he gave you... those few months ago, when those delicate tears had been falling from your eyes.

....

"...I..." he began softly, tearing away his gaze for a moment as a wave of embarrassment washed over him at his current state.

He was a complete mess with his shirt coming undone, soaked to the bone and his eyesockets brimming with tears.

"..THANK YOU.."

All this time he had built himself up to you as a perfect prince.

He was so desperate for you to.. see him as that....

Kind, strong, charming.. and most of all brave.

..And.. now he's tarnished all that hard work by running and crying in the rose bushes like a coward. Still, he tried to gather what remained of that broken image and took the handkerchief from your hands, wiping away his eyesockets.

Heh...

He really was pathetic wasn't he..?

And.. a liar.

....And you..

Must surely hate him now.

"...FORGIVE ME, MY DEAR.. I JUST.."

The words left again as the rain stole them all away with their pitter and pattering...

"It's okay," you said softly gifting him that gentle smile of yours again. "There's no need to apologize or explain yourself to me."

..Why..?

Everyone else practically demanded an explanation out of him.

Why was he like this?

Why did he lock himself up inside?

...Surely you wanted to know too right?

So, why were you..?

You didn't say anything else..

And neither did he.

So the two of you sat quietly in the middle of the rose bushes as the world poured out it's tears all around you for what felt like a small eternity.

Until he stood up suddenly and pocketed that handkerchief.

"..Sans..?"

He smiled at you rather sadly, but offered his hand. You clearly look up at him a little confused and a bit worried, but didn't hesitate to take it as he helped you stand up as well. The both of you were coated in mud now and the refreshing rain began tapping on his skull once again.

"..Did you want to go back..?"

"...NO," he said softly, taking a moment to admire then gentleness in your expression. "BUT STRANGELY I DON'T FEEL MUCH LIKE SITTING IN THE MUD AND CRYING ANYMORE EITHER.. SO.."

The words threatened to leave again, but he shook his head and steeled his resolve.

"WOULD YOU DANCE WITH ME?"

..He couldn't help but love that surprised look on your face...

..But he loved it even more when you smiled at him, and without a single moment hesitation you threw the umbrella to the ground and let the rain begin to douse you too. He lightly took your hand in his, placing the other on the wonderful curve of your hip as you put your free hand on his shoulder. The two of you fell into an easy and comfortable rhythm, the same one the two of you always fell into when you danced, with nothing but the downpour to accompany you as you swayed.

Just like with the rain, you always brought such an easiness to his soul.

You were always so refreshing and calm, and with you it always seemed like his troubles were so far away. A part of him really believed he could just be himself around you..

..Perhaps that's why he's always so desperate to hide it all behind charming smiles and lavish words..

He didn't want to.. scare you away.

He didn't want you to look at him in that way everyone else did.

He wanted to keep you right here, with the rain dousing you both as your clothes stuck to your form, with wet hair and a sweet and gentle smile that was reserved just for him.

....

..He..

He wanted this to be the fairytale he always read about as a babybones...

With a truly happy ending...

And he really thought he had it now that he had you with him here...

No longer a friend just visiting, but... you now called his place your home.

And you gave him your love.

....

..But.. life keeps going.

And the past.. comes back to haunt you in the shapes of people who you once thought of as friends.

.....

....Would you..

...Become the same way.. one day..?

.....Was this happily ever after.. only temporary..?

He.. didn't want to let go..

He wanted to stay here, under the rain and lost in this fantasy...

..but he did, staring at the wonderful expression on your face as you took the hand from his shoulder and lightly placed it on his cheek. It was a touch so gentle and full of love, he couldn't help but lean in to it and let out a small breath.

"CAN YOU PROMISE ME SOMETHING, MY DEAR..?"

"..What is it..?"

He hesitated for a moment, watching as the droplets of rain gently glided down your face, dousing your hair and your clothes.

"...WOULD YOU..?"

..Again the words fell away.

He took in a struggling breath, trying to push them out but his fears kept them wound tightly inside his chest. He never wanted to be without you again. He never wanted to think of a day where he would wake up and you wouldn't be by his side. He couldn't stand the thought of you becoming... like them..

You were.. so good.. and.. he was...

"Sans."

...

..He never wanted a day again where you wouldn't say his name so tenderly...

....

You took your other hand from his and also placed it on his face.

"I promise, I'm not going anywhere."

....

"I'll always be right here for you."

.....

"Because there's no one else in the world I love quite as much as the skeleton here before me right now."

....

You loved.. him..

Not the person he was before.

...But him.. as he was now..

....

..And that's exactly why he could never let you go...

So instead he pulled you close, burying himself in the comfort of the crook of your neck and letting those quiet words of love soak into his bones..

Softly.

Gently.

Then harder, tapping and thundering against his soul as it...

Washed away the words inside is head.

...

..Only leaving him with thoughts of you.

...

And...

How he will do anything to desperately hold on to this.. 

...happily ever after...

[jimitjain]

Introduction to Bolts: Types and Applications

Bolts are fundamental components in construction, manufacturing, and various other industries. They play a crucial role in holding together different parts of a structure or machinery, ensuring stability, strength, and safety. Bhansali Fasteners is one of the leading Bolt Manufacturers in India. Several prominent bolt manufacturers in India are well-known for producing high-quality products with a broad market reach. LPS Bossard, a joint venture with Switzerland's Bossard, produces precision fasteners.

Types of Bolts

Hex Bolts

Description: Hex bolts are characterized by their hexagonal heads and are one of the most common types of bolts used in various applications.

Applications: These bolts are widely used in construction, machinery, and automotive industries due to their strength and versatility. They are suitable for fastening wood, steel, and other construction materials.

Carriage Bolts

Description: Carriage bolts have a rounded, dome-shaped head with a square section underneath the head. This square section prevents the bolt from turning when a nut is tightened.

Applications: Commonly used in wood applications, such as securing wooden panels or beams, carriage bolts are also found in metalwork and construction projects where a smooth, finished appearance is desired.

Lag Bolts

Description: Lag bolts, also known as lag screws, are large, heavy-duty fasteners with coarse threads. They have a hexagonal head and are designed for use with a wrench or socket.

Applications: These bolts are ideal for heavy-duty applications, such as securing heavy wood beams, wooden structures, and large machinery. They provide strong, reliable fastening in both wood and masonry.

Anchor Bolts

Description: Anchor bolts are used to attach structures to concrete. They come in various shapes, including L-shaped, J-shaped, and straight rods with threads on one end.

Applications: Widely used in construction for securing foundations, columns, and heavy equipment to concrete bases, anchor bolts are essential for ensuring stability and safety in buildings and structures.

U-Bolts

Description: U-bolts are shaped like the letter "U" with threads on both ends. They are used to secure pipes, tubes, and other round objects to a surface.

Applications: Commonly used in plumbing, automotive, and construction industries, U-bolts are essential for fastening pipes, exhaust systems, and other cylindrical objects.

Eye Bolts

Description: Eye bolts feature a loop (or eye) at one end and threads on the other. They are designed for attaching ropes, cables, or chains.

Applications: These bolts are used in rigging, lifting, and suspension applications. They are commonly found in construction, marine, and industrial settings where secure attachment points are needed.

Materials and Coatings

Bolts are manufactured from various materials, each offering different levels of strength, corrosion resistance, and durability. The most common materials include:

Steel: The most widely used material for bolts due to its strength and affordability. Steel bolts are often coated with zinc or galvanized to enhance corrosion resistance.

Stainless Steel: Known for its excellent corrosion resistance and strength, stainless steel bolts are ideal for outdoor and marine applications.

Brass: Provides good corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity, making brass bolts suitable for electrical and decorative applications.

Titanium: Lightweight and extremely strong, titanium bolts are used in aerospace, medical, and high-performance applications where weight and strength are critical.

Applications of Bolts

Construction Industry

Bolts are used extensively in construction for assembling structural steel frameworks, securing foundations, and attaching heavy components. Hex bolts, anchor bolts, and lag bolts are particularly common in this industry.

Automotive Industry

In the automotive sector, bolts are used to assemble engines, chassis, and other vehicle components. Carriage bolts, hex bolts, and U-bolts are often used to secure parts and ensure the integrity of vehicles.

Manufacturing and Machinery

Bolts are crucial in manufacturing for assembling machinery, equipment, and industrial components. Eye bolts, hex bolts, and lag bolts provide the necessary strength and reliability for heavy machinery and industrial applications.

Marine Industry

In marine applications, stainless steel bolts are preferred for their corrosion resistance. These bolts are used to secure components on ships, docks, and offshore structures.

DIY and Home Improvement

Bolts are commonly used in DIY projects and home improvement tasks, such as building furniture, installing shelves, and constructing outdoor structures. Carriage bolts and hex bolts are popular choices for these applications.

Bhansali Fasteners is one of the major Bolt Suppliers in India. Bolts Suppliers in India.low-maintenance, sustainability benefits, and adaptability for fluid transportation in industries such as oil and gas, chemical, food, pharmaceuticals, and construction. They provide reliability and safety. Bolt Suppliers in India is known for its industrial fasteners, which include high-quality bolts, nuts, screws, and washers. 

[jooneggs]

Rain, Forever | Namjoon ☁

⤑ Pairing: Namjoon x Reader ⤑ SUMMARY: Since the lack of rain and the coming of Winter, Namjoon hadn’t been the same. He didn’t seem to smile much and his grin never quite met his eyes. He’d lost passion for everything he once loved. Well..everything but art. Specifically that one black and white watercolour painting in the Seoul Art Gallery that resembles a lonely figure standing in the rain.. ⤑ Genre/AU: Fluff + Angst / non!idol Joon + alt!universe Joon ⤑ Warnings: The main component of this story mentions depression and suicidal ideation*, swearing, burglary, suffocation and a sprinkle of magic ⤑ Word count: 7.4k

⤑ Rating: +14

*This story, in no way, attempts to romanticize or idolize mental health issues. I can only say it comes from a personal perspective which is somewhat unique and subjective to every individual.

A/N: A song that touches the crest of my soul and speaks to so many others. I hope this helps, heals and warms many people who, like myself, miss the rain. 

☁

“I don’t know whether I should take you seriously or not..”

“C’mon it’ll be fun!”

“You’d better not make me regret this, Kim Namjoon.”

“As long as you trust me, it’ll be fine.”

It was October of last year and you and Namjoon had found yourselves in Haneul Park. 

Standing under the shelter of a bleak cafe, he had been tugging at your sleeve, urging you to run out into the open with him. But you hadn’t the slightest clue why you’d want to be anywhere else but under the shelter. It was cold enough in the cafe, but outside it was completely meek. It had been windy yet pleasant just an hour ago, but now the wind was just pelting rain drop after rain drop at the windows. 

In a light cardigan and an impractical corduroy skirt, you dreaded the prospect of having to run through the rain to get to your car. You’d taken shelter, narrowly avoiding the rain, and now you’d practically holed yourself up in the cafe after downing two mugs of tea and a triple chocolate cookie. Namjoon, however, was quite the opposite. For the past thirty minutes, his eyes had been glued to the window. Despite his lack of warm-clothes, he seemed more desperate than ever to get outside. While you had finished your cup of tea in just over ten minutes, he’d simply downed his, pouty cheeks sloshing with liquid before swallowing the beverage in one ecstatic gulp. 

Now he was standing right by the window to which you’d hesitantly joined him. The rain fell harder that day than it ever had before. Namjoon absolutely loved it. You never quite understood his thinking, but he’d always be willing to explain it to you. He’d said tt was the way the trees moved to the sound, the way the clouds gathered, watched, hovered over you, better than any shelter. It was the way the grass leaned, succumbing to its force, the way the pavement shimmered in its grasp. It was the way it felt to be amongst it all, like an unknown spectator, just a pair of eyes. It satisfied more than any drug could, oxytocin soaking through your pores, melding flesh and bone like a soldering iron. 

You wished you could feel just as excited about all these small droplets of h20; you were desperate to make sense of it. Especially when it came to Namjoon.

“Well..I do want to understand.” You spoke, leaning into his pull. At that he only tugged your sleeve further.

“C’mon then, Dew-Drop!”

He walked you toward the door with an overwhelming sense of eagerness. You thought yourself to be mad, but still your hand remained in his. 

“So we’re running to the car?”

“Running, walking, admiring the view; whatever you want to call it.” He said, pulling the door open, taking you with him.

“Ah!” You yelped as the first draft of rain lashed out on you “I’d much prefer to just run Joon.”

He couldn’t hear you though, almost dancing ahead. Namjoon was fervent in the rain; he always had been. You remembered meeting him like that, when you used to teach and he came in as a motivational speaker to talk about his career as a musician. 

After his speech, you’d been given the duty of cleaning the chairs in the school hall. Eager to finish, you began to stick them out in stacks in the courtyard, and that was when you saw him, far off in the distance, leaning against the rails of the basketball court, rain pouring down his face. 

Like the feeling you felt looking at him now, you were magnetized, curious.

“It’s fucking freezing!” You began, clenching at your sides, hopping on the spot “Can we run now?”

“You, miss l/n, are no fun.” He chimed.

“And you’re a polar bear!”

“An endearing term, but i find my pace akin to a cheetah.” He joked “Now chase me!”

Before you could blink, he had bolted across the grass, down towards the car park.

Now, you not only had to fight the rain, but focus on keeping up with your long-legged boyfriend. 

They say girls are good at multi-tasking - and they are - they just struggle with things like this because it involves the tedious process of thinking and being sensory-aware all the time; something which lengthy boys like Namjoon don’t take into account.

“A fucking polar bear isn’t this fast!″ You puffed, circling a bed of drooping flowers to further keep up with him,

As the rain pelted heavier, giddiness overcame you. You couldn’t help but laugh, thinking of yourself (merely a few years ago) watching this man, as a primary school teacher, from the playground - almost untouchable, unreal - now encouraging you to chase him, soaking wet, through the rain like lovestruck youth. 

“Catch me if you can.” He laughed.

☁

That was three months ago..

Today was March 13th. 2020.

Friday the 13th...

The balcony of your third floor apartment was glowing that day. As you sat on its cobblestone base, dusting your plant pots, you felt the sun cast warm rays on your neck.

Friday the 13th, that one day that came up so seldom, never seemed to hold any negative connotations for you. Every day you felt lucky: to have a quaint little flat, thriving plants, an endless supply of herbal tea at your feet, and of course Namjoon.

Right now you were tending to his favorite small bonsai, gently seated between two lucky bamboo plant pots, shaded by a leafy green hanging plant. You polished its black base, sprayed some water on its soil stones and gently trimmed any stray stalks growing from its arms. Namjoon had called him ‘peet’, an affectionate name that often made you forget that this plant was more an inanimate object than a human body with full-functioning organs. You were often reminded of this when he’d catch you in lengthy conversations, strewn across the balcony floor at night, bonsai leaves tickling your cheek as you tried to lean back further to watch the stars. But these plants were a huge healing tool for you; something that kept you occupied, just as well nourished as them, and excited to see how they’d blossom each day. 

Finishing off by cutting the last wandering stalk, you gently got to your feet and headed for the kitchen. Only 11am, you’d had your breakfast but felt slightly parched for a drink. Fortunately enough, when the clock struck 11.10 every day, you’d find yourself coincidentally hunched over a mug of steaming green tea; you knew there was no coincidence, just the pure, unrelenting fact that you loved the warm, floral taste it brought you. It gave you just the right amount of energy each day, and it was always a wonder to watch Namjoon puff his cheeks like a hamsters as he’d swallow a cup whole in one go. 

You’d left him asleep this morning, waking at 9am to grab some groceries and sort yourself out. You hadn’t disturbed him since, knowing he was a heavy sleeper and knowing he really needed some rest since working the past few weeks. Night after night he’d been slaving in front of a laptop, attempting to draft and file possible lyrics for his upcoming album. It wasn’t helping that his producer had him on a leash and under a constricting time limit. What could you do but give him the time and space he needed to get things done.

Sealing the kettle and the tea bags, you lifted Namjoon’s mug and carried it over to your bedroom.  Approaching the door, you listened carefully for the sound of snoring, aware that waking Namjoon wouldn’t do any good for the level of guilt you felt entering the room anyway.

When all you heard was silence, you decided to nudge the door open and slip through into a darker room.

 “Joon, I've made some tea for you.” You approached the bed and placed his mug on the bedside table, anchoring it away from him so he wouldn’t hit it off with his elbow when turning; he was clumsy like that. You watched as he shuffled in response to your entrance, the caramel of his skin sliding against the sheets as he adjusted his neck to gently turn to you

“Mmh Morning.” He yawned, his eyes forming crescent moons as they squeezed shut before opening to clear the haze from his vision. He was a beautiful little shape of a human, shrouded in cosy bedding as he watched you in the dim light.

“You coming out today Joon? I’ve got some exciting things up my sleeve.”

“I can’t..I'm sorry.” He replied, a certain lifelessness in his tone.

“Are you sure? I can make us some cake and we can go to some park. It’ll be nice.”

“I don’t feel like it.”

“Oh, okay..”

“I’m sorry.”

“No, no, it’s fine!” You whispered, bringing your palm to his cheek, feeling its heat coarse through your fingers. “We’ll try another day. Don’t feel bad about it at all. Have a nice rest Joon.”

With that, you slowly turned from him and made your way back out into the living space. You let a sigh wash over you and attempted to rejoice in the fact that at least you had a warm mug of tea ready for you. Swigging it down, you sat in silence, watching the outdoors from the distant balcony window. It was still just as bright outside, much brighter than the bedroom, clouded by dark curtains. You felt sad for Joon, powerless even. How badly you missed even the simple things like swigging tea with him. How long had it been since you’d done that?..

Too Long.

☁ 

The rest of the day painted itself in a slow and monotonous fashion. It wasn’t unbearable - you got things done - but it all seemed watered into the same actions, the same meaning, the same routine. 

It started with finishing your tea, slower than you had intended. Lost in monotonous thought, before you knew it, it had gone cold so you had ended up pouring the remaining portion down the sink. You then went on to finish the laundry, have lunch, check on your beloved plants, read a book, watch TV, yawn and sigh a countless number of times, and take a quick nap. 

Before you knew it, the room had darkened and the sky had taken on a delicious yellow tone. Before you knew it, the whole day had almost passed. 

You didn’t want to lie to yourself, this is the way the days had gone for the past few weeks. It was just you, the sun, a cup of tea and the rest of the world. Namjoon, every day, had been stuck in the bedroom, occasionally popping out each evening to say hello. Now that was something you had a problem with confronting. You felt it was appropriate for him to get some rest, especially after the few weeks he’d spent finishing up his work. But it had reached a turning point now. One which you didn’t know how to address.

You weren’t too happy about it, but Namjoon was clearly broken. Were you scared to face the extent of his unhappiness? You never wanted to see the one you loved so much feel so hollow. At least that’s how you assumed he felt. You’d felt a similiar emotion before, but never to the extent Namjoon was experiencing. How badly you just wanted to rip the shreds of dread from him like a stuffed toy, or hug him to death and fill him full of love, stitching him back up to like he’d been before. 

What could it be that made him feel like this? Perhaps it was nothing at all, just a fragrant aroma of unease that settled upon him - something he couldn’t shake off. When would you build up the courage to ask him? Talking to someone might free him from his bonds, but you couldn’t force him, you just couldn’t.

He had to be the one to make that choice.

Shifting on the sofa and taking a rather taxing stretch, you moved from your napping position and onto your feet. You stepped out onto the balcony, greeted by a golden radiant light, seating yourself on the heated stone floor, your feet nudging blooming plant pots.

You watched through the rustic balcony bars as the air grew wispy and chill around you, a harsh brick wall supporting the stability of your back. The clouds were starting to fade into the distance as stars pushed forth through the air. Was it time for another cup of tea yet? Probably. You felt spurred to go and get one.

“Morning.” 

“N-namjoon.” You turned in surprise from the gruff voice to be met with his tall figure slouched against the door frame. “Evening, sleepy-head.”

He yawned in response, ruffling that luscious hair of his that now seemed so tangled through his fingers. 

“Come sit down.”

Shuffling, he came to a seated position, one knee bobbing against yours, the other scraping the soil surface of his bonsai. Another yawn again, and his knee was now fully perched on your thigh, his back hunched over, shoulder nudging yours. You watched him as he shook out his tawny hair and took in his features in the setting sun. 

“What’s up?” You smiled, your hand resting on his leg.

“Wanted to see you, dewdrop.”

“If you aren’t the biggest charmer.” You grinned in response “I’ve been missing you all day.”

“Yeah..i know.” He whispered.

“Then what’s up? I’m always here for you Joon.”

He sighed, fingers now raking into his scalp. Moon pools, darkened and tenebrous sat under his eyes, his thick lips chapped and his face a starker cream against the fading light. You turned to him, watching more closely, waiting for him to open up, praying that he would just open up. 

“If you’re not ready that’s fine, i don’t -”

“No, no..I need to.” He shuffled nervously “I know things haven’t been the same since a few weeks ago. I’ve been pouring all my energy into my work and now I've been pouring it all into sleep and it feels like I've finally used up all my resources - like i’m at a dead end for solace, for what to do.” 

“It started a few weeks ago. Things were fine, then all of a sudden, it stopped raining. It was probably just one of those years where the weather just wanted to let up and stay sunny, but for me, it felt like the first. It really did feel like the first time it hadn’t rained. I didn’t know what to do. I was at a loss. All my fondest memories, all my comfort and all my shelter came from the rain - it was a thing I could not deny, and I'm still desperate to get it back.”

“I just..I wish it rains all day. Cuz i’d like someone to cry for me. Cuz then people wouldn’t stare at me. The umbrella would cover the sad face, people would be busy minding themselves. I felt like i just needed to stop, I needed to breathe a little slower because my life and my rap, they’re usually too fast.”

“Yeah..that’s it..”

He let out a strong exhale, letting the air around him encourage the entire earth to fall silent. With that breath, his hand found yours on his thigh, his fingers lacing into your own. A strong thumb pawed across your palm, pressing softly into the flesh, the ultimate grounding tool.

But it wasn’t you needing to be grounded, it really wasn’t. It was him, the friendly giant who had lost all hope and solace to the power of the rain.

“Thank you for telling me. Really thank you.” You squeezed his hand “It’s you i want to protect. If I could hang clouds in the sky and make it rain for you I would..you know that.”

“If only I could find something else to make me just as happy..”

“Hey..” You chirped, a thought springing to your head. “You know i checked on you this morning to see if maybe you wanted to do something? Well..maybe we could go to the Art Museum on the waterfront tomorrow?”

“Okay. Sure.”

“It might help. And maybe we could get a coffee as well and see if we bump into any visiting artists.”

He grinned at you, a sense of adoration and respect filling the lakes of his eyes and the hollows of his dimples. You smiled back, a slow and affectionate grin that you hoped could transcend from your heart, right into his to fix him completely.

“Cool. Well, lets get some dinner on and look forward to a beautiful tomorrow.”

☁ 

That night, with full stomach’s and a coruscating sunset washed over your bodies, you lay in your bed, arm in arm, the night falling into the next day. You slept on your side, your arms crossed over your chest. Namjoon rested behind you, his stomach against your back, hands set in the violin crests of your waist, his head latched against your neck. Perhaps this was the first time, you thought, in weeks that you’d layn like this. The past few days, you’d been laying in bed alone, or an oceans distance from Joon, leaving him to get the best rest possible without your heat leaching onto him. This felt nice. It felt so much more than natural. He smelt of vanilla, and long nights and restless days. It reminded you of the angel you’d met so long ago. 

The only thing you missed was his damp, fresh, rain water scent. 

☁ 

“Catch me if you can.” He laughed.

Running further down the hill of the park, you felt your feet race ahead of you, almost slipping, as you begged yourself to catch up to him. Oaks, maples, alders, zelkovas, and birches all fade into one collective tincture as Namjoon dominated your vision. Despite your distance, his smell, his touch and his colours blocked out all sensory notion and summoning around you. You would not be held by the bounds of nature, he was yours and you were his, and in this race all there was, was blank space and the two of you. 

“We’re nearly there!” He yelled again, bringing you from your thoughts.

“I’m -” You huffed. “I’m. So. Close.”

“Ah. So now it is about the race and not the rain. Perhaps you have a newfound love for it?”

In response, you slammed the brakes, watching him as he skipped into the car park, unlocking the doors to your vehicle and climbing in, beckoning you over. 

“In your dreams.”

☁ 

“For this week, to celebrate the Seoul Arts Festival, we are holding a two for one deal for all art lovers. Therefore, your ticket entry to the art museum is only half price! Enjoy your visit.” 

The gallery was lit with stars this afternoon. In awe, you walked through the reception and into the main hall to peer at the strings of golden paper in the shapes of stars decorating the ceiling and the walls. Clearly, this week was a week to be celebrated in the arts community. 

You hoped Namjoon felt as excited as you to spend this time with him and on such a special day. You watched him, a small smile poking at his cheeks, not giving away whether he was displeased or not. You took the nervous drum of his knee to be the latter. 

You always spent a lot of time in each room when you were with Joon. In love with his adoration for exhibitions, each time you joined him, you simply stuck to his side, viewing every single detail of every single painting. 

At first, you felt the visits to be somewhat taxing - much preferring living, breathing art such as himself. Eventually, however, you succumbed to his ways - finally realizing that all exhibits were living things with their own lives and stories behind all their individual brush strokes. Like most things, it was him who taught you that, with his silent yet ethereal way of just being and learning and loving.

“Okay..wow, so this is the central room for this real highlight exhibits.” You breathed, Namjoon echoed your awe with a slow nod. 

Now this was a room you felt you could really spend hours in. From Eunho, to Hye-Sok, to Eungro, to Jiho, you span around in a flurry of colour as you attempted to absorb the true joy of being amongst all this art at once. You knew Joon felt it too, immediately joining him by the first exhibit to gape at the thatched lines and geometry sitting on the canvas before him. You wondered how long he’d felt this way about the things before him: from paintings, to people, to the rain itself. Had he always been so sensitive and in-tune with his environment? Did he always care so much concerning the life buzzing around him?

After crowding around a few of the exhibits, you decided to head to the bathroom and grab a drink for the two of you. Almost ten minutes in, you’d realized you would probably need a drink to support your long and meticulous visit. Now was the perfect time to head off and grab one.

“Joon, I'm going to grab us a coffee, okay? Don’t go too far.” 

“You know i won’t.” He chuckled “This room is way too fascinating.”

Almost fifteen minutes later, and a large queue for the cafe, you hurried back to the central room with two piping cups of pure vanilla fuel. Walking through the doorway, you searched for him in the crowd, but to no avail. You’d told him to stay put, and you were convinced he would do so, but now he’d ran off, almost as if your exit was the perfect opportunity to get away from everything that bound him. It was the perfect inconvenience.

Walking through the room, you decided to take the door to the next section of the exhibit and see if he was there. Entering into a more low lit space, you squinted your eyes, looking for him in every corner of the room. After a short amount of time, you came across his figure, hunched by an exhibit in the far left hand corner. 

Positioned diagonally, you could see the features of his face in pure scrutiny. His eyes, wincing, paced back and forth across the painting, his teeth sandwiched between his lip, chewed at it gently. 

You’d watched him before like this, staring at paintings, watching life go by on the apartment balcony, tending to his plants, but it had never quite been like this. You stood there for (what?) ten to fifteen minutes, simply wondering when he would stop staring at the canvas..if he would move on. Was he waiting for you to join him? Was the painting simply that jaw-dropping?

“Joon..”

He turned in surprise, immediately standing straight. You smiled at his action, and approached him to look at the painting further. From a distance, in the dim light of the room, the painting was a monochromatic smudge with the tall figure of Namjoon shading its central half. Now, up close, it looked much different. 

A figure in a long white trench coat and cap stood in its centre. Beneath him, a flowing stream of black ink submerged the better half of his shoes, meandering forward through the painting and toward a large black hole hanging in the sky ahead. Black arcs of rain shot through the surrounding sky like hasten sparks, falling into the reflection of the figure wavering below in the light of the tenebrous stream. The painting, as a whole, had been crafted in monochromatic watercolour, its brush strokes melting down the canvas like tears to paper. It was a sad yet inspiring vision, you thought.

“It’s beautiful.” He answered, a tear pooling down his cheek. 

☁ 

That night you lay awake for a while. 

A long while.

At 9pm, you turned to your side, and slipped out of your bed to sit on the balcony. The weather was tinged with cold, but you brought a blanket to shawl across your shoulders and drape under your naked toes. 

You’d tried getting to sleep that night around 8pm. Joon had huddled against the corner of the sofa before bed and downed a mug of green tea, before watching you finish yours, lacing your hand with his and heading for dream-land. 

But as soon as you hit those warm, delicious covers, you knew there was something much more pressing calling your name. 

Ever since leaving the museum that afternoon, you couldn’t draw your mind from that watercolour painting. Like an obnoxious poster of propaganda, or an inviting store-front display, the picture sat in your mind, a prized possession, and mocked you your entire journey home. You thought about Joon’s face viewing the canvas, the time he spent simply looking at it and the silence and serenity that followed him afterward. 

He wanted the rain, he yearned for it, he called for it ever since its disappearance. You only realized this last night, once he opened up to you, but it had made sense. The long showers he took when you were distracted at the grocers and would come home to him singing away to the sound of the running water in the bathroom. The way you would sometimes wake just as he was heading to sleep and watch him kiss the sky goodnight with a certain desperation for the rain to come. Even the long, delicious sips he took of green tea, feeling the liquid wash down his throat and cleanse him of his doubt. It all made sense. 

He was waiting for the rain to answer him and it was that singular painting that seemed to pick up his call.

It was that realization, again, on the foot of your balcony at 9pm at night that made you stoop through the house, throw on your shoes and run back to the museum to bring home that painting.

Racing down cobblestone streets and narrow lanes, you found yourself driving all the way back to the museum with only yourself and the headlights of the car to guide you. 

All your life, you’d learnt better from the mistakes you’d made and soon realized it was best to follow a calling and take an opportunity when it came to you. Even if it ended up failing. This particular calling was stronger than ever, a migraine in your head, an instinct that screamed that there was more to this painting than what meets the eye. You knew it would help Namjoon.

On special events, the museum closed at the ripe hour of 10pm: in just fifteen minutes time. What on earth were you doing? You didn’t know. You would enter the museum, visit the catalyst that stuck itself in your mind and hopefully the answer would come to you.

Jumping out from the car, you ran toward the entrance, bursting through the doors like some crazed artist, desperate for information. 

A man halted you just as you were headed through to the main hall, his gentle touch on your shoulder. 

“Ma’am, this gallery is closing in ten minutes time.”

“I-i understand. I just need to take a look at one of your exhibits.”

He nodded, an uncertain look crossing his features “Of course..go ahead.”

And with that notice, you sped walk to the dim lit room without a single thought but of the canvas in your head.

“Good evening, this gallery will be closing in five minutes time. Can all remaining visitors please make their way to the exit on the lower floor. Thank you for visiting.”

With the echo of the final closing announcement following you into the dark exhibit room, you had to make a decision. A dangerous decision. 

With no rational thought, plan or hope in mind, you would decide to stay at the museum past its closing time. Searching the room, you peered for somewhere to hide. Unfortunately, galleries never really delivered in this particular apartment, often baring clean white walls and flat floorboards. In your case, frantically scouring the room, you had found an exhibit sitting on top of a white box with a possible way to unfold itself and hide you in it. With urgency, you got to your knees and tugged at the side of one of the corners, digging your nails in, in an attempt to open up one of the sides and slide inside. 

And just as if it really was your calling, one of the sides slid open - albeit with a tremendous screeching sound against the floor - but it still very much opened. With that, you were asking no questions, simply bending yourself into a rectangular shape and sliding back into the box, closing the side behind you. 

Now to wait.

For a few minutes, you sat in silence, wincing at a cramp in your ankle. Suddenly, you were hearing footsteps and jangling keys announcing themselves in the room. With a held breath, and extreme concentration, you sat rock solid as the steps circled, stopping occasionally to scent out a visitor, and continuing before finally click-clacking goodbye. If there was any time you thought you would be in need of an oxygen tank (surprisingly not in 50 years time) it was now. You were never one to break the rules or to find yourself being ridiculously spontaneous, so this was really a first. You felt on edge, yet devious and buzzing with an electric pulse of energy. It really was time for you to try something new, and for Joon to finally get his dose of happiness.

In a succession of fox-like footsteps, you peeled yourself from the box and made your way over to the painting. You thought, standing still, that the answer of what to do would just come to you. 

Certainly nothing had happened straight away, but you were definitely taken aback by the painting in this light. With only the back-up lighting on, a shadow was cast on the canvas before you, washing the monochromatic tone over in a blue haze. Things looked even sadder from this angle, but ever more fascinating. Almost unconsciously, you leaned forward and traced the painting with your finger, letting your palm slide flat against the cold canvas. So melancholy and so mysterious, the longer you stared, the more you fell. Before you could even comprehend your actions, you were again applying another hand to the canvas, feeling its ridges and bends. Slowly, you came closer to it, pushing forward past the small rope barrier to reach nearer in its gaze. 

Black, white, grey, it all melded into one in a romantic and tragic spiral of colour. Your eyes fell onto its detail, its strokes, its edges, and soon you couldn’t even tell what you were looking at anymore - simply a puddle of water absorbing your interest, absorbing all consciousness. 

☁

“Hello”

“Hello..”

“Are you okay?”

In a buttery, and gooey, and delicious state of silence a voice filled your ears. Slowly you felt your touch, your scent, your taste and everything return to you. You were a warm body on a cold floor, palms clawing roughly at its spongy surface. You were a clouded head, lost in direction, coming to your senses with the figure above you. 

Eyes squinting and pleading to open, you heard his voice again. It rang a deep, husky, baritone chill through your spine and reminded you of someone oh so familiar. As you squeezed your eyes open again, everything came into view. 

The figure above you was a tall, looming shadow. Dressed in a long white trench coat and cap, with loose trousers and messy black hair, he stared ominously into your eyes, confusion and worry painting the slight lines smudged across his face. 

It only took you a second, but before you knew it, you were free of numbness and doubt, standing to your feet and cradling the shadow in front of you. 

It was your Joon.

Well, it was him, but rather a slightly altered version of him. A small wedge of his collective person so to speak. In fact, to put it definitely, it was the figure that stood central in the watercolour painting. 

And now you were in the painting itself. Standing with him as if you’d never left the house, as if you hadn’t ever had a care in the world. But you most definitely had; in fact, the biggest question shrouding your brain was how on earth did you end up inside the canvas? Was this a dream?

“I’m sorry.” You whispered into his shoulder. 

“Hey, hey. It’s okay Dewdrop.” He replied, leaving you frozen with the familiar nickname. “I missed you.”

“Joon..” You mumbled, a hand lacing itself against his collarbone “Hey..this isn’t some weird calling is it? Or some nightmare that will leave me on my knees in penance?”

“No, no. I know this feels weird and I know this was the last place you expected to be in order to help the one you love..but it is. And you won’t be here forever, don’t worry, I just need to explain things.”

“Okay okay.” You nodded, pulling back from him to fully process the situation. 

Viewing him from such a close perspective, and viewing the strange yet ethereal world floating in your peripheral wasn’t even the weirdest thing. The weirdest thing was how quick you had been made to suddenly process this all, as if it were foreshadowed in the flecks of your bloodstream. 

Always one for make-believe and skipping class in favor of daydreaming dungeons & dragons, this would seem custom for you. And it was in a sense. Crossing that initial bridge of fear and the unfamiliar, you felt strangely calm in this new world’s clutch. 

“Y/n? Are you alright?”

“Sorry.” You pulled yourself from your sudden thoughts. “I was just..i’m just a bit taken aback that’s all.”

“It’s fine, honey. Come here, let’s walk.” 

In the still slight state of shock, you took his hand and walked. Before, the world feeling silent, you could now hear rain. Long flecks of it smashing against the ground like fireworks bouncing beyond the stratosphere. In some strange way -  like everything that had happened to you this evening - you felt calm. 

In the weeks it hadn’t rained, you forgot what it had felt like to hold Joon’s hand, to hug him, to really feel him near you. In the early hours of morning, you had missed his warmth, his feathery kisses, his pleasure that was true sin of the flesh. Feeling him here, being next to him now, you had a hope that his more unfortunate, lonesome counterpart would soon be reunited with his true-self again.

“It was a few weeks ago, when the rain halted all action. When the skies fell to rest. A part of me left and found itself here, a strange deity of happiness, an outlier in a world of strangers.”

Looking around, you felt his words. To your left, and to your right stood figures masked with umbrellas, floating in the inaudible wind. Some figures had their umbrellas angled so you could see their faces. Strange features marked the upper half of their torso: hollowed cheeks with eyes sitting in the banks of their flesh, botanical hair, melding into faces, blossoming into sharper spikes. Some figures were full of expression and stories, others were simply black smudges, scribbles atop slouched shoulders moving with the current. 

“When it rains, I get a little feeling that I do have a friend. Keeps knocking on my windows; asks me if I'm doing well. And I know that when Namjoon’s at home, writing his music, waiting, he will answer: ‘I’m still a hostage of life. I don’t live because i can’t die, but i’m chained to something.’” Joon responds, talking about the physical side of himself, the man you’ve left sleeping at home, dreaming of the rain. You sense a sadness in his tone, a longing to be reunited with his other half. To make him whole again.

“What can i do? Please tell me?”

“We need to get out of here; but i can’t do it without your help. You need to help pull me out through the other side, to set me free, to help me reach him.” 

You take a fresh gulp, anticipating instructions, waiting for an order of where to go, something to help you complete your task. But nothing.

“Where do i take you?”

“Through..through that black hole over there.”

With an unsteady, ghostly white watercolour finger, he points ahead of himself, toward a tenebrous pool of ink, hanging in the sky. Walking with hope, an inkling of dread at your side, you tug further on his hand to approach the crevice, the tear in the seams. 

Approaching nearer, you feel your feet start to become submerged in a tar-like substance. Upon looking down, you notice that your wading further out into a lake of ink. But there’s no way out. Stepping to the side to try and climb out of the stream is no use. You are not the floating figures around you, you never will be and neither will Joon; you are simply grounded, falling deeper, yet becoming more assured of the goal you must now reach.

Before you even comprehend it, your right up against the hole, your vision shrouded in darkness and dripping ink, like a fountain from the devil himself. But you know on the other side that there’s the gallery room, and you know that a stone's throw from there, is your home, and your safety again. 

“When i count to three, we’ll jump in.”

“Okay..” You breathe.

“Just help me through once you're safe and sound.” He grins, dimples kissing his cheeks.

“Of course I will, silly. We’re in this together.” 

“Okay. One..”

“Two.”

“Three!”

The first thing you feel is damp wet sludge, then the tugging sensation of being pulled through a tumble dryer.

The next thing you know: you’re out the other side, and he..

..he’s gasping for air, 

tugging onto your arm,

and gurgling.

And - oh god - you don’t think you’ve heard such a sound before, but it terrifies you and leaves bile pooling against your gums. 

Against the arcs of rain spilling from the painting, his arm shakes further, fingers gripping so hard you’re afraid they’ll simply shrivel to bone. He’s screaming now, low and hollow and you’re teetering on the decision to just denounce this is a bad dream, pinch yourself and wake up. But you know this isn’t. 

You feel you’ve had nightmares similar to this one before. Visions of losing him to a pool of ink, watching him fade into just an image. You’ve tried to imagine life without him, taking long walks and cold showers to prepare for the worst, but you had never wanted this.

“H-elp, PLEASE, he-”

“It’s okay!” You felt breathless “Joon, stay with me, please!”

What on earth would you do if you couldn’t get him out of here? Would the Joon at home you knew so well forever lose his spark? Would you get to try again the next day? Or would the love of your life simply fade away forever..

With that thought you tugged harder, putting all of your energy into the pull. Grounding one foot in front of the other, you leant back against the rope barrier of the exhibit and fastened your grip further up his arm. With excruciating strength, and the need to make sounds akin to an engine revving, you pulled further and further. Further and further, until you could see his shoulder, then his neck, then his head, the waist, the thighs, the knees, the ankles..

All of him. 

In an instance, he was falling into your arms, your grip fervent and desperate on him, cradling his body as if he would melt away. 

Little did you know, he would melt away if you weren’t fast enough.

“We need to be quick. I’m so so sorry. You need to hurry before i gradually fade; i can’t exist in this world normally as a painting, you need to get to him. Now”.

☁

Racing down empty streets, steering near desolate corners, your car drove with the solid ambition of getting to him. 

The longer you rode, the harder you found it to look across to the passenger seat at him. Every single minute, he was fading away. First it was his shoes when you first fastened the seat belt, then his ankles, and now the evanesce was reaching toward his thighs. There was no point in looking a little further or breathing a little faster or thinking a little longer. It was your eyes, ahead, on the road. Just you and the world.

 And soon it would be you and him. 

Turning another corner, you felt the engine stutter and pool to a stop. With a long, steady breath, you pushed at the pedal again, urging it to move, 

“C’mon just a little more -” 

But to no avail. 

Again you pushed and pushed, just like how you pulled and pulled earlier, but life could only give you so much, it would only give you so much. 

A feeling of despair overcame you, throwing you instantly onto the bed of the steering wheel. You lay there silently for a while, face nested against the cold fabric, questioning it all. 

Did you do enough? What would Joon think of you? Why were you so hopeless? Did you really think you could finish this on your own?

You had to finish this on your own.

...

....

......

*pit*

*pat*

*pit-pat*

You blinked, lips brushing the wheel in an attempt to shut your mouth and hold your breath.

*pit-pat*

*pit-pat pit-pat pit-pat -*

It was raining.

Looking up, flecks of water were falling from the sky. They were landing like confetti and surging through the air in the trillions. The ground, in seconds, had become a stone riverbed, and the car windows a submarine tanks. 

You’d be damned if this rain wasn’t going to turn into the most magnificent storm you’d ever seen. 

“C’mon Joon, we’re nearly there!” 

With a thrust, you pulled yourself out of the car and up into the rain. Following your steps, he trailed behind you as you stepped out into the cold, exposed to an onslaught of flood. 

Out in the open, and with one more step to complete, you took your hand in his and began to run.

If tears were rainy days, you think you’d have experienced a drought. But now, you were crying, crying like there was not enough rain in this world, like there couldn’t ever be enough. 

Ushering a melting figure through the torrent of rain, you’d become desperate to reach home. Looking back, you saw the rain was having its effect on him. Every second now, he was simply being washed away.

You turned the final corner to your apartment, readying yourself to rush down a long street to reach the end of it and enter dry-land. To run back home with the risk of turning back and no longer seeing a figure following behind you. 

But was it luck, or the final piece in this discombobulated puzzle, that Namjoon was standing right there, at the end of the street, waiting for you?

Now you were running even faster, your legs pacing ahead of the rest of you before you could even think. 

Closer and closer and you could start to feel Joon’s grip in your hand fade away, only urging you to hold on stronger. 

With watery, shut eyes, you made the final distance and collided with a strong chest, sending Joon forth into his physical counterpart. 

Pulling apart from him suddenly, you watched to see his watercolour other-half melt into the crest of his heart. With no urgency, he was sucked in, and you stared in awe as Joon slowly stood straighter, grew brighter, felt happier. 

It was a gasp of air that finally brought him back to you. You saw it before you truly felt it: lips on your own like soft, rubbery buds. He kissed you with tenderness, with concern, with desire. Kissing you further, the light poured into you too. You felt it in the way he held your waist, in the way he held your face, in the way he made sure the both of you were never ever ever displaced.

He sang against your lips,

“Please don’t ask any questions.”

“But do keep pouring forever.”