#ml the mage

[mymiraclebox]

Well, trying to be more specific this time, what exactly is the lore involving the missing box? I mean with the way you seemingly hyped it up I’m wondering if it comes into play at some point or is found by someone and all?

Don't worry, the Forgotten Box will not remain forgotten in this story. :)

The lore of the Forgotten Box is that it's the Miracle Box that at one point belonged to the Mage who created the Miraculous, Qua Mei. It once hosted twelve kwamis, but after Qua Mei chose to give up his immortality he divided most of these kwamis into other Miracle Boxes across the world with the exceptions of the kwamis of Life, Death, and Magic.

After a horrific Wish made by the merging of Life and Death, and the sheer control the power that Magic could wield, Qua Mei and these kwamis decided it would best if they were not to remain on earth in the hands of humans. Vitaa, Shii, and Uunice had no interest in losing their physical form at this point, so instead they decided to let Qua Mei hide them away. Qua Mei also considered having Fluff in this box as well, but a familiar future Rabbit holder showed him that this Miraculous would be needed on earth.

[blueberry-bubbles130]

I’ve decided for that the mage Chloe au, Chloe’s not the only main character that gets to use mage magic.

Adrien is going to use necromancy. And he does so very intentionally, fully aware it may go completely wrong.

[imjustheretomooch]

What I do love about Sciona is that, for better or worse, she fucking refuses to do anything quietly.

(major spoiler)

She fights her whole life to become a high mage, something no woman has ever been able to do, and when she achieves that, she decides to revolutionize the magic system itself as a fuck you to her coworkers. When she discovers the truth behind the use of magic, she considers killing herself but ultimately does bc she considers it too quiet of a way to go out. Then she confronts the government, beams the truth into every home, causes a massive city wide riot that results in martial law.

But she’s not done. After it becomes clear that no mage is going to change their ways, her final act slots into place. And it's the most bloody, mathematically complex, revenge fueled suicide of all time. Why? Because FUCK them

[goldemas1244]

AKA Rafaela calling Zhask a bottom

[rui-drawsbox]

Oc's stuff

[razzledazzle-pop]

Uhmmm some no-context doodles of an oc crackship. They live in different universes and will never meet.

More doodlez under the cut...Not necessarily a direct continuation, but another conversation I'd expect they'd have in the woods. :3

[pruneunfair]

The Remarried empress fandom is practically a cult.

If it isn't the very pro-monarchy storyline that gets me, its the fans and how they idolize its protagonist and everyone else who supports her, this normally wouldn't be an issue if it didn't reach the point of condoning literal slavery.

The way the fans of this comic act is straight up disturbing, part of me thinks remarried empress might even be propaganda to push imperialism and monarchies. The characters you're supposed to root for are all horrible people such as a slave owner who is regarded as a cute fangirl, the ML who is a king with an annoying uwu persona that also steals from mages and kills innocent people, a grand duke is so obsessed with Navier he becomes a creep who goes around passing date-rape love potions like candy, and a brother who violates another woman's autonomy by slipping her abortion drugs but they never face consequences and if they do, its portrayed as something unfair caused by the evil women who get in Navier's way.

speaking of which lets talk about how any other woman in this story who is powerful and above Navier in some way is immediately villainized. the mistress Rashta is a former slave who was sold by her father, abused by her masters, one of them sexually assaults her as well (the narrative tries to say Rashta consented even though a slave can't say no to someone who owns them) and ends up severely traumatized after her baby is taken away and replaced with a dead one. Already off to a rough start for someone we are supposed to see as a one dimensional villain.

in the beginning chapters, Navier's ladies in waiting are already ridiculing Rashta before she even did anything all for being a slave who dared to become the Emperors mistress and hurt the feelings of their perfect empress, how could that slave not worship our empress!? What a wench!. later the narrative justifies making a slave the ultimate evil by making her into someone who "seduced" the Emperor and is ultimately written as a evil moron who is the true villain using her body to charm the poor little noblemen. (Ugh..) In the end her character is basically to be a punching bag for Navier to girl boss back into place and she dies alone in a prison cell as the most evil empress in history.

Then there's Krista, a queen dowager who didn't really like Navier but never went as far beyond snubbing her and letting rumors spread, bad but nothing too horrible, and when she sends a gift one of Navier's ladies in waiting gets all upset and asks if she can toss the gift out, its played off as a joke but it becomes clear it's supposed to tell readers that Krista is a mean mean woman for not adoring the MC.

Then when Krista is becoming too independent for the authors liking they begin to ruin her character by having pine after Heinrey, weird as hell but it could've worked if she was actually utilized as a villain and not a bug that needs to be squashed, she then gets blamed for letting Heinrey rest on her lap even though Kaufman was the one who drugged Heinrey while Krista didn't know, she's disgraced and later killed off while Heinrey proceeds to make the rest of her family suffer in the long run as well. And yet fans practically celebrated her death.

The comments are honestly the worst part, nothing but "Trashta has nothing on our queen! 😍" and "Navier is such a true girlboss! go away Trashta! 🤢" there are chapters where characters like Heinrey literally say that he'll torture people who don't like Navier and the comments are all just "Awww he's such an upgrade from Sovieshit, what a soft boy he is!" ffs it honestly feels like a cult where Navier is the god and all her supporters are her apostles.

The message is clear: you MUST like Navier! If you don't then it makes you a bad guy worthy of death row, and it doesn't take much either, all you need to do if talk a little shit about Navier and boom, her hubby has your mouth with rocks and sewn shut (yes this actually happened and it's never talked about again) if Rashta did something like that she'd be getting flamed, I'm even willing to bet if it was Heinrey who mutilated Delice the comments would either be full of cheap excuses for him or they just would give him a slap on the wrist.

I really wanted to like Remarried empress but I honestly can't anymore with the hypocrisy. Navier isn't even very likeable anymore since all she does now is react to everything and either condone what people do in her name or just not caring, so much for an empress who loves her subjects.

[hellenic1864]

Turning by Kuyu

okay. I acknowledge the fact that I wasn’t expecting much when I started reading Turning. Just out of desperation since the manhwa was still at early stages and I ended up on the novel. I was kinda expecting disappointed (bad experience with to novels) and was sceptical about the absolutely humongous amount of chapters.

Even as I started reading it, it felt a little boring and slow paced (mostly due to being used to Fast and Furious(tm) in bl romance), but I gradually started to enjoy how Kuyu-nim developed their characters. In all the instances of reading novels, one thing had remained the same for me: not being able to remember the side-characters. Obviously, this time it was different. Even the most insignificant character showed development as the story progressed, something which I really loved and am wholly invested in. And soon enough I found that I started to crave for even more chapters to read. Finished 1/4th of the tl in two days, three weeks to catch up. Not a moment passed when I felt the need to drop it due to bad plot OR bad to (kudos to the translators).

I almost couldn’t believe it was omegaverse. The fetishisation of the a/b/o trope in many novels wasn’t present here. Then comes the world building. Like TOTCF, this novel has mages, swordsmasters and divine power users, along with the author’s personal inclusion of ‘awakeners’, all of which Kuyu-nim has masterfully balanced and structured.

That aside, the political intrigue in this novel has been a major highlight, since the mc’s and ml’s shenanigans in this sphere (especially ml’s) has been an absolute delight. While in the power sphere, the mc’s fights are engaging.

I could rant all day, but to all those who are apprehensive of starting reading this, lemme tell you I am 89% sure it’ll get famous when the manhwa catches up. Early readers gonna get the perks. Please, please read this novel. Show all your support, cuz in my humble opinion, I have stumbled upon a masterpiece I place right beside Little Mushroom in standards and way above mdzs, svsss and maybe even tgcf in comparison

[sangahnomiya]

neuvifuri's dynamic in my brain is basically one of those manhwas where the female lead is finally free from her 500 years of contract marriage and demands a divorce bc she thinks the male lead hates her, but the ML in question is actually head over heels in love with her but is bad at communicating

LIIIIIIIKE imagine furina transmigrating into the body of focalors, the doomed fiancé of the infamous hydro dragon,, she does everything she can to escape focalors' fate, but when she tries to break off her engagement, neuvillette refuses to break it off🤭🤭

also

pls vote bc my favourite role (master of the magic tower) is LOSING SO HARD ON TWITTER, GIVE MAGE NEUVILLETTE A FIGHTING CHANCE!!!!

also I didn't include dragon as an option bc a lot of manhwas make the male lead have dragon's blood anyway

[mochinomnoms]

Mochi Mochi!!! I found something really interesting!!!

So there is this manga "Uchi no Kuro Madoushi ga Kawaisugiru" or "My Black Mage is Too Cute" and you aren't going to believe what I am going to say next!

So the protagonist is Aria a girl , 3rd year prefect in a magic academy and her bloodline (her powers basically) lets her read the mind of someone (including auras of magical beasts) if she touches them!

ML name is "Jade" [Giggling] , he is 1st year guy whom Aria has duties in helping to study with 3 others! He comes from dark mage bloodline and so is ostracized mostly but Aria (later the other students who are in same group as him under the guidance of Aria)!

Anyway he is always rude to everyone including Aria but after she accidentally touches him, finds out he has a crush on her and this is where it gets funny cause in some scenes it's straight him imagining the marriage or their life with 3 kids (nothing NSFW) 😭😭

I was literally like I have to tell this to Mochi cause you need to read this!!! Gosh!! And that's all my gushing which I can do without spoiling you further!!!

-🥂

It sounds so cute! I might read it during my spare time, rn I'm rereading Dante's Inferno for a fic lol

but this seems right up my alley, who knows i might try and read through some of it and see if I can use the inspiration for PTM lol

[loosingmoreletters]

help me build a rofan story

It's gonna be a (villainess) BL transmigration take

trope subervsion, so I'm picking archetypes and putting my own spin on them, but for that we gotta pick the archetype. I already know what I'm doing with my MC so we're picking the ML first

Let's pick an Original Male Lead Option

We'll be treating these options those our MC knows of what the ML is originally like in the story.

The Bastard Prince: As the monarch's bastard child, he's been sufffering since childhood. All alone in this world, he really only had his eyes set on getting revenge for his and his mother's mistreatment. The Original Female Lead helped him when he was injured - and the rest was just some tropey nonesense.

The High Priest: Blessed with immense divine power, the High Priest is regaled as the incarnation of their deity himself. Beneath his aloof behavior, hides deep loneliness as his love and admiration for the Original Female Lead - and equal cunning to use the might of the temple to go against the royal family.

The Immortal Archmage: Known as the strongest mage on the continent, he cares little for the petty fights between the kingdoms, all desiring mortal power. The Archmage, however, finds himself intrigued when he meets the Original Female Lead, who is surrounded by a power he desires - the ability to finally rest.

The Amnesiac Knight: Saving the Original Female Lead in her moment of need - he sweeps in to protect her from dark forces! Now, if only he knew his identity. Plagued by flashes of a past he does not remember - is it really so much the Original Female Lead being hunted or is it him? In either case, he'll loyally stay by her side!

The Duke of the North: Defending the border against foreign threats and monsters, this man's demeanor is as ice cold as harsh winds. Who else but the Original Female Lead Manages to melt that frozen heart and help overcome the hardships of this territory?

The Contractual Spouse: With this Male Lead's heir in danger, he has no option but to get married to prevent someone from intervening in his family life. Naturally, he didn't plan to fall for the Original Female Lead, but seeing him care for his charge, he couldn't help but fall for her.

[mymiraclebox]

How Qua Mei would have reacted to the Order of Guardians and the way the soul gem he hid on earth was used?

He would be furious. The whole reason he hid the Soul Gem was to prevent something like this from happening, and then a person that was trusted with its location abused that power to enslave his friends? He would not hold back.

[blueberry-bubbles130]

Here’s the first chapter!

[perhaps-in-anotherdream]

Hello Anika! I've noticed that another CN otome game "Lovebrush Chronicle" is being localized in English. What are your thoughts on the story, and is there a ML in the game similar to Victor?

I want to hear your thought because I think you have a good eye on judging a story ❤️ Sorry if this ask seems to be out of nowhere!

hello!!! thank you haha~ ಡ⁠ ͜⁠ ಡ yes, the game’s original name is 时空中的绘旅人, also known as For All Time. It’s one of the 4 big CN otoges (the other three: Light and Night, Love and Producer/ MLQC, and Tears of Themis).

idk why they had to change the name smh but then again i can see why too LOL, but if you’re gonna change the character names, change for all of them why change just two?? especially since Emerald’s name is explained precisely so aksjsjs i’m so salty rn lmao

uh about the storyline, i had to try hard to not be lured into yet another game lmao (eyeing L&N akshdhd), so i haven’t actually played the game personally after CBT LOL nor do i keep up with its contents that much, so my knowledge regarding the story and the characters isn’t deep and is limited haha. also, since the premise begins in the AU world + with some other factors, i kinda lost my interest to even begin with LOL.

here’s a brief introduction for you though—

the game’s setting is the AU world ahah, and it also has personal routes. it has battle systems for leveling up your profile / raising cards. i heard it can be pretty grindy, but since i haven’t continued playing it, i can’t comment on that :>

✦ The Heroine:

she is an art student / comic artist in the modern world, but one day she gets sucked into a different AU world while watching her friend’s performance. (she’s so pretty tho u.u)

✦ Ai Yin/ Ayn:

19 years old, goes to the same school as the heroine and a pianist in the modern world. He’s a prince in the AU world, focused on his revenge.

✦ Lu Chen/ Alkaid:

20 years old, a transfer student, the heroine’s senior in a different study (Astronomy), photographer. In the AU world, he’s a mage/ high level priest.

✦ Lu Xia/ Rorschach (re-named as Lars for EN):

27 years old, the heir of a wealthy family, CEO, flirty af. In the AU world, he’s an aggressive and headstrong king.

(if you’re into the “CEO trope”, he could be your pick LOL. but if you’re looking for similarities that actually matter— then aside from just the CEO title and maybe that body lmfao, Victor and him share no other similarities hahaha)

✦ Si Lan/ Clarence:

22 years old, goes to the same school as the heroine and is the student president. He is the head highest priest/ mage in the AU world.

✦ Ye Xuan/ Emerald (re-named as Cael for EN):

An art instructor, took the heroine under his wings, gentle in nature sus lmao. In the AU world, he is the silver knight and leading the revolution.

—

Over all, from what I’ve seen, the story is pretty good, has the intrigue elements for sure. Also plus point, in every AU/ arch you get a common part and then you can choose your love interest to progress for the rest of the story. what it does here is that unlike Lovepro/MLQC + Light and Night main story, where the story itself is very character-driven, you need to shut your brain and consider the MC that specific love interest’s heroine for the allocated segment- or else given the extreme lengths she goes for them/ the said borderline intimacy certainly don’t cut for “just friends” tag LOL. So, if you’re someone who self-inserts (consciously or not) and perhaps is a little uncomfortable with that kind of storytelling, For All Time/ Lovebrush Chronicles is certainly one you can give a try.

For me personally, the writing pattern didn’t seem like my cup of tea + I prefer the storytelling pattern of Lovepro and L&N (singular main story + parallel dates) haha. But hey, we all have different tastes, so be sure to give it a chance if you’re interested. Who knows, you could end up with completely different viewpoints than me! (⁠*⁠´⁠∀⁠｀⁠*⁠)

—

[fake-married-my-dead-fiance]

The Venn Diagram of my 3 Favourite Kdramas, Alchemy of Souls, Moon in the Day, and Doom at Your Service:

Image description below:

In all three: Female lead kills the male lead Love/promises that survives death Enemies to lovers Supernatural elements “You’re my only reason to live” ML is suicidal but cannot manage to die

Doom at Your Service/Alchemy of Souls: Immortal ML Amnesia Came back different

Alchemy of Souls/Moon in the Day: Why did you kill me? I forgive you anyway My assassin is my fake servant

Doom at Your Service/Moon in the Day: It's okay to kill me Incurable cancer FL is just some girl

Moon in the Day: ML is a ghost, reincarnation, female firefighter, ML actively trying to murder the FL, past lives

Alchemy of Souls: ML is a mage, ensemble cast, hijinks, the last generation messed everything up for us, love triangles, FL is magical too

Doom at Your Service: ML is a deity, adorable little brother, God is a Sassy Dying Teenager, found family

[rd0265667]

Minji x Reader: Game on

Permanent Taglist: @cwpiqwon @justme-idle

2016

"Oh my god, Y/N, get to the lane now, you're throwing my ranked game" She teased as you rolled your eyes "I'm coming, I'm coming, watch me carry your 2-4-1 ass." You shot back, earning a swift smack to the neck "You got lucky, but thanks for the save bro." She said, a smug smile on your face as you finished the team wipe. "Some would argue I deserve a kiss for that." You proposed, leaning in close as she smirked, leaving a light kiss on your cheek. "Of course my love."

Current day

Sweat dripped from your brow, your thumbs twitching. This was make or break time

From the side, you could faintly hear the commentators.

"Can Ursa do it? This is the final push made by CK, and with Ursa's Miya at half health and K's Alice with both her Winter Truncheon and Petrify on cooldown, it's going to be a tough fight against a full team of 5. And OH! It's in! Alice has popped her ultimate, initiating the team fight.She gets controlled by Franco but what's this? Ursa activated her inspire and OH CK IS COLLAPSING, TRIPLE KILL, MANI-, OH SAVAGE, URSA HAS DONE IT!" The commentator screamed as you breathed a sigh of relief, your mage was down but you had managed to get the enemy team, securing the win as you ran to finish the base. "And just like that, ZG has won the 2022 MLBB tournament! MVP of course goes to the captain of ZG, Ursa! Using a relatively off-meta character like Miya all season, enemies have grown to regret underestimating Ursa, now let's go over to the podium to have a chat with the MVP!"

At the podium, you were all smiles as the interviewer asked the routine questions. "So, Y/N. How do you feel about the win?" "The team is ecstatic. We've worked our whole season to this, and to see our efforts be rewarded is great." "There has been rumors of you retiring soon, not uncommon for someone of your age in the esports industry, comment?" "No comment." "There's been talks about you collaborating with MLBB for an ad? Care to comment on that?" "Yes, and I'm really excited about it. That's all I can really say for now, ML please don't fire me." You jokingly pleaded to the camera, as the reporters chuckled at your reaction "Before I let you go, anyone thing you would like to say?" "I just wanted to thank everyone who has supported me through my entire career, including a very special person who has been with me all this while." You said to the camera, smiling as the reporters clambered, excited for new gossip.

Meanwhile, at the dorm of NewJeans

"Where are th-, Minji Unnie!" Hyein shouted out, frantically pushing around the kitchen cabinets, pulling her leader out of her thoughts. "Where are the cup noodles" Hyein shouted, as Minji scurried over, opening the packet for her. "Still watching that competition?" Hyein commented as Minji held her phone away defensively, before turning away and looking at her screen longingly. "Stop teasing her Hyein-ah, you know she loves that game. She even got us into it. Haerin loves that furry too." Hanni commented as Haerin pounced on Hanni "Her name is Joy!" She grumbled, as Hanni rolled her eyes. "Just remember to help me the next time I get ganked in the middle lane, Pharsa is so squishy." Hanni complained, Danielle chuckling. "Oh, Minji Unnie, Management told me to inform you, you have a brand advertisement soon!" Danielle told Minji, as she looked over, slightly confused. "Yeh, Moonton heard that you enjoyed the game so they want you to represent them for an advertisement." 'Wait, An ad for Mobile Legends?' "Did they say who I'd be doing it with?" "Yeh, that Esports pro you like so much, Y/N."

"So, Y/N, there will be two advertisements. One will be an interview with you, what got you into Mobile Legends or gaming in general. Then, the second will be a short skit, with a story centred around the game. I know you aren't exactly an actor but I doubt you'd struggle too much. Is that alright?" Your liaison texted, as you sent back a quick back an acknowledgment, resting on your couch.

"Oh, hey babe, congrats on the win today." Karina(ps, not an idol) said somewhat absentmindedly, fiddling with her prada bag. "Thanks, I got you a gift." You whispered, reaching into your bag and grabbing a small box, Karina's head immediately bolting up, a smile across her face, as she grabbed the small box from you. What was it? Jewelry? A necklace? A new watch? Her smile slowly faded though, as the box opened to reveal cards. Titled, 52 reasons I love you. Seeing her smile disappear, your eyebrows furrowed, did she not like it? "What's wrong?" You asked, as Karina quickly tried to brush it off. "I'm just tired, I'll get some rest now alright?" Karina said, tossing the card onto the table as she scurried to the room, your eyes stuck on the card that took you hours. You sighed, guess she just had a long day huh? It's been years of long days. Sighing, you went to wash up, laying in bed seeing your teammates party together on Instagram

You were lost in the maze of the production studios, taking a crew member to basically pull you by the hand to the interview sight. After a quick visit to the makeup studio, you found yourself situated in a high chair, next to an interviewer. "So Y/N. Tell me about how you got into Mobile Legends and the realm of E-sports." "It began in high school..."

2016

"Get off that game! We have midterms next week!" You shouted, rolling your eyes as your girlfriend mockingly shook her head, the both of you chuckling as you ran to her, tugging her by the hand "Who are you playing anyways?" You peeked over her shoulder, her right shoulder pushing you away as she tried to finish the game "Her name's Miya, she's pretty fun to play" She offhandedly said, the base exploding on the screen as you saw her queue for a next game. "Aish Min, let's make a deal. We study for this midterms for the next week, then I play with you after the exams alright?" You proposed, as her eyes twinkled, nodding before pecking you on the cheek, setting her phone aside.

"She taught me to play Miya, and after that, she kinda stopped due to busying schedules, so I've played Miya since." "Miya huh? Is that why you play her predominantly?" The interviewer asked, as you nodded "So is this mystery woman the same person you referenced previously? She seems like she means a ton to you." The interviewer question, as a sense of nostalgia washed over you. "No, sadly she and I drifted apart due to differing careers that took different paths. I'm glad to see that she's been doing well though! I see her on TV all the time now." You explained, the interviewers eyebrow perking up. "Oh, so she's a celebrity!" You smiled a little, shrugging as you continued the interview. Close to the site, a nervous Minji sat at her makeup table, close enough to hear the interview going on, happy that you still remembered her, but still unsure on how the encounter to come was going to go.

Stretching as you got off the interview chair, you went back to your bags. A crew member handed you a script, as you slowly read through it. "Who's Lead 2?" You asked the crew member, who looked at you curiously. "Oh, you didn't know? I supposed I could introduce you to her." She pointed behind you, as you slowly turned, seeing a lady, shrinking into herself, fingers fidgeting "Minji?"

"So, how've you been?" You asked, trying to break the awkward air between you and the NewJeans starlet. "Good, been busy with comebacks, and this should be my last schedule until I go for a break with the rest of the girls." Minji said, her eyes trailing away from you as she didn't want to catch that gaze she missed all this time. 'Get it together Minji.' "So I heard you're a fan. Who's your bias?" Minji asked, as you shot back a cheeky smile "Oh it has to be Haerin." You said, as Minji rolled her eyes, grumbling, then chuckling at your cheeky smile "Why is that?" Minji asked, a silent rage building up. "She's likes to mess with you, that's enough for me." You teased, as Minji whined. The awkward air about the two of you disappeared, Minji chasing you as you two ran around the room, Minji smiling throughout the chase, this scene not an uncommon one when the two of you were high school sweethearts

"Well, it's good to see the two of you being so well acquainted. Could I explain the advert?" The director asked, as the two of you stopped your chase, nodding. "So, we were thinking of shaking up the way we make our advertisements, and we wanted to make a new cinematic with the two of you, showcasing the story of Cecillion and Carmilla."

As the director went through the briefing, Minji felt both excitement and dread. She knew you were with someone else, and this felt wrong, but recreating a romantic story with the person who still owned her heart was almost everything she could ask for. "There's been some issues with the props so we're going to need to rework, so we'll just be rehearsing some of the basic scenes, is that okay?" The director asked, as the two of you nodded

"How is this more tiring than dance classes?" Minji panted as she collapsed into her chair, gulping down her water as you chuckled, tossing her a towel for her to dry her sweat "Oh, Y/N, are you free tonight? You want to grab dinner and catch up?" "Rain check? I've got to get to Karina. See you soon okay?" Minji nodded, hiding her disappointment as you rushed off. 'Karina' Minji thought to herself bitterly

"Minji, you're back! What's wrong?" Hanni exclaimed as she saw her leader trudge back into the house, eyes slightly puffy. "Y/N has someone else..." Minji whispered, Hanni's face morphing into a look of pity, and understanding, quickly ushering the teary eyed girl into the house. Minji crashed onto the sofa, how could things have gone so wrong?

"I won a 1 v 3 and comments still called ME a liability. Can you believe that! Minji? Min?" You stopped your ramble, turning to your girlfriend, seeing her blanking in the air. She quickly jolted up, turning to you with an apologetic smile "Sorry, I'm just kinda tired. What did you say?" She pinched herself, shaking herself awake as you were wracked with guilt. You knew what your girlfriend was putting herself through to be here. She was spending hours training to be an Idol, working herself to the bone, but here she was, sneaking away from her dorm in the middle of the night to steal fleeting moments with you. That was all she needed to keep going, but that wasn't what you wanted for her. You didn't want her to exhaust herself all to placate you. You knew this wasn't easy for her. Her deep eyebags that she attempted to hide with concealer, her bruises from hours of training that she assured you weren't serious, her near brushes at getting caught escaping. "Minji, could we talk?" You lightly held her hand, as she straightened her posture, slightly afraid at the change of tone. "I hope you know that I love you. But I don't think we can work anymore." You confessed, Minji's face dropping "What are you talking about?" Minji muttered, shook in disbelief. "We can't work, Minji. You're training for hours on end to be a trainee, and I'm training to be an E-sports player. You spend hours training, then still rush to be with me. I...I just don't think I'm worth all this effort. Your career and well-being is more important than me. Besides, once you become an idol, what of us? The media finds out and tears us down. Or the company gets to us first. We don't work, Min." Minji knew there was truth in your words. She loved you, and she loved her little stolen moments with you. But this was getting too much for her. She was pushing her body to the absolute brink, and she could feel it giving up on her. The two of you had always heard that Love required sacrifice, and that they had to fight to stay together. But what was the point of fighting to stay together, only to have to fight again? The battle grew repetitive. She knew she should have said no. She loved you too much to let you go. But this was for the best, she thought. The best for whom? For either of you? For any of you? She didn't know. But she did what she thought was right "Are we breaking up?" Minji whispered between her tears "I don't want to hold you back." You said through a small forced smile "Can you just hold me now?" Minji muttered back, you nodded profusely as you ran to her, holding her in your embrace as she sobbed into your chest. Calming her down, the two of you looked at each other, Minji and you sharing one last loving look, before leaving your house

"Hey Rina, I'm H-" You could barely speak out before she pushed you to the wall, putting her lips onto yours as you shared a deep kiss "Rina, I need to tell you something." You quickly said, in the brief moment of reprieve Karina smelled of alcohol, reeked of it. In her intoxicated stake, she held you as she tried to make out with you "I'm retiring from E-sports. Just to live a more basic life for awhile." With that, Karina bolted up, seemingly out of her drunken stupor. "Are you serious? Where's the money in a basic life." She mocked, inverted commas and an exaggerated facial expression telling you all you needed to know about her thoughts. "I just want to settle down with you, Rina. What's wrong with that?" Karina walked to you, grabbed your cheeks and pulling them hard. "Aish, Y/N you stupid little baby, did you really think I'm with you for your personality. Fuck off with that childish sentiment. What am I going to stay with you for if you're just gonna be some broke little shit." Karina spouted venom, words stabbing you and hurting you to the core. Speechless, you backed away, running out of the house, you had to get away. Far away.

"Y/N, Y/N! Are you okay?" Minji lightly nudged as you sat dazed at the set, her forehead creasing as she saw your face devoid of life, hair disheveled. "Yeh, don't worry about it Min." You tried to force a smile, running your hand through you hair as you tried to look more composed. "Here, got this for you." Minji set a cup down next to you, before moving to the makeup set. Milk tea, with evaporated milk. For the first time since the night before, an albeit small, but genuine smile formed on your face. It's been years, but she still remembered.

"You look stupid." Minji quipped, smiling as she saw you fidgeting in the clunky suit Cecillion wore "Hey, I save your life in the future Miss Carmilla, don't be mean." You chuckled, as Minji rolled her eyes "Whatever bro." Despite your lack of sleep and still being angry at Karina, you couldn't help but laugh and revert back to the person you were all those years ago, the one Minji would mess with, the one who would mess with Minji, the one laughing at Minji as she saw the suit she had to wear for her role as Carmilla. You couldn't help but miss the person you were with Minji "Do you wanna rehearse?" Minji asked, script in hand as the two of you sat, nodding in response "We can't be together, Carmilla. I'm different...your father doesn't approve of me. We don't work." You delivered the line, trying to ignore the anguish on Minji's face as the familiar line brought up feelings of regret and pain "No, I must be with you Cecillion. Our love is too great to let anyone separate us!" Minji quickly composed herself, anxiously fixing a strand of her hair "My love, I would only burden you. Don't you see that?" "My dearest Cecillion, you're worth it, you're worth it all ." Minji said, a pang in her heart. She should have told you this all those years ago. She loved being an idol, but it all rang hollow in the face of the loneliness and isolation she faced outside of her bandmates. She wanted, no, yearned for someone to care for her the way you did. Someone to hold her the way you did. She yearned for someone to love her the way you did. She yearned for you.

Sitting at your high chair after taking off your Cecillion costume, you watched on as Minji took promotional pictures of her in the Carmilla costume, her aura captivating as you couldn't keep your eyes off her, her eye smile melting you. You'd truly missed Minji. You cracked a small smile as you reminisced upon your shared moments together. Studying together, gaming together, being together, growing together. Despite being with Karina, even before events of the previous night, you never felt really happy. You tried your hardest to make things work with Karina. But it was different. Karina didn't care for you the way Minji did. Karina didn't appreciate the little gestures you would do the way Minji did. Karina wouldn't notice the small things like Minji did. Karina didn't love you the way Minji did.

Minji stood outside your changing room, nervously pacing as she pondered if she should ask you out to dinner again. She wanted you back, but you were already in another relationship. She didn't want to be a home-wrecker, especially if you were happy That concern was quickly quashed however, as screams could be heard from your changing room. Concerned, Minji slowly peeked in, seeing a blonde girl wreaking havoc in your changing room "You're leaving me? After all I've done for you!" The blonde girl shouted, Minji looking on as you stood with your hands cross, massaging your temples in annoyance. "If all you want is a piggy bank to squeeze, then it's not going to be me Karina. I can't spend my life with someone who only sees me for my money." You spoke, trying to keep your composure "Oh, so you just want that Minji girl, huh? You never forgot her huh? Get the fuck out of here, off your fucking high horse." Karina shot back, pushing you by the shoulder as you struggled to keep calm 'Me? Have I never left your mind?' "I've never claimed to be the perfect significant other Karina. I tried my best to forget about her, love you with all my heart, but it took meeting her again for me to realise that I never stopped loving Minji, but I've tried my best to make you the happiest person in the world, tried to love you with my every being, but you don't love anything without a dollar sign next to it. You disregarded my handmade gifts, only ever excited if you saw 5 numbers and above. I sacrificed my relationship with my teammates, my friends, to spend more time with you, but you didn't care. You never cared. I won't have it any further Karina." By now, your knuckles grew white, trying to contain an implosion, while the girl outside the room stood stunned, but also relieved. At this moment, you loosened your knuckles, realising the door was slightly ajar, noticing the shellshocked girl outside the door Following your gaze, Karina saw Minji, gaze steeling in recognition as she stared at Minji, anger evident.  Karina stormed at Minji, hand raised in an aggressive position as Minji stumbled back, trying to avoid the confrontation. "It's all because of you!" Karina shouted, swinging her hand down at Minji, but you caught her by the wrist. "That's enough, Karina. Leave before I call security on you. You can stay at my apartment for the next few days till you can find somewhere else to stay, once you can, please leave." Your grip on her wrist remained firm, as Karina wrestled her hand out of yours, muttering curses as she stormed off the set, crew members staring at the cause of the commotion. You grabbed Minji by the hand, but unlike the way you had gripped Karina when stopping her hand, your hold on her was gentle. Leading Minji to your room, you let her sit, grabbing her a cup of water "Sorry about that Min." You muttered, embarrassed at what had transpired with Karina. Minji was still in shock, only nodding as she sipped her water. Noticing her slight tremble, you got your jacket, draping it over her shoulder, then taking a seat next to her. "How much did you hear?" You nervously asked, struggling to let it out of your mouth. "Enough." She whispered back, as you nodded, settling back uncomfortably in your seat. "Did you mean it?" Minji asked, turning her head as she braced for the worst. "About loving you? Every word." You said with resolution, Minji looking back at you with shock. The two of you sat in silence for a short while, an awkward and tense air between the two of you as the both of you digested what had transpired. "For what it's worth, I never stopped either." Minji whispered, her hand reaching out and grabbing your hand, holding it close to her as you let out a gentle smile. Scooting towards her, you leaned on her shoulder, feeling her hand around your shoulder. "Wanna grab dinner?" She whispered "1v1, loser pay." You quipped, whipping your phone out as you stuck your tongue out.

"For old time sakes huh? Well, don't forget who taught you how to play the game L/N. It's time for the Master to humble the apprentice." She theatrically spoke as she raised her finger at you in challenge. "You're not in the suit anymore, speak normal people words Bro." You teased, as Minji came down from her comical bender, sheepishly scratching her head as she bumped you. Queueing into the game, you noticed both of you never changed your IGN, keeping the cringey couple name you guys had made way back. Looking at her, she smiled, leaning over to peck you on the cheek, before leaning down, the gamer posture breaking out "Game on my love"