#most important comeback of the year in all of kpop

[neednolighttoshine]

Some recent favourites.

[bananayuyu]

Come to Mine

Pairing: idol!Yunho x backup dancer!reader

Genre: fluff and smut

Word count: 6.3k

Summary: You didn't plan for it to be this way. You just couldn't help being attracted to each other.

Warnings: smut, MDNI, oral (f receiving), fingering, penetration, safe sex (condom woo), it's very sweet and clumsy

A/n: This was such self indulgence, I hope you enjoy if you read <3 I can't believe the comeback is tonight! I hope everyone is having a good day <33 (sorry for any typos, I didn't feel like editing today)

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You couldn't believe your eyes when you received the email.

Congratulations, you've been selected as one of the dancers for Ateez's upcoming comeback. Rehearsals start next Monday, August 2nd. Please look out for our next message, which will contain the full schedule with dates and locations. We look forward to working with you!

You'd worked with several other Kpop groups over the last few years. You'd actually made it as a dancer, much to the surprise of your family. You'd like to say you were surprised too, but in truth you weren't. You had felt it in your bones that this is what you were meant to do and would be doing, ever since you first watched a Girl's Generation MV on your shitty middle school laptop.

Working with Ateez felt like the absolute pinnacle. You were only several years in, but you knew from hearing the chatter, from watching their performances, that backup dancing for them was a true honor, and a challenge. You'd gone to the audition with an open mind, not riding on the fact that you'd be selected. They told you all they wanted twelve girls total, a smaller number than you'd expected. And most of the girls you went with were more experienced, or had major connections within the industry, so it really was a shock to you that you were selected. It made your whole body buzz, your confidence skyrocketing. If they believed you could hang with the best of the best, you'd do everything you could to prove them right.

Sitting on the hardwood floor at the end of your first rehearsal, it all just felt right. The group was working together so well already; most of these girls you'd danced with before, and you realized looking around that if you'd ever had the chance to select a dance team yourself, you would have made almost the same selections they did. Everyone was a dance nerd, a true artist, focused, dedicated. Everyone took good care of themselves, was smart, driven, and so hardworking. You all spoke amongst yourselves after rehearsal, anticipating your first rehearsal with the boys, wondering what they'd really be like in person. You'd all followed them closely for years, and were all big fans. You couldn't not be, given just how talented they were, just how dedicated to their craft, the same way you were. But you all vowed to be as respectful as possible, and keep the giggling and ogling to yourselves when the time came.

It was comeback season for them, their schedules incredibly full. The next album was almost entirely finished already though, and you had no doubt they were already beginning work on songs that would make future albums too. It was still six months until the comeback you'd be performing in, the time feeling indescribably far away. Many of the other girls, like you, still had smaller projects to work on in the meantime. This was the beginning of a long journey, one that would begin slowly. It was high pressure, you could feel it. You needed your absolute best to show here, for the sake of your career.

You'd never have guessed how it would feel finally meeting them all.

Sweaty and exhausted, they all came in after their final music show performance. They'd been up since the early hours of the morning to film, and now it was closer to midday. You'd slept in, spending the morning stretching and readying your body for this important rehearsal. In hindsight you hadn't needed to, the first day with the members being more of a meeting, followed by an attempt to brainstorm what formations would be possible with the twenty of you. Then you each had to introduce yourselves, going down the line of twelve, each repeating your names and where you were from.

After saying your name, after bowing, your eyes caught on Yunho's. And in that moment you knew it was all over.

All you could think was, 'fuck, I don't need this.' Truly, you didn't. There was too much else to focus on. Life had been hectic for so many reasons, but now you were just trying to focus on being present, there for your friends and family, focused on your work. You'd been single for almost two years now, and it had been the best time of your life. The time with your friends had been beautiful, fulfilling, peaceful. The success you'd had with dancing had been all you could have dreamed of. But you knew in that moment that something was about to change, something you doubted you could put any stop to. It felt written in the stars, like it was meant to happen. It had to. You could tell.

He'd noticed you right away. You were the shortest of the girls selected; they'd skewed more towards choosing taller girls, so that the height differences wouldn't be too severe. You weren't tiny, but still he'd noticed right away that you were shorter than everyone else. Your big glasses, your messy wavy hair, your baggy sweat pants. You stood out amongst the rest of the girls, but not because you were flashy. You were almost too relaxed in your appearance. He loved it instantly. And he could tell it affected you when he looked your way, your eyes darting fast to the floor when he pierced you with his gaze.

He watched you intently over the next few rehearsals, seeing immediately how talented you were. You picked up everything with such ease; but you weren't cocky, weren't throwing it in anyone's face. You helped other girls when they needed it, and you spoke up when an instruction wasn't clear, helping the main choreographer realize their mistake. You were quiet, mostly, except when you needed to be loud. You seemed so put together, almost boringly so. Some of the other girls were chaotic, which made the boys or other dancers gossip. But as Yunho listened to it all he realized none of them really mentioned you. From the outside in you seemed unassuming, and he knew people thought the same thing about him. So he knew that just like him, there was something more under the surface. Something juicier, freakier, stranger. Every time he looked you right in the eyes, the few times you'd let him, he could see it written in your pupils. And the way you always looked way, like you'd just had the wind knocked out of you, made him think he was probably right.

It really didn't help that he was such a good dancer, so confident and technically gifted, with a certain quality to his movement that you could not put into words. You became mesmerized from the first moment you saw it in person. You'd been impressed with his dancing abilities for a while, but seeing it in person in front of you, seeing his massive tall body move with a level of control that should not have been possible, had you completely entranced. You couldn't help the giddiness you felt when heading to work, the excited texts sent to your best friend. Your crush was forming fast, threatening to inflate inside of you and make you float away. He was all you could think about when you laid in bed at night, awaiting the next time you'd get to be in his presence, and say the few words you did to each other.

Then one day, it changed.

"Y/n, could I go over the middle section with you?"

His voice came from behind you, as you carefully retied your shoes during a break in rehearsal.

"With me?" you asked, turning around to find him standing behind you.

"Yeah, I've been watching everyone in the mirror and you seem to know that section best. I missed that rehearsal where we first learned it, so I think I'm missing the timing a bit." He reached out a hand to help you up, and you took it automatically, the touch between you sending adrenaline through your heart and making you shiver.

"I think you've been doing it just fine. What part is confusing?" you asked.

"I'm wondering when the arms come up, when we're turning around. Is it on one, or the and of one?"

"It's on the and. Here, do you want to do it slowly together?" You couldn't believe the words were tumbling out of your mouth, so naturally from your years of helping assist dance classes at your high school.

"Yeah, that'd be great," Yunho replied, getting in position beside you. You began counting slowly, you both dancing crudely through the counts, reaching the confusing section with hesitation. "See, one and," you threw your arms up, spinning around and turning your back to the mirror, your hands coming out beside you. "They're not back down until the and of 2."

"Ah, that makes sense. So they're delayed compared to the shifting of our feet there," he said, and you nodded in agreement, watching him step through the moves himself, flawlessly.

"Yeah, that's perfect," you smiled at him.

"Thank you, that was really helpful. I'm worried I'm messing things up cause I missed that rehearsal," he smiled back, arms locked behind his back. It looked like he was nervous, to you, which endeared you even more to him.

"Your dancing looks perfect to me," you said, standing still and awkward, your nervousness also showing.

You both stood staring at each other, and this time you didn't flick your eyes away. It all felt like things were clicking into place, and any feeling you had to resist this little thing was all gone. Not that there really was much to begin with. But you were nervous at first, so unsure of his interest. You couldn't bring yourself to assume that someone like him would want to be friends with someone like you. You had to wait for the confirmation from him.

Easy conversation followed the next few rehearsals. Talking about the choreography was always an easy in, and Yunho took to using it as much as he pleased. He complimented your dance skills more than you thought he should, because you worried the other dancers would find it strange or have something to say about it. But no one said a word to you. You felt this thing happening, the two of you magnets pulled together, but it seemed like no one around you had any clue. It was normal enough for him to want to talk to a dancer about the routine, and so what if in those conversations things turned more personal, more jokey, more flirtatious. He complimented your glasses early on, you remember that, and it stuck with you for weeks. You couldn't get it out of your head, the way his head tilted to the side when he said it. His tone of voice, the look in his eye.

Then there was the rehearsal in the gymnasium. You were all sectioned off, the main focus of the day being how the background sets for the MV would fit around the group of you dancing. The director was there, talking with all of ateez and the head choreographer, as they all stood around on the floor. The rest of you were told to wait in the stands, as they set the exact measurements of the set pieces, needing you all on stand-by at a moments notice. It was times like this you realized just how big the budget they had was; they were paying you all to be here today, even though most of the day you spent just sitting there, your fellow dancer sitting next to you almost falling asleep on your shoulder three separate times.

He saw you as soon as you came in, your hair up in a messy bun, your hoodie swallowing you. Your socks didn't match, your shoe laces partially untied. You pushed your glasses up your nose as you stepped inside, nearly bumping into the girl in front of you. Unassuming. Clumsy. For some reason, everything he wanted.

He craned his neck to watch you sit down, waving when you finally looked in his direction. You waved back, the sleeve of your hoodie pulled over your hand. He stood amongst his members, wishing he could somehow say something to you. Everyone was discussing the slight differences in the placement of something, but he'd stopped listening as soon as he saw you enter, so he really wasn't sure what it was. He reached for his phone, wanting to shoot you off a quick text. But then he remembered, the managers had taken them today so the boys would be focused. Also, he still didn't have your number. He knew he needed to remedy that problem as quickly as he could.

You zoned out for a moment, everyone around you buried deep in their phones as soon as they realized they'd be stuck in the bleachers for a bit. But it didn't take long for your gaze to sweep back down, settling on the person you couldn't keep your mind off of. You were met with a surprise, holding a hand over your mouth to keep yourself from laughing.

Yunho was holding up a piece of paper in your direction, the word HI written in big bold letters. You weren't even sure where he got the paper from, much less the marker, but god did it make your heart constrict. How fucking adorable, how totally and completely cheesy. You were like Taylor Swift and her crush in 'You Belong With Me,' holding out written signs to each other and reading them through the window. Well, you could have been, if you had any paper of your own. You smiled, his action absolutely heartwarming, but you couldn't help feeling terribly disappointed that you couldn't reciprocate the gesture. That was until you remembered the back of your hoodie had the word HELLO written across it, right above the smiling sunflower. You held your hand out to him, beckoning him to wait a moment, as you turned and lifted up the hood to make sure he could see the white letters, that you hoped contrasted enough against the blue fabric that he could see them from so far away.

You turned to find him smiling, his shoulders jumping for a moment like he was laughing. It was just far enough away that you couldn't hear well, so you had no idea if he really was. The moment passed, and your heart was beating remarkably fast, but yet again it seemed like no one around you noticed. You blinked around, looking over your shoulder at your fellow dancers. Right then it hit you, that maybe you shouldn't be so openly doing this, whatever this was. You'd been warned time and time again that being involved with an idol was bad news, that plenty of dancers had done it and payed the price. One of your favorite fellow dancers had dated an idol, and you'd heard her horror story before over drinks one night. You knew people had complicated feelings on the subject.

But you also knew your own feelings weren't so complicated, at least when it came to him. Finally you all were beckoned down to the floor, the sets put in place. You all danced in front of them, the director trying out his camera movements, asking you to repeat certain sections so he could try different angles, see how the composition would look with so many bodies in the shot. You'd said hello to each other when you came down, but quickly you had to get to work, everyone's focus held on your dancing. It wasn't until you all wrapped up for the day that he said anything else.

"Hey, I've been meaning to get your number so we can text if we need to, like today," he said. Your stomach dropped; you couldn't believe the words you were hearing. Was he really asking for your number, here in front of everyone?

"Yeah, that would be great," you smiled, waiting for him to pull out his phone and hand it to you.

"My manager has my phone, do you have yours?" he asked.

"Uh, it's up in stands with the rest of my stuff. I'll have to go grab it," you responded, smiling apologetically.

"Yeah, no worries-"

"Everyone we need to clear out, we're supposed to be gone in five minutes! Let's get going!" the lead choreographer cut him off, calling out to the whole room.

"Yunho, I've got your bag, and the car is out front, we need to leave now," his manager came running up, placing a hand on his shoulder. You didn't know where he was headed, but it was probably another rehearsal, or interview, or photoshoot. One of the thousands of things they all had scheduled every week.

In the chaos you scrambled up the stairs, grabbing your stuff before dashing out the door, not wanting to get in trouble. Yunho waved to you from the car, it pulling away as soon as you exited the building and started your walk to the subway station. It had all happened so fast, and you hoped he didn't think that you'd forgotten. His question stuck in your mind over the next three days, until you had rehearsal again. And that time you walked in with your phone already open, pulled up to a new contact entry. You didn't even greet him that day; you just placed your phone in his hands, and looked up at him with big eyes. He blinked a moment, but it wasn't hard for him to know what you were asking. He put in his number, handing the phone back to you, and you sent off your first text of many.

🌸: hello :)

You waited that night after rehearsal, meeting up with your best friend for dinner. You could just feel it again, you knew he'd say something, if you had just a little patience.

🐶: I hope rehearsal didn't kill you today. They really didn't give you guys any breaks :(

Immediately you squealed, shoving your phone into your friend's face.

"How cute, he's so concerned for you," she laughed, poking your cheek.

"I can't believe he already texted," you sighed, grabbing another bite.

"He obviously likes you," she said, making your mind spin.

"Don't say that, you're getting my hopes up," you replied, shaking your head.

"Why else would he ask for your number?" she asked.

"To talk to me about work stuff, dance stuff, I don't know?" you replied.

"Did he ask for anyone else's number?" she asked.

"I don't know, he could have," you said, raising your shoulders.

"I doubt it," she smiled. "Look at you, you've caught yourself an idol. Better be careful, my girl," she joked, finishing off her drink.

"I wonder if this is a bad idea," you pondered, staring off into space and letting your mind wander.

"Don't overthink it. How often do you come across people you like? If he likes you too, you should go for it. You don't have any reason to hold yourself back from this. I mean, be careful of course. I don't want any death threats coming your way," she chuckled, reaching over the table and grabbing your hand. "Connecting with another person is a special thing, and it sounds like you two really have. Don't under sell that."

You left the restaurant and wandered home, a warm feeling in your chest. Hugging your friend goodbye you thanked her, so grateful to have someone you know you can tell anything to. As soon as you made it home, you pulled out your phone and responded to him.

🌸: It was fine, I just got very sweaty. my hair was a frizzy mess 🐶: you still looked so pretty 🌸: you are very sweet to me 🌸: why is that 🐶: I like you, that's why 🌸: you like me? 🐶: I want to see you outside of work 🌸: I want that too

You breath caught in your throat. It was everything you could have hoped to hear and more.

🌸: how can we do that tho 🐶: we'll find a way 🌸: you could come to my place. it's very small. I live alone

He could have guessed that was the case. You never mentioned having roommates, or parents, or anyone else you lived with in the brief conversations you'd had.

🐶: can I come this Saturday? 🌸: okay :) 🐶: are you sure? 🌸: be here at 7 🐶: will do

You had two days of filming for a different group's music video, a huge group dance with nearly fifty dancers. You be finishing it up Saturday morning, and hoped that things ran on time. You wanted to have the time to get yourself ready, take a shower, pick out your clothes. Even though you'd just be at home, surely just lounging around. You wanted to wear your favorite sweats, and the black tank top you had that sat perfectly over your figure. You two wouldn't be going on dinner dates out, or to the bar for drinks, or to the cafe or farmer's market or any other place where Yunho could be spotted. He didn't have to explain that to you; you'd worked in this industry long enough to understand. He'd have to do everything he could to avoid being seen entering your building. If this did become a romance, it would be one conducted in the privacy of bedrooms, apartments, hotels. You couldn't walk out on the street holding hands, or even just walk down the street side by side. But then you reminded yourself of the if. You still didn't know what he wanted, exactly. You'd still never been in the same room just the two of you. The nerves gnawed at you as you showered, as you carefully set out the clothes you would wear as you dried your hair. You'd wear no bra with your tank top, you decided, and you'd wear your favorite bikini cut black underwear. You didn't like lacy thongs, you didn't like most women's clothing period. But you wanted to feel sexy when he arrived, wanted it to be clear to him what you were after.

🐶: I'm heading out now, I should be there in 17 minutes, according to google maps 🌸: see you soon :)

Your adrenaline surged, your body sweating despite the cool temperature of your tiny apartment. You scrambled around, cleaning every surface one time over again, making sure your dirty clothes were tucked away in your closet and not strewn about anywhere. You gave yourself a final look in the mirror, your glasses looking comically huge on your face. Your hair was a mess, but it always was. You'd never learned how to properly take care of your waves. The black tank top looked as good as you'd hoped though, so you shrugged. It was good enough.

You'd only sat on your couch for about thirty seconds when the doorbell rang, and you physically jumped. Opening your door you found him in a loose button up shirt, casual baggy pants, a baseball cap covering his nut brown hair, and a mask.

"Hi, come in," you said, your heart beating faster than it did even during your most difficult dance numbers.

"Thank you," he said, stepping inside, his jacket held over his arm. He pulled off his mask, folding it and shoving it in his pocket.

"Would you like some water?" you asked, awkwardly. You didn't know what to say, the two of you standing feet apart in your tiny living room.

"Sure, that'd be great," he said, looking around, taking everything in.

"You can sit on my couch, or on the floor, if you'd like. Sorry there aren't more options, my apartment is tiny," you said as you filled his glass. You decided to fill one for yourself, realizing now that you'd completely forgotten to eat dinner or drink any water this afternoon because of your nerves.

"It's perfect. I really like it," he said, sitting himself down cross legged on the floor, on the small rug that surrounded your coffee table. It was the only table you had here, the one you always ate your meals at. "Is this the rug you always lay on at night?" he asked as you came and set his water in front of him.

"Oh, no, that one's in my room," you smiled, sitting opposite him on your couch, cross legged too.

"I was gonna say, this is pretty small for laying on," he laughed.

"My other one is small too, I guess," you laugh in response.

"Can I see it?" His eyes have a mischievous glint to them as they meet yours.

"Sure," you say, smirking back at him. You're trying to put on a confident front, because you swear you keep seeing his eyes trail down your body hungrily, but as soon as you start walking towards your room your legs are shaky. Yunho reaches out and grabs your shoulder from behind, steadying you for a moment.

"You okay?" he asks.

"Yeah, just tired. Filming ran long this morning, we had to go over this one section like fifty times. I'm gonna be so sore tomorrow," you say.

"Do you have a foam roller? It's helps me a lot when my legs are cramping up on me," he says, as you open your bedroom door, revealing the tiny room to him. It only has room for your full bed, your dresser shoved into your closet.

"I should really get one," you say, turning to face him. "There's the rug," you smile, watching intently to see his reaction.

"That's the one you lay on every night?" he asks. You nod your head, chuckling. "That's even smaller than the one out there," he laughs, pointing in the direction of your living room.

"I wonder if you'd even fit," you laugh, looking down at the small strip of floor that isn't taken up by your bed frame.

"Let me try," he says, kicking off his shoes and setting them on your shoe rack outside your door. He crouches down, settling himself on his side, his legs bent up to make it possible for him to fit.

"Wow, so comfortable," he quips, sarcastically.

"It is if you're my size," you pout, looking down at him with your arms crossed.

"You really lay here every night before bed?" he asks.

"It's my favorite spot in the world," you nod.

"You think we could both fit?" he asks, pulling off his hat and tossing it on your bed, holding out an arm to you.

"Maybe..." you trail off, stepping over towards him, carefully setting yourself down in front of him. You're on you side too, your face maybe a foot from his, your back shoved up against your closet door. You stare into each other's eyes, still not having touched, the whole scene potentially still friendly and innocent.

A yawn hits you, a wave of exhaustion washing over your whole body. You really should have remembered to eat a good meal before this.

"Tired?" Yunho asks, you his eyes not leaving yours.

"I guess so. Sorry for yawning," you say.

"Am I boring you?" he jokes.

"No, not at all," you shake your head, smiling back at him. And then you both just stare, a good minute passing, your heart racing and racing in your chest, your body aching for something, anything.

"Can I kiss you now?" he asks, but still doesn't move. So you do instead, pulling yourself closer to him, your legs entangling as your lips finally meet, the first moments of the kiss awkward and stilted in that way it always is with a new person. But soon enough you've found each other's rhythm; you can tell he likes sucking on your bottom lip, and likes it when you open your mouth and let out those breathy moans, allowing him to dive his tongue inside, feeling over the plush softness of your tongue. It's heated so quickly, your arms desperately grabbing at each other, a sexual excitement awakened in you in a way it hadn't been in so many years. You got lost in it; you couldn't have even remembered your own name in that moment, because all you knew was his mouth and his hands, his tongue on your neck, the way your clit felt rubbing hard against his thigh, your climax reaching you so fast you don't even realize it until your hands are cramping up. They do that when you're too stimulated, when your whole nervous system has too much input and can't process it all. He senses a change in you, pulling back to see you holding your hands, trying desperately to calm the spasming muscles.

"What's wrong?" he asks, gently holding your hands in his own.

"It just happens sometimes, when I come," you whisper into the cool air of your bedroom. "My hands lock up like this." You start to giggle, a blush creeping over your face at the look he's giving you.

"You came?"

"Yeah, I know, I'm insanely sensitive," you laugh, still rubbing at your hands.

"Fuck," he groans, shaking his head back and forth, and you laugh again at how affected he is. "Are your hands going to be okay?"

"Yeah, just give them a moment. They'll be fine," you say, putting your face up to his again, your lips connecting and fire shooting through you once again.

Before you know it he's on top of you, kissing you hard, his hands snaking underneath your top to feel over your hard nipples, grabbing hungrily at your body. "Can I taste you?" he whispers through ragged breaths, and you nod into him, whispering yes on his lips. He moves down, pulling at the waistband of your sweatpants, and you lips your hips to help him. When he grabs at your panties he drags them off slowly, shoving them in the pocket of his jeans, moving his mouth down your thighs and licking up to your core. He swipes his tongue up your slit slowly, giving firm pressure to his movement, making you moan and arch your back in response, your knees falling wide and hitting the wall and bed you're caged between. Yunho hums at the taste of you, the heady sweetness better than he could have even imagined, his tongue swiping again and again up your entire slit, taking in as much of you as he can.

"Fuck you taste good," he whispers, before attaching his lips to your clit, sucking gently and making you squirm, your knees jumping up to cage in his head. Then he's adding a finger, and then another, slowly pumping them into you while he keeps sucking on your sensitive bud, ripping another orgasm out of you in seconds. He keeps touching you through your after shocks, making your moans high pitched and sharp as you feel overstimulated, but then as he keeps going you slip back into pleasure, and another orgasm builds faster than the first.

"Fuck, fuck," you scream, your hand in his hair, snaking through and grabbing hard onto it. It makes Yunho moan, the vibrations radiating through your core and sending you over the edge once again, your pussy fluttering around his fingers. This time you push him up, your body wracked from coming so hard and fast.

"You can come multiple times," he states, his lips and chin glistening from your slick. You just nod coyly, breathing hard, trying to regain your sanity as he moves on top of you again, kissing you hard. You moan at the taste of yourself, and at the way he's smothering you so entirely. "You like how you taste?" he asks, smiling into you as you nod your head yes, your lips not able to leave each other for more than a few seconds.

"Can I fuck you?" he asks into your ear, his low voice shuddering through you.

"Please," you whisper, grabbing at his pants to help push them down, laughing as he tries to stand and bumps his head on the door handle to your closet.

"Fuck," he mutters under his breath, holding his head for a moment, scrambling still to pull of his pants and finally get to what he's wanted all night. "You're making me so desperate that I'm hurting myself," he jokes, slipping a condom over himself with finesse, finally collapsing back onto you, rubbing his hard dick up and down your slit, attaching his lips to yours once again. Slowly he pushes in, testing the waters, watching your face as he stretches you out. He's loving your reaction, the way that just him putting his cock in you is making you so overwhelmed with feelings and pleasure.

"You're so big," you cry into his shoulder, grasping onto him for dear life.

"I know," he chuckles, his face in your hair, taking in the scent of you.

"Shut up," you giggle, hitting his shoulder playfully, holding back a moan from ripping out of you. He's just barely bottomed out, holding tight onto your hips to anchor himself.

"You okay?" he whispers, placing gentle kisses on your forehead temple, keeping himself still until you give him the okay. You nod against him, your face still buried in his shoulder, holding him to you.

"Please move Yunho," you beg, your body needing more from him now, even if the stretch is hurting. He slowly pulls himself out, pushing back in with care, the wet sounds loud and embarrassing. You're so wet it's starting to drip down your leg, and he slides in so easily, even though you're tight against him.

"Does that feel good?" he asks you, setting a slow pace, watching your body intently. You babble and nod against him, and he picks his pace up, hitting something so deep inside of you that it makes you head fly back against the ground again. Thankfully your rug is there on the floor, but it isn't the thickest, and the actions till hurts.

"Ow," you mutter, your eyebrows scrunching up in pain.

"Careful, careful," he coos, grabbing the back of your head in his large palm, slowing his movements. "Why are we on the floor when your bed is right there?"

You chuckle, blinking up at him with blown pupils, your walls still clenching hard around him.

"Let's move up there," he smiles, slowly pulling out of you, standing gingerly and helping you up carefully, too. You pull at his shirt, unbuttoning some of his buttons, making him pull if off over his head. He's completely revealed to you now, and he grabs at your top too, pulling it over your head and throwing it over the side of the bed.

"Your head okay?" he asks, moving on top of you again, cradling it in his hand.

"Yeah, it's okay," you laugh, staring up at him. "How's yours?"

"It's fine," he chuckles, kissing you deeply and grabbing at you, unable to stop himself. "You're driving me crazy," he whispers, and in a moment he's sheathed himself inside of you again, resting your head against your pillows as he starts fucking you hard, his mouth on yours as your tongues swirl around each other's mouths. He's hitting that spot inside you again, over and over sending waves of pleasure through your abdomen. You feel like you're being split open, like your entire body is filled by him, by everything he's meaning to you. The care, the attention, the perfect angle of his hips as they snap against yours, has your mind floating on a cloud of pure joy. God, it's never felt this good, and you don't want it to stop, don't ever want this feeling to end. You know you're stuck now, you're addicted, you've had one taste of him and you'll never want anyone else.

"Yunho," you whine against his lips, as you feel another orgasm building.

"Fuck, don't say my name like that, you're gonna make me come," he groans, lifting his head up to deepen his angle even further, fucking you even harder. "Are you close?" he asks, and you whimper in response, moaning high pitched and holding tight onto his biceps. "You're so fucking perfect," he says, his upper body falling down on top of yours again, as he holds you close. You come, the warmth and safety his body is giving you making you release, every part of your being comforted by the man above you.

"Yes, fuck that feels good," he groans into your ear, feeling the way you're squeezing so hard down onto him, your moans like screams again, stroking his ego in such an addicting way. "I'm never gonna get enough of you," he groans, finally releasing his load, his orgasm washing over him hard as his hips stutter, his face scrunching up in pleasure as he finally comes. He collapses on top of you, holding you close as you both come down from your highs, your breaths hard and fast and totally in sync.

"You're amazing," he mumbles, stroking a hand through your hair.

"No, you're amazing," you giggle, your head floaty and calm in your post orgasmic state. You poke his side, giggling into him when his body jumps.

"Don't you dare do that right now," he grumbles, tickling you back and twice as hard, making you shriek and laugh beneath him.

You stay cuddled up all night, not able to sleep cause you keep kissing, Yunho's large warm body making you feel safe in a way you didn't know you were missing.

"I should have taken these off before I fucked you," he laughs as he pulls off your glasses, placing them gingerly on your side table.

"Eh, it's okay," you laugh, snuggling into him closer. "They're always on, I'm used to it. I keep them on even when I dance most of the time, which is weird."

"I noticed," he said. "They're so fucking cute."

"You really like them?"

"Y/n, you're fucking perfect. Every thing about you."

[gluion]

there have been many discussions surrounding the boycott of riize that i think there's no harm in sharing my two cents on this issue.

seunghan’s removal from riize speaks a lot about the state of the kpop industry, from the constant accommodation to fans' parasocialism to a lack of mental health protection for kpop idols. idols are being treated as commodities versus real people. we’ve seen it in newjeans’ situation, seungkwan’s instagram post, the starlight boys mission, and anecdotes from other idols.

what happens in the behind-the-scenes of the kpop industry is generally not common knowledge, but as more idols continue to speak up about mistreatment, it’s clear to see such a capitalistic industry does nothing but service management more than the idols themselves.

with that, i think it’s important that we don’t forget the purpose of the boycott. while it does have aims to bring seunghan back, i think it also speaks up against the lack of protection idols have.

still in doubt? well, i thought i could take some time to offer a different perspective on some common reasons people don't believe in the boycott.

"seunghan made the decision to leave the group."

it's not enough to take the statement at face value because you wouldn't be considering the context of the situation. seunghan left because of all the backlash he received. i wish more people recognized the reason why he made that decision. ultimately, the circumstances/situation cornered him to make that decision—and it shows the lack of protection that SM has over their artists. and you have to recognize that seunghan, although he's 21 years old, is a rookie artist. this is his first time as an idol, and to receive all that backlash after being relatively fresh from debut are waters he has never navigated.

"oh, the boycott won't work. SM is a big company."

everyone knows of SM’s status. the purpose of a boycott is to put pressure on them in light of seunghan’s removal. after all, the boycott is happening because people recognize a deeper issue that reflects the kpop industry: a lack of protection for their own artists. there is a long, ongoing history of boycotting and its success. boycotting is not instant. it will take time like any other boycott. this initiative aims to put pressure on SM to reevaluate their actions and current protocols in handling defamation of their own artists, especially rookie ones.

"let's just support the boys as they are now."

i understand that most people think it's better to support them as who they are now, but i would like for you guys to remember back to the reason why people are boycotting in the first place. the group fought for seunghan's comeback and it would be understandable for them to be stressed out by this whole situation. you can still support the current members while still holding SM accountable through a boycott. how? letters is always a start. weverse exists to help send your messages to artists. after all, we know how much riize would prefer to read your thoughtful and comforting words, especially now.

i would like to reiterate that boycotting doesn't translate in hate for riize but an initiative to put pressure on SM. people have reasons of why they chose to unstan riize due to how split the current fandom is between ot6s and ot7s. when a subgroup in a fandom manages to push for the removal of a member, it's hard to feel safe in such a space. however, instead of wasting your time trying to fight seunghan antis, you can find more ways to support the boycott and offer your own perspectives on why you support it.

i wish more people realized and reconsidered why multiple kpop fans from across different fandoms are united about this issue. as always, please reconsider if you aren't participating in the boycott!

resources:

boycott sm by @hanibani-world

boycott plans as international briize by @seoktized

BOYCOTT RIIZE with petition by @axibani

google drive of riize content sorry for the mention to these accounts! — thank you again for your posts <3

[kimkaitual]

Bex's Top 20(+1) Songs of 2023

Spotify Playlists: Top 20(+1) ♡ Top 100 ♡ 2023 On Repeat (<- the unabridged favorites list [19+ hours])

tagged by @xiaojuun @dongkwan @hohowonho & @yangsminho thank you beloveds 💜

So I have learned that I am incapable of picking a reasonable number of favorites throughout this whole process and I even kept an extra song bc I wanted to make the gfx for it. Also the layout. But here are some of my favorites from 2023!

Some thoughts: I still don't know the purki members even tho I was OBSESSED with cabin fever. Busted top song of 2023? Multiple hags had comebacks this year & teen top's tt stood out to me when I was looking back (I don't count exo as hags even tho they are...)! Infinite's & tvxq's cbs were also really good! I still think knock knock by reve should've been the tt of chill kill. Loved my soloists in 2023 (jo yuri, kim sejeong, woodz, b.i, tabber, onew, d.o, kai). Several of whom were new to me. WayV may not be kpop, but their album was too important to me not to list. I joked that my top 10 was just the omy album, but it really was very good. EXO returned!! And we probably won't see them again until 2026 😭 Perfume best debut of 2023 /hj. I still don't technically stan the boyz somehow even tho I tuned in to all of their cbs this year and now know all the members. Also 🕯 pls let a.c.e drop a full album (as a full group 😒) in 2024 🕯and ilu everything I didn't mention but made the top 20. ok enough outta me 🤐

tagging (if you've already done this pls tag me!! I'd love the see it 🫶🏻 & if you're not a cc, I'd still love to see a list if you want to do one! 💜): @jwooyoung @lee-minhoe @bethereforme @possession1981 @honeydewtual @28reas0ns @sunminshine @sunghanbin @awek-s @jeonwon-wonwoo @zuhoz @kimsmingyu @jaebeomtual @okaysign @onmywayv @goblinvern @baekhyunonlyfans @wifehwa @flaredpantsagenda @haechannabelle @kihyunsgf @sunmisbf @neonsbian @wayvmp3 @duovxq @tipannies @pinktaeyeon @jftk @ninqz @nfly5 @talksaxy @baekslight @byunbaekhyunie I'm going off memory and definitely forgot people (I'm sorry🫣) but I think most people who are gonna do this have done this already anyway 😅🤷‍♀️

[alxtiny]

Aster | Choi San x Reader

Synopsis: where san is the driving force in your hectic life as an idol

Pairing: Choi San x female reader, idol au

Genre: fluff, comfort

Word count: 850

Warnings: none :)

Notes: The name of the group, Apeiron comes from the greek word meaning Infinity and similarly Aster means Star. The fic can be read in a gender neutral pov as well there’s just one line that mentions that the reader is female

From this request

Masterlist

It had been a year since your debut and day after day you had worked hard to reach where you were now, of course the encouragement you received from you family and loved ones played a big part in it too. You had recently achieved a new milestone with your group Apeiron. Your latest comeback with the album "Aster" had soared to the top of the charts, making its mark on the prestigious Billboard Top 200.

The music industry was swept up in a flurry by the new and yet to be seen concept you and your group displayed. Kpop fans worldwide had taken to calling the Apeiron members the 4th gen ‘it’ girls. Apeiron’s success held a lasting impact on the industry, but for you, after everything, the support and admiration of your loving boyfriend, San, meant the world.

As the day of your comeback celebration arrived, you found yourself engulfed in a whirlwind of emotions. Backstage, butterflies danced in your stomach, and your heart raced with anticipation. As you stood with your groupmates, you couldn't help but think about San. You hadn’t seen him in some time, because of both your busy schedules, considering how ATEEZ had a comeback to prepare for as well. Yet even after not being physically present, his unwavering belief in your talent and hard work was your driving force, pushing you to reach greater heights. A quick glance at your phone showed a message from him, filled with words of encouragement and love.

The stage lights bathed you in a soft glow as the audience erupted into cheers. Your performance was electrifying, and the cheers grew even louder with each word you sang. Amidst the sea of fans, you spotted San, his eyes locked onto you with pride and adoration. Seeing him in the crowd gave you an extra surge of energy, and you gave your all, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.

After the show, you reunited with San backstage. He enveloped you in a warm hug, whispering sweet words of congratulations into your ear. "I'm so proud of you, my love. You were phenomenal up there," he said, planting a gentle kiss on your forehead. The feeling of his support and affection melted away any remaining nerves, leaving only happiness and gratitude in your heart.

The next few weeks were a blaze of interviews, fan meetings, and performances. You met with San whenever time permitted, listening to his stories about ATEEZ’s comeback and how the sudden rise in fame had changed everything overnight. Even through all the hardships, you knew, together you were unbeatable.

As the success of "Aster" continued to grow, you were invited to perform on various renowned TV shows and music events. Each time you stepped onto a new stage, you remembered San’s words of encouragement and pushed through to do your best.

On one particularly special occasion, Apeiron was nominated for the Song of the Year and ATEEZ was nominated for the Worldwide fan’s Choice award. The night of the MAMA performance was important for both of your groups, it was filled with tension and excitement, and as the envelope was opened, revealing your group's name, you couldn't believe your ears. You won! The moment was surreal, and you rushed to the stage with your groupmates, tears of joy streaming down your face.

In your acceptance speech, you thanked your fans and fellow members, but you made sure to express your gratitude to San and even the rest of ATEEZ for being the most supportive people in your journey.

San beamed with pride, as the audience erupted with applause. He was overwhelmed at your words and knew that all the hard work and late-night practices had paid off. He was proud to be your boyfriend and to have witnessed your journey to stardom.

Soon, ATEEZ too was called onto the stage to receive their award, the crowd once again roared with cheers, with yours being the loudest. San locked eyes with you as he walked to the platform and gave you the biggest smile he could muster. You couldn’t help but marvel at how far you both had come since you started off as trainees.

As the night drew to a close, you and San found a quiet spot backstage. He wrapped his arms around you, and you looked up into his warm, caring eyes. "I wouldn't have made it here without you," you whispered. "You believed in me even when I doubted myself. Thank you for always being there."

San smiled tenderly, gently wiping away a tear from your cheek. "You deserve every success, and I'll always be your biggest fan," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity.

You let out a light laugh at his words, “You deserve even more, you and the boys worked so hard, I can’t put how proud I am of you into words, now let’s go join the others, we have a lot to celebrate tonight,” you said with a wink.

This memory you share with San of night of your first win, is something you won’t ever forget.

© alxtiny . Do not steal, plagiarise, translate, repost, or use my works on any platform in any way.

Send an ask or message to be added to taglist

DISCLAIMER: THIS IS PURE FICTION AND NOT RELATED TO THE MEMBERS OF ATEEZ IN REAL LIFE PLEASE DO NOT TAKE IT SERIOUSLY

taglist: @sushi0517

[luc1dvisual]

Could you write something for After Schools Nana? She’s coming home from a long day of practice so you decide to help her relax by giving her a massage which turns into something “more”. Thank you:)

only you - nana (im jin-ah) x reader

𝜗୧ in where the love of your life has a long day and you would do anything to help her relax

cw: smut (obvi), 18+, soft s*x, fwb, edging, top!nana, bottom!reader, homophobia (brief), idol!au, both idolxreader are 30+

word count: 1.9k

When somebody asked you what Nana were, you would laugh and play it down, making them look stupid for even asking. You and Nana were both in After School, a largely-successful 2nd generation kpop group. She was definitely the most popular but you definitely weren’t far behind, being the main rapper. You guys been friends since your trainee days and have been very close as the years went by. You both joined around the same time and many of your fans would gush over how perfect of a friendship you two had. Even when your group was falling apart due to lack of promotions and lack of comebacks, you two were seen together everywhere. When a new age of kpop stans from all over and many years passed, some new-gen fans started shipping you two which disgusted k-netizens. You had liked her for your entire careers and always got sad when another dating scandal between her and some guy popped up. You two never really talked about romance because you both never had the time for it. It was almost like this unspoken thing, your conversations were never too deep and was always fun and light-hearted. That’s why you were shocked that Jin-ah felt the same about you.

She felt the exact same about you and actually seemed to fall harder. You could not be happier but you both agreed to take it slow. The most intimate you got were some cuddling and kissing, nothing more. It surprised you a lot that it was her idea, you both were over 30 so you felt almost like a teenager. In interviews now, interviewers still mention Nana to you which you would speak about how you two are still friends and miss each other dearly. You and her live in the same apartment so you can’t afford to say anything out of turn. The reason being that you both feel safe around one another (and the dangers of korean society don’t help.)

Nowadays, you are not too active, almost on break even. Your company doesn’t mind as Nana is very active and is earning them plenty of money. She was always out filming for projects or even photoshoots. You would always stay at home and do all the chores there, always wanting to be useful for the woman you love. She wouldn’t mind and would always appreciate your help, saying that you ‘keep the place alive’. One night, you were cooking dinner for yourself as you expected Nana to be working. You didn’t wear much, just a silk pajama set with no bra underneath. You were thinking about sleeping early, your getting older, until you heard the door open and shut. You were confused at first until you heard the clicking of heels and your ‘friend’

“Sweetie?” Her sultry voice echoes in your almost silent apartment. You always liked her voice, she didn’t think it was anything important due to lack of lines in After School songs, but you always loved to hear her talk and sing. Your heart raced as you realise she is back and paced over to her, happy your best friend is home. “Jin-ah” You wrap your arms around and bury your face into her neck. You can’t see her but you can tell she is smiling as she perks up and says “How are you baby? How has your day been?” she asked. You gave your usual bubbly smile and said in a happy tone “It’s been boring! But your back..! I’m happy you are but you told me you wouldn’t be home until I was fast asleep..” You looked up at her face and saw her tired expression, her usual features clearly less expressive and a exhausted look on her face. “Photoshoot finished early.. but with the less time, they made it up work. Did you know I had to iron my own clothes?” You give her a sympathetic expression, most of the time in the past when she was tired was after a promotion schedule and you would technically be tired then too which gave you a sense of comfort.

“They aren’t supposed to do that, they should be thanking the gods for having the opportunity to do a shoot with somebody like you!” You were nervous with this, she was normally the one comforting you and going out her way to make you comfortable. You were very grateful for all her care throughout the years but since she was prone to not showing weakness, when she occasionally did, you didn’t know how to react. The nerves of this all gets to you and ideas swirl through your mind, trying to figure out a way to help your ‘friend’ out. “Well.. I’m getting older, not many brands would wanna work with me in a year or two.. Sweetie? You okay?” She started her anxious rant but stopped when she saw you so deep in thought. You internally cursed her for this, always so concerned for you without caring about herself. You finally blurt out “What if I cook for you then give you a massage? ..How would that sound?” You thought it was something casual, just helping your friend out after a long day. You then realised she hated people touching her, having bad experiences with male fans getting too comfortable. You were about to take back your words until she says with a candid look on her face “Sure.. as long as that’s okay with you?” 

You laugh, trying to ease the tension “‘Course, that’s why I offered. Sit and put on whatever you want, even one of your dramatic dramas is okay!” Before she could say anything back, you walk off with to the kitchen and make sure to make the portions big enough for you both. You turn your head as you finish up the meal and see Nana watching her show. Your face goes a subtle shade of pink as you find her stunning. Dinner goes by with plenty of conversation, you melting under her gaze and just generally being happy she is back. 

You notice her gaze on you as you massage her. You get some flower-scented lotion and work on her shoulders. Your features become intense as you try your best to concentrate. You feel her smirk on you as she caresses the side of your face “What would I do without you, my love?” she says quietly which is probably one of the hottest things you heard. She then cranes her neck up and kisses you on the cheek, a few butterfly kisses on your face as she moves up to reach, more kisses scatter your neck as you let out a quiet pleased noise. You want to melt in that instance, surrender to that pleasure as Nana takes the lead. 

You then stop her and move forward, pulling her down onto the bed and trapping her with your body and your hands on either side. “No… you had a long day” you manage to verbalize despite being a blushing mess. She was surprised by these nervous words, forgetting all your boldness from a few seconds ago. A innocent-like yet knowing smile appears on her face as she says between kisses “Then give me a reward..” her hands start wandering. You finally succumb and looking down at her with doe eyes. Nana looks up with a small smile as she reached up, her hand going up your chest and cupping your right breast. She sits up and uses her hands on your thoughts to reposition you. “You wear this all the time? I need to come home early more often then..” She sucked on your peak through your thin satin singlet. You let out a gasp and ran your hands through Nana’s hair. She stops to look up at you with a smug smile, a small wet patch on where she sucked. Her hands went up your shirt again but caressed your back “Tell me to stop now if you don’t want it.” she said, clearly hot and bothered. You look down at her with a love struck expression “Anything for you, Jin-ah” and you kiss her softly on the lips. No tongue, no lust, just pure love.

Her self-control snaps and she flips you two so she is hovering over you. She doesn’t take off your top completely, trecking it up over your breasts. She started getting annoyed as it wouldn’t stay so held it up to your mouth. “Hold this for me?” she asks in a innocent tone. You understand what she is saying and bite down onto the fabric to keep it up. She practically lavishes you, starting with kisses and small licks all over your breasts, giving one individual attention. You give a few whines which give her more confidence, sucking on the peak of the right and caressing the left, alternating once you started to whine louder. She feels movement of your legs against hers and she looks down, your breasts covered in love marks. You started  to grind up for any friction. She smirks as she runs her thumb up and down your parted lips. “Can’t wait can you?” she says, almost teasingly, yet loving every second of this. “Na..na.. please..” you manage to let out, your mind blurred with list and a sense of bliss. You are happy this happened and honestly thought you were sleeping when you see the woman of your dreams between your legs, her attention only on you.

“Lift.” she softly orders you, giving a kiss on your cheek as she then moves back to help you shuffle off your pajama shorts. Your white underwear with a wet patch in the middle is revealed to her. You aren’t thinking straight so you just subconsciously open your legs which if you looked close enough, Nana’s face had a tint of red pretty obvious. Out of nowhere, she practically yanks down your underwear which causes you to gasp at the sudden coldness, making your lower half to shake a bit. You stop shaking when you feel kisses up your thighs which make you feel a odd sense of bliss. You can feel Nana’s eyes on you and being so bare while being so seen makes a pink flush come across your face. You then let out a gasp as she licks your clit which turn into a moan. More escape as Nana starts to suck your bud and you throw your head back. You angle your hips up so her tongue goes deeper. She eats you out like she is starving and you are nearing the edge. It’s really making you wonder “How is she so good at this?”. You grip a handful of her hair as you finish inside her mouth. She smirks as she cleans you up with her tongue and she lays next to you. You are laying there panting from the immense pleasure she gave you and you turn your head “I was supposed to spoil you.” you unknowingly pout at her. She smiles after she wipes her mouth “I’ve been wanting to do that for awhile, trust me, this is the best reward I could think of.” Your pupils dilate “A while? With me?” you were a bit irritated by this. You have been trying to drop hints and she played dumb to your face but you could tell there was something else in her eye.. “ Not only with you, only you ”

note . . .

AHHHH FINALLY FINISHED!! I kept procrastinating as it was almost done + was not in the mood for smut, just been reading angst all week. I literally love Nana and After School so I am so happy that I not only have one but two Nana requests!! I absolutely love getting requests so they are still open. i am also planning fic series so stay tuned!! ALSO THANK YOU SM FOR 300+ NOTES ON MY KARINA FIC I LOVE YOU ALL :))

navigation: kpop masterlist , after school masterlist

[beautifulpersonpeach]

You haven't answered my other V ask so you might be wanting to move on from this topic but I just have to ask. Don't you find 10 million USD on album sales excessive?? I'm talking about V's fanbase by the way. Isn't that money amount obscene to believe? Not to sound too conspiracy minded Peachy, but how can a kpop fanbase raise that amount of money? Can they do that through legal means or should sane people be worried? Also don't you think armys are acting irresponsible wasting that money on albums that they don't use when they could be using it for charity instead? I really respect your thoughts so I'm hoping to read your reply. Thank you in advance Peachy.

***

So... you're asking me how a fandom that raised $1 million USD in 24 hours for a Black Lives Matter charity with zero notice btw, how the fandom that raised $100,000 USD in hours for charity in Megan Thee Stallion's name, can raise $10 million USD over a three-year period for albums?

It's basic arithmetic, is it not?

I guess it seems like a lot of money for someone uninformed on just how big the k-pop market is and on how much k-pop fans typically spend on comebacks (note: solo fanbase funds for Seventeen and Stray Kids easily exceeded $15 million USD this year, and it's reflected in their album sales). Also, I'm not sure how long you've been following me Anon, but when I talk about the size of ARMY fandom in absolute numbers, when we discuss things like fandom dynamics that replicate those seen in political systems, or insane ticketing rituals that are more complicated than those used by the Bey-hive, and merch prices etc, what scale exactly, are you picturing when I mention these things?

ARMYs are a lot of people. Lol I'm not sure you understand. And many ARMYs in my circle are working professionals and audiophiles who didn't blink when it came up in conversation that I've spent > $45,000 on speakers. Not trying to be a bitch, but I do think it's important context to know the demographics of the fandom, and to know most ARMYs just buy one or a few albums for themselves. Those with the means carry the bulk of the donations, however ARMYs huge absolute numbers also mean even micro-transactions or donations from people who perhaps cannot afford more, are several magnitudes more than in other k-pop fandoms. The ARMY fandom is literally constantly growing, and that's why BigHit can realistically stagger seven solo debuts in a one-year period and all seven artists will still outperform active k-pop groups.

"Also don't you think armys are acting irresponsible wasting that money on albums that they don't use when they could be using it for charity instead?"

I'm not sure I like your tone here. (1) Because it's pretty clear ARMYs can damn well do what they want with their money. It's incredibly patronizing to presume to know what other fans individually value or to dictate how you think other people should spend their own money, to presume nobody here can think for themselves to know what and how best to spend their earned income. We're in a hobby space, anyone who's already opened a fan account/blog is already in too deep no point sugarcoating it. We're here because we want to be and are getting something we still deem worthwhile for our own pleasure. So what if we spend whatever the fuck we want on our hobbies as within what we deem as appropriate? And (2) ARMYs already and comfortably do both. There's no k-pop fandom that's as heavily involved in charitable causes as ARMY. Take it from someone who's been around. Do you think mobilizing a fandom of hundreds of thousands of people to raise $1 million in 24 hours would be possible if that culture and the fundraising channels didn't already exist?

And this was before Dynamite. Before 60% of the fandom that's already here, joined.

The only place I agree with you, is in that a solo fanbase was so involved and could raise that amount of money in the first place. Because giving influence to solos is just a recipe for disaster. In my experience, akgaes are just fundamentally less intelligent people. Akgaes and solo stans or people who lean towards solo stanning (not including casual fans), are also more reactionary and impulsive, verbally/emotionally abusive, paranoid and prone to conspiratorial thinking. These are people with nearly zero ordered thinking skills and unwavering tunnel vision. They won't think twice about applying blatantly illegal methods or acting rashly if it means getting the result they want. If there's ever a massive scandal on the fandom or BTS, I can almost guarantee you it will be because an akgae fucked up or went too far. Also, I'm actually not certain all the funds raised by Taehyung's fanbase did so through legal means. That's what I mean about solo stans. Too many of them are literally just that stupid. And I mean, just by virtue of being a C-bar, it's fairly common for some bars to be linked to members of wealthy/political families in China and SEA. There's only ever been rumours, but it wouldn't surprise if it were true that some money involved was made by illegal means.

Which is one reason I hold on to my hope that people will refrain from partnering with solos, regardless of how things evolve for BTS, but given the way things are going, by 2026 the fandom will likely be a 65 : 35 ARMY : solo ratio, from what I assume to be 90 : 10 now. It's kinda bleak actually. But it is what it is.

Jikook will still be jikooking anyway and the music will still be dope. So BTS and HYBE will keep getting my money.

[byemambo]

24th Birthday Special: Advice from a Concert Connoisseur

I wanted to post something in commemoration for my birthday (Aug 3) and why not talk about my personal takes on what you can do to enjoy your future concert experiences! Of course, everyone will approach concerts differently, so this is obviously a list particular and true to me, but could possibly have information that can enlighten others to try the next time they go to a concert. Although I've been to other concerts of varying genres, this listen will cover mainly how kpop tours go and what to expect.

1) Venue and Ticketing Information

[THE BOYZ - 2024 ZENERATION / ATEEZ - 2019 THE EXPEDITION, both locations in Atlanta, GA]

First things first: collect all information and details about the tour and the concert itself. Depending on which touring/production companies are in charge of the tour, information such as venues, dates and cities, as well as pricing for tickets and merchandise will be more transparent and quickly distributed for the general interest group to prepare their finances and whatever accommodations they'll need if they plan on traveling. I would keep an eye out for the following:

Tour Name along with cities/countries: since companies use "world tour" as a marketing tactic, it's rarely considered a world tour by definition as many artists only touchdown in so many areas of the world within that span of time their tour goes for

The year and tour dates: most tours are announced months to even a year ahead of time, so be aware of when those announcements drop and establish the amount of time you have until that particular date arrives. This can be in a span of a few weeks to a span of a few months, which is highly dependent on the artist's current schedule (comebacks, festivals/major events, touring other parts of the world outside of where you reside, hiatuses, etc)

Who the touring/production company is: from experience, pay attention and do your own research in how that particular company conducts their tours. Some companies are well established and have years of experience in elevating the quality of their concerts, others are truthfully underprepared or unorganized, a few are actually scammers based on how they handle on site VIP tier perks/experiences. I would check Twitter for this type of information, especially if people have compiled their experiences through threads

Who is the ticket distributor: some production companies sell their tickets directly, others such as Ticketmaster or AXS are in charge of distributing those tickets. This is important for having access to your ticket information, venue seating charts, VIP tier list and perks

What is the venue and where is it located: some venues are placed in the heart of the major cities, which all have their own unique regulations and expectations (bag policies, parking, fanmade signs/posters, etc) Locating the venue will also help you narrow down housing accommodations a mode of transportation as some cities are more walkable than others

What are the different tiers/perks: each tour is conducted differently, so make sure you take the time to read what all the perks/benefits will be before deciding on purchasing your ticket! These benefits can include: hi-touch, send off, soundcheck, group photos, selfie opportunities, line up priority, etc! Depending on the size of the venue, these perks will differ in what's available with the prices reflecting so.

What time does ticket sales begin: because of time zones, pay attention to when ticket sales begin, as they will differ from presale (with codes if you've been a frequent attendee for that particular group/touring company, or membership benefits from the group itself), VIP, and general sale

2) Tiers and Seating Preferences

[VERIVERY - 2024 GO ON FAN MEETING / TWICE - 2023 Ready to Be, both in Atlanta, GA]

Depending on the venue size, there will be various ways to view the concert: in the pit/standing area, seated, or leveled/nosebleeds. Although I've had my fair share of purchasing VIP and being able to be closer to the stage, my preferences over the years have shifted, prioritizing my view of the stage versus how close I am to the stage.

This has heavily impacted my overall experience, as I'm someone who doesn't feel the need to record every single moment I'm there, lessening my pressure of wanting to capture the "perfect" moments and allow myself to enjoy the concert in its entirety. I also believe that there will always be videos and photos from other users online, so I use them as my way of archiving those memories

Of course we know what the pros would be in getting a higher tier ticket, but my cons are more important to me: standing/pit will give you an obscure view of the stage due to people (most likely) being in front of you, and how high they all plan on holding their phones up to record. Some fans will also hold up objects (fans, posters/signs, etc), which depending on where you're viewing the stage, that can also be distracting

My favorite areas to stand/sit now are usually centered and towards the back of the pit (near or behind the sound booth) or central seating sections

3) Experience the Concert

As I've been going to concerts, my first one being BTS's Highlight Tour back in 2015 (iykyk...), my approach to concerts have evolved over time:

Bring earplugs! These speakers and crowds can becoming extremely loud and over time with continuous exposure without proper protection, it will affect your hearing long term. I use Loop Earplugs (found on their website or Amazon) and I can still hear the performance/music but without risking my ears ringing after the concert is over

Be mindful of your battery life on your devices. This can be your lightsticks, phone, cameras, etc. You'll need your phone for after the concert, such as navigating back home, ordering Ubers/Lifts, ordering food, etc. Bring chargers, power banks, or extra batteries as appropriate

Dress however you like at the concert, but if you want to feel extra special: dress according to the artist's themed eras or your favorite member! Whether you dress for comfort or for fashion, most fandoms can be (not always but that shouldn't affect your individual experience) extremely friendly and supportive, so having a themed outfit that's recognizable will give you a confidence boost! I'm someone who doesn't bother to dress for every day, but for concerts, I enjoy theming my outfits and received compliments when I'm there :)

[THE BOYZ Juyeon - The Stealer]

If you ever want to make anyone's day: hand out freebies! This can be small bracelets, keychains, charms, unofficial photocards or posters, anything that you can commemorate the day with. I've made unofficial photocards in the past for ATEEZ, which give you a chance at potentially making friends or gaining exposure within the community (if you promote as a creative, artist, group order manager, fansite, etc) However, if you do plan on handing out freebies: you will come across solo stans or entitled people that will not be satisfied with not getting their favorite member so handle those situations as you best see fit (personally, I'd probably just deny them a freebie if they don't have a warm and approachable attitude from the jump)

Talk to people around you and make them feel welcomed and a part of the community: it can be as simple as holding the line for someone else to get their own freebies (this happened to me at the Expedition tour and I was able to spend the entire day with those group of girls), asking who someone's bias is and where they're traveling from, if someone shows signs of needing help with anything, extending a hand if you're able to do anything to resolve the situation, also if you end up sharing words with other people, wishing them a good night and to arrive to their next location safely! It may seem small and insignificant, but these moments can change the trajectory of someone's concert experience in a positive direction without you even realizing

Dance like no one's watching, but act appropriately to not become a nuisance to the group experience: be there to enjoy your time but not at the expense of everyone else's experience. There's room to be excited, but there's no room for disrespect and acting inappropriately: scream while everyone's invited to scream, be mindful of your bubble (I've had to confront people pushing into me before after dealing with it multiple times without an apology), let the artists have a moment to speak and share their thoughts with the audience (please don't use those ments to shout and try to grab someone's attention, especially for people like me that have auditory processing issues and can't always make out what's being said without repeating the statements), be a good sport to everyone around you, including the artists themselves. Just because you paid for the experience doesn't entitle to act unhinged

Experience the concert like a movie: there's excitement in the element of surprise. I usually refrain from looking for the setlists or fancams of previous stops before my stop, treating my concert experience like I'm watching a movie for the first time. Some groups will also play into the theatrics of the show itself with dance performances or stages outside of their promoted songs, even performing songs outside of their norms (such as Japanese releases) or pre released title songs (stream Bite Back - THE BOYZ everyone). Allow yourself to immerse within the environment: watch the VCRs, pay attention to the set design changes, be present in the moment where it's easy for people to fall back onto their phones when they're not be stimulated. Give kudos to all the moving parts that makes these shows spectacular and genuinely a once in a lifetime opportunity. Memorialize it, embody it, consume the energy that comes from everyone coming together and traveling far and wide to be in a shared space and experiencing a special moment that will never be replicated again. And don't forget to have fun and if possible, make fun for others as well! And do not fret if your attempts at conversing with people fall short: it's almost 9/10 nothing personal to you and doesn't actually have anything to do with you. Anything can happen within these 24 hours that can make or break someone's spirit, so don't take offense if people are there for reasons outside of your own. Some people are there to unwind and listen to their favorite music, others want to make friends, some want to get as many interactions with their faves as possible (which I have my own opinions about but it's not important), overall: despite what happens, find your silver linings to make do of what's happening and what's in your control. You are in control of your experience: no one else, so might as well make the most of it and share an equal responsibility with the artist to create fond memories for all of us to look back on with smiles and heavy hearts

Thank you for whoever made it this far: happy birthday to me! 🎂🧁🍰

[bandzboy]

re your last post you’re so right. streaming culture has always bothered me but more and more lately i’ve realized that kpop (twitter mostly) stans don’t know how to just enjoy music. and like… it’s genuinely so sad for them. there’s so many great artists with great music but all they care about is numbers even if they don’t necessarily enjoy the song/album/mv. i feel like this also ties into people who are allergic to even the idea of stanning multiple groups but i digress

i think the reason for this to happen is how some of them feel responsible for their faves career like if they don't mass stream they won't succeed when most of the time (if not all the time) it's the company's fault for not doing their job properly and not promoting them decently because if they did their job people would naturally gravitate towards listening to said song or album naturally without the need of mass streaming and i mean one of the main things that count for music show wins are streams and it's so much pressure to like put the pressure on fans to do so but this results into people not really enjoying the song for what it is and not having fun during comebacks! like i am saying as someone who used to do this (bc i was on stan twt) and looking back i came to realize that i wasn't really enjoying it as much as i should in my case it was skz which i love all of their music but i remember being so stressed bc i had to stream the mv and the thing is I DIDN'T HAVE TO but there was this pressure from other people on there to do it and if you didn't you weren't a real stan. i mean the thing you say about people not wanting to stan multiple groups is very real because people on twt will side eye you if you are listening to other groups because it means you aren't dedicated to x group since you are giving streams to y group and it's BONKERS i mean... being a stan during kingdom was literally that that's why after that i left stan twt but it was an awful experience especially if stanned more than one group but the craziest thing is that years back nobody would bat an eye if you stanned more groups on twt but ever since streams and views started to be more important everyone just started to be like "you have to stan one group because you have to stream and vote for that group ONLY" and it's crazy to me i couldn't deal with any of that i think it got WAY too normalized this past few years people over there judge you because you like different groups when it's not that serious and you are just trying to enjoy music and they can't fathom that at all it's very odd

[peppertaemint]

I'm going to answer a few Anon bits together here since I have a few long ones. So... here goes!

Just a little correction, your last message you spelled Kakao as KaoKao and KaoKao is the name of chocolates

Thank you! When I'm tired, I become extra typo-y.

While Baekhyun's cough was concerning me during the live stream, I trust he knows what he can and can't do, and regardless of what anybody says to him, the decision is ultimately Baekhyun's.

Agree Anon. It's important to have boundaries between yourself and other people. Whether it's people you don't know or people in your life. You don't get to control either; the sooner you get that (not you Anon, the wider 'you'), the better.

People were insisting Baekhyun and Kai were being forced into the group and SM was running them into the ground and they should be allowed to rest meanwhile asking for an EXO comeback every fucking second. So they need to rest but they also need to rejoin EXO for a comeback?

The victimization is rooted in a performative savior complex and selfishness. At the end of the day, these fans want whatever it is that will satisfy their craving/addiction for the object of their desire (that which they want to control, btw). This is why military service is so hard for them and considered life ending; the addiction ends and those who are upset need to replace the "fix" with someone else. Because a lot of musicians don't release music or any content for years, so why is it so life-ending with Kpop? People really need to reflect on that.

Taemin stated the one he had the most chemistry with in SuperM was Ten and I don't believe he believes he doesn't have the mostbchemistry with someone he's been close to since he was a kid lol Ya know? I think he was truthful about he and Ten's chemistry but I think the obvious answer was Kai but he didn't say it. When Kai suggested they share a room, Taemin opted for one by himself which I do not blame him for because I too would've wanted a room by myself and whe assigning sleeping arrangements, Taemin put Kai with Lucas instead of with him lmao So all that to say, I think since TaeKai and BaeKai alraady have established relationships, I think they made it a point to focus on showing their bonds with the others since so many bratty twats were saying how unhappy they were being forced into SuperM

What you're saying, Anon, is what I think most viewers who know Taemin and Kai a bit would conclude naturally *if they are not insane*, lol. That's a big if. Taemin and Kai already did lots of promo as "besties" when they were younger; they probably don't feel the need to do more than they already did (plus Rare Taem showed off their friendship in 2020 anyhow, but maybe SuperM fans never saw that?). The sleep thing I think is more just TM having a sleep issue and wanting/needing to sleep alone. That's what I took from that because on the last night when he lost and was supposedly sleep on his own, Taeyong and Baek decided to sleep together just to give him a private place to sleep. I assumed either sleep issue or he's really just so special everyone had to spoil him LOL. idk who knows.

Ten reminds me a lot of Taemin in a lot of ways. Now that some time has passed and they've all gotten even better since they were together as a group, I can't wait to see SuperM perform together again. Thanks for your reply with videos lol <3

You're welcome, Anon! Ten reminds me of Taemin too, but I think his polish and training really shows. And if anyone could dethrone Taemin's dancing, it could be Ten if he was given the kind of solo career Taemin was given. Another big "if." It still seems unclear what SM want to do with Ten. It's good WayV came back and Ten did his solo song, Birthday, but this is someone who should be doing a solo a year-ish imo.

[everythingbap]

🎤 kpopping: Artist Spotlight: Interview With Moon Jong Up

Moon Jong Up, a name synonymous with artistry and growth, has once again captured the hearts of fans with his latest mini-album, PETER. From his early days as a member of the legendary group B.A.P to his evolution as a solo artist, Jong Up has continually showcased his unique blend of talent, creativity, and authenticity. PETER marks a new chapter in his musical journey, one that reflects his growth and maturity both as an artist and an individual. In this exclusive interview, Moon Jong Up shares his thoughts on the creative process behind PETER, his experiences as a solo artist, and what fans can expect from him in the future. After a long and eventful career, Moon Jong Up continues to surprise fans with his creativity and dedication. His latest mini-album, PETER, is not just another release but a statement of his artistic journey. You released a single and a new mini-album PETER just recently! Can you tell us more about this comeback?

This is my third mini-album. It's an album that portrays my identity and the process of my growth in a slightly more mature way. The single "Love Bomber" expresses the process of transformation through its music video. To embrace further growth and welcome a new version of myself, I used my English name, "Peter," to symbolize letting go of my past self.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/Kp5AspkNGRk?si=8-hvYqRtPYn2Zdyt How would you describe your solo career journey so far? How was it different from being in a group?

Solo activities were really challenging. Just as there’s nothing I can achieve on my own, I’ve realized how important it is to work together with many passionate people. I learned that it takes a lot of effort to make that happen. Over the past five years, I faced many difficulties during all my album production processes, but this album was the most challenging yet rewarding experience. I was so happy all the way through to the final concert! As for group activities, I think most of the burden fell on our leader, Yongguk-hyung. Thanks to him, being part of the team feels like a haven for me, filled with joy.

Can you tell us about a defining moment in your journey as an artist so far?

Of course, it was about taking on the challenge of a survival program. I gave a lot of thought before deciding to participate in Peak Time. In the end, the determination that allowed me to take on the challenge was, "Let's confirm my worth." It was a time when I was doubting myself, and I felt that if I couldn't truly prove myself here, this wouldn’t be something I could just say I wanted to do anymore.

You have released quite a lot of music throughout your long and successful career. Among all of the music that you have made, do you have a favorite? If so, can you tell us why?

I have a lot of songs that I like. But I think the one that is most similar to my taste would be ‘US’.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/GvDQlW7yYNc?si=63JZR8EqOzWveT-b We are so excited for what’s more to come for Moon Jong Up! Can you tell us your goal or mission? What is the biggest dream or achievement that you really want to reach?

First, I think the most important thing is to make many albums that will show me without rushing. It will be great if people who get to find me, even if it’s in the later stage, to listen to all my albums and have fun as though they’re watching a movie.

While many know Moon Jong Up as a skilled performer and songwriter, he also has a unique personality and hobbies that fans adore. In this section, we learn more about the man behind the microphone. Everyone is curious to know what kind of person Moon Jong Up is behind the cameras and microphones. How would you describe yourself and your personality?

I think I get along well with many people in a friendly way. Also, I’m the type who feels like I need to do what I want, and I’m pretty stubborn.

Which artists from both Korea and the international music industry inspired you to become a musician? Which artist do you wish to collaborate with?

I feel like I’m learning from many different artists in different ways. As for collaborations, it’ll be great to do it with a wide range of artists.

Outside of your activities as a musician, what kind of hobbies do you enjoy in your free time?

I mostly spend my time watching animations or documentaries.

What keeps Moon Jong Up inspired to keep pushing your music career further?

At first it was various music and movies, but now it feels like it’s just life itself.

How do fans inspire your work? Do you have any memorable interactions with fans that have stuck with you?

In the end it’s the fans who enjoy listening to my music and supporting me, so each moment is about them. I always feel like we’re in this together.

Moon Jong Up’s mini-album PETER is a testament to his growth as an artist. Here, he delves into the inspiration and effort behind the music. Now let’s focus on his 3rd mini-album PETER! https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/60oBpKLVyNzGLfdge00qlx?utm_source=generator What was the creative process behind ‘PETER’ like?

First of all, I was able to gain a better understanding of the system through the process. It was fascinating to watch how my small ideas and imagination started and eventually came to life. The more people contributed, the more innovative the final result became, which made it even more exciting.

Do you have a song from the album that feels more sentimental to you than the rest?

The song "Feel Me" is the one I had the most hands-on involvement with from start to finish, so it feels the closest to me. I can vividly feel the emotions and the memories I had when writing it.

https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/66rQH3Jl8xevqhjZ8r9YVS?utm_source=generator You composed some of the tracks on this mini album which is very impressive! What is your favorite part of being able to compose and write your own songs?

The greatest joy comes from pursuing the things I want to do, one by one. It’s exciting to bring my ideal self and my story from my imagination to life.

Is there any genre of music that you want to try making in the future?

I’ll have to think more about the genre, but I think the track is important. I’m imagining myself dancing along to the rhythm of a not-so fast and cool track.

How do you want listeners to feel when they hear the album ‘PETER’ for the first time?

I want to let them hear the truth about myself and my feelings when I'm not on stage. Like telling them what kind of person I am, and so the fans and I can understand each other better and feel closer.

What is the most fulfilling part of being a musician? What about the most challenging part?

It’s satisfying to know that as I gain a deeper understanding of what I do, I’m able to share my story in greater detail. To make that happen, I feel like I need to learn more and stay more active.

As the interview wraps up, Moon Jong Up shares final thoughts and messages for his fans and what lies ahead for him.

Kpopping readers! I hope you’ll like my new EP PETER that tells my story, and keep your eyes on me while I keep growing.

What could we expect from Moon Jong Up’s future plans or activities?

As for future activities, I’m always in talks with my management and we’re preparing behind the scenes videos to share with the fans, it’ll be fun.

"the more you face challenges on your own, the more you’ll eventually be able to find your own answer." Moon Jong Up’s journey as an artist is a story of growth, resilience, and creativity. Through his mini-album PETER, he invites fans to witness his evolution and connect with him on a deeper level. Fans can look forward to even more exciting projects from this talented artist as he continues to push boundaries and redefine his artistry. https://www.youtube.com/embed/XgcoxvbLBz0?si=QGGmIXDvW5KfUJ6I

[jonwongton]

12/31/24

This year definitely wasn't like the others. I made a lofty list of goals at the start but I don't think I was able to check off any of them.

Regardless, a lot of great things happened. I traveled to places I've never been, expanded my breadth of what an adult "should" know, and learned a lot about myself. For someone that lives or dies by a checklist, this was the most spontaneity I've ever channeled.

Even though I want to believe I'm still a kid, life continues to move on. Everyone around me is getting married and having kids. There's fewer and fewer opportunities for my family to hang out like old times. I even turned 29 this year so I really have to make the last year in my twenties count.

Health

I've dedicated an exorbitant amount of time to PT this year. My injury last year made me more in tune with my body so I realized how much pain my posture has caused. I haven't had the best resources, so it's been a constant learning process in trying what works.

The most important takeaway regarding my health has been mindfulness. I never realized how much I clench my muscles, even when I'm supposed to be relaxed. I have to put in so much effort to relax my shoulders, neck, and ankles because that's where I hold all my tension.

On top of that, sleep has alluded me this year. I think with my work flexibility, I can go in as late as I want so there's no hard deadline for me to go to sleep. Especially for my bedtime, that's something that's purely deadline driven so I'm hoping I can find something to wake up to and fix my schedule. I've still been getting the hours of sleep, but they don't feel rejuvenating when they're so late into the morning.

DDR

I set several goals I wanted to work towards but I couldn't play much due to injuries. I injured my left ankle several times experimenting with form, and my shoulders always hurt because my tight upper back prevents me from holding the bar properly.

The best I could do is play on keyboard at home, but that presented its own challenges. Voicemeeter was always adding a random offset so I was never confident in my timing. Also, my keyboard height was too high so that severely impacted my drill speed.

I've been really focusing on using my left hand to press each key with meaning and keep my shoulders relaxed. My timing has improved significantly, so when I can finally play in person regularly, I hope I can capitalize on all the Stepmania practice.

I want to let go on having a ton of DDR goals and just have fun. Being able to play consistently is already a blessing for me.

For 2024, five more songs I really fell in love with:

Lose Your Sense

ポラリスノウタ (Polaris no uta)

Reincarnation

CHAOS Terror-Tech Mix

Avenger

Kpop

Kpop doesn't feel the same anymore. I feel like the focus has shifted to performances and idols churning out content that the music quality has significantly declined. The older groups which used to produce the best music have fewer comebacks, and the newer groups' releases don't vibe with me.

Despite the negatives, there have been some songs that really stuck out.

Song of the year: Sticky - KISS OF LIFE (키스 오브 라이프)

Album of the year: Kep1going On - Kep1er (케플러)

B-sides of the year (because I can't do nested indents)

가시권 (Heart Raider) - tripleS (트리플에스)

Curious - Kep1er (케플러)

Unnatural - 권은비 (Kwon Eun Bi)

Love Arcade - Red Velvet (레드벨벳)

Beat the Heat - 프로미스나인 (fromis_9)

to fromis_9

My heart and soul of my 20s, I can't believe this is the end of our journey. Looking back, I wouldn't have spent it any other way. Some of the happiest moments in my life were because I'm a flover.

Solo fanchanting at Washington Square Park

Attending all three Love From concerts

Stepping on Korean soil for the first time on the same day as our first win

From 프로미스의 방, three comebacks in 2018, KCON 2019 with a sus comeback, the 2020 dungeon, the best song ever released in 2021, the best two comebacks in 2022, our first full album in 2023, and arguably the most successful comeback in 2024, what a ride it's been.

네 세상을 나로 가득히 채울 수 있다면 어떨까

They've really affected my life in so many ways. They motivated me to learn Korean. They inspired me to visit Korea and immerse myself in a new culture. They showed me facets of the world I never would have known about.

우리만 아는 이야기

I'll never forget the butterflies I felt staying up for every release, or how I could wake up every morning during my master's year during the golden year of content (channel 9 <3).

부탁해 이 순간이 끝나지 않게 지금처럼 그 자릴 지켜줘 이 편지가 노래 되어 네게 닿길 여기는 from.

This is one of those moments where I shouldn't be sad it's over, but I should smile because it happened. It's the right time to finally close my kpop chapter.

Thank you fromis_9, for everything.

플로버, 프로미스나인, 포에버

Milestones

Spent a second year in a relationship

Gave a speech at my brother's wedding

Traveled to Vancouver

Traveled to Japan

Made five SoCal trips (Jan, Mar, June, Sept, Nov)

Managed a summer intern

Liquidated my company stock

Watched all the Marvel movies until Avengers: Endgame

Experienced Queen of Tears

Things I learned about

How to buy a house (loan process, how a house is valued)

Sports (football, basketball, and their respective histories)

Vitamins/supplements (which do what, what you need in a day)

Physical therapy (strengthening and flexibility)

Chinese/Vietnamese wedding traditions (too many to list)

Selecting auspicious dates on the lunar calendar (mapped out 2025/2026)

Apartment hunting (location, layout, high/low season)

Advanced personal finance (best checking accounts, cash back credit cards)

Filing taxes (deductions, cost bases, tax brackets)

Health insurance (in/out network pros/cons, what everything means)

Car insurance (typical coverage limits/deductibles)

Tires (maintenance, durability, just buy Michelin, and how to change one)

Pickleball (third shot drives/drops, dinking, how to hit a strong forehand)

Competitive Pokemon (incineroar is crazy, but look at the new paradox Pokemon)

Poker theory (GTO, most preflop scenarios)

Sudoku (naked triplets, xy wing, forced chains)

Pilates (including Lagree)

Yoga (mostly hot)

Diamonds (4 C's)

Building furniture (couches, bed frames, tv stands)

TVs (QLED vs OLED)

Goals for 2025

Create a daily schedule that promotes a healthy lifestyle and is easy to follow

Discover what I'm truly passionate about

Achieve my ideal body type (on top of correcting my posture)

Expand my software engineering skillset

Prioritize myself over others

2025 is going to be a year where I have to rebuild my identity. I have to find the right balance between family, health, career, and love.

Hopefully I can look back and be happy with how I ended my 20s.

Let's get to work.

[bloomette]

So lately:

- work is so toxic mainly because of my colleagues. Everyday a drama and a fight in my team....its getting annoying

- many kids were sick with fever and I took care of my sick korean girl all monday and tuesday (she only accept me anyway) so....guess who is sick today 😐🥲 but yeah....it's been a while

- fully into my Ikon and Block B era, I feel like I tried "too hard" to keep on with the new gen amd trend but it really doesn't bring me joy or anything, i still enjoy their music but cant stan them. The only exception is Ateez of course, but the new of the comeback, teaser photos, all preorder POB releases.....it got me overwhelmed. Otherwise i'm extremely excited for Epik High's release AND new lightstick, it gonna be so COOL.

I'm still talking to some friends (kpop fans) and most of them are the portuguese's fans i've met at yongguk's concerts. All the others atiny and good friend i've met and helped (!!!) for their tickets, gave some presents etc, just ignored me since 6 months. 😒 Next time i'll mind my own business and be a loner (the best way) because it's easier.

- my next concert is in 30 days !! 2 months without any concerts feel strange in that 2023 year filled with concerts 😳 but yeah Babymetal gonna be so fun, I can already feel it !!

- I might have been in a mental "down" so I bought so many stuff on Mercari 😂 no so proud but well....my big bang lightstick (finally, after all thoses years being a vip), the block b lightstick (i dont understand why everyone hate it....), an Ikon signed album (they were still 7 ;_;), a yongguk pc set, and the most important: an eye mask (with Donghyuk eyes 🤣). I think that's gonna be enough to give me serotonin until december.

- also i'm currently watching Semantic Error and yeah, you can say I might have a new hyperfixation. My first BL and it's really cute/refreshing/light and let's not talk about the actors (Park seo ham you have my heart)

I was like "AWWW Park JaeChan must be so smoooool because the difference is so cute" and when I checked yesterday I saw that he was 177cm and Seo ham was.....193cm 💀💀 so on the left picture i would literally look even shorter (172cm) than jaechan next to seoham 💀

That was the update of my life 🫶🏻

[pionas]

hi! i know you stan itzy, ive, stayc, le sserafim. what are ur favorite aspects about them? do you own any of the merch / for which ones? what got you into kpop? thoughts on kiss of life? concepts you want to see next for then? (if ur uncomfortable feel freed to delete and disregard. i just like hearing people’s stories.) Ty!

hello hello! i love answering these type of questions omg! this will probably be long (i'll probably reach word limit and have to continue on the rb rip) so i'll put it under the cut

to answer some of the easier questions that i'll probably give a somewhat short answer to: i do own kpop merch however from the groups you mentioned, i don't have any TT simply because it's expensive and since i don't have a job i don't go out of my way to buy albums that often! most of the albums i got are bgs and most of them were gifts from my family and friends! the only gg album i have is blackpink's the album! it was a bday gift and i really wanted to get their first album since we all know how long it took them to get a full album out (i hate you yge) and since they were the first gg i got into! which i think it is a good transition to the question "what got you into kpop?" years ago in 2014/2015 this friend of mine introduced me to bts but i wasn't really that interested only for like in 2016 for me to hear blackpink's as if is your last and be obsessed with it and i only realized months ago that i probably got into kpop bc of them rather than bts bc even tho i ended up stanning bts in 2017 and they probably got me deeper into the kpop scene, i was way more obsessed with bp before that and so i think it's safe to say that bp got me interested in kpop at first to a certain degree but i feel like both of these groups played a lot into me getting into kpop regardless!

about the groups you mentioned

itzy there are a lot of things that i love about itzy since they are my ult of ults when it comes to ggs but i just love itzy's messages in songs and some people say they are corny or wtv but i feel like songs with themes about loving yourself and hyping yourself up are so important and it helped me a lot! their songs make me so happy because of how fun they are to listen to! but especially with this last comeback i loved bet on me because it talks about how even tho you have insecurities and you don't know where you going you end up choosing yourself in the end because trusting yourself in what you do goes a long way and it acknowledges how hard that even is to do in the first place and i remember when that song came out i had those types of thoughts and it was rather bad period for me mentally and so it meant a lot to me! i love their performances and how they always do the most on stage! it's definitely one of those groups for me that never miss when it comes to performing! you can tell they work a lot on that regard especially when it's award show performances they always try to do something new every time and i always love that! they also very lovely to me as individuals and their teamwork and friendships always makes me so happy :<

ive i initially got into ive because i was curious about yujin and wonyoung debuting again even tho i was never an izone stan i always tuned in for their comebacks and so i was pleasantly surprised at how good their debut song was! and i think ever since eleven, they have always been consistent when it comes to good music and i love that! they do bring something different to the table when it comes to music whether you love it or hate it and i feel like that is one of the most intriguing things about ive as a group in my opinion! it's incredible how they got such a big audience every time they have a comeback it's quite impressive and also winning soty last year it was so cool to see such a young group get an award like that basically at the start of their career! i know in the future they will be even bigger than they are i have faith in that! i just can always count on them for good music and vibes and fun visuals

stayc they are such a special group to me! like ive, they always have good music and i always can count on that from them! they are such a fun group especially when it comes to performance and singing it's always a delight to watch them perform these songs! this is also one group i did get into when they debuted and it has been really good to see them grow! it's also one of those groups that have songs that talk about important things that speak to me personally and i do love that! and so to me is one of those ggs that i find perfect when it comes to basically everything lmao it's always nice to see a gg from a small company thrive have good music and talent and that being acknowledged by the public! i know in a few years they will be unstoppable and will be everywhere!!

le sserafim i can't begin to describe what is about lessera that makes me like them so much! much like itzy, it's a lot of things! i have also been with them since debut having to see them go through scrutiny because of what happened with g*ram was sad even tho none of it was their fault they kinda got caught in the crossfire of it all and it was sad to see it happen so early on their debut that many people were debating whether or not they would be successful as a group after that and i am so glad that they became successful... like beyond expectations! they have such interesting dynamic as a group and i think it's very much because they went through a lot to just debut (referring to their documentary series) and they created such a strong bond that definitely translates into their performance! teamwork is very needed to be in a group and i feel like it does become very apparent when the members have a lot of affection for each other and ofc this is what we see but i honestly love that so much! it helps that their music is very good to me and i feel like there hasn't been a release that i was disappointed with! i loved their debut mini album so much that it's still my fav lessera mini to this day (unless... this next album changes my mind) but it was truly perfect in terms of production to me! i feel like as a group they can be very versatile and we will definitely see them doing different things and most likely nailing it every time! i just love them so much they are my fav gg atm i have so much love for them it's hard to describe into words 😭 i know they will go far in the future both individually and as a group and i'll always support them probably

as for thought on kiss of life... i have to say i was pleasantly surprised when i heard their solo songs also debut song?? it's incredible how good they are and debuted like this! i feel we could immediately get a sense of what they will be as a group and how the members are individually! i think they are all very talented and have amazing vocals i remember watching their performance on it's live and being so blown away by their vocals! i got into them initially because natty was gonna be in the group and i've been accompanying her career for a while now so i was surprised to see her debut in a group but i feel like she fits right in very well! sugarcoat is easily one of my fav songs released this year i feel like it was the perfect song for in so many ways! they will most definitely be a group to look out when it comes to performances and i hope everyone is ready to give them their flowers because they are so good and i can't help but support them i'm looking forward to their comeback idk what sound they will go for but i am sure it will be great

as for concepts for each group.... honestly it's hard to answer my go to answer for when people ask me concepts is "i wanna see them do a rock concept" and honestly i do want itzy especially to have a rock tt at least once (jype if you are listening PLEASE) i would like lessera do a sort of a bubblegum pop concept but idek if i am describing this well kdjfgk like cute bubblegum but not too cute even tho i wouldn't mind but more of a tt with that sort of sound... similar to likey by twice if that makes sense! for ive... it's very hard to say because... because they sort of have done pretty much a lot of concepts... i especially loved how there was three different concepts for this comeback but maybe i would love them to lean into like magical concept like.... fairy-like in terms of visuals and the song could literally be anything tbh kdfgjkd as for stayc... i think something like so bad but i little edgier would be nice (trying not to say rock concept again LMFAO) but something similar if that makes sense)

[irino-jjanggu]

I mean if pentagon disbands the CLC way , I'll be like fuck I knew it but also, CLC didn't do anything for two years (except members being in like dramas and stuff) meanwhile Pentagon is out there being in festivals (which they'd said numerous times that is what they live the most) so it wouldn't be so shocking seeing them not renew their contracts with Cube and go different directions (and I surely hope they'll do that) and stuff, at least they were packed this last two years (with only two comeback) and the festivals they get invited to (were you know they bring them just because of the energy they display, nothing else because everybody seems to agree that pentagon are talented singers but no one cares to give them the respect they've earned in the last six years).

So if ptg goes the same way CLC did, with Hui joining the last line up for that shitty survival show, I would be pretty sad and depressed but I also would welcome it as a liberty they've earned for all the hardships they had to overcome over the years.

Some careers and some people simply are not appreciated enough in this times were quickness and popularity is more important than actual talent and being proud on the work you put out to the world.

I feel giddy and happy that I found Pentagon the moment I did. My life changed completely and they showed me how fun and serious can be kpop and that ppl on those huge groups can actually feel like family and the care and long lasting friendships can be really endearing. I'm proud of the boys and whatever they decide to do with what rest with the contract. I'm here for them.

I've already gone from 1dead disbandment , I can for sure endure this and I can endure Lightsum and the shit path that trash company has draw for them. I just hope that they're all happy and they can live their lives to the fullest.

[sanstropfremir]

dear Rover, Gambler and or Libertine, I was wondering, do you think there's any connection between that one set used in Taeyong's SM station for Longflight and Shotaro's dream stage sequence (the trailer's for NCT U 2021). IDK he's hung out with Kun and Taeyong (respectively) and at first I thought well... he does seem to like the Wayv dorm but then someone said it's kind of important that Ty took him bowling and I'm like? Can't be leader so fixed unit Taro? J-unit maybe?

;lakjsf;lakj i forgot that was my blog title, please you can just call me d it's all good!!

i don't think so? not in any significant connective way, it's likely just a visual coincidence as plants are a pretty common way to fill space on a set; taeyong's in specific is hotel/bellhop themed (because flight+hotels are usually synonymous), and shotaro's dream sequence looks more like an abstracted living room situation. it's possible that the designer was making a vague callback but then you would have to spend hours connecting all the reused spaces in sm mvs and that's just not worth the effort. besides, the base set that that bellhop set is on (the lightbox floor) is similar to the one used in the superm one mv, so by that logic was taeyong foreshadowing superm? sm is just very cheap and they've developed an ingenius method to make it look like they're putting more effort in than they are by saying that '~everything is connected~'. when sm is planning or foreshadowing something they're usually very intentional and deliberate about it (like the aespa logo at the end of the one mv), so if they were gearing up to announce a new fixed unit (make no mistake, i do think they are), it would be more obvious than a tangential connection with an mv from two years ago.

it's possible that the new fixed unit could be a j unit but i don't think that's a great idea because there's not enough japanese members to really make that worth it, and the units already do double promotions anyways. if sm was smart they would do a new fixed unit that includes shotaro and sungchan, and then populate the rest of it with a handful of the members not at risk for enlistment in the next few years from 127, and some dreamies and definitely xiaojun. once taeil leaves it's probably just gonna be an exo situation where it's a bit of tag while the other korean members have to dip. 127 has enough vocalists and also three foreign members that they're not gonna be at risk of being spread too thin to promote and they'd probably still keep to one comeback a year anyways, so it wouldn't really be that big a change. the current subunits are pretty well stacked that you don't need to sub people in once they start leaving, so a new fixed unit is the most logical next step in my mind at least.