#niall horan role play

[lookingforharry]

Hi there!

I’m on the search for some long term roleplay partners who love longer replies and are fairly active! Also doubles would be what I’m looking for!

I tend to stick to One Direction or 5SOS plots but if you had any other ideas then I’d be open! I’m also not super picky on what the plots are since there isn’t anything that bothers me!

When I say I’m down for anything, I truly mean it! I will say that I live in EST and I have a full time job during the week but it doesn’t impact my availability much!

If you’re interested then please like or message! :)

[avatar-anna]

this is very unedited, and i'm like half asleep as i write this, but a Horan!sister reader has been in the back of my mind recently (mostly bc i miss one direction and maybe bc i saw niall live a couple weeks ago) anyway, enjoy!

"We...We, um, we kissed."

"Yeah. We did."

"But we're—we're friends."

"I know."

"Are you freaking out? I feel like you're not freaking out enough," you said as you paced the length of your hotel room.

Harry, who sat on his bed, the one mere feet from yours, shrugged. "I don't see a need to, honestly."

You couldn't believe how nonchalant he was being. You and Harry had never expressed any romantic feelings for each other. You'd known each other for ages, and of course you thought he was attractive—who wouldn't?—but that was it. There were never any heated glances, no longing gazes while the other wasn't looking, no hugs that lasted too long to be anything other than friendly. You were friends, nothing more, and what had just happened changed everything.

Unless...

"You're right," you found yourself saying. "It was just a heat of the moment thing. We—We just got excited, that's all."

You were ready for Harry to agree with you. You were ready to agree to forget about the kiss, to never mention it again, pretend it never happened. That was the only logical option in your mind, unless you wanted to throw years of friendship down the drain. You didn't want to be a cliche, and you didn't think Harry wanted to either.

Plus, there was the other thing, but you didn't want to even think about that right now.

"Did we?" Harry asked. He looked amused as he tracked your movements, one hand playing with his bottom lip as if he was trying to cover up a smile.

"What do you mean—Of course we did. You're you and I—and he—Stop looking at me like that!"

This time, Harry didn't even try to hide his grin, dimples set deep in his cheeks as he laughed. "Like what?"

"Like you—" Like you want to sleep with me, you thought but didn't say. That was even more dangerous territory. "Like you don't regret what we did."

"We kissed, Y/n, we didn't kill someone," Harry said.

Right, you thought. This was normal for Harry. He probably didn't think twice about it because he was constantly kissing people. Well, not constantly, but definitely more than you did. Your brother made sure of that.

"You're right, sorry," you said. "So we'll just forget it happened then, right? We can just go back to—"

"Hold on a minute, I didn't say that."

For the first time since you kissed him, you looked at Harry directly. "Excuse you?"

"I don't regret what happened," Harry said, standing up slowly. "Do you?"

"Yes! I mean we're friends, and your best friend is—"

"Let's leave that out of the equation. Just for a second," he said. For every step he took toward you, you took one back. "That wasn't just in the heat of the moment, Y/n. I think we both know that."

"It—It was. We were celebrating and got carried away—"

"See, I'd believe you if you hadn't used tongue."

"You used tongue first!"

"And you moaned."

"It was a sound of surprise from the use of said tongue!"

Harry took another step closer, and once your back hit the wall, you had nowhere left to go. He was close enough that you could smell his cologne, sweet and a little smoky. His eyes were intense as they stared down at you, expression unreadable as he looked you up and down.

Since you met him, Harry had been hard to read. He was naturally quiet, never giving much away unless he was more than a few drinks in. Not to mention the first few years of knowing him that you'd gotten to know each other more. You only knew him through your brother, who was more than happy to stick you with the annoying little sister role, despite only being a year younger than him.

There was a point in time where you might've had a crush on Harry. You remembered watching him on TV at night and liking his voice and his smile and curly hair. Your brother had gone and ruined it of course when you met for the first time, teasing you about said crush, and you went so out of your way to convince everyone that you didn't that you succeeded perhaps a little too well. But now you knew Harry better. He wasn't some boy who sang on television anymore. Well, he was, but he was so much more than that now, his fame growing wild and beyond anything you could comprehend.

"Was it a bad kiss?" he asked suddenly.

That was a question you didn't expect. "What? N—No, it was fine—"

"Fine? Just fine?" Harry repeated. "What's a guy got to do to be better than fine?"

"That's not what matters!" you said, growing exasperated. "It should never have happened in the first place. You're my brother's best friend, you're—you're his bandmate!"

Niall had an embarrassing amount of rules when it came to you and his friends. Not that you thought they were ever really necessary, though now you weren't so sure. Half the boys were already in relationships anyway, and Harry was...well, he was Harry. As long as you'd known him, he'd never had a long term relationship. You didn't know why, and you were never close enough to him to ask. But the more famous he, and One Direction, became, the more...larger than life he seemed. Or maybe it was that you were in the perpetual space of being Niall's little sister that you'd just automatically written him off as someone who wouldn't be interested in you.

Either way, whatever was happening now was nerve-inducing. And scary. And making you feel things you weren't sure you wanted to feel.

"Is there an area I could improve in? Like specifically? Or was it the overall kiss that was mediocre? I'm really trying to wrap my head around this," he said. "Not to be rude, but I normally don't get many complaints."

"How are you being so—so unbothered right now?" you asked.

"I don't know, I just know that I liked kissing you," Harry said with a shrug. "And that I'd like to do it again. If not for the sake of kissing you then to at least improve from fine to enjoyable."

"Oh my God, the kiss was better than fine, okay? It was probably the best kiss I've had in a while. Best kisser in all of London. You're a proper Casanova," you admitted with a huff, knowing Harry wouldn't let that one detail go. "Happy?"

"Very. So...want to do it again?"

"No!"

"Why?"

Was he whining? "Because—"

"Okay, all of the stuff about your brother and my bandmate and how this probably isn't a stellar idea aside, you can't tell me you don't want to," he said. His eyes searched yours, looking for an answer in them before you said it. "I meant what I said, Y/n. I don't tend to do things I'll regret, and I don't regret kissing you."

That face, you thought. It was too beautiful, too distracting to make you think straight. Harry was all sharp angles and high cheekbones and long hair now, it wasn't fair. You didn't stand a chance against it all. Especially when his big green eyes almost seemed to plead with yours.

Deep down—maybe not even that deep, quite shallow, actually—you knew you enjoyed the kiss too, and not just because Harry was objectively good at it. It was him, it was the pesky feelings that erupted and took root inside you when you first slid your lips against his. Perhaps the kiss had started out as a heat of the moment thing—an overemotional celebration after watching a particularly intense football match after running into each other in London. You were there on holiday and he was home during his time off. You found yourselves spending they say together, finding comfort in each other's familiarity.

You'd never meant to spend the whole day with him, you'd never meant to invite him to your room to watch football and order room service, you'd never meant to kiss him after a goal scored. Yet you did, and you had, and it was hard to cross back over to ignorance and bliss when you knew what it felt like to have Harry's lips on yours.

"We can't tell him," you said. "Not yet. Not until we know what we're doing. He'll kill you."

"I know," Harry said, his fingers coming up to play with a strand of your hair. "When do you go back home?"

"In a few days, but—Fuck."

"What? Changed your mind already?"

"No, I just—I'm coming with you. On tour," you said, eyes widening. "It was Niall's graduation gift to me. Some time off traveling before I get a job and everything."

"Okay, well that's—that's an obstacle for a few days from now. Let's just—unless you don't want to anymore—I mean, I can go if—"

"Who's nervous now?" you teased.

"Not nervous, just being extra sure. Got a lot to live up to, being the best kisser in the world and everything."

"Pretty sure I said London."

"Pretty sure we don't need to debate it anymore," Harry said, bringing your arms up to wrap around his neck. "You can just kiss me now instead."

The movement felt almost too natural, his hair soft beneath your fingertips as you leaned in, putting you both out of misery and kissing him for the second time.

It was just as good, if not better than the first time you kissed him earlier. Harry's lips were incredibly soft, gentle but sure. Your body molded perfectly against his, feeling light as his hands roamed up and down your back, through your hair, on your hips. You felt those same butterflies from before, the ones that told you you might be feeling more than just lust, but you batted that thought away.

It was way too early to be entertaining those thoughts. You wanted to just enjoy the moment, go with the flow and not lose yourself in he-loves-me-he-loves-me-not. So you pulled him closer, sealed your tongue against Harry's bottom lip, and savored the flavor of his mouth on yours, letting it drown you until you could think about anything else but him.

"We're gonna have fun on tour, I think," Harry breathed, his voice coming out in shallow pants as you kissed along his jaw and up the shell of his ear.

There were a million reasons why you shouldn't, but they all floated away as Harry hoisted you up into his arms, your legs moving instinctively around his waist, leaving just him and a very easy and resounding yes. Your answer came in the form of kissing him once more, your hands tugging eagerly on his hair until every doubt and question was a distant memory.

[vmlnrzmp4]

the relationship between harry and you was…well, unlabelled. you weren’t bf and gf officially, but going on dates, hugging, kissing felt like any other day. you shared sweet little moments him. and if anyone asked, you were just 'hanging out.'

harry wasn’t one to push, and you didn’t seem in any rush to define what you two were either.

that’s how harry found himself nervously sitting on your couch one saturday evening.

his hands folded awkwardly in his lap. he’d come to pick you up for your 'not-date' date, and instead of you walking down the stairs, your older brother stood in the doorway.

niall crossed his arms, trying to play the overprotective brother role. “so, harry. what exactly are your intentions with my sister?”

harry froze. intentions? the words spilled out before he could stop them. “uh…to get ice cream?”

niall raised an eyebrow, un-impressed. “right. ice cream. very truthful.”

harry opened his mouth to say something. but at that moment, you appeared at the top of the stairs. “niall! stop scaring him! you promised you’d be nice!”

“i am being nice,” niall said, not taking his eyes off harry. “i’m just looking out for you. isn’t that my job as your big bro?”

“looking out for me?!” you repeated, grabbing harry’s hand and tugging him toward you. “you’re trying to scare him off!”

harry, who was now being gently tugged by you while at the same time being pinned under niall’s protective glare, wished he could disappear into the couch cushions.

“i’m not trying to scare him off,” niall argued. “i’m just saying. heck, you two haven’t even decided if this is official or not.”

that hit harder than harry expected. he glanced down at his lap. was niall right? was he wasting your time by not making this official?

you noticed the way harry’s shoulders dropped, and your eyes narrowed at your brother. “okay, first of all, rude. second of all, why does it have to be official? harry and i are figuring things out, and we’re having fun. and third: you’re making him sad!”

“i’m not making him sad,” niall glanced at harry, who was indeed looking a little sad. “am i making you sad, mate?”

“uh…” harry fumbled, his cheeks flushing. “a little.”

“niall! apologize to him!”

“alright, alright,” niall said, holding up his hands in surrender. “i’m sorry. i’m just…worried about her, y'know?”

“i know,” harry said softly. “i’d probably feel the same way if i had a sister as amazing as you.”

you melted at his words, your arms immediately wrapping around his. “see? he’s the sweetest.”

niall sighed, his protective side cracking just a little. “alright, you win. but i swear, mate, if you—”

“niall!” you interrupted, your voice rising in exasperation.

“okay, okay! go, have your…whatever this is,” niall said, waving you both toward the door.

harry stood, his hand automatically reaching for yours as you made your way to the door.

just as you stepped out, niall called after you, “and don’t stay out too late!”

you couldn’t help but laugh. “he’s so dramatic sometimes.”

harry smiled, his hand squeezing yours gently. “he’s just looking out for you.”

“i know.” you swung your joined hands between you as you walked. “but you’re too sweet to hurt me. you’re not like that.”

harry’s heart warmed at your words, his earlier doubts melting away. he didn’t need labels, not right now.

most boys—bad boys—would sneak their gfs out through their bedroom windows. but not harry. no, harry styles, the self-proclaimed bad boy, had to take permission from the niall horan.

harry led you to his ride—a modest red scooter parked as he handed you the spare helmet.

you climbed on behind him, wrapping your arms loosely around his waist, "hold on tight. don't want you flying off when i zoom through the streets."

"sure~" you teased.

as the scooter took off into the crisp night air, you couldn't stop the smile that spread across your face.

the city was quiet by the time harry pulled up to a red light. he sighed—a big big sigh that had you concerned.

"what's wrong?" you asked, resting your chin on his shoulder.

harry hesitated before ranting, "i wish i could be one of those guys, you know? the ones with bikes, leather jackets, and cool hair. the kind that sneak their girlfriends out and speed down highways. not..." he gestured to the scooter. "...this."

your heart ached at the vulnerability in his voice.

without a word, you tightened your arms around his waist, resting your cheek against his back. "harry, this is perfect. everything's perfect. you're perfect. and i wouldn't trade it for anything—not a bike, not anything."

for a moment, there was only silence between you.

then, harry's hand reached down to grab yours, pulling your arms tighter around his waist, "you're too good to me, you know that?" he murmured, his voice soft but full of emotion. you smiled against his back.

as the light turned green, harry revved the scooter—not that it made much of a difference—and said, "alright. you know what? screw niall."

your head shot up. "harry!"

"i'm serious," he said, laughing as he glanced back at you. "we're staying out past midnight. we're gonna make this the best night yet, and next time, i'll make it even better."

you smiled, your heart swelling with affection for the boy in front of you.

and with that, you took off into the night through the empty streets as harry kept his promise to make the night unforgettable. and a cherry on top was icecream.

that moment only lasted till a little—well, not really that little—past midnight.

the next day, harry was called to your house. he knew he was going to get a lecture from no other than the niall.

while you busied yourself in the kitchen, making hot chocolate, you whined to your brother to not scold harry too much.

"alright, mate," niall said, his voice firm but not angry. "let's get this out of the way."

harry braced himself for the lecture. but instead of a scolding, niall let out the saddest sigh in the world.

"you know," niall began, "i don't have a real sister of my own. i'm the youngest in my family, and everyone always looks after me. babies me. so when it comes to you..." he gestured toward harry with a small but shrug. "i guess i've taken on that role for y/n. she's my little cousin sister, and i look after her. it's just how i've always been."

harry's expression softened in understanding. "i get it," harry said, "i have a sister too. older one but it's tough. you want to protect them from everything, and you don't want them getting hurt."

niall nodded, "yeah, i just...i don't want her to get into something with someone who isn't gonna treat her right, you know?"

harry leaned back into the couch, "i understand. i'm not here to hurt her. i promise."

niall glanced at him, his gaze still serious, but there was an unspoken respect there. "just...take care of her. she's family."

harry nodded earnestly. "i will. and i'm sorry if i've upset you with how late i'm taking her out. i didn't mean to disrespect you."

but just as harry finished speaking, a mischievous smile etched on his face, "but i'll do it again, tho. she deserves a fun night, and i'll make sure she has a good time."

niall gave him a look. "i'm watching you, styles," he muttered.

just then, you arrived at the living room with a tray of 3 hot chocolates, "is everything okay? niall, did you give harry an earful or not?"

both harry and niall froze, their faces etching with smiles at the same time.

"yeah," niall said with a dramatic sigh, "i gave him a proper earful. told him off about the whole thing."

you blinked, confused. "really? you scolded him?"

harry's smile widened as niall turned toward him, both of them trying to suppress their laughter.

"of course," niall added, his voice entirely too serious to be believable. "i told him he better treat you like the princess you are."

you looked between them, not convinced. "i don't believe you."

harry chuckled, unable to hold it in anymore. "you're lying," he teased, "you didn't even say half of that."

"maybe i didn't," niall replied, laughing along with harry. "but hey, it sounds better this way, doesn't it?"

you stood there, confused, while harry and niall burst into laughter, both of them enjoying the moment.

you crossed your arms, frowning but also amused by them. "i swear, you two are impossible,"

but like, boys am i right?

[blingblong55]

Normal People- Simon ''Ghost'' Riley

You and Simon were once together when you were younger, you eventually grew apart. Years later you two by some coincidence meet once again.

A/N: listen to any of these songs, trust me!!! (This Town-Niall Horan, Photograph- Ed Sheeran, Strange-Celeste, Like Real People Do- Hozier, Sparks- Coldplay)

Based on a request:

GN!Reader, little angst, lovers to strangers(in a way) to lovers again

You and Simon have known each other since primary school. Neither of you knew you'd end up falling in love by the time secondary school came around. It was always you two against the problems of life and teenage drama. He asked you to be his boyfriend/girlfriend by year 10, ever since that day you and him were more than inseparable. His mates always teased him about it, it was rather adorable how much he would blush when they'd mention you two as a couple. He would sneak into your room after hours, whisper everything and try to contain his laugh when you'd say some terrible jokes. At times you two would sneak up to the roof and just stare at the stars all night.

One night as you two watched the stars he asked you to school formal. It was a big deal amongst friend groups and couples, so you of course said yes. That night as your friend group all drank beer by some campfire after the dance, you sat on his lap. He was all quiet, his eyes never leaving yours. "I love you, r/n'' he whispered into your ear. You looked at him with puppy eyes. You smiled and kissed him.

Ever since, any time you really meant it, he or you would say it, even if the time wasn't right, it could only be said when it was meant and no other time. As time went on, he joined the military, you stayed back and finished college, when he came back, you were working as an assistant. One night he went to visit his mum, she advised he visit you. And as he walked the streets, there you were with the same friend group. You and your friends laughing and drinking, everyone with their significant other, you sat with them, an empty stool next to you.

"Okay Simon, I understand, and don't worry darling, at every table I sit by, I'll save ya a seat, that's a promise''

''you don't have to do that, love''

Eventually one night you and him broke up. His role in the military got more serious, it demanded more of him. And you both knew it was time to just call it quits. You two had grown apart, it was an event that had to happen. You would move out to Dublin soon, a top Uni there accepted you(see what I did there,,anyways). Simon would have to leave England for months on end, it was just bound to happen. So when you called it quits, you moved to Ireland and he to somewhere in the world, wherever the military took him.

He carried a picture of you both from the night of the school formal. It was you and him sitting by the campfire, you in your attire and he in his suit, he had his arms around your waist. The way you two smiled at the camera, a true moment where he felt safe and at home.

--------

He was now 29, soon to be thirty, you'd be around the same age as well. He was now a lieutenant for the army, you a successful company executive. There were nights were he wondered where you were in Ireland, if you had met someone new, if maybe you had written him letters but just never sent them out. If you had maybe settled down, if you even remembered how at some point you were his life, the sole purpose why he always was a better man.

At drunken nights, thats when he thought of you the most. How you kissed him on rooftops, sneaked out just to talk to him, or the nights where you played the piano at some pubs. Maybe it was the sense of home, belonging that he missed, but maybe it wasn't, it was your sweet voice, how you would caress his face, rub his back, listen to his problems, kissed him under that stormy night, how by morning, you two laid on the couch at his mum's drinking tea and eating soup because you two got sick.

On cold lonely nights in the desert, thats when he missed you the most.

But as any true mystery in this world, you one warm night found each other once more. You in some jeans and a white tee, he in a black shirt and an old pair of jeans. Manchester was quite boring if you've been a local. You pushed your trolly around the store, you accidentally bumped into a tall man. ''Shit, sir I am incredibly sorry I was looking at this stupid stupid date on the-'' You looked up from the can of beans.

''R/n?''

''If it isn't Simon Riley'' you said in a happy tone.

He noticed the same old locket he gave you on your 16th birthday, it was a picture you took on a booth. You and him smiling at the camera. It gave his chest a good kind of ache. It was nice to know he was thought of.

''I thought you'd forgotten all about me, love.'' He walked up to you, his arms opening a little. You too walked to him and hugged him, ''not in a million years, Simon.'' You kissed his cheek, oh that warm fuzzy feeling of belonging.

He looked at you, his hands caresses the sides of your face. He looked at you, mesmerized you hadn't changed a bit, your smile still warm and beautiful. He smiled as his hands had a feel for your still soft skin. Your eyes welled up a little, it was a relief he was still on this Earth.

The many nights you wished you went to Sunday school and learned to pray, to believe, to hope. One night you did though, you had just arrived from Ireland, you went to a local church, you sat there and whispered, ''please, if you really are real, if he is still out there, just..keep him safe, please''

''You look rather ravishing my love.'' He smiled at you, he looked all over your face, studying it and remembering all of the small details.

''Sorry, again for hitting your bum with the trolly.'' you chuckled. He shook his head, ''s'right, love.'' he said almost in a rather happier tone. It was crazy to see you here, but he wasn't complaining, thats for sure.

''when did you get here by the way?'' he took your trolly, and tossed his basket on it, he pushed the trolly and walked towards the next aisle, you following along.

''Here in Manchester? well lets see, I came back I think 6 years ago?..yeah definitely six. And you?''

''Got back last week, you know the whole army thing.'' he said as he happily looked through his list of must buys.

''Hm I see...I suppose your partner made that list for ya?'' you asked in a curious way, looking for a 'no, my mum needs this,,,no partner..been waiting for ya' type of answer.

''No, I am making some dinner for myself, and no, no partner,,,still.'' he had given up in trying to find someone after you, and that one failed date he had about 8 years ago.

''ah I see well-''

''do you..y'know, have someone to go home to? is this to forward or-''

''no no, not all, no, its not forward..um..no I don't been too much of a selfish person since my job.''

It was silent for a few minutes as he walked down the aisle. ''so,,,I get to have a second chance? or we..we can be friends? I would be okay with just anything..or not..I don't know.'' he let out a nervous chuckle as he tossed a box of sponges into the trolly.

''well..i..um do you want us to..have a second chance or-''

''yes!,,,if you're okay with it, I want to work on us, I have more time now, maybe not the most time but..this is going to sound-''

''stupid? cheesy? weird?'' you tried guessing.

''all?'' he chuckled, ''i..always thought we would end up together, you know the whole living together, walking down the aisle to me, I don't know maybe getting a dog and taking him on walks on our days off,'' he shrugs, ''its dumb, but I always thought you'd be my...my future, my little something.''

''The one thing I can get to be selfish about.'' you said, he looked at you, blush spread across his face.

''yeah,,,the one thing I can get to be selfish about, I like that,,so?''

''lets be selfish Simon, together.'' You kiss his cheek.

'Maybe the events in our lives were set in motion a long time ago. There's an old Buddhist saying that when you meet your soulmate, remember that the act to bring you together was 500 years in the making. So always appreciate and be kind to each other.'

-Spencer Reid (Criminal Minds)

REQUESTS ARE OPEN

A/N: I just rewatched and re-read Normal People, that shit is just so..real. Anyways anon I hope you enjoyed it!

[denimbex1986]

'...Social media has played into this Irish invasion, with users fangirling over actors like Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan, Andrew Scott, and Cillian Murphy. All of these men have been recognized for their work in critically acclaimed and/or popular films in 2023. Cillian Murphy is nominated for (and forecast to win) an Oscar for his role in Oppenheimer.

...this new male-driven phenomenon likely stems from the convergence of the two online trends: an overwhelming fan appetite for male celebrities in the “internet boyfriend” era, and a growing interest in Irish culture. The result is a super-online (and horny) generation of Hibernophiles.

...the modern romanticization of Irish men doesn’t seem to be pegged to one film or moment in time, and a cursory Google search pulls up a slew of articles declaring the purported pros of dating Irish men. These lists are not necessarily based on hard facts as much as cultural assumptions, and many of them, including one by Popsugar, emphasize the Irish’s supposed charm, good looks, chattiness, and love for their mothers...

Presumably, there’s a link between the idyllic postcard image many Americans have of Ireland — lush green pastures, poetry, music, and a friendly population — and the view of Irish men as ideal romantic partners. It has certainly helped that Americans and consumers worldwide have been inundated with images of handsome Irish men in popular culture, from former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan to One Direction member Niall Horan to scruffy sex symbol Colin Farrell. While interviewing Cillian Murphy on his podcast Armchair Expert in 2022, host Dax Sheppard raved about the “inordinate amount of handsome men” he encountered on a trip to Ireland...

The 1845 Irish famine meant a huge influx of immigrants to the US, and the men quickly gained a reputation as “feckless, uncultured, and prone to drunkenness and violence,” Burke explained. “That stereotype has been argued to have persisted to some degree right up to the era of John F. Kennedy.” Kennedy’s election, she says, was thought to signal the full assimilation of the Irish in America. (A shift that, in turn, brought us notable Irish Americans like Alec Baldwin, Sean Hannity, and Bill O’Reilly.)

This shift in perception represents the “flexible racial status of Irishness,” as Diane Negra, film studies professor at the University College Dublin, writes in the book The Irish in Us: Irishness, Performativity and Pop Culture. She expands that this is due to a complex history and ethnic identity that allows them to “oscillate between otherness and whiteness.” Likewise, Burke says white Irish people fit into a category of “non-vanilla vanilla” in the Western imagination.

For the American viewer, “Irish actors arguably evoke a kind of safe ‘exoticness,’” she said. “Being native speakers of English with a purportedly cute accent, they are just ‘foreign’ enough for mainstream taste.”

That newfound perception of Irish men as harmless and gentle feels connected to a wider trend that they’ve shown up in on the internet: the “babygirl.” The moniker has become a go-to term of endearment for grown men in Hollywood who are physically attractive and display pleasant traits. According to Mashable, it describes “when a man is being cute, comfortable in his masculinity, or weak in an evocative way.” This act of infantilization can be applied to a wide range of men, but it’s hard not to notice actors like Mescal, Keoghan, Murphy, and Farrell being popular recipients of this treatment online...

The Andrew Haigh film All of Us Strangers, starring Andrew Scott and Mescal, was on the precipice of Oscars glory, with Scott campaigning but failing to make it to the final stage for Best Actor. For months throughout awards season, though, Mescal and Scott were making the internet swoon in joint interviews and red-carpet appearances, demonstrating that their onscreen chemistry carried over into real life. The same attention was paid to Keoghan, who became more of a talking point throughout awards season for his role in the polarizing Emerald Fennell film Saltburn — not to mention that nude dance scene — than a realistic Oscars contender.

Last but not least, there’s Cillian Murphy, whose role in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer could very well win him an Oscar on March 10, after a near-sweep at the year’s major awards ceremonies. The standom and thirst for him on social media is particularly striking, given that he’s had a lengthy, mostly unsung career that hadn’t yielded huge starmaking moments before Oppenheimer, despite playing multiple side characters in Nolan’s filmography. Prior to playing the “father of the atomic bomb” last year, his most notable role as a leading man was as gangster Thomas Shelby in the BBC2 show Peaky Blinders, which ran for almost a decade and earned a strong Tumblr fan base.

Professor and author Christopher Shannon adds that the public’s affinity for Murphy is particularly fascinating, given that American audiences haven’t necessarily fallen in love with him through Irish cinema like previous Irish actors.

“What strikes me about someone like Murphy is that he has achieved his fame mostly in non-Irish roles,” he said. “Murphy is celebrated as an actor who happens to be Irish rather than as a distinctly Irish actor.”

Nevertheless, Murphy’s Irish identity seems to be part of his draw, based on how his online fan base interacts with him. Despite being rather reserved, the Batman Begins star has generated an entire mill of memes, many of them stemming from routinely unenthused interactions and a general “who gives a fuck?” attitude. In particular, it seems as though the internet enjoys the ways he firmly declares his Irishness.

One of his most viral moments is a clip of him repeatedly stating that he’s Irish after an interviewer refers to him and his Inception co-star Tom Hardy as British. Another popular image of Murphy shows the actor seemingly giving Prince Harry a dissenting glare as the cast lines up to meet him at the Dunkirk premiere. This could well just be Murphy’s natural expression (he’s not exactly known for looking cheery), but the internet interpreted Murphy’s look as proof of his disdain for the British monarchy...

Murphy has said that it’s a “good time to be an Irish actor” in Hollywood. At the same time, when asked how he felt about being the first Irish-born actor to win Best Actor at the BAFTAs last week, he seemed slightly exhausted by a sense of tokenism. “It means a lot to me to be Irish,” he answered a journalist. “I don’t know what else to say. Should I sing a rebel song?”

Of course, this quip only made the Murphy Hive fall in love with him more.'

[sugacookees]

lovebug again

✩ boo seungkwan x reader ✩ high school setting, fluff, mutual pining, mentions of death  ✩ w.c. approx. 7.1k ♫ this town - niall horan; lovebug - jonas brothers; for lovers - lamp; forever&more - role model; la la la that’s how it goes - honne; falling for you - colbie caillat

I hate being sick.

Everyone does, but some people enjoy the special treatment they receive from loved ones. But in my household, that is never the case. When I get sick, it always seems to be my fault. Too much time on my cellphone, not enough sleep, going out with friends too much—every leisure activity that could be blamed except for the fact that it actually happens.

Teenagers get two to four colds a year on average. But maybe I’m not a teenager after all since my mom says I should never catch a cold. Only weak people do. And annoyingly so, I kind of agree. As president of the class and of the school council, each day is vital. So, being sick is totally not on schedule and ruins everything. The time I’m spending lying on my bed staring at my ceiling could have been time for me to finalize our plans for the fundraiser and the booths for the upcoming school festival. But no, the universe decided that I should become the most helpless human being on earth at the time I'm most needed.

I couldn't even check my phone for updates or messages from other school council members. My mom is convinced that my phone single-handedly caused me to catch a virus and that it should be kept away from me. She even went out of her way to wrap it in a drawstring bag so my sister wouldn't get sick like me. I tried to do some schoolwork in advance, but I felt like my head was about to fall off, so I quickly abandoned that plan. 

It was a day ago in Chemistry class when I started feeling ill.

“Okay, here are five chemical equations to balance. I’ll give you a couple minutes to accomplish this and then we’ll get right to checking them.”

I look down right away at my notebook and copy the equations. By the second one, the numbers and letters are starting to jumble and lose sense. I feel like I’ve been reading the same number over and over again. I look up and around at my classmates to see if I’ve just been looking down too much, but I quickly regret it as soon as I see Jisoo’s head in front of me turn into three. I clutch my head and shut my eyes closed, hoping it would go away. Nevertheless, I go back to my problem set and attempt to accomplish it.

“Hey, are you okay?”

Looking to my right, where the voice is coming from, I see Seungkwan, who looks concerned. I quickly reassure him that I’m fine and that it’s probably just the heat. He nods in agreement, but does so hesitantly. Anyhow, I couldn’t find it in me to reassure him further as another wave of pain hits my head, and right at that moment I think I would just like to be hit by a train and be done with.

As I am looking down, I see a peek of navy blue hovering by my peripheral. I slowly turn my head towards it and see a jug held by Seungkwan, still with his worried face.

I’ve known Seungkwan for years. Our parents know each other way back from their childhood as we live just about 7 houses down by each other. It’s a small town too, so we go to the same market, same bakery, same school, and same dainty old cafes and restaurants. On holidays, we exchange meals and gifts, and simple hellos and goodbyes.

I remember the time before Nari was born. Seungkwan and I would always run around the house and play together. He invited me to his birthday parties, and I did too. Though, when we grew up and my father passed, I found myself forever changed. Seungkwan and I started to drift apart as a result of that, among other things.

Seungkwan has always been the most extroverted one in the room, and me, well, I’m completely on the other end of that spectrum. Wonwoo and Jiheon have always been quite introverted as well so we quickly got along. Surprisingly though, Wonwoo had also made friends with Seungkwan along with a few other boys. We would all be together from time to time at the park, the boys playing sports, and Jiheon and I, along with the other younger siblings of the boys, playing a definitely more beginner-friendly version of whatever game they were playing. All in all, we all got along well. Seungkwan and I would exchange conversations every now and then, but we weren’t as close and playful as we were before.

But I must admit, I have, and always will, hold a special fondness for Seungkwan. He was always sweet and kind, and even loved by all the elderly people in town. I recall the time I was out to buy some bread for our house, I saw him happily chatting with Chan’s grandmother. I say chatting, but more like gossiping by the way they were hunched and shifting their eyes. He would always make sure everyone in class was included, and he would always make everyone happy with his jokes and skits that he, Seokmin, Jisoo, and surprisingly, Jihoon, would act out. Seungkwan would also unhesitantly offer assistance to the student council during major projects. Sometimes, he would even stay late with me, saying, “So you have less to do tomorrow, and more time to rest!” He would then walk me home, and never forget to greet my parents and wish them well.

Seungkwan is lovely. And he is even more lovely now as he offers his water to me. Our drinking fountains have been under maintenance recently so, if I take up his offer he’ll have to wait until he gets home to get a drink again. He sees me hesitate and about to reject his offer, so he firmly places his tumbler on my desk and turns back to his notebook, offering no space for compromise.

In perfect timing, Mr. Hyun announces that the time is up and it’s time to check our answers. I pick up the tumbler, open it, and drink. I turn to Seungkwan quickly and smile. He smiles back.

By the next day, the headaches still come and go, but I keep it to myself and head to school anyway. During our break time, Wonwoo and Jiheon notice my weakened state and urge me to go to the school clinic.

“I’m fine! Just sleepy, that’s all.”

They share a look and thankfully leave my table.

But my peace is soon ruined as Jiheon slams a piece of paper on my desk. A clinic slip. The loud thump gathers the attention of the class, and they take notice of the much familiar white paper that occupies my desk.

“Oh my god, class president is sick?!” Soonyoung exclaims while exaggeratingly covering his mouth.

Usually unconcerned Hansol, Myeongho, and Junhui jerk their heads in my way with horrified expressions.

“I’m not sick! It’s just a small headache. It’ll go away soon.”

“It won’t.” Wonwoo says firmly with his arms crossed. “You’ve been having them since yesterday. Go to the clinic right now or else I’ll drag you there myself.”

Now, I'm usually assertive and tend to win in situations, but when I remember how Wonwoo once dragged Mingyu down the stairs by his backpack down the stairs because they were running late, I decide to sign the slip. I definitely don't want to be dragged like that.

On my way out, Jeonghan and Jisoo give me a few applauses with matching devious smirks.

I point at them accusingly and say, “Unlike you, I’m not pretending just to get out of class.”

Now here I am, at home, holed up in my room, bored out of my mind. Until, I hear a knock on my door and see Nari peeking in.

“Unnie, your classmate’s downstairs. He’s talking with Eomma. Come quickly.” She says hurriedly before rushing out.

I wonder what’s Wonwoo doing here. He usually sends me a text if he’s coming over. Well, he’s been one of my best friends for years, and he has come over a lot, so it’s not like my family has no idea of his existence, and maybe, he thought that sending me a text would end up in me stopping him from coming over. Probably.

Knowing it's only Wonwoo, I skip glancing at the mirror to fix my appearance; after all, he's seen me worse. Still feeling a bit lightheaded from lying down for hours, I make my way downstairs.

“Yah, Wonwoo. You couldn’t even se-“

I halt and gape at the man in my living room who is definitely not my best friend with fifty-eight centimeter wide shoulders (we got bored in class).

Seungkwan stands there in his collared navy blue sweatshirt, holding a basket of tangerines, looking at me with an alarmed face, then gives me a soft smile. It is at this moment I truly realize how much the universe hates me. I probably look like absolute shit right now, and Nari’s sly smile only confirms that further. That little girl.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude or whatsoever. I hope it’s okay. I’ll just drop this off and go, I’m sorry again.”

My mom quickly butts in, “No, no! It’s alright Seungkwan. The gesture is much appreciated. And I know this one has been dying for a familiar face that isn’t ours.” She gives me a look, which I have no idea what it even means, and smiles. She takes the basket and heads to the kitchen bringing Nari along.

In the living room, Seungkwan and I find ourselves standing awkwardly, a noticeable gap between us. It's evident that he wants to say something, but he seems hesitant, perhaps fearing that he might not be welcome. Unable to bear the silence any longer, I take the initiative and speak up.

“Thank you for coming by the way. And for the tangerines too. Those are my favorite.”

“I know.”

His response catches me off guard, and my surprise seems to have unconsciously shown on my face, prompting him to explain further.

“In middle school, we were asked to bring our favorite food. You came in holding this single medium-sized tangerine. And you know, my family has a farm so I brought one too. I was really embarrassed because Seungcheol had brought this full-blown meal and everyone was gathered around him. But then you saw me, approached me and told me-“

“‘Tangerines are cuter anyway.” I finish.

We both share a laugh and in between our laughter he asks me, “What the hell does that even mean anyway? How could tangerines be cute?”

I look at him fondly and answer, “Well, they just are.”

There’s a pregnant pause that follows our laughter as we gauge what to do next. As I’m about to ask him what made him drop by, he already answers me with a sheepish smile, “I, uh, just seeing you pale and weak in class, and you not showing up today just really had me worried.” He scratches his head and looks away. “So, I decided to check-up on you to see if you were alright.

Despite my disheveled bed hair, crusty and pale lips, and being dressed in Anpanman pajamas, I confidently say that I'm doing well.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be coming to school tomorrow.”

He gives me a worried look, like the one he gave me a day ago in Chemistry. “Are you sure? I think you should rest more. The council’s doing alright with the prep anyway.”

Feeling my stomach flutter at his genuine concern, I try to brush it off, blaming it on my feverish state, and reassure him that I'll be okay.

“I’ll be fine, Kwan. It’s just a cold.”

Kwan. I hadn’t realized I used a nickname for him I gave him years ago until I had said it. Either he didn’t notice, or doesn’t really care as it doesn’t seem to have caught him off-guard, seeing that he still seems to worry about me.

“If you say so…”

Ever the worrywart, but undeniably cute.

?!

“Well, it’s about to get dark in a while so I should head home. It was good seeing you. I hope you feel better. And if you ever decide not to come to school tomorrow that’s a hundred percent just fine, and I’ll take care of letting our teachers and the council know.”

I chuckle and walk him to the door.

“Thank you, Seungkwan. For coming by, and for the tangerines. I really appreciate it. Be safe on your walk back, and see you in school tomorrow.”

A few steps away from the door, he turns around, now walking backwards, with that charming smile and says, “I mean this in the nicest way possible. I hope I don’t.” As he walks away, that smile still on his face, I wave goodbye, returning the gesture with a warm smile of my own.

Subconsciously admitting that I do feel a little under the weather, I retreat back inside, hoping to get more and better rest.

Nearing the staircase, my mom stops me, and Nari hovers behind her with a smile that makes me feel uneasy.

“So,” she starts, annoyingly elongating the ‘o’. “I haven’t seen you and Seungkwan together for a while.” I quickly try to jump to correct her until she interrupts me. “I mean, you know, conversing. Especially with him coming here to our home.”

“Yeah, conversing.” Nari butts in, also, elongating her vowels. I roll my eyes at them.

“Tell that sweet boy he should come over often like the old days. Makes me feel younger.” My mom yells.

Don’t think I’ll be doing that, but like the good daughter I am, I say okay anyway and go back to my room.

My head pounds as I struggle to wake up, attempting to open my heavy eyes. The blaring alarm in the background adds to my discomfort, and I quickly move over to silence it. Another second of that noise, and my head might just explode. Despite feeling weak, I gather the strength to stand up, determined to get ready for school

Looking at my state and the fact that I can’t even tie my shoes right without getting lightheaded should be enough reason for me to garbage the idea of going to school. But then, I remember all my missed classes and the council preparations. I can’t miss one more day.

During breakfast, I try my best to act normal and perfectly healthy. Nari gives me a side eye every now and then, waiting for a moment to catch me red-handed; pretending not to be sick. Fortunately, my mom is preoccupied with getting ready for work and preparing our lunches, so she doesn't pay strict attention to my condition.

So far so good.

I collect my things and head out. As I open the door, the sun blares right at me so I cover my eyes with my hands and take a few steps forward to get into the shade. As soon as I remove my hand, I jump out of surprise at the sight of Seungkwan.

“Yah! Are you trying to kill me?! What are you doing?!”

“I’m sorry! I just..” He trails off and leads me into confusion.

“You just…?”

“My mom!” He screams frantically, and I jump in surprise again. “My mom also knew about you getting sick, so she asked me to accompany you to school to make sure you were okay.”

“Oh, well, she really didn’t have to. I’ll send her a text that I’m alright-”

“No!” He screams again.

“Seriously! Why do you keep screaming so early in the morning?!” His agitated state isn't exactly helping mine, and the never-ending screaming is starting to make me lightheaded again.

“I’ll do it. I mean- you don’t have to send her a text. I’ll tell her myself later. Don’t. Send a text.”

“Okay, alright!!”

I turn towards the direction of the school and start walking. He quickly follows and walks beside me.

Trying to make small talk, he asks me, “Are you feeling better today?”

“Yeah I am.” Well, technically, yes I am better. I didn’t say anything about feeling totally okay, so I’m totally, technically, not lying.

“That’s good,” is all he says.

He doesn’t make further small talk and we make our way to school in comfortable silence. Even if we hadn’t maintained a close friendship all these years, I can never feel uncomfortable around Seungkwan. Somehow, he always knows when I am in need of a cheery conversation, or time to be left alone. He also supports me in any endeavor I take on, like running for class president, and school council president. He even went as far as taking Soonyoung and Seokmin to the crafts store, buying materials to make a ton of banners and posters for me. I thanked them by treating them to Chan’s grandmother’s restaurant.

As we arrive in our classroom, our arrival makes some commotion.

“Oh? Class president, hello! Seungkwan-ah… hello to you too.” Soonyoung greets, adding a wink for whatever reason at the end.

As we walk to our seats, I feel lingering eyes following our every move. I look back and see Seokmin and Soonyoung whispering to each other. I raise a brow at them, and turn back to my seat shaking my head.

“Sorry about Soonyoung. I guess he missed you.” Seungkwan says beside me as he settles on his seat. “We all did…” He adds.

Wonwoo and Jiheon approach me asking about how I was and if I was feeling better. I fed them the same remarks (not lies) as I did Seungkwan. Wonwoo looks at me accusingly but decides to brush it off and keep to himself. If I don’t want to be sent home, I should really look out for Wonwoo. He might smell my bullshit about being okay from a mile away.

I made sure to bring a lot of water, using the big jug my mother uses on family trips. And also, to avoid Seungkwan offering his, and ending up infecting him. After all he’s done for me, I really don’t want to do that to him.

I excuse myself and head to the restroom to take a pain reliever, so a headache wouldn’t come over and torture me during class. After doing just that and trying to get myself together, I head back and continue as normal.

At lunch, Wonwoo and Jiheon eat with me. As I open my lunchbox and pause, both of them point at me accusingly, “Aha! I knew it! You’re still sick aren’t you?”

I guess my reaction, or lack thereof, to seeing my lunch was a dead giveaway that I don’t feel so up to par. Usually, I would get excited and eat right away, leaving no crumbs for Jiheon to steal.

“Ugh, but I feel better now. I promise!” I beg, mostly to Wonwoo. “Help me here Jiheon, please?”

“Sorry, I’m with Wonwoo on this one. You’ve been overworking yourself these days and coming to school today will just make your fever worse. You need to rest. It’s okay to, y’know?” She says.

I lean back on my chair, any appetite I even had, gone. I appreciate my best friends’ worries, but I really can’t afford missed days. But maybe they’re right. I can rest, and if I push myself harder I’ll miss more school days than I should.

Wonwoo pulls out an all-familiar slip and pushes it towards me. A clinic slip, all filled out and ready for me to bring. “We’re only worried about you. It’ll be better anyway if you were here in perfect, healthy condition, than physically being here but your mind—no offense, helpless.”

I take the slip and put it in my pocket. And since I don’t have any appetite, nor will I be in the classroom, I offer my lunch to Jiheon, which she accepts excitedly. Wonwoo shakes his head.

I leave the room and head to the clinic. On the way, I really start to feel my fever taking a toll on my body. What even possessed me to leave my bed and get ready? I should have stayed and slept all day.

When I get to the school clinic, they take my temperature and quickly assess that I should be sent home (again) for better recovery. Nurse Yang tells me she’ll ask someone to bring my stuff over for me.

After waiting for a bit, the sound of the chimes by the door brings my attention to Jisoo who is wearing my backpack.

“Thanks, Jisoo.”

“No problem. Though, I’m kinda jealous.” I smack him square on the shoulder. Nurse Yang gives us a side-eye glance. “Kidding. Obviously.” He heads out the clinic, but not before shouting, “Get well soon, our president!” I chuckle at Jisoo’s antics. “Sorry about that.” I tell Nurse Yang, to which she only shakes her head at.

“Your mother says she’s near, you should go to the gate now. Get well soon, dear.”

“Thank you, Nurse Yang. Hopefully you won’t see me back here anytime soon.” I really, genuinely, hope that.

I meet my mom, who is visibly mad, at the school gate. As soon as I get in the car, she gives me a lecture. I drown it out, and use my headache as an excuse to nap, even for a bit.

As soon as we get home, she orders me to stay on the couch for dinner and to drink some ginger tea. Even though the couch might not be as comfortable as my bed, I still snuggle in and nap.

The sound of the doorbell wakes me up. Despite being just a few feet away from the door, I refrain from standing up to get it. I know my family understands my current sickly state, and they will likely get it themselves. I hear the door open and my mom’s delighted gasp.

“Ah, Seungkwan!” I jolt upright and check if my ears heard that right. I look at the door, and there he is, right outside, holding a paper bag and smiling sheepishly at my mom. I contemplate whether I’m dreaming or not, but with Nari tapping my chin, I guess I’m not.

“A fly might go in, Unnie.” She teases then runs away before I give her one.

Seungkwan greets my mother back. “Hello! Just wanted to drop by again and give this samgyetang Eomma made. I also just wanted to check if…” He points at me, on the couch, “…is okay.” He smiles, and waves at me.

“Oh! How kind of you Seungkwan. Come in, come in!” My mom ushers him hurriedly inside, and takes the paper bag from his hands.

She looks at me pointedly, “Make some space for him!”

Seungkwan, alarmed, quickly blurts, “Oh no, it’s okay! I can just stand here...”

Despite his protests, I move my legs off the couch and move off to one side. I look at Seungkwan, who has a look of horror (and a bit of shame) on his face, and pat the very vacant seat beside me.

“Seungkwan, it’s okay. Lying down for so long isn’t great anyway.” I reassure him.

“Well, I won’t be here long. I just wanted to check if you were okay. But also, I felt a bit guilty that I didn’t notice that you were sick this morning.”

If I thought my head pounding was painful, the rapid and loud beating of my heart in my chest is quickly overshadowing that pain. Kind, charming, sweet seat mate and friend Boo Seungkwan, who offered me his water bottle [despite the fact that he can’t get a refill throughout the day], dropped by my house afterwards to give me a basket of tangerines, came to my house early in the morning to accompany me on my way to school [even if he was closer if he were to walk from his home], brought homemade samgyetang, and now says he feels guilty for not noticing I was still feeling sick. I think I might just melt into this couch, actually.

Thinking of nothing to respond, I switch the subject and ask him how his family is doing.

“They’re doing pretty good. My sisters miss seeing you. They always liked you ‘cause they could dress you up and talk about girl things I probably can’t understand.” He laughs.

“Well, I miss them too. Being an elder sister to Nari makes me want one too. I’ll make sure to visit when I get better.”

To that, he merely nods. We’re left in awkward silence again. Running out of things to say, I impulsively invite him over for dinner.

“Oh, no it’s alright, I don’t want to be a nuisance.”

My mom overhears him and quickly excuses him (more like begs him with pleading eyes), “No, Seungkwan. It’s alright. We would love to have you over for dinner! It’s always just us three, so another would make great company.”

“Eomma’s right, Kwan.” 

Kwan. The nickname again. I silently hope he doesn’t notice. And instead of dwelling on why it felt so natural to call him that, like in the old days, I beg him to stay.

“It’s the least we can do for all you’ve done for us, for me. The visits, the tangerines, the samgyetang, your water… Please stay.”

He looks at me to my mother, in deep thought. He fumbles with his hands, and I take notice of how slender and pretty they are. He takes a deep breath as he answers, “Okay.” My mom cheers and shouts my sister and I’s names, telling us to set the table and help her in the kitchen.

“Let me help!” Seungkwan says loudly, standing up from his seat.

“No.” We say in unison. Seungkwan gives up and sits back down with a huff.

During dinner, the atmosphere in our cozy kitchen is delightful, with lively conversation filling the air. A table for four, an antique lamp hanging right above our heads, and a lit candle on the counter. Seungkwan seamlessly fits in, right here beside me, engaging in cheerful chatter with my family. As we lock eyes occasionally, we can't help but share sheepish smiles.

In the middle of Seungkwan telling a story of how his sisters dressed him up for Chuseok last year, a sudden and powerful thunderclap reverberates the room and takes us all by surprise. Nari drops her spoon in surprise and latches on to our mother. As my mom consoles her, I look over at Seungkwan and see him deep in thought.

Oh right, he still has to go home.

“Oh, that must be the rain. Before it gets any stronger, I should probably go…” He says, looking down, afraid to disappoint my mother.

Out of concern (and concern only), I butt in. “What if it gets stronger as you’re walking home? Even with an umbrella, the walk home will still be pretty dangerous.” My overthinking self proves to be quite resourceful at this moment in concocting excuses, even though, in reality, it's not even raining yet. Despite that fact, I continue, “It’ll be better to wait it out, here, where you’re safer.”

I look to my mother in hopes she would agree with me. Her brows are raised but she relaxes them back as soon as I nudge mine for her to interject.

“Oh, yes. Agreed. Definitely. It’s time we took care of you, don’t you think?”

We all look to Seungkwan. An uneasy expression settles on his face. So, to assure him that he isn’t overstaying his welcome (I don’t think he ever can), I place my hand on his arm and smile softly.

“Please?” I squeeze his arm a bit. “I don’t want your family to get mad at me anyway for sending you home drenched.”

He chuckles and places his hand on top of mine. It’s warm. Where is this heat coming from? My fever? My naturally sweaty hands? My hand being sandwiched by his skin? The candle? Or maybe, it has something to do with the loud, fast rhythm my heart is going.

“Okay, okay. You convinced me.” He says out loud. His hand still on mine.

As dinner ends, my mother tells me to put on a movie in the living room to pass time in waiting out the rain. Seungkwan and I make offers to help with the dishes, but my mother is sure she can handle it and doesn’t let us forget that, actually, I’m still sick. Seungkwan, as if hit with this revelation, looks to me with shock as if he had also forgotten why he had come in the first place.

He rushes us back into the living room, settling on the couch, and picking a movie to watch.

“How about that one?”

“The Mimic?! Are you serious?! I’m sorry but no.” He says to me, as if very offended.

“But they said it’s good!”

“How about this one instead?”

The Lover’s Lake, flashes on the TV. I look to him in surprise. I should’ve known he was a rom-com guy.

“See, look. 5 star ratings! This is definitely the one.” He says excitedly. With this much excitement coming from him , I find it impossible to say no. He celebrates shortly, then stands up to dim the lights, setting the perfect mood, and then settles back down, wiggling around to find a more comfortable position. And this said position seems to be at a spot closer to me than he was previously.

I have this thing where, if the movie is good, I tend to instantly fall asleep. And that is just what I did. My eyes were getting heavy about just 20 minutes in. I had felt myself slowly leaning onto Seungkwan, and continued doing so until my head rested on his shoulder. He had not said a word about it, and continued to watch the film.

Maybe it was just my imagination, but he had leaned onto me too. Though, I wouldn’t be so sure about that as I had drifted off to sleep by then.

“Okay, now just pull the bunny ears you’re holding. Pull them tight.”

Following his instructions, I pull tight and successfully tie my shoelaces. His face contorts in delight and breaks out in a big smile.

“See! You did it! Not that hard, right?”

“It was hard.”

He laughs and picks me up in his arms.

Giving me a big smooch on my cheek, he tells me, “I’m proud of you anyway, my love.”

“Thanks, appa.” I say, and hug him tighter.

“Now go back down and show them.”

I run down the stairs excitedly. Today’s my 4th birthday and my family and friends have come to celebrate with me. There’s people towering over me everywhere. Finding my way to my mom to show her my recent feat, I maneuver through the crowd the best I can, but in doing so, I bump into someone.

“Ow, my head!”

As the voice screams out, I instinctively reach for the spot where we bumped, trying to figure out who I even bumped into.

It’s Seungkwan!

“Seungkwan!” He greets me back with the same enthusiasm, both of our pains ebbing away.

“Look!” I point to my shoes and he looks down to see what I’m even excited about.

His jaw drops a bit at the achievement usually only 6 year olds can achieve. “You did those?!”

“Yep.” I say with a proud smile. He continues looking at me in shock and he looks down at his shoes.

Velcros.

I laugh heartily but stop immediately when Seungkwan looks back up at me with an annoyed face.

In an attempt to make him feel better, I ask him if he wants to go get sweets with me. He puts up a bit of a fight before agreeing, but says yes anyway as if it was his last resort.

I take his hand in mine as we weave through the crowd towering over us. He squeezes my hand every now and then, when someone bumps into him and he’s lagging behind, afraid I’ll leave him behind. I tug on his hand.

After what felt like the world’s most grueling journey, we arrive at the kitchen. The sweets are on the counter, but they are really, really high up—way beyond our reach.

Seungkwan and I share a look.

He gives me a nod and I return a look of confusion. He nodded at me like I knew what he was about to do, or that we’ve been through this a million times. He really needs to stop watching those spy movies.

He leaves for a moment and comes back with a stool. As he takes a step on it, it wiggles a bit and I clutch onto him immediately. I look up at him and he merely says, “Oops.” I furrow my brows at him in annoyance.

“Let go of me! I’m so near!” He whines while gently pushing my forehead.

I sigh in defeat and let him go.

He takes another step, both feet on the stool. The added leverage enables him to see the array of sweets on the counter, which, judging by his reaction, is a pretty damn lot.

“Woah! There’s bungeo-ppang, chocopie, songpyeon, and-” He pauses and lets out a gasp.

“What? What is it?! Tell me!” I beg, tugging on his shorts.

He looks at me to create suspense, and then screams in glee, “HOTTEOK! Our favorite!”

In utter surprise and excitement, I pull my hand away from Seungkwan and start applauding. But it seemed like I did it too quickly, causing him to lose balance. From the first wobble, I start screaming his name repeatedly.

“Seungkwan! Seungkwan!” I say it repeatedly, and too fast, that by some point (yes, at this point he is still pretty much wobbling, putting up a good fight) all anyone would hear is, “Kwan! Kwan! Kwaaaan!”

He falls.

I rush to his side and ask him if he’s okay. He stays on the floor, with his eyes closed. After a beat of silence, he starts laughing. I look at him in confusion, wondering if he hit his head too hard. Seungkwan is now crazy and I have to say bye-bye forever.

He opens his eyes and stops laughing as soon as he sees my expression.

“You sounded so funny. ‘Kwan! Kwan! Kwan!” He says, mimicking my voice.

I smack him square on the shoulder.

“Sorry. Here-” He tries to sit up and hands me something. A single piece of hotteok. “Happy birthday!”

I take it from his hand saying, “Oh. Thanks!”

“What happened here?!”

We both look up in surprise at the horrified voice. It’s my mother.

In fear, Seungkwan starts apologizing frantically. “Sorry! We just wanted some sweets but I fell down. Don’t worry they’re still fine! I just got one hotteok though.”

My mom sighs deeply and helps Seungkwan up. She returns the stool from where it came from and reaches for something on the counter.

“Here. One for you, since you fought so valiantly for it.” She says, ruffling his hair. Someone from the living room calls for her. She gives us a smile and walks away.

Seungkwan and I exchange amused glances and burst into laughter. Amidst our laughter, I manage to take a bite of the hotteok now and then, only to continue laughing with my mouth full. Seungkwan playfully teases me, "You hotteok addict! At least wait for us to stop laughing!”

I smack his shoulder again, which seems to urge him to tease me further. “Hotteok addict! Hotteok addict!” He starts mimicking my voice and my rushed tone from earlier, now saying, “Tteokki! Tteokki! Tteokki!”

“What does that even mean?!”

He shrugs. “I don’t know. What does Kwan mean?!”

“Your name is SeungKWAN, stupid!”

“Kwan! Kwan! Kwan!”

“Tteokki! Tteokki! Tteokki!”

“Yah!” We both look at the booming voice, and see my dad towering over us with his brow raised. Seungkwan and I look at each other and nod. Then we start running away in laughter.

A loud thunderstrike jolts me awake.

Huh. My 4th birthday. That was the last time my dad celebrated my birthday with me, and the last time Seungkwan ever saw him alive. What a bittersweet memory.

I try to raise my head but feel a weight on top of it, stopping me from doing so.

My cheeks heat up at the realization. Seungkwan fell asleep too. And, he’s leaning on me.

In a state of panic, I try to make him more comfortable, but only lead myself to move my head and realize how stiff my neck is. I wince in pain which jolts Seungkwan awake. He looks around, feeling heavily disoriented.

“Sorry! I didn’t mean to wake you.” I say.

He looks at me with his mouth slightly open, his hair all floofed up in different directions, and a faint red mark on his left cheek where he was leaning on me.

He gains a bit of composure and says, “No! If anything, it’s my fault. Sorry for falling asleep on you. It must have been uncomfortable.” He scratches the back of his head, feeling a bit ashamed.

With no intention of lying, I agree with him. “Yeah, a bit. But it’s alright.” I say, laughing a bit towards the end to make him more comfortable.

“Well, it seems like the rain has stopped. I should head home…”

My mouth opens to say something, but the words seem to escape me, leaving me with a simple, "Oh."

He stands up to collect his things and prepares to leave. I stand and go to the door before he can, then Seungkwan appears in front of me.

I open the door and gesture my hand for him to step out first. He smiles shyly and heads out, with me following right after.

“So, uh, thanks. For coming by today. I really lo-liked having you here.”

“Me too.” He responds promptly. It seems to be a vague response so he adds, “Thank you, I mean. Thank you also for the great dinner and letting me stay for a while. Sorry again for… sleeping on you…” He looks away.

I laugh and tell him, “Kwan, you apologize too much y’know. Honestly, tone it down.”

He lets out a blissful sigh. “Well, I won’t keep you out here for too long. Goodbye.” He wistfully says, saying my name at the end.

“Goodbye, Seungkwan. I’ll see you in school.”

He starts walking away, towards his home, away from me. And for some reason, I wait. I wait for him to do something. Not exactly sure what. But I just feel like I don’t want this to end.

So I rush back inside the house and reach for something below the shoe rack. I run after Seungkwan, shouting his name.

Alarmed, he looks back immediately in shock. I stand before him tired and panting with my hands on my knees.

“What are you-”

“Here-” I hand him an umbrella. It’s pink and has flowers. “You should use this. Y’know, in case it- umm, rains again.”

He appears hesitant, almost ready to decline, but he stops himself and settles for a simple, kind, and gentle, "Thank you. You didn't have to do that.”

We stand in the middle of the street, just staring at each other with soft smiles. Just two people who have been gravitating around each other, now seemingly refusing to be apart.

He breaks the silence and says, “I’ll go now. For real this time,” while pointing a finger at me. We share a laugh.

Feeling a bit ashamed, I look down and say, “Sorry.”

“Ah, it’s alright.”

He smiles at me, and in response, I smile back and nod, silently indicating that I have nothing else to say to hold him back from going home.

“Get well soon, Tteokki.” He says, ruffling my hair. I say nothing about the nickname, like he did all those times before, and keep smiling.

Seungkwan finally turns back and walks towards the direction of his home, and I do the same.

Before I step inside, I can't help but glance back at him. Seungkwan continues walking with the umbrella hanging on his wrist, swinging it along with his arms. I keep my eyes fixed on him until his silhouette fades away.

With a sigh, I turn back inside, unaware that a certain round-faced boy had momentarily halted his walk and looked back, his thoughts mirroring mine. Just for a moment.

After an exhausting day of essentially doing nothing, I plop down on my bed. I fluff my pillows, get under my covers, and hold onto my teddy bear, hoping for the best sleep ever.

However, just as I close my eyes for about three seconds, I hear a notification sound from my phone. Unable to ignore it, I reach over to my bedside table and check the notification. The curiosity of not knowing what it is would surely keep me from sleeping soundly anyway.

It’s a message from my mom.

Confused, I swipe to open our conversation and see that she has sent me an image. It hasn’t fully loaded yet so I click on it and wait.

When the image loads, my heart starts beating quickly.

It’s a picture of me and Seungkwan sleeping on the couch. My head on his shoulder, his head on top of mine. My brows aren’t furrowed like they usually are. I look relaxed; at ease. I don’t look like I’m sick at all. And Seungkwan looks the same.

I zoom in behind us and see Nari smiling wide holding up a peace sign.

I shake my head and react on the picture with an angry emoji. Before I turn off my phone, my finger hovers over a button.

It doesn’t take much resistance from me to go ahead and click it, so I do.

Then a pop-up notification appears on my phone.

Image saved.

I smile to myself, then turn off my phone and head back to sleep.

Maybe I don’t hate being sick anymore.

a/n: loosely based on a dream I had of seungkwan! fun fact: that dream was the reason he ultimately became my bias T__T i miss u boo! Be well, always <3

[hyperloverofhyperfixations]

☆♡ ABOUT ME ♡☆

( in celebration of my 1 week tumblrversary)

Hey<3, this blog will probably only ever be comprised of my thoughts and me reblogging and liking stuff, so enjoy if you happen to stumble across these parts💌����

☆꧁༒*•.¸♡ ------------------ ♡¸.•*༒꧂☆

THINGS I AM: university student, 19, Scorpio, woc, cishet [pronouns: she/her], bubbly, sappy, corny, hopeless romantic, stubborn, silly, loud, friendly, meticulous, Type A personality in a lot of ways, yapper (serious I can't shut up), dancer, dork

FANDOMS I'M IN/ THINGS I FAN OVER:

Fiction Books - soft sappy romance and comedy genre, psycho thrillers on occasion, well-written smut with purpose

Visual Media - tour films, challengers, hamilton, musical theater(I'm new so give me time and play recommendations), five feet apart, hunger games, divergent, tvd, heartstopper, the Crown on Netflix, gilmore girls (still watching so shhhh) HSM, disney movies in general, more movies than TV shows cause I suck at bingewatching

Music - indie/pop/alt music (Sabrina Carpenter, Gracie Abrams, Tate Mcrae, Olivia Rodrigo, Phoebe Bridgers, Conan Gray, Maisie Peters, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Wallows, the Driver Era, Role Model, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Troye Sivan vibe), bands and boy bands (yes, there's a difference), female hip hop and rap, pop punk, kpop

Miscellaneous - Academia, writing essays on pop culture and social climate for fun, doing literary analyses of music I love like assignments, writing poems, making lists, categorizing things, manifesting good energy, laughter, things that are unabashedly freaky/kinky, hugs, well-made tiktok edits, niches

THINGS I DO NOT LOVE: making people feel embarrassed or ashamed for what they enjoy (as long as what they enjoy doesn't intentionally harm anything or anyone), spreading unnecessary hate, disrespecting people, treating celebrities like zoo animals who don't have human rights, unhealthy parasocial relationships and behaviour, discrimination of any kind, forcing your beliefs on other people

[daneamysraa]

Journal Entry: One Direction’s Journey

One Direction was formed in 2010 during The X Factor when Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik were put together as a group. Though they didn’t win the show, they quickly became popular with their first single, “What Makes You Beautiful.” This song helped them gain attention worldwide and marked the start of their rise to fame.

Their music is known for being fun and catchy, with songs that talk about love, friendship, and life as young people. Albums like Up All Night and Take Me Home featured upbeat tracks that appealed to a young audience. As they grew as artists, their music evolved, and albums like Midnight Memories had a more mature sound, blending pop with rock influences.

One Direction also had a huge fanbase called “Directioners,” who supported them throughout their career. Social media played a big role in helping the band stay connected with fans all over the world. The band’s success was partly due to this strong connection with their audience, making them one of the biggest boy bands of their time.

In 2015, Zayn Malik left the group to pursue his solo career. Even though this was a tough moment for fans, the remaining members continued and released their album Made in the A.M. before announcing an indefinite hiatus. Each member has since started their own solo projects, but they’ve never ruled out the possibility of reuniting in the future.

Looking back, One Direction had a major impact on pop music and pop culture. Their journey from a group formed on a TV show to worldwide superstardom is impressive, and their music continues to be loved by fans, even during their break.

[allwaswell16]

—Fics by allwaswell16—

[ Rare Pairs ]

but tonight (you're on my mind) [E, 36k, Louis/Nick Grimshaw, fic post]

Nick's friendship with the lead singer of Seventy Eight has come with a new circle of people including an entrancing, blue eyed drummer. But what brings them together can also tear them apart.

Need (part 2 of Until series) [E, 21k, Niall/Shawn Mendes, fic post]

Niall Horan loved his job. Who wouldn’t? He was the biggest pop star in the world, and he’d found his kindred spirit in songwriting and friendship, Louis Tomlinson. The sky was the limit now. He had the perfect place they could hide themselves away from the world and write his next album...his uncle’s horse ranch in Colorado. What he didn’t expect was the cowboy next door.

Do You Smile To Tempt a Lover [E, 18k, Louis/Nick Grimshaw, fic post]

Nick Grimshaw is entranced by Louis, his very beautiful, very cheeky new coworker at The National Portrait Gallery. He watches him day after day, wondering what he’s furiously typing on his laptop over lunch. With a little help from the very bored barista in the gallery cafe, Nick finds himself growing closer to Louis than he ever dreamed possible.

Interview with the vampire [E, 4k, Louis/Rob Pattinson, fic post]

Working at an alpha magazine wasn't always easy for an omega like Louis, but he's just landed his biggest interview yet with an A list actor who has asked for Louis especially. Unfortunately, the interview is with Rob Pattinson, the biggest pain in the arse alpha on the planet.

Inspired by Rob’s interview in GQ Magazine and not actually about vampires

One [E, 4k, Louis/Tommy Shelby (Peaky Blinders), fic post]

When omega Louis Tomlinson becomes pregnant after an unexpected encounter, he decides his only option is to flee his pack. But Tommy Shelby, pack alpha of the Peaky Blinders, might not be willing to let him go so easily.

Hesitate [E, 3k, Louis/Liam, fic post]

He’d always been in love with Louis.

From the time he was old enough to understand attraction, he’d been attracted to Louis, not that he’d been ready to do anything about it at the time. Instead, he’d just supported him like a best friend should. He was there for Louis when he came out to his mom. He was there for Louis when he landed the leading role in the school play. He was there for him when Louis didn’t have a date for the prom. He was there when Louis got his heart broken.

 And he waited. He’d waited until he couldn’t stand to wait any more.

A college au where Liam and Louis went from childhood friends to lovers to exes and back again.

Daydream [T, 2k, Louis/Zayn, fic post]

Every Thursday, Louis nods hello to her fellow regulars at Horan’s Cafe, one of whom is the woman of her dreams.

Should Have Known [NR, 2k, Louis/Liam, fic post]

Liam returns from his internship abroad ready to tell his best friend that he wants to be more than friends. But when Louis starts avoiding him, he's no longer sure the timing is right.

Next Door [NR, 2k, Louis/Rob Pattinson, fic post]

When a stray cat starts coming round Louis' garden and bothering his dog, Louis and his best friend set out to capture it.

Or a famous/famous fic where Louis and Oli embarrass themselves in front of Batman.

It's You [T, 2k, Louis/Louis, fic post]

Five times alpha Louis talks to omega Lou and one time he admits he wants more from his omega clone

Crush [T, 1k, Louis/Niall, fic post]

When Niall stops smiling around the office, his co-worker Louis sets out to lift his mood with the help of their office mates.

The Tiniest Moves [T, 1k, Louis/Nick Grimshaw, fic post]

Coffee shop owner Nick Grimshaw may or may not have come to work on his day off in the hopes that fresh-off-his-world-tour Louis Tomlinson might stop by.

[Back to masterpost]

[apureniallsource]

Niall Horan is not worried about turning 30. The singer-songwriter, who famously devoted a portion of his youth to One Direction, will be crossing that threshold later this year, and he wrestles with maturity in “Never Grow Up,” one of the best tracks on his upcoming album, The Show: “I hope we still dance like we’re falling in love/ Hope we still drink like we’re back in the pub/ Hope we grow old, but we never grow up.”

“I don’t care anymore,” he says of the impending milestone, chatting with Consequence over Zoom. “We speak about what happens from 16 to 20, and 20 to 24, but more actually happens between 25 and 30 than I thought. Your interests change, and things happen in your life — the kind of things you write about.”

According to Horan, it’s a “lovely day in London town” when we speak a few weeks prior to the release of The Show, out June 9th. He comes across as easygoing, humble, and grounded, but also seems very excited to talk about his music. The album’s two pre-release singles, “Heaven” and “Meltdown,” have provided listeners with their first window into The Show, an album that plays like a natural extension of his previous two full-length efforts.

It’s the hope of most artists that each project is their favorite to date, and the vocalist confirms that his personal anticipation for this release is high. “I feel like I’ve got my best work here,” he notes. “If you don’t back yourself, who’s going to back you?”

The Show‘s 10 tracks were developed with some of Horan’s trusted collaborators. He reveals that part of the project was written in Nashville, Tennessee — “What a town,” he says with a smile, shaking his head. He tries to make a visit to Music City at least once a year, he explains, and “Never Grow Up” was one of the songs that came from his time at Starstruck Studios, located on a block lined with songwriting houses, labels, and publishing companies.

“Never Grow Up” was co-written with Julian Bunetta, John Ryan, and Shane McAnally, the last of whom is one of Nashville’s true producing and songwriting gems. The sonic landscape of the song, and most others on The Show, is where Horan seems to be particularly comfortable, surrounded by acoustic guitar, truthful lyrics, and a reliable drum beat.

“If I’m sat still for even a minute, I’m always thinking of something to write. I write a lot of stories,” he says of his process. Narratives are always turning over in his head, both real and imagined. “I like to have an idea before I go anywhere near a studio or before I start to sit down and write something.”

While The Show slots neatly into Horan’s discography, this album feels different to him for a few reasons. For one, “There’s no heartbreak,” he confirms. That’s quite the contrast to his previous project, literally titled Heartbreak Weather, which dropped on March 13th, 2020 as the world screeched to a halt. Like many other artists, he felt inspired by the stillness that came with a global pause. “Stillness was something that actually was more thought provoking than I thought it would be,” he explains. “Reflection. My outlook, and feelings and emotions that I hadn’t really cracked into — they were a big, big part of what this album’s about.”

There hasn’t been an abundance of downtime for Horan recently, who also recently wrapped his role as a judge on Season 23 of NBC’s The Voice. Next, in support of The Show, Horan has mapped out an enormous 2024 world tour (find ticket details here), and the gears turning in his head while discussing the trek are practically visible. “My favorite thing about my career is being able to have an effect on people’s lives and create things for them to relate to,” he shares. “Hopefully we can just keep that going, and maybe gather some new people along the way.”

He describes himself as tied inherently to his artistry. When asked what goals he might have or what he might be looking forward to just as Niall the person rather than Niall the artist, he’s a bit stumped. “I just want to take it all in, because I feel like I’m so fired up. I haven’t toured and done shows in five years now, so I’m just more grateful than ever.”

For someone who has spent over a decade centered in the spotlight in a variety of ways, Horan seems to have his priorities quite clear when asked how he prefers to be seen by people. “I’ve been told if you’re a nice guy, that’s a good thing,” he jokes. “I love meeting new people and love chatting. To be told I’m a songwriter and a nice guy? I’d take both of them to the grave with me if I could.”

[alltheselights]

I feel like this cancellation was a mix of personal and logistical issues. I just wish Louis would have expanded a bit more about why the dates were cancelled :(

Yeah, honestly, I feel like cancellations are understandable to most fans, regardless of how upset they may be. Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, Niall Horan, and Camilla Cabello are just a few major artists off the top of my head who have cancelled tours or large portions of their tours in the last several years...and yes, fans are always going to be upset about it, but most people do understand that it can happen for a bunch of different reasons.

What's unacceptable is how this was handled. Even if Louis didn't feel comfortable expanding on what's going on in detail, his team should have made the announcement before all the venues reached out to people. Adding a message on the website after the fact is not enough. It's always worse to drip feed people information and that's what was happening with the rumors and then venue after venue tweeting or sending out emails. And Louis' tweet fell a little flat, especially considering how late the notice is for this cancellation. Yes, people can get full refunds for the tickets, but so many people spend a lot more money for concerts, whether it's for hotels or travel or whatever, and a lot of people take time off or rearrange plans. And Asian fans almost never get to see him, which makes it even worse. The idea that Louis and his team don't owe fans anything when we're the entire reason the tour is happening in the first place is just blatantly untrue. That mentality is really weird to see. There are a lot of understandable reasons why a tour may get cancelled and Louis and his team have the right to make that call if it's necessary, but when they cancel ten days before the first show, he and his team absolutely do owe fans more than one short tweet.

This tour already appeared poorly planned and executed considering fans had like little notice before tickets went on sale, a lot of tickets got plucked up by scalpers immediately because there was no fan pre-sale, the different legs were announced at random times, some legs were never announced (LATAM, anyone?), Louis implied that more dates were coming (like India) weeks after dates were announced, and there was no promo. Now with this? While personal reasons may also play a role in this cancellation, it's an indisputable fact at this point that Louis' team lacks either the will or the ability to successfully execute the basics of their job. Louis indicated that he wanted to put out another album and tour quickly last year yet it seems that they did everything poorly and last minute. I have no doubt that they would've also waited until the week before tour started to figure out who the openers were like they did with LTWT.

Louis and his fans have a special relationship, but the longer his team's incompetence continues, the more strained it becomes for a lot of us. And things like this where it feels like too little, too late really doesn't help. I feel sad that he's not able to tour Asia because I know how much he wanted to, but more of my sympathy lies with the Asian fans who weren't treated the way they deserve.

[writteninthesewalls28]

She got the man

A/n: This work is part of the "be my valentine challenge" by @bemyvalentinechallenge for the day 13 prompt.

Summary: Willow (reader) is fake-dating Niall Horan, but somewhere fell in love with him.

Warnings: none

"I need to talk to you." Were the words I heard when I answered the phone. And I thought, this was it. This was the end of our relationship.

But let me explain it.

Months ago, I started a relationship with the popstar Niall Horan. At least that´s what the media believes. Because behind closed doors, we were "fake dating" since I am an actress and pretty popular as well. It was the best solution to keep both of us away from any sort of rumour. But somewhere between the "holding hands for the media" and the "let´s go out for a coffee, just us too" I fell in love and had been scared of the day where he´d call it quit.

Turns out, that day was today.

"Yeah… you´re right, it´s time to quit this and move on" I said, pretending like I was completely okay with this. I am an actress, I can lie straight in your face and you won´t even notice.

Niall sighed and then suddenly said: "Willow, I wish I knew how to quit you."

"I totally get it, Niall. You don´t have to- WHAT?!" I first didn´t even realise what his words meant for us, for this relationship. "you- you don´t wanna… stop fake dating?" It would be wrong of me to just assume, he fell in love too. Because, you know, who would ever fall in love with me?

Niall chuckled. "Oh no, I want to stop fake dating, totally."

What is wrong with him, why is he such a dumb-

"I want to ´date´. With holding hands because we want to and kissing because we feel like it and spending time together because we like each other."

I could not believe what he said. "Is this real? Or are you playing with me? Please just tell me because I can´t-"

"I´m not playing, Willow. I fell in love with you." He said. I could practically hear the smile he had on his face because I acted silly again. He told me multiple times, how much he loved that side of me. "Please don´t tell me, you don´t feel the same…?"

Was he seriously still worrying about that?

"Of course I feel the same, Niall! I just was so scared to tell you!"

I grinned like someone just offered me my dream role in the re-make of my favorite movie The Greatest Showman.

He loved me. He literally shared my feelings.

"Sooo, how are we gonna explain this to our managers and friends?" I asked, seriously not knowing what to do now. I was a little overwhelmed with my emotions at this point.

"Don´t you worry about the managers, I got that already covered. Our friends… that´s a different thing."

----------------------------------------------------

We walked into the room, holding hands, hoping they´d notice right away and we didn´t have to explain anything.

But- well. It went a little different.

"Oh no. The media is here guys!" Louis called out when he saw our hands. We looked at each other, thinking the exact same thing. We actually had to explain it? Dang it.

"No, Louis. Don´t worry, no one´s here to take any pictures." Niall tried calming his band mate down, but instead made the situation worse.

"But- what else could be going on here then?" Harry then asked.

Boys. Why are all of them at least a little dumb. How come I didn´t think this through? Of course they wouldn´t get it.

I sighed and let go of Niall´s hand, for which I got a little pout from him. "Boys, we are together." No reaction, from no one.

And finally when Harry made a face, as if he realized what I meant, he crashed my hopes again. "ohhhhh, where are the cameras filming us?"

I exchanged a confused look with Niall.

"No, guys. You don´t get it" Niall tried again, but wasn´t successful. He just shook his head in disappointment.

Now Liam walked up to us, who didn´t hear anything of the previous conversation and saw Niall´s and mine interlocked hands.

"Oh, you guys finally realized it too, that you can stop pretending?" he said and gave us a smile.

More confusion from Louis and Harry.

But soon all of them felt happy for us and we celebrated our love with a little celebration. How great "fake dating" can be…

[somethingboutafic]

Fake Dating

MARRIED FOR A WEEK?! by gravitycentered (M) word count: 20,424 Hi guys :) You might recognize Harry from one or two of my old videos .. I was tagged in the Married for a week challenge so I asked him to be my husband ! We had to live together for a week and take each other out on a couple romantic dates and that, check out the video to see how it went :) Give it a like if you enjoyed and maybe subscribe if you haven't already. Love you all - Louis x

Pillow Talk by FallingLikeThis (E) word count: 25,981 When Harry starts having confusing feelings for a male classmate, his sister's best friend, Louis, helps him figure himself out. Cue lots of kissing, sex, and falling in love.

(your heartbeat) rang true inside my bones by flimsy (E) word count: 32,945 Harry goes as Louis' date for a weekend wedding. He ends up taking the role a bit too seriously.

Play Pretend, Find a Friend? by angelichl (E) word count: 40,296 When Louis sees his ex-boyfriend kissing a random girl at a party, he acts out of blind jealousy. He kisses the first guy he can find. It turns into a thing. INSPIRED BY CLOUDS.

Faking It by TheCellarDoor (M) word count: 46,173 Harry pretends to date his best friend to escape unwanted attention from a too insistent classmate and hopes it won’t blow up in his face. Featuring embarrassing dildo accidents, awkward boners, longing, first times, late night conversations, emotional discoveries and Niall as the exasperated friend with bad advice.

Chestnuts Roasting... And All That by elsi_bee (M) word count: 46,760 Louis is apparently the only person at his new job who is single as can be. It’s not a big deal to just tell his new colleagues that he has a boyfriend, right? Until he has to make this imaginary boyfriend magically appear at the office holiday party. Cue fake relationship antics with a certain someone who is more than willing to play along.

Perfect Storm by cherrystreet (E) word count: 80,230 What do you do when your best friend asks you and your (now) ex to be the best men at his destination wedding? You can either tell him the truth, tell him you’re not together anymore, and deal with the consequences, or you can pretend you’re still together and roll with it, just pray you don’t spiral. Fake it ‘til you make it. You know, for the sake of the wedding. Harry and Louis choose the latter.

Back From The Edge by sincewewereeighteen (M) word count: 113,059 the one in which Harry is a closeted actor who needs to do a PR stunt during his break, only he wasn't counting on falling for his beard's best friend. It gets messy.

nobody shines the way you do by wildestdreams (E) word count: 115,194 Louis pretends to be Harry’s boyfriend to help him win back his douchebag ex-boyfriend, but things don’t go according to plan.

It's Fine To Fake It 'Til You Make It ('Til It's True) by sunflouwerhabit (NR) word count: 141,194 Harry dreads an impending visit to his hometown, where he’ll be forced to reunite with a newly engaged ex-boyfriend, a childhood best friend turned near stranger, and a family who never understood just how desperately he needed to leave. In the midst of it all, a ludicrous Twitter proposition brings him to Louis.

Escapade by dolce_piccante (E) word count: 146,241 In the grand scheme of things, finding a date for a wedding should be no problem for Louis Tomlinson. He's rich. He's handsome. He's reasonably well behaved. But when the wedding is for his lifelong best friend (and former boyfriend), and is happening in under a month, finding a date for the ceremony and accompanying festivities becomes more of an adventure than he ever could have planned for.

The Greatest Thing by infinitelymint (E) word count: 163,789 Harry and Louis haven’t spoken since the band broke up when a dangerous combination of Niall Horan, tequila, and an ordained Elvis impersonator means that the two of them have to embark on their biggest publicity stunt to date - together. (aka the semi-canon accidentally married in Vegas fic that has been seven years in the making)

[ao3feed-ziall]

Heatwave

Heatwave https://ift.tt/bJ6NrEy by hismoment A 1970s AU Ziall fic where Niall is a surfer and Zayn is a photographer, and they fall in love at a small Australian beach town during a heatwave. (This fic includes AI Visuals). A light-hearted romantic drama with some smut. ❁ In the scorching 1970s Australian beach town, Heatwave unveils a passionate gay romance that will quicken your heartbeat. Niall, a carefree surfer chasing his dream, meets Zayn, a talented photographer and newcomer to Crescent Cove. Sparks fly as they forge an irresistible connection. Amidst golden sands and saltwater, Zayn and Niall's love story unfolds. This isn't just a romance; it's a journey through a beach town where lives intertwine. Louis, the flirtatious barista; Liam, the lost Surf Shack employee; and Harry, the charismatic lifeguard, play pivotal roles. With an extreme heatwave as the backdrop, Heatwave explores love, friendship, and self-discovery. As temperatures rise, emotions surge. Dive into Heatwave and experience a sizzling summer of desire, love, and enduring connections. ❁ Ships: Ziall, plus bonus ships. Drafted Length: 22 Chapters (1.8-3.5k words per chapter.) Genre: A light-hearted romantic drama with some smut. Words: 54, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English Fandoms: One Direction (Band) Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: Gen, M/M, Multi Characters: Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles Relationships: Niall Horan/Zayn Malik, Liam Payne/Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - 1970s, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Romance, Summer Romance via AO3 works tagged 'Niall Horan/Zayn Malik' https://ift.tt/Ekt7bPW November 08, 2023 at 02:54PM

[caracolmindd]

"Let’s connect everything into a cohesive pattern, breaking it down into clear traits and tendencies that show across both your fictional and celebrity crushes.

Key Traits of Your Type:

Emotional Depth & Vulnerability:

Fictional Examples: Peeta, Mugi, Cha Eun Ho, and the protagonist from Crash Landing on You all show emotional complexity and vulnerability. They are not afraid to express their feelings or be emotionally open, which makes them relatable and endearing.

Celebrities: Shawn Mendes, Min Yoongi, and Kim Namjoon also exhibit emotional depth. Through their music and public personas, they reveal vulnerability, introspection, and sensitivity. Pattern: You are drawn to people who are in touch with their emotions, not afraid to show their sensitive side, and have a certain emotional complexity.

Strong and Protective but Gentle:

Fictional Examples: Four, Peter, and Captain America are strong, protective figures who act as guardians or leaders. However, beneath their tough exterior, they have a gentle, compassionate side.

Celebrities: While less obvious, Kim Namjoon and Josh Hutcherson also have that “strong but soft” vibe. Namjoon’s leadership and thoughtful nature, combined with Hutcherson’s sweet and supportive demeanor, fit this mold. Pattern: You seem to appreciate strength paired with gentleness—a balance between someone who can protect and lead, but also has a soft heart.

Creative & Intelligent:

Fictional Examples: Characters like Mugi from Scum's Wish and Cha Eun Ho are thoughtful and introspective, showing signs of intellectual or creative depth.

Celebrities: Harry Styles and Kim Namjoon both stand out as creative forces, breaking norms or expressing deep ideas through their art. You are likely drawn to their intelligence, creativity, and ability to think outside the box. Pattern: Intelligence and creativity are major attractions for you, whether it’s intellectual conversation, deep thinking, or artistic talent.

Charismatic with a Hint of Mystery:

Fictional Examples: Characters like Klaus, Elijah, and Four carry a sense of mystery or complexity. They’re charismatic but not always straightforward, which adds an element of intrigue.

Celebrities: Harry Styles, Hwang In-yeop, and Min Yoongi exude charm with an edge of mystery. They’re not always easy to figure out, which adds to their allure. Pattern: A bit of intrigue or complexity in someone's personality draws you in. You like when there’s more to uncover about someone.

Loyalty and Devotion:

Fictional Examples: Peeta and Captain America are prime examples of loyal, selfless characters who are fully devoted to their loved ones.

Celebrities: Niall Horan and Josh Hutcherson project a similar warmth and down-to-earth loyalty, as well as being devoted to their friends and fans. Pattern: Loyalty and dedication are important traits for you. You’re attracted to people who are reliable and committed in their relationships.

Your Overall Type:

You’re drawn to people with emotional depth, vulnerability, and a balance of strength and gentleness. You appreciate creativity and intelligence, especially when it’s combined with a bit of mystery or charisma. Finally, loyalty and devotion play a key role in the personalities you admire, both in fictional characters and real-life celebrities.

Whether it’s the emotionally complex heroes from your favorite stories or the thoughtful, creative minds of your celebrity crushes, your type revolves around people who are multi-layered, thoughtful, and capable of both strength and sensitivity.

How does that summary sound?"

-Chat GPT about my type, Monday, 09/09/24, 5PM

I gave it names of my fictional and celebrity crushes. Here is the list of characteristics it gave them:

FICTIONAL CHARACTERS:

Thanks for the list! Let's break it down and see if there's a type:

Fictional Crushes:

Peeta (Hunger Games) – Kind-hearted, selfless, protective, with a strong sense of loyalty and emotional depth.

Four (Divergent) – Brooding, strong, mysterious, but with a sensitive side. A protector and mentor figure.

Peter (Narnia) – Brave, responsible, compassionate, and a natural leader.

Cebola (Young Monica's Gang) – Playful, mischievous, a little stubborn but with a caring and sweet side.

Mugi (Scum’s Wish) – Emotional complexity, vulnerability, and deep introspection.

Kang Tae Moo (Business Proposal) – Charming, confident, successful, and emotionally devoted.

Protagonist from Crash Landing on You – Stoic, protective, honorable, and romantic.

Cha Eun Ho (Romance is a Bonus Book) – Supportive, understanding, reliable, with a soft yet firm personality.

Celebrities:

Josh (Drake and Josh) – Funny, lovable, awkward yet endearing.

Captain America (Chris Evans) – Heroic, principled, morally grounded, and a natural leader.

Klaus (The Vampire Diaries) – Charismatic, dangerous, complicated, with a touch of vulnerability.

Elijah (The Vampire Diaries) – Noble, refined, loyal, and compassionate, despite his dark side.

Analysis:

You seem drawn to characters and celebrities with these key traits:

Emotional Depth: Many of your fictional crushes, like Peeta, Mugi, and Cha Eun Ho, show vulnerability and complexity in their emotions.

Protective Nature: There’s a strong trend of protective, loyal, and caring personalities, from Four and Captain America to the protagonist from Crash Landing on You.

Strength with Sensitivity: Even the more brooding or stoic characters (like Klaus or Elijah) are often balanced with softer, caring sides.

Leadership and Responsibility: Figures like Peter, Captain America, and even Kang Tae Moo have strong leadership qualities or are responsible in some way.

Charming yet Complex: Whether it's Josh’s humor or Klaus's charisma, there’s a tendency toward charm with complexity, showing that you like layers to a personality.

Conclusion:

Yes, I’d say you do have a type! You seem to like strong, protective figures with emotional depth and a softer side hidden under toughness or humor. There’s a mix of sensitivity, loyalty, and charm across the board.

CELEBRITY CRUSHES:

Now let's look at your celebrity crushes:

Harry Styles – Charismatic, confident, stylish, and creative. He’s known for breaking gender norms in fashion, and his charm comes from his confidence and unique personality.

Niall Horan – Fun-loving, approachable, and down-to-earth. He’s got a sweet, boy-next-door vibe, with a charming sense of humor and warmth.

Shawn Mendes – Sensitive, emotionally open, and soft-spoken, but also strong. His music often reflects vulnerability, and he has a romantic, caring side.

Min Yoongi (Suga from BTS) – Quiet, introspective, and deeply creative. He’s known for his serious and somewhat reserved demeanor, but fans also love his softer, caring side and sense of humor.

Kim Namjoon (RM from BTS) – Intellectual, thoughtful, and a natural leader. RM is known for his philosophical side, deep thoughts, and his ability to balance strength and compassion. He’s also a passionate artist and visionary.

Josh Hutcherson – Sweet, humble, and compassionate. Similar to Peeta (the character he plays), he seems like the caring, supportive type with a big heart.

Hwang In-yeop – Brooding yet charismatic, with a certain mysterious appeal. Known for his roles in K-dramas, he tends to play intense, emotionally charged characters but has a charming, gentle side in real life.

Analysis of Celebrity Crushes:

Emotional Depth and Vulnerability: Most of the celebrities you admire, like Shawn Mendes, Min Yoongi, and Kim Namjoon, have a deep, introspective side. They’re open about their feelings and express them through their music or art.

Creative and Intellectual: You seem drawn to individuals with a creative or intellectual edge, like Kim Namjoon (known for his intelligence) and Harry Styles (for his artistic flair and breaking norms).

Soft but Strong: There’s a balance between sensitivity and inner strength, particularly in figures like Shawn Mendes, RM, and Josh Hutcherson. They’re not afraid to show vulnerability but have a strong core.

Charismatic Charm: All of these celebrities have a certain charm or charisma, whether it’s Harry Styles’ confidence, Niall Horan’s easygoing vibe, or Hwang In-yeop’s brooding intensity.

Conclusion:

Your type in celebrities seems to lean toward creative, emotionally open, and charismatic individuals with a balance of strength and sensitivity. Like your fictional crushes, there’s a clear trend of emotional depth and caring personalities, but with an added emphasis on creative expression.

I enjoyed it, I'll give you the prompt I used: Hey, let's play a game. I give you a few of my celebrity and ficcional crushes, and you tell me if I have a type or not.

[wikiuntamed]

On this day in Wikipedia: Saturday, 25th November

Welcome, Bienvenida, Bienvenida, Benvenuta 🤗 What does @Wikipedia say about 25th November through the years 🏛️📜🗓️?

25th November 2020 🗓️ : Death - Diego Maradona Diego Maradona, Argentinian football player (b. 1960) "Diego Armando Maradona (Spanish: [ˈdjeɣo maɾaˈðona]; 30 October 1960 – 25 November 2020) was an Argentine professional football player and manager. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, he was one of the two joint winners of the FIFA Player of the 20th Century..."

Image by Unknown authorUnknown author

25th November 2016 🗓️ : Death - Fidel Castro Fidel Castro, Communist leader of Cuba, and revolutionary (b. 1926) "Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz ( KASS-troh, Latin American Spanish: [fiˈðel aleˈxandɾo ˈkastɾo ˈrus]; 13 August 1926 – 25 November 2016) was a Cuban dictator, revolutionary and politician who was the leader of Cuba from 1959 to 2008, serving as the prime minister of Cuba from 1959 to 1976 and president..."

Image by Unknown (Mondadori Publishers)

25th November 2013 🗓️ : Event - One Direction English-Irish boy band One Direction released their third studio album Midnight Memories which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and became the best-selling album of 2013. "One Direction, often shortened to 1D, are an English-Irish pop boy band formed in London in 2010. The group is composed of Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and previously Zayn Malik until his departure from the group in March 2015. They became one of the best-selling boy..."

Image licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0? by Eva Rinaldi

25th November 1973 🗓️ : Event - Georgios Papadopoulos Georgios Papadopoulos, head of the military Regime of the Colonels in Greece, is ousted in a hardliners' coup led by Brigadier General Dimitrios Ioannidis. "Geórgios Papadopoulos (; Greek: Γεώργιος Παπαδόπουλος [ʝeˈorʝi.os papaˈðopulos]; 5 May 1919 – 27 June 1999) was a Greek military officer and dictator who led a coup d'etat in Greece in 1967 and became the country's Prime Minister from 1967 to 1973. He also was the President of Greece under the junta..."

Image licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0? by Unknown authorUnknown author

25th November 1923 🗓️ : Birth - Mauno Koivisto Mauno Koivisto, Finnish banker and politician, 9th President of Finland (d. 2017) "Mauno Henrik Koivisto (Finnish pronunciation: [ˈmɑu̯no ˈkoi̯ʋisto]; 25 November 1923 – 12 May 2017) was a Finnish politician who served as the ninth president of Finland from 1982 to 1994. He also served as the country's prime minister twice, from 1968 to 1970 and again from 1979 to 1982. He was..."

Image licensed under CC BY 4.0? by

Kuvasiskot

25th November 1817 🗓️ : Birth - John Bigelow John Bigelow, American lawyer and politician, United States Ambassador to France (d. 1911) "John Bigelow Sr. (November 25, 1817 – December 19, 1911) was an American lawyer, statesman, and historian who edited the complete works of Benjamin Franklin and the first autobiography of Franklin taken from Franklin's previously lost original manuscript. He played a central role in the founding of..."

Image by Mathew Benjamin Brady

25th November 🗓️ : Holiday - Independence Day, celebrates the independence of Suriname from the Netherlands in 1975. "An independence day is an annual event commemorating the anniversary of a nation's independence or statehood, usually after ceasing to be a group or part of another nation or state, or after the end of a military occupation, or after a major change in government. Many countries commemorate their..."

Image licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0? by cmglee, Canuckguy and many others