#of course he created isac

[theysaidhush]

hii its my first time req also i love love love ur writing 🫶🏻 i was wondering if u could do an ot8 skz x fem reader poly and if not either seungmin or lee know where the reader has a severe panic attack during isac? the rest would be up to you and of course if you dont feel comfortable doing this dont feel pressured to

There's always light at the end of the tunnel

➝ YouCan'tSeeItButIt'sThere!OT8 x 9thMember!Reader ➝ You don't have panic attacks. Jisung does but you don’t. Right..? ➝ angst, comfort? ➝ wc. 2k Hiii omg I'm your first !!! I'm so sorry that it took me such a long time to answer, hope you're still around !!

Are panic attacks something that you fear, or have? Not at all. You know what they are, you can try to understand how people feel when they are having one. But since you've never been the one to have it, you don't really understand, you don't...feel it.

Sometimes, you're a witness - it's not something that one would willingly witness for it can create some awkward thoughts and clumsy actions. A thing that people don't tell you, it's how you feel when you actually get to witness a panic attack. It's like you're having one too, especially when the person having it is close to you. You don't know what to do, what to say - should you hold his hands or let him breathe? would it be weird ask him if they're alright - spoiler alert, it is. But it's not something that is taught in school, something that people are aware of - like how you should or shouldn't behave in front of a wild animal. Yet it should.

But you were fine standing in the side lines. The only person who ever had a panic attack in front of you was Jisung. Don't get me wrong, he is your Sweet Cheeks - no one should ever tell him that this is his nickname in your phone, he would get cocky - you partner in crime and your bud. But by fearing how he saw you, you never quite acted during one of his moments. Maybe you were worried - you can be quite something at time. Maybe you were too much, as one of the kids was always here for him, even if you were there before - are you jealous ? A bit.

But it never crossed anyone's mind that this would happen to you. The never ever sleeping little chipmunk high on life. You can congratulate, you've been hiding quite some things under the bed. Things that made the monster sympathize with you. And you thought it was fine, you really thought that someone else needed the attention and the care. It never crossed your mind that there was enough love in the eight's heart for two little anxious chipmunks high on life. But for you're defense - not that anyone blames you - you hadn't seen it coming.

Everything was fine, and then it wasn't. People tend to say that you never get used to the feeling. The overwhelming need to breathe. The first time is always the worse. You don't know what's happening. You are scared, you feel alone, breathless, and you can't hear nor see what's going on around you. And then in a brief moment of clarity it crosses your mind.

Me?

Because you always thought that you were not sad enough for that. And it's the worse that happens. Discovering that you are in fact not alright. That you're dealing with shit bigger than yourself, heavier than what your body can handle. And you fall.

It has never happened before.

Why me?

Why can't I breathe?

Am I dying?

What's wrong with people?

Why are they looking at me?

What's wrong with me?

Someone..?

One moment you're playing with gravels on the ground, the other you're staring blankly at the same spot, eyes unmoving and hands slightly trembling.

Kim Seungmin knows you quite well. Stays know that Sungmin knows you quite well - when you joined the group, a few years later after Stray Kids' debut, it took just a month or two for your ship to be one of the most popular in Stray Kids. It would have been weird, knowing that people were expecting you of fantasizing about a non-existent relationship with one of the youngest. But like it was meant to be, just a month later he was the one to look you in the eyes and tell you what you needed to hear. He was your emotional support. The anchor to your sailing and swaying ship. So yeah, Kim Seungmin might be the one who knows you the best among Stray Kids. And he knows that your eyes usually do not look like one of a dead fish.

He does't move. He stares at the screen displaying the score of each groups competing in the ISAC. Stray Kids' not bad - they're serving, like they usually do. His arms sway awkwardly and he shift his weigh on his right leg. He then looks at you for a brief moment. You're not moving. That's weird, you don't usually stay on the same spot for more than a good twenty seconds.

"What's got your panties in a twist?"

Seungmin hopes that Stay aren't that good at playing detectives and lip reading, because Changbin proved once more that he doesn't give a single fuck about his idol image.

"I'm not mad? What makes you think that I'm mad?"

"Well..." Changbin stops in front of the taller boy, one eyebrow raising as he takes the famous 'pregnant woman pose'. "Why are you asking me? Shouldn't you know?"

For a second - one that dumb Jisung and dumber Hyunjin wouldn't have caught - the singer takes a look at his girl. A brief second. But Seo Changbin do not need more than a second - he is Seo Changbin after all. And what he sees, or understand, do not seem to please him.

"What's up with her?"

He says that with a frown in his face, abandoning his ridiculous posture for one which is more menacing, which could show everyone that something's changed. But Seungmin carefully catches the hem of his vest before the rapper goes toward their ninth member.

If you ask Changbin what he doesn't like about being a K-pop idol, he'd probably say "Nothing" with a smirk on his face. Because Seo Changbin does what he wants and eats what he craves. But if there's one thing that he hates, it's when he can't help people who needs it - especially their female member - because of the repercussion it could have on his group. And he knows it. Seungmin knows it. He is reckless, and they don't need that right. Especially not right now.

A few days later, what happened between them made Stayville go crazy with some cliché videos and compilation of the two men standing close to each other. The famous Seungbin compilations. Little did they know that nothing romantic was happening between them - not at that time anyway.

"Is she..." Changbin's eyes narrowed, looking thoroughly at the young woman as a raw terror and uneasiness flooded his body, "even breathing?"

It was a valid question. To those who were surrounding her and looking close and carefully enough, it was clear that her face was getting paler. Now, it really was worrying.

As if walking into a shop, Seungmin's feet led his straight toward his member, light heartedly and without any sense of urgency. But inside, he felt like bile was rising up his throat, the pure terror hidden behind curtains of hair a unusual and unfitting expression on his girl.

It only seemed normal to crouch next to her and to comfort her with his warm touch - she usually craves it.

If the way you tense up and get slightly away from him is a sign, you clearly don't need it right now, don't even want it. And you have never denied him affection. You always came to him whenever something bothered you - or he would tease the answer out of you, it depends. Why couldn't you bear the mere idea of him touching you right now, when you clearly needed him the most? Why were you refusing the only sense of normalcy in this raging sea of cold water and prickly wreck?

You vaguely discerned the hurt on his face, above the other millions of emotions swimming in his eyes.

"It's okay Seungmin, I got it."

It was a just whisper. Like a siren's voice coming from beneath the surface. What a great parallel, you would have praised yourself in other circumstances. Among all the chaos happenings in and outside your head, you vaguely understood that you were taking somewhere else. It was dark, silent. The light wasn't blinding you anymore, your eyes could rest, the storm was now only raging in your head.

"I can do it... Please."

There's a brief movement that you can't even register in your haze before you feel warm hands engulfing yours. The feeling isn't disturbing, like Seungmin's hand was. You welcome it with a tight grip.

"It's okay to cry, don't hold it."

You really wanted to voice your confusion. Why would you cry? You just felt like you were dying, why would cry help.

"You just have to let it all out. This happens when you bottle up your emotions for too long, then you feel like you can't cry in front of other, or scream, because this is not socially acceptable, so you just hold it in."

The accuracy of the fact was almost scaring. Your eyes, unfocused, tried to identify the silhouettes before you, a choked sob escaping your lips as your legs failed you and you tumbled, your back hitting the cold wall behind you as the silhouettes carefully helped you towards the ground. It was cold. It was nice.

"And when you hold it in, you feel like you can't breathe. Like the world is closing up on you. Everyone is staring, but no one is looking. They can hear you, your thoughts, they can see your deepest secrets, feel how you feel... It's disturbing, isn't it?"

You try to nod, the memory from just a moment ago burning behind your eyelids, the hurt on Seungmin's face. It's not that you don't trust him...

"You just don't want them to see you like this. Vulnerable, pitiful...weird."

Another choked sob escape you, a puff of air leaving your lips, and you feel slightly better as you inhale. Only once, but it's better than zero.

"You don't want them to know that you lied when they asked you if you were okay. You don't want to fail them."

While the words utter by this person seems terribly accurate, it helps soothing the raging storm, which now seems to have been replaced by a grey clouds pouring down on you.

"But you're not failing anyone. They want to help you."

A ray of sunshine.

"It's not wrong to feel those emotions, to experience those episodes."

Another one. It's warm on your skin.

"You're not dying, noting's wrong with you, we're just here and we'll stay as long as you need us. We're not leaving."

Your breathing is back to normal, if not a little shaky, and you feel the ground you're sat on. You never really thought about it. But "There's always light at the end of the tunnel", right?

Your light is warm and comforting, leaving a tingly sensation in your head after each words spoken with care.

"It'll happen again. From now on, you'll have those panic attacks again, at random moments, whenever you feel overwhelmed, whenever you feel." the other silhouette says, his hands hovering over your cheek, not daring touching you. "It's not unusual to refuse help and shy away from the person whose opinion about us is the most important. Seungmin will understand."

And your light has a form and a name, and right now, two rays are shining brightly on you.

You bury your head in Jisung's neck as he wraps an arm around you and let your cry fill the room, Minho's presence on the other side comforting even if not touching you in any way.

"It's gonna be alright, we'll get through it together. You and I."

Jisung's words are not just that: words. It's a promise. At the moment, it doesn't even cross your mind that he sees himself in you, that he feels like it is his duty to help you. The way you're curled up into his chest, tears washing down your face, sobs escaping your lips without interruption. You look like a child. Scared.

But it's alright, because even if you don't know how you'll live with this, you'll manage. Jisung did, and you ought to be just as strong as him. Even if it means hiding from everyone but Minsung. It'll get better overtime, right?

[smolwritingchick]

The Bangtan Gal Chapter 59- ISAC 2015 Chuseok Special

Chapter Summary: Jen shows off her studio and gets noticed by her celeb crush. BTS plays Smash. Volleyball becomes a new competition for the ladies at ISAC as Jen finds it to be her calling while the guys dominate in running. Jen does a V-Live

Words: 14,000+

Author's Note: Again, not sure if they are still active on Tumblr but also @darlings-illustrated created Jen’s V-Live outfit for this chapter. <3 credit to them! :)

----------

After her outing, Jen spent the rest of the day relaxing in her room, in good spirits. She was grateful for Sam Okyere and his kindness. She was looking forward to seeing him again and even assisting him with his future charity projects.

While she chilled in her room, she felt bored and didn’t feel like doing anything until an idea popped into her head.

Why not broadcast a V-Live? 

Grabbing her phone, she signed in, naming the broadcast, ‘Jammin’ With Smartie’, setting the camera in front of her as she sat on the bed. She made sure the camera showed her entire body while she sat pretzel style.

Immediately viewers began popping in at a rapid rate, surprising her. Guess they really wanted to see her. 

It made her feel good.

“Hey, hey!” she spoke in English, waving as the comments started flowing in

‘JENNIEEEEEEEEE’

‘Ennie! Miss youuuu’

‘Hope you come back to America! We miss you!’

‘Come to London!’

‘QUEEN!’

‘MOM! Finally, we get a V-Live with you!’

Jen started laughing when she read comments from ARMY calling her mom. 

“Mom? That’s new. Ahahaha.”

‘Hi Jennie!’

'Can you speak in Korean?'

"Yeah, I'll go back and forth," she replied in Korean before going back to English.

‘Jen get some rest, it’s late!’

“It’s not that late. I’ll sleep soon. I wanted to see how you all were doing.”

‘Come to Brazil! Brazil loves you!’

“I would love to come to Brazil. It will happen one day!” she guaranteed. “I want to travel more and see more ARMY around the world. Hopefully, we can have a big world tour one day. I definitely want to go to Europe. I always think about Europe when it comes to tours.”

‘Those curls are poppin!’

‘So cuteeeee’

‘I love youuuuu’

“Where are you??’

“Where am I? I’m in my room~!” she responded as she continued to read the various comments. “I was bored so decided to do this and spend some time with y’all.”

‘How are you?’

‘I hope you’re eating well!’

She checked out the number of viewers. “That’s a lot. Over 60,000 already? Sweet. I hope you guys aren’t watching this late at night. Get some shut-eye, it’s good for the soul. And don’t worry, I will be sleeping soon. Yes, I am eating. I’m eating a lot actually. I was kind of stress eating a little bit but I’m fine, now.”

‘Please take care of yourself’

‘Don’t stress!’

‘What did you do today?’

“I’m trying my best. Idol life can be hectic. What did I do today? I hung out with Sam Okyere! I had such a great time with him! He’s mad cool. We ate African food. I never tried it before since I grew up eating Soul Food in my household in America. It’s so good! I'm definitely telling my family to start making African food."

‘Excited for ISAC?’

“Hell yeah, I am. Getting to wrestle and play volleyball? I’m a bit worried about the volleyball. I haven’t played volleyball before so it’ll be interesting to see how I do. But I’ve been practicing and watching YouTube videos for advice. But the wrestling, I’m confident about that.”

‘Can you play the guitar?’

“You want me to play something for you? Sure. For a while now I have been working on a Shawn Mendes song. He’s bae, of course.” she laughed. "I admire Shawn so much. I would love to sing with him one day. Even make a song together. Ah...okay. Let's see...ah, I know. I'll play Stitches for you!" she grabbed her guitar. 

‘Yay!’

‘I love when she spoils us’

'Awwww her bright smile when she spoke about Shawn. I hope they meet!'

‘Yes!’

“I’ve been practicing the song for a while, making sure I get the notes down. I wanted to focus more on the emotion of the song to have a greater impact while singing,” she spoke as she made sure the guitar was tuned up.

As soon as she began the first notes of the song, ARMY noticed a change in her demeanor as she continued to play. They noticed how focused and happy she was when she played the guitar and it looked wholesome to watch.

“I thought that I’ve been hurt before. But no one’s ever left me quite this sore.” she sang softly, strumming along lightly.

‘Her voiceeeee &lt;;3’

‘So, can I ship her with Shawn now?’

‘Getting goosebumps already.’

“Your words cut deeper than a knife. Now I need someone to breathe me back to life.” she continued to sing while her strumming got stronger as she sang out with her voice getting a little louder.

“Got a feeling that I’m going under. But I know that I’ll make it out alive. If I quit calling you my lover. Move on~"

‘Loveeeeee’

‘Stop being my bias wrecker!’

“You watch me bleed until I can’t breathe, shaking. Falling onto my knees. And now that I’m without your kisses. I’ll be needing stitches. Tripping over myself, aching. Begging you to come help. And now that I’m without your kisses. I’ll be needing stitches.”

ARMY noticed that her breath control had improved as she produced a consistent tone while singing smoothly and warmly.

“Needle and the thread gotta get you out of my head. Needle and the thread, gonna wind up dead. Needle and the thread, gotta get you out of my head, get you out of my head. You watch me~!” She stopped strumming and held that note for a few seconds before strumming again, “Bleed until I can’t breathe! I’m shaking falling onto my knees. And now that I’m without your kisses I’ll be needing stitches. I’m tripping over myself. I’m aching begging you to come help. And now that I’m without your kisses, I’ll be needing stitches. And now that I’m without your kisses, I’ll be needing stitches. And now that I’m without your kisses, I’ll be needing stitches.”

She strummed softly for the final note and exhaled. 

“That was fun.” she chuckled lightly and set her guitar down. “How’d I do?” she checked the comments

‘Come thruuuuu sis!’

‘Yassss boo!’

‘Honestly, I’ll be the first to say that I wouldn’t mind Jennie singing me to sleep because her voice is so soothing.’

‘Shawn Mendes needs to see this ASAP!’

‘You did so well!’

‘You make us so proud!’

‘Represent Jennie!’

“Ah...thanks, everyone,” she replied and looked up when she noticed Hobi sticking his head out of her door with a bright smile. “Oh, hey Hobi! Did I wake you?”

“Yeah, I was awakened by a sweet voice. At first, I thought it was Jungkook singing like he usually does in his room but as I walked down the hall, I noticed it was coming from your room. That was you? With the guitar?”

“Uh, yes?” She smiled shyly.

“Whaaaaaa, munchkin, you’re improving.”

“You make me so happy. Thank you.” She pretended to cry, touched by his words.

After her V-Live, she went to sleep while ARMY made various videos of her cover and tried to get Shawn Mendes’ attention on Instagram and Twitter so he could watch her video. 

They knew how much it would mean the world to her if she was able to get noticed by him.

For the past few days, ARMY had tried to get his attention, asking him to watch her cover and to check out her Instagram. They would speak highly of the Bangtan Girl and how much she admired him as an artist.

After remaining persistent and dedicated for Shawn to notice Jennie, they finally reached their goal and began to tag BTS in Shawn’s recent tweet and also tagged Jennie in Shawn’s recent Instagram post.

On Instagram, Shawn reposted a 15-second video of her playing stitches with the caption, ‘Wow, she is amazing! I love this! Who is this girl with the guitar?’

ARMY was quick to flood his comment section, freaking out that he noticed Jennie.

‘Finally you noticed her!’

'AHHHHHHHHHHHH JJennie_JW HE NOTICED YOU!'

'Jennie is about to lose her shit'

'SOMEBODY TAG JENNIE! JJennie_JW'

‘OMG! JJennie_JW look at this!’

‘That’s Jennie! She’s an African American member of the Korean Pop group, BTS. Check them out, they’re great!’

‘Jennie from BTS! She is a former member of Amity! She’s amazing, I’m so happy you noticed her! Her profile is JJennie_JW’

‘I love when my favs recognize each other. This is just made my morning!’

#GirlWithTheGuitar began to trend on Twitter while Shawn’s fans began to also be intrigued by who she was because they were confused as to why ARMY kept commenting about someone named ‘Jennie’ and ‘Miss Bangtan’ on his page.

Meanwhile, with Jennie, she was in Yoongi’s studio with Taehyung. She sat on one of the chairs, spinning around on it.

“Ah, you have a small pimple on your cheek.” Taehyung pointed out and giggled.

“Stop.” She tried to cover it.

“Hehehehe, it’s cute.”

“Stop talking about it.” She groaned.

“Ah, it’s just saying hi.”

“Oh my God, stop talking to it.” She laughed with him.

“I watched your V-Live this morning!”

“Oh, you did? What did you think? Too much? Too little?”

Taehyung smiled. “I loved it! You really like Shawn Mendes, don’t you? You always gush over that guy. Someone has a crush?”

“Ahaha, nah it’s not like that. I just really admire him.”

“So a big crush.”

“No!” she exclaimed as Yoongi walked in and set his bag down.

“Get out Taehyung, we’re about to work.” He called out. 

“Hey! Don’t be so mean.” Jennie scolded the Daegu rapper while Tae frowned. “Tae, don’t make that face. Ugh, see what you do, Yoongi?”

“He’ll live.”

She rolled her eyes. “I’ll hang with you later, Tae. And don’t worry, I will find a way to get you into Cypher.”

Taehyung grinned at her statement, ignoring Yoongi’s protests. After he left, Yoongi and Jen prepared their rap lessons and after a couple of hours, they took a break.

“Smartie, you may want to take a look on Twitter,” he responded, looking up at his phone.

“Something wrong?” she asked, confused, and took out her phone. 

Their notifications were blowing up like usual but something about Shawn Mendes made her stomach drop.

What about Shawn Mendes?

Was he hurt?

Was he coming out with new music?

On BTS’ profile, she realized that one of the members had retweeted his tweet, ‘Jennie, I think your fav noticed you~~ hehehe #V’

Shawn had tweeted a screenshot of her V-Live on the app, ‘BTS_twt This was so good! Wow! Thank you for covering my song &lt;;3’

She let out a scream of excitement and immediately got up from the chair, while Yoongi began laughing at her.

“Holy shi-“ she continued to look at the various screenshots that ARMY had been tagging her in and she realized that he was following her back on Instagram. 

She dropped her phone and ran out that door excitedly as the Daegu rapper’s laughter increased in volume.

His phone buzzed and he looked down to see Namjoon texting him.

Namjoon: I assume Nie Nie realized that Shawn Mendes noticed her and started screaming, running around the building?

Yoongi: As expected

A few minutes later, Jennie ran back into his studio. 

“Got it all out of your system?” she heard the rapper ask with amusement in his voice.

She wiped the tears from her eyes, trying to pull herself together as she picked up her phone. 

“Not all of it!” She responded. “Like you have no idea how big this is! This is crazy!”

She tweeted Shawn back, ‘ShawnMendes OMFG THANK UUUU! I LOVE YOU! You have no idea how much this means to me #Jen’

On her Instagram, she began to film herself for a 15-second video, “G-guys, guys, Shawn Mendes just noticed your girl. He noticed your girl, JW! Miss Bangtan! Jennie! I am on cloud nine~! Come throuuuuuugh! Thank you so much ARMY!”

She posted the video with the caption, ‘IM CRYING! Shawn really just noticed your girl! #Blessed #ThankYouARMY’

“What a kid.” Yoongi chuckled and left to go to the bathroom.

After calming down, she scrolled on Instagram to some of her fan pages that she was happily following and came across a video of The8 from Seventeen talking about her.

He had expressed his interest in meeting her when asked which idols he would like to get closer to. He also mentioned that the other members of Seventeen think she seems like an easygoing person to hang out with, eager to see her at ISAC. 

She has kept her eye on Seventeen for a while, enjoying their music. She’s heard of The8 especially and was aware that Chinese is his first language. She wanted to learn a little more Chinese to be able to speak to him.

Sure, she did not look like anyone’s ideal type around here in Korea with their beauty standards but her personality was more than enough to make her admirable with her kindness and outgoing nature. She always appreciated when other idols spoke highly of her and mentioned that she was doing well in the industry.

Once she liked the video, fans noticed quickly, commenting that she liked the post and hoped that they would meet each other.

“Smartie.”

Jennie looked up to see Yoongi walking in with a familiar face behind him. She widened her eyes and opened her mouth once she caught who was with him.

There stood her sister, Vienna, with an awkward smile on her face. 

“Hey.” she waved.

Standing up, Jennie ran up to her, wrapping her arms around her tightly. “’Enna! What are you doing here!?”

“Rap Monster let me in the building when I reached out,” she responded, pulling away while Yoongi left to give them some privacy. “I uh, came to see you and apologize. And to thank you for what you did for my tuition.”

“The hell? You couldn’t have called?”

She really flew across the country to say Sorry?

“I wanted to see you. Damn, I’m so jetlagged,” the college student exhaled and sat down. “So this is what you go through? Plane after plane? Country after country? City after city? Just to perform? And participate in other activities? Waking up early on top of that? This is...so tiring. Being on that plane for almost a day. Ugh, my acting can’t even compare. I don’t know how you do it, JW.”

Jen let out a chuckle and sat with her. “Tell me about it. My body took months to get used to living in Korea and traveling from place to place for events. I can’t even describe how exhausted my body was when I first started in BTS.”

“I see. Well, you’re still here,” Vienna smiled softly. “Look, I-I’m sorry. For everything. For all those things I said. I was just so frustrated. But there will be plenty of opportunities for me as an actress. Broadway will be in my future real soon. I just know it,"

“Hey, it’s fine. I forgive you. I'm sorry too. I love you. Even if we butt heads at times, nothing will ever change that,”

“Even after all that hurtful stuff, I said?”

“I know you didn’t mean it. Just like I didn't mean the hurtful things I said to you. We're fine."

“I’m lucky to have a little sister like you. I’m really proud of you.”

“And I'm lucky to have a big sister like you. I'm proud of you, too,” she gave her a tight hug and they stayed like that for a while. Pulling away, she asked, “So, shouldn’t you be in class?”

“Shouldn’t you mind your business?” Vienna teased as Jennie rolled her eyes

“So, how long you staying for?”

“Wow, you want to kick me out, already?”

“Well, you really should be in class.”

“You’re joking right?” Vienna stared at her in disbelief.

Jen paused before laughing. “Yeah, I’m joking! Let’s have some fun while you’re here!”

“That’s the Jennie I know.”

“So, does Alani, mom, or dad know about this? That you’re here?”

“Um...not yet.”

“As expected.”

--------

Back at the dorm, the members agreed to have a video game night of playing Super Mario Smash Bros on the Wii U. Jennie sat on the couch with Vienna, Jimin, Taehyung, and Hobi while the rest of the members sat in chairs or on the floor. Jen and Namjoon would occasionally translate to Vienna on what was going on, and the college student was eager to watch the chaos.

Creating a Twitter video, Jen spoke in her Native tongue, “ARMY, we bout to play smash bros. BTS may not be a group anymore after this. Wish us luck because friendships will be lost.”

“Let’s do this thang!” Jimin shouted in English, causing her to laugh as she stopped the video and tweeted, ‘Friendships will be lost...no hard feelings, mkay? #Jen’

For the first match, it was Jennie vs Jimin vs Namjoon vs Jin. They went to the character select menu as the epic video game music continued to play.

“Let me guess, Rosalina & Luma?” Jungkook declared.

“Damn right,” Jen replied and selected them. “I’m at my best when I use them.”

“Ahahaha, for future reference, we may have to kick some people out of Bangtan due to frustrations in this game so let’s try to have a clean and fair fight, all right?” Jin announced.

“We’re choosing the Norfair stage.” Jimin picked.

“NO!” Jen yelled.

“YES!” Namjoon yelled back

“I hate that stage! We just started playing, can we choose a more sane and civilized stage?” Miss Bangtan pleaded

“Nope! Suffer.” Namjoon laughed evilly.

Jennie shook her head in disbelief. “This is so uncharacteristic of you. I am appalled.”

3!

2!

1!

GO!

“Wait! Wait! I wasn’t ready!” Jin yelled as his character, Luigi, began to get punched around by Jimin who giggled hysterically.

Jennie decided to go on a defensive route and stay away from all the fighting until she found an opening, watching the character’s movements.

“No defensive this time, Jen Drop.” Namjoon’s character, Sonic, went right after hers as they began fighting around.

As the game went on, Jimin started laughing when his character, Yoshi, accidentally fell off the map.

“How?!” Taehyung laughed at him with Jungkook.

“It was an accident!” Jimin exclaimed

Meanwhile, Jennie managed to kick Jin off the map to eliminate him until he could respawn again.

Jin frowned. “Why, Jennie? Why would you do this? And stop taunting me, Jimin!” The oldest member yelled over their laughter.

Before they knew it, the giant lava wave began to come up to the screen while Jennie managed to kick Namjoon out of one of the safe areas so she wouldn’t get hit. But suddenly he paused the game

“Hey! We are not doing this, you can’t do that!” she shouted.

“What are you talking about!?” Namjoon shouted back, trying to look innocent.

“Stop pausing the game!” 

“I accidentally pressed pause!”

“Stop lying!”

Namjoon unpaused the game and managed to get into the safe area with her while the lava wave came through. Unfortunately for Jin, he spawned just in time for his character to get hit again, knocking him out of the match again as everyone laughed at him.

“This is how you treat the oldest?” Jin asked.

Near the end of the round, Jennie and Namjoon were the final ones in the match, with Namjoon occasionally trying to find slick ways to cheat by messing with her controller and pausing the game constantly to distract her. The lava wave in the game came once again and he managed to make her character face its wrath, to win the match.

‘GAME! The winner is! Sonic!’

“Looks like I won!” He happily announced

“What is you talkin’ about!?” Jennie yelled. “Friggin cheater!”

Next was Yoongi vs Jungkook vs Taehyung vs Namjoon, who battled each other in the Final Destination stage. After giving her controller to Taehyung, Jen watched as Jungkook used Mario to trash his opponents.

“Can you at least go easy on me!?” Namjoon exclaimed.

“I don’t think that’s happening,” Yoongi replied.

With no surprise, the Golden Maknae won the match and proceeded to take on Hobi, Taehyung, and Jimin this time. Before Jen knew it, it was her turn to play again. She ended up groaning when she watched Jungkook select Ganondorf as his character.

“Why?” She complained. “Why would you do this? I hate playing against him, he’s so damn hard!”

“Exactly why I picked him.” The Golden Maknae smirked, still proud of his winning streak. 

He had won four games straight.

She rolled her eyes and selected the Wuhu Island. As the match began, the players continued to fight around the platforms that were moving occasionally.

“Stop trying to take me out, Kook!” She attempted to evade his attacks before he could take her off the map. “I hate you, he got me struggling over here with this character.”

Unluckily for her, her character fell into the water and sank down, getting taken out as she rolled her eyes.

Hobi, playing as Ryu from Street Fighter, begins to shout, “Hadoken! Hadoken! Hadoken! Hadoken! Hadoken! Ha-“

“Shut up!” Yoongi shouted, causing him to squeal in surprise.

As the match went on, Jungkook caught Jennie with his final smash as she angrily handed the controller to Namjoon. 

“Fuck outta here!” She snapped while Jungkook laughed hysterically.

It was down to Jungkook and Hobi. The members mainly cheered on Hobi because they wanted to see Jungkook lose.

“Did he get him?! He did!” Jimin yelled when Hobi hit Jungkook with the final smash, beating him as everyone cheered.

“You sure you don’t want to play?” Jen asked Vienna.

“Why not?” She took Jungkook’s controller after Jen told him to give it to her. ”I don’t know how to play, though.”

After Jen told her the basic moves, Vienna chose Kirby to go up against Yoongi, Hobi, and Taehyung. They battled at Hyrule Castle 64 as the main theme of The Legend of Zelda played.

“W-wait stop falling off the edge of the map. Jump up! ” Jen laughed and tried to coach her sister. 

After a few moments, she continued to get the hang of it, taking out Yoongi’s Pikachu character.

“What? That connected?” Vienna asked, bewildered.

“You knocked him out of the map but the battle isn’t over yet, keep fighting.” Jen encouraged.

“That’s some disrespect, right there,” Vienna complained when her character was taken out the map by Taehyung.

“Ah, fuck this game!” Yoongi rage quit and handed the controller to Jin instead so he could take over. He got frustrated when he kept getting beaten down by everyone.

“Really, hyung?” Jimin giggled.

“He’s just a little upset.” Namjoon teased.

When Vienna suddenly realized that she won the game, beating Taehyung, she responded in shock, “Wait, I won?!”

“Good job!” Taehyung happily said, placing his hand out for her to high five him, while the rest of the members applauded her efforts.

“Thank you! Good game!” She beamed and turned to Jennie. “That was fun! You’re in good hands here. I like their vibe, up close and personal. It’s like you’re not away from family.”

Jen returned her smile and nodded. “Thanks, Vee. I agree.”

“All right, let’s play teams now,” Jimin announced.

“I call Jungkook.” Jennie declared, high fiving the Golden Maknae.

“NO!” Namjoon and Jimin shout.

“Noooooooooo~!” Taehyung and Hobi complained

“Absolutely not.” Jin shook his head

“Hell no,” Yoongi added.

“And why not?” Jungkook asked with irritation while Jennie scowled at the members’ disapproval of her choice of partner.

“No JenKook for this because you always win together. Change it up.” Namjoon demanded which caused the 97 Liners to look displeased by their demands.

“I call Jennie!” Taehyung shouted and clung to her.

“What...?” Jungkook frowned, narrowing his eyes at the 95 Liner. “How come he gets to-“

“And I call Jungkook~!” Jimin hugged him as Jungkook let out an exasperated sigh. 

Jen shot Jungkook an apologetic smile and prepared to play.

Jennie and Taehyung battle against Jin and Namjoon, easily getting a win when Jen took out both of her opponents with Rosalina & Luma’s final smash.

“No! No!” Jin complained

“OP! That is OP! So overpowered!” Namjoon shouted.

Miss Bangtan danced in victory with Tae, ignoring their protests, “Hey! Hey! Hey!”

As an hour went by, Jimin spoke, “I want to see Jungkook and Jennie battle each other.” 

His idea made the 97 Liners' interest rise as they glanced at each other.

“I’m down, are you?” Jen asked.

“Bring it on.” The Golden Maknae responded.

Jennie chose the same character while Jungkook chose Shulk. For their first battle, they chose the Gaur Plain stage as the theme played.

3!

2!

1!

GO!

As soon as the fight began, Jennie and Jungkook clashed, trying to get as many hits as possible while avoiding falling off the map. Jungkook managed to juggle Jennie up in the air with perfectly timed strikes before blasting her off the map. A confident smirk came across his lips as he waited for her character to respawn.

Jennie kept calm, making sure to keep a cool head while fighting back. Her heart began to race faster as they continued to play, aiming to win. The members watched them game keenly, with no words spoken as they watched them back and forth.

Jungkook managed to knock her off the map to win the game as she roughly ran a hand over her face.

Frustration was clear on her face for a moment before she got calm again. They played again, picking the same stage. Jen glanced at the top of the screen to see and hear, Mechanical Rhythm, playing in the background for the stage, setting the mood for a more aggressive gameplay

“And she’s getting mad.” Jungkook teased, trying to get under her skin.

Jennie decided to ignore him and remained focused. 

All that was heard was the rapid button mashing and battle cries of their characters. Once she began to continuously strike his character off the map, the Golden Maknae began to become vigilant of the direction of the battle.

'She got this,' Vienna thought as she watched her sister focus.

"See ya!" Jen lightly said once she swiftly got behind his character and kicked him straight to the sky for a finishing blow.

"Shit!" Jungkook shouted.

‘GAME!’

“YES!” she shouted, standing up and fist pumped.

“AHHHHHHHHH!” the members yelled, jumping up and down while Vienna grinned and applauded.

The winner is, Rosalina & Luma!

The Golden Maknae was visibly disappointed by his loss, remaining silent while everyone celebrated her victory.

“Final round! Who will win?” Jin laughed

“That was just luck. I let you win.” Jungkook responded.

“We’ll see about that in the final round,” Jen replied.

For the final round, they fought furiously, both equally matched. Once they saw the smash ball spawn, they aimed to hit it. She managed to destroy the smash ball just before him and caught him in Rosalina’s final smash. She watched as Luma expanded bigger and started to repeatedly attack Jungkook’s character, boosting up his percentage rate and then he was blasted out of the map

GAME!

“WOO!” She jumped up.

“OH MAH GOD!” Jimin yelled while the rest of the members started yelling and jumping up and down with her

“She beat Jungkook!” Jin celebrated

Jungkook placed his controller down and huffed, displeased at his loss while some of the members teased him by shaking him while laughing at him. 

Jennie took a seat right next to him on the carpet with her phone in her hand. She took a victory selfie with a bright smile on her face with an annoyed Jungkook in the background. 

She tweeted, ‘#Bodied’

Standing up, Jungkook grabbed a pillow and tossed it across the room before going straight to his room while everyone continued laughing

“Ahahahahaha! Yooooooo! He tossed the pillow!” Vienna cackled. “He’s so mad.”

After another hour of gaming, everyone decided to head off to bed. Jennie let Vienna sleep in her bed while she took a visit to Jungkook’s room, wondering if he was still upset that he lost. She’d be feeling the same way since they both enjoy winning.

Who doesn’t like to win?

Shutting his door after walking inside, she saw him sulking while playing on his phone. He was still feeling bitter about the loss.

“So, we not friends, now?” she teased and took a seat on his bed. 

Instead of replying, he ignored her and placed the covers over himself.

“I hope you know that won’t get rid of me.” she grabbed his covers and got in the bed with him, facing his back. He sighed and tried to move away but she moved against him, hugging him from behind. “We still not friends?”

Ignored again.

She suddenly pressed her soft lips to his cheek, taking him by surprise. 

“How about now?” she asked but didn't get a response. 

The Golden Maknae felt his cheeks warm up but he continued to be stubborn while pondering if she’d kiss him, again. Seconds later, he felt those lips against his cheek repeatedly.

“Now?” She asked again.

Kiss.

“Now?”

Kiss.

“How about now?”

Kiss.

“Now?”

Kiss.

“Now?”

Kiss.

“What about now?”

Kiss.

“How about now?”

Kiss.

“Now?”

It was getting harder to ignore her as he was greeted by her kisses all over his face. He was losing the battle in fighting the big grin appearing on his face.

“I see that smile! Now answer, we still friends?” she spoke and he tried to ignore her again. “I’ll stay here all night if I have to. I guess I have to be the big spoon, so be it. So, we still not friends? I know you hear me.”

She laughed, snuggling up against him tightly as he started forgetting about his anger from losing the game.

Jungkook sighed and turned around, wrapping an arm around her to bring her to his chest. 

“I can’t stay mad at you...” He grumbled.

“Good. Now good night.” She snuggled against him.

“Y-you’re staying?”

“And having to deal with Vienna’s wild sleeping? I think not. Besides I like sleeping with you. You’re so warm and comfortable. Like a friggin human heater. Unless you want me to leave-“

“Stay, please,”

The next morning, Jungkook woke up with Jennie sleeping on his chest. He briefly watched her sleep and smiled. He pondered what it’d be like to wake up to this every day if they were a couple. Good morning kisses were guaranteed as well as him trying to make her stay in bed with him.

Gently moving her, he got out of bed and placed the covers on her. Stretching his arms, he headed out of the room, noticing that Jin already made breakfast because of the smell of food. Saying their good mornings, Jungkook grabbed a plate and took it back to his room, placing it on his nightstand for Jen to eat.

When he went back into the kitchen, he noticed Vienna sitting by the table, eating with Jin while trying to speak English with him.

Vienna noticed Jungkook and smiled warmly. 

“Hey. Morning.” she greeted while Jin went to make plates for the members when they woke up.

“Good morning!” Jungkook greeted while smiling shyly.

She typed something in her phone and slid it to him. He looked at it and it read, ‘Sorry for the language barrier. I don’t know Korean but found this app to help translate. I’ll cut right to the chase. There’s been a question I’ve been wanting to ask you since I met you. You like my sister, don’t you?’

He looked up, surprised, and averted his eyes, looking shy. 

That immediately gave her an answer.

She chuckled and typed something else on her phone before sliding it back to him.

‘I’m not angry. I’m happy. I love my sister and I would do anything for her. And watching you...I see that your feelings are genuine and that you deeply care for her. You’ll make a cute couple. You have my full support. :)’

He read and looked up, nodding. “Th-thank you.” He responded softly.

“You’re welcome,” she replied and went back to eating.

After breakfast, Jennie and Vienna hang out in Seoul to bond. When they were shopping at a local store, Jen had found an emoji head and tried it on. 

Vienna thought it was funny and took a photo, posting it on her Instagram with the caption, ‘My heart &lt;;3’

Not long after, Alani facetimed Vienna. “Oh gosh, I guess she saw the post.” Vienna laughed and accepted the call. 

The screen revealed Alani shaking her head while Jennie popped up next to Vienna, waving.

“Yo, I hate y’all...skipping class, Vienna? Leaving ME to present our project!?” Alani yelled. “Ima kill you when you come back! Are you kidding me!?”

“Wait you left Alani with your project?” Jen exclaimed

“Well...I mean...I did my part.” Vienna grinned sheepishly

“Yes, this girl left me to present alone!” Alani yelled angrily.

“It’s good practice for what you want to do.” Vienna shrugged. “Don’t be a snitch and tell mom or dad. I’ll be home soon.”

“I cannot believe you! I could’ve gone with you!”

Jen was surprised by her statement while Vienna laughed. “That wasn’t what I was expecting.” 

"Hey! I can be rebellious, too!" Alani exclaimed. 

------

Later that day, an African American female college student hung around Dunkin Donuts, filming a vlog for her YouTube channel. She was with two of her American friends, a guy and another girl, who sipped on their coffee, eating breakfast sandwiches.

“Hey guys, we are back with another video. It is day 3 of us being in Seoul, and we’re here eating Dunkin Donuts. Say hi!” she panned the camera to her friends and they rambled about their excitement for their upcoming semester of studying abroad.

While her friends were talking, she turned to do more people watching but froze when she noticed Jennie.

“Wait a minute is that-oh my God, guys, I think that’s Jennie from BTS.,” she said quickly with a whisper. She panned her camera to Miss Bangtan and Vienna who were waiting for their order. “What the heck is she doing here!?”

Her two friends widened their eyes and covered their mouths. 

“Holy sh-no way is that really her?” her female friend exclaimed as their hearts started racing.

“Guys, we are in the same building as Miss Bangtan, how great is this?” her guy friend responded.

“Should we say hi?” the Youtuber pondered.

“No! We should be respectful.” Her female friend disapproved.

“And miss an opportunity to say hey to our favorite K-pop idol? Hell no, I want to say hi. We’re not screaming in her face or anything.” her male friend said.

“I dunno...should we?” the Youtuber wondered.

“We should do it.”

“Won’t it be rude?”

“Yelling and screaming in excitement in her face is. But as long as we’re not too crazy, I honestly don’t see what the problem is with approaching your favorite idol.”

“Jennie looks so mad though, should we approach her?” the female friend added.

“Remember that Jen always says that she has a resting bitch face?” the Youtuber brought up.

“True...”

The Youtuber handed her friends the camera and she got out of her seat, making her way to Jennie. Butterflies were in her stomach as she inched closer to her idol. She even went over what she planned to say in her head.

When the Youtuber watched Jennie and Vienna turn around, she froze as she locked eyes with Miss Bangtan. 

“Um-I uh, annyeongh-hello-haseyo-um-i uh-hi.” She stuttered, trying to say hello.

“Hi.” Jennie let out a chuckle. “You good, girl?”

“I can’t even speak, right now. If I can’t even speak in my own language, what makes me think I can speak in Korean?” the fan sighed. “I’m sorry, I just wanted to say hi, I can’t believe you are in front of me. I’m trying to create a Vlog for YouTube and then you showed up, throwing me off guard with your beauty and I’m just embarrassing myself in front of you.”

“Awww thank you! You don’t have to be so nervous. You’re fine! I encourage fans to say hi!” Jen reassured while the girl’s two friends appeared next to her, nervously saying hi. “How are you guys? You eat this morning?”

“Yes, we did. We’re college students. Studying abroad.”

“Wow, really? When did you come to Korea?” 

“A few days before to know our surroundings until it’s time for the Fall semester to start.”

“Wow, enjoy it to the fullest. I always hear that some people want to get closer to their favorite K-Pop idols and all while being here but still take time to learn the culture and go sightseeing. Learn the history and even more of the language. It’s a beautiful place and South Korea isn’t just about K-Pop, you feel me?”

“Definitely. You inspired me to study abroad here. I was always nervous to step out of my comfort zone and go to another country. But when you did it, especially at a young age, away from family, it motivated me. This is my second time studying abroad. I went to Spain last summer. I’m glad I did it, I’m learning a lot about myself and trying new things. Now I’m a senior in college, here in Seoul.”

“Wow, that means so much to me. It’s good to get out there, you will learn a lot. I always think it’s fascinating to learn about other cultures. Especially the food, that’s always a plus. Do you know some Korean?”

“Only the basics.” the YouTuber’s female friend responded while their guy friend agreed.

“I’m at an intermediate level but I’m so nervous to be in front of you, I couldn’t show you my Korean skills or even speak in proper English.” the Youtuber responded which made Jennie laugh at the way she said her statement.

“We managed to grab seats for ISAC, too!” the male friend beamed

“No way, for real? That’s dope. Make sure you cheer on Bangtan.”

After she took photos with the three students and did a quick shoutout when being filmed for the vlog, Jennie offered them some of her munchkins and wrote encouraging messages on their notebooks with an autograph.

‘Don’t stay in your dorm during your semester. Go out, take the train and travel around South Korea!’

‘This is a great experience to learn more about yourself and another country’s culture. Enjoy every second of it and have a blast.‘

‘Cherish the people you meet along your journey here in Seoul. Learn something new while you are here.’

-----

Just before the ISAC event, Big Hit released a Bangtan Bomb called, ‘Training Smartie for ISAC 2015’

The video contained multiple clips of the members overexaggerating and eagerly yelling words of encouragement while training her.

As she lifted weights, the members would yell encouraging words such as, “Let’s go smartie!”, “Let’s go! Feel the power!”, “Believe in the power!” and she managed not to laugh at their yells as they jumped up and down.

For a bonus clip, Jennie was seated at the table with Suga and Jungkook next to her. She began eating a big plate of Lamb Skewers while Suga and Jungkook cheered her on.

“Eat!”

“You got this! You got this!”

“Chew it well!”

“You must eat well for wrestling!”

--------

On the day of the event, Bangtan arrived, already in their assigned outfits while Vienna walked with Jennie.

“I don’t know what the hell is going on. What are they saying? And why do they keep staring? It’s starting to piss me off-excuse me don’t touch my hair!” Vienna exclaimed.

Jennie cringed and pulled her away. She turned to one of the staff members and bowed slightly. 

“Please don’t touch our hair without our permission. It’s rude, all right?” she responded in Korean.

“Is that your real hair?” the staff member asked.

“Yes. It is our natural, real hair,” she responded as they looked amazed and confused.

As the two sisters walked away, Vienna mentioned, “I don’t want no one looking at me cross-eyed. It’s rude to stare.”

“I mean...you’ll get used to it. It can be annoying,"

Around 300 idols made of ten teams were participating today and it was packed with various fandoms supporting their favorite groups. Once Jennie escorted Vienna to sit with the Big Hit staff on the seats, she waited for the event to start.

She stood with Bangtan backstage, waiting for their team to be called out so they could walk out.

“Now the players are entering.” The commentators announced.

“Team Female-vengers: Kara, Rainbow, Dal shabet, EXID, Minx, GFriend.” was the second team announced.

“Ah, Hayoon~.” Jennie beamed when she saw her happily walk out with G-Friend.

“How you feeling?” Rapmon stood next to her.

“Nervous but excited too. I really hope I do well in these two games. Wrestling and volleyball? I trained as hard as I could for this. I have a great feeling about this ISAC.”

“You’ll make Bangtan proud no matter what happens. Just keep a cool head and remember what we told you.”

“Ditto.”

“Team Who’s your boss: Noel, Wonder Girls, Jeong Jinwoon, Changmin, Lee Hyun, MissA, Baek A-yeon, BTS, Bestie, GOT7.” was announced next as they walked out. 

BTS walked out with big smiles on their faces, while Jennie looked on amazed at how many people showed up this time.

On the electronic display, it showed various idols. When it showed Jennie, who wasn’t aware that she was shown at first, ARMY screamed loud and proud. Jin nudged her and pointed up at the screen. She looked up and widened her eyes, chuckling before waving.

The fact that she was on the same team as Wonder Girls was astounding and she was even on a volleyball team with two of the members. It’ll be a great experience.

After saying the oath, the event started with Women’s Ssireum. There were teams consisting of three members and they played the best out of three. The time of play is one minute and 30 seconds. Jennie was teamed up with Baek A-Yeon and Haeryung from Bestie. They were stretching together and talking strategy.

For the preliminaries, Kyoungri from Nine Muses went up against Hyerin from EXID for the first match. Jennie was standing around with Bangtan, focused as she watched them closely.

“Breathe,” Namjoon said encouragingly behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Don’t be discouraged. They’re not ready for Miss Bangtan.”

“Thanks.” she smiled and they took a seat.

Jungkook sat next to her as they watched closely at the two wrestling. Hyerin had attacked by effortlessly using her feet to trip Kyoungri down in 2.06 seconds.

“You see how she goes for the legs?” Jungkook pointed out. “She aims to trip her opponents. Watch your feet if you go up against her.”

“All right,” she responded.

“Do all that you can to stay on your feet. When you see an opening go for the takedown,”

Throughout the entire round of Nine Muses and EXID, Jungkook pointed some stuff out to pay attention to, mentioning strategies on how to take on the girls. Fansites that attended ISAC, filmed the BTS members and updated their Twitter accounts on what was going on. Once they snapped a photo of JenKook watching closely, with Jungkook whispering strategy in her ear, they tweeted the photos with the caption, ‘Mentor and student. JenKook look focused!’

Fans would immediately tweet,

‘97Liners, I ship!'

'If he whispered in my ear, I would’ve DIED! How can she just sit there so calm?'

'Jungkook is such a great mentor!'

'There is no way she was that calm when you have the golden Maknae whispering in your ear’

'He was probably giving her advice on the wrestling. Y'all thirsty! It ain’t that deep!’

Matches such as Girl's Day vs AOA, Apink vs Red Velvet, Tara vs Secret, and Mamamoo vs Sistar occurred until it was time for Jen’s team to go up against G-Friend. AOA, APink, T-ara, Nine Muses and Mamamoo all advanced to the semi round and it was down to either G-Friend or Bestie/Baek A-Yeon & Jennie. Umji, Eunha, and Yerin represented G-Friend in this match.

“First we have the plucky Miss Bangtan representing BTS and is teaming up with Baek A-Yeon and Haeryung. Last year, she had a running relay and fell down.” the commentators recapped, showing her falling on the screen.

The sight of her falling, caused Jen to roll her eyes, seeming irritated at the sight. They were doing her dirty because she fell. It was over and done with. 

“They really bringing up this crap again?” she grumbled under her breath, shaking her head.

She stepped up on the platform while Yerin waited for her with a bright smile since they were great friends. The two winked at each other before giggling.

“Go, Jennie! Go, Yerin!” Hayoon, along with the other G-Friend members cheered. 

Jen exhaled and glanced at Jungkook who gave her a reassuring smile.

“You got this. Remember what I told you,” he mouthed and she responded with a curt nod and turned back to Yerin.

The two of them bowed to each other and positioned themselves while kneeling.

“JENNNIEEEEEEEEEEE~!” Jimin yelled with Taehyung, applauding.

“Munchkin! Munchkin! Munchkin!” Hobi chanted while Rapmon and Suga laughed with one another, feeling second-hand embarrassment.

“Miss Bangtan has quite the fanboys, it seems. Who will win? Jennie or Yerin?” the announcers wondered.

Once the whistle blew, Jennie immediately used her strength to lift Yerin high in the air and slammed her down on the mat. 

Jungkook slapped his hands together and stood up with a big grin on his face, fist pumping.

“Yes!” he yelled.

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHH~!” Bangtan jumped up, applauding her victory while ARMY and the rest of Bangtan supporters began screaming for her.

Yerin started laughing, covering her face while Jennie helped her up. 

“You all right, sis?” she hugged her.

“Yes, I’m fine. You’re so strong.” Yerin giggled.

“Wow! That power!” the commentators exclaimed as they went to a slow-motion replay. “The strength of Miss Bangtan should not be underestimated!”

“Winner! BTS’ Jennie!” was announced as male idols watched the performance, surprised and mesmerized. 

Some were whispering to themselves about her and smirking in approval.

“Atta girl!” Zico from Block B, shouted, cheering her on with the rest of the Block B members.

GOT7 also became her cheerleaders as Bam Bam stared at her with heart eyes, placing a hand over her heart. 

“I think I’m in love,” Bam Bam mentioned to Jackson, who cackled at him, slapping his arm.

As the fansites filmed videos and posted it on their social media, as fans commented,

‘Some of the boys look pleased’

'So who is gonna be the next idol to speak on how much they admire Jen? Cause some of them are staring hard af and I'm here for it'

‘Hahaha some of the guys look like they wanna marry her’

‘Bam Bam watching with that pleased look on his face, ahahah.’

‘Sexy, beautiful and powerful! Go gurl!

‘She FLEW HER DOWN! DAMN’

‘The girls’ faces hahaha they look so scared to face her now’

‘Look at her face in the beginning! She looked like, “Oh shit, I’m dead.’

‘I’m ready to see Jennie at Wrestlemania now.’

‘She took that so seriously ahaha.’

‘Can Jennie throw me like that too!?’

‘Force to be reckoned with! She didn’t come to play! She definitely redeemed herself from last time.’

‘How did she get so strong!? OMG Jungkook what have you been teaching her!?’

‘Flipped her like pancakes. Didn’t even last two seconds!’

‘She-she just picked her up and slammed her down in 2.0 seconds!’

‘I blinked and Yerin was on the mat. What happened!?’

‘I love how the guys are smiling so hard.’

‘That Captain America strength right there! Miss Bangtan 100%! Represent us!’

Jennie was smiling brightly at the cheers and applauds for her efforts as she bowed and waved. 

After leaving the mat, Hayoon ran up to her to hug her. “That was amazing!” she said and started giving her repeated kisses on her cheek.

After speaking with G-Friend, Jennie went back to Bangtan who had given her high fives and compliments such as, “Well done.” And “You’ve worked hard.”

“You did it!” Jungkook high fived her and pulled her to his chest for a warm hug.

“We did it.” she corrected him as she wrapped her arms around his back. The rest of the members joined in for a group hug before sitting back down to watch the rest of her team wrestle.

She cheered on Baek A-Yeon as she went up against Umji and managed to slam her down on the mat to make her team advance to the semi-round. 

“Yeah!” Jennie jumped up and ran up to Baek A-Yeon with Haeryung to celebrate their advancement.

As the last round started, Jennie sat back down with Taehyung wrapping his arms around her from behind, sitting behind her. Jimin sat in front of her, laying his back between her legs while Jungkook hugged Taehyung from behind.

They watched as Baek A-Yeon went up against Sung-a from Nine Muses and lost the match when she was slammed down. 

Jennie stood up and walked to the mat, preparing to wrestle Sojin. They bowed to each other and got in position.

As soon as the whistle blew, Sojin tried to catch her off guard by going after her legs but Jennie stood her ground and lifted her up to slam her down within five seconds.

“Sorry.” Jennie grinned and helped her up while Sojin reassured her that she was fine.

The fansites had filmed Jungkook smiling proudly and in the end, Jen’s team had won a Bronze medal for their efforts when Haeryung fell short against her opponent. After they received their bronze medals, Haeryung began to cry. 

“Wait, why are you crying?” Jennie went to console her with Baek A-Yeon.

“I let the team down. I’m sorry,” she responded, sadly.

“Hey, you did not let us down. We tried our best and we had fun. Thank you for your hard work. You’ve done well, girl. Don't even worry about it.” she reassured her, wiping her tears as the fansites filmed their conversation.

The three ladies join in for a group hug, thanking each other for a job well done for wrestling.

When the interaction was posted on Twitter, people praised Jennie's kindness and sportsmanship.

While soccer began, Jennie chilled with Bangtan, taking out her bun. Before she prepared to fix it, Taehyung grabbed her hair tie and got behind her, fixing her bun for her. She was surprised at how delicate he was to not hurt her. He placed her hair in a high bun and got in front of her to place a strand of curls on each side. Once he was done, he patted her head and smiled.

She took out her phone and checked it out. “This looks really good, Tae.”

Wandering around after catching up with some idol friends, Jennie decided to finally approach The8, greeting him in Chinese. 

“I only know a little bit of Chinese but I will try to learn more so there can be less of a language barrier between us.” her Chinese was broken but he smiled at her efforts and managed to understand her clearly.

‘Wow...handsome.” he responded in English which caused her to chuckle

“Beautiful.” she corrected.

“Sorry, sorry.” he bowed, feeling embarrassed.

“It’s all right. Can you recommend me some Chinese dishes I should try? I love Chinese food.” 

“Yes, of course!” he started naming some of his favorite dishes. 

As they spoke, Joshua approached them and greeted them.

“Hey! Great job on the wrestling.” Joshua said in English.

“Oh, thank you! I had a blast. You’re Joshua, right?”

“Yeah, it’s nice to finally meet Miss Bangtan. I’m actually from Los Angeles.”

“Ah, west coast. I’m from the east. East side is better just so you know.” she teased and they shared a laugh. “The both of you two are so cute.” she pointed at the both of them.

“You’re cute, too. The8 is really fond of you. He always talks about how kind and hardworking you are.” he gestured while The8 was looking at them back and forth, confused since they were speaking in English.

“I saw the video. It always gives me a giddy feeling when people tell me that. It makes me feel really good. Hey, can I have your Kakao Talk?”

“Yeah, of course.” he took out his phone

“I want your Kakao Talk too, The8.” she gestured to him and he took out his phone. 

After getting each other's Kakao Talk, Jennie continued to bring The8 into their conversation.

“Joshua also plays the guitar. We saw your V-Live. You were great.” The8 smiled.

“Really? Thank you! Oh gosh, I feel so embarrassed, I didn’t think some idols would watch it too.” she responded.

As she continued to wander around, she even met Yeeun from CLC, remembering that Yeeun was eager to meet her. They compared their classes for the upcoming school year and noticed that they’ll be sharing a few classes together. They will definitely have more time to hang out and get to know each other.

Throughout the event, Hayoon would cling to Jennie, hugging her from behind, while she laughed.

“Why are you affectionate, today? You must want something.” she assumed, since last time she wanted some of her smarties.

“No, I’m just happy to see you. I haven’t seen you in a while.” Hayoon replied.

While she was being hugged, Jennie would look around at the crowd and noticed fans wearing USA clothing and waving American flags to represent her. She smiled and pointed them out, feeling even more good about herself. She even spotted Vienna in the crowd and waved, blowing kisses.

“LOVE YOU!” Vienna shouted from her seat. The college student noticed some ARMY trying to get her attention. “I don’t speak Korean but it looks like you want to take a selfie, so sure.” she gestured for them to give her their phones.

Jennie and Jimin migrated to the basketball court to support Suga who was currently warming up for the basketball finals match. Jimin and Jennie were standing where the staff seats were while she took photos on her phone.

“Suga got this in the bag. He should be fine.” Jennie said.

“Yes!” Jimin praised when they watched Suga make a shot in the basket while practicing.

When the game started, Jennie and Jimin became cheerleaders for the Daegu rapper.

“MIN YOONGI~!” Jimin shouted. “Lee Changmin! Jung Jinwoon! Lee Hyun-hyungnim!”

“WOO HOOOOOOOOO! YEAH!” Jennie shouted. “YOU GOT THIS FAM! I SEE YOU BOO, I SEE YOU!”

Suga had put his head down, while his teammates started laughing at their enthusiasm for their groupmate.

Due to their heated cheers, Jimin and Jennie sat on the sidelines to watch the game. Every time Suga’s team made a shot, Jimin and Jennie would jump up from their seats and cheer.

“That’s my Suga!” Jennie shouted proudly, happily applauding. “I am a proud little sister!”

“Yoon! Gi! Yoon! Gi! Yoon! Gi! Yoon! Gi!” Jennie and Jimin chanted as the game progressed.

Yoongi’s team ended up winning and earning gold medals.

Before Jennie knew it, it was time for Volleyball as she stood backstage with the stylists, preparing her outfit. She wore a long sleeve shirt and black shorts with knee pads. When Jennie put on the shorts, she noticed they were a bit too small.

“Ah...I told you to get a bigger size. My ass is bigger than you Korean women. And I have wider hips.” she exclaimed while the stylists giggled.

“We came prepared, don’t worry.” 

They brought in a backup pair which fit much better. She checked out her outfit in the mirror and turned around to look at her behind. 

“All right, it’s covering up everything. Ah, I’m freaking out.” Jennie rambled.

When she was all dressed up, she walked to the gym, where the volleyball court was already put up. She gathered around the members as they helped prepare her.

“Ready, sweetie?” Jin smiled.

“A little nervous.”

“You’ll be just fine.” Yoongi patted her on the back

Taehyung gave her water while Jimin began massaging her shoulders to help her relax.

“I have the tape.” Namjoon brought up and grabbed one of her hands while Hobi grabbed her other hand to start taping her fingers.

“Remember, be careful, spike some balls and win.” Jungkook reminded her. “Use your golden defense skills.”

“I’ll be sure to do that and more.” she nodded.

Hobi cupped her face, pressing his lips to her forehead. He smiled softly, “You got this, Jennie! Show those ladies why Bangtan is great!”

She nodded and started to grin, high fiving each member before walking up to the court to meet with her teammates.

Representing Team Who’s The Boss, Jennie teamed with Baek A-Yeon, Hyelim & Yubin from Wonder Girls and Min and Suzy from Miss A. Their opponents were from Team the Return of The King which consisted of Hyuna & Gayoon from 4Minute, Yeeun & Seunghee from CLC, and Hayoung and Naeyun from APink.

“Here we are! This is the first time we are having a volleyball event at ISAC. Miss Bangtan will be starting to serve, representing Team Who’s the Boss.” The commentators mentioned over the roaring cheers of the audience.

Jennie exhaled sharply, as her heart raced while having the ball in her hands. 

‘I can do this...’ she gave herself words of encouragement. 

Just before she could serve, she heard loud screaming.

“JENNNNNNNNNNIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEE~! You Got this!! Goooooooo

Jennnnnnnniiiieeeeeeeee~!”

The screaming caught her by surprise and she turned around sharply to see Jimin, J-Hope, and Yoongi hollering for her. Rap Monster had facepalmed, shaking his head while Jin and Jungkook were giggling, clapping to themselves.

Her teammates began giggling at her enthusiastic group members and thought it was cute that they were cheering her on. 

Jennie had let out a loud laugh and blew some kisses at Bangtan before turning back to her opponents.

“GO JENNIE!” another scream caught her by surprise but this time it was actually from Hayoon who was standing on the sidelines with the rest of GFriend, cheering her on. 

She had shyly looked down after screaming so loudly but Jennie had appreciated her cheers.

‘Okay...let’s do this.’ she began bouncing the volleyball by slapping it with her palm as it hit the ground then back to her palm, numerous times. 

The loud sound began to intimidate her opponents as they tried to get ready.

Raising the ball in the air, she jumped up high for a powerful spike. The ball ended up hitting the ground on the other side before the opposing team could hit it and Jennie earned a point for her team. Loud screams from ARMY were heard around the arena while some watched, stunned at the spike.

“YES! That is my child! I raised her! That is my beautiful little girl!” Jin yelled happily.

“WOOOOOOO! ATTA GIRL!” Namjoon shouted. 

A proud smile came across Jungkook’s lips as he nodded in approval, applauding her efforts. 'That's my Jennie,' he thought proudly.

“Whaaaaaaa, what a powerful strike from Jennie of BTS! Wow!” the commentators went on.

She was surprised as her teammates went to hug her. “I can’t believe I got that.” she started laughing while Yubin and Hyelim smiled sweetly, patting her on the back.

The game progressed with Bangtan watching closely as they saw the concentration in her eyes. They admired her efforts because she truly had worked hard. Jen soared with her defensive skills as she effortlessly blocked the ball, which caused some of her opponents to get annoyed that they couldn’t get a point.

“Ah, Jennie, stop blocking my spikes!” Hyuna whined.

“Not sorry.” Jennie replied with a grin.

“Are you seeing this!? Are you seeing this!?” Taehyung grabbed onto Jimin and started shaking him. “She keeps blocking the ball! They’re gonna win!”

“WOOOOO! Go, Jen!” Jackson, Bam Bam and Mark became some of her hypemen throughout the match.

Jen’s forearms began to sting from the constant hitting of the ball as the game went on. Her team was well in the lead, thanks to Yubin and Suzy soaring in setting the ball for their teammates to spike, Hyelim being great at passing the ball to her teammates and Baek A-Yeon specializing in spiking with Min. Jennie had made sure to jump up and throw her hands up to block the ball whenever she could with her teammates, which helped tremendously in the game.

"Miss Bangtan's defense is dangerous," the commentators pointed out at how effortless she made blocking for her team.

Once Hayoung served the ball, Hyelim managed to hit the ball, passing it to Suzy who managed to hit the ball over the net. Yeeun dove down, hitting the ball as she connected with the floor while Gayoon passed the ball to Naeyun. Naeyun spiked the ball and Min hit the ball back. Yubin and Baek A-Yeon watched it fly near them and Baek A-Yeon managed to set the ball. 

“All yours, Jennie!” she gestured as Miss Bangtan jumped up and spiked the ball across the court.

Once they saw that the ball hit the floor before their opponents could hit it, they happily yelled in excitement.

“YES!” Jen screamed and fist pumped over the loud cheers and screams from the crowd. 

She started jumping up and down while her teammates threw themselves at her, and they all fell to the floor while hugging. When they got back on their feet, they celebrated all around the arena while Jen did aerial cartwheels around the arena in celebration.

Bangtan started laughing wholeheartedly that she still had the energy to jump and cartwheel around. They immediately ran down to the volleyball court to celebrate with her. J-Hope picked her up over his shoulders and ran around with Bangtan as they all cheered and celebrated. 

"Jennie! Jennie! Jennie!" The boys chanted.

The volleyball team received gold medals for their efforts. When the team was interviewed, Jennie thanked her teammates for working so hard to be victorious and praised them for their hard work. She had a blast with them and hopes volleyball continues to be an event in ISAC.

Meanwhile, Bam Bam had been watching her, smitten by her athleticism in the volleyball game. After some pep talk from Jackson, he finally decided to approach her, bringing a water and towel for her to wipe her sweaty face.

“Have you played volleyball, before?” he asked.

“I kid you not, this was my first actual game.”

“Wow, well you need to teach me some time because you were amazing out there.”

With the Maknae Line, Jimin was on alert when he noticed that Bam Bam was starting to flirt with her as she had covered her mouth while giggling and shyly averting her eyes. Once he nudged Taehyung and Jungkook to point out what was going on, Jungkook shot Bam Bam a sharp stare.

“All right, relax, he still has a dating ban so we should be okay,” Taehyung reassured.

“I hope so,” Jungkook grumbled.

Going backstage, Jen had Namjoon snap a photo of herself with her arms outstretched and a proud smile on her face. 

She tweets, ‘I came, I slayed, I conquered. Getting 1st place at ISAC feels so good. We winning! Yay us! #BlackGirlMagic #DidntTripThisTime #JEN’

For the final event, which was the final of Men's 400m relay, Jennie approached Jungkook from behind, placing a hand on his shoulder while smiling. “You ready?”

“I hope so. I really want to win.” he tilted his head to the side.

“You’ll do well. I’ll be waiting for you at the finish line, Golden Maknae,” she reassured him.

Those words motivated him to do well. Running and passing the finish line, to see her there, cheering him on. It brought a smile to his face.

Seventeen, B1A4, Teen Top, and BTS were the teams going up against each other. Jennie stood on the sidelines with GFriend and Yeeun.

“Let’s go Jimin!” Jennie shouted, clapping as her heart began to race. 

Once the idols started running, the arena started screaming. Jimin passed his stick to Taehyung as he dashed in his line tailing behind Sandeul from B1A4. 

“You got this Tae!” she began jumping up and down with GFriend and Yeeun.

Once Tae passed the stick to Hobi, he ran behind Jinyeong, before passing it to the last runner, which was Jungkook.

Soon as Jungkook zoomed past, everyone, he created a big gap as he aimed for the finish line. 

“Yes!” she happily yelled, continuing to watch him run. 

She started to migrate near the finish line, waiting for him to finish. ARMY began screaming as soon as Jungkook ran through the finish line. 

“The last runner from BTS is so amazing!” the commentators exclaimed while Rapmon and Jimin ran after him.

Jungkook kept running until he saw Jennie happily running towards him. He ran up to her and embraced her, rejoicing in his victory

“Ahhhh I’m so proud of you!” she wrapped her arms around his neck. 

They both felt a collision when Jimin, Rapmon, and Tae ran over, joining in the hug and they ended up tumbling onto the floor as the rest of the members joined in, laughing.

Yeeun ended up giggling with GFriend. “Ah, Jungkook and Jennie are so cute~!”

“I know! He looks so happy, too.” Eunha added with a smile.

“I haven’t told Jennie but I really ship her with Jungkook. Don’t you agree?” Hayoon asked.

“I know me too. I bet we’re not the only ones” SinB mentioned as they all agreed.

--------

A few days later, Jennie sat in her little studio at Big Hit with her camera videotaping her live for another V-Live. She sat in her chair, spinning around, while the views continued to multiply. She always had her V-Lives in English, enjoying speaking her primary language. But also tended to accommodate those who wanted to hear some Korean and Japanese. Some even asked for Chinese although she was still learning and needed work on it.

After a few moments and checked out the screen and waved. “What up, what up??” she smiled.

‘BABE!’

‘Hiiiiii’

‘ahhh I love you so much!’

‘Love u JW!’

“Welcome to the Smartie Factory!” she presented. “My own little studio, haha. Just like Suga, J-Hope, and Rapmon. This is where I create my covers and work on my music. Let me give you a tour.” she took the camera and showed off the computer. “So, this is where I have all my music on. I recently transferred my stuff from my laptop. I had this studio for a few months now and finally have the chance to show it off. Remember all the stuffed animals I received on White Day? Ahahaha, they’re all happily here to cheer me on while I work.” 

After showing everything, she set it back down on the desk while she sat and faced the camera.

“Sadly, there are no Smarties, right now, I ate them all. I’m so upset, I just had some yesterday. Sometimes I think the guys steal some of my smarties because there is just no way in the world I don’t have any left.”

‘How was ISAC?’

‘I saw videos of you at ISAC! You did great!’

‘You killed it at ISAC!’

“Yes, ISAC was sooooo fun! Mad fun! I had a great time, a better time than last year. At least I didn’t fall! I was so annoyed when they kept bringing up me falling last year. Just let it go, you know?” She continued to read the comments.

“Hahaha you say that some guys were looking at me? Who? Let me know the tea.” she spoke eagerly with amusement. “And yeah, I did meet more people! I finally got to meet some Seventeen members. They’re mad cool. The8 is very kind and cute. He accidentally called me handsome when he meant to say beautiful. I am trying to learn more Chinese so I can speak with him more and also to speak with more of our Chinese ARMY. I want to be able to communicate with you all without much of a language barrier. So please bear with me. I’ll be learning. You know, I get a kick out of my friends getting so confused when I speak English. And even Korean. It’s funny to see their reaction. I feel that way too when I’m not familiar with a language.”

‘The black community is so proud of you’

‘I love your self-determination’

“Well, I’m very proud that I’m representing the black community up here.” she beamed while reading the comments.

‘Did you see a lot of ARMY at ISAC?’

“Yeah, I did see a lot of ARMY at ISAC. I even saw some of you wear some USA merch. That was really cool of you to do that. I ran into some lucky ARMY after the show. Please don’t be so nervous to talk to me. I’m just a normal person just like you, just more known for her talents, that’s all. Like say hey, I’ll say hey back. While on Tumblr, I read that our supporters would probably die or pass out or wouldn’t be able to talk in front of their favorite idols. But I don’t want to miss an opportunity to meet my passionate supporters, so please don’t feel that way. I’m human, let’s have a brief conversation and chill.”

“Oh! For a while now, I was making some of my own music,” she added. “But lately I kind of got a little discouraged. I won’t scrap it, I’ll just leave it on my computer until I find the motivation to work on it again. My goals are to create music for myself one day and release it for you.”

‘Release it!’

‘Please release it!’

‘Don’t tease us like that’

‘Do I need to fly to Korea? Release it!’

She smiled softly. “One day I’ll release it. I want to rerecord everything though. My vocals are improving, so that’s good. I had this notebook and...” she trailed off

She remembered her young self, back in Amity, constantly writing a couple of songs in her notebook. Back when the other members were getting called out to work on their solo songs. Excited and eager she was, patiently waiting for her time to share a song that she wrote. She kept the notebook to herself and didn’t tell anyone.

When Hailey found out, she wanted to use Jen’s written songs for Amity’s next album but Jen refused because she couldn’t just give songs so personal away like that. It caused more of a rift in her relationship with the group.

But before Jen knew it, she had lost the notebook right before she left the group and hadn’t seen it ever since. But then recently, with Amity’s new album out to help promote their world tour, Jen noticed that some of those songs on their album were the songs she had written in her notebook. Crazy enough, some songs were tweaked for a more sexual tone and sadly, defeated the purpose of the written songs that she spent weeks working on because she wasn’t a professional songwriter and just wrote what came to mind.

Jennie shouldn’t have been surprised but soon as she heard those familiar words, she teared up and cried in her room. It discouraged and hurt her that they would do something that. They weren’t going to let her or Angelina live it down that they wanted to leave, huh? She couldn’t do anything about it but move on. She had spoken with Namjoon about it and vented to him. Yoongi was in the studio with them and she remembered the Daegu rapper suggesting to create a diss track. But her rap skills weren’t up to par just yet to go that way. And Amity, well, they just weren’t worth it and Namjoon agreed with her reasons.

Throughout this year, Amity would constantly poke shots at her and Angelina on social media because they’ve been winning awards like the Grammys. But Jennie and Angelina wanted quality music, not quantity.

Jen wanted to sing songs that were meaningful to her. She was glad she was here because Big Hit gave her more musical freedom, unlike SongStress Entertainment. It would be a while before she could begin writing songs again. The wound had not healed yet.

She sighed and shook the negative thoughts out of her head. “I had written a couple of songs but lost the notebook to it,” she responded. “Someone that I thought I could trust, now is singing those songs that I had written. But it’s okay. I hope to make better songs. So, bear with me.”

“Why do you stay in BTS when there’s some so-called “ARMY” that won’t support you but will support the other members?” she read a question. “Well, because I love what I do. And I refuse to let someone have that power over me to stop doing what I want to do in my life. It’s crazy, people always are there to see you fall but don’t say much when they see you do your own thing and succeed. But all these antis and haters, they can take a seat and watch me thrive. I ain’t going nowhere. Oh, so I was on Tumblr, right?” 

‘Uh oh...’

‘Oh nooooo’

‘What did you see!?’

‘Hide your fanfics!’

“You guys come up with some interesting fan blog names of me. Let’s see...um...what were they? Oh yeah, Jenniesyummythighs was one. MunchkinsBooty was another.” she laughed. “Uh, IAmJenniesBoobies was another I came across. HireJennieForNike is one I really like, they really should hire me. I’d be a great model for them. I’m so enthusiastic about their product.”

‘Lmaoooooo omg’

‘Hahahahahah’

‘LOL can you blame us?’

“So, ARMY, I have a question to ask you. I’m curious. So whenever I’m on Tumblr, I usually like to check the BTS tag, right? So, um...what is this about a Sub Jennie, I’m seeing lately? Should I be concerned?” she deadpanned, looking serious with a genuine voice.

‘DEAD’

‘OH SHIZ’

‘DELETE YOUR BLOGS’

‘SHE CALLED US OUT’

‘UM’

“Uh huh. That’s what I thought. But who said I was a sub?” she asked curiously but ended up laughing at how she asserted her question, shaking her head. “I didn’t mean it like that. I meant literally, who said I was a sub? Where did that even start? Ugh, I think I accidentally just gave you story ideas. Let me be quiet. My statement came out dirtier than I intended.”

‘OMG which one are you?’

“Ah, I should keep it PG. I’m not about that life.”

‘Do you read them?’

“No, I don’t read your fanfics. That seems like taboo territory for me. I don’t want to feel some type of way around anyone you write me with but you do you guys. I like the mood boards that you make and also the fan art. I came across this Hunger Games AU mood board and I thought it was so good. I love the Hunger Games and I enjoy mood boards so make more of those, please.”

“I saved some of my favorites on my phone. I like some of these users on Instagram and follow them. Here." she pointed out some famous K-Pop fanart pages on her phone. “I will try my best to see all your stuff. If you make the hashtag #JWFanart then I’ll always check that tag on Instagram and Tumblr. I’ll like the stuff on Instagram when I can.”

“Oh, and by the way, all of your MLTs of me that I randomly came across, seem to be all wrong," she pointed out. "I remember seeing this one statement that said who is most likely to kiss first. Y’all put me allllll the way at the bottom. I highly recommend that you reconsider that. I'm not afraid to kiss somebody,"

“Another thing, why y’all think I’ll be a crazy ass girlfriend? Like jeez, I’m mad chill, I promise you. Is it because of the I Need U music video with the cheating scene? I was just acting! And who is most likely to cheat? Why did y’all put me at the TOP of the list!? Bruh! Who do you think I am?” she called them out. "Like, no! Absolutely not, you wildin’, don’t play like that!”

She laughed again. “All right, I’m done teasing. Y'all enjoy whatever your imagination takes you,"

With Jungkook, he was in the Big Hit building, in a dance studio with Jimin and Taehyung, watching her V-Live on his phone.

“What kind of girlfriend do I think I’ll be?” he watched her read a comment in Korean. “I feel like I’ll be so cheesy, to be honest. I’d like to do some nice things for my future significant other, to show how much I appreciate them. I’m not sure what yet. I’ll cross that bridge when I get there. Gosh but the thought of dating someone, I’m like, you really want to put up with me? Me? Of all people?”

“Absolutely.” the Golden Maknae spoke, answering her statement.

“I’m so weird, are you sure?”

“That makes two of us.” he continued.

“I’ll admit, sometimes I have my fears. I try not to overthink it but some days I’m like, man I hope the person I date won’t get bored of me after a while.”

“I’d never get bored of you.” He guaranteed.

“I’m pretty sure a lot of people get those thoughts and overthink things. I feel like I'm a terrible kisser and need to get better at it. I apologize in advance to my future lover.”

“It’s okay,” he murmured under his breath with a smile.

"I guess when I do date, I'll get better at kissing. So I hope my future significant other doesn't mind me kissing them a lot,"

"I'd love that," Jungkook added

Jimin and Taehyung saw Jungkook immersed on his phone with a smitten smile on his face and they decided to see what he was up to. 

“I bet he’s watching Jennie’s V-Live.” Taehyung teased.

“I know. Look at him, trying so hard not to smile.” Jimin giggled.

Jungkook glanced up and narrowed his eyes. “Shut up!” He tried to get away from them as they tried to watch what was going on.

Back to Jennie, a comment popped up and she read, “When you start dating, you’ll improve your kissing skills. You can kiss your boyfriend whenever you want.”

Jen let out a soft laugh and nodded. “Yeah, you’re right. And for those out there, don’t change yourself for anyone. It’s their loss if they can’t appreciate you for you. There will be someone out there for you, so don’t sweat it if you don’t think you won't find someone special. Be patient. It’ll be worth it.”

‘Can you please sing for us?’

“You want me to sing? It’ll cost you. How much?” She teased and took out her phone. “I’ll put my music on shuffle and see what pops up.”

The first song to come on is a rock song. “I’m a little bit of a rock and metalhead. But let’s choose another song. You know one day I would like to create some type of alternative or rock song while playing my guitar. That would be so cool. Or maybe collab with a rock band, one day. K-Rock or not, it’ll be fun. Maybe, we’ll see what the future holds. I want to be more active with my guitar. I enjoy that style of music because the guitar just sounds so good with it.”

She pressed shuffle again and Love by Keyshia Cole came on. “Ah, this song! How come all these throwbacks are popping up on my phone, huh Spotify? Really?”

She pressed shuffle again and Pon de Replay played. “Ahhhh 2005 Rihanna. This was my song!”

She started moving her shoulders, bumping to the beat. “I love Rihanna’s evolution as an artist. I hope I can have the same type of evolution as her, music and appearance wise. I want to be an amazing artist just like her! The way she thrives in so many genres of music! Nicki Minaj too! So versatile! I hope to be just like them in music. Rock Star is one of my favorites from Rihanna! I want to be a rockstar! Black women in rock are amazing! It'll be a dream to work with them! I don't care what it is. Modeling, music, anything! I adore them!"

She pressed shuffle again as Ridin by Chamillionaire popped on. “Ooh! This song too!”

She started bouncing up and down on her seat to the beat while ARMY started laughing at her enthusiasm. “They see me rollin’, they hatin’, Patrollin’ and tryna catch me ridin’ dirty. Tryna catch me ridin’ dirty. Tryna catch me ridin’ dirty. Tryna catch me ridin’ dirty. Tryna catch me ridin’ dirty. My music’s so loud, I’m swangin’. They hopin’ that they gonna catch me ridin’ dirty. Tryna catch me ridin’ dirty. Tryna catch me ridin’ dirty. Tryna catch me ridin’ dirty. Tryna catch me ridin’ dirty.”

She pressed shuffle again and Right Thurr by Chingy came on. “Oh~ another throwback! I haven’t heard this in a minute! Okay, Okay, let me get back on track and stop fooling around. Let’s find a song to sing for you.”

Unconditional by Kehlani came on.

“Ah, okay, I’ll sing this. I highly recommend her music.” she looked at the camera and laughed shyly “You guys are gonna make me nervous.” she pressed her hands against her cheeks

Back to the Golden Maknae, he couldn’t contain his smile as he watched her sing sweetly to Kehlani’s song.

“Whipped!” Taehyung teased.

“Shut up!” he yelled and smacked him on the arm as he continued to try to watch her V-Live.

With Miss Bangtan, she sang, “Sometimes I come home and I’m sweaty from the day. And my hair’s all in a messy bun cause I had to get it out my face.” She pointed to her messy bun. “And I rather lace my sneakers up cause high heels ain’t my thing.” she showed off her Nike sneakers on her feet as she wiggled her eyebrows goofily which caused some ARMY to type in various comments indicating that they were laughing and amused at her movements.

“And I don’t see a flaw in that, I never want to change. So if you love~ me like you say~! You’ll be a man, grab my hand, take me as I am~!” she got out of her seat to dance and sing around.

I wanna l-l-l-l-l-l-l-love unconditional

I wanna l-l-l-l-l-l-l-love unconditional

‘IM CRYINGGGG’

‘Protect this child’

‘Why is she so adorable!?’

‘Ahhhhh I love this girl!’

After the song, she got back to her seat to check out the comments. “Protect me? Ahahaha! I guess I have some issues, don’t I? All jokes aside, I’ve been so excited to show you how much my singing has improved that I’ve been working on a number of covers to share with you on SoundCloud, probably near the holiday season as an early Christmas gift. Okay, let’s check out what’s next on the shuffle.” she pressed the next button.

Ain’t It Fun by Paramore came on and she started jamming. “Ooh, yes!” she jumped out of her seat to grab one of the biggest teddy bears from her White Day stuffed animal stash, and began to dance with it.

‘And I thought Jungkook was the weirdest, AHAHAH’

‘This is the true personality of Miss Bangtan. LOL'

Back with Jungkook, he started laughing hysterically. This was too adorable.

Instagram Models by Charlie Puth came on next when she changed the song, sitting back down.

“Oh! This song! Make sure y’all stay away from these Instagram models! Men and women! They will get you! Stay away from these people, man! Don’t give them clout, brah! Do not! Give them! CLOUT!” she yelled and spun around in her chair.

As the Maknae Line was leaving the dance studio, they began to walk near Jen’s studio. 

“Hey, Jungkookie, you should see Jennie and join her,” Jimin suggested with a mischievous glint.

“Ah, I shouldn’t.” The Golden Maknae shook his head, taking out his earbuds.

“I think you should.” He opened up the door and quickly shoved him in.

“Hyung!” he whispered in a hiss while the door closed silently.

Jennie, unaware that Jungkook was in her studio, continued Lil Wayne’s rap. 

“Uh, she just wanted to be popular. Uh, she just want ten thousand followers.” she pulled up her Instagram page, showing it on the screen. Setting her phone down, she shook her head and gestured with her hands, “Lord, she posted, she posted, she posted. They like it, they like it, repost it. She party promoting, she hosting. She posing, legs open, provoking. It got my head smoking. I tried to act like I don’t notice. Emotions, emotions, emotions, Lord!” 

She dramatically fell out of her seat as ARMY typed in LOL and laughing emojis while the chorus came back on

‘I am cryinggggg XD’

‘hahahahahahhaha’

‘Omg, she must be on a sugar high from those smarties.’

‘I'm high key happy that she is so comfortable with us like this. She used to be so reserved. She’s so goofy now ahaha’

Meanwhile, Jungkook silently started laughing and wondered when she’d notice him as ARMY noticed him in the background.

She got back to her seat to continue the next verse and she pretended like she was about to cry as she dramatically lip synced, “I had to leave that ho alone and get my mind right. I had to go talk to my friends, I had to find Christ.” She placed a hand over her heart and the other high up in the air, reaching the sky.

Once she saw a comment about Jungkook being in the room, she quickly turned around and widened her eyes. 

“How long have you been there!?” she exclaimed while he started cackling. She quickly paused the song while he grabbed a seat to sit next to her.

“Long enough.” he teased.

“Wow. Well, Jungkook make sure you stay away from these Instagram Models, mkay?’

“Duly noted.”

“I’m serious. They nothing but trouble.”

“I’m aware from what I just saw.”

“Hahah.” she turned to the camera. “ARMY! Look who stopped by, the Golden Maknae after he just watched me act goofy. Say hello to ARMY.”

“Hello!” he waved. “ARMY, Jennie is weird, isn’t she?”

“And you’re not?” she turned her head to meet his gaze as a big smile came across his face.

‘OMG, the way he’s looking at her! I ship it!’

‘I love their friendship so much. They are friendship goals.’

‘Aw, the way Jungkook is smiling, I want him to smile like that more often.’

“ARMY! Thank you so much for getting Shawn Mendes’ attention. I’m still stunned he noticed the cover. ARMY, you are truly one of a kind. Thank you so much for this.”

‘You are welcome!’

‘You deserve it!’

‘We ship you and Shawn!’

“You ship us? Hahaha. I do have a little crush on him. Hopefully, I’ll meet him one day and attend one of his concerts.”

“You like him?” Jungkook brought up.

“Not as much as you like IU.” she teased, causing him to smile shyly. “So when are you going to talk to IU?”

“When you are going to talk to Ailee?” he countered

“L-let’s not get into that. I’m not prepared.” She responded, making him chuckle.

‘Who would you date out of all the members of BTS’

“Who would I date? Shawn Mendes,” she answered with a grin

‘Who would you want to collaborate with?’

“Shawn Mendes.”

‘Who would you like to meet?’

“Shawn Mendes.” She answered again, causing Jungkook to poke the inside of his cheek as she continued to talk about Shawn.

‘Hahahah Jungkook looks a little jealous!’ he noticed a fan comment.

Did he really make it that obvious? 

He had hoped Jen didn’t see the comment. 

He needed to work on having a poker face and keep his jealousy in check.

“I’m gonna go. I’ll see you back at the dorm. I’m going to get something to eat first, did you want anything?” Jungkook got up from his seat.

“Lamb Skewers.”

“I’m glad our minds think alike.” he happily accepted her request and said goodbye to ARMY, exiting the room.

“As the year will be ending soon, I’m hoping that soon we can have some fan meets in America like there are in Korea and Japan. I want to be able to connect one on one with our American supporters just like we do here. So I’ll see what I can do.” She mentioned.

“I have also been writing out some more goals. I want to work more on my breath control when singing. I'm getting better at it. I’m currently working on trying to inhale a good amount of oxygen that flows out my lungs smoothly while I sing my verses to songs with ease. I've getting some vocal lessons to help with that, so I hope you look forward to my improvements as the years go by. I am striving hard to improve and reinvent myself. Especially with my live singing.”

Before she could speak again, she heard a loud yell from outside the room and watched Jimin and Taehyung run into her studio, locking the door.

She sat there, bewildered, and questioned them, “What the heck? Can’t you see I’m trying to talk to ARMY?”

She was cut off by their giggling. “We pranked Suga and Rapmon. We made it seem like we put water on their computers.” Jimin mentioned.

“Oh no, you didn’t.” she looked at them in horror.

‘Oh shitttt, Jen’s face says it all’

‘RIP Jimin and Taehyung’

“Can we please hide in here?” Taehyung asked,

“I hurt my finger, can you get me a band-aid?” Jimin asked.

“I wish I could band-aid your mouth.” Jen retorted, earning giggles from the 95 Liners. She turned to the computer when she heard hard knocking on her door. “U-um, ARMY, our time will be cut short. I need to fix the mess that these two goofballs created. Thanks for hanging out with me today. Love you, bye!” she turned off the V-Live and got up from her seat.

She smacked Jimin and Tae upside their heads, causing them to yelp.

"That's for bringing the drama to my studio!" she scolded.

“Smartie!” Yoongi yelled on the other side of the door.

“Yeah!?” She called out loudly.

“I know they’re in there! Open the door! Why is it locked!?”

“Because I was having a VLive with ARMY!”

“Bullshit, where are those two!? I'm trying to work on this damn album, and they spilled water on my fucking computer!“

Jennie rubbed her temples while Jimin and Tae panicked, and scrambled around to find hiding spots.

Yoongi was not in a pleasant mood.

“SMARTIE!” he banged on the door, causing her to flinch.

“Look what you got me into!” She whispered harshly to them.

Somehow, Namjoon managed to work on opening up her door, which caused Jennie to push the door shut with Taehyung and Jimin. Loud screams and curses were heard as the rappers tried to push the door open after they unlocked it.

“Not the door! NOT THE DOOR! My door!” she yelled when Namjoon accidentally dented her door, barging in to go after the poor 95 Liners. “Take this outside! Take this outside, right now! I just cleaned this studio up!”

[stormblessed95]

YoonKook Dynamics

(Aka: SugaKookie, the name they gave themselves 🥰🥰)

I love these two and I'm so excited to talk about them! They give off such "He is such a brat and I can't stand him, but I let him get away with everything because I love him" and "I look up to him and feel safe with him and love him" vibes. And I love every second of it. Jungkook is truly Yoongi's baby! He is so proud of him always. And Jungkook loves the heck outta everything Yoongi does and you see him glow everytime he gets his approval or praise. No, I see absolutely nothing romantic here. I see a lot of love and care and a super sweet, almost familial bond in its intensity, but nothing that has ever stretched beyond being platonic. These are of course, just my opinions. Feel free to agree or disagree however you will!

Like everyone else, YoonKook have very minimal physical boundaries. It isn't often as obvious as it is with other duos though. Yoongi is one of the least touchy members, although for BTS that isn't saying much, but still. Lol but we can still clearly see that the boundary lines there are quite minimal. We see that physical bond in the ease they have at just grabbing onto each other. We see it with the occasional massage. We see it in the way that JK has moved Suga's shirt out of the way before rubbing his ass to prep him for a vicious birthday spank. Lol we can see it in the way JK randomly shoves his fingers into yoongis hair or in his armpit or latches onto his neck or jumps off his back or hangs his whole body off him, and the way Yoongi never flinches once. We see in the way JK is comfortable just plopping down on his lap or vice versa. We see it in the way Yoongi takes the time and care to fix JKs hair or rub his back or offer a hand to hold when JK gets anxious. Or how they have often tackled each other in a hug when excited. Or how they will throw an arm around the others shoulder while one of them snuggles in to them. So while they may not be the most cuddliest of duos, they have their cuddly moments and they are obviously super comfortable being all up in each other's Personal space.

We see their emotional bond and how strong it is all the time. They love each other and feel protective and proud of each other for sure. We see this in how Yoongi is constantly praising Jungkook, like he really is a proud older brother. He praises JK to anyone and everyone around him who will listen. The way he says that he has worked with many artists, but has never met anyone as talented and hardworking as Jungkook. We see it in how Jungkook sees him as someone who will always protect him and keep him safe. We see their bond in the super sweet video birthday message JK created for Yoongi in 2017. Where he posted about how much he looks up to him, how cool he is and how amazing he thinks he is. He really went on and on with it 😭 legitimately so sweet. And ended it with asking for hyung to treat him to lanb skewers, because they are the lamb skewers date duo 🥺

We see their emotional bond when Yoongi shared how he cried when JK got hurt on stage because he was so worried, and how emotional we see him get whenever JK gets emotional. We see it in the little things he does for Jungkook, like getting him a glass of milk special during their first thing in the morning birthday vlive instead of what everyone else was having because he knows JK likes to drink Milk in the morning. Or the way he is constantly checking and making sure JK has enough food or if he wants anything more to eat. We see it in Yoongi rubbing JKs back to ease his nerves before running his race during ISAC. We see it in the way Yoongi was smiling so big and taking a million photos during JKs graduation ceremony. He was so proud. We see it in the way he makes sure to always praise him whenever JK is feeling unsure about himself. The way he never let's JK feel bad about doing something differently than others and how just because it's different, doesn't mean it's wrong.

We see their emotional bond in the way that Yoongi understands JK on a fundamental level. A perfect example of that would be during Festa 2019, when the members compared JKs heart to a bowl and how it has gotten bigger over the years. Yoongi showed us how deeply he understood JK then, how he knows that JK has always had the biggest heart. But back then in their earlier years, the hyungs just didn't have enough water to fill his bowl with yet. Meaning they just essentially had to learn JKs love language, but the love was always there and he has always been so giving with his affection. We see it in the way that Yoongi sent JK a long text message telling him he loves in 2018, during a year we know they were all having a hard time, and Yoongi expressing his affection verbally like that is something that meant alot to the boys.

We can see their bond in the way that Yoongi calls JK a little prince and is so fond of him that he let's him get away with murder. Lol and we see it in the way that JK is comfortable teasing and smacking and giggling and jumping all over Yoongi without fear of their hyung/dongsaeng status or coming across as not being respectful, because he knows that it's okay and they know each other's boundaries. We see it in the way that Yoongi is obviously fine with JK dropping honorifics with him now and then, even if it's for a laugh or for jokes or in excitement. The times we have seen JK giggle about getting to call him "Yoongi-ah" is precious. Or how he drops those honorifics in an effort to showcase how much he misses him and he wants to make him laugh like when he addressed him as Yoongi-ah on the phone after they won their awards and all spent some time talking with Suga on the phone afterwards since he was recovering from surgery and couldn't be there. Which ties directly into seeing how close their bond is with how Jungkook says and knows that "Suga hyung won't scold me." Even when he probably deserves it. The amount of patience Yoongi has with Jungkook in particular is so admirable, especially because JK tends to go out of his way to act like a brat around his Yoongi hyung at times.

We see it in the way JK is comfortable literally jumping all over him in excitement, literally bouncing off his back and the walls and back again. We see it in how he is comfortable jokingly smacking his hyung around or picking him up to toss him into the pool. Or how he "forces" Yoongi into cutesy dance moves or silly antics with him on stage that Yoongi pretends to be grumpy about, but we can all tell he loves it. We see it when JK teases him by poking him over and over, or pushing his hands all over his face or tickling him with random objects or plants. Or stick his finger up his nose. Or in his armpit. Or yank on and twist his hair in every direction. And how Yoongi responds to that with a look of annoyance before just melting and smiling at him so big and cute. Or how Happy Yoongi got when JK crashed his birthday vlive and literally just went along with whatever JK wanted to do. Sing super loud while clapping and swaying, sure, Yoongi will happily join him in those antics, no worries. It's super sweet how fond he is of Jungkook.

The way they connect together through music is incredible too. We see that in the way they praise each others artistry. The way that they are both incredibly introverted people who sometimes find it difficult to express themselves to others but never have a problem expressing themselves through their art or through their music. We see it in the way that we know JK trusted his Suga hyungs opinions a lot when he first started producing and writing his own music. And how proud Suga is of everything JK does as a producer and writer now too. We see it in the fact that Yoongi keeps his studio private and under lock and key, and that the only person who has a code to his studio other than himself is Jungkook who is welcome in there and able to use it whenever he wants. Now I believe he has his own studio space for his Golden Closet works, yet I bet he still has access to Yoongis studio. They way they bond over music is beautiful.

No, I don't see anything romantic here. Or anything to even hint at romance. Jungkook is Yoongi's baby, like that man legit took JK under his wing and went this is my baby now. He will forever be Yoongi's baby and his precious maknae. I love the fierce amount of love they have for each other. It's very platonic, honestly it's familial practically with the way Yoongi has taken on that firm older brother role. No they aren't actually related, but Yoongi protects, leads and dotes on him in a way that gives off familial vibes. Its so sweet and so caring. JK loves spending time with him and it's so cute because they are both so introverted, half the time they really do just sit there next to each other and just be there in each other's presence. Lol but you can tell they both love it and just enjoy the company. I'm sure they both sometimes enjoy just sitting in the little peace bubble they sometimes create together and silently watch the rest of Bangtan create chaos. They are so sweet. And I love that they have each other.

Ending this off with reminder that these are all my personal opinions and personal views on how I see the members and their bonds together. You do not have to agree, you are free to form all your own opinions. I would actually encourage it. I love SugaKookie and their bond together, I think it's super sweet, just like them! I loved getting to talk about them and revisit alot of their sweet moments together. I love that they have each other and give each other constant support. 💜💜

[karlyanalora]

I would love to see what you'd do with #1 on the transformers list of prompts!

It was a chance meeting. Megatron was out searching for some actually nourishing food; oil tasted good and filled your tanks, but you would starve on it. He needed to find energon. He knew it was on Earth, Starscream had lost a dear friend discovering that fact thousands of vorns ago, before the Great War. He just had to find it. He was in mood for a fight, hungry as he was.

He and the young Prime caught sight of each other at the same moment. The younger mech was merely out gazing at the stars, looking sad and lost. Pitiful. They were still far enough away that if one charged the other could get far away easily enough, the Prime on the city streets and Megatron in the air. But they could still hear each other. Megatron turned to go.

“I know who you used to be,” Optimus called out and Megatron paused. The Prime continued, “You used to be a hero. What changed?”

“How can you claim to know me?”

“I read After the Ark: Nominus Prime and the Illusion of Progress. I agree with it. What happened to the mech who wrote that?”

Megatron looked to the stars. “He learned sometimes fighting is inevitable.”

“True, but he could have fought with those same principles in mind. Why didn’t he?”

This was going to be a while. Megatron sat down. “He did in the beginning and his people suffered for it.”

“I think they suffer more now when he beats the mech he adopted as a son.”

“Starscream tried to kill me!” Megatron shouted, suddenly defensive.

“And what did you do that he felt that was his only course of action?” Optimus retorted.

Megatron was silent for a moment. “What about your idol?” he sneered. “Ultra Magnus is no saint either. He banished you in all but name and created living weapons.”

Optimus looked away. “I don’t know. But he’s not here right now, so I can’t ask him why. You are. What changed?”

The truth was, Megatron didn’t really know. He knew Terminus wouldn’t be proud of the mech he was today, that was for certain. But it had been necessary! Hadn’t it?

But when had the Seekerling who loved him become someone who only wished to see him dead? When had he lost his son?

“Cybertron could really use the old you right now,” Optimus admitted. “Things are worse than ever, just better hidden. I think you could be that mech again.”

Mgetron chuckled. “No mech can ever be the same person they were before.”

Optimus smiled. “I know. I think you could be better.” With that, he left, leaving Megatron reeling.

And when Starscream came to kill him that night, instead of shooting him, he pulled him into a hug. The Seeker froze and Megatron whispered, “I’m so sorry. Let me try to make it right.”

Isac Sumdac was returned to his daughter, after all, they had Starscream now to do the science work, and a quiet fell over Detroit. And Optimus silently hoped more good would come of it.

[kanmom51]

JM JK timeline.- my observations how they grew over the years

2016 part 2

Disclaimer: these are my own opinions and conclusions.  Feel free to disagree, but hate or aggression will be unacceptable.

26 August 2016 – MBC ISAC 2016.  Another big one for me.  The vibe between them – they were just so cute, constantly messing around with each other, all touchy feely.  Of course, they were hand wrestling again, so what’s new?  There was also the BTS bomb moment, when JK touches JM’s chest with the bomb, then his own chest a couple of times then JM’s again, was he trying to say something?

1 Sep 2016 – JK’s birthday. They seem happy.  They were seen out together.  JM tells in a later interview that he took JK out to shop for his birthday present.  Why are both of them so shy about it though?

Manila 2016.  Was there a fight?  What was going on there? Idk.  Seen plenty of vids on it.  My impression is that there was some kind of tension there.  No idea what was going on there.  But even if there was a fight or they were going through something, they came out of it even stronger.

8 Oct 2016 MBC Korean music festival – what was going through JK’s mind?

13 Oct 2016 – Jikook in their own bubble.

From the Bantan Bomb released in June 2017, we learn that  in 2016 JK got a birthday present for JM for his birthday, JM being the only member JK bought a present that year.  Jin even complaining how for his own birthday, celebrated a couple of months later, all he got from JK was a ‘happy birthday’, even though Jin specified to JK what he wanted as a gift for his birthday.  

27 Oct 2017 M countdown Jeju – spot the couple?

31 Oct 2016 fan sign – they were so cute.  JM’s loving gazes at JK, and JK’s grabbing JM.

6 Nov Bangtan bomb – what was going on there?  The back and forth flirtation was so loud.  Who makes you happy JK?

16 Nov 2016, after receiving the best artist award, JM gets emotional and cries while talking to the members.  JK is so adorable, showing his concern for JM, asking if he’s alright, and tearing up himself seeing JM cry.

Nov 2016 Japan fan meeting – spot the couple.

16 Dec 2016 eat with Jin Vlive – This one was a doozey.  We see some of the push and pull in the boys relationship that I was talking about here – JM complaining that JK doesn’t do what he wants anymore, that he came only because it’s a live show, and not when he calls him, saying he wasn’t like that before.  Really JM? What changed? JK asserting himself within the relationship, maybe?

JM puts JK through the loop before letting him into the room, getting him to say “I love you” 3 times, complaining that when he asks him to say that he loves him JK doesn’t, and that he did it only for the fans.  and still not letting him in.  Jin only lets him in after JK threatens to post a ‘crazy’ photo.  

The very high key flirting going on there, JM trying to leave only to stay after being sort of threatened by JK turning on his phone (we see a photo of him, one that looks like it was actually posted later that day) saying he has a great selfie (was that a hickie? – why was it a ‘crazy’ photo otherwise?).  They are smiling, but there is somewhat a tug of war going on there. That’s the two figuring out the dynamics within the relationship, all for us to see.

There are ups and downs in every relationship, and even more so when it’s relatively new, when the couple are creating their boundaries, what is ok or not ok as far as their partners behaviour.  We can assume that JK and JM had their fights, maybe even split up during this 5 year period.  It’s only natural.  Still, moments like during the Manila concert or during the KBS song festival 29 Dec 2016 can be pretty gut wrenching.  

This was the day JM performed with Taemin.  What exactly happened that day we don’t know. What we do know is that over time they grew stronger.  Maybe more secure in themselves, their feelings and each other’s feelings.  

Being a couple in an industry where not only aren’t you allowed to be a couple, but, god forbid, you are a gay couple, something not to showcase, but to hide, well, the level of insecurity would be incomprehensible, sometimes probably overbearing.  

That could maybe be the reason we sometimes see both being uncomfortable with the other’s interactions. I’m not convinced it’s actual jealousy of the connection.  I mean, we are all human, and jealousy is sometimes a factor, but showing every single uneasy moment as jealousy does not serve both JK or JM justice.  Their bond is not an unhealthy toxic bond, it’s a beautiful one.  What it may be, though, is jealousy or a feeling of frustration that they cannot showcase their connection with each other.  I really don’t know, and don’t want to over speculate.  I can feel though a vibe of uneasiness.  You can see on their faces something is bothering them.

2016 is when we see more than ‘regular’ skinship between the two.  We do still see the skinship between them, but we also see the hidden micro touches, light brushes, as if sometimes they are scared to touch each other, scared of how it would look or scared of their reaction to the touch? Also the gazes, wow the way they look at each other, sometimes hidden looks, sometimes so goddamn obvious.  

In 2016 JK starts being there emotionally for JM – making him laugh, crying when JM cried, every opportunity JK has to compliment JM he does it.  Saying how good looking he is, how sexy.  I say ‘starts’ because we can see from JM that it’s not enough, not yet. He repeats on more than one occasion that JK isn’t there for him enough (not coming when he asks, not saying he loves him when it’s off camera etc.).  

The start of a relationship is filled with excitement and insecurities.  This is amplified when the relationship is a ‘non conventional’ one. When you are in an industry where you are not allowed to develop any kind of romantic relationship, and told so since you’re a trainee, and even more so when you are two young men and the society you live in does and will not accept your relationship as ‘normal’.  That it will not only be frowned upon, but be deemed as ‘not normal’, ‘wrong’.  

When you are in a relationship deemed ‘wrong’, a relationship that if it becomes outright public knowledge may put your career and personal safety at risk, the stakes are oh so much higher.

You’re filled with the excitement, the need to constantly look, touch, affirm this new connection, but you can’t, you need to hide it from everyone.  Even from those who are closest to you, those who are with you 24/7.

So, the way I see it, 1st stage would be hiding from everyone.  Then would come stage 2 when those closest to you have caught on, but still having to hide from everyone else – that’s when you allow yourself to be more touchy and more obvious, but still hiding.

This is actually what I think happened in 2016.  It was a very big year for the two. Getting their bearings within the relationship.  Being discovered by the other members, or ‘coming out’ to them. I believe that by the end of 2016 all of the members were aware of the shift in the relationship, some earlier that the others.

At this point, during 2016, their reactions to the couple are less noticeable (maybe apart from Hobi’s teasing JM during the Vlive…), but later on they become so loud, they are even louder than JM and JK’s own actions, so loud that it’s their reaction to Jikook that creates the suspicion.

To be continued…

[latte-fairytaekwoon]

Ateez: Their Little Sister Is A Popular Idol

Kim Hongjoong:

Hongjoong and you debuted roughly around the same time, and fans lived for your sibling interactions because they were just outright hilarious. You would always end up yelling at each other or having cute little banters.

One day, you were both invited on a special sibling episode of Weekly Idol with other idols, such as Jessica and Krystal, Izone's Chaeyeon and Itzy's Chaeryeong, Oneus' Xion and Onewe's Dongmyeong and Ex Boyfriend's Youngmin and Kwangmin. It was filled with competitions and Hongjoong and you just seemed to struggle to work together. It was especially hilarious when you two played the 'Shout In Silence' game.

"Knock Out!!" You shouted once you saw the word, which was coincidentally your debut song.

"Huh?!" Hongjoong couldn't really understood what your lips formed.

"Knock Out!" You repeated, louder this time.

"Blocked cow?!" He asked, unsure of his answer.

"Stop messing around Kim Hongjoong! Think! My debut song! Knock Out!" You were getting desperate.

"Wait what!" Hongjoong asked.

"My debut song!!!"

But Hongjoong stayed silent, his brain trying to think.

"Didn't you watch it?! Knock Out!!!" You hollered even louder.

"Jumped Out?!" He tried answering.

"Kim Hongjoong I will knock you out if you don't get it!!! Knock Out! Knock Out! Ugh! Stupid!" Your voice was hurting at this point.

"Hey!!! I understood 'stupid'!!! I'm older than you!" He warned you.

Yeah, you had the entire set laughing.

Park Seonghwa:

As your older brother, Seonghwa was extremely protective of you growing up and that didn't change even after you debuted. In fact, his desire to protect you intensified. You often complained about it, hating how he was always fussing over you, reminding you to eat healthy and annoying you at times.

Seonghwa lived for it though. His members were even surprised by how soft he turned for you only. And of course fans thought you two were so adorable. Atinys often liked to tease him about it, often asking him about what he'd do when you started dating. That always seemed to annoy him.

"She's not allowed to date until I'm dead." Was his response every time.

Being Seonghwa's sister, of course you were beautiful, and a lot of idols had their eyes set on dating you. But of course, Seonghwa was always there to cockblock them. Even on tv, he had no chill when telling them to back off.

"Seonghwa have you heard the news?" The tv host asked.

"What news?" He asked.

"Well, with your sister acting in the new web drama, there's rumors going around that she's dating her co-star."

Seonghwa's eye twitched at that, and the other members started laughing.

"I don't think he likes that idea." Yunho chuckled.

"Any words about the situation or to her co-star?" The host asked.

Seonghwa looked to the camera for a few seconds before holding his microphone up.

"Over my dead body." He responded causing the members to go into chaotic mode over his response.

Jeong Yunho:

Yunho was the most supportive brother and he often said he was your biggest fan. Any chance he got, he'd promote you and your group, and was always dancing around to your songs. He'd even post dance covers of them, just to show his support. Every interaction you had, whether at music shows, ISAC or variety shows, he was your personal cheerleader.

He was also extremely clingy towards you, often hugging you, tangling his long limbs over your tiny body.

"Let go Yunho! You're squishing me!" You often told him.

"No! Let me love you!" Your protests would only encourage him to squish you even tighter.

Of course, the dancing genes ran strong in your family. Fans often praised your dancing abilities and were often wondering if you two would ever collaborate together to come up with a choreography. That's exactly what they asked Yunho one day when he was reacting to your comeback music video.

"Wow! As usual, Y/N slays the dance. She's getting better than she already was."

He looked at his phone, reading the fan's comments and landed on a particular question everyone was wondering.

"Would we ever create a dance together? Hmmm."

He thought about it for a moment.

"Honestly, I'd love to do it. What do you say baby sis? Wanna help your Oppa create a choreography? Just us two?"

He snickered when he thought about what you'd say when you saw his VLive.

"She's probably going to say no, tell me I'm annoying and to get lost. She has such a temper........"

He paused before smirking.

"You know what they say. Tiny creatures are more feisty cause their tiny bodies can't hold a lot of rage."

"She's going to kill you when she finds out you said that." Yeosang said from behind the camera.

"Probably. She hates being called tiny." Yunho agreed.

Kang Yeosang:

Although Yeosang was super proud of you for debuting, he kept the fact you two were siblings a secret for a long time and honestly you liked it that way too. You were both introverts and preferred to lay low.

Fans of your groups often compared you two, saying how similar you looked, how you were both the savage ones of your groups, even your little habits and love for chicken was extremely similar. Of course, both of you saw their posts and videos comparing you two, and you both cringed when some thought you'd be cute together. That's when you two stepped in and clarified you were siblings. Now it was fan's turn to be shook at the revelation.

And that became the topic when your groups were invited on a variety show. At one point, Ateez was complaining how Yeosang roasts them so much that they're scared of him and can't ever say anything back. You burst out laughing at that.

"He may be my older brother, but I'm not scared of his sharp tongue." You bravely admitted.

That's when the hosts suggested you expose something about your brother, like he did to his members on Weekly Idol. All of Ateez were super excited about the suggestion.

"Try your best. I'm not scared." Yeosang said confidently, but you knew deep down he was nervous about what you would say.

You couldn't help the smirk on your face as you thought about how to embarrass him.

"So my Oppa here, in front of cameras and with his members, likes to be cold and aloof, hating aegyo and skinship......not wanting Seonghwa or Wooyoung to baby him.......but it's a lie."

Everyone gasped at that.

"Cause at home, our parents are always babying him and he basks in their affection. He's always doing aegyo for them too. Atinys don't be fooled. Kang Yeosang is a literal baby."

Everyone started laughing at that, San and Wooyoung standing up and exclaiming that he was such liar and fake.

For once, Yeosang was so flustered at getting exposed, by none other than his little sister. He was speechless.

"Finally! The great Kang Yeosang had a taste of his own medicine!" Mingi exclaimed, having been Yeosang's constant victim.

No one had the power to make Yeosang scared like you did.

Choi San:

Your number 1 hype man, your caring brother, your part time manager, your personal photographer, and your cuddle bug, there's nothing Choi San wouldn't turn himself into for you. Would legit run a fan blog dedicated to you if he could. Is always praising you and saying the sweetest things about you.

Tries to get you to show off more of your skills and talents. You're shy and somewhat quiet, so people tend to look more at the other members, that's why San is always promoting you and encouraging you to not be afraid to show your true colors.

If you two are in public together, he's always holding your hand or holding you close. Yeah, definitely wants pics of you two to circulate the internet. Spoils you to no end. And he enjoys having you spend time with the other members. They adore you as well.

"Isn't she the cutest? The most adorable thing you've ever seen?" He gives you endless aegyo constantly.

"Did you just call me a thing?" You raised an eyebrow at him.

But you can't stay mad at him, not with that sad pout.

That being said, sometimes you do feel embarrassing by him. You're more reserved and somewhat conservative and so used to seeing cute San, that whenever he turns into demon San you're covering your face or screaming loudly.

"Aaahhh! What the heck San!!! What was that? Oh my god!" You screeched one day when you were reacting to one of his fancams.

"What happened to my older brother?! The one that carries Shiber around everywhere?! What have you done to him?!"

You grabbed your bottle of water dramatically and pretended to throw some at the screen.

"Be gone unclean spirit! Off with you!"

That's the one thing you two have in common: you're both super dramatic and so extra over the smallest of things.

Song Mingi:

He's the older one? Really? That's what everyone was thinking when you confirmed you were siblings. It's not that you looked older or him younger, no. It was your personality. You were extremely mature for your age and were often captured taking care of Mingi or scolding him. Naturally, people thought you were the older one.

Mingi honestly didn't mind. He often joked that he was indeed the baby and you were the older one. Every time you got asked why you babied him, it was the same thing.

"Have you seen him? He'd be dead if it wasn't for me. I'm the reason he's alive."

Mingi actually didn't mind you saying those things.

"That's how she shows her love. She knows she enjoys my company."

It was extremely hilarious for fans to see you guys spend time together. You two once did a VLive collaboration and it became a trending topic for days because it was extremely chaotic and funny.

"Mingi! I told you to flip the eggs!" You shouted at him.

"I tried! But it was stuck!" He tried to excuse himself.

"You're just a scaredy cat! Afraid of getting burnt!" You told him as you turned off the stove.

You immediately grabbed a kitchen towel and started fanning it over the smoke that accumulated in the kitchen.

"God! Mingi I know for a fact you have brain cells.....so fucking use them!"

Mingi gasped at your words.

"Y/N! There's a camera!" He reminded you.

You went wide eyed and panicked. Mingi began laughing at your reaction.

"Oh my god! You cussed live in front of fans!"

Mingi was cracking up so hard at what happened. You were so embarrassed by your mistake. You banged your head on the counter.

"Kill me now." You groaned.

Mingi came up behind you and hugged you.

"Hey don't worry little sis. At least now they know not to mess with you."

Finally, Mingi showed that he was indeed your older brother who was always there to comfort you when you needed it.

Jung Wooyoung:

"You're Ateez' Wooyoung's younger sibling right? What's he like as your brother?"

You often got asked that question and it was always accompanied by you sighing.

"Honestly.....he's a pain. I love him, but he's too much."

Yes Wooyoung loved you as well, but he was super annoying and his past time was teasing you to no end. Even if you threatened to smack him, which you did, or threatened to tell your parents, he'd still keep going.

"And here we see our tiny main vocalist getting ready, and like most females, she's going to take an hour on just her hair then spend 45 minutes on foundation, then-"

"Moooom! Wooyoung is narrating my life again!" You interrupted his narration.

"Snitch! Don't you know that snitches get stitches?" Wooyoung exclaimed, pushing the camera he was holding closer to your face.

"Bitches get stitches too.....Bitch!" You glared at him.

"Oooh! You! I should upload this to the internet and let all your fans know their sweet honey vocalist cusses like a sailor." Wooyoung threatened you.

"Do it no balls! Just remember who taught me those words in the first place." You smirked at him.

"......Shit! Why'd you have to inherit my blackmail skills?" Wooyoung said as he finally stopped recording.

Wooyoung was always reacting to your content though, often making fun of you, but he wasn't mean all the time. He often complimented you on your singing abilities. He was always saying you had the voice of an angel. And if there was something he was extremely vocal about was about any hate comments you got. He was quick and eager to call haters out.

"Dying dolphin? Who you calling dying dolphin? Have you even heard a dolphin dying? This is what it sounds like."

Suddenly Wooyoung began screeching at the top of his lungs, startling the member in the next room.

"What the hell are you doing on your VLive Jung Wooyoung?!" Seonghwa called out.

"I'm showing some bastards the difference between a dying dolphin and an angel singing so they can stop saying bullshit!"

Choi Jongho:

Jongho hates people acting cute, doesn't react to his Hyungs doing aegyo, and is never soft with anyone.....except you, his little sister. It was extremely surprising, even for the members of Ateez. You were the complete opposite of Jongho: you were tiny, cute, adorable, full of aegyo and were not afraid to show it off any chance you got. Loona's Chuu and Lovelyz' Kei had nothing on you in cuteness.

It never failed to amaze people how he smiled that bright gummy smile he had every time you did aegyo for him. The first time you did it was during an episode of Idol Room. It was a game of trying to get Jongho to smile, laugh, react to anything and all of the Ateez members failed. Then you came up with your pigtails and bright smile.

"Oppa! Why so angry? Can't you smile for me?"

The whole room burst into screaming and groaning when Jongho immediately smiled for you and patted your head.

"What the heck!" "That's impossible! He hates aegyo!" "This is rigged! That's sibling privilege!" "What the hell did I embarrass myself for?!"

Anytime anyone mentioned you, he'd immediately light up. He was so soft for you.

"Isn't my sister the cutest?"

Don't push him though. He's also very overprotective of you. Anytime he sees an idol staring at you too much, he flexes his muscles. Anytime the members said you looked cute or pretty, he'd warn them he'd split them like apples if they got too close.

Jongho nearly had a heart attack when he was watching your group's comeback with the other members. And it was because your group suddenly changed your cute concept for a more mature and sexy concept. He was flipping tables, literally.

"What did they do to my little sister?! What happened to her space buns and oversized sweaters?! Why is she wearing that short skirt?! Why are you guys staring?! Stop looking at the screen!!"

The others were cracking up at him as he tried to cover the screen with his body.

Gifs not mine, credit goes to their respective owners.

[allthatglittersisnotgoldrush]

Author Interview: Victoryindeath2 (by Mythopoeia

Thank you @abadpoetwithdreams! I hope you don't regret the last question you asked :D

1. You are responsible for creating the characters of Frog and Sticks! What canon Silm event are you most excited to see from their child perspectives?

Soooo many things—but I am interested to see how they will feel when Mae is back on his feet, a warrior more deadly with his left than he even was with his right, the sort of man who can in canon create the Union of Maedhros. The children have seen Maedhros at his lowest, seen him tormented and crushed into the earth in the cruelest of ways. They also saw how he could be his best even when there was no hope or light for him—he protected them and was kind to them and loved them. I am just interested to see how other men’s and women’s opinions might change as Maedhros moves into the next phase of his life, and how the children will, in some ways, always see Maedhros as their Russandol.

Sticks: yeah I knew he was cool before you all realized it

Frog: *drops a rock in Mae’s left hand and curls up in his lap* tell me and my pet rock a story Mae

Mae: I actually have leadership things to do....

Sticks: you owe us for all the stories you didn’t tell us back in the Bad Place

Mae: *tells them a story and Fingon finds the kids sleeping under Mae’s arms twenty minutes later*

(There is also a non-canon event sometime in the future that I want so VERY badly but guess I can’t say because of spoilers *sighs*)

2. We often joke about how this AU is basically our own crazy version of a Silm tv series. What are some of favourite moments in the series so far that stand out to you as particularly cinematic?

There are so many moments, some of the wondrous and stunning variety, and some of the quiet and beautiful....but here are a few that leapt right to my mind:

a. Maedhros and Fingon parting the last time before Feanor divided the families almost forever! Maedhros with his hair in the sunlight on his horse and the line, “see you on the other side, cano!”

b. Gosh DARN it Mae on the cliff, with Morgoth offering him the chance to leap to his death, and he doesn’t take it *cries*

c. FINGON’S CHILD OF THE WOLF MOMENT WHERE HE TAKES MAIRON OUT (ALSO RIGHT BEFORE WHEN MAE GRABS AT HIS ANKLE AND TRIES TO GET FINGON TO SAVE HIMSELF)

d. Maedhros riding into the thrall camp and basically falling into Gwindor and SLINGING AN ARM AROUND HIS NECK YES HUGS ALL AROUND YESSSS

e. Look Ceili fic I know we talk about it all the time but I am here to talk about it again, especially the moment where Mae pulls Caranthir out on the dance floor and then they all dance together and everyone ends up in a pile on the floor except for Mae who just stands over them all laughing I think doubled over and there is so much good energy in that scene I NEED IT ON SCREEN

f. Personally I like to think that Celegorm stalking his way into a club in New York City and beating the living daylights out of Eol was cinematic

g. Maedhros having successfully argued Huan’s way into the journey west, stumbling all tired like up to the stairs, and meeting Nerdanel there, and resting his head on his mom’s neck. The darling tol bby

h. MAE ATTACKING ULFANG FOR THE SAKE OF HIS BROS, GOING FROM DEPRESSED BROKEN BABY WHO HAS LOST ALL HOPE TO DEPRESSED BROKEN BABY WHO HAS LOST ALL HOPE BUT STILL WILL FIGHT FOR HIS BROS

i. Bby Mae lying on Feanor’s chest ;;;;;;;;;;; before Feanor became the worst

j. Can’t even remember what fic it was at this point but there is a dream? Mae has? Of like....the sea and red sun or something? It was a lot

k. There are many many more moments and I am mad that I can’t remember the one that stood out to me recently

l. ..........the whole fic Seven Card Stud

m. MOONLIGHT GUNSLINGER MAE AND HOW HE TOTALLY OUTCLASSED MAIRON

n. Every hug and brotp and found family moment ever. I have addictions and there is never enough of what I want on screen

o. THERE ARE MORE SPECIFIC ONES BUT I HAVE TO STOP AT SOME POINT DON’T I

3. Walk me through what an ideal day would look like for Caranthir?

The MOST ideal day would be Caranthir waking up in his little closet bedroom in Formenos and realizing he just had a horrible nightmare, and also realizing that he still has his mom and ALL of his brothers. And then at the breakfast table Feanor says something like “wow I’ve been stupid in a good many ways, and a rotten dad because of that, good thing I have recognized my flaws and shall now be a better person, also Mae you can stop going to live in the city if you want, just stay here with your brothers. Also you know, Caranthir, even though you’re still my least favorite child, I’m proud of you. And not just because these are the best pancakes I have ever tasted.”

Then Caranthir probably helps his mom in the garden, gets some quality one on one time with Mae when Mae helps him make a pie, Mae reminds him how special and good he thinks Caranthir is, and Celegorm and Curufin ask Caranthir to join them for fishing. Not that Caranthir necessarily wants to do that, but he does want to be asked. Then Amras and Amrod ask him to help them with sums, so that he feels like a helpful big brother, and without being asked, Maglor takes out his fiddle and plays the slow-moving, peaceful song that Caranthir loves and Maglor despises because it is not challenging enough

4. What is a character POV you have not written yet about but would like to?

I would like to write something from Maeglin’s POV—I feel a powerful urge to protect that lost boy. He’s had an odd and often terrifying life and he needs a break. Good grief imagine having a mom like his mom, imagine Morgoth commanding you to call him uncle. Ew. Anyway, he’s exactly the sort of character I usually adopt as my son. An angsty sad boy without much future, who needs LOVE

5. If you could recommend only one fic from each author (including yourself, of course) what would they be?

HOW TO PICK?!

TolkienGirl: wayyyyy too many to really choose from but I have to go back to the beginning and say “news, breaking” because of the way it introduces my Feanorian boys, and also because of Mae wearing a flowered apron one minute and then a half open leather vest the next, with his glorious hair tied back!

Mythopoeia: I feel like I have to say “those gathered beneath” because it was so DEFINITIVE of our favorite Irish family, and also Turgon is a great narrator (but since I always talk about this fic I shall also add another, lesser known perhaps: “save ourselves unaided” because it introduces Haleth and more people need to appreciate Haleth and Mythopoeia’s Haleth is SO GOOD)

Victoryindeath2: “a certain slant of light (where the meanings are)” because it was my first Caranthir fic, and so it holds a special place in my heart

Bonus Q: The Feanorians are now a KPop group. What are their hair colors and roles?

THE WAY I CHOKED ON MY LAUGHTER WHEN I FIRST READ THIS QUESTION

I ALSO GOT WAY TOO CAUGHT UP IN THIS SO IF YOU ARE AN AU READER WHO DOESN’T CARE ABOUT KPOP IN ANY WAY YOU CAN STOP HERE, I WON’T BE MAD. On the other hand I think I have really good answers so maybe you should continue lol

Maedhros: He has to be a coppery red-head, doesn’t he? Maybe something of the red color that you once told me you wanted Heeseung to try. He would make a great leader, but ALSO. Also I think that he has had enough stress in canon in and in our AU, so I really just want to give him the opportunity to be merely the eldest hyung, who everyone goes to for comfort, for hugs and advice, and who supports the leader quietly. He is a good vocalist and can maybe rap in a pinch? but we put so much emphasis on him as a dancer that he HAS to be the dance leader. Obviously. Is widely acknowledged as the visual of the group

Maglor: Longish black hair, maybe midnight blue or deep purple. Has tried several different hairstyles and regretted half of them. He claims a specific aesthetic in hair and dress is necessary for him to compose the group’s songs, and while he gets teased by everyone for this he also writes amazing music so? It works? Is definitely a vocalist. His vlives consist of him playing every instrument known to man, and half the time Mae is sitting in the background listening with an awed expression on his face—till he falls asleep. Maglor can’t decide if he is pleased by this or insulted

Celegorm: Usually rocks blond or silver hair, but one time some fool insulted Amrod’s pink hair and the next thing you know Celegorm had pink hair for three months. Probably disparaged Maglor’s mullet phase but tried it once himself as a penalty for a game in a Run Feanorian episode and kinda thought it wasn’t half bad.

Celegorm is the “I don’t follow what the company says” member, “screw the rules if they aren’t good for my fam.” He is also a sick rapper and his diss tracks and mixtapes are things of beauty. He also clearly frequents the gym and will toss an annoyed member—most likely Maglor, but sometimes Curufin—over his shoulder any chance he can get. Has definitely done pushups with Amrod or Amras on his back. He and Mae swept the ISAC games

Caranthir: Typically goes with brown/black hair, which only throws the fandom into more of an uproar when the rare occasion arises in which he actually dyes it some other color. Probably went mint for a music video and Curufin started calling him mint choco boy, which offends him deeply as he is (sadly) on the side of “mint chocolate ice cream tastes like toothpaste.” He’s a vocalist with a rougher voice that is surprisingly pleasing to listen too.

Speaking of surprises, Caranthir never quite understands his own popularity. He didn’t like to do vlives by himself for ages, until Mae encouraged him to do cooking and baking vlives, and now he does one once a month on a schedule. Fans are putting together a book of his recipes

Curufin: He does intense and striking hairstyles and colors, and is probably the most likely to do black hair streaked through with red, teal, green, gold, white, etc. He claims to be the visual of the group and Mae is the one member who always agrees with him. I’d say he is also a dancer, one almost as good as Mae but with a different style, and he has a quick and sharp rap. He is heavily involved in the production of their songs over time.

Here is the thing though—I think, in this better non-canon non-Gold Rush AU universe, that Curufin could be the leader. See, Feanor is not gonna be the company CEO loll. Fingolfin is. And Fingolfin mentors better than Feanor EVER could. And Curufin is a sharp lad, very smart and crafty, and if he could just be convinced to care about all his brothers/group members like he does about himself and Celegorm in the AU, and if he just has proper guidance, allowing Mae to assist him in struggles, going to him for support, I think he would be an excellent leader

Ambarussa: Amras and Amrod have tried every color and color combination under the SUN, and they often coordinate with each other either to match or complement. Amras sometimes gets tired of this, preferring to stick to the general group color scheme, and when that happens Amrod just says fine be like that and goes off and does his own thing. Sooner or later though, Amras always gives in and joins him once again.

The twins obviously have all their hyungs wrapped around their little fingers, even Maglor who is driven insane by them crashing into his room shrieking and giggling when he is trying to write music or run a very serious vlive. As far as their musical talents go, I love when maknaes are ridiculously well-rounded, and these are Feanorian maknaes, so I’m gonna say they can both dance, sing, and rap. People have placed bets on whether they will grow as tall as Mae (spoilers, they won’t, no one ever will, he’s the tallest in Kpop world)

Huan: is the team mascot, and lives in their large dorm with them because Celegorm said so

Anddd that’s all folks

[najatheangel]

Idol Life Ship 💜💙

Hi!! May I request a private idol life ship (bf or gf is fine) My pronouns are she/her, I’m a leo, INFP-T, and I’m pansexual! Im 5’3, 130lbs, and I’m 16 and I’m Hispanic! I’m introverted and shy but I’m hyper & energetic once u get to know me. I have a good sense of humor, I laugh at anything & I have a contagious laugh. I’m super emotional & I’m not afraid to stand up for what I believe in. My hobbies are watching anime, listening to music, and creating choreography, and occasionally I play video games. […]

Hii darling, thanks so much for your patience. The wait is finally over. Btw enjoyed reading about you…✨

Your Company: Cube Entertainment

You were originally there to support your friend to audition for the company until one of the judges decided let you give it shot. As soon as you started singing, everyone in the rooms jaw dropped. What stood out to them the most was your powerful singing and bright personality. You’ve trained under Cube Entertainment for 5 years.

Number of Members: Total of 6 members. 3 korean, 1 Thai, 1 from Canada and then there’s you.

Group Concept: Summer/Floral 

Your Position: Main Vocalist/Visual/Maknae. In the group, everyone admires your singing it puts them to tears almost. Your voice is very soft when talking to others, but as soon as your on the mic, your voice projects perfectly for the audience to hear. You have a pretty and youthful look which attracts a lot of other idols your age. When standing next to you, their eyes sparkle up when they see you smile or greet politely. Your relationship with the members are so adorable! Since your the youngest and the most charming, they love to baby you and give you advice on anything you need. Your closest with the oldest member she’s like your mama duck standing up from the other members teasing, laughing over the fans crack videos at 2am and taking 20+ photos in the photo booth. All your members love pampering you giving you anything you ask for and taking you out on adventures to get you to open up on your shell. Fyi, you have the best agyeo in the group. 

Your Scandal: You had a few encounters from older saesang trying to spam your vlives with the most weird comments. Thankfully they were blocked from the app and were never to bother you ever again without facing your manager. 

Girl BFF: Minju from IZ*ONE. Minju meet you while attending the school Seoul Music of Performing Arts. She was your best friend around that time and you both encouraged each other to stay strong and never to give up on your dreams. When you reunited at the Golden Disk Awards, it was an emotional experience, because you both were almost on the verge of not making it into the industry. You didn’t care who was watching, but you both ran to each other hugging and crying together congratulating each other for making it together. Ever since you both went back to being besties taking pictures every award show and catching up every chance you get. 

Boy BFF: Sungchan from Nct. You both were new debuting at the same time in your groups and the kpop industry as a whole. You both wanted to network with other groups and decided to become friends with him. You both meet at ISAC competing in archery and both of your groups won the category. The whole time you were smiling at each other and felt comfortable opening up to each other about your accomplishments and time being one of the youngest in your groups. He might be a little older then you and maybe even more shy, he respects you and loves taking you out for ice cream when your having your tough days. He would even try to start a group chat with you, chenle, him and jisung. The iconic friendship of the century. 

Your Ideal Type: Doyoung from Treasure. He was another one of your close friends in the industry and the two of you help each other work on songs for each others groups. He slowly developed a crush on you while in the process of hanging out and hearing you sing his songs so perfectly. You both almost dated at one point, but remained friends for the sake of cherishing each others friendship. 

Your GF: Winter from Aespa. Just like you and Sungchan, a month later she’s debuted with aespa and you both performed around the same time bumping into each other at music shows. You both were very playful and sweet towards each other forming a bond which made everyone scream “ouuu y’all cute!” After months of talking, hanging out with each other outside of dorms you both asked each other out at the same time which was a big sigh of relief. Everyone was very aceepting of your sexuality and your relationship with Winter including your fans. Your both young so of course your not saving your self for marriage. Even if it didn’t last long, you both can agree to stay friends no matter what.

How long have you debuted for: 5 years you’ve decided to continue your career in acting in both in Korea and America.

Other Activities: K-drama Actress/Music Show Mc

@kihyvnnie That’s all I got for ya honey bunny. Thanks for requesting and I hope this somewhat made your day. ⚡️⚡️

[jinwoowoohoo]

Astro is honestly the light in your life you didn't know you needed until it was there.

I wasn’t planning on making any sort of personal post today, but seeing other Aroha’s posts as well as reflecting on my own experience in the last 1.3 years of stanning them has just. Really made me think about this universal experience Rohas seem to have. 

(TLDR of my Astro origin story: I started as a hardcore SM stan ( f(x) and SHINee as my ults), but got shooked by the boys after the Replay cover and within a month or so they had made their way to my #3 spot) 

I have loved many groups, and many idols, and even though Astro only my #2 ult group, there is something so undeniably special about these six boys and the environment they create around them. 

There is sooooooo much good music out there, so much that can make you want to get up and dance, or to lay down and let the emotions wash over you, but never before Astro have I found music that feels like listening to a warm hug. Like a warm ray of sunshine, like a pat on the back, like stargazing with a loved one. Music that’s just so light, and wholesome, and encouraging, and comforting. 

And the boys themselves exude the exact same feelings. They make you, personally, feel safe and loved, even from a million miles away. And it’s honestly incredible? How a group of regular, young people can just consistently give off so many positive vibes, and make anyone they meet smile and feel like the world is just a little brighter. The feeling that Aroha get when they listen to or watch the boys is something I’ve been trying to grasp for a while now, because I see people talk about it time and time again, and I feel like its so hard to really explain unless you’ve experienced it yourself.

Like yes so many groups out there provide a place of comfort for their fans, but no cases feel quite the same as Astro. The relationship between the boys and the fans feels just.... so heartfelt and genuine, like they interact because actually genuinely want to be close to us (rather than some celebrities who only interact with their fans as part of PR for their job, which is totally fair and I’m not knocking them for it). 

When Eunwoo comes on for one of his 10 Minute lives, it’s because he’s bored/lonely and wants to hear how we’re doing, to hear about our day. He’s a popular guy and I’m sure he has plenty of other people he could reach out and talk to if he wanted to, but he chooses us. Even when he’s at home, in bed, at 2 am, with the lights off and Bin asleep in the bunk above him, he still wants to chat with us. And man, is that just so deeply, incredibly special.

Genuineness is definitely a quality I’ve seen used to described them a lot, and man it’s just so true. Of course there’s plenty that they keep to themselves, and we’ll never really know what they’re like in private, but when every single staff member that has ever talked about working with them has had nothing but overwhelmingly positive things to say, I feel like what we do get to see is pretty close to their true selves. They really put their all into everything they do, and making sure everyone around them is having just as good of a time as they are (if that’s even possible haha) I mean just take a look at them cheering for literally everybody at ISAC, so much so that they people being cheered for were getting embarrassed. They just have so much love and energy to give, and it’s very easy to see. (I personally love this chat with the Makestar staff, they’re very cute and have nothing but lovely things to say about their experiences with the boys [link] )

I feel like this has gotten really long with no visible end, so I’ll bring it back to where I started - Astro is the light in your life you didn’t know you needed. No matter who you are, what your background is, or where you are in life, Astro is there for you, to take you by the hand, and help you smile when its hard (and when its not). As @heybinnie articulated really well in this post, you don’t expect to fall in love with them when you meet, but before you know it they’ll have done so much for you in just a short amount of time, and even if you were in a perfectly good place before meeting them, it becomes hard to imagine your life without them.

---

To Astro: Thank you for everything that you do, and everything you will do. Your zest for life has invigorated me in ways I never expected, and has given me the gift of community that I had craved to have after my previous ones died off and moved on. You give me so much inspiration and motivation, to try new things, to take better care of myself, and to look out for others. My life would be a lot more dull without you, and I look forward to walking this flowery road together. Happy 2 years, dear loves.

And to Aroha: I know there have been bad feelings, disagreements, and upsetting behaviors as of late. It’s normal to have disagreements, not everybody will always get along with everybody, nor should they be expected to. I know the community is not as much sunshine and rainbows as we have strived for it to be. But, I also know there have been incredible bonds built. I know that in general, we are a group of kind people who just want to love, to be loved, and to have a place to fit in. And I know that the problems we are facing have solutions. I hope that we can continue trying to live up to the reputation we have built, and take a page from the boys’ book about how to treat each other, and how to address when you’re having an issue. Talk to each other, respect each other, and treat each other as human beings first. 

When I made this blog I was welcomed with open arms and warm hearts, and I hope we can continue providing that to any new soul who crosses our paths.

[taejinchronicles]

Tae vs Namj*n strikes again

Not to be a future reader, but this episode was basically V confirming the Tae vs Namj*n post I did a couple of weeks ago. Here is my detailed analysis (spoiler alert) on the second episode of BV.

I loved this episode. There was cute SOPE (my second fav BTS ship), dolphins, wet BTS, mermen Taejin, Jin opening up his heart and JM+JK super happy in spending time with V. And of course, the talk of the town, Namj*n being The Thing. 

All was very cool but it is impossible not to notice how super jealous and annoyed V was with the that Namj*n friendship day. It was written all over his face he got upset as soon as he heard the groups were already set by the production cause perhaps Jin and V intended to spend the second day together again. But when he heard that Jin was RM’s partner, he got so annoyed and the poor boy just cannot hide when he is jealous, esp when the matter is Jin+RM. 

After the game, when Jin hand clasped RM, V just gave them the ultimate irritated cold stare. He has jealousy written all over his face and body language. 

You can notice that all the other groups (SOPE, his own group of JM+JK) were sitting together but V was between Jin+RM, even though there was plenty of space on that sofa next to JM+JK. As he usually does with Jin, he was trying to claim his territory and create a barrier between Namj*n. When Jin reached out to RM and looked happy with the result of the game, V went to full annoyed mode and by the look of his face, I bet it was kinda complicated for Jin to deal with him behind the cameras. 

V’s body language mirroring Jin and creating a barrier (open body to Jin and angle with his elbow towards RM) between Namj*n:

Poor Jinnie probs had to deal with mad VV that night:

On the snorkeling day, V as often next to Jin, but there was minimal interaction. V was not as lively and Jin was respecting his space. There was a little dance and the funny episode of the entire BTS freaking out with the sight of a male body (buahahah my boys cannot hide) but that was about it.

A little ‘Tae to Jin’ dance:

Drooling over a guy:

My two beautiful mermen:

Just before they left for the Friendship Day, V was still not having it with Namj*n bromance and he again was all jealousy mode. When Jin+RM interact poor V shrivels to refrain himself from going possessive mode. 

I loved how the Namj*n day went. Even as a full-time Taejin shipper, I can understand why ppl ship Jin+RM. They are so calm and adult together and RM is always a true gentleman to Jinnie, allowing him space and freedom to talk about himself. That chilled out atmosphere of them praying at the beach and then their dinner was lovely and as a Jin fan, I really appreciate what he had to say. On a side note, the fact that Jin admitted that Fire era was a turning point for him also makes sense with my Taejin changing after late 2015 theory. 

I loved this moment so much:

On the other hand V was so not in the moment with JM+JK. Both JM+JK were so happy and lively, I think both enjoy and miss spending quality time Taehyung. But V was just not there, he could not focus on their day, could not relax and laugh as JM and JK and one can see he was miles away. Of course he was attentive and sweet to both boys but he was lacking that glow he often has when he is having fun. 

When everybody got together later that night, V was sulking. He was possibly avoiding poor Jin (something that he does when he is jealous like that time on ISAC with KenJin). He side eyed when RM said Jin got him a necklace and looked sad when Jin said RM got him a turtle cause I think it was meaningful to him that they saw a turtle on their beach date. 

RM shows the necklace Jin gave him and V is sulking:

Jin showing the turtle RM picked for him:

V looking so sad cause the turtle was their beach date thing, Jin looks worried:

So that was BV ep.2 on Taejin...angst, jealousy and sweet moments. I feel that there is a lot to happen between these two on the second season of BV now that their relationship changed so much. And BV always provides a more intimate and real view on their relationship since it is less filtered then when they are in “public”. 

My poor darling doll V, he just can’t hide when he is jealous and he gets super possessive of Jin with anyone, esp RM. But ya know, as they push v’mim and v’kook cause it’s what the fans want, I think V has to learn to understand Nam’jin also will be pushed since it’s such a pop ship. 

In view of the recent events regarding Jin, I think there could be another reason why Taehyung wants Taejin to be THE JIN SHIP but that’s a talk for another theory masterpost! Let me know if you want a master on this subject.

Thank you so much for the love on my masterposts, I really appreciate it!

Lots of love.

[astrotranslations]

ASTRO, 500 days' 'Dream'

I met up with ASTRO who recently concluded their domestic promotions with their 4th mini album, 'Dream Part 0.1'. ASTRO opened up about their feelings towards wrapping up promotions, "I think that through this album, we’ve showed boys who have slightly developed so it makes me look even more forward to our next album."

The ASTRO members who were given a 2 nights 3 days break after a long time said that they slept to their hearts’ content, met up with their families and went on a trip. Member Rocky laughed as he said, "Playing was even more awkward. The after effects of our break was greater than the concert. I think practicing would’ve been better."  Cha Eunwoo chimed in, "The people who played, played. We’ve been running without minding Saturdays and Sundays so I didn’t know what to do."

They have been zealously running for the past 2 years. There are a lot of results they are proud of. Like their album’s name, 'Dream', they were times where the 'dreams' ASTRO were holding onto came true. I talked about the days of old with ASTRO who recently celebrated their 500th day since debut. The members recalled the moments from when they first met, to their debut showcase, to their solo concert, to their first no.1 nomination, to their no.1 win for aerobics at 'ISAC', etc..

Rocky: I remember the first time that ASTRO met. We were pretty aloof then but the vibe now is totally different. There was a process of us adjusting ourselves to people we met for the first time but we’ve really become a team now. I think it’s because we have good teamwork that we are able to reach where we are now.

Moonbin: I remember when we had our debut showcase. It was a stage where we showed our songs for the first time and I could hear the people cheering when we appeared, it made me realise that we’re standing on stage, that we’re actually debuting and that everything was real. I was fascinated that we had fans who liked us.

JinJin: Our fan meeting at Jangchung Gymnasium. We could show a lot of our true selves. I remember how we told our fans, "We play like this," how we communicated with them and how we had fun being on the same wavelength. I think it was yet another different kind of feeling from concerts.

Cha Eunwoo: When we won first place for aerobics at 'ISAC'. It’s our first no.1 we received whilst promoting. We learnt from the national athletes for aerobics and we worked really hard. We would go learn even when we had rehearsals and we practiced diligently and were rewarded with good results. It was more meaningful since it’s a first place we won as a team and I was thankful.

MJ: Our goal this year was actually to win no.1 and through 'Baby’, we were nominated for it along with Twice sunbae-nims. I prepared a speech just in case but my mind blanked out when I got on stage (laughs). It was a pity but it made me think that we’ve gotten closer to our goal so I’m proud. I think my tears would come out first (before my words) if we do win no,1"

Sanha, the members: The solo concert we held not too long ago is the best of course. Recalling (and comparing it to) the venue where we held our debut showcase, the Olympic Hall was extremely huge. We got our lightstick for the first time too and seeing fans from all sides holding it sent shivers down my spine. When we took part in Dream Concert, I looked at our seniors’ lightsticks and thought about how it would be like if they were coloured 'vivid plum'. Ever since the concert started, my hairs were on its ends, I was emotional and I was touched. Its a feeling that I’ll never forget.

ASTRO is a team that is growing steadily and quickly. Even though they are competing with so many boy groups and also their juniors, they are not impatient. They are satisfied with the pace they are going at and are contented that they are moving forward.

The members laughed as they said, "We talked about first place and we got closer to it," and continued, "ASTRO’s a team that is slowly on the rise. We’re moving up step by step. I believe that if we continue to take things up a notch then better results await us."

More than anything else, they developed a sense of self-confidence that they are making ASTRO’s own colour. They created the image of 'refreshing-dols' because of their liveliness and brightness at debut and now they have built upon that a positive and bright image. ASTRO mentioned, "A lot of people tell us that we’re a bright team. I think we become brighter when we’re with each other. We think of that as our strength."

"Your mood gets lifted when you watch ASTRO and there’s a bright energy to us. Happy virus, I think that’s our colour. Even if something personally depressing happens, the average mood is bright. If one of us is exhausted then the other five will lead and we’ll joke around to make that one person laugh, there’s no chance for us to be gloomy. I want to spread an uplifting energy."

ASTRO are now preparing for 'Dream Part. 02'. I asked them about the 'dream' they are nurturing. I heard a delightful answer.

"We want to make ASTRO’s own hideout someday. Our goal is to freely enjoy ourselves as we have fun making music."

"I want to stand on America’s Super Bowl stage. It’s the best stage where only the worldwide superstars can perform on. I dream of the day where we can all stand on that stage under ASTRO’s name."

Source: http://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=111&aid=0000492551&lfrom=twitter

Translations by @99pmh​ Take out with full credits

[meganambers]

  Creating a streetwear line can be both taxing and rewarding, especially when it is a family business. However, the Iphi brothers, make running a company as a family appear easy by giving each other the space to be their own creative selves. Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Ariel and Isac created ‘Cold Attitude‘, a brand that gives the customers a taste of the fashion and culture behind the capital of Ontario.

I recently caught up with the team of brothers and we discussed the making of ‘Cold Attitude‘, how they gained their experience of music by running events and parties to creating their now successful brand and who they hope to work with, in the near future.

  Megan Ambers: Who are the designers behind ‘Cold Attitude’? 

Cold Attitude: We are brothers, founders, and designers of the brand. I myself, Ariel Iphi (age 23), run the operational side of things along with finding the inspiration to curate a lot of our designs. My brother, Isac Iphi (age 21), handles marketing and public relations. There’s a lot that goes into what we do, but in hindsight, we’re a jack of all trades here. Together we use both of our individual tastes and unique fashion senses to create our clothing. We influence each other heavily. It gets tough at times, and disagreements do arise, but that’s probably due to our focus to deliver the best product we can.

MA: How did growing up in Toronto inspire the message behind “Cold Attitude”?

Cold Attitude: When you think of one of the greatest cities in the world, you almost immediately think of New York. We had the benefit of having so much family there, that we visit a couple times here and there per year. We always get the same questions, “What do you do up there?”, “How cold is it?”, I’ll be like, the same weather as here to be honest. New York showed us a lot, it showed us a lot of potentials that Toronto has. New York birthed Biggie Smalls, Jay Z, and Diddy, but Toronto brought Drake, The Weeknd and Tory Lanez to the world. We have a culture and it’s time for the world to see it. Toronto is everything to us, and we wanna show everyone why. We felt that our voice hasn’t been heard and that we may as well give it a shot. The idea of Cold Attitude essentially holds a double entendre. The phrase derives from the idea of aggressive and hungry behavior. Being Cold blooded, or having a Cold Attitude. It also breaks through the idea that Toronto, Canada is more than just being the “Cold” city of all the great cities in the world. And we as Torontonians have an Attitude to show what we got. We’re more than just the cold city above the border.

  MA: On your “About” page of your website, you said that your clothing line “has emerged from an entertainment collective.” Can you further explain what do you mean by entertainment collective and how did you incorporate that to your line?

Cold Attitude: My Brother and I, at a young age, ran events and concerts. Isac was 17 at the time and I was 19. It was hard to have an underage DJ perform at venues. So we bought out a club for a night, sold tickets, and even brought out Robin Banks, a Toronto rapper. We did so well that the owner of the club offered a residency position. That’s how we started. We later did it again and brought out Ramriddlz, and at this point, we’ve been in the presence of many artists, one of them being A Boogie Wit A Hoodie. In earlier days, we understood that we needed to make an entertainment group. We were shooting music videos with the help of @avi.vsl, we were booking shows, club appearances and even getting involved in studio time. We thought the perfect thing to top it off was to have some hats to represent us and it essentially took off from there.

   MA: How does “Cold Attitude” separates itself from other streetwear lines in Toronto?

Cold Attitude: Our goal is for the brand to be the push of peoples comfort and confidence. It stands for people that have something to prove. All styles, all cultures, and anyone that feels some resonance with the product. It may be hard to see all of that now, but as time goes and we develop, we will have the power and ability to artistically broadcast what we mean. Through pop-ups, collaborations and networking to whom we feel would appreciate the product once they see it on hand. We create fashion but we do not compromise on the quality of the products. We want people to love wearing it and how they feel in it. We want people to be impressed by the quality being better than expected, so much that the price is justifiable.  

MA:  You mentioned before that it was your cousins (from Brooklyn) that played a role in the notoriety of your brand, particularly by word of mouth. How important is it for a designer or a creative in general to use word of mouth as a technique to gain more customers?

Cold Attitude: Word of mouth is everything of course. It’s like being the drug dealer on the block. You get success when everyone knows who has the good shit. We try to be as close to the customers as possible. My brother and I handle all the emails, DMs, complaints, and positive feedback. Social Media is the new high school cafeteria. A lot of customers, sales, and inquiries come from our DMs. It’s interesting to see how the word of mouth moves around. When we receive purchase orders, at the end of the month we like to take the time to try to spot out our customers. Who they are, their demographic and what they’re into. We’ll almost always see some mutual relations. We learned this method from our cousins out in Brooklyn, I can’t really speak on what the products were, but we’ll leave it at that I guess.

 MA:  Define what fashion means to you?

Cold Attitude: Fashion means wearing your personality. They say the eyes are the windows to your soul. I feel like fashion is the book cover of your character. In many ways we find that fashion correlates with music. We often listen to artists that resonate a story within us. We buy albums and listen to singles that express how we feel. Clothing has the same effect on us. We buy things based on how we feel towards the product. What’s the story behind the brand name, what’s the process on how it’s made, to what organizations do they contribute and get involved in. Fashion hits uniquely to peoples tastes and cultures. That’s the fun of it to me. I love learning and exploring different personalities, cultures, and emotions and think of how we can create something to offer them.

  MA: What skills do you feel are a necessity in order to be a successful designer?

Cold Attitude: Not being afraid to challenge comfort zones. It’s probably one of the toughest parts of the fashion industry. Nobody cares about your product if it follows a trend 2 years later. Often times a product can take up to 6 months to create from conception to retail. The pressure of timing, and actually knowing whether or not you have the next trend on your hands is often challenging. One of the first products we had mocked up was an all black corduroy crewneck. There weren’t much corduroy products available in the market. And so we were extremely nervous to launch the product. About a year later, corduroy was the trend. We would’ve been very successful with the product had we stepped out of our comfort zone. And so, for every design we mock up, we try our best to challenge ourselves and our comfort.

MA: How do you stay in touch with the current trends regarding fashion?

 Cold Attitude: A lot of our��inspiration comes from what creatives of underground artists are into. We see what people are wearing to the club, and what catches peoples interests. Working in the clubbing and events industry makes it really helpful of course. Our eyes are open. We see everything from the streets to the internet. Instagram is a huge platform where people display their favorite fits. We always keep ourselves updated, however, we don’t really care to align our brand with those trends. We also like to experiment with new fabrics, some that aren’t as traditional as many brands might explore for retail outlets. That really helps us to create unique pieces and integrate higher-end fashion goods with artistic designs for better pricing and delivery. 

 MA: Isac, as a DJ, you know and understand how to follow trends when it comes down to what songs are and aren’t popular in the clubs. How did you and your brother Ariel incorporate that into your line? 

Cold Attitude: We see the potential in something that may not be hyped at the moment but has the potential to be in the future. Bringing back old tracks like Yeah! By Usher, or If I Can’t by 50 Cent. Those songs still bump, and the club loves it. I like offering nostalgia mixed with some “SoundCloud” songs that are on a current wave. My favorite is when I see people shazaming a track. My brother and I really see the same protocol follow suit in clothing. Sometimes bringing back the old becomes the new. Added with a twist to which has not been mainstream yet. 

MA: Are there any brands or celebrities you see yourself collaborating with?

Cold Attitude: Yes. We had the pleasure of working with Jake Paul. The relationship was helped through a friend, Jaay Da Barber. Jake saw the product, loved the quality and asked if he can have a set. We were excited because it assured us that we’re on the right path. It was an organic reach. We didn’t reach out or pay for an endorsement. There was an appreciation for the product. Our segmented target is however revolved around music. We want to inspire sound to have some physical aesthetics. Not specific to Hip Hop music, but if there was one artist that I could pick to wear our brand it would be either Lil Uzi or Jay Z. 

MA: where do you see yourself in the ten years?

Cold Attitude: Our only goal coming up is to open a retail store in Toronto. We have dreams and ambitions to open up shop in New York, LA, London, etc… But we don’t really focus so far ahead. We try to focus on what’s next in the near future and things that can gradually take us to the next step. Wherever that may be.

 MA: What advice do you have for designers that want to step into the designer aspect of streetwear?

Cold Attitude: To understand within yourself what is your inspiration and create a story. But really, The best advice is to probably tell you that you don’t need any advice. Creativity comes uniquely from within each person. No one can tell you how you feel, you just gotta work on what you would love. I’ve done sales all my life since a young age. One thing I can tell you is that it’s near impossible to sell a product you wouldn’t buy yourself. So do whatever you feel is best for you, someone out there will resonate with it.

IAmMeganAmbers Exclusive: Founders of Streetwear, Cold Attitude Talks Working With Jake Paul, Being from Toronto, and Splitting Responsibilities as Brothers Creating a streetwear line can be both taxing and rewarding, especially when it is a family business.

[changkyoon]

I have to step in the drama by saying you're all uninformed about UP10TION and their scandals. First of all, Kuhn's "blackface". The section that the writer of the show made was named //Caveman// and it doesn't write "ugly girl" anywhere like y'all saying. Check out Toppklass_yass post "Clarifying The "Kuhn and Blackface" Incident". Secondly, the Somi incident. They even asked forensics to prove it wrong. And they did. Why do you need forensics to prove some basic knowledge about lights and shadows? I suggest the haters retake their physics course (even though i'm sure a bunch of fans don't even take physics courses bc they're so young). Last of all, the Mina ISAC incident. That was last year, why is everyone bringing it up now? I haven't seen the video that's everyone talking about anywhere(please link me the video). You should be aware that UP10TION has a lot of haters because fake rumours (which are false), and it's easy to bring them down with any information, especially if it's against your faves. Twice has a large fanbase, so ofc everyone will protect them, I would too, but I'd search if the incident is actually a fact with evidence, not just some dumb rumour or assumption by antis. Now, imagine if Twice had less fans and a bigger fanbase created false rumours. Of course the bigger fanbase would "win" and onces would try to protect twice, but the lack of people would be a big deal bc their voice wouldn't be heard over the antis. Some say they were playing with a flag for a longer time and twirling, which Mina didn't do. What if the guys were just having fun? what if he thought "imagine if i did this" and started playing? if he copied Mina, maybe he did that because she actually knows what she's doing and he doesn't. The guys laughing? they laugh at everything he does. ///If someone copies something/someone, it doesn't necessarily mean it's making fun of something, no matter how exaggarated or silly it looks./// i'm a traditional dancer myself and i've seen so many people trying to copy the moves, and i've seen people making fun of it. It's not the same, even though it sometimes looks the same. It's good that you fans are protective, just like I am. But not everything is about your idol. You don't know the story. I don't know it either. Even if it was true that they mocked her, that wasn't okay, but guess what? Get used to life and don't be salty over everything. If you believe all these rumours without knowing the truth, you're naive and/or arrogant. They're people, too, and they'll get shit. You made their lives and careers worse and the medias get money. Also, it happened (/if it did/) and passed, Mina is over it (congrats on new results and the medal btw, the performance was beautiful), let it go, mates. Shoutout to all openminded and mature fans. Good luck in your life. Peace out

[snobmushroom]

K-Pop Tag [100 questions]

Source: beulbangmon

Since English isn't my native language, I may have done mistakes, please be indulgent~

1. Who was the first kpop group you became a fan of? EXO 2. How did you find out about them them? Two friends of mine were always talking about it, so... they gave me some songs to check and here I am. 😁 3. What is the first kpop song you heard? Wolf, from EXO, ad right after, Overdose. I became really interested in K-Pop after watching this MV. 4. Who was your first bias? EXO's Sehun (actually, he was the first I was able to recognize...) 5. Are they still your bias now? Yes, but less. 6. How does your bias rank in your heart? Do you love them more than, say, ice-cream? Huh... higher than ice-cream, surely, but higher than chocolate... I don't know ! 7. How many kpop groups are you a fan of right now? Ok, first of all, what does « being fan » mean ? For me, it means follow a group, learn their names, watch their TV shows, not only listen to their music (the list would be endless)... with that, I'm fan of 13 groups (and interested in so much more!) 8. Who are they? 24K, 2NE1 (well, now it's a bit harder...), B.A.P, Block B, BIGBANG, BLACKPINK, BTS, EXO, GOT7, iKON, NCT, SHINee and Seventeen 9. Which group is your favourite? This question is really hard... Like, really ! It depends on the area, on the shows... I would say BTS... 10. How long have you been a kpop fan? I listen to K-Pop since two years, but I became a hardcore fan since july 2016. 11. Who is your ultimate bias? … I change almost every weeks... I really can't pick one, I don't rank them... 12. Which kpop couples/friendships do you ship the most? I love friendship between all Bangtan members, and I ship Baekyeol or Kaisoo (and Hunhan, before....) 13. Which company is your favourite? I don't really have one, but I really like YG groups and style. 14. In terms of looks, which group is the best? EXO 15. In terms of songs, which group is the best? BTS, 24K and Block B 16. In terms of dance, which group is the best? SHINee... I really enjoy the crazy vibe on their dances... 17. Which group would you prefer to be classmates with in real life? GOT7 18. Which group would you prefer to be drinking buddies with in real life? BIGBANG 19. Which group would you prefer to work with in real life? BTS have many ideas, I think it could be interesting 20. Who would you want as a best friend? BTS's V, cause I have a similar mind, a bit (ok, completely) crazy and out of touch. 21. Who would you want as a brother? Baehyun 22. Who would you want as a sister? I don't know girl's names... 23. Who would you want as a boyfriend/girlfriend? Huh... EXO's Chanyeol or SHINee's Minho 24. Who would you want as a friend with benefits? HAHAHA. Let's check out my bias list... 25. Who would you want as a husband/wife? Huh... No offense, but I'm not really pro-wedding... like, not my style. 26. What is your favourite drama? I didn't watch many... I really love Hwarang, even if it's not ended yet. 27. What is your favourite radio show? Radiostar, this is the only one I know 28. What is your favourite variety show? Weely Idol, and After School Club. 29. Who would you like to see on We Got Married? I don't watch We Got Married 30. Who would you like to see on Running Man? I would like to see EXO again. 31. Who would you like to see on Hello Baby? Don't watch 32. Who would you like to see on Weekly Idol? EXO or BTS (again). 33. Who is your favourite WGM couple? DO NOT WATCH 34. Who is your favourite Running Man member? Yoo JaeSuk 35. Which group did you like best on Hello Baby? DO NOT- 36. Which group do you like best on Weekly Idol? SHINee's episode (october 2016 ? maybe november...) was sooo funny ! 37. What is your all time favourite music video? Huh. That's hard. Fantastic Baby [BIGBANG] was awesome. Blood, Sweat and Tears [BTS] was really beautiful. And, of course, B.A.P's Skydive 'cause it was like a little movie. And all Block B's MV, cause damn, they're f*cking crazy ! 38. What is your all time favourite song?

Huh. Just one ? I can't choose. Here a selection : Nilili Mambo [Block B], HOLUP [BOBBY], FIRE [BTS], Save ME [BTS], Blood, Sweat and Tears [BTS], Run This [EXO], El Dorado [EXO], Miracles in december [EXO], If You [BIGBANG], Of All Days [GD & TOP], Good Boy [GD x Taeyang],  No Jam [GOT7], Mad City [NCT 127], Daddy [PSY] yeah I totally assume, At Dawn [Suga] for the lyrics that I totally understand.

39. What is the last show you watched? Golden Disk Awards, last week end

40. List 5 of your favourite groups and then fill in the questions below about them!  EXO BTS BIGBANG Seventeen NCT

Group 1 - EXO

41. How did you discover them? 

Like I said, I heard about them by a friend. 42. What was the first song that you heard? Wolf 43. What was the first music video that you watched?  Wolf 44. Who was your first bias? Sehun 45. Which is your favourite song? El Dorado and recently, Run This (all the japanese EP was good, tbh) 46. Which is your favourite music video? Coming Over, because I love the aesthetic... Sci-fi aesthetic. Lightsaber, for the same reason (and because the three of them are wonderful af in this MV!) 47. Is your bias the same as of now? Nope. I can't choose one in EXO, but I would say Chanyeol, for his voice and his personnality. I really enjoy Kai's dance, too. 48. Your favourite pairing/friendship? Baekyeol, as a friendship (I don't really ship couples), and after the ISAC... Woozi and Chanyeol (I'm sorry, I laughed so hard when I saw them together...!) 49. Which member is the funniest? Chen. Chen is one of my EXO's bias, by the way. And my favourite singer. 50. What is your favourite show they have guested/starred in? Starshow 360 and, of course, Showtime... 51. What is your favourite album? Love Me Right and Coming Over

Group 2 - BTS

52. How did you discover them?

Huh... Youtube recommendations I suppose. 53. What was the first song that you heard? I really don't remember... Jump ? Or Boy In Luv ? 54. What was the first music video that you watched?  Like 53 55. Who was your first bias? Suga... or Jungkook. I don't remember (once again) 56. Which is your favourite song? Blood, Sweat and Tears... 57. Which is your favourite music video? Blood, Sweat and Tears... 58. Is your bias the same as of now? Nope → V 59. Your favourite pairing/friendship? I don't have one 60. Which member is the funniest? V cause he's not... on the same planet as others Bangtan's members. 61. What is your favourite show they have guested/starred in? Weekly Idol 62. What is your favourite album? Wings

Group 3 - BIGBANG

63. How did you discover them? 

Youtube, when you search fo K-Pop they're almost the first to appear. 64. What was the first song that you heard? Fantastic Baby 65. What was the first music video that you watched?  Fantastic Baby 66. Who was your first bias? G-Dragon 67. Which is your favourite song? If You, FXXT It 68. Which is your favourite music video? Fantastic Baby (and  BANG BANG BANG) 69. Is your bias the same as of now? Nope : T.O.P 70. Your favourite pairing/friendship? Don't have one. But I love how Seungri interact with others (they like him, even if they REALLY don't show it) 71. Which member is the funniest? T.O.P 72. What is your favourite show they have guested/starred in? Happy Together (2015) 73. What is your favourite album?

MADE

Group 4 - Seventeen

74. How did you discover them? 

I heard about them and watched their performance at MelOn Awards 75. What was the first song that you heard? Nice 76. What was the first music video that you watched?  Check In 77. Who was your first bias? Mingyu (I saw him in the public at the MelOn... I watched their performance BECAUSE I saw him. I totally assume that I am like a fly attracted by beautiful visuals). 78. Which is your favourite song? MANSAE and NO FUN 79. Which is your favourite music video? MANSAE, and Boom Boom 80. Is your bias the same as of now? Nope, after watching a few shows, I choose Woozi... 81. Your favourite pairing/friendship? Not decided yet... There is so many of them ! 82. Which member is the funniest? Don't know... Woozi 83. What is your favourite show they have guested/starred in? Their pre-debut show (I don't remember the name) 84. What is your favourite album? Going Seventeen

Group 5 - NCT

85. How did you discover them? 

Memes... yeah... 86. What was the first song that you heard? The 7th sense 87. What was the first music video that you watched?  The 7th sense 88. Who was your first bias? Taeyong 89. Which is your favourite song? Mad City and Paradise 90. Which is your favourite music video? Taste the Feeling (I assume), and their new MV : Limitless. 91. Is your bias the same as of now? Yeah... with Winwin creeping 92. Your favourite pairing/friendship? Don't know 93. Which member is the funniest? Winwin, in his way... 94. What is your favourite show they have guested/starred in? All the NCT Life. They're still rookies, so I think they can improve their « variety sills ». 95. What is your favourite album? NCT127 (I didn't listen to Limitless still)

96. Who is your favourite actor? Don't know them 97. Who is your favourite actress? No, again 98. Do you create any fanwork (art/fiction/ect)? Nope. I'm not that talented ! 99. Favourite korean word? Huh... Don't know... 100. Any cool kpop-related anecdotes to tell? I converted my little sister to K-Pop by teaching her all my bias names and faces... even if she's only 10. niark niark (evil French laugh)

Tadam ! It took me time, but it was really funny to do...

Send me if you do the tag 😉 (well, I’m not a pro of tumblr but MP exists, don’t they ? 😂)

[asfeedin]

Cybercriminals adapt to coronavirus faster than the A.I. cops hunting them

Businesses have been trying to adapt to coronavirus pandemic’s “new normal.” It turns out, criminal enterprises have been making the same transition—often in ways more nimble than legitimate companies.

Last month, the international law enforcement agencies Interpol and Europol both warned of a spike in fraud related to the pandemic, with tactics involving everything from COVID-19-themed phishing emails to sales of phony coronavirus test kits and fake PPE. Hackers have seen an opportunity too, attacking hospitals with ransomware just when they can least afford to have their computer systems fail.

“There has been a very high increase in attacks and, in fact, healthcare institutions have been attacked the most,” Ajay Bhalla, president, cyber and intelligence, at payments giant Mastercard, says.

Earlier this month, Mastercard began offering health organizations free cybersecurity risk assessments, through its RiskRecon subsidiary and a partnership with the Health Information Sharing and Analysis Center (H-ISAC), a consortium of key players in global health.

Max Heinemeyer, director of threat hunting at Darktrace, a cybersecurity company based in Cambridge, England, that uses artificial intelligence to guard against cyberattacks, says there has been an increase in “fearware”—phishing emails made to appear official and purporting to contain vital information about the COVID-19 pandemic that are sent to hospitals, but containing attachments or links that launch ransomware. Darktrace has also been offering its software for free to British hospitals during the pandemic to help protect them from these attacks.

But the pandemic poses a particular challenge for security software designed to detect fraud, money laundering and cybercrime, experts say.

That’s because many of these systems rely on machine-learning algorithms to spot deviations from normal patterns—but when everyone’s normal changes, the software struggles to cope. The result can be too many false positives, blocking legitimate commerce and overwhelming human analysts tasked with investigating the alerts such software generates.

Too many false positives and companies will just turn the security systems off, Michal Pechoucek, chief technology officer at cybersecurity company Avast. Or, he says, they will raise the thresholds for the software to trigger an alert, potentially allowing more fraudulent transactions or cyber attacks to slip through.

In fact, Pechoucek says, sophisticated hackers may even incorporate this into their tactics and deliberately try to trigger false alarms in advance of an actual attack in order to condition their targets’ cybersecurity analysts to ignore the alerts or relax their defenses. Avast recently helped a hospital in the Czech city of Brno mitigate a ransomware attack that temporarily shut down its IT systems.

One way to guard against this is to have multiple security systems working in concert, Martin Rehak, the co-founder and chief executive of Resistant AI, a Prague startup specializing in protecting the automated systems that many financial firms are now using to register new customers and conduct required background checks from being gamed by criminals.

“We don’t trust any one classifier,” Rehak says, referring to a single A.I. algorithm that has to predict whether some activity is fraudulent. Instead, Resistant AI uses four or five different machine-learning modules together to make a decision. “Defense in depth is the only security solution that survives,” he says.

Pechoucek says, however, that coordination among different security layers is vital because simply using more A.I. modules independently will result in more false alarms. “You have to statistically merge the results of the systems,” he says.

Pechoucek, who founded a previous company with Rehak called Cognitive Security, which Cisco purchased for an undisclosed amount in 2013, is an investor in Resistant AI. Today the startup announced it has received $2.75 million in seed funding from two venture capital firms, Index Ventures and Credo Ventures, with participation from technology incubator Seedcamp. Daniel Dines, the CEO of UiPath, the robotic process automation company, is also an angel investor in the startup.

Rehak says the company’s software is designed to work in conjunction with human fraud analysts. “Our view of A.I. is that it is a great way to scale human teams,” he says. Human review is essential, especially when the cost of a false alarm‚ such as blocking an important transaction from a valued customer, is high.

Another solution to the challenge shifting consumer behaviors are posing for A.I.-based fraud detection systems is to simply retrain them on new data. That’s the approach that Feedzai—a San Mateo, Calif. company that uses machine learning to help protect businesses, including Citigroup and Lloyds Bank, against financial fraud—has taken, according to Pedro Bizarro, the company’s co-founder and chief scientist.

Bizarro says just a few years ago, it would have required at least 12 months’ worth of data to train a good machine learning-based fraud detection system. Now, thanks to advances in A.I. techniques, he says, Feedzai can achieve the same results with just a few months of data. And, he says, that for a large national bank, “even just five days of data is tens of millions of transactions and it is easy to train a good model from that.”

Having a comprehensive view of the person attempting a transaction, as Mastercard’s Bhalla says his company’s card network often does, is a big advantage too. He says that while the pandemic may have forced people to shop online instead of in-store, the kinds of things they are buying, the brands they are buying from, and the amounts they are spending, have not changed too dramatically. As a result, automated systems that examine multiple forms of identification such as card number, registered card address, delivery address, IP address, and device type, and then compare these against normal purchasing patterns, can easily cope.

There are exceptions, of course, Bhalla says. For instance, a business manager who is working from home on their personal laptop and making a one-off business purchase with a company card registered to a work address, but asking for the item to be delivered to a co-worker’s home address, may find that a legitimate transaction is flagged as suspicious.

Of course, the pandemic has also forced criminals to change their normal behaviors too. “Often fraudsters were trying to buy things with very high retail value,” Bizarro says. Now, some of those items—such as expensive airline tickets—aren’t available. Instead, he says, Feedzai is seeing more of what he calls “sugar and rice” fraud, in which stolen credit card numbers are used to shop for groceries or other everyday items that are less likely to stand out and be flagged by fraud detection software.

Rehak says that the increasing use of automated systems to register customers for financial services and conduct required know-your-customer and anti-money laundering checks has created new avenues for fraudsters. Sophisticated criminals, he says, are discovering how to use machine learning themselves to produce fake documents, I.D. photos and even biometric data, such as fingerprints, that can fool these automated on-boarding tools. But, he says, these methods tend to leave traces of manipulation that other A.I. systems, such as the ones developed by Resistant AI, can be trained to identify.

Bizarro says that cybercriminals have also discovered ways to use A.I. systems that can identify objects in photographs to defeat the image-based captcha challenges that many businesses use to ensure those trying to complete transactions are “not a robot.”

He says such A.I.-based methods have lowered the barriers to entry to online financial crime. More sophisticated hackers and criminal groups now package and sell stolen credit card numbers and software that allows anyone to easily perpetrate cyber attacks or fraud attempts.

And he worries that with the crushing economic impact of the coronavirus – with millions of people out of work worldwide—a massive surge in fraud is likely coming, as some people are tempted, out of desperation, to become at least part-time criminals. “There are 25 million people out of work in the U.S.,” he says. “Even if just 0.1% of them consider it, that’s 25,000 new fraudsters.”

More must-read tech coverage from Fortune:

—Who is new AT&T CEO John Stankey? —Work from home tips from the executive team that brought you Zoom —Is A.I. better at diagnosing illnesses than doctors? Don’t believe all the hype —Facebook debuts Zoom-like video chat feature called Messenger Rooms —Listen to Leadership Next, a Fortune podcast examining the evolving role of CEO —WATCH: Zoom’s ups and downs since the coronavirus crisis Catch up with Data Sheet, Fortune’s daily digest on the business of tech.

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Tags: A.I., Adapt, adversarial AI, AI, Ajay Bhalla, AML, anti-fraud software, anti-money laundering, Artificial Intelligence, Avast, cops, coronavirus, coronavirus pandemic, covid-19, credit card fraud, Cybercriminals, cybersecurity, Darktrace, Faster, Feedzai, fraud detection, Hackers, hunting, KYC, machine learning, malware, Martin Rehak, Mastercard, Max Heinemeyer, Michal Pechoucek, Pedro Bizarro, ransomware, Resistant AI

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[euro3plast-fr]

Evergreen marketing quotes to inspire your 2017 strategy

Draw inspiration from the greatest strategists and marketers when creating your plan for the year ahead

It's the time of year for setting out what you want to achieve in the coming twelve months at both a personal and business level.  Given that 'the road to hell is paved with good intentions', you'll also want to think through how and when you will achieve them.

It's all too easy to get back into the work routine and find yourself so swamped with daily tasks that taking a step back and thinking about planning and vision for the long term ends up taking a back seat. Before you know it you're several weeks into the year and you still haven't found the time to sit down and properly plan out your strategy. For businesses working on digital transformation, inspiring digital transformation through vision statements can help here.

To inspire action, we have put together some of our favourite marketing planning and strategy quotes, so you can take some time out of your busy schedule to prompt some long-term thinking about planning and strategy. After all, our recent developing digital skills survey found that 77% of marketing professionals think a planned approach focusing on analytics and continues optimisation is the most effect way of managing digital marketing, whilst only 14% thought a relatively unplanned, reactive approach was best. We know it's never easy to find the time 'in the real world', but if anything can inspire you to make time then it's these evergreen quotes from great thinkers, strategists and marketers.

Marketing strategy and planning quotes

Sun Tzu's legendary work on the 'Art of War' is over two thousand years old, but still is regarded as perhaps the greatest ever work on strategy ever produced and has even been applied to digital marketing strategy creation. Held in high regard by characters as diverse as General Mattis, US secretary of Defense and the fictional Tony Soprano, it may seem strange to suggest that the lessons of the warring states period of ancient Chinese history can be applied in a marketing department, but Sun Tzu's advice really is timeless. This quote is among his most valuable nuggets of wisdom, and one marketers would do well to heed. Too often today marketing departments have become so focused on tactics like social, email or SEO, that they forget the bigger picture and the real objectives. This 'tactification' strips the strategy from marketing and leaves it as little more than what Mark Ritson has called 'the colouring in department' in his article "Tactics without strategy is dumbing down our discipline'. As the great Chinese general said, tactics on their own won't get you anywhere. You need to get the strategy right first.

Marketing Week's Mark Ritson has railed against the dumbing down of marketing and the focus on one of the 4Cs of marketing (communications) to the detriment of all others. This quote is always important to bear in mind when thinking about your marketing plan sfor the year ahead.

Strategy must always come first. Tactics are the buttons you press to implement the strategy, they are subservient to the strategy and their success or failure comes down not to how well the buttons were pressed, but how smart (or stupid) the strategy which required those buttons to be pressed was.

Kenichi Ohmae brought Japanese business thinking to the west. He's most famous for bringing the idea of a 'long-term planning horizon', common in Japan but not in the West where short-term concerns like boosting share price tend to take priority. This quote again shows how crucial it is to get the overall strategy right, and that it is aligned with objectives. It doesn't matter how hard you are working every day if what you're doing isn't going to be impacting your key objectives.

Marketing technology quotes

Marketers involved in agency pitches to clients will recognise the ability of intelligent fools to make things more complex. Pitch documents have become huge wads of information, containing a menu of a million different strategies for the baffled client to choose from. I'm sure we can all agree it would take a whole lot of courage for an agency to pitch with a few sides of A4 that said in simple terms 'this is what we will do, and we won't try and sell you any tactics we don't think will work'.

The tendency to over-complicate often also works its way into planning. When writing your plan, always try to make everything as simple as it possibly can be, anything else will simply waste time. Our Digital Marketing Toolkit resources cover the detailed analysis and insight needed for an informed, data-driven strategy, but we take care to include one-page summary formats to help simplify the overall strategy.

Marketing automation and Machine Learning is all the rage at the moment as our vote on the top marketing trends for 2017 shows, so it's worth remembering this famous quote from Bill Gates. Automation is only as smart as the way it is implemented. Automating effective tactics is likely to massively boost effectiveness, but it's easy to waste time automating tactics that aren't actually delivering value. This ends up just wasting time and money.

This is a great quote to remember for digital marketers. Sometimes big organizations engaging in digital transformation can be a mix of old legacy technologies creaking under years of poorly-implemented bug fixes and bodged integration, and flashy new enterprise tech from Cloud providers that is at the absolute cutting edge of what is possible. This can be really confusing for employees and might also affect the customer journey. Try to ensure you distribute new systems evenly across the business to bring all areas up to date, rather than buy snazzy new tech for some divisions whilst leaving others working with creaking legacy systems.

Consumer-centric marketing quotes

With ad-blocking becoming increasingly common, particularly among the tech savvy under 35s, marketing is going to have to shift from being intrusive to being helpful. This quote from marketoonist writer Tom Fishburne reminds us that really good marketing makes us forget we are even being marketed to.

David Ogilvy richly deserves his status as the 'father of advertising'. This quote has been given new meaning in the age of behavioural economics and 'nudges', designed to get the customer to do certain things the marketer wants. Sometimes this forgets that the customer is not some abstract concept without free will, but is your husband, your brother or your mum. Treating your customer like your friend, rather than an idiot you can subliminally nudge into doing what you want, is bound to leave them feeling more valued and thus more likely to return.

Analytics Quotes 

The only historian ever to win a noble Prize for literature, two-time prime minister,  two-time first lord of the admiralty and cigar aficionado, Churchill spent most of his life working on strategies, and made at least his fair share of strategic mistakes. If anyone should know when to re-thinking a strategy, it's the mastermind behind the catastrophic Gallipoli and Italian campaigns. Churchill's quote reminds us of the importance of analytics and taking time out to review them. No matter how good your strategy looks on paper, you should be careful to properly measure it and be willing to change course if it's not having the intended effects.

Bob Hoffman, better known as 'The Ad contrarian' has been doing great work critiquing the stupider trends in the ad industry over the past decade, and makes an excellent point that analytics teams should be better aware off. You can be swimming in data, but data is not valuable by itself. You need facts, principles and models. Humanity has watched the movement of the planets for thousands of years. The Greek root of the word 'planet'  means 'Wanderer', because people watched the planets wander across the night sky. But it took Isac Newton coming up with the theory of gravity to work how and why they move in the way they do. Newton didn't have any new data, but he created a theory that could predict the movement of any astronomical body perfectly accurately. He established facts.

Marketers are swimming in data, but are all too often lacking facts. We might be able to count how many clicks our banner ads get, but we don't know who's clicking on them, we don't know why they're clicking on them, and we don't even know if they're actually human or just a bot. Marketers are like the ancient Greeks, able to look up at the sky and see the movement of the planets, but totally unable to explain why they move in the way they do.

from Blog – Smart Insights http://www.smartinsights.com/digital-marketing-strategy/marketing-quotes-strategy/