#prepare for an incoming battle video

[kumkaniudaku]

A Lovely Night

Summary: Terry and Patrice prepare for prom and a new level of their relationship.

Pairing: Terry Richmond x Black!OC (Patrice Ellis)

Word Count: 8.8K

Warnings: None

At the tender age of 13, with braces still on her top row of teeth and dreams of marrying a pop star who didn't yet know her name, Patrice came to three conclusions: she was leaving St. Pius after 8th grade, she definitely did want to be a teacher someday, and she was going to have a prom date before she graduated high school. 

The third conclusion came as she sat by herself at the 8th-grade formal, watching throngs of white children dance to censored hip-hop music in pairs and large groups while she was but a beautiful wallflower without the pleasure of being asked to attend. If not for her mother preemptively purchasing a dress before Patrice could confirm a dance partner for the evening, she would've stayed home and wallowed in her room. Better to cry in private than to suffer the embarrassment of visible loneliness in public. But, while she fought incoming misty tears threatening to smudge the mascara her mother had so graciously allowed her to use, Patrice swore that things would be different by her senior year. Her luck would turn. Shit, she might even be prom queen. 

Years later, when dreams began to catch up to reality, Patrice's 8th-grade formal debacle seemed primed for a remix. One month until prom and still no prospect for a prom date was social status killer number one. She'd worked hard in her senior year to reinvent herself, shed the reputation she'd inadvertently received as Terry's cute but strange shadow friend, and step into a new image as the senior hottie she was destined to be. Becoming Homecoming Queen was step one in the plan. Step two was senior class president. Step three, the hardest of them all, was having a small army of young men vying for a chance to take her to the ball. So far, only the weird junior from AP Calc had stepped up. Everyone else had slowly split into pairs, preparing matching ensembles, limo rentals, and after-party plans, leaving Patrice as a lone wolf destined to repeat past failures. 

"Is Napheesa really going to prom with Nate? Like for real?" 

Wednesday evenings were set aside for family spaghetti night and Calc homework with Terry via ooVoo video chat. She'd completed her first task of sharing something sweet and sour from her day around the dinner table. After lying her way into something sour that didn't include her prom woes, math with Terry was a welcomed distraction.

Patrice wiped away wayward red sauce from her mouth with her hoodie sleeve before refocusing on Terry's face taking up her laptop screen. "Yeah. He asked her Sunday when they were hanging out. It was kinda cute, really. I think he sang a song or something." 

Terry snickered. "Nigga swear he Trey Songz." He mocked Nate and the R&B hearthob's singing voice in one go, sending him and Patrice into laughter. When they finally calmed down, Terry settled into a more serious temperament. "Corey's going with Jasmine. I think they're wearing red."

"I heard. He showed me his tux. You know he's planning to wear red shoes? I told him he was gonna look like a Mississippi pimp, but he don't listen. Is the answer to number six 375?" As quickly as she'd delivered more news, Patrice was already on to the next thing. 

Terry smiled at how her face scrunched in confusion. "No. I think you miscalculated somewhere." 

"Shit," she whispered. "Don't tell me. Let me figure it out." Terry watched in rapt silence, enamored by Patrice's prominent features, which were made more striking by a neat ponytail showcasing her face as the main attraction. 

He waited silently as she typed the expression into her calculator again, battling whether now or in person was a good time to ask his question. If he waited again, he risked chickening out like he did before they parted ways in the senior parking lot to beat the morning tardy bell. He decided to strike while she wasn't looking at him with those beautiful brown eyes. 

"So…uh…you going to prom with anyone?" 

She scoffed without looking up. "No. At least not yet. Usher still hasn't responded to my emails. I sent Chris Brown one, too, so maybe he'll come through." 

"Good luck with that," he chuckled. Nerves tried to caution him on moving forward. A rational, fully formed frontal lobe would've told him to quit while he was ahead. Teenage folly made him open his mouth to say, "Wanna go with me?" 

Patrice paused her work to look up and smile. "You sure? We don't have to. I wouldn't be mad if you asked someone else." 

"I'm asking who I want to go with. Unless you givin' me the run around like Phee did Cam." 

"No," Patrice cut in, rolling her eyes. "I was just saying!" 

Terry smiled. "So we're going to prom together? Me and you? In Carolina blue? You see how I made that happen? Creative writing really might be worth it."

A genuine, hearty laugh came from Patrice's mouth as she threw her head back in reaction to Terry's terrible attempt at an off-the-cuff poem. Or so Terry thought. Really, she'd released years of pent-up fear and expected disappointment. Finally, in the 11th hour, Patrice had a prom date. Sure, it was her best friend she'd been falling more in love with day by day with no indication they'd ever be together, but it was something. Dream realized. Victory. 

"Yeah, we're going to prom together," she confirmed after her giggle attack had ended. They stared at each other momentarily, basking in the implications of a night under makeshift stars in the swanky event space across town. Patrice fought to look back at her calculator and announce what had to be the correct answer this time. "It's 215. I multiplied by 23 instead of multiplying 2 and 3. Movin' too fast, I guess." 

Terry nodded proudly. "Yeah. You got it. Good job." 

As Patrice moved on to a new exam prep question and rolled through the math aloud, the bitter taste of dissatisfaction coated his tongue. The spark he expected from asking the girl he'd been falling deeper into what he knew of love with was nothing more than a quick flicker of excitement – fun but empty. He could do better. Especially if he wanted his true intentions of turning a friendship into something more substantial to stand a chance. 

Two mornings later, with a day separating Terry's promposal and the opportunity to back out before their paring was set in stone, Patrice bounced into Francis from a doctor's appointment with a new lease on life and big news to share with Napheesa. 

She opened her locker as usual before fourth-period English, looking for her orange class notebook and the assigned textbook. She found them both without issue and nearly pranced off to class with nothing but gossip on her mind until she noticed the index card taped to her locker mirror. 

Can you meet me in the library after school? 398.2. I'm sure you know what that means. 

The handwriting looked more feminine than Patrice was accustomed to, not matching what she'd seen from Napheesa's notes back and forth in class or from Corey, who'd mastered the forgery dark arts. Still, she tucked the instructions into her everything binder's inside pouch and kept it close until the final bell rang. 

Like a spy on a top-secret mission, Patrice dodged conversations from her classmates, threaded her body between students walking to and fro in the main hallway, and quietly ducked into the library on the hunt for the mysterious being requesting her presence. 

398.2. It took Patrice an entire class period to decipher what the collection of numbers meant. Too short for a phone number, obviously, she thought to herself. It wasn't a locker number or any other location in the school. Area codes didn't come with decimals. She thought long and hard, willing the answer into existence. Realization smacked her in the head with the full force of Mike Tyson on her way to Terry's locker to grab her sociology notebook. The Dewey Decimal System. More specifically, the section of the library dedicated to folk and fairytales. 

Led by an ironclad knowledge of the library's layout and excitement nearly pouring from her pores, Patrice speed-walked past the librarian's station at the front, waved hello to Ms. Wanamaker re-stocking returned library books from seniors trying to clear their outstanding balances before fines set in, and turned the corner onto her intended row. 

Snow White piqued her curiosity first. The book appeared to jut out from the rest, so she glanced around for any lookie-loos straggling nearby and pulled it off the shelf. Nothing. Patrice shrugged and put the book back before focusing on other possible answers. Fairy Tales from The Brothers Grimm turned up nothing. Some weird book of Greek myths briefly felt like cracking the code but ultimately fell flat. Patrice had been duped. Led astray. Lied to. She was sure someone was watching through shelves and laughing at how she'd been fooled in a scavenger hunt. 

Some hopeful part of her brain directed Patrice's annoyed attention to the book spine conspicuously sticking out amongst its neighbor. She thought about what she might do if she were to flip through another dud and settled on knocking everything down as she yanked the worn edition of Cinderella from its spot. Luckily, a quick flip to its front cover ended her search. 

I don't know if I'm your Prince Charming, but I want you to feel like a Cinderella for a night. Will you go with me to the ball? I'll have you home before the clock strikes 12.

She recognized this handwriting, slanted and slender, on another index card. Patrice ran her index finger over the words and gave them another full read, not noticing the tall young man slowly revealing himself at the end of the aisle with a smile on his face and the gleam of mischief in his eyes. 

"I should've done this the right way the first time," he spoke, startling Patrice. He lifted his hands in surrender and disarmed her with a smile. "My bad." 

Patrice smiled back. "Since when did you learn the decimal system?" 

"If I tell you, I can't take you to prom. So, you either gotta answer the question on the card or get the answer to yours. Which one is it?" 

"Give me your answer." 

Horrified confusion and feigned annoyance flashed across Terry's young, handsome face as he watched Patrice double over in stifled laughter. He chuckled and kissed his teeth as he stepped closer. "Patrice, be serious. Will you go to prom with me? I'm really asking." 

Terry's sincerity, both in his voice inflection and in how his brows knitted in anticipation of a response, made Patrice stand up to her full height and smile back at her best friend. 

"Of course, TJ. I will absolutely go to prom with you." 

A fist pump and smile in the back corner of the school library was as good as any contract signed in black ink with a felt-tipped pen and the appropriate amount of witnesses. It was official official. Terry and Patrice were going to prom together. 

News of the expected pairing spread through the halls like wildfire, the truth morphing into something of a fairytale itself as it passed from person to person. Terry had asked Patrice in the library on one knee or in the parking lot, and they kissed, or between classes, and Patrice cried. Actually, Patrice asked Terry! In one version of events, Terry had abruptly reneged on his promposal to Junior cheerleader Cierra and asked Patrice at the last minute. A messy affair in a messy love triangle between the messiest best-friend duo the school had ever known, according to some twisted version of events. 

Neither Patrice nor Terry cared to clear up rumors or refute gossip. They were too busy prepping for the best night of their young lives. 

Pin cushions and yards of organza covered Patrice's living room floor by Sunday afternoon, turning recently the replaced grey carpet into a sea of light blue as her Aunt Sybil eyeballed measurements and cut the fabric into careful shapes to match the pattern Patrice and Imani had agreed was perfect for a Cinderella-inspired gown. Glitter. She needed glitter tucked into every inch to turn an ordinary dress into one that sparkled in the right light. Rosalyn requested sleeves for modesty, and Patrice agreed, not because she wanted to, but because she knew compromise was her best friend. They settled on sparkling flower appliqué details on the bodice to bring in the event's garden theme, a dainty off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline with draped sleeves to satisfy her beaming mother, and a soft corset to create a ball gown illusion for the flowing, floor-length-skirt. A masterpiece in Patrice's eyes. Especially the hidden thigh-high split she and Imani schemed, plotted, and cried to have included when Rosalyn wasn't listening. 

Hair, makeup, nails, and fragrance were all Patrice thought about for days. She sat with Napheesa on Google for hours, looking for the perfect photos to show their beauty service providers when the time came. Every detail, down to the number of tendrils springing from her bun to add a little Princess Tiana into her Disney fantasy, was carefully crafted to fit the vision she'd had of herself since the 8th grade. 

Terry hadn't dived head-first off the prom prep cliff, but he was close. Marvin couldn't understand why his son was suddenly so hell-bent on switching to the younger barber and his creative cuts until Diedra pulled him aside for a quick update in the Richmond Girl saga. He couldn't have any old fade. He needed something to stop Patrice in her tracks and garner enough praise to fuel him until he was 21. He'd work every weekend until boot camp to pay off that extra $50 plus tip if it meant his haircut was precise. 

A trip to the tailor turned a baggy, hand-me-down wedding tux into something tailored for his brand new, 6'3" frame. Diedra watched with pride in her shining eyes as Terry stood tall and allowed the much smaller shop owner to stand on a step ladder and adjust the jacket's shoulders to Terry's proportions. Take in the waist here, lengthen that hem, get the fit of that cummerbund just right, not too shiny on the shoes or too dark on that blue – he's got a date with the prettiest girl in the world, and he can't get caught lacking. Another $150 withdrawn from his parent's bank account, another step closer to the best night of his short life. 

The final puzzle piece was the paramount matter of transportation. Terry's Explorer had been out of commission since October, both from punishment and mechanical issues. He'd improved his behavior, but the starter was still shot, and any indicator that his dad would fix it went away when Terry chose to sign his life away to the United States.

Terry knew the perfect set of wheels to act as a chariot for his princess. The creamy, off-white Cadillac with less than 40,000 miles and a sick interior parked in their garage would take him from best friend to boyfriend in 15 minutes flat. He just needed the permission. 

Slinking out of his room, Terry coached himself through a pre-planned script as he jogged down the front porch steps to the tall, greying, light-skinned man diligently trimming healthy green hedges per his wife's instructions. 

"Hey, Pop. You need some help?" 

Marvin looked up at his son, confusion sheening his blue-green eyes, and shrugged. "If you wanna, I won't stop you." A man of few words and enough brains in his head to know when his boy was about to ask for something.

Taking his father's half-hearted invitation, Terry slid on a pair of working gloves nearby, grabbed the garden hedge sheers lying in a pile of other tools, and began carefully chopping at his mama's award-winning bushes. 

They worked silently for several long minutes, two tall, slender Richmond men toiling away in the mid-April breeze until Terry mustered up enough courage to make his request known. "Dad, could I…maybe, um…drive your car for prom? Just that one night?" 

"The truck?" Marvin knew the answer but wanted to teach his only son a lesson in the type of directness that made boys into men. 

"No. The Cadillac. Our friends are doing the limo thing, but I want to – I'm just not trying to spend the whole night with them. It's easier if I can put the money for the limo towards dinner and really enjoy myself. With Patrice. Together for probably the last time." 

Marvin listened to his son's appeal without looking away from his task, mulling over the answer he already had in his head. He'd been in young love before and knew all of the fear and excitement from exploring matters of the heart. 

Terry watched his father continue to prune errant branches and leaves from the collection of perfectly green hedges, feeling the pieces of his plan for a magical night blow away in the wind. He'd already begun working through how to get $50 to Corey by the end of the night when Marvin set his shears down and started rifling through his coverall pockets. 

He pulled out a crisp $100 bill, allowed his neutral expression to brighten into a small smile, and extended his hand toward Terrence. "Hold that for dinner." Then he reached into another pocket to pull out a ring of keys to toss in Terry's direction. "And hold these for this evenin'. I gotta see you drive her before I let you off by yourself. You fuck up my Caddy, and you won't make it to Parris Island, Tybee Island, or Island Seafood down the street without a cane because I'm gon' need at least three toes for my car."

"I got it, Dad," Terry laughed. "I promise. I'll have it back a little after 12. Treece got a curfew.” 

"Mhmm. She got your little nose wide open, too. When y'all gon' stop all that playing and do the real thing?" 

Terry hoped he could return to his father triumphant by next Saturday night to proudly proclaim he and Patrice had finally decided to do "the real thing." He spent the whole week counting down the seconds until he could ask for her hand at the dinner table, confess his feelings, earn a big kiss, and walk into the event center as Francis Edwards High School's newest couple. 

Patrice considered the possibility of going from best friend to girlfriend all week but kept her fantasies locked inside her mind for fear of interrupting Napheesa's now 15-minute-long, one-sided conversation. 

The school week's events had long faded into vapors to make way for the dizzying sights and sounds of salon visits, light lunches to keep bellies flat, and gossip-filled chatter of prom preparation. Patrice and Napheesa sat side by side in massage chairs that made their bodies shake and jerk from an overzealous contraption while their feet soaked in bowls of bubbling lukewarm water. Their mothers had dropped them off for coordinated early morning nail appointments they both hoped would fit into 90 minutes. Napheesa had to be on time for her beautician or else she'd spend an extra hour at the hair salon. Patrice didn't have a fancy chair to sit in for her appointment. Still, Ms. Brenda's daughter liked to get off track in her kitchen studio, and she didn't have the time or patience for anyone to ruin her plans. 

Napheesa flipped through color swatches while she multitasked providing updates to her best friend and picking which shade of baby pink would match her dress best. "Corey said his after-party is invite-only, but you know how he gets when he get a crowd. Everybody and they mama gone be over there. You and Terry sure y'all don't wanna ride in the limo with us so you don't have to worry about finding a place to park in his neighborhood? I don't think he'll care about the money at this point." 

"Nope. Terry says he wants it to be just us, and I think he already got his dad to let him use the car." Patrice answered, smiling at the thought of being alone with him in a fancy whip. 

"Okay, then! You didn't tell me about the Cadillac, now! I'm jealous." Napheesa teased. She noticed her friend's bashful smirk and reached over to playfully push her shoulder. "How you feeling about tonight? You nervous? Excited? What?" 

All of that and then some, Patrice thought to herself before answering. "I don't know! I think I'm just ready to see him," she confessed. "We've never been, like, alone alone. What if I say something silly or trip and fall or something? Now the night is ruined, and I gotta come home by 8 o'clock." Patrice sighed and mentally settled on a classic French tip for her nails and feet. "I think it'll be fun. I'm just ready to skip to then."

"The way Terry acts like you're the second coming of Kevin Hart, I'm sure there's nothing silly you could do or say to make him end the night early. He might even fall down with you so you don't feel alone." The young ladies dissolved into laughter at the image of Terry's long, lanky body lowering to the ground just to make Patrice feel better about her blunder. "Just have fun, P. High school is almost over, and if you not with that boy by May, we not talking about his ass when we get on campus." 

Patrice feigned offense. "We'll still be friends! I can't talk about him at all?" 

"Not a peep. We only talking about fine college niggas after graduation. So, lock it down or get ready for orientatioooon." Napheesa's exaggerated body roll turned Patrice's giggling into a full-on cackle loud enough to eclipse the nearby whirring of an electric file. 

Patrice would've laughed herself into a stomach ache if not for the loud ringtone trilling in her purse. Napheesa didn't need to see who was awaiting an answer to their call. The slight smile on her friend's face and starry eyes were answer enough. 

"Hey, TJ," Patrice chirped as two nail techs rolled up to start their service. 

In his bedroom across town, Terry eyed his face in the bathroom mirror, trying to decide which parts of his facial hair to tell his barber to keep. "What's up, Treece. Wait, are you out already?" 

"Yeah. I didn't want to end up late, so me and Phee decided to get our nails done early." Patrice passed greetings between her two best friends before continuing. "What's up with you?"

"I'm on the way to the barbershop in a little bit. I just wanted to tell you I'll be by to pick you up at 5:30 so we can get to dinner on time. The food's gonna suck tonight and I don't want you to be hungry. Think you'll be ready by then?" 

Patrice smiled and softened her voice. "Yeah. I'll be ready." 

"Um…" Terry cut himself short, smiled at the fleeting thought of seeing his Cinderella float toward him in something spectacular, and then picked up his thought again. "I'm excited to see your dress tonight and hang out. I think it's gonna be a good night." 

"Me too. I get to see you in a tie for the first time." 

Terry chuckled. "And this stupid waist thing my mama's making me wear. They're gonna follow me to your place, by the way, so be ready to take pictures for forever." 

"That's okay. You just make sure you don't come over there looking better than me," Patrice joked. A clean-cut, suited and booted Terry could rival Hollywood's finest leading man. She'd put money on that. 

"I could never. You win that battle every time." His compliment settled on Patrice's ears and heart like light snow coating freezing cold lawns in those Hallmark Christmas movies her mom loved so much. Terry smiled at her silence before noting his father's second honk in as many minutes. "See you later, Treece. I gotta get out of here. Love you." 

Patrice looked to Napheesa pretending not to listen to every word of their conversation then tried to lower her voice. "Love you, too. See you later." 

Another velvety smooth goodbye left a young girl with dreams of locking more than arms with her occasionally brooding, often sweet prince swooning in a building full of strangers and her amused best friend. 

"Cute shit, mom and dad." The parents joke had gained traction in the school hallways and grown legs to follow Patrice into the world via a sniggering Naphessa. Patrice looked over at her friend with a sour look and received gut-busting laughter in return. "Damn, y'all sound like my parents." 

"Shut up!" 

-----

Staring at her daughter in the small vanity mirror tucked in the room's back corner, Rosalyn had never seen a more beautiful girl in all her life. The baby she'd spent hours of grueling labor to usher into the world, her first of three pregnancies and two births, had grown into a young woman preparing to enter the world as a free bird spreading its wings for the time. 

Tears gathered in the inner corners of her eyes, threatening to garner a groan and quiet complaints for it was the third time in an hour she'd felt like crying. Leon joked with her the first two times, remarking that Patrice's eventual wedding might send her to the upper room if this was how Rosalyn would act for prom. 

Rosalyn twirled a perfectly spiraled tendril from Patrice's bun around her finger after removing the perm rod giving it shape and smiled. "You're such a pretty girl, P. Don't let anyone tell you that you aren't. Alright?" 

"Yes ma'am," Patrice answered as she looked back at her mother through the mirror. She took careful stock of her appearance, trying to see what in her reflection her mother saw to say such a thing. 

Brown skin, smooth as luxury chocolate and covered in just enough makeup to highlight ancestral high cheekbones and youthful features, complemented shining eyes and mouth full of pearly whites her parents had paid a fortune for in middle school. She was pretty. Beautiful. A stunning amalgamation of her mother, and her mother, and her mother's mother long before she was a twinkle in the universe. 

A larger roller removed from the right side of her forehead unfurled a bouncing bang. Rosalyn kept it in place with a careful mist of spritz. "The next time I get to see you like this, you'll be getting a new last name." Patrice looked away bashfully, trying not to imagine wedding bells and a church full of family watching her walk down the aisle to the one she…loved? Loves. She did love him, she thought. She was sure of that much.

Rosalyn slowly slid the other large roller off Patrice's left side, giving it equal attention to the first. "Have fun tonight, alright. I know you'll be okay with Terry, but I'll tell you anyway: be safe. You know you can call whenever you need us. We'll come get you, no questions asked." 

"I know. I don't think I'll have to call. Terry knows to have me back by midnight, and we don't get into trouble." Partially true. They didn't get into much trouble. Nothing significant or life-changing. Not yet, anyway. 

"I'm not worried about it," Rosalyn said, fixing a small sparkling tiara to the base of Patrice's bun. "So…do you like him? From my vantage point, it seems like you like him, but I could be wrong. What's the scoop?" 

Patrice groaned. "Mamaaa!" An immediate desire to cover up the truth made her body hot with embarrassment. But something in her mother's knowing smile compelled her to come clean. "Yeah. I do. I like him a lot." 

"Ain't no crime in that. It's okay to like a boy. You know your daddy was a boy I liked at one point. We don't expect you not to like anyone. We just want you to be smart. Don't have no babies yet." 

"Maaa!" 

Rosalyn chuckled at Patrice's teenaged disgust and prepared to pour more on for fun's sake when two knocks rapped against the bedroom door before Leon poked his head inside. He took a sweeping look over his only daughter and smiled. "Look at my little girl. They should be putting you in the children's books, huh?" Patrice said thanks with a small, timid smile before Leon dropped off pressing news. "The Richmond boy and his folks are comin' in. Lookin' like it's time to make your entrance." 

"Thank you, Daddy. Can you tell him I'll be out in a little while?" 

Leon accepted his marching orders with a nod and smile, then disappeared to entertain the growing swell of voices filling the living room. 

Smiling, Rosalyn slid the cape shielding Patrice's glittering dress from debris off her daughter's chest and draped it over her arm. "Alright, pretty girl, it's your show now." She leaned down to press her cheek to Patrice's in a warm display of affection. "Knock his socks off, you hear? He's here to see you. Give him a show." 

Give him a show. While Patrice mentally unraveled what that meant, Terry stood in the living room rocking back and forth on his heels and checking his wristwatch for the time. Zorah and Zanah talked on the couch while Junior snuck glances at the two identically beautiful girls and tried to keep the camcorder upright to ensure he didn't get a slap on the back of the head from his mother. Diedra chattered a mile a minute to her husband and good friend, saying something about pictures and keepsakes that Terry didn't care to hear. 

He wanted to see Patrice. Weeks of waiting and dreaming every chance he got to let his mind wander came down to the soft tick, tick, tick of his silver link watch as the minute hand turned 5:29 pm into 5:30 pm—showtime. 

Terry heard a door close down the hall and listened for the footsteps moving in his direction before looking up to see Mrs. Rosalyn appear in the hallway's threshold. She smiled at him first then addressed the room. "She'll be out in a few. Just grabbing a few last things." 

"Oh my Gooood! I can't wait to see her. I know she'll be beautiful!" Diedra clasped her fingers at her chest as if it were her daughter preparing for a grand reveal. "Girls, come over here. I want you to see!" 

Zorah and Zanah moaned and groaned about their conversation being cut short but followed directions anyway to avoid what existed on the other side of disobedience. Junior tracked both girls with his eyes until a nervously rocking Terry cut off his sightline. He looked up at the young man confused. 

"Why you shakin' like that, Terry," he asked, genuinely unable to fathom why the boy might be nervous. "You seen Patrice a million times." 

But not like this. He'd seen her in sweats and a T-shirt or dressed up for school, but not like this. That fact became abundantly clear as her high heels tapped across the hardwood floor, stepping closer to reveal a modern marvel amongst mere pretenders. Whatever he'd dreamed up in the back of classrooms or while tucked in his bedroom at night paled compared to what stood before him. 

Shock. Awe. Amazement. Diedra squealed as if the Queen had walked into the room. His twin sisters whistled and gave praise like only pre-teen girls could. Even Junior had to nod in approval to give credit where credit was due. 

Terry could only see Patrice in all the noise. The way her dress shimmered in the sunlight streaming through the glass storm door at the front of the house. How her makeup made her look like a movie star in her greatest role to date. Heels helped her legs stand out from the hint of split peeking back at him. Her hair was beautiful, her nails were beautiful, her lips, shoulders, and eyes were beautiful – Patrice was beautiful.

Terry's hand was out beckoning for her hand before he knew what he was doing. "Wow," he breathed out as he gently pulled her closer. He had to will away the urge to know if the gloss coating her lipstick-covered pout had a flavor to say something coherent. "You look…wow." 

"You look like Cinderella! It's so cool!" Zanah said the most consecutive words she had spoken in ages at that moment, stunning Marvin. 

"Shoot, you really are something! You even got the mean one to talk!" 

All in the room laughed, leaving Terry and Patrice to admire each other openly. Patrice straightened the lapel of Terry's tux jacket, then moved on to his bowtie just to have a reason for stepping close enough to smell his cologne. 

He looked down at her, peering through thick lashes, and watched her go to work with a smile. Seeing her nervousness comforted him. They could figure things out together.

Patrice smoothed her hands over his shoulders and finally looked up to smile at Terry. "You look really handsome, TJ. Mean it." 

"You too." Terry immediately recognized his tongue-tied mistake and rushed to correct course. "I meant you look pretty. Beautiful! I'm sorry. You ready to get out of here?" 

They were more than ready. As they stood in front of the Ellis residence, pinning boutonnieres, sliding corsages on dainty wrists, and posing for more photos than they could count, all Patrice and Terry could think about was sliding into the front seat of their chariot for the evening and rolling off toward the sunset. They got their chance 40-odd grueling minutes later once their parents had done all their doting and laid down the rules. 

The first stop was dinner. Somehow, good fortune pushed Terry to pick the one Italian restaurant no other prom attendee in the city thought to cram into with their large parties clad in fluffy gowns and starched suits. That foresight got them a free dinner from a lovely Black couple enjoying a Saturday date night. 

His foresight also saved them from the disaster of a dinner at the venue once they'd wrapped up their make-believe date night and joined their friends for the last formal night of their high school lives. Luckily, the thrill of dancing and taking Facebook photos on a handheld digital camera removed the need to eat anything life-sustaining.

Together, they sang in each other's faces like maniacs, moved about the dance floor until their feet hurt, and forgot all the cares and problems of tomorrow. The only break came when the Prom King and Queen were announced after dinner service began. 

Terry and Patrice watched Corey accept his title like proud parents, recording him on their cell phones while hollering their support from across the room with the rest of the crew. All the work they'd collectively put into his campaign made his triumph feel like a win for the table, not counting Corey's angry date. She stormed off into the hallway moments after an innocent dance between the royal couple went from an innocent sway to Corey reveling in the attention of a young lady with at least six inches of height over him. 

The DJ for the night quickly cut "Slow Jam" by Usher and Monica off at a faculty advisor's request once Corey got a little overzealous and transitioned into Chris Brown's "Winner" to invite all who were willing to sway in each other's arms to the dancefloor. 

Patrice sat in her chair, watching couples slowly float to the dancefloor. She smiled at nothing in particular and bopped her head to the familiar song. Terry watched her like a hawk, suspended between being mesmerized and the pressure of knowing his time was quickly running out. 

Nerves at dinner convinced him to stay mum about his feelings and enjoy Patrice's fun facts about focaccia instead. When he rested his hand on her fingers in the car, and she didn't pull away, he thought about pulling over for his rehearsed speech, but they were already behind schedule. Part of him wanted to whisper how much he loved her into her ear as she pressed her back to his front for official photos. He let the feeling pass, though. 

Now, with the center of the dancefloor free for the taking and the time left before his princess needed to be returned to her home dwindling, he took a deep breath and scooched closer to her. 

Baby, you're a winner

Didn't even take you twelve rounds to do it

You got the title now

I'mma tell the whole world 

To give it up for my girl

"You wanna dance?" Terry meant for the question to sound more confident and less like a creep whispering into his date's ear. So, he scooched even closer, slid his hand around her waist, and tried again. "I'd really love to dance with you. Please." 

Patrice turned in her seat to look back at Terry's eyes pleading for the chance to take her out on the floor and felt goosebumps spring up on her forearms. How could she say no to such a perfectly handsome face? She wouldn't if given the chance. "I'm following your lead." 

Hand in hand, Terry and Patrice sauntered out into the center of an empty dancefloor, receiving applause and encouragement from people and friends who had caught wind of something special unfolding before them. They ignored the ruckus as best they could while arranging limbs around necks and waists. 

If he were being honest with his mind and body, Terry wanted Patrice closer than what school officials would deem appropriate for a sanctioned event. Having his fingers gently grip her sides while they swayed too slow for the music felt like torture, but he persisted for the sake of the moment. He'd have his chances one day soon. 

Patrice hoped Terry couldn't feel the wild thump of her pulse against her wrist as they draped near the nape of his neck. Being so close to him, smelling the residual mint of his gum mixed with whatever heavenly fragrance he'd borrowed from his father was enough to send her body into overdrive. So this was what attraction felt like? This was what all the Ebony and Cosmo articles meant when they discussed the scientific responses of women to men and vice versa. This was infatuation, unshakeable physical longing, and…love? Separately, they were manageable symptoms curable by time away and deep breaths. Together, in the confines of the small square they'd created with sync movements, they were too much and threatening to spill over into utterances she wasn't sure she was ready to release. 

Terry dragging his thumbs up and down along Patrice's waist snapped her out of a deluge of competing thoughts, forcing her to look up at him. He smiled. "What you thinkin' about?" 

"How bad a dancer I am," she joked, allowing self-deprecation to be her scapegoat for the nerves bubbling inside. 

"It's not you," he chuckled. "I wasn't really listening to how fast this song is. I just wanted to get you away from everybody else so we could talk." 

Patrice tilted her head in curiosity. "About what?" 

A quick scan of the immediate area to confirm there were no eavesdroppers or class gossipers helped Terry gather his thoughts. He had plans for something grand, something unforgettable for the rest of their lives. But when he looked back down at her brown eyes, waiting for his next move, he could only confess, "Patrice, I love you." 

"I love you, too, Terrence." 

For a split second, through the strobing neon lights creating shadows on their faces and hiding actual reactions, Terry thought he could see a flash of connection in Patrice's eyes – a hint of unspoken confirmation that what he'd shared was received in full without explanation. 

Patrice hoped he understood the added "I" or the addition of his entire first name to mean what she was too afraid to vocalize beyond a few simple words. 

They had more to say and share to ease the weight on their heavy hearts and minds. Things too sacred for the dancefloor, back at the table with their friends, or in the parking lot as everyone loosened their ties, switched out their shoes, and planned to reconvene for the party of the century. So, they left their I Love You's with Chris Brown and darted into the night for sweet treats separate from the group. 

Underneath real stars in a dark blue sky, they rambled on, recapping highlights over two cups of fresh churned Oreo ice cream, trying hard not to leave the evidence behind on his father's interior. 

"Corey lucky he around all them people, or Jasmine would've kicked his ass," Patrice laughed. "Oh, and did you see Chris and Diamond leave together. I knew they had something going on!" 

Terry chewed through a chunk of Oreo and shrugged. "People could say the same about us. Shit, people do say the same about us." 

"Yeah, but…this is different. We're friends. Right?" 

"We are right now, but…I don't know if I want to stay that way." Growing serious, Terry placed his half-empty cup of ice cream in the cup holder and turned in the driver's seat to face Patrice. He reached for her hand, and, for the second time that night, she didn't pull away. He took it as his sign to proceed. "I meant what I said back there. I love you. As more than my friend." 

Patrice nodded, understanding, and tried to wish away the tears pricking her eyes as she smiled. "I know. I did, too. I…I love you." 

That spark, the small burst of magic that had fought for centerstage all day, was back and bursting into fireworks above them, daring someone to make a move. Terry took the bait and brought Patrice's knuckles to his lips for a chaste kiss. She watched him close his eyes to savor the feeling of her skin on his mouth, thinking of all the ways she'd explain this to Napheesa when they had a moment to debrief. 

"I want to be your boyfriend. You know, if… that's cool with you." He chickened out in the end, but the sentiment remained the same. He wanted more than one-armed hugs and childish giggles with Patrice. He wanted a real relationship. As real as it could get for two people at the precipice of adulthood. 

Patrice sucked in a deep breath, unsure of how to force an answer through a throat tightening by the second. All she could mutter was a quiet "TJ…" 

"It's okay," he smiled. Breaching the center console between them, he leaned to kiss her cheek. Patrice's eyes fluttered closed and reopened in enough time to catch Terry returning to the driver's side, preparing to start the engine. "Just think about it, okay?"

Patrice thought about dating and a wedding, Terry's fingers threaded between hers, his thumb softly caressing her knuckles, the butterflies in her belly, and what it meant to be in love as he drove them through familiar streets. It was all she could think about. It was all she wanted to think about. 

Thoughts of finally letting go battled with the fear of what the end may look like and stuck with Patrice as they walked into Corey's "quiet" house party. Neither of them would ever understand how he could convince his parents to allow teenagers around the county to dance, scream, and be merry in their two-story home, but they didn't complain. 

Corey was the first to point out their joint arrival and holdholding, only to be shooed away to spread the news amongst the others. 

"Phee is in one of the rooms changing, I think. Or fucking with Nate. I don't know what's going on, bro, I'm not gon' lie to you." 

Terry shook his head at his friend's antics, then turned to Patrice. "You want a drink or something? Water?" 

"Water would be nice," she answered through a broad smile that Terry mirrored. "Can you grab a straw, too? I don't want to mess up my lip gloss." 

"Cool. I'll find you." 

Only God could pry their hands apart and send Terry on a mission for cold water and straw in a house where he could barely move without bumping into someone. Patrice watched him disappear around a corner before dashing down a hallway for sound counsel. 

She opened doors to coat closets, bathrooms, and bedrooms, which were occasionally filled with people sneaking sips of alcohol, but they came up empty. Panic settled into her bones as she frantically asked for Napheesa until some generous partygoer pointed her toward the family sunroom. 

There, she found Napheesa sipping something in a red cup and massaging her aching feet like a mother who'd had a long day at work. When she saw Patrice barrel through the threshold, her face brightened. "P! I was -" 

"Terry told me he loved me!" 

Napheesa choked on air as her eyes bugged out of her head. "What! Wait, wait, wait. Start from the top!" 

"We were dancing, and he said he loved me; I said it back because, like, I do love him, right! We say that all the time! You hear it! But then he said it again while we were eating ice cream and asked me to be his girlfriend! Well, really, he asked to be my boyfriend, which is like, somehow more romantic than the other way around, and Napheesa, I don't know what to do! What do I do?" 

Patrice spoke a mile a minute, not stopping for breaths or input until she'd unloaded her full stream of consciousness, like word vomit, all over the floor. Napheesa stared blankly and answered matter-of-factly. 

"Just say it back." Plain and without flowery language, she offered sage advice. "Say it back. You just said you love him. So, say it back to him. Why are you making this hard? Do you love him?" 

"Of course I do!" 

Napheesa laughed in confusion. "So say it back, crazy girl! Go ahead. Do it." 

"Okay. Alright," Patrice started. "I love Terry. I love him. I love Terrence Richmond. There. I said it." She listened to the words return to her and tried them out again. "I love you, Terry. I love you, Terry. I love you, Terry!" 

"See how easy that was? You really need to see somebody about all that worrying, girl. Want me to ask my mama who she goes to?" 

Patrice sighed and chuckled away her nerves. "No. I just-" 

When Napheesa's eyes flickered up to the sunroom entrance and stayed, Patrice turned around to find Terry caught like a deer in headlights with two cups and a straw in his hand. 

"They didn't have bottles, so I just put some ice water in these cups," he announced. "Am I interrupting girl talk? I can come back." 

"Nope. I was actually on my way to find Nate and get some water." Napheese looked back at Patrice, winked her encouragement, and then stood to brush past Terry and back into the action. She pulled one cup out of his hand on her way out. "Thanks for the water. See y'all later?" 

One cup down and thoroughly annoyed, Terry stepped into the sunroom and took Napheesa's previous spot opposite Patrice. He extended the cup and straw in her direction. "Here. This one's for you. Don't tell Corey I went through his mama's kitchen drawers." 

"Your secret's safe with me." 

Terry smiled as Patrice mimed a lock motion over her lips. She never dropped her smile or sipped from her cup, striking him as odd. "You okay?" he laughed. "Why you smiling so hard? Did Napheesa say something about me?" 

She shook her head no but answered, "Yes!" 

"Yes, what?" Terry questioned, confusion knitting his brows together. 

Patrice placed her cup on the ground and grabbed both his hands, threading their fingers together like he did in the car. He gripped them tighter, looking into her eyes like they held all the answers. 

"Yes, you can be my boyfriend. Because…I really, really want to be your girlfriend. You know…if that's cool with you." 

Shock kept Terry glued to his seat, disconnecting his body from a mind turning somersaults in triumph. Patrice watched in amusement as his eyes darted across her face before he shot up and pulled her along for the ride. 

They'd hugged each other plenty of times – to say goodbye and hello, for comfort when the other was feeling down, to be close for no reason at all – but they'd never embraced as more than friends. Patrice had never experienced how good it felt to be fully wrapped in his arm and pressed into a heart beating with love for her. Terry didn't know how having Patrice wrap herself around him would trigger a desire to shower her in never-ending affection. 

Terry tried the feeling on for size, pulling away to kiss her cheek and then her forehead. "I love you." If given the chance, he could say it a million more times. 

"I love you, too." Easy enough. Practice would make perfect, and Patrice was ready to put in the work. 

An unseen force, the same magnetism from their shared Christmas joy in Patrice's bedroom months ago, pulled them closer for another go at a kiss they'd been putting off for far too long. 

Eyes blinked closed. Tongues ran across lips to moisten them for an eventual meeting. Hands tried to wander south and close the gap between their hips. All their pining and preparation had come down to one mo- 

"Hell yeah, P! Kiss your man!" 

"Terry! Terry! Terry!" 

"I knew it! They almost kissed on the dancefloor, too!"

Thwarted again. A small crowd of familiar faces had gathered at the threshold, excited to see their favorite pair finally go the distance. Embarrassed, Patrice hid her face inside Terry's suit jacket, and he wrapped his arms around her as an act of protection. 

Laughing, he tried to shoo the onlookers away. "Man, get out of here! Y'all ain't ever heard of privacy?" 

"Nigga, this my house! Ain't no privacy," Corey laughed. "Go ahead and kiss. This everybody moment! We been waiting forever!" 

The small group agreed, but Patrice wasn't interested in the spectacle. She pulled away from Terry, slid her hand in his, and began leading them out of the room. "And you'll wait some more. This ain't a damn zoo! I thought we were here to have fun!" 

They were. And they did. Disappointment quickly faded, making room for more singing, dancing, and aching feet into the late hours of the night. 

Patrice had long ditched her heels for flats, extending the life of her party animal personal until a quick glance at a perfectly positioned wall clock indicated a quarter til midnight. She roughly pried Terry's drifting hands, trying to pull her backside closer to his front from her waist, and hurried him back to the car in hopes he could make up the distance with some expert driving. 

Both of them prayed all patrol units were busy elsewhere as Terry guided them down empty streets and quiet neighborhood rows to return Rosalyn and Leon's precious cargo by midnight. Terry pulled into Patrice's driveway, cutting time dangerously close, opened the passenger door in a flash, and hurried her to the front door like the Secret Service escorting the president. 

He watched Patrice shuffle through her purse for the housekey, wondering if now was a good time to return to that kiss. "Patrice, can I -" 

"Found it! I really need to put this on a ring." She looked up at Terry and smiled. "I'm sorry, what were you gonna say?" 

Terry shook his head free of previous plans and settled for a kiss on the cheek. "Good night, Treece. I'll text you when I'm home." 

"Good night, TJ." Patrice looked at the light turn on in the living room through the glass panels on the front door, then back at Terry. "I love you." 

"I love you, too. Go ahead. Don't get in trouble." 

A blown kiss and one more wave sent Patrice back into her humble abode and Terry to his horse and carriage for the night. As he backed out of the driveway, looking both ways for traffic that would never come, he noticed the heel of forgotten shoes in his back seat. 

Terry smiled to himself, recalling the story of the dazzling beauty and her lost slipper. Luckily, he didn't have to scour the city looking for the beautiful belle of the ball that stole his heart. He knew where to his Cinderella.

------

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[punsmaster69]

6/MAR/20XX

Undyne throws a punch, swinging from the left.

It collides with Mettaton, who recovers quickly and retaliates with a swift upwards kick.

He combos the kick by slamming a fist into Undyne's stomach, knocking her backwards.

Charging forward again, Undyne prepares to attack Mettaton once more.

He kicks in preparation, but Undyne slides under his leg and takes out the other, knocking him down.

With a backwards flip, he's up another time. His crossed arms defend against Undyne's incoming flurry of quick jabs.

Mettaton falters; an opportunity. Undyne sweeps the leg.

He begins to fall, but she grabs him by the shirt and raises him back onto his feet - ramming her foot into his chest.

It takes no time before Mettaton begins firing laser bullets at her. She dodges and weaves, taking very few hits as she re-approaches.

Papyrus lands in from above to put a stop to it.

He gets caught in a stray bullet fired from Mettaton.

"HEY?! METTATON!! I'M HERE TO HELP YOU!!"

"I didn't expect you to come crashing in, darling. Quite the entrance, I must say."

"Papyrus, MOVE!!"

"NO! I WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO BULLY METTATON ANY LONGER!"

"Dude, he's just been standing there twirling his hair and shit this WHOLE TIME! Let me knock a LITTLE sense into him."

"HASN'T HE HAD ENOUGH?!"

"...He's still doing it, even now!!!!!"

Mettaton flips his hair and strikes a pose. Undyne grabs Papyrus and tosses him to the side, running at full force to slam her body into Mettaton's.

Sans sits in the corner and watches. Papyrus looks at him, and looks between Sans and the battle going on.

"they can handle it."

"SHOULDN'T YOU BE DOING... ANYTHING? AT ALL??"

"...they can handle it."

"YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE ON HIS SIDE, SANS."

Mettaton flies past them into a wall. He does a backwards handspring and returns to action.

"....he can handle it."

"UGH. YOU'RE IMPOSSIBLE!"

"THIS ISN'T FAIR AT ALL."

Sans shrugs and leans back to read the contents I've written in this very journal......

"...you're making it sound like she's abusin' the guy."

"She basically is."

"...."

"gotta say, context really isn't optional on this one."

OH

Video Game Violinsce

[👍]

[hfy-kot]

Knights of Terra Prologue part 4 of ?

The subspace transmitter had only 2 statements on it. "Message received. Heavy guns in route. KOT Grand Citital" Captain Ideas started at it dumbstruck. Who the hell did Kelly call?

"I pinged Earth, it got there, someone is coming, I told you Earth is coming..." Sam Kelly was babbling out in their own defense, before the captain cut them off. " This changes nothing, we don't know who that is and if they can even get here in time." The Captain would deal with whatever that is if she survives the death already at her doorstep.

Light-years away, on the edge of the Sol System, the Knights of Terra Ark ship New Jerusalem was preparing to make a sub-space jump, into a mostly blind fight. Knight-Captain Gias stood on the bridge, watching the progress of the rest of the fleet, and watching for messages. ARES could plot this jump in it's sleep. 2 messages popped up on screen. "Sub-space coordinates received. Dreadnought Fenrir on escort." And just after "Bring them home. KOT GC"

Gias smiled to himself. It no longer mattered what they were jumping into, this was gonna be fun. ARES pinged "Fleet prepared, on your command."

"Let's go get your sibling ARES, go for fleet sub-space jump."

New Eden was preparing to make its final stand. Any preparations that could be made had been. LIBRA had salvaged sensor data from the rest of the fleet into something usable. The very little amount of repairs that could be done had been. But feelings across the fleet were grim. People who kept gods were making peace or praying. The first mate was watching the Kroack fleet edge closer over the limited sensor data. "Cap they're almost in the system." Captain Ideas muttered a swear under her breath. " Notify the fleet to battle stations. Aim for their heavy gun when they get close. If we're going down, let's not make it easy."

"Their vanguard is entering the system, our front line is engaged already." Jess was praying to whoever might be listening, when LIBRA pinged. "Multiple sub-space jumps detected off Starboard side. Message incoming." "Let it through, I could cuse out a Kroack." Captain Ideas watched the video feed flicker to life, and was at a loss for words when it was a human on the other end. "New Eden, I am Knight-Captain Gias aboard the Knights of Terra Ark ship, New Jerusalem. Pull your people back and let us get to work."

Captain Ideas new plan: get her people behind her new friends and figure out what they want later. "Fleet full retreat into range of Eden's big guns. Do not fire on the unidentified fleet." Her bridge was staring at her. "That was an order. Now!" She barked.

[matematcher]

5 Ways Kevin Samuels Prepared Me for Marriage

1. Releasing the need for a high value man

I am not “settling” if I marry an “average” man, something social media dating content has led me to believe. I do not need a man making over $100k nor do I need a CEO/businessman type of guy.

2. Working to bring in income

I saw myself maybe having a side hustle or business, however Mr. Samuels has led me to realize that it’s ok to have a career and combine income for the benefit of the household. This is more realistic for me since I always want a sense of independence

3. Unless you’re a virgin, there’s no point in holding out

I have always struggled with finding the “right” time to become intimate with a man. I watched a video of KS where he perfectly explained why it doesn’t matter if you sleep with men on the first date or after 90 days. It clicked for me. No, you don’t have to sleep with a man on the first date. But, don’t play games because sex is what men want, including those serious about marriage with you.

4. Single women keep women single

Be cautious about your single friends who cannot accept the fact that you are married now. The ones who complain all day and insist on your help for finding a man.

Also, I learned not to feel guilty about friendships fizzling away. Our lives are different now and they should be understanding. This includes your single family members as well (yes, your mama)

5. Your Husband is #1

Anyone can be married but not everyone can excel in their role as a wife (or husband). You must know your role , per the expectations of your husband

Prioritizing your husband can be off putting to others. It’s the key to a long, successful marriage

Choosing your battles. Being cooperative in times you want to be defensive or independent. Smiling and choosing to submit and maybe having “the talk” at a later time.

Put that man on a pedestal and don’t let dating reels trick you out of your spot

[mirisss]

Heartfelt choices Munjung arc

Evnne Mun Junghyun x afab! reader

Wordcount ≈ 8.1k

Warnings: bullying, having trouble making friends, kissing, I think that’s it

Thank you for the request! 

Please reblog!

(Y/n) is Ricky’s younger sister (you can imagine them being adoptive siblings if you want), Ricky and Junghyun are best friends but Ricky is a year older than Munjung.

A stand-alone fic from this post, does not reference the original at all

Third Person POV

On a typical Saturday afternoon, the rhythmic bounce of a basketball echoed through the quiet streets of Seoul as Junghyun and Ricky engaged in their favorite pastime. The neighborhood court, surrounded by high-rise buildings and adorned with graffiti, was their sacred ground for friendly competition and shared laughter.

Dribbling the ball with finesse, Junghyun glanced at Ricky, who was already in position, ready for the impending showdown. The sun cast a warm glow over their surroundings, creating a vibrant backdrop for the friendly match that was about to unfold.

"Ready to lose, Ricky?" Junghyun teased, a playful smirk playing on his lips.

Ricky chuckled in response, his competitive spirit igniting. "We'll see about that, my friend. Prepare for some dazzling moves you've never seen before."

The game unfolded with a symphony of squeaking sneakers and the occasional thud of the basketball hitting the asphalt. They moved in perfect harmony, a dance of athleticism and camaraderie that defined their friendship. Laughter and friendly banter filled the air as they traded baskets, each point celebrated as a small victory.

After an exhilarating match that left them both breathless, they decided to shift their attention to another shared passion — video games. The duo made their way to Junghyun's house, a cozy refuge nestled in the urban sprawl. Inside, the ambient glow of screens illuminated the room as they settled in for a gaming session.

Junghyun's gaming setup was nothing short of impressive, featuring high-tech consoles, comfortable chairs, and an array of games that promised hours of entertainment. With controllers in hand, they dove into the virtual worlds that awaited them, the digital realm becoming an extension of their shared adventures.

Whether they were exploring fantasy landscapes, engaging in epic battles, or strategizing their way through virtual challenges, Junghyun and Ricky were in their element. The walls of Junghyun's room echoed with their laughter, the bond of their friendship strengthening with each shared victory and defeat.

While Ricky was occupied in the bathroom, Junghyun couldn't help but feel a tinge of curiosity as he noticed Ricky's phone vibrating with an incoming call. Glancing at the screen, he saw the name "(Y/n)" accompanied by a picture of a cheerful and unfamiliar girl. The intrigue got the better of him, and instead of answering the call, Junghyun decided to wait for Ricky's return and satisfy his curiosity.

As the phone continued to ring, Junghyun couldn't help but wonder who the mystery caller was. Was it a new friend from school or someone from Ricky's extended family? The playful banter and laughter that often filled their hangouts suddenly felt replaced by an air of mystery.

When Ricky emerged from the bathroom, Junghyun seized the opportunity to quell his curiosity. With an arched eyebrow and a playful grin, he asked, "Hey, Ricky, who's (Y/n)? Got a secret admirer or something?"

Ricky, who had been unaware of the missed call, looked puzzled for a moment before realizing what Junghyun was referring to. A sheepish smile played on his lips as he scratched the back of his head. "Oh, that's just my little sister, (Y/n). She probably wanted to ask if I could grab something on the way home."

Junghyun's eyes widened in surprise, a mix of shock and amusement coloring his expression. "Wait, you have a sister? And she's the one calling you during our epic gaming sessions? Why didn't you introduce me to her before?"

Ricky chuckled at Junghyun's reaction. "Yeah, she's a year younger. I guess I forgot to mention her. Next time, I'll make sure you meet her. She's pretty cool, you know."

While Junghyun kept the discovery of Ricky's younger sister, (Y/n), to himself during their gaming session, he couldn't shake off the subtle intrigue her name had ignited. The image on Ricky's phone lingered in his mind — a snapshot capturing (Y/n)'s cheerful demeanor and radiant smile.

As they continued to play, Junghyun found himself stealing occasional glances at Ricky's phone, almost as if the image of (Y/n) had imprinted itself in his thoughts. He couldn't deny a sense of curiosity and perhaps a growing admiration for the girl he had never met.

Throughout the gaming session, Junghyun couldn't help but wonder what (Y/n) was like in person. Did her personality match the warmth he saw in the photo? The mystery surrounding Ricky's younger sister became an unspoken curiosity that lingered beneath the surface of their banter and gaming camaraderie.

Ricky entered his home, still buzzing with the excitement of the day's adventures with Junghyun. Little did he know that his earlier missed call from (Y/n) had consequences awaiting him. As he closed the door behind him, he was met with the sight of (Y/n) standing there, arms crossed, and a noticeable pout on her face.

"What took you so long to answer my call, Ricky?" (Y/n) asked, her tone a mix of annoyance and playful reproach.

Ricky, caught off guard by her unexpected presence and the accusation, fumbled for words. "Oh, hey (Y/n). I was probably in the middle of something. What's up?"

(Y/n)'s pout deepened as she explained, "I called because I wanted you to accompany me home from my friend's place. But since you didn't pick up, I had to come back all by myself."

Ricky's expression shifted from confusion to mild guilt as he realized the impact of his missed call. "Oh, I'm sorry about that. I was with Junghyun, and I guess I lost track of time. Didn't mean to leave you hanging."

(Y/n) sighed, her irritation softening into a smile. "It's okay, big brother. Just next time, try not to forget your responsibilities because you're too busy with your friend."

Ricky nodded, understanding the gentle scolding from his younger sister. "Yeah, you're right. I'll make it up to you, promise. How about we grab some snacks and catch up on what happened with you today?"

The mention of snacks immediately brightened (Y/n)'s mood, and she grinned. "Deal! But you owe me, Ricky. Big brothers should always be there for their little sisters, you know."

The playful banter between the siblings filled the air, and as they headed to the kitchen for their impromptu snack session, Ricky couldn't help but think about how the dynamics of his friendships and family were intricately interwoven. Little did he realize that this moment was just the beginning of a series of events that would bring together the worlds of basketball, video games, and sibling bonds in unexpected and delightful ways.

As Ricky and (Y/n) sat in the cozy kitchen, sharing snacks and catching up on the day's events, Ricky's memory was jogged by a promise he had made to Junghyun. With a grin, he turned to his younger sister.

"Hey, (Y/n), remember Junghyun, my friend I've told you about? The one I play basketball and video games with?"

(Y/n) nodded a curious glint in her eyes. "Yeah, I remember. What about him?"

"Well, he's been bugging me to introduce him to my awesome little sister," Ricky said with a teasing smile. "How about coming with me tomorrow to play basketball with us? It'll be fun!"

(Y/n)'s eyes lit up with excitement. The prospect of joining in on the basketball action intrigued her. "Really? That sounds like a blast! I'm in!"

Ricky chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Great! It'll be a chance for Junghyun to see the incredible skills of my little sis in action. Plus, I promised him he'd get to meet you."

The siblings continued to chat and plan for the upcoming basketball session. Ricky couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation, looking forward to the merging of two important aspects of his life – his best friend, Junghyun, and his beloved sister, (Y/n).

Little did they know that the next day would bring a convergence of shared passions, laughter, and the beginning of a new chapter in the trio's friendship. The basketball court, once a haven for just Ricky and Junghyun, was about to witness the inclusion of a new player, and the bonds of friendship would be strengthened even further on that sunny day in Seoul.

Junghyun had arrived early at the familiar basketball court, bouncing the basketball in rhythmic anticipation. The morning sun painted the court with a warm glow as he eagerly awaited Ricky's arrival. To his surprise, he noticed Ricky approaching with someone he hadn't expected, a shorter figure walking beside him.

As Ricky and (Y/n) drew closer, Junghyun's eyes widened in realization. The mystery girl was none other than Ricky's younger sister, (Y/n). A mix of surprise and delight spread across Junghyun's face as he greeted them.

"Hey, Ricky! Good morning," Junghyun called out, his voice laced with genuine excitement. "And who do we have here?"

Ricky grinned, exchanging a knowing glance with (Y/n). "Junghyun, meet my awesome little sister, (Y/n). (Y/n), this is Junghyun, the guy I've been telling you about."

(Y/n) waved with a friendly smile, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Nice to finally meet you, Junghyun! Ricky talks about you all the time."

Junghyun returned the greeting, still slightly taken aback by the unexpected but delightful surprise. "Likewise, (Y/n)! I didn't expect Ricky to bring anyone today. This is a pleasant surprise."

Ricky chuckled, enjoying Junghyun's reaction. "Surprises make life interesting, my friend. And what better way to spend the morning than with a game of basketball and the company of my two favorite people?"

The trio headed to the court, and as they warmed up, Junghyun couldn't help but appreciate the newfound energy that (Y/n) brought to their dynamic. The court, once a space exclusively shared by Ricky and Junghyun, now resonated with the laughter and banter of the inseparable trio.

The trio took their positions on the basketball court, the vibrant energy of the morning fueling their enthusiasm. Ricky and Junghyun, both tall and seasoned players, exchanged a knowing look, ready for their usual friendly competition. (Y/n), however, stood a bit uncertainly, a basketball in her hands, and a determined yet slightly apprehensive expression on her face.

Ricky, noticing (Y/n)'s hesitation, couldn't resist a teasing grin. "Don't worry, (Y/n), we'll go easy on you. Basketball is in our blood, after all."

Junghyun joined in with a chuckle, trying to ease any nerves. "Yeah, it's all in good fun. You'll get the hang of it!"

(Y/n) took a deep breath, nodding with determination. "Okay, I'll give it a shot. But fair warning, I've never really played basketball before."

The game began, and it didn't take long for (Y/n) to realize the stark difference in height and experience. Ricky and Junghyun effortlessly dribbled, passed, and shot the ball with precision, their movements fluid and practiced. (Y/n), on the other hand, found herself navigating the court with a mix of enthusiasm and a touch of clumsiness, her smaller stature posing a unique challenge.

(Y/n)'s playful pout deepened as her attempt at the basket fell short once again. Frustration and a hint of amusement danced in her eyes, unaware that Junghyun, observing from the sidelines, found her endearing with each missed shot.

Unable to resist the urge to lend a helping hand, Junghyun approached (Y/n) with a friendly smile. "Hey, (Y/n), mind if I give you a few tips? It's all in the wrist."

(Y/n) turned to him, grateful for the assistance. "Sure, Junghyun. I could use all the help I can get."

As Junghyun stood behind her, he gently adjusted her grip on the basketball, guiding her through the proper technique. The warmth of his presence and the shared focus on improving her shot created a moment of connection that wasn't lost on (Y/n). She couldn't help but notice the kindness in Junghyun's eyes and the genuine desire to help her improve.

With Junghyun's guidance, (Y/n) took a deep breath and attempted another shot. This time, the ball sailed through the air with a newfound trajectory, hitting the rim and bouncing off. While it wasn't a perfect shot, it was a marked improvement.

Junghyun grinned, encouraging her. "See, you're getting the hang of it! Just keep practicing, and soon you'll be sinking those shots like a pro."

As they continued their impromptu basketball lesson, (Y/n) couldn't help but steal glances at Junghyun. His genuine smile, the way he patiently helped her, and the subtle scent of his cologne created a combination that left an impression. (Y/n) found herself thinking that perhaps basketball wasn't the only thing she was discovering that day.

Ricky leaned against the basketball pole, a contemplative smile playing on his lips as he observed the interaction between Junghyun and (Y/n). While some brothers might be protective and cautious about their friends getting too close to their sisters, Ricky felt a sense of ease and trust when it came to Junghyun.

He watched as Junghyun patiently guided (Y/n), offering encouragement and friendly tips. Ricky couldn't help but appreciate the genuine connection between them. Junghyun's kindness and (Y/n)'s determination painted a scene that reassured Ricky, affirming the depth of their friendship and the trust he had in both of them.

It wasn't lost on Ricky that Junghyun was not just a friend; he was a trusted companion who shared in the joys and challenges of Ricky's life. Their bond ran deep, and Ricky knew that Junghyun respected the boundaries that mattered. As he witnessed the camaraderie on the basketball court, Ricky couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the harmony that existed between his best friend and his sister.

Later, as the trio continued their game, Ricky joined in on the fun, adding to the playful banter and laughter that echoed across the court. The dynamics of their friendship, now enriched by shared moments on and off the court, promised a future of enduring connections and the kind of bond that went beyond mere friendship.

In the heart of Seoul, amidst the bouncing basketballs and shared laughter, Ricky, Junghyun, and (Y/n) continued to weave the tapestry of their friendship—one shot, one smile, and one shared moment at a time.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the cityscape, the trio decided it was time to call it a day. The basketball court, once filled with the echoes of their laughter and the rhythmic thud of the ball, now settled into a tranquil evening.

With the court now behind them, (Y/n) chatted animatedly with Ricky as they walked home. Her excitement bubbled over as she recounted the day's adventures, the missed shots, the shared laughs, and the unexpected basketball lesson courtesy of Junghyun.

"I can't believe I never played basketball before! It was so much fun," (Y/n) exclaimed, her eyes shining with the residual joy of the day. "And Junghyun was really nice, too! Thanks for bringing me, Ricky."

Ricky smiled, appreciating his sister's enthusiasm. "Anytime, (Y/n). I'm glad you had fun. Junghyun seemed to enjoy it too."

(Y/n) nodded, a playful pout forming on her lips. "I wish he lived in our direction so he could walk us home more often. It's a little sad we have to say goodbye here."

Ricky chuckled at his sister's sentiment. "Well, we'll just have to plan more hangouts in the future. Maybe next time we can include video games at our place."

(Y/n)'s eyes lit up at the idea. "That sounds amazing! I can't wait!"

As they continued their walk, the city lights began to flicker to life, casting a gentle glow on the familiar streets of Seoul. The trio, bound by friendship and shared experiences, strolled home with hearts full of laughter and the promise of many more adventures to come.

The day may have come to an end, but the memories forged on the basketball court and the city streets were etched into the tapestry of their friendship, creating a mosaic of moments that would be cherished for years to come.

As the familiar Wednesday evening routine unfolded, Ricky and Junghyun found themselves immersed in the world of video games at Junghyun's place. The sound of controllers clicking and the glow of the screens provided a backdrop for their laughter and friendly banter.

In between rounds of intense gameplay, Junghyun couldn't help but let his curiosity get the better of him. He hesitated for a moment before finally deciding to ask Ricky about (Y/n), his interest evident in his voice.

"So, Ricky," Junghyun began casually, "how's (Y/n) doing? It seemed like she had a blast playing basketball the other day."

Ricky, engrossed in the game, looked up with a grin. "Yeah, she loved it. I think she's secretly practicing her shots when I'm not looking."

Junghyun chuckled, masking the subtle curiosity that lingered beneath the surface. "She's a quick learner. It was fun having her join us. Do you guys hang out often?"

Ricky shrugged, pausing the game for a moment. "Not as much as we'd like to, with school and everything. But we have our moments. She's pretty cool, isn't she?"

Junghyun nodded, offering a nonchalant response, "Yeah, definitely. I was just curious. You know, siblings can be a handful."

Ricky smirked, catching onto Junghyun's inquisitive tone. "You're curious about my sister, huh? Don't tell me you've got a little crush on her."

Junghyun's cheeks tinted slightly, and he stammered, "N-no, it's not like that. I was just making conversation."

Ricky laughed, playfully nudging his friend. "Relax, man. (Y/n)'s a great sister. Just don't go stealing her away from me, alright?"

Junghyun chuckled nervously, the teasing banter concealing the subtle hints of curiosity and admiration that lingered in the air. As the video game session continued, Junghyun couldn't shake the feeling that his feelings were becoming more than just friendly curiosity. Little did he know, the trio's interactions were gradually evolving, and the threads of their friendship were weaving a story that went beyond the confines of school, basketball courts, and video game sessions.

As the evening unfolded, the seed of curiosity that Junghyun had planted in his own mind continued to grow. The idea of having a crush on (Y/n) lingered in his thoughts, and he found himself reflecting on the implications of such feelings.

The internal debate raged on. On one hand, Junghyun acknowledged the genuine connection he felt with (Y/n) and the undeniable attraction he sensed. She was cute, fun, and had a unique charm that drew him in. On the other hand, the ethical considerations weighed heavily on his mind. Ricky was not just a friend; he was Junghyun's best friend.

The internal struggle led Junghyun to question whether pursuing any romantic interest in (Y/n) would jeopardize his friendship with Ricky. Loyalty to his best friend was a priority, and Junghyun didn't want to compromise their bond over personal feelings.

As the evening of video games continued, Junghyun tried to push these thoughts to the back of his mind. He focused on enjoying the present moment, the camaraderie with Ricky, and the shared laughter that had defined their friendship. Yet, every now and then, a glance or a shared joke with (Y/n) would reignite the internal dilemma.

The realization that he might be developing feelings for Ricky's sister brought a mix of excitement and anxiety. Should he discuss it with Ricky? Would it jeopardize their friendship? These questions lingered, leaving Junghyun in a state of uncertainty.

The complexities of navigating feelings within the confines of friendship and unspoken boundaries added a layer of complexity to the trio's dynamic. Little did Junghyun know that the days ahead would offer opportunities for self-discovery and the exploration of emotions that would shape the course of their evolving friendship.

The mall was bustling with activity as Ricky and Junghyun strolled through the aisles of clothing stores. Ricky, with his keen eye for fashion, couldn't resist the allure of the latest trends, and Junghyun found himself once again swept up in his best friend's enthusiasm for shopping.

"I'm telling you, Junghyun, the right outfit can change your whole vibe," Ricky declared, holding up a stylish jacket. "You should try something new today!"

Junghyun chuckled, glancing at the jacket in Ricky's hand. "You know I'm not as into fashion as you are, Ricky. But hey, if you find something cool, maybe I'll give it a shot."

As they explored the mall, the dynamic duo moved seamlessly between stores, Ricky offering fashion advice and Junghyun occasionally picking out items that caught his eye. The banter and laughter echoed through the mall, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared moments.

As they browsed through racks of clothes, Junghyun couldn't help but notice that Ricky seemed extra energized today. His excitement wasn't just about the clothes; it was the shared experience of shopping, trying on different styles, and enjoying each other's company.

In the midst of their shopping spree, Ricky spotted a display of accessories and dragged Junghyun toward it. "Accessories can make or break an outfit, my friend. Let's find something to spice up your look!"

Amidst the colorful array of hats, scarves, and bracelets, Junghyun found himself getting into the spirit of the shopping adventure. Ricky's infectious enthusiasm had a way of turning even the most mundane tasks into memorable experiences.

As they continued their exploration of the mall, Ricky's phone buzzed with a message. It was (Y/n), expressing her regret that she couldn't join them on this shopping escapade. Ricky chuckled, sharing the message with Junghyun.

"(Y/n) says she's missing out on the fashion show today. We'll have to bring her next time," Ricky said with a grin.

Junghyun agreed, feeling a subtle sense of reassurance. The trio's friendship, whether it was shooting hoops, playing video games, or even shopping for clothes, continued to evolve, weaving a tapestry of shared experiences and unspoken connections.

The ambiance of the cozy café was interrupted by the buzzing of Ricky's phone. Junghyun, left alone at the table as Ricky went to the counter to get their drinks, saw (Y/n)'s name flashing on the screen. Out of habit, he picked up the call, not realizing that (Y/n) hadn't expected anyone else to answer.

"Hello?" Junghyun greeted, expecting a casual conversation.

On the other end of the line, (Y/n)'s voice trembled as she spoke. "Ricky, is that you?"

Junghyun furrowed his brow, sensing the distress in her tone. "Uh, no, it's Junghyun. Ricky's getting our drinks. What's up?"

There was a brief pause, and then (Y/n) sniffled before speaking. "Oh, I didn't realize. Um, can you tell Ricky to come pick me up? I'm at the park, and I don't feel very well."

Concern crept into Junghyun's expression as he processed (Y/n)'s words. "Of course, (Y/n). Are you okay? What happened?"

(Y/n) hesitated, her voice wavering. "I think I ate something that didn't agree with me. I'm feeling nauseous, and I really don't want to walk home alone."

Junghyun's protective instincts kicked in, and he reassured her, "Don't worry. I'll let Ricky know, and he'll come get you. Just hang in there, okay?"

(Y/n) expressed her gratitude before hanging up, leaving Junghyun with a mix of concern and the responsibility to convey the message to Ricky. As Ricky returned with the drinks, Junghyun couldn't hide the urgency in his expression.

"Hey, Ricky, (Y/n) called. She's not feeling well and asked if you could come pick her up at the park. Something about not feeling great after eating," Junghyun explained quickly.

Ricky's eyes widened, and he grabbed his phone. "Oh no, I'll head over right away." “I’ll come with you,” Junghyun said. 

Upon reaching the park, Ricky and Junghyun spotted (Y/n) sitting alone under a tree, tears streaming down her face. The sight of her torn shirt and the sticky drink covering her sparked a mix of anger and concern in Ricky's eyes. Without needing an explanation, he understood that (Y/n) had been subjected to bullying by the girls she had hung out with.

Ricky rushed to her side, his protective instincts taking over. "Hey, (Y/n), what happened? Are you okay?"

(Y/n) looked up, her tear-stained face revealing the distress she was in. She tried to compose herself as Ricky and Junghyun approached, but the pain in her eyes was undeniable.

"They... they were mean," (Y/n) stammered, her voice quivering. "They ripped my shirt, poured this drink on me, and laughed. I thought things would be different here."

Ricky's expression darkened with a mix of anger and empathy. He gently placed a hand on (Y/n)'s shoulder, offering comfort. "I'm so sorry, (Y/n). No one should treat you like that. We're here for you."

Junghyun, witnessing the heartbreaking scene, clenched his fists, a silent fury burning in his eyes. The trio, usually bound by laughter and shared adventures, now faced a harsh reality – the cruelty of bullying and the pain it inflicted on someone they cared about.

Ricky helped (Y/n) stand, his protective stance clear to anyone who dared to harm his sister. "Let's get you home, okay? We've got your back."

As they walked away from the park, Ricky casting a stern glance at anyone who dared to stare, Junghyun silently vowed to support (Y/n) in any way he could. The incident cast a shadow over their evening, but it also illuminated the strength of their friendship and the unwavering support they offered each other in times of adversity.

In the quiet of the living room, Ricky and Junghyun sat side by side, their expressions reflecting the shared concern for (Y/n). Ricky's gaze was heavy with worry, and Junghyun's face bore the weight of understanding the gravity of the situation.

Ricky took a deep breath before speaking, the weight of his words hanging in the air. "This isn't the first time (Y/n) has dealt with bullying. It's one of the reasons we moved here in the first place – to give her a fresh start, away from all that negativity."

Junghyun nodded, absorbing the information. The revelation deepened his understanding of (Y/n)'s experiences and the challenges she faced. "I had no idea. She seemed so cheerful and lively."

Ricky sighed, his concern evident. "Yeah, she tries to keep a positive front, but she's been through a lot. It's been tough for her to trust people and make friends. Today was a setback, and I hate seeing her go through it again."

The weight of (Y/n)'s past experiences and the recent incident hung in the air, creating a somber atmosphere in the room. Junghyun felt a surge of determination, a commitment to be there for (Y/n) and support her in overcoming the challenges she faced.

"We'll be here for her," Junghyun asserted, his tone resolute. "She doesn't have to go through this alone. We'll make sure she feels safe and supported."

Ricky looked at Junghyun with gratitude, appreciating the solidarity his best friend offered. "Thanks, man. I knew I could count on you. She needs all the friends she can get."

As (Y/n) emerged from the shower, her demeanor subdued but determined, Ricky and Junghyun greeted her with reassuring smiles. 

As the trio gathered in the living room, the subdued atmosphere slowly gave way to a more comfortable silence. Junghyun, sensing the need to shift the mood, decided to engage in conversation.

"Hey, (Y/n), which school do you go to?" Junghyun asked, realizing that he hadn't seen her at the school he attended.

(Y/n) looked up, offering a small smile. "I go to a different school, not the one Ricky and you go to. It's closer to home."

Junghyun nodded in understanding. "Ah, that makes sense. No wonder I haven't run into you at our school. How do you like it there?"

(Y/n) shrugged, her expression thoughtful. "It's okay. I've been trying to make friends, but it's not as easy as I thought."

Junghyun empathized with her struggle, recalling the earlier conversation about (Y/n)'s past experiences with bullying. "Yeah, making friends can be tough, but I'm sure you'll find your people. And hey, you've got us now, right?"

Ricky chimed in, reinforcing Junghyun's words. "Absolutely. We've got your back, (Y/n). You don't have to go through this alone."

(Y/n) smiled appreciatively at both of them. "Thanks, guys. It means a lot. I'm lucky to have you as friends."

The trio, strengthened by their shared understanding and the bonds of friendship that continued to deepen, settled into a more relaxed atmosphere. The conversation shifted to lighter topics, and the living room echoed with laughter once again.

The atmosphere at home shifted after Junghyun had left. The weight of the recent events lingered in the air, and (Y/n)'s mother, sensing the change, observed her children closely. As the evening settled in, (Y/n) hesitated for a moment before broaching a significant request.

"Mom, do you think I could transfer to Ricky's school?" (Y/n) asked, her eyes earnest.

Their mother looked at Ricky, her expression thoughtful. The unspoken understanding passed between mother and son, a silent acknowledgment of the struggles (Y/n) had faced once again. Ricky's gaze, filled with concern, met his mother's.

(Y/n)'s mother sighed softly before responding, "Sweetheart, is everything okay at your current school?"

(Y/n) hesitated before nodding. "Yeah, it's just... I thought it would be different, but I've been having a hard time making friends, and today, well..."

Ricky interjected, not wanting (Y/n) to bear the burden alone. "She was bullied, Mom. Again."

Their mother's eyes softened with empathy. "Oh, (Y/n), I'm so sorry. We'll figure this out. And if transferring to Ricky's school is what you want, we'll make it happen."

(Y/n) sighed with relief, grateful for the support. "Thanks, Mom. I just want to be closer to you and Ricky, and Junghyun too. They're my real friends."

Ricky nodded in agreement, the protective older brother in him surfacing. "We'll make sure you're safe, (Y/n). No one messes with my sister."

As the evening unfolded, plans were set into motion for (Y/n)'s transfer to Ricky's school. Their mother, determined to create an environment where her children felt safe and supported, made the necessary arrangements. The trio, now facing the challenges of school and friendship with renewed determination, found solace in the knowledge that they had each other's backs.

As (Y/n) walked alongside Ricky on that Monday morning to her new school, a mix of nervousness and anticipation gripped her. The recent events had left a mark, and the fear of facing potential bullying once again lingered in her thoughts. However, the comforting presence of Ricky beside her reassured her to some extent.

Ricky, sensing his sister's apprehension, offered a reassuring smile. "You'll do great, (Y/n). Just be yourself, and don't worry too much. Junghyun and I are here for you."

(Y/n) nodded, appreciating Ricky's support. "I know, but what if people here are just like the ones at my old school?"

Ricky gently squeezed her shoulder. "We'll face that together, (Y/n). But remember, not everyone is the same. You might find some amazing friends here too."

As they entered the school premises, (Y/n) couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. The bustling hallways, unfamiliar faces, and the chatter of students created a whirlwind of emotions. Ricky walked her to her first class, offering a reassuring smile before heading to his own.

As (Y/n) stepped into her first class, a wave of relief washed over her when she spotted Junghyun sitting among the other students. The joy of having a familiar face in the classroom lifted her spirits, dispelling some of the nervous energy that had accompanied her.

A mix of happiness and apprehension filled her as she noticed Junghyun sitting with a group of boys. Not wanting to interrupt their conversation, she hesitated, deciding to find an empty seat nearby.

However, Junghyun, ever perceptive, immediately noticed (Y/n) entering the classroom. Without missing a beat, he exclaimed her name with genuine excitement, his voice echoing through the room. "Hey, (Y/n)! Over here!"

The attention turned toward her, and a warm smile spread across Junghyun's face as he gestured for her to join their group. The other boys welcomed her with friendly nods and smiles, making (Y/n) feel instantly at ease.

Relieved and overjoyed, (Y/n) quickly moved to the desk beside Junghyun, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Hey, Junghyun! I'm so glad you're in my class. I didn't expect it."

Junghyun chuckled, his warmth evident. "I was hoping we'd end up in the same class too. Now, you won't be alone. We've got this!"

As the teacher started the class, (Y/n) felt a newfound sense of belonging. The worries about being alone dissipated, replaced by the comfort of having Junghyun by her side. The group of friends around her welcomed her into their circle, and the classroom became a space where shared laughter and camaraderie thrived.

In that moment, (Y/n) realized that even in a new school, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, the presence of true friends like Junghyun made all the difference. The journey through the halls of their shared school had just become a bit brighter, and the trio's bond continued to flourish in the heart of Seoul.

As the weeks unfolded, the trio's bond deepened, and (Y/n) and Junghyun found themselves growing closer in a way that went beyond friendship. The shared moments of laughter, the camaraderie on the basketball court, and the genuine connection they shared fostered a special connection between them. However, unspoken feelings lingered beneath the surface, creating a delicate dance of emotions.

Both (Y/n) and Junghyun harbored feelings for each other, but a shared understanding prevailed – they didn't want to complicate their friendship with Ricky. The unspoken agreement hung in the air, a mutual decision to prioritize the harmony of the trio over individual romantic pursuits.

The basketball court became a haven for the three friends, a place where the rhythm of the game echoed the unspoken emotions between (Y/n) and Junghyun. With each dribble, pass, and shared victory, the unspoken connection between them continued to grow. (Y/n) improved her skills with every game, encouraged by the supportive atmosphere that surrounded her.

The trio's shared experiences created a tapestry of memories that bound them together. Whether it was the thrill of a close game, the excitement of a well-executed play, or the shared joy of a victory, the basketball court became a sanctuary where their friendship thrived.

Yet, beneath the surface, the complexity of unspoken feelings added a layer of tension to their interactions. (Y/n) and Junghyun navigated the delicate balance of growing closer while respecting the unspoken boundaries that protected their friendship with Ricky.

Ricky, keenly observant of the dynamics between his sister and his best friend, couldn't help but find amusement in the unspoken tension that hung in the air. The stolen glances, the shared smiles, and the subtle gestures didn't escape his notice. It was clear to him that (Y/n) and Junghyun were harboring feelings for each other, a truth that seemed almost comically obvious.

In private moments, when the trio gathered to play basketball or share laughs, Ricky couldn't help but notice the lingering looks exchanged between (Y/n) and Junghyun. The unspoken connection was palpable, creating a dynamic that added a layer of complexity to their friendship.

While Ricky found their reluctance to address their feelings endearing, he also sensed the unspoken reason behind their hesitance – the fear of putting him in an awkward position. Their consideration for his feelings touched him, and he appreciated the unspoken pact they seemed to have formed to maintain the harmony of their friendship.

With a mischievous glint in his eye, Ricky decided to playfully address the elephant in the room during one of their basketball sessions.

"Hey, you two lovebirds, is there something you're not telling me?" Ricky teased, a playful smirk on his face.

(Y/n) and Junghyun exchanged glances, their cheeks tinted with a subtle blush. Ricky's comment had hit the mark, unraveling the unspoken tension in the air.

(Y/n) chuckled nervously, "What are you talking about, Ricky? We're just friends."

Junghyun nodded in agreement, though his eyes betrayed a hint of something more. "Yeah, just friends. Nothing to worry about, Ricky."

Ricky couldn't contain his laughter at (Y/n) and Junghyun's somewhat awkward attempts to brush off his playful inquiry. Their blushes and stammered responses only fueled his amusement.

"Come on, guys, you're terrible at hiding it. I thought you had a crush on each other or something," Ricky teased, his grin widening.

(Y/n) nervously laughed, attempting to deflect the conversation. "Crush? Pfft, no way. Junghyun and I are just really good friends, right, Junghyun?"

Junghyun, still sporting a faint blush, nodded in agreement. "Exactly, just friends. No crushes here."

Ricky continued to chuckle, enjoying the banter. "Alright, if you say so. But if I catch you two writing each other love letters or something, I won't be surprised."

As the trio took a break from their intense basketball game, (Y/n) found herself drawn to a quiet moment of reflection. Seated on the sidelines, her gaze inadvertently drifted towards Junghyun. Lost in thought, she couldn't help but admire his athleticism, the way he effortlessly soared across the basketball court, the genuine kindness that emanated from him, and the handsome features that seemed to light up the space around him.

Unbeknownst to her, Junghyun noticed the subtle admiration in (Y/n)'s eyes. His playful nature took over, and he decided to approach her with a teasing grin.

"Admiring my basketball skills, (Y/n)?" Junghyun quipped, a twinkle in his eye as he joined her on the sidelines.

Caught off guard, (Y/n) blushed, realizing she had been caught in a moment of silent admiration. "Oh, um, I was just... you know, thinking about how you look like a pro out there."

Junghyun chuckled, appreciating the compliment. "Well, you're not too shabby yourself, especially considering you've improved so much. Maybe I should take some notes from you."

(Y/n) smiled at the banter, feeling a playful energy in the air. "Oh, please. You're the real basketball star here. I'm just trying to keep up."

Ricky, ever the mischievous older brother, couldn't resist the opportunity to play matchmaker. Observing (Y/n) and Junghyun standing close together during the break, he hatched a plan to nudge them even closer. As he casually strolled over to grab a water bottle, he decided to add a playful twist to the situation.

With a sly grin, Ricky pretended to trip just a little, using the moment to give Junghyun a gentle push forward. The unsuspecting Junghyun stumbled forward, and (Y/n), quick on her feet, instinctively reached out to help stabilize the tall boy.

"Oops, my bad!" Ricky exclaimed, feigning innocence as he grinned mischievously.

Junghyun, catching his balance, shot Ricky a knowing look, realizing he had just been subtly pushed toward (Y/n). Meanwhile, (Y/n) blushed at the unexpected closeness but continued to play along with a sheepish smile.

Ricky, seizing the opportunity, teased, "Careful there, Junghyun! Looks like you're getting a bit wobbly on your feet. Luckily, (Y/n) was here to save the day."

Caught in the orchestrated closeness by Ricky's playful intervention, Junghyun found himself looking down into (Y/n)'s eyes, the proximity between them more palpable than ever. The realization of just how close they were sent a subtle thrill through both of their hearts.

In that shared moment, the unspoken connection between Junghyun and (Y/n) seemed to intensify. His gaze lingered on her, and he couldn't help but notice the delicate proximity between their faces. The realization that if he leaned in just a little, their noses would touch created a fluttering sensation in his chest.

(Y/n), equally aware of the closeness, felt her heart skip a beat. The air around them seemed to crackle with an unspoken energy, and the shared laughter from Ricky's playful intervention faded into the background.

Ricky's playful teasing hung in the air as he asked if another push was necessary or if they would take matters into their own hands. With a lighthearted chuckle, he excused himself, heading off to buy snacks and leaving Junghyun and (Y/n) alone on the basketball court.

As the sounds of the bustling city surrounded them, Junghyun, emboldened by Ricky's jest and a sudden surge of confidence, found himself captivated by the proximity between him and (Y/n). His gaze flickered between her eyes and her lips, a silent invitation lingering in the air.

(Y/n), her heart racing with a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty, met Junghyun's eyes. The unspoken tension between them seemed to amplify, creating a charged atmosphere.

Seizing the moment, Junghyun leaned down, closing the distance between them. His lips hovered just above (Y/n)'s, the unspoken question echoing in the air.

In that suspended moment, time seemed to slow, the vibrant city sounds fading into the background. The basketball court, once a playground for shared laughter and playful banter, became the canvas for an unspoken chapter in the evolving story of (Y/n), Junghyun, and the delicate dance of their emotions.

As Junghyun's lips finally met (Y/n)'s in a gentle kiss, the echoes of friendship transformed into the beginning of something more profound. The unspoken connection that had been weaving its threads through the trio's journey finally found expression in the shared sweetness of that unexpected kiss, setting the stage for a new chapter in the heart of Seoul.

In the aftermath of the unexpected kiss, Junghyun and (Y/n) took a step back from each other, their eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. The basketball court, once a witness to their playful camaraderie, now became the backdrop for a more profound conversation about their feelings.

(Y/n) broke the momentary silence, her voice gentle but filled with curiosity, "Junghyun, I... I didn't expect that. What does this mean for us?"

Junghyun, still caught in the warmth of the shared moment, met (Y/n)'s gaze. A soft smile played on his lips as he spoke, "I've liked you for a while now, (Y/n). I was just afraid of making things complicated with Ricky. But after that kiss, I think it's time we talk about what this means for us."

(Y/n) nodded, her heart echoing the sentiment. "I like you too, Junghyun, but I don't want to jeopardize our friendship with Ricky. We need to be careful about this."

Junghyun agreed, a seriousness settling in. "I understand, (Y/n). Our friendship with Ricky is important, and I don't want to hurt him. We'll navigate this together, taking it slow and being mindful of everyone's feelings."

Ricky returned from his snack run, a mischievous grin on his face as he took in the scene before him. The shared laughter and the atmosphere of the basketball court seemed to have a new energy, and he couldn't help but tease the two.

"Did I miss something important here?" Ricky chuckled, his eyebrows raised suggestively. "You guys seem to be in deep conversation. Anything you'd like to share?"

Junghyun and (Y/n) exchanged a knowing glance, their smiles giving away the newfound understanding between them. (Y/n) playfully nudged Ricky, a hint of a blush coloring her cheeks. "Maybe you should have stayed a bit longer. You might have witnessed something interesting."

Ricky laughed, catching on to the playful vibe. "Oh, did you guys finally kiss or something?"

The lovebirds shared a glance before nodding, unable to suppress their smiles. Ricky's eyes widened in mock surprise. "Well, well, well! Took you guys long enough! How was it? Did sparks fly? Or was it more like fireworks?"

With the playful banter lingering in the air, Junghyun took a moment to address the more serious side of their evolving dynamics. Looking at Ricky, he asked, "Hey, Ricky, would you be okay with (Y/n) and me dating?"

Ricky, still in good spirits, nodded with a smile. "Of course! I mean, it was bound to happen sooner or later. You guys make a cute couple."

However, he couldn't resist adding a touch of humor to his response. "But just so we're clear, if you hurt my sister, I reserve the right to hurt you back. Got it?"

The trio burst into laughter, the playful threat spoken with a camaraderie that underscored their close bond. Junghyun, though teased by Ricky's words, appreciated the underlying protective nature of his friend.

Junghyun raised his hands in a mock surrender, "Deal. I promise to treat (Y/n) with the utmost care. No hurting involved."

(Y/n), enjoying the lighthearted exchange, joined in, "I appreciate the brotherly concern, Ricky. But I think we'll be just fine."

With the understanding clear and the joking threats subsided, the trio continued to enjoy their snacks, basking in the warmth of their friendship. The basketball court, now a place of shared laughter, love, and understanding, marked the beginning of a new chapter for (Y/n), Junghyun, and Ricky in the bustling city of Seoul.

(Y/n)'s transfer to Ricky's school marked a turning point in her life. With Ricky and Junghyun by her side, the bullying that had plagued her in the past became a distant memory. The duo made it a point to protect her, creating a tight-knit circle of friends that expanded to include (Y/n) in their vibrant dynamic.

Ricky and Junghyun opened up their friend group, introducing (Y/n) to their circle, and she quickly became a beloved member. Their friends took an instant liking to her, drawn to the warmth and positivity that she brought to the group.

Walking through the halls hand in hand with Junghyun, (Y/n) felt a newfound happiness. The support of her friends, the protective nature of her brother, and the deepening connection with Junghyun created a sense of security and belonging that she had longed for.

As they navigated the corridors together, (Y/n) and Junghyun became a familiar sight, their intertwined fingers symbolizing not just a romantic connection but a bond that had overcome challenges and flourished in the face of adversity.

The vibrant energy of the city outside mirrored the newfound joy in (Y/n)'s life. The trio, once defined by unspoken glances and secret feelings, had transformed into a resilient friendship and a blossoming romance, creating a shared journey through the bustling streets of Seoul that was filled with laughter, love, and a sense of belonging.

Junghyun's devotion to (Y/n)'s happiness became a central theme in their evolving relationship. He took on the role of not just a boyfriend but a constant source of joy and support for her. Teaching her to play basketball became a shared passion, turning the court into a canvas where they painted memories together.

Beyond basketball, Junghyun embraced various ways to make (Y/n) happy. He danced around with her, creating moments filled with laughter and shared joy. His musical talents came to the forefront as he sang and rapped for her, each performance a personalized expression of his affection.

Their time together was a symphony of shared interests, laughter, and the unspoken understanding that they were building something beautiful. Junghyun cherished every moment, and (Y/n) found solace and happiness in the genuine connection they shared.

The gratitude towards Ricky lingered in their hearts, acknowledging his role as the playful matchmaker who gave them that final push into a relationship that blossomed into something truly special.

As they continued to navigate the bustling streets of Seoul hand in hand, (Y/n) and Junghyun's love story unfolded with each passing day, a melody of shared moments and unspoken affection that echoed through the vibrant cityscape.

[greghoag0]

Compensation and Closure: The Road to Recovery in Personal Injury Lawsuits

A car accident, slip-and-fall, or other incident can change a person’s life forever in an instant. When someone else’s negligence causes an injury, healing involves more than just physical recovery. It often includes seeking compensation and finding a sense of closure through the legal system. Personal injury lawsuits offer a way for victims to hold responsible parties accountable, receive the financial support they need, and begin rebuilding their lives.

Understanding Personal Injury Claims

Personal injury law is designed to protect people who have suffered harm due to another’s carelessness or intentional misconduct. These cases can arise from car crashes, workplace accidents, medical errors, defective products, or unsafe property conditions. The key factor in these claims is proving that the other party was at fault and that their actions directly caused the injury.

For many victims, filing a personal injury lawsuit is more than just seeking money. It’s about demanding accountability and getting help to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering they have endured. These cases are essential in promoting safety by encouraging individuals and businesses to act responsibly.

Building a Strong Case

A successful personal injury lawsuit requires evidence and preparation. The first step is gathering all relevant medical records, police reports, photographs, witness statements, and other documentation that supports the claim. This evidence forms the foundation of the case, showing what happened, how it happened, and the impact it has had on the victim’s life.

Legal representation is also crucial. An experienced personal injury attorney can guide clients through the legal process, explain their rights, and help them avoid common pitfalls. Attorneys play a key role in negotiating with insurance companies and, if needed, presenting the case in court.

Consider the case of Maria, who was injured when a delivery driver ran a red light and struck her car. Maria’s attorney collected video footage from nearby businesses, medical records showing the extent of her injuries, and testimony from a witness who saw the crash. This thorough preparation helped secure a fair settlement that covered Maria’s medical bills and ongoing rehabilitation costs.

The Emotional Side of Recovery

Personal injury lawsuits are often seen as battles for money but also have a deeply emotional side. Many victims find that seeking compensation is part of the healing process. It provides a chance to tell their story, be heard, and stand up for themselves after a traumatic event.

For some, the lawsuit is about regaining a sense of control. After an injury, people can feel powerless and overwhelmed by pain, medical appointments, and financial pressures. Filing a lawsuit can be a way to reclaim their voice and demand justice.

Take the story of Jack, a construction worker who suffered a severe back injury due to faulty scaffolding. Beyond the physical pain, Jack felt betrayed by his employer, who failed to maintain a safe work environment. Jack could share his experience and hold his employer accountable through his lawsuit. The financial compensation helped with his recovery, but the real victory was knowing his voice had been heard.

Negotiating Fair Compensation

One of the biggest challenges in personal injury lawsuits is reaching a fair settlement. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, offering lowball settlements to resolve claims quickly. A lawyer understanding a claim's actual value can make all the difference. Settlements typically cover economic damages like medical

expenses and lost income and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish especially reckless behavior.

Negotiating a fair settlement involves carefully understanding the full extent of the victim’s losses and anticipating the defense’s arguments. Skilled attorneys use medical reports, expert testimony, and evidence of the defendant’s negligence to build a strong case for full and fair compensation.

Consider the case of Olivia, a cyclist hit by a distracted driver. Olivia’s injuries required multiple surgeries and left her unable to work for months. With her attorney's help, she negotiated a settlement that covered her medical bills and provided financial security while she focused on her recovery. This outcome allowed Olivia to move forward without the added burden of mounting debt.

For many victims, compensation is only one part of the recovery process. Just as important is the sense of closure that comes from resolving the legal battle. Personal injury lawsuits formally recognize that what happened was wrong and that someone is being held accountable.

Closure can take many forms. For some, it means seeing the negligent party admit fault or being ordered to pay damages. For others, it means knowing they did everything possible to protect themselves and their future. This emotional resolution can be as valuable as the financial recovery, allowing victims to rebuild their lives with peace.

In the case of Ethan, a young man who suffered a traumatic brain injury after a fall in a poorly maintained apartment building, closure came when the property owner was forced to make safety improvements and compensate Ethan for his long-term care needs. The lawsuit not only helped Ethan financially—but it also ensured that future tenants would be safer.

Creating a Safer Future

Personal injury lawsuits do more than provide financial relief; they also promote safer communities. When negligent parties are held accountable, it sends a clear message that carelessness has real consequences. This can lead to changes in business practices, better safety measures, and increased awareness of the risks that can harm people.

Victims who share their stories often inspire others to demand higher standards and speak up when they see unsafe conditions. In this way, personal injury lawsuits can be a powerful force for positive change, making communities safer for everyone.

Ultimately, the road to recovery in personal injury lawsuits is about more than dollars and cents. It’s about justice, healing, and knowing that taking a stand can lead to a brighter, safer future. For those injured, it’s a path forward—a chance to reclaim their lives and find a new beginning after the pain.

[indianladydetective1]

Divorce case detective in delhi ncr

You’ve noticed the late-night calls, the change in behavior, the excuses that don’t add up. You’ve asked questions, but the answers only raise more doubts. When your marriage feels like it’s slipping into secrecy, it’s time to stop guessing—and start knowing.

Hiring a divorce case detective in Delhi NCR isn’t about suspicion. It’s about clarity, protection, and preparation. Whether you're dealing with infidelity, hidden assets, or false accusations, a professional investigator—especially one with a lady detective on the team—can give you the answers and the power to take control of your life.

Why People Hire Divorce Case Detectives

In an ideal world, divorces would be mutual, honest, and respectful. But real life is rarely that simple. Many people in Delhi NCR turn to private investigators when faced with:

Unexplained disappearances or changed behavior

Signs of infidelity or emotional detachment

Financial secrecy (hidden accounts or properties)

False claims of abuse or addiction

Concerns about the safety or environment for children

These aren't just emotional concerns—they have legal consequences in divorce settlements, alimony, and custody battles.

What Does a Divorce Investigation Include?

A divorce case investigation is conducted discreetly and legally. Here’s what a typical case may involve:

🔍 Surveillance – Tracking your spouse’s movements to confirm their activities. 📱 Digital Monitoring – Investigating social media profiles, contacts, and online behavior. 🏘️ Asset Verification – Tracing hidden income, bank accounts, or property holdings. 🗣️ Witness Statements – Interviews with neighbors, friends, or coworkers. 📷 Photo/Video Evidence – High-resolution proof that can be presented in court.

Every detail is collected with full confidentiality and delivered in a clear report—sometimes the key difference between winning or losing in court.

[newstfionline]

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

World growth slowing, inflation to keep rising (Bloomberg) Trump’s trade war has abruptly set the world onto a path of slower growth and higher inflation that could worsen, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development said. The association of 38 rich countries cut its outlook for most members and predicted the pace of global expansion to slow to 3.1% this year and 3% in 2026. Nations currently in the eye of the trade storm may see even sharper decelerations, with Canada’s growth rate tumbling to less than half the OECD’s December prediction, Mexico entering a recession and the annual expansion in the US wilting to 1.6% next year—the weakest since the aftermath of the Great Recession (aside from the pandemic recession in 2020).

‘We’re not stopping’: Trump officials raise the stakes in showdowns with judges (NBC News) President Donald Trump and his allies have launched a multipronged attack on the judiciary, punctuated over the weekend by his decision not to comply with a federal judge’s order to halt the deportation of hundreds of Venezuelans to El Salvador. It was not the first time the two-month-old Trump administration had not complied with a federal court. Judges have said Trump has brushed aside their orders to unfreeze spending on a variety of foreign and domestic programs. “We’re not stopping,” White House border czar Tom Homan said Monday morning on “Fox and Friends.” “I don’t care what the judges think.” Battling the judiciary could face its ultimate test if the Supreme Court, which includes three justices appointed by Trump, rules against the administration. So far, the court has stayed largely on the sidelines.

What Trump’s second term means for nuclear proliferation (Foreign Policy) If the first 50 days of U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term were dominated by tariffs and bringing back a level of protectionism that the country has not seen since the 1940s, then the second 50 days might involve another throwback: nuclear proliferation. The fact that only nine countries have nuclear weapons today is the product of eight decades of security guarantees that the United States extends to much of the world. With that so-called nuclear umbrella gone, Debak Das and Rachel A. Epstein of the University of Denver write that “we are on the precipice of a global turn toward nuclear instability, in which many countries will be newly incentivized to build their own arsenals.” Germany’s incoming government is already preparing a fundamental readjustment of its defense posture. Thorsten Benner, the director of the Global Policy Institute in Berlin, argues that it should include “an ambitious nuclear policy rethink.” Another U.S. ally—the nuclear latent state of South Korea—is undoubtedly thinking along the same lines.

Deportation drama online (CJR/The Media Today) Fallout continues from the Trump administration’s deportation of the alleged Venezuelan gang members, who were sent to El Salvador under an agreement with that country’s president, Nayib Bukele, as well as a video—posted online by Bukele—showing deportees being marched off a plane and their heads being shaved. CNN’s Brian Stelter described the video, which was set to “dramatic music,” as “a made-for-TV and made-for-social portrayal of a popular Trump policy in action.” At a press briefing yesterday, Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, encouraged undocumented immigrants “to actively self-deport to maybe save themselves from being in one of these fun videos.”

Peru declares an emergency and deploys the army as violence surges in the capital (AP) Peru’s president declared a state of emergency in the capital Monday and ordered the deployment of soldiers to help police address a surge of violence, amid widespread outcry a day after the killing of a popular singer. President Dina Boluarte’s government published a decree saying that the state of emergency will last 30 days, and authorities will restrict some rights, including the freedom of assembly and movement. That means the police and the army would be able to detain people without a judicial order. Peru has seen an increase of killings, violent extortion and attacks on public places in recent months. Police reported 459 killings from Jan. 1 to March 16, and 1,909 extortion reports in January alone. But outrage crested after the killing Sunday of Paul Flores, the 39-year-old lead singer of the cumbia band Armonia 10.

Putin agrees to pause strikes on Ukraine’s energy targets in Trump call amid ‘movement to peace’ (Independent) President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed in a 90-minute phone call to begin “the movement to peace” in Russia’s three-year-old war against Ukraine, starting with a 30-day ceasefire on energy targets, according to the White House. A White House readout of the conversation said the two leaders had agreed on an “energy and infrastructure ceasefire,” with talks to begin “immediately in the Middle East” about a full ceasefire. Separately, the Kremlin said Putin had agreed to stop strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure for the next month. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also said he would agree to the 30-day pause in fighting. A separate readout issued from Moscow said the two leaders had a "detailed and frank exchange of views" on Ukraine, with Putin stressing that any resolution to the conflict must be "comprehensive, sustainable and long-term.”

The $300 billion question: What to do with Russia’s frozen central bank money? (AP) With U.S. support for Ukraine in doubt, Kyiv’s European allies are weighing whether to seize $300 billion in frozen Russian assets and use the money to compensate Ukraine, support its military and help rebuild shattered homes and towns. For now, the assets are still on ice, with opponents of seizure warning that the move could violate international law and destabilize financial markets. So far, the Group of Seven democracies have used the interest on the frozen cash to fund $50 billion in upfront assistance to Ukraine by borrowing against future interest income. That solution avoids legal and financial complications associated with outright confiscating the money and giving it to Ukraine.

China conducts air and sea drills near Taiwan in response to US and Taiwanese statements (AP) An unusually large number of Chinese military ships, planes and drones entered airspace and waters surrounding Taiwan between Sunday and Monday, the self-governing island republic’s Defense Ministry said. China said the drills were a response to recent statements and actions by the U.S. and Taiwan. The ministry on Tuesday published on its social media several images of Chinese drones and ships and said 43 out of 59 of them entered Taiwan’s air defense identification zone but that no confrontations were reported. Taiwan monitored the situation and deployed aircraft, navy ships and coastal anti-ship missile defenses in response, the ministry said. China launches such missions on a daily basis in hopes of wearing down Taiwanese defenses and morale, although the vast majority of the island’s 23 million people reject Beijing’s claim of sovereignty over Taiwan and its threat to use force to assert its control.

Japan to deploy long-range missiles able to hit North Korea and China (Guardian) Yesterday, Japan announced a plan to deploy long-range missiles to its southern island of Kyushu, which Tokyo hopes will deter North Korea and China from conducting any funny business during the Trump administration.  The move comes as governments and companies across the globe are struggling to find responses to the Trump White House’s recent foreign policy shakeups. More specifically, Trump has recently criticized the U.S.-Japan security treaty that was established after Japan’s military was dismantled in the wake of World War II. “We have a great relationship with Japan, but we have an interesting deal with Japan that we have to protect them, but they don’t have to protect us,” he said, adding, “That’s the way the deal reads … and by the way, they make a fortune with us economically. I actually ask who makes these deals?” The answer to that question is America. America made the deal to keep Japan demilitarized and to use it as a giant military base in the wake of WW II.

Israel enacts exacting new rules for aid groups assisting Palestinians (Washington Post) Israel will begin implementing sweeping measures that give officials broad authority to reject the registration of nongovernmental organizations providing assistance to Palestinians using a far-reaching set of guidelines. Among the criteria: whether an NGO or its employees have ever called for a boycott of Israel, denied its existence “as a Jewish and democratic state,” or expressed support for legal proceedings against Israeli citizens in international courts for acts carried out while serving in the military or any security agency.

Pentagon says operation against Houthis is open-ended (Washington Post) The U.S. military will continue attacks on Houthi militants in Yemen, officials said Monday, as the Trump administration launches a new, open-ended attempt to prevent the group’s assaults on commercial shipping or U.S. and allied targets. The Pentagon said U.S. forces had struck more than 30 Houthi targets since Saturday, including command-and-control and training sites, drone infrastructure, and weapons production and storage facilities, in what officials have said would be an intensified campaign against the militants. “Today, the operation continues, and it will continue in the coming days until we achieve the president’s objectives,” Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, a senior official on the Joint Staff, told reporters at the Pentagon.

South Sudan's Return to the Brink of War (NYT) The world’s youngest nation faces the threat of war yet again. This month, a United Nations helicopter was attacked during an evacuation mission in a remote area in South Sudan, with one member of its crew killed and two others seriously injured. The flight was rescuing wounded government soldiers who had clashed with an armed group in Upper Nile State in the northeast. A day later, the United States said it was removing all nonemergency government employees from the country, citing security threats. The attack underscored the shaky stability of the East African nation, almost a decade and a half after it gained independence amid hope and fanfare. The latest clashes, and the preceding political tensions, have regional observers fearing the collapse of a peace deal that was agreed on seven years ago.

Kenya hosts Dutch royals as allegations of human rights abuses mount (AP) Kenya is hosting the Netherlands king and queen as allegations of human rights abuses are mounting, with Kenyans writing hundreds of emails and petitioning the Dutch royals to cancel their visit. Kenya’s government has been accused of arresting and detaining critics, especially after the June 2024 anti-government protests during which demonstrators stormed the parliament and torched a section of it angry over new taxes passed by legislators. Along with cracking down on demonstrators and curbing free speech, the country also saw state-linked abductions of young men for social media posts deemed offensive to the president. In December, during protests against widespread kidnappings and abductions, dozens of peaceful protesters were arrested.

A.I. and the data center boom (NYT) This is the most fundamental change to computing since the early days of the World Wide Web. Just as companies completely rebuilt their computer systems to accommodate the new commercial internet in the 1990s, they are now rebuilding from the bottom up—from tiny components to the way that computers are housed and powered—to accommodate artificial intelligence. Big tech companies have constructed computer data centers all over the world for two decades. Back in 2006, Google opened its first data center in The Dalles, Ore., spending an estimated $600 million to complete the facility. In January, OpenAI and several partners announced a plan to spend roughly $100 billion on new data centers, beginning with a campus in Texas. They plan to eventually pump an additional $400 billion into this and other facilities across the United States. The change in computing is reshaping not just technology but also finance, energy and communities. Private equity firms are plowing money into data center companies. Electricians are flocking to areas where the facilities are being erected.

[helomet]

In this thought-provoking showdown, we dive deep into the battle between AI Hustles and Traditional Side Jobs! As we approach 2025, the landscape of work is rapidly changing. Will emerging AI technologies reshape our side gigs, or will time-tested side jobs remain a reliable source of income? Join us as we explore the pros and cons of each, featuring expert insights, real-life examples, and predictions for the future job market. Discover which hustle might reign supreme and how you can prepare for what's coming! Don’t forget to like and share this video if you find it helpful!

#AIHustles #SideJobs #FutureOfWork #2025Showdown #JobMarket

[jranimator]

No Label? No Problem! How to Release Your Album on YouTube Music

Breaking into the music industry without a record label might seem daunting, but platforms like YouTube Music are revolutionizing the landscape. For independent artists, YouTube Music offers an incredible opportunity to reach a global audience and monetize their art. If you’ve been wondering how to release your album on YouTube Music without a label, this guide is here to help. With the right strategy and dedication, you can establish yourself as a professional artist and thrive independently.

Why YouTube Music is Perfect for Independent Artists

The digital age has drastically transformed the music industry, putting power directly into the hands of creators. YouTube Music, an extension of the world’s largest video-sharing platform, combines streaming capabilities with a user-friendly interface tailored for music lovers.

1. Massive Audience Reach With billions of users worldwide, YouTube Music gives you access to an audience that spans genres, countries, and demographics. Independent artists can connect directly with fans, bypassing the traditional barriers imposed by labels.

2. Integrated Video and Audio YouTube Music supports both audio streaming and video content. This dual functionality allows artists to showcase music videos, lyric videos, or even behind-the-scenes footage, adding depth to the listening experience.

3. Monetization Opportunities Through ad revenue, subscription-based earnings, and fan support features, YouTube Music ensures artists can generate income from their work.

Getting Started: Laying the Groundwork for Your Album Release

Before you dive into uploading your music, preparation is key. A polished, professional album will stand out and attract listeners.

Step 1: Perfect Your Sound Quality is non-negotiable in today’s competitive music industry.

Invest in Professional Equipment: If you’re on a budget, consider renting studio time or using affordable but high-quality home recording gear.

Mixing and Mastering: Ensure your tracks are mixed and mastered to industry standards. Many online platforms offer affordable services for indie artists.

Step 2: Create Stunning Visuals Your album’s visual identity is just as important as the music itself.

Album Artwork: Design a visually compelling album cover that reflects your music’s tone.

Video Content: Even a simple lyric video can elevate your music and increase engagement on YouTube Music.

Step 3: Sort Out Licensing and Metadata Ensure your music complies with copyright laws. Include accurate metadata for your tracks, such as title, artist name, and genre, to make your music discoverable.

Uploading Your Album to YouTube Music

Uploading your album is a straightforward process, but understanding the nuances can help you optimize for success.

1. Direct Upload vs. Distributors

Direct Upload: You can manually upload tracks through YouTube Studio. This method gives you complete control over the process but requires attention to detail.

Using Distributors: Services like DistroKid, CD Baby, or TuneCore simplify the process by uploading your music to YouTube Music and other streaming platforms simultaneously.

2. Optimize Your Titles and Descriptions Craft descriptive titles and engaging descriptions for each track. Use keywords strategically, such as “release your album on YouTube Music without a label,” to improve discoverability.

3. Create Playlists Organize your album into a playlist to provide listeners with a seamless experience. This also increases the chances of your tracks being played in succession.

Promoting Your Album on YouTube Music

Releasing your album is only half the battle—promotion is essential for attracting listeners.

Leverage Social Media Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter are invaluable tools for promoting your music. Post snippets of your tracks, behind-the-scenes content, and announcements to build anticipation for your album release.

Collaborate with Influencers and Creators Collaborating with influencers or YouTube creators can help expose your music to a broader audience. A well-placed feature in a popular YouTuber’s video can generate significant traffic to your album.

Run Targeted Ads YouTube Ads allow you to promote your music directly to your target audience. Use ads to feature standout tracks or your album’s trailer.

Engage with Your Fans Building a loyal fan base requires regular interaction. Respond to comments on your videos, host live Q&A sessions, or share user-generated content that features your music.

Maximizing Revenue on YouTube Music

While exposure is important, making a sustainable income from your music should also be a priority.

Monetization Strategies for Independent Artists

YouTube Partner Program: Join this program to earn revenue from ads displayed on your videos.

YouTube Premium Royalties: Earn a share of revenue from YouTube Premium subscribers who stream your music.

Merchandise and Fan Funding: Sell merchandise or use YouTube’s fan funding features like Super Chat and channel memberships.

Tips for Long-Term Success

Sustaining your music career requires more than a one-time album release. Focus on building your brand and continuously engaging with your audience.

1. Consistent Content Creation Don’t stop after releasing your album. Regularly upload new content, such as singles, covers, or vlogs, to keep your channel active and engaging.

2. Evolve with Feedback Pay attention to your analytics and audience feedback. Use this data to refine your content strategy and improve future releases.

3. Build a Community Engage with your fans beyond music. Share stories, respond to comments, and create a sense of belonging among your audience.

Conclusion

Releasing your album on YouTube Music without a label is an empowering experience that puts control of your career firmly in your hands. With the right preparation, strategy, and consistent effort, you can connect with listeners, grow your fan base, and even generate income—all while staying true to your artistic vision.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the process today and let your music resonate with the world. Have you released your album independently? Share your journey in the comments below!

Related Articles:

For further reading, explore these related articles:

Release Your Album on YouTube Music with No Upfront Fees

How to Release Your Album on YouTube Music Quickly

Release Your Album on YouTube Music with 100% Royalties

Release Your Album on YouTube Music Without Paying Fees

For additional resources on music marketing and distribution, visit DMT Records Private Limited.

[affillicourse123]

The Velocity Profits Review: Unlock Your Financial Freedom in 2024

In a world where financial independence is a growing goal, the quest for effective online marketing methods has never been more immediate.

Many individuals want to embrace ingenious systems that promise to turn dreams into reality, but not all systems deliver on their promises.

That's where the Velocity Profits System gets in the spotlight, stirring enjoyment and skepticism.

Created by industry veterans Gerry Cramer and Chris Reader, the Velocity Profits Program positions itself as a groundbreaking technique for online entrepreneurship. Focusing on leveraging AI-powered tools and the thriving appeal of video advertisements on platforms like TikTok, this course claims to equip students with the crucial skills for success in a competitive market landscape.

However, is it an indispensable resource, or is it just another fleeting pattern?

In this article, we will provide an extensive analysis of the Velocity Profits System through the eyes of a real student, exploring its core features, training breakdown, and the experiences of individuals who attempted to start.

Join us as we dissect this ambitious venture's triumphs and trials, ultimately answering the burning concern: Should you enlist in Velocity Profits?

What is Velocity Profits System?

Discover the future of digital marketing and monetary liberty with the Velocity Profits System, a powerhouse platform customized to improve your making potential to brand-new heights! Crafted by the innovative trio of online service mavens - Rob Jones, Gerry Cramer, and Mark Ling-- Velocity Profits marches at the forefront of development. It's your ticket to utilizing modern AI innovation and sophisticated digital marketing methods aimed at sculpting your path to success.

Whether you're simply starting or an experienced online marketer, Velocity Profits accommodates all ability levels. Incorporating various financial instruments assures you will be your ruthless ally in the quest for high-ticket offers and reliable profit sources.

Here's the clincher: Velocity Profits' commitment to satisfaction is ironclad. Go through the ropes, and if you've sailed the course but haven't discovered your treasure in 180 days, you're entitled to an incredible 100% refund! They're not just selling you a dream—they're inviting you to start a well-charted journey to passive income.

Join the enthusiastic community of go-getters harnessing the full potential of Velocity Profits, where your financial fate awaits to be composed in the stars.

Introduction of The Velocity Profits Program Creators

Regarding forming dreams into reality with robust passive income streams, the Velocity Profits program stands tall among its contemporaries - thanks to the titans behind it. Visionaries Rob Jones, Gerry Cramer, and Mark Ling are not simply names but the pillars of online organizational change. These skilled experts have put their vast knowledge into crafting a tool laser-focused on making digital marketing and AI technology available to the masses.

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[preventivepreparation]

WARNING: 15 US States on the Verge of Collapse – Leave Now!

Warning: 15 US States on the Verge of Collapse – Leave Now!

Explore the pressing issues facing fifteen states across the U.S. as they grapple with infrastructure breakdowns, high living costs, environmental challenges, and more. From New York City's sky-high expenses to Illinois' crippling debt and rapid population decline, and Texas' booming economy straining its power grid, this video delves deep into the struggles and resilience of each state. Uncover how rising sea levels threaten Florida, manufacturing declines impact Ohio, and Georgia battles income inequality. Join us on this eye-opening journey and see why urgent action is needed to tackle these existential challenges.

Essential Reading Recommendation for Preppers: To be truly prepared for any crisis or collapse, knowledge is power. That's why I highly recommend two of the best books for preparedness: The Lost Frontier Handbook Discover ancient survival techniques that could be key to your survival in times of crisis. This book provides a comprehensive guide on how to live off the land and keep your family safe and well-stocked. The Stockpile Savior Learn how to stockpile efficiently and intelligently. This book reveals proven strategies for creating an emergency stockpile that can sustain you and your family during any disaster. 🔗 Links to the books: The Lost Frontier Handbook: https://bit.ly/4dcLs9p The Stockpile Savior: https://bit.ly/3YfyGm7

🔧 #InfrastructureCrisis #StateChallenges #HighCostOfLiving #EnvironmentalIssues #USAProblems #SocialIssues #InfrastructureBreakdown

Don't forget to like and share this video!

OUTLINE:

00:00:00 America on the Brink! 00:00:26 California Dreamin' or California Dystopia? 00:00:57 Rotten to its Core? 00:01:24 The Land of Lincoln… and Debt? 00:01:51 Everything's Bigger… Including the Problems? 00:02:18 Paradise… Lost? 00:02:42 The Keystone State… Crumbling Under Pressure? 00:03:14 From Rust Belt to… Bust Belt? 00:03:38 From Motor City to Ghost Town? 00:04:01 Peaches, Peanuts… and Problems? 00:04:24 From Research Triangle to Trouble? 00:04:50 The Garden State… Wilting Under Pressure? 00:05:17 From Old Dominion to… New Problems? 00:05:48 The Evergreen State… Fading to Gray? 00:06:12 The Bay State… Sinking Under the Weight? 00:06:41 The Grand Canyon State… On the Edge of a Cliff? 00:07:08 Are You Ready for the Collapse?

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[tarikulreview]

EZ Buyers Review – Copy Paste Method Delivers Auto Pilot Buyer Subscribers!

New Case Study Reveals The Little-Known “Buyer Subscriber” Hack That’s Making Me Easy $600-$900 Days& How You Can Replicate It IN 20 MINUTES…

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[44gamez]

Survival RPG Enshrouded Gets New Gameplay Trailer

Developer Eager Video games has launched a brand new fight gameplay trailer for its upcoming survival RPG Enshrouded. The 4-minute narrated trailer showcases a number of gameplay components together with fight, enemies, crafting, constructing, a number of environments, and extra. Enshrouded will launch someday in 2023 in Early Entry for PC through Steam. Enshrouded is “a brand new survival motion RPG for one to 16 gamers, set in an unlimited deserted realm corrupted by mysterious fog.” The primary deep-dive introduces gamers to the tough and unforgiving world of Enshrouded, which is full of risks among the many ruins of the misplaced kingdom and the wretched fog that consumed the world. Gamers need to combat to outlive by locking on to their goal, finding out the enemies’ assault sample and blocking or parrying incoming assaults. As soon as the enemy’s stamina is totally depleted, gamers can unleash a cruel assault—a devastating blow dealing large injury to the goal. Enshrouded options all kinds of highly effective weapons to assist completely different play types. Mild melee weapons like swords and heavy melee weapons like hammers and axes allow gamers to cope with enemies in close-quarter fight, whereas bows and several types of arrows permit for ranged assaults. Wands are fitted to fast pictures of elemental magic coming from a distance, and staffs create heavy magic assaults greatest fitted to teams of enemies. As gamers discover the world, they may encounter the various completely different enemy factions that inhabit the remnants of the misplaced kingdom. The wildlife is harmful, inhabitants that have been consumed by the mysterious fog became the Fell, scavengers are scouring by way of the lands, and wild beasts pose a risk to all who dare to method them. In Enshrouded, preparation and technique are key. Profiting from buffs, meals and potions and being conscious of enemy varieties, is important in conquering more difficult enemy camps. Moreover, gamers can penetrate enemy outposts utilizing their grappling hook to scale enemy partitions, dig tunnels by way of their defenses or shock foes from above by gliding into battle. The fight showcase additionally gives a deeper take a look at the extent system, crafting and multiplayer mode. By gaining expertise factors, gamers can stage up and get talent factors to unlock extra strikes or enhance their perks even additional, permitting for quite a lot of completely different builds. Moreover, they will craft and enhance their very own weapons and armor and unlock extra perks, with particular legendary gear hidden throughout the land. Enshrouded helps as much as 16 gamers, who can be part of collectively on devoted servers. Whereas exploring the world as a celebration, gamers can heal, buff, and even revive one another when difficult the various risks of the misplaced kingdom. Read the full article

[growling]

alright im back part 2

the slime

id kinda let aoyama kill me tbh

its sooooooo nice of zero to train kuronaka in the game world in order to prepare him for. i don't know man. the rbtots

battle segment incoming. this shall be skimmed

well that was quick

kuronaka just kills and kills and kills and kills. these are the effects of video games on our men.

oh look its the girlie. the. the shinigami lite. the white hair girl the one with th

oh hi twogami

twogami look at me listen. you can stop. sdr2 is over. you don't have to keep doing this man

aoyama gives off major komaeda vibes and i do not like what is happening in my mind right now while having this knowledge

once again: it is sooooo nice and considerate of zero to keep his pet boyfriend in good shape for all these years stuck in stardew valley

the aplatonic inside me rolling around in agony right now

i like todoroki. not very fond of poor people

Oh my goddddd STOPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP with the shocking femboy reveal I am praying so hard that this is the last time they mention greenguy looking like a girl and then never again and god forbid make a gag out of it. because i will enter my joker arc

i knew takinogawa for 2 seconds and already came to the conclusion he should be shot

i love how zero just has a flying city and satellites that spy on people and shoot laser beams. he's living the life

ZEROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cheering and clapping and crying and screaming and throwing up... they gave him another art. look at him. look at him

"and the Demon Lord (from yo's vidio game prison) that the hero must defeat, is me... Zero" okay man!

he's so dramatic hsgdfhsdghjsdgh

AND he's got special effects on the area

AND he's fucking flying

Zero babygirl you are the only reason I watch this game. keep serving

AND he was just joking. what a silly little guyyy. "i put up quite an act here. did it surprise you?" yes bravo great job son. this is once again why theater kids are evil. also sprite time. also fix your hair boy

"Congratulations on clearing the game, Yo. The Hero Training Game is now over. You are much stronger now, so you should be able to survive out there. Let us play something even more exciting." chat i think he might likeeeeeeeeee us (sinister)

oh he's not normal!!

Kuronaka, why are you, as a man, describing another man, in this way,

though i don't think Zero is even a man lmao that is the most non-binary xenogender thing I ever saw. From the moment I laid my eyes upon the trailer. This guy's gender is murder

Zero is kinda like a metaphor for vidio game addiction rising in our society he's like what happens to the average teenage mind after playing violent football games

i love him and his silly little floating hands he punches people with

he says "oopsy..." please i want him so bad

AND he can shoot lasers from the satellite from his mind. ok!

also: how does he see with that mask. does he just forfeit the ability to look at shit in order to look cool

"Took your memories and locked you up...? I didn't expect you to think of it that way. I've always wanted the same thing. To play a fun 'game' with you. [...] It's the best game I've ever designed! A fun game that can get your head tingling and your heart pounding! A game won't be a game if you don't risk your life playing it, don't you agree? That's the kind of game I want to play. I'd bet it's the same for you? [...] Yo. You are a very important 'opponent' to me. All the cities on the surface of Neo Tokyo have been modified to places where everything is decided by games. I, who accidentially became the ruler of the surface, created that law."

1.) sorry i just wanted to type what he said first but then he just kept fucking going

2.) these are the effects of violent video game addiction on the human mind

3.) he's a little bit confused in the courtship methods area but he's got the spirit. i mean certainly not the worst attempt at bonding with your gay crush I ever seen

4.) wdym "accidentially became a ruler". what kinda accident .

5.) he crafted gamer paradise

guysssss don't be mean to him he just wanted to play some baseball with people :(((((((((((

EVEN THE KIDS KDJHFGSAIUFJHWKJDFGHDJSKADKJFHSKDYDH

Zero why are you as a man talking to another man like that. "you are special to me. you are different from those garbage on the surface" oh my fucking god just ask him out like a normal person you freak

and he just keeps on going. guys call me crazy but i think he might be a bit obsessed

"you masked bastard" stop. stop im having. flashbacks.

"A dream...? Is that something more important than my games?" the effects of violent video game addiction on the average human min

AND he's giving us a choice between him and them and thinks that he's got a chance? damn he's very normal about Yo huh.

youtuber didn't choose "do what zero says". shame on them. shame forever.

AND he's actually dissapointed.

AND he's doing the Martina horny shaking pose. cool

oh so you didn't choose me huh. huh. oh ok i see. im killing all your fucking friends. i now see that they are the burdens that are holding you down and back from falling in lvoe with me

this is so funny to me. he's so hurt by this .

YESSSSS KILL THE RED GUY!!!!!!!!!! I ALWAYS THOUGHT HE WAS ANNOYING GOOD JOB ZERO ELIMINATE YOUR COMPETITION

I knew they were so dead coded lmaooooo

yandere behavio- *gets shot*

What makes this funnier is that Zero literally used the satellite death lasers he controls with his brian. He literally got so mad he exploded them with his mind

also. purple blood

and he makes Yo choose again until he picks him sdhfgdhsjdfhdskjdh. "Yo. I prepared the best games! Care to play with me? :D" he might be a little fucked up. its ok he's pretty he can be a little menace to society

AND he still didn't choose him. cringe as fuck if you ask me. we're ending in there to have a moment of silence in honor of the massive fucking L zero just took

and these are the main effects of playing too violent vidio games on the average human mi

oh wait i forgor. tribe nine beta lol

Zero my angel I'd recognize that voice maybe not anywhere but like in some places

"kuronaka got 10 gold" *EAR BLASTING 9 HOUR LONG FANFARE*

hmmmmmmmmmm.. not saying anything but narrowing my eyes thoughtfully

they're trying to fnaf pizzeria simulator my ass, unfortunately for them I am an incredibly clever smart intelligent wise boy (looked at the art on tweeter)

they put kuronaka in the generic rpg torture dungeons💔💔💔 get well soon

shut the fuck up boyyyy look at the claypot. loook at my claypot boy

jesus stop jumpscaring me if i die my grandma will sue

im calling it now. lady goddess is just zero (and if so: gender win)

$laymate

if it does end up being zero it will be so fucking funny. please. let this manifest. me when i put some random dude in the generic rpg torture dungeons and make him look at claypots forever as form of foreplay also i pretend to be a statue

its that blue hair motherfucker from the promos or whatever

this is so fucking funny im tearing up. im tearing up. also they just implied that i was right. this is so fucking funny. vidio game brainwash yaoi. zero you silly man i desire you carnally

"well its not unusual for this man to do this kind of thing" please tell me more about zero's crimes against humanity .

forgot to mention this earlier but of course the protag has amnesia. not a proper kodaka game without an amnesiac protagonist. this is not a complaint

this is so funny. this is so funny.

redguy yellowguy leave that poor fucker alone. blueguy grayguy why are you just staring tell them to leave that poor fucker alone this is probably not how you approach a dude with amnesia who has been stuck in the generic rpg brainwash torture dungeon for an unspecified period of time

3d time. fuck that boy up guards induce a panic attack in this man

and the torture dungeons were just some random medium sized platform..... help me thats so embarrassing for kuronaka!!

"the village you were saying [sic] were all just drawings on the floor and on the walls!" THAT'S SO EMBARRASSING.... KURONAKA THAT'S SO EMBARASSING......

HE WAS 2 FUCKING YEARS STUCK IN THE GAME LMAOOOOOOOOOO THAT'S SO EMBARASSING FOR HIM

ok. ill stop being mean to him. i promise i will be nice and understanding of his situation from now on. it must be very hard and traumatizing for him.

LMAOOOOOOO HE LOOKS SO FUCKING STUPID THIS IS SO FUNNY. FUCKING IDIOT XDDDDDDDDD

also buy him brown contacts pls

ZEROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fucking look at him this shit looks biblical. look at him descending onto the mortals. this is fucking jesus imagery

nice robot hands. they're not attached yet but i will force him to become a cyborg no matter how many limbs i must detach from his body

i am not ready to hit unpause. but also im yearning.

wait look at his hand pose.... awww look at him i want him carnally

alright alright whatever im unpausing.......

so 24 city is just named like that because it's the 24th city and they ran out of ideas

24 city must be a shit place to live in, a strong breeze knocks you over and you fall one kilometer onto the pavement

"... but who would have thought that there is such a surreal area here, designed just like a video game?" zero. zero would have. that man is all about vidio game addiction i called it once and ill call it again

and he called him "the masked man" i fucking cant i need t. i need to take a breather okay i cant take this anymore

zero lore listen closely now this will be on the test (instead of listening starts imagining zero touching me in a bus and gets so hrard ii passkdf uout )

Kuronaka likes tea. +1 for Kuronaka I love tea

Zero the robot enjoyer

alright, Iroha is gonna return Kuronaka's smartphone next time and I'll end it here :] twas a pleasure. transcending experience