#proofreading and editing

[friendlilycoach]

Tired of missing out on big international deals because of your English?

At times, when you see international business owners speak English well, you ask yourself, "How do they speak English so well?"

Just like you, Fahad, a Middle Eastern business owner, had the same thought because his weak English was not helping his international business.

He had also tried many ways to improve his weak English skills, but he made little to no progress.

Fahad sent me a message and told me how he had tried to improve his weak English but he couldn't talk confidently.

He joined the 1-on-1 VIP English program for Middle Eastern business owners for eight months.

~ He showed up for every English assignment feedback to improve his English faster for business and took action.

~ Fahad joined every one-on-one live English class, ready to learn and develop the strong English he wanted.

Eight months later, he started talking confidently in English during important meetings and events.

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[unfortunate--moth]

alright guys. chapter is nearly finished. tomorrow i will be finishing it up and then proofreading and posting! just stay tuned :]

[lured-into-wonderland]

I will be posting soon. I promise. I has actually written quite a lot. Just need to do proofreading...

[literallycreativelylit]

Commissions Open: End of Summer Special!

Hello! To commemorate the end of summer break, I have reopened my commissions. If you are in need of writing services, I would be more than happy to oblige for affordable prices! I have helped writers and other creatives just like you with the following: Creating characters for stories and fandoms Revising your writing (fiction, essays, business documents, etc.) Bringing your story ideas to…

[counselorssoapbox]

The steps between polishing and publishing a book

Steps Between Polishing and Publishing a BookPhoto courtesy of Pixabay.com The steps between polishing and publishing a book. By David Joel Miller, writer, blogger, and mental health professional. Once your manuscript is polished, you must try on other hats. Having finished your manuscript and gotten feedback from a few friends and family, it’s very tempting to move forward with the publishing…

[shitacademicswrite]

[arda-conference]

Importance Of Proofreading And Editing Services For Journals

Proofreading and editing services are excellent ways to refine the brilliance of any written document such as journals, thesis, and research papers. Editors and proofreaders evaluate each word, sentence, and paragraph with painstaking attention, scrutinizing for clarity, coherence, and accuracy. They make sure that the natural flow of an article is maintained while the punctuation is melodious. Also, they polish and elevate the written word by spotting hidden jewels and removing rough edges with the help of their quick eyes & minds. They ensure that the document sparkles with brightness and leaves readers with a lasting impression. Although editing and proofreading operate invisibly behind the scenes, their impact is evident which needs to be acknowledged.

In order to understand proofreading and editing, and how they enhance the beauty of your journals, stay tuned until the end of the blog!

Read full blog here: Importance Of Proofreading And Editing Services For Journals

[languagetranslationcompany]

Why Proofreading is Important in Business Communication?

Proofreading is essential for making sure that communications are accurate and professional-looking. When messages or documents are sent out with typos and other errors, it reflects poorly on the sender’s attention to detail and commitment to getting the job done right. This can be unpleasant for organizations that strive for excellence in their products and services.

Finally, proofreading helps businesses establish trust with their customers and partners by ensuring all written communications are error-free. Companies should rely on something other than spellcheckers or automated programs; something replaces a trained proofreader’s expertise in providing accuracy in all documents.

To know more about Proofreading click here: https://www.delshlanguageconsultancy.com/portfolio/why-proofreading-is-important-in-business-communication/

[peterparkerr06]

This video covers the details of editing and proofreading with their differences within academic guidelines. This involves defining both revision techniques, their importance, and the guidelines for various grammatical corrections. This underrated section of the dissertation writing process holds the capacity to improve writing quality. Additionally, it helps the reader better understand the academic content. Further, if you want to know the fundamentals of contrast between the two styles, view this short online tutorial to the end to unlock your best work.

[abeillefaeabeille]

Hey gal pals! I created a Fiverr account and published a gig for proofreading and editing pieces of writing. If anyone needs it, I can help with your fanfic!

[heartless-aro]

The thing is, I don’t care that much about the actual act of someone shipping aromantic characters nearly as much as I care about the biases and amatanormative beliefs that underlie so many people’s decision to do so. The problem isn’t that individual people ship aromantic characters sometimes. It’s the fact that shipping aromantic characters or expressing disappointment that a character is aromantic and thus “can’t be shipped” almost seems to be the default in fandom spaces. Aromantic representation, especially nonpartnering aromantic representation, is treated as something that will “ruin people’s fun” (see: the Hazbin Hotel creator explaining why she won’t say whether or not Alastor is aromantic).

And yes, SOME aromantic people can still date or have non-romantic partners. But the fact that some people are so vehemently against the idea of fictional characters being nonpartnering is still something to be questioned.

Because, really, that’s the crux of the issue. It’s perfectly fine if people like the idea of an aromantic character being partnering or romance favorable. In fact, it would be wonderful to see more characters written as partnering and/or romance favorable aromantics. But when someone ONLY shows interest in characters being partnering or favorable aros in response to those same characters being interpreted as nonpartnering, it often comes across less as a desire to have representation for partnering and favorable aros and more as an opposition to having representation for nonpartnering aros.

[friendlilycoach]

Worried that small mistakes in your documents are costing you big international deals?

Use these quick editing tips to make your important documents for big international deals look better.

Your business documents are a reflection of you.

Whether it’s a proposal, contract, or email, they can either build trust with your clients and partners or make you look bad before them.

I know you can think there’s always so much to handle.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need perfect English to make your important documents better.

Here are quick tips to help you:

1. Don’t make your documents hard to understand.

Use clear, direct English words to build confidence before your clients and partners.

2. Check for basic errors like spelling and grammar.

Even small mistakes can make your clients and partners see you as a business owner who can't write well in English.

3. Break up long, confusing sentences in your emails, contracts, and important documents.

Shorter ones are easier to read and understand.

4. Read your emails, contracts, and documents out loud before sending them.

If they sound good when you read them, that means they are good.

If not, fix them before sending them.

Your documents represent your business. By making a few small changes, you can go from “good enough” to "unforgettable."

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Don’t take chances.

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[heich0e]

the itadori house always smells faintly of clean laundry.

it's not because the two boys who live there are particularly diligent about staying on top of their housework—the towering pile of recyclables in the corner of the kitchen is proof enough of that—but it's because the first time yuuji had tried to do his own laundry, he used way too much detergent. the ensuing tsunami of soap suds had flooded nearly half-way across the tiny apartment—coating the floors, the baseboards, and anything else in its path, in a slippery (though pleasantly fragranced) froth that took DAYS for the two brothers to clean up. it must have sunk in to the floorboards, or there must still be traces of it lingering in nooks and crannies that they couldn't reach, because even now, years after the catastrophe, the scent still lingers.

even though the mere mention of the incident still makes a vein of irritation throb in sukuna's forehead, and makes yuuji hang his head in shame, you don't mind the smell. it's familiar after all these years. it reminds you of this place.

you burrow your face down into the cushion of the living room sofa. it's raining today, and a bit humid, so the scent of detergent is particularly strong.

you're nearly asleep when a voice interrupts your quiet moment of relaxation.

"i should start charging you rent, y'know."

you don't open your eyes, even once you hear the words that come from above you. even without looking, you can picture the scene: sukuna leaning over the back of the sofa that you're sprawled across, his weight resting on his elbows as he peers down at you with his usual scowl. it's not the same scowl he shows to everyone else—the one that makes people shrink back under his gaze—this is a softer version of the same expression, dulled by familiarity. if you were more optimistic you might even say it was blunted by affection.

"stop pretending to sleep, kid." you feel his hand grasp your hip, shaking you lightly. "i know you're faking."

you feel a smile threatening to pull at your lips so you turn your face towards the pillow—the one you bought for the sofa, since the itadori brothers' idea of home decor is limited to creased posters for old mafia movies nobody's ever heard of and women with their tits out taped to the wall—and you burrow down to hide your expression from view.

"you're such a nuisance," sukuna groans, and then you feel the sofa dip. you figure he's pulled himself over the back of it now, based on how you feel him kneeling overtop of you with your legs straddled between his own. you're on your belly, but you can feel him rest back on his haunches, trapping your feet underneath him as he sits. "can't you nap at your own house?"

"too tired," you finally rasp out, daring to peek at him over your shoulder.

"and i'm not?" he scoffs, lifting his hand and pushing his hair back from his face. he's still half-dressed in his work uniform—a pair of slacks from the security company he's been working at part-time for the past few weeks, and a white t-shirt that he usually wears underneath the short sleeved button down that matches the trousers. "i just worked a double—been up since 4."

he does look tired, now that you have the chance to look at him. his hair is a bit dishevelled and he's got dark circles under his eyes. sukuna always looks a bit exhausted—and has since grandpa passed away and he took on the responsibility of raising yuuji. but it's particularly noticeable right now.

"and i can't even come home and take a nap on my own couch because there's a freeloader here."

you bite the inside of your cheek, wiggling around a bit underneath him so you can lay on your back.

"charge me rent then," you parry back to his complaint, and he cocks an eyebrow at your challenge. "i want a bed though. s'only fair."

"we'll get bunkbeds for yuuji's room, then," sukuna quips.

"don't wanna bunk with yuuji," you counter again, "he snores."

sukuna pauses, staring down at you. he leans forward slowly, his hands pressing into the couch cushion on either side of your waist as he dips towards you. "only one other bedroom in this place, y'know—"

you do know. it's why you said it.

"—and i have no plans to give up my bed."

sukuna is close to you now. too close, in any other circumstance, but this is one entirely of your own creation. a circumstance that feels more like an inevitability than anything, given the tension that's been crackling between the two of you lately, ever since he rescued you that night at the bar.

"didn't ask you to give it up," you say quietly, your eyes flickering across his features until they eventually settle on his lips.

sukuna makes a little noise in the back of his throat, close to annoyance, but not quite. distinctly tortured in nature.

"you really, really are a nuisance, y'know that?"

his hands are on your hips now. not like when he'd shaken you awake—this touch is greedier, needier than that passing graze. his fingertips slip up underneath the hem of your shirt until they brush against your bare skin, and the contact makes your body flush with heat.

"yuuji's gonna be back from class soon," you murmur softly, your gaze flickering back up to sukuna's heavy-lidded eyes. his nose twitches a little in annoyance, knowing you're right.

sukuna backs away a little, his hands slipping back out from underneath your shirt.

you sit up and catch his wrist in your hand, and his eyes widen in surprise. your faces are close together now—so close you can smell the cinnamon gum on his breath. he stole a pack from you a few days ago, and clearly he's still chewing it.

you can't smell the laundry detergent anymore.

"i didn't tell you to stop," you remark lightly, leaning back so you're splayed out against the sofa once more. you stare up at him, waiting for him to process what you've said—watching the thoughts play out across his uncharacteristically shocked face. "i just meant that you should hurry up and do it already."

[azen13]

CW: Yandere Themes, Mentions of Blood

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆

Yandere!Childe who stares at you with the most loving, affectionate eyes imaginable. When he is home, he trails behind you from room to room, desperate for your attention and love, for sweet little kisses and quips. Yandere!Childe who loves combat and fighting and the thrill of a hunt, except when it comes to you. Oh, how he hates it when you try to run; he wishes he could kiss all your fears away. The idea of you in pain is unfathomable. Childe knows his hands are stained with blood, but whenever he returns home to you, for just a short period of time, he can be clean.

Yandere!Childe who wishes he didn't have to whisk you away to a safe and secluded cabin in Snezhnaya, but knows that if any of the Harbingers find you, it only gives them more leverage against him. He can't let that happen. Can't let them take you away from him. Every time he intertwines your hands with his, he swears you have magic in your bones, a piece of divinity tucked away in your soul. You heal the invisible wounds that mar his mind. Yandere!Childe who watches fondly as you drift off into sweet dreams one night, brushing away a strand of hair from your face. So fragile. So beautiful. So powerful. You're so dangerous that you have disarmed one of the Fatui Harbingers, tamed him beneath your unwilling touch. Yandere!Childe who wields his delusions like weapons. You don't hate him, you're simply adjusting. Soon enough the two of you will be dancing to invisible music on hardwood floors and cuddling on couches, protected by wood walls from the harsh chill of winter. And even if it takes time, he'll be sure to pierce your heart eventually with his love, and claim victory in this battle.

[pernesophe]

Sakura Haruka's Weather Contact

(Minors, Ageless and Blank Blogs DNI)

Synopsis: You're from Sakura's hometown, and though he wasn't your friend when he lived there - you tried really hard to be. When you both got cell phones you knew he wouldn't just give you his number, or accept yours... so you lied, and offered to put the "weather" contact in his phone for him. You've been texting him the weather forecast everyday for about 3 years now. WC: ~7.1k TW: nothing but fluff

Around 5th grade your dad was stationed in Japan, which meant that you were the new kid again. Honestly, it was pretty rough to move to a completely new country, learn a new language, customs, etc… But, surprisingly the town you moved to wasn’t so horrible - to you. A young boy by the name of Sakura Haruka got the brunt of the abuse from just about everyone in town. Though he had an interesting look - split black and white locks with one gray and one amber eye - you didn’t quite understand why everyone was so cruel to him.

Of course you tried to make friends with him despite everyone in your class warning you not to, and at first you thought they might be right since he immediately snapped at you to leave him alone. Unfortunately for him, Pollyanna had been your comfort movie that year, so you just kept trying. For the entire year.

By 6th grade, you had finally pestered him into at least speaking to you. Alas, he wouldn’t admit the two of you were friends, but he had started sitting with you during lunch hour even if he didn’t talk to you much. A few months into the school year he would respond to your hellos and smiles in the hallways with a deep blush and a gruff hey. Halfway through the year he got a cellphone, which was when he finally spoke to you freely.

“Oh cool! Did you get a cellphone Sakura?” Chirping from where you stood behind him sitting on the bench in front of you. Whipping around with a notch in his brown, and a deep red already burning the tips of his ears - his fists slightly raised for a fight.

“Do-don’t sneak up on me like that!” He snapped while swiftly pocketing his phone. Stifling a giggle, you came around to sit next to him on the bench, to which he immediately stiffened by your proximity.

“Do you know how to use it?” Raising the question in a voice an octave higher than your normal pitch. Sakura muttered something you couldn’t quite catch in return and refused to meet your gaze. Shrugging lightly, you pulled out the phone you just got for Christmas. 

“I just got this one, but I’m still learning how it works,” laughing lightly at yourself as you held the pastel pink piece of plastic out in front of you.

“That’s the only pink thing I’ve ever seen you have,” Sakura responded pointedly, throwing an incredulous look at the device. Immediately you threw your head back, releasing boisterous laughter to Sakura's surprise.

“My mom said the same thing when I opened it,” you replied while wiping the tears from your eyes. “My dad got it for me, but he hasn’t figured out that I got out of my ‘everything pink’ phase in like 3rd grade,” informing him on the color as you studied the grooves of the pink folding into the blackened screen. “I still like it though,” adding gingerly while folding your hands into your lap.

“That’s fair,” Sakura mumbled awkwardly while rubbing the back of his neck. “You don’t strike me as an ‘everything pink’ person, but you’re also not a ‘no pink’ kind of person either,” he spoke slowly - piecing the thought together as the words left his mouth. Tittering faintly at his awkwardness, you bobbed your head in agreement.

“I think so too,” you spoke softly with a wistful smile. Then you did something you didn’t usually do - you lied. “So, um, did you get the Weather Contact on your phone?” You inquired with a curious tilt of your head. A notch formed in his brow as he cocked his head at you.

“I-I don’t think so,” he tentatively pulled his phone back out, “I don’t know how to check.” He admitted shamefully as he held his phone out to you. Smiling brightly, you took it and immediately navigated to the contact list.

“Oh no, you didn’t!” Sakura jumped a little at your exclamation as he leaned closer to peer over your shoulder at the little illuminated screen. “It’s okay, mine didn’t either, my mom had to add it. Everyone’s phone is supposed to come with one so you can text it for the weather and it’ll send you the daily forecast!” You explained quickly as you typed in your phone number under the contact name ‘Weather’. Once you were done, you handed his phone back with a big grin, and Sakura - for once - uttered a low ‘thank you’.

Like clockwork, the next morning Sakura texted you for the weather. Your hands trembled as you swiftly searched for the forecast, and then you quickly texted him back, “Partially sunny. High of 70, low of 58. 30% humidity with a chance of light rain in the evening. Bring a light jacket!”

Of course, you never told him in case he would suddenly stop texting you, or hate you for lying to him. All the while you and Sakura got closer bit by bit, never enough for him to call you his friend, but enough for him to tell you about the homework when you were absent; or remind you of a test coming up; or telling you when the Konbini restocked on your favorite snacks; or walking you home when your clubs ran late. 

Close enough that he told you when he was moving to Furin. Only you. Though you were thrilled for him to get away from such a horrible place, you were also a little heartbroken to see your friend leave. 

A lot of that heartbreak was quelled the first day after he moved when you received his text for the weather. Without missing a beat, you looked up the weather for Furin and sent it to him. You usually never got a response, and this time was no different, but it was nice to still have some connection to him.

As the year progressed, rumors of a 1st year Furin student was getting all the way to your town, and you immediately knew it was Sakura. Especially after they spoke of his fighting prowess. Eventually, scrolling instagram one day, you saw a post from Kiryu Mitsuki that showed a familiar head of two toned hair in the far corner of the photo.

Like a stalker, you immediately followed him, and Kiryu instantly perused your profile since he saw you're from Sakura’s hometown. On the surface you seemed kind enough, so he followed you back. Then, several weeks passed of you checking his posts for Sakura anytime he made an update. Of course, you didn’t get anything, but fortunately Sakura did. 

He, Kiryu, Suo, Nirei and Tsuguera were chilling in the wrestling themed restaurant in Furin when Kiryu got a notification that you made a new post. When he opened his phone to reveal a bright, sunny photo of you with your parents under a spray of cherry blossoms, Sakura choked on his drink.

“Do you know Y/N?” He demanded immediately, to which Kiryu jumped and shook his head at the 1st year captain. Tension emanated from the table as they, mostly Kiryu, waited to see what Sakura would divulge about you. Kiryu’s nerves strung the tightest out of fear that you weren't as kind as your profile led him to believe.

“She just followed me one day, so I followed her back,” Kiryu explained calmly as he pulled up your profile to show Sakura. Gingerly he took his friend’s phone and scrolled through your posts about traveling, volunteering, and most notably of late - running. It looked like you were becoming a track and field prodigy from team and trophy photos. 

“She looks like she’s doing well,” Sakura finally concluded as he handed the phone back to Kiryu to find all of his friends staring at him intensely. A blush crept up his forehead as he blurted out a gruff, “what?”

“I think we’re all wondering who Y/N is?” Suo responded with a serene smile while Nirei nodded vehemently at his two toned captain - notebook and pen at the ready. Then with an arch of his brow, he added, “a friend perhaps?”

Sakura sputtered on his drink, grabbing his napkin roughly to wipe his mouth before glaring at Suo. Then an unsure look came over his face while he struggled to find the right words. “We never said we were friends, but Y/N was really cool,” was all he offered with a shrug - ears burning at the tips.

The rest of his friends let it go - for now. On the down-low Kiryu messaged you and asked if you would be interested in paying Sakura a visit, and though you wished you had - you didn’t play it cool for a second. Less than a minute after he messaged you, his phone chimed with an emphatic yes! And so, the plan was set for you to come to Furin and pay Sakura a surprise visit, while his friends put together a Furin tour for their two toned captain to take you on.

About a week later you hopped on the train for the day trip to Furin. Though it wasn’t an area you were familiar with, it was certainly welcoming when you turned onto the main strip and were immediately met with smiling shopkeepers. They waved and offered their greetings as you passed, and you smiled brightly in return. 

Once you got about halfway down the street though, some shopkeepers were quickly moving inside and shutting their doors - you were a little taken aback since peak hours would be starting soon. But then you heard a terrible clash of metal on pavement as you ventured a little closer, passerbyers swiftly skirting around you - carrying groceries or dragging children to a safe area. When the majority of them had cleared, you saw a crowd of men in leather jackets fighting high schoolers dressed in black and green uniforms.

You were shocked to say the least, but then you spied a familiar mop of two toned hair in the thick of the mob so you stepped to the side until the scuffle resolved. Intrigue didn’t quite cover everything you felt as you watched not just Sakura, but a slew of guys all wearing the same uniform landing kicks, punches and some fully grabbing members of the mob and throwing them to the other end of the street.

As Sakura grabbed one blonde brute who had been going off at the mouth while wildly swinging his bat, and tossed him towards the alleyway several feet away, he finally spied you and stopped dead in his tracks. Immediately you flashed him your brightest smile, and just as quickly his face turned beet red while he processed your presence. Suddenly, one of the incapacitated attackers rose up behind Sakura with a bat poised to swing down on his head. You had to stop yourself from lunging forward and frantically pointed behind him instead.

"Ahh-uhh, Sakura - behind you!” the shout barely passed your lips before the bat began its downward descent. Luckily Sakura was faster as he spun, his foot landing on the guy’s jaw and sending him flying away. “Nice job! You can kick a lot higher now,” you commented as he spun back around to find you grinning proudly at him. Still mute, all he could do was blush and stare at you in utter disbelief until Kiryu finally came over to officially introduce himself.

 Sakura watched in complete silence as Kiryu spoke to you as if he knew you, and then introduced you to all of their friends. How you laughed and talked so casually, so comfortably with them, and yet he couldn’t even say a simple ‘hello’. Even as introductions finished and you all turned to him in unison, all he could was stare dumbstruck - anxiety filling his lungs and stilling his heart.

After a moment of awkward silence, you spoke to the bewildered first year, “I wanted to come see how you're doing... I hope that's okay?"

In true Sakura-style, the ruddy blush overtook his face, neck and ears before he looked like he was about to snap, but then he shoved his fists in his pockets before averting his gaze and muttering, "yeah, that's fine."

Kiryu and the others watched your reaction to Sakura’s standoffish nature so closely it was obvious to anyone passing by, but you just beamed back at him. Then, with all the gumption of an iconic teen girl - you rapid fired questions at him.

“So, Sakura - how’s the new town? Do you like it? And how’s Furin? Also was that, like, a team fight? Oh, are you on a team now??” Quizzing him in one breath as you bounced on the balls of your feet, as Kiryu and the other’s looked on in horror - knowing this was far too much for Sakura. Who, like clockwork, looked beyond tomato red as he physically took a step back from your onslaught of questions, but after a moment he released a sigh and responded. Not even snapped, but actually responded.

“The new town is ni-nice - I like it, and Furin’s goo-good.” He spoke out of the side of his mouth while rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. “Yeah, it was a… team fight - I’m a part of Bofurin now,” his voice sounded strained as he divulged the tidbits of information while your smile only grew. Kiryu and the others glanced between the two of you, completely astonished as to how you got Sakura to answer without barking from overwhelm.

“Haha that’s good to hear,” you chuckled lightly, and then waved your hand at Sakura apologetically. “Sorry for the interrogation - you’re as kind as you’ve always been,” you offered cheerily. Sakura just rolled his eyes lightheartedly, his blush lessened to a light dusting of pink.

As you strolled down the rest of main street with Sakura and the others, he couldn’t help the nostalgic feeling he got from your questioning earlier. Something you would often do, because you knew it flustered him, and yet he would always suck it up and answer you honestly. Or how now, you were inquiring about anything and everything to do with Sakura and his friends in that same curiously disarming way.

First they took you by Furin to show you the school - you had about a million questions about the graffiti and the tree growing out of the roof. Sakura was the one who actually spoke first, informing you about Umemiya’s rooftop garden. Then, he answered your inquiries about who Umemiya is - by the time you all were walking away you had learned about the hierarchy of Bofurin. Of course you noticed the way they all seemed to hold the leaders of their school in high regards, but what surprised you is that Sakura did too. 

After the school, they showed you the typical routes they patrol around town, telling you about the different shops and elders who lived there. To your shock and delight, you saw that a lot of the town was ecstatic to see Sakura, tell him hello, as well as offer him treats. Though he still blushed at all the attention, you could tell he was trying to accept it in his own way. 

At one point, an older woman by the name of ‘Granny Sato’ came by and complained about her hip at length, and asked Sakura for a piggyback ride to the cafe nearby. You had to stifle your giggles when your former classmate shot her a glare, but still kneeled down and lifted her onto his back with ease. Granny Sato was kind, maybe a little brash, but overall funny. She quizzed you about yourself, where you came from and how you know Sakura - all of which you divulged with an easygoing smile. 

When you all entered the cafe you couldn’t hide your astonishment when Granny Sato hopped down with ease. Sakura immediately shot her a look and grumbled about how she complained about not being able to walk, to which she laughed and threw him a wink.

“Hahah I tell you every time it’s my hip,” she corrected him as the brunette girl working behind the counter came around to help her into her seat. “Though I will say you are a Furin boy through and through,” she turned her gaze to you before speaking again, “not once has he refused to carry me here y’know?” She laughed, followed by several guys wearing the same uniform as Sakura sitting around the cafe.

“Oh yeah, he’s always been like that,” you puffed out in a laugh as you nodded in agreement. Then you added in a cheery tone, “It’s really no surprise that he fits in so well at Furin.”

Granny Sato beamed up at you, but you didn’t realize it was because Sakura’s cheeks sported a fine dusting of pink as he just stared at you in a daze. Of course the others noticed as well - Kiryu and Suo shared a knowing glance, and at the back table of the cafe Tsubaki inconspicuously tapped Hiragi’s wrist excitedly, who gave the other King a firm shake of his head. Though the shark toothed captain was having a difficult time hiding his own knowing smile at the first year’s reaction.

“Sakura,” Kotoha piped up after she returned behind the counter - pulling him from his stupor as he turned to meet her expectant gaze, “who’s your friend?” 

The two toned teen looked downright feverish with how badly he was blushing, his hair seemed to stand on end as he opened his mouth - prepared to snap. But then he paused, a look of unbridled uncertainty crossed his face, but he didn’t dare look at you.

He’s still not ready to say we’re friends. You mused, a touch of melancholy pressed its nails into your heart before you shoved it far, far away. After a moment, you cleared your throat quietly, earning Kotoha’s attention as she turned to you with raised brows.

“I’m Sakura’s old classmate - we grew up in the same town,” you explained in a light tone, “I just came to see how he’s doing.” 

Of course everyone noticed that Sakura did not refer to you as a friend, and you didn’t either. But Sakura was too absorbed by you, since for the first time since you arrived, he saw your head bow slightly - shrinking is how he always thought of it - something you’d do when you felt shy or nervous. It only lasted a moment before Kotoha smiled coyly.

“And?” Her tone inflected slightly, but you only raised your brows in response. “What do you think?” She clarified her question with an arch of her brow, to which you immediately threw a wide grin her way - Sakura’s heart stuttered at the sight.

“I think he’s doing great,” you declared with a confident nod of your head - Sakura could feel the air punch from his lungs, but what you said next just about killed him. You glanced at him before you spoke, which only made him stiffen before you stated in a sure tone, “I think this is the perfect place for him.” 

Post Sakura’s almost spontaneous combustion, you all sat at a back table across from the Kings. Conversation swayed between you asking them questions about Furin and the town, and them inquiring about you. Mostly track, school, and some about your parents. Nirei and Tsugeura excitedly told you about the fights they’ve seen Sakura in - Tsuguera mentioned the one where he and Kiryu got to fight with his captain, while Nirei told you at length about the Shishitoren ordeal and how Sakura fought their 2nd in command. You couldn’t help how wide your smile grew just at how happy the two boys seemed just to be in his presence. 

Luckily they all seemed to pick up on the fact that neither you or Sakura wanted to talk much about your hometown or middle school, so they let it be. All the while, the first year captain had become mute as he watched you converse with his friends so easily - like you already belonged. He would be lying if a part of him didn’t feel a touch of elation for you to get along with them. His friends. 

Eventually Kiryu brought up the class group chat, and you couldn’t help the delighted look that flitted across your face as you shot Sakura an excited glance. But then conversation led to the weather contact being the only one in his phone before the group chat, and you could feel the heat rush to your cheeks as they all tittered together.

“He-hey i-it’s useful!” Sakura shot back defensively, a bright red hue tinging his cheeks as he averted his gaze towards the wall to his left. To your horror, Kiryu spoke up next - a good hearted suggestion that meant you had some explaining to do…

“Oh Y/N, why don’t you and Sakura exchange phone numbers while you’re here?” The pink haired boy piped up, a coy smile tugging at his mouth - matching the one on Suo’s face. Turning in unison, you met Sakura’s startled gaze to find that you were both beet red and speechless. A chorus of quiet chuckles passed through the cafe as Sakura stared at you expectantly. 

Oh… he actually does want my number? The shock was evident on your face as the thought stepped to the forefront of your mind, though Sakura only took your hesitation as rejection as he shrunk away slightly. An awkward tension settled over the cafe as everyone held their breath for your response. Oh, wait, no!

“U-uh,” stumbling over your words as the gears turned at hyper speed - Sakura opened his mouth, you knew to tell you not to worry about it. You had to speak now - you wouldn’t get the chance again. “I-I would, but we already did…” you admitted in a hushed tone - a crease formed in Sakura’s brows over your next words as you shrunk in on yourself, “years ago.”

“No we didn’t,” Sakura responded immediately - not missing a beat. The tension thickened as the air started feeling tight in your lungs. He clocked your change in demeanor immediately - the anxiety plastered across your face, and the way you bit your lip - it’s how you looked whenever you were in trouble.

"Well," you began awkwardly, swallowing thickly before you continued, "I'm actually the weather contact in your phone..." Your words were met with stunned silence all around, but you couldn’t look anywhere but at Sakura’s bewildered face. After an excruciating moment of silence, you added, "I just didn't think you'd want my number back then. And I was kind of scared to ask for yours," you chuckled lightly, though your nerves bled straight through - straining the sound. Sakura turned beet red, brow creased deeper as a scowl set into his face, his friends watched closely for how he'd react since you did lie to him.

"You've been texting me the weather for three years!" Sakura shouted, eyes wide in disbelief as you shrank even more - knowing full well that you messed up. "Why would you do that?" He demanded - eyes narrowing the same way they would before a brawl - you took a deep breath before trying to speak again.

"I-I'm sorry," you started quietly - slowly - as you tried to grapple for an explanation. Everyone, most of all Kiryu for inviting you, stiffened at your ensuing words, but then Sakura cut you off.

"Why would you keep responding after I moved?" The first year captain demanded in utter dismay. This time no guilt ate at you though as you just blinked repeatedly at the question - a notch forming in your brow as well.

"Be-because I was worried about you," you responded simply, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. Your admission halted Sakura in his tracks as he blushed three shades deeper and sputtered for any words. "I'm sorry I lied - I just really wanted to be your friend, but I didn’t know how at the time... And then you moved, but you told me where, so I just kept sending you the weather cause that meant you were still alive at the very least," using the opportunity to clarify, you reasoned it out to him meekly. Everyone was stunned by your genuine concern, but you were only focused on how the blushing boy in front of you would receive the information. After a moment the ruddiness dissipated - swiftly to be replaced by a deep scowl.

“Have you lied about anything else?” He posed gravely, and your eyes went wide as you earnestly shook your head at him.

“No,” you whispered earnestly, but when he searched your gaze for deceit you quickly added in a hushed voice, “I promise.” Gradually he relaxed, the stiffness in his shoulders ebbing as his hardened gaze softened considerably - because of course he believed you. You were always so honest.

"I guess that's alright," he finally relented, speaking out of the corner of his mouth as a red hue crept back over his cheeks - spurring you to perk up. But then his aggressive tone came back in full force along with a deeper flush across his face, "I'm not texting you for the weather anymore though!" He declared, and your face fell at his words. The onlookers couldn’t help but stare and hide their smiles at the awkward dance before them.

"Tell me about track, or school, or just your day," he instructed in a gentler tone, averting his eyes to the wall on his left while scratching the back of his head. Words escaped you while you tried to work out what he meant. But then his bicolor eyes met yours apprehensively as he added, "be-because I'd like to know." 

"O-okay, I will!" You chirped back immediately, beaming brightly at him. Sakura could feel heat rush to his face at that signature smile lopsidedly tugging at your mouth. After a moment, Suo cleared his throat, drawing your attention back to the rest of the cafe as he smoothly transitioned to quizzing you more about track. Without missing a beat, you told everyone about how you’ve beaten your time 3 times this year, and that your team was slated to go to nationals.

Sakura listened, off and on, as his thoughts drifted through the countless texts he’s received from you over the years. The kind words and emojis all encased in the subject matter of weather… in the next moment he just couldn’t stop his mouth from moving as the thought synapsed directly to his lips sans filter.

“Does the weather service usually send messages like ‘wear a light coat!’ or ‘it’s a good day to walk by the canal,’ or ‘don’t forget to look at the cherry blossoms,’...?” Inquiring in a purely curious tone, but you only blushed a deeper red at each phrase. The whole cafe took notice and had to stifle their giggles at how absolutely caught you looked. 

“U-uh, well, the weather man will say that stuff on TV sometimes, and that’s where I got the idea…” you trailed off in a small voice, steeped in embarrassment.

“Is there even a text weather service?” He demanded in a tone soaked with befuddlement. At that several cafe goers' faces broke as titters filled the pause - you could feel your ears burning by now.

“Uh-haha, I don’t know…” you admitted sheepishly, shrugging lightly while you willed the heat to dissipate from your ruddy cheeks. Finally, the cafe broke into an all out chorus of laughter at the display before them. Now that basically everything was out in the open, conversation swayed back towards you and Furin as the ping ponging of subjects recommenced. Until Sakura spoke up out of the blue once more.

“Wait,” he interjected suddenly, earning a glance from you to find him staring you down while his friends threw him curious glances. “You did that when I moved to Furin too,” but when you just tilted your head in question he elaborated, “the little messages about where to go and what to do.” His voice was lower this time, apprehensive almost as his bicolored irises silently willed you to explain. 

“Oh, yeah,” you laughed out awkwardly, “I-I googled some of the local shops before you moved. I called them to ask about what areas were safe to visit, and things to do in different weather conditions.” You informed quietly, but when he just continued staring - arching his white brow slightly, you chuckled awkwardly and shrugged at him. 

A hush fell over the cafe while Kotoha cocked her head at the memory of a call from a very sweet, young girl who wanted to know how people from out of town were typically received. She also remembered the sheer relief in your voice when she told you that she was actually from out of town, but this place was her home now. Then you asked her all about the local shops and things to do, the sound of shuffling papers and graphite scratching faintly in the background.

“Why?” Sakura demanded, but there were no teeth gleaming behind his bark - just sheer bewilderment, and perhaps a dash of vulnerability.

”Oh, well,” you paused thoughtfully before nervously confessing, “I guess I really shouldn’t have been, but I was just worried, um…” crossing one arm under your chest, you held onto your bicep for comfort - desperately searching for the right words. 

“I really wanted your first impression to be good, so I just told you to go to the areas where the shopkeepers were, because they seemed really, um, nice…” you trailed off slightly as you noticed everyone was staring at you, astounded. “Uh, I just wanted to be sure I was directing you somewhere safe, but I knew you could take it from there…” you asserted gently with another awkward smile and shrug. Before Sakura, or anyone else could respond, your phone pinged with a notification about your train departure in 30 minutes.

”Oh man I didn’t realize it was getting so late,” you murmured, a touch of melancholy leaching into your voice. Everyone clocked the change in your tone, and the look of disappointment that crossed Sakura’s face before you turned back, “I gotta get to the train station. It was really good to see you though, and meet all of you.” You said while rising to your feet and bowing respectfully to Sakura’s friends. 

”I-I’ll walk with you,” Sakura blurted out as he rose to his feet shortly after you. You peered up at him, brows raised in surprise, but then you smiled and nodded.

”Thank you, I’d like that,” you murmured as you turned and bid the upperclassmen and Kotoha goodbye. The other first years offered to accompany you as well, and you gratefully took them up on it.

On the way, Sakura brought up your profile picture of the weather for your contact and you sheepishly admitted you did that so as to not give yourself away. At that Sakura actually laughed - muted, blocked behind his hand - his classmates were stunned, but you already knew what it looked like. You made him laugh once back in 6th grade and you memorized every detail that you could in those few short moments.

“Are you gonna change it to something else?” He inquired, and you immediately pulled out your phone and chose a new photo. What showed up on Sakura’s phone was a wonky painting that was abstract but still looked like you.

”I made it,” you elaborated in response to his confused expression, earning a stunned glance from him. 

”You paint?” He shot back quickly - dumbfounded since you never talked about art back in middle school.

”Not very well,” you laughed out, “but yeah. I started a little after you moved actually - I’ve really liked it so far!” You mused happily.

”No, it’s good - I like it,” he remarked decisively with a nod before pocketing his phone. When he glanced over he saw your wide eyes and ruddy cheeks, except this time your lips were parted in surprise instead of that typical smile. For a moment Sakura was entranced by you - by the fact that maybe for once he made you feel how you perpetually made him feel whenever in your presence.

When you all arrived at the train station, Kiryu led the goodbyes near the entrance as the other first years told you how good it was to meet you. Swiftly you told them the same in return, though when you turned to Sakura you felt a touch of sadness to say goodbye so soon. From the look on his face he seemed to feel the same way.

“Why don’t you see her off Sakura?” Suo suggested with that perpetually serene smile of his. The others quickly nodded in agreement - Kiryu shot the auburn haired boy a look of approval. “We’ll wait over here for you,” Suo added, answering Sakura’s questioning look, as he gestured for the two of you to go ahead. 

Awkwardly the two of you glanced at each other before you smiled reassuringly - ready to tell him he didn’t have to, but Sakura just turned and started walking towards your platform without another word. Under his collar a tinge of pink crept up the back of his neck.

The silence ensued between the two of you as Sakura peered down the tracks for your train while you could only peek out of the corner of your eye at the two toned teen. Memorizing different details - how his hair has gotten longer, his jaw sharper, or how his shoulders have grown wider since you last saw him - since you had no idea when you’d see him again. The first years stood pensively at the entrance of the station, not so subtly watching the awkward tension grow as the seconds ticked by. Finally, your voice cut through it, as your soft timbre echoed towards the entrance where the others stood.

“So, Sakura,” you began, apprehensively meeting his expectant gaze. “Does this mean that we’re like… officially friends?” You implored in a lightly joking tone, but only Sakura could see the vulnerability in your eyes - the fear of rejection that you failed to hide. For a moment he hesitated, but when he saw the fear ebb and morph into hurt, he stumbled over himself to speak.

“Ye-yes.” He declared with a firm nod, and in an instant the hurt vanished without a trace. In its place was unbridled joy as you grinned wide up at him while clapping quietly in excitement.

“Yay!” You chirped happily. Sakura felt a fluttering deep in his gut as his heart lifted from how thrilled you were to finally be considered his friend. Before he could say anything else, the screeching of metal against metal drew both of your attention to the bright lights bending around the track. 

The two toned teen couldn’t hide the look of pure disappointment that crossed his face as the train halted in front of your platform - the metal doors screeching open. A garbled voice came through on the intercom announcing the stops, and that the train would be departing in three minutes. Panic prickled under your skin as you and Sakura met each other’s gaze again - it was time to say goodbye, but the word wasn’t coming to either of you.

Swallowing thickly while the minutes waned to the doors rumbling shut, suddenly you couldn’t stop yourself - stepping forward and wrapping your arms around Sakura’s torso. A choked noise escaped the boy as you buried your face into his chest - inhaling that familiar, comforting scent that now lived several towns away.

“Take care of yourself Sakura - I hope I get to see you again soon,” you murmured tenderly as you lessened your grip around him - pulling away to meet his stunned gaze. The garbled voice came on the intercom, announcing the train would be departing in one minute. Sakura blinked rapidly as you continued to back away, he didn’t know why he suddenly felt the urge to move. He honestly didn’t think he had it in him, but he followed you fluidly - wrapping you tightly in his arms, eliciting a squeak from you.

“You too,” he mumbled, and then his voice turned a little shaky, “co-come back anyti-time - you’re always wel-welcome here…” he said, releasing you from his embrace as the garbled voice announced the doors closing.

Before you missed your train completely, Sakura gently spun you around and pushed you towards the doors. Hopping lightly onto the elevated train floor, you grabbed a pole and turned in time to call to him, “see you later, Sakura!” 

“See you later Y/N,” he called back, just loud enough for you to hear over the groaning door sliding shut, followed by an awkward wave and a light dusting of pink crawling back over his cheeks. Then the doors sealed as the train started to pull away, you swayed with the motion as you continued waving at Sakura, and then his friends as you passed by them before taking your seat.

Slightly stunned by his own actions, Sakura ambled back towards his friends with a perturbed expression etched into his face. Kiryu and the others heard every echoing word of your conversation, and seemed to immediately pick up on the fact that Sakura absolutely likes you as more than a friend. They also understand that he was nowhere near prepared to face that fact, so they talked about patrol, video games, and just about anything other than you on the way back. That is until Sakura spoke up in a small voice.

“Do-do you guys think Y/N will actually visit again?” He didn’t look at them, eyes cast to the ground and hands shoved deep in his pockets. Silence fell over the group as their pace slowed to a halt, Nirei and Suo shared a concerned look.

“O-of course she will,” Nirei stated after a moment, nodding his head assuredly. Immediately followed by unanimous agreement of the group. But Sakura still looked unsure, the grips of anxiety creeping over him as he played back the events of today.

“We’ll invite her to my favorite restaurant the weekend after next!” Tsugeura suggested after a moment, earning a hopeful look from Sakura. “She even said she wanted to try it out, and I’m sure she would wanna meet the owners after calling them,” he continued while nodding his head vigorously. 

“Text her and tell her to let you know when she gets home safe,” Kiryu instructed. His captain just blinked in thought, but swiftly pulled out his phone and sent you the text - excitement quickly overshadowing his nerves. “When she does, you should ask her about getting lunch with us,” the pink haired boy advised with a confident smile.

“Wh-what if she says no…?” Sakura murmured, fully leaning on his friends to help him traverse the sticky pathways of the heart.

“Then ask her when a better time would be,” Suo piped up in a calm tone. “If she says no it’s probably just because she’s busy anyway - nationals coming up and all,” the auburn boy reassured his friend. Sakura released a breath of air he didn’t realize he was holding as the group continued their walk home.

When they arrived outside of Pothos, Sakura’s phone pinged with a message from you, and the entire group gathered around him to see. The upperclassman watched from inside, curious but remained in their seats so they could laugh freely at the spectacle. Scrawled across his screen read:

Y/N L/N: I’m home! Thank you for checking - I had a really good time today btw :) 

Sakura inhaled deeply as he readied to type out his question, when a second message popped up from you:

Y/N L/N: Will you let me know when you’re home safe too please?

The two toned teen’s heart sputtered and mouth ran dry as he peered over the earnest request. His friends shared knowing glances as they waited for Sakura to start typing, but he was stuck reading and re-reading the message. Has anyone asked me that before? Was the only thought flitting through his mind. Just when Kiryu moved to nudge his captain, his phone pinged with a third message from you:

Y/N L/N: Also, I know we just hung out, but I’ve really missed you! Do you wanna hang out again soon?

Sakura jumped the second the words came through, which caused him to screenshot the conversation. As the light flashed in his face, he blurted out, “wha-what did I do?” 

Kiryu and the others chuckled lightly as the pink haired boy explained, “you took a picture of the screen - it’s called a ‘screenshot’ - it should be in your photos now. Here I can show you how to delete it.” He held his hand out towards his captain, who hesitated looking back down at the conversation.

“U-uh,” he stuttered, and then shook his head lightly, “that’s okay. Ho-how should I ask her to lunch?” He solicited instead, peering around his friends’ amused faces.

“Just say, ‘do you wanna get lunch with us at that restaurant Tsugeura mentioned the weekend after next?’ and see what she says,” Kiryu instructed calmly, though the excitement of the situation was palpable all the way to the back table in Pothos where Umemiya and the Kings looked on.

Sakura typed out the message at hyper speed and hit send - they all stood by pensively until his phone pinged a moment later. When Sakura read the message he held his phone close so he was the only one to read it first, eyes scanning the message once, twice, then a third time as his face flushed bright red. Then his expression turned soft as a small smile curved along his mouth before he turned his phone for his friends to show them your response:

Y/N L/N: Yes, of course I would love that!! Actually I was wondering - and if this is weird don’t worry about it - but would it be okay if I visit you around Obon? I miss hanging out with you during the celebrations, and I’m not from here originally so it can get kind of… awkward lol 

“Well?” Kiryu asked with an arch of his bubblegum pink brow. Sakura just blinked at him with a tilt of his head, so he elaborated with a sly grin, “what are you gonna say?”

Sakura just blinked again as he peered back down at his phone screen. She missed me… he thought while inhaling deeply - striking the keys slower this time. Ardently typing out the words as they came to him, backspacing multiple times before he actually hit send:

🌸Sakura Haruka🌸: Yes, I’d like that. You’re always welcome here.

Master List (I have no rights to these characters, the works they come from, or the art/screenshots/manga panels used in this post. Screenshots taken from pinterest, so if you know the creator please lmk! Pink Cellphone divider is from @sweetmelodygraphics and cloud divider is from @saradika-graphics)

Update: tag list (I’m so sorry I forgot!!): @nymphsdomain @darknoir24

[counselorssoapbox]

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