#pumps for mining industry

[invertek]

Optidrive IP55 / NEMA 12 rated enclosure for wall mounting is available with the Optidrive ECO Fan & Pump series and the Optidrive P2 High Performance series.

200V-240V up to 100HP

380V-480V up to 400HP

500V-600V up to 150HP

The VFD Exchange

Invertek Drives

[dustsuppression]

Fragrance of Tranquility: Decoding The Essence of Odour Suppression Systems

In the tapestry of our daily lives, odours often play a prominent role, influencing our moods and shaping our environments. However, within this olfactory landscape, a transformative force exists—Odour Suppression Systems. Join us in unraveling the essence of odour suppression systems, where technology meets tranquility, and the fragrance of a refreshed atmosphere permeates every space.

Awakening the Senses: Understanding the Core of Odour Suppression Systems

Odour Suppression Systems are not mere devices; they are orchestrators of sensory delight. At their essence, these systems are designed to awaken your senses to a world where unwanted odours fade into the background, replaced by the gentle notes of a meticulously curated and tranquil fragrance.

Customized Harmony: Tailoring Freshness to Your Environment

Step into a realm where freshness is not one-size-fits-all. Odour Suppression Systems craft a customized harmony, adapting to the unique demands of your environment. From intimate homes to expansive commercial spaces, experience the tailored symphony of freshness that defines the essence of these transformative systems.

Eco-Friendly Aromatics: Sustainably Redefining Fresh Air

The essence of Odour Suppression Systems extends beyond immediate freshness. Embracing an eco-friendly approach, these systems introduce sustainability into the fragrance equation. Dive into the innovative technologies that contribute to a greener tomorrow, where every breath is not just refreshing but environmentally conscientious.

Breathe Freely: Seamless Installation and Responsive Maintenance

The essence of tranquility begins with a seamless installation process led by our expert technicians. Witness the careful integration of Odour Suppression Systems into your space, ensuring optimal performance. As you breathe freely, rest assured that our maintenance services stand ready to uphold the essence of freshness, providing responsive support whenever needed.

Innovative Symphony: A Technological Olfactory Showcase

Explore the technological symphony that defines the essence of Odour Suppression Systems. Our technology showcase unveils the intricate melodies of advanced filtration, smart sensing technology, and revolutionary approaches that keep your environment consistently fresh. Immerse yourself in an innovative olfactory experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

Aromatic Tales: Customer Stories of Transformed Spaces

Embark on a sensory journey through the aromatic tales of spaces transformed by Odour Suppression Systems. Real stories, real transformations—discover how these systems have become instrumental in creating environments that not only eliminate odours but also cultivate a sense of well-being and tranquility.

Choosing Essence: Elevate Your Olfactory Experience

Why choose Odour Suppression Systems? It's about more than just removing unpleasant odours; it's about elevating your olfactory experience to new heights. Join us in our commitment to excellence, where the essence of innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction converge to redefine the standard of freshness.

Contact Us: Immerse Yourself in the Essence of Freshness

Ready to immerse yourself in the essence of freshness? Contact us today to explore how Odour Suppression Systems can elevate your environment. Step into a world where the air is pure, and every breath is a delightful note in the harmonious symphony of freshness. Your journey to a transformed olfactory experience begins here!

[misting-systems]

Fragrance of Tranquility: Decoding The Essence of Odour Suppression Systems

In the tapestry of our daily lives, odours often play a prominent role, influencing our moods and shaping our environments. However, within this olfactory landscape, a transformative force exists—Odour Suppression Systems. Join us in unraveling the essence of odour suppression systems, where technology meets tranquility, and the fragrance of a refreshed atmosphere permeates every space.

Awakening the Senses: Understanding the Core of Odour Suppression Systems

Odour Suppression Systems are not mere devices; they are orchestrators of sensory delight. At their essence, these systems are designed to awaken your senses to a world where unwanted odours fade into the background, replaced by the gentle notes of a meticulously curated and tranquil fragrance.

Customized Harmony: Tailoring Freshness to Your Environment

Step into a realm where freshness is not one-size-fits-all. Odour Suppression Systems craft a customized harmony, adapting to the unique demands of your environment. From intimate homes to expansive commercial spaces, experience the tailored symphony of freshness that defines the essence of these transformative systems.

Eco-Friendly Aromatics: Sustainably Redefining Fresh Air

The essence of Odour Suppression Systems extends beyond immediate freshness. Embracing an eco-friendly approach, these systems introduce sustainability into the fragrance equation. Dive into the innovative technologies that contribute to a greener tomorrow, where every breath is not just refreshing but environmentally conscientious.

Breathe Freely: Seamless Installation and Responsive Maintenance

The essence of tranquility begins with a seamless installation process led by our expert technicians. Witness the careful integration of Odour Suppression Systems into your space, ensuring optimal performance. As you breathe freely, rest assured that our maintenance services stand ready to uphold the essence of freshness, providing responsive support whenever needed.

Innovative Symphony: A Technological Olfactory Showcase

Explore the technological symphony that defines the essence of Odour Suppression Systems. Our technology showcase unveils the intricate melodies of advanced filtration, smart sensing technology, and revolutionary approaches that keep your environment consistently fresh. Immerse yourself in an innovative olfactory experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

Aromatic Tales: Customer Stories of Transformed Spaces

Embark on a sensory journey through the aromatic tales of spaces transformed by Odour Suppression Systems. Real stories, real transformations—discover how these systems have become instrumental in creating environments that not only eliminate odours but also cultivate a sense of well-being and tranquility.

Choosing Essence: Elevate Your Olfactory Experience

Why choose Odour Suppression Systems? It's about more than just removing unpleasant odours; it's about elevating your olfactory experience to new heights. Join us in our commitment to excellence, where the essence of innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction converge to redefine the standard of freshness.

Contact Us: Immerse Yourself in the Essence of Freshness

Ready to immerse yourself in the essence of freshness? Contact us today to explore how Odour Suppression Systems can elevate your environment. Step into a world where the air is pure, and every breath is a delightful note in the harmonious symphony of freshness. Your journey to a transformed olfactory experience begins here!

[odoursuppressionsystem]

A Symphony of Freshness: Unveiling the Magic of Odour Suppression Systems

In a world where comfort meets innovation, Odour Suppression Systems stand as the silent guardians of freshness, transforming every space into a haven of invigorating air. Join us on a journey into the heart of olfactory excellence as we unravel the magic behind Odour Suppression Systems—a symphony of freshness that redefines the way you experience your surroundings.

Harmony in Every Breath: The Essence of Odour Suppression Systems

Imagine a world where unpleasant odours are mere whispers in the wind, effortlessly neutralized by the advanced technology of Odour Suppression Systems. These systems are more than devices; they are architects of an environment where every breath is a harmonious blend of freshness and comfort.

Tailored Freshness: Custom Solutions for Every Space

At the core of Odour Suppression Systems lies versatility. From intimate residences to sprawling industrial complexes, our systems are tailored to meet the unique demands of every space. Immerse yourself in the world of custom solutions, where freshness is not just a standard but an experience crafted for your environment.

Eco-Friendly Elegance: The Sustainable Approach to Fresh Air

In our commitment to a greener tomorrow, Odour Suppression Systems embrace eco-friendly elegance. Explore the sustainable technologies that power our systems, ensuring that the air you breathe is not only refreshing but also aligned with a conscientious approach to environmental well-being.

Breathe Easy: The Installation and Maintenance Experience

Embark on a seamless journey from consultation to installation with our expert technicians. Discover the meticulous care taken to integrate Odour Suppression Systems into your space, ensuring optimal performance. Breathe easy knowing that our maintenance services are designed to keep your environment consistently fresh, with responsive support to address any concerns.

Innovations Unveiled: Technology Spotlight on Olfactory Excellence

Delve into the cutting-edge innovations that set Odour Suppression Systems apart. Our technology spotlight unveils the science behind the magic—advanced filtration, smart sensing technology, and revolutionary approaches to ensure that the freshness experienced is not just a momentary delight but a sustained symphony of olfactory excellence.

Witness the Transformation: Customer Success Stories

Embark on a virtual tour of spaces transformed by Odour Suppression Systems through the eyes of our satisfied customers. Real experiences, real results—discover how our systems have become integral in creating environments that are not only odour-free but also conducive to well-being.

Choosing Symphony of Freshness: A Commitment to Excellence

Why choose Odour Suppression Systems? It's not just about eliminating odours; it's about curating an atmosphere where freshness is a way of life. Join us in our commitment to excellence, where innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction converge to redefine the standard of freshness.

Contact Us: The Olfactory Symphony Begins with You

Ready to immerse yourself in the symphony of freshness? Contact us today to explore how Odour Suppression Systems can elevate your environment. Step into a world where the air is pure, and every breath is a delightful note in the harmonious symphony of freshness. Your journey to a transformed olfactory experience begins here!

[head-post]

Oil industry thoroughly prepares for the climate summit

The war in Ukraine triggered surges in oil prices, with oil giants’ profits soaring even as governments promised a greener era, Politico reported.

Profits are soaring, marking a record year in the United States. Revenues are so high that the industry is ready to commit billions of dollars in incentives that US President Joe Biden is proposing for wind farms, battery minerals and carbon-carrying pipelines.

On November 30, Dubai’s Expo City, a showcase for the United Arab Emirates’ oil wealth, will host the next climate summit to prove that oil and gas producers are thriving, not shrinking, in an age of ambitious green programmes. Kevin Book, managing director at the consulting firm ClearView Energy, commented:

The death of the oil industry has been greatly overstated. The realities of demand and the limitations of alternatives haven’t changed.

The Paris-based International Energy Agency reported last month that “the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era” may be approaching, with demand for oil, natural gas and coal expected to peak by the end of this decade.

Read more HERE

[electronalytics]

Industrial Overload Relays Market Industry Analysis Outlook by 2032

Market Overview:

Intrinsic safety modules are crucial components used in hazardous environments to ensure the safe operation of electronic equipment. These modules are designed to limit electrical energy and prevent the generation of sparks or excessive heat that could ignite flammable gases, vapors, or dust present in the surrounding atmosphere. By employing intrinsic safety modules, industries can reduce the risk of explosions and fires in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Intrinsic safety is a widely adopted protection technique in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, mining, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and others where flammable substances are present. These modules are typically used with sensors, transmitters, and other electronic devices that need to operate in hazardous locations.

The Global Intrinsic Safety Modules Market size is projected to grow from $2.7 billion in 2021 to a billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 7% 2023-2031.

Industrial Overload Relays: Overview Industrial overload relays are electrical devices used to protect motors and other electrical equipment from damage due to overcurrent conditions. They are an essential component of motor control systems in industrial settings. These relays monitor the current flowing through a motor and can trip the circuit if the current exceeds a predefined threshold, thus preventing overheating and potential damage.

Industry Analysis and Trends:

Industrial Automation: The increasing adoption of industrial automation across various sectors has driven the demand for overload relays. Automation requires efficient motor protection to ensure smooth operation and prevent downtime.

Energy Efficiency: There is a growing emphasis on energy efficiency and reducing operational costs. Modern overload relays often come with features that enable energy monitoring and optimization.

Smart Technologies: The integration of smart technologies, such as IoT and connectivity, into industrial equipment has led to the development of smart overload relays. These relays can provide real-time data, remote monitoring, and predictive maintenance insights.

Safety Regulations: Stringent safety regulations and standards in industrial environments have led to the increased adoption of protective devices like overload relays. Compliance with these regulations is crucial for safe operations.

Miniaturization and Integration: The trend toward miniaturization and integration has led to the development of compact and multifunctional overload relay solutions, saving space and enhancing functionality.

Customization and Flexibility: Industries often have specific requirements for their motor protection needs. Manufacturers are focusing on offering customizable overload relay solutions to cater to various applications.

Global Industrial Growth: As industries continue to grow worldwide, the demand for machinery and equipment, including motors and overload relays, also increases.

Demand and Scope:

The demand for industrial overload relays is closely tied to the overall industrial growth, especially in sectors like manufacturing, oil and gas, utilities, mining, and more. As these industries expand, the need for reliable motor protection solutions becomes more critical. Moreover, the increasing adoption of automation and the integration of advanced technologies further contribute to the demand for modern overload relays.

The scope of the industrial overload relays market extends across various industries and applications, including conveyor systems, pumps, fans, compressors, HVAC systems, and more. As technologies evolve, the scope of overload relays may expand to include smarter and more advanced features, addressing emerging challenges in motor protection and predictive maintenance.

We recommend referring our Stringent datalytics firm, industry publications, and websites that specialize in providing market reports. These sources often offer comprehensive analysis, market trends, growth forecasts, competitive landscape, and other valuable insights into this market.

By visiting our website or contacting us directly, you can explore the availability of specific reports related to this market. These reports often require a purchase or subscription, but we provide comprehensive and in-depth information that can be valuable for businesses, investors, and individuals interested in this market.

“Remember to look for recent reports to ensure you have the most current and relevant information.”

Click Here, To Get Free Sample Report: https://stringentdatalytics.com/sample-request/intrinsic-safety-modules-market/13068/

Market Segmentations:

Global Intrinsic Safety Modules Market: By Company • Eaton • Rockwell Automation • Schneider Electric • Siemens • ABB • Pepperl+ Fuchs • OMEGA • Rotork • IMI Sensors • Extronics Global Intrinsic Safety Modules Market: By Type • Zener Barriers • Isolator Barriers • Converter Barriers Global Intrinsic Safety Modules Market: By Application • Oil and Gas • Mining • Power • Chemicals and Petrochemicals Global Intrinsic Safety Modules Market: Regional Analysis The regional analysis of the global Intrinsic Safety Modules market provides insights into the market's performance across different regions of the world. The analysis is based on recent and future trends and includes market forecast for the prediction period. The countries covered in the regional analysis of the Intrinsic Safety Modules market report are as follows: North America: The North America region includes the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The U.S. is the largest market for Intrinsic Safety Modules in this region, followed by Canada and Mexico. The market growth in this region is primarily driven by the presence of key market players and the increasing demand for the product. Europe: The Europe region includes Germany, France, U.K., Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, and Rest of Europe. Germany is the largest market for Intrinsic Safety Modules in this region, followed by the U.K. and France. The market growth in this region is driven by the increasing demand for the product in the automotive and aerospace sectors. Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific region includes Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific. China is the largest market for Intrinsic Safety Modules in this region, followed by Japan and India. The market growth in this region is driven by the increasing adoption of the product in various end-use industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction. Middle East and Africa: The Middle East and Africa region includes Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, South Africa, Egypt, Israel, and Rest of Middle East and Africa. The market growth in this region is driven by the increasing demand for the product in the aerospace and defense sectors. South America: The South America region includes Argentina, Brazil, and Rest of South America. Brazil is the largest market for Intrinsic Safety Modules in this region, followed by Argentina. The market growth in this region is primarily driven by the increasing demand for the product in the automotive sector.

Click Here, To Purchase Premium Report: https://stringentdatalytics.com/purchase/intrinsic-safety-modules-market/13068/?license=single

Reasons to Purchase Intrinsic Safety Modules Market Report:

• To obtain insights into industry trends and dynamics, including market size, growth rates, and important factors and difficulties. This study offers insightful information on these topics.

• To identify important participants and rivals: This research studies can assist companies in identifying key participants and rivals in their sector, along with their market share, business plans, and strengths and weaknesses.

• To comprehend consumer behaviour: these research studies can offer insightful information about customer behaviour, including preferences, spending patterns, and demographics.

• To assess market opportunities: These research studies can aid companies in assessing market chances, such as prospective new goods or services, fresh markets, and new trends.

In general, market research studies offer companies and organisations useful data that can aid in making decisions and maintaining competitiveness in their industry. They can offer a strong basis for decision-making, strategy formulation, and company planning.

About US:

Stringent Datalytics offers both custom and syndicated market research reports. Custom market research reports are tailored to a specific client's needs and requirements. These reports provide unique insights into a particular industry or market segment and can help businesses make informed decisions about their strategies and operations.

Syndicated market research reports, on the other hand, are pre-existing reports that are available for purchase by multiple clients. These reports are often produced on a regular basis, such as annually or quarterly, and cover a broad range of industries and market segments. Syndicated reports provide clients with insights into industry trends, market sizes, and competitive landscapes. By offering both custom and syndicated reports, Stringent Datalytics can provide clients with a range of market research solutions that can be customized to their specific needs

Contact US:

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[saintmachina]

These hurricanes are not an "act of God", they are not even "biblical". They are the direct result of sacrificing plants, animals, natural resources, and human lives on the altar of bottom-line profit. The uber-wealthy and influential mine the earth the exhaustion and pump the oceans full of poison and destroy the atmosphere, then have the audacity to act surprised when it results in loss of life.

I am scared for Florida and my heart is in pieces over what Helene already did to the South. But prayers and donations and even infrastructure, as essential as they are, wont change the fact that those who hold the reins of industry, politics, economics, and trade are actively killing the world.

I hope their billion dollar bunkers flood.

[h4m1lt0ns]

HEARTBREAK SYNDROME.

episode six :: THANK U, NEXT.

꒰꒰◌‧₊ ⬪˙⋆ pairing ︴max verstappen x ex!y/n

꒰꒰◌‧₊ ⬪˙⋆ genre ︴social media au / irl snippets

꒰꒰◌‧₊ ⬪˙⋆ summary ﹔y/n has come to save the industry, oh and max crashes.

fc – wonyoung jang (28)

꒰꒰◌‧₊ ⬪˙⋆ warnings ﹕max crashes and dnfs, shady behavior, i accidentally said w13 instead of w14.

y/n

♡ liked by honeymoon, carlossainz55 and 24,294,109 others.

y/n heartbreak syndrome, 20/9 🫀 my sixth studio album is finally coming out and i can’t wait for u to hear it !! (i actually physically can not wait until it’s released i’ll need to be held down srsly) i’ve worked with some of my absolute favourite people in the entire world to make the songs on here and i hope that u guys love this project as much i do 🎻🤍 excuse the twitter jump scare btw i was excited sorry lol 🫂🫧

tagged: honeymoon, arianagrande, theweeknd.

4,294,104 comments.

y/n I MADE AN ALBUM GUYS!!! AN ALBUM!! GUYSSS!!

➜ username she’s so excited i love her 😭

➜ y/n IM PUMPED

➜ username Y/N INTERACTING WITH US AGAIN????

➜ y/n HEHEHE

username excuse the twitter jumpscare ??? bitch i almost jumped out of my skin 😟

➜ y/n my b 😭

username YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS

username LETS GO YES OMGGGGG

username THIS ALBUM IS ABT TO BE 🔥🔥

➜ y/n YOU BET

username LANA DEL RAY??? ARIANA GRANDE?? THE WEEKND??? OR WERE GETTING FED WELL BOYS

➜ y/n EEYUH

carlossainz55 if you can’t wait what should i say bc i’m literally jittery

➜ y/n 😭

➜ username real as fuck

➜ landonorris no actually tho

honeymoon i’ve never had this much fun recording a song 🤍

➜ y/n the honour is mine, mother.

theweeknd proud of you

➜ y/n ABELLLLLLL

➜ theweeknd RAHHHHH

➜ y/n RAHHHHH

charles_leclerc THE WEEKND?? YOU LISTENED TO ME??

➜ y/n YES BAE

➜ username CHARLES LECLERC YOU FUCKING GENIUS

danielricciardo BOUNCING OFF THE WALLS I CANT WAIT

➜ y/n ME TOOOOOO

yukitsunoda0511 MOTHERRRRRRRRR

➜ y/n BITCH IM A MOTHA

➜ username YES YOU ARE BAE 🤭

georgerussell63 i literally jumped out of my seat and toto side eyed me SO hard bUT LETS GOO

➜ y/n FISKEJJA PLSSS

username THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

username mother has come to save us 😮‍💨🙏🏻

username i literally screamed at work

➜ y/n makes both of us 😁

username dropped to my knees in the middle of the gym

username claiming is there someone else

➜ username claiming starry eyes 🤞🏽

➜ y/n they actually transition into each other

➜ username WOAH.

➜ username OH?

alexandrasaintmleux heartbreak syndrome tour when

➜ y/n 👀

➜ alexandrasaintmleux you best BELIEVE i will attended every show 😌

francisca.cgomes BUT IT WAS ALL IN MY HEAYEAHYEAHYEAHEAD

➜ y/n IT WAS ALL IN MY HEAD

➜ username STOP TEASING US OML

➜ landonorris KIKA HEARD IT???

➜ y/n well.

➜ landonorris I THOUGHT I WAS YOUR FAVOURITE MUM 😢

➜ y/n YOU ARE BABY IM SORRY 😭

pierregasly literally ran a lap, i’m too excited.

➜ charles_leclerc he actually did

lilymhe MY WIFE IS BACKKK

➜ alexalbon come on man

➜ lilymhe no babe lOOK AWAY

➜ y/n i say let him watch 🥱

➜ alexalbon ���

☆ IMESSAGE with ; BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

y/n: GUESS WHOS COMING TO THE ITALIAN GRAND PRIX

honey badger : iS THIS A PISS TAKE???

my baby lando: shut up 😒

my baby lando: shut the actual fuck up 😟

chili!: YOU BETTER BE FOR REAL

chal eclair: REALLY OH MY GOD Y/N

alabono: PULL UP IMMEDIATELY 😁

PIERRE GASLYYYY: YEAHHHHH BOY

chal eclair: you’re coming to the ferrari garage first i don’t make the rules 🙏🏻

chili!: what charles said 🙏🏻

PIERRE GASLYYYY: UHM NO ???

alabono: c’mon now we all know where she’s going first

my baby lando: to the mclaren garage obv ??

chili!: no tf she’s not 😐

princess george: guys

chal eclair: ferrari garage or i run out into the track so i get ran over

chili!: oKAY RELAX 🔥

my baby lando: listen

my baby lando: i’ll be holding y/n hostage in the mclaren garage just so you know 🧡

alabono: see this just won’t work mate 🫤

princess george: GUYS

honey badger: i was gonna say rb garage but i’ll stay quite lmfao

PIERRE GASLYYYY: yeah let us know how that will turn out 🙄

my baby lando: yeah how abt no.

yukino: i will turn everyone into human sashimi if i don’t see y/n in MY end of the garage tmrw 🙏🏻❤️🔥

y/n: 😟

my baby lando: 😟

alabono: 😟

chal eclair: CHILL MATE

chili!: bwoah

PIERRE GASLYYYY: okay yeah no

princess george: GUYS.

princess george: y/n will be staying at the mercedes garage and hospitality

princess george: your welcome btw i convinced her to come

my baby lando: george william russell, i know where you live.

chili!: ?????????

chal eclair: ^^^^

PIERRE GASLYYYY: retweet

y/n: wait

y/n: yuki where tf have u been

yukino: i don’t feel like talking to people sometimes

y/n: retweet that

honey badger: real

chili!: honestly tho

my baby lando: real as fuck

alabono: still not over y/n picking george over the rest of us 🥲

chili!: yEAH WHY HIM HE’S NOT SPECIAL

chili!: HE’S BRITISH

yukino: retweet THAT

my baby lando: oH CARLOS YOU HAVE A PROBLEMS WITH BRITS NOW HUH??

honey badger: fIGHT FIGHT FIGHT

y/n: you guys are the most unserious mfs

chal eclair: bae george is not special

chal eclair: come home to ferrari 🙏🏻❤️

chili!: literally like ??

alabono: HOME?? FERRARI???

PIERRE GASLYYYY: ^^^^

my baby lando: “come home to ferrari”

my baby lando: i just had an aneurism

chal eclair: 😐

y/n: we’re literally gonna be together all day 😭

y/n: plus apparently roscoe hamilton is coming tmrw so

my baby lando : YOU PICKED A DOG OVER ME??

y/n: same same

my baby lando: BITCH 😭

honey badger: HAKSKANSJA

chili!: I CACKLEDDDDDD

chal eclair: LMFAOOOO

princess george: ROFLLLLLLL

my baby lando: we hAD A NO BULLYING POLICY

y/n: can’t hear you over doing my makeup while lily, carmen and kika scream along to lana del rey 🤍

my baby lando: i don’t like you.

y/n: liar

my baby lando: true

MAX VERSTAPPEN COMMENTS ON HIS DNF AT THE ITALIAN GRAND PRIX:

[whatifyoulivelikethat]

never not mine | jjk | "... the whispers..."

pairing(s): jungkook x reader

We broke all the pieces but still want to play the game. This confrontation is long overdue and is either going to end in handcuffs or tangled limbs.

part i | this is part ii | part iii

warnings: rated M (18+) for language; alcohol consumption; things are thrown during a public altercation; second chance romance?; angst and fluff and feels; Jungkook's POV

non-idol!AU; fashion model!Jungkook — ft fellow model/actor!Kim Taehyung and model/businessman!Kim Seokjin; a few cameos you can speculate on and one named cameo hehe; reader is not part of the entertainment industry

--

whether I'm gonna be your wife or gonna smash up your bike, I haven't decided yet but I'm gonna get you back – imgonnagetyouback by taylor swift

It was a night just like any other night, which meant Jeon Jungkook was somewhere doing something because he was someone. On this night he was visiting a new upscale nightclub owned by one of his close friends, which was why he was at a table surrounded by his bros, expensive bottles of alcohol, and beautiful women. Not his scene, really. He was an introvert at heart. Despite that, he had obligations to be here. Obligations to laugh, to jest, to be merry, to be somebody.

But he knew he was just a somebody surrounded by much better bodies.

So, really, he was only a ghost.

“Hey, isn’t that…?”

It was luck and good friends that got him in the position he was in now. Jungkook knew that. He couldn’t complain too much when they invited him out. After all, they were only doing it because they cared about him. Yeah.

“She's really staring at you, man.”

Someone nudged his arm. For a moment, he didn’t comprehend that it was him that was being spoken to. Maybe it was the heavy black leather jacket. Underneath, he wore a tight white tank, and completed his outfit with studded charcoal-wash jeans and black leather boots. Nice, sure, but there were other men that much more sharply dressed with bigger designer labels. Of course, he cleaned up well with his slicked-back black hair and clean-shaven jawline. So did any other male model out there. He was not so egotistical to think he was the most interesting man there.

“Hmph, who?” he snickered, swinging around in his chair with the ice in his glass clinking. He would figure out who everyone was talking about from the reactions of the public. He snapped his head around, stray tendrils of black falling free onto his forehead, obscuring his vision for a split second, and then he faced the crowd beneath the VIP tables.

Time slowed.

The club was loud. Very loud, due to the deafening combination of music, chatter and laughter. It was lit with the imperfect balance of light and dark, oscillating spotlights exposing corners and weaving through moving bodies clad in fitted dresses, high heels, tailored blazers, suit pants. The alcohol was high-grade. The crowd was cherry-picked and pre-screened at the door. It was what it was. Individuals who had money blowing money, ignoring the sins around them to commit their own. It was hard to pick out someone.

But Jungkook saw her right away.

The club became quiet from his point of view. Sound became a mishmash of muffled, incoherent noises fading to the background as the faces blurred. The music dulled. All lights dimmed except in one area. Everything was still moving, still thriving, still breathing yet he was only aware of one single person.

His ex-girlfriend stared right at him from below.

Even from this distance he could feel the blades in her gaze.

Black patent leather jacket. Very short, cut just under the breasts. Black lace corset, see-through except for the cups. Skintight lilac miniskirt. Legs for days. Pointed-toe black pumps with a thin ankle strap, the kind he had trouble with due to the small delicate buckle.

He tried to breathe but the air was like concrete in his lungs.

She tilted her head, narrowing her smoked-out eyes. Her lips were glossy crimson, cool-toned to match the palette of her outfit. Her hair had been pinned up, exposing her graceful neck and glimmering collarbones.

She began to walk through the crowd.

Jungkook spun around and suddenly all the sound roared back, intense and thunderingly hostile. He winced, clutching his drink and holding the side of his head, trying to make sense of it all.

“Tch, why is she here?”

“Right? She doesn’t belong here.”

“She can be wherever she wants to be,” replied a calm, deep voice.

He could hear voices around him talking but it wasn’t making any sense. How? Why? Was he seeing things? And why did it matter? It didn’t. It didn’t. He took another sip of his glass and found it bitter and tasteless. Maybe that was in his head too. It didn’t matter if she was here. Someone was tugging on his arm. He pulled himself free, snapping his hand down onto the table.

The world crashed back into place as his drink sloshed and spat out from his force.

A startled feminine gasp.

The calm, deep voice returned. “You okay, man?”

Jungkook jerked his head up and saw Kim Taehyung carefully surveying him. He was a man with strong, masculine features and a comforting baritone voice that reminded one of cozy winters and romantic nights. Out of all his friends, they were the closest in age. However, Taehyung was more than a year older and a much more seasoned veteran of the modeling industry. He had been scouted at a very young age, quickly learning the ins-and-outs without losing who he was. He was grounded, easygoing, and never had a crack in his composure. At least, that was how Jungkook thought of him.

Taehyung raised a dark eyebrow, repeating his question without saying a word.

“I’m fine,” Jungkook scowled, then controlled his face a bit better. “What?”

Those dark, moody eyes served him a dose of silent judgement as one of the girls at the table spoke up again.

“Oooh, she’s sitting down at a table.”

He told himself not to look. It didn’t matter if she was here. And yet his head moved on its own, pivoting to the left so fast he almost had whiplash. At high-end clubs like this, there were tables available depending on to how much a patron spent. The larger tables had to be paid for in advance to be secured a space. Such reservations were violently expensive, signaling VIP status. A lot of the smaller tables on the lower level were occupied. The more exclusive tables were higher up, needing stairs to access the higher tiers. A waiter was holding her hand, carefully guiding his ex-girlfriend up the stairs to an empty round table that typically seated ten.

There was no one else at the table.

She sat down at the seat closest to overlooking the club.

“She can afford that?”

A crackling laugh. “Doubt it.”

“Who are you to say what she can’t afford?” Taehyung cut in sharply in a disapproving tone.

“O-Oh, well… It’s just not that common, you know.”

The chittering was from the women they had invited to the table earlier. Shit, their presence seemed so frivolous and annoying now. Jungkook had half a mind to turn around and glare at them. Instead, he was transfixed by the woman in patent leather and tight lilac. She crossed her legs, smoothed her skirt, and leaned back in her chair, scanning the crowd. A waiter came back and brought a bucket of ice with a champagne bottle and accompanying flutes. A waitress came by with another bottle. Porcelain, with painted flue floral design, and placed two crystal glasses onto the table. His former lover smiled at them, nodding. They bowed and took their leave after serving her.

Instead of touching the drinks, the woman turned her body and locked her icy stare right on him.

Jungkook stiffened and turned away quickly, feeling his body running hot. The table was still talking, but it was behind hands and feigned disinterest. Taehyung sighed, shaking his head. Of course, there had been other friends at the table too. Only now did Jungkook notice that they were missing. Must have wandered off. At the very least, their host Kim Seokjin would definitely be gone for a while. He was an affluent actor, model, and owner of several establishments, including this luxury nightclub. Eventually the tall, broad-shouldered man would return to see them off, but there was no telling when.

“Did you know she was gonna be here?” Jungkook hissed through gritted teeth, ignoring the odd looks he was getting from the women. They still lingered for the free drinks which Taehyung kept supplied. No sense in wasting Seokjin’s endless tab after all.

Taehyung frowned. “I don’t police people’s actions. Does it matter what she does?”

Jungkook scoffed. “Oh, so this wasn’t your idea?”

Those normally warm brown eyes turned cold. “It wasn’t. Besides, she’s no longer your girlfriend.”

“Yeah, she’s definitely not.”

A growl collected in Jungkook’s throat and he was about to let it loose. He swiveled his head again only for the sound to die before it began. A man was standing by her table. He was sharply dressed in a suit and tie, with tied-back bleached-blond hair that laid over his shoulders. He had a pleasant decorum and a smile like a predatory feline. She gestured him to sit down and poured him a drink as invitation. He watched in horror as his ex-girlfriend chatted up a beautiful stranger.

He didn’t know whether he wanted to cry or run over there to flip the table.

A low voice cut through his thoughts.

“Wasn’t the breakup amicable?”

He froze.

Slowly, Jungkook faced Taehyung, his long-time friend. He never really could bring himself to fully lie to those piercing dark orbs, now reflecting the same reserved gaze that Taehyung had given him when Jungkook provided the same flimsy excuse he was once again repeating.

“I… It wasn’t meant to be,” Jungkook mumbled once more. “The traveling… it was too much for us.”

The older male was too good at reading between the lines, especially when it came to romance, his forte. “Hm.” He knew when he wasn’t getting the full story. “It’s probably too late to ask now, but was it what you wanted?”

Jungkook couldn’t help it.

“It was…”

He looked over his shoulder again.

“… What I deserved.”

She was thanking the blond-haired man. He bowed ninety degrees and leaned in, whispering something in her ear before leaving the table. His glass was empty. Someone else was approaching the table. A pretty woman with long black hair in a white minidress and short, pearl-white nails sat down, bowing lightly and introducing herself. His ex-girlfriend offered between the two drinks and the pretty woman chose the champagne. A waiter came over to uncork it for them, pouring a healthy amount into the two flutes.

They two chatted, immediately absorbed with each other.

“For a guy naturally talented at a lot of things, you’re such a stupid idiot.”

He was.

Wait.

Jungkook scowled, turning back to a disapproving Taehyung cradling a small ceramic cup. It was hand-painted with the smallest of brushstrokes, depicting a flock of black birds disappearing into the white sky. He took a sip with a gruff sigh, making a tense face. He was a wine guy, but he couldn’t turn down traditional Korean alcohol. That would be uncouth.

“How long are you going to continue moping?” Taehyung scoffed.

“I’m not moping,” Jungkook countered, hunched over the table and gripping his whiskey glass a little too hard.

“You are convincing no one. Least of all me.”

His eyes flickered upward, glaring. Taehyung remained refined, unperturbed, nearly prince-like in his half-open floral-and-forest-green silk shirt and ruffled hair. A black-brown curl perfectly grazed one of his eyebrows, accenting his condescending look with a dash of softness.

“Did you ever realize how much she did for you?”

Jungkook pushed away his glass. He couldn’t reply. He stuck his tongue in his cheek, trying not to feel. It was only then that he noticed that the table was strangely silent despite the fervor of the environment – the women had made themselves scarce, understanding that this conversation was much too serious for their girlypop night.

Finally, he forced himself to speak. “For me? I take care of myself.”

Taehyung winced. Hard. “You cannot be serious right now.”

Another peek behind him. A different man at her table now. Silvery-blonde hair, tan skin, muscular like a godly titan. She caught him looking and stared directly back. Jungkook cursed under his breath. “What did she do then? Hm? Enlighten me.” His voice was becoming rougher, slipping out of his practiced Seoul dialect and into his Busan dialect. The broad-shouldered man at the table had no suit jacket. The sleeves of his white dress shirt were rolled up. He must have noticed her lack of attention, because he began to turn around as well.

Jungkook jerked away before they could lock eyes too.

“Look, I don’t know what happened between you two,” Taehyung exhaled, not quite annoyed but getting there. “But I know you were the one that was wrong.”

Yeah, right.

“Never once did she complain about you. Never once did she butt into your business and cause you trouble when she could have. Never once did she talk behind your back when we both know damn well that you’re no saint, Jeon Jungkook.”

His tattooed hand against the table balled up into a fist, the familiar ache in his chest splitting, threatening.

Unintimidated, Taehyung continued. “The travelling was rough? Of course, it is. And there are probably a thousand ways to make it up to someone you love, but instead now I’m looking at you sitting here and her sitting there, pretending to be strangers. Tells me a whole lot about how that worked out.” His natural Daegu satoori was becoming more evident during his tirade. Taehyung wasn’t trying to be polite, though.

“You don’t know anything,” Jungkook retorted.

“I don’t.” Those dark brown eyes burned hot, scrutinizing him and tearing him apart. “And I don’t need to. Your hostility is telling me everything.”

“It was you,” Jungkook snapped, slamming his fist onto the table. “You invited her here.”

Taehyung’s low voice became lower, more accusatory. “Go ahead. Keep deflecting. Run back home and hide. That’s what you want to do, right?” His gaze narrowed and Taehyung’s normally friendly warmth morphed into scalding heat. “You heard what they said. She doesn’t belong here. And yet, here she is. They all talked and gossiped and badmouthed her, right to your face even, and yet you said nothing. You still don’t have the fucking balls, man. You didn’t respect her for all she was. In spite of that, she stood beside you, head held high, until you tossed her away. You brought her into this world, you ripped her out of it, and guess what? She is here. She holds her own. You deluded yourself into thinking she needed you. But she doesn’t, and it’s the other way around.”

Jungkook shot up out of his seat, nearly knocking the chair over. He was breathing hard, his furious anger so violent that it clawed at his insides, and Taehyung tilted his head, mirroring the expression of an adult tiger observing a foolish cub.

“You’re wrong,” Jungkook gritted out between clenched teeth. “You’re fucking wrong.”

He… No. She did this. This was her fault. She was the one that always pushed him to go for what he wanted. She was the one who always helped him make it work. Last minute changes happened often early in his career and she always smiled at him and told him to go, to run, to chase those adventures. And she always waited for him to come home.

“I wasn’t like that.”

In the middle of dinners for two. In vacations cut short. In forgotten special dates. Go. She always waited for him to come home. He couldn’t be blamed for that. Those were all her own decisions. He just had to do what he had to do, didn’t he? He couldn’t be blamed for doing what he thought was best. He couldn’t be blamed for trying his best. This dull ache created from a thousand cuts was not made from his own hand.

Right?

“You’re hopeless.” Taehyung slumped back in his chair and sighed. “Do as you wish.”

He wasn’t the person Taehyung was saying he was.

If he was, then…

No.

Jungkook whipped around and locked his eyes to the table, walking determinedly up to it.

There was a different man sitting there now. A very tall one with very short hair, violate energy, and a striking profile, deeply engaged in conversation with his ex-girlfriend. Currently laughing bashfully at something she must have said. The stranger was wearing a crisp black dress shirt with the first few buttons undone and well-tailored black slacks. Jungkook wanted to punch him in his very handsome face. He didn’t care that the man’s shoulders and arms were so built that they were nearly bursting the seams of his dress shirt, nor did he care that starting a fight right now would do absolutely nothing except get him thrown out in handcuffs.

Jungkook wanted to kill him.

Her eyes took a moment to shift from the very handsome stranger to him.

It hurt.

It really fucking hurt.

He glared back. Her gaze was not as heated, nor did it hold the same ice she had during their last conversation way back then. There was a completely different mix of emotions conveyed now. Almost disconnected, lonely, and loathing all at once, the last not directed at him but at herself.

As if she didn’t want to care but did and hated herself for it.

It wasn’t who she was at all, and Jungkook hated himself for doing this to her.

“Dude, I’m going to need you to get lost.”

Startled, the seated man turned his head to see Jungkook giving him a death stare. He hated seeing the puppy-like expression on such a masculine-looking man, not because he looked down on that but because it was a genuine, adorable reaction that couldn’t be faked.

She probably liked that.

She probably deserved that.

Jungkook was determined to ruin this too. Why the fuck not?

The man looked confused, and then irritated. “Uh… Look, I don’t know what your problem is, but I don’t think you belong here.” He had a commanding, stern tone. He shifted in his seat, halfway to rising. “This conversation doesn’t include you.”

“No, this conversation doesn’t include you,” Jungkook snapped, glancing at her. His ex-girlfriend did nothing but raise an eyebrow at him, her arms crossed under her breasts. “Fuck off.”

The man in the black dress shirt began to stand, brows furrowing. “Hey, I’m going to have to ask you to leave–”

“Excuse me.”

She stood up.

From this distance, Jungkook could fully take in how the smoke-grey eyeshadow accentuated the shape of her eyes, making them more prominent and intense. The lights caught the glow of her skin and the vividness of the scarlet of her lips, giving her an ethereal, untouchable demeanor. Loose layers of her hair framed her face despite the majority of it being pinned up, casting cold, dark shadows around the hot radiance of her gaze.

“I’m sorry to cut our conversation short, but I think it’s best if you give us a moment,” she said politely to the tall stranger while bowing. “I was enchanted to meet you tonight, Kim Mingyu.”

A pink flush dusted over the man’s cheeks. This motherfucker had the audacity to be flustered. Jungkook still wanted to punch him in the face. Maybe more now than before.

“O… Oh… Um. Alright.” He glanced between Jungkook and her. “Will you be okay?”

She smiled, maintaining confident eye contact with the stranger. “Let’s not assume the worst of people. And… Your words have given me courage. I thank you.”

It took everything in Jungkook not to trip the guy on his very expensive designer shoes as he hastily bowed and took his leave, offering an awkward half-wave before backing away. She raised a hand back, not looking away even when he turned around.

And then.

Quiet.

At least as quiet as a loud nightclub could be. But it all became background noise in the face of loaded silence. The safety off now. The bass faded into heartbeats as she raised her eyes and, once again, they faced each other across the table. Jungkook stood with his hands balled up into fists in the pockets of his leather jacket. His former lover stood with her hands in front of her. She was still the most beautiful, graceful, and collected woman that he had ever had the pleasure to know.

“I’m…”

And he missed her so, so much.

“I’m sorry.”

So fucking much.

Her eyes flickered down in a pause, and then back up. “It really doesn’t matter anymore. The past is in the past.”

Her name on his lips felt foreign and familiar all at once. She didn’t react. It was as if he had said nothing at all. He said it again, almost with an edge of panic, and she closed her eyes, breathing in slowly. He wanted to run to the other side. He wanted to climb on top of the table and grab her hands and tell her it was going to be okay, that he was going to be better, that she was the love of his life and that he could be hers too, please, if only he had a chance. Instead, he stayed where he was, frozen in place, trying not to do the wrong thing even though everything about this scene and script was all wrong.

Her eyes opened in a resigned, resolute flutter.

“Do you think saying sorry takes back everything you’ve done?” she asked in a measured tone.

He pulled his hands out of his jacket, shaking his head. “No. No, of course not. I… You didn’t give me a chance to apologize, and I–”

“Apologize for what?” she coldly interrupted.

“W-Well… For… everything, really.”

Her eyes narrowed. “You don’t know.”

Jungkook blinked hard, trying to banish his tears. “Know?” he echoed.

“You don’t even know what you’re apologizing for.” Her words were sharpened steel, cutting right through him.

“I do,” he insisted. “For all the times I left during dinner, for all the times I’ve left during our scheduled time together, for forgetting your birthday, anniversary–”

“For the blatant disrespect,” she interrupted, her hands separating, those intense eyes narrowing. “For always believing I could fend for myself when you got swept up during work events. For contacting me not to talk about my day, but to interrogate me on what I was doing. For not believing me and asking me to send photos every time I was out somewhere.”

He sputtered, taken aback. “That wasn’t… Those things–”

“For always knowing I understood your position and taking it for granted.” Her glare was like daggers, cutting through all the lies he told himself. “And yet never understanding mine. Never believing in the love I had for you.”

“I did believe!”

“And so you accused me of lying?” she shot back, scathing him. “I have never done anything to make you believe I was disloyal to you, but I was five minutes late to a date and suddenly I need to be lying? Suddenly that was a sign of my nefarious plans? Suddenly I’m the bad guy that needs to be backed into a corner? Suddenly I must beg on my knees to soothe your feelings?”

“I didn’t ask for that,” he retorted. “I just asked why you didn’t text that you were late.”

“I don’t need to repeat what I said then,” she growled, bristling. She had been five minutes late because of an elderly taxi driver taking his time. “Because it didn’t matter what the reason was for you. I know that now. You were scared. You were insecure. You were nervous that I was beginning to fall out of love with you. You latched onto the first thing I did wrong and blew it out of proportion to force me to grovel to you. You could have asked me directly how I felt. Instead, you decided to play fucking games.”

Jungkook couldn’t move, couldn’t speak.

Her hands balled up into fists by her sides. “I was patient. I was understanding. I loved you.” She dug her nails into her palms, clenching her jaw. “But I was not going to let myself be manipulated by your insecurities. I was not about to lose myself to become an extension of you, Jeon Jungkook.”

Past tense.

“You… loved me?”

She might as well have stabbed him right through the heart.

A thundering pause.

Finally, she sighed. Her hands relaxed.

“When I came in here, I didn’t know if I wanted to run to you or slap you.”

She looked around, down at the crowd, up to the lights, to the bar, the tables, the people.

“Before you, all I had was a decent job. Not exciting, but good enough to enjoy the life I wanted. I had loose acquaintances and once-in-a-blue-moon friends. I had mediocre hobbies that I was okay at. Before you, that had been enough. This,” she breathed, indicating the people and the money being flaunted around like water during a rainstorm. “I didn’t know this. I didn’t know how lonely it was to be standing this high. I didn’t know… My acquaintances and few friends saw the life you gave me and faded away, no longer relating to the extravagance I was exposed to. My job became a forbidden topic for the mere crime that it was boring. My hobbies became childish to these refined eyes. Yet… I could live with all that. The life I wanted was the one I had with you. And… it turned out to be miserable.”

For the first time, Jungkook realized how much she lost loving him.

“I was miserable.”

She half-laughed, empty.

“But I loved you.”

Lowered her head.

“And I was so, so damn angry with you.”

She smacked the table with her palm, hard enough to make the people around them flash them a startled look. Her fingers tensed, cherry-red manicure flaring over the wood.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” This was the part Jungkook didn’t understand. His voice rose in both frustration and desperation. “Why didn’t you just blow up on me? Why didn’t you say something?”

“Say what?” she snarled, snapping her head up, each word a bullet tearing through him. “Huh? No, don’t go? How dare you leave me, again? Create the war wounds right before we part? What good does all that do? Make us both upset right before you run off? Because you would anyway. You know you would, because you are stubborn and selfish and always doing what you need to do, putting me at the bottom of the list since I am capable… right? I can handle myself, right?”

He was rounding the table, knocking chairs aside. “You could have been angry at me. You just didn’t want to be!”

“Who wants to be angry? Don’t be ridiculous!”

“What, you were worried that you would no longer be the perfect girlfriend if you weren’t understanding?” he accused.

She looked livid. “Don’t you dare flip my consideration onto me.”

He stopped right in front of her, tension all over his neck and jaw. “It’s your fault too. I can’t change if you act like everything is fine!”

Her eyes widened. “Are you serious? I have to be the one to teach you not to be a fucking selfish prick and think about someone else for a change?” she hissed.

“How am I supposed to know?”

“Of course, you know!”

They were beginning to draw whispers and stunned faces but neither of them was backing down or ashamed enough. Or, perhaps, they were simply completely unaware of the disruption they were causing.

“You knew – no, you still know,” she snarled, jabbing him in the chest with a impeccably manicured finger. “You have never felt like you fit in with these people. That was why you tried so hard. That was why you took every opportunity to be a lapdog. That was why you dated me, because I am not privileged and enabled, that’s why you dragged me into your world and got paranoid when I wasn’t showing the same apprehensions as you, putting me in impossible positions and playing games, when we could have been teamed up against the world, when we could have been yin and yang, but all we were was a pair of damn cowards!”

His eyes went wide.

Fury laced in her helpless expression.

“You could have protected me. All you did was make me throw myself to the wolves to protect you!”

Her hands slammed into his chest and she shoved him, hard. He stumbled back, throwing his right arm out, knocking over a champagne flute and shattering it. Glass exploded onto the floor, delicate shards shooting out and catching the light, scattering into dust beneath designer feet.

People gasped and someone screamed at the unexpected noise.

His left hand reached out and gripped the patent leather sleeve of her jacket. Their gazes locked in shock and comprehension. His lips parted. One of his knees was still bent to steady himself from falling. But before Jungkook could say anything, she squeezed her eyes shut, breaking their connection, and ripped her arm from his grasp.

Then she seized the porcelain bottle with painted blue flowers and threw it onto the floor, shattering that too.

One moment of awful, dazed silence.

The next moment, men in security uniforms swiftly and silently crossed the distance and surrounded them. He was being grabbed and pinned down to the table, metal handcuffs clicked onto his wrists behind his back despite his protests. His jaw dropped when one of the men touched her shoulder and she immediately turned around and slapped him. Instantly, she too was firmly pushed down and also restrained, both of them staring at each other over the surface of the wood, their previously well-styled hair in disarray all over their faces, their eyes wide with the realization of the severity of their public argument.

He couldn’t help but think she looked fucking hot.

Something flickered in her eyes. She recognized his exact thought from their shared look. And his ex-girlfriend burst out laughing at this absurd situation, even as security hoisted them up and dragged them down the stairs. So, fuck it. He couldn’t help it either.

Jungkook started laughing too.

-

“This is your fault, by the way.”

“Feel free to add it to the list of shit I’ve done wrong.”

They were still handcuffed. Both standing a respectful distance away  from each other in the middle of a storeroom crammed with boxes stacked like a cardboard maze. There were no windows. The door was closed and presumably locked. Neither of them had moved towards it. There would be no criminal undercover going on here. They were already in deep enough shit. Adding attempted escape would probably change their current storeroom location into separate jail cells for the night.

They did not look at each other.

Jungkook leaned against the boxes, his hands stuck behind his back. One of the sides of his leather jacket had slipped down, exposing his right shoulder. It was nice, actually, since the previous scuffle had left him rather hot-blooded. He snuck a glance beside him.

His ex-girlfriend’s body was facing the door. The backs of her hands rested on the prominent curve of her ass in that tight lilac skirt, her straight posture making her waist look even smaller. Must be nice to have a built-in shelf. His eye line travelled up to her hair, seeing it half-undone and falling down her neck. Half of the pins were still holding up by sheer luck. The patent leather of her jacket crackled as she adjusted, stretching out her ankle. She was still in her high heels.

“Uncomfortable?” he found himself quietly asking.

“Could be worse,” she answered back, still not turning around.

He waited for her to elaborate.

She didn’t.

The silence was palpable. Somehow not unbearable. He looked back down at his feet, wondering why they had been left here. He half-expected security to escort them off the premises and into a police car, but they had marched them behind the kitchen and told them to stay put and not cause trouble, similarly to how misbehaving kids were put in time-out. Then again, the owner of the club was his affluent friend Kim Seokjin. Perhaps this was a rich people thing. Or an under-the-table thing.

Her voice echoed in his head.

You have never felt like you fit in with these people.

“Hey, uh…” he started, trailing off.

A light sigh.

Then, she shook her head, somewhat vigorously. Some of the hairpins loosened up. “Ugh, my hair is more annoying than anything,” she muttered under her breath. “It’s all messed up.”

Hell yeah, it was, and it was a turn-on, reminding him of after-sex tousling. Jungkook kept his mouth shut. Not the right time for that. He chewed on his lower lip, wondering if he could do anything. Wondering if he should do anything. She still hadn’t turned around.

So, he did.

He turned around, bent down slightly, and tried to reach up. The angle was difficult. Not high enough either. His leather sleeves were also constricting his movement and making loud creaking sounds. He looked back, trying to reach up with a grunt, and she stiffened, swinging her head around. He froze in an awkward position. She stared at him.

“What the fuck are you doing?”

He blinked back. “Um… I… I was trying to help…?”

Her eyebrow raised. “By… doing yoga?”

He let out an impatient huff. “No, I’m trying to help you take the pins out of your hair,” Jungkook clarified, straightening with a frustrated shake of his body. “It’s bothering you, isn’t it? But I’m not flexible enough and you’re too tall in your heels.”

She paused. He looked away, feeling somewhat embarrassed for even trying. Who was he to think that he could do something like that? Hah. His hands tightened behind him. They weren’t close like that anymore. They weren’t even friends.

He felt a sting in his heart remembering that.

“Sorry… I should have asked if you wanted the help at all.”

He exhaled heavily.

Stillness.

Then he heard the crack of patent leather and raised his head to see her squat down, lowering one knee to the concrete floor, her back perfectly straight and her head at his waist height. She was facing the door again so he couldn’t see her expression.

“If… Well, it would be helpful if you could… If you could remove the hairpins,” she mumbled, keeping her head up. “Please.”

He gawked at her kneeled form, unmoving.

His heartbeat accelerated.

“Um… if you’re going to do it, faster would be better,” she added hesitantly with placed-in chuckle. “I don’t know how long I can keep my balance in these shoes.”

His cheeks burned. “Uh, yeah, s-sorry. I’m on it.”

The metal handcuffs clinked as he moved. He turned around and backed up a bit, reaching out to feel for her hair. Sucked in a quiet breath as his fingers grazed the soft strands, memories of stolen nights drifting back to him. He swallowed hard and bit his lip, using touch to search for the hairpins, and then loosening them as gently as he could. One by one. He tried to tuck them in his palm as he continued. Sometimes he would need to rest one hand on her head and use the other to pull them out slowly and carefully. She said nothing, tilting her head slightly as he made his way around. He felt his way along her scalp, running his fingers through her hair, remembering the familiar scent he could detect when he used to breathe it in, remembering his hands holding her head as he used to lean in and kiss her, remembering that he had lost all of that now.

Jungkook lowered his chin, letting out a soundless cry.

“You liked my hair down, I recall,” she commented behind him, her soothing voice mirroring the rolling tide late at night.

“Y… Yeah.”

He smiled despite himself. He pulled back his handcuffed hands.

“You have lovely hair. I don’t like seeing it all tucked away.”

For a moment, there was a quietness as those words sank in. She shifted, and he heard her stand up, the sharp click of her heels indicating as much, but he kept his back to her, unsure if this was the last time he would touch her hair. The last time he hadn’t known it would be the last, so he didn’t mourn the moment until way later, but this time…

“Thank you.”

He breathed in through his nose. Oddly stuffy in here.

“Y… You’re welcome.”

He wished he could take it all back, but he couldn’t. He wished he could prove he was a better man, but he didn’t know how or even if he could. She was right. He had gotten swept up in his ambitions and the superficial relationships. He had been afraid. He had let that fear control him because he had felt out of sorts with who he was, who he was becoming, and who he wanted to be.

“I really… I really am sorry.”

They were back-to-back. Not touching. Just close enough to feel each other’s presence without seeing them. Hands behind their backs, staring in opposite directions but finally seeing the path before them.

“I know.”

She let out a soft breath.

“I wished for the way I felt to change once I could accept your apologies, but,” she whispered. “Life isn’t that simple or clear cut.”

His chest ached. “Yeah.” It didn’t matter if his actions had unintentional consequences. The consequences still existed. “You’re right. About it all. About the person I became and how I treated you because of it. About how this was because of me feeling like I don’t fit in.”

She didn’t say anything, yet Jungkook could sense her acknowledgment. He couldn’t really explain why he knew. Maybe it had something to do with their current circumstances.

“I keep trying and I… I don’t know. Maybe I’m too simple-minded. Maybe I can’t understand the world these people live in. I mean, my friends seem like normal people but there are still moments where I catch myself thinking, I wouldn’t have thought to do or say that. I feel so… disconnected, sometimes. Meaningless. Maybe I’m not worth a damn to them.”

He was rambling, slipping between his refined dialect and his Busan satoori. He caught himself, about to correct his wording.

“You don’t have to be like the people around you to fit in,” she chided.

He stopped trying to form a sentence and listened.

“You don’t listen. That has always been your strength. Your charm is your natural character with the added spice of rebellion.” Her chuckle lightened, making his heart tighten and feel like exploding at the same time. “Your talent has always been bravely walking your own path, confusing as it may be. There is a pureness in that. You have friends because they want to protect that part of you. Haven’t you noticed? Your friends have never asked you to change or be like them. They just accept you for how you are and push away people who try to mold you into their vision.”

His friends? Well, true, they were the main reasons for him getting the jobs he got. He had always felt somewhat inadequate, realizing his success was from seniors in the industry helping him out. They all told him that this was how it worked. They all told him to do well so he could get more opportunities. It was part of the reason that he felt that he couldn’t let those connections down. He had always felt that he couldn’t refuse.

“Your friends have always been on your side. They don’t want you to be like them. They want you to stay as you are. You mean that much to those around you.”

But perhaps he had been wrong all along.

“Only you thought you needed to change.”

There was probably a lot of sound outside, but the distracting racket was inaudible from the distant storeroom. Her quiet voice amplified her words in this slice of stillness. There something stricken and bitter haunting the air between them as the revelation settled.

He clutched her hairpins in his fist.

“I didn’t… I didn’t date you just because you weren’t part of this vapid world I’m in.”

He wanted her to know.

“I wish…”

The tears stung the corners of his eyes. He refused to let them go. Jungkook looked up to the ceiling, taking in each breath as steadily as he could. He felt like he was drowning, except instead of water, it was all the things he never said.

“I wish I could have been strong enough for you to be angry at me sooner. Tonight, I realized… It was my own shortcomings that made you stay quiet.” He chuckled dryly in admiration. “You endured more than I ever could. More than anyone should.” He didn’t know if he was making any sense but he kept on going. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so mad. That was the most emotion I’ve ever seen from you. You must have spent a lot of nights… feeling so alone because of my selfishness.”

This was not a romantic setting at all. They were stuck in a storeroom with no windows, surrounded by boxes, handcuffed for being a public disruption, for being too dramatic and too emotional. Neither of them could look at the other. A disaster in every sense of the world.

But.

Maybe this was the most honest moment they had ever shared.

Her laugh simmered behind him.

“I’m sorry for losing my shit.”

He half-smiled in rueful relief.

“It wasn’t so bad. Low-key kinda hot. I almost lost the plot at times.”

She laughed under her breath. “You don’t mean that.”

A single heartbeat of silence.

“I kinda do,” he admitted, feeling the upturned corners of his lips falter.

It became quiet once more. An embarrassed quiet, but maybe only on his side. Jungkook still couldn’t bring himself to turn around and find out. He shifted awkwardly, realizing he was still holding her hairpins in his hand. Uh. Well, he couldn’t exactly ask her to put them in her pocket. Did she even have any pockets with that outfit? He furrowed his brows, thinking about that tight skirt and lace corset. Doubtful there would be any pockets in such fitted clothing. Maybe in her jacket, but it was so short that he would basically have to reach for her tits to…

His face heated slightly realizing that he was heavily focusing on her body right now.

Click.

He didn’t really register the sound behind him at first. It sounded like something falling onto the concrete. There was another sharp tapping sound, but before he could shift and twist his body to see, he felt her fingertips brush against the knuckles of his fist.

“I’m sorry too.”

He was too shocked to even move or react. Just stood there wide-eyed, struck by the lightning of her touch, realizing they were that close and that it was her who initiated that.

“I should have brought up the little things that bothered me. I shouldn’t have let it snowball simply because I thought it would make your life easier. I should have tried to remind you not to be intimidated by those around you,” she sighed heavily. “And I should have believed in your apology more than I did.”

The pads of her fingertips stilled.

One by one, they lost contact.

Jungkook dropped all the hairpins on the floor in a cascade of metal raindrops.

He reached back and grabbed her hand, gripping her fingers tightly, gasping as he felt her cool skin against his warmth. He felt her initial rise of reluctance, however, she did not pull away. Their handcuffs clinked against each other, the chains colliding. He scrambled to reach a little higher. Grasping her hand in his. Her right in his right. He tried to say something. Something romantic, something reassuring, something self-derogatory even.

But nothing come out.

He tried to breathe and was choked by inner tears. Tried again, shaking, trying to be silent. Her fingers curled around the back of his hand and laid there. She gave him a light squeeze.

“Don’t worry.”

Her calming voice a dream on this night.

“I’m here.”

They held hands.

It must have been only for a short while. It felt like forever packed in minutes. He inhaled deeply, catching fleeting traces of her sweet and sultry perfume. Closed his eyes with an exhale. Another inhale, slower this time. Maybe this was futile. Maybe this was objectively wildly inappropriate. Maybe he was the fucking worst, wishing, hoping they could reset to something new. All of this could crash and burn.

Or.

Or, maybe.

He swallowed tightly. Leaned back just a little. Their shoulder blades touched. A moment of suspended anticipation. She leaned back against him. The backs of their heads didn’t yet touch. He felt her hair on his neck. It was only the tops of their backs that touched, but now there was only centimeters of trembling air between them.

“Are you cold?” he asked, his voice rough and nervous.

“Only a little.” Her thumb brushed against the side of his palm. “I’ll be alright.”

Yeah, he knew that. “You’re the most capable person I know.”

She sighed. “It’s not all sunshine and roses.”

He scrunched up his face in search for the words. “Well… You suit moonlight and thorns more.”

She nearly snorted. He felt her shoulders shake in silent laughter. He winced, thinking he said something wrong.

“Yeah, you’re probably right.”

“I like those better, anyway!” He blurted it out quickly. Maybe too quickly, curling a bit in on himself once he realized what he said, cringing, but she tugged on his hand ever so slightly. It was obvious she was shaking her head from her hair swishing over his neck.

“You always had a thirst for danger, Jungkook.”

Her tone was slight and playful. He felt his cheeks burn and his heart race so hard that he almost couldn’t breathe from the pressure. Nearly stuttered when he heard his name in her voice, clenching his jaw shut so he didn’t make a fool of himself. Again. His entire body tensed, on edge and vibrating from the rush of emotions.

“Are you trying to break my hand?”

He was gripping her hand way too tight. “S-Sorry!” He loosened his stiff fingers, twisting his wrist to keep his hand cupped around hers. “Sorry…”

“Heh, it’s not like you to apologize,” she teased.

Jungkook furrowed his brows. “Hey...”

Her head laid against his shoulder.

He stilled, heartbeat pounding. She looked up at the ceiling. At least, he presumed that from the angle. The back of her head touched his left shoulder, just barely. Her hair spilled against his collarbone and back, messy and free.

“I bet you have somebody. You’re too good-looking to have nobody lined up.”

Her murmur was soft and resigned. Guilty.

Her words hung in the air.

He tipped his head back, the nape of his neck against her shoulder. The patent leather of her jacket squeaked loudly under his presence. He wished. He hoped. He…

“I have someone,” he confessed.

He squeezed her hand. Their faces tilted upwards to the ceiling, and still Jungkook could recall every detail of her eyes – the way they glimmered when she smiled, the way they sparked when she was serious, the way they twinkled during all their special moments, the way they hollowed out when she turned away from him.

His fingers gently separated hers, interlocking.

The words were at the tip of his tongue.

His lips parted.

Suddenly there were loud footsteps on the other side of the heavy wood door. His ex-girlfriend jerked up in alarm. Jungkook stumbled. Both of them quickly sprang away from each other as the noisy jangle of keys was heard and then the heavy door swung open, revealing the two of them standing there, tense, now staring wide-eyed at a tall, broad-shouldered man flanked by two security guards. His black hair was perfectly parted, half brushing against his forehead and half combed back, giving a corporate feel in his tailored black suit. He was strikingly handsome by all accounts. Intense dark brown eyes, sculpted brows, full lips, stunning jawline.

Kim Seokjin wore an exasperated, annoyed expression.

He ticked his head to Jeon Jungkook’s ex-girlfriend.

“You. Come with me.”

She hesitated for a second and stepped forward, hanging her head a bit. “I sincerely apologize for the trouble I’ve caused.”

It would be expected for such a stern, posh-looking man to be harsh. Instead, Seokjin stuck his fists by his waist and sighed loudly, similarly to a disappointed grandmother scolding her favorite child.

“Haaah… come on. You’re not going to jail. I want to talk to you alone. Hey, uncuff her,” the owner of the nightclub tutted. One of the security guards went around her to unlock the handcuffs. “It took me a while to handle everything out there. At least the incident won’t be on the news or anything.” He reached out and held her elbow as she was released, steadying her balance and leading her out of the room. The guards followed, not taking a second glance back.

Jungkook frowned. “Hey, hyung–”

Seokjin whipped up and pointed a finger at him. “No. You stay here.”

Jungkook balked, offended. “What?! What about me?”

The older man glared at him like he was the naughty child. “I’ll have a conversation with you after. Stay.”

Anger boiled high. “I’m not a dog!”

Offensively, Seokjin barked back with, “You’re right. Dogs are loyal. And want to listen to people. You have the listening skills of a straw. In one end and out the other.”

The door slammed shut with finality.

Jungkook stood there, speechless, gawking at the sheer audacity.

Then he kicked the floor with a roar of impatience once Kim Seokjin’s insult finally registered. What the hell! Kim Seokjin was the one to invite him here in the first place! Seokjin was the oldest of Jungkook’s friends that took him under his wing, teaching him about various business aspects behind the scenes and making sure Jungkook knew the importance of having a good lawyer to look over his contracts. Now Seokjin had him locked up as if he was a five-year-old receiving a time out! Who did he think he was, his disciplinarian?

“What the fuck?!”

Then Jungkook ceased all movement, no longer stomping around in circles.

It was him.

Kim Seokjin had invited him here tonight.

It was him. Kim Seokjin had told him he better get his ass over here on this night in particular if he knew what was good for him. Not unusual, as his friends usually had to threaten him to go outside these days. It was you. You invited her here. It wasn’t Taehyung who invited her. He had been telling the truth all along.

“That bastard.”

Snarling, Jungkook whipped his head to the door and glared at it, fully intending to charge like a goddamn bull right into Kim Seokjin once it opened again.

I, I hear the whispers in your eyes I'll make you wanna think twice you'll find that you were never not mine you're mine

-

i hear... | ... the whispers... | ... in your eyes.

--

masterpost

[asiantransformations]

Co-Existence

Months and months of online chatting between Tyler and Leo sparked an inner desire inside of Tyler. The more he found out about Leo made him lust over him. Tyler didn't just want to be with him, but he wanted to be him. They were just friends that share similar ideas, but from two very different walks of life.

Both of these guys were working in the same industry in competing companies. Leo was only 30 and already was in a higher position that Tyler, 41, has been trying for years to reach. Compared to Tyler, Leo was young and thriving. At his age, his body was blooming with power through his muscles and virility. Each day, Leo still has the energy to train his muscles in the gym while pushing the limit on his mental capabilities. Being on the wealthy side, Leo could afford the super private gyms and greater things in life. Every girl wanted to get in his pants and every guy wanted to have a body like his. His career is only just starting and the sky's the limit. Although they can gym together, Tyler never had the potential for greater heights that Leo was endowed to have. That urge to be better, that itch to be the best roughed him up

Tyler searched the dark web until he came across the perfect item. Although it was expensive, it was only a small price to pay for his ultimate goal. Sneaking into the same private gym, he ambushed Leo as he stepped out of the gym shower. The magic mirror shone in his hands making him an exact replica of Leo, making him just as big and toned.

"Bro, what's going on? Whats going on? Why do you look like me?" the stunned original Leo exclaimed.

"No, I want your job and if I can't have it, I'll just have to take your body instead. A position that's rightfully mine with a body that matches it. I deserve it more than you." Tyler thought of how he didn't want to be a exact replica of Leo, he wanted to be the one version of Leo that exists. The mirror shone again. Both of their bodies was glowing. Tyler knew exactly what to do.

In one swift motion, Tyler leaped against Leo and their bodies starting fusing into one. Their body was undergoing changes as they blacked out. The pocket mirror shattered, sealing them together.

"Oooh, Arghhh!!!!" a mix of pain and pleasure filled their combined Leo body.

Tyler awoke and rushes of memories shot through him as his personality overtook and awakened. Walking over to the full gym mirror, Leo looked back. His face was young and invigorating. Full of vitality. His muscles were perking under the command of a new master.

All that admiration left the new Leo, hard and at full mast. His new body was responding to Tyler's excitement. He always expected Leo to be big and thick, but was not prepared for feeling of the actual thing. Rubbing his hands all over his newfound body surged his testosterone levels. Tyler formed Leo's gorgeous face into desperate and horny expressions. Panting, salivating like a hungry dog. The orgasm built up in moments.

“You like that? You sexy, sexy beast!” his new low voice commanded “I finally got what I deserve. This is all mine. Everything is perfect. I am perfect." Tyler snarled. “I'm stroking MY cock, with MY hand! That is MY body and MY life." He lapped a bit of the precum leaking everything “This is MY smell and MY taste! And damn do I taste good!"

Leo pumped harder, harder, and harder. He rammed his precum-soaked fingers in his warm hole while massaging his prostate. The high levels of pleasure cause his body to shake as his moaned louder. Droplets of perspiration dripped down his face and appeared on my chest and forcing him to thrust his cock upwards as he screamed in adrenaline. “Arrgghh, Fuck here it comes! I'm coming, Ohhhh! I'm Leo Chen and I’m coming!”

The pressure started in his balls and spread all throughout his body. Waves and waves of euphoria as cum torretted out his glorious mushroom head. With each shot, the love and amazement for Leo intensified. Every part of his being and surrounding was covered in his precious Leo cream. Sweat and cum glistened his body as his muscles were relaxing.

"Fuck my old life and the dead end company I'm with." Rubbing his cum all over his body like lotion. “I am and forever will be Leo Chen.” he flexed all of his muscles. A smile spread across his face and it felt like total domination over my body. He had won. His dick was like a mini baseball bat, his balls was like a giant stress ball. His muscles flex and bend as his command. He was looking at all the small details that made him in awe.

“Don't you fucking think of coming back!” Leo said to his reflection, imagining it as the previous owner. “You've had your fun, but I'm finally home now. Thank you for being a placeholder in my life, keeping this body warm for me. All your hard work and effort will never be waster. But from now on I am the true owner of this body and we’ll be inseparable for the rest of eternity!"

The true acceptance caused more memories and knowledge to truly awakened to its master. Every intimate detail. Every clarity of information from Leo's childhood to his habits and interests crowned his head as he absorbed everything willingly. He felt a sense of comfort and hope like this was the norm for him already. Leo walked over to the shower. He needed to groom himself once again and get ready for his new life .

Unwillingly, his mouth moved. "Damn, that was hot. It looks like we are gonna have fun together. Can't believe you felt this way about me and my body. I'm honored." In a revelation, something in Leo's body snapped and it felt like there were simultaneously two co-pilots. Both of them controlling one Adonis hunk with all their actions and thinking interlinked with each others' feelings and ideas. Basically to say the least, Leo will definitely be living his best life.

[auras-moonstone]

hi ursula! would you be up to writing jack x reader where she wears his shirt for the first time ever and he’s just mesmerised by her, and kisses her face all over? i think that’d be cute!

sweet nothing — jack champion

word count: 661

pairing: jack champion x fem!reader

summary: jack goes home to his girlfriend and her sweet nothings.

JACK LEFT THE SET WITH THE FEELING OF EXCITEMENT INVADING HIS CHEST. It was an unusual thing to feel after long hours of shooting, but that day was different because Y/N was waiting for him at his house. They were both free the following day so Jack told her to sleep over and spend the next day together.

As he drove towards his home, he could picture her perfectly in his head. She was probably making his favourite food—because she loved to spoil him after tiring days of work—while humming some Taylor Swift song and dancing around the kitchen like a little kid.

And once he parked in the driveway, he sprinted towards the entrance door with a big smile, eager to see his girl. He was instantly hit with the smell of pizza and the sound of her sweet voice. When he reached the kitchen he leaned against the doorframe, and took his time to admire the sight in front of him.

Y/N was standing behind the counter, eyes furrowed in concentration as she carefully put cheese on the pizza—her perfectionist ass wanted the squares of cheese to be even and perfectly cut even though they were going to melt—, her hair was in a messy ponytail and strands fell in front of her eyes which made her sigh in frustration—something that made Jack smiled like a love-sick fool because he couldn’t believe the adorable girl standing in his kitchen was his.

And finally, the last thing that capture his attention was what she was wearing. The short sleeves of the plaid green shirt reached her elbows, and when he got to see her full body he noticed it ended by her upper thighs. She had never looked more beautiful.

Jack wanted this to be his everyday sight. He wanted to found himself running home to her warm smile, to her little rumblings about her day at uni, to her easing laugh and creases in her eyes, to her cozy arms and awful singing voice: to her sweet nothings.

“Hey” she spoke once she noticed his tall frame leaning on the door. His eyes were on her, but he appeared to be in another planet. “Babe?”

Jack blinked as he got out of his trance. “What?”

“Nothing, I just said hey” she laughed. “What happened?”

“You. In my shirt” he answered, eyes filled with adoration.

“Yeah, sorry. I spilled tomatoe soup on mine so I stole this one”

He took a step closer and cupped her jaw “It looks so much better in you. Hell, you know what? All my clothes are yours now, you should wear mine everyday from now on”

“But I like my clothes” Y/N laughed.

“I’ll burn them so you’ll have no choice” he joked. “For real, you look so beautiful. I never want to take my eyes off you” he started kissing every inch of the skin on her face, making her giggle.

“I missed you a lot” she said wrapping her arms around his neck as their foreheads touched. “How was work?”

Jack pressed a kiss on her nose “It was okay. Been looking forward to this all day, though. It was hard to concentrate” he admitted, closing his eyes and enjoying the feeling of their hug. “Missed you too. It was excruciating.”

“I made pizza, is that okay?” she asked. Jack looked down and smiled when he saw the pizza had the shape of a heart. “Saw it on Pinterest, and I just had to do it”

“You’re so cute. I love you.” he pressed his nose against hers, his heart pumping in his chest. He never thought how good being in love with someone felt like.

“I love you too, J.” she smiled lovingly.

And to have that someone love you back? It was priceless. He would take every exhausting day at work, every industry disruptor that made a bad review on his performance or movies, every soul deconstructor that threw hate comments at him, as long as at the end of the day he would have Y/N’s love and support.

[invertek]

VFD Circuit Design - Variable Frequency Drives

The VFD Exchange

[script-a-world]

Submitted via Google Form:

What would happen to the richest countries in the world these days because they export oil when my story takes place in 2400 and and the oil is all gone and these countries are where my story actually takes place. Where all the money is now is pretty much the countries that produce cutting edge technology.

Licorice: 2400 CE is 376 years in the future. 

Which countries were the richest 376 years ago?  That would take us back to 1648. The richest country in the world was China, with India not far behind. The Ottoman Empire was another superpower, and most of today’s Middle Eastern oil states were its posessions. The USA didn’t even exist. The British had barely begun building their empire; the Netherlands and France were both far richer and more powerful than GB, but the European powerhouse was Spain with its Latin American colonial empire pumping out seemingly inexhaustible supplies of silver and gold bullion, inspiring a golden age of piracy in the Caribbean. 

China, India, France: their wealth was based mostly on strong diverse domestic economies. 

Britain, Portugal and the Netherlands: they were too small and poor to build a China-type self-sufficient diverse economy. They grew rich on trade.

Ottoman Empire: a multicultural melting pot covering roughly the same geographic area as the Eastern Roman Empire, the Ottomans had it all. But they fell behind in the 19th century, and the empire was torn apart by the waves of nationalism that swept across the globe after the French Revolution. The Ottoman Empire no longer exists.

Spain grew rich in the same way the oil economies grew rich, by mining a single commodity and using it to pay for everything

A country like the USA is going to be as fine as anywhere can be after the oil is gone. Like China, India and the EU they will diversify into renewable resources and keep right on truckin’ because their economies are sufficiently wealthy and diverse, their population sufficiently  educated, and their governments sufficiently forward thinking to do this. 

Back in the 18th century, the measly little island of Britain took the wealth it earned from trade to invest in R&D, invented the industrial revolution, and used its tech advantage to conquer an empire the likes of which had never hitherto been seen. 

Spain, on the other hand, didn’t invest in itself. The gold and silver from the Spanish Main trickled through its fingers the way easy money always does with lottery winners. Much of the bullion ended up in China via British, Dutch, and Portuguese ships. Spain’s empire disintegrated in the 19th century.

In short, if you’re a country with a booming economy dependent on a single non-renewable commodity, and you are smart, you will use that wealth to build your competitive advantage in diverse areas of human economic activity. You will educate your population to be creative and entrepreneurial. This is more likely to happen if your government is some flavour of democracy.

If you’re not smart or if your government is controlled by a small clique of aristocrats or a dictator and his court with no accountability to the future, your elite will simply take most of the wealth for themselves, stick it into Swiss bank accounts, and leave the country impoverished and under-developed when they flee the inevitable coup. 

Since the history of the years 2024-2400 hasn’t yet been written, it’s up to you to decide what the countries in your story are going to do. All of them are well aware that the oil bonanza will not last forever. You might find this useful: “How the Gulf Region is Planning for Life After Oil”. 

So, which of your countries will be smart and which will be foolish? Which ones will have the foresight to build a viable post-oil future for themselves, and which ones will slide backwards into poverty, ignorance, and oppression? You decide. 

[whencyclopedia]

Top 10 Inventions of the Industrial Revolution

The British Industrial Revolution transformed life at work and at home for practically everyone. Noise, pollution, social upheaval, and repetitive jobs were the price to pay for labour-saving machines, cheap and comfortable transportation, more affordable consumer goods, better lighting and heating, and faster ways of communication.

Any shortlist of inventions is bound to be far from complete, but the following have been chosen not only for what they could do but also for how they permitted other inventions to become possible and how they transformed working life and everyday living for millions of people. The period under consideration is also important and here is taken as 1750 to 1860. With these criteria in mind, the top 10 inventions of the Industrial Revolution were:

The Watt Steam Engine (1778)

The Power Loom (1785)

The Cotton Gin (1794)

Gas Street Lighting (1807)

The Electromagnet (1825)

The First Photograph (c. 1826)

Stephenson's Rocket (1829)

The Electrical Telegraph (1837)

The Steam Hammer (1839)

Mass Steel Production (1856)

The Watt Steam Engine

The steam engine, which harnessed power from the expansion of heated water, is often cited as the single most important invention of the Industrial Revolution, principally because so many other important subsequent inventions used it as their power source. The steam engine was born from the necessity to pump out flooded mine shafts and enable deeper mining. The first steam pump was invented by Thomas Savery (c. 1650-1715) in 1698. In 1712, Thomas Newcomen (1664-1729) perfected his more powerful steam pump to drain coal mines of water in Dudley in the Midlands.

To make the steam engine more useful for other purposes, it had to be made more efficient both in terms of fuel consumption and power. The Scottish instrument maker James Watt (1736-1819) and Matthew Boulton (1728-1809) kept tinkering with the workings of the steam engine until, in 1778, they had perfected a separate condenser to vastly increase the engine's efficiency. Power was also increased by the steam powering the piston down not just up (hence its name, a double-acting engine), increasing the 'horsepower', a term coined by Watt. The engine also had its power converted to a more versatile rotary motion using a flywheel. Using just one-quarter of the fuel of Newcomen's engine, Watt's engine was cheap enough to use almost anywhere. Steam engines kept on evolving, notably with the expansion steam engine, and they benefitted from ever-better tool machinery that could make stronger and better-fitting parts.

By 1800, Britain boasted over 2,500 steam engines, most of them used in mines, cotton mills, and manufacturing factories. 500 of these engines were made by the Watt and Boulton factory in Birmingham. Every walk of life was affected. Steam now powered fountains, threshing machines, sewage pumps, and printing presses. Essentially, any work that required pushing, pulling, lifting, or pressing could be made much more efficient using steam-powered machines. Steam engines were harnessed for trains and steamships, and, aptly, all these uses caused a boom in the coal mining industry, which had been the origin of the machine in the first place.

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