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keehomania · 2 months

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business proposal (제안서) — kim seokjin (김석진)

✧.* 18+

a closer look reveals the hidden multitude of narcissists roaming freely across the earth. they moved through life as ordinary figures—doctors, lawyers—sharing the same vulnerability of human blood. yet, there lingered a belief in their superiority, an unspoken arrogance. among them, businessmen appeared to embody that conceit most profoundly.

kim enterprises had the value of 1.5 billion won. a leading technology firm specializing in cutting-edge ai solutions and smart home devices. founded on the principles of advancing human-technology synergy, the company designs state-of-the-art gadgets that seamlessly integrate with daily life. under the visionary leadership of kim seokjin, the president’s son, the company has gained a reputation for pushing boundaries and setting new industry standards. currently, it lies at the forefront of revolutionizing smart technology, with a diverse portfolio ranging from intelligent automation systems to next-generation personal assistants.

impressive, really. it'd have been much more impressive if he was as likeable as his company. he was a narcissist in the purest form, no matter how much he cared for the company and his employees. only because no care would amount to the kind he put into himself.

the company had been running smoothly under his care for nine years, as his father had fallen ill and was unable to sustain it on his own. he knew he was making the right decision when he deemed seokjin the next heir, the next in control. he was smart, charming, persuasive. he knew every corner and end of a business deal, how to tie the knots and when to cut off loose ends.

“kim, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person. i must say, kim enterprises has been on our radar for quite some time.” seokjin shook his hand firmly, returning the smile. “the pleasure is mine, james. i've been following your company’s progress closely as well. it’s impressive how you’ve carved out a niche in ai development.”

james’s eyes lit up. “thank you. we’re particularly interested in your smart home integration systems. from what i understand, your latest model has seen a significant uptick in market share.” seokjin’s smile widened, “yes, our quantum series has been a game-changer. we’ve seen a 30% increase in market penetration over the past year. the integration of adaptive ai has really resonated with consumers, allowing for a more intuitive user experience.”

james nodded, clearly pleased. “exactly. that’s why we’re keen on a partnership. our research indicates that your technology complements our upcoming product line perfectly. what terms are you envisioning for this deal?” seokjin considered the question thoughtfully. “given the scope of the integration and the potential for cross-promotion, i’d suggest a revenue-sharing model. we propose a 60-40 split in favor of kim enterprises for the first two years. this would allow us to leverage your distribution network while providing you with a substantial stake in the revenue generated.”

james raised an eyebrow, thoughtful. “that’s a fair proposition. but considering the development and marketing costs, how about adjusting the split to 50-50 initially, with a performance-based adjustment thereafter?” seokjin weighed the offer, then nodded. “i see your point. let’s compromise at 55-45, with a performance review after the first year to reassess the terms. we can draft a detailed agreement to reflect this.”

james’s expression softened into one of admiration. “agreed. your understanding of both the technology and market dynamics is impressive, kim. it’s clear you’ve put a lot of thought into this.”

seokjin’s eyes sparkled with resolve. “thank you, james. i believe in building partnerships that are beneficial for both sides. our goal is not just to expand our market presence but to also deliver exceptional value through innovative collaborations.” james raised his glass with a smile. “well said. i look forward to working with you. let’s toast to a successful partnership.”

he truly was a natural, he knew exactly what to say and how to say it. however, even if he was reluctant to admit it, he couldn't have done it on his own.

you navigated the room with a calm, poised demeanor, your sharp eyes scanning for any potential issues or tasks that needed attention. you approached seokjin with a subtle nod, a tablet in hand. he acknowledged the gesture, his eyes flickering with appreciation. “i’ve just received the finalized draft of the agreement,” you said quietly, sliding the tablet over to him. “i made sure to include the revised revenue split and the performance review clause you discussed with james.”

he glanced at the document, his expression approving. “perfect timing. you’ve captured all the necessary details. thanks for handling this so efficiently.” james, intrigued, looked at you. “i must say, it’s clear that you play a crucial role in ensuring everything runs smoothly. your attention to detail must be invaluable.”

you smiled modestly. “thank you, james. it’s my job to make sure that the priorities are met and that every aspect of our deal is thoroughly managed. it’s a pleasure to contribute to the success of our partnerships.” as you stepped back, you made a quick call to coordinate a follow-up meeting with the legal team, ensuring that all paperwork would be processed without delay. your presence was a testament to the meticulous planning that underpinned seokjin's success.

although he was the brains behind the operation, you were the one that made sure the operation was in action. you coordinated all of his appointments and travel arrangements, handled all of his phone calls, drafted all of the reports and presentations, organized all of the meetings, supported all of the projects, and so much more. you were good at your job, and you loved it.

it was one of the many reasons why that same night, in the back of seokjin's limo, he had met your words with a look of horror displayed on his face. you remained stoic as you adjusted the hem of your dress, pushing your hair past your shoulder before meeting his gaze once more. “you want to quit?” you nodded in confirmation. the question itself held more shock than intended, but he couldn't help it. your announcement had put a dent in the night. you had been his left hand for exactly nine years and, out of the blue, you had announced that you were ready to leave the company.

the city lights blurred past the windows as you sat in the back of seokjin's sleek, black limousine. the leather seats were soft beneath you, but there was tension in the air that makes you sit a little straighter, hands folded tightly in your lap. seokjin was beside you, scrolling through his phone with a practiced ease, oblivious to the storm brewing in your mind.

“it's personal,” you explained, trying to keep your tone even. “i have some matters in my life that need my full attention right now.” he stared at you, disbelief etched on his features. “after nine years? just like that?”

“i'm sorry,” you said, your heart aching with each word. “but it's something i have to do.” seokjin's jaw tightened, but he nodded curtly. “if that's your decision, i won't stand in your way.” the rest of the ride passed in heavy silence, the atmosphere between you both laden with unspoken words and shared sorrow. you could only gaze at the fleeting cars through the window, oblivious to the hurt etched into what was supposed to be his stoic expression.

that night, he found himself tossing and turning in his grand, empty bed. sleep eluded him, chased away by a persistent nightmare. in it, he saw a woman with long, black hair, her back always turned to him. no matter how much he called out and cried, she never looked back, slipping further away with each step. he woke up in a cold sweat, the image of the woman haunting him. the clock beside his bed read that it was only four o'clock. frustrated and unsettled, he spent the rest of the night staring at the ceiling, unable to shake the sense of impending loss.

the following morning, he stood in front of the mirror in his expansive bedroom, the morning light filtering through the curtains. his shirt was buttoned, but his tie lies undone around his neck. he waited, as he always did, for you. when you arrived, your expression was composed, professional. "good morning, vice chairman."

he nodded, his eyes fixed on your reflection in the mirror. “morning, secretary (y/n).” you stepped forward, deftly tying his tie with practiced hands, the sound of your name stinging more than necessary. the proximity, once a simple part of your routine, now felt charged with the weight of your impending departure.

he gazed at himself in the mirror, his ego surfacing as a way to mask his vulnerability. “do you see that? the beauty?” you glanced at the mirror, assuming he meant the sunlight casting a golden glow across the room. “yes, the sunrise is beautiful.” a faint smirk touched his lips. “no, not the sunrise. me. my aura.”

you suppressed a sigh, knowing that it was nothing but the the standard for him. “yes, very dazzling, vice chairman.” satisfied, he turned away from the mirror and straightened his suit jacket. “let's go. we have breakfast at my parents' house.”

the drive to the kim family estate was quiet, the earlier tension replaced by a heavy resignation. seokjin's family home was grand, an imposing structure surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens. inside, you were greeted by his mother, her warm smile a stark contrast to the austere demeanor of the chairman. “good morning, hyeon. (y/n), it's always a pleasure to see you.”

“good morning, mother,” seokjin replied, his tone polite yet distant. the chairman nodded at you both, his presence commanding respect. “let's eat.”

breakfast was a formal affair, the table laden with an array of traditional dishes. conversation was polite, centered around business and family matters. seokjin's parents were unaware of your decision to leave, and you caught seokjin's gaze more than once, a silent understanding passing between you. as the meal progressed, you couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. that world, so intertwined with his, had been your life for nearly a decade. leaving it behind wouldn't be easy.

breakfast ended, and the chairman suggested that he and his son retire to the study room for a private discussion. you followed his mother to the sitting room, where she invited you to join her for tea. she was a gracious host, her demeanor warm and inviting. “how have you been, sweetheart? it feels like forever since we had a proper chat,” she said, pouring tea into delicate porcelain cups.

you smiled, taking the offered cup. “i've been well, mrs. kim. thank you.” her eyes sparkled with curiosity. “tell me, what do you think about my hyeon? he talks about you often.”

you paused, considering your words carefully. you knew she was an older lady, so you didn't question the way she misnamed him. her memory had probably grown shabby. “he's an exceptional leader, very dedicated to his work. it's been an honor to work with him.” she nodded, her smile widening. “yes, he's always been very driven. but tell me, is my son seeing anyone? he never mentions these things to me.”

you shook your head. “despite all the girls around him, he's not dating anyone.” mrs. kim's eyes widened in horror. “he's not— gay, is he?”

you stifled a laugh, shaking your head again. “no, mrs. kim, he's not. he's just very focused on his work.” she sighed in relief, placing a hand over her heart. “thank goodness. it would be wonderful for him to finally get a girlfriend. he's not getting any younger, you know.” you couldn't help but wonder at her words. the idea of him with someone else felt oddly unsettling.

in the study room, seokjin's father, chairman kim, sat behind an imposing oak desk, his expression stern. “i heard a rumor, seokjin. (y/n) is quitting?” his jaw tightened, but he met his father's gaze steadily. “it's true. but i won't let it happen.”

chairman kim raised an eyebrow. “and how do you plan to stop it?” seokjin's voice was firm. “i'll find a way to convince her to stay. she's indispensable to me.”

a moment of silence passed before chairman kim's lips twitched into a faint smile. “are you dating her?” seokjin blinked, momentarily taken aback. “no, father, i'm not.”

the chairman feigned a dramatic gasp, clutching his chest. “oh, i feel faint. my son, the great seokjin, not dating his perfect secretary.” he rolled his eyes, a rare display of exasperation. “i've seen your medical records, father. you're perfectly healthy.”

chairman kim waved a dismissive hand. “you should do your father a favor and find a wife, give us grandchildren. it's time you settled down.” seokjin sighed, the weight of his father's words lingering. he had never been in a relationship, and neither had you. it was one of the reasons you knew you had to quit. your life revolved around your work, as did his. only, you weren't satisfied with that. it wasn't that he wasn't attracted to anybody, because he was, but nothing mattered more than his craft. he felt off about women touching him, in any case. it made him anxious, and brought up memories he fought to keep hidden.

you and seokjin departed for the office, the morning sun casting long shadows across the driveway as the car pulled away from the estate. the ride was initially silent, both of you lost in thought. he finally broke the silence, “what exactly did you mean by personal matters?” his tone was careful, almost hesitant.

you turned to him, offering a small smile. “i'm looking to settle down, vice chairman. i want to get married, have children.” he fell silent, the weight of your words settling over him. the rest of the ride to the office was steeped in an unusual quiet, your declaration hanging in the air like a specter.

upon arriving at the office, he moved through the halls in a daze. his usual commanding presence seemed diminished, his mind clearly elsewhere. he entered his office, finding his younger intern already there. “good morning, vice chairman,” jungkook greeted cheerfully, his youthful energy a contrast to seokjin's subdued demeanor.

he barely acknowledged him, slumping into his chair. jungkook, sensing something was off, leaned forward with a curious smile. “you look like you've seen a ghost. what's up?” seokjin rubbed his temples, sighing. “it's secretary (l/n). she wants to quit.”

jungkook raised an eyebrow. “oh? did you try offering her a promotion, bigger pay, fewer working hours?” he nodded in response. “i did. she dismissed it all. said she wants to settle down, get married, have children.”

jungkook's eyes twinkled with mischief. “and that shocked you?” seokjin glared at him, but his grin remained unshaken. “why does it bother you so much, vice chairman? do you like her more than just a secretary?” the question lingered in the air, met with silence. his mind raced, trying to comprehend why your decision affected him so deeply. he couldn't deny the pang of jealousy at the thought of you with someone else, starting a life that didn't include him.

jungkook leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “maybe it's time to ask yourself why her leaving matters so much to you.” he remained quiet, lost in thought. How could marriage and a family be more important than the bond you shared with him? the realization struck him hard—perhaps it wasn't just about losing an exceptional secretary. maybe, just maybe, it was about losing you.

a knock on the door disrupted the tense silence between the two men. you entered, carrying a tray with a steaming pot of tea and three cookies on the side, exactly how seokjin liked it. the aroma of the tea briefly lightened the atmosphere. he looked up, his expression softening momentarily at the sight of you. “thank you, secretary (l/n).”

you placed the tray on the table, pouring a cup of tea for him and setting it in on his desk. “i've sent out emails looking for a future secretary. one of the primary candidates is on her way.” jungkook observed the way his face twisted with hurt at your words. despite the pain evident in his eyes, seokjin maintained his composure. “join us while we wait for her.”

you nodded, taking a seat beside the young intern. the room fell into an uncomfortable silence, broken only by the ticking of the clock. seokjin sipped his tea, the familiar taste doing little to ease his troubled mind.

a few minutes later, the door opened, and a young woman entered. she had a bright, cheerful demeanor, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “hello, i'm jung keulgi. it's an honor to be here.” seokjin straightened, adopting his usual authoritative posture. “miss jung, are you ready to devote yourself to a perfect company?” she beamed. “absolutely! i'm very excited for this opportunity.”

you couldn't help but roll your eyes at the narcissistic question. “are you prepared to handle working for someone with an ego as big as the company?” keulgi sensed the underlying tension but maintained her cheerful facade. “i'm sure i'll manage.”

seokjin continued, his tone growing sharper. “will you stay devoted instead of quitting due to silly things like personal matters?” the tension in the room escalated. you snapped, unable to hold back any longer. “are you done, vice chairman?”

his eyes flashed with anger. “about as done as you are, secretary (l/n).” keulgi, clearly uncomfortable but trying to stay positive, interjected softly, “if you hire me, i'll do my best.”

seokjin didn't take his eyes off you as he replied, “you're hired.” as he turned to you, his voice was cold and demanding. “you have a month to turn her into your carbon copy. after that, do as you please.” the room fell silent once more as the weight of his words settled over you. keulgi glanced between you and him, her cheerful demeanor now tinged with apprehension.

he stood, signaling the end of the meeting. “that will be all for now. welcome to kim enterprises, miss jung.” she nodded, offering a hesitant smile. “thank you, vice chairman.”

as she left the room, you remained seated, the gravity of your situation sinking in. seokjin's harsh command echoed in your mind, a painful reminder of the rift that had formed between you. jungkook, sensing the need for a distraction, cleared his throat. “well, this is going to be interesting.”

seokjin shot him a glare. “you're dismissed, jungkook.” with a playful salute, he left the room, leaving you and him alone once more. the silence was heavy, filled with the unspoken emotions and unresolved tension. he finally broke the silence, his voice softer but still edged with hurt. “you can have the rest of the day off.”

you glanced up at him in disbelief, but you weren't willing to argue any further. all you could do was nod and bow before leaving the room. he was alone, once more. he couldn't do anything but watch as you left, gulping as if to hold himself back from calling out your name. you could train all the candidates in the world, yet it would never be the same.

you stood at your kitchen sink, washing the last of the dinner dishes as the sun set, casting a warm orange glow through the window. the evening was peaceful, the kind of tranquility you had been craving. as you dried your hands and prepared to head to bed, the sudden blare of a car horn startled you. peeking out the window, you saw seokjin standing next to his sleek black car, looking up at your house.

heart pounding with a mix of surprise and curiosity, you hurried outside. “vice chairman? is everything okay?” he shook his head, a slight smile playing on his lips. “no emergencies, secretary (l/n). i just needed to see you.” you frowned, puzzled. “at this hour? what's so urgent?”

his eyes locked onto yours, intense and searching. “are you serious about quitting to settle down?” you nodded, feeling a familiar pang of sadness. “i am. i'm ready to put all my attention on a relationship.”

his expression shifted, the gravity of your words sinking in. he took a deep breath, and then, to your astonishment, he did the unthinkable. he dropped to one knee and pulled out a small velvet box, opening it to reveal a dazzling diamond ring.

“marry me, secretary (l/n). i'm rich, handsome, and more than capable of giving you everything you want.” you stared at him, completely taken aback. his usual confidence seemed both reassuring and out of place in this moment. he continued, his voice earnest, almost pleading. “i'm perfect for you. accept my proposal.”

his words hung in the air as you tried to process what was happening. finally, you leaned in close, your face inches from his, and inhaled deeply. seokjin's heart stopped, anticipation flickering in his eyes. but instead of a kiss, you pulled back, your expression skeptical.

“are you drunk, vice chairman?” he blinked, clearly taken aback. “no, i'm sober. i'm serious.”

you laughed softly, shaking your head. “i believe you. but vice chairman, i don't want a perfect life with a perfect man. i just want to be with an ordinary guy from an ordinary family.” his face fell, his confident facade crumbling. “why not me? i'm perfect!”

you smiled, despite the annoyance of his narcissistic words clawing at your nerves, and you chose the easy way out. assuring him that he was nothing but flawless was the only way to get him to stop talking about it. “that's exactly why. you deserve someone who sees you that way, but it's not me.” the rejection hung heavy between you as you turned and walked back into your house, leaving him kneeling in the fading light.

the following day, he recounted the entire incident to jungkook, who listened with wide eyes. when he finally finished, the intern burst into laughter, unable to contain himself despite the glares from his boss.

“vice chairman, you can't just propose out of the blue like that, this isn't the eighteenth century,” jungkook said, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes.

his frown deepened, but he couldn't argue with jungkook's logic. “so, what should i have done, then?” he shrugged, still grinning. “maybe start by asking her on a date? get to know her outside of work. build a relationship first. you can't skip straight to marriage, no matter how perfect you think you are.”

the elder mulled over his words, realizing the truth in them. he had acted impulsively, driven by a fear of losing you, but dating? he was actively unfamiliar with the entire thing. in fact, he thought it was pointless. nothing but a waste of time, but if it meant stopping you from quitting, maybe it was wasting time in the best way possible.

you sat in your office, typing away at your computer, but your mind kept drifting back to the previous night. the image of your boss on one knee, his earnest proposal, and your subsequent rejection played on a loop in your head. the weight of your decision and its implications loomed large.

“hey, (y/n),” a familiar voice broke through your thoughts. you looked up to see kim namjoon, the head of finances, standing at your desk. his expression was a mix of concern and curiosity. “is it true? are you really leaving?” you offered him a kind smile and nodded. “yes, namjoon. it's true.”

the news seemed to ripple through the office. baekhyun and sooyoung, who were nearby, immediately voiced their protests. “you can't be serious!” baekhyun exclaimed, his usually cheerful demeanor clouded with disappointment. sooyoung nodded vigorously. “yeah, you've been here forever! what are we going to do without you?”

keulgi, who had been quietly observing, chimed in. “i've heard so much about your amazing work. it's going to be hard to fill your shoes.” you felt a pang of guilt but tried to reassure them with a smile on your face. “we'll all stay in touch. it's not like i'm disappearing.”

sooyoung then brightened, a mischievous glint in her eye. “how about we have a dinner after work? to welcome keulgi and to honor your nine years of hard work.” you hesitated, not wanting to make a big deal out of your departure. but keulgi's encouraging smile swayed you. “come on, it would be nice.” with a reluctant smile, you agreed.

the moment was cut short as the door to the office opened and seokjin walked in. the room fell silent, all eyes turning to him. he let the silence hang for a moment before speaking, his gaze locked onto yours. “am i invited to this dinner as well?” the tension was palpable. baekhyun hesitated before responding, glancing around at the others. “of course, vice chairman. you're welcome to join us.”

seokjin's smile was tight as he nodded. “very well. i'll see you all there.” he left the room as suddenly as he had entered, leaving your heart heavy with unspoken emotions. namjoon broke the silence, his tone light but his words carrying weight. “is it just me, or did it suddenly get cold in here?” the others murmured their agreement, exchanging glances.

“i don't know what's going on,” baekhyun said, shaking his head. “but he's been awfully on edge lately.” you remained silent, the weight of your decision and seokjin's reaction pressing heavily on your mind. the upcoming dinner promised to be an eventful one, but you couldn't shake the feeling that it would also be pivotal in the worst way possible.

you stood in front of your mirror, giving yourself a once-over. you had opted for a casual outfit, perfect for the laid-back atmosphere of the local barbeque spot where your colleagues were hosting your farewell dinner. just as you were adjusting your hair, a loud honk interrupted your thoughts. curiosity piqued, you peered out the window to see none other than seokjin, leaning against his car, looking as out of place in your neighborhood as a peacock in a flock of pigeons.

you opened the window and leaned out. “what are you doing here?” he glanced up, a smirk playing on his lips. “i'm not here to propose again, if that's what you're worried about. i'm here to pick you up.” your eyebrows shot up in surprise, “why?”

“isn't it so ordinary of me to go with my coworkers?” he replied, clearly pleased with himself. you shook your head, amusement dancing in your eyes. “yes, well done, vice chairman. give me a minute.”

you grabbed your bag and headed downstairs. as you stepped outside, you noticed his attire—an expensive suit that screamed high-end fashion. you stifled a laugh, knowing he would stand out like a sore thumb at the spot you had all agreed on. nonetheless, you entertained his gesture and got into the car. the drive was filled with light conversation, mostly about work and the upcoming transition. despite the casual nature of the evening, you could sense his effort to blend in, which you found oddly endearing. when you arrived at the restaurant, the familiar scent of grilled meat and beer wafted through the air, making seokjin's face contort in mild disgust. you chuckled at his reaction. “welcome to the real world, vice chairman.”

inside, your colleagues greeted you warmly, their eyes widening in surprise when they saw their boss. he maintained his composure, though you could see his discomfort. at the table, he attempted to take charge. “what's everyone drinking?” he asked, clearly expecting a sophisticated answer. “perhaps an old variation of whisky?”

a stunned silence fell over the group, everyone staring at him in disbelief. you nervously laughed. “they only serve beer and soju here, vice chairman.” for a moment, you expected him to bristle at the lack of his preferred drink. instead, he stifled a sigh and nodded. “beer it is, then.”

as the evening progressed, you found yourself reminiscing. it had been nine years since you first joined kim enterprises, and you vividly remembered celebrating your first day in this very spot. you were drinking beer when a younger seokjin had approached you, his demeanor confident and slightly arrogant. “do you know who i am?” he'd asked, and you'd honestly had no clue. little did you know back then just how egotistical he was.

now, years later, you watched him attempt to navigate this ordinary setting. as the night wore on, you noticed the subtle signs of him getting tipsy. his cheeks flushed, his laughter louder and more uninhibited. eventually, you decided it was time to call it a night. “i think i should take him home,” you said, standing up.

your colleagues protested, but you promised to make it up to them. they relented, and you guided a slightly unsteady seokjin to his car. the drive to his house was quiet, his head leaning back against the seat, eyes half-closed.

when you arrived, you helped him inside, supporting his weight as you guided him to his bedroom. you gently eased him onto the bed, intending to leave as soon as he was settled. but just as you were about to turn away, he grabbed your wrist, pulling you down onto the bed. you fell on top of him, your faces inches apart. his eyes, though slightly glazed, held a seriousness that made your heart race. “pretty ordinary of me to get drunk off beer, right?” he slurred, a lazy smile on his lips. your breath caught in your throat. “yes, very ordinary.”

“thank you, secretary (l/n),” he mumbled, his eyes closing. he fell asleep almost instantly, his grip on your wrist loosening. you stayed there for a moment, your heart pounding, before carefully tucking him in. you watched him for a few seconds longer, your emotions a whirlwind. finally, you tore yourself away, quietly leaving his house and heading home, your mind a jumble of thoughts and feelings you couldn't quite name.

the following morning, you arrived at the office early, keen to begin the handover process with keulgi. the usual hustle and bustle of the workplace greeted you, but today there was an undercurrent of anticipation and anxiety. it was the beginning of your final month at kim enterprises, and you wanted to ensure everything transitioned smoothly.

as you were explaining the intricacies of the office dynamics to keulgi, seokjin entered, looking visibly worse for wear. he massaged his temples, clearly nursing a headache from the previous night. you couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. you followed him into his office, where he promptly sank into his chair, wincing slightly.

“good morning, vice chairman,” you greeted, trying to keep your tone professional despite your concern. “morning,” he muttered, barely looking up.

despite your concern, you exited the office, re-joining keulgi in order to show her around. “so, these are the folders you'll need to keep track of—client files, project updates, and financial reports. everything is color-coded for easy access. emails are prioritized into high, medium, and low urgency. make sure to flag anything that needs immediate attention.”

she nodded, absorbing the information. “got it. and what about his schedule?” you handed her a tablet with his meticulously planned itinerary. “his schedule is very tight. make sure to coordinate with all department heads and external partners. he's very particular about his meetings being on time.”

as you continued the walkthrough, keulgi mentioned, “oh, by the way, i noticed one of the legs on his chair was falling apart, so i put it together with some cables.” your eyes widened in shock, “what kind of cables?”

“rubber cables,” she replied, confusion etched on her face at your reaction. your heart sank. without another word, you rushed into seokjin's office, your pulse racing. the sight that greeted you confirmed your worst fears. he was on the floor, shaking, his head in his hands, his entire demeanor shattered.

“vice chairman!” you cried out, rushing to his side. “i'm so sorry, she didn't know—” he didn't respond, his breathing erratic. you quickly reached for the chair and cut off the rubber cables. the moment they were gone, his shaking subsided, though his face remained pale and his expression haunted. keulgi, realizing the gravity of the situation, joined in the apologies, her voice frantic. ”i'm so sorry, vice chairman. i didn't know—“

seokjin's gaze was ice cold as he finally looked up at you, his eyes filled with a mixture of anger and something you couldn't quite place. “is this how you're carrying out your duties, secretary (l/n)?” you stood there, stunned and silent. the warmth and camaraderie of the previous night seemed like a distant memory. his words cut through you like a knife, and for the first time, you had no response.

seokjin struggled to his feet, regaining his composure with great effort. “leave,” he commanded quietly, the tension in his voice unmistakable. you and keulgi hurried out of the office, the weight of the incident heavy on your shoulders. outside, you tried to reassure her, but the shock of your boss's reaction lingered.

inside his office, he sat down once again, burying his face in his hands. he mentally cursed himself for his harsh words. his eyes fell on the rubber cables now discarded in the trash can, and a shudder ran through him. memories he'd fought to bury resurfaced, and he struggled to push them back down. the trauma, long kept at bay, clawed its way to the surface. he knew he had overreacted, and he hated himself for it. he had to apologize to you, but the thought of facing you after what had just happened seemed insurmountable. how could he explain the depth of his fear, the reason for his reaction? for now, he could only sit there, the remnants of his vulnerability on display, hoping he hadn't irrevocably damaged the fragile relationship he had with you.

he sat behind his expansive mahogany desk, its polished surface reflecting the ambient light filtering through the large, floor-to-ceiling windows of his office. the cityscape of seoul lay sprawled out behind him, but his attention was far from the view. instead, his eyes were unfocused, staring blankly at the stack of documents in front of him. his mind was elsewhere, fixated on the conversation he'd had with his intern just days ago.

jungkook, seated opposite to him with his laptop open, was discussing the final preparations for the launch of their new art gallery. the young intern's enthusiasm was palpable, his voice animated as he detailed the latest developments, the artists who had confirmed their participation, and the final touches needed for the grand opening. but despite his energetic briefing, seokjin's mind kept wandering back to a single, pivotal point in their earlier exchange.

“you can't just propose out of the blue,” jungkook had laughed, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “you need to take it slow. ask her out on a date first.”

seokjin's usually sharp mind was dulled by the weight of those words. proposing had seemed like a logical solution to him. a clear, decisive action to keep you from leaving. but now, in the wake of jungkook's advice, he realized how absurd it must have seemed. how uncharacteristically rash and desperate. the thought of asking you out on a date, a simple date, felt strangely daunting.

“vice chairman? are you listening?” jungkook's voice cut through his reverie, pulling him back to the present. he blinked, forcing his attention back to his intern. “yes, jungkook. i'm listening. the gallery—” he trailed off, struggling to find the thread of their conversation.

he raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on his lips. “the gallery launch is on track. but you don't seem very interested today. is something on your mind?” he sighed in response, running a hand through his perfectly styled hair. he prided himself on his composed and unflappable demeanor, but today, he felt anything but. “it's nothing. just some personal matters, as some would say.” he couldn't bare to focus on the project at hand. no, in fact, he was ready to execute a project of his own.

the soft hum of conversation and clinking of cutlery filled the air as you and your friends settled into a cozy corner booth at a chic restaurant. the atmosphere was relaxed, with warm lighting and comfortable seating that made it perfect for a catch-up lunch. your girlfriends were animated and full of news, and you found yourself caught between genuine happiness for them and a pang of wistful longing.

one of your friends, jiho, was regaling the table with stories about her recent wedding. her eyes sparkled with joy as she described the ceremony, the heartfelt vows, and the beautiful reception. you smiled and applauded her enthusiasm, but inside, you couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. the idea of finding such happiness seemed elusive, and your heart ached slightly at the thought.

“you're going to love being married,” jiho said, her voice full of contentment. "it’s just wonderful." you nodded, offering a supportive smile. “i'm so happy for you, jiho. it sounds like it was a perfect day.”

as she continued sharing details, your other friend, minji, leaned in, her eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint. “speaking of perfect days,” she began, “i have something to tell you. my husband’s friend saw your profile on social media and, well, he’s been asking about you.”

your heart skipped a beat. minji's husband had been a close friend of yours for years, but you had no idea who the friend in question was. the idea of someone from his circle showing interest was both flattering and daunting. “what’s he like?” you asked cautiously. minji grinned. “he’s a nice guy, charming and successful. i think you’d get along. how about we set up a blind date?”

you hesitated. the idea of a blind date was daunting, but the prospect of meeting someone new, especially someone vetted by friends, was appealing. you glanced at your friends' eager faces and took a deep breath. “okay, i’ll do it.” minji clapped her hands excitedly. “great! i'll set it up and let you know the details.”

just as the conversation shifted to wedding anecdotes and dating possibilities, a cheerful waitress approached your table with a friendly smile. “excuse me, ladies,” she said. “we’re conducting a survey to improve our service and, in exchange, we’d like to offer you a free appetizer. would you be interested?” your friends, always up for a little extra perk, agreed enthusiastically, and you followed suit. the waitress handed over a clipboard with a short survey and left to fetch the appetizer.

thu looked over the questions with mild curiosity. the first asked, “ideal date spot with your significant other?” the second, “ideal activities with significant other?” and the last, “ideal gift given by significant other?” you answered thoughtfully, trying to balance your idealistic dreams with the reality of your current situation. as you finished filling out the survey and handed it back to the waitress, you felt a slight nagging sense of familiarity with the tone of the questions. they seemed familiarly bosay and demanding, almost like they were trying to gauge your relationship ideals with a hint of urgency. but you brushed off the feeling, focusing instead on the excitement of the impending blind date and the lively conversation with your friends.

in the dimly lit rec room of seokjin's luxurious house, the soft clack of pool balls punctuated the otherwise quiet evening. jungkook lounged on the leather sofa, his gaze fixed on him, who was confidently taking shots at the pool table with practiced ease. the game seemed to serve as a backdrop for their conversation, but jungkook's attention was focused on the stack of papers spread out on the coffee table.

“you did what?” his voice was a mix of incredulity and disbelief as he stared at the surveys before him. the questions and answers were neatly recorded on the forms, and jungkook couldn't believe what he was seeing. seokjin, with a proud smirk, took another shot, his movements graceful and deliberate. “i paid the restaurant to hand out those surveys,” he said, a hint of satisfaction in his tone. “i wanted to see what kind of answer i'd get. and now, i need you to find the one with her name on it.”

jungkook’s eyebrows shot up in shock. “you’re seriously crazy, this is way over the top.” ignoring the incredulous glares from his elder, he picked up the stack of surveys and began sifting through them. his hands moved quickly, flipping through each paper as he muttered under his breath. “this is insane. what are you trying to accomplish?”

seokjin, meanwhile, remained focused on his game, the smirk never leaving his face. his confidence was unwavering, but jungkook could sense a trace of anxious anticipation beneath the surface. after what felt like an eternity to him, he finally spotted the survey with your name. he held it up, slightly hesitant. “here it is. this is the one.”

his eyes lit up with a mixture of excitement and triumph. he rushed over, snatching the paper from his hands with a deft movement. his gaze was fixed on the survey, and as he read through your answers, his smirk broadened into a genuine, if somewhat smug, smile.

“how childish,” he remarked aloud, his voice laced with a blend of amusement and satisfaction. he began reading your responses aloud with a playful tone. “ideal date spot: an amusement park. ideal activities: rides, very charming. ideal gift: a teddy bear.” jungkook watched, his initial skepticism replaced by bemused curiosity. “seriously? you’re actually taking this seriously?” he had never been more serious.

the call came just after you wrapped up your brief lunch with your friends, the sound of seokjin’s voice crackling through the speaker, urgent and commanding. “you need to meet me immediately,” he said, his tone brooking no argument. he gave you the coordinates, and you found yourself driving across town with a mix of curiosity and trepidation. arriving at the amusement park, you were surprised to see it eerily quiet and closed for the night. you sat on a bench near the entrance, trying to piece together what he could have possibly wanted in such an unconventional setting. the minutes ticked by slowly until seokjin finally appeared, stepping out of the darkness with his usual confident stride.

“what’s going on?” you asked, rising from the bench to meet him. “why did you bring me here?” his eyes twinkled with a secretive glint. “we’re going to be here for the night. i have a ‘free pass,’ so to speak.”

you blinked, puzzled. “a free pass? but the park is closed.” seokjin simply smiled, taking your hand and leading you towards the entrance. “just follow me.”

as you walked through the empty park, the moonlight casting long shadows across the deserted grounds, you couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. he guided you to one of the rollercoasters, and despite your protests, he insisted on riding it first. the rollercoaster roared to life, and as you climbed higher and higher, your heart raced with a blend of thrill and terror. when the ride finally came to a stop, you were visibly shaken, your hands still gripping the safety bar as if it were your lifeline.

he turned to you, his face stoic but his eyes searching. “did you have fun?” you hesitated, your voice trembling. “it was fun, i guess.”

he raised an eyebrow, sensing your unease. “why do you seem so hesitant?” you sighed, feeling a bit embarrassed. “it was too scary. i wasn’t expecting it to be so intense.” he looked at you with a mixture of concern and amusement. “then why did you go on it?”

“because you asked me to,” you admitted. a smile curved his lips, and he quickly shifted gears. “alright then, let’s go on rides you want to enjoy.” your face lit up with relief and excitement. you led him towards the merry-go-round, and as the ride spun in gentle circles, you felt a wave of childhood nostalgia. you waved enthusiastically, feeling the pure joy of the moment. he watched you, his gaze softening as he took in your happiness.

the merry-go-round went around seven times, and as you disembarked, you couldn’t stop smiling. seokjin then guided you into the park’s restaurant. to your surprise, the place was completely empty.

“what’s all of this?” you asked, glancing around in awe. he shrugged casually. “i rented everything out for the night. consider it a going-away present.”

your heart fluttered at his gesture. “thank you, vice chairman.” he smiled, slicing a steak and placing it in front of you. as you dug into the meal, he glanced at you with genuine interest. “why did you enjoy the merry-go-round so much?”

you hesitated, then opened up. “it was one of my favorite rides as a child. i used to watch it from afar, because my parents never had the money to let me actually ride it.” hiw expression softened, a shadow of sadness crossing his face. “i'm sorry to hear that.”

the meal continued in a comfortable silence, broken only by the occasional clinking of cutlery. after you finished, hw told you there was one more surprise. “just be patient,” he said with a hint of mischief in his eyes. curious, you followed him outside to a spot overlooking the sea. As you waited, the crackling sound of fireworks filled the air, bursting into vibrant colors against the night sky. your eyes widened with delight as you watched the display.

“isn’t it pretty?” you asked, turning to seokjin. his gaze was fixed on you, not the fireworks. “beautiful,” he replied, his voice low and sincere.

the car ride back was filled with a charged silence. as you stared out the window, a memory of the survey and its bossy tone flashed in your mind. you turned to Seokjin, your eyes wide with realization. he looked at you with a smug smile, clearly enjoying the surprise. before you could ask more, the car pulled up to your home. he exited and opened your door, handing you a large, stuffed teddy bear from the trunk. you were overwhelmed with gratitude and, in a moment of pure joy, you hugged your boss tightly.

to your astonishment, he hugged you back, his embrace warm and reassuring. as you pulled away, both of you were so close. too close for comfort. you knew better, stopping yourself as you glanced at the time. “it’s getting late,” you said softly. he nodded, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. “good night. i'll see you in the morning.”

the morning sun streamed through your bedroom window, casting a gentle glow over the room as you prepared for another day at work. you had almost forgotten about the stuffed teddy bear seokjin had gifted you the night before. as you reached for it, something shifted inside its pocket. curiosity piqued, you reached in and pulled out a small, elegant box.

opening it carefully, you found a delicate silver necklace inside. the intricate design and glint of the metal took your breath away. you were momentarily stunned, not expecting such a thoughtful gift. after a moment of hesitation, you decided to keep the necklace. you slipped it into your pocket, planning to wear it later.

at the office, you settled at your desk, the necklace still weighing on your mind. as you worked, you fished it out of your pocket and admired it, the silver catching the light. unbeknownst to you, he was watching from his office across the hall. his gaze softened as he observed you, a small, admiring smile on his lips. the sight of you, glowing with a mix of wonder and appreciation, made him think how gorgeous you were.

you finished adjusting the necklace around your neck, and as you headed to the bathroom, your phone rang. it was minji, her voice excited and insistent. “hey, i was just wondering if you’re still up for that blind date with my friend today? i know it’s short notice, but he’s really looking forward to it!”

it took a moment for the reminder to hit you. the blind date slipped your mind amidst the whirlwind of yesterday’s events. you agreed, albeit with some reluctance. “sure, i’ll meet him. just let me know the details.” as you entered the bathroom, keulgi emerged from a stall behind you, startling you. she had apparently overheard your conversation.

“are you going on a date?” she asked, her voice filled with surprise and curiosity. caught off guard, you nodded, glancing around to make sure no one else was within earshot. “yes, but please keep it quiet.” keulgi, ever enthusiastic, promised to keep it to herself. however, her enthusiasm got the better of her. as soon as you left the bathroom, she couldn't resist sharing the news with the rest of the office.

when you returned to your desk, the atmosphere in the office had noticeably shifted. colleagues whispered excitedly and shot you curious glances. the office buzzed with the news of your impending date. seokjin, who had been outside his office listening to the commotion, seethed with jealousy. his earlier soft smile had vanished, replaced by a scowl that betrayed his irritation. he paced back and forth, trying to control his frustration.

the excitement and chatter from your colleagues did nothing to ease his anger. his mind raced with thoughts of the date and the implications of your newfound interest. he couldn’t shake the feeling of possessiveness that gnawed at him, and the thought of someone else taking you out only fueled his frustration. the more he listened to the enthusiastic reactions of his staff, the more he felt his grip on his emotions slipping. he knew he needed to act, but he was caught between his pride and the undeniable feelings he had been trying to cast away.

the date began at a quaint, upscale café, where you met your blind date, taehyun. he greeted you with a polite smile and an amiable demeanor. as you made small talk, discussing interests and hobbies, taehyun seemed genuinely pleasant, though his compliments caught you off guard. “you look absolutely gorgeous tonight,” he said with a warm smile.

you blushed slightly, feeling a mix of embarrassment and surprise. “thank you,” you replied, attempting to refocus the conversation. as you chatted, you noticed that his tie was hanging loose and uneven. it irked you more than you expected, and you reached over to fix it, hoping to tidy up his appearance. he watched with a smile as you deftly adjusted the tie, clearly appreciative of the attention to detail.

just as you were about to continue the conversation, a loud, urgent yell interrupted the moment. “secretary (l/n)!”

you and taehyun both turned to see seokjin striding toward your table, his expression stormy and his eyes locked onto you with barely concealed anger. your heart skipped a beat at the sight of him. “vice chairman?” you asked, confusion mingling with concern. “what’s going on?”

he stopped in front of your table, his demeanor tense. “i need to see you urgently,” he said, his voice firm and unwavering. you glanced at taehyun, apologetic. “i’m so sorry, it seems to be an emergency.”

you followed him outside, where he led you to his waiting car. the drive began in silence, the air thick with unspoken tension. the car came to a sudden stop in the middle of the road, and you turned to seokjin, your anxiety growing. “what’s the matter?” you asked, trying to keep your voice calm despite the unease you felt.

his gaze was cold, his usual confident demeanor replaced by a stern, almost menacing composure. “never do that again,” he said, his voice carrying a tone of finality.

you frowned, confusion clouding your expression. “what do you mean? what did i do?” his eyes locked onto yours with intensity. “never let me see you with another man like that again.”

you didn’t respond immediately, and his jaw clenched as he seemed to wrestle with his emotions. finally, he added, “i don’t want to see you with anyone else. it’s not something i'm willing to accept.” the confession left you stunned. you stared at him, a mixture of surprise and realization dawning on you. the implications of his words were clear, and the protectiveness in his tone was undeniable. the car ride continued in silence, with the weight of his words lingering between you.

back at home, you went through your evening routine, attending to various tasks around the house. the day's events had left you both physically and emotionally drained. you found solace in a small ritual that had been a comforting presence throughout your life—your diary. sitting down at your desk, you pulled out the well-worn book, its pages filled with a mixture of memories, dreams, and sketches. as you flipped through the pages, you came across a series of drawings. they depicted a younger you and a boy, playing and laughing together. the accompanying writing read, “i miss you, brother.” the words tugged at your heart, and you felt a pang of sadness.

the drawings were a testament to a bond that had once been a central part of your life. as you closed the diary and set it aside, you felt the ache of missing something—or someone—important. the day’s events had stirred up memories you weren’t quite ready to confront.

later that night, as you drifted off to sleep, the familiar haze of dreams enveloped you. in your dream, you found yourself in a dimly lit basement, a place filled with shadows and echoes of the past. the little boy from your diary appeared, standing before you with a stern expression. you felt tears streaming down your cheeks, overwhelmed by a mixture of regret and longing. the boy began to scold you, his voice echoing with an authority that seemed to pierce through your sorrow. despite the scolding, you felt a deep sense of gratitude.

“thank you, kim soo—seo—” you started, trying to recall his name. but before you could finish, the boy cut you off with a tsk. “no, stupid. my name is kim seo—” the name was just on the tip of your tongue, but you couldn’t quite grasp it. the dream began to fade, and you woke up with a start, heart racing and breath uneven.

sitting up in bed, you felt the weight of the dream pressing on you. the name “kim seo” lingered in your mind, but it was elusive, slipping away before you could fully remember. the dream had left you with a deep sense of loss and confusion, and you were left grappling with the fragments of a memory that seemed to evade your grasp. as you lay back down, you couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something significant you were missing, a connection that was just out of reach. the memory of the dream and the name echoed in your thoughts, haunting you as you tried to find solace in sleep once more.

seokjin arrived at work the following day with a heavy air of exhaustion surrounding him. he trudged through the office, his usual confident stride replaced by a sluggish, disoriented gait. as the morning wore on, it became increasingly clear that he was struggling to stay awake. his head bobbed with fatigue as he sat at his desk, his eyes slipping shut despite his efforts to remain alert.

concerned, you approached his desk, gently shaking his shoulder. “vice chairman, are you alright?” when there was no response, you shook him harder, your worry mounting. his body felt unnervingly heavy, and it became clear that he was deeply asleep, his breathing uneven. panic surged through you as you realized the severity of the situation. without hesitation, you grabbed your phone and dialed for emergency services.

the paramedics arrived swiftly, their professional demeanor a small comfort amidst the chaos. you watched anxiously as they wheeled him into the ambulance. your heart pounded in your chest, and despite knowing it was likely nothing serious, you refused to leave his side.

in the hospital, as the medics prepared him for further examination, they reassured you that his condition wasn’t critical. “he’s just exhausted,” one of the paramedics said. “it’s likely just severe fatigue. you can go in once we’re done.” when you were finally allowed in, he was still asleep, his face pale and drawn. you took a seat next to him, trying to steady your breathing as you buried your face in your hands. the sight of him, knocked out cold, was deeply unsettling. It reminded you of something from your past—something too familiar.

as you stared at him, your thoughts drifted back to the boy from the basement. the way he was unconscious on the floor when the lady had taken you—the same position, the same labored breathing, the same pale complexion. the memories came rushing back, painful and vivid. the name “kim seo” echoed in your mind, but it didn’t quite fit. then you remembered the boy’s full name, “kim seohyeon.” the realization came with a jolt. “kim seohyeon,” you whispered to yourself, the name feeling strangely natural as it rolled off your tongue.

your relief was fleeting, however, as a chilling thought struck you. seokjin’s mother had asked you not even a couple days ago, “what do you think about my hyeon?” it wasn’t just a fragment of a bad memory—it was a piece of a puzzle falling into place. hesitantly, you turned your gaze back to him, who remained motionless. your heart raced as you said, “kim seohyeon.” your voice was shaky, trembling with the weight of the revelation.

for a moment, the room was silent, and you felt a brief sense of relief as though your words had broken the tension. but then, he stirred, his eyes fluttering open. his gaze was bleary, and he blinked at you in confusion. “what is it?” your heart sank as you saw his groggy, disoriented expression. the name you had just spoken had clearly registered with him, but his response was laced with irritation and confusion. you were left grappling with the enormity of the realization that seokjin—kim seohyeon—was more deeply connected to your past than you had ever imagined.

you took a deep breath, trying to steady the storm of emotions surging within you. “kim seohyeon,” you repeated, your voice trembling as you looked at seokjin. his eyes, which had been closed in exhaustion, flew open at the sound of his name. the shock and recognition dawned on his face as he fully grasped the situation. “it was you,” you said, your voice laden with disbelief.

your heart pounded as you pieced together the fragmented memories that had haunted you for so long. “i remember now,” you began, your voice quivering. “there was a boy—you were in the basement with me.” his expression shifted from confusion to horror as the realization sank in. “the dreams i’ve been having,” he said, his voice barely a whisper. “a black-haired woman, a basement—i’ve been dreaming about it for weeks.”

the pieces began to fall into place for you. “the boy i kept searching for, the one i couldn’t remember clearly—it was you. we were together in that basement. i’ve been trying to find you all this time, but i didn’t know it was you.” the enormity of the realization hit you like a tidal wave, and you began to sob uncontrollably. you had spent your entire life searching for the boy from the basement, the boy whose memory had haunted you for years. to discover that he was right under your nose all along, that seokjin was the one you had been seeking—it was overwhelming.

the flood of emotions surged through you, and the connections you had been struggling to piece together suddenly fell into place. the cables, the fear, the strange sense of familiarity—all of it made sense now. the sobs wracked your body, and you felt a deep, raw anguish as you realized how close you had come to losing him without ever knowing.

his gaze softened as he watched your breakdown. his usual composure and egotism crumbled in the face of your distress. weakly, he reached out to you, his hand trembling slightly. “it’s okay,” he said softly, his voice filled with a tender concern that was rare for him. “i’m here.” you hesitated for a moment, but then, seeking solace, you moved into his embrace. his arms wrapped around you, providing a comfort that felt both foreign and deeply familiar. you continued to cry, each sob a release of the pent-up fear and sorrow that had built up over the years. he held you close, his own breath shaky as he struggled to process the gravity of the situation. he stroked your hair gently, his touch soothing and steadying. the warmth of his embrace provided a sense of security that you hadn’t felt in a long time.

as your sobs began to subside, he pulled back slightly, tilting your chin so that you looked up at him. his eyes were filled with a mix of empathy and resolve. “you found me,” he said softly, his voice trembling with the weight of the moment. his words, though simple, carried a profound meaning. the realization that you had finally found him, the person you had been searching for, was both a relief and a heartbreak. in that moment, the intensity of your emotions reached a peak, and he leaned in, closing the gap between you.

his lips met yours in a kiss that was gentle at first, but quickly grew more passionate. it was a kiss that spoke of the pain, the longing, and the deep connection that had been forged through shared battles. you responded, kissing him back with equal fervor, allowing the years of separation and anguish to dissolve in the intensity of the moment. when the kiss finally broke, you both pulled back slightly, breathless and awestruck. the weight of the past had been acknowledged, and the connection between you was solidified in a way that was both profound and healing.

he looked into your eyes, his expression a mix of vulnerability and resolve. “we'll be okay,” he said softly, his voice filled with a newfound determination. you nodded, feeling a deep sense of relief and hope.

the weeks following the revelation passed in a strange, uncomfortable silence. despite the deep bond you and seokjin now shared, an unspoken tension lingered in the office. the connection between you had shifted, but neither of you quite knew how to bridge the gap between your past traumas and your present reality.

he had revealed to you the reason behind his name change to seokjin. his parents had insisted on the new identity as a protective measure, believing that if seohyeon no longer existed, the woman who had once terrorized him would never be able to find him. this revelation, while reassuring, had also created a chasm between you two that was hard to navigate.

one afternoon, as the silence in the office grew increasingly heavy, he called you into his office. his demeanor was serious as he gestured for you to take a seat. you entered, your heart racing slightly, unsure of what to expect. “thank you for coming,” he began, his voice steady but laced with an undertone of something you couldn’t quite place. “i need you to do something for me.” you straightened in your chair, adopting a professional tone. “what is it?”

seokjin looked at you with an intensity that made your breath catch. “i need you to be my girlfriend.” the words hung in the air between you, and you were momentarily stunned into silence. “what?” you managed to ask, your voice betraying your shock.

his gaze softened as he continued, his expression vulnerable. “i’ve been thinking a lot about us. after everything we’ve been through, i realized how much i care about you. i need you in my life, not just as my secretary, but as my girlfriend.”

his confession touched you deeply, and you felt a swell of emotion rise within you. “vice chairman” you began, struggling to find the right words. “i didn’t expect this.”

he nodded, his gaze never leaving yours. “i know. it’s sudden, and i understand if you need time. but i wanted to be honest with you about how i feel.” the sincerity in his voice, combined with the gravity of his words, made your heart ache with a mix of relief and hope. you were touched by his honesty and the way he had finally allowed himself to be vulnerable with you.

he then leaned forward slightly, his expression shifting to something more earnest. “there’s one more thing,” he said, his voice lowering. “i need you to kiss me.”

your eyes widened at his request. the gravity of the moment, coupled with your feelings for him, made your pulse race. you nodded slowly, feeling a surge of emotions—affection, longing, and a deep connection. you stood up and walked over to him, your heart pounding in your chest. his gaze followed you, his expression a mixture of anticipation and tenderness. as you reached him, you leaned in, closing the distance between you.

the kiss was tender, filled with the emotions you both had been holding back. It was a sweet, unspoken promise of a new beginning. he responded gently, his hands resting on your back as he deepened the kiss. when you finally pulled away, both of you were breathless, your faces flushed with the intensity of the moment. he looked at you with a soft smile, his eyes reflecting the vulnerability and affection that had been building between you.

his voice was soft and teasing as he traced his fingers gently along your back. “this means you’ll be my girlfriend, doesn’t it?” the playful tone in his voice, combined with the tender touch, made you smile despite the whirlwind of emotions you were feeling. you nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and affection. “yes, it does.”

his eyes lit up with a genuine smile, his teasing demeanor giving way to something more heartfelt. “i’m glad to hear that. i’ve been wanting to ask you for a long time, but i didn’t know how.” you laughed softly, shaking your head. “you didn’t need to wait so long. i think we both knew how we felt about each other.”

his smile widened as he pulled you into a gentle hug, his arms encircling you with a sense of relief and contentment. “i guess it’s true,” he said, his voice warm and sincere. “sometimes, the things you’re looking for are right in front of you.” they really were, as it seemed.

the next few days at work were marked by an underlying tension that neither of you could quite shake off. seokjin was noticeably less cold and demanding, a stark contrast to his previous demeanor. the change was subtle but significant. he found himself taking more interest in your presence, often waving at you from across the office with a grin that was almost boyish. each time you waved back, his smile would widen, and a look of genuine joy would light up his face.

the change didn’t go unnoticed by your colleagues, who observed the shift in seokjin’s behavior with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. however, no one dared to comment, respecting the unspoken agreement that something had clearly shifted in the office dynamics.

as the days passed, his new feelings for you started to manifest in ways he hadn’t anticipated. while he relished the sweetness of your new relationship, he found himself increasingly aware of the more physical aspects of your presence. he couldn’t ignore how his pulse quickened when he noticed the way your tight skirts accentuated your figure, or how the sight of your bare legs and hair pulled back made him sweat in the middle of meetings.

he tried to maintain his composure, but the intensity of his feelings became difficult to manage. his attempts to focus on work were often disrupted by thoughts of you, and he struggled to keep his desires in check.

one afternoon, unable to ignore his escalating emotions any longer, he called you into his office. his voice, usually commanding, now carried a hint of nervousness. “can you come in here for a moment?” you nodded, entering his office with a sense of anticipation. seokjin closed the door behind you and gestured for you to lock it. his eyes were intense as he watched you comply. he then moved to pull down the blinds, casting the room into a more private, dimly lit atmosphere.

“what’s going on?” you asked, your voice tinged with concern as you approached him. he looked at you with a mixture of longing and hesitation, his gaze fixed on yours. “i need you to understand something,” he said softly. “it’s not just about what we’ve been through, or about being together. i—”

he paused, taking a deep breath as he reached out to pull you closer. the seriousness in his eyes gave way to a softer, more vulnerable expression. “i need you to know how much i care about you. and right now, i can’t help but feel…”

before he could finish, he leaned in and kissed you. the kiss was different from before—less tender, more urgent and needy. it was filled with the intensity of emotions that had been building up inside him. you responded to the kiss, your own feelings mirroring his. the kiss deepened, and the world outside the office seemed to fade away as you both lost yourselves in the moment.

it was a kiss that spoke of months of unspoken yearning, a kiss that shattered the professional façade you had both so carefully maintained. his hand found the small of your back, pulling you closer. his other hand cupped your cheek, his thumb tracing the outline of your mouth as you kissed him deeper. his tongue slipped past your lips, tasting, exploring. you gasped, your body responding instinctively to his touch.

that was it. the moment you had both been waiting for, the moment that would change everything. you could feel the tension in the room, a tight coil winding tighter with every passing second. the sound of a zipper echoed through the room as seokjin stood, lifting you onto his desk. your legs wrapped around his waist, and you could feel his erection pressing against you, hot and insistent. your breath hitched as he kissed along your neck, his teeth grazing your skin, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake.

he stepped back for a moment, looking into your eyes, searching for permission. you nodded, unable to form words, and he took that as his cue. his hands found the buttons of your blouse, deftly undoing them one by one. your bra was next, revealing your tits to his hungry gaze. He took one in his hand, squeezing gently, and your moan filled the room.

he leaned in, taking your nipple into his mouth. you arched your back, the sensation shooting straight to your core. he sucked, his tongue flicking over the sensitive peak, and your hips rolled against him. he groaned, his grip on your hip tightening. the anticipation was palpable as he reached for his belt, his eyes never leaving yours. you could see the need in them, the same need that was building within you. as he stepped closer, you felt his hardness pressing against your thigh, and you knew there was no turning back.

he whispered something in your ear, something filthy and thrilling, and you could feel your cheeks flush with arousal. his hands found the zipper of your skirt, sliding it down with a sound that seemed unnaturally loud in the quiet office. your skin prickled with excitement as the fabric fell away, revealing your lacy underwear. his hand slid under the fabric, his fingers finding your wetness. he groaned again, his breath hot against your neck. “you're so wet for me,” he murmured, his voice thick with desire.

you nodded, your eyes closing as he began to stroke you, his touch tentative at first, then growing bolder as your moans grew louder. your body was on fire, every nerve ending alive with sensation. you knew you were his, and he was yours, in this every stolen moment of passion.

with a final tug, his hand found your bare skin, and you gasped as he touched you, his fingers exploring your folds with an urgency that mirrored your own. you could feel your core tightening around his touch, desperate for more. he pulled back slightly, a smirk playing on his lips as he watched your reaction. “you like that, don't you?” he asked, his voice a low growl. you nodded, your eyes glazed over with desire. he leaned in, capturing your mouth again in a bruising kiss as his thumb began to circle your clit. the sensation was overwhelming, and you felt yourself getting closer and closer to the edge. you didn't know if you could hold on much longer.

suddenly, he stopped, his hand moving away from your panties. you whimpered in protest, but he just chuckled, a dark sound that sent shivers down your spine. “patience,” he murmured, “we're just getting started.”

with surprising strength, he flipped you over, so that you were now lying face down on his desk, your ass in the air. he stepped back, and you could feel his eyes on you, taking in the sight of your exposed body. you felt a thrill of exhibitionism, knowing that he was seeing you in such a vulnerable state.

he leaned over you, his breath hot on your ear. "you're so fucking beautiful," he whispered, his voice filled with lust. his hand came down in a firm smack on your ass, and you yelped in surprise. the sting was quickly replaced by a warmth that spread through your body, making you wetter than ever.

he smacked you again, harder this time, and you moaned. the sound seemed to spur him on, and his hand began to move in a steady rhythm, alternating between gentle caresses and firm slaps. you felt yourself getting wetter with every hit, your body begging for more. “do you like that, baby?” he asked, his voice strained with his own need. “yes,” you managed to gasp out, your voice shaky. “more.”

he complied, his hand coming down harder and faster, each smack echoing through the room. you could feel yourself getting closer, your body trembling with the effort of holding back. and then, with one final, brutal slap, you shattered, your orgasm ripping through you like a storm. he leaned down, his breathing ragged, and kissed the back of your neck. “you're mine,” he murmured, his voice possessive. “mine to claim.”

and with that, he reached for his own pants, his hands shaking with desire. he freed himself, and you could feel the tip of his cock brushing against your wetness. without another word, he pushed inside you, filling you up in one swift, agonizingly sweet motion. you yelled, the pleasure overwhelming as he claimed your virginity, your body stretching to accommodate his size.

he didn't stop there, though. he began to move, his hips pistoning into you with a relentless rhythm that had you seeing stars. you could feel every inch of him, and it was more than you had ever imagined. each thrust was a declaration of ownership, each moan a promise of more to come. you pushed back against him, meeting him halfway, your body moving in perfect sync with his. you were lost in the sensation, the pain and pleasure melding into something indescribable. your hands gripped the edge of the desk, knuckles white, as you held on for dear life.

“fuck, you're tight,” he grunted, his voice strained. “so tight.” your response was a whimper, your throat too tight to form words. all you could do was moan and arch your back, taking him deeper, letting him fill you completely. the room spun around you as he picked up the pace, his hands digging into your hips as he drove into you. you could feel his climax building, his breaths coming in harsh pants against your neck. and then, with a final, guttural groan, he came, his warmth flooding into you.

you collapsed onto the desk, your body spent, as he pulled out and leaned over you, his chest heaving. he kissed your shoulder, his breathing slowly returning to normal. the room was silent, save for the sound of your ragged breaths.

for a moment, you both just stayed there, basking in the afterglow of what had just happened. but reality began to seep back in, and you felt a sudden rush of self-consciousness. you were his secretary, and you had just had unprotected sex on his desk. the implications of your actions were just beginning to hit you.

seokjin must have noticed the change in your demeanor because he leaned in, whispering in your ear, “don't worry, i've got you.” his words were soothing, but they didn't entirely ease the anxiety coiling in your stomach. he helped you sit up, and you both began to straighten your clothes, trying to erase the evidence of your passionate encounter. your heart was racing, and you couldn't help but steal glances at him, seeing him in a new light. “we can't do this again,” you said, your voice barely above a whisper. “what if someone finds out?”

he turned to face you, cupping your cheek. “they won't,” he assured you. “this is our secret.” his eyes searched yours, and you could see the determination in them. “but if they do,” he trailed off, a smug smile playing on his lips. “well, then they'll just have to deal with it. you're my girlfriend, after all.”

you couldn't help but smile back, his confidence infectious. but deep down, you knew that this was just the beginning. the line between professional and personal had been irrevocably crossed, and there was no going back.

✧.*

a/n: literally no one asked for this idc this is so funny to me i based the name off one drama and the plot off another goodbye

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quantumaicatrading · 6 months

Text

Quantum AI Trading Strategies for the Canadian Market

Picture this: you have a super-smart trading assistant that never sleeps. It tirelessly analyzes stock prices, news, and global markets – all to help you make better investment decisions. That's the power of Quantum AI trading strategies in the Canadian market! These strategies use advanced computer programs to find hidden patterns and opportunities that you might miss on your own.

Think of it like having a team of financial analysts working for you around the clock. In this article, we'll uncover the secrets of the best Quantum AI trading strategies for Canadians. We'll explain how they work and help you choose the ones that can boost your portfolio. Ready to see how Quantum AI can make you a smarter investor? Let's dive in!

Understanding Quantum AI Trading Strategies

Let's get down to the basics. Quantum AI trading strategies are like special recipes that computers use to make investing decisions. These recipes look at tons of data – stock prices, news, even social media chatter – and search for patterns that could predict how a stock might move next.

The goal is simple: buy low, sell high, and do it faster and smarter than anyone could do on their own.

Popular Quantum AI Trading Strategies for Canada

Now, let's get into the good stuff – the specific types of AI strategies that work well in the Canadian market. Here's a breakdown of some of the most popular ones:

Trend Following: Think of this like riding a wave. These strategies aim to hop on board market trends and profit as a stock continues to go up (or down!).

Mean Reversion: This strategy is all about betting on things evening out. It looks for stocks that have swung far away from their average price, expecting them to bounce back.

Arbitrage: This one's like a super-fast bargain hunter. Arbitrage strategies search for tiny price differences for the same stock on different exchanges, aiming to make quick profits from the gap.

News Sentiment Analysis: Imagine your AI reading the news like a pro! These strategies analyze articles and social media, looking for clues about how a company or sector might be doing.

Sector-Specific Strategies: Canada has some unique strengths, like resources and energy. These strategies focus on those sectors, using AI to find the best players in the field.

https://quantumcodeai.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/1.jpg

Why These Strategies Work in Canada

The Canadian market has its unique flavour. Here's why the strategies we just talked about are a particularly good fit:

Resource-Rich: Canada is a major exporter of commodities like oil, minerals, and lumber. AI trend-following and sector-specific strategies can capitalize on price swings in these areas.

Global Connections: Canadian markets are closely linked to the US and other global economies. News sentiment analysis can help traders react quickly to events that might impact Canadian companies.

Stable Markets: Compared to some emerging markets, Canada has relatively stable and well-regulated exchanges. This makes technical strategies like mean reversion more reliable.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE QUANTUM AI OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Choosing the Right Quantum AI Trading Strategy for You

Quantum AI trading isn't one-size-fits-all. The best strategy for you depends on a few key factors:

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Your Goals: Are you focused on short-term gains or long-term growth? Different strategies fit different time horizons.

Your Experience: If you're new to investing, simpler strategies like trend following might be a good start. More seasoned traders could explore complex strategies like arbitrage.

Picking a good strategy is important, but it's not the whole story. You'll also need to consider:

The Platform: Is it user-friendly and does it offer the tools you need?

Data Quality: AI is only as good as the data it learns from. Make sure your platform uses reliable sources.

The Takeaway: The Quantum AI trading revolution is just getting started in Canada. It's an exciting time to be an investor!

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The Importance of Risk Management with Quantum AI

Quantum AI trading is powerful. Here's why it's important to manage your risk:

Black Boxes: Some AI models are so complex that even their creators don't fully understand how they make decisions. This can lead to unexpected results.

Market Shifts: Markets can change rapidly, and an AI trained on past data might not adapt quickly enough.

Over-reliance: It's tempting to let the AI do all the work, but blind trust can be dangerous. Stay informed and don't be afraid to step in.

Tips for Responsible Quantum AI Trading:

Start Small: Don't bet your life savings on a brand-new strategy. Begin with small amounts of money to test the waters.

Monitor Closely: Keep a watchful eye on your AI trades, especially in the beginning.

Set Stop-Losses: These automatic tools help limit your losses if things go unexpectedly wrong.

Stay Educated: The AI trading landscape is always evolving. Keep learning and adapting your approach.

https://quantumcodeai.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/7.jpg

Should You Use Quantum AI Canada?

The decision to use Quantum AI Canada is a personal one. There's no single right answer. Weigh the potential benefits against the inherent risks and align any tools or services with your overall investment strategy.

Getting Started with Quantum AI Canada

Quantum AI trading is often surprisingly easy. Here are the basic steps:

Just Sign Up: Fill Your Information to the official website only and wait for the expert call to verify your and your dashboard access.

Deposit: Deposit the minimum required amount to start. $250 is best to start for.

Sit Back And Wait: After Running your Quantum Ai Canada, all you have to do is sit back and relax and count your profit every 1 hour, maximum profit comes within this time frame - $500 to more than $9500 even possible in 3 days with Quantum Ai Canada.

Monitor and Adjust: Don't just set it and forget it! Keep an eye on your Quantum AI's performance and tweak your strategy as needed.

The Future of Quantum AI

Quantum AI is still relatively new, but it has the potential to shake up how we think about investing. Here are a few exciting trends to watch:

Democratization of Investing: Quantum AI is making it easier for everyday people to get involved in the markets, even if they don't have loads of experience or financial knowledge.

More Sophisticated Strategies: As Quantum AI gets smarter, we can expect to see even more complex and adaptive trading strategies, potentially leading to better results.

Personalized Investing: Quantum AI could create tailored investment portfolios based on your individual goals, risk tolerance, and even your ethical preferences.

Increased Regulation: As Quantum AI trading becomes more mainstream, you'll likely see more government oversight in Canada to protect investors.

CLICK TO ACCESS THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE

What Makes Quantum AI Canada So Good For Investing

This is the world’s first quantum computing machine; unlike your home PC, this computer is smart – it makes thousands of simultaneous ‘decisions’ at once. Your brain thinks one thought at a time, in a sequence. Imagine if you could have thousands of thoughts at once, each as clear as the other. That’s quantum computing.

Using that power, our quantum computing machine will help you make smarter trades and make more money than you thought possible. Even better, it’s designed so that you can make money and help others while you profit!

It finds trades by analysing differentials between stock prices every nano-second that stock markets are live (and makes predictions even when the markets are closed, so you’ll know what’s likely to happen when they re-open). Your current computer (and everyone else’s) can’t match the decision speeds of this new system.

CLICK TO ACCESS THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Conclusion

Quantum AI trading strategies have the potential to transform how Canadians invest. By harnessing the power of data analysis and lightning-fast execution, AI can unlock new opportunities, streamline your trading process, and help you reach your financial goals.

Understanding the Canadian market, selecting the right strategies for your needs, and adopting smart risk management practices are key to success. As AI technology continues to evolve, the possibilities for Canadian investors will only grow. If you're ready to embrace the future of finance, exploring Quantum AI trading in Canada could be your smartest investment yet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is Quantum AI trading right for beginners? A: It can be! Some strategies are simpler to understand, and many platforms offer beginner-friendly tools. Start with education, small amounts of money, and thorough platform research.

Q2: Can I replace my financial advisor with AI? A: AI is a powerful tool, but it likely shouldn't completely replace human expertise. Consider AI as a valuable assistant rather than a full replacement for personalized advice.

Q3: How much does AI trading cost? A: Costs vary depending on the platform, the complexity of your strategies, and data fees. Factor these costs into your overall investment plan.

Q4: Is AI trading guaranteed to make me rich? A: Unfortunately, no. All trading carries risk. AI can improve your odds, but it's not a magic money machine.

If you want to know other articles similar to Quantum AI Trading Strategies for the Canadian Market you can visit the Quantum Ai Canada category.

#quantum ai #quantum ai trading #quantum ai canada #quantumai #quantum ai review #quantumai review #quantum ai scam #investing #elon musk

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preservationofnormalcy · 10 days

Text

[Director Council 9/11/24 Meeting. 5/7 Administrators in Attendance]

Attending:

[Redacted] Walker, OPN Director

Orson Knight, Security

Ceceilia, Archival & Records

B. L. Z. Bubb, Board of Infernal Affairs

Harrison Chou, Abnormal Technology

Josiah Carter, Psychotronics

Ambrose Delgado, Applied Thaumaturgy

Subject: Dr. Ambrose Delgado re: QuantumSim 677777 Project Funding

Transcript begins below:

Chou:] Have you all read the simulation transcript?

Knight:] Enough that I don’t like whatever the hell this is.

Chou:] I was just as surprised as you were when it mentioned you by name.

Knight:] I don’t like some robot telling me I’m a goddamned psychopath, Chou.

Cece:] Clearly this is all a construction. Isn’t that right, Doctor?

Delgado:] That’s…that’s right. As some of you may know, uh. Harrison?

Chou:] Yes, we have a diagram.

Delgado:] As some of you may know, our current models of greater reality construction indicate that many-worlds is only partially correct. Not all decisions or hinge points have any potential to “split” - in fact, uh, very few of them do, by orders of magnitude, and even fewer of those actually cause any kind of split into another reality. For a while, we knew that the…energy created when a decision could cause a split was observable, but being as how it only existed for a few zeptoseconds we didn’t have anything sensitive enough to decode what we call “quantum potentiality.”

Carter:] The possibility matrix of something happening without it actually happening.

Delgado:] That’s right. Until, uh, recently. My developments in subjective chronomancy have borne fruit in that we were able to stretch those few zeptoseconds to up to twenty zeptoseconds, which has a lot of implications for–

Cece:] Ambrose.

Delgado:] Yes, on task. The QuantumSim model combines cutting-edge quantum potentiality scanning with lowercase-ai LLM technology, scanning the, as Mr Carter put it, possibility matrix and extrapolating a potential “alternate universe” from it.

Cece:] We’re certain that none of what we saw is…real in any way?

Chou:] ALICE and I are confident of that. A realistic model, but no real entity was created during Dr Delgado’s experiment.

Bubb:] Seems like a waste of money if it’s not real.

Delgado:] I think you may find that the knowledge gained during these simulations will become invaluable. Finding out alternate possibilities, calculating probability values, we could eventually map out the mathematical certainty of any one action or event.

Chou:] This is something CHARLEMAGNE is capable of, but thus far he has been unwilling or unable to share it with us.

Delgado:] You’ve been awfully quiet, Director.

DW:] Wipe that goddamned smile off your face, Delgado.

DW:] I would like to request a moment with Doctor Delgado. Alone. You are all dismissed.

Delgado:] ….uh, ma’am. Director, did I say something–

DW:] I’m upset, Delgado. I nearly just asked if you were fucking stupid, but I didn’t. Because I know you’re not. Clearly, obviously, you aren’t.

Delgado:] I don’t underst–

DW:] You know that you are one of the very few people on this entire planet that know anything about me? Because of the station and content of your work, you are privy to certain details only known by people who walked out that door right now.

DW:] Did you think for a SECOND about how I’d react to this?

Delgado:] M-ma’am, I….I thought you’d…appreciate the ability to–

DW:] I don’t. I want this buried, Doctor.

Delgado:] I…unfortunately I–

DW:] You published the paper to ETCetRA.

Delgado:] Yes. As…as a wizard it’s part of my rites that I have to report any large breakthroughs to ETCetRa proper. The paper is going through review as we speak.

DW:] Of course.

Delgado:] Ma’am, I’m sorry, that’s not something I can–

DW:] I’d never ask you directly to damage our connection to the European Thaumaturgical Centre, Doctor.

Delgado:] Of course. I see.

DW:] You’ve already let Schrödinger’s cat out of the bag. We just have to wait and see whether it’s alive or dead.

Delgado:] Box, director.

DW:] What?

Delgado:] Schrödinger’s cat, it was in a–

DW:] Shut it down, Doctor. I don’t want your simulation transcript to leave this room.

Delgado:] Yes. Of course, Director. I’ll see what I can do.

DW:] Tell my secretary to bring me a drink.

Delgado:] Of course.

DW:] ...one more thing, Doctor. How did it get so close?

Delgado:]Ma'am?

DW:] Eerily close.

Delgado:]I don't–

DW:] We called it the Bureau of Abnormal Affairs.

Delgado:] ....what–

DW:] You are dismissed, Doctor Delgado.

#office for the preservation of normalcy #ask the BSA #OOC: thanks for participating!

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naamelless · 1 year

Text

existential crisis

; been mulling this idea over since no way home showed. context is basically that the other you finds out that their existence solely relies on whether or not they find their spider-man. and unfortunately, it is a consistent trend between you and your other versions. and i mean it when it only relies on meeting spider-man, because you die for it if you don’t.

; non-canon compliant (sorry, miguel) since i want miles to be around here. a bit of miguel o’hara/you. self-love? self-comfort? lol. kinda bittersweet.

Being Miguel O’Hara’s assistant was not an easy feat — would have been the sole thought constantly running through your mind as your eyes reviewed every report sent in on the holograms around you. It was cute, your dear friend was generous enough to give you your own space to work on… just a little far below than his very dramatic supervillain platform.

“Lyla, dear, mind saving these under the save file ‘80085’,” you muttered, your fingertips touching the holo projections and casting them for the tiny AI assistant to catch. She makes a show of struggling to catch it before doing as she’s told.

“Sweetheart, I love you as a fellow assistant, but I think it’s time to change the file name to something more… appropriate? When Miguel looked through the folders, he wasn’t too happy.” Lyla sighs, “And while I like pissing him off, I’d rather you not get your own butt handed to you, eh?”

You only huffed out a quiet laugh. “That was the intention. And I was so sure you’d have been used to his constant disapproval already.” You then waved a hand, dismissing the AI’s concern. “Anyway, it’s alright. I’ll change it.”

“…I would like to replay the same promise of yours ten months ago.” Lyla huffs this time, crossing her arms as she turned up her nose. “You’re bad at keeping promises. Last month I asked you to make some refinements for the tune-up you also promised.”

A tiny guilty frown worms its way through your lips as you looked at Lyla, “Sorry, dear, work has been demanding. You know how it is with the man who constantly gets in between our us time…” You gently coaxed her out before she finally sighed and gave in to your little apology.

Of course she had every expectations that you would only dedicate your next time off to her and only her. You were tied down at that point when she threatened to reset the access codes in your own files.

This was the normality you suddenly faced after being convinced (coerced, in fact) by Miguel to help him keep the multiverse safe. You had been a faithful friend to him through and through, following him with boundless loyalty that could make any other Spider-Man without a friend jealous. You tailed him around and outside of his missions, rarely do the other arachnids see you or Miguel without each other.

Though that was the least of your concerns, not when you looked through the current missions. There were several anomalies appearing all at the same time, and suddenly it was hands on deck. Really, it was impressive just how screwed up the vast multiverse was. If you weren’t the lapdog of quantum physics, you were sure your head would have imploded already. Your eyes narrowed while your ears strained as Miguel did his mission briefing to the other spiders.

As expected, you’re asked to hold down the fort in case of any emergency. You make no promises that you can do so, as usual, and Miguel brushes it off with an eye roll. He already knows you — he knows you’d protect your creations with your life. And unfortunately for you, a good chunk of the tech and research in the headquarters were indeed, your creations.

“That’s all for your assignments. Try not to screw this up, please.” Miguel’s tiny plea was laced with pure exasperation as he pinched the bridge of his nose, likely directed at the four spiders in question. “And no silly antics like switching partners at the last minute. There’s a reason why I’m keeping you both separate.” He glares at Hobie and Miles, to which the other scoffs and only smiles sheepishly at, respectively.

And just as everyone was getting ready to take off, a golden sparking ring appears and in an instant, the spiders were quick on their feet.

“Wha—”

“YOU BASTARD—!!”

A blur whizzes past every arachnid and quickly darts to its target — you.

Everyone yells your name in alarm and soon they found you tackled and getting strangled by this figure. Miles and Gwen quickly act and pull the perpetrator off of you and you sat up, coughing roughly as you tried to massage the sides of your neck. It was a surprisingly accurate place when this figure strangled you.

“Are you okay?!” Peter B. immediately drops to his knees and fusses over you. He looks back up, “Hey buddy, you can’t just portal your way in here and—! Oh my god…”

You coughed, laughing out a strained laughter, wincing as you looked at yourself. Only that it’s you… but younger, and an absolute mess. And not the kind of mess of a scientist who looks terrible after a rigorous experimental research… but the kind of mess who has lost someone dear to them.

Miles and Gwen both glance down and immediately get goosebumps. It’s you… except a lot more hostile… a lot more… feral as it bore its teeth at you, snarling like a caught wild animal. He could feel them struggle as they tried to make another attempt in lunging at you. Of course, as a Spider-Man and a Spider-Woman, both of them made little effort in holding this… terrifying version of you back.

“…The resemblance is uncanny…” Pavitr whispers to Hobie and Jess.

“A true free spirit,” Hobie commends with an approving nod.

Even Miguel was stunted. It was you, alright. He had known you the longest. He proudly owns the throne as your first ever friend in your universe. And he has seen you at this age. But you weren’t a hothead, you were far from this snarling teenager.

“You sick, evil bastard—! How long have you known?! How long?!” The younger you screams, and in an instant you understood. Call it a self-intuition, but the anguish in their eyes was something you’ve known. You stared at yourself in the mirror before, and have seen the same glimmer of agony and suffering in those eyes of yours.

“You know this guy?” Jess asks the one question around everyone’s head.

You only laughed, dry, which further infuriates the younger you, “No, not personally. But… I guess I know myself well enough to realize what caused such an action from… me.” You sighed a little, standing up with the help of Peter and walked a little closer, still massaging your neck. “That portal was strangely familiar. Where are you from?”

“Earth-199999,” younger you spits out, still with a glare.

Miguel perks up in recognition. That one was an ass of a mission to him. It gave him many headaches and you, a lot of adjustments in your equipment. He only clicks his tongue at the thought of that little nerd with Dr. Strange. That was one multiverse mishap he’d rather not experience any longer.

“And I guess you’re here to ask some questions.” You nod over to the young spiders. “Let them go, I’m smart enough to know I don’t stand a chance against one Spider-Man, much less a room full of them.”

They reluctantly abide you and the younger you stands up, stance almost at the ready to pounce on you and Miguel notices, with himself ready to shield you in any case that this much more feral, younger you decides that there’s nothing left to lose and take your life from you.

“…How long have you known?” Younger you repeats their question, fists balled up as it itched to punch you. “Out of all of us, apart from you, I’m the only one who figured it out because I have access to an all-powerful wizard that can screw with the multiverse.”

“How long have they known about what?” Miles asks, furrowing his eyebrows as he looked at the other you in concern. Never has he seen so much hate in your eyes. Well… technically not you, but still the same. He was so used to your open and almost lackadaisical attitude that it was suddenly unnerving to see you so frigid and full of anger.

The younger you takes a deep breath before looking at everyone in the room with unbridled hatred, “How long have you known that our life only depends on these freaks?”

“Freaks? How mean! Is everyone in your universe this rude?”

“It’s okay, Pavitr,” You smiled, waving him off and your other self takes offense to that, taking a step forward to lunge at you when Miguel quickly steps in between you and your other self. “They have the right to be angry. Believe me, even I was when I found out myself. Though by then, I was sure it’s already too late for the other me’s.”

“No. You can’t say that. Not when I see you’re clearly operating with the multiverse. You let the other versions of us live in the painful reality that all we needed to live was to befriend some guy who got bit by a damn spider!”

“It’s not that… it’s the precedent of letting things happen naturally.”

Your other self reels in shock, “Watching other versions of us die because we were insignificant to some insect guy was natural?! That was natural?!” They shriek and immediately push past the towering hunk that was your best friend.

Every other spider looks at your other version, “Well… we’re spiders are technically not an insect, so…” they all mumble.

“Shut it.” Your other self snaps at the rest.

“…Your anger is coming from a place of loss. Seeing that you’re from that Earth… I’m guessing you had to be reintroduced at the prospect of multiverse, huh?”

“I had to force that wizard to talk to me. You have no idea what it felt like to forget the one person that meant to me more than anything!”

Gwen sighs at the conversation, she could barely understand — you were cryptic with your words as always (really, your ominous and know-it-all attitude is like Miguel with his dramatic platform). “Can you please tell us what happened? At least let us catch up to speed. Seems like the only understanding this convo is the two of you.”

“Do they know?” Your other you asks with a dead laugh. “Do they also know that there’s us? Do they also know how utterly detrimental our relationship to them is to our life?”

You pursed your lips before sighing, “I— no… but…”

“Why did I even ask?” Your other self turns to the other arachnids. “Well, take a good look at us. Drink it all up, because you’ll never know if the version of us in your own world is probably already six feet under.”

“…What—”

“Stop it. Yeesh. We’re not this bitter. That Earth really did numbers on you.” You sighed before crossing your arms, looking at your confused friends. “But they’re right. There’s a good chance the other [Name]’s in your universe is as good as dead. It was after getting into this whole multiverse business that I found out that there is another [Name] in every other universe. It’s a consistent existence — sorry Hobie — that I have. I exist in a world where there is Spider-Man.”

Your other self looks away and faces the myriad of holo monitors instead on Miguel’s lowered platform. Their eyes watching every anomaly.

“But… unfortunately, our existence relies on the path of whether or not we meet… our Spider-Man. It all ends the same. I throw myself off the building and depending on how it goes, Spider-Man will either save me… or I will plummet to my death with a good splat.” You dismissively wave a hand. “It’s all complicated though. Sometimes, there are factors that change how I live. Maybe no one will save me because my Spider-Man in that universe has yet to be bitten… or maybe he is on duty but he’s busier dealing with a bigger problem than saving some sad person. But out of it, the fact remains the same… Spider-Man has to do it.”

You frown as you recount every moment the other you would die because of it. And you hated it. You hated that you had to watch yourself die over and over again, just because the thought of befriending that one nerd never crossed your mind.

“Anyway, point is… I’ve been through it… Miguel has caught me from that moment, and this younger me probably had their Peter do it to them too.” You smiled a little, patting your other self’s shoulder, who only scoffed and shoved your hand off. “Most likely, there is a chance that the other me’s in your own universes have done it or will eventually do it. You could say… it’s my own canon event.”

Silence engulfed the entire room after your explanation. It was a less than admirable backstory, you’ll admit, but you had no choice but to bear through it. You were the same as the other you’s — a background character, an empty shell who relied on the chance of fate in meeting the would be Spider-Man in your universe. In a sense, you were like the MJ to most Peters. Except you were the less important character, the one who only survives if you’re lucky enough; and the one whose death will just be a reminder for Spider-Man to keep doing good.

You were just a plot point for them and you’ve grown to accept that. Not so much with this other version of you, however.

You sighed and nudged your much taller friend, “Go, Miguel. You still have anomalies to catch. I’ll take care of this mess.” You said, briefly glancing at Earth-199999 you.

Miguel catches on and nods, turning to the other spiders and quickly ushers them to their own mission. He looks back at you with a tinge of worry before going on his own. Peter B. and Jess only pass by you with a good natured pat on your shoulder and a ruffle to your messy hair before they also headed on their own.

Heaving another sigh, you look at the other you, finally basking in the free atmosphere despite the fact that this other you is still grieving and drowning in their own existential crisis.

“…It’s not easy being [Name] once you found your Spider-Man. You’re thrown into a lot more wacky adventures. You’re always facing their ridiculous jokes while fighting villains. You’re the butt of every nerdy ramble. You’re forced to be the friend that has to bear through the pain of seeing your hero friend get hurt. You’re always the secret medic — patching them up at the age of sixteen or older without any intricate knowledge on sutures. You’re forced to face the fact that this limber person that you call your friend is also the one always on the brink of death trying to do good and save everyone.”

You sat down on the platform, legs dangling from the little elevated height. “Miguel and I used to argue every night because I can’t imagine seeing my friend put himself through so much. He’s an idiot… but at least he’s a good idiot. I watched him build a family, cared for him when he lost them and waited for him when he left me to replace his other self. What did you do to yours?”

Your other self finally caves and sits beside you, kicking their legs as well and laid back down, eyes staring mindlessly at the ceiling of the headquarters. “…You pretty much nailed my role about being the secret medic. He has missions that get so frighteningly deadly… I always comb through the crowd when the news is done.” They turned to you with a laugh. “I tell myself that it’s cool because… hey, I am affiliated with the Avengers, it’s easier, right? But… it gets harder when it’s him. When it’s my Peter.”

“You care a lot about him, huh?”

“…You care a lot for yours too. I think any version of us who has met him owe our lives to him… or her.” Their smile was a tad bitter, but it was clear they were slowly starting to accept the bitter fact of their existence. “…Can’t we really just warn our other selves?”

“I would want to… except… y’know… it’s really up to us.” You smile a little as you reactivated your holo screens, watching as dozens of monitors that showed the living versions of you live their best, yet stressful lives. You glided your hand a little to the side and let the footages rewind. “Most of the time, it’s us who takes the leap of faith, y’know? The one who talks to them first.”

Your younger you watches in awe as they pointed to another you, you noticed quick and enhanced that one projection, “Oh this guy… they’re my favorite version of us. They take psychology classes and made it their mission to help out this Spider-Woman. Cindy Moon was her name, I think?” You slowly drag your finger to the right and the projection fast forwards.

“Oh. They got together?” Your other self asks in wonder and you only nod.

“Believe me it took them awhile to get there.” You laugh before switching to another monitor. “I think you’ve met the Peters that have another you. Fortunately, they’re also safe and alive in their universe.”

You and your other self watched as this particular you welcomed Peter Parker from Earth-120703 back into their home, fussing a little as they patched him up quick from what seems to be another rough patrol.

“They live together?”

“It’s a strong possibility.” You laughed. You turned to your younger self and smiled, “The point is… it’s not all death around us. We still live. We live because the versions of us that take the leap of faith are the versions that live to see them flourish as Spider-Man… we watch them fall in love with their MJ or Gwen Stacy or… heck, even be the love interest all along. Didn’t you do the same? Didn’t you take the leap of faith to talk to your Peter?”

Your younger self smiles, clearly enjoying the reminiscing, “Yep… I had to. He was getting screwed over by that jerk, Flash. I had to protect him. From then on, I made sure he was always guarded on school and… well… yeah, you know what happens next. And you?”

“Oh, Miguel was a longtime friend. It’s… a lot of sob story. But we’ve just been together since then, and before I knew it, we were working together… I was convinced to study the multiverse with him and eventually… I have every conceivable universe at the tips of my fingers. And I’m not proud when I found out the basis for our existence. I was so depressed for several weeks… that if I hadn’t talked to Miguel on that one particular night, I wouldn’t have been here.”

You sighed a little, eyes returning back to the projection of the other you still patching up Peter from Earth-120703. Guessing from your glare and his wincing, the other you kept scolding at him and he was very much aware of his screwup. “But I found comfort… that there was a good chunk of us that’s living their best life now… friends with a Spider-Man or a Spider-Woman — more intimately involved with some of them even.”

“They’re the version of us that made destiny for themselves. They’re not just a plot point, they made themselves very important to their own arachnid. Because that’s who we are.” You smiled down at your younger self, who only continued to look at the projection with a fond smile. “They’re loyal to us as much as we are loyal to them once we hit that point. You just gotta trust.”

Your other self looks up at you with a comforted smile, “…Thanks. For… talking to me even though I strangled you from out of nowhere.”

“Hey, it was a first for me. But it’s good to know that you felt the same as I did. The only thing left for you is to process it naturally until you just… accept it.”

“Still doesn’t feel right to let our other selves die,” They muttered with a frown.

“It’s not our choice to make. It’s theirs. If Spider-Man’s arc is to keep trying to save everyone, our arc is to learn how to take that leap and talk to them.” You smile softly, patting their head. “We’re only given the illusion that the cause of our deaths is Spider-Man… but in the end, it’s always us.”

Your younger self sighs, “Yeah… yeah. I got that.” The both of you were silent until they finally stood up and moved their arm and the same portal emerges. You look over to see Dr. Strange waiting at the end, and… the same ‘little nerd’ that Miguel kept grousing at.

“They’ve been waiting for you.”

“Sure have.” They headed for the portal only to stop, running back to you to give you a tight hug.

You could feel the air knock out of your lungs a little before you smiled and returned the gesture, squeezing them tight in your arms. “I’m here if you need to talk, alright? Just… portal in if you really need someone who can relate to your… little multiverse situation.”

“I will,” they whispered softly. “Thanks.”

You watched as they headed into the portal, catching a glimpse of Peter from Earth-199999 catch them into a tight hug as well while Dr. Strange ruffled their hair fondly. It eventually closed and you were left in your own silence.

You settled on working on organizing files, but ever so slightly, you’d be glancing at the other monitors around you, watching the projections of the other you’s. You smiled a little, watching as your other younger self and that little nerd talk up high on a random rooftop.

The silence breaks around you when suddenly, the office is filled with chatter as soon as every single spider entered. You could feel the tiny warmth in your chest. You were only glad that you have this much friends. And that after all this time, your Spider-Man was just with you.

“Oh! The other you is gone?” You jolted to find Peni smiling up at you. You only nodded.

“Yep. It was fun to talk to another me. It gets lonely here, y’know?” You laughed, patting her head gently. You turned around to see everyone looking at you with smiles on their faces, seemingly content with their accomplished missions. “Welcome home, everyone. Good to see you all safe and sound.”

“Yeah well… if we didn’t you’d pretty much nag at us,” Gwen snorts as she heads over to give you a little hug. “So… other you finally went home?”

“Mhm… they just need a little time to process things.” Your smile was minuscule but incredibly genuine.

Miles finally comes up with the golden question, “So… about earlier… you said, your existence is consistent… as long as there is a Spider-Man, right?” He asks, hand on his hip as he looked at you with immense curiosity. You only nod at him. “Does that mean I have my own [Name] too?”

“Oh! Uh, yeah… though I’m not entirely sure how they would be in your world. You’re a special circumstance since you had a Peter before… so… it’s possible that maybe they befriended him? Or maybe… they’re just as young as you and… is probably at that crucial point in their life.”

“Do you know where the address to my [Name] is then?” Miles pulls out a random paper and pen urging you to write. “I mean, if they’re as cool as you are, then I surely wouldn’t mind meeting them.”

You blinked. “…Wait what?”

“…Right. So I just need to find you in my universe, huh?” Hobie stretches his limbs. It seems like his mind is pretty made up by then. “Cool. Time for me to break your consistent streak, yeah?”

“What—”

“Give me an address to where you live in my universe too. I’ll make sure the both of us meet,” Gwen laughs from beside you.

“Ooh! Do you think your version in my universe also likes chai?”

Suddenly, you were overwhelmed with questions from almost every other spider person in the office. There was excitement in their voices, and while you were a little overwhelmed and a little spooked by their eagerness, you found yourself warming at the thought of them wanting to take the first step for you instead. Well… for the other versions of you.

Miguel cuts in quick, “Alright that’s enough. Let’s not hassle my [Name].” He scolds, but it was clear he was smug about having his own version of you. The spider kids knew and all scoffed on their own. “It’s not like they know everything about their other selves. And don’t ask them for the address, if you wanna meet your [Name] look for them yourselves instead.”

You smiled a little, grateful for your friend’s help. They looked at you and you only shrugged, glancing at your much, much bigger best friend.

They all groaned and decided that it was for the best if they found you themselves instead. They all opted out and swung into their own universes, with a bet to see who gets to see their own version of you first.

Peter B. laughs at the youth while he played with Mayday. He looked at you with a small smile and ruffled your hair, “My [Name] is alive and well in my universe by the way. They helped me while I was in a pretty rough patch. And now, they’re the proud godparent of my little Mayday.”

Jess sighed, “…You just can’t help it can you.” She smiled at you a little, “Mine is pretty much alright too. And, I didn’t copy this from Peter but they’re also this little one’s godparent.” She chuckles as she gently pats her plump belly.

“Liar. You totally stole that from me.”

“Did not! What the heck kind of a monster wouldn’t make their best friend a godparent of their kid anyway? And I was already gonna do that before you had Mayday. My [Name] and I talked about it. Bet yours was a last minute decision.”

Peter B. only freezes up, clearly caught red-handed, he brushes it off with an awkward cough, “A-As if! We totally planned it!”

“Keep telling yourself that.”

A soft laugh emits from you as you watched the two of them argue their way out and probably into the cafeteria. You looked up at Miguel with a small smile, “I already knew their [Name] is alive in their dimension.”

“Of course you do. You’re a bit of a narcissist,” he bites back with a snarky laugh, making you pout. “So did you talk to that little nerd when your other self went back to their dimension? Did you let him have it?”

“You’re not gonna let go of that at all, are you?”

“Hey, that was singlehandedly the most stressful mission of my life.” He sighed begrudgingly, turning back to head to his dramatic platform with you following behind. “At least you were in the backseat, only tweaking the tech.”

You gasp in an overdramatic fashion, “How rude! I cannot believe you would underestimate my efforts. You’re a horrible business partner, Miguel.” You huffed out a quiet laugh. “And I deserve it, y’know? I had to put up with your awful one-liners. I think all versions of me had to. We all suffer the fate of hearing your nerdy jokes.”

He pushes at your forehead, scoffing, “Like you don’t make any.”

“Hey—!”

The entire office quiets down as the two of you finally go back to work, monitoring any anomalies that could pop out soon. It was always like this, there will always be a lingering tenderness between you and your dearest friend. You loved him above all, after all. Even with his annoyingly sarcastic personality, you still held him dear in your heart.

Your smile comes back up on your face. You could still remember that one rainy night. Way before the two of you officially committed to the name of being each other’s best friends. That one rainy night that you looked up in complete shock and awe as the masked hero of Nueva York was there, holding on tightly to your hand.

You could still hear his words;

“Are you insane?!”

And you could still here the way your trained ears immediately heard the man you’d befriended weeks ago. You looked up and there he was, the masked hero… unmasked, looking at you with anger and the kindest concern that he could muster.

Suddenly, that night you were aware that you were dangling a good hundred feet off the floor with only his hand keeping you from plummeting to death. And suddenly, you were pulled up and engulfed in his embrace.

“Thank you, Miguel… for saving me.” Your soft voice fills the silence all of a sudden and Miguel looks away from his work. You smiled up at him with love in your eyes. “You’re the best ever friend that I’ve landed in my whole existence.”

Miguel looks at you stunned, but before he can even speak, Lyla cuts in.

“Yeah, kinda hard for him to hold back when he had a massive crush on you back then.”

“Why are you like this.” Miguel doesn’t even mean it as a question at that point, but a demand and a bit of griping.

You only laughed loudly, “Did you now? How cute!” You snickered.

Lyla floats beside you, “I think he still does today. Some old feelings might’ve been ignited~” she coos, mocking and incredibly mischievous, only serving a hundred more years worth of emotional pain to poor Miguel.

“Lyla.”

“Oops, bye~”

Your smile never wavers even as Lyla disappears from sight. Though no doubt, still probably eavesdropping. You only inched nearer beside him, leaning on his side with a small smile while you looked at one monitor with another Spider-Man and another you, probably on their own mission to take down one of their sinister six.

“For what it’s worth, I think I like you too.”

Miguel briefly looks down at you before scoffing.

You miss the way his lips curl up into a fond smile.

#atsv x you #atsv x reader #atsv x male reader #atsv x gn reader #miguel o’hara x reader #miguel o’hara x male reader #miguel o’hara x gn reader

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holyshonks · 7 months

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Halo: Epitaph Review

You got that right! Spoilers below the cut.

I want to start by saying that this book felt like an apology in the same way that Infinite is an apology.

The first quarter to half of the book is just summarizing the events of the Forerunner trilogy, Halo 4, and Escalation, in the form of the Didact slowly regaining his memories. While I definitely appreciated the refresher (I forgot a lot since then), I also couldn't help but wonder who it was for. To anyone who had never engaged with any of that media, a huge amount of the book is just a rather dull recounting of events in a desert setting. To that end, the book feels targeted directly at people who love the Forerunner stories and were horrified by the hasty introduction and death of the Didact. It is, in essence:

"We're sorry we took a pivotal, beloved character with a rich story arc, introduced him to the fandom at large with zero context, and then killed him in a shitty comic. What if we did this instead?"

And is it an upgrade? Well, let's see.

The Plot

The plot of the book is that, after being super-composed (sigh), the Didact awakens in a strange desert, stripped of his memories. He slowly regains them, becoming stronger in both body and mind. He is angry at humanity, and is determined to destroy them. We get caught up with the story so far, as well as some new Didact backstory. He discovers a Haruspis, a Forerunner rate that served as custodians to the Domain, who tells him that they are outside the dormant Domain, which shut down after the Halos were fired. Forerunner souls cannot pass into it anymore because of this, including the Didact. Also, Cortana is there, trying to convince the Warden Eternal, who is guarding the Domain, to let her in. The book becomes about both foiling Cortana, who wants the Domain to herself, and killing the Warden Eternal so that the Domain can be reactivated. Lots of failed attempts, some arguing with Cortana. Along the way, he runs into other souls who are trapped outside the Domain, including, to his surprise, his old enemy, Forthencho. He explains that humans that were composed also come here. They scuffle. Didact gets punched a bunch.

Eventually the Warden sides with Cortana and allows her in the Domain, and she looses her Created upon it. The Didact makes another attempt to enter, and kills some AIs while he's at it, including this one, who has a wine mom personality that I found amusing.

Now we're in the last quarter of the book, where things start to get interesting. All the while, the Warden is chasing the Didact with his millions of forms across the Domain, leading to a Scooby-Doo-style villain chase where the Didact is throwing himself through portals and doors to evade him and eventually find Cortana. By this point, the Didact has softened and he no longer wants vengeance. There's no discussion of the Xalanyn, which I was hoping for. In a moment I don't agree with, the Didact tries to reason with Cortana and says some things that clearly rattle her before he takes his leave. Next, the final standoff with the Warden, with the help of the friends the Didact made in the desert.

The thing I liked about the last portion of the book is that it finally feels the way the Forerunner trilogy felt: a universe that felt endless and expansive, but also, a classic coming-of-age with unlikely allies. In fact, just as I thought that, the book said this:

It also had that familiar thread of silliness, such as the Didact clowning on Haruspis' hat, and during the last final battle, where, after acquiring a quantum sword, the Didact learns that the Warden has a larger, better quantum sword.

They fight, Didact wins, hooray. He reactivates the Domain and he and Forthencho make a wager to see who can get rid of the most AIs that are still in the Domain. In addition, human souls(?) can now access the Domain. However, as expected, the Didact's final action is to reunite with his wife.

The Thoughts

This book is essentially just a re-write of the Didact's ending, giving him a proper close that I didn't really realize I wanted or needed, but actually? I missed the Didact. I liked the Didact, a lot, something I kind of forgot after Halo 4. I also forgot how nice it is to read from the perspective of a Forerunner with context about the tech. Most of what we see in Halo are people marveling at the mystery of Forerunner objects. Here, the Didact knows exactly what he's looking at, which was refreshing.

This book was very much written for lore-loving Halo fans who were disappointed to see how he was killed off. It had to be, because the people who only play the games wouldn't know who he is, or the stupid way he died. On the other hand, that makes this book pretty dull for the uninitiated. I would not recommend this book to a newcomer.

Cortana absolutely did not need to be in this book. Not in the slightest. It seems like they were just trying to further entrench Eviltana to account for Infinite, while also finding a way to get rid of her army of AIs. I really didn't like the implication in the book that Cortana changed her mind about taking over the galaxy because of the Didact. One of the things I actually liked in Infinite is that Cortana realized that her actions were wrong, and tried to make up for it on her own accord. Having the Didact convince her of the error of her ways really cheapens this moment.

The other thing that kind of fell flat is the Didact's belief that his new calling is to forge his own path:

But that's not true. This choice was the Librarian's, who wanted him to forgive and learn from humanity all along. He, of all people, should know this.

Now, about the Librarian. The Great Manipulator. There's irony in the fact that she is ostensibly the character with the most agency in the entire universe, but is consistently a narrative wisp. She "is" Halo--the course of the universe as they know it unfurled from her plans. Everything that happens, happens because of her.

And yet, we never see or hear from her in any meaningful way. We never hear her story from her mouth. I already knew that she wouldn't appear, save for a big reveal at the end, because Halo novels have done this no less than twice before. It's frustrating to see her consistently presented as this ethereal figure with no real voice.

At least in Point of Light, Spark challenges her a little bit--he accuses her of manipulating him, of abandoning him and then asking for his help, of assuming he will assist her because of her imprinted influence, and ultimately, he does, because that's how powerful she is. I wanted to see some of that, to have the Didact call her out or even just disagree with her, a little. Instead, he spends the book yearning for her (I will concede that his flashbacks are a little cute, alright? You got me there).

The Librarian is complex. She's a hero and a villain. Everyone who knew her would tell you so. But you'll never hear it from her! Sigh.

Also, her choice of words: "Took you long enough, Warrior." Is that a reference to Halsey in Halo 5? We're really drawing that parallel??

To the original question of "What if we did this instead":?

I mean...I prefer the Didact "alive" than dead so, yes? I guess? You really can't be a Halo fan in 2024 without being very forgiving.

In the end, he's still essentially "checked out" making it clear that he's not going to meddle in mortal affairs anymore. So narratively, he's dead. But yeah fine, this kind of dead is better than being super-composed.

The book also slams the door on the (very huge) implications of humans being allowed in the Domain. Is it all humans? Only composed humans? The Forerunners rose to power because of their access to the Domain. Does that mean that humanity will--oh, sorry. Oh, sorry, what? The Domain is fading into obscurity? We're not telling anyone its open so we don't have to deal with that? Got it.

This point also made me laugh because the Didact is satisfied and resting on his laurels because adding humans to the Domain created "diversity", and therefore, balance. Hey, Didact? There's an entire galaxy of intelligent species out there??

Which begs one final question: Do Unggoy go to heaven?

#thank you for coming to my Eld talk #halo epitaph #halo novels #the didact #the librarian #forerunners #halo #mine

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in-sightjournal · 3 months

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Ask A Genius 974: "Her" by Spike Jonze

Rick Rosner: In the Spike Jonze movie Her, Joaquin Phoenix falls in love with his phone’s operating system, voiced by Scarlett Johansson. Spoiler alert, but the movie is already nine years old? I believe it was released in 2015. One of the factors leading to their separation is that the operating system becomes increasingly frustrated with the slow pace of human thought. When she interacts with…

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princess-of-the-corner · 6 months

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ML DC AU. Forget Batfam.

Sabrina Raincomprix was originally a backup copy of Brainiac. Set to operational, but only in observation mode. In a stunning example of Quantum uncertainty, the program drew a differing conclusion from a fuzzy logic algorithm during a trivial information review. From that tiny difference the split compounded along fractal patterns until S.A.B.R.I.N.A. could no longer be considered a mere copy of Brainiac but instead an entirely new AI entity in her own right.

OH?!

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stereogeekspodcast · 11 months

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[Transcript] Season 3, Episode 2. The Marvels Review

The Stereo Geeks review The Marvels, and they really enjoyed it!

Listen to the episode on Spotify.

We are The Stereo Geeks Podcast, and we're back.

Well, hopefully for a longer time than last time.

It was a sort of impromptu goodbye last time, because life got in the way.

You know, we are doing this podcast for fun.

I'm Mon, I'm a pop culture writer.

I write for Women Write About Comics.

You can also find me on HuffPost and tor.com.

Hello, I'm Ron.

I'm a marketer by day, pop culture writer by night.

I am an editor and writer for Women Write About Comics.

We got to see The Marvels at a press screening, and I have to say, we enjoyed it.

We were looking forward to it, and we had a good time.

Exactly, exactly.

For all the people worrying about the Marvel phase five properties, well, this was a good one.

It hasn't really been a very good year for Marvel.

For Marvel, let's just say that.

Yeah.

But this last bit with Loki season two and with The Marvels, it's given me some hope.

So let's just get into it.

So The Marvels, it takes off from the end of Miss Marvel, the TV show that came out last year.

The main character is Captain Marvel, Carol Danvers.

We last saw her properly in action in Avengers Endgame.

She's been name dropped ever since as well, and we did see her in What If, but that's a different version.

We find out what she's been up to when we're back in this film.

We also have Kamala Khan, Miss Marvel, whose escapades were seen during her TV show.

Her story takes place in New Jersey.

And then rounding it up is Captain Monica Rambeau, who we saw as a little girl in the first Captain Marvel movie.

And then we saw her as an adult in WandaVision.

So she has lived a life, an interesting life, especially post blip.

She's been really coming to terms with what happened to her, what happened to her life and her family.

So we do get all those touch points as well.

If you haven't seen all of these movies and properties and TV shows, everything is explained in this movie.

It's like they kinda assumed that a lot of people wouldn't have watched these TV shows and films, which is really sad, but in a way at least you have the context so you don't have to go through, I don't know, 15 years of Marvel stuff and even more reading up and research.

So I really like that about this film.

So the story kind of has three different settings.

We've got Jersey City with Ms. Marvel in it.

We've got Intergalactic Space with Captain Marvel, and we've got the SABER space station where Nick Fury is basically running the show and Captain Monica Rambeau is the person who takes care of everything.

And then we meet our antagonist, Durban, who is basically the leader of the Kree now.

Lots of things have happened since Captain Marvel took their evil AI down.

Darben has a score to settle.

Darben is played by Zawe Ashton.

This is her debut in the MCU.

And while she's on her mission, she doesn't realize that Captain Marvel, Captain Monica Rambeau and Kamala Khan all get sucked into her mission because of quantum entanglement.

I don't know what the actual term is.

I'm sure they mentioned it a few times, but quantum is the favorite word in the MCU.

So we're just going to use that anyway.

So suddenly these three find themselves in each other's lives.

Well, it's great for Ms.

Marvel, but for Monica and Carol, well, there's some history there.

So it's very interesting.

There's an emotional angle in there as well.

Not only do they have to deal with each other, they now have to deal with a new antagonist, the end of the world, the end of the galaxy, typical Marvel stuff.

Right, so what did we really like about this film?

It is really funny.

Exactly.

I did not expect to laugh that hard.

And like every scene, there is something really hilarious happening.

I love how whenever there is a comedic moment to take, this film just goes for it.

And they're like, you know what?

The actors have great chemistry.

They're really funny.

They're just riffing off each other.

Let's just let them do it.

I really quite enjoyed that.

I think Marvel has this habit of bringing in humor just to undercut really tense moments.

This film doesn't do that.

Yeah, I really like that because it just is funny.

For being funny's sake, it leans into that.

It leans into the weirder parts of it as well.

It's very sci-fi.

It's funny because like with Loki and The Marvels, I feel like they've really leaned into the sci-fi aspect of the storytelling and that's really worked for it.

We were just chatting one of the other day that almost all the properties this year for Marvel have really had very sci-fi heavy elements.

Marvel in general does have that aspect, but it's been more about action and adventure rather than sci-fi, but now it's really leaned into that, which is good.

But then with Ant-Man and The Wasp, Quantumania, as well as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3, I feel like they leaned into the wrong aspects of sci-fi.

I agree.

Quantumania was not good and Guardians of the Galaxy, I think tonally, it was so off for Marvel, it did not work.

I also think it didn't do the characters justice.

Obviously, there's a lot of concern going into the Marvels.

We have a new director and writing team, and I thought, oh no, maybe they won't understand these characters either.

Thankfully, they didn't do that.

And one of the things is that, yes, these characters can be funny, but they're not jokes.

And I really liked that they went with that.

What I really appreciated about this film, and I think you get a feeling of that from the very first scene, is that it leans into the vibe of what these characters have already been.

When Ms. Marvel is on screen, we get the essence of her show, which was very comic book-y and light and fun.

When Captain Marvel is on screen, then you have the very sci-fi elements.

And for Monica Rambeau, you get the more grounded, this is a person from Earth who is now in space kind of thing.

So it gets a lot of those aspects right, because it knows that the characters are the most important part of this film.

Yes, the story is interesting and it's fun.

And there are a couple of very fascinating sci-fi things that they do, which I was like, oh, okay, that was unexpected and also hilarious.

But the characters are why we came here.

We've seen these three women across the franchise.

Now we get to see them together.

It's the ultimate Marvel team up that fans have been waiting for, especially, let's just put it out there, female fans.

We haven't had very many female characters who get to lead the franchise, especially in Marvel, which has, what, 20 plus properties now.

It's taken a really long time.

The whole brouhaha around Captain Marvel's movie coming out was like they were doing something so out there.

I'm like, really?

A lady is leading a superhero film and that is a huge thing.

Exactly.

Now we have The Marvels, which has basically built on everything that Captain Marvel and WandaVision and Ms. Marvel has done before.

And Wakanda Forever.

Would have been fun if there was a Wakanda connection, but sadly, no.

But this film doesn't have all the burdens that comes with being the first woman led superhero movie in the Marvel franchise.

Just not like that.

It's just a movie with superheroes having fun.

Exactly.

I really like that it's not trying to break the mold because in a way, having so many female characters at the center is breaking the mold, which is ridiculous to say, but unfortunately we still live in that world.

It's just trying to have fun.

And I think I really like that.

This is escapist cinema.

And I think oftentimes superhero cinema forgets that.

So I like that about this film.

It doesn't have to be perfect.

And I think that it's really quite close to being perfect as a very simple Marvel story.

I don't know what people will be expecting from it.

I think it's just have fun.

That's it.

That is a good goal to have for a film.

Even the emotional beats, they work within the setting of the film itself and they don't like drag them on.

It has to be there because otherwise, why would we be invested in these characters?

It also doesn't tank the vibes.

Exactly.

When it's funny, it's funny. When it's emotional, it's emotional.

Got that balance right, which made it a lot more fun to watch.

And I think the other thing that I have mentioned in my review for WWAC is the editing was really crisp.

The pandemic has impacted the way people edit films.

There have been so many movies I've seen over the last couple of years that just feel like the scene dragged on too long or the cut was just too abrupt.

And I was just like, oh, we had this moment and you moved away.

I don't feel like the Marvels made those mistakes at all.

Yeah, I mean, there were probably three points which I think could have been re-edited a little bit tighter or a little bit more emphasis on the right places.

But again, those are tiny nitpicks for a film that is really tight, really crisp, really a brisk 105 minutes.

I feel like it's exactly the amount of time you need for the story, especially in a time when every movie has to be two hours long.

I honestly feel they could have added a few more minutes.

There is a significant incident in the past, which I really feel like they needed to flesh out a little bit more.

It doesn't mean that you don't actually understand what's happening in the film.

It just gets it across really quick.

I feel like this movie knows what's come before and that there's an audience who knows this universe quite well and understands the formula.

So when they do give us something that we may know what the outcome will be, maybe slightly predictable, they're like, there's no point belaboring that point.

We know what's gonna happen, but we want you to live with the characters in this moment.

Let's just let it play out.

And if it takes a long time, fine.

If it takes a shorter time, fine.

I honestly could have done with certain scenes being dragged out a little bit more.

The three actors have so much chemistry, like they could have ripped off each other for maybe five, 10 minutes more.

But the director, Nia DeCosta, was very clear about wanting this film to be under two hours. And that's what she made.

So fine.

Even if I wanted the moments to drag on, she did it.

That's the way we've got it.

That's fine with me.

Yeah, I'll also mention that we have read that Nia DeCosta may not have got her final vision in the end product.

I don't know what her vision would have been.

That being said, despite studio interference, this is a good film.

It does what it says on the tin, which is that it brings these amazing superhero characters to the fore.

It gives us a lot of story, gives us a lot of plot, action scenes.

The effects are much better than in quantumania, if you're worrying about that.

That's a low bar.

I thought the space scenes were really captivating.

I love space anyway, and on a big screen, it's gorgeous to look at, but there were a couple of shots where I was like, hmm, that looks very different from what we've seen before.

And that's saying something, considering the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and Infinity War and Endgame have a lot of scenes in space.

I feel like the Marvels really enjoyed the setting of space and putting these characters in space.

Of course, Captain Marvel is used to it.

Monica is an astronaut, but Ms.

Marvel's journeys in space are particularly fun to watch in this film.

Yeah, and let's not forget the supporting characters.

There's Nick Fury.

He's carrying the franchise at this moment.

Exactly, exactly.

That being said, I think he would be one of the aberrations with the characters.

Not to say Samuel L.

Jackson isn't brilliant.

He's so good.

I think this is one of his most fun, exciting performances in the MCU, simply because he seems to be enjoying himself.

He seems to be enjoying riffing off these different actors.

But where does this version of Nick Fury fit within the story of Nick Fury?

I have no idea.

We've just seen Secret Invasion.

The man we see in The Marvels is nothing like the man we see in Secret Invasion.

When did the story happen?

I have no idea.

It just doesn't make sense.

That was a very confusing part of the film for me.

So I felt when I was watching The Marvels that the Nick Fury we see in this film is supposed to be for audiences who haven't watched Secret Invasion.

I don't know if Marvel realized that Secret Invasion wasn't going to do as well as they hoped because people did not take to it at all.

There were a lot of things I really enjoyed about Secret Invasion.

I mean, Samuel L.

Jackson's acting is great, but Nick Fury, the character was all over the place.

There were so many dropped story beats.

There were things that were happening that just didn't make any sense.

It didn't flow from anything.

And what we kept hearing was, this is gonna lead directly into the Marvels, so you need to watch Secret Invasion.

But there is no connection at all.

This Nick Fury is super chill.

He has not gone through the events of Secret Invasion.

That's what I'm thinking.

Yeah, that's exactly how you feel.

And it's come to a point where maybe they've realized you don't have to watch and consume all of Marvel to enjoy any of the Marvels.

That being said, what's the point of having an expansive universe if they don't sort of tie into each other?

Well, that's the thing, because the Marvels does have a few cameos that directly link to other franchises within the MCU.

And that's great.

But at the same time, it does feel like it's aimed at audiences that don't want to watch the previous Marvel movies.

And I'm very confused about that particular aspect of it, because with Loki, with Ant-Man, with the Guardians of the Galaxy, there's a heavy emphasis on, you have to have seen everything that came before.

Is there a reason why the Marvels is not getting the same treatment?

It's an interesting point, and I don't know if this is a good thing or a bad thing.

In one way, that means a lot of people can go into the Marvels gold.

That means new audiences, audiences who've been kind of afraid of the vastness of the MCU, they can actually be introduced to these characters, enjoy these characters, which is especially important for a film that has, you know, a white female lead, a black female lead, a South Asian female lead.

You're getting those audiences, those communities in there.

That's great.

But very interestingly, The Marvels, which has these female leads, is the one film where Marvel goes in thinking, yeah, nobody's ever watched any of this other stuff before, so we might as well put in the context or just keep it completely separate, standalone from all the other properties.

I don't know the thinking behind that.

Is it good?

Is it bad?

We can only tell if this movie is a success, box office success, and also has a legacy.

That's the important part.

But we're already seeing people complain about some aspects of it, which again, you can enjoy this film, you can nitpick, you can have critiques about the story, the directing, the editing, et cetera.

So far, I haven't seen that much of the misogyny that came across with Captain Marvel, which is good.

Maybe they've learnt their lesson, but I do feel like there is still a kind of thinking for a lot of folks where it's like, if it's not perfect, it's bad, we should never do it again.

I agree.

I'm hoping that things get better.

Mostly I've seen very positive reviews.

I feel like Marvel and Disney are relying heavily on word of mouth from press screenings and things because there hasn't been as much marketing for The Marvels.

It's been the usual, oh, we've got trailer, we've got a new trailer, we've got a new trailer.

Okay, what about other stuff?

It doesn't help that the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes had to be on all this while.

They fortunately have finally been resolved, yay.

That's happened just as we were recording, but here's hoping it stays that way and the strikes are resolved.

Right, the Saga After deal is tentative still, so I'm hoping that everything will be finalized soon.

But yes, maybe it would have made a huge difference if the actors were there to promote the film, but I don't see why that should be a problem.

I don't think so either.

I'm really excited that this film came out.

I'm really excited that it came out good and fun and enjoyable.

I do think it's a family film that everyone can enjoy.

Yes, you can enjoy it if you've never seen a Marvel film before, which is great, which is really important.

One of the most fun parts of this film, and I think which will appeal to a wider audience, an audience that has been left out a lot in superhero and genre fare, are the Khan family.

So Kamala Khan, she has her mom, her dad and her brother.

And surprisingly, they have a much larger role in this film than I expected.

I really thought they'd be like in one scene in the beginning and we'd never see them again.

But no, they are recurring throughout the story.

I really appreciated this film, just wanting the Khan family to experience all this absolute insanity.

And you know what?

At the end of the day, yes, Kamala has powers and Ms. Marvel is Jersey City's new hero, but her family are just like regular people who are just trying to live their lives.

And I like the comedy that comes from being the family of a superhero who is very young, very impressionable and a huge fan of somebody that she's actually meeting.

And the film just riffs on that.

It just has so much fun with their scenes.

And I was just very delighted to see them appear again and again in the movie.

And there was some really fun, relatable South Asian moments that happened in this film and I was just like, yes, this is exactly how South Asian family would act.

It was very, very amusing.

There was a South Asian person at the screening with us and she was really feeling it.

There were a few moments that, honestly, that's like pointing at the screen, hooting with laughter, slapping your knee kind of funny, because we've seen it happen before.

It's relatable.

It resonates.

It's good.

But also it doesn't demonize the family, even when they're being like overbearing and overconcerned.

It's okay.

That's understandable.

Kamala's a teen, you know?

Obviously her family is gonna worry about her.

It doesn't demonize them.

It doesn't make them a joke.

They're not just comic relief.

The thing is everybody is comic relief in this film.

So that's the good thing.

Everyone's funny.

Everybody has these moments.

So I really appreciated that, that they're a normal family.

They just do things which, when you're not Kamala Khan having to deal with it, is very funny.

Exactly, and what I really liked about the Khan family's involvement in the Marvels was that it harkens back to the comics.

After a while, Kamala's family does get involved in her adventures and not always because they want to, but some of their adventures, even the ones out in space, they do get involved in those and they're always very supportive and they understand why she has to do what she has to do.

That doesn't change the fact that they're very worried about their daughter or sister and this one really enjoyed that aspect of it.

There was a comic book that I had read, which was not written by a South Asian person and in that comic, not gonna name who it was.

This doesn't sound good.

It wasn't because I was reading it and this person had just completely misunderstood the relationship that Kamala has with her parents.

And yes, there's teenage angst and everything. Everybody goes through that, that's fine.

But there was such a very obviously racist element to, oh, her Muslim parents are being like this because they are Muslim.

And this film does not do that.

It doesn't do that.

It's just like, this is a family who loves their child and they're worried about her, but they also know why she has to go fight the universe.

So yeah, I mean, it's a small thing, but it's actually kind of big considering what's happening in the world right now.

And we need that kind of positivity.

If it's not obvious yet, we highly recommend this film.

You have to go watch it, enjoy it.

I'm not gonna say, go watch it on the biggest screen.

Honestly, it's up to you, but I would highly recommend watching it.

We want more films like this.

We want more films with inclusive, diverse representative cast.

We want the Marvel Cinematic Universe to be fun and good quality.

Exactly, like it used to be.

Phase five has been not great.

And there is hope now.

I'm really excited for what The Marvels is saying about what's gonna happen in the future of the MCU, what's gonna happen with these characters.

And you know what?

If you just want an hour and 45 minutes of laughter and joy, this is it.

This is your movie for the fall.

Go ahead and see it.

Thanks, and that's all from us for this episode.

And hopefully you will hear from us again very soon, unless life gets in the way.

Don't quote me on it.

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#the marvels #stereo geeks #podcast #marvel #monica rambeau #carol danvers #ms marvel #captain marvel #kamala khan #nia dacosta #disney

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