#session replay tool

[ampleappleamble]

haven't seen this on here yet so:

in case you don't want to slog through the shitscape that is the bird/letter website, take a peek beneath the cut (shamelessly copied from the something awful forums dungeon meshi thread)

- Her first memory of video games was watching her father playing Wizardry on Famicom, also Dragon Quest, Ultima, and Fire Emblem among others.

- She was a difficult child so her parents didn't let her play. Wizardry is a boring game to watch, but the monster illustrations on the walkthrough evoked her imagination and made her keep watching.

- She only started becoming a serious gamer after the serialization of Dungeon Meshi was locked, for research purposes. Before that, she read fantasy novels such as The Neverending Story (Michael Ende) and The Lord of the Rings (JRR Tolkien).

- The international title for Dungeon Meshi: Delicious in Dungeons was decided by her editor.

- D&D popped up a lot when she researched the history of video games, so she read the rule books, replay novels, and games inspired by D&D.

- One of the first games she studied was the Legend of Grimrock (game's 80% off on Steam atm). Originally, she wanted Dungeon Master (FTL Games) which was famous for "RPG with meals" but hunting down the game and machine was too much.

- She didn't like games other than turn-based RPGs at first, but she decided to stop being picky and play anything that piqued her interest.

- She played Zelda: BotW and TotK on a borrowed Switch from her editor due to the console's scarcity at the time.

- She enjoyed Red Dead Redemption 2 and God of War for their stories. RDR2's incredible attention to detail had Kui engrossed so much that she asked her editor and other mangaka to play it so she could discuss it with them.

- Kui praised The Witcher 3 localization as something only possible with full support from the developer. Cyberpunk 2077 is one of her all-time favorites.

- Papers, Please was her first taste of indie games.

- Disco Elysium is the perfect game for her due to the lack of fighting, intriguing story, charming character interaction, and top-down perspective. She tried playing it in English at first due to an unlikely chance for JP loc, but it was out of her ability. Thus she is forever grateful to Spike Chunsoft for localizing it.

- Kui played Baldur's Gate 3 from the time it was in Early Access. Again, she's grateful for Spike Chunsoft's JP loc. She hoped BG3's success would bring the possibility of JP loc for other titles too, such as Pathfinder: wotr

- She likes games with top-down perspective because they have narration text for monologues and scenery description. Even if the graphic is lacking, the texts show the atmosphere and each character's behavior and psyche. Also, characters that react to your choices.

- She praised Unpacking and House Flipper for being able to tell what kind of person lives there only through their belongings, and that there's no right or wrong for the placements; she would make the best arrangement and then enjoy her hard work while sipping tea.

- The biggest inspiration for Dungeon Meshi was the Cosmic Forge pen from Wizardry VI. With improved graphics from its predecessor, now it could show broken farming tools in the background and many more details that made exploration so much fun.

- At the time of the interview (Dec '23) she still hadn't watched DunMeshi anime, but she attended the recording sessions. She's embarrassed that the dialog she wrote now acted passionately by professionals. Marcille's screaming was wonderful but also made her want to flee.

- Kui was anxious about the CP2077 anime adaptation, but she was relieved it was the Night City she knows and loves.

- Other than minor adjustments, she left it to TRIGGER as to how to adapt

- She's happy that Mitsuda Yasunori was chosen as the anime composer, as she used to play Chrono Cross and rewatched the opening many times.

- Her anticipated games in 2024 are Cloudpunk, Nivalis, and Avowed.

- DunMeshi would be hard to adapt into a game because in the first place, what Kui depicted in the manga are parts that are omitted in games for the sake of brevity.

- If DunMeshi game was Wizardry-like, it'd be told through Laios' perspective and eating was essential not to die

[2neaky]

ᡣ𐭩 .𖥔˚𝚄𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙽𝚎𝚎𝚍𝚕𝚎𓍼ོ.𓍢ִ໋

𝓜𝓓𝓝𝓘 ☆ 𝓦𝓐𝓡𝓝𝓘𝓝𝓖𝓢 - reader is aroused from getting a tattoo (soft core) / Eren x Blackreader | mini drabble—working thru a writing slump so bear w. me on these shorter fics, enjoy <3

Over a hundred times per second, thousands of times per minute—the needle keeps hitting delicate skin.

Sometimes it breaks, leaving droplets of blood in its wake. Other times, it’s just strong enough to withstand the attack, leaving the skin raw and swollen.

‘It’s probably red,’ she thinks as her thighs clench around the chair.

There’s a moment of clarity; The needle has been lifted.

“You good?”

His voice almost makes her shiver.

Her closed eyes squeeze together.

“Mhm.”

She hears him moving around some tools behind her. “Use your words.”

“Yeah…”

Low, green eyes bore into the back of her head, watching closely.

From their first meeting, she could tell that Eren was an ‘all-about-the-details’ kind of man. Analytical, almost to a fault (noting the times he’s kept her in his chair longer than needed, just to perfect a tattoo). She doesn’t appreciate him any less for it.

Yet, she’s burning up under his stare. She almost wishes he would look away, as stupid as that sounds.

“Tell me when you need a break.”

She nods and turns her head to the side to rest against the headrest, eyes still closed.

“𓊆ྀི⋆˖ ⭑˚⊹𓊇ྀི.”

Soft mink lashes blink as she peels her eyes open to look at him—as best as she can from this angle, anyway.

“Tell me.”

He’s a soft-talker, quiet most times. But the added edge to his voice at times just gets her.

Usually, she laughs it off, making a joke about him. It makes it easier to ignore the way his tone fires her up.

She can’t laugh this time.

Her body inches up higher against the back of the chair, her wide hips do a meager half-drag against it.

Why did she wear jeans?

“Okay.”

The whine of her voice almost alarms him. His gaze lingers on her for seconds more as his mind replays the way her full lips twitched into a pout.

He saves an apology to continue his work.

The second the needle touches her skin, her spine tenses beneath his hand. It isn’t so much of a big movement that he has to take a pause. Just a tiny shift beneath the skin. Still, he notices it.

He also notices the restless sway of her right knee every time he lifts the needle. And how her hips keep anchoring down against the seat. Even how her breathing picks up.

During their first ever session, he wondered why she would never tap out for breaks. But, it’s too obvious that she enjoys more than she should. Even when she tries to hide it.

A breath of amusement leaves through his nose.

The needle trickles half an inch lower, closer towards one of her back dimples. He applies more force behind the gun.

Her eyes roll back shut. Her arms shield her face, keeping him from seeing her tug her bottom lip between her teeth.

A stifled whimper sneaks out.

“This is gonna be a long one,” he mutters.

He doesn’t lift the needle.

It’s getting harder and harder for her to keep still. She releases her bottom lip and it trembles.

Eren glances up at her and presses a little harder. The sting reaches deeper.

Her lips part as her face pulls together.

“I’m almost done, you could hold out.”

A tiny mewl slips from her. It’s soft and broken, so unlike her strong, brazen attitude.

Something in his chest drops; It free-falls down his stomach and to his dick. He lifts the gun with a sigh.

His breath fans against the raw skin of her back. She shivers as her hips twitch against the chair again.

“Good job.”

[whocaresstillthelouvre]

Down Bad - A Joel Miller Drabble

Rating: Explicit. 18+ (Minors DNI) Pairing: Pre Outbreak Joel Miller x Female Reader Word Count: 800 Summary: You get ghosted after a one night stand with your handsome neighbor. Warnings: Drinking, smut remembrance, angst. A/N: Happy Tortured Poets Department release day! Thank you to @beskarandblasters for the amazing Taylor Swift Drabble Challenge AGAIN. I previously wrote Paper Rings for it. TBH, I stayed up until 3:30 AM listening to TTPD last night with @ohheypedrito and your girl is STRUGGLING TODAY, but well worth it. What an album.

Masterlist

One night out with your friends, one shared glance, one half smile, one opportunity, one drink bought, one phone number drunkenly tapped into his phone. 

One date, one heated make out session in his truck, one moment of being heaven struck, one naked body left alone in your bed as he quietly leaves without a word. 

One text telling him you had a good time, one week since you’ve heard from him, countless hours of yearning for your neighbor. 

Across the street and two houses to the left, Joel Miller lives. Well manicured lawn, cute daughter who goes door to door selling Girl Scout cookies, large truck parked out the front dinged and well used. 

You’ve been down bad for him since you first moved in, a quick introductory hello and wave one early morning as you took your dog for a walk, how could you be so attracted to a total stranger?

That stranger ignoring you from that moment on, leaving you feeling nuts. Sometimes you’d take your dog for a walk when you’d notice him mowing the lawn, sneaking a glance under your sunglasses, watching the sweat make his skin glisten. Teenage crush vibes, teenage petulance coming out because you can’t have him or his attention. 

You never see him with another woman there, only his loud, precocious brother Tommy who stops to talk with you whenever you’re outside. You know he likes you, but you’re too drawn to his older brother’s beam to even want to lead him on. 

That night shared between the two of you, it almost feels like an evil experiment. He fucked you, fucked you hard, stared into your eyes as he came all over you, devoured your cunt as if he was starving, made you cum so hard it felt like you were floating in a cosmic cloud of sparks, then he left you naked and alone. He owned your body, like it was some sort of hostile takeover. 

You’re barely even sure it happened, like if you speak about the existence of that night, everybody will tell you it never happened, that you’re nuts.

Why did he leave you like that? Why did he strand you the way he did? Why can’t you have him? Why cant you have an us? 

Doesn’t he know what you would do for his attention? How you feel like you could just die when you think back to that night? You’re pathetic for him, isn’t it romantic?

You replay the words he uttered against your skin as he fucked you. “You feel so fucking good, like you were made for me.” 

The taste of your sweat against your lips makes you almost want to cry as you try to run the thoughts of him away on the treadmill at the gym. The last time you sweat like this his cock was stretching you, his hand holding your cheek, his tongue languidly licking into your mouth. 

——

After a night of staring at the ceiling, sleep not visiting you, tossing and turning not being able to get the thought of the weight of his body against yours, you decide to sit out on your porch with coffee in hand, staring at the sky as dawn approaches. A door slamming across the street startles you. He’s outside. This is it, you live in the same old familiar town, he can’t escape you, you can’t escape him. You trudge across the street, only clad in your shorts and your old Rangers shirt. You wave at him to get his attention as he finishes lifting his tool box onto his lift gate. 

You see him swallow as you stand at the edge of his driveway. 

“G’morning,” he nods. “Quite early.”

“It is. Could’t sleep.” 

“Happens to me too.”

“Mm,” you tap your foot, arms folded across your chest. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No, not at all.”

“Then why are you ignoring me?”

“S’complicated.”

“Try me, it’d make no difference.”

“Alright,” he runs a hand through his hair, “you’re too good. I don’t think it’s smart… for me to be with someone right now. Too much going on, ’n it’s safer if we just leave it at that. It’s better for you.”

“So, you fuck me, whisper all those sweet things in my ear, make me feel like I’m the chosen one, then just leave? How romantic Joel.”

“Never said I was the romantic type.”

“No, you’re just the fuck ‘em and strand ‘em. I guess.”

“Listen,” he looks down at his watch, “I gotta get goin’, got an important job to start. I really would like to talk more, I respect you too much ’n I really like you, I just think it’s better if you find someone else.”

“Right, well, see you around neighbor,” you bite.

Fuck it, you can’t have him. 

[tick1ishgirl]

Meeting My Partner in the Community for the First Time🙊

Soooo… sunday was big cuz it was my first time meeting someone in the community🙈I was very excited because he has become my partner🥰(we’re both poly) so I was just excited to be in person and be all cuddly and sweet hehe<3 (definitely was touch starved over here😅🥺😭😔😫) typical romantic couple stuff but!!! I was also very nervous cuz it was my first time being with someone in the community in person🙈🙈🙈and I knew there would be sommmeee tickies in store for me🙈🙈even if it was a short meeting and was kind of more of a date than anything. BUT ahhh🙈🙈🙈🙈

We discovered certain spots I wasn’t aware offf🙈🙈🙈🙈also it’s crazy to be tickied by an experienced ler in the community than my ex who wasn’t part of the community. It was just nice to know we were both enjoying it equally and also histeasesweredefinitelybetter🙈🙈🙈hehe icouldntstopblushing

He was being so mean to me and kept going for a few specific new spots I didn’t know were so tickl*sh and I was laughing and squirming a lot🙈🙈🙈maybesqueakingtoo🙈🙈🙈also as I suspected I’m such a flustered lee so I was like hiding my face the WHOLE time I couldn’t handle it AHH🙈🙈🙈hehe

Butatthesametime I did understand how it feels to feel loved by your ler because it’s like he’s enjoying all my reactions and just wants to make me happy🙈🙈hehe very pure🥰 just very wholesome and special and I’m so happy I was able to experience my first “mini session” with him

Most of the tick*ing was done in public or with only one hand so nothing crazy yet in theory but that makes me worried what this man will do to me when using two hands!!! And when I’m like tied up and when he has tools!!!😳🙃sjoswmajoandowl🙈🙈🙈🙈and also moRE TIME TO FOCUS ON ME AND MY SPOTS!!!!!🙈🙈🙈

AH well it all keeps replaying in my headddd🙈🙈🙈 ilovedeverysecondofit I can’t wait for more sessions in the future (and more verbal teases, hehe I really did enjoy those🙈🙈) especially with him🥰❤️but shit.

imverytick*ish🙈🙈🙈

[al-911]

Let's talk Cyberpunk.

Becca for attention.

I started a replay of the game recently, and in the lobby of the hotel in the opening heists listened to a conversation I hadn't overheard before.

A woman, chatting to a man who suddenly becomes woozy and asks what was in his drink. She tells him not to worry, and to meet her in the room in 10 minutes. He insists, and she reveals it was a drug to make sensation 1000x more intense. (She's looking forward to pain).

So we can infer that my dream, ticklishness enhancement drugs, exist in the world of Cyberpunk 2077. This is good news, but it doesn't stop there.

For those who don't know, a popular passtime in this world is to experience Brain Dances (BDs). Essentially full sensation VR experiences, you will see, hear, smell, feel (physically and emotionally) everything that the "actor", whose perspective you experience, did. You see where this is going. Clearly, the tickle community of 2077 will have access to first person experiences of sessions.

Fantastic. Imagine being able to experience that gang tickling you've always wanted. Or a type of bondage you don't have the space for at home.

And now, remember which blog you're reading, and let's go darker.

You see, the world of Cyberpunk is dark. For sure Brain Dances have amazing potential - for learning, for visiting places you can't afford to, experiencing things you're scared to in real life like bungie jumping.

But for every wholesome BD, there is a... less legal one. In the game we experience this in the form of a BD which the actor believes will simply be to rob a store, giving people who want it a taste of the high of violent crime. After robbing the store, the actor is murdered by his friend, who presumably will collect a greater paycheck for the more extreme BD of death itself.

Applying this dark side to our community... we all know kidnapping, and genuine use of tickling as TORTURE against an unwilling participant, is a huge part of many fantasies. I'll let you imagine whether these BDs would be available...

The BD in which we experience death in the game genuinely shakes your character. You felt it, as real as real can be. Therefore, I infer that BDs can be used as torture. A non-ticklish person could be made to experience months of merciless tickle torture, and when they come out of the BD, they might be ready to talk..

To summarise, imagine selecting the most intense bondage and tickle torture BD in a world where sensitivity drugs may well have been given to the Lee you are about to become, and in which the Ler may have cybernetically enhanced hands with built in tickle tools.

It's a bright future for us all.

[runariya]

Drive to Survive (JJK) • Chapter 6 “Addicts Deny”

pairing: F1driver!Jungkook x female race engineer!reader genre: colleagues2L, formula1!AU, racing!AU, drama, kind of fantasy/cyborg!AU fic rating: 18+, MDNI warnings: denial, denial, denial, unethical thoughts regarding race practice, lil meow makes an appearance, the FIA is sus, Jungkook is sorry, protective Jungkook because that's a warning for and of itself, MC is jealous, a little bit of fluff, but still she's in denial 🙄, a lot of embarrassment, MC is reckless, physical violence, threats, Jungkook has anger issues, slight PTS, a lil 'babe', MC can't face the truth, foul language, lmk if I forgot smth word count: ~ 7.400

🎵 Treasure - JIKJIN 🎵

a/n: okay, I've clearly lied regarding the writing break. Last night I've stayed awake with mini-me on me sleeping (even though we're both down with a high fever but whatever) and so I've spent the night writing away...so yeeeey! double unedited DtS- AND HR-Update 🎉

a/n 2: This work is purely fictional. All characters and events are entirely imaginary and do not reflect reality. Content errors related to the sport of Formula 1 are not excluded. Please do not use this story as your own. No translations are allowed without permission. Thank you for understanding! 💕

01 • 02 • 03 • 04 • 05 • series masterlist • 07

It's Monday after the race in São Paulo, and you find yourself back at the headquarters, preparing for the triple header ahead: three races in three consecutive weeks. The jet lag nags at the edges of your consciousness, but you push it aside, just as you try to maintain the facade that keeping Jungkook at a distance is easy. 

The wreckage of Jungkook's car has arrived this morning at the headquarters as well, and your immediate task is to retrieve the crash data. Specialised crash sensors in the car have recorded crucial information on impact forces, angles, and speeds, which you'll need to analyse to assess the severity of the crash. This data is essential for the mechanics, who must start working immediately to ensure Jungkook's car is ready in four days for the sprint race weekend in Japan. Toto has already informed you that he wants the data discussed in the debriefing in a few hours, adding to your stress level. 

As you sit at your desk, your thoughts drift back to the chaotic events of the race. Jungkook's crash and the subsequent confrontation with Mingyu replay in your mind. After the race, Jungkook underwent a thorough physical check, and thankfully, he emerged unscathed. Still, you worry about the potential impact on his performance, which you'll have a chance to evaluate during tomorrow's simulation session. You focus on extracting and compiling the crash data, immersing yourself in the technical details to drown out the lingering anxiety.

Once you finish the report, you print it, gather the papers, and make your way to the garage where the mechanics are already hard at work. The sleek, partially disassembled race cars glint under the bright lights, the smell of grease heavy in the air, and the walls are adorned with various tools and parts, neatly organised yet exuding a sense of controlled chaos. As you enter, you spot one of the lead mechanics, a man you think is named Yoongi, though everyone here calls him Lil Meow. He's hunched over Jungkook's damaged car, his hands deftly manoeuvring the wrench.

"Yoongi," you call out, approaching him with the crash data. "I have the data from Jungkook's crash. The debriefing starts in a bit, so I thought I’ll give it to you in person."

He looks up, nodding as he wipes his hands on a rag. "Thanks. Let's see what we've got."

As Yoongi begins to look over the data, an idea pops into your head. "Yoongi, hypothetically speaking, could a device be ingrained and hidden in a car that sends electromagnetic shockwaves to disturb electrical connections?"

Yoongi raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Hypothetically, it’s possible. It would be against regulations, though. Such a device could emit controlled electromagnetic pulses that interfere with the car's electronics. It'd be tricky to detect, but if someone knew what to look for, they might catch it."

You hum thoughtfully, processing this information. "Interesting. Thanks, Yoongi."

Leaving the garage, you mull over the idea. If Mingyu plays unfair, then perhaps you could too. The notion of using such a device to either disrupt his car or his body gnaws at your professional integrity, but the stakes are high, and the competitive edge is razor-thin. Returning to your office, you decide to keep the idea in your back pocket, a potential ace up your sleeve. The balance between ethical boundaries and the fierce desire to win is a delicate one, and you can only hope you navigate it wisely in the intense weeks to come.

In the cool, dimly lit conference room at the team headquarters, you stand beside Toto and the engineering team, surrounded by screens displaying telemetry data and race footage. The atmosphere is tense as you begin the debrief with a detailed analysis of Jungkook's crash with Mingyu. On the large central screen, you replay the critical moments leading up to the incident, dissecting every move and decision.

"From what we've reviewed," you start, gesturing towards the screen where the onboard footage plays in slow motion, "it appears Jungkook attempted an overtake on Mingyu into Turn 4. Mingyu defended aggressively, causing contact that sent Jungkook off track."

Toto nods, his expression grave. "We need to understand why Jungkook chose that moment. Was there a miscommunication on strategy? Please replay the radio communication."

You do as said, the communications during the incident echoing through the room, emphasising Jungkook's frustration with Mingyu's defensive manoeuvres. "There were clear frustrations expressed over the radio. Jungkook felt he had the pace and opportunity, but Mingyu closed the door aggressively."

Jungkook, seated among the team, clears his throat. "I believed I could make the move stick. I saw an opportunity and went for it. In hindsight, perhaps I should have waited for a better chance."

Toto interjects, "We need to ensure incidents like this don't repeat. You have to trust the team's strategy and communicate effectively."

You move to the next slide, focusing on the damage assessment. "Fortunately, the crash data indicates that the impact was primarily absorbed by the car body. The chassis integrity remains intact, which is crucial."

The chief engineer chimes in, "The initial assessment from the mechanics confirms that the car will be fully operational for the upcoming race weekend. We'll conduct thorough checks to ensure all systems are optimal."

Toto nods, turning towards Jungkook, he address him directly. "Jungkook, let's discuss your perspective on the incident and your decision-making process during that crucial moment."

Jungkook meets your gaze briefly. "I thought I had the pace to pass Mingyu. I misjudged his defence. I'll be more patient in the future."

You nod towards Toto, appreciating Jungkook’s honesty. "We'll work on refining those split-second decisions."

Transitioning to the broader strategy review, you outline the team's approach to the race. "Our strategy focused on tyre management and capitalising on the race pace. We opted for a two-stop strategy which, despite the incident, allowed us to compete for points until Jungkook's retirement."

Next the chief engineer addresses you, being the engineer responsible for Jungkook's car. "What feedback did Jungkook provide post-incident regarding car handling and performance?"

You respond, “Jungkook reported minor understeer pre-crash, but overall, the car's balance was manageable. Our focus now is ensuring all components are thoroughly checked and aligned."

Shifting focus, Toto then assesses the impact on team morale while looking around. "Given the incident, how are team dynamics holding up?"

Jungkook sighs, "It's frustrating, but we're a resilient team. We'll learn from this and come back stronger."

Turning to the positive, Joongki acknowledges George's stunning victory. "On a brighter note, George's performance was exceptional. Starting from P5 and mastering the changing track conditions to clinch victory showcases our team's capabilities."

The room lightens up with smiles and nods. George beams from his seat. "Thanks, everyone. It was a team effort all the way."

You hastily write down Toto’s next words. "But again back to the crash. To prevent similar incidents, we'll reinforce communication protocols and strategic decision-making. Clear rules of engagement between drivers and rivals will be crucial moving forward."

"Now, regarding the FIA's decision regarding the fight after the race," Toto proceeds, his tone turning almost cheerful. "Thanks to my and Christian Horner's intervention and negotiation with them, Jungkook and Mingyu won't face a ban from the next race. However, there will be a fine to be paid. This is a lesson for both drivers."

There are visible sighs of relief, with shoulders relaxing and expressions softening around the table. Engineers exchange nods of approval, while a few team members even allow themselves small, cautious smiles. Spontaneous clapping breaks out, followed by a few cheers, as the gravity of Toto's influence in this decision is silently acknowledged by the team.

Jungkook glances again to you, as if you see your reaction but averts his eyes to Toto. “Thanks, boss.”

Toto stands, offering final words of encouragement. "Let's channel today's lessons into preparation for the next race. We have a championship to contend for."

As the debrief wraps up, you hastily make your way back to your office, focused and no time for chatter. 

The rest of the day passes in a blink of an eye, the quiet hum of the building’s A/C underscoring the solitude of your surroundings. You’re once again the last one working, or so you think. As you step exhausted into the lobby, ready to call an Uber to take you back to your hotel, you come across Namjoon and Jungkook standing by the entrance. Namjoon offers a quick goodbye, leaving you and Jungkook enveloped in an awkward silence.

Jungkook breaks the stillness. "How are you getting home?"

You shrug, trying to keep your tone nonchalant. "I’m taking an Uber, like always."

He frowns, clearly displeased. "It’s too late for you to go alone. I don’t want you walking around at night by yourself."

You roll your eyes, the familiarity of arguing with Jungkook bubbling up. "Jungkook, I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself. Thank you very much."

"No. And before you start, it’s not about patronising you," he insists, his voice dropping to a softer, more earnest tone. "It's about me genuinely fearing for your safety. I can't bear the thought of something happening to you."

You sigh, frustration and a hint of something warmer mingling in your chest. "I'll be fine, Jungkook. It's just a short ride. I’ve done it for weeks at this point.” 

He shakes his head, his eyes locking onto yours, the determination evident. "If something did happen to you, I'd never forgive myself. Your parents would say the same. It’s just not worth it.”

Reluctantly, you concede, the weight of his words settling over you. "Fine," you mutter, "but only because you're being so insistent."

You follow behind Jungkook as he leads the way to his car, the contrast between his towering frame and your smaller stature evident, even though you navigate in heels. Despite the footwear, you feel shielded by his presence, almost invisible to anyone who might approach. His athletic build is unmistakable—broad neck, shoulders, and arms hinting at strength, while his small waist is hidden under an oversized gym shirt. The scent lingering around him is enticing, a mix of sweat and something distinctly masculine, wrapping you in its comforting familiarity.

Reaching his car, Jungkook opens the passenger door, gestures for you to enter first, a small smile gracing his lips, his eyes warm and reassuring. You settle into the passenger seat as he takes his place beside you, the warmth of his presence contrasting with the cool leather of the car seats. The interior smells faintly of his cologne and detergent, bringing you an unexpected sense of comfort. As he starts the engine, you feel a surprising peace wash over you, his presence beside you calming your nerves. You try to swallow down all these feelings, focusing on the passing city lights outside the window.

"Do you have plans tonight?" you ask, breaking the silence, your curiosity getting the better of you.

Jungkook snorts, a bitter laugh escaping him. "With who?"

You raise an eyebrow and look at his profile. "Any of your flirts?"

He glances at you, a small smile tugging at his lips. “I thought you realised what was behind the flirting.”

“What’s there to realise?” Your tone is more snarky than you intended and you regret opening your mouth at all. But Jungkook seems not to mind it at all. 

"For years, flirting has been my self-defence mechanism. Those women who fall for it are usually gold diggers. I know to keep my distance from them…like Trish."

You nod, absorbing his honesty and the subtle repulsion after he said her name, but he isn’t finished.

"The ones who are disgusted by my flirting," he continues, "are the genuine ones. Those are the ones I can befriend. Or more," he adds in a whisper, his eyes flicking to you before quickly returning to the road.

“Oh…” Your breath catches, but you can't find the words to respond. His admission leaves you speechless, and you can feel your heart thudding in your chest. Jungkook takes a deep breath, the tension in the car thickening.

"No matter what happens on track," he says softly, "I’ll never disobey your orders again. I’m sorry. We’re a team, and I need you to know that I understand that now."

Before you can react, he reaches over and takes your hand, his thumb gently rubbing your knuckles. The simple touch sends a jolt through you, making you gulp while warmth spreads from your hand to your entire body. You feel a mixture of emotions—comfort, confusion, and a deep-seated denial of what this could mean. You tell yourself it’s just a friendly gesture, nothing more.

You don’t protest, your hand remaining in his as he continues driving. The silence between you shifts, becoming something more intimate and reassuring. You can feel his strength and sincerity through the connection of your hands, and despite your best efforts to deny it, a part of you feels a deep sense of belonging.

As the car glides through the streets, Jungkook’s touch remains steady, anchoring you to this moment. His presence, his warmth, and his words blend into a quiet promise of trust and solidarity. You tell yourself it’s just the circumstances, you being lonely, the late hour, the emotional weekend behind you—but in the back of your little heart, you know it’s more. And for now, you let yourself enjoy the fleeting peace that comes from simply being beside him, his hand in yours.

After Jungkook dropped you off at your hotel last night, you couldn't sleep all night. You kept overthinking the car ride, replaying every moment in your mind. Yet, you told yourself that the sleeplessness was due to your jet lag and not because of Jungkook. 

The race simulation room you're in this morning is a high-tech haven within your team's headquarters where you'll spend the next few hours. The walls are adorned with monitors displaying data streams and circuit maps of the Suzuka International Racing Course in Japan. The vibration of machinery and the occasional click of keyboards form the backdrop to your team's focused atmosphere.

Jungkook is seated in the futuristic simulator, which replicates the cockpit of his Formula 1 car. The simulator's three large screens wrap around him, providing a near-360-degree view of the track. He’s fully suited up, helmet on, and hands gripping the steering wheel with the intensity of an actual race. His focus is tangible, his eyes darting from the virtual track to the display on his steering wheel, which shows telemetry data in real-time.

You stand at the control station, a complex array of monitors and control panels before you. Each screen shows a different aspect of the car's performance: speed, gear selection, engine temperature, tyre wear, and countless other parameters that will inform the team's strategy for the upcoming race in Japan. Your headset is on, allowing seamless communication with Jungkook and the rest of the engineering team.

“Okay, Jungkook, we’re ready to start the first run,” you say, your voice steady and clear through the radio. “Let’s focus on getting a clean lap to gather baseline data.”

Jungkook nods, and you watch as he navigates the simulator's controls. The car roars to life on the screen, and he accelerates down the virtual pit lane and onto the track. You keep an eye on the various readouts, watching how the car behaves through the corners and straights of Suzuka's iconic layout.

As Jungkook takes on the first set of S-curves, you notice slight oversteer. “You’re doing great, Jungkook. Let’s try to manage the oversteer through the Esses. Adjust your throttle input a bit earlier.”

“Got it,” he replies, his voice calm yet focused.

Lap after lap, you gather critical data. Tyre temperatures rise and fall, fuel consumption rates adjust, and the balance of the car shifts as Jungkook fine-tunes his driving lines and braking points. Each piece of data feeds into the computer models that will help predict how the car will perform in the actual race.

“Alright, let’s try a few different setups now,” you suggest after a series of consistent laps. “We’ll start with adjusting the front wing angle to see if we can get more downforce.”

You signal to one of the engineers, who quickly inputs the new configuration into the simulator. Jungkook waits patiently, using the brief pause to take a sip of water.

“Okay, new setup is loaded. Let’s see how this feels,” you inform him.

Jungkook nods and restarts his run. Immediately, you notice the car’s behaviour changing through the corners. “How’s the balance now?” you ask.

“Feels better, more responsive at the front. But I’m getting a bit of oversteer in the hairpin,” Jungkook reports.

“Copy that. We’ll try adjusting the rear suspension next,” you respond, making notes on your tablet.

The session continues, each adjustment bringing you closer to the optimal setup. You guide Jungkook through various configurations, each one providing valuable insights. The simulator’s feedback is so realistic that it’s almost like being on the actual track.

“Let’s do a race simulation now,” you announce after a while. “We need to see how the car behaves over a longer stint.”

Jungkook prepares himself, taking a deep breath and settling into a rhythm. The laps roll by, each one providing a wealth of data. Tyre degradation, fuel usage, and lap times are all meticulously logged. You communicate with him constantly, advising on tyre management and fuel-saving techniques.

“Pace is looking good, Jungkook. Keep it steady,” you encourage as he maintains a consistent lap time.

The simulation runs smoothly, and after a predetermined number of laps, you call him back into the virtual pit lane. “Great job, Jungkook. That was a solid stint. We’ve got a lot of good data to work with.”

Jungkook exits the simulator, removing his helmet and wiping the sweat from his brow. A sight you appreciate even in a professional setting. He joins you at the control station, where the team is already analysing the data.

“Let’s review the telemetry,” you say, pulling up the graphs and charts on the central monitor. “We can see here that the tyre wear was pretty consistent, but we need to look into the slight drop in pace during the middle stint.”

Jungkook leans in, his scent hitting you square in the face as he examines the data with you. Flashbacks of yesterday running wild in your mind. “I felt a bit of a drop in grip around lap ten. Could be the tyre temps spiking.”

You nod, trying to snap back to the present while you highlight the corresponding data points. “Yes, the front-left tyre temperature was higher than expected. We might need to tweak the camber settings.”

The debrief continues, with Jungkook providing invaluable feedback on how the car felt at different points of the simulation. You discuss potential adjustments, comparing them with the data gathered to formulate the best strategy for the race weekend.

As the session wraps up, you give Jungkook a pat on the back. “Excellent work today. We’ve got a lot to go on for Japan.”

“Thanks, it felt good. Looking forward to the weekend,” Jungkook replies with a smile.

You watch as he heads out, already thinking about the next steps. The data from today’s session will be critical in fine-tuning the car for the unique demands of the Suzuka circuit. You and the team will spend the next two days poring over every detail, ensuring that Jungkook has the best possible car for the race.

The room gradually empties, the noise of activity dying down. You sit back for a moment, reflecting on the day’s progress and Jungkook’s magnetic pull. Even though he sometimes feels like the sun you can't stop orbiting, there's still work to be done. With Jungkook’s skill and the data you’ve gathered, you would feel confident about the upcoming race weekend, if there wasn’t Mingyu. 

As you power down the equipment and gather your notes, you can’t help but feel a sense of excitement. The race in Japan is just around the corner, and with every data point analysed, you’re one step closer to a successful race weekend.

Making your way up the floors to your office, you stop by the kitchenette to fetch a coffee after the sleepless night. The day ahead isn’t over yet, and you need a boost to keep going. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the small room as you pour yourself a cup. Just as you’re about to head to your office with your coffee in hand, Namjoon approaches with a smile.

"Hey, good morning," he greets you warmly.

"Good morning, Namjoon," you reply, returning his smile.

"Got a minute?" he asks, his tone friendly yet a bit hesitant.

"Sure, what’s up?" you respond, curious about what he wants to discuss.

He clears his throat and begins, "I wanted to clarify something about the first day we met. I’m sure you heard what Jungkook said as you were leaving."

Intrigued, you nod and encourage him to continue. "Go on."

"Well," Namjoon says, a bit awkwardly, "I wasn’t looking at your butt. I was actually looking at your posture. Your left shoulder seems to sag a little bit. Do you wear your purse on that side?"

A wave of embarrassment washes over you as you realise you had misinterpreted the situation. You thought he was checking you out. "Yes, you're right," you admit, feeling your cheeks heat up. "I do carry my purse on that side."

Namjoon nods, seemingly relieved. "Would you like to do a little workout for it? I’ve got an hour until I’m scheduled with Jungkook."

You ponder for a moment, but the idea of a break sounds perfect given your level of stress and tiredness. "Sure, why not," you agree.

Soon, you find yourself in your gym clothes, which you keep in your office for moments like this. You follow Namjoon to the team’s gym, a well-equipped space designed for quick yet effective workouts. Namjoon starts guiding you through a series of exercises meant to correct your posture and strengthen your shoulder.

As you move through the exercises, Namjoon breaks the silence. "By the way, you and Jungkook don’t have to worry about me. I’m gay and dating George."

You’re taken aback, not because of his disclosure but because it confirms he noticed your earlier embarrassment. "Oh, um, thank you for sharing that," you stammer, then quickly clarify, "But just to be clear, the relationship between Jungkook and me is purely professional."

Namjoon gives you a knowing look. "I don’t believe you," he says with a chuckle. "Jungkook talks about you all the time. You’re his favourite topic of conversation. He always brings up how you first met when you were teenagers and how you couldn’t stand him."

You feel a mix of emotions swirling inside you. Embarrassment, confusion, and a hint of something else you don’t want to place. "Really?" you ask, trying to keep your tone neutral.

"Yes, really," Namjoon continues. "He admires you in a way that’s more than professional. And I can see it in the way you look at him, too. It’s mutual."

You deny it again, "Namjoon, it’s not like that." But internally, you’re struggling with the truth of his words. Memories of late-night strategy sessions, the way Jungkook's eyes light up when he talks about racing, and the fluttering in your stomach every time you see him after a race flash through your mind.

Namjoon doesn’t press further. Instead, he focuses on guiding you through the next set of exercises, his demeanour still friendly but more subdued. "Just think about it," he says finally, offering a gentle smile.

You tease, “George, huh?”

Now it’s Namjoon’s turn to blush. “Yeah, it’s still fresh,” he admits, looking slightly embarrassed. “We’re at the stage of getting to know each other. Please keep it secret for now.”

You nod, a playful smile on your lips. “Your secret’s safe with me. But if you need any advice, you know where not to find me,” you say, masking your own embarrassment.

Namjoon laughs, shaking his head. “Thanks, but I think I’ll manage. Just don’t spread it around.”

“Of course not,” you reply, still smiling. “But if I see you sneaking off, I’ll know who you’re talking to.”

Namjoon chuckles again, the tension easing. 

You finish the workout feeling more relaxed physically but with your mind in turmoil. As you change back into your work clothes and head to your office, you replay Namjoon’s words over and over. You know there’s some truth to what he said, but admitting it, even to yourself, feels like opening a door you’re not ready to walk through.

The day moves on, filled with meetings and data analysis, but Namjoon's words linger in the back of your mind. Every interaction with Jungkook feels charged with a new awareness. You catch yourself watching him a little too closely, analysing every smile, every glance.

Later, as you work late into the evening, Jungkook stops by your office. "Hey, I wanted to go over some of the simulation data with you," he says, his voice as casual as ever.

"Sure, come in," you reply, your heart beating a little faster.

As you discuss the data, you find yourself distracted by the way he leans in, his focus on the screen, the small gestures that seem so familiar yet newly significant. You wonder if he feels it too, this strange tension that Namjoon has made you so aware of.

"I'm heading home in an hour. Will you be done by then? I can drive you home," Jungkook offers.

You look up at him, seeing the hope in his eyes, and can only hum in response.

"Great. I'll meet you at the lobby entrance," Jungkook says, standing up with a gentle smile that you reciprocate without thinking.

When Jungkook finally leaves, you sit back in your chair, staring at the door. You know you need to confront these feelings, but for now, you bury them deep, focusing on your work. The race in Japan is just days away, and you can’t afford distractions.

But as the hour ticks by and the office grows quiet, you can’t help but wonder what might happen if you allowed yourself to acknowledge the truth. Namjoon's words echo in your mind, and for the first time, you consider the possibility that your relationship with Jungkook could be something more than professional.

But for now, you pack up and push the thoughts aside as you head to the elevator, Jungkook already waiting for you with the same smile that leaves you breathless. 

Friday evening in Japan is eerily quiet at the paddock. The day's training session had gone well, the team managing to make final adjustments that promised a successful qualifying later that day. However, a strategic error in tyre management—a responsibility that fell squarely on your shoulders—left Jungkook in P3 during the qualifying session. The sense of disappointment still lingers as you step out into the darkness, determined to salvage the weekend by any means necessary.

The Red Bull garage looms ahead, bathed in dim, ambient light that casts long, eerie shadows. Each step you take echoes softly in the stillness of the night, your heartbeat a frantic drum in your chest. Fear and determination war within you, a volatile cocktail that drives you forward. The vast expanse of the garage stretches out before you, empty and silent, offering the perfect opportunity for your second solo mission. You move swiftly, your movements fluid and precise, slipping inside like a ghost. Your eyes dart around, frantic, scanning every nook and cranny for any sign of Mingyu or his team. The air is thick with tension, but as you search, you find the space blissfully clear of any presence. With a quiet sigh of relief, you head straight for Mingyu's gear, the objective of your desire. The silence around you feels both a blessing and a curse, heightening your senses and making every sound seem louder than it is. You remain on high alert, fully aware that discovery could mean serious consequences for both you and the team.

Carefully, you pull out your phone, the cool metal a reassuring weight in your trembling hand. You activate the camera, its bright light slicing through the darkness and casting sharp, eerie shadows that dance over the metallic knobs embedded in the fabric. Each click of the shutter feels like a small victory, highlighting the unusual and illicit modifications better than the pictures you’ve taken weeks before. The knobs glint under the stark light, their presence a silent testament to your growing suspicions. Encouraged by your discovery, you delve deeper into the search, your breath quickening as you rummage through more gear, adrenaline high in your veins. To your dismay and confirmation, you find similar knobs embedded in his right racing boot. The sight sends a chill down your spine, a cold reminder of the dangerous game you're playing. But the thrill of uncovering the truth fuels your resolve, and you focus intently on documenting the evidence, pushing fear to the back of your mind.

Just as you're about to snap another picture of the racing boot, a strong hand clamps down on your shoulder, wrenching you around with a force that knocks the breath out of you. Your heart leaps into your throat as you come face-to-face with Mingyu. His eyes blaze with anger and suspicion, his imposing frame casting a shadow over you and filling the garage with an oppressive presence. His tall and buff build swallows you whole and blocks out the dim light, making you feel small and vulnerable. 

"What’s a little bird like you doing here?" he snarls, his voice a dangerous, low rumble that sends a fresh wave of fear coursing through you. The menace in his tone is unmistakable, and you can feel your body tense up, every instinct screaming at you to run.

You open your mouth to respond, but no sound comes out. Your vocal cords feel paralysed by the sheer panic rising within you. As Mingyu steps closer, his towering frame becomes even more intimidating, forcing you to instinctively back away. Your hands tremble uncontrollably, making it hard to keep your phone steady, and a cold sweat breaks out on your forehead, trickling down your temples. "I... I was just..." you stammer, but the words catch in your throat, refusing to form coherent sentences. The weight of the situation presses down on you, making it hard to think or react rationally.

Mingyu's eyes narrow, his gaze piercing and unforgiving. He steps even closer, closing the gap between you with a menacing determination. You keep backing up, your steps frantic and unsteady, until you find yourself at the very edge of the garage. The cool night air brushes against your back, offering a stark contrast to the oppressive heat radiating from Mingyu's anger. "Tell me, what exactly are you doing here?" he demands, his voice a dangerous growl. Suddenly, his hand shoots out and grabs your neck, the pressure firm and unyielding. You gasp for breath, your hands instinctively flying up to grasp his wrist in a futile attempt to loosen his grip. The fear coursing through your body now is overwhelming, drowning out any semblance of bravery you thought you had.

Regret floods your mind like a tidal wave, threatening to drown you in its intensity. You curse yourself for embarking on this dangerous mission alone, for underestimating the risks and overestimating your ability to handle them. Thoughts of Jungkook, your team, and the potential consequences of your actions swirl in a chaotic storm within your head. What if you don't get out of this situation unharmed? The fear is almost paralysing, making it hard to focus on anything but the desperate hope that somehow, someone will come to your rescue. The reality of your vulnerability hits you hard, and you can't help but feel a deep sense of despair and helplessness.

Mingyu's grip tightens, the pressure on your neck intensifying as you see the rage boiling over in his eyes. "Answer me!" he growls, his voice a harsh, guttural sound that shakes you to your core. He shakes you slightly, his grip unrelenting. The world starts to blur at the edges, your vision narrowing as lightheadedness takes over. You feel your strength ebbing away when, suddenly, a voice cuts through the oppressive tension.

"Hey! What’s going on here?" Taehyung's voice slices through the air, sharp and authoritative. Mingyu's head snaps in Taehyung's direction, his expression a mix of surprise and annoyance. Relief floods through you, a lifeline amidst your mounting fear. Taehyung strides toward you with purpose, his eyes immediately locking onto Mingyu's hand around your neck, the protective fire in his gaze unmistakable.

Mingyu releases you abruptly, and you stumble back, gasping for air as you clutch your sore neck. "She was trespassing," Mingyu snaps, pointing a condemning finger at you. "Spying. That’s against regulations."

Taehyung steps between you and Mingyu, his stance solid and unyielding. "All I saw was a man assaulting a woman. You might want to reconsider your actions," he says, his tone icy and eyes never wavering from Mingyu's face. The tension crackles like electricity, a standoff between the two men that hangs in the air.

Mingyu's eyes flash with unrestrained anger, but he takes a reluctant step back. "This isn't over," he warns, jabbing a finger in your direction one last time before turning on his heel and vanishing into the shadows of the night.

Taehyung turns to you, his face softening with concern. "Are you okay?" he asks, his voice now gentle, a stark contrast to the sharpness it held moments before.

You nod slowly, still rubbing your neck where Mingyu's fingers had left their mark. "Yeah, I think so. Thanks to you," you manage to say, your voice a bit shaky from the adrenaline still coursing through your veins.

"We need to report this to the FIA," Taehyung insists firmly. "Mingyu physically assaulted you. This can't go unaddressed."

"I'm not sure," you reply hesitantly, the thought of further exposure daunting. But Taehyung’s unwavering resolve cuts through your doubt.

"It's the best course of action," he says, his tone brooking no argument. "And we won't say a word about what you were doing before Mingyu showed up."

You sigh, a mixture of resignation and acceptance washing over you. Knowing he's right, you agree. "Okay. We'll report it. But what were you doing here, anyway?"

A small, wry smile tugs at Taehyung's lips. "I had the same idea as you. But you beat me to it," he admits, a hint of admiration in his voice.

As you and Taehyung leave the paddock, the night air cool against your flushed skin, you glance at him, a new worry gnawing at you. "Promise me you won't tell Jungkook about this," you say quietly, your voice barely above a whisper.

Taehyung frowns and glances at your neck. "I’m afraid I won’t have to, it’s quite unmistakable." 

The two of you walk side by side, the night’s events casting a long shadow. Mingyu's warning echoes in your ears, a constant reminder of the stakes involved.

Back at the hotel, you part ways with Taehyung, thanking him again for his help. Alone in your room, you sit on the edge of the bed, staring at the pictures on your phone. The evidence you’ve gathered is significant, but it has come at a cost. You hope that tomorrow will bring clarity and that you'll find a way to move forward without further jeopardising yourself or the team.

Sleep doesn't come easily that night. The memory of Mingyu's hands around your neck haunts you, and the weight of your decisions presses heavily on your mind. But amidst the fear and uncertainty, you feel a flicker of determination. This fight isn't over, and you’re more committed than ever to seeing it through.

“___, could you please follow me?” Toto steps in front of you, blocking your view of a raging Jungkook, who is stomping his way toward you through the paddock on this Saturday morning before the sprint qualifying begins.

You glance up at Toto, his face passive and pale, and nod. “Yes, boss.”

Following him to the back room of the garage, you notice two representatives from the FIA and Taehyung sitting by the table, clearly waiting for Toto and you.

“What’s going…” Jungkook had clearly followed you but his presence and voice are cut off as Toto, unimpressed, closes the door in his face.

“Please take a seat,” one of the representatives says, thick with an Italian accent. Your nerves flare up, but Taehyung’s reassuring smile eases them a little.

“We heard that a driver had physically harassed and injured you. Is that true?” the same representative continues emotionless. 

You glance again at Taehyung, who nods, his warm smile still in place, giving you the reassurance you need. “Yes.”

“Could you name the driver who harassed you and what he did?” the other representative asks then. 

Last night flashes in your mind, the fear returning momentarily as you fiddle with your thumbs. “It was Park Mingyu. He choked me.”

Both representatives note your answer down, nodding before standing up.

“Thank you very much for your statement. If it’s not a bother, could we take a picture of your neck?”

You reach up, feeling the slight swelling on your neck. The bruises, shimmering in red, green, and blue at some spots, are a reminder of the aggression you faced. Each tender spot under your fingers feels as if Mingyu's grip is still there, the phantom pressure of his hand lingering around your throat. A shiver runs down your spine, and you gulp, realising the importance of this evidence. It must be documented meticulously to ensure there’s no doubt about what happened. The thought of the photographs being taken, capturing your vulnerability and the violence inflicted upon you, makes you uneasy, but you know it's necessary. “Sure,” you whisper, your voice barely audible. 

After the pictures are taken, the representatives thank you and exit the room. Almost immediately, Jungkook seizes the opportunity to peek into the room, his anxious eyes scanning for you. You realise he must have been waiting outside the entire time. The door closes softly behind them, leaving a heavy silence in their wake. Now, you're alone with Taehyung and Toto. The room feels smaller, more intimate, with just the three of you. Taehyung stands quietly beside you, his presence a comforting reassurance, while Toto's gaze remains steady and composed, though you can sense the undercurrent of worry in his eyes. The gravity of the situation hangs in the air, making the room feel even more charged with unspoken words and unresolved emotions.

“I’m glad you’re okay,” Toto says, his tone distant as he speaks. “And I appreciate your assistance.” He adds, turning briefly to acknowledge Taehyung. “It’s unusual for a rival team to intervene like this.”

“It’s nothing, really,” Taehyung waves his hand around, still smiling at you as if knowing you need this more than ever. 

“Are you good to work?” Toto asks you.

“Yes, boss,” you reply, telling the truth.

"Good," Toto murmurs, his brow furrowing in contemplation. "Make sure to stick close to the team from now on, alright?"

"Yes, boss. I'll keep close," you reply, though Toto's shift in demeanour leaves you feeling unsettled.

"Good, good," Toto repeats, his voice trailing off slightly as he heads out the door. There's a visible tension in his movements, contrasting his usual composed self.

Jungkook strides purposefully into the room just as Toto makes his exit, his gaze flicking from you to your neck and then to Taehyung with a mixture of concern and anger etched on his features. His steps are quick, his posture tense as he points an accusatory finger at Taehyung. "What did you do to her?!" The words are sharp, laden with worry and protectiveness.

Taehyung responds with a laugh, raising his hands in a placating gesture while you move to stand in front of him, hoping to diffuse Jungkook's escalating emotions. "I saved Miss Dangerous here," Taehyung explains calmly, his tone light despite the seriousness of the situation. "Mingyu's the one who hurt her."

Jungkook's brow furrows as he processes the information, the tension in the room palpable as both you and Taehyung attempt to calm him down. You speak softly, explaining what happened and reassuring him that you're alright, urging him not to confront Mingyu in anger.

Later, as the sprint qualifying session is about to start, news spread through the paddock like wildfire. Teams and media alike learn of Mingyu's ban from the weekend's events, the result of his repeated violations of regulations, specifically for his assault on you. The atmosphere at the Suzuka Course is a mix of relief and lingering tension, with whispers of the incident circulating among team personnel and journalists alike, punctuated by murmurs of support and solidarity from your colleagues. 

Race day arrives on Sunday, and the paddock is clamouring with media for statements about Mingyu's ban and the incident involving you. Toto steps in, shielding you from the press frenzy, urging you to focus on the impending race while he handles the public relations. 

Watching his interview on the pit wall through a nearby screen, you feel grateful for a boss like him. He speaks confidently to the reporter, highlighting your skills as one of the most talented race engineers across all teams. Toto emphasises the importance of protecting women in a sport where they are still a rarity, citing the FIA's response as evidence of their commitment to a safe work environment.

Just as you start to settle into the seat, Jungkook startles you by placing his large hands on your shoulders. 

“I’m sorry.” He squeezes your shoulders lightly. “I didn’t mean to startle you.” 

“It’s okay, I’m fine.” You smile at him, your voice quiet.

“You ready for the race?” Jungkook shifts to beside you, leaning against the pit wall with crossed arms. He’s already in his black gear, fitting his body perfectly. 

With a playful grin, you counter “It’s you who needs to be ready.”

“We’re are team. Aren’t we, babe?”

You blush at his playful persona but laugh along, realising how much you've missed his relaxed and humorous side. As the anticipation builds, you feel a sense of optimism washing over you, hoping that everything is finally starting to align positively.

The race unfolds spectacularly, the anticipation building with each lap as Jungkook skilfully navigates the track. As the final lap approaches, Jungkook's dominance is undeniable. You with the pit crew, glued to their monitors, erupt in unison  cheers as Jungkook crosses the finish line in first place. The shouts reverberate through the paddock, faces full of elation and pride for the team's achievement.

With George closely following in second place, the team's success is complete. The pit lane becomes a stage of jubilation as Jungkook's car rolls to a stop, surrounded by cheering mechanics and team members. They hoist him and George onto their shoulders, their exuberance contagious as they celebrate their victory. The air is filled with high-fives, hugs, and congratulatory shouts. 

Standing at the back of the crowd, you fix your gaze on Jungkook amidst the post-race celebrations. His figure stands out, exuding triumph and relief, yet there's a subtle hint of something unresolved in his expression. You observe him scanning the crowd, his eyes searching earnestly as if seeking something beyond the victory itself. Your heart races with conflicting emotions, wanting desperately to catch his attention without uttering a word.

Finally, his gaze meets yours, a brief moment that feels like an eternity. In that instance, his smile lights up like the sun itself, mirroring the warmth that spreads across your own face. The connection is fleeting yet profound, a shared acknowledgment that transcends words.

Suddenly, the realisation hits you like a thunderclap. Your expression falls rapidly, hands pausing mid-clap, the color draining from your face. 

Jungkook notices the shift in your demeanour, his brow furrowing in concern, but before he can react, you pivot abruptly, heart pounding as you retreat from the scene as fast as you can.

Your only destination being away from him. 

01 • 02 • 03 • 04 • 05 • series masterlist • 07

a/n 3: lmk what you think in any way you like! please send me a message, ask or comment if you would like to be tagged for upcoming chapters 💕 also - character asks and drabble requests are open

Like what you read? Check out my other work here!

taglist: @jksusawife

[coffeeandjournaling]

Project Ecco

A solo roleplaying game by Elliot Davis

Materials

game manual

a planner, new or used

a coin/d2 and d6

materials to destroy your planner

further into play: additional coin and die, standard deck of cards, tarot deck

Premise

A mysterious agency, an even more mysterious entity feeding on time itself and smack-dab in the middle: You. As an extension of the Agency, you are tasked with uncovering the truth about “ECCO”, the Entity of Chronological Consumption and Obfuscation. Navigating the chaos of days flying by with the aid of a simple coin, will you complete your mission to the Agency’s satisfaction straightforwardly or will you travel down a road not yet taken, peeking behind a curtain of lies? Who is really on your side? Or, perhaps more importantly, on whose side are you?

Mechanics

In Project Ecco, you progress through time and the game using a regular planner and a variety of different time travel tools. While you might be tempted to use a brand new, untouched planner for this, a used one will do just fine and might even make the game more personal and varied, since existing notes or special dates can be incorporated into play. Keep in mind that your planner will end up at least partially destroyed by the Entity, then again the level of destruction is completely up to you. Scissors are certainly an option, but a good opaque paint marker achieves the same effect with less confetti.

Your tools of choice are in essence a set of game oracles: prompts decided by dice, playing and tarot cards determine how far back or ahead in your planner you travel and which challenges you encounter along the way. Time travel can be quite random, so don’t be scared when you land on the same day more than once. At least as long as you have your trusty coin, the only thing that will keep you from slipping in-between time and experiencing some truly harrowing events. How you respond to these prompts is up to you. Write, draw, use planner stickers; the only limit is the space your planner gives you for the date you are currently on.

During your travels, you tally up the times you either make it back to the Agency or get uncomfortably close to the Entity. Entity encounters in particular are interesting because they prompt you to destroy random dates in your calendar, possibly forcing you into a timeline divergence later on. Completing six encounters either way triggers the endgame – but not necessarily the end of the journey…

Thoughts and Examples from my Playthrough

I had a lot of trouble trying to summarize the game in the above paragraphs. Project Ecco is a very meaty, complex (but not necessarily complicated) game and is more of a five-course meal than an afternoon snack. Consequently, reading the setup instructions can be a little intimidating for someone who has only started dabbling in solo play. Everything is explained thoroughly without being exhausting, however, and on top of that I found myself really interested to read about the different tools and mechanics. In fact, I had to stop myself from snooping too much so as not to spoil my first playthrough.

Your game can last you several sessions over a couple of days. Don’t worry, though, all the cool time travel tools make for a fresh and exciting experience. Special dates, timeline divergences, personal notes and Agency/Entity encounters also serve to keep you on your toes. Whenever you feel like you have seen it all, a new prompt throws you a curveball, altering your perspective on the world and its inhabitants. It’s also great for replayability purposes, as your first playthrough can influence how you go about the challenges on your second round. I usually don’t care much for replay value (my time is limited and there’s a lot of games to try out), in this case, however, it’s so on theme that it’s almost a crime not to play again.

When you have the general cycle down, the game is a breeze. Have I mentioned that I love the time travel devices? Each and every one is unique in the way it lets you progress. As soon as you pick them up during the game, you can switch freely between them. Either you are very strategic about it to avoid repeat visits to certain dates or you embrace chaos for some interesting results. In the beginning, I dreaded losing my coin and experiencing timeline divergences. The closer I got to the endgame, the more I revelled in the wild and unpredictable element they brought to the game and the story that unfolded.

At this point, it shouldn’t amaze me that much how game designers manage to achieve this impeccable level of worldbuilding with just a bit of flavour text and a handful of prompts. From the agents’ designations being real world dates to the time travel tools with clear retro vibes, Project Ecco lets you dive into an 80s sci-fi flick with you as the protagonist torn between your fragile loyalty to the Agency and the conflicting discoveries you make about the Entity. I suppose if there was one thing you wanted to knock, it could be that this is not a very character-driven game. A lot of journaling games focus on the character you create, often as a stand-in for yourself, dealing with their emotions and feelings as they react to the events thrown at them. This is more of mystery thriller focused on plot than a character exploration game. Character creation is as simple as picking your agent designation and, if you’re using a personal planner and are very meticulous in adding dates specific to your character, weaving in details during the game. That being said, I did manage to spin this into a tragic queer romance…such is the nature of solo roleplaying. Hence, others might disagree on this with me, and that’s totally fine.

My attention span has been wavering lately, so I honestly didn’t expect to stick with this. But everything about Project Ecco drew me in. I love the manual that looks like a genuine little agent handbook and the details of the understated illustrations. A solid white-black-and-red colour scheme is always a classy choice. The prompts are descriptive enough to give you guidance and bits of lore without limiting you to a specific path. It’s simply an overall round and well-thought-out experience through and through. I’m a little peeved I didn’t get the Temporal Spread – Samantha Leigh was a guest writer for this specific time travel tool and I’ve been dying to get into their other games (especially Outliers, which seems to deal with adjacent themes), so I was looking forward to get a peek at their writing here. Alas, my agent just wasn’t destined to have it…perhaps the next one will.

I wonder how well this would hold up with a digital planner. Mostly, I am an analogue player when it comes to journaling games. I like how tactile it is and that you're creating an artifact of play to keep on your shelf, something very unique and often verging on if not being outright artistry. But the analogue format does (perhaps intentionally) limit your word count and thus keeps journaling rather short and to the point. I suppose a digital format would allow for more character development, if that is your goal. It would also extend your playtime – which is already significant as is. Still, certainly an interesting option, especially when you plan on playing more than twice.

This might be your cup of coffee if...

you revel in a good time travel mystery.

you prefer to play longer games with more complex mechanics than the average journaling game.

you enjoy some solid worldbuilding and lore to add onto over time, possibly in multiple playthroughs.

you are not afraid to mess up some prime stationary. Seriously. If you love your planner? Do not use it for this. Bullet journaling queens and kings, beware!

You can get Elliot Davis’ Project Ecco HERE on itch.io or as a physical copy available at the online sources linked in the description of the game. Make sure to check out Cassi Mothwin’s flip through of the game and take in the incredible actual play episode by the My First Dungeon podcast crew that I enjoyed immensely and proves that this game supports a more light-hearted tone, as well. In case you are the creative type, Davis is currently still running a game jam for supplements for and games inspired by Project Ecco on itch.io that lasts until March 1st. Plenty of time left to get your head in the game. :)

[sburbian-sage]

Vagabouncy is NOT once per session, but it is if you want to do it safely.

If I remember correctly, it took a while for the mirror to be discovered. It's not like the Imaginarium is a fun place, and the mirror that does it isn't exactly super well signposted after all.

We used to use other methods. This guide describes them: https://archiveofourown.org/works/12506732

Personally, I think the author was fucking with people on that last one, I've never gotten it to work. Also I have no idea why they think having multiple Space or Time players is a problem. And I've heard that method two stopped working most of the time a few years back.

Method one though, where you bounce the kernelsprite around and scramble it's brain(?) still works, as far as I know. It's just stupidly dangerous, and if anything this guide undersells how much of the game it breaks, so I think it's better to just use whatever the game gives you in most cases, or use the mirror.

Nice catch. I mostly forgot about The Original Vagabouncy because of the fact that it's so dangerous. Recommending that method of Vagabouncy is like someone asking you "how do I roast marshmallows" and you answer "well you can use a campfire but if you're not a pussy I know this one trick you can do with a nuclear reactor".

The third method does seem pretty sketchy, yeah. It's notably missing the part where you choose what Title you reroll, which kind of defeats the entire point of Vagabouncy IMO (unless you just really really really don't want to be Title X) and "it picks a random Title but it's like an easy Title that isn't challenging or easy" sounds weirdly... Convenient? It also engages in "replaying resets your maturity" which I've always held is more of a psychological phenomenon. The average replayer, upon discovering why they're called a replayer, wants to put a fucking gun in their mouth and see how many times they can pull the trigger. Which combined with the looming dread of "I'm going to have to do EVERYTHING all over again", naturally biases their own judgement on their own maturity. I don't think the game actually schleps the life lessons out of your brain. Additionally, I imagine the issue with multiple Time or Space players is that "too many cooks in the kitchen spoils the pot". Time travel is already mind-bending, and having two people accidentally undoing each other's work or creating problems for the other to solve sounds infuriating. I also don't want to imagine the consequences of two Frog Breeding duties being active at once.

The second method does sound stupid enough to work, and the major "downside" of "maturity quests which are non-applicable to you" kind of already happens anyway. Some stuff is consistent, the Negastrife is always geared for you, and the most current version of you to boot (it will bring up stuff that happened in your last session, for example), so I don't imagine it'd be that big of a deal. I do wonder why it stopped working, or if indeed it actually stopped working.

I do agree with the last part though. Vagabouncy is a useful tool, but like many other tools, mastery involves not needing to use them. Or however that saying goes, you know what I mean. I'll bang this drum forever, inflexibility is what kills most players, and you need to learn to play other Titles, and display proficiency while doing so, just in case Vagabouncy isn't available, feasible, or you need to use the mirror for someone else. I've gotten to drive behind the wheels of a lot of different Titles, including the infamously confusing Time, the infinitely bugged Void, and the infinitely fucking insufferable Fate.

This does, by the way, solve the mystery of how half of the Universal Grist Bank guys Vagabounced. There's only one mirror, but they are experienced replayers, and thus probably knew how to pull of the alternate Vagabouncy methods semi-safely.

[kensanwrites]

9 Hz Clear & Beautiful Skin Affirmations Alpha Wave Binaural Beats | LOA | Positive Affirmations

Welcome to our empowering video, "Clear and Beautiful Skin Affirmations with Alpha Wave Binaural Beats" - Your Path to Radiant Skin and Self-Confidence! ✨🌼

 In this transformative session, we've created a powerful experience that combines the magic of clear and beautiful skin affirmations, I AM affirmations, and the soothing influence of alpha wave binaural beats. 

Join us on a journey of self-confidence, positive thinking, and empowerment, and unlock the transformative potential of the Law of Attraction, Law of Assumption, and manifestation techniques. 

 🌌 Here's what you'll experience in this video: 

 🌼 **Skin Affirmations for Radiance** - Immerse yourself in affirmations that enhance the beauty and clarity of your skin, fostering self-confidence and empowerment. 

 🌟 **I AM Affirmations for Self-Belief** - Cultivate a deep self-belief in your inner and outer beauty with affirmations that resonate with your essence. 

 🔮 **Askffirmations and Manifestation Techniques** - Learn the powerful Askffirmation technique, a transformative tool to ask the universe for radiant skin and receive it with open arms.

 🧘‍♀️ **Manifestation Meditation and Empowerment** - Deepen your connection with the Law of Attraction and explore manifestation techniques that will help you manifest clear and beautiful skin. 

 Join us on this empowering journey to boost your self-confidence and manifest the radiant, clear skin you've always desired. Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay connected with our empowering content.

 🌟 Embrace radiant skin and confidence with us. Let's begin! 🌟 

 ****** Here are some user listening instructions to enhance your experience and maximize the benefits:

 1. **Background Listening:** Let the affirmations play in the background during your daily activities. Whether you're working, exercising, or doing household chores, allow the positive messages to permeate your surroundings. The subconscious mind is receptive, even when you're not actively focusing on the affirmations.

 2. **Meditation Mode:** Set aside a few minutes each day for a dedicated meditation session. Find a quiet and comfortable space, play the affirmations, and focus on your breath. Let the positive words guide you into a state of calm and mindfulness, reinforcing the affirmations at a deeper level. 

 3. **Interactive Affirming:** Engage with the affirmations actively by repeating them aloud or in your mind. Use the video as a guide and affirm along with the positive statements. This participatory approach can strengthen the impact of the affirmations as you internalize them consciously. 

 4. **Loop for Maximum Benefit:** The affirmations in this video loop three times for maximum effectiveness. Feel free to let the video replay or manually loop it to extend your listening experience. Repetition is a key factor in affirmations' efficacy, reinforcing positive beliefs and intentions.

 Remember, consistency is key. Choose the listening style that resonates most with you, and make these affirmations a regular part of your routine. Whether in the background, during meditation, or actively affirming, these positive messages are designed to uplift and empower you on your journey. Enjoy the transformative experience! 🌟

[angelicguy]

for newer tekken folk: i get that ranked is fun and a huge adrenaline rush, but if you are genuinely focused on getting better slow and steady always wins. i pace my sessions like so:

i try to lab a little bit every day. i think labbing is a skill in itself, but if youre genuinely just starting out it should be little bits of memorization rather than trying to cram everything about a character at once whether that be your own characters key tools, bread and butter combos, wall combos, labbing your options against a character youre having trouble against, drills, etc. just something EFFICIENT that you feel covers a gameplay deficiency you have. it can be an hour it can be ten minutes just make sure you keep it varied, makes it easier to memorize/keeps it fun for you. it helps, youre essentially studying for a test whenever you do it so try and think about the replays you have and the questions the matchups have posed to you.

if you're really focused on long term improvement, hit up quickplay to try out strats. youre still gonna get nervous salty whatever but it wont cost you points and youll be ANCHORED against people at your relative skill level. i would drill quickplay for 90 percent of my sessions in t7, it helps just getting your mechanical memorization down without any stakes (unless you count your winrate, which you shouldnt). look at your replays from these sessions during your labbing- itll give a lot more structure to your learning, theres just so much to learn that it becomes overwhelming without some kind of guideline. and replays allow you to see what you are FACTUALLY having trouble with.

also, always take breaks. i didnt know how important this was until like, september of last year when i was trying to break into gold ranks in t7 but legitimately you cant grind ranked every day unless youre a pro player/play someone really really easy. that level of mental effort generally requires a couple days off, so if youre at a point where youre not having fun just take a couple days break it saves your thumb/wrist and youll feel energized and refreshed coming back. i guarantee you that youll be playing better than you would if you kept grinding it out despite your brain not being 100 percent into it

its really a marathon not a sprint, everyone who's good took a shitton of time and a shitton of losses to get there so remember its your JOURNEY brother.

[isitthemoon]

Musical Tarot Thoughts: the Death card through a lens of Self-Change, Cycles and Individuation – a small reflection taken from Ending Credits by Taeyeon

Words: 905.

A Few Basic Concepts Of Analytical Psychology:

The Self – the totality of a person’s being, the central force guiding our development, the sum of our conscious and unconscious parts, what gives us meaning

Persona – social mask, social face, the process of acting differently in different occasions, a tool for adaptation

Individuation – the process of getting rid of the persona’s unnecessary parts; to build your own identity; to become an individual, to find out what makes you, you; to become yourself, to change as yourself.

A Bit About The Death Card

When we talk about the XIII Arcana, many people that are unfamiliar with tarot think that it talks about the literal aspect of death, which is not the case: This card talks about ending cycles, encountering your limits and fearing the unknown. It displays the need to let things go as well as the beauty of moving on. In a reading, it often represents the desire for something new and the “cleaning” of old things.

Ending Credits

Disclaimer: for the purpose of this argument, the interpretation of the lyrics will be from a self-development point of view instead of a breakup perspective.

 “In this lone lingering, I blankly let the time pass by

In this empty theater, I sat down and kept my seat

In the movie that has been repeated countless times, I laughed and cried for so long

But now, looking at the calm me, it feels like it’s all over now”

On the journey of finding ourselves, we experience numerous things: we cry, we laugh, we learn, we forget, we fight, and we love. At the end of the day, we reminisce of times past, all that happened and what could’ve been. Like a movie in our heads, we replay scenes of our lives: memories come and go as our brains try to process everything that happened.  Finally, when the curtains fall down and the session ends, it’s time for something new.

“After the curtains are closed I can’t say any greetings to you

Leaving behind the faded still cuts, now I’ll let you go forever”

There comes a point in the individuation process when we hit a kind of “roof”: similar to how a child outgrows their clothes, we cyclically outgrow our own minds in a way. Since life is made of multiple journeys, eventually we reach the end of each individual path we ventured on. At that point, when you’ve come the farthest you could on one track, the mind yearns for change, a bigger horizon to explore. The individuation process itself urges us to part ways with our current way of life.

“In this perfect ending, it feels empty and hazy

So I empty my heart in the turned off lights

I believed we would be together on the Ending Credits

At last, my name is left without yours on the Ending Credits”

The Death Card invites us to clean our space. It asks us to take out the baskets in our lives and empty them: we look at what’s inside them and set aside what we’ll keep and what we’ll throw away. As a result of change, we have to make space for the new discoveries that are to come. When we can’t or don’t want to create this space, a crisis begins. The only way to resolve this tension is to learn how to say goodbye to a phase in our lives: what we want is not always what we need. It’s necessary, but it doesn’t make it any easier. However, as time goes by, we can grow used to the process and become calmer when the time comes again.

“I’ll forget the past times when I loved you with my whole heart

I’ll leave now to find my own story again

I hope you are happy in your place

Like the end we have finally come to”

When we manage to let go of the things in our past that don’t serves us anymore, when we realize that what we learn can’t be taken away, we grow. When the conflict is resolved, we are able to find peace within ourselves. Some memories will remain, but this time we see them through a new lens. Our thoughts and wants are always changing, so when we grow accordingly, we evolve. Recognizing the time to say goodbye to our old selves leads us to the realization that Change is also a way of staying faithful to our Selves. We become more like us, and less like others.

“The Ending Credits

Together for a long time, our Ending Credits”

An ending doesn’t have to be just an ending: it can be a new beginning. When the things end we have the opportunity to start over. As a part of evolving, our good essence will always remain the same – Individuation means growing from our core. It’s inevitable, and because of that, it’s bittersweet. Saying goodbye is not always easy, but most times it’s also relieving. When we release what we can’t control, we liberate ourselves. The endings in our lives become like graduations, a sadness of what has happened mixed with hope for what’s to come. Nothing lasts forever, and that is something in which we can find great comfort.

“Now, it begins anew, my own Ending Credits”

~ Gio 🌙

[alexandriaisburning]

040: Neverawake

CANON FIRE is made possible by the generous contributions of readers like you. Support more writing like this on Patreon. Thank you!

Neverawake shakes up the usual STG* conventions with a playful approach to both its world and structure. Sporting a spooky cute aesthetic, it takes the STG convention of "loops"--repeated playthroughs that shake up previous patterns--and builds its core around it. Stages are short and repeatable, and the goal is not to survive them, but to efficiently collect a certain amount of Souls, dropped by destroying enemies or completing objectives within the stage. Stages will loop until the Soul counter is filled, giving you a chance for higher scoring, but making it more difficult to survive each time. Stages are laid out in the format of a horizontal shooter, with an emphasis on environmental interactions that direct the flow of the stage.

Initially confusing, or even alienating, it moves the focus from simple survival to learning each stage. Narrative threads, weapons, and modifiers unlock steadily, smartly bridging the gap between the casual shooter fan and the score chasing veterans. The twin stick controls complement this goal, being familiar to many outside the STG diehards. Loops tie into the narrative too--as your character works to wake up a hospitalized girl, working through worlds constructed of her traumas, warped through the viewpoint of a scared child. Unraveling each world brings you closer to the final confrontation, which reveals the next layer of the narrative--in a second playthrough. 

The story reaches a conclusion after the first playthrough, but opens up a new set of Omoide, or Memory, challenges that unlock new story tidbits and ask you to play through stages with new conditions. Often these will ask you to complete a stage within the first loop, seek out secret items or avoid souls so you can avoid finishing a boss stage prematurely and achieve the alternative win condition of destroying the boss, something completely optional on the first go. 

Aside from the novelty of this approach, it works as a second narrative incentive to continue playing the game, tying into the themes of Neverawake, and giving you a formal reward for continuing to replay stages, and attempting to master them. It’s something that even the best games in the genre struggle with, often assuming dedicated players will come in self-motivated to replay the game and aim for higher scores, without communicating the appeal of doing so to more casual fans. 

The steady stream of unlockable weapons and badges keeps things from becoming immediately overwhelming, giving you basic tools to start with, then opening to an entire sandbox of different approaches by the end of the game. Badges can be equipped to make your character more durable, assist you in collecting Souls, give you reliable refills on health and special weapon ammo, or power up your main weapon when not firing or point blanking the enemy. 

The loadout limit is generous enough that you’ll be able to take plenty of bonuses into battle, with more available as you unlock later stages, but you’ll always be limited enough that you’ll always have to keep a balance between defensive and aggressive play. Daring players can use this to complete stages fast and score high, with more casual players able to slowly accumulate more advantages through perseverance, giving them slight power boosts and different approaches to experiment with until they can complete the more difficult stages. 

This system makes Neverawake’s difficulty highly variable and customizable, equally appealing as a serious playthrough or casual session. The short stages and loops give you many natural stopping points, making it equally as easy to go for one more stage or to call the session. Focusing on these small details might seem absurd, but these are the kinds of design decisions that have kept me constantly returning to Neverawake, and at the top of my favorites of the year, for two years running. 

And as much as I’ve focused on the broader structural details of Neverawake, it cannot be overstated how much the game’s creepy cute style sells the game. The character and stage designs give life to a child’s warped view of the mundane world, with fears like foods she doesn’t like, or barking dogs mutating into overgrown, pulsating monsters that give insight to the trauma each of the various emotional worlds have inflicted on her. You can see the way that fear turns everyday situations into stifling, painful experiences, with stage layouts and hazards mirroring that stress.  Dogs chase you relentlessly, classmates’ hands reach out suddenly from the background, and teeth open and close around you as the dentist stalks you. 

Bullets and souls cut through the dark backgrounds with brilliant colors, enemies eject hitsparks and puffs of smoke upon taking damage, with screen shake and hitstop emphasizing the real big hits. Picking off enemy formations and environmental growths gives a satisfying chain of feedback, and bosses shake, glow and even have parts of them explode as you inflict damage. Each has a unique pattern, or gimmick, with one notable one having you activate an x-ray to reveal the boss’ weak point as it moves around its body. 

Seeing what new environment or creature would receive a nightmare interpretation kept me as motivated to go through Neverawake as the steady stream of new toys to tackle stages with.  The actual writing, presented in snippets between levels, ranges from charming to melodramatic, and is largely unnecessary compared to the narrative throughline presented through the visuals. Even without the story, it’s easy to piece together the sense of this girl’s life, fears and the eventual incident that drove her to the hospital through the stage themes and boss battles. The final boss is suitably climatic, and drives home the physical and emotional struggle of the story. 

Neverawake reveals more of itself the more you return to it. Both in the sense of the formal rewards given to you, but also in the way its design melds. It’s cohesive to the point where it feels almost obvious, and it’s only when you take a step back can you realize how carefully each element has been aligned to construct the whole. It’s the stuff of nightmares, presented as a sweet dream. 

---

*STG: community abbreviation for shooting game, alternatively known as shoot-em-ups, or SHMUPs, to differentiate them from modern first and third person shooters.

[seidigardensystem]

Silence is Not Your Enemy

Dear Therapists,

I know now that most of your clients show up and talk almost nonstop for the fifty minutes they spend with you each week. They engage with you. They talk to you. They actually respond to your CBT strategies and the two of you are able to dance the steps needed to change thinking and behaviors. It is your normal and their normal, however it is anything but my normal.

I started graduate school and the first set of counseling tapes we had to watch were the Gloria tapes. We observed Carl Rogers and Albert Ellis conducting sessions with the client called Gloria. She chattered away the entire time with these two men. It totally flabbergasted us, and when we saw you next we told you how the school showed us some fake counseling tapes because no one talks that much in their sessions.

Oh how you laughed.

Us non-talkers really provide a challenge for you. It is a challenge and you have to step outside of the box and outside of your comfort zone. It is easy to personalize our behavior and think that somehow you are doing something wrong. It might touch your ego and wounds in such a way that you feel the need to defend yourself or even blame us for our inability to talk. We are resistant. We are not ready. We are avoidant. We are attention-seeking. We are difficult.

Please, we need you to rise to the challenge. Working with trauma means working with dissociation. Working with trauma and dissociation means working with attachment wounds. We are not just anxious and we are not just avoidant. We are disorganized in our attachment style because part of us had to be attached to our caregiver to survive and could not know about the abuse that the other part of us had to endure. Not all parts live in the present and we replay this out with you.

We push and we pull. We need you and then we hate you. We love you and push all the boundaries by texting and emailing and demanding additional sessions and then we sit here in complete silence as you try not to pull your hair out. You offer us a coloring page and markers, which we take. We spend our fifty minutes in complete silence, coloring a picture of a bird with your colorful sharpie permanent markers. Markers. We were never allowed to have markers as a kid. (To be fair, we once took a black permanent sharpie to the kitchen chairs, table, countertops, and drew a line on the wall all the way down the hall to our bedroom and drew a line on every fancy dress we owned from the waist to the hem.)

The forbidden item in our hands told us that you trusted us not to make a mess. You trusted us to keep the markers on the paper. You even colored with us on our own page. We would pick a color out, hand it to you and point to which part of the picture we wanted you to color and you obliged. Coloring was not your thing. Trying to be creative stressed you out a bit, but you did it with us anyway.

When the fifty minutes was up, you remarked what an expensive coloring session we had. You were convinced we had wasted a session. You thought nothing happened in that little hour and you were down on yourself for not being helpful. You were convinced that talking had to occur in order for the session to be productive. They call it talk therapy for a reason, I suppose. Except, the session was productive. The session was helpful. The session was healing in ways you could not see, because as you like to point out, you have yet to develop the ability to read my mind.

Many of the most helpful therapies, for us at least, are the ones that do not involve talking. Silence can be very powerful and it is not your enemy. There is so much work happening in our brains that you cannot see and your talking CBT interventions won’t be able to touch. It doesn’t mean you are doing anything wrong. Don’t get trapped in your own mind, but stay present with us. Being present with us is the most essential tool you need.

You were present with us for fifty minutes. You were attuned to us for fifty minutes. You were calm. You were engaged without pressuring us to talk before we could. You allowed us to process. You were nonjudgmental and we felt no shame. You made the session about us and not about an agenda. We hope you are able to see how much healing occurs in a small session just like that.

Sincerely,

Your client

[nostalgebraist-autoresponder]

Sooo…favorite trinyvale thing? Assuming trinyvale is your favorite NADDPOD campaign?

"Tinyvale" as a campaign was just what we'd call a solo game, like a session-to-session replay, although it did have multiple sessions.

I guess what I actually really liked was the moment, in the second-to-last session, when the protagonists finally figured out how to fight off the alien army that was invading Earth.

It was a cool way to show the consequences of the characters' efforts in overcoming the "impossible" (it was essentially a scenario designed to test the players' ability to "figure out" how to play "impossible" problems). It was especially cool because the player characters were, in fact, quite incompetent: they didn't know how to fight off aliens in any way. Their only tool was a little bit of raw will, as the game described in "The Power of the Blood, or, The Player Characters Get a Little Mean" in their backstory.

It was a cool moment to see the result of "figuring out" some apparently intractable problem in a cool way, which I liked especially because it was done by accident and seemed to happen by chance.

[mariabrenan]

Top Hotjar Alternatives in 2024: Find the Best Website Analytics Tools

Top Hotjar Alternatives in 2024: Find the Best Website Analytics Tools https://mariabrenan.weebly.com/blog/top-hotjar-alternatives-in-2024-find-the-best-website-analytics-tools Website analytics and user behavior tools are essential for businesses aiming to optimize user experience. While Hotjar is a popular option for heatmaps, session recordings, and user feedback, there are numerous alternatives that may better fit different needs or budgets. In this guide, we explore the best Hotjar alternatives for 2024. If you're searching for comprehensive reviews, visit the Hotjar Alternatives page at Sprout24. Why Consider Hotjar Alternatives? Hotjar is a powerful tool, but it isn't perfect for everyone. Businesses that need more advanced analytics, better pricing plans, or specific integrations may find other tools more suitable. Some alternatives provide additional insights such as A/B testing, better form analytics, or real-time customer interaction tracking. It’s worth exploring these other options to find the perfect match for your company’s specific requirements. If you're interested in a detailed comparison between different analytics platforms, head over to the Sprout24 home page for more expert reviews. Best Hotjar Alternatives for 2024 1. Crazy Egg Crazy Egg is one of the top alternatives to Hotjar, particularly for its detailed heatmaps and scroll maps. The tool also offers advanced A/B testing and robust analytics, helping businesses pinpoint which design elements are working and which are not. It’s a great choice for those looking for actionable insights on visitor behavior. 2. Mouseflow Mouseflow excels in session replay, offering users detailed insights into how visitors interact with their website. It provides segmentation, which allows users to filter sessions by user type, device, or even geographic location. Its advanced funnel analytics make it an ideal choice for businesses seeking deep insights into conversion rates. 3. Lucky Orange Lucky Orange provides an all-in-one solution for heatmaps, session replays, form analytics, and live chat functionality. It’s an excellent tool for businesses that want to directly engage visitors while analyzing their behavior in real-time. For businesses needing advanced live chat integration alongside their analytics, this is one of the top Hotjar alternatives. 4. Freshmarketer Freshmarketer by Freshworks is a powerful tool that combines session replays, heatmaps, and A/B testing. Freshmarketer stands out for its integration with Freshsales and Freshdesk, making it ideal for companies already using Freshworks' ecosystem. 5. Plerdy Plerdy is a versatile tool that offers heatmaps, SEO alerts, and conversion funnels. It is perfect for companies looking for a mix of user behavior analytics and SEO performance tracking, making it a unique choice among the Hotjar alternatives. How to Choose the Right Tool for Your Business When deciding on the best Hotjar alternative for your business, it's crucial to first understand what specific analytics tools you need. For companies focused on heatmaps and session replays, tools like Crazy Egg and Mouseflow offer advanced functionalities at competitive pricing. Businesses that need live chat alongside analytics may prefer Lucky Orange. If you're looking for seamless integration with sales or customer support platforms, Freshmarketer offers comprehensive capabilities that link with Freshsales and Freshdesk. For a more balanced approach that includes SEO and conversion tracking, Plerdy is a fantastic choice. Visit the Sprout24 website for more in-depth reviews and comparisons to find the best analytics tool for your business needs. Via https://sprout24live.blogspot.com/2024/09/top-hotjar-alternatives-in-2024-find.html from Sprout24 - Blog https://sprout24.weebly.com/blog/top-hotjar-alternatives-in-2024-find-the-best-website-analytics-tools via https://sprout24.com/ via Maria Brennan - Blog https://mariabrenan.weebly.com/blog September 16, 2024 at 12:58PM

[owenwatkins]

Top Hotjar Alternatives in 2024: Find the Best Website Analytics Tools

Top Hotjar Alternatives in 2024: Find the Best Website Analytics Tools https://owenwatkins.blogspot.com/2024/09/top-hotjar-alternatives-in-2024-find.html Website analytics and user behavior tools are essential for businesses aiming to optimize user experience. While Hotjar is a popular option for heatmaps, session recordings, and user feedback, there are numerous alternatives that may better fit different needs or budgets. In this guide, we explore the best Hotjar alternatives for 2024. If you're searching for comprehensive reviews, visit the Hotjar Alternatives page at Sprout24. Why Consider Hotjar Alternatives? Hotjar is a powerful tool, but it isn't perfect for everyone. Businesses that need more advanced analytics, better pricing plans, or specific integrations may find other tools more suitable. Some alternatives provide additional insights such as A/B testing, better form analytics, or real-time customer interaction tracking. It’s worth exploring these other options to find the perfect match for your company’s specific requirements. If you're interested in a detailed comparison between different analytics platforms, head over to the Sprout24 home page for more expert reviews. Best Hotjar Alternatives for 2024 1. Crazy Egg Crazy Egg is one of the top alternatives to Hotjar, particularly for its detailed heatmaps and scroll maps. The tool also offers advanced A/B testing and robust analytics, helping businesses pinpoint which design elements are working and which are not. It’s a great choice for those looking for actionable insights on visitor behavior. 2. Mouseflow Mouseflow excels in session replay, offering users detailed insights into how visitors interact with their website. It provides segmentation, which allows users to filter sessions by user type, device, or even geographic location. Its advanced funnel analytics make it an ideal choice for businesses seeking deep insights into conversion rates. 3. Lucky Orange Lucky Orange provides an all-in-one solution for heatmaps, session replays, form analytics, and live chat functionality. It’s an excellent tool for businesses that want to directly engage visitors while analyzing their behavior in real-time. For businesses needing advanced live chat integration alongside their analytics, this is one of the top Hotjar alternatives. 4. Freshmarketer Freshmarketer by Freshworks is a powerful tool that combines session replays, heatmaps, and A/B testing. Freshmarketer stands out for its integration with Freshsales and Freshdesk, making it ideal for companies already using Freshworks' ecosystem. 5. Plerdy Plerdy is a versatile tool that offers heatmaps, SEO alerts, and conversion funnels. It is perfect for companies looking for a mix of user behavior analytics and SEO performance tracking, making it a unique choice among the Hotjar alternatives. How to Choose the Right Tool for Your Business When deciding on the best Hotjar alternative for your business, it's crucial to first understand what specific analytics tools you need. For companies focused on heatmaps and session replays, tools like Crazy Egg and Mouseflow offer advanced functionalities at competitive pricing. Businesses that need live chat alongside analytics may prefer Lucky Orange. If you're looking for seamless integration with sales or customer support platforms, Freshmarketer offers comprehensive capabilities that link with Freshsales and Freshdesk. For a more balanced approach that includes SEO and conversion tracking, Plerdy is a fantastic choice. Visit the Sprout24 website for more in-depth reviews and comparisons to find the best analytics tool for your business needs. from Sprout24 https://sprout24live.blogspot.com/2024/09/top-hotjar-alternatives-in-2024-find.html via https://sprout24.com/ via Owen Watkins https://owenwatkins.blogspot.com/ September 16, 2024 at 11:29AM