#so finally seeing whats going on in s2 while dodging all the spoilers is some serious acrobatic skill

[queseraphita]

I drag my feet to rewatch a show by myself but I'll jump right in 4 episodes deep if I'm showing someone new to it or watching together with someone

[stayinzencity]

heroine’s manual S1 E5

GENRE: Romcom, Drama | love triangles, childhood friends, high school au | INSPIRED BY: Heroine Shikkaku (shoujo manga) | LENGTH: ~1.7K | RATING: Teen | WARNINGS: breakup(s) | PAIRINGS: Minho x MC (Reader), Minho x OC (Heather), Jungwoo x MC (Reader) | TAGLIST: @linoscence @elizabeth11moreno  (ask to be added) | A/N: we lose some, we gain some. also jungwoo is just a side character here, but he's the focus of the s2 one-shot. han's story would be s3, but it would be different cuz [spoilers], so we'll see if anyone's interested, or it'll just remain as implications. (accidentally posted this part before 3 & 4 and that's how I ended up finally finishing this series)

♡ previous episode 

♡ return to main

FIVE. The time might not be right now, but I'll wait forever if I can be with him one day.

You realise you haven't spoken to Jisung for a few days. He's been around, part of the group. It's only after he refuses to look you in the eyes when you're right in front of him that you realise something is wrong.

It calls for confrontation, but Jisung keeps dodging you. It's even worse than when Minho was avoiding you. Jisung doesn't hide the fact that he's not eager to be around you- he even jumps into a bush one time when you wave at him.

Asking Seungmin if he had any clue what's up isn't helpful either. He's clearly taking Jisung's side, leaving you with barely any clue what all of this is about.

"There's nothing I can tell you. Jisung will let you know when he's ready. Though that might take a while," Seungmin finally says after you use your splendid persuasive skills to get information out of him. "You should be patient with him. He's always respected your feelings and played along with your plans no matter how ridiculous they get. Keep that in mind."

There is a tiny crack between you and Jisung that grows into a great chasm over time. And Seungmin stands on the other of it with Jisung.

They no longer sit with you. Or talk to you. Or even glance your way. 

It hurts. Jisung and Seungmin were the closest friends you had after Minho, and now you've lost all three of them. 

As for Minho, you're the one who's been actively avoiding him. You can't be sure he isn't doing the same. You hardly see him hanging out with Heather anymore, but that doesn't excite you the way it once would have. You're pretty sure he and Jisung still hang out to watch movies without you, and it stings. 

In the end, you lost your friends.

Heather breaks up with Minho.

You find out when Heather tells Hyunjin and you over lunch.

You didn't mean to be there with them. It's just that it was your usual spot at your usual table. Just not the usual people.

"We weren't right for each other," she says. "It was nice with him, but I'm not interested in a relationship right now."

"So, what about this Sunday?"

"Don't worry, we ended on a relatively good note. Even if we didn't, I wouldn't give up on our friendship so easily." Heather pats Hyunjin on the back, reassuringly. "Plan's still on."

She looks at you thoughtfully, sharing a look with Hyunjin. "You should come with us! We're going to the aquarium."

"N-no, I can't-"

"Just come along." Hyunjin rolls his eyes. "You can't stay at home and avoid everyone forever."

"I'm not-"

"It's ok," Heather says. "I know things are still weird with Minho and your friends. But you've always been weird with me and Hyunjin, so it can't get any worse. Maybe we can even get closer, you know?"

Heather does make a good point, and Hyunjin isn't trying to vaporize you with his gaze either.

Maybe it's time to try something new.

"You can't keep pining over a guy. It's pathetic and you're too pretty to waste away like this. Just get it over with."

You don't need to punch Hyunjin since Heather does it for you.

"Don't be mean," she hisses at him. It's kinda nice seeing her comfortable enough to be anything besides excessively polite around you guys. "It isn't that easy."

"Minho broke up with you, and you managed to move on. She's still doing nothing but hopelessly pining after him."

"It's not the same, Hyunjin." She glares at him. "Let's leave this loser alone and find somewhere else to chat."

"Wait-"

"Girl talk. Bye, Hyunjin."

Heather tugs you to your feet and drags you over to a table just out of earshot of Hyunjin. Not out of sight, though Hyunjin doesn't make a move to intrude your space, despite his disappointment at being rejected.

Serves him right. It's slightly satisfying to see him suffer, regardless of it being an exaggeration. If there's anyone who can match your dramatics, it's Hyunjin.

Fortunately, Heather can handle you both. Everyone else has given up, but she's the one that stuck around.

It's kinda funny that the last two people you thought you'd ever be friends with are probably the only ones you still have.

Surprisingly, Hyunjin is the only one you still spend time with from your old friend group. Him and Heather.

Heather. You called her by her actual name, startling her and she admitted she preferred being called Heather- as long as it's you.

Then there's Jungwoo.

You never really talked about Jungwoo to your friends. At first, there was nothing to talk about. Then it didn't matter whether you did, since it wasn't supposed to be anything real. But at some point, it felt like it actually could be something. Except you weren't ready to let go of Minho. You still aren't, so it's no use.

Thankfully, it's not him that Heather wants to talk about.

"You should ask Minho out," Heather says. "That's the only way you'll know for sure. Maybe not even then, but you'll only know if you try, after all."

"How were you able to do it so easily? I always wondered. "

Heather laughs. "It wasn't easy. I had to muster a lot of courage before I could go up to him and say the words. Hyunjin was the one who told me to go for it. And now, I'm telling you the same."

"If I ask him, I risk getting rejected. I always thought he'd end up asking me out himself. Then again, I never thought it'd hurt so much. I used to be happy being in the background, but things changed. I guess now I'm scared of being a background character in his life. I thought I was the most important, but I'm starting to realise that it's never been me."

"I think Minho's confused, too. I figured that he was just staying with me out of convenience as an excuse to keep from sorting out his feelings. I didn't like being used, but more than that, I realised it didn't bother me as much as it should, so I decided to break up." Heather waves away your attempt to apologize for your interference in her relationship. "What I mean to say is that you have a chance. And even if it doesn't work out, at least you know. That's far better than being haunted by what could have been for the rest of your lives."

You decide to take Heather's advice.

Minho seems surprised when you walk up to him, for the first time in far too long, and ask him out.

He doesn't turn you down.

It should be everything you wanted. A magical moment- butterflies, fireworks, flowers and all. Yet it's just another day.

You catch Jisung's expression and he appears distraught, though it's gone before you can put much thought into it. He smiles at you, weak and forced, congratulating you half heartedly.

Something clicks and the way Jisung had been acting strange for a while makes sense.

You aren't cruel enough to confront Jisung when it's clearly something he's not comfortable with. Instead, you corner Seungmin and ask him.

"Does Jisung like me? That's why things got weird once he got a crush on-"

"The world does not revolve around you. Stop asking me about Jisung."

That's not a no, even if it isn't a yes either.

You don't really mean to, but you can barely watch the movie when you're still worried about Jisung. You end up blurting your thoughts to Minho.

"I think Jisung likes me!"

"What?" Minho pushes you off his lap and looks at you incredously. "What? That's-"

"Things have been weird for a while, and I figured it out."

"Ji- you know what, we need to talk." Minho sighs, rubbing his forehead. “Do you even really love me? It feels more like you’re in love with the idea of ending up with me. We’ve been close since we were little. Childhood friends turned sweethearts. You think I'm the hero, so you must be the heroine. Logical, isn’t it? Is it really what you want? Your mind tells you this is your ideal, but what does your heart say? You’ve been distracted the whole time we’ve been dating. I don’t think I’m the right person for you.”

“Are you breaking up with me? It hasn’t even been that long. Give me a chance and I’ll prove that you’re the-”

“Not now. I can't give us another chance for now. Maybe one day. Right now, we need time apart. I'm sorry, I love you. I'm not sure if I'm in love or if I ever will be. And I don't think you are either."

Minho reaches out like he wants to wipe away the tears, tumbling down your cheeks. However, his hand halts a few inches away from your face. He hesitates, eventually deciding to pull away. In the meantime, your crying worsens, and the awkward air grows more unbearable.

Fish must be used to salty water, so they're less likely to judge. Or so, Heather says.

Hyunjin also comes along, of course, and he is likely to judge. Even so, he's been nicer lately.

You're done shedding tears, anyways. You're not supposed to cry over silly things like boys.

"There are more fish out there in the sea. Tall, handsome, black haired fish whose name rhymes with crew."

"It's brown now, actually." You correct Hyunjin without really thinking.

"So you have been looking his way," Heather teases. "Why not give Jungwoo another chance? He hasn't been seen with anyone else ever since he met you. He does seem to be sincere."

"Maybe I will," you say with a smile. "But right now, it's just us amongst the creatures of the sea."

There might be a part of you that'll stubbornly hold on to Minho, but you've come to realise that there's so much more.

Your friendship with Hyunjin and Heather.

The possibility of something with Jungwoo.

The chance of reconciliation with your old friends.

There will always be so much more.

You just have to keep living your story with all its twists and turns, learn from the past, hope for the best in the future, and be happy with your present.

♡ next season

♡ season one guide

♡ please leave a comment, reblog with tags or send an ask to let me know what you think!!

© 2024, stayinzencity

[cheri-translates]

[CN] S2 Gavin and MC in Chapter 16

🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers from Season 2 🍒

Highly recommend to read a summary of events prior to this in the plot review!

After the fog disperses in Loveland City, the Hunter Game seems to be discontinued

However, MC notices many coordinates moving on an island south of Loveland City called “Small Rock Reef”

She suspects that "Humans” who were caught by “Ghosts” during the Hunter Game were sent there and are trapped

Since the island is inaccessible across the sea, she heads to STF to seek assistance

There, she bumps into a familiar face, Tang Chao:

Tang Chao tells her that Lu Yi (whose Evol is gathering and transmitting data) noticed abnormal Evol energy fluctuations and an increasing number of people on the island. Because of poor signal and the fog, STF didn’t have the time to send anyone over

When the signal eventually returned, Gavin dropped by STF and decided to go to the island by himself, suspecting that the island is an important factor in the Hunter Game

Lu Yi was also sent to the island, so the both of them are currently there

At this moment, Gavin contacts the STF and gives a report on the situation: 1942 people are trapped, 284 are injured. The arena is underground and there are no exits. Since the arena is surrounded by water, they can’t break down the walls by force. Gavin suggests that they use Evol to carry out the evacuation. Even though there’s no poisonous fog, there’s insufficient oxygen

Gavin asks Dai Yue (whose Evol is creating passages between two points) and Tang Chao to head over to assist in distributing supplies and assisting with the evacuation

At this point, MC speaks up and makes her presence known:

MC: I can help too.

The earpiece goes quiet for a moment. Then, Gavin’s confused voice drifts over.

Gavin: ...MC? You’re in the STF?

Gavin seems very surprised to hear my voice. I shoot a meaningful glance to Tang Chao.

MC: I happened to investigate leads related to the Small Rock Reef, and came to STF to report it.

Gavin: You...

Gavin seems to hesitate. In that moment, a small chink seems to appear in his solid armour.

As though he realises something, he swallows the words back into silence, taking a deep breath.

Gavin: The situation here isn’t as simple as you think. You don’t have experience in rescue operations, so I wouldn’t recommend you to come.

MC: But you just said that there are “many people trapped”, and it’s a part of the Hunter Game. The mastermind is very dangerous. I just experienced the game in its entirety, and many doubtful points in the Hunter Game are hidden there. Aside from helping in the rescue, I have many things to tell you “in person”.

I pause, then continue softly.

MC: You should have found... “something special” there, am I correct?

Gavin’s breathing halts for a moment, and I know that my guess was correct.

Perhaps the thorn-covered “8″ symbol representing the Lighthouse is there.

Gavin: You know what it is?

I glance around the meeting room. Information regarding the Lighthouse hasn’t been verified. Hence, it isn’t appropriate to announce it publicly, and should be told to Gavin directly.

If I were to verify it only after the rescue, it’d be troublesome for both me and Gavin, who has been temporarily relieved of his duties.

Since the situation is already under control, verifying the state of affairs there while assisting in the rescue is the best choice.

MC: I can only give you an answer after I see it. Gavin, I can help you. I definitely won’t cause trouble.

Gavin seems to sense that I’m hesitating to say something. After a moment of silence, he sighs softly.

Gavin: Tang Chao, retrieve the communication earpiece from before, then give her some of the lighter self-defence equipment.

-

Tang Chao notifies Gavin that STF received a warning from “the other side” - which turns out to be NW - that they will handle the situation on the island and prohibits STF from going near

Gavin doesn’t care LOL

After the call, Tang Chao prepares the inventory:

MC: Tang Chao, isn’t Gavin currently relieved of his duties? You...

Tang Chao: Are you asking why we’re still following Captain Gavin’s commands?

I nod, watching as Tang Chao quickly makes an inventory of the supplies in the storehouse, turning his head.

Tang Chao: I don’t know about others, but to us in the Special Operations Team, Captain Gavin is Captain Gavin. It has nothing to do with whether he’s relieved of his duties or not.

While saying this, he lifts a gigantic box, his tone resolute yet casual, as though he’s talking about a completely ordinary fact.

Tang Chao: Also, he’s definitely not resting even though he’s been relieved of his duties. He simply worries even more. It’s best for him to return to the team sooner.

Hearing Tang Chao’s grumbling, I can’t help but laugh despite the tense situation.

-

Dai Yue creates a passage and they head towards the underground arena in the island. MC notices a bunch of people curling up and trembling while staring in a certain direction:

Just as I’m about follow their line of sight and look over, a shadow flies towards me at a great speed.

Instinctively, I dodge to the side. However, Tang Chao reacts even faster, rushing forward and immediately getting smashed to the ground by the shadow. 

Tang Chao: Be careful-- oof!

MC: Tang Chao! Are you okay?

Tang Chao: I’m fine, I’m fine. What’s going on?

I push aside the “shadow” which is pressing him down, and discover that it’s a person who has been beaten to a pulp.

MC: Who would be so ruthless...

Looking in the direction where the man came flying from, the weak light casts a shadow on a rugged stone wall. 

I nervously shield the fallen Tang Chao from the front, lowering myself and feeling for the tranquilliser gun I carried along with me. My hand trembles involuntarily.

??: MC?

Hearing this familiar voice makes me react instantly. 

MC: ...Gavin?

Hearing my voice, the sound of running footsteps drifts from the passageway. Very soon, a slightly fatigued face appears in my field of vision.

In that moment, I finally hear the weight in my heart falling to the ground with a thud.

The moment he sees me, his eyes immediately brighten. He takes brisk steps towards me, supporting up me by the shoulder and giving me a check over.

Gavin is completely covered with dust and ash, and his hair is a little messy.

His fatigued state further cements my guess regarding those clusters of wind in the city earlier.

Gavin: Are you okay?

MC: Are you okay?

We ask the same question in unison. In the next second, we smile while looking at each other.

Gavin: Sorry, I didn’t control my strength earlier.

MC: I’m fine. It’s all thanks to Tang Chao for covering me.

Only now does Gavin’s gaze shift to the side, and he spots Tang Chao who remains on the ground.

Gavin: Why are you still lying there? Waiting for me to help you up?

Tang Chao: Aren’t you going to ask if I’m okay?

Gavin: If your reaction is this slow again, you don’t have to stay in the Special Operations Team.

Tang Chao chokes, then shuts his mouth before getting up. Gavin doesn’t add more, and returns his gaze to me.

-

Before Gavin can continue, an electronic announcement blares, informing them that this is the final round of the Hunter Game. They can accumulate points by killing people, and those who rank in the top three will be sent to a safe place. There’s also another reminder that water surrounds the arena, so they shouldn’t even think of breaking the walls

Gavin explains what happened when he first arrived on the island: the place was in a state of chaos, and people were killing each other. He kept everything under control with this guideline: “You either forget about the rules in the announcement, or get a beating.”

Gavin orders Dai Yue to strengthen and widen the passageway, Lu Yi to gather everyone and evacuate through the tunnel in phases, and for Tang Chao to distribute supplies

MC helps maintain the order:

Gavin: You’ve grown pretty used to the pace of STF.

MC: It isn’t the pace of STF that I’ve grown used to, but the pace of Captain Gavin. After all, this isn’t the first time I’m your “team member”.

Perhaps recollecting a similar memory, the corners of Gavin’s lips hook into a small smile.

MC: Shouldn’t we follow them?

Gavin: No, we have something else to do. Follow me.

Gavin brings MC to a place with a special apparatus. The both of them surmise that this is the apparatus Joker has been using to gather Evol energy in order to unseal the Lighthouse

They decide to study it properly after the evacuation

All of a sudden, the passageway is filled with fog and everyone starts panicking:

Waving his hand, a wall of wind appears as far as the eye can see, enveloping everyone within it and separating them from the stinging fog.

This looks incredibly similar to those clusters of wind I saw on the streets of Loveland City.

I lift my head to look at Gavin. His fringe has long since been drenched, sticking to his forehead. However, his eyes blaze like torches as he observes the surroundings calmly.

Gavin: MC, stay here.

With this, he turns around and leaves the cluster of wind, vanishing into the fog.

At this moment, I understand everything.

While Gavin was controlling the chaos here, he was also constantly using his Evol to maintain over a hundred clusters of wind in the city.

But Gavin never said anything.

He has always been like this, seeing no need to explain, and seeing no need to express.

He simply grips onto his choice stubbornly, pressing forward with an indomitable will.

My heart seems to be bridled tightly by something, and I find it difficult to breathe.

A notification beep sounds in the earpiece. Gavin’s lowered voice drifts into my ear.

Gavin: Someone released tear gas, probably to control the crowd quickly. Tang Chao and Lu Yi, remind everyone to take note of the boundary, and evacuate as soon as possible. MC, tell those within the wall of wind to stay where they are. I’ll be back soon.

After straining himself to pass on the commands, he turns off the communicator, resting his hand on the cement wall of the passageway.

A heavy dizziness continuously invades his mind. Even the crevices in his bones transmit pain.

Maintaining the clusters of wind within the city and controlling the chaos here expends even more energy than he imagined. 

Gavin grits his teeth, straightening himself up, He takes a deep breath, forcing himself to remain conscious-

He will definitely not collapse here.

He spots three suspicious people. After a scuffle, one of them recognises Gavin

They are from NW, and they’re apparently here to assist in the evacuation after noticing abnormal Evol energy fluctuations on the island

However, Gavin has his doubts about their true purpose since they are too well-equipped for an evacuation mission

Gavin gets them to clear the tear gas and assist with the rescue:

By the time Gavin returns, the wall of wind is gone, and the tear gas permeating the air earlier vanishes without a trace.

I rush over to Gavin’s side, noticing the three strangers behind him.

After giving them a cautious glance, I turn to Gavin frantically, worried about his condition.

Gavin: I’m fine.

MC: I can tell when you’re lying to me.

Gavin: When did you learn Tang Chao’s Evol?

Gavin speaks in a soft voice. He can no longer conceal his fatigue, and it sprouts quietly while he leans against me lightly, letting it melt into the weight.

Gavin: I’m a little tired, but those people are here.

His shoots an icy glare at the three people at the side.

MC: Who are they?

Gavin: Have you heard of the New Weapon Project?

When I hear this name from Gavin’s mouth, I feel the tips of my fingers turning cold.

Even after such a long time, I’m unable to forget that day when Gavin was taken away by the group of uniformed men.

Neither can I stop myself from recalling that experiment he went through.

The NW organisation still exists, and there must be a special reason for their appearance here.

MC: I heard a little about them, and how their studies are highly confidential. As an organisation for scientific research, what are they doing here?

Gavin doesn’t know either, and MC recalls how NW sent an order prohibiting STF from going to the island. She finds it strange that they sent their own people instead

At this moment, new information from STF is sent into your earpiece - Loveland City is once again in a crisis. The fog has reappeared, and the Hunter Game is continuing

Meanwhile, the numbers on the apparatus continue to rise

In order to stop Joker, the both of you decide to dismantle the apparatus

NW attempts to dismantle the apparatus, but it triggers a device which Joker had prepared in advance. Poisonous gas fills the underground passageway. Even though Gavin tries to create a wind barricade, there’s too much gas coming from various places

Fortunately, NW has a conscience and assists with the evacuation

An electronic announcement blares: Due to the someone breaking the rules, the arena will be sealed up

Everyone starts panicking again, scrambling to the entrance:

At this moment, a strong gale courses through the middle of the crowd. Akin to an iron net, it “presses” everyone onto both sides of the wall.

Gavin: I’ll repeat myself. No one will die here. I won’t allow such a thing to happen. What all of you must do is trust me, and leave this place safely.

??: Why should I trust you! Will you take responsibility if I die?!

Gavin: I’ll take responsibility.

Gavin says these words firmly. In an instant, only the whistling sound of wind can be heard in the air.

Gavin: Trust me. I won’t let any of you die here. Everyone, leave one by one in sequence. Got it? If I see any actions disrupting the order, I won’t go easy on you.

Along with Gavin’s words, the wind reminiscent of an iron net disperses. Everyone is quiet, lowering their heads and waiting for the plan to proceed.

Just as Gavin mentioned earlier, fear is the fastest way to destroy order, but it’s also the fastest way to construct order.

Gavin staggers slightly. When he’s about to take a step forward to steady himself, I squeeze over to his side, bracing him just as he’s about to fall.

Gavin: !

MC: It’s okay, I’ll help you stand straight. Just lean on me.

Those amber eyes stare at me deeply, hiding all his thoughts within them.

Gavin: I’ll have to rely on you then.

At the same time, Gavin presses on his earpiece.

Gavin: Dai Yue, can the entrance of the passage be widened?

Dai Yue: I’ll give it a try.

With the effort of two Evolvers who can transfer objects, most of the people are evacuated slowly. However, I can sense that Gavin’s condition is continuously deteriorating.

Maintaining the clusters of wind has expended too much of his energy.

I hope he can leave this place as quickly as possible. But I know that he will only be at ease to evacuate only after the last person leaves.

I sigh. After acknowledging this point, I simply support him with even more strength.

Vaguely, I think about the sound I heard earlier.

Gavin: What’s wrong?

Gavin seems to sense my hesitance immediately.

MC: After that man cut the wire earlier, I think I heard another sound. It wasn’t just the emission of gas. It was the sound of something cracking.

RUMBLE--

Right after I finish speaking, a large tremor makes me almost lose my footing.

??: What is it now???

Gavin: This is bad!

Gavin quickly uses a wall of wind to encase the remaining crowd, sending all of them into the passageway with Dai Yue and the NW members.

Using the last bit of energy left in his body, he leaves us around ten metres away from the entrance of the passageway.

Gavin: Leave first...

He collapses onto the ground, as though the breath he had been holding for a very long time was finally exhausted completely.

I grit my teeth and hold onto Gavin, not letting go.

MC: I won’t abandon you!

I continuously head towards the passageway, dragging the weakened Gavin along.

Just a little more. Just a little bit more.

That large black coloured door is right before my eyes. It’s as though I can touch it just by reaching out.

In the next second, ice-cold seawater surges in violently, engulfing us instantly.

In the icy cold torrent, I grab onto Gavin tightly, spinning along with the surging water in this underground labyrinth.

The crashing barrage of seawater stirs up violent waves. I feel myself getting tossed around several times by this force. By the time I stop, I feel a little dizzy.

I struggle while swimming upwards, my arms quickly growing sore and weak.

In the icy cold seawater, all effort seems incredibly insignificant.

Just before the final wisp of oxygen leaves my chest, I halt my breathing, feeling for the portable oxygen concentrator I carried along with me.

...at the very least, Gavin has to leave this place safely.

In the dark waters, I try my best to feel for the corners of Gavin’s mouth, stuffing the portable oxygen concentrator into it.

All of a sudden, I feel the corners of my mouth being pried open by something icy cold.

MC: Mmph?!

I take a breath instinctively, but don’t get choked.

When I open my eyes, Gavin’s frantic expression crashes into my line of sight. The tips of his fingers press against my lips, and he seems to be confirming if I’m biting on the object in my mouth properly.

In the dim light, I see that the portable oxygen concentrators in our hands are on each others’ mouths.

The arms around my back tighten. I lift my head to look at Gavin, and realise that he has a small smile on his face.

The engulfing water, the dark labyrinth, bloodthirsty slaughtering, a silent scheme. All of these things make it difficult for me to breathe.

It’s been such a long time since I saw such a relaxed smile from Gavin. It’s as though we aren’t amid these dark waters, but are underneath tender sunlight.

It’s as though he has finally found an answer he’s been searching for for a very long time.

While I’m in a daze, Gavin pulls me as we swim upwards.

When we emerge to the surface, it’s as though we’ve survived a disaster. Gavin and I remove the oxygen concentrators, taking in large gasps of air.

For a moment, we look at each other, neither of us speaking. Perhaps there aren’t any suitable words which can express everything that I'm feeling right now.

In the end, I simply gather them together, assembling them into a simple phrase.

MC: Gavin, are you okay?

Gavin: MC, are you okay?

We ask each other in unison once again. The corners of our lips curl upwards, knowing the answer through a tacit understanding.

After they’ve composed themselves, Gavin gets everyone to report on their status. Tang Chao states that the evacuation was a success

Gavin tells Tang Chao and Lu Yi to meet up with them, then uses this opportunity to destroy the apparatus:

I retrieve a folding knife from my pocket, handing it to him.

MC: Gavin, even though I can’t do much, I want you to remember that you aren’t fighting alone.

Gavin seems to be taken aback for a moment. In the dimness, there seems to be faint light dancing in his eyes.

Gavin: ...I’ll remember. 

He gives me a deep stare, then re-enters the water without a turn of his head.

As promised, Gavin returns in around ten minutes.

Gavin: The apparatus happened to be right underneath us. The circuit had already been damaged by seawater, and I dismantled a few key components. Also, the people from NW are finding a way to draw out this water.

MC: That’s great...

While you’re talking, the water has already begun to recede. I release a soft sigh of relief.

Gavin reaches out, brushing aside some stray hairs sticking to my forehead, his voice softening.

Gavin: When I knew you were coming over, I was really worried at first. Now, I just feel that it’s a good thing you came.

With this, he takes a deep breath, leaning the side of his face against the top of my head.

Gavin: I’m tired. Let me rest for a while.

MC: Even though I can’t be of much help, I can be your human crutch now that I’m here, right?

Gavin: Not everyone can be my crutch.

His words are dyed with a smile. He relaxes completely, leaning against me.

Tang Chao: ...cough cough, sorry to disturb.

Gavin: Turn around.

Gavin doesn’t open his eyes nor move, but his voice is exceptionally cold.

Tang Chao: Yes sir. I’ve checked the route. Once you’re done resting, we can leave.

Gavin: If you want to run laps, just say so directly.

As the water level decreases, I’m able to step onto the ground. At this point, Gavin stands up straight.

MC notices that the number on the apparatus continues to increase. The two of them think that the collection of Evol will only be controlled if the Hunter Game is brought to a complete end

They return to Loveland City

Gavin decides to use his Evol to disperse the wind from the TV tower. He tries all sorts of methods to no avail. That is, until he creates a hurricane powerful enough to envelop the entire city

Meanwhile, MC remains below the TV tower for safety reasons. When she doesn’t hear news from Gavin after a while, she rushes up to the roof to watch as Gavin “retrieves” the thick fog, compressing it into the size of a basketball

With this, the Hunter Game comes to an end. He asks Lu Yi to broadcast his message to the public, and announces that the Hunter Game is over:

Gavin: Eli, I’ll leave the rest to you.

Eli: Got it. The reinforcement has arrived, hasn’t she?

Gavin doesn't respond. After confirming that the team members below the TV tower have properly retrieved the cluster of wind, he removes his earpiece, then reaches out to turn my communication device off.

MC: Gavin?

Gavin: It’s too noisy. Let’s have some peace and quiet for a while. Why did you run up by yourself? Didn’t you say you’d follow orders before taking action?

MC: But I also said that it’s up to my own judgement whether or not to come up and find you.

I give him a meticulous look over. The gale has caused his hair and clothes to become messy. Perhaps due to exerting too much energy, his lips have turned slightly pale.

Yet, he continues standing upright, the glow of sunset reflecting into his eyes, which seem to glisten and shine.

At this point, he no longer conceals any fatigue, displaying it before me completely.

I stand on my tiptoes, tidying the ends of his hair which have been blown messy by the wind, feeling both proud and a slight ache in my heart.

MC: Captain Gavin seems to be a little exhausted today. 

Gavin: Is that so? In that case, rest with me for a little while.

Gavin interrupts me softly, pulling me towards a wall at the corner and sitting down.

I sit beside him. The sky appears close enough to touch.

For some reason, I feel a sense of deja vu.

The roof of high school, a Ferris wheel operating at night... Along with the tender night breeze, all the memories related to him surface in my mind in fragments.

I had once received much warmth and comfort from him. When he needs me, I hope to be able to give him support. 

I scoot towards Gavin, letting him lean against me like before.

MC: Isn’t the roof a little cold, Captain Gavin?

Gavin: Mm, a little.

Gavin’s voice is slightly hoarse, but it carries within it a smile, accepting my excuse in tacit understanding.

Then, I suddenly feel a weight on my shoulder. Gavin has tilted his head over.

Gavin: Wake me up after five minutes.

MC: Okay.

I try my best to straighten up, wanting him to lean more comfortably.

The tender evening breeze blows his fringe up. Only then do I realise that there are fine beads of sweat on his forehead.

Everything that happened today has been expending him continuously.

He has been holding himself together in front of others till now. Only when the two of us are alone together can he let himself have a moment of rest like this.

Even though I know that he’s very strong, and know that he shoulders a great responsibility, there should still be a limit to how much effort he puts in.

Wiping his sweat gently with my sleeve, I realise that he has already fallen asleep.

A fierce ache surfaces in a certain corner of my heart, yet there is also a faint hint of sweetness.

I really want to tell him that he has the right to play coy and show his weaknesses sometimes.

I also really want to thank him for not hiding this moment from me.

Seeing his brows quiver slightly, I sigh quietly. In the end, I choose the simplest phrase.

MC: You’ve worked hard...

Our hero.

-

Even though Gavin told me to wake him up after five minutes, I can’t bear to do so.

The curtain of night descends. Seeing that he’s still in a deep sleep, I call Eli over to send him to the STF’s hospital.

He probably wouldn’t want many people to see him in such a fatigued state.

I guess this counts as maintaining the reputation of a certain Captain of the Special Operations Team.

The doctor does a check-up for him. Fortunately, there aren’t any major issues. He simply needs to nurse himself back to health and get more rest.

However, based on my experience, Gavin has never properly followed the advice from doctors...

As such, I decide to stay in his ward throughout the night, ensuring that he keeps the infusion bag on till all the fluid is gone.

When I wake up from a nap on the second day, a thin blanket slides off me.

I pick it up in slight confusion. When I lift my head, I meet Gavin’s eyes which carry within them a smile.

Gavin: You’re awake?

MC: Mm! Why are you up so early?

Gavin: Maybe it’s because the wind is really comfortable today.

Following his line of sight, I turn towards the window. The branches of the trees outside are swaying gently in the breeze, causing speckles of light to stir.

At this moment, this ordinary sunny day enables one to develop a sense of ease which has not been experienced in a long time.

MC: Maybe after that gale last night, grey clouds won’t draw near to Loveland City for a while. How do you feel now? Do you feel discomfort anywhere?

Gavin: Nope, there’s no need to worry.

His response is overly straightforward, which makes me suspicious. I reach out to feel his forehead.

His temperature is normal, and I heave a small sigh of relief. Just as I’m about to retract my hand and tell him have a good rest, a knock suddenly comes at the door.

Gavin: Come in.

Tang Chao: Captain Gavin, you’re awake so... early?

Tang Chao speaks while pushing the door open. When he sees me, he suddenly pauses.

Tang Chao: Ah, I’ve disturbed you again, sorry about that.

After saying this in one breath, Tang Chao shuts the door with a thud.

I glance at Gavin in slight embarrassment. He seems to have guessed this development, and his expression is the same as usual. It’s just that his tone is much icier when he speaks again.

Gavin: Tang Chao, come in. Don’t make me repeat myself.

Tang Chao: Captain Gavin, I’m not the only one here...

Gavin: All of you, come in.

Tang Chao and Eli enter the room to give Gavin updates on what happened after the fog was retrieved

The fog has been sent to be studied, but the apparatus was taken by NW. They’re still trying to locate Joker

Gavin: Anything else?

Eli: Nope. Tang Chao happens to have an itchy throat, so I’ll get him checked out.

Eli offers an obviously fabricated excuse, giving me a wink before wedging Tang Chao underneath his arm and slipping out of the ward.

The ward returns to silence. Gavin coughs softly, changing the subject.

Gavin: What are you planning to do next?

MC: Tidying up some recent work at the company, and continuing our “collaborative program”.

I wink, and Gavin nods in understanding.

Before, Gavin had asked for my cooperation in pulling the wool over people’s eyes. This way, he’d have an easier time investigating an incident related to an old ex-policeman...

Even though the Hunter Game disrupted this plan for a while, I can vaguely sense that these incidents are somehow connected.

Gavin: There are certain developments regarding that matter. I’ll find a suitable time to keep you updated.

He leaves no traces behind, scanning his surroundings. I nod, knowing the severity of this incident.

MC: But there’s something I need to follow-up on.

Gavin: What is it?

MC: Before you’re completely restored to health, you can’t sneak out of the hospital.

-

MC leaves the hospital and returns to the company

After work, MC receives a call from a member of Black Swan, and finds out that a combination of exposure to the fog and overuse of Evol could result in pathological changes in Evolvers

MC recalls the sheer amount of Evol Gavin expended recently, and decides to check up on him:

It begins to drizzle. Without any hesitation, I immediately rush towards the hospital.

When I reach the hospital, the nurse informs me that Gavin has already been discharged.

Stepping out of the hospital furiously, I take out my phone and dial Gavin’s number.

MC: Gavin, why aren't you in the hospital?

Gavin: I headed out to handle some work. I’ll be back very soon.

MC: In that case, I’ll wait for you in the hospital. There’s something really important I need to tell you.

Gavin seems to say something, but I’m unable to hear him clearly. A series of disordered sounds are suddenly at your ear. With a final “thud”, it sounds as though something fell onto the ground.

MC: Gavin, Gavin? Did something happen?

I keep calling out to him. After a few seconds, I hear Gavin’s voice again.

Gavin: Sorry. Someone bumped into my phone earlier. I need to meet someone today, so I might only return very late. I’ll contact you again when I have time another day.

Detecting his prudent choice of words, I can’t help but recall how he reminded me that his phone may have been wiretapped when we were investigating the old ex-policeman.

As such, I calm myself down before responding.

MC: Could I look for you in the hospital tomorrow?

Gavin: Tomorrow... might not be possible either. There are other developments in the matter I was investigating before. I heard from Minor that you have all sorts of work to do. Why don’t we talk about this after we’re both done with work?

Gavin says all of this in one breath, and I find it difficult to get a word in.

But it’s a fact that we’re both busy. After composing myself, I try to speak in the sternest voice I can muster.

MC: In that case, you must first promise me one thing.

Gavin: Go on.

MC: Don’t use your Evol for now. You used too much of it before, and your body might not be able to take it. I recently discovered some things. Even though it hasn’t been verified, I suspect that... overusing Evol may result in a certain deterioration of the body according to the Evol’s characteristics.

At the other end of the line, only the soft sound of falling rain can be heard. A faint sound of breathing draws near to my ears, which makes me think that-

Gavin seems to be near me.

I instinctively look up, scanning my surroundings, However, I’m unable to see that familiar figure.

Gavin: Don’t worry, I’m fine. I’ll also look into what you mentioned earlier. It’s almost time. I’ll contact you again when I’m free.

After he hangs up, I stand in place and hesitate for a while.

I keep sensing that something’s not quite right, but my train of thought is unable to latch onto anything.

I shake my head, deciding to set aside these messy thoughts temporarily.

Perhaps after that momentous Hunter Game, everyone needs some time to return to their original rhythm.

Gavin quickly leaves the crowded block, leaning against the wall where nobody is. He looks at his right hand quietly.

It was only when his phone fell from his hand earlier did he realise that changes were happening to his body.

Even though his sense of touch is still intact, a few fingers on his right hand have turned transparent.

Ever since he retrieved the fog that day, he has been feeling that something was off.

However, since he didn’t feel any pain as compared to his usual injuries from missions, he didn’t pay much attention to it.

He recalls what the girl mentioned earlier about her conjecture regarding Evol deterioration, and he furrows his brows tightly.

He told her a lie. Of course, not only then.

If he hadn’t pushed himself that day, the fog would never have been retrieved so easily.

However, from the very beginning, he was already prepared to give his all.

His phone vibrates. Gavin looks at the screen - it’s a message from the girl.

Words of concern appear on the screen, and he subconsciously thinks of the girl’s worried face.

He isn’t good at lying to her, neither does he know if his “acting” from before was enough to deceive you.

This place isn’t far from the hospital, and she could be nearby. Gavin puts on a jacket and hood, covering more than half of his face.

An evening breeze brushes past, and he lifts his hand slowly.

Faintly discernible wind gathers around him, but it disperses very quickly. Gavin purses his lips tightly, forcefully concentrating his willpower, once again trying to control the wind in his surroundings.

As though losing control, a large gust of wind carrying rain lunges towards him violently, causing his clothes to get drenched.

A few black wisps entwine around his almost vanished fingers. Gavin frowns while looking at them, then puts down his hand.

The glass beside him reflects the bright lights of the evening. Gavin tugs his hood downwards. 

His phone vibrates a few more times, and he decides to turn it off.

Then, he walks into the night without even a turn of his head.

-

[ Gavin’s Scene in Chapter 17 ]

The weather is slightly gloomy. A breeze brushes the drying pole in the courtyard, causing a few pieces of children’s clothing to flutter.

Gavin tidies the suit that he doesn’t wear often, walking into the small courtyard with slow steps.

An elderly man carries a girl off a wooden horse and back into the house. Then, he returns to the table in the courtyard, looking at Gavin fixedly.

Elderly man: Just because I agreed to meet doesn’t mean that I trust people in the STF. It happened such a long time ago. What else do you want to ask about?

Gavin shakes his head lightly.

Gavin: I’m not representing the STF, neither am I asking you to trust the STF. This is an investigation I’m conducting in a personal capacity.

The old man releases a long breath. 

Elderly man: I’ve met too many people like you. It doesn’t matter if you’re an individual or representing the STF. In the end, they end up with nothing definite. You aren’t the first person to see me, and you won’t be the last.

Gavin is silent for a moment. Then, he retrieves his gun and badge from the inner pocket of his suit, placing them on the table.

Gavin: In that case, let me be the last.

The man seems to be given a fright when he sees the gun. However, he quickly reveals a doubtful expression.

Gavin turns the gun in the other direction, the handle facing the elderly man.

Gavin: This is my gun and police badge. They are the evidence of me joining the STF and becoming a member of the Special Operations Team. I’m handing them over to you. After I ascertain the truth, I’ll use the truth to exchange them back with you.

In the icy wind, Gavin’s eyes blaze like torches, akin to a sharp blade glistening with a cold tip.

Elderly man: You’re from the STF. Why would you investigate such a thing by yourself?

Gavin: My position and the truth are two separate things. I only want the latter.

The dark coloured gun looks a little incompatible with the small table.

Lily petals quiver gently in the breeze, akin to a tottering omen.

[Trivia] Lilies generally symbolise purity and virtue, but they’re also commonly associated with funerals as they symbolise the restoration of innocence to the soul of the departed

[ MOMENTS ]

Gavin’s Post: Almost didn’t make it for a routine report. Regardless of the means of transportation, there’s always a possibility of arriving late.

MC: Is flying more reliable?

Gavin: It is, but there should be air traffic control too.

-

Gavin’s Post: Almost didn’t make it for a routine report. Regardless of the means of transportation, there’s always a possibility of arriving late.

MC: Sparky faces traffic jams too?!

Gavin: There was a car accident, and the entire road was blocked.

-

Gavin’s Post: Almost didn’t make it for a routine report. Regardless of the means of transportation, there’s always a possibility of arriving late.

MC: In that case, how did Officer Gavin manage to reach in time?

Gavin: I left Sparky in the carpark and flew over. I picked it up afterwards.

Phone calls: First ll Second

[ichika27]

Thoughts about Yashahime pt2

Because I have more stuff in my mind and I have to ramble or else I’ll lose it. This is supposed to be a part of the overall post I did after watching season 1 but it was longer than expected so I made a second post. I wanted to post my thoughts on sessrin but that would make this more unbearably longer than it already is jfc.

This is my “additional thoughts on season 1 stuff and what I wish to see in season 2″ filled with spoilers and actually have more screenshots.

Thoughts on Moroha:

I know you’ve probably heard of it from everyone else but I’ll say my piece, too: they wasted Moroha’s character. I know the main protag is Towa and Setsuna (as seen by the summary) but it’s not an excuse to just... not give Moroha anything. Inuyasha’s main characters are Kagome and Inuyasha but they also gave their companions (Sango, Miroku, and Shippo) the spotlight with episodes dedicated to them and their issues and in battle, they do get to shine. Moroha keeps getting thrown off, injured, or passed out and the twins (esp. Towa) gets to finish off the bad guys (sometimes the buildup to it is too much but how she beat up the bad guy is anti-climatic). It’s a waste cause she’s a bounty hunter who is not only trained but also has a lot more experience than Towa does. She doesn’t even have to land the finishing blow but at least don’t make her lame.

I do understand why the battle in both Inuyasha and Yashahime is different though. The Shikon Jewel is powerful even when it’s in pieces. Even a shard could give an advantage to anyone who has it and so many demons are drawn to it and to the person who has it. The more Kagome and the gang get, the more enemies they would attract especially Naraku and his minions whose goal is similar to the protagonists that they also want the entire jewel. As such, there are many enemies to fight with and so even if Inuyasha and Kagome are fighting the boss, there are other enemies for their companions to fight with showing us what they’re capable of.

Yashahime has the seven rainbow pearls which not everyone knows about and while powerful, it’s not as great as the Shikon Jewel that helped create it. There’s also just one main bad guy group - Kirinmaru, his sister Zero, and the four perils (one of them is dead before the story starts, too so 3 perils). Not all of them have minions or bring a horde of demons in battle so in a fight with the trio, there’s a lack of enemy. Some episodes at least have 2-3 or so but the later boss fights are like, 1 or 2... and Moroha gets thrown off and the twins get the spotlight and there’s no other enemy they can give Moroha who ends up being used as comic relief.

I hope this changes in the second season at least. Let Moroha show off more of her badass abilities. Even if she's a quarter-demon, she is also the daughter of Kagome and have sacred abilities which can actually fight off demons and make her immune to some debilitating stuff for demons like her as shown in one of the episodes. There's so much potential there!

Also, I wish they let Hisui be a part of the team. Like, he’s Miroku and Sango’s kid. Can’t he be a part of the main cast, too? It’s a waste cause he is close with Setsuna having worked with her as a Demon Slayer. He could be incorporated in the story and could even give us insights as to what's happened with his family in the time when Inuyasha and Kagome disappeared and all that and even give a reason to have Miroku and Sango appearances from time to time.

Thoughts on Yawaragi and the wolves:

Another thing wasted. She helped raise Moroha who is a main character so she should've gotten a bit more screentime rather than everything about her shoved in one episode and is barely talked about after. If they just didn't do the whole mystery thing with Moroha's backstory they could've put more flashbacks with her time with Moroha earlier in the show. You can't tell me they weren't trying to make Moroha's past mysterious when she barely talked about her Master or her childhood with not even a single second of flashback showing up before the episode with Yawaragi. There's also that time when Towa asked why Moroha is trying so hard to get money from bounty hunting and then Moroha dodged answering. So many theories came out of that interaction! People thought her bounty hunting and debt is connected to her real parents even.

If they didn't go with this route we could've gotten attached to the idea that even if Moroha didn't have her real parents around, she's got someone else that care about her and their reunion and battle against each other would've felt more dramatic. I personally would've felt "No! She could've been here longer to see Moroha grow as a fighter and even talk to her parents once they're back!" but due to how it was done, I couldn't feel that. Moroha is already independent when she's introduced and again, we barely hear anything about Yawaragi. It would've also helped develop Moroha as a character cause we'd know more about her and how she became who she is now.

Also, Moroha is given to the wolf tribe led by Koga. Imagine if they showed that in flashbacks and expanded on it! Koga's a supporting character in Inuyasha and was even in a love triangle with him wanting to get Kagome. It would've been interesting to see the characters we knew from back then while also showing us Moroha's childhood.

Like, one of the things I mentioned that I wanted to see when I found out the sequel is about the next gen kids is seeing how the now grown up cast of Inuyasha interact with the kids and how they are as parents. With the kids' actual parents not around for reasons (depriving us of seeing how they'd handle being first time parents which is a shame), the kids' interaction with their foster family is the next best thing. They gave us a couple of episodes about Towa and her life with the Higurashi's (specifically, Kagome's now adult younger brother Souta and his family) and later Setsuna living in the hanyou village under Shiori - also a supporting character like Koga but appears only for a few episodes. Again, something for the twins but not much for Moroha. It could've been something!

Thoughts on Takechiyo:

He's kind of like the Shippo of the show but isn't treated like he is. I like it actually cause seeing the promotional materials made me think he'd be Shippo 2.0 but just like the other characters, he didn't become an actual copy-paste.

Takechiyo works for Jyubei just like Moroha does but he's more of Moroha's supervisor (could order her around and would send Jyubei reports of what Moroha is doing on the job) while also acting as transportation for Moroha (or Towa if bribed) towards where the demon they need to fight are. He's not a part of the main cast but shows up a lot due to the transportation thing.

He does seem to have a deeper backstory but it is barely touched upon at all. I do hope they do something about it in s2.

Thoughts on Riku x Towa:

From the episode where Riku is first introduced, many fans already wanted to ship Riku with Towa. They do have that feel to it with their interaction at the beginning - it's cute! It does get the spotlight and the fans do get an episode which is really shippy but as I pointed out in the main Yashahime post, it felt rushed.

The first time Riku appeared, they had a bit of moment and then Riku has Towa framed up for stealing a sword he probably took himself for entertainment, probably as there seem to have not been any important reason for this. It gets settled as we saw from episode 1 but it's never brought up again. When he shows up in front of the trio later on, he gets greeted like the issue never happened.

Anyways, Riku does get scenes for himself but it's either him being mysterious or interacting with the enemies (which made it hard for fans to pinpoint exactly where his loyalties lie and it was hard to know how exactly to feel about him). He doesn't have much interaction with the trio either only showing up from time to time and there didn't seem to be any personal talks either.. you know, bonding moment that isn't just going into battle?

I'm bringing all of this up because the shippy episode is, as I said, felt rushed. Riku suddenly feels something for Towa but it felt like it came out of nowhere due to the lack of meaningful scenes together. He's not human nor a normal being (he's a doll, apparently?) and don't understand emotions that well and the buildup to him suddenly having feelings for Towa felt unrealistic. Emotionless or stoic characters gaining an understanding of feelings, especially their own, is a big deal. Sesshoumaru himself, Towa's father, went through this and his character development from always annoyed and angry villain to actually-starting-to-care anti-hero is really fun to watch and it was something I looked forward to seeing in the original series. Riku's development didn't really have give the same satisfying feeling due to how it was handled. There was a lack of gradual buildup.

Upon revisiting past episodes and remembering that he doesn't think very well of half-demons and humans (probably cause of what happened to his mistress, Zero with the whole heartbreak thing) it makes the thing even weirder. I could maybe think that he might be lying to Towa but a couple of his actions later on like lying to Zero about Towa, it seems he does honestly care about her.

There's still a chance in s2 though since the two didn't really get together and were more "I don't get it but maybe I do feel something." in that episode. It's not fully romantic yet but could actually get there. With Riku being connected to Kirinmaru and Zero though, I'm kind of scared for how his character would develop outside of ships (like he could end up becoming a bad guy firmly on Zero's side with no hesitation anymore to uh... I do hope they don't kill him in the end).

His role of being in the enemy side but slowly cares for the heroes have so much potential for a fun story development!

Finally, thoughts on Kirinmaru:

He’s been kinda weird from the start. He could’ve killed the girls himself when he found out about them but he didn’t even though there’s this prophecy thing which is strange. I mean it was talked about like it was urgent but then again, most of it seem to be fueled by Zero and her personal issues at being heartbroken lol.

Kirinmaru is as confusing as Riku when it comes to understanding what he’s on about and where his character is gonna go. A bad guy who doesn’t really act like it and have mysterious plans. I guess this’ll be focused on in season 2. Hopefully. Please don’t drag this out longer than it should be.

On the other hand, a minor thing: final battle between the girls and Kirinmaru at the first season’s climax: Setsuna is probably dead and her sister and cousin are enraged. Moroha goes Beniyasha-mode and Towa finally goes demon-mode and both unleash their most powerful attacks onto Kirinmaru. They got beaten which isn’t as surprise at all cause Kirinmaru is supposed to be as powerful as the girls’ grandfather who is a Daiyoukai and there’s no way in hell a bunch of kids (with one lacking in a lot of battle experience) could suddenly beat him just like that.

Anyways, Moroha uses her most powerful attack which is something her grandpa, the Daiyoukai Toga created but had evolved into something more her own. Towa is similar with her using her most powerful attack that came from her father but this time, changed into something of her own. Kirinmaru notices and while blocking off their attacks actually talks to them basically saying “These techniques you’re using that originally came from your grandfather and father respectively have been changed into something else by yourselves so you guys should rename them appropriately.”

He said it so calmly before defeating them afterwards. I thought “lol this guy sounds like a teacher.”

Hehehe

[happythexceed]

Summary of K SEVEN STORIES Episode 1 「R：B ～BLAZE～」

Repost as I need ALL spoiler under the cut for edit later. The tumblr app isn’t helping exposing everything after I done a bit of text editing. Deleted the previous post. 

It’s finally here in cinema. The Idol K was shown as an appetizer and R:B ～BLAZE～ the main course after that.

Spoilers ahead. Pardon me for any errors. I tried to put in whatever I remembered.

The Idol K

Around 6 min. The scenes interchanged with normal (zoom in) and chibi (zoom out) forms of the characters throughout the mini episode.  

The setting was the same as K Project except that the characters are idols under Kokujouji Daikaku’s jurisdiction. The Silver Record was having a meeting about rice. Shiro decided to organise a charity event. Kuroh reminded him that they knew nothing about rice and agriculture and THEY ARE IDOLS. They are not suppose to deal with that. Shiro responded with “can’t they do that?” much to Kuroh’s dismay. Worse still, it was not kept among the Silver Record. Shiro wanted to involve the other entertainment companies much to Kuroh’s horror. Shiro would approach HOMRA Entertainment first and Kuroh warned him it would be very difficult to get them to agree to collaborate with them considering their passion. Neko claimed to be close with Anna (she would be easier to talk to). Kuroh highlighted that Anna and Totsuka Tatara were exception but it would be difficult to get the other HOMRA idols such as the one who just returned from America and that he is a walking furnace (hottest looking with his hair down) and an idol who was calculative (can’t remember the actual word used to describe Kusanagi).

But still since Shiro had decided, Kuroh would lend him a land and the scene ended with the three of them leaving for HOMRA.

Kiss kiss kiss was played as the ED.

R:B ～BLAZE～

Started off with a fighting between mafia and HOMRA.

Too much firepower. Bullets flying everywhere. Kamamoto must be an idiot to be running to the open and yelping over the bullets which missed him.

The Red King Suoh Mikoto melted it down. His Sword of Damocles appeared. It appeared to be in better condition obviously. He started to lose control and the sword started to crack like Shiro’s in S2. It was stopped when he heard someone called him, “King”. Totsuka made his appearance and Mikoto regained his sense.  

Discussion about the new Blue King who quickly rebuilt Scepter 4 and how impressive he is to be taking command at scene.

HOMRA has been expanding very fast since Scepter 4 disbanded. The newbies had been acting irresponsibly causing chaos under the name of HOMRA which was an issue. They will accept anyone who can pass Mikoto’s test.

The newbies had been causing troubles enough to gain Scepter 4 attention.

Kagustu Genji looks like this.

Habari Jin obviously will gain more fangirls. ^^

Mikoto had a dream of the previous Red King, Kagutsu Genji losing control and the former Blue King, Habari Jin trying to stop him and the scene of Damocles Down happened. Mikoto saw himself transforming into Berserker a monster and losing control before awakening in the room behind the bar. The HOMRA trio discussed about the newbies of HOMRA starting the fight with the mafia as someone wanted to deal with drugs. Mikoto started HOMRA as he wanted to oppose those who oppressed them.

Mikoto was frustrated as he was finding hard to suppress his power. He felt he was hopeless and want to go all out to have a blast and destroy himself.

He was in the park smoking when another person stood beside him for sometime (quietly) startling Mikoto.

Mikoto kept muttering he felt very hot.

Mikoto was feeling very hot (it was summer) and to see someone dressing in full uniform suit was unimaginable. He instantly realized he was the law abiding new Blue King, Munakata Reisi.

Mikoto was provoking him calling him newbie and he had come to greet him as a respect since he was a senior who became a King before him.

There was a short scene on the awakening of the new Blue King in a plane on fire with Awashima Seri onboard. They used to be ordinary civilians who didn’t know anything. Awashima has become his clansman since then and was helping him to train the new clansman to prepare for any clash with HOMRA. Munakata was wondering who he was and he only got it when he awakened as a King.

He came to Mikoto to ask for collaboration and Mikoto rejected as he didn’t want to follow anybody’s order. Mikoto wanted power to fight against those who oppressed them. Since when his power became a restriction.

Before Munakata left, he asked Mikoto his opinion about Kagutsu Genji. Mikoto merely replied he had not met him.

Mikoto and Munakata decided that they don’t see eye to eye with each other.

The slate kid had made an appearance.

Kusanagi leave Totsuka out to handle the newbie, Yamato Taichi (not Digimon) Yamata Daichi who just joined three months ago who was the source of the trouble.

Yata beaten a newbie up demanding for Yamata’s location. Fushimi was being sadistic. He threatened the newbie not to do anything and live like a corpse if not he would turn him into a corpse right there. Yata decided to take this on himself to find Yamata to teach him a lesson behind Kusanagi’s back. Fushimi agreed to be part of it. They did a knuckle bump.

They intended this movie to be a 2-part episode having the opening theme twice in the movie.

Next half of the movie started out with Yamata reminiscing on his past on his first encounter with HOMRA and Mikoto like Sarumi during their Middle School days. Think it was a reused scene of Mikoto and group walking in the street (Fushimi included).  

Mikoto spotted Totsuka in the street. Totsuka was looking for Yamata and Mikoto decided to stalk follow him.

Yata barged into a cafe (I think) where Yamata was and Scepter 4 arrived in the scene and Yamata escaped. Yamata didn’t understand why it turned out like that.

He was stopped by a butterfly flame and Totsuka appeared before him. He wanted to talk.

The newbies of HOMRA joined for the wrong reason. Mikoto reasoned this out with Yamata Daichi when he showed up behind Totsuka. Yamata was happy that Mikoto actually remembered him (how will you react if your idol remembers you?). A lot of trouble was caused under the name of HOMRA by this group of newbie. There was nothing wrong to bully people so he would not be bullied, to snatch people’s things so his would not be snatched but still, things he had taken from other would be taken from him one day for sure. Mikoto concluded that Yamata and the newbies joined HOMRA merely because of pride.

Mikoto wanted to disband HOMRA and Totsuka told him NO! His King who could not control his power need somewhere to dwell, somewhere to eat and sleep. Mikoto obviously couldn’t say no to him.

Scepter 4 arrived in the scene with Munakata Reisi. Munakara wanted Mikoto to hand Yamata custody over to ask some questions. Mikoto wouldn't budge in the name of he won’t follow anyone’s order. Mikoto decided to buy some time while Totsuka took Yamata and ran.

Munakata ordered Awashima to take the troop and run after Totsuka and Yamata while he would take Mikoto on.

Both Mikoto and Munakata underestimated each other’s ability or rather they were overconfident about themselves. It was a fight between two children granted with toys they shouldn’t have received.

Mikoto was thrown against a wall and he melted the wall down. Munakata insisted he would not unsheathe his sword and took him on. Mikoto stepped on Munakata’s sword which he used as a shield to block his kick declaring he would be on top. Munakata dodged and Mikoto was impressed by his movement.

Munakata noticed the damage their battle had caused and he “rationally” decided to retreat. He declared he would concede defeat to Mikoto leaving Yamata Daichi’s custody to him and thought he would like it. Mikoto was like “huh?”, “wtf?” and he got really pissed. They clashed again and Mikoto sent Munakata flying... Yes he went blasting off like a shooting star 😂😂😂. Awashima saw shooting star aka a man flying past up in the sky (it’s a bird, it’s a plane, no it’s her King. The whole cinema burst into laughter. Sorry, fans of Munakata) She came to Munakata who picked himself up leaving a dent on the wall of a building acting as though nothing happened when she asked him about the Red King. Munakata decided that he “would finish him off” with an straight face.

Yata and Fushimi had a run in with the alphabet boys of S4. They were saved from being arrested by Kusanagi as Totsuka called him. The alphabet boys retreated.

He made his way back to Mikoto by walking as though nothing happened to continue their battles. Mikoto wanted to make Munakata cry while Munakata wanted to make Mikoto grovel on the ground. This time they released both their Sword of Damocles and decided to go all out. Totsuka said he believed in his King. The fight went on until someone dropped a sword and stood on it to stop them. The man was Miwa Ichigen, the Colourless King. He was the mediator sent by Kokujouji Daikaku and he should have come to meet them earlier. Mikoto did not want to follow anybody’s order and expanded his sanctum but it was dispelled instantly by Ichigen and that gave him a shock. Munakata being a good boy put away his sword.

Mikoto and Munakata with their second-in-command had a family meeting with Kokujouji Daikaku and Miwa Ichigen. Kokujouji let them off this time. They were the chosen ones by the Slate and he would leave them to do what they wished as long as they abide to protocol 120 (he did not come up with that). Munakata asked him if they would be punished since they released their Sword of Damocles. Kokujouji suddenly clapped his hands and laughed to lighten up the mood much to Mikoto and Munakata’s surprise. (They did not expect the no-nonsense old man will make that kind of face a silly old man would make). They should make peace with each other.

Comment: When the two young kings met, it became a fight between two kids granted with powers they shouldn’t be receiving. Mikoto clashing on walls, Munataka blasting off into the sky *facepalm*. 

Mikoto’s facial expression can be more amusing.

Kokujouji clapped his hand laughing sheepishly like a certain younger Silver King to lighten the mood. Ok, Reisi is not getting any punishment from fighting with Mikoto today.

Ok they are all “OOC”.

I wish they could expand more on the incident with Kagutsu Genji. Perhaps we will get more insight about it in Episode 2 「SIDE-BLUE ～天狼の如く～」when it gets released.

[cheri-translates]

[CN] Shaw’s S2 R&S - What is known as amazing the world

🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a Rumours & Secrets, 所谓一鸣惊人, which has not been released in EN! 🍒

This R&S features S2 Shaw, but no knowledge of S2 is required to enjoy this~

In terms of sequencing, this is Shaw’s third S2 R&S!

[ Chapter One ]

When mentioning the tutor of the Archaeology Department in Loveland University, Professor Shen deserves greatest respect. Precisely because of the high academic requirements, he had not recruited graduate students in recent years. However, he didn't find anything wrong with this. He occasionally taught undergraduates, then immersed himself in his own academic research. His days followed a pretty regular pattern.

During such an ordinary time, Professor Shen met Shaw for the first time.

The day he interviewed Shaw was also the warmest afternoon in the late spring of Loveland City. The sycamore trees on both sides of the road were working hard to produce new buds. Professor Shen carried a pile of materials, walking across the sunny open space to the building where the graduate students were sitting for the second round of examinations.

So far, he had re-examined five students. Their performances were very mediocre, and there was still quite a lot of distance from his expectations. However, the student to be re-examined later was slightly different. The materials showed that he was directly recommended to him by Loveland University. Based on his age, he should be a young student. Amidst the twenty-five, twenty-six, and even older re-examinees, he had subconsciously left an impression on Professor Shen.

After dusting off the sycamore puffs that had fallen on his shoulders, Professor Shen entered the classroom. Before long, what accompanied the hands of the clock reaching 2pm were two beeps at the door of the classroom.

"Hello teacher, my name's Shaw.”

Hearing this, Professor Shen lifted his head. The boy at the door was indeed very young, but his flamboyant bluish purple short hair, incomparably avant-garde clothes, and flat expression without much of a smile rendered Professor Shen stunned for a second or two. But he quickly smoothened his expression, warmly beckoning Shaw to enter.

The student named Shaw wasn’t reserved at all. He sat down naturally on the chair in the middle, placing a black schoolbag casually at his feet.

Whether he was making judgments based on appearances or was no longer holding much hope, at that moment, Professor Shen thought that this was another interview where he would simply go through the motions. He raised some standard questions. Unexpectedly, Shaw actually answered them decently. Professor Shen's spirits gradually rose.

"What you wrote about in your undergraduate thesis was..." Professor Shen flipped through the materials in his hands. Just as he found the information, a clear voice sounded fluently. "《A Statistical Analysis of the Age and Gender of Human Skeletons Unearthed in Xushan》. It includes the basic condition of the unearthed human bones, any damage, pathological changes, as well as an analysis of the population and health of that period.”

"Does this mean you’re interested in physical anthropology?" Professor Shen pushed the glasses on the bridge of his nose, staring at Shaw with interest. "In that case, why did you apply to be my graduate student?" He needed to know that Professor Shen’s research direction was mainly on the appreciation of ancient appliances and field archaeology.

Faced with Professor Shen's sharp and intense gaze, Shaw didn’t panic at all. He shifted his overlapped legs, arching his eyebrows slightly. “Physical anthropology is a field that I wasn’t really familiar with, so I wanted to challenge it to learn more. Teacher's research direction is what I’m truly interested in." After he finished speaking, he added, "By the way, if I have the chance, I’d like to participate in field work a few times."

"Oh? The graduation thesis is such an important aspect. Isn’t challenging a new field very risky?" Professor Shen continued to probe.

Hearing this question, the corners of Shaw’s lips slanted, revealing his first smile of the day. However, there was an incredibly serious look in his eyes. He didn’t give a direct answer, but spoke leisurely, word by word. "Archaeology has always been a risk where expectations may end up fruitless. Don’t you agree?”

The re-examination and what Shaw said greatly exceeded Professor Shen's initial expectations. Outstanding schoolwork, comprehensive knowledge and an open-minded attitude. Except for seeming rather brash and conceited, Professor Shen wasn’t able to find fault with him at that moment. He drew a circle on Shaw's materials, then lifted his head to ask the final question:

"Student Shaw seems to be a young man with a lot of personality. So why did you choose the archaeology major that most people find boring?”

-

[ Chapter Two ]

The new semester has commenced for almost two weeks. For Professor Shen, aside from the need to attend a few more professional courses, his teaching life doesn’t seem to have changed much. He hasn't taken a graduate student in two years, and he hasn't gotten used to it yet. Fortunately, Shaw has never been someone who would simply wait passively.

After class this morning, Professor Shen returns to the office. Right after opening the stack of archaeological reports he’s been reading recently, there’s a sudden knock at the door.

"Shaw, is there a problem?" Professor Shen removes his reading glasses and asks composedly.

Shaw has a black backpack slung over one shoulder. He strides over to Professor Shen's desk. Scratching his own hair casually, he speaks with laziness in his tone. “Professor, you gave too little homework. Can’t you assign more?”

Professor Shen suddenly chuckles. Even though it’s only been two weeks since school started, he has already seen Shaw's agile mind and excellent learning speed. Professor Shen isn’t surprised by Shaw's request. But in his opinion, being overly eager isn’t always a good sign to rely on.

Professor Shen ponders for a moment, puts on his glasses again, then says to Shaw, "There’s another assignment, but I don't know if you’d be willing to do it.”

“Tell me about it?”

“You could draw pictures of the flowerbeds in school and objects in the classroom, then practice your fundamental sketching skills.”

Treating flower beds as ruins and objects as appliances is a method that many archaeology students use when practising sketching. But when this assignment comes out of Professor Shen's mouth...

Shaw sweeps a glance at the genial Professor Shen as he sits behind the desk. He purses his lips. Without a word, he hauls up his backpack and turns around, walking towards the office door. Just as he’s about to leave, he turns slightly with a soft “hmph”.

He doesn’t know if Professor Shen heard this sound, nor does he care that much. After all, he has once again immersed himself in the pile of archaeology reports.

-

Just after 5pm, Professor Shen hurries to a research meeting while carrying documents.

The sky at the end of summer is still very bright, clear and azure, without a single shadow of dusk. Professor Shen turns around a corner, and suddenly finds that the back not too far ahead is very familiar - the bluish-purple hair is one of the few in the whole of Loveland University, and he knows at a glance that it’s Shaw. And in front of Shaw, facing Professor Shen’s direction, is a girl with short hair and dressed in a delicate manner.

Professor Shen walks closer and closer. He’s unable to hear what the girl says, and only sees the shy expression on her face.

“Hey, I’m rushing to the band. You’re in the way.” Shaw’s voice is very cold, and even somewhat impatient. The girl seems a little reluctant to withdraw, and reaches out to grab Shaw. However, Shaw turns sideways and steps backwards, dodging instantly. At this point, Shaw knits his brows tightly, his eyes dyed with a sharp and impatient light. “I’ll repeat myself for the last time. I’m. Not. Interested.”

After saying this with a decisive attitude, Shaw walks away.

Walking from behind Shaw to a different branch of the corridor, Professor Shen grips the documents tightly. Actually, whether a student likes to be in a band or is adored by girls, these things belonging to the private lives of students aren’t what he’s interested in nor what he has ever interfered in. To him, what students place value on most are the quality of learning and professionalism. As for other things...

Professor Shen glances at his watch and subconsciously speeds up his pace. While he hurries, he hopes that his original judgment was correct, and hopes that Shaw is indeed a good successor worth cultivating, just as he appeared during the re-examination.

-

[ Chapter 3 ]

A week passes by suddenly.

Sitting at the desk which receives plentiful sunlight, Professor Shen flips through the stack of sketching assignments that Shaw had just handed in, an imperceptible smile of satisfaction on his lips.

In addition to printed computer drawings, another half are hand-drawn sketches by Shaw using a pen, and they are of pretty good quality. Over the years, Professor Shen had seen too many young kids neglecting hand-drawn sketches because they relied too much on computer drawings. No matter what decade it is, the most primitive and foundational skills should be the most solid.

The sense of gratification causes Professor Shen to sigh. However, the page he just flipped to causes him to stop abruptly - this is obviously not part of the drawing assignment. It looks like an analysis report... Professor Shen props up his glasses, reading it carefully from the beginning. Then, he realises that this is an analysis of archaeological reports. Flipping to the back roughly, he finds that coincidentally, this analysis is targeted at the stack of archaeological reports Professor Shen had been reading recently.

With no time to be surprised, Professor Shen straightens his back in an instant, sits up straight, and reads the analysis written by Shaw from start to finish carefully. Whether it’s the standardised writing format, the hypothesis proposed in response to pictures and existing materials, or the objectivity of the comparisons drawn, they can already be regarded as the standard of a professional. 

Even though he doesn’t know where Shaw obtained the archaeological reports, what is undeniable is that he used his "little brain". But what is even more undeniable is that just by skimming through the analysis, Professor Shen can see Shaw’s solid foundational and expansive knowledge.

Through this unassigned piece of homework, Professor Shen feels that what he sees isn’t just a very young student who’s just beginning graduate school. What’s displayed before his eyes is Shaw’s undiscovered potential and possibilities.

Professor Shen gets a full glass of water from the water dispenser, and Biluochun leaves twirl and dance in the transparent glass. He walks over to the window, blowing at the mouth of the cup. Then, he takes a few sips of tea slowly, appearing to be in a good mood.

In his mind, he recalls the content of the analysis report, as well as Shaw's appearance when he came to submit his assignment early in the morning.

At that time, his steps were confident and full of vigour. He walked straight to the table to set down his assignment, then raised his eyebrows in glowing spirits. "Professor, remember to read till the end."

Now that he thinks about it, Professor Shen seems to taste the unhesitating confidence and the unwillingness to admit defeat in Shaw's eyes that he didn’t notice before.

It looks like this kid felt that he was being underestimated before. Full of pent up grievances, he wanted to prove his capabilities! This was simply his slightly awkward yet incomparably confident demeanour...

Professor Shen sighs softly, then can’t help but chuckle.

Before him, the sun is still climbing up at 10am, but the radiance of sunlight is already incomparably dazzling.

-

[ Chapter Four ]

After a few autumn rains, Loveland City gradually turns cooling. Professor Shen's body isn’t very good, so he puts on a thick coat early.

On this day, Professor Shen comes to the office with a briefcase as usual. He methodically prepares Biluochun, takes out his materials and pen, and puts on his glasses. Just as he’s about to start work, the new young lecturer Xiao Fu suddenly turns to his desk while holding his phone. “Professor Shen, look at this quickly. This boy in the middle looks like your graduate student!"

“Why do I feel as if he might be that student of yours?" Teacher Fu looks increasingly certain that he’s correct. "I met him several times before. It’s that cool and triumphant look. Even the colour of his hair matches!"

Professor Shen lowers his head, pulling down his glasses, and the image on the phone screen is displayed in an instant. It seems to be a video of a performance. The musicians on stage are very lively, and the atmosphere under the stage seems to be extraordinarily enthusiastic. The person playing the bass intently and fervently in the middle - who else could he be but Shaw?

Even before Professor Shen speaks, Teacher Fu has already affirmed to himself. “That’s right, it’s him! I remember someone mentioning that he was in band, but I didn't expect him to look like this...”

Professor Shen's eyes are still focused on the phone screen. In the video, Shaw has the youthful vigour that he can only have at his age. He’s full of spirit, rebellious and eccentric, and exudes fervent vitality. He can attract everyone’s attention almost instantly, as though he's a natural focal point.

But such a Shaw seems slightly foreign to Professor Shen. In the past two or three months, the Shaw he has seen is a graduate student who rushes to and from school, but is very earnest in his specialised course, and is also very meticulous in research.

Teacher Fu has already taken his phone away and returned to his own desk. Professor Shen’s gaze returns to his materials, but there are still some emotions stirring in his heart.

The more interactions he has with Shaw, the more Professor thinks that he’s akin to a treasure. Although he may make someone feel conflicted, he always brings unexpected surprises to others. Initially, Professor Shen thought there might only be jade here. But after more digging, he found calligraphy and paintings and utensils. Thinking that this would be the end, taking a turn resulted in the digging of gold, silver, copper and iron. As for whether there would be other treasures in the future...

Knock knock.

Hearing knocks at the door, Professor Shen lifts his head instinctively - truly, speak of the devil.

"Professor, I came to ask about something." Shaw strides over. Standing before the desk, Shaw looks at Professor Shen with an indifferent expression, as if he’s just speaking thoughtlessly. "I heard that the excavation and inspection of the Hou Yin Tan site will be carried out soon. Anyway, my usual assignments aren’t urgent. I’m thinking of strolling around the area with you.”

Through the spectacle lenses, Professor Shen looks at the seemingly expressionless Shaw, and can’t help but chuckle.

He thinks to himself - perhaps no one has told Shaw that even though he always uses nonchalance as a cover, the insuppressible earnestness in his eyes are unable to conceal his genuine anticipation.

-

[ Chapter 5 ]

The excavation work has commenced for over a month, and everything is proceeding on tenterhooks and in an orderly manner.

Field excavation has always been a bitter and boring part of archaeological work. In addition to digging for long hours in a desolate field, it’s also common to find nothing after digging till the end. At the very least, Shaw has already experienced it several times this month.

It’s another cold and windy morning. Professor Shen comes to the excavation site early, only to find that Shaw hasn’t arrived yet, which is rare. Something noteworthy is that Shaw has been coming here earlier than him every day. But within a few minutes, Shaw appears, walking over while talking on the phone. Something is said on the other end of the line. Shaw arches his eyebrows in his signature style. "Tch, so long-winded... Got it.”

Professor Shen notices a cute rabbit pendant dangling from the bottom of Shaw’s phone, though he doesn’t know when it first appeared. He shows a smile of understanding, no longer paying attention to Shaw's actions, lowering his head to start a new day of work. After a while, a number of villagers from the vicinity also come over and they all greet Shaw first.

This is also something Professor Shen noticed on hindsight. At some point in time, Shaw had established a rapport with the villagers. Having the villagers in the vicinity cooperate and even participate in an amiable manner is another very important part of field excavation. In this aspect, Shaw's performance can be regarded as attaining a satisfactory full marks.

"Professor, leave the rest of the shaving to me." Shaw squats down beside Professor Shen, holding a shovel in his hand. Professor Shen doesn’t immediately express his opinion. Instead, he smiles slightly. "Finished your call with your girlfriend?" Shaw averts his eyes in a hurry, which is rare. He purses his lips. “Who said that she’s... Professor, don’t get infected by Mr Fu’s gossip.” Professor Shen chuckles while standing up slowly. Then, he pats Shaw on the shoulder. "I'll take a look at the pit."

Shaving is time-consuming and hard work, let alone shaving in winter. In spite of thin sunlight, the bitter cold wind hovers over the site, causing Shaw's nose to redden unknowingly. His ripped jeans have long since been covered in dust, and even his originally shiny earrings are coated in ash. Even so, Shaw simply kneels on the ground with ease, cleaning the ground while holding the shovel firmly, shovelling the ground and four walls carefully.

The shaving takes five hours.

Dinner naturally consists of a group of people eating together. When Shaw arrives, he has already taken a shower and is restored to a clean and refreshed state. However, when using chopsticks to pick out vegetables, Professor Shen notices his unusual behaviour immediately: he rarely moves his chopsticks, and he has been picking the vegetables slower than usual. After a few more glances, Professor Shen realises that his hands had turned swollen during the five consecutive hours of shaving.

Despite this, even after the meal is over, Shaw doesn’t say a word or complain at all.

Professor Shen is even more satisfied with the only graduate student he has. He can’t help but compliment him coolly. "You’ve done a good job recently. If you want to learn archeology properly, you must have this earnestness and inextinguishable momentum."

Shaw pauses for a second, but still has that triumphant expression when he speaks. "That goes without saying." But Professor Shen clearly sees how Shaw's eyes had lit up in an instant, and how his brows raised involuntarily.

Professor Shen smiles while shaking his head, looking at Shaw whose words don’t match his genuine feelings. He doesn’t know what Shaw experienced, and perhaps his cynicism is to some extent a defence mechanism. As long as he pretends not to care, there will never come a time when his expectations come to naught. And this also gives him a chance to rewind the situation. Even though amazing the world with brilliant feats bring with it surprises, it occasionally makes Professor Shen feel that what he’s doing is akin to a child looking forward to rewards...

With this thought in mind, Professor Shen smiles while walking away.

-

When Professor Shen arrives the next morning, many people are already surrounding the area. There’s an interview with the TV station today, and Professor Shen had long since pushed Shaw out. A young man with such an advantageous appearance is suitable to be on TV.

As expected, the host is holding the microphone and conducting the interview. Looking at Shaw’s knitted brows, Professor Shen can't help but laugh, knowing that he’s trying his best to answer patiently. At this moment, the host suddenly asks a rather familiar question. "Why are you studying archaeology?"

This question seems to pull time backwards to more than half a year ago, when Professor Shen met Shaw for the first time -

"Student Shaw seems to be a young man with a lot of personality. So why did you choose the archaeology major that most people find boring?”

Shaw arches his eyebrows. "Because I like it." He lifts his chin slightly, showing a determined smile. "Isn't liking something the greatest display of personality?”

More from S2: here

[cheri-translates]

[CN] S2 Shaw - Ch 12 Angst Scene

🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers from the Season 2 main storyline, which has not been released in EN 🍒

Before proceeding, do note that I’m unable to answer any questions related to the non-Gavin chapters in S2 because I have no idea what’s going on. I decided to translate this because I got spoiled on Weibo and it hurt so bad that I needed to do this as an outlet :’)

If you decide to continue, it’s highly recommended to read Shaw’s 2020 Birthday R&S and Summer Night Date first for maximum angst!

Short summary of what happens before this: 

MC sneaks into the Hunter Game and two participants make her legs go numb so she can’t move

Shaw happens to walk by and rescues her, bridal carries her to an abandoned ship, uses his Evol to restore sensation in her legs and they talk about the “Beacon”

And I have absolutely no idea what’s going on

Anyway, he gets into another fight later on

When things are finally somewhat peaceful, Shaw collapses and MC discovers that he’s been running a fever this whole time

Joker’s pal walks by and zaps him to the hospital

-

Shaw: [hisses in pain]

When Shaw wakes up in a daze, he feels as though his head is about to split into two.

In a blurry state, he takes a look around his surroundings, subconsciously calling the girl’s name.

Shaw: MC?

The response he expected doesn’t arrive, and it seems she isn’t by his side.

He closes his eyes, recollecting what happened before he fainted - the Hunter Game, power grid, the young man...

Shaw: !

Shaw sits up violently. After he fainted, he could vaguely hear the conversation between her and a young man.

His vision gradually becomes clear. He once again takes in his surroundings, and realises that he’s in a hospital.

Taking out his phone, he dials that familiar number. As expected, his call doesn’t get through.

Shaw balls his hand into a fist, punching the bed fiercely. Veins appear on his forehead.

He pulls out the IV and stands up hastily, only to feel the entire world spinning.

After calming down for a moment, he decides to make a trip to the antique store first.

Dizzily, Shaw returns to the vicinity of the antique store, realising that the street is crowded with people from the neighbourhood. It seems like something has happened. 

The closer he heads in the direction of the antique store, the closer is the sound of the blaring fire engine. Shaw’s heart leaps, and he controls his quickening steps. 

When he turns at the corner, Shaw stills, pausing in place. 

A sudden, ear-splitting clap of thunder explodes in the sky.

Black tongues of fire lap the roof of the antique store, appearing both mysterious yet bizarre.

Firefighters disperse the crowd while extinguishing the fire. However, it’s clear that given the strange circumstances, they’re at a slight loss.

Evidently, this is a fire stemming from an abnormal and malicious act.

After a few rigid steps, it’s as though Shaw has gone into a frenzy, running forwards wildly.

The flames seethe and churn in his widened eyes, reminiscent of a surging black swamp, gradually climbing and overtaking his entire vision.

Firefighter: What are you doing! Stop him!

Shaw: [a heartbreaking shout] GET LOST!

Shaw shakes off the hands roughly, a crackle of white electricity causing the firefighters, who are trying to hold him back, to shift away instantly.

Countless blood vessels become evident in his eyes, and he rushes into the black purgatory without hesitation.

The dusty smoke snatches away one’s privilege to breathe. But right now, the thing suffocating Shaw even more isn’t the turbid air.

His gaze lands on the objects on the wooden racks, and he feels an astringent pain in both eyes.

Shaw: [difficulty in breathing] ...

As though in a frenzy, Shaw lunges forward, grabbing a bundle of calligraphy paintings that look aged, then rushes towards the entrance.

Flaming bricks from the roof fall around him. He doesn’t bother dodging them, and simply hugs the calligraphy paintings to himself even more tightly.

He tosses the calligraphy paintings to a firefighter at the entrance. Without a word, he immediately disappears into the black world of flames again.

Just like this, again and again, back and forth, he doesn’t stop.

Very soon, large patches of scalded skin are left on his body. But he doesn’t seem to feel pain, and simply rushes back into the sea of fire repeatedly.

Shaw knows that these spiritless, dead objects are meaningless to some people. 

But to others, they are a period of living and breathing history, evidence of a miraculous existence.

He is unable to fathom why anyone would use these objects as tools for venting their anger and for taking revenge. At the same time, deep in his heart, he knows it clearly.

It’s probably because to Shaw, these dead objects represent life.

The black flames burn his fingertips, swallowing every fragment belonging to his place, and every corner. 

And also, every silent memory.

He exerts his all, wanting to grab them. But what’s left in his palm is a pile of scalding ash.

When the fire is finally put out, half of the antique store has already been scorched.

Or rather, the person behind this had always intended to burn half of it as a warning.

Aside from those items which Shaw risked his life to retrieve, most of the objects in the antique store are in the mess, returning to dust.

The firefighters round up their work, and no one dares to disturb Shaw, who simply stands in front of the antique store.

The black flames look abnormal and filled with malicious intention, the thick smoke spiralling in between Shaw and the antique store. 

Shaw lowers his head, and no one can see his current expression, and no one knows what he’s thinking about.

-

More S2 content: here