#so sorry i ever thought that shogo.

[mayoiayasep]

would it be funny to say when i was still getting into paralive i thought that inukai and shogo were related

[welcometothedopeworld]

Sweet Secret Admirer ~ *Shogo Yamato*

Summary: Shogo has been noticing presents of sweets for the past few weeks. At first he thinks it's just an accident but then he thinks someone could be sending them to him. But who could it be...?

Pairing: Shogo Yamato X G/N!Reader

Genre: Fluffy Drabble

Word Count: 786

Warning: N/A

Masterlist

A/N: You know it's going to be good when my vision is blurry while writing the whole thing.

It all started with a chocolate bar in his duffel bag. Shogo wasn't quite sure where it came from, but Toma told him the label had his name on it. And so, right before dance practice, he ate the sweet chocolate bar and felt energized throughout the entire practice.

Then it was a small bag of caramels on his desk. They were all wrapped up in parchment paper with a red bow on the bag. They melted on his tongue as he cleverly crafted songs for VISTY. Some even had cream in the middle. Still, he wasn't quite sure where they came from. However, he wasn't complaining. He hadn't been that successful in writing in a long time.

A couple weeks later, there was a large lollipop the size of his hand in the recording booth. Kantaro was insanely jealous and asked him to break it so they all could have a piece. But he refused, saying it was meant for him. And while he couldn't finish the whole thing in one sitting, he made sure to keep it hidden from Kantaro, who seemed ever more determined to get a bite.

When Shogo found a gumball machine in his room that was fully stocked with the colorful candy, he finally had enough of not knowing who was sneaking candy to him.

"Alright, seriously." He said, hands on his hips as he confronted VISTY in the common room of their dorm. "Who keeps giving me candy? I'm not mad. I'm just super confused."

Aoi frowned as he continued playing on his phone. "I can tell you right now that it's not me."

He glanced over at Toma who shook his head. "It's not me. And I know it's not Kantaro either. He's been jealous every time you get a new thing of sweets."

"It's not fair!" Kantaro pouted and crossed his arms over his chest. "Why don't I get a secret admirer?"

Aoi glanced up from his phone for a split second. "And what makes you think he has a secret admirer? For all we know, it could be one of the staff taking pity on him or something."

Shogo shook his head. "Regardless. None of you have been giving me candy?"

Again, all three of them shook their heads. Toma piped up. "Sorry. Although whoever is must really like you."

"Like I said!" Kantaro added. "It must be a secret admirer! Who do you think it could be?"

Shogo thought for a moment, trying to come up with a name of someone he thought could be a secret admirer. Of course, as soon as he had one in mind, he blushed and quickly shook his head.

Aoi, always perceptive, laughed at his reaction. "I know EXACTLY who you're thinking of."

"Who?" Kantaro asked.

Toma began to laugh as well. "Oh! He's not thinking of them, is he?"

"Who?!"

"C'mon, who else would he be thinking of?"

"WHO?!"

"I AM NOT THINKING OF Y/N!" Shogo shouted before his face fell at his words.

Commence the teasing in three... 

Two... 

One...

Aoi snickered. "I never said that name."

Kantaro gasped loudly. "You like Y/n?! Oh that's wonderful! They're so sweet! They're absolutely perfect for you! You have to ask them out now! Please, please, please!"

"You know it could not be them giving me this candy!" Shogo shot back, but even he was having a hard time believing it. They were the only one who knew how much he loved sweets, especially which kinds were his favorite. "Besides, I'm not going to jeopardize our friendship over a hunch."

Toma shrugged. "It couldn't hurt."

"It very well could!"

"You never know if you don't try."

"Please, please, please ask them out!"

Shogo shook his head and stormed off to his room, shouting. "I'm not having this conversation anymore!"

As soon as he entered his room, however, he stopped. There they were, placing the biggest bag of gummy bears on his bed. Instead of looking embarrassed or blushing, like he was, they laughed.

"Guess I was caught in the act, huh?"

"I-" He covered his mouth with his hand. "It was you?"

They nod. "Of course! You've been working so hard, I just had to get something nice for you. I'm glad you've been liking the sweet treats I've gotten you. Sometimes I thought I was going overboard, but seeing just how happy they made you, well, I'm glad I did it."

Before he could stop himself, he smiled and lowered his hand to show you. "You really are sweet, aren't you? The sweetest secret admirer."

"Guilty as charged." They laughed. "Now c'mon, let's share these gummy bears! I don't think you can finish them all by yourself."

"Watch me!"

[dxwnfxll]

HIII it me again(I’ve been really hyper fixated on saints row and them being dads😭)I was wondering if you could do a platonic relationship with Troy Shogo Maero Johnny with a child!reader that’s like a totally a daddy’s girl just looks up to them so much and and follow them everywhere and how would they feel about it 🥹🫶(you don’t have to get it done right way take your time and take care of you self❤️❤️and get more sleep!!)

Omgg super sorry I never got to this but yeah!!

These will all probably be that child!reader is related to them just fyi!

••Saints row dad's••

Troy

It had always been just you and your dad since you could remember, he was a police officer and as you heard many of his colleagues say 'a damn good one'

You always looked up to him wanting to walk in his very footsteps, but..

Troy wasn't so keen on that idea, the cop had seen how evil Stillwater could be. He'd watch many of his own men die and even criminals he had gotten attached to.

He put his foot down a lot on you being a cop but you always persisted, he couldn't get mad at you wanting to be like him though.

You were his little girl always right at his hip and making a fuss when you couldn't be there.

He'd always read you to bed and ruffle your hair, he enjoyed taking you to school before he had to go back to the Saints.

He framed your drawings, let you do makeup on him and he cried once he finally saw you grew up

Once he sat in a crowd watching as you graduated police academy, even though you wore the uniform you always still looked like the little girl with messy pigtails and skinned knees to him.

He'll always be proud of you

Shogo

You were conceived from one of his ex's, the only reason at the time he kept you was because of his father.

'Take some responsibility!' His father would yell while he bounced you, at that moment he thought he'd hate this and hate you eventually

But one day he saw you take your first steps towards him and he was so..proud.

Ever since then you were a spoiled princess, anything you wanted you got!

He has his own parental issues and tries his hardest to not be like his own father but sometimes it happens

Even then though you still love him and still looked up to him with those big [e/c] eyes of yours

He'd always be doing 'work' while you sat in the same room either playing with blocks or your other various toys

He couldn't ever go anywhere without you, not cause he couldn't stand it but because you'd attach yourself to his leg and beg to come with

You never did find out where he went

Maero

You were such a small thing compared to him, this tough ass dude was scared to hold you for the first time.

He had you with a ex he's still friends with, the two of them sharing custody. But you always seemed to like him more

Your first word was 'dada', your first steps were at his place and you always bugged him whenever you could

He was extremely protective of you, if someone even made you cry that person would never be seen again (unless you count the news)

He wasn't the best dad though, he did a lot of messed up shit and he didn't even try to hide it from you.

Always stating it was some 'family business' type thing, that one day you'd be just like him

Also y'know that meme with Peter holding a shot gun going 'i'm just gonna talk to him' yeah that's him if you ever even get a crush on another person

Yeah he's one of those dads def sorry LOL

He's almost always carrying you around too and if anyone looks at him funny he sends a nasty glare

He cares a lot about you, you were the last thought in his head after he died

Johnny

Johnny is honestly probably the second best dad in the list (not including extra), he did his research before you came in the world

Obviously you're his and Aishas lil girl, and Aisha almost had to get up and fight him to finally hold you. He just didn't wanna let you go

It was sad that he got locked up soon after your third birthday, but he always wrote you letters and coloring pages he colored sometimes drawings

Once he got out you were the first person he hugged, you were playing in the yard when he pulled up

He calls you various nicknames Tater tot, Baby doll, trouble maker, thing one, and cheeseball

He takes you with him (much to Aisha's disapproval), don't worry though he only takes you on safe jobs

You'll be in your car seat as the boss jumps in 'hey johnny the fu-' instant head smack 'hey there's a damn kid in the back seat'

He's got the spirit at least

You follow him around everywhere even once you get older and your dad is famous

And of course Johnny would burn the world to protect you especially after what happened to Aisha

Extra

Carlos

Of course once Carlos joined the Saints you also technically joined

He'd call you 'lil Duck' because you'd always be following him around like one

He'd mess your hair up or put his beenie on you, and laugh as the beenie was too big and would fall over your eyes

He was a great dad, he tried his best to shield you away from all the bad stuff but he was a single father and there was little he could do

He'd be one of those dads that would let you sleep in his bed if you had a nightmare

And he'd always hold your hand whenever y'all were in public

Of course you looked up to your dad while having little knowledge in what he actually did

You still wear his beenie even as an adult

Donnie

Donnie was a scared for life dad, instant panic as soon as you were placed in his arms

He thought he'd be an awful dad and that you'd hate him but the complete opposite happened

Sure he made a few mistakes here and there but you never hated him, you always followed him around and stayed in his shop when you weren't at school

Hell you even tried to go against the damn boss of the saints themselves after they busted into his mechanic shop and started wailing on the poor guy

To which Donnie immediately spilled everything fearing they'd hurt you (they wouldn't)

You'd always beg him to play princess with you or to do his makeup

He isn't that terrifying or strong as Johnny or Maero but he'd do everything in his power to protect you

You're his only hope in life at the moment < 3

Sorry if these seemed rushed or not what you requested i'll be happy to redo them and i'll try to get any other requests done

Hope you enjoyed!

[sooniessoulmate]

𝚕𝚎𝚐𝚒𝚝 ~ 𝚌𝚑.𝟷 ~ 𝚒𝚗𝚒 & 𝚓𝚘𝟷 𝚜𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜

𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚗𝚎 : 𝚍𝚊𝚍𝚍𝚢

𝚖𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝 | 𝚌𝚑.𝟸

Seven long days are left until it is over. All of your hard work will finally pay off and you will finally be able to say that you are officially a college graduate, and not from just any college, you are graduating from Oxford University. You have spent the last four years dedicating your life to nothing but furthering your education and in 168 hours you will be holding a diploma in your hands from one of the most prominent universities in the world.

You’re drinking with some of the friends that endured the same struggle that you did bringing you guys even closer. You clink your glass with your companion and chug the contents, sighing a sigh of relief.

“I can’t believe we actually made it, Ruki,” you announce before chugging the rest of the ale in your glass.

Ruki raises an eyebrow, “thirsty?” he laughs.

“Real women don’t sip they chug,” you smile before waving the bartender over to order another round for you and your friend.

“I never seen you drink at all before,” he states, chugging the rest of his own drink.

“That’s only because I had to focus on my studies but now I’m officially free,” you explain, staring at your classmate.

You never realized how attractive Ruki is before this moment. Maybe it was because of the stress of college but whatever the reason was, you’re certainly noticing it now. His doe-like eyes seem to be locked onto you. Maybe he’s finally noticing you as well. His dirty blonde locks were hanging over his face hiding one of his eyes but you could still see the intensity in them. His nose is the most perfect shape, it’s the kind of nose that people pay a lot of money to surgically obtain. His lips are rather inviting, they naturally curl upwards in the corners and all you can seem to imagine is how they’d feel against your skin. But you force that thought out of your head. What are you doing thinking of Ruki in this way? He’s just a fellow classmate, despite his prince-like features and appearance you have to remember that in the past four years never once has things crossed the line so why would they start now?

Ruki shakes his head, moving his tousled hair out of his eyes. He raises an eyebrow, “what’s on your mind, Y/N?” he asks in a lower, almost seductive voice.

“I’m just thinking about,” you start to say but trail off due to getting so easily distracted by his closeness. You suddenly realize the proximity of his body. A mixture of cologne, deodorant, and the mixed berry chapstick that glistened his lips overtakes your thoughts as you try to stay focused.

“Thinking about what?” Ruki repeats, slowly moving the loose strand of hair out of your face, gently securing it behind your ear. When his hand grazes your cheek, chills instantly shoot through your body and any chance of you staying coherent is completely gone. “Can I just tell you?” he says softly, moving his face even closer to yours, making your heart beat so hard you are certain he’s able to hear it. “I don’t know why I’m only noticing this now but you have the most gorgeous eyes that I have ever seen before.”

And there it is, 11:48pm, the time that will forever be engraved in your mind as the time that your life has changed forever. Your phone starts vibrating on the bar before you have time to respond to the beautiful prince, now only inches away from your face. You glance down to see a photo of you and your brother on the screen of your iPhone. You sigh as you sit up, knowing that your brother would never call you at this hour for nonsense. 

You mouth an ‘I’m sorry’ to Ruki before pressing your phone up to your ear and saying, “This better be important, Shogo.”

The name seems to spike the interest of the handsome boy who backs away, clearly disappointed by the slight rejection. He is fidgeting with his lighter that was previously lying flat on the bar in front of him. He watches you, from the corner of his eyes, noticing the sudden change in your demeanor. Everything from your facial expression, down to your body language instantly changes. He knows right then and there that any chance of tonight being the night he’s been secretly dreaming of is completely out of reach.

As soon as you end the call, he turns and asks, “is everything ok?”

Tears are gathering in the corner of your eyes, as you fight to keep them contained, but the panic is still written clearly all over your face. “There’s been an accident,” you whisper. “I have to fly back to Tokyo.”

“Oh my god,” Ruki gasps, placing a comforting hand on your shoulder. “What kind of accident?”

“I’m not sure,” you sigh, gathering your belongings. “But it’s my father…I’m sorry I have to go.”

You stand up, rushing towards the door. You head outside waving a taxi over. After climbing inside, the tears start to slowly break free from their prison. They stream down your cheeks as you give the address of your apartment to the driver. 

Everything from here becomes a blur. When you get the news of a loved one’s possible demise it’s hard to comprehend the amount of emotions that race through your existence. You maneuver through the motions in almost a mechanical, robotic motion. After you gather some belongings from your apartment, the taxi drives you to the airport. This is the most grueling part of your journey. At normal hours, this is easily close to a three-hour car ride but at this hour the trip is nearly cut in half. 

The taxi pulls up to the entrance and you hand him two hundred dollar bills, telling him to keep the change as a thank you for getting you to your destination both safely and in record time. 

You exit the cab, stunned to see Ruki standing by the entrance. “What are you doing here?” you ask.

“When you left, you seemed so out of it,” Ruki starts to explain as he takes the small travel bag you are holding from your grips. “I have to go back to Tokyo as well. I wasn’t planning on leaving till next week but I figured you could use the company so I rushed here and got us two tickets a while.”

His explanation leaves you completely utterly stunned. You always liked Ruki but you never saw this side of him. He never acted like he cared this much before but you can’t lie, it makes you feel special. The tears start to flow again, embarrassed by the display of emotions, you look away from him. You feel his arms pull you into a warm embrace, somehow easing some of your discomfort. He pulls back, moving your face upwards with his hand gently on your chin. 

“I’m here for you, Y/N,” he whispers. “In whatever way you need me.”

“I appreciate that,” you smile, shyly.

Ruki leans in, pressing his lips onto yours but only for a few seconds, only enough to leave you wanting more. “Come on, we gotta catch our flight,” Ruki says, grabbing your hand and pulling you behind him as he walks into the airport. 

After a twelve hour flight, your plane lands in Tokyo. You stand up, stretching before following your friend off of the plane. You turn to look at Ruki, “thank you for doing this for me.”

“Eh,” he shrugs, nonchalantly, “it was nothing.”

“What do you mean it was nothing?” you ask, placing your hand on his chest. You want to grab him and pull his body against yours. You want to feel him again but you don’t have the balls to do something so forward. 

“I don’t know what is going on with you but I could tell you could use a friend,” Ruki announces. He leans forward and presses his lips against yours. He pulls away, staring intently into your eyes, “and I want to be the person that you can always depend on.”

“Y/N!” you hear someone yelling your name. 

You turn to see your brother running towards you. How are you going to explain the boy standing with you? Shogo is an overprotective brother and he never thinks anyone is good enough for his perfect baby sister. 

“Oh god, here we go,” you sigh, taking a deep breath turning to look at Ruki who is no longer standing behind you. You look around, searching for where he could have slipped away to but to no avail. 

Shogo runs over, wrapping his arms around you, “I’m so glad you finally made it,” he says. “I just wish it could be under better circumstances.”

You pull away to look at your older brother, solemnly, “so what happened?”

“This isn’t the place,” Shogo states, furrowing his eyebrows while examining you. “Who was that guy?”

“What guy?” you ask.

“Um, well nevermind then,” he sighs, grabbing your arm. “We gotta get going, I’m not sure how much time we have left.”

You follow him out of the airport, to a blacked out Mercedes suv parked right out front of the entrance. He opens the passenger side door for you to climb in. When you don’t move, he turns to look at you, “what are you doing, get in.”

“I don't think you’re supposed to park here,” you sigh, climbing inside.

Shogo ignores your remarks, slamming your door shut then walks around and climbs inside the driver’s side. He fires the engine up, “actually dear sister, I can park anywhere I fucking want to.”

“That’s not how things work,” you argue, rolling your eyes at his ignorance and flat out stupidity. “So NOW can you tell me what’s going on with father?”

Shogo takes a deep breath before speaking. “Father was going to one of his business meetings and his vehicle was shot up.”

“Why would anyone want to hurt him?” you gasp, feeling the tears starting to form in your eyes again.

“He’s a very important person in the company and sometimes this stuff happens,” he explains as vaguely as possible.

You know the explanation is not a good one, you’re not an idiot, afterall you spent most of your life preparing to become an attorney but you decide not to argue, now isn’t the time for that. You turn to look at your brother with tears streaming down your cheeks, “Shogo,” you whisper. “Is father going to be alright?”

“No,” he states, fighting back tears of his own. “He’s on life support and is barely holding on. That’s why I said we had no time to fuck around.”

You don’t respond, mainly because of what is there to say. Your father is dying and there is absolutely nothing that can be done to save him. And the worst part of it all is that you haven’t spoken to him for years all because of your stubbornness and need for independence. 

Shogo pulls to the front of the hospital, parking his car at the entrance. This time you don’t question his choice of parking, there are bigger issues at hand and honestly who cares if he gets a ticket. You get out of the vehicle and follow him through the hospital. You watch as different staff members silently greet your brother as a show of respect. You don’t understand why anyone would be showing respect to your loser brother but once again, now is not the time to question.

You follow your brother inside of a private hospital room, where your father is laying helpless, hooked up to all sorts of machines. You feel your knees shaking and the room starts to spin. “Oh my god, daddy,” you cry, running over to his side. You grab his hand, squeezing it, “please don't leave me daddy. I love you.”

Shogo walks behind you, placing his hand on your back attempting to aid some comfort which only makes your sobbing increase. You look up at him with tear stained cheeks and glassy eyes, “he can’t leave us, Shogo, we need him. He needs to see me graduate.”

“He has always been so proud of you, Y/N,” Shogo sighs, fighting back his own tears. 

“No he hasn’t,” you argue. “I’m a disgrace. I never fit into the little cookie mold like I was supposed to. That’s why he sent me away to boarding school in the U.S and never allowed me to come home. He’s always been ashamed of me, unlike you. You’re daddy’s son, the perfect child, the one he’s so proud of and couldn’t wait for you to take over the family business.”

Shogo laughs a little but only because of how dead wrong you actually are. “You have always been his favorite and that is why he sent you away. It was for your own protection, Y/N. If he knew you were here right now, he would be so upset with me. There’s so much you don’t know and I can’t tell you but you need to understand that everything that father has done for you, has been done completely out of love, not shame.”

“That doesn’t make any sense,” you state, laying your head down on your father’s hand. “Please don’t go, daddy, I’m begging you.”

The constant beeping of the heart monitor stops. Your father’s heart flatlines, his body starts seizing on the bed as nurses run into his room and the chaos starts to erupt. Shogo grabs you by the shoulders, pulling you outside of the room to allow the medical professionals to work in peace. You turn, burrowing your head in his chest, unable to control the sobbing. 

The door to your father’s room opens and the nurses start to exit, none of which are making eye contact with you or your brother. You follow him back inside the room, just in time to see the doctor pulling a white sheet over the body of what used to be your father.

“I’m so sorry, sir,” the dr. says, looking at Shogo. “We tried everything we could but he was gone.”

Shogo’s face is drained of all colors, and his eyes turn dark. You could see his ability to control himself leave his body and the loving caring brother is no longer there. He flips the table at the end of the bed, throwing it harshly against the wall. “THOSE MOTHERFUCKERS WILL PAY,” he screams. He storms out of the room, leaving you behind.

𝚖𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝 | 𝚗𝚎𝚡𝚝

[hebimoonlightwrites]

hey!~can you soft hdcns with itsuki,shogo,hajun and shiki when their crush gives them a handmade scarf for their birthday, he put a lot of effort into making it and was worried if it would fit but in the end they looked good with the scarf <3 #Hebi100Special \:v/

Writer's corner: It's the 14th request I got for the Special 100. It's so sweet! I couldn't wait to write it! Also I'm actually very sorry that it didn't manage to get in the first three requests! I wanted to create a drawing for it!! Also.. I'll make it male!, hope it's fine! 'cause I've seen you using "he"~ Tell me if I have to fix something! Enjoy~

Warnings: Cute stuff here~

⋆𝐈𝐭𝐬𝐮𝐤𝐢, 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐠𝐨, 𝐇𝐚𝐣𝐮𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐤𝐢⋆ 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞!𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐟 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲

⋆Itsuki is not the best with feelings and sentiments.

⋆Actually, he seems not to know what they are, nor what they are needed for.

⋆But when mc reached him for his birthday, holding gently and happy a small package, his heart seemed to beat faster than before.

⋆He had already started to wonder if he actually had a crush on mc..

⋆The way Itsuki felt when he was with him..

⋆It wasn't usual.

⋆It wasn't like when he was with Rokuta or Kei.

⋆It was different and strangely pleasant.

⋆"Happy birthday, Itsuki!!.. I hope you like it! I made it for you!"

⋆Those words managed to get Itsuki surprised.

⋆Why on the earth would mc have wanted to spend his time creating something for him?!...

⋆Why?!...

⋆Normally Itsuki would have thought of that to be quite foolish..

⋆However he couldn't help but blush softly, taking that package once his crush had handed it to him.

⋆It was even packaged sweetly!

⋆With a light-blue gift wrapping paper and a white bow on it.

⋆Only holding that Itsuki seemed to understand what love was..

⋆What the definition of that feeling was..

⋆But it was hard to explain rationally.

⋆Once he opened that package, he discovered it was actually a pretty hand-made scarf.

⋆"I hope it will fit you! Please, try it!", mc said with a smile.

⋆He seemed to be pretty afraid of having mistaken with the size.

⋆Itsuki tried the scarf and even let mc helping him with that.

⋆It was warm and had mc's scent on it.

⋆Itsuki closed his eyes for a bit as mc said he was relieved it actually fit him!

⋆"Uhm... Thank you for creating it, mc.. It's well-made.", he said with a soft smile, blushing pink.

⋆Shogo is soo cute and sweet!!

⋆I personally call him a potato- (I'm becoming Vil from twst, HeLP- XD)

⋆So I can imagine him being pretty happy to receive gifts and "happy birthday" messages on social medias or during calls!

⋆I totally can see him even blushing at "Happy birthday"s!

⋆That's why he was pretty happy when he saw his crush approaching with a gift for him.

⋆His blue eyes brightened at mc's sight, as he got ready to hug him, happy to see him.

⋆Shogo didn't care about presents!

⋆Of course he was glad to have people who loved him that much to even buy a gift for him..

⋆..but even only seeing those he cared about (like Visty and, especially, his crush) was considered to be the best gift ever!

⋆So that's why he didn't see the package at first.

⋆He focused only on his shape and features.

⋆"Mc!! I'm so happy to see you!! Thank you for being here!"

⋆After hugging him, Shogo noticed that small and adorably-packaged gift.

⋆Once mc handed it to him, Shogo opened his eyes wide.

⋆He felt a little bit embarrassed..

⋆"I really hope you like it! I personally made it for you!"

⋆After hearing those words, Shogo's heart melted.

⋆He blushed at the thought that his crush had created something for him..

⋆..Only for him!!

⋆It was a gift from the heart!

⋆He opened it fast and got surprised to see that it was an adorable hand-made scarf!

⋆It was even well-made!

⋆"I hope it really fit you, Shogo! I-"

⋆Shogo interrupted mc only to try that scarf on as fast as he could.

⋆"It's perfect!!!!"

⋆He almost yelled happy.

⋆After that he blushed for being loud and smiled hugging his crush.

⋆"It's perfect!... I love it! Thank you so much!"

⋆Hajun is said to be sadistic and elegant.

⋆So we could think of him as someone who doesn't really give a sh!t about presents or birthday.

⋆But since his trauma has something to do with the fear of being unwanted, well...

⋆Hajun was very happy when he saw his crush reaching him for his birthday.

⋆That gift he was holding was considered as a sweet and lovely act by 48.

⋆It meant that mc wanted him in his life..

⋆Someone wanted Hajun in their lives...

⋆It was pleasant...

⋆Hajun was happy of that..

⋆"Happy birthday, Hajun!! I really hope you like it! I made it for you!"

⋆Mc said, smiling and waiting for Hajun to open that small package with a red bow on it.

⋆"Did you make it for me?... Really?... heh.. That's so sweet of you, mc.."

⋆That's what he said, when he discovered that gift to be an hand-made scarf.

⋆It was well-made and appreciated by Hajun, no doubt.

⋆It showed all mc's efforts and care..

⋆It was sweet!

⋆"But, please, Hajun!.. Try it on!... I'm afraid it won't fit you-..."

⋆As Hajun heard those words, he giggled and tried the scarf on, looking at a near mirror.

⋆He posed smiling elegantly as usual, as he turned to face mc again.

⋆His cheeks were blushed pink, just like mc's ones were.

⋆"As you can see, there's nothing to be afraid of.. It fits me!"

⋆Mc started laughing, getting Hajun surprised.

⋆But it wasn't a mocking laughter!

⋆It was an happy laugh! Mc was happy a lot!

⋆As Hajun was, of course.

⋆That warm feeling in his stomach seemed to grow bigger.

⋆He loved mc and couldn't really imagine his life without him any longer.

⋆"Thank you for all of your efforts, mc!... This scarf is lovely! I'll match it and wear it as much as I can~"

⋆Shiki is another potato, dear!!!

⋆I can imagine him being always embarrassed and blushed when someone gives him gifts for his birthday...

⋆... or tells him "Happy birthday!"

⋆He's that kind of guy who immediately gets flustered when someone shows affection and care towards him!

⋆No doubt!

⋆So he blushed red immediately when he saw mc entering bar 4/7!

⋆Mc had only took a step into the bar and Shiki was already blushed and embarrassed.

⋆Kinda panicked too.

⋆Of course Shiki was aware of having a crush on mc and tried very hard not to make him notice!

⋆But failed every time, since he kinda became awkward and clumsier!

⋆I don't know why..

⋆..I can't help, but imagine Shiki trying to hide among his birthday party guests, only to avoid mc!

⋆He was too embarrassed to face his crush.

⋆So he hid behind Naoakira or even upstairs, shutting his room's door behind his back.

⋆Of course mc managed to find him.

⋆So Shiki couldn't do anything else, but face his crush, trying not to blush or making his feelings for him too evident.

⋆"Happy birthday, Shiki!! Here's a present I made for you!!"

⋆What?!?

⋆Did he spend his time to create that for him!?!?

⋆Shiki opened his eyes wide as he took that scarf after opening the package..

⋆His eyes couldn't believe at it! Mc had hand-made a scarf, just for him!!

⋆Shiki was so happy but even embarrassed!

⋆I'm sure he did say something like: "Waaaahhh!!!! There wasn't any need to spend your time doing it for me, mc!!!"

⋆But after some time, trying it on, he was happy and glad to have mc in his life.

⋆On the other hand mc was relieved that the scarf fit Shiki so well!

⋆Of course he must have had some troubles with size and stuff like that!

⋆So much effort...!!

⋆Just when mc hugged Shiki, he closed his eyes, blushing.

⋆"Thank you, mc... This is the best gift I've received so far....!"

©hebimoonlightwrites_tumblr Please, do not copy my contents nor repost it without my permission.

[stickers-on-a-laptop]

4 and 7 for the toku 20 questions? Also I completely agree with your opinions on Jetman (sorry to everyone who like it)

i did both of these, but it is a new day and i will expand more on both fjdsiofjdsiofsajio

4: Thoughts on what you’re currently watching/watched most recently?

i think everyone should watch changerion. not because it's good, per se, but because it changes the brain chemistry and like i dunno it's probably my fave inoue show other than donbros. when inoue gets to write comedy stuff it's so much better than his romance stuff and like akira is probably his most likable womanizer.

donbros...please let the weird ot3 actually work out this time! sononi please go back to being popcorn about the weird ot3! never mention violence besties being anything resembling a couple ever again!!!! sonoshi come back!!

7: Favorite villain?

kuroiwa shogo from changerion. i was thinking about this last night actually, on who could also have his ending and have it be as satisfying as his, or at least extremely funny, and it's not too many. ex-aid would have been. hysterical if kuroto got that ending. he'd hate it SO much. evolt COULD work, maybe, but also sento's too close to him. dr maki would have been...interesting, but he's too overpowered by the end for that to have worked. you can't do that with wizard, w, fourze (fourze would be ESPECIALLY out of tone lmaooooo), or drive. den-o, kiva, and kabuto do not have memorable enough villains for me to comment on that. and decade would make no sense lmao.

[xxfillerxx]

im bored and sick so paradox live smash or pass (pass in an ace way of if i were allo i would or maybe just kiss them idk) for the characters 18 and up:

Allen:

Lowkey i would want to but based on what ive heard i think hed be stiff and all awkward during it

hajun:

Pass we dont have sex with the puntables

Anne:

Yes. Not to "yaaaaass queen" this but she's so cool hell yeah. I hesrd they have anger issues so idk whats up with that but short term should be fine

Naoakira:

"Sorry about the dead wife man but do u wanna makeout"

Yohei:

Shane from SDV-ass 💀💀 vincent vega oily hair 💀💀 bet this bitch smells like alcohol and cigiarette smoke sorry but the smell is a no (i think he looks cool SORRY if this comes off as aggressive its just fun). Bonus points to being DILF-esque but i dont think i could get past the smell ion like smokers.

Ryu:

OH u know deadpool in the movie where they have sex n i thought it was boring so i skipped over it but i think at the end of the sequence theres like a part where hes got like glow in the dark fangs under the blankets??? He gives off vibe aces methinks. Too silly for sex. Also i think hed bite me for funsies

kanata and nayuta: sorry not having sex with the twins or whatever they have that "media that has the twins be super codependent/close and lowkey the most popular 😔 i would give nayuta a kiss on the forehead tho he looks cute n chill.

iori:

um idk but what i DO know is that his voice is hot as fuck. Like holy shit levels of 'Ursula for his voice eargasm'. Maybe but like he Has to talk during it or before n after if its a kiss. Oh i bet youd hear this bitch coming a mile away bc of how much jewlery he has

zen:

i dont know much about him but i dont think jocks r my type sorry. I think he looks sweet tho.

Hokusai:

Sorry im too ace for this he looks v sweet. I would rather chill with him methinks. Headpats for him. :)

satsuki:

He gives off the energy of The most ever 'college 1st year dude protein gym jock+ loud and wears shorts in winter' type. Sorry but no

THIS WAS SUPOSED TO BE KISS OR PASS WHY AM I ROASTING this its out of jurisdiction 💀

buraikan: nah

shogo:

I dont know much abt him but he looks sort of boring yet sweet. Sure why not

Hifumi 2.0:

Uh sure maybe a kiss

Battler (battler is such a dope cold-ass rap name im ngl it goes so hard):

"You're scaring the hoes" personified. I LUSTENED TO THE FUCKIN VIDEO WHERE THEY TURN INTI CATS AND I WAS S C A R E D WHEN I HEARD HIM CAT MOAN WTF sorry too scared to touch him im sure hes sweet tho or w/e

kei:

He looks boring but lowkey intriguing. Its given fall angel vibes (idk how accurate the wiki is). Resting 😶 face. Yeah why not kiss ig

yuto:

Yeah why not he looks sweet. And cute. No for hancho i love his raps but nah

a no for Ryoga and Shion also scares me I THI K HE MOANED TOO IN THE CAT VIDEO.

[angelsdevils]

Haizaki x Reader

Title: The Past Fluff No Warning

It had been three years since he graduated high school, and Haizaki had turned out to be a better person. He didn’t know when he started to changed, but he wasn’t upset about it. He stayed awake at night realizing how he treated others and he had guilt eating at him alive. The number one person he regretted treating like trash, was you. You were always by his side, even when he used and played with girls hearts. He even hurt you, in unimaginable ways. He had taken the number one thing that was special to you, and it was by peer pressure. 

After you both graduated, he lost contact with you so he had no way of apologizing or trying to make amends. So guilt ate at him at night, if he was honest with himself back then he would have realized that he was in love with you. He was part of your past now though, and honestly he was glad you forgot him. He was no good for you anyway, you deserved someone that would treat you right.

Right now, he was sitting on a bench looking at the clouds. He had the day off and of course you filled his mind, he covered his face sighing softly. Suddenly something small hit his leg and he looked down to see a white dog with a ball in it’s mouth. He reached down and pet the dog’s head which caused the dog to bark and wag it’s tail happily. 

“Oh my god, I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to throw the ball so close,” the familiar voice said. He looked up and his eyes had widen, the subject of his thoughts. You.

“(Y/N)…”

“Shogo~ is that you?” You blinked and he stood up slightly nodding.

“Yeah, you look amazing. What are you doing here? I thought you were in America for school.”

“Thank you, you do too. I was, but the transferred me back to their sister school here.”

“I see,” you both fell quiet as your dog rubbed against Haizaki.

“Uhm, listen I am sorry.”

“For what?” You tilted your head to the side and he sighed softly forgetting that you were extremely innocent and naive at times.

“Are you that oblivious to the way I treated you back in High school, middle school, and so forth? I peer pressured you to do things you didn’t want to do, I treated you really badly. Everything I did.”

“Sho~stop.”

“But~” you placed a finger to his lips to stop him from talking. You had that smile that he always took for granted, but was glad to see it again.

“That was the past, and honestly you didn’t really pressure me. I was nervous that night yes, but that’s because it was my first time. Even though it meant nothing to you, it meant everything to me. I had liked you, so I didn’t mind do those things with you,” you said with a small blush. 

“That does not make me feel better,” he said sitting on the bench and your dog put his paws on his lap panting.

“Angel, down boy. What do you mean?” 

“One. I took advantage of your feelings. Two. I realized I love you but I am part of your past too.” 

“You…love me?” You blinked and tilted your head and he nodded.

“I realized it the more I began to think about everyone I have done wrong. You came into mind, and I realized it then.”

“Oh.”

“I know yo~”

“I still like you. No love you, always have.” You said and his eyes widen.

“You do? After everything?”

“Yeah, you clearly changed for the better, no need to beat yourself up over it.” 

“So to make sure I understand, you are giving me a second chance?”

“Of course, we were kids then. Adults now,” you said. He wrapped his arms around your waist and hugged you tightly to him. You wrapped your arms and smiled as you inhaled his scent and he buried his face in your hair.

“Thank you for giving me a second chance, you won’t regret it.”

“I know I won’t, when it comes to you. I don’t ever regret my decisions.” 

“Geez, you let me get away with so much.”

“What can I say? I am stupid when it comes to my feelings for you.” 

“No kidding, but that’s better than just being a fucking idiot.”

“Very true, like you?”

“Okay, I deserved that.” He looked down at you with a smile and you nodded.

“You did.”

“Well, looks like Angel wants attention,” he said and you both looked down seeing him look up at you guys. Haizaki grabbed the ball and threw it, which caused Angel to run after it.

© [@angelsdevils] all rights reserved. none of my posts or stories should be modified, reposted etc. I do not own the character, but I own the plots to these stories.

[white-queen-lacus]

When Kougami came back to Japan...

*Gino*

Kougami: yo. *raises hand to greet*

Gino: *shocked* you........... *punches him* Welcome back. *pissed off but secretly happy*

Kougami: *on the ground* I'm happy to see you again too, Gino. And I haven't shown in front of Tsunemori yet...

Ghost!Makishima: Jesus once said "Turn the other cheek". You're doing great. Keep on amusing me, Kougami Shinya.

*Sugo*

Kougami: I'm Kougami Shinya. Nice to meet you.

Sugo: me too. I have heard a lot about you.

Kougami: I see. Gino is...

Sugo: from inspector Tsunemori and Hanashiro-san. They said you have the best mind in the world, that you are the best hound they ever met.

Kougami: well... I...

Sugo: and they also added you have glorious abs and a punchable sexy face.

Kougami: huh? Really?

Sugo: I'd try the former. Sparring?

Ghost!Makishima: Ave Caesar, morituri te salutant.

*Shion and Yayoi*

Kougami: yo, Shion.

Shion: you're back, Kougami. (I guess Shion holds a grudge because she calls him by surname and not Shinya-kun anymore)

Kougami: she's angry.

Ghost!Makishima: she's angry.

Kougami: Kunizu--

Yayoi: *hugs Shion* my property.

Kougami: seriously? Give me a break, I'm not Sasayama...

Ghost!Makishima: what about a new fantastic trip just you and your favorite hallucination?

*Hinakawa*

Kougami: you are... Hinakawa Sho.

Hinakawa: iiiiih?? Y-You are... Kougami Shinya.

Ghost!Makishima: that's my line. I sound better. *pleasantly grins*

*Tomoyo*

Kougami: I'm back, mama.

Tomoyo: I see.

Kougami: well, I...

Tomoyo: *slaps his face* that's for having made your mother and Tsunemori worrying for your fate.

Kougami: ... I'm sorry.

Tomoyo: you truly are. Welcome back, son. *secretly relieved*

Ghost!Makishima: an ancient Italian saying says "Mazz’ e panell’ fanne ‘e figli bell".

*Akane*

Kougami: ... I'm back, Tsunemori.

Akane: ... You... Kougami-san?! Is it really you? Not my subconscious remembering me how much I miss you? *checks abs*

Kougami: speaking of which...

Ghost!Makishima: oh oh... Looks like somebody had been missed a lot. I still smell Spinels.

Ghost!Kougami: it's her. I smell more fabulous then the original. Glorious abs and kissing sexy face.

Ghost!Makishima: you are...

Ghost!Kougami: it's time to put an end to our presence here. I know an interesting place.

Ghost!Makishima: a hyper oat field?

Ghost!Kougami: to kill you again. But this time we'll have that long conversation you wished that time.

Ghost!Makishima: agreed. After all... *said in his cold tone* You are Kougami Shinya.

Ghost! Kougami: *said in his cold tone too* you are Makishima Shogo.

*both disappear equivocally laughing*

Akane: I feel offended... at least I did hallucinate about you...

Kougami: long story...

Akane: will you tell me about your adventures?

Kougami: sure.

Akane: even about the girl you shared your time with?

Kougami: Hanashiro?

Akane: *underneath* I was said her name was Tenzing. So, do you have anything to say, Kougami-san?

Kougami: as I thought, you're the best detective in the world. And my criminal ass missed you the most.

Akane: *smiles* Welcome back, Kougami-san. 💖

[bigskydreaming]

Interesting. Another week where I liked all the X-books that came out. Must’ve been cuz there was no Duggan in the mix.

New Mutants was one of the better issues since Ayala took over. I haven’t loved all of their issues, though enjoyed them for the most part, but this one I could really see everything start to come together that they’ve been seeding from their start. I wanna reread once next issue comes out and see whether it works better overall to read the full arc in one sitting. Also it might be that the Otherworld stuff was a forced detour they had to make and that threw off the pacing. We’ll see. 

But the kids with Gabby was such a sweet moment, and its so nice to see them all on the same side when it comes to Farouk......but Farouk’s motivations and the little interlude about the boy call back to Ayala’s first issue and it looks like the suspicions laid back then were true. Its almost certain that the Shadow King is actually an amalgamation or even just a full on puppet of an Amenthi demon who merged with or possessed Amahl Farouk as a child and using him as a host, has been all about trying to make this world match the one it came from, based on the same ideals Annihilation espoused. 

Basically, Amahl is not the same as the Shadow, the Shadow is trying to turn Krakoa into a new version of Arakko, and if I’m interpreting one panel of the art right, I think Xi’an (who seemed to have her suspicions back at the start of this arc too) just sensed another presence for the first time - and she’s the one who knows the Shadow King’s psyche best after all - and she’s figured out that there’s a separate Amahl Farouk consciousness hidden somewhere inside him. And given that second ‘demonstration’ interlude and the fact that the New Mutants are now nowhere to be found in the Shadow King’s mindscape, I’m guessing she managed to shunt them from the part the Shadow King controlled, into whatever part the original boy Amahl is hiding in.

Excalibur was one of its better issues. I’m far more interested in the politics of Otherworld than the political shit in X-Force, Mordred being a mutant is an actually interesting twist, and the idea that Arthur is making his son’s betrayal a self-fulfilling prophecy by attacking mutantkind because he believes Mordred will inevitably side with them as a mutant has some interesting possibilities. It was also unexpectedly....nice, to see like, the whole family Braddock fighting on the same side for probably the first time ever, lol, from Betsy to Brian to Meggan to Jamie.....Jim Jaspers remains a wildcard I’m wary of because like, lol I’ve read the original stories of him and it seems this writer has too, and I want someone to bring up that he’s keeping Redroot captive and make some kind of issue about that, especially now that Death has been brought back into the mix and Betsy’s offered to help him escape Sevalith. 

(Only to have him say no, he’s working - lol anyone else think Death’s trying to pull off a one-man coup and take over Sevalith for mutantkind and do his Daddy Dearest proud? Or given that he’s obviously still crushing on Ororo, even after - well I mean, probably BECAUSE she kicked his ass and left him for dead.....I could TOTALLY see them playing this as like, part of some weird courtship attempt of his. The only way he feels he can woo her as an equal is to come to her with a kingdom of his own or some shit like that. Idk, we’ll see. He’s definitely up to something though, but I do believe him when he says that ultimately he’s on the same side as the rest of them).

I liked that they haven’t forgotten about the other Rogue, Gambit and Rictor Captains, I liked Roma’s conversation with Jubilee about Shogo and the foreshadowing there, as well as Jubilee’s response and her clear conflict.....Merlyn can fucking die in a fire already, please and thank you, ugh, enough with this old shithead.....oh I LOVED that someone is FINALLY doing something with Bei, and it does make sense for it to be Excalibur though I figured it would’ve happened in New Mutants by now. But she and Shatterstar make a fun odd duo, and actually Star’s comment to Brian about being a new friend too like, lol, okay, I’m kinda here for a trio of Brian, Star and Bei to be like a Krakoan Warrior Three who are all united by their perspective as like, lifelong combatants and being outsiders among the rest of Krakoa even if Shatterstar and Bei are technically still mutants too. It makes sense.

Hmm, what else. Would love to see Bei’s thoughts on Death and Redroot, all things considered, and have something to do with those plotlines in the future. And really in general I’m here for this big all-kingdom smackdown with Sevalith, Hothive, Mercador, the Furies and Merlyn’s kingdom all arrayed against Krakoa and Avalon. Of course, these are still only the Foul Kingdoms. Roma and the rest of the Fair Kingdoms so far don’t seem to have any real problem with witchbreed....but this arc is still only getting started. Still waiting for Mordred’s inevitable entrance....curious to see what his power is, and especially if HE even knew he was a mutant before now.

Also: JULIO AND SHATTERSTAR CUDDLES. WE HAVE WAITED 84 YEARS FOR THIS.

And as for Hellions....

Okay, I didn’t actually love Hellions, its kinda on...layaway. I liked a lot of the fallout of last issue, I liked that the stakes are so apparent here, but I’m gonna be bothered by a lot of stuff unless there’s some kind of plot twist that reveals that Kwannon’s daughter is still alive somehow. Like maybe Sinister lied about not having another back-up JUST to ensure he still had one last card to bargain with up his sleeve since he lost the ‘in’ he had with the Hellions now, and with the Council now aware of his secret experiments with Arraki DNA (and bringing Tarn down on their heads in a way that COULD have started a full on war with them if Ororo hadn’t handled it for them)....like point is, all eyes are going to be on him for awhile now and he has very few cards left to play or people in his corner, so I’m HOPING that there’s another plot twist coming in the last couple issues there. 

Because if Kwannon’s daughter is ACTUALLY dead....it really doesn’t sit well with me that the first real mutant death in an age of literal immortality for the rest of them (since even Gorgon and Rockslide technically are still alive in SOME sense)....like for that to be Kwannon’s daughter, the only real innocent in all of this, and having been held hostage to this storyline the whole time, and only existing to force Kwannon’s hand in all of this....yeah. No. Thank you, do not like, that better not be all there is to this. I never trust anything Sinister says as a general rule, so I’m not gonna believe him about that having been the only back-up of her daughter until its wholly proven otherwise.

Other thoughts.....I like that Emma knows that she fucked up, I like that Emma DID have her own kinda failsafe in place because she didn’t trust Sinister for shit, I like that she was RIGHT not to trust Sinister for shit and that her fail-safe stopped even worse shit from happening....I DON’T like that her fail-safe literally just made Alex a weapon of mass destruction with no awareness he even was one and someone else’s hand (let alone fucking MANUEL’S on the trigger)....I DON’T like Emma looking all pained at how devastated Alex is when that was the inevitably outcome of this particular failsafe, like sorry Emma but if what it did to Alex was really that big a problem for you, you should have found a different failsafe.....and I REALLY REALLY don’t like Emma effectively just offering up Maddy’s resurrection as essentially a bribe to ‘fix’ what had happened to HIM, like....if you guys could have made the case for Maddy’s resurrection before now, it should have been for Maddy’s sake, not as like....a cheer-up tactic for fucking Alex, and DEFINITELY not to ‘fix’ a mess that still resulted in Kwannon’s daughter’s death (unless of course there’s a twist there).

Oh and I also meant to say there BETTER be fallout once Scott discovers Emma and Manuel’s role in all of this. I could definitely see Scott like, interceding on John’s behalf if he manages to pull of killing Empath, because like....he’d kinda want to do it himself. This is one of those times where I REALLY wish they’d spend more time developing where Gabe fits in with the Summers brothers now, relationship wise, because like, just show him giving any kind of shits for Alex as his older brother like, at all, and you can EASILY justify Gabe going full wrath-of-omega-mutant on Empath, and what’s the Council gonna do to one of their prized omega mutants, especially one who’s already been imprisoned on Krakoa for Xavier’s mistakes in decades past? 

Actually damn, now THERE’S a consequence-arc I’d love to see, because imagine Gabe helping John go after Empath, and then the Council really trying to throw HIM in the Hole for that, and then Scott being like uh no, remember the events of Deadly Genesis? The fuck I’m gonna stand by and allow that, Xavier you still owe him for that shit, especially since this resurrected version of him never did all the shit Emperor Vulcan did, at least as far as he knows. Or THEN ALSO I could see him getting Storm to back him up on this and she gets the Arraki to be like, well we owe this mutant a debt of gratitude for his role in making our new home, and actually his actions sound totally acceptable, we’re honestly not sure what the problem is, actually he sounds more like us than you so we’re happy to offer him sanctuary, and then the Council would shit their pants because they don’t want to lose an omega mutant to their war-like cousins since you KNOW more than a few of them are making contingencies in case they ever have to fight them again, and like, it’d split the loyalties of the entire Summers Clan in doubt and just...tons of story possibilities there. Lots to consider.

Eh, that’s not where they’re going with this at all though, so whatever. I’ll actually be really surprised if they do end up writing John as managing to successfully kill Empath.

Last thoughts.....this was weirdly the first time they EVER made me give a crap about Nanny? They managed to make me more interested in her in one issue than they have in her previous thirty-five years of existence, gave her more DEVELOPMENT in one issue than in all of that time, and when she was willing to sacrifice her just to save the orphanage from being destroyed I was like, holy shit. I....like...her?

And then they fucking ruined it all the very next page with how they had her react to Peter, and their ominous as fuck final epitaph. I’ll wait on deciding my full thoughts and feelings about that, and see just WHAT Peter ends up doing as a result....I have a feeling things are not going to end well for him and we might be close to seeing the last of him, especially with the inferences they’ve made about how destructive Peter’s true power is - whatever the hell it actually is. Like, Peter, at least, I can see the Council being more than willing to leave in the Hole, or just....put at the back of the resurrection queue for the rest of eternity. Which is shitty but would be perfectly in keeping with them and also I don’t actually know what he’s going to do yet.....like, is it going to be some bullshit like HE tries to destroy the Nursery or some shit because Nanny wanted to save it, or more likely is it gonna be something like he goes to the Right and betrays Krakoa or whatever and gives them valuable intel or something like that? Idk. 

Finally - YES MADDY’S COMING BACK. And she’s gonna be pisssssssed. Like, I don’t see how they’re planning to approach that, like....I’m expecting Xavier to try some serious editing on her back-up to maneuver WHICH point in time Maddy will come back remembering up to, because uh....that’s gonna matter a lot. But since this is all happening against his objections in the first place, and this seems more like Emma’s personal crusade to try and make up for her part in all this, I wouldn’t be surprised if Maddy comes back with full memories up to her most recent back-up.....which means she’s going to still be full on hating all of them, being like FUCK Krakoa AND your amnesty for all mutants I just want you all to burn, and oh yeah, on TOP of all that its inevitable she’s going to find out how much some of them FOUGHT to keep her from being resurrected, like....? Oh there is like only a 1 or 2% chance this ends any way other than TERRIBLY for everyone concerned.

(And yet I still hope they pull it off, because I don’t want her back just for one or two more issues, I want her back longterm. Ideally, I’d love her to take Jean’s place on the Council and pull it off with the support of like Mystique and Emma and Destiny and others as a giant fuck you to Xavier, but I’d also settle for her ditching Krakoa for Arakko and being like these are more my kinda people and also you can’t do shit to me here).

Oh and PS - lolololololol forever at Hank fucking McCoy trying to give Emma shit for her actions here. Like I mean, at least he’s AWARE he has literally no leg to stand on, whatsoever? I mean, I guess there’s that? But still. LMFAO OMG SHUT UP HANK YOU LITERALLY DON’T GET TO SAY SHIT ABOUT ANYONE ELSE BEING SHADY EVER.

Edit: Oh and also I forgot - I need to know how MUCH the Council found out about Sinister’s experiments, in particular if they found out he was ALREADY experimenting with making chimera mutants, like way ahead of schedule according to Moira’s LAST life in Powers of X, when like, the chimera mutants were a recent development as of a full hundred years in the future from now. Like, that changes a LOT and I would love to know what Xavier, Moira and Magneto think of that accelerated timetable and how it might change things.

[shoichee]

Hello! I was wondering if you could do a Hizaki Shogo X F!reader fic where Hizaki walks into his s/o holding onto a picture frame of them both and singing "Love Like you" and maybe a soft fluffy ending?🥺💕 Reader is usually hyper and happy go lucky but at that moment reader is calm and just so soft that they look at the picture frame with the softest eyes and that makes Hizaki feel warm? Hope you have a Nice Day/Night! Thank you!!

i spy a haizaki fan over here~ okay, i am very very sorry it took very long to get this out, but i hope i wrote him well D: to be honest, he’s the most complicated guy to write for by far and while i dont think its crazy toothrotting fluffy compared to my other scenarios, i hope you enjoy this too!

Haizaki x Reader

Word Count: 1990

Note: swearing, and is a LITTLE BIT risque? i mean, this is haizaki

»»—————　☼　—————««

You two were only supposed to be friends with benefits.

You definitely weren’t his type. Nope, you definitely weren’t. Not when you endlessly made so much clamoring in the hallways with your friends or bounced around like a kid on sugar. It definitely leaves a sour taste in his mouth when you are a literal carbon-copy of Kise Ryouta, someone who he absolutely despised.

Yet, it’s probably how he can render you to a completely different side of soft whimpers and gasps in every tryst for the past two months that made it all worth the effort of chasing after you. Besides, he knows you reciprocate the same level of desire for him, and it gives him a massive boost of an ego. Especially when you actually use your annoying voice for something more worthwhile than socializing with your classmates… especially when you rasp out his name in desperation in such vulnerable moments. He constantly feeds on your vulnerability like it’s his lifeline, but he will never admit that.

So why is it that he’s so taken aback when he sees, yet, another different side to you, the usual sickenly energetic side he’s secretly grown accustomed to?

“If I could begin to be… half of what you think of me…”

He doesn’t know whether to be disgusted about the fact that he feels bad for intruding on something that feels so intimate and pure or the fact that he’s craving more of this side of you, the side that he’s afraid is all an illusion in his mind that he’s somehow concocted in a fever dream. The gentle lullaby you were humming irritates him all the more, yet he’s glued in his spot, so torn about whether to rudely interrupt you to demand for another escapade or relish in the lulls that is undoubtedly soothing him.

“I could do about anything… I could even learn to love…”

Somehow, the lyrics affected him on a personal level, and he grits his teeth, hating the fact that he relates to it so deeply. Here you are, humming the soft jazz as a smile of absolute adoration spreads across your lips. Lips that he’s all too familiar with yet a complete stranger to. He doesn’t know whether to feel smug or remorse when he sees that you're admiring the selfie you took of the both of you the other day on a whim. Smug because at least he knows you’re completely whipped for him. Remorse… because it almost makes the two of you look like an actual couple… something that he’s not too keen on, yet he’s been toying with that idea recently whenever he meets up with you. It feels so wrong that someone like you is so heavily entangled with someone like him, but he wants to monopolize all of that for himself all the same.

“I always thought I might be bad…

Now I'm sure that it's true…

'Cause I think you're so good…

And I'm nothing like you…”

It was just a song, he knew it, yet it feels like you truly felt that about yourself. He never understood you even after all those times you’ve met up, all those times he’s stripped you to your most defenseless state. He thought he can figure you out like the past girls he’s been with… their games, their desires, their motives. He hates it; your entire being pisses him off and intrigues him all the same, and he wants more of you. He doesn’t understand… don’t you know what he’s capable of doing to you? Have you not heard of what he’s done to others? Why do you still treat him so… normally?

“... I wish that I knew…

What makes you think I'm so special…”

Does he think you’re special? He doesn’t know, but he can admit that you’re the longest fling he’s had so far. He scoffs and spits to ward off a stray thought that crossed his mind, the intrusive thought that you emanate the same inviting warmth like his single mother. The only warmth he’s ever sought out was the body heat of another girl in the heat of passion; such a want of intimate warmth, like the one he was experiencing right now, has always been so foreign and uncomfortable.

“E-Eek!! H-How long have you been here?!” Haizaki snaps out of his thoughts to face a mortified you clutching your phone close to your chest. There was the side of you he’s always known.

“Hah? Do you think so highly of yourself that you think anyone would fucking waste their time to eavesdrop on you?” he sneers, watching you only roll your eyes at him. You only walk closer to him while Haizaki watches your every move like a hawk with his narrow eyes.

“You’re the only one who would spit so damn loudly,” you say. “You really oughta stop doing that. It’s gross.” He only rudely scoffs at you before he turns his back on you.

“I just came to look for you for a quickie,” Haizaki says, licking his thumb like he usually does. “7 p.m. if we’re doing it.”

“Ah, before you leave!” you call out to him. “What do you want for your bento?”

“What.” Haizaki slightly halts in his place before he turns his face to you with a condescending sneer, but you can see the slight confusion swirling in his eyes. “Are you fucking shitting me right now?”

“No, I’m absolutely not!” you loudly huff. “I’m actually serious! You picked such a later time than usual, and I’m not gonna go starve myself just for sex. So do potato wedges sound good?” Haizaki only narrows his eyes at you, wondering why you go through such lengths for such a short-term relationship. He gives a mirthless chuckle.

“Whatever you’re doing won’t make me stick by your side like a loyal dog, I hope you realize that,” he says. “Don’t go crying off when you see me having fun with another girl.” In truth, he hasn’t really thought about flirting off to another female for months since he’s met you, but at least he wants to put it out on the table that if you were indeed looking for something serious… then he wasn’t the right guy for you.

“I know,” you say shrugging casually. “Everyone knows who you are after all. I figured you’d be hungry if I am too.”

“No one’s a glutton like you.”

“Yeah? Well you still find me attractive enough despite that.” You give a satisfied smirk of your own when Haizaki merely turns away to walk. “What, Haizaki? No comeback for this one?”

He stops to give a hard glare. “All your yapping made me not want to fuck you anymore. I’m gonna chill at the arcade.”

“Ooh! Ooh!” you hoot excitedly, stars shining in your eyes. It seems that his other comment completely unphased you. “Let me come too! Please?” Even despite his rebukes, you hold your own against him and even make them backfire against him. Even despite him knowing that he’s a terrible influence, you still shine so brightly.

“... You’re paying for your own tokens. Don’t expect me to give you a single dime.”

“You really think I’m a freeloader?!”

“I might just take some of your coins, too,” he leers, again licking his thumb. “Don’t go crying either if you get left behind like a dolt.”

“If you do that,” you threaten, crossing your arms, “I’m gonna steal your coins too! Plus, you stick out like a sore thumb! I can easily find you anywhere, y’know!”

Haizaki doesn’t bother to reply and keeps on walking further before you gasp and chase after him.

“H-H-Hey!! We’re going now?! I thought we're still meeting at 7?” He merely tunes you out, but you knew he slowed down his pace for you to catch up, albeit slightly. “W-Wait! But like… I won’t have time to make the bento, and—”

“Shut up, (y/n),” he says. “Fast food exists for a reason.” Why would someone like you go through so much effort to make homemade food for someone like him? He feels somewhat better that at least he wouldn’t feel the tiny guilt of taking your bento off your hands. You widen your eyes like you just realized that restaurants existed.

“Oh yeah, huh!”

“You’re paying for your own shit, too.”

“Well, duh!”

Haizaki continues to stroll with his bag slung over his shoulder, not even remotely sparing you a glance, but he knows you’re right behind him when you’re skipping around so excitedly. Was being with him that enjoyable to you? He hasn’t done anything remotely kind to you.

“Hey, hey, Haizaki!” He continues to ignore you. “Doesn’t this feel like a date to you?”

“Keep dreaming, wench.”

“You’re a royal asshole, you know that?” you sigh, still trying to match his stride. Haizaki is very much aware of who he is. What he doesn’t know is why you still keep sticking to him like a remoraid.

“Why are you so annoying?”

Translation: Why are you persistent in being with me?

You seem to know the hidden meaning of his throwaway question, and Haizaki frowns harshly at how sharp you were.

“I don’t know. You’re the more obnoxious person in everyone’s eyes anyways,” you snicker. “Still, don’t you ever get tired of hearing people talk shit about you?”

Translation: Why do you act like this?

“You really know how to get on my nerves. Shut up if you know what’s good for you. I don’t know who’s gonna break it to you, but I’m not the guy who you think so highly of.”

“I never said that about you though,” you frown. “Unless… you really did eavesdrop on me after all?!”

“Tch.” He only walks faster to try to leave you behind, and you immediately run in a panic to catch up.

“Okay, okay! I’m kidding, alright?!” you say, but both of you knew that you were secretly smug about it. He’s starting to regret bringing you along, but deep down, he thinks it’s the best decision he’s made in a long time. Still, he’s more irked when you begin to shamelessly hum the same song, the one you sung moments before, to gleefully tick him off.

Even through his nasty attitude, for the first time, you had a taste of different sides to Haizaki in the arcade. The side of him that genuinely enjoyed being competitive with you during various rounds, even with his usual jeers… the side of him who always puts himself on the outside of the sidewalks when it got dark… the side of him who tried to teach you the workings of some of the games, albeit in a condescending way… the side of him who waited for you to finish your food at the tables, even if he kept making unnecessary comments on your appetite. Haizaki doesn’t know why he’s doing these things… perhaps he wanted to feel what it’s like to be in a committed relationship? Perhaps he wanted another taste of the same feeling he had felt when he first heard you sing?

There was something so innocent about this entire “date,” that both of you couldn’t help but wanted to learn more about each other. For the first time, Haizaki lets his guard down around you, and when he's so entertained in your presence, he suddenly doesn’t care as much about it. Your relationship was far from perfect, but between the two of you being a complete mismatch, there was a spark of something undeniably genuine and pure… the intimate warmth that Haizaki had lacked and craved for so long.

Even just for now… he wants to hold the fantasy of being in a committed relationship with you close to his heart for as long as he can. He sometimes wishes he could hear you sing again, only for him, to feel the gentle lulls again.

[randomnotesofmyown]

Psycho-Pass (22)

Episode 22 - Perfect World

Makishima and Kogami were battling each other. And after a round of fierce fighting, Makishima was disarmed and injured, and Kogami tried to deliver a final stab to end it. But Tsunemori finally made it there and she stopped it with an electromagnetic grenade. 

Then she gestured Kogami to take that special dominator and help her capture Makishima. She laid out the conditions: Makishima would only be paralyzed, if Kogmai tried to do anything else, she would shoot him in the leg.

Kogami asked Tsunemori why she would go to such lengths to prevent Makishima getting killed. "Because it's illegal." Kogami, "Why are you going that far to obey the law when that law can neither judge a criminal nor protect people?" Tsunemori, "the law doesn't protect people. People protect the law. People have always detested evil and sought out a righteous way of living. Their feelings...the accumulation of those people's are the law. The law is neither the provisions nor the system. It is the fragile and irreplaceable feelings that people carry in their hearts. Compared to the power of anger and hatred, they are something that can quite easily break down. [Therefore] people have prayed for a better world throughout time. In order for those prayers to continue to hold meaning, we have to try our best to protect it to the very end. We just can't give up on it." "If there ever comes a time when everyone feels that way, the Sibyl system will probably disappear. There will no longer be any latent criminals or Enforcers. But..." Makishima drove a lorry into Kogami and Tsunemori. Kogami jumped away, trying to shoot but couldn't aim. Then, he saw Tsunemori clinged onto the lorry as Makishima drove off.

Tsunemori shot a tire, causing the lorry to spin and ...

Makishima got out of the truck, walked to Tsunemori, stamped on her head and prepared to shoot, "I wish...you guys would stop insulting us...already."

But there was no bullet in the pistol. "I see...you are..." Makishima stopped at mid-sentence, turned and started running away.

Kogami finally got to where Tsunemori lay unconscious. He carried her away from the truck, and reloaded the pistol. Tsunemori regained consciousness at the sounds of bullets hitting the ground, she tried again to stop Kogami. But it was in vain, as Kogami immediately ran off to kill Makishima.

Makishima's final thoughts, "Everyone is alone. Everyone is empty. People no longer have need for others. You can always find a spare for any talent. Any relationship can be replaced. I had gotten bored of a world like that. But for some reason...the thought that someone other than you might kill me never occurred to me." 

Exhausted from heavy blood loss, Makishima fell to his knees, panting. He stopped running, and decided to feel the breeze with open arms. 

"Say, what do you think, Kogami...after this, will you be able to find a replacement for me?" "Well, I sure hope not." And then, Kogami executed Makishima. Tsunemori, seeing that she failed to stop Kogami from killing Makishima, dropped on her knees and broke down in tears.

Sibyl, "the outcome of the attempt to capture Makishima Shogo was quite regrettable." Tsunemori, "does that mean I'm no longer needed?" Sibyl, "We have no choice but to lower our evaluation of your abilities. However, that does not mean the value of your existence turns negative. Rather, when it comes to managing the Sibyl system, you are still an individual of outstanding value." Tsunemori, "what do you mean?" Sibyl, "you have a healthy, strong Psycho-Pass, as well as a clear mind and judgment. We can say that your qualities are as close to ideal as they come for serving as an example to the citizens of the coming new era. And, you hold an emotional antipathy that is completely contrary to your theoretical assessment of the Sibyl system, and that conflict continues to exist. If we can establish a means of winning you over to our side, we will be able to obtain valuable sample data for taking the governance of society to the next level." Tsunemori, "what are you up to?" Sibyl, "Considering public opinion, the true form of the Sibyl system is currently completely kept secret. At this point, covering it up is still a simple strategy in the short term. However, as a long-term strategy, this is never desirable. We should eventually make our true form public. Creating an environment where every citizen enjoys and accepts our governance after they become aware of our true form...Achieving this task will solidify the stability and prosperity of the future human society. Continuing to observe and analyze your movements will provide us with valuable hints on how to build a methodology for winning over the citizens in the future and getting them to adapt." Tsunemori, "You think it will go so smoothly?" Sibyl, "as long as you don't show any signs of jeopardizing our secret, your life and your freedom of action will be guaranteed. We hope you will cooperate with us. If you are to follow your desire for self-preservation, there is only one choice." Tsunemori, "Right, I don't want to die in vain, and it's true that the current society cannot hold without Sibyl." 

Sibyl, "we feel that we can trust in your respect for the law when you make decisions." Tsunemori, "do you know the most demeaning thing you can do to the law that we should respect? Creating and administering a law that is unworthy of protection. You shouldn't underestimate humans. We're always aiming for a better society. Someone will come to this room someday to turn off the power. we will find a new path for sure. Sibyl system, you guys have no future!"

Voices of individual laughter overlapping with the voice of Sibyl, "Tsunemori Akane...Fight... Struggle...so that it may lead us to evolve."

Ginoza in front of Masaoka's grave, "hey, it's been a while...I came to talk to you today...since I decided what I'm going to do next. My crime coefficient went up to 140. There's no longer a chance of recovery. But it's not in my nature to sit around and mope in the isolation facility. So I decided to go back to where I used to work. You told me to take a different path. Guess I didn't live up to your expectations. I'm a bad son in every respect, aren't I? But strangely enough, I don't have any regrets. There's nothing good about being a detective. Even so, it's a job that someone needs to do. Right...Dad?"

Enforcer Ginoza rejoined Tsunemori, who was waiting by her car, and the two got in. Ginoza, "unlike Kagari, at least my dad was able to get a grave. Division 2 was told to stop their investigation on him, right?" "Yes." "I bet Kagari isn't alive anymore. I'm sure the top brass found evidence of that, but they're trying to sweep it under the rug and keep it from the public." "I wonder where Mr. Kogami is." "When the collar comes off of such a wild hunting dog, he becomes no different from a wolf. Now that he's back in the wild...he might rather be living a free and easygoing life." "Would living like that be relaxing?" "it's not like he was living a relaxing life when he was an Enforcer, right? He was a persevering, cunning man who didn't know when to give up. No matter how bad the situation, he'll always pull through. The one I'm more concerned about...is you, Inspector Tsunemori."

Ginoza, "Let's look at the future rather than the past. A new inspector will be assigned tomorrow, right?" Tsunemori, "it's unusual to hire a minor, isn't it?" Ginoza, "We're partially responsible for that." Karanomori, "Division 1 underwent a sea change, didn't it? Shu, Masa, and Shinya...they're all gone." 

Voice of Kunizuka, "It means that old-fashioned guys are not suited for this job." "Isn't calling them old-fashioned a bit harsh? Why don't you call them romantics?" "Could that be a comfort to them?"

A rainy night in Tokyo, paralleled the night when Tsunemori first reported duty, the newbie came. "Excuse me! Are you Inspector Tsunemori?" "Yes. What bad luck that you have to deal with an incident right after you got posted."

Shimotsuki, "I've been assigned to the Criminal Investigation Department as of today! Pleased to meet you!"

Tsunemori, "Sorry, but the CID is very short on manpower. So I'll help you out but I can't treat you like a newbie." Shimotsuki, "I'm aware of that. I'm looking forward to the work." "Good response." And then Tsunemori briefed Shimotsuki about Enforcers. And Shimotsuki hesitantly grabbed a dominator.

After end credits, Kogami was shown reading another book, Swann's Way"

And the final screen.

End of the first season.

Comment: Things I noticed: 1) This time, Tsunemori came to view other humans as an observer when she talked about people protecting the law and how she defined the law; and 2) the way Tsunemori greeted the new agent marked the moment "the wheel is come full circle".

[ourneverendingpossibilities]

I’m sorry (3/?)

Anime: Kuroko no Basuke Pairing: Aomine Daiki x Reader Rating: T+ (For Haizaki’s mouth) A/N: Chapter 3 is here! Thanks once again for your patience, and I look forward to hearing what you guys think! 

______________________

Sighing, you couldn't help but rub your arms in anticipation. You waited to call Midorima at lunch the following day, as the phone call with Kise went on much longer than anticipated. It took a bit of convincing but you managed to get both boys to meet you here despite them being busy with the Winter Cup. You only hoped everything would go well. The weight of the basketball in your bag felt heavier than before. Of course, quitting the sport itself was a hard challenge and no matter what you said, you knew in your heart you'd never quit.

You were about to reach into your bag when a flash of grey caught your eyes. Your body stiffens when you see his profile from the other side of the gate. Your body begins to quiver in fear, though you try to deny the fear you felt, as you didn't want this asshole to know you still felt that way about him. You couldn't let him win, not at a game you were better at, and your breathing began to get choppy and short, as though his hand was wrapped around your throat.

'Why is he here?'

________________

Basketball practice was starting and as usual, Momoi was running around, trying to track down her best friend. She was confused and concerned for both of them and while she should feel more worry for you, a part of her can't help but worry more about Aomine. 

She wasn't blind, she saw his reaction to your outburst yesterday against the team. The emotions she was feeling were quite similar, if not the same, to yours as she, too, hated how everyone drifted apart at Teiko. They were so close and bonded outside of basketball. 

Once Akashi had changed and made everything about winning, everything went sour. It didn't matter to her if they won or not, even though she knew the outcome was going to be the same.

Like you, she often wondered if the rest of the team only chose Aomine because he was what people called a ‘monster’. She knew the team here at Touou was more about individual skills and rarely worked as a team. 

While she felt it was a repeat of Teiko, there were some differences between the two. The major one being Aomine didn't rely on anyone to help him. He didn't try to bond with the rest of the team, choosing to stick with herself and _____ but everyone else was nothing to him.

But what made her seek her childhood friend out was the sadness he kept hidden beneath his harsh frown. He seemed more frustrated and angry at practice than usual and the only time she'd ever seen him like that was back in Teiko. 

When she got to the roof, she was surprised to see him sitting up, his arms wrapped around his left leg as he sat there, staring into space. Despite being outside, the air was thick with tension and Momoi swore she sensed another emotion mixed in but was unable to identify it. This made her frown, as she turned her eyes to the ground, unable to handle seeing her best friend like this.

"Satsuki... Is that you?"

Blinking, she looks up to see Aomine's navy blue hues staring at her. She bit back the gasp as she took a good look at her friend, the look of loneliness was practically screaming at her. She wanted to run to him and give him a hug. 

But they weren't children anymore and he continuously told her, with a frown, to never touch him.

"Hai.. I wanted to come see if you were..." Alright? Coming to practice? What can I say that won't irritate him?

He chuckles, the laugh foreign and unrecognizable to her ears, as he turns his eyes back to the streets. He seems to be in his own world, lost in whatever thoughts running through his mind, and seeing this was new to Momoi. She'd never seen her friend like this ever, and the only thought that came to her mind was,

'It's all because of you.. ____-chan.'

"Satsuki... You worry too much."

She could feel the anger surface a bit before she pouted, "Well someone has to worry about you! You don't seem to care about anything else besides basketball!"

"Well... There is one other thing I cared about, probably more than basketball."

Momoi could hear the hidden meaning behind his statement, and as much as she wanted to ask if it was you, she chose to go a different route instead.

"Aomine-kun?"

...

"When did you and _____-chan get together?"

A brief silence occurred between the two before his words rang through her mind.

"Last year."

_______________________

Things had been rough since the coach changed at Teiko. You start to notice Akashi's mood change drastically and he sent shivers down your spine each time he glanced at you. You hid this because you didn't want anyone to know you felt uncomfortable around the captain and make things worse. Still, your feelings towards the ace of the team never wavered, despite his sudden change in personality. You couldn't stop the worry from rising to your chest when you first heard Aomine wasn't expected to show up at practice. 

So long as he played in games and they won, both Akashi and the coach didn't care.

It was around the time he stopped his one-on-one games with you, which made the loneliness grow in your heart.

You decided to wait for Aomine's class to end, though a small part of you was wondering if he'd left early as he's been doing so recently. You were about to walk away from his locker when a hand grabs you and forces you against the cold, metallic door. Gasping, you felt the air rush out of your lungs as you turned your head to see Haizaki Shogo looming over your small form. A sinister grin on his face as his eyes pierced yours, preventing you from escaping.

"Ha? If it isn't _____-chan.~ What are you doing around here?"

Giving the best glare, despite the circumstances, you scoffed before attempting to look away from his hungry gaze, clenching your hand tightly to calm the shaking.

"It's none of your business. Why are you still here? I thought you were suspended."

He clicks his tongue before licking his lips. "Well, it seems you're the only girl in this shit hole I haven't gone out with. What do you say we go out on a date? I'll show you a good time."

Feeling repulsed, you scoff, "No thanks. I don't want what every other girl has touched. I already told you, I'm not interested. I don't know how many times I have to say it before you figure it out."

Gripping your face in his hand, he forced your eyes to look at him, his expression angry. "Out of all the girls, I gotta say, you're the most intriguing ____-chan. You're the only one who hasn't shown interest in any of the boys at this school, including the ones on the basketball team. Unless... There is a boy you're trying to go after?"

Attempting to free yourself, you try to kick him, only to feel his legs tangle with yours, effectively trapping them. He always pissed you off, and yet, you were still powerless to stop him if he tried anything. All the other girls in this school hated/feared him and the boys were just as useless when it came to fighting him. The only boys who could stop him were the small knit group that were deemed prodigies, but they were at practice and there's no way they'd know you were in trouble.

"Ha. You're just like the rest of them. They all attempt to fight me first but in the end they all end up getting fucked by me. Trust me darling, you're just like the rest of those whores."

His hand tightens its grip on your face and you could feel his nails digging into your cheek, eliciting a small cry from your throat. Despite feeling the pain in your face, you still managed to glare at him, forcing your body to be stiff and unresponsive to his advances. You attempt once more to kick him in the shin, but he trapped your other leg, pressing himself completely against your body.

"No one's gonna stop me. So you should surrender yourself to me."

"Like hell I will! I'm not going out with you! So for the last time, back off Haizaki!"

He releases your head only to strike you across the same cheek he'd dug his nails into. You could feel the tears burning in the back of your eyelids, but you refuse to let them fall. You weren't going to give him the satisfaction of seeing you cry. This guy was only feeling anger towards everyone associated with Kise because he was replaced. 

Since you were a close friend of his, of course he would try to get with you out of spite. But that wasn't the boy you had your eyes on. And you didn't want to give him any more ammunition to use against the basketball team. So you'd keep your feelings secret, to protect the one you like.

"You're in no position to give me attitude. You can't even defend yourself."

Growling, you glare at him before slapping him across the cheek. 

"At least I wasn't replaced! It was pretty low what you did, going after Ryouta's girlfriend. You have no respect and you're a disgrace to basketball! I'm glad Akashi kicked you off!"

That last sentence sealed your fate. But you weren't going down without fighting. This asshole wasn't going to push you around and you were going to make sure of that.

"You bitch. Why don't I just deal with you right now?"

Releasing your body, you attempt to run but his arm stretches out, grabbing your arm and harshly yanking it as he walked down the hall. You continued to struggle, unsure if anyone was around to hear. Even if the teachers tried helping, none of them could handle Haizaki.

You were alone.

Deciding he'd had enough, Haizaki turns his body towards you, his presence menacing. Before you could blink, his hand collides with your other cheek, a gasp escaping your dry throat as the force from his hand sends you backwards. You almost crashed to the ground but tan arms wrap around your waist and held you against a solid chest. Before you could say anything, you were placed gently against the window, your backpack and Aomine's in your arms before he turned his attention to the grey-haired male.

"Back off and leave ____ alone, piece of shit. Just because she doesn't want to go out with you doesn't give you the right to beat her. She wouldn't go out with a lowlife like you. So get lost before I throw you out this window."

A chuckle escaped his lips, "HA. You're one to talk Daiki. Just showing up out of the blue, attempting to be a knight in shining armour. You're all bark and no bite. You'd never hit me, and even if you could, you'd be kicked off the basketball team. You can't even protect your friends properly and yet you shout threats at me? You're truly an idiot."

Your eyes widened when you saw Aomine bear his teeth in anger. You knew he wanted to go after that piece of shit but you didn't want him getting kicked off the team. Even if he was trying to protect you, it wasn't worth him losing everything he had. You weren't going to let that happen. 

Instinctively, you reach out and grab his hand, yanking his body closer to yours. You attempt to plead with him with your eyes, his expression soften slightly.

'Please don't attack him. Not for me.'

Growling, he kept his eyes on you but addresses Haizaki. "Get the fuck out of here before I change my mind. If you come near ____ again, I won't hesitate to kick your ass."

He was about to retort, but Aomine sends him a death glare and he scoffs before turning away, leaving the two of you alone. Cursing under his breath, Aomine bent down so he was your height and assesses your face. It was a bit swollen where he hit you and there was a thin red line from when his nail dug into your skin. But otherwise, everything else was fine. You could see the anger in his eyes, but there was a hint of regret mixed in, along with helplessness.

He was blaming himself for your bruises.

He took a deep breath to calm himself down before he looked into your eyes, "Are you okay, _____?"

Scoffing, you gave Aomine a punch in the arm, a look of endearment in your eyes. "Don't give me that look, Aomine-kun. You didn't know I was going to wait for you. Besides, I got some hits in too. If anyone asks, I'll just say I tripped. They don't have to know. I can take care of myself."

While your voice sounds convinced, you knew your mind was far from it. You were relieved Aomine showed up when he did, but you didn't want him to know you were scared. Aomine has his own problems to deal with, adding yours onto his is something you weren't going to do. 

Taking a deep breath, you felt yourself getting irritated with that defeated look on his face.

"Look, it was a good thing you didn't go after him. If you did, they would've kicked you off the team. I'm not gonna be the reason you are forced to quit something you enjoy. I'm not that selfish. Now let's go. If you're feeling guilty about it, you can at least buy me a drink."

As you stood, you felt your legs go numb from the fear and before you could blink, you were once again in Aomine's arms. Cursing under your breath, you gasp when both his hands cup your face, his thumbs rubbing your cheeks gently to try and soothe the pain, before his lips captured yours in a sweet kiss. A different shiver went down your spine from earlier and you shudder against his lips before responding to his gentle touch.

You couldn't kiss him for long, due to your throat being dry, but he pulls away before you do, and presses a gentle kiss to your forehead. There weren't any words to say. He turns around, bending down in front of you, and gestures towards his back. Not having the strength to argue, you could feel the heat rush to your cheeks as you climb onto his back, wrapping your arms around his neck, before leaning your head on his shoulder.

As much as you want to ask, the words die in your throat. Despite not knowing if you were officially together, what mattered was having him in your life. There'd be lots of time later to ask what the two of you were. For now, you would enjoy the kindness he was showing you, because you really didn't know how long it was going to last.

____________

The feeling of pressure jolts you from your thoughts and you turn your head around to see Kise and Midorima standing there, frowns on their faces. Both of them saw Haizaki walking by the basketball court and found themselves running towards you, in an attempt to scare him off. It seemed to have worked because when your turned your attention back to where he was, he was no longer there.

Breathing a sigh of relief, you gave both of them a smile. "Thank you."

Kise gave you a smile while Midorima pushed his glasses up with his finger. "It's not a problem. I was wondering why Haizaki was starting to head over here. But I'm assuming that's not what you were wanting from us, is it _____?"

Shaking you head, you take a deep breath, "I didn't expect to see him over here. But you're right, Midorima-kun. That's not why I called you two here. Actually, I'm hoping both of you will consider helping me, though I completely understand if you say no, with the Winter Cup around the corner."

Ruffling your hair, Kise smiles, "Nonsense ! I always have time for ____cchi! We may go to different schools, but that doesn't mean we can't hang out! Though you may have to explain this request of yours to my captain. Kasamatsu-senpai can be scary if I miss lots of practice."

Laughing, you gave him a look, "Well I'm glad to hear you're close with your senpai. Don't worry, I'll explain the reason you hardly show up to practice, that's if you agree to help me."

Taking a deep breath, you focused your serious expression on the two basketball players in front of you. "I want you guys to help me with basketball."

To say both of them were shocked was an understatement. They didn't know many details, but they knew you'd chosen to quit last year. They, along with Kuroko and Momoi, tried convincing you to keep playing but you were stubborn and refused. Both boys looked at each other before looking back at you, speechless.

"I know you guys are shocked, and you're super busy with your own training. But I made up my mind. I'm going to continue playing. It'll take me a bit to get back into it, which is why I want you two to help me. I've never been good at throwing threes and I want to increase my agility."

"I can see why you'd come to me about shooting threes, but if you wanted to increase agility, shouldn't you be asking Aom-"

"No." The firm tone in your voice shocked both boys once again, "I can understand why you'd suggest that, Midorima-kun. But Ryouta is quite good at agility too. I watched the match between him and Aomine. If there's anyone else I can ask to train me, it'd be him."

"If I may ask, ____-cchi, what made you change your mind?"

Sighing, you began tossing the ball in your hands. "To be honest, I'm not really sure. Last night, a group of boys asked me to play with them. I tried refusing, but when they asked me if I loved basketball, I didn't hesitate with my answer. These boys were having so much fun, and they're younger than us, that I decided to play with them. For the first time in a while, I was able to play with a smile."

Both boys remained silent as you continued, "I guess, the reason I told myself I was quitting was because I saw how badly affected all of you were when all you did was win. It broke my heart to see us drift because the motto was to win.”

You stop, staring at them, “Kuroko's words rung through my mind last night again and I was able to understand what he meant. What is the point in victory if you don't smile after? I was scared I would end up like you guys, so I disconnected myself away from it before I felt the loneliness.”

You sigh, scratching the back of your head out of habit,  “But then I realized after a while, I felt more lonely not having the sport that brought us together. I really have to thank those children for this. They helped me see what I truly missing out on. I guess they saw how happy I was because they let me keep the basketball we played with."

"I see. So by asking us to help you, it would improve your accuracy and shots. Not only that, you want to keep this a secret from Aomine. But wouldn't he learn of this from Momoi-san? Surely she'd tell him right?"

"Actually... I haven't told her either. You two are the only ones who know. I'm sure Kuroko has figured it out because he knows me too well. But I don't want either of them knowing. It's kinda why I'm skipping out on practice."

Both saw the determination in your eyes, and knew you were serious. When you had your mind set, there was no going back. And both were happy to see the old you starting to surface.

"I may not be able to help you practice everyday, but I can try. Unfortunately, I can't today as coach is determined to make us work. But you can give me a call to set up a time. I look forward to helping you _____."

Bowing, you gave him a smile, "Thank you, Midorima-kun. I'll definitely be in touch."

Sighing, Ryouta gave a small pout, "Don't forget about me ____-cchi! I'm still here!~"

Laughing, you directed your gaze on the blonde. "I haven't forgotten about you Ryouta. You've just been unusually quiet today. Have you been thinking again?"

"When ____cchi says that, I swear you're making fun of me."

Wrapping your arms around your best friend, you muttered, "I'm sorry Ryouta. I know it's a lot to ask considering the Winter Cup is around the corner. But I'd be very grateful if you could help me."

Returning your hug, he smiled, "What are best friends for? Of course I'll help you! Like I said, you have to explain to my captain why I'm not showing up at practice though! I don't want to hear him yell at me for helping out a friend."

Nodding, you couldn't stop the smile from gracing your lips, "I'll be more than willing to explain everything to your captain. Did you want to do it right now? I'm sure they'd be at practice right?"

Midorima sighs, causing both of you to look at him, "If we're going to be doing this, you two should start right away. We don't have much time."

"That is true. If I heard correctly, Aominecchi is versing Kurokocchi first. So we don't have a lot of time to be wasting."

"Alright then. Ryouta, lead the way!"

______________

When both of you reach Kaijo High, you were greeted by an angry-looking Kasamatsu. His arms were crossed, a frown etched on his face, as though he wanted to hit Kise for being late. When he saw the Touou uniform on you, he looks at Kise with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh right! Kasamatsu-senpai! This is ____cchi! We went to Teiko together! You'll like her!"

You bowed, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Kasamatsu-senpai. I'm ______."

He gives you a small smile before extending his hand, "Likewise, ____-san. I'm Kasamatsu Yukio."

Returning his hand shake, you notice the rest of the team look at you with wary expressions before returning your gaze to the captain.

"I apologize for making Ryouta late. I know I'm from a different school, but I have a request. It may seem unreasonable to you, including your coach, but I wanted to ask you specifically, despite him already agreeing."

You watch as Kasamatsu's expression went serious again, in a professional manner, something you weren't quite used to. "I'm glad you decided to come here and ask me directly. But what does a friend of Kise's, a friend from Touou Academy, want with him?"

Sighing, you decided it was best to be upfront with the captain. Though you left out specific details, you still felt the need to explain a bit of your past to this man.

"When we were in our final year at Teiko, I stopped playing. I didn't see the point in playing anymore. It wasn't as exciting and fulfilling as it used to be and it took too much energy out of me. However, recently my way of thinking has changed and I realized just how much I miss playing.” You pause to take a breath,  “I have a goal I wish to achieve but in order to do so, I need to train. I already asked Midorima-kun of Shutoku for his assistance, but I need two members of the Generation of Miracles for this goal. Ryouta is the only one I can truly count on. I know about his ankle, and I promise to make sure he doesn't overwork himself. I'll beat him if I see he's hurting, but I would be truly happy if he could miss a few of his practices to help me.”

You stop, taking in everyone’s expressions before meeting Kasamatsu’s once more,  “I'm not asking you to let me have him for the entire time, since I know the Winter Cup is around the corner. But if I could use his assistance for two times a week, I'd be really grateful Kasamatsu-senpai."

At the end of your statement, you bowed, causing all the members, including the coach, to look at you in shock. Never has anyone sounded so serious and be so polite about a request before. 

Kasamatsu looks at their coach, who sighs but nods before telling everyone else to go back to work. He turns his attention back to you, his eyes soft but serious.

"To be honest, I've never had someone request a favour so politely before." This caused you to look up at him, eyes wide. "Since you've been so kind and polite, I will accept your request. If I said no, I'm sure Kise would whine and complain."

"That's not true!"

"That aside," both of you turn your attention back to the captain, "We expect him to be at the Winter Cup, so my only request is you make sure he doesn't hurt his ankle any more than what it is. We can't have him sit out the entire Cup, especially since the rest of the Miracles will be there."

"Of course! I'd never allow Ryouta to hurt himself. I'll make sure he takes it easy. You have my word."

A smile appeared on the edge of his lips before he looked at Kise, "I expect you to listen to ____-san. If she tells me you've been overworking yourself, I will make sure the rest of the season will be a nightmare for you. _____-san is your senpai now."

"B-But I'm older than _____cchi! Why is she my senpai?"

Smacking the back of his head, Kasamatsu glared, "Because she's more mature than you. It takes a lot of courage to come to another captain and request a favour. Especially from a rival school. I'm only letting this slide because you are friends and she's very polite. Now get going before I change my mind!"

Bowing, you gave a big smile towards the black-haired captain, "Thank you so much Kasamatsu-senpai! I promise he'll be in good hands!""

With that, you dragged a crying Kise with you towards the basketball courts, eager to start training.

_____________________

Ditching your jackets, both you and Kise get into stances, facing against each other in a one-on-one. The ball bounced between your hand, your gaze focused on the player in front of you. You remembered Kise's ability to copy any technique and change it slightly to fit his style of basketball. But you weren't too scared as your movements were basic, so he'd already know how to block. Yet, you still found yourself dribbling the ball to the left, attempting to do a spin and releasing the ball from your fingers, but Kise blocks it with ease.

His height was definitely a factor for the easy block, but you didn't feel discouraged. This was always an issue when you faced Aomine in a one-on-one. That's why you wanted to focus on shooting threes better, so you'd have a better advantage from a distance.

"___cchi, if you want to get a basket, you're gonna have to do better than that!"

Scoffing, you gave him a smirk, "Obviously. I forgot what it's like to play against you guys. But still, just because people say you're a prodigy doesn't mean you should get a thick head."

Before Kise could blink, you switched gears and bounced the ball between his legs, quickly running behind him to catch the ball and managing to get a basket. Wiping the small bit of sweat from your forehead, you looked at him, who almost gawked at you, before shooting another smirk his way.

"That was awesome, ____cchi! How'd you learn that?"

Bouncing the ball once again, you shrugged, "It's not a special move. A few of the children I played against yesterday did the same thing. They definitely had the energy to bounce around. Besides, it made me realize that just because you're all taller than me, doesn't mean a short person can't be of use on the court. In fact, shorter people have the advantage when it comes to sneaking between players. If they time their movement right."

Scoffing, Kise also wore a smirk on his face, "You don't say. Well, I shouldn't hold back on you then."

Getting ready to charge, you looked at him, "I never intended on letting you. I want to see what you can truly do."

His body relaxed into a comfortable stance as he narrowed his eyes, "Try to get past me now."

________________

After about half hour or so, you felt extremely exhausted, while Kise stood there, panting but not entirely uncomfortable. Wiping the sweat from your forehead with your shirt, you quickly grabbed a bottle of water from your bag, almost chugging the liquid down. Exhaling, you turned your eyes to your best friend, who kept a content smile on his face.

"I gotta say ____cchi. For someone who's starting back up again, you're pretty good. You may not be as good as the rest of us, but you're definitely on par with Kasamatsu-senpai. Just don't tell him I said that, okay?"

Laughing, you gently punched his shoulder, "Of course I won't. I don't need to hear men whine about a girl being better than them. I heard enough of that in middle school."

Pouting, he whined, "_____ is so mean!~"

Rolling your eyes, you scoffed, "Come on now, Ryouta. Surely you know I'm joking."

Seeing his goofy expression right away made a small smile appear on your face. "Of course I do! ______cchi is one of the few people who actually laughs at my jokes. You don't get upset with me the way everyone else does."

Shrugging, you chose to sat on the bench, "It's because you're Ryouta. If it was anyone else, I'd probably feel annoyed. But I know this is how you are. And I'm happy basketball hasn't completely changed you."

There was a weird look in his eyes, one you couldn't place, before he chose to sit beside you on the bench. He rested his hands on his knees, before turning his golden eyes to you.

"I'm sorry about how Aomine-kun treated you."

This caused his eyes to widen before a frown replaced his smile. "Why are you apologizing for that? Did you see the the match between us?"

You nodded. "I snuck in, as I didn't want to be noticed. I just... I felt I should apologize to you because I did the same for Kuroko and Kagami-kun. You know as much as me he never used to be like that. Even if another team lost, he still shook their hand. But all he did was look down on the both of you. It really upset me that I couldn't do anything about it. I didn't know he'd be so cold to you guys, despite being close with you."

"But ______cchi, it's not your fault. Yes, I did feel hurt and betrayed by his words, but thanks to Kasamatsu-senpai, I feel much better. Besides, that's why I'm getting stronger, so I can win against Aominecchi next time!"

You felt the small smile curl the edge of your lip. Of course Kise didn't give up, much like Kuroko and Kagami. If anything, losing only hardened their resolve to get stronger. You really did have great friends.

"Thank you, Ryouta."

He blinked, his eyebrow raised in confusion. "Eh? What for ____cchi?"

Shaking your head, you look at him, and he gasps when he saw the smile reach your eyes. It has been a while since he's seen you genuinely happy. You turned your eyes to the court, before a sigh escaped your lips.

"I'm really happy you and Kuroko chose to go to good schools."

"What do you mean by that?"

"I mean, I'm glad both of you work so well with your teams. Both of you have respectable captains who not only want to win, but want to win together. You guys have teams that enjoy playing the sport because you like it. You guys don't just play to win. And when you guys lose, your teams pick you up and encourage you to be stronger. That's how it used to be at Teiko until things went to shit.”

You sigh, looking up at the sky, “To be honest, when we were graduating, I made a wish that everyone would find teams that would appreciate your talents but not abuse them. While it seems everyone's captains depend on you guys to win, they also realize they can't solely rely on your strength alone. I just... I feel better knowing you have seen things Kuroko's way, despite having your own style. That's why I'll continue to cheer for Kuroko to win against all of you. Because I truly want his way of basketball to win."

Standing up, you sighed before looking at Kise, your heart feeling more light. It made you feel better to have someone listen to you without calling you out as weak. It's been so long since you've had a heart to heart like this with Kise and it made you feel happy, elated. As though your relationship got stronger because of this. Stretching your arms, you felt a yawn escape your lips before reaching to grab your bag.

"____cchi. Wait a second."

Feeling his hand on yours, you blink before he pulls you into a hug. You were used to his behaviour as he always did this, even back in middle school. But there was a feeling in your gut that told you it was different this time. You didn't know what it was but you needed the hug, and you felt yourself lean into his embrace, his scent overriding your senses. How long had it been since Aomine hugged you like this? You couldn't remember and this thought alone made you confused. Why was Kise making you think about Aomine?

He rests his head on yours, his grip tightening as you felt his heart beat gently. A smile graced your lips as the warmth from his body engulfed yours and somehow made all your restless thoughts disappear. He always seemed to have this affect on you, but this was the first time you truly noticed it.

Was it because your mind was always focused on Aomine and how you imagined him doing this?

Pulling away, Kise gives you a big smile before ruffling your hair. His hand was so gentle against your skin and it made you feel warm. This definitely made you feel protected and safe, like the way a brother would comfort you.

"I like you, ____cchi."

Holding his hand in yours, you gave him the biggest smile you could, feeling very happy at his words. "I like you too, Ryouta."

Shaking his head, he sighs before his expression changes, and you couldn't read his eyes anymore.

"No. I mean, I really like you, _____cchi. More than you think."

Despite the sun beating down on the two of you, you couldn't feel the warmth it radiated. Instead, you felt as though someone doused you in ice cold water as you tried to register your best friend's words.

'He really... likes me? Ryouta-kun likes me more than a friend?'

[thekidultlife]

The Coldest Human; The Warmest Robot | Jihoon! Android AU

Words: 13362 (yep. a lot. I know)

Genre: Fluff?, Slight Angst?

(A/N: So this fic was definitely based on the book “Do Android Dream of Electric Sheep?” by Philip K. Dick (if you watched Psycho-Pass, you’ll know that Shogo Makishima makes the best dystopian novel recommendations) and the anime “Beatless”. Both gave such profound food for thought about androids and AI and I’ll tackle what I think about them in the following android series I’ll do since I enjoyed building this world, needless to say lmao. This first one is about androids and their lack of ‘emotion’ (dades named it as empathy, while beatless called it ‘soul’) and the possibilities of a relationship between androids and humans. I know others would feel reserved about this (I am too. It’s just fckiing weird) so I kept it open, a thought to explore. So here you go! I hope you guys like it!)

P.S. If you’re interested to discuss these things with me, the askbox and message box (?) are open! :) I’m more than happy for a thought exercise.  

“Ok. Good.”

He wouldn’t have imagined that those were the words he would hear after an immeasurable number of years.

“He’s working.”

He blinked; the machineries whirring in his chest and the cogwheels sphinning in his head. How many years was he out?

“Could you do a system evaluation?” he heard you ask and he answered without hesitation, the words spilling from his cherry pink lips.

“Memory, intact. System processing, stable. Vitals, stable. Body coordination, malfunction on the right arm joint…”

“Good. Just a bit of tweaking and repair,” you told him in such a mechanical voice that he wondered if you were one too. “Anyway, do you have a name?”

He blinked again; now aware that he was in a sitting position on a worn sofa and that he was in a small laboratory with you who was in a lab coat. His white blond hair fell on his forehead as he leaned in forward.

“I’m Jihoon.”

You nodded and gave a miniscule smile; a bit too cold for a human.

“I’m Y/N.”

3 hours earlier

“Ow! What the fuck?”

It wasn’t weird that you had almost tumbled forwards when your knees had hit a large box which was perfectly hidden by the dim lights of the hallway. It had been almost two years since you took a step into your mother’s old lab yet the throb of pain in your chest remained the same since day one.

You flicked the switch on, hoping that the other lights in the lab were still working, or else you might as well find yourself repairing every single one of them in the next few days. Luckily, you didn’t have to as the stark fluorescent lights flickered on without much difficulty.

With the lights now fully on, you glanced down on your feet to see what you had hit a little bit earlier. To your surprise, it was a large wooden crate that had your mother’s name and the address of her lab imprinted on it.

A slight look of confusion marred your face.

“Who on earth would have sent this?”

You asked even though you knew no one was going to reply. Trying to look for a return address, you only sighed when you found none and it kind of freaked you out. Nevertheless, the nagging feeling in your chest was tempting you to take the crowbar from the workshop.

“Well, doesn’t seem like it’s dangerous.”

You shrugged nonchalantly, holding the crowbar on your grasps and with a few strong tugs, you popped the lid open. What you found had you scrambling far, far away.

“—shit…!”

At the first sign of hair and limbs had your heart almost jumping out of your chest. There was no denying that a body of a dead person might have been sent to you and the image of the body sitting in fetal position was hammered into your head which you swore you will never forget in your entire life. Your hand immediately flew to the device you had on your wrist; looking for the emergency button which rang up the authorities automatically.

But taking a closer look, you noticed the unnatural white blond hair which almost looked like silicon and the pale asbestos white skin that was too perfect and too flawless to be human. Then, you finally saw the clothes which he was wearing—a black button-up and trousers which had a familiar emblem stitched into it.

“Wait…is that…oh.”

You took a few steps forward and hesitantly peered into the contents of the box with less panic and more objectivity. Finally seeing the signs which proved your thoughts, you gave a long sigh of relief as you sank to the floor on your knees; prying the other sides of the wooden crate open so that you wouldn’t have to carry something as heavy as an android.

Under normal circumstances, people couldn’t detect the difference between a human and an android and 99% of the time, there really was no difference—with the new Nexus 9 processing system, even fake emotions could be simulated. The only thing in the way is how androids cannot fully duplicate the humanness in humans.

Yet you have lived among these androids since you were born in a small colony orbiting Mars and your Mom was one of the best android engineers there ever was. Every miniscule twitch, or lack thereof, could alert you that the one you’re talking to is made of metal and codes after years of spending time with them.

“So, Jihoon?” you asked once more, trying to be sure if he was really fully functioning as you placed your tools back neatly inside a box.

He nodded, then scanned the whole lab as you observed his every action. Androids tend to do that—they’re logical to a fault. He could have already planned his way out within those few seconds, you thought.  

“Do you have any idea why you’re here?” you continued your inquiry, now sitting beside him.

“Yes, actually,” he replied without hesitation as he gazed right at you with unblinking eyes. “I wish to see Dr. L/N. She created me.”

Upon hearing his request, you sighed and slumped back on the worn sofa, thankful that dust was essentially non-existent in the filtered colonies. He was still looking at you and waited for any visible reaction but your gaze was as empty as his.

“She’s gone now. Dead,” you informed him nonchalantly as if you were just talking about the weather; trying to be as detached as you could be. “Gone ever since the mass riot in Hangar 15.”

Jihoon nodded since he was there in Hangar 15 when his fellow androids organized an uprising to escape the organization. Yet he chose not to participate in the event since he didn’t trust the plan that was laid, though he also chose not to help anyone, even the humans who perished.

“So, there it is,” you continued when he uttered no reply, standing up so you could stare at him.

You were not an idiot not to know that he was one of the recently escaped Nexus 9 androids from the organization and he was now on the hitlist of greedy bounty hunters disguised as police officers by the bureaucracy. What’s good about that was that you weren’t obliged to turn him in.  

“Are you her daughter?” he asked so suddenly that you raised your eyebrow in curiosity.

“I am. Why did you want to meet her anyway?”

He shrugged. “I needed to ask her something important regarding my functions.”

“Functions? You mean how you work?” you asked, inclining your head as if you were mulling the thought over. “Well, if that’s how it is, then maybe we could look into the computer over there.”

You pointed your head towards the direction of a series of computer screens on a workspace just to your left as Jihoon followed with his eyes. Walking over there, you turned on the main switch and rebooted the in-air holographic interface which allowed you to control several functions without really touching a solid object (ala Tony Stark style). Jihoon trailed behind you as he looked around and then back to you who was already providing the password.

“So, what did you want to look at?” you finally asked with a glitter in your eyes which Jihoon had noticed was only present in humans.

When you posed the question, the blond android immediately fell silent as he tried to rake his brain on what he actually wanted to know. However, within his usual processing time of five nanoseconds, he could not find any answer. In the meantime, you feared that he could be malfunctioning, so you walked closer and reached for his forehead, trying to see if his processor had heated up (which was so appropriately akin to a fever in humans). As soon as he felt your touch, Jihoon twitched and backed away, earning a surprised expression from you.

“I’m sorry. I feel disoriented right now,” he told you, avoiding your gaze.

“It’s ok. You might need some time to recalibrate yourself. Just rest on the sofa for the night…” you replied, a little bit confused and intrigued at the situation. “I’ll be leaving now.”

He nodded gingerly and returned to the couch as you moved to the exit and before you left, you glanced at him with an expression mix of worry and curiosity.

“An android’s main function is to protect itself, or, if it is programmed to work, then his responsibilities and obligations. It cannot work outside its program.”

Your instructor’s voice rang across the almost empty auditorium with its titanium walls and polyester seats burning your eyes with boredom. Being in class always felt too cumbersome, listening to a pre-recorded teacher who refer to androids as ‘it’, which you had some sort of strange distaste even though you knew they were right. Androids are nothing but a lump of metal, plastic and other materials with an artificial heart and brain—it shouldn’t be placed at the same level as humans.

“Everything they do are only mere pre-programmed responses. Even the Nexus 8 processor still has a few insufficiencies which could still possibly be detected by android detection tests such as the Voigt-Kampff scale and the Bonelli Reflex-Arc. However, Nexus 9 which was recently developed to perfection has undermined these insufficiencies, moving closer to simulate human beings. ”

That was how the whole system worked. The organization will produce these androids with a new Nexus processor and in a few and, often orchestrated escapes, these androids will be hunted down by bounty hunters. How, why and what killed these androids will then be used in order to improve the next line of androids.

Welcome to the organization.

“Y/N, I can’t seem to understand how to program involuntary movement.”

“Wow!  Didn’t you get the highest score in the last practicals?”

“Ms. L/N, please detail to us how the Voigt-Kampff tests work.”

“My goat back at home had kids. Sorry, I’m not allowed to give them.”

“Did you already get the programming assignment? It’s due tomorrow.”

“When I was an engineering student just like you, I knew how to work out an android with my eyes closed.”

“Hey, Y/N! Pay your electric bill. I don’t want you getting our electricity cut.”

“My parents got me an ostrich. They’re very rare these days.”

“Those are just androids. They’re not like animals or humans.”

 “You look tired.”

You blinked.

The gaze Jihoon was giving you seemed curious yet you only shook your head and slumped back on the worn sofa. These days, the only place which could give you solace was your mother’s old lab and Jihoon’s quiet presence. You were left on your own thoughts, which was a far contrast from the loud environment you were immersed in every single day.

“Class is shit as always,” you replied, pinching the bridge of your nose as you willed your nausea away. “My roommate is shit as always. My life is shit as always.”

“Why don’t you leave then?” Jihoon asked as he fiddled with an old laptop he found in the stockroom, trying to revive it, his voice as deadpan and mechanical as ever.

“It’s not as easy as you think,” you replied while you threw a severe look at him, which he only shrugged and continued soldering the wires into the motherboard.

“Humans are complicated. I cannot comprehend most of what they do and why they are doing it,” Jihoon remarked without even giving you a remarkable glance.

You looked at the distance with a blank look. “Most humans don’t understand what they’re doing or why they’re doing it. They just do it because that’s what they feel.”

Noticing his long stare, you averted your gaze back at Jihoon who had stopped fixing the gadget and just looked at you with a troubled expression.

“What does it feel like to feel?” he finally asked which had you returning his own stare, unable to think of an appropriate answer.

You sighed. “I’m sure you wouldn’t want to know.”

“Wouldn’t I?” Jihoon replied as he shot his brow, blond fringes falling softly on his forehead. “I’ve watched humans interact over the years and I’ve tried to understand their actions, yet until now, I couldn’t. Even at this time and age when emotions could easily be manipulated, I cannot comprehend why you still haven’t dialed up your Penfield for a happier mood to remove your unhappiness.”

Immediately, you narrowed your gaze at him for questioning your actions, yet you felt totally embarrassed that he had noticed the last shred of stubbornness remaining in you. After your mother’s funeral, you bought a Penfield mood organ so you wouldn’t sink into your eminent depression yet until now, you didn’t have the courage to use it; remaining in your wrist untouched.

“What do you want me to do then?” you finally asked, exhausted from the variety of emotions pushing you around.

Jihoon shrugged again, now returning to his work on the old laptop. “Nothing. You humans are so sentimental.”

You ignored him and inclined your head upwards, watching the bright fluorescent lights with a pensive mood.

Jihoon counted how many days since he had stayed with you since he basically had nothing to do but fix the entire lab to how it used to be and mull over his situation. He knew you knew that he was a rogue android yet he wondered why you haven’t reported him yet. He hypothesized that you couldn’t really be bothered to report him or you secretly enjoyed his presence.

Over the past few weeks, Jihoon had found himself thinking about you the most. He defended to himself that you were his mere case study yet why did he even bother to defend himself from his own? It was not like he had some sort of conscience, so then why? He didn’t want to tell you but he had long gotten suspicious about how his processing was a bit different than his fellow androids and maybe that was the reason why he had sought your mother. So whenever you weren’t around, he tried to snoop around your mother’s main computer to see if there were any notes left about how he was made or how his Nexus 9 processor was programmed, however, he had not found any significant data yet.

“What are you doing?” he asked, curious as he peered over your shoulder while you worked on the main computer.

“A project. We’re tasked to program specific responses in the event that someone tries to flirt with an android,” you replied without removing your concentration from the string of codes and numbers on the screen.

“I see. I guess that applies to prostitute androids,” he noted as he pulled out a chair to sit beside you, also monitoring the screen.

“You know that’s illegal.”

“Doesn’t stop anyone from doing it. Besides, the organization sells them anyway,” Jihoon shrugged as you arched an eyebrow at him, considering that he had a point.

“Androids are common commodity nowadays, huh? Sometimes you wonder what else they are made for.”

At that juncture, you had long been distracted from your work and was only staring at Jihoon, gauging if you could ask the question long floating in your head. Jihoon knew what you wanted to know by the path the conversation was going, so he had already beaten you down the chase.

“I’m designed for military use. Tactical adviser and technical expert,” he simply replied. “Our SVT line is equipped with quantum computers—the first of its own kind.”

You scoffed, a little bit amused. “You planned your whole escape, didn’t you?”

“I did,” he had no longer seen any reason why he had to hide that fact from you. “All five of us escaped. I don’t know where they are now and I don’t really care.”

Smiling, you finally asked the central irony of it all. “You escaped from the organization yet here you back in their labs. Why?”

Your grin morphed into a giggle when Jihoon turned his head away from you as if he wanted you to ignore that single aspect, sulking when you hadn’t.

“I have my reasons,” he replied with a pout.

“Which I’ll assume to be completely logical and a hundred percent android,” you retorted back with a playful grin and teasing eyes.

“Of course they are,” he defended with a glare and you only laughed at him. “I’m not joking, you know.”

“I know,” you smiled warmly and stood up, pinching his cheek to lift the frown on his lips, though much to his chagrin.

“Don’t do that,” he warned you, yet you only did it again on his other cheek. “Stop it already!”

You had already removed your hand before he could swat it away, as you laughed so hard that you almost fell to the ground. Jihoon was definitely not amused yet he had noticed some sort of malfunction in his system that made him all seem too light hearted. He’ll do a system check later.

“Haven’t I told you before?” your voice had finally caught his attention and dragged him away from his thoughts. “You seem so human. It’s so weird.”

I wish I wasn’t human.

These days though, you actually wished you weren’t.

It’s as if the colony was hell unloosened and you are right at the middle of it to feel everything. Though you were still a fool nonetheless, just like how Jihoon had said—not using the mood organ you bought when it was the most convenient. You didn’t need to feel hell, just a number to dial up and then you’re fine.

“481 for hopefulness; 888 for the incredible want to watch television and 3 for the desire to dial your Penfield mood organ! Come and feel complete!” You sang the commercial for the mood organ with every note dripping with sarcasm as you sat in fetal position on the worn sofa of the lab; fiddling with the buttons of the device. “If I used it, would I feel complete?”

“Data has shown that humans usually do not,” Jihoon’s mechanical voice interrupted your thoughts, together with the rattling of the toolbox filled with discarded devices he gathered from the stockroom.

You grinned cynically. “What if androids use it? Will you then feel empathy?”

The blond android paused for a while to look at you from where he sat on the workbench and then continued his search in the toolbox after a minute.

“You already know that we do not have a brain to attach the mood organ to. We have a processor yet it wouldn’t respond to the device,” he replied in an annoyed voice which would’ve meant that he need not to remind you what you had already learned in class.

“I’m just teasing you,” you replied with a small smile which immediately disappeared after a second.

Jihoon sighed. “Dial 999. It won’t make you feel anything.”

The android had caught your glare and held on to it. Using the mood organ was the most logical thing to do in your situation. He knew you were simply trying to hold on to a few loose strings and the best way not to let them go is to sacrifice something. He could not understand why you still refuse to do so.

“I can’t do it,” you confessed; hiding your face from his scrutinizing stare.

“Why?”

“I feel…I feel like if I did, I’ll lose myself.”

Jihoon stared. “I don’t understand.”

You smiled at him weakly.

Your head pounded, eyes burning, cheeks stained.

Where were you?

Bloodshot eyes blinking at the blinding white lights overhead, you soon realized that you cried yourself to sleep in the lab. It was awfully noisy unlike most days—incomprehensible noise which eventually turned into sweet, sweet music which almost lulled you back to sleep, except that you had noticed that it was Jihoon who was singing beside you on the sofa with a makeshift electric piano on his lap.

“Good morning. You look like you had a nightmare,” he remarked as soon as he saw you gazing towards his direction without a word.

You scoffed. “My whole life is a nightmare.”

“All humans say that,” Jihoon replied harshly, though you didn’t care. “Want some water?”

You nodded, feeling your throat as rough as sandpaper, and Jihoon immediately complied, moving the electric piano away with its bare wirings, and towards the newly-installed water dispenser.

“They still have that on sale?” you asked as you sat on the sofa beside Jihoon, pointing at the piano after he had brought you water.

“I found a shop online which sells old stuff, I saw a complete set of piano keys and put it together with an old stereo I found here,” Jihoon replied, looking proudly at his work.

You raised your brows in astonishment. “You’re incredibly resourceful.”

Jihoon gave a small smile (you knew this one was pre-programmed), and then replied, “Shall I play a song for you?”

“I wonder why ‘piano playing and singing’ was added to a tactical adviser’s program,” you teased, earning a genuine glare from Jihoon before he ignored your remark and moved on with playing.

Watching his fingers move across the keyboard, you couldn’t tell if he was an android or not. He moved fluidly, the notes he was making was enough to touch you—it was a song designed to make you feel relaxed since you had just cried. It was a song just for you.

You loved how the song dipped and rose; how Jihoon’s voice was husky yet soft against the notes; how he seemed like he was honestly trying to reach out to you, to comfort you. How is he capable of such skill which only humans could harness? It had filled your mind in more than one night, yet this night, you ignored the question and relished the beauty which Jihoon made with his music.

The song ended without you even noticing it. You continued to stare into the tiled floor as Jihoon studied you closely for any reaction.

“You know, I feel so tired.”

You began, holding the plastic cup which you drank water with as you continued to look blankly into the dark hallways of the lab.

“I feel so tired of feeling—feeling empty, then feeling overwhelmed; feeling like I could do everything, then life drops me down on the cold, cold asphalt,” you chuckled, every laugh dripping with cynicism. “Is there a way not to feel?”

“Be an android then,” Jihoon replied back with a frown; knowing you wouldn’t use the mood organ.

You sneered. “If only I could. Probably download my consciousness on a mechanical body—they’re developing it now, you know.”

“You’ll miss how to feel. You don’t want to be like me,” he told you as he himself gazed downward, his words reflecting a deep hidden yearning.

“I don’t think so,” you replied defiantly, with a sour tone on your voice. “I will be useless if I can’t do what I’m supposed to do, and my emotions are only in the way.”

“I’m sorry but I don’t understand why you want to remove your feelings. Humans cannot do away in this world without meaning, as what I am told of.”

“It’s ok. I don’t expect you to understand. What do you even know? You only copy humans to manipulate us into thinking that you are one of us. You only mimic feelings and emotions but do not understand the meaning behind them.” your voice was getting louder, harsher, colder; but it’s not like Jihoon could react to your anger. “Emotions brought nothing good to me. They impede with my work, they make me cry at night, they fill me with stress! Without it, I would have gotten on with my life much, much better when Mom died!”

Jihoon didn’t expect the rush of adrenaline surge into his system; a sudden temper induced by you who had emotions he might have wished for, yet you wanted to throw away.

He held on both your arms to stop you from shouting at him—forcing you to look at him straight in the eyes. His platinum hair looked like it was frazzled by static rage as his bangs covered one of his eyes.

“Listen to me. If you hadn’t had any emotions then how would you know if your mother cared for you?  How would you know if she loved you? You cried because you cared for her; because you love her and I, like you said, will never understand that. I will never understand what a meaningful life means, But you will.”

Rendered speechless, you could only stare at him with tears streaming down your cheeks.

“Even if your mother had died, she had loved you when she was alive. She raised you to be a normal human being even though she was alone. And here you are, abandoning everything she gave for you; wanting to forget the love she taught you.”

“I’m—”

“You think being an android is heaven?” he jeered. “Wait till you become one. Wait till you just move because that’s what the program says so; wait till you don’t have things like free will. Wait till you realized that you are nothing but what you are—a clump of metal and plastic stripped around mechanical organs. You don’t feel anything because you’re existence is meaningless and replaceable.”

Jihoon released you from his grasps yet reached out for your hand where the mood organ sat snuggly on your wrist.

“Use it. Dial 999.”

He ordered and you froze with mouth agape; filled with astonishment.

“Dial 999. You don’t have to feel anything you don’t want to.”

You simply stared at him.

“Use it Y/N! Use the fucking mood organ—”

“I can’t, okay?” you shouted…and then sobbed, holding on to his arm which was still on your wrist. “…I can’t…I fucking…can’t…”

The tears which flowed out from you seemed endless as you cried out two years’ worth of grief and hopelessness. Everything that you poured your heart into turned to nothing, the time you spent was all meaningless. You thought things will get better someday but life gradually destroys you day by day; as your situation and the people around you torture you endlessly.

“I don’t know what to do anymore…” you said in between whimpers as you fell between Jihoon’s arms. “If I used the mood organ…what would be left of me then…? Am I only made human because of this, this thing? My emotions will no longer be mine…”

Silently, Jihoon cradled you as he listened to you pour out to him, or to anyone about what you feel for the first time.

“But I’m so tired…tired of keeping up this illusion that I’m strong. I’m…the one always taking care of others…but who takes care of me when I can no longer put up this façade? They…they don’t know I’m so sick of studying…of being perfect. I want to rest already…” you resigned, burying your face on Jihoon’s shoulder and relishing his warmth despite how artificial it technically is. “I know it’s necessary to suffer to succeed, but how would one know if he’s on the path to success? What if all of this suffering turns into nothing? I wish life just has a skip button where I can skip to the point in my life where I’m rich and successful. Fuck this Jihoon, I’m so scared of the future.”

“Sometimes, we just overthink and things don’t really happen, you know?” Jihoon tried to assure you but he knew it wasn’t as effective as he hoped to be.

“I don’t want to get my hopes up and disappoint myself again in the end. The future is full of possibilities, one false move and my life comes crashing down. I wish I could be as easy-going as other people. I feel…so, so jealous of people enjoying their lives…while I’m stuck here trying to be perfect. This isn’t the life I want.”

“You don’t always have to be perfect…” Jihoon whispered in a solemn voice.

“No one will accept me if I wasn’t.” You sniffed, clinging to his black button up for support you dearly needed. “Everyone I know use me for their own purposes because I can get them through school, through life. They will leave me if I’m no longer useful.”

“I’ll accept you,” he replied immediately. “I don’t need you to be anything but yourself. It doesn’t matter to me. I will always be here for you if you need me.”

You chuckled amidst the sobs. “If you talk like that, then I would absolutely believe you. Please say this isn’t an analog hack,”

“I’m not lying. If I am that would just be ironic.”

You leaned back to gaze into his eyes. “What do you mean?”

“If I’m allowed to, I’ll tell you I can understand. Being useless, being abandoned…it’s an android’s greatest fear, if we indeed feel fear. I need to be special for people to use me, so that I can stay by their side and provide myself a sense of purpose.”

Gazing at him with wide eyes, you remarked, “I never knew androids find meaning in their work.”

“I can’t say about the other androids, but that’s what I think.”

For the first time that night, you smiled at him sincerely, as you strung your fingers between his locks, brushing them away from covering his eyes.

“Thank you for being here. There’s just days when I can’t hold it anymore, and need someone to cry on to. Please stay with me like this.”

“I’ll stay. Don’t worry,” he quietly replied, as he coaxed you back between his arms, and allowing you to stay like that as long as you’d like.

Buried on his chest, you hummed in satisfaction. “You’re the warmest android I’ve ever met.”

Your words had him thinking for days.

It wasn’t like a big surprise; he had already known that there was something different with him. Jihoon knew he was curious to a fault and had such a deep yearning to understand the things around him, though he didn’t know if it was because he was programmed to work that way.

Do all androids introspect?

For the first time in several months, Jihoon went outside the lab for a walk. Honestly, he disliked taking walks, or going outdoors, for that matter. Yet today, he suddenly had the urge to do it. He didn’t know why he had urges. He knew androids don’t usually have them. Is this some new feature of the Nexus 9?

It was nice that the colony had a special forest beside the laboratories and everything in it were all the remaining species of trees and plants on earth. After the third world war, radioactive dust from detonated nuclear bombs had ravaged the home planet and gradually killed the flora and fauna. There are people left on earth, mostly those who refused to migrate and specials who aren’t qualified to migrate, and they live in means Jihoon does not find suitable for people. Though even in the colonies, life isn’t as great as they advertised it to be.

He had been wrecking his processor for thinking day and night until his system had warned him that he was heating up. So the next possible solution is to cool it down with the artificial summer breeze blowing through his white blond hair, or so, he tried to reason himself. Why is he even trying to reason to himself? Why is he even trying to explain his reasons?

“Well, isn’t this new?”

Your voice rang suddenly behind him that he immediately turned around and caught you by the shoulder. You didn’t bat an eye at his actions, but instead, chuckled at him for mistaking you as an enemy.

“Relax. I’m not even authorized to carry a laser gun,” you replied with a smirk, as Jihoon released you with a sigh.

“Don’t do that again, please. I might have killed you,” he replied with a severe glare which had you raising both your eyebrows.

“Why not? Even if you had killed me, androids don’t feel any guilt,” you remarked as you slowly narrowed your gaze at him. “Yep. You’re truly weird.”

Jihoon refused to reply and simply glanced at you with a deepening frown. He was beginning to develop a distaste at how you were making him question his own self. He didn’t like how he was so confused; that he had so many questions.

“I still haven’t thanked you yet for the other day, have I? Come on,” you suddenly called his attention and grabbed his wrist, coaxing him to follow you down the forest path.

Jihoon had almost complained at how the grass was pricking his skin and convince you to return home, when you stopped at a clearing, showing you a glittering lake illuminated by the artificial moonlight. It looked truly beautiful as he stepped beside you, eyes wide and lips parted.

“Are you trying to deceive me again?” Your sing-song voice rang to his side as he gazed at you, who had already slid down the lakeside with a grin on your pretty lips. “You look pretty convincing.”

Again tonight, he had refused to reply and simply followed you down your path. In a dry spot covered by dewy grass, the both of you sat and simply observed the glistening lake as you savored the tranquility of the night. Fireflies dotted the evening air as they buzzed around the forest clearing, creating an atmosphere straight out of a fairytale.

“Sad that these fireflies are electronic,” you remarked, catching one with your hand to study the glass wings it had and the luminescent light it emitted from a nano-sized bulb built inside the small insect. “Real ones have long died out.”

“It’s to set the mood of this clearing. You are aware that this forest is a huge AI in of itself, aren’t you?” Jihoon replied, with his natural condescending tone whenever you say something stupid.

You pursed your lips to sulk. “I know, smart-ass. I just wanted to see real insects.”

“Why want a real one? There isn’t really much of a difference between the nanobugs and the real insects.”

“There is a great difference!” you defended. “Real ones don’t exist nowadays! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one!”

Jihoon scoffed, unable to consider the meaning again. “You humans put context to everything.”

“What’s wrong with that? Maybe that’s why we’re are able to live meaningful lives.”

Your rather pleasant conversation had once again turned into a full-blown debate about humans and androids. Jihoon, in your opinion, had interesting views regarding the current society, and how humans have long been outpaced by their own creations.

“You seem to enjoy talking to me,” Jihoon observed as he watched the artificial breeze sweep pass your locks while you tried to keep your hair in place.

“Because I dislike being lonely,” you replied without sparing him a glance. “But I need to be lonely to get things done. I need to be alone so that I can focus. There are things needed to be sacrificed.”

He raised his brows at you. “What does it feel like to be lonely?”

You inclined your head to your left to think. “The closest I could compare it to android terms is the lack of having an owner to serve. You are unable to do anything; unable to decide something outside of your understanding. An android cannot survive without being used as a tool.”

“Is that why humans seek partners in levels separate from the biological?”

A small huff. “Romance isn’t always about sex and offspring, you know.”

“Then what else is it about?”

Jihoon was now gazing at you intensely, intent of hearing out an answer from you, while you were proud to provide him information. He leaned in closer to hear you, incredibly curious.

“Listen. Liking, and then loving someone is a complex human behavior. Most androids don’t get it at all. But in simpler terms, people show their love in a million various ways and it comes in so many forms but it comes down to a simple factor—empathy, the ability to understand one another.”

“How are humans able to understand one another? I cannot find a straightforward process in the cloud, so I assume this process is based on emotional connections.”

You grinned at him as you inclined closer to his ear as if you were sharing some cool secret. “Correct, Mr. Android. But the problem is, even humans fail to understand one another, and wanna know what happens if humans fail to empathize?”

Jihoon gave an evocative gaze, waiting for an answer.

“War. Conflict. Murder. Death,” you replied, pausing a significant amount of time after every word. “Just like how the Earth is right now—just waiting to wither away underneath all that radioactive dust from nuclear warheads.”

You shook your head at the irony. “But here I am telling you all about this when I myself cannot always understand other people. You couldn’t imagine how difficult it is to understand someone bitching at you day and night; and then adjusting yourself for them.”

“I’m sorry,” Jihoon shook his head. “You’ve lost me there.”

You smile meekly. “Was that too much?”

“No, I just cannot see why you must adjust to someone who is clearly in the wrong. It’s not your fault, you didn’t commit a damn mistake, so why must you change?”

“You see, there are a lot of reasons people act the way they do, and who knows, you might be one of those reasons. If you adjust yourself, then you have removed one of the possibilities, lowering the chances the other person will do the action again. You simply cannot tell a person to change his ways. You can only change yourself.”

Jihoon considered for a while, and gradually nodded as if he had understood the logic.

“Things have become a bit more clearer for me. Thank you,” he replied with a small smile on his lips. Was he trying to deceive you again? How real is that smile?

“You’re always welcome to ask. Besides, it’s not like androids ask me about human behavior every day. In fact, you’re the only I know who had asked.”

Jihoon frowned and hid the fact that he did not like the honor of being the first android who had asked.

“Also, I still haven’t thanked you for staying with me the other night. You made me see things in a better light, and I’m trying to pick myself up from now on. I’ve read a lot of helpful books—”

Honestly, Jihoon had already lost your voice in the background noise as he had once again been swallowed up by his thoughts—thoughts regarding you and empathy. It would’ve been better if he had learned how to empathize so that you wouldn’t have to explain everything to him, and he would be able to simply understand you and your actions. But oh, you forgot to explain the physical aspects…the cloud had suggested a short cut to empathy and it seemed quite feasible.

“—so right now, I’m trying to coordinate my schedule and it seemed to be working. I’m not sure how long weekly planning will work for me, but I’m—”

Without anything—warning shots, preemptive touches, small pauses of time—nothing had prepared you to feel a pair of soft lips pressing against yours as you felt your body go numb in milliseconds. The next thing you felt was the hand cupping your chin, wondering how you had never noticed it before, as he pressed on further, moving his lips on yours and brushing so slightly, so sensually. You would’ve enjoyed the moment if not for the sudden realization that the one kissing you was Jihoon and you had to scramble away, breaking the kiss and Jihoon’s concentration.

Upon noticing your panic, he seized your hand to calm you down and to prevent you from running away. Slowly, Jihoon opened his eyes and met yours inquisitively.

“So tell me, have I established a connection between us now?”

Jihoon had sensed that he must have done something wrong. It had been days since he had last saw you and he had concluded that you were definitely avoiding him after what happened by the lake. However, he doesn’t get it.

“Was the kiss a mistake?” he whispered to himself, touching his lips with the tips of his fingers.

That time, he definitely sensed some circuit burst inside his stomach, however, when he checked his mechanisms later that night, his circuits seemed to be working fine. But, what was that then? He only did what he thought would induce empathy from both of you, yet it seemed to have backfired—prompting you to avoid him, while it caused only confusion for him.

“Did I only widened the gap between us?”

 beep. boop. beep. boop.

Jihoon snapped from his thoughts as he averted his attention towards the incoming call directed to his processor, which was a function he was thankful to have. He didn’t want anyone snooping around who he contacts.

“What?” he snapped, unappreciative of the interruption.

“Yo, Woozi! ‘Sup?” a cheerful, energetic voice echoed in his mind, almost tempting him to mute the caller.

“Stop calling me that. I’m Jihoon now,” he scowled at the invisible caller.

“Then, I ain’t Hoshi anymore. Call me Soonyoung!”

Jihoon rolled his eyes and leaned back against the sofa he had long been sitting on.

“So?”

“So, what?”

“You know, you could easily blend in as a brainless special if you stay on Earth.”

“Ah, you’re harsh as ever.”

“And so? You don’t have a heart to get hurt anyway.”

Soonyoung laughed as Jihoon automatically muted the caller as soon as he passed a certain level of noise. When he had stopped laughing, Jihoon turned on the audio again with a jaded look.

“Alright, fine. I’ll give you what you want,” Soonyoung surrendered as Jihoon sighed, relieved that he didn’t have to go through anymore bullshit. “They’re moving now. They already got to Vernon.”

Jihoon frowned. “So he’s gone?”

“I’m not sure. All I know is that they’ve found him.”

“What about you?”

Jihoon could imagine the other’s grin even if he couldn’t see him and clicked his tongue in annoyance.

“Oh, are you worried about me, Jihoonie?”

Jihoon growled audibly. “We both know you owe me one, and you’re not allowed to retire without paying me back.”

Soonyoung sighed dramatically over the line. “I get it, okay? Calm the shit down.”

“Good. I don’t want to repeat myself.”

“Sure. Anyway, how about you? It’s been months and they haven’t found you yet in their own labs.”

“Found someone not too bothered to report me.” Jihoon stared at his nails, checking any lodged dirt.

“And…does this person know what you are?”

“Immediately after she set her eyes on me. She’s a pseudo-human behavior engineer.”

“Oh. Oh. Oh.” Soonyoung’s tone turned for a playful dip again, which definitely made Jihoon sigh for the nth time tonight. “So this person’s a ‘she’! I can’t believe you’re cruel enough to deceive her!”

Jihoon was definitely disliking the way he’s painting him into a villain. “I’m not deceiving her. Haven’t you heard me? She’s an android engineer and she knows if I use analog hack on her, and I don’t use it.”

If he could see Soonyoung, Jihoon swore the other android will definitely raise his brows at him.

“There’s a possibility that you aren’t even aware you’re already deceiving her.”

Jihoon scoffed. “I don’t have a subconscious to do that.”

“But we’re androids designed to copy humans, it’s not that too difficult to go back to default processes.”

He was having none of it. “I’m not deceiving her. Anyway, I’ll contact you when I need something. Now leave me in peace.”

Without even waiting for a reply, Jihoon turned off his communication signature to rid himself of his exhausting companion. As soon as his attention was back to the empty and desolate space of the laboratory, he had noticed something odd.

“It’s already late. She should be here by now.”

While he was voicing out his observations, Jihoon was already searching for you—hacking into various electronic devices, CCTVs, your school gate’s log and so—yet in all the places you could be, he had not found your whereabouts.

“This isn’t good,” Jihoon muttered to himself, with a tight furrow on his brow. He tried looking at camera footages from the last few hours and in just half a minute, Jihoon found out what happened to you.

Somewhere while walking to the lab a few hours ago, a white van had pulled over where men donned in black came up behind you. Jihoon saw someone cover your nose with a handkerchief which he guessed was doused with chloroform and when you no longer had the consciousness to fight back, the men had carried you into the van and drove away.

While watching, Jihoon was already hacking into a self-driving car which was already waiting for him when he had emerged from the laboratory. As soon as he entered the vehicle, Jihoon began hacking his way into the colony’s security system so that he could track where the men had taken you. The car began moving when he had finally tracked you down—not so difficult for a military-grade android.

“The fuck do I know.”

You spat out vehemently, despite being tied into a chair and wired to a lie detector machine, and another which sends controlled volts to your system upon a tap on a tablet.

It should have been a normal day for you, yet when you were abducted just as you were going to the lab, this man has been interrogating you for almost half an hour already about an android your mother had supposedly made.

“Alright little girl. We’re not playing games here,” the man, masked and voice altered, warned you for the fifth time. “We know you have it! The SVT-class android Type 07 Woozi. Where is it?!”

With gritted teeth, you threw daggers at the man. “I already told you. I don’t know any Woozi!”

Well technically, you don’t. But it’s not like you—!!

A surge of electricity ran up your spine and left as soon as it entered. However, it had left you jerking horribly.

“I’ll ask again. Where is it?”

You glared, drool slipping down your lips. “I don’t…know.”

Volts shot straight up through your skin, this time longer. You writhe in agony.

“Two years ago, your mother Dr. Y/LN was the chief engineer of the Nexus 9 project. She had developed all of the SVT-class andys, but if that’s everything there is to it, she shouldn’t be dead right now?”

You froze at the revelation and wondered if you could trust what this person was talking about. As far as you know, your mom had died because she was shot by an android during the riot in Hangar 15. She was just unlucky to be at the wrong time and place.

“What do you mean? She was killed by an andy in the riot…she’s just unlucky.”

You could hear the man sneer behind his mask.

“There’s no such thing as luck.”

He operated a terminal and showed you several holographic images of a strange device and a screenshot of programming codes. You studied them carefully and you immediately knew what the device was, and you couldn’t believe what was just laid in front of you.

“That’s a lie!” You cried out but the masked man only laughed. “It’s impossible to create an empathy organ, and nobody has ever succeeded—”

“That’s why you’re mother’s dead, little girl.”

Instantly, you were reduced to silence; eyes darting back and forth to the man and the images he had shown you.

“Without permission from the organization, your mother had installed empathy organs inside the SVT-class androids. When the organization realized what she did, they had her killed. The riot was only a cover.”

You couldn’t believe what you’re hearing. “No, no. That’s not true!”

“Now, these androids have escaped and we want them. So, where is it?”

You shook from your restraints as you chewed on your lip—deciding what to do even though you still haven’t digested yet what big of an information the man has given you.

“I…I…the android…”

 —!!

A huge explosion stopped you before you could utter something coherent. Instinctively, you moved your face away from the debris suddenly hurling on the air in speeds you couldn’t calculate. Within seconds, you sensed yourself being freed from your restraints, and your heart leapt when you were then lifted from the ground and carried bridal style, your arms flying to cling to his shoulders for support.

“Sorry I was late.”

When you heard Jihoon’s voice, you immediately relaxed and felt relieved that you were finally safe. As the dust and debris fell away, you could see his eyes were on you, though you couldn’t read what he was thinking. As if finally deciding what to do, Jihoon moved you outside of the building, which was actually a warehouse, and placed you inside a self-driving car waiting nearby.

“We’ll go home after I take care of this one,” he silently told you and casually walked back inside.

When you had heard his words, you felt that there was something off with him. You couldn’t put it but you knew something was definitely going to happen and you were not going to like it. Despite the fact that you wanted to see what Jihoon was about to do, your body refused to allow you—the surges of electricity finally affecting your muscles, rendering them immovable or languid.

“Fuck this.”

Meanwhile, Jihoon kicked away the offending wood and twisted metal as if they were as heavy as pillows. His eyes were strained to only accomplish one mission—to look for the shitheads who kidnapped and tortured you. Though in a few seconds, it wasn’t his eyes which found them.

Dodging, a laser beam had missed him within a few centimeters as he retaliated back with a wave of electricity, visible as lightning and hurts just as much. Unlucky for Jihoon, the men had armor which protected them from his attack, and only left their laser guns unusable. Well, at least they’re unarmed.

Jihoon rushed towards his first victim within a blink of an eye, as he knocked the air out of him with a punch in the gut as strong as being hit by a freight train. He didn’t need to turn around to incapacitate the man who came running towards his back with a metal pipe, as Jihoon simply magnetized a sheet of metal to slice through the man’s neck.

Inside the car, you could hear the commotion going on and you willed your legs to move with desperation. You guessed that he was going to kill those men and you were absolutely right. He is a tool used for warfare and would not hesitate to rid himself of his enemies. That was what you had sensed in his words.

“Move, damn it!”

You cried out, slamming your fists repeatedly on your thigh. Maybe through sheer will, you regained a bit of control, albeit with little strength. Nonetheless, you crawled your way out of the car, and towards the destruction Jihoon was about to commit.

With only the leader who Jihoon purposely left out, the blond android casually approached the panicked man as he tried desperately to run away; except that Jihoon had his armor glued to the ground through electromagnetism as soon as he figured out that the armor was absorbing electric currents yet are not immune to magnetism.

Jihoon gazed at the man with impassiveness. “Heard you were looking for me. So here I am.”

The man couldn’t utter a single coherent word; his head all too riddled with anxiety to think of anything other than his eminent death.

“Also heard you electrocuted Y/N,” Jihoon inclined his head towards the side to wait for a reply, and when he heard none, the android picked up the man by the neck; his feet dangling on the air. “I’m curious what it feels like to electrocute someone.”

“S-so it’s true…y-you androids have, h-have an empathy organ…!” the man remarked as he sensed the anger in Jihoon’s voice, though he began wheezing when he felt his airpipes being gradually crushed.

“I apologize. I cannot comprehend,” Jihoon’s voice was void of any emotion. “Anyway, this ends here.”

“Jihoon, no—!”

Surprised to hear your voice, Jihoon averted his gaze towards you, who was heavily leaning against the concrete wall, all exhausted from reaching him. You took in your surroundings as you realized that he was already in for the last kill, and knew that you were too late, but still…

“Don’t kill him please. I’ll…I’ll just call the cops…”

Jihoon arched his brow, tightening his grip on the man who began to struggle to get out.

“Why? He tortured you. Don’t you feel angry?” the android asked, with a face still stoic.

“Just…just don’t kill him, please…” you pleaded, holding on to your still immovable arm.

You weren’t really sure what will happen as Jihoon simply stared at you, maybe studying the expression you had on your face, or maybe trying to comprehend the logic behind your request. But when Jihoon let go of the man (though, keeping him place as he stepped on the man’s leg, and a look that meant his limb will get ripped off if he doesn’t stop writhing), you sighed in relief.

“Alright, I won’t kill him. But I’ll call the cops and report the incident,” Jihoon’s voice and eyes were ice cold, which frightened you for a bit. “I won’t risk getting found.”

You nodded with a tiny smile on your face when he did what you wanted. “Let’s go home.”

“Wait for a bit, and oh, please look away,” Jihoon asked but you couldn’t understand what he had meant, but when he had picked up a metal pipe and pinned it through the man’s thigh without any sort of expression or effort, you wished you had followed him sooner.

The blond seemed to have understood the look of concern on your face and immediately took the measures to explain. “Don’t worry. I already called the police and he won’t die from bleeding if the pipe is stuck to his thigh.”

Jihoon removed his foot from the man’s leg and walked towards you, who looked as if you had seen something you shouldn’t. As soon as he got to you, Jihoon pulled you towards his arms and embraced you tightly, slowly patting your head.

“I told you to look away,” he reprimanded albeit softly.

His words seemed to have snapped the dam in you as you began sobbing on his chest, unable to control your emotions swelling up from inside you. Jihoon knew that the event left a huge trauma in you and could only comfort you, which was not one of his many talents.

“Let’s get you home, ok?”

Later that night as Jihoon finally had you sleeping against his chest, all sprawled out on the sofa, he received a call from Soonyoung.

“Mission accomplished, sir!”

“What did he say?”

“Just as you predicted. The guy’s from a competing android producer and they wanted to have the empathy organ.”

Jihoon hummed, finding this type of communication advantageous since he doesn’t have to speak as his processor directly receives the encryption and translates it into thoughts. This way, you don’t have to hear the conversation.

“Did you find any information about it?”

“Only pictures. I’ll send them to you right now. But I still haven’t found where it came from. I think that’s your specialty though.”

“Alright, just give them to me and I’ll trace it.”

“Got it. Anyway, you just tricked the goddamn girl. You told her you called the police, when it was me you actually called.”

“And the point is?” Jihoon looked at the ceiling and followed the lines formed by the lined titanium sheets, as he draped an arm over your shoulder and caressed your hair.

“You told me you wouldn’t a few hours ago?”

“I’m just protecting her. They’ll be back, so I’m simply nipping it in the bud.”

“But you also asked me to torture the guy?”

“An eye for an eye. A tooth for a tooth. Besides, we got information.”

Jihoon could hear Soonyoung hum playfully on the other end. “An andy through and through. Anything for the owner, huh?”

He checked his nails once again. “She’s not my owner.”

Soonyoung paused for quite a long time that Jihoon thought the other had finally left the line, but when he had begun shouting, Jihoon had to turn off the audio in annoyance.

“What? What? What? She’s not your fucking owner?!”

“Yeah, what’s wrong with that?” The blond arched his brow.

“Everything is wrong with that! Why are you letting her use you when she’s not your owner?! Why are you devoting yourself to her like she owns you?! Why haven’t you asked her to be your owner?!”

“Alright, Soonyoung. Shut up before I hang up.”

“Sorry, it’s just that…I just can’t believe you…is this really you I’m talking to?”

Jihoon rolled his eyes. “As if there’s anyone who could steal my communication signature.”

“Wow…I just…wow…if we’re human, I would’ve said she got you whipped.”

The other frowned at the remark. “I’m hanging up. I’ll contact you again soon.”

“Huh? Wait, Jihoon—”

Again, Jihoon disregarded all the bullshit Soonyoung says and turned off his intercom. As silence filled his head once again, he glanced down on you who was peacefully sleeping on his chest on top of him, free of any worries of the real world. He already had his hand gently stroking your head, as he continued to take in all of you.

If he really had an empathy organ inside him, then it must have been real. He had done a lot of unexplainable shit that most androids will not understand or even do, as expressed by Soonyoung. (But that shithead will understand sooner or later, Jihoon smirked since all of the SVT line was said to be equipped by an empathy organ.)

So what if he indeed has one?  Was he still an android? Will his actions become more unexplainable in the future?  Today, Jihoon seemed to have gained more questions than answers. But he knew he wanted to understand you.

Days following the incident, you did your own investigative search about the empathy organ. Of course, you don’t want to believe your mother had created something so revolutionary nor do you want to believe Jihoon had one. He had acted so impassive and merciless all that time when he had saved you, which still send shivers through your spine, and that was a valid indication that he is an android.

On the other hand, Jihoon seemed to be as normal as he could be. He didn’t try to kiss you again, which was a relief because any more than that was seriously dangerous. You knew a lot of androids leisurely using a human being’s capability to be compassionate as a means to manipulate and you could vouch how powerful this could be, since you were one of the people who developed androids to reach this level of mimicry of the human behavior. As a human being, you weren’t immune despite how much you want to be indifferent. You still have emotions, which you refuse to let go of, and these emotions could easily be used against you by an android as high of a class as Jihoon. In the end, you still trust that everything he does was not to manipulate you.

“Y/N?”

His voice jolted you awake from your half asleep state on the sofa, papers about the SVT line all sprawled on your chest since you were studying them before you fell slightly asleep.

Sitting up, you replied as you rubbed your eyes. “Yeah? What is it?”

“Well, I want to ask something about how human emotions operate,” Jihoon began as he sat beside you, a terminal on his hands, which had something paused on its holographic screen.

“Ask away.”

Yawning and folding your legs to your chest in a fetal position, you listened to Jihoon’s question with interest.

“I’ve watched videos, movies and read articles and books about romance and how it involves human love. I’ve seen that it has physical and mental aspects, and just like you said, it isn’t always about biologically expanding the human species. I’ve analyzed that coupling brings about better understanding of one another by building emotional connections. A good way to exercise empathy. So, what if an android like me wants to do just that?”

If you weren’t shocked by his question, then you don’t know what you were feeling. His question was a good one. Most androids think but don’t understand neither do they give meaning to the things around them or what they do. They simply copy what humans do because it is what their program says, and it is the most effective and logical way to accomplish what they are programmed to do—a mere means to the ends. However, as Jihoon poses this very question, you knew the world was at its turning point, whether or not it had realized it.

“It’s impossible. You don’t have emotions to connect…to, to empathize,” you replied cautiously.

“Let’s say the engineers have invented something which enables me to do so. What then? Will humans respond in kind?” Jihoon persisted, much to your fears. You knew it was possible with the empathy organ, which might be embedded in Jihoon.

“Humans tend to empathize with everything that looks human. From animals with their big round eyes which induces motherly instincts because they look like babies who needed to be protected, to…to androids who look absolutely human,” you replied, looking at him with knowing eyes. “Of course, like anything revolutionary, there will an opposition.”

Jihoon considered your thoughts for a while and then continued. “What about you?”

You froze on your spot, afraid and unsure with your lips parted and eyes wide as both of you stared into each other’s eyes.

“You know,” you began with a small voice. “There’s a study that says if you stare into another person’s eyes, for several minutes as you share with each other your deepest emotions, fears and dreams, you will fall in love.”

The android was quiet, wondering what you were trying to imply—his calculations unable to predict your line of thought as it broke into a million pathways.

“If you have a soul, then it is possible for an android to…fall in love,” you were reluctant to complete your sentence but when you did, you felt the reality of it all reflecting on his dark cocoa eyes.

“Is it possible for me to have a soul then?” Jihoon asked, voice as soft as yours.

“An empathy organ is your ticket way there.”

“What if I do have one? Are you willing to try it with me?”

You knew Jihoon was sincerely asking you to try and love him, or everything to his wide eyes, parted lips and pleading expression was a lie, a well-crafted mimicry.

Closing your eyes, you turned your head away and sucked in a breath. He was getting into your system. Fuck, that study seemed true.

“I’m sorry…I’m not sure yet,” you replied, now avoiding his gaze.

“Why? Is it because it is unacceptable to have a relationship with an android?” Jihoon asked.

“No, I don’t really care about that…it’s just that I…I…”

You couldn’t say it. You don’t want to hurt him.

“Then what?”

“I…just…it’s just that—”

“You don’t trust me, do you?”

Frozen on your spot, you stopped your incessant movements and reprimanded yourself for hinting that he had hit you right at the jackpot.

“No, I…! I’m just scared, okay?”

Jihoon narrowed his eyes at you, frowning and cynic. “You’re scared I’ll use analog hack on you. You’re not sure if everything I say is true.”

You pursed your lips as you looked down, eyes beginning to wet. “I’m…I’m sorry.”

Jihoon sighed, his shoulder deflating as he looked at your crumpled figure. “I’ll leave you in peace.”

Standing up, Jihoon walked away with hands on his pockets towards the exit. You knew he was disappointed, or appeared to be, but you just couldn’t help but also look out for yourself. There was no certainty that he wouldn’t leave you for dead just like he did with your kidnappers and the thought of his soon-to-be betrayal left your heart wringing.

“Y/N, we got company.”

You immediately scrambled by the time you heard Jihoon, who was supposed to be outside, suddenly whisper to you in a low voice. Glancing behind him, you saw a man in a trench coat with a large briefcase on hand entering the lab.

“Bounty hunter?” you asked with sheer suspicion.

“Bingo.”

The both of you stood side by side as the man approached the two of you with a courteous smile.

“Good day, sir, ma’am. Let me introduce myself, I’m Detective Choi Seungcheol,” he reached out his hand which both of you shook cordially.

“Is there anything we could help you, detective? I hope we haven’t done something wrong,” you began, a smile on your face trained for situations such as this.

“Oh, don’t worry. You are, Ms. Y/N L/N, I presume? And he is um…Mr. Lee Jihoon?” Detective Choi replied as he checked his papers.

“Yeah, my um…my boyfriend,” you improvised, unable to think of the most appropriate relationship with him. You had concluded that before he came him, Choi had already checked you and Jihoon’s background, which you assumed was already fabricated by the android long before you met him.

“Yeah, well…I just moved a few months ago from the west colony,” Jihoon added, his ears red, giving the illusion of him embarrassed. You were amazed how much they could do.

“Oh, I see. Recently, there’s news about escaped Nexus 9 androids and there were reports that one could be here. So just to make sure, are you willing to take a Voigt-Kampff test?” Choi asked, both you and Jihoon glancing at one another.

“Sure, who’s going to take it first?” you asked, an eager to help smile on your lips.

“You. And only you,” Choi threw in a sly grin masked as a reassuring smile as he sat on the provided seat.

“Sure, no problem. How does this go?” you replied, as you gazed back to Jihoon, who simply held your hand for comfort.

The detective installed his device on top of a metal table you provided as you sat in front of it with an unsure look on your face, wondering why you were being tested but also relieved that Jihoon wasn’t being suspected as one.

“So, these patches on your cheeks will detect slight movements on your face as I read to you scenarios that will determine whether or not you’re an android. Let’s begin?”

You nodded quietly as Choi seated himself in front of you, holding a few cards as he chose the first scenario.

“A cat was ran down by a car, its organs spilling on the asphalt.”

You felt your stomach drop as the image popped into your head. Your breath hitched as you simply frowned.

“I’m sorry…” you replied, as you studied what Choi was doing, glancing at the meter before him and taking in some notes on his small leather notebook.

“Second one. A dog has been clubbed to death because it had bitten a someone,” Choi continued, looking at you expectantly, yet you were silent.

“That’s just…cruel,” you remarked, gritting your teeth.

“I swear you’re the most quiet I’ve ever tested,” the detective confessed. “Third. You saw your mother tortured. They would hit her head when she refused to confess to a crime, and they would leave her in a freezer naked until she gives up, but that doesn’t end there. An android who looks like you is then sent to slowly cut her fingers—”

“STOP! Stop! Stop it!” you suddenly shouted, pushing yourself away from the table, as you covered your ears. Tears were already running down your cheeks as Jihoon hurriedly came to your side, crouching to your level with an arm over your scrunched figure.

“That does it. She’s an android.”

Right after he said those words, the detective grabbed a laser gun from his briefcase and pointed it at you.

Everything was swirling inside your head and you couldn’t believe your fears had materialized faster than you had expected. It would be a no-brainer if Jihoon had already planned this months before, framing you as the android instead of him, so that he could forever be free from the bounty hunters. You didn’t want to hear it right from Jihoon’s mouth that you were duped and utterly fooled since day one.

“What the fuck are you on about?! I’m the goddamn android here, not her!”

His voice rang in front of you, his words a direct confession and a death flag. The impulsiveness of Jihoon’s action had you glance up to him, who was in front of you, shielding you from the laser gun the bounty hunter was holding. You couldn’t believe what he just did.

“If you’re an android, you wouldn’t say that,” Choi retorted back with a grin. “Stop protecting your girlfriend. She’s just analog hacking you!”

“Fuck you,” Jihoon simply replied and grabbed your hand, tossing the metal table up on the air as a distraction when both of you ran towards the exit.

“Hey!” The detective shouted, running after the two of you and shooting laser beams towards your direction.

Easily, Jihoon redirected the laser beams with his electricity and it went up, hitting the concrete beam connecting the two upper labs. You knew you were toast when Jihoon carried you on his back to dodge the large blocks of rock falling. Luckily, it was also blocking the way and the two of you sped up, losing Choi on the chase.

Heading towards the nearby docking bay, the two of you hid behind towers of cargo containers and rested for a while.

“Jihoon, what was—”

“Could you shut up for a while? I’m trying to keep us two alive here.”

“Hey! I just got fucking accused as an android when I’m clearly not—”

This time, Jihoon muffled your mouth with his lips pressed against yours. It was quite effective in keeping you frozen in place.

“Be quiet or that shithead will find us. I’m not done charging yet.”

You nodded quietly, still digesting what had happened.

“Alright. Stay here and don’t come out. I’d rather not see you dead,” Jihoon bid you farewell as he climbed the tower of containers, getting high as much as possible.

“Fuck this, Jihoon!” you cursed him as he had left you alone and without anything to protect yourself.

With the highest view, Jihoon could clearly see where Choi was.

Everything had gone out of his predictions as humans again proved to be quite unpredictable. He didn’t expect the bounty hunter would accuse you as an android as it was definitely clear as day that you were human through and through. Now, he had to protect you and fend for himself, but he didn’t really feel constrained by extra work. In fact, he was more than motivated to keep the fucker’s hands away from you.

Jihoon picked up a large device sitting on top of the container. It was a large but sleek device shaped like a slim black rectangle, yet when Jihoon had pulled the handle on its center and turned it clockwise, the device had morphed into a complex weapon, large arms extended from the center as it formed into something akin to a large gun. Holding it in one hand, Jihoon pressed firmly on the trigger, and pointed it towards the unsuspecting human as electric energy poured into the device and when the blond android let the trigger go, a laser blast hurled towards Choi.

Unfortunately, Choi was too jumpy for it to hit directly and Jihoon missed within half a meter, the android clicking his tongue in irritation as it only hit the nearby container. Jihoon again turned the trigger around as the weapon transformed once more; now breaking into several floating stakes, as it spread out into the area.

Now that Choi knew where he was, Jihoon swiftly moved to the next towers to conceal his location. On the other hand, you were scrambling to cover yourself when you heard the explosion, unable to do anything but to hide. However, when you saw that the explosion had caused a domino effect among the following tower of containers, you ignored Jihoon’s warning and ran before you get squashed to death.

Jihoon knew he had to move in for the kill before Choi finds you, so in a fast attack which involved kicking the detective with a dash of electric surge as dessert, he did just that but Choi was more veteran than expected and blocked his kick with his arms lined with anti-static material. Moving away, Choi had time to shoot a few beams but were unsuccessful when Jihoon simply bent them with electric currents, hitting the containers behind them; much thanks to classical physics.

Wasting no time, Jihoon drove a punch right in Choi’s gut which had him flying towards the end of the aisle. Walking towards the bounty hunter, Jihoon was however alerted that you had moved from your place, and when he got back to Choi, the guy had already disappeared.

Y/N, why are you so talented in screwing my head over and over again?!

You ran towards wherever you found was the most peaceful and quiet. You wondered if Jihoon was fine, yet you knew that he could take on an army and return unscathed, so you weren’t that worried. Turning by the nearby alley, you found a laser gun pointed at you.

“Gotcha.”

 By the time Jihoon found you, he had already found Choi pointing a gun on your head as he held you by the neck.

“I swear I can explain,” you began but Jihoon simply looked at you with an unimpressed look on his face.

“I told you to stay in one place, Y/N,” he replied back, rolling his eyes at you. “I can’t always come and save you every single time!”

“But if I don’t move, the containers will crush me! I don’t exactly want to die, Jihoon!” You retorted, your voice getting louder.

“Then what am I supposed to do? He’s got you at gun point! Now I have to think of a way to get you out of there!”

You scoffed, hands on your hips as Choi looked at the two of you awkwardly. “If you don’t want to save me, then why am I even your girlfriend? Break up with me and save your sorry ass yourself! I can take care of myself!”

Jihoon laughed mockingly, now clearly irked. “You aren’t even licensed to have a laser gun, so, how, I pray, are you supposed to fucking beat a bounty hunter?”

“Don’t underestimate me, Jihoon! I have my ways!”

“Like what? The other night you were whining about how you’re supposed to pass your subjects!”

You audibly huffed. “Ok, you’ve gone too far, you little shit. I’ll prove to you that I can do this. Let me go, detective!”

“Alright, alright! I don’t want to interrupt but we’re kinda in the middle of something here!?” Choi shouted quite annoyed, as he held on your neck tighter. “Don’t move or else I’ll blow a hole through your head.”

Jihoon rolled his eyes at you again, uncrossing his arms. “Just pull the trigger Choi. She’s just gonna be a pain all night anyway.”

“What! How dare you!” you shouted angrily, struggling around Choi’s arm holding you.

“So what do you want? Haven’t I already shown you that I’m the android here?” Jihoon ignored you completely, much to your chagrin.

“Yeah, I know. I’ll release her…if I got to shoot you,” the bounty hunter grinned, as the android simply removed his hands from his pockets.

“Alright. I’m all yours,” Jihoon immediately said, his arms up on the air as you stared at him in disbelief.

“No, wait! Fuck! I’m the android, ok? It’s not him! Kill me instead,” you cried out, writhing and panicking as soon as you saw the hunter’s gun pointed at Jihoon. “No, no! Shit.”

Without any explanation, Choi had let go of you and of course, you came running towards Jihoon’s side.

“Bye-bye.”

In a split second, Jihoon knew what was about to happen and it didn’t take him long to find a solution.

He pulled you towards him as soon as he had reached you and when Choi pulled the trigger of his laser gun, Jihoon was already behind you, covering your back from the oncoming laser beam. He didn’t know he actually felt something about death—he didn’t want to. Yet, for your sake, he’ll catch the bullet.

You were thrown to the ground in a painful blow, unable to process what had just happened. You sensed Jihoon covering your back, holding you tightly, as black smoke from what the beam had hit rose to the air.

“You two passed the test.”

Choi’s words echoed across the desolate cargo bay as he dropped his laser gun, walking away from you two. The meaning of the bounty hunter’s words finally got to you, and finally checked if Jihoon was alright. As it turned out, he was already gazing at you with a puzzled look on his face.

“Why? Why did you kill me?” Jihoon asked, his voice ringing.

Choi stopped walking. “An android will never sacrifice his life for someone else. Especially when she’s not his owner.”

“T-thank you!” You yelled back, your hand shaking as Jihoon held on it tightly.

“No worries, ma’am. These days, being a bounty hunter warrants more effort than I’m getting paid for. I’m exhausted. I’ll see you somewhere these days.”

He didn’t look back.

“We’re seriously looking into that empathy organ,” you remarked, settling in between Jihoon’s arms as you watched the colony rotate the solar panels outside the glass dome of the cargo bay.

Jihoon felt a circuit jump, or maybe it was a binary code—he didn’t care that much, but nonetheless, in human terms, he felt happy. Tightening his arms around you, Jihoon pulled you closer to his body.

“Does that mean you want to try the experiment?” he asked with a restrained grin, looking down on your face as his platinum blond bangs brushed against your cheek.

“We humans call it dating. But since you’re an android, everything’s an experiment,” you replied with a playful smirk, which then disappeared when you sighed. “I’m sorry I didn’t trust you before.”

Jihoon shook his head. “It’s okay. That’s understandable. I’m aware we androids have a penchant for analog hack, and I was warned I might be doing it unconsciously. I don’t want that to happen.”

“I’ll trust you despite that. It’s going to be hard but let’s see if that empathy organ is the real deal,” you grinned, poking his side.

“Are you sure?” Jihoon asked. “It’s going to be like infecting yourself with the disease and checking if the cure is effective.”

You chuckled. “Great analogy. But I know what I’m doing. Who knows we might have stumbled upon the future already.”

“If it’s enough for me to act mushy and cringey like this, I guess it’s stronger than we have estimated,” Jihoon joked around as both of you laughed together.

“We’ll see.”

Jihoon nodded and placed a chaste kiss on your forehead. “We’ll see.”

-Hyeri

[crwn]

[023] kogami/makishima

“Excuse me,”

His voice carried over the space in an instant, almost jarringly so even if it was spoken rather quietly. 

Maybe it was because the bookstore was so indistinct; from the weather-worn stones on the outside to the written relics it held inside despite the modern uprising of e-readers and  digitized novels. Maybe it was because they were the only two within the building in that moment, the only owner in the adjacent back room nearly succumbed to the throes of slumber. 

Or maybe it was because of the gravity those single words held. The first meeting of this lifetime between the two of them and the flicker of recognition that came with it.

“you’re… Shogo Makishima, right?” He tried again, and Shogo felt his breath catch in his throat as he turned to meet the gaze of the other occupant of the shop. Dark eyes, dark hair, a strong jaw and serious expression. He’d known who it was the moment they spoke, but seeing him like this sent a cold jolt down his spine.

“I am.” Shogo finally settles on as a response, gently closing the book in his hands without a sound as he turns to fully face the other man. His heart had tippled it’s pace in an instant, beating against his chest as though it could leap out and escape. “And you’re Shinya Kogami.” 

The words passed his lips like a prayer just like they always had. Admiration curling around the words and fondness lacing into the syllabus. There was a history between them that spanned beyond this lifetime and beyond that of strangers. 

The man— Shinya— smiled, the corners of his gray eyes crinkling as his lips pulled up. He smiled so beautifully, the graveness of his default expression dispelled entirely. He looked like a different man, though still and always the ever-familiar presence polluting nearly every one of Shogo’s thoughts and dreams. Shogo had never seen his smile before, his heart aching as it acknowledged this. There were many things they hadn’t seen of each other, many things they didn’t know. 

“I am.” Shinya echoed back softly, taking a step forward towards Shogo as his smile curled playfully. “Say, have we met before?”

Shogo felt his own lip twitch, the defining roaring of his pounding heart skipping as a lifetime and an instant flashed across his vision. Fate had a sense of humor, pulling at the strings at random and watching as her players came colliding into each other. Strangers meeting for the first time and old enemies approaching to opportunity to try something different than they were before.

“Sorry, but I think I’d remember if we had.”

[hebimoonlightwrites]

since reqs are open, can you do headcanons for kei, itsuki, shogo, and toma comforting s/o who’s feeling a bit left out from theit friend group? if ur uncomfy then it’s totally okay!! -🦋

Writer's corner: Hii anon-🦋 I'm so happy to see you here again! Also of course I can do that! Don't worry, I'm not uncomfy about it at all, actually I kinda relate to this one (since I've experienced something like this when I was attending high school-) soo.. hope you like it! If not, please let me know and ask for something else, so I can make another one for you! (Also, sorry but I think I'll do it gn!, since you haven't told me about the gender.. hope it's fine! If it's not, let me know, so I can change it!) Enjoy~

Warnings: sad and ugly sl**ts-- (sorry for the bad word-)

⋆𝒦𝑒𝒾, 𝐼𝓉𝓈𝓊𝓀𝒾, 𝒮𝒽𝑜𝑔𝑜 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒯𝑜𝓂𝒶⋆ 𝒸𝑜𝓂𝒻𝑜𝓇𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝑔𝓃!𝓈/𝑜 𝓌𝒽𝑜'𝓈 𝒻𝑒𝑒𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓁𝑒𝒻𝓉 𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝒻𝓇𝑜𝓂 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝒾𝓇 𝒻𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓃𝒹 𝑔𝓇𝑜𝓊𝓅

⋆Kei seems and maybe is a little bit introverted, but he actually really cares about his closest friends, Itsuki and Rokuta, so I'm sure he'd be even more caring about his dear s/o.

⋆He would immediately notice if there's something wrong and try softly to ask his s/o.

⋆"Babe.. Are you alright? When you close the door behind your back I've felt a little bit of frustration... Do you want to talk about it?"

⋆If his s/o is too shy or maybe doesn't want to bother Kei and prefer to keep everything to themselves, then Kei won't force them to explain and decide to give them some seconds to think.

⋆If they don't want to talk about it, it's their own decision. They will be the one to decide when to explain what's going on to him.

⋆Maybe they will never, but Kei would try to make them realize that they are not alone by staying beside them.

⋆Otherwise if s/o tells Kei everything about their feelings and the fact that they feel a little bit left out from their group friends, then Kei will stay there, sitting beside them, holding their hands and listening closely to each words they are saying.

⋆He probably really knows how important is to have someone to speak to in bad situations or, simply, when a person is overthinking and end up building up unpleasant thoughts.

⋆But he also loves them a lot, so he'd try hard to keep them as closer as he can.

⋆Kei would definitely lie down beside his adorable s/o and listen to some tracks with them.

⋆Maybe he would also share one of his cute airpods with a soft smile.

⋆"Listen to this, babe.. It sounds good, don't you think?"

⋆Perhaps he'd try to make them feel better by hanging out with them!

⋆They can go to relaxing places, like the beach or the park at sunset! Why not? S/o would surely feel calmer and relieved after that, wouldn't they?

⋆If they'd burst into tears while talking about their frustration, though, Kei would immediately do something to calm them down.

⋆"Babe.. Look at me..", he'd hold their cheeks gently and look at their eyes.

⋆"You're a kind person.. You're probably the only genuine one I've ever met.. Seriously.. There isn't any kind of wickedness in you. You've that colour in your soul that nobody else has, neither your friends do... If they keep you out of their group, then it's because 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝒹𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒 𝒾𝓂𝓅𝓇𝑒𝑔𝓃𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝒷𝓎 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒸𝑜𝓁𝑜𝓊𝓇."

⋆After that he'd close his eyes and hug them tightly.

⋆Itsuki and feelings are like two parallel lines: they never meet!

⋆If Itsuki's s/o came back home after hanging out with their friends and felt some frustration and sadness because they've the presentiment that their friends are leaving them out of the group, then Itsuki would immediately understand his s/o's expression's change.

⋆At first he'd wonder why they've changed their facial expression and they seem sad.

⋆He'd surely keep an analyzing expression, just trying to understand them by scanning their movements and behaviour, just as a scanner would do with a sheet of paper.

⋆"Your eyes are so sad, s/o... You seem also frustrated. Has anything bad happened today?"

⋆As for Kei, if s/o prefers not to talk about it, then Itsuki would just nod as response and then come back to read.

⋆Of course he'd be at least a little bit worried and decide to keep an eye on them, just in case.

⋆"Hm.. Alright. I respect your privacy, s/o. Feel free to tell me later, if you want to."

⋆He may not be good with feelings, but I'm sure he'd be great at making others feel appreciated, especially his s/o.

⋆Itsuki would definitely buy or cook s/o's favourite food only to make them feel better.

⋆"I've made some researches and... I've found out that, weirdly, food manages well to make people happy, so... I thought to give you this.."

⋆On the other hand if s/o is comfy enough to tell Itsuki about their worries, then Itsuki will listen closely, still metaphorically scanning each of his dear s/o's movements and looks.

⋆But he'd surely keep wondering about feelings a lot, like...

⋆Why does s/o feel so sad about his friends letting them out of the group? They are smart and nice, they can make friends with other people and then create another friends group! So... Why?

⋆After a while, though, s/o would grab Itsuki's hands, maybe to feel him closer. He'd let them do it, of course. He wouldn't mind it at all.

⋆He'd even hug them if it's necessary.

⋆Itsuki can't understand emotions and usually wonders about what's the meaning of them. But he's smart and knows what people feel.

⋆Sometimes he even makes fun of feelings and thinks that they're not so important, but.. he knows they can hurt people and he can't stand when they hurt s/o.

⋆"Are you sure your friends did it on purpose or even did it?.. Did you ask them and clarify the situation? Please, s/o, do not jump to conclusion, or your heart will hurt without a reason... 𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝐼 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓁𝓁𝓎 𝒸𝒶𝓃'𝓉 𝒶𝓁𝓁𝑜𝓌 𝒾𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓈𝑜 𝒷𝒶𝒹.."

⋆Shogo is such a kind-hearted guy!!!

⋆He'd surely be so worried because of his s/o a lot!

⋆Like, I really imagine him following s/o to their room when they come back home only to ask them what's going on.

⋆"Honey!! Oh my god, what's happened?! Why are your eyes so red?! Have you cried!? Who made you feel this way?!"

⋆I headcanon he's also touchy, so he'd be there holding s/o's face and wipe their tears away.

⋆If s/o doesn't want to talk about it, then Shogo would be even sadder and more worried.

⋆I think he'd keep his eyes on them or even approach their room only to be sure that they're fine.

⋆Imagine him being behind his s/o's door, trying to hear if they're crying.

⋆I totally think he'd also buy some gummy bears and let them behind their room's door with some small flowers and some "I love you" notes.

⋆If s/o tells him what's going on, though, Shogo would be there for them, lying down with them on his chest and caressing their back.

⋆Those fools... s/o is perfect, how can they treat them like that?

⋆He'd give them the best cuddle, thinking and especially hoping to make them feel better.

⋆"They're stupid, honey... You're the best person I've ever met.. I love you a lot."

⋆He'd be the one to grab his s/o's hand and hang out with them in order to make them feel better.

⋆They both would go to a convenience store to buy a lot of gummy bears!! Why not??

⋆"Ohh. There are some gummy bears of your favourite flavour, honey!! Let's buy tons of them!"

⋆Maybe at the park together, buying some ice-cream or cotton candy?

⋆I'm sure s/o would feel better with Shogo, because he'd try so hard to make them feel better.

⋆Shogo knows that s/o's friends do not deserve his adorable s/o's tears! They're just fools who are losing the greatest treasure there is on the world: s/o.

⋆If while they're out together s/o starts crying again, Shogo would immediately wipe those tears away and kiss them softly.

⋆"You don't deserve to cry, s/o, so don't do it.. They don't know you and maybe judge you the wrong way. It's you the one who really knows who you are. Your actual friends, Toma, Aoi, Kantaro... they know who you are. I know who you are, I know your true essence.. 𝒴𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒷𝑒𝒶𝓊𝓉𝒾𝒻𝓊𝓁 𝓉𝓇𝓊𝑒 𝑒𝓈𝓈𝑒𝓃𝒸𝑒."

⋆Toma can be narcissist, but he really cares about his fellows Visty and is probably the one who keeps them cheerful, since he's described to be also funny.

⋆But he really cares also about fashion and look, at least his one.

⋆He'd be so concerned to see his s/o sad or even worried and try hard to know what's happened and what made them feel that way.

⋆"Darl? What happened? You look so sad... Even your eyes are red.. Have you slept last night?"

⋆If s/o doesn't talk about it, then Toma would definitely try at least once again to know what has happened.

⋆He'd be very curious and concerned!

⋆"Come on, babe! Tell meee!"

⋆After a few failed attempts, though, he'd stop asking but keep his eyes really close to s/o..

⋆But so really closeeeeeee....

⋆I mean... they'd see him also entering the bathroom while they're having a bath and say: "Just needed my face mask, darl." and then go away closing the door.

⋆He'd do it actually to show them that he's there for them, to listen to them, to comfort them...

⋆But if s/o decides to tell him, Toma would feel so happy, because he'd realize that his dear s/o trusts him a lot.

⋆Also he'd let them sit on his lap and start caressing and brushing their hair, maybe even making some braids, while listen to them.

⋆When he know the reason, he'll be so angry, like.. he'd surely stand up, putting his hands on his own hips and look at them angry.

⋆Like... how those stupid losers dare to treat them?! Don't they know that his sweet s/o is beautiful and amazing?!

⋆Toma would surely do his best to make them feel better.

⋆He'd make them some face masks or take care of their hair.

⋆In short he'd cuddle them with this kind of things and, who knows? Even actually cuddle them, kissing their soft cheeks and caressing their hair until they both fall asleep, like if they were in a beautiful fable.

⋆If he sees s/o crying about it, he'd get panicked at first but then decide to do something.

⋆He'd grab his s/o's shoulders and lead them to the mirror.

⋆Then he'd surely stay beside them and ask: "Look at the mirror... What do you see?"

⋆After a while, though, he'd hug his s/o tightly, getting lost in their marvelous scent.

⋆"I see a beautiful, unique and strong person who doesn't deserve to cry... seriously, s/o.. they're only stupid and envious because of your beauty.. I love you! Stop crying, 𝓎𝑜𝓊'𝓇𝑒 𝒸𝓊𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓈𝓂𝒾𝓁𝑒!"

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