#this is it for now hahaha i'll do the other ones i've found another time

[purplesurveys]

1583

satiating my craving for bts-related questions part 3/5

what bts member’s personality is the most like yours? This was in the most recent ‘survey’ I took but Namjoon! Besides our social batteries being pretty much infinite and our mutual love for museums, we’re also similar in that we’re both leaders on paper but are actually pretty clumsy and irresponsible in all non-work situtions hahahaha.

which bts member do you think you’d click with & are most likely to be best friends with? Jimin. I feel like he’s the most easygoing of the boys and can strike a bond with anybody.

in what moment did you know you were in this bangtan sonyeondan shit for life? Also covered this in the last survey, but it in April ‘21 when I heard Life Goes On. Funnily enough I was in the middle of work then and ended up crying while working on whatever spreadsheet I had at the time because the lyrics unexpectedly punched me in the face (in the warmest and most comforting way possible).

what do you think is bts’ best era or mv? I wanna say Wings, only because it had been their biggest Korean breakthrough and was the time they came out with BST and Spring Day and started to really launch towards the mainstream. 

The Love Yourself era was also obviously a fantastic era that opened so many doors for them since that’s when they started getting invited to US award shows and had their songs played on US radio; but it also meant that Namjoon had to constantly serve as the mouthpiece of the group – something that affected them in the long run and something they even touched on themselves at the latest Festa dinner.

if you bumped into a bts member on the street, how would you react/what would you do? Jesus. I would run the fuck away and hide. Everyone who knows me knows that I would literally pass up on a meet-and-greet opportunity with them because IDK the thought of meeting them just terrifies me lol. I’d be perfectly content seeing them up close in concert.

which bts member could you realistically see your self dating, & are most compatible romantically? Delulu hours already? Hahaha. I barely know the dudes and they could be completely different human beings off the camera, so idk. The hyung line strikes me as low-maintenance romantic partners though – something I prefer at this point in time.

when did you become an army? It was in early April last year which technically makes me Butter Army. I hate that term though and just refer to myself as a Run BTS Army since that had been their promotion focus at the time I became a fan hahahaha

what is your favorite bts album? MOTS: 7.

if you made an album & make collabs with only three bts members, which three would you choose? Yoongi so he can produce it also and create a banger; Jimin because I need more solos from him; Hobi because artistically speaking I feel he is the most open to experimentation.

top 10 bts songs? Butterfly, Sea, Fake Love, BST, Autumn Leaves, Ma City, Spring Day, Move, Dis-ease, Black Swan.

what food/foods reminds you of jungkook? Ramyeon, pork belly, banana milk.

what food/foods reminds you of taehyung? Napjak mandu, kkomak bibimbap, bungeoppang.

what food/foods reminds you of jimin? Literally anything with chili peppers or buldak sauce on it as the man loves his spicy food.

what food/foods reminds you of namjoon? Funnily enough, mint chocolate anything. Also tteokguk, kalguksu, and Bibimyeon noodles.

what food/foods reminds you of hobi? Croffles, iced coffee.

what food/foods reminds you of yoongi? Steamed dumplings.

what food/foods reminds you of jin? Sashimi, yukhoe, anything seafood. Jin Ramen.

assign a planet to each bts member! I honestly don’t know the planets well enough to designate a member to each.

choose a color for each bts member i.e. what color reminds you of each of them or do you associate with them? I mean my mind automatically just goes to their mic colors? Hahahaha.

besides seoul, what city do you see jungkook thriving in? Maybe somewhere in Japan, like Kyoto. Jungkook strikes me as a pretty big introvert so I feel like he’ll want to be somewhere he can go lowkey. Bon Voyage also repeatedly taught me that he isn’t the type to visit tourist attractions lol and I think Japan can give him all the quiet cafes and pretty Airbnbs he needs.

besides seoul, what city do you see taehyung thriving in? He’s shown time and time again that his soul belongs in places like Paris.

besides seoul, what city do you see jimin thriving in? Lively places with lots of music and spots for drinking...places like Rio de Janeiro, New Orleans, Berlin, London, etc. Los Angeles also.

besides seoul, what city do you see namjoon thriving in? Basel, Amsterdam, New York City. I feel like he would also appreciate Cairo and Marrakesh.

besides seoul, what city do you see hobi thriving in? Hobi is essentially Los Angeles personified. Lots of culture and trendy stuff pumping through his veins haha.

besides seoul, what city do you see yoongi thriving in? Somewhere lowkey, like Jungkook. I see Yoongi spending six months somewhere secluded in like New Zealand just to have the time and space he needs to make new music.

besides seoul, what city do you see jin thriving in? He’s been there already, but I feel like Jin really throve in Valletta, Malta! Being an introvert himself it was great seeing him wander around on his own and be friends with that nice bar owner.

what’s your favorite thing about bts? My reason is pretty selfish, but the fact that they’re Asian gives me a lot of pride and also enables me to relate a lot to them in terms of values, culture, habits, etc. It’s refreshing to stan people who are just as horrified about the idea of using shoes indoors, have the concept of older brothers/siblings, and go through the same bilingual struggles.

did you change after stanning? how? Yeah. Mainly in wanting to live again. I also became happier, more open to meeting new people and trying new things, and less anxious about my problems.

what inspires you about bts? Just knowing all the ugly things they’ve been through and ultimately surpassed.

what’s your bts bias line or trio? Namgikook.

what music genre do your associate with each bts member? Namjoon: Hip-hop, R&B Jin: Pop Yoongi: Rap with a little bit of pop and alternative rock here and there Hobi: Hip-hop Jimin: R&B. Taehyung: Jazz Jungkook: R&B with a little dollop of pop.

what are some of your favorite things about jungkook? The fact that he masters any skill in one or a few tries; and his competitiveness because I can totally relate lol.

what are some of your favorite things about taehyung? He’s real. He’s the realest fucking person there is and that might draw off other people, but I appreciate that he never fakes it for the camera. If he’s upset you’ll know it, if he doesn’t feel like getting interviewed you’ll see it, if fans are being stupid he’ll be the first to call them out.

what are some of your favorite things about jimin? He’s reliable; to me he comes off as a quiet support system for the boys. Never hogs the spotlight, but he’ll be the first to check up on someone if they get injured; visit someone to their own music video shoot, etc. I mean he literally flew to Chicago to support Hobi for Lollapalooza and flew from Paris all the way back to Korea in time to greet Jungkook on his birthday.

what are some of your favorite things about namjoon? He’s a fantastic leader, always learning as he goes all while making sure the other six are growing and learning with him. And he does this considering he’s not even the eldest of the group; it takes a lot of maturity to take the reins at 19 and go beyond being a K-pop idol.

what are some of your favorite things about hobi? The fact that he 1) takes over as a sub-leader for the things Namjoon lacks in; and 2) same as Jimin, he’s also acted like a stable support system for the boys and their endeavors. He’s also unashamedly physically affectionate and clingy, which has been helping break the mindset that men can’t hug each other, lean on each other’s shoulders, etc. OH and he’s a fantastic gift-giver – I can’t ever forget how he made Jimin a physical CD of Promise AND made copies for each of the members.

what are some of your favorite things about yoongi? He keeps it real, like Taehyung, like how he largely refuses to speak English in US interviews or backs out of games he doesn’t want to join in Run BTS. Also the fact that he’s actually caring as fuck but will always make it look like he doesn’t give a shit.

what are some of your favorite things about jin? That behind all the dad jokes and wackiness, he’s actually doing a great job being the eldest – puts the younger ones in place when they start getting too rowdy, and at the end he puts the needs of the younger members first. On In the Soop 1 he took the tent while everyone else slept in beds; and onto bigger things he chose to delay his military service because everyone else wanted to do the Busan show.

what makes you love bts so much? Just the fact that they make me happy and make me want to look forward to the next day.

which pcs have you pulled in your bts albums? & if you’re willing to share, how many albums/pcs do you have? If I did this, I would end up making a short novel lol. I simply have too many albums and have collected too many photocards.

do you have any bt21 merch? if so, what? Yeah, mostly plushies but I’ve also got a BT21 shirt, keychain, and alcospray.

who’s your favorite bt21 character? RJ.

bt21 or tiny tan? BT21.

[weilongfu]

"It feels like I know you."

Wu Minghan looked up from the report he was filing for the man in front of him. He'd walked in to the police station with another (much grumpier) man in tow along with a broken sign advocating for climate policy reform and demanded to file an assault report. Curly hair, mischievous smile, and a red plaid shirt that Wu Minghan wanted to curl his fist into with mixed emotions. It was the mixed emotions part that surprised Wu Minghan more than anything else.

(He usually had very clear emotions on curling a fist into someone's shirt and 90% of the time, it was for pulling a suspect closer for another punch.)

"Lots of people know me. I've been working the front desk here for two months," Wu Minghan said as he returned his gaze to the paper in front of him. "Now where did you say the man-"

"The main road off the beach. But I feel like I know you." The corners of the man's lips curled just that extra bit and Wu Minghan couldn't help but feel another creeping sensation up his neck, like he was prey, like he was the target of a cosmic joke. And he hated how familiar that felt suddenly.

"That's not accurate enough-"

"Well, maybe you should come with me to the beach some time? Maybe that'd jog my memory?" The man's eyes sparkled a little. Another sensation ran up Wu Minghan's neck and he failed to resist the urge to pull at his uniform collar.

"I'm not-"

"Interested? But officer..." The man fluttered his lashes and Wu Minghan felt his body squirm which seemed to be the reaction the man wanted. "Hahaha, don't be so pressed officer, I can tell you're just another-"

"Dumb straight?" Wu Minghan blinked and frowned as the last bits of the mocking tone in his voice dispersed in the air. "Why did I say that?"

The man stood up from leaning against the counter before leaning in again. "I do know you." This time his smile turned softer and genuine.

"I-"

"Officer Wu Minghan," the man said as he tapped Wu Minghan's name tag. "It's been a long time..." The man paused. "For both of us." He rested a hand on top of Wu Minghan's which had stilled in its writing. "Do you remember me?"

Wu Minghan felt an itch under the skin on the back of his hand where the man's lay. "Mao Mao, don't you dare- Mao Mao? Who's-" Wu Minghan winced and a flash of memory, the smell of so many burning incense sticks, the feel of a touch that was there and yet not sitting impossibly on his shoulders, a word, said through clenched teeth, a promise made in earnest, relief as one passed on and the other survived. "Mao Pangyu." Wu Minghan found his hand released. "Y-You're Mao Pangyu. We-"

"Laogoooooonnngggggggg," Mao Pangyu said with a lilt to his voice that made Wu Minghan feel oddly happy yet alone, "That's what you used to call me. I think... we should see if it still fits as well as it used to." Mao Pangyu's smile faltered just a bit. "If you want."

Wu Minghan scribbled another few characters down onto the form before stamping it and shoving it into the appropriate bin for processing. "In this life, if you make me marry your dead body again, I'll make sure to find you first in the next life so I can kill you and make someone else marry your spirit."

"You're embarrassed."

"You're insufferable."

"But I am your-"

"Not in this life."

"...not yet."

[indecenthoney]

"Why haven't you made a move on me?"

----------------------------------------------------------

When it comes to relationships I tend to wait it out a bit before even making a move. Of course, you don't want to scare anyone off. Just like any other man, I am a dog. But at the end of the day, I wholeheartedly love like one too. Although, I've never been one for timing and keeping this whole "good" guy act can be pretty tedious for my partner. When you're around me, I tend to have an effect on people. I guess being overly flirty or suggestive can take quite a toll. That toll begins build up and you're left wanting. But even then, I can't really take a hint because I don't want to ruin anything.

"Oh? You didn't tell me you were dropping by... Make yourself at home... I just have to finish these documents and I'll be right with you... Oh! Since you're here... perfect timing by the way... Do you wanna stay over for dinner...? My family is visiting and have been dying to meet yo-... I... uhm... Is something wrong? You seem... upset... Did I do something? Sorry... Excuse me? What? Why... haven't I... touched you...? Well... No! What? You're plenty attractive... I just... haven't thought about it much... Why rush forever? Right? Listen... I love you... I just didn't know if it was the right time... Okay? I'm sorry for brushing it off... It must be really bugging you since you're bringing it up... Would a kiss suffice? Not as romantic as I like it to be but... it's a start... Would you like that? Yeah? Ahahah... Alright... Don't go getting nervous on me now... Stay still... How was that? Feel better? More? Greedy... Bad... But fine... I guess you do deserve it... Hahaha... Feels good? Yeah? Hahaha... Alright alright... That's enough for today... The rest will come naturally... Oh c'mon don't pout at me like that... You're really stubborn, you know that? Hmmmm... Fine... but we're going to do it my way... and you're going to listen... That means no bratting... No complaining... I am free to do whatever I want today... and in exchange, I'll give you what you want... You just have to wait until my family leaves... Deal? Good... You're going to have to wear this... Mhm... A skirt... I was saving it as a gift but I guess to commemorate our first time together... I might as well give it to you now... Try it out... Nice, right? Hahaha... You should wear it tonight... Although these have to come off... You heard me... Take em off... No panties during the duration of dinner... Can you do that for me? Orrrrr I could always just take my sweet ass time... but you can't wait, can you?"

Okay. I may have the tendency to push a few buttons at times, but can you really blame me? You're telling me, you wouldn't? Especially when they're asking so earnestly about something so depraved? Just a teeny tiny push to seal the deal. A bit sadistic of me to watch her squirm around; tugging on her little skirt as far as she can. Hiding all the bits and pieces. Her gaze fixated on whether or not her lower half was presenting itself. Again. How could I not tease her?

"And where do you think you're going? Hahaha... Dude... What? Why are you backing up? I'm not going to bite... Just a little kiss before my family arrives... Okay? Two minutes promise... Mhm... No other funny business... C'mon let's sit on my bed... Just sit right here... It's okay... Lower your hips... Why are you hovering?... It's fine... Have you ever made out before? Yeah? Then relax, silly..."

Starting us off slow, I pulled her in by the chin placing soft lips against one another. Restlessly overlapping. An almost innocent sight, despite the fact, that her cunt was directly rutting against my thigh; causing her slick pussy to emanate with such an indecent sound. Something quite difficult to ignore causing her to pull back in embarrassment. However, in my excitement, I found myself chasing after her eagerly locking lips to regain the sensation that was lost. Similar to that of a drug, the withdrawal was all too much. Truth be told, it was way over the time limit that I had suggested. It wasn't like she was complaining. Then again, she couldn't really protest with my tongue down her mouth. Sounds like a skill issue. I guess more for me. Or so I thought. Until I heard my family calling out for me.

"I know... I know... I'm sorry to leave you wanting... but we have things to do... Listen... It'll be a quick dinner... and you'll have your reward, alright? I'll fuck you silly to your heart's content... Now... Freshen yourself up while I let them in... I call for you... Looks like everything is in order... Alright... Hey! Sorry for the delay... I just had to make sure all the food was ready... I didn't want to burn our meal... Yes yes... I have been taking care of myself? Oh? She's in the restroom right now... Hey... Hun? You there? There you are... Family... This is her... Isn't she beautiful? Okay okay... Let's not swarm her... You'll give the little thing a panic attack... Why don't we go eat before the food gets cold, yeah? I hope you guys are hungry cause I know I am... You can ask all the questions over dinner..."

The dinner went pretty well. We all caught up, exchanged stories. We discussed future plans and embarrassingly enough were asked how many grandkids they'd be expecting. Three by the way. You know, the same old questions the parentals ask. She was doing pretty well with socializing. I was proud of her. Up until my fingers crept up her skit. Hey. I was bored. I needed something to pass the time. It's like playing with a fidget toy. The toy being her clit. And the fidget being her, shaking in her seat. A little after I had to take control of the conversation again to keep suspicion off us. Unfortunately, our short dinner wasn't so short. My family tends to lounge around after eating a whole bunch. They found themselves comfortable in my living room; keeping themselves busy with our television while I slaved away in the kitchen.

"Hey, hun... Could you help me out with the dishes real quick? Thank you... Here... I'm just going to get something... Just relax... If you don't lower your voice, they'll catch us... I'm just going to have a little... desert... Lemme know if they get off their seats, okay? It's fine... I promise... They're not going to be able to see us... The entire counter is blocking us... Okay?"

Quietly, I nestled down on one knee, before lifting her skirt up, burying myself in between her shaky thighs. A little reward was in order after making her wait so long. An intoxicating taste soon fills my mouth as I ran my tongue along her wet cunt. Her hand quickly covered her mouth, trapping away her tasteful moans. Tempting me to eat away at her efforts of morality. Despite my warnings, I wanted to hear more of her. I wanted the entirety of her weight pressed against my face as her legs buckled from pleasure. Her hands wrapped around my hair pulling me in deeper. Feeling the passion between her thighs get even hotter. I was focused. I kiss the droplets dripping down her thighs. Ensuring not a single drop of her was wasted. If it were my choice, I would've done this for hours. Unfortunately, we were quickly interrupted by my family probing about my whereabouts.

"I'm here... A spoon fell while we were washing the dishes... Did you guys need something? No? Oh okay... Are you guys going home yet? It's getting kind of late... Hang out? I guess... We'll be there in a bit... Phew... Almost got caught... Youuuuu okay? Hey hey... Be pissed all you want... You loved it... Hahaahah... Thanks for the meal..."

It was apparent how much of my teasing took a toll on her. She was unable to stand upright. Even during our little hangout with my family, she leaned against me burying her face into my chest. Her thighs rubbed against one another to ease the constant throb. Her mind was in a complete daze unable to hold a conversation. Whimpers slowly leak out of her; pawing at my chest looking for some sort of relief. Should I take her to the bathroom? No. We would be too loud. Our only option was to bide our time.

"She's just feeling off... Must've been something she ate during dinner... I should probably bring her to the room or something... No? You sure? I think you need some rest... Ugh... You're so stubborn sometimes... Sorry... She can get a little clingy when she's sick... Oh? You guys are leaving? Uhm... Alright... I'm sorry for calling it early tonight... Yeah... I'll take care of her... Don't worry...We'll make sure to drop by... Hun, you gonna be okay for a few more minutes? We should see them off... You got this..."

While supporting her, we made our way down to the doorway and waved bye to my family. A matter of seconds felt like an eternity for us watching them wave and drive away. As soon as their car was out of sight, I quickly shut the door behind us. Lifting her against the wall and pressing my cock against her entrance. Kissing each other as if we hadn't seen each other in ages. The shrill shriek in her voice echoed throughout the room; thrusting into her as deeply as possible. Taking a moment to catch our breaths and feeling each other. Our eyes finally meet and exchange a soft laugh between the both of us before kissing each other once again.

"Fuck... Hahhaa... Sorry for the wait... Y-you okay? Yeah? I just want you to know that... I really really... really wanted to fuck you... I just didn't want to ruin anything between us... I'm a horny bastard... but I always imagined having you strut around in only an apron... so I could fuck you senseless whenever I pleased... Do it? Fine... Tough talk for someone who can't walk straight... Yeah yeah... You ready? Mhm..."

I wouldn't be so surprised if my neighbors called the cops on us. The sounds we made while fucking were indescribably horny. Lifting her up and down my cock like a personal fleshlight. Jerking myself off with her body. Pressing all my weight against her with the wall behind her back. Filling her womb with all my love. Pulling out only to fill her back up once again to fuck the cum back into her. If anyone were to walk in right now, they'd be in full view of the show. I highly doubt that we had the patience to walk ourselves to the bedroom. Her legs locked around my waist, we find ourselves on the floor in full motion of a mating press. Plunging my member to her deepest depths; kissing the very base of my length. Sending shockwaves. I wanted nothing more than to satisfy her desires. Making our first together a memorable one. In protest, her hands wander to my chest attempting to stop the ravenous pace. Grabbing both hands I placed them atop her; pinning them down. Driving my hips into her despite her constant pleas. Ensuring that her cunt was perfectly formed to my cock.

"F-fuck... fuck fuck fuck... Hahaha... Stop? You can't just expect me to stop... That's cruel... You just feel so good, hun... I can't help it... Hey... It's okay... I know you're sensitive... How many times was that... 3... 4? C'mon hun... You can take it... Just be a good... fucking... girl... and be pretty for me... No? But this is for you, remember? Hahaha... You just couldn't fucking wait, could you? Seeing as how you wanted this... I'm going to fuck as I please... This is your life now... You did this to yourself... Now... Who's my pretty little fuck pet?"

Somehow we found ourselves in every part of the house. Fucking. Kissing. Groping. You name it. There was never a minute that we weren't doing something. Even if I was completely worn out, I had her warming me up for the next session. Grinding. Licking. Sucking. Giving me enough time to recover. The sensation of my cock getting hard while it sat so peacefully in her mouth. Her soft, warm tongue caressing my swollen cock. An insatiable throb quakes in her mouth. Wrapping her hair around my fist, having her bob so intently. Fucking the back of her throat without relent. Even after the abuse I've given her, she still finds the energy to kiss it as if relaying a "Thank you". Leaving me with a disposition to reward her even further for such good behavior. I leaned in to hold her face assuring her of all her effort before carrying her off to bed. Our hearts beating so roughly, just a minute ago. Only to be in complete sync. My fingers running gently through her hair. Sweet words of praise. Kisses so softly planted on her forehead wishing her the sweetest of dreams. Love and lust in complete harmony.

--------------------------------------------------------

Please take care of yourself,

Honey

[enha-cafe]

Omg can you please elaborate on getting high with enhas legal line

Getting High With ENHYPEN Legal Line

heeseung

heeseung doesn't like to get high very often but he does he makes sure to have any and all snacks ready for whenever he gets the munchies. is definitely giggling at any and all things. found a picture of the two of you on your wall? he’s laughing. he went to the restroom real quick and just got back? he’s busting a lung. never a dull moment with a high heeseung. 

“why did the chicken cross the road” “i don’t know hee tell me,” you say just smiling at him “TO GET TO THE OTHER SIDE HAHAHA” he busts out laughing “hee i don’t want to ruin your fun but i hope you realize that joke is actually a suicide joke” heeseung stops laughing “wait- that’s not funny at all y/n why would you let me make such a morbid joke about a chicken?” now it’s time for you to laugh “wait you genuinely didn’t know? oh my goodness now i feel bad heeseung” you pout “hey you know what would make it up to me” he quirks his brow “i have the leftovers that jay gave me in the kitchen you can have them” “YES THIS IS WHY YOU’RE MY SMOKING BUDDY,” heeseung says as he walks over to the kitchen only to trip over his own two feet “HA OH MY GOD YOU’RE HILARIOUS HEE” “Y/N THAT WASN’T FUNNY THAT JUST HURT”

jay

is such a nerd and will research everything before he even touches the blunt. makes food for the two of you beforehand because if he's going to be getting the munchies he wants to make sure he has food prepared beforehand. jay is also the type of person to play music when he gets high and just sits there and chills. most likely to supply their own weed.

“jay are you alive over there?“ you say while you’re staring at the wall “yeah i’m fine why?” “just making sure you’re more quiet than usual” he lets out a scoff “maybe because i’m relaxed and my brain is off” “okay sure i guess anyways where are the snacks I'm hungry" "y/n we go over this each time, they're in the fridge for you" "i knew there was a reason I invited you to smoke" you smile at him "i swear you're worse than any of the members when it comes to me making food for you" "yeah, yeah whatever get back to staring at your wall while listening to your music like the vegetable you are" you wave him off and he laughs "love you too"

jake

jake is the type of guy to want to try out all of the tricks while smoking and ends up coughing after his first puff. definitely begs you to try shotgunning with him just for the heck of it and it may or may not have turned him on a little bit. in addition to that jake is also the type of guy to get really clingy and want kisses whether you two are in a relationship or not. 

“jake i already told you i’m not giving you a kiss because i know you’re going to want more than that,” you say to jake pouting and giving you nothing but puppy eyes. “c’mon just one kiss won’t hurt” he pleads “last time you said that you had to Venmo me the cash for a plan b,” you say after taking a quick puff “it’s not my fault you’re a really good kisser” he rolls his eyes "okay fine y/n i'll just sit here unloved and high" you giggle and decide to give him a small forehead kiss and sit on his lap "better?" "much, now can we at least do some shotgunning?" you swear you saw him with a wagging dog's tail "only if it'll shut you up and you promise not to get horny again" "scout's honor" "jake, you were never a scout"

sunghoon

sunghoon 100 percent knows how to roll and figures out how to do all the tricks quite easily but is unfortunately a lightweight. if you smoke with sunghoon make sure you know how to take care of another person while high because this lightweight is quite needy. 

“sunghoon you never told me where you learned how to roll” “oh i learned from youtube it's also where i learned how to do this” you direct your attention to sunghoon only to see him blowing smoke rings "sunghoon be honest with me, how stressful was ice skating?" sunghoon lets out a laugh "y/n we've been over this you're the only one I've smoked with now come here and cuddle," he says that last part with a slight pout. making your way over to him on the bed he put his hands out to grab you and pull you onto his lap. "hoon you get so needy when you're high" you giggle while he nuzzles his nose into your neck "but you're so cozy and so nice to cuddle with, also I doubt any of the guys would let me do this" "okay mr. needy" you say taking the blunt out of his fingers and smoking the rest of it

sunoo

sunoo is probably the best one to smoke with because during his first time getting high he never coughed and all he ever wants to do is just cuddle and talk. he also seems like the kind of guy to take naps when high. he most likely gets prerolls when he buys because he doesn't know how to roll and refuses to ask for anyone to teach him how.

staring at the ceiling fan while on the bed with sunoo while high is one of your favorite pass times while high “y/n would you still love me if i was a worm?“ “sunoo i would still love you even if you were a worm.” you say between puffs “would you make me a little worm enclosure?“ “yes, and maybe i’d even get you some little worm friends so that you’re never lonely“ right as you say that sunoo takes his head off your chest and stares at you, “hell no! if you’re going to be taking care of other worms too you might as well kill me. i want to be the only worm you make a special enclosure for.“ this causes you to let out a giggle “so what would you do if i was a worm?“ he thinks for a second while taking a long hit “easy i’d get you one of those huge aquarium tanks and make you a lavish mansion and feed you only the finest of trash“ “nice. what if we were in a plane and there was only one parachute“ “y/n no” “y/n yes” “no it’s nap time” “but we haven’t even finished the blunt”  you say with a pout “well then you finish it i’m taking a nap”

tag list : @sunoouz

tag list : open

[miss-ery-3]

i dont have much to report on weight wise, as i havent weighed myself since thursday, because i've been drinking alcohol and therefore i am retaining water

i can feel how i am all swelled up rn - my rings feel tighter than normally. i'll weigh myself again once the water retention goes down

but, ofc, i have even more stuff about my whole ✨love life situation✨

i am seeing my bf tomorrow, and i will tell him that i dont think our relationship is going that greatly, and then i'll take it from there. i dont really like to think too much about it, but i also feel more at peace w it - and i think my lil crush is a huge part of that. i really dont need anyone to tell me that i'm a horrible person - i am truly doing my best, both in terms of navigating my feelings and my relationship and my mental health. i'm really not in a good place right now, but at least i can kinda pretend, that my troublesome feelings are some fun new drama that i can share w my friends (you guys teehee)

if you don't care about my love life drama, then its totally ok. if you are, you're in for a treat (maybe idk)

lets call my crush-situation W

aight, so W and i talked all night thursday, and i have quite a lot to report about that night, and then a little about last night

my friend started talking about one time i had a ons w one of my friends, like 3 years ago, and i was quite embarrassed to talk about it. but the others laughed and idk, i figured it was fine. W switched between not laughing at all, just looking down at the table, and then awkwardly laughing a bit while looking at me, and then the table. i dont know what that means??? just as the conversation ended he was like "do u wanna go for a smoke" and then we went outside, and talked about other things.

we had been drinking and joking all night, and he decided to tell some group of girls sitting in the bar, that he and i are childhood friends (big lie, i've known him since summer). and i was like "aight, whatever" and then he lied and told them that i had written him tons of love letters when we were children. and i just laughed and lied and said "yeah haha, i was totally in love with you". when we left the bar, like 2 hours later, and we were all alone, i teased him about something we told the group of girls, and then he was like "yeah yeah whatever, i know that you'll just send me another love letter. you're like tooootally into me hahaha" and i was like "oh yeah, haha, totally. u got me" while walking away and laughing. i might just be fucking overthinking everything but also... why lie about writing love letters? there are much more embarrassing things (for me) he could've said. idk, help me

he texted his girlfriend throughout the night (i think) but looked quite annoyed/not happy whenever he did, and at some point he left the table for like 15 minutes (probably to talk to her). idk

he kept touching my stuff. like my cigarettes and my lighter, he would just sit with them and play with them. i found it quite cute, idk

OKAY, and then to last night (friday) i was in another bar last night, helping out, 'cause i kinda work there (ish, like, volunteer-work) and W was supposed to have a shift later in the evening

he calls me to tell me that he will be running late, 'cause he was at an event, and shit hit the fan, idk. then he asked me if i could cover for him, and i said that i for sure could cover for him. we only talked for 1,5 minute, but idk. my fucking hands went sweaty and i couldn't stand still. i don't think i've ever picked up that fast. uuuughhhhh i feel so weird. whatever

he showed up like 1,5 hours too late (but it was ok, 'cause there really wasn't much to going on), and went directly out to find me (i was smoking) to hug me and apologize for coming so late. then i kept feeling his eyes on me, and i could hear him mention my name a lot of the night

we ended up doing some cleanup together afterwards, and it was just... really nice. we have such a good time whenever we're together and i feel so comfortable around him. except for the part where i keep thinking about how hot i think he is and how want to give him a big old smooch. i had hoped to talk to him some more, but we both went home when cleanup was done, and idk. its fine

i have not been able to keep him out of my head all day. its truly torturous

[gren-arlio]

This is looking like a Once-A-Month thing now, but at least they're getting out. Welcome to Season 2, Episode 5 of Waku Puyo Translations.

(You've probably have seen that top-middle image before. Well, here's where it's from.)

Heya, Welcome to Episode 5 of this little series which has slowly turned into a monthly thing, where I try my damn best to get as much info out of videos as possible.

To cut the details, this episode was a little less boring to do. The work itself is fine, I just found it boring because so much of it was just "Gren, go to Kiki's Info Booth. NOW." rather than other stuff. Least it wasn't last episode's level of a slog.

Anyways, lets get right into it.

The video itself:

Timestamps:

Black Kikimora Talk: 0:10 (I'll refer to her as Biki)

Biki Boss Fight: 2:38, Defeat quote is at 4:45

Incubus Encounter: 5:30

Incubus Boss Fight: 7:45, defeat is at 12:30, and getting the chest is at 13:33.

Kikimora Info Booth 1: 13;51

Kikimora Info Booth 2: 15:45 (Subsections for both of these.)

And fun fact, there's two videos of these left before I'm done with the Arle side of things...for now. Course I'm gonna be missing some things here and there, but hey, main story will be comprehensible. With that, I hope you enjoy.

------

Biki Talk:

Biki: ...

Arle: Hey, err... Am I allowed to enter this place?

Biki: I'm sorry, but...

Arle: Ah, I see...I'm not allowed in...

Biki: No, wait, you can enter. We're just about set with the attraction.

Arle: No, it's fine, I'll just come back later.

Biki: (???) I mean, have it your way then.

Arle: You said something?

Biki: Oh, nothing... (She leaves.)

Arle: ...Wait a second, did she say I could actually go in?

Carbuncle: Gu-gu!

--- Biki Boss:

Biki: Alright, we're all set now!

Arle: Huh? You're the girl I met earlier...

Biki: ...For one, I'm quite glad you came into this place.

Arle: Wait, wha?

Biki: No worries though, I've already completed this wonderful trick.

Arle: Really now? Look, that's amazing and all, but I really need to go, so cya!

Biki: ...Oh, I can't just let you leave for free. I need you to test this thing, after all. Some man came in here earlier and didn't fall for anything, so he was quite the useless participant...

Arle: Eh?

Biki: Oh come on, don't be shy. Let's start this show!

(A lot of Biki's text leaned towards the theatrical side, oddly enough, so I hammed it up a little bit.)

--- Biki Defeat:

Biki: Tch, you did well...

Arle: Phew, that was a tough one...

Carbuncle: Gu?

--- Incubus Encounter:

Incubus: Hello there!

Arle: Oh, H-heya...

Incubus: And how are you, ma'am?

Arle: I'm doing OK. And how about you?

Incubus: I'm here to say that this place is a whole lot more difficult than you think. Me? I'm just taking a break, honestly.

Arle: I, uh, see...

Incubus: Hm? What's wrong?

Arle: Did you also come here to play around?

Incubus: Yes, of course! That's right...I'm here to play with YOU, actually. (There's a heart here but my PC don't have the hearts like my phone. Oh well.)

Arle: Wha!? Really?

Incubus: Yep. I didn't know there were even other people doing these attractions other than me. And to think such a cute girl is doing it too... I'm quite glad. (Another heart here.)

Arle:

C-C-Cute girl? Is by chance, that girl is me?

Incubus: Of course! Who else could it be but you?

Carbuncle: Gugu!

Incubus: ...I've no use for a rodent like YOU. Rather, I'm more interested in your owner. (Another heart. The cons of having a PC.)

Arle: Ah... Um... Well... Wow... That's the first time I've ever been called that...

Incubus: (Haha, now's my chance! Peace!) [And he leaves]

Arle: To be honest, I've been confessed to a few times... Oh, hahaha, what am I saying... ... Huh? What? EEH? No one's here anymore, this was a trick! I...I'll get ya for that one! You can't toy with hearts like that!

Carbuncle: Gugu!

-----

Incubus Boss:

Incubus: Sorry Arle, but I'm here first.

Arle: Eh? ...What was I late to?

Incubus: Well, first off, I don't want you to be upset at me. But honestly, this is for the greater good. Please, forgive me.

Arle: Forgive you for what?

Incubus: Look, I kinda need this orb. And the ones YOU have as well!

Arle: Wh...What!?

Incubus: Yes. Now be a good girl, and give me those orbs.

Arle: I-I could never give it to someone like you! I worked WAY too hard to get these!

Incubus: Oh, it can't be helped then... If I can't take it by my words, I'll just do it with force! And...I can steal your heart as well! (Not to be taken literally.)

Arle: You seriously creep me out... I knew that you're some sort of pervert! I can't even joke anymore, I can't lose this!

-----

Incubus Defeat:

Incubus: No way! Please forgive me~

Arle: Haha, I won!

Carbuncle: Gu!

-----

Orb Gotten:

Arle: Oh, there's the orb! It's the black one, too! Now I just need one more!

-----

Kikimora's Info Booth:

Kikimora: Ah, you came at just the right time!

Arle: Eh?

Kikimora: I have a letter for you.

Arle: A letter?

Kikimora: Well, here's the letter if you're curious.

Arle: Aha...thanks. Eh? It has my name, but not the senders. Well, what does this say anyways...

Letter: The last of the orbs is with me, a certain little witch. Ya want it? Oh, what am I saying, course you do. If you want this orb, come down to the Puyo Puyo Dungeon. I'll be waiting for you on the 10th floor. Oh-hohoho! - From the mysterious, beautiful Witch

Arle: ...What? Is this a fight invitation? First time I've gotten one of these.

Kiki: Wait, I thought this was a congratulations letter! I thought it was odd that a hooded figure gave it to me though. Should I just throw it away then?

Arle: Oh no, it's fine. I'm happy I know where the final orb is, at least.

Kikimora: Is that so? ...I mean, you're awfully calm about this.

Arle: Really? Even so, I'm pretty excited. Alright, lets go to the Puyo Puyo Dungeon!

Carbuncle: Gu!

Kikimora: Well, have a fun trip then.

[This then brings you to menus, which has the following.

Listen <- Rankings Bulletin Board Back

After clicking listening to Kikimora, she asks "What do you want to talk about?" The options goes:

6th Orb <- About Rare items Black Market Tales About Ranks When in Trouble Back

When clicking the 6th orb, this is as it is: ]

Kiki: Have you met the sender of the letter yet?

Arle: ...No, not just yet.

Kikimora: They're telling you to meet them at the 10th floor of the Puyo Puyo Dungeon. Well, good luck, Arle.

-----

Kiki's Info Booth 2:

Kikimora: Congratulations!

Arle: Err, what did I do?

Kikimora: You've scored over 50K points in the rankings! You've really set an amazing record, you know!

Arle: I mean, you SURE that's the case?

Kikimora: So much so that you've received a prize from the mysterious owner of this place, in fact. Please keep up the amazing work!

[After this, the player goes to Bulletin, and it's as followed:

Secrets of Puyo Puyo Dungeon <- 1

Traveling Merchant Fufufu

To my Dear Honey! <- 2

To the LOUSY Mage, Arle <- 3

Don't just throw it away!

Where is my Meteor Grimoire!? <- 4

Complete Synthesis (or Fusion) manual <- 5

And here we go in order.]

Secrets of the PPD:

Hehehe, the Dungeon ain't over just yet. For those with 6 orbs, an even greater challenge awaits you. That's right, even you, the person holding those 6 orbs, will be presented the greatest challenge yet. It's a thrilling adventure for that's perfect for adventurers. Enjoy THIS challenge! - The owner of Waku Waku Puyo Puyo Land

To My Dear Honey!:

Bulletin: Oh, hi honey! (Insert a heart here,) I gave you the win this time. Next time, I'll take it seriously. Until then, I'll leave the orb in your hands. - From your sweet "friend", Incubus.

Arle: Isn't he a persistent one...

Carbuncle: Gugu?

To the LOUSY Mage, Arle:

Bulletin: The last orb you need is with me, a certain mysterious Witch. You want it? Of course you do, it's the last one you need! If you really want this orb, come meet me in the Puyo Puyo Dungeon. Oh-hohohoho! I'll see you at the 10th floor! - From the Mysterious, Beautiful Witch.

Arle: Calling me a lousy mage... how rude, Carby!

Carbuncle: Gu!

Where is my Meteor Grimoire!?:

Bulletin: Why do I keep finding these grimoires I DON'T need? I still can't find the Meteor grimoire, the one I actually want. If you have it, can we just trade if that's possible? I don't want this book taken by some random monster, it's like gold to me! - From the Magically Gifted Witch.

Complete Synthesis Manual (Bottom):

Witch: From the cute yet oh-so-elegant Witch!

Incubus: And the noble Incubus, we bring you...

Witch: The complete Synthesis...

Incubus: ...Manual Guide!

Witch: Let this show begin!

Arle: ... ...

Incubus: Now, to begin this lecture.

Witch: Say, Arle. Do you know what the "Ring of Darkness" is?

Arle: Yeah, well... it's not like I HAVEN'T seen it before...

Incubus: If you combine that ring with some other ring, the result will be different than usual. If you do it, the Ring of Darkness will level up, but it'd be cursed instead.

Witch: It's kinda shockin'.

Arle: ... ...

Incubus: And on the other hand, there's another fusion that lowers your level, but removes the curse.

Witch: Now we have to wonder, what exactly IS he talking about?

Incubus: Hehe, do you wanna know?

Arle: ... ...

Witch: Oho~ Please tell little Arle here some more!

Incubus: Well, you do that by fusing with the Ring of Light.

Witch: Ya heard that? They said to fuse with a "Ring of Light".

Arle: ... ...

Incubus: And of course, there's other ways to go around doing this stuff, too. You just need to try out different things, is all.

Witch: Now hopefully, with this wonderful knowledge, we made your synthesizing life much easier.

Arle: My synthesizing life, huh...?

Incubus: And that marks off this little lecture.

Witch: And my apologies, but I gotta go as well.

Arle: ... ...

Witch: And once more, from the cute yet oh-so-elegant Witch!

Incubus: And the dashingly handsome Incubus....

Witch: We bring you the Complete Synthesis...

Incubus: ...Manual Guide!

Witch: Catch ya later~!

[And they leave.]

Arle: ...For some reason, I feel a shiver down my spine...

-----

And that's all for today. This one wasn't as bad to do, which I'm happy for. Hopefully next up is the super long Schezo post, or something related to it. Thanks for your time and for reading this all.

Adios.

[louissatturi]

Ok so, hello, new Ordem Paranormal fan here, I'm not Brazillian so I apologize if any of my questions are stupid, and if you do not want to/don't have the answer to any of my questions, I will not be offended. I've just finished O Segredo Na Floresta (That ending man...fuck) and while I know some spoilers from later campaigns, I generally don't know the context around them. Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I have way too many questions, so feel free to pick and choose. 1. I've noticed that the artist between the second and third campaign changes, or at least I think that's the case because the styles are incredibly different. I'm assuming that it's because Cellbit wanted more realism, but I was curious if that was it or not because I can't really find anything on my own (the wiki, sadly, doesn't seem to have pages for the artists :() (I'm just curious about this, I like both art styles) 2. Have you ever had a llonguet or coxhina? Not entirely related to Ordem Paranormal but they mentioned those foods a few times so I was curious as to how good they were, they both look good tbh 3. It only gets worse from here doesn't it. (This next question is more so Desconjuracao and Calamidade than either of the ones I've watched) 4. I know about the relics, do they all work differently? I mean, yeah they do but like, the human in that body dies when they take over, right? But like, can they make the body immortal or does the body still age? I assume not with the God of Death because...yeah just saw that, but it could still decompose I guess. Idk, the relics fascinate me and I'm really excited for Desconjuracao to get translated 5. How many times does the system change? Because the first campaign was a d6 system, the second is a d100 system, but the wiki says Ordem Paranormal is a d20 system. Does it get more finalized by Desconjuracao? Or will it take til Calamidade for me to see the current system? I'm really hoping the rulebook gets translated someday, I'd love to play or gm, and I'm curious as to what campaign would be a good reference for what it might be like. 6. Do you have a favorite character? I don't have many people to talk Ordem Paranormal in depth with so I'm curious as to what other fans opinions are. Also, are there any characters that generally people really dislike? 7. Not sure if you read fanfics or comics, but do you have any you'd recommend? Even if it's for later campaigns I could put it on the backburner, I'd love to see more fanworks than what I've found on my own Ok so, that's a lot so I'll stop asking stuff for now, thank you so much for letting me ramble hahaha

1- well you are a minority because people really hate the old artist (Rafael da Hq) well it was changed because the new artist (Orenjiro) did beutiful fanart and cellbit decided that he would do the art for ordem ever since! (Minus o segredo na ilha, that was bonees), but the main reason why the fandom does not talk is because he did tracing and was exposed for pedophilia, also i did not know that there wasn’t any wiki pages for the artists like what? They maybe will do some soon!

2- because of your grammar i unfortunaly dont know what you ment by what you ment by llounguet but i already had many coxinhas in my life lol, they are a pretty popular "salgado" (salty food) and i really like it, the ones filled with chicken are the best (i mean its pretty rare a coxinha be anything BUT filled with chicken but WHAT EVER), i hope you get to taste coxinha, is pretty good

3- Oh honey, you didn’t even get to see the worst deaths in ordem paranormal history lol

4- i mean you won’t get much about the calamity relics since they are more important in calidade but basicly the human body that the relic is inhabiting dosen't age and is pretty much imortal (unless other relic kills it) bur when the human body of the relic dies, they just poof like the human body dosen't exist anymore and they go to another human to continue doing their elements Jobs

5- Oh honey the only season that they play 100% from the ordem paranormal rpg rulebook is sinais do outro lado, this system had a fuck ton of changes and rewrites especially because the comunity was very involved in it

6- Oh i have a bunch of them but my main favs are liz and my baby joui 💜, so the fandom is fascinating because the character can be very loved with a very toxic fanbase but also very hated with a bunch of toxic haters (joui's case lol) but most of the time the really hated character's are from the villans side, mainly npc's but this hatred is generely only really prevelent for character's with players when the season is airing yk? But for me is kinda hard to tell witch character is the most hated for all fandom because it really depends on your fandom circle because is pretty commun to get a bunch of comments of "OMG WHY DO YOU HATE THIS CHARACTER" for pretty much evey character in ordem

7- about fanfics... i unfortunaly don’t have much recomendations because i do not read much ordem fanfics (especially because the fandom is kinda dead right now and all ordem ficwritters became spiderbit/guapoduo ficwritters) well the fanprojects are kinda dead right now unfortunately, but there is official comics of ordem paranormal that adapt the first season and the first part of season 2 translated to english that you can buy it officially in e-book form! I also have a project for myself in adapt ordem seasons in manga form (and rewrite some stuff that dosen't make sanse) and make a silly self indulgent fanfic adding two oc's of mine as character's living the happy horror's that is the ordem paranormal universe, but i little idvice if you want to see ordem content

Go to Twitter, there is more people there the here unfortunaly

I hope my answers helped and any questions just hit my ask box!

[stereax]

Hello! I am writing a paper for a law school class on transnational courts about the IIHF and NHL-Russia player transfers. I’m starting with the Fedotov mess and looking for a thesis from there. I have found great stuff on litigation from the early 2000s and player transfer agreements with other leagues under previous CBAs but very little current info. I’m also looking for any updates on Fedotov since the IIHF’s ruling in August and Russia ignoring it. I know he’s playing in the KHL now. Did the Flyers just let it go because there isn’t anything they can do? Any help/ideas/resources would be much appreciated!!

I love you for this, so so so much. You've combined just about all of my interests in one ask. I'll give you the very concise version of it here, for public consumption. You might know most of this already, and I'm sorry if this doesn't help that much - but DM me for more info. I can and will go searching with you. Hell, if you want, you can "interview" me via Discord or via DMs here and cite me as a source. (I've done that a lot with my friends for papers hahaha, asked them their thoughts and then cited it.) Under the cut, as always! 💜

As you're probably aware, the IIHF is the leading organizer of ice hockey stuff around the world. I believe it's them that organize the Worlds and World Juniors, and they also have international standards for things like rink size. (Of course, the NHL plays on a nonstandard rink, so...) Importantly, however, the IIHF has very little legal power. It is difficult for them to fully enforce their decisions - especially when it comes to a country that won't listen.

Ivan Fedotov was a seventh-round selection of the Philadelphia Flyers in 2015. He has been playing primarily in the KHL since. In 2021-22, he backstopped CSKA Moscow to the Gagarin Cup (the KHL's version of the Stanley Cup) in what was widely considered a "breakout" year. Following this, in his last year of eligibility, Philadelphia signed him to a one-year entry-level contract (ELC), with the intent of bringing him to Philly and seeing if he could be a good enough goaltender at the NHL level (presumably to be the backup to Carter Hart) or even the AHL level. This is where things get screwy.

Fedotov is arrested shortly after the ELC is signed under the "charge" of avoiding the Russian army draft (understand that this was most likely a politically motivated arrest). He spends the next year at a fairly remote Russian military base, only communicating with the Flyers once in this entire year. He was allowed to continue training part-time, but not to the level he could otherwise have. So the ELC slides one year.

In the summer of 2023, Philly tries to get Fedotov overseas again... only to find that he's signed a two-year deal with CSKA Moscow. Now, the NHL and KHL used to have transfer agreements, but the NHL cut these agreements after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, Fedotov has two contracts, and he clearly can't play in two places at once. What happens?

The IIHF steps in, and decides that Fedotov's ELC with Philly should be honored - and that he and CSKA Moscow were not allowed to sign a contract with the ELC in place. They ban Fedotov from playing for 4 months and CSKA Moscow from being able to sign non-domestic players (international transfers) for one year.

Before I continue, something to be aware of with sports in Russia: certain teams are sponsored by the state and oligarchs far more than others. This is true with Russian soccer and also true with Russian football. CSKA Moscow, in particular, is one of the most-supported teams and is notable for its ties with the Russian army. Its dominance during the Soviet era was because it could literally draft the best hockey players (and I mean draft as in draft like for the army). It's currently owned by Rosneft, an oil company that's majority owned by the Russian government. (SKA Saint Petersburg is another of these highly-supported teams, for what that's worth.)

So CSKA Moscow, sort of predictably, flips off the IIHF. And starts Fedotov. In their first game. The IIHF can't really do much - it hits CSKA Moscow with a 5000 CHF fine (laughable) and threatens to refer it, and Fedotov, to the IIHF Disciplinary Board if they keep doing it. They keep doing it. Of course. The KHL's president claims that the 4-month ban threatens Fedotov's Russian constitutional right to work and that they will thusly disregard the ruling. As of November 2nd, Fedotov is still playing in the KHL - he just recorded a shutout, actually.

The Flyers really can't do much, outside of pressure the IIHF, which has little concrete power, to levy more punishments (and the IIHF has gone quiet about this too). Philly could try to, theoretically, smuggle Fedotov out of Russia a la Malkin, but you can only imagine what the Russian government will do to Fedotov and his family if he tries to defect. Especially because Fedotov's what, 26? 27? And goalies don't tend to have a long shelf life. Even if he came to the States, and played some games in the NHL, would those precious few years be worth the wellbeing of him and his family? Probably not. Again, since the NHL and KHL no longer have a transfer agreement, Philly and CSKA Moscow would have to come to terms on their own - and CSKA Moscow isn't keen on giving up their current star tendy to play in likely the AHL.

And remember, Philly also has Matvei Michkov now. Whose father recently died under "mysterious circumstances". And it's rumored those circumstances had to do with Michkov's father trying to terminate his son's KHL contract to send him to America sooner. That's also a factor here that must be considered - is it better to play nice with the KHL now and give up on Fedotov to be able to bring Michkov stateside?

The situation is incredibly complicated; unfortunately, there seems to be no easy end in sight, and probably very little chance of Fedotov seeing NHL ice in his career. The war in Ukraine also complicates this, and that is currently locked at a stalemate, so... good luck there.

Alright, that's my little lecture. If you need anything else, do DM me! I can see what else I can do as well :)

[wangmiao]

hii! i just finished reading the dark forest!! what a journey, i think it took me about a month to finish it lol. i wanted to share some thoughts !!

i found some of the concepts fascinating.. what stuck with me the most now i that i (try to) recall everything that happened, was the battle of darkness and the dark forest theory as a whole was brilliant. i imagine those people that were just- endlessly floating in the immensely vast universe and it made me think "oh wow how Sad and Hopeless that must've been" i too would've want to end it all, i believe that's a lot to endure.. that's one

another thing was the infamous wallfacer project. well that was new. and the fact that they had to plan everything on their own bc of the sophons, that's also kind of depressing lol. one thing i was confused was: why was luoji re-elected as a wallfacer at the end? i mean there wasn't anything more he could have done anyways?

da shi as always is such a great person😭 he never abandoned luoji during this long crazy journey, even after 200+ years. honestly i love his character a ton, i wanted to see what would happen to him at the end but there was nothing! will he be on Death's end? or his character just ends here? :((

i thought the whole thing with the "trees" as homes was pretty cool, though i couldn't really see it in my imagination haha i honestly can't imagine what would our society be like in, say, 300 years from now

i found it too simplistic(? that only when the trisolarans communicated with luoji did they stopped their plan to coming to earth, or maybe there's something i missed? or maybe it is really just that: communication solves everything? lol idk

and a deserved special mention to zhang beihai, respect!

i think that's everything i've got on my mind right now, but in general it was very interesting and depressing and dark.... what were some your favourite moments from the book? i can't wait to start death's end next !! but i'll start later, i have to fully process this book first hahaha anyways that's all, have a great day or night!!! :))

hello, friend! it's great reading this ask, and i'm glad you decided to share it with me. i have to say that i read the books years ago, so my memory on everything is not that fresh. and since i read the chinese version, i don't know some of the vocabularies they used in englishn. while i'll try my best to reply to this ask, i'm sure there's gotta be some novel fans here that could do better than me.

the dark forest is indeed very interesting and depressingly dark. i was definitely in awe when i heard the dark forest theory for the first time (before i read the books, and that was partly why i decided to read them). i also really like 水滴/waterdrop or droplet which is just something that looks simple but super super super powerful.

i enjoyed reading about the wallfacer project. even the three failed ones are equally fascinating and disturbing. i want to bow down to liu cixin's imagination...if i remember it correctly, luo ji is re-elected because his "咒语/spell or curse" actually came true. and at that time humans are really hopeless, so they just want to have someone that they believe can save/lead them.

da shi is everything. i lol need a da shi myself. unfortunately, he's not in the third book. my inner shiwang shipper feels that shi qiang and wang miao got similar style of exist from the story. and the common believe (i don't even remember if i read it in the novel or it was fan theory) is that shi qiang dies of natural causes at old age like wang miao. i kinda feel like maybe shi qiang and wang miao promised each other that they'd try to stay alive so that they can both be copernicus *sobs*...

ok...bear with my silly shallow shipper's talk for a moment, you know some people were like shiwang will be no more once season 2 of three body comes out, and everyone will start to ship shi qiang and luo ji, and it kinda bothered me a bit (ps. i know most people including myself didn't ship anything while reading the books, but man, these dramas are really forcing it on us lol). but i don't anymore, because i really think wang miao is special to shi qiang. besides shi qiang being a good and protective human being who will die for the greater good, i think one of the reasons that he stays with luo ji all this time is because luo ji reminds him of wang miao. even though it is only mentioned very breifly, i do believe liu cixin meant to tell us how important wang miao is to shi qiang... “我这辈子还只见着他一个”

as for luo ji stopping the trisolarans, i think he uses the dark forest theory, and his threat of exposing the location of the trisolaris (and in turn exposing earth's location) stops their plan.

and zhang beihai is an awesome, complex, and well loved tragic hero even though he isn't a very major character like luo ji. i remember yu hewei said in an interview that if he didn't play shi qiang, he'd probably like to play zhang beihai. i'm really curious who they'd pick to play zhang beihai in season 2.

anyways, thanks so much for the ask. you made me want to re-read the books, and i know i really should! have a nice day/night!

[emoticonheart]

frat party story idea

hello everyone!! i've been thinking about an idea created by my sword anon about a girl at a frat party (original posts found here and here), and i think i have the basic idea of a story down. sword anon, if you're out there, i'd love to run these ideas by you so you can let me know if everything sounds good or if there's any suggestions you'd like to make!! feel free to send me another ask with your thoughts if you have any!!

so one thing i've discussed a few times before is that for how i write, i need the level of burping ability to match the world they live in (post here). so, if i'm gonna write a girl whose burps are powerful enough to shake tables and break door hinges, i need to create characters and an environment in which that would make sense. this is where i fear i'll lose you... but please hear me out!!

so, if you've heard my impressions series, or even just the first story in that series, you'll know that it's set in a modern fantasy setting. thalia, the gassy gal in the story, is a university student that part ogre and part giant, which is why her burps are absolutely insane (we're talking mini earthquakes every time hahaha).

the reason i bring this up is because i'm thinking of writing another modern fantasy setting for this story. the gassy gal in this one (still unnamed for now) would be a university student that is part human, part dwarf or gnome. that way, there can be a contrast in her stature versus her incredible burping abilities, and it will also satisfy my weird need to justify hyper belches hahaha.

the rest of the story would be basically how you described it: girl gets forced by her roommates into going to a frat party, she's pressured into joining a burping contest and accidentally wins, grabs a bottle of soda thinking it's a bottle of beer, and runs to the bathroom only to unintentionally destroy it with an unbelievably powerful soda-fueled belch. i'll add some details throughout that'll make it more fun, of course, but that's the gist of it.

so, sword anon, what do you think? i'm sorry if you're not a big fan of the modern fantasy thing, but maybe you can find the bright side in it? for example, her competitors in the burping contest can be like giants, orcs, and any other big and burly fantasy creature, which would make the fact that she outburped them all even more impressive!! that could be fun, right??

anyways, that's all i have to say. i'd love to hear anyone's input on this, but sword anon especially, if you're reading this, i'd love to know if you have any thoughts or suggestions for me!! thanks again!!

[harleenfleck]

"5 years later" A letter for Artie

This is a kind of fanfiction/selfshipping. It'll be soooo cringely, yes is a warning haha, just wondering how is that Arthur comes back to my life after those long five years without him.

So, I hope you like it, oh my god, will be so cringely but i don't care hahaha! Based on a lot of Taylor Swift music, to be specific, "the 1", "right were you left me" and "daylight" Hope you like it! Again, sorry for the grammatical and language mistakes, English is not my mother tongue.

Hope you like it!

...

Hey. Hello?

Arthur? Arthur Fleck? Is that you?

It's me, hi. It's a very bad, really bad way to say "hello" as nothing after 5 years later, don't you think so?

It's hard to explain what is in my head now, in my heart and even in my lungs. I wanted to ask what happened to those years. How have you been? I hope better than the last time we saw each other. Something inside me wants to beliv you're better now, I want to belive it, help me to belive in it.

You're still in the same old city? I am right in my own old and sad town. A lot of friends of mine aren't my friends now. That narcisist guy who you hated to death is ruinning the life of another girl, hope she's okay and she'll be okay. I'm still in the same job I hate, but I try to make it better.

Speaking about it, do you remember the social worker who don't help you? I think what would happen if she could help you since the first moment... And you know what? Today I'm studying to be a Social Worker too. Everybody thinks was to get a better job and it's true in a strange way. But the real reason was you... I'm studying that career because I want to help, that help was deny to you, to help others like you.

I try to found relief and cure in music as you, I found a blonde and beautiful woman who writes songs of love, pain, girlhood, anxiety, sadness, freedom and poetry. I've heard her songs and I even go to her concert, was one of the best nights in my life.

And you know something funny? When you come back, all her songs about love started to come to life and make sense to me.

Do you remember "California"? That song we listened for hours and hours in midnights? You finally come back, and I want to take you yo California, forever.

It's kind of funny you back after I go on with my life, I have new friends, some of my old friends, a new partner who help me as you did it in the past. He treats me so well, so tender and gives me peace, sometimes I think both of you have the same soul.

I see you found love for your way, she's the character I've played for months and wanted to be, to convert myself to her. She looks like so interested on you, and I hope she treats you and loves you as I do. I hope you have her picture in your journal, I hope you dance with her with emotion and hold her hand with passion, I hope she laughs with your jokes as I did, I hope she helps you as I try to do in the past.

I never thought you'll come back again to my life, you were in my mind, my daydreams and my lungs after you showed in my eyes again. It's funny that I use "lungs" and not "heart", but since you come back, your name is in my breathing. Heart has envy to lungs now.

There's a lyric in a song who makes me think about you since I've heard it, "In a world of boys, he's a gentleman". Be a gentleman with her as you was with me before.

I think I'll bought a chain with your initial, and I'll use it for the rest of the year until our next date in October. I'll use it and you'll know I'm still owns you and you really knows me. I take this from a song of the blonde singer I've tell you.

I'm starting to think I'll never stop to love you, you show me after the darkest period in my life I can back to love again, to take me to the dark and scary night and bring me to the golden daylight. Maybe you know that I need to be saved again, and you're here to take me to daylight again... Thank you again, Artie...

With love

You know who I am

[tropicalisima]

┬┴┬┴┤･ω･)ﾉ hello hello

I'm obsessed with coding right now, making my website very slowly but also working on two shrines at the same time (one for hina and one for naoto), that's the only thing I do right now. I've been joining some cliques and fanlistings too, this bring back memories of when I used to join fanlinstings like crazy (all about Visual Kei / J-ROCK) it's really fun! I'm glad some people keep fanlistings alive to this day.

On another news, I'm going to change accounts soon. Gonna try to make my other friends join tumblr so I can have everyone in just one place and be done with it! haha.

This probably will be on of the last posts on this blog. This is the last time I'll change accounts I BROMISE! But I feel like going back to my roots lol. I have some fan ideas and weird AUs I have been cooking so I hope I can post art about that too (really weird shit, mind you) because that's just who I am ╮(￣ω￣;)╭

I just wanted to use this meme hahaha!!!

Anyways, hope everyone's doing well and enjoying the weather! What weather is it in your country? Here is autumn 🍂 I'm looking forward to winter season 'cos I love feeling cold haha!

I'm watching Kyou Kara Ore Wa!! live action again because I love it so so much! 💗 Also found the Tokyo Revengers 2 movie with subs. It's the second part I think, I didn't watched it but I guess the subtitles are allright.

Ok that's all for now! if there's any mistakes I apologize, I did not proofread anything haha.

Take care friends!!!

[tunapesto]

whos ur art inspo, if u have one? And what inspires you to draw in general? :3

WOWWW 1st one is a bit difficult to answer so I'll get the 2nd one out of the way. Long answers ahead I like to ramble

I honestly don't have like, a clear cut inspiration to draw. it's just a skill I've known all my life and thought, "might as well" whenever I have any interests. it's an important one to me though, it helps me express my thoughts and feelings and interests, and has helped me connect with many people over the years that I don't know what I'd do if I never met them. The internet has helped in that greatly, and it's also another source of income which is nice. I'm a very simple person, art and drawing is one of my ways to live not just financially but socially. it's a big part of myself and that's why I keep going- who am I if I didn't, you know?

as for artists that inspire me... I'm not really one to look at classical artists hahaha, of I'm sorry if that disappoints. I probably should but it's never piqued my interest aside from my general opinion that classical artists are cool and I like to study them every now and then, no specific piece is a favorite though.

I just get inspired by anything I locally come by, i.e the internet most of the time. It also depends on whatever media I currently fixate on. Before, I usually focused on one media at a time because of neurodivergency I think, but now I'm on the complete opposite end of that where I consume multiple media at once to prevent a single thought. It's cool to have ideas and concepts and inspirations crossover each other, it's fun

anyhow, I find my fave artists through fandom and just general socmed algorithms . I'll start w the ones on tumblr (note that some are also on twitter lol) a lot of artists inspire me but I'll be listing out the big ones for the most part

daneesoro has just. very good linework and it inspires me a lot. knows how to put weight on the right parts of drawing and good animations. kny mostly, fem giyuu afficionado. very swag!

ohrsoh I found through mp100 but draws a lot of other stuff like drhdr iirc. similar to daneesoro in how they inspire me, just good drawings all around

taffypointby is a Big inspo in terms of art style and colors. good ideas and incredible execution that really scratches ur brain u know. variety content as well but I found through jjk and wha I believe

twitter time

elodeas is mainly genshin, Incredible color and renderwork it's insane. she just has good stuff all in all

diinnple yet Another big inspo ahhhh, variety content. really cute art style and I learned a few tricks on ibis from. just gorgeous works w lovely drawings

samzalong has an upcoming comic which I highly recommend following up on if you're interested in horror elements. mostly oc stuff. colors are soooo good and art style is very charming and I adore it

galoogamelady , mostly ocs I believe. art is just very humorous and I adore how facial expressions are done in their art

tunneisnakes... mostly horror , sometimes oc sometimes not. found through resident evil stuff. facial expressions, details, color, texture, concepts, everything... just good stuff all around!!! if u like horror and creepy stuff they're an incredible artist for it

pomsteak , a mutual of mine hehehe . really pretty linework and drawings and colors are amazing too . gives me a lot of anime nostalgia w their art style but it's got its own spin on it, very charming and lovely. mostly fandom, found through genshin but they do jjba too iirc! please check em out o7

nymria has very gorgeous art with a mostly warm color palette I enjoy, and they are mostly of women (I love women!) cutesy art style and it makes me feel like I just got shot by cupid and I'm flying in circles. good stuff

there are many others but I'm also largely inspired by a lot of artists that are on the r18 side haha , stylization of anatomy and colors are hard. but I cannot recommend those since this blog isn't really focused on that age range and I wouldn't want to send people who aren't their target audience on their way

[useless-bi-otch]

Cookies'n Cream - Chapter 21

Last chapter / MasterList / art by @aneenasevla

Chapter 21 - Masterstroke

“I swear, you have no idea who you've messed with, schmuck!"

"You've been saying the same thing for three matches in a row, Okubo."

"This time it's for real! I let you win the previous ones, I wanted to study your movements, understand how your head worked. Now you don't stand a chance!"

"Yeah, sure thing. Just pay attention to the screen, I've already given you two combos and it hasn't even been two minutes since the match started."

"All part of the strategy! Now you'll see that Okubo Naoya isn't called the “King of Combat” only inside the octagons! Take this, and that e- aaaaaargh! Noooo...!," Okubo grabs his head with both hands and throws it back, wailing dramatically and making other players around them jump. "I got the combination wrong!"

"I said to talk less and play more," Kaneda smiles satisfied, raising two fingers of his right hand in a V for Victory while the screen of the arcade machine displayed his character's victory stand. "With that, that's four consecutive victories. Are you sure you want to continue betting? At this rate, there won't be any money left in your wallet, hahaha!"

"Shut up! I don't accept that I can't beat you in absolutely any of these games!," He points to him while yelling. "I'll find a game where I can beat you, even if we have to turn this arcade upside down, do you hear me?!"

"Seriously, Okubo, why do you still insist on challenging Kaneda on these things?," Himuro asks, bored, with his eyes glued to another arcade machine. "It doesn't matter what you play with him, he always wins and cleans your wallet dry. It doesn't qualify as a robbery only because you're the most willing victim I've ever seen."

"You shut up too, Himuro! You want me to give you hell on The King of Fighters too?!”

"As if you could. And watch your language, we have ladies in attendance. Okay, see? It isn't that difficult,"  Himuro smiles at the two girls who surrounded him, watching his demonstration attentively. "It's all a matter of motor coordination, knowing how to switch between the buttons and the lever, setting the timing..."

"Ooh, Himuro makes it look so easy!," The chubby one whimpered, pouting as she clung to his arm. The other, thinner than her friend, nods and squeezes his shoulders affectionately.

"I know, right! Nanao and I are going to need a few more demonstrations, maybe more direct help..."

"I'd be a terrible teacher if I said no, wouldn't I?," He laughs, opening space for them to approach. "Here. Who wants to be the first one?"

The two girls got into an argument over which one of them would be the first to receive arcade lessons, while Himuro grinned in the middle of them, delighted to be up for grabs. Kaneda sighs.

"Not even when we are killing time in the least conducive environment possible to get dates you guys abandon the hunter mentality..."

"Hey, don't put me in the middle of this! I'm here, minding my own business, just waiting for you to put another token in the machine," Okubo declares, frowning, his arms crossed. "I still haven't given up on my rematch."

“Heh… you'd probably have better luck hunting down for dates, to be honest."

"No chance. For the moment I'd rather crush your spirit until there's not even dust left to tell the story."

“Wow, that came straight from your heart!," Kaneda laughs, looking over his shoulder. "Are you listening to that, Rihito? Okubo found a motivation unrelated to women! You should follow suit-"

"I swear to you, there is nobody in this arcade capable of beating my record in OutRun! Stick with me and I'll teach you everything you need to know!," Rihito was saying, a little too loudly, to two other girls occupying an arcade machine, both staring at him with a mixture of confusion and discomfort. "Tell me, do you want some help? I can show you the best way to pull the lever, hehe... and then, later, we can go out for something to eat, how about that? Come on, don't be shy, I promise I won't do anything you don't want! Here, lady, your posture is kinda wrong, if you want I can help you correct it and- hey, where are you going? Hey!," He exclaims when the two girls walk away quickly, half shrunken. "Wait, I...! Uugh, how does Himuro manage to do that?! Fucking hell, I can't do anything right..."

Kaneda sighs again. "Eh, never mind. He's a goner. I'm just surprised you don't want to join him like you always do..."

Okubo looks to the side, his expression a little uncertain, before shrugging and returning his focus to the arcade machine.

"I already told you, I'm more worried about my rematch. Come on, Kaneda, I know you have more tokens there! Don't run away from me!"

Kaneda decides he isn't going to try to argue anymore. But Okubo better not think he didn't notice all that hesitation. He took great pride in his observation skills, and they were rarely wrong. He inserts another token into the machine, smiling to himself.

He wondered if Rihito and Himuro had also noticed how Okubo seemed so uninterested in the female clientele around them. Women made up a significant portion of arcade goers, contrary to what many thought, and when they decided to go and spend their free day in one, Kaneda had already been preparing for the inevitability of finding himself alone while his friends were going to hit on any creature wearing skirts nearby.

Not that he had much to worry about, as Himuro was the only one there who got lucky in those endeavors. Rihito and Okubo were too pushy and desperate, they always had been, and it didn't take more than half an hour for them to give up and come to him while licking their wounds. It had become routine by now.

Or at least it used to be routine. Now, Rihito was chasing women away by himself. Okubo, on the other hand, hasn't shown interest in absolutely any of them so far.

Kaneda knew very well why. He knew, but he wanted to hear it from the accused party himself before making assumptions. He takes a couple of steps away from the machine to let Okubo choose his character.

“Are you sure you want to keep challenging me? It's silly to throw money away like that because of a game..."

"It's not money thrown away if I know that one hour or another I'll end up winning," He declares with conviction. "And anyway, I want to gather more tokens. There are some cool prizes here..."

"Yeah, there really is," Kaneda looks at the area where the arcade prizes were displayed. "But you can try to win tokens by playing alone, instead of betting them with me..."

"I know, but now it's become a matter of honor, man!"

"Honor or masochism? I wish I had that much cash in the bank so that losing a few yen wouldn't be a worry...," Himuro grumbles, holding the hand of one of his newest friends while helping her with the lever. "But relax, girls, I still have enough for a few more matches with you, maybe even for dinner afterwards, haha..."

The girls laugh, and if Okubo had rolled his eyes more, he would have been able to see the insides of his own skull. Apparently, a pretty face was an essential factor for those stupid pick-up lines to succeed. He was glad he didn't need it anymore...

"If you're broke to the point of needing to warn your friends, Himuro, don't worry. Let's play and bet while we're at it, and if I win-"

"I'm not going to give you the number of one of my friends, forget about it."

"I wasn't going to say that! I was going to say that if I win, I want half your tokens."

"Oh…," Himuro blinks, exchanging a brief look with Kaneda before nodding. "That's all? Alright then. If I win, you'll pay my bill on our next night out."

"Deal!"

"And he still complains when I say he throws money away…," Himuro rolls his eyes. "Just don't complain after you make a fool of yourself in front of the ladies here."

"You're the one who's gonna make a fool of yourself! Just let me slay this lil' fucker here first," He declares as he also chooses his character. Kaneda doesn't even try to argue, shrugging.

"Okay. Let's just bet the tokens this time, Okubo, otherwise you won't have any money left over to pay the bet with Himuro..."

"Are you already assuming that I’m going to lose?! I won't say out loud what you are only because we have ladies present in the room!," Okubo snorts, and suddenly focuses his attention on the girls surrounding Himuro. "I want to ask you ladies a question, if you don't mind."

“Uh… sure, go ahead,” The chubby one exchanges a bewildered look with her friend before they nod, a bit hesitant, while Himuro shoots Okubo a warning look. If he even tried to rain on his parade...

"If you were to choose one of those prizes, what would it be?"

It was hard to say who had the more astonished expression there: if those two girls or Himuro himself. The three stared at Okubo as he pointed to the prize counter beyond, waiting for an answer. The girls look at each other again.

"Uh… well, I don't know," The thinner one looks sideways at her friend. "One of the electronics, maybe? I've been needing a new headset, but they cost a shitload of tokens..."

"Yep. But there are some more affordable prizes that are cute, like those keychains in the shape of arcade machines.

"Yes! And the teddy bears..."

"And the neon signs! They are a nice decoration for the bedroom, or for the kitchen area..."

"A neon sign!," Okubo exclaims, smiling excitedly. "Damn, how come I didn't think of that before? Now I know exactly what to spend the tokens I'm going to win on!," He turns to the arcade machine, even more determined. "Thanks for the female opinion, ladies!"

"Uuh…you're welcome!," They nod, still stunned, but also looking relieved. "Anyway… will you continue teaching us the mechanics of the game, Himuro?"

“Uh… oh yes! Yes, of course, excuse me...," Himuro nods quickly, returning his attention to the arcade machine, but not before exchanging a somewhat astonished look with Kaneda. The later just can't resist, wanting more details while he and Okubo go back to playing.

"Hey, don't you already have one of those neon signs in your apartment?"

"Yeah, in my reading room. There, take this sequence, sucker!"

"Oh, there will be payback! But seriously, why would you want a female opinion to get another sign?"

"Oh, the sign isn't for me," Okubo shrugs, almost pressing his eyes to the screen in his concentration. "It's for Tomori. Something cool for her to put in her kitchen..."

Kaneda had suspected that since Okubo started asking Himuro's friends questions, but it was good to hear confirmation. He smiles to himself, hoping that Himuro had heard that too.

"If that’s the case, I might let you win a couple of matches, just to increase your chances…"

"Don't you dare! How am I going to give her a gift that I got only 'cause my opponent pitied me?," He asks indignantly. "I couldn't consider myself a worthy man! Forget it, I'll get those tokens on my own merit!"

“Then you'd better step up your game, because at this rate you won't even be able to pick up pins from the prize counter. Aaand I won again!"

"Argh, no! Holy shit, you...! You distracted me on purpose!," Okubo points accusingly at him, furious, to which Kaneda shakes his head, smiling cheekily.

"Baseless accusations are the weapon of losers. Your tokens, please."

"Uugh… I'll get them all back, just you wait! But on another game, 'cause I already gave up on this one..."

Kaneda was still laughing when Rihito approached them, hands shoved in his pants pockets, face twisted in a spectacular frown.

"No luck on the hunt, I suppose," Kaneda deduces, to which Rihito snorts.

"What do you think? Even the nerds don't care about big, bulky guys! All they want is the pretty boys, with their lustrous hair and their sissy colognes..."

"If that's not an incentive for you to take more baths, I don't know what else would be."

"Shut up, Himuro! Look, he's just being an asshole, okay? I take lots of baths!," Rihito exclaims to Himuro's companions, in a rush that makes them take a step back. "Even when I don't have to!"

"Yeah, right. And relax, he looks like a gorilla in heat, but he's harmless," Himuro assures the girls. "And he won't participate in the lessons either, I'm a feminist teacher who values ​​female education above any other, haha."

They laugh, leaning closer to him again, whereupon Rihito glares at him with a rage that would've set him on fire, if looks could kill.

"Ugh, I'm so fucking pissed!," He snarls, almost knocking over a nearby machine by abruptly inserting a token into it. "Are you guys seeing this? And he has the gall to complain when we get together to beat his ass, right, Okubo?"

"Yeah, he’s a narcissistic asshole," Okubo nods, then points "Anyway, let’s play OutRun, Rihito! I'm tired of fighting games for now..."

"Kaneda made you his punching bag again, didn't he?"

"Fuck off! Do you wanna play or not? I know I can beat you."

“Ohoho, you shouldn't have said that. I'll turn you into roadkill! C'mon," He makes room for Okubo to join him. “This way I can distract myself by destroying you so I don't have listen to that man-whore's cheap pick-up lines!"

"Yeah. It's a win-win situation," Okubo nods, and Kaneda watches as he concentrates completely on the game, while Rihito continues to throw irritated glances at Himuro and his friends from time to time.

"That fuckin' playboy… I'm sure he does that on purpose."

"Yeah...," Okubo just nodded, absorbed in the game.

"Rubbing his conquests in our faces… what would it cost him to lend a hand to his pals? It's not like he lacks female attention!"

"Yep..."

"He's picking up two chicks at the same time. Two! Y'know those documentaries about compulsive hoarders? That's what Himuro is! A hoarder, and he needs an intervention in the form of a beating!"

"For sure."

"Doesn't that make your blood fucking boil? I know Kaneda doesn't care but we're basically starving for pussy and he doesn't even take pity on us!"

"I know, right."

"... I mean, it's not your case anymore, right? You have Miss Uta now, you haven't banged her only 'cause you're a sucker..."

"Yeah..."

"I knew it!," He slams his hands on the panel, indignant. "You're not even listening to me, you asshole!"

"I was paying attention to the game! The game you just lost, by the way," Okubo points to the screen, smiling devilishly. "Who's the sucker now, huh? Finally I got something out of this shit, man!"

"What- did you do it on purpose? Have you became this lil' fucker's apprentice or something?!," Rihito points indignantly at him, and even Kaneda laughs at that, putting a hand on his chest and pretending to wipe away a tear.

"They grow up so fast!"

"Let's pray that he doesn't grow even more, otherwise he won't be able to go through any more doors..."

"Shut up, Himuro! Anyway...," Okubo huffs while Himuro's friends giggle. "I was really concentrating on the game, but I heard you muttering incessantly and concluded that I could use that to my advantage, hehe!"

"Son of a bitch."

"Hahaha! No, seriously, what were you talking about, man? It was something about Himuro..."

Rihito stares at him as if questioning his intelligence. Or his sanity. Probably both.

"Dude, are you serious? You always get as mad about it as I do!"

"Mad about what?"

"What do you mean 'about what'? About how easily Himuro picks up chicks, while the two of us are always left with crumbs!," He exclaims in frustration, opening his arms, and Himuro, further on, flinches when his two friends stare at him with wide eyes.

"Ahaha, he's exaggerating, that idiot... stop raining on my parade, you jerk!"

"Shut up, that's what you get for not being more humble! And you," He turns to Okubo again. "Since when have you been so indifferent to his conquests? Just because you already scored with one girl? Or..."

Rihito falls silent as Okubo widens his eyes a little, his face starting to flush, unmistakably red under the neon lights inside the arcade. Kaneda takes a step closer to them, curiosity getting the better of him. Even Himuro stopped paying attention to his new friends to listen to their conversation intently.

"Okubo...?," Rihito calls, starting to widen his eyes too. "You…?"

"H-Hey, what's this? Are you going to keep changing the subject instead of demanding a rematch like you always do?," Okubo interrupts him quickly, putting his hand in his pocket to pick up a token, which he almost drops in his desperate rush. "Let’s play more, c'mon! Unless you're scared of losing to me again..."

"What the- as if!," And with that, Rihito's attention is masterfully diverted,his fists clenching with determination. "Just you wait, I'll get my tokens back and rub your ugly mug all over that panel!"

They focus their attention on the game, while Himuro and Kaneda once again exchange a look that was worth many words. Rihito might have the attention span of a hyperactive child, but they weren't like him. They weren't going to drop that matter.

After some time of gameplay, name-calling and threats from one of the arcade employees that Rihito would be thrown out if he punched another machine, the four of them had won a lot of tokens between themselves, Okubo in particular. He happily counted them, ignoring Rihito's resentful glares.

"There's going to be payback, do you hear me? I’ll come back for more!"

"Of course, man, my ass beatings are quite addictive!"

"Shut up, you lost a match against Himuro and two against Kaneda!"

"And thanks to you I recovered all the tokens I had lost in them. Thanks a bunch!," Okubo pats Rihito on the shoulder, and walks away laughing when he threatens him with his fist. "Come on, Rihito, you also won enough tokens to get a prize at the counter!"

"Yeah, but not as much as you guys! Speaking of which, you got enough tokens for what?," Rihito asks Himuro and Kaneda, who were also counting their tokens.

"Enough for a mini-game, I think. But I also got two phone numbers, so I have nothing to complain about," Himuro comments, ignoring when Rihito flips him the bird. Kaneda, on the other hand, smiles excitedly.

"I think I have enough for that headset! It's what I wanted, so I'm satisfied."

"Lucky for you… if I manage to get a t-shirt with the arcade's logo, and one that fits me, it'll already be a lot," Rihito snorts, turning to Okubo next. "And you? What prize will you take?"

"One of those neon signs! There are some cute ones that I think will look cool in Tomori's kitchen... what?," He blinks when he sees his friend's disbelieving expression.

"Are you going to get a prize for Miss Uta? Aren't you going to spend that pile of tokens on yourself?"

"Of course I will, man! With what's left over, I can get that cool Ultraman keychain-"

"What keychain, man! There's so many cool things to choose from that counter, and you choose to spend your tokens on a gift for a girl who isn't even here playing with us?," Rihito insists on his questions, gesticulating agitatedly. Kaneda looks from one to the other, very interested, while Himuro rolls his eyes.

"If you followed that example, you'd get some phone numbers too..."

"Shut up! I know you wouldn't spend your tokens on any chick!"

"Yeah, I wouldn't spend it on chicks with whom I'm just fuck-buddies with,  anyway. But in Okubo's case..."

"Ugh, leave me alone!," Okubo turns his back on them, the tips of his ears red. "What I do with my tokens is my problem, okay? If I want to spend them on someone else, it's my fuckin' right!"

"Yeah, but I don't see how you're going to be able to bang someone with a stupid neon sign..."

"Ugh, forget it," Okubo rolls his eyes. "Lets just go to the counter already, I don't want anyone passing in front of me and taking that Ultraman keychain..."

The other three don't argue, following behind. But Rihito continued to stare at his back suspiciously. Himuro and Kaneda just hoped it didn't take too long for him to get what was going on too.

The prize counter was currently full, the attendants having to split up to tend to the queue of players who wanted to claim their prizes. Fortunately, no one there seemed to have won as many tokens as they did. It was one of the perks of being fighters with superhuman reflexes.

"We need to come back here more often. This is the perfect place to get useless, cool trinkets," Himuro comments, and Kaneda nods.

"I know, right! How about we take a day to choose the most expensive prize and join forces to gather enough tokens?"

“The problem is, we'd have to share whatever the prize is in that case. But I'm up for it, if y'all don't try to be smart asses about it."

"We were the ones who should be telling you that! You're the one who most needs to learn the concept of sharing..."

"Is this about those girls' phone numbers? I won't give you one, stop insisting!"

"Come on, what would it cost you? You have five hundred others in your contacts!"

"I swear, Rihito, you're worse than those elementary school kids who want everything the others have in their hands..."

"You could at least arrange something with one of them for me! The thin one had a prettier face, but the chubby one had a nice ass..."

"Man, I swear I want to help you, but I can't do shit when you don't help yourself!"

"Aren't you going to ask for the phone number of one of those girls too, Okubo?," Kaneda asks, while the other two argue. Okubo looks to the side before shaking his head.

"Nah, I'm good. It's not like Himuro would give one to me, anyway..."

Kaneda nods slowly, his fox-like eyes fixed on him as he leans toward the prize counter, inspecting it with interest.

"Man, it's kinda hard to choose. There aren't many with a culinary theme," He comments, frowning a little. Most are gamer-themed..."

"Huh. I wonder why? The fact that we're in an arcade shouldn't have anything to do with it."

"Shut up, Himuro."

"Why not choose one with a broader theme?," Kaneda suggests, leaning over to inspect the signs, which were exposed on the wall just behind the prize counter. "The one where you read 'Smile and Smash' is funny, because the word can refer to both food and fights. .."

"You're right!," Okubo smiles, excited, taking the tokens from his pocket and depositing them on the counter as he called, raising his arm, "Hey, lady, excuse me! I want to exchange these tokens here for that sign-"

"Hey, no! I want that sign there!"

Okubo immediately looks over his shoulder in surprise upon hearing the voice that exclaimed in agitation. He assumes a defensive posture, placing himself in front of the counter, straightening his back so his height and width are clearly evident. He didn't enjoy intimidating civilians, but if he had to...

"Oh, come on, don't make that face! I swear I'm willing to negotiate for it, haha."

Okubo's determination to fight for the prize wanes a little when he realizes who his challenger is. A woman was approaching quickly while smiling sympathetically at him, carrying a bag full of cute pins and charms. She nods in a friendly way, and if it weren't for the words she used, he would never have guessed that she was talking to him.

“Uhhhh…” He scratches the back of his head, exchanging a brief look with his friends, to which they just shrug. He turns to the girl again. "Sorry, lady, but… do you want that sign? That one specifically?," He points to said sign on the wall, to which the woman nods.

"Yes! Sorry, but I've had my eye on it since I walked into the arcade earlier."

"Well, so did I," He frowns a little, looking to the side. "Look, can't you pick another one? There are some really cool models too, and some even cute, girlier-"

“Hey, that's stereotyping, you know?," She puffs out her cheeks a little, and the expression reminds him a lot of Tomori. "I want this one, it's the one that best matches the aesthetics of my apartment. Why don't you choose another one? There are much more masculine ones there-"

“Hey, now you're the one stereotyping!,” He complains, raising his index finger in warning. And to his surprise, instead of taking his cue and raising her voice, she laughed. And it was a very delicate, bashful laugh, a hand with well-painted nails over her mouth.

"Ahaha, fair enough! Sorry about that. It's just that when you see a man as big and strong as you, a cute neon sign isn't the first thing you associate with him."

Okubo blinks, taking a few seconds to understand her words, as well as the slightly ingratiating smile that accompanied them. He distinctly hears Rihito mutter a “you gotta be kidding me…” from behind him, and he couldn't help but share the sentiment.

Holy shit… he would've looked around for the cameras recording a possible prank if he wouldn't look ridiculous doing it. He clears his throat in an attempt to find his voice.

"Uh... yeah, I'm a little box full of surprises, haha ," He laughs a little too loudly. "But the truth is that the sign isn't for me…"

"Is it for a sister? A niece? Anyway, it's very sweet of you," She deduces, her smile widening, "I'm even embarrassed to keep insisting on taking the sign, in this case."

"Uh- no, actually it's for-"

"How about we make a trade then?," She suddenly suggests. And at his confused expression, she laughed again. "Oh, am I being too forward? Sorry, I didn't even introduce myself. I'm Hirata Chise, but you can call me just Chise. And you?

"Huh... Okubo. Okubo Naoya," He answers, without thinking too much. And his surprise only grows when her eyes widen in sudden recognition.

"Okubo… wait, isn't that the name of that famous fighter? The MMA one?"

... Seriously, was that some kind of delusion? Was he dreaming and he didn't realize it? Or was he suddenly transported to a universe where women recognized him and were interested in him as if he had switched places with Himuro?

He again looked over his shoulder, wanting to see if Rihito, Himuro and Kaneda were listening to make sure he wasn't freaking out, but the three had walked a good few steps away, seeming interested in what the prize counter was displaying. Or at least they pretended to be. He'd known those fuckers long enough to know they had their ears pricked.

"Ahaha… yeah. That's me,” He nods, scratching the back of his head again, and the girl lets out an excited gasp.

"Damn, I can't believe I'm talking so casually with a guy like that!l" She exclaims, clapping her hands excitedly. "One of my friends back there commented that she thought you looked familiar!"

"Wow... I'm flattered, being recognized like this by a group of pretty girls. It doesn't happen every day, haha!," He comments without thinking much; if he hadn't been able to control his silver tongue all those weeks, he wouldn't be able to now. "But in that case... do you think an autograph and a selfie are enough to pay for the sign?"

She laughs again, shaking her head. "Nice try. But I was actually going to propose a more specific exchange."

"Oh... I'll cover part of the price for the sign, if that's the case, no fuss-"

"No, that's not it," She turns her head a little. "I'm not interested in money. I'm more interested in knowing a little more about the guy offering it to me."

... Holy fuck. That was the only reaction his mind was able to conjure up at the moment. Just... holy fuck.

He now wondered if the girl's initial intention was really to convince him to give up the sign, or if it was all just a pretext to get closer. And he wondered, too, if he wasn't being too arrogant to consider that possibility. But after all those years, he couldn't conceive a reality where women spontaneously flirted with him. None had done so before.

None, except for...

“Uh…look, lady-”

"Chise."

"Chise," He corrects himself. "I… damn, I don't even know what to say, haha…"

"You don't have to say anything, just answer if you accept my proposal. What do you think?," She plays with a lock of hair, tucking it behind her ear, and again, Tomori's smiling face appears in his head. "Want to go grab food after we exit the arcade? Your friends can come too! One of my friends even wants the number of that tanned guy..."

Okubo distinctly heard one of the guys further back having a coughing fit. Rihito, probably. He, however, concentrated on taking a closer look at the woman before him.

She must've been a little shorter than Kaneda. She was dressed casually and a little heavy, considering it was summer, but with the arcade's AC running, it shouldn't have been a nuisance to her. A delicate white wool cardigan over a baby blue boatneck top, a pink slant skirt, tights and ballet flats. It all complemented her proportionate figure. Her hair was black and straight, framing a face with skin so fair it was almost freckled. Her eyes were large and expressive, and her pink painted mouth looked very kissable.

Verdict: she was a pretty girl. Beautiful, even. Hell, two months ago he would've accepted the invitation without even thinking twice! But now...

Well, now all he could do was look at her clothes and think that cute pastel style would look just as good on Tomori.

Holy shit, if he'd had any doubts before that he was really fucked, it was gone for good.

"... I appreciate the invitation, Chise, seriously," He assures, smiling with a certain guilt. "But I can't accept it. What I was trying to say is that this sign is a gift for a woman, but not a sister or niece. It's a friend. But she's still someone important to me.

“…Oh,” Chise blinks, and her disappointed expression manages to make him feel a little guilty. “Wow, I- I didn't know you had a girlfriend…”

"I don't. But..."

“But she is a candidate for the post. Got it," She nods, looking to the side while making a face. "Damn, that's kinda embarrassing..."

"Don't feel bad, you're pretty as hell! It's just that I-"

"I understood. You don't have to try to make me feel better," She interrupts him, waving a hand. "I'm late, that's okay. Life goes on."

"Uh… my tanned friend can still give you his number, he's available," Holy shit, when would he have thought that one day he would offer Himuro's contact information to random women without seething with rage and envy?

"Oh… well…," She looks from behind him, suddenly interested. "Yeah, he's really hot, wow!"

He didn't know whether to be relieved or offended that she had recovered from his rejection so quickly, and all because of that man-whore's presence.

"Yeah, that's what they all say. I can call him right now if you want-"

"Hey, lady, is that a number you want? Well, you can stop looking for it now!"

Rihito's loud voice, right next to his right ear, made Okubo jump, but not as much as Chise did. She takes a step back as Rihito claps his friend's shoulder in a friendly way, smiling a bit too enthusiastically at her.

"So, what do you say? My pal here is not interested, but I sure am! You're a knockout, y'know?"

“Uh…thanks, but I-”

"And you still came with a bunch of equally hot friends! Wonderful, so none of my pals will be alone. Let’s exchange numbers! Then we can schedule a mixer!," He offers. "In the meantime, do you want help choosing another prize, since my friend here wants that dumb sign?"

"No, no need to-"

"Come on, don't be shy! I just want to lend you a hand, be a gentleman. You like gentlemen, right? I can be that and much more with the right encouragement, hehe- hey, hey, where are you going? We haven't even exchanged numbers yet! Hey!," he calls, a little too loudly, as the girl hurries away with a grimace. He sighs. "Man, it's always the same. But hey, this time it was for a good cause."

Okubo imitates poor Chise's grimace.

"Wait, is this serious? Like, it's nice of you and all, bro, but there's no need to scare the poor girl away just so I wouldn't get in a tight spot-"

"What? I didn't do this for you, what the hell! I did it because Himuro already got two numbers, and I'd be even more pissed if he got a third."

"... Son of a bitch. A genius, but still a son of a bitch. And stupid, because you ruined a chance to go out with that girl, I could have introduced you, to her, dumbass."

"Wow," Rihito raises an eyebrow. "Were you really going to introduce me to her? You, the guy who's as pussy starved as I am? So does that mean you weren't interested in her?"

Okubo's eyes widen at his friend's question, but he takes a deep breath, both to avoid punching him in the face and dying of embarrassment. "​​I can't do two different things at the same time outside the octagon, I'm focused on getting my freakin' prize!," he points to the sign. "And really, if you're that desperate, go to Miss Rino's club and leave me alone!"

"Without you? Man, the problem with your dick is worse than I thought..."

"You're going to have a problem with yours if you don't quit your bullshit…," Okubo threatens, getting tense, the tokens in his hand crumpling. "Either you stop bothering me or I'll make you a punching bag and we'll never come back here again!," he looks Rihito in the eyes, showing his full height, the shadow passing over the other. Himuro and Kaneda knew that pose very well, but he had never threatened Rihito with such anger.

Rihito blinks, momentarily perplexed. But considering how his expression darkened as well, he recovered pretty quickly.

"Huh? Are you trying to intimidate me,you jerk? You're thinking I'm afraid of your fucked-up face or something?," He yells, advancing and pointing to the other. "You're big but so am I, fucker! Fuckin' come at me!"

"Not as big as I am, asshole!"

Both raise their fists.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!," Himuro's voice interrupts them, while he puts himself between the two with Kaneda. "Let's stop right there because things are getting very serious! Seriously, Rihito, dude's hung up on only one girl, so let him be. And you, Okubo... you can stop hiding it, we already know that you got it bad for Miss Uta. So calm the fuck down, grab that stupid sign and lets get the hell outta here, okay?"

If there was a more effective way to quell a heated argument, Okubo didn't know it. He stares at Himuro, dumbfounded, mouth gaping in mute shock. He turns to the other two, wanting to say something, but his voice just won't come out. Rihito crosses his arms, frowning and still breathing heavily, while Kaneda just sighs heavily, running his right hand through his hair.

"Look, Himuro is right. Let's just get our prizes and leave before the arcade staff come shooing us out for good. We can talk better once we're out."

Rihito lets out a disinterested grunt, shrugging, while Okubo can't think of anything to reply. The expression 'deer in the headlights' seemed to have been made for him.

They exchange the tokens for the prizes and leave the arcade very quickly, being followed by several pairs of eyes. Yeah, apparently their faces wouldn't be forgotten so soon. Once on the street of the shopping area, Okubo seriously considered running away, but decided against it after concluding that those three would easily catch up with him, considering the movement around them. He didn't want to look like a coward, either.

He winces as he feels the three pairs of eyes glued to his back, practically burning the back of his neck. He wanted to tell them to fuck off, Rihito in particular. What the hell did they want him to say?! That he was sorry for not saying anything sooner? As if they had an obligation to share every single detail of their lives with each other...

"So," Himuro sighs. "We already know, big guy. Spit it out."

He lets out a huge grunt, throwing his head back in an exaggerated motion. Kaneda sighs too.

"Don't be dramatic, Okubo, c'mon..."

"I'm not! Why do I have to spit out something?," He asks, a little too aggressively, as he glares at them over his shoulder. "Haven't you already figured it all out on your own? Aren't you hard-boiled detectives, the fucking japanese Sherlock Holmeses? So there's that!"

"Yeah, but we still want to hear it from your mouth..."

"Well, it ain't gonna happen! And you won't make me, not even if you threaten to beat the shit outta me, the three of you at the same time," He warns, pointing to them. Rihito, Himuro and Kaneda looked at each other, communicating non-verbally in a way that got on his nerves. And then Rihito snorts, reaching into his pocket and pulling out his phone.

"Oh, we won't? I didn't want to do this, but you gave me no choice."

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

"If you don't say what we want to hear right now, I'm going to call Miss Uta and spill the beans to her."

"What- No!," Okubo almost screams, turning around immediately, his eyes bugging out. "It doesn't- I mean- you're bluffing, you asshole! You don't even have her number!"

"And how do you know?," Rihito narrows his eyes menacingly. "I entered her house even before you did, remember? What guarantee do you have that I haven't had her number for a while too?"

"Rihito...!," Okubo growls, getting redder by the second, and Himuro and Kaneda move away to avoid the collision, in case he charges at the other. "I swear I'll rearrange your whole fucking face! Drop that phone!"

"Eh, I don’t feel like it," He slides his thumb up and down the screen in defiance. "My thumb is itching to press the call button..."

"I'm serious! Give me that shit!," Okubo reaches out, furious, but Rihito is faster, throwing the phone aside. The device is deftly picked up by Himuro, and Okubo just wants to scream in frustration. "Damn you...! What do you want from me?"

“We want the truth, man. That's all," Himuro shakes the phone from side to side as Okubo scratches his scalp hard.

"Ugh, why? Didn't you already figure it out on your own?!"

"Yes, but it's still serious enough to demand confirmation from the accused party himself," Kaneda declares, and when Okubo tries to steal the cell phone from Himuro's hands, he more than quickly throws it to him, and Kaneda puts it inside his garments. "Come on, just say yes or no. Are you in love with Miss Uta?"

"I..."

"Don't give me that 'I' crap, it's yes or no, dipshit!," Rihito rolls her eyes. "Go ahead, spit it out, or Kaneda will have a lot to talk about with Miss Uta on the phone.”

"Fucking hell, I hate you guys...!"

"We love you too. Now answer us, goddamn it, before-"

"YES!," Okubo finally shouts, throwing his arms up in absolute frustration and making some people passing nearby jump. "I've got it bad for her, damn it! So much so that it even scares me a little! I keep thinking about having the sappiest moments possible with her and I can't even be embarrassed about of it, for fuck's sake! I know this all started because I wanted to get laid, but now that's not all I want, okay? She's cute, funny, firm in her convictions and fiercer than half the guys I've faced in my matches! I want that woman all to myself, and if I have to give up the playboy lifestyle, then so be it! She's worth ten thousand others!," He faces his friends, furiously red, breathing hard. "There, I said it! Are you jerks happy now?!"

Rihito, Himuro, and Kaneda just stare at him, eyes wide and jaws slack. The uncomfortable silence lasts for almost half a minute, where they are sizing each other up, waiting for someone to make the first move. Some people on the street were watching them, curious, worried about the shouting, some even laughing as they sneered at Okubo. Did he have time to run to the light and throw himself in front of the first car that passed?

It is then that Himuro lets out a farting sound, turning his face to the side. Kaneda hides a chuckle by covering his mouth with the sleeve of his robes, and Rihito opens a huge devilish smile.

"Yeah, man, now we are. But you wanna hear something funny?"

"What?!"

"I was really bluffing. Miss Uta never gave me her number. Sorry about that, hehehe."

“Wha- oooooh, you fucking bitches!," Okubo almost squeals, barely making himself heard amidst the laughter of his friends. "You tricked me! You deceived me! You stabbed me in the back! You fucking traitors! You deserve to burn in Hell!

"Hell? After everything we've been doing to help our soap opera protagonist? Our little allotment in Heaven is already reserved!," Himuro declares, imitating his dramatic tone, and Rihito laughs mischievously.

"Reserved with all honors, because only a saint can endure all this sissy shit without wanting to pull his hair out, hehehahaha!"

"But our mission will only be complete when the main couple is made official, which I hope will happen without half of this fussiness, for the sake of Okubo's dignity," Kaneda comments, still laughing, and the three disperse between laughs while Okubo tried to kick them, mortified.

"I'm going to make your death certificates official, you assholes!"

"Don't do that, Okubo! You can't tell Miss Uta everything you told us from inside a prison cell!"

"No, he can! This will only make the soap opera even more dramatic and interesting to watch!"

"A statement straight from the penitentiary, guys, it's pure originality! It's just a shame that Okubo won't be able to remain faithful in that case, if the stories about what goes on in the showers there are true!"

"Seriously, can you guys remind me why we're still friends? At the moment I can't think of any reason! You shitheads...," Okubo gives up on his rage, putting his right hand on his furiously red face and groaning, trying to ignore how the other three laughed in his ear.

"Want a reminder, you jerk? Don't forget that we've been willing to accompany you all these weeks to that sugar shack, all the times you wanted to see this girl, without asking for anything in return," Rihito points at him, to which Okubo rolls his eyes.

"Anything? I've already lost count of how many cookies, donuts, croissants and nightcaps I had to pay you."

"And that, for your bank account, is the same as nothing!"

"You really think that I shit money, don't you?"

"Doesn't matter! The point is," Kaneda starts, raising a finger. "We've always been here, supporting you, haven't we? We helped you with every doubt you had about the best ways to approach Miss Uta."

"We even agreed to learn how to cook rice balls and research about flowers when you insisted on that complete bouquet shit," Himuro crosses his arms. "Is that being a traitor? You ungrateful asshole."

Okubo blushes again, remorse overcoming his anger and embarrassment. He presses the neon sign box to his chest.

“I… I'm sorry, guys. It's just that...," He then sighs, running a hand over his face. "I've wanted to be open with you for a while, but I couldn't..."

"Why not?"

"Because I knew you were going to make fun of me, damn it!"

"Of course we would! It's one of life's inevitabilities!," Rihito shrugs. "Even more so with that statement of yours now. We really didn't expect you to give in with such enthusiasm..."

"Give in? What does that... oooh, you...!," His eyes widened when he realized. "Was all that antics, from the arcade until here, on purpose? Even your teasing, you bleached fag?!"

"That's not what your mom called me last night! But yeah, it was on purpose," Rihito admits, not seeming at all ashamed of it. "After seeing you rejecting a babe like that, we had no more doubts. It was all about getting you to spit it all out.

"Yep! And there's no 'we', Himuro and I had realized it a long time ago," Kaneda says. "I just wanted to make sure that you yourself had realized it too."

“Yeah, I… I already had. It's been a few days, actually," Okubo admits, a little grudgingly. Now that he'd given himself away like an idiot, there was no point in trying to hide it. The four of them resume walking, still talking. "Since that day I entered her house for the first time."

"Jeez, since that day? But…," Himuro then blinks. "Wait, wasn't it the same day you found out about the posters in her room?"

"Holy shit, it is! So that's why you didn't bang her?," Rihito asks, a bit indignant. "Because you realized that you've got it bad for her? Was the poster thing a lie?"

"Hell no, it was true!," He reassures quickly. "I didn't send pictures to prove it only because I was too shocked at the time!"

"And because it would be a tremendous disrespect for her privacy, right?"

“… Y-Yeah, that too."

"Good lord..."

"Anyway!," Okubo shakes his head, his face red. "I did intend to finally get to third base with her that night, and the fucking posters got in the way. But then when I realized how I felt... I concluded that this was no longer my priority. I'm not saying I don't want it anymore!," He warns when Rihito opens his mouth to say something. "Because I really want to! It's just that this is no longer my main goal, but a consequence of it."

"So your main goal is for Miss Uta to be your girlfriend, is that it?," Himuro asks, and Okubo nods shyly.

"Yeah. My official girlfriend, the kind I won't hide even from paparazzi."

"You wouldn't have to, it's not like you need to worry about paparazzi on the same rate as Sekibayashi or Gaolang…”

"Fuck off, Himuro."

"Anyway, it's like Kaneda said, isn't it?," Rihito says suddenly. "The soap opera doesn't end while the main couple isn't made official. As long as Miss Uta is not officially your girl, this hullabaloo will never end. So in that case..."

"What? Are you- Are you still going to help me?," Okubo asks, surprised and a little emotional, "Even with the change of plans?"

"Of course! I mean, it's not like I can make a pass at her right after you any longer. I would be the biggest backstabber this side of Tokyo," Rihito shrugs, "And if you become a fallen soldier, there's less competition during our 'hunts'."

“And one less desperate idiot to bother me when I'm gathering phone numbers,” Himuro nods, and Okubo stares at them, unimpressed.

“I should've figured it was because you were going to get something out of it…"

"Yeah, we all got something out of it. You included. Come on, we still want to see you happy, and we've proved that to you from the start, haven't we?," Kaneda smiles, giving him a friendly pat on the back. "We're just going to keep doing what we've always done. Not even our strategies need to change. You've seen how good we are with them."

"Yeah! Thanks to our masterstroke, you spilled the beans," Rihito raises a thumb, smiling sharply. "We just need to maintain the quality of the service and Miss Uta will be yours in no time. And it's not like she doesn't want the same anyway."

Okubo swallows a little, trying to clear a sudden lump in his throat. Those fuckers managed to prove themselves the best of friends even when they were acting like self-serving assholes, holy shit...

"Yeah... thanks, guys... but do you really think she feels the same?"

"Bro, only an idiot wouldn't think so! She's been crazy about you from the start!," Rihito gestures, to which the bald man shakes his head.

"She was crazy about me from the beginning like a fan is crazy about her idol. But now things have changed between us. And even with the dates, kisses and fun times spent together, I don't know if her feelings are growing alongside mine, at least not at the same speed..."

"Dude, give us a fucking break!," Rihito rolls his whole head along with his eyes. "Worrying about this now will only get in the way of your plans. If she doesn't happen to feel that way now, just make sure she feels that way from now on!"

"Man, it's not that simple..."

“Actually, it is that simple. Yes, Rihito is right, as absurd as it may seem," Kaneda nods, ignoring when Rihito gives him the middle finger. "Even if by some chance she hasn't reached the same level as you in terms of how she feels, nothing prevents her from reaching that point eventually. Just keep doing what you're doing, it's been working so far."

"But I personally don't think that's the case," Himuro comments. "The way she was looking at you when Murobuchi showed up at the bakery that day... if that wasn't the look of a girl who was completely smitten, I don't know what else would be."

"Really?!"

"Trust me, I'm somewhat of an expert in that department."

"Stop using our pal's amorous afflictions as a pretext to boast, you man-whore!"

"Ahahaha!," Okubo laughs loudly, his free hand on his stomach. The other three stare at him in disbelief.

"He didn't give a shit about Himuro's exhibitionism… yeah, he's really fucked."

"Yeah, but he seems to be happy about it too. That's what matters, I guess."

"No, that's- that's not it! It's just that I…," Okubo coughs a little to try to control his laughter. "It's just that I'm feeling lighter, after finally telling you guys the truth. It's too good to know that I no longer need to hide, pretend, make excuses..."

“Yeah, well, now you're free to be the hopeless romantic you've always been inside. We're not going to judge you… too much," Rihito adds after thinking, and then he laughs at Okubo's frown. "Come on, man, isn't it enough that we're on your side? That we want this to happen almost as much as you? I said that day, making this girl yours is now a matter of honor!"

"Yes! Seriously, thanks, Rihito-"

"And if you want to thank me when you two are officially together, her friend's number is enough payment!"

"Holy shit, this obsession of yours reached pathological levels! You fucking nutcase!"

The four of them continued walking, laughing and teasing each other, normality returning with an ease that Okubo was very grateful for. In love or not, he hoped he never changed how he saw his best friends, and he hoped they wanted the same...

It is then that Rihito's phone, still inside Kaneda's robes, vibrates. Kaneda stops walking, taking it out of there and giving him back to it's owner.

"Here, man. I forgot about it during the conversation..."

"Well, it served its purpose and that's enough, hehe. Okay, let's see who's bothering me this time...," He comments without much interest, dragging his thumb up on the screen. "A message from Kazuo about the thing with the licenses, and... wow!," He suddenly stops short, widening his eyes, as the other three almost run into him.

"Damn, don't block the way like that, dumbass!," Himuro exclaims. "What is it?"

"It's a message from Koga!," Rihito clicks on the contact, opening a huge, excited smile. "They did it, guys! Miss Kanami and the whole gang from the bakery found an available location!"

"Wait, really?!," Okubo exclaims, a little too loudly, while Himuro, Kaneda and he run to crowd around Rihito, wanting to see the messages too. "They really did?"

"Yeah! Apparently Gaoh found an empty lot not far from the SJPW headquarters that is the perfect size for the new facility. They went to check with Kazzy to see if there was a way to get in touch with the lot's original owner, and then Yoshitake helped too," Rihito explains while sliding the screen upwards with his thumb. "Now it's official, the lot is now Auntie's property!"

"Oh, this is great!," Kaneda exclaims while the other three punch the air excitedly. "​​After all these weeks, their efforts finally paid off! They honestly deserve it..."

"For sure! And we were part of it!," Himuro exchanges a high-five with Rihito. "Miss Kanami must be throwing punches of joy around, hahaha!"

"As long as it's not at us, I support it!," Okubo laughs loudly. ​​"Man, that calls for a celebration!"

"Koga and you thought the same thing, bro!," Rihito laughs out loud too, bringing the phone closer to Okubo’s face. "He’s already inviting everyone to a party at the sugar shack, that’s why he sent these messages!"

"What, today? Now?"

"Yeah! What do you say, gentlemen?," Rihito smiles invitingly. "Is there still room left in those bellies of yours for a feast?"

"Hell yeah!," Okubo, Himuro and Kaneda exclaim in unison, throwing their arms up. Hell, there would always be room in their stomachs for the wonderful food at the Heavy Bakery, especially when it had the sweet taste of victory going with it!

And for Okubo, that was another excellent excuse, because he could celebrate alongside Tomori! He could congratulate her on that achievement, eat and have fun with her in a happy and festive atmosphere and who knows, maybe even ask her to dance if they decided to play music...

It's then that an idea pops into his head, making him pause, arms still outstretched. He turns to his friends, his excitement building.

"Wait, guys, time out! I just had the best idea, but it's going to require us to go back to my apartment. We're going to need my car."

The other three stop celebrating and stare at him, curious.

"Oh yeah? Why?"

Okubo smiles in a hopeful way.

"Well, you won't want to carry our musical instruments on foot, on your backs, will you?"

NEXT CHAPTER

[pesterloglog]

Karkat Vantas, Meenah Peixes

Act 6, page 5308

KARKAT: HEY, GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY... OH. IT'S YOU AGAIN.

KARKAT: SORRY, FOR A SECOND I THOUGHT ERIDAN'S AWFUL ANCESTOR FOUND HIS WAY IN HERE.

KARKAT: I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW IT WAS POSSIBLE TO BE MORE OF A SHITBAG THAN THAT GUY, BUT SOMEHOW AMPORA TEEN-SENIOR PULLS IT OFF?

KARKAT: I WOULDN'T HAVE BELIEVED IT IF I DIDN'T ABSORB IT WITH MY OWN AGGRAVATION SPONGE. JUST INCREDIBLE.

MEENAH: yeah vantas im gonna clue you in on somefin

MEENAH: mosta my crew is hecks of dreadful to be around

KARKAT: I KNOW!!!

KARKAT: HOW IS IT EVEN POSSIBLE FOR A GROUP OF PEOPLE TO SUCK SO MUCH, WHEN THEY'RE PRESUMABLY ALMOST GENETICALLY IDENTICAL TO A BUNCH OF PEOPLE I LIKE?

KARKAT: MAYBE IT'S THE AGE DIFFERENCE? OR THE FACT THAT THEY ALL GREW UP ON A PLANET FOR LAME PANSIES WHO ARE CIVICALLY OBLIGATED TO WET THEMSELVES DAILY.

MEENAH: ahahahahaha

KARKAT: I HAVE TO ADMIT, MEETING ALL OUR ANCESTORS LIKE THIS HAS BEEN KIND OF OVERWHELMING.

KARKAT: I KIND OF HAD TO GET AWAY FROM EVERYONE AND BE ALONE FOR A WHILE. HOPEFULLY I'LL JUST FUCKING WAKE UP SOON.

MEENAH: oh uh

MEENAH: you want i should step off

KARKAT: UH

KARKAT: NO, THAT'S OK.

KARKAT: YOU'RE ACTUALLY FINE, MOSTLY. I JUST COULDN'T TAKE ANOTHER ENCOUNTER WITH RED SWEATER GUY.

KARKAT: HE'S LEFT MY HEAD SPINNING, AND NOT JUST BECAUSE HE NEVER SHUTS THE FUCK UP.

KARKAT: FOR A LONG TIME, I DIDN'T EVEN BELIEVE WE HAD ANCESTORS. I THOUGHT EVEN THE CONCEPT OF ANCESTORS WAS JUST SUPERSTITIOUS, EGO-STROKING ARISTOCRATIC BULLSHIT.

KARKAT: BUT NOT ONLY DOES IT TURN OUT YOU'RE ALL REAL, BUT APPARENTLY YOU HAD THIS WHOLE DIFFERENT CULTURE IN AN ALTERNATE UNIVERSE BEFORE US? SORRY, THAT'S A LOT TO TAKE IN.

KARKAT: WAIT...

KARKAT: OH, NO. NO, FUCK ME. HOLY FUCK.

KARKAT: "BEFORE US?" GOD DAMMIT. I *JUST* GOT THAT.

KARKAT: SEE? THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT. MEETING YOU GUYS HAS MADE ME HAVE LITTLE INFURIATING REVELATIONS LIKE THAT ALMOST CONSTANTLY.

KARKAT: LIKE, NOW IT CASTS THE NAME OF MY OWN PLANET IN A WHOLE NEW STUPID LIGHT. ALTERNIA? AS IN, ALTERNATE? ALTERNATE TO WHAT. TURNS OUT IT IS THE *ALTERNATIVE* TO A PLANET CALLED BEFORUS! THE PLANET WHICH CAME *BEFOOOORE* US. HAHAHA! GET IT?

KARKAT: WHATEVER JOKERS NAMED THESE PLANETS WERE COMPLETE FUCKING MORONS.

MEENAH: well fwiw

MEENAH: alternias da bomb compared to my planet

MEENAH: and im not just saying that because grownup me ran the joint 38D

KARKAT: HEY, DON'T LET ANYONE KID YOU. ALTERNIA WAS FUCKING GREAT.

KARKAT: I DON'T EVEN CARE THAT MY BLOOD MADE ME A PARIAH. IT WAS WORTH TO IT LIVE ON SUCH A BADASS PLANET.

KARKAT: SOME PEOPLE LIKED TO TALK SHIT ABOUT THE EMPRESS. AND IT'S TRUE, SHE PROBABLY WOULD HAVE CULLED THE SHIT OUT OF ME ON SIGHT. BUT YOU KNOW WHAT? I ALWAYS RESPECTED HER AS A STRONG LEADER.

KARKAT: SHE KNEW HOW TO GET SHIT DONE AND DIDN'T PUT UP WITH DISSENSION FROM WORTHLESS IDIOTS. AND ALL SHE DID WAS, YOU KNOW... TAKE OVER THE ENTIRE FUCKING GALAXY. NOT TOO SHABBY.

KARKAT: I USED TO HAVE THIS KIND OF EMBARRASSING FANTASY THAT I WOULD GROW UP ONE DAY AND BECOME A THRESHECUTIONER. DO YOU KNOW WHAT THAT IS?

MEENAH: ?

KARKAT: THEY WERE LIKE THE DEADLIEST SQUAD OF INTERSTELLAR FIGHTERS UNDER THE COMMAND OF THE EMPRESS. THEY HELPED CONQUER MORE PLANETS THAN ANY OTHER IMPERIAL FORCE. BUT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO MAKE THE CUT, BECAUSE OF MY BLOOD. SO I USED TO THINK OF ALL THESE ELABORATE SCENARIOS TO HIDE MY BLOOD COLOR. OR IN THE MORE RIDICULOUS FANTASIES, MAYBE I COULD EVEN PROVE MY WORTH AS A SOLDIER? LIKE JUST BE SO AWESOME WITH A SICKLE, THEY WOULD JUST HAVE TO MAKE AN EXCEPTION. MAYBE EVEN BE LIKE A FOLK HERO AND RISE THROUGH THE RANKS TO BECOME THE LEADER. HAHA.

KARKAT: THOSE WERE OBVIOUSLY JUST SOME CHILDISH DAY DREAMS. I'VE LEARNED A LOT ABOUT WHAT BEING A LEADER REALLY MEANS SINCE THEN. MAINLY THAT IT'S A LOT HARDER THAN EVERYONE THINKS.

KARKAT: SO I GUESS I LEARNED TO RESPECT WHO YOU TURNED OUT TO BE ON MY WORLD EVEN MORE THAN I DID ALREADY, BECAUSE OF THAT.

MEENAH: yeah

MEENAH: the leadership thing is hard as globes

MEENAH: could barely get anyone to lift a flippin finger in my session

MEENAH: and now its like that all over again trying to raise this army

MEENAH: i reely dunno how sexy bitch grownup me pulled it off

KARKAT: OH YEAH. HOW IS THAT GOING?

KARKAT: HOW MANY RECRUITS DO YOU HAVE?

MEENAH: want to take a guess

KARKAT: OH. STILL ZERO, HUH? YEAH, THAT SOUNDS ABOUT RIGHT. SERIOUSLY, FUCK LEADERSHIP.

MEENAH: i know!!!!!!

KARKAT: WELL LOOK, HOW ABOUT THIS. LATER ON, WHEN I'M AWAKE OBVIOUSLY, MAYBE OUR METEOR WILL HIT A RENDEZVOUS POINT WITH YOU AGAIN.

KARKAT: IF BY THEN, YOU'RE STILL LOOKING FOR RECRUITS, I'LL LIKE... HOP OFF THE METEOR OR SOMETHING. AND JOIN YOUR ARMY.

MEENAH:

KARKAT: THEN WE, I MEAN YOU AND ME AND WHATEVER OTHER IDIOTS YOU'VE ROUNDED UP, CAN ALL GO FIGHT THE INVINCIBLE DEMON.

MEENAH:

KARKAT: I DON'T KNOW WHY EVERY TIME I TURN AROUND, I'M UP AGAINST AN INVINCIBLE DEMON OF ONE SORT OR ANOTHER. I GUESS THAT'S JUST THE IMPOSSIBLE KIND OF THING PARADOX SPACE WANTS ME TO DO TO PROVE I'M NOT SOME HORRIBLE MISTAKE OF NATURE. ANYWAY, DOES THAT SOUND GOOD?

MEENAH:

KARKAT: OH, BUT ON ONE CONDITION. AS THE NEW EMPRESS, YOU HAVE TO APPOINT ME AS GRAND THRESHECUTIONER OF YOUR ARMY. DO WE HAVE A DEAL?

MEENAH: oh yes yes you got it yessss

KARKAT: GOOD. OK, THAT'S SETTLED.

KARKAT: NOW I'M GOING TO GO FOR A WALK, DO SOME MORE THINKING. ALONE. OK?

KARKAT: JUST UH... MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME HERE... IN THIS STRANGE MEMORY PROJECTION OF MY ROOM. I'D TELL YOU NOT TO RIFLE THROUGH MY SHIT, BUT NONE OF IT IS EVEN REAL. SO GO NUTS. WHATEVER.

KARKAT: I'M LEAVING.

[usersasaki]

hello tumblr user usersasaki 🫵 you will never know who i am! (or who knows lol hi karma <3) this anon has been looking into getting into orv but keeps procrastinating like they do on many other things and so asks you, one of their resident orv likers they know, to uh. idk. but feel free to ramble on about why you like orv so much & why someone should get into it (like me!) so maybe i can finally be convinced to read it Now instead of putting it off for later again and again !! ... or something like that 🥺✨

OK GUYS THIS IS NOT A DRILL. THIS IS NOT A DRILLLLL AAAAA HELLO U BEAUTIFUL PERSON I THINK IK WHO U ARE BUT RN I'M SO READY TO CRUSH U IN A BIG HUG REGARDLESS OF THAT

ahem. yes. anyways. i'm totally normal abt this, i totally didn't go feral for a few moments before i started typing this. OK BUT I'M SO READY TO TRY TO CONVINCE U TO READ THIS CUZ WHEN I SAY THIS WEBTOON + WEBNOVEL HAS CHANGED ME ENTIRELY. pls bear with me, giving me a chance to word vomit was not a good idea /hj. i'll put everything under the cut :] and i'll try to keep everything as spoilerless as possible so that u can safely enjoy the story when u get to it

i will apologise in advance for the person i've become, this might end up becoming a HUGE post (edit: i think it did, this is apparently at a lil more than 2k words rn cuz i typed this in google docs for fear of tumblr nuking my entire draft and me having to start all over again)

tldr for those who don't want to go through a 2k essay; orv is for you if you enjoy clean art, stories that will break down your initial expectations and surpass them, and things like found family, love (all kinds), and just an emotional rollercoaster in general. prepare snacks and tissues.

i'll start with the webtoon because that's where it started for me! honestly one of the things i look for most when i start a webtoon is the art. and there are times when even if i like the story, if the art ain't it for me, i'll drop the story 😭💀 but orv has such beautiful and crisp art, very edible art HAHAHA (both webtoon and novel by the way but i'll get to the novel in a bit) it makes me go so O.O sometimes. here's an example of the art, you might've seen it somewhere but i'm still adding it here for the pure beauty of these men named kim dokja and yoo joonghyuk AND ALSO han sooyoung and jung heewon (yes i'm gay, no it's not obvious /j). every character in this webtoon is so well drawn and just. chef's kiss okay, so if you like pretty art, you've got that right here folks.

moving on, the story seems, at first, like a very generic action fantasy webtoon where the world of a novel becomes reality and our mc aka kim dokja is the one who knows how to get to the end and he gets to meet his favourite novel’s protagonist yoo joonghyuk and decides to save the world. but as the story progresses on and on, it becomes so much more than that. the storytelling skills have to be applauded because webtoons can't use lots of words and have to convey things more concisely than their novel counterparts but they've done an amazing job of using the right dialogues in the right places with the right amount of impact. AND as of right now, the story is starting to head towards what i'd like to say is the actual beginning of this webtoon >:) that’s all i can say without spoiling some major things from the novel so,, yeah!

another beautiful part is the portrayal of each of the characters, especially kdj, and their different dynamics with kdj. now kim dokja is our mc and the main narrator of this entire thing so we’re quite limited in that sense because all we see and know is what kim dokja tells us through his narration. a lot of posts have accurately pinned him down as an unreliable narrator because he really only ever shows his companions (and us readers) one part of things and we’re all left to speculate about things. each companion holds a different opinion of kdj but all of them are united in the fact that they trust him to help them get through everything. while the webtoon hasn’t had a chance to explore that yet, i’m looking forward to how they will show it to us :] i’d say that this webtoon is worth a read also because kim dokja is the most mind boggling, intriguing and frustrating character you will ever meet. that’s a fact that’ll get clearer as you get closer to the recent chapters of the webtoon, but i love how he’s relatable in the sense that he both makes me screech in awe but also makes me want to wring his neck with how he is sometimes. i love him *holds him by the neck* (affectionately). oh and when i say every character is just a beautiful piece of art, i mean both their literal art and also the way they’ve been written, though it is more clear in the novel as of right now.

NOW i’m gonna move onto the webnovel because i honestly fell deeper into the rabbit hole purely because of the novel. and sing shong (the author of the webnovel) is an absolute genius for the way they have both intricately and simply pushed a single message throughout the length of the novel. i constantly joke about how reading the orv novel has changed my brain chemistry but i’m not joking most of the time because it really did. in many ways, i’m sure this is a novel i will remember for a very long time to come.

the same points i spoke about for the webtoon stand for the novel as well BUT of course the novel is just immaculately written and it deserves a chance of its own. it’s not that the writing of the novel is extraordinarily fancy or anything, it’s actually quite simple reading without too many complicated words but i think that has a beauty of its own. it’s able to convey what it needs to without having 10 pages of description and that’s awesome to me. there are issues with some things written in the novel but as it isn’t a focus or the point of orv (i got this point from this tumblr post, feel free to read through it if you want to because they have written some great points that can’t be said better by me!), it’s still a novel that entertains you to the fullest.

the characters are admittedly more fleshed out in the novel than the webtoon but that’s because the webtoon is still catching up while the novel is complete (it ended with epilogue chapters but recently the author came out with side stories). the relationships are just very detailed and it gives you a look into not only kim dokja’s head, but also yoo joonghyuk and other characters’ heads as well, though they’re not as common because the majority of the story is in kdj’s point of view. i’ve neglected mentioning other character names so far but kim dokja has a set of the most loyal and sweet and sometimes feral companions besides yoo joonghyuk like yoo sangah, who is someone kdj knew before the novel became their world, jung heewon and lee hyunsung, kdj’s trusty sword and shield, lee gilyoung and shin yoosung, his children (not biological but yes). there’s also lee jihye, an avid yoo joonghyuk follower who insults kdj at every turn but cares for him, and han sooyoung, who is portrayed as a bit of an antagonist or an anti-hero (as far as the webtoon goes anyway wink wink). and a lot of other characters you’ll grow to either love a lot or hate with a passion oR even have your opinion take a whole 180 about as you read on and on, that’s just the kinda novel this is.

don’t even get me started on the underlying themes of this novel. this is me being an english major (and psychology major unintentionally, double major woohoo) through and through but i love analysing characters and figuring out themes that come out through the writing. i won’t go too into the details so that i won’t spoil it for anyone who happens upon this post. but there’s the overarching theme of love; not just romantic love but also platonic love, familial love and the most important one of this novel, self-love. another theme i think is quite relevant and important to this story is more easily relatable to people who read often because it goes into how books can change you BUT you can also change books by reading them over and over again and understanding it better. also how stories can save you but you, as a reader, have the power to save stories by reading them. because in the end, a story continues because you read it. OH I CAN’T FORGET THIS, found family <3 if you’re a fan of found family, this is for you, it’s present throughout the story as a small but encompassing theme.

now this could be just me but i get extremely emotional when it comes to my favourite media, so i squeal with joy at happy parts, sob uncontrollably when sad scenes come up, punch my pillows when something makes me mad⏤ you get my point. and this novel gave me an entire rollercoaster of emotions and made me so URGH in good, bad and ugly ways. it kinda brings me back to my point about kdj being an unreliable narrator since the reason why it gets so hard and sad is because this man never tells anyone anything. he takes it upon himself to do everything, much to the annoyance and despair of his companions and us the readers. we know nothing other than what kdj is willing to tell us, not about his plans, not about him, not about his own feelings. and we’re left to guess and guess until everything is laid bare and then we’re still trying to. process everything. yeah i don’t know if this part is making any sense but i can’t really go into detail without majorly spoiling the story. so you’re gonna have to come back to my post once you’re done to be like “ohhh, right this is what they meant.” /j

To move to a lighter and probably my last point, the novel illustrations are gold i tell you. it’s done by a person named blackbox or bb-nim for short and i love just going through their art for fun. of course, if you’re reading it on a website like i did, then you’re not going to see the illustrations side by side so you should definitely check out blackbox’s twitter which i’ve linked here :] you’ll probably also find their art on pinterest. gorgeous art i tell you, BUT BUT BUT there are spoilers here and there so beware if you go digging through their media tab on their twt. I’ll put some of my favourite pieces that are as non-spoiler as possible under this

so. yeah. these are my reasons for why you should read both the orv webtoon and novel. In the end, all i can say is that if you give them a chance, you’ll probably get hooked just as i did. i knew to a certain extent about how the novel was but nothing prepared me enough but i’m not complaining because it is genuinely so good. i’ll add a list of content warnings here that i got from the wiki page because i don’t want anyone to be ambushed by anything they’re not comfortable with reading: graphic violence, death and murder, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, suicide, body horror, dissociation, transphobia (this might be a deal breaker and it would be for me too as a nonbinary person but it’s not a major focus and happens a couple times throughout the story), cephalopods, tentacles (yes these are real content warnings on the wiki HAHAHA), and finally hospitals.

to all of you who actually read this far, thank you! you are a great person for reading through a random person on the internet go on and on about a webtoon and novel, hope you have an awesome day/night ahead of you! if you have any questions about things in the webtoon or novel, feel free to hit me up, i’m always down to have conversations about orv (none of my irls have read it but i will use this essay to convince one of them to give it a chance so wish me luck). anyway, peace out folks! :]