#this is like if burger was lost media and you thought it was gone forever but you found one photo of it from 2004

[animutate]

i was under the impression there was no photos or videos of this game AT ALL. do yuo understand how i feel right now.

[sad-sweet-cowboah]

The Beauty of a Friday Night

Summary: Arthur is becoming bored of being locked up in your house, and asks to go out.

Warnings: None, just fluff :)

“Hey.”

It was midafternoon on a Saturday, the sun shining bright and the TV on at a decent volume. You’d been focused on it, just a simple prime time show that wouldn’t have caught your interest otherwise if you weren’t so damn bored. Despite your interest, it failed to capture you completely as you’d been zoning in and out of it for the past fifteen minutes.

Arthur had been mostly quiet today, following your actions without much to say, up until that moment.

“Hmm?” you hummed, turning to look at him.

Artemis was curled in his lap as he lounged comfortably, his one hand idly stroking her soft fur as she contently purred. He met your gaze. “Can we go out?”

You blinked at the question. “Go out?” you repeated.

He nodded, shifting his attention down to Artemis. “It’s just…I’ve been here for weeks now, haven’t explored much aside from you takin’ me into town a couple of times, plus when I brought back that deer. And waitin’ on you to come home from work is startin’ to lose its charm.” He sighed. “S’like I was cooped up in camp after bein’ kidnapped by the O’Driscolls. I was startin’ to go nuts.”

Oh. You bit your lip in thought. The only way to keep him safe and secure was to keep him here, since he by all means should not and did not exist in this world. If you let him have free reign, there was no telling on what trouble he could get himself into. You knew how his temper could be on a delicate trigger from playing him, thankful that you were not on the receiving end of it yourself. You made him store his weapons, dress him the way you wanted, but you couldn’t change him completely. Thirty-odd years of nineteenth century customs were seared into his very being.

Yet you knew it wasn’t fair to him. Arthur wasn’t some house pet to keep locked up, despite him accepting it without much of an argument in the early days. He kept himself busy and entertained with the harmless activities in your house, to the point where he could pass off as a regular person. You often thought about allowing him to roam, yet immediately retracted the thought when a little voice told you that anything that could go wrong would go wrong.

That was the worst case scenario. If anything he’d just explore out of his mere curiosity, hitting up the bar for a couple of drinks, wander to the local burger joint for a meal, and find a random field to sketch the various plants and woodland creatures he’d come across, maybe even go to the stables at the edge of town and immerse himself with the horses. He was such a gentle man at heart, and you knew that he was more likely to get lost in the woods rather than cause trouble, but even then that was impossible after proving how excellent his path finding skills were.

“Y/N?”

He roused you from your train of thought, and you focused on him again. He had a look of innocent curiosity on his face, awaiting your answer. You decided right then and there. “Okay, let’s go out.”

After a quick shower and dressing yourself in a pretty blouse with some nice jeans, you led him to your car. You could see the excitement in his eyes as you began to drive off. He asked where exactly you were taking him, and you didn’t want to admit you were formulating a plan as you spoke. First, you’d take him to the local steakhouse.

It’d taken you about ten minutes to reach said restaurant, the day still bright and still somewhat early for dinner, yet the parking lot was moderately packed. You parked and brought him inside, hearing his chuckle of amusement as he examined the western-style décor that hung from the walls and ceiling. Photos and paintings of the Old West, mock portraits of wanted posters, longhorns, old wagon wheels and even a saddle here and there, the leather dull and worn with age.

You were quickly seated, menus placed in front of you. The smile on Arthur’s face quickly wiped away when he eyed the prices.

“Sixteen dollars for a steak?” he exclaimed. “What is it made of, diamond?”

“Sixteen dollars isn’t much of anything these days,” you explained, watching his brow furrow in confusion. “I know, that’s the economy for ya.”

He grumbled something too low for him to hear, his eyes scanning across the menu. “Christ…I ain’t even heard of some of these meals.”

“Stick to the simple stuff,” you instructed, reaching over to point. “Chicken’s easiest. You can get it in a salad or a quesadilla. Or just breaded strips with French fries, if you’d like.”

From the look on his face you could tell he had no idea what you were talking about. “Uh…why don’t you pick something for me?” he asked.

You couldn’t help but to giggle at his confusion, noting the slight pink that graced his cheeks. You should have taken him out more, which was apparent now. “A New York strip steak with a vegetable medley. Delicious.”

“Sounds fancy,” he said with a small chuckle. “But if you recommend it, I’ll give it a try.”

You smiled. You figured it’d be a night to spoil him a little with the fruits of the modern world. The waitress soon arrived and you placed your order, getting some soda for the both of you – two Cokes – and you had to explain that they did not actually contain any cocaine like it used to.

The two of you dipped on your bubbly drinks for a while, making casual conversation, Arthur occasionally asking a question. He appreciated the setting of the restaurant as it reminded him of his time, even if it was fake. It was beginning to feel normal, he seemed to fit right in here. Twenty minutes later your food arrived, and you saw Arthur’s eyes widen at the size of the portions.

You giggled at his reaction. Despite the meals he’s had at your house, nothing would prepare him for the mammoth helpings of restaurant food. Hell, it was probably the biggest meal he ever had in one sitting. You yourself had ordered a chicken quesadilla, beginning to help yourself to the sauces that accompanied your meal as Arthur just stared at his.

“Arthur?”

He blinked, glancing up to you. “Sorry, just…never seen anything so appetizin’ before. Wanted to admire it a bit.”

Something told you if he was from your time, he’d probably be one of those food buffs on Instagram. “Staring at it’s only half the fun. Try it,” You reached over to pour some steak sauce onto the slab of meat. “Especially with some of that.”

Arthur didn’t answer, instead picking up his silverware to cut a small piece off, placing is carefully in his mouth to chew. You watched as his thoughtful expression turned into that of a delight. He chewed slowly, as if savoring it before finally swallowing.

“Did you like it?”

“It’s one of the best things I ever tasted!”

The next half hour was spent watching Arthur in amusement as he marveled the meal in front of him, claiming that even the saloon in Saint Denis could make anything so tasty. He finished it all and even asked to taste your quesadilla, which he surprisingly enjoyed.

After finishing up at the restaurant, the two of you walked back outside. It was still fairly early, and you considered the other options in the area. There had been talk about a new movie that had come out. Arthur was certainly intrigued by them, knowing that in his time it was still a very new concept. He’d mentioned multiple times that “movies” in his day were just silent stills that were just minutes long. Media had come a long way, and he definitely appreciated it. He’d gone through about half of your DVD collection at home, completely encompassed by how vividly clear and smooth the films were.

You’d gone to the theater next, finding it a little more packed since it was a late Friday afternoon. After ordering some snacks, you settled yourself within the middle of the theater. As the movie progressed, you couldn’t help but notice the look of pure amazement seeing it on the colossal screen before the two of you. Eventually he began to grow comfortable, leaning back into his seat and casually stringing his arm around your shoulders, a smile playing at the edge of his lips as he occasionally munched on a piece of popcorn.

It was very tempting to tease him in the darkness of that theater, something you secretly have wanted to do for a while. Yet you decided to save it for another time to let him enjoy this experience, and for you to be captivated by the movie.

It seemed like forever when the movie ended, and the two of you left, stepping into the warm evening air, beautiful pastels painted across the sky as the sun hung low on the horizon. It wasn’t even night yet, and Arthur was eager to see where you’d take him next.

You got into the car, full of thought. Your mind couldn’t decide on one thing: take him to the mall, or maybe the bar. The bar he’d be familiar with; and probably would end up drinking himself silly. Oh, you could recall that fun mission you had him go on to get drunk in Valentine with Lenny, and it was a quick decision against it, at least for now.

As you began your drive, you aimlessly rode through town, thinking of what else to do. You saw signs for the park, and something in your mind clicked. You quickly looped around to find a parking spot, pulling in just at the edge. You stared out into the green fields, the trees and shrubs dark emerald against the hazy purple sky.

You stepped out and he followed suit, rounding to you as you took in a deep breath of fresh air. The park was a good place to lose time in, or even just to kill time. It was fairly large; at least a good thirty acres or so, with many walkways looping around a large pond, others disappearing into more woodsy areas.

“Where are we?” he asked, looking around curiously.

“The park,” you answered, and reached out to take his hand. “Come on.”

He followed you without hesitation as his fingers laced between yours. You led him toward the entrance, wandering into the green landscape as the air filled with the peaceful sounds of crickets. Neither of you said anything; it seemed as if Arthur was enjoying the scenery as much as you were.

There were others around, some people walking their dogs, joggers, and even a handful of couples chattering amongst themselves as they passed by the two of you. You found yourselves walking alongside the pond, the water shining under the golden lamps that lit the path before you. A fountain placed in the middle disturbed its glassy surface. A pair of swans floated together nearby the shore. It seemed to be a textbook romantic moment, the atmosphere perfect.

“This is…pretty nice,” he murmured to you, his eyes on you as you met his even gaze. “So quiet out here. Reminds me of the nights I’d go off by myself, campin’ under the stars.”

“There’s a hill out here that’s perfect for stargazing, if you wanna come see it.” You responded.

He beamed. “Lead the way.”

He didn’t have to say anything else as you quickened your pace, almost pulling him towards a more covered area of the park. The sky darkened above you as you disappeared underneath a thick canopy of maple and oak, although you knew the path by heart. It’d only taken a moment or so that you’d emerge on the other side, navigating down another path. He remained quiet behind you, his patience only a thin veil over his growing excitement as he followed.

It’d been only a five minute journey when a grassy knoll made its appearance. Thankfully no one else was around, meaning you had the area to yourselves as you tugged him toward the top. There were no trees surrounding, thus leaving the sky in a complete view. The sun had long since disappeared into the horizon, the last pastels of light dying slowly to make way for the stretch of indigo. Stars twinkled faintly one by one above you.

You bent down to sit in the soft grass, and Arthur followed suit, sitting in an all too familiar position to drape his arm across his propped knee lazily, leaning back to stare into the sky, like a child lost in splendor. The smile on his face made your heart flutter.

Once again, no words were exchanged. Between the beauty of the night and the presence of this wonderful man, words weren’t needed. You were glad to have done this, and everything beforehand. A small part of you wished you’d done it sooner, to have Arthur fully enjoy the modern world whilst reminiscing about his own. Now you knew what to do on Friday nights.

You remained for a while, watching as the bright stars formed their respective constellations. You were thankful it was a clear night; not a cloud to obscure the view. The full moon was bright, bathing the two of you in a silvery light.

He turned to look at you, the smile never leaving his face. He reached for your hand, wrapping his thick fingers around your palm. His warm grip was comforting and soft. “Y/N…” he began quietly.

“Yes, Arthur?”

He didn’t reply, only leaning toward you. Meeting him halfway, your lips eagerly resting against his. The kiss was as soft as his touch, his other hand making its way to your chin to hold you there. A long moment passed before he pulled back only an inch to whisper, “Thank you.”

[heartthrobcityimagine]

can i please have a noah x reader where he notices that she's getting skinnier and looking very tired, sleeping in anywhere she can have a sit, and then he finds that she's doing a crazy diet because she wants to look as perfect as those incredible models who's really skinny and hot? Thank you so much, honey 💜

                                               Perfectly You

Warning: Eating issues, triggers. Mild Language. :) 

A/N: Hope you like it :) Requests are still open!

_______________________________________

  6…. 6 in the afternoon when Noah came home to find you fast asleep on the couch, curled up in your favorite throw, the tv playing the end of Peter Pan.  This was the 3rd afternoon in a row that he had come home to find you passed out on the couch. He softly laid his keys down on the counter and sit in the chair across from you, a soft smile on his face. He loved the way your nose would scrunch when something happened in your dreams that obviously had not gone your way. He loved the small sighs that would escape your mouth as you shifted around to find another comfortable position. 

The smile on his face fades in to a frown as he studies you. He notices how your cheekbones are more prominent, cheeks slightly hollow. How your once fitted t-shirt loosely hangs off your shoulder, showing your now exposed collarbones. His head tilts to the side, how he had not noticed this before? He sees you every single day, his heart starts to race as he began to worry. 

A soft hand makes its way through your hair, softly landing on your cheek. Your eyes flutter open to see noah kneeling in front of you with sad eyes. Your eyebrows crease in confusion. 

“ Baby, are you okay?” He says softly. Your confusion grows as his thumb caresses your cheek. 

“ Yeah babe, I’m fine. How come?” You ask slowly sitting up.  

He slides beside you turning your face to him. His finger graze the side of your face, across your collarbones and down your sides. He could feel your ribs starting to surface. Tears spring to his eyes. 

“Baby, I don’t…. What’s going on, you’ve lost a lot of weight.“ 

You scoff, ” Noah I told you I wanted to lose weight for our vacation.“  

You had told Noah a month or so ago that you wanted to shed a few extra pounds before your vacation next month, he had of course reassured you that you were perfect and beautiful just the way you are. You had just rolled your eyes and ignored him. You were a healthy weight for your height and according to Noah he didn’t care if you were 100 pounds or 500, he didn’t care, weight wasn’t something he focused on. But,  the constant fear of not being skinny or pretty enough still plagued your mind. You had started a new diet that you were taking way too far, you had lost 20 pounds already but not in a healthy way. You had cut out all carbs, meats, fast foods. For the past month and half all you had basically lived off vegetables and fruits, barely eating throughout the day. At the beginning you had only wanted to lose 5-10 pounds, but as you started losing the better you thought you looked and it kind of just spiraled from there.  Occasionally you would eat dinner with Noah. He would poke fun at your salads, telling you how good his burger or steak was and try to get you take a bite. He didn’t understand, he couldn’t. The immense pressure you felt to look better. His career had taken off in the past few months thanks to his newest Netflix movies and of course that meant more movie offers being surrounded by gorgeous actresses and models, how could you even compete?

” Yeah babe, but, you’ve lost a lot of weight. You didn’t need to lose any to begin with I told you…“ 

"Yeah Noah, I know you told me okay? You always tell me. But please, fucking tell me how I’m supposed to compete with these damn barbie look a like girls that are flocking to you by the thousands. Not to mention the gorgeous women you work with daily. Please Noah, Please fucking tell me how.” Your voice raises an octave. 

“ Woah, woah woah, baby, calm down, I get it okay. I’m sorry you’re feeling this way, why didn’t you just tell me?" 

Tears leave your eyes and flow down your face. 

” I’m never going to be thin enough or pretty enough. I can not keep up with all of these women Noah.“ 

” Oh baby, please, don’t cry.“ His thumb tries to wipe the tears flowing freely down your face. 

"Baby, listen to me. I don’t care who I work with, who follows me on social media, who asks for my autograph. I don’t care if they’re skinny, bigger, whatever. They don’t matter to me. They’re not who I get to come home to every single night. I want you to be you. To be healthy and happy with me just the way you are." 

You give him a small smile, your tears slowly coming to a stop. He wipes them off your cheeks and brings his head down close to yours. 

He connects his lips with yours, pouring every ounce of love and reassurance into his kiss making your heart swell. There were not enough words in the english language to describe how much you loved this man.  You slowly pull away. 

” I love you so much Noah, I’m sorry.“ 

” You have nothing to be sorry for. I love you too, every single inch, you don’t have to ever worry about anyone else baby, you’re the one I’ll forever be coming home too.“ He says, leaning down to capture your lips in another long and loving kiss.

=============================================================

I don’t know how I feel about this..too much fluff? I don’t know. Hope it was alright!

[fatrainbowmermaidunicorn]

Stay ( Jungkook x You ONESHOT)

Thankyou for this request anon! Sorry it took forever to get it done, and sorry its long (10k). But I hope you enjoy it <3 And requests are still open eventhough Im a bit slow these days. Sorry about that!

A/N: So I am currently writing a lot of stories based on cheating and it got me wondering, at what level should someone who cheats be forgiven? And at what level they shouldnt be? What are your thoughts on this? Should you forgive your partner who is cheating on you? Does the reason that leads them to cheat matter? Share with me your thoughts!

MASTERLIST 

"I guess all those rumors were true," was all Y/N could managed to say while her eyes locked on Jungkook's brown ones. The eyes that used to look at her with love and adoration, now is filled with sympathy, and maybe, just maybe, a little guilt.

Rumors regarding Jungkook and another uprising girl group member has been going around for months, and being the doting girlfriend that she is, Y/N decides to trust Jungkook when he told her those were all rumors, a normal occurance for an idol like him, whenever she asks him about it. They have been together for almost six years, trusting him is just something she is so used to, and that's exactly what she did, without even a doubt in her mind.

But now...

Y/N went over to his dressing room during one of his music show although its not something that she usually do since no one other than the members and only some of the makeup artists and stylist knew about her existance as Jungkook's girlfriend. Its been six years but Jungkook still insisted to keep their relationship a secret, saying its for the sake of his career and his fans, but now she finally know the real reason why.

Jungkook left his wallet and phone that day, and after calling Jimin to asks their whereabouts, he told her that Jungkook always goes early to the venue whenever they have a show, and she should go straight there to see him. Went there she did, only to find her beloved boyfriend being straddled by the same rumored girl idol, skirt hitched up to her waist, her clothing scattered all over the floor, leaving her topless and panting on an equally shirtless Jungkook whose mouth is busy kissing her bare chest.

What's worse than seeing this is the fact that Jungkook calmly picks up her blouse that is on the floor to help her cover up, while she still stays on his lap, not even a slight remorse or guilt can be seen on his face.

"Hey babe, can you leave us alone for a while?" He turned to the girl who smile at him as she puts on her bloise and nodded. She leaned in to give him a peck on the lips, making Y/N closes her eyes as she feels her heart break into tinier pieces. The girl smirked at her as she passes by.

Jungkook sighed as he bends to pick up his own shirt and start buttoning up.

"I'm sorry you have to find out this way. Its not my intention,"

Y/N is speechless. How can the man who she had loved for the whole six years, and who she thought loves her back, be this cold and emotionless.

"I wanted to tell you soon. I just couldnt find the right time for it. But now you know," he stood up and look straight into her teary eyes. Y/N has lost all strength to yelled at him, or hit him or to just do anything. Jungkook doesnt seem to regret any of it, so whats the point for her to try scream and shout over it?

But still, there's something her broken heart needs to know.

"W-why? What did I do to make you stop loving me?"

Jungkook sighed and ran his hand through his hair before his eyes flickered back to her.

"Its nothing really. I just fall out of love," he said simply. Y/N's shoulders shakes as she tries her best to muffle her sobs when she hears his confession. Its been six long years, yes, but her love for him just gets stronger through every obstacle that they faced. She didnt think he would think the opposite. "Everything has becomes a routine for us. I want something new Y/N. I want adventures and fun. You... you just dont interest me anymore," his last sentence ends up in a whisper as the last effort to not hurt her.

Y/N cant stop her tears from flowing freely down her face anymore. She nodded weakly at Jungkook's emotionless face. She didnt know what to say. She didnt know what she should say.

"I'm sorry for thinking my love for you is enough," she whispered between choked sobs. "I love you Jungkook," Jungkook just stayed quiet as he looks at he hurt etched across the fcae of the woman he had loved for so long. "Just... just give me two days to clear up my things from the apartment... and... and I will be gone from your life,"

"Okay," he nodded before lowering his gaze. He thought he is going to be okay with this but it still hurts him to see Y/N cry. "I will give you the space you need and stay over at the dorm,"

Y/N looked over her shoulders one more time to the face that she loves and hate at the same time before exiting the now cold room. "Be happy Jungkook,"

/////

With non stop tears running down her face, Y/N threw her things inside the cardboard boxes that littered the whole apartment. It kills her to packed up every little memory she had build with Jungkook. Every single thing in the apartment reminds her of him, happy memories with him kept on replaying in her mind. The TV that she has turned on to keep her mind distracted while she packs start to play an entertainment news, and with her rotten luck, it showed a picture of Jungkook with the same girl from yesterday, now known as Yurin, finally announcing that they are officially dating.

Y/N felt her heart stops. It havent even been a day since she found out and Jungkook has already made a move. Six years their relationship was kept in the dark, always telling her he is not allowed to date and it people found out it would hurt his career. Six years of allowing herself to be fooled, always thinking and putting him first. Six years together, she had done everything with him and for him to just throw it all away... Y/N collapsed on the floor, hugging her knees to her chest as she buried her face and cry.

You can do this Y/N. You can be strong. You can let go.

After being curled up in a ball for almost an hour, she finally stood up with new determination and start to throw away every memory she had with him, picture frames, polaroids, tshirts, plushies, gifts from him, everything, into a pile as she packed up her things in a faster pace.

No more. No more Jeon Jungkook.

/////

Y/N smile as she look around the almost empty apartment. With her things gone, it looks almost unoccupied since Jungkook kept most of his things at the dorm. The movers has already brought down all her packed items and Y/N look around one last time, a small smile graced her face, along with a single tear that she quickly wiped away as she remembers for one last time the memory when she first moved in here with Jungkook. How happy they were back then.

Its over now. He has somebody new to make memories with. He dont love you anymore Y/N. Its over.

Its time for a new beginning. Y/N whispered to herself as she looks down at her flight ticket and the acceptance letter that she almost rejected at first because of Jungkook.

A new beginning without Jeon Jungkook.

/////

Jungkook lay down on his bed, tossing his phone around, something feels unsettled in his chest, when it dings, indicating a text from Yurin just came in.

"Another party Yurin? Really?" Jungkook sighed. Yurin is an uprising idol who is labelled as the IT party girl. For the weeks he had cheated with her behind Y/N's back, Jungkook felt alive. Going out to new restaurants, clubs and attending exclusive parties with a beautiful girl on his arms, but he's sick of it now.

Yurin loves showing whatever she does to the public. Its only been a day since they went public and she already showed millions of intimate moments of their relationship to the world. Private selfies, voice clips that Jungkook sang to her at nights, cute videos of their dates, everything. Jungkook knows his life as an idol was never going to be kept private anyway, but cant he just have a private moment with his girlfriend? Just cuddling and talking all night until the sun rises without it being posted on social media the next day?

Yes, Yurin is something fresh. Something new. Adventures and fun. But he didnt want that. He didnt want parties every weekends. He didnt want new suits and dresses everyday, just to attend another snobbish event. He didnt want rough nights together between the sheets but ended up sleeping with their backs facing each other. Those wasnt adventures.

Adventures are hiking up the hill at 4 am just to watch the sunrise together. Cooking home made meals that they never tried before together instead of dressing up and eating at these fine dining places that doesnt even taste good. Wasting his free day watching back to back superhero marathons, cuddled up in blankets, limbs tangling with each other. Passionate nights together that leads to pillowtalk, exploring their dreams and fears with one another. Dancing and singing to old pop songs while trying to clean the apartment but ended up only making it messier. Running around in the rain instead of waiting it out, only to be sick the next day. Sneaking out together to some run down diner in the middle of the night, meeting up with his hyungs, eating multiple burgers and ice cream, laughing the night away, only to work extra hard the next day to burn it all off.

Jungkook blinked as he realizes, those are the things he miss.

Those are things he used to do with Y/N.

He said he wanted new things. He wanted adventures. Something fun. That is what he said to Y/N when she asks him why. That is what he thought he wanted in Yurin. But Jungkook never realized that Y/N is everything he had ever wanted. She is the combination of familiarity and new memories. She is new experiences and familiar warmth.

Y/N is his home.

"What the fuck am I doing? What the fuck did I do to Y/N?!" Jungkook yelled to himself, surprising Jimin who passed by his room. "I need to go. I need to talk to her before its too late!" He grabbed his jacket and ran out, leaving a puzzled Jimin who didnt get a chance to ask him anything.

With panting breath Jungkook slammed the door opened only to be greeted with a cold and empty apartment. It doesnt smell like home. It doesnt feel like home. Not anymore. He stood in the middle of the empty apartment, realizing he's too late and Y/N is no longer here.

Jungkook noticed every single thing that is different. How the coffee table is no longer littered with her books, how there are no more fresh flowers in the vase beside the window, empty walls that's used to be filled with pictures of them, the smell of home cooked food that usually fills the air the moment he open the door, her favorite cartoon character cups in the kitchen shelf, the magnets that littered the fridge which she always bought when they went travelling together... everything is gone. And Jungkook has never felt more lonely.

He didnt know where else to go, so he ran to the only place he could think off; her office. The receptionist was shocked when she recognized who he is, but he doesnt care. If Y/N takes him back, he will tell everybody that will listen that they are together. That he loves her. That he's never going to let her go ever again.

"L/N Y/N. I need to see her," Jungkook asks still panting. The still shocked receptionist scrolled on her computer and after a few seconds, she looks up at him.

"Im sorry sir. There is no one that works here under that name," Jungkook furrowed his brows. He is pretty sure this is where Y/N works. He himself has dropped her here a few times before.

"Are you sure? This is XXX Enterprise right? Is there another one?" The receptionist shakes her head.

"No. This is the only one,"

"Then she must be here!" Jungkook slammed his clenched fist on the counter, making the receptionist jumped. "I need to see L/N Y/N!"

"But Sir. I.. I-"

"Did you say L/N Y/N?" Their conversation was interrupted by a girl who just came down from the building. Jungkook immediately rushed to her.

"Yes. Do you know her? Can you take me to see her?"

"I do know her but... I'm sorry. Y/N doesnt work here anymore. She quit with a 24 hours notice yesterday. I heard she moved somewhere out of the country," the girl explained, giving him a sad smile before walking away. Jungkook felt his knees wobbled as he hold on to the wall. It cant be true. It just cant be.What has he done? Did he really make her ran out of the country?

Where did you go baby? Please come back to me. Please stay. Please.

Jungkook walked out from the building, steps unpurposeful and defeated and unknowingly his feet brought him back to their shared apartment.

He was about to slumped himself on the sofa and just drowned in self pity when his eyes caught a box in the corner of the room. He walked over and saw its a box filled with their memories together

Did Y/N forget to bring this with her? Or did she intended to throw it out but forgot?

Jungkook sit cross legged in front of the box and start to take out the things inside. He automatically smile as his hand touched the first item. His white tshirt. Y/N loves to sleep in those. She says its comfortable and it smells like him, it helps her sleep better on the nights when he is away on tour. He sniffed the shirt and her scent start to filled his nose. He inhale and close his eyes as he starts to feel an ache inside his heart. He continues to rummaged through and found plushies he had won her on their first date from the claw machine, picture frames of them, the bracelet he bought her on their first anniversary. Every inch of their memory, Y/N has discarded and left it behind. The thought hurts him so much he feels suffocated.

The last item that is shoved to the bottom of the box is a scrap book that Y/N made for their six years anniversary. Its filled with pictures and momentos dated back from their very first date to their last one, which is almost months ago, making Jungkook realized how long he has been neglecting her. And yet, she had never once complained.

He flipped through the pages and saw pictures of him and his group winning awards, photos of their performances. Events that he never allow Y/N to attend under the false pretense that he is not allowed to date. Y/N never asks why, never once argued or demand anything from their relationship. Quietly watching her own boyfriend from behind a screen instead of being there with him celebrating.

Jungkook sighed and placed the scrap book down. Y/N never questioned any of his move. She trusts him and he broke that trust. For six years, all she wanted was for him to be happy. She's always there when Jungkook is stressed out over work, releasing his anger on her instead, but she always takes it with a smile. She's there when he's sick, always attending to him, making sure he and his group mates have enough to eat, bringing them lunchboxes during practice. Its not a question that his hyungs adores her. She's always considerate, understanding and consistantly asking what Jungkook needs and want.Even on the verge of breaking up, she didnt make a scene, agreeing quietly, respecting Jungkook's decision to stop loving her.

After six years, Jungkook only now realized he had never once asks her how she's doing. If school and work is hard on her, if she has a problem, if she's sick. Never once has he told her that she's already a perfect girlfruend for him and he loves her just for who she is. Jungkook starts to shake as his body try to hold in the hurt and tears he's feeling. The memory of her starts to haunt every inch of him, making him collapsed to the floor.

Where are you Y/N? Please come back to me. I need to tell you Im sorry. I need to tell you I love you. Come back. Please come back.  Jungkook whispered repeatedly as he finally fall asleep with the shirt that still smell like her clutch tightly in his grasp.

/////

Jungkook immediately went to see Yurin the next day, explaning that their whole relationship is a mistake, consumed with lust and not love. He had expected her wrath but to his surprised, she was calm and agreed to his request to break up. Her only request is to wait a month before officially announcing it as it would damage her image if the news came out only a day after going public.

Months passed by and the two of them still maintained a great friendship, hanging out and still contacting one another. If only Y/N is back in his arms, then everything would be perfect.

"Good job everyone, see you tomorrow!" The cheographer clapped his hands, indicating the end of their practice for the day. Jungkook slide himself down on the floor and take out his phone as he gulped down from his water bottle. He scrolled through the pictures of him and Y/N and smile to himself.

"What's up with you? Do you have like a secret girlfriemd or something?" Jin elbowed him as he slide down beside him and take a swift of water. Jungkook just smile at his hyung. Without anybody's knowledge, Jungkook tried to find her everyday since she left, texting and calling her number, but never once received a reply. But it gives him hope when no one ever text him back saying he got the wrong number or the number is no longer in used. He is sure its still Y/N's and she is just ignoring him.

"Seriously, are you keeping something from us?" Jimin pouts.

He looked up at Jimin, almost opening his mouth and stop when he remembers that nobody knows the truth except for Taehyung. Jungkook came back to an empty dorm the next day with tears still evident on his face, only to be found by Taehyung who is actually sleeping and decided to stay home. Emotionally hurt and unstable, Jungkook let out everything to his hyung and makes Taehyung promise to never tell anyone about it.

"I-"

"Okay guys. Go shower. We have a meeting about the new variety show in 30," Namjoon announced making the boys groaned.

Freshly showered, the seven boys dragged their tired feet to the meeting room which is already filled with the production team and their own management team. Seating himself in the corner, Jungkook slumped down on his chair, tired. He dont really participate in these meetings anyways so maybe he can just dozed off. Namjoon and Jin can always fill him up later. After a while his manager clapped his hands.

"Okay. Its settled then. Take a look around guys, these are the faces you are going to be working with for the next one year or so," he told the room and everyone start to smile and busy themselves to look around, making themselves familiar with their new colleagues. Jungkook straighten up and scanned around the room too before his eyes fall on a girl seated way back on the opposite side, her hair and cap pulled low to cover her face. Jungkook continues to stare as there's just something familiar about her, but it seems she's trying hard to avoid looking at him or his hyungs.

Maybe she's a fan and she's starstruck?

To his luck, someone went over to greet her, and having no other choice, the girl raised her head to smile and greet the person back, revealing her face, making Jungkook's heart beat faster and eyes turned wide.

"Wait...Y/N?"

/////

Ahhh shit. Why do my first project has to involved Bangtan? Why does life hate me so much?

Y/N cursed herself as she walked alongside her team into the meeting room. After a year of studying abroad in broadcasting and production, she finally came back and was immediately hired by one of the big company in the field. Impressed by her skill, she was immediately assigned to her first project, which is an ongoing variety show which will take up to a year or more. Y/N is excited until she read the project paper and realized with who she will be working with.

Very soon after her departure, she starts to receive daily calls and texts from Jungkook. Texts that says he miss her and he loves her, asking for forgiveness. She ignored each and every one of it. Her heart almost gives in at first, but when she remembers the image of Jungkook and Yurin, the memory of how he told her he dont love her anymore, her heart starts to harden again. She still remembers the lain and its never going away.

Y/N thought she was doing well in hiding herself. None of the boys seems to recognized her. Until the manager asks them to look around and she saw Jungkook's curious eyes keeps on staring at her. She pulled her cap low, hoping she can make it until the meeting ends. She almost made it when one of the senior calls out to her and she has no other choice but to look up, and that's when she heard it.

"Wait...Y/N?"

Y/N ignores it. Hoping Jungkook would think he got the wrong person if she just stayed quiet. But the relentless boy stood up and walked closer, giving her no other place to hide.

"Y/N? Y/N, its really you!" You take a deep breath and turned to face him. It would be weird if you didnt since Jungkook is calling your name in the middle of a crowded meeting room. Still, you thank god the room is noisy with people greeting each other so no one is really focusing on the two of you. You turned, only to be faced with Jungkook smiling wide at you, bunny teeth showing and all, the smile so wide it stretch across his face. He took a step closer and reached out for your hand but you flinched away.

"Im not dreaming am I?" He asks more to himself rather than to you. "Y/N... its you. It really is you..." his voice coming out almost a whisper, she can see his eyes glisten. You look around, hoping something will save you from this awkward situation.

"He... hello, Jungkook-ssi,"

Jungkook's brows furrowed, confused. "Y/N. Its me. Why are you-"

"Okay, that's it for today! We shall meet again on the first day of recording. Thankyou everyone!" Someone said above the noise and everybody start to exit the room, Y/N being the first to grabbed her things and ran, leaving Jungkook standing there alone.

"Hey Kook. You okay?" Taehyung patted his back, confused by the maknae's weird behavior.

"She's back hyung. Y/N's back," he whispered, eyes still locked on the door.

"What?"

"Y/N is back. And I'm going to make her mine again,"

/////

"Okay, so let me get this straight," Namjoon huffed. "You cheated on Y/N with Yurin. Then she found out, and then you say all these nasty things to her. Y/N moved to another country before your stupid ass can figured out that you actually love her and made a mistake. And again your stupid ass have been pining on her since then, and now a year later she's back as a part of the production team and you want her back?"

Jungkook nodded eagerly, disregarding all the insults thrown at him. Namjoon give the back of his head a hard smack.

"Owh hyung!"

"You deserve it you idiot!" Namjoon snarled. "How can you do that?"

"Yes. You do. You do deserve it. In fact, give him another smack Joon," Jin said as he continue to eat his food from the takeout box. All seven of them are now gathered around the living room, eating their takeout after the meeting when Jungkook, after being coaxed by Taehyung, decides to tell everything to his hyungs. Its better if they know anyway. Namjoon land another smack on the side of his head as per Jin's request.

"Oww hyung. That really hurts!" Jungkook groaned as he rubbed his head.

"Good. It should hurt. Its nothing compared to the hurt Y/N felt. Why would she loves an idiot like you I will never know," Jungkook lowered his gaze.

"I know I hurt her hyung. But I was stupid," he mumbled. "I'm still stupid. But... I want her back. Please help me. I have waited for a year to see her again. Now she's right here. I will die if I lose her again," Jungkook begged. Yoongi rolled his eyes.

"Oh stop being so dramatic! This happened because of your own stupidity anyway,"

Taehyung chuckle while Jungkook pouts. "I think he really will hyung. I have known about this for almost a year now and he does look like he is dying sometimes," Taehyung backed him up.

"Yoongi hyung is just pissed because he likes Y/N. We all like Y/N. She's great! He is still angry at Kook for breaking up with her," Jimin helps to explain something that everybody already knew.

"Of course I am. She the only one who understand the importance of sleep when you imbecile starts to make ridiculous amount of noise and she feeds me too. Jungkook is an asshole," he growled, making Jungkook ducked his head. Its no secret that Yoongi adores Y/N. She is the only girl he has ever brought to his studio and even share some of his unfinished songs. His hyung adoration towards his girlfriend sometimes ignites his own jealousy. Yoongi is extremely pissed off when Jungkook dumped her for Yurin, but now that he know he actually cheated on her... he's fuming. "I should have just dated her instead," he added, although teasingly, but it makes Jungkook tense up.

"Hyung, no! Y/N is mine!"

"No she's not yours idiot," Jin stood up and gave him another smack in the head. "At least not anymore," Jungkook grumbled as he rubbed his head again as he decides to ignore what Jin said.

"So are you all going to help me?"

"Of course we are! We like Y/N," Hoseok cheerfully answered.

"But Jungkook, remember. We want her to be happy. If she decides she doesnt want to be with you anymore, then promise us that you will let her go," Namjoon warned sternly.

"But hyung..."

"Promise us,".

Jungkook ponders for a while. Letting her go? How can he ever do that? But Namjoon is right. Y/N deserves to be happy and if Jungkook is not what makes her happy, the right thing should be letting her go.

"Okay... I promise,"

/////

"Damn maknae, can you at least pretend that you are interested in the show?" Namjoon hissed at Jungkook, making the latter smile sheepishly and concerntrate to what the PD is explaning about the game they are going to play. How can he focus on some silly game when Y/N is right in front of him? Although she's trying to hide herself between the cameras and crew, Jungkook's eyes followed her like a radar. Its only the first day and he already cant control the urged to grab her and hug her tight. How is he going to make it through the whole year if Y/N decides she doesnt want him back?

"Hey Y/N," Jungkook smile at her, flashing his bunny teeth and turned to the crew she is talking to. "Can you excuse us for a while?" The crew bowed and leave, finally giving him a chance to talk to her alone.

"Hi Y/N," he tries again, still smiling. God, why am I smiling so much? Why do I sound like a love struck teenager? Jungkook scold himself and clear his throat to look cool. Y/N bowed and gave him a small smile.

"Hello Jungkook-ssi," Jungkook's smile dissappeared into a frown at her reply.

"Dont call me that. Dont act like you dont know me," his warm brown eyes looks sad as he stares into hers. "Please..."

"Im not doing anything," Y/N shakes her head. "We are just colleagues now Jungkook-ssi, I think its proper for us to keep our formalities," Jungkook sighed.

"Fine. Then can we be friends?"

"Its too early for that. We just got to know each other again," Y/N smile, making Jungkook's heart skipped a beat.

"Okay. Then I will make sure we will become friends," he smiled back. He is thankful enough that Y/N is atleast willing to talk to him after the shit he has done. "How are you? Im glad you are back," he said slowly. "I really miss you..." his voice is barely above a whisper.

"Erm, I..." Y/N felt awkward. She really didnt know what to say. Despite the way Jungkook broke things off with her, and how he cheated on her, Y/N doesnt hate him. Instead, she blames herself everyday for making Jungkook stop loving her. She told herself that she should have take care of her appearance more, be more interesting, more fun, anything. "Im doing fine,"

"Y/N...listen. I didnt get the chance to tell you before. The moment I found out you left I went to find you Y/N,  but I was too late..." Jungkook lowered his gaze. "I'm sorry. Im sorry for everything. Im sorry for-"

"Its okay!" She cut him off in a rush. She really didnt want to talk about it. She doesnt want to remember the pain she felt when Jungkook said he dont love her anymore. Her still healing heart might just break again. "Its not your fault. People fall out of love all the time. Things that happened are in the past. Lets just keep it there,"

Jungkook is surprised at the hurt he's feeling. What does she means by its not his fault? Its no one's fault but his! "But Y/N, I-"

"Kookie!" Jungkook saw Y/N's eyes widen as she looks over his shoulder at the sound that is currently calling his name.

"Oh hey! I'm Yurin," the girl flashed her a smile. Oh Y/N knows alright. She will never forget the face she found kissing and doing more intimate things with her boyfriend a year ago.

"H..hi. I'm Y/N," Jungkook chewed on his lower lips, guilt and panic all over his face.

"Oh sounds familiar. But anyway, nice to meet you!" Yurin greet cheerfully and turned to Jungkook. "Oh Kookie, I wanted to tell you that my group is joining this variety too! We are doing it together! Isnt that great?"

"Wh..what?" Jungkook flickered his gaze from Yurin to Y/N. Y/N averted her eyes as she looks down. Its all too much. The way she held his arm. The way she calls him. The way she talks to him. Its all too much.

"I...I better get going. See you Jungkook-ssi,"

"Y/N, wait! I-" He couldnt finished his sentence before she has hurried away.  He sighed in frustration as his eyes followed Y/N who is stopped by Taehyung and Yoongi who finally has the chance to greet her. He saw how Taehyung hug her tight and lifted her up, swinging her petite body around in glee and Yoongi swooped in and gave her another tight hug, burying his head in her hair, that lasted a little too long for Jungkook's liking. Taehyung then stilole her away again and kissed her forehead. Jungkook turned back to Yurin who is still happily telling him the news and excuse himself.

Why does Yurin has to appear right now?

/////

Jungkook looks out the window as the van take them to their next venue for the shoot. Its the second day of shooting, and Jungkook is excited to see Y/N again. Its only been a few days and he miss her already. He's going crazy thinking of ways to get her back. But what bothers him most is what Y/N told him.

Its not your fault. People fall out of love all the time.

What does she meant by that? How is everything that happened not his fault? Does she really believes that he didnt love her anymore? How can she still be so forgiving and pure after everything he did and say to her in the midst of their breakup?

Jungkook mainly stare at her during the whole shoot and he almost cried out in frustration when its over and he still didnt have a chance to talk to her. That is until Taehyung happily told them that he managed to coaxed Y/N to join them for dinner. Despite being happy that he can get some time with her, Jungkook still feel a little jealousy seeping in when he thinks how Y/N easily agrees to Taehyung request. He calmed himself, trying to remember that Y/N and Taehyung has always been close even before she is in an official relationship with him.

Its okay. They are just very close friends. Very close friends.

Jungkook sat opposite from her, right at the end of the table, at the restaurant while Taehyung sat on her right. He keeps on looking at her as he placed pieces of grilled meat and side dishes on her plate without saying anything. She didnt say anything either, as she slowly eats whatever Jungkook placed in her plate while she softly talks and laugh with Taehyung.

"Thankyou for dinner. It was nice spending time with all of you again," she smiled at them. The truth is, she miss them so much when she was away.

"Then you should come and hang out at our dorm again. Just like before!" Jimin suggested.

"Yeah. You can be on my team when we play video games. Chim and Kookie is always ganging up on me!" Taehyung pouts. Y/N laughs and pinched his cheeks.

"Aish, you are so cute Tae. I really miss you,"

"Hear that? Y/N miss me!" He squeals at the other members making them rolled their eyes. Jungkook who is watching the whole scene start to feel the same sense of jealousy seeping through again.

Why is she calling him Tae? Why is she telling him she miss him? Why is she touching him? Is something going on with them? Jungkook cant stop all these negative thoughts from running through his mind.

"So I will get going now," Y/N motioned to the opposite way of the road. Hoseok and Jin starts to nudge Jungkook with their elbow.

"What?" He hissed. They motioned to Y/N with their eyes.

"Gosh, you are so stupid," Jin hissed back. It took a while for Jungkook to finally understand what they meant.

"Oh!" He quickly ran after Y/N. "Y/N, let me walk you home," he said between pants as he fall in steps beside her.

"Oh. Its okay Jungkook-ssi. Im used to it. The air is nice and I dont live that far from here," she smile, declining the offer.

"No. I insist. How can I let you walk home alone Y/N. You know I always worry about you," his voice turned soft as he looks at her. Y/N kept quiet as the memories came back. Its true. Through the six years they were together, Jungkook always worry about her safety. He always makes sure that she never walks alone. On nights when he is busy, he will make sure to call her a cab or an uber and check on her the minute she arrived to her destination.

"Y/N...I'm sorry," his soft voice broke through her thoughts. "I want to tell you again and again that I'm sorry. I am so so sorry for everything I did," Y/N shakes her head.

"No. Its okay. We dont have to talk about it. Its-"

"No!" Jungkook raised his voice, startling her. "Its not okay. Me cheating on you is not okay! The things I said to you that day... its not okay. Everything I did to you is not okay. Scream at me Y/N. Hit me, hate me. Do anything. I will take it all. I deserve it all," he said as she took both of her hands in his, stopping them in their tracks. "Do something. Dont pretend that I didnt hurt you... I know I did... and I'm stupid for doing it," Y/N finally hear the regret and pain in his voice, something she didnt witness when he broke up with her, making her heart ache.

"Yes Jungkook," her voice suddenly broke the silence. "It hurts so much. Is that what you wanted to hear? It hurts so much, I feel like dying," Y/N speaks up, making Jungkook's head snapped up to her face. "A part of me died when you say that you dont love me anymore. Especially when I cant think of anything else but loving you," tears starts to spilled down her cheeks. "But I know I'm the one to blame. I was too comfortable with our relationship, I let it die. I stop doing things that interest you... and its fine. You deserve better. You always do," she looked to his eyes with her teary ones.

Jungkook shakes his head as he held her hands tighter. Is that what Y/N thought all this while? She blamed herself?

God, what have I done to you baby?

"Y/N. Its nothing like that," he whispered softly. His own tears threatened to fall but he blinked them back. "I thought I wanted something new, but I was wrong. You are everything that I have always wanted  I have everything I need in you but I threw it all away. I'm sorry for making you doubt yourself. I'm sorry for hurting you. I'm sorry. I'm just so so sorry for everything," Jungkook exhale. "I have never stop loving you Y/N. Im sorry for what I said. I love you Y/N. I have waited for so long for you to come back. I have waited for so long to show you again how much I love you,"

Y/N is shocked by his confession.

"Y/N, I promise to shower you with everything that you deserve. I know I dont deserve you, but please... please give me a chance to make up for my mistake,"

Y/N shrugged off her hands from Jungkook's hold, making him startled. "No! Im sorry, but I cant Jungkook," her voice shakes from too much sadness. "You cant do this to me again. It hurts so much the first time. I tried everything just to get over you. You cant just come back in my life just so you can shatter by heart to pieces again. Im sorry, but I cant Jungkook," Y/N choked out between sobs as she start to turn around to run away but Jungkook was faster, grabbing her hands.

"Let me go... please,"

"I will. But you have to listen to me first!" Jungkook cried in desperation. "I know. I know I dont deserve you, I know that Y/N. But as much as I know that, I also know that I simply cant live without you. I love you too much. Losing you... it hurts. It hurts more than anything I have ever felt," he peeks into her eyes, making her look at him. "But I promise you this. You can run from me Y/N. You can leave and ran away. But I will chase after you. I wont stop chasing you, wherever you go, I will follow you, I will be right behind you. I will be right there, until you are fully healed and realized that I wont do anything to hurt you ever again," he said with determination as he lets go of his hold on her, letting Y/N ran off without looking back to him.

/////

Jungkook tried hard to show he meant what he said after that night. He starts to talk to her more eventhough she ignores him. He will invite himself to eat with her, join her on her breaks and walk her home, even without her asking or acknowledging it. It also doesnt help that the boys are starting to pull her into getting close with them again. Inviting her to dinner and movie nights, lunches and just hanging out with them at the dorm. With time, Y/N has opened her heart to at least be friends with him again.

Yurin who eyed their growing relationship starts to be consumed with jealousy. She agreed to the breakup because its what Jungkook wants. She believes that someday he will come back to her. But with this Y/N girl around... and looking at how love struck and smitten Jungkook is with her... she sense all hope for them dying. The truth is, she loves Jungkook and she will do anything to get him back.

And that is exactly what she's going to do.

Jungkook sniffed the bouquet of sunflowers that he just bought with a smile on his face. Its Y/N's birthday today and he has everything planned out. He's going to give her the sunflowers when he sees her, then the boys are taking her out for dinner after work and after that they are going to give Jungkook some alone time with her. Jungkook has booked a private observatory just for the two of them. Maybe its a little too much for someone who are "just friends" but he feels giddy thinking about laying down on the blanket and the picnic he prepared for them, looking at the beautiful night sky together.

He look for her everywhere but couldnt seem to find Y/N. She most probably have somewhere else to be. Running late for his first scene, Jungkook just placed the flowers in one of the rooms, knowing Y/N will find it since he has attached a card to them. He smile as he makes his way to his hyungs.

"You guys are on in about 10 minutes," Y/N peeked her head inside the girls' dressing room. Yurin and her group are now also a part of the show and although it kills her to see the face that haunts her nights everyday, she have to keep it profesional. Y/N was about to turn away when she heard the girl's conversation.

"How sweet is Jungkook? Its like you two never broke up!"

"Yeah. My ex would never would have bought me flowers. Especially without an occasion," another squeal. "Maybe the two of you would get back together!"

Y/N, given in to her curiosity, peeks her head again to see Yurin smiling so bright, holding a bouquet of sunflowers close to her chest.

Jungkook gave her flowers? I guess they are still close... And he didnt even wish me a happy birthday. Y/N thought sadly as she walks away with a burning ache in her heart.

Dinner was wonderful. The boys was so much fun to be with and the food is delicious. But she was more excited after Jungkook leaned in close to her and smile, whispering something to her that make her forget about Yurin and the flowers earlier.

"I have something special planned for your birthday after dinner. Just you and me,"

Y/N was excited as all of them picked up their coats and get ready to head out from the restaurant, she is more than ready for Jungkook's surprise. Who is she kidding? She has forgiven him long ago and her heart is already falling for him again. Y/N smile as she thinks about Jungkook. She can feel he has really changed this time.

Jungkook was just about to take Y/N's hand as they head out when his phone rings.

"Yurin?" He answered making Y/N and the other boys turned their heads to him. "Yeah, yeah of course. I will be right there. Dont worry. I will always be there for you," he spoke rapidly into the phone. Hearing Jungkook saying those words makes Y/N''s heart ache even more.

"Y/N... I'm sorry... but I have to-"

"Its okay. Yurin needs you right?" She asks cocking her head. The other boys stands awkwardly, not knowing what to do.

"Its not like that. I..." Jungkook sighed as he ran his hand through his hair. Leaving her for Yurin. Again. On her birthday. He knows this doesnt look good on him. Especially when he's trying so hard to win her back. But Yurin was crying on the phone asking him to take her to the hospital. He cant just leave her alone.

But looking at Y/N who's trying to hide her dissapointed face... it kills him. "About what I said earlier... Tae-hyung will take you there," he suddenly said while looking at a surprised Taehyung.

"Me?" Taehyung points to himself. "Urm yeah, yeah. That's right. Anything for the birthday girl," he flashed her his signature smile and offer his arm to her after Jungkook mouthed a 'please' to him.

"Oh no. Its okay Tae. You dont have to. I dont want to burden you," Y/N waved her hands.

"No. I insisted. A pretty girl like you shouldnt be spending her birthday alone. And its not a burden. In fact Im the lucky one to be spending some alone time with you," he wiggle his eyebrows making her laugh. Jungkook swallowed a lump in his throat as he looks at the love of her life links her arms to his hyung's and walking away. Taehyung has always been flirty, Jungkook knows that. But he also knows how his hyung has a soft spot reserved just for Y/N and how his eyes twinkle when he looks at her.

Dont fall for Taehyung Y/N. Not when I'm right here waiting for you.

/////

"Tae, its beautiful!" Y/N exclaimed as she looks up at the stars.

"Yes, it is..." Taehyung whispered as he keeps on looking at her. He still couldnt believe how Jungkook is stupid enough to have hurt such a wonderful girl like her. If he was given the privileged to own her heart, he will do anything to keep that smile on her face.

"Cant believe Jungkook prepared all this and didnt get to see it," at the sound of his friend's name, Taehyung snapped out from his thoughts and plopped down besides Y/N who is now sitting on the blanket. "But I guess Yurin is always more important," she said in a low voice as she lay her head on his shoulder. Taehyung wrapped his arms around her. He can see how much Y/N still loves his younger friend and how being so close to Yurin hurts her. Why cant Jungkook see that?

"Hey... dont be sad. Its your birthday," he replied softly as he kissed her head. "Jungkook cares about you, you know. He still loves you," it pains him to say it but if Jungkook is what makes Y/N happy, so he held it in. Y/N kept quiet, lifting her head, staring at the stars.

"Right now, I dont want to think about him Tae," she suddenly broke the silence. "Right now, I just want to enjoy this beautiful sight with you," she whispered as she snuggle closer, laying herself on his chest. "You are wonderful Tae. I wish you are the one I had fallen for..." her voice so soft, like she didnt mean for Taehyung to hear her but he did. Taehyung wrapped his hands tighter around her, feeling his heart skipped a little faster.

"Then fall for me Y/N," he whispered softly under his breath, making sure Y/N didnt hear him.

Jungkook cursed as he make his way back to the dorms after checking up on Yurin. He didnt know why she made such a big deal. When he arrived, Yurin just actually have a little cold. With frustration, he went to get her some medicine from the drug store and went home after giving them to her. Because of her, he missed out on a romantic night with Y/N on her birthday. Because of her, his hyung is spending some time alone with Y/N, doing God knows what. What if Y/N fall for Taehyung while looking into each other eyes under the stars? Those kind of thoughts fills his mind all night, especially when he realized Taehyung is still not back hours after he was supposed to. Jungkook sighed and forced himself to sleep while thinking of the good memories he used to have with Y/N.

Jungkook tries to make up for that night the next time he sees her by asking her out for a coffee date during one of the shoots break time. Y/N agreed and told him to just wait for her at the cafe as she has things to finished up first.

Ordering her favorite drink, smiling to himself when he realizes he still remembers, he sat down at a corner by the large glass window, patiently waiting for her.

"Hey Kookie. What are you doing here?" He groans as he looks up and see a smiling Yurin.

"Im actually waiting for Y/N,"

"Oh? Maybe I should keep you company while you wait for her. I have no where to go right now anyway and its so cold outside," Yurin took a seat without bothering to wait for his permission. Although annoyed, Jungkook and Yurin still has a decent conversation with each other. He still enjoy her presence. After all, they did used to date.

She suddenly blinked rapidly and squeal.

"What's wrong?"

"There's something in my eyes. Can you help to blow it away?" She asks as she squint. Jungkook stood up and leaned across the table, first softly tucking her stray hair behind her ear and blow into her eyes.

"Is it gone now?" She shakes her head.

"No. Lean in closer. Can you check if there's anything in my eye?" Jungkook, not doubting anything leaned in closer across the table, peering into her eyes, their faces are so close she can feel his warm breath on her face, his scent making her dizzy. She suddenly bumped her head to his, making their lips touched for a second.

"Oh Im sorry. It was an accident," she smile sheepishly. Jungkook just grunted and sat back down before he turned to the window. What he saw outside almost make his heart stop. Y/N is standing there staring at them and Jungkook knows she must saw what had just happened between him and Yurin and get the wrong idea. Jungkook immediately stood up to go out to her but the moment she realized Jungkook is looking back at her, she stumbled on her feet and fell down scraping her knee. She quickly stand up and ran away.

Jungkook ran after her, figuring our she must have went back to the shoot since they still have another scene later. Reaching the set, panting and breathless, Jungkook search everywhere for Y/N. After a while he finally found her, but not in the situation he has been expecting. Y/N was perched up on a table, her face wet with tears as Taehyung kneeled in front of her, cleaning her wounded knee from the fall earlier. Jungkook can feel his body starts to be consumed wirh anger and jealousy as he marched into the room.

"What are you doing hyung?!"

"Im cleaning Y/N's wound. Cant you see?" Taehyung replied, raising his eyebrow. Jungkook came closer and grab the hand that is touching Y/N's knee.

"Dont touch her!" His aggressive behavior surprised both himself and Taehyung, and of course Y/N herself. "I...I mean, let me do it,"

Taehyung hesitates for a moment but after looking at the two of them, he decides to give them space. "Fine. But if you hurt her again, I will kill you," he whispered to the maknae as he passes by to exit the room.

Jungkook kneeled down and start to continue cleaning the wound. Y/N shivers the moment Jungkook's warm fingers touch her cold skin and a fresh batch of tears starts to erupt.

"Y/N, its not like what you think," Jungkook srood up to level himself with her. "What you saw, its not like that,"

"I...I didnt see anything,"

"Then why are you crying?"

"Im crying because it hurts. My knee hurts," she whimpered. Jungkook smile.

"The Y/N I know didnt even bat an eye when she broke her arm. I dont think she will cry this hard because of some tiny wound on her knee," his face is so close to her, she can feel him breathing as she closes her eyes. "Y/N... I'm sorry," he leaned in closer. "Please believe me. There is nothing going on between me and Yurin. We-"

The mentioned of Yurin's name makes something snapped inside of Y/N, making her eyes opened and pushed Jungkook away, startling him. She climbed down the table and walk to further herself away from him.

"No. I cant do this anymore," she said in a shaky voice.

"Y/N, what are you talking ab-"

"This. Being this close to you. Pretending to be friends with you. I cant do it anymore. Not when the image of you and Yurin still haunt me everyday. I cant do it anymore Jungkook," she yelled. Jungkook is shocked. Y/N was never like this. She is always calm and composed. What has he done to push her to become this?

"Y/N. Please listen to me. I lov-"

"Dont say anything. Just dont," she cut him off, shaking her head. "You have hurt me enough Jungkook. Please... I dont want to hurt anymore. Please, just leave me alone!" She turned around and exited the room, living Jungkook alone, shaking to the bones trying to comprehend what just happened.

/////

Y/N avoided him and his hyungs since then. Jungkook didnt know what else to do. How can he be so dumb? How can he not see what Yurin is up to? He finally found out the scheme Yurin is planning to ensure he and Y/N will never be together when he overheard her talking to one of her groupmates. He finally found out about the flowers, about the fake sickness, how she had planned everything to always ended up wherever Jungkook and Y/N is headed and how she staged the whole accidental kiss in the coffee shop. Jungkook is furious. Furious at her for being such a bitch. Furious at himself for falling for her trap. He should have known better to stay friends with a girl like Yurin.

And now he's going to lose Y/N all over again.

"I told you I will kill you if you hurt her again!" Taehyung slammed Jungkook's bedroom door open. Jungkook looks at him with no emotions in his eyes. That's how he is since Y/N told him to stay away form her. To stop hurting her. Her words keeps replaying in his mind and it kills him to know that that's what Y/N thought of him. As someone who continuously hurts her.

"Go away hyung,"

"No! After what you did, this is how you are going to act?!"

"What do you want me to do hyung? I am not good for her. I hurt her. Thats all I do. I know Im stupid, an idiot. Whatever it is you came here to say to me, I already know it. So just get on with it and leave," Jungkook turned around in his bed, showing his back to Taehyung.

"You are really a fucking asshole Jungkook. I dont know why she loves you. I dont even know why I'm doing this when I know you will just hurt her again. But..." Taehyung's voice soften. "She's leaving again Kook. She resigned and she's boarding a train today. She's leaving,"

"What?" Jungkook immediately sat up.

"She's leaving and she's not coming back. If you truly loves her, go now. Go and fight for her now!" Jungkook, without waiting for anything else jumped out of bed and ran outside the door.

I'm coming Y/N. Dont leave. Please dont leave me.

With the information that Taehyung has texted him with, Jungkook managed to reached the platform in time, having even to buy a random ticket to get in. He searched around everywhere and finally found the person he was looking for.

"Y/N..." Y/N turned around at the sound of her name, surprised to see the man she loves standing there, looking disheveled.

"Jungkook? Wh...why are you here?"

"Please dont leave me again. Please Y/N. Please stay with me..." He walks closer to her as Y/N chuckle through her tears.

"I didnt leave you the first time Jungkook. You left me. You left our relationship remember?" She said softly. Jungkook stand in front of her, both of them facing each other, having so much to say but also nothing at the same time.

"I'm sorry Y/N. But please stay with me this time. I... I love you. I love you so much," Jungkook's voice is broken, as broken as his heart.

"I cant. I'm sorry but I cant. I dont want to hurt anymore Jungkook. Being here... with you... my heart will never heal," she said softly. Jungkook didnt get to say anything as the train speeds in, blocking all sounds. "I have to go now. I'm sorry. I'm sorry Jungkook," Y/N said one last time with tears flowing down her face as she turnd away to the train's entrance. Jungkook can feel her vision gets blurry as tears starts to flood his eyes.

This is it. This is the moment he will lose her forever.

And there's nothing more he can do to make her stay.

"Be happy Y/N. I love you," he gave her a small smile and turned away, not willing to look at the girl he loves boarding the train that will take her away from him forever.

Jungkook fell down to his knees as he hear the sound of the train drove away, taking along his heart away with it. He sat there on the floor, crying his heart out.

"Yah, Jeon Jungkook!"

Jungkook wiped his eyes. Is he dreaming? That sounds like...

He turns around to see Y/N still standing there, wind blowing her hair and face a wet mess with tears, but never looking as beautiful as she did in this moment.

"Y..Y/N?"

"How can you just let me go like that!" Y/N walks closer and hit his chest. "You promised me that night. You promised me that you wont stop chasing me Jungkook. Did you already give up on me?" She cried out. Jungkook grabbed her tiny wrists, halting her from continuosly hitting his chest. He pulled her into a hug and buried his face in her hair while her cries is muffled by his broad chest.

"N..no. I would never give up on you baby. I would never," he whispered. "But I promised you that I wont do anything to hurt you ever again. And being with me is what hurts you Y/N," he sniffled. Y/N pulled her face from his chest to look at him.

"You are an idiot. You are really an idiot Jeon Jungkook," she starts to hit his chest again. "How can you ever think for a moment that I would be happy without you? You may have broken my heart into pieces Jungkook, but without you, I wont ever be able to piece it back together. Maybe that makes me an idiot, but that is what I am. An idiot for you," her tears starts to flow again. "I love you so much Jungkook. I love you. Please. Please promise me that you will love me. You will keep on fighting for me this time. You will stop hurting me," her voice soft as she begged, breaking Jungkook's heart. Never again would he want to hear his love begged to be loved by him.

"Baby," he cupped her cheeks and wiped her tears with his thumb. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything. But I promise this time I wont ever do anything to hurt you ever again. If I could turn back time, I would take away all the pain I have put you through. I will fight for you everyday. Even when you are mine, I will still fight for you. I wont ever take you for granted ever again. I will cherished you, love you, worship you,"

"Just promise me you wont hurt me ever again. Just promise me Jungkook,"

"I promise baby. I swear with my life that I will do everything I can to make you happy with me," he kissed her forehead. "Thankyou for taking me back baby. Thankyou for giving me a chance. Thankyou for staying,"

"I have never left Jungkook. Because you have taken my heart from the very first moment we met, and you never did give it back. So in here," she pokes his heart, "is where I will stay, forever,"

[redeyedryu]

Apathy & Happenstance

Chapter 3 - Productivity and Perplexity | 1 | 2 | x | 4

I never got around to posting chapters 3 and 4 here on Tumblr since I wrote these when my laptop was being worked on and I only had mobile—which is absolutely terrible for formatting—so here they are before I get to posting chapter 5.

Summary: You go for a walk, grab some food, and get some questions answered. A hundred more spring up.

In the end, you decide it might be best to try and get in contact with the “friendly” looking version of Sans and Papyrus. However, doing so winds up a bit more troublesome than you would have thought.

Turns out Sans doesn't have any kind of social media account you can tie him to, though there seem to be quite a lot of fan pages dedicated to him? For some reason?? Across all kinds of different media platforms??? Apparently he's some kind of stand up comedian?

...

Wait a second…

...

Sans… Stand up comedian... A comic... A Comic Sans. Your expression goes deadpan at that realization and you barely manage to contain the urge to groan.

“Oh my god…” you mutter aloud, not even a second later, another realization clicking into place.

Then wouldn't that mean Papyrus as in the other graphic designer’s nightmare of a font? Was that intentional? A happy coincidence?

You shake your head, begrudgingly bemused. What's next, someone named after Wingdings? Jokerman? You're silently snickering at the idea of someone possessing the name ‘Impact’ as you work on searching up Papyrus. Maybe you’ll have better luck with him?

You're not disappointed.

Papyrus, or as you have managed to stumble upon his most used online handle: CoolSkeleton95, appears to have an overabundance of accounts across various social media websites. It doesn't take you long at all to find him on numerous social platforms, and judging by his friend count, it doesn't look like he ever denies a friend request. You didn't even know you could have that many friends on ExpressionBook.

Now… The big question is, how are you supposed to even broach this odd situation?

“Hey, so these two skeleton monsters that look an awful lot like you and your brother kinda just poofed into my apartment outta thin air. I'd really appreciate it if you guys would come and take them off my hands.”

...

You run a hand through your hair and puff up a cheek in frustration, pausing to lean against a nearby building. Yeah, no way is that going to work as an opener. Monsters and magic might be an accepted fact of life these days but that doesn't mean people are suddenly going to believe crazy talk.

You push off the building with a huff, resuming your aimless wandering.

“So what am I supposed to do, then?” you query the air around you, head snapping back with a sigh. “So you don't know me, and I don't know you, but d’you think you could come over to my place and rid me of a couple skeletons?” You shake your head with a chuckle. That sounded even worse. Like you were asking someone over to dispose of dead bodies or… something.

You sigh. Why does communication have to be so hard?

“I'm gonna be stuck with them forever, aren't I?” you mutter out, head hanging forward.

With any luck they won't have stuck around your apartment. Maybe they left? Maybe when you get back no one will be there and you can just write off the incident as some kind of lucid day dream? And then it I occurs to you that you just left two strangers unattended in your apartment. With all your stuff… Oops. Remedy that thought: You'll be lucky if they're gone and all your stuff is still in your apartment when you get home. You entertain the idea of running home, or of calling the cops, but inevitably you elect to merely shrug it off. You've got insurance if the worst case scenario happens, and it's not like you're especially attached to anything back at your place anyway. They're just material possessions, after all; easily replaced if lost or broken.

As you're crossing another intersection, one block deeper into the downtown district, you decide you've been overthinking this whole thing. Forgoing sending out a friend request first, you type out a message to the less edgy Papyrus.

You : Are there any other skeleton monsters beside you and your brother?

You nod to yourself, satisfied. Straight to the point and it doesn't give away anything unnecessary, nor does it come off as creepy and easy to misinterpret. You pocket your phone to await a response, feeling as if a weight has been lifted from your shoulders.

Boy does it feel good to be productive! You should reward yourself, you think, just as you round a corner and find yourself standing before your favorite local diner. Huh. Guess your subconscious was on the same page. There's a sudden grumble in your stomach and you're salivating, enticed by the idea of a good burger, fries, and an old fashioned milkshake.

Heck. Yes.

As you're pushing open the door there’s a ping from your pocket. A couple of wait staff greet you by name with a smile and wave as you walk through the door, retrieving your cell. You reciprocate their greeting as you take a seat (always a corner booth, close to the back), noting Papyrus has already responded.

For some reason you thought it would take a bit longer to get a response. Especially from someone who seemed to be such a social butterfly—surely he must get tons of messages throughout the day—but you're not going to complain. Papyrus’s speedy response time means you'll be able to get this figured out all the quicker.

THE GREAT PAPYRUS : GREETINGS, HUMAN! I SEE THAT YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SKELETON MONSTERS—A FITTING CHOICE, AS SKELETONS ARE QUITE GREAT! YOU HAVE POSED A MOST INTERESTING QUESTION, THOUGH I MUST CONFESS THAT IF THERE ARE ANY SKELETONS BESIDE MY BROTHER AND I, I HAVE NEVER MET THEM.

Dang it. That does not bode well.

You tap an index finger on the table (a nervous habit you’ve never quite been able to get under control) and frown. Not a good omen but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re boned.

“Heh. Boned.” You can’t help but snicker at the unintentional pun. It's silly and dumb but what can you say, you're easily amused.

There’s a bit more to the message, interestingly enough, so you read on.

THE GREAT PAPYRUS : I SEE THAT YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN TO SEND ME A REQUEST OF FRIENDSHIP, SO I HAVE DONE YOU THE FAVOR OF SENDING ONE MYSELF! NO THANKS ARE NECESSARY, YOU ARE WELCOME!

You quirk a brow at that last bit, a small smile tugging at the corner of your lips. What an interesting character this skeleton is. The contrast between him and his spiky counterpart couldn't be more notable—and you haven’t even met this one.

Looking at your notifications, you do indeed see a friend request from “THE GREAT PAPYRUS”. Clicking it brings you to the ExpressionBook app proper and you accept it—not like it would hurt anything to do so. Besides, you can always delete him from your friend’s list later.

It’s just as you’re switching back over to the messenger to type out a reply that a waitress comes over to take your order.

“Hey there, Y/n!” she greets you with a smile. “Didya need a menu or’re you gonna get the usual?”

You flip your phone over and place it down on the table, sliding it a bit to the side. You smile up at her and respond, “Hey Julie! The usual would be great, thank you.” You can respond to Papyrus later, you decide, food first.

It’s a little over an hour later and you’re standing outside your apartment door, staring heatedly at it. You’ve got a paper bag in one hand and your keys in the other. You’re straining your ears, half tempted to press yourself against the door, trying to hear anything from inside. It’s silent, and that can be a good thing, but it could also be a very bad thing.

You take a deep breath, hold it in for one second. Two. Three. Exhale at four. Time to face the music. Either they’re gone and everything’s still there, they’re gone and so is everything in your apartment, or—heaven forbid—they’re still there and you didn’t just dream that whole situation up.

You unlock the door, fingers wrapping around the silver metal handle. Subconsciously, your grip tightens on the paper bag in your opposite hand, the paper crinkling ever so slightly with the action, and then you twist the knob. The door swings open and you step through the threshold. A quick glance around of what you can see shows everything still appears to be in order…

And then you hear it—a muted thump, thump, thump of something tapping out a steady rhythm. It stops abruptly, however, to be replaced by the sound of fabric shifting and of weight being displaced from the cushions of your couch. Then there is the sound of footsteps, two pairs, closing in on you. One pair sounds heavy and rushed, as if its owner is walking with a very distinct purpose in mind; the other a slower, more casual beat. You sigh.

Dang it. So much for that.

You slip your shoes off, hang your keys on the rack nearby, and slip out of your jacket, hanging it on the coatrack to the side. By the time you're done there are two skeletons standing in front of you and they don't exactly look like happy campers.

Your eyes flick over them, a brow quirking at the impatient look to the spiky Edgelord. He’s got his arms crossed, his sockets angled sharply. You get the feeling that if he had a nose, he'd be looking down it at you. You're pretty sure he’s scowling, too.

The sweaty one doesn't look all that different from earlier, though there appears to be more red sweat beaded along the crown of his skull than earlier. He's also shifting nervously, hands in his pockets and shoulders hunched, shark grin tight and bordering on something of a grimace.

It's weird, you can't help but think, how similar they look to the other two and can yet be so blaringly different.

“Ah!” you exclaim with a snap, the action smoothly transitioning into a point, that reminds you. “That's right! I nearly forgot.”

Before either of them can say anything, you twirl around to dig through the pocket of the jacket you had tossed your phone in. Pulling your cell out (and awkwardly fumbling with the paper bag in your hand for a brief moment) you quickly pull up your camera app and snap a pic. After the picture’s taken you tilt your focus down, intent on pulling up the specific messaging app you need. You miss the way Papyrus’s sockets squint at the sound of a shutter going off, miss the way Sans’s sockets crease and his frown dips into a scowl, far too focused on finally responding to the more bubbly skeleton’s message from earlier.

You : [image attachment]

I don't suppose these guys are related then? They kind of just showed up at my place today. Apparently they also go by Sans and Papyrus?

Locking the phone you slip it into the back pocket of your jeans. With that now done you're another step closer to reclaiming your apartment—your normality! Gosh, isn't this exciting? You’ll be slipping right back into your regularly scheduled monotony in no time!

But why’re you so eager to push this opportunity away?

Because you can't guarantee you'll be safe, that you won't get hurt, you argue against that inner voice. It's always wanting you to take risks, to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Trying to tell you that you really aren't happy with the current setup to your life. But no. No, it has no idea what it's talking about. Of course you're happy. Of course you are.

“TSK.” Edgelord ...clicks his tongue? Somehow? effectively snapping you back to reality. He's still giving you that ‘holier than thou’ look as his maw parts, clearly eager to get back to his interrogation from earlier. “JUST WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, HUMAN, THAT YOU CAN JUST WALK OUT ON THE GREAT AND TERRIBLE PAPYRUS?”

Yeesh. Control freak much?

You roll your eyes and mirror his pose, arms crossing over your chest, paper bag crinkling with each movement, and pop a hip to the side. There is no way you are going to put up with this kind of bullshit in your own home.

“For your information, Edgelord, my name is Y/n, and in case you didn't know, I live here. You and sweaty McSharktooth over there’re the ones who should be answering my questions, considering the way you two just intruded into my space.”

There's a split second where Papyrus’s eye sockets seem to widen but it's over before you're even sure that you saw it. You take a deep breath through your nose in an effort to calm yourself, and then press on.

“Look, Papyrus, Sans. I know it's been a good few years since the barrier was broken and monsters were integrated into society and all that, but excuse me if I need to take a moment to clear my head when two strangers (who look like edgy embodiments of the Grim Reaper, mind you) literally poof into my house. I know magic’s a thing now but that doesn't mean this is an everyday kinda deal for me, alright?”

“wait, hang on a sec,” Sans abruptly cuts in. “ya mean we're on the surface?”

Your brows furrow in confusion at that comment. You look to the shorter skeleton, some of the tension easing from your body. From all the hostility and anger exuded by Papyrus you had been preparing yourself to get into a fist fight or something; at the very least you were prepping yourself for a screaming match of epic proportions.

“Uh… duh?” Is your oh so elegant response. “Where the hell else would you be?”

“you mean we ain't underground?” You squint at him, head slowly shaking. Did they not even move from the living room in that hour and a half or so you were gone? You breathe out a quiet and low, drawn out “no…”

“holy shit.” he mutters, sparing a quick glance to the taller skeleton (who looks equally as shell shocked, you note) before focusing back on you. “yer jokin.”

He's looking at you, the emotion—the sheer confusion—clear on his face. He almost looks like he’s just daring you to confirm that this is all some kind of elaborate setup. A bead of sweat trickles down from the crown of his skull.

You shake your head harder, your hand slipping from where it's tucked between your opposite arm and torso to be angled at him, palm forward. A telltale sign for ‘stop, holdup’.

“No?” you respond, eyebrows raised, “I'm really not. That'd be a really shitty thing to joke about.”

The skeletons give each other a strange look and you can't help but to quirk a brow at their odd behavior. Why are they so surprised? Surely all monsters have migrated to the surface by now, let alone be aware that the barrier had fallen.

“You guys do know that Mount Ebott is something like… fifteen hundred miles northeast of here, right?”

It's silent for a moment, as if they need time to let this information really sink in. You absently register a muffled ping from your pocket as Sans mutters another “holy shit.”

[creativitytoexplore]

Pandemic Advertising Got Weird Fast

A few weeks ago, as millions of Americans settled into home confinement in a desperate effort to stymie an era-defining pandemic, Little Caesars invited them to step up to its Pizza Portal, a virus-hostile pie locker that circumvents the need for human interaction. Little Caesars was not the only brand—or, for that matter, the only pizza company—that wanted people to know their lockdown options. Commercials by Domino’s and Papa John’s reminded viewers that the heat of pizza ovens annihilates germs. Others had different ideas: Become a Burger King Couch Potatriot with a socially distant burger delivery. Buy a face mask from Forever 21 and it will donate a mask to a person in need. Take up to 25 percent off kitchen-organizing essentials at the Container Store. Buy a whole Hyundai on the internet.

Even in a culture numbed to viral stunt marketing, these abrupt pivots to the pandemic in television commercials, social-media posts, and marketing emails have been hard to ignore. It’s jarring to see advertisers, usually so optimistic about their products as a means to improve lives or grant happiness, forced to acknowledge that things in America are broadly terrible. Some viewers have noted an unsettlingly similar solemnity across brands’ pledges to protect and serve their clientele. Others have found comfort in the commercials’ shoddy earnestness; if America’s salespeople have no choice but to share in everyone’s uncertainty, then maybe the country is mostly united after all.

Together, these ads reveal a pandemic dystopia with a particularly American twist. With unpredictable government-aid coffers, most companies that want to remain solvent through an extended catastrophe will have to master the precarious, high-stakes art of disastertising. To do it, they’ll need to persuade you that giving them your money is an act of solidarity.

[Read: Don’t spit! Pandemic posters through the years]

By most accounts, the coronavirus catastrophe became real to advertisers around the same time it did for lots of Americans: when the NBA suspended its season. “That’s when we were like, ‘Oh, this is going to be big, and it’s going to change consumer behavior and affect people’s lives for real,’” says Fernando Machado, the chief marketing officer for Restaurant Brands International, which owns Burger King, Popeyes, and Tim Hortons. The company shut down all its offices in the country and threw out its existing advertising plans. Its new ads spotlight low-contact payment and the plan to scoot bags of food out the drive-through window on a tray. If the company’s restaurants were going to pay employees and order supplies, it wanted people to know they could still come buy food.

At Domino’s, the situation was similar, according to Kate Trumbull, a vice president of advertising at the company. The pizza giant scrapped an ad campaign that showed customers standing close to one another, rolled out information about its hands-free food-packaging practices, and repurposed a Risky Business–themed ad to address social distancing. (Sliding around at home in your socks and underwear is all too relevant to many viewers now.)

Chain restaurants like these have an edge when it comes to disastertising. Most small restaurants have had to close during the pandemic because they have no delivery infrastructure or can’t sustain themselves on takeout alone. Grocery stores force people into close contact, sometimes run short on staple goods, and have few or no delivery options in many parts of the country. Pizza delivery and drive-through, meanwhile, are convenient enough to be recast as public services. On top of that, chains can advertise that they're offering thousands of low-wage food-service jobs to Americans who have lost their income in the past few weeks. “We are open, and we are hiring,” Trumbull says. “If there’s one way that Domino’s could actually help right now, that’s the way.”

Both Machado and Trumbull say that Americans have greeted their companies’ efforts with near-uniform positivity. Customers, they say, are grateful for the information about pandemic-related services and safety procedures. Marketing executives of course have a vested interest in the perceived success of their work, but some evidence exists that people actually do appreciate companies that disseminate this information, even if the ads themselves are a little corny. A recent survey by the data company Morning Consult asked participants what they’d prefer to see in ads during the pandemic, and among the eight options, by far the most popular choice was ads that explain how companies have changed their services. Explicit information about safety procedures was also among the top requests.

There are many reasons Americans might embrace this performance of coronavirus care, including the simple comfort of knowing that companies that sell your favorite french fries or service your car have given at least a passing thought to your safety. But there might also be a certain appeal in hearing clear, useful information from whatever powerful American institutions are willing to supply it right now, when guidance from the U.S. government—the institution ostensibly most responsible for providing it—has been slow, inconsistent, and confusing. Plus, advertising gives businesses far broader and easier access to people’s attention than other sources of solid safety information have, such as public-health experts or epidemiologists, who offer sound guidance in far less profitable ways.

[Read: Brands are not our friends]

In the past decade or so, deepening cultural and political divisions in America have frequently led to perceived leadership vacuums, in which broad consensus is difficult to rally for any particular institution or person. Those vacuums have often been filled by brands that see social issues as an opportunity to connect with customers—especially younger ones, who want to believe that there’s a right way to spend their money. “That comes from a mix of deep cynicism and heady idealism” on the part of young people, says Jessica Greenwood, the global chief marketing officer at the advertising agency R/GA, which works with brands such as Nike, Airbnb, and Verizon. “They want to believe that these companies can change the world, but also they’re very cynical about being sold to.” In the Morning Consult survey, people under 40 were more likely than their older counterparts to think advertising should cease entirely during the pandemic, but they also generally responded more positively than older people to recent ads that struck a useful, empathetic tone.

Today’s disastertising does merit plenty of cynicism. Beyond the plausibly useful ads, quarantine TV is flooded with messages of vague support from soda brands, insurance companies, or tech firms, set to sensitive melodies. Many of those ads feature the voices of executives insisting that we’re all in this together, while those executives might be self-isolating in sunny vacation compounds. This worst kind of messaging flies beyond the bounds of simple uselessness and lands at full-on smarm; there’s no value except to the company itself, reminding you that it’s still around to accept whatever money you have left.

The canniest disastertisers, meanwhile, aren’t relying on tone-deaf ads to rally people to their cause. Instead of traditional avenues, many companies have turned to conspicuous acts of charity. AB InBev, which owns Budweiser, has donated $5 million and some of its advertising airtime to the Red Cross, and the company is using some of its facilities to manufacture hand sanitizer. Apple has donated millions of masks and other protective gear to health-care workers. The shoe brand Crocs donated thousands of pairs of rubber clogs to health-care workers, then paid Priyanka Chopra to post about its good works on her Instagram account. Machado says that Burger King has donated more than 1 million meals to hungry kids through a charity partner. “Yes, it’s marketing, but it takes into account the context that people are in and the impact on their lives,” he says.

Read: The four rules of pandemic economics

Small local businesses pioneered many of these most popular pandemic charity ideas. But local companies largely lack the public-relations muscle or name recognition necessary to receive national media attention and public support, which R/GA’s Greenwood says is crucial for companies hoping to survive. “Everybody is watching Netflix and listening to Spotify premium and spending a lot of time in places that don’t have ads,” she notes. “In that environment, the tools that you have available to you as an advertiser are PR and social media—things that respond really well to newsworthy actions.” For big companies, an act doesn’t even have to be all that grand: Coors Light recently won press appreciation for delivering 150 cans of its product to an elderly woman who had put a sign in her window bemoaning her lack of beer.

But charity doesn’t guarantee plaudits for major companies, Greenwood cautions. When a brand courts positive attention, “people immediately look at your corporate practices and say, ‘Well, you’re expressing solidarity, but you’re not paying your workers,’ or ‘You’re expressing solidarity but refusing to shut down your warehouses,’” she says. “It’s super, super important right now to have all your ducks in a row, because if you want to say anything that’s meaningfully human at this time, you have to be operating in very human ways, and that’s not true of every company.”

This blowback has been particularly swift for the employers of low-wage service workers, who have been drafted into duty as de facto first responders in jobs with few benefits and an elevated risk of contracting COVID-19. Amazon and Instacart workers have gone on strike for better working conditions. Walmart is running ads in which its CEO expresses solemn appreciation for the company’s store employees while those employees work in dangerous conditions and receive meager sick leave. At least two Walmart store employees have died from coronavirus complications so far. (Walmart did not respond to a request for comment.) Many retailers have responded to these complaints with hazard pay, which usually amounts to a few extra bucks an hour, as well as paid sick leave. Accessing sick leave at some companies requires a positive coronavirus test or an official quarantine order, which can be extremely difficult to get until a person is severely ill.

Many fast-food workers experience similar issues with low pay and paltry sick leave, but they face a different set of challenges during the workday. Their restaurants’ dining rooms are largely closed, but commercial kitchens are close quarters, even when run with a skeleton crew. In-store employees for Domino’s have raised concerns about inconsistent safety procedures and the availability of masks and gloves, and Burger King employees fear that they’re still in too much contact with customers. Both Domino’s and Burger King say that they’re doing what’s possible to provide safety gear and sanitizing equipment for employees amid shortages, and that all workers in corporate-owned stores are eligible for paid sick leave.

In spite of disastertising’s pitfalls for brands and how much people may loathe it at times, it’s too late for the country to save itself from the necessity of some kind of advertising during COVID-19. Marketing is tied up in almost all parts of the modern American economy. The sale of goods and services is necessary to keep workers everywhere from factory floors to corporate headquarters fed. Advertising is also the economic engine of much of media, including journalism. If advertisers simply were to go idle, the harm could radiate out to lots of working- and middle-class people with little or no direct connection with advertising itself. In past recessions, companies that maintained their communications presence had an easier time recovering when the economy stabilized, enabling them to retain employees they might have otherwise laid off.

Just how necessary it is to disastertise—to contort a simple message about drive-through lanes or beer delivery to paint a company as public servants during an extraordinary moment—isn’t as clear. Americans seem eager for practical information and opportunities to help, not solemn vows of corporate togetherness. It’s also a choice, not a foregone conclusion, that the American economy is held together by advertising and low-wage workers during a crisis. Overseas, some governments have helped coordinate the distribution of necessary supplies to their homebound citizens, instead of forcing fast-food-delivery people and Walmart cashiers to shoulder the burden with little oversight. For companies whose income has dwindled, many governments are paying the majority of workers’ wages to prevent layoffs and allow more people to stay home.

If disasters have any silver lining, it’s that they give people a rare opportunity to reimagine society. When the pandemic ends, America might try to create a future that’s less reliant on broad public knowledge of virus-killing pizza ovens.

from Blogger https://ift.tt/2KB1XR4

[everydaymamaof3]

2018

Reflecting on 2018...

As I sit here reflecting on 2018...I’m first and foremost so grateful for this place in my life!

It was a great year, filled with amazing memories, but it also had its hard times...many suffered loss and heartbreak and my heart goes out to them...

Our Waterpark project came to life, a memorial bench was put in place for my beautiful friend who is always on my mind, as well as a bench for our family and our friends who built the park. My youngest daughter started school, middle daughter started intermediate grades, and oldest started her last and final year of nursing!And the best part, she got engaged to a young man who we already love like our son. I became a bit more hard core in my vegan journey, and really started to understand my body and its needs, and the impact of our actions on our planet. That’s as far as I’ll write about that,the planet that is. What started me on the vegan journey, was learning about what exactly my body needed. Debunking things we’ve always been told, protein only comes from meat (false) humans are made to eat meat (false) humans are the only species to drink milk after infancy (made me think) what is in our food (not good things) what is it doing to my body.

I started eliminating different things and paying attention to how I felt. Dairy is mostly gone from my diet and I eat seafood and the occasional bite of chicken which I’ll eliminate entirely. I’ve never been more toned or lived with less soreness in my back, my knees. To each their own, but all I can say is don’t knock it until you try it! I hear so many say, it takes more time, it’s more expensive...it’s not. It’s the fear of the unknown, change, that deters many. Humans are creatures of habit, and we get scared when venturing into new territory, so we make ourselves believe it’s unattainable, or too difficult. But it’s not. It’s no different than learning a new skill at work, or entering a new phase with our children, or preparing a dinner of burgers and fries. It’s all in our minds. What we believe we can achieve.

In my social life, I went to more yoga classes, tried to make more time for friends, but thankfully everyone who is in my circle knows I’m always there for them in any way at any time, but I’m terrible with committing to dates as my children’s schedules and time with them is what I focus on, as do they. The years of having them want you around, or want to be around you go by in a flash, and then they’re moved out.

A pivotal moment in 2018, I spoke to a girl who was struggling in recovery...it was a moment in my life, in this year, where I was looking at this young woman, and thinking to myself, this was me in my 20’s, I have to find a way to use my recovery to maybe help others? Nearing my 12 year mark, I feel I owe it to others to share what helped me in hopes of helping them. I’m still working on how I wanna do this in the future. Year after year of clarity, I see people struggling, and the triggers are always the same. Angry at a spouse. Angry at family. Needing someone to blame. Feeling insecure. Feeling lost. Needing a crutch to escape. To feel numb. It’s always a battle of the mind. And I always think, how did I get so lucky to change my life and get everything I ever wanted.

Someone asked me “I don’t know how you do it without meetings or a sponsor etc”. I guess it’s because I just do it on my own and it works, which might be somewhat selfish, but I honestly feel overwhelmed and unsure when someone struggling asks me what to do, because I don’t have the answers, I can only tell you what worked for me. I do have a woman who lives far away, who’s words will always be in the back of my mind. So she is somewhat like a forever sponsor. Kella, I’ve never forgotten you and your wisdom is still with me. One thing I will say to people reading this....please don’t say addicts don’t have a disease. They do. It’s no different than someone struggling with mental health.

I started blogging...a goal I’ve had for a long time. Started running more. Committing to everyday after work, just a short, 14 minute run, and a morning workout of only 35 minutes.

Physically and mentally I feel amazing. I want to feel amazing, so I do everything in my power to feel that way. I don’t want to look back one day and just feel like I glided through life the way society expects us too. Work ourselves to the point of exhaustion. Feel lousy, think lousy thoughts about ourselves, no thank you.

Sure anxiety and stress is a real part of everyone’s life...but I try and handle it as best as I can.

Losing my dog Sydney recently was hard. It was so hard, I couldn’t breathe when I sobbed for her. A huge part of my heart was broken when she passed away, but now in thinking back, I asked the Universe to take her on her own time. I begged to please not make me have to do it, after I had to do the hardest thing with my dog Hunny. I couldn’t bare it. And the Universe did. She died peacefully, on her own time. I started paying more attention to the “gifts” from the Universe around me this year...I guess feeling more grounded. Before she died, one night on a run, I stood in front of two deer....one on one side of the road, one on the other. The one on my side was maybe 10 feet away from me and the traffic was flowing so I knew if it leaped, it would die. So I stopped in front of it and just softly spoke to it until I saw a break in the traffic, where I then, clapped my hands for it to go! It made it across. I feel like the Universe was repaying me with Sydney’s peaceful passing for my sparing a life. Maybe, maybe not. But isn’t it nice to at least believe in things like that? This year I really started to see that beliefs are a huge part of our problems in society! People share a belief or perspective, and others tear it apart on social media...it’s so sad to read. Just accept people. Accept what they believe. If it’s not affecting your life, why does it matter?

I’m not spiritual...I just don’t have the mindset yet to be spiritual or meditate..I try...trust me I try so hard, but my mind is ON, all the time and has no off switch. So trying to meditate is like fighting with a wet cat. Doesn’t work out for me. It’s a goal of mine for 2019. My poor yoga instructor, she’ll be saying “free your mind of all thoughts” and I’m there, with my eyes closed thinking about what I need for groceries the next day! Just a technique I don’t have yet.

Actually I’m lying, I am somewhat spiritual. Being spiritual isn’t being religious, it’s connection. And I feel connected. To the moon, to my surroundings, to people...I feel people’s energies like nobody’s business...I can tell how someone’s feeling just by standing next to them...so maybe I am spiritual. Or weird. Either is fine with me.

My business is thriving and wonderful and busy, and I’ve gotten to a place in my business where I have earned the love and respect of families in the community, by caring for their children and introducing them to new things, exciting things, while teaching their little minds at the same time! I’m still very happy in my work...and that tells me I have more child caring years in me! As long as I continue to love it. That is my promise to myself year after year, when I no longer love it, it’s time to move on. But that time isn’t here, I still love it, and each year is just as hard saying goodbye to kids that move on, I put my heart and soul into my time with them, but I rest easy knowing I sent them on their way with skills to be confident little humans.

2018 was a busy year...my girls schedules were busy, Von was officially promoted and I’m so proud of him as he so deserved it. He earned it. It meant a lot of travel time, one or two nights away a week, and we’ve learned to flow with it. It’s not easy sometimes, but that’s marriage and supporting each other’s careers. It’s all part of the package, and it takes work.

Coming into 2019, I have a few goals. Look further into pursuing my dream to expand my daycare. Not take anything personally, or analyze anything that doesn’t need analyzing. Just. Let. Things. Be.

Take things as they come and roll with it. Something I’m learning from my husband ❤️ Third, I’m thinking about making some of my vegan and raw snacks available to the public maybe at a Farmers Market or two? Toying with the idea..we’ll see.

2018, I had some aha moments of feeling grateful lately too. For silly things, but things that all of a sudden really matter to me. Like the fact that I am so incredibly thankful to my parents for giving me a good childhood! For giving me skills like skating, skiing, summers swimming in Cultus Lake at the cabin, playing baseball, volleyball, learning how to chop wood, be a confident driver, have an insanely strong work ethic, they might not seem like things that really matter, but now as an adult, they really do. They’re things I can teach my girls! Things I can do with my girls. And I thrive on being active, so thank you!

I know when I write, it’s a lot about my life and what I personally am doing, but my motive with writing is always to maybe resonate with another person who is going through something similar, to connect, to share life’s experiences and maybe help another feel normal.

2019 I hope we are all more present, and less disconnected.

Be happy, be healthy, make the best of every day. Live your best life, simply ❤️

[michaelslimee]

A mood struck me so instead of stewing in it i’m going to vent

Excess nostalgia makes me sad. I dunno why. Well, I do, but I like to be oblivious about obvious problems I have. Because I’m all about denial. Back to nostalgia though. Starts off simple like “Ah yeah I remember that haha those were the days.” then it turns into “I’m just going to sit here and think about all the cool stuff from that time”. And without fail I’ll try to remember something and just can’t. I just don’t have enough to go off of but I can remember the feeling. Whatever the feeling is I just hold on to it in an effort to remember. But I don’t. This leads to thoughts of “that thing is gone forever you can’t get it back” and “time moves forward but all the good times were left behind now it’s nothing but hardships”. I hate that my brain does this. Then I can’t vent to people because I feel like I’m being overly dramatic. Like I’m upset that the show Toonsylvania is considered lost media. It is easily the WORST of the Steven Spielberg cartoon shows of that era (Tiny Toons, Animaniacs, Freakazoid etc...). However the fact that two-thirds of the show have never been released in any format makes me feel like I’m missing out on my childhood. This doesn’t just effect media but food too. I was diagnosed with celiac disease my sophomore year of high school. At the height of the Gluten-Free diet craze. So of course I get a gluten disease. I’ve never liked bread but now that I haven’t had real bread in like 7 or 8 years suddenly I crave sandwiches and burgers. Knowing I can’t go back to that stings. 

I’m not going to be dumb and pretend this isn’t why I went on my multi week adventure to recreate tv from my childhood. This was 100% my motivation. I hate that I can’t have things, so fuck it I’ll make it myself. And I dunno maybe the moral of the story is just make cool shit even if there is literally no point in doing so aside from your own mental benefit.

[shitwithsugaroncollective-blog]

TEN QUESTIONS #1: PHOEBE PLANT of FOULMOUTH ZINE

‘’ FOULmouth is a collaborative, submission-based zine founded by illustrator Phoebe Plant and fashion photographer Ruby Maris-Stephens‘’

With Falmouth being home to thousands of art students, it goes without question that there are places to feature work other than through the university itself. FOULmouth, founded by an illustration student and a fashion photography graduate, is one of these places in which you can submit work to feature across different social media platforms as well as in print in hopes of communicating and collaborating with different artists both near and far. 

They are currently available via their WEBSITE, FACEBOOK, TWITTER and INSTAGRAM with copies of ISSUE #1 available via their online store or at various art fairs throughout Falmouth, particularly TOAST’S ART FAIR. S.W.S.O managed to contact co-owner and illustrator Phoebe Plant to answer our ten questions on FOULMOUTH:

Q: Tell me a bit about yourself, where you're from, how old you are and how you ended up in Falmouth at uni

A: I'm Phoebe, I'm about to turn 21, I have pink hair and I'm an illustrator, zine maker and aspiring art therapist. I'm currently living in Falmouth and studying BA Illustration at Falmouth University (I'm in my third and final year!), I ended up in Falmouth after my art teacher at college told me about the university and I came down to check it out - fell in love with the idea of living by the beach and luckily got the place on the course to match! I spent the first half of my childhood growing up in a town in Hertfordshire, and then rest in the Essex countryside, but always feel as though my roots will always lie in East London, where all my mum's family are from - it's where I got my accent AND my love affair with pie and mash! 

Q: What is your hometown like? Is it similar to Falmouth? If not, how does it compare?

A: My hometown honestly couldn't be more different to Falmouth. It's made me realise how having students around from all over the place completely alters the dynamic of a town or city for the better. It dilutes the right-wing bastards down to a bearable level and home just doesn't have that.   We also don't have prominent night/skate/creative culture, making it a bit shitty for someone like me who thrives off everything like that and the people that make up that sort of demographic. It's weird because I'm so physically close to London - I can get there in 30 minutes by train, yet I feel more cut off from London there than I do when I'm Falmouth. Totally has everything to do with the atmosphere of Falmouth. As creative students, we make it like that and it is so special. I kind of think Falmouth will always be my home now, even though I will probably come and go for a while. I really hope something draws me back once I move away.

Q: How did FOULmouth come about? Was there a particular event/thought or was it something that had been worked on over a period of time?

A: FOULmouth began when I started dating a guy during the summer of 2016 whom happened to be best mates with a guy who was also dating a girl from Falmouth University! Ruby had already graduated from Fashion Photography the previous year and had moved back home, having the whole "Falmouth thing" in common kind of just sparked a friendship an gave us something to chat about when our boyfriend's were playing Xbox or American football. Somehow we got onto the topic of zines and Ruby suggested that we made one, just out of collages photos and stuff we liked and maybe then photocopied it for friends. My boyfriend and I then split up out of the blue and I was absolutely heartbroken, not just because of the romantic love I had lost, but because I thought my friendship with Ruby had probably gone down the shitter with it. But Ruby literally turned round and was like LETS MAKE A ZINE ABOUT THIS LETS TURN THIS PAIN INTO SOMETHING AMAZING!!!!! And we did, and FOULmouth was born! A horrific breakup caused a loss of someone I didn't really need after all, but gave me someone (Ruby) and something (FOULmouth) that made the pain and shit kind of worth it - silver linings or what! We brainstormed the first issue in a notebook whilst eating burgers in Byron, Cambridge city centre and that was back in like, August, so it's been a long haul journey to get to where we are now in February the next year, releasing issue one. 

Q: As a co-founder of F.M, are there any specific roles you take on/oversee? If so, why is it you do that job as opposed to the other co-founder?

A: My official title is Deputy Editor but right now Ruby and I oversee everything together, we share the social media and replying to emails, and everything that has gone into issue one has been approved by us both. It's a real effort and I love that. If one of us is having a super busy week, the other takes over for a bit and vice versa. It's been a little tricky with me in Cornwall and Ruby back in Cambridge, but we've managed to pull it together - a lot of issue one was organised on my bedroom floor over the Christmas holidays! I plan on moving back home when I graduate, as I'm going to do a Masters, so we are hoping that we can be hand on together in person much more with future issues. 

Q: Issue 1# was 'LOVE': How did that theme make it as the opener for F.M? Were there other strong runners for the first theme or as love the main idea from the get go

A: Love was pretty much always going to be our first issue's theme, regardless of whether that breakup had happened. It was more of a case of, fuck, how do I want to explore and portray the idea of love having just been bereft of it. It really opened up to me, and hopefully will our readers, of how limitless the theme is in terms of how you perceive it. All of our contributions were different and contrasted each other beautifully. I never ended up putting in anything super personal or that portrayed my negative love experience that fed the making of FOULmouth, because the whole experience of seeing our contributors' work and sharing ideas with Ruby was healing enough. Sounds so stupid but it genuinely did put me back together again. 

Q: How did you find getting F.M to launch? Did it go as you planned, did anything go wrong? if so, how did you overcome it?

We had a few release dates in the pipeline, like Christmas, but we just couldn't get everything done on time. Ruby brought Jade on board as our features editor and I think it was her idea for a Valentines release, we were just like WHY did we not think of that?! It fitted with our schedule for how things were coming together so we went for it. We have had hiccups along the way but I feel like Ruby and I are on the same page with our vision, so luckily it's mostly a piece of cake. I know we had a few technical problems with getting the website live but everything worked out in the end - and on the 14th as planned! The reception since has been overwhelming. 

Q: Do you think Falmouth has a strong sense of community when it comes to projects, events and collaboration? if yes, what events etc have you seen/been a part of which show this.  if no, what do you think needs to be done to show a stronger sense of community

A: I think Falmouth is amazing for this. FOULmouth definitely wouldn't be what it is right now without the support of people down here, we've got a good few submissions in issue one from Falmouth students to prove it! The arts fairs every month at Toast are a real highlight for me when it comes to creative events in the area, I think. I can't wait to bring FOULmouth to the fair on 8th March and beyond. MONO is iconic for events in Falmouth in my mind, I love everything the venue does and brings to the town, not sure I can remember what life was like before MONO! I think having a real mix of events throughout the week/month is so important and predicting what day a certain event will perform best on is key. I've had some wicked times and met some amazing, creative, like minded people through stumbling in there when I thought I was on my way home! It's one of the biggest things I will miss about Falmouth when I leave, without a doubt. 

Q: What are your plans for issue #2 ? Will there be a consistent theme throughout or do you both kind of plan it as you go along?

A: Now that would be telling! I can't reveal specifics for issue 2 just yet, but I can tell you it will be absolutely awesome and we are already excited about it!!  Keep your eyes peeled on our social media pages @foulmouth_zine and on our website www.foulmouthzine.com for all the latest! There will be a different theme for each issue, we are kind of just planning things as they happen and really responding to our readers/followers. 

Q: If anyone wants to submit, contact or meet up to collaborate and communicate with F.M, how should they go about it?

A: If you wanna chat then hit me up at phoebe@foulmouthzine.com, you can also contact us and follow us via Instagram and all that @foulmouth_zine, you can also contact me on my website www.phoebeplant.co.uk Submissions should be sent to submissions@foulmouthzine.com and we will get back to you! We are accepting submission 24/7 right now, and if you want to be featured on our website then that's the way to go! 

Q: What advice would you give to anyone wanting to start their own zine?

A: It depends on what scale you're producing your zine on. If you're creating a brand like we have with FOULmouth I think you've gotta be in it for the long haul, like, this is what I wanna be doing forever now and I think that's really important. There's so much more to getting issue one out there than asking people to submit work, if it was that simple we would have had an issue back in the summer!! Having said that, you can produce beautiful zines with amazing content in a matter of days if you've got a vision and know what you want. All you really need is a photocopier if you want to have something quickly and for no money at all. I would love to able to mentor other students and aspiring zine makers, so please get in touch with me!