#window film melbourne

[mceramicpro]

The benefits of the clear protective film - prevention of damage, reduced maintenance costs, and increased resale value 

If you own a car, you know that keeping it in good condition is important. But did you know that one of the best ways to protect your car's finish is with clear protective film? This thin, durable material can help prevent damage from scratches, rocks, and other road debris. It also makes it easier to clean your car, which can save you time and money on maintenance costs. And if you ever decide to sell your car, the film can actually increase its resale value. So if you're looking for a way to keep your car looking great for years to come, consider the clear protective film. It's an investment that will pay off in the long run. 

Not only does the clear protective film provide protection for your car, but it also looks great. The film is virtually invisible and won't detract from the beauty of your vehicle's exterior. It's easy to apply and can be removed just as easily if you ever decide to change it up. With a variety of finishes available, you can find one that perfectly complements your car's color and style. 

When properly applied, the clear protective film provides an excellent barrier between your car's paint job and the outside world. Its strong yet flexible construction helps absorb impacts from small stones or other objects, which can prevent minor scratches or dings. And because it's so thin, it won't affect the aerodynamics of your car in any way. 

So if you're looking for a way to protect your car's finish and increase its resale value, consider the clear protective film Melbourne. It's an inexpensive investment that can make all the difference in maintaining your car's appearance over time. Plus, it looks great and won't detract from the natural beauty of your vehicle. With so many benefits, it's no wonder why so many people are choosing this easy-to-apply solution for their cars. 

For added convenience, the clear protective film is available in kits that come with everything you need for installation. The kits typically include detailed instructions as well as tools such as a squeegee to help apply the film properly and evenly. They also often include a warranty, so you can be sure your investment is protected. So don't wait any longer - choose the clear protective film Melbourne today and get ready to enjoy all the benefits it has to offer. 

Ceramic Pro Melbourne 420 Stan Dr Suite 1, Melbourne, FL 32904 321-313-3797 https://ceramicpromelbournefl.com/

[sunsetkerr]

BEFORE A GAME WITH Y/N L/N | s.kerr

summary: netball australia releases a video with you (and sam) before a game. [1k words]

pairing: netball!reader x sam kerr

notes: another netball!reader because I love her

[OPENING SHOT OF Y/N'S HOME IN ADELAIDE. A MAGPIE SITS IN A TREE, CALLING OUT]

6:28AM, Y/N L/N'S HOME

THE MORNING OF ADELAIDE THUNDERBIRDS VS. MELBOURNE VIXENS

[SHOT OF Y/N'S BEDROOM WINDOW, THE SUN IS BEGINNING TO RISE. Y/N’S VOICEOVER BEGINS]

Y/N L/N: So, it's around 6:30 in the morning right now. Today is game day, we're playing melbourne and I have to be at the stadium by- (Y/N LOOKS DOWN AT HER PHONE, BLINKING A FEW TIMES) -9:30 for strat.

INTERVIEWER: Are you tired?

(Y/N LAUGHS, EXHALING THROUGH HER NOSE)

Y/N L/N: So tired.

Y/N L/N: I like to let sam sleep when I have to be up early.

[CLIP OF Y/N BRUSHING SAM'S HAIR OUT OF HER FACE AS SHE SLEEPS. SHORT CLIPS OF Y/N PULLING HER KIT OUT OF THE CUPBOARD, QUIETLY AS TO NOT WAKE HER GIRLFRIEND UP]

Y/N L/N: She flew in from Brisbane last night. (Y/N PAUSES TO MAKE SURE SAM IS STILL SLEEPING) Got in around midnight. So she needs a good sleep. (SMILES AT SAM)

[Y/N'S KITCHEN; Y/N SITTING AT THE KITCHEN BENCH, STILL IN HER PYJAMAS]

Y/N L/N: Game days I eat a big-ish breakfast. Some times we do team breakfasts if it's an earlier match, but we start at 6 tonight- so I'm eating here.

[CLIPS OF Y/N MAKING BREAKFAST; CEREAL AND YOGURT, MIXED NUTS ON TOP]

Y/N L/N: My grandad, well my Pa, used to have this cereal and when I was in juniors, I would eat it before my games. So now that I'm old (LAUGHING) and live out of home, he misses the cereal with the nuts and drops it off every month.

[PICTURES OF Y/N AND HER PA, OLD AND NEW]

Y/N L/N: He doesn't really like netball, but he watches it for me.

[Y/N EATING HER BREAKFAST QUIETLY AT THE BENCH, TRYING NOT TO LAUGH WITH HER MOUTH FULL]

Y/N L/N: (SWALLOWS BEFORE SPEAKING) I feel very strange with you all watching me eat.

[B-ROLL FOOTAGE; Y/N SAT EATING, PANS TO CREW FILMING HER. LAUGHTER FROM BEHIND THE CAMERA]

(SAM WALKS INTO THE KITCHEN, PAUSES WHEN SHE SEES THE CREW. LAUGHTER EMITS FROM Y/N AND FROM THE CREW]

SAM KERR: Um.. (PAUSES) What the *BEEP* is going on?

(MORE LAUGHTER)

[CUTS TO Y/N SITTING WITH SAM ON THE BENCH, SAM LEANING HER HEAD ON Y/N'S SHOULDER]

Y/N L/N: This is my girlfriend, her name is Sam.

(SAM WAVES TIREDLY AT THE CAMERA)

Y/N L/N: She should be asleep right now.

SAM KERR: I would be, but there's ten random people in our home right now (LAUGHS)

7:33AM

[CUTS TO Y/N IN THE BATHROOM, SKINCARE PRODUCTS SET UP BEHIND HER]

Y/N L/N: Before I go to the stadium, I shower and shave. I always try to remember to shave my armpits (LAUGHS) on the morning of games, but sometimes.. I forget. I keep my hair up and try not to get it wet, because I'll wash it later tonight after the game.

[CLOSE UP OF PRODUCTS BEHIND Y/N]

Y/N L/N: I get out all my stuff to wash my face with and everything before my shower so I don't forget anything.. because.. I will.

SAM KERR: *OFFSCREEN* She will.

Y/N L/N: Let's keep the heckling to a minimum, shall we?

8:19AM

SAM KERR: Y/N takes forever in the shower, so I usually, if I'm here, will try to make sure she's got everything.

(SAM PULLS A THUNDERBIRDS DUFFLE OUT FROM THE CUPBOARD, PLACING IT ON THE BED)

SAM KERR: This is her game bag, she needs her training gear and shoes. Her dress is at the stadium ready for her, which is good- because it would be all wrinkled, like the rest of her stuff (LAUGHS).

(SAM FOLDS AND PUTS Y/N'S CLOTHES INTO HER BAG)

SAM KERR: Uhh, clothes, shoes, deodorant. What else? Body wash. This is her little bag that she brings to shower after, has all her special, fancy stuff in it. And I'll- (SAM PULLS A HOODIE FROM THE CUPBOARD) put this in here, because it'll be cold when she comes home.

[Y/N PEERS AROUND THE CORNER, HER TOWEL WRAPPED AROUND HER. SHE TRIES TO KEEP HER BODY OUT OF SHOT]

Y/N L/N: Can I come in now?

8:36AM

[Y/N'S CAR; SAM IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT, Y/N IN THE PASSENGER]

SAM KERR: I feel like we're vloggers or something

Y/N L/N: No, I know (SMILES)

SAM KERR: Hey guys! Welcome back to our channel!

(Y/N LAUGHS WITH SAM)

Y/N L/N: So now I'm on my way to Netball SA to meet the girls, Sam's driving me because she's a good girlfriend.

SAM KERR: I didn't wanna be left alone.

Y/N L/N: That too. The stadium is in the city and my place is like forty-five-ish minutes away? Thirty-five with good traffic.

SAM KERR: Your phones going off bub

Y/N L/N: It's Georgie (CHUCKLES)

SAM KERR: (BANGING THE STEERING WHEEL PLAYFULLY WITH A SMILE) Georgie Horjus!

Y/N L/N: she wants to know if you're allowed to be driving with how much sleep you've had.

(SAM LAUGHS, ADJUSTING HER SUNGLASSES)

SAM KERR: Probably not, tell her to piss off.

9:17AM

[CLIP OF Y/N KISSING SAM GOODBYE THROUGH THE OPEN CAR WINDOW. SAM PULLS AWAY, BUT HOLDS Y/N'S HEAD CLOSE]

[SUBTITLES APPEAR AS SAM TALKS INAUDIBLY]

SAM KERR: *MUMBLED* I love you

[SAM QUICKLY KISSES Y/N ONCE MORE BEFORE TIGHTENING THE RIBBON IN Y/N'S PONYTAIL FOR HER]

[CLIP OF Y/N WALKING INTO THE STADIUM]

Y/N: So we're at the stadium, heading in to talk strategy with the girls for today's game. After that we'll do drills and warm ups, probably rewatch our last game again- boring stuff really (CHUCKLES). Oh, oh-

[CAMERA PANS TO TIPPAH DWAN, GOAL SHOOTER AND GOAL ATTACK FOR THE ADELAIDE THUNDERBIRDS. SHE SKIPS OVER TO Y/N, SUNGLASSES OVER HER EYES]

TIPPAH DWAN: Hey!

Y/N L/N: This is Tippah, my starting attacker.

TIPPAH DWAN: Dream-team here really (SHRUGS)

Y/N L/N: Thanks for spending my morning with me.

(TIPPAH PULLS Y/N IN FOR A TIGHT HUG AS Y/N LAUGHS, WAVING TO THE CAMERA)

TIPPAH DWAN: Now get outta here!

6:03PM

[CLIP OF Y/N TAKING TO COURT, TIGHTENING HER PONYTAIL UNDER THE GOAL RING. PANS OVER TO SAM KERR, WHO SITS WITH OTHER THUNDERBIRD PLAYERS PARTNERS. SHE IS CLAPPING, AND CHEERING FOR Y/N AS THE COUNTDOWN TO THE GAME BEGINS]

[THE SCREEN TURNS BLANK AS THE WHISTLE SOUNDS]

[pippin-katz]

Hey!

Why does Henry rebuff Alex during their first meeting? Like when Alex greets him, he walks away ignoring him.. What's the theory there?

I'm kinda new here and if this was already discussed or known, my apologies 😊

No prob! I like explaining things, even if it's obvious or everyone is like "we know already". My little neurodivergent brain gets happy when I make neat essays with GIFs and sections and whatnot lol

Post Writing Note: once again, this very simple question with a fairly simple answer turned into a fucking essay and I am so sorry lmfao, I know I said I like making them but I did not intend this to be a long one!! You have been warned!!

Foreword Regarding The Canon

I, and I assume most viewers who have also read the book, interpret the film's canon to be a combination of the film's events, and parts of the book that we didn't see, but could've happened anyway. Things like what was said in the emails, Bea's history with drug abuse, Pez' foundation, and whatnot are sort of meshed together with the film in my mind; just because the film didn't have the time to show it to us does not mean it did not happen in that version of their world. I say this cause I'm going to be discussing both the book and the film.

Also a key: Pink - internal dialogue from the book Red - Alex's dialogue in both versions Blue - Henry's dialogue in both versions

Establishing The Basics

I assume you’re referring to this moment during the greeting line:

Side note: Alex’s face at the end never fails to make me laugh 😂

While this is their first interaction in the film, it’s not their first meeting, as they explain that they met at the Melbourne Climate Conference a few years ago. In the book, they met in Rio at the Olympics when they were teenagers. The only difference this makes is that they're more mature in the film than the book, but it doesn't change much.

The beats for how their first meeting went are practically identical.

Alex approached Henry to introduce himself. Henry, who was dealing with his grief and depression after his father’s passing, was an ass.

He looks at him unkindly; in the film, Alex describes it as: “like he had head lice”, and in the book, Alex describes it as: “like I was the most offensive thing you had ever seen”. Either way, he looked at him in a way that visibly communicated a dislike or lack of respect for him.

Then he turns to Shaan and says he needs to leave, though the wording is different between book and film. In the film, he says, “I need to get out of here” -which Alex mishears as "get me out of here"- while in the book, he says, “Can you get rid of him?”.

Henry Meeting Alex

Admittedly, the line from the book is far more rude, but Henry does explain far later -after Alex storms Kensington Palace and they agree that they’re committed to being together- through an email what he was thinking during their first meeting. I see no reason for these thoughts to be any different in the film's context, as the reason for Henry's behavior is still rooted in his depression and trauma surrounding his father's death. They're also relevant to understanding Henry's behavior.

You might have seen edits or mentions of this email because it’s one of the most memorable.

Henry explains he had been dealing with his trauma by basically compartmentalizing the most impactful -mostly negative- events of his life into “rooms”. He puts those moments into “rooms” in his head, based on the layout of Buckingham Palace. He chooses which room based on how traumatic or impactful it was; two examples he mentions are losing his virginity in college, which he shoves it into “the smallest, most cramped little broom cupboard” he could find, and the night his father died, which he puts in “the biggest room, a ballroom, wide open and dark, windows drawn and covered”.

But when he saw Alex for the first time, he felt such a strong reaction that he took it “down to the gardens” and “pressed it into the leaves of a silver maple and recited it to the Waterloo Vase”. He quite memorably says, “It didn’t fit in any rooms.”

Then he describes what Alex looked like, and how he was talking to Nora and June, and how he was so animated, happy, and beautiful, and Henry was in a dark place, and felt like he couldn't experience life the same way.

Here's the most popular/remembered bit: "I thought, this is the most incredible thing I have ever seen, and I had better keep it a safe distance away from me. I thought, if someone like that ever loved me, it would set me on fire."

Henry basically pushed Alex away on purpose because on top of all the trauma he was experiencing, he was convinced he would ruin him, if you will, and that he didn't deserve someone like Alex.

Alex Meeting Henry

It's easy looking back with the knowledge we have now to wonder why Henry didn't just approach Alex, provide an explanation for his behavior (doesn't have to be his father, any justifiable reason would've worked), and apologize the very next time they saw each other.

But it's important to remember that this was their first ever interaction with each other. Henry was feeling a ton of different emotions, but so was Alex.

Alex is a smart, but stubborn, person. He develops very strong opinions fast, that may make sense, but sometimes fails to consider the alternatives. It's sort of like the two sides of his brain work at different speeds. He's very smart, but sometimes his emotional bias can blind him to fairly obvious things that would change his opinion.

For example, Alex sees Henry as rude, smug, entitled, and a snob, which are all inherently false notions. However, based on his one meeting with him, those aren't unfounded assumptions for him to make.

If you look at it purely from Alex's perspective, not knowing anything about Henry's depression and the depths of his struggle with grief, Henry does act and sound incredibly rude to Alex. Giving someone a nasty look when they introduce themselves to you and then immediately requesting to get out of the conversation, screams: "I don't care about your existence".

Couple that with the fact that Henry is a white, blue-eyed (in the book), blond who was born into royalty, and Alex is a working class person of color who has had to run himself into the ground to get to where he is.

That is the perfect set up for Henry's behavior to be interpreted worse than just rude. All of that information can logically add up to the assumption: Henry is an elitist, racist, asshole.

Before They Met

Alex also secretly admired Henry when he was younger. This wasn't translated to the screen, but like I mentioned, it's something I think of as happening in that universe anyway, just slightly differently.

June gets a teen magazine for her fifteenth birthday; since June isn't part of the film's canon, I can headcanon that this was Nora instead, since she's sort of a combination of the two characters for the movie. All the details don't really matter, but I know someone would be like "but that didn't happen in the movie-" and I just don't feel like explaining that to each comment I end up getting.

There's a teen magazine with a picture of Henry in it. It's a candid picture that captured his actual essence rather than the stuffy pictures Alex had seen on the news. He describes it, saying, "there was a happy, sun-bright confidence to him that couldn't be posed".

Alex definitely developed an unconscious crush on him, not realizing it until later. He would keep going back to the magazine and to the page with him on it. He would touch his hair in the picture, trying to imagine how it felt. He considered prying the stables apart and taking just that page to hide in his room.

As his parents started getting higher in the government, Henry also became his role model. He wanted to match the easy confidence he seemed to have.

But then he met him, and the fantasy he had of him was shattered by how rude Henry was.

The tabloids and news are always comparing Alex to him, which he mentions in the film to Nora in the car. He resents the fact that he's compared to Henry when he has every advantage, if you will, but he also resents that he ever wanted to be like Henry in the first place, having convinced himself now that he was a fake, boring, obnoxious prick.

Because Alex doesn't not know about Henry's dad, but its something he thought about more as a bullet point on his fact sheet rather than considering it any further.

Henry's depression is more explicitly explored in the book, since they have the time to go into all those details. He isolates himself, and has insomnia like he mentioned in the movie, but he also takes medication, and Alex makes a mention of a "tense little grimace Henry does in public" that he thought was him being aloof.

Once Henry mentions his father's passing during their conversation in the hospital closet, Alex's brain puts everything together very fast. He's not stupid, and in the book even says, "He's been aware for too long that most people don't navigate thoughts of whether they'll ever be good enough or if they're disappointing the entire world. He's never considered Henry might feel any of the same things."

Antagonizing Each Other

However, that is all information Alex doesn't have at the wedding. They don't say exactly how many times they've spoken in either version, just that they have met a few times since their first introduction.

Alex, on top of dealing with the comparisons, is convinced that Henry doesn't like him either. The quote from the books is: "The most annoying thing of all is Alex knows Henry hates him too-he must, they're naturally mutual antagonists-but he refuses to outright act like it."

He actively antagonizes him whenever they are at the same event. It's implied in the film when Henry describes him as "the world's most irritating person", but the book makes it clear that Alex is always the one to attack first, if you will.

As soon as Alex goes over to him at the wedding, we can see Henry visibly react in a way that implies he's bothered but has to pretend so they don't cause a scene. His expressions say, "oh here we go 🙄". Henry knows that Alex is going to pick a fight with him. It happens every time they run into each other.

This interaction in the book is pretty iconic and it does a great job of showing what I'm describing. Alex gets drunk and approaches Henry and while they're talking, Henry notices. He suggests Alex switch to water after he makes a lot of rude comments about him pretending to be more important than everyone and pretending to hate the attention the media gives him.

"Should I?" Alex says. He pushes aside the thought that maybe the wine is what gave him the nerve to stomp over to Henry in the first place and makes his eyes as coy and angelic as he knows how. "Am I offending you? Sorry I'm not obsessed with you like everyone else. I know that must be confusing for you."

"Do you know what?" Henry says. "I think you are."

Alex's mouth drops open, while the corner of Henry's turns smug and almost a little mean.

"Only a thought," Henry says, tone polite. "Have you ever noticed I have never once approached you and have been exhaustingly civil every time we've spoken? Yet here you are, seeking me out again." He takes a sip of his champagne. "Simply an observation."

"What? I'm not-" Alex stammers. "You're the-"

"Have a lovely evening, Alex," Henry says tersely, and turns to walk off.

It drives Alex nuts that Henry thinks he gets to have the last word, and without thinking, he reaches out and pulls Henry's shoulder back.

You know what happens from there.

Their conversation in the film is slightly different, but it carries the same beats as the book: Alex approaching Henry, he pretends to be nice while saying something rude, Henry starts retaliating against the comments, Henry tries to walk away, and Alex tries to stop him. In the book, Alex just stumbles when Henry turns back around really fast. He gets tripped up and starts falling, and just like in the movie, he grabs Henry to trying and keep himself upright. The icing on the jacket bit was added into the movie, which I have to say was a brilliant addition.

Back to their conversation, remember that Henry doesn't dislike Alex, rather he's had a crush on him since they met. But Alex has made his opinions very clear, and Henry is not a pushover. He doesn't engage him, but returns the energy he's given. When Alex is rude, he's rude back, but he doesn't start the fight.

I imagine that any attempt Henry could've made to explain or apologize for the Climate Conference/Olympics would have been squashed before he even had the chance by Alex's need to insult him. They also only ever see each other at very public events, so he can't ask why Alex doesn't like him; that's partly why he does it when they're stuck in the broom closet at the hospital.

They're completely alone and have nowhere to go, and it's probably been eating him alive every time he's thought about Alex for the last few years. Even if he doesn't like the answer, he knows that he will get an answer, so he asks.

Why Does Henry Walk Away?

This all being said, back to the moment in question:

The most common interpretation of this interaction is that Henry walks away because 1) he doesn't want to start anything, & 2) he has a raging crush on Alex, and he can't deal with it.

Now, Alex does start off playing nice here, being friendly and polite, but it's a reoccurring issue between them that even if things start off civil, Alex will end up antagonizing him.

They also both "know" that "the other hates them", so they both probably want to avoid each other.

Henry knows that Alex doesn't like him. He doesn't know why Alex doesn't like him, but he's well aware of the animosity. Therefore, he knows that Alex's politeness is a front.

He has a crush on him. He likes Alex, but he's gotten basically nothing but disdain from him since they met. That has to hurt, to have the person you like actively hate you. It also has to hurt knowing that they're pretending to be friendly.

Because Alex is pretending here. He's representing his mother, the President of the United States, at a massive foreign event. He knows better than to act up, so even if he doesn't like him, he is polite with his greeting.

After Henry brushes him off again, he's visibly pissed off, but he doesn't do anything. He avoids him. He stands off to the side, and sort wanders around alone, just drinking and feeling anxious. He has no intention of starting a conflict.

The only reason Alex approaches Henry is because he gets wasted drunk. This is the same in the book. While he was able to control himself before, once he's drunk, he just goes with his first impulses. One of those is to piss Henry the fuck off the second he sees him.

The book says, "[Henry] looks politely half-interested in that obnoxious way of his, like he has somewhere else to be. And Alex can't resist the urge to call his bluff."

This is to say that if Alex hadn't gotten as drunk as he did, he probably would've avoided Henry for the evening. Alex always seeks him out to provoke him, but like I said, he's aware of how important this event is. He does not want to start anything because it could reflect poorly on his mother. But Henry has no reason to think Alex will behave any differently than he has in the past, which he ends up being right about.

So to finally answer your question: Henry walking away was his attempt to avoid the conflict, as well as spare himself the emotional torture that would be watching the person you like be friendly with you, when you know it's fake and that they actually hate you.

Holy fuck, I could've told you that in two sentences but instead it turned into a whole fucking essay for NO REASON! Geez, just why? Why am I like this? lmfao 😭

Thanks for reading!! If you enjoyed this essay & would like to support me, you can give me a tip on my Ko-Fi! ☺️

[magicshopaholic]

Los Angeles pt. 2

Summary: Taehyung finds himself in the midst of a crisis, while Namjoon has a fight with his girlfriend an hour before the Grammys.

Pairing: Taehyung x OC, Namjoon x OC (different OCs)

Genre: Fluff, smut, angst

Word count: 13.8 K

Rating: 18+

Warnings: language, alcohol, making out, sex, blowjobs, dirty talk, jealousy

A/N: Hellooooo, wrote about some controversial but fan favourite couples after a while :D Set three months after New Year’s Eve Eve. Refers to events from Los Angeles, Weekend Story and Melbourne, but can be read standalone.

Tagging: @bbl32, @quarter-life-crisis2, @margopinkerton, @faearchives, @whoisbts, @purpleseoul7, @kflixnet (if you want to be added to the taglist, lmk)

Listen to: “gimme all your love” by alabama shakes

taehyung masterlist | namjoon masterlist | main masterlist

The morning is new, with the sun’s rays slanting in through the large windows. They’re blocked by the white sheets, giving the bed a warm, faint glow and making honey skin look golden. It’s fingers on hips, lips soft against muscle, intimate smiles between kisses and the quiet murmurs of nothing in particular for no one else to hear.

“It could be Kanye.” Dilara murmurs, her lips brushing against his ear. Her arms come around his neck and she sighs as his mouth moves gently along her jaw.

Taehyung groans quietly, kissing the skin along her neck and down to her shoulder. “Don’t even say that,” he complains softly, running a hand down the side of her body. “Are you wearing a new lotion?”

“Picked it up from the airport. What about -” She breaks off momentarily when he raises his head to face her, taken off guard by his eyes immediately locking on hers. “- um… Bruno. Mars. After that thing that went viral.”

He snickers softly and kisses her. “Unlikely,” he disagrees quietly against her lips. “It’ll probably be Kendrick,” he adds, pulling her closer, their naked bodies flush against each other.

“I can get behind that.” Dilara runs a hand through his thick hair and hooks a leg around his waist, flipping them over. Straddling him, she takes in his expression of surprise and arousal in equal measure. “I still think it’ll be Kanye, though. Record of the Year is always someone controversial,” she points out, flipping her long hair over one shoulder and straightening up.

Taehyung shakes his head slowly. “Fuck, you’re beautiful.”

He says it in Korean, but this Dilara can understand. She doesn’t bother suppressing her smile. “So you agree with me?”

He grins. “Sure. Unless you’re wrong.” He’s gone blond once again, for their comeback and upcoming tour. It’s a sunny golden, thick and brushing the tops of his ears and reaching the nape of his neck. He looks unbelievably handsome, like a work of art sculpted just for her.

She narrows her eyes playfully and adjusts herself on top of him, his erection brushing against her arse cheeks and making her toes curl automatically. “What do I get if I’m right?”

He holds her hips. “What do you want?”

“Write me a song.”

“I’ll write you a hundred,” he promises, just as she slides onto him, their sighs of pleasure occurring in unison. She moves slowly, rolling her hips into his and feeling his length inside her as he helps her along. It’s slow, soft and loving, the morning sun streaming in through the gaps in the curtains as she rides him, his fingers steady on her flesh and his gaze holding hers until the end.

“What time do we need to leave?” Dilara asks a little while later, flushed and on her back as she checks her phone. Her heart is still racing slightly, at a comfortable, post-coital pace.

“Hm, around four?” Taehyung answers, putting down his own phone and scooching over to her. He slides his arm around her waist and rests his chin comfortably on her shoulder. “But me and Jimin have to film something before that so you’ll have to come with the others. Unless you want to come with us?” he offers, squeezing her waist affectionately.

But Dilara shakes her head. “That’s okay. I don’t think I’ll be ready before that. I have to go pick up my dress and then Kaya and I have plans to go to lunch, get our hair done…” She places her phone back on the nightstand and turns to face him. 

“Wow. So you two are friends, then? If you’re getting your hair done together,” he points out seriously. He fingers a curl falling down her neck. “Your hair looks amazing like this - why do you even need to get it done?”

She chuckles. “Yeah? Should I just turn up to the Grammys afterparty with sex hair and messy curls?”

“Sounds perfect.”

She rolls her eyes and tucks her hair back self-consciously. “Not going to happen. We don’t have award-winning stylists to do our hair and make-up,” she reminds him, poking his shoulder. “And I like Kaya. She’s fun.”

“M-hm.” He kisses her but pulls away abruptly. “Are you sure you don’t mind watching the show from backstage, though?” 

“Absolutely,” she replies, shaking her head immediately. “I have no desire to sneak around the cameras and hope we don’t get spotted together. Kaya and I will chill backstage,” she tells him, wrapping her hands around his neck and sinking into his embrace, “cheer for you during your performance -” She kisses him slowly, slipping her tongue into his mouth, “- and meet you at the afterparty.”

Taehyung kisses her back and rolls on top of her, his blond hair brushing her cheeks. “I love you,” he murmurs before pulling away and frowning slightly. “Did you say you have to pick up your dress?”

“Yeah, it’s a Jenny Packham dress from her fall collection and it’s gorgeous. I have it on hold at a store here - shit, I should actually leave soon.” With an enormous effort, Dilara kisses him quickly and gently nudges him off, smirking at his dramatic groan. Swinging her legs off the bed, she begins searching for clothes.

“Can I see the dress?” he asks, still lying down as she pulls on his striped white button-down shirt from last night.

“Yeah, at the show.”

His jaw drops. “Seriously? It’s a secret?”

She gives him a look, now pulling on a pair of cotton shorts from her suitcase. “It wasn’t, but it can be. It’s a really nice dress and I want your reaction to the whole thing, with hair and shoes and all. It doesn’t work if I show you a picture of it beforehand,” she reasons.

“Huh.” Taehyung sits up on his knees and reaches for his joggers at the end of the bed. “Interesting. Sort of like a wedding dress.”

Dilara throws a t-shirt at him. “It’s not a wedding dress,” she states, her stomach fluttering without warning despite this being one of his favourite bits.

“Are you sure? Because I can roll with that,” he says seriously, pulling on the t-shirt and running his hands through his messy hair. “My outfit for today hasn’t been decided yet and I know there’s a white jacket that’s available -”

“Tae, I swear to God, don’t even joke about -”

“- but we should coordinate everything else, though, like a garter or -”

Dilara walks backwards with warm cheeks as Taehyung steps towards her, his forehead creased like he’s concentrating hard. “I’m going to kill you, I really am -” She turns around and opens the door of his room, hurrying outside and ignoring him as he continues. 

“- and if you’re wearing like a - how do you say it in English? That white cloth that comes over your face -”

“I’m not even listening, I’m just - oh, God!” She shrieks, partly in surprise and partly because of her heart skipping her beat when he grabs her around the waist and her feet leave the floor. 

“That really bothers you, doesn’t it?” Taehyung asks teasingly after he puts her down in the open kitchen of the shared suite. The doors to the other two rooms are still closed, leaving them alone in the expanse of the combined living room and kitchen area.

“No,” she disagrees automatically, popping two slices of bread into the toaster as she feels him come up behind her. “It’s just annoying. Like you,” she adds, poking him in the stomach.

He pokes her back. “You’re annoying.”

“You’re more annoying.”

“You’re -“

They jump slightly when the toaster dings and the bread pops up, dry and toasted. 

“Ooh, there’s jam,” he says, digressing and reaching behind her to pull a tray with small, pretty jars lined up on it. “Strawberry, obviously,” he decides, picking up a pink jar.

“Oh, no, try the blueberry…”

“Apricot? That doesn’t sound good at all…”

“I see your apricot and I raise you -“ She picks up a jar at the end and holds it up, wrinkling her nose. “- dates.”

Taehyung snickers, unscrewing the lid of the blueberry jam and lathering a generous amount on his toast with a butter knife. 

“Oh, I can’t have sugar,” she tells him when he offers her some, and bites into the plain toast. “What? I’m two weeks away from the first race. I can’t risk a single unwanted calorie.”

Taehyung frowns, dipping his finger into the jam. “Not even a taste?” he asks, waving a dollop of the sweet-smelling jelly in front of her.

She groans and leans back against the island. “Don’t tempt me,” she warns him, knocking his hand away.

“Just one.”

“No way. I’m already making an exception for later today where I intend to have one or many mimosas at lunch,” she points out.

“Fine.” He makes a big show of sucking it off his finger and smacking his lips while she narrows her eyes at him. “You said you didn’t want any,” he reminds her, stepping towards her and taking a large bite of his toast, leaving a smear of jam on the tip of his nose.

Pursing her lips in amusement, Dilara reaches up on the tips of her toes and licks it off. “Just made an exception.”

Taehyung’s face breaks out into a grin, but he visibly reins it in. Placing his hands on either side of her, he presses a sweet kiss to her cheek. “You know what you just did,” he says, taking another bite of his toast, “was a very married couple kind of thing to -“

“I hate you.”

“You really don’t.”

“Yes, I do…”

They’re kissing in between giggles and bites of toast when the front door opens. 

“Oh!” Jungkook immediately screws his eyes shut and halts in place, looking like he’s walked into an invisible wall. Jimin strolls in along with him, simply raising his eyebrows at them as they separate reluctantly.

“Told you they’ll have food,” says Jimin in Korean, dropping his gym bag on the floor. He comes over to examine the plate of jams and looks up in mild horror. “That’s it? Bread and jam?”

“Haven’t you lived on worse?” Dilara tosses him the wireless landline. “It’s technically your hotel suite. Feel free to order room service. JK, what about you? JK?” She turns to see him still standing in the same place with his eyes closed, his neck and ears red.

“Nothing for me, thanks.”

Taehyung frowns curiously at him as he chews his toast while Jimin reaches over and taps his hip with the phone. “I’m getting shakshuka,” he informs him. “They have eggs benedict, too.”

Jungkook finally peels his eyes open slowly and clears his throat, placing his gym bag next to Jimin’s and coming up next to him. “Uh, yeah, sure.” He looks up gingerly at Dilara and Taehyung across the island and his shoulders visibly relax, as though relieved to confirm that they’re no longer snogging. “What about you guys?”

“Just toast for me. But,” she adds, “may I tempt you to try the best jam offered by the Hilton?” She reaches across the island to where the tray of jams is next to Jimin’s elbow. “Hint: it contains dates.”

As she struggles to reach the tray while Jimin remains unbothered, the wide collar of Taehyung’s shirt falls open slightly. It takes her a moment to remember she isn’t wearing a bra and another to sense eyes on her. Before she can confirm, however, Taehyung’s arm appears in front of her.

“Or you can try the apricot,” he suggests, placing the bottle on the island. Dilara looks up to see his gaze on Jungkook, both knowing and just the slightest bit amused.

Jungkook’s face reddens again. “Apricot sounds good,” he mumbles, taking the bottle and sliding off the bar stool he was sitting on.

Taehyung snickers under his breath as he leaves while Dilara smacks his arm playfully, suppressing her own smile when the door opens for the second time. 

“Told you they’d have food,” says Namjoon with Kaya entering beside him. She’s already dressed in jeans and an off-shoulder top, looking fresh and glowing as she runs a hand through her long hair, the other interlaced loosely with her boyfriend’s fingers.

“Are you ready to go?” she asks Dilara, dropping his hand and taking Jungkook’s vacated seat. Meanwhile, Namjoon examines the lone packet of bread in disappointment.

“Yeah, just need to shower.”

Namjoon’s head snaps up. “You should hurry. We need to leave at four on the dot, so you guys should be back before then.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll be ten minutes.” Dilara swallows the last of her toast and skips into Taehyung’s room, shutting the door behind her.

When she returns, showered and doused in sunscreen for a sunny day in Los Angeles, Taehyung, Jimin, Jungkook and Namjoon are sharing one plate of shakshuka, looking extremely tragic as they do. Kaya observes them with a frown, looking somewhat sympathetic but also mildly concerned.

“We’re performing today,” says Jimin defensively, giving Namjoon a sideways glare, before Dilara even opens her mouth.

“Hey, no judgement,” she replies. “We’re just going to leave you guys to… this.”

“Yeah,” agrees Kaya slowly, rubbing Namjoon’s shoulder and kissing him on the cheek. “Enjoy your… plate.”

“There’s no need to rub it in,” sniffs Taehyung. Namjoon gives her a forlorn look but doesn’t respond, while Jungkook nods sadly.

“We’ll bring you back a muffin or something,” suggests Dilara. “For after the performance.”

All of them mumble incoherently, scraping their forks on the ceramic plate as Kaya and Dilara leave them.

“Remember we need to leave at four!” Namjoon calls out at the last moment.

“Yes, love you!” Kaya replies and shuts the door behind her and raises her eyebrows. “Never a good idea to be around them when they’re hungry,” she mutters as they head down the carpeted hallway.

Dilara snickers, pressing the elevator button. “I didn’t want to say it in front of them, but I’m so glad we got a reservation at this place for lunch. They have the best sushi - and mimosas.”

“Thank God,” says Kaya as they head down. “I was afraid I was going to have to share that shakshuka with them.”

While Dilara could only take a handful of days away from training to visit Los Angeles, she’d jumped at the chance to do it anyway. She missed Taehyung, she missed the sun and although it was pleasantly unexpected, she was looking forward to hanging out with Kaya again.

It wasn’t a huge surprise to her - and even less to Namjoon, who had casually deduced that it was due to the extreme lack of female presence in her life that she had taken to Kaya so quickly. 

She’d been FaceTiming Taehyung and had asked if Kaya would be coming as well, when Namjoon had popped up in the background to confirm that she would and to additionally provide this insight. Dilara had been about to disagree out of habit when it occurred to her that outside of Lexie, she didn’t actually have a single female friend.

While Lexie is her closest friend, there is something entirely different about Kaya, something so mature and put together that it stirs something admiring in Dilara, almost intimidatingly so. It also helps that she looks like the consummate girl next door from a movie, all long hair and sweet perfume and gorgeous smiles and unknowing double takes from men they pass on the street.

“He’s cute.” Dilara gestures as subtly as she can to a guy walking a German Shepherd across the street.

Kaya turns to see him smile back at her and continues walking, shrugging awkwardly. “I guess. Not really my type, though.”

“Yeah? What’s your type?”

“Tall. Broad. Pretty basic.” She chuckles and gives Dilara a knowing look, sipping at the straw of the iced coffee in her hand. 

Dilara returns her smile and adjusts the shopping bags on her arm, glancing at the Jenny Packham box inside the biggest one. Mildly considering that she may have overhyped the dress to Taehyung, she winces and pushes the box down and looks up to see a flash.

Her heart skips an enormous beat for a moment. “Shit,” she mutters, side-eyeing the woman who’s just clicked a picture of her from inside the coffee shop they just passed. “I think I’m paranoid. Ever since Taehyung and I got back together, I just assume that someone’s taking my picture because they know.” She hears a couple of more clicks and winces. “Sorry… but your picture might end up on an obscure sports Instagram account somewhere”

Kaya clicks her tongue sympathetically. “Don’t worry about it. And, yeah, I used to feel that, too, in the beginning. No one was taking pictures of me,” she clarifies, “but if someone even looked at me funny, my mind went straight to the worst possible scenario. Does your PR team know, though?” she asks after a moment. “In case it ever does come out?”

“Oh.” This isn’t something that’s occurred to Dilara. “Do you think I need to? Actually, yeah,” she muses, frowning at the hypothetical possibilities. “Maybe I should tell Red Bull. They do have a brand to think of.”

“Yeah, and if it’s anything illegal, then they’ll have the power to shut it down,” she points out. “You should talk to Taehyung about it, too. There’s probably protocol at his end as well.”

Dilara bites her lip, a little overwhelmed and marvelling briefly at the depth of knowledge Kaya seems to have about this. “Yeah, probably. Does Namjoon have, like, legal plans in place, too?”

“M-hm.” She nods, taking another sip of her coffee. Her dark eyes are wide and earnest, as though she’s talking about dinner plans with him. “I mean, I’m not famous so I’m guessing it’s more along the lines of social media and tabloids and stuff as compared to, like -” She shrugs “- if I’m being stalked or something.”

“Wow.” Dilara raises her eyebrows. “Sorry, you just seem really calm about… the possibility of being stalked.”

Kaya waves a nonchalant hand. “It’s just him being overly-cautious. Namjoon is very protective.” She says it with a shake of the head, but Dilara can still detect a hint of pride at the statement.

They head to lunch after that and decide to take a table inside to protect their freshly-styled hair. The owner ends up being a Formula 1 fan, possibly one of the few that exists in America, and almost trips over himself when he comes over.

“I may have a restaurant in Los Angeles but I could never forget someone who represents my country,” he says emotionally before declaring them free drinks for the rest of the afternoon.

“Is this normal?” Kaya asks in a hushed voice after he leaves. She’s on her third drink and her skin is glowing more than ever. Her eyes are bright and her speech is slightly faster than it was before, but Dilara finds it ridiculously endearing.

“The free stuff? Kind of, not a lot.” Dilara shrugs, starting a fresh drink. “It mostly happens abroad. Nobody in England gives a fuck. I’m sure this happens to the guys in Korea, though,” she adds curiously.

But Kaya shakes her head. “Oh, no. Well, not in my experience at least. Namjoon usually calls the restaurant ahead and they make sure we get a table with privacy and everything, but it doesn’t involve free stuff unless they’re promoting it. I prefer it that way, though,” she says after a moment. “It makes our dates feel normal.” She shrugs in a shy, private way.

Dilara tries to picture Namjoon as she knows him - the leader, serious and focused for all their schedules during the Red Bull and BTS partnership last year - with the version Kaya seems to be referring to, the one that takes his girlfriend on dates and holds her hand out of habit. 

“Does the long distance thing get easier, though?” she asks after a moment, biting her lip. “Because the first time Tae and I tried, it… it sort of went up in flames,” she confesses, realising somewhere in the back of her mind that the alcohol is starting to get to her as well, if she’s uttering these thoughts out loud.

Surprisingly, Kaya nods. “It definitely does,” she answers. “You get used to it, actually. The work takes over, the in-person times get better.” She chuckles and finishes the last of her drink. “The fights get weirder.”

“Our fights are pretty weird already,” she mutters.

“They’ll get more so. Last week, Namjoon and I had this huge fight because I forgot to lock my front door again.” She rolls her eyes. “I mean - yeah, he wasn’t totally wrong and it was maybe careless of me but I live in a safe building, you know? I know all my neighbours.”

Dilara nods, sensing they might be nearing the venting stage of their day-drinking session. But just then, Kaya glances at her phone.

“We should probably head back, though. I’m going to need to sober up before we leave,” she admits, wincing theatrically.

They ask for the cheque and leave soon after, and it becomes apparent to Dilara as they reach the hotel that Kaya was not exaggerating her need to sober up. She can’t help but enjoy it, though; it’s been a long time since she’s enjoyed a normal day out with a girlfriend with whom she’s felt such an immediate kinship. Kaya is an adorable drunk, she discovers, one that seems to shed a layer of her maturity and grown-up aura after a few drinks.

“It’s… wow, we have forty-five minutes to go,” remarks Dilara as they enter the lobby.

“And that’s why I suggested doing the hair stuff in the beginning. I had a feeling I might go overboard with the drinks,” points out Kaya, rummaging in her bag. “Where is my phone, my phone… oh, it’s in my pocket…”

She’s slurring less than she was before, though, which Dilara takes as a good sign. The elevator door opens and they’re met with Namjoon standing inside, fully dressed in a designer suit and his dark blond hair styled, his head low over his phone. The moment he looks up, however, his deep frown fades and a relieved smile spreads across his face.

“Thank God, I thought you guys were -”

“Hey, babe!” Kaya hops in, wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him on the mouth. He takes a moment but his hands come up to rest on her waist when she pulls away and takes in his figure. “Shit, you look hot.”

Namjoon raises his eyebrows. “Um, I - thanks. You look…” He frowns at her as she moves to stand next to him. “Are you drunk?”

She groans and places her head on his shoulder, holding his arm, while Dilara suppresses a smile at how concerned he looks. “Just a little.” She straightens up and carefully brushes her hair off her face. “I just need a black coffee and I’ll be fine.”

Namjoon’s tongue pokes through his chin but he doesn’t say anything, simply holding her waist to steady her. Suddenly feeling awkward, Dilara clears her throat.

“Tae - has he left already?”

“About half an hour ago.”

She nods, taking another peek at her dress inside the bag. She may have overhyped it, but Taehyung loves hype, as she’s discovered. The elevator reaches the top floor and opens soundlessly and all three of them step out, Dilara going in the opposite direction as the other two.

“I’ll see you guys downstairs!” She looks back to see Namjoon nod once in response as he and Kaya walk back to the other shared room, tall and beautiful, holding hands. 

They reach the room and Kaya lets go of his hand, suddenly exhausted. She reaches the bed and falls backwards on it, welcoming the cool air conditioning and groaning again.

“How awesome would a nap be right now?” she mumbles, before rubbing her face and sitting up. “Could you order me a coffee? I’ll start getting ready.” She slides off the bed and heads into the bathroom, frowning when he doesn’t respond. “Joon?”

She steps outside and sees him in front of the full length mirror, strapping on a watch and notably silent. His jaw is hardened and Kaya’s heart skips an uncomfortable beat.

“What’s wrong?”

Namjoon doesn’t look up at her. “It’s…” He checks the watch. “... three twenty-five and you’re asking me this question?”

She frowns, wondering if she’s missing something. “You said we had to leave at four. That means I still have -”

“Yeah, I can do the math.” He cuts her off. “But you’re also drunk. Was that really necessary? Today?”

“I’m not drunk,” she clarifies. “I’m… a little buzzed, that’s all. And that’s why I asked for that coffee -”

“I don’t have time to order you a coffee, Kaya!”

“Fine! I’ll just have the one in the room -”

“That’s not the point!” Namjoon shakes his head as his phone pings and he picks it up. He sighs as he reads it before looking up at her. “This is an important night for me - and a stressful one. I don’t need to be worried about getting you sober or -”

“You don’t have to!” she exclaims. “I’ll make my own coffee and I’ll -”

“You’re going to drink a coffee, get dressed and everything in half an hour?”

“Yes, I will! Namjoon, I’m not going to ruin your night just because I had a couple of drinks at -”

But she’s cut off by his phone ringing, which he answers and speaks into in Korean, pinching the bridge of his nose and nodding. Kaya shakes her head but falls silent, her buzz having rapidly disappeared but her heart now feeling uncomfortably heavy. 

Namjoon nods and hangs up, taking a moment before looking up at her. “You know what? I can’t fight with you right now - we’re getting late. Will you meet me downstairs?” He waits for her to nod silently before striding over to the door. 

Kaya turns to go back to the bathroom, spotting her dress in its cover hanging on the clothes rack in the open closet. She stops in her tracks when she hears him speak again.

“I really needed you to have my back today, Kaya.” Before she can respond, the door closes shut.

—

The green room backstage at the Grammys is more spacious than Dilara would’ve predicted. She realises she may have been picturing her own changing rooms in the paddocks, but the backstage area allotted to BTS is huge; there are make-up chairs and vanity mirrors, comfortable couches, a table on the side with water and healthy snacks, and a row of private changing rooms at the end.

Dilara is engaged in a makeshift game of tossing corn nuts in the air for Jungkook to catch in his mouth, making each attempt a little more complicated than the last. Jimin shows up midway but gets annoyed when he doesn’t catch a single one, opting instead to sabotage Jungkook.

“Higher, higher - he has a weak left side!” Jimin shrieks as Dilara chucks another one in the air, both of them guffawing when Jungkook trips and falls to the floor in his attempt to catch it.

“I still got it!” Jungkook points out, chewing on the corn nut and getting to his feet. A stylist appears from seemingly nowhere and begins dusting off his trousers, giving Dilara a dirty look as she leaves.

Deciding to make the rest of the game simpler, she tosses another nut in the air, but it’s caught in the air halfway to Jungkook. Jimin cackles melodiously at Jungkook’s momentarily stumped face when the corn nut doesn’t reach him, but no one else pays attention.

“Can I borrow my girlfriend for a minute?” Taehyung asks, face smooth and impassive, looking right at Dilara.

Unable to suppress her smile this time, she nods, having expected this. She tosses the bag of corn nuts on the nearest dressing table and lets Taehyung lead her to the back of the green room, away from everyone’s view, until they’re alone and she turns and leans backwards against the wall, pulling him to her by the hand.

“This is the wedding dress?” He fingers the thin floor-length chiffon material before running his hand up slowly up her hip and stopping at her waist. “The one I couldn’t see?”

She slaps his shoulder, albeit with less force than this morning, her heart quickening at their proximity and his height towering over her. “This is the one,” she confirms, tugging him closer by the arms so he’s pressed up against her. “Tell me it wasn’t just a little better waiting to see it in person instead of a picture.”

“It was worth the wait,” he murmurs in agreement, kissing her and pulling her close. Dilara responds with enthusiasm, satisfied with his reaction. Long, backless and floral, she made sure to come into his sight only a few minutes ago when he’d been outside, talking to the producer and a couple more people. She’d stayed by the doorway, waiting for him to notice her before giving him a brief, slow twirl and backing into the green room until he excused himself to come to her. She knows it’s a nice dress, but she knows the build-up to it was even better.

They separate before they get carried away and Dilara leans back again, happy and tingly all over. “You look sexy,” she comments, stroking the lapels of his jacket before pointing to the row of doors next to her. “Do you know if these changing rooms are empty?”

He grins. “They better be after we’re done with the performance. How was your day?” he asks, shaking out his styled blond hair and adjusting the bangs so they fall effortlessly over his forehead. 

“Good. Haven’t had a girls’ day in a while. When do you go on stage?” 

Taehyung exhales. “About fifteen minutes.” He looks like he’s about to say something before shaking his head. “How was, uh… wait, so you had a nice girls’ day. That’s good. Kaya is always alone at these things but now she has you.” He punctuates his sentence with an affectionate pinch to her cheek. “Did you get here okay?”

“Yeah, it was fine. I think she and Namjoon are fighting, though,” she says, wincing slightly. “They didn’t say a word to each other in the car and now you guys are going on stage soon…” She frowns when Taehyung hums distractedly, his eyes on the floor. “Hey. Are you okay?”

He bites his lip and looks up, and Dilara is surprised to see him looking anxious. “Just… just nervous. A little.” He exhales deeply again.

“Wait, really? You still get nervous? I mean -” She realises this might not be the right thing to say. “Well… don’t be. You’ll be amazing. You guys always are.”

Taehyung nods, looking slightly better. “I know. It’s just… Grammys.” He runs a hand over his mouth and smooths his hair back again.

“Um…” Dilara wonders if this might be the right way to go about it. “Do you need help calming down? Maybe I can be of some assistance.” Hesitantly, she lowers a hand below his belt and gently runs her fingers over his crotch. “Might get your mind off it?”

It takes him a moment to realise what she’s offering and a smile flashes across his face. “I… I love you. But I think I might lose all focus if you get anywhere near that right now,” he confesses.

Dilara nods and moves her hand away, squeezing his shoulders comfortingly. “After the show, then.”

“After the show. Come here,” he murmurs, pulling her to him and kissing her again. It’s faster this time, a little more heated with his anxiety out in the open. She gasps into his mouth when his hand tightens on her hips and he pulls away, a little breathless. “Maybe we can still -”

But just then, there’s a shout in Korean and he squeezes his eyes shut. “Sorry,” he mutters, opening them slowly. “I have to -”

“Go. And don’t worry,” she tells him, kissing him quickly. “You’re going to crush it. I love you.”

He nods gratefully and they head back to the common area where the members are all gathering in a circle with Namjoon in the middle. Dilara squeezes Taehyung’s hand before they separate, and she joins Kaya by one of the couches where she’s sitting by herself, her eyes on her boyfriend before they flicker away.

“How are you doing?” Dilara asks her.

“Totally sober,” she replies shortly. 

Dilara is reasonably convinced that they’re definitely in a disagreement of some sort. They’ve been simply keeping their distance ever since they left the hotel, barely saying a word to each other but drawing no additional attention to themselves. It’s a departure from how happy she’d looked when she’d seen him in the elevator this afternoon - and how his eyes had lit up when he’d seen her.

Now, despite Kaya looking absolutely sensational in a simple red satin slip dress with nothing but straps at the back, Namjoon has been maintaining his distance, although Dilara has caught him glancing over at her every few minutes when she isn’t looking.

She turns her attention back to Taehyung, though, waving at him when he turns to glance back at her as they leave to go on stage.

“Good luck, guys!” she calls, and a few of them return it with a chorus of thank you Dilaras. She notices Namjoon and Kaya hold each other’s gaze for a couple of seconds, where she mouths a tentative good luck and he nods back after a moment.

—

Taehyung sees nothing but lights, his members and dozens of faces in the audience that blur into each other. It’s a new song they’re performing, one they’re nominated for, and they give it everything they have. After weeks of practice, it’s expected.

It ends with thunderous applause from the audience. There’s cheering and whistles and although his heart is racing from the choreography, the response only makes the blood flow even faster. Next to him, the members are holding their ending poses until the lights dim and black out and all of them relax, grinning silently at each other at a successful performance.

Out of instinct, he looks to his left at the wings of the stage to see a few assistants and stylists, but between them, looking unbelievably angelic in her long, flowing dress - Dilara. She’s clapping and smiling right back at him, proud, affectionate and - he knows he’s not imagining it - aroused. She bites her lip at him and he grins and smirks back at her, when her gaze shifts slightly and the eye-fucking disappears, to be replaced by a dramatic narrowing of the eyes and her middle finger flashing momentarily.

Taehyung glances to his left to see Jungkook grinning and winking in her direction. His heart stutters unexpectedly for a moment and he almost misses when the producer signals for them to get off stage.

“What was that?” he mutters to Jungkook, after tapping his mic to check that it’s switched off.

“What?” Jungkook turns to him, panting and similarly out of breath. “Oh. Nothing. We had a bet.”

He provides no further explanation as they get off stage and everyone in the wings scrambles to make room for them. Taehyung notices Dilara gliding back to the green room with Kaya and follows them with a mild uneasiness he can’t quite place. But once everyone reaches and the mics are taken off, he searches for her to see her with eyes for no one but him, smiling radiantly and holding out a hand for him to take.

“Are you still too nervous?” she murmurs against his lips as they stumble into a private changing room. It’s dim but empty, smelling vaguely of cologne and powder.

“Not for this.” Taehyung grabs her hips and walks her backwards until she feels a dressing table behind her. The adrenaline is still flowing in his veins with fervour and the feel of her fingers unbuttoning his shirt and running through his hair makes him instantly hard.

“You were so sexy on stage,” she sighs, her mouth hot against his skin, from his collarbone to his sternum. “I couldn’t take my eyes off of you. All I kept thinking about was -” She nips at his stomach right above his belt, making him gasp, “- that you’re mine -” She unbuckles his belt and unbuttons his trousers, lightly biting his erection, “- and that you’re going to come off stage -” She lowers his boxers with her teeth “- and fuck me until everyone at that afterparty knows what you’ve done to me.”

Taehyung’s mind feels like it’s on autopilot when her lips wrap around his cock. He groans quietly, closing his eyes and dipping his head back as she takes him in. His hand goes to cradle her head in place, burying his fingers in her loose curls and gently clutching them. He looks down to see her dress spread out around her like fallen flowers and he knows he can’t wait any longer.

“Come up,” he whispers, tugging her up by her shoulders. “We don’t have a lot of time until they call me back.” He pulls her close by the waist and kisses her again before nudging her to turn around.

Dilara does so immediately, sweeping her long hair over one shoulder and shivering when he strokes her bare spine with a finger. “That means you’re not going to make me wait?” she asks hopefully, sighing when he presses rapid, wet kisses to her shoulder blade and pulls her flush against him, his chest warm against her back.

“Lucky you,” he murmurs, squeezing her breast and feeling her nipples hard and erect through the thin material. “God, I love you, Lara…” He nips at her ear before pulling one strap of her dress down her shoulder. He thinks of her expression from the wings again; direct, flushed, turned on as she returned his gaze…

“What was the bet?” he mutters against her earlobe, his hands tightening on her hips and bunching the fabric of her dress in his hand.

Dilara sighs distractedly. “What?”

“The bet,” he repeats calmly, biting her skin softly between his teeth and his tongue. “With Jungkook.”

“I don’t…” She reaches backwards to hold his head in place, tilting her neck. “Oh… nothing. I bet him he couldn’t sneak a… a moonwalk into the performance somewhere,” she murmurs. “Fuck, that feels good…”

Taehyung frowns, his mouth on her neck. “Did he?” He pushes her erection against her arse, hearing her gasp. “Did he do the moonwalk?”

But Dilara seems to have lost track of their conversation entirely. She reaches behind her and feels for his erection, wrapping her fingers around it. “God, Tae, you said you wouldn’t make me wait,” she whines. “I want you…”

“I did say that,” he mutters in agreement, lifting up her dress and reaching under it for her underwear. She sighs in relief and helps him hastily with the fabric when a loud knock interrupts them.

“Fuck!” Dilara exclaims in shock, freezing and looking towards the door. “No, no, no…”

Taehyung drops his head on her shoulder in frustration, his erection throbbing in anticipation of what was about to happen. The voice outside, belonging to one of the producers, is dry and uncaring as it knocks on all the doors one by one to tell the members to assemble for a recording.

“Damn it.” Dilara’s shoulders deflate and she sighs, straightening up and fixing her dress. Taehyung pulls his trousers back up, wincing as he tucks his erection back in and hoping it’ll disappear soon.

“I’m sorry,” he says softly, turning her around to face him. She shrugs as she helps him button up his shirt, but he can tell she’s disappointed, mostly because he is, too. Finally, when they’re both presentable again, she looks up at him.

“You were really fantastic on stage today,” she says, straightening his blond bangs and giving him a small smile. “I prefer watching from the audience, though.”

He smiles back, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Really? It’s easier to sneak into a dressing room when you’re backstage, though.”

“Good point,” she agrees, reaching up to kiss him. They share a sweet, loving kiss and Taehyung squeezes her affectionately, suddenly so grateful that she was able to make it here this weekend. 

There’s a shout this time and the voice is unmistakable as Hoseok’s, calling Taehyung’s name in a very knowing tone.

Dilara pulls away and exhales sharply. “Tonight,” she says, and he nods. “Properly. Without interruptions. I didn’t spend a bunch of money on this dress so I could take it off myself,” she informs him and opens the door.

“Is that permission to rip it off?” he clarifies as they walk out. “Just in case I get carried away?”

“I will kill you if you rip it, Tae…”

The group films a quick clip against the backdrop of the green room, taking a few attempts until everyone makes it through the script without error. Jungkook is in the middle, twiddling his thumbs and nodding into the camera with gigantic eyes while Namjoon next to him does most of the talking, looking very tall and reassuring as he talks about their nomination.

Taehyung sneaks a look at Dilara behind the cameras and crew, leaning against one of the vanity mirrors next to Kaya. She catches his eye and gives him a gorgeous smile, and he feels his heart skip a beat. Her scent still feels like it’s lingering; something expensive and fragrant and he takes a deep breath on camera, trying to hang on to it.

He doesn’t get an opportunity to get near it again for nearly an hour, once everyone is segregated into different cars for the half-a-block ride to the afterparty. 

One of the male stylists suggests a couple of times to Kaya to take a jacket because it might get cold at night, until she politely and firmly declines. She and Dilara enter the party first, before any of the members arrive and make a beeline for the open bar.

“I think I’ve had enough alcohol for today.” Kaya purses her lips and asks for a lemon spritzer, using the plastic stirrer with a sigh. In the midst of the party, complete with celebrities only seen on TV wearing the most outrageous outfits, Kaya looks extremely out of place in a normal dress and heels.

“How long before we can officially start acknowledging the guys in public again?” Dilara asks, mostly in an effort to engage her, but also because she’d been a little taken aback by the categorical instructions that the producers had given her and Kaya just before they’d gotten into the car.

“Usually about an hour or so,” supplies Kaya, taking a deep breath and sipping her drink. “The photographers apparently only show up at the beginning to cover the event and after that it’s a private party. Or something,” she adds after a moment, sounding disgruntled. “Who cares, right? It’s not like we know anyone else here.”

Dilara is more convinced than ever that she and Namjoon are in a fight. She finds herself strangely invested in it; she imagines this might be what it feels like to watch one’s parents fight.

“Well,” she begins, taking a sip of her drink. “If it helps, I don’t know anyone else here either.” She throws a friendly arm around Kaya’s shoulders. “We can just not know anyone together.”

Kaya gives her a forced smile before spotting something over her shoulder. “Isn’t that Lewis Hamilton over there?”

Dilara’s face goes slack and her arm falls to her side as she whips around. “Holy shit. Holy - it is! What is he doing here?”

“Probably the same thing you are.” Kaya raises her eyebrows. “He’s probably someone’s date,” she explains. “He was at the show, though.”

“Yeah, that’s because he’s Lewis,” reasons Dilara, turning back around to spot him in polite conversation with someone, his dreadlocks pulled back and his deep purple suit sparkling dimly under the strobe lights. “I should go say hi - do you want to come?”

For the first time all evening, Kaya’s face breaks out into an actual smile. “Are you serious? I - Lewis?” She exhales shakily and immediately smooths down her short, satin dress. “Are you sure?”

Dilara grins. “Of course. He’s pretty nice.”

Kaya begins adjusting her hair, looking thoroughly starstruck. “Okay. Shit. He’s, like, my favourite driver. After - after you, of course,” she amends sheepishly, squeezing Dilara’s arm. “You really don’t mind?”

“Despite that, no. I don’t.” She grabs Kaya’s hand and begins walking in his direction. “Come on.” They head over to Lewis, who spots Dilara just as they reach.

There’s some general pleasantries; Dilara can tell Lewis feels just the tiniest bit more comfortable around someone from his territory as he introduces his date, a vaguely familiar singer she can’t place. She introduces Kaya, who blushes and stammers a bit but ends up coming across as awkward and charming all at once. 

Dilara clicks a picture of them, then poses with Lewis for one of the official photographers before they separate, at which point BTS finally arrives. She catches Hoseok’s eye first, followed by Taehyung who grins at her, cameras apparently be damned, while Namjoon seems to be very methodically scanning the party until he spots Kaya and his shoulders relax a bit.

While BTS’s producers had given both Dilara and Kaya a mild warning to stay away from the guys initially, no such intimation seems to have reached the group themselves. Jungkook joins them almost immediately, looking surprised but rather enamoured at meeting Lewis, who seems to be vaguely taken off guard at meeting so many new people all of a sudden.

“You’re here with a date, too?” he asks her during a brief moment when Jungkook has to answer his phone in the midst of interrogating Lewis about his gym routine.

“I’m here as a date,” she corrects him, feeling pleasantly tingly as she says it. “This may be totally anti-feminist of me or whatever, but there’s something kind of cool about being on someone’s arm in their… well, in their version of the paddock.” 

Lewis chuckles knowingly, glancing briefly at his date who’s speaking to someone else. “Yeah, I get it. It’s a nice change. I didn’t see you at the show, though.”

“Nope, I was watching the show from backstage,” she explains, spotting Taehyung and Hoseok reaching them. “Being a supportive girlfriend and all that,” she adds, smiling at Taehyung as he nears her.

“Oh, well, your boyfriend’s a lucky guy.” He pats Jungkook’s arm, who’s just finished his call, and it takes Dilara a moment to realise what he’s talking about.

“Oh, he’s not my boyfriend,” she clarifies immediately, snickering at Jungkook’s wide eyes and deer-in-headlights expression. “God, no. This is my boyfriend.” She links her arm with Taehyung’s, who’s just reached them, once again taken aback at how handsome he looks in his suit .

Lewis’s smile vanishes and he looks momentarily mortified. “Oh, damn. Sorry, man, I just assumed - but my mistake. Lewis,” he introduces himself, offering his hand. Taehyung shakes it and introduces himself, but Dilara can hear the slight clip in his words and after some awkward conversation, they disperse.

“I thought you guys couldn’t be seen with us.” Dilara takes care to keep her hands to herself as she and Taehyung head over to the bar, noticing the frequent and admiring glances he gets from other guests. She moves a little closer to him, their shoulders brushing.

“I don’t really care about that here,” he says dismissively, taking her hand but letting it go a moment later. “Unless you do? If you’re worried about the cameras, we can stay away,” he assures her. “Most of these photographers won’t be able to publish anything about us without the company going after them, but if you have a problem…”

“I don’t want to,” she admits, her shoulders slumping a little. “I thought I’d be invisible at this party but now that Lewis is here, this is going to make its way into the sports’ page somehow.” She shudders. “There’s nothing worse than an athlete’s love life being made public. Takes away from the sport entirely. Only playboy-Lewis can get away with it,” she adds, glancing in his direction a little resentfully.

“It’s settled, then,” says Taehyung, stopping at the bar and asking for a whiskey with soda. “We’ll keep our distance tonight. No acting like a couple.”

Dilara nods, setting her empty glass on the bar and leaning against it. “No holding hands, no kissing.”

“No dancing. No matter the song,” he adds, rolling his eyes as one of their mutual favourite R&B tracks begins playing.

She makes a face and nudges his arm. “Nothing at all. Not until we get back to the hotel.”

“M-hm.” He nods, taking a sip from his drink. “Then I can get under that beautiful dress and eat you out until you’re begging for my cock,” he says nonchalantly, his deep voice low and still cutting through the loud music.

Dilara almost chokes, feeling a jolt low in her stomach that slowly spreads even lower. “I’m going to hold you to that,” she says weakly, exhaling shakily as a faint smirk spreads across his face. 

“Can’t wait.” He glances around them and quickly presses a chaste kiss to her cheek. “See you later, jagiya.” He walks past her and blends into the crowd, turning around and giving her a smile just before he disappears.

Her heart still racing, Dilara looks around for something to distract her. She spots a figure in shiny red, long blown-out black hair casually falling down one shoulder, standing alone with a glass and looking like a lonely, troubled protagonist from an R-rated indie movie about drugs and shady characters.

“Heyyy,” she says slowly, sidling up to Kaya. “How’s it going?”

“Fabulous.” Her excited demeanour while meeting Lewis seems to have disappeared entirely, to be replaced by a sarcastic, slightly put-out tone. She briefly glances diagonally across before scoffing quietly and turning away.

Dilara follows her gaze to see Namjoon, in conversation with a tall woman with purple hair whose back is to them, speaking animatedly over the music. As she watches, the woman laughs at something he says and flirtatiously pushes his shoulder. 

“Oh, shit,” mutters Dilara, wincing slightly.

“Do you think it’ll cause a scene if I kick something right now?” Kaya murmurs, looking deliberately into her glass.

“Possibly,” she replies, trying not to make it obvious to Namjoon that they’re talking about him. “If it helps, he’s not encouraging her. And he’s - oh, God - he’s looking over here,” she mutters quickly, her eyes snapping away.

“Yeah, he’s been doing that. It’s not helping.”

Dilara sneaks another look and wrinkles her nose a little. “I mean… he really doesn’t seem comfortable with it.”

It’s true, for Namjoon, while being polite and engaging, seems to be making every effort to maintain a professional distance. His hands are in his pockets and he subtly leans away every few seconds whenever the woman he’s talking to gets closer. His gaze darts furtively in Kaya’s direction again, who seems to be determined not to acknowledge him.

“Well, he’s still there, isn’t he?” Kaya snaps quietly, taking a large sip of her clear drink. “Sorry,” she murmurs after a moment. “It’s just annoying watching this every time, you know? They think he’s single and I have to keep my damn distance…” She shakes her head.

“Hey, I get it,” agrees Dilara sympathetically. “He’s looking over here again, though.”

Kaya raises her eyebrows, not turning around. “Yeah? You think I should walk away?”

“Oh, definitely. Sweep your hair back as you do; it’ll drive him crazy.”

“Okay, tell me when.”

“Okay…” Dilara glances at Namjoon as subtly as she can for confirmation. “I’m going to go this way now. Wait five seconds and go the opposite way.”

“Got it. Thanks.”

They nod shortly at each other before Dilara sweeps away, her long dress flowing behind her. 

Kaya waits the appropriate amount of time but unable to resist, looks back over her shoulder at Namjoon again, just to see him nod and smile at something the woman says, his dimple visible all the way from over her. The woman goes in to hug him and Namjoon instinctively hugs her back with one arm and winces slightly, his eyes darting right towards Kaya.

Irritated beyond belief, she scoffs quietly and walks away, certainly less attractive than Dilara had advised. It’s a crowded party, though, and everyone seems to be actively enjoying themselves which she finds thoroughly unfair right now. Finally, she reaches the entrance and takes a turn into a balcony, mercifully empty except for a couple of men smoking at the other corner.

She leans over the bannister and sighs in annoyance, unable to appreciate the beauty of the hotel gardens at all. She’ll stay here all night if she has to, she decides, if it means not having to watch her stupid boyfriend with his stupid attractiveness flirt with the stupid women who can’t seem to stay away from it.

The night is chilly, though, and once her chagrin starts to subside somewhat, she feels goosebumps erupt on her arm. She tries unsuccessfully to shake some of her hair over her shoulders to cover the bare skin, regretting not taking that stylist’s advice to bring a jacket.

Mind over matter, she tries to tell herself, braving the cold. Just as she exhales and sees her breath turn into light mist, the cold is suddenly blocked and she feels a jacket being placed over her shoulders. The comfortingly familiar cologne tells her who it is before he appears before her, leaning sideways against the bannister in a slightly sheer black shirt and slacks.

“What are you drinking?” he asks calmly.

“Don’t worry, it’s non-alcoholic,” she mutters, trying to not show her relief at having a jacket. She places her glass on the edge of the bannister and glares in the opposite direction.

After a moment, Namjoon speaks again. “Kaya, that was work.”

“Looked like it.”

He sighs. “I have to be nice or there’ll be an article tomorrow somewhere about how BTS is rude and standoffish. I wasn’t responding to her at all,” he points out gently.

This is irrefutably true, but Kaya is in no mood to agree with him right now. The image of that purple-haired singer grabbing his arm makes her grit her teeth.

“It was pathetic to watch,” she mutters, shaking her head. “What kind of self-respecting woman goes after a guy with a girlfriend?”

He touches her elbow. “Baby, she doesn’t know.”

“Fine, would you like me to go tell her?” she snaps, finally looking up at him. It’s dark but for the moon and the lights from inside the party, but Kaya can still see mouth twist before he purses his lips and a dimple appears on his left cheek. “Shut up,” she mutters, rolling her eyes.

Namjoon snickers quietly, moving closer to her. He looks so handsome - insanely handsome - that it only annoys her even more when his grin widens.

“Alright, you know what? How about I go in there,” she suggests tightly, shrugging off the jacket and slamming it in his chest, “and find some guy to flirt with and we’ll see how funny you find it then.” 

“Okay, okay, you’ve made your point,” laughs Namjoon, grabbing her wrist as she turns to leave and tugging her towards him. “You win. And I was not flirting with her.”

Kaya gives him a look but says nothing, folding her arms across her chest as he tenderly places the jacket back around her shoulders.

“I told one of the stylists to tell you to bring a jacket,” he says, his brow furrowing slightly. “I had a feeling it might get cold.”

“Oh,” she murmurs in surprise, as he smooths down the lapels. “Yeah, I - I guess I should’ve brought one.”

Namjoon drops his arms back to his side and tilts his head. “Was I too harsh?” he asks after a moment.

Kaya swallows, her gaze falling to the ground. “You mean back at the hotel or after that, when you abandoned me at a party where I don’t know anybody? Because if it’s the second, then, yes. If it’s the first… no,” she admits. “Not really.”

They’re quiet for a few seconds, the only sounds being from the party inside. Despite the less-than-perfect evening, Kaya can’t help but finally feel a bit relieved to be in his presence. There’s something instantly safer about it; it’s worth the risk of photographers prowling around.

“I know how important your job is to you,” she points out after a moment, looking up at him. “I know how important tonight was for you - do you really think I’d ruin it for you by showing up plastered?”

“I was on edge, okay?” Namjoon runs a hand through his hair. “I was coordinating with a bunch of different people, the company was calling from Korea and -” He gives her a look. “Forgive me, baby, but you… don’t have the best track record when it comes to alcohol.”

Kaya’s eyes automatically widen, despite the cold, hard truth in this statement. “That’s… I - I was nowhere near as bad as Barcelona. Or even that book launch in Seoul last year. I paced myself today.”

“No, I - I’m sure you did.” He nods. “I trust you. But I was… it’s been a crazy stressful day,” he blurts out, suddenly looking far more tired. “Honestly, it’s a miracle we pulled off that performance today. We got through it by the skin of our teeth,” he confesses in a low voice, shaking his head slightly as though he still can’t believe it.

Kaya frowns. “What are you talking about? You guys seemed fine backstage - I mean, from what I could understand.”

“Jin hyung strained his throat this morning during rehearsal and Jungkook pulled a muscle that he kept insisting was fine,” he mutters, rolling his eyes. “He wouldn’t take no for an answer - the entire performance, I just kept worrying he’d fall on stage or something. And then Bang PD called me this morning to tell me about a meeting with Snoop Dogg and his entire team, with, like, an hour of notice.” Namjoon leans back against the bannister and hunches over, resting his hands on his thighs. He exhales hugely, as though he’s been holding his breath all day. “And all this was before lunch.”

“But -” She frowns, feeling her heart ache a little at his little outburst. “Namjoon, why didn’t you tell me any of this?”

“Because you had plans and… and it’s not your job to worry about this, too,” he says vaguely, straightening up but not meeting her eyes. “You’re here for less than a week as it is.”

“Yeah, but I’m here for you!” Kaya shakes her head. “You are the reason I’m here. Walking around Los Angeles is way down in my list, and only because I didn’t want to get in your way.”

He looks away, and she knows it’s because they’re going down a familiar route. “I was afraid if I told you, you’d cancel your plans, okay?”

“So?” Unlike him, she looks right at him, raising her eyebrows questioningly. “If I want to cancel, I’ll cancel. That’s up to me. Namjoon…” She sighs and takes his hand, waiting until he looks at her. “We’ve had this conversation before. You don’t have to protect my morale, okay? I’m not in your group. You’re not my leader - you’re my partner. And I’m your partner. But I can only be that if you let me.”

“Kaya, of course you’re my -”

“Not if you don’t tell me about the bad stuff,” she interrupts, cutting him off. “And you were - you’d started telling me things after the last time this happened.” She strokes the back of his hand with her thumb. “Why didn’t you this time?”

Namjoon doesn’t say anything, staring at their hands. “It was a lot,” he murmurs finally.

“Doesn’t matter. Tell me anyway.”

He nods slowly, sighing and looking up at her. He squeezes her hand and she squeezes it back, hoping he understands.

“Especially if you’re going to snap at me because of it.”

“I didn’t -”

“Just -” She cuts him off again, shushing him and moving closer to him, wrapping her arms loosely around his waist. She rests her forehead against his neck and waits for him to slowly, slightly awkwardly hug her back, and tightens her arms around him. After a moment, she feels him relax slightly.

“I didn’t mean to snap at you,” he mumbles against her hair.

She nods and shifts to rest her chin on his shoulder. “I should’ve been back sooner.”

They stay like that for a few more seconds when she remembers something.

“Oh, God.” Kaya takes a step back. “Is this allowed?”

Namjoon raises his eyebrows. “Are we allowed to… hug?”

“Yeah. Because of the photographers…” She points vaguely to the party. “Your producers said we should keep a distance because of the photographers - are they still here?”

“Wait, they said what?” His expression changes from confused to one of disbelief. “Again? I told them last time that there was no need to -”

“That’s not the point - I was asking about photographers and if there’s -”

“No, this is not okay, you don’t need to -”

“Namjoon, they’re just doing their job. It’s okay.” She nudges him gently. “I don’t think they’re here anymore. Not outside, at least.”

He straightens the jacket around her. “You look incredible,” he murmurs. “Like, out of this world, driving me crazy every second of tonight… incredible.” His eyes flicker over her figure. “I haven’t been able to take my eyes off you.”

Kaya bites her lip, trying not to reveal how her heart zooms at his words even three years later. “Really? Not even long enough for Miss USA to drape herself all over you?”

“I think she’s Canadian.”

She stares at him, tongue in her cheek until he snorts and pulls her closer by the hand, tilting his head slightly to kiss her on the cheek.

“I hate fighting with you,” he murmurs, pressing his forehead to her temple.

Her eyes flutter shut and she breathes in his scent, nuzzling his neck lightly. “Then stop looking so hot while you do it,” she snaps softly, just before their heads turn together and they share a kiss. She can feel his smile as his hand comes up to rest against her face, the kiss soft and teasing and sinking.

A cold gust of wind blows and Kaya shivers, pulling away slightly. “Shit, I didn’t think it’d be this cold.”

“Yeah, I know,” he murmurs, his lips ghosting over her jaw. “I can see your nipples through the dress.”

“What?” She instinctively hunches her shoulders and pulls the jacket tighter around her. “Are you serious?”

“M-hm.” His eyes flicker down to her chest and a smirk spreads across his face. “They look really sexy.”

“Don’t try to sexy talk me right now, Kim Namjoon,” she whispers, slapping his shoulder lightly. “Especially when you can’t follow through.”

Namjoon grins. “Fair enough. Although if you find a place private enough, I could be persuaded to show just how much I love seeing your nipples through your dress.”

She gives him a warning look before frowning slightly. “Actually, it’s pretty secluded here. Quiet.”

He raises his eyebrows and looks around the balcony. “Here? You want to fool around where anyone could walk in?”

Kaya chuckles. “No,” she answers. “I want you to talk to me about why you were stressed today.”

Namjoon’s smile fades. “Kaya…” When her expression doesn’t change, he sighs. “Why does it matter now? Everything worked out.”

“That’s good. You can tell me knowing that everything worked out.” She gives him the best doe eyes she can muster, knowing that a sexy dress is nothing compared to that when it comes to Namjoon. “Please.”

His eyes flicker but a moment later, he nods. “Okay, then.” He leans back against the bannister again and shakes his head affectionately at her. “I’m powerless when you ask me anything like that.” Smiling at her proud grin, he begins.

—

“Ugh, my feet are killing me.” Dilara leans against the closed door of their room and takes off her heels one by one. “How women in the entertainment industry wear this every day and not die, I will never understand. But it was a fun party,” she adds, tilting her head up and shaking back her hair so the cold air of the AC can permeate through it.

A few steps ahead of her, Taehyung loosens his tie and unties it, chucking it on the couch and going towards the mini bar in the room, stocked with snacks and bottles of water. He unscrews one and takes a long sip from it, his profile sharp.

“Turns out it’s a good thing Lewis was there because I would’ve been completely alone otherwise. Especially once Kaya and Namjoon made up. Oh, I have to send her the pictures…” She slides her phone out of her clutch and begins AirDropping them to her, selecting pictures of she and Lewis, and she and Namjoon looking rightfully back in love for the second half of the party. 

“... never seen Lewis dance this much before,” she continues. “I mean, he did seem a bit awkward at first but he was a good sport. Oh, and then Jungkook turned up, of course, and then Lewis genuinely loosened up a bit. By the way, I think Jungkook has a crush on him or something - he kept looking for excuses to hang out with us and basically talked his ear off about the season…”

Dilara looks up to see Taehyung taking off his jacket in silence, deliberately not looking at her. It’s strange; she wonders briefly if he’s annoyed at their lack of interaction at the party, but as far as she remembers, that had been a mutual decision. She tries again.

“So, uh…” She leans on her arm against the doorway of the bathroom, flipping her hair over one shoulder. “If I recall, you’d promised me something at the party. Something about my dress and…” She rides out the pause, watching him intently “...begging?”

“What if I say no?”

It occurs to Dilara only when he says it, that she hasn’t actually heard him speak more than a couple of words here and there since they left the party. She’d chalked it down to the other people in the car and general tiredness, but now she’s not sure.

“What?”

“What if I say no to sex tonight?” he repeats, unbuttoning the cuffs of his dress shirt and still not looking at her.

“Then… we don’t have sex.”

“And you’re okay with that?”

Dilara raises her eyebrows, utterly confused. “Am I okay with not having sex if you don’t want to? Yes. What is going on?”

“What’s the point then?” His words are biting - but something about this seems familiar. “Why are you here?”

“Are you serious?” She drops her arm and stands straight, feeling ridiculous. “What the hell is going on with you?”

“We’re not having sex,” he says, finally turning to her and the suddenness of it takes her aback. “So why are you here?”

Dilara takes a deep breath. Less than a month ago, she had been in a mood, a bad mood. She’d taken it out on everything around her, including Taehyung halfway across the world - and he’d silently let her until she’d calmed down herself. 

Taehyung is in a mood now, but letting him be in one is the worst thing she can do. He needs confrontation, whether or not he responds to it. He needs an argument, an opportunity to sulk and to get on the defensive before he concedes to the real issue.

“Are you going to tell me what’s wrong?” she asks him clearly, placing a hand on her hip and frowning at him. “Or do you just want to start a fight?”

Taehyung holds her gaze for a few seconds, eyes impassive and dark eyebrows slanting upwards. Then he swallows and shakes his head, looking at the floor.

“You’re right. I’m sorry,” he mutters to her surprise. “I’m just… I’m just not in the mood, okay?” He shuffles up to her and hesitantly kisses her cheek, before moving past her and into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him.

It’s an unprecedented situation, and Dilara can feel the initial worry of not knowing how to handle this - or even what this is. She tucks her hands behind her head on the pillow and frowns at the ceiling when the bathroom door opens and Taehyung emerges, his face bare of the make-up and hair slightly damp at the roots.

He looks up at her and stops in his tracks, taking in her t-shirt and underwear. “You changed.”

“Yeah.” She nods, trying to keep her tone even. “You said you didn’t want to have sex.”

For a moment, she thinks he’s going to make a snarky comment but then he nods. “Okay.” He changes into the same pajamas from the morning and forgoes a shirt, not speaking till he’s done. “You want to watch a movie?”

“A movie?”

“Yeah,” he says, climbing onto the bed and half-lying down next to her but making no physical contact. “Look, they have Pride and Prejudice,” he adds, scrolling through the options.

Dilara can’t believe she’s actually wishing for a fight, for this… this strange effort to not start a fight is throwing her off completely. She knows she should look at this as a positive and yet, it troubles her more than she expected.

She gives him a sideways glance to see him watching the opening credits, the picture reflecting in his pupils but the rest of his face betraying nothing. In a sudden movement, she reaches over and snatches the remote from his hand, and turns the television off.

“Hey!”

But Dilara ignores him, chucking the remote to the side and blocking him from going after it by straddling him.

“What are you doing? Lara -”

“I let you manhandle me during sex because we both like it but we both also know I’m stronger than you,” she hisses, pinning his shoulders to the pillow. She waits for him to relax underneath her before she loosens her grip. “Now will you please tell me what’s wrong?” she demands.

Taehyung narrows his eyes. “Is it bothering you this much that I said I didn’t want to have sex?”

“Shut up.” She hears her voice tremble a bit. “You’re hiding something from me. Again.”

She sees the moment it dawns on him what she’s referring to and his face goes slack. “Oh, hey… it’s nothing like that,” he says immediately, his voice low and reassuring. “I promise.”

“Then tell me.”

Taehyung purses his lips and looks away, glaring at the curtains to the side. He swallows. “Why are you here?” he asks, so quietly that she’s unsure for a moment if he’s speaking to her at all.

“What does that mean?”

“Why are you here?” he repeats, a little louder this time and looks up at her again. “Here, in LA, with - with me?”

Dilara stares at him. “I don’t know. Because we’re dating?” she says sarcastically. “Because we haven’t seen each other in a month - because I missed you and flew across two continents to see you? Because I love -”

“But why do you love me?”

“Is this about last year?” she asks after a moment, her stomach already twisting at the reminder. “Because I told you, I - I’ve forgiven - I mean, we’re moving forward with our -”

“No, it’s not about last year,” he interrupts her. “Or it is - I guess everything will always be about last year, a little bit.” He licks his lips slowly, looking at her imploringly. “Do you… do you think we make sense?”

Her shoulders relax a bit, despite how unexpected the question is. “Doesn’t everyone say we do?”

“In a funny way, yeah,” he admits. “But… do you think we make sense?”

He’s looking for an actual answer, she realises. “Yes,” she says simply. “I do.”

“Really? You don’t think you’d make more sense with one of your driver friends or… I don’t know…” He shrugs. “... Jungkook or someone?”

Something clicks, something so obvious she feels she should’ve been expecting it all along.

“Oh. This is about Lewis,” she guesses. “About him thinking Jungkook was my boyfriend? Tae, Lewis is the biggest recluse on the grid, okay? He doesn’t know anything about anyone’s life - I’m surprised he even knew one of you was my boyfriend.”

“He’s not completely wrong.”

“No - what? Yes, he is. The only reason he thought it was Jungkook is because he started talking to him about racing.”

“Look, this isn’t about Lewis,” says Taehyung quickly. “Okay? Don’t you think sometimes that you and Jungkook might make more sense?”

“No. I don’t love him; I don’t even like him like that. He’s like my brother,” she adds, wrinkling her nose. “And you know this.”

He covers his face with his hands and sighs. “God, okay. Not Jungkook specifically, but, like… Chris or - or someone you haven’t met yet. Someone that a person like Lewis will look at and immediately guess is your boyfriend?”

“Why?” she asks instantly. “Because we both like sports? Because we go to the gym together sometimes? Tae, those are hobbies. I have something in common with all my friends. That’s why they’re my friends.”

“And we’re something more?”

“Yes. God, I can’t believe you’re having to ask me this. After everything that’s happened.” She shakes her head, feeling slightly offended but when Taehyung doesn’t respond and simply lowers his gaze to his hands, she realises this may just be bigger than her. 

“Oh, my God, you’re still not convinced.” She sighs. “What do you want - a list of why we make more sense? Why I shouldn’t be with… Jungkook or - God forbid - Chris Park or someone?”

“A list would be good.”

Dilara raises her eyebrows. “Fine. Jungkook wouldn’t have taken me to an underground jazz bar in Ischia. He probably wouldn’t have even taken me to Ischia, out of nowhere and to such a secluded island. Chris wouldn’t have rented that particular villa,” she counts, holding up a second finger, “the one that looked like a gothic Victorian mansion because his primary requirement anywhere is an indoor gym. And literally no one else I know would have drawn a stick figure of Van Gogh on a pebble from the beach, called it “Darwin” and pretended it was a real living pet for the entire trip.”

Taehyung’s mouth twitches and she feels a bubble of encouragement in her chest.

“None of them would have pretended to be Will Turner to my Elizabeth Swann in that thrift store, because everyone usually wants to be Jack Sparrow,” she points out. “Jungkook wouldn’t have taken me to that jazz club because he hates jazz, Chris wouldn’t have danced with me in the street because he’s too stuck-up for that… and Tae -” Dilara sighs, squeezing his shoulder. “No one could’ve put up with as much punishment as you did last year for me. I gave you a lot of crap. I’m not saying you didn’t deserve it, but… it was a lot of crap,” she admits. “And you stayed through all of it. I don’t think anyone else would’ve done that.”

He gives her a small shrug after a moment. “You’d be surprised. It was worth it.”

“Be that as it may… Tae, no one else would’ve told me, in thirty-six hours of knowing me, that they loved me,” she reminds him, the memory from a thousand years ago still making her heart soar. “I mean, a person would have to be insane to do something like that.”

“You said it back.”

“I did. That’s my point.”

Taehyung bites his lip, and she can see the tip of his nose start to redden. “Lara…”

“No one else would’ve fucked me on the roof of your concert stadium in this city two years ago,” she adds. “Or got so jealous of Charlie Puth kissing me that they broke a glass.”

He frowns. “Didn’t you get angry with me for that later that night?”

“That and other things,” she admits, shrugging. “Doesn’t mean I didn’t love how much you cared.”

He gives her a half-chuckle. “You’re sure you’re not here just because the sex is really good?”

“The sex is really good,” she agrees earnestly. “And no one else could do to me what you do. I didn’t even know it was possible to feel half the things I do with you.”

Taehyung is quiet. His nose is reddening and his gaze is lowered, and he’s biting his lip hard.

“It really, really sucked losing you last year,” he whispers, sniffing.

“I know. It really sucked to lose you, too.” Dilara reaches over to brush her thumb against his cheekbone. “Taehyung. Tell me you get it. Tell me you know why I’m here. Why I’m still here,” she adds, her voice cracking slightly on the word.

“I’m so sorry. For last year.”

“I know.”

“I promise I’ll do better.” He reaches for her hand and links his fingers with hers, finally looking up at her with wet eyes. “Just don’t leave me, okay? I think it’ll kill me.”

“Write me a song.”

“I’ll write you a hundred.”

Dilara gives him a watery smile and dabs at the corner of her eye with the heel of her palm before lowering herself to kiss him, feeling him wrap his arms around her instantly and pulling her down to his side. He kisses her deeply, with a soft desperation and gratitude for a second chance.

“I’m sorry,” he murmurs after a few seconds, his forehead against hers. “That dress was beautiful and I know you were looking forward to tonight.”

“Forget it. I’d rather watch the movie.” She pulls away and shrugs. “And the dress isn’t going anywhere. It’s mine.”

He kisses her forehead and pulls her to his side, lying on his back to face the television again. “I’ll make it up to you tomorrow.”

“Deal.”

—

In a different bedroom of the same suite, Jimin enters and kicks off his shoes. “Tell me you have make-up wipes here,” he says to Jungkook, sighing dramatically. “I can feel it burning through my skin.”

Jungkook points noncommittally to the bathroom from where he’s sitting next to Hoseok on the couch and peering into his laptop screen.

“By the way, hyung,” calls Jimin from inside the bathroom, and Hoseok and Yoongi both look up out of habit. “You called it. Chaeyoung’s moving into Sooah’s place. She just told me.”

“Thank God.” Hoseok closes his hands into a fist while Yoongi silently goes back to his phone. “I’ve been trying to incept the idea in their minds for a few days now. But that didn’t work so I just asked Sooah,” he adds after a moment, shrugging.

Just then, the door opens and Namjoon enters, in a hoodie and track pants. “Need to borrow lotion, if someone has any,” he says, cutting right to the chase.

“In the suitcase, hyung,” supplies Jungkook, pointing to an open suitcase with items inside it neatly tucked into pockets. “Where’s Kaya?”

“In the shower.” Namjoon rummages through and retrieves a travel-size bottle. Squeezing some into one palm and rubbing his hands together, he takes stock of the room. “Isn’t Jimin here?”

“I’m here!” Jimin emerges, dabbing a cotton pad over his bare face. “God, I just want one whole day of anonymity tomorrow. JK, you want to go to Hollywood Boulevard with me?”

Before Jungkook can answer, Namjoon raises his eyebrows. “Why? So you can forget about your faux pas from tonight?”

Jungkook suddenly looks far more interested. “What faux pas?” he asks excitedly. 

“Nothing,” snaps Jimin, glaring at Namjoon.

“He talked to The Weeknd at the party,” says Yoongi dryly, without looking up from his phone. “And he called him…” He looks up at Jimin slowly, a hint of a smirk on his face, “… The Weeknd.”

Hoseok and Jungkook guffaw, while Jimin goes red in the face. “How was I supposed to know?” he demands shrilly, his voice getting drowned in laughter. “He only ever uses his stage name! Does anyone actually know his real name?”

“It’s Abel,” says Namjoon, the same time Jungkook says “it’s Joel.”

“See?” Jimin huffs while Jungkook processes this new information. “It’s just my bad luck that he came up to me and not JK,” he mutters, throwing his used make-up wipe at him.

“He would’ve had to leave Lewis Hamilton alone for that to happen,” points out Yoongi.

“I wasn’t with him the whole time,” says Jungkook defensively. “But he looked so cool. And it wasn’t just him - Dilara was there most of the time, too.”

Hoseok chuckles. “You mean your girlfriend?”

Jungkook’s stomach jolts belatedly when Namjoon grins at his hands. “What?” he asks, wondering if he’s missed a joke.

“Oi, Jimin!” Hoseok calls out excitedly. “Jungkook had an embarrassing moment, too. He was fanboying about F1 so hard that Lewis Hamilton thought he was Dilara’s boyfriend.”

Jimin’s eyes widen, while even Yoongi snorts. “What?” he asks in a hushed voice, looking delighted at the news of Jungkook’s embarrassment. “Where was Taehyung?”

“Right there.” Hoseok pats Jungkook’s shoulder, still snickering. “If it helps, Lewis looked more embarrassed than you did,” he informs him.

Jungkook chuckles along with everyone else, trying not to reveal his mild confusion. It had been strange and awkward for a moment when Lewis had made that mistake, especially when Dilara had laughed it off and immediately corrected him, grabbing Taehyung’s arm and looking up proudly at him. 

But Jungkook hadn’t thought much of it, not until Hoseok just joked about it. You mean your girlfriend?

Jungkook is no stranger to awkwardness. He knows awkwardness; he lives and breathes it. Awkwardness is his roommate, when it truly comes down to it. Ergo, the strange jolt he’d felt in front of Lewis when he’d mistaken Jungkook for Dilara’s boyfriend was not awkwardness. It wasn’t even embarrassment, as his members and he himself presumed until now.

No, Jungkook realises now, with a looming dread he would acknowledge only later, that he liked it.

—

Thanks for reading. Don't forget to drop a review :)

[bumblebeeappletree]

Millie has found a designer garden that is not only beautiful, but it has started a friendship.

When Jenny Cas and her family moved to Melbourne’s inner-city suburb of Northcote, she turned to landscape designer Fran Hale with the aim of turning their hot property into a very cool garden.

The modern home was light and airy but had a fairly empty garden and was incredibly hot in summer. They sought out Fran’s help to create a beautiful garden but also help shade and cool the house.

Fran was excited by the brief, which allowed her to include lots of different plants and find a way to design the space without a central lawn.

With two young children, Jenny also wanted to create some fun play areas.

Fran also focused on soft plantings to balance the bold lines of the home.

From the window the garden offers lots of interesting green layers that draw you outside, which is relaxing to come home to after work.

A perennial meadow of flowers creates interest through the summer and a shady entertaining area away from the house is quite immersive and feels separate; an escape area that both children and adults enjoy.

The process of working on the garden with Fran inspired Jenny to study garden design herself, and she now works on this as a side business – with Fran as a mentor.

Filmed on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country in Northcote, Vic

[artemisbarnowl]

My last role of film got very well bounced around in the camera so I've got work trips layered over reunion over wedding over Christmas. A couple worked out, and I've quickly become obsessed with the warm grainy quality of film (where's the post about a medium's flaws becoming the thing we miss about it?) but most pics do this honestly dream like collage. Everything fits together vaguely, you can't see clearly often but what you can see mostly means something.

My favourite might be the lily pond with a reflection that looks like a window to the backyard of the house. The lilypond is in the top end, I took the pic in August. The 'reflection' is a group photo I took at Christmas (January) in suburban Melbourne. I also love the top left where you get a small slice of sunset beach, a big gum in a cool temp rainforest, and then a sideways moonrise over palm trees. The first and third pics are separated by about 1 min and a 180 degree turn. In the middle you're transported to the future, and also 3000kms south.

Also below is one of my favourite Big Things. I love fibreglass boxing croc sooooo much. It just lives at a petrol station.

[banner123]

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The Benefits of Ceramic Window Tint for Your Vehicle

Before you check out Ceramic coating price it's really important for you to understand what ceramic window tint is all about. It is made using advanced nanotechnology that incorporates ceramic particles in your film. Unlike traditional tints the ceramic tints offer cutting edge technology like that go beyond then just darkening your windows. Whether you are looking forward to improve privacy reduce glare or protect your interior Ceramic window tint Melbourne, is truly your best bet!

[sixthvision]

The Role of a Real Estate Videographer in Melbourne’s Competitive Market

In the thriving metropolis of Melbourne, the real estate sector is in constant motion. With a blend of heritage properties, contemporary architecture, and high-rise developments, the market's visual appeal plays a pivotal role in attracting potential buyers and tenants. As property transactions increasingly occur in the digital sphere, the need for compelling visual content has never been greater. Here lies the importance of a Real Estate Videographer Melbourne, a professional tasked with showcasing properties in their best light through the dynamic medium of video.

Video content offers a distinct advantage over traditional photos. It captures the essence of a property, providing prospective buyers with a virtual tour experience from the comfort of their homes. The use of smooth pans, aerial views, and immersive angles gives potential clients a real sense of scale and flow within a property, something that still images can struggle to convey. In a city like Melbourne, where competition in the property market is fierce, real estate videography has become an indispensable tool for agencies and sellers alike.

Understanding the Importance of Property video specialist Melbourne

The visual demands of today’s real estate consumers have escalated. Buyers and renters want more than static images; they want a narrative, a connection with the property. A Melbourne real estate video services understands that video is more than just showcasing a building; it’s about storytelling. Through cinematic techniques, these professionals create emotional and visual connections between the viewer and the property. From capturing the morning sunlight streaming through a kitchen window to the ambient sounds of a garden space, videography makes the property feel lived-in and tangible.

In Melbourne, the architectural diversity ranges from Victorian-era homes to cutting-edge urban apartments. Each style requires a unique approach. A well-crafted video captures not just the physical space but also the atmosphere, neighborhood vibe, and potential lifestyle the property offers. This type of content is particularly valuable in a market where overseas buyers and investors may not have the opportunity to view the property in person. The immersive experience provided by a video often helps bridge that geographical gap, making properties in Melbourne accessible to a global audience.

The Technical Expertise Behind Real Estate Videography

Professional videography is far more than simply filming a walk-through of a property. A Real estate cinematographer Melbourne combines technical expertise with creative vision to deliver a final product that is polished and professional. They consider the architectural features, the natural lighting, and the surrounding environment to enhance the visual narrative of the property.

Camera equipment, stabilizers, and drones all play a role in ensuring the video is smooth, engaging, and informative. For larger properties or those with extensive grounds, aerial drone footage is often incorporated, offering sweeping views of the landscape and the home’s exterior. This approach is particularly useful for luxury homes or rural properties where space and location are key selling points. The careful use of lighting, both natural and artificial, further highlights the property’s best features, whether it’s the sleek finishes of a modern kitchen or the cozy ambiance of a heritage fireplace.

Impact on Property Listings and Marketing

Melbourne's real estate market is highly competitive, and properties that stand out visually are more likely to attract attention. Listings that include professionally produced video content often experience higher engagement rates, with potential buyers spending more time viewing the property details. As videos can easily be shared across platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and real estate websites, they also extend the property’s reach to a wider audience.

A Property videography expert Melbourne  knows how to craft content that caters to the digital-first consumer. They tailor each video to fit specific platforms, ensuring that the video format, length, and quality are optimized for social media, real estate websites, or direct email campaigns. This versatility increases the likelihood of reaching the right buyer, whether they’re browsing casually on Instagram or performing a detailed search on a property platform.

Videography and the Emotional Connection

When purchasing or renting property, many decisions are based on emotional connections. A person might choose a home not just for its location or size, but because it evokes a feeling of comfort or possibility. This is where a Melbourne real estate film production  excels. By integrating music, voiceovers, and strategic editing, the videographer can evoke a specific mood or ambiance that aligns with the target buyer’s aspirations.

For instance, a video showcasing a family home in Melbourne’s suburbs might focus on wide, open spaces, children playing in the backyard, and a tranquil, inviting living area. On the other hand, a sleek, modern apartment in the heart of the CBD might be highlighted with fast cuts, dynamic camera movements, and energetic background music to appeal to a younger, professional demographic. This storytelling approach transforms a property from being a mere listing into a potential dream home, igniting the imagination of viewers.

The Growing Demand for Professional Real Estate Videography

With Melbourne’s real estate market continuing to evolve, the demand for high-quality video content is only increasing. As more buyers turn to online platforms for property searches, the role of a Real estate video marketing Melbourne  is becoming indispensable. Agencies and developers recognize that professional videography sets a property apart, providing a competitive edge in a crowded market.

Real estate videos have also proven effective in marketing pre-construction developments. Through the use of 3D renderings and animation, videographers can create virtual tours of properties that are still in the planning stages. This allows buyers to visualize the final product and make purchasing decisions earlier in the development process. For high-end developments, this type of content can generate significant interest, often resulting in sales long before construction is completed.

Future Trends in Real Estate Videography

As technology continues to advance, the future of real estate videography in Melbourne looks promising. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are poised to take the property viewing experience to the next level. These immersive technologies allow potential buyers to interact with a property in ways that were previously impossible, from walking through rooms to changing finishes and layouts in real-time. A Property listing videographer Melbourne who embraces these innovations will remain at the forefront of the industry, offering cutting-edge services that cater to tech-savvy consumers.

In addition, the integration of interactive videos is becoming more prevalent. These videos allow viewers to click on different areas of a property to explore specific rooms, get additional information, or view alternative layouts. This level of interactivity not only engages viewers but also provides them with a more personalized viewing experience.

The role of a Melbourne property showcase videography  is essential in today's fast-paced, visually driven property market. Through a combination of technical expertise, creative storytelling, and an understanding of Melbourne’s unique real estate landscape, these professionals create compelling video content that captivates potential buyers and sets properties apart. As the digital age continues to shape how properties are marketed and sold, the importance of high-quality videography will only grow, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of real estate marketing strategies in Melbourne and beyond.

[eclipsetint]

Window Insulation Film: Enhancing Comfort and Energy Efficiency

Window insulation film is a versatile and cost-effective solution for homeowners and businesses looking to improve energy efficiency, reduce utility costs, and maintain a comfortable indoor environment. In regions with extreme weather fluctuations like Melbourne, where summers can be hot and winters cold, insulating windows is essential to ensure thermal comfort and reduce heating and cooling expenses. Window insulation film is an affordable alternative to double-glazed windows and offers many other benefits.

What is Window Insulation Film?

Window insulation film is a transparent or tinted layer of material applied to the interior or exterior surface of windows. These films are typically made from polyester or other durable, high-quality plastics that can block heat, reduce UV radiation, and improve thermal insulation. Some films are designed specifically to prevent heat loss during the winter, while others focus on blocking excessive sunlight and reducing heat gain in the summer.

Benefits of Window Insulation Film

1. Improved Energy Efficiency

One of the primary reasons to install window insulation film is its ability to improve energy efficiency. By reducing heat transfer through windows, insulation films help maintain a stable indoor temperature. During the colder months, these films reduce heat loss by preventing warm air from escaping through windows, keeping your home or office warmer without overworking the heating system. In the summer, they reflect sunlight and prevent excessive heat from entering, reducing the need for air conditioning.

This improved energy efficiency translates to lower utility bills and a reduced carbon footprint. By minimizing the use of heating and cooling systems, window insulation films contribute to energy conservation, making them an environmentally friendly option for any property.

2. Enhanced Comfort

Window insulation film helps create a more comfortable living or working environment by maintaining consistent indoor temperatures. Without the discomfort of drafts or hot spots near windows, occupants can enjoy a more pleasant atmosphere throughout the year. The films also reduce glare, which can be especially beneficial in rooms with large windows where direct sunlight makes it difficult to work, watch TV, or use electronic devices comfortably.

3. UV Protection

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause furniture, carpets, and other interior items to fade and deteriorate over time. Window insulation films can block up to 99% of harmful UV rays, extending the life of your belongings and protecting them from sun damage. Additionally, by blocking UV rays, the films also help reduce the risk of skin damage from prolonged indoor sun exposure.

4. Cost-Effective Alternative to Window Replacement

Replacing old windows with energy-efficient models can be expensive, especially if your home or business has multiple large windows. Window insulation film provides an affordable alternative, offering many of the same benefits as new windows at a fraction of the cost. It’s a practical solution for property owners looking to upgrade their energy efficiency without investing in a complete window replacement.

5. Easy Installation and Maintenance

Window insulation film is relatively easy to install and can be applied by professionals or as a DIY project. The process involves cleaning the window surface, applying the film, and smoothing out any air bubbles. Once installed, the film requires minimal maintenance—occasional cleaning with non-abrasive products is usually sufficient to keep it in good condition.

Choosing the Right Window Insulation Film

There are various types of window insulation films available, each designed for specific needs. Some films focus on blocking heat and UV rays, while others are designed to prevent heat loss in cold climates. When choosing window insulation film, consider factors such as the climate in your area, the direction your windows face, and whether you prefer a clear or tinted film.

For homes and offices in warmer climates, films with a high solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) are ideal for reflecting heat. In colder regions, films that minimize heat loss through low emissivity (low-E) technology are more effective.

Conclusion

Window insulation film is an excellent investment for those looking to enhance their property’s energy efficiency, improve comfort, and protect interiors from sun damage. It offers a cost-effective alternative to window replacement while delivering significant benefits, from reduced energy bills to increased UV protection. Whether you want to keep your home cooler in the summer or warmer in the winter, window insulation film provides a practical and affordable solution.

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Lavishtinting.com.au offers the best quality Clear Window Films in South East Melbourne. We provide a wide range of services to meet your needs. Contact us today for more information.

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[docrotten]

ROADGAMES (1981) – Episode 262 – Decades Of Horror 1980s

Quid: “Aren’t you kind of young to be hitchhiking out here all by yourself?” Hitch: “Aren’t you kind of old to be picking me up?” She’s got a point. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they take another trip down under for some Ozploitation with Richard Franklin’s Roadgames (1981).

Decades of Horror 1980s Episode 262 – Roadgames (1981)

Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel! Subscribe today! Click the alert to get notified of new content! https://youtube.com/gruesomemagazine

Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.

A laid-back American truck driver in south Australia suspects that the driver of a green van is killing young women along his route, and plays a game of cat-and-mouse to catch him.

  Directed by: Richard Franklin

Writing Credits: Everett De Roche (screenplay); Everett De Roche & Richard Franklin (original story)

Music by: Brian May

Cinematography by: Vincent Monton (director of photography)

Editing by: Edward McQueen-Mason

Production Design by: Jon Dowding

Visual Effects by:

Roger Cowland (visual effects)

Jack Endacott (process operator)

Bill Hansard (process photography)

Richard Wilmot (optical effects printer) (uncredited)

Stunt Coordinator: Grant Page

Truck Driver / Dog Owner: Tom Glass

Selected Cast:

Stacy Keach as Pat Quid

Jamie Lee Curtis as Hitch

Marion Edward as Frita

Grant Page as Smith or Jones

Thaddeus Smith as Police

Steve Millichamp as Police (as Stephen Millichamp)

Alan Hopgood as Lester

John Murphy as Benny Balls

Bill Stacey as Captain Careful

Robert Thompson as Sneezy Rider

Ed Turley as Roadhouse Proprietor

Angelica La Bozzetta as Hitchhiker (as Angie La Bozzetta)

Colin Vancao as Fred Frugal

Paul Harris as Frugal Child

Rochelle Harris as Frugal Child

Tony Bishop as Honeymooner

Abbe Holmes as Honeymooner

Carole-Ann Aylett as Cleaning Lady (as Carol Ann Aylett)

Killer as Boswell

Les James as Mechanic tending to alarm (uncredited)

Tom Ryan as Jackaroo (uncredited)

It’s Ozploitation time again for the Grue Crew! This go-around, the Crew discusses Richard Franklin’s Roadgames (1981) starring Stacy Keach and Jamie Lee Curtis as the pair trek across Southern Australia’s Nullarbor Plain hauling pig carcasses from Melbourne to Perth. Conceived as Hitchcock’s Rear Window (1954) as seen from a tractor-trailer, Roadgames features encounters along the road with a cast of recurring travelers and a serial killer. Keach’s and Curtis’ chemistry is apparent in their engaging performances. Though not straight horror, Roadgames is horror-adjacent while generating its share of suspense amid horrific events.

At the time of this writing, Roadgames is available to stream from Amazon Prime, Peacock, Tubi, PlutoTV, and multiple PPV sources. The movie is available on physical media as a standard Blu-ray disc from Shout! Factory.

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Bill, will be Evilspeak (1981), one of the video nasties, featuring Clint Howard as an outcast military cadet, R.G. Armstrong as Sarge, and Richard Moll in a supporting role. This should be interesting! 

Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.

Check out this episode!

[allaboutwindowtinting]

Unveiling the Benefits of Window Frosting in Melbourne with All About Window Tinting

Window frosting Melbourne offers a multitude of benefits for both residential and commercial spaces in Melbourne. All About Window Tinting highlights some key advantages:

Enhanced Privacy: Frosted window film creates a visual barrier, obscuring the view into your space while still allowing natural light to filter through.

Improved Aesthetics: Frosting adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your windows, instantly elevating the visual appeal of your property.

Reduced Glare: Frosted film can help control sunlight, reducing glare and creating a more comfortable environment, especially in rooms with south-facing windows.

UV Protection: Certain frosting films offer UV protection, mitigating sun damage to your furniture and interiors.

Energy Efficiency: By reducing heat gain from sunlight, frosting can contribute to improved energy efficiency, potentially lowering cooling costs.

Versatility of Design: Forget the limitations of plain frosted glass. We offer a variety of customizable designs and patterns to personalize your windows.

All About Window Tinting: Your Trusted Partner for Window Frosting in Melbourne

At All About Window Tinting, we are dedicated to providing exceptional window frosting solutions to Melbourne residents and businesses. Here's what sets us apart:

Extensive Product Selection: We offer a wide range of window frosting films to suit your specific needs and budget, from basic privacy films to decorative and designer options.

Expert Consultation: Our experienced team will discuss your requirements and recommend the most suitable frosting solution for your space.

Professional Installation: Our skilled technicians ensure a flawless and meticulous installation of your chosen window frosting film.

Post-Installation Support: We are here to answer any questions and provide ongoing support to ensure you get the most out of your window frosting.

Unveiling the Spectrum of Window Frosting Options at All About Window Tinting

We go beyond basic frosted film, offering a variety of options to customize your windows:

Privacy Levels: Choose from varying degrees of opacity, from a subtle blur to a complete block of view, depending on your desired privacy level.

Decorative Designs: Spruce up your windows with decorative patterns, geometric shapes, or even your own custom designs.

Frosted Window Graphics: Incorporate frosting with logos, text, or company branding to personalize your office space or storefront windows.

All About Window Tinting: Committed to Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is an integral part of our philosophy at All About Window Tinting:

Energy Savings: Window frosting can contribute to energy efficiency by reducing reliance on cooling systems, minimizing your environmental footprint.

Durable Products: We offer high-quality films designed to last, reducing waste and the need for frequent replacements.

Recyclable Materials: Whenever possible, we utilize recyclable materials in our window frosting products and installation processes.

Transforming Your Space with Window Frosting in Melbourne

Ready to embrace the benefits of window frosting? All About Window Tinting is here to help:

Free Consultation: Schedule a free consultation with our experts to explore your window frosting options and receive a customized quote.

Window Measurements: We offer on-site window measurement services to ensure a perfect fit for your frosting film.

Professional Installation Guarantee: We guarantee a professional and meticulous installation process for your window frosting solution.

Beyond Privacy: Embrace the Possibilities with All About Window Tinting

Window frosting offers so much more than just privacy. At All About Window Tinting, Melbourne's premier destination for window frosting, we empower you to transform your windows into functional and stylish elements. Contact us today to discuss your window frosting needs and unlock a world of possibilities for your Melbourne space!

Contact Web - https://aawt.com.au/window-frosting/ Mail - sales@aawt.com.au Ph - 03 9724 9111 Address - 16-18 Windsor Road, Croydon Victoria 3136 AU

[gopdrpaintless]

3 Reasons You Should Hire Mobile Car Scratch Repairs in Melbourne!

When it comes to removing car scratches and dents, people can contact service providers from mobile car scratch repairs in Melbourne. Well-established dent and scratch repair services offer customized solutions for hail damage, paintless dent repair, window tinting, and scratches for individuals.

People who are looking for the best car tinting nearby, to protect the car's windows from duct and scratch can call these services to get a solution on-site. Tinting windows can increase safety and the vehicle's appearance and maintain privacy. 

It allows entering a certain amount of light to minimize glare, enhance vision, and block out heat entering through window glasses and windscreens to keep the indoors comfortable. 

3 Reasons for Hiring Car Scratch Repair and Tinting Service: 

Professional service providers of car dent and scratch repair, and window tinting have experts in paintless dent and scratch removal. They also have expertise in applying required tinting films that can withstand outdoor heat and are easy to clean.

They use premium-quality tinting films with appropriate thickness and darkness to make the car less visible to improve privacy and security by obstructing the view inside. 

Their proficiency in window tinting can preserve the interior temperature, keeping the indoors cooler during hot weather, and reduce using of excessive air conditioners on the journey.

Scratches or dents can cause corrosion and can damage the entire body of the vehicle.

These mobile paintless dent and scratch restoration experts can preserve the vehicle's functionality, aesthetic appeal, and market value. They can deliver their service at the required place without compromising the schedule of the car owner.

Find a Recognised Car Scratch or Dent Repair, and Tinting Service:

Car owners should research online to find a recognized car scratch or dent repair and tinting service nearby.

Evaluate their market reputation by reading reviews and feedback from their prior or existing customers.

Verify whether they have certification from local authorities and have expert technicians for scratch, dent, and tining service.

Check whether they use high-quality, long-lasting tinting films and offer warranties for their work. 

Enquire about their pricing, customer service, and transparency in communication and compare overall services.

Finally, follow these steps and select the right mobile car scratch or dent repair and tinting service nearby.

Source: https://sites.google.com/view/carscratchrepairmelbourne/home/3-reasons-you-should-hire-mobile-car-scratch-repairs-in-melbourne

[pynkhues]

Hi! Random question lol but I would love to know your thought on this. the ceo of you tube recently put out a article basically saying that he believes YouTube creators should be recognized for their work in the same awards shows that traditional tv creators/actors are acknowledged . Do you agree ?

Hey! Mm, it's kind of a funny one, because I'd argue that some YouTube works already are eligible for award shows and do get nominations. The most obvious one is, of course, documentaries being eligible in the Documentary Short category at the Oscars, and here in Australia, Online / Webseries is a category at our AFI/AACTA Awards, which is our most major awarding body for Film and TV.

The thing about awards eligibility for most of these things is that you either a) have to have screened at a festival (particularly for the Oscar shorts categories, there are festivals all over the world that basically put you into the pool for nomination. Here in Australia, most of our major film festivals such as Melbourne International Film Festival are Oscar qualifiers, but even some of our smaller ones such as St Kilda Short Film Festival are too) or b) have to have screened in a certain way within a certain period of time. Again, for the Oscars, feature films have to have had a theatrical release, which is why you see Netflix doing those short windows for movies they want to put into the running, or for things like the Emmys, shows have to have aired a percentage of episodes via cable or 'invitation-only websites' (aka your major streamers) within a certain window.

Most of the documentary shorts will end up primarily for YouTube, but they're usually a production of a legitimate news outlet which is held to legitimate industry standards i.e. last year, two of the nominees were Island in Between which had been made by The New York Times, and Barber of Little Rock which had been produced by The New Yorker, both for their YouTube channels (and both are worth the watch!).

But yes, the nature of them being legitimate news outlets with real, and guild/union-supported productions, is that there's professional oversight that meets an industry standard that has been agreed upon.

The problem with a blanket statement like that one from the YouTube CEO is that it sounds a lot simpler than it is. YouTube is not a traditional network or even a streamer in the way something like Netflix or Disney+ is. Hell, I wouldn't even actually say it's a streamer at all - it's a social media platform built on the back of user-generated content. The nature of that is that yeah, you'll get some great, professional stuff on there, and that stuff can be recognised in myriad ways, but YouTube as a platform also exists almost entirely outside of a heavily unionised industry (as we were reminded last year with the strikes) that relies on professional agreements to ensure the survival of the industry and the safety of its workers.

YouTube is not itself bound to any of that, which leaves room for exploitation, a dilution of professional standards if not a complete rejection of them, no award rates or minimum wage, and no safety oversight. It doesn't democratise the industry, or who gets to tell stories, it demolishes job security and worker safety.

Again - YouTube is a social media platform where people can upload stuff, it's not a professional industry in and of itself in the same way that film and TV are. As a result, the conduct and standards of a production relies on individual creators, and there's no uniform agreement in the same way that there is in guild-backed productions like there is in film and TV. That's not to say film and TV are perfect industries - they're obviously not - but the nature of award shows like the Emmys and the Oscars and all the guild awards is that its celebrating professional productions that meet certain standards that have all been agreed upon by the unions.

If YouTube wants blanket eligibility for these sorts of things (and again, I'd argue that some of the shows on their platform are already eligible) they'd have to completely rethink their model and start treating their users as workers, which would include actually paying them and having like, an ounce of accountability for the on-set standards of what's uploaded, which I highly doubt will ever happen.