yuikomorii

[yuikomorii]

I’m with those people on this one, like I JUST realized how goofy the entire Sakamaki family looks, Yui included. Subaru has the plainest face and still manages to hide half of it under his hair, Kanato looks like a child, Shu looks like an ordinary white boy, Reiji is attractive but his hairstyle ages him too much and glasses aren’t really many people’s type, Yui herself sometimes looks too old also due to how stupidly big her hair is, Laito is pretty but his hairstyle ruins it for me especially those bangs that make his forehead look weird, Ayato is the only one who looks semi-normal and that’s only because his hairstyle is that typical “cool anime guy” look and his eye shape gives him a more exotic vibe, so it works but I wouldn’t say he’s a stunner either when that pretty shade of red hair and green eyes are saving his design from looking basic. In conclusion, welcome to chop city 🏙️

// …

I mean, I don’t think any of them is ‘chopped’ for real but it’s also true that no DL character is all that in terms of design. Ayato has the most conventionally attractive facial features, but yeah I do agree that his color palette contributes to why his visuals are so loved.

[yuikomorii]

I often wonder if Yui's evil side has something to do with her having Cordelia's heart.

// That’s actually canon in the first game. All S options are controlled by Cordelia there!

But in the games after HDB, all of Yui’s wicked actions are entirely her own, they’re not the result of Cordelia controlling her anymore.

[yuikomorii]

// Same energy:

// I’m not trying to be mean but Rejet should bring back their old artists because here the characters don’t even look like they do in cgs——

The only character who looks decent is Ayato (maybe Laito too) the others are either uncanny or straight-up chopped. Those are NOT Yui and Subaru 😭😭

[yuikomorii]

// I’m not trying to be mean but Rejet should bring back their old artists because here the characters don’t even look like they do in cgs——

The only character who looks decent is Ayato (maybe Laito too) the others are either uncanny or straight-up chopped. Those are NOT Yui and Subaru 😭😭

[yuikomorii]

// I love having the power of SILLINESS >:3

// Welcome back, Blackpink! 😍

[yuikomorii]

excuse me but i always wanted to ask this question... is the manga diabolik lovers YOUNG BLOOD canon ? because the interactions between KarlHeinz's children and Carla Tsukinami reminded me of KarlHeinz's dialogue saying that he wished that Carla met his own children... was it a trick or what ?

// Yes, YB is canon and it serves as an origins story!!

Everyone had their memories erased, and the only one who retained his was Ayato, because of the fig. However, since no one else seemed to behave any differently, he convinced himself to forget what had happened, thinking it must have been just a dream, even though he still felt ache in his heart from time to time.

[yuikomorii]

What do you think about some people's thoughts that Cordelia is better and kinder than Yui?

// …What? 😀

[yuikomorii]

We talk about how bad the Sakamaki brothers moms are but nobody talks about Ruki’s mom. She cheated on her husband then abandoned her son with her lover.

// That’s not exactly how it went. That woman was literally being abused by her husband. After meeting Trismegiste (Karlheinz), Ruki’s father began taking his anger out on her, while still maintaining a gentle behavior when it came to Ruki. During Ceauşescu’s regime in Romania, many people lost everything in the literal sense, and they had no possibility to raise their children, which led to them abandoning them, hoping that someone with a better financial situation would pity the poor child and offer him/her a better life. His mother probably believed that her husband still loved Ruki and that they could find a way to survive together, since he was a smart person. She wasn’t expecting him to commit sui€ide and leave Ruki alone. On top of that, I’m certain servant-beating-Ruki would never have left with her new lover, no matter how much she begged him. After coming to understand the truth of the situation, he realized that none of them had ever been abusive towards him and both parents gave him anything he wanted. They were simply caught in their own struggles.

credit to: dialovers-translations

[yuikomorii]

// Contrary to how the fandom often mischaracterizes them, Ayato is actually the workaholic, while Yui is the laid-back one. When Ayato sets his sights on a goal, he pushes himself so hard that he starts neglecting his own well-being, and Yui is the one who reminds him to slow down and rest.

credit to: dialovers-translations

[yuikomorii]

// YES! The ex-singer in me can still tell good music! I just knew this song sounded way cooler than anything we’d heard before and that’s because it is made to flawless. The technique and the volume fits the voice perfectly. In terms of musical talent, Ayato is definitely the best but that’s thanks to his VA, for giving him a cool and powerful voice. Kou’s and Kino’s VAs were so cute too. Song of Emblem seems to be a very good project, so if you want to buy any DL merch… I honestly recommend this one!

// This song basically outdid any other DL song imo, and I’m not saying this only because Ayato is singing it. It’s straight up the SOUND of Dialovers!🩸❤️

[yuikomorii]

// BABY-FACED RAPPER WILL BE BACK IN THE NEW SONG! AAAAAAAAH 😍😍😍😍😍

I WANNA HEAR AYATO RAP SO BAD

// It’s so ironic how the rap sounds so badass, but his face is so cute. 😂😂

[yuikomorii]

when that previous anon said that ayato is "evil and irredeemable" (this could be about any of the diaboys in general) i think it just means that his character development does not take away from the fact that at the end of the day he was still a cruel monster to yui in HDB/MB and that's inherently the diaboys' nature. yes he has the most human qualities and he's always been the one to sacrifice himself the most and and that's one of the things i love most about him but his actions in the old games/CDs (implied rape, taking out his anger on yui by attempting to tear her limbs off, etc.) absolutely cannot be redeemed. he knew full well what he was doing and that's where i think the "evil" part comes in. you could say he's a morally gray character that eventually learned to love because of yui but considering the nature of dl i think he is definitely still capable of that darkness we saw in HDB/MB. maybe not as extreme but i don't believe that his demon nature can be undone just because he fell in love with a human girl. and i am saying this as a diehard ayayui shipper

// I definitely think being a vampire twists someone’s nature, whether they were born human or not. Take Kanato’s Heaven scenario in HDB, where vampire Yui starts killing all the Kaminashi citizens and says she couldn’t care less how many people she has to sacrifice for him. That kind of mindset would sound extremely creepy coming from a human, but somehow it feels ‘romantic’ coming from a vampire. Still, Karlheinz rewound time, so none of the HDB events actually happened in the canon universe. No one remembers anything, no one was traumatized, and nobody died. So why dwell on it? That entire game is just as canon as any bad ending, since all bad endings happen in alternate timelines where time gets reset just like it. It’s fine to feel uncomfortable about it, but at the end of the day, I wouldn’t judge a character based solely on something that doesn’t even exist anymore.

As for MB, I honestly don’t see what was so cruel about Ayato or any of the other Sakamakis. Yeah, they called you prey and bit you, which is definitely painful, especially if you want to feel seen, but I wouldn’t go so far as to call what they did actual torture. And let’s not forget that in Ayato’s route, it was actually Yui who started off objectifying him. She only wanted to date him because, in her mind, he wasn’t a person with real feelings, just someone who made her feel good. In fact, by the second chapter, she even confesses that she likes him for his cuteness and the pleasure his fangs bring her. Hearing that wouldn’t make anyone feel like you like them for superficial reasons? Ayato kept biting her not just out of thirst, but because he was trying to give her what she wanted. It was a form of revenge, but let’s be honest, Yui did kind of walk into that situation herself. The entire route revolves around Yui presenting herself as a helpless maiden in need of love, but by the end, both she and Ruki come to realize that SHE is actually more selfish and more difficult to handle than Ayato.

The CD dramas are their own thing and don’t really connect to the games. The earlier ones were much bloodier and more violent, mainly because that kind of content fascinated a lot of people at the time. But again, they have nothing to do with the actual game canon, so it’s best to treat them as separate stories. For example, in Daylight, Ayato cries, which was something so big that even earned his CD an award, yet in the games’ current timeline, across all seven titles, he’s the only Diaboy who has never cried. And if you’re talking about that limb scene I’m thinking of, then no, Ayato wasn’t taking out his anger on her in that CD. She was actually chained up by the Mukamis, and Ayato believed that was the only way to help her escape. She was scared at first, but she did consent in the end. Yeah, it’s a messed up scene, but since she was okay with it, I honestly don’t care, lol. Be crazy together ig.

The thing that bothers me about how a lot of people think is this idea that whether or not someone is redeemable just depends on how many bad things they’ve done, or how serious those things were. Like there's some invisible scale, and if you did "too much" bad stuff or crossed a certain line, that's it… game over, you’re irredeemable. But if you stayed just under that imaginary limit, congrats, you’re still eligible for a redemption arc. And honestly that’s just NOT HOW IT WORKS. It’s not all about the number of bad deeds or how severe they were. Redemption isn’t this math problem where you tally up crimes and then try to balance them out with enough good deeds. That kind of thinking turns something so complex into a mere checklist, so it completely misses the actual point.

What really matters is how someone deals with the bad things they’ve done. You could make a ton of those, even really serious ones but if you actually recognize that what you did was bad, feel remorse, and genuinely try to be better without expecting anything in return, that says a lot more than someone who did fewer bad things but never changed no matter how much time passed by.

Redemption doesn’t mean that all your bad deeds are erased, it means being willing to improve yourself not because you want to erase your history, but because you understand that growth is the right path forward. It’s about committing to change your behavior and mindset so you don’t keep repeating the same mistakes you made in the past. That willingness to correct yourself and become a better person, even when it’s difficult, is what separates someone who is redeemable from someone who isn’t:

At the end of the day, yeah, all the Diaboys and even Yui, are morally gray characters, and honestly, that’s what makes them way more interesting. It just goes to show you can’t really judge people in just black and white terms. Nobody’s ever fully good or fully bad and everyone’s a mix of both, which is what makes them realistic.

[yuikomorii]

Don't get me wrong I love the princess collection for Yui but what were they thinking while drawing her eyes because her pupils are going different ways and to be honest I like your edited version more in that chapter that you made for Yui and ayato

// Haha, thanks! When it comes to the drawings, I feel like they put more effort into the first collection. As for this particular look of Yui… I just can't take it seriously:

The outfit is adorable, but the eyes completely throw me off and they make her whole face look kind of creepy. Honestly, she looks way better in the game, even in that promotional image with the black uniform.

[yuikomorii]

my apologies but is that alright for you to delve into the lingering darkness that sometimes tried to overwhelm Ayato ? for instance him k*lling his entire family, or his dark thoughts, or his treatments towards old brides. he might be strong, and still got a piece of humanity he struggled to hold onto, but he's still evil and irredeemable.

// I mean, it’s basically a Yandere-style bad ending, since the Sakamakis were at their most twisted in the first game and it was shown how literally no one cared about one another back then. In Shu’s bad ending, he and Reiji end up killing each other, and the triplets, along with Subaru, just watch it happen as a form of entertainment. They don’t even react with sadness afterward. It’s also confirmed that there was no true love between the heroine and any Diaboy in the first game, so it’s pretty clear that if they don’t love the one person who actually shows them affection, there’s no way they’d genuinely care about their family members just because they’re sharing DNA and living under the same roof.

Also, the first game was never meant to be taken seriously. The Haunted Dark Bridal (even if the game has no name) universe doesn’t exist anymore in the current canon, and you can totally tell it was made more for fanservice than anything else. It was aimed at a very specific audience: people who are into the whole “being desired and treated poorly by hot and crazy vampires”. So yeah, the plot, relationships, and even the characters themselves were more about shock value and fantasy than realism or development.

Honestly, putting aside that bad ending, which was a result of the S choices under Cordelia’s influence, I really think Ayato has every right to resent his brothers. Like, they seriously screwed him over when he was a kid. They used him as bait, abandoned him in Rottingenberg surrounded by vampire-eating ghouls, and if that wasn’t enough, they were basically the reason he ended up eating that fig that ruined his life. They also made him feel like he wasn’t special, they manipulated and gaslighted him, mocked him, called him a disgrace, and just let him spiral. The only person who didn’t hurt Ayato back then was Kanato. Everyone else gave him some kind of trauma directly. So honestly I’m kind of amazed that after all of that, he still manages to be kind to his brothers later on. He somehow finds a way to be decent with them, even if things are still complicated and that says a lot about him.

As for the previous sacrificial brides, I understand people who feel bad for them but at the same time I can’t fully blame the Sakamakis for killing them either. Even Yui understood it and couldn’t care less. After all, they are from the DEMON world but were forcefully sent to the human one, and guess what? Humans are the only food source for vampires that helps them survive, and since they’re also predators, isn’t it logical that they would feed off those girls to the point of killing them? They might look human-like but at their core they’re still demonic creatures. They are not humans and have never been humans. Who is to blame is Karlheinz for sending vampires in a place full of humans and the Church organization for sending girls to vampires.

I’m sorry, but calling THE Ayato Sakamaki “evil and irredeemable” isn’t just a stretch but it’s giving the media literacy of a pencil. How many times does this guy have to sacrifice himself and throw himself into danger for others before people get it? He literally puts his life on the line more than anyone, whether it’s for you/Yui or even for his brothers. Yeah, he’s made mistakes, and he knows it. But he’s clearly trying to change and cares deeply for others. That is not what evil or irredeemable looks like AT ALL.

credit to: dialovers-translations and kyouxa

[yuikomorii]

// Ayato’s story has always been super sad, but the more time goes on, the more I realize just how heartbreaking it really is because you literally watch his mental breakdown unfold right before your eyes. He goes from being this resilient and optimistic child to someone who’s hopeless and self-loathing. ;w;

These are some of the moments that stand out to me the most:

In his MB flashbacks, Ayato stacking blocks is about more than just play, it’s his metaphor for effort and for achieving being loved. In a world where his mother never truly acknowledges him and everything is conditional, these blocks represent the little hope he still has. He knows his efforts probably won’t be enough, but some part of him still believes in the possibility that if he tries harder, he will finally be seen.

But here comes a traumatized Laito, who rips away Ayato’s illusion of hope, while mocking him for still caring about his mother, for still trying, and for still wanting to be special. He turns his vulnerability into shame, so Ayato doesn't just feel rejected by Cordelia, he also feels mocked for ever hoping to be loved by her. Laito’s voice becomes so internalized in Ayato’s mind to the point that he starts having illusions of him calling him stupid. That’s when Ayato starts to shut down emotionally. He stops making people special in his heart, not because he’s necessarily grown cold, but because hope hurts him. If loving someone just leads to rejection and humiliation, then it’s safer not to feel at all. He builds his walls higher and despite his ‘approachable’ exterior, he keeps everyone at a distance and refuses to open up so as to hide his pain.

The moment Ayato kills Cordelia, he doesn't feel triumphant, he feels relieved. Her abuse had been a prison, so in taking her life, Ayato believed he was finally escaping that torment. Killing her was supposed to mean freedom, but that fleeting sense of relief is overtaken by something darker. His hands are in one sense "precious” because they granted him an escape, yet they are also "horribly tainted with sin," because they committed an act so morally impure it can never be undone. What Ayato did to survive becomes the very proof that he is, in his own eyes, mark of evil. Sin has become part of him, woven into his flesh. This paradox births his guilt, and it’s not simply about the act of murder, but about what the act implies. Ayato doesn’t just think he did something wrong; he starts to believe he IS something wrong.

As Cordelia lies dying, her final words are not for Ayato, who was in front of her, but for Karlheinz. Ayato watches her bleed, and instead of feeling closure, he starts crying. Not only does he feel bad that she never got the chance to have her feelings reciprocated by Karlheinz, but those tears also represent the final shattering of hope that Ayato ever mattered to her.

Immediately after Cordelia's death, Ayato is confronted by his father. Karlheinz does not ask what led Ayato to commit such a thing; he straight up blames him for everything and labels it as corruption. In that moment, Karlheinz doesn’t speak as a father, but as a godlike figure, and to be condemned by a god is not merely to be punished, but to be damned. When Karlheinz declares that “all vampires are attracted to evil” and that “all living beings in this world are corrupted,” he is, in essence, saying there is no salvation for demonic creatures like Ayato. That damnation is nature, not choice. And for Ayato, this is soul-crushing. What was meant to be his act of salvation, killing his abuser, has now become confirmation that he was doomed from the start. Not because of Cordelia, not because of circumstance, but because of who and what he is.

Then Karlheinz strikes him, but the punch isn’t what hurts, it’s the gaze. Ayato, for the first time in his life, feels pure fear, not of pain, but due to it being existential. He sees a mirror reflecting back the truth he dreads most: that there is no way someone like him could get back on the right track, no forgiveness, no approval, and certainly no love.

As Ayato starts to think that the root of all his problems is in his blood, he begins putting on this arrogant, untouchable mask, while living based in his desires to protect himself from getting hurt. The worst part is that he starts to believe he truly deserves it. That he’s not meant to be loved and that there is no reason why someone would fall in love with a person like him. He thinks people only stay with him for what he can give not for who he really is. Even Yui first gravitated toward him because he gave her pleasure and was cute, so that literally proved his point.

Some people make it seem like Ayato is proud of the terrible things he’s done, but that’s not the case at all. He’s actually very self-aware and doesn’t flaunt his actions, since he realizes he’s not always in the good. In the first game, there’s a scene where Yui is cuddling with Ayato on the rooftop, and she suddenly brings up his mother. Ayato lies to her because he knows that if he told her the truth, she’d start to distance herself from him. It’s only in the Vampire Ending that Yui finds out he killed his mother, but by then she’s already fallen so deeply for him that she doesn’t really mind it anymore.

credit to: dialovers-translations

Nevertheless, despite everything he had to endure, Ayato still managed to hold on to a piece of humanity. He didn’t completely shut down or lose himself to the darkness; instead, he kept resisting in his own way, cherishing life even when it felt meaningless. This guy is really strong.

[yuikomorii]

AYAYUI IDOL AU: Chapter 8

// This one actually took a while because I ended up changing Yui’s face on the cover, since her eyes were pointing in two different directions, lol. Anyway, things are finally starting to get serious, so you better get ready! ;3

Previous chapter: here

Place: Living room

Ayato: ( Okay, Ayato, pretend you’re not feeling well. If I do that hopefully I’ll make the manager have mercy and try to find a way to solve this situation. )

Manager: Ayato-san, here you— A-Are you alright? You look very pale!

Ayato: Ngh… I think I got a cold due to waiting for the limo in the rain…

Manager: Oh my… this is definitely not good. I actually called you here because MUKAMI’S Kou wanted you to star in a few hours in the new episode from his variety show, but if you’re sick, then I’ll call the doctor to check on—

Ayato: No! I-I mean, I’m actually not that bad! It’s probably just lack of sleep!

( Phew, thanks goodness. I thought that girl posted something… )

Manager: Hmm... Are you sure? If you're not feeling well, you can refuse the invitation. Your health is the top priority after all.

Ayato: Yeah, yeah, I'm sure! Totally fine! In fact, I feel better already just hearing I get to spend more time with Kou!

— forces a bright smile —

Manager: ...That smile looks like you’re either in pain or plotting something.

Ayato: No way! That’s just my “I’m very excited” face!

( Ugh, Kou's variety show… Again. That means glitter, fake laughter, and probably some embarrassing costume.)

( But fine, I'll take that over a full-blown scandal any day. Besides, that’s the perfect opportunity to promote my upcoming solo. )

Manager: …Alright then. The car will pick you up in two hours. Have fun, Ayato-san.

*timeskip*

Place: Dressing room

Ayato: …Fuck, I’m seriously starting to regret my life decisions right now.

It’s purple. It has butterflies. And worst of all… I have to wear pants with RIBBONS!!!

*Knock Knock*

Kou: Heyo~! Is Ayato-kun ready~?

Ayato: Hah!? Isn’t the show starting in, like, 30 minutes!? What the hell are you doing here!?

Kou: Boo, so rude. I just wanted to greet my very special guest before the challenges begin! But hmm, someone’s a little snappy today.

Last time you came here, your popularity skyrocketed after the dance challenge. You should be grateful, Ayato-kun. I practically did it for you!

Ayato: Tch…!

— opens door —

If you think I’ve got the patience to deal with your annoying crap today, you're dead wrong. Say one more smug thing and I swear, I’ll walk off this damn show before you can say my name, understood?

Kou: Fufu~ You're even spicier today than usual. Must be the ribbons on your pants. They bring out your inner tsundere. Rawr!

Ayato: …

Okay, I’m out.

— starts to storm off —

Kou: Wait! No, no— you can’t!

— grabs his wrist —

Ayato: Hah!? Let me go, you freak! Who the hell do you think you are to mock and discredit me like that!?

Kou: Okay, okay! Maybe I was a little mean too, but you simply can’t leave!

Ayato: Oh, really? And who’s gonna stop me, huh?

Kou: Me!

Ayato: Wow, I’m soooo terrified.

— tries to push him, but his phone falls down—

…!

( Oh no! )

Kou: Haa… now will you listen to—

Hold on…

— looks down and squints at the lit-up screen —

Is that…—!

Ayato: ( Fuck! )

Place: Hotel

Co-worker 1: Yui-san, the shift’s over. Aren’t you going to start packing?

Yui: Eh? Oh, right! I kind of spaced out… Thanks for the reminder!

— smiles and walks over to her bag —

Co-worker 1: You’ve been awfully quiet today. Is everything okay?

Yui: ( Was it that obvious…? )

No worries, I’m alright. I think I’m just a little low on energy today.

Co-worker 1: Ah, I get it. It’s been a long shift.

Though… I couldn’t help but wonder if it’s actually because you still can’t believe you spent time with Ayato from SAKAMAKIS. Fufu~ You’ve been keeping it so low-key!

Yui: ( Oh no… not again. )

Haha… well, it was surprising.

Co-worker 1: I bet! It’s not every day a person meets a celebrity, especially one like him. What was he like? As confident and cool as he looks on TV?

Yui: I mean… sure, but let’s just say there’s more to him than what he shows the world.

Co-worker 1: Ooh? That sounds mysterious~. Now you’re really making me curious!

Yui: ( It’s hard to explain… )

I guess sometimes people who are in the spotlight feel pressure we don’t see. He seemed like someone who carries more than he lets on. It made me think a lot after we parted ways.

Co-worker 1: That’s a kind way to look at it, Yui-san. Most people would just brag or gush endlessly. I admire you~

Yui: ( I wanted to be annoyed, I really did… but it’s true that I overreacted too. I couldn’t stop thinking about him… I’m sure signing that NDA was important. )

( After everything, I see now that I was the selfish one, and he was only trying to shield his career from any issues, which is honestly understandable. )

Place: Subway

— Billboard Screen starts playing an ad —

Ayato: “Ah, so refreshing! Taste the new flavors of Aquatic Water! This time watermelon, grapes, and mango! Quench your thirst the royal way~!”

— winks —

Yui: ( Why is it that every time I’m trying to forget something, the universe hits me in the face with it…!? )

Teen 1: OMG! That’s Ayato from SAKAMAKIS!

Teen 2: I bought the mango one just because of him!

Teen 3: He’s sooo hot and cool… I’d drink anything if he told me to!

Teen 2: Even sewer water??

Teen 3: If he did it with that voice, yes!

Teen 1: Kyaa, me too!!

— they all start giggling —

Yui: ( Well… I guess I can’t really blame them. Setting aside everything that happened between us, I have to admit it that he really is incredibly charismatic. )

( And that’s what confuses me, honestly. Why is he so scared of something ruining his career? He’s already adored by so many, so even if something went wrong… I feel like people would still support him, no matter what. )

( Or maybe… that’s exactly why he’s so careful. When you’ve climbed that high, there’s a lot more to lose. )

Haa… I should just let it go. It’s not really my place to dwell on it. What happened… just happened. That’s all.

There’s no point in overthinking it now.

( However… )

*timeskip*

Place: Show Set

Kou: Alright everyone, amazing work today~! See you all next week!

— waves to the crew as they begin to pack up —

Ayato: …

— quietly removes mic —

Kou: So… uhm… how was it?

You looked like you were actually having fun for once.

Ayato: Haa… It was alright, I guess.

Kou: Well, hey, I didn’t ask anything embarrassing this time!

Hehe, that’s called growth, right?

Ayato: If you had, I’d have switched your soda with chili extract.

— deadpan —

Kou: Wha—! Geez!

But seriously… I also wanted to talk about, y’know…

— Ayato covers his mouth —

Ayato: Not here, you idiot!

Wait till everyone’s cleared out! Are you trying to get me in trouble!?

* 10 minutes later *

Kou: Okay, so… now that it’s just the two of us…

— leans forward —

Ayato: Tch—Damn it! Stop making it sound so weird!

We’re not in some shady drama, idiot!

Kou: Haha~ Sorry, sorry! You just have that energy around you, Ayato-kun. All anxious and guilty-looking lately.

Ayato: Anxious and guilty-looking my ass.

— crosses his arms and slouches into the chair —

I’ve just been tired, that’s all.

Kou: Riiight. Tired.

— squints suspiciously —

Is that what we’re calling “panic-checking your phone every 10 minutes and zoning out” now?

Ayato: Tch, stop imagining stuff.

Kou: Mmmhmm, sure. Just like I imagined the moment your phone fell earlier and I saw that very interesting notification pop up…

— smirks —

IT girl Yumin Wang, huh? Didn’t know you two were a thing~

Ayato: We’re not a “thing,” idiot! She’s been talking about hosting some new show and said she’s looking for a co-MC or whatever. My fans kept tagging me, she said I’ve got the potential, so I just checked it out, end of story!

Kou: Ohhh, I see. So you just casually stalked her Weverse page for “professional reasons.”

Ayato: It wasn’t stalking, you nosy raccoon! I was trying to make sure I wasn’t being dragged into some weird publicity stunt without even knowing!

Kou: Aw, how responsible of you~, Ayato-kun, caring so much about his public image. Should I start calling you “PR-kun” now?

Ayato: Keep it up and I’ll superglue your fake lashes to your forehead before your next camera close-up.

Kou: Eek! Sadistic and image-conscious? What a combo! Honestly, I think Yumin would be into that.

Ayato: Ugh… You’re so fucking annoying!

Kou: Of course I am! It’s not every day the Great Ayato gets all flustered over a girl’s name popping up on his lock screen.

Ayato: It wasn’t even a message, damn it! It was a livestream reminder!

Kou: So~ you’re planning to watch Yumin Wang’s Weverse livestream? Let me guess… just “market research”?

Ayato: Tch. No, of course not. I’m not that bored.

…Well, maybe just for a few minutes. Gotta stay informed in case she says something stupid involving my name.

Kou: Aha! So you are watching it! Should I bring popcorn? Or maybe tissues, in case she gives you a shoutout and your heart melts?

Ayato: If she gives me a shoutout, it’ll stir up another stupid rumor I’ll have to deny for weeks.

Seriously, I’m so sick of dodging dumb scandals left and right. Every time I breathe near a girl, people start losing their minds.

Kou: Poor Ayato-kun, targeted by ladies. How tragic~

Ayato: Tragic is right! Women are the root of all evil. First they smile at you, then suddenly you’re trending for “slept with Ayato” or “Ayato emotionally scarred me” and your manager’s blowing up your phone at 2 a.m. asking what the hell you did this time!!!

Kou: Whoa, okay— who hurt you lately?

Ayato: Someone who reeks of cheap perfume and passive-aggressive righteousness, that’s who…

Kou: Wait, hold on. Are we still talking about Yumin, or is this turning into something… deeper?

Ayato: Shut up, loser.

Kou: …Okay, okay. Maybe I was being nosy. Sorry.

But… just saying, Yumin is famous and comes from an influential family like you, so she’s not the type to acknowledge anyone, if you get what I mean. The fact that she replied to your fans saying you’ve got co-host potential most likely means she’s actually interested in you for real.

Ayato: Well, duh. I’m Ayato, who wouldn’t be?

Kou: Hmm… Alright, Mr. Main Character. Then why haven’t you contacted her yet?

Ayato: Because I’m not some desperate rookie looking for spotlight! I don’t need her validation or whatever gig she’s offering. If anything, she should be the one contacting me!

Kou: So pride over opportunity, huh?

Ayato: It’s called standards. I’ve worked my ass off to get where I am. I’m not about to throw myself into some random collab just because people think we’d look cute on screen together.

Kou: To be fair… you were prone to become famous. After all you’re the son of—

Ayato: Quiet! The livestream is starting!

Kou: ( Already invested, eh? )

Place: Yui’s room

Yui: ( Okay… laundry folded and dinner’s prepped! It’s time to call dad. It’s been a while since we talked properly. )

— taps on contacts —

Come on, answer…

Seiji: Yui! Here you are!

Yui: Yay, you picked it up! I tried calling you earlier but you didn’t answer my phone…

— pouts —

Seiji: Ah, sorry about that. I wasn’t ignoring you, I promise. Something came up and I had to step away from my phone for a bit. I hope I didn’t worry you too much.

Yui: Eh? Was it something bad? Are you alright now?

Seiji: No, dear, nothing serious. Just a minor issue at work. It’s already been resolved, so no need to worry.

Yui: I’m glad to hear that! For a moment there, I thought maybe you were overworking yourself again.

Seiji: Heh, I knew you’d say that. But I promise I’m taking better care of myself lately.

How have you been though?

Yui: …Pretty good. Tokyo is really cool. There’s always something happening, you know?

Seiji: I can imagine. A big change from our quiet little town, huh?

Yui: Yeah… it feels like I stepped into a whole different world, but in a good way.

Seiji: You’ve always been brave about facing the unfamiliar. Still… I suppose it must get lonely at times.

Yui: Uuh… sort of. But I got the chance to meet a lot of people. Some are super nice, others are… more complicated, though.

Seiji: Complicated? How…?

Yui: Ah—! Nothing bad! Just… people with their own walls. You try to reach them, and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. I guess that’s just how life is.

They might also act a bit… arrogant and mean. Not because they’re bad people, but maybe because they’re scared. Scared of losing something, or someone.

I just think that if someone is acting out due to that, they need kindness more than criticism.

Seiji: Very true, Yui. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t focus so much on other people’s problems. This is your journey too, remember?

Yui: Y-Yeah, you’re right .

Seiji: See? Help others when you can, but don't forget that your heart matters too.

Oh—! It’s pretty late. Would you like us to continue talking or do you have to wake up early?

Yui: No worries, I have no shift tomorrow so we can keep it up!

Seiji: That’s good. I missed hearing the voice of my precious daughter.

Yui: I missed your voice too. It feels… comforting.

Seiji: That’s how it should be. No matter how far you are, Yui, I will always be your home too. You don’t have to carry everything on your own.

Yui: ( Even now, he manages to say exactly what I need to hear… )

Thanks, dad.

Seiji: Anytime, sweetheart.

So… anything else you feel like telling me? Maybe a certain someone you’ve been thinking about a lot lately?

Yui: Ehh!? N-No, nothing like that!!

Seiji: Just checking~. You’ve always worn your heart on your sleeve.

Yui: E-Enough… Dad!!

Seiji: Haha, alright, alright. I’ll behave. Now tell me, have you tried any new recipes lately? I bet you’ve already added your own twist to the classics.

Yui: Hmm… not really, but I did try cooking new things! Let me tell you about some!

Place: Practice room

Kou: So… what’s the verdict?

Ayato: …Fine. I’ll consider contacting her.

Kou: Hehe, thought so~

Ayato: Can you blame me!? She’s hot as heck!

Kou: Of course she is. She’s the lT girl after all.

Although, I’m surprised you didn’t already notice that. Her billboards are everywhere in Korea, Japan and China.

Ayato: I don’t pay attention to other people’s billboards, so…

Kou: Huh, so you really are that self-absorbed. Not even a glance at your competition?

Ayato: Tch, it’s not “competition” when I’m already the best.

Kou: Oho~ So confident. But even you couldn’t resist Yumin’s charm, huh?

Ayato: I said she’s hot, not that I’m in love with her or anything! Don’t get it twisted!

Kou: Mmhmm~ So you’re just joining the show for… business?

Ayato: Obviously! Exposure, headlines, maybe some fun. Doesn’t mean I suddenly like her or whatever.

Kou: Suuure.

Ayato: Why are you even so obsessed with the idea of me and her!?

Kou: Because it could actually help us, that’s why!

Ayato: Huh? What the hell are you talking about?

Kou: Haa… I know you’re not knowledgeable about this side of idol life, but Rejet Labels has been in trouble for a while now. We’re still standing thanks to group momentum and name recognition, but financially? Well, things aren’t as solid as they look.

Ayato: That can’t be right… Our albums and merch still sell out in minutes!

Kou: Sure, those do. But overall revenue? Debts? Contract renewals? Nope, not so pretty. And let’s not even talk about solo projects. The execs are getting antsy, Ayato-kun.

Ayato: …So what, you think pairing me up with that Yumin chick is gonna fix all that?

Kou: Not magically, but it’d start a wave. If someone like her wants you, even just publicly engaging, it opens doors for new offers, collabs and attention from international media, which is stuff the company desperately needs.

Ayato: But like that… doesn’t it mean I’d be using her?

Kou: Well… maybe it feels that way, but not if both sides benefit from it.

Ayato: That sounds like one of those convenient things people say when they want to justify doing something shady.

Kou: No, I’m serious. Think about it… she’s not some innocent little newbie who’d fall head-over-heels just because you looked at her. Yumin knows the game. She’s been under the spotlight for her whole life, which means she’s had media training practically since birth. If she’s showing interest in you or this partnership idea, it’s because it works for her image too.

Ayato: Yeah, but that’s exactly what makes it feel even more fake. Like, if both sides know it’s all for show, what’s the point?

Kou: Because we live in a give-and-take world. It’s not about fake or real, but about mutual value. You think luxury brands hand celebs free stuff out of kindness? Of course not!

Ayato: So basically, “pretend you care and enjoy the boost.” That what you’re telling me?

Kou: Exactly! This way, not only will you become even more known, but you’ll also play the dazzling savior of our financially limping company! Isn’t that great?

Ayato: Heh. When you say it like that… it kinda sounds cool. Like I’m a hero or something.

Kou: Finally, he gets it! Our very own knight in ribbon pants!

Ayato: …But she’s in Korea, dumbass. I’m not flying out there just to chat. I only start promotions there after my solo release after all.

Kou: Not necessarily~

Let’s just say… I might know a guy who knows a guy who once dog-sat for a person who works for her.

Ayato: …What?

Kou: Long story short: After seeing your phone notification, I may or may not have casually floated the idea of a no-pressure, friendly, definitely-not-suspicious meetup between you and Yumin. In Japan. This week. Maybe.

Ayato: Wait… That face…

No! No, no, no! Don’t tell me you actually set up a meeting between us!

Kou: Uhhh… set up is a very strong word in this context! I prefer “gently manifested the possibility of social alignment.”

Ayato: You bastard, you did that!

Kou: Calm down!! I swear, there’s no signed blood pact or anything! I just sent a vibe-heavy email with emojis!

Ayato: Emojis!?

Kou: But they were cute ones! Just a smiley face, handshake, sparkle, and fire.

Ayato: I’m gonna kill you!!!

Kou: Joke’s on you, if this works, we’ll both be too rich and famous for murder!

Ayato: You’re so… ugh! Fuck you!

Kou: Relax~ It’s not like the world’s ending. Don’t tell me the Great Ayato is shaking in his ribbon pants over talking to a girl~

Ayato: Me? Shaking? The only thing that’s shaking is my fanbase when I post a selfie!

Kou: Okay but on a serious note, it’s just a chill conversation to set things straight and get to know each other. Your kingdom won’t crumble.

Ayato: Hmph, fine. But if this blows up and I look like a desperate creep, you’re writing all the apology fan posts!

Kou: Silly, the press and the fans won’t know that you’ll meet up with her.

Ayato: I’m famous, idiot. I can’t even sneeze without ending up on at least six gossip blogs and a fan-made TikTok edit.

Kou: That’s why I’ve got…

——A disguise plan!

[yuikomorii]

hi yui komori fan here some concept art of yui i thought you might like idk if you’ve seen this before sorry if you have

// Haha, yeah, I did, I've got the book too! Honestly, I’m more and more grateful that they changed her concept design. She looked so weird with that goofy hairstyle… short chin-length in the front and long in the back, then tied into two loose pigtails is definitely a design choice. 😅