#ever since the musical - which I haven't seen - came out I've been thinking about it more and more

[konotte]

oh my god am I actually getting back into Death Note after 10+ years?????

#ever since the musical - which I haven't seen - came out I've been thinking about it more and more #I still have one collection pack of the entire manga+How To Read book - I meant to sell it but. maybe I won't yet #I am haunted by all the canon stuff that wasn't in the manga or anime - like. tiny small child L #whatever that book(?) was called #and B was a very big obsession for me at one point #anyway did I hallucinate that one animated clip by MADHOUSE where. it was heavily implied. that L actually jerked off #...yea I need to read the manga after all these years #personal

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

Digital Circus with a Mime Reader, who CAN speak but prefers to use sign language and gestures: they find find Kaufmo in the middle of abstracting and try to calm him down (against their better judgement). It doesn't go well, ending with them locking and closing Kaufmo's door, and running to find Caine... Only to hear the theme song suddenly stop and Jax say something about a "new character" as they approach...

Ough finally some Kaufmo angst-

........

Approaching Kaufmo's door, you stopped in front of it and politely knocked, wanting to check up on him before Caine could summon everybody to perform the Digital Circus' "theme song" musical number.

As of late, your fellow clown hasn't been feeling up to snuff, since apparently nobody was laughing at his jokes anymore...

Although said jokes have all mentioned something about an exit--a way out of the digital realm you've grown quite comfortable living in. But even when he is dead serious, the others are convinced he's only kidding around, pretending to laugh and sometimes asking him if he could joke about something else.

Least to say...it grew frustrating for him.

The only reason he hadn't totally lost it yet was because of you, a mime who has lived in the circus for the past five months and befriended him quickly. Together you've put on many acts: with his wacky props and your invisible techniques, your shows were amusing to all.

That being said, you didn't want your longtime partner to think about any exits too much, as you've lost several friends in the past when they started talking about the same thing.

It happened to Queener, Kinger's beloved wife, and the poor chess piece has been on the brink of abstraction ever since (honestly, it's a miracle he didn't immediately follow her).

Fortunately, he remained stable enough to be around everyone.

As for Kaufmo?

He didn't look so good last night at dinner, and you haven't seen him all morning. Normally he'd be up and about, juggling random things as he walked or approaching you to brainstorm new acts to perform.

Him locking himself away in his room was not normal.

Especially when he knew this musical number was super important to Caine.

After waiting a minute or two, you perked up as he finally answered the door.

At first you smiled in greeting, although that was quick to fade when he only kept it open just a crack--enough for you to barely see his face...

Which bore a terrified expression underneath his runny makeup, making his frown look worse than it actually is. His hat was nowhere to be found, either.

''Are you okay, Kaufmo?" You signed, eyebrows furrowed in worry.

That was your usual way of talking, despite knowing you could very well speak freely. You had no clue if you were proficient in sign language before entering this circus, but regardless it always came in handy, and everybody did their best to communicate with you that way (or at least those with fingers, unlike Zooble or Gangle).

Since your performances usually involved silence and expressive gestures, you didn't see a need to talk often--and that was usually fine with Kaufmo, who'd always chatter with you in sign language right back.

But when he attempted to respond, you swore you both saw his own hands glitching, before he quickly retracted them, clearly frightened.

You, on the other hand, wanted to believe it was just a "digital hallucination".

That's all it was...right?

"I-I'm sorry, [y/n]..haven't been..feeling like myself-f-f lately.." Even his own voice was betraying him, as it sounded distorted, lagging as though he was a slow computer program. "But you believe me, don't you?"

"Believe what?"

"The...the exit, of course! The thing I've been talking about this whole time!! It's real! There IS a way out!! I-I can show you!!"

You blinked, before shaking your head. "Kaufmo, let me in."

"Oh no, I think that's a bad id--wait! Wait!!" Despite his pleas for you to stop, you forced your way into his room, shutting the door behind you so nobody else could intrude or eavesdrop.

The last thing you needed was Caine listening in.

Yet after taking a look around at the state of his quarters--with everything being a complete mess and the word "EXIT" scrawled onto every square inch of the ceiling and walls--you were nothing short of terrified for his mental well-being.

'My god....what has he done..?' You thought to yourself, mortified.

"No, no, no, no!!"

Looking back at Kaufmo, you saw him back up against the wall, holding his face as black glitchy polygons started appearing on his body. He gasped in horror, looking at his hands...and then up at you.

"What's..h-happening to me-e-e?"

Your heart sunk, knowing exactly what was going on.

"You're abstracting.." You whispered, your voice small yet shaken.

"I-I didn't...think I'd be next...it hurts so much! Christ-!!!" He began crying, his makeup oozing as he stared at you with empty, soulless black eyes. One of his arms was already taken over by the glitches, morphing into a large one covered in jagged polygons.

"Make it stop..MAKE IT STOP!!!" He screamed, slumping to the floor.

You were frozen in a state of panic, unsure if you should go get Caine or stay here and try to pull him out of his abstraction.

Either way, you had to do something fast...lest you lose him forever or become infected yourself.

"Just focus on me, pal. I'm here. I'm here." Kneeling down, you grasped his non-glitching hand tightly with both of yours, attempting to guide him through a breathing exercise.

"You'll get through this." You mouthed, but he just shook his head, noticing a single glowing eye forming on the surface of the glitchy flesh.

"Wh-Whatever you do...don't tell Caine, I beg you-u.." He pleaded. "He'll lock me away...a-and I'll be all alone in the dark..I don't wanna be alone.."

Tears welled up in your eyes as you shook your head, and he gazed at you in confusion. "What do you mean "no"? You'd let him throw me into the cellar with the rest of them...?" He started to grow angrier, feeling betrayed. "I thought we were partners!"

"We are partners, Kaufmo. Always will be." You sighed, wishing there was another way to stop this from happening. "But there's nothing more I can do...he needs to know-"

"Fine...maybe things will be better if I'm not around to tell my stupid jokes anymore."

"Kaufmo-"

"Go....run, [y/n]...run-n-n-nnNNNN------"

Immediately after he said that, you let him go right as his other hand quickly became overtaken by the abstraction, almost taking you with it.

You got up and took a step backwards, watching in mute terror as he rapidly grew in size, turning into a massive amalgamation of glitch black polygons. Even more glowy-trippy eyes were popping up in different places, looking in every direction.

Within seconds, Kaufmo no longer resembled the clown you once knew (or a person, in general)....but was instead replaced by a horrific digital beast with a long neck, standing on four legs.

You gulped as every single eye on his body suddenly shifted to stare directly down at you.

'Uh-oh-'

You hastily created an invisible wall just as he lunged at you with a ferocious roar, slamming right into the illusion like a bird smacking into a glass pane.

'He still falls for the oldest trick in the book..oh Kaufmo..'

Although it pained your heart to abandon him like this, he was too far gone to be saved. He didn't even recognize you anymore.

The only thing you could do now was get Caine before he harmed you or anybody else--even if it means you never saw him again. He could very well threaten the entire stability of this world if he got loose.

You quickly ran out of the room just before he could break through the "wall" and go after you, slamming the door shut and locking it tight.

Moments later, you heard him ram into it, the hinges damn near breaking off (but by the grace of cartoon physics, that didn't happen).

You wiped the sweat from your forehead, making a mad dash out of the dormitory section of the tent in a desperate search for Caine.

Unfortunately, you could already hear Bubble's singing in the distance as the gang's musical number routine was already starting:

"Gangle, and Zooble, and Kinger, too~!"

You ran as fast as your legs could possibly carry you. They were already aware of both of your absences, and they chose to go on with the song anyways.

'Jerks..they couldn't at least wait for me?' You huffed. 'Caine never tells us when we're doing these musical ditties-'

By the time you arrived, however, you heard the music abruptly cut out.

You stopped upon seeing your friends tumbled over each other on the floor, with Gangle's comedy mask being broken and Jax picking himself up in annoyance.

"Caine, is this one of your NPCs or is this a new sucker?"

Blinking, you glanced at the new person he was referring to, surprised to see a girl dressed as a red and blue jester.

"........."

Now you couldn't say anything to Caine.

Not right now, at least.

#clanask #anonymous #tadc x reader #the amazing digital circus x reader #tadc kaufmo #clown reader #mime reader #angst #platonic

[ahgasegotarmy116]

The Art of Etiquette Part 8 | Jeon Jungkook

Summary: Finishing up your shopping trip goes off without a hitch but Jungkook reminds you of what's going on between you two Pairing: f!reader x Etiquette instructor Jungkook Word Count: 4k~ Warnings: Explicit and suggestive language but nothing crazy lol a/n: This took me literally forever to get out and I'm so sorry but I hope it was worth the wait. I wanted to wrap up this trip quickly and move on but I like the thought of them shopping together so I hope you guys do too! p.s. barely edited as always lol Start from the beginning

After finishing our lunch and finally finding the perfect dress for the event, Jungkook and I head off on our next adventure, bidding adieu to Genevieve once again. 

"So, what's next on the list?" I question after he starts the car and pulls out of the parking lot. "Well what's a beautiful girl in a beautiful gown without a beautiful pair of shoes and jewelry to match?" he teases and continues on our journey to wherever he has in mind. 

"I guess you're right" I say, sinking into my seat and trying my best not to melt from his compliments. 

He hands me the aux again giving me free reign of the soundtrack of our journey and I play some random choices that have been my current favorites which also happen to be some of his as well. 

"Seems like we're a lot more similar than I thought we were" I laugh after having sung along to boyfriend by Ariana Grande. "What makes you say that?" he says turning down the volume a bit. "Well we like some of the same music, we like the same foods, we both hated a majority of those dresses I tried on" I list off leaving him chuckling a bit at the last one. 

"Can you blame me? You looked like a glorified ballerina in half of those and the others just looked way too painful to wear for a few minutes let alone a few hours" he says and I respect his honesty. 

"I'm glad we found 'The One' eventually" I say in quotations, still not 100% sold on it yet. "You didn't like it?" he asks, looking genuinely concerned. "If you didn't like it we could've talked to her and seen if she could've ordered a different one" he says, quickly showing me that there's time to change things if I'm still unsure. 

"No, no the dress is fine it's just...well I haven't ever worn a gown like that before. The closest thing I could think of would be a dress I wore to a school dance but that obviously was no where near as expensive as that one" I ramble leaving him chuckling at my nervousness. 

"What's so funny?" I ask, furrowing my brow and demanding an explanation. "It's just that you look adorable" he chuckles leaving me groaning and sinking back into my chair. "Hey I'm serious you looked very beautiful in the dress and I promise you're gonna look stunning at the event as well" he assures, trying to lift my spirits and it does the trick thankfully. 

'Who am I to doubt a gorgeous man's words of praise? I just I- What? I- Okay I need to stop thinking about him like that but it's hard not to when he keeps on calling me beautiful and gorgeous and ugh I'm doomed' I scold myself, leaving me averting my vision from him to take in the beautiful view outside my window, just now realizing in how truly gorgeous it looks out here. 

"Everything okay?" he asks, noticing my clear shift in demeanor and I quickly try to clear things up without making things even more awkward. "Yeah no I'm fine. I feel like I never really looked outside my window on this drive since I was sleeping the first time we came here" I explain, hoping he'll accept that as an answer and although he looks suspicious he lets it go. 

"You know, I've been out here so many times that I've forgotten to look around as well. It's a nice drive for sure" he agrees and we sit there for a while, going down the highway and listening to the slow hum of my playlist in the background.

~~~~~

As we get closer to the city I realize that I still have no clue where we're going to get these accessories he had mentioned but I didn't think we would be going to a little couture boutique that I've never bothered setting foot inside. Simply knowing for a fact I would never be able to afford anything. 

"You sure we should start there? I mean I'm sure there are a lot more affordable places close by" I say, trying to back my way out of it but he gently guides me inside and nods his head politely in greeting to the sales women there as we walk through the doors. 

"James wants you to have the best of the best and feel confident at your first outing so he wanted us to start at the top. Just take a deep breath and don't look at the prices alright" he coaches before leaving me to wander around in search of the perfect shoes when unbeknownst to me he's already gotten one of the ladies headed to the back to grab a few pairs that might match the dress. 

"You're size eight in heels correct?" he asks, putting on an heir of sophistication since we're no longer alone. "Correct" I answer as I look at the various colors, styles and flashiness of all the items around me as I make my way further and further into the store. 

"Mr. Jeon?" the woman calls for him and he leads me over to where she's placed the various pairs that he thought might've been suitable for the occasion. 

"See any you like?" he asks, watching as I observe the array he had chosen and I pick a plain black pair to start. "These seem nice" I say as I try it on for size and notice they're a tad too tight. "You think they would match the dress well though?" he questions and when I think back to it I realize that we should probably keep looking.

~~~~~~ 

After trying on a dozen more I feel as though we'll never find the right ones until I notice a pair that's on display in the front window. "What about those ones?" I ask, pointing to them and he waves the woman down that had been helping us and she nods before going to retrieve them for me. 

"You're in luck Miss, these are the last pair we have. They are a half size small but go ahead and try them on" she says, placing the box down on the bench beside me.

When I go to take them out Jungkook places his hand on top of mine and I pause, looking over at him to question his motives. "Allow me?" he offers and I nod my head, caught off guard but letting him do as he pleases. 

He takes off the last pair I had just tried on and slips the first shoe on with ease, almost as if they had been made for me. Once he's gotten the other shoe on as well he steps back and holds out his hand, asking me to stand up and walk around in this last hopeful pair. I do as I had done time and time again this but lose my footing as I take my first step. 

"Woah there" he says, letting me fall into his chest, avoiding any further injury for the day. "Are you alright?" he asks and when I lean back to respond my breath catches in my throat, nudging my nose against his. 

"I- um yeah, yes I'm fine" I stammer after having stared at his lips for a beat too long, stepping back and again losing my footing leaving him having to grab me by my hips to steady me again. "Maybe we should take a break from the shoes for the day" he chuckles and I look down at my feet with an excuse of checking out the heels like I had before but noticing that these might actually work. 

Taking a closer look in the mirror I watch myself walk up to it and notice that for once I don't look like a baby gazelle learning how to walk for the first time while also realizing that the color and style matches somehow perfectly after having seen them up close. 

I turn to look back at Jungkook and see a satisfied smile, knowing that we've found the ones. "Those it?" he questions, still leaving the choice up to me and I smile and nod, loving the fact that our efforts were not in vain. 

He makes a nod at the sales woman, asking her to ring them up while he walks up behind me. Looking at our reflection I notice that although these heels are a tad bit higher than my usual ones he's still taller which makes them even more perfect.

"You tired?" he asks, placing a hand on my hip after taking in the sight of the both of us and guiding me back over to the bench so I can finally put my own shoes back on, leaving me thanking my past self for wearing boots instead of some sort of heel as well.

"A little" I say after having slipped my feet back into the boots, standing up and yet again losing my footing, this time only giving Jungkook the chance to grab onto my hand as I thankfully sit right back down on the bench instead of landing on the floor.

"Tried on one too many huh?" he laughs, holding my hand to now aide in steading my balance from the start making me smile awkwardly in thanks for him yet again saving me from my clumsy self. "Yeah maybe" I laugh, picking up my bag and we slowly make our way over to the counter where he pays without bothering to ask for a price.

"How much were they?" I ask, trying to look over his shoulder to see if I could catch sight of it but before I'm able to the transaction has gone through and they're holding out the bag for one of us to take and Jungkook swiftly receives it before taking ahold of my hand again and thanking the staff as we make our way to the next store. 

"Don't worry about it" he says and guides us aimlessly towards the place I could only assume is to find the jewelry to pull everything together. "What do you mean don't worry about it? I'm sure they were really expensive" I argue but that gets me no closer to getting the price than if I would've stayed silent. 

"The invoice will be sent to Matthew and will be charged to James so don't worry about it" he says, assuring me that although he paid this isn't coming out of his pocket. "Fine" I huff and follow him blindlessly before stopping in my tracks in front of the next store. 

"What's wrong?" he asks, looking back at me as we've still got our hands connected leaving him stopping as well. "Jungkook this is Cartier like Cartier the luxury jewelry brand" I say, stunned at even the thought of owning something as expensive as what I might find there. 

"I am aware. Would you prefer to go to Tiffany instead?" he asks, pointing out the Tiffany blue store just a few doors down. "No! I mean no, it's just that this is all so expensive I feel like I could get away with wearing something a lot less pricey than this" I say, trying to explain my way out of adding another dollar to what I assume is the already exorbitant total. 

"Like I said, James wants the best for you and I'm sure your mother is going to enjoy looking at the pieces you've gotten as well" he says placing a hand on my lower back and guiding me in again were we're met with an overwhelming amount of silver and gold and everything in between all enclosed in glass cases. 

"I think these would be perfect thank you" Jungkook says after we've agreed upon a set that would again match the dress but isn't too crazy flashy so it couldn't be used again.

"Are we all done?" I question, not being able to think of another thing that we could possibly need. "We just need to make one more stop" he says and I nod my head, going with the flow since against my best efforts I haven't been able to convince him to stop spending more and more money on me. 

"I thought we were done with the jewelry shopping" I say, as we walk towards the Tiffany store he had mentioned before. "James wanted to get you one last thing as some sort of a thank you for being a good sport and going through all of these lessons or something like that. Anyways he already ordered it so we just need to pick it up" he says and I nod my head, following him in.

Wandering around the store while he talks to the employee about said gift I find myself staring at one necklace in particular and being fascinated by it's simplistic yet elegant look. "Find something you like?" Jungkook whispers in my ear leaving me flinching and taking a step back bumping into him in the process. 

"Stop doing that" I groan and he laughs before leaning in and checking out the case trying to follow my line of sight. "Excuse me, can she try on this necklace?" Jungkook asks, calling the man over that he had spoken to earlier and he nods and makes his way behind to counter we're standing at.

"I was just looking" I try to deny him but he nevertheless nods when the man points to the silver necklace with the small teardrop shaped diamond pendant. He hands it to Jungkook and I look down at it in his hand and see that it looks even prettier up close. 

"You sure you don't wanna try it on?" he asks with a knowing smile and I give him a bashful one back before he nods his head towards the mirror sitting on the courter. I turn around to face it while moving my hair out of the way so he can put it on for me and I immediately fall in love with it.

 He watches my eyes light up in the reflection and nods to the salesman to ring us up for this one as well before even giving me a chance to refuse. I look at the necklace for a while longer, taking in how it looks at different angles and am shocked at how much a small little diamond like that could shine so bright and before I'm able to say a word to him about giving it back he's asking me if I'm ready to go. 

"Let me just give this back and I'll be right there" I say, reaching around my neck to take it off but he walks up and takes my hands down and shakes his head. 

"No, James already got me something from here. I couldn't possibly get another piece as well. I feel as if I'm taking advantage of his kindness" I say, feeling more and more guilty as I imagine how many zeros have been added to the total for this stupid ball. 

"You're not taking advantage of it I promise. Trust me, if anyone else in your position was given free reign to get whatever they thought they 'needed' for one event they probably would've maxed out the card before leaving the first store" he jokes and I smile at his efforts, still feeling incredibly guilty. 

"Okay" I mouth silently and he holds out his hand, leading me out of the store again.

"Jungkook" I call for his attention, curious about something. "Yes?" he answers, stopping so he can look at me properly while I speak to him. "Why have you been holding my hand so much today?" I ask him, leaving him loosening his hold but me tightening mine in response making his worried expression that was once there disappear. 

"I just thought it would be easier for you to follow me especially since it's been a bit crowded today. I didn't want to lose you" he says, looking down at our conjoined hands and smiling, seeing how I have no intention of letting go. 

"Well it's not crowded anymore" I say, looking around at the path we had once traveled. "Sorry I guess it was just a reflex of mine I did not mean to-" "It's fine. I was just teasing you" I say, squeezing his hand, switching roles and leading him to where his car is parked. 

"We're going home right?" I ask and without realizing it the simple words had made his heart flutter a bit leaving him clearing his throat before responding. "Yes, I assume your mother is waiting for you to come home for dinner so I'll go ahead and drop you off now if you'd like?" he asks, leaving it open ended as if he wanted to spend more time together. 

"Oh was there something else we had to do?" I ask, curious to see if he had something in mind. "No nothing, I just thought you might've wanted to get a coat or shall of some sort since the weather is still rather cold these days" he says, no doubt coming up with an excuse to cover up his motives. 

"Sure, I'd love that" I say, smiling up at him and notice how red the tips of his ears have gotten, making me even more happy I said yes to staying with him a while longer. 

He smiles in response and leads us to the first store he can think of that might have something I'd like and as we go through rack by rack we get to talking more casually and before we know it the stores are about to close.

"Let's get you home" he says walking us back to his car where he opens the door for me yet again before driving off.

~~~~~~  

"Thank you so much for all of your help today. I feel as though I would've been lost without you" I admit as we pull up to my house. "I am aware" he says, giving me a mischievous smile before getting out of the car to open the door for me again. 

"Hey! I was trying to be nice and then you go and act al-" "All what?" he teases, cutting me off as he helps me out of the car, leaning against it and trapping me, granting me little to no room to escape even if I tried. "All cocky" I say, lifting my chin up and being confident in my words, full well knowing I'm melting on the inside. 

"Is that so? I guess we've skipped the lesson of getting rid of that dirty little mouth of yours now haven't we?" he taunts, cocking a brow at me and it takes everything in me not to fall to my knees and suck him off right now. 

I nod my head and he tongues his cheek before glancing down at my lips and pushing off the car, giving me room to breathe only for a moment before pulling me into him, moving me out of the way so he can close the passenger door behind me. 

"Let's get you inside. It's past your bedtime Princess" he rasps in my ear before letting go of me and walking towards my house leaving me standing there speechless, leaving me standing there for a minute, trying to take in everything that just transpired. 

'Princess? Where does he get off calling me Princess and why the hell did it make me want him even more? I swear this man is trying to kill me' I think to myself before he calls after me telling me to hurry up. 

"Coming!" I say and mentally curse myself, 'Really? Out of all the things you could've said you said that?' and I can tell that Jungkook's thinking the same thing as he grants me with another cheeky smile before knocking on the front door. 

One of the maids answers the door and Jungkook asks her if there's someone who can get all the bags out of the car and she scurries off and grabs someone to do so. 

"Oh there you are! I thought you would've been back ages ago!" my mother says as she walks up to us, clearly more excited to see Jungkook than she is to see me. "She didn't give you any trouble did she?" she asks, giving me a once over before turning her attention back to him. 

"No, on the contrary she was itching to finish up sooner but I wanted to make sure we had everything she needed before bringing her home. It's been a pleasure spending time with her outside of the classroom and helping make sure she's more than ready for the ball" he says, merely glancing at my mother before looking back at me, my eyes going back and forth between the two of them, feeling shy under his gaze again. 

I swear he always does this right before he leaves because he likes to watch me squirm. What happened to the pure kind man that I had just been with today? Now suddenly replaced by the devilish tempter just daring me to make a move on him. 

After my mother has thanked him and tried to persuade him to come in for a while with him trying to refuse and I come to his aide and shoo my mother away.

"Mom I think I've taken up more than enough of his time today don't you? I'll walk you out" I say quickly, grabbing him by the arm and dragging him out while he says his goodbyes to her. 

"You trying to get rid of me?" he teases, amused by my hurried solution to ending the conversation. "No I just figured there must be something better for you to do than deal with my mother and her antics" I say and he chuckles in response only stopping when I've finished dragging him all the way to the driver's side of his car. 

"Thank you for everything today, really" I say looking down at the gravel under our feet, holding my breath and waiting for that cocky response again but it never comes. "It was truly a pleasure I assure you of that" he says, hooking a finger under my chin to bring my eyes up to him. 

My eyes dart back and forth between his and he leans in again just as he did last night this time giving me an almost featherlight kiss, hardly anything more than brushing his lips against mine, making my breath hitch, frozen and spellbound by his touch. 

"Goodnight Princess" he says against my lips, still barely there but enough to feel his touch as his breath warms my lips, feeling frozen once he's pulled away and sat down in his car. 

"G-goodnight Mr. Jeon" I let out, barely able to break free from the mental hold he has on me making him chuckle at my reaction before giving me once last glance. Dragging his eyes up and down my form before pulling out of the driveway, leaving me feeling utterly naked under his heated gaze.

As I walk back up I see my mother scurrying down the hallway, no doubt trying to hide the fact that she had been spying on us but I wouldn't expect anything less from her. 

No matter how much she tries to hide it at the end of the day she's really just a busybody that loves to gossip but I've grown tired of it. Not even bothering to care if she sees. With the way Jungkook and I have been playing this push and pull for a while it'll only be a matter of time before we end up together. 

Or at least I hope we do...  

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[copperbadge]

Supposedly, people with Anphantasia don't get scared reading scary stories, or at least not much. Is that true with you if you ever read Horror?

You know, I'd never thought about it, but I suppose it is. To an extent, anyway.

Follows a discussion of my relationship to horror prose and media; if you don't know what aphantasia is, as many people coming to this tumblr don't, I have a tag for it here that may help -- it's basically the lack of a "mind's eye", a visual imagination, so I hear/read things and don't see an image of them in my mind. If you are scoffing right now that nobody actually has a mind's eye, congratulations, you may also have aphantasia. The articles linked in the tag will be useful to you.

I have definitely been scared by prose before but it's very rare, and not much since I was a child, when the stories I found scary were preying on fears I already had. I loved the Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark books, and I think it's not unusual that I found the illustrations more frightening than the prose, but the only story that ever scared me was the one about the vampire who kept trying to grab a kid through a window -- because I had a window over my bed in my childhood bedroom and I was terrified I'd look up to see someone looking down at me through it. Likewise, as an adult, the only content in horror I find scary is what I think of as "mind horror" -- the loss of faculty or the loss of awareness of faculty (think the end scene of the novel Hannibal with the brain). Which is one of my biggest fears.

I don't read much horror because generally I get bored, which has in the past made me feel faintly appalled at myself, but which now makes more sense. Certainly I have no interest in slasher-style gore in prose, because I find it uninteresting and it goes on a really long time, while I don't watch it in movies/TV because the visual is upsetting -- so if I was getting the visual from the prose I might react more emotionally. I am a fan of Stephen King but mostly his early work where he was shorter on suspense, and I was reading it because I liked the ideas and the characters. Carrie is super interesting because of the personalities involved, not because of the violence or the horror aspects. But I've never seen a movie adaptation and I can imagine I would be deeply unsettled if not distraught by certain scenes if depicted visually. Although I didn't find the Hannibal TV series super upsetting (I mostly was put off by how bad I imagined Will smelled) so perhaps body horror just doesn't do it for me.

This may also explain my hard-no on zombie media, because I'm not scared at all of zombies, I just find them boring and gross, and that leaves the post-apocalyptic humans. My hard-no on post-apocalypse anything is an aversion to imagining the end of my world, though, which isn't visual, it's conceptual, and not scary, just upsetting.

Like, people kept suggesting Zombies Run! to me when I was taking up running and -- well, one, I needed the music to keep my pace, I didn't want it interrupted. But two, I didn't see why a bunch of random groaning noises would make me run faster. If you could see zombies chasing you in your head, yeah, that'd probably be more motivating.

It kind of explains too why I haven't written much horror. I used to be very curious about how people worked out what's "scary" in horror prose and I guess part of the curiosity came from not experiencing it myself. It's tough to know how to write a scary story when stories don't scare you.

To be clear, I definitely experience fear. Reading Stephen King's "It" didn't really scare me, but there were scary moments in the film adaptations. I startle at jumpscares. There's plenty of stuff in real life that I'm scared of. And even podcasts -- I don't get mental images during podcasts like apparently most people do, but Magnus Archives got me with the "digging into your pre-existing fears" thing once or twice, and while I didn't finish The Left Right Game (I just got bored) the hitchhiker scene definitely got me. But I think, unless it's playing on something conceptual that already existed, yeah, I don't find prose particularly frightening.

Huh. This feels like the kind of thing that could have a significant impact on my creative output if I could crowbar my way into it. Knowing that I as an aphantic don't need descriptions that other people do has already, I think, impacted my editing process, but this feels like it maybe would somehow have an effect on the whole thing -- the fact that I don't experience emotions when reading in the same way other people do because I don't get the visuals is something to meditate on.

How the fuck did I ever even become a writer. Like what's up with that.

(Ironically it was X-Files fanfic. X-Files, a show that very much did scare me, for which I wrote and read a lot of fanfic, none of which did...yikes. Well, that's something to meditate on for the weekend.)

#sam has adhd #an aphantasia fantasia

[meadowofdarts]

A Play of Vigorous Wisdom (PART TWO)

Interdarshan Championship Event x Reader (Genshin 3.6) Scaramouche/Wanderer x Reader

Here is part two everyone! I am so sorry this took a while because I've been having writer's block and was having a hard time with my schedule and all. But, I now have the motivation to write and I hope that it will stay so I can write everything including the bonus before version 3.7 comes out.

Thank you for the support in part one!

PART ONE, PART TWO, PART THREE

BONUS: -Fighting For The Diadem (Cyno, Tighnari, Kaveh, Layla, Faruzan)

Enjoy!

//////

After immediately encountering Layla, you got word from the Akademiya students talking about how intense was the first round, which you now assumed officially ended.

And some students were also predicting the second round already. The second round will come in two days, so every participant has free time.

You were walking around the streets of Sumeru, passing by the ongoing busy roads as the sunset was in place. Your lover said he had urgent business to do. It was weird, but you didn't question it since he's already strange enough. But now that he's gone, you were incredibly bored and basically had nothing to do until he was done.

You thought taking a walk around the city would help, and you could get invested in one of the shops or booths. But, it did not work. If people would've focused on you, they would think you have overworked yourself or something.

You did play a few booths of the Wisdom Gala, but most had completely drained your energy already as some you were struggling to do in their first rounds. It was only the first round of their booths before they released more minigames of their events.

What else can you do? You need entertainment right now. That's what was running through your mind before you stumbled upon Lambad's Tavern. You stood staring at it and decided that maybe a little food would boost you up.

You entered the place, and the relaxing yet delightful music played as soon as you entered. The tavern this time was much busier than before. You see that most of them are Akademiya students. You wondered if it had anything to do with the festival this year.

You stood as you were in line to order. You were staring at your fingernails, not paying attention to anything until you heard someone say your name.

"(Name)?" A voice called behind you. You turned around surprised at seeing someone familiar.

"Oh, hey Tighnari!" You smiled at him.

"I didn't expect to run into you here," He smiled back. "Even though we saw each other, we haven't had a chance to catch up. How are you?"

"Oh, I'm doing good!" You replied. "How about you? Oh, and how's Collei?"

"I'm fine, and she's doing wonderful ever since her recovery."

Tighnari was the Amurta representative in the championship earlier. But you knew him way before that.

You met Tighnari way back when you arrived for the first time in Sumeru. As the new region felt new to you, you spotted Gandharva Ville nearby, and Tighnari allowed you to stay for a while. You two hit off very well and became acquaintances to good friends quickly. When you felt like you overstayed your welcome, you bid goodbye to him and haven't seen him since.

"So, what are you doing here?" Tighnari asked you.

"Oh, I'm just here for a snack. I've been so bored and tired lately that I thought food might help me." You replied. "What about you?"

"Oh, I'm just waiting for a friend of mine. We just plan on eating here." He answered. But then he spoke again, "Would you like to join us?"

You were surprised. "Huh? But won't you friend mind?"

As if on cue, a white gray-haired male with red eyes came in and walked up to the forest ranger. "Tighnari, there you are. Sorry, I'm late. I just had to finish off some duties."

"It's fine. I just arrived too." He replied.

Cyno then noticed you with a curious look. "Hm? Who's this?"

You sheepishly waved at him as Tighnari introduced you. "Oh, this is (Name), a good friend I'm just catching up with."

Cyno eyed you and stated. "I know you. You're one of Vahumana's representatives earlier in the Championship."

"Heh, yeah, and your Spantamad's representative." You smiled. "Nice to meet you."

"You too." He lightly smiled back.

"Cyno, you wouldn't mind if (Name) sits with us, right?" Tighnari said. "It's just that we haven't seen each other in a while, and I figured this might be a good opportunity to catch up with them. If you're fine with it, of course."

Cyno answered. "No problem, I don't mind at all."

You were nervous sitting with Cyno. You've heard from your friends in Vahumana that the General Mahamatra was terrifying with his cold expression, especially if you defy or combat him. But, to you, he seems like a calm person who didn't mind anything regarding his friends. You did hear that one of your friends said that despite his look, he is a humorous guy around which confused you more.

The three of you sat at a table and ordered your guys' food.

"So, (Name), how has Sumeru been?" Tighnari asked.

"Oh, it's absolutely amazing!" You smiled. "Everything around is truly beautiful and different than any other nation I've been through. Tighnari, I am still thankful for you taking me in when I arrived."

He smiled. "Really, it's no problem at all."

Tighnari then spoke out a random question. "Hey, if you don't mind me asking this and forgive me if this is wrong, but... Is 'Hat Guy' your boyfriend you mentioned?"

You stared at him wide-eyed. "What the!? How- You haven't met him yet!"

"It wasn't that difficult to know," He smirked. "It was obvious how lovey-dovey you both were before in the championship."

You were about to retort something until a waiter came in and served the dishes you ordered.

"Say, (Name)," Cyno stared making you look up at him. "Tell me a bit about yourself."

You turned surprised but smiled and told a bit to Cyno, intending to know each other.

...

For the next few hours: you, Tighnari, and Cyno chatted happily in the busy tavern. While catching up with the forest ranger, you immediately got along well with the mahamatra.

"So you don't play TCG?" Cyno asked with bewilderment.

You chuckled. "Well, I do; I got many card collections and decks. But I don't play so much anymore."

"Hmph, I see. Would you be interested in dueling against me?"

"Hmm, sure, I don't mind. But maybe another time."

"Hey," Tighnari chimed in. "Don't tell me you brought your card decks. Seriously, it's like you bring them everywhere with you."

"Well, it's necessary if I find a worthy opponent," Cyno smirked as the male beside him sighed. You sweat-dropped.

"I... I'm not surprised anymore, especially when you were at the cat's tail all day back in Mondstadt's festival and signed up for the championship just for the TCG card." Tighnari shot him a pointed look.

"Now, don't look at me with that card-oed look on your face."

"That joke didn't even make sense."

"Do you want an expla-"

"No."

You chuckled at their bickering but thanked Tighnari for sparing you from Cyno's jokes. You felt an overwhelming feeling of awkwardness when he told off his bad jokes earlier at the table.

You look at the watch in your hand out of habit, then notice how late you stayed in the tavern. Even though the tavern was fully crowded. But you knew you had to get home soon or you'll be suffering from your lover's questioning.

It wasn't anything bad; it's just him being concerned and scolding you. But you don't know if you have the energy to bicker him with today.

"Hey guys," You said. "I'm sorry, but I have to go now."

Tighnari put his attention on you. 'Oh, no worries. It is late after all. I'm glad we got to catch up, (Name)."

"Me too," You thanked, then said to Cyno. "I enjoy talking with you too, Cyno."

"It's no problem," Cyno reassured. "It was nice meeting you too."

You stood up. "Well then, I guess I'll see you soon in the second round of the championship then."

"Indeed, we will see you later." Cyno smiled. You smiled back.

You waved two of your friends goodbye as you walked out of a tavern, being greeted by the cold breeze wind the moment your foot was outside.

After that, you immediately speed-walked on the route back to your home, hugging yourself as it was cold at night. You hoped Wanderer wasn't there yet. But while walking home, you simply imagined you and your boyfriend bickering already.

...

You peeked your head to the main room of your house, seeing that no inch of blue or black and white clothing of Wanderer here. You turned, seeing nothing; everything was just where they were when you left earlier. The house was completely empty. Which means he wasn't here yet.

You silently cheered and thanked the Archons that Wanderer wasn't home. You fully entered the room, closing the front door behind you.

You immediately jumped into the couch and slumped on it, catching a bit of your breath.

'Oh god, it was so cold.' You silently yelled as you still felt the chilly wind from outside. You didn't focus on anything until you hear a voice you wished you didn't want to hear right now.

"Well, well, well, you took your time coming home."

You froze at the voice. You were screaming inside about how the hell did he get home first.

You slowly turn and see at the corner of your eyes his figure leaning against a wall, with his arms crossed and a malicious smirk on his face.

"Uhh, hi?" You muttered with a sweaty uneasy smile. "How... are you?"

You were doomed.

He didn't say anything. He just hummed in response. The silence between you two wasn't making it any helpful.

He walked towards you while his expression remained the same. You put your head down and sighed tiredly but prepared for what he had to say.

But you didn't expect him to sit down next to you, pull you into his arms, and he leaned you onto his chest. His body was on the couch, hugging you from behind as you were seated between his legs, holding his arms with his hands, still surprised.

You weren't expecting it, but you enjoyed it anyway. You closed your eyes as you both enjoyed a peaceful moment of warmth together. After a few moments, you opened your eyes, making eye contact with the man behind you.

"What's this for?" You softly murmured.

He stared, then replied. "I'm tired too. I just want you right now. I won't bother with the lecture today; you already know what I'll be saying anyway."

You softened at his tone and warmth. You learned more as you closed your eyes, smiling. He glanced down at you and smiled as he embraced you tighter. He places a soft kiss on your head.

...

...

[TWO DAYS LATER]

It was now the second round of the Interdarshan Championship. The venue for the second round is in the desert's Aaru Village. All of the contestants had already gathered and chatted as we waited for the next game to start soon.

You stood leaning up against the venue's pillar, closing your eyes as you rested a bit before the round.

You were interrupted when you heard footsteps coming to you. You opened one of your eyes to see Wanderer coming to you.

You raised an eyebrow, but then he leaned and whispered in your ear. "Let's start investigating later, okay?"

You nodded your head as he leaned back out. You glance to the contestants and already see that the Traveler is here.

"Looks like everyone's here." Alhaitham stood up, gaining everyone's attention. "I will now explain the second round to you all."

"There are three Ley Line Disruptors buried in the area around Aaru Village. These devices can imitate the effects of Ley Line disruption and will constantly interfere with the environment. Your goal is to shut them down."

"The first three who manage the finish this task will be awarded four, three, two points, accordingly. Note that each person may only bring a set amount of food and water with them, and that leaving the designated competition zone will result in disqualification."

Everyone immediately started talking to each other and went ahead to go enter the zone.

...

"Ugh, it's so hot." You groaned as you and Wanderer walked around.

"This is even more annoying than the last round." He grumbled. "Whatever, let's just rest for a while and watch everyone scurry."

You both sat down on the sand. You turned to him. "How are you not hot!? You are literally wearing a jacket."

"Did you forget or are you dumb? I'm a puppet. Besides, why are you even whining? I am none of your concern right now." He rolled his eyes.

...

"AH!" You screamed.

Wanderer looked at you with a confused expression. "What?"

"Oh gosh," You said, holding your chest. "That tumbleweed scared me."

"How do you get scared by a tumbleweed?"

"When they go near and hit you, duh."

...

After examining every other participant, you and Wanderer went next to Tighnari to obverse him like the others. You finally find him, but the Traveler and Paimon are also there.

You guys listened in and learned that Tighnari fainted due to the heat. But it seemed that he had finished all of his water.

You focus on them only until you see your boyfriend going up to them and revealing himself.

'What the heck is he doing?' Either way, you decided to follow him

"Humans, such fragile beings," Wanderer chimed as everyone turned to him and see you next to him. "Your bodies can't even survive extreme changes in the environment."

The Traveler raised an eyebrow. "And you considered yourself strong?"

Wanderer ignored them but pulled out one of our waters. "Here, take this. Let him drink it."

Both of the traveling companions raised an eyebrow, but the Traveler took the water from him regardless.

Wanderer walks away, but you stay still. He turns to you. "Let's go."

"Actually," You said. "Is it alright if I stay with them for a while?"

He gave you a confused look. So you said. "It'll only be a minute. I'll just make sure that Tighnari is in good condition."

He hummed and eyed you and him. "Hmm, alright. Don't take too long. Do you know where to find me?"

You nodded.

"Good." Before he went on, you came up behind him and gave him a quick hug and a kiss on his cheek.

He was surprised but grinned. "See you."

"Bye!" You waved as Wanderer left.

You turned to the group to see Tighnari drinking the water already.

After he had finished, you approached the forest ranger. "Are you alright now?"

"I'm feeling a little better now. Thanks." Tighnari said.

You were about to say something else until another voice came in.

"Found you at last." Cyno walked in.

"Cyno! You're here too!" Paimon exclaimed.

"I was concerned, so I came back to check on you." He stated. "Will you be able to go on?

"The fur on my tail is so dry it's practically been singed right off. I don't see any purpose in pushing myself beyond what is reasonable." Tighnari shook his head. "It appears I'm not suited to this particular round - I should probably just return to Aaru Village and rest."

"Really? So you're backing out?" Paimon asked.

He nodded. "Yes. I do have my results in the first round to serve as a buffer, so even if I forfeit this round, I still have a chance to turn things around later. Withdrawing now will allow me to conserve my energy. Continuing to push onward would be counterproductive."

"That's good, Tighnari," You smiled. "I'm glad that you're not pushing yourself or anything like that."

"A wise decision," Cyno agreed. "Let's get you back to Aaru Village."

"Ugh... It's fine, I can make it back on my own." Tighnari groaned.

Paimon exclaimed. "Oh, stop trying to be so polite. Come on, we'll help you back to Aaru Village!"

...

...

Everyone entered a cave that was a quick way to enter Aaru Village.

"How are you feeling now, Tighnari?" Paimon asked. "Do you want to rest some more?"

"There's some shade here, so we can stop for a while," Cyno suggested. Tighnari agreed to it.

Everyone kept walking in the area further until they saw a familiar Rtawahist figure.

"Oh, Cyno, Tighnari, and (Name)... and you've got the Traveler and Paimon with you!"

"Hello, Layla," You greeted her with a warm smile.

"The sun was too strong, so I decided to take cover here for a while," Layla muttered. "What about you? Are you all done already?"

Tighnari shook his head in response. "Unfortunately not. I'm not quite as capable as I thought… I intend to withdraw from this round. Cyno, (Name), and the Traveler are escorting me back to Aaru Village."

"W-Withdraw? Can you even do that?" Layla asked surprised.

"Yes, you can if you want to." You answered. "Alhaitham says leaving and returning to Aaru Village is a disqualification of the second round."

"Didn't I ask if you were already before this? If you had just decided to withdraw then, you wouldn't have had to suffer." Cyno said to Tighnari.

He replied. "Well, I had to try, didn't I? So I tried, and it didn't work out - and now I'm backing out while I can."

As they were conversing with each other, you noticed Layla looking a bit troubled.

"Layla, is something wrong?" You asked.

"Oh, uh-" Layla stuttered. "No, it's just I feel a little faint when I entered the desert. But I feel a lot better after resting here for a while."

"Be careful not to push yourself too hard!" Paimon reminded.

"Don't worry, I'm just..." Layla paused.

Cyno finished her sentence. "Feeling the pressure?"

"Huh? You can tell?"

"Your expression is similar to the ones I see on criminals' faces when I interrogate them."

Layla sighed. "To tell you the truth, I'm not sure whether I have what it takes to represent the Rtawahist Darshan in the Championship."

She tells how people voted for her as the representative because of the rumors about me, and Layla then tells she doesn't know how to deal with their expectations. Many and even people who criticize her voted for her, so she felt like she had to live up to their expectations.

"So, their expectations are putting pressure on you?" Tighnari clarified.

She nodded in silence.

"Hmm, I see," You started as she turned to you. "I understand your situation, it's understandable to feel this way, Layla."

"But, I'm going to say this. Having a lot of pressure on yourself isn't good because then you won't be able to achieve anything. People obviously have their reasons to vote for you, but I think the people from your Darshan who do care about you wouldn't want you to be put under pressure. It's important to not push yourself."

Layla stared at you in surprise.

Tighnari spoke up. "I agree. We are researchers. Our primary duty is to interact with knowledge, not to meet others' expectations."

"Even though I got voted as well, I decided to take part in this competition to advertise for an academic lecture at Gandharva Ville next month. I'll obviously try my best during the competition, but I won't let any additional pressure get to me."

"I think you can also try to find a clearly defined goal. That may help you." He finished.

Layla nodded. "I understand. Thanks for your pieces of advice."

"Phew... I'm absolutely parched after talking so much." Tighnari sweatdropped.

" I've still got some water with me." Cyno offered.

His friend shook his head. "No, I'll be alright. We aren't far from Aaru Village, so I can go the rest of the way myself. You should get back to the competition. Don't you want to win that limited-edition card?"

"Yes. Alright then, your spirit will live on through me."

"...Hey, don't talk like that. I'm not dead, Cyno." Tighnari shot him an annoyed look.

"Everyone, I'll be heading back now. See you after the round ends." He said before walking away to Aaru Village.

Cyno walked in the opposite direction. "I'll continue searching for the Ley Line Disruptors."

"Hmm, well, it seems I should head back." You said. "I'll see you guys later."

"Hey, (Name)," Layla said. You turned to her. "Thank you. For what happened in the first round, and thank you for your advice."

You chuckled. "It's no problem. I hope you'll feel better, Layla."

You waved the three goodbyes as you made your way back to the competition grounds.

...

...

After a while, you found Wanderer at the west entrance of Aaru Village. He was looking at the scenery, seeming to be deep in thought.

"Hey," You said skipping over to him, while he turns to look at you.

"Oh, good. You're here." Wanderer crossed his arms. "Listen, since we don't have any leads, I figured we can ask people about that incident. I think we should start in Aaru Village."

"Hmm, do you think they would know something about it?" You asked.

"Well, it's not guaranteed they would know exactly, but we can try asking and we could learn a bit about what happened-" Wanderer stopped his sentence as he sees something behind you.

You turned to see the Traveler and Paimon coming towards you. Wow, it's like they're everywhere and have incredible free time to check up on every contestance one by one.

Paimon exclaimed. "Looks like someone's taking it easy!"

"You should be thrilled that we have nothing to do. Otherwise, that means someone's in for a very, very bad day." He smirked.

"But if you guys don't get any points this round, you won't have a shot at winning!"

You shrugged. "Well, we really don't have intentions to win."

Wanderer added. "Really, the real prize for me is watching all these people fight over something so useless. Oh, you've reminded us of something. There shouldn't be any more incidents after this round. If you'll excuse us, we have somewhere to be."

You and Wanderer walked away, leaving the Traveler and Paimon dumbfounded.

...

You guys entered Aaru Village by passing the sub-venue. Alhaitham and Nilou seemed to notice you two entering and took note that both of you had forfeited like Tighnari.

You and Wanderer entered the area of the village that is near the Village Chief's house. The two of you split up around Aaru Village to ask as many people as possible.

You briefly asked the villagers nearby but found nobody seemed to know anything. But someone did tell you that a guy named 'Huvishka' knows something about a past championship twenty years ago.

You finally found the said person. You asked what he thought of this year's Interdarshan Championship.

Huvishka tells you that he was rooting for Cyno because of his skills as the General Mahamatra and that the Spantamad Darshan has the highest percentage of champions. But during his sentence, he mentioned that the most exciting competition was still 'twenty years ago.'

You asked about that championship twenty years ago.

"At that time, my friend also participated in the game, and I went there to cheer for him. The last round was played in Avidya Forest. In the end, no one dared to approach them, and no one knew what was going on in the depths of the forest…" He tells you.

"Then I heard the Akademiya shut down the competition. Later, the Interdarshan Championship removed many of the events in which people fought to the death, discouraging people from being desperate enough to do so."

"So, what was your friend like?" You asked.

"Let me think. He's honest and kind, but he's also vulnerable and sensitive. Most of all, he cares about us. When we drink together, our time is filled with laughter and cheer." He answered. "It's just too bad that it's all in the past now. Among the friends we drank with, some died, some disappeared, some now live in seclusion… They say fate is fickle. Perhaps it's true."

You hummed, gathering and taking note of the information you had just received.

...

"Deserts are much more dangerous at night, so this competition should be nearing its end. At the moment, only Faruzan, Layla, and Kaveh remain," said Alhaitham.

Nilou muttered. "I wonder who the next person to find a disruptor will be..."

"Wait, only three people are left? Tighnari forfeited, and Cyno's already done… What about (Name) and Hat Guy?" Paimon questioned.

"They also forfeited not long ago," Alhaitham answered.

Paimon groaned. "Paimon can't understand what they're thinking at all... But like Alhaitham said — the round's almost over. Let's go see what the other contestants are doing!"

...

You and Wanderer met back near the Village Chief's house and told each other about what you learned from the villagers. Wanderer says he hasn't had that much information as he states that nobody seemed to know anything related to the incident.

You tell him about your conversation with Huvishka.

"Hmph, I see. Twenty years ago..." Wanderer muttered.

"We didn't get that much information than we hoped, but at least we have some sort of lead." You said. "Now what should we do?"

"Ugh, this desert isn't too much to my liking. Let's just leave." He suggested.

"Huh? Can we leave?"

"Well, we gave up this round, remember? Why couldn't we leave if we have nothing to do now?" He stated. "Besides, didn't you say that Amurta's representative drop out this round? Well, he's not here anymore, so he probably left too."

"Hm, I guess." You muttered.

...

...

It was now nighttime, and you heard briefly that the championship had officially ended the second round, and the final round would commence in two days.

You hear that Cyno and Layla have taken first place while the rest in descending are Tighnari, Faruzan, Kaveh, and you and your boyfriend.

You know well that neither of you can't be winners. But whoever the winner will be decided in the third and final round.

And during this time, you and Wanderer found out a bit about the incident twenty years ago, so you both consider it a benefit from the competition.

After you guys left, you both went to your shared home back in Sumeru City. Since the desert was very far away from there, you guys arrived when nighttime came in. But you both didn't care.

...

Wanderer's lips were on yours as his tongue danced with yours. You forgot what happened, but after arriving in your shared house, you and Wanderer are locked in a make-out.

He pinned you up with his hand pressed against the wall, and his other hand was behind, holding your neck. You had one of your hands on the side of his cheek while your other hand was caressing the back of his head.

Every time you pull away for only a second, you and he pull each other back in a heated kiss. His lips were all over your face, but he was mainly on your lips.

After a while, you felt tired so you pulled him back by grabbing his shoulders. He focused his attention on you.

"Okay, that's enough," You smiled.

He raised an eyebrow. "I'm not done yet."

You playfully rolled your eyes, as you walked away from him to the kitchen, ignoring his calls to you.

...

(author: idk what i did at the make-out scene - btw i do suggestive themes, but not full on smut so don't ask for that lol)

See you guys in part three!

taglist: @etherisy, @fanfictionenthusiast, @melobee, @cattycattitude, @timeofsilversstuff, @yourfuturebaee, @lifelesscloud, @sketcheeee, @godsblesstheboii, @swivy123, @that-mom-friend, @julia-scribbles, @llunariese, @seirenspinel, @anggurz, @stormyenglish-23, @inferisk0, @paracosm-life, @mochisgf, @fabimaou, @yuyukami, @kaocia, @sharkdays, @miyakoa, @vvyeislazzy

(People without an underline I can't tag, I'm sorry)

#scaramouche x reader #scaramouche #genshin impact #genshin #genshin x reader #genshin wanderer #wanderer x reader #genshin impact x reader #genshin impact x you #genshin x y/n #genshin x you #genshin fanfic #kaveh x reader #layla x reader #faruzan x reader #cyno x reader #tighnari x reader #nilou x reader #alhaitham x reader #genshin version 3.6 #interdarshan championship #sumeru x reader #sumeru #genshin scaramouche #genshin 3.6

[phoebe-delia]

Hey, Draco

I got this idea today while listening to "Hey There Delilah" by the Plain White T's because I am nothing if not a fan of 2000s music. Enjoy! (also this is exactly 1k!)

beep

"Hey, Draco—you wanted me to call when I landed. And, er, I landed. I also wanted to say... I know you said that our randomly reconnecting and—what did you call it? 'sharing a night of passion?'—while I was in New York for a holiday is not enough reason to pack up and move over there with you immediately. But I'm just so bloody excited. I've never turned a week's vacation into a month before. I've never gotten off a plane only to want to turn around and buy a one-way ticket. But it's okay. You didn't say no. You just want to take it slow. I can wait. I know I can. As long as it takes."

beep

"Hey, Draco—I just got off work. I'm so bloody tired. Sorry I couldn't call until now. Well, I guess I'm not that sorry, since you're clearly occupied anyway. Because I'm talking to myself. Well, to myself and to some future you who's listening to this. I wonder what future me is doing while you hear this. Probably waiting for you to call me back. What are you waiting for? Call me back already, you git!"

beep

"Hey, Draco—Merlin, I'm tired. It was a long fucking day. It wasn't even the good kind of tired. You know how sometimes after a long day you feel, like, satisfied? I don't think I've felt that way in...I don't remember. My brain is scrambled eggs. I need to go to bed. But I wanted to call you and say hello to your voicemail because I don't have the energy for a normal human conversation. But let's please talk tomorrow. I miss the sound of your voice, and your outgoing message is only so comforting."

beep

"Hey, Draco—last night was so fun. I haven't laughed like that in ages. I'm just glad you couldn't see me cry-laugh like that through the phone. I miss you already. I'm about to make dinner, but I'll call you when I'm eating."

beep

"Hey, Draco—sorry I couldn't talk last night. Ron and Hermione dragged me to the pub and basically interrogated me about why I seem to smile randomly at nothing during the day. I tried to remind them how completely, obnoxiously gone for each other they were at the beginning of their relationship, but then they started pestering me over if I was seeing anyone and who it was and it just—it just came out, okay? I know we said we wouldn't tell people yet but I just. I couldn't help it. My friends said they'd never seen me so happy, and I have a hard time hiding things from them. I hope that's okay. Call me when you get this. Please."

beep

"Hey, Draco—I hope you're asleep right now. I know you had a long day. I just wanted to leave you a message for when you wake up. To tell you I've been thinking about you for—well. Ever since we bumped into each other in line at that coffee shop after not seeing each other for years and you said 'This can't be fucking happening to me,' and I just laughed. So I haven't stopped thinking about you in weeks. Which is a blessing and a curse, really, because thoughts of you distract me from the utterly boring parts of my work day, but when I'm done daydreaming I have to remember that I'm at work and not with you, wiping up spilled coffee and wondering if it's too late to change my flight. I'd much rather think about you all day than do work for even a second."

beep

"Hey, Draco—I thought more about what you said last night. I'm sorry I got...well. I think you'd call it my 'defensive and Gryffindor ego' but I like to think of it as my endearing stubbornness, thanks ever so. Still—I'm sorry. And I thought about it and I think you're right. I'm tired all the time and I'm not having a fun enough time at work to make it worth it. Can you talk? Call me when you can."

beep

"Hey, Draco—I'm doing it tomorrow. Wish me luck."

beep

"Hey, Draco—I did it. I did it, I finally fucking did it. Merlin, you should've seen the look on Robards's face! I'll have to pensive it for you later. God, I have so much adrenaline! I've got the rest of my life to do whatever I want and all the inheritance money I could ever ask for—why on earth did I ever become an Auror? Anyway, call me!"

beep

"Hey, Draco—y'know the thing about being unemployed is that you have a lot of free time on your hands. What am I even supposed to do with my days now? I'm so bored, but at least I can do something about it now. Even though I'd rather do something about it with you."

beep

"Hey, Draco—I don't want to pressure you at all, but it's been six months and I can only handle so many plane rides and portkeys before I start to go a bit mad. Can we please talk about this? I'll still give you time, if that's what you need. But just—let's check in again, okay? I still—my feelings haven't changed."

beep

"Hey, Draco—I really hope you were serious last night. Because I'm buying a ticket right now. I'll see you in a week—thank Merlin for packing spells."

beep

"Hey, Draco—I landed. I'm walking off the plane. I'm in the tunnel thing—the thing you walk through to get on and off, y'know? I'll get a cab and meet you at your flat. I hope the traffic isn't too bad, because I really can't wait to see you and I—oh. Wait, is that—you're here? You're here! You're here at the airport and waving at me. And—and I'm going to hang up now."

#drarry #draco malfoy #harry potter #draco and harry #harry and draco #draco x harry #harry x draco #draco/harry #harry/draco #draco malfoy and harry potter #harry potter and draco malfoy #draco malfoy x harry potter #harry potter x draco malfoy #hpdm #drarry squad #drarry fic #drarry fanfic #drarry fanfiction #drarry ficlet #drarry drabble #drarry fandom #hp fic #hp fanfic #hp fanfiction #hp fandom #harry potter fandom #harry potter fic #harry potter fanfic #harry potter fanfiction #phoebe-delia

[ashleywool]

on the absurdity of grief: when these objectively benign or positive things make you intensely sad

-Being enthusiastically recognized at the Drama Book Shop and asked for an autograph/selfie. She was VERY sweet and we had a lovely chat. The sadness had nothing to do with her, and everything to do with me remembering how I frequented the 40th St. location as a tiny baby actressling, poring over all the acting/auditioning books I could find, plagued by a persistent feeling of needing to "catch up." And the saddest part is knowing that even if I could have seen the future back then, I would've been like "but why did it take so long?"

-The folks at my physical therapy clinic telling me "it's rare to see a patient who's as motivated and consistent as you are, even if they have the time and the resources." Why wouldn't I be? I've spent my whole adult life remaining motivated and consistent about pursuing a career that is renowned for the rarity of its success. Of course I'm gonna be motivated and consistent about following a program that has been steadily improving my quality of life within a matter of weeks, AND which my insurance covers in full. It's extremely easy to be motivated to do things that get you immediate, progressive positive results and require no sacrifice. The sadness is because I wish I could get HALF these results from everything else I was motivated and consistent about. And I wish other people could too.

-Going into the cafe I used to take my friends to when they came to HTDIO and seeing the same lovely woman behind the counter who always gave me a discount because of how much business I brought them, and seeing her still give me the discount every time even though I'm not bringing the business.

-Looking at clothes of mine that I specifically remember wearing for certain moments in HTDIO rehearsal, even if I've also worn them ten thousand other places.

-The fact that I'm still using the same cream blush stick that Sarafina (costume designer) gave me for the Syracuse run. Makeup I had in Syracuse should not have outlasted the Broadway run. Makeup I had on Broadway should not have outlasted the Broadway run.

-The intrusive thoughts that come with seeing something in the media about some major Broadway person and then remembering that that Broadway person knows who I am. And the craziest part is, the reason they know who I am is because I am also a Broadway person. Like, I'll be minding my own business, doing the dishes or whatever, and then maybe I'll discover that the milk in my fridge spoiled because I only ever use it for baking and I haven't baked in a while, and then my theatre kid brain will be like, "The milk has gone bad, hold up just a second, why is everything in this fridge warm and tepid?" and the impulse will be to continue the lyrics, but then I remember LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA FOLLOWS ME ON INSTAGRAM NOW and the next thing I know I'm standing catatonically over my sink with the carton of spoiled milk in my hand, my executive functioning having short-circuited so intensely that I forgot that I'm supposed to pour the milk down the drain and not just stare at the open spout on the upright carton hoping the smell dissipates, and then eventually I snap out of it and get rid of the milk and the carton, but then I need to lie down, and then I feel like I have to apologize to Lin-Manuel Miranda because even though he's not physically present, and we haven't directly interacted since he came to the show, and he probably devotes maybe 0.01% of his time to thinking about what that one chick from the autism musical who showed him that Strong Bad gif might be up to right now, I just know he felt that somehow and he does not deserve to be telepathically assaulted by my weirdness like that, and the worst part is that I'm sure the embarrassment I made myself feel as a result of this made-up situation that I made up wouldn't feel nearly as pathetic if the show was still running.

Grief is weird.

#grief #grief is weird

[by-ethan-fox]

So I saw Gundam Seed FREEDOM...

... and honestly it defies analysis.

I will avoid spoilers for major plot elements in this write-up.

I'm a huge Gundam fan. This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who has followed my work for a long time, as I frequently bring it up, even in entirely inapplicable situations.

But even though I've been a fan since the late 90s, I'd never had a chance to see any of it in the cinema - so when AllTheAnime organised a special short run of the movie for UK theatres, I jumped at the chance.

What I saw surprised me.

To clarify, I'm not one of those Gundam fans who hates SEED. Sure, I love the UC, but I'm not gonna lie, Wing was my genesis within the fandom so I'm as likely to watch G-Gundam as 08th MS Team, though I do lean towards the grittier side of the franchise, with War in the Pocket being my favourite entry.

But most relevant to this is that while I enjoyed SEED, I've always been critical of Destiny for some really bizarre plotting that, frankly, kinda left the CE timeline in a mess. Like many fans, with the show having been off the air for nearly two decades, I gave up on the idea the movie might exist literally years ago.

With all that out of the way...

The movie does exist. Finally. And is it good? Bad?

The weird thing is I don't know what to say, and that's weird for a writer.

It's awesome. It's terrible. It's goofy. It's clever. It's idiotic. It's bizarre.

But it's over 2 hours long and, honestly, I was never bored, which I guess is a success?

Perhaps most surprisingly, the movie expends ZERO ENERGY on helping you if you haven't seen the near-100-episodes of CE anime which came before this. Like, if you haven't seen SEED and or Destiny, you are just utterly fucked. The show wheels characters and plot-beats from the prior material in-and-out in a manner I could best call aggressive. I last watched Destiny about ~7 years ago, and I'm a self-admitted Gundam nerd; but even I had to look up a few things on my phone afterwards.

Then, fan-service. Of both kinds. All sorts of things get pulled out of cold storage for the movie... But it works. Though that also stands as a testament to how this is, in the truest sense, a 2004 anime throwback. I actually heard some people in the cinema groaning at some of the Gainax Bouncing going on; but then given the jiggly silhouette in EVERY OPENING TO SEED, frankly it would've been stranger if it had been absent.

I think the movie has loads of problems. Even by CE standards, some of the storytelling was really goofy and dare-I-say-it, "cringe". It recycles probably too much and certainly doesn't stand on its own as a piece of media (though that's not so much a failing as a clear, conscious choice).

Also... It has that "anime movie" thing where the plot feels a bit filler. The first time you have this new guy on the scene with shock-white hair, being all edgelord as he talks about war and destiny and fencing or some other weird metaphor you kinda see the entire movie unfurl before you. If you're a longtime anime fan this isn't so much your first rodeo as your daily commute.

From there, the story takes numerous predictable turns, dips liberally into melodrama, sets up some great Mobile Suit fights, with relatively few surprises (note, however, I'm not saying "no surprises", as there are some, and also, I'm not suggesting it's tedious).

And yet...

It's fun.

It's really, really fun.

That's the crux of all this. That's what really matters. And honestly, when that new theme comes out of the speakers, sounding in perfect key with the types of music that ran through SEED's run, and Kira's onscreen, and he's locking onto a dozen targets and beams are spamming everywhere and everything's exploding in that weird pink way that things in SEED explode...

Have you ever tried to play a videogame from the 90s that you haven't played in years? And do you know how touch-and-go that is?

Gundam Seed FREEDOM is, if I'm to compare it to anything, like that.

But thankfully, it's one of the times when your memories might have been optimistic, but they're not wrong. That game may be a bit crude, a bit rough around the edges, and have more boob and ass jiggle than you recall... But it's good. So good that you find yourself sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of your console, grinning like an absolute loon, until it's 2am and you can no longer feel your feet.

If you have fond memories of the SEED era of the Gundam franchise, don't miss it.

#featuretag #Gundam #gundam seed #gundam seed freedom #gundam seed destiny #anime

[yen-doodles]

I recently was going through my miscellaneous music playlist and I got reminded of the song "Woke Up" from Adventure Time: Obsidian, y'know the break up song. It got me thinking of a JTTW Shadowpeach fic idea!

Now I haven't read JTTW, I've only seen OSP's summarizes of the legend and they haven't covered Macaque in the original text so I don't know most of what goes down, this is just a fun idea I had based on LMK

I'm So Glad That I Woke Up

The sky began to set as pink and auburn hues were cast upon the mountains in dying light.

Sun Wukong mind and body were just about spent, and his friend Macaque wasn't helping any.

Tripitaka had been kidnapped, again. Some demons, which he didn't care enough about to remember their names, had showed up while Monkey was distracted and took him away. Macaque had shown up just a few seconds prior to the demons and the other monkey made quick work of getting on the king's nerves.

He sighed rubbing his temples to try and sooze one of his growing migraine, unfortunately the other continued to seat next to him and never halting his excessive chatter.

Macaque tossed small pebbles against a nearby mountain, them bouncing where after he'd catch it before throwing it again. The other disciplines had chosen to avoid the Monkey King in this moment, for fear they'd be the target of his frustration.

"Doesn't walking all this way in one direction boring Peaches? It's got to be so lame!" the other monkey, obviously not reading the aura his friend was casting, said "if you just left we could go in any of the cardinal directions! You already did it before."

Wukong breathed, this was Macaque; his closest friend and companion. He could handle whatever he throws at him, even though he wants to throw him a thousand miles across the East right now. He could handle it.

"Hey Peaches?" The shadow weaver called as he proceeded to poke his arm, when he didn't answer he poked again. And again. "Peaches are you listening to me?" He asked again loudly, placing his lips right next to the Monkey King's ear.

"AGH!! WHAT- WHAT DO YOU WANT MAC?!" The stone monkey yelled out, being quickly brought to his breaking point with the other monkey, "can't you get out of my face for five seconds?!"

Macaque sat silently, the first time since he had shown up. "I have more important things to be worrying about than entertaining you!" He announced angrily towards his friend.

The darker monkey nervously chuckled, he hadn't anticipated it be this hard to get the king to come back with him. "Then why'd ya invite me Peaches?" He said in an attempt to lighten the mood, it did not.

Sun Wukong growled in frustration, his tail swishing against the ground. "I didn't! I was tasked to help a monk on a pilgrimage and you came along!" Monkey shouted. It hurt him inside to be yelling this much at Macaque, he don't remember ever yelling this much at his friend.

The stone monkey sighed loudly, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Go back to the mountain Liu Er Mihou, I can't deal with you acting like trash.." he stated, having his back towards the shadow weaver; his fist clenching.

Macaque stood shocked for a moment. Not believing that it had actually happened. Then his eyes narrowed, glaring at the other monkey, before quickly turning and opening a shadow portal.

The darker of the two monkeys scoffed, hesitating to go through with leaving. The words of an apology seated on his tongue but it dare not leave his lips.

"Goodbye, Sun Wukong.."

And just like that, Macaque had stepped through the portal he'd brought up. Wukong glanced over his shoulder and only saw empty air where the other monkey had previously occupied. The sage had felt his heart ache upon hearing his friend use his name, it had been a long time since the darker monkey had used "Sun Wukong" over "Peaches." He sighed, pushing anymore thoughts of the other in the foregone corners of his mind for now. He can talk this through with Mac later.

In the East, Macaque had arrived back at Flower Fruit Mountain. The population of monkeys that inhabited the mountain had heard the shadow's arrival but chosen to leave him to his own business upon seeing his expression, they had been aware Macaque had went to bring the king home and the look of sorrow and pain that displayed on the warrior's face meant it hadn't gone as planned.

The dark monkey made a b-line towards his room, making sure to lock the door before flopping onto his bed.

Macaque had thought they were close, or at least getting there. That Wukong would come back from a quest upon his request, put their decades worth of relationship over the minuscule amount he'd spent with those silly pilgrimage folk. He thought the sage cared about him, but he was wrong.

Macaque now knew what it was like to get close to the king. He was glad he woke up to that fact before he'd gotten too attached. It may be fun for awhile, you'll have a few laughs, get to know a couple things then a storm comes. It's devastating but the king isn't the one drowning at sea, you are.

He may throw you a life preserver, but he wouldn't actually jump in to save you. Because the king only looks out for number one...

#woke up #lmk macaque #lmk liu er mihou #drabble #shadowpeach #angst #shadowpeach fic #lego monkie kid #Journey To The West #JTTW #blue period reference #based on from Adventure Time: Obsidian #lmk Sun Wukong #lmk sandy #lmk pigsy

[shiningwonderland]

Ranmaru Kurosaki (All Star)

Translator: Raine (twitter: amagiyas) Proofreader: Shu (twitter: coldcagelord)

Editors: Lacey (twitter: fairyharp) & Aoi (twitter: AoiTsukihime)

Chapter One — Keep Out My Territory

Inside the live house, there were a lot of people busy at work.

There were people setting up instruments and other people getting the venue ready, as well as musicians.

Following the press conference, I requested for Kurosaki-senpai to be my partner. Afterwards, when I recounted the events back to Tomo-chan, she was surprised to hear I had decided on Kurosaki-senpai as my partner.

The reason I picked him was based on a hunch… or rather, it was because I felt some sense of intuition at the time.

In any case, in order to learn more about him, I borrowed copies of Kurosaki-senpai's songs from the agency and listened to each of them intently. While listening to them, I believed I made the right choice of trusting my instincts.

A straight-forward sound, and a straight-forward voice. Songs don't lie. This person is very serious when it comes to music.

To be honest, I was a little bit scared after the press conference. But I don't think that he's a bad person.

I submitted my partnership request to the president, but it's been difficult to meet Kurosaki-senpai in person so I could only listen to his songs in the office.

When other members within the agency saw this, I followed their suggestion and am visiting the venue where he will be playing today.

Haruka Nanami: He… doesn't seem to be here either.

Just earlier, I tried to visit him in his dressing room but he wasn't there.

Staff A: Out of the way! It's dangerous to stand in the pathway like that!

Haruka Nanami: I-I'm sorry…

It feels like I'm just getting in the way ever since I arrived.

It would probably be best to wait in his dressing room.

Haruka Nanami: Huh? The dressing room… which way was it?

Staff B: Trolley coming through! Please make way!

Haruka Nanami: I'm sorry!!

In my panic, I quickly jump out of the way.

Staff B: Whoaaa there, be careful! Watch your step, watch out!

Haruka Nanami: Huh? What? Ahh, AHHHHHH!!

I managed to avoid the incoming trolley, but the momentum caused me to lose my footing on the stairs.

???: Careful!

Suddenly, someone catches me by my outstretched hand and pulls me towards them.

???: Are you okay, lady? It's dangerous here; you should be more careful.

Huh? I feel like I've heard this voice before…

???: It's dangerous during setup time, especially with how busy everyone is. I think it is best if you waited in one of the dressing rooms.

Ah… this voice too…

I quickly turned around.

Haruka Nanami: Jinguji-san! Hijirikawa-san! Good morning!

Ren Jinguji: Good morning, lady.

Masato Hijirikawa: It's been a while, Nanami. Have you been well?

Haruka Nanami: Yes! It's good to see that both of you are well too.

I heaved a deep sigh of relief upon meeting people who I knew.

Jinguji-san and Hijirikawa-san are both new idols who graduated from Saotome Academy.

They are friends of mine from our student days. Since I am shy and reserved, they were the ones who cared for me and helped me.

After graduation, they both managed to debut and became affiliated with Shining Agency.

Now, the two of them are busy with their respective projects.

Furthermore, they are members of the Jinguji family and Hijirikawa family, two leading business conglomerates who represent Japan.

Ren Jinguji: So, what brings you to a place like this?

Haruka Nanami: Um… the truth is, I asked to be partnered with Kurosaki-senpai for the Christmas Live and Song Festival. He's always so busy I haven't been able to greet him properly, so I thought I would be able to meet him if I came here.

Ren Jinguji: Ah, come to think of it, Ryuya-san mentioned something like that.

Masato Hijirikawa: If that's the case, surely it would be better if you waited for him in his dressing room? As you have seen from earlier, it can be quite dangerous here.

Haruka Nanami: Actually, I didn’t know how to get back to the dressing rooms…

As I explained my situation, the two of them looked at each other and started laughing.

Ren Jinguji: Hahahaa! So the lady has lost her way. It’s a good thing we found you.

Haruka Nanami: Getting lost at this age…

It feels kind of embarrassing.

Masato Hijirikawa: Well, I would understand. Whether it’s a live house or a theatre, the entrance that leads backstage can often be quite confusing.

Hijirikawa-san also added that there’s the matter of security.

Ren Jinguji: Then let’s escort the lady to the dressing rooms. Come on, let’s go.

Haruka Nanami: I’m sorry to trouble you.

Following closely behind them, we made our way to the dressing rooms.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Huh…? Oh, it’s just you lot…

Ren Jinguji: Yo, good morning Ran-chan.

Masato Hijirikawa: Good morning, Kurosaki-san.

When we got to the dressing rooms, it seemed Kurosaki-senpai had just arrived as well.

He starts to put down his things while scowling at Hijirikawa-san and Jinguji-san.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: What’s your deal, loiterin’ around a place like this? Are you even working properly? You better not be doin’ a careless job.

Masato Hijirikawa: We had the day off today, so we came to observe you.

Ren Jinguji: We’re putting into practice the things that you taught us. Today, we thought that we would come see you on stage and learn from you first-hand. She decided to come as well.

Jinguji-san patted me on the shoulder.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: …Hah?

He looked down at me.

Haruka Nanami: Um… I’m Haruka Nanami from the Shining Agency. Today, I….

Ranmaru Kurosaki: And why're you ‘ere as well? What’d ya come out all this way for?

He narrows his eyes and asks me directly, cutting off my words.

H-How should I answer…?

Select the phrase!

To greet you… (+20 Love)

Haruka Nanami: I thought I would come and greet you.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Greeting… when we’re this busy before a live show?

As Kurosaki-senpai said that, he glanced at me and scowled.

Haruka Nanami: I-I’m sorry. At a busy time like this… I guess I am in the way…

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Looks like you get it. Outta the way.

When he says it like that, I don’t have anything to respond with…

To help you… (+15 Love)

Haruka Nanami: Um, I wanted to greet you and… if there’s something I can do, I would like to help as well!

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Hah? You, help? What’s a novice amateur like you gonna do t’help?

Haruka Nanami: That is, um… I can’t think of anything straight away, but…

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Don’t try an’ offer help when ya don’t even know what you can do.

He clicked his tongue at me as he said that.

To observe you… (+0 Love)

Haruka Nanami: As Jinguji-san said, I came to observe your live show…

Ranmaru Kurosaki: If ya gonna observe then do what you like, I don’t care. But I don’t get why you gotta barge in ‘ere as well.

Haruka Nanami: Ah, but what I really wanted to do was greet you…

Ranmaru Kurosaki: …The heck’s this greeting ‘bout?

Haruka Nanami: It’s about our partnership…

After a brief pause, he opens his mouth.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Oh, that. I did hear something ‘bout it, but I haven’t accepted anythin’ yet. Even if it’s a mistake, I told ya not to choose me, didn’t I? I don’t need a partner.

Haruka Nanami: N-No way…

The door to the dressing room opened.

Staff: Kurosaki-san, we’re almost ready to begin sound checks. Please be on standby.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Got it. Looks like it’s time. Watch and learn.

Masato Hijirikawa: Yes. Please allow us to learn from you.

Ren Jinguji: I’m looking forward to it, Ran-chan.

Kurosaki-senpai slung his bass over his shoulder and exited the dressing room.

After seeing Kurosaki-senpai off, we took our seats in the audience so that we could observe the rehearsal. As I was walking, I recalled the exchange that I just had.

Haruka Nanami: Ahh… what should I do?

Masato Hijirikawa: You haven’t done anything wrong. Kurosaki-san is just that sort of person. You could say it’s one of his characteristics… when we first started in the Master Course, I was also quite taken aback.

Hijirikawa-san smiled wryly.

It seemed that it took a long time for the two of them to have a proper conversation with Kurosaki-senpai like they do now.

I listened to a lot of his songs but… I still don’t know much about him…

I should take this opportunity to ask the two of them about him.

Select the phrase!

Ask about his music (+15 Love)

Haruka Nanami: When you mention Kurosaki-senpai, my first impression would be rock but… aside from that, is he interested in any other genres?

Ren Jinguji: Ah, of course there’s rock, but he enjoys all genres and is well-versed in all of them. He’s done a lot of study on them as well.

Masato Hijirikawa: Yes, but rather than judging based on genre, his approach is that of looking at each song individually to form his assessment. It’s not something that anyone can do. 

Ren Jinguji: I guess you’re right… if he’s with you, someone who also loves music, I think you’ll get along well.

Haruka Nanami: I see…

I think I’ve seen a small spark of hope.

Ask about his personality (+10 Love)

Masato Hijirikawa: His personality, huh. It’s difficult to explain it in a single word, but you might say he’s ‘focused’’ or ‘stubborn’. Of course, I don’t mean it in a bad way! But he may appear hard to please at some times.

Haruka Nanami: Hard to please…

Now that I think about it, he did seem unapproachable earlier.

Ask about his personal history (+0 Love)

From what I know about him…

Haruka Nanami: In the past, Kurosaki-senpai used to be part of an indie band, right?

I heard from someone at the agency that the president scouted him when his band disbanded…

Haruka Nanami: What about before then?

Ren Jinguji: Before that time… huh…

Huh? I wonder what’s the matter. Both of them suddenly averted their gaze.

Masato Hijirikawa: That… It’s a long story, so we should save it for when we have time to explain properly.

Haruka Nanami: Eh…? A-Ah, yes please.

I wonder what happened.

Ren Jinguji: Well, he is a shy person after all. I don’t think he’s very good at meeting new people. He says he isn’t good with women, but I think the real reason is he’s just shy. That’s why even if he seems a little cold, don’t give up on him.

Haruka Nanami: He isn’t good with women?

Masato Hijirikawa: Yes, he’s completely different from Jinguji… It seems that his band disbanded due to trouble with women in the past.

Ah. So he is a self-disciplined person after all.

As we talked, we eventually reached our seats.

Ren Jinguji: Now that I think about it, lady. Just what made you choose Ran-chan as your partner?

Select the phrase!

It’s because I like his songs (+15 Love)

Haruka Nanami: I was starstruck when I first heard his songs. They were so honest and powerful… I felt such a strong impact, like the kind that directly moves your heart. That’s when I thought I would definitely like to work with him.

Masato Hijirikawa: It’s true that Kurosaki-san’s music moves people’s hearts and lights a fire in them. You felt that too, didn’t you?

Ren Jinguji: I get it now, so the lady was knocked out by Ran-chan.

I wanted to challenge myself (+10 Love)

“What do you mean by that?” Jinguji-san asked me with a smile.

Haruka Nanami: I could say that something struck me while I was listening to his music, but I heard from many others that he’s also quite strict. So I thought it would be a good chance to discipline myself!

Masato Hijirikawa: I see, it will be good if you can face Kurosaki-san with that same level of resolve. He makes a worthy opponent.

Ren Jinguji: Using the word ‘resolve’ like that… this isn’t training, you know.

Jinguji-san looked at the both of us, amused.

I had an interest in him (+0 Love)

Haruka Nanami: Well… Of course, the first reason was his music. But I also had an interest in him too.

Ren Jinguji: Interest, huh. It’s true that Ran-chan is a very interesting person, so you won’t be bored with him around.

Jinguji-san grins broadly.

Masato Hijirikawa: Kurosaki-san may be strict, but what he’s saying isn’t irrational. He is overly disciplined especially when it comes to music. So if you approach him sincerely, I’m sure he will come to acknowledge you.

Judging from the situation earlier though, it seems receiving the recognition of Kurosaki-senpai will be far in the future.

Haruka Nanami: You’re right, I have to keep working hard until he acknowledges me!

The two of them nodded cheerfully.

The sound check has been happening on stage since it started a while ago.

Each song is played one at a time, and the balance between the instruments and the song as a whole should be checked but...

Masato Hijirikawa: Hmm…? Has something happened?

Hijirikawa-san looked towards the stage, his brows knitted together.

On stage, Kurosaki-senpai and the guitarist are engaged in an argument about something.

Ren Jinguji: Come on, let’s go see what’s happening.

I hurriedly chased after the two of them.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Just what’re you sayin’?! A real pro should be prepared t’play any song in their repertoire!

Guitarist: Even so, I didn’t prepare my nylon strings today. I didn’t hear about it, so how was I supposed to know? If you needed them, you should have told me beforehand.

Ren Jinguji: He doesn’t have nylon strings?

Jinguji-san murmured in a small voice, tilting his head to the side.

Haruka Nanami: Normally, rock songs are played using steel strings, so nylon strings are only used in special cases but…

Masato Hijirikawa: Hmm. That is correct, nylon strings are usually associated with classical or jazz music.

Haruka Nanami: So an extra song was added that uses nylon strings?

But it will be difficult to prepare now, what will they do?

Ranmaru Kurosaki: The interlude of this song has a classical style. The recording is also played usin’ nylon strings. Of course you should’ve brought ‘em with you.

Guitarist: The song wasn’t in the original set list, yet you expected me to bring them regardless. How can you say that when you’re the one who changed the song at the last minute?

The staff began to gather around the two to see what the fuss was about.

That’s when the conversation became heated once again.

While listening in, I learned about the live setlist and the reason for the change. The song that was put in, I had heard it in the agency’s collection so I was familiar with it.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Changes are t’be expected in a live show. You’re no amateur, so what’s your deal?

At Kurosaki-senpai’s words, the guitarist’s facial expression suddenly became stern.

Guitarist: What was that? Until now, you’ve been saying whatever you like. But if you’re going to keep this up, then I’m leaving.

One of the staff members panics and steps in, asking him not to leave.

Staff: J-Just hold on a moment! We don’t have time for this, how about changing to a different song or making use of a synthesizer?

Ranmaru Kurosaki: You gotta be kiddin’ me. A synthesizer is a synthesizer. There’s no way you can compare the sound to that of an acoustic guitar.

Staff: Come on, please. Everyone’s already waiting.

Kurosaki-senpai bit down on his lip.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Tch. I don’t wanna do this half-baked, but… we ain’t swappin’ the song, so let’s go with the synth…

Haruka Nanami: But if you do that, the image of the song will… it’ll change too much.

The words came out of my mouth before I realized, and everyone turned to look at me.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Hah? What’d you say?

Haruka Nanami: That is, um… it’s nothing.

As I hung my head to avoid his gaze, Jinguji-san clapped his hand on my shoulder.

Ren Jinguji: It will change… and then? It looks like the lady has a suggestion.

Haruka Nanami: That is…

I lifted my head boldly but was met with Kurosaki-senpai’s sharp gaze.

What should I do? For someone like me, giving my opinion here would be far too forward..

He might get angry at me, but…

Steeling myself, I opened my mouth to continue.

Haruka Nanami: If all you do is replace the instrument with the synthesizer, the tone color will change too much. That’s why…

With shaking hands, I pulled a notepad and pen out of my bag.

Haruka Nanami: Rather than that, the best thing would be to change this guitar part to a chord, add Kurosaki-senpai’s bass solo, and then the synthesizer will play a different melody’s arpeggio during this section…

I write some notes on a piece of paper and hand it to Kurosaki-senpai.

Haruka Nanami: With this, the arrangement will be different but I think it will still contain the same image.

Kurosaki-senpai took my notes without saying anything, looking over it in silence.

The staff up on stage looked at us nervously, awaiting a response.

Haruka Nanami: What… do you think?

Kurosaki-senpai looked up from the paper, and for a brief moment I thought that our eyes met.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: …’Kay, let’s give it a try.

That was all he said before turning on his heel and moving to his position.

The sound checks resumed. The song from earlier began to play.

Thank goodness… the sound came out just how I imagined it.

Masato Hijirikawa: That’s amazing. Just when did your skills improve this much?

Haruka Nanami: While assisting various teachers, I saw how they dealt with these kinds of situations so…

Ren Jinguji: Well, it’s not an easy thing to do. Besides, the result isn’t bad at all.

Haruka Nanami: Thank you very much. I’m honored to be praised by both of you.

But I do wonder what Kurosaki-senpai thinks about it.

My heart pounded as I looked towards the stage.

Once the song ended, he closed his eyes without saying a word.

Then, he cast a glimpse at me.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: …’Kay. We’ll run with this.

He muttered that quietly and put down his bass.

As the start of the live show drew near, once again, we returned to our seats in the audience.

From here, we had a good view of everything. Already, there were a great number of fans gathering.

There weren’t just female fans; there were a good number of male fans as well.

I could feel that this sort of concert draws in a wide range of people from all ages.

It looks like fun… everyone who came today has been looking forward to this live show.

Finally, the show began.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: It’s good t’see all of you! We’re gonna start off strong and heat things up right from the top!! Come, follow me!

Enthusiasm and cheers filled the live house.

Fan A: Waaaaaahhh! Ranmaru!!

Male Fan: We’ve been waiting for thisssss!

I could hear the low tones of his bass as he played and the heated, beautiful voice that seemed to envelop it. Loud cheers resounded in the audience, and the drums and guitar continued to stir up that excitement.

From one song to the next, the crowd were kept on their feet as they sang along, with the excitement in the venue continuing to rise even more.

Haruka Nanami: What amazing intensity…

I knew of it from his CDs and watching footage, but it’s completely different hearing it live.

Masato Hijirikawa: Yes, as expected from him. This intensity is not something that can be readily replicated.

His song resounded all throughout my body, shaking me straight to the soul.

Deep and powerful… it was the kind of song where I wanted to remain in its sound for as long as I could…

I closed my eyes and gave myself over to that intense sound.

Ren Jinguji: Heh, feels good doesn’t it? Are you hooked on Ran-chan’s sound?

Haruka Nanami: Eh? Ah… no, it’s not that…

But it really did feel amazing. I want to stay in this sound forever.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: The next song is a first for us in a live. Listen well.

Ah, it’s the song from back then. I was able to tell right away by listening.

It’s different from the songs with vigorous melodies that had been played up until then.

In contrast, this song was a little more mellow.

Senpai’s bass solo. It resounded well with its tone color.

My heart sped up as I thought of how he took on my opinion and played with that in mind.

Even after that, Kurosaki-senpai continued to draw the audience in with high energy. The playing and vocals never wavered, and before I realised it, the live show had ended.

I wanted to listen to even more of it…

While thinking that, even after everyone had left, I gazed at the empty stage.

Haruka Nanami: Where is this…

After the live show, Hijirikawa-san and Jinguji-san went to say goodbye to Kurosaki-senpai before returning home. I had been following them, but…

Somewhere along the way, we got separated. Have I always had such a bad sense of direction?

Haruka Nanami: This is worrying…

Suddenly, I heard part of a conversation going on in the middle of the hallway.

Guitarist: I guess it didn’t turn out too badly. You made the right call putting that song in.

If I recall… that’s the guitarist who was involved in the argument before the live show.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: That’s what I was sayin’, wasn’t it? It’s not a song you normally see bein’ played live. So ‘course it’ll get the audience excited.

Guitarist: But Kurosaki, that wasn’t the right way to phrase things. I was fully prepared to leave.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Can it.

Saying to call on him next time, the guitarist turned the corner and left. Only Kurosaki-senpai was left behind and…

Just when I was looking for a way out, our eyes met.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: ...You again. Just what’re you doin’ here?

Haruka Nanami: I-I’m sorry! I was on my way out when I got lost…

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Lost? The exit’s the other way!

He pointed me in the opposite direction to which I had been going.

Haruka Nanami: Ehh!? So it was that way the whole time…

As soon as I said that, a pressing silence fills the air.

Haruka Nanami: I’m sorry! Thank you for your hard work!

Flustered, I quickly bow and prepare to leave.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Oi, hold up!

Haruka Nanami: Y-Yes!?

My shoulders shake in surprise.

Kurosaki-senpai fixed his gaze on me intently.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Before, why didn’t you say anything about the arrangement on your own?

Haruka Nanami: Eh...?

Ranmaru Kurosaki: You knew from the start, right? If Ren hadn’t said anything, were you planning on keepin’ quiet?

Haruka Nanami: That’s…

At that time, if Jinguji-san hadn’t said anything, I probably wouldn’t have had enough courage to say something myself.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: So if nothing had been said, you really were planning on lettin’ things go as they did. Guess it would've been easier if you didn't know any better.

Haruka Nanami: Um…

Ranmaru Kurosaki:  You can’t even express your own opinions without relyin’ on other people. See, that’s the reason you ‘aven’t been able to debut for a year and a half, ain’t that right?

Haruka Nanami: ……

I hung my head without saying anything in response to Kurosaki-senpai’s words.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: I dunno how much musical talent you have, but if you don’t have anyone listenin’ to it, it’s pointless. I‘m not wastin’ my time with someone who’s not puttin’ in that effort. Got it? Then go home. And don’t follow me around anymore.

After he had said that, Kurosaki-senpai walked past me and left.

When I stepped outside the live house, it was already very dark.

Haruka Nanami: What should I… do from now…?

Everyone had already gone home so I was left to walk the abandoned streets by myself, a sigh escaping from me.

It’s true, even if my luck was bad, I’m mostly to blame as well for not being able to debut up until now.

Ever since my time as a student, I’ve been watched over and taken care of by the people around me. It’s thanks to them that I’ve been able to come this far.

But to advance from here, it’s just as Kurosaki-senpai said; I have to move forward on my own now.

Haruka Nanami: Am I capable of doing something like that?

Just when today’s nerves, exhaustion, and my own helplessness were about to overwhelm me, I saw a warm yellow light.

Haruka Nanami: Ah, a restaurant.

In front of me was a small and cosy restaurant.

On a signboard in green lettering, the words “Kitchen Parsley” were written on it.

Haruka Nanami: I haven’t really been out this way before…

Now that I think about it, I haven’t had anything to eat since this morning.

As if being drawn in, I opened the door to the restaurant.

Old Woman: Welcome.

When I entered the restaurant, an old woman wearing a white apron greeted me from inside. From what I saw, there were no other customers around.

Haruka Nanami: Um, are you still open?

Old Woman: Yes, of course. Come, have a seat.

She led me to a table and sat me down, handing me a green, handwritten menu. When I opened it, there were things like hamburg steak and spaghetti, like what you would find on the menu of a Western-style restaurant.

Old Woman: Have you decided on your order yet?

After a moment, the old woman came to take my order.

Haruka Nanami: Ah um, how about… could I please have the consommé and a demi-glace omurice?

The old woman took the menu from me and went to the kitchen out back. Inside, I could see an elderly aged man. I wonder if he’s the chef?

I looked around slowly at the interior of the restaurant. It’s old and small, but it looks like it’s been properly looked after.

Inside, on a small blackboard the words “Very Popular!! Extra Large Demi-Glace Omurice (extra hamburg steak topping add 100 yen)” were written.

Haruka Nanami: Huh…

The inside of the restaurant is warm, and there’s a nice scent wafting around. I felt like I had been brought back to life, and let out a large sigh.

Old Woman: Here you are, consommé and salad. It’s hot, so please be careful.

The old woman placed down a simple white soup cup and a bowl of salad in front of me.

Haruka Nanami: Wah, thank you for the food.

I took one sip of the consommé. Hmm……!?

Haruka Nanami: Delicious… this is really delicious!!

Old Woman: Oh my, that makes me happy to hear. Honey, she said the consommé is delicious!

The old woman turned towards the kitchen and called out.

Old Woman: Even though it’s only a small shop, our consommé is properly made using bouillon. I’m glad that you like it.

Old Man: Hey, the demi-glace omurice is ready.

A voice sounded from the kitchen.

The old woman hurried away and came back with a tray.

Old Woman: Thank you for waiting. Please, take your time and eat up.

The old woman placed a plate of omurice in front of me, white puffs of steam rising from it.

A hearty amount of demi-glace sauce was coated on top of the simmering egg.

Haruka Nanami: Thank you for the food!

When I stuck my spoon in, moist chicken rice could be seen inside.

Old Woman: The chicken rice is made by combining our homemade ketchup with tomato purée. That’s why it’s so fresh, wouldn’t you say so?

The old woman explains to me happily while topping up the condiments on one of the tables.

Haruka Nanami: Yes!

The sweet and juicy chicken rice, the fluffy egg, and the thick and deep flavour of the demi-glace sauce. Before I knew it, not even a single grain of rice was left on the plate.

Haruka Nanami: Thank you for the food, that was delicious!

With a smile on her face, the old woman returned to the kitchen. After a moment, she came back carrying a small silver plate on a tray.

Old Woman: Here you are. This is on us.

Haruka Nanami: Eh, but…

The old woman placed a small pudding à la mode in front of me.

Old Woman: I’m afraid it’s our leftovers, but… you look tired, so please eat this and I hope it cheers you up.

Haruka Nanami: Wah, thank you so much.

The pudding had a strong eggy flavour, and the caramel was slightly burnt…

The exhaustion from today slowly began to seep away.

While I was eating the pudding, an old man appeared from the kitchen.

Old Man: What do you think, our cooking’s pretty good eh? It’s only a small restaurant, but we don’t cut corners.

Haruka Nanami: Yes! It’s like a first-class restaurant.

The old couple’s eyes met and they let out a laugh.

Old Man: Hahaha! That’s good. But the prices are average, so you can eat with peace of mind.

Haruka Nanami: Ah… yes.

Old Man: Say, darling. How about you serve the young lady a coffee?

Old Woman: Oh yes, right away.

Thanks to the sweetness of the pudding and the kindness of the restaurant owners, I could feel my weary heart slowly being warmed up.

I couldn’t keep being all depressed. The next chance I had was surely the creation of the unit song for the Christmas Live.

Somehow, I had in mind the melody that I wanted to create. I had to gather my courage and face the senpai with my own opinion. I had to tell them this was the song I wanted them to sing.

While drinking the coffee that was brought to me, this was what I decided on my own.

Haruka Nanami: Thank you again for everything. It was delicious.

Old Woman: You’re very welcome. Please come again.

Just when I was about to pay…

Thug A: Oi, Hariya’s men here. We’re comin’ in.

The door violently burst open, and a pair of men entered.

They seem a little scary…

One of them was wearing a striped suit, and the other was wearing sunglasses.

Old Man: L-Leave!!

Thug B: Once you’ve paid up, we’ll leave you alone. Hehehe.

Old Woman: We’ll make it up somehow by the end of the month... we have a customer at the moment, so please leave for today.

Thug A: Tch. After we came out all this way, we’re tellin’ ya to cough somethin’ up!

The man in sunglasses began to violently kick over some of the chairs near the entrance.

The old man lost his balance trying to avoid the falling chairs and landed on his backside.

Old Man: Please stop! Ack… Oww-ow-ow…

Old Woman: Ah…

The old woman panicked, wanting to rush over to the old man. However, she could only cover her head and crouch down, shaking.

Haruka Nanami: Are you okay!?

In a panic, I rushed over to the old couple.

Haruka Nanami: U-Umm... please stop!!

Thug A: Hah? Who are you?

One of the two vulgar men glanced at me and scowled.

W-What should I do…?

I may be scared, but the old couple are in trouble. In any case, I have to drive away these people.

I stood in front of the men, blocking their way.

Haruka Nanami: I-I’m a composer!

Ugh… my voice cracked.

Thug B: Well, well. So what if you are?

It seems the conversation was about money. If so, then…

Haruka Nanami: Um, I was looking to rent out this place next time and host a live show. I was here to discuss the plans for that!

I pulled out a business card from my bag.

Haruka Nanami: They told me that they were planning to use the income from that to pay off the outstanding amount.

The two men looked at the business card that I had handed them.

Thug A: Shining Agency. That’s a pretty big name…

The man in sunglasses looked at the old man.

Old Man: Ah… Ahh… T-That’s right! It’s just as the young lady said!!

Upon hearing the old man’s words, the two men looked at each other.

Thug A: There’s nuthin’ else we can do ‘bout it. Fine, we’ll leave it at that for t’day. But you know what’s gonna happen if you don’t pay up next time.

At their words, the old couple nodded in quick succession.

Clicking their tongues, the two men left the restaurant.

Old Man: I’m sorry for the trouble... thank you so much…

When I turned, the old man and old woman were both crouched down on the floor, their faces pale white.

Haruka Nanami: M-Mister!! Ma’am!!

In a panic, I quickly called an ambulance.

On our way to the hospital, the two of them began to tell me about their situation little by little. The restaurant was opened 25 years ago, focusing on university students who attended local universities in the neighbourhood. Thanks to them, business was able to thrive.

However, since a new shopping mall opened in front of the station, almost everyone has been going there now. Right before it opened, the restaurant underwent a small reconstruction but… because of the sudden drop in revenue, it became difficult for them to pay off the loan borrowed for the reconstruction costs.

Before they knew it, the manager of the loan company was succeeded by someone else who was very rough in character. It was due to that change in management that they’ve been dealing with this harrassment for the past few months.

Haruka Nanami: It seems like they’re dealing with a lot, in more ways than one…

I sighed in front of the hospital.

Old Woman: Oh, it’s you… were you waiting for us?

When I lifted my head, the old man and old woman had their eyes fixed on me.

Haruka Nanami: Ah! Are you both okay?

Old Woman: Yes, my husband strained his back in the past and it seems that old injury had relapsed. For me, it was just my anemia acting up.

Haruka Nanami: Is that so? Thank goodness…

With a sigh of relief, my shoulders relaxed.

Old Man: It wasn’t anything serious. But it seems we made you worry, didn’t we?

Haruka Nanami: I’ll accompany you back to the restaurant. There’s some cleaning up to do as well, isn’t there?

Old Man: Oh no, we wouldn’t want to trouble you further. We’re thankful to you just for getting rid of those guys.

Old Woman: Yes, at the very least, please accept tonight’s meal on us.

Haruka Nanami: No, please! I would feel bad if I did. Um, my purse…

Hurriedly, I was about to pay for the bill when I heard a familiar voice resounding behind me.

???: Hey, are you two alright?!

Huh… this voice is…

???: Hah… what’s this…? You guys look okay...

Nervously, I turned to look behind me.

Haruka Nanami: Kurosaki… senpai…!? Why are you here…?

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Hah!? You… what’re you doin’ here?!!

Kurosaki-senpai and I both asked the same question at almost the exact same time.

Old Man: What’s this? Young lady, you were a friend of Ranmaru-chan’s this whole time?

Haruka Nanami: Ranmaru-chan…?

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Wha—! Hey, don’t repeat what he just said! And Gramps, don’t call me that in front of other people, y’hear me?!

This time, the old man and myself drew back at almost the same time.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Hah? Helped you? By drivin’ off a bunch of thugs? Just how’d y’pull that off…

After Kurosaki-senpai received an explanation from the old woman, he looked at me suspiciously.

Haruka Nanami: About that, I’m not too sure how I should explain it myself…

Old Man: She talked to them. That’s all it was, talking.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: T-Talk!? This woman did that?

Startled, he pointed a finger at me.

Haruka Nanami: Eh, well… That isn’t wrong....I guess..

Old Woman: That’s why we owe this young lady a favor.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Are you f’real?

After a while, Kurosaki-senpai turned to the three of us.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: O-Okay... I don’t really get what’s happenin’, but in any case if you did help ‘em out you have my thanks. We took up your time, didn’t we.

Haruka Nanami: Oh no, not at all. I couldn’t do much else…

Ranmaru Kurosaki: But you helped ‘em, didn’t you? You don’t have to be overly modest. Just accept it.

Kurosaki-senpai narrowed his eyes at me with a glare, before going over to the old couple.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Well then, can you walk? It’s not that far to the restaurant, but I’ve called a taxi over there just in case.

“Sorry for the trouble,'' the old man said.

As the two of them walked over, Kurosaki-senpai turned around to look at me.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: I’ll take the two of ‘em home. You better be goin’ too.

Haruka Nanami: A-Ah… if so, I’ll also follow you to the restaurant…

As I said that, Kurosaki-senpai sighed.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Just what time d’you think it is?! If I tell ya to go home, then go home!!

Kurosaki-senpai yelled and pointed his finger at me sternly.

Haruka Nanami: Y-Yes, right away! Thanks for your hard work today!!

I quickly bowed my head and ran off.

Leaving the hospital behind me, I walked for a short while.

Haruka Nanami: He’s right, it is quite late now.

As I walked, I looked down at my watch. What time does the last train come, I wonder?

Even then, today was… a lot has happened and I’m quite tired.

Haruka Nanami: Oh no, I didn’t end up paying them in the end!

Ahh, what should I do. I should really go back and pay. But everyone might have already left. I sighed out loud.

It’s no good. I didn’t even have the energy to go back.

Haruka Nanami: I’ll go back there another day. Right now, I have to get on the train or…

But, huh? Which way was the station?

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Found ya! Hey, wait up!

Kurosaki-senpai came riding on a bicycle, passing by me quickly before slamming on the brakes.

Haruka Nanami: K-Kurosaki-senpai!? Wha!? I thought you had already left… is something the matter?

Ranmaru Kurosaki: What are you, an idiot or somethin’! The station’s the other way!

Kurosaki-senpai shouted, pointing to the other side of the road.

Haruka Nanami: Eh? I-I’m sorry. Come to think of it, I came by ambulance so I don’t really know where we are.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: If ya didn’t know, then don’t go walkin’ off carelessly like that! Got it? Come ‘ere.

With the bike rattling beside him, he began to guide me.

Haruka Nanami: O-Okay!

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Go straight along this road and turn right at the end. Once you see the pharmacy, go left! Follow the windin’ road and you should get to the station! Ya got all of that?!

When I looked in the direction that Kurosaki-senpai pointed out, I could see the faint lights of the town.

Haruka Nanami: Y-Yes… I think I’ll be okay. I’ve got it!

Ranmaru Kurosaki: If y’got it, then don’t you dare mess up! Find your way on your own. ‘Cause really, I can’t deal with all of ya at the same time.

After he had said that, he turned the handle sharply and left.

But, where did that bike…?

I continued to stay there, watching the back of Kurosaki-senpai’s retreating figure as he rode off.

That night in the bath, I recalled all of the things that had happened today.

Was it by chance that Kurosaki-senpai saw me walking off in the opposite direction and chased after me?

Haruka Nanami: His tone may be harsh, but he did tell me the way home…

...What a strange person.

After finishing up in the bath, I made my way to the piano.

The live show. The taste of the omurice. Kurosaki-senpai’s strict words to me.

With all the different thoughts running around in my head, I stayed up late into the night composing.

A few days passed after that. In order to discuss the Christmas Live unit song, I arrived at the office’s meeting room.

Haruka Nanami: Excuse me…

There was no response. Does that mean there’s no one around?

Ranmaru Kurosaki: …...zzzzz.

Haruka Nanami: Wah!!?

When I looked down at the source of the noise, I noticed the chairs in the meeting room had been neatly pushed together, and I saw Kurosaki-senpai’s sleeping form laying across them.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Hnn…? Ah… oh, you…

Haruka Nanami: G-G-Good morning!?

My greeting came out as an unintended question.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Fuaaaarrhh… what in the world. Your voice is so freakin’ loud this early in the morning. Aghhh… ouch. My head’s still poundin’.

Kurosaki-senpai began to wake slowly, yawning while scratching his head.

His hair was ruffled and messy.

Ai Mikaze: Morning.

The door opened, and in came Kotobuki-senpai and Mikaze-senpai.

Reiji Kotobuki: Alright, Rei-chan is here! And ohh? Ooohhhh?

Ranran, are you hungover?

Kotobuki-senpai addressed his question to the still half-asleep Kurosaki-senpai with a smile.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: ...Shut up. An’ how the heck are you still so put together after drinkin’ that much…

Reiji Kotobuki: Ahahaha, and even then I was nowhere near my limit~!

Ai Mikaze: The both of you are idols, you should be more careful.

Kotobuki-senpai laughs hollowly.

At that moment, Camus-senpai arrived as well, getting dragged into the conversation by Kotobuki-senpai.

My impression of everyone now is a little bit different from when I first met them last month.

Surprisingly, they seem to get along quite well.

Finally, Hyuga-sensei joined in on the meeting because he was worried about me.

Because this is the first meeting, we will be discussing things like the overall image of the song. Although, I got a bit carried away and already composed a demo track…

If there’s a chance for them to hear the demo, I’m going to try and ask them myself.

Ryuya Hyuga: Okay, let’s start this meeting. Well, it’s only the first one so how about we start with a rough image of the song?

Ai Mikaze: Image, huh. So you’re referring to the direction for the musical style or genre?

Ryuya Hyuga: Yeah, that’s right. With the intention of creating an idol song, it might be interesting to mix different elements. As the composer, what do you think?

Haruka Nanami: The genre....

Select the phrase!

Rock (+30 Love)

Haruka Nanami: After all, rock is quite cool isn’t it? The four of you have tough and adult-like impressions, so I think the best way to express that is through rock.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: ...Woman, d’you think that by sayin’ rock it would make me happy?

Kurosaki-senpai glanced at me and glared.

Haruka Nanami: No, of course not…

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Well, I would be happy with rock in any case…

Reiji Kotobuki: Even though you say it like that, of course you’re happy with rock aren’t you? Right, right~?

Could this mean… Kurosaki-senpai approves of my suggestion?

Jazz (+15 Love)

Haruka Nanami: What do you think about adding a jazz element in? All of you are very distinctive, and it brings to mind the image of a jazz session. Don’t you think it could be interesting?

Reiji Kotobuki: Jazz, hey? Yup, yup. Presenting a more adult-like feeling might not be so bad. What do you think, Ranran?

Ranmaru Kurosaki: We ain’t just talkin’ about the mood. ‘s not something you do half-heartedly either. It’s deep… like a form of art.

Haruka Nanami: Art… Kurosaki-senpai, other than rock, are you knowledgeable about jazz as well?

“A little,” he murmured.

Classical (+0 Love)

Haruka Nanami: If we adopt a classical style into the song, it might be interesting.

All of the senpai are well-grounded in music, so a classical song would also bring out their magnificence.

Camus: Hmph, how silly. Classical music is only for the ears of nobles. It is not for the likes of fools like you.

Come to think of it, Camus-senpai plays the cello. Well, he is from a noble family of counts, so he might have some special attachment to the genre.

Reiji Kotobuki: It might be interesting, but for a live concert maybe something upbeat like rock or pop would be better?

He’s right, energy would also be an important factor.

Ryuya Hyuga: Alright, for the style of the song, how about we try out different things when we get to the arrangement phase? Also, since this is a special unit, we’ll also be putting effort into publicity and advertising. Is there anything that you guys want to do?

Hyuga-sensei asked them, wanting to hear everyone’s opinions.

Reiji Kotobuki: Publicity? How about we do something like parade around the streets of town while singing?

Camus: You, how is that even idol-like? If there’s a disturbance, what will you do?

Ai Mikaze: What if we sent a copy of our song to every computer in the country? We could do it via the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ server…

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Quit sayin’ such absurd things. The basis is mass communications and media. Where should we promote ourselves first?

Haruka Nanami: Hmm, the media? Maybe…

Select the phrase!

Fashion Magazine (+20 Love)

Haruka Nanami: How about publishing a special feature in a fashion magazine? I think the four of you are very stylish, and if it’s a fashion magazine then female fans are sure to take notice…

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Huh… not a bad idea.

Reiji Kotobuki: At the same time, we might be able to buy the clothes we wear for cheap.

Camus: Hmph, ever the frugal person, aren’t you.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Shaddap! Bein’ able to manage your funds well is rock!

Kurosaki-senpai snapped his fingers as he said so.

Flyer Distribution (+10 Love)

Haruka Nanami: Um, what if everyone went around town handing out flyers? Wouldn’t that be pretty effective?

Ai Mikaze: That would make us feel new, but is it really okay for idols to be wandering the town giving out flyers?

Camus: That reminds me, when Her Majesty – the queen of my country – was crowned, we all walked around handing out notices. That was… splendid…

Camus-senpai is absent-mindedly lost in thought.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Not a bad idea, meetin’ our audience personally. Except no one does it these days.

Haruka Nanami: I-I’m sorry.

Video Website (+0 Love)

Haruka Nanami: What if we made use of a video sharing website? Now, online video websites have a stronger influence over television.

Reiji Kotobuki: Oh, that could be interesting! We can do live broadcasts too. Presenting my very own live broadcast, “Reicast”!

Ai Mikaze: Then, the name of mine would be “Aicast”? But where’s the lure?

Haruka Nanami: I think that’s the wrong use of casting...

Camus: “Camuscast”... it’s unusually difficult to pronounce. “Camuscast”, maybe “Camcast” for short...

Ryuya Hyuga: What in the world, you guys… you realise that isn’t the point, right!

Ryuya Hyuga: Well, let’s also take those opinions into account and think about how to develop our advertisement.

We talked about the plans leading up to the date and everyone’s schedules. After briefly going over everything required, we are finally able to take a break.

Ai Mikaze: Then, is that all for today? How about we decide on the date for the next meeting?

Mikaze-senpai, who had been taking minutes for the meeting looked up from his laptop.

This could be my chance.

Haruka Nanami: U-Um...! Excuse me, if it’s okay, could I please ask for a moment of your time?

At my words, everyone turned to look towards me.

Haruka Nanami: Aahh…

The next words won’t come out.

“Ah”, Hyuga-sensei chimed in as if he had remembered something.

Ryuya Hyuga: You made a demo track, didn’t you? Will you let us hear it?

Haruka Nanami: Y-Yes! The truth is… before this meeting, I went ahead on my own and composed a demo track.

At my sudden remark, everyone’s eyes went wide. Only Kurosaki-senpai’s eyes remained sharp.

Haruka Nanami: Um… would you please listen to it?

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Hmph… let’s hear it then.

Kurosaki-senpai lightly crossed his arms.

Haruka Nanami: O-Okay!

Nervously, I began to play the demo track.

SONG: "QUARTET NIGHT" (S RANK)

Ranmaru Kurosaki: ……

After listening to the song, Kurosaki-senpai remained perfectly still and quiet, hardly moving an inch.

Haruka Nanami: Ah… how was it?

Ranmaru Kurosaki: …’sn’t bad.

Haruka Nanami: Eh?

I couldn’t hear what he said very well and without thinking, I asked him again.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: I said it wasn’t bad. Don’t make me repeat myself.

Could it be… he liked it?

Haruka Nanami: Y-Yes! Thank you very much!

SONG: "BRIGHT ROAD" (A-B RANK)

Kurosaki-senpai dropped the sheet music he was looking at onto the table with a thud.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: We’re not about to do a careless job ‘ere. The bass ain’t bad, but it’s ruined by the arrangement. You need to think more about the song.

Haruka Nanami: That means…?

Ranmaru Kurosaki: I‘m sayin’ the song itself ain’t bad. Redo the demo again and come back!

Haruka Nanami: Okay!

SONG: "BRIGHT ROAD" (C-D RANK)

Ranmaru Kurosaki: ...Just what is this mess? Is this all a joke t’you?

Haruka Nanami: I… I’m sorry! Now that I listen again, there isn’t a lot of coherence and it feels inconsistent...

Kurosaki-senpai flips through the sheet music on the table before glaring at me.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: If you understand, then you better do somethin’ about it. You have the basics, don’t slack off when implementing the finishing touches.

It seems he approves of the composition for now.

I’m going to try again.

______________________________

I wonder how everyone else felt about it. Nervously, I looked at each of them.

Ai Mikaze: I don’t think it was as bad as what I had been expecting. You’ve managed to capture each of our traits, so if you work yourself to death from here on out, I think we’ll be able to manage.

Haruka Nanami: To death…

But it seems like he approves.

Next to Mikaze-senpai, Camus-senpai smoothly adds sugar to his coffee.

Haruka Nanami: Camus-senpai, what did you think of it...?

I asked him this question and waited for him to finish adding sugar to his cup. It was an unbelievable amount.

Taking a small taste of his coffee, Camus-senpai sighed deeply.

Camus: At the very least, it seems like it will not require any extra effort. I will sing with my all during the performance, so you just need to do something about Kurosaki, child.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Don’t just go off sayin’ what you like. ‘Sides, I don’t remember acceptin’ any partnership.

Kurosaki-senpai glared at Camus-senpai.

Reiji Kotobuki: I see, Kouhai-chan it looks like you’ve got some talent in the musical aspect of things. Where the problem lies is with your ability to communicate.

Kotobuki-senpai gently pointed out my weakness, and without thinking I looked down at the floor.

Reiji Kotobuki: Well, in saying so, what I mean is that you and Ranran are kind of similar. I think you would make a good partner~.

Haruka Nanami: Me and Kurosaki-senpai?

Is that… so…?

Kurosaki-senpai suddenly kicked over a chair and stood up.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Don’t gimme that crap. Just where do ya think this woman and I are similar?!

He went and grabbed Kotobuki-senpai by the collar of his shirt.

Reiji Kotobuki: Ack! Hey there, no violence! Sorry, I’m sorry! Please forgive me! Ai-Ai, Myu-chan, c’mon help a guy out!

Ai Mikaze: Hmm? But it doesn’t involve me.

Camus: I have no interest in the disputes of fools. Do what you want…

Ryuya Hyuga: Hey Ranmaru, knock it off.

At Hyuga-sensei’s words, Kurosaki-senpai reluctantly let go of Kotobuki-senpai.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Tch, partner… it’s tiresome enough that she’s a woman. But on top o’that, I refuse to deal with someone who always looks so spaced out. You can do whatever ya like ‘bout the rest.

Upon saying that, Kurosaki-senpai grabs his jacket and heads towards the door. He closed the door roughly and left the meeting room.

Reiji Kotobuki: Ah, man. He’s just trying to act all tough.

But he listened to my song properly… or so I thought. I let out a small sigh.

Ryuya Hyuga: Geez, that guy’s a real piece of work, huh.

With the meeting over, everyone went about their separate jobs.

While cleaning up the meeting room, I spoke a little bit with Hyuga-sensei. I told him about what Kurosaki-senpai said to me the other day.

I told him about how he didn’t acknowledge me as his partner, how I couldn’t voice my own opinions and him getting angry about it, and things like that.

Ryuya Hyuga: Although, it’s not like there isn’t any truth in what Ranmaru is saying. I think you have talent for composing, but even now you still remain reserved in some areas. If you don’t do something about it, it might be difficult for you to become independent as a composer.

Haruka Nanami: ...Yes.

I knew that Kurosaki-senpai was making a fair point when he said those things. I couldn’t do anything but nod my head in agreement.

Ryuya Hyuga: Even though I say that, he’s taking things way too far. As much as he doesn’t like doing things with other people, and saying he doesn’t like women, this is work. If he’s running away just because he doesn’t like something, doesn’t that mean he’s no different than a kid?

“He’s usually not this stubborn when it comes to work though,” Hyuga-sensei said to me with a sigh.

Ryuya Hyuga: But in contrast to his extreme way of doing things, you have to admit he has a great talent for music. On top of that, just like you, he isn’t great with words but he’s got loads of talent for writing songs. Maybe there, you’ll be able to figure something out.

Haruka Nanami: Talent for writing songs…

Ryuya Hyuga: It’s not like he said your song was bad or anything before, right? Doesn’t that mean he acknowledges the song as a whole? That’s rare for Ranmaru.

Haruka Nanami: Is that so?

Ryuya Hyuga: Yeah, if he really thought it was bad, he would tell you so until the very end… if he didn’t say anything, then you did well.

I could only nod while recalling his menacing look during the live show.

Ryuya Hyuga: The rest is up to you and your persistence… if you’re going to give up here, that’s it. But if you’re not willing to give up, then how about you try keeping at it a little more? Students do everything they’re told. Newcomers get help from those around them. But if you want to be more than that, you have to think for yourself and make your own decisions. This will be good training for you.

Haruka Nanami: Training...

Ryuya Hyuga: That’s right. How are you going to win over the other person? Think of a strategy. If you don't show others your enthusiasm, you can’t expect to establish human relations.

Strategy, appeal. They’re requiring such advanced concepts from me, and it makes me feel overwhelmed. Seeing this, the corner of Sensei’s mouth twitches upwards.

Ryuya Hyuga: If he still continues to make trouble for you after that, I’ll go over there and drag him out myself. Don’t worry about it.

Haruka Nanami: I understand! I’ll do my best.

Ryuya Hyuga: That’s the spirit. I’m expecting good things from you.

As he was leaving, Sensei patted me on the back with a smack.

After leaving the office, I visited a café in the neighborhood. Strategy, huh…

While drinking my cafe latté, I let myself lean against the back of the chair. Beyond the pillar, I could hear the conversation of the table next to me.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Sorry for bein’ late. My last appointment ran overtime.

Huh…? Kurosaki-senpai is sitting across from a man in a black suit.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: For this month.

He lays a white envelope on the table.

The suited man takes the envelope and examines the contents.

Man in Suit: Alright, I’ve received it… I must say, you’ve worked hard. At this rate, someday you might actually finish the repayments.

As he said that, the suited man put away the envelope into his briefcase.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: This ain’t a question of me working hard or not. There’s no one aside from me who can make these payments. I don’t have a choice. Tch, that old man. He was fooled in the end, then he goes and dies leaving nothing but trouble… what a thoughtless man. As the son of the Kurosaki family, I have to set things straight as one of the people left behind. Any problems within my family become my problems.

After that, Kurosaki-senpai continued to speak with the suited man for a bit.

The Kurosaki household, a large debt, family lawyer… those kinds of words started jumping out at me.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: The only thing I have that can make money is music. Now, and in the past, I won’t forgive failure ‘cause I’m always standing on the edge. I’ll still be causing trouble for you for awhile, but… I‘m counting on you.

The man nodded, bowing slightly before leaving the café.

Kurosaki-senpai finished the last of his iced coffee, setting down his glass on the table with a clink.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: That’s why… I can only survive on my own.

Kurosaki-senpai murmured those words as he stared at his empty glass.

(Chapter End)

#utapri #ranmaru kurosaki #all star ranmaru

[fategoflatass]

final thoughts · summer 2022

since some people seemed to care about my seasonal opinions, i bring you some more food!

this was a weak ass season, huh...

engage kiss (5.5/10) [DROPPED]

wasn't planning on watching it until chibi mentioned someone in the staff (scripwriter?) and how he had liked their past works, so i was like "i mean, why not?"... it wasn't the big thing. i wasn't like hyped hyped, but i still hoped for something else, some spice? which we got, but it wasn't enough to keep me engaged to the series.

hataraku maou-sama!! (7.5/10)

second season of "the king of hell is working at your local mcdonald's" and, honestly? i think i'm enjoying it even more than the first season. the animation is not better, but i guess the mediocrity from this entire season has numbed that sensation out of me until someone else mentioned it. it's still fun so, who cares?

hoshi no samidare (4/10) [DROPPED]

i'm at a loss for words. i haven't read the manga, i didn't even know it was a popular story. i got into it because i thought "well, that is a ridiculous sinopsis. how the hell are they going to make it work?" and, oh lord, they don't even know how to make it work. the pacing is weird, the characters ain't shit, the art is definitely something, and the animation is one of the worst things i've ever seen in anime. such a shame because i heard it's an amazing series, and naz can definitely do better than this.

isekai ojisan (7/10)

production problems aside, this show is pretty enjoyable! i'm only 18, so i don't get all the uncle's references, but i still find them funny. his (mis)adventures and the characters he meets along the way i enjoy pretty much. when not involving any otherworldly experiences, the "now" world is also able to entertain you with the always so unique and sweet uncle, the i-am-so-done but also hell-yeah-my-uncle-is-rad nephew, and the always appreciated (and also loveable) childhood friend who, along with the elf girlie, offers us some spice (truly appreciated).

kami kuzu☆idol (5/10) [DROPPED]

i like music, i like supernatural. i came from heroine tarumono which i enjoyed pretty much, so i read "idols" and i was like yeh. sadly, the show was hella boring for me. you couldn't save it even by getting a ghost to posses it because is so deadbeat. the cgi looked weird, the songs were fine (?), and is it me or the group only has fans on their 30s? nothing against them, it's just that i thought idol's demographic were younger girls? don't ask me about what happened in it because i don't remember.

kinsou no vermeil (5/10) [DROPPED]

i'm a simple woman: i see big boobs, i click. the story is nothing special: the mc is kinda like iruma, but an albino and like, pretty powerful. he can't summon a familiar until he summons a whole demon because he has neat mana or something like that. also, turns out he couldn't summon anything because... the familiars were scared of how powerful he was! omg!! this bitch seems to have more bde than ashnikko herself while looking like a weak ass bitch smh. kept on watching it until it became hella boring and decided enough was enough.

kumicho musume to sewagakari (7.5/10)

i love children, they are adorable. so, if a series includes them i'll probably end up watching it. i also love series that have to do with mafias and all that (grew up watching shows that i shouldn't have been at that age), so perfect match ig? it's not much about the mafia life, but more like a tough guy getting soft for this really sweet child which i love that shit gimme more please. this shit will probably give you diabetes, but it's worth the risk.

lycoris recoil (6/10) [DROPPED]

why are there so many people hyping this show up? in my humble opinion, it just looks good. the characters are alright, the story is fine... is it the yuri? is it *checks anilits* chisato? is it chisato's thighs that made you give it an entire nine??? whatever the reason is, this show is nothing special. you want something to turn your brain off? this show is for you. the action scenes are 👌, but that's kinda everything i have to say.

mamahaha no tsurego ga motokano datta (4/10) [DROPPED]

i love shitshows. i hate shitshows that take themselves seriously. pretty sure the author of brothers conflict knew it was a mistake and thus never took it seriously, making it ridiculous and bad, but still so much fun. but this? this is like kaguya-sama (sorry akasaka), but with inseki. "we broke up, now we're stepsiblings living under the same roof and (sounds fucked up, but yeah) i wanna bang my now stepsibling, but my pride is so big i'll make them fall for me again, confess to me and make them call me big bro/sis". what kind of weird fetish is that???? kaguya-sama was funny, but this?? you can't even use it as toilet paper.

rwby: hyousetsu teikoku (5.5/10) [DROPPED]

it was... something. boring, definitely boring. mind numbing even. the animation was as espected from shaft (except for that one background it seemed they forgot to animate) and the colors were 👌. the pacing was fast on the first three episodes, i didn't fully get what was going on. the character design is... also something. i get they decided to keep the original designs, but i wasn't a big fan of them from the start so it was natural for me to be like "ugh" to some of them. the characters are pretty 2013 which may not be the best for a 2022 series? but i also get the hype since rwby is such a beloved webseries (that's why i gave it a try in the first place), so yeah. hope fans from the og series can enjoy shaft's version.

saikin yatotta maid ga ayashii (6.5/10)

lilith may be one of the reasons why i started this series. she might be, but i won't say. what i'll say is that it's a cute show. nothing out of the ordinary, it's just an slice-of-life anime which follows a rich boy and his maid, a concept that has be seen before and i've liked. the thing is, i guess this is supposed to be a romance? which, i have zero problem with the boy falling for the maid because that's sweet and all. the problem would be if lilith also ends up falling for him, i'm honestly scared. for now, it stays as a cute show about a pretty candid boy falling for his suspicious maid.

sasaki to miyano: koi ni kizuku mae no chottoshita hanashi. (7.5/10)

i just wanted an excuse to express my gratitude for this ova to just, spawn in my life when the need to rewatch sasamiya started growing and growing. same vibes the first season gave, same sweetness and same shit that made me love this show and just jump straight to the manga. who's ready for the movie?? because i'm definitely not lol

shadows house 2nd season (5/10) [DROPPED]

why do i keep watching when i know, i just know shadows house is definitely not my thing? because i'm an idiot.

summertime render (5.5/10)

and still haven't dropped it. it just never caught my attention, but it wasn't boring so i kept watching. never connected with the characters, there're some twists and turns that weren't surprising at all, the suspense and cliffhangers never worked on me... you know what i mean? it looks pretty, the first op and ed are fire (the second op has this shounen vibe (?) that i don't like for the series) and... that's pretty much it. it has some things that're just convenient to the plot which ugh, but what can you do about it? overall, not the first series that would come to mind when trying to recommend something to a friend and definitely not a show that i would rewatch in a near future.

yofukashi no uta (7.5/10)

i've been thinking for like 10 minutes what should i write about it because i have no idea. i really like the colors, the artstyle, the op and ed are bangers and in my head 24/7. i love the monogatari-esque vibe it has (same director); i love everything from it. the characters and their backgrounds, why are they like that, why do they think like that. i like that there're vampires because they're rad. it just has a lot of stuff that i personally really like, a mix of my interests. it's funny, dramatic, interesting. definitely worth watching.

#engage kiss #hataraku maou sama! #hoshi no samidare #isekai ojisan #kami kuzu☆idol #kinsou no vermeil #kumicho musume to sewagakari #lycoris recoil #mamahaha no tsurego ga moto kano datta #rwby ice queendom #saikin yatotta maid ga ayashii #sasaki to miyano #shadows house #summertime render #yofukashi no uta #summer 2022 #long post #mai.txt

[sageshadowed]

12. What would you say is the most unique trait about your character? 20. If you could sum up your character with one sentence, what would it be? 21. Which song do you feel describes your character the most and why?

12. What would you say is the most unique trait about your character?

imo the shadow powers are the coolest part but not the most unique. is it cheating if i pull from the og jttw?-- notably, macaque is one of the few (?) demons who don't want to eat tang sanzang, instead wanting to take wukong's place in the group. in the original the reasoning is that he wants to become a buddha in wukong's place, but from the context lmk gives that relationship, it feels more intimate and might just be because macaque wants the companionship? or to try and understand why wukong wants their company at all?

though ig we haven't seen that on screen literally at all so it's just conjecture. I Think It Would Be Neat, Though. like, have you seen how jealous he sounds when he talks abt tang sanzang in the s4 special? good lord. i can't tell if that's an answer or not lol. x o)7

20. If you could sum up your character with one sentence, what would it be?

extremely petty and dramatic monkey unsure if he wants to get back with his ex or become his nemesis; secretly just wants attention

21. Which song do you feel describes your character the most and why?

god i'm so bad at music questions because i don't tend to associate songs with characters, so whenever i get one i look through my playlist of every song i've ever liked (that i never listen to because it's on youtube and i listen to music via bandcamp/my puter's music app) and start doing this.

anyway. 26 by paramore. man that's a good album, how's it been like 6 years since that came out..!?-- i think macaque would like it + it fits him in general for being peppy but secretly sad.

#cw: cannibalism mention #kinda????? #ooc #sunsage #answered

[stellardeer]

I can't stop ruminating on the post I made yesterday where I mentioned not liking the way Drake talks about women in his songs, and I keep trying to justify myself to a fake person in my head, so I'm just gonna write it all down cause I'm on my vyvanse and It's Thoughts Time.

So yesterday I talked about how I haven't been a fan of Drake for a while, even before the incident with Millie Bobby Brown when everyone stopped trusting him, because of the way that he talks to/about women in his songs.

And one could argue that there are plenty of artists who say terrible sexist/misogynistic things about women in their songs, calling them "bitches" and "hoes", using them as props, what have you. Why single out Drake? Why do I say he seems like "the next R Kelly"?

Well, refer to Exhibit A, article detailing R. Kelly's "sex cult". I believe this was the exact article that I read when I first heard about the shady shit that R Kelly was getting up to. This was published in 2017, two years before the sex trafficking charges against him in 2019, at which time the focus was on his underage victims. But the TL;DR for the article above is that R Kelly had his own little sex cult going, consisting of adult women, most of whom he met because they wanted a career in music and they trusted him as an artist and he offered to mentor them. He ends up in an intimate relationship with them, and then they end up moving into a house of his, along with other women under the same circumstances, complete with an older "den mother" type who was there essentially to teach these girls how to please and serve Mr. Kelly.

When people talk about the nasty things that R. Kelly has done, nobody ever really brings this one up. I'm not sure if it's because they just don't know about it, but I would argue that the reason they don't know is because it is not as sensationalized, because this was happening to adult women, not minors. And the women didn't necessarily complain. In fact, they'd have told you they were happy and nothing was wrong and they were being treated well and WANTED to be there, despite having given up whatever passion it was they were pursuing that led them to this life in the first place, and now existing solely as R. Kelly's plaything. These were consenting adult women, so why should anyone care? (Though, surprise surprise, some of them came forward to disclose that everything was not actually fine.) Sadly, this is just how cults work though. I advise reading more on how cults recruit people in order to understand why the consent in these situations is dubious, NXIVM is one in particular that comes to mind if you want a place to start.

Honestly, I think that if I hadn't read the article above ("Exhibit A"), I wouldn't have even been put off by anything in Drake's lyrics. It's very subtle, though. It's the way that it seems like he wants all of the women in his life to stay loyal to him. It doesn't matter if they aren't officially "together" or if he hasn't seen them in months or if he doesn't even speak to them anymore. If they're one of his girls, they should always be one of his girls, ride or die. They aren't allowed to have relationships with other men, but he can have as many relationships with as many women as he wants and they need to just be fine with it. I hear it in "Hotline Bling". I hear it in "In My Feelings". There's probably more that I'm forgetting but it's been a while since I've listened to a song of his and those are two I remember. Just so I could have some credibility I did a search on his relationships and he even admits that he prefers to date 4 or 5 women at a time. He never degrades these women with sexist language in these songs, in fact "In My Feelings" could even be read as a wholesome song, but I couldn't help but feel the ick. I might even just be reading too much into it, but I couldn't ignore how uncomfortable it made me feel so I just stopped listening to his music.

Then the Millie Bobby Brown situation happened and it was like oh okay so I wasn't crazy, and now everybody else sees it too. It should be noted that nothing was ever confirmed as far as him having an inappropriate relationship with her, just that he was "texting her boy advice" and that she was reluctant to divulge details of the conversation because it was private. That alone is enough to raise red flags though, like how did you even come into contact with this 14 yo girl, what connection do you have to her? Why were you texting her privately and talking about dating? Too sus, sorry.

But I can't help but feel like, again, people only notice when it's happening with minors. I'm not sure how many people understand that "grooming" is not a synonym for "pedophilia". It's most often associated with children, especially teens, because teens are a little more savvy and may need extra steps to take advantage of, but even a fully confident grown ass adult can be groomed. Granted, the younger you are the more likely it is to work. I'm pretty sure all of the women in R. Kelly's sex cult were around 18-19 when he met them. There is no magical threshold of wisdom and maturity that you cross the second the clock strikes midnight on your 18th birthday. Predators target younger people because they know that they are more likely to be naive and to not know the signs of abuse or the signs of a cult or the signs of manipulation. But because the people involved are all technically adults, and seemingly consenting, nobody wants to assume anything nefarious is at play. It's only when they get bold and start going after younger and younger targets that it becomes a problem.

I absolutely believe that if Drake could have his own little harem of obedient women he probably would. And that, to me, is way more dangerous than someone just calling women "bitches" in a song.

#like dont get me wrong i wish men wouldnt call women females or hoes or bitches or whatever exclusively #but i just felt the need to expand on this thought because drake isnt really known for doing that #and yet he still manages to make me feel like he has no respect for women from the way he talks about them #but like again idk i might just be using the r kelly scenario to scare myself into seeing something that isnt there #i dont pay close attention to this man's life so it might be perfectly verifiable that he does not manipulate women but idk mann #it's just something about his own lyrics like the words out of his own mouth that don't sit right with me #like why tf you care if some girl you stopped talking to is going out and seeing other guys and having her own life?? fuck outta here 🙄 #and again i know it isn't exclusive to Drake there are plenty of artists i stopped fuckin with after i noticed how they treat women #Kevin Gates for one his songs are great but i watched his music videos and he's always fucking throwin girls around and acting violent #but Drake is the name on everybody's mouth rn so I figured I'd share my thoughts on him in particular

[taohs]

I can't remember if you or I ever replied to our last message? Doesn't matter. I can only remember parts of our last conversation before you went back to school. Wait.. Was it school? I'm not remembering many things lately. My mind is so scattered that I can't remember anything.

I don't care if a story is cliche or not. The story could be traditional, or untraditional, maybe somewhere in between. If the artwork and plots are interesting to me, I'll enjoy the story. But that's just how I am.

And Yuto Sano's artwork has a unique style that is very recognizable.

Yeah.. They're xNTJs. I have my fair share of favorite characters that's also xNTJ personality types too. Do you know your assessments? You might've told me before, I can't remember. I haven't been thinking too much lately. Were you an INFJ? What are your personality types?

Anyway.

Honestly? My mental health, the depression, is coming and going for some time. But I've been depressed lately because one of my favorite musicians died, he died on April 15th, he was a musician whose band I grew up with. So there is a part of me who is still after many weeks.

And if that was not already depression enough, there's also two other bands I listen kinda disbanded. Bands disbanded, musicians died just within barely five months; while in those five months, there's so many bands and musicians I listen to that have releasing lots of new music.

So my mental health is up and down these last few months.

Oh! I don't watch the show Queen Of Tears. But I have seen clips from one episode.. Song Joongki came back as Vincenzo in a n episode, as a cameo character. So it's interesting to me. Vincenzo season two?!

I have many new seasons of shows to look forward to.. And not a new show, but I've just been rewatching Black Sails since they added it on Netflix. Watch it! There's positive queer representation in the series.

Besides that. Now that Song Kang went to the military, I've was really bing watching a lot of his shows too. The final season of Sweet Home will be released in the summer. Many new seasons releases this year.

Have you watched Parasyte? The Korean show based off the manga. I think the show was okay. The show was different than what I thought was gonna happen though, somewhat similar concept to the original.

Hm.

I know that I sound like a mess. My mind's completely scattered now.

- 💋

yeah sadly i think our convo ended for a while after i went back to work (im a teacher so you’re technically not wrong that i went back to school haha). it’s nearing the end of the school year again so it’s been crazily busy as always, but im looking forward to summer vacation :)

i don't remember if i've mentioned my personality type before, but you got it right! i am INFJ if you did happen to just guess it would shock me. it’s been a while since i took the personality test so i wonder if it would have changed

ahh im sorry to hear that! which musician was it that passed? i hope your health improve these coming days, take care of yourself 💓

i’ll check out black sails! im always on the lookout for good queer representation, so thank you for the recommendations 🥰 i haven’t watched parasyte, but i know a little bit of what it’s about. i think i will eventually watch the anime when i catch up with everything else i have to finish lol. right now i’m hooked on bleach and dungeon meshi, so i plan on finishing those ones first!

#answered #💋 anon

[swiftieflor]

I've always been a nightbird. Since I was a teenager, I've always had trouble going to sleep at night. I used to go to bed and lie in the silence of my dark bedroom, imagining fake scenarios and dreaming about the night skies. I've always been the biggest dreamer. I've visualized so many scenarios in my mind, and with so much intent, that I always knew they'd become a reality at some point in my life. I'd dreamt about what I wanted for my life; move to New York City, travel the world, find real love, become a writer (or a Hollywood actress). But I also dreamt about the fantasies we have as little girls; I was a princess being rescued by a chivalrous prince, or a small town girl moving to a big city and finding love. I've dreamt of living in the middle ages and wearing beautiful gowns. I've fantasized with time travel, and what adventures I would have if I could jump through time and space. I've imagined myself living in a small cottage, wearing flowy dresses while I paint and feed my ducks. But then I would wake up and my life was still the same. I was still in my room, in my small town, in my end-of-the-world-far country. And don't get me wrong, I love my country. But I was not made to live here forever, I have dreams bigger than what this land can hold.

I've always been a lonely girl. Few friends. And living too much in my head. As a girl that was not so cool, I didn't have a great time at school. But as an adult I've come to cherish my moments of solitude and my few, but strong and full of love, friendships.

I've always been drawn to the moon, and maybe that's why I'm trapped in sleepless nights. Maybe the moon needed my company as much as I needed—and still need—hers. Some years went by, but it is still 3 a.m. and I'm still lost in my thoughts and feelings. The only difference is that now, besides my fantasies and fake scenarios, I also rummage through the chaos and comfort of my mind. I find it hard falling asleep because I'm still not in New York. I can't sleep because I have fears. Sometimes I can't sleep because little ghosts from my past come to visit. And most of the time they don't hurt me, they just want to come by and say hi, but sometimes that's enough to send me spiraling into the saddest corners of my soul, or the loneliest places too. I can't sleep because there are so many things I haven't accomplished yet, and I feel I'm running out of time. And some other times I can't sleep because I'm so happy with my life that going to bed seems a waste of life. We tend to worry a lot about what we want and wanted, and are afraid of not getting that. But life. Damn, life has the funniest ways of loving you and giving you what you want, or need, or deserve.

When Midnights came out a year ago, I was still the 28-year-old girl talking to the moon at 3 a.m.—and I think I'll forever be that girl—but now I'm not alone. Midnights turned out to be all those feelings, thoughts, fears, and moments of joy I've had throughout my life of sleepless nights. I've never felt so identified in something like I did with Midnights. And for the first time in my life, I came to terms with my late night dreaming, and fantasizing, and crying, and wondering. But what's most valuable for me is the fact that Midnights became a great solace for that little girl that stayed awake every night wondering if her life would ever be like one of those fairytales she liked. I can now look back at that little girl I was and feel that all those sleepless nights are not painful anymore, because Midnights is right there with her. You, Taylor, are right there with her. With me.

Your music was a big part of my early teenage years. And then I rediscovered myself and your music again a few years ago. I've never felt so seen and understood as I do when I listen to your music. In a world where I've always been the big sister, it's so comforting to have you as a big sister. Someone I can come up to for a word of advice—which I always find. I listen to your music when I need someone to cheer me up when I'm feeling low, or to help me feel myself again. But your songs are also there when I need some sad tunes in a moody autumn day or in a summer night drinking some wine while stargazing. Your music has pervaded my life, and I can't think of myself without thinking of your music. I am so extremely grateful for you and to you; for what you are as a woman and for all you gift us with your music.

Thank you, Taylor. For your music, for your lyrics, for your character and integrity, for your silliness and warmth. For helping me heal my inner teenage girl. I'll always be by your side, like you are always by my side.

Love,

Flor 🌸

p.s. see you on tour 11/10 for the first time EVER!!!!! 💖💖

@taylorswift 🤍🦋💫

@taylornation

#taylor swift #taylor swift midnights #midnights #meet me at midnight #swifties #taylor nation #1YearOfTSmidnighTS #taylurking

[maiverie]

screaming cryibg throwing up i feel VALIDATED i have this horrific habit of just absolutely wordvomiting information onto people (my best friend happens to be prime victim to this) so having a place where it is welcomed appeases the autism very much thank u 🥺🥺🥺 i honestly just type the way i speak and i like to believe i have a more colorful and animated manner of speaking (have been told i sound like john mulaney on multiple occasions, not sure whether this is intended as an insult or compliment but i think it's pretty accurate nonetheless)

i have SOOOOO many vpop recs, liz kim cương just dropped a new single recently and i couldn't stop screaming about it for DAYS and hoàng yến chibi also came out with a new song a couple days ago and so did the group luvlike, all my women are coming back what a great pride month for my little sapphic brain 🥳 i have like an 11 hour spotify playlist of JUST vpop music, unfortunately some of it has since been region locked due to international copyright laws (curse living in the states 🤬) but for the most part it's playable and activates the little neurons in my head, i always put it on while baking something and then have to stop and groove because i mean who can resist busting it down to anh ơi anh à by lip b ESPECIALLY when you dedicated 2 hours to learning the choreo ><

if you want a proper recommendation i think you should check out amee and her album called dreamee, it's very soft and cute easy-listening music and she's got the most adorable voice aaaaaa!

- 🧀

DHSFHSDHD PLEASEEE I love word vomit <3 and oh my gosh! I can totally picture that?? I just know you're a really fun conversationalist irl; someone that always has something to talk about which I find to be just the most amazing gift ever 😭 and omg I was like "who tf is john mulaney" and then I googled him and:: I GET IT. AHHFDSHA OMG I feel like I haven't seen him around for so long now ? ?? DEFINITELY A COMPLIMENT 🫶

okay brb I'm going to make a whole playlist with all your recs ahsdhsha THANK YOU SO MUCH <3333 and oooh you're from the states! that's so cool; I've never been anywhere nearby but I was saying to a moot a while back that the US (for context, she also lives there) doesn't even feel like a real place to me bc idk how the heck u guys have so many states; like,,,, 50??? we have like 6 😭 but ne ways omg you seem like you have sm hobbies ?? baking and dancing?? SLAY

oof you're ON POINT I do love amee!!! her voice is soooo lovely like ugh you honestly can't go wrong w her HASDHSH

#ask #@ : anon ♡︎ #🧀 anon ☆